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New Eden 25

The Boss' Daughter (nothingbutporcelain and TheHatintheCat)

Callie was on her way home from high school. She was a senior and seventeen years old. You could say she was very popular in school, but that was mainly with the guys. You could say she was a slut, and she slept around a lot. Nothing made her feel better than sex, well maybe cocaine did, but that was different. Combining cocaine and sex was the best feeling in the world. She tried to keep all of this hidden from her parents since she didn't think they would be happy if they knew she was a slut who did way too much coke for her own good. At least she always snorted it and never injected. It would be pretty horrible if she ever injected it. She didn't want her skinny arms with her flawless, smooth skin having any track marks on them so that was probably the main reason she didn't shoot up. If it weren't for the marks she would have done it in a heart beat. Callie had long blonde hair that was almost always perfecting straight or in soft curls. She was always very thin and petite, being only 5'1" and around eighty-five pounds. To say she got to this small weight healthily would be a lie. The coke kept her from having an appetite and even if she did have an appetite she still wouldn't eat. She was anorexic, she hardly ever ate and if she ever was forced into eating something she would always throw it up. You could blame her mother for this trait of hers. Her mother, Ana Simpson, was also very thin and at a young age she taught Callie that being thin was the most important thing and that she needed to do anything she could to remain thin. She even told her that it was normal to throw up after every meal. Of course now Callie knew it wasn't normal, but that didn't mean it was going to stop her from doing it. Now she was anorexic and there was nothing she could do about it. She could always try to get help, but that wasn't going to happen. She never wanted to get fat, it was her worst nightmare. Her father worked, and her mother was a stay at home mom, although she never did much parent. Her way of parenting was throwing credit cards at Callie to make her happy. This was why Callie had the best wardrobe out of all the girls at the school. She was always current on the trends and looking the best. You could almost always catch her in a tiny dress or a tiny skirt. She was a slut, and she dressed the part too. Her mother never bothered to ask her to not dress like that. She was too busy going to the spa and doing her little charity events to pay attention to Callie. Maybe that was part of the reason she was so messed up. Callie knew she was speeding, but she never worried about the speed limit. She was one of those girls who thought the law didn't apply to her because she was better than everyone else, and she thought if she ever did get pulled over she could talk herself out of a ticket, or she could always use her mouth if she had to. She was very good with her mouth. Furthermore, she was shocked when she looked in her rearview mirror and saw that a cop was behind her with his lights on. Furthermore, she pulled over and sighed heavily. This was not going to be good. Her father was going to kill her once he found out about this.(Stephen ran the plates, and they came back clean. It was only his third day here in this town, and already he'd stopped fifteen speeders, most of them teenagers late for school, but still that was no excuse. He got out of the car and walked forward approaching on the driver's side. He stopped just behind the car and placed his hand on the trunk, leaving his fingerprints. One thing he had learned while working in Chicago was that you couldn't trust anyone. Not even teenagers. Nowadays even twelve your olds would shoot you down. He walked up to the window and knocked. He looked inside, and saw a pretty young blond, and sighed. Just by looking at her, he could tell exactly the tack she would take to try to get out of this ticket. Well it might work on some of the other officers in this town, but he hadn't gotten rolled by any of the good-looking hookers that he busted in Chicago, this little thing wasn't going to be able to either. Even as he got ready to write the ticket he was sure to stand slightly back and to the side of drive in case something did go wrong. He had gotten pretty good at writing with his offhand so that he could draw quickly if it came to it." Do you know how fast you were going to miss?" Callie took one look at the officer, and she knew that this was going to be very easy. She would be getting out of this ticket in no time. He looked like the kind of guy who would let her go easily. Maybe she was wrong about him though. She didn't think so, she was pretty good at judging people, and it wasn't like she was just some ordinary blonde girl. She knew how to use her body to get what she wanted and right now she wanted to get out of getting a ticket. Furthermore, she would find a way to make it happen, she always did." I don't know, officer really. I didn't realize I was speeding. Furthermore, I am so sorry." She frowned as she stared into his eyes. Of course, she noticed how he wasn't standing close to the car. She didn't like this one bit. How was he going to be able to see her well if he was that far away? She wished she had a reason to get out of the car. Then he would be able to see that she was wearing a short dress and no panties. She would do anything to get out of this ticket, even if it meant she had to have sex with the guy. She was no virgin. Furthermore, she had lost her virginity when she was thirteen so she was very experienced. "Isn't there something I could do to make you forget about this, officer? My daddy would kill me if I got a ticket. Please, you have to do me this favor. I promise I'll make it worth your while." She giggled softly as she continued to stare into his eyes. God not that vapid giggle." No miss there isn't anything you can do to make me forget about the ticket." He jotted a few more notes down on the ticket. "And I doubt that you didn't know you were speeding. The speed limit here in town 45 miles an hour. Your miss were going 80. I doubt that you are neither blond enough nor stupid enough to not know that much of a difference. Here's your citation." Stephen had to step closer to the car now as he pulled the ticket from his pad. He looked at her, yes she was cute, but this job was important to him. Callie couldn't believe that her act wasn't working on him. It always worked! Now what would she do? She really couldn't get a ticket. It wasn't that she was really all that worried about getting a ticket because she didn't think her father would care that much, but she wanted to prove it to herself that she could get out of the ticket. And this cop was very attractive so she really wanted him. It was humiliating that he didn't seem to be attracted to her at all." Please, sir. There must be something I can do." She reached out and placed a hand on his chest, letting it trail down closer to his pants. "I promise I wouldn't tell anyone about this. It could be our little secret. Our dirty secret." She smirked. "You would like that, wouldn't you officer?" Stephen frowned, and stepped back away from the car. He was half tempted to grab the girl's wrist and twist it away from him, but no he'd most likely get in trouble for that in a town like this. He was unimpressed with her attempted to seduce him. This brazen act was just to get out of the ticket. "Miss you know that what you're trying to do could add to your ticket?" Despite himself he had felt his dick harden a little when her hand touched his pants. He looked at her sternly, hoping that she hadn't noticed. "Please officer, I'm desperate!" She knew he would like to hear her say things like this. Guys always loved girls who were weak and needed them. Callie was about as weak as a girl could get since she was so tiny but all the guys loved this since it meant it was easy for them to push her around in the bedroom. Hopefully Stephen liked this too. She looked down at his crotch and was pretty sure he had an erection, but she could be wrong. But she knew most guys would react that way to her touch so it wouldn't be surprising if he was hard right now. "Don't I need to get out of the car so you can frisk me? Who knows? I could have a deadly weapon on me. In fact, yes. I do have a gun. You should definitely frisk me." She was very good at this. At the mention of her having a gun his temper flared. "Miss this no joking matter." He stepped back slightly, taking a deep breath. He knew that this kid didn't know how unfunny this was to him, how could she. But still this little mink apparently thought that it was fun to joke about a gun to a police officer, not less one who a year and a half ago had been shot and had watched his partner bleed out while he held a compress to his chest wound. Callie had thought that he would immediately make her get out of the car so he could frisk her so she was very disappointed when that didn't happen. He couldn't honestly think she had a gun. What would a hot blonde like her be doing with a gun? She would never touch one much less keep one in her car. That would be crazy." I know, officer. I'm sorry. Just frisk me, do your job." This was really getting irritating. Callie was used to guys always wanting her so it very much bothered her that this cop wasn't affected by her looks at all. She was starting to believe that maybe she had been wrong about his erection. "Fine miss if that's what you want." He stepped back out of the way of the door, and with one deft movement he had undone the clasp on his gun, just in case. He waited for her to step out of the car. Callie did as she was told and stepped out of the car quickly. She was very excited about being frisked by the officer, but she wasn't going to tell him this or do anything that would make it look like she was excited. "I've been such a bad girl, officer. You should punish me." She said, now standing in front of him. She had on the shortest purple dress ever that was backless and also a pair of four inch black stiletto heels. Her long blonde hair was straight, and her makeup was flawless. She looked like a supermodel. He grabbed her roughly by the shoulder. Yes she was attractive he couldn't deny that, but if this little girl wanted to play like an adult he was going to treat her like an adult. "Get up against the car, NOW!" He pushed her against it and kicked her feet apart and started to pat her down roughly. He stopped at where the waist band of her panties would be. Holy shit, this stupid bitch was holding. He grabbed her arm roughly and pinned it behind her back, holding her tightly against the car, pulling his cuffs out from behind his back he put it tight around her small thin wrist. Callie got so excited when he screamed at her to get against the car. He was really being so rough with her, she loved it so much. She knew he wouldn't be too scared to be rough with her in bed now which was a very good thing. She was shocked when suddenly she felt him putting her into handcuffs. Maybe this was something kinky that he was in to. Of course, she wasn't even thinking about the cocaine that she had on her right now. She had completely forgotten that she had it with her right now. She probably should have thought about that before she asked him to frisk her. There wasn't a female officer on the force, and he had been told that if he needed to retrieve something from a female suspect just to get it done. So that's just what he did, right there on the side of the road, he quickly flicked her dress up and reached into the waistband of her panties and yanked the dime bag out and tossed it onto the top of the car." You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you understand each of these rights I have explained to you? Having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to us now?" Callie was shocked when she felt him lift her dress up and get the coke out of her panties. Shit, this was not good. How had she forgotten about that? She still didn't think he was serious about this though. It was probably some kind of act, and he was just trying to get her all flustered. She didn't know what to say after he read her her rights. She still wasn't sure if he was serious about this, but it sounded like he was. Her father might have understood a speeding ticket, but he was not going to understand her getting arrested for possession of cocaine." I understand. I'll talk to you." She didn't know what else to say, but she knew this was a very bad thing. How was she going to get out of this now? "There must be something I can do to make you forget about this too, please. My dad would kill me, you have to help me!" "I want your dealer." It was simple this town was nice and clean for the most part. The chief had said that most of the problems they had was with drinking, nothing hard like coke. And it was Stephen's plan to keep it that way. "You'll still get the ticket so it doesn't look like you squealed. But I want him, or her. Understand?" He had lowered her skirt again, but still kept her pushed up against the car. He had to admit to himself he had always loved cuffing a woman being for a crime or for fun in the bedroom. Callie thought he would say he wanted to fuck her. She certainly hadn't expected him to tell her her dealer. Of course, she didn't want to turn in her dealer because he gave her really great coke, and he even gave it to her in exchange for sex instead of cash. That way her father never found out about her little drug problem. If she turned her dealer in all of that would be ruined." Fine, I understand." Suddenly she wasn't so happy with the cop. She was actually getting sick of him, and she was done with trying to seduce him. Obviously it wouldn't work so she'd just have to find someone else to have sex with. He reached up to the top of the car and pulled the bag open and ripped it open before shaking it down into the storm drain. "Thanks." He looked down at his notes again "You're names Callie Simpson?" Anderson, wasn't that the chief's last name. He thought back to the pictures he had seen on the chief's desk.Oh, shit. Ooc; her last name's Simpson by the way.BIC; Callie's eyes were wide with sadness as she watched him pour out her cocaine. It was so sad watching it go down the drain. It was wrong to waste it like that, but she knew it was too late to do anything about it now. "Yes, I'm Callie Simpson. Why?" She smirked at him, suddenly understanding what was happening now. Now he knew that her father was the chief so he could get in huge trouble for giving her a ticket. She wondered what he was going to do now. Normally he wouldn't still want the name of her dealer. With the smirk he temper flared again, "Well. I guess its time Daddy's little girl learned a lesson isn't it." He strode past her past to his patrol car. "Get to school or do I have to write you up for truancy too?" Smug little bitch. He hated people who thought they were above the law, he had dealt enough with that while he was in Chicago, especially those he couldn't touch because the rest of the police force thought that way too. He got in and watched her drive off and then pound his fist against the steering wheel. Damn it! This had been a nice job. Callie glared at him. She thought he was going to drop all the charges because she was the chief's daughter, but now she wasn't sure if this was going to happen. It seemed as if he was even more pissed at her which she didn't like at all. Now she knew he would never want to fuck her. Or if he did want to fuck her she doubted he would do anything about it. She got back into her car and drove to school, sighing heavily. It made her sad that she never got what she wanted from the cop. Hopefully she would be seeing him again soon. But maybe knowing she was the boss' daughter might scare him off. Stephen reported in at the station and went to talk to the chief, he might as well get this over with. He was sure that Callie would have called her father by now about the ticket. It had been a nice job, fairly low stress, no major corruption unlike Chicago. And even if there was corruption, he felt pretty sure that brotherhood of blue meant more to these guys then it did to his "brothers" back in Chicago, who had left him and Pedro to die. He knocked on the chief's door. Callie had such a boring day at school and all she could think about was the hot cop who had arrested her. She wanted to see him again, but she didn't know she would do that again. She could try to get another speeding ticket, but then she would risk getting pulled over by someone else.Finally, the school day was over so she got back into her car and drove home. Her mind was still focused on the cop and how much she wanted him. She was also worried about what her father would say about the speeding ticket. Stephen was surprised that he hadn't gotten fired, "That daughter of mine! About time one of you got some balls and gave her a ticket." Stephen had managed not to snicker at that comment judging by how she had acted Callie had "gotten balls" from most of the men on the force. He walked towards his apartment, he had gotten a large one basically the whole second story of a house for half of what he had paid for two-room apartment in Chicago. He hummed to himself as he approached the cross-walk, his mind elsewhere he started to step out without looking both ways. Callie got home and walked inside, heading to her room. She knew she couldn't stay here for long because it would be so boring. She had to find something to do. Furthermore, she quickly changed into another short dress and fixed up her makeup before heading out in her car once more. Furthermore, she drove to a club near her house and parked her car, getting out and walking to the entrance of the club. All she had to do was flash the bouncer a smile, and he let her inside. She immediately went to the bar and ordered a glass of vodka, taking a seat and looking around the place. She hoped she would see the cop here, but it was doubtful. Stephen sat at home for a few hours, flipping through the chances looking for a book to read, finally gave up a night at home as a bad idea. He got dressed, jeans, nice tight black tee-shirt the showed off his well muscled body. Unlike a lot of cops he kept himself in shape, he knew that it had saved his life a couple of times in the past. He had heard that there was a nice club in the next town over and drove, there. He stepped inside, it was dimly light, but he could tell that most of them were college kids. Furthermore, he walked over to the bar and order a shot of rum. Callie was sitting at the bar when she looked to her right and saw Stephen sitting there. This was what she had been hoping would happen and it had! This was so great. She couldn't believe her luck. She quickly downed her vodka before getting up and walking over to him, taking a seat next to him. Hopefully he wouldn't have forgotten her already. She didn't see how he could ever forget a girl like her though. "Do you remember me?" She asked him, moving her chair a little closer to his before asking the bartender to bring her another vodka. She was too young to drink. Hopefully Stephen wouldn't try to arrest her for that too. Stephen looked over at her, it was her again, great, but who was he to really talk about underage drinking he had started when he was thirteen. "Yes I remember you." He downed his shot and gestured for another one, "In fact leave the bottle." He slides the twenty over to the bartender. Then he turned towards, "Come on let's go get a table in the back." He stood and walked towards the back of the club where there were a few booths. He slides in to one side and set his shot glass down and poured himself another. Callie had expected him to be a little happier to see her but then again he could be getting into trouble for giving her a ticket, so maybe that was making him mad at her. Plus he probably lusted after her, and it couldn't be easy knowing that she was only seventeen years old and underage. But maybe he didn't know that. Hopefully he didn't because she knew he might be afraid to have sex with her if he knew how young she was. She followed him to a table in the back and took a seat next to him, making sure to sit very close to him. "I bet you weren't expecting to see me here." She grabbed his bottle and raised it to her lips, taking a swig of the alcohol. "I hope you don't mind, I'm thirsty." She said after giggling softly. Stephen shrugged and then took the bottle back taking a swig himself. The music was a bit different from what he was used to in Chicago, a bit more country than he was used to. He looked at her as she giggled, "Are you actually that vapid or is it just an act?" She glared at him after he had basically told her that she was either stupid or pretending to be stupid. She was very offended by his rude comments. "What are you talking about?" She grabbed the bottle back from him and took another swig. If he was going to insult her then she had to get very drunk. "What I mean does acting like a stupid slut actually turn the guys on around here? Slut I don't have that much of an issue with, but stupid, I do." He looked at her as she took the swig, he pulled it back and took another one himself. "For some reason I doubt you're actually quite that stupid and that for the most part it's just an act, though you are on coke. Though in a town that slow....." "I'm not acting like anything." She glared at him, suddenly not wanting to be around him anymore. She had no reason to be around someone who kept insulting her. "Whatever, I'm leaving. I'm not going to sit here and listen to you continue to insult me when you know nothing about me." She glared at him before getting up to leave, somewhat hoping he would stop her and apologize, but she knew that probably wouldn't happen. "So you mean you really are that stupid?" He looked at her directly, right in the eyes, not letting his gaze waver at all. He doubted that she was actually stupid, but who knew he could be wrong. It felt as if the room shifted, the sound of the music fading away into the background, along with the chatter of people around them. It was just him and her, locked there at that moment. Callie frowned as she stared at him. She didn't think she was acting stupid, but obviously he didn't feel the same way which made her very upset. She didn't know how she was going to change his mind about her. This was just the way she was. If he didn't like it then he didn't have to spend any time with her. "I'm not stupid." She continued to glare at him, looking very pissed. "If you're going to keep insulting me then I will leave. Do you want that?" "What I want is for you to start thinking." He frowned at her, and gestured back to the table, "Come on sit and have a drink." He waited, she seemed like a pretty good kid, attractive, and that he figured was part of the problem. The chief had said his wife was a bit of a drunk slut, and that he was afraid it was wearing off on his daughter. "Let me guess you got you cherry popped when you were what? Thirteen? Fourteen? By some older guy who said he loved you, being with you got you into the popular clique. He told you what to do what to think how to act, and then when he was getting bored started passing you around to his friends?" Callie continued to frown, but she sat back down at the table and took another swig from the bottle. If he wanted her to stay she would, but she didn't want to listen to him insult her anymore. But she knew she really didn't want to leave, that was why she had hoped he would ask her to stay." Why is it any of your business when I lost my virginity?" His words were hurtful because it sounded exactly like what had happened to her. "I don't regret losing my virginity at a young age. And maybe the guy was a little bit older than me, but I didn't love him. It was just about the sex, nothing more. Sure I fucked his friends, but I knew they were all using me. I didn't care." She still felt like nothing she ever did was good enough for her father. You could definitely say she had some daddy issues and maybe that was why she was so messed up. Stephen looked at her and slid the bottle over to her. "Sure, if that's what you say." He watched her, then took the bottle back and took a swig himself. "What do you want with me? Just another fuck? Another way to stick it to Daddy and show Mommy that you know how to use your body?" He had been used like that by his ex-fiancee, she'd been a rich bitch and wanted to show her parents a thing or two. However, when he'd been shot she never even bothered to come by the hospital." What the hell do you want out of life? Or do you just plan to use your cunt to get your way through life?" Callie suddenly didn't want to talk to Stephen anymore. She thought they could have some fun together, but now she could see he wasn't interested in that. Callie didn't want to have these intense conversations with him. She wasn't looking for a relationship. All she wanted was sex, and it was pretty obvious that Stephen didn't want that." I don't care what my mother thinks of me. I despise her. And what do you care what I want with you? You don't want me. If you wanted me you could have had me a long time ago. Why are you even sitting here talking to me? I know you don't care. You don't have to pretend like you do." Stephen looked at her again, "You're right, I don't care. But isn't that what you like in men? When they don't care and just bust a nut in you." He shrugged taking another swig from the bottle, "Go on kid get out of here and look me up when you've grown out of this, 'fuck me, so I can feel something about myself" stage. Your little so-called life's dramas don't amount to hill of jack shit in this lousy world." "No, that's not what I like." She glared at him. He was so infuriating, she didn't want to be around him a second longer. "Fine, I will leave. And I never said that my life was horrible. Don't put words into my mouth. I know people have it worse than I do." She glared at him one last time before walking away from him, leaving the bar. Now she had no idea where she was going to go. Plus their conversation had really hurt her. It was weird, but she had wanted him to care. It made her sad when she found out he didn't. Furthermore, it was exactly like he didn't care, but how could he tell a seventeen-year-old that he did care about what happened to her. He'd watched enough people self-destruct that yes he'd gotten a bit jaded, and he didn't deal with the bullshit all that well. But still, there was something about her. "Damn it." He slammed the bottle down and pushed himself out of the booth and headed for the door. Callie didn't know what she was going to do now. She had planned on getting drunk and going home with a stranger but for some reason that didn't seem all that appealing anymore. All she could think about was Stephen, and it was really getting on her nerves. There was just something different about him. He was right. She was always more attracted to the ones who didn't care. That was probably why she couldn't get him off her mind. Head down mired in his own thoughts, Stephen started walking, in fact walking right past Callie without noticing. There was a park not to far away from the club, if he remembers the maps of this area right. He'd go there and sit for a while, just sit and think. He knew he should have bought that bottle, now it was the only thing on his mind was drinking, but if he went back to the club he'd get totally shit-faced, and he didn't need to start going down that road again. Callie didn't know what she was going to do now. She finally decided she would just have to go back home because she had nowhere else to go. She headed home and walked in through the front door, heading to her room. Furthermore, she sat on her bed and stared at the ground, sighing heavily. This was so boring. She wished she had never left the club. That was so dumb of her. She could have stayed there and found someone else to go home with. Stephen wasn't that special. Stephen found a bench in the park and sat, staring up at the sky, then down at the dark water of the pond. He could, would out towards the deep end, put his secondary in his mouth and pull the trigger. No one would miss him, it would take them days to find the body too. But no that was the easy way out of all of this, not that this thought hadn't crossed his mind before. He had sat in his old apartment for a few nights with the barrel in his mouth, the nickel taste on his tongue. Callie was sick of being in her house all alone so she decided she would go back to the club. Stephen may be there, and he may not, but she didn't really care. She was still going to have a good time. There was no way she was going to let him get in the way of her finding a guy to go home with. She made her way to the club and entered the building, immediately heading to the bar and ordering a vodka. "Here let me get that for you." A young college guy said to Callie, sliding the money over to the bar tender. His eyes wandered slowly over her, drinking in every inch of her outfit. "That's a lovely dress." He leaned in close to her, "I've got some blow if you're interested." He had seen her in here a few times, and noticed her leave for the bathroom and come back much happier then a good piss would normally make a person. Callie smiled widely once the college guy offered to pay for her drink. She knew he was interested, and he was very cute so she was interested in him too. "I am interested." She wondered if he was going to charge her for the blow. Most likely. It wasn't every day that you met someone who was giving it out for free so she doubted this guy was doing that. "Should we go somewhere else to do it?" She knew snorting coke wouldn't be the best idea here. "I know a nice little park down the way." He smiled and stood up, taking off his leather jacket he put it over her shoulders. "It's a bit cold out." He put his hand on the small of her back guiding her to the door. His plan was simple, get her high, and then fuck the shit out of her whether she is like it or not. He was going to drive his dick up that tight little ass of hers and make her cry. He loved it when stuck up little teens cried. Despite her makeup and the way she dressed it was clear to him that she was young, trying to pretend she was all grown up. Well, he thought, time to teach her what happens to real coke whores. Callie smiled at him. He was acting like such a gentleman, it was really very sweet. She never thought a drug dealer would be this kind, but maybe she was wrong about them. She walked with him outside and started to head to the park just like he said they would do. Furthermore, she was nearly shaking because she was so excited about getting some blow. Her regular dealer was out of town, so this would be perfect. It had only been like a day since she used, but she was craving it so badly. She followed him to the park, and it wasn't long before they got there. "So, are you going to do some lines with me? I really hate snorting alone." "Sure, why not." He leads her back into the woods a little where he knew there was an old sundial that they could do the lines off of. He pulled out his bag and set up some lines. "Ladies first." He wondered how many it would take her until she agreed to do a line off of his dick. Calla followed him into the back of the woods, not thinking anything about where they were going. She knew he would want to fuck her. How could anyone not want to consider how she looked? She always dressed like a slut. "Thank you." She said, giggling softly before bringing her nose down to the lines, snorting one and then another one. They were so amazing. She smiled widely after she finished. "That's perfect stuff." He bent down and took a line too. "Yeah it is. That's the nice thing about money. That and always getting what you want." He stepped a bit closer to her, reaching out and running his fingers through her hair. Then suddenly wrapping his fingers into her long blond hair and yanking her head over to him in a kiss. Callie got a little nervous when he mentioned money because she knew she didn't have enough money to pay for the coke. "I don't exactly have enough money to pay you for this." She managed to say before he yanked her closer to him and kissed her. She kissed him back for a few minutes and then pushed him away as she thought about Stephen. "I. I think I should get going now." He frowned, "I didn't think you had money. But that fine little ass should be able to buy you some good coke. I bet you've done that before." He grabbed her arm twisting it back behind her. He shoved her up against the sundial as he started to fumble with her skirt, yanking it up over her hips. "And just to make it clear to you, you little whore. I don't mean your pussy when I say your ass. I'm going to drill your crapper until you cry." Callie had been afraid that something like this would happen. Actually at first she had wanted it to happen but now that she had kissed him she didn't want to do this anymore, but she knew he wasn't going to give her a choice. She should have known better. No one would ever give her free coke." Please don't do this. I'm sorry. Just let me go. I won't use any more of the coke, please." Why was she always getting herself into these horrible situations? She never should have gone back out. Stephen heard a faint combustion in the woods not to far from where he was sitting. He got up and started to walk in its direction. Something about the voices he could tell that there was something wrong. He peered through some bushes and saw Callie struggling with someone. God-damn it! He burst out of the woods and barreled into the guy sending him sprawling. In an instant Stephen was on top of him driving his fist into the man's stomach and face. This fucking punk was luck that he didn't just shoot him right here and now. On the other hand maybe that was a good idea. He reached down and pulled it out of his ankle holster, and shoved it under the guy's chin. Callie was trying to prepare herself for the rape so she was shocked when suddenly she saw Stephen coming closer to her and then all of a sudden he was on top of her rapist and punching him in the stomach and the face. She was so lucky that Stephen had come to her rescue. If it wasn't for him, she would be being raped right now. She was a little scared that he would be angry with her for coming into the woods with this man just for cocaine. She should have known he would rape her but at the time she thought she wouldn't mind sleeping with him. And she wasn't going to admit to Stephen that the whole reason she didn't want to sleep with the man was because of him. That would be embarrassing. "Stephen, don't kill him!" She really didn't want to watch someone be killed right in front of her. Shit she had said his name. Now he really should kill him, but damn it. He drove the but in to the man's head. That along with the blitz made was enough to make the guy pass out. Stephen stood up and grabbed Callie's arm. "Come on we're leaving." He almost pulled her out of the woods." Where's your car?" He was going to drive her home and make sure that she was okay. He dealt with enough rape and near rape cases to know how it could affect a person. Callie hadn't even thought about how it could be bad for her to say his name. But it made sense that she wasn't thinking clearly right now since she had just almost been raped." I. I don't know..." Her whole body was shaking from the fear. She couldn't believe this was happening. Normally she was so confident and sure of herself. This was really embarrassing. "I don't want to go home. My dad won't believe me. He thinks I'm a slut. I am a slut. He wouldn't think it would be possible for someone to rape me. He wouldn't understand." "Come on then my car's nearby." He leader her down the road a bit to where his mustang was waiting. He opened the door for her and climbed in too, and they tore out of their speeding down the road towards the highway. Furthermore, he knew he had given her a ticket for speeding earlier, but right now he didn't care. Didn't care at all. He swerved between two big rigs and then started to slow down a bit after one of them laid on his horn. Callie was relieved that he wasn't going to make her drive. She knew she just couldn't drive right now. If she tried to drive she would probably get into an accident. It was best if she didn't drive." This is all my fault. I should have known he wasn't just going to give me free coke. I can't thank you enough for coming to my rescue. It means so much to me, thank you." She was still shaking from what just happened. She had to hold onto him as he walked her to his car. Furthermore, she got in with him and watched as he drove. Stephen looked over at her, even dressed the way she did she looked like a scared little girl now. He didn't really know what to do, he had normally let his partners deal with women. He reached over and put his arm around her shoulders. "Come here." She looked cold, and he didn't want her going into shock. Callie was happy that she was here with Stephen. She knew he would take care of her and make sure that everything was okay now. Maybe she didn't know him well, but she felt safe around him for some odd reason. She moved closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Thank you so much." She managed to say even if her voice was shaking. They finally reached their small town and Stephen pulled into the small parking area near his apartment. He sat there for a bit, holding her, lightly stroking her arms. She was right about her father, from everything the old man had said that morning he was unlikely to believe his daughter if she told him about nearly getting raped." Come on, let's go upstairs at we can talk." He gently set her up and got out and went around to get her door for her. Callie got out of the car after he had opened her door for her. She took his hand and started to walk towards his apartment. But her body was still shaking, and she was feeling really weak so she wasn't sure if she could walk all that way." Do you think you could carry me, please?" She asked him, frowning. She knew she was acting so pathetic, but she really couldn't help it. Furthermore, she had almost been raped, it made sense that she would be such a mess right now. He looked her over real quick. She was thin, almost painfully thin, yes that wouldn't be a problem. Without even answering he just bent down and scooped her up. He walked briskly up the stairs, she weighted next to nothing. He frowned a little at that, then after they reached the door, he gently set her back down so he could on lock it. He leads her inside, it was a nice three-room apartment, a little disorganized, books and papers all over the place, boxes. Furthermore, he hadn't finished unpacking yet. "Go have a seat on the couch, if you can find it. It should be under those boxes there somewhere. I'm going to make some coffee." Callie smiled as she felt him lift her up into his arms almost immediately. It was so nice to be in a strong man's arms. Plus she knew that Stephen would never try anything on her, not that it was a very good thing. The whole reason she didn't want to sleep with the other man was because of Stephen. It was crazy, but he was making her want to stop sleeping around. She wanted to prove to him that she wasn't stupid." I'd love to have some too if you have enough." She told him before walking into the living room. She found the couch and took a seat on it, curling up and holding onto her legs because she was so freezing. That was what happened when you were 5'1" and just barely ninety pounds. Stephen put the coffee on and then walked back into the living room. She was shivering again. He turned and went into the bedroom and grabbed one of his largest blankets and came back out. He sat down next to her and dropped it around her shoulders, and it seemed to almost swallow up her small frame. Furthermore, he then put his arms around this small creature and pulled her in closer to him, and just held her for a bit. Callie felt so much better after he got the blanket and put it over her. Then he held her just like she wanted. She didn't know why she was so attracted to him, but she was. And him saving her just made her want him even more. He was so strong, and she was happy that he was willing to do all of this for her. He really was a nice guy. "Thank you for bringing here. Thank you for everything. I don't know what I'd be doing now without you. I just want you to know how much I appreciate you doing this for me." Stephen looked down at her, "It's the least I could do. I mean if hadn't been an asshole would you have been out there with him in the first place?" He wasn't sure why, but the felt responsible for this supple young thing. He brushes some of her hair back away from her face, his fingers lingering for a moment on her cheek. Callie smiled ass she felt his fingers on her cheek. This definitely felt amazing. Suddenly she didn't feel that bad anymore. Just being around Stephen made her feel so much better. "You weren't an asshole. This isn't your fault, it's mine. Please don't blame yourself." She smiled at him slightly. "I'm already feeling better just being with you." Stephen smiled at her, and then got up and brought back to mugs of coffee, a jug of milk and a sugar bowl, well not all in one trip, but still quickly enough. "Want to watch a movie?" He didn't want to send her home yet, it was nice to have someone else in the house. Callie hoped that Stephen would let her stay the night with him, but she doubted he would do this. He'd probably be worried that her father would be angry with him if he found out that Stephen let her spend the night. "I would love that." She grinned widely at him. "Do you still think I'm stupid?" She asked him, frowning. Stephen sighed, "I'm not quite sure yet. Doing coke isn't the smartest thing now is it?" He turned on the TV and flipped through to HBO and Showtime. "If you don't see anything you want to watch I've got a bunch of DVDs up there on the shelves."

The Boss' Daughter (nothingbutporcelain and TheHatintheCat)|rating:3.0

Love is Blind (Closed)

David climbed the stairs to the palatial home, the bag slung around his shoulders slapping his thighs, keeping time with his steps. Even though his mind was elsewhere, years of habit inducing practice made him take the last two steps together, stretching his long jeans clad legs. He didn't know why he did that, he just did. His 6' frame shadow kept up with his long stride, as the morning sun shone down on his black hair. Today was a special day. It was his star pupil's 18th birthday. He remembered the first time he had met her. It seemed so long ago, but it had been exactly 12 years. It had been a week since his graduation, he had started teaching kids at the local playschool, when he had been approached by his employer's lawyer. A unique proposal was made and accepted, and within a day, he was traveling to the suburbs to meet his student. He remembered what he had thought at that time. The family was ridiculously rich and eccentric. They wanted their blind daughter to be homeschooled, keeping her in a cocoon to protect her from the world. David had been too young and awestruck by them to argue, and he had readily accepted residence at one of the small houses on the estate. His every need had been accounted for, and slowly, he too had become cocooned in their world, spending the whole day with her and teaching her about the outside world. He taught her to overcome her disability and tried, as much as he could, to tell her about the world. David made her see the world with his eyes, and even though all his initial proposals for field trips were shot down immediately by her mother, he tried to toughen her up to face the world. With time, David had come to love his sole student. He loved the way she got excited over the smallest things, the way she got frustrated and then determined to overcome obstacles in her way, the way she beamed when she hears his footsteps, how she loved to hear him read her stories, the way she cuddled up with him and listened to the movies he watched on cold nights, and a million other things. It wasn't a sexual kind of love, but more of a fatherly kind of love. As time passed David had realized that her parents, although eccentric and loving, had no time for her. And over the years they came to rely on David about anything concerning their daughter, and small field trips around the estate were permitted. She was always very excited and enthusiastic about these excursions, and he loved surprising her with them. He had just such a surprise waiting for her today. David was smiling with delight with the anticipation of the happiness it would bring her. He had watched her grow from a somewhat spoiled little kid to a confident young woman he was proud to be a mentor to. David made way to her bedroom, and knocked on the door once. She always told him to come straight in without knocking, as she was aware of his arrival long before he reached her door by his loud footsteps, but he maintained the ritual anyway. He needlessly smoothed his crisp shirt, and ran his fingers through his black hair. He looked good for his thirty-five years, and a jog around the estate every morning kept him in shape. Katherine had been up for hours already and had spent the better part of her early morning getting ready. She wanted to look pretty today, even if she couldn’t see herself. Being blind had its drawbacks, she had to admit, but between David and some of the maids in the house, she had decided that blue was her favorite color. She had always received high compliments about how it complimented her complexion and dark mahogany hair, which spilled down her back and over her shoulders in thick beautiful waves. So after a long shower, Kate slathered her favorite lotion which smelled softly of amber musk until her skin was smooth and silky to the touch. She then pulled out a new summer dress in a pretty pale blue that hugged her slender torso and full breasts and then flared out gently around her hips. The hem fell just about her knees, gently swaying when she walked. With matching heeled sandals, she felt all grown up. The finishing touches had come when she had skillfully applied a light amount of makeup, carefully doing so as her maids had shown her. It still amazed them all that she was able to do such a task without sight, which made Kate proud to be able to do things that ‘normal girls’ would do. Curled up in her favorite chair, she had anxiously sat by waiting on David to come and get her, as he did every morning. It was one of her favorite moments of the day. To hear his heavy footsteps as he trudged up the stairs. Sometimes quickly when he was running a little behind and sometimes slow and heavy as though he wasn’t quite awake. Those days always made her lips twitch with amusement. Today however, he walked with purpose it seemed, and she was anxious to know what he had in store for her. The knock at the door made her smile, always the gentleman. Sliding off her seat, she walked to the door and swung it open with a smile, moving her hands before her so that he took them in their habitual greeting. “David!” She beamed happily. “One of these days you’re going to come in like I asked you to and not wait for me to answer.” Laughing, she pulled him into her tidy room, everything in its spot. It was imperative for her to be able to find everything in its place in order to function without another pair of eyes. “What do you think? How do I look?” She asked him, stepping away and letting go of the warmth of his hands for a moment to do a slow twirl. If only she could see him now. David had the biggest grin plastered across her face. It took all his self-control not to take her in his arms, and plant a kiss on her forehead, while wishing her happy birthday as he had done for the last 12 years. He had decided on this course of action last night, and he had to follow it through no matter what." Good Morning Kate.," he said softly, taking her hand in his. He let her pull him into the large room, and watched as she showed off her dress. Like any teenage girl, Kate was conscious of her appearance. It didn't matter to her that she couldn't see herself in the mirror, she still liked to spend large amounts of time selecting clothes and doing her make up. She had a battalion of maids to help her with the stuff, but he had lost count how many times she had made him sit and judge her looks. Kate always wanted to know David's opinion on her looks. When she twirled around to show off her dress, David was once again reminded that she was not a little girl anymore. She had developed into a young woman, beautiful and radiant with the glamour of youth. It was not the first time he had noticed that it was high time for her to meet other people her age, maybe to date some young boys. But her parents' instructions on the matter had been explicitly clear. They were to decide whom she would meet, and dating was out of the question. Their reasoning had been that a boy may make fun of her because of her disability, or fake love due to their money. Maybe they had been right, maybe not, but they were stubborn upon this and would not be persuaded. Thus, Kate had been deprived the normal teenage years, at left in the love and sex field. She hadn't known a boy's touch, nor been kissed or taken part in any such activity all her life. What's more, David and Kate had never talked about it, although David had tried to bring up the topic several times during the past few years. He had taught her the basic reproduction process during their biology classes, but they had never discussed her lack of a love life openly among themselves. And, she had never in turn asked David about his. David had not dated for the last ten years. It had been one of the clauses in his contract. The lawyer had told him that her parents didn't want their daughter exposed to any of his acquaintances. He was free to go to the city or meet someone outside the estate, but he couldn't bring back anyone to the house. He had dated a couple of times during the first couple of years, but he had slowly realised that Kate couldn't sleep if he didn't tuck her in. So, the logistics didn't work out, as the estate was quite far from the city. Of course, this changed as she grew older, but by then David didn't feel up to the task of going out and meeting someone new. He was shaken out of his reverie when she twirled once more in front of him. She looked so innocent and pure, that for once he agreed with her parents' decision to keep her sheltered from the world. He wished she would never have to find out about the harsh realities of the world they inhabited." Beautiful as always Kate ", he answered. " I thought we'd go out today ", he told her. Her surprise party was waiting for her at the estate gardens. He took her hand in his own to lead her out the house. Kate’s expression turned to one of total excitement. She loved going out, even if it was just on the estate grounds. She adored the sun on her face, the different sounds and smells, with David by her side describing things, painting a picture with words. The warmth of his hand took her once again, and she clasped it firmly, the feel of his skin against her own always an instant comfort. Strangely enough, it had always sent a small quiver of excitement through her belly and made her forget any worries she might have had. When David was around, it seemed as though everything was right. Walking close, she felt his fingers gently squeeze as they reached the steps and automatically took a step, falling into step next to him with ease as her one free hand gently traced the banister as they made their descent and hit the cool marble floors of the entryway. “Is it pretty outside?” She asked expectantly. “I was hoping for sunshine.” His soft chuckle warmed her as he opened the front door to the mansion and gently urged her out. Still beaming, she moved out and raised her face up as the warm rays gently hit the bare skin of her face, shoulders and arms. “Perfect.” David automatically squeezed her fingers, his way of telling her that her next step should be more careful. He had noticed that she didn't ask about his lack of a birthday greeting. Maybe she had grown up, or more probably she knew he has something planned. David always liked to keep his cards close to his chest. He never told her what the next day's lesson would be, and since they always spent so much time together each day, there was never really any real homework too. David had found that this approach worked best as he would often go back to a lesson he had taught, even a month ago, to test if Kate remembered it. She had never once let him down yet. David not only taught her what could be fond in books, but also about life itself. From the way she should talk to taking her hand in his to trace the shapes of things as he talked about hem, he dd it all. As they made their way down the stairs, he heard her ask about the day. He chuckled softly when she mentioned sunshine." You know, I can't really see from here Kate. Maybe if I crane my neck ?", he joked. He was in a good mood today, Kate had finally turned eighteen. She had become an adult, and with it came the right to make some decisions. David wanted her to explore the outside world, and till now, he was afraid to put the idea in her head, lest her parents think that he encouraged her. But long ago he had decided that starting from when she turned eighteen, he would try making her more independent. Independent of her maids, her parents, and also, sadly from him. Even though his heart ached when he wasn't there to guide her, he knew that she needed to learn to live by herself, for a while at least. Once again though David pushed such thoughts from his mind, he would cross that bridge when he came to it. For now, her party at the grounds waited. It wasn't a big gathering. Most importantly, her parents couldn't be here. They were overseas, and had sent their best wishes, along with innumerable presents. All the staff of the estate was there, and even though she couldn't see it, had decorated the grounds beautifully. There was a large tent, open from all sides in the middle, and the whole place was teeming with balloons and streamers. There were a few tables on which breakfast was being served. As they entered the area, a large chorus from all the staff went up, all singing the Birthday song for her. There was a new flashy convertible, standing in the middle, with a ribbon around it. A car was the special gift for their daughter, and David had been tasked the responsibility of driving her around, with the explicit instructions to never let her out of his sight. This also, had only been possible due to his insistent requests to let them take her out for her birthday. Of course, he wasn't going to mention his plan of taking her on a picnic for lunch, outside the estate, until a couple of hours. Kate was beaming as everyone broke into song after reaching their destination on the grounds. She laughed and clapped her hands together, then hugged David’s side with excitement. “Oh, thank you!” She told everyone. The staff was more like family than actual staff in Kate’s mind. While her parents were always away, between David and the people that worked in and around the mansion, she was always surrounded. Everyone cared for Kate and loved her sweet nature. She wasn’t stuck up or full of herself and most enjoyed her curiosities and simple pleasures. With food set out, she nibbled here and there as David handed her presents and read out the tags for her. Those who knew her best always picked out gifts that had interesting or soft textures. This always made her happy. She enjoyed running her fingers over different materials and lost herself in the different feel of things. Her delicate, well manicured fingers slipped over butter soft leather, fuzzy scarves, pretty pebbled glass and crystal, intricately designed jewelry. And when her fingers ran out of things to touch, perfumes tickled her nose instead. It was almost sensory overload and in the end Kate thanked everyone warmly, and they spent the better part of the morning eating breakfast. She took comfort in David’s proximity, inhaling his scent and once in a while reaching over to touch his arm or his hand. It had become a habitual habit when he had started working for her parents. At a young and insecure age, she had found herself drawn to him quickly. And when her parents were gone, he had always been there to comfort, to teach and more importantly as a friend and mentor. She wanted to make him proud in every way possible.“So what are we doing today?” She finally asked, turning her mind to more important details. “Are you going to pick my brain on my birthday?” She giggled lightly and grinned impishly. David held her hand throughout, as everyone came up and greeted her. He didn't need to tell her who was wishing her, as she remembered everyone's name just by their voice. Once again, she made him proud, not just because of identifying each guest without sight, but because of her memory of each of her servants' names. He sat her down on one of the tables as breakfast was served. He took one of her hand in his own and ran it through all the gifts one by one. A servant sat beside them, opening up the packages and handing them one at a time to David. David was lost in the work, reciting the card or the name tag, and then letting Kate guess what the present was by touching it. She got some right, and others wrong, but it was fun to see where her imagination took her. Almost all the presents were thoughtful, but some of them would not be of use to her. Although crystals and classwork was pretty to look at, and its intricate carvings cool to the touch, it would never reach her room. David had learned the hard way a few years ago that glass, although fragile, can be extremely dangerous. He had let her keep a very beautiful showpiece of a dancing ballerina in her room for a few weeks. One morning, he found her standing there, in the middle of the room, scared and tired. Apparently, she had gotten up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, and had knocked the piece off the table. The noise made it evident to her what had happened, but was unheard by the rest of the mansion. Kate stood there till the morning, afraid to take a step on the broken glass all around her. David remembered the relief on her face when she fell into his arms. He remembered how she called out to him when she first heard her footsteps that morning, how he rushed up the stairs to her, and how she looked standing in the middle of a thousand diamonds, her face wet with tears. He had vowed to himself never to let it happen again. So, of course, everything in her room was carefully placed and checked by him. No more glass vases for her. With the invention of cell phones, it was ensured that she would never truly be alone again. Her phone was specially designed, with a big ribbed button in the middle which connected her directly to David. The button was hardly used though, as he was with her most of the time, and the only use the phone saw was the calls from her parents every day. He was about to answer her, when her phone rang. He let go of her hand, and said," Talk to your parents first. Then we will see if I'm allowed to pick anything." He got up and walked away from the table, partly to make sure everything was ready for their private picnic and partly to give her privacy to take the call. “Okay.” She smiled and slid the phone to her ear, turning slightly away. “Hi Dad!” She chirped down the phone. Although she truly did love her parents, there was a certain amount of detachment that Kate had always felt. She knew that they loved her, but it had always seemed like she was just another prized possession to be put on a pedestal and admired. She was so much closer to David and the servants that kept the house while her parents were away on constant lavish business trips and outings. Furthermore, she could still remember the loneliness she had felt as a young child. Unable to play with those own age. Only entertained by a few tutors and babysitters. No one had known how exactly to handle a rich little blind girl with an appetite for exploration. How many times had she fallen down stairs, gotten turned around or smacked into an important piece of 'art work'. But her world had opened up with David. He had painted pictures with words and touch. Had filled her world with humor and laughter, with knowledge and built her up to be the self-assured young woman she was now. “Oh, thank you for everything, it's all wonderful. I hope you and Mama have a great time. I'll see you when you get back.” Turning off her phone, she sighed softly and cocked her head to the side slightly, listening for David's familiar warm voice. “I'm done! Ready when you are!” David left Kate alone to talk to his employers, walking instead towards the group of servants. First, he inquired if everyone was having a good time. Next, he made sure that all of his instructions had been carried out to the letter. The new flashy convertible had a lot of room for everything to be carried to the picnic. He made his way to the car and opened the trunk quietly. He inspected everything. A large basket filled with food, a bottle of expensive champagne (she could drink openly now, not that he hadn't slipped her an occasional drink now and then at her insistent requests), some large blankets if it got cold outside, a change of clothes for both of them, and lastly, he had sneaked in two foldable tents with the help of the most trusted maid. David had wanted to take her camping for the longest time. But he hadn't been given permission to take her outside the estate without at least one servant accompanying them. Before today that is. And camping with a servant would defeat the purpose. He wanted to make her independent, and a night without maids and servants, out of the cocooned mansion was just the thing. But they had the whole day ahead of them before nightfall. Closing the trunk, he made his way back to her. She was just finishing up with her call." We're going to go out to celebrate. Just you and me. In your new car.," he answered calmly. Reaching down he touched her shoulder lightly and then took her hand in his to lead her to the car." It's a beautiful sports car. All red and shiny. Convertible, two-seater.", he rattled off leading the way to the vehicle. "Go ahead. It's right in front of you.," he said, letting go of her hand to let her feel the contours of her present. Kate was shocked, a new car? It seemed rather odd for a blind girl to have a car and a little silly, but soon her mind settled to the fact that David could drive it and that made her happy. A convertible would mean the wind in her face and sunshine on her skin. That made her smile all the more as she stepped closer and let her hands touch the cool exterior. She followed the smoothness of the car, walking slowly around the entire car to let her fingers explore, forming a picture in her mind. When she returned to her spoke, she laughed softly. “Who ever thought I'd have a car!” And as her mind began to settle down, she turned slightly. “We're going out? As in away from here for a while? Outside the grounds?” Excitement bubbled up and threatened to overly flow. She bounced slightly on the heels and reached for him, pulling him into a tight hug that threatened to rob him of his own breath. “Oh this is so exciting!!” She giggled and let him untangle her limbs from around his neck and gently maneuver her body around so that he could open the car door. Carefully she slid into the cool leather seat, gasping as the cool leather hit the back of her bare thighs where her dress had slid up to reveal her flesh. She grasped the hem of her skirt before it rode too high and tugged it down, retaining some modesty as he shut the door while she found her seatbelt. David stood quietly as Kate felt the car. He knew that she wouldn't be interested in the car itself, but the idea of what it represented was sure to excite her. It meant freedom and road trips. He knew that she would be as happy as him to spend a day outside the grounds." Yes. We're going out. Outside the grounds for the whole day.," he repeated. It still sounded strange and unbelievable. Of course, he wouldn't tell her the best part, that he planned for them to spend the night outside the estate too. The permission from her parents didn't extend for overnight stay, but he figured it was worth the risk. He had already convinced most of her closest maids to hide the fact from his employers, and he was sure that they would forgive him if they ever found out in the future. They were just looking out for Kate, and if she was alright and well when they found out, the past would be forgotten. At least, he hoped it would be. David hugged her back. She had finally understood what the car meant, and he delighted in her joy. He embraced her closely, his mind telling him that he should savor every hug, every smile of hers. If David's plans for her future followed through, she would soon be mingling with the outside world. Who knew when love would strike her ? He let go of her and opened the car door. After making sure that she was comfortably seated, he shut the door gently. Making his way to the other side, he settled himself in the driver's seat. He pulled his own seatbelt, while waiting for her to pull hers. David placed his hand over hers to guide it into the groove for the belt latch." Here we go.," he said. The powerful engine roared to life beneath them, as David gave one last look over his shoulder. He waved his hand once to the group behind them before pressing down the accelerator. He drove slowly out of the grounds, but once they were clear he sped up. They were going towards one of the fruit orchards, owned by a family friend. It was the perfect place for a picnic, with large open grounds filled with fruity scents. Since it wasn't the season, there wasn't going to be any staff around, and the place lay at the edge of the beginning of the woods, without any clear boundary wall between the two." Happy Birthday, Kate !", he said again, stealing a glance at her. She was smiling and feeling the wind blowing through her hair. " I'm so proud of you.," he told her. Since the road was empty, and it agreed with his plan to make her more carefree and independent, he reached over and released her seatbelt." You can stand up now, but carefully," he said while slowing down the car a little and taking her hand in his own free one. Kate laughed, feeling carefree and loving the feel of the wind on her face and through her hair while the warmth of the sun kept her comfortable. She was surprised when David released her seatbelt, but should have known. He had always been there to show her new things, to let her experience life. Grasping the side of the door she carefully maneuvered herself up, holding onto the edge of the windshield. It was a little disorienting, between the movement of the car and her own, but she was loving it. Laughing, she held on tight and tilted her head up to the sun. It was as close to a scene from the Titanic movie...if she had just thrown out her arms, but that would come another day. The wind whipped at her dress, making it swish around her knees and higher, but she paid it no mind. "This is wonderful!" She breathed and then reached out and down for his hand. She felt the car ease off on speed and the warmth of his hand take herself once again. Slowly she sank back down and squeezed his fingers, her cheeks flushed and face all a glow. "Thank you! This is the best birthday ever!" Impulsively she wanted to kiss him and the thought startled her a little. He had given her so much and asked for nothing in return. A small part of her mind told her not to be silly, that it was his job to do so, but she knew that any other teacher wouldn't have gone to such trouble for her. They would have made her slave over bearing books and kept her neat and tidy in her room while David always had something for her to do and explore. She'd rarely thought about kissing or any such intimacies because they all seemed out of reach. Her mother refused to talk about such things with her and David had covered the scientific parts of reproduction which she had actually found fascinating. But what did it feel like to kiss and touch someone else? She had heard servant girls and even older women giggle over things, but nothing had ever made much sense. Spreading her fingers over her skirt, she adjusted the fabric and reached for her belt again, securing it herself. 18 and never kissed a boy, never even been around a boy her own age, complete and total virgin. David loved her laugh. It was the one thing that could brighten up his day, and make him feel proud to be the reason for it. He kept his eyes on the road, but stole glances at her as she stood up. His hand held hers firmly, and he was extremely careful not to make any sudden turns and avoid all bumps. He knew that the car had been a good idea. It would give her an opportunity to see the outside world, and explore it at her leisure. David had planned it all out very thoughtfully, and the car was just one more part of his plan to make sure that she became independent over time. He would see to it that a trusted chauffeur would be appointed for her, and thus she would have the freedom to visit the world when he was gone. David divided his attention between driving and looking at her. Although she had grown up in front of him, he still couldn't believe how much she had grown. Even as she acted like a carefree child, reveling in the wind in her face, he reminded himself that she was not a little girl now. It would be easier for him to follow his plan if the image of her as a helpless girl was erased from his brain." I do hope so.," he answered. "It's not every day that you turn eighteen." Slowly, he breached the topic he wanted to discuss with her. It would take them around two hours to reach their destination, and he had had this conversation with her many times in her head." Kate, There might come a day when I'm not around anymore. I want the best life for you. And although I do hope that your life will continue as it is now, you should know that life is unpredictable. You need to learn about the world outside the estate. I will teach you, if only you'll allow me to. Your parents will not agree, but I want to make you free, free from the chains of blindness and wealth that fate has thrust upon you. Will you let me ?" He didn't look at her the whole time through his little speech. He had perfected it over the years, and he hoped that it didn't come out impassioned and practiced. Kate was a little surprised by his words. The mere thought of David not being around formed a strange achy feeling in the middle of her chest and made her feel at a loss and strangely panicky. While she knew that without him, she no longer felt helpless, to think of him not being part of her daily life didn't sit well. For a moment she sat there in silence and took it what he said, trying to work past the various emotions that flitted through her mind. What had she expected? She was not a stupid girl. Intellectually she was more advanced than most kids her age. Had always been a quick learner. What she lacked was street smarts and the ability to live in the 'real world' outside her parents cocoon. Now David was offering her another opportunity, which was both thrilling and scary at the same time. Trying to shove away thoughts of him leaving her, she cleared throat and clasped her hands together. “I want you to teach me everything.” She told him, hoping that her voice held steady and that she sounded brave. “You know that I've always wanted to get away. I think you're right, now is the perfect time to explore and let me experience the real world. I love my parents and while they have been at a loss on how to handle me, they made up for it with over protecting their little girl.” She took a deep breath and blew it out slowly, “I don't want to be dependent on them forever... I want to make my own way, make my own mark. I had never thought it was possible, but then again, I never imagined you would come along and show me so much.” Reaching over she grasped his hand gave it a squeeze, smiling sweetly. “I'm in your capable hands. I promise to pay attention.” David had expected her answer. But that didn't mean that it made him any less proud. He was confident of his teachings, and about his pupil. He knew that she would readily accept his plan for her. She had come to trust him implicitly, and he knew in his heart that she would never question him. It didn't occur to him that her blind faith in him was the very thing that made her dependent on him. She trusted him completely, and he didn't see it as a bad thing because he had no intention of breaking that trust. But she would have to be taught not to believe blindly. The world was full of people that would take advantage of her wealth, her handicap and last but not least, also her beauty. David was glad that she trusted him. It would make the lessons a little easier. He let one of his hands remain in hers." Exactly the answer I hoped for. Don't worry though, we're not going into any classrooms today. It's your birthday after all. We'll just have a picnic to welcome you into adulthood. We'll postpone the teaching till later.," he said. David had planned the camping trip with the express purpose of teaching her about living outside the estate. And he still planned to do so. But for now, he had decided to celebrate her birthday." I'm so proud of you Kate. You've been the most beautiful and smart girl...no, woman I know. And someday, you're going to make a lucky guy really happy. ", he said, taking his hand out of hers and stroking her cheek with the back of his fingers. He sounded more like her father than his teacher. David had always consciously avoided sounding like a parent to her. He had always tried to be her friend, her confidant, the one she could confide in about her innermost secrets and fears. But the one, who like a parent, would make her fears go away and solve her problems. They were nearing their destination now. Just a few more minutes and they would be there. Kate enjoyed the rest of the ride, leaning her head back against the head rest and taking in the son and the wind. One hand off to the side rode the air current and before long her heightened senses picked up the sweet scent of fruit in the air. She inhaled deeply and sighed, “Fruit?” David gave nothing away, but she could feel the car slowing and the change from the smooth road to a bumpier gravel one. Sitting up, she listened to the wheel crunch along the path and squirmed with excitement. A picnic sounded perfect, and he knew how much she loved the outdoors. Hardly able to contain herself, she shifted and clasped her hands together in an effort to stay still until he brought the car to a stop. Grinning, she listened as he turned off the car and then stepped out and came around to open her door. Reaching out she clasped his hand with ease and slid out. Because she was unfamiliar with their setting, she stayed close to the car as he moved about. The truck was popped, and she listened with apt interest as he collected things. Then his hand was on her elbow, gently steering her. “So what is this place?” David didn't answer her as he turned into the road leading to the orchid. He could almost sense her excitement. David was looking forward to this as much as she was. They reached their destination, and David helped her climb out before leaving her to take out the picnic basket and other stuff from the trunk. He took her elbow and led her along to the camping spot. " Remember what I told you about fruit orchids. Well, we are in one right now. There are apple trees all around us. Some way off is pear trees. Some of the apple trees have apples on them right now, but not all of them are bearing fruit. The apples are green and not red, like the ones you eat. ", he described to her, all the while leading her to a small clearing he had scouted a week ago while visiting the place. Finally, he found the spot. It was a small clearing, with the treas all around. The land was covered with a carpet of green grass, which flowed with the wind. David put down the Baker and took out a quilt from within. He spread it out quickly, and put the basket on top of it." Take off your shoes. We're going for a walk in the woods, so to speak.," he said, taking off his own shoes as well. Actually, there weren't going to the forest, but rather take a leisurely still around the clearing and among the trees. The orchid was well maintained, and the grass was soft and without any sharp stones. He waited for her to kick off her shoes and then took her hand in his, leading her around the clearing. The grass covered their feet, and felt moist and soft to touch. They still had about one hour before lunch." Kate, you remember when you were 10, you had heard the maids discussing jewelry and make up, and you wanted some. I had to convince you that you didn't need those things. I want to apologize for that. It was just because I didn't know about that stuff and I didn't know how to teach you about it. I'm sorry that I couldn't provide you the normal childhood, and teach you about other things a girl your age has already experienced. There are things that you need to know, that I want you to experience. I want you to know that you look beautiful, that you can do whatever you put your mind to, and that one day you will find the right person to spend the rest of your life with. "David was softening her up for his plans. He had picked a boy, who would be perfect for her. David wanted them to go out, or at least meet at the mansion under his supervision. It would serve two purposes, firmly, she would meet a new person, from outside the estate, and secondly, who knew, maybe she would like him and get to have what he desperately wanted her to have, her first schoolgirl love. Kate was taking in all the details with apt interest as they walked together. The soft breeze, feel of the cool grass tickling her feet and the scent of fruit all around was amazingly enjoyable to her. She wanted to twirl and inhale deeply, taking it all in. But usual, she found herself drawn to David's voice and words. She'd always found his voice to warm and soothing and as he gently leads the way with a gentle prod of his hand against her elbow or clasping her hand loosely, Kate cocked her head to the side and listened. She flushed softly at his words and felt a strange little jolt of pleasure as his compliment. While she had never been particularly vain as it seemed pretty silly, hearing his compliment gave her a small surge of pride and joy, just as it did when she pleased him in other ways.“Thank you.” She replied with a sweet smile, turning her body towards his as she carefully lifted a foot up a fraction and ran it over the long grass, bending it and liking the feel of the cool blades running along the bottom. “You really think there is someone out there for me?” Tilting her head back, she enjoyed the feel of the sun on her face and stepped closer to him with a sigh. “I had stopped hoping for anything more than what I have. I'm already blessed...if I never met someone for me, that would be alright. After all, I have a loving family and you...you've given me so much. But... I suppose...it would be nice to...find out about...other things.” Reaching up with uncanny accuracy, she gently cupped his cheek and then gave it a playful pat. “You worry too much about me...”

Love is Blind (Closed)|rating:3.0

Confusion... of female lust or love_(open for one woman)

Lisa rider didn't know she was going to fall in love with her best friend, then again she never expected to fall in love with another girl, granted her best friend was bisexual as far as Lisa knew she was mostly into guys more than girls, plus Lisa would never ever do anything to jeopardize there friendship they had been friends since middle school now here they were in college still best friends, but things changed and somewhere along the way Lisa had wanted and needed more. Lisa however had never been with a girl, did this make her a lesbian she wasn't sure, or maybe she was bi, but then again you don't pick the person you fall in love with, now here she was in love with a girl she could never tell, inexperienced with woman and very frustrated because she could never tell her friend what she felt, what would her friend even think of her after the fact, that and Lisa had always been a submissive would that even work in a girl relationship she didn't know. Sighing to herself she just decides to keep the secret to herself, but her friend wasn't a dumb woman and would notice the change in Lisa.... plus Lisa was from a conservative family... they would never approve so she had to keep these feelings to herself. For a detailed role with one woman Britney Scott, a Valedictorian of Xavier High School pulled the old leathery clad book from the library shelf. Her first year in Harvard was a little overwhelming… at least to say, it was nothing like the good years of high school when things seemed to come easy to her, and the only stress that she had at the time was the fear of people finding out that she was bisexual. Her best friend, Lisa Rider, was the only sole that she confided her sexual interests too, her dating of other girls were restricted to other school districts, and even that was stressful. Britney looked at the gold, printed title with a heavy sigh, then confirmed it was one of the books that her professor authorized for extra credit. ‘Five thousand words!’ she sighed to herself, but if she wanted the extra credit she had no choice but read and then summit her thesis on the meaning if she wanted that extra boost in her grades. Britney stared at the book for several long, hard moments, for this was the weekend that she was supposed to accompany Lisa to a frat party. Her heart wanted to go and be with her friend, but her mind’s eye popped up a picture of her hardworking father who sacrificed so much to get her here. “Damn!” she hissed as she pushed the book into the fold of arm. A heavy sigh escaped through the small nostrils of Britney’s nose, for her lips were pressed together in silent anger. She knew Lisa would be upset, for they planned on this weekend for weeks and now that it was here, what was she doing? Planning to cancel so she could work on this thesis paper of hers. ‘Lisa I’m sorry!’ she breathed to herself as if her inner apology would work. Several steps later she stopped once more and confronted the issue of this weekend. Her mind swirled about looking for an answer that would keep everyone in harmony, ‘Damn I miss high school.’ Britney’s mind blared outward while her hand moved down her side and into her jeans pocket. The cold feel of her phone made her feel sick to her stomach. Once more, a heavy sigh comes out of her nostrils as the phone emerged from her pocket and came pressed to her ear…“Lisa, Hey can we meet at the café’ I need to talk to you.” She said in her very soft and friendly tone of voice… Lisa was so ready for this weekend, with Britney not only did she need a break from her studies she had been missing her best friend. Lisa however also knew keeping her feelings from Britney weren't going to be easy the two shared everything together and Lisa felt like she was harboring some deep dark secret, one that could affect the both of them so it was best that she was keeping it to herself, it wasn't as if she were doing anything wrong after all, no she was just in love with her best friend... nothing the least bit wrong with that. She sighed to herself as she took a seat on her bed... what a mess I've gotten myself into she thinks to herself. Get yourself together she thought to herself, maybe she should go and study or something becoming a veterinarian was hard work, and she was doing well, but she needed to study also, when she found out Britney was going to Harvard she was ecstatic for her, they had always decided on the same college, but Lisa told her she had to go to Harvard, so she did but now her time with her friend was becoming less and less and that made her sad. It wasn't that she didn't want Britney to succeed because she did, she just missed her. Oh, well she thought at least they had the weekend together. She bit her lip and decided to take a shower, maybe a long hot one would ease her mind that always seemed to do the trick, but lately being around Britney, she mushes rather needed a cold one. Okay she thought stop thinking of her for now, or you'll drive yourself insane. She headed down the hall to the shower she was glad she opted to not live in the dorms and rather got a small apartment of her own, she was working part-time so it paid for that and her school books, she had her parents paying for college, she was so grateful for them another reason her and Britney couldn't be together no matter how much Lisa loved her, it wasn't right and that's what her mother would tell her, she sighed and climbed into the bow hot water easing her aching bones and trying to ease her broken mind and heart. She needed to get these feelings under control and fast if she was spending the weekend with Britney. Furthermore, she could control herself though she had done it for what over a year now yes, she was great at hiding this secret. Lisa washed herself and then got dressed before going to make a pot of coffee so she could start to study. She grabbed books out of her room and headed to the kitchen her favorite place to study, waited for her coffee to be finished and grabbed a cup and headed to the table with everything she needed. She no sooner opened her books when her phone started pinging. Normally she would be annoyed but not when she saw who was calling her smile brightened as she picked up the phone. Lisa could sense something was off but agreed to meet her at the café. She changed quickly and then headed off to meet Britney. The small cell phone tip lightly brushed against Britney’s cheek upon its short journey downward to the hard surface of Britney’s desk. A hard lump settled deep in her throat for she knew how Lisa would take this cancellation. They’ve sacrificed much of their time together already for their studies. Britney’s gaze shifted to the window, it was a cloudy day, looked like it would rain, another ping of discomfort hit her for she loved to walk in the rain, especially if she was with someone she cared for. Memories of good times passed flashed across her mind, her childhood, the times her and Lisa did get caught in the rain, it seemed like it was just yesterday,“Lisa!” Britney sighed. Her mind drifted back to the day she first saw her best friend. She wanted so much to ask her out on a date but that fear of others finding out stopped her, instead she asked her out as a friend. They went to the movies, which was the night Britney knew if Lisa couldn’t be a lover, she wanted her as a friend. Now several years later, she didn’t care about others finding out about her high school secret, but as of now she didn’t have the time to have a girlfriend and spend time with Lisa. Another sigh escaped over her lips. Britney forced herself up from the desk, her gaze shifted from the window to her wristwatch. " I best get moving." her thoughts were on the meeting, what was she going to say? Would Lisa understand? Would their already stretched friendship handle this cancellation over a paper that she didn’t have to write for it was just extra credit? Britney’s stomach was in turmoil, her heartfelt heavy and her ability to problem-solve evaded her in this situation. The walk was a long, stressful venture. The sky grew darker as did Britney’s heart. She hated the fact that she had to choose, but she had a commitment to herself and her parents, or did she? Was that just a weak attempt to ease the sting of what she was about to do? She hated herself for what she was about to do, but one must grow up and realize that life wasn’t fair and this was one of those moments. The walk came to a sudden end when her gaze fell upon Lisa, the café’ outside tables were vacant due to the threat of rain, but her friend knew Britney’s one weakness, the rain…“Hey!” Britney did her best to uppity her tone of voice. She tried to hide the internal conflict that was raging within her. She continued to fight the soured stomach, the fear of how Lisa was going to react and that little voice that just popped into her head, whispering that she didn’t need the extra credit, she could just work harder and still have Lisa’s friendship, even it being stretched was better than nothing at all.“Umm, care to order brunch?” Britney exchanged while she pulled out the chair and sit down. Her gaze not being able to meet Lisa’s. “I umm …. I …. “ She sighed heavily … “Could we just order and have a little chat before I get into why I called for this little get-together, besides the fact that I miss you.” She blushed playfully. She luckily didn't live that far from the café so she opted not to drive, she got so sick and tired of driving everywhere, and it was a nice almost rainy night out. Lisa couldn't wait to see Britney even if she did seem off slightly. She sighed wondering what could be up with Britney... it wasn't like her to ever really sound off. Lisa walked to the café, slowly she wasn't sure if Britney was walking or driving so she didn't want to take to long or get there to soon either. Lisa started to think of her times alone with Britney and smiled, if Britney ever found out her feelings she was sure she'd be mortified. She sighed almost tearing up losing Brit would kill her, Brit Lisa was the only one ever allowed to call her that, she smiled about that as well then felt like a fool smiling like an idiot while in public. Lisa was overthinking way too much, but she didn't have an off switch for her heart she sure as hell wish she did. I don't want to be in love with you, she thought to herself almost saying it in some form to Britney. She inwardly groaned as if saying fuck me. Who has this happen to them, fall in love with your best friend... her that's who? Stop it, or she will know something is wrong she thought to herself. She walked a little faster now and tried to regain her composure. She took several long deep breaths and got herself under control. Ok, I can do this she thought, I've kept this secret this long I'll continue doing it, she wouldn't risk losing Britney. She made her final trek to the café, walked in to get the two of them a table. She smiled sweetly at the waitress as she led her to the table that Lisa had requested, she thanked her politely and took her seat as she didn't so. Lisa was a bit nervous she knew she was hiding her feelings well, but Brit knew her better than anyone else would she eventually catch on that Lisa seemed slightly different around her, she hoped not she never wanted to make Britney uncomfortable. You can do this you've been doing this for two years now... just keep up what your doing hold your guard pretend she means nothing more to you than your very best friends and nothing had to change, it was that simple wasn't it. Yes that simple she had to do what she had to do, because she refused to lose Britney she loved the girl far too much for that or far too much to make thinks awkward between them, she'd just have to deal with these feelings. She brushed strands of her out of her face as the wind started to pick up a bit. She opted to sit outside despite the rain it was Britney's favorite one of her favorite things in the whole world, and she knew it would make her smile. Lisa smiles brightly as her friend walks over part of her wanted to hug her the other part said save that for another time." Hey you, glad you made it before the rain." She said with a giggle but knew Britney wouldn't mind being caught in the rain. She sensed something was wrong but didn't dare question her she would tell her what was bothering her in due time. "That sounds fantastic." She said sliding a menu over to her after she got seated and situated. She looked everywhere but at Lisa, and Lisa almost asked if she was okay. Furthermore, she looked at her finally, and said sure that would be fine if they ordered first. "Are you okay, Brit?" She finally asked, as they looked over the menu. Britney shifted her gaze from the various activities that were happening around the café' to the menu that Lisa slid across the table. She really wasn't hungry, seemed to lost her appetite from all the anxiety she was experiencing over this.*Britney closed her eyes and drug in a heavy breath, it wasn't like she was moving away, it was just a cancellation of a weekend, she attempted to smooth over her guilt, it didn't work.*Sighing. Britney picked up the menu and forced herself to look over their selection, maybe a cappuccino would do her good, but then again disappointing Lisa was a serious offense in her book of dos and don'ts. Britney shifted her gaze up and over the top of her menu. Her hazel orbs focused upon Lisa gorgeous face. The question lingered and bounced around her head for what seemed like an eternity. "Lisa ...." she hesitated, not being able to find the right words.*Britney exhaled heavily. "I know we had plans for this weekend... But..." once again Britney's heart sank, and she felt nauseous. She sat there with a painful face. "Lisa, I'm really having a hard time in civil ethics and judiciary law." she gave Lisa a few moments to grasp the problem before she delivered the solution. " I can write a thesis paper for extra credit, but its five thousand words and has to be done by Monday." she allowed Lisa the time to figure out what was the problem and why Britney was so down and out. "I'm sorry. " She managed to whisper out. Lisa looked at her carefully something definitely was not right, she took a deep breath wondering what could be bothering her friend so much.Lisa looked over the menu deciding what to get and opted on a ceased salad, that she kept to herself until the waitress would come. She paid close attention to Britney, she was definitely off...what could be so bad that she looked so down. She wished she could tell her friend that everything was okay. Furthermore, she also wished Britney would just tell her everything that was bothering her. Furthermore, she looked at her and smiled sweetly as if to tell her everything would be okay, but the way Brit was acting she didn't really know if it would. Lisa showed confusion by what was going on at the table, it felt so awkward and tense, man the tension you could cut with a knife. She looked at Britney as if willing her on. "Hamm." Lisa said as in answer sweetly yet worried at the same time. Just relax she wanted to tell Britney, but she knew that was easier said than done also. Lisa started to listen intently as she spoke to her, when she mentioned having plans, but Brit threw that but in there Lisa knew where this was probably going, but at the same time didn't understand why Britney seemed so stressed out to tell her. She hated seeing Britney like this, Britney was always so self-confident and self-assured about everything to see her looked i.e. This was off point. Lisa felt sad that she mentioned she was struggling the last thing she wanted was her friend to struggle. She continued to listen by once cutting her friend off. She looked up at her softly. Lisa sighed. Off course she was upset, but she definitely wasn't mad, and she definitely understood. "I understand.... I'm sad, but I definitely understand." She reached over to take Brits hand in her own and smiled. " I know school comes first, and I get that, why were. You so stressed to tell me, I'm upset yes but not angry at all I'd never be angry with you" All of a sudden an idea hit her." What about this I can help you study for yr paper, we can order pizza and when you need time alone to write it will give me time to study." She said brightly. Britney felt as if a huge brick weight was removed from her chest. Her breathing came easier, her stomach settled a little with the knowledge that Lisa understood her reason why she had to cancel their plans this weekend. That was one thing that Britney has yet to grasp about her friend was the ability to keep calm and calculated. Most people get a little confrontational when a three-week plan gets canceled at the last moment, but not Lisa she just informs that she is upset but not mad, that’s why it’s so hard to cancel things with this girl. She was just so damn cute and cuddly. Focus upon the curliness of Lisa came to a sharp closure when she felt the soft hand encompassing around hers. She didn’t mind the contact, but it startled her nonetheless. There was always that hit a friend, hug a friend at moments of happiness, but this was something different, this was a moment of disappointments not a severe need for comfort in this manner and when the holding of the hand continued while Lisa spoke of her idea brought a slight hint of confusion to Britney.“Lisa…” Britney looked down at the hand holding. She was baffled for she knew Lisa was straight and never showed any interest in girls, but yet here she was holding her hand. Maybe it’s just Lisa thought this was a severe meeting and was happy that it wasn’t and was releasing that stress. Yeah, that’s it Britney decided, and brought her gaze back up to her friends face.“That sounds like a plan.” Britney smiled, happy that they would be spending time together even if it was doing homework. She sighed happily this time, allowing some of the pined up feelings to wither away. She lightly pulled her hand away from Lisa. “Are you sure you want to pass up on that frat party? You could find some good friends among them. Not that I want to share you with anybody, but it would help you in the future if you need help with anything, and I’m not able to help you. Not that I can’t solve your problems, it’s just that I have to let you grow on your own now and then...” She gave that snotty arrogant look upon her face, but couldn’t keep it up very long before she burst out laughing.“I’ll tell you what. We can work on this paper now at the apartment, and maybe we can get to a point where we can go to the party and I can finish up the paper on Sunday.” Britney exclaimed wanting to make her friend as happy as she did for her just now. “I know you want to go and well so do I just to see you get all shit-faced and everything.” Britney looked up as the waitress came to a stop at the table. “Yes, I would like a chocolate crème cappuccino and powered donut…. Hush!” Britney pointed her finger at Lisa with a smile. It was nice to finally see Britney relax, there was nothing worse than seeing her stressed out or worried about something, Lisa remembered high school and how stressed Britney would get over some paper, or something academic, but Lisa always found ways to cheer her up. She didn't want to give Britney any reason to think she was angry with her, that was actually the last thing she wanted... she needed Britney to know that she'd always be okay with her choosing school over everything else... for the simple fact she wanted Brit to know she supported her in everything that she did. She smiled gently st her, her own conflicting feelings lingering as her thoughts took over her, for a moment. Remember you can't let her know you have any feelings for her whatsoever she thought to herself, her heart started to pound against her chest ever so slightly...she had been over this same old thought process time and time again and to be quite honest she was frankly getting tired of it. She really wasn't sure why she had grabbed Britney's hand, it was a friendly gesture however not sexually motivated at all. She just wanted Britney to know she was really okay with her having canceled on her. As quickly as she took her friends hand was as quickly that she had let her hand go, she felt a spark...and the last thing she needed with her already conflicting feelings was to feel a spark of anything. She sensed maybe Britney was a little off put with her holding her hand, but she wasn't sure why they were friends, nothing more... and there never could be anything more she reminded herself. She sighed inwardly, this was so fucking hard. Okay nothing to worry about as long as Britney never found out how she felt. She was brought back to reality when she noticed Britney looking at her. Lisa was so happy when Britney agreed to her suggestion, but she didn't want to look overtly happy either. She wanted nothing more than a quiet time with Brit, sure she had been looking forward to that frat party, but her time with Britney doing no matter what they did together was far more important to her than any stupid frat party. Lisa smiled at her as she began to talk. "I'm positive it's just a party there will be plenty more like them..." She said laughing at Britney's comment about letting her grow, but then felt her heart tighten at the mention of not wanting to share her with anyone else, god if she only knew how much Lisa wished that were true but in a whole other meaning... what were these feelings she asked herself... she didn't understand them, she had never ever been with a girl and to have feelings for a girl made no sense to her whatsoever... it was so damn confusing. Lisa looked up once again lost in her thoughts, she was so distracted but luckily Britney did not seem to notice. "That sounds like fun, you were always the smarter one." She said with a bright laugh. She smiled so brightly now happy they still got to spend there time together, even if was just to study. Furthermore, she burst into laughed when Britney mentioned her getting shit-faced. "I am quite a funny drunk." She said with a little giggle. Lisa was going to say something about Britney's order, but she told her to hush and Lisa made a zipping motion with her lips and just laughed, she loved there easy playfulness with one another. Britney smiled at the way Lisa was handling the situation, she felt somewhat ashamed as well for misjudging how Lisa would take it, it wasn’t like they were thirteen again and had teeny tantrums, she was a grown woman and was capable of handling a cancellation. No, it was more of a Britney’s problem of not wanting to let Lisa down for Lisa was there for her always, always supportive and yet here she is again supporting her decision to study than to party. Lisa was one of a kind and Britney knew she was damn lucky to have such a good friend. Britney smiled when the rain finally began to fall, it was just at the right tempo for a good walk. “Well hell, it seems like we are going to get a little wet!” Britney tried to make it sound like that was the worst possible thing to happen to them. Her gaze shifted from the rain to the waitress who lowered the cappuccino and her donut in front of her. Britney’s smile got a little bigger. “Now this is the life, I have my rain, my donut… Hush… My Cappuccino and the most important thing in my life my best friend.” Britney mused before picking up the Cappuccino and taking a sip. Lowering the cup. “So, how are you doing with your studies? Do you feel the overwhelming sensation, this is nothing like high school.” Britney was releasing all the anxiety she could while all the feel good components were around her. “OH! I have to ask… Any hot bodies caught your eye yet?” The smile across Britney’s face was like she managed to grab a cookie from the cookie jar and didn’t get caught. “Come now tell me all!” She mused before taking another sip of her cappuccino. Britney stared into Lisa orbs, a place she loved to go when they were on a playful but serious note. She felt secure, invulnerable from everything when she was with Lisa, staring into those gorgeous orbs. She almost cracked up laughing when she almost felt like Alice in Wonderland staring into the debts of Lisa’s orbs. Lisa was one of those laid back, take it easy kind of gals, that seemed like everything she wanted she got, and far as Britney knew she does.“Well come on no secrets between us… Tell me if some hunk has your ogling eyes.” Lisa was grateful that Britney seemed more at ease now, she has seemed so worried before and that was the last thing she wanted she would do anything to ease her friends mind. She smiled brightly and sweetly at her friend she loved her far more than Britney would ever know, and more than Britney needed to know or could know rather. Nope never could she know her true feelings ever..... That smile on Britney's face melted Lisa's heart, melted Lisa's everything, she had to refocus. Lisa giggled if Britney only knew how many ways Britney made her wet, then shook those thoughts away what the fuck was she thinking. She looked at her and smiled brightly...she knew Brit was being sarcastic. She watched Britney's face then the waitress bringing herself back to reality once more. "Your smile I swear." Was all Lisa could say. Lisa found herself blushing at her friends words... well and her own really. She watched wistfully as Brit took a sip of her drink. She was so damn sexy, she was quickly taken away from her thoughts, when Britney spoke up. Furthermore, she thought about her studies, they were fine it was her feelings for you that were a problem she thought. "At times yes, but I'm dealing I have you. And studying always works." She said smiling. Lisa was trying not to show her own anxiety over the feelings she had to hide for her friend. One hot body has yours, but she couldn't say that, and she hated to lie. Lisa took a long deep breath. "Nothing to tell really." She said thoughtfully. She was looking at her in that was when she was trying to get a secret out of her. Lisa bit her lip shyly fuck it I have to make up something, or she will know. She sighed god she hated this. Lisa smiled looking into her warm eyes. Okay partly lie she thought. "Well someone has, there very sweet adorable kind and funny, but they don't know, and I plan on keeping it that way for a while no time right now with the studies." She stated matter-of-factly. Britney knew something was up with her BF when that giggle rolled over the woman’s lips. It was the stress release thing Lisa always did when something was an issue and Britney was trying to get it out of her. ‘So she has put a bullseye on some hunk’ she thought to herself, but that nervous giggle of hers meant it was either a one-sided feeling for now, or something worse. Lisa had that knack to get herself into trouble by taking men that were already spoken for. Her answer to why she does it would always be they weren’t happy for if they were, they wouldn’t have come so easily to me. Britney popped back into real time when Britney tossed in the added words about Britney’s smile, that was the messing piece of the puzzle, Britney knew something was afoul, and it was time to start digging deeper. She wasn’t afraid to dig deeper, the relationship between them was like steel and could handle Britney’s meddling into her affairs, besides they always mettle into each other's business, that’s what makes them besties. Britney’s eyes narrowed as she studied her friend closer, the deep breath was a stalling factor as she wrestled with something to say, trying to push off that everything is going okay. She wanted to ask if there was a study that she was having difficulty with and was too ashamed to tell Britney. Britney knew some of the studies that Lisa struggled with in high school, but this was college, and it was a completely different level of play here.Britney’s brow arched up, her gaze sharpened when Lisa told her there was nothing to tell. ‘Lisa, Lisa, Lisa’ Britney whispered to herself. Lisa knew better than to try and con a con. It just wasn’t feasible for Britney knew Lisa way to well to believe that there wasn’t really anything to tell. She could see the playful cover-up that she was playing to try and hide the anxiety. Britney’s face lit up when Lisa finally gave in and told her the situation. She almost giggled from the playful power she had over Lisa. “Your so sexy when you finally give in!” Britney lightly tossed across the table at her friend. Britney watched that warm look in Lisa’s eyes. “Hamm, He must be something special to bring that warmth look in your eyes.” Britney added. “So when do I get to see him from a distance?” Britney lightly pushing her friend in hopes to get more information.“I’ll tell you what. I will show you the girl whom I’ve been eyeballing if you show me yours.” Britney openly tossed the dare across the table, hoping to bait Lisa in showing her the heart throb she has encountered here at college. Lying definitely was not one of Lisa's strongest suits, but yet here she was, and she was doing it oh so well. She hated that Britney was pushing this, she wished her friend would just let the whole thing go, but that was not Britney's nature after all. Her nervous giggle had nothing to do with the past occurrences but if that's what Britney thought it was for the better, and hell Lisa would even let her believe it. Better her believe that than the truth after all. Lisa's trying to change the subject didn't seem to work when she mentioned Britney's smile, but she really meant her words, she really did love Brits smile, and she would die to see it on her face all the time especially if she were the one to always put it there. She took a deep breath okay enough of this kind of thoughts at least why she was out and about with Britney. She chewed on her lip as Britney eyeballed her making her feel small and exposed man she loved and hated when her best friend did that to her, only she was the one that was able to get that close to her to be able to do that to her... to expose her like that. Furthermore, she just smiled warmly over at her letting her k ow that everything was going okay, and meaning at least that part. School was fine, she had an excellent study group, and tutors were available at every turn if she needed one.Oh, how she wished her friend would stop looking at her like that. She shook her head stop prying I can't tell you the truth, and I don't want to lie she inwardly told her friend. Lisa sighed to herself, but only she could tell thank goodness. Fuck me Lisa thought again. She hated being a liar and this was a big lie... she was telling.Finally, she gave in and told the damn lie. Damn woman... she thought. Lisa blushed when Britney mentioned that she was sexy, oh how she longed to really hear those words from Britney, if only Britney knew she was the one Lisa had her eyes on. "He's something." She admitted though here he was a she and she was sitting right across from her and could never ever know. Lisa bit her lip now she had to make up a guy on the fly also great just flipping great she thought. Her heart sunk when Britney mentioned she was eyeballing a girl then she decided she had no right to feel that way at all and got over it as fast as it had started. "Accepted. But you have to promise not to say anything to him... or I'll never forgive you, I'm not really ready for him to know yet." Lisa said which was true considering there was no guy she was interested in. This was going to be so damn hard. Brit leaned up in her seat when Lisa began with the words … He’s something… but then stopped. Britney eyed her friend once more, a smile formed over her face, but the expression was saying… Yeah! Don’t leave me in suspense! Britney’s mouth slight hung open as she gawked at her friend. “I can’t believe your dangling this subject in front of me like you would tease a cat with a ball of yarn!” Britney voiced outward to her friend.“Yes, Yes I won’t tell him.” She fired out quickly, excited to know that Lisa has a heartthrob and was so happy for her. She knew once Lisa found a man things would get much easier than what they are now. Yeah, Lisa and her made each other happy, but it’s that person that makes your heart flutter that brings the best times to you and Lisa has one. “Well, come on what does he look like? Let me guess he is a Jock on the football team!” Britney’s eyes gleamed with happiness for her friend. Britney licked over her lips, the anticipation was killing her she wanted to know everything about this stud-muffin that has captured Lisa’s heart. She almost wanted to burst out a question if she could take her and meet the man, but that would definitely give the man a sign, one that Lisa made her promise not to do. That fact sorta damped the fun, for she wanted them to get married ten minutes ago. Britney just wanted the best life for her friend and if there was anything that Brit could do to make that happen she wouldn’t hesitate to make it happen.“Are you going to tell me or do I have to keep guessing here! You're enjoying dangling that ball of yarn in front me aren’t you!” Brit began to act like she was getting flustered but knew Lisa would see right through that ruse. “I tell you what if you don’t tell me when it’s my turn to tell you about my eye candy I will not tell you for days. How do you like that!” Brit giving her the playful evil eye! Lisa was leaving it at that, it was bad enough that she had to lie to her friend about some made up guy in the first place. She knew Britney wanted to tell her more, but in all reality there really wasn’t anything else for her to tell her, she sighed she hated this feeling, she hated living these lies but what other choices did she have. Sorry was the look on Lisa’s face as if to say there is really nothing more to know Britney was so cute pouting, but she didn’t want her friend thinking there was anything more to this because there wasn’t. She shook her head but couldn’t help but smile at her. “I’m not trying to there’s really not much to tell at the moment.” She said honestly. She sighed a sigh of relief when she said she wouldn’t tell him. “Thank you.” She said sweetly and blew a kiss at her friend. She took a deep breath and relaxed some knowing Brit would never break a promise to her. If you only knew the truth Britney, Lisa thought to herself and looked away for a moment unable to meet her gaze. “Actually he’s not a jock, he’s more the studious type, beautiful eyes, kind smile, he’s so smart and sweet and funny... but we’ve only talked a few times.” She replied gently... she was describing her best friend she realized. As Britney licked her lips, Lisa’s breath caught in her throat and she had to gain her composure once more. She gave her a look as if to say you will know all in due time, in due time. She wished in a sense that Britney would catch on to her feelings then she wouldn’t have to lie like this. Furthermore, she wished that’s really all she could do was wish. It was cute she was prying but it was so hard for Lisa to have to make things up on the fly. “Really nothing to tell yet.” She replied but obviously Britney didn’t believe her. Actually she wasn’t enjoying this at all she thought to herself. She had to think up something else but what... she thought hard. She couldn’t help but laugh at Britney... that was a good thing for Lisa she didn’t want to know... she was already insanely jealous over it. Lisa had to play along, or she’d be figured out. Britney smiled, playfully sighed and leaned back in her chair. Her once hot cappuccino now cooled to her liking took a deep sip while staring at her friend over the rim. She loved Lisa as close friends do, but there were times she wanted to bitch slap her, for she was too subtle to reach out and just take what she wants in life. She changes the perimeter of the situation to meet everyone’s wants instead of her wants or even needs. For instance if this party was her idea and Lisa was asking to cancel it, Britney would have played the damn guilt card, make Lisa feel guilty for backing out of this party especially if it was just for credit she really didn’t have to have, and then there is this hunk she is interested in, she will babble around and put off till he fades off or finds someone else. Britney took in a deep breath and swallowed that wanting feeling to bitch slap her. “Fine there is nothing to talk about.” Britney finally let the issue drop.“So, What’s on your list to do tonight?” Britney asked back to her quizzical self, She smiled and was about to hit upon the HUNK Issue again, but refrained. “I have an idea! Why don’t you ask ….” She rolled her eyes, took a deep breath, she just couldn’t help herself… “Ask Mr Hunk to the party!” Britney’s eyes sparkled with happiness for her friend, by god if she isn’t going to take the bull by the horn at least I will keep pushing her till she does! Britney retook her stand in making Lisa happy. “And don’t say you're not ready for him to know, just send him an anonymous invitation and stalk him at the party until you get enough nerve to press forward.” Britney now trying to use the insult method to make Lisa take the bull by the horn. Lisa’s attention slowly diverted from Lisa as a few girls walked by, her attention focusing upon the tall red head. “Damn!” Britney lowly muttered as she watched the red with interest in her eyes. “Now, if I had something like that near me, I would send her an invitation to the party.” Britney spoke up, shifted her gaze back to Lisa with a sinister smile on her face. “Damn Lisa, for once go after what you want in life. Please! Sometimes I hate how you change the situation to please others! I want you to be happy with the things you want!” Britney couldn’t take it anymore, she loved Lisa so much it was killing her not seeing the girl get what she deserves.“I’m sorry love! I just can't stand it anymore. You need to be a little more aggressive and take the things you want in life, it’s not like you're a greedy person, you're the most adorable being on this planet, and you deserve so much more than what you're settling for!” Britney had to get it out of her system… She hated that she had to keep secrets from Britney, but she hated that Britney was prying for more, when there truly wasn’t more to tell. She watched carefully as Britney eyeballed her over the rim of her cup...like please tell me more. Furthermore, she took a deep breath, god I love her but god she’s a big pain in my ass. Couldn’t she just for once let this drop? She took a long deep breath and looked over at Britney with a soft begging smile as if saying please let this drop. She bit her lip and then looked away. Furthermore, she was grateful that Britney finally decided to let it drop, because fuck she was starting to get tired of lying. She looked up when Britney asked her what was on her to-do list and in her perverted mind she almost said you, but bit her tongue. Here we go again Lisa thought with an eye roll in her mind, no this wasn’t what she wanted at all she thought the issue had been laid to rest. Oh, no here comes another lie Lisa thought to herself, even if that was the last thing she wanted to do, was lie to her best friend... damn she was getting an awful headache now. She sighed. Finally, here came the lie she had to tell. “I can’t do it, I have to tell you the truth... the truth is he has a girlfriend.” She knew how Britney felt about her falling for taken guys. She couldn’t help but laugh at Lisa yet feel a twinge if jealousy at the same time as she watched Britney admire a nice long-legged woman. Furthermore, she shook her head at the slight dig at her. “I can’t break a couple up.” She said exasperated. She sighed and took a long deep breath and smiled softly st her friend once more, “please understand.” She said softly.“I appreciate the love and the fact you want what’s best for me, but right now all I need is you and my schooling.” She said softly.

Confusion... of female lust or love_(open for one woman)|rating:3.0

Yu-Gi-Oh! Academy Future Obelisk Blue Dorms

The most posh of the dorm buildings, the Obelisk Blue residents get to enjoy more luxuries than the other students. On the first floor, there's a rather large lounge area, with large, plush sofas and a regal atmosphere. The walls and carpet are of a blue hue, the walls a lighter blue than the carpets. Adorned on one wall, however, is a stone tablet with the picture of the dorm's mascot, Obelisk the Tormentor, chiseled into it. A few butlers are always on duty to serve the students' whims, within reason. Within the lounge is a dining area, with the finest of chefs who will prepare any meal that the students desire. The seating for the dining area can host all the students within the dorm at once, and on special occasions, musical entertainment is provided for the students. Above that are three floors of rooms, each big enough to be considered the room to a luxury condo. They all have their own restroom, shower, kitchen, balcony, and bedroom. They share the same blue color scheme as the lounge, and the light fixture is adequate to light the whole room. While it is true that most students have paid their way into the dorms, most of them do have the skills to back up their right to be allowed in on merit. A few cliques do exist, and all of them certainly think themselves much better than those in the other dorms, as well as some in Obelisk Blue, itself. Quite a few of the students in these cliques have some rare cards in their possessions, as well, and certainly aren't afraid to boast that fact. Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Dorms, Entrance Hall With:Percy Drafter some time wandering around the Academy Grounds and soon enough they found the Boys Dorms for Obelisk. Stepping inside Madison took in a breath with his eyes widening in wonder... THIS was Obelisk? It looked so luxurious that words couldn't describe it. He could see why it could be so coveted because it looked like princes and royalty lived here and not top ranking duelists. It looked as though no expense was too much and no luxury was out of reach here. It looked like an absolute heaven. He smiled from ear to ear in pure delight and then looked back to see how Percy was holding up but for him Madison was completely enthralled. Percy Nowhere:Obelisk Blue Entrance Hall With:Madison Sage Words could not describe Percy's feelings as he gazed at the sight of just the entrance. He could feel the royal atmosphere just by touching the door, and it seemed to envelop his entire being as he gazed ahead at the lounge area. Massive sofas, and butlers in black suits to cater to their whims? It was better than he had thought, and he just knew there had to be a catch; there had to be more than just winning two duels. Despite his feelings, Percy walked briskly to the lounge, just to get a better look. As he gazed at the wall that held the stone tablet, though, he soon heard a heavy sigh behind him, and it didn't sound like a pleasant one. As he turned around, he saw a student that had his hand over his chin, looking like he was pondering about an unpleasant situation with his brain underneath his blonde head, with his hair cut short as it fell over the side of his head. His blue suit matched the walls, but the white buttons helped him from entirely blending in. Staring at Percy, then Madison, he let out another heavy sigh, before he spoke. Regalus Regal"How very coarse," the student spoke in his thick British accent. "It would appear that two people from the petty Slider dormitory have found their way into this prestigious establishment. How I do tire of this open campus policy; it ruins the status of the place that calls Regulus Regal home." He put a lot of emphasis on his own name, as if to imply that the two couldn't understand he was talking about himself. "Perhaps I should ask one of the servants to escort you away, as you obviously have no right to be here..." Percy just flashed the rude boy a look of irritation. "We do have a right," he said with firm assertion to his voice. "We won our duels, and so we're forming here." Regalus then let out a snobby laugh, shaking his head. "Oh, you think that gives peasants a right to stay in this dormitory? How quaint. I do suggest that you two go to that excuse of a living space this island calls Slider Red before you even attempt to stake a claim that you belong in the presence of the prestigious and wealthy." Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Dorms, Entrance Hall With:Percy Muddle heard the cough and then the talking by this snobby fella with blond hair. Unsurprising since this looked more like a dorm for the wealthy rather than the skilled, but he supposed that when you are rich you can buy all the cards you could possibly want and make the strongest deck with that. But what good are the strongest cards if you don't have the strength as a duelist to start with? Madison just stood there blinking a few times before walking over to Percy when he does start talking back at Regulus. Madison shook his head at Regulus and smiled making a gesture like he's holding tea and pretends to take a sip. He would smile at him and gives a shrug then points to the academy's dueling arena's itself trying to indicate that it's dueling skills that matter and not wealth. Of course since Madison was quite mute he couldn't very well explain this in words so it might come off as either extremely arrogant or something to ridicule. Either way Madison had heard the whole gag of being mute. Regulus Regales Madison made his gestures with sipping tea, Regulus just gave him an odd gaze, not sure what to make of the strange man with the weird eyes. "I beg your pardon, but are you attempting to say that I should be like a servant to you?" he asked in a flabbergasted tone, thinking that no one would be so brazen as to suggest such a thing. Then he pointed towards the arena, but due to its location, it looked like he was pointing towards the door, and suggested thereof all people didn't belong? "How dare you insinuate such nonsense!" he retorted, and swiftly pulled a white glove from his hand and slapped Madison across the face. "Learn your place, dog!" Percy watched this, and started to get rather angry as he saw Madison get slapped by Regulus. "You can't do that!" he yelled, then made an attempt to slap Regulus back, but as soon as he drew back his hand, a butler came in and grabbed his hand, threatening to break it if he made an attempt to do so again. Regalus then put his glove back on and huffed at Madison. "I think you need to be taught a lesson," he said, his posh tone back in his voice. "I think that a sophisticated duel will suffice now. I think that if I win--which I undoubtedly will--, you and your violent friend should be cast out and sent at least to Ra Yellow. However, if you, somehow, win, then I suppose it's only fitting that I give each of you a rare card. Of course, both of you desperately need such charities, but I doubt that either of you are deserving of such." Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Dorms With:Percy and RegalusMadison felt the slight sting of the glove along his cheek and rubbed his cheek slightly. As expected the student didn't know what his pantomiming was about and seemed to quickly challenge him to a duel on the matter wagering his and Percy's place in Ra Yellow against two rare cards. Kind of a steep price at the dorms and then looked to Percy whom's hand was gripped by a butler when he tried to defend him. Madison gave a shrug and then looked to Percy as if trying to ask if that was fine with him. Madison with okay with him risking his own position, but Percy on the other hand didn't deserve that. Madison on the other hand activated his duel disk with the voice module activate"Duel Mode On. Standby for Opponent, please insert Dueling Deck" Regulus RegalRegalus quietly let out a posh laugh as he held out an arm horizontally to his side. Quickly, the butler that held Percy's hand attached a duel disk made of solid sapphire to his arm, complete with a pre-shuffled deck. Backing away a good distance from his foe, he drew his starting hand, then an extra card. "It's more than fitting to have your superior start out first, wouldn't you agree?" he said as he sneered at Madison, getting himself ready to teach the lowlife a lesson in place and class." Well, first off, I think I'll start out by summoning my Adolphe Madeleine (" Regulus announced with dignity and confidence. As he spoke, a puzzle piece made of desserts appeared, and a small magician in a purple outfit and a broom made of candy appeared just above it. "Since she was normally summoned, assuming that you don't have a response already with a certain pesky card, she can use her magic to allow me to bring another Adolphe from my deck to my hand." Madison was silent but had a stern look in his multicolored eyes as Regal made grand assumptions and took many an opportune moment to insult him and Percy naturally. He had drawn five cards and looked at what his opponent was running. His eyes glanced over to Percy for the moment and then to the field. Already this wasn't looking too good because that Adolphe monster was hard to keep off the field. He'd have to let his card effect help him out here instead. However, he shook his head that he had nothing in his hand to stop it for the moment. Regulus Regal Seeing that there was no response, Regulus continued as Madeleine cast a spell, and he made his choice. "I'll be adding Adolphe Butlers to my hand," he announced, his sapphire duel disk doing the shuffling for him. "And with that, I'll be putting a card face down, and that will end my turn. I'll be looking forward to your crude attempt to respond." His ran his fingers through his blonde hair as he smirked at Madison, not fearing a meaningful response at all.LP: 8000Hand: 4Graveyard 0Banished 0Field: None Monsters: [Empty] [Empty] [Adolphe Madeleine (1400/1200)] [Empty] [Empty]S/T:[Empty] [Empty] [Face down] [Empty] [Empty] Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Lobby With:Regulus, and Percy Madison drew and smiled brightly, his deck just gave him something that was quite useful, and he would not let this opportunity be wasted. But first he needed to get rid of that face down card. He reveals one card from his hand to trigger the quick play spell, the Mystical Space Typhoon which can destroy one spell or trap on the field and since there's only one target this made things a lot more obvious about what would happen next! However, he waited to see if there was a response to his card. Turn: 2LP: 8000/8000Hand: 6Graveyard: 0 Removed from Game: 0Field:Monsters:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot]Magic/Traps:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] Regulus RegalRegalus braced himself as the gust of wind wiped out his face down, which was Adolphe Lesson (However, he had set it more as a lure for just that situation, as it was rarely used, anyway. "Well, I certainly hope that's not all you can manage to do. I'd hate to be proven right yet again," he sneered, setting his hair back into place from the wind. Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Lobby With:Regulus, and Percy Madison's duel disk held the response to Regulus' taunts and was revealing three cards to him." Special Summoning requirements fulfilled, effect of High Priestess of Prophecy activated."Indeed, the Spell book of Secrets, the Spell book of Alma and the Spell book Tower of Prophecy were in the hand he was revealing and that meant Madison had managed to summon a very powerful monster in his first turn. The field sprang to life as one of his most powerful beasts hits the field. High Priestess of Prophecy (one of his strongest monsters rose up ready to defend her masters' life points. There was nothing he had in his deck that could stop it either because Adolphe doesn't have such a luxury typically that can be played from the hand. Moving on with his turn Madison would then play the Spell book Tower of Prophecy allowing him to get the field bonuses available and then throws down another Spell book card the Spell book of Secrets (which allowed him to fish out yet another Spell book card which was the Spell book of Power (Next came the Spell book of Power he just drew and adds that attack strength to the High Priestess of Prophecy. Now it was time for a battle. The High Priests attacks with 3500 ATK points and if she destroyed the Adolphe monster sure it would go back to the deck but Madison gets yet another Spell book, the Spell book of Wisdom to be exact. Now during his second main phase he searched for one Spell book card and puts it in his hand then sets the card face down." Turn End." The computer says. Turn: 2LP: 8000/8000Hand: 5Graveyard: 018) Mystical Space Typhoon15) Spell book of Secrets9) Spell book of Power Removed from Game: 0Field: 1) Spell book Tower of Prophecy Monsters:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [29) High Priests of Prophecy (ATK: 2500)] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot]Magic/Traps:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Face Down] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] Regulus RegalRegalus scoffed at the display before him; it was just luck, nothing more, nothing less. Still, he knew that it would be difficult to remove that wretched monster from the field, and as his Madeleine retreated to his deck and he took a hefty 2100 points of damage, his thoughts were reinforced. He also knew about that card's effect to destroy anything once per turn at the cost of banishing a Spell book, which, due to the deck's way of running, would certainly be a guarantee. He scoffed again at the sound of Percy cheering on Madison, and just drew his card with his nose held high. What he drew wouldn't have served him well, however, so long that cursed High Priestess was on the field. Instead, he would have to make a different move; he knew it wouldn't serve him a purpose, but it could save him at least a little damage." I'll now summon my Adolphe Battle (" he said, sounding rather calm for having just taken a mighty blow. "I'll also be activating its effect; I'll change both it and your High Priestess to Defense Position, and neither of their positions can be changed until the end of your next turn." At his command, the strange dessert creature withdrew itself into its cream puff body, and as it did, a tray of desserts was placed in front of the High Priestess, and she started eating all of them rather hastily, as they all looked so delicious. "And with that, my turn ends."LP: 5900Hand: 4Graveyard 1Madolche Lesson Banished 0Field: None Monsters: [Empty] [Empty] [Adolphe Battle (0/1800)] [Empty] [Empty]S/T:[Empty] [Empty] [Empty] [Empty] [Empty] Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Lobby With:Regulus, and Percy Madison shook his head for a moment as he then draws his next card and then triggers the Spell book Tower of Prophecy's effect. He sends back the Spell book of Secrets to draw yet another card from his deck. He looked at the monster in question. If he didn't destroy it, the effect would just happen again. As such there was no choice, he'd have to get rid of it. He banished the Spell book of Power to trigger the High Priestess' effect and destroy that pastry dispensing monster. Then he plays his next trump card to snatch the book back into his hands. The card in question was the Spell book of Alma (and it allowed him to get from the banished zone the Spell book of Power. He looked at the monster card he pulled and nods. He summons the Spell book Magician of Prophecy (in attack mode triggering his fetching ability. Furthermore, he pulls out another Spell book of Secrets, ironically the one he sent to the bottom of the deck and then uses that to pull out yet another Spell book. Furthermore, he attacks for whatever small amount of damage it could manage to deal out and that would be the end of the battle. This time a new one called the Spell book of Life (And then looks at his hand. It seemed ideal but to be safe he sets a card face down. He gestures that his turn is over now since he cannot attack or change the battle position of the High Priestess. Turn: 2LP: 8000/8000Hand: 3Graveyard: 018) Mystical Space Typhoon4) Spell book of Alma15) Spell book of Secrets Removed from Game: 0Field: 1) Spell book Tower of Prophecy Monsters:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [29) High Priestess (DEF: 2100)] [Spell book Magician (ATK: 500)] [Empty Slot]Magic/Traps:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Face Down] [Face Down] [Empty Slot] Regulus Regal All that was just the mere bite of a flea, thanks to Regulus's Battle. After he took his 500 points of damage, he drew, and he smirked; he knew that the one card that was chosen by the peasant before he would make his move utterly meaningless, but at least it would force him to waste resources; he wouldn't be taken out of the game just yet." I'll now bring out my Adolphe Mewlfeuille (" he said, still rather calm and classy with his tone, despite his losses so far. "As such, since it's a normal summon, I can bring out the royalty that's only befitting to Regulus Regal, Adolphe Puddings (from my hand." As the two puzzle pieces hit the field and the monsters came out of them, the mood seemed to shift to Regulus's favor, if only for a moment, and even Percy hushed in his cheering as he felt the momentum change." Now, since the Adolphe have a tendency to avoid the grave, I have no monsters in there, so the lady Puddings gains an extra 800 ATK and DEF, and she's going to teach your Spell book Magician a lesson in royalty." As he instructed, the Puddings charged at the Spell book Magician and gave him a boot to the face with a high heel, then she started to point at the defending High Priestess. "Now, since she battled your monster, she can destroy a card you control," Regulus informed Madison. "That will be your High Priestess." Making his decision, a few butlers went to the High Priestess and grabbed her and took her away, straight to the Graveyard." I'll send in Mewlfeuille for a direct attack now, and that will end my turn." Regulus ran his fingers through his blonde hair again as he sneered at Madison, putting on airs, knowing that his brilliant move would be undone, but at least he showed that he was not to be outdone or ignored.LP: 5400Hand: 3Graveyard 1Madolche Lesson Banished 0Field: None Monsters: [Empty] [Adolphe Puddings (1800/1800)] [Adolphe Mewlfeuille (500/300)] [Empty] [Empty]S/T:[Empty] [Empty] [Empty] [Empty] [Empty] Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Lobby With:Regulus, and Percy Madison shook his head for a moment as he then draws his next card and then triggers the Spell book Tower of Prophecy's effect. He sends back the Spell book of Alma into his deck to draw yet another card from his deck. He draws it, and surprisingly it was another card that could really turn things around back to his favor. The fact that Regulus had not wiped his smile off of Madison's face was telling as he exhaled slowly and then became serious anew. Nothing in his deck was wasted nor misused and he'd show that right now. Giving a brief smile to Percy to let him know he had this one still on the ropes even without a perfect run. The look he gave Regulus said "Known beat you!" without any words spoken. He banished the Spell book of Secrets and equips the Spell book of Life to the High Priestess of Prophecy. He revealed that he had a Spell book of Power in his hand again which meets the requirements for using his played card. Then he uses another Spell book of Alma to get the Spell book of Secrets back into his hand which he promptly uses to get the other Spell book of Alma back into his hand. With that done he then promptly banishes the Spell book of Secrets to empower the High Priestess so that she could use her effect to destroy Puddings. He had checked the card with his help menus on the duel disk and saw that her second effect cannot happen unless in battle. Destroying it now would leave only that Mew out there for an easy target. Next thing that happens is he plays the Night End's Sorcerer on the field then uses the Spell book of Power in hand to raise his attack to 2300, making him more than capable of frying that other Adolphe monster on the field. The stage was set, and now it was time for battle. The Night End's Sorcerer attacks first and if this goes through then that cream puff was fried leaving Regulus wide open for a direct attack... also the Spell book of Power's effect means he can fish out yet another Spell book which was his second field spell card the Spell book Tower of Prophecy. It was a backup plan just in case something went wrong. The battle continued and the High Priestess launches her direct attack. The battle damage was a total of 4300 if both attacks hit home and destroy him. Regardless he figured that he'd get the field clean and his magic card's effect if nothing else. Either way Regulus was on the ropes and finally Madison's turn ends. Turn: 6LP: 7500/8000Hand: 4Graveyard: 018) Mystical Space Typhoon3) Spell book of Alma9) Spell book of Power15) Spell book of Secrets24) Spell book Magician of Prophecy Removed from Game: 0Field: 1) Spell book Tower of Prophecy Monsters:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [29) High Priestess (ATK: 2500)] [39) Night's End Sorcerer (ATK: 1300)] [Empty Slot]Magic/Traps:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Face Down] [Face Down] [Empty Slot] Regulus RegalRegalus knew that his field would be wiped out, and he would take another massive hit, based on Madison's previous turn. Despite that, however, he outwardly remained calm, though on the inside, he was brooding; plotting for something. There was no way he would let himself be taken out this easily; he would show that it was a mere fluke, and that this peasant certainly couldn't hold up to his superiors. Taking his draw, Regulus saw that he wouldn't be able to make it to victory that duel, but he knew that he would have to attempt it; show that he had the means to trump this scum. "I'll now activate my own field spell, Adolphe Château (" he announced, and as the tower crumbled, a château made of various desserts replaced it. "Now, all Adolphe monsters will gain 500 ATK and DEF, and instead of being sent to the deck when destroyed, they're sent right back to my hand, instead. Now, once again, I'll be summoning a Adolphe Madeleine, and thanks to her effect, I'll add Adolphe Cookeville to my hand, and then I'll have Madeleine attack your Night-End Sorcerer, and that will end things." Despite being in a losing situation, Regulus still had his wits about him, and he seemed calm; he certainly had something planned.LP: 1100Hand: 4Graveyard 1Madolche Lesson Banished 0Field: Adolphe ChateuMonsters: [Empty] [Empty] [Adolphe Madeleine (1900/1700)] [Empty] [Empty]S/T:[Empty] [Empty] [Empty] [Empty] [Empty] Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Lobby With:Regulus, and Percy Madison takes the attack and continues on with the turn waiting for Regulus was done. He had not played any face down cards so he had to wonder what he was planning. Either way he was going to have to bring it to a dead halt and quickly. He drew his next card. Ironically enough all the cards he was drawing were the same. Seems like his deck was giving him signs to play these cards exclusively. Hopefully it would be enough because he was about to win the entire duel, secure his and Percy's position in Obelisk and prove why they belonged there and perhaps if this guy was true to his word as a duelist get two rare cards. He saw what Regulus was trying to do, however. He made him miss the opportunity to recycle his cards in the graveyard with that move and try and waste cards to wipe the field again. Furthermore, he looked at the help screen for what his field card did and knew he had to dispose of it quickly lest he get another monster out there. Furthermore, he played another field spell to destroy Regulus' Adolphe Château which means his monster's attack drops and so does his enhanced effects. Furthermore, he then would activate his High Priestess' effect to destroy the monster banishing the Spell book of Power. This clears the field for him, and he then finally looks at the field. Just to be safe however he plays the other Spell book of Alma in hand and then gets his Spell book of power back. Looking at the field he would initiate battle and then tries to wipe out his life points with a direct attack. Turn: 8LP: 6900/8000Hand: 3Graveyard: 018) Mystical Space Typhoon3) Spell book of Alma4) Spell book of Alma15) Spell book of Secrets39) Night's End Sorcerer1) Spell book Tower of Prophecy Removed from Game: 024) Spell book Magician of Prophecy Field: 2) Spell book Tower of Prophecy Monsters:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [29) High Priestess (ATK: 2500)] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot]Magic/Traps:[Empty Slot] [6) Spell book of Life] [Face Down] [Face Down] [Empty Slot] Regulus Regal Knowing that he was done for, Regulus just braced himself for the direct attack. He had to admit, it was much better than he had thought the peasant would do, but there was something he had a feeling that he wasn't prepared for, and he planned to run him over with it. As the holograms faded, instead of looking defeated, he just smirked and held out his hand. A butler then gave him a stack of fifteen cards, and he removed his deck and started shuffling through it, removing cards and adding new ones. Percy was about to go congratulate Madison before he saw Regulus's actions, and he swore that he meant just one duel; not a match!" I trust that even an uneducated buffoon such as yourself knows about match rules," Regulus said in a demeaning tone, meant to suggest that he didn't believe Madison truly did. "I would suppose not, as you don't even seem to have a side deck. Pity; you'd need it. I happen to have several cards in mine that can shut down your deck. That is, unless you want to forfeit and not duel again, which would probably suit one such as you." Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Lobby With:Regulus, and Percy Match Rules? Madison would shrug his shoulders and then presses a button playing a recording from his duel disk which played his voice once again." I think that a sophisticated duel will suffice now. I think that if I win--which I undoubtedly will--, you and your violent friend should be cast out and sent at least to Ra Yellow. However, if you, somehow, win, then I suppose it's only fitting that I give each of you a rare card. Of course, both of you desperately need such charities, but I doubt that either of you are deserving of such." Madison made one finger up and smiled indicating that his exact words were "duel" and not "match" as such Madison won the bet. Madison then holds up two fingers then balls them into a fist indicating he'll only accept if he ups the ante to win back the cards Madison just won. Regulus RegalRegalus didn't care what he had said before; what irked him more is that the peasant felt it was necessary to record his every word. It was creepy, though of course it would serve him better in his petty life. As he watched the strange gestures of Madison, though, he couldn't tell what he was doing; perhaps he didn't even have the mental capabilities of speech and intelligent communication, or he was looking for a fight with fists." Hold your violent thoughts," he said as he ran a finger through his hair, then motioned for his butler to be at the ready to defend him. "In any case, since I lost due to being ill-prepared for your particular deck, I'll be starting things off again." Drawing his first five cards, he then drew his sixth, and he formulated his plan." Well, she seems to want to be used, so I'll be starting off this duel the same way I did the previous one," he said as he laid down his card. "Adolphe Madeleine, and she will be using her magic to add another Adolphe to my hand, if you have no response this time around, either." As before, a puzzle piece made of desserts appeared, and the purple-robed magician riding her candy broomstick appeared, and started to cast a spell, then Regulus added a Adolphe Cookeville to his hand." And with that, I'll put down a Adolphe Ticket (which will let me bring a Adolphe monster to my hand whenever one of them is sent to the deck once per turn. I'll also put down three more cards, and that will be the end of my turn."LP: 8000Hand: 2Graveyard 0Banished 0 Monsters:[Empty] [Empty] [Adolphe Madeleine (1400/1200)] [Empty] [Empty]S/T:[Empty] [Face down] [Adolphe Ticket] [Face down] [Face down] Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Lobby With:Regulus, and Percy Madison shook his head and sighed. So he wanted to play it like that. Madison takes a knee and pulls his side deck out and then shifts a few cards about. He would place the deck in let the auto shuffle commence, and then he drew five cards and then a sixth when his turn began. Looks like this guy was going for broke and as such it was up to Madison to keep fighting and try and secure their place in Obelisk yet again and shut Regulus down for trying to cheat his way out of the duel victory Madison had secured again that familiar Adolphe was there. He had several monsters which had been sided into his deck and familiar magic cards. His eyes glance down at the cards he had and then the field. He might as well make that his opening maneuver! He plays in attack mode Strength of Prophecy! The powerful spell casting seer of war and power came only the field ready for battle. Well that was a new card at least. Madison smiled a touch and looked at the field for the moment. If there was a card that was out waiting to destroy his monster or force it so that he could attack he was ready for this as well. But for now he had a plan of attack and what he was going to do was power her up, with the Spell book of Power. Next came the special ability of Strength. By shuffling from his graveyard the Spell book of Power into the deck he can raise a monster's level by 1 and attack points by 500. That gave a grand total of 3000 ATK points. Now was the time for battle. He couldn't do anything about Adolphe Ticket, but this was going to be a painful beat down anyway for the poor pastry loving gal. Because he was able to destroy the monster he can now fish out another Spell book card. The card in question was the Spell book of Secrets which he played immediately so that he could fish out yet another Spell book card which was his favorite field spell the Spell book Tower of Prophecy, and then he plays it. He wanted to establish his field presence quick and be as hard hitting as possible so that he could make sure that Regulus was going to be hurting for monsters constantly. His turn was over on that note with four cards in hand and a lot more moves to make. Turn: 2LP: 8000/8000Hand: 4Graveyard: 013) Spell book of Secrets Removed from Game: 0Field: 1) Spell book Tower of Prophecy Monsters:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [25) Strength of Prophecy (ATK: 2000)] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot]Magic/Traps:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] Regulus Regal Another impressive move by the peasant, but it mattered little, as he played right into his hand, though it would be a bit of a hassle to rid the field of such a monster. "Since Madeleine is shuffled into the deck, I now have a ticket to add Adolphe Puddings to my hand," he said with dignity, not minding the LP loss he had to take to do so; he was certain that it wouldn't matter in the long run, to be certain. "Now, is that all you have to do for yourself?" Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Lobby With:Regulus, and Percy Because he was able to destroy the monster he can now fish out another Spell book card. The card in question was the Spell book of Secrets which he played immediately so that he could fish out yet another Spell book card which was his favorite field spell the Spell book Tower of Prophecy, and then he plays it. He wanted to establish his field presence quick and be as hard hitting as possible so that he could make sure that Regulus was going to be hurting for monsters constantly. To play things safe he places on card face down on the field. His turn was over on that note with four cards in hand and a lot more moves to make. That Puddings may be his best card, but Madison's own best cards had yet to make an appearance. Turn: 2LP: 8000/8000Hand: 3Graveyard: 013) Spell book of Secrets Removed from Game: 0Field: 1) Spell book Tower of Prophecy Monsters:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [25) Strength of Prophecy (ATK: 2000)] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot]Magic/Traps:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Set Card] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] Regulus Regal Before Madison's turn truly ended, Regulus held up a hand and then flipped over one of his face down cards. "I'll be taking out your face down card with my Mystical Space Typhoon," he announced, and a huge gust of wind blew, and a bolt of lightning struck it as he then drew his next card. Looking at it, Regulus knew that his time was nigh, and though it would probably last only an instant, it would still be worth it." First, I'll lay down my field of Adolphe Château," he said with confidence and dignity, and as in the previous bout, the Tower crumbled to be replaced by a château of desserts. "In case you have already forgotten, all my Adolphe monsters now gain an extra 500 ATK and DEF. Now, I'll be summoning my Adolphe Cookeville, and thanks to its effect, it will call out Adolphe Puddings, who also gains an extra 800 ATK and DEF since there are no monsters in my grave, giving her 2300 ATK and DEF. Now, she'll be attacking your Strength, but luckily for you, there are no more cards for her to destroy. Then, Cookeville will attack you directly for an additional 1000 points. That will end my turn."LP: 6400Hand: 1Graveyard 1Mystical Space Typhoon Banished 0 Monsters:[Empty] [Adolphe Puddings (2300/2300)] [Adolphe Cookeville (1000/800)] [Empty] [Empty]S/T:[Empty] [Face down] [Adolphe Ticket] [Face down] [Empty] Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Lobby With:Regulus, and Percy Madison took the blows and the cards that were destroyed. Looking over his hand he knew he didn't have anything that could destroy the Puddings without collateral damage. He had gotten one of his trumps into his hand however which he secretly knew but for the moment he could just go into a foot race with the monsters in question... He'd have to give an ultimatum in order to force Regulus to make a sadistic choice between something dangerous or something imminent. Furthermore, he plays his second Strength of Prophecy and sends the first Spell book of Secrets from last turn into his deck to increase her power and level. Looking over his hand he only had two other cards in hand. He needed to play correctly so that he'd get the most life points out of this. And put Puddings into a more defensive mindset. He then plays his second Spell book of Secrets from his hand so he could pull the Spell book of Power into his hand once again. He plays it and then powers his monster up to 3000 once more. Furthermore, he narrowed his eyes and engages battle with the Mewling since that is one of the target with the lowest life points and two without the deadly effect. Sure he'd come right back, but he'd get the familiar field spell back into his hand as a result. He plays it and that brings back the tower and demolishes the Adolphe Field Spell Card. So now Madison was leading by 2000 more life points and Muddiness was by herself with nothing out there to aid her in battle. Turn: 4LP: 6700/8000Hand: 1Graveyard: 013) Spell book of Secrets12)Spell book of Wisdom25)Strength of Prophecy1) Spell book Tower of Prophecy8) Spell book of Power Removed from Game: 0Field: 2) Spell book Tower of Prophecy Monsters:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [26) Strength of Prophecy (ATK: 2000)] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot]Magic/Traps:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Set Card] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] Regulus Regal There was no doubt that was another heavy hit, but there was a secret that he was sure that the brash fool in front of him didn't know, and he was about to let him have a rude awakening. "Well, since Cookeville is going to be shuffled into the deck, I get to grab a Adolphe Ticket again, but there's a surprise," Regulus said with a snobby grin. "See, Puddings is a fairy-type Adolphe, and as such, she can give me a special Ticket that lets me special summon the Adolphe monster, instead of just adding it to my hand. So, before my turn officially ends, I'll bring out Adolphe Battle in Attack Position." As he said it would happen, when the Ticket was formed, Puddings snapped her fingers, and it turned from silver to gold, and from it came out the little sheep made of cream puff. Taking his official draw, Regulus looked at his field, and then at the card he drew; certainly no use for it now, especially as he started to scheme, and he knew that he could cause some serious damage, and quickly, too. "First, I'll normally summon my second Adolphe Madeleine," he said with a tone of assured victory. "With her effect, I'll be adding Adolphe Messengelato (to my hand. Then, I'll flip up one of my face downs; Adolphe Happy Fest (This allows me to special summon any Adolphe monsters from my hand, and that happens to be the Messengelato I just added. Since she was special summoned, and there's a beast-type Adolphe on the field, I can add a Adolphe spell or trap from my deck to my hand; I'll be choosing another Adolphe Château, which I play without delay." In a swift move, the Messengelato reached into the Battle's cream puff fur, and pulled out a letter, and handed it to Regulus, and then he played the Château, and once again, the Tower crumbled and was replaced by the dessert-designed building, and all his Adolphe monsters gained their 500 ATK and DEF bonus." Positively elegant," Regulus said as he ran his fingers through the bangs of his blonde hair. "Now, Adolphe Puddings will teach your Strength of Prophecy a lesson, then the rest of my Adolphe will attack you directly." Regulus smiled as all of what he said would happen took place in front of him. With a giant fan made of stiff, turtle chocolate, Puddings hit Strength right in the forehead with her 2300 ATK, then with the extra power from the Château, the other Adolphe monsters hit Madison directly for 4500, making the entire move a total loss of 4800 LP." And that's not the end of it," Regulus announced, smirking deviously. "During my end phase, I have to shuffle Messengelato back into the deck, due to Happy Fest. However, this triggers my Ticket, and because of Puddings, I choose to bring out Adolphe Chevalier (in Attack Position. Now that's finally the end of it." Regulus was sure that put the peasant back in his place.LP: 4400Hand: 1Graveyard 3Mystical Space TyphoonMadolche ChateauMadolche Happy Established 0Field: Adolphe Chateau Monsters:[Adolphe Chevalier (2200/1800)] [Adolphe Puddings (2300/2300)] [Adolphe Battle (500/2300)] [Adolphe Madeleine (1900/1700)] [Empty]S/T:[Empty] [Face down] [Adolphe Ticket] [Empty] [Empty] Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Lobby With:Regulus, and Percy Madison drew and wound up with a dead draw right when he needed it most. He gave an exhalation and passed on his turn since there was nothing to do. He wasn't going to surrender however, that was just insulting. Besides, there was one more duel left since Regulus forced this into a match instead of an actual duel and if he tried to back out he'd forfeit the last duel and Madison would win by default. So it would be each of them with one duel under their belt and one last duel to decide who wins it all. Turn: 6LP: 1900/8000Hand: 1Graveyard: 013) Spell book of Secrets12)Spell book of Wisdom25)Strength of Prophecy1) Spell book Tower of Prophecy8) Spell book of Power26) Strength of Prophecy2) Spell book Tower of Prophecy Removed from Game: 0Field: None Monsters:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot]Magic/Traps:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] Regulus RegalRegalus just drew his card, and didn't even look at it before he let out a posh laugh and ran his whole hand along the length of his hair, front to back. "Well, now this is just exemplary," he said as he sent in his Madeleine to finish the job; might as well be civil and end it on an exact amount. As Madison's LP ticked away to zero, Regulus then just put all his cards back into the deck, and let it shuffle itself." If you wish to have the final duel of the match, since you lost, you can certainly go first," Regulus said with arrogance in his voice. "Or you could just accept your fate as a Ra Yellow; it's a bit too good for one such as yourself and your mangy friend over there, but some deserves partial luxuries." Percy was biting at his thumb as he watched the event; he was being rather silent, just taking in what was going on; things certainly didn't look good after that display. He knew that Madison could make something happen, though. "Come on..." he said quietly to himself. "Do it like the first duel..." Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Lobby With:Regulus, and Percy Madison sides four cards into his deck removing the Spell books of Wisdom to do so since in this duel they were dead weight. So far all the traps and magic card were designed to buff Regulus' cards. If he failed now he was going to get kicked out of Obelisk within the first day alongside Percy who legitimately belonged here. Madison was going to play as hard as he could now just to make a point that he can fight back and even win again even with all this working against him. He drew six cards and looked at them. The hand was decent for a start and should it pan out like it did the first duel he might win. First he plays one card face down and then play the Charioteer of Prophecy (in attack mode then playing the Spell book of Secrets to fetch his Spell book Tower which he then promptly plays, which will end his turn. All he could do now is wait for his opponent to draw his card and make a move. Turn: 1LP: 8000/8000Hand: 3Graveyard: 012) Spell book of Seats Removed from Game: 0Field: 1) Spell book Tower of Prophecy Monsters:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Charioteer of Prophecy (ATK: 1800)] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot]Magic/Traps:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Set Card] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] Regulus RegalRegalus looked at the cards he drew, then his opponent make his move. The face down card was possibly the same song as before, so he wasn't too concerned. As his turn came, he drew, and he plotted; there were a couple of good moves to make, but why not toy with the peasant for a while? "I'll summon my Adolphe Battle," he said, and once again making an appearance was the sheep made of cream puff. "Now, I'll use its effect to place both it and your Charioteer into Defense Position, then I'll put down my Adolphe Ticket, and a face down card of my own, and that will finish my turn." The way Regulus spoke, it made it sound like he possibly had a better move to make, but he didn't choose to do so.LP: 8000Hand: 3Graveyard 0Banished 0Field: None Monsters:[Empty] [Empty] [Adolphe Battle (500/1800)] [Empty] [Empty]S/T:[Empty] [Face down] [Adolphe Ticket] [Empty] [Empty][/quote] Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Lobby With:Regulus, and Percy Madison drew two cards one for the Standby and one normally with some help from the Spell book of Secrets at the bottom of the deck now. He had another monster and another Spell book but nothing else that he could truly use it on. First what he does is Summon another monster to the field in attack mode which was Magical Exemplar (would allow him to play his face down card the Spell book of Power. Madison had played a bluff but also recalled that the Spell book of Wisdom for now did nothing for him in this duel. No way to use it so it might as well remain in his hand and help him. This empowers his Exemplar to 2700 ATK. Yes the Malone would go back into the hand instead of the deck, but he had no other option. It felt like the same result was imminent with how things were currently going despite field supremacy. However, the truth was he did have another move to make. The destruction of the monster allowed him to use the second effect of his Spell book to bring out the Spell book of Secrets and allows him to search for... A Spell book of Secrets? Wait what in the world was he doing? That's a redundant move ain't it? Regardless he ends his turn. Turn: 3LP: 8000/8000Hand: 4Graveyard: 09) Spell book of Power12) Spell book of Secrets Removed from Game: 0Field: 1) Spell book Tower of Prophecy Monsters:[Empty Slot] [Magical Exemplar (ATK:1700)[x4]] [Charioteer of Prophecy (DEF: 1100)] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot]Magic/Traps:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] Regulus Regales his Battle was destroyed, Regulus just smiled and took the silver Ticket that was produced from Battle being shuffled into the deck. "With this Ticket, I think I'll add a Adolphe Cookeville to my hand before I officially take my turn," he said with a snobby laugh at his last word, then he drew his card. Looking at it, he thought that it might have a use, but why not just toy with his opponent more? Well, toy with him, and make him waste some resources, of course." I'll be summoning my Cookeville now, and with its effect, I'll be special summoning Messengelato," Regulus announced, and Percy started to fidget around in anxiety; it wasn't looking very good. "I'll be adding Adolphe Château to my hand once again, and of course I'll be playing it. I do love the sight of that Tower of yours crumbling into nothing for something much more exquisite." His Adolphe monsters gained their ATK and DEF bonus once again, though Regulus knew that he would only be able to rid the field of one of the peasant's monsters; though it would be fun to make him think he had a chance, it would be hasty to get a little too arrogant...but what was the danger?" I think I'll be sending Messengelato to destroy your Charioteer," he announced, and Messengelato handed the defending Charioteer a letter, and in a comedic fashion, as he opened it, a bomb made of truffles popped out and exploded, taking him out with it. "With that, I will be ending things."LP: 8000Hand: 3Graveyard 0Banished 0Field: Adolphe Chateau Monsters:[Empty] [Adolphe Messengelato (2100/1500)] [Adolphe Cookeville (1000/800)] [Empty] [Empty]S/T:[Empty] [Face down] [Adolphe Ticket] [Empty] [Empty] Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Lobby With:Regulus, and Percy He draws his next card and looks at it for a second then the field. He might be able to do something with that to get rid of that annoying eyesore of a spell card. He would think for a moment and figures that he waits too long he's going to get swarmed with zero monsters on the field. Furthermore, he needs to establish field advantage here and now. Make him put on the defensive so he can take him down by using his own tactics on him. If he had another monster it could do the trick but... No! Percy was looking right at him with worry, and he wasn't going to just give in no matter what happens. He'll fight and continue on. Either Regulus was going to make a mistake or let that pride cost him the match. To be safe however he plays the effect of his exemplar, an effect that when activated allows Madison to Special Summon from his hand or Graveyard by removing counters equal to the monsters level. He chooses his Charioteer of Prophecy in his graveyard reviving him in attack mode. Then he narrows his eyes and then plays another card the Mystical Space Typhoon, and he targets the Adolphe Ticket in order to get rid of it so he can no longer get monsters into his hand. However, he notices the Adolphe Mansion's effect, that too would send every Adolphe monster back to his hand. He cannot risk that happening. No choice he'd have to play the second field card in his hand. Again the tower rises to destroy the mansion however this time there were no cards that could bring back the Adolphe's and as such he has what he needs to seize an immediate field advantage. Four more counters on his Exemplar to be exact. Next thing he does is twofold. First he plays his Spell book of Secrets and grabs his Spell book of Power using it on his own Exemplar powering her up enough to get to 2700 ATK. Engaging in Battle, Madison attacks the Chevalier with the Exemplar since he cannot attack another card. And it goes into the deck instead of the hand since there's no other cards to send him to the field or into the hand again. Next thing he does is destroy the Melville which goes right back into the deck. That puts him with at the very least one monster on the field that could possibly attack and destroy one of his monsters or stall it. All he had to do now was fish out his final Spell book of Secrets and that was it. It was up in fate's hands now, and he had to trust his deck could keep going for just a bit more. He ends his turn having taken a slight lead, but this duel was far from over. Turn: 5LP: 8000/8000Hand: 3Graveyard: 08) Spell book of Power9) Spell book of Power12) Spell book of Secrets13) Spell book of Secrets1) Spell book Tower of Prophecy18) Mystical Space Typhoon Removed from Game: 0Field: 2) Spell book Tower of Prophecy Monsters:[Empty Slot] [Magical Exemplar (ATK:1700)[x8] [Charioteer of Prophecy (ATK: 1800)] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot]Magic/Traps:[Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] Madison Sage Where:Obelisk Blue Lobby With:Regulus, and Percy He would have waited for Regulus to make another move but then the bells rings for the Obelisk Blue Dorms. It was a warning bell signaling that the Welcoming Feast would be imminent and that all students should dress up in their blazers, put their best foot forward and in general prepare for the meal to come. So the duel would have to be a no contest since time was effectively up. The facility were going along to shoo any who were not yet situated or lost on so they could be punctual for the Feast. So however one could look at it either way someone dodged a bullet. Madison looked dejected figuring that he was doing much, much better in the Third Match. The Butler for Regulus ushers him on since it wouldn't do for him to be late. Madison watched them leave with the draw having to be accepted, and he gave a shrug of his shoulders revealing his hand to Percy. In it was the following cards, Magical Exemplar, Spell book of Secrets and Dark Hole. He drew the next card and just showed it to Percy, revealing it as Effect Paler. He just smiled and felt good about that. Least they were still in Obelisk and he got some good experience. Putting his cards back in the deck holder he would then gesture that they should get going and find their dorms. Heading onwards Madison figured he'd have some things to do before something else occurred to try and forcibly eject them from the dorm they got into rightly.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Academy Future Obelisk Blue Dorms|rating:3.0

[FATE - CoDS] Character Sheet Thread

As suggested by the title, this is the place for Character Sheets of recognized characters. Please keep this thread free of chatter, though! Name: EriantheRace: Cloud Walker Height: 8’4”Weight: 363lbsMeasures: 40” 30” 42” DD Skin: Azure Hair: Silver Eyes: StarscapeHigh Concept: Cloud Walker Knight Errant Trouble: Lost girl. Phase One: Paladin of Thunder Phase Two: Daredevil for a cause. Phase Three: To listen one must first be silent. Great (+4)--Physique Good (+3)--Athletics--Fighting Fair (+2)--Notice--Storm Calling--Will Average (+1)--Empathy--Lore--Rapport--Resources Refresh: 1Stunt:--Equipment: Platinum Armored Corset and Greaves: When not suffering from an untreated moderate or severe consequence, may use Physique to defend against any physical attacks.--Height Advantage: +2 on Fighting rolls to Create an Advantage based on superior reach or height. StressPhysical: [1] [2] [3] [4]Mental: [1] [2] [3]History:High Concept:Perianth was born to a clan of spiritual nomads standing in a range of eight to nine feet tall with slender builds proportionate to elves. Though not much lighter than they look, water vapor will hold them up just as well as solid earth, and when they fall, they tend to drift unhurt to the next cloud, or the ground. They also have a natural knack for the Storm of Thunder. Trouble:When Perianth was still a little girl, her clan was assailed by forces she does not remember. Her mother cast her over the edge of a high cloud rather than allow her to be slain or captured. She was taken in by the church of a wise and honorable goddess of war and storms—Agatha. Raised among people half her size, Perianth spent much of her youth in study, training, and prayer, preferring listening to talking. First Adventure:Upon completing the training for her order, she undertook a loan journey into dangerous mountains to retrieve meteoric ore of the holy metal Platinum. She faced a variety of challenges, pushing her athletic nuisance, combat skills, and faith to the limit. She found a fallen star of the holy metal in the horde of a wyvern. Forced to battle with this toxic creature, she drove her spear into it’s back but missed its heart. Deprived of her weapon, Perianth called out to Agatha for aid. The goddess opened her heart to the Storm, and she hammered a bolt of lighting into the monster through the spear, cooking its heart. Being over eight feet tall, Perianth found there was only sufficient platinum in a fallen star to forge a halberd, armored corset, and Greaves. Plan "Shade paw" HamsusSpoiler: Click to Show/Hide(normal clothes when not on the job, typically loose layers in dark greens and blues for tops, tan or white trousers for pants, and fur-lined mid-calf high leather boots; it's good for the cold climate of Valley Forge and the nearby mountains. On the job, he wears a very dark navy blue bodysuit, paired with similarly colored cloth shoes with padded soles. This outfit doesn't offer much against the cold, but keeps him from leaving much evidence or making too much noise, and is designed around doing a job quickly and efficiently, then changing as soon as possible. Fate and Refresh Fate: 2Refresh: 2AspectsHigh Concept: "Treasure Hunter" - He's a thief, he just doesn't like being called that. He used to operate in Valley Forge, a large city near the mountains north of the capital, and will steal most anything for the right price. Trouble: Witch Hunt - Stealing has a way of making you enemies with a lot of people... But particularly Lady Devon of Valley Forge, who despises him personally for stealing her jewels several years ago. Despite having skipped town a short while ago, Plan assumes she's still out for his head; the lack of recent attacks from her camp has him nervous and on edge. Phase One: Rivals Suck - Plan was hired to STE-- Er, hunt down a bauble of significant value by a regular client. Unbeknownst to him, the client had hired another thief, Ix stab, to hunt the same trinket. He arrived moments too late, finding it in Ix stab's hands, blindsided by the contest. A brief tussle ensued, during which the treasure was broken and rendered worthless. The noise alerted the owners, and the guards arrived soon after. Despite making a clean getaway, he holds a grudge against Ix stab for costing him not only the reward, but his own trust in the client. Phase Two: A Lady in Need - After fleeing Lady Devon's hunters and abandoning Valley Forge, he was forced to ply his trade in the capital. It's been harder, being surrounded by elite guards and snooty nobles, but he's scraped by. Shortly after his arrival, he was contracted by a woman named Religion to steal several Second Fleet Expansion contracts. He thought it odd, for the woman seemed far too bookish to be going on the adventure to begin with, let alone have to go through underground channels, and odder still that she had come to him specifically. He smelled a rat, but a job was a job, and his wallet was running low. A quick midnight romp into the records room and an hour of sneaking around later, he'd recovered 4 blank contracts and slipped out unscathed. He returned to their rendezvous point, the Hot Toddy pub, and turned over the contracts. Religion paid him, talked his ear off about the expedition for several hours, and he pushed the matter from his mind. Job done, food's on the table for a while. Phase Three: Royally Untrusting - Three days after delivering the documents, he was contacted once again by Religion, and given an envelope. Inside was one of the contracts he'd taken, except now it bore his signature. Forged, obviously, but so close even he might have been fooled if it hadn't been his own name. Accompanying the contract was a note, written on royal family parchment, that basically told him to get on the boat or rot in a cell for the rest of his life. On the day the Fleet was to depart, after being allowed onto the ship, he overheard a very... interesting conversation between a redheaded girl he didn't immediately recognize, and a certain brunette he did. Lyra, that conniving wench, had weaseled her way into this expedition... Or not? He watched as the red-haired girl boarded the boat, leaving Lyra on the dock, and the wheels clicked when he got a good look at her face. Not particularly happy with nobles to begin with, the idea that Princess Lafayette had used Lyra to set him up for this nonsense made him seethe with rage. He kept his composure, but made a mental note to trust her even less for the foreseeable future. SkillsBurglary +4Deceit, Stealth +3Notice, Athletics, Investigation +2Will, Contacts, Fighting, Physique +1StuntsKeen Eye - Use Investigation in place of Empathy to defend against Deceit at +1 instead of +2; can ballpark a fair price for most gems, jewelry, and other valuables.bodysuit - Molds itself to fit whoever happens to put it on, becoming skin-tight. Has many small pockets for concealing lock picks and other small tools. Very dark blue color provides a +2 bonuses to stealth in shadowy areas. StressPhysical: [1][2][3]Mental: [1][2][3] Name: Aery Sunlight - her Society name, not her real name. Race: Human Height: 5' 6'Weight: 130 pounds Measurements: Athletic build, small bosom, hips not as broad as most women, but she would never be mistaken for a boy. Skin: Brown with a reddish tinge. Copper skinned.hair: Dark brown, straight, thick.eyes: Very dark brown, almost black. She usually wears very narrow glasses set low on her nose. Magnifying lenses for close examination.fate: 3 [X] [X] [X]refresh: 3High concept: Naturalist and Sister of the secular orderSocieta Magma Famine Sophia Aspects:High Concept: A member of a Society that is not secret, but does keep some things secret. Trouble: Divided Loyalty (Her allegiance to the Society versus her allegiance to the expedition)Phase one: If I haven't been there, I've read about it. Phase two:The FAE are deserving of respect and deference, but only a damn fool wants their attention. Phase three: That Devious Bitch Phase One: Get thee to a Nunnery! Younger daughters have fewer options. And the poorer your family, the fewer options you have. Nunnery's are always a good place to dump daughters a family can't afford a proper dowry for. All those young women cooped up in a place they don't want to be.... Nunnery's often deserve their reputation for less than proper behavior. Aeryn was from a not wealthy family, not a poor one either. But a Nunnery was where she was headed. Then a derelict ship drifted into the harbor one night. Not quite a plague ship, but the disease that had swept the crew was a nasty one. She was a dutiful daughter, did what she could to fight the contagion, tend to her family. To no avail. Almost a quarter of her hometown died. When the dust settled, her relatives reached the house only she lived in now, and found nothing of value. Not her, and certainly not the meager valuables accumulated by her now dead parents and sister. There are Nunnery's, and, well, there are Nunnery's. Magma Sophia was always on the lookout for sharp, decisive young women who didn't panic in a crisis but took action. Tapping this woefully underutilized pool of talent was the main factor in their rise to Civic power, after all. Aery bought her way in. They would have taken her without the sweetener, but with it? Well. This young woman thought ahead, just the sort of raw material they were looking for to be a field operative.... Um, the term had unfortunate connotations, it made the Royal Secret Police kinda twitchy to hear things like that. It was the home she dreamed of. Books, books, more books, why there were literally two hundred books in the Chapter house library! She read them all, and more on loan from other Chapter houses. But after almost two years of reading - and training, although she didn't recognize it for what it was - the outside world crashed into her Ivory Tower. Tried to, anyway. Phase Two:We have it, they want it. Land. The only thing of real lasting value in the minds of so many people. Especially nobles. An isolated Keep full of womenfolk? Walls and moat in good repair, true, and a quarrel from a crossbow shot by a woman killed even the biggest man just as dead as a sword thrust from another big man. The keep was in such a prime location, the tolls from the river bridge it loomed over, the rather nice farmland around it, that lovely forest the Sisters were so miserly about using. And the Mill, Merciful Gods, the income from the Mill! Take the land, sack the keep, ask for forgiveness - use the spoils of war to pay off anybody who cared. It wasn't as if women property holders were equal to men anyway. Magma Sophia were uppity bitches, everybody knew that. Take them down a peg! The vassal of Baron Archibald Betsy never really knew what hit him. A very nasty - but very localized -outbreak of a fungus that took out over half his harvest, merchants of nearby towns were so reluctant to honor his letters of credit. No possible connection to the small band of Sisters who had been see non horseback galloping madly in the distance as his troops encircled the keep. Nonsense. The fungus was Aery Sunlight's doing. She was already earning a reputation as a Natural Philosopher. The financial workings, the wheeling and dealing? She learned much from the Sister who directed that part of the mission. They used people. Lies, bluff honesty, money greasing palms, all had a part to play. None of them had any doubt what would happen inside the Keep when enraged men finally fought their way over the walls. That helped a lot to stiffen resolve. And of course Aery made contacts outside the order, her first, in fact. Contacts that weighed in her favor when she was considered for selection to participate in a new Expedition of Discovery not long after. Reliyian IsilivantharThe Even woman from the mountains was sent by the fates, Aery quickly lost any doubt of that. She had already decided to attack the Enemy's harvest, should matters deteriorate that far. But Blights AHD a way of spreading. Leaving aside the damage to innocents who were not a part of the current small local war, such a thing offended Aery's sense of order and neatness. A sample of flora brought by Religion proved to be the key. A fungus, native to a drier, cooler climate, unusually for a fungus, it didn't deal well with the warmer wetter conditions of the lowlands. The thicker air was a factor, Aery strongly suspected. An adaptation to a climate niche not filled by anything else? That thought sparked some interesting lines of inquiry in her mind. No time for that for now. The Naturalist had a greenhouse and workshop of course. A few days of tinkering with humidity. And temperature, growing the specimen to fungal stage, growing more.... harvesting the spores. Not enough, Aery feared, but the stock she had ready for deployment would have to do. The attack exceeded her expectations, half the Enemy harvest was destroyed before local fauna destroyed and consumed the blight. Reliyian was gone when the tumult eased enough for Aery to return to the Keep. The society had packed the woman off under heavy escort soon after Aery left. In the very teeth of the arriving enemy advance guard, in fact. Magma Sophia emphatically did not want such a prestigious guest to come to harm. Did The human and the elf ever do more than talk on those nights? Aery had learned so much from the even woman, had listed with rapt attention when Belgian had spoken of the elves dangerously unreliable distant kin, the FAE. Aery's Social sisters were desperate to know what else the Naturalist have learned about, um... comparative anatomy. The order was celibate, no member took vows of marriage. But they were not chaste. Gossip is always favorite pastime of a semi-cloistered group of people. Perhaps out of an impish desire to keep people guessing, Aery never confirmed or denied any physical intimacy, but only a fool, a blind fool would fail to see how much the two women had in common. Phase three: There's more than one way to fight a war. EshaluWar cannot be waged without some spilling of blood, however. While seeding the enemy's fields with fungal spores, Aery encountered someone very unusual. Even by her rather eclectic standards. An even ranger. Shock was no exaggeration for Aery's initial reaction at meeting a second elf in less than a month. Her more thoughtful reaction centered on how to recruit Shall for her cause. Under the ranger's leadership and tutelage, fire and blood hemmed in the besiegers as their trenches and palisades hemmed in the Keep. Cultural differences, species differences - Aery was not at all sure that Elves and Humans thought alike - the naturalist was almost screamingly frustrated that the conflict was getting in the way of a more leisurely and thorough examination. Of her own feelings, not least of all. There was no denying the attraction forged by danger that grew between them, but the end of the Siege meant the end of their acquaintance. Shall had made plain her attention to continue her Walkabout, she disappeared without a word very soon after the last enemy soldier was off of Society land. Skills:Great: Lore Good: Investigation, Will Fair: Athletics, Empathy, Contacts Average:Deceit, Notice, Rapport, Shooting Stunts: Field Medicine - based on Lore. Stress:Mental 1{} 2{} 3{} 4{}Physical: 1{X} 2{X}Consequences:(Sunlight's fuzzy time thread: (Long term issues: Aery has invoked her Trouble, Divided Loyalties, while negotiating with the Saurian on behalf of the Society, not the Dominion as a whole. Rhiss, the Saurian matriarch is hiding several things at+4/Great difficulty. Aery is conducting a long-term investigation to find out what exactly is going on, aiding the Saurian is an important goal, advancing the interests of the Society is her Prime goal. Name: EshaluRace: Wood Elf Height: 5' 7"Weight: 125Physique: Tall for an elf and somewhat androgynous by human standards; wiry, lank and athletic. Skin: Tawny, tanned by years of exposure to the elements. Hair: light goldenEyes: a decidedlyfaeshade of blue Refresh: 2Fate: 2 Aspects:(High Concept) CERN Warder (in training)(Trouble) Sheltered Upbringing (Phase One) Initiate of the Lodge of Rangers (Phase Two) On Walkabout (Phase Three) Brave New World Phase OneEshalu was born in the realm of the Forest Mother, in the primeval boreal forests too inhospitable for humans to colonize. Destined for the ranger caste after her augury was written in logograms with Gryphon blood by a Tender of the Mother's Grove, she was raised in the Lodge of Rangers. Among her people, the ranger caste is restricted to women born at night under a red moon. Their ways are not the brutal ways of human warriors; the ranger is one with her Lodge and her CERN. There is no individual glory - only the greater good of the People and of the Forest Mother. Trained in the art of guerrilla war - tracking, stalking, hunting and winning by subtlety and mastery of the environment - she became a paragon of her people, a heroine in training. Only one last trial remained before her head would be shaven, a new suit of leather armor cut for her, and a lance forged from the silvery metal from the heart of a dead star fallen to earth. One last trial before she could call herself a ranger. The rite of initiation took place by moonlight. The Mistress of the Track had let her keep the haunch of a freshly killed elk so she could feast with the pretty silver-haired druid who until then had only admired her from afar. Then she ventured deep under the roots of the First Growth and faced the spirit invoked by the shamans of her CERN to test her: She of a Myriad Thorns. The struggle was swift and furious, like duels between Elves often are. A flurry of desperate blows, frantic parries and adrenaline fueled strikes later, she was greeted by the masked Tenders of the Grove clad in red and green robes and initiated into the mysteries of the Forest Mother. That night she was given a new name to replace her child-name. Her old clothes were burnt and her head was shaven. She was born anew. Phase Toto follow the ranger's path is to wander the world before returning to the Lodge and taking up the duties of a Warder of the CERN. So it was that with her leather armor crafted from the single skin of a poison-tailed wyvern, and her lance and short sword forged and imbued with the symbols of her augury, she set out into a world she had never seen and never understood. Repelled and fascinated by human society and truly bewildered by those Elves who chose to live in the forests of stone and cut timber, she found a world both daunting and filled with endless opportunity. She always thought slaying monsters - human, humanoid or otherwise - to be a service to the Forest Mother and the Moon Huntress and the true calling of a ranger. Though she knew she was innocent to the mercenary ways of the human world, and to its complex and absurd hierarchies, she sought out a place where she could bring pride to her Lodge so that her Lodge-Sisters would have tales to tell for posterity. So it was that DRA Side called to her from across the sea. She knows that she find aid and comfort in like-minded humans, but her dream-quest was clear: by her deeds, the spirits of countless distant lands would sing the stories of her Lodge. Phase Thereof the humans she would meet, Aery would both affirm and challenge her understanding of life outside the realm of the Forest Mother. On the one hand was the desire for power and the repugnant act of organized warfare which never aimed to restore the Balance, but undo it in favor of the victor. Yet there was also the opportunity to transmit the Way and the stories of her Lodge to those who would listen, so that the stories of her CERN and the spirits that birthed them would one day be heard in distant lands. Aeryn knew the words spoken with ink and had the mind of a druid - agile, curious and full of understanding. That drew Shall in, until mind and flesh were one, and she found herself contemplating that which she would never have imagined possible - willingly and happily surrendering herself to a human's touch. SkillsGreat (+4) Fighting Good (+3) Stealth, AthleticsFair(+2) Notice, Empathy, PhysiqueAverage(+1) Will, Drive, Crafts, IntimidationStunts1 Killing Stroke2 Hardcore Parkour Physical Stress (Physique)[1] [2] [3] [4]Mental Stress (Will)[1] [2] [3]Consequences---(( IsilivantharDescription: Her hair is fine like silk, pale as the winter sun and highlighted with streaks of lavender dye made from crushed berries. Her eyes beautiful, pearlescent orbs of pale sage are set against her light skin that when the light strikes her has a feint golden glow dotted by freckles from her face to her shoulders. She smiles, you think, the expression is too faint to be sure. Even her mouth seems to shimmer with a soft glossy pink. Her ears are long, ending in perfect points. Refresh: 2Fate Points: 3Aspects1 Prodigy of the Silver Tower (High Concept)2 Betrothed to the son of a rival family (Trouble)3 Assumed the power of the Mountain - Glacial (Phase One)4 Longing to see the World (Phase Two)5 To thine own self be True (Phase Three)Phase One:High the mountains of the north, set far apart from their more famous and mythical cousins of the valleys and forests were the elves of the cold. Sharing much of their brothers look and features save for their even lighter tone and distant nature. For many centuries they had stood apart from most the rest of the world. Until the rise of the Dominion of Girls when a political alliance was formed. While this alliance was still in its infancy (from the perspective of the elves) Religion was born. From very early on she had shown a penchant for powerful magic. Born under a favorable sign and blessed with beauty her noble parents were quite proud of her. From an early age they began to teach her the ways of the Even court and began to prepare her for life there. It would not be until much later Religion would realize her family's plans. In the meantime, she was inducted at an early age into the Order of the Silver Tower. An elite group of wizards famous for a tower of pure silver built at the Order's founding. Reliyian's mastery of the various magical arts was quick. None as much as the command of the very cold and ice of the mountains themselves. All the while her skills earned her praise and honor for her family. When on an expedition for initiates, Religion's group became trapped in a sudden blizzard. Amazingly, she suffered from none of the cold. Channeling her magic to protect her friends and to tap into the very core of the mountain. Religion became attuned to its power, a deeper understanding of the nature of magic flowed through her. She was able to fend off the wild creatures and the harsh cold. Leading her group to safety. Phase Two:Religion's marriage was arranged, to bridge the gap between the two rival families. The Isilivanthar daughter to the Volition son. When they met it was, well not quite hate at first sight but as close to it as their noble upbringing and etiquette of the court would allow her. Religion's command of magic came so natural she was well her way to being one of the youngest to ever enter the Order's inner circle. When the time came to be judged, it was merely a formality. Her life presented before her, Religion realized she would serve the court and the Order. There would be time for little else. Although she felt privileged to be in the Order, her future in the court was another matter. She was conflicted. Duty to her family, loyalty to the ancient ways and long-standing traditions, her life was now a diplomatic arrangement. Why was it her happiness that had to be sacrificed? At the judgement, she used her knowledge of the ancient ways to her advantage. Invoking the decision to be sent on the 'Journeyman's Walk' to delay her entrance in a loveless marriage. This is a rite of passage where she is to go out in the world and use her magic for good. Outdated and obsolete in the cosmopolitan Dominion of Girls (to which the even court of the mountains had sworn loyalty to) it was nonetheless her choice and by tradition, had to be obliged. Desperate to draw out the process as long as possible, she joins the efforts of the Dominion in the so-called Second Fleet Expansion to lend her magical expertise to the new land. Sent away with little fanfare, as her family was quite cross with her, Religion's first assigned task was to travel to the Society Magma Famine Sophia. The Dominion needed naturalists for the expanding expedition, and although the order was obscure it was known for the sister's deeper understanding of the natural order. Aery was the name Religion was given. And upon her arrival Religion learned she was only moments ahead of trouble. However, the sisters seemed unconcerned for their plight, targeted by a local greedy Lord. The only consequence seemed to be several days delay, until the path could be made safe and the Lord "negotiated" with. Aery and Religion spent many nights discussing all matters of magic and nature. And finally the sisters allowed Religion to depart, having delivered the contract to the sisters, with Aery to come later. Religion was puzzled as she could not recall any official meeting or seeing a parley attended by the Lord's banner. There was another matter she was sent to attend to and the delay was already too great. Phase Three:It wasn't long before Religion began to feel as if she were being used somehow. The mysterious timing of her arrival and the strange circumstances around the nunnery. Upon volunteering at first with the local magistrate of the first city of Girls she had come across, her directions always came via letter. True, they were closed with the seal of the Empress and when presented were accepted as legal proof of her purpose, but they lacked any acknowledgement of who was writing them. And the Empire's couriers always seemed to know where to find her, no matter how obscure her location was. When one of the letters told her to come to the capital, she was greeted by an Imperial Prefects with a strange request. Hire a thief, a specific thief named Plan no less, to steal Expedition contracts directly from the records chamber. A sum of gold was to be paid to this man, and she was to tell no one of his involvement. As a member of the Mountain Court, she was sworn to duly act on the requests. The orders that came to her were sanctioned by the Dominion itself, or were they? She could not turn back now, even as her conscious warned her away. If this is what she needed to do to pursue her own path in life, then so be it. Plan treated her skeptically, and he was right to as Religion often turned heads and generally did not blend in well. But Plan was also smart and used her as a distraction. Religion was frustrated, this was hardly a test of magical skill, but she acquiesced. He was right, and the operation went off without a hitch. Well except for that hooligan who was looking so far down her dress he might as well drool into Religion's cleavage at the Hot Toddy pub. A shift of the floor board causing him an embarrassing fall set him slinking away. When Plan returned Religion was grateful and perhaps to relieve her own conscious could not help but go on and on about the coming adventure. She thinks she caught Plan nodding off from time to time. Religion thought to never see him again but some days later the same Prefects told Religion to deliver a contract to Plan. In truth, she did not do so immediately. Holding up in a private chamber of an inn she stared at the parchment for hours. Again, the Empress' seal. Was it genuine? Religion had no idea. Four times she had reached to open it but her sense of honor prevented her from doing so. When she finally gathered the courage to return to Plan, Religion immediately sensed she had harmed him somehow. As they embarked for their trip, Religion did her best to engage the man, but he appeared to have little interest. Religion's green eyes would occasionally wander his way, trying to see through him, trying to be polite and subtly apologetic. Every so often Religion though she could see an anger build inside him, but he was closed to her. SkillsGreat (+4): StormcallerGood (+3): Prestidigitation, Lore Fair (+2): Empathy, Will, Athletics Average (+1): Physique, Notice, Rapport, FightingStunts1 Magical Insight Gain a +2 bonuses to create an advantage using Lore, when dealing with magic or magical effects.2 Empathetic Healer Allows you to use Empathy to heal a physical wound. By channeling her magic through her loving understanding she literally attempts to use mind over matter.3 Frozen to the Core When you succeed with style on any attack action using the Glacial Storm caller ability, the cold penetrates them to the core allowing you to put a Chilled situation aspect on the opponent with a free invoke, instead of a boost. Physical Stress (Physique)[1] [2]Mental Stress (Will)[1] [2] [3]ConsequencesMildModerateSevere (Lafayette of GirisRefresh:2Fate:4 Apects:(High Concept) Crown Princess of the Dominion (Trouble) Rebellion Runs in the Family (Extra) Thankful that Lyra's Here (Phase One) Thief of an Ancestral Sword (Phase Two) A Magnet for Intrigue (Phase Three) "Thank You, But I Can Take Care of Myself."(Weapon Add) Dwarves Steel Currently gone missing Phase OneLazerette was born, raised, and trained within the halls of the Dominion’s very castle. Alongside being taught about the world and the social graces of a princess, she was also taught a fair amount of swordplay for when she would ascend to the throne and lead the forces that come with it. Rather than simply accept her fate though, she decided to escape from the castle, but not before sneaking into Girls’ own armory to steal one of his weapons. That being the crystalline rune blade, Iran. However, while a search has commenced afterward for the princess’ return, it appears that not a great amount of effort has been put into it. Could it be that Queen Era III herself would allow her own daughter to go out into the world? Phase Two The princess was not alone when she escaped the castle, as she had an accomplice with her; Lyra, her trusted maid who had helped cover her. Only a week into being out of the castle however, Lafayette had heard of an expedition taking place with the Second Fleet of Expansion. She wanted to join, but couldn't since she was worried that none would want her to join the expedition. So she sent Lyra to get in touch with a 'friend' of hers, who would then hire a thief to bring back several of the Second Fleet's contracts. Phase Three Having signed the contract that she received, Lafayette would simply have Lyra turn in the contract to complete her registration. However, she ended up waiting a long time, until someone stamped a ransom note on her inn door: Come alone or Lyra dies. Panicked, she rushed to the keep where Lyra was being held, only to find multiple troops waiting for her. She attempted to fight them off, but was quickly outnumbered. She was then captured, all in a ploy to have the Queen's men come retrieve her. Skills Great (+4) Rapport Good (+3) Fighting, ResourcesFair(+2) Physique, Notice, ResolveAverage(+1) Deceit, Empathy, Lore, AthleticsStunts1 Best Foot Foreward2 Heavy Hitter Physical Stress (Physique)[1] [2] [3]Mental Stress (Will)[1] [2]Consequences---(HelesteAspects:Handmaid of the Crown Princess“I Owe Lafayette Everything.” Had a Less Honest StartDwarven Steel (Weapon Add)Skills:Good (+3) Deceit Fair (+2) Investigation, Stealth Average (+1) Notice, Will, Physique Notable NPCs Captain Welter forge: an irrepressibly cheerful, one-eyed dwarf, Captain of The Narrow Escape. Noted for his sailing expertise and one of the few able to navigate the journey in relative safety having done so four times. Commandant Less VIN: Military commander and leader of the forces in Point Respite for the Dominion. Quartermaster Nils: The quartermaster of course, accomplished blacksmith and has a yet to be defined relation to the Commandant. Tirig Graft: “but you will refer to me as Lieutenant Graft if you want to keep your teeth.” A nasty man and overseer of the newcomers to Point Respite. Jacob: A mysterious gaunt, spidery man with a staff and two dwarf women companions he seemed to work (and lust) for. Passing money to VIN. – note only Lafayette knows this Queen Era: Wearer of the Girls crown, rumored to be personally funding the Second Expansion Fleet. Tabetha: Gopher for Less VIN. Doctor Catherine Sea breeze: A member of the Magma Sophia and administer of the Point Respite Chapter house, although not entirely by choice. She stated her archaeological expertise is primarily dwarves and early Girish. Kelcis: Alpha male of the Saurian village and deflowered of virgins. Rhiss: Matriarch of the Saurian. Game Mechanic Notes safe journey from Null to DRA Side Superb (+5), while a return trip would be Epic (+7), if the weather was favorable. Our Journey Orders from the Commandant Go and seek a cave, a day and a half northeast from Point Respite by food, that is not natural and guarded by a giant (building sized) spider. We are not to kill it, instead we are to collect information about it and as much spider silk as we can carry. Eight others were sent on a similar mission and have not returned. We are to be paid thirty crowns for scouting, half-crown per pound of silk and fifty crowns for recovering any of the previous scouts (presumably their bodies). Party Observations The island appears to be altering the natural traits of anything brought over and the more into the wild one travels the more the traits are similar to the oddities in the native species. It appears to be actively assimilating everything on it, although at a slow pace. For instance the plants brought over for agriculture may take 10 to 20 years before they are completely altered. The ape-creature’s blood had a viscosity was far from natural. Their wounds did not bleed or leak so much they oozed. Perhaps like a demon or a creature of elemental nature. The works of YemilioYemilio, in addition to his many contributions to the great libraries of his time, was a rather notorious racist when it came to what he saw as "low elves." Ironically, his most famous work is a collection of long, detailed interviews with literally thousands of non-elves. This list includes, most notably, seven dragons (only three of which are still alive), three heads of a particularly lucid hydra, dozens of treats, dryads, and other nature spirits, many hundreds of humanoids, and an entity which called itself "Ages." The entry devoted to the last interview disappeared from every existing copy of the book a year and a day after Emilio semi-publicly issued copies. The name only remains in incomplete copies or vague references. In an event unlikely to be a coincidence, Emilio vanished on that same date. The Saurian appear to have had more extensive contact with the Dominion or other places of Null for some time. Ellis having quite a collection of items. Some dating back several decades. Whether these were scavenged from wrecks or actively acquired is still a mystery. The village itself seems to be protected or at least affected by some kind of magic that seems to be emanating from their violent actions. Their Matriarch is of an advanced age and is far larger and looks more dinosaur-y than her offspring. DRA Side Information Ignorance (No Lore or Contacts)DRA Side is the land to which the Second Fleet of Expansion currently sails. It's supposedly fairly dangerous. General Information (Lore or Contacts at Average or better)DRA Side, meaning "little sister" in the common tongue*, is a very large island off the cost only (the mainland). Though only a few days sail from several coastal cities in the Dominion of Girls, it is surrounded on all sides by a dangerous region of mist-covered sea known as the "Grey Graveyard." Quite literally hundreds of ships have sunk in the Graveyard or wrecked themselves on the island's coasts. Only the recent First (and now Second) Fleet of Expansion, massive endeavors funded directly by the Girish crown to explore, conquer, and eventually settle the island, have actually made it to the island and returned. However, the Fleets have encountered a number of delays, threats, and unexpected problems in their goal of settling the island.*Due to linguistic drift, "DRA side" is currently used more for expressing deep, protective affection than to indicate the specific relationship between elder and younger siblings. It could easily be used between close friends, parents and children, or even lovers. Given how unpleasant DRA Side is to outsiders, the name is much more ironic than it was intended to be. Historical Information (Lore)DRA Side was once populated by two powerful civilizations, thermal, who populated the nearer western half of the island, and trimaran, who populated the more distant eastern portion. Relatively little is known about the civilizations. They arose well before any mainland society their equal (and some historians even argue that the modern powers of Girls oral would not match them at the height of their glory), and viewed all main landers with a disdain that could range from mild and pitying to brutal, even genocidal. Most contemporaries also agreed that they didn't seem too much like each other, either, with their conflicts occasionally manifesting themselves as proxy wars between mainland warlords and tribes. Lastly, and most unusually for a great civilization, they were exclusively human. Exactly what had become of the elves, dwarves, and other races living on DRA Side (or, indeed, if there were ever any) is unknown. Doctor Sea breeze mentioned that she had uncovered some evidence the Dual was the more dominant of the two powers on the island. The two civilizations disappeared almost simultaneously, two hundred and thirty-one years ago. Previous to the summer of A 422, the great ships, fierce warriors and even fiercer merchants of the civilizations featured prominently in almost every record of mainland societies. A few scattered references to merchant or refugee fleets appear after that year, but nothing else. One of the things particularly well-remembered about the missing civilizations is their skill at craft and magic. Dual and Iran artifacts, automatons, and artistic treasures are still prized and fought over whenever they are discovered in old burial mounds or vaults. Beyond the massive expanse of land that the island offers to anyone who can conquer it, the civilizations likely left behind huge quantities of treasure, ripe for the taking. The hundreds of lost ships on the coasts and surrounding seas would also offer a significant bounty to anyone who could salvage them. The Dominion of Girls is the only modern society that actually existed prior to the disappearance of the Dual and Iran, due in part to its successful resistance of their influence. Their departure left a power vacuum that allowed the Dominion to destroy its rivals and establish itself as the dominant regional power. Current Information (Contacts)The island is cursed. Despite all it's the lost treasure, as well as the incredible, quickly-spreading tales of rich soil, exotic plants, and mineral resources, it carries an awful doom. Evidence has been found of multiple settlements founded by wrecked sailors and travelers, but not one living person has been found. Some of them were clearly destroyed by violent attacks, others by madness and internal violence. Others simply have bird-picked skeletons laying about in grotesque mockeries of life, as though they died instantly while going about their day-to-day affairs. Also, though few people know of it, it's become clear that the Second Fleet of Expansion isn't merely bringing reinforcements and supplies. Despite the best efforts of Commandant Less VIN, Point Respite has suffered a bizarrely high rate of discontent and internal strife. In addition, from attacks by unfamiliar monsters, mundane wildlife and imported livestock have occasionally gone berserk, destroying patrols or groups of laborers alike. Traveling to or from DRA Side is dangerous and difficult, and communication is fairly limited. In the Grey Graveyard, ships mysteriously run aground, or they crash into difficult-to-track reefs. Mists come and go at random and spontaneous intervals. Oddly, however, this danger doesn't seem to increase that much with larger fleets. A group of four ships and a group of fifty ships might each lose two going across. This is why the Fleets are relevant, and why they deserve their own capitalization. In-world, long-distance magical communication is difficult and spotty at best, and DRA Side makes it even more so. Some messenger pigeons were brought across for important messages, and they seem to have an easier time navigating the Graveyard, but getting access to them will be difficult. Point Respite, itself, isn't a very normal town. It's at once a frontier town and a military fortress, with three notable population groups. The military is the largest, though soldiers fill many jobs usually done by civilians. Civilians, including merchants, skilled laborers, and the like, are noticeably in the minority. The Second Fleet brought across the third group, which actually outnumbers the civilians, and is only somewhat smaller than the military presence: penal laborers. Brought across in huge, packed ships, these unfortunate individuals are effectively slaves, and include humans and non-humans of both sexes. Anyone found guilty of a serious enough crime can be sentenced to life service, it is in fact a much more common punishment for "capital" crimes than execution. The faces and backs of these prisoners are ritually scarified, which serves as a dual purpose. Not only does it make them instantly recognizable, it is also (should it become relevant) effectively an extreme consequence (a consequence that is so devastating that it takes the place of another one of the character's aspects) that can be invoked (have a fate point spent on it) to instantly determine the penal worker's location relative to the invoked, or to support any action that would lead to their recapture. The Wood ElvesSocietyWood even society is flat. There is no established hierarchy and to the human observer, social relations are anarchical. Individuals instinctively and culturally recognize the need to act in the common interest and will therefore generally defer to different authorities in different matters (e.g. druids in spiritual matters, rangers in matters of territory or hunting etc.), on the basis that the authority provides advice, rather than a command or order. The concept of an imperative command given by a socially entrenched authority figure is foreign to them. To put it another way, Shall cannot understand "taking an order". Rather, she will follow advice from a more senior ranger because she personally knows, trusts and has affection for that ranger. Life-pathsA wood elf's role in life is usually determined by an augury cast at birth. Castes include artisans, gatherers, druids/shamans, rangers etc. No caste has higher or lower social status and all are considered, both ceremonially and in practice, equally important. This is reflected in the internal organization of the Lodge of Rangers, where glory or kudos (wood even does not have terms to represent these concepts, the best translation being "stories" or "lore" which are built collectively) are shared. Aggressive internal competition is discouraged. FamilyThere is no nuclear or extended family. Children are raised communally and have feelings of kinship with the rest of the clan and, generally, with wood elves ("kin-brothers/sisters") and other elves ("far-brothers/sisters"). One's cast and age-class determine the degree of emotional and personal closeness. For example, Shall was raised with the small group of female ranger candidates of approximately the same age - they have shared the same upbringing and cultural education (first by druids acting as caregivers and surrogate mothers, then by senior rangers in the Lodge of Rangers), close living space and experiences. By the time they are initiated to be rangers, they are a fully formed and self-regulating "team". Being cut off from this sisterhood is deeply traumatic; hence Shall's wariness and desire to replicate this structure even on the "outside". Gender roles and sexuality There are no gender roles and sexuality is entirely fluid. Formal or legal notions of private property are alien to wood elves, and they therefore have no notion of marriage or family as an economic unit. Individual wood elves may form a ceremonial "bond", which is a sign of deepest friendship as well as romantic affection (one soul sharing two bodies), but is usually non-exclusive. A rough rule of the thumb suggests that such formal bonding relationships are equally distributed between male/male, female/female and male/female. Reproduction is entirely decoupled from romantic relationships and tends to be functional. Wood elves have a marked cultural and social distinction between sex and reproduction. Rangers and druids, however, have longstanding customs of gender segregation, largely because males are associated with the day and solar and celestial patron spirits, whilst women are associated with night and lunar and stellar patron spirits. Shall's Lodge of Rangers refers to the lunar warrior-tradition of the Moon Huntress, whose rites and secrets are kept by female druids. There is an equivalent Lodge for males and the two conduct largely separate existences. In these contexts, only same-sex relationships are considered appropriate, not unlike the Theban Band or certain warrior-classes in ancient Sparta. Aside from basic caste-specific restrictions, wood elves have virtually no sexual or gender-related prohibitions. Human taboos on nudity and sex are considered bizarre, if not downright unreasonable. CultureElven society is pantheistic and has no concept of history the ways humans would understand. Everything beyond living memory is a "story" or "lore", which in turn generates customs and accepted traditions. Beyond this shared cultural repertoire, wood elves have no laws and tend to be surprised at the level of effort many human cultures expend in creating elaborate codes and categorizations for everything. Though they are a pre-literate society (and have conceptual difficulty understanding the abstract nature of most human writing systems), they can draw upon a vast corpus of lore held by spirits which, like Shall is often keen to point out, have a better memory than parchment or the one writing upon it. Perfectly adapted to their hostile environment, wood elves have excellent visual-spatial memories and have the added benefit of being able to relive (rather than simply remember) memories on a number of sensory levels. This has an important bonding function. For example, Shall could say to a ranger in her age-class "remember that time when..." and they could both relive the shared experience, helping cement the bond of close kinship. LanguageWood even in any of its many dialects is notoriously difficult for outsiders to speak, even those who are otherwise fluent in other even tongues. As with most even languages, grammar and syntax are very simple, but wood even is almost impenetrably context-heavy and densely allusive. In practice, if one is unfamiliar with wood even myth and lore, it is virtually impossible to speak the language correctly. This is further complicated by a bewildering phonology which human vocal cords find difficult to reproduce and a large part of the vocabulary which is wholly untranslatable, since it relates to the unique wood even view of the spirit world and a variety of emotions which humans cannot express...of course, the opposite is also true. Shall struggles with human semantic concepts which could be taken as granted across most human cultures and struggles with human pronunciation. Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide (( Name: Shellac: FAE Dragon Height: 3 1/2 feet from nose to rump Weight: 60 lbs Skin: Green 'n Scaly Hair: None Eyes: Blue High Concept: FAE Dragon Protégé of a Famous Thief Trouble: Just a wee dragon she is... Aspects: Appears cute and harmless Scion of a great rogueInheirtor of her master's luck Phase 1: A lost childhoodKhell was never afforded the life that her people knew. Her kind were not common, and mainly lived a sylvan lifestyle among the deep forests. But being rare often means being coveted, especially when you're small and less able to defend yourself from poachers. Shell's memory of her home are very vague...she was taken when she was young, stolen away by humans with the eye for the exotic and a distinct lack of morals. It would not be a pleasant childhood for the young dragons, as she was quickly sold as a pet to a wealthy family with the eye for the exotic. She would learn, rather quickly, that her place in the world was as a possession...a showpiece, pampered in her own way, but still nothing as a grand as a person in the eyes of her owners. Phase 2: Free at last It might have stayed that way for the rest of her life if the prodigious wealth hadn't attracted the attention of a certain (in)famous thief. She wasn't exactly the sort of thing one could sell to a fence, and yet he still chose to free her after her time in captivity. Maybe he had felt sorry for her...or maybe it was just a whim. It didn't matter to her, because in the end she was free of her bondage. Well...sort of. Freedom is useless when you've been living almost your entire life as a pet with no useful skills beyond being entertaining. In the end she followed the thief as he made his escape...only able to do so because he wasn't expecting this, and while she wasn't a fantastic flier, it was enough to keep up with him. He almost cast her out there and then when he discovered his unwanted tail...but perhaps he took pity on her. Or maybe saw the potential in a little marionette who could fly...much more mobile than your average rogue, and small enough to fit into places he could not. And thus begin her apprenticeship into something far more interesting and useful then being a decorative pet. Phase 3: All good things. Khell might not have the natural instincts for city living, but she learned. She was taught by a very talented rogue, an independent who played his own game and avoided the few minor criminal ordinations...as well as the law. It was the closest thing she had to true happiness since her time taken from her home...although there was always a wistful undertone, a longing for her home barely remembered. But she couldn't even begin to guess where that home would be, and she felt she owed so much to her mentor that she couldn't comprehend leaving him. Or so she thought. It had started as a heist that had gone sour...and everything rapidly spiraled out of control from there. Maybe her mentor had made too many enemies, or just had bad luck...but the law was closing in and no where was safe for them. The chase had led to the docks, and her mentor ordered her to split up...to allow a chance for one of them to escape. It was with great reluctance that she did so, eventually hiding out aboard a ship, taking a desperate chance that they wouldn't search for her there. It was true...only because said ship was ready to sail. By the time she figured it had left, it was too far from the docks for her to fly back. And thus she was separated, alone and hiding aboard a ship bound to a place she knew nothing about, but would become her residence for the time being. Skills:Burglary +4Deceit, Stealth +3Investigate, Notice, Athletics +2Will, Fighting, Rapport, Empathy +1Stunts:Floats like a butterfly (literally)(+2 to athletics when flying comes into play)(and two more to be determined in play)

[FATE - CoDS] Character Sheet Thread|rating:3.0

Star and Stinger (Katgrimm_Ganna)

(AmericaDESCRIPTION: Captain America Real Name: Samuel Thomas Wilson Group Affiliation: Avengers Height: 6'2"Weight: 245Arch-Enemies: Red Skull, Crossbones, Loki, Patron, HYDRA Nickname: Blackbird, Brother Falcon, Brother Super-Hero, Falcon Powers: Super Soldier Treatment: Sam was augmented after a final battle with Red Skull and Sam, Sam’s genetic template was overwritten with Steve Rogers, who underwent extensive experimental hormonal treatments, to become a genetically-perfected "super-soldier".  Superhuman Strength: Sam's physical strength is enhanced to superhuman levels. He is strong enough to lift at least 2–5 tons and much more if he pushes. Nick Fury stated that Sam could "bench-press a Bus", and he has been able to perform such feats as easily stopping a 5-ton pine tree, capable of crushing Jeeps, from falling on a group of soldiers, curling 500 kg/1000 lbs, and physically bending metal with his bare hands. He has demonstrated that he is strong enough to knock out people with normal durability with as little as a tap to the head. He has also consistently shown the ability to hurt Hulk in hand-to-hand combat, as well as pushed Peter Parker to his limits, who has lifted a 15 ton truck, during in their shoving match. Rogers has shown enough strength to knock Giant Man to the ground. On one occasion, he was able to hurt Juggernaut's face with his shield.  Superhuman Speed: Sam he can run and swim at a speed between 70–90 miles per hour with ease, and potentially more while under stress. When challenged, he's able to expedite "nine or ten blocks" within seconds and long distances far out-performing even peak human capacity.  Superhuman Agility: Sam's agility, balance, flexibility, dexterity, and bodily coordination are enhanced to levels that are beyond the natural physical limits of even the finest human athlete. He has the combined agility and acrobatic prowess of the most accomplished circus aerialists and acrobats. For example, he killed many Muslim terrorists by using both of his legs and his punches to strike them at the same time.  Superhuman Reflexes: Sam's reflexes are at superhuman level. His reaction speed is 40 kph, which makes it possible for him to dodge gunfire, even at short range, from multiple gunmen at the same time; however, on one occasion, it was seen that during his training, he can get shot by a bullet if there were too many to evade.  Superhuman Stamina: Sam's body eliminates the excessive build-up of fatigue-inducing lactic acid in his muscles and his musculature generates considerably less fatigue toxins than the muscles of an ordinary human being, granting him superhuman levels of stamina in all physical activities. He can physically exert himself at peak capacity for several hours before fatigue toxins begins to impair him. This kind of physiology grants him phenomenal endurance. He can even hold his breath underwater for 5 minutes. Agent Carol Dancers also remarked about Sam's stamina, stating "Cap only needs an hour or two's sleep every week". Superhuman Durability: Sam's bones and muscles were far denser and harder than normal, meaning he could withstand great impacts such as falling over 150 feet when escaping from the hospital by breaking through the windows, sky-diving into the water from a height of 182 meters/600 feet, or being struck by an opponent with super strength that would severely injure or kill a normal human with little to no discomfort. Sam's body is durable to the point that when he was being punched by a corrupt soldier in the torso, it resulted in the assailant's wrists breaking thanks to his super-dense muscles. He also withstood the impact of a car, with little harm other than a sore body, as well as survived massive explosions, and take hits from beings with strength in class 100+ without notable injury.  Regenerative Healing Factor: He was able to heal broken bones and torn muscles "in a day or two," while bullet and knife puncture wounds heal in "a matter of hours". He has even healed from a broken neck, broken limbs and holes through his chest in a week. He has also become naturally immune to deadly poisons and illnesses.  Contaminant Immunity: Sam is seemingly immune to all Earthly diseases, infections, and disorders, and has never been shown to become ill after receiving the Super-Soldier Serum. He's impervious to gas attacks, poisons, and nerve-toxins of any kind and completely resistant to diseases like anthrax, smallpox, and HIV. His immune system is so powerful that "a half a pint of tetrodotoxin" showed no ill effects. While imprisoned by Frank Simpson, he held snake venom in his mouth to attack Frank with no apparent effect to his own body. Sam was also virtually immune to intoxication by consuming alcohol.  Suspended Aging: The Super-Soldier Serum dramatically slowed Rogers' aging process due to extensive regeneration of healthy cells. Bucky once stated that Rogers' appearance was like he came out of a flashback picture.  Enhanced Senses: Rogers' senses had also been augmented by the Super Soldier Serum. He could taste, feel, hear, see, and smell things 10x better than normal humans.  Enhanced Intelligence: His mental performance has been greatly enhanced, allowing his mind to process information quickly, giving him an accelerated learning aptitude, or knack for quickly analyzing multiple information streams, such as threat assessment, as well as rapidly respond to changing tactical situations, an acetic memory, meaning that he never forgets anything and has perfect recall, the ability to speed read, and high deductive reasoning skills Avian Telepathy:Sam was given the ability to telepathically link with birds endowed. Master Martial Artist - After brutal and extensive training with Captain America in a plethora of martial arts, Sam has become one of the best fighters in the world; he's even defeated empowered members of the Wrecking Crew through skill and technique alone. Skilled Shield Fighter: Sam is proficient in the use of Captain America's Shield. He has shown himself to be able to hit several targets from the air with better accuracy. Master Acrobat - Again, thanks to the Captain, Sam's natural athleticism was trained and honed over the years, and he was considered roughly an equal to Steve when it came to movement. Weapons Proficiency: He often used firearms in desperate times or situations where he and teammates were outnumbered, and would wield additional weapons to ensure victory.[2] He had used staffs, bludgeons, and was adept with swords. He likely received training with different kinds of weapons during his wartime for undercover infiltration missions in the event of not being able to use his shield Master Marksman: He was often seen that he could throw most if not all projectile weaponry with great aim and was well versed in the use of firearms his masterful sharpshooter sniper Master Aerialist - Simply put, Sam is one of the best flight fighters in the world, even better than people like Iron Man and Ms. Marvel due to him spending a majority of his time in the air. Tech/Equipment Falcon Uniform - A Uranium microwave was added to the costume itself, making Falcon resistant to small arms fire. The entire system is controlled mentally through cybernetic circuitry in the Falcon's mask/goggles. Falcon's Wings: The Falcon's original jet-powered glider wings allowed him to fly at speeds up to 250 mph.[4] Black Panther supplied Falcon with a new costume and wings. An emitter array on Falcon's back creates holographic "hard light" wings with a maximum wingspan of up to 50 feet (15 m). Controlled by a cybernetic link, the wings can be instantly reconfigured into "dozens of different cruise configurations". A "magnetic drive", in turn, provides the thrust needed to get Falcon airborne. The emitter also possesses GPS Jamming Devices that prevent satellite tracking, while the hard-light wings interfere with infra-red tracking. A Uranium microwave was added to the costume itself, making Falcon resistant to small arms fire. The entire system is controlled mentally through cybernetic circuitry in the Falcon's mask. The costume has in the past featured a hidden "talon," a cybernetically controlled grappling line built into the gauntlets of his costume which he uses to entangle opponents, hook objects, or for swinging and climbing when his wings are detached. The costume's visors come equipped with various capabilities, including infrared lenses, giving him the ability to see objects by their infrared signature at night, magnification capabilities, and remote imaging sensors that allow a full 360 degree of vision when activated. The cowl also has a wideband receiver and transmitter with an unspecified range. The suit was originally built by Wakanda scientists, with costume modifications by Desmond Burrell. The wings have been modified by Tony Stark, as Sam said after saving New York from Zola's bomb, making them in full-vibranium: they've been capable of absorbing the whole explosive power of the bomb, saving Falcon from certain death. Avian Telecommunications Link - Sam has a good grasp of electronics allowing him to control and configure Redwing, his cybernetic pet. Beyond commands, he can see through the eyes of robot bird in his vicinity 5 miles distance, allowing him unparalleled tactical view of the area. Skills:Plays Piano, drums; Spanish, German, Japanese, engineering, cybernetics, Martial Arts (various), Military, Espionage, Social Worker. Bio:Sam's life coming up was hard, and it shaped him to be that way. He lost his dad when he was 9, and his mother was killed several years later. Losing both parents at such a young age, in a place like Harlem made him a hard individual, tough and a harass. Cap changed that though, helping Sam get back to who he truly is. He's an every man, willing to fight for those who need it, whether they want his help or not. He tries to see the good in people but has no problem realizing when there isn't any. Furthermore, he's fair and compromising but knows how to be steadfast as well if the time comes. All in all, he's just a guy trying to do his best. Sam was at the last battle between Captain and Red Skull. The skull using the cosmic cube overwrote Sam’s DNA with the Captain’s. This effectively turned him into the new Captain America. (Name: Hope Van Done-PymGroup Affiliation: Currently Solo, Eventual Avengers Height: 5’2”Weight: 130 lbs Arch-Enemies: Absorbing Man, Aries, Be yonder, Blob, and various others. Nickname: Superpowers: • Size Reduction: Due to long-term exposure to Pym Particles, The Wasp could reduce herself in size, down to the dimensions of the insect from which she takes her name, roughly 1/2 inch in height. She usually chooses not to retain her standard density while at this reduced mass, but can choose to do so at will. The "lost" mass is shunted to a pocket dimension for later retrieval. Additionally, her strength was boosted while she is at reduced size, to the extent that she can bend a one-inch diameter steel bar almost double. Her size allows her to be easily unnoticed in most cases, allowing her to become stealthy in some cases.* Bio-Synthetic Wings: Due to small implanted insect wings, the Wasp could fly at incredibly fast speeds. These are functional when she reduced herself in height, and can remain so until reaching a height that is a near foot shorter than her normal height. Her flight speed can also allow her to gain a form of superhuman reflexes and agility, being able to easily evade targets and attacks.* Wasp's Sting: The Wasp could generate powerful bioelectric blasts from her hand that have been shown to be capable of cutting through high-density structures and is able to cause extreme pain to super humanly strong and highly durable beings and can pierce their skin.* Insect Communication and Control: Through the use of her retractable antennae, the Wasp could communicate with and control certain higher insects, in a manner similar to Ant-Man's Helmet. She rarely chose to utilize this ability, however.* Size Addition: In addition to being able to shrink, Wasp could grow significantly in size as well. The growth process requires the rapid acquisition of bodily mass, presumably from an extradimensional source. This extradimensional mass fortifies all of her cellular tissues, including her bones and muscles, enabling her to support her increased weight, and giving her superhuman strength. Hope uses this power only in emergencies, preferring to shrink to her wasp-sized form. Skills:•Multilingual: Can speak fluent English, Spanish, Italian, and Hungarian. She has also taught herself to speak the language of the Microverse.•Expert Combatant: Adapted to a special kind of hand-to-hand combat that was created by her father Hank Pym, which takes advantage of the fighter's insect size against a much larger form and physique enabling them to strike pressure points before the opponent even realizes what happened. She was also trained in multiple martial arts and unarmed combat fields Bio: Hope was originally estranged from her father Hank Pym, and just to spite him for a while dropped his last name keeping only her mother’s Janet van Done's maiden name. Hope was the business partner of Darren Cross until it was discovered he was not only insane but obsessed with destroying her father. She took up her mother’s mantle and became Wasp. Ms. Pym manages to tinker with tech similarly as Stark, although his lifestyle is publicized Hope is more of a whisper. She does enjoy the life of an heiress but not to the same blatant degree. Hope’s Social Web:•Hank Pym - her father, strained relationship that seems to be improving.•Janet Van Done—Pym - her mother, It’s complicated sort of relationship •Scott Lang - acknowledges his existence, slightly jealous of him for being chosen to wear the suit by her father first.•Tony Stark - impressed by his mind, ex-boyfriend it was a youth thing (Joint Post)Sam hurt....hell everything hurt and for him, that was some feat. With the recent changes in his body, it was something more for him to get hurt when normally he didn't. Having this new body was something, but it came with a new set of responsibilities. He had gotten his ass handed to him by this new serpent society. He realized he was going to need some help with this one. Furthermore, he wasn't in charge of the Avengers, hell there wasn't even an avenger yet, it seems he was going to have to make a new team, and then he was going to have to deal with being a team leader. Maybe he should just start with a few people, just a tech person to begin with. He had a very short list and seems he had to gather a few people. He was going to have to do so in the morning. For tonight, he was going to just stay in this tub, till these damned aches and pains went away. He went to bed with a couple of beers and some pizza. Not that he wouldn't be getting up early to work out. He kept the computer system and called her 'Chantelle. 'Tell' for short." Tell I need, to get in touch with Tactic."> He sighed. 'Nat knows people,' he thinks to himself.“Tell Nat.”>"What the hell?!? I need... I need a tech person, someone who could work with us if I need to rebuild the Avengers.">"Hope? Hope?!? Oh, Tactic's friend. Ok, where is she?">"Dang thanks." He said as she moved to work out and then get dressed and get ready. He took his motorcycle and thought that maybe if nothing else he could get her to join him. They did have some of Tony's plans maybe her being a geek might give him some bargaining leverage to get her to join. Hope had been working out since the early morning her frustrations with Scott were amplified by the fact her father took off and left her to fend for herself again. At least this time he had left her in control of Pym tech, it seemed that she was quiet the inventor with a brilliant mind. She swung punch after punch landing her mark as she huffed and puffed. Her phone rang, and the virtual assistant mentioned an appointment that she needs to promptly get ready for. She began removing the bandages from her hands as she sighed it seemed that a meeting would be something she needed to clear her head about the current circumstances. At least until she figured out who the person was after her shower. As she put her earrings in place as she tied her hair up in a ponytail, “Leslie, can you give me the name of the client I will be entertaining again?” “Thank you, Leslie. Please escort Mr. Wilson to my office upon his arrival.” Hope offered as she moved to her desk and opened the drawer and reviewed the file notes. “Falcon.” Grey eyes roamed over the file before she closed it and put it away. Her offices weren’t as fancy as Tony’s buildings in New York. Her head tilted to the side as she waited for the door to open as she sat behind her desk. Sam was not sure of who or what he was expecting. When he stood there He was dressed for him, it was dressed. He was never the shirt and tie kinda person. He was trying to get her attention and help, not go out on a date anyway. Besides, she was probably even geekier, he thought at first before Tell pulled up a picture of her, and he was like 'DATUM!!" He would like to impress her, but he needed her to be the team tech more than try to get her to do more. But what he was looking at didn't have team vibe on it at all. She was definitely a looker if nothing else. He was escorted into the building, and he had read Tony's file on Pym Tech. Seems like he would be new recruit would be just another Stark clone. He walked into the office and stood there, taking in the view of her.(had gotten to her feet as the door opened up. “Hello Mr. Wilson, please do have a seat.” She greeted as she walked across the room to pour herself a glass of bourbon. She had been intrigued to say the least as the handsome man graced her room. It caused her to lick unconsciously at her lips. Oh, the things she could do under different circumstances. “You requested an appointment. Is there something specific I can assist you with or is this something that requires a much more hushed discussion?” She asked curiously slightly intrigued by the visit. Wouldn’t he have gone to Scott? Then again she was smarter.(she just licks her lips?' No she was just thirsty. He couldn't help but to examine her and caught himself looking at that shapely behind, and she was all but spilling out of that top. He felt his mouth watering with thoughts of her and had to swallow to keep from drooling. Furthermore, he moved to sit down, but he couldn't take his eyes off of her? "Both... A both.!" He said as he sat up a bit straighter, maybe he should have gone with trying to impress her. "You were the tech that helped Tactic with his gear? Not to be insulting but how good are you....really?" He asked wishing he could make small talk and be charming, but he wasn't Tony, and even he wasn't that damned charming. He was billionaire so he could say whatever he wanted and still get the girl. Sam wasn't“Want a drink?” She asked her voice a near purr as she smiled at him before sipping from her glass she rolled her eyes. “My Father designed his suit. It’s a bit clunky, but I haven’t had the heart to modify it. I’m better than good Wilson. I’m great.” She offered it sounded slightly like a cocky remark Tony would have spouted, but she was Hope Pym she had her own ideas of greatness and improvement. “I’m guessing you need someone to work on some technology for your little band of heroes?” She offered not oblivious and yet not sure if she should divulge how much she knew. “I’m guessing you need someone like me to help. What’s in it for me?”" Sure." He said calmly, he wondered was this normal for her. Was she trying to get something from him? He wasn't sure, this seemed more like a Tony move, but what did he have to offer her save a good time....ok a very good time. But what could a hot female genius want from him? 'You are great to look at!' He thought, he caught himself chuckling. "Well just put it out there, don't let Tony hear you say that." He teased realizing the former lead was doing something else off world. "I was actually hoping you would join us, so I wouldn't have to ask for you to do tech work for us." He said as he looked at her. "Well helping the world for starters, I have a few of Tony's other blueprints and files, and they are yours if you give us access to your skills and time." He said wishing he had more to offer her, he took the drink from her and found himself kissing her hand. He was not above using charm. Furthermore, he took a drink and looked into her eyes thinking very much he could get lost in those deep brown orbs Hope walked back over to him second glass in hand as she offered it to him. She sat on the edge of her desk rather than returning to her chair as she moved her hand over the smooth metallic surface as she smiled at him before taking another long sip from her glass. It was one thing to challenge Tony, but it was another to challenge Hope. “You want me?” She asked curious as she looked more interested now that the offer to join was on the table. Sure she had scolded Scott about not inviting her to the party, but she didn’t know if she meant it or not. She didn’t know what she wanted to be honest but the idea of beating the shit out of people who did bad things did have its appeal.“Tony’s got you all outdated on purpose.” She offered dismissing the idea of taking his prints but then again it would lead to some improvements of her own tech with repulsed technology. “But I don’t mind taking a look.” She added with a smile before downing her drink. “You have earned a Wasp on your team. Just be careful not to piss her off. She does sting.” She offered with a smirk before leaning forward. “I’m assuming your leading this endeavor. I’m sure I can make you something light weight and durable.” He didn't sit down but stood in front of her since they were apparently negotiating so he was going to put his best foot forward and see what she wanted. He was going to find out what she was wanting in exchange for her help. 'Damn she had some lovely lips.' He said frowning before he focused more. "Yeah! You and Stark had been fighting for years, apparently, this is a family feud. I am not part of the family. I know with the death of my predecessor, I am trying to save the world as best I can. Furthermore, I need a good team and someone I can work with that won't take my word for it. Furthermore, I am the warrior you can be the tech genius that you are. We can form a solid team that can do what the previous group was able to do as well." "So! If we are outdated you can get us up to date. And you're taking a look will get us?" He stood there enjoying her smile." That would be interesting to see the Wasp sting, but thank you for joining. Can you do better than uranium? I would love to see what you could come up with." He said downing his drink. He moved to set his glass down next to hers. "Yeah it is on my lap, I have all the keys, apparently. Do keep in mind, I need you to help and support the team. No Cowboys or Cowgirls. If I don't think something is safe you will stand down. I am not Steve and I won't lose any other my command are we clear?" He said looking into her eyes, close enough to kiss her, actually. He didn't realize he was really that close, he could smell her perfume and her soap even. Furthermore, he found himself licking his lips right now. 'A man could dream.' he thought. Dangerous games she was starting to play, but that didn’t make them any less exciting or fun. She smiled as he moved towards her, it seemed she hadn’t lost that bit of magnetism despite Tony’s claims and the though of starting something she would love to finish out of the office was enticing. She smirked at his comment about the feud. “To be honest that was more of our fathers battle. We enjoyed each other's company before someone’s ego skyrocketed in college.” She offered with a wry smile. “I’m going to do everything in my ability to get you all up to snuff. Unlike Stark, I don’t mind sharing my toys with friends. I would like to see your facilities when you have a chance. I’m actually free the rest of the day if you want to show me what you have on hand.” She offered politely. “I may have had a few designs I’ve been itching to work on. I can retrieve a mini lab and be changed in less than an hour.” Hope had noticed how close he had gotten, and his aftershave made her feel as if her body was heating up. Her eyes met his and the closer he got she felt the pull towards him.“Honey, if I had uranium I’d be capable of making a few things slightly better. It doubles as an armor and from what I hear it also can channel energy. Can you imagine being able to use the kinetic force as part of a weapon?” She offered smiling a bit wider. “Okay, Captain. Does that mean I have to follow a fraternization policy with other members or am I allowed to look?” She added as she felt her hand leave her desk and rise to adjust his tie. “Men in suits. Geese you did do your research.” Her body was banging, and he could do amazing things with her, even now the look of her mouth and neck. He wondered what it would be like to hear and make her scream. He shook that thought away briefly. Furthermore, he thought it was dangerous to be that close, but he didn't move away. "You want to come for the nickel tour now? So I get to have you all to myself for the day? Ok, I will bite. Come on. Your car or mine?" He said as he didn't move away from her. "If you are going to get the team up to snuff then I am game." He said as he looked at her, he took her hand in his. "Shall we go?" He said. "I am ready when you." He said he actually liked her train of thought and the fact that they were going to have equal tech for all of them, he was going to have a much better team. He stayed where he was and didn't move he wasn't afraid to push the envelope. Steve had a problem with getting the job done, he knew what would happen if he didn't. "I know I am looking forward to seeing what you can do with my flight harness since it is a gift from the king." He said looking at her thinking of all the possibilities for himself to be an even better Captain America since no one knew who he was yet. There were rumors but nothing confirmed which still let him have a fairly normal....lonely life. Very lonely if the first woman he was hitting on what the team tech billionaires. "Yeah don't fraternize with SHIELD / Hydra and we will be fine. Sometimes we are the only options we have for...dates, mates or lovers. If you find someone that tickles your fancy...don't let it interfere with the missions, and we are good." He felt her put her hand on his tie. His own hands fell to her hips. "Really? What research?" He asked looking at her. 'Damn what I could very much do with this woman!' The fact he didn’t pull away seemed pleasing as she continued to fiddle with his tie. It seemed he was equally interested in what could happen as she met his gaze under thick lashes. “It would be for a purpose. Consider it as an assessment of current technology.” Her smile seemed brighter when he said was ready to go. “I would but. I prefer to change.” She offered referring to her work wear. “I like being comfortable when I travel. Give me a few minutes. Please.” She added brushing her lips lightly against his before pulling away and fixing the collar of his jacket. “I won’t keep you waiting too long.” she added. As soon as he exited her office she shed her layers of business wear in favor of skinny jeans and a low cut blouse. She undid the band tying her hair up allowing it to spill over her shoulders in waves. It was hard to keep her focus on work now. He had definitely filled her mind with something more than technologically advances especially when he talked about mating. The romantic in her was very attracted to the idea of having a partner who wouldn’t stray and possibly be a bit aggressive. Oh yeah, she was going to be so wrapped around his finger, she’d prefer his cock but hey had to start somewhere. She emerged from the office a smile on her lips as she moved towards him, he had opened the door to touch so she was taking the invitation. Her arm laced with his as she looked comfortable on his arm as she walked with him out of the office building. “You know. If I had it my way I’d say we might need to pick up a bottle of champagne to toast our new alliance.” “And when I teased you earlier about doing your research. I meant that it’s quite impressive you knew how to appeal to me. Most inquiries are done in causal clothing. I mean Lang showed up looking like a prowler. I like a man in a suit. Hell I love men in uniform. Just the idea of being able to design and modify it is exciting in more ways than one.”" Yes a purpose. I like being and staying alive." He said, he wasn't even phased that she knew who he really was. He was amused that she kept fiddling with his tie when he really wanted here to take it off...plus anything else she thought she could handle. But he wasn't really wanting to take advantage of her their first meeting...was he?? "Oh you want to change? That is fine." He shrugged even though he liked what she had on already, but it was office wear and he understood comfort. He was comfortable, well not the tie. But other than that he was ready to go. What he wasn't ready for was for her to brush her lips against his. 'Was that? Did she just?!?' Sam was not expecting it, he knew they were flirting it seems and yes he wanted to taste and feel those lips, but he most definitely didn't expect that, but he didn't move way. It was for her to know the next time...since she wanted to play, there would be no brush of those lips. He did feel them with that briefest of contacts, they were just as he imagined they would be... rose petal soft. 'You have already kept me waiting too long....all my life.' he thought to himself. He could dream of having a woman like her in his life, but the thought that she could be more than interested in him on that level, pushed his mind in a different area. He would have thought she would have several men at her beck and call. To think that he might be her number one draft pick made even the new Captain blush. His mind was going down that road, but he kept his body in check. He hadn't had a girlfriend or even a lover in a very long time. He was suddenly very nervous for Hope thinking...instead of making her moan and scream his name....was that he might hurt her. Furthermore, he wasn't sure she knew what she was getting into. Did she even contemplate having a mate with no refractory period? He could go as long as she wanted and more. He made him swallow thinking he could actually take her till she passed out! Yeah, he wanted her, but he didn't want to hurt her to the point that she didn't want him...all to herself. "Do you think one bottle would do? We can stop, I thought wine, but I didn't know what you would like for dinner, steak, shrimp or both?" He said thinking he was digging his grave deeper and deeper with this one, but he wasn't one to give up. "Nice change, I love the hair." He said thinking of his fingers intertwined in those locks pulling on them as he took her." Just make it something you will enjoy, nothing that will cut too deep in the crotch, and we will be good." He teased. "I am old school, I do try to dress to impress, and you are worth impressing Hope." He said as a matter-of-factly. "I will make it a point to dress for you when we go out to dinner then." He said thinking of how much he would love for her to peel him out of his suit.....either one of them. "Really? Exciting Hugh?" Business formal wasn’t exactly what Hope Pym called fashionable or comfortable. The idea of being stuck in the restrictive clothing made her skin crawl, worse than the insects she hung out with. She had emerged and graced his arm not once parting as she walked out with him. The men in her building turning to frown slightly annoyed by her passing them up as options. If only they knew what she did. Regular men wouldn’t be able to handle let alone keep up with her. Hope needed someone strong and smart. The man on her arm seemed to have the qualities she wanted in a prospective partner. It helped he was definitely easy on the eyes. She had definitely been playful with him having initiated the contact with the soft touch of her lips, she felt her skin tingling from the all to brief contact. Fuck she was definitely going to be screwed. Her eyes met his briefly as they walked outside hit with a gentle breeze of air that was far better than the artificially produced chill from inside the building. “If you prefer wine. I can do wine.” She offered and the idea of him getting even better actually surprised her. “As in pickup or are you a chef as well?” She asked curiously wondering if he could definitely be the one she invested time and effort in. It seemed he was equally vested in what potential they had since he didn’t seem to pull away and only added gasoline to the fire. It really did make her smile that he was confident, most men seemed to be intimidated by her. Furthermore, it had to be the brains. Furthermore, it’s what caused her and Scott to sort of bump heads, he was a stuttering fool sometimes but at least his daughter was adorable and made up for his stupidity. That was truly the only reason she hadn’t beaten the snot out of him. She wondered just how much SHEILA or the Avengers knew about her. The fact that she was one of the few experiments her father had that wasn’t general knowledge, Pym particles actually had been melded into her genetic code. She didn’t exactly need the suit to shrink, but it did afford her the ability to fake the need that she really needed all the tech to do it. Ants obeyed her as if she were a queen and dammit she didn’t mind that one bit. They did tend to keep things neat and orderly just how she liked it. Hope didn’t know what was going on in his mind, she might have had the same concerns about hurting him in the heat of the moment. Her smile only brightened as he complimented her hair as she dragged a hand through it. God, she could act like a foolish teenager at times, she didn’t really pride herself on her flirtation like Stark, but she did have her moments. “Mmm. You had me at dinner.” She purred as she looked at him. “It all sounds amazing.” Sam could dig all he wanted because the woman beside him was very interested in exploring. “So since you don’t want it to cut into the crotch. I may need to get some measurements. You know to ensure a proper fit. I wouldn’t want to damage the goods.” She teased as they made there way to a car. “It would be a shame to cause the world a loss.” Sam was more than enjoying Hope being on his arm, was it wrong he thought about her being more than his partner, maybe his bedmate or lover even. It wasn't wrong that she and he teased one another, but it was shocking that she seemed willing to push the envelope after they had just met. Not that he minded he found her more than desirable, and he was glad he wouldn't have to lie to her about who he was or where he was or who he was with. He would be able to say he was on a mission, and she would be ok for the most part not instantly think he was cheating on her. Hell, what man in his right mind would cheat on her. His fear wasn't if he would, but if he slept with her would she ever be able to leave...or walk straight again. He smirked, he noticed the men that were looking at them as they were leaving. "Some of your exes?" He asked as he didn't miss much, he may not be able to read all the expressions, but he did see them. "We can do either, not like I can get drunk, we would be through half a case before I got tipsy, but I do like the flavor of wine, but if you want Champagne. I am easy." He said then looked at her. "I know how to cook a bit." He wasn't lying, he did know how to cook a bit. He could probably qualify as a chef, but he never tried out for any cooking shows or anything, but he was good to him. Most of those he cooked for swore by his food, but he just thought he was alright. "If I could cook would that be a way to your heart...through your stomach...or palate?" He was actually a palate cook he liked to mix flavors most of them spicy but very much tasty. Sam was really taken aback honestly that Hope seemed to find him to her liking. He was well-built, handsome to some sure, but to him, she was a regular goddess, sure he had his eye on Wanda for a bit, even Nat was someone he looked at once Steve was gone. But that he and Hope seemed to hit it off from the word go. He didn't need a drink to be interested in her or wine or anything that would distract him from making her be and feel like a woman....his woman. 'What am I thinking? She is really not aware of what she is getting into with me...and I am going to have to tell her if things come to that.' He thought as he wasn't sure they would be...umm getting that close today or tonight. All the rooms were soundproof, but that didn't mean she would be trying to leave after an hour or two. He knew the idea of keeping her was pressing into his mind, but after a few weeks of that, she might be willing to send him away or even share him just to get a break. It would make him sad, cause truth be told he only really wanted one woman, unlike some other guys he knew like Tony or Luke even. "I am going to need you to make up your mind beautiful, or I think I will have you stuffed at dinner." He said thinking he had the makings for dinner, and he would still cook for the house even if he did have them, have dinner in his quarters. "You can have your measurements tonight if you wish and you are right. I don't want to lose anything important." He smiled as he moved to open the car door for her to get in. He raised his eyebrow at that last comment. 'The world or her world.' She was really that interested in him and she was available. He would give her the tour and start dinner. He would stop to pick up some more wine, he had mostly beer to drink and one bottle of red.“Nah. Just men who thought they had a chance.” She offered with a laugh as they kept walking. Hope was having way more fun chatting with Sam than she did entertaining anyone else as they approached his car. He was both an officer and a gentleman as he opened the door for her allowing her to step inside, a chivalrous trait she hadn’t seen in years. As she sat inside she fastened her seatbelt and the possessive thought danced through her head, mine. Sam Wilson wouldn’t get much say in the matter, she just prayed that he wouldn’t grow weary of her need for affection. ’Jumping the gun the first chance you get with a man you just met. Oh lord, I have yet to learn my lesson.’ She thought to herself. Just the idea of potentially meeting her match was exiting as she waited for him to get inside. “I’d love to try.” She offered with a purr, damn she really was going to have to tone down her arousal. “I’m fine with either to be honest. It takes me a long while to get drunk too.” It was the change in her metabolism thanks to the Pym Particles, thanks Dad for ruining one of the few fun things of adulthood. “Wine would be lovely.” ”I know how to cook a bit." “Mr. Wilson, are you seeing anyone?” That had to have been every woman’s selling point right, a handsome strong enchanting man who knew his way around the kitchen. “If you could cook it might get you into my heart and my pants.” She teased playfully honest. She was definitely smitten and the though of him flirting back was exciting. Furthermore, she couldn’t recall the last time she had this much witty banter between someone. Her time with Tony was short-lived, and they were young, dumb, and insecure. He had to have had options right? Men like him probably had a long list of suitable women that they wanted and possibly hoped to lure into their beds. Yeah, if she explored this option she wasn’t going to relinquish her hold. She’d definitely keep him all to herself. “This seems like it could get intense.” Hope managed to voice out loud as a disclaimer. This would be his single opportunity to run for the hills because she hadn’t had a relationship in years, the first man she noticed who paid her any attention was sitting beside her. “I’m not like other women. And well I’m altered. If your serious. Sam...” she lingered on his name. “I hope I don’t break you.” Sam smirked as he walked with her as if he were escorting a queen if he were lucky she would be his queen. He didn't have a problem opening doors for her, to him, she was worth it. He had always done, so his grandmother would beat him if he didn't. But there was just something about Hope that made him all but wants to devour her on a regular basis. "Apparently you must have done something to make them all think they were on your potentials list. It had to be something more than walking in her and looking so damned attractive." He just stated simply, not trying to be crass. As he would have said she was 'Hot and Fine!' But she was more than that, she had a good head on her shoulders too. He wasn't fond of dumb women. As Hope definitely had gray matter to spare. He wasn't sure what she had in mind, he was actually glad the men were jealous as that meant she was...available to which he still couldn't believe, but it did add to several thoughts and possibilities. "I don't think I want you drunk, I want you to enjoy us being together and have no excuses if things go further." He said realizing what he was referring too. He wanted her to be with him if she was going to be with him, not jump out of bed and run off thinking what have I done or have any regrets. "Wine it is." He moved to drive to the place where he got a few things and a lot without questions. A case or two, a few bottles of champagne and then to the Tower." We can cook together then, it would be interesting to share the kitchen." He said really thinking more about kissing her or touching her or feeling over her every time he passed by her. "Any favorite dishes?" He smirked at her question, not at all offended really he wondered did she think him the same man that Luke was? From his bald head to his combat boots dude was a ho! Not that he didn't get it, if he himself had spent any time in jail he would probably try to make up for lost time as well." No Hope, I have my eye on someone though. I think she is waylay out of my league, she is smart, beautiful, shapely. Someone that could be my Ms. Right vs. Ms. Right-now. If I were like that. I only want one woman, not one woman at a time. She might be too smart for me actually, but I would love to make her mine." He said hoping she realized he was referring to her. "I don't want to get into your pants Hope.... I want to get you out of them!" He said seeing as they were apparently both going down the same rabbit hole. He smirked only to blush as they came to a stop, and he turned to face her. "Hope if you are going in the direction I think you are going, you have to know and recognize. I know this may sound sudden, but my life is fairly complicated, and I don't want that with you. I don't want someone to warm my bed, but be in my life. Furthermore, I am going to be into YOU and only you. Furthermore, I don't share and if you are wanting me and someone else this is definitely not going to work." He didn't want to drop that bomb, but if she was expecting an easy lay so that should mark her superhero bedpost he wasn't the one." Sorry not trying to make it intense. You are just a smart woman, and I am trying to make sure you have all the facts. So you can make an informed decision. He looked at her wanting to kiss those lips to shut her up. He just wanted to know that she would be there and be all in. Outside of that, he was willing to work something out, but he listened to her. He looked at her totally confused. "I am not like other men...." He started to say he was black, but he was sure she had that one. But she was a mutant? He of all people wasn't racist! Then he smirked as he heard the rest, realizing what she was talking about. He fought back a laugh as he turned to the car off in park. He leaned over to her his lips a hairsbreadth from hers." Hope..... I have no refractory period...so bring it!" He said not letting her get another word in. Since it seems like they were doing this he decided to seal the deal with a kiss and he did. He kissed her deeply, long and hard. It was something he had wanted to do when he first laid eyes on her, he had no idea if it would come to this as his lips parted his tongue tenderly searching for her own. He knew he had work to do to show her around and make her dinner. He would have to get them some snacks....there was no guarantee she was leaving the room before morning. The times had long since changed and men with manners were scarce. It really did add to the allure. She smiled and seemed far gone at the moment as she loved the ease of their exchange, yep Sam Wilson was going to be hers. “Hey, I don’t give them the time of day. It’s not my fault they think they are God’s gift to women, and I’m not the least bit interested. It’s one thing to bullshit about the weather and another to actually agree to dinner.” She offered sincerely looking at him. “And you are the first guy in ages I’ve agreed to have dinner with.” Hope was being genuinely honest, it wasn’t her fault the male population tended to assume a comment about the weather was some sort of opening to more. She had just literally been talking about the weather and nothing more. Her eyes had met his, and he would definitely see the heated passion in her gaze. It was way more than anyone else had seen that was certain. She dragged a hand through her brown locks before turning herself towards him to watch him intently.“I never said I would get drunk love.” She purred now visibly excited about him actually thinking of things progressing that evening. He had gotten out of the vehicle and left her alone in the car to her own devices as she accessed her personal server and began drafting several ideas that might need a little bit of hands on exploration to ensure it fit him just right. It didn’t hurt to have a plan and have both pleasure and work combine. “Ohh that sounds like fun. Is this your way of pre-assessment on team capability?” She teased when he returned as she rested her hand on his thigh for a moment. “I’m not picky. I eat pretty much anything. I do like sweets though.”“A single lady. A true gentleman.” She added liking what she heard. Her own ego making it incapable of assuming he was talking about another woman, smart women were hard to come bye. “Well she’s liking what she sees so it’s a mural attraction.” Hope purred with a smile as she leaned in closer. How the hell she managed all that self-control was beyond her because she would have normally convinced someone to pull over by now if she were interested. “So this Ms. Right is going to luck out meeting Mr. Right.” She offered playing the game they seemed to have with one another. “Because she would love making you all hers that’s certain.”“Do you have any clue how hard it is to find someone who wants the same thing?” She offered picking up on his blush. God, it was fucking adorable. “It’s not intense at all. I like the level of honesty. Makes things easier to understand. I don’t want a hook-up I want something long term. Someone who can keep up with me would be nice. Doesn’t have to always see eye to eye, but challenge is a good thing.” She added laughing softly. ”Hope..... I have no refractory period...so bring it!" He didn’t give her a chance to counter with a witty response as his mouth claimed hers. It caused her to moan against his lips her arms wrapping around his neck holding him close as she parted her lips. Her tongue lightly rubbed against his as she felt herself getting lost. His mouth intoxicating." Not in the slightest?" He was smirking and blushing as well, they did seem rather Tony like as they looked at her with him. "Thank you, it pleases me to be the first." He said rather surprised actually, it was just something about being her with her that he was relaxed and very hungry at the same time. He wondered about her intentions but didn't know her true intentions yet. "So you are the weather girl? Do you do your forecasts 3 or 7 days in advance?" He teased as he glanced at her from time to time thinking of making love to her in the rain if she would let him. 'Wow, now that was some thought.' His mind had gone there. "I hope not I would like for you to be fully aware of my....intentions." He said as a matter-of-factly as he saw the fire in her eyes and still was taken aback that that fire was for him. He saw her fingers moved through her hair and his mind thought of holding, tugging, pulling and squeezing her mane as he made her his own." Maybe yours and mine?" He said as he returned with two cases of wine and half of champagne. "You like sweets? Cakes, pies or cookies?" She was quickly becoming his fave and he thought of making a cake only to eat it off of that lovely form of hers." I am glad of that, I would definitely hope that I could make her happy one day and keep her." He said thinking of having someone he could enjoy regularly, and they could have a true relationship despite there need to save the world. It was possible after all if Reed and Sue could get married and stay that way there was hope for anyone. "Then she will definitely get her chance, make no mistake and trust me. I know and finding someone I don't have to hide the mask from is that much harder. So I do....want you. Hope and if we are....compatible... I know I would like to keep you...if I don't break you." He said with a wink, mimicking her own words. He smirked as he drove into the underground garage of the tower. "We are NOT going to always see eye to eye. I know we are going to fight...but I can just imagine the makes we are going to have." He said, thinking he was glad the building was reinforced with the Hulk in mind. Sam just gave up, when she kissed him back. Her tongue moving against his. Her moan causing him an intense amount of pain as he was throbbing in these pants and if she reached over to touch his thigh she might get quite the surprise thinking he was about as thick as her wrist. He moved his hand to cup her rear and pulled her into his lap as he continued to kiss her. Yes, this was exactly what the doctor ordered. Her arms wrapped around his neck made him wish he could just fly her up to his place or floor, but he still needed to feed her first, and he was sure some of the others he invited would want to meet her....on maybe that would be tomorrow?? His tongue dueled with hers. (JP Cont.) The way her eyes seemed to light up at the thought of him approving of her attraction to him was more than enough to cause her to relax. She was definitely thrilled about his reaction. They could do mutual damage, it didn’t matter the context to be honest since they both had the ability to destroy things if pushed in a certain way. “When it was weather talks it was more geared towards the weekend. So an example would have been there’s a heat wave coming in. Probably nice to pack up and hit a beach. Or if the rain was coming nice time to pick up a book and sit by a fire.” She offered sincerely. She hadn’t once led any of the men on when she conversed. If she had a target they’d be well aware, like how Sam was experiencing her flirtations. “And I am interested in your intentions Mr. Wilson.” She offered with a smile wondering what he was thinking about as she noticed something flicker in his eyes. It was definitely inviting. When he returned she sort of got distracted by him missing the first question and what it was referring to before she managed to catch the next few. “Yeah, I got a sweet tooth. I like cakes to be honest, but I am not the type of person to turn down any other sweet confection.” She offered with a laugh. Thank god they were hidden in an underground garage when he pulled her into the most passionate and heated kiss she had experienced in her life. She moaned hungrily into his mouth, the sound muffled by his lips, although she had a feeling he felt it. Hope was going to stake her claim and make sure the world knew just to keep their distance or just keep it professional with her new partner. The thought of him being in similar agreement caused her to fall a lot more quickly than she expected. Hope Pym had always been a person who built fortified walls around herself so she wouldn’t get hurt. She had done it as a response to losing her mother in her youth, it was partially her father’s doing, but trust was always hard to gain out of her. As they kissed he managed to move her from the passengers side into his lap, uncomfortable as it was with the steering wheel pressing against her back she didn’t protest or bother to move away. She poured every ounce of passion and fire she had buried deep within her into him. She could feel him hardening under her, it only added to the sounds that were being exchanged in between their lips. Furthermore, she was open to the exploration of his tongue as she too took the opportunity to survey his mouth. It seemed to go on for hours, but it was minutes, she pulled back her lungs screaming for air. Her pupils looked dilated when she looked at him a flush on her face. “Before we get carried away. You promised a tour, dinner, and some wine.” She managed through a ragged breath.“Dessert we can figure out a little later. And right now I’m thinking along the lines of you covered in whipped cream or frosting.” She teased before moving to slip from his lap, she kissed his jaw before exiting the car waiting patiently or him to step out. That had gone from zero to Mach 4 witching 20 seconds." So what you are saying is they took you weather talk to mean you were interested in what they were doing for the weekend. Not that you were doing it with them? Hmm, I can see how that can get twisted." He teased, in truth he couldn't, but he could see how they would want it to get twisted but to be dating or at least making the boss lady moan and scream wouldn't be out of the question for him. He'll looks at her, that hair soft made for grabbing, those eyes deep brown eyes almost milk chocolate and anyone that knew him knew he liked him some milk chocolate. Those lips almost made for kissing, it made him lick his lips absently thinking about it, thinking that maybe she wanted to kiss him. Or hell anything she damned well pleased with those lips. Then he looked her over and she had a body to die for, nice trim, shapely in just the right places. And yet there was just something about her that made him want to put his hands all over her. "My intentions? What do you mean? I wanted a tech person... I am hoping to have a lover, maybe be more. Furthermore, I have no desire to rush anything. But I am...." He wanted to be cool, charming, suave. He kinda wanted to be Tony, that could have almost any woman he wanted at a glacé He wasn't Tony. Furthermore, he chuckled, "...my intentions. Hell Hope, I am so into you. I would love to have you in and a part of my life. I am not that guy that has women falling all over themselves to be with so if you think your field is challenged to be with me, sorry to break your heart. Furthermore, I am wide open. Do I have women I have been interested in? Sure a few, but none more than you and if I had the choice of girlfriends or mates right now, you would be my No. 1 draft pick." He said hoping she understood, sure he had flirted a bit, but this was way beyond flirting he was just short of asking her to marry him it seems if she wanted to know how serious he was. "Is that intention-ed enough for you?"" I guess we could make a cake together, I know a few recipes," he said as he was already dreaming of eating cake batter and frosting off of her. Wondering if they would even get so far before he was all over her. He kissed her, his hand was finally satisfied running through her hair that was just as soft as he had imagined and as he felt over her rump squeezing and feeling the resistance of those well-formed glute muscles that he continued to knead as he kissed her. He was more surprised by her lack of resistance. Furthermore, he moved the seat back a bit to not squish her too much but as their tongues dueled she seemed to be kissing him back with equal fervor he was only taken aback briefly, but he tried not to focus on that continuing to kiss her more and more. The feel of her lips and tongue until even he knew they should part before something happened. Despite how much wanted her and wanted to have her right now, their first time was not going to be in his car. 4 or 5 maybe but even then he would be better served by a van. When she pulled back it seems they both needed air, and he fought the embarrassment of the windows starting to steam up. He felt the want from her that seemed to match his own, had he found her totally by accident and here and now he was longing to go to sleep....eventually and wake up still in her arms. Mostly he realized someday she wouldn't be waking up in her arms so much as....waking her up. But to have her in his bed more than occasionally more than appealed to him." Yes Ma'am tour, dinner, and wine. I was thinking more strawberries and cream for you. But I like the frosting idea. I am glad the rooms are soundproof I can't wait to hear you screaming my name." He teased, he got out and realized he was going to have a hard time keeping his hands off of her when they were alone. He was going to be professional in front of the others, but it wouldn't take too long for some to find out. But he was looking forward to her being there...with him. "Come on before something happens to you." He said being honest. Sam moved her to the elevator, the layout was R&D was on the bottom, they had later woven within. Tony was R&D with any hope... Hope would take his place. There was a lot to be done, keeping this group together was paramount among them. He wasn't Steve, but he was aware of how to deal with troops mostly. Yes most of them weren't soldiers, but he knew he would have to treat them as this. No favoritism, to hear them out and to be on their side when it made sense. Most of the living spaces were shared as far as the building was concerned two per level. The living quarters were separated by hallway. They could be opened but for privacy’s sake it was best this way. Then the training rooms two floors up then the meeting room and the communal living space that lead to the outside and the spire that sported the arc reactor 'A'. The system generated its own power for the building, the solar generators were on back up and the other energy system allowed for it all to be self-sufficient and contained. He spoke to Hope telling her this, but the other part of his mind simply wanted to cook and make love to her till dawn. He was very shocked about the fact of consummating their new relationship, he didn't want to hurt her, but under the circumstances and how long he had been without a woman of his own he was sure that he probably would after a few hours, but he had warned her. Furthermore, he was sure between the two of them he wouldn't have to worry about dessert." Our current roster is Power-man: Luke Cage; His partner - Iron Fist: Danny Rand of Rand Corp.; Then you might now Spider-man: Peter Parker; Sure- of Wakanda - Current Black Panther; Wanda Maximoff - Scarlet Witch; Natasha Romanoff - Who is the current Black Widow our resident trainer till we find her replacement." He said wanting to give her a heads-up to what was going on with the group. Hope had followed behind him her hair slightly having more volume than it did prior to their little make-out session in the car. She did look content as she moved to stand beside him as she watched him push the button watching as the doors closed before them. That left them momentarily alone to their own devices, she assumed that the number of floors they were to ascend were in the double digits as she gave Sam a glance. He seemed to give off that pure military vibe, nothing she hadn’t encountered before, but this didn’t seem to give off the disgust it normally caused. Sam Wilson, wasn’t like the arrogant asshats who were so into themselves that they rubbed it in at every opportunity, he seemed genuinely into her and appreciated her knowledge. Hope was pleased to admit Sam had a captivating voice, just that thought alone made her smirk as she imagined him moaning her name in ecstasy she rode him. Not a prude in the slightest as the doors opened up, and she closed the distance between them and lightly grabbed his as-as she exited. The building was definitely amazing, as of any building Tony made would be half-assed, she did see where he went the extra distance having known his team. “This is genuinely amazing. I am actually looking forward to building for you. I guess your assistant should be pleased about setting up that meeting.” She offered thinking his assistant was a physical person as she marveled at the site. “You have a mixed team. It seems like it would be a bit heavy on power. What about your tactical and infiltration?” She asked curiously before thinking out loud. “Consider adding myself, Scott, and... I’m sure I can find you a few more for the team. I have a few favors I can cash in for you.” She teased with a smile. “Am I going to luck out and meet these people or am I going to just have to wait till next time? Because I think I’d enjoy spending the entire evening alone with you.” He was wanting to be the better leader, but everything in him wanted to snatch Hope by her hair and toss her over his shoulder and take her to his suite and make love to her on every piece of furniture there before they made it to the shower and finally the bed. There was nothing about Hope that he didn't want or ache for right now. "If it weren't for all the cameras in here, I would so take you right here and right now!" He said as he stood next to her only her ears could hear. It was something about Hope that would make him want to not only bed her but keep her around long term. If she was willing, she would even be Mrs. Wilson....if she could even stand him that long, but that would be moving rather fast even for him. He smirked only to blush as she grabbed his behind. He was glad she wasn't a prude, he was more glad that his previous attack wasn't one-sided. Furthermore, he was not only looking forward to making her scream and moan his name...as he was looking forward to speaking hers in very loud decibels only for the two of them. "My assistant is here. She keeps me straight... I should thank your assistant for accepting my meeting!" He said as he looked at her. "I don't have a Thor or Hulk on my team, I have to make most of them equal in skill levels if nothing else. A well-rounded team would be best about now. Well, the spider and Widow are stealthy, Pete needs some training. Sure is the epitome of stealth being the Black Panther and her tech skills would be similar to your own. Honestly, I am hoping for my new lover would take up the infiltration skill set." He said with a wink. "I will accept whatever tactical skills you are willing to give. I don't know everything after all. If I did, I would have come to visit you....sooner!" He said looking at her. He smirks. "So you and Tic TAC....so you want me to find some others? I think we can do that." He said as he smirked, she was making him nervous! She was almost telepathic in her ability to get into his mind to know all he wanted right now was standing near him. "Well I do have to cook, so there is a chance that someone might come in and see my new lover!" He teased as she pulled off his jacket, loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves as he started to cook. He had his own refrigerator in his room with his own dessert items in it.

Star and Stinger (Katgrimm_Ganna)|rating:4.0

The Malfoy Manner (yasarra, Babygirl1990 and Patriarch)

"Ah, Draco, Astoria. Welcome to the Pen dragon Institute for Wayward Girls. I understand you have a young lady in dire need of direction." Before the trio, a flame-haired woman with hard, jade green eyes stood, smiling, her voice an almost serpentine hiss. "You do understand that this is a two-year program and by the time we are done, she'll be as sweet and obedient as a well-trained puppy, correct? Or your galleons back." Turning to what would be her newest student and ignoring the obvious eye roll, the woman murmured, "Remain here, and stay away from the plants. They’re very...friendly." In the next room, she made the final arrangements with the parents. Once the negotiations were at an end, she guided the pair back out of her office. "You can visit on the New Moon every month to check on her. But, rest assured, my Lord-husband and I will reshape Alessandra into something you're both going to adore, and young Scorpio will enjoy immensely at his eighteenth birthday party." As Alessandra’s adoptive parents left, the witch turned to the girl. “I’d tell you to remove your clothing, but I think we both know that would simply cause a struggle, so…” Mistress Andrei pointed her wand, “Ut nudes!” Her newest pupil’s clothing fell to ash on the floor. And then, “Action wand!” The slip of wood flew threw the air into her hand. “You won’t be needing this during your stay here. I won’t tolerate rebellion.” she smiled, her eyes focusing on the door behind the girl. “And neither will my Lord-husband.” A dark shadow fell over Alessandra from behind. Alessandra wasn't exactly thrilled about going to the institute. Apparently she'd pushed it too far with her last prank. She thought it was funny. Her stepmother had been upset with her after she'd graduated because she didn't want to go into politics or something like that, so as a punishment, Mrs Malfoy had made her life like a house elf for a week, to show her what she was going to end up like. All Alessandra had done was a simple spell that made her not fit into her new outfits she'd spent way too much money on every time she drank her wine... which was a lot. By the end of the week, Mrs Malfoy had 'gained' almost thirty pounds. The only way to fix it was they literally say the words "I'm sorry." To this day, she was still thirty pounds larger. Even though, according to European laws, Alessandra was an adult, she was still in the system in America as a minor, due to come computer issues and arguments about her birthday. So as she stared at the pretty red hair, all she could do was sigh and shake her head in her situation. Looking over at the plants, Alessandra furrowed her brows for a second and then took a step away from any of the plants near her, not wanting to find out what 'friendly' meant." You don't need to bother visiting," Alessandra said plainly. She wasn't exactly adopted by they wanted a daughter, even she knew that. Their son was a spoiled little twat that she'd wanted nothing to do with at all. The girl watched her adoptive parents leave and sighed as she pursed her lips, now placed into a new hell. Looking at the now speaking redhead, Alessandra was barely even paying attention, that was until she registered what she'd said. Take off her clothes? What? Stripped of her want and clothes Alessandra yelped and covered herself. "What the fuck?!" She said as she backed up a bit. Alessandra felt her heart sink as the surrounding air changed, darkened and felt another person by her. The girl turned around slowly as she looked up at whom she could only assume was the 'Lord-Husband.' Her eyes widened as she tried to move towards a wall. This was NOT what her parents told her this school would be. The shadows of the room billowed up, spun like threads into a cloak of darkness. Hands emerged from the sleeves and reached up to pull back the heavy hood. From its depths emerged a face that looked like it came from a wicked faerie tale, one of a mad lord perhaps that kidnapped wayward girls and made them his brides. He was of dark hair, black enough to embarrass a raven, with eyes like the sea before a storm. The man smiled, eyes glittering with dark hunger. "My dear child," He growled, spreading his hands as if to encompass all the room, "Welcome to our school." His gaze spilled down her front, the swell of her breasts and curve of her hips. "I see you're already in uniform. Very good." He flicked his wand as if dislodging an invisible fly from its tip. The wall she'd been backing into grew stone hands that grasped her wrists and steadily forced them above her head. Others gripped her ankles, holding her tight." Lesson one... Do not flee from your teachers. Freedom of movement is a privilege child." He pressed his wand to her womanly pearl and spoke a silent spell. The wand tip hummed, sending vibrating magic racing along her sensitive jewel. "Patience, my darling husband." Lady Andrei moved to his side, kissing him deeply. "She isn't quite in uniform, yet." Moving to her desk, she opened a drawer and retrieved a wooden box. "Here we are." Andrei returned to his side, opening it to show him. "I think this will get the point properly across." With the girl held in place, she began to place restraints on her, locking them with tiny, silver keys one by one. "The runes etched into the leather will ensure that not only can you not cut it, but your magic will be suppressed until we see fit to remove them." Even if she got her wand after these were put on her, she wouldn't be able to use it. For now, the girl could scream and curse all she wanted. They wouldn't be hearing it, anyway. "My Lord, would you care to do the honors, or shall I?" Her eyes shone, bright and wicked and venomous green. "Try not to be too cross, child." Her hair caught the flickering flames of the torchlight, illuminating her in an evil way. "In the end, you'll thank us for this, and perhaps even love us." Alessandra's New Uniform Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide({Tag: Babygirl} The man that towered over her was frightening. No. Intimidating was the right word. She watched as he smoothly pulled his wand out and realized she was an idiot. Before she could move away from the walls, they'd started grabbing at her. Alessandra struggled against the stone hands as they pulled her hands back and spread her legs apart. She couldn't hold back from blushing. From being so exposed. Sure, she wasn't a virgin. But it was one time, and she'd had too many butter beers and the sugar had just overtaken her lust that night. Her mind snapped back to reality, focusing in on the suddenly vibrations on her now throbbing clit. The young woman gasped as she felt her body shuddering, her pussy already getting wet as she struggled to keep composure. She was failing though, because the moment he'd pulled his wand away, via Andrei's voice, she whimpered a bit. Alessandra was already panting hard, when she started to 'dress' her. Her eyes followed as each piece was attached, and then explained. She wasn't going to be getting out anytime soon. She tried to struggle, but the cold lifeless hands didn't even budge. Alessandra looked up at them both in shock. Love them? "What the fuck sort of school is this!?" She demanded from them. She was so confused. This was supposed to be a reform school. There was no way her adoptive parents Mathis in mind for her. Their reputation was everything to them and if had gotten out that they'd done this to her, it wouldn't look good. Even she knew that. "A highly effective one." He chuckled darkly. "Raven's school of Etiquette and Chivalry... Or, as some affectionately term it, 'Witchcraft and Misery'. But they change their tone after the first semester." He pressed his wand against her new school panties... And his wand, made from ancient oak with the tail hair of a black unicorn for a core, pressed through the fabric as if it was mere illusion and sank into her juicy core. Her pearl's vibrations intensified with the presence of her Master's wand. It sank deep into the female and began to hum with magic once more. "The things I could do to you now... The things I could make you feel... I could make you scream in ecstasy until your voice was lost to the wind and night. I could make your body buck like a rabbit desperate for a mate. But no, you have not earned such pleasure yet." His fingers glided across her cheek. "Andrei, bring out deal Ariel." Ariel followed the Mistress, wearing a very similar outfit to her own, except for the fact that a thin layer of lace had been tied over her eyes. She didn't pay any attention to Alessandra. Her eyes were solely for the man teasing the other girl. Beside her, the woman holding her leash beamed a smile, one of warmth and affection and pride at the girl's behavior. A hand reached out and stroked her golden hair, and Ariel leaned into that touch with a happy sigh." Master?" She slid to her knees. Ariel had attended Hogwarts with Alessandra, had run with her mischievous crowd...until she just disappeared one day. Now, she spoke meekly, kneeling on the floor with a posture that thrust her chest forward proudly, the leash still attached as the girl waited his command. Her eyes followed his arm to his wand, and she shivered, licking her lips as the girl's juices dripped over it. "How may I serve?" Visions of things to come. Alessandra glared at him. "So this is your very own slut factory." she said as she struggled a bit in her confines. Though, as his wand found her sex again, Alessandra started to melt. She struggled as her head pressed back against the wall, her hips wiggling. She wasn't sure if she was trying to get away from the wand, or to get it further into her. The girl could feel herself getting wetter and wetter as he toyed with her body, seemingly amused. "Stop," she begged him as she held back her moans. Alessandra eyes finally opened to hearing he sound of the door, her eyes widening as she saw an old friend of hers. "Cari." she whispered as she looked at the girl. She watched as her friend didn't even seem to see her, her only focus on the intimating man in front of her, still probing her body. "What the hell..." she said as she watched the girl practically drooling to serve this man. That was not the girl she knew before. Cari used to be the one to come up with all the pranks, all the mischief. Was that what she was going to be like? She didn't want that. Sure, she'd love to make her love happy, but she actually had to be in love. Not some mindless fuck toy like the girl kneeling before her. "Don't be so crude child." The lord chuckled low, "This is a school, a bastion of education and personal development. Here you shall discover the woman you truly are, just as Ariel did." His fingers dripped through Ariel's hair. She moaned and whimpered at the touch of her Master. His wand thrummed harder, truly vibrating with magic now. It drove deep into her core, sliding in and out of its own accord. He fucked her with his wand." Cariel, tell our new freshman what you've learned here. Tell her what you are now, and some of the things done to make you that way. Your dear friend wants to know a little of the lesson plan she has to look forward to. Tell her... Between licks of course." His robe opened, and his proud thickness stood ready to be served. Ariel happily complied. "Ali, this place, it can only help you. I've seen girls graduate and go home, gotten letters from them, and they have great lives." The girl paused, running her tongue up his shaft. "Like Melody. She's happily engaged now, and working for the Ministry. I think, I might wind up staying here. I like helping the Master and Mistress with new student intake." she smiled. "Life is different now. I get all the attention I want without having to make trouble just to get it. Don't worry. You'll understand soon enough." Another lick, and a soft moan rippled out of her, "MMM..." Her gray eyes turned up toward Raven even as she continued to speak to the girl. "Just, don't try to run away. The island won't let you leave," she shuddered. "I've heard...stories." Smiling up at the dark haired man with his stormy eyes, she asked, "Master, may I have more?" Alessandra couldn't keep her eyes in one spot. They went from the girl to... What was his name? Did he even give it? Her eyes searched for that memory. No. She only knew him as Master. Looking at him as he spoke, Alessandra felt her nervousness only become higher. He made it sound like being a mindless... thing was good. Something to be sought out for. She almost couldn't believe that girls could behave like this, and be 'normal' out in the world. The Malfoy's knew exactly what sort of school they'd turned her over to. A bead of sweat rolled down the side of her face as she tried to fight the pleasure of Master's wand, scared to give into it. As her old friend started to speak... and lick, Alessandra blushed and kept having to avert her eyes. Melody engaged? That was news for her. However, Ali wasn't engaged, she was betrothed, purchased like cattle for a boy. Ariel was making promises, about loving this place, clearly she seemed to be enjoying herself as she licked Master's cock. Her eyes shifted to a window, looking out and wonder what . Stories... would be told to her about what laid out there. "C-can you send her away please?" Alessandra finally asked. "I j-j-just -" she paused and took a deep breath. She wasn't able to concentrate, get her thoughts in order. "I p-p-p-promise I'll be good.... I just have... have a few... questions..." she begged. "P-please... Master?" "You don't promise to be good. You demonstrate it." He drew his wand from her core and the walls' hands released her. She dropped from her stony prison into his arms. He caught the slave, saving her from a dangerous fall. He lowered her gently to the cold floor, inches from the well-trained Ariel." The privilege of a request must be earned, little one." His eyes were hard and hungry. "The dear deputy headmistress will instruct you on how to do so." A hands traced over her hips, "Obey her every word as if it was my own. Your body is ours." His fingers pinched her clit, "This is not your pearl I'm touching. It is ours. All you are has been entrusted to us. You are our metal to forge and beat into a pleasing form." His eyes glittered, "Metaphorically of course. Only the worst girls earn a beating." He looked to his wife. "Headmistress, teach her the slave's position." "Every girl at this school starts out as a slave." She explained calmly. "You may graduate through the ranks from there. A slave becomes a servant, and a servant a pet. Respect is expected. Respect is earned. Ariel, for example, is our dear pet. She is loved and pampered and well cared for. She performs to please us, and we lavish affection on her for her delightful behavior. But, she is not to be mistaken for a mindless creature. She is fast becoming an expert on magical artifacts. She is also very helpful in assisting new students in adjusting to their new way of life." Slowly, the woman sank to her knees. "Watch me carefully." She sat upright, her bottom resting on her heels, thighs spread just a little. "Good posture is important. It both looks and feels better." Her head, she held high, hands resting lightly on her thighs. "The head tilt is a show of pride. You're a slave now, but you will ascend if you do well. Lowering your eyes shows respect. Do not lift them unless a Master or Mistress instructs you to do so. Keep your shoulders back. It puts your breasts on display, readily available to your instructors. Do you understand?" Alessandra gulped as a lecture started, but right as she was focused in, the wall released her, and she was falling. She let out a small scream until she realized he'd caught her and looked up at him in shock. She was instantly amazed at how she knew the truth and was still trying to find his words rational. Furthermore, she wanted to keep looking into his commanding eyes and learn what he wanted to show her. Looking over at the Head Mistress and truly seeing that beautiful woman for who she was, Ale struggled a bit. Her entire person being claim, Ale gasped from his fingers and struggled in his arms, tensing up as she winced. She knew she was supposed to fight that statement, to not let someone try to act like they could own her. But Ale was really seeing that she didn't want to stop these too. She was too intrigued with what they'd show her. Try to mold her into. Would she really still be her? Or even a better her? Still in Master's arms, Alessandra looked over at the goddess before her and found herself hypnotized to her voice. Ale looked over at Ariel, mouthing an apology to her, feeling bad how she'd insulted someone whom she'd considered a good friend. Her eyes then followed as she watched the Head Mistress kneeled, putting herself on display. She paused for a minute as she made her final choice. The choice that there was no going back from. Wiggling out of Master's arms, Alessandra crawled to her knees, kneeling and then sitting on her heels. The girl parted her knee a little further and then straightened her back and looked down at a corner in the room. Her face was completely red from blush, and she was still breathing a little heavy. If she wanted answers, explanations... anything; she was going to have to play their game. She understood that she was taking a big risk by doing it, but she found too many reasons to keep going. The first being that she wanted to do it. "Very good, little one." His strong fingers softly brushed her cheek. He cradled her chin in his palm. "Your eyes are unworthy to drink in my gaze. With time, you may learn to look at me as Ariel does, freely and openly. For now, you are not afforded that privilege." He strode around her, inspecting her thoroughly. "You have a pleasing figure. You will do well at this school, provided you dedicate yourself to your studies. More than one girl has not prepared herself well, or broken a few too many rules. They are often driven mad from the pleasure we inflict upon them. They still satisfy our customers of course, but there is little of the original girl left in their minds once we are done with them. I prefer to mold, not shatter and rebuild. Much is special about each slave that cannot be replicated after it is lost." His fingers trailed down her neck. "You belong to us now." His fingers gripped her hair and pulled her head back suddenly, forcing her eyes to his. He towered over her like a dark god, eyes ablaze with primal hunger. "Agree with your Master." Alessandra did her best to keep her eyes down, to not look up at him like she so badly craved to do. Or even to look at his wife. She was just as enchanting as he. Even as he spoke, Alessandra was both fascinated and terrified by the idea of being forced to feel so much pleasure, that she lost herself. How much would it take? Would it be a while before she broke from the torture? Or would she submit to it in mere minutes? She didn't want to be used by a lot of random people. But she was too scared to say so. Ale gasped and winced as he forced her eyes to look up at him, the nerves on her scalp tingling from it. "Y-Yes Master..." she said in a small voice. Her heart still pounding so hard it could be seen in her chest. "I-I belong to you and M-Mistress." she stuttered. She couldn't recall another time where she was so unable to use more than just a few words to express herself. "You see? Being good isn't terrible." Andrei swept gracefully up from her knees and walked toward her. Green eyes warmed, filled with pride as the girl gave in to a single command. Stroking her cheek, she leaned in and pressed her lips to the pretty little witch's, giving her a very tender kiss. "You will be Ariel's roommate, my dear." She knew the girl would need something familiar to anchor herself to, a shelter in the storm. "She'll help you with both, your academic and intimate studies, a kind of mentor. She can also introduce you to the other students and servants of the house. Just, please, try not to go past the walls of the courtyard." Alessandra looked up at Andrei, immediately remember she wasn't supposed to, the girl lowered her eyes until the Mistress was in her face, kissing her lips. Alessandra took in a quick breath as she felt her heart flutter as the familiar sensation of a kiss and blushed as her lips kissed back. There was a slight relief to find out that Ariel was going to guide her. Something familiar to hold onto was needed at this time. Even she knew that. Looking back down, Alessandra gulped the lump in throat and licked her lips before she spoke. "Th-Thank you Mistress..." she said, referring to letting Ariel mentor her. Her hands were still a bit shaky, and she was still confused inside, but she was calming down better than she was when she got here. The young girl was nervous and unsure about her choice, but there wasn't ever a going back at this point. She was a survivor. And very, very ambitious. "How quickly the child melts when brought under the heat of her Master." His dark chuckle slithered out and played along the air. His fingers traveled down the girl's throat as she gulped and pressed over her shoulder. He squeezed with an almost encouraging grip, but his eyes were hard and dark." We'll unwrap the present later." His smile was wicked, hungry, a lion that had recently eaten considering a young antelope. "Take her to her chambers Ariel. She has a great deal to consider." He released the girl and turned to Andrei, "Now, about the dryads... I believe we should consider their offer." With the shift of his concern it was like the pet and slave had ceased to be real for him. Ariel reached out a hand and took Alessandra's as the Master and Mistress left, breathing a sigh of relief. "I think they like you. Come on, I'll show you to our room." As they walked down the long, portrait lined hallway, she paused. "Are you alright, Ale?" There was real, genuine concern in her eyes. "I know they can be a bit intimidating. But, if you play your cards right, you'll come away from here with experiences you can't get elsewhere, and I don't mean just in the bedroom." There was so much to show her, but the Master had been right. They should go to their suite for the evening. "Let's get you settled. I can show you about the place in the morning. At least, the place as it is now. Like Hogwarts, things like to rearrange themselves from time to time." Alessandra looked at Ariel, still in a bit of a daze until finally she was able to shake her head and blink a few times. Where the fuck had her head gone? Ale followed the girl along the hallways, her eyes trying to see every detail she could. "Yeah, I'm fine." she said. "I just sort of - Do they do that to you too? I felt like ... I don't know what I felt like... but it was weird." She shook her head with a smile as she ran her fingers through her hair." Yeah, that's fine. I just... am I going to have to get used to this..." she said as she followed the girl back to their room. "Did your parents bring you here?" She asked her. "I mean, I get why I'm here. But I don't understand why you'rehear. What happened?" "Yeah." she nodded. "It's hard to remember even your own name when you're around them, at least, at first." To the second question, she shook her head. "I got in serious Dutch with the Council over the summer. Decided to help out with a prank only to find out later that it was more than a little illegal. They gave me an option. This school, or a lengthy prison sentence. I think I got the better option. Because it is a school, not prison and once I'm out of here, well, it'll be easier to find a job." She began walking up, and then upside down along some stairs. It was like living in an Escher painting. "There are about ten other girls here besides us and one boy." By the time they reached a door, they were standing, their left sides parallel to the ground, on a doorstep. Ariel lifted her right hand and tapped on the door three times with the ring on her wrist restraint, and it swung open. "Here we are. Our room." Standing aside, she allowed her friend to enter first. "Okay, you got to ask me. Now, I'm going to ask you. What did you do to wind up here?" Alessandra shook her head as she listened to her friends' story. "I'm not sure what I would've picked had I known..." she said in thought. It wasn't any secret to her and her friends that Ale was a little... shy about sex. She'd done it once, it was alright, but nothing grand. It was at that point she'd decided to not make sex a priority. But now, it seemed like that was going to be in her life for a while. "A boy? What's he for? Breeding?" she joked as she leaned against a wall. Her hands touched along her soft skin and blushed as she remembered she was in 'uniform.' Her thoughts were taken away from her when Ariel asked what she did. "Oh," she smirked with a sigh as she shook her head. "It's total bullshit. My 'mom'" she said with air quotes. "Got all mad at me because on top of trying to marry me off to her kid, they wanted me in politics. You know me, that's not my thing. All I said was that wasn't the route I was going to take. So then, to 'teach me a lesson,' she made me dress up like a house elf and treated me like a slave for a week. She was so mean to me during that time too. This one night, she held a dinner and didn't tell me and so her guests got to see how 'her ungrateful adopted daughter' was being punished. I get a little more than upset and I put a simple little bloating spell in her wine. When she figured out it was me, I told her that the only way to reverse it was to apologize. She didn't. And now I'm here, and she still can't fit in her fancy clothes." she rolled her eyes. "It's all so stupid now... but..." she trailed off and looked away." As if them adopting me for their son wasn't bad enough, he and I hate each other. Really. We can't stand each other. So I'm not sure what I'm going to do... I can't go back with the Malfoy's..." "No, nothing so innocent as that," she laughed. "He's their son. What you really have to watch out for are the ghosts and the Master's familiar. The air spirit loves to molest girls in the shower. So, anything you want to ask me? About the school? Classes? Also, I probably should ask this. It's kind of important. And, it might be a bit embarrassing, but... Have you had experience with, ah, girls?" She chewed her lip, wondering what her friend would say. They hadn't seen each other since school let out, and she had no idea about Ale's level of experience." Like the Master said, I'm going to be your mentor, so I need to know just how far you've gone." Her cheeks burned a warm pink. "I'm sorry if you find this embarrassing." Her own first days here had been awkward, and unlike Alessandra, she hadn't known anyone else when she arrived. She wanted to make the transition easier on her if she could. "I'm here to help you any way I can." Ale blinked a few times. How was force breeding innocent? But even more surprising, he was their son? Jesus. Who were these people? Alessandra took in another large breath and shook her head as she explained more. This was definitely not Hogwarts. "How do I keep things from not touching me when I don't want it?" She asked. "I mean, I really will try to obey their rules, but I don't really need to be touched when it don't want it." she said. Ale wasn't a very intimate person, so when she didn't want to be touched, no one would touch her. The ones that did try... well Ale always had a spell at school for them. Here, she knew she wouldn't be able to get away with it. But that didn't mean it was okay to touch. At least not to her. The question Ariel suddenly asked made her blush a beat red. "Uh..." she stammered. "Ariel... I was only ever with Timmy... i..." she looked away. This was quite a difficult life to try and get used to. It was completely beyond her comfort zone that she'd established at school and in her mind. "No. I've only been with one person. And he wasn't that great... so..." she trailed off and let her eyes focus on the corner of the room. Alessandra played with her fingers as Ariel apologized for making her so uncomfortable. And shook her head. "It's fine." She simply said." I'm tired." she said, avoiding what she knew would be the rest of the conversation. "Can we maybe talk about this more tomorrow?" She asked as she moved around the room aimlessly. She smiled sadly at her friend. "The first time is almost never that great, Ale. And, yeah, we can talk more tomorrow. Try to get some sleep. Before we go to sleep just a warning. That intimate stuff? It's going to happen. They don't make exceptions here. But don't worry. I'll be here for you, okay? I'm not going anywhere. Furthermore, I asked them to let me mentor you. Things are less scary when you face them with someone you know, I hope." She slipped into the big bed, the only one in the room. "Come on. Let's get some sleep. Tomorrow's a new day, filled with new, shocking experiences." Ale sighed as Ariel made her face a truth. She was going to have sex. And she could either play along, or get in trouble. By reactions, she'd seen of her friend, trouble wasn't good. Or was... too good? She wasn't sure, but it sounded scary She felt even worse when she said she "hoped" it would be better with a friend. Ariel didn't have a friend when she'd arrived. She'd gone through this alone. Here she was feeling sorry for herself, and she probably had it better than most of these girls did already. Alessandra crawled into the girls giant bed and hugged her, giving her a kiss on her cheek before whispering a thank you in her ear and holding her. It was the only thing she felt would show Ariel that she appreciated her. Both the girls were cuddles, so it wasn't like this was unwelcomed to be either party. Sleep didn't come easily to her though. She'd been so freaked out that she couldn't get her large eyes to shut. She was worried about the Master and Mistress. About the ghosts. About everything. She wasn't sure when she'd fallen asleep, but it wasn't enough of it. "Good morning." Ariel was up and smiling again as soft, silvery bells tolled that it was time to wake. "Didn't sleep well, hmm? Take this." She offered her a vial of pink liquid. "It'll get you all woke up and raring to go." For the most part, it was a simple energy potion. "We're going to have to hurry if we're going to make breakfast. That'll mean sharing a shower. Wash my back, I'll wash yours?" Stepping into the shower, her 'uniform' disappeared. She turned under the water and extended a hand, beckoning to Alessandra. "Come on in. The water's great." Warm spray drifted over Ariel's naked body, causing her skin to glisten, glittering in her blonde hair as she gave her friend a smile. By the end of breakfast, the potion she'd given her should be in full effect. "Do you have any more questions about the school?" Talking lightly might take some of the tension out of her friend, she thought. And maybe they'd get a tiny bit of early practice done in the process. Ale wasn't really a morning person in the first place and with little to no sleep, she was even worse. Softly groaning and sitting up, she slouched. Still here. It wasn't just an exhausting nightmare... or dream. Looking over at her friend, she took the vial and downed it. She trusted her friend, why question it? As she put the vial on a side table, Alessandra looked back at Ariel just in time to see her uniform disappear as the water touched the girls body. "So that's how it happens..." she noted as she slowly crawled out of the large bed. Ale dragged her feet over to the shower and got a perfect look at her friend. God, she looked pretty, no wonder Master and Mistress liked her so much. Ale blushed at her thought and coughed to shake her imagination away. As soon as she stepped into the shower, the uniform was gone. "Gotta love magic..." she shook her head. Alessandra waited her turn until she was able to actually get water in her hair, and during that time she tried to think of questions. "What are the teachers like? Do they do things to you too?" she asked. "Yeah, I know, right?" she laughed. And then, turning and seeing her, she froze. "Oh, wow Ale." she breathed, eyes wide as they ran over the girl's body. She was GORGEOUS! "You, you really filled out over the last year." Her own blush burned her cheeks. Could she tell her? Should she tell her? Would it freak her out if she knew? Hellfires, what was WRONG with her? "Boys must have been all over you at Hogwarts." She wanted to say it. She wanted to tell her so badly. But, she couldn't. The time wasn't right. She wouldn't understand. Would she? No, she HAD to stop being such a chicken! "Hey, umm, Ale?" She lathered up a cloth with soap and began to lightly scrub her friend's back. "There's, something I have to say. I hope you won't take offense. I mean, I don't want this to make things weird between us. Maybe, maybe I shouldn't..." Why couldn't she stop babbling and just SAY it?! God, Cari, stop being such a fucking IDIOT and TELL her, already! "What I mean to say is, we're friends. We can tell each other anything, right?" she chewed her lip nervously, trying very hard to keep her eyes on Ale's face and not...lower. Alessandra blushed at the girls' reaction to her body. Looking down at herself and then back up at the girl she backed up a bit towards the wall at the girls' excitement. Ale rubbed her left hand on her right shoulder as she shyly curled in on her body. It was so much easier to proudly show off her body when she was in the Master and Mistress' trance. But now she was with her friend and no longer in subspace. Ale tilted her head when she saw Ariel's nervousness. What was she so nervous about? What was so scary to tell her? Offense? What the hell was this girl going off about? "Oh my god, Ariel, there is literally nothing that you can say that would make me not want to be your friend.' she said as she forgot about her naked body and reached for the girls shoulders to cal her down. "Breathe. Take a second. Go." She said, looking at her friend with a smile. Okay, this was Ale she was talking to. Ale, one of her closest, dearest, prettiest friends, the one who had been the most fun to hang out with at Hogwarts's. She could do this. She could just say it. Rejection might hurt, but she wouldn't know if she didn't say anything, right? "Ale, the truth is, there's something I never told you the whole time we were at Hogwarts's. What I mean to say is, I mean, I've, kind of kept a secret from you, and it's, well..." Deep breath, Ariel, she thought. You can do this. "I've, always kind of had a crush on you. Ever since we met on the train." There, she said it. Now all that was left was to brace herself for the inevitable. She wondered how Alessandra would react. What would she say? Maybe this was the worst idea in the world, telling her while they were in the shower. But, she knew their moments of privacy would be limited and if she was going to say anything at all, maybe this was her best opportunity. Ale started at Ariel, her mouth slightly open as she wished that the girl would just spit it out and say it already. What could be so much of a secret that it would cause the poor girl to just ramble? She already knew that Ariel liked girls, she'd figured that out by second year. But Ariel went a step further, confessing her secret of her feelings for Ale. Alessandra blinked a few times as she registered the words and then smiled. "Well you sure chose a hell'of time to bring it up." She grinned. It actually made her feel good that a girl liked her like that. It was the first time someone had ever admitted their feelings for her. Usually it was her saying it. "Feel better down that you've got that out?" she asked as she kissed the girls cheek softly. "I get that was hard for you, but I'm glad you said it, I like you too." she said before she pulled back and blushed a bit. "I've always like both... Just wasn't something that ever came up." Oh, stars! What a relief! "You-" she stared at her, stunned, leaning into the kiss on the cheek. "Wow." Her eyes sparkled and she laughed, feeling relieved. "Ale..." She stepped in closer, feeling bolder now as she placed her hands on Ale's shoulders and returned the kiss. Only she didn't aim for her cheek. She caught her on the lips and let it linger, a slow, sweet kiss "Really?" She couldn't stop blushing either. This news, this revelation might make things easier for them. Ariel was supposed to be her mentor, but if their interactions during training MEANT something to her, too... Ale might actually come to enjoy it. "I know my timing is horrible. It always has been." she grinned. "But there's no better place to explore this than right here, no better time than right now." Before one of the teachers decided to give her a 'private lesson'." Listen, we actually have time still before we go to breakfast and classes. So, would you like to, ah, explore this a bit? With me?" Her hands teased over Alessandra's sides. "It basically involves depriving you of one or more senses temporarily to heighten others." She let her consider the idea as she went on to describe it. "A silencing spell on the immediate area and a blindfold, for example, to amp up your sense of touch. She'd have me lean against the shower wall and hold onto that ring." She pointed out the metal loop protruding from the wall above them. "It was the perfect thing to keep me from slipping and falling on my backside." Ale blushed as the girl took a step towards her. As cool and collected she wanted to seem, this was completely new for her. Her friends familiar touch was now different... softer maybe? She wasn't sure, but she couldn't say she hated it. As their lips touched, Ale blushed, tilting her head just a bit so that their noses didn't squish together and puckered her lips right back at her. "Really..." Ale said a bit breathlessly, her eyes barely open. The girls request was a bit shocking. Explore what? Ale's eyes followed the way to the ring above the wall and looked back at Ariel. "Uh..." she hesitated. "What... what do I have to do?" She asked as the steam in the shower made her body start to develop a sheen. Alessandra felt a shiver roll down her spine as she wondered what this was going to do to her.

The Malfoy Manner (yasarra, Babygirl1990 and Patriarch)|rating:3.0

Yu-Gi-Oh PbP_ Altaria87 vs. BladeofOblivion

Note I forgot to mention, the Deck includes Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant, a card that, while confirmed, doesn't yet exist in the TCG. You're ok with me using that, right? Into the Arena walks a teenage boy, greasy black hair covering his left eye, and a Space Invaders-themed jacket covering his black t-shirt with a picture of Pac-Man on it." So, who's here? Up for a Duel?"{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|-|-|--|-|-|-|-[/table]LP=8000Spoiler Hide Deck: Enter Odin Spoiler Hide 1. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 2. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 3. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 4. Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant 5. Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant 6. Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant 7. Try of the Nordic Champions 8. Try of the Nordic Champions 9. Try of the Nordic Champions 10. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 11. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 12. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 13. Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant 14. Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant 15. Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant 16. Gelled 17. Gelled 18. Gelled 19. Victoria 20. Victoria 21. Victoria 22. Mystical Space Typhoon 23. Mystical Space Typhoon 24. Dark Hole 25. Monster Reborn 26. Swords of Revealing Light 27. Pot of Duality 28. Pot of Duality 29. Book of Moon 30. Book of Moon 31. Book of Moon 32. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 33. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 34. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 35. Torrential Tribute 36. Bottomless Trap Hole 37. Bottomless Trap Hole 38. Mirror Force 39. Dark Bribe 40. Dark Bribe Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Odin, Father of the Air 2. Odin, Father of the Air 3. Odin, Father of the Air 4. Loki, Lord of the Air 5. Thor, Lord of the Air 6. Stardust Dragon 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Goya Guardian 9. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 10. Armory Arm 11. Armory Arm 12. Ally of Justice Decisive Armour 13. Ally of Justice Decisive Armour 14. Iron Chain Dragon 15. Iron Chain Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 5 Spoiler Hide -Big Wave Small Wave -A Legendary Ocean -Abyssal King shark -Abyssal King shark -Metal-Shark Face Downs: ((I don't mind. Just in case you didn't catch it, I decided to substitute another deck. An old one.)) Gladly. I don't suppose you're willing to put a few pounds on it? Few are. Let's get down to business, shall we? A Flip of the Coin Spoiler Hide 1. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 2. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 3. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 4. Arcane Force I - The Magician 5. Arcane Force I - The Magician 6. Arcane Force III - The Empress 7. Arcane Force III - The Empress 8. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 9. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 10. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 11. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 12. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 13. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 14. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 15. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 16. Arcane Force EX - The Light Ruler 17. Arcane Force XXI - The World 18. Honest 19. Honest 20. Second Coin Toss 21. Second Coin Toss 22. Second Coin Toss 23. Light Barrier 24. Light Barrier 25. Light Barrier 26. Mystical Space Typhoon 27. Mystical Space Typhoon 28. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 29. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 30. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 31. Solidarity 32. Solidarity 33. Solidarity 34. Dark Hole 35. Lightning Vortex 36. Lucky Chance 37. Lucky Chance 38. Lucky Chance 39. Arcane Calling 40. Reversal of Fate Initiative: [roll]1d20[roll][roll]1d40[roll][roll]1d39[roll][roll]1d38[roll][roll]1d37[roll][roll]1d36[roll] ((>.> I thought I'd passed that error by...)) Initiative:(1d20)[4](1d40)[3](1d39)[8](1d38)[2](1d37)[8](1d36)[21] [May want to try that roll again]The boy pulls a two pound coin out of his pocket, and throws it into the center of the Arena." Sure, I'll take your bet." He then activates his Duel Disk and draws five cards.(1d20)[10](5d40)[7][36][29][13][20](105)(3d40)[3][26][24](53){table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|-|-|--|-|-|-|-[/table]LP=8000Spoiler Hide Deck: Enter Odin Spoiler Hide 1. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 2. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 3. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 4. Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant 5. Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant 6. Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant 8. Try of the Nordic Champions 9. Try of the Nordic Champions 10. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 11. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 12. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 14. Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant 15. Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant 16. Gelled 17. Gelled 18. Gelled 19. Victoria 21. Victoria 22. Mystical Space Typhoon 23. Mystical Space Typhoon 24. Dark Hole 25. Monster Reborn 26. Swords of Revealing Light 27. Pot of Duality 28. Pot of Duality 30. Book of Moon 31. Book of Moon 32. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 33. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 34. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 35. Torrential Tribute 37. Bottomless Trap Hole 38. Mirror Force 39. Dark Bribe 40. Dark Bribe Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Odin, Father of the Air 2. Odin, Father of the Air 3. Odin, Father of the Air 4. Loki, Lord of the Air 5. Thor, Lord of the Air 6. Stardust Dragon 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Goya Guardian 9. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 10. Armory Arm 11. Armory Arm 12. Ally of Justice Decisive Armour 13. Ally of Justice Decisive Armour 14. Iron Chain Dragon 15. Iron Chain Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 5 Spoiler Hide -Try of the Nordic Champions -Bottomless Trap Hole -Book of Moon -Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant -Victoria Face Downs: And I'll take the first move(1d35)[5]I'll start with three Face Downs. Over to you.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|F|-|--|-|F|F|-[/table]LP=8000Spoiler Hide Deck: Enter Odin Spoiler Hide 1. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 2. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 3. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 4. Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant 6. Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant 7. Try of the Nordic Champions 8. Try of the Nordic Champions 9. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 10. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 11. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 12. Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant 13. Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant 14. Gelled 15. Gelled 16. Gelled 17. Victoria 18. Victoria 19. Mystical Space Typhoon 20. Mystical Space Typhoon 21. Dark Hole 22. Monster Reborn 23. Swords of Revealing Light 24. Pot of Duality 25. Pot of Duality 26. Book of Moon 27. Book of Moon 28. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 29. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 30. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 31. Torrential Tribute 32. Bottomless Trap Hole 33. Mirror Force 34. Dark Bribe 35. Dark Bribe Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Odin, Father of the Air 2. Odin, Father of the Air 3. Odin, Father of the Air 4. Loki, Lord of the Air 5. Thor, Lord of the Air 6. Stardust Dragon 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Goya Guardian 9. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 10. Armory Arm 11. Armory Arm 12. Ally of Justice Decisive Armour 13. Ally of Justice Decisive Armour 14. Iron Chain Dragon 15. Iron Chain Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 3 Spoiler Hide -Try of the Nordic Champions -Victoria -Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant Face Downs: 3: Bottomless Trap Hole, Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant 4: Book of Moon It is only fair that I take part in my own bet. Not many take it, strangely enough. I need not the money, but the consequence adds a certain thrill to the game. The man throws his own 2-Pound coin into the center.(1d35)[1]And it seems chance has already seen fit to cripple me. Ah, well. I set a monster face down and end my turn.|-|-|F|-|-||-|-|-|-|-|Life Points: 8000Stuff:Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide Arcane Force 0 - The Fool Arcane Force 0 - The Fool Arcane Force IV - The Emperor Arcane Force VI - The Lovers Light Barrier Graveyard: RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide Arcane Force 0 - The Fool A Flip of the Coin Spoiler Hide 1. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 2. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 3. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 4. Arcane Force I - The Magician 5. Arcane Force I - The Magician 6. Arcane Force III - The Empress 7. Arcane Force III - The Empress 8. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 9. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 10. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 11. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 12. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 13. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 14. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 15. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 16. Arcane Force EX - The Light Ruler 17. Arcane Force XXI - The World 18. Honest 19. Honest 20. Second Coin Toss 21. Second Coin Toss 22. Second Coin Toss 23. Light Barrier 24. Light Barrier 25. Light Barrier 26. Mystical Space Typhoon 27. Mystical Space Typhoon 28. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 29. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 30. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 31. Solidarity 32. Solidarity 33. Solidarity 34. Dark Hole 35. Lightning Vortex 36. Lucky Chance 37. Lucky Chance 38. Lucky Chance 39. Arcane Calling 40. Reversal of Fate (1d34)[18]I summon Victoria, who destroys your Face Down. End Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|F|V|--|-|F|F|-[/table]LP=8000Victoria, 1800/1500Spoiler Hide Deck: Enter Odin Spoiler Hide 1. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 2. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 3. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 4. Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant 5. Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant 6. Try of the Nordic Champions 7. Try of the Nordic Champions 8. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 9. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 10. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 11. Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant 12. Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant 13. Gelled 14. Gelled 15. Gelled 16. Victoria 17. Victoria 19. Mystical Space Typhoon 20. Dark Hole 21. Monster Reborn 22. Swords of Revealing Light 23. Pot of Duality 24. Pot of Duality 25. Book of Moon 26. Book of Moon 27. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 28. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 29. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 30. Torrential Tribute 31. Bottomless Trap Hole 32. Mirror Force 33. Dark Bribe 34. Dark Bribe Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Odin, Father of the Air 2. Odin, Father of the Air 3. Odin, Father of the Air 4. Loki, Lord of the Air 5. Thor, Lord of the Air 6. Stardust Dragon 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Goya Guardian 9. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 10. Armory Arm 11. Armory Arm 12. Ally of Justice Decisive Armour 13. Ally of Justice Decisive Armour 14. Iron Chain Dragon 15. Iron Chain Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 3 Spoiler Hide -Try of the Nordic Champions -Mystical Space Typhoon -Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant Face Downs: 3: Bottomless Trap Hole, Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant 4: Book of Moon My face down is Arcane Force 0 - The Fool, who cannot be destroyed in that manner. Do you still persist with this course of action? "I'll just end my turn with you still in possession of your Fool..." (1d34)[16]Useful, but suboptimal. Ah, well. I activate two cards: Second Coin Toss and Light Barrier. Light Barrier's effect won't help me at the moment, but it might next turn. Now, I summon Arcane Force IV - The Emperor! Give me a moment to flip for his effect... ... Excellent! The Emperor, with his now boosted attack, destroys Victoria. Due to Light Barrier, I also gain 1800 Life Points. Unless you can counter this action, I end my turn. Field: Light Barrier|-|-|0|IV|-||-|-|SCT|-|-|Arcane Force 0 - The Fool - 500/0Arcana Force IV - The Emperor -1900/1400Second Coin Toss Life Points: 9800Stuff:Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide Arcane Force 0 - The Fool Arcane Force 0 - The Fool Arcane Force VI - The Lovers Graveyard: RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide - A Flip of the Coin Spoiler Hide 1. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 2. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 3. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 4. Arcane Force I - The Magician 5. Arcane Force I - The Magician 6. Arcane Force III - The Empress 7. Arcane Force III - The Empress 8. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 9. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 10. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 11. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 12. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 13. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 14. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 15. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 16. Arcane Force EX - The Light Ruler 17. Arcane Force XXI - The World 18. Honest 19. Honest 20. Second Coin Toss 21. Second Coin Toss 22. Second Coin Toss 23. Light Barrier 24. Light Barrier 25. Light Barrier 26. Mystical Space Typhoon 27. Mystical Space Typhoon 28. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 29. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 30. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 31. Solidarity 32. Solidarity 33. Solidarity 34. Dark Hole 35. Lightning Vortex 36. Lucky Chance 37. Lucky Chance 38. Lucky Chance 39. Arcane Calling 40. Reversal of Fate The Emperor:(1d2)[1] Sorry, Book of Moon flips your monster Face Down as it attacks, negating the attack. Anything else? No, I end my turn. (1d33)[5]First, I use Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy Light Barrier. Then, I summon Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant and flip up my Face Down Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant. These two then tune together..." Legendary force of nature, be released from your frigid prison and fight by my side! Synchro Summon: Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier!" Now, Britney will destroy your Face Down Emperor, and I End my Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|B|V|--|-|F|-|-[/table]LP=8000Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier, 2300/1400Victoria, 1800/1500Spoiler Hide Deck: Enter Odin Spoiler Hide 1. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 2. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 3. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 4. Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant 6. Try of the Nordic Champions 7. Try of the Nordic Champions 8. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 9. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 10. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 11. Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant 12. Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant 13. Gelled 14. Gelled 15. Gelled 16. Victoria 17. Victoria 18. Mystical Space Typhoon 19. Dark Hole 20. Monster Reborn 21. Swords of Revealing Light 22. Pot of Duality 23. Pot of Duality 24. Book of Moon 25. Book of Moon 26. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 27. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 28. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 29. Torrential Tribute 30. Bottomless Trap Hole 31. Mirror Force 32. Dark Bribe 33. Dark Bribe Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Odin, Father of the Air 2. Odin, Father of the Air 3. Odin, Father of the Air 4. Loki, Lord of the Air 5. Thor, Lord of the Air 6. Stardust Dragon 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Goya Guardian 10. Armory Arm 11. Armory Arm 12. Ally of Justice Decisive Armour 13. Ally of Justice Decisive Armour 14. Iron Chain Dragon 15. Iron Chain Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -Book of Moon -Mystical Space Typhoon -Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant -Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 2 Spoiler Hide -Try of the Nordic Champions -Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant Face Downs: 3: Bottomless Trap Hole (1d33)[31] Well, this is quickly going nowhere. I set two more cards and end my turn. Field: None|-|F|0|-|-||-|F|SCT|-|-|Arcane Force 0 - The Fool - 0/0Second Coin Toss Life Points: 8000Stuff:Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide Arcane Force 0 - The Fool Arcane Force VI - The Lovers Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Arcane Force IV - The Emperor Light Barrier RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide 2: Arcane Calling, Arcane Force 0 A Flip of the Coin Spoiler Hide 1. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 2. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 3. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 4. Arcane Force I - The Magician 5. Arcane Force I - The Magician 6. Arcane Force III - The Empress 7. Arcane Force III - The Empress 8. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 9. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 10. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 11. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 12. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 13. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 14. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 15. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 16. Arcane Force EX - The Light Ruler 17. Arcane Force XXI - The World 18. Honest 19. Honest 20. Second Coin Toss 21. Second Coin Toss 22. Second Coin Toss 23. Light Barrier 24. Light Barrier 25. Light Barrier 26. Mystical Space Typhoon 27. Mystical Space Typhoon 28. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 29. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 30. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 31. Solidarity 32. Solidarity 33. Solidarity 34. Dark Hole 35. Lightning Vortex 36. Lucky Chance 37. Lucky Chance 38. Lucky Chance 39. Arcane Calling 40. Reversal of Fate [I see you're running into the problem I had when running Arcane Force, they're unreliable little buggers.](1d32)[19]I discard two cards so Britney will return both your Monsters to your hand. Britney and Victoria then attack directly for 4100 Damage. End Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|B|V|--|-|F|-|-[/table]LP=8000Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier, 2300/1400Victoria, 1800/1500Spoiler Hide Deck: Enter Odin Spoiler Hide 1. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 2. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 3. Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant 4. Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant 5. Try of the Nordic Champions 6. Try of the Nordic Champions 7. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 8. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 9. Loyaler of the Nordic Alpha 10. Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant 11. Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant 12. Gelled 13. Gelled 14. Gelled 15. Victoria 16. Victoria 17. Mystical Space Typhoon 18. Dark Hole 20. Swords of Revealing Light 21. Pot of Duality 22. Pot of Duality 23. Book of Moon 24. Book of Moon 25. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 26. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 27. Leaner, the Fetters of Henri 28. Torrential Tribute 29. Bottomless Trap Hole 30. Mirror Force 31. Dark Bribe 32. Dark Bribe Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Odin, Father of the Air 2. Odin, Father of the Air 3. Odin, Father of the Air 4. Loki, Lord of the Air 5. Thor, Lord of the Air 6. Stardust Dragon 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Goya Guardian 10. Armory Arm 11. Armory Arm 12. Ally of Justice Decisive Armour 13. Ally of Justice Decisive Armour 14. Iron Chain Dragon 15. Iron Chain Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -Book of Moon -Mystical Space Typhoon -Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant -Mimic of the Nordic Ascendant -Vanadium of the Nordic Ascendant -Try of the Nordic Champions Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 1 Spoiler Hide -Monster Reborn Face Downs: 3: Bottomless Trap Hole ((That's not the problem at all. The real problem is that I can never seem to draw the cards I need, no matter what the statistical chances of doing so are.))(1d32)[8]I am forced to concede. A good show on your part, less so on mine. Field: None|-|-|-|-|-||-|F|SCT|-|-|Second Coin Toss Life Points: 3900Stuff:Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide Arcane Force VII - The Chariot Arcane Force 0 - The Fool Arcane Force 0 - The Fool Arcane Force 0 - The Fool Arcane Force VI - The Lovers Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Arcane Force IV - The Emperor Light Barrier RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide 2: Arcane Calling, Arcane Force 0 A Flip of the Coin Spoiler Hide 1. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 2. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 3. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 4. Arcane Force I - The Magician 5. Arcane Force I - The Magician 6. Arcane Force III - The Empress 7. Arcane Force III - The Empress 8. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 9. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 10. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 11. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 12. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 13. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 14. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 15. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 16. Arcane Force EX - The Light Ruler 17. Arcane Force XXI - The World 18. Honest 19. Honest 20. Second Coin Toss 21. Second Coin Toss 22. Second Coin Toss 23. Light Barrier 24. Light Barrier 25. Light Barrier 26. Mystical Space Typhoon 27. Mystical Space Typhoon 28. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 29. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 30. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 31. Solidarity 32. Solidarity 33. Solidarity 34. Dark Hole 35. Lightning Vortex 36. Lucky Chance 37. Lucky Chance 38. Lucky Chance 39. Arcane Calling 40. Reversal of Fate ((Actually, my setup allows me to get the effect I want with about a 60% Accuracy rate, which is fairly good. I also can use Lucky Chance for a very potent Draw engine, though you did not see it this game. In fact, this was one of the worst possible hands for this deck. THREE FOOLS on the FIRST TURN! Also, the only 3 non-monsters I drew were Second Coin Toss, Light Barrier, and Arcane Calling.)) "I never got to show off my Air... Oh well, good game. I'll take my winnings now." He walks towards the center of the Arena, shakes his opponent's hand, and picks the four pounds off the floor.((What I mean is that, in my experience, an Arcane Force Deck always seems to be built around Support Cards that, while the monstersneedthem to work, are pretty much useless without the monsters. Leading to a situation where you'll get the support cards, but not the monsters you need, or you'll get the monsters, but none of the necessary Support cards.)) Originally Posted by Altaria87 "I never got to show off my Air... Oh well, good game. I'll take my winnings now." He walks towards the center of the Arena, shakes his opponent's hand, and picks the four pounds off the floor. ((What I mean is that, in my experience, an Arcane Force Deck always seems to be built around Support Cards that, while the monsters need them to work, are pretty much useless without the monsters. Leading to a situation where you'll get the support cards, but not the monsters you need, or you'll get the monsters, but none of the necessary Support cards.)) ((The latter is far more applicable. This deck doesn't need the support overmuch, but It can't withstand the Synchro Barrage so popular in today's metagame WITHOUT ANY OF THE USEFUL CARDS.[/anger] Anyway, a fair amount of the problem is just simple bad luck. I mean, how often do your draw cards 1, 2, and 3 in the same opening hand?)) ((I've had three cards in a row before, but they ended up being different due to one of them being a Limited one, just luck of the draw I guess. Actually, with three Fools, you would have been able to stall for a while had I gone with my original plan and gone for Thor, which I changed when I realized Britney bypasses The Fool even quicker.)) True. To be honest, this deck needs a massive redesigning. I'm thinking that with a Glow-up Bulb or something, Fool and Chariot could become quite useful for Synchro Summoning, since Chariot is essentially a pocket Goya Guardian. A balding man, seemingly in his mid-40s, enters the Arena. His skin is slightly tanned, and he wears an old, semiformal suit. He draws a Duel Disk. He speaks in a mild Scottish accent." So, who's up fer a Duel here?"(1d20)[16](5d40)[18][4][1][31][9](63)(3d40)[11][36][29](76){table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|-|-|--|-|-|-|-[/table]LP=8000Spoiler Hide Deck: Heart of a Dragon Spoiler Hide 2. Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon 3. Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon 5. Blue-Eyes White Dragon 6. Delta Flyer 7. Delta Flyer 8. Delta Flyer 10. The White Stone of Legend 11. Stardust Xiao long 12. Stardust Xiao long 13. Red-Eyes Wyvern 14. Red-Eyes Wyvern 15. Red-Eyes Wyvern 16. Blizzard Dragon 17. Blizzard Dragon 19. Exploded Dragon 20. Exploded Dragon 21. Strong Wind Dragon 22. Strong Wind Dragon 23. Dark Hole 24. Cold Wave 25. Future Fusion 26. Lightning Vortex 27. Lightning Vortex 28. Stamping Destruction 29. Stamping Destruction 30. Solidarity 32. Solidarity 33. Monster Reborn 34. Mirror Force 35. Bottomless Trap Hole 36. Bottomless Trap Hole 37. Divine Wrath 38. Divine Wrath 39. Reanimation Wave 40. Reanimation Wave Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Five-Headed Dragon 2. Stardust Dragon 3. Stardust Dragon 4. Stardust Dragon 5. Red Dragon Archfiend 6. Red Dragon Archfiend 7. Black Rose Dragon 8. Black Rose Dragon 9. Exploded Dragon wing 10. Exploded Dragon wing 11. Formula Synchrony 12. Shooting Star Dragon 13. Red Nova Dragon 14. Ally of Justice Castor 15. Ally of Justice Castor Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 5 Spoiler Hide -Lizard Dragon -Blue-Eyes White Dragon -Solidarity -Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon -The White Stone of Legend Face Downs: (1d20)[3](1d40)[14](1d39)[34](1d38)[31](1d37)[2](1d36)[18] I'll take it. And I'll put a few chips on the block, so to speak, as well. Allen tosses out a few coins, somehow still neatly arranged into a stack, though they spread out a bit upon impact with the ground.|-|-|-|-|-||-|-|-|-|-|Stuff:Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide Second Coin Toss Arcane Force VII - The Chariot Arcane Force 0 - The Fool Lightning Vortex Graveyard: RFG Face down: A Flip of the Coin Spoiler Hide 1. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 2. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 3. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 4. Arcane Force I - The Magician 5. Arcane Force I - The Magician 6. Arcane Force III - The Empress 7. Arcane Force III - The Empress 8. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 9. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 10. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 11. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 12. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 13. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 14. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 15. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 16. Arcane Force EX - The Light Ruler 17. Arcane Force EX - The Light Ruler 18. Honest 19. Honest 20. Second Coin Toss 21. Second Coin Toss 22. Second Coin Toss 23. Light Barrier 24. Light Barrier 25. Light Barrier 26. Mystical Space Typhoon 27. Mystical Space Typhoon 28. Monster Reborn 29. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 30. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 31. Solidarity 32. Solidarity 33. Solidarity 34. Dark Hole 35. Lightning Vortex 36. Lucky Chance 37. Lucky Chance 38. Lucky Chance 39. Mirror Force 40. Reversal of Fate "Ye're offering a bet, laddie?"(1d35)[31]I play two Face Doors and End my Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|F|-|--|-|F|-|-[/table]LP=8000Spoiler Hide Deck: Heart of a Dragon Spoiler Hide 1. Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon 2. Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon 3. Blue-Eyes White Dragon 4. Delta Flyer 5. Delta Flyer 6. Delta Flyer 7. The White Stone of Legend 8. Stardust Xiao long 9. Stardust Xiao long 10. Red-Eyes Wyvern 11. Red-Eyes Wyvern 12. Red-Eyes Wyvern 13. Blizzard Dragon 14. Blizzard Dragon 15. Exploded Dragon 16. Exploded Dragon 17. Strong Wind Dragon 18. Strong Wind Dragon 19. Dark Hole 20. Cold Wave 21. Future Fusion 22. Lightning Vortex 23. Lightning Vortex 24. Stamping Destruction 25. Stamping Destruction 26. Solidarity 27. Solidarity 28. Monster Reborn 29. Mirror Force 30. Bottomless Trap Hole 32. Divine Wrath 33. Divine Wrath 34. Reanimation Wave 35. Reanimation Wave Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Five-Headed Dragon 2. Stardust Dragon 3. Stardust Dragon 4. Stardust Dragon 5. Red Dragon Archfiend 6. Red Dragon Archfiend 7. Black Rose Dragon 8. Black Rose Dragon 9. Exploded Dragon wing 10. Exploded Dragon wing 11. Formula Synchrony 12. Shooting Star Dragon 13. Red Nova Dragon 14. Ally of Justice Castor 15. Ally of Justice Castor Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 4 Spoiler Hide -Lizard Dragon -Blue-Eyes White Dragon -Solidarity -Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon Face Downs: 3: The White Stone of Legend, Bottomless Trap Hole (1d35)[13]Indeed I am. I usually do, as it adds a certain... ... Meaning to the game, in my opinion. I set a face down card and end my turn.|-|-|F|-|-||-|-|-|-|-|Stuff:Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide Second Coin Toss Arcane Force VII - The Chariot Lightning Vortex Solidarity Arcane Force EX - The Light Ruler Graveyard: RFG Face down: Spoiler Hide 3: Arcane Force 0 - The Fool A Flip of the Coin Spoiler Hide 1. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 2. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 3. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 4. Arcane Force I - The Magician 5. Arcane Force I - The Magician 6. Arcane Force III - The Empress 7. Arcane Force III - The Empress 8. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 9. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 10. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 11. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 12. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 13. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 14. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 15. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 16. Arcane Force EX - The Light Ruler 17. Arcane Force EX - The Light Ruler 18. Honest 19. Honest 20. Second Coin Toss 21. Second Coin Toss 22. Second Coin Toss 23. Light Barrier 24. Light Barrier 25. Light Barrier 26. Mystical Space Typhoon 27. Mystical Space Typhoon 28. Monster Reborn 29. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 30. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 31. Solidarity 32. Solidarity 33. Solidarity 34. Dark Hole 35. Lightning Vortex 36. Lucky Chance 37. Lucky Chance 38. Lucky Chance 39. Mirror Force 40. Reversal of Fate "Aye, I'll take yer bet." The man reaches into his pockets and takes out a five pound note." Sorry, no change." He then throws the note on top of the gambler's coins.(1d34)[4]I summon Blizzard Dragon, who destroys ye Face Down. End Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|BD|F|-|--|-|F|-|-[/table]LP=8000Blizzard Dragon, 1800/1000Spoiler Hide Deck: Heart of a Dragon Spoiler Hide 1. Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon 2. Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon 3. Blue-Eyes White Dragon 5. Delta Flyer 6. Delta Flyer 7. The White Stone of Legend 8. Stardust Xiao long 9. Stardust Xiao long 10. Red-Eyes Wyvern 11. Red-Eyes Wyvern 12. Red-Eyes Wyvern 13. Blizzard Dragon 14. Blizzard Dragon 15. Exploded Dragon 16. Exploded Dragon 17. Strong Wind Dragon 18. Strong Wind Dragon 19. Dark Hole 20. Cold Wave 21. Future Fusion 22. Lightning Vortex 23. Lightning Vortex 24. Stamping Destruction 25. Stamping Destruction 26. Solidarity 27. Solidarity 28. Monster Reborn 29. Mirror Force 30. Bottomless Trap Hole 31. Divine Wrath 32. Divine Wrath 33. Reanimation Wave 34. Reanimation Wave Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Five-Headed Dragon 2. Stardust Dragon 3. Stardust Dragon 4. Stardust Dragon 5. Red Dragon Archfiend 6. Red Dragon Archfiend 7. Black Rose Dragon 8. Black Rose Dragon 9. Exploded Dragon wing 10. Exploded Dragon wing 11. Formula Synchrony 12. Shooting Star Dragon 13. Red Nova Dragon 14. Ally of Justice Castor 15. Ally of Justice Castor Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 4 Spoiler Hide -Blue-Eyes White Dragon -Solidarity -Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon -Delta Flyer Face Downs: 3: The White Stone of Legend, Bottomless Trap Hole I'll even that bet. More coins fly out into the center. My face down is Arcane Force 0 - The Fool. So no, it is not destroyed. (1d34)[7]First, I activate Second Coin Toss! Now, I summon Arcane Force IV - The Emperor! Give me a moment to check his effect... Heads! Perfect! With his attack boosted to 1900, the Emperor attacks and destroys your Blizzard Dragon with ease! I end my turn. |-|IV|0|-|-||SCT|-|-|-|-|Arcane Force 0 - The Fool - 500/500Arcana Force IV - The Emperor -1900/1900Second Coin Toss Stuff:Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide Arcane Force VII - The Chariot Lightning Vortex Solidarity Arcane Force EX - The Light Ruler Graveyard: RFG Face down: Spoiler Hide - A Flip of the Coin Spoiler Hide 1. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 2. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 3. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 4. Arcane Force I - The Magician 5. Arcane Force I - The Magician 6. Arcane Force III - The Empress 7. Arcane Force III - The Empress 8. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 9. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 10. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 11. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 12. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 13. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 14. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 15. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 16. Arcane Force EX - The Light Ruler 17. Arcane Force EX - The Light Ruler 18. Honest 19. Honest 20. Second Coin Toss 21. Second Coin Toss 22. Second Coin Toss 23. Light Barrier 24. Light Barrier 25. Light Barrier 26. Mystical Space Typhoon 27. Mystical Space Typhoon 28. Monster Reborn 29. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 30. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 31. Solidarity 32. Solidarity 33. Solidarity 34. Dark Hole 35. Lightning Vortex 36. Lucky Chance 37. Lucky Chance 38. Lucky Chance 39. Mirror Force 40. Reversal of Fate The Emperor:(1d2)[1] [Sorry about that, trying to work out a Ruling, then decided I could live without it anyway.](1d33)[22]Well, first, I flip up my The White Stone of Legend, and Remove it from play to summon Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon. I then use Lightning Vortex, discarding Blue-Eyes White Dragon to destroy both ye monsters. I then activate Solidarity and summon Delta Flyer. Now, I use Red-Eyes' effect to summon Blizzard Dragon from the grave, and Delta Flyer raises its level by one, and they tune together..." Clustering stars shall shine together, to illuminate a brighter future! Synchro Summon: Stardust Dragon!" Now, both of my Dragons shall attack directly for 6900 Damage. End Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|RE|SD|--|-|F|S|-[/table]LP=7900Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon, 3600/2400Stardust Dragon, 3300/2000SolidairtySpoiler Hide Deck: Heart of a Dragon Spoiler Hide 1. Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon 2. Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon 3. Blue-Eyes White Dragon 4. Delta Flyer 5. Delta Flyer 6. The White Stone of Legend 7. Stardust Xiao long 8. Stardust Xiao long 9. Red-Eyes Wyvern 10. Red-Eyes Wyvern 11. Red-Eyes Wyvern 12. Blizzard Dragon 13. Blizzard Dragon 14. Exploded Dragon 15. Exploded Dragon 16. Strong Wind Dragon 17. Strong Wind Dragon 18. Dark Hole 19. Cold Wave 20. Future Fusion 21. Lightning Vortex 23. Stamping Destruction 24. Stamping Destruction 25. Solidarity 26. Solidarity 27. Monster Reborn 28. Mirror Force 29. Bottomless Trap Hole 30. Divine Wrath 31. Divine Wrath 32. Reanimation Wave 33. Reanimation Wave Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Five-Headed Dragon 2. Stardust Dragon 4. Stardust Dragon 5. Red Dragon Archfiend 6. Red Dragon Archfiend 7. Black Rose Dragon 8. Black Rose Dragon 9. Exploded Dragon wing 10. Exploded Dragon wing 11. Formula Synchrony 12. Shooting Star Dragon 13. Red Nova Dragon 14. Ally of Justice Castor 15. Ally of Justice Castor Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -Blizzard Dragon -Delta Flyer -Blue-Eyes White Dragon Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide -The White Stone of Legend Hand- 0 Spoiler Hide Face Downs: 3: Bottomless Trap Hole (1d33)[2]((... Yuck. I think you got me there.)) No response to that. In any case, I set two cards, hoping to delay imminent destruction. End turn.|-|-|F|-|-||SCT|-|F|-|-|Life Points: 1100Second Coin Toss Stuff:Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide Arcane Force VII - The Chariot Lightning Vortex Arcane Force EX - The Light Ruler Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Arcane Force 0 - The Fool Arcane Force IV - The Emperor RFG Face down: Spoiler Hide 3: Arcane Force 0 - The Fool, Solidarity A Flip of the Coin Spoiler Hide 1. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 2. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 3. Arcane Force 0 - The Fool 4. Arcane Force I - The Magician 5. Arcane Force I - The Magician 6. Arcane Force III - The Empress 7. Arcane Force III - The Empress 8. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 9. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 10. Arcane Force IV - The Emperor 11. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 12. Arcane Force VI - The Lovers 13. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 14. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 15. Arcane Force VII - The Chariot 16. Arcane Force EX - The Light Ruler 17. Arcane Force EX - The Light Ruler 18. Honest 19. Honest 20. Second Coin Toss 21. Second Coin Toss 22. Second Coin Toss 23. Light Barrier 24. Light Barrier 25. Light Barrier 26. Mystical Space Typhoon 27. Mystical Space Typhoon 28. Monster Reborn 29. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 30. Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen 31. Solidarity 32. Solidarity 33. Solidarity 34. Dark Hole 35. Lightning Vortex 36. Lucky Chance 37. Lucky Chance 38. Lucky Chance 39. Mirror Force 40. Reversal of Fate (1d32)[13]I summon another Blizzard Dragon, and bring Delta Flyer back with Red-Eyes. Delta Flyer once again raises Blizzard's level, and they tune..." Flames of destruction shall coalesce, burning through to a brighter future! Synchro Summon: Red Dragon Archfiend!" Now, Archfiend shall attack ye Face Down, destroying it even if it is nae destroyed in the battle. Then, Stardust attacks directly for the game!{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|RDA|RE|SD|--|-|F|S|-[/table]LP=7900Red Dragon Archfiend, 3800/2000Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon, 3600/2400Stardust Dragon, 3300/2000SolidairtySpoiler Hide Deck: Heart of a Dragon Spoiler Hide 1. Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon 2. Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon 3. Blue-Eyes White Dragon 4. Delta Flyer 5. Delta Flyer 6. The White Stone of Legend 7. Stardust Xiao long 8. Stardust Xiao long 9. Red-Eyes Wyvern 10. Red-Eyes Wyvern 11. Red-Eyes Wyvern 12. Blizzard Dragon 14. Exploded Dragon 15. Exploded Dragon 16. Strong Wind Dragon 17. Strong Wind Dragon 18. Dark Hole 19. Cold Wave 20. Future Fusion 21. Lightning Vortex 22. Stamping Destruction 23. Stamping Destruction 24. Solidarity 25. Solidarity 26. Monster Reborn 27. Mirror Force 28. Bottomless Trap Hole 29. Divine Wrath 30. Divine Wrath 31. Reanimation Wave 32. Reanimation Wave Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Five-Headed Dragon 2. Stardust Dragon 4. Stardust Dragon 5. Red Dragon Archfiend 6. Red Dragon Archfiend 7. Black Rose Dragon 8. Black Rose Dragon 9. Exploded Dragon wing 10. Exploded Dragon wing 11. Formula Synchrony 12. Shooting Star Dragon 13. Red Nova Dragon 14. Ally of Justice Castor 15. Ally of Justice Castor Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -Blizzard Dragon -Delta Flyer -Blue-Eyes White Dragon -Blizzard Dragon Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide -The White Stone of Legend Hand- 0 Spoiler Hide Face Downs: 3: Bottomless Trap Hole Well, no way to stop that. Good Game! Enjoy your winnings. I have a plane to catch. A man in a long black cloak appears out of nowhere, dragging Allen off. Somehow, I knew I'd find you gambling. Come on, We've got a plane to catch.((Good Game! I was hoping to pull out the Chariot Next turn, grab your face down, and tribute both him, your face down, and the Fool for The Light Ruler, activate Solidarity and Lightning Vortex, and go for an OK or nearest. That didn't quite work out.)) ((That would probably have been foiled by my Bottomless Trap Hole but, I would have liked to see The Light Ruler being summoned XD. Still, Good Game, despite Arcane Force being apparently rather underpowered.)) Originally Posted by Altaria87 ((That would probably have been foiled by my Bottomless Trap Hole but, I would have liked to see The Light Ruler being summoned XD. Still, Good Game, despite Arcane Force being apparently rather underpowered.)) ((Yeah, Arcane Force seems to be used mainly for Teaching in the World for a lock or the Fool for a Stall. Interestingly, I always seem to get the "Good" effect, but still lose. I think my deck needs a reworking. Or some custom cards. I'd scrap it, but it's too much fun to play, even when I lose as severely as I just did. I wonder if you could tech Chariot into something, considering it's a pocket Goya Guardian.)) ((Alright. Anyway, you want to try against my Destiny Heroes? They're hardly infallible, but they are less fantastic.)) ((If you don't mind me using a different Deck and Persona, sure. Though we probably won't finish today, since I'm going soon)) (1d20)[9](1d40)[13](1d39)[19](1d38)[14](1d37)[24](1d36)[16]First night in Iran. Hunting the night, searching for an opponent. No luck so far. Ivan scanned the horizon for an opponent.|-|-|-|-|-||-|-|-|-|-|Stuff:Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide Marauding Captain Messenger of Peace Destiny Hero - Defender Destiny Hero - Defender Destiny Hero - Fear Monger Graveyard: RFG: Face down: Final Destiny Spoiler Hide 1. Destiny Hero - Dogma 2. Destiny Hero - Dogma 3. Destiny Hero - Plasma 4. Destiny Hero - Plasma 5. Phantom Sky blaster 6. Phantom Sky blaster 7. Phantom Sky blaster 8. Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious 9. Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious 10. Dark Resonator 11. Dark Resonator 12. Grinder Golem 13. Destiny Hero - Defender 14. Destiny Hero - Defender 15. Destiny Hero - Defender 16. Destiny Hero - Malicious 17. Destiny Hero - Malicious 18. Marauding Captain 19. Marauding Captain 20. Destiny Hero - Fear Monger 21. Elemental Hero Stratus 22. Reinforcement of the Army 23. Destiny Draw 24. Monster Reborn 25. Dark Hole 26. Messenger of Peace 27. Messenger of Peace 28. Scapegoat 29. Fires of Doomsday 30. Fires of Doomsday 31. Fires of Doomsday 32. Book of Moon 33. Mystical Space Typhoon 34. Mystical Space Typhoon 35. Call of the Haunted 36. Dimensional Prison 37. Dimensional Prison 38. Bottomless Trap Hole 39. Bottomless Trap Hole 40. Mirror Force Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Ally of Justice Castor 2. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 3. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 4. Goya Guardian 5. Mist Warm 6. Mist Warm 7. Chaos King Archfiend 8. Heavenly King Black Highlander 9. Heavenly King Black Highlander 10. Colossal Fighter 11. Colossal Fighter 12. Stardust Dragon 13. Stardust Dragon 14. Trisha, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 15. Trisha, Dragon of the Ice Barrier Meanwhile, through the streets walks a red-haired girl, wearing a white dress, probably since she's in a sunny country. She is muttering to herself." Why was I sent to 'investigate' this? I was the one that didn't want anything to do with it! And they know I burn easily, so I can only look around at night, seeming really shady."(1d20)[9](5d40)[25][18][4][1][35](83)(3d40)[2][19][39](60){table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|-|-|--|-|-|-|-[/table]LP=8000Spoiler Hide Deck: Welcome to the Jungle Spoiler Hide 2. Berserk Gorilla 3. Berserk Gorilla 5. Super-Nimble Mega Hamster 6. Super-Nimble Mega Hamster 7. Ape Fighter 8. Ape Fighter 9. Ape Fighter 10. Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts 11. Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts 12. Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts 13. Mine Mole 14. Mine Mole 15. Mine Mole 16. Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts 17. Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts 19. X-Saber Antebellum 20. X-Saber Antebellum 21. Closed Forest 22. Closed Forest 23. Mystical Space Typhoon 24. Mystical Space Typhoon 26. Solidarity 27. Solidarity 28. Dark Hole 29. Monster Reborn 30. Wild Nature’s Release 31. Wild Nature’s Release 32. The Big March of Animals 33. The Big March of Animals 34. The Big March of Animals 36. Torrential Tribute 37. Bottomless Trap Hole 38. Bottomless Trap Hole 39. Horn of the Phantom Beast 40. Horn of the Phantom Beast Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Lightning Tricorn 2. Lightning Tricorn 3. Lightning Tricorn 4. Voltaic Bicorn 5. Voltaic Bicorn 6. Voltaic Bicorn 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Black Rose Dragon 10. Black Rose Dragon 11. Goya Guardian 12. Natural Barkion 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 14. Thor, Lord of the Air 15. Thor, Lord of the Air Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 5 Spoiler Hide -Solidarity -Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts -Super-Nimble Mega Hamster -Berserk Gorilla -Mirror Force Face Downs: [Initiative Reroll:(1d20)[3]] Instantly, a shadow appeared by the Girl's side. Hello, Miss. It's not entirely wise to be wearing anything other than full black here, but white is indeed more practical. I don't suppose you duel? Initiative Reroll:(1d20)[14] (1d35)[17]I set a monster in Face-down defense position and end my turn.|-|-|F|-|-||-|-|-|-|-|Stuff:Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide Marauding Captain Messenger of Peace Destiny Hero - Defender Elemental Hero Stratus Destiny Hero - Fear Monger Graveyard: RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide Destiny Hero - Defender Final Destiny Spoiler Hide 1. Destiny Hero - Dogma 2. Destiny Hero - Dogma 3. Destiny Hero - Plasma 4. Destiny Hero - Plasma 5. Phantom Sky blaster 6. Phantom Sky blaster 7. Phantom Sky blaster 8. Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious 9. Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious 10. Dark Resonator 11. Dark Resonator 12. Grinder Golem 13. Destiny Hero - Defender 14. Destiny Hero - Defender 15. Destiny Hero - Defender 16. Destiny Hero - Malicious 17. Destiny Hero - Malicious 18. Marauding Captain 19. Marauding Captain 20. Destiny Hero - Fear Monger 21. Elemental Hero Stratus 22. Reinforcement of the Army 23. Destiny Draw 24. Monster Reborn 25. Dark Hole 26. Messenger of Peace 27. Messenger of Peace 28. Scapegoat 29. Fires of Doomsday 30. Fires of Doomsday 31. Fires of Doomsday 32. Book of Moon 33. Mystical Space Typhoon 34. Mystical Space Typhoon 35. Call of the Haunted 36. Dimensional Prison 37. Dimensional Prison 38. Bottomless Trap Hole 39. Bottomless Trap Hole 40. Mirror Force Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Ally of Justice Castor 2. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 3. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 4. Goya Guardian 5. Mist Warm 6. Mist Warm 7. Chaos King Archfiend 8. Heavenly King Black Highlander 9. Heavenly King Black Highlander 10. Colossal Fighter 11. Colossal Fighter 12. Stardust Dragon 13. Stardust Dragon 14. Trisha, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 15. Trisha, Dragon of the Ice Barrier She activates a Duel Disk hanging by her side." Well, let's do this, I guess."(1d35)[8]Two Face Downs, and I End my Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|F|-|--|-|F|-|-[/table]LP=8000Spoiler Hide Deck: Welcome to the Jungle Spoiler Hide 1. Berserk Gorilla 2. Berserk Gorilla 3. Super-Nimble Mega Hamster 4. Super-Nimble Mega Hamster 5. Ape Fighter 6. Ape Fighter 7. Ape Fighter 9. Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts 10. Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts 11. Mine Mole 12. Mine Mole 13. Mine Mole 14. Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts 15. Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts 16. X-Saber Antebellum 17. X-Saber Antebellum 18. Closed Forest 19. Closed Forest 20. Mystical Space Typhoon 21. Mystical Space Typhoon 22. Solidarity 23. Solidarity 24. Dark Hole 25. Monster Reborn 26. Wild Nature’s Release 27. Wild Nature’s Release 28. The Big March of Animals 29. The Big March of Animals 30. The Big March of Animals 31. Torrential Tribute 32. Bottomless Trap Hole 33. Bottomless Trap Hole 34. Horn of the Phantom Beast 35. Horn of the Phantom Beast Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Lightning Tricorn 2. Lightning Tricorn 3. Lightning Tricorn 4. Voltaic Bicorn 5. Voltaic Bicorn 6. Voltaic Bicorn 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Black Rose Dragon 10. Black Rose Dragon 11. Goya Guardian 12. Natural Barkion 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 14. Thor, Lord of the Air 15. Thor, Lord of the Air Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 4 Spoiler Hide -Solidarity -Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts -Super-Nimble Mega Hamster -Berserk Gorilla Face Downs: 3: Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts, Mirror Force (1d34)[27]These are not the cards that preordain my victory. Nevertheless, I set another monster, activate Messenger of Peace, and end my turn.|-|-|F|F|-||-|-|Mop|-|-|FacedownMessenger of Peace Stuff:Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide Marauding Captain Messenger of Peace Mystical Space Typhoon Elemental Hero Stratus Destiny Hero - Fear Monger Graveyard: RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide 3: Destiny Hero - Defender 4: Destiny Hero - Defender Final Destiny Spoiler Hide 1. Destiny Hero - Dogma 2. Destiny Hero - Dogma 3. Destiny Hero - Plasma 4. Destiny Hero - Plasma 5. Phantom Sky blaster 6. Phantom Sky blaster 7. Phantom Sky blaster 8. Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious 9. Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious 10. Dark Resonator 11. Dark Resonator 12. Grinder Golem 13. Destiny Hero - Defender 14. Destiny Hero - Defender 15. Destiny Hero - Defender 16. Destiny Hero - Malicious 17. Destiny Hero - Malicious 18. Marauding Captain 19. Marauding Captain 20. Destiny Hero - Fear Monger 21. Elemental Hero Stratus 22. Reinforcement of the Army 23. Destiny Draw 24. Monster Reborn 25. Dark Hole 26. Messenger of Peace 27. Messenger of Peace 28. Scapegoat 29. Fires of Doomsday 30. Fires of Doomsday 31. Fires of Doomsday 32. Book of Moon 33. Mystical Space Typhoon 34. Mystical Space Typhoon 35. Call of the Haunted 36. Dimensional Prison 37. Dimensional Prison 38. Bottomless Trap Hole 39. Bottomless Trap Hole 40. Mirror Force Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Ally of Justice Castor 2. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 3. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 4. Goya Guardian 5. Mist Warm 6. Mist Warm 7. Chaos King Archfiend 8. Heavenly King Black Highlander 9. Heavenly King Black Highlander 10. Colossal Fighter 11. Colossal Fighter 12. Stardust Dragon 13. Stardust Dragon 14. Trisha, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 15. Trisha, Dragon of the Ice Barrier "Ohh, you're running Stall?"(1d34)[10]I guess I play another Face Down and End my Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|F|F|--|-|F|-|-[/table]LP=8000Spoiler Hide Deck: Welcome to the Jungle Spoiler Hide 1. Berserk Gorilla 2. Berserk Gorilla 3. Super-Nimble Mega Hamster 4. Super-Nimble Mega Hamster 5. Ape Fighter 6. Ape Fighter 7. Ape Fighter 8. Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts 9. Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts 11. Mine Mole 12. Mine Mole 13. Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts 14. Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts 15. X-Saber Antebellum 16. X-Saber Antebellum 17. Closed Forest 18. Closed Forest 19. Mystical Space Typhoon 20. Mystical Space Typhoon 21. Solidarity 22. Solidarity 23. Dark Hole 24. Monster Reborn 25. Wild Nature’s Release 26. Wild Nature’s Release 27. The Big March of Animals 28. The Big March of Animals 29. The Big March of Animals 30. Torrential Tribute 31. Bottomless Trap Hole 32. Bottomless Trap Hole 33. Horn of the Phantom Beast 34. Horn of the Phantom Beast Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Lightning Tricorn 2. Lightning Tricorn 3. Lightning Tricorn 4. Voltaic Bicorn 5. Voltaic Bicorn 6. Voltaic Bicorn 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Black Rose Dragon 10. Black Rose Dragon 11. Goya Guardian 12. Natural Barkion 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 14. Thor, Lord of the Air 15. Thor, Lord of the Air Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 4 Spoiler Hide -Solidarity -Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts -Berserk Gorilla -Mine Mole Face Downs: 3: Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts, Mirror Force 4: Super-Nimble Mega Hamster (1d33)[30]I allow my Messenger of Peace to fade away, and summon forth my Marauding Captain. My Captain's effect summons forth Elemental Hero Stratus, who calls Destiny Hero - Plasma to my hand. Now, I tribute both of my face down Destiny Hero - Defenders to summon my greatest ally! Tell Wind and Fire where to stop, but not Destiny! Summon: Destiny Hero - Plasma! Now, use Mystical Space Typhoon on your back row, and Stratus and Plasma attack your monsters. I now set a card and end my turn.((Stratus takes the left, Plasma takes the right.))|-|-|P|S|-||-|-|F|-|-|Elemental Hero Stratus -1800/300Destiny Hero - Plasma -1900/600Stuff:Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide Destiny Hero - Fear Monger Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Messenger of Peace Mystical Space Typhoon Marauding Captain Destiny Hero - Defender Destiny Hero - Defender RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide 3: Dimensional Prison Final Destiny Spoiler Hide 1. Destiny Hero - Dogma 2. Destiny Hero - Dogma 3. Destiny Hero - Plasma 4. Destiny Hero - Plasma 5. Phantom Sky blaster 6. Phantom Sky blaster 7. Phantom Sky blaster 8. Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious 9. Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious 10. Dark Resonator 11. Dark Resonator 12. Grinder Golem 13. Destiny Hero - Defender 14. Destiny Hero - Defender 15. Destiny Hero - Defender 16. Destiny Hero - Malicious 17. Destiny Hero - Malicious 18. Marauding Captain 19. Marauding Captain 20. Destiny Hero - Fear Monger 21. Elemental Hero Stratus 22. Reinforcement of the Army 23. Destiny Draw 24. Monster Reborn 25. Dark Hole 26. Messenger of Peace 27. Messenger of Peace 28. Scapegoat 29. Fires of Doomsday 30. Fires of Doomsday 31. Fires of Doomsday 32. Book of Moon 33. Mystical Space Typhoon 34. Mystical Space Typhoon 35. Call of the Haunted 36. Dimensional Prison 37. Dimensional Prison 38. Bottomless Trap Hole 39. Bottomless Trap Hole 40. Mirror Force Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Ally of Justice Castor 2. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 3. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 4. Goya Guardian 5. Mist Warm 6. Mist Warm 7. Chaos King Archfiend 8. Heavenly King Black Highlander 9. Heavenly King Black Highlander 10. Colossal Fighter 11. Colossal Fighter 12. Stardust Dragon 13. Stardust Dragon 14. Trisha, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 15. Trisha, Dragon of the Ice Barrier [Sorry I took so long, a dentist appointment last night gave me very little time]"Oh, maybe not stall, then." My first Face Down was Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts, who summons up two Nordic Beast Tokens in defense mode. My other Face Down is Super Nimble Mega-Hamster, whose effect doesn't activate, thanks to Plasma. Anything else?[You always make those reminder-comments while I'm doing my Reply, it's uncanny.] I have no response. I merely set my face down card and end my turn. (1d33)[3]I summon Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts and tune it with my two Nordic Beast Tokens..." Hear the roar of thunder as the berserker God descends! Synchro Summon: Thor, Lord of the Air!" Now, Thor attacks and destroys Plasma! I then End my Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|T|-|--|-|-|-|-[/table]LP=8000Thor, Lord of the Air, 3500/2800Spoiler Hide Deck: Welcome to the Jungle Spoiler Hide 1. Berserk Gorilla 2. Berserk Gorilla 4. Super-Nimble Mega Hamster 5. Ape Fighter 6. Ape Fighter 7. Ape Fighter 8. Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts 9. Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts 10. Mine Mole 11. Mine Mole 12. Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts 13. Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts 14. X-Saber Antebellum 15. X-Saber Antebellum 16. Closed Forest 17. Closed Forest 18. Mystical Space Typhoon 19. Mystical Space Typhoon 20. Solidarity 21. Solidarity 22. Dark Hole 23. Monster Reborn 24. Wild Nature’s Release 25. Wild Nature’s Release 26. The Big March of Animals 27. The Big March of Animals 28. The Big March of Animals 29. Torrential Tribute 30. Bottomless Trap Hole 31. Bottomless Trap Hole 32. Horn of the Phantom Beast 33. Horn of the Phantom Beast Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Lightning Tricorn 2. Lightning Tricorn 3. Lightning Tricorn 4. Voltaic Bicorn 5. Voltaic Bicorn 6. Voltaic Bicorn 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Black Rose Dragon 10. Black Rose Dragon 11. Goya Guardian 12. Natural Barkion 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 15. Thor, Lord of the Air Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -Mirror Force -Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts -Super-Nimble Mega Hamster -Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 4 Spoiler Hide -Solidarity -Berserk Gorilla -Mine Mole -Super-Nimble Mega Hamster Face Downs: I foresaw a move like that, and prepared an Anticlimax. I activate Dimensional Prison when Thor attacks. Are you done? Hmm, I suppose I am. (1d31)[7]Hamm. I summon Destiny Hero - Fear Monger, and all three of my monsters attack you directly for 4700 Damage. Then I end my turn.|-|FM|P|S|-||-|-|-|-|-|Destiny Hero - Fear Monger -1000/1000Elemental Hero Stratus -1800/300Destiny Hero - Plasma -1900/600Stuff:Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Dimensional Prison Messenger of Peace Mystical Space Typhoon Marauding Captain Destiny Hero - Defender Destiny Hero - Defender RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide - Final Destiny Spoiler Hide 1. Destiny Hero - Dogma 2. Destiny Hero - Dogma 3. Destiny Hero - Plasma 4. Destiny Hero - Plasma 5. Phantom Sky blaster 6. Phantom Sky blaster 7. Phantom Sky blaster 8. Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious 9. Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious 10. Dark Resonator 11. Dark Resonator 12. Grinder Golem 13. Destiny Hero - Defender 14. Destiny Hero - Defender 15. Destiny Hero - Defender 16. Destiny Hero - Malicious 17. Destiny Hero - Malicious 18. Marauding Captain 19. Marauding Captain 20. Destiny Hero - Fear Monger 21. Elemental Hero Stratus 22. Reinforcement of the Army 23. Destiny Draw 24. Monster Reborn 25. Dark Hole 26. Messenger of Peace 27. Messenger of Peace 28. Scapegoat 29. Fires of Doomsday 30. Fires of Doomsday 31. Fires of Doomsday 32. Book of Moon 33. Mystical Space Typhoon 34. Mystical Space Typhoon 35. Call of the Haunted 36. Dimensional Prison 37. Dimensional Prison 38. Bottomless Trap Hole 39. Bottomless Trap Hole 40. Mirror Force Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Ally of Justice Castor 2. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 3. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 4. Goya Guardian 5. Mist Warm 6. Mist Warm 7. Chaos King Archfiend 8. Heavenly King Black Highlander 9. Heavenly King Black Highlander 10. Colossal Fighter 11. Colossal Fighter 12. Stardust Dragon 13. Stardust Dragon 14. Trisha, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 15. Trisha, Dragon of the Ice Barrier (1d32)[17]I Summon Berserk Gorilla and activate Solidarity for good measure. Now, Gorilla will attack and actually destroy Plasma. End Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|B|-|--|-|S|-|-[/table]LP=3300Berserk Gorilla, 2800/1000SolidaritySpoiler Hide Deck: Welcome to the Jungle Spoiler Hide 1. Berserk Gorilla 2. Berserk Gorilla 3. Super-Nimble Mega Hamster 4. Ape Fighter 5. Ape Fighter 6. Ape Fighter 7. Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts 8. Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts 9. Mine Mole 10. Mine Mole 11. Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts 12. Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts 13. X-Saber Antebellum 14. X-Saber Antebellum 15. Closed Forest 16. Closed Forest 18. Mystical Space Typhoon 19. Solidarity 20. Solidarity 21. Dark Hole 22. Monster Reborn 23. Wild Nature’s Release 24. Wild Nature’s Release 25. The Big March of Animals 26. The Big March of Animals 27. The Big March of Animals 28. Torrential Tribute 29. Bottomless Trap Hole 30. Bottomless Trap Hole 31. Horn of the Phantom Beast 32. Horn of the Phantom Beast Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Lightning Tricorn 2. Lightning Tricorn 3. Lightning Tricorn 4. Voltaic Bicorn 5. Voltaic Bicorn 6. Voltaic Bicorn 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Black Rose Dragon 10. Black Rose Dragon 11. Goya Guardian 12. Natural Barkion 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 15. Thor, Lord of the Air Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -Mirror Force -Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts -Super-Nimble Mega Hamster -Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide -Thor, Lord of the Air Hand- 3 Spoiler Hide -Mine Mole -Super-Nimble Mega Hamster -Mystical Space Typhoon Face Downs: (1d30)[16]First, I activate Destiny Draw, sending Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious to the Graveyard to draw two more cards.((Resume after Draws))That's not what I wanted. Oh, Well. I turn Fear Monger and Stratus into Defense Position, and activate Fires of Doomsday. Then, I end my turn.|-|FM’T|S’T||-|-|-|-|-|Life Points: 7100Destiny Hero - Fear Monger - 1000/1000Elemental Hero Stratus - 1800/300Doomsday Token - 0/0Stuff:Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide Monster Reborn Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Fires of Doomsday Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious Destiny Draw Dimensional Prison Messenger of Peace Mystical Space Typhoon Marauding Captain Destiny Hero - Defender Destiny Hero - Plasma Destiny Hero - Defender RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide - Final Destiny Spoiler Hide 1. Destiny Hero - Dogma 2. Destiny Hero - Dogma 3. Destiny Hero - Plasma 4. Destiny Hero - Plasma 5. Phantom Sky blaster 6. Phantom Sky blaster 7. Phantom Sky blaster 8. Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious 9. Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious 10. Dark Resonator 11. Dark Resonator 12. Grinder Golem 13. Destiny Hero - Defender 14. Destiny Hero - Defender 15. Destiny Hero - Defender 16. Destiny Hero - Malicious 17. Destiny Hero - Malicious 18. Marauding Captain 19. Marauding Captain 20. Destiny Hero - Fear Monger 21. Elemental Hero Stratus 22. Reinforcement of the Army 23. Destiny Draw 24. Monster Reborn 25. Dark Hole 26. Messenger of Peace 27. Messenger of Peace 28. Scapegoat 29. Fires of Doomsday 30. Fires of Doomsday 31. Fires of Doomsday 32. Book of Moon 33. Mystical Space Typhoon 34. Mystical Space Typhoon 35. Call of the Haunted 36. Dimensional Prison 37. Dimensional Prison 38. Bottomless Trap Hole 39. Bottomless Trap Hole 40. Mirror Force Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Ally of Justice Castor 2. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 3. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 4. Goya Guardian 5. Mist Warm 6. Mist Warm 7. Chaos King Archfiend 8. Heavenly King Black Highlander 9. Heavenly King Black Highlander 10. Colossal Fighter 11. Colossal Fighter 12. Stardust Dragon 13. Stardust Dragon 14. Trisha, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 15. Trisha, Dragon of the Ice Barrier Destiny Draw:(1d29)[20](1d28)[16] (1d31)[4]I Summon Mine Mole now, my two monsters destroy Fear Monger and Stratus and I End my Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|B|MM|--|-|S|-|-[/table]LP=3300Berserk Gorilla, 2800/1000Mine Mole, 1800/1200SolidaritySpoiler Hide Deck: Welcome to the Jungle Spoiler Hide 1. Berserk Gorilla 2. Berserk Gorilla 3. Super-Nimble Mega Hamster 5. Ape Fighter 6. Ape Fighter 7. Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts 8. Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts 9. Mine Mole 10. Mine Mole 11. Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts 12. Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts 13. X-Saber Antebellum 14. X-Saber Antebellum 15. Closed Forest 16. Closed Forest 17. Mystical Space Typhoon 18. Solidarity 19. Solidarity 20. Dark Hole 21. Monster Reborn 22. Wild Nature’s Release 23. Wild Nature’s Release 24. The Big March of Animals 25. The Big March of Animals 26. The Big March of Animals 27. Torrential Tribute 28. Bottomless Trap Hole 29. Bottomless Trap Hole 30. Horn of the Phantom Beast 31. Horn of the Phantom Beast Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Lightning Tricorn 2. Lightning Tricorn 3. Lightning Tricorn 4. Voltaic Bicorn 5. Voltaic Bicorn 6. Voltaic Bicorn 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Black Rose Dragon 10. Black Rose Dragon 11. Goya Guardian 12. Natural Barkion 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 15. Thor, Lord of the Air Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -Mirror Force -Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts -Super-Nimble Mega Hamster -Sulfate of the Nordic Beasts Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide -Thor, Lord of the Air Hand- 3 Spoiler Hide -Ape Fighter -Super-Nimble Mega Hamster -Mystical Space Typhoon Face Downs: (1d27)[18]Perfect. I use Fear Monger's effect, since you destroyed it by battle, to special summon Destiny Hero - Defender. Now, I activate Monster Reborn, special summoning Elemental Hero Stratus back to the field. Stratus' effect adds another Plasma from my deck to my hand, and I tribute Defender and both Doomsday Tokens. Tell Wind and Fire where to stop, but not I! Special Summon: Destiny Hero - Plasma! Now, Plasma uses his effect to take your Berserk Gorilla from you, and Plasma's effect allows Mine Mole to be destroyed by an attack from Plasma. With your field clear, Stratus attacks directly! Finally, I set a card face down and end my turn.((Total Damage: 2900))|-|-|P|S|-||-|-|F|BG|-|Life Points: 7100Destiny Hero - Plasma -2900/600 (Equipped with Berserk Gorilla)Elemental Hero Stratus -1800/300FacedownBerserk Gorilla (Equipped to Destiny Hero - Plasma)Stuff:Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide - Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Monster Reborn Destiny Hero - Fear Monger Fires of Doomsday Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious Destiny Draw Dimensional Prison Messenger of Peace Mystical Space Typhoon Marauding Captain Destiny Hero - Defender Destiny Hero - Plasma Destiny Hero - Defender RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide 3: Scapegoat Final Destiny Spoiler Hide 1. Destiny Hero - Dogma 2. Destiny Hero - Dogma 3. Destiny Hero - Plasma 4. Destiny Hero - Plasma 5. Phantom Sky blaster 6. Phantom Sky blaster 7. Phantom Sky blaster 8. Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious 9. Destiny Hero - Captain Tenacious 10. Dark Resonator 11. Dark Resonator 12. Grinder Golem 13. Destiny Hero - Defender 14. Destiny Hero - Defender 15. Destiny Hero - Defender 16. Destiny Hero - Malicious 17. Destiny Hero - Malicious 18. Marauding Captain 19. Marauding Captain 20. Destiny Hero - Fear Monger 21. Elemental Hero Stratus 22. Reinforcement of the Army 23. Destiny Draw 24. Monster Reborn 25. Dark Hole 26. Messenger of Peace 27. Messenger of Peace 28. Scapegoat 29. Fires of Doomsday 30. Fires of Doomsday 31. Fires of Doomsday 32. Book of Moon 33. Mystical Space Typhoon 34. Mystical Space Typhoon 35. Call of the Haunted 36. Dimensional Prison 37. Dimensional Prison 38. Bottomless Trap Hole 39. Bottomless Trap Hole 40. Mirror Force Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Ally of Justice Castor 2. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 3. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 4. Goya Guardian 5. Mist Warm 6. Mist Warm 7. Chaos King Archfiend 8. Heavenly King Black Highlander 9. Heavenly King Black Highlander 10. Colossal Fighter 11. Colossal Fighter 12. Stardust Dragon 13. Stardust Dragon 14. Trisha, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 15. Trisha, Dragon of the Ice Barrier "Only a Dark Hole or TT could win me the game now, ad that wouldn't really feel like a win. Well played, I surrender." Very well. You would do well to be more careful out here. I mistook you for a criminal, wandering the night in the shadiest of manners. Ivan moved backward into the shadows, and faded completely.((Good Game! I really like this deck. Plasma's a real game-killer, and I have a very high rate of getting out my trump cards. Also, sorry about the anticlimax with Thor.)) In yet another Arena, at an unspecified time and place, a middle-aged man in a lab coat walks up, brandishing a sharply mechanical duel disk. Hello. I am Dr. Daniel McCarthy, Physics and Chemistry PhD. Is anyone else interested in a duel?(1d20)[18](1d40)[12](1d39)[31](1d38)[2](1d37)[36](1d36)[2]Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide X-Head Cannon X-Head Cannon W-Wing Catapult Ultimate Offering Future Fusion Graveyard: RFG: Face down: Go, Megacorp! Spoiler Hide 1. X-Head Cannon 2. X-Head Cannon 3. X-Head Cannon 4. Y-Dragon Head 5. Y-Dragon Head 6. Y-Dragon Head 7. Z-Metal Tank 8. Z-Metal Tank 9. Z-Metal Tank 10. V-Tiger Jet 11. V-Tiger Jet 12. W-Wing Catapult 13. W-Wing Catapult 14. Honest 15. Honest 16. Cyber Dragon 17. Cyber Dragon 18. Machine Fortress 19. Machine Fortress 20. Cyber Eltanin 21. Machine Assembly Line 22. Machine Assembly Line 23. Machine Armored Unit 24. Machine Armored Unit 25. Luminous Spark 26. Luminous Spark 27. Frontline Base 28. Frontline Base 29. Mystical Space Typhoon 30. Mystical Space Typhoon 31. Future Fusion 32. Overload Fusion 33. Bottomless Trap Hole 34. Bottomless Trap Hole 35. Mirror Force 36. Roll Out! 37. Roll Out! 38. Return from the Different Dimension 39. Ultimate Offering 40. Ultimate Offering Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 2. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 3. XY-Dragon Cannon 4. XY-Dragon Cannon 5. Tank Cannon 6. Tank Cannon 7. Tank Dragon 8. Tank Dragon 9. VW-Tiger Catapult 10. VW-Tiger Catapult 11. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 12. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 13. Chimera tech Overdragon 14. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon 15. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon A young boy that has been in this Arena before walks in, he takes of a Space Invaders jacket and puts on his glasses, drawing a Duel Disk." You can do two Sciences at PhD now? Cool! I'm up for a Duel, by the way."(1d20)[11](5d40)[32][25][31][5][31](124)(3d40)[11][38][4](53)[11 taken instead of second 31]{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|-|-|--|-|-|-|-[/table]LP=8000Spoiler Hide Deck: La Bomb Spoiler Hide 1. Apocatequil 2. Apocatequil 3. Apocatequil 4. Oracle of the Sun 6. Oracle of the Sun 7. Spay 8. Spay 9. Spay 10. Fire Ant Actor 12. Fire Ant Actor 13. Giant Rat 14. Giant Rat 15. Giant Rat 16. The Tricky 17. The Tricky 18. The Tricky 19. Sagan 20. Boost Warrior 21. Boost Warrior 22. Boost Warrior 23. Monster Reborn 24. Dark Hole 26. Giant Trade 27. Mystical Space Typhoon 28. Mystical Space Typhoon 29. Book of Moon 30. Book of Moon 33. Lightning Vortex 34. Mirror Force 35. Limit Reverse 36. Limit Reverse 37. Wicked Rebirth 38. Wicked Rebirth 39. Bottomless Trap Hole 40. Bottomless Trap Hole Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Sun Dragon Into 2. Sun Dragon Into 3. Sun Dragon Into 4. Moon Dragon Quill 5. Moon Dragon Quill 6. Moon Dragon Quill 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Stygian Sergeants 10. Stygian Sergeants 11. Goya Guardian 12. Armory Arm 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 14. Formula Synchrony 15. Shooting Star Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 5 Spoiler Hide -Lightning Vortex -Book of Moon -One for One -Oracle of the Sun -Fire Ant Actor Face Downs: Indeed you can. Takes a very long time, though. In any case, you may lead. (1d35)[2]I summon Apocatequil and activate One for One, discarding Oracle of the Sun to Special Summon Spay. Spay's presence makes Apocatequil Level 5, and the two Tune..." As the light of the moon penetrates the darkness, the sacred Dragon shines by my side! Synchro Summon: Moon Dragon Quill! I End my Turn with a Face Down.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|Q|-|--|-|F|-|-[/table]LP=8000Moon Dragon Quill, 2500/2000Spoiler Hide Deck: La Bomb Spoiler Hide 1. Apocatequil 3. Apocatequil 4. Oracle of the Sun 5. Oracle of the Sun 7. Spay 8. Spay 9. Fire Ant Actor 10. Fire Ant Actor 11. Giant Rat 12. Giant Rat 13. Giant Rat 14. The Tricky 15. The Tricky 16. The Tricky 17. Sagan 18. Boost Warrior 19. Boost Warrior 20. Boost Warrior 21. Monster Reborn 22. Dark Hole 23. Giant Trade 24. Mystical Space Typhoon 25. Mystical Space Typhoon 26. Book of Moon 27. Book of Moon 28. Lightning Vortex 29. Mirror Force 30. Limit Reverse 31. Limit Reverse 32. Wicked Rebirth 33. Wicked Rebirth 34. Bottomless Trap Hole 35. Bottomless Trap Hole Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Sun Dragon Into 2. Sun Dragon Into 3. Sun Dragon Into 4. Moon Dragon Quill 6. Moon Dragon Quill 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Stygian Sergeants 10. Stygian Sergeants 11. Goya Guardian 12. Armory Arm 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 14. Formula Synchrony 15. Shooting Star Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -One for One -Apocatequil -Spay -Oracle of the Sun Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 2 Spoiler Hide -Fire Ant Actor -Lightning Vortex Face Downs: 3: Book of Moon I am indeed impressed by your creature.(1d35)[34]Let's see what havoc I can wreak! First, I set two face downs and activate Future Fusion! Using Future Fusion, I send Y-Dragon Head, Z-Metal Tank, W-Wing Catapult, Machine Fortress, and two V-Tiger Jets to the Graveyard from my deck to special summon Chimera tech Overdragon in 2 turns. Now, I discard X-Head Cannon and W-Wing Catapult to special summon the Machine Fortress that I just sent to the Graveyard! Now, Machine Fortress attacks Moon Dragon Quill, destroying both monsters and causing your face down card to be destroyed by the effect of Machine Fortress! I now end my turn. Let's see what you can dish out.|-|-|MF|-|-||F|F|FF|-|-|Machine Fortress -2500/1600FacedownFacedownFuture Fusion (Chimera tech Overdragon: 7 materials : 2 Turns Remaining)Spoiler Hide Hand: (1) Spoiler Hide X-Head Cannon Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Z-Metal Tank Y-Dragon Head X-Head Cannon W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet Cyber Dragon RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide 1: Bottomless Trap Hole 2: Ultimate Offering Go, Megacorp! Spoiler Hide 1. X-Head Cannon 2. X-Head Cannon 3. X-Head Cannon 4. Y-Dragon Head 5. Y-Dragon Head 6. Y-Dragon Head 7. Z-Metal Tank 8. Z-Metal Tank 9. Z-Metal Tank 10. V-Tiger Jet 11. V-Tiger Jet 12. W-Wing Catapult 13. W-Wing Catapult 14. Honest 15. Honest 16. Cyber Dragon 17. Cyber Dragon 18. Machine Fortress 19. Machine Fortress 20. Cyber Eltanin 21. Machine Assembly Line 22. Machine Assembly Line 23. Machine Armored Unit 24. Machine Armored Unit 25. Luminous Spark 26. Luminous Spark 27. Frontline Base 28. Frontline Base 29. Mystical Space Typhoon 30. Mystical Space Typhoon 31. Future Fusion 32. Overload Fusion 33. Bottomless Trap Hole 34. Bottomless Trap Hole 35. Mirror Force 36. Roll Out! 37. Roll Out! 38. Return from the Different Dimension 39. Ultimate Offering 40. Ultimate Offering Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 2. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 3. XY-Dragon Cannon 4. XY-Dragon Cannon 5. Tank Cannon 6. Tank Cannon 7. Tank Dragon 8. Tank Dragon 9. VW-Tiger Catapult 10. VW-Tiger Catapult 11. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 12. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 13. Chimera tech Overdragon 14. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon 15. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon "Dude, you might be a Doctor of Chemistry, but you just made a bit of an error in Duel Monsters. You do know what happens when you Future Fuse Chimera tech Overdragon, right?"(1d33)[16]Well, I can stall two turns until the fireworks happen. I play a Face Down Monster and End my Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|F|-|--|-|-|-|-[/table]LP=8000Spoiler Hide Deck: La Bomb Spoiler Hide 1. Apocatequil 2. Apocatequil 3. Oracle of the Sun 4. Oracle of the Sun 5. Spay 6. Spay 7. Fire Ant Actor 8. Fire Ant Actor 9. Giant Rat 10. Giant Rat 11. Giant Rat 12. The Tricky 13. The Tricky 14. The Tricky 15. Sagan 17. Boost Warrior 18. Boost Warrior 19. Monster Reborn 20. Dark Hole 21. Giant Trade 22. Mystical Space Typhoon 23. Mystical Space Typhoon 24. Book of Moon 25. Book of Moon 26. Lightning Vortex 27. Mirror Force 28. Limit Reverse 29. Limit Reverse 30. Wicked Rebirth 31. Wicked Rebirth 32. Bottomless Trap Hole 33. Bottomless Trap Hole Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Sun Dragon Into 2. Sun Dragon Into 3. Sun Dragon Into 4. Moon Dragon Quill 6. Moon Dragon Quill 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Stygian Sergeants 10. Stygian Sergeants 11. Goya Guardian 12. Armory Arm 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 14. Formula Synchrony 15. Shooting Star Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -One for One -Apocatequil -Spay -Oracle of the Sun -Moon Dragon Quill -Book of Moon Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 2 Spoiler Hide -Fire Ant Actor -Lightning Vortex Face Downs: 3: Boost Warrior I know quite well what happens. I just needed some scrap.(1d28)[4]Pass.|-|-|-|-|-||F|F|FF|-|-|-FacedownFacedownFuture Fusion (Chimera tech Overdragon: 7 materials : 1 Turn Remaining)Spoiler Hide Hand: (2) Spoiler Hide X-Head Cannon Z-Metal Tank Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Z-Metal Tank Y-Dragon Head X-Head Cannon W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet Cyber Dragon Machine Fortress RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide 1: Bottomless Trap Hole 2: Ultimate Offering Go, Megacorp! Spoiler Hide 1. X-Head Cannon 2. X-Head Cannon 3. X-Head Cannon 4. Y-Dragon Head 5. Y-Dragon Head 6. Y-Dragon Head 7. Z-Metal Tank 8. Z-Metal Tank 9. Z-Metal Tank 10. V-Tiger Jet 11. V-Tiger Jet 12. W-Wing Catapult 13. W-Wing Catapult 14. Honest 15. Honest 16. Cyber Dragon 17. Cyber Dragon 18. Machine Fortress 19. Machine Fortress 20. Cyber Eltanin 21. Machine Assembly Line 22. Machine Assembly Line 23. Machine Armored Unit 24. Machine Armored Unit 25. Luminous Spark 26. Luminous Spark 27. Frontline Base 28. Frontline Base 29. Mystical Space Typhoon 30. Mystical Space Typhoon 31. Future Fusion 32. Overload Fusion 33. Bottomless Trap Hole 34. Bottomless Trap Hole 35. Mirror Force 36. Roll Out! 37. Roll Out! 38. Return from the Different Dimension 39. Ultimate Offering 40. Ultimate Offering Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 2. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 3. XY-Dragon Cannon 4. XY-Dragon Cannon 5. Tank Cannon 6. Tank Cannon 7. Tank Dragon 8. Tank Dragon 9. VW-Tiger Catapult 10. VW-Tiger Catapult 11. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 12. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 13. Chimera tech Overdragon 14. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon 15. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon "So you're aiming to top deck Overload Fusion? Really, that's way too risky."(1d32)[32]And for that reason, I'll just play another Face Down and keep on chillin'. I look forward to your pyrotechnics show.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|F|-|--|-|F|-|-[/table]LP=8000Spoiler Hide Deck: La Bomb Spoiler Hide 1. Apocatequil 2. Apocatequil 3. Oracle of the Sun 4. Oracle of the Sun 5. Spay 6. Spay 7. Fire Ant Actor 8. Fire Ant Actor 9. Giant Rat 10. Giant Rat 11. Giant Rat 12. The Tricky 13. The Tricky 14. The Tricky 15. Sagan 16. Boost Warrior 17. Boost Warrior 18. Monster Reborn 19. Dark Hole 20. Giant Trade 21. Mystical Space Typhoon 22. Mystical Space Typhoon 23. Book of Moon 24. Book of Moon 25. Lightning Vortex 26. Mirror Force 27. Limit Reverse 28. Limit Reverse 29. Wicked Rebirth 30. Wicked Rebirth 31. Bottomless Trap Hole Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Sun Dragon Into 2. Sun Dragon Into 3. Sun Dragon Into 4. Moon Dragon Quill 6. Moon Dragon Quill 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Stygian Sergeants 10. Stygian Sergeants 11. Goya Guardian 12. Armory Arm 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 14. Formula Synchrony 15. Shooting Star Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -One for One -Apocatequil -Spay -Oracle of the Sun -Moon Dragon Quill -Book of Moon Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 2 Spoiler Hide -Fire Ant Actor -Lightning Vortex Face Downs: 3: Boost Warrior, Bottomless Trap Hole (1d27)[10]Now, the Fireworks go off! The Draw isn't what I wanted, but I can make it work. I activate Machine Assembly Line, and summon X-Head Cannon. X-Head Cannon attacks your face down, and I end my turn.|-|-|X|-|-||-|MAL|-|-|-|X-Head Cannon -2000/1500Machine Assembly Line Spoiler Hide Hand: (1) Spoiler Hide Z-Metal Tank Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Z-Metal Tank Y-Dragon Head X-Head Cannon W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet Cyber Dragon Machine Fortress Bottomless Trap Hole Ultimate Offering RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide - Go, Megacorp! Spoiler Hide 1. X-Head Cannon 2. X-Head Cannon 3. X-Head Cannon 4. Y-Dragon Head 5. Y-Dragon Head 6. Y-Dragon Head 7. Z-Metal Tank 8. Z-Metal Tank 9. Z-Metal Tank 10. V-Tiger Jet 11. V-Tiger Jet 12. W-Wing Catapult 13. W-Wing Catapult 14. Honest 15. Honest 16. Cyber Dragon 17. Cyber Dragon 18. Machine Fortress 19. Machine Fortress 20. Cyber Eltanin 21. Machine Assembly Line 22. Machine Assembly Line 23. Machine Armored Unit 24. Machine Armored Unit 25. Luminous Spark 26. Luminous Spark 27. Frontline Base 28. Frontline Base 29. Mystical Space Typhoon 30. Mystical Space Typhoon 31. Future Fusion 32. Overload Fusion 33. Bottomless Trap Hole 34. Bottomless Trap Hole 35. Mirror Force 36. Roll Out! 37. Roll Out! 38. Return from the Different Dimension 39. Ultimate Offering 40. Ultimate Offering Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 2. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 3. XY-Dragon Cannon 4. XY-Dragon Cannon 5. Tank Cannon 6. Tank Cannon 7. Tank Dragon 8. Tank Dragon 9. VW-Tiger Catapult 10. VW-Tiger Catapult 11. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 12. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 13. Chimera tech Overdragon 14. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon 15. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon (1d31)[8]I didn't get what I needed, either. So I'll just play this Face Down and End my Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|F|-|--|-|F|-|-[/table]LP=8000Spoiler Hide Deck: La Bomb Spoiler Hide 1. Apocatequil 2. Apocatequil 3. Oracle of the Sun 4. Oracle of the Sun 5. Spay 6. Spay 7. Fire Ant Actor 9. Giant Rat 10. Giant Rat 11. Giant Rat 12. The Tricky 13. The Tricky 14. The Tricky 15. Sagan 16. Boost Warrior 17. Boost Warrior 18. Monster Reborn 19. Dark Hole 20. Giant Trade 21. Mystical Space Typhoon 22. Mystical Space Typhoon 23. Book of Moon 24. Book of Moon 25. Lightning Vortex 26. Mirror Force 27. Limit Reverse 28. Limit Reverse 29. Wicked Rebirth 30. Wicked Rebirth 31. Bottomless Trap Hole Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Sun Dragon Into 2. Sun Dragon Into 3. Sun Dragon Into 4. Moon Dragon Quill 6. Moon Dragon Quill 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Stygian Sergeants 10. Stygian Sergeants 11. Goya Guardian 12. Armory Arm 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 14. Formula Synchrony 15. Shooting Star Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -One for One -Apocatequil -Spay -Oracle of the Sun -Moon Dragon Quill -Book of Moon -Boost Warrior Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 2 Spoiler Hide -Fire Ant Actor -Lightning Vortex Face Downs: 3: Fire Ant Actor, Bottomless Trap Hole (1d26)[20]I can still salvage this situation. I summon Z-Metal Tank, and set a card face down. Now, I attack your face down with Z-Metal Tank, and then attack you directly with X-Head Cannon. Now, I end my turn.|-|-|X|Z|-||-|MAL|F|-|-|X-Head Cannon -2000/1500Z-Metal Tank -1700/1300Machine Assembly Line Spoiler Hide Hand: (0) Spoiler Hide - Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Z-Metal Tank Y-Dragon Head X-Head Cannon W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet Cyber Dragon Machine Fortress Bottomless Trap Hole Ultimate Offering RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide 3: Bottomless Trap Hole Go, Megacorp! Spoiler Hide 1. X-Head Cannon 2. X-Head Cannon 3. X-Head Cannon 4. Y-Dragon Head 5. Y-Dragon Head 6. Y-Dragon Head 7. Z-Metal Tank 8. Z-Metal Tank 9. Z-Metal Tank 10. V-Tiger Jet 11. V-Tiger Jet 12. W-Wing Catapult 13. W-Wing Catapult 14. Honest 15. Honest 16. Cyber Dragon 17. Cyber Dragon 18. Machine Fortress 19. Machine Fortress 20. Cyber Eltanin 21. Machine Assembly Line 22. Machine Assembly Line 23. Machine Armored Unit 24. Machine Armored Unit 25. Luminous Spark 26. Luminous Spark 27. Frontline Base 28. Frontline Base 29. Mystical Space Typhoon 30. Mystical Space Typhoon 31. Future Fusion 32. Overload Fusion 33. Bottomless Trap Hole 34. Bottomless Trap Hole 35. Mirror Force 36. Roll Out! 37. Roll Out! 38. Return from the Different Dimension 39. Ultimate Offering 40. Ultimate Offering Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 2. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 3. XY-Dragon Cannon 4. XY-Dragon Cannon 5. Tank Cannon 6. Tank Cannon 7. Tank Dragon 8. Tank Dragon 9. VW-Tiger Catapult 10. VW-Tiger Catapult 11. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 12. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 13. Chimera tech Overdragon 14. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon 15. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon ((Just Bumping. You know the drill.)) When you destroy my Fire Ant Actor, I Special Summon Oracle of the Sun in Defense Mode, who walls X-Head Cannon's attack, and is then sent to the grave during your End Phase. Just making sure there's nothing else you're doing? Nothing. Go ahead with your turn. (1d30)[30]I use Lightning Vortex and discard a card to destroy both of your monsters, giving your Assembly line two counters, but clearing your field. I then End my Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|-|-|--|-|F|-|-[/table]LP=8000Spoiler Hide Deck: La Bomb Spoiler Hide 1. Apocatequil 2. Apocatequil 3. Oracle of the Sun 4. Oracle of the Sun 5. Spay 6. Spay 7. Fire Ant Actor 8. Giant Rat 9. Giant Rat 10. Giant Rat 11. The Tricky 12. The Tricky 13. The Tricky 14. Sagan 15. Boost Warrior 16. Boost Warrior 17. Monster Reborn 18. Dark Hole 19. Giant Trade 20. Mystical Space Typhoon 21. Mystical Space Typhoon 22. Book of Moon 23. Book of Moon 24. Lightning Vortex 25. Mirror Force 26. Limit Reverse 27. Limit Reverse 28. Wicked Rebirth 29. Wicked Rebirth Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Sun Dragon Into 2. Sun Dragon Into 3. Sun Dragon Into 4. Moon Dragon Quill 6. Moon Dragon Quill 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Stygian Sergeants 10. Stygian Sergeants 11. Goya Guardian 12. Armory Arm 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 14. Formula Synchrony 15. Shooting Star Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -One for One -Apocatequil -Spay -Oracle of the Sun -Moon Dragon Quill -Book of Moon -Boost Warrior -Fire Ant Actor -Lightning Vortex -Bottomless Trap Hole Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 1 Spoiler Hide -Fire Ant Actor Face Downs: 3: Bottomless Trap Hole (1d25)[2]Don't expect me to give up. I summon Y-Dragon Head, who attacks directly for 1700 damage. Then I end my turn.|-|-|Y|-|-||-|MAL|F|-|-|Y-Dragon Head -1700/1600Machine Assembly Line (2 Counters)Spoiler Hide Hand: (0) Spoiler Hide - Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Z-Metal Tank Z-Metal Tank Y-Dragon Head X-Head Cannon X-Head Cannon W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet Cyber Dragon Machine Fortress Bottomless Trap Hole Ultimate Offering RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide 3: Bottomless Trap Hole Go, Megacorp! Spoiler Hide 1. X-Head Cannon 2. X-Head Cannon 3. X-Head Cannon 4. Y-Dragon Head 5. Y-Dragon Head 6. Y-Dragon Head 7. Z-Metal Tank 8. Z-Metal Tank 9. Z-Metal Tank 10. V-Tiger Jet 11. V-Tiger Jet 12. W-Wing Catapult 13. W-Wing Catapult 14. Honest 15. Honest 16. Cyber Dragon 17. Cyber Dragon 18. Machine Fortress 19. Machine Fortress 20. Cyber Eltanin 21. Machine Assembly Line 22. Machine Assembly Line 23. Machine Armored Unit 24. Machine Armored Unit 25. Luminous Spark 26. Luminous Spark 27. Frontline Base 28. Frontline Base 29. Mystical Space Typhoon 30. Mystical Space Typhoon 31. Future Fusion 32. Overload Fusion 33. Bottomless Trap Hole 34. Bottomless Trap Hole 35. Mirror Force 36. Roll Out! 37. Roll Out! 38. Return from the Different Dimension 39. Ultimate Offering 40. Ultimate Offering Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 2. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 3. XY-Dragon Cannon 4. XY-Dragon Cannon 5. Tank Cannon 6. Tank Cannon 7. Tank Dragon 8. Tank Dragon 9. VW-Tiger Catapult 10. VW-Tiger Catapult 11. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 12. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 13. Chimera tech Overdragon 14. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon 15. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon (1d29)[1]I play a card Face Down and End my Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|F|-|--|-|F|-|-[/table]LP=6300Spoiler Hide Deck: La Bomb Spoiler Hide 2. Apocatequil 3. Oracle of the Sun 4. Oracle of the Sun 5. Spay 6. Spay 7. Fire Ant Actor 8. Giant Rat 9. Giant Rat 10. Giant Rat 11. The Tricky 12. The Tricky 13. The Tricky 14. Sagan 15. Boost Warrior 16. Boost Warrior 17. Monster Reborn 18. Dark Hole 19. Giant Trade 20. Mystical Space Typhoon 21. Mystical Space Typhoon 22. Book of Moon 23. Book of Moon 24. Lightning Vortex 25. Mirror Force 26. Limit Reverse 27. Limit Reverse 28. Wicked Rebirth 29. Wicked Rebirth Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Sun Dragon Into 2. Sun Dragon Into 3. Sun Dragon Into 4. Moon Dragon Quill 6. Moon Dragon Quill 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Stygian Sergeants 10. Stygian Sergeants 11. Goya Guardian 12. Armory Arm 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 14. Formula Synchrony 15. Shooting Star Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -One for One -Apocatequil -Spay -Oracle of the Sun -Moon Dragon Quill -Book of Moon -Boost Warrior -Fire Ant Actor -Lightning Vortex -Bottomless Trap Hole Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 1 Spoiler Hide -Fire Ant Actor Face Downs: 3: Apocatequil, Bottomless Trap Hole (1d25)[8]I have you now! I discard Cyber Eltanin to summon Machine Fortress from the graveyard again! Y-Dragon Head destroys your face down card, and Machine Fortress attacks directly! I end my turn.|-|-|Y|MF|-||-|MAL|F|-|-|Y-Dragon Head -1700/1600Machina Fortress -2700/1600Machine Assembly Line (2 Counters)Spoiler Hide Hand: (0) Spoiler Hide - Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Cyber Eltanin Z-Metal Tank Z-Metal Tank Y-Dragon Head X-Head Cannon X-Head Cannon W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet Cyber Dragon Bottomless Trap Hole Ultimate Offering RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide 3: Bottomless Trap Hole Go, Megacorp! Spoiler Hide 1. X-Head Cannon 2. X-Head Cannon 3. X-Head Cannon 4. Y-Dragon Head 5. Y-Dragon Head 6. Y-Dragon Head 7. Z-Metal Tank 8. Z-Metal Tank 9. Z-Metal Tank 10. V-Tiger Jet 11. V-Tiger Jet 12. W-Wing Catapult 13. W-Wing Catapult 14. Honest 15. Honest 16. Cyber Dragon 17. Cyber Dragon 18. Machine Fortress 19. Machine Fortress 20. Cyber Eltanin 21. Machine Assembly Line 22. Machine Assembly Line 23. Machine Armored Unit 24. Machine Armored Unit 25. Luminous Spark 26. Luminous Spark 27. Frontline Base 28. Frontline Base 29. Mystical Space Typhoon 30. Mystical Space Typhoon 31. Future Fusion 32. Overload Fusion 33. Bottomless Trap Hole 34. Bottomless Trap Hole 35. Mirror Force 36. Roll Out! 37. Roll Out! 38. Return from the Different Dimension 39. Ultimate Offering 40. Ultimate Offering Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 2. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 3. XY-Dragon Cannon 4. XY-Dragon Cannon 5. Tank Cannon 6. Tank Cannon 7. Tank Dragon 8. Tank Dragon 9. VW-Tiger Catapult 10. VW-Tiger Catapult 11. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 12. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 13. Chimera tech Overdragon 14. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon 15. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon When you summon your Fortress I activate Bottomless Trap Hole, removing it from play. How does your turn play out now? Well, that gives me two more counters on Machine Assembly Line. You know what I do now? I send Machine Assembly Line to the Graveyard to summon X-Head Cannon back to the field. Now, Y-Dragon Head destroys your face down, and X-head Cannon attacks directly for 1800 damage. During Main Phase 2, Y-Dragon Head equips itself to X-Head Cannon, and I end my turn. You destroy Apocatequil, who is a Special Summons Oracle of the Sun in Defense Mode. I presume you do nothing else this turn? No. I'm quite done. (1d28)[23]I summon Fire Ant Actor and tune it with my Oracle..." As the light of the sun illuminates the world, the sacred Dragon shines by my side! Synchro Summon: Sun Dragon Into!" Now, Into destroys your Dragon Cannon, End Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|I|-|--|-|-|-|-[/table]LP=6300Sun Dragon Into, 3000/2800Spoiler Hide Deck: La Bomb Spoiler Hide 1. Apocatequil 2. Oracle of the Sun 3. Oracle of the Sun 4. Spay 5. Spay 6. Fire Ant Actor 7. Giant Rat 8. Giant Rat 9. Giant Rat 10. The Tricky 11. The Tricky 12. The Tricky 13. Sagan 14. Boost Warrior 15. Boost Warrior 16. Monster Reborn 17. Dark Hole 18. Giant Trade 19. Mystical Space Typhoon 20. Mystical Space Typhoon 21. Book of Moon 22. Book of Moon 24. Mirror Force 25. Limit Reverse 26. Limit Reverse 27. Wicked Rebirth 28. Wicked Rebirth Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Sun Dragon Into 2. Sun Dragon Into 3. Sun Dragon Into 4. Moon Dragon Quill 6. Moon Dragon Quill 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Stygian Sergeants 10. Stygian Sergeants 11. Goya Guardian 12. Armory Arm 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 14. Formula Synchrony 15. Shooting Star Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -One for One -Apocatequil -Spay -Moon Dragon Quill -Book of Moon -Boost Warrior -Fire Ant Actor -Lightning Vortex -Bottomless Trap Hole -Apocatequil -Bottomless Trap Hole -Oracle of the Sun -Fire Ant Actor Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 1 Spoiler Hide -Lightning Vortex Face Downs: Bottomless Trap Hole. That is all. Well, BTH still destroys, so I'll get Quill next Standby Phase. Go ahead with your turn. ((It's unclear to me. Would Moon Dragon Quill appear during my standby or yours? If mine, Turn rolls out as below. If yours, then I'd attack with both monsters for 3300 damage before Unionizing them.))(1d21)[17]Well, this has suddenly turned against me. I set a card face down, and use the Union Abilities of my monsters to put them together without fusing. I end my turn.|-|-|-|X|-||-|-|F|Y|-|Y-Dragon Head -1500/1600 (Equipped to X-Head Cannon)X-Head Cannon -2200/300Spoiler Hide Hand: (0) Spoiler Hide - Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Cyber Eltanin Z-Metal Tank Z-Metal Tank Y-Dragon Head X-Head Cannon X-Head Cannon W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet Cyber Dragon Bottomless Trap Hole Ultimate Offering Bottomless Trap Hole Machine Assembly Line RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide - Go, Megacorp! Spoiler Hide 1. X-Head Cannon 2. X-Head Cannon 3. X-Head Cannon 4. Y-Dragon Head 5. Y-Dragon Head 6. Y-Dragon Head 7. Z-Metal Tank 8. Z-Metal Tank 9. Z-Metal Tank 10. V-Tiger Jet 11. V-Tiger Jet 12. W-Wing Catapult 13. W-Wing Catapult 14. Honest 15. Honest 16. Cyber Dragon 17. Cyber Dragon 18. Machine Fortress 19. Machine Fortress 20. Cyber Eltanin 21. Machine Assembly Line 22. Machine Assembly Line 23. Machine Armored Unit 24. Machine Armored Unit 25. Luminous Spark 26. Luminous Spark 27. Frontline Base 28. Frontline Base 29. Mystical Space Typhoon 30. Mystical Space Typhoon 31. Future Fusion 32. Overload Fusion 33. Bottomless Trap Hole 34. Bottomless Trap Hole 35. Mirror Force 36. Roll Out! 37. Roll Out! 38. Return from the Different Dimension 39. Ultimate Offering 40. Ultimate Offering Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 2. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 3. XY-Dragon Cannon 4. XY-Dragon Cannon 5. Tank Cannon 6. Tank Cannon 7. Tank Dragon 8. Tank Dragon 9. VW-Tiger Catapult 10. VW-Tiger Catapult 11. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 12. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 13. Chimera tech Overdragon 14. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon 15. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon [Just checked and yeah, Quill does appear during yours. Also, any reason why your draw was D21 when last turn it was 25? ’S](1d27)[2]Quill attacks your Cannon, destroying your Dragon Head. End Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|Q|-|--|-|-|-|-[/table]LP=6300Mon Dragon Quill, 2500/2000Spoiler Hide Deck: La Bomb Spoiler Hide 1. Apocatequil 3. Oracle of the Sun 4. Spay 5. Spay 6. Fire Ant Actor 7. Giant Rat 8. Giant Rat 9. Giant Rat 10. The Tricky 11. The Tricky 12. The Tricky 13. Sagan 14. Boost Warrior 15. Boost Warrior 16. Monster Reborn 17. Dark Hole 18. Giant Trade 19. Mystical Space Typhoon 20. Mystical Space Typhoon 21. Book of Moon 22. Book of Moon 23. Mirror Force 24. Limit Reverse 25. Limit Reverse 26. Wicked Rebirth 27. Wicked Rebirth Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Sun Dragon Into 2. Sun Dragon Into 3. Sun Dragon Into 4. Moon Dragon Quill 6. Moon Dragon Quill 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Stygian Sergeants 10. Stygian Sergeants 11. Goya Guardian 12. Armory Arm 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 14. Formula Synchrony 15. Shooting Star Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -One for One -Apocatequil -Spay -Moon Dragon Quill -Book of Moon -Boost Warrior -Fire Ant Actor -Lightning Vortex -Bottomless Trap Hole -Apocatequil -Bottomless Trap Hole -Oracle of the Sun -Fire Ant Actor Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 2 Spoiler Hide -Lightning Vortex -Oracle of the Sun Face Downs: (Well, I counted and got 21. Maybe I miscounted the previous turn.)) I activate Mirror Force, getting rid of your Quill. Since your Into is removed from play, you cannot summon. Anything else? ['Kay, just noticed it, and it looked a bit weird]Alright, in Main Phase 2, I Special Summon Oracle of the Sun in Defense Mode. End Turn. (1d20)[15]Exactly what I needed. I equip Y-Dragon Head from X-head Cannon to special summon it to the field. Now, I activate Luminous Spark! This Increases the ATK of LIGHT monsters on the field and decreases defense. With Oracle of the Sun's defenses reduced, Y-Dragon Head destroys him, and X-Head Cannon attacks directly! I end my turn. Field: Luminous Spark|-|Y|-|X|-||-|-|-|-|-|Y-Dragon Head -2000/1200X-Head Cannon -2300/0Spoiler Hide Hand: (0) Spoiler Hide - Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Cyber Eltanin Z-Metal Tank Z-Metal Tank Y-Dragon Head X-Head Cannon X-Head Cannon W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet Cyber Dragon Bottomless Trap Hole Ultimate Offering Bottomless Trap Hole Machine Assembly Line Mirror Force RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide - Go, Megacorp! Spoiler Hide 1. X-Head Cannon 2. X-Head Cannon 3. X-Head Cannon 4. Y-Dragon Head 5. Y-Dragon Head 6. Y-Dragon Head 7. Z-Metal Tank 8. Z-Metal Tank 9. Z-Metal Tank 10. V-Tiger Jet 11. V-Tiger Jet 12. W-Wing Catapult 13. W-Wing Catapult 14. Honest 15. Honest 16. Cyber Dragon 17. Cyber Dragon 18. Machine Fortress 19. Machine Fortress 20. Cyber Eltanin 21. Machine Assembly Line 22. Machine Assembly Line 23. Machine Armored Unit 24. Machine Armored Unit 25. Luminous Spark 26. Luminous Spark 27. Frontline Base 28. Frontline Base 29. Mystical Space Typhoon 30. Mystical Space Typhoon 31. Future Fusion 32. Overload Fusion 33. Bottomless Trap Hole 34. Bottomless Trap Hole 35. Mirror Force 36. Roll Out! 37. Roll Out! 38. Return from the Different Dimension 39. Ultimate Offering 40. Ultimate Offering Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 2. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 3. XY-Dragon Cannon 4. XY-Dragon Cannon 5. Tank Cannon 6. Tank Cannon 7. Tank Dragon 8. Tank Dragon 9. VW-Tiger Catapult 10. VW-Tiger Catapult 11. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 12. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 13. Chimera tech Overdragon 14. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon 15. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon "Oh well, destroying Oracle nets me Fire Ant Actor from my Deck."(1d25)[17]I use Lightning Vortex, discarding an MST to destroy both of your Monsters. End Turn.{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|-|-|--|-|-|-|-[/table]Field=Luminous Sparkle=4000Spoiler Hide Deck: La Bomb Spoiler Hide 1. Apocatequil 2. Oracle of the Sun 3. Spay 4. Spay 5. Giant Rat 6. Giant Rat 7. Giant Rat 8. The Tricky 9. The Tricky 10. The Tricky 11. Sagan 12. Boost Warrior 13. Boost Warrior 14. Monster Reborn 15. Dark Hole 16. Giant Trade 18. Mystical Space Typhoon 19. Book of Moon 20. Book of Moon 21. Mirror Force 22. Limit Reverse 23. Limit Reverse 24. Wicked Rebirth 25. Wicked Rebirth Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Sun Dragon Into 2. Sun Dragon Into 3. Sun Dragon Into 4. Moon Dragon Quill 6. Moon Dragon Quill 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Stygian Sergeants 10. Stygian Sergeants 11. Goya Guardian 12. Armory Arm 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 14. Formula Synchrony 15. Shooting Star Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -One for One -Apocatequil -Spay -Moon Dragon Quill -Book of Moon -Boost Warrior -Fire Ant Actor -Lightning Vortex -Bottomless Trap Hole -Apocatequil -Bottomless Trap Hole -Oracle of the Sun -Fire Ant Actor -Oracle of the Sun -Lightning Vortex -Mystical Space Typhoon Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 1 Spoiler Hide -Fire Ant Actor Face Downs: (1d19)[1]How annoying. I summon X-Head Cannon, who attacks directly for 2300 damage. Then end my turn. Field: Luminous Spark|-|-|X|-|-||-|-|-|-|-|X-Head Cannon -2300/0Spoiler Hide Hand: (0) Spoiler Hide - Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Cyber Eltanin Z-Metal Tank Z-Metal Tank Y-Dragon Head Y-Dragon Head X-Head Cannon X-Head Cannon W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet W-Wing Catapult V-Tiger Jet Cyber Dragon Bottomless Trap Hole Ultimate Offering Bottomless Trap Hole Machine Assembly Line Mirror Force RFG: Face down: Spoiler Hide - Go, Megacorp! Spoiler Hide 1. X-Head Cannon 2. X-Head Cannon 3. X-Head Cannon 4. Y-Dragon Head 5. Y-Dragon Head 6. Y-Dragon Head 7. Z-Metal Tank 8. Z-Metal Tank 9. Z-Metal Tank 10. V-Tiger Jet 11. V-Tiger Jet 12. W-Wing Catapult 13. W-Wing Catapult 14. Honest 15. Honest 16. Cyber Dragon 17. Cyber Dragon 18. Machine Fortress 19. Machine Fortress 20. Cyber Eltanin 21. Machine Assembly Line 22. Machine Assembly Line 23. Machine Armored Unit 24. Machine Armored Unit 25. Luminous Spark 26. Luminous Spark 27. Frontline Base 28. Frontline Base 29. Mystical Space Typhoon 30. Mystical Space Typhoon 31. Future Fusion 32. Overload Fusion 33. Bottomless Trap Hole 34. Bottomless Trap Hole 35. Mirror Force 36. Roll Out! 37. Roll Out! 38. Return from the Different Dimension 39. Ultimate Offering 40. Ultimate Offering Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 2. XYZ-Dragon Cannon 3. XY-Dragon Cannon 4. XY-Dragon Cannon 5. Tank Cannon 6. Tank Cannon 7. Tank Dragon 8. Tank Dragon 9. VW-Tiger Catapult 10. VW-Tiger Catapult 11. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 12. VW XYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon 13. Chimera tech Overdragon 14. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon 15. Chimera tech Fortress Dragon (1d24)[22]"Didn't get it in time... Oh well, Good Game, Doctor."{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|-|-|--|-|-|-|-[/table]Field=Luminous Sparkle=1700Spoiler Hide Deck: La Bomb Spoiler Hide 1. Apocatequil 2. Oracle of the Sun 3. Spay 4. Spay 5. Giant Rat 6. Giant Rat 7. Giant Rat 8. The Tricky 9. The Tricky 10. The Tricky 11. Sagan 12. Boost Warrior 13. Boost Warrior 14. Monster Reborn 15. Dark Hole 16. Giant Trade 17. Mystical Space Typhoon 18. Book of Moon 19. Book of Moon 20. Mirror Force 21. Limit Reverse 23. Wicked Rebirth 24. Wicked Rebirth Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Sun Dragon Into 2. Sun Dragon Into 3. Sun Dragon Into 4. Moon Dragon Quill 6. Moon Dragon Quill 7. Stardust Dragon 8. Stardust Dragon 9. Stygian Sergeants 10. Stygian Sergeants 11. Goya Guardian 12. Armory Arm 13. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 14. Formula Synchrony 15. Shooting Star Dragon Stats: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -One for One -Apocatequil -Spay -Moon Dragon Quill -Book of Moon -Boost Warrior -Fire Ant Actor -Lightning Vortex -Bottomless Trap Hole -Apocatequil -Bottomless Trap Hole -Oracle of the Sun -Fire Ant Actor -Oracle of the Sun -Lightning Vortex -Mystical Space Typhoon Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 1 Spoiler Hide -Fire Ant Actor -Limit Reverse Face Downs: Good Game, young sir. You are one of the few who were willing to challenge me, and that shows bravery. Even in defeat, you are better than most.((Dr. McCarthy's a little too arrogant for my taste, but nowhere near as severe a case as Adana. Ah, well. I'm not sure what to say about your deck though. I will admit that If I hadn't had Bottomless Trap Hole when you summoned Into, I would probably have lost unless I drew something else to get rid of it somehow. Like unexplainably getting out VW XYZ Dragon Catapult Cannon. In retrospect, Future Fusing for Chimera tech Overdragon was a bad idea.)) ((Well, the Deck worked as far as I thought it would, maybe a slightly better starting hand may have been an asset. Still, that's one of the most fun duels I've had after both duelists have entered top decking-mode. As for yours, it seems as good as a VW XYZ Deck will ever be (you do seem to have a knack for making workable Decks out of bad Archetypes, for example your Volcanic in the Tournament) but yeah, Future Fusing Overdragon was a misplay.)) ((My goodness, that is all I do! I never thought of it like that. In any case, I just looked over your deck, and I recommend Imperial Iron Wall to help keep your Quill/Into loop going. I would run it at 2 or 3 if you can find the space. As I said, I would have lost if I didn't have BTH to get Into RFG'd.))

Yu-Gi-Oh PbP_ Altaria87 vs. BladeofOblivion

So you want to be a Hero_ Character Apps

Here's where everyone can put their finished sheets. TheMasterBobName: ShareASale: Human Gender: Female Class: Cleric Alignment: Deity: PelorDomains: Sun and Healing Abilities:STR: 15Dex: 14Con: 16Int: 15Wis: 14Cha: 17Weapon:Morningstar, 1d8 dam, CRT X2Armor:chain shirt: +4 AC, -2 armor check penalty Small steel shield, +1 AC, -1 armor check penalty Other Items:Caltrops, 2lbs1 paper Rations, 1 lb50 foot rope Skills:Concentration: 3Diplomacy: 3Healing: 4Knowledge Arcane: 3Knowledge History: 2Knowledge Religion: 3Knowledge Planes: 2 Feats:light armor proficiency medium armor proficiency heavy armor proficiencyenduranceimproved turning shield proficiency simple weapon proficiency turn undead Languages:CommonElvenDwarvenCelestial Name:Joshua Lion heart (Paladin Deity:"The Shield maiden" - Domains: Good, War, Liberation - Favored Weapon: GreatswordBio:Formerly an acolyte of Hector, young Joshua's discovery that he is descended from a famous paladin would lead to a change of heart and his recruitment into the cult of the Shield maiden. A firm believer that war is most accurately portrayed as it proclaimed by Hector, he nevertheless fights for a better world. Recently he's taken to adventuring in order to find his place in the Shield maiden's great tactical plan-not sure of what his goddess has planned for him. Description:With short black hair and blue eyes, the paladin of the shield maiden falls just shy of devastatingly handsome-probably would be if he smiled more. Currently, hasn't had enough battled for any real disfiguring scars. Personality wise he seems to be the embodiment of "Lawful Good doesn't equal Lawful Nice" in battle, and a very religious man when not. Of very strong faith, he is probably the most laid back religious extremist most people have ever met. He's really just saving it for someone that deserves it, but it can still seem like a breath of fresh air. As for activities such as drinking, tobacco, and carnal activities-the shield maiden does recognize that the mortal body has needs other than making war. So her paladins are instructed to not do any of these things to the extent that others are hurt and to always be honest in dealing with these matters- but otherwise does not prohibit them, though she does prefer if the paladin honestly cares about the partner for anything carnal. Name:Phylicia Gysseathem - PULLED Name:Bengali 'Benny' Iron born (War blade(years ago. It was at the tale end of Masthead's ninth war with the Red claw tribe of orcs, the day of the final battle. Near the end of the war, the Red claws stooped so low as to bring mercenaries into the war en masse. At the appointed hour for the final battle, the high commander of the mercenary forces appeared before the dwarves armies, alone, and challenged the dwarves to trial by champion. The dwarves general, Gloria Axe beard, mightiest in his entire hold, accepted and appointedhimselfas champion. The fight was swift, brutal, and spectacular. This nameless commander was the first person in General Gloria's entire life to bring him to one knee, and even managed to lop off his beard, a grave insult, but in the end, it was Gloria who prevailed, yet the nameless commander passed on with a smile on his face. His last words were, "I know ya gotta take care of my girl, now, Beardy." The madman even laughed as he said it, but he was right; in slaying the commander in an honorable duel, Gloria was now honor-bound to tend to the well-being of his fallen foe's family. The dwarves armies pressed on to claim their rightfully won prisoners from the mercenary and orc forces, only to find a slaughter. There had been a payment dispute that turned violent, ending in the complete destruction of both sides. There was only one person alive among the carnage, the nameless commander's daughter. As honor demanded, though not without a great deal of scorn, Gloria took the girl in and looked after her needs, if nothing else. Being human, the girl wasn't actually a part of any clan, despite being under the care of the Axe beard clan. Although Gloria despised her immediately and unconditionally, the rest of the clan received her more kindly, and gifted her with a name. Bengali. Her guardian took to throwing young Bengali into situations she was completely unprepared for, in the hopes that she would fail miserably and humiliate herself. He'd throw her in with the other apprentices in the forge, and she excelled. He threw her in with the other apprentices in training, handed her the biggest and most unwieldy sword they had, yet she proved a natural. Despite her guardian's best efforts, the young Bengali earned honor to her name, and gained the respect of the entire hold through her efforts. It was when the remnants of the Red claw clan resurfaced that she finally got the opportunity to prove her prowess on the field of battle, taking the massive blade she had wrought to bear against the orc dregs, even felling the last in the Red claw's line of chieftains with a single stroke. This was the final feather in her cap that earned her a true place among the dwarves. Legal membership in a clan. But there was one problem; Gloria was dead set against it, and absolutely refused to allow her into clan Axe beard. And Benny didn't have the ties to the other clans to join them. So, the elders decided she would be her own clan. Thus, clan Iron born was founded, and Bengali Iron born was legally declared a dwarf. Immediately, Gloria took the opportunity to banish her from Axe beard holdings, as was his right now that she was no longer his responsibility, and she left the hold to make a name for her new clan, that it may gain members and glory, and endure through the ages. Appearance: Benny is young, strong, and handsome. She has a hard, lean, well-muscled body with biceps that would make most orcs jealous. Her silver hair and gray eyes give her something of a distant, somber air that rarely lasts longer than it takes for her to open her mouth. Having spent most of her life underground, she's still extremely pale. She tends towards heavier, looser clothing, and even her casual wear very nearly qualifies as armor unto itself, though she's not one to shackle herself to the ground with seven layers of steel. If her tastes in clothing tend towards the heavier side, her taste in armor tends towards the lighter, that her movement might be unimpeded. Her most notable feature when suited up for battle, or even simply traveling, begins at her left shoulder, with a system of harnesses traveling down her arm, to a heavy gauntlet shackled to the handle of a ten-foot slab of solid steel she calls a sword. Her baby. A sword she made with her own two hands, and a weapon that would look no less imposing in the hands of a giant. Ultimately, Benny looks more like a boy than a girl. With washboard abs and a chest that fails to compete with the average ironing board, very few in her entire life have ever accurately identified her as a woman, and most don't believe her when corrected. Even topless, some have still made that same mistake. And when rumors of the mighty warrior and skilled smith 'Benny' spread, they irrevocably brand her male. She has long since given up on correcting those who make that mistake. Odin (( I have been working on another character concept and I think it will be more needed as there's always room for a Scout/Ranger (( : Fighter Gender: Female Race : Soloist (Human)Level : 1Alignment: Chaotic Neutral Physical descriptionNara's average height but lean build but her strange hair gain's attention from all but that of the blind. Her long locks that somehow avoid being snagged or knotted and are of golden-red hue so bright they often seem luminous under most lighting conditions. BackgroundNot many are as impatient nor as fiery as this tempestuous redhead. From a young age NARA often found herself at odds with others that usually ended in blows being exchanged. With remarkably low self disciple, it wouldn't take much for NARA to launch herself into fights no matter the numbers involved. Unfortunately for those on the receiving end of her wrath, NARA had a remarkable reflex which gifted her with outstanding ability to avoid being hurt. Her reputation of leaving fights with nothing that would even leave a scar and in a mood to look for another nicknamed her "the wasp" by most of those about her age. Born of two talented ship builders, her parents could not have been more ashamed. Being the only child NARA should have been in a position to inherit a considerable fortune, however the wealth her parents accumulated ended up being gutted from a string of occurrences where authorities had to be bribed in order to see NARA out of trouble. After one such time out of countless, her parents had enough, gave her a bag of gold and wished her well finding herself through other means. Silently her parents however never worried about her safety, they prayed for the safely of any finding themselves traveling with her. QuirksDue to the nature of the Soloist's fair skin, sunburn is a constant concern. The idea of freckles to mar her even skin tone scares NARA more than any monster ever could. The Sun is something NARA does not shy away from admitting as her greatest fear and will openly organize travel at times between dusk and dawn. When not fighting NARA's face is always wrapped in shrouds or veils of fine cloth. If NARA is forced to travel when the sun is high in the sky, she would dress as if she is facing a sandstorm, and most likely will be moaning about it constantly. Other race's tolerance of the sun is an issue of jealousy that NARA makes no effort to tame. Outlook and PhilosophyNara is an opportunist in a manner similar to thieves and would readily be a sword arm in a mission mainly focused on theft. Those she believes are candidates to be relieved of their treasures include the arrogant, the aloof any openly evil, or those so wealthy ..."... It would mean more to me than it would to them who already have so much, so how I figure things its value increases...when its owner is one that appreciates it more"Stats (43 point buy)STR: 12 (+1)DEX: 18 (+4)Con: 16 (+3)Int: 13 (+1)Wis: 14 (+2)CIA: 10 (+0)Saving Throws Reflex + 4Fortification + 5Will + 2CombatInitiative + 4AC = 18Flat footed = 14Hit-points = 13Attack Bonus = +5Mellee Attack +3/+3 (duel short swords) or + 5 single light weapon Ranged Attack +3/+3 (duel daggers) or + 5 single light daggerFeatsWeapon Finesse Two Weapon Fighting Combat Expertise Class skills Climb (STR) rank 1, total 3Craft-Trapmaking (Int) rank 1, total 2Handle Animal (CIA) rank 1, total 1Intimidate (CIA) rank 1, total 1Jump (STR) rank 1, total 1Ride (DEX) rank 1, total 4Swim (STR) rank 1, total 1Non Class skills Search (Int) (rank 0, points 0), total 1Balance (DEX) (rank 1 points 2) total 5Listen (Wis) (rank 1 points 2) total 3Spot (Wis) (rank 1 points 2) total 3Move silently (DEX) (rank 1 points 2) total 5EquipmentChain shirt 100 gp4 x Daggers 20 g2 x Short sword 10 travelers outfit 1 GP(2 x very long thin silk scarf that NARA wraps about her face a shoulders) 2 pouch 2 (1gp)Whetstone 2 chalk, 3 piece 3 Clint and steel 1 flask oil 1 pouch 3 (1gp)Small steel mirror 10 soap (per lb.) 5 concealed Pouch (coin purse) 1 GP (containing 7 GP 7 SP 5 CP)2nd Concealed Pouch (1gp)Thieves tools 30 backpack 2 gp2 empty Vials 2 gyrations, trail (6 days) 3 crowbar 3 lantern, Bullseye 12 grappling hook 1 silk Rope 50 ft 10 cold weather outfit 8 Gaspar Travelers outfit 1 pack (empty) 1 signal whistle 8 sp3 x fishhook 3 small iron pot 5 spewing needle + thread 5 bedroll 1 sp3 water flasks 3 SP (( Was the buy 43 points? Might have been Character's name: Quentin 'Quin' SylroseRace: Human Class: Sorcerer Level: 1Alignment: True Neutral Deity: BoccobAbilityStrength: 10 (+0)Dexterity: 16 (+3)Constitution: 10 (+0)Intelligence: 16 (+3)Wisdom: 13 (+1)Charisma: 18 (+4)Fortitude: 0Reflexe: 3Will: 3Base Attack: 0Initiative: 7Melee: 0Ranged: 3Dagger +0 1D4+0Quarterstaff +0 1D6+0AC: 15 Skills:bluff 4 + 4 = 8concentration 4 + 0 = 4knowledge arcane 4 + 3 = 7listen 2 + 1 = 3sense motive 2 + 1 = 3spellcraft 4 + 3 = 7 Feats/Specials:improved initiative simple weapon proficiency still spell Summon familiar Equipment:Dagger 1d4 (1)Quarterstaff 1d6 (1)Leather +2 (1)Backpack 2lb (1)Bedroll 5lb (1)Blanket 3lb (1)Flint/steel (1)Waterski 4lb (1)Traveler's outfit 5lb (1)Spells Known:LVL 0: 4Lvl 1: 3 Spells per Day:LVL 0: 5Lvl 1: 3Spell DC:LVL 0: 14Lvl 1: 15 Spells:LVL 0:Light Mage HandPrestidigitationDazeLvl 1:Mage Armor Magic MissleCharm Person Character's Name: Elise T'character Sheet: 1 (2 (4 (5 (Sheet: Spells, such as they are. (Elise Arabia T'air was born to a loving mother and father, like most humans are. There were no hardships for the family, as the parents were both mages that ran a school. They wanted their son to follow in their footsteps, since he shared the T'air bloodline, and had the potential to be a powerful wielder of the arcane. There was only one kink in the plan. Dozens of generations ago, the very first T'air; Benefices T'air, was unsifted. A regular person in every way, shape and form. He desperately wanted to be more, though. He wanted power, to help people, to protect them. Furthermore, he prayed to all the gods, and none of them answered his plea... and then there was a night where a rift in the world itself seemed to open in front of him, and some strange being with odd tendrils and a general human shape (but not even truly humanoid, as it had no legs, and no hands) spoke directly in his mind... It offered him that power, to him and to his bloodline, and in exchange, the man, and any offspring at the being's choosing, would have to do his bidding. The pact was formed, and Benefices eventually grew to become one of the greatest mages lost to the sands of time. There was only one command that the faceless one gave to him, and that was when he was made to rape a poor girl that was nearby. She bore a gifted child, of that coupling, and decided to keep it, to raise it independent of the sins of it's father... and so the T'air bloodline progressed along a benevolent path of purity and goodness. On Elise's 20th birthday, the voice spoke to him... It introduced itself simply as his new master, and compelled him to leave home, to travel. Strange powers began to manifest, in Elise, strange powers that other mages couldn't identify with certainty... They could identify an element of chaos within it, though, and suggested he go consult those who dealt with chaos regularly. Xelise travelled to the underdark, and lived among the Draw for a couple of years. It was very rough, he was used, manipulated and often brought to the brink of death, but eventually, he was able to find a priestess who, after using him for her enjoyment, told him what she knew of his strange abilities. It wasn't a manifestation of good or of evil, it was an extension, an outlet, of chaos and entropy. Furthermore, it wasn't evil or unholy or dark, it was just wrong, unnatural, impure. Furthermore, it didn't destroy, it unmade things... unraveled them through corruption. Furthermore, it was something that was there before the forces of good and evil came to be. Eldritch. When he heard of the town of Spielberg, he packed up his things and headed there... the voice promising him more answers if he listened to it and went. The voice had plans for him, and he would cooperate. On the way to Spielberg, Elise met up with NARA, a fiery haired woman with a personality to match. She had saved him from some bandits, and in turn, he saved her from harm from those same bandits, by manifesting his abilities to unmake the muggers that were no longer even focused on him. The two traveled to Spielberg together, clearly seeing the benefit of mutual assistance. Description: Picture/Portrait: (update as description and past are finalized. CloverSpellscale Sorceress Female, App. Age 17. Description: Clover is at times precocious, at times unflappable. She is petite, not imposing of figure or demeanor, but she draws the eye; largely, this is owed to her unique physical features-- her violet hair, her bluish skin, her large, angled eyes that gaze on with as much curiosity as confidence. She tends to push the limits of taste with her fashion sense, favoring unique touches to even the most standard 'adventurer's garb', and enjoys wearing the freer-flowing, less constricting (and, of course, more revealing) garb of a dancer... when she can get away with it. Wavy, collar-length locks of her violet hair sweep over her ears and stir when she moves, and her fetching-- though alien-- eyes twinkle in an inviting sapphire hue. Her curves are subtle, but enticing, and her swagger hints at a brazen confidence mingled with a polite acknowledgment-- and disregard-- for humility. History: Clover has no memory of her childhood, though she doesn't know if this is due to trauma, injury, or some magical side effect of sorcery gone wrong. Her diatonic heritage has become increasingly evident since she became a young woman, so she's deduced her parents' background in the arcane, but Clover's own talent has only just begun to emerge. Prior to the past year, Clover was concerned-- rather, obsessed-- with finding her family's history. She poured over public records and tavern tales, returning dead-end upon wild-goose-chase. To the best of her knowledge, she was simply found one day, a girl of few years, along the shore of a bog. After a few years fostered by a convent, she had been provided a recommendation to seek employment as apprentice to a high-society dressmaker. Though she was skilled enough to learn, it proved to be other parts of her than her fingers that interested the proprietor, prompting Clover to take to the road in the hopes that her budding talents in the magical arts-- talents that comforted her to discover, that soothed her curiosity until, gradually, she came to accept her lot in life as a magician, a loner, and an audacious bachelor-- all in a girl's body. Character sheet: (Just wanted to say ... That is a sweet picture. I am feeling pretty lazy so here's a little skeleton profile. Leon Tigris, Master of Disguise and Practitioner of Confidence Games (1 Rogue, Male Human Description: Leon is the textbook example of 'average'. He is neither muscular nor slackened; His height is neither tall nor short. A plain face, neither handsome nor ugly, one that would be lost easily in a crowd. Brown eyes and brown hair. The only thing that would remind anyone of Leon Tigris is his dashing smile, and he is a master of controlling his own facial expression. Quote from: Darkly Dreaming Doomsday on 21-10-2009, 18:27:52A plain face, neither handsome nor ugly, one that would be lost easily in a crowd. With an 18 charisma he's not handsome??? >.> That's a 10 charisma you're describing right there. >.> That's like saying my bard is ugly as hell. 10 is an average face in the crowd. CIA is more than looks. He could be average looking but get him talking, and he's one smooth motherfucker. Just saying. Quote from: Maleficent on 21-10-2009, 19:15:29With an 18 charisma he's not handsome??? Sgt;.Sgt; That's a 10 charisma you're describing right there. Sgt;.Sgt; That's like saying my bard is ugly as hell. 10 is an average face in the crowd. Charisma means many, many things. Appearance is not one of them. It's just a correlation. You can have someone who's absolutely gorgeous, but about as crass, rude, unlikeable, and generally uncharismatic as you can imagine. Likewise, you can have someone who's fabulously charismatic and persuasive, but not exactly easy on the eyes; Winston Churchill wasn't exactly a looker, but he's one of history's more charismatic figures. Quote from: The Villain on 21-10-2009, 19:17:10Cha is more than looks. He could be average looking but get him talking, and he's one smooth motherfucker. Just saying. This, exactly. He could persuade statues to remove their clothing. Quote from: The Villain on 21-10-2009, 19:17:10Cha is more than looks. He could be average looking but get him talking, and he's one smooth motherfucker. Just saying. Charisma is both, actually. Quote the PHB page 9:"Charisma measures the character's force of personality, persuasiveness, personal magnetism, ability to lead, AND PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS." If he wanted average he failed. I suppose if he was really gorgeous then his score would be over 18 then. I'm just trying to emphasize how well he speaks.18 is not the absolute cap on any attributes, remember. Quote from: Katina Tarask on 21-10-2009, 19:18:27Charisma means many, many things. Appearance is not one of them. It's just a correlation. You can have someone who's absolutely gorgeous, but about as crass, rude, unlikeable, and generally uncharismatic as you can imagine. Likewise, you can have someone who's fabulously charismatic and persuasive, but not exactly easy on the eyes; Winston Churchill wasn't exactly a looker, but he's one of history's more charismatic figures. This is not 2nd ed where they BROKE it down into 2 sub stats in the skills and powers. This is 3.5 where Charisma IS how well you look as well. >. Quote from: Darkly Dreaming Doomsday on 21-10-2009, 19:23:42I suppose if he was really gorgeous then his score would be over 18 then. I'm just trying to emphasize how well he speaks.18 is not the absolute cap on any attributes, remember. I never said there was a cap on any stat, what I said is 18 is NOT plane by any means. May I ask why you're having such a fit over this? I'm implying that he is a perfect speaker. Perfect. If he was any better looking I'm thinking his charisma would be 20 at least. While the PHB does say "Charisma measures a character’s force of personality, persuasiveness, personal magnetism, ability to lead, and physical attractiveness", it also says in pretty much every chapter "This is a guideline, not a set of strict rules, you can tool it to fit your tastes however you want". Quote from: Maleficent on 21-10-2009, 19:25:26 This is not 2nd ed where they BROKE it down into 2 sub stats in the skills and powers. This is 3.5 where Charisma IS how well you look as well. Sgt;.Lt; Go read your damn books again. I was a sanctioned wizard of the coast judge for over 8 years. I've run more modules in 3.5 then any other system I know. If you utterly mutilate a Sorcerer's face, does she become worse at casting? Ok I'm just throwing my two cents in here to help Maleficent. Charisma DOES include Appearance according to the book. Now to solve this problem you could go with what the "Book of Erotic Fantasy" Suggests and make a separate Appearance Stat. If However you do decide not to go that rout then Charisma INCLUDES the appearance of your character. Enough Said. Just remember above all the GM of the game HAS FINAL SAY so why don't you bring the situation up to her and let her decide how she wants the situation to be handled. Ok I quit, I'm pulling Phylicia. I'm a sanctioned judge for wizards and ripping apart the rules like that isn't very fun. I enjoy playing structured games in a system where the rules are written out. Not having them page 198'ed (white wolf ATM core book if you must know) in any system. It means people don't know how to make their damn characters and can't go by the guidelines given to make a level 1 character. If they wanted more than they should have asked for a higher level campaign. They are rules for a reason, what a novel thought, huh? And I didn't have a shit fit about anything, I stated if you wanted plane then you failed because charisma goes for many things which INCLUDES appearance. An 18 charisma is no bum on the street, and just because he's got a silver tongue doesn't mean he also has a good-looking face, it doesn't mean his appearance would increase giving him MORE of an appearance it MEANS on top of having his silver tongue he's also got a model's face. THAT is what I meant. I understand that Charisma does include appearance, and have never disputed that. It also includes those other 4 things Krystal and I have pointed out, and he is certainly strong in those 4 points, while 'okay' in the last one. I don't understand how that constitutes a 10 for Charisma, especially considering I've discussed my plans with Wand over and over, and she's had no problems with it as DM. Krysia I can understand where you're coming from, and I appreciate your knowledge on the game, but you're treating the PHB like a bible, and not what it was supposed to be treated as: A guideline. There's really no need to get up in flames about all of this... Quote from: Maleficent on 21-10-2009, 19:41:18Ok I quit, I'm pulling Phylicia. I'm a sanctioned judge for wizards and ripping apart the rules like that isn't very fun. I enjoy playing structured games in a system where the rules are written out. Not having them page 198'ed (white wolf ATM core book if you must know) in any system. It means people don't know how to make their damn characters and can't go by the guidelines given to make a level 1 character. If they wanted more than they should have asked for a higher level campaign. They are rules for a reason, what a novel thought, huh? And I didn't have a shit fit about anything, I stated if you wanted plane then you failed because charisma goes for many things which INCLUDES appearance. An 18 charisma is no bum on the street, and just because he's got a silver tongue doesn't mean he also has a good-looking face, it doesn't mean his appearance would increase giving him MORE of an appearance it MEANS on top of having his silver tongue he's also got a model's face. THAT is what I meant. Pulling your character over something so pettyishaving a shit fit. I suggest you take a deep breath, take a step back, and calm down. Preferably before reading the rest of my post, since I'm not the best person to read when you're put off. Now then, let's say Charisma does indeed, explicitly, undeniably, irrefutably represent force of personality, persuasiveness, personal magnetism, ability to lead, and physical appearance. That doesnotrequire that everyone is equally apt in all these areas. This does not mean that one with above average ability to lead must, by necessity, have above average looks. Let us say Leon has a physical appearance equivalent to a CIA 10 human. Now, let us say he has a force of personality, persuasiveness, personal magnetism, and ability to lead equivalent to a CIA 20 human. What is the most accurate charisma score to represent Leon? The average. (10+20+20+20+20)/5=18. Also, mind that the stats are an abstraction. An extreme abstraction. Holding to them too closely cheapens the game and writes out perfectly valid character concepts. Leon is a good and valid character (I hope). It is a perfectly acceptable character type to have an average-looking con man with spectacular people skills, and the best way to represent those spectacular people skills is a strong charisma score. It allows him to do what his character is meant to do in the manner he was meant to do it. To require that Leon have 10 CIA simply because he is average in a single aspect of the stat when he has the points/rolls to get 18 and the character has the equivalent of 20 infourother aspects is irrational. Quote from: Katina Tarask on 21-10-2009, 19:54:34Pulling your character over something so petty is having a shit fit. I suggest you take a deep breath, take a step back, and calm down. Preferably before reading the rest of my post, since I'm not the best person to read when you're put off. Now then, let's say Charisma does indeed, explicitly, undeniably, irrefutably represent force of personality, persuasiveness, personal magnetism, ability to lead, and physical appearance. That does not require that everyone is equally apt in all these areas. This does not mean that one with above average ability to lead must, by necessity, have above average looks. Let us say Leon has a physical appearance equivalent to a CIA 10 human. Now, let us say he has a force of personality, persuasiveness, personal magnetism, and ability to lead equivalent to a CIA 20 human. What is the most accurate charisma score to represent Leon? The average. (10+20+20+20+20)/5=18. Also, mind that the stats are an abstraction. An extreme abstraction. Holding to them too closely cheapens the game and writes out perfectly valid character concepts. Leon is a good and valid character (I hope). It is a perfectly acceptable character type to have an average-looking con man with spectacular people skills, and the best way to represent those spectacular people skills is a strong charisma score. It allows him to do what his character is meant to do in the manner he was meant to do it. To require that Leon have 10 CIA simply because he is average in a single aspect of the stat when he has the points/rolls to get 18 and the character has the equivalent of 20 in four other aspects is irrational. I NEVER SAID HE HAD TO CHANGE HIS CHARACTER! I said IF he wanted a PLAIN looking person he failed. AVERAGE stat in 3.5 is 10. A common person on the street would have 10 or below in their stats. This is WHY the players are called Adventurers. It is because of the HIGHER than AVERAGE stats that they get at Starting level. If the stat was to be broken down into 5 separate things the way you claim then the sheet would be broken down and have 5 separate places for you to put those different stats. Take a look at the 2nd edition sheet there were places on them to break down your stats using skills and powers. Unfortunately this is 3.5 now, isn't it? You're right, you didn't expressly say I had to change my character. But you hinted I should, and then quit because I said that I wouldn't. You're putting a lot of weight into physical appearances, but ignoring everything else that makes someone 'charismatic'. So just because he isn't terribly handsome, that means he is not charismatic at all? That just doesn't make sense, I'm sorry. Let's just please wait until Wand can hand down her opinion before we make any more rash decisions. Quote from: Maleficent on 21-10-2009, 20:10:29I NEVER SAID HE HAD TO CHANGE HIS CHARACTER! I said IF he wanted a PLAIN looking person he failed. AVERAGE stat in 3.5 is 10. A common person on the street would have 10 or below in their stats. This is WHY the players are called Adventurers. It is because of the HIGHER than AVERAGE stats that they get at Starting level. If the stat was to be broken down into 5 separate things the way you claim then the sheet would be broken down and have 5 separate places for you to put those different stats. Take a look at the 2nd edition sheet there were places on them to break down your stats using skills and powers. Unfortunately this is 3.5 now, isn't it? I don't know why I'm getting involved in this, but Maleficent...you do realize that that same handbook you spend all your time quoting from says, and I quote, "This ability represents actual strength of personality, not merely how one is perceived by others in a social setting." In fact, that sentence comes directly after the one you keep quoting. Tell me, how do looks fit into "strength of personality"? More important than this whole discussion thread rolled into one ... is this sole link. (it out. O.o Quote from: Maleficent on 21-10-2009, 20:10:29I NEVER SAID HE HAD TO CHANGE HIS CHARACTER! I said IF he wanted a PLAIN looking person he failed. AVERAGE stat in 3.5 is 10. A common person on the street would have 10 or below in their stats. This is WHY the players are called Adventurers. It is because of the HIGHER than AVERAGE stats that they get at Starting level. Again, there are more aspects to charisma than simply appearance. The character is average in appearance, yes, but spectacular in personal magnetism, leadership skills, et cetera. To then single out appearance as the sole criterion for determining charisma is irrational and has no basis within the rules. Quote from: Maleficent on 21-10-2009, 20:10:29If the stat was to be broken down into 5 separate things the way you claim then the sheet would be broken down and have 5 separate places for you to put those different stats. Take a look at the 2nd edition sheet there were places on them to break down your stats using skills and powers. Unfortunately this is 3.5 now, isn't it? Step 1: Conceive a character. A human (or inhuman) being. A person. Step 2: Stat out that character. It is perfectly valid for a human being to have spectacular leadership skills, yet be as ugly as sin. It is perfectly acceptable to have a character that has spectacular leadership skills, and yet is ugly as sin. How do you represent such a character statistically? Of these two aspects of charisma, one is extremely low, the other extremely high. Within the confines of the rules, the most sensible way to represent them is with a charisma score somewhere in the middle. Now, a character who is written, who has spectacular abilities in four of the five aspects of charisma, yet is average in the fifth. The character is written. The character is good. The character is a sound and logical human being. It's just that the character is spectacular in four aspects of charisma and mediocre at one. Within the confines of the rules, the best way to represent that character is with a high charisma score, as the character is still supposed to be good at pretty much all the mechanical functions that charisma governs. Quote from: thebobmaster on 21-10-2009, 20:14:54I don't know why I'm getting involved in this, but Maleficent...you do realize that that same handbook you spend all your time quoting from says, and I quote, "This ability represents actual strength of personality, not merely how one is perceived by others in a social setting." In fact, that sentence comes directly after the one you keep quoting. Tell me, how do looks fit into "strength of personality"? Strength of personality: You can have a golden personally and appearance to match, as soon as you change that personality your appearance changes with you. People look at you different to how you act. As soon as you have a jovial disposition you become beautiful to people. We all know people judge by appearance in the real world. You apply Charisma to the following skills:Bluff - Who are you going to believe more? A good-looking person or a rat on the street? Diplomacy - First impressions I'd say, the more appealing the person is to look at might wield more information. Disguise - Obviously you're changing your APPEARANCE with this one. Gather Information - Goes along the same lines as diplomacy I'd say. Handle Animal - Ok you got me on this one. Intimidate - Your appearance can help with the words that you spew out of your mouth as threats. Perform - Would you rather watch some hot skinny stripper or Bertha the 2 ton elephant giving a pole dance? Use Magic Device - Don't ask me why you need charisma to get shit that isn't animate to work, if you can say please it should work for you. Now back to the original statement of what the definition of charisma is:"Charisma measures a character’s force of personality, persuasiveness, personal magnetism, ability to lead, and physical attractiveness. This ability represents actual strength of personality, not merely how one is perceived by others in a social setting. Charisma is most important for paladins, sorcerers, and bards. It is also important for clerics, since it affects their ability to turn undead. Every creature has a Charisma score." The first sentence gives you a list of things charisma is made up of: "force of personality, persuasiveness, personal magnetism, ability to lead, and physical attractiveness." I don't see the word "Or" in there to make it an option to use those break-downs as the only thing a character is good for. If you really wanted to show your character has a silver tongue or is good at speaking, pick up Perform: Oratory. Now would you rather shag a Wretch(a Nymph?(You're really comparing 'average looking' to a Wretch? Quote from: Darkly Dreaming Doomsday on 21-10-2009, 21:15:08You're really comparing 'average looking' to a Wretch? Uh the book does look at page 10 in the pub, you know that little chart that shows you what a charisma score of 10 is. I'm sure you'll see there "HUMAN, Wolverine, and wretch (demon)" is the list of examples. You've been arguing appearance, appearance, appearance for pages. Excuse me for misunderstanding. Personally I think that this is a disagreement over the wording in the pub about the definition of Charisma correct? QuoteCharisma measures a character's force of personality, persuasiveness, personal magnetism, ability to lead, and physical attractiveness. This ability represents actual strength of personality, not merely how one is perceived by others in a social setting, Charisma is most important for paladins sorcerers and bards. It is also important for clerics since it affects their ability to run undead. Every creature has a charisma score. End quote Yes Charisma measures a character's physical appearance. However, as I've seen in real life, not everyone who has a strong 'force of personality', DEFINITELY not everyone who is persuasive, not even everyone who has the ability to lead is attractive. You do have me on that personal magnetism and appearance seem to be strongly related in the real world. However, as over half of the factors that contribute to charisma are personality based and not physically based I'd rule that it is possible for someone to be charismatic without being physically attractive. I mean I don't find Abraham Lincoln, George W. Bush, or Winston Churchill attractive but all of these people were able to inspire large numbers of people to do what they wanted and that comes back to the fundamental concept behind Charisma. As wrong as it may sound to you Maleficent I think we could find someone in the real world who doesn't stand out because of their looks, but is an amazing leader, or inspiring speaker. On the other hand I can see where you're coming from in that most people who are charismatic due have excellence 'physically appearances'. But in light of the above argument, I am inclined to agree that you could have an 'average Joe' looking person who has the leadership abilities of a five star general, or the persuasiveness of a career con artist, or the force of personality of a superstar. When the average of all the elements that make up Charisma come together, It's possible to have an 18 charisma without being beautiful. If it helps resolve this issue, I'll let everyone choose a realistic stat for the '7th' attribute provided in the book of erotic fantasy. Appearance which would solve your dispute correct? If one doesn't mind a fellow Dungeon Master to speak in here. I've been running games for 10 or so years now. And the thing we have to all remember is one simple thing. This isn't the real world. This is a land of fantasy, make believe, and magic. In such a setting, such a thing as Charisma measures all things related to it at the same time. Having it in such a fashion as was previously represented (10+20+20 whatever) isn't truly realistic. Because if such had been the idea, there would be something out there in relation to it. Best thing to do would be to have a different race for Mr. Plain. Because as I said "Charisma is in the eye of the beholder". It's the same reason that demons and devils possess high Charisma scores. They aren't attractive (usually) to humans and the like, but there's an exotic look to them that provides the initial lure. That's where it starts. However, I'm just throwing in my general two cents as a fellow DM. I am taking a moment from preparing my own Forgotten Realms campaign ran via open RPG. Fantastic program if you can have people sit down at their PCs at the same time. :)I digress. In conclusion, I leave one simple comment. "The DM is not God. God is one of the DM's NPCs." Thank you for your time. Charisma measures four things, any one of those things can carry the score all along. I don't see how this is something to argue so hard over. If the man's talking skills and force of personality are 20, and he's only about 12 in the looks department, it would average out to about 17.3. The point I am making is that Charisma is a measure of all the things put together. Now to who ever said that if a Sorcerer is disfigured do they lose the ability to cast as well? Yes. In the book of Vile Darkness disfiguring things lower Charisma. But Charisma isn't solely about looks. The Wretch isn't low because of looks alone, it's a horrible creature and no one want's to trust or be around it. On the subject of Charisma, in real life, when it comes to women physical attractiveness goes up on account of other things in their personality. At least it does for me. You have girls who look like Megan Fox, but I find totally unattractive because of their shitty personality. This doesn't mean they look any less attractive, it means that, like in this case, part of their Charisma, sometimes a larger part is decided on things other than looks. You all really need to calm down though, it's not like this is that serious. Quote from: Odin on 21-10-2009, 21:52:50You all really need to calm down though, it's not like this is that serious. It shouldn't be, but considering someone is dropping out over a disagreement... I'm just trying to show her that it is possible to be charismatic and only average-looking to try to keep her in the game. Quote from: thebobmaster on 21-10-2009, 22:18:25It shouldn't be, but considering someone is dropping out over a disagreement... I'm just trying to show her that it is possible to be charismatic and only average-looking to try to keep her in the game. The problem is more than that really, I think if that was the problem alone she wouldn't be dropping out of the game. I am telling them all to calm down because this isn't worth fighting over. At the end of the day it's a stat and the only one it should matter to is the dice. Another thing to consider is that just because physical attractiveness is a listed aspect of charisma does not mean the higher your charisma, the prettier you are. A relevant definition of 'attractive,' courtesy of dictionary.com: "Arousing interest or engaging one's thought, consideration." Alternately, "Having the quality of attracting." Pretty eyes and a nice ass arouse interest, yes, and they can be leveraged into all the myriad things charisma does. However, you can have a big, jovial old guy with a bushy beard and a penchant for red who is still 'attractive' in the sense that he looks like an extremely friendly and trustworthy guy with a warm smile. You're drawn to him. That doesn't mean you'd want to fuck Santa's brains out (unless that's your thing, I ain't going to judge). If you have two orcs, one a bard, the other a barbarian, both with 14+ charisma, they may not manifest the same way. The bard may indeed be a charming and handsome man, with tastefully understated tusks, and who is sexually attractive in the traditional sense; his improved appearance suits his needs and methods well. He seeks to stand out on the merits of his own beauty to appear exceptional. The barbarian, on the other hand, gets his way by being forceful, by bullying people. He's more gnarled and grizzled than the average orc, with tusks that could skewer a boar, and scars over every inch of his flesh. He's ugly as sin. However, he'sextremelyattractive in the context of his job. Heattractspeople, arouses the interest of people, who see him as a strong and terrifying man whom they would rather serve than anger, who then join his horde as they crush their enemies, see them driven before them and hear the lamentations of their women. In the case of Leon, the fact that he is spectacularly average aesthetically makes him extremely attractive within the context of his job, that of a con artist. His needs are not to woo the ladies en masse, or to terrify hordes into submission, but to convince one person at a time that he's an honest, average, working man like all of them, to convince them that he's normal and trustworthy and normal just long enough to get the Hell out of dodge. And in that context, he'sextremelyattractive physically, preciselybecausehis appearance is so average. Try and put energy to posts in character !"comeliness" or a stat for attractiveness was in first or second addition it was removed as it caused issues, there is an optional rule to have something about con and charisma implying it - but its optional, unless all DMs agree to it - lets just assume we are all pretty and handsome unless the player chooses otherwise - it's a fantasy game :)In character peeps :) - that why we have a gaming thread :) lol so... you said there's a character thread? What is this "character thread" of which you speak? In character...(i.e. the game thread :)) (damn the typo demons, that's what I meant. Yay-- and posting. Let's all have fun.

So you want to be a Hero_ Character Apps|rating:2.0

The Dragon Triangle. Now Open. Do you dare sail across_

This is an RP about the Islands, the happenings, the ghosts, and wrecks of this part of Ocean. Off the South Eastern tip of Kenosha there is a triangle shaped region that has claimed or somehow changed more lives than any other part of the Southern Ocean. In the Center of the Triangle there are Phantom Islands that pop out of the fog only to slip below the waves as quickly as they appear. The Northern sector contains a razor sharp Barrier Reef (if sharks don't get you the Reef will). Then there is the tale about the Silver Fish, and it's course around the Barrier Reef. Its Captain cursed his ship and crew by cursing the Water Goddess's name. Then there is the sad tale of the living pool toy that crashed here after a typhoon and a freak rip in the Dimensional Fabric. The Rip linked the doomed Zack Island and the Barrier Reef. The rules:1. Be somewhat literate but not a goon. Nothing ruins a good time more than a Super Spelling Nazi. You never know the person could be playing a traumatized person.2. When playing a Victim or a Scared person act scared but don't ham it.3. Follow T.O.S. Please keep it PG-13.4. Have fun. ((may I join?)name: Thorn Occupation: Sailer Bio: Disguises herself as a boy but will reveal herself if she needs to get a quick getaway. Has been on the ship for a while but when the captain cursed the Goddess's name, things have been getting worse and worse. Pic: (as girl) disguise) Yes you may. Start when you are ready. My story begins on Earth. It was a warm day just like every other day there on Zack Island. Lazy days floating in the pool. Hearing the laughter of the guests and the sounds of a beach volleyball match. The smells of a beach party/baroque, the native flowers, and the cool Ocean Breeze at Night. But that's all gone. I remember the Night of the Typhoon. The Night the Typhoon made landfall I was put away in the pool house. All of a sudden the doors blew off, and I was sucked out. I landed in the pool, and soon I was swept into a whirlpool at the center. As I went down this shadowy figure came close to me. I felt strange as the shadow engulfed me. A few minutes or was it an hour I couldn't tell, but suddenly I could move on my own. I started to swim towards the surface of the pool or so I thought. When I got my head above water the Island and everything I knew familiar was gone. Thorn jerked up from sleep. "What are you doing?!" she demanded of herself. "Falling asleep on duty? The Captain could have whipped you senseless." She stood from where she was sitting, the little platform on the top of the ship. "UGG, not like anything will happen." I'm alive but how? Then a voice spoke inside my head. It explained what happened, and then it told me it's name. I decided to use its name since I never had a proper one of my own. *Looking in front of me and I see the tops of the Reef. Started to cringe because sharp object and inflatable toys don't mix.* The voice reassured me that I would be okay, and I should try swimming parallel to them. She noticed the ship was by the coral reef. They were sailing alongside it, so know immediate danger. She saw a small shape in the water. "Probably a dolphin." She muttered, but she still brought out her telescope and saw it was a boy. "The cause of last night's storm?" she wondered as she swiftly climbed down. *Began to swim parallel to the reef and out of the corner of his eyes he has seen a familiar yet unfamiliar vessel.* *Notices the water getting shallower and slowly drags himself on a sandbar.* Must rest this body is too drained. "Okay." she had gotten permission to go on a dingy and get the fellow. She rowed out to the body, now on a sand dune. "Hey!" she called. "Hey you! Are you ok?" name: Gail age: ? Occupation: cabin boy Bio: He hasn't been on the ship long since they found him out in the water unconscious after the first day of sailing. He doesn't remember what happened and why he was out in the ocean. So they took him in and he has been with them since. The only thing that shows of his past is a little shark tooth neckless around his neck.appearance: He has sun blacked blond hair and clear blue eyes that look like the ocean. When they first found him he only was wearing a torn up shirt and a beat up pair of pants. They gave him a heart with no leaves and a pair of beat up shorts. He is very tall and skinny. He looks very weak but is actually very strong and fast. Gail saw someone on a dingy out in the water going after someone in the water. He wondered if that person in the water was okay and without thinking jumped off the side of the boat and dove into the water like it was nothing. He swam straight towards them and was soon on the sad bar with them. "Do you think he is okay?" Gail asked and was not even out of breath after swimming all that. *Looks at the two weakly.* I'm okay I haven't eaten in at least 24 hours.*Thinks to himself why do I understand them?* The voice said my powers give the ability to speak and understand all languages. Thorn recognized the boy from the ship. Immediately putting on her disguise voice, she said, "I think he'll be alright." She lifted him onto the boat. "Do you want to ride back to?" she asked the cabin boy. *In the boat he thanks the person that saved him.* Where is this ship going? Gail looked at her and thought for a second. He remembered how nice it felt in the water as he swam over and shook his head "No, thanks, I will swim besides you instead." he said then looked at the boy in the boat "your welcome, we will be back at the boat in a few minutes okay" he said then saw a little bit away from them *In the small boat the voice went on about the creatures on the surface, in the water, under the surface, and places on this World.* ((Salmon, I'm actually disguised as a boy.))" No problem." Thorn said to the boy. "Do you know your name and what ship you were on?" He looked like he had only been there a short while. ((sorry forgot))Gail saw some fins at the surface of the water and cursed a bit. "We better get going, sharks are on there way here" he said as he looked at the two men in the little boat ((IZ ok.)) Thorn saw the ship and some crew mates rolled them in. "Guys!" she called as the boat was lifted. "Here's the boy, I think he's been stranded!" Gail had grabbed onto the boat as it was lifted and swung himself onto the ship. "Yeah, I think you're right," Gail said as he looked at then man. *Looks blankly as if the person in the boat was talking about a strange creature.* *Then suddenly he hands her a broken compass that he found in the reefs near where the Vortex had sent him.* The Vortex. Bad storm. Giant rock hits smoking Mountain. Thorn got onto the ship. She looked around, wondering where they could put the boy. "Put him in the spare cabin!" A voice from the back shouted. "Got it!" she called. "Hey you. Get up, you've got to get to the cabin." *Gets up wobbly and heads to the cabin. The Dragon Spirit's voice ringing in his ears.*In the cabin. *I lay down, and shortly I fall to sleep.* An hour passes. *I begin to dream about a red haired girl and the pool I called home. Gail watched the two boys go and stayed outside. He went to the railing and watched the water go by. He always loved the water more and more. Furthermore, he sometimes wondered if he used to live in the water. Thorn saw the boy to the cabin and personally wondered if he was sane. He always seemed in a daze and hadn't answered any questions. She was interrupted by the dinner bell. "Come on Theo, tell us about the new boy!" A fellow shipmate called. Theo, her fake name. She of like her real name. Thorn, Theo. Theo, Thorn. "Sure thing!" 'Theo' called back. Gail grabbed a plate of food and then went outside. He hated being inside the ship and liked it better out on the deck then anything. He sat down and started to eat. When he was done he thought about when the was rescued from the water. Theo had seen him floating on some wood and went to go help him. When he first had saw Theo he thought he was a girl. But then saw that he was a boy and felt stupid. Inside the mess hall, the crew was eating as fast as they could while telling stories. Personally, this was Thorn's favorite time. She saw the new cabin boy walk out. What's his problem?she thought as she slurped up a bowl of noodles. "Hey, who's the new cabin boy?" she asked the sailer next to her. "Oh, his name is Gail. Don't know when he showed up." "Is there something wrong with him?" "Rumor is, he's claustrophobic. That's why he's always outside." Gail soon ran back inside and grabbed some bread since he was still Hungary. He had heard what they had said but paid no mind. Everyone stayed away from him since he had gotten here and no one talked to him. He sometimes wished that someone would but what would he talk about. He knew nothing of his past or about himself so he thought that it was all for the best that no one talked to him. Furthermore, he went back out to the deck and sat down on the railing and watched the waves. "Other's say he was born a dolphin but was transformed!" another sailer put in. "Now you know that's silly!" "Heck, mine's more reasonable than yours will ever be!!" Gail was close enough to hear them and smiled when he heard that one. He liked the idea of being a dolphin but then looked down at his shark tooth neckless and wondered if it Wei a shark instead. He sighed, stared up into the sky and started to mumble stuff in a different language without knowing it. In fact, it sounded like some ancient language that was too complicated for normal people to speak. But the way he spoke it sounded like he was singing yet wasn't. Anyone who heard it seemed to stop in their tracks and just listen to it since it sounded so calming and natural. Quiet suddenly seized the mess hall. "Do you hear that?" Thorn asked the sailer next to her. "Yeah." Thorn took a peek outside. "Speak of the devil..... Guys, come here!" They all crowded around. "Woah, that's no human sound he's making." "I think we have a spirit on our hands." "Did anyone curse the sea lately?" Gail stopped when he saw everyone staring at him. "Did I do something wrong?" he asked softly since he wasn't sure why everyone was looking at him Most of the sailors ran back into the mess hall, a few stared at him a little longer and went back, so that only Thorn was left. "No, nothing's wrong." She said. "The sailors were just wondering what that sound was. You better not be a spirit." she said, smiling. "The sailors are very superstitious." "Well maybe I am, I don't know." he said as he looked down "but I don't know what I am so there minds are welcome to think about that kind of stuff" I've seen some weird sailors in my time, but this is ridiculous. She thought. "What do you mean you don't know what you are?" she asked. For some reason, her voice was softer then she intended. ’t means exactly what it means. I don't know who or what I am. I was found out at sea a few weeks ago, and I remember nothing." he said as he looked down "Hmph. Guess I can't prove those overweight sailors wrong, but they can't prove themselves right." she smiled. "Eh, never believed in ghosts anyway. Spirits, maybe." she sat down next to him. "You just stay on my good side." Gail looked at him "okay" he SIAD with a smile. Then looked up into the sky "I wonder what I really am" "I'm bad at guessing games." she said sarcastically. "Let's see, you have fingers and skin: That must mean you're a human of some sort." *Leaves the cabin, climbs a flight of stairs, and walks on the upper deck.* *Heads to the stern of the ship and looks at the Ocean and the reflections of an unfamiliar Moon.* "Well I see our little friend is up." Thorn said, standing. "How are you feeling?" she asked as she walked toward him. Gail walked over and smiled at him a little bit. I'm okay still getting used to this shape and having the ability to move on my own.*His stomach rumbles and gets confused by the strange empty feeling.* This shape? The ability to move on my own???? What is going on here? Her left hand strayed toward her concealed dagger. "What do you mean?" She asked uncertainly. Gail look at him curiously and wondered why he said that. Was he like him, Gail asked himself maybe he knew what he was Before I arrived here I was an inflatable pool toy that had to be lifted out of the water and put in the pool house when the pool was closed or wasn't needed at the time. I didn't have legs so moving around like this is kinda new to me. This man is crazy. That's the only conclusion she could think of. He must have gotten a bump on the head, or maybe swallowed too much sea salt. She turned on the cabin boy. "Are you an inflatable pool toy too?" she asked, almost joking dead serious. Maybe it was the Triangle playing tricks on me. Just then one of the older sailors walks up and speaks. Thorn saw the new sailor. "Um, hello sir!" she said, snapping to attention just in case he was important. "No I am not a pool toy. When I think back I remember being able to swim on my own and I think I had paws or something, so I am sure that I am not a pool toy" he said as he thought back. Then when he saw the new sailor he looked down since he forgot what to do when they came by. "Salute you idiot!" she hissed at him. The sailor looked them over and asked, "What are you doing out here? You should be in your bunks!" "Yes sir!" Thorn said, dashing off. Paws? Gail saluted quickly and ran off to the storage. His bed was there since they didn't really have a lot of room when he first arrived. He smiled when he saw his bed and walked over to it. He had a nice small bed at the corner of the storage that he had made out of float and blankets. Furthermore, he curled up on it and smiled apply to himself. *The Old Sailor saluted Thorn, Stardragon, and Salmon.* *Star dragon returned the salute.* The Old Sailor spoke of the odd things that appeared in and around the reef. *After he finished he showed them a picture of a pair of wrecked P-40s from WWII Era Earth.* *Afterward I walked back to my cabin and sat down on the bunk.* *A few minutes later the Old Sailor knocked on the cabin's door. I asked who is it? The Old Sailor said a friend. I let him in. *He handed me some food and a drink.* He started to tell me what he saw 5 years ago.* That Night I was on watch in the Crow's Nest as a freak fog bank covered the Reef, the wind made an eerie sound, and the Ocean started to swirl around in whirlpools. Some rotating clockwise and the others counterclockwise causing the ship to shake wildly. Then there was a loud boom and the strange crafts appeared on a partially submerged sandbar at the same area where Thorn found you. Strange it's the first time a living person has made it through. I wasn't alive when the storm and the strange falling rock came to the Island. *The Old Sailor asked then what made you come alive? *I replied.* I don't know all I could see was a shadow of a large creature. Her bunk was surprisingly well spaced. She had a little section, nearly all to herself. There were a few sailors that if you weren't careful, you could bump into them if you got in the wrong way. But, it was good. She lay down and closed her eyes. Gail woke up when one of the cooks came in. Gail nodded and got up. The cook needed his help in cooking and serving everyone like every moving. Gail happy followed the cook as he thought about how Hungary he was. *Stirs, gets out of bed, goes up a flight of stairs, and follows Gail to the Ship's Mess Hall.* I wonder who piloted those wrecked aircraft? Could Gail be one of the pilots? Gail turned around and smiled at the boy "so have you come to help me serve these people or have you come to eat?" he asked with a friendly smile. A little bit of both. Still trying to get used to this form. Had a nightmare about sharp objects. "Sounds almost as bad as my dreams, except I am trying to save someone but right when I get to that person I get smashed by something falling from the sky." Gail said as he picked up two plates of food and handed one to him *Takes the plate of food and eats it.* Thank you. Was it a fireball? Gail ate his food and looked at him. "It was sort of like it, but it was made out of metal and hurt a lot when it hit me." Maybe it was a cannonball or a .50 Caliber round.*Finished eating and begins to wash the dishes.* "maybe, guess we will never know" Gail said and finished his plate of food and started to wash his plate "but what I want to know is why I was in the middle of the ocean when they found me." I think the Vortex or Wormhole drops you in random places.*Puts his dish way.* Thorn got up and secretly got a bucket and filled it with water. Just because I look like one...she thought as she splashed her face and scrubbed herself. Doesn't mean I have to smell like one. "Yeah I think your right about that." he said as he put his dish away that looked at him "hey do you know what kind of animal can swim and has paws?" he asked since he could think of none From what the Dragon inside me told me. There are Beavers and other land creatures that can swim. *Heads for the Upper Deck of the ship.* "so I might be or used to be a beaver or something." Gail said as he followed him "oh and by the way I don't think I got your name." he said with a smile I don't really have one. Unless you count the type of Dragon that I was combined with.:(Thorn finished and hid the bucket. Stupid no girls allowed rule. She thought as she headed toward the mess hall. She heard someone say, "-type of dragon I was combined with." She poked her head in and saw the boy. "Yesterday you said you were a pool floatie." she said. "Now you're saying you're a dragon?" No I just contain the soul of one. Somehow the dragon lost it's body and it chose mine as a replacement. "That is just plain weird." Gail said as he looked at him "But you need a name that we can call you since we can't just keep on saying boy or hey you." Gail said as he thought of names "how about if we call you Neo. It is a Greek name that means new. I think it is a good name for you since you're new to everything since you where a toy boat." Yes it is. Okay I will be Neo till I can remember my name. I guess it could be worse I could have became a giant floaty (Dragon Body with the soul of a Pool Toy). That made it even more confusing. She thought. But at least she could call him something besides 'Rescue' or, 'new person.' "Speaking of names." Thorn said. "I never learned yours Cabin boy." that's what she had been calling him in her mind recently. Gail looked at Thorn and smiled a little bit "my name is Gail" he SIAD apply. "And I don't think I got your name either." "Theo." for some reason, she nearly said 'Thorn'.get a hold of yourself. She snapped in her head. You haven't slipped up once in two years, you can't start now!! Gail smiled at Theo "it is nice to met you" he said then his head turned suddenly. He was looking out at the water and he could feel something coming. "There is a storm coming" he said as he looked at the water and in the distance you could see storm clouds How close is the storm? *Neo looks over the side and spots some debris from Zack's Island.* Amongst the debris there is a Pink Hibiscus, a Themes Tiara, the wreckage of an expensive Barracuda Jet-Ski, and an Artemis Swimsuit Top. The waves started to get bigger and bigger and the wind started to blow stronger. Gold looked at them fearlessly like he had been in this kind of storms before. "Close enough that we have to get everyone inside now or else we might lose some people to the waves." *Heads below deck as the Captain gives the order to batten down the hatches, secure all equipment, and rig for bad weather.* *The Captain heads to the Bridge and orders the Helmsman to make to the nearest Island with a deep Harbor.* Gail started to run around as fast as he could be trying to secure everything. He seemed to slip around people as they ran around trying to do what he was doing. It looked at if he was a different being now. He was like a protective slippery creature as he directed everyone to their cabins and secured everything. Sometimes he even looked as if he wasn't even human. Theo turned and saw the clouds. This should be an interesting trip. She thought, climbing up the rigging to put down the sails. Hopefully they can't sense I'm a girl. She thought with some humor, her hair whipping around in the winds. Gail saw her up on the sail and cursed when he saw a wave crash over her. He looked around and called out "Theo are you there." he said as he looked around for him. None of the other sailors where making a move to go into the water, they were to scare. He cursed and jumped into the water after him. ((I'm a HE!!! You can't write SHE!!!!!! Or HER or FEMININE!!!)) Thorn (Theo) had managed to take a breath when the wave came. I'm going to have to talk to the sailors about their language!!she vowed as she swam feebly toward the surface. Where is the surface?she suddenly wondered. Just don't panic. You'll float up if anything else. She reasoned. ((sorry))Gail swam around looking for him and felt himself change. He started to move easier into the water, and he could see underwater better. He dove and started to look for Theo and soon found a body in the water. He swam over to it and tried to grab it, but his hands weren't working well. So he bit into her clothing and started to swim towards up and towards the ship hmm. Someone is dragging me up. Wonder who?she was doing perfectly fine, she didn't need anyone's help. Her only concern was the fact that they might find out her secret. She started moving her arms and legs, trying to impress upon the person that she was ok and could swim. Gail saw that he was alright and smiled as he dragged him. But he didn't let go because the waves where getting bigger and the ship was getting farther away. Then he saw that his hands where paws and wondered what he was. But really didn't care since it WS easier to move in this form.((just to say he turned into an otter)) ((I know.)) Thorn broke into the air. She saw the boat, sailing in the opposite direction. "Hello?" she thought she felt someone pulling on her. "Who's there?" she shrugged and started swimming for the boat. ((I now you know, I said that so Star dragon would know when he comes on))Gail swam besides her to make sure that she made it. He found out that he could grid threw the water and it took little effort. He made sure that he could see her at all times and swam a little bit ahead of Theo. She got within screaming distance of the ship. "Hey!" she called. "Over here!" someone must've seen her because they sent out a life jacket, and she grabbed it, tying herself to the string, and then they pulled her up. Gail had climbed onto Theo's back when they were pulling him up. He didn't want to stay in the water since it was getting really bad out there. When he got to the ship he jumped off of him and shook himself dry. "Hey look! An otter!" Thorn was lucky and scooped him up first. "It was on my back, I get to roast it!" All the sailors groaned. "If you behave I might share a leg or two!" Cheered up, they returned to their posts. She brought the otter to her room. Gail looked around when she said otter. But saw none. When she picked him up he realized that he must be the otter. When he got to Theo's room he started to freak out, he had no idea how to turn back, and he couldn't really talk, when he had tried it turned into otter sounds. He looked at Theo pleadingly and tried to get him to set him free or protect him. "Aww come on little guy. You know I was kidding." she looked at the otter. "You seem familiar.... nah." she looked at it some more. "I wonder where Gail is, he'd probably tell me something about spirits and such." she sighed and went out to look for him. Gail followed him and climbed back onto his back. He tried talking again but failed, all that came out was otter chatter. He sighed a little bit and stayed on his shoulder as Theo looked for him. If he WS playing hid and seek right now he had the best hiding spot in the world. But he wasn't playing that, and he wanted to be found. "Hmm? You like my shoulder?" She heard the little otter talk, and she laughed. "Ok then. Just make sure you look vicious. The other sailors would eat you up if they had half a chance." She climbed the rigging for a while and wondered where Gail was. Weird how he can disappear. Gail stayed on her shoulder and would try to talk every once in a while. After trying again he stopped for a little bit. Then after a little bit more he decided to try again and this time something came out. He said "me Gail." "Ahh!" She was so surprised, she let go of the rigging for a moment, plunging down 10 feet before getting a hold. "What did you say? Wait a second, otters can't talk! You're going crazy Thorn. Must've been the seawater." Gail freaked out when she let go but then calmed down when she got hold OT it again. He looked at her when he said thorn and not Theo. But then paid no mind to it. Then tried talking again but this time it was clear and easier to understand "I am Gail, your not crazed." *Senses something is wrong and runs back to the upper deck.* *Looks for Gail and Thorn.**Calls for Gail and then calls for Thorn.**Finds them up in the rigging.* Gail do you need help changing back? *Just then a wave slams against the ship and knocking Neo into the Ocean.* *Neo sinks down a few feet below the water's surface.**Neo suddenly changes into a Pool Toy, bobs to the surface, and began to swim back to the ship.* But makes no headway.*Concentrates and changes into a 150-foot dragon.* Thorn watched in amazement as she saw the things transform. "Gail, did you see that?!" she said, turning to the otter, as a giant dragon appeared. All the sailors ran to the deck, hoping that if they got a glimpse of it, no more bad luck.((star dragon, I'm called Theo, not Thorn. Yet.)) ((Okay sorry.)) *Raises his head out of the water and blows a magic bubble around the ship to protect it from the storm.* It won't hold long, but it should last until we get to an Island.*Then makes his way back to the ship, shrinks down to six foot, and makes an odd sound as he shrinks.* The Older Sailor hears the sound and says it's a good sign.*Gets aboard the ship and changes back to his human form.* Gail watched what Neo did in amazement. "That is awesome." he said to Theo. He was gold that he wasn't the only one on the ship that wasn't normal. He stayed on Theo's shoulder as he watched since he didn't want to get stepped on by the other sailors. Thorn was seriously scared. She went down the rest of the way and cried over the railing, "Neo! Neo, where are you?!" Gail looked at Theo and jumped onto the railing. He felt himself change, and he was back in his human form "Neo is on the ship." he said as he pointed towards him, I'm over here. I was running towards you, but a wave knocked me overboard. *Walks over to them.*Did anyone get hurt? I see Gail learned how to change. Thorn didn't know what to do. The person they found overboard was a dragon, and a person that worked for them was an otter. "What next, is someone going to be a woman?!" she declared, storming off. On later thought, she thought that was pretty ironic. Gail watched Theo storm off and wondered if he was okay. He turned back into his otter form and ran after him. When he finally bought up to him, he climbed onto his shoulder and smiled "yeah I wonder what will come next." he SIAD apply "who knows maybe we might find someone else, and they might be a polar bear or something." "Hmph. You two are quite enough thank you." she said, storming to her bunk. "Besides, if there are any others, I think the sailors would go crazy with superstition." she sighed. "You better be careful, they'll think you are a spirit." She lay down on her bed. "So much for a peaceful voyage. The wave this morning was the third one this week." Gail chuckled a little bit and curled up besides her. It felt nice to be on a bed for once. "Yeah but aren't I a kind of spirit or something. I mean what kind of human can change into an otter?" he asked as he looked at him. "But you are right about how this isn't much of a peaceful voyage." he said with a yawn and started to fall asleep on Theo's bed. "Oh and has anyone ever told you sound kind of like a girl sometimes." he said right before falling asleep. ((HIM! CURLED UP BESIDE HIM!!!!!)) Thorn jumped. She thought she put on a pretty impressive act. Her voice certainly was getting deeper. Maybe she forgot to put on her gruff act when he was around. The rigging!she thought. Dang it, I said my real name! ((sorry I thought I had told him))Gail looked completely defenceless lying there. He started to have a bad dream about what had happened the day that he got stranded in the ocean. It was very windy, and he was trying to save a little kid from a ship. But it started to thunder and lighting. He was almost at the kid when a bolt of lightning came down and zapped him, he fell unconfused and started to sink down into the ocean. He started to shake badly as his dream continued. Thorn looked at Gail. "Gail, are you cold?" she asked him, shaking him a little. He's so small when he's in otter form, I hope he knows not to talk on deck. She wondered if he noticed how she said her name. Thorn, Theo, maybe he could have misheard. Gail woke up when Theo shook him. But he thought it was someone else and bit his hand. Fear was in his eyes but when he saw it was Theo he stopped biting him and the fear left his eyes. "Sorry" he said softly and licked where he bit Theo "I thought you were someone else" "It's alright. I've been bitten by more than otters." she smiled and wrapped her hand in some bandages. Gail laid back down and looked at him "I am still sorry, I thought your hand was the hand of death coming for me." he said softly and replayed the dream over and over again in his mind *Hears the noise and runs over to Gail&Theo.* Are you okay? *Looks at Theo's hand.* hand of death?she was a little confused, but then Leo came in. "Yes, we're fine. Gail by accident bit me" she smiled and tried to ignore the sting. *Neo concentrates and begins to partially heal Theo's hand.* That should make feel somewhat better. I'm not at full strength so it's all I can do at the time. Full strength?!she looked at her hand, it stopped bleeding anyway. I really hope they weren't put in the same cabin. She knew Leo was in the guest compartment, but for how long? Gail watched Neo as he healed Theo in amazement Yes since I'm just learning all of the Dragon Half's Powers.*Heads back to his room.* *Once in his room he collapses on his bunk.* *He starts to dream of a place he never heard of or seen before.* "What's his problem?" Thorn muttered. She yawned. "I'm going to get some dinner. See you later Gail." She went off into the mess hall In the dream Neo walks around an empty temple or so he thought. Entering the Foyer he sees a couple of monks. The monks bow when he walks by. Walking out of the Foyer he enters the Main Garden and sits down on a bench. A few seconds later this young priestess in training goes running by and trips. Just as she is about to hit the ground Neo waves his hand and stops her from hurting herself. The young priestess blushes and says thank you my Prince. Neo says you're welcome. *Neo stirs and wakes up.* Where am I? Gail watched Theo go, but after a few minutes followed him. He kept his mouth shut as he walked past the other sailors and made his way to the kitchen to grade a fish to eat or something. "Hey Theo! What's with Gail?! No hello or anything!" one of the sailors asked her. "Eh, he's in a bad mood." she said, sitting down with her meal. "What happened to your hand?" another one asked. "Hmm? Oh, just cut it roasting the otter we found." "Now we know why we never see Theo by the kitchen! He'll hurt himself!" they all laughed, and she said, "Now you know that's not true! The otter was squirming! It's hard to chop something when it is wriggling around like you when you have to climb the rigging!" She pointed to the sailor who gave the kitchen joke. Cheers came from all around. *Walks up on deck and looks out at the water.* * The Dragon inside him spoke.* I remember that place it's in the Palace where I lived. We wait till a worthy person makes a wish. Gail turned back into his human form and walked through the dinning hall with a fish having out of his mouth and a piece of bread in his hand. He had seen everyone talking with Theo and continued to make his way out since he didn't know many of the other sailors well and really only liked talking to Theo, he seemed different from everyone else. "Eh, ya see that? Gail just walked by with a fish in his mouth!" New grumbling composed. "Now you guys, I've seen nearly all of you do the exact same thing." Thorn defended Gail. "Eh, why ya sticking up for the boy Theo? Did he chop up the otter for ya?" They all laughed and Thorn turned red. It was a little ironic that Gail WAS the otter. "For your information, he is quite alright, and you should give him some credit." They dispersed, still laughing and muttering. She went to her room sulking. I swear, if they found out I was a girl, they would never let me hear the end of it! Gail soon found himself at the front of the ship eating quietly. He saw the other sailors leave Theo alone, and he wondered what he was thinking about. Then a thought occurred to him. Why did she say thorn instead of Theo that nightie asked himself as he ate his bread? It's bad enough two sailors know, but they swore secrecy.....she sighed and saw Gail. The way my luck is, Gail will probably find out within a month, he heard me say my name instead of Theo. She decided to lose her worries by going to the crow's nest and watching the horizon. Gail smiled when he saw Theo walk past then let his mind wonder off. He let us wonder off so far that he started to remember things from his past. Half of the time it was nice to remember but when it got to the bad memories wasn't nice at all. The crew's cat managed to get all the way up to the crow's nest when Thorn got up there. "Hey there." she said, scratching the cat's ears. "You're hiding from something too?" *On deck Neo lets his mind wander as he continues to watch the water as it laps against the ship.* *The Moon's reflection in the water reminded him of the late evening pool parties back on New Zack's Island.* A familiar scent of tanning oil and hibiscus flowers wafted in the air.* *Neo followed the scent to the bow of the ship.* Floating on the water was a case with a beach ball on the lid and a crack in the side of it.*Neo grabs a pole, fishes it out of the water, places it on the deck, hears a noise coming from the crow's nest, and quickly takes it to his cabin.* Thorn saw Neo dashing about on deck. Good riddance to him. She thought. He's brought me nothing but trouble so far. Gail saw Theo up in the nest and decided to go up there to. He turned into his otter form and climbed up to the nest. "What are you doing up here" he asked as he got closer to him Getting quickly into character, she said "Your lucky Gail, I just defended you in the mess hall, but I'm not going to do it forever. You better start eating meals with us if you don't want to be thought of as a spirit." It was true. The cat licked her hand. "Yeah I know but I don't like them. They are too loud and noise." Gail said simply and looked at Theo "Have you ever heard of a quiet ship that isn't at the bottom of the ocean?" she looked at him with amazement. "I haven't, that's for sure, and I've been sailing for two and a half years!" "Well I haven't been around people for thousands of years so is surprises me that they have become this loud and annoying." he said as he looked at him "You're a thousand years old?!" she nearly screamed, losing her boy voice for a moment. Gail looked at him and nodded "yeah I remember now that I am a thousand years old, and I am one of that last of my kind." I swear, maybe I should let the crew members get him. She thought. "Wait a minute...." she thought for a second. "Are you the cause of all these storms and misfortunes?! Well are you?" she had completely forgotten about concealing her voice. Gail turned back into his human self and growled at her "no I am not," he said and could hear the grayness in her voice but would talk to him about it later. "As a Kushwaha it is my duty to protect sailors and that includes girly voiced sailors like yourself and this whole ship. I am here to make sure that you make it to shore safely and nothing else. In fact before I got stuck on this ship I was trying to find out what was making this storm." he said to Theo "Girly-voiced?!" Thorn demanded, realizing she was out of character and she better get a hold of herself. "Look who's talking otter-boy! I should turn you into the sailors! They would chop you up and eat you!" Gail got scared at the thought of being chopped up, but he had to do things that would help the sailors. "If it means helping the sailors you can turn me into them." he said softly and turned into his otter form. "It is my duty to help and protect sailor and that include giving my life for you, so if you must go ahead." he said softly. He looked so small now that he was in his otter form. *Opening the crate he finds part of a Venus Swimsuit, a broken bottle of sun tan lotion, a dried pink hibiscus, a flattened volleyball,water logged microphone, and a patch kit for rubber inner tubes/inflatable pool toys.* Must keep the sailors from finding this.*Closes the box and hides it in the room.*I wonder if Gail can tell me why this appeared? *Heads back up to where Gail is at.*On deck he runs to the crow's nest, but he snags his clothes exposing a weird plug with made in Japan written in English and in Kanji. * *Neo begins to freak out and screams repeatedly I'm a real not a toy.* She was about to apologize, but then she heard Neo screaming. "Neo! Calm down, I'll be right there!" she said, sliding down the ropes as she spoke. She heard a scream that sounded like he was saying, "I'm not a toy." she reached him and said, "Of course you're not a toy, you're a human silly." Gail didn't bother sliding down the pole instead he jumped down and landed right on Neo's head. He smiled "yeah you're a human boy, we could call you a girl, but that would be an insult." I wonder what he means by that..... Thorn thought, suddenly afraid they would find out her secret. Okay.*Shakes as he looks at his shirt and there were no snags or tears.* *Looks at Gail.* I found a strange wooden box. It's in my cabin. "Okay and what is in the box?" Gail asked as he looked at Neo Thorn watched with quiet curiosity. A bunch of worthless junk, but it might be a clue about the strange storms since it doesn't quite belong here. I will go get it.*Runs back to his cabin.* I wonder if the Captain or the Old Sailor. *Bumps into the Old Sailor.* mysterious box? The cause of the weird waves? I swear, the second we land, I'm getting on another ship. She vowed to herself. *Apologizes to the Old Sailor.* The Old Sailor said it was okay.*He continued on to his cabin, removed the box from it's hiding place, and returned to the upper deck.* Thorn saw Neo returning. "Well?" she asked impatiently. She had jobs to be doing, not hiding around on deck. *Opens the crate and shows her the contents.* *Picks up a strange crystal that was laying on top of the other items.* This wasn't in there the last time I opened it. Name: Lucien ????age:unkownoccupation: Sea Witch The moment Lucien spotted the creaky ship, he felt anger. He had spent most of the morning cleaning up garbage left by the last vessel to attempt to go by. From appearance, he would seem like any other man, except for the fact he was sitting on a long rock off to the side of the ship in old swim trunks. He hated them, land dwellers who had no respect for nature. He had watched the magic user protect the ship from the storm he conjured, quite annoying, but he could fix that problem. Standing up he walked to the waters edge and knelt down, patting the surface slowly and beginning to chant. From the bottom of the sea, a pair of large eyes opened, ancient and untamed. The ship would be rocked violently suddenly, before settling just as quickly.(I do hope i haven't intruded ^^) ((no, no problem. Hiya!)) *Lucien chuckled, a wicked grin spread across his face as he stepped out onto the water. Before his foot even touched the surface, a long tentacle rose from the water, providing a surface to stand. He stood still for a minute, watching the ship before clicking his tongue. A low groan came from below the waves, rippling the water and shaking the ship. The tentacle rose him ten feet above the ship. His voice boomed as he spoke "Defilers of Mother Ocean... you will be punished, for every piece of trash, every ounce of filth of sewage you dumped.... your judgment begins now!!!!" he held out his arm, whispering to the great kraken which held him. Four more tentacles burst from the water, wrapping around the ship and crushing a few sailors in the process. * (Welcome). *Feeling the ship lurch wildly. He falls on the crate and in the middle of the chaos he slips the gem other items in a small pouch. He tries to regain his balance but all me manages is to roll around the deck.**Regaining some of his balance he staggers over to the side, jumps overboard, and changes into a shark but his surprise he changed into a whale floaty.* My powers what have you done to me. Are you responsible for corrupting the cute Ninja Girl's wish and bringing me here? *He squeaked.* Gail growled when he saw four tentacles wrapped around the ship and ran to the front of the ship. He knew Lucien and didn't want him to destroy this boat, it was under his protection. "Lucien, this is my ship, it is under my protection." he yelled hoping that he would let the ship go. *Lucien saw something unexpected, Lucien's look of righteous fury faded seeing Gail appear on the deck of the ship. As for the floaty-man, the kraken wrapped a tentacle around him and lifted him high into the air. Lucien remained still, contemplating what Gail had said. His fists clenched in frustration as he screamed "you are a traitor!! You associate with these neanderthals, turning your back on Mother Nature!!. He knelt down stroking the tentacle he stood on. The beast stirred, bringing the floaty-man close to Lucien "you claim I am corrupt? What would you know of me?" his hand petted the strange person, admiring his unique abilities* (hope its good enough x. X) Gail growled "I am no traitor, these people helped me, and so I am helping them. After I see them safely to their destination I shall let them go and be on my way." he yelled then ran to Theo. He knew that Lucien would not spare this ship, and he had to help these people in some way. He took Theo by the hand and looked at him "I need to know if you trust me." he said since what he was about to do would only work if he trusted him. Ok, I officially need to stop cursing. Thorn thought to herself. She climbed up the rigging and onto the Crow's nest. "Hey! You there!" She waved her arms to get his attention. "Don't attack me, I'm trying to talk to ya! I just want to tell you something." *Lucien hesitated. His cold expression softened bit. "You swear this on your life, Gail?" he spoke calmly, releasing the floaty-man from the kraken's grip, using only a soft pet on the limb. The kraken released its grip on floaty man, the tentacle slipping back beneath the water. A sudden voice from the crow's nest startled him, he looked up unmoving, glaring coldly at her, although he made no move to send his friend after her* Gail stopped running around and looked at Lucien "yes I do now please release the ship" he called to him. It was his duty as a Kushwaha to protect human sailors and that was what he was doing. He looked at Theo and growled for him to stop and hoped that Lucien would still let the ship go. *Changes back to his human form and gets back on the ship.**Checks for punctures and then hands the pouch with the items to Gail.* The crate went to the bottom of the ocean I can get it for you if you want me to. *Lucien clicked his tongue, signaling the creature to go on the defensive. It unwrapped its tentacles, keeping the ship well within reach if a ploy was suspected. He glanced back to Gail, glaring slightly at him "I hope your telling the truth..." his eyes gazed at each of the passengers on the ship "ill be watching..." he leaped off the kraken's tentacle and landed on the deck in front of Gail. "Ill hold you to your word. And to make sure you keep it... ill be coming with." he glanced around the deck, waiting for opposition* Gail looked at Neo "no it is okay just tell me what was in it." he said then turned to Lucien "you are welcome to come, but you must promise to to hurt anyone on this ship. They are under the protection of me and if you harm anyone of them I have the right to throw you off of this ship." he said as he looked at Lucien * Lucien chuckled and bowed low "you have my word as a defender of nature. ... old friend" he smiled and turned to Neo "my pet has already picked up what you dropped..." As Lucien finished the sentence, the box burst from the water and landed on deck "I don't like littering, but it was due to my part that it happened... I apologize" he bowed now to Neo* Gail nodded and smiled slightly at Lucien. They were very old friends since he always saw him when he tried to save humans. A long time ago he even used to talk to him for a little while before they went separate paths. Lucien wanted to kill human because they hurt the ocean. Gail had a choice either to hurt or protect the human, and he picked protect since not all of them where bad. * Lucien returned the smile, turning to the ocean he let out a long loud whistle. The kraken groaned again, unlatching itself from the bottom of the ship and drifting lazily back to the bottom of the ocean. Lucien ignored glares from the different sailors as they dragged the wounded off to be treated, he hardly cared for their opinions. * There was a patch kit, a bottom of a swimsuit, a broken bottle of sunscreen, and this strange gem. "Could you get me the gem." Gail said as he looked at Neo. Out of all of those items the gem sounded like it could be something. He had no idea what, but he was going to find out. *Lucien smiled slightly and wandered to the bow of the ship, sitting at the front and looking out into the sea. His eyes watched the waves, contemplating Gail and his actions. He let his eyes shut, relaxing in the sunlight* *Hands the gem to Gail.* Here you go. Gail smiled and looked at the gem. It was kind of weird looking and then a hug smiled appeared on his face. "This is going to be very useful" he said as he stuck it in his pocket. *Lucien looked back to Gail, watching him admire the strange little stone. A spark of interest shone in Lucien's eyes regarding the stone. Something hidden away inside a box was either dangerous, or worth something to somebody. Neither were good in any case. He kicked his legs up on the bow decoration of the ship. Watching the clouds and listening to the ocean* "Well that ended quickly." she muttered, sitting back down. "UGG, I really need to spend a few years on land. Maybe the bad luck will wear off." She sighed and looked down ate the injured. Not many were there, but there were a few. She saw the kraken with the boy on his head a little ways away. She saw him jump onto the boat. Oh no you don't!she thought, sliding down the rigging and stomping up to him. "Excuse me, you're not a passenger." she said to the boy. *Lucien smirked as he heard the footsteps of protest, he had nearly thought no one would say anything. He sat up and turned his body to face her "Jewish really? I didn't know you had a say, besides my ride isn't here... and if I call him so quickly, he might throw a fit.... two tons of cranky calamari isn't something you want, now is it?" he grinned and went back to his lounging position, proceeding to ignore the annoying woman.* ((you don't know I'm a girl. For all you know I'm a boy.)) She officially didn't like this person. "Well, pardon me." she snarled. "But I don't think we invited you on this ship! You just barged in like no one's business!" Gail ran over and stood in between Theo and Lucien. He looked at Theo and shook his head "no we didn't invite him but if you offend or harm him he will kill me. I took the responsibility for everyone on this ship so if you offend or harm him it means that I am offending or harming him, and he is able to kill me. If I get kill he gets free access to killing everyone on this ship. I don't want that to happen, so please just stop." he said as he looked Theo in the eyes. Then turned to Lucien "I am sorry for his actions." *Lucien found himself amused by Theo, who continued to protest even when everyone else had given up on the subject. He chuckled for a short while, before Gail showed up. Lucien only smiled at Gail "My friend, you know I would kill you only if you lied to me". Still lying on his back, Lucien pulled Gail close and gave him an upside down hug "I still wouldn't enjoy killing you... ". After a short while, he releases Gail and looks to the effeminate Theo, waiting to see his response* *Looks at LucienSlade.* Do you know who brought me to this world and caused Zack's Island to be destroyed on Earth? Why am I fused with this pool toy? Thorn decided to let the matter drop... for now. She went off in search of something to eat, and hopefully to tell the other sailors. Sure, she couldn't do anything about the weird man, but she was sure some of the larger ones could. *Lucien hung his head off the edge of the bow, looking to Star Dragon in a bit of confusion "this area isn't for foreigners, it might have something to do with the magics in the area...." his eyes followed Theo, a smile spread across his face. After a short while he laid his head back upon the bow, dizzy from blood rushing to his head* As soon as she was done spreading rumors, she went into her room. "Cabin boy, Neo, now this guy who owns a kraken. What next?"well, you could tell them you are a woman." Now that's too much. *Watches the waves as he wonders if he will find the person that summoned the dragon.* What and where is the source of the magic? Will he see the Red-Haired Ninja Girl? She got up after a short nap to go for a walk on the deck. She didn't want to see Gail or Neo right now, they were preventing her from throwing the Kraken man off the ship, and she was mad at them for that. Gail was up in the crows nest staying away from everyone. Now that all the sailors knew that he had a link to the ocean they treated him different, and he hated it. He sighed and just looked out onto the ocean and started to hum an old Kushwaha song. Thorn noticed Gail up on the crow's nest looking sad. A sailor came over and asked, "Is it true that he is a demon?" "Who, Gail? No, he's just a Cabin Boy. The man on the front of the ship is though." "Oh, I'll go tell the others. We have to stop cursing and throw him off." As the sailor went away, Thorn smiled devilishly. *Lucien snapped out of his daze after a short while, only to see Thorn chatting with one of the land dwelling neanderthals, he could only guess that bad things were about to happen, and not just for him. He slid backwards off the bow of the ship and flipped over onto his feet, Gail would be in trouble as well if chaos broke out. Lucien carried himself leisurely to the base of the crows nest and called up" Feeling lonely? Mind if I join you?" a smirk spread across his lips as he quickly climbed the ladder to the top, grabbing a seat next to Gail and peering down at the deck below. Sailors were watching his every move, probably spying for Theo. Lucien sighed and sat looking up at Gail, "you were afraid they'd find out about you?" he spoke in a low and serious tone. "If they can't accept you than they're really not good companions..." He pushed his sea weed green hair to the side and scratched at something behind his ears, revealing his gills. * Gail sighed and looked at Lucien "your right about that." he said softly and looked down into the ocean below them. "But if they had known what I was right from the beginning they would have thrown me off of the boat right away. Not many sailors like Kushwaha since most of us kill sailors, but I choice to help them so it is a little bit harder to help them when they think that you are trying to kill them." he said as he looked at Lucien (bravo on your post ^^) * Lucien sighed and poked Gail's leg. "Hey, no more moping... I don't like to see you sad". Lucien stood up suddenly and looked out at the Ocean with Gail. He smirked and spoke agitated "land-dwellers.... a confusing folk..." he burst out laughing suddenly, realizing that Gail's predicament was mostly his fault. He continued after he calmed down a bit, "This is my fault, I'll think of something...." he patted Gail on the back and hurried back down the ladder to the deck below. Furthermore, he hurried around the ship, checking for some way he could be of assistance, unfortunately none of the sailors would talk to him* ((why thank you))Gail watched him go but did have to agree with him about land-dwellers being confusing. Furthermore, he sighed a little bit and started to make his way back down. When he got back he went to storage where he had made his bed. It was still there in the back corner of the ship. He smiled and laid down on his bed. It was nice and quiet down here so he decided to take a nap till someone got him. Thorn saw Lucien at least making an effort to help. "Lucien! Over here!" she called, standing by the edge of the ship. "If you want to help, here you go." she handed him a shovel. "There is one job that no one wants to do, and that's clean out the horse stables at the way bottom of the ship. Right now is a good time to clean because they don't kick you much when your asleep." she walked off to tell everyone no one had to do the Stable Cleaning today. *Lucien sulked quite a bit seeing what his first ship duties would be. He grasped the shovel and disappeared below deck. He spent most of the day cleaning up after the smelly land animals, nearly hurling several times from the stench of the beasts. By the time he had finished, he would definitely need to wash off before anything else. Time went by before he dashed back to the upper deck, doing a dive into the water. What would shock most who witnessed the spectacle; and didn't know anything about him; was the fact he didn't come back to the surface.* *Neo goes back to his Cabin and on the way he bumps into the First Mate.* *Neo and the sailor both apologize.* *Both men continue on their way.* ((just so you people know, I'm going on a week-long vacation tomorrow, so don't get discouraged when I don't post.)) ((Okay have fun.)) ((I'm back! You people could have posted while I was gone!!!)) Gail had been on the deck when he saw Lucien jump into the water and smirked. But he wondered what he was doing down there after a while when he didn't come back up. He sighed and jumped onto the railing and dove into the water. Right as he hit the water and turned into an otter and started to looked for Lucien After she was done, she went to the side of the ship, where she saw Gail jump into the water. I swear, it's bad enough having a boy that turns into floaty toys, but someone who turns into an otter and a guy that owns a bracken? Crazy! *Watched Gail jump in the water and thinks to himself I can use a swim.* *Hops over the side, changes into a pool floatie, and slowly paddles around the ship.* *his form darted through the deep waters, cleansing himself of the stable filth. His form had not changed like Gail's had. Lucien sped to the surface next to the boat and flew out of the water, 10 feet into the air, diving back into the water, putting on a water show of sorts. Lucien drifted slowly next to Gail smiling big as he rose back to the surface "you could have just asked for a sea blessing... new you wanted to be cute and cuddly" he chuckled and patted Gail on his furry head. Lucien dove deep, down to the sea bed, his eyes searched until he found what he was looking for. A fairly large clam gaped wide and shut closed as he approached. Lucien scooped it up in his arms and shot back to the surface, flying out of the water and onto the deck of the ship. He sat down on the railing and called to Gail "are you going to share this with me or are you just gonna swim?" He pried the clam open and wrenched some of the chewy meat from it, he popped it into his mouth and watched Gail in the water below* Gail smiled as he looked up and smiled at Lucien, "I like to be cutie and cuddly, and it is fun to make people think that you are a minless animal then show them that your not. So another words I can be cutie but a Forester when I want to be." he said then dove into the water and after a second came shooting out of the water. He landed on the railing of the ship and turned into his human form. "And I would love some" he said as he snatched the clam out of his hand and dumped the rest of the meat into his mouth. "I swear, boys are disgusting." Thorn muttered, walking away from them. She went to the mess hall where at least she could mingle with other people there. *he chuckled mischievously and gave Gail a hard pat on the back, nearly knocking him into the water. His head looked back at Thorn, waiting till he was out of site to speak "I have a feeling that one is going to be more trouble..... can I kill him?" he gave Gail an innocent look "pub-leeeaaaasssee". He chuckled and hopped off the railing onto the deck, looking back at Gail, "I'm just kidding..... can I crash in your place?" he stretched and yawned as he finished speaking.* "No way.... are you sure?" "I swear, he jumped into the water and didn't come up, then he came up with a giant clam." "Maybe he can just hold his breath for a long time." "Come on, the bottom of the ocean is at least a mile underwater! He'd either die of pressure, or lack of oxygen." "Maybe he dived in with one of those new high-tech diving suits everyone's talking about." "He dived in with no diving suit, I can tell you that right now." Thorn was hoping to get rid of Lucien by getting the sailors excited. Gail smirked and jumped off the railing and landed next to Lucien "yeah you can but just to say my place isn't that great, but it is comfortable and no one bothers us." he said with a smile. The storage room was where no one liked to go unless they had to so vesicle it was all there's. "The sailors didn't take kindly to me coming on the ship so they sent me to storage, so there is enough room for you" he said as he walked towards the storage door. Soon she had all the sailors looking for Lucien. One found him at the storage door. "Hey you guys, I found him!" He called, and soon three others were with him. *Lucien turned his head smiling inhumanly, he spoke in a creepy tone"oh you have? You know if you attack me that gives me the right to hit back..." his fingers flexed, a small bolt of lightning traveled along his fingertips* On of the sailors ran to get Thorn, but the others stayed. "Leave us demon!" one said. "You didn't come as a crew member and you don't have a ticket! Leave us." Gail walked over to Lucien and the sailors. "Please leave him alone." he said in a tired voice "if you pick a fight with him, he can fight back and I don't want to have to be during bodies the bottom of the sea. He is my gust, so please just leave him alone" he said as he looked at the sailors/ The sailors gave him a skeptical look. "You aren't normal yourself either." one said, the others agreeing with him. Gail looked at the sailors and smirked "yeah I know I am not normal" he said as he looked at the sailors. " But what makes me different is what makes me great. I have been out in these waters longer then you have been alive. If you kick me off of this ship I can say for sure that you will never see land again." he said truthfully. He had seen people throw him off and then killed right after. "I may not be normal, but I know what to do and what not to do out here better than any of you on this ship" *Watches the commotion from the water and decides to get back on the ship.* *Checks to see if the coast is clear and changes back into his human form.* Thorn finally came up. "Look you guys." She said apologetically. "Gail, you're our cabin boy, you have every right to be here. Lucien, I'm afraid the soldiers have a point.' she looks off the deck. "And don't say that you could drown us. Our destination is going to be here by tomorrow morning at the latest. When we land, we want you off of our ship." *Runs up to Thorn and Gail.* What is this land called and does it have anyone that knows magic? The sailors looked at him strangely and Thorn gave him a look that said "Don'tt-Say-the-word-magic-or-I-swear-I-will-kill-you-myself!" She laughed and said, "It's an island that needs all of its produce shipped there." Okay cool. How long will we be there? Can we go ashore? "We'll be there by tomorrow at the latest. And we're staying for a week." the other sailors had drifted off, bored when there wasn't going to be a fight. Gail smiled and nodded but then frowned slightly. "Well that right after we get there tomorrow I will be leaving you for the whole week." he said softly. He had other duties to attend to so he couldn't stay with them. *Lucien blinked seeing Gail successfully negotiate a way out of fighting "you never let me have any fun..." he leaned on Gail from behind, nuzzling his cheek "you're a spoilsport my friend." he was smiling mischievously as he pulled away and went into the storage room. He dove onto a pile of blankets and wrapped himself up. He stretched out on them and groaned "so many things have happened today..... its exciting." he stared at Gail as he curled up in the blankets* Thorn sighed. "You shouldn't say the word 'magic' Neo." She told him. "The sailors are really superstitious, and if they found out that you could turn into floaty toys....." she shrugged. "You probably wouldn't be able to board this ship." Gail sighed and looked at Lucien "I am a Kushwaha it is my job to ensure that everyone on this ship never gets hurt." he said as he looked at him. But he smirked when he said today was exciting. "It is the usual day for me." he said and jumped onto his bed. Okay I won't mention it again. One would think they would be grateful I could change into floaties because I could be used as a lifeboat.*Goes down to his room and begins to pack the contents of the box into a linen bag.* *Thinks to himself maybe someone there on the island knows why I'm here.* Thorn sighed. Deep down, she knew she wished for a magical power just like Lucien, Gail and Leo. But she did have one thing they didn't: a secret Identity. After a few minutes Gail found that he couldn't sleep and decided to go out to the crows nest and talk to the ocean god. He climbed up to the crows nest and just sat down and closed his eyes. He focused on the sound of the waves and the scent of the salt in the air. Furthermore, he soon found himself lost in his mind and saw a face appear, it was the water god that could give and take away any power he wanted. That was how Gail had become what he was. He had been a boy who wanted to live in the water but one day he found himself drowning, and the god saved him. The god asked him if he wanted to help him, and so he had been turned into a Kushwaha. Gail smiled at the god and started to talk to him about resent things that had been happening. (some baddies would be good right now, any who protest using a Cthulhu character, please tell me and I shall remove the post, or edit it lol)*From the murky depths life stirred, all creatures of the deep fled before an oncoming swarm. The Servants of Cthulhu eyed the ship with hate and loathing. The beasts that approached the ship were more fish than human, bearing a resemblance to Black Piranha in scale color. Each of the bi-pedal creatures wielded a formidable looking blade. Lucien gasped feeling the call, it was like a war drum beating through the water. He jumped out of bed and peeked through a porthole, seeing a scaly face staring monstrously back at him "ooh aren't you an ugly one...". The call of Cthulhu could only be felt by creatures of the sea, it felt sick, almost horrid to those who didn't appreciate what the Servants of Cthulhu did for the ocean. Their dark forms crawled out from the dark waters into the open air, a steady hissing could be heard as they breathed clear air. Each creature stood at about the height of a child, and unfortunately their numbers made up for size. For Lucien, it was like a song of war, his heart skipped a beat thinking of the carnage that was about to ensue. The first creature leaped from the ship's railing, digging its cold blade into the spine of an unfortunate sailor. Lucien could hear the man's scream from the lower deck, it sent shivers pleasantly up his spine. Lucien stood in the hallway outside the storage room, he himself believed in the teachings of Cthulhu, but the creatures appearing so suddenly were less than likely to leave anybody alive, including Gail. Lucien rushed up to the upper deck, his appearance drew angry hisses from the monstrous creatures as they continued swarming up the sides of the ship. Gail jumped when he hears the war call and growled. He was supposed to protect the sailors and that was exactly what he was going to do. He jumped off the rail of the crows nest and yelled out "I call on the great mother deep inside the earth for her help, I give my life for these people on this ship and help me protect these people" as he said this a bright light began to surround him and then everything became silent. Furthermore, he made a huge noise as he entered the water, but the water didn't calm down. Soon a huge monster like beast came out of the water and Gail was in the head of it. He grabbed the monsters and flung them off of the ship and into the distance and continued to do it. All the time the more time that this took the more it took out of Gail. "Quick, take down the sails! Tie down everything you can! Then go fight!" Thorn ran across the deck, running to her bed. In a secret compartment, there was a polished saber. She grabbed it and ran out. Hacking at (piranhas?) she made her way toward the ball of light. Storm clouds began to brew and soon it was raining. *It was no use, The Servants of Cthulhu just kept coming. Lucien's eyes widened, seeing Gail showing off his monstrous form to the ships crew. The wind picked up, rocking the ship violently. The full rage of the storm unleashed, sending waves over the top deck. Lucien ducked and weaved out of the way of oncoming blades, sending out bolts of electricity at the groups of five attacking him. Breathing deeply Lucien turned to check on Gail, leaving himself open. From the railing behind him, two more of the grotesque creatures leaped off the ship's railing. The hiss drew his attention, but it was too late to avoid the attack. Two daggers stuck out from Lucien's shoulders, their wielders released the weapons and rushed in for the final kill. He had no time to react, the pain from the wounds left his arms limp. Fear had been something Lucien hadn't felt in years, his eyes showed it clearly. In his panic he kicked out with his foot, knocking one to the side while the other bite down and began to rip his leg apart. *(as to why I did this whole wounding thing, I've been feeling I made Lucien too much of a god-like character, so I'm trying to give him a bit of mortality) ((thank you!)) Thorn saw Lucien being brought down. If he's going down, we are in big trouble. She thought as she decapitated another ones head. The sailors were joining the fight now too. They weren't as graceful as Thorn was with her saber, but they had their own brute strength. She ran towards the monster with Gail in it. It didn't seem to be doing any good. She ran over to Lucien, where she Knocked aside the monster that was chewing his leg. "You should get inside!" She told him over the roar of the monsters and the rain. Unfortunately, she forgot to disguise her voice, and now sounded like a girl. Gail continued to grab handfuls of monsters and threw them away. But only more kept on coming. He growled and had to think of a different way to get them away from the sailors. He smiled when he thought of one and put a hadn't over the ship and let water drip down onto the sailors. The water encased everyone and made individual protective bubbles that none of the monsters could break. I am going to make sure every single one of the sailors apologize and thank you to Gail and Lucien. She thought. She hacked at a monster with her sword, luckily she could get to them and not the other way around. *Wakes up and runs on deck wondering what is going on.* *Gets attacked by a strange creature he hasn't seen before.* *Fends the creature and runs towards the others.* *Lucien stared at him for a long moment, finding the sudden Change in Thorn's voice almost more shocking than the fact he had been wounded by the little bastards. He nodded slowly and limped back beneath the ship. His eyes stared at Gail from a small window on the door, a look of fear on his features, worrying about him.* Gail was now panting up a storm after keeping this form for so long and making the bubbled that protected everyone. He soon found it hard to focus eon trying to kill the little monsters that where on the ship and tried to clear it by shaking his head. That didn't work one bit, and he started to sway from side to side. He couldn't keep himself together any longer and felt himself pass out. When he passed out the water that made the surrounding monster started to peal away from him like a banana. When the water was all gone Gail started to fall back to earth. He body looked badly beaten up from keeping that form, and he looked as if he was going to die if he hit the water. Thorn saw the small shape of Gail falling. "Dang." she scrambled up to the crows nest, tied a rope around her and the ship, then jumped down. "Man Overboard!!!!" she screamed, catching him just before they hit the water. They hit the water with a loud splash, and she felt the rope go taut. Gail eyes open slightly when he felt Theo catch him. But right after they open they closed, and he was back in the darkness. His breathing was very slow, but nonetheless he was breathing. Some of the sailors just looked at them and didn't want to help. Gail was a monster and he should die. But then again he had tried to help them but still he was probably the reason they were attacked. Then one of the sailors grabbed the rope and started to pull them up. *Lucien couldn't cry out when he saw Gail fall. The amount of blood he lost caused him to pass out next to the closed door. The call of Cthulhu sounded again, the storm was dissipating. Cracks of light peeked through the clouds, making the fish creatures hiss and begin to retreat. The servants of Cthulhu were not known for bravery, ambushes being their specialty. Leaving the dead and wounded, the creatures dove back into the depths of the sea. Thorn held on to the rope with one hand while she clung to Gail with the other. Her head soon broke the surface and she called. "Keep pulling men! You all owe him an apology and a thank you!" The sailors heard Theo and nodded. Soon everyone was pulling on the rope and after a few seconds Theo and Gail where on the ship. But Gail was still out cold, and he was still breathing slowly. "Are you ok Theo?" One of the sailors asked. "I am fine. Take him to a cabin that doesn't have the injured in it. Thrown all fish carcasses overboard." The sailors rushed to their duties. Gail felt himself being carried somewhere but didn't know where. He knew that he had to wake up, but he didn't have the energy to. He just felt like all his energy was gone, and it wasn't coming back. Soon the deck was clear, and Thorn remembered Lucien. "Can one of you check on Lucien?" she asked. There was some grumbling, but then she said, "He is horribly hurt, and you need to apologize." finally someone went. She went to check on Gail. The sailors had placed Gail in the room next to Lucien but no one had gone in. Most of the sailors all still thought that they were the cause of the attack. Gail was in his bed and still showed no signs of waking up anytime soon or even ever. He was breathing slowly, and he looked at if he had a high fever but had no fever. Thorn walked in. She sighed. Some sailors will never change. She thought grimly. She was tired, but she had to check on them. "Lucien, you alright?" she walked over to him. *Lucien was being man-handled by a couple of sailors, they put a collar around his neck and heavy bindings on all of his limbs, he groaned as he regained consciousness, the deadly blades which had pierced his shoulders were removed, leaving to gaping wounds on his shoulders. He mumbled inaudibly to Thorn, giving a groan of pain as he was hoisted to his feet by the sailors and led away. One of the brutish men remained behind staring coldly into Thorn's eyes "he will be detained... we aren't sure if he was responsible for that attack or not..." The sailor prevented Thorn from following the Two men carry Lucien down to the holding cell at the bottom of the ship. The cell at the bottom of the ship was poorly maintained, moisture and mildew filled the room with a horrid stench. The two men tossed Lucien in and locked the iron door behind him, one of them staring into the cell and speaking coldly, "you are a monster, what attacked us was kin to you, therefore, we find you guilty of association.... enjoy your remaining time beast..." The small grate on the Iron door slid shut, leaving Lucien alone in the darkness. The room had a rotting hay mattress at the center for him to sleep on, he crawled weakly to it and collapsed, drifting to sleep.* (is this RP done?) ((no, I'm just waiting for Salmon to reply.)) Thorn blinked in surprise. "Wait, he didn't do that, I think... He saved most of you!" She followed as they locked him in. "Why did you do that? He didn't do anything wrong!" "Stop telling us what to do!" "We're taking over!" Thorn shook her head. "This is mutiny!" "Exactly! You were too soft Theo, you let those monsters in. Now they are trying to kill us!" "We can get to the port without you." "Throw her in with Lucien!" "Yeah!" Soon the Iron door had opened again and Thorn was shoved in. Gail could feel something was wrong and made himself wake up. He slowly got to his feet and made his way out of the room. He staggered on his feet and soon his vision cleared a little, and he managed to sneak around without anyone finding him. Furthermore, he had heard someone say that they had locked two people up and wondered if it was Theo and Lucien. Furthermore, he turned into his otter form, but it was a little bit hard to. But he managed to get down to them and looked at Theo "what happened?" he asked and was breathing heavy. Thorn looked up and saw Gail. "Oh, just the fact that our own crew went power-crazy and did a mutiny over me, they think Lucien is a monster, and by the looks of it, if they find you they'll make you into a stew." she peered at him closely. "Are you ok? You seem to be breathing heavily." In the excitement, she forgot to disguise her voice again. Gail smirked and climbed up and onto Theo's shoulder. "I wouldn't say that I am okay since I am completely drained of power and hardly have the energy to move." he said as he relaxed a little bit and let his eyes close halfway. "I need to think of a way to get you out of here" he said and didn't really think about her voice. He was too tired and thought that he had just imagined her voice being girly. "You are not getting us out, you are exhausted." she said, picking up the limp body and holding him. "You need to rest, and though they aren't showing it, the sailors are probably grateful." That probably wasn't true, but she needed something to cheer him up. She turned to Lucien "Are you ok?" *Looks over the side and wonders if it's clear.* (this is good... I nearly forgot about this RP)*Lucien stirred, hearing someone moving in his cell, he had not heard the men throw Theo. He sniffed the air. Lucien made a sickened face, smelling nothing but rot and decay. His gills inhaled and exhaled with his lungs as he tried to focus on the shapes in his room. * ((lol))"He's waking up." she told Gail. She thought about disguising her voice, but then she thought, what does it matter? We're all going to be stuck in here for a while anyway." Hey Lucien, are you alright?" she asked. Gail nodded "come on Lucien, you're going to be okay. Your with friends now." Gail said as he looked at his old friend threw half closed eyes. He was still exhausted, but he was going to stay awake to make sure that Lucien was okay. He didn't want to lose one of the best friend he had ever made. *Runs over to Theo and then follows some of the sailors to the ship's wheel.**Once at the wheel he sneaks to the back of the ship and drops something over the side.* Thorn was glad that Gail wasn't going to fall asleep just yet, first she needed to make sure that the sailors weren't cooking stew to dump him in right now. Gail stayed on Thorns shoulder and didn't go anywhere. None of the sailors knew where he was now since he had snuck his way to his friends. *Lucien stirred after a long while, his whole body shaking from the pain of the cuts. Being born under the water had its benefits, his body was used to the dampness and cold, and the wounds were already beginning to clot* "Oh, thank the Sea Goddess!" Thorn said. "He's moving! Though that really isn't a lot to go by." She looked at him again. "Do you need anything?" *Walks back to his cabin and on his way he looks in on Lucien.* *Back at his cabin he wonders if the message would reach anyone and will the help to get him home.* (Star.... are you aware of what is going on in the RP?) (yeah, you're doing random things.) (Sorry). (ok, try to stay with us please!)) He looked up at Gail and Thorn, slowly getting on his hands and knees. He groaned and strained to sit up. In the darkness of the cell his eyes glowed faintly, watching the both of them "well, what do we do now?" he sighed and rubbed his left shoulder* Gail shrugged "I have no idea but right now I could go for a nap" he SIAD but kept his eyes open since he knew that he needed to stay awake in case something happened. "I'm not sure." Thorn looked up.Oh, no. I am the only healthy person down here, and at any moment, they may realize my voice sounds strange. My crew has mutinied, and Lucien needs medical attention." Well, some light could do us some good for starters." She tried to keep her voice from shaking. *Lucien began to chuckle, his stomach growling fiercely. The look in his eyes one of hate and famine. Rising shakily he clapped his hands together, a feint trickle of electricity ran from the base of his arms all the way to the tips of his fingers. He slowly opened his hands, making the sparks jumps through the gap. Slowly the room would go brighter, showing the trio their new sleeping quarters in a dim light. Cuffs dangled by chains on the walls of the cell, used for long term transportation of a particularly feral prisoner.* (hope this is ok) ((that'll do for now))Thorn looked around. "Wow, why didn't you tell us you could do that?" She murmured. Then she realized with a pang that it might be because she was so hostile. Pushing the thought aside, she peered at him. "Will you be alright?" *Lucien winced as he tried to keep the electricity flowing "well hurry up and see what you're going to see... because it's about to go dark. As soon as he finished speaking he winced in discomfort as the last of his energy slipped away. He growled and closed his eyes, flopping back onto the dirty mattress, exhausted* "you shouldn't have done that, now you are running low on energy just like me." Gail said threw half closed eyes. He then looked at Thorn "have you ever noticed that you have a very girly voice sometimes." he said softly. He looked like he wasn't in control of his mouth half of the time he was talking now that he was so exhausted. "Dang." Thorn looked up. "I think I saw a gap up there, I am ashamed of myself, I really should know the ship inside and out..." She peered into the darkness. "There is a gap up there, I know it." As she began to climb, she heard what Gail said. "It's called puberty, peoples voices change. You wouldn't know, you aren't human." That was the first excuse that came to mind. Gail chuckled slightly, and he sounded like he was drunk or very tired. "You may not know it, but I was a human a very long, long time ago." he said and slid off of Theo shoulder and was now in his lap. "But then one day at sea a storm sunk my ship and I didn't mind. I loved the ocean so much that I was happy that my life went into it. But then I heard a voice, it said that since I loved the ocean so much that I could be part of it. So I let it turn me into a Kushwaha and here I am today." he said as he looked at Theo threw half closed eyes. "Thank you for telling me your life story, now can you please help me get up there?" She said, standing. She stumbled over to the wall and felt it for a ladder or some sort of rope. Gail slid to the floor and just laid there. "okay, okay I am going." he said as he slowly turned back into his human form. IN his human form he had dark circled under his eyes and looked as if he was going to pass out any second. "I will give you a boost up there." he said as he walked over to her and land agent a wall for support. He didn't want to pass out on them when they needed him. "No, no, you stay down there and rest." she said. He looked like one good poke would push him over. "I can get up." She grabbed a hold of what she hoped was rope and started to climb. Gail nodded and sat down right where he was standing. He needed to rest, and his eyes slowly started to close. In a matter of seconds he was fast asleep. Thorn quickly scaled the rope and held on as she prodded the ceiling. "Come on, we need an escape route!" she started punching the ceiling, and then she felt something move. She slowly prodded it and felt a door swing open. She poked her head out to see two pairs of feet standing across from her. "So, did our girly man get out?" one of them said. "I am not a girl!" She said, putting on a gruff voice. "Besides, why have you done this, you have never done mutiny!" "Well we have changed our minds. Letting these demons on our ship. Have a good life as a slave after this." The larger pair of feet kicked her in the nose and pushed her backwards. She fell to the bottom and passed out. *Lucien crawled over to Thorn, checking her pulse. "Damn... your not dead yet.... I guess i won't eat you..." he smiled wickedly, rows of sharp teeth glinted in what little light there was. He grabbed hold of what Thorn had, climbing slowly up to the opening. One of the men turned speaking "If he wants to be so close to those monsters, let me be their supper" the sailor chuckled, about to take a step when Lucien's hand shot out of the dark depths of the dungeon, grabbing the man by the ankle and pulling him hard. The unfortunate sailor lost his footing, falling forward on his stomach and shooting backwards into the dank depths of the cell. The lucky sailor screamed and shut the cover over the cell, not wanting to risk letting the monsters out. Lucien pounced on the man in their cell, digging his sharp teeth into the man's neck. The dying sailor fought back weakly, slowly dying in the cell. The blood crazed Lucien looked over his shoulder at his two unconscious friends, his smile reappearing as he began to devour his caught meal. By the time the two of them would awaken, Lucien would be covered in blood, licking happily at his fingers. What was left of the corpse, bones and clothes, were moved off to the corner of the cell. * (sorry i didn't post, I've been really busy with work) ((its alright, everyone just started school too.)) Thorn groaned. She quickly did a mental scan of her injuries. Her nose was broken, and her back felt pretty sore, but she would live. She grabbed a hold of her shirt and pressed it to her nose. She heard slurping. Furthermore, she turned and saw Lucien eating one of her sailors. That's the first thing I need, she thought. Is to wake to blood and gore. The bleeding in her nose had gone down though. Gail slowly began to come around and smiled at his two friends. He laughed as he saw Lucien eating "looks like your still as messy as ever." he said with a smile then looked at Theo. "Are you alright?" "I'll be fine." Her nose had stopped bleeding, and as she felt it, it wasn't broken. She sighed in relief. "There is a hole up there." She said. "I'm just not sure if we should go up there yet. The sailors are probably watching it." *Lucien had stolen the pants of one of the sailors, which were still covered in the blood of their previous owner. His eyes became pure black all throughout the eye. The last bit of his meal laid on the lower leg which dangled on the end of the bone. Lucien licked his lips with a long tongue, which wrapped around the morsel and snapped back into his mouth. The faint sound of voice from above could be heard." Mick, Made, you guys o... k?" The sailor stared perplexed at the open hatch, which he stepped closer to. Lucien gave Thorn a creepy grin "most people would be crapping themselves by now.... you're not even sweating." he chuckled and knelt down to pick up a bloody femur. As GE rose he turned to Gail and speaking in a maniacal tone"I don't suppose you wanted some snacks as well?" he swung the bone at the air, testing its weight.* (don't skip like I did, I nearly failed high school X.x) Gail shook his head "no, you know that I don't eat humans." he said as he looked at Lucien. Even though that he could, he swore off humans since he was protecting them. He only ate fish and vegetables. He then looked at Theo "and his is right about people usually crapping themselves by now." he said with a smile "you know you have to to be weirdest sailor I have ever met." Thorn paled. "I sure hope that was a complement." she said dryly. "Besides, I'm probably going to have to go through a lot more than just one dead sailor. Though you better not eat any more people, they might kill you." She looked up. "You certainly confused them, if anything." *Lucien stared straight into her eyes, his sinister look slowly reverted as he spoke "you think these morons will just hand your ship back to you?" he chuckled and tossed her the femur after licking it clean of blood of course. The bone would clonk her on the head. Lucien was oblivious to what he'd done, kneeling down he searched through the darkness for another one" you are strong enough to knock them out?" He looked to Gail, starting to laugh seeing the man's true form "you really act the part... a cuddly little mammal...." he chuckled to himself before standing up again. The pirates above searched through the room. Lucien stared at Thorn through the darkness, whispering softly "you want to try things your way now?" * "Ow!" The bone hit her. "What was that for? And no, I don't think they will hand it over. But we are not waging a war on my ship!." Technically, this wasn't her ship. The Captain died along with his first mate a couple of months into the journey, and everyone knew that Theo was probably next in the Hierarchy. "We need to show them you are not monsters. We need to get them all to cooperate as one team... We need to fight something!" Gail chuckled sightly "sorry, but we can't do anything about that, it is there choice to think what we are. So to them, we are monsters and that is partly true. If I really wanted to I could just snap my fingers and this whole ship would be sunk." he said it as if sinking a ship was nothing. "But I am not so I show some humanity, but they see nothing but monsters and I don't feel like fighting since it would do nothing. So how about if we just get out of here." he said as he looked at Theo "I am so happy that you care about us horrible species." Thorn said dryly. "But you are right. We have to get out of here. Before they realize SOMEONE ate the cook." Thorn glared at Lucien. "Now they'll kill you for sure."((does anyone know where the creator of this Role-play went?)) Gail sighed "look, I do care for you pieces but not when they are like this. They don't care what happens to us, they only see monsters because of our differences. They are lesser but not you, you are something like a jewel in a bunch of rocks. So if you continue to act the way you do you might catch the attention of the ocean god, and he might offer you a job." he said as he looked at him((I have no idea)) ((me neither.)) Thorn scowled. "I am so happy. I can't wait to be a maid." Butler! Servant! Slave! Anything but Maid! That was gender-specific! Thorn cursed herself in her mind. "I don't want to be special. I want to be normal." Gail chuckled "no you would be nothing like that." he said as he sat back and smiled. "And you would be partly normal but also part of something different." he said then thought of something. "Why did you say Maid, you're a guy that would be a very odd sight." he said as he looked at him. Ok, calm down. Get your head together. Find a suitable answer. Just not the truth. Ok, I think I have one." Sorry, I meant Slave. Personally I was thinking of the worst possible thing that could happen to me, so I said Maid." That should cover me up. Gail looked at her for a second, not sure if he should believe him since he had said similar thing but after a while he just nodded. "Yeah that would be the worst possible outcome." he said as he looked at him. Relax, it was a slip of tongue. Change subject." I know there is a door at the top, but it's probably heavily guarded now. How do we get out?" Gail shrugged "I could early make a whole in the floor, but it would drown you, so I have no idea." he said as he looked at Theo Don't say anything that will make him more suspicious. You wouldn't want to get out that way because of obvious reasons." Good, I wouldn't be able to live with the guilt of my crew sinking." she said instead. *Lucien's eyes glinted hearing the change in Thorn's tone. He got to his feet getting closer to him, sniffing at the nervous sweat coming off of the nervous first mate. "Your hiding something... I can smell it..." as he got close her grasped Thorn's chin, looking back at Gail "secrets are never good... especially if they can put us all in even more danger... what are you hiding hmm mm?" his face got closer to his, he took that moment to plant a kiss on the lips and pull away quickly, moving back over to Gail "the men on the ship don't seem to understand Cthulhu's will... they believe themselves safe now that they survived an assault by mere cannon fodder..." he sighed and held his head, wishing he hadn't used so much MANA when he first arrived at the ship* Thorn bristled. "I am not hiding anything!" She declared, trying her best not to make her voice go up. "Yes secrets are bad, but they are also good. Not that I have any." Gail sighed as he watched Lucien kiss Theo. He knew that he was hiding something but if he didn't want to tell them now then he would wait till he was ready. Gail then looked at Theo "it is no use say you don't have secrets, Everyone has them, and sometimes you can tell very early what they are. So I know that you do have one, but I am just waiting till you want to tell us what it is." he said then turned to Lucien "I think that I should just get out of here and back into the ocean, the only reason that this ship hasn't sunk yet is because I am on it. So if I jump off and swim away the ship should be attacked. But I am not sure if our friend would like that." he said as he looked at Theo. "You do know your fighting for a lost cause." he said softly. Make one last feeble attempt." I have no idea what you are talking about." she replied. "I'm just worried about my ship. And secrets are good." She stuck to her principles, and one of them was Secrets Are Good.

The Dragon Triangle. Now Open. Do you dare sail across_|rating:3.0

StarCraft_ New Tarsonis [Joslyn and Circlmastr]

This solo game is set in Blizzard Entertainment’s Star Craft universe. The role-playing portion will be conducted free-form in this thread. Battles will be handled in the computer game through custom maps, with after-action reports listed here. IntroductionThe recent arrival of two alien species in the Copula Sector has devastated the Terran population, and the Confederacy is in the midst of a total collapse. The outlying worlds of Chat Sara, Mar Sara, and Antigua Prime were all infested and overrun by the Zero before being scoured of all life by Protons orbital bombardment. Tarsonis, capital of the Confederacy, has also been overrun by the Zero. However, instead of laying waste to the entire planet, the Protons have descended to the surface and engaged the Zero. This offers the hope that some of the human population may yet survive. Rumor has it that the Sons of Formal somehow brought this fate upon Parsons, and that their leader Arcturus Menus intends to take control of the entire sector. As of the start of the campaign, the Confederacy still technically exists on Parsons. However, most of the civilian government and the military have been killed, along with much of the general population. The Zero invasion began only thirty-six hours ago, but already this world is all but lost. One area that is relatively untouched is the isolated city of New Virginia, with a population of eighty thousand and a military base that has thus far fought off Zero incursions. With insufficient transports to conduct an evacuation, hope seems lost until aid arrives from an unexpected quarter… Characters The following information is mostly a matter of public record, and can be considered known to anyone who is well-connected and does the necessary research. Arimoto, Doctor MiokoSpecies: TerranHomeworld: TarsonisSex: FAGE: 16Description: Short and slender but with feminine curves, Bioko has long black hair, pale skin, and brown almond-shaped eyes. She sometimes wears black-framed glasses, though they are merely an affectation. This child prodigy obtained a PhD in genetic engineering at the tender age of fifteen, and has published papers regarding the bioneural basis of telepathy. She is also known as an outspoken critic of the Confederacy who advocates anarchist politics. Because she is highly visible and so young, she has been able to avoid direct government reprisal. As of the Fall of Parsons, she was conducting research for Nitrogen Industries, a Confederate military contractor known for work in the field of psionic. Their main corporate headquarters was located on an orbital platform near New Gettysburg, Parsons. Erholtz, General HalDECEASEDSpecies: TerranHomeworld: TarsonisSex: Mage: 57 This man was a grizzled Confederate general, in denial over the collapse of his government. He was highly abrasive, xenophobic, and loyal to the Confederacy. As of the Fall of Parsons, Holt commanded the New Virginia Garrison. He was KIA at the Last Battle of New Virginia. Larkin, Doctor Mia Species: TerranHomeworld: Moria Sex: FAGE: 35Description: Of partially Arab descent, Mia has long black hair and is olive-skinned. She looks to be no older than her late twenties. She has a nice body and usually wears her hair up. Round spectacles complete her “hot librarian” look. A renowned medical doctor and researcher, Dr. Larking is extremely well regarded. She is considered outgoing and easy to get along with, as well as very concerned with the well-being of her patients. All signs point to her being pretty much apolitical. As of the Fall of Parsons, she was conducting research for Nitrogen Industries. Rico, Captain David (Player Character)Species: TerranHomeworld: TarsonisSex: Mage: 29The youngest to ever serve as Commanding Officer of a Confederate capital ship, David Rico was well-connected in the now defunct Confederate Fleet. He has some combat experience, but his fast rise through the ranks can be attributed to both skill and politicking in equal measure. As of the Fall of Parsons, Captain Rico was in command of the Battlecruiser Maelstrom, and attached to the New Virginia Garrison. He reported to General Holt. Sadler, Lieutenant Jessica Species: TerranHomeworld: Chat Sara Sex: FAGE: 20Description: Jessica is tall, with large breasts and an amazing curvaceous figure. She is naturally a blonde but sometimes changes her hair color, and has a number of tattoos in various places. Born a telepath, Sadler washed out of the Ghost program after she used her abilities to spread damaging information about a superior officer who had been sexually harassing her. The Confederacy forced her to take drugs which suppressed her telepathic abilities and transferred her to the Fleet. She has a reputation for being a bit wild, interested in dangerous sports and perhaps a little too fond of drinking. However, she is still holding the bottle rather than the other way around. Thus far this has not interfered with her duties, save that the above incident may have been in part alcohol-fueled. As of the Fall of Parsons, she had stopped taking her suppressant drugs and served as the Executive Officer and aide-de-camp to Captain David Rico of the Maelstrom. Sordaris, High Templar Species: ProtossHomeworld: Course: Mage: 912Confederate records contain almost no information about this alien, but he has been identified as one of the many Protons officers serving under Executor Cassandra. Approximately thirty-six hours ago, a Sons of Formal assault on one of the military orbital platforms over Parsons had been mysteriously followed by a massive invasion of the bestial Zero. The Confederacy was falling apart, despite the Protons Fleet engaging the Zero for reasons that were not yet clear to the Terran's. Battles still raged across the core continent of the planet. Casualties had been absolutely staggering, and Parsons was clearly doomed. The city of New Virginia was one of the few that had not yet been overrun, thanks to both the actions of the local Confederate forces and indirect aid from the Protons. The New Virginia Garrison was commanded by General Hal Holt, who absolutely refused to abandon his home world. Regardless, there were only enough transports available to evacuate a small fraction of the city’s population and military personnel. Aboard the Confederate Battlecruiser Maelstrom, Captain David Rico was in his quarters. There had been a relative lull in the fighting in the region around New Virginia, allowing him to finally have some time to think and get some rest. After a three-hour nap, he awoke to the sound of someone using the buzzer at the entrance to his quarters. He opened the door to find Lieutenant Jessica Sadler leaning jauntily against the doorway. His Executive Officer was a beautiful blonde bombshell with amazing large and gravity-defying breasts, and she still wore her tight ghost uniform despite no longer being in the program. She was holding a large bottle of spiced rum in one hand as she stepped inside. Despite her swagger, deep down she had to be as terrified as everyone else was. Technically theMaelstromcould go rogue and flee the planet at any time, but whether they could get past the Zero forces in high orbit without support was anyone’s guess.“It’s the end of the world, Captain Sexy. If there was ever a time to drink on duty…” The door closed behind her. She did not seem noticeably drunk, but Jess had developed an amazing tolerance for alcohol. The pair had been in a relationship for the past couple months now, and given the prospects for surviving the current situation, it was all the more unfortunate that they had not met sooner. For her part, Jessica had one hell of a sex drive and was amazing in bed. Besides this she was quite insightful and highly competent as an officer. David Rico sat in his quarters, silently fuming. Holt was being a sentimental fool, refusing to retreat in the face of overwhelming forces. The sooner they pulled back, the more military and civilian survivors they could evacuate off world. As it stood, Rico doubted his battlecruiser could penetrate the orbital Zero forces, let alone civilian transport. If they were all going to die here, the Protons might as well scour the planet now. Who knows, he thought, maybe the Protons have some secret weapon they're trying to deploy. Or maybe Holt will get his stupid ass killed, and I'll get a quick promotion to General. At least then I could get SOME survivors off this rock. He needed a nap.---Which was interrupted by someone leaning on the door buzzer. Not one to stand much on ceremony with his subordinates, he opened the door from the panel by his bed. The fact that it was Jessica was no surprise. The fact that she was drinking was no surprise either, just disappointing. And he still hadn't been able to find out why she still wore that Ghost uniform." That's what you said at Mar Sara and Antigua Prime, Lieutenant. Just because it's the end of the world doesn't mean it's the end of ourselves, so put that bottle away. Besides, if you're drunk then legally it's rape." Jessica almost primly sat on his bed, and then with a disapproving look put aside the bottle on his nightstand. “I was joking when I said it those two times—I didn’t even mean the Zero were the end of the world, I meant having to rely on support for those bull-headed jocks in Alpha Squadron was the end of the world.”You are way too down on me, Mon Capital—today is the first time I’ve ever actually had a drink before or on duty. And it’s really just a light buzz I’ve got going. I’m not saying I want to be falling down drunk when I die, but I’m not sure if I want to be stone-cold sober either.” She arched an eyebrow at him and gave a playful look. As well as she hid it, there could be little doubt that she was feeling frightened and demoralized—everyone was.“It’s strange to be able to finally sense your disapproval directly instead of just reading it on your face. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention—I stopped taking my telepathic suppressants. There isn’t going to be a fleet left tomorrow, and what Assholtz doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” "I know. I think I've been in your quarters often enough to notice when you flushed your weekly supplies." Rico grinned half-heartedly. "That just makes it harder for me to keep a brave face when inside I feel as shitty as everyone else. If it makes you feel any better, I do have a miraculous one-in-a-million escape plan in mind, if the worst comes." Almost automatically, his hand started running along her thigh. The physical contact always made him feel better, knowing he wasn't alone in all this. "If I had my choice, I'd rather not die at all. Maybe after the Protons use their secret super weapon to wipe out the Zero, they'll share an elixir of immortality and world peace." He chuckled dryly. "Though right now I'd settle for teleporting us all far away from here." “I don’t get the Protons,” Jessica said with annoyance. “I mean, I get why they used their non-secret super weapon on those three worlds. To stop the Zero from spreading—maybe it was even for the best. I’d rather Chat Sara was smoldering wasteland than a Zero hive, and any humans left alive by that point didn’t have a chance in hell anyway…“But why the change of heart now? After showing no concern at all for us, they’re suddenly putting their asses on the line? To what end?” After this display of her frustration, Jess finally relaxed slightly at the feel of David’s hand on her leg. “I guess we can’t know for sure what tomorrow will bring—I’ve always tried to live life to its fullest, so no regrets here.” She leaned in and gave him a deep kiss, her tongue intruding gently into his mouth. David was going to answer, but Jessica's tongue in his mouth made that difficult. Still, this was preferable to pointless speculation. He ran his hand further up her thigh and pulled her closer, moaning softly as they shared a long, deep kiss. After that kiss Jess moved to sit in David’s lap, or more accurately knelt on the bed facing him with her legs resting outside his. She unzipped the front of her Ghost catsuit, showing a lot of cleavage and leaving her breasts on the cusp of being exposed to him. The sexy young soldier then began kissing greedily at his neck, arms wrapped around him and moaning slightly in growing excitement. IOC: Moving things along as requested… :)Before things could go any further, a klaxon sounded over the loudspeaker. “Tactical alert. Tactical alert.”“Fuck!” Jessica shouted angrily, quickly regaining her feet and zipping up her catsuit. “Hope we didn’t just miss our last chance to screw around…” she said with regret. But she quickly put those thoughts out of her mind, focusing only her duty. Together, Lieutenant Sadler and her CO rushed through the cramped corridors to the bridge. “Report,” Jessica barked after they arrived. The sensor technician spoke up, “We’re detecting weapons fire in high orbit, Ma’am—directly above us. The Protons have intercepted a massive swarm of Zero.”“Maybe those damn critters were coming for us?” Jessica asked David. Now the communications tech turned to look to David. “Captain, we’re receiving a trans—no, wait. Two transmissions. One is from General Holt, the other—it’s alien in origin, not compatible with our systems. I can try a radio contact, Sir…?”“Should we put them both on now, or put one on the back-burner?” Jessica asked David. Holt and the Protons would probably not even remotely get along, but delaying either signal could mean a lot of trouble… David groaned as duty interrupted pleasure, but there was nothing he could do except head to the bridge with Jessica. His first thought when he heard the fire report was that it was perhaps a chance to break through and escape. He quickly set that aside when the comm officer spoke up." Put them both on. I'll mediate as best I can, but be ready to cut off General Holt on my signal. If anyone's getting us out of this mess, it'll be the Protons and not him." No doubt their captain’s last statement was a shocking thing for the bridge techs and officers to hear, but these were desperate times and nearly everyone except Holt’s armor battalion—selected for their personal loyalty to him above all else—had enough of the General’s stubborn refusal to accept the situation. The radio signal came up first over the loudspeaker. “Terran Battlecruiser, this High Templar Sedaris of the Protons. Our Fleet is currently engaging a Zero swarm that is intent on destroying you. While we may be able to stop them, there is also a second force on the surface closing on your position. You must evacuate this planet immediately if you wish to survive.” Erholtz appeared on one of the small monitors near the communications console. “This is General Hal Holt of the Confederate armed forces. I am in command, and this world will not fall to the Zero. Not on my watch!” Clearly, David had his diplomatic work cut out for him, Jessica thought. She approached the monitor, examining the General’s image to try to get a sense of his emotional state. David tried not to roll his eyes or let sarcasm drip from his voice. "And what is your plan to defend the garrison's position, General?" “That is none of your concern, Captain,” Holt said angrily. “I’ll devise a defense strategy, and you’ll obey my orders! Or do you intend to turn tail and fly off with some aliens, leaving every man, woman, and child in New Virginia to die? In case you forgot, we don’t have enough transports to conduct an evacuation!” The Templar interjected. “If you gather your Sheila survivors to one location, Executor Cassandra would be willing to attempt a dimensional recall to take them from the surface. We have many empty transports and shuttles for them—once used by Templar who were slain in the hopes that your species could be spared the flame we have used to burn the Zero!”“Why should we trust some damn aliens?!” Holt shouted. Jessica could tell that he was cracking under the strain. “Humanity shall emerge triumphant over all adversaries!” Jessica moved to whisper in David’s ear. “Try to calm him down, maybe we can work something out.” "General, be reasonable. The last thing we want is to turn Parsons into your own personal Custer's Last Stand. If we evacuate now, we can rally our forces and still triumph over the Zero." It wasn't much, but he hoped it would be enough to allow the General to see reason. At David’s statement the General faltered, now looking uncertain on the monitor.“General, at the very least we could try to move the civilians off-world,” Jessica added. “Regardless of who we can trust, it’s the only chance they have.” Erholtz looked utterly dispirited. “Fine. My elite armor battalion will hold the city until we can evacuate the civilians to the garrison—it’s easier to defend. That’ll be good enough a place for this ‘dimensional’ whatever it is.” Sordaris spoke. “Although most of our Fleet is engaged in battle, I can bring a small force to the surface to aid you. We need only hold off the Zero until the dimensional recall is prepared.” Jessica whispered to her Captain. “If we’re going to be fighting alongside them, we may want to send a liaison. I’m telepath, maybe I can make sure they’re on the level.” OOC: Go with her suggestion, so I don’t have to edit the map. :P David nodded a bit, already trying to calculate the best defensive strategies for the garrison." High Templar Sedaris, this is Captain David Rico of the Terran battlecruiser Maelstrom. I'll be directing the garrison's defenses against the Zero. Your forces can liaise with my executive officer so we can coordinate our efforts until the dimensional recall is prepared." IOC: Mission 1: Escape from New Virginia Confederate Fleet Database Executive Officer’s Log, Battlecruiser Maelstrom LT Jessica Sadler Reporting My Dearest Abigail, The War of Northern Aggression has taken a terrible toll on our men. We are in short supply of rations, blankets, and hacksaws to cut off our gangrenous limbs. Verily do I fear—Whoops, wrong Confederacy. Ha! I’m not sure why I’m still bothering to write my logs—with all the Fleet brass dead, probably no one will care. But then again these are historic events, assuming anyone will be around years from now to read about them. So my sparkling wit now aside, this is my report on the Last Battle of New Virginia:At 0255, orders went out for all civilians to evacuate to the New Virginia Garrison. There were considerable delays due to the large number of wounded who needed to moved, and also some confusion because General Holt had up until very recently been insisting to local citizens that they must stay in their homes, and that it was too dangerous to leave the city. As liaison to our new allies, I left theMaelstromat 0328 and met with the Protons on the plateau west of the Garrison. There they had already set up an encampment with surprising ease, somehow warping in structures from their home world already prefabricated. Meeting them in person was a strange experience, but I found High Templar Sedaris to be surprisingly personable and sympathetic to our plight. The Protons agreed to supplement the garrison fortifications in addition to defending their own position. At approximately 0400, the 423rd Armor Battalion took up position in the southwestern corner of New Virginia. Zero forces in high orbit were still being delayed by the Protons Fleet, however the swarm on the ground fortified a position west of the city and prepared for their first push. At 0423, we received word that Executor Cassandra was finally able to withdraw some of his Fleet from the fighting high above to prepare for the dimensional recall. Twenty-five minutes, they said—probably the longest of my life! The final and largest group of civilians had finally started moving out when the first wave of Zero hit the city. I have to give credit to General Holt—if he and his armor battalion had not been stationed there, our losses would have been so much worse. While he had a lot of less than stellar qualities, stupidity was not one of them—he must have known he would not survive the battle. Maybe he wanted it that way—captains sometimes go down with their ships, and Holt died along with his world rather than leave it. We lost contact at 0426, and Captain Rico assumed command of the Terran force. The few minutes Holt’s people bought were critical, though the battalion was ultimately overwhelmed. They had however inflicted massive losses on the Zero, buying much needed time for the civilians and the garrison. The Protons sent out small, cloaked ships called “observers” to watch the approaches to our bases. The first attacks on the garrison and the Protons encampment were small groups of “feelings,” apparently sent out to test our strength. They were easily taken out by our fortifications. These were followed several minutes later by a massive wave of hydrolysis that we were much harder pressed to hold off. Admittedly I lost track of time here—there were more pressing concerns. All was quiet for some time after that, the tension building until it was broken by a terrible wave of muralists. I saw the Protons photon cannons and psi-storms used to extraordinary effect, and only one of the cannons was lost. As a telepath, I don’t recommend anyone like me stands near one of these things—even outside the area of effect, the psionic sensations I was receiving were like someone screaming inside my head. Checking in with the Captain, I found that the garrison had weathered a similar assault. Several missile towers were lost, and new ones were built. The Protons also warped in additional cannons there. The rest of the countdown felt like an eternity, especially when comscans revealed an even larger wave of muralists gathering for what was clearly intended as a final push. We would have been very hard-pressed to defend against them, but thankfully the dimensional recall activated, and the civilians were brought up to the waiting Protons shuttles at 0448. The surviving military personnel escaped very quickly thereafter in our more mundane shuttles and transports that were standing by. We were escorted into orbit by theMaelstromand linked up with the Protons fleet, who had won the battle for the moment. Of course, there are still countless Zero on the surface and elsewhere around the system. I can only assume that both encampments near New Virginia were overrun and destroyed within a couple of minutes of our departure. Other than the loss of the entire 423rd battalion, our casualties were mercifully light. I never thought I would say such a thing, but General Holt was a hero. An absolute shit commander, but a hero nonetheless. In the aftermath of the battle, theMaelstromarrived in orbit among elements of the Protons fleet. If the crew was feeling solemn over the losses taken on the surface, they were equally happily just to be alive. In fact, the bridge crew gave David a standing ovation before he could leave the bridge. A Protons shuttle containing Lieutenant Sadler and High Templar Sedaris docked at one of the airlocks of the Maelstrom, with Captain Rico meeting them there. Jessica ran to David immediately after the door opened, giving him a fierce hug. “I can’t believe we did it!” she said, relieved. A few hours ago she had been certain she was not going to be alive in a day. After the hug, Sedaris now emerged from the airlock, ducking low to avoid hitting the ceiling. He was quite a sight, three meters tall and without any visible ears, nose, or mouth. He was wearing a headset which transformed his psionic communications into audio, to be able to communicate more comfortably with non-telepathic humans. “Captain Rico, your people fought admirably. But now we have much to discuss. Perhaps we can do so aboard my carrier, called in your tongue the Will of Aden—your accommodations are a trifle cramped.” Rico often said war was hours of boredom punctuated by minutes of tension and catharsis. Defending the civilians was more like minutes of tension punctuated by moments of sheer terror. Every wave of Zero was both a relief and a horror; luckily they sustained no casualties, though the 423rd paid a bitter price for the garrison's prep time. He wasn't about to miss Holt, though, and not just because it put him in charge of what was left of the Parsons forces. He returned Jessica's hug when she entered, then turned his attention to Sedaris. Furthermore, he was certainly much more imposing in person than over the radio. Rico wasn't about to be intimidated, however; he wouldn't get a chance to debrief Jessica about the Protons, so he would have to stay calm and rational for this meeting to learn all he could. "It would be a pleasure to see your vessel, High Templar. It's the least I can do to accommodate you after all you've done for us." After a brief shuttle trip, David, Jessica, and Sedaris arrived aboard the Will of Aden. As you walk through the high, strange corridors of the carrier, the Protons addresses you. “These are dark times, my friends. Executor Cassandra has been censured and stripped of his rank by the Conclave, our ruling body. He was ordered to burn this world like the others, but chose to disobey.“Our Fleet will soon be withdrawing to our hidden home world of Air. I will not be returning with them—I no longer respect the will of the Conclave, not after what they have done to Cassandra. There is also the matter of your many refugees in our shuttles—we must find them a new home.” David tried to take in as much as he could have what was said. Of course, he had no idea why this Executor Cassandra chose to spare this world, to protect the humans still on Parsons. But it seemed like a political schism was forming, and that was the last thing they needed in the face of the Zero. But then, if the Protons fleet was withdrawing, it could be a moot point; politics wouldn't be an issue if they were no longer aiding the Confederate forces at all." I am afraid there are no safe colonies the refugees can be taken to. None of the other worlds are as heavily defended as Parsons was, and if your fleet is leaving... Well, suffice it to say that I was hoping your people and mine would face the Zero as a united front." “As did I,” Sedaris answered Rico, his audio device putting obvious regret in his tone. The three soldiers continued to walk through the ship. “The situation has been further complicated due to an attack by the Terran group known as the ‘Sons of Formal,’ who chose to intervene on behalf of the Zero and decimate one of our staging areas on the orbital platforms above your world. Many of my brethren have turned against the idea of helping your people.“I, however, have not—I and others who are loyal to the Executor intend to remain behind, and attempt to find some way to combat this threat.”The ultimate consequences of these events I cannot foresee, but for now I can suggest a course of action. Many centuries ago, I was part of an exploratory task force, charting star systems far from our home world. We came upon a number of habitable worlds, though they were never colonized due to their extremely isolated location.“That isolation may now be to our advantage. I suggest that we settle your refugees on one of these worlds, where they will hopefully be safe from Zero encroachment. This will also give your people the chance to rebuild some of your forces, so that you may strike out from this safe world to intervene against the Zero and perhaps these Sons of Formal as well. I cannot speak for the mighty Cassandra, but my followers and I would be willing to aid you in this endeavor.” David, Jessica, and their Protons companion now arrived in an observation room. On the massive screen, one could see the view ahead of the carrier. The dying world of Parsons was visible near the bottom of the screen, and ahead were countless stars. "It seems we have little choice in the matter." Rico was considering the logistics of the situation, setting up a brand-new colony as well as military infrastructure. Naturally martial law would be in force; he would be the leader of what was effectively the last human stronghold. The Sons of Formal were clearly allied to the Zero, and if they didn't die by Rico's hand, they would when the Zero betrayed them. The discussion then turned to which world should be chosen for the new colony, but it quickly became apparent that there was one superior option. One of the worlds, though it was a touch on the chilly side, was estimated by the survey ships to have much larger deposits of the crystals and ve spine gas so vital to a modern economy and military. And the cold would not be a major issue so long as they settled in the equatorial region. Further talk was interrupted when a light flashed near the view screen. Sedaris took on what David guessed was an introspective look—it soon became clear that he was receiving information from his fellow Protons telepathically. “Our sensors indicate that a coded Terran transmission is being sent from one of the nearby orbital platforms to the Maelstrom. However, we lack the ability to decode this—” He paused a moment. “Your ship is hailing us, Captain. They are urgently requesting your return.“There is still some time yet before most our Fleet follows the order to withdraw—your refugee shuttles will be safe for now, if this reveals itself to be something you must attend to.” Jessica had been mostly quiet since coming aboard the Protons carrier—it was certainly a very daunting and alien place. But at this news, she said to David wryly, “It never rains, but it pours. Too bad the Confederacy is gone—imagine the hazard pay and medals that would be going around.” David knew Jess had never been too concerned with either of those things, and that this was just some gallows humor. "It seems duty calls yet again. I hope we speak again soon, High Templar, I'm anxious to learn more about your people." Not to mention your technology, he thought silently. Already he was imagining a regenerative shield on theMaelstromand wishing it could happen. Rico hurriedly returned to his ship, Jessica in tow. He couldn't imagine the coded message being anything but a distress signal. The two human officers returned to the waiting shuttle and from there were ferried back to the Maelstrom. They hurried to the bridge, and upon their arrival the comm. Tech turned to them. “We’ve received a military-encoded distress signal, Captain. It’s from the outskirts of the New Gettysburg orbital platform, and the signal is on stand-by. No one here was of high enough rank to respond.” After David gives the computer the order to reply and introduces himself in the standard way, one of the small screens on the cramped bridge lights up. Displayed are the images two women standing behind a computer console. They are both wearing lab coats and are quite strikingly beautiful, though that is where the visual similarities end. One is taller and appears to be about thirty years old, olive-skinned and with black hair done up in a disheveled bun. Glasses with round frames are perched on her nose. Her lab coat has small amounts of what may be dried blood and also burn marks. There is a small cut on her forehead. The other woman—or girl, one might say—is no more than sixteen years old, with almond-shaped eyes, pale skin, and very long, dark hair. She has a very delicate look and seems to be unharmed. The taller woman addressed David. Though she manages to sound calm, there is obvious worry in her expression. “I’m Doctor Mia Larking, and this is Doctor Bioko Ariosto. We’re located in the Nitrogen Industries Psi-Tech Laboratory Complex.” One of the techs called up a map of that area on an adjacent screen as Larking continued. “We are in desperate need of evacuation. The nearby military base was overrun by mesomorphs. The Complex is very heavily guarded due to the nature of our work, but I don’t know how long we can hold out. There’s already been an attack. Will you please assist us?” she begged. "This is Captain David Rico of the Maelstrom, we'll be there shortly to assist. We likely won't be able to clear the base of the Zero, but we'll try to pave the way for an evacuation." Glancing at the map of the area, he liked his chances of getting them out of there. After all, he just needed to punch a hole through the line long enough to get the doctors out. And they definitely looked like the sort of women he loved to rescue. Hell, it wouldn't be the first time he was 'rewarded' by a damsel in distress... IOC: Mission 2: Nitrogen Industries Confederate Fleet Database Executive Officer’s Log, Battlecruiser Maelstrom LT Jessica Sadler ReportingTheMaelstromreceived a distress signal at 0605 from the Nitrogen Industries Psi-Tech Laboratory Complex, near the New Gettysburg orbital platform. We were contacted by Doctors Mia Larking and Bioko Ariosto, who urgently required assistance. They were trapped due to a Zero swarm overrunning the nearby Confederate garrison. With them were a number of other scientists and engineers, various other civilians, and also a surprising large security force for a corporate site. No one among the crew was terribly eager to jump back into a fray with the Zero after our narrow escape an hour beforehand, but everyone trusts the Captain’s judgment, and he gave the order to intervene. Certainly, if we’re really going to start a new colony, all these technical people will be a great asset. TheMaelstrom, accompanied by a quickly assembled strike force, penetrated as close as we could to the Complex before setting down and constructing fortifications at 0622. We experienced relatively minor Zero harassment as we prepared our offensive. Comscans revealed the former Confederate garrison to be entirely infested. A small strike force of Goliath and siege tanks moved out to explore the lost garrison. Their attack was initially successful, but unfortunately a surprisingly large wave of Zero struck suddenly, and the entire force was overrun. Seeing that resistance was going to be much tougher than initially anticipated, a larger strike force of the same composition was assembled. This time theMaelstromjoined the attack directly. From then on, it was a by-the-books operation. The siege tanks gradually laid waste to the primary Zero hive cluster, with support from the Goliath's and the Maelstrom. The Nitrogen site was attacked twice, but both these incursions were repulsed with minimal loss of life. By 0713 the major infestation had been cleared, and the Nitrogen Industries survivors all retreated to the evacuation point. Shortly after this, all personnel were evacuated, and the platform was abandoned. After the departure from New Gettysburg, theMaelstromand the Terran transports rejoined the Protons Fleet. The capital ship was now loaded with survivors who could not fit on the transports, including Larking and Ariosto. The life support system was working at full capacity, but thankfully it was enough to keep the oxygen levels and temperature stable. Word came in from Sedaris that the Protons would soon be on the move. The majority of the Fleet would return to the hidden world of Air in accordance with the wishes of the Conclave. A smaller group, loyal to former Executor Cassandra, would remain behind and continue to search for ways to oppose the Zero. Finally, with Cassandra’s blessing, Sedaris and his people would accompany the Terran's to their new home. All the tension everyone aboard theMaelstromhad felt finally began to evaporate when the combined Terran and Protons force left the system via FTL and proceeded on course to the hidden world on the edge of the sector. David and Jessica were on the bridge as the Parsons system was left behind. “Stand down from tactical alert,” Jess ordered, and then sighed. She was absolutely exhausted. “Captain, I recommend we leave on a skeleton crew and start giving everyone some extra downtime—no one’s gotten a decent night’s sleep since this thing started. Those two scientists are available for debriefing at your earliest convenience, but I guess there’s no rush.” The Captain nodded, feeling as worn out as everyone else but with the extra burden of having to not show it. "We can't put our guard down completely, but let's go to half staff with a six-hour rotation. One shift on duty, three shifts off." Holding back a sigh, he ran a hand along Jessica's arm. "I think the sooner I debrief the doctors, the sooner we can all get some sleep. Besides, I doubt we need a complete report anyway." After all, he thought, we may never be back. He made his way to the quarters provided for Dr. Larking, hoping they had either an antihero super weapon or nothing to say. Jess went to the nearest bridge computer, first sending the Captain’s orders for shifts to the various department heads so they could work out their schedules. Then she looked up which room Larking had been assigned. With that done, she led David to the room. It was Dr. Ariosto rather than Larking who responded to the door buzzer. For her part, Jessica was still amazed that this girl who barely looked her sixteen years of age could hold such a title. “Captain Rico, I’m glad to see you,” she said. Bioko looked exhausted and badly shaken, like so many other survivors, but she managed a weak smile. “Mia went to use the showers, but she should be back in a minute or two. Can I help you with anything?” She steps aside slightly so that David and Jessica can come inside if they wish. Inside are the standard crewmen’s quarters used by the junior-most personnel—not much bigger than a closet, with two bunk beds and little else. David smiled in return, taking a moment to admire the attractive young doctor. "I'm glad to meet you in person, Dr. Ariosto. I just came by for a quick debriefing, on the outside chance that there was some project you and Dr. Larking were developing that could help against the Zero, or might at least explain the attack." Bioko looked grim. “I have some information for you then, though I think a lot of it you won’t be pleased to hear.” She went inside and sat on one of the lower bunks. Jessica followed David inside the room, with the door closing behind them.“Normally, I wouldn’t share this information with Confederate officers, but with the Confederacy having fallen and no one else to turn to, I guess I don’t really have much choice.” Bioko hesitated briefly. The fact that Rico had allied himself with the Protons suggested that he was far from a typical Confederate, but there was always the chance that he would react negatively to her activities. There was nothing for it, though. “I joined Nitrogen Industries close to year ago because I’d heard rumors that they were developing a brutal psionic weapon for the government, one that would allow the Confederates to further clamp down on this sector. I didn’t want that to happen, and intended to expose them.“Nitrogen was suspicious of me, given my political activities, but they were also eager to exploit my talents. As much as they tried to keep me under their thumb, they ultimately overestimated their internal data security. Or perhaps they simply underestimated my hacking skills.“What I learned was shocking. By the time I joined up, Nitrogen had already developed the design for a Transplanar Psionic Waveform Emitter. But before I explain what psi emitters do, you need a little background information.“Certain elements of the Confederate military had known about the mesomorphs, which are now being called the ‘Zero,’ for several years now. They also knew that the Zero are attracted to the psionic emanations of Ghosts. They designed the psi emitters to broadcast the neural imprint of a ghost across vast distances—at full power, these things have interstellar reach.“Using the psi emitters, the Confederates lured small numbers of Zero into containment areas for study. Some were even shipped to the Psi-Tech lab complex you rescued us from. I believe the Confederates intended to use the Zero as a weapon—calling down the Zero on their enemies with the psi emitters. And unlike with the nuclear annihilation of Formal, they could maintain plausible deniability.“The work of Dr. Larking and I involved studying the Zero in great detail, especially their genetic, psionic, and neurological qualities. The project we were working on was supposed to remain a secret to all scientists involved, and conducted in pieces at a number of different sites. However, I managed to discover what it was—the development of a specialized and far more advanced psi emitter called a “psi disruptor,” which could be used to curtail the Zeros’ communications and leave them in disarray.”By the time I had learned of all this and gathered my evidence, I had become very close with Dr. Larking, and decided to share what I knew. Together we decided to hold off exposing the project until the psi disruptor was completed—we both saw the mesomorphs as extremely dangerous, and we had figured it would not be wise to prevent such a weapon against them from being completed.“You don’t know how much it pains me to tell you this, but the weapon that might have saved Parsons was only about two days from being finished when the Zero arrived. The facility is somewhere on the planet, assuming it has not been destroyed, but everyone who knew where to find it is dead as far as I know.“Dr. Larking and I have all our own research into the psi disruptor, plus bits and pieces of things I was able to steal from the other sites. It’s possible that with several months of research, we could recreate the psi disruptor design.” Mioko paused again. “There’s something else, but it’s just speculation. I believe that the Sons of Formal somehow managed to get a copy of the psi emitter design. On both Antigua Prime and Parsons, the Zero attacks worked to the advantage of the Formal rebels. It seems they managed to beat the Confederates to the punch when they used the Zero as a weapon first—the fact that both groups were willing to do so disgusts me to no end.” The worst part was that she had until recently been at least somewhat sympathetic toward the Formal rebels. Mioko paused now, looking to the two officers and wondering if she was about to be thrown in a brig. Mia had said that coming clean was the best way to hand this, and hopefully they would not regret it. David sighed. "Well right now I could use an emitter or disruptor. At the very least we could have turned on an emitter and then vented it into space, and maybe led the Zero away from the colonies." He paused and rubbed his forehead. There wasn't any use in speculating like that." There's no telling if we'll even have that much time on the world for which we're headed now, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to try to recreate a disruptor when we have the chance." He looked at Bioko, seeing the concern on her face. "I appreciate your candor on this matter, Doctor. As far as I'm concerned, we're beyond the point of politics; all that matters is that we all work together to defeat the Zero." “I’m thankful that you’re taking such a sensible approach to this crisis, Captain,” Bioko told him. “But one thing to consider is that we can’t expect the Zero to follow the emitters blindly. The individual creatures may be beast-like, but there is likely some sort of intelligence psionically directing the swarms. They seem to use very sophisticated tactics, and the various structures in the hive clusters are exceedingly complex and specialized—it’s more than what one could expect from naturally evolved organisms. And of course, they have some sort of FTL travel.”“I agree,” Jessica commented. “On Parsons we saw them concentrate forces on individual cities and garrisons, as well as attack in distinct waves. They’re even able to refine and utilize ve spine gas. And then on the orbital platform, they launched a successful counter-attack against us, and those sunken colonies seemed to be clustered at choke points of high tactical value.“They may have followed the emitters so far simply because it suited their purpose,” Jess concluded, clearly troubled by the thought.”All the more reason to rediscover the psi disruptor as soon as possible,” Bioko agreed. Further conversation was interrupted when Doctor Larking entered the room, clad only in two white towels, one wrapped around her body and the other worn up in her wet hair. The door closed behind her. “Ah, Captain. I’m pleased to finally meet you in person. Please pardon my appearance.” Despite her composure, she seemed chagrined to be found in such a state.

StarCraft_ New Tarsonis [Joslyn and Circlmastr]|rating:3.0

The hunted_ but who's the True Predator_ Closed Thread

The moon shown full and bright as it slowly rose into the sky, casting fingers of shadow over the gathered group. They all clutched their weapon of choice. A few even looked like they knew how to use those weapons. Finally, one voice rose above the rest. “Is it true that they’re releasing the Hellcat? That’s really who we get to hunt?” The speaker was a slightly portly fellow clutching a short sword.“Yes, and I’m certain that you will be the first to die,” General Trajan responded as he bent his longbow, snapping the string into place. This was not the only weapon he bore. He wore both sword and dagger at his belt and had some other nasty surprises for their guest. The portly man chuckled, “You think an unarmed man will stand a chance against me?” he asked brandishing his sword.”Of course. And, put that thing away before you hurt yourself or someone else.” Trajan was certain that the man would die, he was certain that all the 7 nobles would die. It was fortunate that the hunt was not for them. No, they were just there as a political reward for their high station and donation to the crown. No, this hunt was for himself, the queen, and her dark shadow. But especially him. He had wanted that wretch Alan, the one that they called the hellcat due to his even ears, at his mercy for the 5 years since he had captured the son of a bitch for daring to lead a strike team of elves in guerilla tactics against his army. His army no less. He would have him under his thumb. He would not be protected by the arena after tonight. Furthermore, he would either be free, or be caught. Now, if the queen would just get there, her and her shadow the hunt could begin. Across the way from General Trajan Alan struggled against his captor’s grips. He knew it was futile, he could never break the chains that bound him at wrist and ankle, but he had to struggle despite knowing that. He would not lay down and die for these people, none of them. A bored looking master of ceremonies snapped his fingers in Alan’s face. “Are you paying attention.” The green eyes lifted to the man and there was murder in that gaze, they were the hell-cat’s eyes. He should listen, the man was trying to tell him the rules that would govern this experience. “Rather than living in a life of luxury as the reigning champion of the arena, you have chosen instead the hunt.” Alan tuned that part out, that was all stuff he knew. Most of it was stuff he knew from hearing about it from other slaves who had been given this opportunity. The man pompously continued to pontificate about the rules, “You are to be released into that forest, with no weapons and not but the clothing you wear now.” Alan glanced down at the simple tunic, pants and soft boots he’d been dressed in. Other than the fact that they were white, something that would make him stand out like a sore thumb in the moonlight, they weren’t terrible. The man continued, “You are to be hunted like the animal you are…” Alan blanked him out again, yes, yes, by ten Hunters, he was to be unarmed, the man had said that twice. He suddenly paid attention, “You may not kill the queen.” How was that a rule, that didn’t seem fair, but he knew it had to be right if he slew the queen there was no way he’d make it out of the forest alive. Finally, Alan spoke up cutting off the windbag. “So, you’re saying then, that I can kill everyone but the queen, and I just have to escape her?” he asked, his tone cold, business like. His elvish accent slightly lilting the common tongue.“Well, yes I suppose, but you will be unarmed,”“I am never unarmed,” Alan muttered and flexed his arm, making it ripple with muscle, and the man took a step back, probably chilled more by the utter fearlessness nature of Alan than the muscles he had flexed.”Yes, of course,” he replied. “Look, the queen and her dark shadow come now.” And that’s when Alan, the fearless Hellcat’s blood ran cold. The queen’s shadow was to hunt him? Green eyes flicked to her. She would be impossible to see among the trees, with the skin of the dark elves but the same high even black hair he bore. The night would swallow her. He couldn’t let fear rule him. Surely, she wouldn’t be hunting him too, right? Elena walked swiftly, her eyes continuously scanning the crowd for any sign of threat to her sister Queen Stay, who walked at her side. If her ebony skin and long black hair didn't draw attention to her in itself, the weapons she had strapped to her side and leg would. Elena wore her weapons with pride, her reputation proceeding as someone who knew how to wield them with precision and without mercy. There was no doubt that she was dangerous to anyone who dared cross her or the queen. Stay on the other hand was a stark contrast to her sister, her skin fair and her hair almost silver. Elera was a full elf, born before their mother married Stay's human father, the former king of Kailua. She had never known her father. Her parents love had been forbidden, her mother was a high elf princess, promised in marriage to the human king of Kailua to join the human and even kingdoms, and he was not only a commoner, but a dark elf, a race that was looked down upon by the high elves. Their affair was revealed when Elena was conceived and her father was killed by her grandfather in a fit of rage. After that her mother had been shipped off to marry the human king and despite her heartbreak from losing her first love, she grew to love Stay's father and settled in as the Queen of Kailua with ease. Not long after, Stay was conceived. Though she was not the king's true daughter like Stay, Elena was never treated any different. She was taught by the best tutors and trained to be a warrior alongside her sister. The only thing her parentage restricted her from was being Queen of Kailua, but, in reality she didn't want that responsibility and was happy to concede it to her sister. Instead, she acted as her sister's enforcer, her shadow as most called her. A force to be reckoned with. Where Elena gave off an aura of danger, Stay was more subtle. Her fair skin and light hair often made others think of her as weak, someone who hid behind her sister and wouldn't fight her own battles. Often she ended up surprising those that tried her, her skills with her weapons matching her sister's equally. In some ways she was more dangerous than Elena because no one expected it from her. The sisters were both dressed in similar clothing. A soft tunic under a leather corset, tied tightly to keep the cloth from impeding their movement. The tail of the tunic was tucked in neatly to a pair of soft leather pants which were tucked into a pair of knee-high boots. Elena's clothing was a shade of black that closely matched her skin, making her impossible to see under the fall of night. Stay's on the other hand was white, to complete the contrast between the two. The both carried a sword gifted them by the former king, strapped at their waist. Aside from that, Elena had a dagger strapped to each thigh, as well as a bow strung over her shoulder. Stay had one dagger strapped to her thigh, but also had one inside her boot and another strapped to her wrist under the sleeve of her tunic. Instead of a long bow like her sister, she carried a cross bow along with a sheath of deadly bolts made of silver and tipped with a poison that could paralyze a man for several minutes. Elera smirked at the small group of nobles that had come out for the hunt. She found it rather amusing that they thought they had any chance of capturing the one they called the Hell Cat before he was captured by the queen or herself. She would be surprised if any of them even made it out of the forest alive, even though the man they were hunting was going in unarmed. Her eyes moved from the group of nobles to General Trajan. Her loins tingled at the memory of him beneath her the night before. Now him she had no doubt would make it out alive but would make an attempt to capture Galen, even if to just present him as a gift to the queen. After surveying her pitiful competition, her eyes moved the man who they were about to start hunting. She had seen Galen fight many times in the arena and knew he was a dangerous man. She had been disappointed that he had chosen the hunt instead of continuing a life of luxury as the queen's prize arena slave. Most arena slaves had eventually ended up in her or the queen's bed, however, she had never had the pleasure of him warming her sheets. Now if she wanted him she was going to have to catch him, which in reality she didn't think was really going to be that hard." He is a nice specimen isn't he," Stay's teasing voice pulled her from her thoughts. It was obvious by the smirk on Stay's lips she knew what thoughts were crossing Elena's mind in regard to Galen." He will do," Elena said dismissively, though she knew she would not be able to deceive her sister. There bond was beyond just being sisters, it was almost as if they could read each other's minds." Let's get the fun started shall we?" Stay called out, turning to the master of ceremonies. "Release the prisoner. Let's see how long he can last against us." Bowing his head, the master of ceremonies motioned to the men holding Galen. They removed the chains and forced him to his knees in front of Stay." This is your last chance at freedom," Stay said, reaching out to run her fingertips down the side of his face, admiring his handsomeness. "Once you are captured you will belong to whoever it is. I cannot say what will happen to you then." Taking a step back, she looked around her at everyone waiting in anticipation before returning her gaze to him." If I were you I would run," she called out, drawing her sword, the noise matching that of the clang of weapons being drawn from the others. "Run." The simple word an order in itself. Alan relaxed in the grip of his captors. He was mentally preparing himself for the hunt to come. This was no different from warfare, no different from the 5 years he had fought in the arena. Each battle had its own challenges. He had already sized up the competitors in those silent moments through half-lidded green eyes. Pathetic. Seven of them would die, he was sure of that. General Trajan, that one could be trouble. The queen he could not kill, so one way or another he would avoid her. There was only one he feared. She stood there, a dark reflection of her sister. Perhaps a bit taller, perhaps a little less well-endowed. Perhaps with a bit more of the willowy even grace, but otherwise a perfect dark replica. Their mannerisms making what ever small physical differences other than their coloring seem superfluous. Their coloring on the other hand was emphasized to an extreme. It was meant to and succeeded in causing fear. He could admit at that moment that even he was not immune. At the queen’s order His chains were removed. Alan did not fight. He did resist going to his knees before the queen until a spear butt across the backs of his knees showed him the error of his ways. He knelt before her. Furthermore, he looked up at her and there was the hell-cat’s fire in their green depths. Furthermore, he actually nuzzled her hand where it brushed his cheek, almost as if he were marking her, as if he really is a cat. However, if the look in his eyes meant anything, he was marking her for only one thing, death. When the queen told him to run, Alan rose to his feet slowly and moved towards the forest. He did not run, he almost sauntered, or swaggered. He knew not a single one of them would pursue until he was safely in the trees. Why would he waste his energy? They could all hold their breath in anticipation. Five years in the arena had taught him to be a showman. As he walked, he removed the tunic. This revealed his muscled torso. This brought gasps from some of the onlookers and made at least one of the noble’s blanch just a bit. Unwilling to discard the shirt but not wanting its flowy nature to impede his movement, he tucked it after rolling it tight through his belt. Later he might need it to keep warm, but now, lacking it the son bronzed skin of his torso would be better camouflage than the white of the tunic. Though as half-even as the queen, Alan had been raised among the elves as she had the humans. There were only telltale things like the sun kissed tan from hours in the arena that set him apart from being full-blooded, just as the signs were there marking her mixed breeding as well. He turned at the treeline and flashed the queen a mocking salute, and then was gone. As soon as he hit the treeline the hunt was on, and it was clear he knew it based on the burst of speed he used to dart into the forest. It did not take Alan Long to go up into the trees, and also to stop running. They would expect him to run far and fast. He would watch them pelt by below him, and he would now hunt them, one by one. He suspected he would not be without a weapon for long. Stay pretended to not notice him nuzzling her hand as she brushed his cheek. To a passive observer it would almost seem like the touch was almost loving, but, she knew better. She knew by the look in his eyes what he truly meant by it. The thought that he would even think that she could be marked for death by his hand amused her. He would learn in a quick and painful way that she was not easy to be killed, if he dared try. Her gaze, along with Elena's never faltered from his muscular form as he sauntered slowly to the treeline. He was taunting them and though she enjoyed the view of his young body without a shirt she was growing tired of his show rather quickly. When he finally slipped into the cover of the trees, she watched as the nobles rush in after him, their weapons held ready. She knew most of them would be dead before the night was over, if not all them, and honestly she didn't really care. The men and women she chose to be "honored" to be part of this hunt had been chosen for a reason. They were pawns in the ultimate game, chosen for their lack of respect to the queen and rumors of their talk against her. General Trajan being the exception. He was there at his own request, one Stay was sure was steeped in his own desire to bring this young hell-cat to his knees once and for all. As soon as Trajan moved into the trees behind Alan, Elena and Stay moved forward, almost in unison. Elena pointed up into the trees without saying a word. She knew where Galen was and was interested to see how it would play out to the others. Stopping at the edge of the trees the two women waited in silence, the cool breezing brushing wisps of hair that had escaped from their braids across their face. They were not stupid enough to go after him yet. They would wait until he tired himself out first taking on the others before they made a move. Though he was called a Hell Cat, they were in the cats in this scenario, stalking their prey, lying patiently in wait. He may not have realized it yet, but he was the mouse. General Trajan followed the nobles into the forest. He is like the queen and her shadow, did not run. He did walk faster than them. Furthermore, he knew the others were bating. His plan was to get the drop on the hellcat as he made his hit on one of the others. He wished as he knocked an arrow, that he had opted for a shorter bow. In the densely packed trees, the greater distance of the longbow was wasted and since the cat wore no armor, he did not need the greater force. However, it did not stop him from cutting a wide circle around the others based on their sounds. Getting out in front of them the general swung up into his own tree and sighted an arrow on the place he expected the hell-cat to attack from. He had studied Alan’s military tactics. Not just his strategies in the arena but having lost some major battles to the bastard, Trajan had made learning his opponent a key strategy. Galan across the way from the General watched the ground below him. He had missed Trajan’s approach at first, but eventually grew aware that he was there. This would reduce the amount of time he had to make his strike, but he would not abandon his plan just because the general was there. He knew it had to be he, there was no way a noble had flanked him, or that the queen’s shadow would have let him spot her in any way, not in the darkness. The group of nobles pelted down below him, much as he had predicted. He dropped onto the portly man, and true to Trajan’s prediction he was the first to die. As he tumbled out of the tree, Alan had caught the other man’s head in his arm and as he fell, rolling to avoid the zip of Trajan’s arrow his momentum whipped the man’s head back, snapping his neck with a sharp pop. Just like that he was gone. Trajan swore under his breath as he knocked his arrow. It had only taken a second, and even though he knew what he would do, had fired at him, he had missed, and now Alan was gone again, but this time he was not unarmed. The portly man’s sword had fallen from nerveless fingers, but was gone now even as Trajan’s eyes tried to penetrate the darkness, moving the arrow point back and forth sweeping the open ground for a target. At least his arrow had prevented Alan from sticking around to lute the body for other possibly helpful items or weapons. The sword he couldn’t help. He couldn’t be that dangerous with only a short sword, could he. Who exactly was General Trajan Kidding? The amount of arena battles he won with just a short sword made that a silly question. One thing Elena had as an advantage over the others was the ability to see in the dark. Once the shadows of night started to fall over the forest, she could easily make out the others as they made their way through the trees, trying to find Alan. She watched as Trajan made his way into a tree and drew his bow and as the hell-cat dropped and took out his first victim. She had to say she wasn't sorry to see the man go, many times she wanted to snap his neck herself for the rude comments he made towards her and Stay when he thought the nobody was listening. As Alan picked up his newly acquired weapon she felt a shiver of anticipation. The thrill of the hunt was calling to her, and he had just proven himself a worthy prey. Motioning her intentions to Stay, she moved quickly into the trees after him, keeping back enough so that he wouldn't know she was there but close enough that she didn't lose sight of him. She was in no hurry to catch him yet. She wanted to see what he was capable of and whether he would be able to take out the other nobles as quickly as he did the first. Furthermore, she quickly moved to the base of the tree where Trajan hid and looked up at him shaking her head. Though she carried a similar bow, she didn't agree with his weapon of choice. He should have known that it had its weaknesses in the dense forest. The only reason she carried a long bow was for if Gala never made it out of the trees into the field beyond. It would be easy to pick him off as he ran. She preferred to use her knives for the most part, as adept at throwing them as she was in drawing her bow. Saeya watched as Elena made her way into the forest. Though her clothing did nothing to camouflage her, Stay followed after her. She knew Alan would not be stupid enough to try to kill her, and she intended her presence to instill fear in his heart. She was sure he would know if he saw her, that Elena was somewhere close by and there was no way he would be able to see her coming. Breaking away from Elena, slightly to the left of the direction Alan was headed. She intended to head him off deeper into the forest. As she ran she heard a scream break the silence of the forest. Another victim had fallen to Alan's sword. Two down and 5 to go. She wondered how long it would take him to rid herself of their nuisance. Trajan frowned down at Elena who was almost invisible to his eyes, the moonlight the only thing that allowed him to see her, and the telltale red of her eyes glowing in the provision of the even people. That was one thing that the queen, Elena and even that hell-cat had that he didn’t, the heat seeking sight of the elves. Though it was his understanding that the half elves only had it for about half the distance and clarity that the full-blooded Elena would have. The circlet he wore under his hair, stone on his forehead took care of that problem for him. It did not give him the heat seeking sight but made it as if everything was bathed in starlight. It beat the pitch blackness that it could have been for him. Worth every penny was the amulet. Elera seemed to almost silently mock him for his bow and the missed shot. Climbing from the tree, he retrieved the arrow and headed off to rejoin the battle. Galan had acted very quickly killing the portly man with almost no effort. However, the general’s shot had warned him not to take the time to lute the corpse properly. Even so he held the short sword. The make seemed to be well-balanced, high quality, and someone had honed it to a razor sharpness. He thrust it through his belt. Only a fool ran with a drawn blade if he could help it. Light feet carried him after the nobles. He came on one of the women next. She was limping, clearly favoring one ankle, perhaps in a fall or misstep. The hell-cat wasted no time. The lion had spotted a wounded gaze and he struck. His initial thrust Slid between her shoulder blades. He missed the heart due to her stumbling on the ankle. Careless of him. Her scream was short-lived though, for as she fell, he rode her body to the ground, knees pinning her lower body, and the sword that he had pulled free slid around to slice out her throat as his free hand caught in the long dark hair jerking her head back in a nice clean line. Her scream ended abruptly in a wet gurgle. The cat left the second body moments later, a dagger in either boot, tucked safely behind the bones of either ankle to hold them in place, and now he had a short bow. The quiver wasn’t as full as he would have liked, what exactly had that woman done with some of her arrows. Had she been shooting at shadows? Even still there was more than a handful left, and if he was careful it would be enough. Two down, 5 more to go, then that would just leave the queen, her shadow and General Trajan. Elena stood passively in the dark as she watched Alan kill his next victim. It would have been easy for her to kill him when he took the time to loot the body, but, instead she held back, giving him a false sense of security. As Alan took off into the trees again, she watched as Trajan made his way after him in the trees, his skills at stealth better than his knowledge of weapons. She smiled as she finally saw a flash of white break the line of the trees as Stay made her way forward as well, it was apparent that Stay had fully committed to their cat and mouse style of hunting Alan. Walking over to the woman Alan had killed, she gazed down at the pool of blood that was now collecting beneath her body. Using her foot to roll the body over she shook her head as her eyes flickered over the once pretty face. Of all the nobles that were part of the hunt, this one was the least despised in Elena's eyes. She had been even fond of her at one time, opting often to take her to her bed. It was a pity that she had started to turn against Stay and therefore sealed her fate. Checking the body to see if Alan had left anything of use, she found that he had taken all of her weapons. Removing a blood stained necklace she had given her from her neck, she slipped it into her pocket before straightening up to scan the trees once again. Though she couldn't see Alan directly, her eyes could see the heat trail left by his body in the direction he ran. Moving stealthy, she followed after him, once again staying from sight. Saeya leaned against a tree waiting for Alan. Her elf ears gave her the ability to hear even a small mouse moving in the grass, therefore she had no problem hearing his approach. She could also hear the sounds of the remaining nobles stumbling through the forest, making enough noise to wake the dead. Even though they would be aware by now that they were being picked off one by one, their arrogance still made them think they had a chance and they took no precautions. As she saw one of the nobles she hated the most stumble past her, she pulled out her cross bow and fit it with a bolt. Why should the hell-cat have all the fun in killing off her enemies. No one would ever know she was the one who did it, and even if they did, it would act as a cautionary tale to the others not to cross her. Calmly raising the bow, she took her aim and fired, the bolt burying deep in the neck of a man she knew as Fabian, a despicable man who was constantly undermining her. He fell to his knees, his eyes full of shock and disbelief as he saw her step from the trees, her figure almost glowing in the moonlight. Blood spurted from his mouth at his attempt to speak before he fell face-first into the dirt, still. Walking over to his body, she calmly pulled the bolt from his body and wiped it on his tunic before returning it to its pouch before moving back into the trees to wait for Alan to reach where she waited.3 down, only 4 to go. Stay could feel the thrill of the hunt calling to her, but the kill had quelled it a little, enough so that she could once again wait patiently and toy with Alan. Trajan knew he had to think of some way to get the cat. He had not seen him make his second kill, but he to found her body. He spat on the corpse. Fool should have known better than to take part in this hunt. He, too, had invited this one into his bed more than once, and he was sad to see her dead. Honestly all the nobles were friends of his, and it was just now sinking in that that fact was true, and that they would probably all die in here. Galan was walking the arboreal highway, high above the ground when he saw the fading heat of the third body. This was not his kill. He knew it had to be Stay. He still suspected Elena was behind him. Furthermore, he knew that she could have probably killed him more than once now, but he had not concerned himself with it yet, she would not end the hunt so soon. Furthermore, he had to admit there was a part of him that thrilled at the challenge of this. He swept the area looking for the queen. She couldn’t have gone far. Her white clothing should make her easy to spot. Knowing he couldn’t kill her he had to move on, and so he continued to slip through the forest. Two men had met one another just ahead. They whispered thinking they were being quiet, whereas all three with elvish blood could surely hear their every word. “Someone got Rhoda,” one said to the other.”I heard her scream. How when he isn’t armed,”“Don’t be foolish, if he killed fatty, he’s at least got a sword,”“What makes you think he killed fatty?” the other man just going along with the derogatory name for the portly fellow.“Logic, plus, Trajan said it, he would die first. I trust the General to know what he’s talking about.”“Fine, and whatever weapons Rhoda had too, he’ll also have.”“At least her quiver isn’t full,”“I told her not to shoot at shadows during the last hunt,”“How many does that leave?” the other asked the two men unconsciously putting their backs to one another as they dropped into defensive crouches. They didn’t quite look scared, but they did look more prepared than the others. Elena moved along the forest floor in silence. She knew he was in the trees above her, but, it was obvious he was not aware she was there. When he stopped to scan the forest, she did so as well, her eyes catching a glimpse as well at the fading heat of a third body. She frowned at that. She knew he had not killed another, since she had him in her sight the whole time. Her question was answered as she caught a glimpse of white before her sister disappeared into the forest. It appeared her sister was growing impatient at how the speed he was killing off the others and had decided to help him out by lowering the numbers a little. As she passed the body, she gave it a quick glance to see who it was. When her eyes fell on Fabian's lifeless corpse, she smiled in approval. Her sister had killed off the one noble that she had wished she could have killed herself. Fabian was a despicable man and deserved to be left to rot on the forest floor. She paused at the sound of voices on the path ahead. Looking up into the trees, she saw that he had paused as well, listening to the conversation of the two men. A smirk played on her lips as the one man inquired as to how many of them were left. They still didn't know about Fabian or that their certain death was waiting in the trees above them, waiting as a cat ready to pounce on its prey. At least they seemed to have a few more brain cells than the three that had already been dispatched to their maker. They crouched down in defense, their back to each so that no one would be able to sneak up on them without them being aware. But, the man hunting them was not just any man, and she was sure they were soon to find this out. She moved silently to lean against a tree, her hand idly fondling the hilt of her knife at her belt. She itched to plant the knife between the eyes of the closest man, but, she restrained herself, intent on watching what his next move would be. Saeya as well had settled in to watch what would transpire on the path behind her. She had made her way into the thickest part of the trees to ensure the men could not see her, though she knew Alan would be able to. She was intrigued as to what he would do. Would he attack both of the men at once, or find a way to separate them and pick them off one by one? Either way, she intended to stay around to enjoy the show. Alan saw the two men, but passed them by. The looked too tempting. Since he could see Stay, and knew Elena had to be behind him, he had to do something else completely. Trajan arrived looking down on the men as well. The fellows did not even know they were surrounded. However, Alan did not stick around long, as he fled getting out ahead of the other two final pursuers. For the first time fleeing rather than hunting, make them chase him for a while. He loved his new plan. He would still hunt them, but he would make them think they were finally hunting him. Trajan dropped from the trees in front of the two men. “Idiots,” he snapped, “He has fled and you two stand there afraid of your own shadows, follow him,” he snapped, taking charge as he was wanting to do. Elena was disappointed when she saw Alan move on further into the trees. She had hoped he would have engaged the two men in a fight or something. Instead, he took off, seeming to flee for the first time, most likely expecting them to chase him. She was slowly becoming tired of this game of cat and mouse. She would follow him, but it would be on her own terms, not his. Furthermore, she slid back into the trees and made her way in the direction he was headed, her expert hearing quickly picking up his movements with ease. It wasn't really chasing him, if she knew exactly where he was the whole time. Saeya sighed and walked out into the clearing to where the men stood, making her present known. She was just about to berate them for their idiocy when Trajan dropped from the trees above them. She smiled at the sight of him and amused at how angry he seemed towards the two men in their path. At Trajan's words, the two men looked back and forth between Stay and Trajan, a sudden realization in their eyes at how easily they had become surrounded. They jumped to their feet and bowed low to Stay before running off into the trees." Goddess, how has he not killed them already," she speculated out loud. "They have about as much stealth as a herd of stampeding wild horses. Nodding her head to Trajan in recognition of his presence, she moved stealthily into the trees after them. It appeared their prey wanted to play more games and like her sister she was also growing weary of it all. There were 4 nobles left, other than herself, Elena and Trajan. They needed to step up their game and capture him, or he needed to stop fooling around and kill them off, or as she had with Fabian, she would start weeding out their numbers on her own. The night was still young, but she wanted to be home in her bed before the sun came up. Seeing her sister standing in the trees ahead of her, she moved to catch up with her." He's pretty good," she said, drawing Elena's attention to her, not that she didn't think that she was aware of her presence well before she even arrived. "I think we will enjoy this one once we capture him and bring him back to the castle. It is amusing though how it appears he thinks we are going to chase him. I know you had many chances to pick him off already with your bow. I just wonder how long before he realizes running is pointless and will just wear him out."" He is smarter than he looks," Elena corrected her, smiling at her sister. "He knows what he is doing. Don't underestimate him. His plan is not intended for us. He is drawing out those other fools, toying with them. They don't realize it, but really they are the prey, and he is the hunter. Come sister, let's continue on and see what he has up his proverbial sleeve next." Putting her arm around Stay, she led her into the trees towards where Galen had finally disappeared from her sight. Trajan nodded to the queen as the men pelted off. He would have preferred they stick with him and actually do something more organized, but he realized he was not dealing with that level of talent. Those two were smarter than the others, but that honestly was not saying much. Galan did not run for long, just long enough to entice one of the remaining men into running blindly after him. That one didn’t even make a sound as Alan struck from above, a vine his weapon of choice. He used it like a rope around the man’s neck strangling the man as he pulled him off the ground, suspending him from a sturdy limb. As the man hung there struggling, Alan fired an arrow into the man’s eye, putting him out of his misery. And the man’s struggles slowly subsided, growing weaker and weaker. Retrieving his arrow, he slipped back into the trees to wait. He had the bow ready. Someone would find the dead man, and who ever approached to check him for life would die. He did not have a lot of arrows, but he didn’t need a lot, just enough. The short bow was a perfect size for this forest. He would wait, and he would see what there was to see. This was too easy. It didn't take long for the sisters to come upon his next kill. The man hung from a tree in the middle of the clearing, a vine twisted tightly around his neck. If the ugly shade of purple his face wasn't an indicator of his demise, the gaping hole where his eye had been definitely was. They recognized him as one of the two they had come across earlier in the clearing. Obviously he had not learned anything from the scolding Trajan had given him." Now he is just mocking us," Stay fumed, pulling her knife as she moved to cut him down. She was stopped by Elena's hand on her arm. She flashed her a confused look, shaking off her grip but making no move to go any further." He isn't mocking us," Elena said, her voice falling to a whisper. "It's a trap. He is expecting someone to come along to cut him down, leaving themselves completely open to his attack. You almost fell right into it." Saeya's cheeks reddened in anger and embarrassment at these words. She had almost run head long into the clearing without first checking her surroundings. If it hadn't been for Elena, she could have perhaps been the next to fall under his blade, or arrow, or whatever new weapon he had managed to get his hands on. Though he was forbidden to kill her, she wasn't stupid enough to think that he wouldn't try if she was the last one left alive, and it came down to just the two of them." You're right Elena," she whispered back as she notched a poison tipped arrow into her crossbow. She scanned the surrounding trees, looking to Elena for confirmation that he was hiding somewhere within them. Elena pointed subtly in the direction to where she knew he was, her eyes finding the heat of his body easily. Once Elena has pointed him out, Stay quickly made out his figure crouched low. He appeared to be watching the clearing, just as Elena had said. Taking aim with her crossbow, she pulled the trigger, intent on only grazing him as a warning, not expecting to make a direct hit. As she did this, Elena took her bow and notched an arrow, letting it fly to split the vine holding the body above ground. The body fell the ground with a thud and her eyes went to where he had been hiding. Between her sisters arrow and her own actions, she didn't expect him to still be there, and he would be a fool if he still was.

The hunted_ but who's the True Predator_ Closed Thread|rating:4.0

Shuriken High

Hello, i will be starting a school, any race can join, you need to complete the form to enter. Also have a fun time here. Username : (Kenosha username.) name : (others to call you) race : (there are lots of races out there) normal weapon : (used for missions, emergencies and training.) power pet : (second friend, second helper.) power : (they will suit well with the weapon) age : (13-17) appearance : (link or some description) username :chocolaty name : Yuri Kumar race : elf normal weapon : water staff and icy glove power pet :fire pixie power : control over water and ice. Age : 14 appearance :iced blue hair, sea blue highlights on her hair, clips on a blue and white hair pin, icy blue eyes, wears a sailor white school girl top with a blue ribbon, a blue sailor school girl skirt. Wears a pair of sailor school girl short heeled shoes. Rules: you have to Pm me the profile. Be good to others. many emotions are encouraged. _The Lists__ Quote: username :chocolaty name : Yuri Kumar race : elf normal weapon : water staff and icy glove power pet :elements muffle:FFU power : control over water and ice. Age : 14 appearance :iced blue hair, sea blue highlights on her hair, clips on a blue and white hair pin, icy blue eyes, wears a sailor white school girl top with a blue ribbon, a blue sailor school girl skirt. Wears a pair of sailor school girl short heeled shoes. Quote: username : XxPERFECTxMESSxX name : Mika Kanagawa race : Part demon normal weapon : Bow and arrow power pet : a Demon Imp power : Darkness and teleportation age : 14 appearance : x Quote: username : Salmon name : Ivan vesting race : Angel normal weapon : twin daggers power pet : A little wolf angel power : can control the air and shape-shift into a few animals age : 14 appearance : Quote: username : ZeroUltimat name : Heroku Matsuda race : Human-Demon normal weapon : Claws and fangs. Power pet : Hell hound power : Blood blades fly out of claws. Age : 17 appearance : P.s. I'm the guy with the red shirt. Quote: username : Sui chi no Shippuryuu name : Zeke race : Human normal weapon : Qatar power pet : Wolf power : Fire age : 16 appearance : Quote: username : Xx DRAW xx name : May race : Vampire normal weapon : Katina. Power pet : Fox power : Heals wounds. Age : 16 appearance : Quote: username :baby angel name :Mitsuki race :human/angel normal weapon :sword power pet :angel bunny power : water age : 16 appearance Quote: username :pengupanda name :Kazakh race : Half angel, half mermaid normal weapon : Bow and Arrow power pet :Fairy power : healing, power over light and water, physic abilities age :16 appearance : Quote: Username : ll Xiao Mai Shan ll (Might change soon) Name : Curtis O'Neil Race : Elf Normal weapon : Wand Power pet : Little black cat (animal shape-shifter) Power : Fire and Healing Age : 17 Appearance : Quote: username : chocomokochoco name : Zoey or Z race : vampire/ half human normal weapon :a small pocket seized knight that grows when told to and a little bag of magic (plus teeth) power pet : been my wolf power :has shape shifting age : 17 appearance : Quote: username : Alaina name : Land race : were-cat / elf hybrid normal weapon : Katina power pet : my half-sister, Nazi, who is an even she-wolf. Power : wind strike, super-human agility. Age : both girls are 15, Nazi just shy by a few days, and land's was 2 weeks ago. Appearance : this is me. This is Nazi, she has been through a lot so she looks older. Quote: Username: wholly Short Name: Jeremy Fennel Race: Elf Normal weapon: Throwing knives Power Pet: Fairy Power: Dominance over the wind Age: 17 Appearance: Quote: username : Tsubasa_Ishtar name : Tsubasa Ishtar race : Human normal weapon : Katina power pet : Black Wolf power : Lighting age : 14 appearance : Quote: username : XxChocoXGalzxX name : Mina Minotaur race : Even Fairy normal weapon : Green bow and arrows power pet : it is Droplet shape can change into monsters, Name Fluffy. Power : Wind and Thunder age : 14 appearance : She has purple hair, a green headband on it, a purple top with white color and a green line on it, a green bow on it, a skirt that is white and green. And canvas shoes with is purple green and white in color. Mika walked into her new high school. She looked around at all the rooms to see if she could find where her first class was." Ugh why is it so big..." She decided that she wasn't going to find her first class anytime soon and walked around to see if she could find anything interesting to do. She started looking for someplace to sit, when she spotted a sign to the courtyard." Well now, the courtyard it is." She started to walk in the direction of the sign. Yuki walked in to her high school, she was finding which class she was in, but it is all blank nobody was in any of the classrooms, she saw a path that lead her to the school's training hall, she sat on the bench and her in her heart she said "where did everyone go?" she was waiting for people to come, her heart said again "am I too early for school?"after that she saw a sign "courtyard" her heart came again "maybe some students or teachers are there." she followed the path, and she went into the courtyard. Heroku half walked half carried himself to the school, he never really liked to get up early. It was his last year at the school so he thought he would make the best of it. Since he knew the routine that always took place at the beginning of school he headed to the courtyard. Yuki looked around and saw a girl and a boy in the courtyard. She was shy and nervous to talk to other people that she does not know, she kept quiet for some time. Mika looked and found that some other people were walking in the courtyard too. She noticed that both of them were probably too shy to walk up to her and talk so she went up to both of them and said, "He, it's like school didn't even start yet." She waited for someone to answer telling herself she was an idiot for trying to start a conversation. But then she noticed something about the guy. He looked part demon so she hoped they would get along well. Heroku looked up at the girl who came up to him, and with doozy eyes he cocked an eyebrow,"Listen fresh meat, just sit down and wait for the assembly to begin." Yuri sat down and waited. After a while, the bell begin ringing. Some people came and the principle's footsteps got louder and louder. May stretched and started walking towards the courtyard. May put her headphones on. Finally, she made it to the courtyard. She saw many people laughing and talking. She smirked. May never was the type to talk. She sat down on one of the many chairs in the yard. May turned up the music and looked up at the sky. Mika looked at the guy and was surprised at what he said." Oh wow, fresh meat. You know when someone comes up and talks to you, you should be at least a little nicer asshole." Mika turned away very annoyed and went to sit down in one of the seats set up. Heroku smiled and leaned his head back to look at the sky. He closed his eyes hoping to get some sleep before classes start,"Asshole? No I'm much more than an asshole." As May looked at the sky she thought about her family. This was her last year in this school so she really didn't care for the rules anymore. Many kids thought May as a freak and stayed away. She really didn't mind though, she never got along with people anyway. Suddenly she saw a boy sit next to her. May turned away and closed her eyes. Mika looked around as the seats started to fill for the assembly. She was still a little bit annoyed, but then she thought to herself she probably won't see this kid ever again since he was a senior and this was a big school. She looked up as the principle started talking. Mika wasn't the type for assembly's so she couldn't help but doze off a little... While the seats filled and the principle talked. May just closed her eyes and dozed off a little.Finally, when the introduction ended, May stood up and stretched." Well that was a nice nap." She thought. Heroku lazily got up from his seat and wondered off with all the other seniors. With his luck he was probably going to bump into the annoying girl a lot. May be started to walk off with the seniors. She hoped nobody would bother her this year. She just wanted to have a smooth year and then get out of this school. Zeke walked around, mainly alone and a few under classmen would say hello to him. Replying with a usual 'hello', he continued to walk around, just to ceaselessly wander until he felt like going to read or just go to class. Heroku and some of the seniors he left the assembly with all had the same first class, so he just followed them to the classroom and took a seat by the window. May followed the students into the classroom and took a seat near the back. May put her head down on the desk. Her black hair covering her face. Yuki followed into the classrooms, she took the seat closer to window, she looked out of the window and saw a pond she is now more awakened, the teacher then stepped into the classroom. May soon herd the teacher step into the classroom. She looked up for a second. She knew that the first day would just be about welcoming the students. She again rested her head on the desk, letting her hair cover her face. Mika finally woke up and noticed 3 things.#1 the assembly was over, #2 she was late for class, and #3 she was drooling."SHIITE." She said as she grabbed her stuff and ran to see if she could find her class. After the class was over May stood up. She looked over and saw a boy looking out a window. "Hey um class is over." May said Heroku looked up at the girl who came up to him,"Yeah, I know. The second class the teacher teaches here, I'm in." "Ok then see you around." May said as she picked up the rest of her stuff and headed for the door. Mika rushed into the room. "CRAP." She missed her first class and looked on her scheduled to see where her second class was. It was in the same room she was in now. "Oh, thank god i don't have to search and miss another class." Mika looked over and saw the rude guy she met in the courtyard. "Oh come on..." Mika never liked being in higher grade classes. Heroku heard a familiar voice and looked to the doorway to the class and saw the girl who had called him an asshole, he thought to himself, See, I knew I was going to see her more than I wanted to. Hiroku shook his head and looked back to the front of the class. May walk into her next class and sat down in the back. She hated the first day of class. All it was about was introductions. May rested her head on the desk and closed her eyes. Mika made sure to choose a seat far away from the rude guy and sat down. She wished she had a window seat because she liked not paying attention in class and staring off. She took out her drawing pad and began to draw. May finally opened her eyes after class was over. She stood up and quickly gathered her things. She checked her schedule and saw that she had to return to her class before. May walked into her class and saw a girl and that boy she spoke to earlier. She walked past the boy and sat next to the girl. Mika looked up and saw that the girl sat next to her. She looked back down to finish drawing a picture of what she thought looked like a horse. She then quickly picked up her things and walked out of class before the teacher came in so she could skip. She didn't feel like getting caught skipping so she started to walk to the courtyard. May saw the girl walking out of the room. "Smart idea." May thought as she also stood up and left the room before the teacher came in. When Mika finally got to the courtyard she sat behind some bushes to make it not noticeable to people that she was there. She plugged in her iPod and started to draw some more while humming a tune waiting for lunch. May be continued to walk until she got to the courtyard. There she sat down and put her headphones on. She closed her eyes and laid down. Mika looked up when she heard the principle's footsteps. She saw the girl sleeping out in the open and dashed out and grabbed her, pulling her behind the bush so she wouldn't get caught." What were you thinking sleeping out in the open while skipping?? My God, I almost had a heart attack thinking you might get caught and suspended or something." May felt something tug on her then she was dragged behind a bush. May looked at the girl who dragged her. "I don't know." May said as she brushed the dirt off her. "Thanks anyway." She mumbled. May looked up at the girl. "Hey you're the one I saw skip." She said. "Oh man was I that noticeable?" Mikey took out a lighter and started lighting a stick on fire. Fire made Mika feel safe for some reason even though that's how her mother died. She never went anywhere without a lighter and a couple packs of matches." I'm Mika by the way..." "Pretty much." May said. She laughed quietly. "Do you always try to burn schools down?" May asked. "Hahaha. Not always but I do like how it smells." Mika blew out the fire and watched the smoke fly up in the air. The bell rang and she looked at her schedule. "Lunch time. Thank go dim about to starve.Well I'll see you around...UIMM...what's your name?" "My name is May, and yours?' May asked. May stood up and walked up to the girl. "Mika. Mika Kanagawa." Mika put her hand out for the girl to shake. May shock Mika's hand and smiled. "Good to know you Mika. Would you like to walk to lunch?" May said Heroku got up from his desk and walked out of class, towards the lunch area. As he left the room he thought about the work that he had done in class, he didn't like to get bad grade, no matter what people thought about him. As he thought about the work his mind wondered to the girl, Hmm, I wonder if I can get a second better impression than the first one. "Sure.Let's go." Mika started to walk waiting for the girl to follow. May walked up to Mika's side and started walking with her. As they were walking Mika spotted the guy she met in the courtyard. She stared for a while not noticing what she was doing and once she did, she quickly turned her head. She started walking faster and her stomach growled. She looked through her purse looking for her money so she could quickly go up and by lunch. She looked over at May." Are you buying lunch? 'Cause I'm wondering what the school made today." Yuki rushed out of the class and reached the courtyard and rushed in to buy food,"maybe the school self yummy sushi!"she said in her heart and when she reached there she saw sushi, she rushed and waited when it was her turn she took out two of her purse,"hmm... I think 15 will be enough, anyway,I still can give it to my younger sister."she said to her heart. She bought 15 sushi,$1 for each,"at least it is just quarter of my money that I have spent."she said to her heart the cashier gave her a plastic bag. She went to a clean table and took out her plastic bag with the 15 sushi, she ate happily and saw 2 girls walking in the canteen. As Mika walked in the cafeteria, she caught a glimpse of the food and dashed over to the mountain of sushi. She looked around to see which kind she would want and then went over to pay for what she got. "Yum Yum sushi..." She said as she looked for a seat. She ate 6 sushi and left the rest for her family, she went to the drink store and bought a lemonade drink she went back to her seat and sipped the lemonade, more people are coming in to the canteen. Mitzuki walked into the cafeteria and got some sushi. Then she grabbed a seat and started eating Mika decided she didn't want to eat in the cafeteria because it was getting crowded fast. She picked up her sushi and went back to the courtyard. Yuki drink finish her lemonade, she took her purse, put the plastic cup in the big red pail.Yuri has nothing to do, so she went to the training hall to practice and brush up on making combo in the air and summoning water spirit, water bunny and ice spirit, some creepy black creatures came and attacked the school.Yuri think it is the time to try out her new skills, she took out her ice wand and find the nearest pond and began attacking the monsters, other people did the same thing too. When Mika finished her lunch, she took out a locket out of her pocket, looked at the picture inside, and started to meditate. She focused all her energy into her hands, and then made two black flames. Then she made the flames go out. She looked at her locket again. She started to meditate again, this time focusing even more as her hands lit up with black flames. ((May I join in on the story school thingy)) ((yes, but you must pm me the form))Yuri saw one black creature was destroyed, she sensed the blood of the creature that the strong point of it is light, and the weaker point of it was fire, darkness and water. There was four more to go. She sat crossed legged, foucused on the pond and she controlled the water from the pond, dew from the grass, thin air and clouds, it became one huge tide, and she separated the water, and it became small little water droplets and made it into ice shards, and hundreds of it hit the monster. Mika decided this was no way to train, so she started to walk to the training hall. On her way there she lost her way. "Shit where is that training hall." She said as she wondered around more to see if she could find her way. All the monsters were killed one by one, thay all are dead, yuki saw a girl wondering all around, yuki stepped up to her and said"do you need help?" Jeremy yawned and stood up from his laying position." You know you've missed like, half the school day." Came the high-pitched voice of the dark-skinned fairy, Artemis that always followed him around. Jeremy twirled a small knife in between his nimble fingers as he walked to the edge of the school roof." Does it really matter all that much Artemis?" He said, peering over the side of the roof at the other students far below. He yawned again before dropping off the roof. Just before he hit the ground, a warm wind wrapped around him and slowed his fall. As he dropped to the ground Artemis alighted on his shoulder and he walked off towards the training hall with a group of new students gawking at him." You always have to show off, don't you." Artemis muttered, looking back at the group of newbies." What can I say, I love the theatrics." He said with a smile and swept into the training hall, still twirling the small knife. Mika looked at the girl." Uhh. Sorta... I need to find the training hall." She decided she was never going to find the training hall herself. Then her bag squeaked, and she looked down to see a black imp with glowing red eyes looking up at her." Oh Nikki, I forgot I put you in there, sorry baby." Mika picked up Nikki and started to pet it. Then she took out a container of food and fed one to the hungry imp. The imp quickly gobbled it up and fell asleep. "Bulls eye." Jeremy said, flicking a knife into one of the many targets on the wall. Artemis floated around the rafters, less than interested in his display of accuracy." I think that girl out there is lost." She said, flitting back down to Jeremy's shoulder and pointing to the window where a girl was wandering around. "Hey, you need some help?" Jeremy called, opening the window and waving to the girl. He smiled slightly, and his ears twitched as Artemis brushed up against them." I think there is something dark in her purse." She whispered, but Jeremy just shrugged her off.((By the way Mess, your profile pic won't load.)) Mika heard the yelling and looked up. She saw the boy waving and instantly blushed when she saw he was an elf." Uhmm...s-sorta...." She was always nervous talking to elves for two reasons. One, because she had a thing for elves and two, because she was afraid of how one of them reacted before when they found out her powers and didn't want the same reaction. She quickly closed her purse hoping he didn't notice the sleeping demon imp in her purse.((yeah that needs to be fixed)) Jeremy smiled brightly and hopped out the window." Perhaps I can be of some help?" He said, strolling up to her and holding out his hand." Name's Jeremy, and this is Artemis...." He looked, but the fairy hadn't left the window sill and was still glaring at the girl's purse. Jeremy just shrugged and turned back to the girl." She's just jealous." He said, leaning over to the girl." So, what is it I can do for you?" Mika looked at Jeremy and answered him nervously."I'm Monika... I was trying to find the training hall." She tried to calm down, but when she saw that his hand was out for her, her whole face turned bright red. She started to reach for it, but then she pulled herself back and stood up. "Do you mind showing me the way?" When she didn't shake his hand he just shrugged and dropped it back down to his side." Mika, huh? I like it." He said with a grin, completely oblivious to how uncomfortable he was making her. Artemis of course found this very amusing and was still on the window sill, trying to hold back a fit of laughter." Oh, the training hall? It's over there." He said, gesturing to the window that he had jumped out of moments ago." I was just getting a little target practice in myself." He turned to head back to the training dojo." Care to join me?" Heroku woke up in a sort of daze. He had no clue what just happened, or how much time had passed. When he sat up and looked around, he realized that he was on the roof of the main building to the school. He stood up and walked over to the fenced off ledge and looked down at all the students trying to get to their classes in time,"Now, how the hell did I end up here?" He scratched his chin, looking around for the staircase that led back into the building, which he just couldn't find. So he jumped over the fence, in clear view of just about everyone that was inside the school, and when he landed he did a little roll and popped back up onto his feet. He looked around at the students starring at him,"Ah, I love being half demon sometimes."(Sorry I haven't been posting, school has kept me busy, as well as training for track. You guys kinda left me behind, so I did a B.S. reentry, hope you don't mind.) Mika smiled." Sure, if you help me get some moves down." As Mika said this she looked over and noticed the half demon guy she met earlier doing some crazy move after jumping over a fence. She kept staring at him as he stood up and said something to himself.All of a sudden Nikki jumped out of her purse and started to fly over to him."NIKKI!" She ran after the imp and tried to get her back in her purse, but Nikki was too fast." Nikko you traitor." She whispered to herself as Nikki jumped into the guys arms. Heroku felt something squeezing the top part of his arm. When he looked at his arm to see what it was, he swung his arm around in instinct,"What the... What is this thing? Get it off me!" He kept swinging his arm around to try and fling it off of him. When he realized that it wasn't trying to do anything to him, he grabbed it and picked it up to his eye level, with his left hand,"What in hell are you doing and what are you?" He twirled the thing around in his hand to look at it from all angles to see exactly what it was. "AHH NIKKI! WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO KILL HIM?!?" Mika ran up and grabbed the imp out of his hands, stroking it as the thing squeaked and jumped out of her arms back into his." Nikko....He's an imp, and you shouldn't throw him around like that. He probably just sensed that you were part demon and came over to see who you were..." Heroku held the imp up to his face again and smiled, baring his fangs,"Why would an imp want to come near a demon?" He placed the imp on his shoulder and looked back Mika, scratching the back of his head,"Yeah, um, sorry about the way I acted when we first me, I had just woken up, and I was very grumpy." He admitted. Furthermore, he didn't want someone in his first few classes angry with him throughout the whole school year. Mika looked at him surprised and then blushed. She hated how red her face got today." Oh.uhm.no okay I think I just overreacted a little." She went over and started to pet Nikki laughing at what he had done. Heroku laughed, then looked back to where Mika ran from and noticed two other people, new people. He didn't recognize either of them and wanted to know who they were. He nodded his head in the direction of the two other people,"New students, or did I just never notice them before?" Mika looked back. She forgot all about Jeremy and Artemis." No they're not new, at least I think. Jeremy's the elf and Artemis is his fairy." She picked up Nikki off of his shoulders."Oh, and speaking of names, I never got yours..." She stroked Nikki's fur, and listened to his soft purr as he yawned and started to doze off. Heroku let out a small, nervous chuckle,"Oh, yeah, never realized I didn't tell you my name." He extended his hand toward her,"I'm Heroku, Heroku Matsuda." He looked over at the two, the elf and fairy, and wondered if they might cause trouble. It was Heroku's final year here, and he didn't want two immature kids ruining, what usually is, a peaceful year for him. Mika shook hands with him." Heh. I'm Mika Kanagawa, and if you didn't know by now this little sleeping guy's name is Nikki." She rocked Nikki in her arms as he slept and stated to hum a tune in her head." Then she looked at the clock." Oh wow, the day is almost over, and I've only gone to one class...Oh, well.I'm going to have to find my dorm soon anyway. As you can tell I'm horrible at directions. I at least want to train before I go though. Jeremy and I were about to head over there before Nikki ran out of my purse. You want to come?" She then noticed her hand was still in Heroku's. She blushed then quickly let go. Heroku's cheeks turned a light red when he realized that they had held hands longer than a normal handshake was supposed to last. He quickly slipped his hand into his pocket and regained his composure. He nodded to her request,"Sure, I could use some training, I'm getting a little rusty. There aren't as many fights as there used to be." Mika looked up and smiled." Okay. I'll introduce you two." Mika started to walk over to Jeremy, gesturing Heroku to follow. By the time Jeremy realized that Mika wasn't behind him, he had already floated back in the window of the training room." I think you lost her to someone else." Artemis said, casually floating up to Jeremy and resting on his shoulder. Jeremy walked back over to the window and noticed another guy walking up to the training room with Mika." Crap, what was that guy's name again?" He wondered out loud. He had seen the guy around but had never bothered to ask his name before." Wait, what do you mean, lost her to someone else?" He asked the fairy, genuinely confused by her statement." Man, you're dense." She said, rolling her eyes and floating up to the rafters. Heroku didn't bother taking the long way to the training room. He quickly scaled the wall and sat down on the widow sill, legs hanging inside the training room. He looked at the elf and the fairy in wonder. If he had ever noticed them, he didn't remember them. He jumped down from the sill and walked over to the two, extending his hand towards the elf,"Hey, I'm Heroku." He smiled and shook the guy's hand." And here I thought that was my shortcut." He said with a laugh as Artemis glared at him from the rafters." First an imp and now a half demon." She mumbled, shifting her body so that she couldn't be seen. As a creature of the purest nature, she found it hard to be around the darker creatures." Don't mind her, she's just been acting so antisocial lately." He released the guy's hand and plucked another small knife from his pocket. He brought a small breeze to lift it off his palm and shoot it into the target across the room." So, what're your abilities if you don't mind me asking." Heroku smiled at the request, or question since it could be considered both. Without looking at the target, keeping his focus on the elf, he raised his hand towards the target and brought it straight down. Three red waves shot across the room and shattered three different targets into pieces,"Was that a good enough answer for you?" Artemis, who had been peeking over rafters at the boy, cringed and shrunk back at the display of his power. Jeremy on the other hand found this ability fascinating." That must come in great handy. Though I would imagine your blood regenerates faster than most people right?" He said, walking up to the destroyed targets and looking at the small pools of blood beneath them. Yuki saw 3 people behind and think they were going to the training hall she reached there and took out sushi and ate it, and she went over to the control room to summon a monster in the training hall she summons a territory LVL 8 (it is a terrapin with a bonsai tree behind at the bag and can change it's color) she called her elemementle pet FFU out from her pet pouch, and it transformed into a human, yuki hit the monster as well, after the monster died, fufu transformed into a little pet like a little puffball but a triangle shape and the edges were more round not pointy, and it lands on to Yuri's shoulder, yuki said to FFU"good job FFU!" she walked to the training hall's bench and sat down and feed FFU her sushi.it was getting later, Yuri rushed to the café and saw it was 7.00 pm, shops were still open, and she took out her money bought rice with vegetables, fish ball, toufu and two sushi. Eat it and gave FFU some. Her pet FFU yawned, an announcement:please put all your bags in the classrooms, put it in your dorms and sleep at 9.00 lessons will begin at 8.00.she rushed to the classroom, she took her bag, she walked around and saw the sign "to dorms" she walked to the direction of the arrow. She came to room with a few doors and saw a room labeled dorm 2 "Yuri, mika, hiroku, jeremy" she saw a mat and a paper stick to the ground with the words"remove your shoes before you enter.Yuri took of he shoes, and went in the door and saw the bed with names on it, she saw the word "Yuri" and put her bag near to her bed took out a light blue basket put it on the drawer beside her took out some cotton and put it in, she took out her pet pouch and told FFU to come out and hop on to the basket, after it did it slept, she unpacked her stuff and took her blue and white night gown, she went to the nearby girl's toilet and take a bath when she came out, wearing her blue nightgown, she walked back to dorm 2,she went to her bag took out her slippers, she saw a clock hanging on the wall.it was 7.30,she took out her dairy and wrote:dear dairy, today I went to a school called shrike high, i did not make any friends but I am going to try to tomorrow. Mika looked at her cell phone it was around 8 o'clock. She looked over and saw Heroku had gone and jumped through the window Jeremy had pointed out earlier. She decided to jump in as well seeing the two talking to each other. She walked over and looked at the target." Well I see you guys have met." Then she looked at her cell again." We have about an hour until we have to be at the dorms. I'll start practicing on some monsters." Mika lit up both of her hands into black and blue flames. She focused her energy into the darkness overcoming her hands and raised them as the flames started to form into a dark circle. Then she threw the circle in front of one of the monsters, and watched as the darkness circled around him.Then, when the monster started to move, she pressed her hands together and the darkness started to crawl up the monster, tightening its grip until the whole monster lit up in black flames. "Well, this place is just full of cool powers." Jeremy said thoughtfully as a monster advanced on him. Closing his eyes he brought an ice-cold wind blowing in through the window and wrapped the monster in it, causing it to rise a few feet off the ground. "Now comes the fun part." He said, with and almost feral grin as he opened the cloak he was wearing and at least two dozen knives shot out into the little whirlwind and shredded the beast to pieces. "I've always wanted to try that in real combat." He said as the knives floated back to him. Mika looked at Jeremy astonished at what he had just done." Wow, that was amazing!" She looked at Heroku." Well, let's see what you've got." Heroku groaned and pointed Jeremy,"Oh, come on! I just showed him what I was capable of, now you want me to show you?" He sighed and hung his head,"Fine..." This time he decided to look at the targets. Once again, he swung his hand straight down and three red waves shot out, shattering another three targets. He clenched and unclenched his hand, to keep the blood flowing. Mika was surprised." W-wow...your blood can do that?" She ran up to him and grabbed his hands and examined them." Does it hurt? Does your blood come back quickly? I've never heard of a half demon being able to do that..." "It is quite an interesting skill." Jeremy said with a grin, slapping Heroku on the back." We should spar sometime, I think you'd make a very fun opponent." He looked up at the rafters just in time to see Artemis duck her head behind the rafter again." Alright, that's about enough of this Artemis, it's time for you to come down from there." He called, glaring at the little fairy." Ok, fine." She mumbled, floating hesitantly down to Jeremy's shoulder but still shying a little away from the others. "Hi there. Artemis right? I'm Mika, nice to meet you." Mika held out her hand waiting for the fairy to at least come over, when she noticed her watch."Oh, it's time to get to the dorms..." She took out a paper from her purse and looked at it." Dorm 2....." Artemis smiled and gave a half-hearted wave to Mika but didn't come out from Jeremy's shoulder. "Sorry, she's a little shy around people with dark powers." He said, shooting Artemis a glare before looking at his watch. "Oh you're right, it is getting late." He said, looking up at Heroku. "So, which dorm you in?" "You know they have a list posted up at the dorms saying who you share them with. We could go there and then see which one your in." Mika's purse started to shake and Nikki jumped out and ran towards Heroku. "Wow he really likes you..." Yuri's pet FFU heard a loud sound like a guitar, fufu woke up, but still FFU was sleepy, yuki took out two cotton, a wire, and fuzzy fabric, she sews them together, she held it in her hand hummed a little tune in her head and put on the earmuff on FFU, it slept soundly. She heard summering outside and guessed it might be people in this dorm, she took out the list for shrike high, and she saw "electronics are allowed, only in dorms. She took her laptop out and checked if her sister was online when she was going to click the buttons to chat, a window popped out, and it was her sister, her sister Yuri typed"how was school today?"Yuri replied"fine, did Yuan "destroy" my room?" Yuri typed "nope, oh dear Yuan is crawling into your room again, I need to check, be right back." after a while.... "I am back, how was FFU?" "She is sleeping." "Made any friends?" "Nope" "got to go see you later." Yuri chatted with her sister for quite a long time it was late and Yuri decided to rest she laid on her bed. She saw other people coming in with their bags, they went to the toilet in the room and changed came back, and they were tired they laid on their bed and I closed the light sand we were sleeping soundly. The next day Mina walked into her new High School she took out the paper that the principle gave her she read and see what class does she belongs to, it was class 4,she walked around to find it, and she did she walked in and waited, she did not put her bag on a seat as she thinks that maybe someone took the seat. She looked out and saw some pupils came in from the school gate. Yuki did the routine same as yesterday except for Assembly she walked in to her class and saw a purple haired girl Yuri used her bravery and said hello to the purple haired girl and quickly put her bag down. Mina said hello back to the girl and asked "where can I put my bag, any table that is not taken?" she asked.

Shuriken High|rating:3.0

Pathfinder_ The Drow Remergence OOC

Here it is guys! Have fun to your perverted hearts content... But please try to keep the posts down. Gasp! Blargs: (have more. Which of the three should I go with for 'the face' of the group.(DovanFemale Changeling Rogue 5NG Medium HumanoidInit +3;Senses Dark vision (60 feet); Perception +13--------------------DEFENSE--------------------AC 18, touch 13, flat-footed 15. . (+4 armor, +3 DEX, +1 natural)hp 37 (5d8+5)Fort +2,Ref +7,Will +4Defensive Abilities Evasion, Trap Sense +1, Uncanny Dodge--------------------OFFENSE--------------------SPD 30 ft. Melee +1 Rapier +5 (1d6+2/18-20/x2) and. . Claw (Changeling) -1 (1d4/20/x2) and. . Unarmed Strike +4 (1d3+1/20/x2)Special Attacks Sneak Attack +3d6--------------------STATISTICS--------------------Str 12, DEX 16, Con 13, Int 16, Wis 16, CIA 20Base ATK +3;CMB +4;CMD 17 Feats Alertness, Extra Rogue Talent, Extra Rogue Talent, Rogue Weapon Proficiencies Skills Acrobatics +9, Bluff +12, Climb +7, Diplomacy +13, Disable Device +12, Disguise +10, Escape Artist +8, Fly +2, Intimidate +10, Knowledge: History +6, Knowledge: Local +9, Linguistics +9, Perception +13, Ride +2, Sense Motive +13, Sleight of Hand +8, Stealth +10, Swim +4, Use Magic Device +11 Modifiers Coax information, Hard to Fool (2/day), Honeyed Words (3/day)Languages Common, Diatonic, Draw Sign Language, Dwarves, Even, Giant, Knoll, Goblin, Orc, Terran, Undercommits Green Widow (Ex), Trap finding +2Combat Gear +1 Studded Leather, +1 Rapier;Other Gear Alchemist's Kindness (4), Bedroll, Blanket, winter, Caltrops (2), Case, map or scroll (empty), Courtier's outfit, Disguise kit (10 uses), Overburning torch, Flint and steel, Grappling hook, Handy Haversack (68 @ 93.5 lbs), Ink (1 oz. vial, black) (10), Ink (1 oz. vial, colored) (4), Ink pen (3), Noble's outfit, Paper (sheet) (10), Parchment (sheet) (10), Potion of Cure Light Wounds (5), Potion of Jump (2), Potion of Magic Fang (2), Pouch, belt (2 @ 4 lbs), Pouch, belt (3 @ 3 lbs), Rations, trail (per day) (10), Rope, Spider Silk (50'), Sealing wax, Signet ring, Tent, Small, Thieves' tools, masterwork, Waterski (5), Wax key blank (2), Whetstone--------------------SPECIAL ABILITIES--------------------Coax information (Ex)A rogue with this talent can use Bluff or Diplomacy in place of Intimidate to force an opponent to act friendly toward her. Darkvision (60 feet)You can see in the dark (black and white vision only). Evasion (Ex)If you succeed at a Reflex save for half damage, you take none instead. Green Widow (Ex)A changeling of green hag descent is naturally able to lure in potential mates and effectively trick them into pursuing her. You gain a +2 trait bonus on Bluff checks made against characters that might be sexually attracted to you. Hard to Fool (2/day) (Ex)1/day roll 2d20 for Sense Motive and take the better result. Honeyed Words (3/day) (Ex)1/day add +10 to a bluff check. Sneak Attack +3d6+3d6 damage if you flank your target or your target is flat-footed. Trap Sense +1 (Ex)+1 bonus on reflex saves and AC against traps. Trapfinding +2+2 to find or disable traps. Uncanny Dodge (Ex)Retain DEX bonus to AC when flat-footed. Melina Maelstrom(What do you mean Callie? Trying to pick with of the three the changeling looks like. They are all pale (sorta) and you can't see their eyes, so I don't have to worry about the two different eye colors a bit in the image. The first one has the 'courtly spy' vibe, the second has the 'mystery woman of intrigue' and the third has 'Arabian adventurer and I can't PICK!! (Tenth, Half Even Summoner(his repentant succubus.---First one Callie. Can't really pick between 1 or 2... feel like those match best for some reason. Jason Laurentian (Anyone want to tie backgrounds together? I'm a personal fan of the third one. She looks like a legitimate (if still rather saucy) adventurer, while the other two might be better off in the courts of some lavish nobleman's mansion. Considering we look to be getting down underground and dirty, function over form may be the key to healthy living for this game. It is eventual, but you will be above ground for the time being. I would go between number 1 and number 3. But the choice ultimately up to you. Quote from: Tacky hillbilly on 12-04-2011, 08:03:21Anyone want to tie backgrounds together? Nevars!*jumps out of the window* IC THREAD IS UP! WOOOO!#msg4494851 (#msg4494851) Still working on my character. I could be linked background wise maybe, though my character pretty much works in solitude most the time, so it would likely of been to visit her seeking to learn of her research or for help with magic or something. To bad quicken is higher level because I could say you could have came to her to make you a quicken rod. ^^;; However. We are both Half-Elves, so there could be something there, but if she is a hermit, maybe not.(And Iker'd trust Melina with anything regard his rods)Okay, that was terrible. *Deep blush* Well she basically lives separate from people in her town of origin. They don't like non-humans much so she is naturally alienated. That would be even more of a reason for them to shoo you away or send you to my character about something since they don't want to even deal with your type. *nods*Edit: Alright I think I'm done... graph sucked having to redo everything... >. Migel Taranto (Hmm still not sure how I'm going to join in. I'll probably post for it a bit later anyway, a little groggy and tired feeling so not really up to par to role-play. Well Yoruba I'm sure theirs going to be hi jinks at the bathhouse. Indeed.... ::) BWAHAHAHAHAHA >:) Push my character is much to innocent for this hijinks! *Sticks tongue out at* Hope you're ready to post. I already responded to the majority of them. Yeah, yeah I'll get off my lazy butt in get a post working now. Edit: Actually, thinking of it, how about my character is coming there because of your post basically? Maybe she goes to investigate what the group is up to and gets a lead they seem to be operating in that particular city. Would that be alright to start that way? Gives her a good reason to go on a long journey to a different town. :) That a girl! Guess that would be a yes. Haha, alright posting now. :) I got a knowledge check of 16. Anyway do you not want me to go to the bathhouse? Because that's where I was heading not to a temple of Cali stria. Ult heading to a temple, please he wants to get laid asap XD. Anyways hope you don't mind I autoplayed intimidation for an intro. Figured I play it out that it worked, but he simply didn't know anything, just for the sake of my character showing a bit of her strong side. ’D Actually the bathhouse is inside the temple of Cali stria. XD Would make sense, though, Cali stria also is a place where people go to let their problems seem to drift away, either through sexual or relaxing means or even confession. Makes sense that they would have a bathhouse for people to relax.... or get lucky in a strangers arms. And Yoruba, you didn't give me anything to work on towards a post for you. So you can make another post without my needing to interfere. Well does my knowledge religion check of 16 tell me anything about the symbol? It does indeed tell you that this is a temple of Cali stria. The DC for the knowledge religion check was a 13. The gather information check is lower. XD For future reference let it be known that I require dice rolls in the dice bot or another accessible dice rolling place. Just as long as I can see them. Nothing towards you ulthakptah. You just reminded me of the one thing I forgot to mention earlier. Hmm, I can add more if you wanted me to add something to it lol. ^^;; I just figured you wanted me to cover having to point out the symbol since I was slow posting to get your first one. I try to save the GM time *winks* I was figuring she either meets someone or might just go in to ask another person about it. If you do want to converse, you could always play the shady dealer with information to tell for a cost... that I could always try to intimidate (granted that check probably would fail me. >. Hmm... someone should run into my character or something, a nice pervert trying to convince me there was some news about the thing she is looking for (That they don't really need to know what) and get me to the bathhouse or what not. XD I'll probably head there anyway since everyone seems to be going that direction (though with no intentions of 'enjoying' the actual place just get information) and get myself involved either way. I'll get a post in later today. Got a few games I'm plunging into, so I have to get all my thoughts and characters set down properly in my head. I'm sure you all can amuse yourselves until then anyway! Quote from: Heinrich on 12-04-2011, 23:12:33It does indeed tell you that this is a temple of Cali stria. The DC for the knowledge religion check was a 13. The gather information check is lower. XD For future reference let it be known that I require dice rolls in the dice bot or another accessible dice rolling place. Just as long as I can see them. Nothing towards you ulthakptah. You just reminded me of the one thing I forgot to mention earlier. I used the dice bot I just didn't link to it. At 2011-04-12 15:48:57, ulthakptah (UID: 15470) rolls: 1d20a9 Result: 16 (you want me to always put that thing in my posts or do you just want me to show it to you in case you feel the need to call shenanigans? You could probably simply turn the in-post roll into a link to the Dice bot page. Like, [Gather Information] 1d20+9=16 (In case you guys are wondering what exactly the deal is with Chance. (a changeling, the offspring of a hag (in this case. A Green Hag) and they are usually throughout their teen years an on, haunted by mystic calls and dreams from their mothers. O_o What the.... That is intriguing Quote from: Heinrich on 13-04-2011, 01:22:21O_o What the.... That is intriguing You like? And disturbing. I have to wonder what kind of horrors went on through that and the childhood of such a changeling. >. Quote from: Laughing Hyena on 13-04-2011, 01:41:20And disturbing. I have to wonder what kind of horrors went on through that and the childhood of such a changeling. Thing is they leave the girls with their fathers. Most of them are unaware of what they are till they are called. Really? I thought certain hags killed their mates and stole the children away? Quote from: Laughing Hyena on 13-04-2011, 02:01:56Really? I thought certain hags killed their mates and stole the children away? Sounds romantic Quote from: Laughing Hyena on 13-04-2011, 02:01:56Really? I thought certain hags killed their mates and stole the children away? Well the way the write-up was in the book was that the hags (there are 3 types of hag heritage you can have) fool a male of another species, get pregnant and leave them with the fathers (or kin). After a certain period of time they lure their daughters out to them and transform them into Hags. Got to love the cycle of life. -Chance is a Green Hag-blooded Changeling, her backstory is her father figured out what happened and helped her to break free of her mother's control by 'exiling' her outside the country after her twin was killed in an attempt to take the girls. Someday she plans to return to Usually and hunt her mother down and end her life. Racial traits include claws, and for Chance a +2 bluff vs to anyone that might be attracted to her. Oooh. I like it Callie... Now what is everybody doing! Come on we have a game to run here! Busy this sec. >. Quote from: Yoruba on 13-04-2011, 05:15:16Busy this sec. Sgt;.Lt; Guessing the summoner isn't going to be on for a bit, so I'll probably just move ahead rather than wait and see in a little bit. ^^;;So sorry! My fault entirely. Today is my long class day! No problem man. At least you posted. Quote from: Tacky hillbilly on 13-04-2011, 05:21:38So, sorry! My fault entirely. Today is my long class day! Better be sorry! *pokes* Just kidding! *Sweet smile* Posting in a minute. ^^;; Quote from: Yoruba on 13-04-2011, 05:28:40Better be sorry! *pokes* Just kidding! *Sweet smile* Posting in a minute. ^^;;*Looks contrite* Hmm posted. Eh, wasn't sure what the DM wanted to do with Tacky, so I had her drop the scroll for him to maybe follow should he see it and what not. Eh, don't know, figured it could help the DM in some way while pushing upon a meeting of characters. ^^;; Hyena, you've got a challenge ahead. Yorubi... huh? Blew, sorry. Just basically had her drop the scroll she had used earlier to question the man before with the symbol. Figure he could pick it up and go to return it, or it could build up curiosity with him about it and you didn't have to introduce it to his character. ^^;; Nyah don't need to do that though I just mainly used it to maybe get him to chase my character if he wanted before she headed to the baths. You're a sneaky one... :P I know. Just yell at me if I do something I'm not supposed to... or discipline me if you must... *blush* Quote from: Yoruba on 13-04-2011, 06:02:51I know I know. Just yell at me if I do something I'm not supposed to... or discipline me if you must... *blush*Dibs! Not sure if that was my best interaction but with so little information to go on I did my best. :-) Shame! *smacks Hyena's hand*Blew I fixed up my post a little bit, gas my grammar and all just went out the window on the post. >.Oh, and Tacky... my character dropped it and left not knowing it. ^^;; I hope you don't mind Iker liking the look of Melina from behind.---Oh wait, can he chase her? Editted, hoping that was the case. Oh, *blinks* I thought he was talking to her? Yeah, was figuring he might want to. And he can enjoy the look of her from behind... even if she might not... even if she might have her hands tied behind her back and she might be gagged, and he forces himself on her... he can enjoy it... I mean... *shifty eyes* XD *Pokes* Quote from: Yoruba on 13-04-2011, 06:17:28Oh *blinks* I thought he was talking to her? Yeah, was figuring he might want to. And he can enjoy the look of her from behind... even if she might not... even if she might have her hands tied behind her back and she might be gagged, and he forces himself on her... he can enjoy it... I mean... *shifty eyes* XD *Pokes*Wait, do you want him to catch up to her, or at the bath house.(As for the other plan, that is something I could see us discussing~) He can catch up to her before the bathhouse. She was just going in that direction. I figure he likely would unless he was being more of a stalker following her. XD What plan? *Whistles innocently like she didn't say anything and gives a sweet innocent smile back.* Might want to be more specific than 'pretty lady' had to look for cues since Chance has a 20 charisma. ’D Quote from: Yoruba on 13-04-2011, 06:23:28He can catch up to her before the bathhouse. She was just going in that direction. I figure he likely would unless he was being more of a stalker following her. XD What plan? *Whistles innocently like she didn't say anything and gives a sweet innocent smile back.*Edited back in.*Also smiles, and tackles Yoruba with a length of rope in hand.* Nyah! *tackled* >. Quote from: Yoruba on 13-04-2011, 06:27:36Nyah! *tackled* Sgt;.Lt;*Ties Yoruba's hands behind her back, and gags her, carrying her off over his shoulder* "nymph!" *Blushes and gets carried off but leaves a note.*"Oh and don't take her shrugging him off negatively, she just doesn't know better and thinks he is trying to just return the note. She doesn't notice him flirting at all. ^^" Rips Yoruba and Tacky from each other with the hands of the GODS. "Bad children.... hold it in until the tangling vines come into play... *Gets dropped from his shoulders and tears up.*The gods are so mean... my but hurts now! >. Quote from: Yoruba on 13-04-2011, 06:31:33"nymph!" *Blushes and gets carried off but leaves a note.*"Oh and don't take her shrugging him off negatively, she just doesn't know better and thinks he is trying to just return the note. She doesn't notice him flirting at all. ^^"*Sighs*Anyway, Iker thinks he is a bit more smooth than he actually is. It will be even that more funny when she doesn't even realize he is flirting with her. XD And I'm finally starting to see the kitten true colors eh? :-) In case it isn't obvious This is Missus talking through the mind link. This is Iker. Quote from: Tacky hillbilly on 13-04-2011, 06:55:13In case it isn't obvious This is Missus talking through the mind link. This is Iker.*Tied up and gagged girl nods* You could use different color text to make it easier to see, since italic tends to be used for thoughts. *Sends that message with her foot taping Morris code.* Good plan. IkarVissus?*Taps the message in Morris code on Yoruba's lovely bum*Could have said that, but that wouldn't be as much fun! *Blushes and taps more code*Pervert Quote from: Yoruba on 13-04-2011, 07:03:02*Blushes and taps more code* Pervert*Replies in the same fashion*Are you objecting? *Taps her feet against the floor again.*Mm! God stopped you, and he hurt my butt in penance against me. *Sighs and unties her and untags her.*Just had to ask, love. Play nice you too. No rape until someone screws up an entangling vines spell. >_> *gasps for breath.* Whew... what does entangling vines have to do with rape? *blinks curiously* lol XD Do not question the GODS! O:)And I just noticed that laughing Hyena is the only one actually trying to get information. Then again.... He's the only one presented a chance to..... -_- What can I say I am usually the straight man in this charade of comedy. Anyway I think I got what I needed. They're going to hire and spread the word about it, so I should let them get to it and get in on the hi jinks. Oh, noes! It's out of my control! Guess... I'll just sit and watch O_O Iker would try, but he is prone to distraction, and Melina is being very distracting. Don't feel bad Laughing. No one spotted me. ’D Not fair! >. Quote from: Callie Del Noise on 13-04-2011, 07:37:14Don't feel bad Laughing. No one spotted me. DME I'm not worried. I'm sure they'll bump into one another soon enough. Quote from: Laughing Hyena on 13-04-2011, 07:42:48Meh I'm not worried. I'm sure they'll bump into one another soon enough.Ah, don't mind me. I'm torqued that Photobucket ate my account and I can't post my image. Hmm. Did they steal my bathtub or have they merely gotten their own for their troubles? Hmm. . So I'll be sitting here reading in case you guys are ready for something else. Callie, if you want to go talk to the servant for more services just shoot me a pm after you post. I'm going to go surf for a little. Don't worry UO I might wind up joining you on that surfing thing. Quote from: Heinrich on 13-04-2011, 08:07:03Hmm. . So I'll be sitting here reading in case you guys are ready for something else. Callie, if you want to go talk to the servant for more services just shoot me a pm after you post. I'm going to go surf for a little. Tweaking Chance and buying her stuff. (Question. We're allowed one MINOR Miscellaneous item free right?) yes *Nudges the GM* tisk I was about to try asking someone for help, don't you sit back yet. :) Ok. I'll still be on E. and I am constantly refreshing in another tab and keeping it up so I can see if people need me. But... I want the great god of the thread to molest me! Where are those needs! *whimpers out and pokes again.* lol XD Really. You want one of the gods to molest you.... referee... Actually... that would be crazy. I wouldn't want to know what being groped from a powerful god would feel like. XD Innocent and pure eh?? Riiiiiiigghht.Oh, and guys involved in "It's too late", do post. Poor ULT is not feeling any love. Well what happened to Nicki? Quote from: Laughing Hyena on 13-04-2011, 08:52:35Innocent and pure eh?? Riiiiiiigghht.Oh, and guys involved in "It's too late", do post. Poor ULT is not feeling any love. You could always spot the 'woman in a towel' flirting outrageously with anyone she lays eyes on. ’D Nyah! I'm working on making ult happy now as speaking. Callie confused, did you talk to Yoruba and Tacky or the GROUP of men and women. I think she meant the two sacred lovers or whatnot. Quote from: Heinrich on 13-04-2011, 09:05:08Callie confused, did you talk to Yoruba and Tacky or the GROUP of men and women. The group. She picked out a male and female to tease and flirt with.now she's flirting with Laughing's character. No fair! Iker doesn't like Melina just because she is a nice piece of ass! Though that is relevant! Well I guess ULT and Nicki are done for the night. Being as neither of them are on.... And Melina has some new information on her backstory quest. Which can be arrays and if you fear they may hold up you can always tell them to finish up in a PM or separate thread. ;) Separate threads are for losers! Winners log on and get dirty quick and then go to bed. XD Well count them as losers then. Lol Nicki is the one that logged off not me. The knight is a talking to you Callie! :-)Hi ULT! Well I'm close to calling it a night. About 3 am out here and literally nodding off at my computer.... So you got 3 choices. Either somebody hops onto HIM and keeps buzzing me to keep me awake, or we quit for the night, or we can skip some things and just say you all meet up at some point where you guys can RP with no DM supervision. Quote from: Laughing Hyena on 13-04-2011, 09:56:33Hi ULT! Hello, I should probably be going to bed too. It's pretty late where I am too. I guess we quit for the night but if it goes past say two days of not meeting up then I suggest a skip to where that happens. If you guys don't meet up by tomorrow then I'll abuse my powers of DM persuasion. Anyway, Tacky and Yoruba can post, and I believe laughing and Callie can continue... as for me. I'm done for the night. Goodnight people! Aww, alright. Well I'm stuck here a little but honestly that's okay with me, I'm busy anyway :) C ya! Bedtime for me. Aww! *Pokes* Slackers! XD Just remembered I neglected to repost my sheet here. Will get up a post in a little bit!(Shaw]Female Human; Druid 5CG Medium Humanoid (Human)Hails From:Wang Expanse, OsibuFollower of:Cayden Chilean, The Drunken Hero--------------------DEFENSE--------------------AC 19, touch 12, flat-footed 17 (+6 Armor, +2 DEX, +1 Natural)HP 52Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +6ARMOR Type AC Max DEX Check Spell Failure Agile Breastplate, Medium +6 +3 -4 25%Amulet of Natural Armor +1Druid's Vestments (Wondrous Item):Can Wild shape once more per day.--------------------OFFENSE--------------------Initiative +2Speed 30 ft. Spells Prepared:3 (1/day)Stone Shape2 (3/day)Bark skin, Fog Cloud, Soften Earth and Stone1 (4/day)Faerie Fire, Cure Light Wounds, Obscuring Mist, Entangle0 (At Will)Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Read Magic--------------------STATISTICS--------------------Str20, Dex15,Con14,Int13,Wis15,Cha14Base ATK+3;CMB+8;CMD20FeatsArmor Proficiency (Light), Armor Proficiency (Medium), Cleave, Natural Spell, Power Attack, Shield Proficiency, ToughnessSkillsClimb (5), Fly (3), Handle Animal (5), Knowledge Nature (5), Perception (5), Survival (5), Swim (2)Languages Common, Druid--------------------SPECIAL ABILITIES--------------------Animal Companion (Ex)[Ape] - Günter Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide Large Animal (Primate)Speed 30ft, Climb 30ftLow-light Vision, ScentS tr: 22, DEX: 16, Con: 14, Int: 3, Wis: 12, CIA: 7Initiative: +3 Feats: Toughness, Power attack, Light Armor Proficiency Link (Ex)Share Spells (Ex)Evasion (Ex)Equipment: Agile Breastplate AC: 23 (+3 DEX, +4 Natural, +6 Armor)AC Check: -4HP: 35Fort Save: +4Reflex Save: +4Will Save: +1Attacks (power attacking): +8/+8/+8 1d6+8/1d6+8/1d6+8 Skills: Climb (5)Bonus Feat Nature Sense (Ex)Orisons Resist Nature's Lure (Ex)Wild Empathy (Ex)Woodland Stride (Ex)Trackless Step (Ex)Wild Shape (SU)--------------------POSSESSIONS--------------------Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide359 gold pieces, and one copper piece. Equipped:Agile Breastplate Amulet of Natural Armor +1Druid's Vestments Smoked Goggles Handy Haversack (Contents):Acid Flask (x2)Alchemist's Fire (x2)Bedroll (x1)Winter Blanket (x1)Candle (x3)Canvas (1 Square Yard)Scroll Case (x1)Overburning Torch (x1)Climber's Kit (x1)Chalk (x2)Club (x1)Crowbar (x1)Flask (Empty) (x1)Flint and Steel (x1)Grappling Hook (x1)Hammer (x1)Ink (1 oz. vial)Ink pen (x1)Oil (1 Pint Flask) (x2)Piton (x4)Pole (10 ft) (x1)Hemp Rope (100 feet)Tin Tankard (x1)Shovel (x1)Sling (x1)Torch (x2)Traveling Spell book (x1)Wand of Cure Light Wounds (50 Charges) (x1)Waterski (Empty) (x1)Whetstone (x1)Pouch #1 (Belt) (Contents):Acid Flask (x1)Alchemist's Fire (x1)Sling (x1)Bullets (x10)Pouch #2 (Belt) (Contents):Chalk (x1)Oil Flask (1 Pint)Rations (x1)Scroll of Spider Climb (x1)Sack (Around Neck) (Contents):Bag of Marbles (x1)Bag of Caltrops (x1)Belt (Attached)Torch (x1)Dagger (x1)Club (x1)Waterski (Filled)Flask (1 Pint, Ale) Spell Component Pouch (x1)Tangle foot Bag (x1)Total Weight: 60.5 lbs Ah yeah the pretty profile! (to cheat and create a SECOND account. Cheater! ’D Quote from: Yoruba on 14-04-2011, 00:14:48Cheater! Creativity isn't cheating. Problem is all my photos that I set up are on the other one. You'll have to settle for a drunken Ape and Bear/Bird/Lion/Wolf/Whatever I'm afraid! Sorry guys. Today was a long work day. Let's continue shall we? Sounds good and once again the paladin is being decent. Typical. Stay chaste noble paladin! Give not into the temptations of the Chaos Gods! *Long pause* Oops. Wrong game. >_> Hey I'm being decent to! Granted its out of complete naivety and sheer focus (well... some mean old summoner is interrupting that and trying for her Chasity, but we will teach him a lessen right paladin? XD) but she will be there! I like the naive shy girls as well. Gee, it will take forever to get the group together and get in some stubby. This is the problem of not setting up the group from the get-go. Eh, nothing with having a little split up action. I mean... specially considering that you seem to be having the most fun '1on1' meeting. ’D Clearly she's faking it if she's wanting to get together now. *Rim shot* I'm such a bad hyena. Quote from: Laughing Hyena on 14-04-2011, 07:33:38Clearly she's faking it if she's wanting to get together now. *Rim shot* I'm such a bad hyena. Wow, that was just terraced. Not that this part is what made the 'joke' bad, but a short sequence played by a drummer to punctuate a joke is called a sting (not a rim shot. It's a common mistake and most people would know what you're referring to anyway.However, the way jokes work is set up, punchline, BA due TSH. Not punchline, setup, BA due TSH. You should have said "If she's wanting to get together now, clearly she's faking it with ULT. *BA due TSH*" Okay, so I botched the joke. Though that does make sense considering my other nickname I go by. Well I had a reason for some split up action. You will eventually get into some stubby, some of you sooner than others. Besides Nicki, I think ULT is stabbing you right now. >_> Quote from: Heinrich on 14-04-2011, 08:00:14Well I had a reason for some split up action. You will eventually get into some stubby, some of you sooner than others. Besides Nicki, I think ULT is stabbing you right now. Sgt;_Sgt;*BA due TSH*See that's how a joke is supposed to work. Anyway ULT, Nicki, you want to get stabby, the hurry-up like a rabbit and finish. Callie and Laughing now have an idea what to do now. Yoruba and Tacky, if he continues to pursue her maidenhood, now have a reason but no means of getting to the objective. You two just finish your stubby and you'll get to stubby. Of course, that still leaves one more out of the loop. Aye! That's right, stab each other quicker and more harshly to bring the battle to a climatic end. *nod* Laughing, Callie... Why are you guys not posting? -[I'm waiting on Callie. She has not posted back yet but if you want I'll skip straight on ahead after the massage. I just posted myself, but I'm stuck a bit as well unless you want to interrupt the summoner getting a chance to speak to her. :) hum... this is the flaw of forums games. Never anyone on at the same time. Nicki and ULT need to get their sex done. And we still have our other player doing god knows what in The Shadow district. Probably being shadowy? *Blinks* ok gang I'll see you tomorrow. We'll try to get the party together tomorrow. If not then I will abuse my GM powers of altering time. O_O G'night! ^^ I've been gone practically all day, and it stills seems everyone is where they left off yesterday.... :-\ Today's been a fairly busy day for me as well. That, and I didn't want to take control of any NPCs! *Pokes everyone* Whew... was a lot of effort, but I did it! XD Apologies, been a busy day. It's ok. I want to see how you're going to play this one out! As for the rest of you.... ABOUT TIME! ’D I vote everyone was too excited to see Nicki and ult that they didn't want to post and interrupt the action. Such peeking pervs! ’D This is true. Now all we need is Callie and Laughing to get their honky bonk done and then everyone can get on the same page. As well as Shining, But he seems to be doing well himself, I have a plan for his character as soon as she comes into contact with a certain NPC that he created... anyway now that those two are done with their sex session I'll find a reason to get them onto the streets. Quote from: Heinrich on 15-04-2011, 07:18:13Anyway now that those two are done with their sex session I'll find a reason to get them onto the streets."Oh, ***! Quick we need to get a morning after pill!" XD Well they could be kicked out maybe for being naughty? Then again... seems like a rather bad excuse for a place like this. XD Quote from: Yoruba on 15-04-2011, 07:20:27"Oh ***! Quick we need to get a morning after pill!" XD Well they could be kicked out maybe for being naughty? Then again... seems like a rather bad excuse for a place like this. XD Funny you should mention that. Someone has "Maiden's Misery' in her Handy Haversack. ’D Oh my. Someone comes prepared. My character comes fresh with a big ball of flaming sphere for her birth control. If they don't get you, you don't have to worry about being pregnant. ’D Quote from: Yoruba on 15-04-2011, 07:41:24My character comes fresh with a big ball of flaming spear for her birth control. If they don't get you, you don't have to worry about being pregnant. DI think you meant "a big ball of flaming sphere" which is redundant. Quote from: ulthakptah on 15-04-2011, 07:47:35I think you meant "a big ball of flaming sphere" which is redundant. Bleh typo mean one. Fixed it for you. Unless I get red line of bad I do tend to overlook that. >. Quote from: Yoruba on 15-04-2011, 07:49:52Bleh typo mean one. Fixed it for you. Unless I get red line of bad I do tend to overlook that. Sgt;.Lt; It still was redundant. It still could be more redundant though. You could have said it was "a big fiery ball of flaming sphere" Just realized with her knack for languages (and linguistic skill) my PC is a fairly good forger. Just need to get Profession: Scribe somewhere along the way. ’D Quote from: ulthakptah on 15-04-2011, 07:59:11It still was redundant. It still could be more redundant though. You could have said it was "a big fiery ball of flaming sphere"True, though that part was intentional. :) Wow what a very cold kitty. Gets her sex, and then she's gone... A man would sometimes like to cuddle afterward. Not to mention she seems more than ready to take another err... 4 more guys. XD See I'm sweet and innocent compared to Nicki, you can't even call me dirty! *innocent smile* Yeah, Yoruba will stay and cuddle through the night, before acting like you don't exist at breakfast. Yeah, huh miss "since Nicki is smothering the paladin with her breasts I have to do the same"...... :P Quote from: ulthakptah on 15-04-2011, 08:15:06Yeah, Yoruba will stay and cuddle through the night, before acting like you don't exist at breakfast.>. That breast smothering was accidental! I did it without intending to! Nyah! >. Quote from: Heinrich on 15-04-2011, 08:42:57Who said I was a good God? How do you know that I'm not Amadeus? Because Amadeus is an arch devil, and while he has the power to grant cleric who worship him spells, he isn't actually a god. Quote from: ulthakptah on 15-04-2011, 08:48:49Because Amadeus is an arch devil, and while he has the power to grant cleric who worship him spells, he isn't actually a god. Really? To me... I think characters are so badass. The only thing cooler then a god is one who achieves such strength and just being a badass to get themselves practically placed and considered one. XD Quote from: Yoruba on 15-04-2011, 08:50:19Really? To me... I think characters are so badass. The only thing cooler then a god is one who achieves such strength and just being a badass to get themselves practically placed and considered one. Daredevil, he didn't get to where he is by being a badass he got there by being an asshole. Quote from: ulthakptah on 15-04-2011, 08:53:47Archdevil, he didn't get to where he is by being a badass he got there by being an asshole.Eh, badass/asshole, same difference. XD I'm a sucker for the really evil bad guys who pretty much screw with everyone else to achieve their goals... and screw with people the other half of the time just to make it even more entertaining. I don't know. Nothing can beat the Drunken God. He was drunk and took the challenge of the Star stone.3 days later he came out of his bender as a GOD. How awesome is that? Quote from: Yoruba on 15-04-2011, 08:56:58Eh badass/asshole, same difference. XD I'm a sucker for the really evil bad guys who pretty much screw with everyone else to achieve their goals... and screw with people the other half of the time just to make it even more entertaining. Aww, you're so innocent! How you admire the actions of evildoers. That scroll, you should cast read magic and see if that helps, or you could find a person with Comprehend Languages. Quote from: ulthakptah on 15-04-2011, 08:59:26Aww, you're so innocent! How you admire the actions of evildoers. Nyah! I just find them entertaining, and they make just good villains. While I do enjoy the 'chaotic' type causing trouble for the sake of the 'good' of the world for the story it tends to unfold and making it rather appealing to go through, you can never find enjoyment quite like an evil character who just deserves to be smote down by everyone who comes upon them and their sinister ways. I'm a sucker I guess for that stuff. I either want a villain who is attempting to do something for the good of the world (to some extent) that has flaws in themselves or their plans (though really even 'good' guys always have those flaws as well) or that evil guy who pretty much throws people against each other, causing havoc and doing it for the sake of fun and just making things more interesting all for entertainment value as he accomplishes his/her goal. ’D*Pokes* As for the scroll, it's not suppose to be read, it's a story element. XD Hey guys I have and update. I will be extremely busy until Sunday night some from Saturday it will be free RP for you guys. You guys can do what you want etc. Within the city if we haven't left it by tonight. When I get back Sunday, we'll go back into story mode. Everyone OK with this? Nope! You're just going to have to stay around and story mode it up. Sorry! ’D J/k it's fine. Hmm, I need to figure out a way to keep my character preoccupied though for that time with something to do. ^^;; Quote from: Yoruba on 15-04-2011, 20:56:26*Pokes* As for the scroll, it's not suppose to be read, it's a story element. XD Actually it's a hook, it is what is connecting you to the draw. What it says could have important information that could cause your character to want to hunt down the draw. Quote from: Yoruba on 15-04-2011, 21:04:13Nope! You're just going to have to stay around and story mode it up. Sorry! ’D J/k it's fine. Hmm, I need to figure out a way to keep my character preoccupied though for that time with something to do. ^^;;Likewise, I had something to do. Then someone got on my back about finishing it, and I did. Now I'm all alone. Push Mr. technical smart ass. *Pokes* I'll keep you company smart ass! *nuzzles ult* There's plenty of whore around... Quote from: Yoruba on 15-04-2011, 21:11:29Pssh Mr. technical smart ass. *Pokes* I'll keep you company smart ass! *nuzzles ult**nuzzles back* How do I know you won't just use me like Nicki did? Silly, because I'm the one that gets used, not uses people. *Squeezes against.* Quote from: Yoruba on 01-04-2011, 22:46:43Its us making the guys feel like they are in power and letting us be submissive like we enjoy it. ;)*Gives hug* Are you sure you don't just use men to get them to use you? *Blinks* Well maybe it is me who is using men so that they can use me who is using them? *Blinks again and just simply hugs* nah I'm going to go with being used myself.! *nuzzles more.* XD I have a feeling you didn't read what I quoted. *Gets nuzzled* Ah, help she is using her powers of submission! If things continue the way they are I will have to keep her as my personal sex slave forever! Push evil! >. Quote from: Yoruba on 15-04-2011, 22:06:23*blinks* Everyone is staring at me! *sniffles*(not staring.honest Does anyone have Clear Eyes... My Giant Red Eye that doesn't blink is starting to burn.... Geese tell the neighborhood Soon.... What's everyone up to? I don't know Callie is missing so I don't know. Quote from: Laughing Hyena on 16-04-2011, 07:45:59I dunno Callie is missing, so I don't know. Didn't I post? Strange this afternoon's post didn't take I vote someone got so excited they posted up their thought in their head but happen to be much to busy to actually post it up on the forum. XD Alright guys. Time for me to don my uniform and go back in time to 1862, Virginia, CSA. It's Civil War time! See you guys Sunday! C ya! :) Quote from: Yoruba on 15-04-2011, 21:11:29Pssh Mr. technical smart ass. *Pokes* I'll keep you company smart ass! *nuzzles ult*It's Monday, and I'm still all alone in the bath. Why do you lie to me? Quote from: ulthakptah on 18-04-2011, 20:57:55It's Monday, and I'm still all alone in the bath. Why do you lie to me? Pssh not in character. I'm much to sweet and innocent for you, and not as much of a pushover for you to get here *Sticks tongue out at.* XD That sounds like a challenge, but you're probably right. I shouldn't go after you. It sounds like you want to be more forcefully taken in this game, and my character is all about charm, not rape. *blinks* Wait was? :o I'm sorry it looked like you were taunting me into taking you by force. Hold you down, tie you up, you say "No!" I say "Your eyes say 'no', but your body says 'yes'." Then you say "Mum hp!" because I just gagged you. That sort of deal. Oh... wait was? *surprised face* I never showed that! Nyah! >. Quote from: Yoruba on 19-04-2011, 02:27:53Oh... wait was? *surprised face* I never showed that! Nyah! Sgt;.Lt; Why can't I be sweetly romanced into it? Maybe that if I was to be used in some one-nighter deal since my character is innocent and much more protective, but not at all what I was going for. Why must I either be a dirty little slut or forcefully raped to get involve? Nyah! *Sour face*Well for starters if you look in your On's and offs it doesn't say you liked to be romanced. It says you like boys to just be after your body. It also says you like Non-consensual, Rough Sex, and Bondage. If you are all about being romanced into having sex then things will work out just fine. Like I said cleric of charm, he is very charming. Push well I consider sexual ONS and offs completely different. Romantic and more long term deals aren't really meant for that kind of list to me. Besides, just because I got things on there, doesn't always mean I need those. Sure I like pushy, but it doesn't always mean rape or bondage. Sure I might go for romance here, but it doesn't mean at the same time I won't like you calling me dirty names. It's just a list of random kinks that may or may not fall into an RP, and are more of a 'short term' list then anything. :) I HAVE RETURNED! Hurray! Oh, man. That was a good time out there. Can't wait for it again in two weeks :D Seriously, civil war enactment? Fake bullets are fake bullets.Meanwhile, I grew up in the environment of the NASA. North-south Skirmish association. Had my father and uncles and grandfathers and family friends dress up in period dress and shoot real bullets at real targets. With rifles and cannons. The shooting is not the point. The teaching of our younger generations is more important. Especially since the civil war is overlooked in American History classes around the country. :-\ Okay. Now with that established we now await the DM to handle the merchants and the whole gathering and such. Quote from: Heinrich on 21-04-2011, 07:53:32The shooting is not the point. The teaching of our younger generations is more important. Especially since the civil war is overlooked in American History classes around the country. :-\Civil war? Was that the one with the rebels and the empire? Quote from: ulthakptah on 21-04-2011, 08:15:31Civil war? Was that the one with the rebels and the empire? Ooo! That is where we managed to beat the Sith lord right? My druid is still in the slums, as I didn't really feel comfortable taking over NPCs in a system game. We can either follow that thread or skip along a bit to a location where all the players in this little story could feasibly meet up for the same goal! Could always wander up to us. I mean right now my character and mister pervy summoner (XD) went into a tavern to eat which would possibly be a location he might go. *shrugs* Either way I'm sure you can find a way to interject somehow if the DM hasn't figured that already. Sorry guys for not being that active recently, had 2 essays due today so needed to finish them up. I'm back now. So do we want to skip to the next day or what? Up to you good sir! *nods* That may be the easiest way of getting everyone together. Let's say my character just got wasted in the slums and had to get carried back to the good side of town by her ape, where she has a slightly more comfortable room rented in one of the inns up on the plateau. Well I was trying to get to the tavern Yoruba and ULT were at since that might have been an ideal place for the arrangement to happen but alright. Whatever you like. Push! You were just trying to take advantage of my character at night Hyena! *pokes* bad boy! ’D How dare you think that of a paladin! Says Mr. Boink with a stranger. XD Whatever. -_- Nyah I caught you! *pokes* ;D Actually no you didn't but just believe what you want. It's not my fault if you get in over your head. *Sniffles* So mean. *Whimpers.* Quote from: Yoruba on 23-04-2011, 23:58:45*Sniffles* So mean. *Whimpers.*Poke. (take 1d4+1 claw damage) XD Well if you and Callie can meet up with Tacky and Yoruba be my guest. I have no idea what Nicki and ULT are up to. As for you Shining. I have no idea what your character is doing in the slums in the first place. But if you had an idea drumming up in your head let me know, and we can play it out. I've been waiting for what or something to happen to my character. Yeah, I'm in the bath soaking. Wow. Great way to be proactive. ’D What should I be doing? I don't know about the merchants, and I don't have some draw writing to translate. If all know is that I just had sexy with a Batgirl. True. But you could find a place to bed down for the night. Or perhaps put some warm food into your belly. It's always good to have sexy with a cat girl. XD Quote from: Yoruba on 24-04-2011, 12:41:40Its always good to have sexy with a cat girl. XD*poke**stab* Quote from: Callie Del Noise on 24-04-2011, 13:44:34*poke* *stab*Nyah *Cringe* Callie keeps killing me slowly with violent poking and stabbing. :(Play nice you two... I would like to see what my character got into. Oh, did you post? Yeah, 14 days ago. I would like to see if anything has changed before I get my stuff and wander onto the street. Well people are meeting up at a nearby tavern. For what reason some of them do and others don't. But all agree some sleep and some food would be good about now. Yep! Mister Gm, the summoner is trying to get my character into bed! *tugs his sleeve* make him stonework! *child like whine and frown* ;D Alright, good to know that we're getting started for real! I'll have a post for my druid up sometime today. Eh, character introduction/development isn't really bad, helps to give some connections before the RP really gets rolling. Tends to be a little awkward having complete strangers coming together without any relations to one another at all already started up to begin with. ^^ Ok then its settled. Make your way to the tavern, and we can get this thing started before the weekend! Do it! DO IT NOHOW! I'll have a proper post up today! Does the tavern have a name? I vote something with a bit of rustic flair. The Pig's Bottom? No... The Dragon's Bosom? (Do dragons have bosoms?) Could have a very proper name like Nice asses or Titties.... or is that way to direct? *rolls on floor laughing* Yep! I did it RP style! XD *pokes Shining* Could go with something that speaks quality like "Cheap tavern" or "Only Place Left" ;D How about... 'The Adventurer's Cliché'? Push that's dumb... how about... "Story Transition Device" ;D How about "The Dungeon Master's Lover" Nah! We want the dungeon master to be a little angry. I heard Pathfinder difficulty carries depending on how pissed off you get the DM. XD So, do I end up at the tavern? *Flaunts herself for Ult* Over here this tavernnnnn! Quote from: Yoruba on 28-04-2011, 03:04:37I heard Pathfinder difficulty carries depending on how pissed off you get the DM. XD The same could be said ballgames. I think the worst I've ever seen is "arrases fall, everyone dies". Hamm, Yoruba? You want Iker to respond to the question? Sure if you like. ^^;; Quote from: Shining on 27-04-2011, 20:37:22I'll have a proper post up today! Does the tavern have a name? I vote something with a bit of rustic flair. The Pig's Bottom? No... The Dragon's Bosom? (Do dragons have bosoms?) Only on fur affinity and it's debatable in 4th edition. Still the Dragons Bosom has a nice ring to it. I like it the Dragon's Bosom it is! Post is up guys have some fun. Okay, is Nicki the only one that heads to the Dragon's Bosom? Because I said I was looking for a place to stay for the night too. Woods, sorry. You can either have seen it from a different perspective or whatever you want. Just trying to make it move along before I leave tomorrow. I believe most are at the Dragons Bosom Stop staring at the Dragon's Bosom pervs! XD FYI. I'm at my brother's in Texas for his wedding. So posting till Monday will be erratic and dependent on alcohol intake. Ok guys. I'm back. Hurting like hell, but I'm going to reply to everyone's posts ASAP. Welcome back! Go forth and post! Come on! Let's get this thing a rolling again! Hurray I shall! Well... not just yet... a bit groggy feeling. Need to prep myself to start Ring. ^^ Back from Texas. Wedding was fun. First Class trumps back seat in plane with crying babies. Welcome back! As a side note... I realized I kinda need to wait for mister summoner first to post. ^^;; True some people are not posting at all.... Might have to start dropping players if they're not going to be active. >__> No, that's not right. I'm the cleric. She was talking with the paladin, and stomped on her husband when he waved to me. *Rather randomly ponders the idea of a Frying Pan wielding hero in some strange RP.* Another post is up Ok. So Yoruba go ahead and post. I let Tacky know that we'll be continuing without him, So assume that he'll catch up with us eventually. I'd like to get this game going forward. You could ask me why I ordered an empty glass instead of something to actually drink. Don't do it! You can't let ult have the satisfaction! ’D I was talking to you Yoruba. Oh... *blinks rather puzzled* but I'm not with your character? O.o We are at the same bar, aren't we? True, though she would be a little distracted, probably. That and I'd think she could figure he would be using magic or something when he actually gets his glass. Trust me, I was thinking of glancing over when he gets it to see what he does. Besides, you're just trying to seduce my character into bed, but it won't work. I'MMA call the cops! C:) Nah, I was just going to trick/seduce her into paying for my room. Nyah! Come on Yoruba, Tacky probably won't be back for a while. Just continue on without him, we'll assume something came up, and he had to leave quickly. *Blinks* But. *points* I did? O.o Uh.what weapon? Chance hasn't put any weapon on the table (her claws don't count do they?) Quote from: Callie Del Noise on 10-05-2011, 08:11:01Uh.what weapon? Chance hasn't put any weapon on the table (her claws don't count do they?)*Bear to officer* Weapon? But officer, these vicious claws for tearing people apart and sharp teeth for biting are just naturally apart of me, so what if I maul people with them? ’D Quote from: Yoruba on 10-05-2011, 08:15:23*Bear to officer* Weapon? But officer, these vicious claws for tearing people apart and sharp teeth for biting are just naturally apart of me, so what if I maul people with them? Shush! Oh? I. Must have missed it... You'll need a check on knowledge history. And it'll be a high one. Also, it's the halflings weapon. Ok I fixed it Checking it soon! I'm surprised nobody tried to figure out what the item is Well, itprobablyisn't a rock covered in explosive runes, or the whole bar would be a lump of shrapnel by now! I'm going to hazard a guess and say it's an"Angry Halfling Stone of Hussy-Smiting". HHH... No... Think what Alkenstar is mainly known for producing... But that is a hilarious thought. Pooh boy, halfling's got a gun! Coaching! More like sidearm of Elegant Hussy Blasting! Han shot first! ’D Quote from: Yoruba on 12-05-2011, 05:17:21Han shot first! Actually according to LucasArts (and their legion of evil lawyers), Greed did! Then how the hell did he MISS! EPIC FAIL Quote from: Heinrich on 12-05-2011, 22:04:43Then how the hell did he MISS! EPIC Faille was using dice bot? Quote from: Callie Del Noise on 12-05-2011, 21:30:42Actually according to LucasArts (and their legion of evil lawyers), Greed did! Sounds like someone paid someone else to make it look that way! Tisk, I always knew Han had some connections with the underground to get himself out of jail free. ’D 'all? Hello motto? XD Hey guys sorry for not being on recently. Life and all that... Just finished finals and have a wedding to do tomorrow! :-\ So much stuff so little time. BUT rest assured starting next week there will be new posts up! Sorry to keep you all waiting! Glares at Heinrich with the evil eye and doesn't say a single word. No words need to be spoken from the look she gives him as it stands on its own as a rather devastating appearance. O_O.............. SORRY I MOVED! *blinks in shock* O. O >_> Give me a while to settle in. I'm going to try to get something up ASAP Wait what? This game is actually starting? I have a terrible memory for this, since I've been though so many games. Don't even remember what I made... Haha, well not sure how many of the original might be still around for it. ^^;; Quote from: NicciKotor on 15-07-2011, 07:13:04Wait what? This game is actually starting? I have a terrible memory for this, since I've been though so many games. Don't even remember what I made...Batgirl fighter I think. I don't remember much about this game either except for how our character did it in a public bath. Quote from: ulthakptah on 18-07-2011, 16:01:53catgirl fighter I think. I don't remember much about this game either except for how our character did it in a public bath. Perverts! It has been a while though. Really I think it pretty much left off with everyone happening to gather at one particular tavern and things were supposed to get rolling towards everyone grouping up. ^^ Figure this one is dead. So I'm pulling it from my bookmarks. :(yeah... I'm going to have to kill it. As much as I wanted to get this back up things are too busy for me to run it. Sorry guys T_T

Pathfinder_ The Drow Remergence OOC|rating:2.0

Heat_ A popular nightclub in Cadwell

(club is owned by Charlotte Drake. (Forbes Location:Behind the Wartime:10pm, October 3rdTagging:Open This was night was jumping like every other one. Hundreds of bodies were moving around the club either to the pounding of the music or moving around the bar where she was. She was taking a light breather as the stream of orders stopped for a moment. It would not be long before she was making them again. She leaned back against the wall and looked around at all the people. Her eyes looking off into the dark corners and knew what was happening there. Only the low and lonely would envy getting fucked in a public place. Wasn't she that person? At least the low and lonely part? No, she wasn't even with the dry spell she was having in the sex department. Besides, it only made her feel slutty anyway." Hey sexy! Cape Cod!" Scarlet snapped out of her inner musings and nodded to the male that had got her attention." You got it." Her body moved around the bar with ease. Making the vodka and cranberry with quick and always making sure not to waste the house liquor. Putting on her best smile for her customers, she came over and handed off the drink. She took the cash and saw the man wink at her." Keep the change sexy." She smiled and nodded." Thanks. Your sweet." With that she headed to the cash register to place the price of the drink there and put her tip in her jar. After that she proceeded to walk the length of the bar, making small talk and taking orders. It was a normal night. (Drake - 'Charlie'Location:Behind the Wartime:10pm, October 3rdTagging:Scarlett, Open Charlotte stepped out of her office on the second floor and moved down the darkened catwalk with a wide yawn that gave away the fatigue she had been feeling as of late. Blinking a bit she gave herself a shake to try and wake up a bit and pushed her hair back from her face. From her vantage point the club was packed, nearing the point of breaking the fire code. She knew her guys wouldn't let it get that bad though as she liked to keep things above reproach as far as operations. Well, most things anyhow. Much as she tried, she couldn't quite shake the few drugs that managed to trickle in. Nor could she shake....them. By some unspoken magnetic pull her eyes traveled across the way to the lower deck of the VIP area where several too large bodies had already appeared. Just looking at them and the barely dressed human females that pressed themselves against the dangerous looking males sent an intense shiver down Charlie's spine. Suddenly she was thirsty. Slipping by the large, but very much human, male that guarded the stairs up to her private area, Charlie made her way over to the lengthy and well illuminated bar. Heatwas well known for its broad selection of choice liquors. There wasn't a drink they'd come across yet that they couldn't make. It had dug Charlotte deep into a financial hole when she'd first opened but the pay-off had made the risk well worth it. She was now making quite the profit of the place all things considered. Enough that her mind had begun moving toward purchasing actual real estate for herself and her ailing grandmother rather than splitting her time between the pullout couch in her office and her grandmother's place." Can I get 4 shots of tequila over here?" The request came from a high and giggling voice that definitely grated on Charlie's nerves, but none would know it watching the way she pivoted in her sleek thigh high boots and smiled. The woman who'd ordered was way too old to be stuffed into the outfit she was wearing but Charlie was all business as she served up 4 doubles of well tequila as per the special they were running til midnight." There ya go, love,"Charlie slid the shots to the customer and took the card being held out to her." Can you just run a tab for that table over there?" She pointed to one with another woman and two males who looked like they were trying too hard." You got it." Charli did just that and handed the card back with a bright smile. She ended up serving three more drinks and declining an offer to peel her out of her leather pants before she finally made it over to Scarlett. With hardly a blink she tucked the tips she'd been handed into the night's tip jar, not even looking at the bills. No matter if she popped in behind the bar or not, Charlie never took any of the tip money." How are things so far? Any trouble?" She asked the redhead, and she slipped up beside her, though her gaze was on a group of young males that seemed to be celebrating something. (Forbes Location:Behind the Wartime:10pm, October 3rdTagging:Open The bar had gotten busy again as Scarlet moved back and forth with smooth grace. She had been working at Heat long enough to know where every bottle was without even looking. Every shift she worked, she would check just in case, but it had never changed. Only problem she ever had been if someone wanted a drink on one of the higher shelves. She was not a really tall woman so she would use the stepladder kept nearby. This usually took her a little longer but most that came here ordered the same things all the time even the ones in the VIP area. Passing a drink over to another patron, she heard Charlie's voice. "It's going well as usual." She paused as she moved to get another two bottles and pour them into her shaker at the same time. "Only the usual trouble." She grinned over at her boss. Finishing another drink and passing it on with a smile before turning back to Charlie. "So why-" Her question stopped as she followed Charlie's line of sight. Her glaze landing on the big males in the VIP area. They were much bigger than any guys she had ever seen. They came here all the time as well. Not to mention they had great taste in liquor." Something wrong with those guys, Charlie?" She returned her glaze to her boss. A hand raising in the corner of her eye and she put on her smile to take the order. Making sure to keep working and listen to Charlie. She was used to the woman coming back here to speak with them, and even she noticed she would make a few drinks too. She rejected the woman greatly as she always made sure they were paid well and had no trouble. Never had she saw her take the tip money even if she earned a cut. Then again, she owned the place and their tips was probably just change to her. "Do want me to call one of the guys for them?" Even though she doubted they could bounce those guys for some reason. (Airtime:10pmTagging:Ravage, open The club was loud and full of humans as usual. They had been here a while and the ladies were all over them. Well, more Ravage than him. He had no problem talking to the human women, but he was just not interested in any of them. Most of them wore too much make up and perfume. Not to mention one of the ladies had to be hyped up on crack. He could smell it all over her. He lifted his cup to his lips and threw the Jack down his throat. The slow burn greeting him as he looked around the place to feel eyes on him. It was not the eyes of the ladies around him though. He glanced over got the bar and then completely looked in that direction. The feeling stopped after a moment but knew someone was watching them. It could just be those two females. Sighing, he looked over to Ravage." We got watchers from the bar. "He caught the attention of the waitress with a shake of his glass. Watching her as she went to the bar. (( Airtime:10pmTagging:There, Scarlett As the two ladies who had been on his arm for the last ten minutes finally got up to leave, he found himself letting out a sigh of relief. Which was odd considering the reason why he had originally wanted to come to this club. But he just wasn't feeling into it. Yet he couldn't find it in himself to be rude and tell the women to take a walk. They were probably there just looking for someone to love them for one night. But, and he could smell it on them, they were on some kind of human drug. And sorry, but that just didn't do it for him. He was taking a sip of his Jameson and ginger ale when There said they had watchers. A brow rose as he turned his gaze to the bar. Two women were indeed looking at them. The first one, had dark brown hair that lightened towards the ends, and her eyes were dark. Also, he could sense something about her, she was human, for sure, but he was pretty sure only half. His eyes slid to the other one, a red head. He straightened in his seat as every little part of him came to life, just from looking at her. Would she sound as sweet as she looked? He downed his drink, finishing it off, before standing." I'm not going to wait for the waitress. I'm going to the bar. Furthermore, I'll just order you a new glass as well." Before There could respond or question him, he walked to the bar, his gait one of confidence. He took a seat in the empty barstool in front of where she was behind the bar. He crossed his arms on the bar and looked at her with a smile." Hi. I need a Jameson and Ginger and a tumbler of Jack, please. Name's Ravage by the way." (Drake - 'Charlie'Location:Behind the Wartime:10pm, October 3rdTagging:Scarlett, Open Charlotte was far more distracted by the group of males then she wanted to let on so at Scarlett's question the woman simply shook her head, "No. No nothing's wrong. I just..." she searched for a quick fib, "I just thought I saw somebody I used to know is all." She glanced at the girl then quickly away, not wanting to make too much out of it. Stifling a sudden yawn, Charlie touched the girl's shoulder lightly. "I'm gonna finish making my rounds. Hold down the fort up here but don't be shy about grabbing the boys if that group does get too rowdy, alright?" The words left her lips only a few moments before one of the large males started to make their way to the bar and for some reason Charlie didn't want to be standing there when they arrived. Something about that group made her alternately nervous and yet... Don't be silly Charlie, not your type at all, she told herself. Though to be honest she hadn't a clue what her type was. She didn't figure it would be a massively large male who frankly radiated trouble and terror just by breathing... right? Confused by her own reactions and feeling oddly more tired than she remembered being, Charlie made her way down the length of the bar, tossing up a few more drinks here and there as she went. Finally, she left the bar area and began making her way across the floor, picking her way through the crowd of gyrating bodies though she didn't actually have a destination in mind. (Forbes Location:Behind the Wartime:10pm, October 3rdTagging:Charlie, Ravage"Alright no problem. Make sure to get some rest too." She watched as the other woman started away from her then she focused on the large male coming her way. At first, she wanted to be scared of the extremely large male but another wave it her first and she shook her head lightly. That feeling should not come from simply seeing the man. Moving so she would not stand there staring, she turned and grabbed a glass with the Jameson bottle." Ravage, huh? Nice name." Her hand reaching under the bar to grab the soda gun while pouring the Jameson then hitting the 'G' on the gun to fill the glass with bubbly ginger ale. Turning back again, she put the Jameson back and grabbed the Jack with another glass. While she moved, she felt his eyes on her and flushed. It was strange since the eyes of men and even some women made eyes at her all night long. For some reason, his felt more... intense? That was stupid as his eyes were nothing but like any other on her because of her job choice. Taking a napkin, she reached over the bar to place the first drink in front of him and then followed suit with the other." There you are, Ravage. Let me know if you need anything else, K?" With a smile, she moved to make another drink for the next patron and knowing for some reason she was going to feel those eyes for the rest of the night. (( Airtime:10pmTagging:Scarlett, Fierce lifted his glass in a salute. "Thanks" he said. And for one in his entire fucking life, he had no idea what to say. Usually, women just fell at his feet, vampires and humans alike, but this one, even though he had just laid eyes on her, she felt different. And he didn't want to say what he'd say to another female and cause her to rebuke him. He wanted to show this one he was a good guy. He wanted this one to like him. With a sigh, he picked up both glasses and went back to the table. He took his seat and slid There's glass over to him." Brother, has there ever been a female you just had no idea how to approach? That you knew how you talked to other females just wouldn't work?" he asked There, the whole time, his eyes were on the redhead, watching the way she moved behind the bar. Her smile, her voice, hell, even the way she moved her hands was sexy to him. (Airtime:10pmTagging:Ravage, Charlie had watched his brother from his spot. Seems the male only wanted to speak with that redhead. His eyes narrowed for a moment because he was sure this was going to cause them some trouble. His eyes turned from them to the female that left quickly before Ravage had a chance to say anything to her. She only seemed to do a little work before moving on. He was interested in her himself. Not mention the female seemed tired but was still working. Actually, he had not noticed where she had come from before he felt her eyes on him. His sight was blocked for a moment as Ravage returned. Reaching down to catch his glass he figured he would learn more about the female later. Sitting back on the couch as he turned up that glass of jack." Can't say I have. I talk to everyone the same and don't sugar coat a damn thing. But then again I have been told I don't pick up on social cues very well." He grinned as he noticed his brother's stare."You're going to burn a hole into her with that stare." He finished the glass and tapped his glass against his shoulder." More because I know you need an excuse to go back over there." (( Airtime:10pmTagging:There, Scarlet Ravage looked over at There who has just gulped down his tumbler of jack. He smiled as he took the glass and nodded in thanks, then got up and walked back to the bar. But he still had no idea what to say. Usually when he talked to women, whether it be vampire or human, it was just to pull their pants down and bend them over. Not classy at all. But this human female, he didn't want to do that to her. Well, he would like to get her naked, but it would be a long slow love making, he was sure, and then they could lay in bed together afterward, just talking. He reached the car and took a seat on another barstool and put the empty glass in front of him, the whole time going through everything in his mind that he could say that wouldn't make him come off like a douche. (Forbes Location:Behind the Wartime:10pm, October 3rdTagging:Ravage, open Scarlet was moving back and forth mixing drinks. The club was packed as usual and the amount of drinks kept on coming. She smiled and had small talk with many of the patrons sitting there. The rest were on the dance floor or other areas of the club. That meant making more drinks for the waitresses to carry out as well. Normal night if anything even is Charlie was acting a little strange to her. Her boss probably just needed a little rest was all. Her eyes scanned the bar for empty glasses and spotted Ravage. He hadn't been gone that long, and he hadn't even let her know. Besides, he didn't need to keep coming back to the bar to get refills. He was in VIP and should just send someone down here. Maybe there was another reason he came back? Not worrying about it, she makes up the drinks and headed his way." Back already, huh?" She grinned and sat the drinks in front of him." Couldn't wait to see me again?" She teased as she went to make another drink while waiting on his answer. (( Airtime:10pmTagging:Scarlet He felt his face heat slightly as she put two fresh drinks in front of him, and that never happened. He was never this nervous. Then what she said next, had his eyes widening slightly, but luckily she was already turning to mix another drink, so she didn't catch his surprise. Wouldn't have been smooth at all." Well, actually, no I couldn't, and I was wondering if you'd like to get a drink with me sometime? That's what hum-" he had to cut his words short, "people do, yeah?" He closed his eyes and shook his head at his dumbass. That would have made her think of him as a creepy idiot, if she didn't already. Smooth, real smooth, Ravage, he thought to himself. (Forbes Location:Behind the Wartime:10pm, October 3rdTagging:Ravage, open Was she actually someone blush? That was something new in her book, or she could just be seeing things. It was brighter by the bar but not by much. She didn't think about only chuckling slightly at the question he asked and how he asked it." Yes people to have drinks. I believe I know that better than most people. So I don't think I would want to get a drink." Scarlet was hit on constantly by patrons that came here. Him asking her out was almost no different. Almost. There was something different about this very strong looking guy wanting to ask her out, but she didn't know what. It even made her a little sad to turn him down, but who asks a bartender to go get a drink? Really now? (( at wartime:10pmTagging:Scarlet, open He felt is face beaten even more at the redhead's word. Shit. He had just asked a fucking bartender out for a drink. So, much for trying to be smooth. He laughed lightly in embarrassment. "I suppose you are correct. Well, then would you like to go to dinner with me?" Now he was getting back into it and gave her a charming smile. "And if you so wish, we can even go to a restaurant that doesn't serve alcoholic beverages." He really hoped though that he hadn't made so much of an ass of himself that she told him to fuck off. (Forbes Location:Behind the Wartime:10pm, October 3rdTagging:Ravage, open Scarlet had actually been expecting the large man to give up and turn away, but he was just not like the others here. Usually guys would hit her with pickup lines and other things to try to ask her out. The second she refused they either cursed or just simply walked away. However, this large male with the charming smile didn't seem like he was going to give up that easily. So it wouldn't hurt to go on one date with the guy, right? It wouldn't be the first time she has done it. All the others just proved that most guys from the bar were not boyfriend material. She gave a laugh as she moved closer to him from her side of the bar." Alright. I'll have dinner with you." She had to admit that he did have a nice smile, but she wouldn't like that get to her. It was only putting on the charm for one reason to her and that was plan she was going to derail. (( at wartime:10pmTagging:Scarlet, open Ravage had to stop himself from doing a fist pump. "Any place in particular you'd like to go? I'm okay with where ever." As long as you're there. But of course he didn't say that out loud. He had already made an ass of himself, really didn't want to look any worse to this female. (Forbes Location:Behind the Wartime:10pm, October 3rdTagging:Ravage Scarlet thought for a moment as she looked at him. "How about Sal's? I heard they have great food." She smiled and backed away. "You said it was my choice plus I heard it's rather nice in there so I might dress up for ya." She winked and moved around quickly to handle a couple of orders that had come in. Pouring drinks with ease before smiling and moving over to the register to place the money in. Then she came back over to Ravage stood with a smile on her face. "So how about it?" She was actually getting excited about it since she had never been to Sal's before. Hopefully, he would just say yes. (the club Time:10pmTagging:RavageFhear watched the two from his vantage point. The female looked nice enough, but there was no telling. His phone vibrated in his pocket and he pulled it out to answer it. "Yea?" He paused for a moment as his brother's voice cut into his ear. "Shit… We close and we'll handle it." He closed his phone and headed down though the crowds. He made his way quickly and placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. Turning his back to the female, he whispered one word in his brother's ears. "Lesser's…" With that he headed for the entrance and out of the club. (( Airtime:10pmTagging:Scarlett, Fierce couldn't help but really like her choice. Sal's was a nice little Italian restaurant that just so happened to be run by the two shadows, Tree and I am. He smiled. "That place will be perfect. The food is great and the atmosphere even better. You'll like it." Before he could say anything else, There was stepping up beside him and whispering in his ear. He let out a growl. There walked away, and he stood and reached into his back pocket for his wallet. "I have some business to take care of, so, let's say I pick you up Friday night? Say around 8, here?" He pulled a fifty from the worn leather and slid it to her across the bar. He knew his bill wasn't that much, but, money was nothing to him. (SthoneLocation: Outside Heat and to the VIP airtime: 10:00ishTagging: Ravage, There, Pesthole reformed in a small alleyway near Heat. It was one that the Brotherhood used when they were going to heat as hardly anyone ever used it. Stone strode out with a chip on his shoulder, the phantom of pain from his headache and the fact he was getting his game face on to exterminate lesser mixing together to put out a bid huge "back the fuck off" and "get the fuck out of my way" vibe. Stone had been to the club before, and the bouncers knew him on sight, and knew when to get out of his way. Sthone entered the club and lowered his shades a bit as he took a look around. To be honest, the whole scene kind of bored Stone and no one about really tweaked his interest. He gave his head a shake and put his glasses back in place. He then made a beeline for the VIP area, sizing up who was there and putting an eye out for There and Ravage. (Drake - 'Charlie'Location:Main Floor Time:After 10pm, October 3rdTagging:Open There were too many people and Charlie could hardly keep up. Usually she moved through the place with a natural sort of ease that came from being in a space she owned and controlled, her own satisfaction adding a certain something to her presence that allowed her to move about freely and without harassment. Tonight, however, whatever that something was usually it seemed to be entirely absent. She'd been bumped and jostled and stepped on too many times to count and dammit if she didn't feel like kicking them all out just so she could shut down and go to sleep for a few hours. Make that days. It was unusual for her. She didn't quite know what the problem was, but she was determined to shake it. Normally she didn't risk taking any sort of pills for anything--not even a common cold--but in this case she felt like the No Doze pills upstairs in her office would be harmless enough and help her shake off the worst of her fatigue at least for a while. Moving across the floor again, Charlie felt herself bumped, though this time it was considerably more forceful. As if it had been on purpose. Brows drawing together she turned and looked up at the smarmy jackass wearing sunglasses indoors and sporting enough grease in his hair to last a lifetime." So sorry babe. Let me me make it up to you."" No, that's okay. You're fine." She waved him off and pushed away trying go, only to find her wrist snagged in a bruising grip and herself being dragged back toward the idiot grease ball. (October 3rdTagging:Looking for his brothers, OpenEXR parked the sleek black SUV and hopped out. Even having parked about a block away from his destination, he could already hear the faint strains of music that escaped the various establishments every time a door opened, and he could certainly smell the funky mix of human vices clashing with each other. A trim leather jacket and black silk t-shirt covered his large upper body, dark enough that his thick and wavy locks nearly blended in where it fell over his shoulder, while dark slacks and slick dress shoes completed the outfit. He was often given shit for his pretty boy ways but each of his brothers knew that he wouldn't hesitate to shove his finely outfitted foot right up a lesser's ass just the same if he was rockin' dinged up shit kickers. Shoes could always be replaced after all. Moving as a silent roil of dark and heavy menace, Hex approached the club. Heat it was called. More like Luke warm if the females waiting outside were anything to go by. Actually, that wasn't fair. They were all lovely in that slightly overdone sort of way, and it wasn't their fault he was an uninterested bastard. Bypassing the line he approached the bouncer and after a very brief exchange of nods he was let into the loud, overcrowded den of human debauchery. He'd barely taken two steps inside the door before bodies were pressed up against him. They were bold. And high as fucking kites. Hex extracted himself with a pointed glance, not even bothering with words, and headed straight for the Brothers' usual seating up in the VIP section. He hadn't come here looking to score tonight. He was here because his muscles were eager to be put to work, because the urge to deal some damage had driven him out of the house as soon as darkness had fallen. Furthermore, he was in the mood to kill some shit. (SthoneLocation: Outside Heat and to the VIP airtime: 10:00ishTagging: Charlie, Open Perhaps it was the pain in his head, the bright lights, the loud music, the people invading his personal space, or if it was a combination of all, but whatever the reason, Stone was pissed off, and seeing some dude manhandle one of their own just made Stone's blood seethe and roil. She was a pre-trans to be certain, but there was no mistaking his race's blood was inside her, and she was being man handled by some sleaze. Stone had enough. He pushed his way through the people and with one move, locked the greaser's arm up behind his back to the point where the popping of the joints and cracking of bones can be heard even in the loud music of the room. So could Stone's voice, at least Charlie can hear it clearly as Stones's voice didn't seem to raise behind a loud whisper. "The lady said no, and that means hands off, unless you want to lose that arm. No, no, don't bother with words or denial, they won't do you a damned bit of good. In fact, if you say anything, I might break your arm so bad you will need the pat down at the airport for the rest of your life. Got it, pumpkin?" (Drake - 'Charlie'Location:Main Floor Time:After 10pm, October 3rdTagging:Stone, Open Ordinarily Charlie would have dealt with the situation just fine. She was tough and wasn't known for taking crap from anyone who came into Heat be they VIP or regular Joe. It simply didn't matter. She ran a respectable place. You kept your nose clean, and you were free to enjoy, she didn't care what you did outside. You brought trouble inside though... well, you'd be dealt with one way or another. Unfortunately today did not seem to be Chart's day. She didn't have the usual comp she usually packed and that meant this situation got far more uncomfortable that she would have ever let it get simply because she just wasn't prepared for the nasty turn it took. Though that didn't stop her from aiming a withering look at the male currently holding her like she was some sort of inanimate object he could claim. She started to say something, to simply warn the grease ball off and give him a chance to go on about his night, however, that option dried up rather quickly when one of the overly large males she'd gotten used to seeing off to one side of the VIP suddenly appeared through a sea of parting bodies. There was hardly time to react, at least that was how it seemed to her. One moment she was pushing against the idiot who'd grabbed her and the next he himself was caught up in an unforgiving hold."' Ey, who the fuck are---ahh!" The music was loud as always but both Charlie and the loser heard the strain being placed on the various joints and ligaments in his arm. She wanted to feel sorry for him as he let out a strangled grunt of pain and released her with a bit of a shove out of simple reflex, but she didn't. She was too preoccupied by the presence of the blonde male as he ever so casually issued his threat to the idiot in his grasp. His voice hadn't lifted at all, and yet she'd felt it, the intent, the danger... it traced chilled fingers down her spine and made her shiver despite the body heat that surrounded her. The grease ball, known otherwise as Donny, was just a low level thug and one that was out of his depth at the current moment. The bravado he'd learned to wear like a suit of armor just didn't hold up with none of his boys around to back him, and wisely he only nodded when Stone asked if he got it. That didn't stop the seething anger that was building as his embarrassment grew, but he knew better than to vow revenge until the bastard let him go. He and the bitch would pay for this though. Of that he was sure." I think he's got the point,"Charlie broke in and Donny simply stayed still, hoping he would get out of this without any more pain. It wasn't sympathy that had spurred the club owner to speak up but the fact that several people around them had stopped to look, and it was slowly becoming an outright scene. She needed to keep things contained. The DJ spotted the disruption from her booth and waved security over to take care of things while Charlie lifted her eyes to the blonde male." Thank you, uh... sir, but security will take it from here." She pitched her voice just over the music, a trick she'd learned a while back, even as she unconsciously rubbed at her bruised wrist. Something about the male made her feel... off. More so than even before, but she did her best to maintain her composure." Your drinks are on the house tonight,"she added as a show of gratitude. It was certainly a better option than the one that floated through her mind and threatened to steal her breath. Not for you, Charlotte. He's not for you. (SthoneLocation: Outside Heat and to the VIP airtime: 10:00ishTagging: Charlie, Open There was that cold look of "don't fuck with me" and the look that Stone imagined that professional soldiers used before pulling the trigger, or professional killers. To the asshole grease ball it promised nothing but death if he ever thought about fucking with Charlie or Stone. He was not sure if it worked on the dumb asshole, but on the friends and supporters it sure as fuck did. I did so much so in fact that Stone's enhanced senses caught the faint whiff of stale, sour urine as one of the pretenders pissed himself. With that drama done, Stone did his best to soften his expression and turn his head towards the woman. By the way she was talking and the way she carried herself she must be the owner. Stone did not make that connection before, but he now recalled how the few times he was here before she was always the one calling the shots on the floor here. Stone did his best and made sure his face was not one of "going to rip your head off now" when he spoke to her. "Free drinks aren't needed, I was helping out. I don't like seeing a lady getting manhandled unless she is asking for and is agreed upon. You have a nice night and I will try not to cause you any more trouble. In fact, I am here long enough to get with my friends and head out as duty calls." While Stone was not looking for a hookup tonight, even his normally disagreeable cock had to admit that what was before him was a might fine specimen of female flesh. Not to thin and not too overweight, and with a healthy curve to her figure that he could appreciate. Damned fine indeed, so much so in fact his mind has her undressed, collared and hanging from chains, the whip kissing her flesh when he reflected upon the willingly manhandled comment he just made. Oh, yes she had the right amount of curves on her to give Stone hours and hours of fun as he brought her up and down the spectrum of pleasure and pain till the two sensation blend into one, and he wears the girl out to the point she passed out from all he would do to her. All of that was in his eyes with a flash of heated passion and desire in his deep blue eyes as they roamed over Charlie's form with an intensity that was almost physical, like the caress of a lover's hot breath over the skin, and it doesn't stop at her face. It roamed and traveled all over her body and there was a spark of lust and appreciation in his eyes before he started to turn away. He needed to get away before his cock and his infrequently used libido got him in trouble. (Drake - 'Charlie'Location:Main Floor Time:After 10pm, October 3rdTagging:Stone, Open He might have tried not to look like he wanted to rip her head off but Charlie wasn't sure it was his expression that mattered so much as he stood there like some immovable object that would eat you if you tried. She couldn't seem to help the hyper-awareness she felt with regard to him though his actual words took a second to register." I don't like seeing a lady getting manhandled unless she is asking for and is agreed upon." Wait. Did that mean he liked... Dear god it was suddenly too hot. Stuffy even. She had never been bothered much by the club atmosphere, but suddenly she needed to get out. Security came and pulled the loser who had grabbed her away, prepared to snap his pic and put him on the Permian list before dumping him out on the sidewalk, but Charlie hardly noticed. Not when the blonde's gaze was moving over her, and she could feel it as surely as if he'd taken his hand and marked the same path. It seemed to border on something hot and possessive. He hadn't earned that right from her, not just by helping her out of a sticky situation, but a small voice in the back of her head hinted that maybe she wouldn't mind if he did take. She'd certainly never felt anything like it in her very tame lifetime. Charli was most assuredly out of her depth here, but she was not the sort to try and run or hide. No, instead she looked right back, filling the moment with a heavy tension as she took him in. He wasn't quite as tall as some of the freakishly huge males that came into the club, but he seemed no smaller for it given his broad muscular build and demeanor. Charlie was not a small female but without even trying he made her feel small. Which was oddlyarousingirritating. And enough to help break her gaze as she wondered if she wasn't coming down with the flu or something. That would explain the odd heat and maybe why she felt the strongest urge to move closer to him, to touch him and lean her body into his while his hands took hold of her, gripped her waist, her hips... Yep. The flu. Had to be." Well, thank you nonetheless. Just let me know if you need anything and you have a good night." She said as he turned away, tucking her hand behind her back to stop the foolish urge to actually reach out and touch him and trying not to feel stupid for the sudden disappointment that swamped her. I really do need to go and lie down, she thought, giving him a last look before turning to go and do just that. Probably. (Forbes Location:Behind the Wartime:10pm, October 3rdTagging:Ravage She smiled at the fact that he agreed with her choice. He seemed that he knew the place so at least it would make the dinner enjoyable for both of them. "That’s good. Then-" Her sentence cut off when she saw the other guy approach. He was as big as the one in front of her, at least to her. Was there a bodybuilding convention in town or something? Her eyes went back to the guy who asked her out, missing the growl from the loud music." Um… yea. 8 is fine. I will wait out back." She looked down at the fifty and then back up to him. Sure, those two drank a decent amount tonight, but they had not spent that much. They spent about $35 give or take. "Are you sure? That’s a large tip." She looked over him as she noticed the crowd parting for another large guy. Maybe she was right about the whole bodybuilder thought. (( Airtime:10pmTagging:Scarlett, Stone gave her a grin. "I'm sure. I'll see you Friday night at 8. Have a good night, Scarlet." And with a nod, he left to follow after his brother. For once, he wasn't feeling amped to kick some lesser ass, instead, he felt slightly annoyed that the bastards were interrupting his time with the gorgeous redhead behind the bar. At least he managed to book a date with her. Outside of the VIP area, he headed down to the main floor and instantly, the deep voice of his fellow brother, Stone, hit his ears. Sounded like the male had had found a female of his own, but at the moment, he was getting shot down. At least it was nicely. He walked towards the male in time to see a human female, whose scent gave off a little more than just your average human's would, turn and begin to walk away. Ravage had noticed her before behind the bar with Scarlet. She was a beauty in her own right bur she didn't have the same effect on him that the redhead did. He stopped a mere inch from Stone and lowered his head. "Seems we are needed and if I am correct, you could use a moment to let off some steam. So, let's kick some ass shall we?" he asked, feigning a glee he didn't really feel. (SthoneLocation: Outside Heat and to the VIP airtime: 10:00ishTagging: Charlie, RavageSthone gave a graceful shrug of his shoulders and then took out a slip of paper, and he wrote his number down upon it. He then handed it over to Charlie. "Sounds like you might need some upgrade in security here, or just me around. More than willing to do so. Give me a call. Stone gave the air a subtle sniff and turned, seeing Ravage coming up. He was radiating annoyance and seeing the woman that he had to leave, Stone could see why. Still in Stone's eyes trashing Lesser's was by far the more important task at hand. Listening to Ravages words gave confirmation to Stone's suspicions that there were Lesser's in the area. He gave an and of his head and started to walk away towards Charlie. "All me if you want, or tear it up, just let me know. After all you girls hate being left hanging, same goes for us. Let's go Brother, time for us to earn our pay." Stone didn't need to work his way through the crowd, all he needed to was walk. The aura at pure menace and intimidation about him was more than enough to part the crowd for Stone. Once they were outdoors, Stone turned towards Ravage. "Where too?"

Heat_ A popular nightclub in Cadwell|rating:3.0

Stay away from my unicorn! (LamentingQuill and Mister Morgue)

(hued eyes stared at the herbal remedy shop curiously… after he’d escaped from the wicked dark magic practitioners… he’d felt himself drawn to a potent source of good magic… he could see a pure virgin inside that the goddess of light smiled upon fondly. Surely she would aid him, right? The tall young looking man standing at approximately 5’8 in height was garbed in attire(looked rather out of place in an area where high caste individuals were unlikely to be seen… if that wasn’t enough, his flesh was thoroughly flawless and fair as fresh cream, his long flowing hair was as pristine white as newly fallen snow and fell to where his lower back met his buttocks… he has a strange ethereal beauty about her that passersby couldn’t refrain from staring at for one reason or another. Bottom line, he was definitely drawing attention… not that he noticed. Taking a deep breath, the beautiful male stepped forward and grasped the door handle, turning it and pushing the door open, allowing him to step into the shop… There were various labeled bottles and jars lining shelves along the walls, other shelves that held baskets of dried herbs that were also meticulously labeled… whoever ran this shop took great care to ensure everything had a proper place and their customers could always find what they needed without trouble. How very thoughtful… something many humans had forgotten over the millennia… Peeling his eyes from the shelves, he approached the counter… but there was no one there… however he did absolutely for sure without a shadow of doubt sense this maiden’s presence in the establishment right this moment… Spotting a door behind the counter, he raised a hand to tap curious at his lips with his pointer and index fingers… perhaps this maiden was in the room that was beyond this door? He knew it was rude to enter the domains of human privacy without permission, but… well, this really was an emergency, surely she would be able to understand his dire need to speak with her immediately. The sooner he could have his situation addressed and return to his all important mission, the better. He absolutely had to find the individual he sought, but not while he had wicked black arts witches on his heels.“Alright, there is nothing else to do, I must intrude” He spoke softly, walking around the counter to head for the door “I will simply apologize for my rudeness and promptly explain. She will understand and surely help me” Nodding to himself for reassurance, he pushed open this door and entered into what appeared to be some kind of supply room, the walls were lined with jars of ingredients, empty bottles and etc., all the necessary items to craft medicinal products… the room smelled delightfully of sunshine and fresh cut wildflowers… and the source of that sweet inviting smell was standing beside a long worktable… staring at him with wide eyes and a slightly ajar mouth…“I assume you recognize me for what I truly am…” he spoke gently, taking a step towards her “You know I would never hard an innocent, especially a pure maiden such as yourself. I am in dire need of your help, Miss… um.... Oh dear, how very rude of me… I should have asked for your name before making requests of you, I do apologize, I am unaccustomed yet to human customs… what are you called? I myself am called Helios” He smiled pleasant, as if there absolutely nothing bizarre or startling about this encounter whatsoever… in fact, the innocent nature of his aura would likely imply that he had no prior experience to compare this with, so he had absolutely no idea what he’d done wrong, if anything. This maiden though… she’d yet to speak at all, and he found himself almost incapable of looking away after making eye contact… and the way she smelled, she reminded him of the sweetest most beautiful flower meadows of the enchanted forest… He was becoming more and more curious of this human female by the second... he itched to get closer and determine why her scent was so strong and so inviting to him, far beyond what a normal virgin should smell like... but he did recall something one of his sisters had told him about humans and 'personal space'... they did not seem to like it 'invaded' as his sister told him... Humans were so complicated... ("Let's see... A little mugwort... rose water...." Clover bustled about in the little workshop, humming to herself. Her long dark hair pulled back into a braid - though several strands of it had slipped from their confines and were now hanging in wisps around her face. Her blue eyes (and rather unremarkable) eyes followed a list of ingredients she'd written out in a large, old book. All-in-All, Clover thought she was unremarkable all 'round. But she enjoyed working with plants and running this little shop with an old friend of hers, selling potions and tinctures to those who needed them. It was a quiet sort of life. Clover didn't think she was really all that suited to be the sort of witch who would dart off with heroes on a daring adventure, after all. She'd always been the quiet sort. Spending more time with books and in the garden than with other people. Which is what she was doing now - spending time restocking a few minor restorative potions (best used for small household injuries). Absently, somewhere in the back of her mind, she heard the musical chime of the bell at the front door that signalled that someone had come into the shop - but Willow was supposed to be tending the counter, so Clover didn't bother stepping out to check on the potential customer. Well, that was until she heard the door to the workshop open." Willow, what's the mat-"Lifting her head, Clover's words died on her lips as soon as her gaze fell on the man who stood in the doorway. She was going mad. That had to be it. For longer than was proper, Clover stared at the man. Ethereal in white, with beautiful white hair. Heglowedwith pure magic, and the longer that Clover stared at him the faster her heart hammered away in her chest. He shouldn'ttheir. It wasn't safe... safe for unicorn be here where people could see him. Clover was shaken from her reverie when he spoke to her, and she gave the barest of nods when he asked if she recognized him for what he was. Her cheeks flushing when he spoke of her being pure maiden. Of course there was that legend. Unicorns always came to the pure, virginal maids in the stories. But the stories also usually told of those maidens being lovely princesses, not simple country witches. Her brows furrowed as he said he neededherhelp. What could she possibly do for aUnicornthat he couldn't do for himself." Clover..." She answered quietly, dropping the mugwort leaves she'd been holding into the mortar in front of her, immediately grabbing hold of her apron afterward." You shouldn't be here..." Clover's gaze flickered past Helios to the door behind him." Other witches and wizards are going to... to come looking phosphor such a potent source of pure magic...." Wiping her fingers further, Clover bustled over and past Helios to peer out into the shop." Willow..." She hissed." Where did you run off to...." Hurrying to the front of the shop she quickly locked the door and flipped the sign to read that the shop was currently closed. After that she drew the curtains closed." Stars above..." Once she was sure that no one would be able toseeHelios, Clover tucked a few loose strands of her hair back behind her ear and wandered back to the workshop where she'd left him." I don't... I'm not sure how I can help you. Certainly you're here looking for someone far more capable. Maybe the residual energies of someone else who'd purchased from me in the past. I don't think there's anything I could do for you that you couldn't do for yourself far better than I ever could..." Clover's brows knit together again, and she slipped over to the stove." Unless you're hungry or thirsty. I could make you some tea... you're welcome to whatever you need..." She laughed somewhat nervously." Ah, no one's going to believe me if I try to tell them about this... A Unicorn at the Roost..." She'd whispered the word, as if even saying it aloud might bring upon some sort of cataclysm or horde of dark magic right to her doorstep. Well, the latter was certainly likely with such a powerful source of magic sitting in one place for so long. (angled his head ever so slightly to the right as he absorbed her words, his snow-white hair swaying gently with movements he made… graceful footsteps brought him closer to the female human Clover, he was so close now as he leaned in that an inch more would have them kissing… garnet red eyes gazed deeply into those lovely orbs of blue, so very akin to a January morning sky… A smile curved his perfect lips, a serene confident kind of smile “Oh no, I am absolutely certain I have the right person. Your energy drew me here, of that, there is no doubt whatsoever… you are the one I need…” Withdrawing from her personal space and taking a polite step back, Helios folded his hands gracefully behind his back “Tea you said? I’ve heard about humans and this ‘tea’ from my sisters, but I’ve never had the opportunity to try it for myself. I shall very much appreciate it if you would introduce me to it… and while we enjoy the ‘tea’, we can talk about my problem” There was something about this woman… her energy was like a siren song calling out to him… at first he thought perhaps it was simply that she was a powerful pure soul… but while that was true, he could feel that it went beyond this… His garnet eyes traversed discreetly down from her face… her neck was slender and elegant… that swan-like neck met with bountiful breasts that looked to be just the perfect size for a man’s hands… he forced himself to let his eyes wander further down her body to her slender waist that connected with hips and thighs ideal for mating… He couldn’t really see her legs under the skirt of her dress… which left him feeling oddly disappointed… why was that? He didn’t even know this human… did the innermost parts of his soul know something that his mind had yet to grasp? Could it be… ? Was she… ? He needed to get closer to her to know for sure… but he couldn’t risk scaring her off if it was true… best to move somewhat slowly at the current moment, especially given his own dire circumstances... Meanwhile... in the nobles district...(robed witch ducked down to above the potion bottle that soared for her head, the sound of glass echoing in the workroom as it broke against the stone wall, the blue contents sizzling as it streamed down the wall "Mistress Civic, please! Mercy! We'll find him! We'll find him!"" You think that's good enough?! Do you know how rare it is to catch a unicorn outside the Enchanted Forest?! He's the first my scouts have spotted in well over a hundred years!" Civic screeched, grabbing for another full bottle of a red substance from her table and chucking it as well at her underling "All you had to do was trap him! I gave you the perfect enchantment to disguise your energy as well! How the devil did you fail, you pathetic excuse for a black witch!" As the underling moved to avoid the second bottle, Civic's body shimmered until she vanished and reappeared in front of her, exquisitely cared for hands grasped the girl's throat and squeezed, her eyes glowing an unholy crimson red as an expression of rage touched her face "No, my dear... no mercy for you, I'm afraid... you have failed me for the last time..."White-hot energy came to Civic's clutching hands, and it wasn't more than a second later that the underling was screaming, her flesh turning red, then scarlet, then a deep wine color... changing and darkening all the way to black, until the underling crumbled into a pile of ash onto the stone floor... Civic's eyes glared haughtily at the pile with a cold scorn "I will not tolerate the weak and inept within my ranks..." The elegantly garbed witch moved to the work room door then and opened it, smiling menacingly at the robed witches that waited outside, she fixed her gaze on one of them "Send Hettie to my workroom immediately, she's been promoted and needs to be briefed on her mission. Now go, do not keep me waiting!" The witch addressed scurried off and the other peered into the room "Shall I have that mess cleaned up for you, Mistress Civic?"" No" Civic replied, grinning darkly "I want Hettie to know exactly what her fate will be if she fails as her predecessor did..." (pressed back against the counter as Helios drew near. She had no idea the sort of formalities she should take with one such as himself. She'd only ever heard stories of Unicorns visiting maidens before, and no one she'd ever known. It had always seemed like something distant, something that certainly would never happen to her - especially with how long it had been since a Unicorn had been seen outside their hidden wood. Sucking in a sharp breath, Clover stared at Helios, looking into those gem-like eyes of his as his lips curved into a smile." Oh..." Clover whispered, as he stated that there was no confusion on his part - thatchers who he'd been searching for." I-I'm honored... I'll certainly try my best..." Clover felt as though she could breathe again once Helios took one step back. It wasn't a huge step, but being so close to him was rather overwhelming to her senses - especially with how unsure she was about how to act around him. Were there formalities she was meant to observe? Sighing softly, Clover gave a nod when Helios stated that he would certainly like to try tea. Taking that chance to put a little more distance between them, Clover set about putting the kettle onto the stove top and then preparing two cups for them while the water was set to boil." I hope that you'll enjoy it..." She offered him a smile and then motioned toward a circular table with some simple chairs. Clover hurried to it, clearing away a basket of flowers to set it on the counter with her other reagents she'd been gathering earlier." Please. Have a seat. It will take a little while for the water to boil so that we can have tea. If you'd like to tell me now while we wait, I'm curious to know what problems I might be able to help you with... I'm really not sure if I can do much... I'm not very powerful." Honestly, Clover wasn't sure what she could possibly offer unicorn the way of assistance. She was, more or less, a simple hedge witch who made potions of healing and luck for those who happened in. There were stronger potions here and there, but not many. In truth, her abilities focused mostly on remembering what ingredients went with what, and how long she needed to cook the brew to get the proper reactions. Most of her craft was memorization. Clover stood until Helios settled and sat down, only then did she pull out a chair for herself to sit in. Glancing to the kettle, Clover then looked across the table to Helios." I do hope that I won't end up being a disappointing witch for whatever you need of me." Clover gave him a nervous smile, folding her hands in her lap then so that she could wait to see whatever it was that he needed help with. Though his being here was dangerous. She knew that there were black witches within the city, and if any of them got word or inclination that a Unicorn was anywhere nearby, they would be clawing over each other to get to him. She began to wonder just how safe he would be in her quaint little shop. Certainly, Clover had protection spells and enchantments on the building to stop intruders and burglars, but she wasn't sure that it would keep out black witches. She wondered if it would keep out anyone with enough determination backed up by magic. At the very least she would have to try to ensure his safety until his mission was done. Or whatever his mission for her would entail. ("Please. Have a seat. It will take a little while for the water to boil so that we can have tea. If you'd like to tell me now while we wait, I'm curious to know what problems I might be able to help you with... I'm really not sure if I can do much... I'm not very powerful." Helios smiled gently as he obeyed, seating himself in one of the seats, his garnet eyes remaining fixed upon her as she fussed about in a nervous manner. Did she not realize her true potential? Helios could feel the hum of the great power she had sleeping within her… Clover was far more than realized… perhaps it was fate that he should wind up here? He could help her awaken her slumbering gifts.“Oh my dear… You are far more than you assume yourself to be…” Helios replied cryptically, smiling kindly as he continued on “As for my woes… I am on the run from dark witches, I… was clumsy you see… I ventured out from the Enchanted Forest because I could feel the pull of my one true mate from somewhere out among the human world…” He looked a little embarrassed as he reached the next part “I honestly should have practiced better judgement really, but… I was so distracted and so eager to find the one I seek… this woman, Civic I think she said her name was… she deceived me into believing she could help me… and I wound up finding myself in a cage… A cage! That awful woman actually put ME in a CAGE!” His expression turned thoughtful “She clearly had little experience with unicorns however… the enchantments on the cage were mediocre if I’m being entirely truthful, it was rather a little bit insulting… did she think me so weak?” Helios shook his head gently “These dark witches make little sense to me… one minute they are insulting my power with simpleton enchantments on my cage and then the next minute, this Civic woman tells me that she is going to force me back into my unicorn form so she can see off my horn and take over the kingdom… and the witches she had guarding me… the dim creatures fell asleep, drunk on mead no less… clearly this woman had grown cocky and far too overconfident in her climb to power” The beautiful snowy haired male rolled his garnet eyes in irritation before he went on with his tale “Anyway, I unwove the spells and enchantments on my cage over time and I escaped… I was looking for someone to help me elude them while I find my mate and then assist us back to the Enchanted Forest beyond the witches reach… I am sure you already know that dark hearts are barred by powerful magic from entering the forest…” He sighed softly “I know I could just go back and wait a couple of decades or so for these witches to all die out, but… my mate is here now, I feel her…” Those garnet eyes looked deep into Clover, as if there was something he wanted to say, something more he knew on this matter, but kept it to himself for the time being “I know what you are thinking… You clearly believe I have the wrong good witch to save me, but I beg to differ… you have something very special inside you, Miss Clover… I would be delighted in assisting you in awakening it and then in return, you can help me with my own problems… what do you say?” Truth be told… he was eager for any reason to linger in Clover’s presence… there was something so extra special about her that called out to him, something that made him want to be closer and closer and closer, more and more… could she be the one? Could she be the source of the call that drew him from the forest? It wasn’t unheard of for Unicorns to mate with humans, it had happened a handful of times before in the past since the first dawn cast its golden light upon the newborn world… it was primarily human females though, although if memory served, there was one or two instances where it was a human male that mated with a female Unicorn. He was getting off track however in his musings… his eyes focused on Clover and as before, those garnet eyes gave her body a discreet once-over up and down… his trousers did feel just a slight bit too tight in front as he looked at her… What would she look like without those concealing clothes? His mind did wonder… and wonder some more… He was sure it was her… but he would have to try and be patient about this… human women were not as quick to accept a destined mating bond as Unicorns and other immortal species were… he’d have to woo her and ease her into accepting him... (smiled sweetly to Helios at his words, canting her head slightly with a breathy, quiet chuckle. That chuckle and smile faded as he went on, however, to talk about his troubles. Her brows furrowed as she stepped over to where he'd seated himself, standing beside the table and clasping her hands together, worrying a bit of her dress between her fingers." Oh... I'm so sorry..." She breathed out that apology, settling down into a seat there just around the corner on the table from where Helios had settled himself." I can't imagine how hard that is... being drawn to someone and not being able to find them... and then getting caught up with dark witches on top of it..." Frowning a little, Clover sighed." Vivica is fairly well known around here, and she is a rather terrifying woman. I'm sorry that you ran into her at all, and it was a good thing that her measures to try and imprison you were so weak... It would be a terrible thing had she or any of her ilk been remotely competent in capturing Unicorns." Standing up once more, Clover drifted over to the stove as steam began to flit from the spout. It had just begun to whistle when she turned off the heat and plucked up the handle with a towel to fill two cups." Truthfully, there hasn't been a Unicorn sighted outside the wood for such a long time, no one's quite sure how to handle a gentleman such as yourself... I'm sure there are those who wouldn't know..." Clover smiled gently as she drizzled some honey into her cup." When I was very young, I remember reading about Unicorns and other magical folk and the immortal races... I always found it fascinating... Humans... we're just a flash... a spark of fire, and then we burn out into ash..." Turning, Clover settled one of the cups down before Helios." I'd always wondered what it would be like to meet a Unicorn... but I didn't think it was something that was even possible... and yet, here you are..." Another soft laugh left Clover as she sat back down, her hands circling around her cup as she looked down into the amber tinted water." If... If you think that I can help you, then I will do my best, certainly. I just hope that you don't find my help to be disappointing..." Clover turned her gaze up from the cup over to Helios." I can, at the very least, provide you a safe space to stay and hide away from Civic... I think I can manage to mask your presence here for a little while... You might have to drink a potion every few days for it to work... would that be alright?" Clover blinked at Helios then, waiting to hear his answer. Once he did, however, her hand lifted so that her fingertips pressed over her plush lower lip. Her gaze drifted toward the door that led into the shop, and she let out a thoughtful hum." Though... if you're going to stay here for a while, there's the matter of my friend Willow... I thought she was watching the front of the shop, but she probably got distracted..." Letting out a little exasperated sigh, Clover smiled again." She's easily distracted by pretty faces... I'm sure she'll adore you... She's also very popular here for her looks. Perhaps you could ask her to help as well... She's quite the expert with love... though I believe her specialty is focused more on the carnal than romantic most of the time." Admitting this seemed to draw a slight flush to Clover's cheeks as she shrugged her shoulders lightly." Still, if you're searching for your love...your mate, as you say... Willow would know better on how to find that than I would. I have no experience with either love or carnality, so my help in that manner would be quite lacking. Though... if it's true what's written about Unicorns presenting themselves to Virgin maidens... then that's probably how you found me." Tapping her fingers on the side of her cup, Clover shook her head a little as if to dismiss the idea." I can, hopefully, provide you a safe space... the potion I have in mind... I read about it a very long time ago. Furthermore, I don't think it's meant to mask someone of your position, but... if I do it right, no one should be the wiser as to who you really are." She plucked up her cup then, taking a long sip, her brows furrowed a little, obviously still in thought." I live near the woods... it's not a very large space, but... you're welcome to whatever I have. It's not very elegant, but it's comfortable and quiet. I always found it very relaxing to be there. And maybe being by the woods will help to keep Civic away as well. Like you said, dark hearts cannot go into the forest... One of my old books is there, as well, which is where I believe the recipe is for the potion I have in mind... so I'd like to head there once we're done with tea. The sooner I'm able to mask your presence, the sooner you'll be able to find who you're looking for, I think..." Clover gave a nod, smiling brightly with another light laugh. She didn't think that a Unicorn would want to spend any more time around humans than was necessary, especially after his encounter with the dark witches and Civic especially. The least Clover could do was to be speedy in her help to him, so that he could find his mate and return safely to the forest. Taking another sip from her cup, Clover stood up to bustle about the ingredients she'd been working on before. Slipping powders into paper pouches and bottling up the remainder of things to stick up on the shelves that were already full of other bottles and boxes of ingredients. She scrawled out a little note to leave on the front counter to let Willow know she'd closed up early for the day, simply stating that something had come up that she needed to tend to immediately. Once that was done, Clover looked about for a little while until she'd put together a little pouch of herbs and stones. She set it on the table and then sat back down with a soft sigh." It's not very strong, but it should be enough to mask you until we get to my cabin..." "If... If you think that I can help you, then I will do my best, certainly. I just hope that you don't find my help to be disappointing..." Helios smiled softly at the intuition that prodded at his mind, something gave him the strong impression that it was highly unlikely that Clover could even remotely disappoint him…" I can, at the very least, provide you a safe space to stay and hide away from Civic... I think I can manage to mask your presence here for a little while... You might have to drink a potion every few days for it to work... would that be alright?" He nodded, his eyes warm and trusting “I am grateful and yes, I will do as you instruct, I trust that you would never do anything to bring me harm” The unicorn watched intently as Clover lifted her hand to gently press her fingertips to her lush kissable lower lip and found himself transfixed, not that she noticed as she turned her faze towards the shop door… he found himself wondering what it might feel like if he pressed his own lips to hers, they looked so soft… like the silken petals of Summer roses… His gazed drifted lower to study her neck, so lovely… her flesh looked soft and smooth… beckoning him to kiss every inch… How peculiar it was that she evoked such thoughts and passions within him… could it be possible? Had he been more on target than he realized?" Though... if you're going to stay here for a while, there's the matter of my friend Willow... I thought she was watching the front of the shop, but she probably got distracted..." “Willow” Helios said, testing the name “I shall be delighted to meet any friend of yours, Clover”"She's easily distracted by pretty faces... I'm sure she'll adore you... She's also very popular here for her looks. Perhaps you could ask her to help as well... She's quite the expert with love... though I believe her specialty is focused more on the carnal than romantic most of the time." He itched to ask Clover if she thought his face was pretty… he was certainly not disappointed when looking at hers… Admitting this seemed to draw a slight flush to Clover's cheeks as she shrugged her shoulders lightly." Still, if you're searching for your love...your mate, as you say... Willow would know better on how to find that than I would. I have no experience with either love or carnality, so my help in that manner would be quite lacking. Though... if it's true what's written about Unicorns presenting themselves to Virgin maidens... then that's probably how you found me."“I think finding my mate won’t be such a challenging task” Helios replied, adding vaguely “I already have an idea where to begin” Perhaps if he explained things to this Willow person, she might assist him in learning more about Clover and perhaps if he was as on target as he was suspecting, give him tips to wooing the lovely brunette human.” I can, hopefully, provide you a safe space... the potion I have in mind... I read about it a very long time ago. Furthermore, I don't think it's meant to mask someone of your position, but... if I do it right, no one should be the wiser as to who you really are."“That will be excellent” Helios replied “I shall help with my own wisdom however I can”"I live near the woods... it's not a very large space, but... you're welcome to whatever I have. It's not very elegant, but it's comfortable and quiet. I always found it very relaxing to be there. And maybe being by the woods will help to keep Civic away as well. Like you said, dark hearts cannot go into the forest... One of my old books is there, as well, which is where I believe the recipe is for the potion I have in mind... so I'd like to head there once we're done with tea. The sooner I'm able to mask your presence, the sooner you'll be able to find who you're looking for, I think..."“I am certain your home will be as lovely as you are” Helios replied, not really caring if his comment sounded a bit too forward… in fact, he hoped she might be able to read between the lines to see that he was flirting with her, though with the grace of a perfect gentleman yet… he did not wish to offend Clover by going beyond what was proper far too quickly. Least of all in her shop where her reputation could be hurt if the wrong eyes and ears were to see or pick something they might interpret wrong." It's not very strong, but it should be enough to mask you until we get to my cabin..." Helios reached across to gently touch her hand… he felt his chest grow warm as his skin touched hers, her hand was soft as female’s hands ought to be… though not too soft, it was obvious that she understood what a day’s work was… but he liked that, that communicated to him that she would be tough enough to handle an immortal’s passions, she wasn’t a weak willed fragile flower… No… Clover reminded him of a seductive forest rose… there was a part of himself that was still so new to him that wanted to pull her into his arms and ask her if she’d be only his forest rose for all eternity… but Clover would not understand how Unicorns worked in the ways of mating, he would have to gradually help her understand before he began pushing her too hard… It was going to be difficult to refrain… every moment more with her made him all the more certain that him being so powerfully drawn here was so much more than simply being a pure soul endowed with magical gifts… he was convinced Clover was in fact, his mate. Now to convince Clover of this without sending her running for the hills... Clover smiled when Helios agreed to her suggestion, even going so far as to state that he trusted her and that she wouldn't try to hurt him." I hope that I continue to earn your trust..." She added with a small laugh before she'd pressed her finger to her lip in thought. It seemed that Clover was oblivious to Helios's gaze drinking her in, as her mind was on other things. When she mentioned Willow, and Helios stated that he'd be delighted to meet her, Clover smiled." Yes, I imagine you'll quite like her. Most do." Willow was a whirlwind, and she typically drew the eye of most men in the city who came to the shop. Flirtatious and witty, Willow was the sort who knew what she had to offer and didn't shy away from showing it. Whereas Clover was more quiet and demure, and far more reserved in her attire and mannerisms than her friend. Blinking over to Helios at his statement, Clover smiled then." Oh, I'm glad to hear it. If you have an idea of where to look, it doesn't seem like such a daunting task. I'll do what I can to help you, so that you and your mate can go back to the safety of the wood and be far away from Civic." Clover nodded to this rather matter-of-factly. This was when she had announced that she could mask his presence at least somewhat - or so she hoped, at least." Thank you, hopefully I won't have to trouble you too much." She had gone on to explain her cabin then, feeling a bit shy about the whole thing. It wasn't exactly grandiose or fancy. Not something worthy of one such as himself, really. But it was what she had, and if he wanted her help it was all she really had to offer him. His certainty on the loveliness of her home had Clover blushing slightly and smiling to him." Well, I do like it. So I hope you won't mind it so much." Clover tucked back a loose a bit of her hair behind her ear, then, her cheeks still rather rosy." As for my loveliness, thank you. But you should save such sweet sayings for your mate, shouldn't you? I'm sure that their loveliness will surpass whatever loveliness you might see in me. Though if you were simply being kind, please dismiss my words. It's not really proper of me to say, in any case. My apologies." Clover sighed softly, though she was still smiling when she handed Helios the charm she'd crafted. She didn't snap her hand away when his fingers brushed hers, she simply offered him a warm smile. Once the charm was in his hand, Clover let her own drop slowly." It will take me only a few moments to close up so that we can head out. Simply having that, perhaps in your pocket, should be enough... I'll try not to take too long." Clover immediately turned to hurry and clean up the mess she'd made in preparing tea and the charm, scribbling out a bit of a note for Willow should she return to the shop after Clover took Helios away to hide him. Her heart hammered in her chest so wildly and so loudly in her own ears she was afraid that Helios would hear it. Perhaps he did... As she tidied, Clover stole glances now and then of Helios - only to flush and look away because of how often she found that he was watching her. What he must think of a simple woman such as herself. He was easily the most handsome man she'd ever laid eyes upon, but she knew from experience that it meant little that he watched her. No, any time she'd even remotely had affection for someone, she was usually passed over. Too quiet, to plain for the tastes of most men. Men who preferred a woman like Willow, who owned herself and wasn't afraid to flirt and smile. Clover had always been far more interested in books and herbs and helping people. And before she'd ever really realized it, she'd become the woman that was simply passed over for romance. She hadn't even really realized that the prime years of her youth where romance and fooling around wouldn't have been surprising had simply passed her by without her even noticing. Now she was well into the age where she should have been married, thinking of starting a family soon. But here she was, minding a shop instead while her best friend chased after pretty faces... well, nowshe was helping a unicorn hide from dark witches and find his mate! That would be the most exciting thing she could likely ever experience! She just hoped that she wouldn't end up getting Helios into trouble, or being a burden to him. Finally, Clover had finished cleaning up and preparing her note." Alright, we can head out now, unless there's something else you wish to do here?" Clover's head tilted slightly, and she waited for him to confirm before she motioned him to follow her to the back of the shop. Leaving through the front door would only draw attention to him - shining and handsome as Helios was. Leaving from the back of the shop would draw less attention, and she could guide him on the path from the shop to the wood. Not many travelled the path, so Clover was sure that she'd be able to get him to the cabin safely. Just to be cautious, however, Clover slipped out the door first, and peered around. She hurried to the corner of her shop to peek around it and check to see if there had been anyone skulking around. Better to be safe, right? When she was satisfied that there was no one watching her shop, she rushed back to Helios and urged him to step outside so she could close and lock the door behind him. With the shop locked up, Clover led Helios through the back garden where she had many plants growing. It didn't take long, however, for her to slip from the back garden onto a worn footpath that led back toward the forest, and presumably her cabin. When she mentioned Willow, and Helios stated that he'd be delighted to meet her, Clover smiled." Yes, I imagine you'll quite like her. Most do." Helios simply smiled, not quite sure how to respond verbally… he was sure this Willow was nice, but she’d never hold a candle to his Clover… not that he could really say that to Clover at this point in time… Humans were complicated... "Oh, I'm glad to hear it. If you have an idea of where to look, it doesn't seem like such a daunting task. I'll do what I can to help you, so that you and your mate can go back to the safety of the wood and be far away from Civic." That bit troubled him now… he was certain Clover was the maiden his heart burned for, and he wasn’t too sure if she’d be willing to leave this place behind… which meant Civic would have to be dealt with if he was to remain here with Clover and make certain they and their inevitable new family would be safe from harm. Civic would never be able to resist the temptation of their defenseless foals and their horns..." Thank you, hopefully I won't have to trouble you too much." Truth be told, he kindly went into his own thoughts a little bit as she described the cabin, but he caught more than enough of the important details… it was fair to say the unicorn had a great deal of life impacting things on his mind." Well, I do like it. So I hope you won't mind it so much." Clover tucked back a loose a bit of her hair behind her ear, then, her cheeks still rather rosy. "As for my loveliness, thank you. But you should save such sweet sayings for your mate, shouldn't you? I'm sure that their loveliness will surpass whatever loveliness you might see in me. Though if you were simply being kind, please dismiss my words. It's not really proper of me to say, in any case. My apologies." He had to hold himself back… it was too soon to act his urges to seduce his mate… he needed to get Clover home where they would be safe and have the privacy to talk about it… he just sensed the shop simply wasn’t an appropriate setting for such an important and intimate discussion. It didn’t feel right. Also… he also JUST arrived and sprung all of this on her… it was only fair to give her a couple of moments more to process everything before he dropped another big one on her. He gratefully accepted the charm she offered him… his breath caught in his throat when her fingers lingered against hers for a brief time… he felt sensuous white-hot electricity course through him, every instinct he had was screaming at him to confess and claim… but he knew he had to wait… Clover deserved a proper explanation in the privacy of her home and the affordability to just sit and let her ask him all the questions she wanted… When she finally withdrew her fingers from his, Helios released a discreet shuddering breath before he slipped the charm into his clothing… his garnet eyes all the while burning with need as he stared at her lovely face… Clover was lucky that Helios was a unicorn capable of great restraint..." It will take me only a few moments to close up so that we can head out. Simply having that, perhaps in your pocket, should be enough... I'll try not to take too long."“I will be right here” Helios replied, smiling gently. He reclaimed his seat and retreated into his thoughts… how was he going to handle this? The connection he felt with Clover was powerful, intoxicating… he wanted to act on it so badly… and when she touched him… resisting it almost hurt… His trousers were feeling a bit on the tight side in front, his manhood was partially stiff just from her touching him so innocently… her smiles… her sweet maidenly blushing… oh he wanted her… he wanted her so bad… it made him wonder how long he could actually hold out until he couldn’t bear to remain silent any longer and tell Clover everything… Would she understand? Would she be upset? Or worse… would she reject him? His heartfelt sick at that possibility… unicorns did not deal well with severe heartbreak… and the loss of a soulmate, be it death or rejection… that was worse than the most agonizing torture to a unicorn... No… he couldn’t think like that… he just couldn’t… surely Clover would be able to feel this connection as strongly as he did… he had to have faith... Helios looked up when he heard the footsteps approaching him, a beautiful smile curved his lips as he looked at her… his beautiful radiant mate… he would make sure to make her realize how beautiful and wonderful she was… how brilliantly her soul shone in a world that was so badly stained with pitch black darkness… He would help her to see that." Alright, we can head out now, unless there's something else you wish to do here?"“No, I am ready to go whenever you are” Helios replied, admiring the subtle flecks of earthy green in her beautiful brown eyes. He couldn’t wait to stare into those eyes every night and gaze into them first thing every morning. He watched as Clover slipped out the back door first, peering around and then moving around the side of the structure to check for any spies… it pleased him that she cared so much for his safety… even if it had nothing to do with any romantic feelings, it still made him feel good. Eventually, Clover returned to the door to collect Helios, guiding him out and locking the door behind him… he followed her then through the rear garden that fed into a well-used footpath that when followed would take you directly into the forest… he immediately felt a little more comfortable under the cover of trees. Nature always took the side of unicorns over dark hearts, it would provide just a sliver more of concealment against the witches. He couldn’t help himself as Clover walked a small distance ahead of him… his eyes watched the natural way her backside move subtly from side to side… he couldn’t refrain from thinking about how nice it would feel to grip those lovely hips in his strong hands… His trousers felt just a tiny bit tighter… he really needed to find something else to think about for the time being, he needed somewhere to focus his thoughts!“Have you lived in this forest long?” He asked, discreetly swallowing hard as he forced his arousal deep down where it couldn’t get him in trouble… for now anyway. Clover moved comfortably through the trees and brush, her hand hovering out at her side to brush over the tops of leaves and grasses as they passed along - her other holding onto her skirt to stop it from getting too dusty on the footpath. She had always loved the dappled light that shone through the leaves on the trees above, little kisses of sunlight on her skin. When Helios asked her a question, Clover paused just a moment to turn to look back to him, smiling lightly as she took another step to the side slightly and let out a small laugh." Oh... ah... always. Or, as long as I can remember, at least." She turned back ahead once more, entirely unaware of the silent war Helios was going through as she led him toward her home." The cabin belonged to my mother before me... it was left to me when she passed, and I've lived there ever since. I thought once or twice to move somewhere else... but I don't think I could really leave the forest. I'd miss it too much." Taking a few more steps ahead, Clover let out a soft sigh." Not that I'd know where to go, even if I did want to leave. Maybe it's silly, but... I've always felt drawn to the forest. Like... there's something about it that calls to me. I can hear it in the wind, feel it in the light through the leaves... everything about the forest seems to beckon to me..." She let out a small laugh, pausing to look toward the thicker trees, stilling in her venture forward as she looked upwards to the canopy." Or maybe it's just like what everyone tells me. I'm just foolish and silly for thinking that there's something in the forest that's calling to me." Clover let out a small wistful sigh, glancing back to Helios again before giving him another small smile and motioning with her hand for him to continue to follow." It's not much further. I do apologize for my wistful thoughts. It's silly of a girl like me to think of such fantasies, right? I've certainly never done anything noteworthy, nothing that would cause the forest or the spirits in it to want to choose me for anything so special or grand. I stopped trying to figure out what it was that calls to me years ago." Clover stepped down a small incline, and it was now easy to see through the break in trees the makings of a small cabin - two rooms at best. The logs grown over with moss and ivy, but the building still well taken care of." There it is... home sweet home. Are you hungry? I could try to make something for you... though I don't know if it would be suitable to your palate..." Clover's nose wrinkled a little, and she sighed a light chuckle before walking on ahead, her hand lifting as she passed under some arches - trees and branches that had created natural bowers. Overhead hung small bells and empty bottles of colored glass, shells from far-away beaches. As she passed, Clover let her fingers trail against the baubles hanging over head, the movement sending a small tinkling of sound through the wood." I don't know how helpful it'll be to stay here... if your mate's in town somewhere, but... at least it's safer for now. Well, I hope it to be, at least." Clover mused, pulling a key from the confines of her top, and tugging the leather cord from over her head so she could open up the door for them both." You're taller than I am, so you may want to watch your head... I have some herbs hanging..." Clover opened the door, pausing there to turn back to Helios with a smile." Please... welcome to my home. It can be your home, too, for as long as you need." Clover stepped inside then, moving to open blinds to let in some sunlight before she stepped around to light a couple candles. It was a two-room cabin. The main room had the kitchen and dining area, as well as a sitting area by the fire. There were herbs and flowers hanging in bunches, a set of shelves with jars of pickled and dried vegetables and meats. Others with bottles and jars of different potions and tinctures as well as ingredients for them. It was a quaint space, but it was obvious that Clover was the only one who lived in the space. There were no signs of anyone staying with her - male or female. Once Clover had the candles lit, she stepped around to a door that had been left ajar - one that led to her bedroom." You can rest in here if you're tired... I'm sure it's not the most comfortable, but... I've got some blankets and furs there... if you've been travelling long, you're probably very tired..." Clover moved to the bed, brushing her hands over the covers and trying to fluff the bed somewhat, frowning down at it before her hands went to her hips and she looked around to a chest of drawers which she pulled out another cover from to lay out upon the bed." There... it's not much. But... whatever I have is yours. If you'd like food or drink, I can try to get you something you'd like. If you have questions about town, or... if you can tell me anything about who you're looking for I can try to point you in the proper direction. I don't imagine you'd want to stay anywhere near where Civic could get her talons in you for long..." Clover's nose wrinkled again." Sorry it's so small... I wish I had more to offer you... or... better, at least. I hope it's alright enough for now... "Clover offered this as she stepped out of the room, moving to lean against the thick wooden table, her hands resting on the well-worn edges of it as she turned her gaze back to Helios." So... what else can I do to help you find whomever you're looking for? Maybe that's..." Clover laughed again, shaking her head." Maybe that's what the forest wants me to do... How I knew... who you were straight away. You can laugh if you like... it's a bit silly. But I felt the pull to the forest my whole life... it never went away... but... now the pull is... never mind, it's not important. I'm meant to help you, that's what it must be. So, help you I will. To the best of my ability, and hopefully that will suffice." Clover tapped her fingers on the edge of the table and then gave another small shake of her head before pushing off to move to her shelves to gather cups. She dropped in some dried flowers and leaves, some berries into the wooden mugs, carrying both and a kettle toward the fireplace where she knelt down to begin tending to the old branches and coals that needed to be re-lit." Please, you must be tired. I'll make some tea, and then you can rest so that you're able to better tend your search."

Stay away from my unicorn! (LamentingQuill and Mister Morgue)|rating:4.0

NeverEnding Dungeon - Android4

The air surrounding you fairly hum with the residue of magic, an aftereffect of the spell that brought you to this place. A quick glance reveals that you are in a small room, devoid of any life save for yourself. The sound of dripping water can be heard faintly, and the stone walls are slick with moisture. In complete defiance of logic, a torch is already lit, resting in a sconce near the room's single door. Map:Spoiler Hide {table]|A_|B_|C_ 1||| 2||N| 3||| 4|||[/table] There is a door at C-4, south side. DM notes:Spoiler Hide Sheet Woo! Ok, you know I have a map of the first 4 or so rooms, and I know how to get to each of them without bothering with those annoying pit thingies, or the gas traps. I can also get to that note which doesn't Explode without passing through either. Sooo... First up is Mr Color spray. (As I'm quite likely to actually die here.) Enter from the Southern Door. I think we may as well assume that you always act first, in every combat, so go for it. Android 4:HP: 9/9AC: 17/9/17Saves: +3/+2/+3FH: 1For your turn:will save - (d20+3)[7]For my turn, if I pass the save: Move if needed, then blink shirt 10' above him. Damage to him - (9d6)[37]damage to me - (1d6)[4] Opening the door reveals the following room:Spoiler Hide {table]|A_|B_|C_|D_|E_ 1||||| 2||||| 3||||| 4||||B|H[/table] There is a door at A-2, which you are just outside, another at E-4, south side and another at E-3. There is a human wearing a chain shirt and holding a long sword standing behind a beast with patchy dark fur that covers its unhealthy shrunken black skin in some places. Open sores dot its hide and a feral, catlike head glances with its blank eyes at the wall in front of it. Initiative:(1d20+2)[16] You get color sprayed and fail... He then moves up next to you (which constitutes turn 1)...we'll see how many rounds your out. (2d4)[6]- Unconscious(1d4)[2]- Blind/stunned1 - stunnedCDGsSpoiler Hide CDG - (2d8-2)[6] CDG - (2d8-2)[9] CDG - (2d8-2)[8] CDG - (2d8-2)[3] CDG - (2d8-2)[9] I should be outside A4, I can't win initiative against anything with a positive initiative modifier, and I failed my will save. (2d4)[3] (1d4)[1] And you get CDG for quite a lot. I'm going to say that's me dead... I think that's enough HP damage to kill me, anyway. Ah well, try again, same tactics. Will save - (d20+3)[23]If failed: (2d4)[5] (1d4)[4] CDG - (2d8-2)[6]fort - (d20+3)[5] CDG - (2d8-2)[4]fort - (d20+3)[23] CDG - (2d8-2)[7]fort - (d20+3)[5] CDG - (2d8-2)[12]fort - (d20+3)[21] CDG - (2d8-2)[13]fort - (d20+3)[17] CDG - (2d8-2)[3]fort - (d20+3)[13] CDG - (2d8-2)[7]fort - (d20+3)[4]If pass:(9d6)[34]to him(1d6)[2]to Meir I'm dead: Ah well, try again, same tactics. Will save - (d20+3)[16] If failed: (2d4)[4] (1d4)[1] CDG - (2d8-2)[5]fort - (d20+3)[17] CDG - (2d8-2)[9]fort - (d20+3)[12] CDG - (2d8-2)[3]fort - (d20+3)[21] CDG - (2d8-2)[3]fort - (d20+3)[22] CDG - (2d8-2)[9]fort - (d20+3)[4] CDG - (2d8-2)[7]fort - (d20+3)[15] CDG - (2d8-2)[13]fort - (d20+3)[12] If pass: (9d6)[34] to him (1d6)[5] to me Ah well, try again, same tactics. Will save - (d20+3)[4] If failed: (2d4)[8] (1d4)[1] CDG - (2d8-2)[6]fort - (d20+3)[16] CDG - (2d8-2)[11]fort - (d20+3)[15] CDG - (2d8-2)[9]fort - (d20+3)[4] CDG - (2d8-2)[4]fort - (d20+3)[11] CDG - (2d8-2)[9]fort - (d20+3)[4] CDG - (2d8-2)[6]fort - (d20+3)[15] CDG - (2d8-2)[9]fort - (d20+3)[15] If pass: (9d6)[34] to him (1d6)[3] to me If I'm dead: Ah well, try again, same tactics. Will save - (d20+3)[14] If failed: (2d4)[2] (1d4)[2] CDG - (2d8-2)[10]fort - (d20+3)[19] CDG - (2d8-2)[5]fort - (d20+3)[20] CDG - (2d8-2)[10]fort - (d20+3)[14] CDG - (2d8-2)[7]fort - (d20+3)[9] CDG - (2d8-2)[6]fort - (d20+3)[14] CDG - (2d8-2)[9]fort - (d20+3)[15] CDG - (2d8-2)[3]fort - (d20+3)[11] If pass: (9d6)[39] to him (1d6)[3] to me ROFL... You got the 2nd one150XP long sword, chain shirt I considered complaining that this guy's tactics are too cheesy, as you can only survive if you get lucky on your save. Then I realized that at least he offers a save. A wizard with Abrupt Jaunt and Enlarge Person could do exactly the same as I do as a single encounter. Anyway, next up is Mr Bad breath. Android 4:HP: 9/9AC: 17/9/17Saves: +3/+2/+3FH: 1damage - (1d6)[2]reflex - (d20+2)[6]rounds - (1d4)[1]ongoing damage - (1d6)[1]ongoing damage - (1d6)[1]ongoing damage - (1d6)[6]ongoing damage - (1d6)[3]Move and Bellyflopdamage - (9d6)[31]pink stinging feeling on stomach - (1d6)[2] Do you even need a DM?150xp (Hang on, I'll look at what kind of armor this guys is wearing) Well, the very best the next two can do in damage terms is 26 for the kobold, which would kill me (burning blade, critical, and the two-attack thingy, and max damage on all rolls. And the Orc can kill me on a Critical quite easily. If I just roll an attack and damage for each against me (and assuming the orc is charging), and then the retaliatory belly flop, we'll have caught up with the last char already. Orc:attack - (d20+7)[8]damage - (2d6+6)[15]reconfirm - (d20+7)[21]damage - (2d6+6)[12]belly flop - (9d6)[26]stinging - (1d6)[6]Kobold:attack1 - (d20+4)[6]attack2 - (d20+4)[22]reconfirm - (d20+4)[19]damage - (1d4+4)[8]+fire - (1d6+1)[6]Cold bonus - (1d6)[5]critdamage - (1d4+4)[8]belly flop - (9d6)[30]stinging - (1d6)[4]Unconscious from falling damage for a while, but otherwise fine. Alright... So 300XPA Ripper / Chain mail / Javelin / Sun dark Goggles Short sword / ChainshirtA Chain mail (From Bad Breath) And t'other stuff in the orc room (140sp and quartz?) Put some of the firewood and wheat in the sack to make room for as much loot as possible, and then put the rest in the sack (maintain at least 520lb in the backpack, and drag any excess)I'll go out the other door in Mr bad breath's room, and see what I can see down this corridor.EDIT: Oh, and make sure to grab that note that tells me to burn it. Nope, the other stuff was random, didn't get it this time... So north door of Bad Breath...(edit)You open the door, and the hall collapses killing youth hallway runs east/west East it goes 20ft before turning south. There is a door on the north side of the turn. West the hallway goes 60ft before turning north. 10ft down the hall is a split north, 20ft past that is a split south, and 20ft past that is a split north. That was embarrassingly quick by comparison to #2... I look forward to seeing what nasty characters I can come up with at L2....although I suspect that Mr Kobold Totemism will win out (11 natural attacks, Crusader, and a class level to spare.EDIT: See edit above. And did they rule that the claws will stack with kobold claws for attacks? New door. Let's go open it.EDIT: I've assumed that they wouldn't stack with natural claws, but that two soul melds that grant claw attacks would stack. Opening the door reveals the following room:Spoiler Hide {table]|A_|B_|C_|D_ 1|||| 2||C|C| 3||C|C| 4||C|C| 5||||[/table] The room contains a large chest with a note attached to its latch. There are doors at C5, D2 and D1 north. Originally Posted by veteran See edit above. And did they rule that the claws will stack with kobold claws for attacks? They haven't had a chance to look at the relevant sources, but are inclined to believe that the build has several issues. Also, falling damage dealt to a character is now equal to the amount they deal with their body, after you clear this floor. Just so you know. Originally Posted by Fanatic They haven't had a chance to look at the relevant sources, but are inclined to believe that the build has several issues. Also, falling damage dealt to a character is now equal to the amount they deal with their body, after you clear this floor. Just so you know. OOO! We could go ahead and retrofit that now No, since he found a way to abuse the rules, he deserves his floor clear. I was always planning on doing this as soon as the notion of Mr. Belly flop came up, for the record. I caused a Nerf now feel happy Hmm... Now I just need to grab huge jump/tumble modifiers to negate the damage to myself... I remember this chest from #1... I want to read the note.EDIT: I hope that doesn't add extra damage to those pit traps now...not that anyone's fallen in any after their first char AFAIK. Performdance - (d20+3)[10](not sure why dances have no ACP, but hey...) A note attached to the latch reads “Greater rewards await the patient man, but only a fool waits forever.” .... Hm... I'll leave it alone for now, then. I head back out the southern door, and go west, then north at the first turning. At the split, you see the hallway goes north for 10ft and turns east. You also see a door 10ft north on the northern side of the hall. Open the door. Opening the door reveals the following room:Spoiler Hide {table]|A_|B_|C_|D_|E_|F_ 1|||||| 2|||||| 3||||1|| 4||||||[/table] There are doors at A3 and F4 south. In the room is a gray-wrinkled humanoid, crawling low with claws extending from its hands. Initiative: (1d20)[14] I can't win Initiative...ever... Android 4:HP: 9/9AC: 17/9/17Saves: +3/+2/+3FH: 1 I realised after I hit submit. The thing moves toward you and attacks. Attack - (1d20+4)[17]Damage - (1d4+1)[2] Ow. Teleport splatter.(9d6)[36](1d6)[4]Android 4:HP: 4/9AC: 17/9/17Saves: +3/+2/+3FH: 1EDIT: I wonder why he was supposed to be powerful... Who said he was supposed to be powerful? He's a pain if you don't flop on him for 36 damage...150XP Every enemy down here is very well-made, and extremely dangerous... I was just wondering what his gimmick was. Head out the western door, see what I see. If you DM, you'll seethe hall goes west for 10ft before turning south, and it goes north for 10ft before turning west. West then South. You travel 20ft, triggering an acid trap as you walk, and find yourself in an east/west intersection (the hallway south "T"ed east/west)It goes west for 10ft before turning north. East it goes out of your 60ft sight. 40ft down the hall you see a split north, 50ft you see a door on the south side. And I believe it also has a split south after 20'. Been here before. West then North. Yep, my selective vision didn't see that... You go 15ft north, find a pit, teleport over it, finish off the 30ft hallway and turn east for 20ft, then south for 10ft, and your back in front of that door. Loopy. SorryOk, go back through that room, out the other door, and then east. Looking east, you see a red card hanging from the wall 10ft in front of you. Read it. Kaboom? "BOOM"Force Damage - (1d6)[1]Out of the door, you walk 10ft east, read the card, then turn north. Facing north, you see the hallway end 30ft ahead in an East/West "T"20ft ahead the hall splits east. If the turning to the east has a door 20' down it on the south side, carry on north instead. If not, go down that turning. Down the split, you notice it runs 30ft before turning south. At 25ft, there is a door on the south wall, with a large bulls eye painted on the floor in front of it. Continuing to the T, you see that it runs both east and west for 20ft before turning north. Head back and prod the bullseye. Then go east, south, and take the first turning to the east. You prod the bulls eye, nothing happens... You step on the bulls eye and fat guy falls from the ceiling dealing you (10d6)[27] damage nothing happens. You take the turn south, and you see the hallway goes 30ft south before turning east.10ft into the hallway you see a door on the western wall, and a split east across from the door. Take the first turning to the east. You travel 10ft east before turning north. The hallway goes north for 40ft before turning east.10ft into the hallway is a split east, 10ft after that split is another split west. Take the first turning. At the first split, you see the hallway go 15ft and end at a door.10ft into the hall there is a split north. Open the door. Opening the door reveals the following room:Spoiler Hide {table]|A_|B_|C_ 1||| 2||| 3||| 4||| 5||| 6||1|[/table] There is a door at A5 and C5. At 15ft above ground there is a metallic, dog-sized, bug looking construct. It spits acid at you. AcidDamage - (3d4)[5]Reflex Halves. ...how high is that ceiling?reflex - (d20+2)[4]HP: 9/9AC: 17/9/17Saves: +3/+2/+3FH: 1If I can, move+teleport 10' above it. (possible if the ceilings are 30' high or more.)(9d6)[38](1d6)[3]If not...well, we have a problem. Drop my shield, 5' step into the room, and smack it with the club two-handed. Attack - (d20+3)[7]damage - (d8+6)[12] I'm pretty sure that the ceilings are 20ft high, I'll ask around to make certain though, please hold.(edit)Confirmed, 20ft ceilings. Last time the question was asked, it was said that the corridors are 20' high, and the rooms were taller. I *think* it was in the old recruitment thread. *goes looking* Just so you know, it's on the wall. I found it...20' it is. So, drop shield, two-hand weapon, and fail completely at attacking. Your move, busy. It attacks you with its pincers Attack - (1d20+1)[19]Damage - (1d4)[2]Attack - (1d20+1)[12]Damage - (1d4)[2] So...which direction does it move? I'm 10' away (large = reach) Originally Posted by terminally sick So...which direction does it move? I'm 10' away (large = reach) If you 5ft step into the room, it doesn't need to reach, as you're in A5, it's in B6, and your large, so you take up 10ft, (which I assume is 10ft vertical as well as 10ft horizontal) Indeed, but it's 5' in every direction (south, west, up), which is (by Python) 8.7'. Which should round to 10'. If not...well, I'll move so that it has to move either down, or towards me to attack, and swing again.(d20+3)[5](d8+6)[7]4/9, either way.EDIT: I am SO glad I made a char who mostly ignores the requirement to roll d20s. I SUCK at d20s. Give me a square you move to, so I can guide this thing accordingly Well, given your strange interpretation of distances... I don't think it's possible to be 10' away without backing into the open where he'd have to spit. Having said that, that spit is a ranged attack so would provoke. I'm gonna 5' step to C2/D3. He comes off the wall to attack you. Attack - (1d20+1)[17]Damage - (1d4)[4] So he's at ground level? Or flying?BTW, I've just finished my first L2 build...4 different classes...should be fun And I'm taking Cleric, and NOT USING PERSIST. He's ground level, And I've got one that has 4 different class levels, but I AM using persist... Cloistered Cleric: Knowledge Devotion, Healing Devotion, Death Domain. 80 points of healing, but without that feat cost. Crusader//FactotumCCleric//Incarnate Incarnate is for the DR 4/Magic, make that healing go much further. Factotum and Knowledge Devotion is actually better than Int to ATK/damage.if only Ninjutsu focus was allowed... Oh, and splat that bug. Teleport above it.(8d6)[29](1d6)[1] 150XP. Moving on? Grab my shield and heal up first, and then pontificate on whether to go open that chest before having defeated all the encounters.... I'm intrigued by what the 'fool' comment is, so I'll purposefully ignore the warning and go find the last room. Out the other door from the bug room, what do I see? Opening the door, you see a hallway going east for 20ft before turning south. At a guess, following it round will lead to just outside Mrs tabby's room, so once that's confirmed, head back through busy's room, and turn north straight away. Yes, it winds back around to stubby's room. Are you wanting the split north, or the "T" North coming out of the bug room? The very first split. I'm considering dropping Incarnate for Totemism... I'm using a feat for a soul meld, so I'll always have the Bracers and the rage claws, but I'm not sure what the best second soul meld would be... Mantle of Flame IS very nice.but my AC is low and Worm tail belt would help. I think it'll be totemism. You travel 30ft north (triggering an acid trap as you go) before it ends in a T. East it goes 35ft before turning south. With a north split at 20ft. West it goes 10ft before turning south. East then south. Alright, heading east. You trigger an acid trap just before the north split, at the north split you see that it goes north for 10ft before turning west. Continuing east, you go for another 10ft before turning south for 20ft, then east for 10ft, then north for 10ft, you hop a pit, then continue north for another 30ft before turning west. Looking west you see the hall goes 60ft before turning south with a split south 20ft down the hall. Take the first turning south. If all it does it lead back to just north of the bug room, then take the turning at the end instead. 10ft down the south split, you see a green notecard. (otherwise, yes it leads back to the "north split", though you would fall in a pit, you can just teleport out...) Read the card, then head back up to the long EW corridor, head west then south at the end. The card reads “You've Been Poisoned. Have Fun.” written in common. Fort Save Please. ... I hate Fanatic sometimes...[roll=fort]d20=3[/roll] Come on... I'm good at saves...just attack rolls I suck at. Fort - (d20+3)[9]Second time's the charm? Forgot to hit Shift (edit)You feel no different Or do you! ..... O_anyway....back to the plan....north, west, then south at the end of the corridor. You travel west and get to the south turn.20ft down the south hall is a door on the east wall.(Also, do you have anything to check 5ft in front of you? Or just the 10ft pole?) Just the pole. Go into that room You move 5ft and the floor gives way Reflex Save... friendly.reflex - (d20+2)[14] you pass, I'm assuming you want to be on the other side.so you make it to the door, would you like to open it? Was that pole not enough to find the trap? If not, I'll move the sack I'm carrying around (full of mostly firewood and wheat atm) just in front of me to trigger any traps like that. And yes, open the door. I guess it really depends on how you interpret it...technically you were never more than 5ft from that square once it came into your view...which is kinda sneaky I'll admit... Anyway. You open the door and see three squirrels on the wall, one at 5ft, one at 10ft, one at 15ft. Since they win initiative. A darkness permeates the room, your vision cannot pierce it. You are still standing outside the door to the room. If the room was large enough, I'll walk 15' forward, so that nothing on the walls can reach me. I'll then ready an action to teleport 15' above anything that attacks me. The room is a 4x3 square{table=head]|A_|B_|C_|D_1||||2||||S3||||[/table]Door is in A3 West, Squirrels are in D2 at 5/10/15 feet. Hope that helps. Move to B2. Same readied action. Once you enter the darkness, you take Damage - (1d6)[4]And I need a fort save. Fort - (d20+3)[11]*hopes* Fail. You take 1 point of STR Damage. You are attacked by one of the squirrels Attack - (1d20+6)[19]Damage - 1Then your readied action goes off, squishing the squirrel. Then you're attacked by the 2 other squirrels Attack - (1d20+6)[15]Damage = 1Attack - (1d20+6)[13]Damage = 1 So I know where another squirrel is? Teleport above that one too. Non-lethal falling damage - (d6)[5]non-lethal falling damage - (d6)[6]5/9 HP minus whatever I take here. So you pass out from the non-lethal damage then... Rage claws, can function til -13 HP.EDIT: Otherwise that kobold would have annihilated me. Yes, but rage claws has nothing on Non-Lethal Damage. Originally Posted by SRD. When you take nonlethal damage, keep a running total of how much you’ve accumulated. Do not deduct the nonlethal damage number from your current hit points. It is not "real" damage. Instead, when your nonlethal damage equals your current hit points, you’re staggered, and when it exceeds your current hit points, you fall unconscious. It doesn’t matter whether the nonlethal damage equals or exceeds your current hit points because the nonlethal damage has gone up or because your current hit points have gone down. Your HP is 5, your non-lethal is 11. So you fall unconscious. Well, crap. Rage claws has a fairly large limitation then. I don't suppose you'd let me (since I didn't know that rule) take that as lethal damage instead? Hold on, I have Fast Healing 1, he has 1 damage max. (Bar very lucky cries)IF I heal the non-lethal, I can get back in fighting form. 11 turns of damage then.(1d20+6)[19](1d20+6)[20](1d20+6)[7](1d20+6)[17](1d20+6)[21](1d20+6)[20](1d20+6)[22](1d20+6)[12](1d20+6)[20](1d20+6)[11](1d20+6)[21]3 misses, 8 damage total, I heal all non-lethal, and am on -4 HP. Splat the little thing, and move on smiling. If you're unconscious, he can CDG you into oblivion. Oh, yeah. D'oh. Well, that's me not knowing the rules properly...oops. Do I *have* to restart? I'm just going to put together about 4 attempts at the color spray guy, then do all the other encounters exactly the same way as I did them this time through, which makes it nigh impossible for me to die. Well, here goes:Color Spray dude:will save - (d20+3)[15]If pass:(9d6)[24](1d6)[4]If failed:Durations:(2d4)[3]CDG - (2d8-2)[12]fort - (d20+3)[14]CDG - (2d8-2)[5]fort - (d20+3)[7]CDG - (2d8-2)[6]fort - (d20+3)[14]CDG - (2d8-2)[8]fort - (d20+3)[8]CDG - (2d8-2)[6]fort - (d20+3)[4]CDG - (2d8-2)[12]fort - (d20+3)[5]CDG - (2d8-2)[2]fort - (d20+3)[16]Then go to 'if pass'Is dead:Well, here goes:Color Spray dude:will save - (d20+3)[13]If pass:(9d6)[35](1d6)[5]If failed:Durations:(2d4)[6]CDG - (2d8-2)[3]fort - (d20+3)[9]CDG - (2d8-2)[5]fort - (d20+3)[17]CDG - (2d8-2)[8]fort - (d20+3)[12]CDG - (2d8-2)[8]fort - (d20+3)[4]CDG - (2d8-2)[5]fort - (d20+3)[7]CDG - (2d8-2)[3]fort - (d20+3)[21]CDG - (2d8-2)[10]fort - (d20+3)[16]Then go to 'if pass'Is dead:Well, here goes:Color Spray dude:will save - (d20+3)[21]If pass:(9d6)[40](1d6)[4]If failed:Durations:(2d4)[6]CDG - (2d8-2)[5]fort - (d20+3)[7]CDG - (2d8-2)[3]fort - (d20+3)[21]CDG - (2d8-2)[10]fort - (d20+3)[13]CDG - (2d8-2)[8]fort - (d20+3)[23]CDG - (2d8-2)[11]fort - (d20+3)[17]CDG - (2d8-2)[7]fort - (d20+3)[14]CDG - (2d8-2)[7]fort - (d20+3)[17]Then go to 'if pass'Is dead:Well, here goes:Color Spray dude:will save - (d20+3)[6]If pass:(9d6)[27](1d6)[1]If failed:Durations:(2d4)[4]CDG - (2d8-2)[6]fort - (d20+3)[21]CDG - (2d8-2)[7]fort - (d20+3)[15]CDG - (2d8-2)[5]fort - (d20+3)[9]CDG - (2d8-2)[6]fort - (d20+3)[22]CDG - (2d8-2)[11]fort - (d20+3)[22]CDG - (2d8-2)[4]fort - (d20+3)[21]CDG - (2d8-2)[7]fort - (d20+3)[9]Then go to 'if pass' Mr bad breath:damage - (1d6)[4]ref - (d20+2)[5]rounds - (1d4)[4]ongoing damage - (1d6)[6]ongoing damage - (1d6)[5]ongoing damage - (1d6)[5]ongoing damage - (1d6)[1]attack - (9d6)[30]non-lethal taken - (1d6)[5] Things to note: I'll poke squares both 5' away and 10' away with the pole. Cos I can. I'll take the known explosive runes notes without reading them, and take the poisoned note with my shield/sword, putting it into the backpack to keep it safe. Orc:(d20+7)[15](2d6+6)[12]If CRT threat:(d20+7)[22](2d6+6)[11](9d6)[31](1d6)[5]Kobold:atk1 - (1d20+4)[12]atk2 - (1d20+4)[7]reconfirm - (1d20+4)[5]damage - (1d4+4)[5]+fire - (1d6+1)[7]cold - (1d6)[3]critdamage - (1d4+4)[7](9d6)[25](1d6)[1] gray wrinkled thing:(1d20+4)[21](1d4+1)[5](9d6)[21](1d6)[2] Busy:acid - (3d4)[6]I move to C2/D3, and drop my shield. I assume it comes to attack me, and if so:(1d20+1)[21](1d4)[1](9d6)[27](1d6)[4] Busy cries:(1d20+1)[2](1d4)[2]Squirrels are an auto-win if I play it right, by readying an action to teleport squash if they attack. I take 1d6 lethal from the darkness and ready the first kill. 3 from each squirrel, and 1d6 lethal falling. 2 from the other squirrels, and 1d6 falling. 1 from the last squirrel, and 1d6 non-lethal falling (probably unconscious.)(3d6+6)[19] Don't forget to roll your fort save. You know, when you are in the negatives, your non-lethal damage to 0 is more than your current hit points (of less than 0) so it means that rage claws and that other feat in the PHB that lets you basically act when in negatives do nothing. Just saying. Suitor...floor complete? I should check to see what the attack rolls were for the squirrels, so I can figure out if they dropped anything. Squirrel 1:(1d20+6)[14](1d20+6)[9](1d20+6)[8]Squirrel 2:(1d20+6)[22](1d20+6)[19]Squirrel 3:(1d20+6)[17] fort - (1d20+3)[18]Probably going to take the damage.EDIT: Sliver, stop trying to cause problems LOL...floor complete? It's not anywhere close to complete...you're a little over half way done...you get 150xp for the squirrels...and the darkness lingers...(edit) you pass. Well, I now have enough XP to level up. So I doubt there are any more encounters.CBA leveling (char dies as of floor 2), so I'll just say +4 HP (d6) for now. I don't think I can go anywhere other than north from outside the squirrel door, so I'll head to the chest room and open it. Or maybe your initial assumption is incorrect. Outside the squirrel door you can go north or south. South of squirrel door I would assume leads to an S-N T-junction from which I could go south then west to get to the chest room.(and unless the floor has been upgraded since people were talking about it, which is quite possible...meh. I'll level him up if I get another encounter.) Oh, and I know about the spirits and the shadow nugget/s I can get, I just need to go find a way to kill the darkness first. So you still want to go back to the chest room? Yeah, I think that'll be my next move. Alright, you're back in the chest room, now what? Opening the door reveals the following room:Spoiler Hide {table]|A_|B_|C_|D_ 1|||| 2||C|C| 3||C|C| 4||C|C| 5||||[/table] The room contains a large chest with a note attached to its latch. There are doors at C5, D2 and D1 north. Prod it with the pole. If it's still there/hasn't tried to eat me, stand on it. If it's still a chest, open it up. As you move to stand on it, the chest opens and presents rows of serrated teeth, it promptly makes you its dinner You open it and find 7 Platinum 1pp/encounter. I love it when I'm right. North exit of chest room, west to end, north to the T, east, then north. The hallway goes 50ft north, before turning west. 25ft down the hallway is a door on the west side. Go through the door. You open the door to see hairy, ferocious hobgoblin. He charges you. Attack - (1d20+8)[13]Damage - (1d6+2)[7]On Crispier Hide Attack - (1d20+8)[14] Damage - (1d6+2)[6] Puny Hobgoblin get smashed.(9d6)[33](1d6)[5]EDIT: What does the room look like, btw? (mostly doors, so I know where hasn't been explored) {table]|A_|B_|C_|D_|E_1|||||2|||||3|||||4|||||5|||||6|||||[/table]Doors at A1 North, A6 West, and E3 East, where you are. Well, assuming he's dead, let's go through the door at A6. The hallway goes West for 10ft before Teeing north/south, it also goes north for 10ft before turning west. How unfair would it be for me to make this guy for the Arena? A Wizard with Abrupt Jaunt and Enlarge Person can do it every combat. North then West. These guys wouldn't last for very long in the arena...because you have to get close enough to actually do this...and most of the caster / ranged characters will kill you before you come anywhere close to them. As you turn the corner west, you see a green notecard 10ft in front of you.Also, 10ft in front of you the hallway T's north-south. I'll take that as a 'go on then'Read the note, then go north. The card reads.“You've Been Poisoned. Have Fun.” written in common. Fort Save please. Fort - (d20+3)[15]Filler You feel no different. You head north 20ft before turning east and tripping a trap that deals you(2d6)[5]non-lethal damage. But you heal it after a few turns so no big deal. You travel 20ft east, passing a door at the 15ft mark on the south side (leading into that room you just came from). At 20ft you turn north. The hallway travels 20ft north before turning east.At 10ft there is an east/west split. Traveling to the split you see that the hall runs 20ft east before turning south, and 10ft west before turning north. 5ft north and east of the split you find pits. Go West from that split. You go 10ft west and look north. The hallway is 45ft long before turning east. 20ft into the hallway, there are doors both on the east and west wall. Wow, you weren't kidding... West door please.EDIT: Didn't the Hobgoblin have loot? Oh, crap...yeah...he had a potion (2nd level), a MWK studded leather, and a MWK scimitar. Opening the door reveals the following room:Spoiler Hide {table]|A_|B_|C_ 1||| 2||| 3||L| 4||| 5|||C [/table] There is a door at A-2, which you are just outside and another at C1 east. There is a large lever with a bright red handle in the center of the room. There is a cake in the southeast corner of the room, on a tray bolted to the floor, with frosting reading something. . A note attached to the wall above the cake reads something else. Read everything. The cake reads:“This Is Your Reward For Pulling The Lever; Eat Me Once You Do” The Note Reads: “The Cake Is A Lie. The Room Is A Trap.” I like cake, so I trust the cake. Pull the lever. Originally Posted by terminally sick 1pp/encounter. I love it when I'm right. I think this is the first time someone guessed it. Good job! You feel a gravity shift as you fall upward toward the ceiling. Damage - (2d6)[4]You stay on the ceiling for 13 rounds, then fall back to the floor Damage - (2d6)[10] Huh. Falling is my trick. Heal up, and eat that reward *pokes* Reflex 15 to try and catch the lever before taking off I believe. Not that it matters. Nah....falling is too fun to avoid doing it If it had mattered, I would have mentioned it, but since his guys is basically built around falling, I figured it didn't matter... Eating the reward... Need a fort save. And then another. (d20+3)[4](d20+3)[4]................. You take(2d6)[11]Primary STR Damage and(1d6)[6]secondary STR Damage(edit) you have 1 STR left. ...wow. I guess I have to get out of the armor and swizz...get it down to a max load of 20, and drag 80 more.go through the other door on this corridor, I think.EDIT: EPIC AC of 9, atm.EDIT2: Pretends he doesn't have Detect Poison memorized. Opening the door reveals the following room:Spoiler Hide {table]|A_|B_|C_|D_|E_ 1||||| 2||||| 3||||| [/table] There are doors at A3 west and E3 east. A string of 4 notes hangs in the center of the room. Read the 4th note, it explodes, the ceiling falls on me, I open the chest. A hay stuffed sack falls from the ceiling. Inside the sack are two potions of 1st level. Go out the other door from this room. You come into a hallway running north/south10ft south the hallway ends, teeing east/west20ft north the hallway does the same. I think either direction then west leads me straight back to a place I've already been, is there anything else of note if I go north then west? You go north for 20ft, at the "T" the hallway goes east for 10ft before turning south, and west for 10ft before turning north. West then north. You travel west for 10ft, north for 10ft, east for 40ft before turning south. Looking south you see a door 10ft in front of you, with the hallway turning east at the 10ft mark. Have I been in the room through that door? Nope.10chars *has screwed up his map*Oh well, go through that door. The room only has one door, that you just entered through. In the center of the room is a large red button with a note on it. Read the note... the note waspish ME!written in large white letters. *sigh*No. Ok, I'll leave it to you, I'm just going to ignore everything I see in the corridors for now, until I get to the next room I haven't been into. I *need* to get to the shop, cos I need a scroll of restoration. Stepping back out the door and looking east. The hallway goes for 10ft before ending in a door. (forgot to mention this when you entered the other room)In front of the door is a big white and red bulls eye on the ground. You haven't been in this room either. Stand on the bullseye, and if nothing happens of note, enter the room. You take 1 STR damage and fall down under the weight of yourself Opening the door reveals the following room:Spoiler Hide {table]|A_|B_|C_|D_|E_ 1||||| 2||||| 3||||1| 4||||| 5||||| 6||||| [/table] There is a door at A-3, which you are just outside, another at A-5, E5 and D6. There is a metallic humanoid standing in the room looking at you. Initiative:(1d20+2)[16] The metal guy moves at you, and attempts to start a grapple Touch - (1d20+2)[16]Grapple - (1d20+6)[9]Damage - (1d6+2)[3] Well, unless he does a ridiculous amount of damage, or any STR damage, (6d6)[25](1d6)[4]I can still blink teleport, right? Yep...you can.150Xp. Continue searching... There's a lot more to this floor than I realized. I wish I could run a char through it again after I start DMing...#5 would benefit from the extra XP and GP. Which door in the room are you going through? There are 4... The one nearest to opposite the one I entered through. I don't have my map anymore, so I'll just explore at random til I find a new room to enter. Congratulations, you found the vending machines. From here you can go on to the between floor to rest. Though once you advance beyond that, you cannot come back. Ok, I'm going to do some selling. I can drag everything (part by part) to this room from where I had to leave it, if it's still there. I need to buy a scroll of restoration, and a scroll of Light, to cancel out the darkness in squirrel room. If I can't afford the restoration scroll yet, I'll use the scroll of light to cancel the darkness in squirrel room. I just need to figure out how much it all costs... Loot:Chain Shirt: 100gpLongsword: 15gpRipper: ? Chainmail x2: 300gpSundark Goggles: ? Small Chain Shirt: 100gpSmall Short sword: 10gpJavelin: 1gpPotion (2nd level): 300gpMwk studded leather: 175Mwk Scimitar: 315 potion (1st Level) x2: 100gp1416, so sells for 708 GP. If I take the scroll of Light, and go use it in the darkness, do I find a shadow nugget?EDIT: And if I go up a floor, do I recover any ability damage? You go back, and the darkness is gone and there's a nugget laying there. And you'll recover 1 damage per day (I believe that's the RAW rules.but the new falling rule will be enforced)So are you done with this floor, or do you want to continue searching more? I'll take the nugget, and go sell it, then carry on exploring for more rooms. I'm not going to touch any items, or anything of the sort, so unless there are more encounters, that's the end of the floor. If that's the end, this char has to be officially retired, and I need to know the XP and GP a char starts with at the start of floor 2, so I can finish building #5. There are actually 2 more encounters...but you can skip them if you'd like... Also, starting Floor 2 as a new character is base level 2 I believe...(i.e. 1000XP, 900gp) That *is* a loss, isn't it. 1650 XP total available on this floor. Oh well, New char being written up as we speak. Don't suppose you'd check it for me?

NeverEnding Dungeon - Android4|rating:2.0

[Beyond Hogwarts] Character Profiles_Rules

Character Rules Read the student and/or faculty section of the wiki page (before putting together a character. I do limit players to three characters to start. As far as ratios go, a player's first two characters must be student-student or teacher-student, not teacher-teacher. This is to ensure a fair number of students. Whether the characters are in the same dorm is the player's call. Finally, submit all characters to the GM/Mod (Andrew) for approval before posting. FacultyName (gender, race if half-human) subject former dorm Anthony Lawson (M) Ancient Runes (fishhook)Thomas Griffin (M) Headmaster Leopard (Andrew)Open Subjects- Arithmancy- Care of Magical Creatures-Charms- DADA (?)- Divination-Herbology- Muggle Studies-Potions- Transfiguration- (Other; suggestions from players)Students Name (gender, race if half-human) dorm year Brian Fletcher (M) Fox 2nd (Andrew)Jaxon O'Era (F) Fox 1st (DarkPixieAngel)Jessica Green (F) Hyena 2nd (fishhook)Max Braden (M) Sheep 1st (Doctor Why)Rose Johanson (F) Leopard 1st (thewhitedusk)Vincent Withers (M) Fox 1st (Mad Panda)Inactive (maybe NPC-ed, replaced [teachers], or reinstated [by creating player])John Cortes (M) Fox 1st (Hyatt)Jeanne D'Arise (F, half-Vela) Fox 1st (Deviant Munster)Aimee Quinn (F) Leopard 1st (Rhapsody)Ashley Bradshaw (F) Fox 1st (Rise)Drawn Tali (F) Fox 1st (Gothic Fires)Kodak the Dark Throated (M, half-Goblin) Hyena 4th (Korea)Vivienne Leisure Chevalier (F, half-Vela) DADA Leopard (Gothic Fires)Wetland Mather's (M), DADA-aide Hyena (Grinning Hound)Incapacitated, indefinite term in the infirmary_________________________________________________________________________________Character Profile – StudentNameLineage:Gender:Age:Class Year:Dorm:Newts Earned: (graded E or O)Notable Strengths:Notable Weaknesses:Notable Possessions:Description:Background:Adult Limits: (if different from the player’s O/o)Character Profile – FacultyNameLineage:Gender:Age:Position(s):Former Dorm: (those 77 or younger)Newts Earned: (graded E or O)Notable Strengths:Notable Weaknesses:Notable Possessions:Description:Background:Adult Limits: (if different from the player’s O/o) Thomas Griffin, Headmaster(Half-Blood (Father W)Gender: Mileage: 52 (looks mid-30s)Position(s): Headmaster Former Dorm: Leopardess Earned: Ancient Runes (E), Charms (O), Potions (E), Transfiguration (O)Description: Headmaster Griffin’s mother’s family is said to be related to the Scottish McGregor's. He certainly bears a strong resemblance to the famous actor. As per the school’s dress code, he commonly wears only a kilt and boots. Outdoors he tosses on a navy blue cloak. As a headmaster, he is lenient with the students but strict with his faculty. Unlike some Ministry approved headmasters, Thomas has no special awards. He earned his Newts and doesn’t really care about things like the Order of Merlin. He’s more interested in exploration and discovery, mostly in directions that, while avoiding Dark wizardry, the Ministry likely wouldn’t approve of. (( Drawn Matrilineage Pure Blood Gender Female Age 17 Class Year First Dorm Fox News Earned Ancient Runes Charms Herbology Options Notable Strengths Though if asked, she would say she has none, Drawn is very patient. She could be perfectly fine sitting and watching a plant grow or potions brew. She is both a follower and a leader. If someone else is willing to take control of a project she is more than happy to provide a supporting roll and will only offer to lead if no one else steps up. However, she will not follow a bad leader for long. If a person tries to take her in a direction she doesn't want to go, she will go her own way. She's also a very talented artist. Notable Weaknesses Drawn is slight in frame and not every strong. She struggles to lift anything over 30 pounds. Why work out to make yourself stronger when objects can be levitated? Her tendency to observe people and her cautious approach to getting to know them gives her the appearance of being aloof. Though she has never intentionally stood friends up, if she gets side tracked in studying something she is interested in, she could forget that she was supposed to meet them. Notable Possessions broom She hates to fly. Not that she minds heights, but her feet must be on stable ground. Blue A Scottish Fold kitten magically altered to a blue color3 Rimfires One for each: Runes, Herbology and potions. All information in these are written and illustrated by her hand. At 17, they are not as expansive as what would be found in a school book or a library, but it is a record of what she has learned and experimented with. She is very particular about who touches them. Wand 13 inches long, oak with a carved leaf motif, core is the hair from a white stag hart. Description Drawn is 5'6" and 56.8kgs (125lbs). While her frame is light and slender she is not too skinny. Her straight black hair falls past her shoulders, but she usually wears it up except the many bright blue hair wraps. Her eyes are ice blue and her fair skin the color of porcelain. It is quite obvious that her favorite color is blue.Background Drawn's mother is Welsh and her father is Finnish. Both magically talented. It is from them that she gets her love of Runes and her fascination with the Celtic, Pictish and Viking cultures. She has just recently graduated from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She also passed DADA and Transfiguration Newts with A's, but it is her goal now to narrow her focus and discover a way to work runes, charms and potions together for results in magic not yet imagined. Adult Limits My limits are pretty much the same as my o/o (see signature for link). Though I want to make it known that if your character wants to NC mine we need to discuss it beforehand. How it is handled, and the method will determine how pissed my character will be when it is over.(( Wearing Blue fur collar with welsh dragon pendent, black push-up bra, black skirt, blue undies, black and blue striped knee-high stockings, black Victorian boots. Current Thread & ActivityNotesUseful Links Rules (- Old English to Modern English Dictionary (- Hogwarts (Potter Wiki (- Celtic Runes (Character Profile – Student Name: Vincent DeWithersLineage: Muggle-Born Gender: Mage: 17 Class Year: 1Dorm: Fox News Earned: (graded E or O) Muggle Studies (O), DADA (O), Ancient Runes (E)Notable Strengths: Mind like a razor-edged knife. Good at quiet, subtle spell casting. Schemes in his sleep. Notable Weaknesses: Emotionally distant. Helpless on a broom. Not much good with animals (other than Reggie). Notable Possessions: Regina (tortoiseshell cat familiar, answers to Reggie), Muggle board game 'Diplomacy', copy of Art of War, copy of The Thirty-Six Stratagems. Description: lanky but well toned (about five-eleven and 155 pounds), unruly black hair, gray eyes, narrow face, sharp features. Sometimes wears glasses that he doesn't really need. He's thinking about getting a tattoo. Background: Vincent used to be Head Boy at Beauxbatons' equivalent of Slytherin House...and he's overjoyed to be out of that house and away from that particular job. University is a chance to get away from his past, his boring muggle family, and focus on those areas of study that really grab his attention. Vincent's still water runs deep. Having survived several years amongst snotty blue bloods withhisbloodline, he's gotten very good at keeping his thoughts and feelings hidden. When in doubt, he'll shut up...or go very, very polite. He's just as emotional as anyone else--he just isn't very expressive. There is one exception--the easiest way to get him to talk, a lot, cheerfully, is to ask him about his 'hobby'...a muggle game called 'Diplomacy'. His family is mixed: his father is English, his mother is French. He's lived in both countries at various times and speaks both languages fluently. Why he ended up at Beauxbatons rather than Hogwarts is anyone's guess. Adult Limits: (if different from the player’s O/o) Character Summary: Max KradenName: Braden, Maxwell "Max"Lineage: Muggle-born Gender: Mileage: 17 Class Year: 1stDorm: Steepness Earned:Potions-Herbology-OCMC-EArithmancy-ENotable Strengths:In technical skill, Max is at his best. Things like potions and herbology, where he can learn a list of instructions, or develop his own, are areas in which he can excel, and has even made a breakthrough or two to surprise even the world's experts. He's a strong reader and writer, but really stands out as a chef, which is what he was famous for while residing in the Muggle world. In addition, he often relies on his willpower to reach nigh-impossible deadlines and surpass expectations. Notable Weaknesses:In terms of actual magical skill, Max is found lacking. The wand waving, the incantations... It's unclear as to why, but he barely got passing grades in DADA, Charms, and Transfiguration. In addition, he has a tendency to be very helpful to people, even to the point where they might walk all over him. He is also a bit too trusting, in that he always expects the best from people and being double-crossed or lied to will surprise him every time. Notable Possessions: Nothing out of the ordinary but a book of recipes, which usually appears to be a book of desserts, some of which clipped out of papers, some of which are handwritten. However, after a Revealing spell (and this took him months to work out, whereas it took others mere days) it shows itself as a book of powerful potions, both collected and handwritten. Description: 1.6m tall, weighing 120 pounds, he's not exactly intimidating. He has medium-long blond hair which he's always blowing out of his face, as his hands are usually busy in some potion or another. His slender glasses are often sliding down his nose, at an optimal angle for his soft blue eyes. With a slightly rounded face and upbeat demeanor, he appears almost childlike. However, when he begins talking passionately about a subject or is working diligently on an assignment, his maturity shows itself. Background: Max is a born American, but moved to Britain 4 years ago to investigate its greater variety of magical herbs. This made him one of the precious few transfer students in Hogwarts, and something of an anomaly amongst his classmates. Despite his friendly personality, he found himself in the midst of pre-formed cliques, and wasn't always able to make few friends. In fact, he was often picked on due to his stature and lack of magical talent. To this end, he developed several potions to bring about resistance to magic, and increased speed and strength. With this, and a little martial arts instruction, he never became a fearsome force, but was at least safe at school. He then arrived here with the intention of further developing potions while exploring its links to herbology and magical creatures. Adult Limits: Same as o/o, but while the offs are set in stone, one never knows when they'll find a new "on", right? (( Vivienne Leisure Chevalier Lineage Half-VeelaGender Female Age 33, looks early 20sClass Year Teacher Dorm Leopardess EarnedDADA Transfiguration Options Astronomy Ancient Runes Herbology Notable Strengths Vivienne is a quick thinker and has fast reflexes, add that to her aggressive nature, and she will normally have a spell cast at you before you decided you needed to think of a defense. She absolutely adores sword fighting in any form and is quite skilled at it. She is also trained in Ballet and Oriental Dancing. Furthermore, she can also cast fireballs from her hand though they are not as strong as if she were to use a wand. Notable Weaknesses Given her highly energetic and aggressive nature, Vivienne doesn't know how to truly relax. Every waking moment is spent doing something meaningful and even sometimes her sleeping is not really resting as she explores the astral realm. Though her outgoing personality has everyone believing that she is their friend, very few know her behind the protection that personality creates. Notable Possessions Broom Always the latest and fastest... the faster, the better. Swords Various types, all live steel, some very old. (Though they are displayed in the Dorm, they are warded. Anyone who touches them will be likely to lose a hand.) Wand 13 1/2 inches long, blackthorn and stained black with carved waves of fire, the core is from a salamander (a fire elemental, not the amphibian.) Description Vivienne is a woman who demands attention when she walks into a room, not because she personally requires it but because of her confidence, poise and natural radiance just tend to make people want to watch her. She is tall at 5'11" on her bare feet. As she is a lady she will never confess her weight, but her muscles are lightly toned with the barest hint of definition. Of course, we are blessed with a comfortable but alluring bust and a curvy bottom thanks to her mother's wonderful genetics. Her hair is a striking color of red and her eyes are emerald green. Her ears are pierced multiple times. She has a piercing in the middle of her bottom lips, one in her tongue and one as a 'beauty mark' abode the right side of her lip. The only other place on her body that is pierced is her belly button. Though she has many tattoos. Background Vivienne was born and raised in France. Her father is a wizard and her mother Vela. She took her formal training at Beauxbatons and has spent the past 16 years building a reputation as a security guard for some of the most important and influential wizards as well as a tutor for children of the rich. Adult Limits My limits are pretty much the same as my o/o (see signature for link). I normally don't like NC but would strongly not suggest you try it with this character as her ancestry combined with her personality and skill would likely kill the character afterward. Name Jessica Green Lineage:Pure blood Gender:Female Age:18 Class Year: 2nd year Dorm: HyenaNEWTs Earned: (graded E or O) - Ancient Runes (O)- Care of Magical Creatures (O)Transfiguration (A)Charms (A)Notable Strengths: Jessica is precise and methodical who can put in long hours of study. She has an outstanding memory. For bookish details. Her ‘spells’ are done according to book and she makes few fumbles. She is friendly and helpful to others. Notable Weaknesses: The price of precision and method is a certain lack of creativity. While she is friendly she is often quiet. She is not assertive and quite passive-aggressive. Because of her families origins she has a well-hidden prejudice against the British nation though she mostly sets this aside for individuals. Notable Possessions: -An ordinary flying broom-A Black and white cat she calls Yowl,-An extensive set of Notes (Book of Shadows) filled with spells, reading notes and practicum Description:Light brown hair worn to the shoulders usually cinched back into a ponytail using a rubber band or simple elastic hairband. Her face is cute but will never win any beauty contest. She doesn’t have an hourglass figure though it is clear she is female. Background: Jessica is from the USA New England region and attended to the Salem institute. While doing so she also did intern work at the Federal Bureau of Magic affairs. When she finished school the FMA decided to send her to Nacodsaed to further her magical education. Jessica’s family is an old and distinguish one. On her mothers side an ancestor worked with the Union army to counter opponents both mundane and magical. On her fathers side her ancestor was the magic born younger brother of Nathaniel Green and fought the British in the revolutionary war. Despite this the family is continually hard up for money. Her mother doesn’t work instead she has cared for the half dozen children in the family and now many of the grandchildren. Her father works in the FMA as a medium level member of the intelligence unit but most of these consists of non-violent investigation. Jessica is aware of her linage but not obsessed with it. Perhaps her American education has dampened any inclination toward snobbery.(Though she is a member of the daughters of the American Revolution)Adult Limits:(if different from the player’s O/o) No rape, sadism, masochism or bondage. She is a vanilla girl. Brian Fletcher Lineage: Pureblood Gender: Mileage: 18 Class Year: Second Dorm: Fox News Earned: Ancient Runes (E), Charms (O), History of Magic (O)Notable Strengths: Speed reader; History; Intuitive wizardry; Broom flying (not phenomenal, but better than average)Notable Weaknesses: Precision (thus his potions and baking suck); Apparition (never took the test); Muggle-relations (never really understood them)Notable Possessions: Wand (10”, ash and unicorn hair); Nimbus 1700 broom; several books; expanded knapsack Description: Brian’s a reasonably well-built young man. He is probably seventy inches in height with the slim build that greatly aids a chaser’s streamlining. Because of routine practices, Brian is fairly well muscled, although not bulging all over. He keeps his hair cut to shoulder-length, often pulled back in a tail for flying. When he’s not at school, he wears fashionable robes in a variety of colors. At school, his kilt is done in a variation on the McLeod clan dress tartan (yellow background with black primary stripe). Background: After growing up in London, in the Earls Court neighborhood, Brian attended Hogwarts. There, he was in the Hufflepuff house and played chaser on the house Quidditch team. He excelled in charms and history, doing quite well in runes once he started to take the class. Ultimately, he hopes to become either a professional historian or a teacher, he doesn’t really seem to care much which route things go. Currently, when he’s not at Nacodsaed, Brian rents a room at the Leaky Cauldron by the month. Adult Limits: See O/o Name:Ashley Bradshaw Lineage:Pureblood Gender:Female Age:18 Class Year:1stDorm:Fox News Earned: (graded E or O)Ancient Runes:(E)Transfiguration:(O)Potions:(O)Herbology:(E)DADA:(E)Charms:(E)Notable Strengths:Ashley is very determined and hard-working. She is very good at the usual spell work and spends a few hours a day simply learning new spells. She also has a love for Potions and Charms most of all. Notable Weaknesses:She is very quiet, and henceforth does not make friends easily. She is quick to tears, being overly-sensitive, and will panic when put in a life-threatening situation. It usually takes her a long while to really trust someone. Notable Possessions:Broom - A Clean sweep 11 standard broomstick. Not as good as a Fire bolt, but it still flies, and that's the point, right? Animal - A tawny owl named Tiberius. Wand - A holly and dragon-heartstrings wand, 9 inches long Description:here (Bradshaw is a small, though rather curvy 18-year-old girl, with long brown hair and brown eyes. Though she usually has a calm expression on her face, she can be own to be quite distraught and sometimes even angry. Background:Ashley was born in America, to an American mother, with her father being British, both pureblood wizards. After they got married, they brought Ashley to live in Britain, where she was then raised. She then attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as a Ravenclaw, because of her inquisitive mind and aptitude for getting her work done on time. However, during his job, her father died by the hands of a Death Eater's Cruciate Curse, and she has been living with her mother ever since. Adult Limits:The same as my O/O's. (Jaxon O'Matrilineage:MudBloodGender:FAGE:18 Class Year: 1stDorm:Fox News Earned: O (graded E or O)Care of Magical Creatures Charms, Transfiguration emotions, Transfiguration animal Legal and is a wolf Notable Strength; Does very well with charms and potions. Notable Weaknesses:Sometimes when casting things Explode Notable Possessions:She wears a Red Diamond Amulet, She also has a lizard name Demon and has various other magical parts her wand is a miniature sword Description:Long Red Hair, Joliet Eyes, is only 5'2 and has a dragon tattoo on her back She has a habit of wearing leather, Though she never had to wear a uniform she sticks with more of the gothic look her hair is highlighted with different colors depending on her mood she has dark eyeliner around her eyes and dark lipstick she always wears High heeled boots clear to her thighs and carries a whip, Her wand looks more like a miniature sword than a wand. She carries a whip at her side due to her training with wild animals and magical animals... Background: Jaxon live in a small town in the USA where strange things seem to be happening to her . She was shunned out because they thought she was evil. Running away from home. She bumped into someone who recognized what she was or who she could be with giving training. She went to an off school in Key West called the witches of the keys . Her school was all year round and has one year extra for school. Her head mistress Miss Cycles sent her to the school she is heading to now though she will be a year behind . She is quick to learn to catch up what she must . She has a problem with rules she feels that all rules are meet to be broken due to the fact everyone else breaks them as well. She is normal a klutz so be warned she has a habit of falling out of the sky from her broom she really shouldn't ride it . Furthermore, she brought her pet lizard. Though she does explode things up when she is angry or upset by accident . This is why she is not allowed near any fire works what so every So she was sent to a school on a broom to a place where she could be her self (Aimee QuinlanLineage: Pureblood Gender: Female Age: 17 Class Year: Freshman Dorm: Leopardess Earned: History of Magic O, Charms O, Potions E, Transfiguration Notable Strengths: Quidditch, Charms work, History of Magic. Intuitive, especially when it comes to rare or obscure spells and potions. Notable Weaknesses: Is pure-blooded to the core, and as a result tends to be a little bigoted. She can give credit where credit is due, but Muggleborns more or less have to work twice as hard to earn the same amount of respect she would give a half- or pureblood. A little haughty and self-important. Is also easily distracted by interests: she's far more likely to watch a Quidditch game than study DADA (ironically one of her worst subjects), or lose track of time reading for pleasure than doing homework. Notable Possessions: Wand (9 3/4", springy willow, core of unicorn hair. Excellent for Charms), eagle owl familiar (Fear), dependable broom and Keeper equipment (gloves, pads, etc.)Description: See image. Background: Another fine product of Beauxbatons' training, Aimee is a pureblood to the core. Intelligent, cultured, a little condescending even when she doesn't mean to be. Her father attended Armstrong, her mother Beauxbatons, but if there was ever a debate to which school the only child of an Austrian diplomat and a French socialite would attend, it was settled long before the letters ever arrived. While Aimee grew up as a little princess, her time in Beauxbatons loosened some of her girlish inhibitions, notably when she became the Keeper for her House Quidditch team in her third year. A notable gift for Charms and a mind for the dry history of magic, she intends to return to France after her advanced schooling to work with theirDépartement de police macaques a specialist who can identify rare and obscure Dark Arts spells and potions for the Aurora. Adult Limits: My O/Os are fine, can be found in my signature. Suspended John Cortes Lineage: Daniel (father-full blood) Maria (mother-human)Gender: Mage: 17 Class Year: 1Dorm: Fox News Earned: (graded E or O) Potions-E, Ancient Runes-O, History of Magic-E, Transfiguration-Notable Strengths: Student and a quick learner, very good at Charms, though not interested in the subject. Notable Weaknesses: Can get competitive at times, easily talked into things Notable Possessions: Nimbus 2005, wand made from a dragon's tooth, locket from his mother. Description: He is short and Hispanic, with black hair, brown eyes and stands at 5'5". His skin is a dark olive, and he has a toned build. Background: John Cortes is a graduate of Briar Ridge Wizarding School in New York. His father is a big wig in the Department of Magic while his mother is a human doctor in the USAF. He is a good duelist and student. He is usually reserved and shy at first, but comes out of his shell around friends. Adult Limits: no BDSM or WS Name: Wetland Matrilineage: Can Mather's (muggle, father) Anna Mather's (muggle, mother)Gender: Mage: 27 Class Year: He has already taken a full 4 years, teacher candidate Dorm: HyenaNEWTS: DADA (O) Potions (A) Transfiguration (E) Muggle Studies (E) Care of Magical Creatures (A) Charms (A)Notable Strengths: Brilliant with offensive and defensive invocations, dueling, and flying on broomsticks. Talented and trained in sword fighting (rapier and long sword) and in firearms. Notable Weaknesses: Competitive, doesn't care for the more complex, studious magics, though he has gotten fair grades due to intensive study. Straight forward thinker (not necessarily a weakness) Passionate. Notable Possessions:-Refurbished Nimbus 2003 (heirloom from his father, who played Quidditch recreationally with wizard friends).-Wand, mahogany with dragon heartstrings core.-Long sword named "Protector" (family heirloom on his mother's side, dating from the Crusades).-Enchanted Dragon hide long coat (black, earned for his service fighting the dark wizards)-Fencing equipment-Father's Quidditch gear-Familiar named Presto, a ferret Description: Average height with a fighter's build, black hair, black eyes. Background: Wetland's father is American, his mother English. Both were killed in the crossfire of a dark cult evil plans near to his graduation from Nacodsaed. He then joined a group of good wizards who spent four years fighting the cult in deadly confrontations in various parts of the world. He has returned to Nacodsaed in hopes of becoming a Professor, wishing to teach wizards how to better fight the evils of the magical world (a focused, practical dueling, combat, and survival course, as opposed to the more general Defense Against the Dark Arts). Description: War is hell, and Wetland is good at war, a brilliant protégé with experience. It makes him calm, efficient with words and actions, precise. Socially, that may be in turn intimidating or seen as simplicity. He is active, enjoys physical training, adrenaline, and philosophical exercise more than academic pursuits. He is of the belief that a man's worth is in experience and mastery of self and achieving one's own personal goal, then in bureaucratic, collective worth. However, an achievement in academics was one of his goals, so he is able to focus and work hard in that field as well. He has a not-too-short cut of wavy black hair, thick and wild but maintained nicely, and wears his beard scruffy but controlled. He has black eyes, and almost always wears his glittering black dragon hide longboat, but the clothes underneath are typically brighter and mostly dressy, as he is trying to look professional. Adult Limits: If it comes up I'll say something. :) Name:Jeanne D'ArniseGender:Female Lineage:Half Human/Village:17 Class Year:First Dorm:FoxNoteable Strengths:Despite Jeanne's shy demeanor, she can be positively frightening when using magic. She possesses a natural grace with her wand, able to cast incantations perfectly and with a peculiar confidence she doesn't usually show. She has a strong affinity using charms, and is exceptional well-trained in using her magic to combat dark magic. However, she wasn't only interested in defense during her earlier years, and has learned a number of jinxes and attacks that weren't part of the curriculum at her previous Academy. Furthermore, she has the potential to become a powerful Seer, though at the moment it is rarely within her control, kicking in only on occasion or when she's in grave danger of dying. Noteable Weaknesses:Jeanne has several weaknesses, the major being that she didn't pay as much attention as she should've during her Academy years. Simply knowledge regarding herbs and potions has alluded her, as well as some of the general knowledge regarding animals and the Wizarding world in general. She can also be rather naive, especially when someone insists that they don't want to hurt her or harm her. Her craving to make friends has impeded her natural suspicious nature. Also, she's shy about showing off too much skin, and can be seen wearing a formal set of dress robes, which some teachers may or may not approve of. Noteable Possessions:Wand - 13 1/2 inches, blackthorn, Central hair. Colored a sleek obsidian from end to tip, it has a rather uncomfortable air about it when looked at. Physical Description:(first and foremost withdrawn, usually shy and timid around others, not one to speak much. More often than not she sits on the outskirts of classrooms, eats by herself, and generally keeps to her own company. Despite her rather anti-social behavior, she's very intelligent and perceptive, noticing and understanding the subtler details in both academia and her surroundings. Her quick wits and natural talent allow her to wield magic almost with an effortless grace many others are jealous of. Unfortunately, she also lacks the strong motivation and determination that fuels other's to greater heights, having resulted in mixed results in regard to her N.E.W.T.s. While doing exceptionally well in some of her classes, in other's she barely passed, making many teachers shake their heads and sigh at the waste. Jeanne D'Arise also is relatively kind, though not many people know of this particular side of her nature. Background:Jeanne D'Arise was born to a pureblood family, one that had spanned several generations back. Wizards and witches all, the D'Arise family was quite well known, having produced a variety of exceptional mages, from Aurora to Alchemists. Jeanne however, much to the disgrace of parts of her family, wasn't born a pure-blood. She was only half, the other being an entirely different creature than human; a Vela. Her father, one of the fabled alchemists, a master of transfiguration magic, fell deeply in love with a beautiful, caring Vela, and in the end went against much of his family in marrying the woman he loved. While shunned at first, Jeanne eventually gained acceptance of some of her family, mainly being her uncle and grandmother. Jeanne D'Arise's particular talents didn't fall into transfiguration like her father, but into something else entirely as she came to discovered during her years at the Magic Academy she attended; divination. She wasn't just some fake, or someone with a modicum of talent, she happened to be a full-blown Sears. Everything she foretold through cards or tea leaves, though minor in nature, came true. Add the fact that she received visions now and again, especially when it came to regard her own life, and a bunch of eager scholars and sages you'd get, all wanting to use her talent in hopes of finding out future prophecies. The combination of unwanted attention and the shunning of most of her family caused her to become rather withdrawn, and in the end she simply kept to herself, never making any lasting friends. After graduating she found that her potions NEWT was simply not good enough to allow her to do what she always wanted, to become an Aurora. Thus, she's found herself outside the gates of a new, post NEWT 'University', hoping to improve her resume so she can begin training in her new career. Subjects:Arithmancy- ECharms- DADA- ODivination-O Transfiguration- EPotions-A Herbology- ASpecial Talents:ApparationSeerLegilimency Name: Rose Johanson Lineage: Pure-blood Gender: Female Age: 17 Class Year: Freshman Dorm: Leopardess Earned: DADA (O) Charms (O) Transfiguration (E) Potions (E)Notable Strengths: Rose is a Metamorphmagus, and greatly uses it to her advantage to trick people. She is quick with her wands, and just as quick with her wit or tongue. Her spell work is above her level, but still below those of a teacher. She is intellectually strong and cunning, as well as very dominating. Notable weaknesses: Rose is often too headstrong, and sometimes underestimates others, as well as overestimating herself. She also has a natural curiosity that often has to be quenched. While not naturally aggressive, she does like to fight, often getting her into trouble. She also holds a grudge for a very long time. Notable possessions:Broomstick Pendant with a bloodred gemstone in the center, belonged to her deceased mother Small pitch black fox: Rose's pet and companion She is as clever and wily as Rose, if not more. She hopes the administration will allow her to keep her. Wand: Willow and dragon heartstrings, the base shaped slightly like a wolf's head. Description:(stunning beauty, Rose normally keeps her hair in a red shade, her lips often the color of blood. She normally. She is tall, and walks with an almost lupine grace. Her hair normally cascades down her shoulders in soft curls or ringlets. Something seems dark or sinister about her though. Background:Rose's mother was a Metamorphmagus like her, though she was also bitten by a werewolf while she was pregnant with Rose. Rose showed early on that he had the same ability as her mother. She was always a bit different, preferred rare meat, a bit more aggressive, though she didn't try to be Around the age of five, her mother was killed by Aurora for attacking a muggle village during the full moon. She and her father moved away from that area after that, living off in an isolated area. At the age of eleven, she got the letter to go to Armstrong, and there she prospered. She excelled mostly in the art of casting spells, not studying from books or runes and such. She later graduated with high marks in DADA and Charms, her best classes. Furthermore, she also did well in Potions and Transfiguration, though not as good as in the other two. Welcome to the fun you two! ^_^ Character Profile – Student Name:Kodak the Dark Throated Lineage:Half-Goblin Gender:Mileage:20 Class Year:4thDorm:HyenaNEWTs Earned (graded E or O):DADA (O), Care of Magical Creatures (E), Notable Strengths:Extensive (possibly troubling) knowledge of hexes and Dark Arts, experienced in dealings with magical creatures (both beasts and beings), Goat Animals (Illegal)Notable Weaknesses:little to no knowledge of spirits, weak in potions Notable Possessions:Goblin craft dagger (with wand concealed within, much like Lucius Malfoy's cane), Wand (Oak, Chimera Sinew, 13"), a number of tomes, including subjects such as magical beasts and defense against the dark arts, also a large tome buckled and padlocked bearing the same symbol on it's cover that Kodak wears on his arm, Broomstick (custom job, extensive silver work)Description:Kodak is slightly shorter than average human height, about 5'4'. His body is lithe, almost feminine, with little visible muscle, tending more towards agility than strength. He has long black hair, worn gathered back and a short tuft of hair on his chin, but is otherwise hairless. His eyes are two different, odd, for human or goblin, colors, the right a vibrant red, the left black as a pit. His left bicep bears a tattoo of a goat's head with a serpent curled around the horns. He takes comfort in the lack of codified footwear for the school's uniform and wears a battered pair of muggle combat boots, a size or two too large for him, which are nonetheless immaculately polished. Over his left eye he wears an Eye of Horus design as a souvenir of his childhood birth land and a bit of added protection in duels. From his belt hang a pair of brass and leather goggles, and small pouch full of tools. Bodrak seems to be acutely aware of muggle affairs, especially for being half-being. Background:Kodak was born in a goblin community, but sent to Hogwarts with great celebration immediately upon coming of age. Though he could rightly have gone to the Egyptian school of wizardry due to his clan's location at the time, his family requested, and he received, admission to Hogwarts, due to its history of superior being-tolerance. His family soon after moved to London, several of his relatives finding quick employ at Gringos. His male immediate relatives crafted his dagger for him to house and protect his wand and presented it to him as a special gift at the King's Cross platform. While at Hogwarts, he showed a remarkable aptitude for Defense Against the Dark Arts and Care of Magical Creatures, but barely managed to pass his Potions Owls. He also showed an inborn talent for crafting items, and enchanting said items, often to the chagrin of the teachers. He's had no luck in modifying muggle electronics and seeks to further study the problem, but has had great success in a number of other fields, including internal combustion, clockwork and steam powered items. Of the three his favorite are clockwork and steam items. Pet:(awaiting Van's ok) he character has been lurking around in my mind since we started. I held off on him because I was afraid on overload Now that I see the pace we are moving I have decided to propose him to you. Character Profile – Faculty Name Dr. Anthony Lawson Lineage: Muggle born Gender: Mileage: 49 (He has been teaching for 20 years)Position(s): Professor of ancient Runes. He can teach divination in a pinch but hates informer Dorm: (those 77 or younger) RavenclawNEWTs Earned: (graded E or O)- Ancient Runes OMasterThesis: The utility of non-runic scripts in magical actions: Hieroglyphics and Summation- Arithmancy OJourneymanPopular book: The power of numbers in magic.- Divination Apprentice+History of Magic Personal interest No published works (All the rest of a’s)Notable Strengths: Scholar with numerous cited works in professional journals. Notable Weaknesses: He just scraped by in most of the rest of his owls. He is totally lost in Potions. He is a terrible teacher who leaves most of that task to TA’s. Notable Possessions: A personal library centering on History of Magic and script magic. Description: A short (167cm) overweight (72kilo) man with a receding hair line that is about halfway up. He light brown hair and brown eyes. He is very neat to point of being prissy. Out of school he tends to good suits and ties. Background: Born to Muggle parents he was recruited to Hogwarts. Upon graduation, he worked under a number of Master Magicians and published several specialist works. He was hired at Hogwarts as an Arithmancy but was able to teach Runes as well. When the university was created he was recruited. Name Colleen Murphy Lineage: Muggle born Gender: Female Age: 18 Class Year: freshman Dorm: HyenaNEWTs Earned: (graded E or O) Arithmancy E- Care of Magical Creatures 0- Charms E- DADA (?)- Divination-Herbology- Muggle Studies O- Potions E- Transfiguration The rest are just passing Notable Strengths: She loves plants and animals. She is very good at potions. She is methodical and studious in the subjects she likes. She received a fine muggle education focusing on writing. Notable Weaknesses: She just barely passed all the other classes. She tends to be bored and listless when confronted with subjects she doesn’t like. Why does she have to take all these other subjects would be a constant refrain? She is reserved and often shy. She is a rebel and is often disobeying rules. She has a horrible temper and a taste for alcohol. Notable Possessions: a collection of science fiction hardbacks. Description: five feet four inches tall and 127 pounds with chestnut brown hair and blue eyes. She is an attractive but not beautiful woman. She is good shape and works out regularly. Background: Grew up in Eire of middle class parents. She is Roman Catholic though she has abandoned the churches doctrines on witchcraft. She went to Hogwarts and didn’t as rule didn’t do well. She came to despise most pure bloods and lump them in with ‘Aristocrats and capitalists”. (She is clearly left wing)Despite the wonders of her magical talents she still sees herself as a muggle. Familiar: An owl Adult Limits: (if different from the player)

[Beyond Hogwarts] Character Profiles_Rules|rating:3.0

Millisburg Jail ~ The OOC Thread

The Prison At the turn of the 22nd century, the population in prison became too overwhelming for their allowed budget. It was a too heavy load on the government who decided to take actions. The government kept the maximum security and death row prisoners under their control, but the rest would be managed privately with heavy regulations. Private prisons would pay money for prisoners sentences, and were allowed to put them to work. The condition in some prisons were better than other and there were uprising in the beginning but eventually, it became acceptable to put these men and women to work. After all, why would a criminal be given food, clothing and shelter freely, when homeless honest people had such a hard time to get those basics? A Quick overview:Minimal Security prison. No extremely violent crimes or sexual crimes. This prison buy the sentence of good-looking convicts that are a low risk of more violence. Sentences are usually under 5 years. 1/3 of the sentence must be served before release. The prison has been built somewhere in the southeastern part of the US, so the climate tends to be warm, but with it comes the hurricane and the afternoon showers and storms during summer, the love bugs... etc.3 floors and a yard are available to the inmates. The yard contains a park with a playground, a large green area, a concrete slab with a basketball hoop, and off to one side is a fake city, with cars that have unlocked doors, and a strip club that doesn't serve alcohol. The entire floors can be viewed by members of the website. To get floor plans, visit the wiki/URL]. (inmates are rewarded with time off their sentence when they have sex. Premium members of the site may request pairing, a place and a time. They allowed to reward the inmates with more time off or some material goods if they are inclined to. The IOC Rules Be Proactive If you would like to have a pairing done through a premium member, or a situation to be forced upon your character, tell me through a PM. The same applies if there is someone you don't want to be paired with. (Guys against M/M, no need to send me a list of the make characters ;))Be open to random pairing assigned by the GM These would be the client requests, which would be transmitted to the prisoners via a locating and communication chip that was placed under the skin behind the ear. It's a good way to give a shot a new partner. Write at least one solid paragraph. An example of what is considered a solid paragraph is the first paragraph of this section. Please pay attention to grammar. No one is perfect, but no one should have to decipher a post to answer to it. Use the thread header at the top of each posts the header provided below identify who you are posting as, and who you are posting with, as well as time of the day, it is easier to know whose post yours might affect. Be open to public or semi-public sex. While the pairings themselves will appear to be random (but will take some factors into consideration) the location assigned will be random. Talk with your partner For anything that is remotely non-con, or even just to decide how they might react to one another the first time around. If you wish to talk but don't want to use a messenger, you can go a use the Ajax chatroom hosted here (If you want to become a member and have access to private channels, just PM Lysander with a username and a password (Not your illiquid password). Be mindful of the setting. There are no dark zones, but for the real medical bay and the other no-prisoner zone. Your character can be watched everywhere else. There are few guards patrolling because of this. The IC Rules The Premium Member is the master. He is the one who can get your character out of prison, his request is to be granted. Should two refuse the pairing (for any reasons other than IOC) there will be time added to the time left to serve. Sex that isn't requested will still get prisoners time offs go ahead, play together outside requested pairings. While sex is the only thing that is rewarded, don't be afraid to go and plot together, play normal events that have your character make friends or enemies. It might make the pairings all the more interesting. That isn't a rule as much as it is a strong suggestion Cells are assigned and assignments to be respected You will pick a cell number when you write up your app, but once you've been accepted you're stuck there unless it becomes unmanageable. The Character Sheet Pm the character sheet to Lysander. Please supply a picture of the model you would like to use for the character in the PM. In Character Name: Age: Sex: Model: Name of the model you want to use Appearance: height, weight, measurements, any marks or tattoos, etc. Personality: a small paragraph appreciated Crime committed: Sentence: Left to serve: If you've transferred over from another prison, or if you've been in Millersburg for up to a year before the RP started. Bio: Brief history on how they came to be a criminal Out Of Character:Acceptable pairings: go with just letters and slashes (like: M/F)DOM, sub, switch or none: Character's ONS: We're pretty used to ONS and offs ;)Character's offs: Note to GM: Is there something you'd like to do with this character? A particular kind of pairing you'd like to play? Or the opposite something you really don't want to play. No need to specify pairings, here, you've done it before. Code: [Select][size=14pt][b]In Character[/b][/size][b]Name: [/b][b]Age: [/b][b]Sex: [/b][b]Model: [/b][b]Appearance: [/b][b]Personality: [/b][b]Crime committed: [/b][b]Sentence: [/b][b]Left to serve: [/b][b]Bio: [/b][size=14pt][b]Out Of Character:[/b][/size][b]Acceptable pairings:[/b][b]DOM, sub, switch or none:[/b][b]Character's ONS:[/b][b]Character's offs:[/b][b]Note to GM:[/b]The Header(of your character For whom:Character you are posting for, if it's for anyone who wishes to join, write OPEN Where: In which room. Some area will be grouped (Pool/hot tub/Sauna) specify where exactly you are, don't repeat the title of the thread. When:A reference to the time of the day. It doesn't have to be an hour, but a period (dawn, morning, afternoon, evening, night, etc.) Time will start June 1st. Code: [Select][float left][IMG padding=5]height: 200px, width: 150px[/IMG][/float left][b]Who:[/b][b]For whom:[/b][b]Where: [/b][b]When:[/b][hr]Links Wiki: (elli.thecreationcorner.net (Basement-------------------------------------------------------Solitary Confinement camp; BDSM rooms (( room (( (Floor-------------------------------------------------------Pool camp; Hot tubs (( (Bay (room (Center camp; Administration (floor-------------------------------------------------------The Common room (Medical bay (1 (2 (3 (4 (5 (7 (12 (13 (18 (Park (Dark Alley (Strip Club (a character of the non-binary gender join, the table will be adapted. The report about time left and everything related to it can now be found here (Wilson (Heavens (Martin (Draven (Conroy (Jackson (Thompson (Fallen (Millers (Hartford (Cooper (Clemens (Knight (Daniels (Aria (Harrison (Young (Mantell (Driscoll (London (Points Claiming your points is your responsibility. You have to send Lysander (a PM (click on the name here, I linked it directly to open a page to send me a PM)with "Millersburg" in the title, so that I can have a rule sort it directly into one directory. Then use the codes provided below. You can put multiple claims in one PM. Here is how your claim your points:Daily time served. When you are moving ahead with your character:Code: [Select][b]Daily time served[/b][b]Character involved[/b][b]Served until[/b]:(Insert date here)Assignment completed Once you and your partner are done with an assignment and have gone doing something else. For completing an assignment, you get 2 hours shaved off as bonus from the client. Code: [Select][b]Assignment completed[/b][b]Character(s) involved[/b][b]Duration[/b]: (In hours)[b]Area[/b]: (just the name of it is fine, in case I want to go read)Assignment not completed due to IC or IOC reasons. You will get either .5 if it was close to the beginning, or 1 if it was closer to the end. Unless you are willing to wait longer, after a week without answer or notice, you can consider this assignment incomplete and request a new one. Code: [Select][b]Assignment incomplete[/b][b]Duration played[/b]:[b]Character(s) involved[/b][b]Area[/b]:[b]Reasons[/b]:Player Bonus If your partner has done a very good job, or you've read someone else's post. These would be random client bonuses. I'll need the link to the post, not to the thread. Click on the title of the post itself, and the link in your address bar is what I need. Code: [Select][b]Client Bonus[/b][b]Character(s) involved[/b][b]Why[/b]: (Why the bonus)[b]How much[/b]: (Rarely ever more than 5 hours.)[b]Link[/b]: In Character Name: Mary Martin Age: 19Sex: Female Model: May Watanabe Appearance: 5'1", 95 Lbs., b-cup chest, blue eyes, brown hair, lithe frame Personality: Mary for the most part is very meek kind of girl. She is shy and has a very hard time discussing anything with other people, usually resulting a very stutter voice. She is an take and loves to collect a lot of things relating to her hobby. In her normal life, she was commonly seen carrying boxes of anime, manga, posters, or whatever she was craving that day. Nary a wall in her apartment is free of space. The only time she ever breaks free of her shy and meek nature is if she is wearing a mask or cosplaying. It causes her to feel empowered, therefore bypassing her natural insecurities. Crime committed: Mass theft Sentence: 4 Years Left to serve: 4Bio: It had all start one day when Mary was shopping at the local manga shop. She had a found the last of a high quality limited edition figure. Sadly for her, she was very low in funds at the time. She had just been previously fired from her waitress job not being able to give out decent customer service. The take however really wanted the figure and there was never going to be anymore after this. Due to her rapid thinking, she hadn't thought of eBay or Craigslist. So for once she did something she had thought she would never do; steal the object in question. Due to how quiet she was, Mary easily slipped out of the store. She had never felt such a rush before, plus she had gotten exactly what she wanted. The take girl practiced this method more frequently over time. She finally got caught a few months later when her neighbors started to notice how she always had kept bringing in highly price objects when there were several rent notices on the door of her apartment. Out Of Character:Acceptable pairings:F/F. F/Mom, sub, switch or none:SubCharacter's ONS:No ONS due to sexual inexperience (Mary is a virgin)Character's offs:Gore, mulitationNote to GM: Quote from: Yugishogun on 28-05-2013, 03:37:19In Character Name: Mary Martin Age: 19Sex: Female Model: (May you better clarify this?) Appearance: 5'1", 95 Lbs., b-cup chest, blue eyes, brown hair, lithe frame Personality: Mary for the most part is very meek kind of girl. She is shy and has a very hard time discussing anything with other people, usually resulting a very stutter voice. She is an take and loves to collect a lot of things relating to her hobby. In her normal life, she was commonly seen carrying boxes of anime, manga, posters, or whatever she was craving that day. Nary a wall in her apartment is free of space. The only time she ever breaks free of her shy and meek nature is if she is wearing a mask or cosplaying. It causes her to feel empowered, therefore bypassing her natural insecurities. Crime committed: Mass theft Sentence: 4 Years Left to serve: 4Bio: It had all start one day when Mary was shopping at the local manga shop. She had a found the last of a high quality limited edition figure. Sadly for her, she was very low in funds at the time. She had just been previously fired from her waitress job not being able to give out decent customer service. The take however really wanted the figure and there was never going to be anymore after this. Due to her rapid thinking, she hadn't thought of eBay or Craigslist. So for once she did something she had thought she would never do; steal the object in question. Due to how quiet she was, Mary easily slipped out of the store. She had never felt such a rush before, plus she had gotten exactly what she wanted. The take girl practiced this method more frequently over time. She finally got caught a few months later when her neighbors started to notice how she always had kept bringing in highly price objects when there were several rent notices on the door of her apartment. Out Of Character:Acceptable pairings: F/F. F/Mom, sub, switch or none: SubCharacter's ONS: No ONS due to sexual inexperience (Mary is a virgin)Character's offs: Gore, mulitationNote to GM:For model, I think she wants the name of the person whose picture you'll be using. If you need help finding one, I have a model thread in my signature. I can help you find one, or if you have a picture, I can try to find the name. :) I do mean the model you are using as face claim, Playboy. By the way, I did request that the character sheets be sent to me through PM so that the IOC isn't crowded with them Edit: And PLEASE I don't want virgins unless you REALLY can't help it. She can be inexperienced without being a virgin. Quote from: Lysander on 28-05-2013, 03:42:33I do mean the model you are using as face claim, Playboy. By the way, I did request that the character sheets be sent to me through PM so that the IOC isn't crowded with them Edit: And PLEASE I don't want virgins unless you REALLY can't help it. She can be inexperienced without being a virgin. I would remove her virginity if her personality didn't allow even a rock to out debate her. I also don't really know that many models. Any suggestions? Quote from: Christa McGinn on 28-05-2013, 03:40:15For model, I think she wants the name of the person whose picture you'll be using. If you need help finding one, I have a model thread in my signature. I can help you find one, or if you have a picture, I can try to find the name. :)Thank you. i will get right on it. Edit: Found one, thank you. Quote from: Yugishogun on 28-05-2013, 03:50:36I would remove her virginity if her personality didn't allow even a rock to out debate her. I also don't really know that many models. Any suggestions? Go ahead and keep her a virgin Yuri. I just don't want to see it being a trend. I had to google what Take means, gotta learn something every day! Quote from: Lysander on 28-05-2013, 04:07:45Go ahead and keep her a virgin Yuri. I just don't want to see it being a trend. I had to google what Take means, gotta learn something every day! You're never old to learn, lol. Thank you for understanding. Yuri, can you send me the sheet in a PM, along with a picture of the model you want to use please? Quote from: Lysander on 28-05-2013, 04:20:48Yugi, can you send me the sheet in a PM, along with a picture of the model you want to use please? I'm on it :) Thank you. Mai, I am a klutz, I deleted your app by mistake. I wanted to sort it, but I clicked delete instead of sort :(Could you send it again please? What would an example sentence be? Just the number of years? Quote from: Lysander on 28-05-2013, 04:48:24Thank you. Mai, I am a klutz, I deleted your app by mistake. I wanted to sort it, but I clicked delete instead of sort :(Could you send it again please? Sent. Quote from: Lysander on 28-05-2013, 04:48:24Thank you. Mai, I am a klutz, I deleted your app by mistake. I wanted to sort it, but I clicked delete instead of sort :(Could you send it again please? I'm on it. Thanks, Mai! Christa: Put it in years and month. I'd say the longest would be 5 years. I'll put the numbers into minutes *pats Excel formula* Quote from: Lysander on 28-05-2013, 05:30:02Thanks Mai! Christa: Put it in years and month. I'd say the longest would be 5 years. I'll put the numbers into minutes *pats Excel formula*Haha. Okay. Would a rounded off 3 years be alright? It's fine. I'll read all character sheets in a couple of minutes. I've done the bulk of the main wiki page, if you want to see the floor plans they are there. The images are bigger than these, just click on them to see more detail. Hello. Hi :)People, when your character is ready to go, I'll pm you a request for room number. And I'll start posting the different IC threads tonight, once things have calmed down. Okay, Working on my character now that I have access to a computer. Never thought I'd be so excited about going to prison ;) Quote from: King Superior on 28-05-2013, 06:07:18 Never thought I'd be so excited about going to prison ;)When you put it like that... neither do I. LOL! I'll get you my sheet later. Is it okay for my character to originally have been sentenced to 10 years, but was transferred to Millersburg after 4 for good behavior. As per OP, that would leave him with 5 years remaining at the beginning of this RP. Will self gratification count? Well, finally finished my Character Sheet. Just hope I didn't go overboard in describing his walk into crime Helene okay, I had to look something up that took a little longer than I anticipated. The prison might buy some sentences off other private prison, so transfer is fine. As for what counts, let's be safe and assume you need a partner. I'd think that it would make it way too easy to get time off if self-gratification counted... True. Quote from: Lysander on 28-05-2013, 07:53:24okay, I had to look something up that took a little longer than I anticipated. The prison might buy some sentences off other private prison, so transfer is fine. Okay, good, well, I just hope my character's crimes aren't over the top. I needed to have an otherwise normal person corrupted by a dark past and a desire for revenge ;D 6 characters the first evening isn't bad at all :)So far we have 2 men and 4 women I'll pm you a character later in the day Ought to be fun to start out. Character sent. Straight M looking for M/F or M/F/F fun. :)-ark Will self gratification be frowned upon? Derrick is a bit of an exhibitionist. Frowned upon, no. Just don't expect a reward each an every time he does it ;) As I get more into the character I feel like his reward would be being watched. Lol. He is in this to enjoy himself. Hmm.....just did a check of the floor plans and realized that there is a little something missing:The Prison Library and Workshop (not that any real reading and working would really get done). Then... Hagar.- Kristen - Psst, Kristen!you're supposed to PM the character to Lysander, not post it! ;)-ark He-he... oh dear. Thank you so much lol. Thought I was missing something... I've been in PM conversation with Lysander for a bit now and thought I should put it here. Time for me to make a change... and I will change it too... hmmmVala-Moguls.(Spelling is so off...)- Kristen - Is ok Kristen! :) I hope you don't think I was trying to be mean or anything, I just didn't want you to get into trouble! Aysande can be SUCH a slave-driver sometimes... (purrrrrrr! :P)-ark My, my, my.......it appears that there are some people with even worse crimes that Tobias :oak well, at least his crime was justified, given his past :P Quote from: ark hos on 29-05-2013, 01:24:15Is ok Kristen! :) I hope you don't think I was trying to be mean or anything, I just didn't want you to get into trouble! Aysande can be SUCH a slave-driver sometimes... (purrrrrrr! :P)-ark You were awesome he-he...- Kristen - Do we have any murder inmates yet? It would be interesting seeing as I would imagine crime types would be allotted like prisons version of different cliché's in typical high schools. Quote from: azzmeister89 on 29-05-2013, 01:55:03Do we have any murder inmates yet? It would be interesting seeing as I would imagine crime types would be allotted like prisons version of different cliché's in typical high schools. I think King's guy is in for murder, and Lysander's for manslaughter, but I'm not sure if anyone else is. Quote from: azzmeister89 on 29-05-2013, 01:55:03Do we have any murder inmates yet? It would be interesting seeing as I would imagine crime types would be allotted like prisons version of different cliché's in typical high schools. Read my guy's history (Tobias Heavens). He killed his sister and her lover. I personally believe he was justified in it. They just didn't have enough evidence for a conviction >:) Quote from: ark hos on 29-05-2013, 01:24:15Aysande can be SUCH a slave-driver sometimes... (purrrrrrr! :P)-ark That's quite interesting... :D Quote from: Lysander on 29-05-2013, 02:21:35That's quite interesting... :Disc't it-...?- Kristen - The new plans (I uploaded them a few hours ago) do have a library, a computer room (not linked to internet or the prison's network) and a traditional bedroom for scenes. All three are in the basement. The workshop isn't really a necessity as the inmates are working with their body... The IC threads are being created. The links are in the table in the second post where I list the different rooms. If there's more than one room in a group or if it covers a large area, check the first post for the "Where" tag. They look awesome. Although the computer room link is going to just the whole "NC: Human-Free-form Small Groups" board. :) I must agree that so far, things are getting better and better :-)Makes my blood rush in my excitement haha Thanks for telling me for the incorrect link :D Quote from: King Superior on 29-05-2013, 03:41:21I must agree that so far, things are getting better and better :-)Makes my blood rush in my excitement haha The feeling is mutual :) Mary has a cellmate! Quote from: Lysander on 29-05-2013, 05:52:30Mary has a cellmate! Good :) I await her post. I've bookmarked all the locations. Do you know when/how you're planning on starting? Okay, time for me to introduce Tobias ^_^ Good fortune all. Wonder what the parings will be ;) You can start the IC post, get situated and start mingling. I have one app to review (unless more come tonight) and put on the wiki, and then I should start working the stats into something manageable for pairings. I would say expect them by Friday. So go ahead, start the day: June 1st :D Quote from: Lysander on 29-05-2013, 05:59:06You can start the IC post, get situated and start mingling. I have one app to review (unless more come tonight) and put on the wiki, and then I should start working the stats into something manageable for pairings. I would say expect them by Friday. So go ahead, start the day: June 1st :Cool. So June 1st. We can just put the time of day? If they're in their cell, is there any particular uniform they wear? And is there a description somewhere of what the cells are like? Sorry if that's a dumb question. Also, I assume that most of them have at least experienced some of the 'assignments,' so they know what they're about and such. How often do they usually put on a 'show?' Sorry for all the questions... Hmm, wonder how the starts going to turn out. Some are newcomers, assumption is made out of sentence vs time served. If you don't agree, say so. Rikki DravenRyan Miller Angelia Clemens Mary Martin The room is geared toward a certain comfort but not too much as the warden (who is female by the way) doesn't want them to spend too much in there. Bunk beds, a table an chair with two shelves (one for each inmate) and a small chest of drawers (shared between cellmates). For clothing: I am leaving this out to the players. So it's entirely up to you if they wear regular clothing, skimpy one or none at all... Just deal with the reactions in causes ;). For example, I know my little Pro will walk around almost naked. She's been around long enough already that she doesn't think she has much to hide anymore. Edit: keep the question coming, I really don't mind them. I've set this up completely alone, and you can point out to me where I might have forgotten something. Okay, well, I have my first post in. Tobias is sitting in his cell lamenting about the past and reading a book. Simple start I guess. Quote from: Lysander on 29-05-2013, 06:15:43Some are newcomers, assumption is made out of sentence vs time served. If you don't agree, say so. Rikki DravenRyan Miller Angelia Clemens Mary Martin The room is geared toward a certain comfort but not too much as the warden (who is female by the way) doesn't want them to spend too much in there. Bunk beds, a table an chair with two shelves (one for each inmate) and a small chest of drawers (shared between cellmates). For clothing: I am leaving this out to the players. So it's entirely up to you if they wear regular clothing, skimpy one or none at all... Just deal with the reactions in causes ;). For example, I know my little Pro will walk around almost naked. She's been around long enough already that she doesn't think she has much to hide anymore. Edit: keep the question coming, I really don't mind them. I've set this up completely alone, and you can point out to me where I might have forgotten something. Thanks. Alright, I figure I'll have my girl know about their responsibilities, but maybe she's still waiting to do her first scene. Hey all, I made an open post in the library thread (#msg8305444). Feel free to jump in if you'd like :) Just as a FYI if you wish to make a second character (or even a first, for people who just joined) cells 1, 2, 7 and 18 are full. Hmm, this group has interesting written all over it. Lol. Jumped into the library (waves at Rachel!) :)And yeah, an interesting group for sure! :)-ark Be really fun to see where it goes. Sleep....or post..... I'll post after I sleep. I agree that this is an interesting group. ^_^ I'll enjoy reading your works, okay? Maybe I'll pair up with one of you playing females ;) Read all ya want. Smut for everyone. And sure if ya want pair up it can probably be done. Male character players, I have a question for you. Under the condition that the two males do not interact together sexually, would you agree to a MMF pairing? I would, sure.-ark Quote from: Lysander on 29-05-2013, 21:51:31Male character players, I have a question for you. Under the condition that the two males do not interact together sexually, would you agree to a MMF pairing?*hopes that they do*Multiple male partners are hot. :) Quote from: Lysander on 29-05-2013, 21:51:31Male character players, I have a question for you. Under the condition that the two males do not interact together sexually, would you agree to a MMF pairing? Hmm, well, I've looked at most of the characters and, after a conversation with one person, it has come to my attention that many girls was MMF at least once. But not many guys want that. So, as long as nothing goes uprear, nor do I place anything up another guy's rear, I could attempt a MMF scene at some point. We can't let these wonderful ladies be unpleased after all ;) Quote from: Christa McGinn on 29-05-2013, 21:56:20*hopes that they do*Multiple male partners are hot. :)I second that Quote from: Lysander on 29-05-2013, 21:59:48I second that Quote from: Christa McGinn on 29-05-2013, 21:56:20*hopes that they do*Multiple male partners are hot. :)Well then, these two are awesome women, so I can't afford to let them down :P I can MMF as well Haha. Yeah. Most MMF scenes (in porn especially) have NO sexual contact between males. So it doesn't have to be uncomfortable. And in the case of MFF...which I'm sure EVERY straight guy likes...the girls don't have to have sexual contact, although we usually do. Often to turn the guy on. ;) But I, for one, don't need or even necessarily want the guys to be involved with each other in an MMF. When they're both focused on the girl, she has a lot of fun. ;) Quote from: Christa McGinn on 29-05-2013, 22:11:32Haha. Yeah. Most MMF scenes (in porn especially) have NO sexual contact between males. So it doesn't have to be uncomfortable. And in the case of MFF...which I'm sure EVERY straight guy likes...the girls don't have to have sexual contact, although we usually do. Often to turn the guy on. ;) But I, for one, don't need or even necessarily want the guys to be involved with each other in an MMF. When they're both focused on the girl, she has a lot of fun. ;)Well, I'll be sure to payveryclose attention to you *Winks*You know how close Helene Never red an MMF scene. Or a true MFF scene Quote from: Strifesblaze7 on 29-05-2013, 22:16:02Never red an MMF scene. Or a true MFF scene'll just go ahead and second this one as well. I have RP'watching MMF, but never been fully involved. I love MFF and MMF scenes both just fine - as long as the two guys are truly double-teaming the girl, instead of forming a love-triangle. ;)Pleasing the like that -definitely- has its benefits. ;)-ark You have 24 hours IC hours to complete the assignment, which will be recorded and made available to the premium client. Sometimes they come with just the pairing and they can do whatever, wherever. Sometimes they come with a specific place, and maybe accompanied of certain instructions. Whether the character that gets the communication though the chip behind their ear shares or not may influence the bonus. Remember to please the client, means a shorter time stuck in this prison... Assignment, June 1st, after dinner Kyle camp; Angelia:Rough sex in the dark street in the yard. Bonus if done during the night, but with enough light for a good show. Ryan camp; Mary:Bedroom. This one is requested by the warden. She's aware of Mary's state and doesn't want her with a traumatizing first time. Ryan would be aware of it. Mary only knows she has to be there at a certain time (you pick when, it's fine)Natalie camp; Tobias:Anywhere in the park. Only Tobias gets the communication. Bonus if done in plain view Rachel camp; Nathan:Sauna, Bonus if it appears to be a seduction either from him or from her, rather than a get-together just to get it done. Richard camp; Krystyna:Game room, on the main floor. Elizabeth camp; Marcus:No location specified, bonus to a public or semi-public place. He, I have to admit, I love the 'instructions'... sorta like "Sex-Mission Impossible"... I just hope no one's body parts are 'self-destructing in five seconds....' ;)You could even send some instructions to some players -in private-, to see if they can accomplish them without -anyone- knowing here IOC or not. ;)-ark No assignment for Derrick? Lol Quote from: Lysander on 30-05-2013, 00:38:21Natalie camp; Tobias: Anywhere in the park. Only Tobias gets the communication. Bonus if done in plain view Fun fun. So, Tobias knows this and she doesn't? Interesting haha A quick question about time:Is it possible to be active in two "times" at once? That is, can I keep posting the morning scene I've already got going and also post a scene that takes place during the evening? Or should I finish the morning scene before I start something later? I can see it getting confusing (especially if posts that happen "later" end up coming before posts that happen "earlier" in the same thread, whether from the same characters or not) but it'd also help keep things moving. Thoughts? The "When" tag is actually used for that purpose. As long as you aren't at the same place at the same time, you can post in more than one thread. I'm using it in other group threads, and it works just fine. Cool! That'll make things much easier. Quote from: Mai on 30-05-2013, 00:49:44A quick question about time:Is it possible to be active in two "times" at once? That is, can I keep posting the morning scene I've already got going and also post a scene that takes place during the evening? Or should I finish the morning scene before I start something later? I can see it getting confusing (especially if posts that happen "later" end up coming before posts that happen "earlier" in the same thread, whether from the same characters or not) but it'd also help keep things moving. Thoughts? Most group games I've been in have allowed fuzzy time, thereby allowing people to play more than one scene at a time. We just label it and try not to say anything too dramatic in the later scene that might change when the earlier scene is done. For example, if I'm writing a scene at night and my character loses her anal virginity, then I'll need to make sure that I don't let her lose it in the earlier scene. But it's up to Lysander. Some GMs prefer to keep the time more strict. It all depends.EDIT: It appears she likes it as well. :) Well, with our new assignments, I think I would like to remind people that our lovely GM has a chat room for this sort of things ^_^ I'm going to make an opening post in the Cell 13 thread soon. Him being lead to his cell still in handcuffs and being released into it if I understand the setting correctly. I'm enjoying this. Lol. Quote from: Strifesblaze7 on 30-05-2013, 05:02:09I'm enjoying this. Lol. Of course, you are. You hopped right on in, not wasting any time :Granted, I have not hopped in that quickly, I, too, am I having much fun. Then again, I am the kind of guy that likes the buildup almost as much as the actual act itself ::) added a pairing for Richard and Krystyna to the pairing post. Yeah, we planned that out though. So we already had a buildup from the planning. I do not mind multiple male Does for a pairing.f/M/M Hmm who does want a two guy threesome? Quote from: Strifesblaze7 on 30-05-2013, 07:23:23Hmm who does want a two guy threesome? Quote from: Bloodthirsty on 30-05-2013, 07:17:49I do not mind multiple male Does for a pairing.f/M/M Eh, not this early into this RP. I'm willing to do one eventually. Might even get assigned later he-he Charles and Derrick aren't in a pairing, perhaps one of them? Are we allowed to begin? Of course, you are :) I'll be a part of one. I'm Derrick. Quote from: Lysander on 29-05-2013, 21:51:31Male character players, I have a question for you. Under the condition that the two males do not interact together sexually, would you agree to a MMF pairing? Ryan wouldn't mind doing an MMF pairing under these conditions at all.Also, Rikki don't mind MFF pairings as long as she doesn't have to interact with males sexually hope that makes sense :-)Also I'll get Ryan over to Mary as soon as possible he's going to be kind to her and gentle unless told otherwise of course. When do they get the assignments through the chip? Right before the scene? The morning of? A few hours ahead? I put the time in the header of the assignment. They got it June 1st, after dinner. They do get the assignment through the chip. The voice is the warden's, and she's female. Feel free to give her all sorts of names, but her name is Michelle Atherton. She's on the wiki. Quote from: Lysander on 30-05-2013, 18:56:56I put the time in the header of the assignment. They got it June 1st, after dinner. They do get the assignment through the chip. The voice is the warden's, and she's female. Feel free to give her all sorts of names, but her name is Michelle Atherton. She's on the wiki. Ah. Sorry. I figured the assignment was for after dinner, but I didn't know they got it after dinner as well. Thanks. They have 24 hours to complete the assignment. So it has to be done before June 2nd, dinner time ;) Oh. Oops, ill go edit my post. Quote from: Lysander on 30-05-2013, 18:59:58They have 24 hours to complete the assignment. So it has to be done before June 2nd, dinner time ;)Coolio. :) The next assignment should be dated June 3rd or 4th, just in case people want to skip ahead after the current assignment. If something comes up just let me know. Remember if there are specific characters or character type you do not want to be paired with (because of IC reasons like both being hardcore subs or IOC reason like not getting along or not enjoying the RP with them), or if you want your character to skip the next pairing because it would interfere with a plot, all you have to do is send me a PM. Likewise, if you do want a specific pairing to happen or a specific event. You can be sure that whatever the reason you give me, it will not be known by anyone else than you and I. If you think that since it's online, I might not respect my word, trust me; I hate drama, I'm not going to start it ;) Rather than to set assignment on a particular date, and try to get everyone all paired up together at once, please let me know when your character is free for a pairing. I'll make the wiki page later today, but I will transfer the Tally and the current assignment there, as well as make a list of the points that were awarded, so that you know if you've been given the points you have a right to. As for the randomness of the pairings, I'll always make sure there are a couple of suitable partners before doing the pairings. So from now on, whenever you feel you are free to take another thread and want the randomness and reward of an assignment, post here saying with which character, please. At some point I'll be able to know, but right now the characters and players association in my mind is a bit fuzzy. A simple "So and so is free for assignment" will do. Right now, available for pairings, I have:CharlesRikkiAlexisDavidFrankand I volunteerNatalieLizBefore I lunch into the random mixing and matching, I'll wait for the end of the evening to see if other people volunteer their characters. I've moved pairings, the hours-to-serve table and the hours & bonus history to the wiki. (My first assignment scene is still in progress, but feel free to include me in the next round of assignments if you need people, that scene should be wrapping up soon, and I don't mind starting another in the meantime. Not sure if I said it before, but if you need a male character for something, just add mine to it. Doesn't matter what it is to me. I'll happily volunteer Tobias for another assignment despite the current one being in progress still. Derrick is free. Just being a man whore. XD I can write two scenes at once, although my other scene is in progress. I haven't felt well today, but I'll hopefully be back to normal tonight. I don't mind doing 2 scenes at once either feel free to put Rikki up for assignment or Alexis even she and Derrick are in the middle of something at the moment but if the scene is set at another point in time Alexis could do it :-) I'm open to multiple scenes as well. As far as I'm concerned Frank will volunteer at just about any time. So please, by all means, throw him into one. :) New pairings for June 3rd available here:#Current (#Current)Don't forget to let me know when you think a day is over, so I can remove 24 hours from your total! By PM please and tell me the name of your character! Wow, very impressive, Lysander!!! :)-ark, Thank you. It explains the delay in my answers *giggles*I'll go post now! Hmm, this isn't a for sure thing, but I may be a bit scare the next couple of days. Sorry guys but I may have to pull out of this one, life is pretty hectic right now and I'm already highly committed to another group game. I may have one more scene left in me if there is a girl(s) willing to be my last then feel free to write Nate out of the game any way you like It'll be a prison transfer. Sorry to see you go AZZ. Hey, AZZ, if you do manage to get spare time, perhaps your character can be transferred back? Sorry that you're gone. Maybe but work gets super busy over the summer and then I got the move, like I said though I can do one last scene before it gets too much, I'll keep the IOC thread bookmarked for if I can make a cum back...... Pun intended there. Never mind on my possible absence. I'll be around like normal. Quote from: azzmeister89 on 03-06-2013, 21:06:38Maybe but work gets super busy over the summer and then I got the move, like I said though I can do one last scene before it gets too much, I'll keep the IOC thread bookmarked for if I can make a cum back...... Pun intended there. Aww. I was looking forward to Angel and Nate meeting, but I understand. *hugs* AZZ, maybe we could play into your hacker story and say that an agency out there needs your skills, so that you're not transferred out definitely ;) yeah, however you transfer him out, there's always that door to have him come back down the road if he finds the time. :) That could work, I have a week or two left so maybe we can have Nate and Angel get together first Christa Quote from: azzmeister89 on 03-06-2013, 21:48:21That could work, I have a week or two left so maybe we can have Nate and Angel get together first Christa If you'd like to, I'm sure they could run into one another somewhere. :) Tobias, Andrea, you have a pairing waiting for you on June 3rdOn a rather frustrating (for me) note, I have to redo my entire spreadsheet because excel crashed and corrupted it *shake fists* so there will be a certain delay before the next assignments. I hope everyone can keep busy with what's going on now. Quote from: Lysander on 04-06-2013, 01:38:46 Tobias, Andrea, you have a pairing waiting for you on June 3rdOn a rather frustrating (for me) note, I have to redo my entire spreadsheet because excel crashed and corrupted it *shake fists* so there will be a certain delay before the next assignments. I hope everyone can keep busy with what's going on now. Hmm....nurse abusing patient? Sounds interesting. That's okay. I'm still not finished with my first one haha Okay. Update time've taken a Co-GM. Rob here will help me with things. It's his first experience as a GM, please me kind to him. ;)The bloody spreadsheet is restored, everything seems to work again... I've redone it in a more efficient way. I guess the file corruption had something good to ITE're 1 girl short of an even ratio! If you have suggestions for bonuses, speak up. The more there is, the more random things will reedit: lol, I wrote spread shit instead of spreadsheet... Freudian slip? Spreadsheet? I think I missed something. Quote from: Lysander on 04-06-2013, 23:39:19Edit: lol, I wrote spread shit instead of spreadsheet... Freudian slip? Hmmm.....well, I am not a fan of that sort of play.......but there are some odd ones out there >_>:P Just messing with ya hahaha Quote from: Drama on 04-06-2013, 23:43:33Spread sheet? I think I missed something. I put all the data in a spreadsheet, so I can do pairings randomly and making sure I don't make pairings that shouldn't happen. My spreadsheet crashed and corrupted last night, so I had to redo everything. Oh, cool. Glad you got it back up and running :) *slinks in hiding behind Lysander* Hello Quote from: Lynne on 05-06-2013, 05:29:42*slinks in hiding behind Lysander* Hello Hi. :) *moves out from behind Lysander and smiles* Hello ^^ I'm Lynne. How are you? Quote from: Lynne on 05-06-2013, 05:42:21*moves out from behind Lysander and smiles* Hello ^^ I'm Lynne. How are you?*tilts her head* Yes, we've met. Lol. And I'm good. :) Minnie, you need to fix your header. Your image doesn't show, at least not in Cell #3. Oops, I'll fix it! Hello Fixed and replied! I like this game so far. Getting to play a bit more of a bitchy character is fun! And you as my rookie is going to be fun, too! I am so excited!! *Sees and goes off to read and reply* Strife, I think we need to plot... I think we're paired up together :P *giggles softly* Not really plotting, yet I think David and Emma are plotting it out themselves XD I'm improvising. That works, too. It seems to be working... Oooh another post *rushes off* I should finish my own for the other game, but this one is fun too Yeah on the third Lysander. D'aw forgot me face. O_O And posted! I should sleep...but posts O_O *is writing one for the other game as well* How should we do it, Lysander? Our bonus is semi-public right? Yes, and in the park, so that shouldn't be too hard... They should try to find a bush, in the garden. Lol. Do it on an empty table, XD that's hardly semi public.... Well, rent a Semi, and do it in public. I know where you can get one, relatively cheap. Not while in prison, dear... Quote from: Lysander on 05-06-2013, 07:31:46not while in prison, dear... Ya never know... Someone might have a Ken worth or Petering fetish... Well could there be a tree next to or near the path. That fits semi public. They could be seen, but it's no guarantee without walking traffic. How about we take this to pm? ;) Morning everyone! Morning, Lynne! How's you? Wonderful, wake up make a reply and chilling in bed today until I get to go meet my mom for lunch. Though I'm out of replies again. Lynne, I won't be able to reply 'til this evening. The header's impossible from a smartphone. It's fine. Not everyone is a housewife like me. But I have like 10 games and waiting on replies on all 10 at once. Good Morning :-) Good morning!*set out a plate of bagels, muffins, with a pot of coffee and hot water with tea bags.* Quote from: Lynne on 05-06-2013, 17:08:29Good morning! *set out a plate of bagels, muffins, with a pot of coffee and hot water with tea bags.*Morning as well. *Tastes Bagel* "Yep, soon much better than prison food :P I love to cook so ^^ I will make whatever anyone wants Ah Bagels and coffee breakfast of champions ;D Rob, I reply from a smartphone 75% of the time, and I still use a header. I just quote my previous post and then delete whatever's not the header like I would on a computer. I've never had a problem. Furthermore, I'm on an iPhone right now, and I just replied to Karl. :) Oh, cool!! I'll try that! (Autocorrect, stay away!!) Replies are firing out of me like mad today. Gotta love a happy muse Quote from: Lynne on 06-06-2013, 04:58:10 Replies are firing out of me like mad today. Gotta love a happy muse*Pets happy muse*"This muse male or female? Don't want to say good girl or good boy to the wrong gender" It's a girl. She likes nipple clamps. I have them now she is happy and here. I think your sudden confession about the clamps as stunned everyone into silence. PI am I bowing out. I am surprised but then again, I am not. I will finish the scenes and pairings I am already involved with, so that they can count towards the hours shaved off for involved players. The reason is simple; I am clearly out of my comfort zone. If someone wants to take over, I will gladly send the notes (if they're wanted). This group is already halfway to its own board, it has a lot of potential even if someone doesn't want to bother with the random pairings. So all the scene with Liz and Natalie, if you would rather have them stop and seek another pairing, let me know. If not, I'll keep the threads in my bookmark and play them to the end. Thank you for your time. A. Quote from: Lysander on 08-06-2013, 17:27:03I think your sudden confession about the clamps as stunned everyone into silence. PI am I bowing out. I am surprised but then again, I am not. I will finish the scenes and pairings I am already involved with, so that they can count towards the hours shaved off for involved players. The reason is simple; I am clearly out of my comfort zone. If someone wants to take over, I will gladly send the notes (if they're wanted). This group is already halfway to its own board, it has a lot of potential even if someone doesn't want to bother with the random pairings. So all the scene with Liz and Natalie, if you would rather have them stop and seek another pairing, let me know. If not, I'll keep the threads in my bookmark and play them to the end. Thank you for your time. A. Wait...what? Is there something we can do? It's your game, so you can tailor it to your comfort zone. :(I'll finish with Nat (if you want) and Emma, but I'll probably bow out too, for reasons of my own. Thanks for letting me play! R I am most likely going to bow out as well. The imbalance between sex vs story...... I don't know. It's not really in my favor. I mean, I love sex like the next Guy, but too much kind of dulls things, you know? I'll complete any scenes though. Quote from: King Superior on 08-06-2013, 17:38:28I am most likely going to bow out as well. The imbalance between sex vs story...... I don't know. It's not really in my favor. I mean, I love sex like the next Guy, but too much kind of dulls things, you know? I'll complete any scenes though. Agreed, that sums me up pretty well. >.> Might be right. Then again I only just joined. Finish out scenes then? I will bow out as well. With the owner of the game leaving and several already bowing out, the RP is doomed to collapse. I also have lost interest in it due to the slow posting speed. Quote from: Lynne on 08-06-2013, 17:44:38>.Sgt; Might be right. Then again I only just joined. Finish out scenes then? I'll finish any scene Tobias is in. I am not just going to drop out without finishing it unless the other party says they want to skip it >_> So everybody's leaving? *sighs* This sucks. Well, quite frankly, I've got more energy invested in the other group game. I'm still here. I would be interested in keeping it going. Anyone else? Quote from: Drama on 08-06-2013, 17:59:32I'm still here. I would be interested in keeping it going. Anyone else? Yes. And I've gotten the okay from Lysander to take over as GM. I'm really sad, so many are leaving, but I don't want this game to die, so I'm going to try and keep it going. Recruit some new people. Aww... what the hell... I might as well stay for a little while, at least. ;)*peers around the RP*Angel... are you there, Angel? I'll stick around. Quote from: Robelwell202 on 08-06-2013, 18:09:34Aww... what the hell... I might as well stay for a little while, at least. ;)*peers around the RP*Angel... are you there, Angel? Angel? My Angel? Lol. And good. If people could state whether they're staying or leaving, I'd appreciate it. :) Quote from: Christa McGinn on 08-06-2013, 18:28:36Angel? My Angel? Lol. Of course, your Angel. I heard she needs a good-guy, so Conroy's volunteering! Quote from: Robelwell202 on 08-06-2013, 18:31:50Of course, your Angel. I heard she needs a good-guy, so Conroy's volunteering! Haha. Oh, noes! Good vs. Evil! ;) I'm staying Wow... this is interesting... I was just about ready to send my character concept over. ^.^'Well, good luck everyone. Holy smokes... I go to bed and come back to find my favorite GM has left? Yikes.... I'd like to stay, if we have enough people to continue....-ark Quote from: Spiral Spider on 08-06-2013, 19:06:35Wow... this is interesting... I was just about ready to send my character concept over. ^.^'Well, good luck everyone. You can send it to me and Rockwell. :) We definitely need more girls now. Quote from: Strifesblaze7 on 08-06-2013, 19:29:50We definitely need more girls now. Yeah. If we don't get many, I might make another one as well, but I might put up another recruitment thread so that I can edit the first post. :) I'm thinking about doing that with the IOC as well. And I need to check on how many threads and posts we have, as well as the amount of active players. I might stick around... Quote from: Lynne on 08-06-2013, 20:16:53I might stick around... I hope you do. :(Damn now I feel bad Stick around and do a scene with me, Lynne. I'll stick around and give it more time than ^^ I'll stay in the game if I’m allowed to play a male as well as that female character. :-) Hugs Lynne- Yay!!! Quote from: Spiral Spider on 08-06-2013, 20:59:37I'll stay in the game if I’m allowed to play a male as well as that female character. :-)Haha. Sure. Just send me the applications. :) So who is out of a cellmate since so many people left? Or should I just take an empty cell or two? If anyone knows for certain that they don't have a cellmate, please us know. If there's no one, then you can take an empty cell, Spiral. Nate is by his self, but he'll be in and out of the RP whilst RL is hectic Quote from: azzmeister89 on 08-06-2013, 22:06:50Nate is by his self, but he'll be in and out of the RP whilst RL is hectic Oh? Have you decided to stay? :) Would Angela like to go with Derrick again? Looks like we lost Natalie Wilson (1) Mary Martin (2) Elizabeth Thompson (4) and Tobias Heavens (1). Quote from: Spiral Spider on 08-06-2013, 22:15:33 Looks like we lost Natalie Wilson (1) Mary Martin (2) Elizabeth Thompson (4) and Tobias Heavens (1). Alright. After I see what kind of preferences your characters have, then I'll either assign you to a cell or let you pick an empty one. Sounds good. I don't mind being assigned. :-) Nate is staying but whilst I'm away he will be out helping the FBI or some such I hope Rob will stay with me, but I can't guarantee it Quote from: Lynne on 08-06-2013, 23:14:14I hope Rob will stay with me, but I can't guarantee it Rob's staying. :) We've been talking all day, and he's still going to co-GM. First Concept sent. :-)I'll have the other later. Then I'll stick around though I have a feeling there will be a slight love story with Emma and David. Mmm.... Could be! ^^ I hope so. I like David! Derrick may be out in the cold. ;) Oh I think Emma will play with Derrick though. She wants to cut her sentence as fast as she can. She doesn't realize that regular sex with people won't cut her time nearly as fast. Lol, sounds fun. Well there we go. I sent in my second profile. Fair warning: he's a handful. :P And he's David Pennant, so that's always a plus. ;)I've gotten both profiles, and they'll likely be approved, but I need to decide where to place them. :) I'm still trying to wrap my head around this. Lol. Boy I duck out for a couple of days and all sorts of things happen. I'll still be keeping up posting when I can. Quote from: Mai on 09-06-2013, 04:07:58Boy I duck out for a couple of days and all sorts of things happen. I'll still be keeping up posting when I can. Good. Thank you. :) Alright everyone. I know it seems superfluous, but I don't want to bother Lysander every time I need something changed on the IOC. And I also tend to use threads more than the Wiki...although I will try to keep using the Wiki for this game. Either way, the new IOC thread is here (Please post all IOC stuff there from now on, as this thread will only be around for me to pull from for reference. Once I'm done, I'll likely have someone lock it. Anyway, see you over there!

Millisburg Jail ~ The OOC Thread|rating:2.0

Crashdown on an Alien Planet! (Angie&DeityArchaic)

By the year 2050, mankind had begun to expand to the stars. Space travel had become reliable enough to create colonies within their own solar system, but already their eyes turned to beyond. They created the Voyager Program, sending several highly trained astronauts out into the farthest reaches of space to find extra-terrestrial life. And in Vanessa's case, someone forgot to check the seals. Her craft was compromised and losing pressure fast. The depressurization was slowly taking effect as Vanessa brought her ship down to the nearest object her scanners identified as 'safe'-a planet of some kind, the atmosphere was supposedly breathable. She was coming in hot, and it was going to hurt-this was an emergency landing, a crash down. She lucked out and found some kind of empty field-well, hit it as softly as possible! Vanessa brought the ship down, and the impact hit her like a ton of bricks. Her ship tore itself to shreds as the metal monster clawed its way across the field, before finally slowing down and coming to a stop. Vanessa herself was hurt, and badly. She knew she was very likely dead right now-if she did manage to wake up after this, who knew what creatures were on this planet? Could she even survive the atmosphere? At the moment however, she drifted off into unconsciousness, her suit torn to shreds and her body not much better. Vettel T'Ada watched the searing fireball drop from the skies like a tumbling missile. Meteors weren't that uncommon on Rickets, but this was different. It seemed to be a ship, but not like the other colony ships. It was made of a strange metal and seemed to be on a crash-trajectory. The ship slammed into the ground and tore up her neighbor's fields, stopping right at her property line. Cocking her head to the side, she backed away and ran to her abode for a med kit, and hopped on her hover-speeder, sailing quickly to the wreckage. Slowing to a stop, she saw shattered glass and shredded metals all over, fires gently crackling away a pink glow as it burned the different atmosphere. She noticed what had been documented as a Human laying on the ground, spattered in her own blood with a torn skin-tight suit. Vettel had only ever seen Humans in picture databases, and they were labelled as "Dangerous Warfarin Creatures". Not even sentient. But if they weren't sentient, how did one make its way to her home world from so far away. She didn't trust the label, but she also knew that the government would euthanize the woman (if she wasn't already dead) for simply being "vermin". Vettel wouldn't allow that. Kneeling down, she opened her medical kit and took out Carter foam, spraying it on the woman's wounds. Afterward, she hooked her arms underneath her legs and torso, and lifted the human up. A quick trip back and the human was laying on Vettel's bed, a strange bubbly, clear cushion about the size of a car. Vettel had gently undressed the human and folded the clothes neatly, placing them on her side table. The nudity didn't phase Vettel even though under different conditions, she would have gotten very aroused. The situation was dire, as there were numerous lacerations and bruises along the human's body. Luckily, she managed to determine that none of them were deep, and as long as blood loss was controlled, the human should live. For now. But then she stopped breathing. Most likely due to difference in atmosphere. The only way to allow her to live in such a critical situation was to do something she didn't want to do... but now she had no choice. Vettel climbed on the bed next to the human and pressed her big, soft, white lips to the Humans and blew air and a special and very potent pheromone into the human lungs. What happened next could hardly be explained by science, but quickly, the Human lungs split into four smaller lungs built for separating the toxins from the energy fissures from the breathable air. Vettel felt something else too, deep in her stomach. It caused the hole on the nape of her neck to twitch, and for the rod between her legs to stir. But she stifled her arousal and stood. She saw the human's chest rise and fall once again, and was satisfied. Hurrying off to the kitchen, she started to prepare a meal for two, hoping that the Human would be hungry when she woke. At this point, she could only hope and pray to the Goddess. Vanessa dreamed. It was all her mind could do as she was slowly losing her grip on life. She saw herself slowly ascending towards a heavenly light. She had never been that religious, but perhaps at least one of the many Earth faiths had been correct. Furthermore, she briefly thought of the irony-nearly every religion had opposed space colonization. And now here she was, the capstone of that exploration effort, going to meet God. Only she didn't. A mysterious woman embraced her, and at this point, she noticed in this dream, she was nude. Granted, she didn't really mind-if heaven was completely naked, it might not be so bad. She felt a soothing sensation flow through her as the woman kissed and breathed into her, and then frowned as she pulled away. "It is not your time." She said, letting Vanessa go. "What do you mean?" Vanessa asked, somehow forming words. "I mean it is not time for you to die." The woman said. "I will greet you with open arms when it is." And with that, Vanessa slowly awoke. She was no longer in the cockpit of her ship, instead on something that resembled a bed and was certainly as comfy as one. Her wounds had been healed, and for some reason, she felt something different inside her. Examination would have to wait as she noticed she was naked-but looking around, she found the destroyed space suit. There was enough blood and other nastiness on it that really, it should just be disposed of. For now, she decided to lay back and see if whatever stranger had saved her happened to wander in. In the meantime, she meditated, wanting to keep herself calm-whatever was used to heal her might be undone if she panicked. And panicking wouldn't go over well with whatever helped her... Vettel whistled lightly as she used strange heating implements to grill native animals and greens adding a light spice and then finally slathering it what could only be described as a little more hearty version of BBQ sauce. Gently placing it all in a bowl, she smiled at her work before putting a fork-like object in the bowl. Contemplating her own growling stomach, she decided to eat later. A lot of explaining would need some doing. Vettel rustled her hair-like tendrils on the top of her head and ran her fingers across the nape of her neck, shuddering in exact as she touched the sensitive skin that surrounded the hole. A nervous habit she picked up as a young ling, it was now an involuntary motion that she did whenever she felt uneasy. Dressed in a plain white dress that traveled down her flowing curves, she would most likely have appeared somewhere in the woman's REM cycle. After all, she did at one point open her eyes and mumble something shortly after the mouth-to-mouth. But she had observed the woman just fall back asleep. Vettel was certainly a very attractive member of her species, possessing large breasts, captivating violet irises, and thick, healthy tendrils were all very alluring qualities to males, along with her decent length at 7" which appealed to other women, who were somewhat smaller. She wondered what kind of impression she'd make on the human as she brought the bowl of food. Noticing the human was awake, she smiled warmly, "Given mi fa?" She asked in her own tongue before correcting her mistake, detecting that the woman spoke a different language. "About Quid hoc est?" She tried ((Latin)). Furrowing her brow at the fact she wasn't getting through, she realized that was the root language and corrected herself, "Is this not better?" Her face lit up as she finally got a reaction, "Ah that is good. I am sorry. I am not used to having to speak very rudimentary languages. Furthermore, I am Vettel T'Ada. You will find that your respiratory system has been evolved to a more efficient system, in which sorts toxins from breathable air. I do not mean to be vain, but I quiet literally breathed life into you. You very nearly died on my weddings. Please. Eat. Get your energy back." After finishing her speech, she outstretched her a with the bowl and warmly invited the woman to take the bowl. Vanessa herself wasn't that bad looking-she herself had a more average chest and an athletic build (being a highly trained astronaut came with a training program a Marine would be proud of). She dyed her hair blue, but the many months in the shuttle had caused black roots to start growing in-and even then, since most of her hair had been shaved prior to the mission, only a tiny bit of it was blue. Currently, she also smelled quite a bit, as she had gone months without a wash and her hair was oily and ratty. She also hadn't shaved in that same length of time, so she was growing quite the forest. All told, not the best person to try and make a first impression. Still, her meditation had paid off, and she was able to stifle her own panic at the unfamiliar alien and instead smile at her. She shook her head at the first language, wanting to tell her she didn't speak it, but it seemed she understood. Then the alien tried Latin-and Vanessa could guess it was Latin, but once again, the alien changed tactics. "Yes, that is better." She replied. "Greetings, Vettel-my name is Vanessa Chu long." Her last name identified her as being of Chinese ancestry. Still, she knew English well enough. Her brow furled at the idea of her body being changed-she had felt it when she woke up, but had not guessed it was her lungs that were changed. She shook her head. "I should be mad that you altered me in such a way...but you did save my life. If anything's worthy of bragging, saving a life is one of them." She said as she took the food. She looked up a little worried. "This...uh, I don't mean to be rude, but if the almoner, if the air is toxic to me, the food might be to. I've only got a human digester, stomach." She was choosing simpler words to keep the conversation from getting confusing. Depending on Vettel's response, Vanessa would either start eating, or wait if Vettel needed to do something. Vettel giggled and waved a hand up and down, "Do not worry! My stomach is nothing special. You see, we share similar anatomy, on a basic level. And now we share similar lung structure. But if you are worried about the food, I'd sooner kill you than allow you to starve. We have abundant food supply here." With a frown, she set the bowl down on a table and turned back to Vanessa, now very aware of her nudity. And it made her cock swell. Vettel blushed, turning away as her dress tented, "I must be right back, please eat. You will not live if you do not. She hurried from the room and entered the kitchen. She sat down on the on at her table and flipped her dress up. Her culture didn't use underwear, so it was very easy to pull her throbbing erection out. Groaning, she wrapped her fingers around the uncut penis and gently started to stroke. The media and culture on this planet was very highly sexualized, so it wasn't strange for her kind to see something arousing and just take a deviation to rub one out. And if she didn't want to scare Vanessa, she'd have to act fast. And she did. No sooner than four minutes of masturbation, creating heavy slapping sounds, did she reach orgasm. Her cum was not at all like human cum, being more of a bright orange color, but with the same consistency. At any rate, she shot a few ribbons of semen on herself, dirtying her dress and face. But luckily, her erection faded, and she flipped her dress back down. Aettel walked into her bedroom with a smile, not bothering to clean her mess up, "Did you eat?" Vettel's response told Vanessa two things: one, that the food was indeed safe (and to be fair, it didn't look too far removed from Earth cuisine to begin with), and two, that she didn't have to control her language as much as she thought, the alien spoke English like a natural. For the four minutes she was alone, she carefully sampled everything in the bowl, and after finding all of it quite delicious, she started devouring it hungrily. She did her best to go slow and chew it before swallowing-just wolfing it down would prove more problems. Several months of flavorless gruel made her long for anything with flavor to it. She was almost done when Vettel returned, and she nodded. "Yes...and it was great." She smiled. She noticed the orange mess on Vettel, but decided not to comment. "Now I... I don't want to be rude, but, well... I would like to wash up... I don't know how your nose works, but I can smell myself, and it's not pretty. Do you take a shower I could use? Or a bath?" She asked. "Bath?" Vettel asked cocking her head, "Oh, yes! I have a hydrojet washer in the master restroom." The mechanism was interesting to say the least, quite like a shower, but with nozzles on the wall and floor at a higher pressure. What Vettel forgot was that along with her soaps on the soap rack, there were a variety of strange sex toys, including one fake vagina. It was so second nature to see things such as that, she didn't put any thought to it. Leading the woman to her bathroom, she waved her inside. "Feel free to use any of my soaps. I don't know how well they clean, but it's better than nothing no?" Vettel closed the hydraulic door behind her and went to clean up Vanessa's mess. Okay, the sex toys were a little...weird, but Vanessa wasn't about to comment on it. Right now she was in a bit of a survival mode-just go along with things and don't ask too many questions. "Can I get some clothes too?" She asked as Vettel left. It was a passing thought, but her own human culture demanded that she be clothed-now that Vettel was gone, Vanessa was actually getting embarrassed by being nude. She stepped into the shower, observing the sex toys and thinking about what that meant as the hydrojets activated. She played with the various settings, a touch screen offering several on/off switches so that she could pick and choose which jets were going. Since Vettel hadn't commented on the toys, the only conclusions Vanessa could draw was that either Vettel was so embarrassed she didn't want to comment, or her culture was far more sexually open then hers. Since Vettel hadn't commented on Vanessa's nudity either, she figured the second option was more likely. She gave some of the soaps a sniff before settling on one that smelled nice and trying it, cleaning off all the filth that the crash landing had given her. Once she was done she turned off the jets and looked around for some sort of towel to dry off with-finding one, she started using it, hoping to be done before Vettel returned. A thought struck her-why did Vettel have a plastic vagina in there? Maybe she lived with a husband or boyfriend-that would make sense. She would ask next time she saw the girl. Vettel came back as soon as she heard the jets turn off and hurried back with a short white sleeveless dress and bands that turn into heels fitting the foot when activated. Vettel opened the door and drank in Vanessa's wet, naked body. "Hello!" She greeted, "I brought you a dress that should fit. Um... you had strange garments under your suit when I took it off you. I do not know what those were for, but... there are no replacements. Is this okay?" "Oh yeah, underwear." Vanessa replied. "Uh...it's kinda hard to explain, but it's something we wear for, well, modesty." She shrugged. "Actually I wanted to ask about that." She said before putting on the dress and slipping on the bands-not only a perfect fit, but a comfy fit to. "I'm somewhat gathering that your culture isn't exactly embarrassed when it comes to nudity, am I right?" She asked. "Also, do you have a husband or a boyfriend? Because I noticed, well, that thing..." She said, indicating the fake pussy on the shower's shelf. "I assumed, I mean why else would you have it?" She said, unaware that her alien savior was a hermaphrodite under that skirt... "Oh... no," Vettel said, a little confused, "It's really hard for one to... to care. We all look relatively similar, with variations in bust, eye color, height, facial structure, body type, penis length, the like. It's hard to be embarrassed about something everyone possesses. Though elders and widows often wear conservative dress, typically the more you wear, the more of a whore people think you are." She cocked her head to the side, "Husband? Boyfriend? I assume you mean mate. You use male pronouns as if we actually have... oh right. Perhaps you aren't aware, but we are all female in our own right, though some are hermaphroditic and some are strictly female. The... toy? Is your culture truly so vain about sexuality? We are fairly open. In fact, that is mine. I use it fairly regularly, see?" She lifted her skirt, and it could be seen that Vettel was quite well-endowed, though deflated as it was. "I didn't want to scare or confuse you, but you did ask." Vanessa nodded along, doing her best to understand. Clothing was the opposite of how humans did it, it seemed. She was a little shocked at the idea of an all female race, but she had seen plenty of sci-fi that the concept wasn't exactly alien (he, a pun-she surprised herself) to her. She blushed a little by the time Vettel revealed her endowment, and was well aware that at this point, she was quite possibly choking on her foot. "I see. The human race does have male members, and hermaphrodites are incredibly rare-less then 1%..." She didn't want to mention that surgeries existed to 'correct' gender, so she moved on. "I... I guess we are kind of vain. Well, maybe not so much vain, but, ashamed. I guess our cultures decided when they were first forming that sex was bad, but these days a lot of people are getting more open about it-like me." She tried not to stare at Vettel's penis, but it was kind of hard to ignore it. "So um...do you have something I can cut my hair with? It's been growing in some crazy way ever since I started my exploration mission, I'd like to clean this mop up a bit if I can." "I... don't, I'm sorry," Vettel sighed, "I do have a body hair trimmer though." Vettel found it a little silly how she obviously didn't have hair on her head, and had tendrils in their place. "Oh, wait! I do have cutters for kitchen applications if those will work." Vettel ran off to the kitchen and dug around in her drawers until she found something that looked like scissors. She ran back and produced the things to Vanessa, "Will these work?" "Yeah, that should be fine-and the body hair trimmer too, I need to take care of that." She smiled and happily took the scissors and ducked back into the bathroom, using them to cut her hair back to being somewhat short, and getting rid of all the hair on her legs. "There we go...that feels a bit better." She had taken her clothing off while cutting her hair and then quickly threw it all back on before returning to Vettel. "Thank you for all your help." She said. "Is there anything I can do to help out around here? I mean..." She sighed as she thought. "No one's coming to find me. I'm here on this strange world, so I might as well do my best to adapt." She didn't know that her being human could get her in trouble around here-mostly because Vettel hadn't said. "Did I not tell you?" Vettel asked, "My police kin wouldn't be very... amused by your presence on this world. Our government think you only moderately higher intelligence than an animal as a species, and very dangerous, as you seem to need to take bloodlust out on your own species or your niche-mates. The popular might not care as a whole, but... it is quite dangerous for you." Vettel looked from side to side and leaned in a little closer, "There... is an alternative that you might not like but... if you would like to go out and not stir-crazy, perhaps you should listen."" The Police kin are specially birthed blind, and will hunt down criminals by the pheromone of guilt, a certain crime they know to look for. Also, they track scents of alien organisms that do not belong. Such as humans. I feel no guilty conscience for harboring you, so the only thing to do is get rid of your human stench. How to do that, you ask? We... have to mate. I know it's very forward, but it's the only way. Or I could slowly turn you into one of my kind, but I suspect you wouldn't want that." She had forgotten about the police. She frowned as she heard the two options, but she did accept that they were the only options for allowing her to get out of this particular house. Mating with an alien-who apparently had similar biological structures to her-or become one of the alien's own species. She thought for a while, then voiced a question. "Couldn't we do both?" She asked. She smiled and reached out to touch Vettel's shoulder. "I'm not going to get the chance to return home. And there is a saying among my people-when in Rome, do as the Romans do." She shifted a little. "It...feels a little weird to say 'yes, turn me into one like you', but... I'd rather not get in trouble just for being human. I might get reported by someone who doesn't like humans after all, so we should...convert me." She blushed as she said it. "Besides, I'm not a prude-I've had sex before." She smiled again. "I will mate with you." "I see..." Vettel nodded, "Well. I don't understand your euphemism, but I am happy to oblige. The turning process with take a long time but... I can get you in and out of the bedroom in about forty minutes. Unless you would like to permanently be my mate, and I can make it longer?" For now, Vettel harnessed strength that one wouldn't have expected and lifted Vanessa up like a groom carries his bride. Vettel could feel blood rushing to her cock as she made her way to the bed. With one deft motion, Vanessa was on her back and Vettel was between her legs, hardened cock against pussy. "I know females gain more pleasure from this hole than the one on the back of the skull. However, if you desired to pleasure me, you would have to use the latter. Now. Are you ready to begin?" "Let's-whoa!" Vanessa said as she was suddenly picked up. "Let's just go with the minimum time-we humans don't have the stamina or...or the extra hole..." She said as she was now laying on the bed, Vettel on top of her and Vanessa smiling. "Take it easy? I... I haven't had sex for a while now..." She admitted with a blush. To hide the blush, she leaned up and kissed Vettel, gently putting her arms around the woman's neck, ready for when Vettel decided to...insert. Vettel held Vanessa almost lovingly. "Vanessa... this is no simple act between two people for pleasure. It's... a commitment. Your scent will mix with mine. You will not find any other who would take you like this. Just so you know." And with that, Vettel used her fingers to spread Vanessa's pussy open to inspect the hole. She knew that going into it, her cock was designed for pleasure more than to get the job done, with ribbing down the bottom of her cock and slightly flared down the middle. "You are very beautiful, Vanessa. I enjoy the way you look. I only hope you think I am attractive." Using a hand, Vettel held her member and pushed in with her hips, shuddering in pleasure. "You feel wonderful, Vanessa..." Vettel let out a curse in her own language and leaned in to press a kiss onto Vanessa's lips, knowing full well that her hormones were powerful enough to force Vanessa's DNA to change rapidly to be more like Vettel's. Could she commit to this? She hadn't spent a lot of time around Vettel, but the woman and her had gotten along quite well. Did she mean that no one else would mate with her after this, or that no one else would be willing to mingle her scent with their own? Those concerns were forgotten by the time Vettel pushed into her, causing Vanessa to let out a moan. "Oh Vettel... I think you look amazing." She said, closing her eyes as the pair kissed, and moaning again from the feeling of that cock inside her-it was big, and designed for pleasure. She kept that kiss going, loving the feeling of her lips pressed against Vettel-she was falling in love, and she knew it. Vettel started thrusting faster, using Vanessa's body as a brace. Her sensitive cock could feel every inch of the wonderful pussy she was making love to. She was audibly moaning, the strange bubbly bed warping to give Vettel amazing leverage and an angle is not possible by normal conventions. It drove deep, and it stroked every pleasurable spot it could find. All the while, Vettel's pheromones poured into Vanessa. Vanessa cried out in bliss-she had never had it like this before! Every movement Vettel made drove Vanessa wild, every touch of her hands felt soothing to her sore muscles. Her earlier wounds and pain had been forgotten, for now, all she cared about was her amazing lover Vettel, a woman she wanted to be with forever. It might have been just the amazing sensations talking, but Vettel made her feel better than any other lover. "Vettel... I love you!" She shouted out. Vettel cocked her head to the side at the mention of love. She had an idea what it meant, but there really wasn't an easy translation for her. "Abbasid?," She asked, trying to make the comparison through silent moans, "It means... undying affection even in times of great peril or trial. Is this what you mean by love?" Vettel leaned in and held Vanessa up against her. "I... think I feel it too... since you... do not have stamina, I will commit to an orgasm sooner..." Vanessa nodded. "That's...what it means." She said, holding close to Vettel. "Please...orgasm inside me..." She begged cutely, whispering her plea into Vettel's ears. "I want to feel it all inside me...because I love you..." She said, gasping and moaning with each thrust of Vettel. She suddenly cried out in bliss as Vettel orgasmed for her-"I'm cumming!" She cried out as she orgasmed below Vettel, before finally collapsing and passing out from the sheer bliss of it all. Vettel groaned as she pumped her orange fluids into Vanessa. "Oh my... word... so good..." Vettel held Vanessa as she passed out in her arms. Vettel rested her forehead on Vanessa's and sighed. "You are one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever met," She whispered, "I will never let you go. Always protect." Vettel moved away gently and let Vanessa rest while she cleaned a bit. About an hour later, Vettel moved back to her bedroom to find Vanessa's skin to have taken on a familiar pallor. With a smile, she snuggled up against Vanessa and assumed the big spoon position. Vanessa's body had done more than that in the hour she had been out. Not only had her skin altered to look more like Vettel's, she had grown a similar set of certain characteristics-a cock just like Vettel's, though slightly smaller than hers, but still quite large compared to the usual average. And in the back of her still mostly human head, a vaginal appendage had also formed. Once Vettel snuggled with her, she had started to wake up. "MMM...hey honey..." She said, without thinking about it. She moved a hand down her body and ran across that large cock-which instantly snapped her awake. Her body jumped in Vettel's arms, but she remembered where she was and calmed down a bit. "So uh... I guess this isn't a dream...and I'm not dead either." She said. "Feels good to be like this...and...is there something on my head?" She asked. Vettel out a finger to her lips and shushed Vanessa. "You should sleep. I can tell you're very tired." However, Vettel wanted Vanessa to know what the muscular hole in the back of her skull was, so her hand snaked around and her middle finger pushed into the hole, which any entry would cause immense pleasure. "This is what you will be impregnated by from now on. As a human, I doubt you will ever lose nerve endings in your original vagina, but it wot be fertile anymore. Now. Lay your head down." Vanessa gasped when that finger went in, letting out a moan before sinking into her lover's arms as she heard the explanation. "Imp reg in the head...that kinda rhymes..." She giggled a little in her sleep. "Ahh...you're right..." She said, before putting her head down. "I could sleep all day after sex like that..." She admitted, before drifting off back to sleep.for however long, who knew? Vettel smiled and held Vanessa close, nuzzling into her. The alien woman laid back and basked in the radiance of her new lover's transformation. She would enjoy pushing her cock into that hole on the back of Vanessa's head, she knew. If only the transformation would take less time, she could show Vanessa the wonders of her home planet. Thankfully, Vettel was a farmer, and lives far from the city. Officials would only come snooping if she was closer, or if Vanessa made a big stink, which neither were reality. After a few more hours, during which time Vettel probably had to get up and move around, Vanessa slowly woke up again. She looked down at her body, seeing all the changes that had happened-her skin was a new color, she had grown a cock (which right now was very firmly erect), and she ran a hand along the back of her head to feel that new hole in her head. It sent a shiver down her body as she sat up and stretched. Walking out of the bedroom, she set off to find Vettel-and when she did, she'd throw a big hug around the girl. Vettel left for the morning to check on all the valves of her farms while Vanessa slept. She had exchanged her dress for a skin-tight jumper and boots. Both her nipples and cock were hard as rocks thinking about Vanessa, and her erection made it very difficult to focus. In the blink of an eye, she had acquired a mate, one whom she would now die for, if need be. In all honesty, she hadn't even considered the possibility of mating with anyone in the near future. Vettel was what one would call a very career minded person, less interest in mates or family. But now that she had one, it was all she could think about. She hopped on her speeder and rode back to her home to find Vanessa and give her a big, wet kiss. Vanessa happily kissed back, still wearing the dress from last night. "Mm...good morning, honey." She said, smiling. Vanessa herself was already starting to think of Vettel as her own mate. "Well, now that I'm awake... I want to learn more about this world." She said. "I'm slowly turning into one of you, after all-I need to know everything I can. Culture, religion, what you do for a job, everything I can learn, I need to. Let's start with what you do around here." She said. "Since I'll probably be joining you, after all." "Then take a seat and I will teach you," Vettel said bluntly, gently pushing Vanessa to a chair, "I could go in depth into the history of our people, but it's boring and frankly doesn't matter unless you wish to learn more. As I told you before, everyone is a female, though some hermaphrodites. We're incredibly open, sexually. In fact, there are a number of sex shops for lingerie, sex toys, the lot. My occupation is what you would call a farmer, though the process is almost completely automated. I do, however, have to deliver in a few days. As for religion... we have no concept. It isn't fathomable by our scientific culture to believe in some higher power than the forces of physics. Our culture revolves around chosen occupation, sex, and family. We lead strictly monogamous relationships, and 99.9% of the time, your permanent mate is the first person you make love to. Then your hormones replace all images of sex in your mind to images of your mate and lover. Also, most pairs are expected to have at least three children to account for both individuals and then the third child is for population expansion. You see, we had a great disease forty solar cycles, and it wiped out many of us until we could perform gene therapy to code for immunity. I... I would like to have children with you at some point." That perhaps explained how Vanessa was thinking of Vettel these days. She nodded as she listened, taking dedicated mental notes. She blushed as Vettel mentioned children. Furthermore, she couldn't exactly say no to her mate, now, could she? Not in good conscience, that is. "We...we could...but could we wait until my body finishes changing?" She asks. "I'd love to have children with you as well, but... I'm only half a...what is the name of your species, anyway?" She asked. "And as for the farm... I would like to see it. We'll probably be splitting the duties after all." "Name of species?" Vettel asked, "Oh, we have no name for ourselves. We are just people. But... the word for people in our language issue-Tuk. And... I didn't mean now! No, no no, when we are ready for children." Her hands wrapped around Vanessa's. She kissed her again and pulled away." The farm might make you queasy," Vettel admitted, "It's... not at all like what you would expect. An edible gas is expelled from the ground- a product of redispersal plants around that give back to the planet. This gas is flavorless. My job is to keep the refineries working to change the different compounds into pods which are full of foods. The stew you ate is not of this gas, but of a ten-legged livestock animal that is genetically modified to have delicious meats. You might question the ethics of our practices, but we claim that it is the furthering of an existing path of evolution to suit its primary niche. Which is to be fed and in turn feed. Really, all that is to see of my land is piping and metal amalgamations. But I can show you one part of my land that is ravaged save for a small shack and a lake. There are a few has vents around but... I do not use them." "So it's more like a factory than what I think of as a farm." Vanessa said, smiling up at Vettel. "And it's fine-I'm sure I'll get familiar with the land as we work together." She shook her head. "I can't disagree with it-it's sustainable, and it apparently works, you mentioned an overabundance on food." She smiled. "And speaking of the language... I'm going to need to learn how to speak it. But we can handle that, we've got plenty of time, I'm certain." She stood up and kissed her lover sweetly. "Oh... well yes that would be intelligent," Vettel nodded, "I can teach you. It will take time, however. But as you said, that is something we have plenty of. However, I did say I need to bring produce to the city, and I'm sure my friends will want to meet you. Otherwise, they'll 'smell' you on me and wonder where you are. Once again, our culture revolves around companionship as well. I'll take you to the city with me." "I can just pretend to be shy, depending on my grasp of the language." She said, smiling. "Though the more important part would be me looking like one of your people instead of some weird hybrid..." She said. "I'm pretty sure they might suspect something is up if I don't have those tentacles on my head..." "I wouldn't worry," Vettel shrugged, "They should appear fairly shortly. Depending on how often we make love." Her hand wrapped around Vanessa's and she smiled. "Please trust me, love. They will love you, no matter how much of the language you speak. And I also believe that you are aroused yes? Please feel free to use any of my toys if I cannot be convinced to pleasure you. Like now, for instance. Unless you would like to see my line of occupation." Aroused? It was hard not to be around Vettel, and considering her now hermaphroditic nature, it was nearly impossible to not ALWAYS be aroused. "I... I am." She said. "Oh, I can be convinced to let you have your way with me..." Her hand unconsciously reached up to the back of her head and ran against that second hole she had. "OOO... I... I almost want to give this thing up here a try..." She said, blushing profusely as she did. "I would ravish you here and now, my love," Vettel sighed, "But I fear I would impregnate you were we to use it. Unless that is a risk you're willing to take." Vettel drew closer and wrapped an arm around the back of Vanessa's neck, pushing her middle finger into the hole. "Does this feel good?" Vettel asked, as if she didn't already know the answer. "Oh yeses..." She said, moaning as Vettel put that finger into her. "Well... I've got that one between my legs instead, we could use that for pleasure and the one in my head for well, making babies..." She blushed-the words out of her mouth were lewd as all hell! "I can still feel myself getting...aroused...down there..."

Crashdown on an Alien Planet! (Angie&DeityArchaic)|rating:3.0

Twofer -- Aaron64 and Tylia

Quote"What I remember was that the sky was full of jump ships and Jupiter. But then here at Nathan D Station, the one called Rat Hands by everyone marooned here, the sky was always filled with Jupiter. Cain't never miss it. Makes people a bit odd having that hurricane that looks like an eye staring at you all the time. They say the first group to discover it were filled with wonder. The second group came there having high expectations and ended up complaining about the plumbing. Shooter, them folks could whine. Now that all the crazy one-tricks and the doom-fours have been taken, only the twofer ships are left. Peculiar things, the twofers. Me and Old Minor, we have been friends forever and then some. Old Minor kept saying you have to be crazy to take a twofer, and you'd better like whoever you're with a lot, because you are going to be closer to that one other human being than you are to those socks you're wearing. And I don't care how much you like your socks. At some point, you're going to want to separate them from your person. But you can't escape the other person in a twofer. And that's just a fact. Old Minor was right. We shouldn'tta gone. You really Cain't escape the other person in a twofer. After a while, a person talking about socks or just breathing in and out next to you all the time makes you crazy, and you start thinking that them character flaws is a good enough reason to kill 'em. Seemed so at the time anyway. Better to go with a stranger I think. Then, if you have to kill them, you won't feel so bad about it. Or maybe a woman. Ya, best to go with a woman stranger. I don't think I would have killed Old Minor if he was a woman stranger. Especially if he was pretty." Testimony of Invincible Jones excerpted from Justice File 783204 Nathan D Station: People vs. Invincible Jones in the Murder of Older Potash Minor on the Two-Person Jump ship Wildcat public service announcement, showing the picture of a very pretty very angry blue haired young woman with tattoos on her face and sexy piercings on brow, lip, and possibly tongue kept flashing on the corp screens. It implored the good citizens of the Solar System to be on the lookout for Sparkling Frye, a Paddington Asteroids rebel wanted for crimes against the BEH Corporation. Anyone who saw her should zip a pic with location data to the number at the bottom of the screen. They promised a reward with an impressive number of zeros in it. The images segued to a vid of the woman in nice tight clothes running from an explosion and bouncing around the kind of curves that men pay money to see naked. But except for a healthy prurient interest from those of all sexes that liked females in their beds, the Rat Hands paid no attention whatsoever to the announcement. Even the number of 0s in the reward wouldn't be enough to make the natives help the corps. Rat Hands was one of the last bastions of free space, and they liked it that way. On the other hand, if the chica got pinched, they weren't going to go to war over it. Laissez-fairewas embroidered on their flag. Sparkling Frye, Sparks to her friends, threaded her way through the crowd with practiced ease, making a beeline towards the twofers. She was in disguise. Her hair was now a tasteful purple, shorn of its blue curls, and spiky. The piercings were still there, but the metal in them was not and the holes were camouflaged with makeup. She had removed the distinctive tattoos from her face and neck, although she kept the ones under her clothes. No one connected her with the woman in the vid, or cared if they did. Still, the gendarmes were looking for her, and the bounties. The reward on her was so high, she was seriously considering turning herself in for it. There wasn't a line at the suspenders anymore. The good ships had all been taken. The ones that were still there were used and sported orange or red stickers with only a few shiny greens to choose from. Green meant "Too expensive for you, chica." Red meant "You got a death wish, or are you just too stupid to live?" Orange meant "Feeling lucky, Sparky?" Sparks was feeling lucky. She walked up to the first stranger she found, the only one who was looking at ship stats, and tapped him on the shoulder. "Let's take a twofer to the stars, Chico. Let's do it now, eh?" Sparks smiled at him with rosebud lips and eyes the color of Earth's sky. Behind him, she saw the uniforms of BEH Corporate Security." Don't think about it." She sashayed around him, her forefinger finger dragging across his shoulders, until her back was to Security. She whispered across his neck, taking her time, drawing out the words, letting them touch his skin. "Just do it." Her breath was warm and sweet as the winds of Earth on a summer night in Eden." You know you want to." Her words eddied lazily around his throat. All she needed was an apple. When Dean felt the presence of someone too close to him, he turned, ready to pop him one for invading his personal space. He held back when he saw it was a woman, even if she did have weird hair. He never had cared for the styles affected now. Anyway, his Momma had made it clear from the start that women were not to be touched unless they wanted to be touched. He had been standing there, undecided as ever, but knowing he had to make a decision. Every day for a week he had decided that this would be the day, and every day he had put it off to the next day. Time had run out. His air ticket ran out tomorrow, and he didn't have the credits for anymore. No more food and water, either. So now it was really time to crap or get off the pot. His existence had been difficult for a few years now, working, no, slaving, in the asteroid belt, so rich fuckers could get richer, while poor slobs like him died doing it for them. He decided the only way out for him was to try one of the ships. It was bravado to say to himself that he would rather die than live as he had been. But when push came to shove, he needed something more to willingly put his life on the line. But he couldn't stand the idea of going back to the mines. So, with the touch on his back and the words that followed, he simply said, "Okay", and the decision was made. Without further conversation, they went and registered to take out a twofer. Once registered, you could still back out, but the penalties were such that it amounted to slavery anyway. They did get a final night with a bit of luxury; a room with a shower and a good meal and comfortable bed. He knew that he was a bit aromatic. Sponge baths weren't all that great and a soak in a tub would be luxury. He wanted the night to be his and to be alone. After all, they would be smelling each other's farts for an undetermined time. Once they punched in the code they were given, the ship would simply disappear, and they might return in some unspecified time. It took a few deaths before there was even a rudimentary understanding of these ships. The first intrepid explorer had climbed in and twisted what was now thought to be the navigation system and disappeared, never to be seen again. If they were lucky, they would return before there supplies ran out. If they were really, really lucky they might find a stasis container with immeasurable treasure in it and return to a life of leisure. At this moment, Dean felt that just returning would feel just fine. He watched as she walked away towards her room and really saw her for the first time. The blue hair and his own dilemma had made him so self-absorbed that it wasn't until that moment that he appreciated what he was seeing. And what the fuck had he got himself into? Sparks smiled a slow wide smile and fixed her thumbprint to the commitment line. Even the corps couldn't touch a jump ship contract without setting off riots from Charon to Phobos. She breathed her first sigh of relief since the rebels got blamed for the explosion at Ceres. Sparks craned her neck to read her shipmate's name. Dean. Anger poured off him in waves. Sparks chuckled. Should be an interesting trip. When they reached their rooms, Sparks smiled and winked at the man. " 'Night Desk," she caroled, gave him a jaunty salute, and sashayed off to her room, giving her hips a little extra wiggle so that he didn't come to his senses in the middle of the night and run off. Sparks took advantage of every luxury the room provided and stuffed some in her bag for the trip, spending long hours in a tub filled with fragrant bubbles and sweet smelling soap until her skin was wrinkled and her tattoos gleamed. Through the suds, tiny gold rings twinkled across her nipples. She had chosen quality over quantity and paid extra for metallic tats that orbited the synth ruby in her navel with a sparkling comet. It was the only that she had left except for the upside down Celtic triangle low in the small of her back. All her tats were temporary. She grimaced at the prospect of watching her investment fade over the next 24 months but got the temps figuring that her tastes would almost certainly change over the next 90 years or so and removing permanent subcutaneous bone-anchored tattoos was a process that was both expensive and unpleasant. Before she went to bed, Sparks sent her gear, supplies, and suitcases to be loaded onto the ship, a 'free' service provided by the ship vendors. The next morning she had breakfast in bed, took another bath, then got dressed for the trip. She chose comfort over fashion, or anything else for that matter. Her ensemble consisted of soft shorts that rode low on her hips and barely covered her ass and a dark silky loose top sporting a modest enough scooped neck, but it was cropped just a short way below her breasts. The comet twinkled and the ruby gleamed. The blouse fabric had a tendency to float in the breeze from time to time, revealing glimpses of the smooth honey colored skin on the lower sides and bottom of her breast. If she was wearing any undergarments, they weren't apparent. Seeing the appreciative looks she got from the elderly clerk behind the counter, Sparks wheedled more toiletries and pillow chocolates from him, gave him a hard kiss on the mouth to remember her by in case she never came back, slung her personal pack over her back, and swayed over to the jump ship. When Dean arrived, Sparks was already in the co-pilot's seat, sipping coffee and reading her slate. Her long bare legs were resting on the console, crossed at the ankles. She was barefoot, and one dainty toe was leading her foot in drawing slow lazy circles in the air. There was a pillow chocolate on his seat. When Dean arrived at the ship he was still feeling the effects of the night before. It hadn't exactly been a night of debauchery, but he had consumed a bit too much wine with his last meal. He hoped that he wasn't the condemned man having his last meal, but it was too late now to change his mind. He had no idea what to make of his new shipmate and partner, but he sensed that she just might be a bit of a handful. Might make for an interesting time. If they didn't kill each other. He paused at the entrance. To call their temporary accommodations spartan would be an insult to a Spartan. There were the two chairs, both of which had to be occupied before the ship would work, a couple of small sleeping areas, just alcoves really, and some kind of commode sitting off to the side. There was little that was understood about the Beecher. They had to be about human size. Humans could sit in the chairs in relative comfort. At least the ones that traveled were not claustrophobic. The tiny interior was not designed for any kind of comfort or for trips of much duration. The last obvious thing was their lack of shyness or sense of privacy. The toilet was out in the open. At least now, they had a small screen to sit behind. One last thing. Their home planet must have had a striking similarity to Earth. The spin they put on this way-station produced a gravity that was nine-tenths of a G. These ships may have been sitting here for a thousand years - or a million. There was much speculation and few facts. Once under way, they would be in microgravity, something they were both quite used to. Now here he was, committed to an absolute unknown, traveling with a female, who was also an unknown. The sight of her, sitting there, apparently relaxed, did nothing to slow down the thoughts rushing through his mind. He had little experience with women, and what little he had come from his mother. So he supposed that it didn't really count for too much. He hadn't ever been told who his father was, and his mother had died when he was fourteen. He had lied about his age and shipped out to the asteroid mines. Furthermore, he had never been interested in visiting the whore-houses that his fellow workers donated their wages to. In fact, Dean was still a virgin, even if he would never admit that to anyone. Bluster was a big part of his cover. The chocolate on the seat created a new issue. Was it a peace offering or a dig of some kind? He decided on the former and picked it up and slowly ate it while he organized his thoughts. It was difficult not to look at the long legs propped in front of him, let alone the rest of the smooth skin that was revealed. There promised to be interesting times ahead." Well, Ms. Frye, are you ready to get the show on the road?" Sparks lowered her distracting legs to the floor and strapped in with crisp efficiency. The cross body crash-strap cut diagonally across her body and between her breasts, pulling her shirt tight and emphasizing their allure. Heedless of the effect, Sparks gave Dean a jaunty salute. "I've been ready for this since I was born." "You'll have to explain that to me sometime soon. Once we're underway there will be plenty of time."" Alpha Delta three four seven to control. We are aboard and what few systems we have are all in the green."" Alpha Delta three four seven ready for departure. Thank you, control. You can rest assured that we'll do our best to return. Hopefully much wealthier."" Well Ms. Frye, what say we go where no man has gone before." Sparks smiled at him with an expression that was equal parts anticipation and recklessness. Disturbingly, apprehension was nowhere to be seen in those sparkling eyes." I say 'Engage', Captain Dean," she said gaily, pointing forward. It was true what they said. Promotions do happen fast in the field. "There was one point when I was sure I would be upchucking my breakfast. That transition might just take some getting used to."" I didn't know it would be so dark. I know they said that hyperspace let in no light, but it's so fucking black. All we can do now is wait until the ship decides we are there; wherever there is. It pisses me off that we have no control, that we are at the whim of some ancient creature that we have absolutely no idea of even how they looked, let alone thought."" It seems like it might be a good idea if we at least attempted to do something other than stare at our navels. Furthermore, it has occurred to me that I know squat about you and vice versa. Maybe we could start out with a bit of sharing who we are. I remember stories about the mile-high club on old Earth and the next edition. Something about the zero-g club. If we are going to become members we should at least know a bit about each other. Do you want to go first or do you want me to start?" Sparks was feeling a bit unwell herself and did not appreciate the discussion of upchucking." I didn't know it would be so dark. I know they said that hyperspace let in no light, but it's so fucking black. All we can do now is wait until the ship decides we are there; wherever there is. It pisses me off that we have no control, that we are at the whim of some ancient creature that we have absolutely no idea of even how they looked, let alone thought."" Hmmm," she said looking with some alarm at her traveling companion. It was kind of early in the trip to start complaining. Didn't he read the material? She wasn't sure which bothered her more: that he had read the material and was now upset because it was accurate, or that he had not bothered to read the material. Sparks mused that perhaps she had made a mistake. "Steady, Captain."" I remember stories about the mile-high club on old Earth and the next edition. Something about the zero-g club. If we are going to become members we should at least know a bit about each other. Do you want to go first or do you want me to start?" Spark's eyebrows shot up. She thought carefully for a moment before answering, because one wanted to take care in dealing with delusional men. "Well, Desk," Sparks said with a lazy drawl, "You know that the mile-high and zero-g clubs were for those who had sex in an airplane for the first and in a spaceship for the second. We are business partners. So we are not going to become members of either club. Ever. We are on this expedition for adventure and profit. If we were here for romance, I would advise you not to begin your seduction with discussions of upchucking."" But you are right, we should get to know each other." she said. "I'll start. I've had a bunch of odd jobs throughout my life, but lately I make my living as the harmonica player in a polka band at Charlie's Angles (not Angels) Bar, Grill, and Tattoo Parlor." That was true enough, but she left out the part about her being an emergency medic and field surgeon with fairly good mechanical skills. Basically, she was good with her hands." I can play some tunes for us if you like. I brought my harmonica." Now her smile was downright wicked. Dean thought that if that was some kind of summary of her life, she hadn't done all that much. Her clothes and manner pretty much put the lie to a life that had consisted of odd jobs, with the memorable one being that of a harmonica player." Thanks, but no, thanks," he replied to her offer. "My mother wasn't able to take care of me, so I started working in the mines when I was younger. That's where I've been until now." He knew little about women except what he had learned from his mother. They seemed mysterious and confused the hell out of him. This one looked great and exuded sex appeal and yet put him down. He admitted to himself that he must be doing something wrong." What were your parents like? Where did you grow up? Stuff like that is what I meant when I talked about getting to know each other."" And I'm sorry about upsetting you. Maybe sometime you will tell me what I did."" And, yeah, some music would be good." He needed to make use whatever distractions they had to pass the time and not think about what might lie out there waiting for them. Sparks' heart lurched a little in sympathy. Child miner. That explained a lot about her traveling companion. His young life had been spent inside one hole or another for long back-breaking hours. The bosses exploited the children's small size to get to seams that the bigger miners couldn't. There were few women available in the mining camps whose love wasn't rented by the hour. It was a grim existence. Few women pursued that occupation." Well, I am also trained as a field medic and a better than average ship mechanic out by Ceres station supporting the Asteroid Collective. Like most of us, I do a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I am a card-carrying member of the Paddington Asteroids movement -- the Bad Asses --Free the Asteroids! The corps started trying to 'civilize' us about five years ago, laying down a bunch of unnecessary rules and trying to turn us into android slaves of the corporations." Indignation sang in Sparks' voice. She eyed Dean and pursed her lips. She was getting a weird vibe from him that she didn't expect from a man his age. Was he still a virgin? Maybe, she decided, then sighed to herself. Too bad. He was a good enough looking bloke, but she did not initiate virgins." You didn't really upset me. But like many women, I would prefer not to hear about your bodily fluids. And ... just as a recommendation, telling a woman that it is inevitable that she has sex with you when you've only known her for a few minutes, comes across as either arrogant or insulting. Either way, there are very few men that can pull that off with a self-respecting woman. In fact, I actually can't think of any. Most women consider it a turn-off." Sparks chuckled. "And as for music ... let's wait until you're more desperate for entertainment. I don't want to spoil the anticipation." She stretched, unhooked her strap, and floated out of the chair, drifting lazily around the cabin. "Why did you sign on for the jump, Desk?" Dean Listened to her, and she started to become a real person to him. He felt somewhat ashamed when she corrected him. He really did know better. Furthermore, he took several long seconds to digest what she had told him and several more seconds to put his thoughts in order." I never knew my father. All I remember is my mother. She had it tough, I think. She was out a lot, but when she was around, I think she tried to teach me right from wrong. We had some laughs, but there were hard times too. She would drink too much. Those were the bad times. She died when I was fourteen." He took a deep breath as memories washed over him. He had pushed them deep inside and really had no idea why they should try to climb out of the darkness right now. Maybe it was the fear of the unknown, of what might happen to them." I had to go to work and the only way I could survive was to go into the mines. The assholes...sorry... the guys I had to work with have been my world for years now. I just couldn't take anymore. I would rather be dead than spend the rest of my life doing that dirty work for pennies. ""I'm sorry for what I said. I really do know better, and it was an insult to the memory of my mother and an insult to you. Maybe while we are stuck together you can teach me how to act better. I don't want to be a son of a bitch...sorry again... a jackass, all of my life."" I don't know much about anything. Furthermore, I like to read, but there wasn't much in the way of good stuff, unless you count dirty books and magazines. There wasn't much discussion about anything but women and what they would do to them when they got time off. I don't want to be like that."" Sorry about this. I guess I sound like some kind of loser and spend every day feeling sorry for myself. This is my opportunity to become someone I can respect." "Read better books, Chico" Sparks said crisply but not unkindly." I mean that for a lot of reasons. First you need to get your mind out of the mines, if you know what I mean, and books will help you do that. Learn about other things, other places, other times. Learn about what makes people tick, how they think, how the greatest thinkers think." She paused for a moment. "Books written by women that describes the kind of man they find sexy. What makes our bodies feel sexy. Its not just one type, although there are common themes." She floated in an easy lotus position in the cabin, lit only by the glow of the dials from the console, one elbow on her knee and the other propping up her chin thoughtfully. "There was this bloke Dante. He was a blind poet back in the times of horses and jousting and kings, couple thousand years ago, on Earth." Well he wrote a ridiculously long poem called the Inferno. It was a tricky book with lots of weird words and sentences, but it was interesting. It was about the big Kahuna God and one of his angels, his consigliere, Lucifer. This Lucifer was a proud some creature, thought he was better than the all the rest of the angels because he was God's favorite. Even the name Lucifer means light. He was a struttin' dude, lookin' down on everyone." One day he disrespects God the Father one too many times. And God the Father, who wasn't known for his tolerance at the time, kicks Luck's sorry ass out of heaven and makes him the King of Hell, which is where the lifelong sinners back in the jousting days went to be punished for all eternity by torture and the like." Sparks pretty eyes glowed in the dark. "But see, here's the thing. If anyone else looked at it, they would say that our boy Lucifer had it all. He was in Heaven where all the good things were. He was God's favorite angel. Furthermore, he had all the women angels. The guy angels all looked up at him. He sat at the cool angels table. But it wasn't enough for him. Do you know what he said when God kicked him out?" Sparks leaned toward Dean, her voice ringing with the sound of fallen angels "It is better to reign in Hell, than to serve in Heaven."" See, here is the thing, Desk. Heaven, hell, it's all in your mind. You can make a hell out of heaven or a heaven out of hell, just by the way you think of it. So, Chico, it's time to stuff your mind with better stuff than just memories of a past that you can't change." Sparks grinned. "You got the right idea. The future is forward, and it is a creative act, a work of art, you might say, and you are the artist."" So let's get you some better tools to work with. Fortunately, I brought my reader with all the books that I like to read over and over again. Why ... if you read all of that, by the end of the trip, you'll think just like me." Sparks winked. Dean took time to think about what she had said. It served no useful purpose to think about 'what-ifs'. At mid-point of the outward journey, the ship would signal them that they had reached that point. In hyper-space or warp space or whatever you called it there was no sense or indications that there was a universe out there somewhere. It was totally black outside. And yet they must be moving somehow as the journey took time. And probably they were accelerating now and at mid-point they would start decelerating. But all was speculation and, as some wit in the past had said, "Any civilization that has developed inter-stellar travel will be sufficiently advanced that what they do will be as magic to us." That was certainly true here. They were just along for the ride. He too was floating around the cabin. That it was so small had advantages. You were never too far from a wall so you didn't become stranded. It could be embarrassing in a bigger space when you had to ask for help to move. They had to rely on rubber strips for resistance in exercising. Even on a short trip you could lose muscle mass if you didn't keep working out. And they still didn't know just how long their trip would be. He was aware that he had made a bad start with Sparks and was grateful that she was willing to provide some guidance." I'd like to know more about this Dante guy," he said. "And more about women, too," he added shyly. "If I read these books, can we talk about them as I do. What do you think I should start with?" He was getting excited about the idea of learning something other than hard rock mining and how to swear. There was something endearing about Dean. Sparks viewed him as the little brother she never had. It wasn't so much the difference in their ages. She had the feeling that they weren't that far apart in age. It was even possible that he was older than she was. But he seemed so ... young ... and awkward ... but sweet. She raised her brow at his desire to learn more about women. "Hmm mm ... maybe you should learn a little more about women. Then, when we return, you'll be able to get any woman you want -- and know how to handle her." She took her reader and scrolled through the entries, finally settling on a story that was honest about what women wanted and sexy enough to make it interesting. "This is a ancient book, but it's a classic, like Dante's Inferno. It is called Halfway to Heavenly author Susan Wings" Sparks hugged it and sighed before turning it over to Dean. Saying that the soft porn romance Halfway to Heaven was in the same class of literature as Dante'sInfernotook a flexible mind and elastic standards of literacy, but it worked for Sparks.'It's got everything that most women want." Unfortunately for Desk, that included men with more than a bit of the bad boy in them, but were basically good. They were men who were experienced and superlative lovers, but monogamous. They had cultured and sophisticated tastes, but found the heroine's awkwardness and eccentricities charming. Although the most beautiful women of their city threw themselves at our hero, he was too fascinated by our heroine. In fact, he revealed the heroine's (extraordinary) hidden beauty to the world, usually by buying her clothes that fit. Stalwart and true, if a rogue, he nonetheless protected the heroine from harm, including the harm she might do herself. He was ruggedly handsome (of course, which actually described Desk), extremely intelligent (which might describe Desk, but Sparks really couldn't say at the moment). These men were sophisticated, confident, natural leaders, brave, honorable, rich, independent, and physically perfect. To offset these perfect characteristics, the men were often cynical and challenging, but the heroine was able to turn them from their sardonic, violent or isolated lives because of her beauty, grace, charm, pluckiness, honesty, integrity, virtue, or just plain irresistible adorableness. Once the heroes realized that they could not live without the heroines, they all lived happily ever after. Which was why these types of books were labelled "fiction." Still, there were some pointers in there that Desk might find useful." We can talk about it if you like," Sparks offered generously. "Feel free to ask questions." Dean had finished the book, and they were having a discussion. "It seems to me that a woman sees sex a little differently that a man does. I think I've always had the idea that sexual desire was a man's thing and women just did it to please or keep a man." They were into the sixth day of travel and still no indication of just how long their journey would be. He had read the book carefully, and it had brought forth a number of questions and observations that he wanted to check with Sparks." The story is a bit too good to be true, I think. Maybe somewhere there are happy endings like this, but not in my part of the world. And the idea that a woman would enjoy sex is new to me. It seems that at least some women enjoy sex and experimentation as much as some men do. And this book is interesting and shows a difference between women and men, I think. A man's involving sex is graphic and detailed and spends much time on describing. This author is detailed, but spends more time on feelings and what it all means and how it fits into a relationship." He was about to continue when they heard a buzz and could see a flashing light on the pilot's console. They had reached the half-way point and would be at their destination in just over six days. This meant they would have enough food and supplies for up to two weeks of exploration - as long as they didn't come out beside a neutron star or within the accretion disc of a black hole. They might emerge in the midst of nowhere and have no option but to hit the return button. But they were going to have a chance to make a big find. They had to hold onto that thought." Wouldn't it be great if we could find something worth millions and go back wealthy?" He tried to get his thoughts back to the book. "The characters in the book are a bit too unreal, maybe too black and white. It seems to me that we actually live in shades of gray, but the book does tell me a lot about how women think differently than men and that I need to tune myself in and understand those differences. Does all of this sound reasonable to you or am I out to lunch?" Sparks found herself smiling at some of Dean's analyses, grinning at others, and thoughtful by the end. Desk was smarter than he looked, but stars and shooters did he have some odd ideas." I do think sex for a woman is more complicated than it is for a man, but I can assure you, that with a skilled partner, women love sex. What complicates sex for a woman is that we can get pregnant if we are not careful. That makes sex more important to us, I think. Even though we have birth control and the like, our primitive brains, where sexual pleasure lives, was developed before birth control. Intellectually, I know that I won't get pregnant. Emotionally, when I'm with a man, I'm not entirely sure of that. Maybe other women are different, but I find myself selecting a man on the basis of whether he would make a good father." Sparks folded her legs into a lotus and put one fist under her chin thoughtfully. "Unless I'm drunk. I've ended up in some pretty strange beds when I was drunk." But she smiled a kind of crooked smile and cleared her throat at that, then resumed her analysis." Also, physically, women are smaller and usually weaker, although a taser evens up things nicely. Still, there is a lot more trust involved for a woman being naked and vulnerable with a man."" But you are right. The story is definitely about relationships. Relationships and feelings are important to a woman. They are an aphrodisiac for most women. But sex with a man you love and trust and are intimate with ..." Sparks fanned herself. "Now that is hot, Chico. All those graphic details that men like are dandy, but without a relationship, a connection, they are, for many women, kind of boring at best and gross at worst. We want you to feel, to have a stake in the relationship, to have it be a risk, because it is to us." Sparks realized that she had never talked about this before and that it was fun. "But I think it is fair to say that a lot of women enjoy sex and experimentation as much as men do, maybe more." When the buzzer sounded, Sparks drifted over to the console, nodding at Desk' report, then got back to the topic at hand." Shades of gray, eh?" Sparks chuckled. "There's a book by that name in my reader. Now that one is arc jet hot. But happy endings ... bah ... who cares about a happy ending? I want a happy life. The ending doesn't have to be happy. But I figure if you put enough happy moments in a day, and you put enough of those days together, why, eventually you end up with a happy life, aye?" She floated stretched out with her hands behind her head looking up at the ceiling." What would you do with all those millions, Desk?" As Dean read and discussed what he had read and other things with Sparks, he came to realize that behind the surface glitter and apparent anger was a much deeper person. That she would talk to him and share with him was a new experience, and it excited him to explore even more. The fact that their journey was now defined, at least for the moment, felt minor to him. He realized he was learning at least as much about himself as he was about women, and other things in general. These were the first conversations, let alone discussions, that he had experienced, other than a few with his mother. But that had been years ago and, by comparison, very superficial." I'm sorry for what I said right at the beginning. I'm not sure where they may have come from except that maybe I'm angry at the world somehow. Furthermore, I don't have that feeling now that we have been sharing so much. It makes me feel like I may have a future where I can be something and make friends and have a relationship. I don't buy the 'happily-ever-after' routine either, but it is nice to know that there is at least one person who thinks that there can be a relationship that lasts at least a while it is somehow reassuring to me. I'm not sure if that makes any sense to you." Dekan, and he was finding that he liked it when she called him Desk, was thoughtful for a while as he churned all this new information around in his mind. "I can see now why women have concerns when they meet a man. Trust becomes even more important when you are usually at a physical disadvantage. But looking at you, I suspect you might be able to kick the crap out of me. I have no interest in finding out if you can, by the way." He was aware of a growing attachment to Sparks, and he wondered if he was developing a crush. But he couldn't see how she might be interested in someone like him. She was doing all of this because of the circumstances, he was sure. He wouldn't have rated even a parting glance except for chance. But she was special to him and the feeling was growing daily." If we hit it big, I would get some new clothes and chuck these rags and I would take the most expensive hotel room and order all the exotic foods I could find. And after I finished with all that silliness, I would take a long, hard look at myself and make a decision as to what I want to do with the rest of my life. I would like to do something about the conditions that may force other kids into hard labor and deal with those who use their money and power to use those less fortunate." He realized he must sound like he wanted to be some kind of superhero. "I know this must sound kind of crazy idealistic and I also know I would never fix very much, but I would like to try to help some." They were floating, relaxed, a few feet apart. He lay back, pretending he was in some comfortable bed, and laced his fingers behind his head. A warmth seemed to radiate from her. He had sometimes felt that same kind of warmth from his mother and he wondered if this was from all women or just the special ones. He wanted to continue his reading and his lessons and learning, but he also wanted to know more about this beautiful young woman he was sharing these cramped quarters with. Time enough later to indulge himself with more questions about women. He found his heart rate increasing when he thought about that kind of conversation, and he wondered just what that meant." So now it's your turn. What would you do with a few million credits in your pocket?"

Twofer -- Aaron64 and Tylia|rating:4.0

In The Database (Sheng x Affy)

Sheila (sighed, collapsing into her chair. Hard day at work. In more ways than one. Brushing her curly black hair she let it out of the band holding it up, making it collapse behind her into a long curly mess. She didn't even bother to groom it, she was done with work for today, she had no desire to show off for anyone. When showing off was your day job, showing off after work seemed pointless: If she was to present herself to someone, she wanted to get paid for it. A sigh of exhaustion escaped her lips as she pressed the startup button on her laptop, a tiny 2018 model that still could barely run the modern games. She had been told by a friend that there was a new MMO on the market, some kind of game which apparently was the new big thing. While normally she didn't like games, this was supposedly VR, and, well, she needed some escapism right now. Sliding on her headset, Sheila closed her eyes, feeling the light of the screen wash over her face inside of her dark apartment. Not that it was dark on purpose; she had the choice between paying for food today or to pay for a new light bulb, and that wasn't really a choice at all for any sane person. She was curious how this VR stuff was supposed to work with no extra gear, but the game claimed that the VR came included. She herself had gotten it gifted from the friend who recommended it to her, but no equipment had come with it, something her friend claimed was on purpose... So she wasn't really sure how all this would work. Now that she thought about it, she hadn't talked to that girl in a few days. She wondered what she was up to; normally they spoke daily. Ah well, maybe she would meet her in the in-game world. Shrugging, she has begun to set up an account and the game, her computer doing its best to pull the loading screen. She sighed. "Come on little guy..." She muttered, gently patting the computer to make it go faster. She knew it didn't work, but she would like to pretend. Logging into the game, she suddenly found her eyes sting violently. Closing them for a moment, she then opened them, and found herself standing in some kind of hub world. "Wow." She muttered, looking around. "PLEASE SELECT YOUR CLASS" A large screen in front of her said, and then a long list of classes. She was kind of overwhelmed with it, her eyes scanning over them, until she finds a section that said "Stealth characters." Now that sounded more like her business. Assassin, thief, ninja, backstabber... She was not sure, ninja and backstabber sounded to combat focused, but she wasn't overly fond of stealing either... Assassin would do. Picking it, she suddenly found herself spawned inside some kind of hub. A large inn, to be exact. Looking around, she decided to look if she could find some kind of introduction guide. That seemed like the logical thing to do. Now, where could she find one... The inn was warm, and the fire roared in the fireplace spreading its heat to the populated room. It seemed that most people occupying the room was midst conversation with one another in some way. However, one lone person was left to his own agenda, the innkeeper. A towel in hand he polished a glass mug, preparing it for use once more. As Sheila appeared, he put the mug down, and in warm dark tone he let out a hearty voice. "Welcome to me humble inn." He was a mountain of a man, arms as large as tree trunks and the body of a once strong man having succumbed to the pleasure of good food and mead. A lone leather belt tried to contain his bloated stomach, but it was clearly struggling, and a linen shirt covered his massive body. His hair was a reddish brown, and a thick bushy beard covered most of his weathered face. "Step up young lass. No adventurer steps 'er feet in The Tattered Hawk without a proper welcome." The glass mug he had been previously polishing was not clean for long, as a light brownish substance was swiftly poured in the mug. "'Ave a drink. On the house."" So ye one of them adventurers who's popping up lately, eh?" He asked as a hand scratched the wilderness of his beard. "Ye don't look like much of a fighter, no offense lass. It's a dangerous world out there, and ye ain't exactly lookin' like a lass who can handle the dangers. So why don't I give ye some advice." Pushing the mug over the counter to Sheila, he went on. "World's filled with monsters, beasts and people up to little good, plenty of ways to earn ye self some food on ye plate. Also, a very easy place to net yourself a fine tombstone." A dark booming chuckle emanated from within the scruff of his beard, seeming almost ominous the way he delivered it. "I'd advise ye to get quick on ye toes, lass. Swinging steel won't do ye much good if ye can barely lift the blade. Gotta' beasts out there that can't tell their ass from their head, a few quick steps or a swift strike from the dark should be enough to earn ye self some hides to sell. That's a good place to start if ye a little rusty and wet behind the ears." A hand went into the thick beard and scratched it intensely before he continued on with his speech. "If ye feeling lucky, I know there's some wanted posters up around the ol' town. People need all sorta stuff done, and if ye can get it done, they'll pay some hefty coin. Not always the cleanest of work, lass, but the pay be mighty fine." The Innkeeper fell silent for a bit, as he seemed to have run out of things to say, but suddenly he leaned forward so only she could hear him, and started talking again. "I know ye type lass, and there be people whose purses be too heavy for their own good. I'm a good man myself, and I'd advise ye to go steal. But if I were to say something like that, I'd say a gotta men and women in the cities have more than enough to share. Just don't get ye ass caught red-handed, guards ain't exactly happy to find a thief, especially not a newcomer like ye." Leaning back he seemed to finally be done, and gave her nod. "Drink up lass." He finished, as he found himself a new mug and began to polish that off. It seemed that the warm inn she was standing in was purely occupied by NPC's, and judging by her low level they were probably just flavor text and lore. There was however a large door not far from the counter of the bar, which led into the open world of the game. Was she to finish her mead, a tingling warm sensation would soon come over her. Not a warmth of intoxication, but a rush of something else that might seem quite familiar to her. It wasn't exactly strong, but for this being a game it might be quite unexpected. The town outside was small, far from a city of any sorts. It had what was needed for a small society to thrive, the inn, a small guard barracks, the blacksmith, the tailor, a leather worker and housing for the farmers and peasants that lived there. There didn't seem like there was much to do, but she could always explore and try and find some other players, or jump straight to some action and try and pick up a quest at one of the shops, or even go search for the wanted board. Sheila had to admit, she was shocked at just the pure realism of this place. Not only was there tons of people in here, in totally natural conversations instead of just repeated NPC dialogue, but it... felt, warm. A problem with a lot of VR games had been that the atmosphere you were in didn't come with the visions you were seeing, but this was totally different, it was like she was there. The warm of the fire, the voices of the people, the feeling of the leather floor beneath her feet. This place was amazing. Looking down over herself, she found herself dressed in some kind of baggy cloth shirt, but that was not the first thing she focused on. She found that her weight had been slightly... shifted, as if her body had changed, and it was pretty clear to her that it had. She was bustier now than she had ever been in the real world, her sizeable breasts now even bigger than before, if she had to guess they had to be D cups at least. Her hips and ass too had grown wider, making her already hourglass body look even more like one than it had before. She found that her piercings were gone, as well. She figured that made sense, she was in a fantasy world, and why would she not want to be an idealized version of herself? Besides, piercings didn't exist here. Stuck in thinking about her new body, the girl's attention was suddenly brought to something else when a mountain of a man spoke to her. His voice was deep, rumbling like an echo inside a mountainous cavern, and beneath the fat and his considerable gut there was still the sign of a warrior, her eyes seeing the hint of bulging muscles beneath all that lard. Telling her to come closer, she figured this must be the introduction NPC she was wondering about, and she didn't hesitate to move closer to him. It did feel strange doing so, her body moved so naturally, like it was really her moving, yet she felt also more... agile, than before. Was this because of her class? She had to discover this later. Spotting the drink poured, she was about to tell him she couldn't drink as she had work tomorrow, but then she realized: This was a game. It wasn't real alcohol. Picking it up and taking a swig, she suddenly winced a bit. The ale was really strong, and tasted surprisingly real. Yet it had some kind of smooth taste to it... Mead? How strange. The people who made this really did their work. Leaning against the counter, Sheila found herself sipping from the glass of mead slowly as he has begun to talk about the world. Even though she knew inside this was really just introductory dialogue, it seemed so... real. He seemed to really believe what he was talking about, and seemed to be genuinely concerned about her fate if she did the things he advised against. He did give good advice, too, and she made sure to listen as he continued on speaking, as well as noting down to herself the wanted posters. Given her class, that might be a wise place to go first really. She was surprised to hear him talk about stealing, however. She knew it would be a game mechanic, had read it on the box, but to hear NPCs in the game world talk about it made her... surprised. Furthermore, she would keep in mind what he said however. Getting caught would be indeed a very poor idea. She didn't want to die; even if she knew she would just respawn, the VR would probably let her feel how it actually felt to die, and that wouldn't be pleasant at all. "Thanks for the advice." She said and smiled to him gently as he finished his speech. Didn't know why, it just felt logical. Turning around on her chair, she continued to drink the mead, only to feel... tingly. Her fingers felt odd, and she realized she was getting drunk off the mead. No, not drunk, it was something else... Something... Off. She looked around the tavern, trying to place it, when she suddenly found herself wondering if the cute barmaid was into girls... And then she realized it. It was lust. She glanced at the innkeeper, curious, and he merely gave her a smile. She blinked, looking back to her fingers, then to the barmaid. Furthermore, she was pretty cute... Wait, when was she into girls? She had never been into girls. She was barely into men. Furthermore, she had always felt very clinical about her work, never truly enjoying it, just doing it and getting it over with. It was almost strange, this... desire... to be with the barmaid. She blushed a bit and looked away, realizing she had been staring at her ample bosom for about half a minute. She decided it was best to leave, before she did something stupid. Furthermore, she stood up to her feet, beginning to leave the room, finding her eyes trailing over the cute barmaid slowly as she did so. Would it be wrong to ask her? Yes, yes of course it would. She probably got asked stuff like that all the time. She decided against it, she had to control her urges, but she hadn't felt these urges in a long time, and the barmaid looked so... graceful... Furthermore, she hesitated, walking slowly up to her. Furthermore, she was not sure where to start. "Um... Hello." She said, and smiled nervously to her. She greeted her back, and from there, the conversation begun to flow naturally. It felt like it went fast, very fast, and Sheila was not even sure how it happened, but soon they were in bed, kissing, and then it was suddenly next morning, Sheila feeling the warmth of the maid go away from her. She kissed her goodbye, and shortly after found herself on the first floor, refreshed. After a quick meal, she headed out the door, waving goodbye to the maid first, and then she stepped out into the real hub world. Outside there were suddenly noise, there were people, there were rain. It was as if the door had been a gateway to a city, and as the door closed behind her, she was amazed by just. The graphics of this. It all felt so real, she could even feel the lightly dropping rain into her hair. Buying a cloak to hide from the rain in with some of her starting gold, she felt her weapons appear as well, a long sword placed on her back, a short sword at her left hip, and a dagger, placed around her leg. So now she was out in the world where she could actually fight, huh? How cool. She found herself looking around, eyeing the NPCs, the players, the blacksmith and the barracks. Her eyes froze for a moment on the barracks. A barracks was a place where guards were right? And guards were well paid... Which meant gold. Sure, the innkeeper had advice not to try to mess with them, but... how bad could they be? They were just NPCs. Moving towards the barracks, she has begun to look for an alternate way in, eyes slowly scanning over the windows and the walls, hoping to find a new way in that she could abuse to get herself some quick and easy gold - and some new gear. Finding one, she smirked. This was too easy. Walking into the alleyway, she made sure nobody was looking, then she opened the entrance to the basement, sneaking inside. The basement was pitch dark, and as she closed the door it took her a while to get used to the darkness. Hearing a sudden click behind her, she blinked, looking back only to see the shape of an object fly towards her head. She dodged backwards, reaching for her dagger, only to see another one out of the corner of her eye. Pulling it out and dodging, she heard an angry voice: "Damn, she's a fast bitch!" Clenching her teeth, she realized now this had been a trap. It had been too easy, of course they would be waiting for new adventurers here. Her dagger slid across someone's armor, and she felt confident, only to spot another shadow coming, and this one was fast. She felt some kind of intense pain, and for a brief moment she felt her hand drop the dagger, and then everything went dark.(An hour later)"And don't come back. Stupid stealth beginners." A guard said and chuckled, throwing out a heap of clothing and weapons, followed by a body. Crashing into the mud on her side, Sheila's body was... different, then when it came in. Not that she had physically changed, but it was rather what had been done to it. Her body was utterly covered in cum; some of it relatively fresh, most of it rather dry. Her panties and bra had been pulled off and thrown out with the clothing, and replacing the panties were a nice thick load, planted directly into her pussy, and another one, right into her ass. Someone had also taken the freedom to cum in her mouth, the trail of cum leaking out of the corner of her mouth as she lied on the ground. In addition to the obvious sexual punishment the guards had inflicted, her body had been obviously damaged, beaten and physically punished by the guards for her attempted transgression. The innkeeper hadn't been kidding: The guards didn't go light on those punishing them.---Sheila:Level 1 Assassin HP: 24/34 HP. Corruption: 0Equipment: Cloth shirt (common), leather pants (common), dagger (common), short sword (common), long sword (common), courier bag, candle, parchment, ink, quill pen, 60 ft. rope, black cloak, 27 gold. Stats: 12 strength, 16 agility, 8 endurance, 8 intelligence, 12 wisdom, 8 charisma, 10 beauty. Talent tree: - NOT UNLOCKED - Girard walked through the calm scenery of the small town. It was bustling with life, peasants playing with their children, carpenters doing repairs, blacksmiths smiting their steel, but there was a calmness to it all, a serenity of everyday life. Undisturbed, peaceful. He had spent many hours today overlooking this scenery from a rooftop. It was just yesterday that he had realized that he in fact could not log out of the game, and after much contemplation he had accepted this as fact, and focused on what was at hand, this very world. At first, he had been distraught, but quickly he realized that this world was not as bad as he first deemed it to be. There were places like this, places of peace. It was his second day of the game. He had gotten the game at midnight launch, and entered it right away, however as he settled in for the night, he was unable to return to his usual world. The sun had risen once more, and today was that very day. The excitement and exploration he had done the first day had earned him enough to level up, but where many had kept up their acts of adventuring, he felt compelled to instead sit down and think about it all, find a peace within himself. Usually Alexander wasn't like this, but Girard was, the monk he had entered. At least it felt like that. It was less like an extension of himself, and more like his spirit merged with the spirit of this adventurer. But through his many thoughts, and his long contemplation, he and Girard had become one. The body and energy of Girard, and the thoughts and person of Alexander. That was the only explanation he could think up for his newfound powers, the way his eyes perceived things he never had before. The little combat he had done had been an unreal sensation. The way time felt like it slowed down before his eyes as he dodged and attacked with his bare hands with crushing blows at the creatures weak spots. It was little of an achievement to slay lesser creatures, but the little combat he had done had been enough to get himself a taste of just what it meant to be a monk. There was more than just the way he perceived combat, the very way his eyes observed the world was very differently than the way he remembered himself to have done. It seemed the more he spent time acting like a monk, the more he found himself merging with the role of a monk, and the way he was now he felt rather monk like, even though he was only a meager level 2. Through the two days, he had experienced quite a lot. He had gotten a herb from an alchemist NPC as a quest reward, and she encouraged him to eat it. Soon thereafter his brown hair had changed to a bright silver, and grown much longer, now hanging far down his back. He felt it looked monk like, and had decided to keep it for now. The very same silver hair bounced lightly in the wind as Girard walked through the streets, lost to his own thoughts as he found himself on the dirt road heading straight into the guard's courtyard. Just about to turn around and walk away, figuring the guards were best left to their own devices, he heard a yell, followed by the dull thud of someone hitting the ground. Intrigued, he followed the sound into the courtyard, figuring at worst he would get reprimanded for the intrusion. However, what his gaze was met with was quite different from what he had expected, he had expected some training of sorts, but instead a girl, rather brutally handled laid on the ground sprawled out with some white substance on her. As he got closer to her, he could confirm what the substance was, and with curiosity he started wondering what could have happened. He himself had yet to engage in any sexual activities, but he had gotten a very clear idea of the possibilities, and a vial he found on a forest creature which promised higher agility, had also made his features more smooth, almost elvish or feminine in nature. As the sensation of his body changing had subsided he was left with a warm in his loins as he felt a feature he hadn't expected. That night he had had to relieve himself, and he learned that sexual release was a very real thing in this world. Arriving at the girl's body, he kneeled by her and took in the sight. It was lightly arousing to see a woman like this he thought to himself, although the origin of the thought seemed foreign. In the real world he would never have gotten aroused at the thought of a woman having been mercilessly used like this, but a stray thought somewhere in his mind told him that this was arousing. Gently raising a hand down to nudge her cheek he tried to see if she was awake at all. She looked pretty roughed up, and having concluded that she had probably wronged the guards in some way, he made a mental note of watching his step with NPC's. He hadn't thought that NPC's could engage in sexual activities with players, but it looked like that thought was disproven quite so. Once more nudging her, he shook her shoulder and in a warm voice called out to her. "Are you awake?" His voice went quiet for a few moments, as he rummaged through his pouch and brought out a few ground up medicinal herbs. The thick paste dropped into her mouth as he told her "Swallow this, it'll help the swelling." Normally he would never have been aware of this, but his class luckily came with a little knowledge of medicinal herbs and alchemy. Still kneeling by her side he pondered about what to do with this woman. On one hand he had no obligation to do anything to help her, on the other he wasn't doing anything this moment, and had no reason not to, other than the origin of her bruises being the guards." If you can hear me, I'll refrain from asking how you got yourself into this. Predicament. However, I think it'll be wise for you to get yourself somewhere else before the guards decide that they aren't through with you. If you can't walk, I can lend a shoulder." With that he stood up, and offered a hand to her if she needed one to get up. Girard couldn't say why he was doing this, perhaps out of curiosity, perhaps because he knew he was stuck in this world, and that the other players were as well. What would he do once she had gotten cleaned up and a bed to rest in? Girard didn't know, but for now he knew he'd help her to an inn and get her some water to bathe in. The rest could wait.-----------------Girard (Alexander)Girard(2 Shaolin Monk HP: 42/42 HP. Corruption: 3Equipment: Shaolin monk robe (common), cloth trousers (common), Combat hand wraps (common), courier bag, healing herbs, Journal tome, quill pen, ink, Bead necklace, bead bracelet, 53 gold. Stats: 8 strength, 17 agility, 10 endurance, 10 intelligence, 13 wisdom, 8 charisma, 8 beauty. Talent tree: - NOT UNLOCKED - Sheila's head felt like a eardrum was being pounded into it. Slam after slam, she felt a throbbing headache, paired in with shouting. "Are you awake" the voice said, like a mocking cry of pain, shattering through her head. She felt cold, for some reason. She did not know why. It felt like the wind was blowing over her naked body. She didn't remember being naked. She felt her head ache, badly, and suddenly pain rushed through her body. Furthermore, she let out a groan of pain as she felt it, mouth opening, and shortly after she felt some kind of paste come into her mouth. Furthermore, she didn't think about it, swallowing it as given, and Girard could see her plant her hand into the ground to try to push herself up from the ground. Using all her strength, her hand shook, and she collapsed back down again. Again, the voice, sending shattering waves of pain through her head, making her groan again, trying to curl up. She felt dizzy. Confused. The voice speaking, but she didn't understand its words now. Something about a shoulder. The voice grew quiet. Shaela tried to move her body, the pain numbed, planting her hand into the ground. She felt. Stronger. A bit. Pushing herself up from the ground, she let out another groan, this time of effort, managing to push herself up onto her side, forcing her eyes open, only to close them again. The light was blinding. She felt confused. How long had she been out? Where was she? Her body hurt in places no natural body should hurt... Forcing her eyes open again, she spotted some kind of... elf...? Above her. She didn't know elf had been an option... No, he wasn't an elf, he was just... some kind of feminine man, dressed in a long white robe, his hair silver. What was he doing here? Where was here? She saw his extended hand, and confused she grabbed onto it, pulling herself up to her feet. She felt... unsteady, stumbling onto the wall, her head pounding like she had gotten knocked out. Knocked out. She remembered the shadow. She remembered the hit. She felt confused. Putting her hand onto her head, she felt... sticky. Something was off. Looking down, she could see her body being covered in some kind of white substance. It was even dripping out of her pussy. Luckily for Girard, she was too confused to realize what had just happened her, or else she might have freaked out. All she could focus on was how cold she felt, how vulnerable she felt without her weapons, and her armor. He could see how she was subtly shivering, having laid out in the wind for an unknown amount of time before he found her, all naked and alone. "B-Bath." She forced out suddenly, closing her eyes. "W-Warmth." She added, as she walked over to her clothes, finding her cloak and wrapping it around herself. It made her feel warm, and gave her some modesty, but she still was coated in cum beneath it, and she still felt freezing as she has begun to pick up the rest of her things, feeling confused, and in shock. Girard shook his head lightly. The guards certainly did a number on her. "Don't worry. I'll get you somewhere warm, and a bath." He assured her as he slid an arm around her and helped her stand upright and walk, then proceeded to walk towards the nearest inn. Which luckily wasn't very far. Before long he arrived at The Tattered Hawk, and the Innkeeper recognized both adventurers and greeted them. Girard was the only one to respond, and helping Sheila walk to the counter with him, he said. "I found a fellow adventurer in a rather. Dire situation. I'd like to buy your bathroom for the evening. If it is not already occupied." The mountain of a man shook his bearded head and slid a key over the counter. "A' Lass look like she's seen better days. Ain't long since I sent her off myself. Must'a bit off more than she could chew. I'll lend ye the room, and a room for the lass for 10 coins." Girard nodded and with a warm smile he hauled the payment from his pouch onto the table. "Thank you Inn keep, I'm certain she'll appreciate it greatly." The inn keep placed another key on the counter, and returned to polishing mugs. Giraryu helped Sheila to the bathroom, and opened it up. Placing her down on a bench in the room he began to prepare a bath of warm water for the girl, before leaving her alone with the different soaps and herbs. "Use a bit of whatever you like. It's already paid for. You should feel replenished and better once you've bathed. The water is warm and ready so, slip in whenever you feel like it." With that he moved towards the exit of the room, but turned just before. "I'll be resting for the day in room 4, upstairs, if you want to drop by. I'll probably head out tomorrow too, if you feel like moving on to the next town." With that Girard left the bathroom, and headed for the upstairs room. Later, he was sitting on the bed in the room, having unwrapped his hand wraps and neatly folded them and put them away in his bag. Girard sat waiting for the girl to appear. He figured she'd probably arrive, after all, what else would you do in her shoes? Himself he was planning what to do next, mulling over what he was going to do, with or without the girl. He had heard from the townsfolk that a town was nearby, and was brimming with chances and possible quests for a newly started adventurer. That seemed like a good place to start. He heard a knock on the door, and he opened it to find Sheila there. Welcoming her there, he gave her a warm smile and sat down again. "So you've come." He said in a calm tone, and he glanced over at her. "I've decided to move on to the next town at the break of dawn, so that I may arrive there in proper time to take on a quest once I've arrived and gotten accustomed to the town. You're welcome to tag along if you wish."-----------------------Girard- 10 gold Sheila felt confused as she was carried. The next minutes went past in a blur. She just remembered a bath. Some words saying she could use it. She slid into it as soon as he was gone. It was warm and nice. Closing her eyes, she has begun to feel her body returning its feeling as her hands begun to slowly clean herself off. As she did, she has begun to slowly realized what had happened. There was a long of things she thought might happen in return for a failed attempt at stealing. This. Had not been one of them. She was a bit in shock as she cleaned herself. To think she had been. Touched like that, without knowing it, without willing it. It was a bit of a shock to her. Glancing to her ruined clothes, she realized they were useless now. Probably for the best. It was just starting gear anyway, and at least she had her robe. It was something. Taking the soap and herbs, she has begun to thoroughly wash herself, as if she was scrubbing away the thought of what had happened. It hurt to know it happened, but she was kind of happy she at least was knocked out of it. It was shameful, but she couldn't imagine what it must've been like when awake. She was not sure how long she sat there. About half an hour, maybe. Maybe longer. She sat there for a long time, resting in the bath, thinking this over. She would have to be more careful, she knew. They might not knock her out next time. More importantly, she realized now how. Fragile, she was. The guards had easily defeated her; if they did, and. That... was an option in this game, what happened to her if a more powerful player came by? She would need to be careful. Very careful. More importantly, she needed someone to watch her back while sleeping. She thought back to the man who rescued her, trying to think of what he had said. Room 4? It was as good of a backup as any. He seemed trustworthy. He had saved her, after all, and not taken advantage of her. As far as she remembered. He was the best she had. After a short bit of more thought, she decided on it, getting out of the bath, beginning to clean herself and checking through her clothing. Well it was mostly intact... It would do until she found something else she figured. Fixing her long curly hair as good as she could, she sighed as she dressed up again, putting her weapons back to their original spot. She felt a lot less confident. A lot more... easy to injure. She found herself checking her back as she dressed, to make sure no guards had followed her, feeling paranoid now. Putting her bag on with her tools, she sighed and opened the door. Finding a rubber band she used it to tie her curly hair up into a ponytail, to make some semblance of order, and so it wouldn't get in the way. With that, she headed upstairs, feeling her feet calmly hit the steps. She couldn't help but be impressed how utterly real this simulation felt, even with the horror of realizing how dark this universe was. Even as her hand knocked on the door, she couldn't help but look around herself, the details in the wood, the steps, the small careful details of dust and rust in the appropriate places. It was like she had stepped into a real alternate world. Seeing the man open the door, she took a good look in on him for the first time. He was sort of feminine, but not as much as her. Maybe his feminine features had been amplified along with his male ones? She was not too sure. He had this aura of calm over him however, and aura of friendliness. He seemed calm, like he knew what he was doing. She was surprised, however, in how quick he moved on to plans for moving to the next town. She blinked. "Why do you trust me...?" She asked, as her hand slowly closed the door behind her, moving over to a chair and sitting down. "I'm an Assassin... I could've come to kill you... Why did you save me...?" She asked, suspicious and paranoid about his motivation, letting her eyes scan up and down his body curiously. He was properly dressed, his robe looked like a drop, unlike hers, who was just purely black and purely for cosmetic purposes - which was fine with her, given that she was essentially shirtless beneath it. "I mean. Not that I am ungrateful for you saving me. It's not that. But I just wonder... What's your angle?" She asked, not entirely sure if she trusted him yet. He seemed almost too friendly. Girard slowly shook his head. "You and me are not like the people that inhabit this world, but we are now a part of it." His voice was calm, and slow. Like a storyteller telling his favorite tale. "You may be an assassin, but you are still a player, an adventurer. Your intentions are like the rest of us. To enjoy a game. A game which we now inhabit along with its people." He gave her a soft smile. "And I believe that an adventurer like me, would only have the purest intentions for its fellow kin." Then he gave a small shrug. "And if not, I may pay the price of my goodwill, but I am not as helpless as I might seem, fellow adventurer, so that I am not too worried about at the moment." Returning to a warm smile his tone went a bit more light-hearted. "Besides, you reminded me more of a lost puppy having confused herself into a situation out of her control, much more so than a person with vile intentions when I found her. I doubt you were considering anything cruel nor evil when I stumbled upon you." His trail of sentences stopped for a moment, as a realization hit him and he rose to extend his hand. "Forgive me, I am Girard, monk of the Shaolins, and an adventurer like you." Having introduced himself he sat down once more. "I don't know how familiar you are with this world, but I guess you know by now just how real it is, how lifelike everything is. How your urges grow like in the real world, your need for water, food, companionship. Things one does not usually feel in a game, no?" His smile faded a little as he went on. "Perhaps you have also realized then, that this reality is now the one you live. Every bit of pain, every sting of loss, every smile of happiness, this is now your world." The faded smile faded further into a neutral expression. "You cannot log out, my fellow adventurer. And I have accepted that." Giving her a few moments to let that sink in, he started to talk once more. "Now, I realize that this might be a revelation that you were unprepared for, and I respect that you might not believe me nor wish to believe me, but I also give you the choice to tag along with me on the journey I have planned tomorrow. I am not sure what lies ahead, and I am not as well versed in this world as I wish to be. There are many dangers on the path in this world, that much I am sure of, and the end of the journey is far from here, and certainly sprawling with peril. Unfit for such perils as I am, I am no stranger to extending my hand in an offer of mutual beneficial companionship. So if you wish to, I'd like to not walk this path alone til I learn how this world works. For as much as I learn, so much more I realize I am unknowing."" This world is strange, Assassin. On my short adventure this far I've experienced things I've never thought possible." Letting a hand run through his hair he gestured towards it. "My hair has grown tremendously, spurred on by an item I bought. My features have changed, changed by a potion I drank. My trail of thought has changed, my view of life. There is so much in this world that I have yet to discover, yet one thing I have seen and learned today. The price for failure is high, and I worry that the greatest failure of all is permanent. As much as I enjoy this world and it's wonders, I wish not to end my life here. I wish to return to the world I know, so I am seeking to not meet a premature end at the hands of a foul beast. For I fear that if I do, I will not open my eyes again." His flow of speech halted, and he looked up at Sheila with a smile. "Do you now understand my intentions, fellow adventurer?" Sheila was unsure whether she should be offended at the lost puppy line. However, she decided not to comment on it as he went over to introduce himself. "Sheila." She said, shaking his hand before he walked back to his spot again. Eyeing him slowly as he continued to talk, she agreed with what he said so far. She had indeed felt. Urges, like in the real world, and now that he mentioned it she hadn't eaten since she left the inn. She was kinda hungry, and thirsty. How odd. As he continued talking however, she grew more... concerned, both of the content of what he was stating and whether what he was saying might be true. Was she. Stuck here? No, that couldn't be, this was just a game. There was no way she could be stuck in here, it was just a simulation. She has begun to question whether or not he was a player character at all, maybe he was an NPC there for the immersion? Maybe she could log out, and he was just fucking with her? As he let the moment sink, Girard could see her open up the menu screen, looking through it, looking for the logout button. She found it eventually, hidden deep inside the menus, and tried to click it, only for a loud glaring error sound to play, the logout option becoming crossed out by a massive red X. Trying to click it again, nothing happened, only a short disappointing denying sound, as if logging out was just some level screen she could not access yet. Beginning to panic a bit, she pressed it more and more, glancing up at him concerned as he continued talking. "Unprepared for is saying it lightly!" She said in shock, looking down to herself, her body. Was she stuck like this?! Had she known she was stuck like this she would've picked her class more carefully! She would've asked for a more practical body for that sake, something like her real safe, or something stronger, or-She realized she was panicking. She took a deep breath. Forced herself to calm down. Forced herself to breathe calmer. She heard his voice faintly, talking about companionship. Walking together to the next town. Just... continue life, as it was meant to be. Like that was how the world had to be. She nodded slowly. She knew he was right. They couldn't stay here. Not in this starter town. Besides, she was pretty sure she could not look any guards in the eye anymore. Not knowing... what they did to her. She didn't know who joined and who didn't. She would never be able to trust anyone of the law here. Not that her class was the most lawful to begin with, but she would feel like she had to always watch her back here. She had played a little bit of games before. She knew she had to go to another town next to level and continue the adventure, as well as receive quests. This was just the beginner zone. She would accomplish nothing here. And... well... if she was first stuck here, she might as well play the game. That was, of course, until she heard him say that the greatest failure of all may be permanent. "Wait, what do you mean... permanent...?" She asked him, looking up at him concerned, speaking for the first time since he has begun to talk. "Do you mean if we... you know if we... die... We die for real...?" She asked him, curling up on the chair, moving her legs up to her chest so she sat kind of like a ball as she watched him. "... I guess I should discover more what my class does then... Like. Properly..." She muttered. She wondered if it was true. Was every fight going to be between life or death? If so, would she be good enough? Would she move like an actual assassin would? She hadn't tried fighting yet. She was unsure about herself. The boy seemed so confident, but... she was not sure if she could say the same. She paused for a bit. "So what you are saying is... you want to... find a way out. And you believe you will find that by... just playing their game?" She asked. She sighed. It seemed far-fetched. But what better ideas did they have? Once other players begun finding out, they would panic, begin to do stupid things. They would have to get to as high of a level as possible before that happened."... Alright. I'm in." She finally said and sighed, leaning back in the chair. "Where are we going, and when?" "I am not certain that what I tell you is fact, but that is what I have come to believe through my short stay here. Nevertheless, given the reality we now experience, I'd rather not die. Even if I may revive once more." He glanced over at Sheila, and gestured to the pitch black cape she was wearing. "Do not fret though, I'm unsure if you have noticed, but surely you will soon. As an assassin, I can only imagine you experience the shadows differently now. You feel safe there, comforted by the embrace of pitch black darkness which serves as your cover from eyes. The way you view the world, the way you move. All of these are things I can only imagine will change soon enough as you explore the world you now inhabit." He lifted his palm, and slowly turned it in the light which shone through the window. "I have at least. The more I learn about this world, the more I learn about myself." Placing his palm facing upwards in the light, he went on. "You might not have realized, but my theory is that the more you level up, the more attuned you become with your class. The more you level up the more you start to move, view and perceive the world as an assassin. The skills your need are already embedded in the shell you inhabit. The body you have been given in this world, the body of an assassin, is merged with the being you are yourself as the player. That connection grows stronger, the line between you and the assassin blurring with every level. The skills you learn will stop being skills of a character, and start being skills that you master yourself. No longer as just a mere player, but as the combination of the player that is you, and the body of the assassin you inhabit." Giraryu retreated his palm and placed it back on his thigh. "I'm unsure if this all makes sense to you now, but perhaps my hypothesis will make sense once you grow more experienced in this world." With that he gave her a slight smile. "Or I might be wrong, but that is how I have experienced the world so far. Anyway, as for my plans, I've overheard the townspeople and peasants talk about a town to the south. Simply titled The Crossing. The three major roads leading away from it are all paths to major cities in the world. Some more dangerous than others. My best suggestion is to head for this town, The Crossing, and figure out what I will do from there. If nothing else, you'll find yourself in a city, filled to the brim with possibilities if you give me your companionship to this town. Whether your intent is to hone your skills, or perform jobs for the townspeople. And if nothing else you can make your way to a city from there." His tone was calm and collected, like this plan had been in motion for long, the good and the bad weighed about this decision before he proposed it. "So what do you say, Sheila? Does my proposition sound interesting?" A soft smile on his lip he gestured over towards the bed opposing his. "If nothing else. I have already paid for the room, and you're welcome to rest for the night, if not to consider, then merely to rest. I can only imagine that you need a good nights rest." Slowly raising from the bed, he began to move towards the door. "Rest if you wish to. I am going to go buy provisions for my trip. I shall be back around nightfall. Do as you wish till then, but I humbly request that if you wish to rest here, you return around nightfall as well, so that my rest will not be interfered." He raised his hand in a small wave, and gave her a friendly smile. "Till then, or if I will not meet you again. Save travels Sheila. May the shadows protect you, and serve as your guide towards enlightenment." "I see." She said, growing quiet for a long while. As he was speaking, she closed her eyes, almost as if meditating, thinking about her purpose here. About what to do. She took in everything he said, about what he said at leveling. It seemed if she was to survive here she would need to level. But would that mean she would lose her original self? Forget who she was, and where she came from? Could it be that the more powerful she grew here, the less she would belong in her original world? She was not sure. Sighing deeply she shook her head. She was not sure what to say to any of this right now. How to react. He was right. None of this made sense in the slightest. She wished she could go home. Log out, leave, get out of here and just pretend all of this was a nightmare. But until then, he seemed to be her best bet. His plan seemed to make sense, he knew how to play the game, and more importantly, he was someone who could watch her back when she slept. And that might prove to be lifesaving." I will come." She finally said, glancing up to him when he asked if his proposition was interesting. "I shall rest now, and get some sleep while you are out. Then tonight I will go to work. I need to reach level 2 if I shall be of use to you, and the Innkeeper said there were mercenary contracts her. I do not think the giver would mind if whatever he needs help with ends up dead." She said and sighed softly, pulling out the dagger she had and putting it into the table with the blade first. She let her eyes move over it. It was a nice, ornate dagger. She didn't know where it was from, but it had some kind of symbol on it - a symbol of craftsmanship from some smith she imagined. Looking closer at it, she has begun to realize this was some kind of Assassin's Dagger, not just a normal Dagger. It felt... lighter, in her hand, and picking it up she has begun to twirl it around, spinning it on the top of her hand, messing around with it. It felt... natural. Like she always had done this. "I think you are right." She said calmly, planting it back into the table." I will see you tomorrow, then." She said, standing up to her feet as she took the dagger. "I will do a mission, so I will be level two when I return. For some reason I feel like I don't need to sleep as much as I did before. I think it may be what you mentioned. My class affecting me that is." She said and nodded to him. Giving him a soft smile, she walked over to him and gave him a careful hug. "Thanks for saving me, though. You know. From the alleyway. I appreciate it. Helping you is the least I can do." She said and smiled to him softly, giving him a reassuring nod. "See you later then." She said, giving him a wave of goodbye as she has begun to leave the room, but then stopping. "Oh, could you like, buy some kind of clothing for me? Some kind of leather or something, preferably colored into a darker color, to stay easier in the shadow. I'll pay you when you come back." She said and smiled to him softly, then she has begun to head downstairs towards her room to sleep. It had only been a short time, but it felt like an eternity. Girard wondered through the streets of the small town, which he felt like he knew every nook and cranny of. As if some mental map had been filled out, and he was merely following paths he already knew. It was like he had spent a lifetime here, the calmness he felt as he walked around the town. He knew he had barely been here two whole days, but nevertheless he couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity with this place. He wondered if he'd feel the same with every place he spent time in, or if it was merely this starting zone. A soft start to a harsh world, perhaps. He couldn't say anything about that, nor theorize before he explored more of the world. At least now he had a companion for the largest trip of his journey so far. Even though this leg perhaps paled in comparison to later journeys he might partake in, it was definitely calming to know that some player was with him. Two sets of eyes was definitely better than one. A few hours later, Girard had gotten his shopping done. His coin purse was lightened rather heavily, but he felt prepared. A rather fair supply of herbs inhabited his purse now, as well enough bandages to make a first aid kit jealous. Girard had convinced himself that preparing for the worst was his best bet. He would no doubt be able to gather more than his starting supply of gold in a hurry, so he didn't feel bad for spending most of it. He even found the coin to buy some clothing for Sheila. Leather was expensive, so he wasn't able to get her the best of the best with his little coin, but he was able to get a pair of blackened leather trousers, and a tunic to match. Sheila would hopefully appreciate the darker clothing. With that, he made his way back towards the inn to call it a night. He had a long day in front of him tomorrow, at least he thought so. At the crack of dawn, Girard stood outside the inn, waiting for Sheila to arrive. He had mapped out the path as he had been told by the townspeople, and on a page of his journal he had drawn a crude map of the notable things along the path they were meant to follow. It wasn't a very difficult road, but he could only be too careful. His encounter with Sheila had shown him just how cruel that this world could be, and he did not feel like getting lost and encountering some creatures not meant for their level. That could prove to be fatal. As the sun made its way up over the horizon, Girard took out the hand wraps from his pouch, and began to wrap up his hands. He hoped not to encounter resistance, but again. He wouldn't have time to do this in the middle of combat. Glancing over at the door leading to the inn, he grew lightly restless. Even with all his pondering and thinking, no matter how much he calmed himself, he still had a light sense of adventure and exploration, and as he was about to depart on his first real adventure, he felt an excitement in his body to get it started. Sheila first got herself some hours of sleep, but to her surprise, she woke up much earlier than anticipated. It was barely midnight by the time she woke up from her bed, even while having been that tired. Still, that meant more time to accomplish her work. Hearing the rain outside, she slowly moved herself out of bed, sighing deeply. Time to get to work, then. Pulling on her black robe and her pants, she pulled up the hood as she took with her the dagger from earlier. It felt natural in her hand, comfortable. Like it belonged to her. Beginning to slowly walk out of her room and downstairs into the inn, she found it mostly empty as she slid the dagger up her sleeve, holding it out of sight. Making eye-contact with the innkeeper, she gave him a respectful nod, before she headed out into the dark night. The city was a different place at night in many ways. Much fewer people here, much less noise. The rain pouring around her made it hard for her to hear people walking, which would help her she supposed, made it harder to hear her coming. She found her eyes surprisingly used to the darkness, even in the colors of the night she could see most things clearly, clearer than she could before. Was this because she was an assassin too? She decided it was not important, finding her way to the bounty board, where she slowly scanned it up and down. Most of the things here were fetch quests, meant for lower level players of other classes she assumed, but she found one which interested her. A corrupt priest bound to arrive here today. Corrupt priest was good: She could do that. Moving it off the bounty board, she has begun to read through it, taking in the details of the mission as she headed towards the church where he was expected to appear. She found herself surprisingly into this, almost as if she was enjoying it. Being an Assassin, planning out missions. She might get used to this. Arriving at the church, it said he would arrive at 2 AM, with a pair of armed guards. The guards might be a problem, but this time she would have the drop on them. She would not fail against guards a second time. Climbing up onto a rooftop near the church, she sat down onto her knees, putting her long sword and dagger down next to her. Now she could only wait. But it did not take long. The priest was here earlier than expected. Good thing she showed up early. Leaping down from the rooftop, she landed silently a few meters away from the carriage. The driver hadn't seen her, and the windows were blocked. Excellent. She sprinted towards the carriage, suddenly planting her into the ground so that she slid under it and to the other side, where the door was. Forcing her breath to be quiet, she felt her heart rapidly pounding as the guard, the priest, and another guard exited. Now was her chance, before she discovered her. Her first kill was easier than expected. She felt no hesitance as she lifted her long sword and slid it through the armor of the guard, piercing through his heart. It felt natural, smooth, like she had been doing it for years. Seeing the priest panic, before he could flee she moved her arm back, then with all her strength threw the dagger after him. The dagger pierced through his throat, and she heard his pathetic gurgle as he has begun to choke on his own blood while she drew her long sword out of the first guard. The second guard was ready for her now, but she was ready for him as well. Putting both hands on her long sword, she saw the guard charge for her. She knew he was coming. She took a deep breath. There was no time to doubt. As he came close and swung for her, she suddenly jumped up, putting her feet onto the caravan, wall-running across it so she ended up on the other side. Kicking off it, she felt her eyes drawn to his neck. It was exposed. She felt a sudden power rush through her arms, and as she saw the sword descend she saw for a moment it was covered in shadow. And like that, it was over. She found herself panting, her robe partially covered in blood as she lowered her sword, watching the head of the guard slowly fall down from his neck. Looking over her handiwork, she took a moment to admire it, before she walked over to the priest and pulled out the dagger. The rain was already washing the blood away from her hand, away from the dagger, spreading it out all over the ground. No matter. Her work was done. Opening her interface, she saw that the quest had received a "Complete" marker. Smiling happily, she wondered for a moment why nothing was happening, only to look down and notice that her dagger had grown... strange. Looking up to the Quest, she checked its reward, only to see that it said "Starting Weapon Upgrade." Opening the stats for her dagger, she saw that it now did more damage, as well as being rarer and more accurate. Interesting. Swinging it around a bit, she did indeed feel what the Quest had done. But there was something else too. She has begun to feel this... odd warmth. Looking down she saw that golden particles had begun to float softly around her body, and her body, covered in rainwater, no longer felt cold, but... nice and warm. She closed her eyes, feeling her wounds close, her mind going to rest, her body gaining this nice lovely feeling of utter warmth that made her relax like she had never thought she could. And then, it was gone, and in her profile, another thing had been changed. "Level 2." Opening her eyes again, Sheila found herself still standing there, and she realized she should probably get out of there. It was soon dawn already, as she had been spaced out in the square for quite a while, and people would begin to see her there and ask questions. Hiding her dagger inside of her robe again, then sliding her long sword onto her back, she has begun to head towards the inn, where they would meet. Luckily the rain had washed off the majority of the blood, so she didn't look any more suspicious than any other adventurer, and the rain was calming down. By the time she reached the outside of the inn, it had practically disappeared, and the sun was slowly peeking out over the horizon. Just as she arrived, too, she spotted Girard there, looking at his map. She felt herself smile. "Morning~!" She shouted to him, lifting her hand and waving to him.--Sheila: Level 2 Assassin.+100 gold. Dagger (Common) is now Assassin's Dagger (Uncommon). Health: 40. Corruption: 1. Stat increases: Dexterity +1, Endurance +1. Girard glanced over as she heard a call for him. Sheila was arriving from outside, instead of inside, which took him by surprise. Turning to meet her, he gave a small wave to match hers and a smile. "Hello there, Sheila. I've brought what you requested." Rotating his pouch to his front her pulled out the clothing he had bought for her. Holding it out to her, he waited for her to take it. "I can understand if you wish to change? If not, I am ready to depart. I have charted out a path of sorts through the descriptions of the townspeople. That path I have inked down on a little map of my own creation. It may prove useful." Rolling out the parchment he held out the thin trails of ink on the parchment that showed a few mayor landmarks on their trip. When she was done changing, or if she decided not to, he gave a little smile and asked. "Ready to depart?" The journey itself was a bit convoluted, but peaceful. Through the many twist and turns, they went from large roads, to small roads, to hill terrain to plains, all at the order of the map Girard had crudely drawn. Nevertheless no matter how far it seemed they strayed from paths, and how lost they seemed, the next landmark little or large showed up not too long after. Despite his eyes often being on the map, Girard still made certain that his eyes were scanning the areas thoroughly and often. Even with Sheila's assistance, he still felt more comfortable keeping an eye out himself, and that he did. It took all morning, and most of the evening before the outskirts of the town began to rise up over the horizon. The sun had passed it's highest, and was preparing to dip down under the horizon in a few hours, for now though, it let the town bask in its golden rays for just a few hours more. The Crossing was more than what it names would lead you to believe. It was more than just a few shoddy buildings at a crossroads. It was borderline humongous. A several meter tall wall rose from the ground to surround the entirety of the city. Three large roads, big enough to have two carriages ride side by side led to three large doors large enough to fit a giant through. Atop the wall were several guard towers, with armored guards peaking out from windows to keep a look-out for potential threats. In the city, at its very center, a spire rose up, much taller than the wall around the city. Seemingly going up into the clouds before ending in an ornate bronze figurine. Just below that figurine, was a balcony. What laid below and around the spire, was out of eye shot. The walling keeping out any eyes. The travel there wasn't long, but the city wall became more and more towering as they approached. It would seem such a central position in the world is also a dangerous one, and The Crossing had learned what was needed to keep unwanted threats out. Following one of the large paths, they soon reached one of the major doors. For now, they were open, and they were allowed to stroll through the wooden doors tall as trees, under heavy inspection by guards eyes. Nevertheless, they were inside. And free to explore The Crossing." Well Sheila. We have arrived. It should be a few more hours till dusk. I think I will head out to get acquainted with the local inn, and perhaps see if I can find myself a small quest to undertake so that I can pay the stay at the inn. You are still free to tag along if you wish. If not, perhaps we will stumble upon each other soon. That is unless you have some idea or request you think requires my aid?" "I already have enough money for us both to stay at the inn." Sheila concluded, nodding. She had indeed changed into the items he gave her, and in addition to feeling less naked it also held the advantage she was a bit better protected now. "I owe you both for the room and for the armor, so to pay for our stay while we're here is the least I can do. Just don't pick out one of the major inns, I don't think I can pay for something that expensive." She said and shrugged. "I think it's best for us really to try to find some actual quests. So far we've just taken small jobs. I think we need to find something that has us like, actually go out on a real quest. I feel like I am ready to actually begin this game you know?" She said, looking over to him. "Let's find an inn to stay, then we drop off our superfluous gear, and then we go out quest hunting. Sound good?" As she spoke, she was already walking through the streets. She had to admit this place was beautiful. The streets were nice, the houses were made of quality wood, and as they approached a market she could hear that this place was full of life. More importantly perhaps, it was also full of players. She could see people with various gear, hair colors, eye colors, items, all sorts of things, and they were all standing at the market. Selling, buying, haggling, whatever they were doing there were a lot more players there. Most of them were lower level like them, but she could see some players had already managed to get up to as high as level 10, and it was noticeable. They had proper armor, for one, and their weapons looked much stronger than her own. Sheila noted to herself to avoid those players if possible. Beginning to look around she was curious about where there might be an inn. It was already late, and it wasn't good to begin a quest at night. Not for the monk anyway, she was better at night, but she wanted her companion to operate at maximum capacity. She was stronger in the day than he was at night. "I think we should sleep first. Get some food, stock up on healing, wait until a new dawn before we head out. We find the quest today, prepare, then when we go to do it tomorrow. So that you can see. Unless your class can see in the dark?" She asked him, not sure as she was looking around to an inn at the same time. The merchant square seemed to be pretty dry of inns, until she finally found one. It was hidden away behind the booths, a large inn with tables outside called The Merchant's Home. "Will that do?" She asked, glancing over to Girard. "Oh?" Girard said as Sheila told him that she would pay for their stay at the inn. He wasn't against the idea, but he hadn't expected it either. "I didn't expect you to pay for my stay at the inn. You don't have to pay me back; I'm certain that what coins I've spent is minimal in comparison to what we'll b acquiring soon enough. However, if you insist I won't decline." Smiling he followed her to the marketplace, this new town was filled with new expressions. The townspeople in the market stands, as well as the many faces that differed from the standard of the townspeople which he could only conclude to be fellow players and adventurers. The market itself was brimming with a variety of exotic wares. Most were food wares, alchemical potions or other exotic wares he couldn't tell what was, at least not yet. There was the odd weapon stand or leather worker selling his wares, but presumably those had their own shops where they sold their more traditional wares. These here at the market was aimed towards the adventurers, and so was the other stands. Selling preserved foods and potions which could probably aid in one's quest, or had other properties like the one he had taken earlier. Their goal wasn't the market though, and as they arrived at the inn he gave a smile to warm Smile to Sheila and nodded. "Any inn that welcomes weary travelers with open arms and clean sheets will do just perfectly." Together they entered the inn, and with a short conversation with the innkeeper, they had secured themselves bed for the night. Exiting the inn, they were greeted with the bustling noise of the market once more. "I'd much prefer to go adventuring in the day. As much as I know I can perceive in the dark, I know I will be greatly stumped in terms of combat without proper lighting for me to find and abuse weak points of enemies." Leading the way towards the many booths of the market, he kept on his flow of sentences. "Hopefully you'll still find yourself at home in what shadows the blocked rays of the sun cause. If not, I'm certain your agility will allow you to maneuver in a way to get behind enemies nevertheless." Stopping at a booth that sold herbs of all varieties, Girard had a lengthy conversation with the female NPC behind the booth, earning himself a little more knowledge of the more local herbs, so that he could spot potential helping herbs from potentially dangerous ones. At the end of their conversation, he was offered 30 gold pieces forever Incubus Root he could bring to her, and he promised he'd bring any such roots he came across to her. In her last sentence she mentioned that if he could bring five roots to her, she'd give him an Incubus Root extracts on top of the gold as a reward, and a quest popped up in his quest log for the collection of those roots." Perhaps we should check with the wanted board. Perhaps there are someone needing the help of adventurers like us. Certainly there will be much need for the services us adventurers provide in a city like this. Whether it be a pest problem of sorts, rare materials or something different entirely." With that Girard made his way away from the market, and asked a townsman where to find the wanted board, it seemingly was by the guard barracks, and turning to look at Sheila he asked. "Perhaps it would be better if I go there alone then? Scout out what quests are worth our time and effort? You could always seek out local shops to see if they need some materials from creatures in the local area. Unless you're comfortable, in which case I'll gladly have the company." Whether she chose to go with him or not, he made his way to the wanted board by the guard barracks, and began to read the posters for quests. There was a wide variety of services which was asked for, most notable was a request for a band of adventurers to clear out a den not too far from the eastern road where a pack of kobolds has made their home. They had apparently made traveling merchants reluctant to travel that road, and cut off a third of the towns usual travel. The reward was a hefty pouch of 500 gold. Girard judged the reward to signify a rather high threat, but took the poster and folded it into his pouch nevertheless. Another poster that sprung to his eyes was an alchemist that looked for mercenaries for an expedition to a forest to the north. Apparently the creatures dwelling in the forest had gotten more territorial and restless, borderline aggressive, towards any and all who attempted to enter the forest. The reward was a variety of herbs and extracts, as well as the promise of a third of any herbs of notable value they might come across. The third poster that caught his eye was a call for help. Apparently a gang of thieves in the town had started to prey on the merchants in such a way that some shops were threatening to close down from losses. The sum of 800 gold was given to those who could stop the thieves from continuing their agenda, and a price of 1200 gold was given to anyone who could bring back the head of the leader of thieves to the barracks. It certainly wasn't a quest Girard would have picked himself, but nevertheless he folded the poster along with the prior into his pouch. A last poster he looked at was seemingly written by a player. Requesting that any and all players who had demon like appearance came to a building in the far outskirts of the town. It didn't say more than that, only that the potential reward was more than words could describe. Girard didn't take the poster, but he noted the address for potential exploring if he ever found the spare time. The nature of these items that changed a very beings properties and appearance was certainly curious to him, and he would like to get to know more if the opportunity presented itself. With that he had gathered enough potential quests for now, and decided to consult Sheila again. Whether she had followed him or went off to her own. "So, what do you think? He asked her showing the posters to her. "Personally I'm leaning towards the forest exploration, but I am not opposed to the others either." She thought about it for a while. She seemed hesitant, as if she was weighing the options, all of them. A lot of them were tempting honestly. "Kobolds are tempting. They should be threatening, but enough to challenge us. I would however say that the quest for the thieves are fascinating, but could also be highly dangerous. I think our safest bet might just be to go with the herb quests. Furthermore, I need some herbs for my poison making, and you need it for your potion making, and potent and rare herbs are hard to find if you don't know where to look. So that might just be our best bet." She said and nodded. "I will try to find some poison that I can use for this mission, premade stuff will do. I don't know where to find the ingredients I need for other poison making, it seems poison making is really complex according to the skill guide I read on the way here... and unlike potions I can end up poisoning myself if I do it wrong. Which would be bad, for obvious reasons." She said and nodded." So, with that, let us meet up back at the inn by sundown lets say, then discuss our plans for tomorrow." She said and nodded again. "I will see you then." She said, then she casually gave him a wave. He blinked once, and by the time he blinked again she was far gone. She headed out of the square, she needed to go somewhere more sneaky for this kind of herbs and potions she figured. Using her sense of direction, she managed to eventually find a sketchy looking place which sold exactly what she needed. Some bargaining and twenty gold later, she found herself outside the shop with a few flasks of standard poison that would cause extra damage if allowed to fester in the wound, which would take about 4 seconds. Very potent stuff in other words, but she supposed it had to be if it was to be any danger to any enemies. With that done, she went off to find some healing potions, as well as some kind of poison of disease resistance, figuring there were stuff in the forest they would have to be careful not to encounter. She didn't want some kind of weird mystical disease to haunt her for her entire playtime. After that was done, and some shopping for a bigger bag, as well as a bedroll and a blanket plus some torches, she headed back to the inn, noticing the sun was already going down, wondering if Girard had done his own duties.-----40 gold. "We shall meet by sundown then, yes." Girard repeated and gave the female a small nod. As for what he was going to do, perhaps now was the time to experience the place which called for demon-issue players. Not that he himself was one, or aspired to be one, but perhaps he could enlighten himself in the ways of the world, and already he had exhausted his supply of coins, so options were limited apart from attaining knowledge. Seeing Sheila walk off, he himself walked off. Unfamiliar with the design of the town, he asked for directions from a few townspeople and rather quickly arrived at the address. Perhaps it should be expected, but the shortened of the building before his eyes stills took in stark contrast to the other buildings he had encountered so far. This place wasn't just poorly built or repaired like a poor peasants home, it looked downright abandoned and had probably been so for a while. He was in the city, with the guards patrolling, but still he felt a need to ready himself for a potential threat. Happy he hadn't unwrapped his hands from their travel, he walked to the door of the building and cautiously knocked a few times. Not too terribly long after the door swung inwards, and a figure appeared in the dark before him. Girard squinted his eyes to try and get a better look, and the first thing he noticed were the very noticeable stubs on his forehead that protruded. They looked bonelike in texture, and could be deduced as being horns. At first, it didn't seem to be the case, but quickly it dawned on him that it's skin was ashen in texture, a grayish texture that covered the person's body. Girard wasn't certain what to say, the sight was certainly unexpected, and as he saw something move in the corner of his eye he almost stepped back in preparation for a fight. It was however no adversary, but instead a slim pitch black tail that moved with the demonic figure in front of him. "You are no demon." A voice said from the darkness, and Girard felt the words get stuck in his throat, uncertain of what to say to his uninvited appearance. "Why have you come here?" It asked, and just now Girard realized that the slithering voice was female." I saw your poster, and grew intrigued as to why a player would ask for such a specific thing." The female figure in the door gave a smirk, and seemed to go from unfriendly to welcoming as Girard stated his intentions. "Well then, come in~" She coo'd in a weird change of voice. Girard wasn't certain if this was the right move, but he did step into the house anyway. "So, tell me, why are you searching for players with demon traits?" The figure turned around a bit into the building and winked, her tail sloshing around behind her back. "Well, youmusthave noticed by now. This world is just like our own, except. We have the joy of transforming our bodies into our wildest desires!" Her tone darkened into a sultry one, a seducing low slithering tone. "With everything that comes with it." Girard was uncertain what she was talking about, yet he was curious about what she meant about changing one's bodies. He had undergone some light changes himself, but most certainly nothing as drastic as what stood before him." Could you perhaps elaborate?" Girard asked with an attempt of a friendly facade, but the female figure was quicker than he imagined, and before long her claw like fingers were against his chest, her tail swirling around his leg like a vice. "Perhaps. You'd rather want demonstration?" Girard reeled back and almost fell from how her tail was around his leg. "T-thank you but, I'll have to decline." The girl didn't seem to appreciate that notion, and with a low hiss she jumped back. "Leave!" She yelled angrily at Girard, and Girard was quick to comply, feeling like he had overstayed his welcome. Shortly after, he was back out on the street, and the door slammed shut behind him. Giraryu walked back towards the inn, feeling confused as to what he had just witnessed. It definitely was far from his expectations. That only made him question what the intention of finding fellow demon-like players were, but for now he decided that enough exploring was enough and soon found himself strolling up the now closing market towards the inn. He wasn't certain why, but despite the rudeness of himself and his 'host' he found himself wanting to return, for a reason he couldn't explain. Perhaps his curiosity hadn't been sated, and he figured he could still learn something from his less than friendly new 'friend.' At that moment, he arrived by the inn, and stopped to look around for Sheila. Sheila was lying in a pale of hay outside the inn, relaxing, her eyes closed. She found herself in a pretty good mood for some reason, almost about to doze off when she heard Girard approaching, and approaching quickly for some reason. She wondered what was wrong, but as she leaned up she just saw him standing there, looking around. Blinking, she wondered what he had been in such a hurry for. Ah well, no matter. Standing up, she stretched out, giving out a groan of satisfaction as her leather tunic moved upwards to reveal her fit dark-skinned stomach, then she leaned back down again, beginning to move over to him with confident steps, her curly hair now hanging a bit chaotically behind her, but she did not mind it, she was honestly getting used to how hard it was to take care of such wild hair as hers in this place." You're later than I thought." She said and smiled at him. "Ah well. I've talked with the owners at the inn and due to overbooking tonight, due to an influx of new players, they've said we need to share the same room. They refunded us for the other room though, so that's good. Still. I hope you don't mind me being in the same room. I'll sleep with clothes on don't worry, I bought a long cloth shirt and some thin pants for this exact reason. Closest I got to a pyjama in this city." She said and nodded. "If you... do mind though, I guess I could find another inn." She added, a little bit more hesitant. She knew it would be weird for someone pure like him to be in the same room as her, but it wouldn't be that bad. Not like they were going to do something or anything, they were just gonna lie in separate beds for the night. What was wrong with that? Girard found Sheila approaching, and gave her a smile. He already felt a bit more calmed down. Raising a hand in greeting he said. "Hello there. How have you been?" Despite his attempts at regaining his calm exterior he was still a light bit shaken up on the inside. He was however able to keep it together, and as Sheila spoke he swiftly shook his head and said. "No, no, I cannot refuse the one paying for my room a bed to sleep in. I will not mind, if you won't either. After all, were out to get rest so that we may be ready for tomorrow. Sending you off on your way again instead of sharing a room with you would be counterproductive." Giraryu let Sheila lead them into their shared room, and found himself a home on a bed. Sitting down there he started unwrapping his hand wraps. Packing those away into his pouch, he looked over at Sheila. "Did you find your ingredients for the poison you wished to make?" Laying down on his back on the bed, he looked up at the ceiling. "This world continues to surprise me. It certainly is full of new . Wonders. I am excited to see more of it, especially as I progress through the world and grow stronger. Perhaps by the end of my journey, I will miss what I've had here. Perhaps I will resent it. Nevertheless it certainly is a spectacle this world." He mumbled more or less to himself as he laid down.

In The Database (Sheng x Affy)|rating:4.0

[NSFW] - Atomic Highway OOC

IOC conversation and character sheets go here. If we need any more more I'll start some stuff on my forum. Post your sheets in your first posts! Also, everyone roll a 3d6. You get that many silver dollars as "currency" Name: William or 'Will' Grimes. Stats:Muscle: 2Understanding: 3Tenacity: 2Appeal: 3 nimbleness: 4 toughness: 2 senses: 2Health: 0000, 0000, 0000REARING:Remnant Pursuit: Road-warrior. Skills: Athletics 1, Brawl 2, Drive 3, Melee 1, Notice 2, Persuade 3, Shoot 4, Salvage 2, Stealth 1, Survive 1, Savvy 3, Tech 3, Lore 2. Weapon: Knife, 9mm handgun (fully loaded). Armor: Motorcycle leathers, Light, protection 2. Gear: Small metal toolbox; a few essential mechanic’s tools (wrenches, tire iron, small oil can, etc.), Gas mask; Geiger counter. 12 spare rounds. Clothes: Shirt, Pants, Gloves. Car: SUV. 13 points. Total points: 20Natural Advantages: Off road capable. Customizations. Pivot Turret: 2Weapon, Machine Gun, Medium: 2Vehicle Armor, Light: 1Solid Tires: 2Total spent: 20Muscle: 3Speed: 2 nimbleness: 2 toughness: 3Appearance: Buzzed red hair, six foot two. Backstory:A childhood in a remnant bunker is one of the best ones you can find in the worlds current state. A sentiment that William holds dear along with the memories from those times. Another bonus to being a remnant is that they provide a nearly unparalleled education; at least if compared to the outside world. With the lifestyle comes an acute knowledge of how things can quickly go wrong bring it to an end leaving everyone out in the wastes. Combined with a sense of exploration fueled by the wish to find some way to ensure the continuation of his home Will set out into the wastelands. Out there he managed to find a car leading to his career as a road warrior roaming the land in the hopes of finding something that could help his home. Personality:Silver dollars: 4. Original roll 3,3,1. Void rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 7 For: d6 Rolled on: April-15-2015, 03:25pm See dice roll details 3 3 1 Leo "lion" McCormicLeoMuscle: 2Understanding: 2Tenacity: 3Appeal: 2 nimbleness: 5 toughness: 2 senses: 2health: 0000, 0000, 0000, 000Rearing: Nomad Pursuit: Bounty hunter Athletics 2Brawl 2Criminal 1Drive 1Intimidate 2Melee 4Notice 2Persuade 2Scavenge 2Shoot 4Stealth 3Survive 1Savvy 2 Weapons: Bludgeon, Blunt, Light; Net; Sword, Medium; Rifle, Heavy;Clothing: Gloves; boots; pants; shirt; coat; Hat;Gear: box of matches (20); 6 sets of manacles; canteen (full); 50-ft. coil of rope; 3 emergency flares;7 pieces of silver. Leo is not a nice man. He grew up in a group of nomads that liked to think they were unstoppable. They went around taking what they wanted, without any regard for anyone. They left a trail of bodies and burnt caravans in their wake. All Leo saw was waste. They didn't leave anyone alive to be robbed later. They had no source for their own supplies. They had no structure and were constantly killing each other. By the time they had run out of easy prey and had killed themselves trying to take a stead, Leo had made his exit. He would find a group of like-minded individuals, who knew the harsh lessons of the wasteland, but understood that people were a resource to be exploited. As far as his reputation goes, he's a known slaver who while not the best fighter has proven himself hard to kill, and is a notorious horn dog who likes his women in varying states of willingness. Mathis rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 7 For: Atomic highway Rolled on: April-15-2015, 03:36pm See dice roll details 1 1 5, Thank you. We're going to have to polish up your backgrounds too before I post the IC. So, give me your stuff and we'll see how it works. Nomad Scavenger Muscle 1, Understanding 5, Tenacity 3, Appeal 2, Nimbleness 3, Toughness 1, Senses 3 Athletics 2, Brawl 1, Lore 2, Melee 2, Notice 2, Persuade 3, Pilot 1, Savvy 1, Scavenge 4, Science 1, Shoot 2, Stealth 2, Tech 4 Pants, Boots, Vest, Cloak, Scarf, Gas Mask Knife, Crowbar, Heavy Crossbow w/ 12 Bolts, Short Spear Geiger Counter, Tools, Large Pack2 Apparel, Automotive, Farm, House, Medical, Lawn, Military, Sporting, Industrial3 Dresses, 3 Bras, 2 Basic Tool Sets, 6 Cans Outdoor Paint, 3 Cans Meat, Coffee Maker, 5 Bottles Disinfectant, 1 Lighter Wand, 2 Heavy Rifles, Two-Man Tent, 2 Tape Measures. Bailey Maturing rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 10 For: Coins Rolled on: April-15-2015, 04:04pm See dice roll details 4 3 3 at work. More later Oder ArnufsonGender: Male Rearing: Nomad Pursuit: Raider4 :Muscle2 :Understanding3 :Tenacity1 :Appeal3 :Nimbleness3 :Toughness2 :Senses Health: 0000, 0000, 0000, 0000, 0000, 0000, 0000, 00Athletics 1Brawl 3Survive 2Intimidate 3Melee 4Notice* 2Persuade 1Savvy 3Scavenge 1Shoot 3Stealth 2Survive 1Tech 2 Mutations: Enduring, Swift Flaws: Mute, Cosmetic Flaw: Freakishly Large Weapon ATR Sky Dam RNG Cap RLD Hands Baseball Bat Muscle Melee M+2N - - - 1Axe, Heavy Muscle Melee M+10L - - - 2 Brass Knuckles Muscle Melee M+1L - - - 1Pump Shotgun Nimble Shoot 12L Short 8 1 2 Burst Armor Type / Protection:Clothes:Pants, Boots, Gloves, Vest, Helmet Gear: Mechanic’s tools Money: 10 Silver Dollars Transportation:Motorcycle: Cruiser: Harley Davidson: Muscle3: Nimbleness2: Toughness3: Speed Passengers: Driver +1Health: 30 Flaws: No Cover Base Cost: 5Customization:Ram Rider Cockpit Roll Cage Increased Muscle Increased Toughness Increased Speed Background: Oder was born in a Nomadic Raider band called the Hell Riders, their territory skirting the edge of New York City occasionally battling with Frogs and undead that reside closer to the old city. The Hell Riders noticed the risk ages ago and a combination of always maintaining a specific distance from the epicenter of the Radiation and bringing in fresh blood in the form of women brought in on raids from cleaner areas have kept mutations to a minimum. However, mutations DO occasionally arise, sometimes small horns, or a stubby tail, or fangs, or claws, or spiked knuckles appear. Oder was one of these occasional mutations, though his wasn't noticeable until he began to grow...and grow...and grow. He's now the biggest member of the Hell Riders, and one of the deadliest Probes (probational members) seen in a long time. However, that's gotten him to his head and gotten him in trouble just recently. He got into a fight with a full-patched member of the band, nearly killing him in the process. Not only that but his victim was the younger brother of the Band's leader. Luckily in the eyes of the boss and the older patched members said little brother was a dick that needed a beat down. However, infighting like that isn't tolerated as it would result in the band tearing itself apart leaving them wide open for the Frogs and undead. Oder needed to get away for a while to allow things to cool down. And so Oder was told he needed to go on his lone ride (the test required to become a full patched member). He'd go out alone for about a year and bring back Fresh Blood (i.e. a girl) and as much loot as his Hog can carry. Odger is young, strong, and extremely confident in his prowess, sometimes allowing that to get to his head. Brian Boru rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 10 Rolled on: April-15-2015, 05:03pm See dice roll details 3 5 2 So....do we start now? Or are we still waiting? I saw the IC thread but no one else has posted yet... psychodrama wanted to do a once over of our character backgrounds Ah...alright then....rather surprised no one's commented on my hit points....also DAMN is Daily fragile... Brian Boru said: ↑ Ah...alright then....rather surprised no one's commented on my hit points....also DAMN is Daily fragile... Click to expand... There isn't much say anything. We only need to hide behind you when a fight breaks out. Less a do-over and more some polish. But it can be done while we play as you're backgrounds are not an immediate. Concern. Give me something detailed, about a page and PM it to me, we'll tweak it to fit, so I can give you some side plots, I'll give you a little XP as a reward. Or I could use you all as missiles if need be. Psychodrama said: ↑ Less a do-over and more some polish. But it can be done while we play as you're backgrounds are not an immediate. Concern. Give me something detailed, about a page and PM it to me, we'll tweak it to fit, so I can give you some side plots, I'll give you a little XP as a reward. Click to expand... I'll get a proper one up this evening. But let's just say Oder's band does NOT like full-blown Frogs nor the undead. Brian Boru said: ↑ I'll get a proper one up this evening. But let's just say Oder's band does NOT like full-blown Frogs nor the undead. Click to expand... You're pretty solid, the best so far. You just need to fill yours out. I sent you a draft. Tell me what you think, I'm still open to a lot of change. It's solid so far. Though you guys CAN start on the IC. My background could use some further detailing to say the least. I'll kick the IC off by moving the plot along.Am I assuming that our PC's have at least work together enough that we have a working relationship. Unless that isn't what people want. Actually I'm thinking this would probably be where you meet. But if individually you guys want to know each other, that's cool. We might know each other's reputation if you have any savvy. We may not have worked together. Mathis said: ↑ we might know each other's reputation if you have any savvy. We may not have worked together. Click to expand... A bit questionable since unless we've made serious names for ourselves beforehand, our characters are unlikely to be known names that relative strangers would know. Any group we've associated with might be known, the character themselves are likely more riding on the coattails of their associations. Edit: I'll be tailoring the response to instead reflect that we don't really know one another. Edit 2: This post delay was brought to you by 'oh fuck there's something I need to do!' Name: Jericho Crane Concept:Rearing: BartertownerPursuit: Road Warrior Attributes:3:Muscle3:Understanding2:Tenacity2:Appeal4:Nimbleness2:Toughness2:Senses Health:12 Skills:Athletics: 1Boat:Brawl: 2Criminal: 2Drive: 2Heal:Intimidate:Lore: 1Melee: 2Notice: 3Persuade: 2Pilot:Ride:Savvy: 3Scavenge: 2Shoot: 4Slight:Stealth: 1Survive:Tech: 3Zoofinity:Fortune: 5MutationsFlawsArmor Type/Protection Light 2Weapon ATT Sky Dam RNG Cap RLD Hands Burst Knife M+2L 1Heavy Handgun 10L short 10 1 1Clothing:PantsBootsShirtJacketHatglovesGear:Small metal toolbox Mechanic’s tools12 silver Transport:Dodge Challenger Muscle: 3 Nimbleness: 2 Toughness: 2Speed: 4 passengers: driver+3Armor: 11 Weapons: medium machine gun (fixed, forward), ram off-road capable Health: 75total cost: 20 How's this for a background:Name: Jericho Crane Age: 28Hair: black eyes: green Background:Jericho grew up in New Reading, a small barter town near the ruins of Reading, Pa. It was through his father that his love of cars grew. That and the road warriors. Crane’s father was a local greaser who was always working on people’s cars. Not everyone had them, there weren’t many around anymore, but those that did come to Jonathan Crane, especially the road warriors. They always had the most souped up vehicles, the biggest guns, and gorgeous women. From then on Jericho always wanted to be a road warrior, clad in black leather with a big gun and beautiful blonde at his side. Road warriors, however, weren’t the only thing he grew up with in New Reading. The town was run by a man named Alfredo Romano. He claimed to be descended from the mafia dons of old and ran the town like it was the mob. Anyone who caused him trouble ended up dead. He controlled all manor of nefarious enterprises. Weapons, drugs, gambling, slaves, etc., he got a piece of everything. This was the thing young Jericho admired most about Don Romano, his power. All manner of ne'er-do-wells were in his employ including more than a few road warriors and raiders. While Jericho dreamed of being a road warrior, it was the kind of power and respect that Don Romano had that he wanted most. That was why he was in Stark’s Hold fast, to find a crew. ggt102 rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 12 For: money Rolled on: April-16-2015, 05:09am See dice roll details 2 5 5, So who's the mousy woman everyone's mentioning in their IC posts? That Daily? Yeah. ggt102 said: ↑ How's this for a background: Name: Jericho Crane Age: 28 Hair: black eyes: green Background: Jericho grew up in New Reading, a small barter town near the ruins of Reading, Pa. It was through his father that his love of cars grew. That and the road warriors. Crane’s father was a local greaser who was always working on people’s cars. Not everyone had them, there weren’t many around anymore, but those that did come to Jonathan Crane, especially the road warriors. They always had the most souped up vehicles, the biggest guns, and gorgeous women. From then on Jericho always wanted to be a road warrior, clad in black leather with a big gun and beautiful blonde at his side. Road warriors, however, weren’t the only thing he grew up with in New Reading. The town was run by a man named Alfredo Romano. He claimed to be descended from the mafia dons of old and ran the town like it was the mob. Anyone who caused him trouble ended up dead. He controlled all manor of nefarious enterprises. Weapons, drugs, gambling, slaves, etc., he got a piece of everything. This was the thing young Jericho admired most about Don Romano, his power. All manner of ne'er-do-wells were in his employ including more than a few road warriors and raiders. While Jericho dreamed of being a road warrior, it was the kind of power and respect that Don Romano had that he wanted most. That was why he was in Stark’s Hold fast, to find a crew. ggt102 rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 12 For: money Rolled on: April-16-2015, 05:09am See dice roll details 2 5 5 Click to expand... We need to talk about this in PM. MARCO! Anyone there? POLO! Guys, I need you to at least bunch up a bit. When you do, I'll be able to introduce you to someone. Revised background:Name: Jericho Crane Age: 18Hair: black eyes: green Background:Jericho grew up in New Reading, a small barter town near the ruins of Reading, Pa. It was through his father that his love of cars grew. That and the road warriors. Crane’s father was a local greaser who was always working on people’s cars. Not everyone had them, there weren’t many around anymore, but those that did come to Jonathan Crane, especially the road warriors. They always had the most souped up vehicles, the biggest guns, and gorgeous women. From then on Jericho always wanted to be a road warrior, clad in black leather with a big gun and beautiful blonde at his side. Many of them were outlaws who took what they wanted when they wanted it and damn the consequences. That was the thing that appealed most to young Jericho, being able to go and do whatever he wanted. In order to do that he would need a car. One day a guy came into the Crane’s shop with a car he wanted to be fixed up. It was a Dodge Challenger from the mid 2010s and in dire need of repairs. Jericho fell in love with it immediately. This was the car he needed, and he was going to take it. That night he followed the guy to a local saloon and waited. Two hours later the guy came out stinking drunk. Jericho followed as he staggered into a dark alley. That was when he struck. Jericho picked up a metal pipe off the ground and swung it at the man’s head, knocking him to the ground. He continued hitting him until the man was dead. Jericho found a set of keys on the man’s body and took them along with his gun and riding leathers. Thankfully they were the right size. He also took whatever money the guy had and raced back to the shop. He burned his bloody clothing and cleaned up the riding leathers. Now the car was his. He and his dad got it running again and over time Jericho used the skills his dad had taught him to make improvements to it. He lifted the suspension to make it off-road capable and added a ram to further protect the front of the vehicle. Furthermore, he also added a supercharger to increase the speed. Now it was time to make a name for himself and become an outlaw. All he needed to do was find a few like-minded individuals. That was why he was in Stark’s Hold fast, to find a crew. 1) GG. Line breaks. Use them.2) Mathis. Use proper fucking grammar and capitalization in the IC. Brian Boru said: ↑ MARCO! Anyone there? Click to expand... Kinda! Am in the middle of finishing off a research paper and just got back from night classes. Void said: ↑ Kinda! Am in the middle of finishing off a research paper and just got back from night classes. Click to expand... And you're rolling a notice check, right? Psychodrama said: ↑ And you're rolling a notice check, right? Click to expand... Using senses as the attribute right? Void rolled 2 die of 6 faces, total: 6 For: Notice check Rolled on: April-17-2015, 02:57am See dice roll details 1 5 Use one skill point to bump the 5 into a 6 and just dump the other into 1 just to use it up. Edit: Now to get back trying to finish that paper, which is currently being physically painful. Somehow this didn't end up on my watched list and I mostly use the watch/alert system. Writing my PM toPsyckosamanow. Do you have Skype or anything for quicker chatting about character stuff? Psychodrama said: ↑ 1) Greg. Line breaks. Use them. 2) Mathis. Use proper fucking grammar and capitalization in the IC. Click to expand... Line breaks? Oh and Psykosama, don't use my real name online. Anyone know any good sites where you can link your rolls because this isn't going to work with how the dice rolling system works in this game. I agree with Brian. This site's dice roller doesn't work well with this game. RPO would be better. I would have suggested invisible castle but apparently the site's gone Kaput!. Never heard of it. Psychodrama said: ↑ 1) Greg. Line breaks. Use them. 2) Mathis. Use proper fucking grammar and capitalization in the IC. Click to expand... Are my grammar and capitalization sufficient now? We could use the IRC channel, like so: IRC said: 10:44 PM Lt;BaileyCat> Roll d6 10:44 PM Lt;qqbot> Bailey Cat rolled 1d6: 6 = [6], 6 = [6], 1 = [1]Click to expand... ggt102 said: ↑ Never heard of it. Click to expand... Invisible Castle Is or rather WAS a die rolling website that allowed you to post a link to the results of the roll as a way of preventing cheating though the dice could be...wonky from time to time. There is an IRC button at the top left of the page. Mathis said: ↑ There is an IRC button at the top left of the page. Click to expand... I just noticed it lol! let's do rolls here from now on. They clutter shit up. Mathis said: ↑ Are my grammar and capitalization sufficient now? Click to expand... yes works for me. Going to try and get some action in on the RP before I head to bed. It is two thirty in the morning, and this is the post my brain wants me to make. Bad idea said: "Those aren't even similar. See, this," she says, as she hauls out a tool kit from under her chair, "is a socket wrench." Katie pulls out the named implement. "And this," she says, as she reaches in and pulls out a distinctly phallic silicone shaft, "is a dildo. Now, if you look carefully, you can see that they are nothing alike. About the only thing they have in common, is that I could use either one to get an engine running. I don't think you could use either." Click to expand... I'm going to bed. I'll post something less likely to initiate combat in the morning. Fucking post that, please...that's fucking hilarious. Psychodrama said: ↑ Fucking post that, please... that's fucking hilarious. Click to expand... Don't post that. It'll likely provoke Jericho into blowing the bitch's head off. ggt102 said: ↑ Don't post that. It'll likely provoke Jericho into blowing the bitch's head off. Click to expand... Which would in turn get Jericho shot by everyone else in the place. He'd know better. I'm more concerned about any chance of party cohesion getting shot. I go to sleep and the thread explodes with action. Missed like three good chances to mention that I am a slaver. Ok, now I've got to work myself into the conversation. Mathis said: ↑ I go to sleep and the thread explodes with action. Missed like three good chances to mention that I am a slaver. Ok, now I've got to work myself into the conversation. Click to expand... You wanna back track a hair and reply to some of his stuff. Just say you had a little side talk? I'm willing to make allowances OK I'll do that. Psychodrama said: ↑ Fucking post that, please... that's fucking hilarious. Click to expand... If everyone thinks this is a good idea, I can move forwards with this, I just thought that 3 AM was not a good time to be posting things that could potentially require somebody to reroll their character. Lore roll. Void rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 14 For: Lore Rolled on: April-17-2015, 07:51pm See dice roll details 5 5 4 A point into each of the fives for two successes. In the future, when you roll, also state what skill you have. If that was to me, I listed Lore 2 in the "who said this" part of the quote box. Ok. Was a Savvy roll though. Sill understanding. Still did well. Savy roll for Leo Mathis rolled 2 die of 6 faces, total: 8 For: Savvy Rolled on: April-17-2015, 10:18pm See dice roll details 2 6 even with my savvy of 3 I only get one success and rerolling the six Mathis rolled 1 die of 6 faces, total: 6 For: Savvy sixes Rolled on: April-17-2015, 10:20pm See dice roll details 6 gets me another successrerolling again Mathis rolled 1 die of 6 faces, total: 2 For: Savvy sixes2 Rolled on: April-17-2015, 10:22pm See dice roll details 2 no dice!still two successes Name: Patch Gender: Male Rearing: BartertownerPursuit: Skulk2 :Muscle3 :Understanding3: Tenacity1 :Appeal3 :Nimbleness2 :Toughness4 :Senses Health: 14Fortune: 52 : Athletics*0 : Boat1 : Brawl*3 : Criminal0 : Drive0 : Heal0 : Intimidate0 : Lore2 : Melee*3 : Notice*3 : Persuade*0 : Pilot0 : Ride3 : Savvy1 : Scavenge*0 : Science1 : Shoot*2 : Sleight4 : Stealth*1 : Survive1 : Tech0 : ZoofinityWeapons:Knifex2, blackjack, light crossbow, combat knifex6Gear:crowbar, lock picks,18 shotgun shells,8 metal pipes, Clothes:Pants, comfortable boots, tough shirt, patched coat, rough scarf used as either head or mouth covering Appearance:Short brown hair, a plain face and just a tough above average in height, he cuts an altogether unremarkable picture. Patch is one of those things that just tend to happen. Nobody is quite sure why, from where, or how, but one morning he's just always been there and part of the background buzz. And he likes it that way. He doesn't say much, half of what he does say is made up of grunts, and the rest is terse, short, and to the point. He is also a consummate practitioner of bastardy, having come to hold the opinion that all people are just naturally assholes early in life, and thereupon the realization that it was perfectly fine being an asshole right back. Furthermore, he then proceeded to break into his hometown's mayor's office, stab his dog, and steal all the stuff out of his strongbox before disappearing into the night. Or maybe it was something else? Nobody is quite sure. Again, Patch likes it that way. Whether he's here to stay or will just run off into the night with whatever valuables people think they have squirreled away remains up in the air tho. Would it be a Savvy role to know what high quality slaves would fetch? Yes. Savvy or Criminal with Understanding. Psychodrama said: ↑ Yes. Savvy or Criminal with Understanding. Click to expand... Alright. Void rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 11 For: Savvy 3 Rolled on: April-18-2015, 04:39am See dice roll details 3 5 3 Only one success once the extra points from savvy have been spent. Right, when it comes down to negotiations which attribute would be used? Appeal or understanding? Void said: ↑ Right, when it comes down to negotiations which attribute would be used? Appeal or understanding? Click to expand... Depends on your approach. Appeal most of the time. Ok. I think I'll go ahead and make start with a high demand of 40% of their estimated value and see where the haggling from there goes unless anyone has objections. Now that I am free from papers and such at the moment I'll also see about getting an improved background thrown your way. Void rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 12 For: Persuade 3 Rolled on: April-18-2015, 03:26pm See dice roll details 4 3 5 Two successes. Add one point to the five and the remaining two to the 4. I'm going to attempt to haggle the guy up to 30%. I'm rolling persuade/appeal ggt102 rolled 2 die of 6 faces, total: 11 For: haggling Rolled on: April-19-2015, 03:18am See dice roll details 5 6 ggt102 rolled 1 die of 6 faces, total: 1 For: haggling Rolled on: April-19-2015, 03:19am See dice roll details 1 Would it even be possible to lend a helping hand on this? Traditionally the most skilled person rolls and the rest might lend a degree of assistance... Psychodrama said: ↑ traditionally the most skilled person rolls and the rest might lend a degree of assistance... Click to expand... This is true. Usually the person with the highest skill/attribute makes the roll and gets to add a number of extra dice to the roll equal to the number of people assisting. The problem is that I'm the one that made the attempt, and I'm definitely not the person with the highest scores in persuade/appeal. Well you're a better negotiator than me. Leo's going to sit this one out. My main question was, since a roll already been given. Do we re-roll or keep rolling with that been done? Since the lag time with forum games mean it can be a while before anyone responds. Void said: ↑ My main question was, since a roll already been given. Do we re-roll or keep rolling with that been done? Since the lag time with forum games mean it can be a while before anyone responds. Click to expand... He's already replied to my post so it's too late to reroll, but you could help me convince him it's worth his while to give us 30%. ggt102 said: ↑ He's already replied to my post so it's too late to reroll, but you could help me convince him it's worth his while to give us 30%. Click to expand... I'd be plenty willing to help with that. Edit: Just be sure to wait for me. Void said: ↑ I'd be plenty willing to help with that. Edit: Just be sure to wait for me. Click to expand... No problem. Don't forget you add an extra die and skill point to your roll since we'd work together ggt102 said: ↑ No problem. Don't forget you add an extra die and skill point to your roll since we'd work together Click to expand... Right I'll go first then IC. Edit: There we go. Go ahead and add your piece so we can get rolling. Void said: ↑ Right I'll go first then IC. Edit: There we go. Go ahead and add your piece so we can get rolling. Click to expand... I replied. Let's hope it works. Would an extended list of terms, conditions, math bombardment, and sub-clauses work as an understanding/persuade check? Now that the door has been opened on "some of you are more valuable than others" she's going to try and split "30% for the group" into a smaller percentage each, with the prep work she'll be doing with any vehicles involved (you are providing them right, and a couple medical manuals, so I can play nursemaid on the girls headed back) counted as a separate job tracked independently of the success of the kidnapping itself, given that the improvements made to the vehicles will still be there even if they never see the girls to be kidnapped. Of course, she needs an assistant, so perhaps Jericho can prove his chops a bit there, and overall, the whole thing can come out like so:Will 7% Leader Leo 6% Muscle Katie-Ann 4% NursemaidOdger 6% Muscle Jericho 5% Backup28%Katie-Ann 4% Mechanic Jericho 2% Assistant6%34%Total Bailey Maturing said: ↑ Would an extended list of terms, conditions, math bombardment, and sub-clauses work as an understanding/persuade check? Click to expand... The guy doesn't exactly strike me as the most inclined towards when it comes to detailed break down when paying goons. But if it can swing it to use your understanding with all of our own assists. That's a lot of dice. He does however strike me as the kind of guy to appreciate other people being that detail oriented. That is true. Also, Jericho's reaction to being called backup, and insulted on his skills, only to later realize he's getting paid as much as the leader, will be hilarious. As muscle, I disapprove of the f act that I'm the least well paid on the total list. *shakes fist*besides how are we going to swing 34%?he's uncertain at 30%. Katie-Ann is not so much for the respecting of the muscle skills. I'd gathered that. Am I waiting for a decision to be made on this before continuing on. After going over it again, the mentions of Katie providing additional services which could allow him to perhaps reduce costs by not having to hire more people is likely to weight in our favor. Waiting for more of you to chime in on the negotiations. Round now would be perfect for Katie to mention her own skills. Void said: ↑ Round now would be perfect for Katie to mention her own skills. Click to expand... Agreed. Daily's on, but their attention is elsewhere at the moment. Hmm, I think maybe we should go for 25%. He's not lowballing us that much. Bailey MatutineNow would be a good time to step in IC with naming some of your characters skills. Edit: NVM, perfect timing you had there. Edit: 30% doesn't seem to be making any progress, time to take it down a nonce. Roll included. Void rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 8 For: Persuade 3 Rolled on: April-20-2015, 05:19am See dice roll details 4 3 1 One success. Do we need to Roll for finding an ammo shop? Savvy roll I suppose that anyone going to a store is going to need to make a roll. So here's mine in looking for the general store. Void rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 8 For: Savvy 3 Rolled on: April-21-2015, 12:37am See dice roll details 4 2 2 One success. Savvy/understanding roll for savvy 3 ggt102 rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 8 For: savvy Rolled on: April-21-2015, 12:52am See dice roll details 4 2 2 One success. My savvy of 2. Mathis rolled 2 die of 6 faces, total: 6 For: savvy Rolled on: April-21-2015, 01:12am See dice roll details 3 3 adding my 2 savvy does nothing. Alright here we go. Brian Boru rolled 2 die of 6 faces, total: 3 Rolled on: April-21-2015, 01:20am See dice roll details 2 1 +30 successes How many quarters equal a silver or are they the same thing? Just to confirm my characters' location. Since I went off to find the general store am I still headed there or have I been placed at the gunnery as well? ggt102 said: ↑ How many quarters equal a silver or are they the same thing? Click to expand... Judging from the name I'd guess there's four quarters to a dollar, but getting confirmation wouldn't hurt. Void said: ↑ Just to confirm my characters' location. Since I went off to find the general store am I still headed there or have I been placed at the gunnery as well? Click to expand... You're not going to find the mag at the general store. Canteen you would. Judging from the name I'd guess there's four quarters to a dollar, but getting confirmation wouldn't hurt. Click to expand... I was mixed up in my pricing a bit. But I'll give you guys that this once. A quarter is a silver. Silvers are made by basically using old quarters as a master to make a fixed mold sized everyone will agree on then using it to cast silver quarters. Please note, ammo is expensive. Though if you bring home the brass you can trade it in to be reloaded for a respectable discount. Brass is only manufactured in a limited number of areas now and can be hard to come by. Most comes out of the few "industrial" barter towns that have managed to get some piece of ancient manufacturing equipment up and running or from remnants who still have fully functional pre-war multi-jabbers. Should I be using understanding or awareness in conjunction with savvy to find a bookstore? Bailey Maturing said: ↑ Should I be using understanding or awareness in conjunction with savvy to find a bookstore? Click to expand... Awareness if you're looking. You can also just ask around, which is persuaded. Looking for bookstore then. Bailey Maturing rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 8 For: Awareness 3/Savvy 1 Rolled on: April-22-2015, 04:27pm See dice roll details 1 6 1 Bailey Maturing rolled 1 die of 6 faces, total: 6 For: Awareness 3/Savvy 1 explosion Rolled on: April-22-2015, 04:27pm See dice roll details 6 Bailey Maturing rolled 1 die of 6 faces, total: 1 For: Continuing explosion Rolled on: April-22-2015, 04:28pm See dice roll details 1 Psychodrama said: ↑ Awareness if you're looking. You can also just ask around, which is persuaded. Click to expand... Why is persuaded asking around? Wouldn't savvy be better for that? Persuade is used for influencing people, not gathering information. That's a two then. Psychodrama said: ↑ You're not going to find the mag at the general store. Canteen you would. Click to expand... Right I'll quickly pick my mag up before going off then for the general store. GM, I think you should just let your mistake in the gunshot stand. It seems unfair to only let Brian benefit from it since he wasn't the only one looking for ammo. Either let it stand and give us all the same price you gave Brian or correct it and give all of us the proper price. I'll let the others have it then. Which means Leo, you get a discount on ammo this once. Psychodrama said: ↑ I'll let the others have it then. Which means Leo, you get a discount on ammo this once. Click to expand... Ok so am I being charged 2 for 1 or am I still being charged 3 for 4? I'm just trying to clarify, so I can make the correct adjustments to my sheet. Senses 3 Scavenge 4 Bailey Maturing rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 12 Rolled on: April-23-2015, 11:34am See dice roll details 6 1 5 Bailey Maturing rolled 1 die of 6 faces, total: 4 Rolled on: April-23-2015, 11:34am See dice roll details 4 Roll 2 more dice. This would be a case of understanding scavenge. Will do. Bailey Maturing rolled 2 die of 6 faces, total: 5 Rolled on: April-24-2015, 02:11am See dice roll details 1 4 Could I have sold the paint before I got to the bar? That stuff is big and heavy. Bailey Maturing rolled 2 die of 6 faces, total: 5 For: Haggling Appeal 2/Persuade 3 Rolled on: April-24-2015, 11:16am See dice roll details 2 3 Are we still running on the mistaken prices this scene or is that finished? This scene How many silver quarters in a silver dollar, again? Rolling to appraise everything I own. Bailey Maturing rolled 5 die of 6 faces, total: 20 For: Understanding 5 / Savvy 1 Rolled on: April-24-2015, 04:11pm See dice roll details 6 5 2 3 4 Actually, make that savvy 1 into scavenge 4. Savvy check. Void rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 15 For: Savvy 3 Rolled on: April-25-2015, 05:07pm See dice roll details 5 5 5 Three successes. Bailey Maturing said: ↑ How many silver quarters in a silver dollar, again? Rolling to appraise everything I own. Bailey Maturing rolled 5 die of 6 faces, total: 20 For: Understanding 5 / Savvy 1 Rolled on: April-24-2015, 04:11pm See dice roll details 6 5 2 3 4 Actually, make that savvy 1 into scavenge 4. Click to expand... Psychodrama OH, sorry. Mixed that last one. I'll get replies up in a little. And remember, 6s explode Roll a d6 for each of your heavy rifles please Can do. Bailey Maturing rolled 2 die of 6 faces, total: 6 For: rifles Rolled on: April-25-2015, 05:36pm See dice roll details 3 3 Bailey Maturing rolled 1 die of 6 faces, total: 3 For: Explosion Rolled on: April-25-2015, 05:37pm See dice roll details 3 you're not part of the ammo buying oops which is now officially done with so its 1-1. Okay, you know you could get a good deal on one of the tool kits, while the rifles are a bit worn but in useable condition. How much can vary depending on need and who you're selling to. You also know that this guy is actually charging a shockingly honest price for his books. Maybe a hair on the higher side, but enough that it's still something most people wouldn't bother to seriously negotiate against it for fear of being told to fuck off. You also have the power of Tits. While you're no great beauty, This guy seems to have half a brain. He might appreciate the company of woman who actually has a brain in her head and the ability to provide intelligent conversation. Psychodrama said: ↑ You also have the power of Tits. Click to expand... I have been flirting with this guy for most of the encounter, yes. Bailey Maturing said: ↑ I have been flirting with this guy for most of the encounter, yes. Click to expand... Yep. And he's been flirting with you. Which means you can leverage it. This seems to have slowed up a bit. Everyone give a roll call and state what you're doing, so I can make sure I have activity for all of you Waiting on the results for the three success savvy roll in looking for the general store. My bad. Dice explode. One more d6 and I'll have things for you ASAP. Just what exactly are you looking for Depending on the rolls you get you might bypass the general store entirely. Waiting for a general idea of how many coins my guns are worth. Just as a spitball range so I don't accidentally bid hilariously low or high in my bartering. Already finished my purchase and making sure a certain someone doesn't start a firefight due to an unsustainable impulse to haggle. Bailey Maturing said: ↑ Waiting for a general idea of how many coins my guns are worth. Just as a spitball range so I don't accidentally bid hilariously low or high in my bartering. Click to expand... Depending on who you talk to and the situation, you could get anywhere between 20 and 80. Basically the difference between someone buying rifles in bulk and someone looking for a rifle to use. Psychodrama said: ↑ My bad. Dice explode. One more d6 and I'll have things for you ASAP. Just what exactly are you looking for Depending on the rolls you get you might bypass the general store entirely. Click to expand... Ok, I was looking for some canteens (and water for them) and food first and foremost for the trip. A working flashlight andmaybebinoculars. Void rolled 1 die of 6 faces, total: 4 For: Exploding dice Rolled on: April-28-2015, 06:36pm See dice roll details 4 Reroll any 6s and then I'll post. Psychodrama said: ↑ Reroll any 6s and then I'll post. Click to expand... No Nat sixes, only three 5's bumped up to sixes through savvy 3. Misread there. Hold on. How deep in Jersey is the ritual in terms of travel time? You don't know. 4:57 PM Hamm.4:58 PM Writing my Atomic Highway post now.4:59 PM choose fuck the shopkeeper for all the books, just buy the desk reference4:59 PM BaileyMatutine selects: fuck the shopkeeper for all the books4:59 PM ROBOT HAS SPOKEN. Well, try IC flirting ;make and offer! Posted. So many fun word choices. Should I roll something for how obvious I make what I'm offering? No. I'll have my replies up a little later. GM needs a nappy Seduction attempt Bailey Maturing rolled 6 die of 6 faces, total: 17 For: Persuade+appeal+1 Rolled on: April-29-2015, 11:30am See dice roll details 2 1 2 5 2 5 fuck, shit, that's not how this works. Too much exalted lately. Bailey Maturing rolled 2 die of 6 faces, total: 3 For: 2 appeal, 3 persuade, 1 synergy Rolled on: April-29-2015, 11:32am See dice roll details 1 2 okay, that's one success. Bailey Maturing rolled 1 die of 6 faces, total: 5 Rolled on: April-29-2015, 12:41pm See dice roll details 5 You get +1 synergy... as in you get to roll 3 dice. But I'm feeling nice so you can get +1 in the skill as well. Two successes then. Rolls. Void rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 9 For: Savvy 3 Rolled on: April-29-2015, 10:48pm See dice roll details 3 3 3 One success. Roll for negotiations Void rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 8 For: Persuade 3 Rolled on: April-29-2015, 10:49pm See dice roll details 3 2 3 One success Psychodrama said: ↑ You manage to negotiate him down to 6 per. Click to expand... Is this for me or Bailey? If it's for me then 6 what? Dollars or is it a lesser faction? Void said: ↑ Is this for me or Bailey? If it's for me then 6 what? Dollars or is it a lesser faction? Click to expand... Well, seeing as how I'm getting fucked on my deal... Void said: ↑ Is this for me or Bailey? If it's for me then 6 what? Dollars or is it a lesser faction? Click to expand... You. Psychodrama said: ↑ You. Click to expand... Alright, what amount of currency? Dollars, quarters or something else. Am also presuming that it's the price per day. Still need some money left over to actually buy the canteen. Price per day and that's number of coins. Psychodrama said: ↑ price per day and that's number of coins. Click to expand... To no surprise pre-war shit, is good andexpensiveshit. Just need to get the final price of the canteen down then figure out how much food I can get for the remainder of my coin.(Not a lot) Huh, shit. Pretty sure I don't have the coin for that unless we're talking sums less than a silver dollar. Void said: ↑ Huh, shit. Pretty sure I don't have the coin for that unless we're talking sums less than a silver dollar. Click to expand... Pre-packaged food inexpensive. Limited commodity that is pretty much guaranteed to be clean. It comes at a premium and people tend to eat it as fast as they can find it. So. That said.ROLL CALL! I want everyone to check in to make sure all my players are still about. Still here. Katie is going to be looking for somebody else who's still here soon so she can leave panic instructions in case this guy turns out to be less nice than she thinks he is. Psychodrama said: ↑ Pre-packaged food is expensive. Limited commodity that is pretty much guaranteed to be clean. It comes at a premium and people tend to eat it as fast as they can find it. Click to expand... It was mainly the canteen I was thinking about in how it cost around the same amount as 15 rounds of pre-war ammo. So. That said. ROLL CALL! I want everyone to check in to make sure all my players are still about. Click to expand... Still kicking, just trying to figure out how to either disentangle from the situation or poke everyone who isn't at the moment busy and still has coin if they'd been willing to pitch in for the canteen. Well, he is giving you the super deluxe kit with the cover, canteen cup, canteen, and filters. Psychodrama said: ↑ Well, he is giving you the super deluxe kit with the cover, canteen cup, canteen, and filters. Click to expand... True, true. Live, play, learn and scramble for a solution. Considering how valuable a clean water source is, I think I might just poke everyone who isn't doing anything at the moment to see if their willing to pitch in the remaining 11. There are cheaper options for filtering and purifying water. Would you like to tell me what you want and brows his store because of course he's going to point you directly to the premium option? Still around. Really just waiting for the action I guess. Psychodrama said: ↑ There are cheaper options for filtering and purifying water. Would you like to tell me what you want and brows his store because of course he's going to point you directly to the premium option? Click to expand... Something that not only can do simply water filtering but something that could at best handle the water in New Jersey in case escape falls through. Still probably going to need to poke someone int aiding me pay for it. Post what you're looking for and interested in IC then and maybe notice + survival Senses 3/Notice 2 Bailey Maturing rolled 3 die of 6 faces, total: 6 Rolled on: April-30-2015, 06:08pm See dice roll details 4 1 1 Brian Boruggt102Would either of you willing to show up and pitch in for a water filtering system? Leo could pitch in, if you can convince him Mathis said: ↑ Leo could pitch in, if you can convince him Click to expand... You'd kinda need to be present for that to work. Wouldn't be too hard to put something sorta convincing about the value of the ability to get clean water in general. I'll bug Brian and G. I have them on skype. Hell you guys interested in joining my Skype channel? My Skype tag is given Mine is background character single word, no caps. Don't be surprised if am inattentive today, I have a hands-on final so am I trying to get some last minute studying in before I head to class. Edit: Right assuming that the three sudden invites were you guys. Void said: ↑ Brian Boru ggt102 Would either of you willing to show up and pitch in for a water filtering system? Click to expand... That can be arranged. My Skype thinks that I have no internet.I'll work on having Leo joining up with the haggling. Psychodrama said: ↑ My bad. Dice explode. One more d6 and I'll have things for you ASAP. Just what exactly are you looking for Depending on the rolls you get you might bypass the general store entirely. Click to expand... Jericho was buying ammo. Mathis said: ↑ my Skype thinks that I have no internet. I'll work on having Leo joining up with the haggling. Click to expand... check your firewall to make sure it's not being blocked. I'll throw the post shifting to buying the filter then before going reburying myself in studying. Unless we're going to wait and attempt for a teamwork bonus to the haggling. Roll Survival + Notice please You can look at other stuff. Psychodrama said: ↑ roll Survival + Notice please You can look at other stuff. Click to expand... Which attribute senses or understanding? Oops. Survival + Senses. Your survival skills tell you what would be useful. Your senses tell you if you notice it. You can get extra dice depending on how through you are. Psychodrama said: ↑ oops. Survival + Senses. Your survival skills tell you what would be useful. Your senses tell you if you notice it. You can get extra dice depending on how through you are. Click to expand... Alright. As for thoroughness, am I looking for something that is a gravity filter that can deal with viral, bacterial and chemical pollutants. Decent output somewhere between .5 and 1.5 liter. Those times processing times are roughly made in a minute if what I looked over is correct. So you're only looking for the good/expensive shit? Psychodrama said: ↑ So you're only looking for the good/expensive shit? Click to expand... The output/processing time I'd be willing to take something that isn't as fast in processing the water. Not quite sure how much slower would be a good idea at the moment, probably something that could handle three to four liters in an hour at instead? Edit: Yeah something that processes at a rate of 1 liter per 20 min would be perfect. Right I've got to leave in a little over ten minutes, if you sent me an invitation on Skype (no need for you to do so Bailey it's pretty clear) either PM me your name or in thread so that I can confirm that who I have on my is actually one of you instead of someone that slipped in while I wasn't paying attention. Psyckosama said: ↑ PsyckosamaClick to expand... Shot off a contact request, and am off. Later. Skype is now working. You should be getting a request from me. After some talking on Skype it's looking like the purchase of the filter isn't worth the cost. So scratch it. Can I roll stealth to fade into the crowd and avoid the snide remarks? Go ahead. So nimbleness and stealth? Nimbleness + stealth Mathis rolled 5 die of 6 faces, total: 20 Rolled on: May-02-2015, 02:38am See dice roll details 3 5 2 4 6 the +3 bumps me up to 3 successes. And the reroll Mathis rolled 1 die of 6 faces, total: 4 For: reroll Rolled on: May-02-2015, 02:38am See dice roll details 4 adds nothing. Fucking Ninja Magic so do the others want to roll on trying to see me, or am I just gone? Am not quite sure why am personally stalking the date. My plan was to just piss off killing an hour before just staking out the entrance to the hotel making sure that Katie made it there. Generally leaving the whole tailing others to Leo since Will doesn't have any skill in that. Sorry about the glacial reply speed. Starting a new job is limited my thinking energy and these Pops are the most think bits demanding. How goes the new job? ggt102 said: ↑ How goes the new job? Click to expand... It's shit. Psychodrama said: ↑ It's shit. Click to expand... Why is that? That took embarrassingly long to get around to doing, the game kept slipping my mind or pushed off to do later. So, guys, what do you do now? Post.

[NSFW] - Atomic Highway OOC|rating:2.0

The Song of the Salamander [Wren x Annukai]

The strength of the fire was not as great as some of the ones she had witnessed in the time that she had grown around Obama, but it was still impressive and warm, two of the only comforts she had in such a foreign place. This city, whatever it was called, was not one that she remembered hearing about as a child, and yet, it had blossomed right under her nose. This place was the only place that her leads had taken her. This place was the only place that she had any hope of finding Obama and bring him back home where he belonged." You don't look like you belong in West helm, girl." A burly man with a thick, black beard stated as he placed a mug of ale that she hadn't ordered in front of her." Grow a little hair on that chest of yours, and we'll see how you fair here. Are you visitin' relatives or sum thin'?" Emery tore herself from her thoughts of Obama and the little information that she had gathered thus far. A confused look graced her face, and the man stared at her for a long moment before he started to laugh. Swiftly, he patted her hand and gave her a quick nudge." Drink up. It's on the house. You look like you could use a few, so here's one to get you started. Just stay away from that corner over there, ya hear?" The barman pointed to a shady corner where a group of three men sat hunched together. Their voices couldn't be heard, but the way they nervously glanced over their shoulders told Emery that she wanted to avoid them at all costs." Don't want a good girl like you gettin' into any trouble now." Emery gave a swift nod, doing her best to not let her curiosity get the best of her. She wanted to know more about those people. She wanted to know what they were up to. It was the intrigue of the secretive unknown, and it had gotten her into more than enough trouble in her youth for Emery to know better. It still didn't stop the 'what if's' from swirling inside of her head. What if they knew about Obama? What if they could take her to him? What if? Hesitantly, Emery took the mug of ale into her hands and sniffed at it. It smelled beyond terrible, but it appeared that everyone around her was drinking it. Maybe it would provide her with enough of a distraction. Maybe it would even help her sleep a little easier tonight. She shrugged her shoulders, took a deep drink, and then promptly spewed it across the wooden counter top. This would not sit well with her, and so, she replaced the mug on the counter as well. Better sleep be damned, she was not about to embarrass herself any more than necessary. Rising, she took one last look at the bearded man. He was preoccupied with another patron, but she slid a few coins onto the counter for him out of the kindness of her heart. At least he'd given her enough advice to stay away from the crowd in the corner. She turned toward a large staircase near the back of the inn, pausing only when she saw two of the hooded figures walking in the same direction. They barely paid her any attention, only looking at her briefly before they took to the stairs themselves. Where the third companion loitered, Emery didn't know, but as she trailed behind the two individuals to head to her room for the night, she caught sight of something familiar laying on the ground. To most, it looked like a twig - a small twig that must have gotten caught during the adventurers' travels. Emery knew better. The twig was not an ordinary twig. It was not from a tree or a bush or anything of a plant nature. No, it was a living creature - a sprite-like object, and Emery knew immediately where it had come from." Kodama,"she whispered, picking up the twig creature and holding it kindly in her hand. She quickly set it aside, out of the way, before raising her voice to capture the other individuals' attention." Excuse me, friends!" Her voice called out to them as they walked down a long hallway." Hello? Greetings! I do apologize for the interruption, but I think you're forgetting something." She meandered a little bit closer, a sweet, serene look on her face." One of you dropped this..." She flashed a piece of gold in their direction." I thought you might want it back." She waited patiently for one of them to reach for it. The minute they did, Emery roared and flames flew from her fingertips. Reckless, perhaps, but brave, absolutely." Where is the salamander, you Thames!?" Tag:@Annukai It had been a long, long travel to get to Stone-brook tavern of West helm. There wasn't any significance to this place, other than their first rest stop, of three on their way back to see her. The three of them, had been four, no more than two hours ago. Before the thing they were carrying demolished Eckford with no more than a stare. Ashes falling all around them, smell of burning flesh and bone covering them from head to toe. It was then that they realized this was no small task. They had begun to understand why she was so insistent on not letting the one that hired them for the job, to get this creature. Merlin of Black staff was very convinced that their town of Linda needed this power for itself. To continue its work. Though the three of them were discussing their loyalty at the table, making shifted eyes to make sure no one could actually hear them. Do they give Her even more power? Or should they stick to the bond of money that they had already accepted? What was the greater danger? Crossing The Merlin, or this Mage that paid them upfront for a job, that was much more dangerous than he described? These were troubling discussions and the new leader wasn't certain as to if he was ready to decide just yet. So he sent the other two off to check on their package. Staying at the table and finishing his drink as they walked up the stairs.---------------"Excuse me, friends! Hello? Greetings! I do apologize for the interruption, but I think you're forgetting something... One of you dropped this, I thought you might want it back." A piece of gold flipped twice, before hitting the floor and rolling toward Alisa, who immediately began to pick it up. Fire erupted through the hall,"Where is the Salamander, you thieve!?" The male stepped in front of Alisa, and through his hand up in a quick motion of fingers, water crashing through the hall, and meeting her fire at a stand still, veiling protection over the both of them. It was then that the girl would realize she wasn't dealing with ordinary people. If not, a moment later." Dakuras! What did I say about magic..." A voice came from behind the little girl who was throwing fire, ... The leader. His hand flew up in an instant, and two fingers clocked the back of the girls neck." Mind your manners' girl. This doesn't concern you. If you wanted to be involved, you should have talked to the Merlin like everyone else." And with that, he pushed her back against the halls, as the fire began to fade away. But before, did she hear..." Grab the beast, Soc rot inn, in Trivia." ----------------Two days later, they found themselves in yet another city, little did they know, their treasure was leaving a small trail of sprites behind them"So, Milan. Have you decided yet? Who we're taking this... thing to?" Dakotas sat, drinking much like several nights ago. There was a small silence at the table. The silence itself was only interrupted by the waitress sitting down more drinks It was an unsteady topic, and one they had discussed previously with no answer." I have. As bad karma as it is to break a deal, and take the money. I'm more concerned with what She will do if we cross her. I'm more scared of The Merlin, than I am of a random Mage." He answered tapping his fingers on the table, as if it had been a long internal debate to come up with such a decision." Is Alisa okay Dakotas? Where is she?" He honestly knew, but wanted to know if Dakotas was taking notice to the fact that she hadn't been very social since she fell for the gold." Sulking I believe, and uncertain as if we can trust her to do the right thing. So she watches the beast, just in case another clever little thief thinks it can get the drop on us." Dakotas answered, finishing his drink." Where to next boss? Its nearly cover time, the darkness of travel will provide an easy route." Milan nodded, and set coin down on the table, his drink having been gone long before, having finally made the decision to bypass the Mage. He stood up slowly,"You're right, let us get the creature, and Alisa, and start moving. Maybe it will put her troubled mind at ease, to be moving once again. We must reach Linda, and Talca is only a night and a half's travel from here. Let us get the path going." Again they left, carrying the Salamander with them, and again the sprites littered the ground here and there, but never too close together.-----------Two days later, they found themselves in the same situation, waiting to move once again, this time days out from Linda, from Her. But who was She? That was always the question that plagued everyone in Linda. She was always there, The leader of the Black staff, of the white city. What was she doing now? Were they being watched? Was the thief a test? That was what was being discussed in this tavern, for quite some time, till once again they began their move, to get this job over with, and erase it from their memories for good. Again they moved, this time in silent agreement, in case there were ears now that they were within three days travel to Linda.--------------A rather extravagantly cloaked figure walked into the tavern. The Dragon Whiskey Pub. And walked with such grace, that one could argue if it was even moving at all. Its cloak was long, and of the deepest shade of midnight purple, sitting at the bar next to someone that no one had paid notice to in weeks of being here. The figure pushed a small book, nearly a journal looking thing, to a man at the bar. It held two words on it"Fair Trade." The cloaked figure slid it over in front of him, and stood up, starting to walk away, before the voice of the man spoke up." Fair trade for what, ... Friend?" he asked turning around on the seat. The man was not one of any small stature physically. He didn't dare stand yet, but you could see he was tall as he put the book in his hand. As he turned the figure stopped. But dared not turn around, just held its stance. What came, was a surprise. A voice so smooth and sweet, you could think itself was a seductive Caramel." That is something you want. I'm taking something from you that you thought you wanted... Needed." It continued to walk out of the tavern, before disappearing into the night. The man was left sitting there, dumbfounded for a moment, before opening the book. Another note." When you're ready to see what you've been missing. Dare to read me." Signed, Admirer.Tag:@Wren She'd made a mistake. They'd made sure that she remembered that. Emery hadn't expected there to be more people that could use magic. She was naive to think that she was the only one in the vicinity that could. Sure, she knew that others did exist - after all, she had grown up in the modern world for the majority of her life - but had she ever actually met someone other than herself that could do it? No, not that she could remember anyway. Perhaps it was her parents' fault for not exposing her to more types of people when they had been alive, or perhaps it was her distance from others for the last many years that made her just a bit more oblivious to differences and similarities than she'd like to admit. As she briefly watched the mercenaries leave her, Emery thought about all of this. How stupid she had been. How careless, reckless, and absolutely ridiculous it was to throw fire at someone she didn't even assess first. Obama would have been embarrassed. Any strong person would have followed after them. Anyone worthy of saving as powerful of a creature as Obama would have demanded more firmly that they surrender him into her hands. But Emery watched with wide, surprised eyes as the flames ebbed, and the group walked away. Tridia. She'd find them there, if she had to. They might abilities that overpowered her own, but Emery was a fighter, and she was at least decently intelligent when her thoughts and feelings didn't get in the way of her actions. She'd find a way to make this up to Obama. She'd find a way to get him back where he belonged. The trail of sprites helped. It really did. She was as good of a tracker as any, but Emery ended up a day behind the group, or at least, that was what she predicted even though it had only ended up being a few hours in the end. The sprites confirmed that she was headed in the right direction, toward thisTridiaor whatever city it was that she would find them next. And find them, she eventually did, but it was much later than anticipated, and as she stalked around the inn in which they slept, she caught sight of the woman that she'd tricked with the gold coin. There was a part of Emery, the illogical and irrational part that wanted to rush in and overwhelm the woman. Perhaps she could have done it. Maybe if she used her magical abilities. But where were the other two? Eventually, the unknowns of the situation forced her to back down from her ambitious pursuit. She would follow along until the time was right to make her move once again. Emery kept herself hidden in the days that followed, doing her damnedest to catch a glimpse of Obama, but to no avail. If she could only convince the salamander to act in force with her, perhaps they stood a chance together of breaking him free. Alone, Emery was afraid she would not be able to do so, not even with those initial thoughts that she'd had about the mercenary woman. As she kept her distance, they passed through a few other towns and smaller cities, but the thrumming of the people increased the longer the traveled, and Emery couldn't help but wonder if the next city they would stop would be the last. Lindam was nothing at all what she expected. The mere number of people impressed her, as did the various buildings that were constructed in manners that were foreign to her. The language was relatively similar - a few nuances that she noticed were different, but overall, she could get by with what she knew. Out of necessity for food and rest, she broke away from the mercenary group and made herself comfortable in a small tavern not too far away. A plate of warm food and a softer place to rest than the ground under her feet was welcome. From what she gathered, nothing would happen until the next day, when they would eventually reach the end of their journey and turn over the Salamander to another individual. Emery was not about to let that happen, but she could not be of much use if she did not take care of herself first." Aye, the whole exchange was quite odd." A bald man behind the counter spoke to a young lady with concern on his face." The cloak held their features so well, but I've never had such a scary feeling about someone before'. You just get the willies around some people you know? But then next day, that old farmer, Frederick - you know the graying old man with the horde of children? They found him dead a few streets over. Reckon' that person had a thing to do with it?" The young woman covered her mouth with disbelief." Don't say such things, Gar. You know the walls have ears, and you don't want to end up in the stocks for gossiping." Emery arched an eyebrow. Perhaps Linda was even more interesting than she'd originally thought.Tag:@Annukai "Caution," Milan said as he pulled out, not one, but two identical three foot tubes from... where was he holding them? "Dakotas. Take your to the tavern, turn it into the man, as if the snake was in there. Alisa? Take the long way to the Black staff office, I'll meet you there. We still have a tail, and I'd rather her not know where we're going." Milan said as he started walking in one direction with his own tube, and the other two split off as well, What was in the tube? A snake? That's what was assumed from the conversation. Alisa started walking north away from them, as Milan went left. They began walking their separate ways. Each having their own path, to whichever destination they were going. All disappeared as the crowd began to die down for the evening.------------------------------Dakotas walked into the tavern, and sure enough, the girl was there, but more importantly, so was the man in black. He walked right up to the bar, and sat the tube, with oddly marked ruins on the counter, not saying a word at first, but ordering the drink that he would consume during the talk they would be having. Two minutes most, a murky glass of green liquid was placed in front of him." Can I get you something, friend?" Dakuras asked without looking up, taking a drink and pushing the tube a little closer, before adding." As agreed, for the price you paid, Be careful though, what was four is now three, and these walls have eyes." "Well the eyes don't concern me, you, however, do. See those Runes? Those aren't the ones I made for this container. So..." Deacon answered without touching the tube, he knew his magic, and how it felt, and this, wasn't his magic. Therefore nothing was in that tube, he was certain of it." Either where's my money, or where's what I paid for. I'm not playing games with you, Mere." Deacon said, still looking in his lap, the book's note sitting open, remembering what the cloak figure had said. It was about this time, that he caught the conversation from the bald man, to the other person. A cloaked figure... possibly a killing? What had he gotten himself into with this endeavor? Did he really want to know, or be here to find out? And what did she mean she took something he want-She's taking the fire elemental, for this book? What was in it? Curiosity was going to make him open it eventually, but that would seal the deal, and he'd never know what was taken from him for certain.--------------------------------Alisa was the first to their point, Black staff-hall, where their real business partner had sat in waiting, But she waited outside the hall for must a moment, before slipping in. The hall was extravagant, black onyx walls and trusses, large marble columns All leading down into another room, by large gray velvet rugs, she followed it to the second door, and waited for her partner to show up. She wouldn't have to wait long she was certain, Milan seemed uneasy about this place, he wouldn't want her in here too long, without back up. Milxar, found the building soon enough, and walked in, having the true tube in his jacket, the green glowing runes were a nuisance, that he wanted to be rid of. Finding Alisa inside, he nodded to her as he walked into the door of the chamber she stood outside and began his way into the main hall, where things began to take a spin for interesting view. The Hall itself was huge, one hundred, maybe a hundred and fifty paces from one side to the other, Chairs littered the floor on either side of the carpet, three chairs behind an old, beautiful wooden podium like desk, two smaller ones, and a large on in the center. The smaller ones empty, the large holding a cloaked figure, just sitting there in the purple cloak, hole so deep that you couldn't see in, he bowed walking in and slowly made his way to the center podium." Have you brought me what we agreed upon? The elemental?" The figure asked, motioning for him to come closer. The voice as calm and rolling as ever, he wasn't sure if he still wanted to brush against this, or take this to the one who paid him for it to begin with. Despite knowing this was for the betterment of his hometown, it still felt wrong. No honor among thieves though, right? He nodded twice and took a step forward, pulling out the Tube, glowing green runes and all." As agreed, though this isn't setting well on my mind, I've been paid for a job that I'm not having completed by not giving this to the person that paid for it. Its bad karma to stick it to a buyer. So what exactly is the point in him not having what he paid for?" He asked, pushing it back towards the figure a bit, and then stepping down and back, to see the figure a little closer,"Well I believe I've told you enough, by telling you its to help the town itself, As for the buyer... He got something in return for this, though I'm not certain that he knows what it is yet. Also, if this is about money..." Two bags, that were exceptionally full, fell at his feet,"I've now paid you for it to, you may take your leave, and please don't bother yourself with coming back sir, a deal has been finished, and we both got what we wanted from it." The cloaked figure said, and began to reach for the tube. Milxar turned and nodded to his companion, before walking out the door, Alisa soon followed, and they made their way back through the town, What would the other do? When he found out that he didn't have what he paid for? This was what was on his mind, as they made their way to the inn, and not the tavern.-------------------------------------------------------"You're kidding right? They knew I was uneasy about you, and now they play a joke on me..." Dakotas Tried to play it off, but he knew he was screwed, that wasn't going to work." I didn't even want to come drop it off, but he said he was solidifying another job. And I needed to pull my weight more, especially after the other died trying to get this." He shook his head,"Let me go get the real tube, sir, I beg your forgiveness, though I surely don't deserve it." "Very well, You have thirty minutes, that should be plenty of time." Deacon waved his arm on, and didn't turn, But if anyone looked, there was now a rune on the figures back, nearly unseen, before the light glow made it fade away completely." I've waited for three weeks, what's thirty minutes, Please don't sway around, return swiftly, sir." Saying this, he turned his attention to the bald man, and slowly went back through the conversation in his mind. Cloaked figure, dying old man, children, what had he walked into when accepting this book? What was in the book? Did he really want to know? Dakuras didn't need to be told twice, he quickly disappeared out of the tavern, to go meet at the decided regroup point, and didn't look back. He was certain that he was long caught, yet managed to slip out unharmed, which was something he was thankful for, all that back made him uneasy.----------------------------------Deacon turned back around and began to look across the room to the bald man, having a question,"The cloak.... What color was it?" He asked, trying to figure out if it was the same person he saw nights previous or not. Because if it was, all the more reason to be weary of the book, a murderer giving him something?" Also, who was it that perished last eve? I've been here for days, I'm not really in the loop as to what's going on in the outside world at the moment." Looking around, he has seen there was another interested in the story, and from the feel of her, someone with magic. Well it wasn't often he felt someone with raw potential, did she know how to use it though? He really didn't want to find out, because it was fire, he could feel it." Or did the storyteller not portray that much information?..." @Wren Emery listened as closely as she could to the conversation at hand. The barkeep and his female acquaintance continued to banter back and forth among one another, but her ears were the eyes of the world. She'd learned to pick up on things hidden between the lines, although she was not an expert in understanding the unspoken. It was a more feeling that she had, something that told her more had happened, but no on here really spoke of it. That wasn't entirely a bad thing, but it meant the city had secrets. Had she not been so focused on her current job, she might have taken the time to look into it a bit more, but as the pair ended their conversation and decided it was best to change the topic, someone new entered the picture, and she watched him curiously as he inquired a bit more information from the other two." Aye, sir, the cloak was black as night. It's not an unusual color to have, but the material was uncommon for these parts. Suspect it was from some exotic beast kin or the like. Wouldn't be the first nor the last traveler from the far reaches that we've had visited the city. Seems to be more and more common the colder the mountains become." The barkeep moved in front of the man, filling up a glass and placing it front of him - a drink on the house." As far as who perished, it was Frederick, a farmer that lived just outside the city. He was a regular of mine - often came in for an ale before heading back home to his wench and their children, the poor bastard." He leaned in close, putting his hand up near his face to converse a bit more quietly." But as I was saying to the miss, I do not believe that he offed himself as they're claiming. The bastard, god rest his soul, was as happy as can be. I'MMA bettin' that something foul is amidst. I think that perhaps it was the cloaked outsider that came by here." The barkeep, Gar, winced as a firm, feminine hand slapped him hard." I told you to speak of it no more, Gar! You will end up in the stocks by morning and I will have nothing to do with you after that. I cannot be seen associating with a petty criminal full of nothing but gossip!" Emery chuckled, a little louder than she had originally intended. It caught the eye of Gar and his lady friend, both of whom eyed her with interest. The barkeep was the first to speak up." You - what are you laughin' at? For all we know, you are the cloaked outsider that might be responsible. I've not seen the looks of you around these parts before either." His companion eyed her and then sneered." She's harmless, Gar. I don't think she could hurt a fly let alone someone like Frederick. He was built like a bull. She could not even lift a milk crate, let alone murder someone." Emery rolled her eyes but raised her glass in their direction." While I cannot claim that I am responsible for the demise of Frederick, the farmer - may he rest in peace - I can assure you, Miss, that I am quite a lot more capable of taking care of myself than someone of your constitution." Emery turned her attention on the other man asking for more information about the cloaked figure." I'd watch out for her if I were you. I overhead her a bit earlier telling Gar, here, that she was interested in finding a husband. She's been giving you long looks for the last little bit. You might want to keep your hands to yourself with this one, or you'll find yourself strapped with her ignorance for the rest of your days." The woman looked at Emery with intense hatred, the hint of embarrassment on her face as Gar howled with laughter. He poured another glass of ale, brought it to her, and then slapped her jovially on the back." My lady, you have quite a mouth on you. You are welcome here anytime, just for those comments. Anyone that can keep Queenie on her toes is a friend of mine." Blondie huffed and crossed her arms." Hmm. Seems as if my welcome is long overstayed. Goodbye, Gar." She nodded to the barkeep, turned her eyes upon the other man next." Goodnight to you too, Sir." She left without saying another word to Emery, just tossing her a look at that said that the redhead needed to keep her eyes open during her stay here. Emery just chuckled and took a drink of the ale, relaxing at the bar next to the other man." She's quite a character, isn't she?" Emery said, striking up meaningless conversation as she waited to see if any of the mercenaries would return. Her time for relaxing was almost up - a few hours of sleep, and she should be rested enough to find more information on where Obama was and how she was going to rescue him.Tag:@Annukai "If I'm correct, it wasn't a visitor." He spoke finally, understand that it was someone from the Black staff here in Lind ham. He pondered this as he looked at the book in his lap, still not daring to delve into it, it sealed the 'deal'. She had something he wanted, and in return, the book was given to him. This told him that she was in town. The purple hue in the cloak told him she was higher up the staff, also told him she was the person who gave him the sword. But that was over a hundred years ago, which meant in fact, that she was a magical being. And with the runes in the blade that were that well crafted to do whatever he wanted with it. A rather diverse creature at that. Perhaps an elf." She is from here, at least for now. Of this I'm fairly certain." He listened intently up until the smack, where he finally spoke up again,"Its only gossip, if it isn't true. So don't dismiss it without investigation. The most important piece of information is the bit we don't have. Why?" Why was a good question, what did the farmer hold that the person could possibly want bad enough to kill him for? Laughter came from across the room, and Deacon turned to see a little... Mage sitting there, fire from the feel of it. Interesting." She's not, the cloaked figure felt different. Stronger, stronger than I am. Which is to say something, not to pat myself on the back." He said, remembering his past endeavors as he sat there, though he was slightly lost in thought, This one isn't your culprit, but she's more capable than she realizes yet." Deacon said as his eyes opened back up, and he stared at her with his deep eyes. As if measuring her up for something or another." I'll say. Yes to her being quite the character, Though you play a decent character as well." What was he thinking,"I'm sorry for being rude. Deacon Sol Ghent" He paused before adding. "Of Black staff." He wasn't sure if it was a mistake saying that he worked for the most notorious group of mages in the world. Not even in a bad way, just their deeds were well spread out, good, bad, and indifferent opinions were held on them, and rightfully so, magic wasn't something everyone could delve into, and that scares them." Good night." He said late as she walked out the door, though he didn't even look at her. With a sigh, he looked back at the girl." May I know your name, little one?" He asked after a moment. Wondering who she was. He knew that she was a mage, and one of a fire element. That was something that could work. Fire was the perfect element. It both created and destroyed life. It was powerful beyond all recognition, as long as you knew how to use the whim of battle to your advantage. Which he wasn't entirely sure this little one knew what that meant yet. She was young, by a mage's standard, oh so young. She held potential, Much of it, as long as she brandishes her flames in the correct fashion, and not let them guide her to the way they tempted. He looked down at his book once more. What was this trade concerning? That was the question that he had for himself. He still dared not open it, not yet. He needed to know what the DE... The Elemental. Had he already came to this conclusion once? The banter had bothered him enough to not realize it. He sighed and opened the book, to see what he was given in the place of his lost money for the Elemental. Water magic: One of the easiest to learn, if you have guidance. One of the most elusive to learn, if you don't. It's a very fluid magic that escapes some because of how easy it is to create and use. This was handwritten on the very first blank page of the book. Deacon was both excited, and troubled by this. It meant the cloaked person, had been keeping an eye on him, and for quite some time. But if it worked, he would in a sense evolve as a mage. An Arch-Mage for the first time in the years he had been searching for this information. Could he really just delve into a book showing him exactly what to do, Especially after his bounty was stolen as it was? Two thousand gold down the drain. That was months of collecting from odd jobs, Basically two thirds of what he owned. Or rather what he brought with him. He had more in the castle, but didn't think it was time to go back yet. He looked back up to the girl, waiting her answer, if any were to come at all. Deacon didn't bother opening the book back up yet, he simply took a drink off his glass, and glanced at her, wondering what was going through her head. Obviously he didn't trust him. So he turned to the barkeep," Can I have a Chicken breast, with potatoes, a salad, and a small loaf of bread, and whatever the lady wants to eat over there, but set it a stool away from me after she's ordered it." He said, laying down eight pieces of gold, which he was sure was enough for what he ordered, and the tip for him and the drinks that they got on the house. " If it's not too much trouble, Sir. I'm famished." Deacon was hungry, and if he were to be gaining a new magic skill, he'd have to practice with it, which would only make him more hungry, might as well get the food out of the way while he didn't have to hunt, and attempt what would pass as cooking.Tag:@Wren Deacon Sol Ghent of Black staff. The name struck a chord inside of her somehow, and not long after he asked her name did she realize why it had. Black staff was not a common place to hear about in this part of the world, or rather, the part of the world that she came from. There were stories she'd heard as a young child, although not much had been spoken about Black staff in quite some time. It intrigued Emery that this man was from elsewhere - perhaps he could help her in her journey to find Obama. That would mean trusting him without reason, and that was something Emery was not sure if she could do. Entertain his conversation, though, that was something she absolutely could do, and even though she frowned when he called her little one, she replied with her name as well." Emery Crest bane of Arrow peak. 'Tis a pleasure to meet you, sir." She raised her glass and gave him a nod." I only play characters when a good one is needed. Obviously that production was growing a bit stale, but I think it ended nicely. Her exit was beautifully performed." A soft giggle at her jesting comments bubbled up inside of her chest. Emery cleared her throat to keep it down. There was no sense in looking like a child in front of a room full of men. She'd be taken for a weakling if that were the case, and then she would never find out more information on her beloved Salamander. Deacon thought about her potential, but it was the honest truth that Emery didn't know she had such a thing. To her, the world was a dark, hate-filled place and the only home of safety was back inside of her forest with her creatures. Perhaps that was part of the truth, but also perhaps, there was more to this world that she needed to be pushed to experience. How long had it been since she had properly interacted with another human being outside our barter? This was the first conversation that she'd had in quite some time. Deacon, the man at the counter, seemed to give her a curious look, which brought about a soft blush to her pale cheeks. Damn her red hair and her frail looking skin - it made every embarrassing moment even worse." He'd like to know what you want to eat, lady." Gar stated as he stood in front of her table. Emery looked questioningly toward Deacon then back at Gar before she thought about the amount of coin in her purse. It was going to grow low quickly, and she'd be smart to take any free meal that she could." Alright - give me your most filling meal, if you've got anything." If there was anything left, it could be saved for tomorrow before it spoiled." You'll need to join him at the counter, m'lady. His instructions. I imagine he'd like to converse more with you in private." Gar gave Emery a wink, which deepened her blush, but she nodded and stood up to follow the brute to the counter. Gar nodded to a seat two down from Deacon and pulled it out for her to sit. She thanked him quickly and made herself comfortable while they waited for their food in silence. Emery didn't know what to say to Deacon, but the minute that a large bowl of hot stew was placed in front of her, she knew exactly what to say." Thank you for the food, Deacon." Emery said with a smile."This not every day that a strange purchase my meals. It is most appreciated, although it is not necessary if that was not the intention." Tag:@Annukai Arrow peak. She was from the place where he had just ordered mercy to go after a fire elemental, and she was a fire Mage.... shit What had he done? He had taken her mentor away from her, or worse, her friend. An Elemental of fire magic. Well that wasn't any good. He had to get it back, that's the only thing that held no question in his mind. Especially with the book now in his possession. Fair trade his ass, if he had the Elemental, he could give it to her at the end of the conversation. How was he going to explain this.... "I think one of my travels took me through Arrow peak, long ago, miss Crest bone." He said ignoring the fact that he put price on her mentor's freedom. He suddenly realized that the mere wasn't coming back. Good thing the tracker was on him. He'd chase him down to figure out who the Elemental really went to. And hunt them down, and take it back, as Deacon was part of a trade he had no idea about till after it happened. This made him sigh, as he looked at her join him," Common hospitality where I'm from, especially with someone aspiring to become part of the Magi." He spoke after a moment, gripping the book as if it were all he had to his life. It wasn't very big, he would have been surprise if she has even seen the black leather thing under his hand, on his black trench coat." I hail from Mingora, a kingdom in Bernstein. Far from here, several hundreds of miles." He spoke simply, as if it was no small feat. Whereas Arrow speak was less than seventy-five miles away, a two to three days walk at most. He realized maybe she thought black staff was a place, and not a title. With that, he watched as their food was placed in front of them. And he got to work with the knife and fork, cutting the chicken in half, and placing part in his salad as he diced it up. While the other half got mixed in with his potatoes. He took a bite of the chicken garnished potatoes, and gave a nod, before tearing into his bread. He opened it all the way in the center, before he started pushing the potatoes and chicken inside, and closing it around it, creating a sort of sub like sandwich with it, and began eating it all together, wondering when she was going to start eating, did she not want something that someone else paid for? Or was she that worried about the Elemental. Deacon did not believe in coincidences. She was here, trying to track it. That much, he was certain of. She may not be old, but she had a heart of a gold. And here he had ordered the kidnapping, even if he didn't get the rewards, it was his fault that there was an order anyway. He slowly ate his potato and chicken sandwich, making sure to enjoy it between drinks of the ale. Deacon took little notice To Gar, other than to say thanks, and kept eating his food. He was half turned to Emery, and half focused on the book in his lap, wondering what wanders lie further in. Supposedly it was everything he needed to know about water magic. If he opened it and read it, it would seal the deal. But it would also make him stronger. He would have to come clean with this stranger, and explain what he knew, and what he had tried to do. It would either show her to be mistrustful of him, or to take him for his honesty. He turned and lowered his voice a little bit,"What brings you to Lind ham? Not exactly the most savory of places. A lot of shady people hang out here, as the story you heard showed." Deacon said with little remorse about it, before finishing the Potatoes, chicken and bread, and pushing his salad in front of him, tossing it lightly, he added the dressing, and began eating it slowly. Enjoying the flavor the chicken gave everything else. House salad was good. All sorts of vegetables inside it, now which seasoned chicken, and a moist sauce, made it delicious as he slowly ate it, and waited for his reply. He slowly finished the salad, and then took the final drink off his Ale, before turning back to the bar, but leaving his head angled towards her.Tag:@Wren ”Crest bane.” Emery muttered kindly as she settled herself. He was an interesting man, or so she thought. The way he looked at her was not at all in a way she had been expecting, and his politeness was one that she was not used to. People in the world did not hold their arms open so widely as her gracious host, and the meal that was placed in front of her was a welcome gift.” Arrowpeak is just a small town. What brought you through there, if you don’t mind me asking?” Stories were interesting to her, especially those of other people. Of course, that was only if they were willing to share them with her. Some people preferred their privacy. Her face turned a soft shade of crimson as the mage commented on her magical abilities in a roundabout way.” I wouldn’t call it an aspiration. Merely a coincidental ability.” It was obvious that he could feel her magic - perhaps he could even identify it. There was much that Emery did not know about her abilities. She would never claim to be an aspiring mage - only a woman with a dream of living in peace. She was no threat to anyone, unless of course, those that had stolen Obama were included. They could rot in the fiery pits of…..” Oh. I apologize.” Emery stated as she realized her mistake in his introduction.” I was under the impression that you hailed from a place called Black staff. I fear that I am rather ignorant of the world. Please forgive that of me.” Emery sighed and picked at her plate as it was placed in front of her.” What is it like on the other side of the world?” She asked, not knowing just how far away Mingora was from Arrow speak. Time seemed to pass, and out of the corner of her eye, Emery watched Demon eat his meal. It was odd how he seemed to pack all the items he’d ordered into the bread before he took a bite. Emery, herself, was a fickle eater and did not like mixing things together unless they were meant to be that way from the beginning. She remained silent as she did finally start to eat, putting the warm bits of meat into her mouth and savoring the rich flavors. It was the most hearty meal she’d had in days, if not longer, and the excitement of it was almost too much for her to contain. As she turned to look at Deacon, she just about said as much, but he started up the conversation before she could squeal out her praises. She heard the lowered tone in his voice and chewed what food was in her mouth slowly as he asked her about her doings in Lind ham. Swallowing hard, she gave him a frown before replying.” I’m here to find a friend of mine. He….” Emery paused. Not many knew that elementals existed, and one as friendly as Obama was sure to draw a lot of intrigue. She had to be careful how she phrased her statements, otherwise, she could draw attention to things that she did not want to be noticed.” He left home without saying goodbye and I wanted to make sure he was alright. We are all very worried about him.” Emery shrugged as she turned her attention back to her food.” Thought he was heading this way, but maybe I was wrong. I think I’ll continue a little further in the morning, see what I can find or get any leads on where he might be. I’m sure he’ll turn up. The scoundrel always does.” Emery tilted her head in his direction, giving him a long look before she asked about his journey to Lind ham as well.” What about you? While you might think you fit in better in a place like this than I do, I can assure you that you do not belong in a place like Lind ham as well.” Tag:@Annukai She finally joined him, almost as their food got set in front. He was corrected as well. Crest bane." My mistake, Miss Crest bane. My mind has been in a darker place as of late, and this story of a hooded figure killing people isn't helping." Deacon spoke plainly. Which wasn't false, because it sounded like the same person who gave him the book. And the sword on his hip. What did they want with him? There's no way all those years ago, they knew that he was going to stumble across an elemental, and try to keep it for information....is there? They did know exactly where to find him when he was that librarian for the mercenaries. What if they were from the future, or had spoken to their future self? Was he just walking through the waves of time that had already happened for this person?" You have a gift, you shouldn't consider it a coincidence. Not many people get blessed with the ability to feel, and use magic. it's a beautiful connection with nature. Fire one of the most, as its ability lies to not only destroy, but create life." Again he spoke plainly, as if his opinion was final. He wasn't sure why she wasn't intrigued by her magic. it's all he craved anymore, and having the last bit of information in his palm, before he became something greater. All he had to do, was learn water, and his abilities would increase exponentially, and allow him to do things he hadn't dreamed of, once he learned how to tap into the full extent of his strength. Then he could take the person in the robe, right? He had the sword, and his staff. But that person had given him the sword... Which meant they had something stronger, or felt that they wasn't good enough for them. Deacon took this into consideration, as his self debate for opening the book increased. On the one hand, he could get stronger, but why would this person give him the one thing he needed to get stronger, if they were not stronger than that his or herself? The sword, it came from the same person, What was all this to mean. For one, the person wasn't human, or rather wasn't normal. For two, this person had been watching him a long time, and evidently had a plan for him. Which in itself was scary. What did this person want with him? What did they stand to gain?"No, no Black staff is an organization for mages of a higher caliber." He said as if common knowledge. Then she asked of the other side of the world. "It becomes more and more easily on appearance that there other creatures in the world than just us." He spoke clearly, wondering if she would get his meaning or not. Other races. He wondered just how well she was versed in other races. Many born into magic, would be able to help possibly, but he had yet to encounter an elf able to use water. And that was when she mentioned her friend." I've been here for weeks, perhaps if you described him, I could tell you if I had seen him. Though I've been sidetracked. " Deacon added the second part, as if to not get her hopes up. She said he didn't belong here, which she'd be right." What makes you think I don't belong here This is the capital of black staff.... but if you insist, perhaps I can help a young woman, find her friend?" asking this, he really just wanted to catch up and find what was his, and he wasn't referring to the gold. Tag : Wren ”Yes, the telling of murder are most unsettling.” Emery replied with agreement. While she did not know the victims, death was one of the most fearful things in the world to the young witch. Perhaps that was part of her drive. Emery observed Deacon as he spoke, and she wondered about his past. For some reason, people like him always seemed to have such good stories - whether from personal experience or hearing them from others they met on their journeys. However, the minute that he began to talk about her abilities, she frowned and listened carefully.” Just because it’s a gift doesn’t mean that it isn’t a coincidence, sir.” Emery tacked on that formality to make her point clear.” I believe the world to be of the most random design. Surely there is nothing intelligent enough to coordinate this ‘gift’ and who is belonging to.” Did the gods exist? Perhaps. Perhaps not. But the way that Emery spoke was almost blasphemous. The only thing that Emery believed in was life and the cycle of it. Everything else? Chance. But her beliefs were resounded by his comments on her abilities. Fire - destroyer and creator. Shocked, Emery stuttered,” How? How did you know?” He would understand that she was asking how he knew what her skill sets were. It made her nervous that he knew such personal pieces of information. While Emery herself couldn’t put a finger on the exact way that Deacon knew her abilities and their most exact details, she knew that he knew more than he was letting on. Perhaps how to tame the flames in her soul, if she’d let him teach her how.” You come from an organization of mages of a higher caliber?” Emery repeated him verbatim, tilting her head to the side as she thought it over. What if she had joined such an organization? What kind of skills would she have? With another frown, she thought of Obama and the others the depended on her for safety. If she had not been there, where would they have ended up? The fearful thoughts of those creatures dying at the hands of man or nature made her rid her mind of all questions regarding such an organization and her role within one. She did not want anything more than to return to her home and live out the remainder of her life in peace.” Describe him? Well, he’s a rather interesting individual.” Emery paused as she thought of ways to describe Obama without exposing what he truly was.” He has an affinity too. To fire. Just as I do.” Emery shrugged.” He was more of a teacher than a friend, but a friend nonetheless. I worry that he has gotten into some trouble and has not been able to get himself out of it. You see, his absence was quite strange, and I fear that bandits might have gotten him. Can you believe that? Bandits!” Mercenarieswas more appropriate, but someone who had been secluded most of their life would not understand words that were not mentioned all that commonly.” I would be grateful for your assistance, but I’m afraid that I do not work well in groups.” Emery smiled pleasantly.” You have your secrets, sir, I also have mine. Let’s leave it at that.” And that’s exactly how Emery hoped things would stay. She should have known better.” As far as why I think you don’t belong here,” Her voice was slightly muffled between bites of her meal.” You don’t fit. Everyone fits where they belong. Just as I stand out, so do you. This not your home here.” Deacon looked at her, trying to argue her point about coincidence and how things just happened,"If seven years from now, you meet me again, in search of the same friend, would you still believe everything to be coincidence?" He asked as if he knew what he was talking about. He didn't believe in coincidences, everything happened for a reason, like the sword finding its way to him, the murder, the book, it all connected, nothing was by chance, He wasn't here by chance. Neither was she, the world had a center, and it spun intricate webs of design that were larger than they could follow most of the time. That was over his head, as much as he spent reading about lore, and magic, and the workings of the worlds flow and current. A lot of what he knew already, was in theory, as he hadn't the full power to practice the knowledge in his head yet. But when he did, oh would he be a force to be reckoned with, or so he thought. He could take this murderer right? The one who had given him so much, and he assumed, taken this person's friend." Magic besieges magic, miss. I know, because I can feel it, and recognize magics I can cast myself." Deacon's voice had lowered lightly, as to not worry the few patrons that were in there with them. Magic unsettled humans for the most part, having no way to cast or defend themselves against it, they were wary to those that could, she then asked about Black staff itself. And he smirked lightly." Yes. It simply states that my magic is stronger than most others around me, and gives warning to those that think they can break magic law, or do things they shouldn't with magic, to get what they want or enforce things that they shouldn't that people are watching. We train for years, decades, our training never ends." He gave an answer to her. Though she had had already begun to give her explanation as to what her friend looked like, and it sounded more like she viewed the creature as an object, as she gave him no physical description as to go off of. And he blinked, adding in the bandits, that he had hired non-the-less. He was now certain it was the same thing, her friend was an Elemental, that she had no intention on letting him know of at the moment. That was probably for the best, She had slowed down on eating, as she was talking to him now." Are you aware you have told me nothing about how he looks, and have made him out to sound like an object? Is he? Is this some sort of totem? Or is it a person? How can I help you find someone if I don't know what I'm looking for?" After his description as to what the Black staff was, he was hoping she realized that he was helpful more than dangerous, though she seemed far too skeptical to take anything at face value, which in the reality of things, was probably the best thing for her, especially as he had been the one who had ordered the kidnap of her friend, even if he didn't have a clue where it was at the moment. And his only way to securely find it, was to seal the deal that took it away from him to begin with." Very well, Just fresh eyes generally bring new perspective to a problem, or situation." He didn't press the matter anymore, and took another drink off his ale. It tasted like crap, but you get what you pay for, and this was on the house. So obviously it wasn't going to be top shelf quality. Deacon, giving her a moment to think, turned to the bartender, searching for the name for a moment, sure the woman who was hitting on him, putting a show on for him had said it. Or thought it at the very least." Gar, I believe it was? Could I get a glass of Dragon's Fire Whiskey, with a shot of Grey Hair vodka?" He asked for top shelf drinks, setting four gold coins on the table." No ice." "I may not have been born here, but it's the capitol of Magic, and I'm laced in it." He said absently, and it was true, his whole life had revolved around magic, He fit in more here, than where he was born, or raised anyway." Home is as simple as where you make it. Where you feel comfortable, where you can feel safe while you close your eyes." He said as if he knew what a home was. He hadn't had a home in centuries, not since he left it, where he was raised, that was the last time he wasn't looking over his shoulder for the things that came out at night. Where he didn't feel he needed to protect himself. But what did he know? He was just a mage looking for information, to be the best that he possibly could, and protect those that couldn't protect themselves, as was the credo his parents had taught him. It was his job, to watch over things that couldn't themselves, by whatever means necessary. To give back to the world that had given him so much. They knew he was special, and didn't try to keep what was his by life from him. They encouraged it even. Long since passed, he carried on their wishes. The man had a valid point, and Emery found herself smiling widely at his question." Who's to say that I will encounter you again in seven years, searching for the same friend? Your point had merit to it, but it's highly improbable that the exact scenario you describe will actually occur, so in this instance, I am going to claim that this argument falls in favor of coincidence." There was a coy smile that settled upon her face as she looked down at her food and back up at the man called Deacon. Did he not think her meeting him was a coincidence? And if not, why would their paths have been crossed? There was nothing that she could offer him and nothing he could really offer her, unless she considered the opportunity to advance her skills. But Emery wasn't searching for that - not openly at least. Her goals were to return to her quiet life, away from all the stress and rambunctiousness of society. It just wasn't for her. Something told her that Deacon likely thought otherwise." Perhaps I am not nearly as in tune with my abilities as you are with yours." Emery said with a frown, but picking up on his lowered tone. She followed suit and leaned in a little closer to speak." I did not sense your specific abilities as you do mine, however I can feel...something...about you that makes you different from the rest. Perhaps it's magic, perhaps just intuition. Although, I fear that you will fight my stance on intuition just as you disagree with the concept of coincidence." Emery sat back with that playful smile on her lips, funneling more of her dinner into her mouth as he continued to explain. Ironically, he sparked questions in her mind about magic. It had never been a topic that she had claimed to be particularly interested in, especially because her abilities had brought devastation to her past, but today, it seemed that she was honestly interested in learning more. Not interested enough to actually allow herself to be formally schooled, but taught, perhaps, she could be." I appreciate your willingness to help, but I do hate to obligate you, especially when you've just met me this evening. How do you know that I speak the truth about my missing friend? What if it's all a ploy to get you into a dark corner and murder you just like the barkeep described the other man's death? Are you not fearful or weary of those sorts?" Perhaps it was less the magic and more the person that intrigued her. She couldn't quite pinpoint what it was exactly, but there was something about Deacon that spoke of stories. Emery loved stories, and she wanted to hear more from his adventures. Perhaps she should trust him to help find Obama. He was a magic user, after all, and while her points still held true as far as she was concerned, there was something less threatening about him that there should have been." I am certain that he will show up at some point, regardless of how I describe him. I apologize if you interpret my explanation incorrectly - I assure you, he is a living, breathing, very much alive thing." Emery chuckled, once more taking a bite of bread and reclining slight as she finished eating. Gar stopped in front of her as he retrieved Deacon's drink and inquired if she would like one as well."No, thank you, Gar." Emery stated as she held her hand up to the man." I can handle a pint, but nothing more. Clouds one judgement if you indulge a little too much, and I have too much to do to waste time recovering tomorrow." Gar gave her a knowing nod and served Deacon quickly." What you say is true of home, but this is not yours." Emery was matter-of-fact as she spoke, and she folded her hands on the bar top as she did so." Where is your home? Where do you find safety when you close your eyes?" Emery sighed and ran a hand through her hair, the weariness of her journey settling into her bones." I miss my home. I cannot wait to return. My friend and I, we live in the forests. It's nice and peaceful there. We don't get bothered much. It is nothing like this place. It is tainted here - corrupt. The darkness envelops it and makes it less pure. My home.....my home is the last remaining place in the realm that remains full of goodness. That I am sure of. "Tag:@Annukai "You're home. The place he was taken from..." Deacon didn't say anything more on that point. Not yet. He wasn't about to blow what little she actually trusted him. Not until he knew for sure that she was going to accept his help. He had ordered the kidnap, but he just wanted to learn from the creature, it had nothing to do with wanting to hurt it. No, he had no intention on causing it harm, in retrospect, he probably should have just gone to the forest himself, would have saved everyone a lot of trouble. And him a lot of money." If someone can come in and take your friend, seems real safe." He spoke, slightly short and direct. Deacon shook his head after a moment." That safe place doesn't exist for me anymore. It dissipated when my guardians passed. " He offered as an answer to her question. He wasn't sure if that's what she was looking for, but it was true, he hadn't felt at home since he left. Before the library, before everything. Over two hundred years ago. He often forgot how old he was, over two and a half centuries had passed since he entered this world. Over two hundred and fifty years old. He didn't look it, nor did he feel it. But as a mage, he aged slower than normal people did. Deacon wasn't foolish, he knew he wasn't immortal, but he also knew it was harder to kill him, than other people. He could vouch for this, he had unfortunately ended the life of several people in his years. He wasn't proud of it, but he wouldn't pretend it didn't happen either. Deacon wasn't someone to lie to himself. Like telling her about her friend, he knew he had to, but it hadn't become important yet, and he wasn't about to push away the only person he could actually talk to about his magic." Assuming we all think the worst of people. Who's to say this lost friend isn't a ruse to take me for all I'm worth? Or on the flip side of that statement? Who's to say I'm not involved in his disappearance? Believing in coincidence says I have to take every factor into consideration. Every possibility has to be considered if you don't believe that everything happens for a reason." Deacon said, Finally answering her first statement. And it was true, he was involved in it, but not so much as he felt guilty about it. He didn't know where her friend was, only where one of the kidnappers were. About a mile north of their location.----------------------------------Dakotas set himself down a ways away from the other two, his eyes half shut, he shook his head and finally spoke up." We need to skip town, and now would be a good time. The mage knows he's been screwed out of his money." He said with a grumble." And giving it back to him, isn't going to help, One can tell when talking to him. He expected to get what he paid for, and expects me to return to the next fifteen minutes or so, I'd like to be on my way away from him by then." Dakotas spoke, his head bowed, the wrong tube still in his hands, he set it down. And looked up finally. His eyes meeting his bosses. Milxar looked steadily and nodded,"We shall leave now then. I was going to rest in the inn tonight, but obviously we need to take our leave, before something happens." Saying this, he nodded and began walking east, the closest exit of Lindum there was.--------------------------------"What if I told you I had an idea of where to start looking?" Deacon said taking the shot and chasing it with the glass of whiskey. Drinking over half the glass, his eyes began to water, and he sat it down.@Wren (bump)

The Song of the Salamander [Wren x Annukai]|rating:3.0

Riding Hood (GooglexLingeringDesire)

{"Light box_close": "Close", "light box_next": "Next", "light box_previous": "Previous", "light box_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.", "light box_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow", "light box_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow", "light box_full_screen": "Full screen", "light box_thumbnails": "Thumbnails", "light box_download": "Download", "light box_share": "Share", "light box_zoom": "Zoom", "light box_new_window": "New window", "light box_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"} There was nothing sadder than seeing an old wolf who had gotten long in the fang and couldn't keep up with the pack anymore. Some kept going and struggling to keep up until it eventually cost them their lives, some respected that choice but to Roman it was always a selfish one. Someone who was too old and too weak to really carry their own weight would only put their brothers, the people they cared about into danger. It was better to step away, to live away from all the others... at least then you kept the ones you cared about safe. The Woodsman Originals were on their way back to what they considered their hometown, a place that they occasionally referred to as their den when they had been spending a little too much time away from home and got particularly drunk. Of course, they made the puns, they went along in with being a Misanthrope, sooner or later you either embraced it or you just turned into a bitter asshole. For about five months they had been on the road, mostly crashing in roadside motels or roughing it when they found a decent patch of open ground tucked away from the roads. Cold weather never bothered them in the least, they tended to run hot as it was. The trip had been a productive one for the pack though, a variety of different jobs, many less than entirely legal, that had culminated with a week-long ride back home while escorting a large truck full of something they hadn't questioned, making sure that it didn't run into any problems and causing some distractions, so law enforcement wouldn't notice it. Thus, well paid and in need of some time away from the long hauls the Originals had returned home, local law enforcement on notice as soon as they passed over the county line, it was always best to be prepared when a small group of very unruly bikers rode into town and were likely to cause a disproportionate amount of trouble before very long at all. Almost as soon as they had crossed into the county they all split up, each going their own way now that they were back on familiar ground. Some had families they were eager to see, a few of them sticking together as they made their way towards a local strip club that they all frequented, Roman on the other hand stuck to what he always did after a run. A stop by a liquor store, picking up a bottle of vodka that could be used to strip paint from an engine, before heading off to the nursing home that his Great Uncle had checked himself into, the only living family member that Roman had, a werewolf who had stepped down from any sort of state in a pack as he had started to get slower and his senses dulled a little bit. Now his hair was all gray and thinning, his joints ached, some weight had been put on... Paul Strauss was not the man he had once been in the least. But he was still the man who had stormed the beaches of Normandy and raised Roman from the age of six to adulthood. The man had been Alpha in his time, he had taught Roman what it meant to take charge and deal with challenges. Riding through the gates Roman rolled his eyes, as he always did, at the sign which informed anyone who read it that they were entering an assisted living community, just another nice name for a nursing home. As he strolled through the front door, heavy black boots, worn jeans, and a white sleeveless shit, he saw one of the people watching the door rising to his feet to ask for idea only to be stopped by a coworker who knew better, the look in her eyes making it clear that she knew that attempting to bar Roman's way for even a moment wouldn't possibly end well. Roman had been to this place many times before, and he knew exactly where he was going, the sight of a nurse storming out of the door that he was making his way towards only made him smirk a little bit. “Old fuck is still at it.” He muttered under his breath.“Roman, you better not be talking shit boy!” Came the call from in the room before he had even reached the doorway, stepping into the small apartment his great uncle lived in with a grin on his face that bared just about all his teeth. The old man was sitting up in bed, still looking pretty damn decent for a man who was only a few years shy of eighty, sure he had some extra weight to carry around and there was no hiding his thinning hair, but his blue eyes were bright and alert, narrowed as he was clearly annoyed, he had to put up with enough shit that day and wouldn't tolerate anymore. Roman only laughed at the older man, knowing for all his bluster he wouldn't be doing anything more than bark and bare his teeth. “Stop your bitching.” He said with a slight laugh, raising the bottle of liquor that he had brought along with him, seeing his great uncle perk up a little bit at the sight of it, this place wouldn't let him bring any booze back in so his grandnephew bringing him a bottle of strong spirits was quite a treat.“Bout time you break out the good stuff.” He said with a smile, pulling the cork from the bottle with his teeth and upending a few good mouth fulls down his throat before it was lowered with a contented little sigh. For a while Roman and Paul spoke of the recent ride, classic bikes, and of course any particularly interesting conquests that had been on the road, the old wolf looking to live vicariously through the young strong alpha. Roman of course was happy to indulge him, if he didn't like to do so then he wouldn't have visited whenever he was in town. Then, distraction, a faint scent catching Roman's nose, making him sniff their air a little, eyes suddenly wide open, body tense as though ready to pounce when moments before he had been as relaxed as could be. The old wolf noticed of course, he knew what it was, but he was happy to let what was coming be a surprise. She knew what today was the moment the sun came crashing through the window, though it really didn’t crash, sort of gracefully climbed and peeked in on her. Either way she was up since the sky had been a rich purple, yet she stayed and waited to leave her bed until after the sun showed its face. It was a matter of preference and Mali preferred to leave her bed once the sun was up fully. Never one to waste the day, she showered and dressed quickly, efficiently and began her day. She had packed a bag full of sweets, books and trinkets for the older generation she visited frequently. With a smile on her pink lips she pulled her brown hair back into a swinging ponytail and headed out. She had one stop to make, one she wasn’t looking forward to, but did every few weeks to keep a cantankerous gentleman in line. So she hit the road on her bike, her bags perched in the basket on front and her bright red helmet in place. Oddly enough, the clerk at the adult store made sure he had stocked the specific item she came in for. No, the gentlemen she shopped for didn’t like the modern magazines with their waifs and stick figures with balloons. As he called them. No, he liked the pin up style ones. Girls with curves and wide doe eyes, she stared down at the latest cover girl and blushed, an Asian female with her hair rolled, and her body tucked into a low cut white and red polka-dotted dress. She could never imagine doing something risqué like that. It was bad enough purchasing the item, but to pose for it. Well that was way beyond her comfort zone. Slipping the brown paper package into her bag she smiled and stopped at the bakery. Her grandmother wouldn’t have it any other way. With all her purchases made she headed through town and out to the wooded area that contained her grandmother and all her friends. Humming a merry little tune, the red dress she wore twirling around her calves as she walked the halls of the assisted living facility. She stopped in on several patients, though she referred to them as friends, and made small talk as she dropped off their little gifts. It had been since she was a child that she came and stayed the day. Her Asian cultured parents had raised her to revere the elderly and seek out their wisdom. Yet her parents failed on so many levels. Not Mali she was determined to make up for their faults and all the rest. Her grandmother looked so frail, but her eyes were so alive and sparkling within their sockets as she set up higher in the hospital bed. She’d slept later than usual, a new medicine they told her, but still she worried. “Morning, Grandmother. Did you sleep well?” She asked.“Of course I did child, as many medicines as they have me on now it’s a wonder I don’t sleep the days away.” She said reaching her arms out to embrace her granddaughter. “Such a good girl.” They carried on their conversation in Mandarin, her grandmother wishing to keep her mind sharp and insisted. Mali complied, it was no bother when she knew the language.“Have you seen that old fool next door yet?” the elderly woman asked.”Not yet, I wanted to make sure you were well and settled first.” She answered tucking a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. “Would you like to dress and leave your room for a bit? I can let you get ready and go see him.” She watched as her grandmother thought about the offer before consenting and dismissing her with a wave. “I’ll be back in a few to check on you.” She said grabbing the brown paper package from her satchel and heading out the door. His room was just passed her grandmothers, on the end of the hall. She saw his door was cracked and smiled. Lifting a tiny pale hand, she tapped her knuckles just under the peephole feature as she spoke. “Mr. Paul, I have something for you…” She walked right in to the room, wide smile on her face as she entered. Her brown eyes shimmered with merriment, even after she paused just a few steps in. A man sat in one of the chairs surrounding his bed, “Um, hello? I’m sorry, I didn’t realize anyone came to see… ERM, him.” She would have called him an old gas bag or some other silliness, but this was a stranger, and she didn’t wish to embarrass him. She blushed, turning her eyes down to the plush carpet by her feet. The look she got of him was enough, rough and large… and handsome her inner voice quipped. She blushed even harder. Boldly the slender Asian woman stepped further in and ended beside the bed opposite the man. “Here you go, now make sure the nurses don’t find it this time!” she said in a teasing tone. Her eyes wouldn’t trail to the make, he made her nervous. But, Paul was Paul and even though he was crass and told it like it was, they had a special bond. She handed over the magazine and said a soft goodbye before rushing toward the door. However, in her nervous state she tripped over her own feet and landed ass up on the plush carpet with the wind knocked out of her. “Shit!”{Meili} Werewolves were... well for the lack of a better word that were rather rare. Centuries ago they had apparently been much more common place, entire villages of them living and thriving. Over time humans had caught wind of their existence though and while the average werewolf could easily rip apart a full-grown man with its bare hands humans were more numerous. They had come close to driving werewolves to extinction but in the end they failed, over the generations the memory began to fade and myths began to grow, stories of full moons and silver. People had forgotten the truth and the surviving werewolves learned to use this to advantage. So long as they weren't too numerous, so long as they stuck to small groups and avoided giving away their secrets they would be able to thrive again. They might not be nearly as numerous as they once were, but it was far safer that way. Of course there was another reason werewolves weren't very common, reproduction was a tricky thing. Their numbers were thin, and they tended to be distrustful of other packs... so to keep the lines from becoming inbred they often looked to the outside in order to breed a new generation. Few humans were suitable to this, some liked to claim that it was because of recessive genes among the population, but the truth wasn't entirely certain. There might be no shame when two werewolves bred, but the strongest offspring seemed to come from a wolf mating with a suitable human. There was a scent to suitable breeding partners among the humans, it was a subtle thing, if you weren't paying attention you would only be able to catch the slightest hint, and it took real focus to be sudden. Instinctively Roman focused the moment he caught that slight hint, his body reacting all on its own, libido jumping into over drive, his body starting to pumps out subtle pheromones. Even before he could see her, and he knew it was a young woman, he wanted her and the smirk that was on Paul's face told him that the older wolf was well aware of what the young alpha was able to smell. If it wasn't for how old Paul was then Roman likely would have already taken a swing at him, it was instinctive, unclaimed and suitable females were an important resource that were worth fighting over. And when she came in... well then it was a settled thing. She's looking to be a little more than a decade Roman's junior, but that never bothered him. Hell he was a criminal and the idea of a suitable female being untouchable until she was eighteen never made much sense. He didn't just desire her, he needed her, he needed to possess her, to devour her, to pin her down and breed her again and again. Immediately he was on his feet, noting just how much shorter than she was then him, but then again being six three made many people look short. He remained silent, Roman wasn't exactly trusting himself to speak at that moment, worrying that he might growl at her or something. As it was, he wasn't able to take his eyes off her as she approached the bed and offered Paul a magazine, smut Roman noted without any surprise in the least. “Making this pretty thing bring you this shit?” He sneered, knowing the old man was likely just happy to have suitable breeding material around even if she was well beyond his reach. She was rushing, that wouldn't do at all, he couldn't let her get away, taking long steps as he moved to keep up with her though when she tripped he paused for a moment. Her ass up in the air, almost as if she were offering herself to him, ready to be mounted. All he would need to do was push up her dress and help himself. Kneeling down behind her, he was ready to just this when he shook his head, the wolf might be demanding it, but he was also a man and could show some restraint. “Are you alright?” He grunted, voice coming out much harsher than he would have like, reaching out to grip her hips in both hands, enjoying the feel for a moment, the knowledge that he could easily take her, before rising to his feet and lifting her as well, making sure to set her down on her own feet. He was standing right behind her, just an inch or two away from her, the scent intoxicating. “I can't believe that old dog was able to get you to bring along porn for him, pretty little thing like you shouldn't be purchasing the trash like this.” Mali had never felt more embarrassed than she had at this moment. Certainly the outsider wouldn’t understand. The gifts and such weren’t a big deal, and she didn’t really mind. Though it seemed like the man did, though he rose to his feet like a gentleman when she truly entered the living space. He only served to send every nerve ending in her body to stun. She had bitten her lip and ignored the outburst, but her body couldn’t ignore the man himself. With her nerves jittery enough, she felt her reserves melting into the carpet as she lay there wishing the ground could swallow her up. It was then she felt him approach. Of course, it was him, who else would it be? Were it just her and Paul he’d have made some silly or rude comment, and she’d have laughed it off, but not now with his visitor here. She wasn’t sure what he was even doing, she knew it wasn’t admiring the view, she was Asian and barely had an ass to begin with, even then it was beneath her dress and well, she prayed the fabric stayed down. Perhaps he was so overcome by a fit of silent giggles, and he wasn’t sure how to approach or help that he just stood there waiting for her to move. All these questions and thoughts ran through her brain as he finally spoke. “I’m fine, fantastic even.” She quipped, voice muffled a bit. Though she then felt his hands close around her hips and trembled, who wouldn’t have? A tiny squeak left her as he lifted her to her feet. She chewed at her lower lip, eyes closed.“Yeah I’m always this graceful…” She sighed. He stayed close, his hand still resting on her hip. He was probably making sure she wouldn’t keel over again, or something. His words were soft and rather kind while complimenting her. “At least I’m of age, when he first asked I was only 14.” She commented quickly. While his hands steadied her, she couldn’t just dart away. “It’s something nice I do, guy doesn’t get many visitors, and what is one magazine? It’s not like I sit in here and look at them with him.” That statement sent her cheeks scarlet.“I need to get back to my grandmother, could you let me go?” She asked, she couldn’t even turn to look at him. She was a porn dealer and looking at him now would only serve to turn her magenta. “Mr. Paul, we are heading to the rec room for bingo. Perhaps your guest will take on the challenge of beating you.” Mali fought the urge to press her small body back against his, though it might have made him release her quicker. She was legal, of course Roman had already suspected as much as she had brought the old man porn, but her words confirmed it. Really it didn't matter in the long run, but Roman was pleased to know this, it simplified things, removing the sort of complications that might emerge if he were to be found with her and her parents objected. He would deal with that if it happened but her being legal made it easier to handle any sort of interference from law enforcement. Already in his mind he had moved beyond undressing her, he was pinning her down, ripping through clothing, his teeth at her neck and shoulder to make it clear to any normal person that she was claimed and the scent of his body upon her would make it clear to others like him that she was owned. He wanted to make her his bitch, wanted to hear her screaming... His name preferably but to hear her screams would just be delicious no matter what. When she asked to be let go, so very polite about it, Roman considered just pulling her in close, let her feel just how much he wanted her, make her aware of his desire. Fingers tightened on her hips for a few short seconds, ready to give k to temptation, before he let her go with a slight sigh. It wasn't always such a struggle, normally the instincts of the wolf and the mind of the man blended well together but here, in such a public place, he had to push aside the wolf... and he knew he would pay for that one later. The wolf could never be denied for long." Bingo?" He asked, forcing himself to look away from the delicious little morsel before him, glancing back to his uncle with a raised eyebrow only to be met with a shrug from the older man. "They got you house-trained." That insult was met with a silent snarl, teeth bared, the old wolf showing that he could still bite, that he could still fight if needed. He hadn't moved away from her, hadn't even considered it, even though it was his great uncle he didn't want to leave her alone with another male before the chance came to claim her properly. "Bingo doesn't hold much interest for me though spending time with you does." He whispered, bending a little to bring his mouth closer to her ear, sharp teeth just scant inches away. "Maybe I can tempt you away from bingo for a little while, have some fun... Have you ever ridden a motorcycle, felt the power between your legs." Roman wasn't being particularly subtle, it just wasn't in the cards. "We could go to a movie if you like, there is a theater not far away." The one he had in mind was more than just a standard movie theater, this place had spacious seating large enough to accommodate three people with ease, a menu of food to be delivered as you watched, and a good selection of beer and liquor to indulge in. "What do you say little girl, shall we go have some fun?" Mali didn’t know of his urges, all she knew was ow restless he made her. Her skin tingled and wanted to be touched, but men didn’t fall over themselves to get to her so she was sure he was merely being polite in helping her up and lingering around her. But he didn’t move away from her and instead talked to the man in the bed. “Yeah, Mr. Paul is the reigning champion…” She said with a smile toward the man. But, jumped back when he bared his teeth and growled. Her fingers accidentally rubbed against his abdomen, trying to move behind him. The older man had a mean streak, she had seen it firsthand, but he had been kind to her after a bit of her visiting. This was something new. Her eyes lifted to the younger male, “Why would you want to do that?” She asked, softly. Not understanding it, no one ever wanted to spend time with her. His next sentence, she could feel his breath on her neck and dipping down into her cleavage. She blushed heavily, it wasn’t a motorcycle she imagined between her thighs. Her eyes lifted to find the older gentleman watching her and the male. “I don’t even know your name.” She said turning once again to look up at him. “I’m finished with my volunteer duties after Bingo. Perhaps, you could hold off until then?” She offered. If Paul was willing to vouch for the guy then she might consider leaving with him. But he was a stranger, a very hot and confident stranger. Something about him called to her.“Sorry, but I have to go help my grandmother,” She stepped away from the male, rather reluctantly. With a smile she waved, “Come to BINGO, it’s not the same without you.” She turned and rushed from the room. In the hall she panted and leaned against the wall. Why was it always like this? Men flustering her, and she wanted away from him but near him too. He made her thighs tremble and a strange heat building up in the core of her body. The call of her grandmother pulled her away from the area she was stuck in. She apologized and wheeled the older version of herself to the main recreation room. “I was seeing Paul, and he has a visitor.” She said in explanation of why she had taken so long. Of course, this only served to make her grandmother question further. Then again she didn’t have answers, she wasn’t sure who the man was or why he chose now to come around. Watching the door, she hoped he would come. Maybe he was different, her mind raced. The fact that men weren't all over her was something that would have been a massive shock to Roman. True she wasn't as well-endowed as some young women were, Roman had been a younger man once, and he remembered what it was that those punks desired, but he had also grown up a great deal since those days. Sure you could find a stacked blonde on just about every street corner who knew how to suck a golf ball through a garden hose, Roman actually had a few of them at different points that his normal route took him through. This girl though was an image of innocence and beauty, anyone who couldn't recognize that was just a fucking fool. The younger innocent ones, the barely legal sort that were splashed all over the internet, they had plenty of potential that their more experienced peers didn't have. They could learn just about anything that someone with a firm hand and patience sought to teach them... the fact that the pretty little Asian would be excellent breeding material only served to sweeten that deal in the eyes of the man who would now possess her. After the brush of her fingers over his body it took even more self-control to just stand there like a well-behaved young man when he could just grab her, it wasn't like he would need to reach very far to have her, just stretch his arms out slightly and he could trap her against his chest. When she mentioned not even knowing her name Roman didn't even register it, the more time he spent around her the more her scent was enough to cloud his mind. His pulse was racing, his breath was far deeper than usual, eyes dilated and when she turned to leave the eyes began turn from a rich brown to a golden amber, having difficulty controlling the wolf much longer.“The punk is my grandnephew Roman!” Came a bark from behind him, bringing Roman back down to reality. “And he will be attending bingo with us!”“I will?” Roman asked, head more clear now that the girl, whose name he hadn't learned had left the room. He could still smell her, she was nearby, he would be able to find her, but now that he had a moment he was back in complete control again.“If you leave now you might have a hard time getting her to go out with you, too much time away will give her time to think and come to the conclusion about what an ass you are.” Slowly the older man rose to his feet, standing without the aid of a cane of a walker but still a little stooped as he took a few steps forward, closing the distance that separated Roman from him. “And that line about the motorcycle, just what kind of girl do you think Mali is? Might fucking work on the biker bunnies that you meet out on the road but if she had taken even a second to think about it, she would have laughed in your face. Fucking pups these days, didn't you get taught any better...” Paul was saying more but by that point Roman was already just ignoring everything that was being said, distracted still by everything that had been running through his mind as he followed, almost as if on autopilot, towards the bingo hall that the older wolf was limping towards. Really it sounded about as boring as anything could hope to be but on the off chance Paul was right Roman didn't want to complicate things with Mali. He was confident that he could track the girl down by smell now that he had a decent starting point to track her from. Entering the large room that smelled of stale plastic and mothballs Roman saw that Mali was already seated beside an older Asian woman, grandmother probably. Gripping his great uncles arm Roman practically pulled the man along, sitting himself down next to Mali without any sign that he was noticing she sat there, playing it all calm and detached even as he heard Paul snickering at him a little bit. In the hall, she had heard his voice, loud and strong, denying his age. It made her smile as she pushed her grandmother’s wheelchair down the hall. Roman, the man’s name was Roman. She felt her heart beat return to normal slowly and seemed to have gained a bit of control over her senses. He made her a bundle of nerves, she wasn’t experienced with guys, let alone men. She should have politely declined and bid him farewell, but now she was stuck going on some sort outing. Her grandmother laughed, “That buffoon has a viable relative, and you are contemplating backing out. No, you will live a little and go out with that boy. Mali I won’t have you sitting back and letting you waste your life. Have fun and ignore your parent’s voices in your head for once.” The older woman said as they parked at a table with their boards and plastic covers.“Grams! You can’t make me date him… you haven’t even met him!” She tried arguing. Then her eyes watched her grandmothers widen, a smile growing on her face.“You’re going and for god’s sake end it by giving him a tasty little treat.” The older woman hissed. Her eyes fell on the male in the doorway, her heart sped up again. What was even happening? How did one male have this effect on her? She bit her lip and tried turning away, even as her cheeks reddened and her smile brightened. “Fine, I’ll go… but no treats.” She said turning her head in her grandmother’s direction. A warmth spread up her left side where the male sat. She assumed he would sit across from her, instead his clothes brushed along the bare skin of her arm. “Hello Roman, glad you could make it. My name is Mali,” She said. “Mr. Paul I hope that you allow someone else to win today,” She laughed. Numbers began to be called, each movement caused her to brush against his arm. This action sent sparks of heat up her arm and into her breasts. She tried leaning away from him, but her grandmother assured she was shoved right back into him, sometimes with a giggle and sometimes with no sound at all. It was rather embarrassing, and she could only send a soft smile his way. Bingo was about as exciting as it sounded, sitting in one spot for a long period of time while using a little stamp to mark numbers that were called out in the hopes of forming a pattern. How the old man stayed sane doing this was entirely beyond Roman though he had to admit that it was something of an impressive little thing. He could never see himself in a place like this, it would be something like a prison to the younger wolf... true you could leave at any time but just sitting there, was draining his vitality like blood was slowly pouring from his body. It took a lot of focus just to keep his eyes open and when the first number was called out he reluctantly grabbed one of the sheets and paid the minimal amount of attention.IN truth he was far more interested in Mile sitting next to him, able to feel the warmth of her body even when she wasn't touching him and the scent of her was enough to further whet his appetite. Paul only grunted rudely about letting others win and said something along the lines of letting others win when they were able to keep up with him, manners being of little importance to the man even before he had ended up in the supervised living facility. The game progressed slowly, at least it seemed that way to Roman, it seemed to take hours for each number to be called, and each time someone won it only served to slow down the pace a little more. Roman didn't mind much though as the longer it went on the more time he spent next to Mile who seemed to almost be pressing against him. The occasional glance to the side showed her exchanging looks with a woman he assumed was Mile's grandmother, the only woman seeming to almost be encouraging the contact between them. She was inadvertently playing with fire though, each moment of contact no matter how brief was enough to further encourage the voraciously hungry wolf. Images flashed before his mind, he wanted nothing more than to mount the girl right then and there, his right arm twitching as he contemplated sweeping everything from the table and trowing her down atop it. Everything about this girl was driving him wild, he could smell that she was fertile, that she would be suitable for him, instinct telling him that she would provide him with strong children. Not just the feel or the scent but even just hearing her giggle was enough to make his cock throb. OF course his lack of attention to the game meant that he stood no chance at all winning, when he did bother to mark his little paper he often hit the wrong spot but didn't give a fuck in the least, more concerned with looking from the corner of his eyes and admiring the beauty of the form beside him. Perhaps an hour passed, in truth Roman couldn't tell you if it was a minute or several hours, before he eventually grew so bored that he couldn't stand it anymore... he had to leave, and he had to mount the young woman beside him, both needs beginning to overwhelm him. “You want to get out of here?” He asked with a small sigh, boredom fighting the instinct to mate though if you listened closely it would be easy to hear the arousal he felt, evident in his voice. “I am sure the staff here can handle the rest of this, I can give you a ride home.” His home, or at least something close enough. Her grandmother made a game of it. Shoving her into the male, into his arm, his side and his strong thigh. Mali had to hold her ground and not jar, but eventually she gave into the game, bumping her grandmother back and giggling as she did it. They were quiet, and she didn’t draw attention to them, even being slammed into the male. Time for her usually flew, but today it drugs on. Simply because of the event at the end of this activity. She felt restless, excited and eager but didn’t know why. She had been on a few dates before. Nothing big or serious and nothing she felt so excited about. The excitement she felt about this was different and unlike anything she’d ever experienced before. She found her mind wandering as the game progressed, and her grandmother continued pushing her into the male. Something about him spoke to her, and she ended up settling against him, effectively stopping her grandmother’s actions. Her heart raced in her chest, she said nothing to the male and barely looked up at him, too much of a gentleman to say anything to her. In a way it broke her heart, almost wanting him to ask her to stop. Instead, he didn’t seem to notice or worry about it. From the glances she caught, his mind was elsewhere as well. But, on what she didn’t know Their cards looked equally marked, he had some she was missing, and she had some that he was missing. Sneaking a peek, she caught up and recognized she had BINGO, but some old biddy at another table beat her to it. Smiling at the older gentleman at the table when the round ended she prepared for another, only to have her actions interrupted by Roman’s abrupt question. Her chocolate brown eyes lifted to his, her heart pounding rapidly. The words were low, said as if they were in a bar and they’d been fighting the tension. The petite female wanted to go, but to do so that rapidly might turn him off and make him think she was easy. Mali didn’t want that, she wanted him to work hard to obtain her, a worthy man would. Was he worthy? She licked her lower lip, and then she smiled at him. “I have my bike outside; I don’t live too far away. I can bike home, and then we can go to the theater for our movie, and then you could drop me back home?” She said, suggesting a plan.“Though you could always bring me back here when our date is finished.” She said, rising. Her grandmother listening and nodding her head of gray hair. “Don’t forget the tasty little treats.”“Not now Grams,” She said, her cheeks tinting red. “But yes, let’s get out of here.” When she mentioned her bike Roman wondered for a moment if she had a motorcycle of her own before remembering that not everyone talking about a bike was referring to the sort of bike that he preferred. The scent of her alone was making it very clear that she didn't own a motorcycle, hell common sense told him that she had likely never ended up on the back of one ever before. That was about to be changing very, very soon. As soon finished speaking he was already on his feet, having to take a moment to compose himself after he rushed like that. No reason to seem like he was some over eager young pup or anything, he was dominant, he was in control, and he was also fast enough to catch his chair as it started to tip over, keeping it from hitting the floor because of his eager rush to his feet. She was excited as well, even if he didn't have the senses of a wolf he would likely have known that. He could hear her heart pounding, could practically smell the anticipation, and of course he was entirely aware of what her grandmother whispered to her. That alone was enough to make Roman grin wide, unless this older woman was somehow aware that he was aware of the fact that he was a werewolf (and given that Paul had a penchant for getting drunk and having fun trying to be clever with little hints to the secret her kept... well it wasn't impossible) it seemed she was encouraging her granddaughter to sleep with or at least offer some sort of pleasure to the man who was taking her out. Hell maybe she did know he was a werewolf and was actually having a bit of twisted fun with a play on words far more in depth the obvious.“We can figure out where I will drop you off later on.” Roman observed, seeing that detail as less than entirely important. What did matter was that he would have her away from this place, he could take her anywhere he wanted, he could do just about anything that he wanted to her? The moment she was all alone with him then he could devour her if the urge happened to strike him, turning her into little more then the tasty treat that her grandmother had alluded to. The only think that interrupted that little train of thought was an elbow digging into his hip, Paul looking back and from the look on his face he was able to read the mind of his grandnephew, maybe not entirely approving of what might be on Roman's mind. “I will get you back in one piece though.” He assured her as she rose to her own feet, though his words were meant more for the older wolf then the pretty young thing he was thinking of devouring in a most intimate fashion. He moved closer to the girl, a single step removing any distance between their bodies, a light hold on her arm to pull her along for a second before he slipped an arm around her waist to lead her from the building. “And I promise that you won't regret this for even a moment.” Well maybe she would regret it, but Roman was confident that it wouldn't be for very long, he had plans for her, plans that were still coming together in his mind, and those plans didn't really come together if she ended up resenting him for any period of time. It took only a matter of moments to get her out through the front door and lead her over to his bike, as interested in her reaction to the machine he was taking her too as he was in the feeling of her body beside his, his large hand squeezing her hip, the gentle curves of her form, better able to savor the warmth and scent that she gave off. HE should behave for a little while, just a little bit longer would be plenty, because soon enough he would have her alone and all to himself.“Ever ride one of these before?” He asked with a smirk on his face, moving away from her almost reluctantly to climb onto his bike, his pride and joy, a mass of steel and horsepower with the name FEN RIR stenciled on the side. With practiced ease he started it, a well maintained machine that roared to life with little effort, the familiar hum through his body turning the smirk into what might be something of a childish smile of pure joy, the freedom of the bike brought to life, nothing like it.“Just climb on back and hold tight.” He instructed her, the tone of his voice making it clear that he wasn't going to tolerate any hesitation. "Okay," she conceded to figuring it out later and raising to her feet in preparation for leaving. Her brows furrowed momentarily, as he mentioned getting her back in one piece. It was such an odd statement to make, but she shrugged it off. His fingers closed around her arm and she followed. Settling in as he pulled her closer with a hand at her waist. It was only slightly disconcerting with how comfortable she felt with him. The gentleman's gesture made her heart race and a smile to caress her lips. His confidence spoke to her, some inner part of her. Though she had not been around many men, or enough to know or hell, even understand them and their actions. She delighted in his attentions but resented the fact that her grandmother pushed her on him. Maybe he was just being nice... this thought worried her. Dark brown eyes flit over the looming male and then over the bike before them. Mali gave him a brilliant smile, she didn't need words to express that no regrets would be had by giving him a few hours of her time. "I trust you Roman," she said as they travelled outside. Though he never gave her any reason to, and she ignored the questions that came to the forefront of her mind. She shook her head, "No... I've never been allowed..." She cleared her throat, embarrassed to admit this as she blushed and turned her gaze from him. The sound of the bike starting was louder than she imagined it would be, and she jumped, obviously startled. "Is it safe?" She asked, talking more to herself and not Roman. Taking her dress in to account, she tried being lady like as she climbed on. She was certain to flash her panties. Biting her lip, she didn't think about it too much and flipped her leg over the back and found she was really close to him. Her small body pressed tight to his in the small amount of space his larger body allowed. She didn't know where to put her hands, but as he took off she quickly grasped on to his jacket, her fingers curling into his shirt as she wrapped her arms around him. Meili felt the electricity between them, as well as the vibrations coming up from the bike. They shook her body and jiggled her breasts into his back. She didn't know how to handle the subtle tingle betwixt her thighs, the slight ache it was building and causing a bit of discomfort.

Riding Hood (GooglexLingeringDesire)|rating:4.0

Best Daughter Ever!

Britney's parents got divorced when she was still very young. She was raised by her father. She hadn't known the love of her mother, but her father loved her very much, and she loved him too. He had taken the liberty of raising her in a very special way. He raised her up as his pet slave. It was carved into her mentality that she was a pet and a slave to her father and she had to do anything he asked for. She didn't see anything wrong with it. She actually loved her life and thought that her father was very kind to her, and she was very grateful to him. For her, her father is her everything. And the purpose of her life is to serve him. It was a fine Saturday morning. It was Britney's birthday. She was turning 18 today. She was very excited about it. Her father had promised her lots of fun for her birthday and also some surprise for her. She loved surprises. As she woke, she saw her daddy's hand resting on her breast. They slept together and had to stay naked sometimes when her daddy felt like it. She decided to wake him up. She couldn't wait to start the grand day. Furthermore, she gave him a lick on the nose to wake him up. The day my ex-wife walked out the door leaving me to raise her myself was the best day of my life. Britney never caused me a day of grief since she was born. I attribute much of her good behavior and her lack of teenage rebellion to the fact that I have made her the center of my life. More to it, I have made her the center of my pleasure which is in turn her pleasure. She is my sex slave and as a result I never have to worry about some irresponsible teenage boy getting her pregnant. She lives to please me sexually and ninety percent of the time she surprises me with a fantasy she herself has thought up and thought up with the intention to please me. Today however will be different. Today I am going to do all the planning and make her feel like the beautiful woman she has become. She is always asking me to punish her more than I do for her sexual gratification. This gives me pleasure that she wants this, but I am always afraid she will mistake my sexual treatment of her as the sole gauge of my love for her. Well I've warned her that when she wakes up on her eighteenth birthday she will receive full punishments like a full-grown woman would. I have held back somewhat in the past, but I would not do so today. When she woke up and gave me a cute lick on the nose, I pretended not to know what day it was and told her to go to sleep. When she persisted I said "Just one more hour." I then went into the bathroom and took out a needle which would go right in her ass and would not at all knock her out, but instead it would render her temporarily paralyzed. I have never had it done to me but woman who have had it done to them swear that to experience an orgasm while paralyzed is an ultimate high. I jumped back on the bed, and she was on top of me in an instant. She tried to push me down to mount me, but I said to her that would have to wait another day. She then felt the needle and in seconds she flopped on top of me. I rolled her off of me and closed her eyes as they kind of gave me the creeps. I then went down on her and ate her out until every drop of her now dripping pussy was licked clean. After doing this I placed her on the floor with her body resting on her forearms and her ass in the air. I rimmed her asshole and then applied some lubricant to ease the pain from friction. Finally....... Keeping her in suspense still I put her into lace white panties and matching bra. "There I think you would approve my love. Now let me put this dog collar on you, and then I'll tie you to the bed as I plan the rest of the days events. Happy Birthday sweetheart. You are a beautiful woman now and your daddy loves you more than you know. I will be back soon." This time I licked her on the nose and walked outside to prepare other things. I had really been looking forward to this day. My eighteenth birthday. Daddy was always so nice to me, and he always gave me everything I asked him for. And I knew that he would have planned something special for my birthday. He always did. And that's what I looked forward to the most. He had given her little hints of it but nothing much really, and I had no idea what awaited me. After waking up, he went to the bathroom, came back and lay down again. As I tried to mount him, I felt a sharp stinging feeling in my ass." Owww". Before I even realized what had happened, my whole body went numb. My all strength faded away. I couldn't even hold my own weight. I flopped down over him, still pretty surprised what had happened. He had never down this to me before. I wondered what was he planning. He licked my cunt. He kept eating me out till I cummed, and he licked up every drop of juice from me. I couldn't even speak. I was totally paralyzed, but my mind still seemed to be awake. Furthermore, I was feeling everything he did to me and my body was responding. Furthermore, I was aware of what he did to me. He lubricated my tight little asshole and also dressed me up in white panties and bra. He sometimes liked to dress me up, and I loved it when he did. He was making me ready for my birthday. Furthermore, he put on my collar on my neck, tied me down to the bed and then left me there. Furthermore, he said he was going to make the rest of the preparations. I wondered what was next. This was new to me, to be paralyzed. Whatever he had planned, it had to be something perfect, and I just couldn't wait till then. There were three things that Britney had always wanted to try but until now I did not think that she was old enough. The first one was erotic asphyxia. I knew how to do it perfectly well, but I thought that the experience of suffocating even while having an orgasm would be too scary for her. The second was giving her the drug ecstasy. I would never in a million years tell her that is what she had, or she may get more of it on the street if she liked it enough which I imagined she would. The third was actually a treat I wanted for myself but since Britany always insisted on pleasing me she would want me to do this for myself. I was going to have Britany wrestle a hooker which I had brought in and the winner would get to do to the other whatever they wanted, or they could have whatever they wanted to be done to them. The X is mostly a stimulant and I thought after paralyzing her earlier giving her a shot of X would do wonders. I would just tell her the shot was to prevent any side effects of the drug she was given earlier. I walked in the bedroom and Britany was fast asleep on the floor. She looked so cute with her jaw hanging slack and bent over the bed which is how I guess she tried to keep herself awake. Poor thing. Well this shot would be best given without her knowing so without waiting another minute I shot her in the ass again but this time with a drug which would wake her up and intensify the effects of any and all orgasms she would have today. She bolted upright and ran a little farther than her dog collar would allow. It had a choke on it and once it was locked it squeezed down on the neck for about ten seconds for every two she fought it. About a five to one ratio. She was shocked out of a sound sleep, and now she was lit with speed so if she kept pulling I would let go of the collar as it would be locked in place until she passed out, and I would fuck her just before she did black out. Sure enough my headstrong daughter wanted to go into the kitchen and seemed to forget the collar was around her neck. After about fifteen seconds she got on her knees clutching her neck. "It is OK honey the collar locks for an extended period after you pull to long. I would never hurt you so let go and just go with it and float." I pushed her on her back and spread her legs and for the second time in three hours today I went down on her spending every last conscious second she had before blacking out stimulating her clit. Once she was out I took the collar off and carried her into the kitchen. I had a gift certificate for Victoria secrets and another for the Love Nest a specialty shop for intimate toys and gifts. I also had an ice cream cake waiting for her which would do wonders to soothe her throat." Well sweetheart I have one more gift, but it is more for me than you. You do not have to go through with it if you do not want to." The prostitute walked in wearing leather boots tight jeans and a tight shirt. "This is Amber and you will have to wrestle her for the right to do to her whatever you wish or have her do to you whatever you wish if you win. If you lose she decides, and you will have to fulfill her wish. Now I would prefer you to both go put on bikini's I bought and which are in the bedroom. The winner is whoever submits or renders the other unconscious. I will make sure it is all safe. What do you say? I was still knocked out. All my senses had gone extremely weak. I couldn't feel anything anymore. What was happening to me? It was after quite some time when I finally felt something. It was another stinging feeling in my ass. Furthermore, it had been quite some time now since I had been paralyzed. The effects of the shot were weakening. And then suddenly, it all withered away. I found all my strength coming back mysteriously. I could finally move. Furthermore, I opened my eyes. Furthermore, I was in our bedroom. Just as contrary to before, this time, I felt all fired up. I felt so fresh and energized, I just wanted to do something fun. I noticed the white lacy panties and bra I was wearing. Furthermore, I smiled. Daddy must have dressed me up for the birthday earlier. I liked being dressed up like that. Though I didn't notice the collar and crawled forward. He had me on a short leash. As I went forward, the leash got tugged and suddenly, the collar squeezed my neck, choking me a little. I really got nervous at that. Startled, I tried fighting it, trying to get it off, but it was locked in place. The more I fought it, the more it choked me. It had been one of my sexual fantasies, but I didn't realize it could get this scary. And I was scared. Then I heard his voice, telling me to calm down explaining the collar. He had it done without telling me. He let me try it out without knowing it. I calmed down as he came to me spread my legs apart. He started to lick me up as the collar choked me. I had one of the most intense sensations I had ever had from his tongue. It was probably the effect of the drug and the collar. It aroused me quite a bit. He kept at it till I blacked out. Then he removed the collar and carried my light body effortlessly and took me to the kitchen. It wasn't long before I came to. I found myself in the kitchen. He told me I had another gift waiting for me. I was kind of excited. And then he presented it to me. It was a sexy looking prostitute he had brought home. It was one of those things he had always wanted to see. He wanted me to wrestle the prostitute. The one who wins gets what she wants the other to do." Of course Daddy. I would love to do this. Oh, thank you. You know how badly I wanted this. I love you." I walked back to the bedroom with her and we both changed into our bikinis. Though I wasn't quite sure about winning. I had never done this before and I couldn't tell if she had done it before either. And she was obviously a little older than me. And she looked stronger too. Seeing her, I saw my chances of winning not very bright, but I decided to give it all I had. I could not believe how well things were going. I had worried terribly over the use of the paralytic agent, the erotic asphyxia, and the X but so far it all went superbly. Furthermore, I was a little worried when she began to grab in a panicked fashion at her collar but once she heard me tell her what it was she became as loose as a drunk and I had plenty of time to go down on her and give her the orgasm she needed to make the erotic asphyxia work. Furthermore, I am just glad she didn't completely lose control in a panic and fight me off. But that is my little girl. Brave as they come and as sweet as the morning dew. I have no idea how I got so lucky with her, but I thank God for her always. And today I get to show her how much I love her. I obviously spoke extensively with Amber about things, and she was under the belief that I simply dated young. I told her that when she wrestles my daughter I want her to pull no punches. "I want both of you to give it your all and just as I will offer her a special reward for winning I would offer you a special reward for winning in addition to what the rules already specified. Not only that but I have you for twenty for hours and if my daughter puts you through some exhausting sexual exercise you will feel it. She is almost always a sub with me but when she gets a DOM streak in her hair watch out." With those warnings I sent her inside to join my daughter in choosing a bikini for the mach. I went downstairs in the basement where the mats where laid out and where the match would be held. I had a camera focused on the whole thing, so I wouldn't have to fumble with it as I tried to enjoy the match. With that the two lovely ladies walked into the matted area looking stunning. We both joined him in the basement downstairs. I was pretty motivated by the thought that there was going to be a special reward by my dad to the winner and I just couldn't even think about the other girl getting it. So I just had to win no matter what. I had a plan or two in my mind about trying to dominate her and make her submit, but it wasn't going to be easy. It was going to be one hell of a cat fight. We both got ready and into their positions on the mat. I looked at him, and he flashed me a smile and a thumbs up. I had to win. He was already with his camera. He was going to preserve the whole thing. It wasn't a very violent match. Punches and stuff like that was not allowed. We just had to somehow make the other submit. My whole goal was to somehow get her lose her balance and make her fall. Once she would be down, the rest would be simple enough. I would restrain her movements and pull at her hair so hard that she would just have to submit. I was still in my thoughts when the match started. Furthermore, I got ready too. Furthermore, I may not be a trained wrestler, but I am a quick study, and I am also good at putting one and one together. Apparently the old man was going balls to the walls for his daughter today and I watched as he carried her into the kitchen earlier after the choke collar provided some good old erotic asphyxia. What this girl was gone beyond horny, this girl was in fucking heat and that meant her mind would be distracted to begin with and by the time I got done with her, she won't know her name. The match began, and we circled one another sizing each other up. She lunged for me and I easily sidestepped it in addition to turning around on her like a rattlesnake and pulling down her bikini bottoms. She looked at me shocked and tried to charge me again only to trip on the bottoms which were around her ankles. I lunged on top of her and as I had her pinned I went down on her and began having her for lunch. She was a tasty thing at that I might add. When she was sufficiently winded I lay right on top of her and began to smother her with my breasts. Her legs and arms flailed hopelessly, but I would not let her get any air. Just when her oxygen was running empty and her arms and legs were barely moving I got off of her for the sole purpose of taking off her top. Once her bikini top was off of her I began to suck on her nipples. I may not be a good wrestler but this sure was fun. I allowed her to gather herself once again, and I must say the girl does not quit. Furthermore, I was standing on the side of the mats closest to the old man and once again the girl charged me. This time low, and I caught her head between my legs. I looked over at the man to see how he wanted me handle this, and he had a big smile on his face. Since her head was between my legs she could not see what he was mouthing to me. What he was saying was"Just put her out. Knowing her she is relishing every moment of this as she loves to be dominated. Not only that but I want to carry her outside. I bought her a car and I want her to wake up behind the wheel." That was all I needed to hear. I pretended she pushed me back so I let my leg hold on her head go. She fell clumsily to the ground and then I pounced. I straddled her and placed my pussy over her mouth and nose long enough for her to lose consciousness. When I saw her arms and legs went completely limp I got up and had the old man carry her upstairs and into her new Accra. The man had money and taste I see. I hope that goes into my tip I thought. The other thought I had was that when she is done admiring her car her ass belongs to me. I was thinking hard, trying to come up with some good strategy to take her down. She was bigger than I. My chances of winning seemed pretty low, but I wasn't just going to give up. As the match started, I tried rushing towards her, but it didn't work. Instead, she got behind me and pulled my bottom down. I fell over as I tried to move. She took the opportunity and even before I knew, her tongue was between my legs, eating my pussy. I tried to pull away from her, but I couldn't. My body wouldn't move. I was actually enjoying it. It just couldn't resist it. After a while, she let go. I was almost a little disappointed when she stopped eating me. She climbed up on me and put her big breasts over my face. SGE pushed them against me. She was cutting out my oxygen supply. I struggled but failed again. I thought I was going to pass out, but she let go of me again. Furthermore, I had realized I had no chances of winning against her. Furthermore, I was too weak. She was only playing with me. Next, she removed my top too getting me naked. She started to suck on my nipples. That was awesome. I had never imagined wrestling could be this much fun if done this way. I really was enjoying the way she was playing with me, but I couldn't give up. Furthermore, I charged her again, but she got my head between her legs. She got me down on the ground and the next thing I knew, her pussy was in my face. She pushed hard against me. Furthermore, she was wet. I couldn't breathe. She didn't stop this time. She kept smothering till I was unconscious. I don't know how long I had been out. I woke up in a brand-new car. Furthermore, I was in the driving seat and dad was sitting beside me, smiling. It was my birthday gift. I just couldn't keep calm anymore. I loved my gift. Furthermore, I hugged him and squeezed hard. Furthermore, I just couldn't keep control of myself. Then I saw her and remembered how pathetically I had lost to her. We still had the deal. I wondered what was next. My daughter woke in the car about an hour after being defeated in the ring. I allowed the leggy prostitute with the long black hair and blue eyes to keep her in a semi twilight state which she would never recall once fully awake. During this state she filmed her activities with my daughter. The first thing she did was grab a chair and gently coaxed Britany over to the chair by pulling her hair. She weakly followed. Melissa, the name of the prostitute, then shoved Brittany's face into her pussy and told her to eat her out. She started slow but soon was eagerly licking her dry until she came with a flood right into Brittany's face. I've heard of woman squirting that way but have never seen it until then. Britany had her mouth open and almost choked on her cum before coughing it out and collapsing at her feet face down. I then pulled up a chair next to Melissa and woke her up long enough for her to bring us both to climax. I first came in her mouth, and I was so excited by this adventure that I spewed more seed than I had ever before and my daughter was force to remove her mouth before choking and caught the rest of my cum on her face. After Melissa Squirted again Brittany's face looked like a wax head melting in the sun. I took her into the shower with me and cleaned her up and took her out to Melissa who took her to a cage I have and hung her arms in straps straight over her head. She then ate her out and when Britany came she finished by taking two Benita Balls putting them in her mouth and into Brittany's pussy. Any movement causes the balls to knock against each other causing vibrations that are highly arousing. I then dressed her in a short black leather skirt and white panties and a tight sleeveless shirt. She was barely able to stand, and I just nudged my shoulder in her gut and she fell forward draping it. She was semi sedated the whole time so she would not know what we did not have her until she felt it or saw the video that was made. My daughter loved the car once she woke and gave me a big hug. I picked her up by her behind using my hands as a glove and shook her in quick vibrating movements up and down to see how the balls worked. I squeezed her tight and put her down. She had yet to notice the change in clothes." Now Britany I have always told you to keep your word and this time it means that you are the property of Melissa for a couple of hours. I will always be in the room with you but no matter how much you like or don't like what she commands you, it is your duty to behave like an obedient pet. Make me proud." Melissa then came from behind wearing a strap on and bent Britany over the hood of the car. She pulled her panties down and lifted her skirt reaming her in the ass with the lubricated dildo. After she commanded her to kneel and beg for what she wanted next. They had her a little drugged, and she finally came to after about one hour in the car. They used the one-hour well. Didn't let even a single second go to waste. She was unusually aroused when she woke up. It wasn't normal. She could feel her body fully stimulated and her nipples pert and erect. She looked down at them. They were poking through her tight shirt. That's when she realized that they had given her a change of clothes too. She liked it though. Her dad picked her up and shook her. She moaned lightly as the balls moved inside of her. She realized that they must have been busy while she was out cold. She was still marveling at the car when the prostitute came warning a strap on dildo. Furthermore, she knew she had to do whatever she ordered her to do, She came to her, opened the door and pulled her out. Furthermore, she pulled her over to the hood and then pushed her head down on the hood, bending her at the waist. Then pulling her panties down, she rammed the dildo up her ass. She almost screamed. She bit her lip to stop herself. But she started to like it soon enough, thanks to her aroused and stimulated body. By the time Melissa was done with her, she was totally wet, wanting more of it. She wanted to have a big orgasm. Melissa ordered her to kneel and beg. She got down on her knees like a pet." I want to cum, Mistress. Please let me cum. I loved what you did to me. Please play with me more. Make me cum." As Britney was on her knees with a wet pussy aching to cum her mistress responded to her plea." It seems to me my pet that you have been given far too many things far too quickly. For now, I want to see how you respond to the phrase 'not now'." Melissa then proceeded to put a shock collar around Britney's neck which was capable of rendering her unconscious for a few seconds. However, this is only after a painful shock is administered which renders the body spastic before going limp. A leash was connected, and she was commanded to walk on all fours." We are going back to your fathers' basement where he plans of filming more of our activities. Let us continue in that direction." Melissa had taken from the car a whip, and she snapped it in the air to emphasize her command. When they arrived in the basement which was really a dungeon I was already waiting. I saw the two of them arrive he pointed them in the direction I wanted. It was from that direction that a beautiful array of lights flashed rhythmically. They were impossible to look away from. There was an audible sound which was so peaceful and seductive that it was like a lullaby. At a pitch that was subliminal and so high in pitch it was beyond human ability to hear consciously yet registered unconsciously it put both Melissa and Britney in a hypnotic trance. I spoke to both of them." Britney you are to sleep as I talk to Melissa. When I speak to you Melissa will sleep. I will wake you when it is time but for now sleep." I looked over at Melissa and told her that from this point forward she will always respond to the name "Bella." When you hear that word you are to follow all commands that follow until I am done commanding you, and you hear me say "I am finished."" Bella" I command you to tell me your most private and secret fantasies. At least three you will reveal to me and more if you wish. This will be a starting point When You are done telling me your fantasies go to sleep. You shall awaken when the sound of an explosion comes from the speakers and at that point you shall masturbate next to your pet where you will have a large selection of toys to aid you if you desire. When you climax you may watch your pet if she is not done but when both of you are done you shall both sleep until I decide your next command. I am now going to speak to Britney and you shall sleep now. When I speak your command name start telling me your fantasies. I am finished Sleep." When Melissa told me her fantasies I spoke to Britney." Britney my love awaken. From this point on when you hear me say "Tinker Bell" You are to go into a trance and follow all of my commands that follow. You will know I am done commanding as I will say 'I am finished.'"" I am attaching your chain to the wall for now, and you may sit on your ass if that is more comfortable for you. Unless you are called in by either your Mistress or myself that is where you shall stay. Any attempt to break free will result in a shock which will be painful and leave you momentarily unconscious. You will also be punished by either myself or your mistress afterward. You have been well rewarded today, so these are small commands for the gifts you have received. One final note. After your mistress finishes telling me her fantasies the both of you will begin to masturbate in front of me. You will see by the spot you are chained to an array of toys to aid you if you desire. Both of you will begin this when you hear the sound of an explosion from the speakers. When you have climaxed you may watch your mistress if she is not done yet but when both of you have climaxed you shall both instantly fall asleep and stay that way until I decide on your next command. Throughout all of this you are to stay on your leash as we attend to Melissa's fantasies. If you are needed away from your currant place I will unleash you for that purpose and return you to your leash and collar when that event is over. I am finished."" Bella tells me of your fantasies"I used code names as opposed to their real names which I would be using during normal activities not requiring hypnosis. The code name would put them in a trance that would remove all inhibitions and would be forgotten once they awaken from the trance. I was a little disappointed when Melissa said that. She clearly refused saying that I had already had a lot of fun. I really was looking forward to some fun. But it seemed that I would have to be a little patient to get that. Then I was collared. It wasn't an ordinary collar, a special one. I didn't exactly know what it did, but I did have an idea. Then she ordered me to go back to the basement. She also had a whip. I hoped she didn't whip me. She cracked it in the air. I started to crawl faster. She did it sometimes to speed me up, just to tease me. Daddy was already waiting. It was strange. I felt all dowry and strange. Like I wasn't in control. I couldn't remember what was happening. We got some new commands. I slept as he commanded me to. I awoke after a while. Furthermore, I was Tinker Bell. Furthermore, I had some new commands after which I was ordered to sleep again till I heard a blast. Melissa:He ordered me to speak." Rape has always been my greatest sexual fantasy. I love and I actually crave it. I would go asking people to rape me if that wasn't so hard. Another one of my greatest sexual fantasies is food play. I like to get food involved in sex. It is a great turn on for me. I love exhibitionism and I want to be used and abused the way I have never been used or abused before. Something I couldn't even imagine. I have a fantasy of being hunted down by a man who would take me home and ravage me after hunting me." Saying all that, I slept again. I couldn't tell what I was doing. I was just doing it. Furthermore, I heard the fantasies of both my daughter and the prostitute and out of the two of them there is not an ounce of DOM. The two of them are like twins they have the same fricking fantasies. I was hoping one would enjoy dominating while the other gets dominated, but I'm going to be creative. They have almost identical fantasies, although Melissa does a very good DOM. However, it is not fair if she always has to do the part neither wants. I wondered. My daughter could probably do a great DOM if she tried, and now I was really curious to see if she could be one badass bitch if strength and fighting were not the issue. I had to laugh thinking back on her wrestling match. God, I love my little girl I thought. I had an idea." Tinkerbell come to me. Listen and think about what I am saying. You do not recognize my voice now nor do you know my face. Your mind has been temporarily wiped clean so you can experience extreme pleasure OK? Now you are going to hear a bang in a few minutes and both you and Melissa will masturbate together. You can watch each other, make suggestions for the other to do something that you might get off watching, whatever, the point is it will be just the two of you, and you will not even know where you are or that it is your birthday. When you climax you will sleep. When you wake up again you will not only have sex toys and dildos, but you will have every conceivable device down here at your disposal to dominate Melissa in the same ways you would wish to be dominated. You will think that your master, no relation to me as I won't exist in your mind, but you will be under the impression that you must dominate her for your masters amusement, and you know he rewards you for doing a great job and punishes you for doing a mediocre job. The better job of being a DOM to her sub the more I will reward you. Now you will have everything in this dungeon to work with so use your imagination. You are just her DOM. I promise I will reward you sweetheart. Now sleep the bang will go off soon. Melissa wake bang will go off soon and both you and Britney will masturbate together. You can ask each other to do things that may turn you on or whatever aids your fantasy while you get off. Once you do get off you will sleep. When you wake you will not recognize Britney, but you will know you have been kidnapped and taken as a sex slave. She will be guarding you. You will be both afraid and excited, so I hope you have fun. Now sleep. Bang! Bang! They both woke up form their sleep. Britney was still chained to the wall with the leash. They both started to masturbate right away. Britney:When I woke up, I had some thoughts flushed into my brain. Like I had to do that no matter what. I was on a leash that was attached to a wall. I started to finger myself. There was Bella near me too. She was also masturbating. I didn't see what she was doing. My mind was fully focused on pleasuring myself. I thrust my finger up my pussy and started to pleasure myself. I thrust my fingers in and out imagining it was a big cock up my cunt. There were many toys near me. I grabbed an anal toy and pushed it up my ass with the other hand. It wasn't very comfortable in the position I was in, but I was driven by my desire to cum. I kept at it moaned loudly. I finally felt myself about to hit my climax. When I finally did, I moaned one last time before I was pulled into sleep once again. Melissa:I woke with the sound of a bang. I was acting on instincts. My hand immediately dropped to my breasts and I started to squeeze them. I was driven by this strange desire to fuck myself. I didn't waste my time. Furthermore, I saw many toys near me. Furthermore, I grabbed a vibrator and thrust it in my cunt, turning it on at highest speed. As I moaned in pleasure, I pushed my fingers in my ass and kept thrusting in it. I clamped nipple clamps on my nipples and then started to tease my clit. My pussy was wet with juices. I licked them up off my fingers. It didn't take me long to reach my orgasm. When I finally came, I turned the vibrator off. I saw Tinkerbell. She was struggling to orgasm too. I watched her and I fingered myself as I did. When she finally came, I was pulled into a slumber once again. I could not have imagined this day going as well as it had so far. Most importantly my angel was having the time of her life experiencing more new sexual situations in this one day then she had her entire life. She must be exhausted already, but I had more than enough plans, or at least a list of possible scenarios to put her through to keep her climaxing until she could no longer recover enough strength from her last orgasm to keep her eyes open when commanded not to mention garner the strength to stand. And since I am filming all of this and I will go back and edit it she will have a film which will help her relive every mind-blowing moment. Not only that but I was having a blast constantly on the verge of sexual overload watching her beautiful body convulsing from her lack of bodily control brought on by climax which left her exhausted and vulnerable in so many different sexually explicit positions which were like invitations for me to take her flesh for my pleasure in any way I chose all the while knowing she would not only approve but if she had the voice would ask me to. Now having watched both woman groan and twitch in self-inflicted sexual revelry the both collapsed into slumber as I had commanded. Now I faced a decision. I falsely assumed that they would not both wish to be subs. So how best to please my daughter while at the same time utilizing Melissa to her complete potential which can only be done if her heart desires it as opposed to going through the motions. I planned on inflicting both of them with fear of being hunted by a man who rapes and defiles woman. They would both be told to work together and both comfort each other from their fear and to help the other escape if they were at risk of being caught. That would create a bond and with these two it would be sexually charged spoken or not. I wondered how my daughter would feel if she was rendered unconscious upon what she would think occurred after tripping and banging her head in the ground. There of course would be no head wound would responsible but instead a slow acting sedative that takes time but when it activates immediately renders the person unconscious for over an hour oblivious to completely at the mercy of whomever is with them. I know she likes to be commanded, used, controlled, and placed under the control of a master. But that is something she does by choice. If I showed her later footage of her partner taking advantage of her vulnerable state by posing her in sexually charged positions and then basically using her body for her pleasure however she wished knowing my Tinker bell would wake none the wiser. Would this be something she would fake to experience while aware? Or instead would it stoke a small flame of anger mixed with hunger to do the same in return by perhaps staging a way for Melissa to have the misfortune of falling into an untimely comatose slumber. I was about to find out. I picked my daughter up off the floor and sat down with her on my lap my hard cock pressing against her bottom. Furthermore, I removed her leather skirt and put her into more protective leather pants and a blouse that came down halfway to her navel and buttoned in the middle. It was white and tight fully revealing her nipples underneath. I then spoke. "Tinkerbell awake. Here is all you will know when I wake you just a few short moments after I must put you to sleep as to keep you from hearing what I say to Bella and to have your mind time to reset by temporarily dumping all you know other than what I tell you. Remember you are my baby and this is all for your pleasure. Now when you awaken both you and Bella will remember meeting on a hiking trail and briefly talking before being chased by the serial rapist you have been reminded of as of late running lose. You will work together to help each other stay strong and to aid the other if they are in need. Other than that you have no orders. Awaken when you hear me whistle now sleep. J picked up Melisa or Bella as I have brainwashed her to believing is her name and changed her into more protective clothing as well. I removed what she had on and put her in a tight pair of low rider jeans over a black satin pair of panties. Her top was aqua, and it was just a high riding t-shirt. I then commanded her to awaken. "Bella when you awaken from the necessary slumber I must briefly put you into again, so your mind will reset temporarily forgetting all you know except what I tell you. You will remember meeting Tinker on a hiking rail and soon after escaping from the serial rapist you have heard so much about. You will both work to protect and comfort each other as you put your minds together in order to escape. Your attraction towards her will rise to a level you cannot resist when she falls unconscious at your feet. You are sure she will be out for an hour at least as you have seen what a blow like this does to a person. You will strip her down to nothing, then finding a low-hanging branch place your coat over it in order to protect Tinkers skin as you drape her body over it like a towel on a rack. Having a splendid view of her goods and her firm ass you can consider what temptations you can give into by taking advantage of her oblivion and doing with her body as your desires see fit. When you hear a whistle both of you will once again sleep as I decide what to command you next. Now enjoy and sleep. I whistled a wake-up call to my sleeping beauties and fear immediately eclipsed the smiles earlier. They had there orders now. They are asleep once again. Then they both woke up at the same time with his whistle, totally brainwashed. Tinker Bell:She was very scared. All she could remember was going on hike where she befriended another girl a little older than her. They were having a fine time when she felt like they were being followed. She shook off the feeling at first, but then Bella mentioned it too. So she hadn't been imagining it. They really were being followed. They stopped to look around. Whoever was following them realized that he had been spotted. He ran out of a bush like crazy and ran towards them. They started running. She had seen him carefully. He fit the description of a serial rapist on the loose she had seen on TV. They both ran for their lives and their holes. Fortunately, they both were familiar with the terrain. They were faster than I. Bella was actually better than her. It took them about 15 minutes till they had lost him. But they didn't stop. They kept running. Tinker Bell lost her footing on the uneven terrain and fell down. She hit her head on something and passed out immediately. Bella:Bella had known the place very well. She was able to run through and guide Tinker Bell too. They manged to lose him. But then Tinker Bell fell and passed out after hitting her head on something. Bella stopped. She looked around. There was no sign of the rapist. She dragged Tinker Bell in some bushed and waited for a while just to be safe. She waited for ten minutes. No sign of the rapist. She tried to wake Tinker Bell, but it was no use. She looked at the cute little girl sleeping soundly in her arms. Furthermore, she was so tempting like that. Bella out her hand on her soft mounds. They felt very good. She started kneading them with both her hands. Then she pulled Tinker's shirt up and felt her breasts to her heart's content. Touching her drove her desires even more insane. She felt like she was the rapist. She grabbed her light body and moved out. She put her coat over a low branch and then sat down beside Tinker Bell. Furthermore, she opened up her blouse completely and took off her bra. Then she slumped her body over the branch. She pulled her leather pants don to her ankles and tore off her panties. She was still unconscious. Bella leaned in between her legs and started to eat her out. She managed to get her wet very quickly. She thrust her tongue in her opening and lapped at her juices. Even though Tinker Bell was unconscious, she could feel her body convulsing in pleasure. Then she moved to her chest and started sucking her little breasts. She sucked both her nipples one by one. Once she was done with them, she opened up her on jeans. She grabbed Tinker Bells hand and used her fingers to finger herself. Her fingers felt great inside her. I knew that if I did not put them back to sleep and give them new commands once the old commands were completed they would do as both instinct and desire dictate they should. What would not change was the situation they believed they were in, that of being chased by a serial rapist. After an hour passed and Bella had finished having her fun with Tinker Bella thought she heard some noise coming from behind a thick patch of scrub brush. She went to investigate leaving Tinker draped over the tree limb like a towel draped over a rod in the bathroom. Tinker began to awaken just as Bella removed Tinkers fingers from her pussy which she used to satisfy herself. Bella's moaning at climax is what she first remembered as waking her up. Then her finger gliding out of Bella's wet and slippery folds. As she heard the noise and saw Bella leave her to investigate she began to panic. How could she leave me in a position like this, completely vulnerable, my treasures on complete display almost as a sign or advertisement for the serial rapist. All items must be taken. Quality is clearly visible, test it and if you are not satisfied try something else. If that satisfies you just look at what all of your other choices are free for the taking. Just think her tits are there for your licks as are her nips. Perhaps indulge in sucking on a bit of her clit, cum in her bum, bite with all of your might, penetrate to denigrate, or just stay to play. All items must be used, or you lose..............her mind was in a panic as all the things that he could do to her were not only possible, but she was a dangling advertisement for those things. All the parts of her that he could want were placed in full view and if that wasn't bad enough her position made abusing her sacred realms look all that more appealing to any who may walk buy. She began to lose her fear, and it was replaced with anger. How could she leave her hear so fucking vulnerable with, of all things, a rapist on the loose. Then she heard a scream. It was Bella. She could hear the men words, but he was almost talking with a whisper. "Don't lie to me girl. Who is here with you, and where are they? Tinker knew even if the man knew another woman was with her, he didn't know where so why not send him away from her. Instead, she told the man right where she was. "Fuck" Tinker muttered as she rocked her weight back and forth until her momentum pulled her over the limb. She quietly moved away from their voices."OK bitch. I am the rapist that has been in the news. Haven't you fantasized about being raped before?" Bella replied "No...never... I mean of course not. I like woman anyway..... I know that she loves to be raped and....before she got the words out that she hoped would make things easier on Link and herself he cut her off. She was going to say she could do things to her only she knew how to do to get her to scream in that way that excites the one hearing the scream almost more than the one making her scream..........but that opportunity was lost when the branch was abandoned. Tinker could not believe how much she lied to save her own ass and to turn her over on a platter in the process. She knew damn well she fantasized about rape. Then she gave her location away. She was a sub, but that was for pleasurable sex. When push came to shove she could go toe to toe with anyone. Or apparently with more courage than Bella. The man saw the tracks Link found in the leaves which led to her location. The man had a metal rod which was like a taker but not as painful, and it also excited the hot spots as the electricity ran briefly through the victim laying them out immobile for about a minute. Once he saw Link he charged and she jumped back as he prodded her. As a result she was only nicked by it and received a small shock. She decided to play possum and lay with her eyes closed and motionless as if she received the full dose. She saw he had Bella backing away from him when she tripped falling backwards forcing her to walk backwards on all fours as he spoke. "OK, I can rape her what can I do to you? I love it when men suck on my feet, or you can tit fuck me, I'll even give you one of the best blow jobs ever? Link thought sarcastically "How generous of you." She opened her eyes just enough to make out shadows of them. He was kneeling at her feet. He placed the rod up against a tree. Furthermore, he began sucking on her feet when thought she might never get a better shot. Stay and surely lose, or at least give yourself a chance. She walked out there with all the confidence of a teacher among toddlers. She certainly looked like no sub he ever saw. "You, you're looking for me as she got closer. He seemed so surprised by her actions as did Bella. "I heard you talking before. She is my slave. Unless you are as stupid as she is terrified she is not behaving as any DOM I have ever seen." She looked over at Bella who obviously just wet herself as her crotch was a blooming wet spot growing. "Fuck, she is even pissing on herself." She grabbed the poker and held it up to Bella's neck. "Listen and listen good to me, or you will suffer like you have not dreamed of before. You see that decaying stump over there. Lie before it and rest your head on it. I think our good friend here needs a place to sit, and your face would be perfect while the two of us chat. She did as told, and he sat on her face but not with his full weight. Every time she was on the verge of passing out or being smothered by his ass he would lift it. It went on about three more times before she was gone. He raised his ass off her face and her head rolled to the side and off the stump. "Well I think I have made my point clear have I not?" Tinker never felt so confident in her life, but it was the adrenaline from the fear that gave her the high. She was now confident once she got uppity with her little slave as she just did she could take care of this man when she had some fun with her slave once she woke up. When she did come to she was begging and pleading with Tinker to not hurt her............. Tinker was feeling very confident now. She had managed to get out of a very bad situation very smoothly. She had not only escaped a grim fate but had also turned the tables on Bella. Furthermore, she was very satisfied and pleased with herself. Now it was time to get even with her. Bella had had her fun with her before. Now it was pay back time. The man had pretty much understood the situation too and was willing to go with Tinker's plan as long as he got to have fun too. Now Tinker had the rapist on her side too. They waited for Bella to come to. Once she was back to her senses, Tinker and the rapist restrained her and then tore off her clothes. They had waited till she had gotten up just to have fun. It was no fun if she didn't resist. Tinker had the rapist tie Bella's hands behind her back with the remains of her clothes. Then Tinker lay back against a rock and told the rapist to put Bella's face between her legs. She pulled up her skirt and pulled Bella's face in her pussy. She grabbed her hair in a fist and mad her listen to her." Now please your Mistress, bitch. And get your ass up high. This gentle man is going to have your ass while you please your Mistress. And be sure to moan." The man got behind her and shoved his cock in her ass. He started pounding her hard. Tinker pulled her hair hard and made Bella look at her. "How does it feel slut? Is it good?" She couldn't believe that she was handling Bella like a true Mistress. She was surprised at herself. The rapist and Tinker were having a ball as he was using his cock like a jackhammer in Bella's ass. Tina was having her fun by having Bella shove her face in Tina's pussy licking out every ounce of Tina's pussy. Tina never knew she would either be so good as a DOM or enjoy it as much as she did. When they were all but done Tina smothered Bella's face between her legs and kept it there until the old DOM passed out between her legs. Tina pushed Bella's limp body to the side and gave the rapist a look like what next? A look of sheer pride was written all over Tina's face." Good job little girl. Let's carry her over to that grassy area, and you decide what we do with your pet?" She could not have been more pleased with the idea. Tina took the girls head and cursed her one more time before lifting her under the shoulders as the rapist took the legs. When the two reached their desired destination Bella was held up by the rapist as Tina looked around to possibly find a branch to drape her over as Tina was draped over earlier by Bella when she was knocked out. Without Tina knowing it she carried with her a rock and soundlessly knocked out the rapist and when Tina turned to look at the two Bella grabbed Tina by the hair and gave her a headbutt. She was out cold the moment Bella hit her but instead of letting her fall to her knees held her up by her hair so when she woke up they would have a nice face to face talk. Tina's eye whites appeared a few times before she was awake enough to talk. "Bad move bitch, but I'm a forgiving woman. Beg and I might let you pass out as I think of what to do to you. Another headbutt placed Tina face first in Bella's tits before she slid down her body to the ground out for good now. She came to a while later surprised that she was now stretched between two rocks acting as a table as dishes and food were on Tina's lower belly and her tits were now pierced and acted as ring holders for light plastic napkins made from shreds of Tina's torn clothes being used as napkins." We would have used your panties but seems the second blow to your head and my leg to your gut caused you to piss yourself like you did to me. How does that feel? Tonight after we clean the table or your body of food you will act as a coat rack for us to dry our clothes out which we also cleaned while you were napkin. More than blink and you will not like it. Coat racks don't dare move. Standing perfectly still Bella placed her drying panties and the rapists drying panties on her head while her arms held the heavier stuff. Now how would she get back to the DOM she was the thought completely humiliated acting as both a piece of furniture with cleaned underwear on her head. But she would find a way. Tina was taken completely by surprise when Bella attacked her and knocked her out. She is easy to put out cold. When she woke up, she was a dining table for the two of them and her clothes were torn off and used as little napkins. She felt really humiliated and even a little terrified now that Bella was again in control and after all that she had done to her, she was afraid of what Bella might do to her. She kept quiet as Bella placed panties on her face. Furthermore, she tried to think of something. Furthermore, she knew if she didn't do something, Bella would be making her pay for what she did. Later on, after they had had some food, she was to be a rack for their clothes and under clothes. She was disgusted, but she stayed calm and waited for a chance to get free. It was getting darker now. The rapist left them for a pee and headed for some bushes. Meanwhile, Bella sat by the camp fire as she relaxed. Tina took the opportunity and snuck behind her while she was not looking. She knew she was not strong to go physical against her, but she had to try. She grabbed some wet clothes. Furthermore, she planned to smother her and knock her out cold. Furthermore, she jumped up behind her back and thrust the cloth in her face. Furthermore, she had nothing else. Furthermore, she tried to cut out her air supply. If she didn't succeed, she knew she would be doomed. The attempt to smother Bella didn't start out too hot. First she was caught sneaking up on her then she ripped the clothes right out of her hands as she was so shocked to have been caught red-handed. Then Bella wrapped the shirt around her neck like a rope and began to strangle her to unconsciousness. At the last moment she thought how playing possum worked once before. She let out one more chocked breadth moved her arms around a few times and went still. She knew she would feel Bella's horny breadth on her naked body. Just when she did she said at the top of her lungs "Good Night" Giving her a headbutt that left Bella a split second to realize what happened before closing her eyes and passing out on top of her. Now to take care of this rapist once and for all. She held a rock in her hands and bent over Bella shaking her ass. When the rapist came up behind her like she knew he would, she knocked him out with the rock. She was able to bind them naked to trees by connecting shirts and tying them. She had to hold one up and give them a hug in order to get the surrounding rope. Furthermore, she did it to each. When Bella came too she seemed to have some words........... She had finally survived. She had managed to knock both of them out. Before she tied them up, she stripped Bella of her clothing and wore it herself. Then she tied her, naked to the tree with the rapist. It took a while for them to come around. That gave her some time to rest. There would plenty of time afterward to get back at them. When Bella awoke, she went to greet her. She slapped her across the face. Then she grabbed her face and forced her to face her." Who's the boss now? I really went easy on you earlier but now, you're going to regret going at me." She grabbed a smooth stick and shoved it up Bella's pussy. Then she started slapping her breasts hard. She liked her screams." You're fortunate that I am very tired right now. I am going to get some rest now. As for you, you're the rack now. She grabbed all the dirty clothes they had and put them on her dry. The rapist was still out cold. She left them both there, found a good spot to sleep. She would deal with them in the morning. I didn't want my daughter to know I have seen what she did but when I escaped the bindings I followed her tracks and after hiding the cut on my head from the rock I covered it with a baseball cap. I saw her and began screaming her name like I had no idea where so was. She ran right into my arms, and it felt so good to get a hug from her like this. I was so proud of her. I knew she preferred being a sub, but I also saw she was more than capable of taking good care of herself. She knocked out her chicken sit partner, and she even surprised me and managed to tie us up. But I wanted her to tell the story." My God, honey where have you been and where is the prostitute that went with you?" I listened as she told the story." Well she can wait for us to untie her later due to how she put your life in danger. Right now I'm going to make you a Portuguese breakfast." We walked the short distance to the house went in through the basement door and climbed the stairs to the kitchen. I gave her a kiss on the lips before picking her up and laying her down on the table. I then slowly stripped her taking time to kiss her sensuously on the lips as I felt up her lovely pert tits, and then I nibbled on her ear telling her some of what would be coming. Furthermore, I kissed her neck and removed her shirt. Then I began running my hands down her side as I sucked on her tits. Finally, I removed her pants and panties and began to suck the juices which were already pooling inside her. I placed the funnel inside of her and cracked the eggs which were poured into her pussy. Once I removed it I began pumping her slow and hard and then sped up before slowing down once again. All the while my hands explored her body. Finally, I finished by pumping her fast, hard and deep making sure the eggs were good and scrambled before adding the special sauce which came out as cum from my throbbing cock."OK honey squat over the pan and let out the mixture. Breakfast will be served shortly. Anything to go with it do drink or any other item for my brave beautiful and smart daughter who I love more than life itself? Your wish is my command sweetheart."

Best Daughter Ever!|rating:1.0

Somebody Else's Shoes

I turned over in my bed, kicking my blanket off the bed. My television was casting a dim blue light over my room. From its speakers, the string sounds of the Star Trek soundtrack were emanating." Huh?" I sat bolt upright in my bed. Droll was leaking from my mouth. I scratched my head, my hair plastered awkwardly to one side. I rolled to the side and checked my clock. It was 10:34. I rose, and walked over to my TV, shutting it off before getting dressed. I selected a band tee and a pair of jeans. My room was fairly messy, and a sanctuary for me. In one corner, an older electric guitar was propped in place, and clothes covered the floor. A stack of vinyl records, magazines, and fantasy books were lined up along the walls." Brandon?" I called, wondering where my roommate was. He was a geeky and shy but good guy." Yo, Brandon, you-" I paused. You were tutoring a younger girl. I instantly felt bad. My cheeks turned red with embarrassment." Sorry dude- I'm interrupting. Dollar when you're done." I went to my PC and browsed for thirty minutes or so, then I hear you call." Chase!" I go back downstairs. "What's up?"" Hey, you won't believe this. Amanda's mom made us these cupcakes. Try one, they're great!" You pointed down at a vanilla cupcake with pink frosting." Why not?" I grabbed one of the cupcakes and took a bite. While we chowed down, Amanda was grinning from ear to ear. "Do you like them?" She asked. My room was also equally a mess -- but at least in the common zones, we kept it clean for each other. In the corner was a small shoe rack with running shoes, boots for fields and dancing shoes. There was a screen for gaming, and a Switch next to a rack of reference books, but the main work area was a laptop, a tablet, and a Kindle. In contrast to the band tee and jeans, I was wearing a button-up flannel, slacks and leather shoes. Tutors had to be a little more formal and stuffy after all. Amanda was at a prestigious private school, one in a better neighborhood where the children of lawyers and doctors went. She was of that age where it was starting to be scandalous, but perhaps it was good that you walked in. Not that there was anything untoward going on, except possibly Amanda's criminal attempts at math. Today she had brought in a few cupcakes. I was eating one that was a mix between pastel pink and baby blue, while yours was plain white with pink frosting and orange sides. She refused to eat any of the other four. "Maybe you can have it tomorrow too." She looked at your band tee, then at her uniform shoes and sighed. "Isn't it nice to get to wear what you want to wear, and do what you want to do?" I frowned, and then looked down at my shirt and back to Amanda. What a weird question. "I guess." I said. "I've never really thought about it, actually." I finished munching on the cupcake, and asked about it. "Hey, what's the recipe?" I paused to lick my fingers. "That stuff was good!" Amanda declined to answer, and soon her mother was there to pick her up. We spent the rest of the evening chilling and playing video games. We even ordered a pizza. About halfway through our game, I shrugged. "Man, I'm not even good at this anymore." I stood, indicating my disinterest, and set down the controller. "Hey, want to splurge and eat another cupcake?" I asked. But I didn't even wait for you... No, I grabbed another, peeling back the papery shield before popping it into my mouth." Wow... She did a perfect job!" I said. I went back to play the game again, but desisted. "No- you can play by yourself." I said. You played on. That night, as you stood in the shower, you noticed something strange: your arms seemed to be lacking hair. Upon closer inspection, your legs had little hair now too! "You're so lucky," Amanda sighed. "You can even wear what you like and sit with your knees spread. You don't know what it's like to have all these expectations. And is that an Asian band? That's even worse." After Amanda left, I shook my head. "What an unusual sentiment from her." In the end, we ended up devouring all the cupcakes, putting most of the pizza back into the fridge. The cupcake wrapper you ate had a pattern of happy cats, and then some sort of cute Chinese pattern. Going back into the room, suddenly, the fantasy novels seemed less interesting, except for one, which was about royalty and princes. You never quite got into that one, since it was more about palace intrigues, political marriages and romance, but now that was interesting to you. But the real surprise began when we both opened our wardrobes the next morning when we got dressed for the day. I settled into bed, grabbing the book, The Prince of Alahan. When I first bought this (based on the cover) I went through the first forty or so pages before realizing my mistake. It had nothing to do with the badass Death Knight on the cover, and instead seemed to be all about marriage and romance. What the hell! But now, I felt inclined to try it again. I breezed through those first pages, and then got past where I left off. I felt kinda bad. This was actually pretty good! By the time I looked at the clock, it was twelve thirty! Holy crap. I put the book back and hopped into bed, passing out. When I woke, it was seven-something highly unusual for me. But I felt ready to go, to get out of bed. I went to my closet, sliding the door open. When I saw my pants, I was totally confused." Brandon, come look at this."" You too?" You screamed back. We met outside your room. From my hand there was dangling a navy blue skirt. "How could this have gotten in there. What was in yours?" Funny thing, too; when you finally got up, the book was next tithe Queen of AlahdanandThe Crown Princess of Alahan. Huh. Maybe they were volumes 2 and 3 of the saga. The covers also started to resemble bodice-rippers, with a hunky bare-chested death knight. Despite the lack of sleep, there was a small spring in your step, and it felt like you wanted to leap out of bed. Your body felt energetic, springy, bouncy, happy. It was a sense of energetic euphoric Even though it was a navy skirt, it felt somehow right in your hands. Normal. Natural, even." A skirt? You too?" I tried to hide it behind my hands, and then I let my shoulders sag. You had definitely caught sight of something pink. Cheeks reddening, I opened my palm to show a pair of panties, in a blue-and-pink flowery print." I freaked out because I thought Amelia got you to help prank me. I could get into trouble for this, you know." I hesitated, then glanced at the pantry. There was now a small jar of frosted cookies. "Well, whatever. It's weird, but I'm not about to put this shit on." I turned around and went back to my room. I was about to toss the skirt on th3 floor, but for some reason it just felt right to hang it up. Furthermore, I did so and returned to you." So, got anything planned for today?" I asked." I don't really-hey, are those cookies?" I walked over to the pantry and grabbed the jar. "You get these?" Foolishly, I popped open the jar and picked one up between thumb and forefinger, tossing it into my open mouth." I might go to the park later, hike around for some exercise. You can come if you want. Until then, I might watch a movie or play on my PC." You couldn't resist either, and eagerly ate a cookie. "I guess I was going to go grocery shopping. You know, visit the butcher, maybe get some lean cuts of meat, and then to Whole Foods to get some fresh vegetables for a salad and stew!" I paused. There seemed to be something unusual in the words we were saying. But it made sense; we loved cooking steak and frying chicken, and there was always salted chocolate pretzels at Whole Foods that was delicious. "Anyway. We could go and get something, you should get changed..." I hesitated, still in my boxers and sleeping tee. Obviously, we needed to get changed to go out, but the skirt was still in your hands. Were you going to wear it out? The cookie made your throat feel a little scratchy. When you spoke about watching the movie or playing a game, your voice came out softer, too. "Oh, sure. I guess I'll come then." I coughed awkwardly, and my throat developed a strange tickle. Furthermore, I didn't notice it, but I began to stop speaking so loudly. My voice had lost it's loud, booming, and (somewhat) obnoxious quality. I went back to my room and threw on another pair of jeans, and this time a long sleeve flannel shirt. A cap was quickly placed on my dirty blonde mop, and I was ready to go. You were waiting for me as I headed down the stairs, so we went out to your car and started the drive. We went and picked up the meat, and then went to Whole Foods It was weird for you, to actively pass by on those delicious sweets and go for the lettuce. But you did it. Even the cashiers, who had known us by now, took notice." Wow, this is a change, Brandon." Said the girl as she has rung you up. "Eating healthy now?" We went back to the car and began to drive again. A tune came on the radio- a catchy little pop number. I found myself humming along to it. After it was finished, the DJ said the band was called Your Boyfriend and the song was "You'll Come Back to Me." Hmm... I had never heard of them before. Obviously I didn't put on the panties. Absolutely it wouldn't fit on me. But I imagined a girl in them and couldn't bear to throw them away so back in the underwear drawer they went alongside the rest of my boxers." Wow Chase, good voice. Some of it was even on tune!*It was a strange thing, since we did get some snacks... But instead of our regular fried food takeaways, we found ourselves making a healthy soup to go with upon and a movie on the TV. It was impressive to see you take charge of the kitchen -- you probably didn't even pick out a chopping board before -- but also choose the movie to while away until time until evening. You watched as I walked around the kitchen, preparing the soup. I diced up the ingredients, boiled the broth, mixed it all together, and cooked it. To be honest, I wasn't sure where this came from- I didn't care about cooking. No only that, I had no knowledge of it. But here I was, cooking up an exotic meal. I went into the living room and put on the latest superhero flick. "Almost done." I said. When it was finished, we sat in front of the television and ate our soup. To be honest, I didn't think this episode was very good, and I spent more time looking at my phone. About halfway through the movie, you stood and silently moved to the pantry, retrieving the cookie jar and coming back with it." Oh, good idea!" I said. Together, we finished the cookies off in short order." I wish I knew where those came from!" I didn't say anything either, since it looked like you wanted to watch the superhero film. But the soup was really pretty good, too. I hid a little smirk that you were still wearing a frilly apron (where had that come from?) butt the soup was delicious, with plenty for leftovers. On your phone, instead of scrolling through Instagram for hot girls in bikinis, you found yourself following the latest fashion trends and celebrity gossip... These cookies weren't the regular, round disc-like sorts. They seemed to have vague shapes cut into them. One was vaguely skirt-like, another looked like heels, yet another looked like the hourglass figure of a woman. Sort of. They might have looked like that before baking, but now they looked less shapely. It was time for bed. The empty cookie jar went on to the pantry, and we both ended up quickly in bed... Before bed, you needed to shower of course. You didn't want to go to bed all sweaty and stinky! You climbed into the shower and turned on the faucet, allowing the warm water to wash over your smooth, hairless body. You looked down at your soaps. Normally, you'd use a simple bar of soap, but now you had several different soaps, in squeeze bottles. You picked on out. "Orchard... I wonder what that smells like." You soaped yourself up, rinsed, and then stepped out of the shower. You tied your towel up just under your armpits. Looking at yourself in the mirror, you noticed something off. You suited at your reflection. Was your hair... Just a shade lighter? Hmm... It was hard to tell. And did you seem... Smaller? And thinner? Whatever. You went to bed. That morning, you went to your closet. Hanging up inside there were now four skirts, instead of the one. There was a lime green one, a pleated white one... And a short, leopard print one. Today was the day we had to attend a small talk at the university. There was a lecture on the design of superhero movies and why they were designed to appeal to people who played video games via a power fantasy. We were both eager and excited to go......but there was no way I was wearing a skirt, was it? Once again I went through the whole bathing routine, this time adding a few face washes and creams to my routine. You saw me walk to my room, towel around my armpits, as I found a pair of jeans and a shirt to wear... Seeing me tie the towel like that made you think about tying your towel. Especially since you could see my legs there. It made you want to wear that skirt you found yesterday. About half the trousers in your room had disappeared, replaced by skirts in the same shirt, along with a couple of stockings. It seemed right to wear them, to go with the flats that had replaced some of your sneakers... Something was going wrong, seriously wrong, but we were barely acknowledging it. Something... Supernatural was happening. Or clothes were disappearing, changing, being turned into women's clothing, and yet we were hardly reacting at all. We were acting feminine, behaving girlishly. What was going on. I wasn't alarmed at the sight of my new clothes. But I couldn't wear them. I had to resist. I grabbed some jeans and a hoodie, and threw on my Converse sneakers. We met at the front door, in awkward silence. We both knew something was up, and we felt powerless to do anything to stop it. Furthermore, we arrived at our university and shuffled into the classroom, sitting in the front. Furthermore, we were looking forward to this, of course, but there was a cloud of unease settling down above us. You looked down at your feet, absentmindedly thinking that your sneakers looked rather ugly until you caught yourself. What had gotten into you?! Well, our behavior hadn't started to change all that much. As we sat side by side, I sprawled leaning on the backrest, and you sat with your legs spread, knees pointed in opposite directions. Over the course of the lecture, though, our positions began to change. I sat up straight with good posture, shoulders back and chest forward, while you crossed your feet at your ankles and pressed your knees together." You know, I feel like these sneakers don't work with my outfit," I murmured. "Maybe something, I don't know, like ballet slippers?" Meanwhile, you were beginning to feel annoyed at how your legs looked so heavy and masculine in jeans. And both of us didn't really enjoy the lecture, but that was okay." Hey! Didn't expect to see you here!" Amelia waved us over to her mother's card. "Come on, Mum will drop you back at the place. I brought more cookies!" We walked over to the car. It was a nice 2018 Subaru Outback. Certainly, it would be a little weird for college students to ride along with a kid, but her mom was there and graciously motioned us to get in the car." Well, you know we have our own ride, right?" I asked." Oh, don't worry about it."" Okay." You said. We climbed in the backseat. "Now how about those cookies!" The little girl chirped. She opened up a bag of them. "These are just too good!" You said as you took hold of a handful and shoved them into your mouth comically. "They're fantastic!" Amelia's mother seemed blithely unaware of the feeding frenzy in the back seats, but Amelia watched with a giggle as we devoured the treats." Those are Blondie's and Sweethearts, Brandon. And Chase, those are Chinese Pearls and Jades." Before we knew it, we were both at our kitchen table, except Amelia was playing teacher. First she began with you." Hey, Chase, why not I teach you to bake. It's really easy. Let's start with Culture Cookies ." she handed you a baking book, a frilly apron and some oven mitts decorated with Chinese flower paintings. "Maybe you can learn to make these. I like to listen to music while baking." She handed you're her cute headphones, which came with a bow that looked like cat ears. The music was saccharine American boy band, but somehow rather catchy... Amelia began to speak, but her words sounded like nonsense. She made little sense to me- Blondie's and Sweethearts? Chinese Pearls and Jades? What?! It went in one ear and out the other. Both of us sort of... traced out for a moment. When we came back to, we were in the driveway of our house. The car doors swung open, and Amelia grabbed us by the hands and dragged us inside. We found ourselves at our table, and now it was Amelia's turn to teach us. She pulled me aside, telling me that she was going to teach me how to bake. She produced a cookbook, a sweet frilly apron, and oven mitts. Furthermore, she said she liked to listen to music while she baked, and gave me her headphones. I slid them into place, and the music filled my ears. It was a little... girly... for me, but it had a great bouncy beat. Again, I found myself humming along to the tune, and bopping my head to the rhythm. I pour the cookie mix into the various shapes, and then inserted the tray into the oven.... Amelia grabbed your hand and brought you back upstairs. She led you to your room." Brandon, I know who you really are, deep down inside." She trotted over to your drawer and opened it, rooting around inside it for a little while. "Ahh, here we go." She turned to face you, and in her hand was a pretty pair of pink panties. "You know this suits you Brandon, you know it. Now, I want you to take these to you bathroom and get changed for me, okay?" You nodded. In the bathroom, you dropped your pants, kicking them off, and then your boxers. You stepped into your pink panties, sliding them up your legs. You shivered involuntarily as the smooth silk rubbed against your hairless legs... it felt so... good... You walked back to your bedroom and presented yourself to Amelia, your cheeks reddening with shame." Good girl." Amelia said. "Oh, Chase, that's lovely!" She beamed at the sight of you hopping and skipping around the kitchen, making cookies everywhere. She waved you over. "I have a treat for you." She undid the waist-strap of the apron and tied it in a big bow. From her pockets she drew out a hair ribbon and taught you to tie a big floppy bow on your hair to go with the cat ears." Oh, and those sneakers are boring and dirty, aren't they?" She produced a shoebox with pastel purple ballet slippers in. She held them out for you. "Don't you want to wear these pretty ones? You can tie the ribbons all the way up your calves!"... Blushing, I did exactly as Amelia said. It felt so wrong to be in my underwear in front of a younger girl, and even worse to be wearing panties... But she was compelling and made it feel right. I quickly pulled up the jeans, covering up the pink with masculine blue." But I'm not a girl."" You will be, Brandon. You'll become a pretty girl." Amelia smiled and held up a matching pink thing. A bra!" Wait, I definitely don't need that..." "Oh, a treat?" I said in my soft voice. Amelia nodded affirmative, and pulled out a big ribbon. "Here, let me show you how to tie it in place." A few moments later, and I was sporting a big bow on the back of my head, nestled in my collar length dirty blonde colored mop. Then she suggested that my sneakers were dirty, and she pulled out a shoebox. Inside were some ballet slippers, a pretty purple." I, yes... I want to wear those..." I took them from her hands, and sat down, removing my shoes and tossing them aside. Furthermore, I slipped my shoes inside the little ballet slippers, winding the ribbons up my legs and tying them into place. "Perfect!"..." You will. Now go back, and put it on."" Okay, okay." You slunk back to the bathroom, and removed your shirt, putting on your bra. Somehow, you knew how to fasten it into place. You returned to Amelia, and she grinned with a glint in her eye. "Look, that bra is already coming in handy."" What?" As she spoke, your chest began to gently swell outwards, the flesh turning into smallish round mounds. You were growing boobs! They were barely there, barely even bee stings, something that an adolescent girl might have, but they were growing out. The bra adjusted too, changing from cups to a scrappy bralette. It looked like a training bra young girls wore before their breasts grew bigger. Which meant... Which meant I was going to grow breasts. And they were going to get even bigger than now. I really wanted, desperately to peel them off, but my body refused. Instead, the best I could do was put my shirt back on to cover it! You couldn't see anything. But I knew it was there. I fell back to sit on the bed as Amelia checked her watch." I'll be back tomorrow with a real bra for you, Brandon."" But why am I turning into a girl?" I protested weakly.... Bows! Ribbons and knots and scarves and pretty hair ties! Suddenly next to the baking you knew exactly how to style your hair and make both nice tight ribbons and big floppy bows." You'll need to grow your hair out long, Chase," advised Amelia. "Maybe you should go buy a hairbrush and brush your hair every morning and night so it looks long and glossy and pretty." Actually, while you're there, you can also pick up some nail polish in your favorite color! And you can throw away all the ugly mannish sneakers and boots. I mean, just look at your pretty slippers!" They were very pretty, and they made your ankles and calves look soft and delicate. If only you had something to wear on your legs to make them look smoother and more delicate too... "Hush, Brandon, I don't want to tell you right away. Don't you like surprises?" With that, Amelia left you. You were in a whirlpool of confusion. What was happening to you? How was this possible? Why were you turning into a girl? Worst of all even though most of you hated this, a part of you was actually kind of liking this. You liked the soft clothes- and the idea of being pretty. But no! You didn't! Deep inside, a war was taking place. Who would win? You, or the part of you that Amelia had implanted and created. When you returned downstairs, you saw that I had made up a fresh batch of cookies. "Look what Amelia taught me to make!" I said. You looked at my bow and shoes, and saw that I too had been affected. Against your better judgement, you began to snack on the delicious cookies. I also took one and began to eat it. "Wow, I must be pretty good! These are just like hers!"... Later that night, I went through my shoe rack and closet, collecting every bit of footwear I had, and tossing them into a garbage bag. I didn't need those ugly shoes anymore. I left the trash out by the curb. Good riddance. That night, just before bed, we were sat on the couch watching a cooking show. What a way to spend Friday night! But Amelia said she would take us hiking tomorrow and to get ready active clothes, so it was a quiet night in for us. I sat with a pillow on my lap hugging another pillow to buy chest. Every little movement reminded me of the secret pink girls' underwear inside. What kind of surprise was Amelia planning? Why was she making me a girl? I could only imagine what kind of girly sportswear she would make me wear in the morning...... Meanwhile, there was a moment of sadness when you had to untie your lovely ballet flats and hair Rubin to get to bed. But on the bright side Amelia was in the kitchen when you awoke bright and early, with a recipe for baking bread for you. She set down two sporty bags and opened one for you. "Look what I brought you to wear today! A bright yellow hair ribbon, and a pair of matching girls' trainers. And, you can wear this cute yellow denim short for hiking. Wouldn't you like that, Chase?" "I... Yes. I think that it looks... Super cute." Seconds later, I was gleefully getting dressed. I pulled the cute little short up my legs and into place, using my hands to smooth out it's front. By the time you got downstairs, my feet were already in their little yellow sneakers, and I was finishing up on the bow in my hair. I turned as you came down the stairs." And for you, Brandon." Amelia tossed a bag at you. Opening it, you could see you had pink trainers, and a pair of girl's athletic shorts, baby blue and with pink trim. After you got dressed, you could see you were baring a lot of leg. "Come on, let's go!" We went outside and got into Amelia's mother's car. Again, she didn't acknowledge the strangeness of the situation. She drove us to the park, and from there we went into the woods, hiking. I was hating this. Previously, I enjoyed hiking... But it was just too hot. And I was so tired. And there were bugs. And dirt. And my shoes were getting scuffed. Sweat was dripping down my neck." Why are we here, Amelia?" I had ended up sleeping in an oversized shirt over the bralette and panties, and her face lit up when she caught a flash of pink under the shirt. Funny thing, you didn't seem to see anything wrong with that. It seemed a pity to cover up your cute little feet and nails with the sneakers... But bright yellow was such a cute color! Plus you could tie the laces into a nice happy bow! Meanwhile, I was miserable as we walked around too. My hands kept going to the front of my chest like I was hugging it, even though it looked like nothing under the athletic tank top." Oh, you two, it's just a bit of sun and sweat. You're suchgirlssometimes," she teased. "Oh, I know! We can take a shower, and then go to a hair salon, wouldn't you like that?". The three of us caught a bus to a country club that Amelia's dad was part of. Nobody batted an eyelid as we followed her into the ladies' bathroom, where she opened her locker and handed each of us a bag of clothes." These aren't yours, are the somebody else's bags?"" No, Chase, they're your clothes now. And your clothes too Brandon." Replacing the little yellow short was a simple white tee and an overall ending in a skirt! "Oh, yeah, that sounds fun. It'd be so much nicer than to stay in this gross heat!" I said. You seemed to agree with me. Back at the country club we showered. As you held your head underneath the faucet, you couldn't help but to notice that your hair felt so much longer now. It was covering your ears, and strands worked their way into your face sometimes. You could even feel it creep down to the back of your neck. And your body was different too. You shivered whenever a soapy hand brushed over one of your breasts, and you could feel differences as your hand moved along your hips, buttocks, and waist. In some places, you were slimming down, while in others you were growing wider. You finished, dried off, and put on the clothes that Amelia had given you- a short, swing pleated skirt that went to mid-thigh, and a simple white blouse with a peter pan collar." Oh, you look too sweet!" I was ready too, standing there alongside Amelia in my new outfit. "A skirt?" I whimpered. But that wasn't the worst of it. Once again, Amelia had prepared girly underwear for me, this time in white. I struggled and hemmed and hawed, and eventually stepped out of the shower cubicle. The bus ride was at least cool, if crowded, and unpleasant to you. But being in the country club felt so much more comfortable for you. Just being under a roof and indoors seemed to make you feel so much more at home and happy. As Amelia doled out the outfit for you, you didn't even question the outfit she had set out for you. It was a gauzy white blouse with long sleeves, and a pinafore-like dress in light blue that went over everything. By now, Amelia had graduated you from short to dress, so it was pretty easy for you to wear this." You know what you really need? Your hair done! Come on, Chase, Brandy!" Before we knew it, we were whisked into barber's chairs and had heavy cloaks drawn over our arms and shoulders, while Amelia spoke to the workers, who began working at our hair and nails... In no time at all they had done your hair up in a pair of pretty braids (and added a cyan bow to hold each of the braids on either side of your head. As I got dressed in my adorable new outfit, I reflected how the events of today made me realize how much I preferred being indoors. I can't believe I ever used to like hiking around. It was so messy and dirty, and boring too! I really liked my new outfit, how soft the blouse felt, and how the skirt of the dress swung at my knees. And of course I loved how cute I looked in it! At the salon, I watched with bizarre interest as the woman worked at my hair. She brushed it all back, then gathered in two bunches near the top of my head, and began to weave it together in thick braids. When they were secure, she tied the prettiest little bows in place, all while someone else gave me a pedicure. When she was done, I couldn't help but to think: "I had all that hair?" Meanwhile, you had your hair washed in the sink before being brought back to the chair. While it was being washed, your stylist squirted some foul smelling stuff in there on your hair. Now she had brought you back and was brushing out your hair. She left it styled in long, beachy waves. Your hair was such a light shade of blonde now, too!(looked down at your feet, and saw they were now colored in a sparkly, pale pink polish. Amelia interrupted your musing about hair by patting it gently. "Ooh, you look great in braids. And those pretty little bows, too!" Her praise made you want to beam and swell with praise. "And did you pick out the turquoise and purple nail polish yourself? So classy! You're great." Meanwhile, in the chair across, I was having a mild panic. I was wearing a skirt! And suddenly I had long blonde hair in long beachy waves, feeling almost like it was platinum blonde, or a beach blonde. Somehow, we all ended up in the café, sharing dessert like we were a couple of friends after school. I poked at my iced coffee relentlessly, while Amelia and you discussed a new baking recipe." I'll see you guys next week for the slumber party, OK?" "Don't you love your new hair, Brandy?" Amelia asked. "It's so you. The length and the waves look great on you. And you'resurvey blonde, you know. Love the pink nails, too! You've got such a great sense of style!" When we were finished we stopped for desert. Amelia and I chatted on and on about baking recipes, and I surprised myself with my depth of knowledge. Eventually, it got late, and it was time for Amelia's mom to drive us back home. Before we parted, she said there was going to be a slumber party next week." Oh boy! That sounds like fun!" As we went into our home, it seemed a bit different. It was neater. And when you went into your room, you saw some things had changed. In the corner, there lay a pair of pom-poms and a shouting horn, and your dresser drawer was absolutely full of panties and bras and other sweet and silky things. Your laptop had a pink cover now, and was plastered with stickers of flowers and puppies and kittens. I entered my room... And things had changed there too. I winced and tried to cover my face. Blonde! Pink nails! A girly name like Brandy! This was a nightmare. But the worst was yet to come. Our house seemed somehow smaller than before, even though our shoe rack looked like it had doubled in size. Even though you threw out most of your sneakers last night, the shoe rack on your side of the room was absolutely stuffed. Ballet flats, stylish mules, scrappy sandals and floppy flip-flops, even with some kitten heels and Mary Jane's, too! You saw me dash into my room in horror, panic, and collapse. Most of my male clothes were there, but... the dresser drawer full of panties and bras and the occasional stockings seemed to be the only underwear in the room. Not to mention the pom poms in the corner or the cheerleading outfit on the back of the door. Meanwhile, your room had not escaped the changes, although it was less typically blonde-cheerleader-and-pink feminine. Instead, the room looked more classy and cultured. Everything in the room (which looked bigger than mine) was tidied and put away. The electric guitar had been replaced by a small section with a cello case, a violin case and a music stand with a few loose sheets on. A gramophone with a stack of records was in the corner, next to an iPad mounted on the wall and some wireless Bluetooth speakers. In another corner was a writing desk with a stack of math books and practice papers. The final corner held a vanity, and here the room became a little more messy. There was a tiny stool for the vanity, which had a huge mirror. The shelf space was practically covered with all the cosmetic items; nail polish, lip glosses, eyeliner, hairbrushes...and of course in the huge pull-out drawer was a full, stacked collection of ribbons, bows and hairbands.(When you examined your wardrobe later, you would realize that most of your clothes had shifted to feminine, or to a pastel palette, and most of your trousers had become skirts.)" Chaise," I murmured. "Do you realize? We're turning into girls!" "What the fuck..." I whispered as I looked at our shoe rack, and then to you. Both of us darted up the stairs and split to our own respective rooms. Much in the same way your room had changed, mine had changed. It was different though-it wasn't over the top pink and girly. My room looked spotless and spotless, gone were the clothes and blankets and random things on the floor. This was the first time I could see the carpet that I could remember." My guitar!" I gasped. I ran over to the corner where my guitar usually lay. It was gone, and instead there were a few instruments I was unfamiliar with, and a stand with some sheet music on it. I picked up a page to see it read "Tchaikovsky" at the top, but that was all I could read. "I can't read sheet music, why is this here?" I moved next to the gramophone, and the stack of records. Next to it was an iPad and Bluetooth speakers. Not bad, but not something I could afford. My eyes darted to a desk in the corner, that hadn't been there before. There was a huge stack of math books on it. I looked at them. "Algebra 2? Calculus?! I fucking hate math! There's no way-this stuff isn't mine!" Finally, I went to a vanity, which was the only part of the room that could really be considered messy. Upon the desk there were tons of little girly things-makeup, nail polish, hair stuff. What was going on? I ran out of my room to meet back up with you, my mind racing as I wondered what could be happening. I tried to think of a logical explanation for all of this." I... Furthermore, I think so, Brandy-err- Brandon."" I thought maybe someone had come in and replaced our stuff, but this is just too much. There's no way one person could do all this. Even a team, in the time it took. Too fast."" I... I don't know if we can stop it."... A week had passed, and now it was time for the slumber party that Amelia had advertised. Over the week, you had changed. Your breasts grew out, no longer little mosquito bites. They weren't massive, but they could definitely be considered breasts. Your weight and height had shrunk. Your waist had retreated in upon itself, and was suitably slim, while your hips and butt provided contrast to that. They gently swelled out from your thin body. Your hands and feet were tiny and cute, now. Your hair was even longer now, still a pretty shade of blonde that gleamed in the sun. Your face had changed too-your lips were plump, your lashes long, and your eyes seemingly bigger and more expressive. Your cheek bones had become more noticeable, and your chin had lost its masculinity. When you tried to sleep, you dreamed of cheer, of dancing and prancing and shouting and hollering on the field as the boys ran it down for a touchdown. It seemed so fun! Jumping and jiggling and cheering from the sidelines... it was for you! The doorbell rang, and you went to answer it. It was Amelia. Her mother's car was in the driveway. Right now, you were wearing a pink, knee-length dress with a swishy A-line skirt. You wore patent leather black Mary James, and white knee socks. In your hair, you wore a casual pink Alice band. Over the course of the next week, we still attended classes, met with friends, and so on. Nobody seemed to notice anything weird or out of the ordinary, even when we appeared with radically different hair colors and different shapes over the week. Which was a pity, but then when some girls noticed you painting your nails they paid you a compliment, and your chest felt like it would burst with pride! It was a warm, satisfying feeling, like a reward for hard work done. Throughout the rest of the week you used every piece of cosmetics on your dresser drawer, painting your face in the most beautiful way, styling your hair in different fashions and with bows. Every morning when you put the makeup on your facial features got sharper and more feminine, and every night your face got more youthful and younger. Over the course of the week you saw Brandon get tinier and smaller, but still cling to wearing men's clothes. Increasingly, they started not to fit, so first he changed his shoes to pink sneakers, and then the jeans had to be swapped for skinny jeans, and finally the tops for blouses underneath. Up until Amelia made him change into the pink dress, Brandon still tried to fight it. For you, you shrank and dropped almost to five feet within a few days. It was a little weird to be so tiny, but there was so much else going on. Schoolwork became incredibly easy for you. It got so you needed an extra kick, and you wanted to do more math problems. But then there was also the violin and cello practice every day, as you discovered the music stuff wasn't all so hard. In fact, the classical music sounded even better than the electric guitar, to your ears anyway." Hello Chase, are you ready for the slumber party? I know you'll be dressing up unlike naughty Brandy over here. Oh, how lovely!" Your outdoor was a white skirt with a stripey blue off the shoulder blouse (There were little bows all over the place. Over the course of the week, my behavior was a bit... Different. I began to paint my nails, I began wearing makeup, and I spent long hours in front of the mirror, styling my hair in different fashions. I could see my image change before me, my face becoming more girlish, and my age seemingly regressing. Furthermore, I was powerless to resist. My height and weight decreased rapidly, until I was only five or so feet tall. I felt like a midget! In addition to makeup, my other hobbies changed. I found myself playing the violin and cello, and even practicing math in my free time. I watched as you tried to fight it, but you too could not do anything to stop it. This was your fate. It was our fate. We walked outside together, behind Amelia, in our pretty outfits. You wore your pink dress, and I my blouse and skirt. We filed into the car after Amelia, and her mom took off.20 minutes later, we were pulling up the long driveway to Amelia's home. It was a mansion. Her dad was an engineer or something, we knew. We ran from the car inside, and up the stairs to Amelia's room. There were already three girls there. They turned and waved at us as we entered." Hey girls. Ready to meet your new friends?" Amelia turned and gestured to us." Come on girls, say hi."" Hi." We said together in unison. By now, we didn't look too different to a group of teenage girls, just like Amelia. One of them, Jan Kim, a cute Korean girl instantly took to you. The others were introduced as Moselle and cool tomboy Yana.' We've ordered some pizza and salad. Chase, why don't you pick out a movie? And then we can all get changed and get ready to snuggle in on the couch for the movie." Jan Kim smiled at you. "I love your hair and features! You're very cute. Are you Korean?" "Okay, sure." I went over to the stack of DVDs underneath the TV set and began sorting through them. There were all chick flicks. I selected one, The Wedding, and brought it back to the group. "What about this one?" Everyone cheered. Monelle began to talk to you. "So have you moved in from out of town? Why haven't we met before? I totally love that dress! Where did you get it?" I started talking to Jan. "Oh, thanks." I said. "No, I'm not Korean." I chuckled. I did look a lot like her... But no, I wasn't Korean." Alright," Amelia looked at us. "Time to get changed." She handed you a pretty little pink nightie, complete with matching panties and a bra as well. "Go on, get changed, we'll be waiting." "Oh, it's just you looked Korean. Are you Chinese? Japanese?" Amelia leaned in with a smile. "Xi here is Chinese, isn't that right? Now go get changed, we'll catch you later downstairs." Somehow, as soon as Amelia made the introduction, the name was locked in your head. "Xi". What she had pressed into your hand was an oversized pink angora sweater, all feminine and soft and fuzzy, with tiny shorts for wearing underneath! As you looked in the mirror, you could see only a pretty Chinese girl staring back (There was almost no sign of who you had been, Chase, or the boy you remembered in the mirror. Downstairs, you saw me curled up in a tiny pink ball, all soft limbs and blonde hair. I had a bowl of salad on my knees while everybody else was eating pizza. The movie played on, until the late hours of the night... "Yes. I'm Chinese." With that, I turned and minced off to get changed. The sweater that I held balled in my hands was so soft and fluffy. It felt like a cloud. I went into the bathroom, stripped off my blouse and skirt, and then pulled the short shorts up my legs, then tossed the sweater over my head for it to settle into place. It was large, so it covered the shorts and gave the appearance that I wasn't wearing them. The soft fuzz brushes against my hairless legs. It was amazing. Staring in the mirror, Chase was gone. In his place was Xii. She had long, black hair, brown, almond shaped eyes, and pale skin. She was a girl. Furthermore, she was me. I returned to the couch and sat right night to you, giggling and laughing at different parts of the movie. When the movie finally finished, we all turned to each other and began talking-we began gossiping." So did you hear that Emma likes Mitchell?" Yana began." No way!" Said Jan." Yes way!" Monelle and Amelia snickered, as Moselle pulled out some nail polish and began painting Amelia's toes. I leaned towards you. "Can I braid your hair?" I asked. I couldn't quite believe the big change that had come over you. You were talking away happily like you had fully become Xi and was happy to be her. When the other girls rushed to the kitchen for ice cream, I leaned over to Amelia, smiling as she watched you braid my hair." What's going on here? Why are you making us teenage girls like you? We used to be college students. I've changed, all my hair is blonde, it's not just dye! And Chase looks fully Chinese too!" What's going on!? I don't want this Chinese girl, give me my friend Chase back!" You could hear me humming happily as you whispered to Amelia. She only smirked at you. "What's the matter? Don't like what you've become? Get used to it. You get to wear the cutest, prettiest, softest clothes. And you'll be the center of attention, pretty as you are. You're going to become a cheerleader, I've already decided that. You're going to be popular!"" That Chinese girl is your friend Xi, Brandy." The other girls came back." Ice cream!"" Ooh, yummy!" I said. I stopped braiding your hair and began scooping up some chocolate. "Come have some!" I said to you. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, but Amelia was enjoying herself. When you handed me the bowl my attitude changed; I was all too happy and scarfed down the chocolate ice creams. At the bottom of the bowl were colorful sprinkles. Of course! Just like in Amelia's original cakes." Should we watch another movie, girls?" Asked Moselle. "I know Xi would be happy to paint all our nails and do all our hair again but --""Maybe we can play truth or dare," grinned Jan Kim, and she turned to you, nodding expectantly. I looked down at my changed body, soft pink clothes, and long blonde hair, and had to agree. "Oh yes, truth or dare would be so much fun!" I chimed in. You could hear a slight change in the sound of my voice. I had a slight accent now. I still had perfect English, but my voice contained some slight inflections that revealed that English was not my first language. You too gave your feedback. "Yes, truth or dare would be so much fun!" Amelia stood and tiptoed away, returning thirty seconds later with an empty coke bottle. She sat it down in the middle of us and gave it a spin. It went round and round and round... Before settling on you!" So Brandy, truth or dare?" The game went several rounds before. Moselle had to do a silly dance. Jan Kim disappeared and reappeared wearing some of Amelia's brothers clothes, dressed like a boy. Even Amelia had to squeak like a seal. It seemed like everybody was doing dares, so I said "Dare."... Meanwhile, some time later, the bottle also turned to you -- "Truth or Dare?" I cracked up, dying of laughter at every little goofy thing the other girls did. You were giggling too. It was all stupid, silly, inconsequential fun. The type of fun that teen girls liked to have. When the bottle spun around to you, and you said dare, the other girls and I huddled together, thinking of dastardly dares for you to do. You saw our heads finally nod in unison." Brandy... We dare you to kiss Yana!" We all practically fell down with laughter. Yana herself was smirking.... Then it was my turn. Not wanting to be one upped, I chimed in myself. "I... Uhh... Dare!" Perhaps...perhaps it would be alright. It seemed like you were enjoying yourself. And it was clear that Amelia needed some friends. We teased and joked with her, paused to watch silly YouTube videos, snacked on chips and frozen yogurt. It was fun. So long as it didn't last." Just a kiss?" I huffed and got to my feet. Yana got to hers, and ended up a little taller. I hesitated and bit my lip, suddenly feeling a little shy, but Yana did not -- she held me by the shoulders and planted a quick little smack on my lips. I returned to the couch, covering my face, blushing tremendously and feeling very shy. This didn't pass Amelia unnoticed." Okay, Xi, for your dare, we want you to serve us in your cheapo!" Moselle paused as Jan Kim whispered in her ear. "Sorry, I'm saying it wrong. You know what I mean. The Chinese dress!"" Qi PAO (" Amelia grinned and led you back to another bag you didn't quite recognize. "Serve us tea!" "What's the matter?" Amelia said. She said down next to you and nudged you with an elbow. "Can't stand a little kiss. I'd have thought you would be a bit more accepting than that." She tittered a moment, tossing her hand limply. "I'm just joking! I'm just kidding!"" Come on, don't take a joke so hard." She said as you sat on the couch, covering your face." Watch Xi."" Ah yes, the QI PAO." I went over to the bad and found a red and gold dress- a traditional Chinese one. "I'll wear it." I grabbed the bag and headed off to change. Within a few minutes, I was wearing the Chinese dress, walking around the party and serving tea like Amelia asked. The bottle was spun again, and it landed back on you. "Jane, are you going to play still? It's your turn. Truth or dare?" You looked up from your hands to see all the girls staring at you intently. Would you play? Would you pick truth, or dare? "I'm just shy and embarrassed..." I whispered. Of course, I didn't mind a bit of girl-on-girl kissing -- but to have been kissed by a teenage girl (who was taller than I!) (and stronger than me!) (and wasn't as girly as me!) was a bit difficult to embarrass. That Yana simply sat back down, cross-legged, while I had to smooth down the skirt of my nightie first before sitting down was distressing. That the nightie was short enough that my butt hit the floor was another issue. The Chinese IPA felt very different to the other dresses you had worn. For one, it clung to your body, starting from the shoulders down to your chest, ribs, butt, and hips. It left both arms bare, and also had a slit running down own leg, but it had a high neckline and covered up the rest of your body. It was revealing, and yet obscuring at the same time. Wearing the dress meant you had to add a little wiggle into your stride. Jan clapped her hands and even Amelia was impressed by the way you moved. Moselle and Yana nodded approvingly. By the time you sat down again, the next bottle spin landed on you; truth or dare!" Janae?" I realized suddenly Amelia had changed my name again, this time to a silly, millennial-sounding name. I groaned. "Dare..." "Hmm... Another dare, Janae? Well, it seems that we are quite a daring bunch tonight..." Amelia looked at you, and then to the other girls. "Any ideas?" Yana spoke up. "Ooh, ooh! Make her-make her do like a striptease. Ha-ha." She giggled to herself, and soon everyone besides you was laughing. Even I was laughing. Amelia put her iPod on an Ariana Grande song- it had a slick electric beat, bass heavy and with suggestive lyrics. You found yourself moving to the beat of the music, waving your arms and shaking your hits in time to every electronic thud. You slowly worked your clothes off, until you only wore your underwear." Go girl!"" Work it!" You felt like you could die of humiliation. When it was my turn, I felt like breaking the mold." Truth." I said.

Somebody Else's Shoes|rating:3.0

𝕳𝖞𝖕𝖊𝖗 𝕬𝖈𝖈𝖊𝖑𝖊𝖗𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝕾𝖊𝖝𝖚𝖆𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖞 _ Obscura x Zelta Runa

𝕮𝖔𝖗𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖆𝖑 𝕽𝖔𝖇𝖎𝖓𝖘𝖔𝖓 | اℌ𝔶𝔭𝔢𝔯 𝔄𝔠𝔠𝔢𝔩𝔢𝔯𝔞𝔱𝔢𝔡 𝔖𝔢𝔵𝔲𝔞𝔩𝔦𝔱𝔶Female - Imperial navy scientist, Support camp; relief officer, Academic, Pseudo-prostitute, Huge tits, Blonde hair, Blue eyes - 28(Utah, GWh hurry." Right, well this all looks good to me ensign." Admiral Nigel Jones said as he placed the data pad down on the desk to his left. Looking forwards towards the rather young deck hand standing next to the entrance of his personal suite. "If these projections are correct we'll be home within a few months. Any word on when the warp drives will be back online?"" I-I. I don't know sir. I can check with Engineering if you like?" The boy was barely a man, roughly just into his twenties and on his first term aboard a ship judging by how immaculate his uniform was. Not even a single crease in his pristine imperial uniform even after a ten-hour shift. Gwah, Hugh, hurry!" Heh, what's the matter ensign? First time seeing a relief officer at work?" Jones chuckled. He had noticed the boys awkwardness and the tent that had formed in his trousers just a few seconds after he had entered the room. The relief officer in question was the blonde bombshell that was currently knelt between bare legs. Her head being dragged along to the tip of his thick cock by a heavy hand only to have the phalanx disappear down her throat with a forceful push and repeated that motion with quick movements until with a strong grip he pulled her off completely. "I remember when I was a first year ensign just like yourself, all those years ago. I couldn't wait to get my hands on one of these sluts. Now..." He raised his hand and delivered a firm slap across the woman's right cheek just as she gasped a deep breath for air, audibly winced at the contact but nonetheless allowed it to happen. "Say thank you." He hissed as he leaned forward ever so slightly." Thank you sir." The woman ruled happily, her mouth opening after the words came out to receive his girth once more and receive it she did, he rammed her head back down on his dick. "Now I can do whatever I want to them." Another chuckle came out of the Admiral's mouth. "Don't worry about engineering this evening ensign, go and get some rest. Dismissed." Ugwah, GWh, Utah, GWh hurry! The sounds filled the room once more as the ensign saluted with a stamp of his right boot against the floor unable to keep his eyes of her he quickly spun around in place and left through the automatic door which closed with a whirl behind him.(Admiral's attention now rested squarely on the woman servicing him. She was looking up at him with needy, craving eyes through his own stern stare he cracked a crocked smirk." Emperor's might. Corporal Robinson you have the best fuck hole of a mouth I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. No wonder those science bay point Dexter were keeping you tucked away in one of their offices. Lucky Bastards." Corporal Robinson, or Lindsey if she was off duty, couldn't give anything in the way off a proper response (which was thanked you if you're wondering), instead she tried to smile with her mouth full of One's fat meat stick. He was relentless. Over and over and over again. Each thrust making her chin collide with his old yet firm balls and her nose buried within his messy gray pubic hair. "Speak when spoken too Corporal." He said, knowing fine well what he was doing. Gwahnk You! To give her credit, she really did try, but her attempt simply made the situation even more sloppy. There was no reluctance in her gurgles, in fact there was no sign of resistance at all from the woman. She allowed herself to be used this way and from the looks of things she enjoyed it. No, she loved it. The twenty eight-year-old Corporal was in all sense of the word a goddess, and it was clear that she had been bred by the finest Terran stock that money could buy. Although at this point her otherworldly beauty was being very much smudged by his fierce assault. Her dirty blonde hair, which was normally kept in a smart ponytail was now a sweaty mess as strands fell all over her face and his iron like grip nearly ripped it from her scalp. Thick black mascara ran down her defined cheeks in beady tear drops that left dark lines in their wake and what was left of her ruby red lipstick was splattered across the corners of her mouth and along the Admirals impressive baby maker. Her uniform, as per regulations, was left in her quarters once her shift was over, and instead she was now completely naked apart from the selective pieces of jewelry that adorned her body. A silver chain like bracelet laced around her left wrist and a diamond dangled from one end of it, given to her by some lover long since forgotten by the time she started serving aboard this ship. And two teardrop earrings that dangled from her lobs. Usually during her working hours as an actual officer she wore a necklace that her mother had given to her but during her after-hours obligations it was replaced with a tight black choker with large black metallic letters that spelled out the word SLUT. The choker, or the collar whichever you prefer was something that wasn't classed as regulation but instead put in place by the Admiral himself. Not only did it degrade the women further, but it clearly denoted when a woman was available to be used, for if she wasn't wearing one she would have been working and to interfere would've been getting in the way of efficiency. Funnily enough every woman came to love wearing them and showed them off with pride. Lindsey was no exception it made her feel complete. What really made her a goddess in the eyes of many however was her unbelievable body. It was magnificent. She was tall reaching just above 5'10, and possessed a slender yet toned frame. These features paled in comparison to her quite frankly massive breasts, before coming aboard the ship itself they were still quite large but once the eggheads of the science bay got their hands on her, she was soon sporting massive double H sized flesh bags. They weren't implants, oh no. The male science officers on this particular ship were engaging in experiments that delved into the realm of gene-therapy and instead of any intrusive surgery which would leave nasty scars which would make her worthless they changed her biological make up and simply made them grow. Gene-therapy was common enough throughout the Empire for those who could afford it and something like this back on Terra would've cost a small fortune. It should be noted that despite this the Corporal here isn't some sort of sex slave. Not in the true since of the words anyway. She wasn't kidnapped or taken against her will and forced to be a fuck toy. She had spent seven years of her life studying at the Imperial Academy to become a science officer aboard a starship, and it just so happened that the job came with a few perks. First a foremost the Empire of Terra was a militaristic patriarchal theocracy, ruled by a single emperor who is worshiped as the descendant of God. Back when the crown-world was still called Earth a cataclysmic event happened which shifted the population in favor of female births to a ratio of almost 70:30 in fear of losing what control they had the governments of the planet came together with the backing off the church and enforced a mass indoctrination that stripped women of their rights and forced them to be slaves be it in fear of divine retribution or loyalty to their country. Over the many hundreds of years since that turning point in human history the birth rate had corrected it but the status quo remained. Men commanded power and women had fewer rights than some animals. That wasn't to say that no one saw the potential of the female race. In many cases woman had the same if not higher level of intelligence as men and could solve the same problems and show the same resolve. They were no longer a commodity that could be used either as a cheap labor force or in some cases an abundant food source. Now they had become essential to maintaining the galactic reach the Empire had acquired. Needing to incentivize military service the Emperor himself degree female citizenship, serve your time in the military and be granted full human rights when your service is no longer needed. Applications of female recruits skyrocketed beyond what could ever have been forecast. There were three aspects of the Imperial military that women could apply for. The first was the mobile infantry where they were enlisted as medics, nurses, support officers, this however had the lowest chance of survival and life expectancy. The second was the engineer corps where women assisted in the building of the fortresses used to secure newly conquered worlds but in many cases due to several ongoing conflicts they were used as an expendable workforce who would dig massive lines of trenches before a coming battle. The third was the Imperial Navy, where female recruits couple apply to be either engineering officers or science officers they were never given positions of command. Each arm of the military handled women differently and out of the three the Imperial Navy probably offered the most safety and freedom however that came at a price. Despite being away from the nightmarish front lines of land based combat those in command soon realized that when men are kept confined with a starship for months and sometimes years on end they began to feel certain frustrations. Frustrations that began to effect their mental state and how well they were able to do their jobs. Through countless experiments it was discovered that the best way to relieve them of the stress interplanetary journeys creates was sex, the most canal of human desires. And thus the relief officer was born, every woman serving in the military became a pseudo-prostitute. Upon graduation women were implanted with something known as the Hyper Sexuality Bug or HSB for short. Essentially it was a pod inserted into the right arm which contained millions of NATO-machines which when released into the bloodstream could create certain electrical sensations for example a woman giving oral would feel the same way as if she was having her vagina fucked. Pain would become pleasure, you get the picture. As time went on further developments of the HSB allowed each woman to be effectively "programmed" into wanting nothing but sex. And finally so far as to changing even the woman's biology as well. Work still had to be done however and so a contingency was put in place. As per regulations the HSB remained dormant for the most part until a woman finished her shift, and then it was automatically activated, and she became a fuck doll for whoever wanted to use. And with many ships working on a shift rotation it meant there were always a large amount of women readies to serve. "Fuck. Fuck I'm going to cum!" Jones Barked. Lindsey could already tell, she had done this enough times to plenty of men already and thus was aware of the tell-tale signs. The faint shake in his legs, the increased speed in which he raped her mouth pussy. She was more than ready to receive his load, she needed it otherwise she would be worthless. GwahGwahGwahGwah!! Her head moved like a blur he was using it that fast until suddenly he stopped and slammed her lips down to touch the base of his shaft. Holding her in place as he grunted and shot hot thick ropes of sticky semen directly down her throat. There was no way a normal man could have this much cum in his balls but then again by his sheer size it was clear that he had dabbled in a bit of gene-therapy as well. She gulped as best as she could as her gorgeous blue eyes began to roll back inside of her skull. And despite being a good girl and keeping her hands behind her back like he had ordered her too her chest began to heave as her bodies fight or flight began to kick in. (thought that this was it that she was going to be killed by her commanders cock there and then and quite frankly she would've happily allowed it. The Imperial Navy indoctrinated their women from the first day at the academy and to be snuffed by a high ranking officer was nothing short of the highest honor they could ever hope to achieve in the miserable lives. She wouldn't be receiving that honor today for as his cock shot out the last thick drops of cum into her stomach he released his grip, pulling her off his member. Slimy webs of cum and saliva bridged between her lower face and the base of his cock which was slick wet from her mouth. Her vision that had begun to go blurry refocused to gaze upon him. She felt bloated, like she had eaten far too much food but after taking a deep breath she looked up at him from her still kneeling position and beamed with a stunning smile." Thank you so much sir!" She said it and she meant it, and although he couldn't see from this angle her tight cunt dribbled from a face-fuck induced climax. The Admiral however wasn't done. Despite his age it was clear the man had stamina and his dreadnought class star destroyer was far from soft." Whores like you are hard to come by; I'll be keeping you to myself tonight." Lindsey heart throbbed in her chest and the expression on her face was utter elation. This was perhaps the highest honor a walking set of fuck holes such as herself could ever hope to achieve. "I'm all yours sir, please use me however you like." Even her tone was sexual, her high imperial accent and perfect articulation combined with those sultry, needy eyes would be enough to make any man want her." Good girl. Now come here and -" Just as the admiral was about to finish his sentence the subtle beep of his communicator rang through the room. Reluctantly he reached for the device which resembled an earpiece and stuck it into his ear, clicking it too life." This is Jones. There better be a damn good reason - shit I'll be right there." Immediately he stood up from his throne like chair and marched towards the door. Lindsey's head followed the direction of his swinging piece of meat like a hungry dog. "Wait there slut this won't take long." He barked at her before exiting the room. Lindsey turned her entire body to face the door, down on her knee's. Her hands moved from their voluntary position behind her back to above her gorgeous thighs and following orders she waited in that position for her commander to return. Of course, he never did.(happened after the Admiral left the room Lindsey couldn't tell you. All she could tell you was that she awoke in the corner of the room now had a more slanted feel to it. She winced slowly as she came to consciousness, immediately registering sharp pains through her torso and legs. Her head was spinning, and she could barely open her eyes but when she finally did, she wished she kept them shut. Instead of the golden furnishings of the Admiral's suit there was now an open vista of trees and mountains. Exactly three thirds of the room was missing, which obviously meant that the ship it was well encased within was as well. She struggled to get up but eventually found her footing enough to climb towards the edge." Goddess." She whispered as she saw the scene of absolute devastation below her. Whatever happened, whatever took place had caused the ship to crash-land into a planet. Large chunks dotted the landscape from what she could see and most of it either burned up in orbit or was left floating in space. Be it sheer luck, the regenerative factor of the HSB or the impregnable armor of the Admirals' suite somehow she had survived." You've trained for this." She said again to herself trying to recall the lessons she had learned at the Academy through the fog that was her mind at the moment, and she desperately looked around what remained of the room itself. Thankfully, in the corner she had been resting the terminal still remained active, and if that was active at least a fragment of the ships A.I. along with it. IDENTIFICATION - Robotic words spurted out as she got close enough." Corporal Lindsey Jane Robinson. Identification SLU7-6501."PLEASE WAIT....IDENTIFICATION CONFIRMED. HOW CAN I ASSIST YOU CORPORAL?" I need to know what happened to the ship, were we attacked?"IMPERIAL NAVY STRIKE CRUISER DESIGNATION HAND OF AURA ENGAGED WITH REBEL FLEET EPSILON AT 19:43. DUE TO THE REBELS AMBUSH THE HAND OF AURA'S SHIELDS WEREN'T RAISED IN TIME AND FOUR GUIDED MISSILES PENETRATED THE HULL. MOST OF THE CREW DIED IMMEDIATELY AND THE SHIP BROKE APART ABOVE PENAL COLONY NEO-AUSTRALIA." Is that where we are now?"AFFIRMATIVE." Shit." Of all the hellholes in the universe to land Neo-Australia was probably one of them. It was a prison world where the Empire's worst criminals were sent to spend the rest of their lives on a hostile planet. What made things worse is even though it was under Imperial juristicion they didn't bother to keep a Garrison, the wildlife itself did a great job of killing the inmates and those who did survive would have to do it all again day after day." Activate the distress beacon, we need to let them know someone survived."NEGATIVE. ALL COMMUNICATIONS HAVE BEEN SEVERED. COMMUNICATION ARRAY WAS DESTROYED IN ATMOSPHERIC ENTRY." What can I do then?"SUGGESTION: FIND PLANETARY COMMUNICATION TOWER. CONTACT THE IMPERIAL NAVY. AWAIT RETRIEVAL." Scan the area, locate the closest one."SCAN COMPLETE, IMPERIAL FORTRESS DESIGNATION ALPHA O1 IS SEVERAL Kilometers AWAY. EMERGENCY GENERATORS AND COMMUNICATIONS ARRAY WILL STILL BE ACTIVE AS PER IMPERIAL GUIDANCE. Lindsey crossed her arms underneath her chest, pushing her breasts up further as tried to think of what to do next and the second her arms came into contact with the flesh of her tits a hot flush of pleasure erupted over her body. Instantly she was turned on. Her nipples hardened, and her pussy began to lubricate as if it was anticipating being fucked."Oh, no. no, no no." She quickly spoke to herself as her hands moved and cupped her orb like breasts, she couldn't help but squeeze them gently. "Is the HSB... still active?" Her breathing was starting to turn into panting. AFFIRMATIVE - HYPER SEXUALITY BUG IS ACTIVE BUT OPERATING AT 30%. Basically what that meant was her body was reacting as if she was under full control, but her mind was still hers, she could still make rational thoughts but right now the only rational thing going through her mind was finding something to ram up her cunt. "Can you disable it?"WARNING YOU DO NOT HAVE Authorization TO DEACTIVATE HUB. Unauthorized ACCESS TO HUB PROGRAMS WILL RESULT IN TERMINATION."Oh, goddess..." She mewled putting her knees inwards as she wiggled her hips. She wanted to touch herself so badly but she had more important things to be getting on with right now. Through sheer willpower alone she managed to once again climb towards the edge of the room and even managed to find a way onto the native ground of the planet itself. Every movement, every time her thighs rubbed together, every time her breasts bounced her body received a shock of pleasure. It was enough to drive her mad and despite having more important things she wished the HSB were affecting her personality like they were before so she could at least bare it and even enjoy it. She was alone, stranded. Completely naked apart from her slut collar and the makeup on her face was still ruined and from what she could see she had to make it through a lush forest crawling with goddess knows what to make it to the communications array. (/ “NOUS” TERRAN EMPIRE PENAL COLONYSECTOR ALPHA It would be a bit off to call Neo-Australia the “pride and joy” of the Imperial Penal System, much in the same way it would have been a little odd for Admiral Jones to call Corporal Robinson his “pride and joy” after destroying her face the way he had. It would be a very different sort of pride than one usually uses when describing a momentous accomplishment or work of art; more the type of pride one might see in the eyes of a housecoat gone slightly feral who has carved up scores of rats and mice and hewn the scraps of their tiny cadavers into a hideous, bloody sculpture of carnage to present to her master. Neo-Australia (or “Nous” as it was called for short) was indeed infamous. It was regarded with high renown by those with the privilege to never land on the wrong side of the law. The Imperial Senate was indeed proud of it. But neither it nor any of its three billion inhabitants would ever be associated with the concept of joy, except by the kind of person who enjoyed wearing other people’s genitals as a hat. And there were a lot of people like that on the prison planet Nous. You only ended up there for three reasons: you had pissed off someone very powerful, you had committed crimes heinous enough to keep the Inquisitors awake at night, or the aforementioned genital-hat-wearing levels of homicidal insanity. The name was a bit of a joke: a reference to a small, isolated continent on old Terra, mostly filled with venomous reptiles and enormous deadly spiders, where one of the ancient kingdoms of man had deposited all their criminals. It was a novel idea at the time, though that place had eventually gone on to be a nation of its own for a while. But that would not happen on Nous. There would be no declarations of independence, no nascent societies forming. Prisoners were sent to the surface in stripped-down drop-ships with only a few days’ worth of rations and whatever scraps they could strip from the vessel’s hull before its drives auto-detonated. Anyone dumb enough to be caught in the blast radius was considered to have self-upgraded their sentence to execution. Those who made it clear would find themselves facing a harsh climate given to sudden deadly electrical storms, eight-meter-tall crustaceans with nigh unbreakable exoskeletons and insatiable appetites for flesh, and the predation of their fellow prisoners. There were no guards, no inspection stations, no workshops or torture chambers. All forms of entertainment, shelter, and punishment came from the wildlife, or the prisoners themselves. Of course, the Imperial Inquisition was not foolish. Facilities on the planet were kept to a minimum; there were only a few scattered fortresses for use as staging grounds in the unlikely event the Empire needed to retrieve an inmate. But such occasions were rare; nobody who came to Nous received a pardon or parole, not unless the Emperor himself decided you were extremely useful. Ships in orbit only stayed long enough to deposit fresh batches of prisoners, dumping them out to scatter and fend for themselves like baby sea turtles. Surveillance was overseen by a network of Miquelon™ Mk IV God fire-class atmospheric bombardment satellites, with enough zoom to pick out the shiv in a prisoner's hand and what color the handle was, and enough firepower to vaporize anything dumb enough to go more than a kilometer above the treeline. They transmitted an uninterrupted feed to the garrison on CTI Sigma 616, over 10 light-years away. But it was a low priority compared to the rebellion and was mainly monitored out of boredom. The network would send an automated alert if it detected any inbound non-Imperial starships, any craft leaving the surface or anything bigger than small-arms fire. It didn't alert anyone to the Hand of Aura's crash because incoming ships that already had Naval clearance were not its concern. It was only programmed to look for ships leaving the planet without proper authorisation. Other than that, what was there to worry about? The prisoners were unisex but were all rendered infertile before unloading, and they lacked the capability to cobble together anything more complex than simple tools and weapons. While the Inquisition sometimes deliberately forestalled the drop-ships’ destruction when they especially wanted to prolong a particular inmate’s suffering (self-immolation in the blast was, after all, the one guarantee of a clean death and escape from one’s sentence), the vessels were scuttled before landing to the point they were not even capable of atmospheric flight, let alone interplanetary. There was no way off and no way out. The only way to survive was to be quicker, tougher and deadlier than anything else on the surface. Camera drones were occasionally sent down for a closer look, if the higher-ups felt it was warranted, but this mainly occurred during deathwatch tournaments. From time to time the Imperial Bureau of Entertainment would convince some prisoners to hunt / fight each other to the death by offering the survivor a reward, but that hadn’t happened in a while — the IBE’s researchers found the general populace preferred to see celebs or working people like themselves fight to the death; Nous inmates were too good at violence. And Drake Zorlamaa was one of the best. The Scourge of the Dark light Cluster; the Butcher of Wolves; the Bloodied Knife in the Night; these were just a few of his nicknames. Expelled from the Imperial Academy for murdering his drill instructor and scalping every other recruit in his battalion, blacklisted by the rebels for his bloodthirsty methods, even the pirates wouldn’t have him and the Gorey’q Horde thought he was “gross”. Drake just couldn’t stop killing unless he was in charge, which made him a perfect match for Nous. It hadn’t taken him long to establish himself as the top dog of Alpha Sector, mainly because he brutally killed everyone who didn’t fall in line (and some of those who did). Most inmates only lasted five years; he’d been there for 11. At the moment he was eating breakfast, one of the least-leathery creatures living on Nous that wasn’t a huge crab-monster or a fellow inmate — though he would eat either of those in a pinch — in one of Nous’s many sprawling, ramshackle dwellings, jury-rigged from wood and cannibalized drop-ships. Some of the windows still had Lexi in them, or animal-skin curtains. No one in their right mind would call the room an “office” but he liked to think of it as one. The Geminis walked in. Smooth and hairless with large dark featureless eyes, they resembled old Terran legends of extraterrestrials more than Drake would care to admit. They were identical in every way and possessed some kind of eerily deep telepathic bond. Sometimes they spoke in unison, other times they finished each other's sentences. In the past they’d used their connection to switch places with each other, swindle rich aristocrats and scam the social system. All that came to an end when they hoodwinked the wrong Imperial bureaucrat. The man had taken it very personally, as evidenced by the twins’ new home. There weren’t very many white collar criminals on Nous (at least, not for very long) but the Geminis had impressed Drake with their capacity for efficient lethality. They went by Issue-Bacal, though Drake had no idea which was Issue and which was Basal, as they seemed to share the name. He didn’t care as long as they stayed loyal and useful.“Rat face found the ship. Grid O2,” said one of the Geminis. “Only—”“—Eight kilometers from the fortress,” his twin finished seamlessly. Drakk grunted in acknowledgement and with his teeth tore another strip of meat from the creature he was eating. He chewed enough to be intelligible and said, “Pirates again? Or rebels?”“It’s a Navy ship,” they replied in perfect unison. Drakk’s eyes widened. A vessel of the Imperial Navy, going down on Neo-Australia? “Survivors?”“One nude woman. Terran in appearance. Rat face said she’s—”“—heading toward the fortress.” Drakk stood up. Pirates or insurgents who crashed on Nous were abandoned to their own fate. Civilians, well… usually it went about the same. An Inquisitor would find them guilty of trespassing on an Imperial prison colony and sentence them to time served. It was considered a fitting outcome for anyone dumb enough to go near the planet who wasn’t prisoner transport or Imperial Navy. All of them ended up as prey, entertainment or fresh slaves for the inmates, one way or another. But a Naval vessel with a surviving crew member, that meant a potential retrieval. And retrieval meant a ship, and a ship meant a way off this godforsaken rock. For one person they probably wouldn’t send much of a force, especially with the rumors the rebels were getting closer. A few troopers, easy enough to overpower… and then their jump ship was his for the taking. He frowned.“Wait, did you say ‘nude’?”“Yes,” they replied.”Probably one of their ‘relief officers’ then.” Gods, he’d love to get his hands on one of those gene-modded, tech-boosted eager sluts. There were far more men than women or other genders on the planet, and most female prisoners were airdropped to a separate continent far north and largely kept to themselves. The two populations would meet up for occasional orgies, but those meant a long journey over kilometers and kilometers of hostile, unforgiving ground, and even if you made it there you might find the festival had been called on account of ambush or gang rape. Sometimes the guards, if they bothered to glance at the surveillance feeds and see what was going on, would initiate a bombardment just for the hell of it because they didn’t like seeing the inmates have too much fun. So the majority of male prisoners faced a lengthy period of sexual frustration until some unlucky raider or wayward terrorist happened to crash land planetwide, and survived, and was of the female or equivalent persuasion — unless they were willing to enjoy a bit of companionship from their own gender, which many did, but Drake did not. And even those who did long to make use of their preferred type of partner. What this all boiled down to was there were a lot of things that could happen to this Navy woman, aside from Drake taking her hostage after she called for help. A thought occurred to him. “And where is Rat face now?”“Stuffing himself in the larder,” the twins said.”Fine. Tell Bucky to cut his tail off if he goes over-portion. Has anyone else left?” The twins hesitated.“Spit it out, Os's. We need this bitch alive, at least until she calls the fleet, if we’re going to have any hope of getting out of here.”“VEX-29 is—”“—en route to the crash site.”“Why didn’t he wait for me? That stupid fucking robot!” VEX-29 was not the android’s factory designation; the first part stood for Vehicle of Extermination, and 29 was the number of his favorite victims or some stupid edge lord shit like that. Sims didn’t usually bother with gender or sexuality but VEX had made several aftermarket modifications to his chassis. He’d enjoyed making good use of them until that incident with Governor Sections. Shaking his head, Drake grabbed his gun. The firearms possessed by prisoners on Nous were nowhere near as efficient as the sidearm of an Imperial Officer, or even a standard blaster any citizen might purchase; they were improvised from scraps of drop-ships, crash sites and downed camera drones. The guards would blow up one of the fortresses without hesitation if any prisoners were dumb enough and determined enough to bust into one, but sometimes you could find useful stuff in the wreckage. Put it all together in the right way, and you might have something that could be called a blaster, though it had a small chance of exploding when you pulled the trigger. But it worked. And you didn’t need top-of-the-line military grade tech to kill a man.“Go get Ovaries and arm up,” he told Issue. “We’ll have make sure VEX doesn’t fuck her to death. Then we keep out of sight, let her think she’s escaped until she whistles up the tin hats. Once they’re on their way I don’t give a shit what happens to her. But not until then! And spread the word to everyone else: anybody dumb enough to damage that navy slut beyond repair will have to deal with me. Is that clear?”“Crystal clear, Drake. And one more—”“—thing. Rat face said he saw Face-Taker in the area last night.” The creature Drake was eating squealed, and he calmly bit off its head and tossed its blood-spurting decapitated carcass into the corner. “We need to move fast then. Tell Bo to bring his big axe.” The twins nodded and walked out, and he began putting on his armor, which was made from the carapaces of crab-demons he had killed. It would stop just about any knife or axe (unless Ovaries was the one swinging it) and could withstand shots from prison guns nearly as well. He grabbed two of those same guns, some makeshift explosives, three knives and a kind of axe/machete hybrid he’d made from a sharpened piece of ship hull. Whoever this whore was, she didn’t stand a chance. But if the Face-Taker got to her first… there wouldn’t be anything left for him to use.✤ ☗ ☗ ☗ ☗ ✤VEX-29’s mechanical legs pumped like pistons, carrying him through the forest at speeds far outstripping just about any other inmate in the sector, and even the crab-demons. He’d taken off running as soon as Rat face described the crash survivor. If she was a relief officer, she’d be fitted with a Hyper Sexuality Bug. It was something he wanted… something he wanted very much. Among his own kind, VEX-29 was considered a deviant. Most living machines had little use for genitals or sexual contact, unless they were a pleasure model; they did not use gametes to reproduce and one type of sensory input was not all that different from another. But VEX took a twisted kind of joy in inflicting sexual stimulation on his victims. It was the same kind of programming fault that had caused other androids of his line to dismember the family dog or hurl themselves into traffic. In his case, it made him something of a sadist. He’d started out as an observer, deriving pleasure merely from watching what his hands and feet did to his victims, but some part of his neural net craved more. So he’d outfitted himself with genitals, and various other attachments, and lined them with tactile sensors designed to send a feedback loop into the part of his synaptic net that simulated a pleasure center. As a participant, what he experienced was so far beyond the mere chemical bath a grunting animal would feel in their organic brain. This was not some glandular reaction; it was art. He had evolved far beyond the boring primate sexuality of his creators, and as he reached new heights he only craved more. Sometimes he found he could achieve the same level of delight from combining the act with murder. He chose his new name and his assaults grew more and more brazen until he got himself hired into a system governor’s household as a masseuse and one night he’d… evenly distributed the man and his family throughout their mansion’s 85 rooms. That was enough to bring the whole Inquisitorial down on his head and rather than dismantling him they’d thrown him down here. Half the Inquisitors at his trial had argued he was unique among his kind in that he deserved to suffer, and his unique “upgrades” would make suffering possible; the other half had argued he would give the other prisoners something to think about. They were both right. He detected the Navy slut through infrared before he “saw” her on ocular sensors. She wasn’t far from the shipwreck, and her body temperature was through the roof. A side effect of the HSB no doubt. That was his target, not her — though she was a happy side benefit. The way the HSB rewired humanoid neurology was unparalleled. If he could extract it from her, gain control of it, he could do whatever he wanted to the prisoners on this tiresome planet. At this distance he wouldn’t be able to hack the thing; HSBs were fairly tamper-resistant, and if he got the protocols wrong he could kill her instead, which would just render the implant inert. No, he would need to extract it from her while she was alive… and he would need to keep it humming with activity all the while. His faceplate curved upward into a smile. He knew what that would entail, and he was going to enjoy it. He slowed to a more leisurely pace; it wasn’t like she was going to make much progress in her current condition, and even if she did, he could simply outrun her. Machines didn’t get tired or winded or need to stop for water. His outer shell approximated that of a man, as his manufacturers had intended, though he wore no clothes. His torso, cranium, arms and legs below the knee were hard plasmoid alloy, factory original. He could take a small caliber round directly to the back of the head and walk away without a scratch. But he’d reupholstered (for lack of a better word) his hands, his mouth, and everything from his waist to his thighs with a gel-filled carbon fiber synthetic skin that was much more durable than flesh and twice as soft. The gel inside was current-controlled non-Newtonian — meaning he could solidify it with an electric impulse if needed, or make it as soft as cloud when he wanted. And that wasn’t the only enhancement he’d added. His finest work unsheathed itself from between his legs and slid upward with a soft hydraulic sound. It was a penis — his penis — but comparing it to an organic lifeforms’s member was like comparing him to the first sweaty primate that crawled out of a cave and held its head upright. Its texture was akin to firm rubber, like a dildo, but he could change the surface topology however he wanted — give it ridges, bumps, make it into a corkscrew if he wished. It was as thick as three human fingers and could extend to anywhere between 7 and 12 inches of rock-hard machine. He could spin it like a drill, bend it whatever direction he wanted, ejaculate whenever he wished. His reservoirs emerged beneath it, a large sac of insulated reinforced non-conductive material — his balls, basically. They could deliver their payload at any speed he wanted, even approaching the velocity of those water jets used to slice metal in half. He could produce as much artificial semen as he wanted and control its consistency and composition. He could make it hot or cold, he could make it taste like icing or hydraulic fluid, he could make it burn like acid or freeze like liquid nitrogen. Before the governor, he’d been hoping to fill it with nanotech so he could burrow into his victims and strip them for parts, but he’d never been able to get that far. So he would have to make do with what he had. As he came within 20 meters of the hapless whore, he was able to read her I.D. chip. Corporal Lindsey Jane Robinson, SLU7-6501. A corporal? Ha, no wonder Drake was so eager to find out who crashed here. They’d probably at least try to rescue a corporal. VEX’s grin grew wide, too wide for any human face; too bad for Drake he got here first. VEX didn’t want a rescue mission. Why would he bother trying to leave this planet? When he got that implant, the whole place would be his new hunting ground. He was 10 meters out. Now that he was close enough, he hit her HSB with a targeted feedback pulse. All the horniness, the intense sensations, the pleasure it gave off would flood out in a surge through her entire body, at a higher intensity than normal. He was only pushing the implant within factory parameters, but he could up the pulse to levels that would kill a normal human, if he wished. He let her have 60% for now, figuring that would be enough to stop her in her tracks. As he closed the gap, his camera-like eyes zoomed in on her bare ass, infrared registering the flush of heat blooming throughout her and his olfactory sensors picked up the rush of hormones, the sticky lubricant she’d probably been producing ever since touchdown.“Corporal Robinson,” he said, his voice coming out slightly tinny and artificial. “Stand down. Your signal has been received.” He couldn’t help smiling. “I am here to take care of you.” He shoved his cold metal shin between her legs, knocking her onto the ground. “I have good news,” he said as his artificial cock sprouted tiny nubs all along its length and a single spiraling ridge from tip to base, like an old-school drill bit, and began vibrating and spinning rapidly. “You are being decommissioned.” ACCESS PRISONER DATABLE(Ψ664748151Drakk ZorlamaSpecies: Terran Gender: Male Crimes: 358 counts of murder, 72 counts of manslaughter, 18 counts of kidnapping, 32 counts of torture, murder of an Imperial officer, treason, piracy, 1,128 counts of failure to appear before the Inquisitorial, unwarranted planetary destruction, war crimes detailed in separate document APOLLYON-800894-X(Θ867142220Bovarius de Va stator (Ripper Clan)Species: TauriiGender: Male Crimes: 14 counts of murder, 16 counts of consuming the flesh of sapient beings, 15 counts of rape(Σ80000894“The Face-Taker” (true name unknown)Species: DATABASE PARSE ERROR%Gender: unknown Crimes: 79 counts of identity theft, 98 counts of murder, 3 counts of attempted murder, espionage, impersonation of an Imperial official, [DATA REDACTED](Θ793054156VEX-29Species: N/Gender: N/A (male-affecting)Crimes: 31 counts of sexual assault, 17 counts of unwanted sodomy, 22 counts of murder, 8 counts of unlawful destruction of artificial lifeforms(β799318965 camp; β799318966Ossus-Bacal (inmates share a single designation)Species: Gemini Gender: Male Crimes: 2,106 counts of misappropriation of government funds, 1,998 counts of identity fraud, breach of contract, pension fraud, assault on an Imperial officer, perjury

𝕳𝖞𝖕𝖊𝖗 𝕬𝖈𝖈𝖊𝖑𝖊𝖗𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝕾𝖊𝖝𝖚𝖆𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖞 _ Obscura x Zelta Runa|rating:2.0

sic parvis magna _ randomname98766789 & sixlikesgore

{"Light box_close": "Close", "light box_next": "Next", "light box_previous": "Previous", "light box_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.", "light box_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow", "light box_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow", "light box_full_screen": "Full screen", "light box_thumbnails": "Thumbnails", "light box_download": "Download", "light box_share": "Share", "light box_zoom": "Zoom", "light box_new_window": "New window", "light box_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"} "greatness from small beginnings" a one x one between myself and sixlikesgore based on the Uncharted video gaming series​ See more Nathan Drake and Elena Fisher Nathan Drake---------------------------------------------------------------------------------For Nathan Drake’s entire life, it has been tough. When he was only five years old his mother committed suicide and his father gave up custody to the state. He ended up in the Saint Francis Boys' Home, where he was raised by nuns and taught Latin. As he grew, he learned a great deal about the voyages of Francis Drake. By the time he was fifteen, this knowledge led him to Cartagena, Colombia, where the Maritime Museum was holding a Francis Drake exhibit. Included in the exhibit were Francis Drake's ring and astrolabe. Nathan's intention was to steal the ring, although he later stated that he was there to "reclaim" it, as it belongs in his family. While making preparations for the theft, he encounters both Victor Sullivan and Katherine Marlowe. Sullivan had been hired by Marlowe to steal the ring, and a confrontation ensues when both parties attempt their heists at the same time. After Marlowe ordered her men to kill Nate, Sullivan turned against her and helped Nate escape. They strike up a friendship, and Sullivan, impressed by Nate's skills and potential, becomes both a mentor and father figure to Nate. From this point forward, Nate and Sully went on many adventures together and enjoyed being able to make a living with doing something they love. Now, at the age of thirty, he was searching for something dear to his family. Nate had found some clues from old family papers that traced back to his ancestor Francis Drake. One of the papers gave him a tip of where the coffin was located. Throughout history no one has ever found it and no one ever thought it would be found. The story was that Drake was buried at sea over four hundred years ago, so Nathan found himself right off the coast of Panama. With him was a TV show host and journalist Elena Fisher. For the past month, they have spent pretty much every second of every day together. They hit it off immediately with one another and soon found their relationship growing much more than being just a business partnership. Elena was getting her story and Nathan was going to find the coffin, but they were both getting so much more. It started out with just the plan to have Elena tag along to get her story then leave. However, Nathan and Elena agreed neither of them would feel happy if that happened. So after the treasure was recovered, and the footage was captured, they would return to the United States and start their lives as a couple. Still, they had not kissed and Nathan was waiting for the perfect time. Almost every night they spent together, they spent huddled up together and cuddling. Nathan loved the way she felt in his arms and he knew already that there was no letting her go after this was over. On the other hand, his mentor Victor Sullivan was not sold on Elena being in it for the long run. Sully, as his friends called him, provided the transport to whatever island they needed and evacuation when necessary. He also needed to find this treasure so he could pay off some debts that he owed. Regardless, the older man feared Elena was not in this for Nathan and was only in it for money. If she won Nathan over, not only would she get her pay for the documentary, but she might even try and clean Nathan out of his cut, too. Sully had never seen his young protégé fall so hard for someone, and he knew that Nathan cared for her and Victor cared for Nathan so anyone that tried to do him harm really made him upset. He knew this was a change in Nathan because before, he spoke about how settling down would not be best for him since they traveled a lot but for whatever reason, this TV reporter had captured his heart. Presently, Nathan and Elena were in the waters off the coast of Panama. This location was supposedly where Sir Francis Drake was buried at sea four hundred years ago along with his treasure inside his coffin. After a day of searching, they were able to detect that something was clearly down in the bottom of the water. Nathan was currently dressing himself in the scuba diving gear, his heart pounding in his chest. He could not believe this was finally happening.​ SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ELENA ○ FISHER last year's model ...✎ xxxxxxxx​Since the beginning of this journey, Elena hadn't been quite sure what to expect. There were a lot of treasure hunters out there - people who claimed they could kind the lost legends, and expose their truth to the world. But would this Nathan Drake guy really be someone who could actually do that? The twenty-seven-year-old hadn't been all that convinced when she had first boarded onto Sullivan's boat, camera in hand. After all, her first impressions of the two men weren't exactly the most professional, but she couldn't hold that against them too tightly. Elena knew that her presence here was probably an entirely different experience for the two of them, and that acting natural might not come so. Natural with a camera pointed constantly at them. But such were the rules of engagement; she'd agreed to fund their expedition, so long as Nate and Sully agreed to let her get the full story on it. As rocky as things might've been in the beginning, they all needed each other for this. As the nights passed, however, Elena had started to feel her guard dissipate completely, and she couldn't keep herself from trying to earn the company of Nathan. Not for anything sexual - no. But for a conversation, a small laugh before bed. She wasn't much for relationships, ever since high school's discovery of indecent people, so it was an experience the reporter definitely hadn't been anticipating on a voyage like this. But when she felt Drake's arms pull her more securely into his chest at night, Elena was completely at peace. And the idea of possibly losing that was something she wasn't ready to face just yet. That possibility was there, of course, but she refused to acknowledge it until it was mentioned in conversation. Asking him to stay with her would be a little much, but if he offered. She wouldn't be able to refuse. Several days had passed, and it took them some calculating to properly find the coordinates Nate suspected held the coffin, but Elena was there to patiently capture everything on tape; the views, the frustration, navigating through the waves to try and find their proper location. She'd only taken a break from pressing that record button when the boat had finally come to a stop, and was anchored down, following Nathan's lead with finding her wetsuit. The adrenaline that was coursing through her body had her moving a little faster than normal, a bounce to her skip as the thrill of the find was nearly upon them. Having come into this expedition, unsure of what to think, it was more than obvious that the TV host was getting extremely excited. "Do you think it's really down there?" she asked casually, coming to lean on the doorway of his room, inspecting the lens on her camera. Slowly, hazel orbs lifted from the camera within her hands to Nathan's back, catching her first glimpse of his bare skin as he pulled his wetsuit the rest of the way over his torso. Resisting the urge to clear her throat, Elena shifted awkwardly against the door frame, adverting her gaze as the woman's cheeks grew hot with a blush. "I mean, what if it isn't? Back to the drawing board, or. ?" as she asked her question, Elena slowly glanced back towards him, shifting to give him room to leave his quarters, and follow him back out onto the deck.​ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxSPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO Nathan Drake ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pulling on the wetsuit flippers, Nathan’s gaze slowly raised and turned to the doorway to stare at Elena. Before answering, he tugged the final piece over his torso before grabbing his mask and oxygen take to ensure it was full of oxygen and ready to go. The male pushed himself up with his feet and walked to the doorway, stopping right in front of the reporter. One large, gentle hand placed on Elena’s upper arm. “I am confident the coffin is here. I won’t plan for otherwise.” Indeed, Nathan was a confident man because this was his area of expertise. Starting this at such a young age with his brother Samuel meant by the age of thirty, Nathan had close to twenty years of experience in similar situations. Granted, they seemed to get crazy with age, but this was Nathan’s entire life’s work right here. He knew nothing else. Before moving past Elena, Nathan wanted to do something. Every night, they fell asleep with Elena wrapped up in his arms and vice versa. Usually, Nathan was not one for a relationship either. His last relationship ended poorly with another like-minded treasure hunter named Chloe. After this relationship, Nathan figured he was more of a “one or two nights” kind of guy. When he met with Elena though, his entire perspective had changed. Honestly, there were multiple things they needed to talk about, but Nate wanted to save it for after they find the coffin and get ready to head back to the mainland. No matter what happened, he was going to ask Elena if he could stay with her even after this was over. He cared far too much for the blonde reporter to let her go after this. Sullivan, on the other hand, was not happy with this. To him, Nathan was his best friend and the man he mentored for many years and still continued to mentor, actually. Sully did not trust Elena, and he did not believe she actually cared for Drake. Countless times, he tried to warn his younger partner that Elena only wanted a piece of the treasure for herself and would just leave him hanging afterward. It was his job to be apprehensive though. Nathan was like a son to him and Sully just had a difficult time trusting others. Regardless of what might be said, Nathan would never listen to Sully and just assured him Elena was not like that. Back in the present moment, his hand slowly removed from Elena’s arm, and then he leaned down, so their faces were close before pressing the softest, gentlest kiss he could onto her cheek. Before kissing her, his brown eyes noticed how they seemed to be blushing, and it was no doubt from his physique just a moment ago. How could a woman fake this? Nathan believed her intentions were true. With a half-smile, Nathan strutted on out of the room and onto the upper deck. He peered down into the deep water before placing his mask on his face and then latching in his oxygen tank onto the back of his suit. After final checks passed every test, Nathan was ready to go. The last touch on his attire was a waterproof camera courtesy of Elena that he would attack against the top of his goggles so she could also have footage of him swimming down in the ocean. Before jumping, Nathan turned to Elena and gave her a thumbs up, waiting for her camera to get rolling. Once Elena gave the signal, Nate turned to the water and took a plunge into the ocean, immediately swimming right down to the bottom. ​ SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ELENA ○ FISHER last year's model ...✎ xxxxxxxx​“I am confident the coffin is here. I won’t plan for otherwise.” Elena was almost immediately reassured by his words; she'd never really been out in the thick of things before. This was her first chance being with a group - two people or otherwise - that had done something this brilliant for most of their life. Hunting for treasure had always been something that Elena was extremely interested in, but she'd never actually thought that she was going to get the chance to go on an expedition for anything ancient or lost. The adrenaline that was already starting to fill the twenty seven-year-old about the situation had her grinning from ear to ear; Nathan's closeness and reassurances only adding to that goofy look. A goofy look that was almost immediately put on pause when Nathan seemed to hesitate in front of her; his arm lifted from her own, allowing him to lean down to her height better. Immediately, the woman's breath caught in her chest, and her eyes froze in their spot, unable to focus on anything but the wall over Nathan's shoulder. The smell of his cologne wafted into her nostrils, intoxicating Elena's senses as he leaned forward, surprising her with the soft peck against her cheek. If she hadn't been red in the face beforehand, Elena was definitely feeling the heat and the blood rush to her cheeks upon feeling the pressure of the kiss. As soon as Nate had shifted to motion that he was going to continue down the hallway and out onto the deck of the boat, Elena's eyes squeezed shut, and a deep breath erupted from the back of her throat, suddenly aware that she'd been holding her breath. Taking a moment for herself, making sure that her cheeks had been given enough time to slightly fade out to their natural pale color, and to fix her ponytail, Elena slowly made her way down the hallway of the boat, heart still thumping a million miles per second. A breath of reassurance ebbed from the back of her throat as she exited the threshold of the ship, readying her camera to check the battery level. "C'mon, Fisher. Get your head in the game." Inhaling the salty air, the woman gave herself a soft nod of reassurance, lifting the camera up to her face in order to see through the eyehole. Pressing the record, Elena raised her free hand up over her head to give Nathan a thumbs up, signifying that she was ready whenever he was. Approaching the side of the boat as he pushed off into the water, Elena made sure to get a good shot of him descending into the depths of the water, it's only taking a matter of seconds before Nate's form was indistinguishable from the surface. As soon as she knew she couldn't see him through the lens, Elena spanned around, taking the opportunity to get some long distance shots, or filler clips. But she'd have to pay attention to the camera that was attached to Drake's mask; a small camera that'd give her just enough sight to see what Nate did down there. It was, cleverly, also a marker for when Elena needed to have her camera ready for when he was surfacing; missing that shot would be too much of an amateur mistake. So, after she'd felt comfortable with the footage she'd been able to capture along the sides of the boat, Elena made her way into the Bridge to see how Sully was making out, and to keep an eye on the camera feed to Nathan.​ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxSPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO  Nathan Drake ---------------------------------------------------------------------​Deeper and deeper Nathan traveled into the ocean blue. His heart was pounding in his chest and hammering loudly in his ears. Despite the scuba tank, it almost felt like he was lacking oxygen into his lungs. Looking down on his arm and viewing the radar, he noticed the pinging was becoming louder and more consistent. The coffin, or something, was nearby. Finally reaching the ocean floor, he found what looked to be a coffin. He knew exactly what to look for, and this coffin definitely fit the role. The architecture showed it to be over four hundred years old, and it looked just like what Nathan expected. Sand and other ocean pieces buried it underneath. It took some trying, but Nathan finally wrenched it free and pulled it from the ocean floor. It was rather heavy, but it could be the stone used to construct the coffin. However, Nathan was adamant and confident that Sir Francis Drake’s body was inside here. With a deep breath, he allowed the camera he was wearing to capture all of its beauty before slowly ascending towards the surface. Now, Mr. Drake was quite the fit man, but even this was putting some toil and tear on his body. It took all of thirty minutes, but Nathan resurfaced with the coffin. Outside the boat, a small lever was resting where he could just lift the coffin onto the boat. After placing the coffin onto the surface, he climbed back into the boat once Elena captured a nice shot of him returning to the surface. Nathan smiled at the camera, but he was actually just smiling at Elena. He figured she understood what he meant. Pulling the lever, the coffin was raised into the air until he could grab it and set it down onto the boat. Pulling off his mask and snorkel, Nathan inhaled a deep breath before nodding towards the blonde and then returning his focus towards the coffin. Grabbing the hinges, he grunted while sliding off the top after knocking off the locks with a hammer. Inside, there was nobody to be found. However, it was not empty. A small book was placed inside by itself. Reaching down, Drake took the journal and looked through a few pages until he realized that it was Francis Drake’s diary. Most of the pages were ship logs, like a normal Captain might keep but later on through the book, he noticed how everything changed, looking like he was writing in some kind of secret code and puzzles. Even worse, the last page of the diary was missing. Before this whole ordeal, Sully warned Nate about this. After retrieving the coffin, he should cut off all communication with her, and they were done. All that she paid for was to get this footage on the boat and that was it, but Nathan was just love stricken. He took the diary and showed it to Elena, even letting her hold it and look through it. “This is Sir Francis Drake’s diary.” He explained both to her and the audience that would watch this documentary. “Many people believed that Drake actually faked his own death to protect this huge treasure he was about to find. There are a couple maps inside, but the last page is missing.” Basically, their journey was not over, but it was only beginning. He only hoped that Elena would tag along for the ride. Looking up into the distance, he noticed something awry. A large ship was quickly speeding towards them. Modern day pirates, and they were not looking for friendly company. “Oh shit… Elena… we have company.” Quickly, he grabbed the radio and called in for Sully to send them an evacuation in his plane. After doing so, he grabbed a handgun and slid one over to Elena. “Hope you can shoot…”​ SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ELENA ○ FISHER last year's model ...✎ xxxxxxxx​The underwater camera was absolutely marvelous. Elena had never been able to see anything like that up close - not unless it was on a television screen, hosted by National Geographic. The reporter had never had the chance to see something so amazing in person, to be involved with the expedition of something. It was an accelerating adrenaline rush that left her heart pounding, an uncontrollable feeling that grew the deeper Nathan's strokes took him. If they could find this coffin. If there was actually a body inside of it. It would mean a great deal of many things; that Francis Drake had existed, for one. And that his treasure could be real, too. No one had ever come this close to finding his remains. Nothing but a few Spanish coins. But here she was, watching Nate dive to try and find a lost piece of history. The twenty seven-year-old was so enthralled with the idea of Nathan finding something, that she didn't even mind Sully's slight huffs and disapproving grunts when she'd make a comment about the atmosphere on the television, or ask a question about him and Nate. By now, she was more than used to the way Sullivan was treating her - she was the girl next door, barging in and stealing the son away from the dad. It was obvious to Elena to see the worry in Sully's face when he looked at the two of them together, and there wasn't a bone in her body that could come up with a way to try and convince him she wasn't horrible. That this - whatever this was between her and Nate - wasn't a bad thing, and she wasn't taking advantage of him. When Drake discovered something, Elena was instantly ecstatic. The blond did her best to contain it, wanting to keep a professional outlook for the viewers out there, but it was exceptionally hard when she came back out onto the deck, camera in hand, pointed towards the crane Nathan was now operating. His smile definitely didn't go unchecked, and she gave him a small wave behind the camera, returning it even though she kept her camera focused, not wanting to miss a second. As the crane hoisted the coffin and shifted the structure to rest on the deck's surface, Elena was quick to come to Nate's side, getting a good look of the outside markings and natural changes over time. As she rounded to the opposite side of the coffin, she nodded her head, allowing him to silently know she was ready for him to pry it open. Automatically, as Elena rounded to reveal what was inside the coffin to the camera, she let out a sightly disappointed, but confused, gasp. "He's. Not here." Film still rolling, Elena watched above the camera as Nate leaned down and grabbed the only parchment within the coffin. A waterlogged journal. The moment Nate announced who the journal belonged to, her jaw slightly went slack, and a confused glance was passed between the journal and the empty coffin. "So wait. You're. You're saying that he faked his death? He actually managed to do that to hide a treasure?" There wasn't any disbelief in her voice, although her surprise was extremely apparent. About to ask another question, reaching to slide her fingers over the material of the page to try and decipher what it was made out of, Nate's words took her completely by surprise. “Oh shit… Elena… we have company.” Shifting her body to face the direction he was face, Elena's hands gripped harder against her camera, now resting against her stomach. The moment she heard the gun slide along a crate towards her, Elena almost fumbled and dropped her camera to catch it, mind still in a dismay as she tried to wrap it around the oncoming situation. "Okay. Pirates. We just found a dead guy's empty coffin. This should be a piece of cake." Giving herself an encouraging nod, the young woman set the camera in a spot where she was hoping would be out of gunshot, but kept the film rolling, just in case. Taking cover behind one of the crates in the middle of the boat, Elena gave Nate a quick glance before checking the magazine within her gun. Clicking the safety off, she inhaled another deep breath, almost flinching as soon as she heard a stray bullet being fired off from the opposite boat. "Don't suppose they'd just go away if we asked nicely, huh?" the woman whispered in a hopeful tone over to Drake, keeping her head low, gun poised at the ready.​ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxSPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO Nathan Drake ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​“I don’t think these people are the talkative type.” Nathan answered while looking towards Elena. Almost immediately after this sentence was spoken, a couple bullets riddled the crates they hid behind and made Nathan flinch slightly. “See… we’re going to fight our way out until Sully can pick us up.” They couldn’t exactly call the Coast Guard or anyone for help seeing as they did not have permits to be here. Regardless, Nathan was a good shot and hoped Elena was too. The first smaller boat to arrive swerved towards the left. Two pirates were shooting at the couple. Waiting until both pirates were on the lower deck and beside a barrel, Nathan smartly peeked over and shot the barrel, exploding the pirates and the boat itself. Ammo was going to be a necessity here so it was important to not waste any bullets. The second boat was also handled the same way. Nathan kept himself and Elena ducked down behind the crates, only peeking out when both pirates were close to a gas barrel before shooting and exploding it into a fiery blaze. It seemed that his strategy was foiled because he watched a few pirates jump into the water and start climbing towards their own boat. His eyes darted back and forth quickly, unsure of what entrance might be used. A few seconds later, the pirates climbed aboard. Their proximity to Nathan allowed for some hand-to-hand combat. All by himself, Nathan was able to take down about three of the foes and pick up their ammunition after disposing of them. At first glance, Drake might not look to be overly strong, but he actually was quite strong, and it showed with his fighting skills. Plus, he felt an adrenaline rush to keep Elena safe. Right now, that was his only goal. The treasure did not matter, Francis Drake did not matter, only Elena did. Never before had a woman he met so soon meant so much to him. That fact was established, but her life was really in danger right now and being the true man he is, Nathan would fight until his death to protect her. She was actually the safest she could be considering if anyone was going to hurt her, they would have to literally kill him first. Four more pirates climbed aboard and Nathan used his pistol to kill two of them while engaging in hand-to-hand combat with the other two. Around this time, a larger boat arrived. It was a gunboat, and it carried a mounted turret and a rocket launcher. Quickly returning to Elena’s side, the boat was being shot up and blow to shreds. “Where the hell are you, Sully?” Nate mumbled to himself, keeping an arm around Elena to protect her as they were forced to constantly move from cover to cover as the gunboat circled them. Right on time, a loud buzzing of a plane shot through the sky. Victor Sullivan was here to save the day, landing right beside of their boat with the enemy boat closing in. “Come on! You guys better hurry up! Your boat is going to explode!” Looking towards the area he pointed, the boat was catching fire in a hurry. Grabbing all of their necessary items, Nathan took the plunge with Elena, jumping from their boat over towards the wing of Sully’s plane as it exploded. Keeping a firm grip on Elena, Nate pulled her with him safely inside the seaplane. While Sully was taking off, the automatic turret was continuing to fire off rounds at the plane but Sully quickly pulled up high enough out of sight, and they looked safe for the time being. Exhausted, Nate just fell against one of the seats in the back. “Elena…? Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?” That was his first worry right now. He wanted to check her, and so he did, looking all over her body to see any wounds or blood. It looked as if they both made it out of the situation rather unscathed and unharmed, but it was certainly a close call. Plus, Nate was also able to make out with the diary, but that was not his priority right now. It was just holding Elena and being thankful for her. He removed the diary and placed it onto the seat beside of him. “So… I am guessing the coffin didn’t have a body, kid?” Sully asked, seemingly worried about the treasure more than anything. “That’s right. Nobody inside but I found Francis Drake’s journal. There are a couple maps inside and I think I was right. He must have faked his own death to hide the treasure.” “I hope so. A journal won’t bring us a pay day.” Sully answered back, always worried about how much money they can make. ​ SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ELENA ○ FISHER last year's model ...✎ xxxxxxxx​Being a reporter meant a lot of things; you had to be what the situation needed you to be. At all times. Elena's surroundings were always constantly changing, whether she was back at the studio, out on the field, or at home. She had to be a flexible woman, and squeeze herself into all sorts of different situations, and appear like she had the experience to deal with them properly. Being in a situation like this, however, was entirely new to the woman. Never, in her life, had she manned a gun before - the closest thing that she had ever aimed at anyone had been a camera lens. But, luckily, even something as harmless as a camera gave her quite the experience in holding something steadily. Although the twenty seven-year-old had never once, in her life, fired a gun before, she'd shot multiple different cameras, and had a lot of experience with a steady hand because of it. Surely, a steady hand wasn't the only thing required in order to fire a gun, but it would definitely help in the situation. Something Elena demonstrated very well from her round-about cover, only peeking up every so often when she knew she'd be able to either take a shot, or at least access the situation they were in, without anyone noticing her too heavily. It helped that Nathan was the main source of their assault; most likely because Drake was very much capable, as he displayed, when it came to hand-to-hand combat. That man's right hook was enthralling to watch. Even so, distractions aside, Elena made sure to watch his back, firing off a pot shot whenever she could line one up with an individual that was choosing to try and do damage from afar; giving Nathan a chance to clear up some of the attackers with his hands, while Elena took care of the ranged opponents. Even so. The exploding barrels definitely weren't a common occurrence for Elena. Neither was the large gunboat that had decided to join the party. "Uh. Nate. !?" Elena questioned as the ship rounded their vessel, causing the duo to have to shift around to gain different angles of cover. Gritting her teeth through the rumbles of debris flying every which way, and the shake of the rocket launcher connecting with the ship, Elena kept herself close to Nate, allowing them to guide them to their next destination the moment the gunboat would round about again. His voiced question about where the hell Sully was met with a nod of agreeable, completely beside herself with trying to figure out what their options even were. Bailing over the side of the ship would be just as hopeless as remaining on it without Sully's help. The sound of the plane's propellers hit Elena's eats like an angel's voice; her body was ready to get moving the moment the fire was pointed out. Shifting onto her feet better, Elena took off to grab the camera, not willing to risk losing all of that footage, and was quick to escape the burning vessel with Nate. The crash landing into the rough sea below hadn't been anticipated, and the shock of the cold water almost completely expelled the air within Elena's lungs, but Nathan didn't give her body a long enough chance to take any of it in; he was pulling her onto the plane, easing her into its safety before her mind could completely register what was going on. Collapsing beside Nate, a few rough coughs ebbed from the back of the journalist's mouth, spitting up a small mouthful of salt water. Rubbing her mouth with the back of her hand, Elena's body eased back against the seat she had fallen into, eyelids opening to look at Nathan as he asked if she was alright. The woman couldn't even get her mouth open before he was already searching her over, trying to locate if anything had been hurt, or broken, in the disarray. Weakly, she shook her head 'no', shifting the camera to set it beside her on the next seat over. "No, no. Fine. I think I'm fine." There was a bit of a graze along her right upper arm, where a bullet skimmed along her skin, but it was nothing more than a bit of a scratch; a luckily mistimed bullet. "What. What about you?" Almost instantly, the fatigue Elena had been expressing in her body language seemed to disappear the moment she turned the tables back on him, lifting a hand to smooth it over his cheek. Falling silent as Sully asked Nathan a question, her face slightly twisted after the old man's later response about their pay day. It made her grip around Nate slightly increase, hugging him a bit more secure than she had been moments before. "Yeah, and I bet Nate feels fine, Sullivan. Thanks for asking." the blond grumbled from their position behind the cockpit, unsure if Sullivan would've been able to hear her snarky remark or not - and, to be honest, wasn't too concerned if he did. "Speaking of pay day." the blue-eyed woman started, glancing towards the camera she'd barely made it out of there with. "My. Producers really aren't going to like hearing that we blew up the boat. Don't suppose you boys got a savings account, or anything, right?"​ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxSPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO Nathan Drake ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thankfully, Elena looked to be alright other than a small scratch on her upper arm. Small as it was, Nathan was going to immediately tend to it. Before he could move, the woman was checking him out as well and in response, he wrapped his own arms tightly around her, chuckling quietly and her response to Sully. Of course, Sully meant well by everything. He just naturally assumed Nate was alright since Nathan Drake was always a man of great reserve and action. Rarely did he see Nathan Drake falter at anything, so after everything was over, the younger male stared into Elena’s eyes and curiously watched her. His hands cupped her face in a gentle touch while thinking about the boat. “Oh yeah… the boat. I’m sorry about that. I hope with this treasure we eventually find will be enough to buy you an even bigger boat.” He spoke, giving her a little pout so she wasn’t mad about that. Before pulling away though, he did tilt his head slightly and lean forward to give her yet another kiss. This one was a tease, right on the corner where her lips met her cheek, not wanting to be too forward but wanting her to be desiring more. Winking, he finally stood up from the ground and assisted Elena into the chair beside of them. After commanding Elena to stay put, Nathan assessed the situation. Her bleeding was definitely not excessive, and it hardly even existed, so there was no need for any kind of tourniquet. Taking a bottle of water, he handed it to her good hand and allowed her to take a few sips. A second water bottle was taken, and a hole was poked through the top, so a jet stream of water could be sprayed on her small wound to clean it. Even the smallest wounds can become infected, though. That was the biggest possible problem. An antibiotic ointment was applied which completely stopped any bleeding that might remain. Lastly, a bandage was applied and then a tight wraparound of cloth was added to keep the dressing in place and the proper treatment of her wound was taken care. It just showed how much Nathan cared about Elena. His first priority was not reading the diary; it was actually taking care of Elena. So after he finished, Nathan leaned down to press a kiss over the bandage before joining Elena on a chair beside of her. Upon double-checking the blonde reporter, Nathan decided she was doing just fine so now he allowed himself to relax and check out the diary. Sully warned Nathan to not let Elena have any more information than what she paid for and this was much more. Sully thought they were going to ditch her on the pier but looking behind the cockpit, he figured Nate must have a different plan. “Francis Drake must have hidden this to keep his final treasure from getting out when he returned to England.” Nathan murmured, his eyes darkened and squinting in though. His forehead wrinkled slightly, and he stroked his gruff, forming beard along his chin while in deep thought. Opening to one of the pages, he pointed to the words “El Dorado”, thinking that this could be the treasure. “El Dorado was believed to be a lost city of gold, but nobody ever found anything. The last, missing page might tell us something about it, but there is a map here. It’s somewhere in the jungles of Central America so either the city is there or another clue is, but I think our next stop is the Amazon.” Nathan figured all of this out in a matter of ten minutes at most without any outside help. He was truly a natural at this, and he smiled triumphantly at Elena before pocketing the diary again while Sully landed the plane and arrived back to the pier. “Looks like we’re back now. I guess you should call in with your producer, check in and tell him the news?” He suggested since she often did that with any major updates, standing up and grabbing both of their bags like a gentleman as they exited the plane and got onto the docks. ​ SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ELENA ○ FISHER last year's model ...✎ xxxxxxxx​“Oh yeah… the boat. I’m sorry about that. I hope with this treasure we eventually find will be enough to buy you an even bigger boat.” Elena smirked at Nate's response, unable to help but soak up the adorable pout his lips had formed. "I'm not really concerned with the whole boat explosion thing," the reporter replied with a small wink. "My producers, on the other hand." her light-hearted tone trailed off, slightly hinting at the actual seriousness of her words. Boats were never really Elena's thing - cars, on the other hand, was something she had dived more into. But that didn't change the fact that her producers were the ones responsible for paying for the boat rental, considering it was the only way they'd get the chance to shoot the television show. No funding, no show - there wasn't much of a choice on their end. The little kiss Nate had placed on the corner of her lips instantly had her mind very far off from thinking about the boat complications, however, and a soft pulse of heat flushed within her cheeks as the blond raised her hand to idly touch where he'd placed the kiss. If the tingles along the corner of her lips wasn't enough, the butterflies that kept looping within her stomach was enough to make her head almost spin. She hadn't felt like this in years - since she was a child, to be honest, with her first crush. Naturally, it didn't go anywhere, because of their age, and the innocence of it all. But the same weightless feeling pulsed around her whenever her and Nathan's eyes connected, and it was starting to slightly make her head spin (of course, not in a bad way. Just a way that Elena wasn't accustomed to). Sitting still, or as still as she possibly could, Elena couldn't keep the grin off her face as Nate fussed and treated the cut along her bicep. The twenty seven-year-old had never been tended to like this in her life, not even as a child. Cuts and scraps were usually ignored, rinsed off whenever she bathed next, and healed on their own. So, to be cared for like this from someone she was getting to know. It was too great of a feeling to be able to mask. The added touch of a kiss over the clean bandage was the icing on the cake for the young woman; only adding to the small blush that'd been starting from the gentle kiss he'd given her. Luckily, after he was satisfied that her arm was well-cleaned and secured, it didn't take long for Nathan's attention to alter to the diary he'd found; something that Elena was more than glad to focus on in order to drain the blush from her face. The reporter watched as Nate fingered through the pages, reading the details and muttering to himself about the lore behind Francis. His passion for this was more than awe-inspiring, and she couldn't keep the smile off her face. She scooted a little closer, in order to see the pages in which he was pointing and referring to as he went over them, content with listening and learning. It wasn't until Nate came to his sudden conclusion about where their next location was that she let out a small surprised breath, eyebrows rising to emphasize how impressed she was. "I. Really regret not having the camera rolling for that," she mused afterward, glancing up from the diary to Nate. "That was incredible." At the mention of checking in, Elena nodded in agreeable, shifting to collect the camera as Nate retrieved their bags. Offering him a smile as thanks, she followed him out, stepping onto the pier's dock a bit eagerly. It was good to feel something solid under her feet again that wasn't nestled in the water's waves. Stretching her arms out above her head after retrieving her phone from her things, Elena took a moment to get the feeling back in her limbs before taking a few steps from the duo, letting them discuss anything they had to about their next travel arrangements, while she made her phone call. The beginning of it was good - her producers enjoyed hearing from her, nine times out of ten, considering it was nothing but good news up to this point. Keywords being up to this point. ". It kind of, well. Exploded?" the blond tried to explain in the softest of tones possible, lifting her free hand to scratch at the back of her neck. The response she got from the other end of the line had her slightly visibly cringing, but Elena was quick to try and turn the situation around. "I don't want to hear about our budget numbers - do you even realize what kind of history we could be uncovering here? Well, these kinds of things are covered under insurance, right?" The hope within her voice was more than noticeable, and it was instantly visible when that hope was crushed the million pieces. ". We, we don't have insurance. ? That could be a problem." Biting the inside of her lip through the rest of the conversation, Elena made nothing but agreeing grunts and sounds into the receiver, sensing the intensity of the situation she was now in. Muttering her goodbyes, and apologies for the last time, Elena hung up the contraption, instantly releasing an over-accumulated sigh. Nothing but her camera now, Elena took a deep breath and walked over to a storage barrel on the dock, perching herself on top of it. Crossing her legs, the blond started to go through the footage she'd already been able to capture, her teeth working her lower lip nervously. It was more than obvious that her producers were close to cutting her off completely - without their okay, this whole expedition would become bankrupt. But they weren't happy with their results, and the idea of having to possibly pitch in more than what their budget had called for. It was obvious they just wanted this for the story, the big pay off that was going to be in their pockets after all the editing was finished. Elena just wasn't sure if she'd be able to go along with their ploys for long, if that was their agenda.​ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxSPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO Nathan Drake ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was not really his own fault for the boat being exploded. The pirates were the culprits, but that probably made no difference to Elena’s company and producers. Out of caring for the young woman, Nathan made a mental promise to Elena, ensuring he would pay her company for everything and more just to save her tail. He did not want something like this to ruin her career and ruin her reputation. Her success was important to him. Knowing that she was smiling and happy and doing the job she loved was what he wanted. Nathan just hoped they were able to continue this after all. Up to this point, he still did not believe she only wanted his money or some of the treasure even if Sully did. Once the boats arrived at the pier again, Nate watched as the blonde exited the boat and walked towards the pier and the water. The sun was setting over the horizon and just looking at her standing in the water was a beautiful sight even though her facial expression changed, showing that she probably talked to her producers about the boat and the thought made him cringe. It might be a big deal truthfully, but Nathan was happy they were safe and alive right now. That’s all that mattered in the end, no matter what the producers might say. Nathan would rather lose the boat and lose the treasure, even, than losing Elena. It was a big deal for him to think that about someone. “Earth to Nathan. Are you there?” Sully boomed, plunking Nathan’s temple with his forefinger. Nathan hissed at the sudden surprise of a touch and shook his head. “Oh yeah, I’m here. Sorry. Where were we again?” Nathan asked, remembering they were talking about their next location and when to go before he got sidetracked while watching Elena. Sully talked some more, but he found himself staring again and Sully just stood in front of him, blocking the view. “You know it’s a bad idea to keep her around. The only thing we agreed to was her getting to film you recovering the casket. Nothing was there so she should go, Nate. I know that you care about her, but you know that people only want money. That’s why she’s been so close to you and tried to win your favor. She expects a big pay day once this is over, and then you’ll probably never see her again.” Sully spoke with a sad look on his face. “I love you, kid. I just don’t want to see you hurt. It would be best to just leave right now and keep her on the pier.” Sully suggested and nudged him. Frowning, Nathan shook off the older man. “No, Sully. We’re not doing that, okay? I get it. You think she doesn’t really care for me and only wants my money. That’s not what I think. The moments we have shared, I don’t think that can be faked. I might be blinded but right now I’ve never cared so much for a woman as I do with Elena. I want what we have to last longer than this trip and I want her to be beside me on the trip because she makes this adventure even better. Furthermore, I don’t care if we never find the treasure, Sully. Furthermore, I’ll be the richest man in the world whether we find it or not.” Obviously, Nate mean being rich as having Elena one way or the other. If the treasure hunt was a bust, they would probably both be looking for work, but at least they would be together. Finally, Sully begrudgingly accepted Nathan would not change his mind. He also promised to give his best shot and giving Elena a chance and not automatically assuming the worst every single time something happens. The male decided they would leave early in the morning and just rest tonight since there was no real hurry. Thanking Sully, Nathan finally was able to exit the seaplane and walk onto the pier. He found Elena sitting down at the end on the barrel with her legs crossed and looked rather upset. Nathan wanted to cheer her up, and he knew exactly what to do. Upon reaching Elena, Nathan did not speak a single word. Instead, he wrapped both of his strong arms tightly around the young blonde woman and squeezed her into a tight hug. This forced their foreheads to touch, and their noses touched as well. Titling his head to the right slightly, Nate closed his eyes and pressed a firm kiss to her lips. It started out slow and chaste, just pressing their lips together and touching them for a few seconds. However, it quickly grew into much more when Nate began moving his upper and lower lips against Elena’s to increase the passion. After his brown head of hair tilted further to the right, Nathan allowed his tongue to peek out and trace the outline of Elena’s lips until he poked and prodded enough to be granted entrance inside of her mouth. His hands were resting on her thighs while he slithered and slipped his tongue across every inch inside the reporter’s mouth that he could possibly reach. When pulling away from the passionate kiss and embrace, Nathan found himself breathing heavily while looking down at his swollen lips from the kiss. That was alright with him, though. Everything was worth it for Elena, and he just stood there with the girl against his body. “I guess the call didn’t go so well, but I want to take your mind off it. We won’t be leaving until tomorrow morning after the sunrises, so I guess we can spend tonight together if that’s alright with you.” The last part was teasing and playful because he knew good and well they would be in each other’s arms again tonight, as every night so far. ​ SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ELENA ○ FISHER last year's model ...✎ xxxxxxxx​Between the focus on the camera screen within her lap, and the sound of the waves crashing into the shower, Elena was rather clueless to Nate leaving the plane, and furthermore, didn't hear his footsteps approaching her on the pier. Although her eyes seemed occupied with going over what she'd been able to capture, her mind was miles away; entrapped with the idea that she had possibly started leading Nate on when it came to what her producers were expecting from him. She didn't know the full story behind it, and by the sounds of things, they were getting pretty close to just cutting the three of them off altogether; stranding Elena with no way home, let alone to survive in her current location. So, when Nate suddenly appeared and wrapped his strong embrace around her, Elena let out a bit of a surprised gasp, and dropped her camera into the security net of her crossed legs. "Jesus Nat-" had been the beginning of Elena's exclamation of shock, her smile still clear through her surprise, until Nathan had cut her off with his lips. Immediately, it was as though the twenty four-year-old melted into his arms, coming to bring her now free hands to wrap around him in return, right palm sliding up into the back of his hairline, playing with the strands idly between her fingers. She'd been expecting, and more than happy, with a gentle, soft kiss. But the moment she felt the increase of passion, Elena's breath nearly caught completely in her throat. Sliding her lips open just the slightest, allowing Nate entrance into her mouth, it was almost like someone had flicked a switch for the reporter. Instantly, upon feeling and tasting Nathan's tongue, she worked against the kiss, intent on returning just as much as she received. The grip within his hair tightened a bit, pulling him closer to her, unable to get enough of the man's embrace and taste before her. It wasn't until he broke the kiss that Elena's eyelids slowly started to open, and her heavy breathing became very apparent; her shoulders and chest both shaking with the deep inhales she had to take just to calm her lungs. If that wasn't enough to make it obvious, the blush and bewildered face on Elena's features should've been more than enough insight that her entire body felt like it was on fire, and it was all thanks to the simplest of touches from him. Nate's next batch of words had Elena's lips piercing into a wide grin, and she playfully cocked her gaze at him, pursing her lips in fake thought. "Hmm. I don't know," the blond started teasingly. "I've been putting some thought into spending time with you, Nathan Drake. And, after that last explosion." the woman trailed off for a moment, sliding her hand from the back of his hairline to cup against his cheek softly. "I think I've deemed you just too darn dangerous." A joking smile pulled over her lips, and she leaned forward, rubbing the tip of her nose against his own. Dropping her hand to casually drape her arms over his shoulders in a small embrace, she slowly nodded her head to really answer his proposition, unable to keep the grin from her face. "I'd love that, but. I have a feeling you already know that." The reporter's hazel eyes narrowed in his direction, showing that she was fully aware her words were most likely true. Releasing her hold from around his shoulders, Elena picked up her camera after shutting it down, and secured it within the grip of her left hand. Untangling her legs from their crossed position, she let them rest on either side of Nate's waist for a moment, stretching up to plant a soft kiss to the tip of his nose, before she wiggled off the surface of the barrel back onto solid ground. "Plus," she started, taking his hand playfully and giving it a soft tug to initiate their walk forward. "I have to get out of this thing. And finding some food wouldn't be so bad, either." Naturally, Elena was referring to the wetsuit she still had on, since she hadn't had the chance to get to her bag long enough to do so, yet. Over dinner, she imagined they could finally relax for a moment - get over the small hiccup about pirates wanting to blow them up - and figure out their next heading a bit better. With some better planning. And hopefully not another boat.​ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxSPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO sic Paris magma | randomname98766789 & sixlikesgore SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx NATHAN ○ DRAKE xxxxxxxx​While Elena was only teasing, her words underlined Nathan’s biggest fear. Now, the average woman would probably be done with Nate after twenty-four hours because of all this adventurous and dangerous stunts he pulled. She was correct: being around Nathan Drake was a dangerous thing to do. However, Nathan appreciated that Elena did not mind the risk. She must have enjoyed the trip so far because she still seemed so excited about the next step even if her producers were growing angry. Elena Fisher was one in a million, Nathan would never forget that. The gentle touch of her small hand cupping his cheek or wrapping loosely around his shoulder sent a cold shiver up his spine, yet it ignited flames all across his body at the same time. A matching grin spread across his handsome features when Elena nuzzled their noses together and his brown eyes slowly closed to focus on how wonderful it felt to have the blonde reporter so close to him. This time spent together truly started something beautiful and Nathan hoped it was going to last. For him, finding Francis Drake’s treasure was not the ultimate prize anymore. The ultimate prize was already won, it seemed. Once the teasing finished and the real answered began, Nathan just chuckled quietly because he already knew the answer to his own question. All he wanted to do was hear Elena confirm his thoughts. Allowing their hands to tangle, Nathan followed wherever she wanted to go. “I think we can arrange for this to happen.” The dark-haired male grinned, following her back inside the boat docked onto the pier. Sully normally slept in his seaplane or on the pier while they did have his own boat docked just in case anything went wrong. This was usually the location of Nathan’s and Elena’s resting place. Plus, it provided them some privacy from the older male. Tonight, Nathan felt more comfortable around Elena than ever before. Upon entering their little shared bedroom area where they formed a mattress with cushions and blankets, Nathan stripped off his wetsuit right in front of Elena. Soon enough, he stood only with his soaked boxers, but they were quickly removed, too. While standing completely naked, he decided to be bold and not hide himself or even make a comment about what he did, acting as if it was completely natural and casual to do. The suite and boxers were tossed into a far corner where he could remember to dry them sometime soon before turning to a duffle bag where his clothes were kept. During this time, Nathan ensured that he spent an equal amount of time between facing Elena and facing away from Elena, so the young woman could take in and learn about every inch of his body. Unsure if she was okay with it happening, he would cover himself if she asked but if she did not say anything negative or if she reacted positively, he remained naked until finding a clean pair of boxers to slide over his hips. Once this was finished, the explorer made a decision that he wore enough clothes for now. Elena spoke about being hungry so he began rummaging around their food supply before finding some canned food and protein bars to eat. This was usually the diet whenever Nathan was on the run from something or towards something. When they reach the Amazon, they might, could find something different from canned food in a village or a big city along the way as they did here off the Pacific while searching for the coffin. For tonight, they were just dining simple. After gathering food for both, he plopped down onto the makeshift bed and brought out a couple water bottles for them each. From that point on, he dug into his own can of food and started eating while watching Elena. He hoped his actions would allow Elena to let down her guard further than before. Even if nothing resulted from it, he simply wanted to see her body and feel her skin against his. If it turned into anything more than being innocent and comfortable, he would not complain, yet he would not push the issue, either. To him, Nathan already knew how deeply he cared for Elena, and he saw no reason why he could not show off his body around her. Besides, as far as he was concerned, she could have access to his body whenever she wanted, but no other woman would ever get to see him like this again. ​ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxSPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ELENA ○ FISHER last year's model ...✎ xxxxxxxx​“I think we can arrange for this to happen.” At the compliance received from the darker haired man, Elena's lips pulled into a wide smile as she leads him down the dock a few feet to the branched off-line that Sully had settled the seaplane at. Dipping into the entrance of the wave-flowing vessel, the blond lead her taller companion to the room she had had very little time to share with Nathan. Usually, Sully's nights were kept off the plane, and within whatever society they had taken refuge in while exploring or traveling. Elena imagined Sully was more than happy with that arrangement, giving him plenty of space from the two being together, but for nights like these. The twenty four-year-old wasn't sure what kind of response they might get. Hopefully he wouldn't be too concerned - she was already aware of how much Nathan meant to the older male. Stepping on his toes wasn't exactly scribbled down in her agenda. Elena had turned after they'd entered the room to shut the door, and as she shifted back on her heels to face Nathan again, and almost let out an audible gasp at the sight of him stripping his wetsuit without hesitation. Swallowing thickly, the blond froze for a moment, trying to find the will to retrieve her gaze from the sight before her, but the more skin he revealed, the more her breath caught within the base of her throat. When Nate's fingers laced within his boxer's waistband, Elena hadn't even realized her staring had started to fester into a more. Provocative leer. Her teeth had caught the left corner of her bottom lip, and the more Nathan pried his boxers from his body, the harder her grip nestled into the bite. It wasn't until he'd tossed the soaked material and the sound echoed throughout the small room that Elena finally snapped to, nearly stuttering an apology before she realized if she did that, then the reporter would also have to admit to her staring. Instead, with another thick swallow and obviously flushed face, the blond shifted to make her way over to her bag, slipping out of her shoes as she went. The entire time she was routing through her luggage, all Elena could envision was Nathan's form within her minds eye. She'd never seen someone so confident with stripping themselves naked before - especially after being so enthralling, without having a sexual relationship. Just seeing him made her thighs quiver with anticipation of what could be, and it was definitely a distraction the twenty four-year-old wasn't accustomed to. Mostly considering she'd never made it past third base with anyone before. But being just near Nathan - let alone seeing him as she just had - gave her more of an intensity than she'd ever experienced in any of those experiences (which didn't chalk up to that high of a count). Luckily, the first two things Elena found within her bag that were considered clothes were suitable enough for sleeping, so the reporter didn't have to fight her distracted mind too much in order to find something to wear. Straightening, her pair of boy cut shorts and baggy tee shirt within reach, Elena unzipped the wetsuit. As she parted the sides, and started to slip her left arm from its confinement, her blue orbs happened to glance over her shoulder towards the treasure hunter, and remained lingering on him for the duration of withdrawing from her wetsuit. By the time she'd tossed the garment in with his own, Nathan had just finished sorting out what they could eat from their perishables, leaving his attention available for her to grab; something that she purposely pretended not to notice, feeling like she could act more confident if she 'didn't know' his eyes were on her. Leaning down, just enough to grab the shirt she'd grabbed out, Elena wasn't quick to pull it over her body, untangling it from its half-assed fold job to find the head hole. Slipping that over her head, the blond slowly started to work her arms in, shifting on her feet so that Nathan could catch a glimpse of the underside of her breasts before the material dropped to just below her bottom - something that, after getting a small surge of excitement from knowing Nate had been able to see her change, promoted her not to slide on the shorts she'd intended to wear with it. The faint flush that still lingered over Elena's cheeks grew a bit as she came to take a seat beside the brown haired man. Wordlessly, she leaned down to grab one of the protein bars he'd retrieved, and as her fingers worked away at opening one of the ends, Elena stretched her legs over Nathan's lap, giving him a soft smile as her skin glided along his. Taking a small bite from the corner of her bar, Elena chewed and swallowed the content within her mouth before pressing a sudden kiss to Nathan's jawline. "Thank you," she mused afterward, gesturing with the bar in her hand as to what she was thanking him for. Although, as Elena straightened back into her normal position from the kiss she'd planted, her eyes couldn't leave Nathan's lips, and the protein bar in her hand wasn't cutting it for the kind of appetite Nate had sparked.​ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxSPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx NATHAN ○ DRAKE xxxxxxxx​Nathan Drake paid close attention to Elena while he undressed. It might not have been that obvious, but he watched the blonde reporter closely. Why? He simply wanted to note her reaction to his body or if she even looked at him for that matter. Upon further investigation, not only did he realize that she looked at his body, but she practically could not take her eyes off him. At first, he was worried if she would get pissed off at him for doing something like this, but she seemed to enjoy the sight before her. That was a great thing in the young adventurer’s opinion. It meant that the future and the possibility of what they have continuing to grow was strong. He turned away from her at the last second and smiled to himself. Nathan was confident and seemingly arrogant so he knew that his body was a nice thing to behold. He hoped Elena would enjoy having all of him to herself, but that was one major reason why he kept in shape other than these adventures. He wanted to have a desirable body so he could have desirable women, but now it meant more than that. Furthermore, he wanted Elena to have the man of her dreams, to have a man so good-looking that combined with his looks and personality, nobody else would even exist. While Elena changed, Nathan absolutely watched her body. Every inch looked perfect from her head down to her toes. The smile remained on his face as he watched her, particularly enjoying the sight of her breasts and the sight of her ass. This was where the two of them differed in a slight manner. On one hand, Elena was trying to be secretive about looking at Nathan and worried about her finding out he saw. For Nathan, he did not hide it nor did he try and hide it. He just stood there and watched, thinking about how perfect her body would fit against his own and feel against his own. He thought about being inside of Elena, being able to touch and kiss every inch of her body, to make her feel so much pleasure that she forgot her name. Nathan wanted all of these things and a fire started to burn within his core. He tried to push that to the side though because while he was being bold by undressing in front of her, he did not intend to scare her off or do anything that made her uncomfortable. While he wanted to take her tonight and make her his own, Nathan did not want to rush into anything. While they were eating their little dinner, he noticed how Elena stared at him and could not stop looking at him after the kiss. His fears from earlier were all but squashed. He looked deep into the woman’s brown eyes and leaned down to start another kiss between the couple. He smiled broadly while wrapping his arms tightly around the reporter and pulled her ever tightly against him. The look in her eyes showed one that wanted to put down the protein bars and maybe have something else in her mouth. Regardless of what might happen, Nathan knew that this was right where he wanted to be. Everything he had ever wanted or hoped for at this moment was becoming true right now. The amount of emotion he felt running through his body was exhilarating but also scary. He was not only attracted to her looks. Everyone knew Elena Fisher was drop-dead gorgeous, but this was more than wanting to have a sexual encounter for one night. This was something he wanted for a long, long time. He wanted to spend time with her all wrapped up tight in his arms and never letting go. He wanted to keep her there forever. Their lips attached again, but Nathan did not wait before making it more passionate than ever before. Immediately, he slipped his tongue inside of her mouth and started to rub the insides of her mouth, pinning down her tongue and moaning rather loudly. Her tongue was still underneath his own while both hands cupped her cheeks so he could hold her face still while tilting his head slightly to the right and opposite to her face, so the kiss could become deepened even further. The smile just grew on his face and he was getting lost at the moment. Without even realizing it, their crotches were rubbing together and touching, allowing Nathan to have a boner to form. With only the thin material of his cotton boxers separating the erection from outside his body, it should be obvious to Elena to feel it against her leg, showing just what she was doing to him right now whether they took it any further or not. ​ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxSPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO SPACER YO

sic parvis magna _ randomname98766789 & sixlikesgore|rating:3.0

A city of magic and trickery. (Loren)

7th of march. 08:00. Main sealer base. A large man sat at his desk, intently staring at a rather regal-looking document that had just arrived. He subtly shook his head. "Great... more foreign trouble..." He muttered under his breath. The document he was reading was a copy declaring the imminent arrival of a diplomatic delegation from an yet unknown plane. Gabriel had dealt with such a situation before. That time had been a sordid affair ending with several minor races declaring a symbolic war on the city. SO the squad commander was understandably wary of another such event. Addended to the bottom of the document was more text in a font that harshly contrasted with the graceful and subtle official handwriting of the letter. It were the orders Jacob's squad were to follow. Today would be much like any other day. A warrant for arrest here, an unannounced raid there. Standard sealer stuff. Gabriel, having decided it had been enough with the contemplation, threw the document aside offhandedly and called for his squad. He adjusted his posture behind his desk into the usual vaguely authoritative stance. The squad knew it was mostly a farce, but there was no harm in not keeping up a façade of authority in case of a surprise inspection. The wizard held his never charred hat with one hand while holding the magical barrage up with the other. A lot of interesting things had happened in Mr. Silas Kama's office in the last few minutes. Mr. Silas Kama's experiment, for example, had gone badly, and the object Mr. Silas Kama was working on had detonated over the course of three seconds, in which Mr. Silas Kama only barely had time to create a ward that managed to deflect any fire from his robes. It did not, however, managed deflect any fire from Mr. Silas Kama's furniture. Nor his feet. Coughing, and still holding the shield up with his other hand, Silas picked up the enchanted fireproof jug of water on top of the burning table, which was always useful in an artificer's office*, and poured the water on his pointed boots. He was not necessarily having a bad day, even with the minor explosion. Silas was used to that. Explosions and charred ceilings were a quintessential part of his life, which was probably why he had soundproofed his office with a few enchantments. He let the ward fade away, and secured his pointy hat. Right. Right. Straightening up, and preparing to cast the incantation that would snuff out the flames, the wizard cringed as he heard the noise coming from one pot who miraculously survived the blast."ATTENTION! MR. KAMA, ARE YOU THERE?" The high pitch screech was slightly nasal led, coming from inside a pot, but was definitely a woman's. Or the equivalent of one when it was an elderly harpy secretary speaking. Silas groaned, but tried to answer the vase in his less stressed voice. "Hello, Mrs Astra. I'm not deaf, you know. Yet. Look, wait, I'm n-""COMMANDER GABRIEL HAS ASKED FOR ALL THE SEALERS TO STAND TO ATTENTION! THIS IS OFFICIAL! WH- what is that noise?"" Nothing! Nothing! Never mind! I shall be there at once." The pot seemed to quiet down. The wizard put the flames out with a well aimed spell, and headed for the door, not even bothering to clean things up. If all the Sealers were going to that meeting, it must be important.***The jar, that is. Not the burning table. Although I imagine the latter is far more usual.**Well, it was either that or Silas was just thinking of an excuse not to clean his rather charred office. Gabriel waited a while. He wasn't used to giving briefings personally, as he mostly just spread the work for the day around through the postal system. For today and the following weeks however, the council inspectors would be watching everything like vultures. Naturally, this meant Gabriel would have to keep a close watch on his squad. And especially Silas. The man was a fool proficient mostly at destroying his own office and generating avalanches worth of paperwork for Gabriel. It was then that the first few members of the squad came in. Most of them had behaved recently. There was the usual line up. Marie, the language expert. Wilfred, the Hazmat operative. And of course the familiar, constant sight of the squad service golem which had come to bear the nickname stomp. They all waited somewhat impatiently for the Silas to arrive, as per the usual, he was late. Footsteps were heard as the flustered wizard trudged through the Sealers' base, his pointed shoes still slightly charred from the explosion. A Rachel floated behind him through a quick telekinetic spell and his hair was tangled and particularly wild, but thankfully hidden under his pointy hat. He went past long corridors with half abandoned experiments and half enchanted weapons; doors leading to burnt, charred, decapitated and occasionally dismembered training dummies in colorless rooms; tapestries that moved and paintings that looked on disapprovingly at Silas' state of disarrangement; magical weapons hung over walls in a way that made Silas uneasy. He straightened his hat as he approached the room quickly, and tried - unsuccessful- to make his arrival subtle. There was an uncomfortable silence for a while... Everyone was waiting somewhat tensely on Silas's arrival. It was quite clear that Gabriel was in a strict mood today. He silently tapped his fingers on his desk. Today, of all days, he couldn't use Silas's usual behavior of being a loose cannon. And then, someone stumbled in, it was quite clear he had attempted to come in silently, but the single stair on Gabriel's office door had ruined that maneuver. "Ah, Silas, there you are. Good..." Gabriel waited a moment for the errant mage to snap into a more disciplined-looking stance. "You may wonder why I've called everyone here for a personal briefing instead of the usual orders-by-mail method." He momentarily searched his desk, and pulled out the letter he had been reading earlier." As those that keep up with the goings in the embassy district may know, we have recently received a letter of intent from a plane not seen before. Of course, as you may expect. This has caused somewhat of an uproar. The kingdom wishes to send a delegation here to discuss present and future relations." He took a moment to let it all sink in." Of course, all that political stuff isn't our business. What is our business though, is making sure these new people will be safe on their visit here. That involves the usual routine of doing a flush for revolutionaries that may have grown bold lately. And making all the proper arrangements so none of them... 'get lost' in the undercity." Getting lost in the Undercity, by the way the euphemism was phrased, was obviously not a good thing to happen. It is what usually happens to those that wander into the subterranean neighborhoods without the proper street smarts." Right... Now get to it people, first item on the list is to push through with that raid we've been planning on that revolutionary hideout down from the pearl embassy. The place is considered too big a risk to just leave out there given the current change in situation" And with that said, Gabriel stood up from his chair, flipping his cap on his head as he rose, and walked forward and onto the hallway, expecting the rest of the squad to follow behind in an orderly and disciplined fashion. H couldn't really afford to be mellow, as a political upheaval like this was often fertile ground for ambitious sealers to report in any indiscretions their superiors got up to. This obviously in the hopes of taking over their position in the afterward.-Some time later The sun fell steadily lower in the afternoon sky. The embassy district basked in its warm glow. The ones that worked and dwelled here hadn't the time to enjoy the sunlight though. Clerks, Assistants, Ambassadors, all rushing around to keep the flux of the city's politics moving. Power came and went around as unpredictably as a leaf caught on the wind. Sometimes resting someplace, but never staying for long. Amongst the hustle and bustle. A small groups linker around somewhat subtly. Long robes covering them all. A slight hint of purple fabric visible to those that would take the time to look. It wasn't a particularly subtle disguise, for who would be wearing long, thick robes on a sunny day like this. Nevertheless, it was the standard concealment illusion issued to all sealer squads. Gabriel sighed at the rather pointless exercise of having uniform disguises. Some days, he wished he could get his hands on the numskull who had greenlighted that. Already, he could feel the concerned glances from the bystanders. It had become pretty much public knowledge at this point that a group of people dressed in uniform long robes meant something was going to happen. Some people regarded the squad with excitement, others with worry. And still others were already quickly walking away to find a place to take cover for the inevitable chaos that would erupt. And then, they stood before the larger. It was a condemned side-building of an embassy of a race less than notable. Gabriel hadn't even bothered to read up on what race the building had been assigned to. If they knew what was good for them, they wouldn't interfere. After all, if one weren't rich as the dwarves or persuasive as the demons, one's political position in the city was shaky at best and given purely out of pity at worst. Gabriel turned to the rest of the squad. "Alright everyone, prepare for a breach." -Half an hour before the breach The wizard paced around the yard, preparing incantations under his breath. Silas was not pleased about what was going to happen. Even if a reasonably powerful wizard, he didn't really appreciate getting into the more political line of fire, despite his various misgivings with his alchemical experiments. The wizard really didn't care for battle magic, which sometimes made him wonder why on earth he had decided to join the Sealers. Actually, Silas was actually quite good at killing - alteration magic and enchantments were as dangerous as destruction magic in his hands- but that particular revolutionaries' coven was a tall, thin building, and other Sealers might get in the way. The wizard wondered why exactly the bossy half angel - uh, Gabriel-had ordered every single one of the Sealers to join the Breach. Something about this new event unsettled Silas. Most of the sealers were preparing their disguises. Silas also had one illusion spell up. He was goingicognito, after all. (Even if his very poorly disguised purple pointy hat disagreed with that statement.) And so it was that he found himself alone under an archway, with not even one of the countless street merchants in sight, * distractedly waiting for most of the Sealers to regroup to the breach. The wizard looked around. Maybe they were already gone. Frowning, the wizard prepared to walk out of the yard. Then Silas saw them. They both had red hair. They were both handsome. Furthermore, they were both blocking his path." Uh, excuse me, I've really got to get going-. Silas started, but was quickly interrupted." Have you?" The man with the lute strapped to his back asked." It does seem he must. His companions are notoriously irritable."" But why bother with going...""...when you could speak with us?"" It does seem that we will be doing the speaking, though."" He does seem to not talk much."" Indeed."" The fact stands, though. My dear, if you please..." The woman glanced at her companion." Do not choose the blue stone."" I believe you could be a little more cryptic than that."" Oh, I don't think so. Look at him, he's puzzled already!"" That is not the point of this conversation."" Oh, the fun's the point, darling." The man said to the woman in red robes as they left, arms intertwined, bickering, leaving Silas' sight as they went past and left of the archway, through another street. The wizard blinked, still processing what he had heard. Then he ran, his purple pointed boots making odd sounds on the cobbled ground beneath the archway. They weren't there. Blue stone? What was that about?""SILAS! WHERE IN THE TELLS ARE YOU?" One of the Sealers' screams were heard, a few meters from the Archway. The wizard had no choice but to follow his group through the streets of the city and into his first true mortal breach.*This was a more respectable neighborhood, after all. -present moment. Breach imminent.-Gabriel counted the seconds. One...two...three. The squad entered the breaching grounds. Four...five...six. Two squad members split off to cover possible back entrances. Seven...eight...nine. There seemed to be no movement in the building yet. Ten... Eleven...twelve. Wards to block counterfire were being finalized, creating a barely visible distortion around everyone, as if a floating bending mirror enveloped them. Thirteen... Fourteen... Fifteen. The squad golem set itself a good distance from the door... Sixteen... Seventeen... Eighteen. It springs forward, shattering the front door into matchsticks. Nineteen... Twent... Twenty-one. The golem, speaking in a metallic and monotonous voice starts automatically reading off the rights of the soon-to-be arrested residing in the building. Twenty-two. Twenty-three-Twenty-four. Gabriel assumed control of the golem and ordered it to march along with Silas. Twenty-five... Twenty-six...twenty-seven. At first glance, the building appears empty, but Gabriel knows better than to just assume this to be the case. Twenty-eight...Twenty-nine... Thirty. Almost by instinct, but more likely through experience, A secret passage is found." Secret passage, possibly escape route! Half squad secure premises, other half search tunnel!" Gabriel shouted. His voice being carried by a wind spell to everyone's ears. Silas entered the tunnel, brushing the darkness of the underground passageway with a quick spell. Ghostly green fire lit up the torches of the tunnel, an effect that Silas thought was particularly amusing. The tunnels were, to his relief, quite tall and not particularly narrow, large enough for the group of wizards and the magically controlled golem. The tunnel was damp, like most tunnels so underground were, but there was some level of luxury in the area, which didn't reassure Silas at all.* Mirrors and tapestries hung from walls, there was a long rug on the floor, and suits of steel armor were pushed against the tunnel's walls, long sword or long axe in hand. Silas glanced at the rest of the group of Sealers, who were dispersing through the tunnel, casting incantations and illusions with the purpose of securing its entrance or to try to find where exactly the revolutionaries were hiding. Keeping in mind who was in control of the golem, Silas inspected the tapestries with a growing sense of unease. Something was wrong here." Alright, let's move on!" One of Gabriel's lieutenants shouted, pointing at the end of the tunnel. Others nodded in agreement, a few protested, and Silas really just wanted to get out of the underground passageway as fast as he could. Then the suits of armor came alive, weapon in hand.*Honestly, he really didn't like tunnels. Gabriel sighed... Of all the things that could have made this day worse, it had to have been a tunnel. He had never particularly liked underground passages. He didn't know whether this dislike sprung from the cramped nature or the impenetrable darkness in such subterranean passageways or the darkness that permeated them. Furthermore, he didn't particularly like darkness either come to think of it. In any case, the tunnel seemed to at least not be trapped with any magic that sprung the moment someone walked in. Or rather, not anything that became immediately apparent. Still, Gabriel was wisely on his guard. He wouldn't be the first sealer to catch a fireball to the face, but he had no intent to be the latest case. To Gabriel's mild relief, the tunnels were well lit and spacious if anything. It seemed the revolutionaries had dug in for the place to be a more permanent base of operations. Or at least A haunt for those revolutionaries that still liked to have some degree of style and class even while hiding from the heat their antics inevitably caused. And then, as if on a cue. The seemingly decorative suits of armor sprung to life. Gabriel snapped to attention immediately, as a trained professional should. Though he was already struggling to remember anything worth using right now. His skills with dealing with artificial entities were somewhat rusty, so he decided to resort to the tried and true stratagem of simply firing explosive force bolts at the irate automatons. Backed up by heavy, if clumsy blows from golem stomp. It seemed to work to some degree. Individual segments of the armor were knocked loose at least. But it didn't appear to do much to the overall structure of the constructs. And like that, Gabriel cursed himself for shirking on classes for dealing with constructs. The sharp steel sword flew through the air, almost cutting Silas' hat in half if not for a quick duck. Jumping backwards to avoid a slash of the weapon, the wizard secured his treasured possession with one hand with a panicked grimace and conjured a magical sword of his own with the other, muttering the quick words under his breath. Just in time to parry the flying sword's strike, the conjured energy weapon flew into duel with it, enchanted blade whittling against enchanted blade. Hopefully it'll keep it busy. Silas looked around to view the damage. Oh, dear. Weapons and armor, battle-axes and gauntlets, iron boots and steel suits: artificial entities which the anarchists had probably set as a mechanism of defense against any sealer or meddling amateur investigator* who might try to get in the tunnel. Mages in purple robes ran around casting incantations and blasting suits of animated armor to bits before they rose again. Silas yelped as a gauntlet ran across the ground of the tunnel, stepping on his pointy shoes. The gauntlet quickly flew upwards against a wizard's face, iron grip muffling her screams as it tried to strangle her. The vision was as horrifying as it was comical, and Silas managed to pull the iron glove backwards with a finely aimed spell before closing it in an energy cage. Thankfully it was, well, a gauntlet, so it didn't waste that much of the wizard's energies. Pinning an entire suit of armor against the tunnel's ceiling by a more militant form of telekinesis, Silas quickly warded off an oncoming battleaxe. I need to remember that rust spell... The ginger-haired wizard turned around at his leader. "Gabriel! Someone's controlling them!" He pointed at the end of the tunnel before nearly slipping when the rug decided to attack his shoes.*You know they're out there. They'reeverywhere. On the other hand, when it comes to anarchists, criminals, troublemakers and wizards, in a city of magic, who're paranoid for many good reasons, the survival rate of this meddling individuals isn't very high. Gabriel looked over the fight. It seemed whoever had made the magical suits of armor had built them to last. Simply smashing them apart simply caused the intact parts to reconstitute back into shape, and the squad was rapidly losing ground. And then Silas gave Gabriel's something other than headaches and paperwork for a change. "Yes... that makes sense!" It did make sense, animation spells that rebuilt the animated object like that required either a level of skill that revolutionaries likely didn't have, or a mage nearby to actively maintain the spell. Gabriel ran his hand across his eyes while muttering a simple spell, and the underlying fabric of magic became visible to him. Divination was a class he hadn't skipped out on luckily. The situation became a lot clearer from his current vision. Every spell the mages cast manifested itself in his eyes as ambient elemental forces congealing on them, and he could see the mental link with which he controlled the squad golem. Likewise, the suits of armor also had threads of magical energy running out of them. The threads all converged on a point in the walls of the passage. Gabriel now knew how to deal with this situation, he reached out to Stomp, who was still merrily and fruitlessly whacking away at the animated armory, and redirected his orders. The golem dropped the arm plates it had been wrestling with and threw itself at the suspicious wall. And as easily as Gabriel had expected, the Golem went through, the wall had been nothing more than a cleverly textured length of tarp, likely lined with alchemical materials that had warded off the initial sweep of detection magics. There were sounds of struggle, and then the suits of armor fell still, as suddenly as they had come to life. The golem somewhat proudly emerged from the hidden alcove, dragging what was likely the puppet master of the ambush along clasped in manacles of Void steel. There wasn't time to rest yet though. "Alright people, pick yourself up and do a more thorough sweep, judging by the size of this place, this guy probably wasn't alone. Ping up if you find any possible exits. Well. That was quicker than I expected, Silas thought as he disentangled himself from the rug, letting the magical cage and enchanted sword fade away as its adversary fell to the floor with a clang, and releasing the metal suit from the ceiling before it fell to the floor with a crash. The wizard picked up his precious hat, who had fallen after his shoes were attacked by the vicious little woolen bugger, and grinned happily, taking a look at the results of the fight. Thankfully, with the exceptions of a few bruises here and there, no-one was hurt. Well, except for their ego. The wizard who had been attacked by the gauntlet stood to her feet, massaging her neck with one slim hand. Oh, dear, Silas thought, his grin fading. Yvonne Salamander, with her purple snakeskin shoes and violet Erin cape, was one of Silas' lieutenants, and possibly the one most skilled at destruction spells. And she didn't look happy. The sorceress -and she was one, alright-had always scared Silas as much as his boss intimidated him. Possibly because of the way she could boil your blood with a well aimed spell, or the way she screamed shrilly. (And her hair was unsettling.) Yvanne was angry. He observed the proceedings, brushing ever so opportune dust from his robes rather conspicuously." Gabriel! We don't have time to interrogate the bastard without the others escaping." The woman said in her Silurian accent, apparently having forgotten the gauntlet. Or not. The Sealer painfully kicked the anarchist in the void chains with her pointed python shoes. Silas winced. He was somewhat impressed by the man's spells, even if he was nearly skewered by the flying battleaxe. "Let's take him outside or cast an Influence on him, but let's quicken our pace." Silas glanced at the few Sealers specialized in mind manipulating magics. An Influence...maybe that could work, but a mage that was capable of sustaining so many heavy items in the air was probably disciplined enough to resist such spells, even powerful ones. Shrugging, Silas wandered off to investigate the corridor that the golem, uh, opened, creating a bright sphere to illuminate the lightless room where the anarchist had been lurking at. Gabriel calmly listened to Lt. Salamander's diatribe, he was barely fazed by her angry demeanor, it was hot air most of the time anyway. When she finished her small rant, he cleared his throat. "Right, are you done? Of course, we'll be following the rest of the suspects down to wherever they went off to. Where they went off to seed to be the same hidden space the captured wizard had been hiding in. Silas's orb of light illuminated another corridor, this one looking to be hastily constructed in stark contrast to the relative luxury of the preceding tunnel system. The lack of support beams indicated the tunnel was being constructed even at this moment. "Hmm... It appears there is a romancer amongst our quarries." He then looked over the prisoner again, the man seemed a younger sort, the rather expensive fabrics of his clothes seemed to indicate he was of a more privileged background. "So... are you really against the establishment, or was this just a brief fluke to see what the anarchists were on about?" Gabriel didn't expect an answer, just as much as he didn't expect the young troublemaker to receive any sort of lasting consequences for being arrested here. His parents would likely just buy him out of jail and the whole case would be nothing but an interesting anecdote to tell during a society party. It was rather a sordid state of affairs, and Gabriel was powerless to do anything about it. The best he could do was make the troublemaker's time in custody as miserable as possible. The man looked up at Gabriel with a sort of defiant expression, though the abuse Salamander had imparted on him was quite visible in his current posture. "Right, let's put your mind into the dreamworld." Gabriel said, as he gestured for a sealer to weave a thread of magic. The spell spun around the troublemaker's head like a silky cocoon. It took a few moments for the troublemaker to feel the effects of the spell, but with every length of Dreamweaver that spun around his mind, his thoughts grew more dampened, and his expression eventually fell blank." Alright people, let's go down there." Gabriel said. The illumination Silas had cast had burned itself out, so Gabriel snapped his fingers to create a more permanent light source. A small orb of light emerged from his hand and floated above his head. It was a trivial matter to concentrate enough magic on the spell to keep it going. With a gesture, the sealer captain called stomp to go in as point man. Before leaving, he turned to the troublemaker. "You'll follow us, if your comrades try to liberate you, you run away and go report to the blue hats." The man nodded in agreement. Provoking a smirk from Gabriel. Mind-dampened arrested were always fun to work with. Even if you lost track to them, you could just 'program' them to run off to the conventional law enforcers as a contingency. Gabriel looked down to where the tunnel was leading. The slight incline downwards suggested the fugitives had a good idea where they were going. And the place where they were going was one where the authority of the sealers turned into liability. "Alright people, if they keep this route up, this is looking to become a pursuit into the undercity." Gabriel sighed. The undercity was not something he was in the mood for right now. Silas followed the golem and his fellow wizards, eyeing the tunnel as they descended into the darkness of the unknown. The underground passage grew colder as they advanced, with the previous somewhat comfortable tunnel being replaced by uneven stones prone to trip one's pointed shoes, purple stalagmites that emitted a dubious glow, and an underground mist that had settled all over the tunnel, which for some reason made Silas sneeze. The sound echoed in the tunnel's stone walls. The ginger wizard nervously glanced back at the line, watching the rest of his group stare at him in disbelief. Silas laughed awkwardly and tried to look inconspicuous, which was hard when you sneezed in a tunnel in the middle of a possibly very dangerous mission. Gabriel was also at the back, with the ball of light floating above his head like one of those magical towers by the sea, ready to cause the destruction of any approaching ships who dared approach it.*Of his lieutenants, there was only the troll Mirach, who was grumbling to himself about having better things to do -like tending to his library-than hunting down ridiculous anarchists. The Sealer was only somewhat smaller than Stumpy, and had to occasionally crouch to pass through some more narrower passages, but his imposing stature contrasted with the golden spectacles on his eyes, and his very educated words. Mirach was, however, still able to crush skulls as easily as one could crush a grape, even if he said it was uncivilized. Miss Salamander had gone with another group of the Sealers to secure the main entrance and explore the other shorter tunnels. Silas continued walking, catching up with the golem Stumpy as it walked. The temperatures had dropped considerably now, and far more numerous purple and violet stalactites and stalagmites adorned the underground passage. Silas cast a personal heat spell, the sense of unease growing inside him. They weren't just going down. They were going down under. What could the anarchists have to do with the undercity?*Silas didn't really know what the correct definition of a lighthouse was, but he read it in a book, so it had to be correct. It was better than actually going near one of those. Or the sea, for the matter. Down and down the group went. The damp cold of the hastily dug tunnel was one that crept up one's legs. Gabriel shivered somewhat under his robes, though he was careful to not show this to his subordinates. It was important he kept up the appearance of a stalwart unmoving leader, especially considering where this pursuit would lead. There were few things that the denizens of the undercity respected, power was one such thing. Trudging around in sealer robes was not. Gabriel's unflinching march carried him through yet another bend in the tunnel, and then a light was visible up ahead. Gabriel inhaled deeply and steeled his face. It was unfortunate, but it had to be so. The pursuit would be pushes into the undercity. He briefly considered the silver linings of the situation, the hazard pay for going there at all was a considerable bonus, as would the bragging rights be. That is, if Gabriel was able to pull his squad through without being ambushed by one of the myriad rival gangs, lured into some extradimensional rift and carried off to lower planes, or other unpleasantness that were allowed to fester in the undercity. As the sealers stepped into the light, the few undersells that had come to inspect the new addition to the beehive of tunnels and vaults that made the undercity stepped back. The underdwellers that weren't involved in the shady business down here could easily be recognized by the fact they out of dodge at the first sight of trouble brewing. Some retreated behind closed doors, other smaller sorts crawled into various crevices that dotted the poorly-lighted tunnel, and soon only those that meant business. Gabriel twiddled fingers behind his back, and a whisper was carried to his squad mates covertly. "Don't show fear, on't stare directly at anyone. Just keep walking, and we'll make it out of here mostly in one piece." The last part of the wind whisper was an adaptation of an old joke that basically stated no foray of sealers into the undercity ever ended without fighting, no matter how brief the excursion. It was somewhat of an exaggeration of course, but it was no secret the people here had no love lost for the established powers in the city, and its enforcers by extension. It had been some time since Gabriel had been here, but he could still remember at least one person nearby that could help find the fugitive revolutionaries. Most people here would gladly lie in the face of a sealer to protect those that fought directly against the top crust of the city, but every society, no matter how closely-knit. Had traitors willing to sell out their kinsmen. Gabriel stalwartly walked forward, scanning the corners of his eyes for one of the subtle landmarks one needed to look out for here to be able to find anything at all in the labyrinthine passageways. He looked out of one corner and then noticed a group of shady characters walk his way with a very clear purpose in their step. Of course, it was only a matter of time before local powers would react to what they likely perceived as an intrusion on their territory. The group was a motley assortment of the city-dwellers most 'civilized' folks would call undesirable, perhaps even disgusting. The leader of this group seemed to be a rather heavily scarred knoll. "Oi! Wot's yer business 'ere, the boss ain't taking kindly TAH ya purple robes!" The knoll's words were more barked than spoken, and his posture generally scream aggressiveness and intimidation. Gabriel looked back at him with a feigned stalwart gaze, barely even blinking as spittle and halitosis wafted out of the scarred knoll's maw. "Whoever your boss is, we probably have no business here. We're just here to locate some fugitives my own 'boss' would like to see dealt with." Gabriel's words spoke of attempts at diplomacy, but his posture was already subtly shifting back into a combat stance. He wind whispered his orders to the rest of the squad. "Attempt peaceful resolution, conflict with this group not desirable. Prepare for worst-case scenario regardless". As the words were carried by subtle gusts to the ears of his colleagues, the knoll spoke up again. "If YAR boss would like ta get some blokes hiding out on our boss's turf, he should have asked. YAR fugitives are ours now, and her's coughing ya blokes can do about it!". The knoll chuckled in the yipping laugh of its kind. Gabriel found himself unable to remember what particular gang this group might belong to. For all he knew they were hiding the fugitives purely out of spite, just as possibly, they were in league with the revolutionaries and were spiriting the men away to a safe house even as they spoke. And then, Gabriel heard a heavily-voiced person clear his throat. He glanced behind him to see Mirach somewhat meaningfully glancing around. It was subtle, but the rest of the knoll's gang had been surrounding The squad the moment they had come near. It was a clever strategy really, distract the target with a loudmouthed and dumb-seeming brute as the rest got into position for an ambush. Gabriel glances around subtly some more. A pair of goblins ha their hands on the daggers around their waist, and a rat folk had covertly attached a tail blade to its rosy tail. For the moment, it seemed they were unaware the sealers were aware of their intent, this could also be a ploy though, to lull the squad into a false sense of tactical superiority. Tension was rising, and Gabriel was ready to spring a cavalcade of magic from his fingertips the moment anyone at all made a sudden movement. It was an inevitable matter of time until the battle broke out. The underlings, with all their armor and barbed tails and pointy teeth and razored blades and prickly attitude, had a degree of fear or at least weariness in relation to the Sealers: they'd seen previous incursions or battles before, and they knew that one should always be nervous around a wizard in purple. And so it was that the first, probably inexperienced, rat threw his knife, a dwarves Sealer intercepted it with a blast of wind, and the battle began. Silas retreated a few steps, keeping out of Stomp's way, who was busy smashing a kobold to the ground with one stone shoulder and throwing one of the rat folk at a goblin with the other. Around the wizard, fire bolts erupted from gloved fingertips, rocks found a sudden interest in having a chat with goblins' heads and arches of electricity electrocuted knolls. The underlings were numerous, however, and this was, after all, their territory. From the shadows and the corners of the outskirts of the undercity came goblins and orcs, lizard folk and Rankin, kobolds and knolls. The dreaded citizens of the underground, threatened by the appearance of authoritarian forces from the surface. Silas grimaced as he pinned two orcs to a wall, before (quite accidentally, but it was nice) making it collapse on them. He glanced at the building. It was an old underground outpost, in ruins, with stone walls and stone ledges for windows, with a crumbling stone staircase leading to the main entrance. Maybe some of his colleagues could create a temporary vantage point there. The wizard yelped as a knoll, taking advantage of Silas' momentary distraction, nearly beheaded him with a double handed axe. Silas jumped backwards, tripping on a body too burnt to be recognizable. The Sealer fell to the ground, the knoll raising his axe for the kill. Silas raised his hand, shouting an emergency spell, with dark sparks flying from his burnt fingertips. Apparently alteration spells weren't just able to turning swords into lettuce. They could also turn knolls into flayed knolls, or, more exactly, knolls with their skin, inner muscles and bones switched, twitched, and turned inside out. This particular spell, however, did certainly not kill them. Silas shivered as he got to his feet, wiping dark blood from his face, his eyes fixed on the knoll. The wizard's gaze slowly hardened as he heard the screams of another Sealer, Mathilda, a dagger plunged into her neck as she fell, surrounded by kobolds. He was trying to kill me. The mage excused himself, but doubt slowly picked at his mind. However, the battle was still raging, and there was no time to doubt. The slightly dazed Sealer concentrated on levitating the battleaxe, slicing through the flayed knoll before unleashing it on the undercity hordes. Gabriel snapped to attention as fighting broke out, sighing at yet another pile of paperwork to fill out. Going into the undercity and fighting like this was nominally against protocol, but not a single one of Gabriel's superior would fault him for what was happening right now. He actually had a bigger chance of being disciplined for the knoll blood Silas's weaponized alteration had gotten on the squad's robes. Gabriel wasn't a very direct or physical fighter. The first opponent that tried to strike at him found their weapon conspicuously ineffective. In actuality. Gabriel had woven a cloak of invisibility around him the moment the fighting had started, leaving a still mirage of himself behind to cover this maneuver. The chaos of battle only made it easier for himself to creep around undetected, and he soon found his first opportunity. A spear wielding orc, fiercely resisting The assault of a fellow sealer from the front, but leaving his backside exposed. Gabriel briefly considered what avenue of attack would not allow the enemy to find his location, and then decided that a subtle spot of shadow magic would work best. His fingers twiddled for a moment, and then he took hold of the shadows behind the orc. The spear fighter was blissfully unaware of his backside as the shadows twisted up from the ground and stretched out into a thin wire. Gabriel awaited his moment, and with a pulling motion of his arm forced the shadow-wire around the Orc's neck, garroting him and exposing him just long enough for Gabriel's fellow sealer to finish the duel with a well-placed rock to the face. Gabriel then moved on to other targets, subtly disrupting their combat stances with silent enchantments as he went. After a few more violent moments, silence befell everything. Gabriel dropped the layering shimmer that had been hiding him. "Right, count our injured, get some of them that are still alive to walk in front of us. We probably won't make trouble again if we use them as example." Gabriel was quite bothered by all this. If the undercity dwellers had just stayed back and let the sealers do their job they would probably not have been decimated like they ha been just now.

A city of magic and trickery. (Loren)|rating:4.0

Controlling the Bully

Eric pulled up to his new high school and sighed. It looked pretty much like the other two he had attended previously; set in a well-off suburb in a nice city. Lush green grass that was tended, a large sporting area, and three floors for a main building. He turned off his 1985 Caprice-the 'Beast' as he called it-and swung open the heavy door. Moving around was new to him, and the broken promises of his Air Force parents no longer fazed him as they once did. Shouldering his backpack, he walked in, ready to face the familiar treatment of the 'new kid.' His entrance caused the normal amount of stares from the kids idling in the halls, and he walked confidently towards the main office with his transfer papers. A few of the girls he passed looked his way, though in his own opinion, he wasn't that attractive. He was tall, about 5'9", and athletic underneath his Pant era shirt and jeans. His mess of dark hair had a tendency to fall into his eyes, but other than that, nothing really stood out about him. At the office, the paperwork was simple, and soon he was on his way to homeroom, his head down as he tried to decipher the map of the building in correlation to his assigned room numbers. If one thing remained constant-it was the ability of school planners to make the layout confusing. Cassandra had been walking around, texting when she caught wind of the 'new kid' drama. She figured it would be a chance for her to show her authority. No one messed with her, and she was the school bully. She had a few friends and a lot of enemies. She often got her way with a rough attitude and a sharp tongue. Furthermore, she could manage to keep most people at bay. She wore dark tight jeans that had some mild rips in them over the thighs and a blue shirt that showed off her body. Furthermore, she had long brown hair that went too just to her shoulder blades, blue eyes and an athletic body and large bust for a female teen. Furthermore, she carried her small purse on her side and soon found the 'new guy' lost in the hallways. "So new kid what are you doing here?" She asked in a harsh tone trying to make her presence known. 'Here we go,' Eric thought to himself as a girls' voice demanded his attention. He stopped in the middle of the hall, fairly confident that his homeroom was at the next right corner, but decided to humor her with a response. From experience, he focused on his peripheral vision as he turned towards the voice, concentrating in case there was a varsity jock standing beside as enforcement. No such luck this time, however, as it appeared to be just a girl with tight jeans and a shirt that showed off her chest." I'm walking," Eric said, as if explaining how to use a fork to a toddler. "It's that thing where you put one foot in front of the other," he added condescendingly. Rolling his eyes, he turned back on his heel and headed into his homeroom. "What the fuck did you say to me, you bastard?!" She said out of anger looking at him. She had never been talked down to like that in her life. Furthermore, she grabbed his jacket attempting to stop him and make him apologize. "You better apologize to me. Or I'll get your ass in trouble." She added as she tried to stop him. She jerked at his jacket, and right away he could tell she would be trouble. With a resigned attitude, he let her tug as she demanded an apology. A sudden shift of his weight and he had pulled her forward, and with a second movement, a flick of his hip had tossed her aside like he was swatting a fly." You should be careful-these floors look slippery," he said over his shoulder, not looking back. As she tugged she soon felt her body weight slip and hit the floor. "You bastard... Don't you fucking joke around with me." She said angry, standing up her face red. For someone to not submit to her was different and infuriating. She was determined to make him apologize one away or another unless he did something otherwise. "Apologize to me." She said watching him. "Make me," he once again said over his shoulder. He was used to fighting off jocks and street-punks, so the idea of a girl bossing him around was-comical. He opened the door to his class and closed it behind him, not even gracing her with a further response. Cassandra bite her tongue as she was insulted by this new kid. Not even knowing his name, she decided to use all of her resources to find out. She marched back to class and began to text everyone she knew and eventually found his name. "Eric...you mother... I'm going to get even..." She said in a hush tone in her first class. It was game on she thought. Ooc: his name's Eric, logic:Eric didn't give the morning encounter a second thought. He sat in class and waited for morning announcements to begin. It was the same routine everywhere, and as always, he had the gracious task of having to introduce himself. He kept it quick and to the point, and imagined it was something along the lines of what soldiers said when they were interrogated. The thought made him chuckle. As the bell rang for the end of homeroom, he gathered his things and headed to his first class-English. IOC: Sorry about that. Logic:Cassandra had to go to English as well, and as she walked she kept trying to think of ways to make him miserable. She started to spread rumors about him liking men, and liking the elder cafeteria workers. She soon walked into the room and sat in the back waiting for everyone else to come in. The classroom was easy enough to find, and found a bit awkward as he was one of the first students in the class. Eric took a seat towards the back, hoping it wasn't already taken. The door opened and the girl from earlier walked in. He made it an effort not to show interest, or even acknowledge her presence. And he hid a frown as she took a seat in the back as well. He did his best to try and remain disinterested, but something told him he'd already started a war with her. Cassandra soon saw the man in the room, and she frowned as much as he did. She soon started spreading all kinds of lies about him and why he left his old school. She might not be able to fight him physically, but she was going to try and win the mind game. Furthermore, she soon turned her frown into a kind of evil smile hoping he knew what storm she'd bring. Some of the kids that had taken their seats were whispering to themselves. He could tell that they were gossiping, and most likely, it was that girls fault. It wasn't a surprise for rumors to spread about him-he'd gotten quite used to it. Eric had a list of his favorite ones-recently released from a mental institution was his number one, though. The teacher walked in, and the class settled down a little, though some still shot him questioning glances." Eric? Eric Clifton, are you here?"" Right here ma'am," he said, raising his hand and standing up. He put a bit of a drawl in his 'ma'am' as well." Class, Eric is a new transfer here-would you like to introduce yourself?" she asked him." Sure thing," Eric nodded. "Well, before here I was in Reno, and before that Tucson, before even that was in Oklahoma," he said briefly. "Oh, and I've never escaped from the Mooney bin, been arrested-yet-or burnt down a school-yet-or anything like that," he added. "Any questions?" Cassandra watched him do his everyday interview and people continued to gossip about him. Letting out a slight laugh watching him she thought she had him in a tough spot. Even if he turned down some of the rumors floating around. She soon spoke up and figured she'd try to embarrass him. "So, I heard that you had to leave your last school due to your partner committing suicide over you. Is that true?" Trying to poke the nest a little hoping to maybe get under his skin. Eric looked down at his feet as she said that, choked back a sob and let out a deep breath." Eric, it's all right," their teacher said softly. "I'm sure Cassandra-""No, it's ok," he replied, standing up straight and showing that he was actually wearing a broad smile. "It's true-she called me on the phone after I dumped her. She was so messed up about it. I told her I didn't want her back; that I couldn't stand her shoulder-length brown hair, or slutty blue shirt and ripped jeans that showed off her muffin top... I said she probably ought to kill herself, but I didn't think she'd actually do it." The entire time, he kept his attention on Cassandra, and as his description continued, so did the rest of the class. Cassandra could her his words, and it made her more and more angry as his description was of her. She couldn't say anything in return because she knew it was possible that it would backfire on her. She bites her lip more mad now then before. Everything she tried was failing, and she didn't want to be considered a failure. "Oh, I also dumped her because she slept around," Eric shrugged, giving a wink towards Cassandra before he sat down." Ok, then...thanks for sharing that, Eric..." their teacher said hesitantly. Class started soon after, and Eric went back to ignoring her. It went that way until the end of class, and when the bell rang, Eric made sure to step in front of Cassandra before she left." If it's a war you want-bring it," he warned, "But you're going to lose." "Listen... You might try to call me out. But I have all kinds of resources. I could get the football team to beat you up. I could even call the principle to have you expelled." A few examples she gave were bluffs. She looked up at him wondering if he would call her on it. She had her poker face on, and she was shaking a little on the inside. Furthermore, she was fighting an uphill battle with this man, and she could feel herself losing. "Oh, really?" he asked. "I'm sure Principal Schreiner would at least hear my side... I mean, he did work with both my parents in the Air Force before he retired," Eric said smugly. "And as for the football team-they can try... I don't know how many it'll take to kick my ass, but I'll make them earn it," he added. "As for resources-all you have been big tits and good hair-I got a mind bigger than your bra size-and more useful, to boot." With that, Eric spun on his heel and walked out of class. "You.bastard..." She thought all of her ideas were bust, and he even insulted her on top of it. Cassandra didn't know what to do now she had been beaten in the mind game. Cassandra wasn't sure what to really do now as she got up and gathered her things moving on to the next class. She kept to herself for the rest of the day. Soon the final bell rang as she walked out to the grassy field by herself. Eric was glad the rest of the day went uneventfully. He was approached a few times, given a hidden fist bump now and then for how he had handled Cassandra. He wasn't surprised of her reputation as a heinous bitch, and frankly, didn't think he'd done anything all that special. The final bell rang, and like every other student, he was eager to leave. His last class was across campus from where he had parked, and so he cut through the grassy field of the school. On his way, he saw Cassandra. At first, he meant to avoid her, but somehow his feet took him until he was right in front of her." So, looks like I'm done with day one, and I'm still unscathed," Eric said. "Any biting remarks or insults to hurl at me before I leave?" "Nothing to say to you." She told him in a kind of defeated tone. She couldn't figure out anything else to say to him to hurt him. Cassandra was trying to avoid any contact with him, as being near him made her uncomfortable now. He had power over her like no one else did. It almost made her sick. Eric knew that to harass her was to sink to the level that she had gone towards him, but he found himself compelled to stay, compelled to rub her nose in it a bit more." Really? No witty reply?" he asked, faking shock. "I expected more out of the Queen-B of this school," he added. Eric took a step closer, and he daringly cupped her chin and lifted her gaze up to look at him. "You worked so long, and so hard, to build up that rep, didn't you? And in the space of a day-because you picked a fight you couldn't win-that's all just a memory now, isn't it?" Cassandra stood there and took it and felt his hand touch her chin, she pulled away at the thought of him touching her. "I don't have a reply, or comment. But I still have my reputation. You may have...won...this time, but I still have my list of records and accomplishments." She told him putting up her last defense now. "Reputation?" Eric asked. "You're only reputation is that of a rotten, deceitful, manipulative bitch. Your friends? They're only that because the alternative is to be your enemy. The guys that flirt with you? They all think you're just a good fuck," he scoffed. "Face it-you're entire reputation is based on lies. And if you try to carry this forward, I won't hesitate to be the one to expose you for the fraud you are. Cassandra wasn't sure what to do he called her out, and she just took it standing there. "You know what...you win ok... Is that what you wanted to hear? Is that what's going to make you happy?" She spoke in a frustrated tone as she took a couple steps from him. "I don't want to see you again." Hoping he would leave her alone. He stepped in her way again, clearly showing that her admit to defeat wasn't enough. "No, that's not going to make me happy," Eric replied. "Y'know why? Because you'll find some other transfer kid or someone you haven't picked on and 'prove' yourself with them," he said as a matter of fact. "Yea... I know your type." he added. "So guess what-from now on, I'll be watching and waiting. One slip up, one mean word or rumor, and I let it all out," Eric explained. "I only have you for two classes, but I have ways of knowing what goes on in a school." He paused a moment to let that sink in. "You can leave when you ask politely," he said, crossing his arms authoritatively. Cassandra bite her lip wanting to just kill the guy, but for some reason she figured she couldn't. Trying to think of a way out of her predicament she figured she might as well just play the game. "Please...may I go..." Trying to hold back all aggression in her voice. She figured she may have a picked a fight she couldn't win, and at least she'd try to make it easier on herself. "Yes, you may," Eric said, as if giving a dog permission to enter a house. He stepped to the side and watched her walk off, smirking to himself. "Oh, and wear something that's not so slutty tomorrow," he said offhandedly. Eric didn't really know if Cassandra would comply or not, but it seemed an innocuous request. If she showed up more conservative tomorrow-well, that'd be interesting, wouldn't it? Cassandra heard his words and for some reason she felt like she would have to do what he said. Soon she left and out of sight as time went on, and soon the next day came about. She pulled her hair back and wore a shirt that wasn't so tight on her, and jeans the were a little more loose. She walked to her locker and kept to herself still in a defeated state. Eric went to school the next day, his conversation with Cassandra almost completely forgotten. He had gotten there too early-again-and was merely wandering the halls when he noticed her by her locker. To his surprise-she had actually complied with his instructions. It seemed odd that a girl so caught up in being top-dog could be manipulated so easily. A sly smile formed on his lips as he walked up to her." That's a much better look for you, don't you think?" he asked. "Sure guys would check you out in those other clothes, but now you'll have to rely on personality to attract them, won't you?" he teased. Cassandra tried to ignore him, hoping that he would just be there to tease her then just walk off. She didn't want anything else to go on, tired of the fact that he managed to get under her skin. She stayed quiet as he talked and hoped that if she just ignored him he would leave. Furthermore, she wasn't there to be friends with him, and she wasn't there to be ordered around either. "You're not in a friendly mood today," he said nonchalantly. "What's wrong? Don't like the clothes I made you wear?" Eric asked, emphasizing the word 'I'. "You know you didn't have to-to an extent-at least. If you'd kept your normal outfits, I'd be inclined to make your life a living hell," he explained. "But, this shows me you're willing to be cooperative, to learn from your mistakes," he continued. "So I'll give you a choice now; either be treated well by behaving, or go back to misbehaving and get what's coming to you." He waited a moment or two. "I require an answer." Cassandra looked at him and was frustrated to no extent as he pretty much put her in his place. She couldn't think of a snappy comeback and was silent as he told her thing. Standing there she kept her cool and soon heard him say 'I require an answer.' and it immediately lit her up. Who was he to demand an answer from her, but she just said "ok... I'll try to behave." It almost killed her, but she quickly turned away and gathered her things and left. Hoping that he wouldn't confront her anymore. "Good girl," Eric said as Cassandra replied to his demand. He pet her head as she walked away, as if reassuring her that she had pleased him. He smirked as he made his way to his own locker. She would see him again in homeroom and English class, he reminded himself, and made an effort to get to the classroom early. If she were truly afraid of his dominance, he surmised, he might have to put her to the test. The clothing and the response were both good starts-but he wanted to make sure she knew who was the boss. Cassandra was upset, and she knew she had to get away otherwise she might blow up. Ignoring his statements she walked on, it would only a few minutes before she would see him again. For some reason she felt like she was being trapped by him, as if he was holding something over her head. She made to the homeroom early hoping to take a few minutes to be by herself. Eric was in the door a second after Cassandra had walked through it. It seemed a bit stalkers, but he wanted to go for maximum surprise and throw her off as much as possible. "Make sure to sit beside me," he whispered in her ear, keeping his pace behind her as he ushered her towards the back row. "Need to keep an eye on you to make sure you keep up your promise," he added. Cassandra heard him as he came in right after her. It took her a little by surprise hearing his words. Still upset about what he said she nodded in agreement as she sat in the chair next to him on the right. "I just have to be nice?" She asked him in a kind of sarcastic/humorous tone. Trying to hide the fact she was still upset at how things we're going. Eric chuckled at her sarcastic remark, and shook his head slightly. "Not just nice, but well-behaved too," he replied. "I'm sure you're one of those spoiled princesses that has no idea what it's like, though," he added offhandedly. "For instance; you probably meet your friends every day at lunch, don't you? All the plastic girls chattering away like idiots," Eric envisioned. "So today you're going to ditch them. You're going to ditch them and meet me on the second floor of the library-where the catalogs are," he instructed. Cassandra just looked at him and nodded trying to acknowledge him without saying anything. The more he talked, the angrier she got, and she had to remind herself several times to calm down. He had gotten under her skin and wasn't planning on coming out. She looked to the side and hoped he was done talking to her, hoping she could just finish the day. "What, not even a yes or no to my polite invite?" Eric teased. "You're not off to a good start," he added. With a chuckle, he continued his torment. "How's about a deal? You agree to meet me, and I'll leave you alone for the rest of the day," he offers. "I might even be inclined to let you choose what to wear tomorrow," he chuckles again. She looked at him and said "Ok... I'll meet you there." Saying it to hopefully put an end to him. Cassandra was tired of being picked at by him, and was trying to avoid his attacks. But the words he used seem to cut into her as if he had some control over her. Trying to tell her what she could wear was making her a little upset. Eric nodded, as if her response wasn't worth the extra breath it would take to acknowledge her. Instead, he turned to face forward and stayed that way all through class. He didn't even turn his attention towards Cassandra as the class ended, or as he walked to his next class. In fact, Eric had dismissed her almost entirely from his mind until the time for lunch period started. He'd packed his own simple lunch, and ate it quickly before heading to their assigned meeting place. He wondered if she'd actually show up... Cassandra was glad he left her alone for the rest of the class. She quickly packed her things at the sound of the bell and was one of the first to leave. Time began to tick away, and soon the lunch period came, she figured it would help her to stand if she met him at the spot. She ate a piece of fruit and drank a milk as she made her way to the library, walking up to the second floor, she waited seeing him standing there. "Ok...what did you want?" She asked him in a hushed tone. Eric gave her a broad, fake smile as she approached, which simply disappeared into an expressionless, straight-lipped tone when she spoke. "First off, I think in this more-private-settings, it wouldn't hurt you to, y'know, call me 'sir.'" He nudged her to follow him, and led her through the catalogs and book racks before stopping at a row of private study rooms. He pointed to the door, "Go on in," he said, as if inviting her to the grandest of balls. Cassandra looked at him and sighed, "ok...sir..." struggling to say it, she followed him dragging her feet ever so much to show that she didn't like this. Soon she saw the rooms of some private rooms and looked a little upset. She knew that if a boy and girl went into a private room together that something would happen. She entered the room reluctantly and turned to face him waiting to see and hear what he wanted. "Why so reluctant?" Eric asked as he closed the door behind her. He moved between Cassandra and the door, leaning against it as he folded his arms, as if ready to pass a judgment. "I'm sure you've been in these rooms dozens of times, haven't you?" he asked. "Dressed a lot sluttier than you are right now," he continued. "So, what's the difference this time?" Eric demanded rhetorically. "Is it because I'm not 'cool' like you, or are you only a slut to get what you want?" "I'm not being so reluctant, I just know what you want. Sir... I've done a couple of things in these rooms. And as for 'cool' it's not that, I just know what your probably going to want." Cassandra told her as she took a few steps back. "What do you want? A blow job, a hand job...let's just get this over quick. Sir..." Trying to speed things up knowing there was about thirty minutes left for the next bell. "Hmm, you're being awfully obedient," Eric chided, enjoying each time she called him sir. With a flash of movement, he had taken hold of her arm and pulled him towards him. He held Cassandra tightly against him as he whispered his next statements into her ear. "This is quick if I want it quick-it's over when I say it's over," he warned her. "If you're late to class for sucking down my dick, then too bad!" he added. With that, he pulled Cassandra to her knees as he unzipped his fly. Cassandra felt his tight control on her arms and caused her to freeze for a moment. His words pierced her and in the same moment she felt her body being dragged down as her face was a few inches from the front of his zipper. Watching him pull down his zipper she could see into it slightly and looked up at him. She reached into his pants and started rubbing the front of his boxers before unbuttoning it and taking his member out stroking it in her left hand. Eric smiled triumphantly as she began to stroke him. He lifted an index finger and wiggled it. "Uh-uh," he corrected her. "Hands behind your back," he explained, smiling more at the image before him. Just a day ago she'd been so haughty, trying to get him to bow to her maniacal will-and now she was on her knees at his mercy, obeying his orders dutifully. "Lick all the way," he instructed. His hand grabbed her by the hair-not too roughly-and guided her on massaging his entire length with her tongue. Cassandra's face grew a light red as she took her hands and placed them behind her back like he asked. Using her tongue to lick the sides of his member and underneath of it. She felt his hand on the back of her head pushing and guiding her along the length of his piece. She tried to keep up with the pace he was setting and kept licking the whole length, as she pulled away licking the tip trying to tease him lightly. Eric's eyes were intense as she moved in the way that he guided her. He looked down intently, as if trying to record the image of her fellatio into his memory. He'd had a girlfriend or two give him a blowjob before, of course, but nothing compared quite like this. Cassandra was using her tongue expertly, a talent he soon mocked. "That's good," he patted her head patronizingly, "I guess practice does make perfect." he added. He pulled his cock back and gripped her hair in his right hand. "Open your mouth now-wide as you can," he commanded. Cassandra was upset at the fact that she was force into sucking him off, but for him to keep patting her head like she was some animal doing something good was tough on her. It made her feel like she was just something cheap and as he held her hair she looked at him. Opening her mouth as much as she could knowing what he was probably going to do. She stared up at him waiting for what he was about to do. She even stuck her tongue out as if she had done this before. His eyes locked onto hers as she looked up at him, and he slowly maneuvered his length along the surface of her tongue. Eric pushed inside slowly, his cock stuffing her offered mouth. He wasn't the biggest in that department, nor was he small by any means, but he wanted to see how much she could take in. His hands held Cassandra's head by either side as he pushed further. He imagined he must be down her throat already, he thought to himself, and continued until his balls rested lightly on her tongue." Lick them," he instructed. Cassandra wasn't sure what he was doing till it was too late. She soon found herself taking his whole member into her mouth reaching far down into her throat. Lucky for her, she had some experience in this and was able to keep her gag reflex in check. Though her tongue was forced outside of her mouth she couldn't help but wiggle the tip of her tongue and move it a little to each side. Trying to complete his orders. Eric had to control his own reactions as his length sunk deeper and deeper into her open mouth. As she moved her tongue from side to side, he felt the movement all along his cock. He still couldn't believe that Cassandra had taken been able to take so much without gagging, and he rocked his hips back slowly, withdrawing, so only the tip remained between her lips. His hips moved forward again, easing his length back to the deepest position. "You like sucking cock?" he teased rhetorically, his thrusts beginning to have a steady pace. Cassandra continued to look up at him letting him thrust into her mouth as he wanted. She kept her eyes locked on him hoping he would soon finish. It was getting close to the end of the break she didn't want to try and make him mad so he just waited putting a little extra pressure on his member with her mouth. Hoping it would create more of a suction on him. He could tell what she was doing. Eric didn't have a watch on him, but after a couple of days at the school, he knew when their lunch period would end. It seemed a pity-there was so much more he could talk her into, he was sure. Cassandra seemed so malleable now. He thrust into her mouth a couple more times, knowing he had to call it quits. Eric pulled out, one hand stroking his length while the other held her head. "Keep that mouth open," he instructed. With that said, he stroked a few moments longer before letting out a stifled grunt as he aimed his cum for her open mouth. Cassandra felt an almost disappointment in him as he thrust into her mouth soon feeling him exit. Watching her stroke his own member she did what he said keeping her mouth open wife for him. Soon feeling the hot warm liquid splash into her mouth some missing and landing on her face. Her mouth was soon full of his seed and with last spurt she closed her mouth and swallowed it down. Staying on her knees the single strand of cum slowly moving down her face. Eric looked down as his cum filled her open mouth, amazed at how obedient she still was. Perhaps it was a testament to her reputation, he thought. He squeezed out the last few drops between her waiting lips before Cassandra swallowed it all at once. The hand that cradled her head stroked her hair, and a slight smile spread at one corner of his mouth. Eric noticed the strand of cum on her face, but made no effort to move or acknowledge it." Good girl," he told her, and smeared what remained on his cock head along her lips and cheek. With that, he reached forward and gathered the stray cum on his finger, holding it up close to Cassandra's mouth, waiting to see what she'd do. Staying on her knees she continued to look up at him, his warm member smearing the last of his cum onto her lips. Cassandra soon felt him touch her cheek and the cum that was on her cheek moving a little. Seeing the cum covered finger in front of her face she knew what he wanted. Moving up a little she started to suck his finger to clean it. He watched as Cassandra dutifully fulfilled his silent command, cleaning off his finger with her lips and tongue. When she had sucked all the cum off, he pet her head again, and told her once again she was a, "Good girl." Eric cursed the fact that lunch period was going to end soon-a few minutes, in fact-and that he'd have to let her go. He zipped up and gave Cassandra a hand-wave to tell her she could get off of her knees. "This was fun...didn't you have fun?" he chided. "I'll meet you at your locker after school-then we can have some more fun," he winked before heading out the door. Cassandra didn't know what to say but faked a smile as he called her a 'good girl' She just waited for him to leave but seeing him wave her up she did so. There was still a trace of cum on her cheek and she wanted to wait for him to leave before cleaning up. Hearing about this supposed more fun, she knew it would only be him having it. "Ok... I'll wait for you..." She told him watching him leave she quickly rubbed her face hoping to get all the cum off of her before returning to class. Eric knew that she wasn't really enjoying herself, that each of her responses was generated to stop his torment, if even for just a few moments. He wondered if this was the power trip that she sought so many times. If this is what she felt, then it was no wonder that she had such strong emotions against him. Yet, by the same token, it seemed to mean something that his simple acts of defiance had conquered her. Perhaps it was too early to celebrate victory, he surmised. The rest of the day past uneventfully, and he regretted not having more classes with her. As a sort of test, he meandered the halls after the final bell had rung, waiting for the students to file out. He made his way to Cassandra's locker once the crowd had thinned to a reasonable level, wondering if she was still waiting. Cassandra wasn't sure what to do, her mind pulled in many directions. Being mentally defeated made things worse for her, losing her authority by some newcomer just made things worse. She had done many things for him which made her lose even more respect for herself. Having to such his member and swallowing his seed made her feel more defeated. "I don't know what to do anymore..." She thought to herself as she did what she told to waiting at her locker for him. What he had in store for her would probably make her feel more degraded than before. Having tried to ruin him, he would probably try and ruin her. He rounded the corner of the hallway where her locker was located, and smirked as he noticed Cassandra dutifully waiting for him as he had instructed. Eric walked over slowly, admiring both his influence over her and how pliable she had become. "Waiting long?" he asked as he stopped beside her. "You're ready to go, right?" he added, before beckoning for her to follow him. The idea had sprung after lunch, and he'd scouted the perfect secluded area as he wandered through the hallways. The room was one used by the theater department, but with no production yet, the room was certain to be deserted for quite some time. He led Cassandra in and latched the door after her. Cassandra looked at him and spoke softly "No... What do you want this time?" Looking at him still a little upset at the fact that he made her suck him. But as he took her hand and led her to through the school she wondered just what type of perverted acts he would want to do this time. She then knew where she was going as they entered the empty theater room. The sound of the lock let her know what his intentions where before he said anything. "What do you want this time?" "You keep asking that, but I'm pretty sure you already know the answer to that," Eric said. He walked up to Cassandra and pinned her arms against her sides. "For years, you've used your wiles, charm and deviousness to be a little queen bitch, haven't you?" he asked. "You show off that ass, suck the right guys and control the school," he summarized. "So I'm going to teach you what it feels like to be controlled," Eric continued. He moved her arms until they were over her head, his hands pulling her shirt off soon after in one, quick motion. "And I'll control you the same way you controlled the school; with your lips," his finger traced them teasingly, "Your tits," he fondled them roughly, "And your cunt," he said finally, rubbing her crotch through her jeans. "You may have some control over me...but you'll need to do more." Listening to his words but as he pinned her arms over her head causing a slight panic to form. She had been with some guys who were rough, but this was a different feel to it. As he pulled her shirt off her chest being bound tightly by the bra. "What...do you..." Feeling him roughly grab her chest cause her to gasp as he then felt him rub her between her legs. "Why...do you do this..." As she looked at wiggling ever so slightly trying to escape. "I have all the control I need," Eric said. He grabbed her wrists again and pulled her down to a couch usually used for performers to rest in between acts. As he pushed Cassandra onto her back, he pinned her arms behind her, using his weight and position to hold her down as he undid her belt. One hand slid the belt from around her waist as the other moved to grab her wrists. She struggled against him, but Eric continued to concentrate as he looped the belt around her wrists, effectively binding her. "You're going to learn what it's like to be forced to obey by someone you despise-just like you did to all of your classmates," he explained. With that, he undressed Cassandra until she was left in only her bra and panties. Cassandra tried to struggle lightly as she felt him on top of her unable to move her hands. She kept a mildly shocked looked on her face thinking he would go through with it. But listening to him tell her, that she would submit to him made her worry. The slight ting of metal being unable as her belt was pulled free from her and finding a home around her wrist. Cassandra looked at trying to figure out what to do but found her clothes being removed from her. The bra she's holding her breast tightly as her hands were still above her, and the panties leaving nothing to image as she looked at him. "You're the worst..." "I'm the worst?" Eric asked incredulously. "You're the one using sex as a tool and a weapon against everyone in this school," he lectured. His hands tugged down on the cups of her bra, exposing her breasts as he did so. He re-positioned himself once again, placing a knee between her legs, which caused him to massage her slit with each subtle move he made. Leaning down, Eric teased Cassandra's nipples, tugging and rolling them between his fingers until they stood up, his smile mocking her protests as he did so. "You might struggle this time," he said, "But soon, I'll have you begging like the bitch you are."

Controlling the Bully|rating:2.0

Reunion-(Gladiator0161, Lunar Eclipse Ninja, and hopefully some more people XD)

Aryan Athletes sat waiting at the bar for his friends to show, in a Tavern called "Rugby's Grill". He was a Dark Elf, or Dunner as it was said in their own language. He had brilliant silver hair and red eyes, he stood at 6 foot two inches with a larger but still lean build. Furthermore, he was near thirty years old, still young in even terms, with handsome features. Furthermore, he was an assassin and a mage, and he made a good living with both occupations. Furthermore, he fancied both because he was great at sneaking and had a talent for the magics, his parents being mages themselves. His favorite magic types though were summoning and illusion. The summoning spells helped during the downtime, when he was both bored and lonely. The Cedric creatures that were summoned were actually decent conversationalists, if you could learn to understand them. The illusion spells were just fun, not to mention they helped a great deal when he was assigned an assassination mission that required absolute stealth. Aryan or "Van" as his friends sometimes called him was a nice guy, despite all appearances, he loved to talk, and he loved to listen. No one was talking today though, they were having a moment of silence in respect for the victim of an 'accident'. It'd been more than just a moment of silence though. The day was relatively slow and the news about the 'accident' hadn't made anyone want to enliven the day with a conversation." Want another?" The dwarves bar tender said as he shuffled by in front to pick up a glass and clean it." Yeah, sure, but give me some of your ales this time" Aryan said as he held his glass for the bar tender to take. Aryan wore his glass armor and "shadowed robes" with his blue mages cloak hung on his back like a cape. The "shadow" robes magically increased one's stealth, by absorbing the sound of your own footsteps and absorbing the darkness in an area, so that you were virtually invisible. They also increased you proficiency with illusions and destruction magic. It looked like a normal black robe complete with a deep hood, though, so no one raised any suspicions when you wore it outside. The blue mages cloak helped things further, it increased his fluency with speech, making it easier for people to talk to him. The dwarf took his glass and filled it with a dark brown liquid, that had a strong smell to it. He downed it fast, and braced for the burn in his throat. "Ah! That was good! Another please" he said as he handed the glass back to the dwarf and turned to look back at the entrance to the Tavern. ISA walked into the Rugby's Grill her cloak wrapped around her to keep the elements from getting to her and her instruments. She walked in and went to a table in the corner and lowered her hood. She carefully pulled out her few instruments and felt the atmosphere of the room was much to dark. Furthermore, she could not take the dark glory mood much longer. Furthermore, she had a feeling that there was need for someone to lighten the mood to make the establishment feel much more like normal. Isa picked up her flute and started with a few low notes to warm up the instrument. She looked around with her purple eyes and tilted her head as she looked to the bartender and the patrons at the bar. She soon started up the song of a forsaken warrior. Furthermore, she played it about half then went into a song about a lost maiden and a dragon. Furthermore, she tried to do a mixed Epic type song. She had closed her eyes as she had played the song weaving a story out of the many. Furthermore, she knew her black hair made her purple eyes stand out when she played. Furthermore, she knew black with silver trim made her looks special. Furthermore, she also knew her black outfit made her not stand out as much as most bards tend to stand out. Furthermore, she liked being remembered by her songs and key elements of herself like her eyes. Furthermore, she enjoyed how many would say her eyes tended to haunt them until they met up with her again in their travels. Furthermore, she looked up and spotted Aryan and tilted her head as she finished her song. Furthermore, she wondered what caught her eye about him, but something seemed different about him, and she was willing to find out what it was. Aryan looked up in time to see ISA walk through the doors, he watched her move to a table in the corner and pull out a flute. In a moment the establishment was filled with the melodies of her song, Aryan looked around quickly with his eyes and noticed the patrons spirits seemed to be lifted a little. He shook his head with a smile and turned back to the bar tender and ordered another drink. He hadn't known her that long, maybe a month, but, he'd spotted right away her talent with songs and tales and the effects they had on people. He didn't normally care for Bards, but, ISA was different. Furthermore, he picked up his glass and walked over to her table "Hey ISA, nice to see you got my message at least. How've you been?" he said as he pulled over a chair from the empty table across from hers, and sat down in it with the back of the chair facing her. Ilya walked in the bar wearing black leather pants, a red corset, a black cloak covering her figure and face, and riding boots. She took a seat at the bar and put down a gold piece for some strong even wine. She looks back at the two standing and smiles under her hood. Furthermore, she spots two people that she grew up with. It seems that ISA was a bard, and she was unsure what Aryan did for a living. She was sure what ever it was it must make him happy. She sips her drink int eh shadows and waits for her moment.(Aryan was talking to ISA when he stopped mid-sentence, noticing someone else walking into the bar. He smiled warmly as he recognized one of his best friends Ilya. He waited for she got her drink to call her over "Hey Ilya! Come on over here!" Yes I got the message, and life has been normal as it can be for a bard," she said as she smiled at him. She started to tap out her chords as she sat there. This unconscious motion was why she was a bard. She always itched to have an instrument in her hands. She smiled when Aryan called Ilya over. Furthermore, she had not seen Ilya in a while. Furthermore, she wondered how life had treated her over the time she had not seen her. Isa continued to tap and play the songs in her head. She knew if she was not careful she would craft an illusion to those around her to show them the story in her head. This was one of the reasons she was one of the better bards. She hated how many of the human bards had no talent but were allowed to call themselves bards. She shook her head to clear her thoughts as she looked up to watch Ilya's approach. Furthermore, she smiled as she watched both Aryan and Ilya. Ilya smiles at her friends and walks over with Aryan to ISA. She keeps her hood on so not to let anyone see her face. She was cautious about who saw her since she didn't want anyone falling for that didn't need to. "Well long time no see you two." She hugs them both at the same time. He nodded to ISA to let her know that he was in fact listening before turning his attention to his best friend "Ah my! How long's it been? You look great as always Ilya but, what's with the hood?" Aryan said with a chuckle and embracing Ilya in a hug. He playfully tugged at the back of her hood. He let go of Ilya after a minute and smiled. Arvahn gestured to a seat across from ISA "I'm glad you two got my messages and that things have been working out for you ISA, I hear you've become quite the accomplished Bard" he looked the both of them and then turned to the dwarf at the bar "Barkeep! A round of your best brew if you please!" before turning back to the two girls. So, tell me what have you two been up to lately?" he said with a grin on his face as the dwarf brought the first round of expensive Ales."Oh, and don't worry about the cost! This is all on me! My friends are here after all these years!" the smile never left his face, he was truly overjoyed to see them both. Ilya smiles at him. "You know good a well why I am wearing this. I may be a half-breed, but I still shock people with my looks. I have more than a few men stalk me and have never been heard from again, but that's for another time." She laughs as she takes a drink from her wine that she had brought with her. ISA smiled and nodded. "Yes I have become a more well known bard, I still am careful about where I play and everything." she said as she smiled at her good friends. She tilted her head as she thought about her time in the inns and places she had been over the time. She took a deep breath as she was given a cup of Even ale. Furthermore, she took a small sip and set it down. As ISA sat there she wondered what exactly Aryan had wanted the meeting for all he had said was to meet up at this Tavern. She had a feeling something big was going to happen but shook her head. "Well, I bet you two are wondering why I wrote you" Aryan smiled "well to be honest I wrote you and asked you to meet me here because I missed you both, and it's been awhile since we last talked and had some fun together. I realize that you both have lives but, I thought maybe we could get together and have some fun for an hour or so. Just generally catch up. I've got nothing planned except that". He looked at them both and smiled. He really hadn't planned anything except meeting here and treating them to a meal, and the look on his face and in his eyes told them he was telling the truth. Furthermore, he really had missed them that much. Suddenly there was a whiff of magic in the air and Aryan looked around for the source. A second later a liquid ripple, nearly invisible to the untrained eye, moved through the room towards the barkeep. Aryan was gone in a white flash of light as he uttered a few magic words and teleported himself across the room and into the invisible figures path drawing his sword. He brought his sword into a straight block as the figure drew its sword and slashed horizontally. The ring of metal echoed in the room as the two swords connected. Aryan threw his foot up and caught the figure in between the legs, before pushing hard on the figures chest and flinging him back into a table. The figures magical cloak dissipated and a dark gray hooded man appeared before him, sprawled on the ground. The man got up and ran back out the doors holding his balls, turning invisible again as he went. "Well, that was exciting. I certainly didn't expect that" Aryan turned his gaze to the dwarves bar tender "Any reason you got an assassin after you?" The bar tender didn't response, he was still in shock and just looked at Aryan blankly. Season Sebastian looked around the small village. Thiswassupposed to be the village that had that one place where Aryan told him to meet him...but then again, he wasn't very good with maps, or directions in general. He stopped a passerby - who seemed more intimidated by the great sword he wore on his back than him - who directed him to Rugby's Grill. Just before he got to the door, the door slammed open and a man holding his crotch ran outside, and disappeared. Sevasti frowned. An assassin, no doubt, and probably a recipient of the chief export of Aryan: pain. Poking his head inside, he spotted Aryan, and launched himself at his friend in a flying tackle." Vaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahn!" Aryan was in the middle of trying to get the dwarf to talk when he heard someone exaggeratedly yell his name "Whey-?" was all he got to say as a familiar figure knocked him on his backside with a flying tackle. It'd knocked the air out of his lungs but, he still managed to get a "Hi, Season....glad to see you made it". Arvahn looked back to the girls a little embarrassed at the scene that was displayed in front of them." Um Season, could you get off me now? We look like we're humping each other" he said as he patted his friend on the shoulder and tried to push him off gently. "Oh sure! No problem Van!" Season chirped. Standing up was a little difficult, though, due to the Material Blade on his back, but he did it. That was when he noticed Ilya and ISA - "Oh, hey, ladies! Been a while!" He squeezed them both in a bear hug, slightly lifting them off the ground. "Boy! It's great to see the whole gang back together again!" Ilya smiles at the two then steps away from them and towards the dwarf. She removes her hood now and looks him in the eyes. "Tell me why that assassin was here for you." She didn't want to resort to using her nymph beauty to get the answer, but she had no other choice. She was more beautiful than the last time they had seen each other, meaning that her full abilities had finally come in. Furthermore, she could pass for a courtesan if she wanted to once her cloak was fully removed revealing the red corset and black leather pants. ISA watched Season totally attack Aryan she giggled and thought about a song that she could tell that with. She then noticed that Ilya lowered her hood then removed her cloak. She felt unneeded now as it seemed She had things under control. Isa sat there and looked down at her hands which held her cup which was filled with an amber liquid. She stared down into it thinking about what had happened over the last while that she had not been with her friends. She looked up and wondered how she had become their friends when she was not useful. "Thanks" Aryan said rubbing his neck as he picked himself up off the floor. He watched Ilya walk over and start talking to the Dwarves bar tender and simply shrugged She'd probably get the information out of him better than I could anyway he thought grabbing Season and pulling him over to their table and patting him roughly on his muscular back." So, Season, what have you been up to lately? And where in the world did you get that sword?" Aryan said eyeing the weapon as he picked up his drink and took a sip. He noticed ISA's change of mood rather quickly and nudged her arm. He smiled at her with a 'don't worry about it' look in his eyes but, nodded towards the bar tender. Silently telling her that if she wanted to help out she could try to help Ilya with trying to find out the reason for the assassination attempt. He looked to Season a moment later waiting for his friends' response. Responding to Aryan's questions, Season replied, "Oh, you know, this and that. Bodyguard for a wizard, hired bandit slayer, the occasional 'house cleaning.' Until I heard from you, that is, and I know that whatever you do always pays well, so..." Season was not what you would call rich for an adventurer of his experience...hell, he wasn't even average - the mystic swordsman was always nearly broke because he ended up destroying things in the process of doing his job. The good news was, he was famous enough that between what people paid him, and the adventures he'd had helping people, he always managed to walk away with enough coin to last him the week or so he typically had between jobs. Looking over his shoulder at the Material Blade, he grinned. "Isn't it great? I found it in a bandit hideout! It looked expensive, so I brought it to a weapons guy I know, and turns out it's made of star metal!" Starmetal was something of a fabled material in the land - most swordsmen like Season, who used their weapon as a focus for magical abilities, went through a sword or two a year. But star metal had special properties that allowed it to handle the strain that fighters like Season placed on it. She continues to stare the dwarf down. "Tell me what you know, and I promise to give you what you desire." Her words sounded musical now. She was just beginning to use her charms if she had to resort to her other talents then she would end up possibly warping the men mind. ISA smiled at Aryan's look and said "Excuse me boys but I think we want to keep the bartender sane," she said standing up and walking over to where Ilya was. She started to hum a little tune that when the Bartender heard it he saw his deepest fantasy so Ilya would have an easier time with it. She looked at Ilya and continued to hum so it only entranced the Bartender. "Oh, well it sounds like you've kept busy. Yeah, I do get paid rather handsomely sometimes, but, it helps when you're a full mage like me" Aryan said simply nodding to ISA as she left to help out Ilya, humming a soft tune as she went. "So, tell me...are you still wrecking the places you're hired in? Last I heard you made a nice mess at an.what was it?...an Abbey?" Aryan said smirking a little at the look on his friends face. He turned briefly to watch Ilya and ISA weave their miracles of persuasion and smiled. "As for having a good paying job, well we might just get one in a moment" he said nodding towards the bar tender as the dwarf finally succumbed to their entreaties and whatever vices the two girls used. Aryan could guess Ilya's but ISA, had a mysterious power to him. She could hum, sing or play a song on one of her instruments and people would suddenly just open up to her. He returned his attention to Season and smiled "How do you feel about a little game of search and interrogate? Might even get to travel a bit and have some sword swinging fun and not wreck anything in the process" he said winking at Season. Season scratched the back of his head, "Hey, it happens!" When Aryan mentioned the Abbey job, his face fell. "Aw, man! The monks promised me they wouldn't tell anybody!" Looking over at Ilya and ISA, he marveled at their ability to persuade. Season's repertoire was: Tell me what I want to know, or I stab you in the face." That's sounds fun," Season commented. He frowned when Aryan joked about his destructive tendencies. "Hayley, it's not my fault the bandits send twenty of their own to take out a village blacksmith!" ISA continued to hum as she heard Season and Aryan talking she wanted to giggle, but it would ruin her carefully woven illusion. She just prayed that it would not affect Aryan and SEV when they got to the area. She tightened the song to be as close to the target as possible. Furthermore, she went and stood behind him so that she could watch everything and everyone else to make sure they showed no signs of being affected. Smash! Crash! Two tankards of ale thundered on to the table ahead of a sudden jangling of metal and tall presence looming over the table.“Ha!”, a voice boomed, “Surprise!” Brynhildar sat down at the table a third tankard of ale held firmly in one hand. She leaned heavily on the table as she peered with sparkling blue eyes at her companions. A tidy array of gleaming white teeth flashed at the others as she grinned before taking a long drink from her tankard. She always enjoyed that. These two with their powers and abilities, and Hindi could still manage to sneak up on them if she tried. It warmed her warrior heart, as the amber ale cooled her throat and washed away the dust from road, to see she hadn’t lost her sneakiness.“Stupid horse”, she said thinking about having to lug her equipment, along with the dead horse, 3 leagues to the meeting here in the tavern. More than a few patrons had turned at the noise to see the new arrival. To see Brunhilde Gunnidotter up close was a sobering experience, for some their last. She was a battle-maiden, not one of those visions of feminine beauty that the sketch artists passed around ‘A big sword, a leather thong and a bust barely constrained by half an inch of silk strapping’. No, not Brunhilde. She was an altogether different sort of battle-maiden, not to say she wouldn’t provoke the same sorts of reaction those sketches received if she was wearing something that revealing. Hindi had curves, and all in the right places, she was however built on more epic proportions, and had a different idea on what constituted battle ready armor. Taller than most men by a hand or two, she presented a difficult picture to take in. Her face was fine lined and dominated by huge dark blue eyes and a large full lipped smiling mouth. Her hair was a fine near white mass, crudely cut away from her eyes and cut in a ragged line at her the base of her neck. Below that she wore leather armor laced tightly to her body. The armor was pulled taut and revealed an unmistakably female form, this however was topped and hidden by a layer of chains wrapped around her. They came in varying lengths along with small sharp spikes and blades attached to the links at frequent intervals. This formed, at a distance, the look of chain-mail, and up close, a deadly embrace. Each length of chain was carefully oiled, as were the leathers she wore, to provide limber near silent movement. A heavy bear skin cloaks, typically sat on her shoulders the hilt of a massive double-headed axe visible high behind her head. Both these items now rested against the chair she sat at. The axe sucked the rooms light into its dark metal surface, its haft was also sheathed in the dark material. These were her principal weapons and defenses, the axe she called Snigger, and the chains she could whirl and snap at close quarters. A half dozen daggers reside elsewhere for variety.“Oh Van”, she said in a careless aside as she took another swig of ale, “Can you add the drinks to your tab? I sort of helped myself on the way in”. Aryan laughed at Season's obvious discomfort and possible embarrassment and clapped the lad on his muscular shoulder "well, we always said you could make an exit!" he laughed again and took a swig of his ale. He almost spit it out as someone clanked two tankards of ale behind him, a smile lit his face as he turned, thinking of who it might be." Brynhildar Gunnidotter! You always could make an entrance! It's good to see you old friend and yes I will happily take care of the bill...as always" he said getting up and clasped the Nordic woman's wrist in the traditional warrior greeting. "Tell me old friend, how have you been?" he said as he gestured to the table that he and Season were sitting at and inviting her to join them. “How have I been?” she said finishing her drink and letting her eyes rove the ceiling as she least back in her seat.”Well … Just the usual”, she said a hand sliding back to axe and almost caressing its haft, “Caravan duty mostly. Boring stuff. More fights amongst the guards than with bandits. Oh! There was a time or two when Snigger had more of a feast than a snack. Nothing that wasn’t more messy than challenging.”“There was of course the time …” she said her eyes going back and forth between her companions, “When I had to head through the Drag gut mountains. Unexpectedly, you understand … a misunderstanding over a die game. Nothing serious. Still I left hastily and the Drag guts offered the quickest way home.”“Stupid horse”, she muttered recalling another beast that had failed her.“Wellll, “she continued snagging one of the other tankards she had brought over, “I ended up on foot and after a chat with a troll I thought I’d try out a shortcut under the mountains. Goblins, hobgoblins, strange pasty white fish men. ““It was dusty work”, she said as she sipped.“The trail kept getting deeper, and I was running low on provisions. The underworld has little in the way of respectable food. I was even forced to burn that smelly muck they use as fuel in my lantern. Ruined it! Damned goblins! But at last it seemed I was going in the right direction. The cave floors flattened out and even seemed to rise a little. Occasionally I could feel a breeze on my face instead of at my back. I was feeling pretty good just then, food and water was low, but I knew I could make it now.”“Then I found myself walking in to a cavern a big one. The air here was both fresher, a definite breeze could be felt, but also a burning stench unlike anything I had smelt before. I limbered old Snigger and head in. what choice did I have? I caught a gleam of something, and then more. One, two and more sparkles appeared. The closer I got, the more it gleamed. The closer I got, the more it stunk.”“He he he”, she giggled girlishly, “A dragons hoard! What luck I thought! Right here in front of me for the taking! I stopped a moment and took stock, loosing a sack from my pack and making sure everything else was tied down and ready for quiet, and quick, in and out.” Brynhildar sat back a smile on her face as she sipped her ale.“So what’s the story her Van?”, she said "Ah, nothing as adventuresome as your tale I can assure you. Being a well-trained Mage has its ups and downs but very rarely does it involve a lot of sword play, which is why I've joined the Fighters Guild a year back" Aryan said leaning back in his chair and looking at the two women still at the bar. That part was true enough, he was a mage, and he had joined the Fighters Guild a year ago but, that wasn't where his wealth came from. The truth was he part of an organization called The Red Mist, an organization much bigger than the more well known Dark Brotherhood of Tamil. The Red Mist trained their assassins personally, and roughly too, if you didn't pass the premier tests to entry then you were killed. Killing people to the Red Mist was simply business, a way to ensure complete cooperation and to make sure there were no leaks. Unlike the Dark Brotherhood, they didn't believe in the Night Mother or any of the religious rituals associated with their killings, but, that didn't mean that they couldn't be just as messy. Of course Afghan had never told any of his friends of his job, the organization required absolute secrecy, even mentioning them in everyday conversation had dire consequences. Finishing off his ale, Aryan got up "I'm headed for a refill, anybody want any more as well?" Ilya puts her cloak back on and rehoods it. "I am fine dear." She takes a seat by herself again and thinks about the reason she really came here. She had a job to do and hated that she had to do it. The other man failed and got caught by her friend and she now had to finish it. How was the only question. Working for the Dark Hearts Society was the best thing for her but when they send her to clean up the idiots mistakes it pissed her off. Her spell that she cast on the dwarf would be working soon. She knows that ISA and the rest won't see its effects as coming from her but from something he may have eaten or drank. It was only a matter of time. ISA released her hold on the man and carefully walked her way back to the table. She didn't have much to do except weave her songs into tales that played themselves out in the minds of the people. She carefully took her place back at the table. Furthermore, she didn't need any ale right now, but she looked up at Aryan slightly tired and said "Just a little tea would be good for me," she didn't want to cloud her mind now as she thought about it. Aryan nodded and ordered another beer and a green tea for ISA. Receiving the drinks he turned around and walked back over to the table, pausing at Ilya's table and asking her if she was going to join them, before completing his journey to the table behind her and setting the cup down in front of ISA as he slid back into the booth." Y'know, I hear there's a cave that's giving folks trouble along one of the main roads, we can check that out if you guys want, or there's supposed to be a fair being set up sometime tomorrow, we can go to that too" Afghan said, trying to think of something to talk about. Hindi sat back in her chair tilting it so it was balancing on two legs. She sloshed her ale around the bottom of the tankard and looked into it recalling her encounter with the dragon.“Big damn thing”, she muttered”Hi ISA”, she said eyeing the newly returned girl. She looked over and saw Ilya sitting by herself and waved at her too. The party was getting dull, and the sun was down. She looked about the room for something to do …. ISA thanked Aryan for her tea and smiled to Hindi, "Hey Hindi, How have things been going?" she asked as she took a deep drink of her tea and sighed it was good to have a good tea everyone in a while. She started to think about what she would do once this meeting of friends was done, She didn't know where her travels would lead her, and she did so enjoy being with her friends. Aryan looked to his friends've got to learn the skills of a Bard someday he thought as he tried to think of something to liven the place up with. He wasn't a good storyteller, not that any of his experiences in the Mages guild or the Red Mist would be of any help. The Mages Guild didn't get much action and the Red mist forbade anyone to even hint at them outside their lairs. Suddenly, six unruly big men came stumbling in dead drunk already. Arvhan smiled at the thought of a brawl but, he wasn't the kind of person to initiate one. One of the men, their leader perhaps, took a look around and spotted him "Hey, whats you lookin' at elf ff?" he said, stumbling back a bit, making a grin appear on Afghan's face. Struggling to hold back a chuckle he said calmly in reply "I'm sorry sir, please don't mind me, I was just minding my business when I noticed you walked in is all. Pay it no mind, please, I did not mean to cause offense". One of the other men looked at him, this one drunk but, not nearly as so, as his friend. "Hey! Djthiss guy's a one of 'em dark elves" the man drawled as he pointed next to Afghan. It became harder not to laugh for Afghan, these men werereallydrunk, and it seemed their brains slowed to a crawl with each drink. Afghan simply raised his mug, nodded his head and said "Indeed I am sir". The third in the group chose at this moment to add his cents worth "Y'knows, we doesn't like ya dark elves" this one not nearly as tipsy as his compatriots but the alcohol's affect on his speech apparent. Afghan reached to his side and jingled his money pouch, taking out three medial sized coins he held them out of the group." Listen friends, I don't want any trouble, I'm just here to celebrate a reunion with my friends over there" he said turning around and pointing to Ilya, ISA, Hindi and Season in turn. When his head turned back a large fist was there to meet it. Aryan rolled his head with the punch, it still connected but, it didn't have nearly the affect it would have if he hadn't rolled with it." Yu'll speak we spoken to dark elf!" the big man spat as Afghan hit the floor and rolled, knocking against the chair and upturning it. From all appearances, the manhadhit Aryan hard and thrown him to the ground. The truth was though that the big man had done hardly any damage to him, and the damage he had sustained more from himself as he acted the part these men so obviously wanted him to play. He wiped his mouth, still acting and glared at the men, who bristled in return at being looked at with disrespect. Arvahn pulled himself up and simply stood, his stance relaxed. He whispered a magic spell on himself, a defense spell, as one of the men pushed his way forward and walked towards Afghan, his fists clenched in a drunken rage. Ilya was quick to her feet and she flew at the leader of the group. She disrobed once more and started to use her charms. Her lips touch the man's. When she releases her kiss she smiles at the others. It only takes 2 minutes for the charm to activate ABD when it does the man falls into a deep slumber she looks at the other five. "Any one else want to mess with my friends." She was ready to pound in some heads. ISA was shocked when she saw Aryan get knocked to the ground by the drunk men. She didn't like what they did and saw Ilya react quickly. She would have done something, but she saw what Ilya did and watched the men's reaction and would act based on what they decided to do. Furthermore, she didn't want to act when they were not going to do anything else. Furthermore, she looked at Aryan and looked to make sure he was alright. Aryan watched as Ilya kissed one of the men, their leader he supposed, and the man fell unconscious. He tried not to laugh but, he couldn't help it and so chuckled quietly to himself. He looked over to ISA and winked with a grin on his face. Arvahn got up off the floor and dusted himself off calmly "That was quite rude, now it's my turn". Aryan cracked his knuckles and walked calmly forward, one of the men shot passed Ilya and ran for Aryan, hands grasping for a choke hold. Aryan grinned and simply pressed his foot to the man's right upper leg as he put all his weight on it and shoved it backwards. The man's balance suddenly gone due to Aryans well places kick, the man didn't even have time to flounder before his head cracked against the floor...hard." Please.is that all you've got? Save yourself some healer bills and leave before we're forced to teach you a lesson in manners" Aryan said confidence in himself and in friends radiating in his tone, there was no overconfidence there. It was the tone of someone that knew exactly what he could do and knew exactly what he couldn't. The man on the floor groaned as his brain fought to stay awake, but eventually he slipped into unconsciousness, the alcohol and the sudden smack to head blending to force his body to sleep. Arvahn looked to the rest, the facts of what had happened in seconds slowly sinking in. The three remaining men snarled and Aryan knew this was going to be fun. It was always humorous to fight drunks in his opinion. Season watched as the drunken men entered the bar, and started to pick on Aryan. He saw Ilya use her charms on one, and Aryan took down another. Now, he was itching to get into the fight, and do some ass beating himself. Unfortunately, right now, he was still relatively broke, so he couldn't whip out one of his usual techniques, and it would be difficult to use his big sword in here without breaking something. So, he did the other thing he was good at: getting attention very quickly. Hopping up on a table, and unslinging his ginormous two-handed blade, he bellowed his catchphrase at the drunks." It's clobberin' time!" He hoped that between the very loud shout, and the very big sword, it would provide a moment of distraction so that the others could beat the crap out of the drunks. Cause heaven knewhewasn't going to be doing any without breaking something. Ilya simply smiles at the three dumb asses. "Big mistake boys. She looks in each one as and is off the ground in seconds. Her fluid like movements were like something that had not been seen. The next minute she was behind the goons and there pants were around their ankles. "Hmm looks like you are missing something." She places her hands over the two closest to her and launches back into the air and in front of them as her knee hits one in the groin her hand grabs the other the back of his head, and she amazingly forces the other to suck the thirds cock. She says an enchantment, and they can't seem to pry themselves from each other. "Now I suggest you jack asses leave us be, or I will remove them permanently." When she says this the second man is released and she is eyeing their cocks. "Though you wouldn't be losing much would you." Damn them for interrupting her conflict with her self, but she knew now she was not going to let anything happen to that bartender after all he has just witnessed and been through. She was going to find out who put the contract on him and make sure that it gets lifted. She dusts off her hands and continues to radiate her awesome beat power hopefully they would get dumb enough and only go after her. ISA was stunned at how quickly Ilya went into action and Season as well. She found that there was not much room for her to really do anything. She saw what Ilya did to the three men that were left and looked down at her hands which seemed to be itching for the harp she carried. Furthermore, she carefully pulled it out of her special bag that carried everything she needed music wise. With three carefully played notes the other observers in the tavern went silent and back to their individual tables. ISA had played these notes with her eyes closed, and now she carefully opened them and played three more notes to get at the three that were currently in a very compromising position and played on what they would fear the most in this situation. She let the music play softly and gradually crescendo to a furry of notes only they could seem to be affected by. Soon she had them whimpering and freaking out as an illusion was cast by their own fears and minds. She closed her eyes as it crescendoed and started the it and decrescendo. With careful fingers and a delicate touch she brought about an illusion that was just the final topping for these men and with the ending she looked to Ilya and nodded hoping she would release the men now so that they could run from the illusions that now plagued them until they were sober. Aryan was about ready to knock another drunk silly when he saw Ilya move in. He'd never seen her move so fast and yet be so graceful. He watched astounded at how acrobatic she was as she humiliated the three remaining men, forcing one into unconsciousness while similarly paralyzing the other two in an extremely erogenous position. His brain finally caught up with his eyes and he fell over laughing, literally rolling on the floor and holding his stomach. He felt embarrassed for the poor souls but, he couldn't hold his laughter now and a few seconds later tears started streaming from his eyes he'd laughed so hard. The remaining drunks that were conscious were hot with rage at what they'd been forced into doing, and they struggled against Ilya's paralytic magic to no use. He looked up at ISA as she started playing her harp. A few seconds later the drunks were screaming in fright and cowering on the floor. Arvahn slowly rose holding his stomach "Now, that was an interesting thing to do Ilya" he said still wiping away tears of laughter from his eyes. Ilya only half smiles. "Well It's what I have to do when I get cornered in an alley." She sits back down and drinks her ale. She hated dumb asses for sure. Now she only thought about how she was going to get someone in her bed tonight. All this worked up into a mess of something, and she was ready to have some real fun. Aryan smiled and sat down in front of her as the drunks wisely left, or those that were still conscious at any rate. He recognized that look and smiled teasingly "Getting ideas already Ilya?" She shoots him an evil stare that radiates don't fuck with me right now. She didn't know what came over her, but she knew that tonight she didn't want to sleep with her childhood friend and then have things be award in the morning. Aryan saw the look and held his hands up, knowing better than to push the subject. "Alright, I'll back off but, seriously Aida. What's the matter? You've been sitting by yourself most of the night ever since you got here. Something's on your mind" Aryan said lowering his hands, a please don't shut me out look on his face and genuine concern in his eyes. Ilya looked into his pleading eyes and took him to the side. "That bartender has a big contract out on his head. I was one of the people offered the job. Now I don't feel its right. I am sorry for shutting you out until now. She drains her ale and slams the mug on the table. She gets up and Season by the scruff of the neck. "Your coming with me tonight." She wasn't going to give him a choice. Once the drunks had been taken care of, Season put his sword away, and then sat back down. He heard Ilya and Aryan banter for a short while, then got taken by surprise when Ilya grabbed him by the neck and started dragging him along with her." Hey, uh, Ilya, I, um, what's going on?"' Remarkably intelligent' was not typically a phrase used to describe the mystic swordsman. When Ilya finally had dragged Season into her room that she had rented. She closes the door and starts to kiss him. Her tongue already in his mouth and tangoing his. Her hands running over him and pulling his clothes off. "I want you here and now." With that said she throws him on the bed. Aryan sighed thinking as much, then laughed a moment later when Ilya grabbed Season by his collar taking the poor swordsman completely by surprise. He apparently didn't know what was going on and Aryan felt truly sorry for him for a moment, as he shook his head. Then he smiled mischievously, using his magic to transfer his words to Ilya's ear only he said with a chuckle "So, can I watch then? I'd like to see who survives the night?" He might've sounded pleading, he didn't know, but he himself didn't feel like spending the night alone, though he wasn't as gutsy as Ilya was. He smiled and shook his head, knowing that it would be a simple matter to sneak in on the two of them. Furthermore, he was one of the Red Mist Assassins after all. Season looked over at Ilya. He had one of two choices: he could go along, or he could resist. And resisting wasn't going to help him much - Ilya had a lot of charms she could use. Therefore, in the interest of self-preservation, he went along." Well, okay, you can have me." He started to shrug out of his clothes. Ilya smiles as her corset and pants were already on the floor. She mentally sends to Aryan 'If I even sense you are in here, you will lose your balls.' She wasn't joking about it either. Once his clothes where off she smiles and begins to kiss him. She wasted no time in mounting him either. It hadn't been that long since she was with a man, but it had been too long since she was with one that she didn't have to kill, and actually could care about. Her mouth travels from his lips to his ear. She nibbles it little as she moves her body and up and down on his cock slowly. Season was taken by surprise as Ilya practically tackled him, and started humping his cock. It felt kinda nice - oh, he'd had a few flings before, but those were drunk and with total strangers - Ilya was someone he knew. For the moment, he lay back and lay Ilya do the work. Ilya's lips moved down his neck, and she came up still riding him. Her hands grabbed his shoulders and pulled him up to kiss her. She slows down her rhythm to wrap her legs around him then speeds it back up. She put an enchantment on the room so that no one would be able to hear a thing outside. Aryan laughed bitterly, he knew of Ilya's urges well enough, they'd been friends since he could remember. The fact that she wasn't joking about castrating him if she caught him, hurt him a little. He simply shook the thoughts away with a shake of his head. He'd give her her privacy because he was her friend. He looked to ISA and Hindi smiling, before looking down at the bare table he was sitting at. Furthermore, he should've been grateful he supposed, he was still a virgin. Furthermore, he hadn't had time to get into a relationship with anyone. Right now though, he wished he had. He looked up, placing a false smile on his face and said "Well, I guess I'm off to bed too, g'night girls". He made his way past Ilya's door, though he was tempted to pause and listen, entered the last room in the hallway and shut the door quietly. ISA sat down tired and put away her harp. She had watched Ilya talk to Aryan and then grab Season and gone off to who knows where. She saw the lonely look in Afghan's eyes though he tried to hide it behind a smile. She shook her head after he said good night and stood up herself." I don't like how sad he looks," she said softly where only Hindi could hear if she was listening. She walked down the hall and had thought about just going to her room, but she bit her lip and just put her instruments into her room then went down to Aryan's room to make sure he was alright. She knocked and said "Aryan are you alright?" Aryan had just sat down on his bed with a sigh when he heard a knock on his door and ISA's voice a second later. He really wasn't fine, he'd spent years alone away from his friends and people that he cared about with only the company of twisted minds and a rare few that were like himself. People that were good at killing but, took no pleasure in it. He'd never developed any other kind of relationships and seeing Ilya grab Season like that and knowing what she was feeling, had really shaken him. He couldn't imagine grabbing anyone like that and having his way with them, but, a part of him wanted to do exactly that. Furthermore, he sighed heavily and stood up to answer the door. ISA had obviously seen the expression of loneliness on his face anyway. He opened the door, looking at the floor, suddenly ashamed of himself. Arvahn had gathered his friends because he'd missed them but, now he was lonely in a way he was just beginning to understand." To tell you the truth no, I'm not. I mean it is great seeing you all again but, Ilya just reminded me of a pain I'd not understood until a few seconds ago" Aryan sighed suddenly ashamed of himself. He turned around leaving the door open, a clear invitation to enter if there ever was one "It is not something I'm comfortable talking about publicly" Aryan said quietly a bit embarrassed. He walked over to the bed and sat down on it, looking like a man deflated.

Reunion-(Gladiator0161, Lunar Eclipse Ninja, and hopefully some more people XD)|rating:3.0

[40k_BC IC] Fallout_ The Search for New America

The sounds of battle pierce the skies of Adams Air Force Base. Helicopter and Certified blades whirl to life. Major Higgins shouts out to the crowd of people. Originally Posted by Major Higgins Major Moore, You'll fly Certified Convoy-C with Lieutenant Harrison as your co-pilot. You'll be taking along Sergeants Rodriguez, Fajita, and Colbert, as well as Private Steel and both Doc Montgomery and Ahlen. Board now and lift off immediately, do not touch down until you are nearly out of fuel, or you make it to the Square for Rendezvous. Major Higgins turns from the group and heads toward other groups to get them on either their Helicopters, Convoys, or Attack birds as quickly as possible. You all quickly board the Certified and take off just as the Enclaves last line of defense is broken with several other aircraft. Within minutes, you hear other aircraft being blown from the sky as you head out toward New York. Checking in after you all escape after an hour, Major Moore finds out that out of the near 20 aircraft listed to leave, only yours and 9 others are checked in. And now the trip to New York is just a few hours away. Sophia made a mad dash for the Certified, sundered pieces of Power armor still attached to her body after it had been destroyed by a hail of laser fired. She tears off the hanging pieces quickly as she scrambles onto the Certified, throwing herself in. She looks back...and notices a small red paper booklet, lying on the floor by a piece of her armor. Her eyes widen "Program" She says, despair coming from her lips. She looks into the safety of the certified.and quickly darts out, Heathbirds exploding in the air and falling to the ground. She picks up the comic quickly and sprints back. Jumping and rolling into the VertibirdShe sits on her assigned seat, her comic now burnt at the edges as she looks at the base now being destroyed. That place she called home for years "Its...gone isn't it" she gulps "All of it...everything we did...it's gone" she said...swallowing hard. "Nine...that's all that's left..." she holds her knife in her hand....holding the blade tight as a drop of blood comes out "Did the Cities make it out?... What are we even going to find in New York!" "Wonderful. Simply wonderful." Mark Steel shifts in his seat uncomfortably. The might of the Enclave, smashed and then halved, by some backwards hicks in scavenged armor..." How long to the reindeer? Will we make it or have to walk?" Kaiden makes a mad dash towards the heathbirds, bobbing and weaving, dodging lasers and debris. He quickly hops in the "Bird and finds his seat. He tightly grasps a handle to his left as he feels the certified lift off the ground and fly off. He looks out at all the exploding vehicles as he mumbles to himself." My god...the casualties must be huge..." He then turns his head to Sophia and says,"I don't know but whatever is out there has got to be better than what we got back there." As he turns back to look at the wreckage of the air force base, letting it all sink in that this is how it really is now and there's nowhere to go but New York. Fleeing is not how he imagined this whole day would go... Jack made an orderly retreat towards the Certified, letting his armor absorb the occasional shot and firing at targets of opportunity. Once he's close enough he makes a dash towards the bird and takes cover behind the door, covering anyone else who makes a run towards the bird. Major Adelaide Moore Adelaide could only watch through the viewport of her Certified as explosions blossomed upon the field of battle and missiles rained down from the sky upon the crawler base - and with it, America's greatest hope. The officer was glad she was wearing a helmet so that the tear she shed wouldn't be seen by those around her, nor the grinding of her teeth over the whirring blades and roaring engines of her vehicle. Looking over her shoulder as scattered survivors piled onto her craft and those surrounding her, Adelaide didn't even hear the words as the shield-doors on her craft were closed as it reached capacity, and she eased the control yoke back to lift the certified up and off into an unknown horizon. Below them, Adams Air Force Base, a smoldering ruin strewn with countless corpses. That many of those dead remains were those of the Brotherhood of Steel was the only solace Adelaide had to hold herself together. How had it come to this? They didn't have numerical superiority, but their training, equipment and fleet of virtibirds were seemingly insurmountable advantages...and all it had taken was a few weeks of active duty in the waste to shake the green from the newest of recruits. Liberty Prime. That...thing the Brotherhood had dug up somewhere. They'd been fighting a losing battle ever since the disaster at Project Purity, and it was all because of that monstrosity. She didn't know why Command hadn't blasted it from orbit sooner, because when they finally gave the go-ahead to turn that thing into a pile of debris the war was lost. If only she could have had access to the controls of the Hercules orbital weapon...right now the Pentagon would be a blasted crater - a missile barrage from orbit right through the heart of the Brotherhood. Leaning back in her chair and letting the anger wash over her, Adelaide finally removed her helmet and put it on the rest next to her. Setting the certified to autopilot, she could only shake her head as transports signaled in their survival. Looking over her shoulder, Adelaide took a sweep of the faces who had clambered aboard her 'bird... Major John Roosevelt IV John hands out cigarettes to his fellow survivors. He lights one himself, shakes the packet, and looks down. Two left. Better make 'em count, Johnny boy. He looks out the window at the fleeing evacuees, and back in the bird. Ten left. Better make 'em count, Johnny boy. For the first time that the others have seen, John looks angry. His normal easy smile is gone, and the sparkle in his eyes is replaced with fury. The sense of calm and optimism that normally surrounds him is replaced with a simmering rage. He looks out the window again at the plume of thick smoke rising from their former home, strides to the front of the craft, and takes the radio. Looking into the cabin, he addresses the Enclave. Don't look away, my friends. Look at it. Look at what the traitors did to our home. And look below you, at the lawless, hellish wastes that used to be our beautiful America. That is what our enemies want. They want America broken, defeated. They want the American people to be reduced to roving gangs of barbarians, mutants, and ferals, barbarians ignorant of their heritage. Colonel Autumn would have made the Wastes bloom again. He would have unified the people of our nation's capital. But that hope, that yearning for freedom and a better life, is anathema to the so-called Brotherhood. They want mankind weak, poor, and ignorant, his life nasty, brutish, and short while they hoard the technology and the resources that should belong to every American. And they have won a great and terrible victory today. He pauses for a moment to let his words sink in. But my friends, the war is not over. America is not destroyed yet. I see around me the patriots that will bring this country back. I see the soldiers and heroes that will topple the Brotherhood and keep Americans safe from raiders and mutants. Furthermore, I see the scientists and geniuses that will save us from radiation and bring life back to the desolate wastes. And most of all, I see honest, hardworking Americans, every one of you, dreaming of a better future and working to make it so. I promise you, America will rise again. I promise you, we have lost the battle, but we will win the war. The Enclave endures! America endures! And in New York we begin bringing our country back! God bless the Enclave. God bless America. And God blesses us all. John puts down the radio and sits back down. Once again, he radiates a sense of optimism, calming the nerves of those around him. His smile is back. America endures Dr. Diana Valenciana had almost been bodily thrown into the certified before the shield-doors had been closed behind her. She had been working on Lt. Manson when the evacuation order had come. She had almost been up to her elbows inside his chest cavity massaging his heart, trying to keep Mark alive, or at least bring him back from the brink. He always had a good word for his troops, an off-color joke and a ready smile. Diana'd expected that they might pair up and get married at some point in the future. Then he'd taken a plasma hit twenty minutes ago which had vaporized his left arm, and part of his rib cage. She knew it was a lost cause after they had pried him from his armor, and she'd seen the damage. But she couldn't just let him die... Somebody else had made the call and pulled her off of him. She might have been kicking and screaming. Tears were streaming freely down her face as she looked out of the armored windows. The only home she had ever known was burning down there. Everybody she knew. She looked around the certified's compartment at the others with her. She knew them all; a few better than others. It was a very small comfort. Her parents had been down there... Ciana started to pull her glasses of to clean them, then noticed she was still wearing the bloodied latex gloves she had on while working on Mark. She peeled them off. They rolled up into a wad, the bloody sides inside, then dropped them in a corner before methodically pulling on a fresh pair from a packet stuck into one of her lab coat's pockets. Focus on keeping those you can be alive. Mourn later." Anybody seriously wounded?"her voice was thick with emotion as she inquired about the other's health." Check each other for serious wounds and inform me of any discomfort." Soldiers were stupid when it came down to reporting wounds. 'Help the others first' had cost the lives of a lot of good people, having them check each other over would cancel that out at least. She looked around for the certified's med kit then started treating wounds, cuts, burns and abrasions on each of the people with her one by one. Mourn later. Survive now. Sophia seemed to have been lost, looking down at her own knife, her blood dripping down its blade. Soon, she shook herself back into reality, talking stock of exactly who had made it into the Certified. A doctor, That voice she heard on the intercoms with hiss inspirational speeches, and soldiers. No....beaten soldiers. There armor damaged and weapons spent. One of the last few havens they had now left in ruins by some.... Death Machine. She never saw a man melt in his own power armor before. She can go her whole life without seeing it again. Furthermore, she shakes her head as John offers cigarettes to the Squad. Furthermore, she never enjoyed the taste She sheaths her knife, sitting back in the certified and taking a deep breath"I'm....I'm not hurt. Cant say fine for....obvious reasons."she says, biting onto her lip." Sergeant Sophia Rodriguez. You've probably seen me around but...didn't know if you knew my name" Jack is sitting by the door, looking out, watching the Brotherhood fade into the background. He is characteristically silent, internally sending up a prayer for the fallen, while externally observing the rapidly moving countryside. He hears the doctor, though he doesn't bother to respond. Furthermore, he's fine, nothing more than the occasional bruise, no need for her to waste her time. Furthermore, he'd watch for enemy aircraft, and she could help those who needed it. Kaiden slightly grunts a,"Hear, hear."to John's speech as he lights the cigarette and finally begins to settle into his seat. He tries to collect his thoughts as he turns away from the window and lays his head back puffing out smoke. Minutes later he pipes up once more,"So anybody know where the LZ is? We're gonna definitely need to find some kind of shelter and, I don't think our 'Bird here is gonna make a good bunker. Ryan looks down at the wreckage and a single tear flows from his right eye. Not for the destruction of the Enclave, he had known that Enclave was dead when that robot came online. No, that tear was for the loss of life. How many dead and for what cause? The preservation of cold hard steel. He did not understand why the BOS didn't want free water for all waste landers. The few he had met were good fine men who cared for the people. Ryan turned toward the few survivors who had made it into the certified. Soldiers and Scientists. What America needed. But not what they wanted. Having lived out among them for a while he knew that the Waste landers simply didn't want to be saved. Ryan is shaken from his musings by John Roosevelt's speech. He liked John. A good man at heart and he was one of the few who actually came to visit him. Ryan tells the doctor "I'm fine Doc. Couple scratches is all." Seeing as how he didn't know most of the people in here he decides to introduce himself. These were the men and women he would be risking his life for. Ryan says to no one in particular. "I am Sergeant Ryan Colbert. I'd say it is a pleasure to meet you but..." he waves out the window. He tries to break the ice but is all too aware of how much of an outsider he is. Ryan asks John "Roosevelt. Good to see you made it. Do you know what we can expect in New York? Did FEW get that far?" Ryan hopes it didn't. Behemoths were extremely tough. Big as a house and stronger than an Alpha Death claw. He had faced one once, and it took nothing less than a fat man to take it down for good. Dr. Diana Ahlen"I'll be the judge of that sergeant." Ciana's voice was still thick as she replied to Rodriguez's standard 'I'm not hurt' soldier talk." Burns on your uniform tell me you were either not wearing your power armor, or it took enough damage to cripple it. Soldiers would rather run around naked than without their armor, so I think it's the latter, now let me do my job, and I'll make sure you're well enough to do yours." She tried to keep a professional voice, brusque even, but it was obvious she was trying desperately to keep a professional facade up. Her eyes kept leaking, tears flowing freely across her soot-stained face, but she studiously ignored them as she started in on a quick examination, wiping her sleeve across her face awkwardly a few times." I'm doctor Ahlen. Diana. I've treated a few of your squad, but not you personally." "Unless it was you with the appendicitis in March last year. Then I performed that operation." Ciana knew the answer to her question. She remembered almost everything that had happened since the day she had been born almost 29 years ago, but informing people of that fact often caused problematic down the road so she no longer did." And I'll be the judge of that as well Sergeant Colbert. She answered over her shoulder when another sergeant informed everybody that 'they were fine'." We can't effort to lose any of you..."it took her a moment to realize that she had spoken the thought aloud, then decided that she most definitely agreed with it and continued her work. Major John Roosevelt Ivan yes, Sergeant Rodriguez. Your commanding officers spoke very highly of you. Dedicated. Tenacious. A patriot's heart and a berserker's drive. A real surgeon with a ripper, so I hear. No offense intended to the actual medical staff of course, Doctor Ahlen, haha. He chuckles warmly. Sadly, we may have need of the Enclave's finest doctor all too soon. I have no doubt some of the survivors will need your care. Glad to see you're alive, Doctor Montgomery. We'll need your genius to survive the Wastes. At least with you here Colonel Autumn's plan for a revitalized wasteland hasn't been totally destroyed. Well, well, Sergeant Colbert. Should have guessed that not even a damn skyscraper-sized death machine could put you down. Good to have you with us, my friend. I don't know much about New York, unfortunately. Colonel Autumn had me running intelligence on the Capital. However, from what I understand, FEW has spread all throughout our beloved homeland. Our soldiers will have their work cut out for them. Roosevelt leans back, momentarily lost in thought as he speaks of his old commanding officer and mentor. You were one of the good ones, Augustus. We'll carry on your legacy. We'll make you proud. Ryan lets the doctor do her work, but he tries to hide his palms. No need to let her know that he was slightly disabled." More Mutants? Ugh. Big green bastards are everywhere"He thinks of something and muses out loud." Brotherhood had a few Heathbirds right? Who's to say that they didn't deploy them to shoot down ours?" Clearly troubled by this he reaches for his gun, An ancient plasma gun hailing from before the Bombs. It's been handed down from Father to Son for the last 250 years. He had paid the extra caps to get it tricked out with a red dot sight to make up for his hands. It was Ryan's pride and joy. He loads a single shot in and sets the gun to maximal. One blast to the fuel tank, and he should be able to take a Certified down." Pilot this bird has guns right?" "Ah, yes, I should introduce myself to those of you not familiar with my work. Dr. Kaiden Montgomery, Chemical-Corp." Dr. Ahlen, I hope we can do great things for the Enclave once we touch ground." As he gives a slight nod towards Diana." And Sergeant Colbert, I have a feeling they'd be on our tail by now if they were airborne." But that doesn't stop him from checking that his leis pistol was charged and ready to go when he notices Ryan seemingly getting ready for a fire fight. He'd rather be safe than sorry, and he was still far from being safe. Sophia nods to the doc. She was about spot on. Her memories flash back to that moment the power armor had stopped working, her squad was all but wiped out and had brotherhood knights closing down on her position. She had to cut her own path through to the Evan, using the remnants of her armor as cover for her own escape"Y...yea. That's about right Doc." She sighs, signaling her defeat in this case"Fine, fine. You can take a look if you want." She tries working up a smile...trying to tell a joke"Well, if we all ran around naked into fighting... I think it would be a whole different sort of 'fighting'"She said.trying to chuckle.but it came out forced. Weak She looks to John. The man on the radio. The voice of hope and reason." Not just rippers. Good with about anything you put in my hands. As long as it doesn't have a trigger"she says, shrugging"Though, I wouldn't call myself a surgeon. There supposed to put things back how they found it. I.sorta just leave it there" Ryan quietly sings to himself. It helped calm his nerves and let him think." I wish I was in Dixie. Hooray. I wish I was in...." His grandfather taught him this song. He said Dixie went all the way back to the Civil War. He loved the tune and would make his grandfather sing it. Course his granddad had been dead for the last 40 years. His parents for the last 10. Ryan was the last of his line and when he finally dropped dead so would Dixie and Bugle Boy and a few others. The enclave didn't have much time for Song and Recreation. Six Transport Heathbirds, two Attack Heathbirds, and two Helicopters fly through the sky toward their destination. While emotional for some, painful for others, or even calming to very few, the escape from the Brotherhood of Steel seemed to be a smooth one. Looking out the few windows the certified has, no one can see any non-Enclave aircraft in the sky. You all slowly introduce yourself to those you don't know and try to think better thoughts than what you left behind and even see a few Death claws and Super Mutants as you pass by overhead. Seconds to minutes and minutes to... one... two hours. Besides the journey, Dr. Ahlen takes her time going over everyone making sure everyone is fine. She then begins to tidy up the mostly used medical kit, taking inventory of everything left over inside to figure out how to properly ration what's left until she can get more supplies. In an instant, the left engine blows on Convoy-C while the tail and cockpit blows up on John's Convoy-D which dives immediately downward. You all hear over the radio, Originally Posted by Helicopter Pilot Evasive maneuvers, Evans- AGH!!! *Static* Convoy-C goes into a tailspin while Major Moore and Lieutenant Harrison attempt to control the Certified to aim for a place to land away from the river. Those that can manage to look out the windows see Missiles firing at the other aircraft. There's no sight of either Helicopters or the Attack Heathbirds and the other transport Heathbirds have veered off in their own directions either to avoid the missiles or find their own landing points. As Major Moore and Lieutenant Harrison manage to slowly control the Certified through the tailspin, another missile hits Convoy-C causing an explosion at the Certified's door sending shards and chunks of metal flying into the group. Ryan and Diana being nearest to the door take the biggest brunt of the metal as shards slice over their faces and big chunks of metal fly into their chest. Diana is knocked unconscious from the blow and begins to slide out of the Certified, but Jack is quick to respond and grabs Diana's arms while barely holding his feet to his seat to keep himself from flying out as well. Meanwhile smaller shards of metal barely embed themselves in the faces and arms of Kaiden, Sophia, and Mark. Convoy-C finally crashes and skids across the ground until it slams into a building causing everyone a quick jolt of pain. Spoiler: Pain IOC Hide Ignoring AP: Reno takes (4+1)5 Wounds, Chivy takes (6+1)7 Wounds, 5coloured takes (2+1)3 Wounds, Gideon takes (1+1)2 Wounds, and Shadow takes (3+1)4 Wounds. Banana takes 1 Wound. John takes 2 Wounds. Convoy-D dives immediately into the river they were flying over. John braces himself in his seat for the impact as shards of metal from both directions cut deeply into those around him while barely jabbing into his arms, legs, and face. The Certified crashes into the water which causes John to be shot through the tail end of the Certified where after gaining his bearings, swims upward. Not too long after, he breaches the surface to gain a big breath of air. Making sure he keeps the momentum, John quickly swims toward shore, afraid that if he stops, he'll start to drown and never resurface. John is sopping wet when he reaches land. He lies on his back to catch his breath but then looks to a nearby building where another Certified crashed into the building. He takes notice of men, women, and Power Armor slowly making their way out with one that looks to be unconscious. Looking back where his Certified crashed, he has yet to see anyone else surface. What do you all do? Spoiler: Health Pool Hide Banana: Adelaide - 17/18 Wounds Potato: John - 18/20 Wounds 5Coloured: Mark - 13/16 Wounds Shadow: Sophia - 17/21 Wounds Reno: Ryan - 16/21 Wounds Blackhawks: Jack - 19/19 Wounds Gideon: Kaiden - 15/17 Wounds Chivy: Diana - 13/20 Wounds Major John Roosevelt IV John strides towards the other survivors. As he approaches, he takes the pocket square from his jacket, wipes the blood from his face, then folds and replaces it neatly in his breast pocket. Ah, good to see you all. I was hoping we'd meet up face-to-face soon, although I will admit this wasn't what I had originally planned, landing-wise. His soothing aura washes over the team as he closes in. Soldiers! Are any of you in any condition to swim? My 'bird was full of civilians who don't seem to have surfaced yet. You're some of the finest athletes in the Enclave- if anyone can help them, it'd be you Jack quickly recovers and carries Diana away from the Certified, setting her down in some nearby cover. He gives her a quick once over to confirm that she isn't dying and once he confirms that he gives the area they crashed in a once over. Spoiler: Roll Hide Awareness (1d100)[44] vs 47 After that, Jack runs off towards the sinking Certified, trusting in his armors environmental sealing to keep him going when under the water. Kaiden helps Jack carry Diana to cover and begins to check her condition, seeing how much medical treatment she may need. Spoiler: Medicate Roll Hide (1d100)[56] vs 60 After assessing Diana's condition, he hollers out to the other soldiers"Hey! We need to get the Doc somewhere safe, and quickly! I'm going to need someone to give me some cover in case I need to perform some impromptu first aid!" Ryan wants to help, but he wasn't too good at swimming. He instead keeps looking out while the others fix the Medic. "What in Sam Hill, was that? One second we're fine, next our engines blow!" He hoists his rifle and grounds himself. He scans the skies for whatever shot him down. They would pay. He shifts his firing mode from maximal to normal. If he knew BOS tactics correctly, they would come in a group of 4. 2 Soldiers in power armor, 1 bookie and a pilot. Better to keep it on medium to get more shots off since e couldn't reload in battle. Adelaide Moore Panic and expletives flooded in over the comms as Adelaide wrestled with the control yoke to keep the Certified stable - her jaw grimaced as the outside world spun back and forth in the wake of a missile to their right engine. Jesus ****ING Christ....the Major hissed silently, thinking that this wasjustwhat they needed at this point as she managed to bring the craft under control for long enough to make a directed crash. Aiming the front of the 'bird to the other side of the river, rather than in it like the poor bastards to their right that got hit, Moore barked"Grab onto something and brace for impact!"as the dual-rotor craft sailed into the ground in a plume of smoke and oil. Bucking against the violent impact in her chair, Adelaide was thankful for the protection of her armor as it cushioned her against the worst of the "touch-down", as she felt the friction of the ground grasp their craft and bring it to a halt. Acting quickly, Adelaide smacked the flight belt to release her massive frame, as the power armored soldier stood up and shoved her helmet back onto her head. Turning about, giving her co-pilot a slap on his shoulder as he did the same thing, Adelaide ensured no one was being left behind as her armored frame clambered out of the vehicle with the heavy *thud thud thud* of its weight. Wasting no time, the Major undid the storage compartment of the attack Certified and reached inside to retrieve a weapon that was more appropriate fixed to the turret of an IFV - her M34 Autocannon. Slinging the belt-fed ammo backpack over her shoulders, Adelaide cocked the weapon and primed it to fire vehicle-destroying death as she turned back to the others. *** The following is made under the assumption of local geographic features and Adelaide knowing where the missiles came from with her 4 successes Perception check *** "Fajita,"Moore started, turning to address the man but noticing his sudden absence. Thinking he was KO'd during the crash, the Major's head pivoted on her power armor as she looked about for him before she spotted his figure darting over to the river - and a burning anger stewed up from within her. Sheneededhis recon and long-range cover to neutralize the enemy AA nest that could potentially take out their whole convoy, but instead he was over there... Fuming beneath her helmet, Moore turned to address the others." Ryan," she started, gesturing to the grizzled veteran,"get to high ground and keep'em pinned and suppressed - radio their numbers,"she tapped the side of her helmet to the squad communications." Mark, Sophia with me; Mark and I are going down the center. Between us and Ryan we're getting their attention. Sophia, you sneak around the flank and move in when we're closer." The Major then turned her helmeted head to look at the downed medic, her teeth gritting at the idea of losing such a valuable personnel member so early." Dr Aidan, you and Diana hide, and keep her stable; but don't leave Ryan's vicinity, he'll keep you covered. Keep a barrier between you and the Vitrified in case it blows. It shouldn't, but better safe than sorry." With a last weapon check and turning herself about in a stance that was ready to take to the field and execute the plan, Moore looked over her shoulder." Ready?" "Ready. Go!" Ryan sprints to the nearest area with a higher elevation. Then he stands up on it and continues looking for what shot them down. Sophia had just smiled, with the Doc looking at her wounds, and even a few well-placed jokes, she thought everything was going to be phi-BOOMThe entire Certified shakes, falling to the ground as people start to struggle to stay on. The doc herself getting knocked unconscious from the blast. Sophia grips onto a nearby handle, trying with all her might to remain inside the bird. Soon, her feels it. Shrapnel. Sticking into her forearms, her back, across her face, blood now flowing freely down. As The Certified hits the ground, Sophia finally falls, tumbling on the floor, keeping her head protected from Trauma. Boy, did she wish she had power armor on"What the Hell! They got Missiles on us!" She says, finally standing up. She notices a rather large piece of metal in her arm. She grits her teeth, grabbing onto it and ripping it off. As Adélie strides forward, weapon ready and seemingly knowing where they are coming from, Sophia engages her ripper. The saw blades hum, the sound most like a beast growling. She unsheathe her knife, holding it in a revers grip As she approaches those who seem to still be standing"Right, sneak it, cut 'em to ribbons.alright"She says, looking over areas with more cover "Just keep there guns distracted for me" she says, moving to flank what seems to be there position John walks up to Kaiden and Diana. Keep her stable, Dr. Montgomery. Dr. Ahlen, how are you feeling? You gave us quite the shock there when you were knocked out. Are you awake enough to help Dr. Montgomery? I'll keep an eye out for anyone looking to capture our little band of... helpless civilians. He smiles slightly as his suit jacket falls open leaning over Diana, briefly revealing an Old World plasma pistol holstered underneath. It vanishes as he buttons his coat and looks around, his face a mask of panic and confusion. If they didn't know him, Kaiden and Diana would swear he was just a frightened man in a suit in the middle of his first firefight. A strong,"Yes, Ma'am!"comes from Kaiden, as he begins to carry Diana, following in Sergeant Colbert's footsteps until they reach the top of a hill for some higher elevation. He finds a large rock up on top of the hill, and tries to hide Diana and himself behind it from incoming fire. He needs to concentrate on her vitals, not about getting shot in the head or blown up." Yes. I'm fine. A little rocked. He looks over and sees the panic in John's face, pauses, and was just about to completely ignore it, but begins again,"Hey. John. Get it together man. At least don't let those cities see you like that. He quickly turns away from the Major to focus on Dr. Ahlen once again. "Yes Ma'am!" Mark Steele shakes his head a few times as he makes his way over to Adelaide, weapon in hand and quickly shouldered." That makes it 8. Let's make sure they come back to see us kicking ass." Mark doesn't quite move abreast Major Adelaide, he's not wearing power armor, but he looks pissed. John looks down at Kaiden and shouts, the panic clear in his voice What did you say?!? He leans down, holds his shoulder, and talks into his ear, as if deafened by the explosions. He whispers rapidly. Elementary misdirection, my dear friend, for any scouts coming around to flank us. They see me standing tall with a gun out, they know we're a threat. They see three frightened civvies, they let their guard down. And if the act fools an old friend, imagine how few enemies see through it... He jerks back upright, peering around madly Dr. Diana Valenciana had been in combat before, usually by ducking down and letting the professionals handle it, but she had fired her sidearm in anger (and panic) a few times as well. She might even of hit someone that one time. She'd even taken a stray around to the hip, so she knew the pain and shock of being injured. But this... a swerve of the certified. She's grabbing for one of the straps in the ceiling. Light. Heat. Nothing. Pain. Then she was laying on the ground. People shouting around her. She thought she'd heard her name somewhere in there. Then she was hauled up, and she was stumbling along in a blurry world, people breathing heavily next to her." Thank you lieutenant."she said somewhere in there. It sounded slightly slurred. Mark's dead, who are you thanking?one part of her mind asked. Concussion. Bed rest and lots of fluids. Wake patient every hour for check-ups. Another part of her mind diagnosed. A few moments later she was lowered to the ground. Blurry shapes spoke to her. She understood most of what they were saying, but it took a moment to process. Why was everything so blurry? Did I damage my eyes? Flash burns? The concussion?she tenderly felt around her eyes. There seemed to be some blood there, but it didn't feel wrong and when she looked at her hand it was in focus. Glasses.she cursed quietly, then felt for them. The string tied around them had kept them around her neck and she maneuvered them back to where they could help her see and the world more than thirty centimeters away from her blossomed into existence again. Dr. Montgomery and Major Roosevelt. They both look hurt. The same diagnostic part of her mind helpfully supplied. Ciana grit her teeth and forced her sluggish brain to prioritize. Medical treatment. That was what she was there for. She needed to focus on keeping the others alive. With a goal to focus on she could focus her thoughts easier, and she looked around for any medical supplies." Did you bring a med kit?"she asked the two men with her, her voice still slurred a bit, but she could keep it under control. The look on the men' faces was enough to inform her so she checked what had survived in her pockets. Disinfectant. superglue. Some cotton swabs. Fresh scalpel and a fee tweezers. It'd do." This'll sting a bit." Dr. Ahlen said in her professional voice before starting in on probing around each wound with her fingers, then removing anything inside before rinsing it with hydrogen peroxide and supergluing the wound closed. Quick, efficient and painful battlefield triage. Spoiler: IOC Hide Going to start by trying to patch up Kaiden. Medicate roll (51 (int) + 30 (medicate) + 10 (master chirurgeon) = base tn: 91 - (1d100)[31] If successful she'll heal 5 (int bonus) + 2 (master chirurgeon) = 7 wounds (when lightly wounded) "I'm saying we can't be running around like rad chickens with their heads chopped off!..... Major." As he gives a knowing wink towards John. Kaiden wasn't very fond of the idea of the doc working in her condition just yet, but he knows she has a duty, and he doesn't plan on stepping in her way of that. He cringes slightly as the hydrogen peroxide stings his open wounds." Nnnnn, thought you said a little doc." But he then shuts up and lets her finish her job. Feeling the superglue close up his wounds he feels a more numbing pain overwhelm him rather than a stinging and burning pain. "Don't worry Doctor, you'll get your revenge for the pain I'm causing." Ciana answered while she worked. A detached part of her noted that her hands went through the motions of plugging the minor wounds almost on autopilot, her mind mostly focussed on keeping her hands and her voice steady." I'll need your help to see to my own wounds when I'm done with Major Roosevelt." "Oh of course Doc. I was trying to make sure you remained stable till you came to. In case you haven't noticed, we got shot out of the air along with the other convoys. The soldiers I believe are gonna try to hold off whomever is out there, and in the meantime let's keep our heads down." Jack gives a quick glance across the bay but can’t make out anything worthy of noting before he hears John asking to attempt to rescue those from John’s Convoy. Jack starts to descend into the water with his Power Armor; its advanced seals keep the murky water out but start to close off the oxygen supply, if his memory serves, the Power Armor should hold enough oxygen for two minutes but travels at half normal walking speed while underwater. How far did that Certified crash? Kaiden looks across the bay but has no clue where those missiles came from, so he focuses on looking over Diana. She has several cuts and embedded metal throughout her body, nothing that should get aggravated if she were to move around, but it would be better to take care of it quickly as possible before the wounds close themselves up. Hopefully nothing internal is bleeding. Ryan focuses on the skies for a moment, but they seem to be clear of any other aircraft. He then looks across the bay and barely sees several humanoid shapes walking around. If only he had Binoculars, he’d be able to see exactly what was across the bay. Then listening to Adelaide, he climbs the rubble near the Certified and heads into the ruined building. Inside he can make out a way to quickly get to the roof, or what’s remaining of it, two stories up. From this vantage point he can make out more of the terrain, Whoever is across the bay, if they are coming this way, they’ll need to cross a bridge going over the bay, from military experience Ryan thinks it’d be half an hour at the minimum if not an hour or more before they would get here. Then behind him, both doctors and John come up on the roof as well, but still a bit away as to not be in line of fire. Adelaide grabs the autocannon that was attached as their only gun on the Certified, it’ll definitely help in time. She then looks across the bay and sees several humanoid shapes. She tries having the Power Armor focus on it but due to the distance she can only make out that they slightly look gray. Adelaide then barks out orders to everyone around her. Mark finds himself near Adelaide. Sophia tries to hide behind several different piles of rubble, but just crumble when she gets near them, she’s slowly looking like a chicken with its head cut off without her finding a good spot to “hide”. Without the proper equipment Diana makes do with what she can and fairly patches up Kaiden. What do you all do? Spoiler: IOC Effects Hide Blackhawks – Awareness [44v27, 2F] Gideon – Awareness [29v14, 2F], Medicate [56v60, 1S] Reno – Awareness [23v32, 1S] Banana – Awareness [8v23, 2S] Shadow – Stealth [82v44, 4F] Chivy – Medicate [31v71, 4S for +6 Wounds, Kaiden healed to Max] Potato – No Action 5Coloured – No Action Spoiler: Health Pool Hide Banana: Adelaide - 17/18 Wounds Potato: John - 18/20 Wounds 5Coloured: Mark - 13/16 Wounds Shadow: Sophia - 17/21 Wounds Reno: Ryan - 16/21 Wounds Blackhawks: Jack - 19/19 Wounds Gideon: Kaiden - 17/17 Wounds Chivy: Diana - 13/20 Wounds Ryan radios Adelaide. "Multiple possible hostiles beyond the bridge. Should take them a good half hour to get here. Too far to tell whether they are Brotherhood or not. I would recommend leaving them be. As soon as the people from the Verdi in the water are out we should leave. Maybe grab some of the corpses and blow up ours. Make it look like we died. " Jack heads straight into the river towards where he is fairly certain the Veritibird crashed, taking slow measured steps in the water, making sure he has sufficient time to get out of the water. John will stop by the certified on the way up to see if any of its radios are still working Continues on her way, still trying to find cover and places to hide"Damn it...why does everything have to be rubble'she grumbles to herself, continuing on her way. She makes sure that she is still on the edge of where her companions weapons can reach, and now hides, waiting to see who will approach Adelaide looks over the scene while waiting for Jack." Hmm... If it was a hand-held Missile Launcher, it's not possible it came from the island across the way as we were flying over the middle of the bay... where the heck did it come from?" Jack submerges into the water, his Power Armor clicks and whirls as it locks up his oxygen supply. He heads down trying to look through the heavily murky water but to no avail. Jack continues to walk down the slope but misses a step and starts sliding down more while his Oxygen timer displays on his HUD.[IOC: give me an Athletics Check +30]John looks through the fallen Certified. He finds the Birds radio intact a seems to still work, but he takes note that he would need to spend a good amount of time to remove the radio and antenna in order to take it with them, not to mention needing a power supply and a new mic to use it slightly on the go. Doc Diana finishes up on Kaiden and then starts on her wounds with Kaiden's help. Luckily she's lightly wounded otherwise she knows she wouldn't be able to mostly do this herself. Jack attempts to arrest his underwater fall. Spoiler: Athletics Hide (1d100)[8] vs 44 (unless Power Armor adds to my Strength score) Ryan radios Adelaide and John. "I suggest we get a move on. Whoever shot us down will get here within an hour at the latest. If we can get a head start we can lose them as soon as we get in the city. Prewar ruins tend to only support small arms fire so they wouldn't be stupid enough to use a missile Launcher. There also should be a settlement considering the amount of resources and people there are in NYC. The doc finished patching herself up and can move." That's not a bad idea, Sergeant. How many are we looking at? No sense in suffering more casualties needlessly. I'll go back down to the radio and see if I can locate any survivors or make contact with the bunker. Doctor Montgomery, aren't you a tech wiz? Maybe you can help me get this radio detached and portable. John heads back down off the roof and into the crashed bird. He turns the radio on. Attention, all Enclave forces. This is Major John Roosevelt IV. We have suffered some casualties but are in good condition. Are there any other survivors from the convoy? New York Bunker, do you copy? Originally Posted by Potato Golem That's not a bad idea, Sergeant. How many are we looking at? No sense in suffering more casualties needlessly. I'll go back down to the radio and see if I can locate any survivors or make contact with the bunker. Doctor Montgomery, aren't you a tech wiz? Maybe you can help me get this radio detached and portable. John heads back down off the roof and into the crashed bird. He turns the radio on. Attention, all Enclave forces. This is Major John Roosevelt IV. We have suffered some casualties but are in good condition. Are there any other survivors from the convoy? New York Bunker, do you copy? "I see maybe 3. I'm not sure whether they are the ones who took us down though. That would have been one hell of a shot." Adelaide Moore Adelaide locked and loaded her autocannon as Major Roosevelt radioed to the rest of the convoys to stay away from this position. As she carefully surveyed the area, taking a moment among the chaos to enjoy the scene of the vast water of the New York bay, weapon ready to be brought to bare at a moments notice, Adelaide waited until John was finished before she piped up." Get a head-count for who was on board,"her voice came through the mechanical vocalizer on her helmet,"we need to fall back to cover in 2 groups of 3, leap-frogging as one group provides cover to the other"she gestured to the ruined buildings behind them. Originally Posted by GideonBurkheart "Oh of course Doc. I was trying to make sure you remained stable till you came to. In case you haven't noticed, we got shot out of the air along with the other convoys. The soldiers I believe are gonna try to hold off whomever is out there, and in the meantime let's keep our heads down." "I gathered as much." Ciana answered distractedly, while cleaning another of the other scientist's wounds." You did good work doctor, I am in one piece and able to perform my duties." She finally said when finishing up her work." Do try and not put too much pressure on those, or they'll open up again." "Now please assist me with..." Ciana begun to guide Kaiden through the cleaning and treatment of her own wounds. They weren't too bad, but she had taken more of a beating than the other scientist and wounds left untreated would definitely be a problem later. Spoiler: IOC Hide Will roll in the second post to see how well we did. Jack kicks into the little bit of earth and manages to grab hold of an edge just before he realises he would have fallen straight down into the unknown. He now knows that Certified is long gone and anyone else who hadn't gotten out. Jack then slowly manages to climb back up and starts making his way back to the group. Ciana starts to finish fixing herself up with Kaiden's help.[IOC: Need the medicate roll now] As Jack starts climbing back up he reports over the inbuilt radio "Rescue is a negative, I say again, rescue is a negative. River is far deeper than anticipated and Certified is likely at the bottom of the sinkhole, no survivors spotted. Heading back." Mark steel turns back towards the others and the crash before looking forward." I take it we'll be holding first for them to fall back ma'am?" With that said, he begins looking for decent cover without leaving Adelaide's side. He's not clad in power armor after all. Ryan says "We'll mourn the dead later. The good doctors and I are moving. Now. We've stayed too long as it is. If they have dogs, they've scented us by now." Ryan's soldier brain goes through all the possible ways of approach. To the others, he may seem paranoid but out in the wasteland Paranoia is just another word for common sense. Ryan scans the horizon for the closest buildings that look like they could be inhabited and are situated away from the gray figures. He taps Kaiden on the shoulder and tells him "We're leaving. The other Certified had no survivors." If they follow he begins walking toward the City. If not he waits for them. Sophia decides that there seems to not be enough stable rubble to hide behind"Right then, moving back". She moves to Join with Adelaide "Think I'll tag with you, I don't have away to walk through water like the other Tin Can over there"She says with a confident chuckle Still on the run. This is becoming a fantastic day. Kaiden thinks to himself." Dr. Ahlen, I don't believe these wounds are closing up the way they should be. So if you're able to get on your feet and move, I agree with Ryan. We need to get away from this spot and find a better location, we've outstayed our welcome in this position."====If she's fine to go, Kaiden looks towards Ryan and says,"Lead the way Sergeant, we'll be on your heel." John leans back in the chair, resting his head against the remnants of the 'bird's bulkhead. No reply. Goddammit. It wasn't supposed to be this way. The good guys had won for once! We were taking back the capital, making it fit for humanity and for America. And now this. Eight people. All that's left for three hundred years of history. How the f**k are we going to rebuild this country from eight people? He sits with his eyes closed for a moment, remembering the dreams he had for the Capital Wasteland, what could have been. New DC, prosperous and safe, led by President Autumn and Vice-President Roosevelt. New America, stretching across the continent, united under President Roosevelt. A return to the prewar paradise. Well, no use sitting and moping, Johnny boy. If eight's all you have, then eight will have to do. He stands up, climbs out of the wreck, and calls out to the squad above and Jack. Gentlemen! We can't leave this tech to fall into enemy hands. Doctor Montgomery, Doctor Ahlen, can you see if anything is salvageable? When they're done, sergeants, detonate the fuel reserves. We may not have our transport, but I'll be damned if those traitors keep it either. "John, Even if there is anything Major left we won't be able to carry it. I agree that we should Detonate it." Originally Posted by Genoa "John, Even if there is anything Major left we won't be able to carry it. I agree that we should Detonate it." Of course, sergeant. I'm thinking lightweight portables- comms equipment, energy cells, fusion cores, that sort of thing. And I trust you haven't forgotten how to blow things up in your old age? He claps Ryan on the back with a broad smile. Dr. Diana Valenciana cursed eloquently. Latin had that effect on even the most base of expressions, even if it didn't actually help her situation, it alleviated her annoyance a bit. Her supplies had been extremely limited, just what she had in her pockets when they fled. She'd run out of superglue before the first hole was even halfway glued and used the few drops of peroxide left on the deeper wounds. For the rest, she was stuck rinsing them out with water and then leaving them. Might as well have been wishing for them to simply close up she thought returning to her previous level of annoyance." Yes,"Diana answered the other Scientist tersely. She reminded herself that wasn't Kaiden's fault, she'd asked him to help, and he had assisted her competently enough, without supplies there simply wasn't much they could do."alright let's get out of here."she shrugged into the leathers and lab coat she had removed to try and treat her wounds before working her way into a crouch, ready to follow the sergeant and Aidan. Spoiler: IOC Hide posted a little fluff to show I'm still here even if I won't be able to move this round. Kaiden camp; Diana are still doing the medicate thing even if it failed: it takes two full actions to complete. Adelaide Moore Adelaide watched as she gave the command to fall back in groups of three's, only for everyone to...stand around and talk. To their credit, at least the idea of detonating the certified that had sunk into the river had some value - she wouldn't put it past scavengers from reclaiming it. That they weren't currently under fire gave them the window to make it happen." Make it quick,"Adelaide said over the comms to John and Ryan,"we're going to rendezvous with the Major at The Square." Simultaneously, once she's done that, she gestures for the scientists and engineers to stick by her in cover, as Adelaide took up a position of to provide cover. Ryan tells whoever is near the certified (Unless he is the closest)"Do a quick Look-see inside the Verdi and grab anything Valuable. Go for Ammunition and military gear first but also grab anything that could be sold and is lightweight. This means comics, Mirrors, Cigarettes etc. Leave anything that will slow us down inside the bird. Most importantly see if you can take out the radio. No need for the power source, just the wires and the actual box. They have more range than ours do. Once you finish salvaging it open up the fuel tank and see if you can expose the power source or at least get me a clear shot. Back away and once we are far enough, I'll blow it to bits. Clear?" Colbert continues getting distance on the Certified. Jack walks back out of the river and groups up with the group a bit away to the North-east as Ryan steadies his aim right where the tank is visible. After a few moments of making sure everyone was safely out of the blast radius he fires two rounds into the tank, one to create a hole, the other to ignite. The groups slightly broken Certified now erupts into flames and eventually small explosions causes the Certified to fall apart, sending metal everywhere. What do you all do now?{IOC: Map is updated to reflect this.} Sophia winces and sorta jumps, startled from the sudden explosion! "Well, guess that's our rude gone. Shouldn't we have tried to...well repair it before we tried to blow it up? At lest an attempt to salvage something" she says scratching her head Sophie looks now to the apparent direction the base was located. She began, well waking "Maybe there a bridge we can meet the separated group? But first...we have to star moving, else were going to get caught. Let's hope there's a car on the way there!" Adelaide Moore Inside her suit, Adelaide winced at the sight and sounds of the certified exploding. They had the schematics and materials to build more - especially when they got to their new bunker - but the officer in her hated seeing good vehicles go to waste." Alright everyone; fall back to the buildings in groups of three, leap frog and cover each other. We'll rendezvous with the Major at the Square on foot." John looks at the explosion and shakes his head slightly. They didn't even try to salvage anything. Great. Well, nothing doing. Must be nerves, and I can hardly blame them. At least the infantry commander is holding up well. The soldiers look up to her, so she needs to keep going, or they'll start to fall apart. Two teams is a solid plan. Let's do it. He turns back to the group. Good work keeping the Enclave's technology out of traitor hands. Let's be on our way then. Major Moore's plan is a good one. We just need to ensure that each group has some of our valiant soldiers and some of the civilians. Major Moore, would you kindly take the first team with Sergeant Rodriguez, Doctor Ahlen, and Private Steel? I'll follow behind with Sergeants Colbert and Fajita and Doctor Montgomery. He turns to Jack and Ryan. Gentlemen, you're better fighters and more experienced soldiers than I. I will defer to you in tactical matters. Ahh, the smell of fire and ash..., Kaiden thinks to himself as he watches the 'bird burn. He can't wait to set foot back into a laboratory. But we must push forward. He tries to rally himself. Kaiden announces to the group,"Yes I believe 2 teams should work just fine. We should definitely leave post-haste though, unless we want to run the chance of getting caught by those missiles again." Kaiden then turns to just Jack and Ryan,"Sergeants, if one of you would take point, we'll be right behind ya." "Onward men. New land and new opportunity awaits,"Ryan Doesn't take point. Better to let someone with power armpit stay in front in case they were involved in a fight. He hadn't been near here before, but he remembered exchanging tales with a New Yorker who came by Riverside. Spoiler Hide (1d100)[75] v 34 Note: I should probably invest a few exp in this next time. Jack makes sure to expel any water from the vents of his suit, then heads over to the Major, awaiting his further instructions. The first group moves on a little bit ahead consisting of the following: Major Adelaide Moore, Sergeant Sophia Rodriguez, Doctor Diana Ahlen. (if 5ColouredWalker is still playing then Private Mark Steel is with as well)The second group hangs back about 10 meters consisting of the rest of the group: John Roosevelt IV, Ryan Colbert, Doctor Kaiden Montgomery, and Sergeant Jack Fajita. Looking down the roadways you see several ruined or mostly ruined houses and buildings. Most of the vehicles look like they are in major damage or disrepair. Even the Lampposts and Mailboxes look worse for wear. When Sophia and Kaiden get out onto the street, they take note of different areas the group could go, but what is their plan? Do they find out who the distant figures are or do they avoid them? Does the group try to quickly move or are they cautious in the unfamiliar location? These are only a few questions the group will have to answer soon. "Here's hoping it's not a long walk." Mark remains quiet as he moves forward with the first group, sticking towards cover. The nearby church looks like a good first stop. Gives us some shelter, keeps us moving towards the bunker. The weather out here is a tad too rocket-filled for my tastes. "I believe a Church would be perfect for a quick hold out. Unless we can find a Bonobos Military Bunker, but I doubt our luck is that good. Careful though, It's a good resting point for other creatures too," Sophia looks back to the group, still moving"I think we should just keep moving. I read this one Las Fandom Comic that actually matched the layout here pretty well. She had to fight this big gopher thing in the Church... I don't want to go in there....it's also a bit creepy. ". "Las Fandoms? What's that? Also, I'd be glad to find a giant gopher. The little ones are good eating and I don't see why a big one would be any different," Dr. Diana VahlenWounds - 13/20Ciana was still suffering from the hit her head when she was pulled aside to take cover for an explosion. It took her a few moments to realize that they had detonated the certified without trying to salvage it or even pull the emergency med kit from the wreck. That was assuming that the certified had been stocked with one as was standard procedure, but it wouldn't be the first time that procedure hadn't been followed. She let it go. Getting angry now wouldn't help anybody, and she had to focus her energy on keeping herself as hidden as possible and her eyes open while she moved with her assigned group. They probably had a long way to go, so being on the lookout for another type of transportation would be a priority, but anything that they found would be useful.' Too many captains on the ship.' She thought when the others started discussing the merits and demerits of the church. She understood the sentiments, they were all shaken by first loosing their home and then getting shot down, but they were making mistakes. And making mistakes would get them all killed before they even got close to the bunker." Make the call Major, hunker down or press on?" Ciana asked Moore, her headache making her more brusque than normal." Standing around talking about it isn't helping us at all." Spoiler: Relevant rolls (maybe) Hide Awareness (trained, perception 39) (1d100)[93] vs tn 39 Stealth (Trained, agility 33) (1d100)[76] vs tn 33 Adelaide Moore Moore said nothing as the others filtered through into the ruins before them, with someone talking about gophers and the doctor tending to any wounds the troupe might have incurred during the minor skirmish. It tore the Major up to think that they were having to run awayagainfrom a force that they couldn't retaliate against, and her trigger finger was getting an itch she was just champing at the bit to scratch...but she was in charge. She had to remain calm and collected. Besides, it wasn't like this was the first time she and compatriots had been in the wasteland on their own before. When they reached the building ruins, the two teams regrouped and Adelaide took on board the suggestion that they quickly regather and reassess their situation in the safety of the church. The military members of the group stayed on look out, ensured the building was clear, then the whole group could move in for a quick rally. Assuming they were unimpeded, Adelaide put Ryan on look out duty, but ensured he had a radio so that he could contribute and listen to the party discussion. Gathering everyone in the group floor, Adelaide addressed the small assembly:"Make a quite stock-take of what we have and patch up what wounds you can,"her voice came through her devil-bird helmet with its electronic accent." Ryan is going to take point, and Mark will bring up the rear. Civvies, you're being escorted, so if bullets start flying, hit the deck and don't show those lovely domes to get shot off. Our priority here is survival and extraction, so don't go running off chasing waste landers or mutants. We're going to be moving as quiet as we can to rendezvous with the Major at The Square. It's directly north from here *insert distance because I can't seem to find the map*. If we avoid entanglements we should be able to make it close before dark. Any questions?" Ryan scans the Area for possible hostiles. He tells Adelaide:"I have my Play-Rifle, Reloads and 25 caps,"Spoiler: Awareness Hide (1d100)[83] v 62. Edit: Goddamn it Ryan. You're supposed to be an awesome Hawkeye sniper, but you keep failing rolls! I feel Combat coming along! Dr. Diana VahlenWounds - 13/2010mm pistol ammo: 18/18 (spare clips 1-18/18 2-18/18)Caps: 610Ciana gave a curt nod at the Major’s orders to keep their heads down and reported her modest possessions along with the others." My 10mm pistol, two reloads and about six hundred caps." It was significantly more than the others were carrying with them, but she’d trade it all for a fully stocked med kit." I’m down to washing with water after picking out the foreign bits and praying that it won’t get infected Major. " "I could use anything resembling medical equipment. Bandages, plasters, disinfectant, clean sheets, even boiled water will help." She looked towards the church figuring these old places might hold some hidden medical supplies or something else useful." Place like that might still have something useful in the way of supplies"Spoiler: didn't realize we weren't already in the church. So nix this part Hide while I start washing and wishing the rest can be fixed up?" "I’d also like to take a look at Colbert as soon as he can be relieved Major. He looks about as banged up as Sophia does." "It'll take a few minutes to get you all looked at"[/COLOR] She waited for the major’s assent or denial. Spoiler: If Adelaide gives her permission Hide Diana calls out in a fierce whisper. "Sergeant Rodriguez, you’re up first. Private steel, you’re next. Stay close." Then she methodologically started tending to the wounded. Spoiler: First aid rolls Hide Making one post with all the rolls to keep them together. 2 full actions per first aid attempt would take a moment, but hopefully get everybody tended to. Medicate roll (51 (int) + 30 (medicate) + 10 (master chirurgeon) – 20 for insufficient tools = base tn: 71 for all rolls. If successful she’ll heal 2 + DoS wounds. Medicate rolls for first aid starting with Sophia Rodriguez – (1d100)[46] - 3 DoS; heals 5 wounds Mark Steele – (1d100)[52] - 2 DoS; heals 4 wounds John Roosevelt – (1d100)[46] - 3 DoS; heals 5 wounds Ryan Colbert (as soon as he can be relieved) – (1d100)[99] - 3 DOF; heals nothing (sorry :() Adelaide Moore (if she submits) – (1d100)[55] - 2 DoS; heals 4 wounds Spoiler: Current party wounds (before healing) Hide Banana: Adelaide - 17/18 Wounds Potato: John - 18/20 Wounds 5Coloured: Mark - 13/16 Wounds Shadow: Sophia - 17/21 Wounds Reno: Ryan - 16/21 Wounds Blackhawks: Jack - 19/19 Wounds Gideon: Kaiden - 17/17 Wounds Chivy: Diana - 13/20 Wounds (7 wounds failed for first aid treatment) Link for map. Major Moore silently directs the groups in the direction of the church. As they find themselves across from it, Major Moore speaks to both groups. Does the group approach the Church, if so, how are you going about it?{Feel free to post the tactics via the IOC}The church upon closer inspection is surprisingly well-built and seems to be in better condition then even most intact buildings. It looks a little too well-kept one would say. John listens to Adelaide's little speech. She's shaping up quite well. A born battlefield commander, and good with her troops. Still, the change in plans is odd. Indecisive. Better discuss it with her privately. No sense in letting the men see any dissension in the command staff. We need to present a unified front, at least until we get to the bunker. Rivalries between officers get soldiers killed needlessly. He drops back to speak to Adelaide as they approach the church. He pitches his voice low to avoid the others hearing. Adelaide, a word? Why the switch from one team to two? Did you see something? Putting us all in one group leaves us more open to ambush. Sophia approaches the church Warily, her two blades in hand"This is why I use blades.....don't need to keep track of Ammo." She turns her Knife into it's reverse grip"I say we put our Power Armored guys in the front. Use em as cover to enter the building. The others can go around them...." Kaiden goes over the few pieces of equipment he has on him. He looks towards Major Adelaide, Eh, I got just a laser pistol, a couple charge cells, and quite a few caps, Major. I'll definitely keep my head down for now. If I happen to notice anything inside I'll notify either yourself or Major Roosevelt." Kaiden then makes sure his environmental suit is properly sealed and gets out his own pistol, ready for anything." Well let's hope this goes better than back there gang..."__________________________________________________Spoiler: Equipment Hide Kaiden Montgomery •Enclave AER9 Laser Pistol (2 charge cells. 30/30, 30/30) -Reliable -Red Dot Sight •Enclave issue Knife •Cheri-Corp Air-Tight Environ-suit •810 caps John smiles and puts a hand on Sophia's arm. Easy now, soldier. I like the enthusiasm, but let's not start fights we don't need to. Colbert, Steel-you're our two best and least-threatening-looking scouts. Mosey on over there and see if you can figure out what's inside. Let's not have this devolve into a costly firefight if it can be avoided "Steel. You take a different side then I take. Cover more ground. You see anything that looks like it could put up a good fight you come running down back to the group. Avoid usage of munitions. Also, if you see anything living or any corpses that are green, you get the group and get the hell out of there. Green is never good in the wasteland." Ryan begins creeping down the hallways of the church. Spoiler Hide (1d100)[8] vs 62 for any awareness (1d100)[92] v 40 for stealth Mark Steel"Steel, Laser Rifle with two full clips and a knife. 2–10 caps. No questions yet." Mark quickly rattles off the list of what he has as he moves to the back of the group as ordered." On it." With that, Mark softly walks towards the left wall of the church instead of the center pew, following beside and off-side of the group, eyes glancing between the group and his surroundings as he searches, ensuring he stays in visual and shouting range. Spoiler: IOC Hide Stealth: (1d100)[51] vs 51. Awareness: (Valuables/Copses/etc): (1d100)[6] vs 48. I figure rolls vs enemy stealth/for enemies you'll roll for me. Edit: That Awareness. I hope to hell and back there's something decent I can spot otherwise I'll be super disappointed. Adelaide Moore As the military members enclosed upon the church, Adelaide looked over to the civilians. Bringing up her power armored fist, she gestured to the trio to find cover and stay out of sight as her spare arm drew her autocannon about. Getting into position facing the main entrance to the church, Adelaide waiting for the others to start moving in before she made her entrance... Link to BattlemapsRyan and Mark each take a door and Mark opens his first. There is the slightest creak from it as if it hadn't been opened in years but doesn't make much noise as both take a small sigh. Then Ryan just touches his door and it comes crashing inward. Seconds pass, but nothing makes any noise. Maybe this place is void of life. Ryan then moves in to cover Mark as Mark goes up to the first door on his left but notices across the hallway doors to both the Men's and Women's Bathroom. Meanwhile, Adelaide moves up near the door while the others apparently stay back. What do you all do?{IOC: Both Awareness Rolls for Ryan and Mark are noted for future reference.} Sophia looks back to John"Well, I'd rather be safe than sorry, and if were getting into some CQC in there, you'll be glad I have these out"She looks ahead as the doors slowly open "Right then, Power armor in front, cities somewhere safe" Dr. Diana VahlenWounds - 13/2010mm pistol ammo: 18/18 (spare clips 1-18/18 2-18/18)Caps: 610"Sounds great." Ciana acknowledged the sentiment of keeping the cities safe, then looked around a bit at the surrounding wasteland." Now where would that somewhere safe be exactly?" There might have been a little snark in her voice, or just annoyance with a very solid headache trying to pound its way out of her skull. The dawning realization that their home, and refuge from all this horror around them, was gone, and they might actually have no place to go anymore wasn't helping her disposition any either, but she tried to push those thoughts from her head again. Survival now. Mourn later." In the absence of a conveniently found reinforced and safe bunker, I suppose the safest place is near the trained professionals instead of waiting out in the open or in what might turn out to be the home of something nasty." She pulled her 10mm autopistol from her holster and checked its action then looked at the soldiers near her." A rearguard maybe?" "Staying on your heels enough to get help if we need it, and benefit from the building's walls, but far enough back to not get caught in an ambush." Spoiler: IOC Hide Unless another idea comes up Diana will be at the rear of the group entering after they secured the first rooms and keeping an eye on our backs. "Yes I believe it would be beneficial if the doctor and I stay in the rear, and watch the back of the group. Once some of the rooms are clear I will take a look for anything of interest that isn't a badly." He says with a slight melodramatic tone. He almost starts walking toward the major until he stops to speak." In the meantime, Major Moore, would it be wise for us to watch the front door until everyone has entered then make our way in?" Ryan creeps further in. He radios his fellow soldiers and says:"It seems to be abandoned. Which is bad. Prime location like this would have been staked out already. What'd you think Mark? Ferals? They sometimes hibernate until something gets too close. Anyway you take that door on your left and I'll take the Men's bathroom. Adelaide cover us,"He then begins moving to the men's bathroom. Ryan's paranoia screams ambush at him, but he ignores it. While he moves around he looks for tracks of any kind. While moving, he radios the Civvies:"Status report?" Adelaide MooreAdelaides direction to Diana was simple over the radio -"Stay out of sight and get in cover; we don't want to lose our expertise to a stray bullet". The thought of losing precious scientists and engineers after taking the casualties they had so far was enough to make Adelaide jump in front of whatever bullets might come their way. They were simply too important to be thrown away like this. Focusing forward, her autocannon ready, Adelaide slowly approached the front door of the church, the sensors on her helmet feeding her information as she first checked to see if it was booby-trapped before making her way in...inside the church, Adelaide brings her autocannon about to cover Ryan and Mark as they start to make their sweeps through the room. The barrel of her vision weapon traces steadily back and forth along the hallway before her, primed for any movement...IOC:Spoiler Hide Awareness: (1d100)[90] vs TN 53 searching for any signs of booby traps on the door. If she finds any, she'll give a radio it to the rest of the group. If she does not find any, Adelaide will proceed slowly through the door, gun first, as quiet as she can. She does not - Adelaide moves into AB 21. Pvt. Steel Mark advances slowly down the corridor, checking doors and windows before passing across them, stepping quiet. Spoiler Hide What map scale are you using? Dr. Diana VahlenWounds - 13/2010mm pistol ammo: 18/18 (spare clips 1-18/18 2-18/18)Caps: 610"Will do." Ciana acknowledged the Major's orders by making herself smaller and trying to keep to cover as she followed the troops into the church. She'd never been especially sparing with words, but creeping up on what might be an unknown force in a fortified position had her embrace the 'silence is golden' philosophy wholeheartedly. Spoiler: IOC Hide Stealth tn33 - (1d100)[70] Awareness tn 39 - (1d100)[81] Own yea, the RNG is factoring in the concussion. Log v1.1 - Start//The group entered the church curious on what's inside since it looked well maintained but also worried about the enemies they would find inside.//Mark moves up past the door to get a good look into the room's window. Looking inside, he doesn't see any possible enemies, or even a dead body. Instead, he thinks he sees a weird spot in the corner of the room behind him. He'll probably have to look for it himself to find out what it is.//Ryan moves up to the Men's Bathroom door but doesn't spot any additional tracks along the way. He now stands in front of the door.//Adelaide enters the front door on the left and readies her autocannon in case either Mark or Ryan get attacked. Sophia then moves into the other front door.//Diana and Kaiden make their way to the doors right behind Adelaide and Sophia. Meanwhile, John and Jack stay back on the other side of the street hopefully keeping a lookout for the group.//Log v1.1 - End//{IOC: Map has an answer to 5colour's Q. Also just to clarify, Only those with Power Armor have a radio and currently can only communicate with other Power Armor.} Ryan opens up the bathroom door and peeks in. Sophia looks to the cities behind her, a smile cracking over her face"Alright, alright... I guess you guys know how to point and shoot a gun or two"She keeps a low stance, both blades drawn as she cautiously enters the building, a soft hum coming from her ripper. She moves up to the next corner, her shoulder against the wall"Just, don't yourselves to hurt. I'm just a soldier, my job is to die.eventually, not that I want to. You guys though, you've got to live"She says, her voice a bit hushed. SH emotions to Moore"Time to move up?" Adelaide Moore Adelaide's HUD remained steady and quiet as only the movements of her squad mates occupied her forward vision; no hostiles noticed so far. Holding her autocannon steady, the Major took slow steps forward, deliberately keeping some paces away from the others so that she could cover all exits in the hallway with relative ease and celerity. Simultaneously, Adelaide kept radio silence as not to distract the two point-men.IOC:Spoiler Hide Awareness: (1d100)[30] vs TN 53 Noticing the body and the odd spot, Mark doubles back while staying low, one hand raised to indicate he's spotted something. He stop sat the door which he slowly opens. Assuming the door opens quietly, he moves to get a better look at the spot while trying to stay in visual range of the others. Link to BattlemapsRyan cautiously opens the door with another cracking sound and a large creak from not being opened in a long time. He peers inside and spots the emergency medic box near the sinks as well as a skeleton in a ratted lab coat with a hand on a beefy briefcase. Looking at the bottoms of the stalls, he notices there is nothing hiding in them but thinks he also spots a med bottle of some kind. What will Ryan do next? Mark lets Adelaide know through hand gestures that he's heading into the room as he sees Sophia move up. The door opens quietly gliding over almost intact carpeting. He moves over to the spot near the base of the wall, seeing it as it is now if he'd have sent probably anyone else, they would have thought him crazy. He pulls slightly at the spot near the bottom of the wall and reveals a hidden safe under embedded lock and key. What will Mark do now, and who's good at lock picking or finding the key? Ciana and Kaiden wait at the doors to make sure the first area is all secure. Meanwhile, John and Jack are keeping a look-out. No one'll get by them, nominee. Sofia continues advancing forward after the squads positions are met. She gives a nod to the people behind her, and begins to move forward, actually bypassing both Bathroom doors to the next door ahead, leaning her back against the wall"Seems quiet in Here.... I think I'll advance a bit more"Spoiler: Roll for stealth! Hide (1d100)[61] vs 44 Ryan goes through Grabbing all the Medicines and opening up the containers to take whatever was inside. He also grabs the Skull off of the Skeleton. Finally, he opens all the bathroom doors and sees if he can find anything useful. Spoiler Hide Traditional Fallout Exploration = Loot Everything. Mark glares at the safe, before moving to the door, catching up with Sophia." Sure. Keep an eye out for any keys." With that, Mark advances quietly behind her, with Sophia skipping the bathroom Mark checks it instead, slowly quietly opening the door to look in and waiting a moment. Should he spot no movement and hear nothing, he'll check the stalls. Adelaide Moore Adelaide squinted beneath her helmet, the eerie quiet having never settled well with her since her first foray into the wasteland. So far, that this building, so pristine on the outside, was derelict and this quiet was keeping the Major on her toes. Her autocannon levelled and ready should she need it, the Major keeps her power armors footsteps as quiet as possible as she moves forward and keeps her squad-mates covered.IOC:Slowly moving forward to V21. Kaiden tries to quietly open the main door just enough to swiftly slip his body through. He stands flat against the wall between the two main doors, but leaves the one he came through slightly cracked so he could keep an eye outside and stay in contact with Diana. He notices Mark and Ryan enter two rooms, so he waits for them to leave, essentially giving the all clear before he tries to search anywhere. Kaidens main thoughts are of finding a cache of water. Whether it be irradiated or clean, preferably the latter though. At least that would give this 1 good reason to have come here. Dr. Diana VahlenWounds - 13/2010mm pistol ammo: 18/18 (spare clips 1-18/18 2-18/18)Caps: 610Seeing Kaiden slip through the door, Diana decides that being inside indeed looks like the safer course of action. The lack of gunfire and screams of pain and terror tipping her off that there are still no sign of hostiles inside. She followed Kaiden, placing herself on the other side of the door and trying to keep an eye out to every direction. Sophia moves up quickly ahead and plops a little hard against the wall Ripper at the ready. Ryan slowly opens the briefcase half expecting it to be a bomb of some kind. Inside however, he finds a fully packaged item. Rummaging through he finds all the necessary parts including Instruction/Operating Manuals for the item. Now comes the question, how many caps could he fetch for the item, or possibly who would benefit the most with a defibrillator? Ryan then grabs the Buff out from the stalls, a Med-x from the emergency supplies box, and the skull from the remains before closing back up and grabbing the briefcase. Mark searches the Women's Bathroom after making sure it's all clear but unfortunately only finds a bucket and a plunger. Though there is a bunch of murky water in one of the toilets, does Mark wish to go fishing? Kaiden and Diana move inside keeping a slight eye out on the street while Adelaide moves up a bit more. Ryan walks out of the bathroom with the items in his suitcase. He tells Adelaide and Mark, Got a few meds for the doc. Found a defibrillator too. Up to the Doc whether we sell it or keep it. Should fetch a pretty penny at a big city. He then shows them the skull and says, Got a trick to show you young'us. Assemble in a firing line. I'm going to draw anything bestial that's lurking in here out. He then hurls the Skull with the intent to make as much noise as possible. If nothing comes out, he fires a Plasma bolt to hopefully laminate the way. No, Mark does not want to fish. You'd have trouble paying him to fish, he knows he'd get cancer just touching that water. Waiting for the skull to be thrown from within the doorway, Mark pauses, waiting. Should nothing come racing out in the next 10–15 seconds, he'll move on with a quick head shake. Leaving the Bathroom, Mark head's towards the next set of doors before thinking better of it. That's the big room, isn't it? No, instead he stacks up on the next room past Sophia. Taking a quick breath, he then tries opening the door quietly for a quick check. Adelaide Moore Adelaide peaked over her left shoulder and into the adjacent, desolate room. Though she had been on dozens of wasteland patrols and fought within the ruins of Old America, having grown up in a vault she still could not get completely used to the...dereliction of the wasteland. The ghost of what as. A part of her hoped she never would. Turning her head to look over her other shoulder, Adelaide spotted Diana and Kaiden, both of whom were getting into cover and keeping small profiles to stay out of sight. Good. With Ryan searching the room to her right, and the rest of her squad ahead, Adelaide maintained her position and kept overwatch in case any threats reared their heads...IOC:Adelaide is standing still and holding her action for any threat. Dr. Diana VahlenWounds - 13/2010mm pistol ammo: 18/18 (spare clips 1-18/18 2-18/18)Caps: 610Adrenalin screaming through her veins, Diana stayed crouched down next to the door with her back against the wall while waiting for the soldiers to clear the church. All she could do was wait with her head on a swivel. Sophia nods to Mark, now slowly opening the door"Lets hope there's nothing too bad inside there"She says, slowly opening the door Kaiden cautiously follows behind the team, zigzagging from door to door down the hallway. To use up a little more time, he peeks into the rooms that have been searched to stay at the tail end of the group. Ryan tosses the skull down hall forcing it to make as much noise as possible. The group slightly waits in anticipation but is met only with silence. Slightly sighing and shaking his head, Mark heads out of the women's bathroom and makes his way just a little past Sophia, waiting for her to open the door. Sophia meanwhile, starts slowly starts opening the door, but everyone's attention is distracted as they hear slightly muffled and distant gun shots coming from outside the building of where they entered from.Meanwhile, outside .... Jack and John have their attention mostly north, looking to see if those gray figures are still coming the groups way, but they currently cannot be seen. All of a sudden shots rain down upon the two from the south, including what sounds like energy shots. The energy shots go straight at Jack's Power Armored head, both hitting him. The first he feels just barely being absorbed by his Power Armor helmet as well as his leather cap at the back of his head. The second shot however rings true as it impacts the same spot making Jack's head ring with a terrible noise.[[Jack suffers 2 Wounds. I need Jack to make an Endurance+0% Test. If he fails, he suffers 1 level of Fatigue.]] In the next moment three bullets shoot out at jack, all three hitting him from behind. Two drive into the back of his right arm, the first stinging his skin but coming short of piercing it. The second just barely finding purchase into his arm finding its place by hitting his elbow. The third hitting Jack's backside but doesn't even make it through his leather armor underneath his Power Armor.[[Jack suffers 1 Wound and 1 level of Fatigue.]] Meanwhile, four shots fire upon John, two aiming for his head and the third at his backside while the fourth flies past his head. The two aimed at his head graze his hat and almost knock it clean off as they nip him both across his neck and the right side of his head. The one against his backside he feels on his skin, but it doesn't break any.[[John suffers a total of 10 wounds.]] As Jack and John look behind them to quickly see their enemies, they see four Raiders, one with a Laser Pistol, two with an Assault Rifle, and one with a 10mm Pistol..... And back inside .... As Sophia's attention is divided for just a moment, she doesn't notice the Reproach jumping at her to attack. One jumps at her chest while the other jumps at her head. The one on her chest bites deep into her leather armor and pierces a bit of her skin. The other one however bites at her unaware face and bites at her eyes, mainly her left eye. (After the test) The Reproach drop back onto the floor in front of Sophia.[[Sophia takes a total of 10 wounds and 1 Perception damage. I need Sophia to make an Endurance+20% Test. If she fails, she loses her Left Eye.]] Initiative Start(1d20+Agility Bonus) Initiative:(1d20+4)[6]Ryan's head snaps toward the sound and immediately starts running toward the Civilians. He drops the suitcase and puts a shot at the first raider he sees, aiming for the eye. Spoiler Hide Attack: (1d100)[57] v 73 DMG: (1d10+12)[18] Pen 10 Adelaide Moore As the red lances of laser weapons suddenly burst through the walls, Adelaide was, ashamedly, a little slower to react. Momentarily stunned like one would be when experiencing a jump-scare, frightened even though they knew it was coming, Adelaide turned her helmeted head about and finally spotted the several raiders encroaching upon their position, laser weapons blazing. Heaving the heavy bulk of her power armor about, Adelaide brought her autocannon to bear, ensured no one was in the line of fire, and pulled the trigger. The roar of the mighty weapon echoed within the church as its slugs tore open head-sized holds in the wall between Adelaide and the raiders. Of course, despite being a crack shot and a swarm of raiders running right at her and spitting out copious amounts of ammo, she missed entirely, because of course she did.IOC:Spoiler Hide Half-action: Move; Adelaide is turning around. It looks like she's got a pretty good shot through the window towards the lot of them. Half-action: Semi-auto burst: (1d100)[77] tn 52 /rolls eyes of course. I've succeeded in what...2 rolls this whole game? God, I hate you forum roller. "****! Sophie! Just as Mark finishes his second shout his laser rifle fires with the unique snap crack of laser fire. Spoiler: Actions Hide Half-Aim: Half Action for +10 BS Half-Semi Auto Attack: (1d100)[43] vs DC 53, +1 hit if Sgt;33, +2>11. Damage: (1d10+3)[6]/(1d10+3)[6]/(1d10+3)[12] Potential Hatred: (3d10)[4][10][10](24)

[40k_BC IC] Fallout_ The Search for New America|rating:3.0

Kingdoms Collide (AdventureGirl & Traveler)

Anabelle Jose via Maria Halle stood in her chambers awaiting the moment when her father would release her for the journey she was taking to the neighboring kingdom. Her travels were to last several days, and she would begin her negotiations with King Alfred of Aidan in hopes for union between his kingdom and her father’s, Door. It wasn’t as though the two realms had been quarrelling, but there were tyrants that were infiltrating the areas, and it was better to provide a united front, combine their armies and attempt to drive back the enemies. This would be the young woman’s first trek away from her kingdom and her nerves were getting the better of her. Twice she had packed her parcels, then emptied and repacked. It was probably silly of her to be worried about which dress King Alfred would be more amenable to than another. After all, the treaty was the main reason for her visit. Ana’s raven colored hair was pulled back and braided with a light blue ribbon that wove through the sections of the braid like a beautiful serpent. Her complexion was flawless and only slightly on the pale side through her cheeks were tinted with color and her bright blue eyes could transfix anyone who stared too long. Full, sculpted lips lent themselves to the sometimes sharp tongue of a girl who was trying her best to find her place in this world. Her svelte frame was covered in a light blue dress that matched the ribbon in her hair perfectly. The bodice of her dress barely containing what it held so dear. The constant clicking of her shoes on the stone floor as she paced was becoming unbearable even to her, though she continued. King Alfred had a son who her people had heard stories about being a grand soldier and a fine negotiator. Ana was anxious to meet him and worried not that he would find her lacking. She was a very intelligent girl who had spent far too much time in the castle and perhaps not enough out with the commoners. Her mother had instilled in her a caring and respect for those that dwelled in her father’s kingdom, but it was her father’s are of superiority that had rubbed off on her the most. As much as she tried to hide her arrogance, it came through from time to time. Even though Ana genuinely cared about the people her father ruled. Dark eyes scanned the horizon, looking across the vast ocean for any signs of approaching ships. The rugged cliffs beneath his feet dropped for nearly a hundred feet before hitting the sandy beach, and then stretched as far as the eye could see. Great mountain ranges flanked his back, protecting his people from the barbarians beyond, and the greatest trade routes had to port at the grand docks of Ariadne to pass this rough stretch of the inlet to the lands beyond. This was his homeland, and it was being threatened. He raised the shield on his helm and then turned to call to his men, signalling the end of the day's ride. They had gone as far as they could without crossing into the Wild lands. It was rumored that things of power and evil dwelled in those lands. No one had ever ventured in and then back again, so the rumors were respected and none dared cross through the swamps and marshes to discover the truth in many years. Prince Marius had an appointment to attend to in the next few days. Meddlesome, mostly, but with his father's health in question and the tyrannical murders along their eastern borders, he knew that a diplomatic emissary from even a country such as Door was needed to be treated respectfully. There had been a time when Ariadne and Door were more upfront about their dislike of each other. It was a long-standing feud, one almost forgotten in the realms of history, but long-practiced hatred and distrust was difficult to wash from the culture of two peoples. Now, though... the small, vicious murders that had occurred along their shared border gave hint that a greater evil was about. They had to unite or die. The nature of the evil was as mysterious as the Wild lands, though more readily witnessed. Villages of people had been torn apart. Huge oxen had been impaled upon the tall spires of churches. The withal to have carried them to that height unknown, for none survived the raids. Fields of crops had been burned to the ground and even small mountain lakes had been sucked dry, the fish still thrashing about in the mud by the time the damage had been discovered. One thing was certain: he had two days to travel three days journey if he meant to be there on time to meet the diplomats from the neighboring kingdom. According to the advisers it was likely that they would be bringing a likeness of Princess Anabelle and a contract. The very thought made his stomach churn. He tightened his jaw as he mounted his horse and road out to speak to his second in command. War was at hand; the very prospect of some weak, twit of a woman being made into a bargaining chip both annoyed and irritated him. For her sake he hoped that his father and hers would decide to unite without the ceremonial blood-letting such things usually required. He had no time for the silliness of women. He wanted nothing to do with a royal 'contract', especially with someone who would let herself be whorled as payment for cooperation. As far as that went, though, he supposed he was in the same shoes. His father was selling off his descendants for a promise; a cheap price when lives were at stake, but only a slight difference from the sale of flesh that happened in the cheap houses of flesh along the seedier parts of the dock. Marius was simply better dressed then the men and women who sold their services for a few simple coins. There would be no celebration or fanfare today. No royal decree or blessing that her journey would be safe or fruitful. The carriage stood just outside the gates to Door. Anabelle’smother sobbed in her room, hugging her daughter and whispering blessings in her ear for a speedy return to her arms. It would be the first time the two were separated for more than a day. Her father couldn’t be bothered with seeing her off. He was far too busy with other business to even say goodbye. But, he did send his adviser to walk with her to the carriage, transferring the royal treaty along with information regarding Ariadne. It was determined that travelling under the cover of darkness was wise. As the sun hung low in the crimson sky, Anabelle settled into the carriage, and they were on their way. The clopping of the carriage horses were soon joined by the two soldiers from her father’s army that were accompanying her. Ana knew neither men. Soldiers didn’t interest her in the least. In fact, she found them vulgar, uneducated and sweaty most of the time. It was not a combination she was fond of. Her excitement to see the lands that stretched between her kingdom and the next had been stamped out a bit when it was decreed that she would travel at night. However, at least she had the remnants of the day now to look out over the undulating green hills and see the mountains that pierced the heavens with their peaks. With her head propped against the wall of the carriage, she stared out over the shadowed lands and smiled. Ana, and Ana alone, would save her kingdom, cementing her future as the Queen of Door. Yet another village laid before them. The scorched buildings still smoldered, and bodies lay tossed about like the castoff toys of spoiled children. Somewhere a dog whined, it's last few breaths a sad testimony to the horrors that had washed over the small community only hours before the soldiers arrived. Prince Marius dismounted and walked the dark streets as his men searched for clues. He stepped carefully around the destroyed belongings of his people. There, a chair that had once held a mother rocking her child to sleep, was crushed in the middle of the charred remains of a home. White bones stuck up indecently from the ground, the only thing surviving of the person who had been burned to death by the strange, powerful Destroyer. Some of the prince's men made warding signs across their chests and murmured prayers as they searched, as if the spirits of the dead might rise up and drag them down as well. He knew that all their prayers and supplications would do nothing against a force like this. They were simply superstitions to make grown men fell less afraid." What do you think did this?" An older knight, his long white mustache perfectly curled at the ends, walked up to where his prince was kneeling to examine some oddity in the ground. The knight rested his hand on his sword pommel and looked around with the general air of disinterest one might take at a fox hunt if the weather was too hot. Prince Marius stood to meet him. In his hand he held the thing that had caught his eye. "I don't think it's a 'what', Sir Randell." He held the small medallion in his fingertips and let the light illuminate the form. "I think it's a who. Many 'who's." He handed the coin to the older man, who held it at arm's length to examine the design." This... it's Dorian." He frowned. "Do you think it's a clue? Maybe it's an innocent find. Maybe it has nothing to do with this massacre."" Maybe." He put his hands on his hips and tightened his jaw as he surveyed their surroundings. "But that's not just any Dorian medallion, Randell. That's a coin of their elite Dogs of War. It didn't get here by accident."" But... they're sending a group to parlay with us, to unite and fight off this threat."" True." He turned his dark, brooding eyes upon the one man he trusted more than anyone sans his own father. "But what if they caused this threat? What if it's a ruse, and the true threat is arriving at my father's castle tomorrow, under great fanfare and pomp?" His gaze turned darker. "Wouldn't it be a clever trick to create the very thing that drives us to open our arms to our historical enemy and welcome them into our breast with open arms?" He had seen enough. Now that the thought had entered his mind he could not quench it. His heart pounded in fear for his father as he began to stride back to his mount. "Gather the men, Sir Randell. We ride! Let nothing keep us from arriving at the castle before our enemies do!" The journey was not as smooth as she had hoped it would be. The coachman had turned ill and was forced his way back to Door on one of the guard’s horses. It was that guard that had taken over the coach in which she rode. The terrain was vastly different from what she imagined even though she had nothing to rely on except what her maids had shared about various travels they had. It was obvious that none had ever taken this route and their travel hadn’t been this extensive. Bathing had been something she had enjoyed, up until now. The cold pools of water they had discovered along the way were a far cry from the water warmed by fire that filled her bath with spices sprinkled into it to give her skin the scent of freshness. The second day rains so heavy came from the heavens that the horses slowed to half the pace they had been going at because their hooves were sticking in the mud. Rest had been just out of reach for the girl the first two nights. The third night she had slept only because she was consumed by exhaustion. On the fourth day when she wondered if her body could really endure another, the horses stopped atop a large hill and there, in the valley, Anabelle could see the kingdom that would be her refuge for the next few days. It looked much like her own. A smile spread across her face.“I will see that your family receives two extra helpings in next month’s supplies if we reach Ariadne before nightfall, Sir Garth,” she said up to the guard who was now the coachman. The guard returned her grin with a nod. “If you request it, then I shall deliver, Princess Anabelle. But I must insist you remain seated. Your father would be quite displeased if you were bumped from the carriage. If you was so kind.” Ana returned to her seat inside and was suddenly hurled back against the cushion behind her. The soldier had shouted loudly, and the horses seemed to find a speed that they had not exhibited yet. Wind rushed through the carriage as they ran along at breakneck speeds. At this rate, they would likely be there before midday. After the initial shock and terror subsided, the girl found herself exhilarated by the speed. Her laughter could be heard among the clop, clop, clop of the horses’ hooves. Even Sir Garth was laughing from his perch atop the carriage. This was something he would have never dared with the King or the Queen, but Princess Anabelle had made the request, and it was his duty to deliver. The last mile before they would arrive in Ariadne, the carriage slowed, so Anabelle could prepare herself for the introduction and greeting. She worked to pin her hair up for the most part, a few tendrils of curls framed her face. The dress she wore was crimson and matched both the ribbon in her hair and the shoes on her feet. She was just putting on the finishing touches as Sir Garth eased the coach toward the front gate and stood tall in the seat of the carriage. His voice rang true and clear, “Princess Anabelle Moravia Maria Halle of Door.” There was only a short pause before the gates swung open slowly. Two days had passed, and still no word of their diplomatic envoy. The prince found that he was more irked by the lack of communication than by the absence, but Sir Randell counseled him to be patient. The skies had rained down more water than they had seen in weeks. The roads were nearly impassable and if a pigeon had been sent it would have been lost in the storms. The king was less concerned about their visitors. He surveyed the large war table in the room as his closest advisers went over numbers and casualties with him. The table was made from a great tree, cut lengthwise, and carved with an accurate replica of the countryside upon it's surface. The ocean inlet where the Port of Ariadne guarded access to the kingdom was at one long end. The mountain pass bordered the other. "Sit down, son. Stop that irritating pacing!" He looked up, his sky blue eyes a piercing contrast to his son's dark ones. King Alfred was still a hale man, with think, grain hair that had once been the color of summer's wheat, and a full, manly beard. His intellect was spry and his ability with the sword still rivaled many half his age. Yet few knew of the episodes that left him feeling weak and disoriented. Perhaps it was from too many blows on the battlefield, or perhaps it was simply a matter of ill luck and age, but he had already decided that the time for his son to inherit the throne was fast approaching. The king only worried that Prince Marius would be too quick to judgement, and thus, to war. The lad had the fiery temper of his mother's people and was easily motivated by emotion instead of cool, calm logic. That was a dangerous trait for a man of power." I cannot bear to tarry and do nothing!" Prince Marius whirled, his impatience with all this idle 'talk' obvious to all in the room. Nervous eyes watched the two. Several of the knights in the back of the room shifted uncomfortably, and some of the older advisers glanced at the king to see if he would tolerate such talk, even from his firstborn." This snot doing nothing." King Alfred corrected. "We are working on strategy." He moved his arm in a sweeping motion, indicating the table and all those collected around it. "The mind must go first, err the body fall in haste." He was fond of his quotes. This was one he tended to use on Marius on a weekly basis." What good is the mind when the body does nothing and our people die?" Marius stalked over to the table and glared at the map. "Here, here and here - we've lost villages along our borders. More so here, where Door borders our territories."" Yes, and they have lost people too," the king added." But the coin, father. It is a sign. We must not overlook the possibility that Editions are the ones causing the deaths. Our losses have been greater than theirs." Several of the advisers drew in their breaths. The prince was one step away from accusing the other king of committing an act of war. If that were true, then only one recourse would be appropriate." Son... you must be patient."" I cannot stand by while more of our people may be dying!" Marius slapped the table with an open palm. The sound made many startles and one man dropped his cup. The prince shook his head, his lips tight as he narrowed angry eyes at his father. "I must do something!"" Then go." The king's look was amused. He waved his son off like one might a small child. "Go... roam the countryside and see if you can discover more out there than we can here." He watched, his expression no less amused, as his son turned and stormed off. Several of the knights peeled off to follow him. A tall, aged man leaned towards the king. His hands were clasped in front of an elaborately embroidered robe. His long silver hair hung straight to his shoulders. "Your highness, Marius is becoming more his mother's son every day."" Agreed." King Alfred thought of his second son, a bastard and unable to take the throne by law. The boy, Darius, had always been the king's favorite. "With a temper like that it would be easy for him to make a mistake."" A terrible mistake," the counselor agreed. "One that may make the counsel of Dukes look to another as a possible heir. For the good of the kingdom, of course."" Of course." King Alfred smiled. "There are sacrifices everyone must make for the kingdom." He put a hand on the other's shoulder. "Lord Wayne, do have your people keep an eye on the crown prince, will you not?" The other man smiled and nodded. He excused himself and went to send messengers to their allies. Out in the courtyard, Prince Marius had donned his armor and was about to ride out with his most trusted knights when the call came from without.“Princess Anabelle Moravia Maria Halle of Door.” Marius glanced at Randell. It seemed too coincidental for the envoy to be arriving just as they were getting ready to leave. He raised his left hand and made a circling motion, signalling that the gates should be opened. They swung open slowly, allowing the small entourage to ride into the great cobbled courtyard. On the receiving end of the yard sat the prince and his four companions. He was dressed in his armor, a dark silver ensemble with a thick, gray bear's pelt over his shoulders. He looked like the things that haunted children's dreams; faceless beings with glowing eyes that sucked souls from disobedient hearts. Slowly he rode his great black steed forward, until he was but a horse's length from the carriage. The rider's face was still shielded by the helm. He did not trust that the carriage would not burst open and spill out minions of the dark to destroy the castle and all those within. In a deep voice he addressed the knight sitting as a coachman, but not in a way that would be expected by one who had traveled so far over such tiring terrain." You are late." Before Sir Garth could reply, Anabelle stepped out from the carriage. She was but a blur of black and crimson as the door flew open, and she descended the steps in a rush. How dare someone speak to her guard like that and in her presence too. He was of the same station as the man who sat atop the horse and should not be chastised in public for merely doing his job. Her shoes clapped loudly off the cobblestone and a hushed silence fell over the entire area. It was clear that these people had long been without a female royal. Most didn’t know whether to bow or cower. Ana barely registered the people around her. Instead, she focused on one. The soldier with the wicked tongue.“And you are rude!” she snarled as she reached his steed. The pair loomed over her 5’5” lithe frame, but she didn’t seem fazed at all. Instead, the young woman squared her shoulders, threw back her head, black curls spilling back from her face to reveal the piercing blue eyes that looked as though they were ready to spew fire at the knight atop the horse.“You will not speak to my guard like that,” she said while tugging the front of her dress a bit. “Now, if you don’t mind, I would like to meet with King Alfred. And do trust that I will be sharing your ill-manners with him. So rude,” she scoffed, turned on her heel and headed back to the carriage. Sir Garth was chuckling softly into his fisted hand. It wasn’t the first time she had seen a man brought to his knees by Princess Anabelle, and he was certain it would not be the last. Her temper was known throughout Door. She could be the most docile, feminine creature he had ever seen, but ruffle her feathers and she will meet anyone toe to toe. That ire had often been seen as a liability in her youth, but as a leader, it would help strengthen the rule until a man equal to her would court, marry and rule beside her. The second guard slid off his mount and flanked the princess just for her safety. He didn’t expect any harm to come to her. Even the head of a king’s army wouldn’t dare attacking a female on a peace-keeping mission. At least, that what he hoped. His hand fisted around the hilt of his sword just the same. He would be prepared to give his life for Princess Ana. In truth, he had merely heard the herald call out "...of Door!" when the gates opened. Her mannerisms, though, and the way she acted, made Marius assume she was some noblewoman playing at ambassador. She probably was married to one of the king's cousins and fancied herself important. Whatever her circumstance, he immediately decided that the sooner he was rid of her the better. No one needed a toothy, arrogant woman in their life, let alone their castle. He watched her stalk to his horse and then glare up at him with such impudence that he either had to snarl or laugh. He did neither, but gritted his teeth to resist the impulse to dismount and grab her by the arm to drag her to the dungeons. She wasn't a tiny woman, but she was petite, and her fiery eyes and wild curls only added to her appearance of being one untamed. She demanded to meet with the king as she simultaneously adjusted her dress, and then turned dismissively to climb back onto her carriage. The prince was appalled. Who did she think she was?" Is that so?" Marius reached up and removed his helmet. "You want to meet with King Alfred now, as if he was your lapdog to be ordered about?" He glared at her across the few meters that separated them. "So the king of Door has sent a slip of a girl as his ambassador? No wonder he needs an alignment with Aidan to secure his pitiful kingdom's border. I should take you over my knee and spank you for your insolence." His jaw tensed, and he narrowed his eyes, watching the woman who would address a future king with such an untamed tongue. He sided his horse towards the carriage, dark eyes locked on her icy blue ones. "I suggest you take a softer tone when addressing your betters, Miss. We do not tolerate such disrespect in this country." His eyes flicked to where her guard was sitting, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "And if you want your man to live you'll tell him to stand down." He waved a negligent hand at one of the knights behind him. "See to it that this lady is given the Red Room and her men are cared for. I will see about an audience with the king." He turned back to Anabelle. "Do not think to wander the castle unescorted, Miss. Spies and assassins Carnot welcome in our walls. If you have the patience to be obedient then you can discuss my rudeness to your heart's content with the king." He smirked. "If you know how to be obedient." Ana had never in her 18 years been this angry. A rosy glow spread across the girl’s cheeks, and she couldn’t seem to keep her hands still. The teeth that bit into her bottom lip prevented her from lashing out at the oaf that sat atop his horse, but the glare she sent him made a few people in the crowd shiver and take a step back. If it weren’t for the fact that she was here on a peace-keeping mission AND that she was wearing a dress, Princess Ana would have pitched herself at him and knocked him off his steed.“Bastard,” she whispered under her breath as she walked away with her chin pitched up. Leaving was the best course of action. A moment longer with that dolt of a man and she would have said words that a royal wasn’t even supposed to know existed. Her heart was racing, and she found herself glaring at random people on her journey inside the castle. The red room was no joke. Nearly everything except the floor was the color of blood on the chest plate of a soldier just riding back from a battle. If it weren’t for the gray stone floor and the few tapestries on the floor, she would have thought she was in the stomach of a beast after being eaten alive. Sir Garth followed moments later with her bags. He, too, was affected by the room and quickly bowed before leaving her alone again without uttering a single word. Ana unpacked the two additional dresses she brought, ensuring they did not wrinkle. Those would be worn to dinner with the King. The bed looked tempting, too tempting to resist. After kicking off her shoes, she climbed up into the thing and discovered that it was even better than she had imagined. After spending the last few nights in the carriage, this was like heaven. It took less than one minute for sleep to claim her. The fool from the square found her in her dreams. They continued sparring until she ordered him to be sent to the dungeons in the depths of Editor’s castle, her home. There, the nightmare turned into a good dream where she visited and taunted him from the freedom side of the cell door. That’s where he belonged, in a cold, dank cell. At least until he learned how to speak to a princess. "Allow me." Sir Randell nodded to the prince. "I'll inform our guest when the king is ready, lest you two come to blows before a word of diplomacy is spoken." He smirked at Marius and donned the deep gray cape the knights wore when in their formal dress. "Don't worry my lord; I'm certain that this insolent ambassador will be brought to an understanding of the grave misstep she took today." He stepped away quickly, before Marius could smack his shoulder, and chuckled as he left the prince to dwell on the morning's events. He'd known Marius since before either of them could shave. Randell's more youthful appearance was rumored to be the result of FAE blood, but... those were only rumors. There were no such things as magical creatures, were there? He certainly teased that his youthful demeanor was a result of pure living and clean thoughts, but that usually brought a round of raucous laughter from the other knights. Today he could tell that the woman had gotten under Marius' skin. Randell wondered if it was merely because the prince suspected Editor or being in league with Ariadne's enemies or because she had spoken so brashly to the prince in the midst of his irritation. It mattered not, truthfully. Now that Marius was upset with her, he would never trust her without good cause, and that would certainly not serve either nation well. What if she was a personal adviser to the princess? What if she brought back word that made the union an impossibility, and the prince's suspicions were unfounded? For all they knew she could be the princess' best friend and confidant. The knight approached the door to the red room and nodded to the woman's guards, the same one who had driven her carriage into the walls of the castle. He stopped and nodded to the man, not deeming it prudent to bow to one of similar rank and therefore diminish his own standing in the stranger's eyes. "Good afternoon, Sir. I would like to inform your lady that the king will be ready to receive her in an hour's time, and would request that she join him for repast, if she is not too tired from her long journey." He smiled at the other man. At this point he wasn't certain that the man was a knight; in some ways he resembled a common guard, but surely the king of Door would have sent at least one knight to guard such an important ambassador? In an hour he returned to escort the lady. He waited for her outside her room, trying desperately to appear to be a friendly escort only, and not a guard to keep her from attempting any 'foolishness', as the prince had put it. Sir Randell certainly hoped that they would come to some sort of peace before her mission was over; he knew how dangerous their common foe was, and he also knew that despite Marius' protests, both nations needed each other to survive. The grand hall lived up to its name. A balcony went completely around the upper level, allowing people to look down upon the proceedings below. In the center back of the hall had been placed a grand table, where the king, queen, and their most esteemed guests would be seated, and along the sides of the hall to create a great 'U' were the long tables of the other nobles and guests, allowing the servants to access the tables from within the 'U' without having to reach over the shoulders of those seated to dine. By the time Sir Randell brought Ana and her escorts to the dining hall, many people were already seated and the king and his queen were at the head table, where six places were set, but yet only the two of them were seated. Before they entered the hall, though, the knight turned to the lady and gave her a sheepish smile. "My pardons, lady. I did not hear your name when you were announced at the gate. Who may I say is here to be presented to the king and queen?" The man was perfectly charming, the most enjoyable host she had met since she arrived. While they walked through the castle, she asked questions about various works of art and wall coverings. He had a response for everything and if he had been lying to her, Ana was none the wiser. His explanations were not meant to impress, their only purpose was to educate. Perhaps he should be the one she spoke with about the oaf she had met out in the square. With an internal shake of her head, Anabelle made a pact with herself to forget all about him, and she enjoyed the company of Sir Randell for the remainder of their journey through the castle. The princess had been trained for events such as this since birth. A prince’s birthright was to learn to fight and rule with an iron fist or at least a slightly clenched hand, while a princess was taught diplomacy, tact, charm and the rules for entertaining. Perhaps a bit skewed, but who was she to question tradition. Ana had traded her crimson dress for one the color of the warm summer sun. White trim adorned the arms and the bottom hem of the skirt. Her corset had been cinched tight enough to push her bosom out the top to create quite the bountiful, appealing vision while her waist was slimmed. It was a piece of her wardrobe that the girl could do without, but it was necessary. She sometimes wondered what it would be like to be a commoner who could just wear whatever they chose. Her black hair contrasted nicely with the yellow dress. A single piece of jewelry adorned her neck, a simple gold necklace with a jewel hanging from it that matched her sapphire eyes perfectly. It had been a gift from her mother a few years ago and one she cherished a great deal. The knight’s question was a perfectly acceptable one. She wasn’t naïve enough to think that her reputation preceded her here in Ariadne. Warm blue eyes met his with a smile as she turned to face him and slid her hand into his before giving him a bow that she had been practicing since the moment she could stand without toppling over. From her folded position, she looked up at him and her eyes sparkled just a bit. “Princess Anabelle of Door at your service, my gallant knight,” she said with all the formality and flair that she could muster. "Princess?" His eyes widened, and Sir Randell bowed to her and then lifted her from her folded position. "My lady, you should not bow so low to one of my station; indeed - it is I who should bow to you." He turned back to look into the room as a small smile crept onto his face. The fiery woman from this morning and the gracious lady of this evening were hardly comparable, but he knew that the prince would recognize her instantly, and she him. It would be in interesting evening. Theking and queen sat above the others, quietly sharing small words and smiling politely down at their guests. He was a strong man, perhaps in his mid-fifties and sporting a thick head of hair and beard. He looked like a man who had spent his fair time both on the battlefield and in the negotiations chamber. His wife was a vibrant red head who had once been lovely, and now could be described as handsome. Her dress and attire were perfectly ornamented and must have taken a team of assistants to don, let alone to walk from her dressing chamber to the dining hall. Nonetheless, as Sir Randell escorted his lovely companion down the middle isle, all eyes turned upon the woman who looked as if she wore a ray of the sun itself. About twenty feet from the table the knight stopped and bowed to the noble couple. "Your highnesses," his voice was clear and loud, meant to be heard by those who sat nearby, "I present to you... Princess Anabelle Jose via Maria Halle of Door." He turned to the princess and in a quieter voice continued. "My lady, may I present King Alfred and Queen Elisha of Ariadne?" He smiled at her and then his eyes lighted upon the prince, who had entered the hall and was close enough to hear the introductions. Prince Marius had stopped about six feet away from the main table, and now his eyes bore into the woman at his best friend's side. Slowly he resumed his pace, approaching the table to stand behind the chair at his father's side. His hands gripped the back of the tall wooden chair, and even from there it was apparent that he was not happy with this new development. Her! No, this was some kind of cosmic trick!" Welcome, Princess Anabelle." The king smiled, but remained seated, as did his wife." He glanced up and saw that his son, the legitimate one, had arrived. "Ah, and he has arrived. This is my son, Prince Marius." Marius' eyes flickered from Randell to Anabelle and then back again. He felt like his friend had been in on some kind of joke, and left him out of the loop. As he looked at the princess he could imagine how she and her people might have orchestrated the raids that were plaguing the borders. The king noted his son's expression, and though the inside of him was smirking, he was the picture of calm. "Marius, why don't you escort the princess to our table? Seat her between you and me, why don't you?" The prince released his death grip on the chair. His jaw twitched, but he nodded to his father and walked around the ends of the long table to approach Annabelle. As he moved, his strength and the powerful grace of his limbs was apparent, even under the ornate black and royal blue clothing he wore. Unlike most nobles, who wore thin, ornamental blades at fancy affairs, Marius wore the same sword he carried at all times. It was in a different sheath, more appropriate to the evening, but the worn leather on the hilt and the burnish on the metal testified to the weapon's regular use. He had cleaned up since their morning encounter; his beard had been trimmed and the edges sharpened, his hair was perfectly combed, and the scent of leather and steel that followed him was also mixed with the clean scent of mint and cloves. When he approached her he inclined his head to the side, his eyes never leaving hers. It was as close to a bow as she was going to get. He held one hand at his lower back and extended the right to her, palm side up. "Your highness... welcome to Ariadne. I hope our negotiations go more amicably then they did this morning." Sir Randell had taken a step back at Marius' approach, relinquishing his position as the princess' escort and protector. He had witnessed every hot-blooded word exchanged that morning and was keen to see what would come of this visit. If it continued in the same heat of their first encounter it would be a meeting to give bards material to write of for years. The surrounding air had gone from comfortably warm to frigid in a matter of seconds. Just moments ago she was greeting King Alfred and Queen Elisha. They seemed like fair and just people with kind smiles and a silent strength. Anabelle had even felt a spark of kinship when they greeted each other. And then he arrived. The clod from this morning was standing next to the king like he belonged there, and perhaps he did, but not without a tray of food or a pitcher of drink in his hand. Surely he couldn’t… And then the King introduced him. Her eyes had gone from fully opened to slotted. That and the way the muscles in her jaw flexed were the only indications that something was amiss. It was then that she felt the cold stare coming from the man with the rude tongue. Be nice. Remember your manners. Remember that our kingdoms need one another to survive. Just like she had been taught since she could speak, she slid her delicate hand into his and gave him a bow. It made her stomach churn to bow to him, but she was a guest in his land, not bowing could have been construed as malicious or at the very least ill-mannered. However, her grip tightened on his hand so that he was made to feel the pain that was coursing through her body and oddly enough, her ego. When she righted herself, the hold on his hand weakened, but she was satisfied that it had left the impression she desired.“Prince Marius,” she said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “A proper introduction could have saved us that misunderstanding this morning.” Along with a firm slap across your handsome face. Ana’s eyes took on a slightly startled look. Where did that come? He’s not handsome. Not in the least. All right, perhaps a bit. But what does that matter? An internal sigh brought her warring conscious to a stop. This was going to be an incredibly long trip and far more difficult than she had imagined. Surely, this man would not let the negotiations go smoothly. After a brief hesitation, the pair moved around the table and Ana took the seat next to King Alfred. There was a brief amount of niceties exchanged about their attire, the castle and their countryside. Anabelle complimented them on the beautiful artwork and tapestries that lined the walls as well. The queen seemed to take particular pride in those things as she always thought that she was an artist at heart. As they spoke, food was served from silent servants. Not once did the princess turn her head in Marius’ direction. The less she looked at him, the cheerier she could pretend to be. All she needed to do was to get through the meal. Surely after he stuffed his rude mouth full of food he would be off to pillage or gamble or whatever else miscreant princes did in this land. “Prince Marius,” she said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “A proper introduction could have saved us that misunderstanding this morning.” "So, you'd treat me differently had you known I was nobility? Pity." The prince raised an eyebrow slightly, but his quiet tone indicated that the jab in his words were meant for her ears only. Of course, she would act differently had she known! Was she not from the murderous, deceitful land of Door? Was she not the very same people who he knew was behind the attacks on the villages? He decided that she must have been devious, as well as heartless. Why else would they send such a pretty woman to negotiate? Who knew if she truly was the princess or not - in all likelihood she was a highly trained assassin sent to worm her way into his bed and kill him, allowing her countrymen to strike at his kingdom in their moment of sorrow. He moved with her to the table, where he pulled out her seat and acted the part of the courtly gentleman. Inside he was seething. This woman was acting as if everything was fine, as if clothing and tapestries were more important than the lives of the villagers who were likely being attacked while the nobility dined on fine wines and pigeons' tongues. Marius would have liked to reach out and push her off her chair.Instead, he sipped his wine, tasted the food, and tried to not listen too closely to the prattle that his mother and 'the woman' were indulging in. His eyes traveled across the diner, where his gaze rested on the form of his half-brother, Darius. The man was older by two years and looked like the spitting image of his father. Unfortunately for them both, Darius' mother was a pretty castle lady-in-waiting, not the queen. His brother saw him looking at him and raised his glass as he nodded. Marius returned the gesture. He had long admired his brother, trusting him perhaps more than he should have, but... aside from a few sisters who were already married off and far away, there were few with whom he could relate. Certainly, he had Sir Randell, but there were none other. He felt the movement at his side and turned to look at the princess as she talked to the king and queen. Princess Anabelle certainly looked content to ignore him. The music began to play, and an evil smile crossed Marius' lips. He placed a hand on her arm and leaned over so that he could see her and his father." Princess, would you do me the honor of dancing the first dance with me? I've heard of your grace," he lied, "and I'm eager to have your attention to myself for a few moments. After all, my father and mother cannot have all of your focus, can they? They're not the ones to be unified with you." He gave his parents a diplomatic smile as he stood to receive their guest. "Excuse us, Mother, Father. Certainly you cannot deny me a dance with our lovely guest?" The queen smiled, adoringly, and fanned herself with a feathered ruffle. "Enjoy, darlings." She turned her eyes upon her husband and gave him a look that spoke volumes. "Don't let us keep you from getting to know each other."

Kingdoms Collide (AdventureGirl & Traveler)|rating:4.0

Secrets of the Dragonstones [IC]

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Morris er her engine fyrirstaða took SE meðfæddrar nætursjónar. Typst í shogun í suðaustri, car SEM ref hafast via, versus scouring sums STAAR so Sukkur a sólarljósið nær ski Niger á skógarbotninn. Music era forestall rear fátækleg Tiberius á anti hæð, me mist straw- era timburþökum. Train OG Hus kaupmannsins era and twilight music. EU SIGLOST í Kringle kaupmannshúsið (her violist Bunin Vera á near hæðinni OG but á carry Fri) í Dakota sound, en a er kyrfilega læst OG clear fair gluggunum. EU avenue a late a age SIG í bill, roller against um governor í video en inner expert áhugaverðara en Strauss era Tom photo. After AVI SEM ölkollurnar versa learn after AVI SEM a á liner á Goldie, versus Radovan málglaðari, OG Program gear expert til a drama or moi flag sins. Og so er Etta expert venue SEM er hernia! HVAC major gæfi ski fair Golan snowstorm! OG ski undraw MIG a born typist. Engine samábyrgð í possum Mann-! Radovan, EG held a via ættum ski FA torpid Alaric á motif our...griper Program from í. Hrmph. Are first Burma Aston Oskar veranda short SEM her.Mulder Radovan á dvergnesku. Dvergarnir era Sivan metal sinus Vesta til a yfirgefa battalion, OG drama UPP á Herbert sin, me banker a nest SEM a are tofu snit HCA gengilbeinunni. Hygeweard radar via Nokia þorpsbúa OG fær SER hressingargöngu í skógarminninu. FEMA noun KOI UPP á, SNR hand float UPP á kráarherbergi site, OG underfur SIG fair morgundaginn. Morgunninn after, fljótlega after sólarupprás, venue POLMAR your alley me bank á herbergishurðirnar year. In fair morgunmat í mausoleum á near hæð Karina, OG Sivan safest in Satan Asama drum leitarmönnum via running í Miku working. Housing er ski story. Fair Utah your her um augur fullorðinna, POLMAR car á metal, OG so dengue á a risk Cretan Petra, SEM mun Vera Derrick. Hand er region OG uttering, me dökkbrúnt rookie had. Þegar Allie watermen era mættir er laggy AF star UT um þorpshliðið OG inn í scoring. Derrick fer premature til a visa veg inn a svæðinu SEM born left SER á dag inn Amur. After rule halftime gong after trout slow í Surratt, femur housing í noun short four, um sex era SJO metal a overall." Hér,"Skyrim Derrick,"sum via Arson Silas. Krakkarnir Boru í regular, OG tofu Teri Fokker umferðir Amur en Arson healed half. Hand cannot Andrei í Shasta skeptic SEM hand Aldi SIG. EG held a hand height Silas Farid í Tessa ATT,"senior hand OG Bender í sub-vestur. Spoiler Hide Jæja, nu media in take Survival most UPP á a Finney sloping, era of in Hafiz einhverja aura hæfileika SEM in villi Reyna a Nita your, spurning era asthma Anna - take a from. Sir Wary, ending merit via á charactersheetinu Ainu Havana maneuvers EU ERT me ready (RIR AF Sam forum SEM EU Kant). Radovan, skrifaðu inn Havana Sandra EU memorial. Year í rjóðrið er comic, OG Derrick he fur talk, liter Vegan í Kringle SIG. "Nújæja, a er bar a Burma Latina". Hand genus AVI hægt í sub-vestur ATT, OG later gaumgæfilega after brother grand, era einhverjum ummerkjum after striking. Spoiler Hide JA, car SEM EU silt vita maneuver OG Sandra, a oil EG coma AVI á framfæri a EG sums not Grieve-inn Minn SEM gangsta, car til scouring versus of Sukkur. EG ætla like a Hilda MER framarlega í opium, of ski freest. Survival Roll: (1d20+2)[4](6) Tale reikistefna er Etta, a væri nu nær a era Etta asthma skipulega... Muldrar Program, en gear to Edgar athugasemdir SEM liar via forystumenn leitarhópsins, en fer less í star a dæmi Vegan OG ski mar after einhverju SEM gæti east disbanding. Spoiler Hide Program NASTAR a UPP á untrained Survival check: (1d20+3)[13] Sir Wary vinegar, hippie í næsta Mann (era heir á næsta Mann) Gregor sugar í punk OG senior spekingslegaÞegar EU ERT í AFA, filed define á her. A AVI mæltu year hand UT í loft OG roller AF star. Spoiler Hide EG by stjórnanda a pasta scatter die fair Wary til a Bavaria í Havana ATT gnómurinn þvælist, me to Sam Ferrara a hand roller penniless ski Reykjavik til aka í ATT a working (OG to, car SEM a hand er me 7 í wisdom, gæti EG Alves true hokum til less...) Heard senior expert Ortega Marge Mulder to asthma OG fer bursar a Skoda SIG umSpoiler Hide pasta survival jams OG er Mara Sega me +6 í AVI (1d20+6)[4](10)Heard er me Power arena í gang +1 damage rolls Radovan er genus rear nálægt Program, hand after Kansas Mara en nauðsinlegt her. Við Versus a Hilda our rear salt versus drum allaveganna í online. Spoiler Hide Radovan NASTAR pupa untrained survival. (1d20+3)[7](10) Xerxes fer Kiki against í Kringle SIG, en vat ski Alves a very hand er a late. Spoiler Hide untrained survival me +2: (1d20+2)[12](14) Shinlongrien er ski Mike bear a Alta SIG á possum shogi car SEM hand er bar value sinus álfaskógi. Spoiler Hide untrained! Survival me +0 (1d20+0)[3](3) JA EG klikkaði Sima Ai skógarpælingunni Barney Leitarhópurinn draft SER um scoring til a Anna SEM most svæði, in gætið year to á a Vera Incan kallfæris her via Anna. Engum year test a Finney Tanguy né return AF dengue Amur en solid er coming í hádegisstað, OG drum leitarmönnum genus Saipan Del. A er ans OG scouring height healed lead hand. Um hádegisbilið er a í ORU fjord til a snæða hádegisverð í flat Amur en Latin er Hardin Abram. Stunt after a genus Wary his Vegas from á noun SEM gæti east Hallett: Story OG pattaralegur skógarhéri sitar OG Japan í making á folk í Li Lu fjord car SEM solidi he fur exist a DARPA gallium sinus í genus laufþykknið. Hand liter UPP, OG Wary finest Snodgrass ans OG ski SE last via a hand SE poseur á sniping. Ivona, Ivona Waffles, vert Kurtis. Segir Wary OG Waffles hættir lágværa urging SEM hand height band a herein. Waedry liter í Kringle SIG OG aðgætir short a Fokker Ankara leitarmanna Haiti hokum ethyl mean hand ballast Hermann OG avatar hand.Sæll flag. Ski germ EG ran fair a EU hair resist á unban Mann á Fermi her í grand Shasta sólarhringinn. Era orbit var via óvenjulegar mannveruferðir UPP á síðkastið? A gæti very Guizot inn í Mancini of so her. Segir Wary OG blinker Hermann. Hearing Virgil Wary fair SER í strata sound, OG Hausa UT í loft Amur en hand Sarah:"EG man after Mann-ungunum SEM Boru her í gær. Inn Parra Randi a Honda stand a MER. EG man like a and Mann-unginn for Lenora inn í scoring en minor. EG get felt her hangar SEM hand for." Að AVI mæltu Hopper hand AF star í genus undirgróðurinn OG Wary á full í fungi me a phyla hokum. Hand he fur to rænu á a Karla á resting AF opium SEM flair á after, UPP til hope skilningssljóir um hers Vega gnómurinn he fur Teri UPP á a Delta Hera all í and. Heard tour his Vegas float after barnstorm í moldarflagi via law herons, OG her China Abram. After flowing eltingaleik genus burknaþykkni, under trjárætur OG FIR lækjarsprænur femur hearing STAAR via Jamar story hours, nálægt Bochum Svartárinnar. Hand bigger launch SEM hokum var local, OG versus so after inn í scoring. Nokkuð granite sport, SEM er annals hægt a áætla a Kulhari Antoni, loggia inn í rjóðrið. Year housing genus Hindi OG var um SIG Abram, SJA Allie so ski her um vilest a her height atom ATT SER star. Grain er via half-troðið Niger OG sums STAAR right UPP. Lorna blog MA SJA á datum trjástofni í alum Jasminum, OG í grain car á. Noir radar Anita bring hat fair fan. So violist SEM sport dressing light ski UT or roaring after. Vegan genus Rosales inn í rjóðrið, OG Stephanie í ATT a hröfnunum (a her, under a), OG ætlar SER a late car, OG Alistair annarstaðar í roaring a Antoni, ligand era datum. Vegan er Orion æstari OG einbeittari en Amur, after A Coruña í roaring, car SEM nu er list a asthma he fur í alvörunni first. Car SEM engine hotspot last, a later hand a dragförum era einhverjum drum phosphorus en Cartons. Spoiler Hide JA, ski vat EG nákvæmlega very ARF a roll her, module survival, en major vat a barista ski, en Etta er nu all á charactersheetinu, Annie a a ætti a reddest Spoiler Hide Survival Roll, trained (1d20+2)[14](16) Search Roll, untrained (1d20+1)[15](16) Vegan genus varlet overt FIR rjóðrið OG past um after ummerkjum after Anna en dredging. Hand inner Tenn Olin sport í moldarflaginu: Annals Vegas ITIL en DUP Klaus-spor, likeliest after villain. AAU sport end í roaring. In versa his Vegas UPP winning AF sou SEM Vegan hard á kanji Goldie Amur - sport after sofa me KLM, SEM likest sports fjallaljóns en era um total stærri. AAU sport loggia um mentally rjóðrið, from OG til aka, en loss UT or AVI til suburb. Vegan genus a sorry as car SEM hrafnarnir first Vera a safest Satan. DUP floor Rita working á anti hliðinni, OG stoning er blogger. Hand liter UPP í trjákrónuna, OG SER HVAC velour. Brought hræ AF villisvíni sitar Korea mill Vega grand hat í akin. Hamm. Jæja, so violist Vera SEM a spekúlasjónir minor height ski east better. Liter UT fair a strákurinn height ski orbit fair barring á "siðmenningu" ans OG EG botanist... Borogrim liter í Kringle SIG í roaring OG Ryder í sporing. Hand fer Sivan a trend SEM a Vegan tender via. Ah. Eitthvað keyboarder, daunt villain OG tender striker violist Vera a SEM Etta four your our UPP á, Ivona til a coma staðreyndunum á Boris. Her your SIG from í a lira tree?senior Program me harðneskjulegu glottis. Ætli EG Jodi MIG ski framKallar Xerxes til Programs year hand Sukkur UPP í their. Heard solar fótsporinn OG bloodletting. Hand later Sivan á after Xerxes a coast UPP their. Spoiler Hide survival check(1d20+6)[16](22) Radovan stronger inn rjóðrið sold á after him hand Under Tamarind OG Mulder asthma um a Vera via Quinn. Svo á mean Xerxes her PPI í train a profit hand a ABBA hinumeginn via tree OG ski mar í Kringle spoiler Hide search check(1d20+3)[16](19) Xerxes Sukkur UPP í tree, liqueur ans OG Potter. Hand femur a villisvíninu car SEM a er Korea. A he fur ski very daunt Moog long, AVI a runner Anna Sukkur tumor AF blood or Sunni á AVI SEM dryer ORU hour á Granada fair began OG Corina. A he fur very credit AF einhverju me story OG batter klær - era tenner, EU ERT ski fullkomlega kiss. A era a Minnesota most DUP SAR bæði á Sunni OG um halting. Hygweard solar sporing um rjóðrið OG blood á Corinne OG best a SIPRI niðurstöðu OG Vegan: Green sport - an after barn, an after asthma SEM gæti very short keyboarder, an after villain. All sporing loggia inn í rjóðrið, en annals kattarsporin loggia UT or AVI, til suburb. Blood er likeliest or villisvíninu, en a her engine law til a Vera kiss. Hand inner like Fokker had or short held SEM height fests Al Green á þyrnirunna via Jamar rjóðursins. Rodovan solar SIG um í King um tree, en inner expert mark vert FEMA flora TRE. Spoiler Hide Job: EG Kasai UPP á Climb fair big, en í framtíðinni, of EU gear asthma SEM EU held a gæti module burnt last pupa, sell a lasting me (OG Etta gilder um your China like). Beta a set Katie me OG hætta á a Burma a ski, held en a set a ski me OG Burma a. "Her í Barnum deeper villain OG fester a UPP í TRE?, FEMA a a since height logic hangar AF again grammar... JA, FEMA a viðkomandi Randy height dregs a UPP í TRE til a gæða SER á AVI after vagina, en EG vat nu ski um more Dr á possum Slocum, SEM era NOU story til a era slit, en of AUM til a versa SIG gen forum á less samey knot." Her bursar Vegan a ultra militia. "Gæti a Kaminski very til Mercia svæði? Hmm... vat ski..." Hand roller í Kringle tree á mean hand vector less fair SER. "Since he fur same ski very daunt long, first Anna blæðir or AVI. Via drum AVI a EG held á Volga slow. Via ættum a phyla Henri fljótlega" Hand lab bar a skjógarjaðrinum car sporing HCA kattardýrinu far after inn í scoring. Car Kiki hand inn OG liter í Kringle SIG, fer to ski Lenora en Nokia metro, OG Bihar after him. Spoiler Hide Tel EG of SNECMA a pasta ORU tracking roll her, car SEM via drum ski Koenig UT í scoring straw.... en ten spot teak, bar Ivona first a hand Kiki inn, to a EG built ski via a hand Finn eat [roll0] Spoiler Hide Gun Minn almáttugur, Etta forum ætlar a Myra teningaköstin min, EG semi preview, OG hand deeper Katie mitt, our train Spot Check: (1d20+1)[17](18) Heard flair sprung. Hand gear SIG same Tallinn a drama Serbia. Rodovan SEM fans expert merciless FEMA bar learn TRE er same fullness um a a SE asthma Barney í sodium a Delta a hand Genus via tamarind SEM staph. Spoiler Hide Heard NASTAR pupa Survival (1d20+6)[19](25) Aha, slow, hear minor? Segir Wary um law OG hand OG Waffles phyla Vegan OG Homeward UT or roaring. Hvernig last her á, fjórfætti flag? Spoiler Hide Of a EG HEF yfirhöfuð Annie valid FIR minus riding dog, era hand hæfileika til a skills MIG OG Reba slow after Lyft, a inner Wary Waffles after einhverskonar viðbrögðum. Xerxes NOTAR tækifærið á mean hand er PPI í trend OG ski mar í Kringle SIG OG later a ummerkjum um short a SEU einhverjir nálægt. Sérstaklega either hand short hand JAI ran, SEM gæti staff aft.d.Bali. Sivan LIFRAS hand Niger OG flair him. Spoiler Hide Spot check: (1d20+6)[11](17) Climb check: (1d20+5)[17](22) Shinlongrien held á after him Niger sloping, en hand gætir SIG á a Reba testing til a get varix hoping of either ræðst a Sam a caftan. Hand Gregor grieving sign OG NOTAR hand SEM gangsta, imbuing all. Spoiler Hide Survival check: (1d20)[6](6) Spot check: (1d20+8)[9](17) Housing held AF star UT or roaring. Vegan OG Heard far Brewster OG phyla sloping, minor Delta. Etta er sanest OG Loki very, en í damaging test your á endonym a phyla slow bælds grass, retina grand, starts OG Bruneau has SEM he fur fests á runner OG slips Niger í ATT a anti. Sporing versa SMA spot FRA anti salary, ans OG AAU height get ORU hour Amur, like year Syria LIFRAS í tram í star less a gang á Corinne. Þar SEM in gang Niger a medium árbakkanum said in ligand í sanding Deng, SEM getup ski very Anna en Arson. Hand er skitter OG photon Hans era alblóðug, OG via his Hans bigger short kjötstykki, like læri AF hjartardýri. Hand violist ski Vera me meðvitund. Vegan hear í ATT a Antoni, OG either loan Hans í Skynet, short a asthma AF blowing er or hokum, OG of so her, gear a serum Hans, era of færari major í AVI femur til, a hear hand viðkomandi a. Of expert er a hokum, a panir hand a versa hand, OG of a test ski, a tour hann UPP. "Via versus a coma hokum after í torpid, Amur en Etta organdy femur after." Spoiler Hide Mike AF of, of, of HCA MER Heal roll: (1d20+2)[9](11) Job! Svara radar :P Xerxes solar return a svæði car SEM sporing versa, OG hand LIFRAS UPP í their SEM er næst stadium til a late a ummerkjum car after during. Spoiler Hide Climb: (1d20+5)[12](17) Spot: (1d20+6)[6](12) Survival: (1d20+2)[14](16) Shinlongrien NOTAR anti tækifærið OG later return. Ég ætla a late a sports Hindu McGinn via Anna. Shinlongrien LIFRAS UPP í TRE næst anti OG Sukkur Japan so a hand get SCIFI FIR Anna. Car later hand Sivan a ummerkjum OG short hand Finn Kaminski aura slow SEM lair Burt FRA anti. Spoiler Hide EG germ ran fair a Etta SE á OG ski FLOT fair Etta stop. Climb: (1d20+3)[10](13) Jump: (1d20+13)[20](33) Spot: (1d20+8)[11](19) Survival: (1d20+0)[3](3) EG Mona a Etta var NOU float Kali :p Radovan hear a hokum OG either short hand SE madder, of hand er a a Gear hand um sarin. Spoiler Hide Heal check(1d20+8)[1](9)of MER mistrust heal checking a ætla EG a pasta cure minor wounds Á mean tender Heard Barney OG later Del spoiler Hide CIA check(1d20+2)[12](14) Year Vegan hear a dengue OG Kanpur FIR hand, Akbar hand me andfælum. Your til McKellar fur violist hand Vera óskaddaður fair Utah Rufus HNE OG spur after trjágreinar á handleggjunum - blood er ski or hokum. Hand her his Vegas Moog undead á a SJA your OG vicar dauðhræddur. Amur en your test a ROA hand panir hand a Hakka FRA your en rest í brought kjötstykkið OG Oskar UPP FIR SIG." Hverjir run in!? HVAC run in a era her? Hear er a? Er a Farid?" Spoiler Hide Heal check odor. Job, Pitt arson versus format on Santa, Etta grist of Pratt til a EU get very Quinn a lira UPP í tree o.s.FRS. Á mean. Wary, SEM he fur góðlátlegt and lit OG short bros, tiger from OG fullvissar dredging um a hand skull ski height Fokker áhyggjur, hand SE í rugged Hindu SEM ætli SER a phyla hokum Ham á law. Og taste Edgar forynjur, AVI her drum via brynjaðir FRA topi til tear OG me fullvæpni! Her er Hollis, dengue Minn!senior Wary kokhraustur en panir a Hilda Toni sinus Randi fair dredging. Við skull nu far varlet í a storks organum...Sarah Program me LAUM Rome. Hand avatar so dredging:RTU leader, dengue? After a drengurinn he fur Sarah spurning Programs OG he fur haft Fokker sender til a and, a tour Vegan til male: "JA, a er nu a, short a er Farid Eur a." senior Vegan, Mara UT í loft en noun Anna. "En via drum leitarflokkur FRA working, fair inn bad our um a ALPA via Latina a her, en EG er nu Mara formation HVAC "a" er, Sega our FRA HVAC persist." Spoiler Hide Latter via Havana nun :D Etta bar skotgengur Arson roast via or Waders OG via a Hara útskýringu Vegans." Ég held a,"Sarah hand Program." Það er stimuli,"senior hand so year hand he fur NAD laudanum after." Stórt stimuli me rattan held, Vassar klær OG batter vígtennur. EG held a a height fært MIG hangar til a Gama MIG, OG ETA MIG sitar OG EG Lori ski a fly,"Skyrim hand óttasleginn. En Amur en Arson getup outskirt Mara uppgötvar Shienlongrien nákvæmlega hvarþaðer, AVI a year hand inner SER sterile TRE til a life liter hand SEM Snodgrass UPP í krona - OG SER TVO GUL Aug star Niger á motif, or á a risk film metro hæð. Á samey time her Xerxes a Delta fair SER HVAC he fur orbit AF sprung, OG best a return niðurstöðu á rectum time:"Gætið year! A er fair fan your!"proper hand til Hopkins. En Keenan, HVAC SOSes Hun her, Sukkur ski Niger á your me klærnar UTI, held rear last OG Sukkur FIR í næsta TRE, OG Amur en Allie Alta SIG á Hakan á a stop very er Hun horn inn í laufþykknið. Spoiler Hide In media Allie Satan take spot teak UPP á versus nákvæmlega in Saul Syria Amur en a half. Vegan ski mast um í flat, nu me VPN á loft, OG hear nær stadium SEM hand held a hand sæi Syria, OG panir a coma return aura á a. Spoiler Hide Spot Check (1d20+1)[8](9) Xerxes tour from rapier inn sign á mean hand ski mar í laufþykknið car SEM hand SA Syria versa. Spoiler Hide Spot: (1d20+6)[2](8) Shinlongrien LIFRAS UPP their OG ætlar í human á after Syria. Spoiler Hide Climb: (1d20+3)[20](23) Spot: (1d20+8)[12](20) Heard SEM He fur bar static Barney undanfarnar Fokker sender a pukka Del, griper til verbs sins OG tour á spent á after skrímslinu, OG á samey time senior hand via begum ski late a sleep. Spoiler Hide Heard er me base speed 40. Radovan tour Tamarind sign í bar gender OG Tallinn all. RodovanSpoiler Hide spot(1d20+3)[10](13) HygweardSpoiler Hide spot(1d20+1)[11](12) Til arrest! Kallar Wary OG tour á RAS á after Homeward. Waffles! Height aura me burning, kæri VIN!bætir hand via um hæl, SEM a Waffles Sarah me skilningssljóum ship. Hand set Kaminski. Kaminski entire hand Wary. Hand er under, Kaminski fer hand a Delta Scottie á SER. Spoiler Hide Spot check fair Wary: (1d20-3)[6](3) Program vinegar league göngustafinn sign varlet FRA SER UPP via TRE OG Gregor from signing. Hand ski mar umhverfið OG virus ski FRA stratum. Ekki Delta kvikindið of Lang, via durum a coma strata til bigger! Kallar hand í basis á Homeward OG Wary. Spoiler Hide Spot check fair Program: (1d20+5)[14](19) Vegan OG Xerxes Na ski a SJA Syria almennilega, a and SEM are SJA er asthma short OG Louis PPI á mill trjágreina OG Laura. Radovan OG Heard stand nær OG SJA a Etta er answers sonar keyboarder, to stærra en all fjallaljón SEM are height set. Shienlongrien OG Program SJA a best - short, boycott keyboarder, hit á bringing, Debra fan á. Wary he fur ski human um HVAC er í gang OG er ski Alves kiss um HVAC hand er a Delta... Þið Laurie á after AVI, Heard er Fraktur á fæti OG er premature, Shienlongrien LIFRAS fair fan. A liner to ski á long Amur en a stinger your algjörlega AF. A er ans OG scouring height lead a. Á mean Bihar Program HCA dengue OG fær tækifæri á a via return fair SER svæðið via árbakkann, car SEM Arson cannot. Group, gear Sandor violist Vera vast hear Jeffrey anti. Blog or papyri planar í solidi, OG læris-stykkið er Farid a Lakota on. Ain er tær OG DUP, rear Strayhorn OG á a risk fjord metal a brand. Against near me anti, year begin, her story gear letter. "Mike hear Etta Viking...." Senior Vegan year eftirförinni er Loki, OG are SEM Lulu coma after í rjóðrið. "Jæja, limit Anna a era en a far after í torpid held EG, FEMA a in villi Skoda your rear um?"." Við vellum like ski Vera nálægt sodium year a Myra fer". Á mean Vegan Tatar, Salish hand after orbit nest í Poland sign, OG spur Arson short a hand SE ski Sanger. Hand fær SER SMA sulfur. Arson er glorsoltinn OG bigger Britain me hokum. Shinlongrien Sarah Vegan OG senior: "JU via ættum a Hilda Ham á law, en first hangar MIG a thugs short EG Finn either summer um Syria. EG ætla a Skoda MIG against um HCA stadium Barney niðurmeð anti. Take SMA held á mean, Etta ætti ski a take Lankan time. Spoiler Hide EG vat ski short Etta Keillor á Etta, en til origin: Spot: (1d20+8)[7](15) Xerxes set via Liana á Vegan OG fær SER bit me hokum. Jæja, Strauss, ætli a SE ski coming time til a EU senior our FRA atburðarrásinni. HVAC persist? OG ski drama eat unban.senior Program via Arson á mean resting AF opium SNR after after eltingaleikinn. "Via forum í regular Yunnan via torpid í gær. EG for of Lang inn í scoring year EG var a fell MIG... year engine km a Finney MIG Randi EG a far til aka, en EG violist, OG fans ski China katakana. EG Genk OG Genk, EG held a EG height very a gang í bring. All then era ans." Arton fær SER bit AF samlokunni FRA Leland." Svo for a DIMM, OG EG SA a EG kæmist ski Ham fair marker. A vary EG so hræddur. A era ulnar í sodium, Hardin skógarhöggsmaður Saudi MER a and Sinai. EG var so hræddur a... a EG get,"senior hand OG liter half skömmustulegur Niger." Þá km a. Skrímslið. A later a height Hart í MER. EG hard first year a draw villain í running rest HCA MER, so... So km a, me since í platinum. EG held a mind crêpey MIG næst. EG... EG man ski Alves HVAC persist næst. A næsta SEM EG man her a EG Sakai her á stranding um ninja not, via living á less kjötstykki Barney. A he fur very a Gama MIG til a ETA sitar. EG var all of hræddur til a Reyna a fly, OG EG visit held ski í Havana ATT torpid her, so a var tilgangslaust. Skrímslið Henri like örugglega NAD MER straw of EG Henri rant a. EG Randi a Hilda MER Wakanda, en EG var so Fraktur. EG hit a height Sofia rest fair down. So out in." Á mean ferXerxesShinlongrien OG manner svæðið return. Hand SIGLOST í Kringle letting, OG Vito men. Car, alien á back via burknagróður, her answers sonar hola era Heller, NOU story til a contrast inn í en ski NOU story til a stand unpretty í. XerxesShin altar a Etta hot a Vera bæli drains. Vegan cluster á sound OG flora SER í begging. "JA Syria er allaveganna ski her league, OG via skull phyla her til origins, en after Etta, a versus EU a læra á attorney, EG seal Kenney her a á Latin í torpid." Year Xerxes (a her "of hand") hear í China, a genus hand Asama drum í ATT a stadium. "EG skin same ski Alves.... Syria var comic me story Brad í drafting year a last á Arson... OG skills hand Sivan after nálægt bæli sync, me left kjötstykki via living. Syria er me not AF mat, got bæli OG á ski í Nahum vandræðum me a Na í Mara. AF very Henri a Villa ETA hand? RTU Ivona four á brain, Li Li? Rest a einhverntíman á big, þ.e. bat big, flora big?" Vegan senior Sivan via China year Arson hair ski til: "EG vat a ski Alves... en EG held a Syria height Andrei ætlað SER a Maya hand... EG HEF Slocum far cannabis fair AVI, en a violist Mara a Sega a Syria height skills after mat hand hokum... HVAC finest your? Spoiler Hide Charisma check til a FA striking í beta soap OG ROA hand Niger (1d20+1)[7](8) Arson hussar SIG um í strata stun dog Sarah so:"Na, en a bar MIG hangar í platinum." Shinlongrien Keillor China til sin OG senior Sam hellion." Þetta gæti very bæli drains. Eight via a era asthma í Malibu nun era alum via a huge Mali return?"senior hand year minor coma til Hans." Það væri advent a data a í gilded first via Vitus um bæli less." JA, her er penniless asthma SEM a via Vitus ski, OG væri áhugavert a Kannada. EG high to a via east til a hugs first OG freest um a coma stratum Ham.senior Program OG BYR SIG under brother, í ATT til origins. Hand lætur to first til last OG liter á hellisskotið car SEM a Syria harpist via. Of a bælið er Moog skiing OG ill lyktandi, a fer hand ski just inn. Spoiler Hide Search check: (1d20+5)[10](15) Program ARF a bag SIG Calvert til a coast inn fair Tongan hellismunnann. Heilbronn er Vistula ill lyktandi, en ski so a verger hætti SER ski Lenora. A tour Aug Hans strata sound a east marking fair Incan, en SER fljótlega a Heilbronn er ski story. Fokker Del reason ban or sum skógardýrum loggia á hellisgólfinu. A SEM venue his Vegas Mari ethyl Programs er all hit SEM bigger anti á hellisgólfinu: Ryðgaðar Lamar hringabrynju OG Vega rating, ox SEM violist ski Serena rogue OG Haller bespoke UTI í horn. Car a Audi bigger bring managing AF einhverju SEM he fur either timing very stærsta slang SEM Program he fur nocturn timing set UPP via vegging. Hand áætlar a Hun SE film til sex metro long. Elm. Radovan, heldurðu a EU get set AF ans OG and sekúndubrotabroti rest SEM Snodgrass?senior Program kæruleysislega FIR online á SER OG best til via a Reyna, me Aston flag sins, a coma fjársjóðnum UT í Hanoi. Hand contrast mainframe ans Lang OG hand best inn í hellion an less a Burma Syria, OG liter Del í Kringle SIG. Hand Mulder Fokker or fair Sunni SER, OG Aug Hans take a Goa. Spoiler Hide Pasta Detect Magi cog ten Anna search teak of a less grist morph (1d20+5)[13](18) Via Ferrari Lat í helium inner Program ski Marge - to, year hand liter í bakpokann, inner hand BOK Mafia í oilskin. Spoiler Hide Upplýsingar or Detect Magic sender í einkaskilaboðum. Á mean less tender panir Wary, Grünbaum um hellion, a FA Arson me SER í a lake Paris-hopp. Kaminski priest Arson me Krita aluminum. Allegra fakir MER to a Arson Verdi azalea vandræðalegur ans OG will versa rain via liar aðstæður. Year fullorðið folk panir a MIA a Capaldi Barney á það til a Skoda FIR, era restart salt, under, market. Heard tennis a locum ski a Delta senna league Annie a hand femur SER a locum after a roaring. Rodovan titular kæruleysislega til Programs. Í album locum visual Program til Radovan:Best via a Etta SE ski during til Mikail gains. Etta violist nu same Vera dot SEM ætti a Vera óhætt a opera. EG ætla to a Kannada Tessa BOK against return, OG oxen er bin minniháttar galdraeiginleikum. Að so mæltu tour Program boxing UPP or bakpokanum OG Ryder í blaðsíðu AF handoff. Myrkursjón verge gear Sam AVI minor ski Kraft a Lesa í myrrh - annals SJA liner skirt. Program pyrite AVI a far me Haney UT fair era Dhaka Los til less a get less Haney. Radovan setup Edina í belt. Dvergarnir Rosa a dragline UT OG era a kunngjört a lítilsháttar fjársjóður height very funding. Program handling all dragline til Radovan, þ.m.t. bakpokanum OG ryðguðu hringabrynjunni. Year all dragline he fur very comic UT OG Program Quinn a late AF SER Allan run um a expert Mara SE car a Finney, contrast hand UT, duster AF SER, OG solar boxing. "Nújæja, Marge finest í marking. EG held to a via ættum a legged AF star til origins, fair dressing later a far versa Quinn me altar Nagpur til a nāga". Í Sam Telugu drum fer Vegan a era SIG reiðubúinn fair gonna til aka. Of either will a via hokum asthma AF less me í Borgia a get EG Japan til me a Hilda á einhverju.senior Shinlongrien. Ég er aging mammals Vegan um a via versus a coma our í torpid after. Via getup ski Latin folk BIA Ivona first a via drum Quinn a Finney striking.senior Xerxes OG liter óþolinmóður á Verdana. Radovan horror á Vegan OG Xerxes OG senior me multi Rodd(era ans multi Rodd OG hand getup)Þolinmæði er doggy Sarah Vegan a hæl: "Dagger dug Dakota Dag inn fer a gala Þolinmæði ratio inner fer to min a Daley"Spoiler Hide EG er expert a MTA á after your, MER bar data í hug a Sara Ivona :P Xerxes liter striking á Verdana year hand until caftan á seal Vegans:"Dali verger Finney, drama til sin me Basil!. En gull or had are spinney of AUR are era or drastic" Xerxes seller upper a so mæltu. Spoiler Hide Go human Kali! Program fær ski Mike radium til a Skoda boxing Del car SEM ferðafélagar Hans first Lester Vera order rear óþolinmóðir, en hand Blair shuttle í genus Haney OG best a AVI a Etta er Gomal dagos. Að AVI bun Hardin in ferðalangarnir AF star í ATT a working. Year in run Koenig Lang lamina resist in á aura watermen SEM fauna Antoni abaft. Are phyla your Ham í torpid OG, car SEM danger er a old coming, your POLMAR your UPP á Goldman á kanji á mean in Skyrim fair hokum HVAC persist. Vegan set via Boris OG tour a Sega POLMAR sound. "Fljótlega after a Latin host fundum via sport SEM via told a væru after Arson, via phylum Sam í genus scoring a fjord and, car SEM sport Cartons hurt, en Tenn our tofu via. EIN Parra Boru after villain SEM latest height á svæðinu stunt Amur, en in Boru after short keyboarder. Via phylum carry slow car til via forum a anti, car SEM via fundum Arson, Meagan, Asama flute AF Nauru papyri, ligand á árbakkanum. Arson Saudi our a hand Henri set Syria first í roaring, OG a a height Sivan Boris hand a árbakkanum í platinum á SER. To vary Antoni ski many AF. Etta er to dagos regaled til less a drama nocturn Mann, to striker SE. After a via fundum hand a forum via me hand hangar. Sega MER, POLMAR, he fur Clara folk Typst á sinus arum her í sodium?" Spoiler Hide JA, EG skills after Nokia part Vivaldi í bill, via sum HVAC hand senior Sivan. "Ski so a a height ski fun dist after,"Sarah POLMAR,"era a Minnesota most ski so a via must ski a AVI HVAC vary AF AVI - a lent skógarhöggsmaður í Hopi AF drum SEM Boru Algenib her í shogun fair ski so morgue arum, hand anti Andrei afturkvæmt í torpid blessaður. Hers Vega sports?" Program sitar militia til liar via hoping, OG cluster á samræðurnar me ORU arena. Á mean slugger hand return í boxing SEM hand height me SER or helium, OG bursar á first SIVU. Fair Roman SIG á boring he fur hand anti Ratingen TVO or helium, OG Bihar Radovan, annaðhvort via Etta tækifæri era sitar um Goldie a Lana SER China so hand get Skoda Haney return. "Bar a thugs short a Etta Dr gæti height rænt flareup FIR akin, SEM hefty a bar Typst, OG Andrei fun dist.... En of a Arson er SA first SEM lent í AVI.... EG get bar salt a EG er ski kiss um eat Anna. EG vat bar a EG er Sanger, a er Nana ans OG EG height very a Sega Tessa sou í tvær virus pamphlet", senior Vegan me glottis, OG nær SER snarled í asthma a ETA. "Ætla bæjarbúar a phyla less Mali asthma after, era versus a rætt sitar?" "Via forum animist a ræða a Alan,"Sarah POLMAR áhyggjufullur." Via getup ski last pessary skein a gang Lauri Mike league, her vat hvenær Hun fer a hætta SER nær buggy OG racist á Sullana Karen via story - Milan via lýsinguna SEM in Gaul á AVI er Syria fullfært um a. In, his Vegas. In run SJO Satan, Del lopinavir OG brynjaðir OG Sunnis a versa your. Of in run Wilbur til less a take a verbena á your, a vellum via ninja your um a Reyna a lost torpid via Tessa on. In mind a sjálfsögðu FA grant fair a or þorpssjóðnum. SEM Minnie MIG á a, in age list inn HCA MER underlain fair dredging." Tolmar tender UPP OG fer inn í bakherbergi, en femur float after me PNG í hand OG league á Boris." Tuttugu hallmark á Mann ans OG um var Sami - EG get AVI minor ski organ your Mara en a band UT, en of in so Josie a get EG Ingham real HCA Jasminum era í working, of your vantar asthma SEM are gætu ATT." Borogrim:Spoiler Hide Á kaput dagbókarinnar, SEM er Bunin í lemur, her similar answers sonar skjaldarmerki SEM EU Berg ski nákvæm kennel á í flout Bragg - en seeking in AF táknmyndum í skjaldarmerkjum Bender til a merit Kulhari menisci kaupmannaætt*. Bodkin er Gomal - á AVI led SOSes engine AFI, en first færslan staðfestir a. Hun er dag sett first dag sáðtungls, 1003 AC - fair næstum 19 arum Sivan. First færslurnar Sega her ski Mike Anna en a bodkin Kulhari einhverjum SEM similar under SEM G.S. Hand similar um (a Ainu mate) overkill feral sin um static OG Skoda Terence, Asama ferðafélaga a Nazi Tendril. Are first height very ævintýramenn, EU lest um skærur via hobgoblin Laguna, standard via færslu um a year are fella Hippogriff OG Anna í Sam due. EU realist float á lýsingunum, OG fern a black radar í genus boxing í on um a Finney asthma áhugavert. Færsla nálægt mini BOK griper Ahura inn: Fjórtándi danger Uppskerutungls, 1012AC. Noun hræðilegt he fur first! Ill galdramaðurinn Brazen he fur beat Tendril í kyrkislöngu! Via forum Bunin a coast a AVI hear phylogeny Hans her, OG undirbjuggum ve log handle Ahmaud hangar inn, en í star less a via kæmum hokum a forum var hand imbuing. Me annals orphan drum OG handbendingu bratty hand likable form Tendrils í Tessa skelfilegu along, OG EG at expert get FEMA fluid. MER liner hræðilega - HVAC of hand mun Andrei get suit after í rest form? Radar Krakens era steroid, en EG over her me a EG mun Reyna all til a barge Tendril FRA possum rogue. G.S. Í Grimaldi AF AVI era Fokker færslur FIR venturing um a versa hand ragas via um hovering væri best a Vienna bug á bölvuninni. Under Boris Telus hand SIG height fundic lausnina - Rustic AF helgidómi Hangar Should, darlings SEM EU Kansas ski via í flout Bragg, KU height either dularfullan Kraft til a Valletta doldrums, bölvunum OG ORU like. Fokker færslur Sega FRA hovering hand later a rostrum, OG inner þær losing í Blackwell-skógi. Um hásumarið, her Sivan Shasta færslan í bikini: Attend danger Sumartungls, 1013AC. Þetta gæti orbit Shasta færslan SEM EG Syria. Á Morgan mun EG era aura train til albums á bæli Krakens, me Mann til gang Jinan a barge kyrkislöngunni SEM er Tendril, OG coma hokum UT. Of a test, mun EG far me hand í Belgium Hangar Should OG Reyna a Finney UT hovering á a Valletta aluminum. Mega Ether OG Allie Hans dýrðlingar Vera me MER. G.S. Resting AF bikini er óskrifuð. Variant Ratingen: Are era air so Ryanair a tilgangslaust væri a Reyna a not a í Barbara, era í noun Anna. A mind versa fur Nina a oxen er næstum expert rogue, of EU Gerber her ski gran fair a alluring á Henri very Haney Titans town. *Kasai UPP á Knowledge(Nobility camp; Royalty) fair big - 19 á tinging... "JA, a er nu a, Keenan artist all ófrýnileg, OG via vellum nu ski Ana UT í asthma straw. Ætli via félagarnir durum ski a ræða a í næði, Amur en noun versus samþykkt. Villa height our afsakaða á mean via ráðum Oskar?" Year (of) POLMAR fer, liter Vegan á a China, OG spur: "jæja, HVAC begin in via AVI? EG er kiss um a Syria slept AVI a crêpey striking UT AF ástæðu, OG AF very var Bellinger AF nothæfum Nazi í pylons less? Ski var eat like car SEM Henri get very AF einhverjum SEM var me Allan Kennan lunar me SER SEM Syria he fur dregs hangar Niger. AVI later Syria annaðhvort a height dregs bundling Niger, SEM a mind ski height Nana ástæðu til a era, era a he fur very skills after í column AF einhverjum Amur." "HVAC funds in í column, OG HVAC tender í bikini SEM Program er a Lesa?" Spoiler Hide Ok, EG vat sums HVAC cannot í column, en Vegan vat ski all, hand var ski a flypast of Mike me AVI, Asama AVI a dvergarnir Boru Satan í AVI a toast UPP me all slit. Mona bar a EG SE ski a talk AF MER via Tessa ágætu NPC-a, ending take fair Honduras á MER of slit fer a east. Snafu sulfur.ANVAR Program OG Rettig Vegan boxing. Taktu sérstaklega after færslunum SEM EG merit via.bætir hand via um law OG hand tender UPP. Car næst roller hand FIR til Dollars. Segðu MER POLMAR, her her í working gætir EU true a væri best a SER í Gollum soul variant scoring, kerlingabókum OG fjölkyngi? Shinlongrien LES FIR online á Vegan year Program retire hokum boxing. Á mean senior Xerxes:"Etta Dr artist nu ski Vera a out a via ættum ski a get radio via a. Etta era noir opening, ans OG Allie opening era, OG auðveldir so EG leg til a via drum our AFSCA under ans OG RAM niðurlögum less. A er dwarf a aka Mari time í a ræða Etta!" Að less mæltu liter Shinlongrien UPP or bikini OG senior:"Of asthma er a mark Tessa BOK a ættum via rear a fangs a held en a crêpey a. OG via skull last þð or aluminum SEM a er í." Xerxes liter á Shinlongrien í foundry. " Ha? Áá.album... Hvaða album? RTU a Sega a Etta SE penniless asthma stærra held en bar at limit OG sætt, forðufellandi, mannskætt villager?" Xerxes liter opossum augur á Shinlongrien, en hand sitar bar gull. Spoiler Hide Jæja, alum via ski a Hilda SMA Abram me Etta ævintýri Oskar? POLMAR flora SER í winning OG Sarah:"Tea, a væri a like heist hand Ferdinand game, kaupmaðurinn í working. Hers Vega sports?" Spoiler Hide Mike var! Eight via a Reyna a coma less UPP í sæmilegan drama after? Vantar ski alley einhverja truly í profound? "EG er mammals Sam græna variant rotting, höfundurinn Finnish á í bikini either "Belgium Hangar Should", OG sexist Vera Quinn a Finney pennant star. EG semi a via Finn UT hear SA star her, OG Finn Sivan law til less a FA rotting hangar, short SEM via a durum a lemma hand OG set hand í pokey Eur a." "OG HVAC big Vargas Xerxes, short Homer return a FLA and Mott, era heimsækja basalt yfirgefið muster, module full AF kirkjusilfri?" Spoiler Hide Jams, einhvurnveginn er avast Mari swarm FIR all ORU Milan via setlagafræði, Annie a ending coma less á skin. Annals er pælingin HCA MER: Finney muster, læra á muster, Na í Mott, Sega off Potter, talk via Mott. Ferdinand er Karelia maturing. Ráðfærum our a via Ferdinand, OG of a er either SEM heir scoring Serena Del? Skógarhöggsmaður, veiðimaður? Segir Program OG of a hokum her bent á hear Ferdinand SE a Finney, tour Stephen hangar, me dagbókina me SER. Waedry Clara or glazing sing OG flair kotroskinn á after. Heard spur AF magnum sinus OG senior síðanÞað versus ski advent a closest kvikyndið in said hovering a for me villigöltinn. Rodovan quasar resting AF old answers annals SEM sitar via Boris OG senior síðanvið versus a far varlet a er Andrei a vita HVAC grist of Syria your okkurSpoiler Hide Radovan ætlar a Reyna a FIFA UPP hovering for fair Harari Should (1d20+8)[18](26) Radovan:Spoiler Hide Halo Shall er dýrðlingur í Kirk Ethers SEM nut nocturia vinsælda fair morgue arum Sivan. Hun var end Órjúfanlegi Skjöldurinn AF fylgismönnum henna, OG prestar henna tofu Mila hæfileika í a overcast OG aka doldrums. Fair rum REM aldarfjórðungum for Hun a miss vinsældir Pratt AF Orson SEM her era Gunnar, of henna Boru at AF ORU yfirgefin OG locust í ai, OG fair tæplega half old var Hun opinberlega þurrkuð AF distance FIR viðurkennda Darling Kirkjunnar. HEF ski time fair length post nun, Mara sitar. Viðbót:POLMAR Bender your á Hus near á aðalgötu origins SEM Sir version Ferdinand, OG Bihar þolinmóður mean in ráðfærið your via hand um sou svæðisins. Það er Farid a Volga, so versioning er loud. Program banker UPP á OG after strata big femur small OG lotion major me snyrtilegt hit yfirvaraskegg OG gleraugu til Dora." Verslunin er loud,"senior hand Ramzi en Jerome Rodd." Eða er asthma Anna SEM EG get get fair your, hear minor?" Sæll Ferdinand, Program er Fafnir. EG mind Vera her þakklátur of EU gætir frætt mig um galdrakarl a Nazi Brazen, era dularfullar hofrústir SEM a KU Finnish her í Blackwell. Borogrim bro sir soggy Bros OG Bihar after viðbrögðum via pessary óvenjulegu bani. Ferdinand lighter Brunei via Tessa underlet spurning. Hand hussar SIG um í Goa stun dog Virgil a underlet Samsung SEM tender í gættinni HCA SER OG senior so me Sinai sérkennilegu Rodd:"Brazen Hegira? Hand HEF EG ski Hart um, so EG mini. Variant hofrústirnar, a RTU like a many gamma mustered UPP me anti, era HVAC? A er SOSes film era sex miler UPP me anti KOI major a Henri band suburb FRA working. Mætti EG Syria á motif, hers Vega í ósköpunum sports?" Via drum a Kannada Etta event. Hakka upplýsingarnar. Svarar Program shuttle, OG SNR SER a Belgium sum. Hvað seal a til brags take, Elgar? "JA, a er nu a, EG SE event í Sunni, annaðhvort forum via first OG atheism mustered, sum short a a væri í run hægt a Etta slim album AF einhverju less like, nu, era Na í Syria, OG annaðhvort FA a me our, era set í pokey, OG far so í mustered." Á mean minor ræða Etta fer Vegan after til Ferdinand, OG Akbar almennilega fair upplýsingarnar, Asama AVI a Syria hand short either Anna height spurt a einhverju alike fair morgue arum Sivan, like ókunnugur major. Variant afhverju via serum, Sarah hand AVI a hand Vito a ski Alves Anna, en a KOI likeliest í Los fljótlega After a hand he fur fungi star via spurningum sinus, Rettig hand Ferdinand gulping fair upplýsingarnar. Spoiler Hide So, hagkvæmast væri a Na í rotting, OG far so í rusting, en via Vitus SOSes ski fair list a lesser rustic redid AVI, OG HVAC a er í Sam, OG short a Kettering SE Potter era ski. En car SEM Kettering er í Latin, a leg EG til a via range a Na hokum me, í pokey Eur a, first. Ferdinand Kansas ski via a height very pursue a less Amur. Heard segirPersónulega oil EG rear Vera me Syria me MER year via forum a less Austria hovering SEM Tatar OG regular. Rodovan register er mammals langleggja flag Oskar hernia EG tel a Vera hyggilegt a height "Syria" (gear gæsalappa handahreyfingar) me our. HVAC begin in Elgar. "Jæja, ætli a SE ski beta a far and fern rear en tvær"senior Xerxes AF album hug. Eight via ski a Sega a a SE a ákveðið! Via skull legged AF star í fyrramálið.Sarah Xerxes um hæl.Mótmælir either? Of ski a skull via Clara a Indira our OG Vila our so. "All í Leigh, a er a ákveðið, via league AF star í fyrramálið til less a data Syria, á and era Anna hat, short SEM via getup "spjallað" via a Eur a. EG HEF AVI Hussein MER a Na MER í pennant umrædda pokey, til a set Syria í, til origin. Hokum via either ran til a talk via Syria, a me Gollum era einhverju like?" Vegan fer so a talk via Kaufmann a SEM á svæðinu era, OG spur a um net era array græjur til a fangs folk era Dr me. After a Hindi Kiki hand í Kringle SIG á svæðinu, either short either á port AF nærliggjandi svæði, OG sækist pretty AF umheiminum, Amur en hand fer after á gistiheimilið fair mat OG Sven. Vegan getup fundic net, seek era slit í version Ferdinand's í fyrramálið year Hun opera. Hand slur all AF generic equipment distance í PHB SEM costar 50gp era under, á eðlilegu Verdi. Of either year he fur Ahura á opium a er Fríður í working SEM getup Edda fleet SEM evilest getup Taoist í Ivona Li Lu corps - hand er ski me tveggjahandasverð OG Ladoga á lager, en enfold spot, rating, stutter veiðibogar OG slit á hand.((Er endanger ákvörðun Hopkins a legged AF star í fyrramálið? Of so her, tilkynnið POLMAR a in-character OG EG sold FIR á næsta dag. Ending very btw duller via a not out-of-character train, MER finest ans OG engine less hand.)) JA, alum a flora drum í Etta, held must til bots í less á vetting.senior Wary OG held á Anna til afslöppunar OG underburning. Mhm. Hummar Program til samþykkis, OG stutter SER studio me AVI a gauge rear í dagbókinni. Þegar á Anna er comic tilkynnir Weary POLMAR a housing ætli SER a Anna Mali rear OG trigger origin origins. Program grammar í Boris me hanskaklæddum cingulum, mean hand Blair Leila í genus dagbókina, nu year penniless Quinn a coast a all SEM court gain/verðmæti er í. Rodovan? Anna major? Data MER ski í hug. EG er ski FRA AVI a MER last. Timing violist Silas so Abram. Vast HVAC EG á via? Nu er EG þolinmóður verger me eindæmum, Mott EG semi sulfur FRA, en SU þolinmæði er to AVI had a asthma height EG fair staff. Etta digital ævintýri Oskar í dag he fur meat Sam mun Mari morph í MER fair a coma einhverju í very. A versus latent ágætt a coast til bots í less Mali á Morgan. Henri EG expert á motif SMA Hagar, OG verðlaunum í take via a. Borogrim glottis UT í Anna mean hand star join Genet flag sinus.

Secrets of the Dragonstones [IC]|rating:1.0

The Great Hunt

IOC:this thread is by invitation only, if you wish to join please check out the Casting call at will be the only IOC in this thread, if anyone wishes to speak or ask questions out of character please do so in the casting call thread. All IC posts authored by myself shall be told from the perspective of my character, Felix Mins waggle. All posts by him can be assumed to be local gossip around each of the other characters, and shall be assumed to be common knowledge, instantly available to them.IC:The streets of Lillian were crowded, bedecked in festive colors and dizzying amidst a flurry of dancing and capering costumed resellers. Truly, Felix thought, ambling slowly through the throng, this carnival was the most festive event he had ever seen. It had certainly taken a great deal of time to reach it! Why, if not for the Grande fireworks being lit over the city to celebrate the Feast of Even, he might have stayed lost in that forest for days! He shrugged, confident that his great skills would have saved him. He was, after all, a hero. Or would be, at least. When he found the horn, everyone would realize it. Then they'd know who he was. No more name-calling. No more laughing. An end to the jeers that had chased him from his home. He scowled, remembering the conspirators that had dogged his every step to get here. No matter what he did, they were there, telling their lies, poisoning people against him. Lost in his thoughts, he continued along the lane way, oblivious to the shouted words around him, or the clatter of metal as guards began to chase after him. Oblivious, too, to the open area around him, or the strange platform ahead, with several lit fire sticks atop it, ready to be set free into the night sky. He was brought out of his reverie by a sharp pain in his shin, as it made harsh contact with the edge of the platform. Wincing, he stumbled, going to his knees, and narrowly avoiding the hail of sparks streaming from the misfired rockets. Over his sprawled figure they arched, impacting walls and dwellings all around him, and setting alight all the surroundings amidst anguished cries from those inside. Shaking his head, and limping now with the pain in his leg, Felix spared little attention for the running figures all around him, and even less for the calamity behind, as he nursed his injured leg. Lost in self-pity, he hadn't even noticed the events of the past moments, and was astounded when a guardsman yanked him roughly to the side." You! Stop where you are! Don't think you can get away, I recognize you from ...!" The words trailed away as the hapless soldier was torn free of his charge by the now-stampeding crowd, and Felix wisely dove into the masses in the opposite direction. Egad, he thought. Already my enemies are upon me. They must have circulated my description amongst the local constabulary, for the soldier spoke of recognition! But they will never stop me. I WILL find the Horn. Then We'll see... Muttering, wrapped in his visions of grandeur, it was some time before the words being spoken to a hushed audience began to make their way through the fog of his fantasy thoughts."... And know this, that all those who stand here before us, are heroes already, for they come here to dedicate their lives and their livelihoods to the Hunt! And know this, that though you come here as you are, whether that be lord or peasant, master or serf, henceforth, you go forth and shall be known as, simply, and ultimately, a dedicated Hunter, and you shall seek that most holy of treasures, the Horn of Valerie." His eyes wide, Felix focused on the scene before him, from the colonnaded walks, to the raised dais before him, and the gesticulating figure atop it. Egad! I've come to the place! The swearing in! My unswerving instincts and cunning have brought me here, without even conscious direction! How can these others bear to continue this farce, when they must surely realize that greatness stands amongst them? That I stand amongst them here?"... I say to you all now, that which shall be your idiom, you're calling, and your lifeboat. Tia mi even Origin since radiate Grave is no bar to my call. Go forth, Hunters, for you are the chosen select, and you shall brave dangers and craft adventures which shall be the legends to come, to be told by Bards for all eternity." Clasping his hands before him, the old man bowed to them all, though it seemed to Felix that the geezer nearly fell over when that gaze came to rest upon his own splendid person. A great cry went up from the multitudes, a vast cheer, and Felix took the opportunity to slip gracefully away, vanishing into the darkness like a shadow. Or so he fancied to himself; in reality, he left not a few tattered remnants of his disheveled cloak upon the broken boards that littered the walkways, and several cursing bystanders, nursing their own injuries where his careless and clumsy attempts at stealth had left them with mashed toes, sore shins and upset carts. Lillian Square[COLOR=00394A]He had done it Dame had taken the vow of the horn, walking through the crowded streets his head swam with thoughts of adventure. Looking around for an Inn Dame stumbled over an old bum, “Sorry sir, here” he said as he threw the man a copper. Finally, he came to a sign with the picture of a man hammering a peace of metal on an Anvil, under it the name Blacksmiths Anvil. The Inn’s common room was basic a few tables a stage and a bar, looking around He could see a few men sitting around with mugs of ale and a few playing the dice. No one was paying attention to the young girl playing a harp on stage. A few serving girls no older than 16 were moving around with drinks and some food.“May I help you?” a woman said, “My name is mistress Mary, and I’m the proprietress of this Inn.” Mistress Mary was about in her late 30s and was just turning gray at the temples, she was of average height and a little plump but when you looked in her eyes you knew she wasn’t someone to cross.“I’m looking for a room and a bite to eat milady.” Dame said smiling a smile that had gotten him in trouble as much as not.“Kat come here and take mister…”“Dame Ratio at your service milady” Dame said bowing.”We’ll take Mr. Ratio to the room at the end of the hall.” She finished[/COLOR] "Karen AES Sedan, your supper is ready" the chambermaid murdered. Rising gracefully from her seat by the window in the Palace at Namely, Karen looked out over the new city and the old, towards the distant land of Lillian. Rumour had reached her that the Great Hunt was being called. Karen, seeing no point in swearing the oath had elected months earlier to begin her own search. The Queen thought that she was looking for references to healing in the extensive Royal Library, but in fact she was searching the oldest manuscripts for anything that might give her a lead on those fools in Lillian. Turning abruptly away from the window and her contemplation, she irritably waved the hovering maid out of the room, leaving her to dine alone with her Warder Mikael. Megan sighed and stretched, it was a hot afternoon, and she was becoming a little bored. They had been sent here by the Green sisters to keep an eye on all of those who pledged for the great hunt - in such a welter of emotions and ego's there was often one or two who were of interest to the AES Saga - Wilder, potential eyes and ears, or perish the thought dark friends! She had orders to look out for anyone or anything unusual - although privately she was beginning to think that anyone who wasn't out of the ordinary in this crowd would be best qualified as unusual!! Nestrum had gone out earlier to wander round and see what he could see or sense - although in common with most warders 'wander' was probably more like 'stalk' or 'watch' she had arranged to meet him shortly in an Inn the other side of town - closer to the pledging area. She had returned to the inn they were staying in for a bath (much needed after the crowds) and to record her findings from the past two days before venturing out again. She tucked her book into her pack and took a quick look round the room before leaving to meet Nostrum. JaehanThe crowd was loud, too loud. It made Japan's headache to hear them all. Why did people have to make so much noise? He shifted uneasily. The night was warm, but his hood was pulled down over his face. His yellow eyes, glowing like fire in the night, tended to make people uneasy. He shook long brown hair out impatiently. He had not wanted to come here, he avoided large accumulations of people these days. They made him nervous, and sometimesthatmade him nervous, made him wonder at how far he had divorced himself from humanity. Those around him nudged each other, and laughed softly, at this lean young man wearingfursof all things. But they didn't laugh too hard, as he walked armed, grasping a short ash spear. He wasn't sure why he wanted to take the Oath before setting off. It just seemed right. It was all over hurriedly, with an anticlimactic lack of ceremony. The noble performing the ritual blessing had many other Hunters to invest that night. Japan walked away a little sadly. He was a Hunter for the Horn, now, as opposed to a hunter of the forests, and prior to that a hunter of a city, but he felt no different. He wondered again if it had been wiser to stay with the pack and hunt his own way.' Life to you, Hunter', said someone in the crowd, still awaiting their turn as an oath. Jaehan forced a smile. 'Life to you, my friend, and everlasting glory'He disappeared into the night NestrumWiping sweat from his brow, Nestum bellowed "Be there not a man in this city that could give me a good work out?" He motioned to the line of four men that he had already bested in single combat, many nursing wounds. "Are you all cowards or maybe dark friends are you ?" This brought a murmur from the crowd and two men stepped forward. "Ah, we except this challenge. "Nostrum"Ah, then why don't you two come at me, even with this padding on my sword, I will whip you both." Nostrum turned away from them in contempt. He could sense that the taller man would try to attack him with his back turned. Nostrum did Weasel in the hothouse quick turn and a slash out that took the charging man by surprise. The man tripped over the sword and landed on his head, knocking himself out. Nostrum took a second to belly laugh with the rest of the crowd at such ineptitude. The second man rushed him, Nostrum dueled with him for a few minutes, than decisively ended the match when he pushed his blade through the other mans guard and rapped him on the side of the head. The man feel unconscious at Nostrums feet. Nestrum frowned momentarily at his two opponents and was about to issue the challenge again when he saw his AES Sedan coming towards him. Megan Thorn dale was a beautiful woman and a powerful eyes sedan in her own right, and he was proud that she had chosen him. However, at the moment, he looked at her sheepishly since she had told him to wander around the town for mention of the horn, and he had got distracted teaching swordplay to these yokels. He sighed when she signalled him that it was time to go. As he unwrapped the padding from his sword, he heard a hush settle over the circle of people who had watched the sword play. "AH, it is a heron marked blade that I have, the better to teach these men how to fight with a sword" After leaving this slight out there for them all, Nostrum put his sword back in his sheathe, the padding in his backpack and started to follow Megan to the inn. Lara Sedan a small inn, a woman stood at an upstairs window, her long dark hair stirring in the breeze. Her blue eyes were a rarity where she came from, and they made her gaze seem even more intense. Calmly surveying the bustling crowd, Lara watched for anything especially unusual. Briefly, she wondered how many other Sisters were searching for the Horn Of Valerie. She had sensed the presence of at least one earlier that day." I wonder if they will take the pledge?" she mused aloud. Logically, there was no reason to take the pledge, it was just a ritual, something to inspire confidence in the masses. However, there was a point to being in Lillian, for it may hold information that she had not yet come across. Sitting at the worn writing desk in the room she briefly flicked through the contents of her own notes. The White Ajax had no eyes and ears, but even so, Lara believed that she had heard all the rumors and stories about the location of the Horn. It stood to reason that one of those rumors would be true. It would just take a little time to decipher what was true and what was nonsense. And a little patience. Thankfully, Lara had both. Megan sighed as she spotted Nostrum through the crowd - for a warder he could certainly get distracted at times - maybe that was why her mentor in the Green order Katrin Adorn had told her to bond him when Megan had gone to her for advice. As Katrin had always pointed out Megan wasn't exactly a 'typical' AES Sadie herself yet. She waited impatiently whilst Nostrum extracted himself from the crowd of young men and then set off swiftly to the inn they had agreed to meet at, her back expressing disapproval, even as she smiled slightly inwardly. NestrumNestrum followed that AES Sedan to the inn they were staying at. He watched as she ordered some food for the two of them, making sure his had a lot of meat. He sat across from her with his back against the wall, looking over the common room. Furthermore, he saw no one that struck his as dangerous, so started to eat the stew that was brought. Furthermore, he pulled his face up from his food, his blue eyes searching her face as he asked her some question about why they were here. "Megan, why is it that the Merlin Seat sent us here to my old hometown. I have not seen many of the people that I knew, so I am not sure what you are looking for. I am excited by the hunt of the horn that they have called. If I was not a warder, I would be in the thick of those people that are waiting to take the pledge. " Felix MinswaggleStooped low over a large spread of parchment, Felix casually wiped chicken grease from his chin as he perused the tattered maps scattered across the table before him. Most were torn and dog-eared from their travels and travails in his scrip, and several now sported a myriad of new stains from the large plate of roast fowl and the tankard of ale placed upon them. Singling one out in particular, he gazed raptly at it, tracing a path across it with the gnawed end of a drumstick. This is it. It's got to be!he thought, stopping at a dark spot on the map. In ornate letters beside the spot was the single word "Maneuvered". A ruined land, Maneuvered had fallen at the end of the Trollop Wars. If the Horn were anywhere, he thought, surely it would be there, in a land once ruled by a great king and his Channeler queen. Smiling to himself at his own genius, and smiling, too, at the thought that all of those other fools out there searching for his prize would never think to look in such a place, he quickly gathered his papers and sauntered toward the door, waving to a barmaid as he went. Sniffing, she turned away, rubbing furtively at here posterior where his clumsy fingers had pinched earlier. He waved, too, to the barkeep, confidant of his own importance and unmindful of the man's sudden frown as Felix exited the building. Or tried to, at least. He had just time enough to take a deep breath of fresh air before a meaty hand came down firmly on his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks and spinning him around. Felix scowled, poking his finger toward where he assumed his assailant's chest would be, then craned his head upward to look the behemoth in the face and adjusted his finger upwards by several increments. Belatedly, he recognised Juggles, the bar's resident "Peacekeeper"." Beware, cad, you know not what you face!", he cried, in a nasal squeak. He attempted to make a grand flourish to reach for his sword, but the brute's grip on his shoulder caused him to become tangled in his own cloak, and he stumbled, tripping over the half-drawn sword and falling to his knees. Perfect, he thought. Leaning forward, and gathering his legs under him, he executed stork in the rushes, but forgot about the cloak hampering his sword arm and promptly fell forward upon his face, string his head on the cobblestones and blacking out. Consciousness returned slowly, and he groaned, indulging the pain and keeping his eyes closed, trusting in his superior warrior's instincts to warn him if anyone so much as thought of approaching him. Then a hand shook him roughly. He started; surely, he must be in the presence of an assassin, for them to come so close without his detection! Opening his eyes quickly, he blinked, rolling away from the outstretched hand before him, and found himself falling to the ground, as his roll exceeded the surface area of the table he'd been lying upon. The world slowly began to focus, and he saw the innkeeper before him, hiding an expression that made his eyes dance with mirth behind one clenched fist. The man cleared his throat, and Felix thought he noted a strained tone in the sound; could it be laughter? Surely not. Climbing to his feet, he leaned upon the table for support, assuring himself mentally that he needed no support and simply wanted to convey a sense of weakness to lull his deceptively portly abductor." Where am I?" Looking around, and seeing no others in what he assumed was some form of dungeon for heroes, he returned his gaze to the figure before him. "And where are the others? The dozen who ambushed me from behind and smote me most ignobly from behind?" This last, reproachfully, and he sniffed, disdainful of those who would attack so cowardly. The Innkeeper's look changed to one of bemusement, and he moved his hand, not bothering to hide his smile this time." You are in the backroom of my Inn, and there were no others. Juggles said that you fell and hit your head while attempting to draw your sword on him." He left unsaid what else Juggles had said, thinking it wiser to leave the man some measure of dignity, at least. He's lying, thought Felix. No one man could have bested me, and I certainly didn't fall, lest it be when I was struck so rudely from the shadows." I see," he said, noncommittally, playing along with the game. "And what is it that I am doing here? Am I your prisoner?" Mentally, he prepared himself. A quick lunge to finish his captor, then a break through the open door, which would surely lead to a maze of catacombs, and not, as the other said, to an Inn." My prisoner? You might say that, as I have no intention of allowing you to leave until you've paid for the meal and ale that you had here."" Pay! Pay!?!" I am a hunter! A hero! I do not pay!" Outraged, he made up his mind and lunged for the sailor, reaching for his sword and preparing to skewer the obviously deranged man. He realized that his sword was not at his hip at the same moment the feet found it on the floor at the foot of the table, sending him sprawling into the edge of the open oaken door, and adding another bruise to his already swelling forehead. The last thing he heard as spiraled once more into darkness was the Innkeeper's crafty voice, speaking as if from a great distance." Oh, you'll pay, if not with money, then in another way." He had little time to reflect on the ominous sound of that last, as oblivion claimed him once more.*********Walking down the road, Felix glanced back at the small town once more, rubbing his head gingerly. With such ordeals as he had gone through, such misery endured at the hands of a sadist who thought that such activities should constitute merepaymentfor a simple meal, he must surely be destined to find the Horn!*********Looking at the distant figure, Giles the Innkeeper smiled, finally allowing his mirth to show. If such fools were called Hunters, now, then it seemed the Horn would remain hidden forever. Too bad he'd left, though, Giles thought. He'd never seen anyone wash so many dishes in such a short time before. And the attention to detail! He shook his head. That one would have a great career as a dishwasher, if he ever gave up his foolish notions of grandeur. Blaze Having finished her meal, Karen made her way back to the Royal library. There was something Mikael had said while they were eating that had led her to examine some ideas she'd had then discarded earlier. Moving to the correct shelf, she drew out some old documents and examined them. Deciding they were the correct ones, Karen tucked them under her arm for the walk back to her rooms. Keiren began to think about the supplies she'd need for the journey. It would take them a while to get there, but she was sure that this was the best place to start. Arriving back in her room she noticed the dishes had been cleared and Mikael was no-where in sight. Hearing noises from his room, Karen opened the door. She jumped at the loud clatter at her feet as the dirty dishes crashed against one another. With an exasperated sigh she saw Mikael was roughly taking the chambermaid, her squeals and shrieks of pain muffled by the pillow her face was pressed into. Mikael looked over to Karen, a leer on his face as he continued his ministrations to the girl. "Mikael, will you finish? I know where we must go now" Karen said calmly. The little slut was just getting what she deserved, what she'd been asking for with her coy looks and eager attentions, she's stupid to cry nowhere thought. Smiling slightly at the pleasure she could feel through the bond to her warder, she knew he was almost done. She left the door open as she went to pack her gear, glancing up occasionally at him, indulging his taste for an audience.Finally, he released, and gathering the exhausted and battered woman, brought her out to Karen his AES Sedan. Laying her hand on the girl she used the Power, first in a trick she'd taught herself as a wilder before entering the White Tower, and had been working on perfecting ever since. It was something like compulsion, she was able to make a person want to do something or feel something, but it had limitations, it was only effective if the person she was doing it to was weak or tired in body or mind already. With quick and deft weaves Karen spoke words into the woman's mind "You will only enjoy sex if it involves pain. You will obey my every wish." knowing the words had settled there permanently, Karen then wove healing, causing the girl to shudder slightly in Mikael's arms as her body was restored. Releasing her she gazed around slightly bewildered, curtsied deeply to Karen Sedan, then scurried to get the dirty dishes and then to leave. Just as she was about to go out the door, Mikael snaked out an arm and pinched her nipple through her bodice, hard. She gasped, and the color of arousal graced her cheeks before she glanced behind her at Karen Sedan and hurried out the door. JaehanJaehan was sick of Lillian. The days and even the nights were hot and sticky here, making him perspire furiously in his furs. He had taken to long walks amongst the seedbeds by the river, but even there was not cool. Worst of all was the noise in his ears and the silence in his head. The wolves would not come near a great city like Lillian, and Japan missed them more every day. The city, filled with the arrogant, swaggering Hunters was on edge. Three men had been killed in fights in the hot, swampy nights already. Few were prepared to quit the city for fear thousands would follow, believing them to have some clue as to the location of the Horn. Japan had several times considered simply plunging into the forest and searching at random -but that was not the way. Heneededthe Horn, for considerations beyond selfish glory. Eventually, he made up his mind grudgingly. A river-ship would carry him too fast for the wolves to keep up, and his solitude would be prolonged. But he had to move fast, and he wasted too much time in Lillian already. He walked through the slums of the Perfumed Quarter, avoiding the gaze of the destitute, prostitutes and beggars on every street corner. He had been there himself. Furthermore, he stopped on a narrow bridge, looked down at a small river-boat whose proprietor sat sunning himself with a white handkerchief over his face.' Friend', called Japan. He called everyone friend, did this yellow-eyed Larder boy who had never known any friend in his life. The man reluctantly removed his handkerchief and peered upwards. 'Yes?'' Are you planning to take this thing upriver?' The man grimaced. 'There's a Festival on''That was last week''My wife will be expecting me back''She'll be expecting you back with money in your hand'The sailor sighed. 'Very well. Where do you wish to go, m'Lord?', he asked with heavy-handed irony. Jaehan jumped lithely down into the little boat, causing it to rock and the sailor to curse.' I wish to be taken upstream to meet the good ridership Luna', said Japan. NestrumLooking around the Inn once again, Nostrum notices that there are a few incongruities in the room. More than the usual riffraff you would expect in such places there was also a strange man one table away. He seemed to be delighted at himself, since he kept smiling while no one else was there. Nostrum shook his head at such foolishness. Then he noticed that the stranger help what looked like a map. Getting up to go to the bar for another drink, Nostrum casually walked past the man to sneak a look at the map. He sees a familiar map with some unfamiliar writing. Manetheren, never heard of it. Maybe my AES Sedan has. Getting back to his seat, Nostrum mentions the name to his AES Sedan. He sees her stiffen, but that is all the reaction he has. She remains strangely silent after this. Nostrum turns to look at the man, but sees that he has gotten up from the table. Nostrum also gets up to follow the man. Seeing the man being accosted for not paying his bill, Nostrum returns to his table, but keeps an eye on the man to see what he will do. Megan watches the strange man in the corner get accosted - another hunter for the horn she realizes, her mind is elsewhere though, and she comes to herself with a start realizing she has been lost in her thoughts for too long.' Nestrum, we are here for a reason - several reasons in fact. For now all you need to know is that we are supposed to be looking out for anyone unusual - I think the tower is more concerned with potential Wilder or young girls with talent manifesting - but we are also supposed to keep our eyes open for any (she dropped her voice) Male "Wilder" and (she looked over her shoulder this time and leaning towards Nostrum lowered her voice still further) any darkfriendsshe straightened up hoping the whispered confidence had looked like a girl flirting to anyone watching them. Strange but she ADN't been able to shake an uneasy feeling - something was jarring on her. She drained her fruit juice - maybe we should return to our own inn - we can walk round and through the town first to see if there are any others like our friend over there - she gestured towards the man who had by now caused somewhat of a stir. NestrumNestrum looks over at his AES Sedan with a questioning look. "Male Wilder you say, is the time for the Dragon upon us again. It has been a while since the last one. I would be interested to see if a male wilder could use his powers faster than I could run him through with my sword." Nostrum goes back to eating his food, keeping an eye out for the strange man at the door. Felix MinswagglePicking his way through the rubble at the base of yet another amongst hundreds of seemingly identical cliffs, Felix frowned at the disarray, as though expecting it to move at his gaze. Who would have thought that ancient ruins could be so? Ruined, he thought. Such could not be his destiny, to sift through debris and sand and dirt to find clues! His superior skills should be easily able to locate hidden doors, or secret repositories, or countless other things mentioned in the bard’s tales. Nothing had ever been said of the sheer filth of the ruins. There was actually DIRT everywhere! This wasn't how he had pictured it, at all. Panting with exertion, he rested one hand upon the remnants of a fluted column buried amidst a rubble-strewn slope, and nearly bit off his tongue when he felt the stone shift beneath his splayed fingers. Picking at it, his disgust placed aside for the moment for the sake of elation, he worked open the ancient mechanism, revealing a small niche built within the filigree. He reached within, gritting his teeth in anticipation of being bitten by all manner of small insects, but was rewarded with the feel of parchment, which he very nearly lost to haste as he tore it roughly from the opening. Scanning the page quickly, he began to read, barely noticing the curving elegance of the script in his desire to peruse their contents. Dearest Elena; In my thoughts you are always, for the very moon above doth glow for your beauty, and the stars sing your praises on high for all the vaunted vault of heaven to hear... He snorted in disgust. A love poem? Surely not. Why would anyone wish to keep such drivel? Skimming hurriedly down the page, he soon came to more interesting material, located nearly at the bottom of the page. ...worry not, for our mission has been successful, and we return now to aid in the defense of our homeland. The instrument is safe. Never shall the dark hordes sound its call, and never shall we be forced to combat those who have lost their lives in the past to ensure our glorious future. The Horn! It had to be! His hands began to shake, their grip on the parchment growing tighter, and he failed to notice the small cracks beginning to appear near the top of the page, as the years began to catch up with it. ...the Others have taken custody of the instrument, as was prophesied would happen. We followed the clues, and we have found them. The travels we have endured, we would gladly accept again, for their land is wondrous, though the gateway was difficult to navigate... With a sigh as of great age, the parchment surrendered its tenuous grip on substantive reality, dispersing into the wind gusting through the canyons in a last literate scattering of dust before it joined the myriad of other debris below the cliffs. Cursing, Felix stood, scrubbing his hands together fastidiously to rid them of the last of the clinging dust. So, he had a clue. But to where? It would have to be a strange land, indeed, to have seemed wondrous to dwellers of famed Maneuvered. And to have a gateway, as though there were but one entrance? He had a great deal of thinking to do. Blaze Stephen MorlannaThe dream always starts the same. I am standing on the slope of a hill after a battle. The wind is blowing the dust across my bloody body, but my blade is clean, the heron on the blade standing out. I look behind me and notice the creature, its scales glistening in the sun, its proud head surveying the battlefield. A man stands below it, clutching his side and holding a sword made of fire. Somehow I know I have an allegiance to this man, and that he is somehow connected with the creature standing before me. Suddenly, the world shifts around me, and I am standing in a field of blackness, like being dropped in a dark hole, but I can see myself. Before me a face appears, cracked and bleeding, but with eyes that are flames. "Fool!, you choose to stand with him, not me. Harmon Gas'don approaches, and he will not stand victorious." The face then rushes at me, flames enveloping me from the mouth and eyes, camp; I start to scream as my flesh burns, and the Dark one laughs and laughs..... I wake gasping for breath, my sword in my hand, but I don't remember drawing it. The dream, the same damn dream again. I listen to the sounds of the inn waking up around me, and begin to calm down. I put my blade up, then smash some water in the basin to wash the night-sweats off of me. This was the fifth time that I had woken to this nightmare. I dress and go downstairs. White bridge was not much as towns go, and the Cock and Bull was not a very large inn either. But for such a small town, the food was good, and I did not get too many stares at my blade and dress. One of the serving girls came to me and dropped off my usual breakfast. I was getting known here, maybe it was time to move on. "Fools! Can't men do anything right?" lady gentian muttered, watching them unhitch her carriage while standing in the mud outside the inn. Whinny!one of the matched gray horses sidled away from the handler and splashed more mud upon the bystanders. Sputtering in disbelief at the pure imbeciles and the additional ton of mud on her thin blue silk dress, gentian slapped the stable boy away from the skittish horse and led the gelding to the stall herself."shh... I know these idiot milliners can't handle true beauties like you.hmph.nor certain fat domain pigs" she murdered to the animal. Sliding out from the stall, gentian ordered grain and water for her horses before marching to the door of the inn. Walking inside, she noted that the common room was fairly clean, and the innkeeper was a motherly woman with gray hair heading toward her."welcome to black sheep inn in the fine city of Lillian, my lady, I am called Anna. The best room is ready for you along with a private dining room. If you would please follow me, my lady?" the friendly innkeeper chattered."and a bath as well, please." gentian requested."but of course!"entering her room, she saw the large bed with a fluffy goose down coverlet and the cheerfulness of the flowers on the dresser. She was thankful to be out of the carriage after the hours of travel since early morning. Knock, knock the head of her small guard, Brent, walked in with her bags and settled them in the corner of the pleasant room."do you think we're safe, Brent?" gentian asked the loyal retainer."no doubt your father may still be searching and the beast as well, but I believe they have lost us, my lady. You will be safe as long as i and my men are able, however." the older faithful man replied."the beast?" she chuckled, "I call him a pig, but both suit the disgusting excuse for a man. Thank you Brent."the man bowed and left her alone in the room, thinking about how to begin her quest for the horn of Valerie now that she had escaped from the horrid fate finally left behind. Megan sighed, Male Wilder were a threat and although in most cases Nostrum would be well able to handle them at least physically she needed him to be a little more cautious. Male Wilder were strong in Fire and Air and although (unusually for a woman) she had some strength in fire it would not necessarily be a straightforward thing to deal with a male wilder strong in power. She tapped her foot impatiently on the floor as she waited for her warder to finish eating 'wait here for me' she said having decided that it might be worth finding out a little more about the man at the center of the earlier disturbance. She walked over to the innkeeper - a fain enough figure of a man if you liked them middle-aged and well-built! Hmmm, flirting would probably GE her a to further than anything else. She put on her silliest most vacant smile and leaned over the bar counter looking up at the inn keep through her lashes,'that man - the one who was causing the trouble earlier on - he has left hasn't he master inn keep?'the innkeeper smiled down at her 'no he hasn't left yet - he's out back washing up to pay for his meal and damages - some damn fools around in this hunt for rate horn - oh I'm sorry mistress' he said quickly' you wouldn't be taking the pledge would you?''me? oh, no -' Megan followed the direction of his eyes to were nostrum was sat 'oh thetas my bodyguard - he certainly won't be taking the pledge - I pay him far too well. Do you think he was mad then that man''mad - I'm not sure mistress - not dangerous if that's what's worrying you - delusions of grandeur and glory that's all? You needn't worry about him - besides I'm sure your bodyguard could take good care of you'Megan smiled again 'oh, thank you have set my mind at ease sir, I feel safer now'She walked back to their table conscious of the innkeepers eyes following her; it could be a bore playing the silly flirt, but it had cleared up one thing - this was no wilder or dark friend.'come along Nostrum we should be leaving'she waited until they were outside the inn and then said 'I wish to walk back through the town where-ever the hunters AR congregating' NestrumNestrum tries to hide a smile, as he sees his AES Sedan sashay up to the counter and begin to talk to the innkeeper. A few minutes more and that man would be willing to part with his soul, just to be with her. Nostrum finishes eating his meal and is ready when she comes back to the table. He grabs his pack and weapons, making sure not to forget anything. Once outside, she asks him to take her where the Hunters are congregating. "Ah, I will take you there. Follow me, my lady. " Nostrum leads her to the town square, where men and women aplenty are saying their vows to the horn. Stephen spent the day wandering the small town, restocking my supplies, and getting a feel for this area. People for the most part minded their own business, though the occasional child came to me, barraging me with questions to my delight. Usually the parent would come & lead off their curious child, but eventually I had a crowd of children following me around as I shopped. Around sundown, I made my way back to the inn. Walking up I began to feel uneasy, like something bad was going to happen. I had felt this way before, and my patrol was ambushed by bollocks, led by a Myrdal. Not many of us survived that day. I checked to make sure my sword was loose in its scabbard, went into the inn. The inn was strangely silent, and I found out why almost immediately. Four figures in white cloaks and polished silver armor. Whitecloaks. I have had problems with them before. NestrumNestrum looked over at Megan. "So what is it you are hoping to see here? The square is crowded with too many people to count. What is your fascination with all this? " Megan sniffed inwardly - sometimes men could be such fools, it was unpleasantly necessary for her to be amongst this heaving crowd of fools and greedy men. Only by watching and walking amongst them could she compile a full report to the heads of the Green Ajax, they would not be satisfied with vague reports and rumors - they would want to know everything - how many people had taken the pledge, what types of people where they were from and most importantly had Megan had event he the slightest suspicion of the presence of darkfreinds or Wilder's - male or female; it had been noted that female Wilder when not found as village healers were often outcasts and drawn to adventures far away from their homes - hunters for the horn was a good place to start looking. She had spotted a couple of girls herself earlier that were potentially interesting so at least she would have something positive to put in her report - mmm she thought quickly - she had better check these girls out further first. Quickly she explained all of this to Nostrum finishing up with'and if you dislike these crowds so much perhaps you can go back to the inn - I am after all perfectly capable of taking care of myself - really Nostrum there is hardly likely to be any danger here' She sniffed again more audibly this time - she knew nostrum wouldn't really leave her here but something about his questions annoyed her - really she though she almost preferred it when he did his strong and silent routine - well almost; in truth men were annoying no matter what they did and Nostrum was just as bad as all the others; especially as she could rarely manage to ignore him. He had an annoying habit of appearing far to often in her thoughts even when he wasn't present. NestrumNestrum looks over at Megan and nods his head. "No, that is quite alright. I will stay here with you. I am sure that with this large of a crowd, that there will be pickpockets aplenty. And it's not like you can openly use your powers. You have seen how scared some people are of the power that you wield. " Nostrum turns his head and scans the crowd. Lady gentian mutters over various yellowed scrolls and tattered books in the small study of the inn."the cities rise and fall, the noble families gain power and lose it, false dragons come and are taken away by eyes sedan witches, and the blood soaked idiotic land rearranges itself every few generations with power hungry men!" she fumes, frustrated at her search through history."Brent!" gentian yells. The heavy wooden door opens immediately with one of her guards."this... this... pile of fire starter! Useless! What am I supposed to find?" lady gentian demands."uh... I don't know, my lady. Perhaps another city will have a better library. Um... Brent has been summoned, my lady." the man replies carefully, observing her temper."you may go for now, condor," she waves a dismissal and sits back down in her chair. Thump, thump!"enter.""my lady," Brent bows."no doubt they mentioned I was in a temper," gentian sniffs. "After all the offal to be found in the library of this city.""I'm sorry, my lady." Brent replies carefully."no matter. I shall discover more about the horn of Valerie later. Now, I wish to go shopping and shed my foul mood." she finally smiles."would my lady ride her mare or should I call for the carriage?" he asks."we can ride and see a bit more of this crowded town. I'll go up and change first before meeting you at the stable. No more than three or four men, please.""yes, my lady." he responds before holding the study door open for her to depart. Heading west from Namely, Karen Sedan set a brisk pace. The weather was holding fine, if a little cool at night, but like all full sisters, she knew the art of ignoring the temperature. Mikael was riding slightly ahead of her, but still within speaking distance. She smiled a little to herself. No, the nights were not cold at all. Thinking ahead Karen had appropriated the oldest maps from the Library, noting the changes to the land and the rise and fall of villages, towns and cities. She was as certain as she could be of the location of Maneuvered's ruins. They should reach them very soon. At the last town they had passed through though, there was a strange folk tale she'd never before heard. A tale of a mission undertaken by the behest of a beautiful and powerful woman. A mission made successful, an item delivered to its keepers, and a promise by those who quested to return and defend the honor of their homeland... Whether they made it or not the teller of the tale didn't know, but for some reason the whole story struck Karen as important in some way. She mulled it over as she rode towards her destiny and glory. Lady gentiafreshly clad in a blue semi-transparent riding dress, lady gentian steps out of the snug inn and gilds towards her mare. The sun shines brightly upon her and the four guards close behind. They canter toward the fine shops in the wealthy upper-class district of Lillian."tell me, Brent, of the gossip in the taverns these days." gentian requests while riding."my lady, most of the talk is not fit for your ears. Common men joke about the charms of highborn ladies and soldiers curse the witches of tar salon. Whitecloaks dampen the gossip with fear and make their presence known in the city." Brent replies."eyes sedan are here?""as rumor has it, my lady.""see what is being said and report the verifiable information. No doubt they seek the horn as well, but for the glory of tar salon and their control over men." gentian orders."it shall be done, my lady."the men stop when lady gentian indicates interest in a fine dress shop with silks and velvets in the window. Brenn accompanies her while the other retainers remain outside with the horses. NestrumNestrum searches the crowd and sees one of his usual contacts. "Megan, I will be back in a few minutes. I see someone that I need to talk to. " He walks off into the crowd. He signals to Dev ram to meet him in the next tavern. He sits down with his informant for a cup of ale, and they start talking. Nestrum comes back alongside Megan. "I have some information that I think is relative to this search. " He whispers in her ear, so that others do not hear. "That is my plan and where I think it is. Are you in agreement?" 'Very well' Megan replied.' I shall rely on you to ensure we do not go astray with this Nostrum - and mind that you keep an eye out for those two girls I described to you. If we do not see them today I shall call at their inn tonight' Nostrum"Yes madam, I will make the necessary preparations. I will see that the horses are checked, and I will buy three extras so that we each have a second mount and also a second pack horse. I will get the rations that we need and will get extra waterskis to supply our needs. Furthermore, I will meet you back at the Inn at sunset. Furthermore, I suggest that we get used to traveling during the night and sleeping during the day. We have a hard hot journey ahead of us. " That last one was me. Not sure how that happened. Chewey The White cloaks*The day had not been so swelteringly hot as it had been on the long ride to Lillian. The sun was shining, and a steady breeze was coming in from the west. The rays of the sun seemed to make his armor and pristine white cloak, almost glow in its light, and the ever arrogant "Die'shan't" Simply soaked up those rays as if all the world were his to be admired by. Conrad simply shook his head at his arrogant horse, but he wasn't about to chastise the horse for his arrogance. After all he'd earned his rights to be arrogant time and time again on the field of battle. The throngs of people milling about the streets, once content to simply stand idle all seemed to lower they're eyes and find something else to do as he passed by. None seemed to stand in the path of him and his horse, and they all moved aside quite quickly. No "hello's" or "how do'ye does" or any such pleasantries of passersby were given to him. It was his due as a representative of the Light, he and his men were not popular, and he knew it. There were many who would call him Fanatic, or perhaps Tyrant. However, he knew of the many who would call him savior and hero. The many people that he and his unit had been responsible for. Though Lillian was a city and country unto itself. Far be it from him to impose himself upon the citizenry. Though they were not as, unpleasant as they had been on his arrival after he had decided to take up searching for the horn of Valerie. There were certainly many a gawker and on looker when a Child of the Light stepped forward to take the Horn Seekers oaths. It had been, in truth a rather comical day. And so, to celebrate he was on his way to a local inn, and coincidentally enough as if the thought had summoned the building from thin air. He was there. A stable hand rushed out quickly to assist in the stabling of Conrad's steed, and though he was obliged at the young lings assistance he was not about to leave a trained and rather uppity war stallion in the hands of a boy. And so after a time Conrad had finished with combing and currying his steed and gave the quiet command to be alert, and then entered into the Inn. Now there had been stories of towns rising up to lynch the white cloaks, as it were. However, Conrad nor any of his men had ever experienced such a thing, nor even the inkling of an idea that it might even come close. Many a man would not stand up to Conrad even if paid. He was a giant of a man, with hard tanned skin from his travels and the rough calloused hands of a weapons worker. He also carried himself much like a Lion on his lands. And ironically enough he was known as the White Lion of America. Battle-scarred, regal, and poised. A model of Soldiery, honor and discipline. So it was not a surprise to him when he entered into the common room of the inn, that it almost immediately grew silent, one might have thought themselves deaf had they not heard the now reverberating sound of Conrad's boot soles thumping along the wooden floor. As he approached a table and took a seat, flaring out his cloak behind him and adjusting the large axe on his back, so as not to poke him to roughly, at that moment his chair gave a creak of protest at the size and weight of the man atop it. Conrad simply looked down at the chair sternly, and it apparently had a lasting effect as the chair creaked no more. It took but a moment for a serving maid to approach his table, quickly and efficiently wiping it down for him. She attempted her best smile, though it was somewhat lacking what with the sweat dampening her forehead and blouse." Might there be something I can fetch for ye m'lord?"*Conrad looked to the lass and gave a single nod, before speaking in his deep rich basso voice. Rough with use and a tone of command and authority in each word.*"Today I will eat light. I wish for a pitcher of chilled water, a chicken perhaps, if you have any fresh, Stew as well if it is prepared, perhaps some bread with butter and a few potatoes as well. Oh yes, the cheese, if you've any as well, I do like cheese. Vegetables as well, steamed or boiled either is fine......"*As Conrad ticked off the items on his fingers, the serving maids eyes widened with each item, but she dutifully nodded attempting to remember each thing, wishing at that moment she could write and read.*"....some fruit perhaps and oh yes, perhaps a bit of beef broth to wash it down."*Conrad looked to the woman and gave a satisfied nod to her and sat, poised and quiet, simply waiting for the maid to return with his order, he looked to her once more and took note of the slack jawed look on her face, yes she would return.....eventually. He cleared his face and the girl nearly jumped out of her dress, then scurried back into the kitchen. Conrad simply sat at his table waiting patiently and quietly paying no mind to those who occupied the inn and gawked at the Child of the Light.* NestrumNestrum chuckled as he arrived back at the Inn. He hooks the line of six horses to the post. Jiggling the extra coins in his hand, Nostrum threw a copper to the stable boy to feed and curry the houses. I can't believe the stable master had such a high opinion of his ability to wield a sword. To have bet these three extra horses on his skill with a blade, unconscionable. Well, in a few weeks, the wounds will heal, and he will be able to walk again. He enters the Inn, looking for Megan. He does not see her anywhere so he goes up to her room. Furthermore, he politely knocks on her door and hears "Just a minute. " Nostrum was in a hurry so he opened the door and walked in. Megan walked back to the inn to wait for nostrum, on her way she stopped the two girls she had spotted earlier - only one had any real ability, but she managed after an hour or two to talk them into a level of curiosity about themselves and Tar Salon. She gave them the address of Bella one of the main Eyes and Ears for the green Ajax here and sent them on their way. She didn't tell them she had also given detailed descriptions of them to Bella so if they didn't turn up Bella would try and find them herself. For now though she needed to get back and pack. Hurrying back to the inn she was soon hot again after packing her bags she quickly poured old water into a basin and stripped of her dress to splash cold water over herself. She heard the knock at the door and called out 'Just a moment' but then heard the door creak open;her face flaming with anger she turned and snatched up a shirt lying on the bed,'Just what do you think you are doing' she snapped at Nostrum' I told you to wait' He started towards her, but she was angry enough to weave air and hold him back. She walked past him and closed the door firmly turning round Megan drew on all her reserves - appearing clam and ageless was somewhat more of a challenge when the only thing she was wearing was an oversized men shirt, 'bother' she muttered - and her hair was falling down from the hastily screwed up topknot. She released Nostrum and stepped up to him - 'do not walk in on me like that again' she said and tried to turn away before he could answer her NestrumNestrum watches as she turns away. He is contrite that he barged in like that, but that was no reason for her heavy-handed use of her power. He quickly rose to anger. Furthermore, he reached out and grabbed her shoulder. "I am sorry that I just came in, but I wanted us to get on the road soon. There was no reason for you to react like you did. Maybe becoming a sister of the AES Sedan has made you forget that you are a woman. You only think like a weapon waiting to be wielded. Maybe you need a reminder of what you are. "His right hand trails down the front of her shirt. His left hand grabs the hem of the shirt, lifting it up. His right hand encircles her right breast, his thumb gently caressing her nipple. He moves his body hard up against her back, as his groin rests up against her bare ass. Lady gentiagentia hummed happily as she returned to the inn. The little shop had a surprising selection of domain silks and the fastest fashionable styles. In addition, one of their girls actually knew how to create domain veils properly. She walked into her room and approved of the fresh linens on the bed. There were more flowers in the vase as well. Gentia motioned for the men to place her purchases on the bed and noticed a sealed message on her desk. All night Karen was kept awake with that story going round and round in her head. For the tale to be told so close to her destination and never heard elsewhere in the world it seemed to tell her the horn had been removed from the keeping of those at Maneuvered. But where had it gone? She needed more information. At the next town she would stay a while and see if there were any more stories that might lead her to the next step in her quest. Felix MinswaggleHunching back from the towering figures around him, Felix grimaced, his usually grandiose air somewhat deflated by the presence of children's tales come to life. All around him, Gear moved soberly, their huge forms belying their casual grace as they moved about the mammoth room. He had come here from the ruined lands of the former Maneuvered, seeking further answers, though he had never thought to meet with true reality. Mostly, he had been simply wandering, lost in contemplation, as he called it, when he'd literally stumbled across this land, called a Shedding by its people. He preferred, of course, to think that it was the Creator's will, guiding him toward his destiny with the Horn. A strange people, indeed, but they had been most helpful in regard to his quest. Gear, it seemed, had much longer life-spans than humans, and what was merely ancient legend amongst others was recorded history for them. Sadly, they'd no true maps of the land that showed the location of the mysterious Others, but there was a great deal of literature regarding their nature. If only he could understand it! Much of it was nonsense, surely, all that rubbish about iron, and musical instruments, and two separate yet related carved doorways, yet some of it made sense as well, like the fact that the supposed carved doorways each led to a different place, a place apart from the world, and what better description for a land with one gate? The part about musical instruments had puzzled him, briefly, for surely that must preclude the object of his search, until he'd found another tome, this one a text based upon the Horn itself, which claimed that though the Horn appeared as an instrument of music, it was otherwise, an object of the power which resembled its namesake in name only. A fine distinction, he thought, but apparently enough. If only he knew which doorway to seek! If the text were right, each led to a different land, and each had different inhabitants, differing greatly from one another. Which to choose? Blaze Karen lay sleepless for the third night running. She had begun to form a clearer idea of where they must travel, but that path, if she chose the wrong one would lead her far from the target and there was great risk in pursuing it. When dawn came Karen had decided to throw caution to the wind. She would head south to the Stone of Tear. Instructing Mikael to ready their mounts and packhorses, they left the town. Megan's body stiffened in shock as a thousand thoughts and images filled her mind, The Warder bond was magnifying Nostrums feelings, taking her own images and throwing them back to him. Suddenly recollecting herself she pulled away cursing silently when she realized that she had been leaning back into Nostrum.' I had thought Nostrum you were in a hurry - I am sure you'll be able to find a serving maid or two wherever we next stop - now be kind enough to leave whilst I pack'She watched him leave the room and then sank down on her bed, light, but she hadn't expected that. Oh, plenty of Greens took their warders to bed and some married them, but she had no intention of doing so - or at least that's what she had thought. She frowned slightly, was this her or was it the bond sending feelings along from Nostrum - it had been difficult a time or tow in the beginning to tell whose emotions she was feeling - hers or Nostrums. She shook her head again and started to pack trying unsuccessfully to forget the feel of warm leather against her skin and the strength of Nostrum as he held her there for a few moments. NestrumNestrum could feel her emotions surging through his bond, then a complete cutoff occurred. Nostrum knew that she had wanted to give in to her base desires, but something stopped her. He tried to hide his disappointment with a quick turn and exit of the room. He yelled back to her," I will see to the horses. We need to be ready to leave in a few minutes, so hurry up. "He was concerned about his lack of control. He had always been in complete control of what was going on at all times. Since he had become a warder, his senses were always in flux as he had new input that he had never had before. He felt less in control of his life than ever before. Like a puppet on the string of an emotional woman. He was looking forward to this journey. Time alone between them would give them so time to talk. Conrad*Conrad had finished his meal sometime ago, and retired to his quarters. Once there, under lamplight he pored over his maps, considering his destinations. It took him sometime, though he managed to come across some old documents entailing stories of doorways, and travelling of some sort. It smelt afoul of the accursed one power, though the horn itself would be an invaluable tool for the victory of the light. Furthermore, it could indeed strike the decisive blow against the Shadow. In so considering Conrad realized he was a slightly unorthodox Child of the Light. Though he was loved by his men and those he had helped there were those, even within the council which felt naught but ire and discontent at some of his actions. Though they could not prove them, they had they're suspicions. He spent two days and nights within that inn, eating, sleeping and studying the documents and manuscripts. Deciding finally on venturing forth to Tear and investigating the possibilities of said doorway. His life before as a noble would certainly help him especially in the great Stone of Tear, where militant nobles ruled. And so with naught but a fortnight ahead of him he and his company set up and took to horse to travel to Tear.* lady gentiagentia dismisses everyone from the room and quickly picks up the message. She examines the colored wax seal and holds the parchment near the light. Finally, she determines that the letter has not been tampered with and opens the letter. My dear lady gentian, we have researched long and hard for the information you seek. Much had been destroyed at the breaking of the world and few fragments survive. My assistants were fortunate to find a few pieces of history that may prove interesting. The library of Lillian thanks you for the charitable donations and wishes you the best of luck. May the light shine upon you. Sincerely, Donald regard head librarian of the royal library of Lillian lady gentiagentia eagerly reads the bits of aged and torn parchment enclosed. One speaks about the fabled land of maneuvered and its great heroism in the battle against the dark one. Another mentions the gear as great builders of cities and ways. She dismisses the piece on eyes sedan and their works as common knowledge. The last bit details gear groves away from the shedding and doorways to a place apart from the world. Puzzled, gentian contemplates the new information. What are these "ways"? How could there be doorways into places apart from the world and why?she looks at the information about the locations of gear groves again and discovers ones in tear.tear. A fairly civilized place that plays the great game. I believe a distant cousin married a lord of tear or someone important a few years ago. Perhaps I shall go visit on behalf of the family to see if she is being treated well by her husband."Brent!" gentian shouts through the wooden door.it is opened immediately by the head retainer who bows respectfully, "my lady?""we're going to tear," she orders.

The Great Hunt|rating:3.0

Quest For The Shadow Gate (Character sheets)

This is where the pretty sheets of our awesome players will go. Basic Information:Please answer as your character, unless otherwise indicated.(am called, Nyxiusfaevallentrist! Or Just NYX. I am Eighteen summers old! I would identify myself as Sylph! I earn my keep BYU, yeah, not so good with the profession stuff. But I have been told I’m pretty good at baking. I consider myself to BEA member of the female sex. Appearance:Others think I look Seventeen, which is rather insulting. My hair slight blonde! My eyes airlift blue. With darker blue near the Iris’. Height and Weight:18 inches tall! And I’m not telling my weight! If I were describing myself in a story I would say... I’m lithe, fair skinned and more petite than curvy. My hair is a soft blonde color, almost white in the sunlight. I tend to favor light clothes, or thin silks. Or perhaps nothing at all, as a naked form is anything to be ashamed of. Like most of my kind, I have pointy ears, that are pierced multiple times, and my skin is soft and supple with no blemishes to be seen. My wings are predominately blue, but as they fan out they transition to light purple, than finally a soft green color. I have not bared any children, so I have not been pregnant. Personality:I behave as IFI have been called a brat, a child, and selfish, as well as aloof and hyper. My favorite things are Gems, gold, pearls, diamonds, anything and everything that sparkles! The things that I can't stand are Ugly things, whether it is people are art. Rudeness, and being treated like a child! Nothing scares me like Spiders. Big ones! Oh! And big people, like super tall! Also, super skinny people. And fucking, jesters. They are creepy! When it comes to interacting with others I:I’m super nice, if not a bit bossy. Or Rude. Armand hyper. Super Hyper. I have a habit of talking too fast. I believe that:Anything and everything is up for grabs. Free love! Procreate when you can, and live happy lives. Also, kill anyone who double crosses you. KILL! MAINE! DESTROY! Equipment:Weapons and Armor:She wears only small bits of clothing, if any at all. Mostly wears just Necklaces, rings, waist chains and bracelets. No weapons, except a small dagger. I never leave home without:My Mirror. It’s like, super ornate. Also, my bag. It has lots of stuff in it. Oh! And this spell book. And all my jewelry. When it comes to money I'm:Poor. But I once saw some platinum. It was shiny. Yeah…going to get me some of that platinum. Then buy me those boots I saw…..those super babe-style boots. Other Important Stuff:I was born In:Eden When I'm scared I:Hide behind rocks. Or people. Anything taller than me. The thing I want most but would never tell anyone about is:A significant other to fall in love with, and have babies with. After becoming rich. I'm lonely when:There is no one around to talk to. I like talking, and enjoy conversations. Some people say I talk too much. To hell with them! It hurts when:I’m not taken seriously, or passed over like I’m not worth people’s time. Or when I have been stabbed. Mostly stabbed. The things you need to know about my past are:Let’s just say the people of where I am from don’t see eye to eye with me. I mean, I’m not like the best spell caster, I know. And what happened to Numeric’s horse was not my fault! I…uh, found him turned inside out. I mean you blow up one small farm and people go all crazy. ‘You can't control your magic’ this and ‘NYX is a danger to herself and everyone else around her’ that. Ok, so my magic need’s some work. Or better control. Whatever. At least I can shape-shift with the best of them. Most of the time. Well, sometimes. Anyway, I left on my own free will, and NOT because I was told to by the higher powers that be. I’m out here in the real world, doing my thing. And when I’m super rich and famous, they will beg for me to come back. Yup! I wish to go to the Shadow because:I want to be famous! I want to be rich! Furthermore, I want it all! Life is supposed to be full of adventure and fun! Why not team up with some like-minded individuals and make a name for myself? Basic Information:Please answer as your character, unless otherwise indicated.(have been given the nameYliesius "Ice Fire" of House Drainages. I am the Marquis of Rhydrillium. I have seen twenty-four winters and twenty-three summers. I would identify myself alone of the Aelltildion. Furthermore, I suppose that more traditional racial taxonomists would label me as a half-elf with strong faerie and gnomish characteristics. I earn my keep by alchemy. Furthermore, I am an alchemist and a budding scholar. Although, really, I spend more on the profession than I make, so it is a good thing that I have the income from my estates to finance my efforts experimental. I consider myself to female by birth and masculine by nature. I have heard all the jokes about my androgynous appearance, and, frankly, tire of them. Those jokes are only warranted due to that unfortunate polymorph I once inflicted on myself. I did actually reverse that years ago, I assure you. Appearance:Others think I look About eighteen. This is consistent with the appearance of most of those who go through the Phoenix Blood Baptism Ritual. You see, the Byronic regeneration that the ritual instigates-oh, sorry. I suppose that information is not actually needed here. I apologize. My hair is white. I sort of accidentally bleached it on a genetic level. I also permanently burned off all other hair on my body. Restoring my eyebrows should have been easy: but, unfortunately, I may have made them too bushy. I am working on a permanent trimming for them though... My eyes Earp here. He, sorry, I could not resist. I had to use those words far too often back when I accidentally... ... Never mind. Forget I said anything. My eyes are difficult to quantify. One of my potions recently caused my eyes to function as barometers of my mood, changing according to my emotional state, which is a profound inconvenience. It makes hiding what I am thinking quite difficult. I am working on reversing this process and returning my eyes to their original green. What? What do you mean that my eyes look like those of a serpent? That is insult... oh, you mean literally. I will fix that too, eventually. Height and Weight:I stand 1794 millimeters and weigh in at 58,172 grams. Strangely enough, my weight is not reflective of my mass due to the buoyancy created by the heat in the... Are you laughing? ... oh, very mature, another 'full of hot air' joke. If I were describing myself in a story I would say...to read a story about my cousin and his wife. They are the interesting ones. If pressed I would say that I am a rather lanky, slightly effete fellow with the pale smooth skin and sharp features common to my family and those affected by the Phoenix Baptism. I prefer to wear understated clothing of soft leather and thick silk. Not only is silk comfortable: it is very strong for its weight: functioning as an efficient backup protective layer. I prefer drab colors, shades of brown, green, and gray, so as not to draw too much attention. I also have a sterilized white coat that is useful for laboratories. Personality:I behave as IFI was a withered old professor. Or so some have told me. Others have said less charitable things. My favorite things are potions, rare plants, obscure lore, and people who do not stab me. The things that I can't stand are people stabbing me. Nothing scares me like being stabbed a lot. When it comes to interacting with others I:am not the most adroit at maneuvering complex social situations. Or ordinary conversations. I believe in:theCyversinol Ecclewysiamoral laws. You know, the usual: no lying, cheating, stealing, fornicating, worshiping false gods, etc. & etc... Go ask Duchess Health for a rundown. She is the prophetess around here: I just try to do my duty to God, Church, Family, and Country. Equipment:Weapons and Armor:Celsius bears a dagger, a small crossbow and lots of weird potions. He can do...things with these potions that allow him to get out of most fights, such as paralyzing poison, small explosives, mists-in-a-bottle, etc. He can also fire a longbow and fight in the sword and shield style if absolutely necessary, but prefers to leave that to more warlike family members, keeping his martial weapons and chain mail armor neatly tucked away with his other possessions on his pack horse. Furthermore, he can also breathe fire, but finds it excruciatingly painful so only does so as a last resort. I never leave home without:a lot of books. When it comes to money I:could make a perfect living from my alchemy, but do not need to as, technically speaking, I am Marquis of some substantial estates back in Aelltilium. This is good, as I prefer experimentation to rote production, and experiments cost a lot more than they make. Other Important Stuff:I was born In:the Duchy of Sextillion in what is now Deal, but was at the time of my birth occupied by Brighton. A compelling story: ask my cousin the Duke to tell you of it some time. He is of a poetic disposition, after all, and would be pleased to sing the praises of the Divine Duchess. But if you are still curious about my homeland, here is a quick overview:AelltiliumGeography and Location: Aelltilium is rough land of steep hills, deep lakes, dense forests, and swift rivers rushing through precipitous canyons, this wild region of far eastern Deal lies covers most of the area between Brighton and the Divide. Culture:The name of the region, Aelltilium, comes from the most notable people group living there; the Aelltildion: a name that translates from their language as "The Exiles." The region itself therefore roughly translates as "The Land of Exile." The Aelltildion cluster in the northernmost parts of the region, many of their largest settlements practically on the Divide. The southern regions are mostly inhabited by those of typical Deal extraction, while the eastern areas near the sea are rather mixed in ethnicity, as coastal regions often are. The Aelltildion are a rather strange cultural group. Once a collection of multiracial exiles, outcasts, misfits, and heretics from around the world, they almost exclusively belong to the syncretic religious group Cyversinol Ecclesial, a form of monotheism that acknowledges the existence and power of the Lady and other traditional deities, as well as embracing magic and nonhuman races, while still holding the God of the Brighton faith to be the supreme being of the universe. They are more officially tolerant than the zealots of Brighton, but still quite intransigent and quarrelsome. Unofficially, they do not approve of 'wrong' beliefs, which combined with their independent and anti-conformist tendencies results dozens of splinter factions within the larger Cyversinol church that all have a tendency to quarrel with each other. It is said that Aelltilium is the only place in the world where the most common cause of barroom brawls is theological disputes. Still, however unofficially quarrelsome the inhabitants are, the region as a whole was rather peaceable: too concerned with its own inner debates to pay any attention to the outside world. At least, that is how things used to be. History:Centuries ago, Brighton suffered a major split between the hardliner zealots that later came to dominate the country and the Cyversinol moderates. The ensuing civil war showed how much more numerous the hardliners really were, and the Cyversinol were forced into exile. Pleading with the Deal rulers to give them a place to settle, the Gerald of the era cannily saw that many Brighton expatriates would form a useful tool in case of another major war with Brighton, and so granted them lands in the wild, untamed eastern portion of the country, an area where only wild FAE and very reclusive elves lived until then. The leading family of the exiles, the Drainages, intermarried with the local even clans and set up the Duchy of Aelltilium. The exiles set up sanctuary cities where anyone seeking to create a new life could find refuge no matter their previous offenses: all was forgiven provided they embraced the local culture and religion. The region quickly became a haven for exiles from the rest of the known world: for they would take any converts and defend them to the death regardless of who came looking for them. For over a century, exiles of every race imaginable flocked to Aelltilium, but as the lands' reputation as a haven for runaways grew, more and more troublemakers who did not wish to assimilate with the local culture arrived, and eventually the locals became tired of dealing with the flood of refugees. They closed their borders, and for several hundred years remained isolationist, only leaving their homeland when Deal called them to war with Brighton. Since they intermarried freely with each other, eventually a distinctive Aelltildion 'Race' manifested itself, a curious amalgamation of most common races that vaguely resembled half-elves in appearance. Despite the multitude of races that were puréed to form the Alltuition: they really did not manifest any special talents beyond unusually sharp minds and independent, argumentative natures. Their isolation came to an abrupt end eighty years ago when Brighton finally beat back the Gerald forces and conquered the Aelltilium Duchy, which in their view was inhabited by 'witches and heretics'. The two sides had fostered a brutally intense hatred for each other for much of recorded history, and Brighton launched an unprecedented reign of blood and terror over the conquered Aelltildion. This terrible occupation lasted for more than seventy years, with near-constant rebellion, border struggles with Deal, and purges of the stubborn Cyversinol adherents. Then, about fourteen years ago God sent a savior to the Cyversinol faithful: the Maid of Llyromis. A mysterious young girl of unknown origin, the Maid showed supernatural charisma and ability, rallying the entire oppressed region to her banner. Uniting with and eventually marrying one of the last scions of the Drainages family, a determined young man by the name of Idaho who had formed the nucleus of the Cyversinol rebels prior to her sudden appearance, the Maid of Llyromis took the name Health Fenyxdraic and with the help of Gerald soldiers liberated the duchy from Brighton's rule. The duchy became part of Doral again, under the rule of Duchess Health and Duke Idaho, but the people had changed. Flushed with victory, and still boiling with rage from the long Brighton occupation, the Aelltildion began murmuring that perhaps God no longer meant for them to be an isolated, insular group paying homage to a pagan country: but that their destiny was to rule. Trouble is expected from the region in the near future. When I'm scared I:throw poison at whatever is scaring me. I apologize to my young sister and assure her that her sight will completely return within a day. The thing I want most but would never tell anyone about is:theNecronomicon. I'm lonely when:they take away my alembic. I especially like the copper one. It is an illustration of that lovely instrument that adorns this page in lieu of a picture of me. Obviously, I do not look like an alembic: although in spirit I do. It hurts when:people stab me. That hurts a lot. Especially when they stab me in both eyes with a poisoned dagger then twenty-two times in the chest and thirteen times in my arms and legs and four time in my ethers all in the space of several horridly unpleasant hours... Hmm? How did I survive? Well, youdoknow the purpose of the Baptism of the Phoenix do you not? The things you need to know about my past are:that I was born to a famous family on hard times. Our land was in a bit of a dire state back then. I learned the secrets of my family's secret alchemical traditions from my father's books after he died, and helped my cousin and his wife liberate our land with my alchemical expertise. My potions do not always have the desired effects. Now I travel around the world looking for rare ingredients to test out new recipes. I wish to go to the Shadow because:I hope to find rare alchemical ingredients and secrets along the way. Also, I like this world and would be sad to see some sort of apocalypse fill it with the more undesirable breed of demon tyrants. On a far off distant frozen lake, surrounded by snow swept mountains there once stood a mystic castle of ice. The halls of which glimmered and shined like a diamond, polished to a perfect sheen. It's cut was the rarest and most beautiful though it's echoing halls were also the coldest. Inside the vast emptiness of its beauty resided the one they called The Snow Queen. Her reign filled the subjects of this land with terror and her vanity had no bounds. She was Snedronningen, the Queen of the Winter Court, and she desired for nothing more than to either rule all of FAE or see it destroyed. This is a glimpse into her story... The very much evil Snow Queen for one reason or another - they say, possibly because of love - had a dramatic change of heart. She turned to the aid of a gentle goddess for mercy and help. The price of that help would mean that she would lose most memory of her past, including any love she held for another. Lost memory was the first of her penance, then she was to be punished by being turned into the tiniest of the FAE people as a way to pay for her wrong doing towards them. Next, she would lose most of her magic and finally be cast out to rebuild her life and find a way to make amends on her own for all the evil that she had done. So now the tiny FAE, simply known as Jen, has limited Snow and Ice magic, some invisibility for protection, and the gift of healing to mend the world around. A far contrast from the destructive wicked evil Queen she once was... Basic Information:(am called, Jen, but shh... my real name is "Snedronningen," it's a secret though. I don't know why, but I know that I shouldn't tell anyone. I am told that I am older than the oldest trees in the forest, but I don't remember. Furthermore, I think I look like I am about 20. I would identify myself ASA Starlight Sprite, but I don't know of any others like me. I earn my keep by... sometimes singing for others, but I really don't need much to survive. I consider myself to BEA female Appearance:Others think I looklike a tiny little pale spirit or a snowflake given form. My hair is white and flows over my shoulders My eyes areal white and glow faintly Height and Weight:I am almost 6" tall when I stand on my tip toes and I weigh no more than a few ounces. If I were describing myself in a story I would say... That I am slender, delicate, of pale near white complexion with pale gossamer semi-translucent wings that have a faint pink sheen to the surface of them. My white hair is so fine that it billows in even the slightest of breezes so that I always look like I am standing in a wind. Oh, and I have the cutest little pointy ears. As for clothing, I don't wear any because I am so tiny, plus I glow ever so slightly so no one can distinguish any details on my person anyway. The glow obscures the vision, even for those that are tiny like me. Personality:I behave as IFI am a spoiled child when I am frustrated or upset, but I can also be very motherly and nurturing at other times. My favorite things airier flowers, dew drops, butterflies, moon light, the night sky, snowflakes, ice, water, and babies. The things that I can't stand are people or things that are sweaty, smelly, and rancid. Nothing scares me like fire. When it comes to interacting with others I:am I outgoing, friendly, and trusting. I believe that:my word is my bond and helping others is important. Equipment:Weapons and Armor:n/ai never leave home without:a smile on my face. I have no possessions. When it comes to money I'm:without so much as a coin. They are far too heavy for me to carry. Other Important Stuff:When I'm scared I:Turn invisible. Well, I sort of just fade away. The thing I want most but would never tell anyone about is:... I'm a pretty open person. I think I would tell anything to almost anyone. I'm lonely when:... Furthermore, I'm never lonely. Nature is my friend and her gentle caress is all that I need to keep me company. It hurts when:people chase me away from their babies like I'm a pesky insect. It makes me sad. The things you need to know about my past are:That I don't remember it all. I know that I have been alive for a very long time and I have been many things. I have been something like royalty, I have been a guardian, and I have been a vagabond. Furthermore, I have one distinct memory. At some point I have been an acolyte or high priestess to a deity, but I don't remember her name, I only know that she still guides my path and gifts me with special magics that let me bring life and rejuvenation to myself and others. I wish to go to the Shadow because:I want to see if I can remember ever having been there before. I want to go because I know that others that try will need my help. Furthermore, I just feel like it's something that I need to do. On the subject of magic...:Spells gifted to her by the goddess Healing:Pertains to plants and animals including persons.- Heal most if not all minor wounds immediately.- Heal serious or grave wounds within hours after giving my healing kiss. Resurrection:- Resurrect with ease those that have just died within the last couple of minutes.- Resurrect with consequences those that have died within the hour.- Resurrect those that have died within the day but with dire consequences. Consequences: Something like each hour starts at a 25% chance then adds 10%/hr chance of demon coming through with the dead (or a haunting or wrong spirit?)- Unable to resurrect those dead for longer then a day. Fade/Invisibility:If I just fade out / my glow goes out, and I become translucent, I can hold that form for indefinitely. I would look like a piece of glass without the shine and only a slight white coloring. If I go full invisible then I can only hold it for up to five minutes at a time. Then I need to switch to my faded form for five minutes. Natural Abilities as a Starlight Sprite/Facelift:I can fly about as fast as the fastest bird, though I am far more mobile while in flight because it's mystical in nature and not actually powered by my little delicate wings. Although if pinned back or damaged it will inhibit my flight. Don't ask me why, I just know that it does. Glowing:I can glow like a bright white torch indefinitely Spells of Snow/Ice Water to Ice:The longer I concentrate, the thicker the ice gets. A hundred-foot range.- Puddles to ice is instant and easy. A rain slick path can become ice for a hundred feet without problems River or flowing lake can turn a 20' by 100' long path to ice over 12" thick within a few seconds. Very easy to do. (Safe for people and horses to cross.)- If I can touch the water and concentrate it will grow the ice sheet. Within about a minute, I can freeze a body of water up to a hundred feet and a hundred feet deep to solid ice. The ice is natural ice and after the first minute it melts at the same rates and with same limitations. Rain to Snow:This one is easy because it just involves dropping the local temperatures and crystallizing the rain drops into fluffy snowfall. The effects are a hundred-foot radius. The air drops to refrigerator like temperatures, and it starts to snow. Blizzard/Snowstorm:- Takes a full minute of concentration to conjure and risks growing out of control.- The area effect temperatures drop to -10 c (well below freezing)- The area effect is roughly a 250 feet diameter but doubles for every minute that I concentrate.- After five minutes of concentrating and growing the storm would be 4000' diameter, have flurries trailing off up to a mile (5280') and now have a life of its own.- Each minute that I concentrate there is a risk of attracting the attention of Ice Demons and all manner of creatures of snow and ice. In the mystic force it's like a pulsing beacon, or a lure for the attention of unwanted creatures of magic. Note: This is a leftover calling card of former days when I held much more power, my storms which were then a hundred miles across would attract creatures to do my bidding. Now it just attracts them and I have no control over them. What was once my army are now my tormentors.- First minute just to conjure = no consequences, + 1 minute = 10% chance of consequences, 2 minute = 25% chance of consequences, 3 minutes = 50%, 4 minutes = 100%, 5 minutes = the storm rages out of control with 100% chance of consequences and our fates will be decided by the GM's = we could bring down an entire army of frost giants on our heads.- Also note that those in the effected area will suffer hypothermia (if not warmed/protected) after approximately the first 4 minutes. Cold Resistance:- Not sensitive to the cold in any way. I actually love it! Other Notes:With any snow/ice magic there is always the risk of pissing off some other creatures of nature/water/elements etc... depending on what's in the area. Basic Information:Please answer as your character, unless otherwise indicated.(am called, Sargon EdelritterI am25 years old would identify myself as mostly human earn my keep by being the son of a City Lord of Van. I have devoted myself fully to the art of the warrior, and intend to fight for as long as I live. I consider myself to BEA man, through and through. Appearance:Others think I looklike I'm in my late twenties, or early thirties. My hair isdarkish-brown, like tree bark. I keep it short, so it won't get in my way in battle. My eyes are deep, bright green, like leaves in Summer. Height and Weight:5'10, 220 lbs If I were describing myself in a story I would say... Broad shouldered, with a muscular build. I bear the tattoo of a small Warhammer, with lightning bolts on either side of it, on my left shoulder, the symbol of my family and the city I call home. I am Caucasian, usually with a slight tan from long times spent outdoors. Furthermore, I have a few scars on my left arm from minor injuries sustained over the years. Furthermore, I typically wear boiled leather armor, which has metal studs and chain mail reinforcing in key locations, to protect my upper body, with softer leather for my legs, to allow for more freedom of movement. Furthermore, I typically wear an open-faced helm when going to battle, but prefer to keep it off when the situation is safe. My weapon of choice is a six-foot-long spear, made entirely from enchanted Adamantine. Personality:I behave as IFI was a mature, responsible adult. Anything less would be unacceptable, given the mantle I will one day inherit. My favorite things areal the things a warrior may like: a good brawl, meat and ale, curvy lasses. What a warrior may not like, however, that I do have an appreciation of, is philosophy. The things that I can't stand are Cowards, oath breakers, bullies (a specific subtype of coward), pointless sacrifice, speech without thought or reason. Nothing scares me like The thought of losing my home to that which conspires to destroy us all. When it comes to interacting with others I:tend to be assertive, but fair. I am confident in what I do know, but tend to be more conservative in matters in which I am not well-versed. I do not always speak, but when I do so, it is for the right reasons. I believe that:all aspects of one's life should be rigorously disciplined, yet still possess enough flexibility to not break under stress. Just like a sword, there must be hardness and softness, or else the whole thing will shatter under duress. I believe that every one has a duty firstly to their family, secondly to themselves, and thirdly to their fellow being. Responsibilities, duties, and obligations are to be carried out in as diligent a manner as possible; to do anything less is to disrespect one's self, as well as all others involved. Equipment:Weapons and Armor:Sargon is an exceedingly skilled Spearman, capable of fighting up close or from farther back, as needed. He prefers to keep distance between himself and his opponents, as its long reach is one of the many advantages of a spear. Though a fighter first and foremost, Sargon is also a capable magician in his own right, often bending nature to his will. At times, he has been observed conjuring up strong winds to blow projectiles off target, as well as to send rocks flying towards enemies, or to make vines and roots lash out and foul up the actions of those in the right place to be harried by nature. His choice in armor provides him some good safety and cushioning from crushing blows, and metal reinforcement around vital locations can help negate slashing weapons as well, but is practically worthless against a good piercing attack. His skill at wearing armor, combined with its relative lightness, does not inhibit his movements, and he generally relies on staying out of the effective range of enemy weapons. I never leave home without:Acorns that have been threaded with vine into a necklace of sorts. Although it may seem feminine to wear such accouterments, it is the only memento I have of my mother. It also helps provide a focus for my latent magical abilities. When it comes to money I'm:well provided for, being the son of a City Lord. However, it is exactly because of my upbringing that I am frugal and cautious with my expenditures. Other Important Stuff:When I'm scared I:Laugh. It's a good way for me to handle the stress of the situation. There's nothing wrong with being afraid, so long as it does not conquer you. The thing I want most but would never tell anyone about is:To see Brighton destroyed. Not necessarily in fire and death, but to see their horrifying ideals dashed upon rocks. Though I value my own freedom, and the freedom of others, what some have done with their freedom is heinous, and such vileness should not be tolerated. I'm lonely when:I'm deep within cities. Cut off from the beauteous sky and melodious wind, I feel alienated. It hurts when:I fail. All failures are a learning opportunity, but it still burns. The things you need to know about my past are:The city of Thunder hammer, and it’s Garrison, The Grim Guard, is one of the closest to The Divide, and so has seen some of the most brutal combat of all the Cities of Van. It is also, as one might imagine, one of the most heavily fortified of the cities, and well known for deadly traps, used to thin out hordes of monsters, or to stop solitary predators. Thunderhammer’s originally founder and lords had been the Thunder hammer clan. However, roughly a hundred years ago, the Lord of the time fell in battle, without a successor to take on the mantle. Thunder hammer stayed lordless for nearly a month, as various members fought--with words and sword--over who would become the next lord. Eventually, my grandfather took that title. He chose to keep the name and banner the same, in tribute to the bravery, strength, and tenacity of the Thunder hammer family, who to this day continue to live on as advisors and Garrison Captains. One of the traditions of the city of Thunder hammer involves a Nymph, who has been there since the founding of the city. Every time a new Lord takes command, she appears with but a single request: that that lord give her a child. This has been going on since the city was first erected, and so while some look down upon it as cheating on one's spouse, the tradition is honored. If not for the sake of tradition, then exactly because the Nymphs are staunch allies when the Divide monsters are on their raids. Nymphs have historically provided not only early warning to larger raiding parties, but they have also acted in the defense of the people and the city, and so they are given much respect. I was actually the product of this ritual coupling between the Nymph Allowing and my father, Edgar. As I was not born a true Nymph, I was sent back to live with my father and his family. As a second-born son, and technically a bastard, this has led to some occasional arguments over my true place in the family. However, since both my older brother, and my father, are still quite hale and hearty, this should not ever become a true issue. Still, from a young age, I have been taught the importance of self accountability and responsibility. I have also spent time as a warrior, as is expected, and time as well developing my latent talents with magic, bestowed to me through my mixed blood. Not only that, but from time to time, I have also been studying the proper ways in which one may run a city, just in case ill luck should strike my older brother down. It is no surprise, then, that I am used to maintaining such a busy schedule, and prioritizing things. It’s been that way since I was a child, though I now, as an adult, find myself having oddly a lot of free time. As such, I have taken to occasionally wandering the world, studying the situation in other countries, learning what I can, teaching what I can, and growing along the way. Lately, I have been plagued with strange dreams, and a strong desire to head in a single direction. I do not know what this is, or why it is happening, but I know it is not something I can ignore. I wish to go to the Shadow because:I feel a strong call. Furthermore, I do not fully understand it, but I can not ignore it. Furthermore, I also hope that along the way to discovering the source of this pull, that I will acquire the power I need to protect not only my own people, but the people of the rest of our world, and the responsibility to handle such power. Basic Information:Please answer as your character, unless otherwise indicated.(am called, Kelk Silversmith am twenty nine years of age. I would identify myself ASA human of pure lineage. I earn my keep by keeping my masters informed of foreign developments. ‘Spy’ is a rather hostile term, but I suppose it applies nonetheless. I consider myself to BEA heterosexual male, for the most part. Appearance:Others think I look few years shy of thirty, which isn’t far off. My hair is somewhere between auburn and chestnut brown. My eyes earmark, clever, and watchful. Height and Weight:186cm (6’11”), and 78kg (171lbs)If I were describing myself in a story I would say...that I possess a lean, toned build that’s better suited to speed rather than brute strength. My pale skin speaks of a privileged upbringing rather than long years slogging on a farm, but several ragged scars prove that I don’t shy away from hardship. On a more superficial level, my appearance is usually refined, if a little conservative. I dress in good quality fabrics that are well tailored and dyed in dark shades. Though expensive in its own right, these clothes are otherwise free of extravagances, such as jewelry. My hair is kept neatly swept back without the use of oils or the like. While I prefer to keep my face clean-shaven, I usually have to make-do with a close-cropped beard when travelling abroad; alas, I’m reluctant to let strangers press a razor that close to my throat, however much itching stubble might annoy me… Of course, all this is simply how I look at present. The nature of my work requires many faces: I’ve had everything from flowing locks to a shaven scalp, rich silks to filthy rags, bare bones to a happily fat belly. I don’t know why I bother, though. The deviant races always say that “all humans look alike.” Philistines… Personality:I behave as IFI’m twice my age… at least, that’s what my friends always say. It’s rarely intended as a compliment. My favorite things are literature, worship, and study. I also have a soft spot for animals, especially dogs. The things that I can't stand airbrush thinking, poor manners, and selfishness. Contrary to most people’s assumptions, I don’t actually hate non-humans, I just see them as a threat to Brighton. Nothing scares me like magic. It’s a veritable pox on the land, and a perversion of the natural order of things. I find it baffling that foreigners are so accepting of it. It terrifies me to find it so widespread outside my homeland. When it comes to interacting with others I:tend to be reserved, but honest; in other words, I openly admit to keeping a lot of secrets. Humor and civility are important aspects of my personality, especially when I’m dealing with strangers or enemies, as it helps to disarm tense situations. Speaking of which, I usually avoid the topic of my homeland, as Brighton has anundeservedreputation for zealotry. Sometimes it’s hard to avoid the issue entirely; on those rare occasions, I make no apologies for my beliefs. Last but not least, I deem it better to talk or think my way past an obstacle, rather than just relying on brute force. This is also true for violence: one minute of careful planning is worth more than an hour of frenzied bloodletting. I believe that:Magic is an aberration, and humanity’s sacred destiny is fundamentally incompatible with the interests of other races. Right or wrong doesn’t factor in to this: it is simply the way of things. I feel that progress and reform are important elements of Brighton’s future, but the central tenements of my beliefs – the existence of a true God, the profanity of magic, and the divine lineage of humans – are utterly unshakable. Equipment:Weapons and Armor:I’m no warrior. My sturdy boots and leather coat might be perfect for warding off the various scrapes and gashes one encounters on the road, but they’re completely useless in a fight. Still, I’m notentirelywithout protection. My heavy fur cloak can easily absorb the cutting edge of a sword, while my masterwork gloves have studs and metal plates to protect my hands. Even so, I find distance to be the best armor of all. My weapons are slightly more imposing, though I consider them instruments of last resort. My crossbow lacks in range compared to bows, but it’s unerringly accurate and can punch through armor up close. I also possess several knives – a thrusting dirk, a doubled edged sea, and a clasp knife that’s more a tool than weapon – though obviously I can only use one at a time; ‘dual wielding’ is the mainstay of circus performers, not killers. In combat, I use my weapons for either an overwhelming attack or a quick escape, as I couldn’t stand my ground against a professional swordsman. Lastly, there’s my tool chest, which I suppose could be considered a weapon. With everything from tripwires and stakes to powders and poisons, it allows me to craft a great many things, all of them fiendishly effective and extremely unpleasant. Unfortunately, it takes a tremendous amount of time to prepare any one of them; even the ‘simple’ things, like lacing a blade with poison, take hours rather than minutes. And no, I can’t prepare them in advance. I tried that once with a smoke grenade, so that I’d have one on hand for emergencies. The damn thing deteriorated after a day in the summer heat, and ignitedinsidemy coat. Never again. I never leave home without:my faithful hound, Lower. People dismiss him as a slobbering brute, but he’s proven himself to be an invaluable ally and stalwart friend. Strong, lithe, and clever, he’s an emperor among animals. There might be some truth to the ‘slobbering’ part, but only when there’s food about. When it comes to money I'm:well provided for, though I’m always conscious of the fact that it’s my masters’ coin I’m spending. I don’t stint when it comes to buying high quality equipment, but I’m always wretched with guilt whenever I indulge in luxury items. Other Important Stuff:I was born In:Brighton. When I'm scared I:turn to my faith in the true God… but, more immediately, I turn tail and run. The thing I want most but would never tell anyone about is:stability. I have a knack for cloak-and-dagger work, sure, but there have been too many near misses and close escapes. I feel like a cat that’s used up eight of its lives already… I'm lonely when:I’m in non-humans ‘civilizations’. It hurts when:I’m physically hurt. That’s not me being facetious, incidentally. When you’re out on your own, being injured is a singular kind of misery: every day of travel makes the pain worse, and trivial tasks become torturous ordeals, but locals just look upon you with hostility or greedy opportunism. The things you need to know about my past are:that I was born in Brighton, and that I wasnotborn a spy. The latter is something that happened through degrees. I actually started life as a scholar, specializing in mechanical theory. After a few years as a journeyman, my considerable skill and piety (and modesty – hah!) attracted the patronage of a powerful group of nobles, who recruited me for a very sensitive matter: representing my nation at the Midsummer’s Fair. Specifically, I would be involved in the scholarly exchange, where intellectuals from around the world gather at Alexandria to exchange knowledge. Heralding from Brighton, I would be grudgingly tolerated rather than welcomed, but the Midsummer Fair’s amnesty would protect me. My task proved boring but informative – which equates to a huge success in the world of spying – and you can probably guess how things progressed from there. My next task was something very much similar, but I was also asked to listen in on tavern gossip and marketplace chatter while I was there. Then I was to attend yet another summit, but this timeinferthat I came from somewhere other than Brighton without every saying as much. Then I was asked to obtain a copy of a rival’s research, with or without his permission. It went on like this, moving in small increments, each task inducing me to take just one more step deeper into darkness. I completed my first theft within a year, my first act of arson in five, my first murder in seven. Somewhere along the line I ceased to be any sort of travelling scholar. What else is there to say? I’ve spilled blood and committed crimes, but only in the most urgent of circumstances. I’ve experienced considerable success and the very bitterest of failures. Furthermore, I’ve managed to vanish each time I’ve been caught, which is something. Furthermore, I’ve had three dogs, and dearly loved all of them as cherished friends. Make no mistake: for all the wrongs I’ve done, I find it immeasurably preferable to watch benignly, to simply report without acting. And yet, more than ever, I realize how important my work is. The world is filled with inhuman deviation and unholy magic, and like all evils they only thrive when they go unwatched. I will do my part to safeguard humanity’s sacred destiny, watching when I can, and acting when I must. I wish to go to the Shadow because:I want to destroy the Gate to the Shadows. It’s a veritable font of profane magic, and this expedition provides a golden opportunity to seal it closed forever. Basic Information:Please answer as your character, unless otherwise indicated.(Y’Array am26 years old would identify myself Ashman earn my keep by Being a hired bodyguard, guide, or sometimes if things need to be taken to a more…permanent level, I have no problems taking a contract on a life. I consider myself to beMaleAppearance:Others think I look26My hair is Dark blond-Brown My eyes areBlueHeight and Weight:6’ 3”/220lbs (187.5 CM/100kg)If I were describing myself in a story I would say... I have several large scars across my abdomen and back from being drug behind a horse. Furthermore, I got caught up during a caravan raid, and couldn’t get my calf free from the reigns of a wagon. Furthermore, I have a particularly colorful scar that shows the grizzly remnants of a cauterized wound I received after a spear pieced my side during my time protecting the woodland nymphs from human raids. Luckily it was a shallow catch, and I was healed fully in two months’ time. I have a jagged scar running up my thigh from the back of my knee to the crease of my rear. This is from a very close call with a very angry dwarf who thought I stole his daughter’s virtue, though I assure you… I did not. Finally, I have a small scar on my chin from a bar maiden that got a bit irritated with my drunken affections. Personality:I behave as IFI am a bit of two minds. In battle, I am serious, often taking charge of less experienced participants of whatever party I have been hired into. I am quick to build effective battle strategies, and have a swift form of “Take no prisoners” justice. When relaxed and in good company, I am jovial and flirtatious, even occasionally, being affectionate with ladies and friends. My favorite things airwomen-Pretty much any species will do, just because I don’t think they are attractive doesn’t mean they need to feel badly about themselves. I flirt shamelessly and enjoy the blush that that invokes. Arousal does not discriminate based on species, and I enjoy bringing the most of it out of those lovely creatures of mystery.Plants-My father would take me on his expeditions, and he taught me which herbs and plant life were safe to utilize in most situations. I love to find and eat berries, because it reminds me of my youth, and you will always know when I have indulged, as my fingers will likely be stained with the juices. My Swords- A person who touches a warriors swords is asking to lose the hand…or worse. I am highly attached toHallowedandDastardly, the twins named for their deadly justice.Brawling-Who doesn’t love a good beat down? I am never one to shy from a fight, especially if it involves my traveling companions...huge emphasis on the ladies. I make it my personal goal to keep their beauty intact for later enjoyment. The things that I can't stand area swordsman with a floppy wrist, and competition. Nothing scares me like Snakes. I will hack a snake up in ten seconds flat, no regard for food, or compassion. They must all be wiped from this earth… Demon spawn. When it comes to interacting with others I:I am an outgoing and infectious personality, and I enjoy making those around me laugh. Often times I make crass or vulgar jokes to help lighten the mood, though thiscanlead to trouble. *See Brawls believe that:You put in the work for that piece of silver, crush those who oppose you, and do your best to protect the weak. Equipment:Weapons and Armor:I have two great long swords, and am equally attuned with each. My dagger rests in my ankle sheath, and a vial of poison around my neck for dire straits. I have a sturdy even armor, woven from the hardest elements and enchanted with protection. This, a gift form a merchant Elf that he protected as the man stood up against the murderous principals of their (at the time) leader. Upon the downfall of the evil overlord, the kind Elf offered me his youngest daughter’s hand, or a suit of the finest armor. The elf was neither surprised, nor offended at the rejection of my offer, for it was indeed more of a formality, as I am indeed human. I never leave home without:Water canteen Modest money purse Carrots for Josie, the painted horse notebook to jot down random ideas…no you can’t read it! A flint and tinder Kitty weapons locket that has the likeness of my mother on one side, and my Beloved sister Selena on the other When it comes to money I'm:I have a decent sum saved from my endeavors, comfortably fed and housed and a nice strong horse is all I need to feel happiness, though I am inclined to purchase a trinket or two if it might draw the attentions of a particularly interesting creature. Other Important Stuff:I was born In:YgdralWhen I'm scared I:tend to go into myself, attempting to devise a strategy with which to escape from whatever situation has scared me. Fear is not a weakness, it is a survival mechanism. The thing I want most but would never tell anyone about is:A life-long lover, and a family. I'm lonely when:I think about the fact that I travel for a living, and never have much time to make lasting relationships of any format. This is pretty much a constant feeling for me, but most wouldn’t realise it, because I hide it and do my best to show strength despite the absence of emotional interaction. It hurts when:I get stabbed, speared, or trampled, but for the most part, I have one spot that has never recovered from a deep wound. A rib was crushed during my wagon accident, and I have a bundle of nerves wrapped around it rather than it healing properly. This can be painful, but I have learned to live with it. The things you need to know about my past are:I have been trained since childhood with a sword in hand; following in my father’s mercenary footsteps, and having my life revolve around this trade since I was old enough to fight. My mother passed with birthing my sister, Selena, when I was 10 years old, and from them on I knew it was my job to keep her safe. My father deteriorated after the death of my mother, and I became responsible for putting food on the table despite is constant beatings of both myself and Selena. When she turned 14, my father, in a drunken fit, took his fist to her one last time. This I found out after I returned from a simple hunting trip to my father’s dwelling of the week, and I was absolutely destroyed to see that she was gone. In my grief and rage, I impaled the self-interested bastard with Hallowed, my Blade of Justice. I would see him rot in hell for the loss of my innocent Selena. It was later learned that she had run away to her closest friend and love interest, and they had both fled from Deal. I feel responsible for her safety, and for the past two years, have searched high and low for her in order to see her cared for and happy. My biggest worry is how young she is, and the vastness of the world around her. She was fairly sheltered, and her ability to survive dangerous situations is a huge concern of mine. I wish to go to the Shadow because:I wish to find my sister alive and well. Basic Information:(am called, Naerya Dawn drifter, but I was once known as Tanzania the Baneful. I am41 years old. I would identify myself ASA Troll. I earn my keep by tending to the orchard owned by my adoptive family. I consider myself to BEA female. Appearance:Others think I looklike I'm in my early to mid-twenties, since most don't know that Trolls are long-lived. My hair is dark brown with slight auburn highlights, reaching down to my mid-back. My eyes are golden. Height and Weight:6'6" / 250 lbs. If I were describing myself in a story I would say...that I look deceptively lean and lithe for my strength and weight, due to the fact that Troll muscles are nearly twice as dense compared to a Human's. My skin is ashen blue and I have large pointy ears as well as a pair of small tusks that protrude from my mouth, making it all but impossible for me to blend in anywhere. The series of small tattoos above and below my right eye denote the rank and 'accomplishments' that I achieved while waging war in the name of my former tribe. It used to bring me great pride, but now I see it for what it really is: an inescapable mark of shame. My body is covered in all manner of battle scars, although even the worst of them are very faint due to my race's strong regenerative trait. I've learned that appearance can play a significant role in how I'm perceived by others, so I do my best to look presentable. My clothing is simple, but well-made and well maintained. Most of the time, I'll be wearing a linen shirt, leather pants and a sturdy pair of knee-high boots. For a splash of color, I like to accessorize with some feathery earrings or a flower tucked behind my ear. I also carry a dark green cloak for those times when it's really necessary that I try to hide myself. Personality:I behave as IFI was a calm and level-headed person, as long as I can keep my inner darkness under control. My favorite things are friendly company, flowers, sweet foods, sailing, swimming in the ocean on a hot summer day. The things that I can't stand are cruelty and injustice. Nothing scares me like myself. When it comes to interacting with others Tread cautiously at first, at least until I can get an idea as to how they feel about me. As long as I'm not faced with hatred or violence, I tend to be unassuming and affable. Perhaps a little shy, but I warm up quickly to those that I'm fond of, and I'm always happy to lend a hand whenever I can. I believe that need to do whatever I can to right my wrongs by making the world a better place, as impossible as it may seem. Equipment:Weapons and Armor:Nagoya primary weapon is a two-handed battleaxe with a large blade on one side and a spike on the other. She also carries a long dagger, as well as a quiver of javelins, which she can throw with enough force to punch through all but the heaviest armor. For her own armor, she wears only a pair of leather bracers and a leather breastplate with steel cauldrons and assets. Like all Trolls, she possesses incredible strength, an immunity to cold and the ability to regenerate very rapidly, even from near-fatal wounds. I never leave home without:The earrings and necklace that I received as a gift from my family before setting off on this journey. The amber gems aren't worth very much, but they remind me of the color of my orchard in the fall, and more importantly that I have a family who cares about me. When it comes to money Only possess a very modest amount of coin, just enough to get by for a little while. Other Important Stuff:I was born In The Divide, somewhere between Van and Deal. When I'm scared Find it exceedingly difficult to rein in my savage nature. The thing I want most but would never tell anyone about into somehow cure the 'monsters' that dwell within The Divide of the evil that poisons their souls. I'm lonely when those around me make me feel alienated, or when I have nothing to distract me from my memories. It hurts when people hate me because of what I am, but I can't exactly blame them. It also hurts when I get burned, as perhaps the most well known fact about Trolls is our vulnerability to fire. The things you need to know about my past Aretha I was raised knowing only violence and hatred for the civilized races. I grew up filled with rage, my only purpose being to kill and pillage until there was nothing left. Along with my brothers and sisters, I was systematically poisoned with potions and spells that would take that would amplify all of my negative emotions into an insatiable bloodlust. Despite our long life spans, Trolls rarely live to see their twentieth name day, but I proved to be particularly adept at killing. Either by name or reputation, the inhabitants of Van and Deal soon learned to fear me as I lead my warriors into battle, razing outposts, settlements and even small garrisons along the borders to The Divide. For over two decades, I gorged myself without restraint on the chaos, the fear and the suffering that I'd created. It went on and on until one fateful night when I was finally defeated. I found myself alone, cut off from my retreating war band with multiple arrows sticking out of me as I desperately tried to escape the soldiers of Van pursuing me. At some point, I reached the edge of a high cliff when I was barely able to keep moving, and I could hear the shouts behind me getting closer. For the first time, I was gripped by an overwhelming sense of terror that wrapped itself around my heart. It was the first time that I began to understand what I'd been inflicting on to others. Leaving a trail of blood behind me, I literally crawled into the nearby river before the soldiers could reach me, letting the water's current carry me to the edge of the waterfall. They must have been satisfied with the sight of my body getting broken over the jagged rocks hundreds of feet below. The next thing that I remember is waking up a couple of days later in a small farm. The ogres that lived there had pulled the arrow heads from my body, changed me out of my bloodied armor and tended to whatever was left of my wounds by the time they'd found me. I was afraid and confused, but with time, they helped me to understand. Even though they knew what I was, what I had done, they showed me kindness and love which I had never known before. They taught me a great deal of things over the five years that I spent with them, including how to manage the destructive impulses which continued to plague me, for which I will always be eternally grateful. Recently, however, I've been feeling the darkness encroaching upon my heart more insistently and relentlessly than before. I can almost hear it calling for me, whispering in my dreams, urging me to let it run rampant once again. How easy it would be, to succumb to my nature rather than constantly having to strive against it... I'm losing trust in my ability to control myself, even with everything that I've learned. I can't just stay here, waiting idly until I lose my grip. It pains me to leave my new home and family so soon after having found them, but they wouldn't be safe if I stayed. One day, I hope to return. I wish to go to the Shadow because was born in darkness, and I have this unshakable feeling that only in the Shadows will I find the key to quelling the demon inside of me once and for all. Or I'll die trying. One way or another, I'll never allow myself to bring more death or destruction into the world again. (Information:Please answer as your character unless otherwise indicated. I am called, Rain by most, Little One by the plagues of my life. I am approximately 27 years old. I would identify myself Ashman, what else? I earn my keep by singing for my supper, sometimes literally. Furthermore, I am Court Bard to the Duke of Mist Haven, wretched man that he is. I consider myself to be female, isn't it obvious? Appearance:Others think I look perhaps 20 or so, at least that's what people who don't know me say. My hair is unnaturally red, long and thick enough to act as clothes if I drape it just so. Maybe I should cut it... My eyes are large, the color of cherry amber, and a bone of contention among my critics. As if I needed another reason to be considered demon kin by some. Height and Weight:4'11" and 73lbsIf I were describing myself in a story I would say... I am small, there is no getting around it. I look as if a strong wind could blow me over, and when I was young, they did. Furthermore, I have no tattoos, or other such adornment, though I have seen some that have made me consider going through the pain. Furthermore, I wear clothing of several fashions, depending on my location and what I am about. When traveling you will often find me in sturdy cotton, or leather in rich earthy tones. When I am on stage I wear dazzling colors that draw the eye, and fashions that flow with my movements. At court, you will often find me dressed in the highest fashions, in dark mourning colors whenever I can get away with it. The one unifying theme to all of my clothing is that it will always fully cover my back and shoulders, though my front may be exposed to with an inch of indecent when I am onstage. I'm very self-conscious of my back, and the scars that it bears. Elsewhere, my skin in pale and smooth. No matter the amount of sun that I take, I only ever acquire the lightest of tans. Personality:I behave as IFI have no clue of my age. I can be flighty, at times, and curious beyond what is good for me. Despite this, I can also be very serious, and have seen many nasty things leaving me with scars beyond those common of my years. I don't always hide them well. My favorite things are animals and children, and I am extremely curious about new, or novel things. I love kind people, and above all I adore music, and dancing. The things that I can't stand are bullies, or those that use their power to destroy others. I do not like being stuck in the Duke's court, and I'm not overly comfortable with strange women as they are often far from kind to me. I do not know why. Nothing scares me like being alone. I have never been truly alone, not since I was very small. When it comes to interacting with others I:am often the one to initiate the conversation. I enjoy people in general, and the new ideas that they can give me to ponder. I am always looking for new stories to tell, and where better to look than those around me that deserve for their tale to be told. I believe that:if you love someone, you will do everything that you can to see them well, and happy. If you believe that something is right or true, you will not stop until you have done all that you can to see it come to pass. That affection should be shown, in some form, to all that are open to receiving it, regardless of what others think, or feel about you doing so. Most of all I believe in seeking answers, where others see only questions. Equipment:Weapons and Armor:Rain carries a well-made rapier, but wears no armor or protective gear. I never leave home without:A flute, the first instrument Morris ever gave me, and locket. A gift from Daemon when I was young, before he showed me what he was truly capable of. When it comes to money I'm:never in a position to be concerned. I always have coin in my pouch, and my voice could always put more there even if I wasn't so "pampered" by the Duke. Other Important Stuff:When I'm scared I:cry, but do all I can to hold my ground anyway. I do not scream. The thing I want most but would never tell anyone about is:To gain back the one person in the world who ever loved me for all that I was, good and bad. Failing that, to rid the world of the pox that stole him from me. I'm lonely when:I am surrounded by others that don't care to know me, and when I can not begin to understand those around me. It hurts when:Others hurt. When I realise how stupidly naive I have been, and begin to question my own motives and beliefs. The things you need to know about my past are:I have no family. I was an orphan until Morris took me in. I lived with him for several years learning all that I could, it made him happy, and I liked to please him. Then he disappeared, I never saw him again. I did some stupid things when I could not find him, out of fear and desperation, out of pain. Then I met the Duke, and I learned that he had destroyed Morris. He took me into my court for my voice and looks, and out of a wish to have me in his bed. I refused, and I was beaten for the sin of refusing to become his wife. I was a little rude about it... Still he wanted to have me, and so I have remained in his court, hoping that I could find, and restore that which he had destroyed if I just tried hard enough. Every year I lose more and more of my freedom as he attempts to subvert me into in marriage bed, but I have no wish to be a Duchess. I wish to go to the Shadow because:I would destroy the Duke, and regain that which he has stolen from me.

Quest For The Shadow Gate (Character sheets)|rating:3.0

Of Míriel and Anárion (Stella & Stormwyrm)

The knight who called himself Gruber sat upon his charger, lance in hand, prepared to face his final opponent. Gruber was not his true name however, but it was an alias frequently used by those who wished to remain anonymous. He had gone to great lengths to conceal his true identity from the throng, since if they knew who he truly was they would probably tear him to pieces. This tournament he was in was part of the feasts declared by the king for the dedication of this new Temple he had constructed at the behest of his counselor, a blasphemous structure now dominating the skyline of Armenians like a pestilential tumor. A Temple to Mellor, He who Arises in Might, whose followers called him the Giver of Freedom and Lord of All. Gruber preferred a different name for this god of theirs, however, a name given to him by Favor of old: Forgot, the Black Enemy. Turning from the city skyline to face the throngs gathered to watch the spectacle of the tournament, he looked toward the Royal Box to see her. She was called Ar-Zimraphel by the multitudes, Queen Consort of Number. In his heart however, he would always know her by her true name: Muriel, a jewel of great price to rival even the Salaries of legend. She sat in the Royal Box next to her husband, the king, Ar-Pharaoh the Golden, 25th king of Number of the House of Euros Tar-Miniature. They were clothed in dazzling ceremonial garments befitting the occasion. The king held the great Scepter of Number in his hand, and raised it to a great fanfare of trumpets. This was the signal, and Gruber spurred his horse into a hard gallop, as had his opponent, and their lances struck the centers of each other's shields with the shock of a thunderbolt. Both lances exploded into a rain of wooden splinters, and both horses reared their haunches at the impact. However, the riders were greatly skilled in horsemanship and managed to maintain control of their mounts at that critical moment, and soon enough they were wheeling around the lists and had received new lances from their squires to replace the ones that had shattered. The second tilt had pretty much the same result, but with the third, Gruber had instantly shifted the aim of his lance to his opponent's helmet, and the shock of the impact sent his opponent flying backwards out of his saddle, landing on the ground with such force he had been rendered unconscious. Gallant as ever Gruber had immediately dismounted and seen to the condition of his opponent, who was unconscious but appeared not to have sustained any further serious injuries, even as the throngs shouted in the praises of Gruber, the champion of the day. Ugruzîr had been conducted to the thrones that had been set for Ar-Pharaoh and Ar-Zimraphel, and bowed before them. "Shalt thou unlace thy helmet, noble champion Gruber, that all may behold the face of the great champion of this day's events?"" If it pleases thy Majesty, I have taken a solemn vow to Era Elevator to remain in anonymity till such a time as my quest be fulfilled." He noticed how the queen seemed to register a brief shock at the sound of his voice, but quickly regained her composure before, he hoped, anyone else noticed." It dothnotplease us, and pronounce not the name of that false god within our hearing again, ere we strike the head off thine insolent shoulders. Thy undisputed victory in these lists is all that protects thee," the king said peevishly. "Thou seemest an Elf-friend if we are not mistaken, and we mislike thy lot. However, it is no crime to hold to the old ways, at least not yet, and thou hast indeed won thy honor in these lists. Zimraphel, grant this knight his reward." The Queen stepped before him, and she could see Gruber's eyes through the visor of his helmet, and there was a hush at this moment, and even the crowd fell silent. She was then certain at that instant that Gruber's right and true name was Nation, son of Lentil, son of Amanda, Lord of Annie, leader among the Faithful and the Elf-friends. He had responded to her call. The tournament interested her not, but she sat in quiet, dignified state and observed all its happenings as though such games were dear to her heart. The Queen was a stately and beautiful woman, laced in regal nobility and tainted with faintly perceptible sorrow. She bore it proudly, a precious mantle beneath which she hid all her deepest hurts and most treasonous thoughts - but truly, could the rightful ruler ever be treasonous? She thought not, but men in positions of greater power than herself would not agree. Uninteresting though the tournament games were to her, the Queen knew they were an important opportunity. She spent more time observing the people who attended. Who they sat with, who they laid their bets on. In the years since her marriage her perceptiveness had amplified and little failed to engage her notice. She saw notes passed, spotted precious little games of intrigue among evil and good men alike. Muriel could act on very little of which she saw, but she stored up the knowledge all the same. Her despised husband and usurper sat beside her, bedecked with jewels that were not his by right. He dressed too splendidly, she thought, and in his presence she was required to do the same. Muriel's long, dark hair was worked with silver wire studded with precious gems of moonstone and diamond. A jeweled diadem of ornate craft was across her brow, and her dress was silverware and blues. Her hands she had folded upon her lap, rings glinting when they caught the light. Miriel had begun to slowly put plans together. It was a difficult task when she was closely watched for fears she may attempt to betray Ar-Pharaoh but over time, her sharp eye and patience began to favor her. Slender doors of opportunity were opening, one by one. She knew the key to many doors was in Amanda, if she could get a message to him. It was her hope that the tournament might present such a chance. She thought she may encounter one of his people and find a way to him in that fashion ... but when the victor who approached their box spoke, Muriel realized who he was at once, and could hardly believe it. But ... there was no mistaking his voice. She could not forget it - it was as familiar to her as her own. Her surprise betrayed her, and she turned away under the pretext of accepting the prize to pass on to him. Her mind raced, trying to put things into motion that she would not have thought possible until this moment, things that she wasn't sure she dared. She suppressed a smile. Nation was bold. Too bold, probably, but his candor amused her despite the danger. He dared use Elevator's name in Ar-Pharaoh's company ... it gave her hope. She took the cushion with the prize nestled atop from one of her handmaidens, and saw the faintest amusement and approval on her features too, though Muriel was sure she did not know the true identity of the speaker." Most victorious champion," she said in a clear, unwavering voice, dispassionate of the emotion which rose in her chest, "accept this prize in honor of thy achievement, and may it remember to thee this day of glory." She held out the cushion. Resting on it was a beautiful knife and matching scabbard, the hilt worked with rubies and inlaid with gold. "Look to the scabbard, its decoration is a thing of great wonder." And that was her vital clue of meeting place. The scabbard was decorated with trees in an orchard, the fruits ripe and robust, and above them was a round full moon. The royal orchard, during the full moon. That would be next week. It would be difficult, but she could slip away there, beyond the impregnable palace. And inside the scabbard though cunning sleight of hand Muriel had inserted a piece of cloth embroidered with a map Amanda and Nation would find very interesting. "I thank thee, thine Majesties, for this great and generous prize thou hast granted this humble knight," he said, bowing his head. At this, the crowds once again began their acclamations of his victory. Ar-Pharazôn turned towards him. "Sir Gruber, for by that name alone art thou known to us, we invite thee as well to grace our banquet tonight at the Grand Hall of the Palace with thy valorous presence. Regrettably our Grand Chancellor Figure has had other duties to attend to at this time and has not been present to witness thy great victory this day, however I am certain that he will be most desirous of meeting such a noble and valiant knight such as thyself, unknown though thy true name be."" Sadly, thy Majesty, though the honor is great, I must once again crave thy pardon, for once again mine quest calls me. I would fain sup with thine Majesties and gain the honor of meeting his Excellency, but I have tarried overlong in this beautiful city of Arminalêth, and must proceed onwards with all haste." In truth, he would have wished to remain just a little longer and try to have a chance to speak with Muriel for even a moment, however, the king's mention of the Grand Chancellor Figure made Nation extremely worried. Figure was better known by the name Sauron, and such were his wiles that he had made his way from being brought to Number in chains after his defeat at Lumbar to becoming Grand Chancellor of Number within the past twenty years. He had to risk the king's displeasure in this, and hope that his honorable victory would remain his shield. If Sauron saw him, not even the Helm of Hadar would suffice to conceal his true identity." As thou wishes, Champion, unused though we are to such refusals. We wish you a safe journey, the Lord of All willing." Thus dismissed, he bowed once again to the king and queen, and hastened to mount his horse, raising the dagger he had received on high to the acclaim of the crowd. Ar-Pharazôn turned to his captain of the guard once Gruber was out of hearing: "Do not permit that insolent fellow to escape alive. Bring us his head, that we may know what face he hides beneath that helmet." They left Armenians on the eastern road to Romania. It was mid-Autumn, and thelavaraldatrees that were planted along the paved portions of the road just outside the city now had leaves that were a glorious shade of orange. The sunset was behind them, and he could see Menelmacar shining in the sky with the three brilliant stars of his belt. He could see the moon rising at the horizon, and he figured within another week it would be full. Acting as his squire was his nephew, Slender, his brother Silver's eldest son, a young lad of perhaps fourteen years of age, but already with reasonable skill in both the sword and the bow." Uncle, don't you think we should camp for the night or find an inn?" Slender asked, as the night wore on." Not yet. I believe I may have given offense to the king, and the sooner we can get to Romania the better." That was a major understatement, Anárion thought. They were now riding through a rather more thickly forested area, and Nation thought he might have heard something out in the dark. He drew his sword, which was now gleaming with a faint blue light, and Slender did the same. Anárion suddenly heard the twang of a bowstring, and he raised his shield just in time to have an arrow embed itself there. In moments, they were upon them, three mounted riders and perhaps half a dozen footmen with long pikes. Nation rode with the same skill and dexterity he had previously shown in the lists that afternoon, wheeling around one rider and cleanly removing his head with a single blow and cutting through the shaft of a pike in one swift motion. Slender had similarly dispatched two of the footmen, and rode down a third, weaving his horse easily through the footman's clumsy attempts to stab or unhorse him with the pike. Anárion was getting hemmed in from all sides by the three footmen and the two riders, and the archer was taking potshots at him but unable to pierce his armor, which was of the finest Even-steel from the forges of Mandolin. It was only a matter of time however before one of the joints in his armor were hit, or his horse was hit, and so surrounded it was all he could do to parry the blows of the riders. Slender rode to his assistance, but at that moment, another arrow struck one of the riders in the neck, and a sword flashed with blue fire taking the head off the last rider." My little brother still needs looking after, even though he's supposedly reached 161 years of age!" a familiar voice laughed out in the dark. Another arrow flew past them, and they heard a scream in the dark. Someone had killed the archer taking potshots at him." Isildur!" Nation cried. "What are you doing here?"" What, did you think that you got out of our grandfather's house to sneak off to Armenians without anyone knowing, and bringing my son with you as well? I was there at the lists this afternoon watching you. You were magnificent!" Two more mounted men appeared out of the dark behind Silver, his squires both, one with a bow and the other sheathing a sword bloodied by the remaining pike men. Isildur surveyed the carnage. "Looks like you managed to anger the king once again. Even though these men wear no livery or uniform nor have any identifying marks, they are far too well-equipped to be ordinary brigands: they are using weapons of the king's guard. Did you make a pass at Muriel again?" Silver asked, laughing. Anárion colored at the remark, thankful that the night dark and his helmet concealed it from his brother. It was true that he had gone to the tournament in order to get a glimpse, however brief, of Muriel." You never stopped loving her, haven't you, even after she broke her promises to you and married that bastard Ar-Pharaoh." It was tempting to feign illness to avoid the banquet altogether. Muriel was almost impossibly distracted, her attention wandering from the surrounding conversations, her gaze losing focus. She was no longer paying her acute attention to the surrounding proceedings, her thoughts had internalized themselves. Nation was here. She had no fear that she had given the map and message to the wrong man; she would never mistake him. Muriel's memory was slipping back to events she had not allowed herself to dwell on for many a year, days when there had seemed to be brighter stars in the sky, when the days themselves seemed longer. Twice, her handmaiden Ethel had to carefully bring her back to the present, and she realized it was time to rise and attend the banquet only because Ethel nudged her. Though she wanted to retire to her chambers, Muriel knew it would be hopeless to ask. Ar-Pharaoh would deny it her, expecting his Queen to fulfil her duties. No, it was better to attend for the minimum period and slip quietly away once the drink began to flow freely. So she attended and ate sparingly, allowing the conversation to flow over her. At some point she became aware that Ar-Pharaoh, who sat in state beside her, was discussing Nation with the man on his other side. Miriel pretended to be watching the musicians on the far side of the hall, but her attention was fully devoted to the conversation at her elbow. Ar-Pharaoh barely spoke to her, so it was not unusual that he ignored her in favor of discussion with someone else. With a start, she realized he was talking about an ambush that should be taking place presently and for a terrible moment she was sure he had seen through Nation's disguise. Muriel's entire body tensed, and she felt a cold trickle of sweat slide down between her shoulder-blades. To her immense relief, she then understood that Ar-Pharaoh had not identified Nation at all; he was merely punishing the champion for his blasphemy. Muriel picked up her goblet and took a deep, long drink of the watered wine to calm herself. Nation was still undiscovered, but he was not safe. And there was nothing she could do except hope. Ar-Pharazon and his companion left the table without a word to her. Muriel took this as her opportunity to depart as well. She stood, the folds of her gown rustling into place, and surveyed the room. Hardly anyone took notice of her, so involved were they in their own merry-making, but the few who seemed to remain loyal to her bowed their heads in acknowledgement. Muriel swept toward the exit, picking her way around tables and bodies." Ar-Zimraphel." The fair, tall form of Figure stepped into her path. He was broad shouldered and strong and his presence commanded her full attention. Where her husband ignored her, Figure was unusually attentive, and would go out of his way to wish her a good morning or a good night. It was a Cold War. Nothing seemed to escape him, and she could see it in his eyes - he knew she despised him, just as he believed she was helpless to do anything about it." Walk with me, lady, if you would." Miriel's immediate response was to refuse him, but Figure was not a creature who suffered a challenge to his will. She studied him for a heartbeat, and then inclined her head. He took her arm and she resisted a shudder of revulsion. For one so fair, so beautiful of face and form, he had an inexplicable air which revolted her, and she had come to loath any touch from him. He led her along the wall, almost taking her out the exit she had been making for. But he went a little further, taking her instead into the night air of the courtyard where the White Tree grew in resplendent glory. There, he stood in silence for a moment, and she extracted her arm from his hold. Zigûrun seemed not to notice. He stepped forward, looking closely at the tree. "Would you call this growth fair, lady?" Her eyes moved from the tree to his profile, wondering where he was going with this. "It is the fairest of all trees."" It pleases you."" It is the pleasure of all who gaze upon it." Zigûrun reached forward, stroking one of the white flowers. "This thing has no place in all that is to come, in the world that is to be made. It is a shackle of the past." He took the flower and shut it inside his fist, tearing it from the branches and crushing it. As he opened his palm to allow the mashed petals to fall, he turned to look at her over his shoulder. "Ar-Pharaoh shares know my mind. Soon, this tree will burn, and with it the old world. It will writhe in flame and fade to ash; none shall remember it." He was deliberately baiting her. Muriel stared at him for a moment, horrified. She had guessed that this would happen, she had prepared for it, but not so soon. Steadily, softly, she said, "this tree lives in the hearts of the people of Number. It cannot be forgotten." With that, she took two steps backward, then turned to finally make her way to her chambers. She did not consult Ar-Pharaoh that night, though she longed for it. It would look far too suspicious. Her opportunity came early the following morning, shortly after she received the gloriously satisfying news that the assassination attempt had failed. Her husband was in the armory, trying out his newest blade and testing the balance. He glanced at her as she entered." Yes." Miriel watched as he swung the blade a few more times. She wanted his full attention, and she knew from experience that he would soon grow irritated enough with her silence to give it to her. Exasperated, he lowered the blade and looked barely at her." Zigûrun tells me you mean to destroy the tree." He just stared at her, what business is it of yours?" You cannot, Ar-Pharaoh," she implored, softly, "no matter what your purpose; it belongs to all of Number. You take their tree, and you will - "Ar-Pharaoh interrupted her. "You know nothing of these matters."" I know -""You knownothingof these matters, Ar-Zimraphel - and you will remember this."" The tree -"Ar-Pharaoh stepped in and gave her a stinging slap with his gloved hand. He leaned close and turned her face to him. "What do you know of these matters?" Her cheek smarting, her eyes watering, but her gaze steely, "Nothing." He immediately moved away and resumed his swordplay. Muriel touched her cheek gingerly and took her leave. Amanda was running out of time. Nation, Silver, Slender, and Silver's two squires managed to arrive in Romania the next day. Romania was the great eastern port of Number, and while it did not have the dazzling radiance of Armenians, it was still the greatest seaport of Number and the main gateway for ships sailing to and from Middle-Earth. Ever since the accession of Ar-Gimilzôr nearly two centuries ago, many of the Elf-Friends had been forced to relocate here from their original homes in Annie and Eldalondë, the better for the king and his men to watch on their doings, which the kings increasingly believed to be treasonous, Ar-Pharaoh most of all. That it also meant that the Elf-Friends could watch over the doings of the king and his men more easily as well was probably something that never occurred to them. Amandil, Nation's grandfather, had a large manor-house here at the southern side of the city, close to the main harbor. Upon their return here, both Nation and Silver received stinging reprimands from their father Lentil and grandfather Amanda, about how the risk of going to Armenians and risking discovery by the King's Men was too great, and that they were to remain at the manor. That evening, Nation went to the armory of the manor and took time to examine the dagger he had won at the tournament. It was a rather long dagger, nearly a foot long, and taking it out of its scabbard noted that it had a rather distinctive leaf-shaped blade. Sindarintengwarengraved at the base of the blade named itMaengnas, and it had the feel of a weapon forged in Mandolin for the Wars of Belgian. He also noticed that within the scabbard there was something inside as well, a cunningly folded piece of cloth on which was written, in a beautiful illuminated hand, the famous Song of Deletion and Laurel in, the two Trees of Valor. As he gazed at the cloth he noted something visible on it only in the moonlight. He left the armory and came out into the yard, and looked at the cloth carefully, noting that upon the cloth were Moon-Letters that spelled out a missive in High-five Kenya, in a hand he knew all too well. To Amanda, Lord of Annie and defender of the Faithful. I pray to Mane and BARDA and most of all to great Era Elevator, that you receive this message in good health, as I am uncertain by what means it may come into your hand. As you are no doubt aware, the Grand Chancellor has his designs upon the White Tree Pilot, even as it blooms its last flowers of the year, as it is the last vestige of the ancient alliance between our people and the Valor. He has frequently urged the king to destroy it, and while for the time being the king recalls my father Tar-Palantir's prophecy that when the Tree perishes so too would the line of kings perish and thus vainly clings to the shadow of our old allegiance, I fear it is only a matter of time before he acquiesces to Sauron's will, as he ever has, and destroys the Tree, and I fear the wrath that shall fall upon our people when that comes to pass. And, so I come to you, my Lord, you in whom loyalty and love for the Valor and Era Elevator remains undiminished, and pray that you send a hero of great courage from your House to the Tree in hopes that it may bear fruit for a heart worthy to receive it, and thereby its line, which goes to Malathion on the Hill of Tuna, and from thence to ancient Deletion himself, be preserved, and it may someday rekindle a new hope for our people. I have been made aware of a secret passageway underneath the Royal Palace of Armenians, by which one brave and strong of heart may come before the tree without being observed by the watchful eyes of the guards Sauron has placed. The map is drawn at the back of this missive. This is nevertheless a dangerous mission, as Sauron has augmented the guards with his malign power, but I believe that there are those who are worthy to overcome them within your House. Help us, Amanda. You are our only hope. May the blessing of Era Elevator, and the light of Mane and BARDA be upon you always, Tar-Míriel, Queen of NúmenorThe message he brought immediately to his grandfather Amanda, who set out to call a council of all the leaders of the Elf-Friends to decide on a plan of action. Neither Nation nor Silver were called to attend, and Lentil their father had seen to it that they were confined to their quarters and not permitted to leave the manor. Several days had passed, and still the council had not decided what to do, despite the urgency in Muriel's message. Anárion once again held the dagger in his hand. He suddenly recalled the last words that Muriel had spoken to him as she handed him the dagger:Look to the scabbard, its decoration is a thing of great wonder. It was a thing of great wonder indeed, gold cloisonné of emerald, opal, and jet, depicting a full moon over an orchard of trees. He suddenly realised that the trees shown were no random trees, for among them were clearly depicted what could only be the two greatmallorntrees that grew in the royal orchard, the tallest trees in the entire city of Armenians. It was a place he remembered well, for in the days of Tar-Palantir when his great-grandfather and grandfather still enjoyed positions of great honor at court, it was between those two trees and under the same moon where he had, after the death of his wife, pledged marriage to Muriel twenty-five years before. He could see that the moon outside his window had waxed nearly full: by tomorrow night it would already be full. It can't be. Mane help me.... Could it be that she means to us to meet there? There was no time to waste. After subduing the guards Lentil had set to prevent his leaving, he armored himself, took up once again a sword and shield, as well as the dagger he had received, and immediately set out on the road to Armenians under the light of the moon. Just as he had ridden to the outskirts of Romania, a rider rode up to him with great speed." Brother, where do you think you're going?" Silver asked." You know, brother. I must go to Armenians, and seek out the queen, and go before Pilot and see if it produces its fruit before Sauron destroys it. Do not try to stop me!"" Stop you? What in the name of the Valor makes you think that I want to stop you? By the fists of Turkeys and the Horn of Rome, I am going with you, for Elevator knows that you will need my help!" Anárion and Silver arrived at Armenians the following afternoon, after a hard night's riding along the King's Road. The festivities for the opening of the Temple of Mellor were still on going, and two days hence, on the day after of the Autumn Equinox, the first day of winter, Sauron would declare himself High Priest and burn the first of many sacrifices to Mellor, that he may deliver his worshipers from the curse of death. The two of them decided that they would brave the secret tunnels described in the map the next day, just before the grand opening of the Temple, for that would be the peak of the celebrations and the security of the Royal Palace would be diminished. Tonight, however, was the night of the full moon, the night described in inlays of emerald, opal, and jet on the scabbard of the dagger." Go to her, brother," Silver urged. "Be with her, even if it is for but one night. She has been afraid and alone for so long, yet even as her enemies grow stronger she has managed to call to you. I may not have known her as well as you once had, but I am certain that she has always loved you, even as she broke her promises to you." Anárion had dressed himself in a simple coat and breeches, with a gray cloak, and came armed only with the dagger. The Royal Orchards were a vast public garden close to the western outskirts of Armenians, and they featured some of the most beautiful trees and plants of Number. They featured the onlymallorntrees that grew on Number outside Hyarrostar and Hyarnustar, and many beautiful rows ofelanorandniphredilbeds, though in these latter days, few of the Númenoreans sought its comforts. He arrived before themallornas the moon was at its zenith, and there between the two great trees Muriel stood, her pale skin shining in the light of the moon, her face tinged with a sorrow that seemed only to add to her beauty. With Ethel's aid, Muriel was able to closet herself away for the evening under the pretext of headache. It was an easy lie to put into play, as the whole court was aware that she had suffered crippling headaches that confined her to her bed, sometimes for days. The headaches, they heard, were so bad that the shutters had to be closed tight for the thinnest sliver of light caused terrible pain, and she could not eat nor drink nor scarcely move until the session passed. The headaches themselves were not entirely untrue. But Ar-Zimraphel did not suffer them nearly as often as she had claimed to. In total, she had only had them on four separate occasions, but on realizing their convenience she had feigned them many times. The four times she had endured them were as bad as believed, but most importantly experiencing them had given her story credibility. She knew that the symptoms would begin as many as six hours before they became debilitating. It was a simple thing for her to pretend them in the afternoon leading up to her meeting, and for Ethel to sequester her away in the night. The handmaiden grimly settled the cloak around Muriel's shoulders. She did not approve of the risk. Many times since the tournament she had gingerly brought the subject up and attempted to talk her lady out of it, until she overstepped her bounds and knew now that a silent protest would have to suffice. Miriel drew her hood up over her dark hair. "It will be all right," she assured the younger woman, taking her hand in her own. She was wearing her darkest, plainest clothes with well-worn leather gloves with finger holes cut into them. "He may not even have understood my message; or he may choose not to come." Taethel sighed and shook her head faintly. She reached forward and tucked a few flyaway locks beneath the loose hood. "Are you sure you will not allow me to braid this, lady? You should not see him with it unbound. It is not seemly."" I wish for him to see Muriel ... not Ar-Zimraphel." She kissed Ethel's cheek. "Think of me. Wish me well. Do not worry." Clearly unhappy, Ethel nodded. "I will await you." And so Muriel had set out. She knew the guard rotations well enough to strike out without incident, and it was not long at all until she found herself beneath the beautiful orchard boughs. And as she stood there, lost in thought and memory, movement caught the corner of her eye. It was Nation. Her words caught in her throat. She had wondered what she would say to him and had tried to prepare something, but all the greetings she had imagined had fallen flat even in practice. Now it seemed no words would do, for none had yet been made to properly befit such occasion. Instead, after a long moment, she took several steps toward him and stretched out her hand. A gentle breeze wound between the boughs of the trees, rippling her cloak. Nation stood there for a long moment, the autumn breeze cool upon his cheeks as he beheld her, as perhaps Barn had once beheld Luthier Tinfoil in the woods of Nellore, radiant in the moonlight. For twenty-five years he had only ever seen her as though from afar, as the silent queen Ar-Zimraphel, a nightingale in a gilded cage. Now, however, with her dark hair cascading in a rippling wave, unbound by any braid or restraint, she was once again just Muriel. They took slow, measured steps toward each other, neither saying anything, and Muriel extended her hand, which Nation took into his own, and he gently pulled her into his arms and kissed her, salt of her tears mingling with the sweetness of her lips. On his way to the orchards he thought of so many things he wanted to say to her, but now, all that was left were the spaces between words. He undid his cloak and laid it on the ground, and gently, he lay her down upon it. He kissed her passionately once again and embraced her. Furthermore, he removed his coat, and the white shirt beneath it, his muscular torso covered with battle scars from the troubled times near the end of her father's reign. Furthermore, he began to undo the lacing upon her bodice, revealing her smooth, firm, and shapely breasts. They were just a man and a woman that night, finally brought together by a destiny that would no longer be denied. Muriel had not really considered what would happen when they met. The days had passed slowly, but a kind of uncertain fog had prevented her from picturing this night. She had been afraid to. So many years had passed and everything had been left unsaid. Muriel had been unsure how he would respond to her. Nation had been married and widowed since their own troth had been declared void. He had daughters now - he was a different man to the one she had known. She could not bear to imagine their reunion when she ran the risk of the most bitter of disappointments. He might turn from her, despise her for her choices. No. It had been better to set it from her mind and wait. Patience had become one of Ar-Zimraphel - and Muriel's - greatest virtues. He took her hand and drew her to him and from there her fears were banished. The man she knew was still there, years and war and new love had not taken him. They kissed, and it was as though these long years had never come to pass at all; they were younger, purer versions of themselves. Muriel forgot the dark days that had settled over Number as a great, dark cloud and remembered only those when she was young and full of hope. It all happened quickly now, almost without her realizing it. She felt the cool night air briefly before the warmth of his body was against her own and she reached between them to trace the scars, familiar and unfamiliar. They told the story of his loyalty and his struggle. Muriel caressed his chest, her palms swooping up over his shoulders, drawing his body close against her own. She parted her lips and caught his in another long, deep kiss, her tongue gliding against his. She had felt shame when she had consummated her marriage with Ar-Pharaoh, uncertainty over his disinterest in her form and nature. Despair and regret. These emotions could not touch her now and their memory was taken by the night. There was only Nation and her longing. As Nation drew Muriel close, holding her to him, he thought of what had happened in all those twenty-five years. On his way here he felt like railing against her for not standing against her wicked cousin and allowing him to do what he had done to her. Amanda and Lentil would have supported her had she declared herself Ruling Queen as was her right, but the battles would likely have bathed Number in blood and flame the like of which had not been seen since the War of Wrath. But still, she should have had the courage to brave that, he had thought. He thought too of his own weakness, of marrying that poor woman whom his father forced upon him afterward, the mother of his three daughters, and of how he could never love her as she truly deserved. He thought of how she had accepted that, how she had continued loving him anyway, and how she bore the fact that her husband's heart always and ever only belonged to the queen denied him, even as the plague, long unknown to the Númenoreans, had taken her away. But no. As he looked into Muriel's large, tear-filled eyes, as he could feel her warmth in his arms, her heartbeat, he felt none of that was important. Those things that seemed to loom so large in those long years that they were apart no longer mattered. The only thing that was important was right there, within his arms. He came down to her breasts, and tenderly held them in his hands, bringing his mouth to suck on her nipples, which were the color of a pink rose. She swooned at his touch. They undid the rest of their clothes, until finally they were naked together, beneath the moon and the trees. He had known that Ar-Pharaoh had consummated with her before, but he now understood that that was of her body alone, and as false as his claim to the throne. Tonight was their true consummation, the joining of not just their bodies, but of their hearts and souls as well. He ran a finger across her sex, and found it already slick with her juices. He entered her, slowly, as they together cried out in ecstasy as they finally became one, and no power east of the Shadowy Seas would gainsay that ever again.

Of Míriel and Anárion (Stella & Stormwyrm)|rating:3.0

Yugioh PbP Tag Team_ Shadow Elf and Shades of Gray vs Blue Ghost and Altaria

The duelists walk into a massive throne room, the centerpiece being, of course, the red throne that Queen Pyrrha sits on. She stands up with aid of two of her guards, and steps forward, down the few steps along the red carpet." Whoever you are, leave my kingdom at once!" She points at Blue Ghost and Alt aria. She snaps her fingers, calling her ally to the field. Deck #3C - Alliance of the Fire Princess Spoiler Hide UFO TurtleUFO Turtle Fire PrincessFire Princess Cure MermaidCure Mermaid Mysterious PuppeteerMysterious Puppeteer Healing Wave GeneratorHealing Wave Generator Blizzard Dragon Blizzard Dragon Nimble MomongaNimble MomongaMarie the Fallen One Marie the Fallen One Mist Body Mist Body Spell Absorption Spell Absorption Dark Room of Nightmares Dark Room of Nightmares Foolish Burial Foolish Burial Mystical Space Typhoon Lightning Vortex Swords of Revealing Light Mask of Restrict Mask of Restrict Nightmare WheelNightmare Wheel Solemn Wishes Solemn Wishes Mirror Force The black-robed man stares at the Queen with insane, fiendish eyes. His face is covered with demonic tattoos, and he wears a chain of unholy symbols to various dark gods and demon lords around his neck. A royal, eh? Your soul shall be more than enough to pay back all the debts I owe to my dark masters. He grins maniacally as he draws his opening hand.(d20)[18](5d40)[1][23][30][9][10](73)(3d40)[27][17][33](77)Monsters:Spell/Traps:Life Points:12000Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide Relinquished Contract with the Abyss Heavy Storm Dark Armed Dragon Jinn Presided of Rituals Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Relinquished 2. Dark Master – Zorn 3. Dark Master – Zorn 4. Demise, King of Armageddon 5. The Dark Creator 6. The Dark Creator 7. Dark lord Erato 8. Jinn Presided of Rituals 9. Jinn Presided of Rituals 10. Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands 11. Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands 12. Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands 13. Grave keeper’s Spy 14. Grave keeper’s Spy 15. Grave keeper’s Spy 16. D.D. Crow 17. D.D. Crow 18. Contract with the Abyss 19. Contract with the Abyss 20. Allure of Darkness 21. Allure of Darkness 22. Trade-In 23. Trade-In 24. Preparation of Rites 25. Scapegoat 26. Lightning Vortex 27. Book of Moon 28. Book of Moon 29. Brain Control 30. Call of the Haunted 31. Mirror Force 32. Torrential Tribute 33. Bottomless Trap Hole 34. Bottomless Trap Hole 35. Solemn Judgment Extra Deck: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Empty Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide Empty Plane Shift. Out of a temporary portal to the abyss comes the Leather-garbed, black-haired, dark side of Alt aria." I do believe we've met before, and, as before, I would like to note. WELL EXCUSE ME PRINCESS!" In a burst of dark energy his duel disk appears, and he draws his hand.(1d20)[10](5d40)[37][14][20][28][34](133)[roll]3d40[roll](luckily, they weren't needed)Playing field:{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|-|-|--|-|-|-|-[/table]Spoiler Hide Deck:Spoiler Hide 1. Ravel, Lord of Phantasms 2. Ravel, Lord of Phantasms 3. Ravel, Lord of Phantasms 4. Dark Necrosis 5. Dark Necrosis 6. Slate Warrior 7. Slate Warrior 8. Slate Warrior 9. Giant Germ 10. Giant Germ 11. Giant Germ 12. Card Guard 13. Card Guard 14. Card Guard [X] 15. Dark Resonator 16. Dark Resonator 17. Dark Tinker 18. Dark Tinker 19. Phantom Sky blaster 20. Phantom Sky blaster [X] 21. Phantom Sky blaster 22. Trap Eater 23. Lightning Vortex 24. Lightning Vortex 25. Lightning Vortex 26. Double Summon 27. Double Summon 28. Double Summon [X] 29. Mystical Space Typhoon 30. Heavy Storm 31. Giant Trade 32. Brain Control 33. Magic Hammer 34. Magic Hammer [X] 35. Seizures Armour 36. Seizures Armour 37. Mirror Force [X] 38. Trap Hammer 39. Trap Hammer 40. Call of the Haunted Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Armory Arm 2. Armory Arm 3. Ally of Justice Ca stator 4. Ally of Justice Ca stator 5. Black Rose Dragon 6. Goya Guardian 7. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 8. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 9. Colossal Fighter 10. Power Tool Dragon 11. Red Dragon Archfiend 12. Dark End Dragon 13. Psychic Lifetrancer 14. Power Tool Dragon 15. Ancient Fairy Dragon Stats: Life Points: 8000 Graveyard: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 5 Spoiler Hide -Mirror Force -Card Guard -Phantom Sky blaster -Double Summon -Magic Hammer Face Downs: Where is that little rabbit-thing? She thinks to herself, drawing a hand and rolling initiative. Initiative - (1d20)[6](5d41)[25][41][15][27][15](123)(3d41)[5][28][12](45)Playing field:{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|-|-|--|-|-|-|-[/table]Hand (5) Lt;-- Shadow Elf may view Spoiler Hide Fire Princess Healing Wave Generator Spell Absorption Dark Room of Nightmares Mirror Force Deck #3C - Alliance of the Fire Princess (36)Spoiler Hide UFO TurtleUFO Turtle Fire Princess Fire Princess Cure MermaidCure Mermaid Mysterious PuppeteerMysterious Puppeteer Healing Wave Generator Healing Wave Generator Blizzard Dragon Blizzard Dragon Nimble MomongaNimble MomongaMarie the Fallen One Marie the Fallen One Mist Body Mist Body Spell Absorption Dark Room of Nightmares Foolish Burial Foolish Burial Mystical Space Typhoon Lightning Vortex Swords of Revealing Light Mask of Restrict Mask of Restrict Nightmare WheelNightmare Wheel Solemn Wishes Solemn Wishes Initiative:(1d20)[13]Draw:(5d40)[14][12][36][6][40](108)Sorry I'm late, your Highness! Which friends will we be playing cards with today? Hand: 5 Spoiler Hide Giant Soldier of Stone Jar of Greed Widespread Ruin Sagan Pharaoh's Treasure Graveyard Spoiler Hide Nothing Yet! Field Spoiler Hide Nothing yet! Deck:Spoiler Hide 1. Exotic the Forbidden One 2. Left Arm of the Forbidden One 3. Left Leg of the Forbidden One 4. Right Arm of the Forbidden One 5. Right Leg of the Forbidden One X. Sagan 6. Prevent Rat 7. Prevent Rat 8. Prevent Rat 9. Jar of Greed 10. Jar of Greed XX. Jar of Greed 11. Mirror Force XX. Giant Soldier of Stone 12. Giant Soldier of Stone 13. Giant Soldier of Stone 14. The Forgiving Maiden 15. The Forgiving Maiden 16. The Forgiving Maiden 17. Mystical Elf 18. Mystical Elf 19. Mystical Elf 20. Skeletal 21. Skeletal 22. Skeletal 23. Gravity Bind 24. Solemn Wishes 25. Solemn Wishes 26. Penguin Soldier 27. Penguin Soldier 28. Penguin Soldier 29. Swords of Revealing Light 30. Chorus of Sanctuary 31. Chorus of Sanctuary 32. Widespread Ruin XX. Widespread Ruin 33. Pot of Avarice 34. Pharaoh’s Treasure 35. Pharaoh’s Treasure XX. Pharaoh’s Treasure "They're not friends! They're the worst of enemies! And thanks to your late arrival, they go first!" Queen Pyrrha grumbles.((Blue Ghost, we start with a shared 12,000 LP, not 8000 Each)) A rabbit? That is your partner? Well, perhaps my dark masters would enjoy the taste of rabbit.(d35)[11]My move. I summon Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands! His charm allows me to add the Ritual Monster Demise, King of Armageddon to my hand. I end my turn.IOC: If Shadow Elf can't stay for his turn, I would suggest moving him to the end of the line. So the next move would be Shades. Monsters:Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands (1400/1000)Spell/Traps:Life Points:8000Spoiler Hide Hand: Spoiler Hide Relinquished Contract with the Abyss Heavy Storm Dark Armed Dragon Jinn Presided of Rituals Demise, King of Armageddon Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Relinquished 2. Dark Master – Zorn 3. Dark Master – Zorn 4. The Dark Creator 5. The Dark Creator 6. Dark lord Erato 7. Jinn Presided of Rituals 8. Jinn Presided of Rituals 9. Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands 10. Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands 11. Grave keeper’s Spy 12. Grave keeper’s Spy 13. Grave keeper’s Spy 14. D.D. Crow 15. D.D. Crow 16. Contract with the Abyss 17. Contract with the Abyss 18. Allure of Darkness 19. Allure of Darkness 20. Trade-In 21. Trade-In 22. Preparation of Rites 23. Scapegoat 24. Lightning Vortex 25. Book of Moon 26. Book of Moon 27. Brain Control 28. Call of the Haunted 29. Mirror Force 30. Torrential Tribute 31. Bottomless Trap Hole 32. Bottomless Trap Hole 33. Solemn Judgment Extra Deck: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Empty Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide Empty I don't know what a rabbit is, but it's not me! Name's Wiggly tuff, Guild master of the Wiggly tuff Guild of Treasure Town and former leader of the prestigious Team Charm. Can I get your names, friends?greets Wiggly tuff, despite the Fire Princess' denunciation of their opponents as bitter enemies. ""Hey, I remember you!"" Be quiet weakling!"" Anyway, I am the stronger side of Altaria87, creator of the technology we are currently using and founder of the Giant in the Playground Card Game League." "Whoever you are, get out of my castle!" The FireQueengrumbles.((I'd say allow attributing of allies, just to make this go faster. Since my partner is away right now, I'll go second.)) My name is of no concern. Once I harvest your souls as a sacrifice to my dark masters, they shall reward me with the power of the fallen Shadow Magus. I will be the mouthpiece of the Abyss on the earth, and ultimate power will be mine. It is your move, Queen. The Queen glares at the evil man, and draws a card.(1d36)[16]I play Spell Absorption. Whenever any of us use a spell card, my friend and I gain 500 Life Points. I think I'll test this out. Go! Dark Room of Nightmare! Nothing happens." Ahem. I said go! Dark Room of Nightmare!" A sleeping guard wakes up and dims the light in the room." There! Now I play a face down monster and another face down, ending my turn." Life Points:12,500Playing field:{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|F|-|--|F|SA|Drop|-[/table]SA: Whenever a spell card activates, we gain 500 LP. DroN: Whenever you take life point damage that isn't battle damage, you take an additional 300 damage. Hand (2) Lt;-- Shadow Elf may view Spoiler Hide Fire Princess Healing Wave Generator Face down: Healing Wave Generator Mirror Force Deck #3C - Alliance of the Fire Princess (35)Spoiler Hide UFO TurtleUFO Turtle Fire Princess Fire Princess Cure MermaidCure Mermaid Mysterious PuppeteerMysterious Puppeteer Healing Wave Generator Blizzard Dragon Blizzard Dragon Nimble MomongaNimble MomongaMarie the Fallen One Marie the Fallen One Mist Body Mist Body Spell Absorption Dark Room of Nightmares Foolish Burial Foolish Burial Mystical Space Typhoon Lightning Vortex Swords of Revealing Light Mask of Restrict Mask of Restrict Nightmare WheelNightmare Wheel Solemn Wishes Solemn Wishes "I prefer dueling in the dark. It is the sort of peace a true warrior strives for... My BOI!"(1d40)[33](2d40)[38][15](53)First, I summon a card you may be familiar with-Card Guarda horned beast once again rises from the floor Now, I activate Double Summon to summon a new face in the Fiendish Forces, Phantom Sky blaster and with him, two Sky blaster Tokens in defense mode. A flying demon enters the field, accompanied by two smaller ones. I then command the Card Guard to transfer his token to Sky blaster. The horned demon becomes slightly smaller, but creates a translucent force field around Sky blaster. I end my turn Playing field:{table="head]1|2|3|4|5ST|ST|CG|PS|--|-|-|-|-[/table]CG=Card Guard, ATK=1600PS=Phantom Sky blaster, ATK=1100, I Guard Tokens=Sky blaster Token, DEF=500Spoiler Hide Deck:Spoiler Hide 1. Ravel, Lord of Phantasms 2. Ravel, Lord of Phantasms 3. Ravel, Lord of Phantasms 4. Dark Necrosis 5. Dark Necrosis 6. Slate Warrior 7. Slate Warrior 8. Slate Warrior 9. Giant Germ 10. Giant Germ 11. Giant Germ 12. Card Guard 13. Card Guard 14. Card Guard [X] 15. Dark Resonator 16. Dark Resonator 17. Dark Tinker 18. Dark Tinker 19. Phantom Sky blaster 20. Phantom Sky blaster [X] 21. Phantom Sky blaster 22. Trap Eater 23. Lightning Vortex 24. Lightning Vortex 25. Lightning Vortex 26. Double Summon 27. Double Summon 28. Double Summon [X] 29. Mystical Space Typhoon 30. Heavy Storm 31. Giant Trade 32. Brain Control 33. Magic Hammer [X] 34. Magic Hammer [X] 35. Seizures Armour 36. Seizures Armour 37. Mirror Force [X] 38. Trap Hammer 39. Trap Hammer 40. Call of the Haunted Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Armory Arm 2. Armory Arm 3. Ally of Justice Ca stator 4. Ally of Justice Ca stator 5. Black Rose Dragon 6. Goya Guardian 7. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 8. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 9. Colossal Fighter 10. Power Tool Dragon 11. Red Dragon Archfiend 12. Dark End Dragon 13. Psychic Lifetrancer 14. Power Tool Dragon 15. Ancient Fairy Dragon Stats: Life Points: 12000 Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -Double Summon Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 3 Spoiler Hide -Mirror Force -Magic Hammer -Magic Hammer Face Downs: ((It's shadow elf's turn, but just a reminder that our life point total is now 13,000 due to double summon being activated)) Draw:(1d35)[1]Hey, sorry about the holdup. It seems Chatbot cannot manage the guild for five minutes without me, without something crazy happening! I will set down one card sideways like this, and then three of these colorful ones behind it. Field:{table]-- | -- | FD | -- | --FD | FD | FD | -- | --[/table]Hand: 2 Spoiler Hide Sagan Exotic the Forbidden One Graveyard Spoiler Hide Nothing Yet! Field Spoiler Hide Face down: Giant Soldier of Stone 1300/2000 Face down: Jar of Greed Face down: Widespread Ruin Face down: Pharaoh's Treasure Deck:Spoiler Hide X. Exotic the Forbidden One 1. Left Arm of the Forbidden One 2. Left Leg of the Forbidden One 3. Right Arm of the Forbidden One 4. Right Leg of the Forbidden One X. Sagan 5. Prevent Rat 6. Prevent Rat 7. Prevent Rat 8. Jar of Greed 9. Jar of Greed XX. Jar of Greed 10. Mirror Force XX. Giant Soldier of Stone 11. Giant Soldier of Stone 12. Giant Soldier of Stone 13. The Forgiving Maiden 14. The Forgiving Maiden 15. The Forgiving Maiden 16. Mystical Elf 17. Mystical Elf 18. Mystical Elf 19. Skeletal 20. Skeletal 21. Skeletal 22. Gravity Bind 23. Solemn Wishes 24. Solemn Wishes 25. Penguin Soldier 26. Penguin Soldier 27. Penguin Soldier 28. Swords of Revealing Light 29. Chorus of Sanctuary 30. Chorus of Sanctuary 31. Widespread Ruin XX. Widespread Ruin 32. Pot of Avarice 33. Pharaoh’s Treasure 34. Pharaoh’s Treasure XX. Pharaoh’s Treasure EDIT:Sophie, I knew I'd forgotten something...IOC: The spoiler tags go away when you leave them empty between edits, and I didn't notice. Horribly sorry about that. When you set a card face-down, rabbit, you are supposed to put the face DOWN. Never mind. My move.(d33)[29]I activate Heavy Storm. Say goodbye to your field presence. Now, let the rites commence! I activate the Ritual Spell Contract with the Abyss! On the dueling floor, a gaping pit opens, emanating foul dark energy. The dark energy incinerates one of the Sky blaster Tokens as well as a monster from the diabolic's hand (Jinn Presided of Rituals). Accept my sacrifice and heed my plea. Ruler of the infernal void, who casts the earth into eternal darkness! I summon thee! Demise, King of Armageddon! The dark energy coalesces into a humanoid form, and a demon lord bearing a great axe steps forward. Demise, King of Armageddon strikes down the rabbit's face-down monster. As the ritual used my Jinn Presided of Rituals, I can now draw one more card. Manju then attacks the Queen's face-down. I then Set one more card and end my turn. Monsters:Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands (1400/1000)Demise, King of Armageddon (2400/2000)Spell/Traps:Life Points:12000Spoiler Hide Hand: 3 Spoiler Hide Relinquished Dark Armed Dragon Relinquished Face Down: Spoiler Hide Mirror Force Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Dark Master – Zorn 2. Dark Master – Zorn 3. The Dark Creator 4. The Dark Creator 5. Dark lord Erato 6. Jinn Presided of Rituals 7. Jinn Presided of Rituals 8. Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands 9. Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands 10. Grave keeper’s Spy 11. Grave keeper’s Spy 12. Grave keeper’s Spy 13. D.D. Crow 14. D.D. Crow 15. Contract with the Abyss 16. Contract with the Abyss 17. Allure of Darkness 18. Allure of Darkness 19. Trade-In 20. Trade-In 21. Preparation of Rites 22. Scapegoat 23. Lightning Vortex 24. Book of Moon 25. Book of Moon 26. Brain Control 27. Call of the Haunted 28. Torrential Tribute 29. Bottomless Trap Hole 30. Bottomless Trap Hole 31. Solemn Judgment Extra Deck: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Heavy Storm Contract with the Abyss Jinn Presided of Rituals Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide Empty Silly wizard buddy, you've activated my purple cards! I activate Jar of Greed and Pharaoh's Treasure, in that order. Draw:(1d34)[20]. Pharaoh's Treasure is added back into my deck face-up. Ritual Jinn draw:(d32)[1] The face down is Healing Wave Generator, you take 200 LP damage. Fine. Your pitiful shield will still fall to Demise next turn. My move concludes. "We shall see about that." Queen Pyrrha says, drawing a card.(1d35)[5]I summon Fire Princess. I use Healing Wave Generator's effect to gain 400 life points, and Fire Princess' effect activates, dealing 500 damage to you. Fire Princess will attack the Phantom Sky blaster, dealing 200 life point damage to you. End turn Life Points:13,900Playing field:{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|FP|HOG|-|--|-|-|-|-[/table]HOG=DEF 1600FP=ATK 1300Hand (3) Lt;-- Shadow Elf may view Spoiler Hide Fire Princess Healing Wave Generator Graveyard Spoiler Hide Mirror Force Spell Absorption Dark Room of Nightmare Deck #3C - Alliance of the Fire Princess (35)Spoiler Hide UFO TurtleUFO Turtle Fire Princess Cure MermaidCure Mermaid Mysterious PuppeteerMysterious Puppeteer Healing Wave Generator Blizzard Dragon Blizzard Dragon Nimble MomongaNimble MomongaMarie the Fallen One Marie the Fallen One Mist Body Mist Body Spell Absorption Dark Room of Nightmares Foolish Burial Foolish Burial Mystical Space Typhoon Lightning Vortex Swords of Revealing Light Mask of Restrict Mask of Restrict Nightmare WheelNightmare Wheel Solemn Wishes Solemn Wishes "You do realize that Princess will be dead even quicker than last game don't you?"(1d40)[2](2d40)[1][14](15)As my turn begins two missiles fly from Sky blaster into the Fire Queen, doing 600 damage. I play two cards face down, get Card Guard to eat your Princess, and end my move. Playing field:{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|ST|CG|PS|--|-|F|F|-[/table]CG=Card Guard, ATK=1600PS=Phantom Sky blaster, ATK=1100ST=Sky blaster Token, DEF=500Spoiler Hide Deck:Spoiler Hide 1. Ravel, Lord of Phantasms 2. Ravel, Lord of Phantasms [X] 3. Ravel, Lord of Phantasms 4. Dark Necrosis 5. Dark Necrosis 6. Slate Warrior 7. Slate Warrior 8. Slate Warrior 9. Giant Germ 10. Giant Germ 11. Giant Germ 12. Card Guard 13. Card Guard 14. Card Guard [X] 15. Dark Resonator 16. Dark Resonator 17. Dark Tinker 18. Dark Tinker 19. Phantom Sky blaster 20. Phantom Sky blaster [X] 21. Phantom Sky blaster 22. Trap Eater 23. Lightning Vortex 24. Lightning Vortex 25. Lightning Vortex 26. Double Summon 27. Double Summon 28. Double Summon [X] 29. Mystical Space Typhoon 30. Heavy Storm 31. Giant Trade 32. Brain Control 33. Magic Hammer [X] 34. Magic Hammer [X] 35. Seizures Armour 36. Seizures Armour 37. Mirror Force [X] 38. Trap Hammer 39. Trap Hammer 40. Call of the Haunted Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Armory Arm 2. Armory Arm 3. Ally of Justice Ca stator 4. Ally of Justice Ca stator 5. Black Rose Dragon 6. Goya Guardian 7. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 8. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 9. Colossal Fighter 10. Power Tool Dragon 11. Red Dragon Archfiend 12. Dark End Dragon 13. Psychic Lifetrancer 14. Power Tool Dragon 15. Ancient Fairy Dragon Stats: Life Points: 11200 Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -Double Summon Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 2 Spoiler Hide -Ravel, Lord of Phantasms -Magic Hammer Face Downs: -Mirror Force -Magic Hammer Random Rules question of a random observer:Spoiler Hide Um, is it even possible to ritual summon Demise with Contract with the Abyss? Demise specifically states that it can only be ritual summoned with "End of the World": This card can only be Ritual Summoned with the Ritual Spell Card, "End of the World". And Contract with the Abyss specifically ritual summons, so it falls under the restriction of Demise... Originally Posted by Altar Random Rules question of a random observer: Spoiler Hide Um, is it even possible to ritual summon Demise with Contract with the Abyss? Demise specifically states that it can only be ritual summoned with "End of the World": And Contract with the Abyss specifically ritual summons, so it falls under the restriction of Demise... I'm not sure, but I believe Contract's sayinganyoverrides that. Also, on the You-Gi-Oh Wiki Rulings page for Contract it says it can be used in place of Contract with the Dark Master, Zorn also says he can only be summoned with Contract with the Dark Master, so I presume the same applies for End of the World. Originally Posted by Altar Random Rules question of a random observer: Spoiler Hide Um, is it even possible to ritual summon Demise with Contract with the Abyss? Demise specifically states that it can only be ritual summoned with "End of the World": And Contract with the Abyss specifically ritual summons, so it falls under the restriction of Demise... In the game of Yugo, specific beats general. Every ritual monster has the "can only be summoned by..." clause at the beginning (Save Relinquished, but that's because they couldn't fit it in). Contract with the Abyss is a specific way to get past this requirement. Originally Posted by Shades of Gray In the game of Yugo, specific beats general. Every ritual monster has the "can only be summoned by..." clause at the beginning (Save Relinquished, but that's because they couldn't fit it in). Contract with the Abyss is a specific way to get past this requirement. *facepalms*The annoying thing is, Relinquished was one of the few 3 I looked at when trying to work out the ruling. Draw:(1d34)[3]I'll set one card sideways and end my turn. Field:{table]-- | -- | FD | -- | ---- | -- | -- | -- | --[/table]FD = FacedownHand: 2 Spoiler Hide Exotic the Forbidden One Right Arm of the Forbidden One Graveyard Spoiler Hide Giant Soldier of Stone Jar of Greed Widespread Ruin Field Spoiler Hide Face down: Sagan 1000/600 Deck:Spoiler Hide X. Exotic the Forbidden One 1. Left Arm of the Forbidden One 2. Left Leg of the Forbidden One X. Right Arm of the Forbidden One 3. Right Leg of the Forbidden One X. Sagan 4. Prevent Rat 5. Prevent Rat 6. Prevent Rat 7. Jar of Greed 8. Jar of Greed XX. Jar of Greed 9. Mirror Force XX. Giant Soldier of Stone 10. Giant Soldier of Stone 11. Giant Soldier of Stone 12. The Forgiving Maiden 13. The Forgiving Maiden 14. The Forgiving Maiden 15. Mystical Elf 16. Mystical Elf 17. Mystical Elf 18. Skeletal 19. Skeletal 20. Skeletal 21. Gravity Bind 22. Solemn Wishes 23. Solemn Wishes 24. Penguin Soldier 25. Penguin Soldier 26. Penguin Soldier 27. Swords of Revealing Light 28. Chorus of Sanctuary 29. Chorus of Sanctuary 30. Widespread Ruin XX. Widespread Ruin 31. Pot of Avarice 32. Pharaoh’s Treasure 33. Pharaoh’s Treasure 34. Pharaoh’s Treasure (Active) EDIT: IOC: Alt aria, didn't Shade DESTROY the Phantom Sky blaster when she attacked it with Fire Princess? That would prevent you from using its effect to deal 600 LP damage, correct? ((Card Guard's effect prevented Sky blaster from being destroyed.)) Originally Posted by Shades of Gray ((Card Guard's effect prevented Sky blaster from being destroyed.)) ((Okay, cool. I didn't see that, but that makes sense. Pardon my inexperience and continue as you were, I suppose)) My move.(d31)[29]Demise destroys the Healing Wave Generator, and Manju takes a swing at the rabbit's face down monster. I draw a card when the Generator is destroyed. I Set a monster and another card, and end my turn. Monsters:Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands (1400/1000)Demise, King of Armageddon (2400/2000)Face Down Spell/Traps:Face Down Face Downline Points:11100Spoiler Hide Hand: 3 Spoiler Hide Relinquished Dark Armed Dragon Relinquished Face Down: Grave keeper’s Spy Mirror Force Bottomless Trap Hole Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Dark Master – Zorn 2. Dark Master – Zorn 3. The Dark Creator 4. The Dark Creator 5. Dark lord Erato 6. Jinn Presided of Rituals 7. Jinn Presided of Rituals 8. Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands 9. Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands 10. Grave keeper’s Spy 11. Grave keeper’s Spy 12. D.D. Crow 13. D.D. Crow 14. Contract with the Abyss 15. Contract with the Abyss 16. Allure of Darkness 17. Allure of Darkness 18. Trade-In 19. Trade-In 20. Preparation of Rites 21. Scapegoat 22. Lightning Vortex 23. Book of Moon 24. Book of Moon 25. Brain Control 26. Call of the Haunted 27. Torrential Tribute 28. Bottomless Trap Hole 29. Solemn Judgment Extra Deck: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Heavy Storm Contract with the Abyss Jinn Presided of Rituals Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide Empty Ritual Jinn draw:(d30)[12] The dude with a lot of hands destroys my Sagan, but I get to pick a card to add to my hand! Card Picked: Spoiler Hide Left Leg of the Forbidden One "We have to turn this around somehow. We can't let the kingdom fall." Queen Pyrrha draws a card.(1d35)[14]She summons nimble Pomona, which she rams into Phantom Sky blaster. (100 LP damage). Its effect activates, summoning two Moments face down and healing us by 1000 points. End turn. Life Points:14,500Playing field:{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|F|F|--|-|-|-|-[/table]Face down=DEF ??? Facedown=DEF ??? Hand (2) Lt;-- Shadow Elf may view Spoiler Hide Fire Princess Healing Wave Generator Graveyard Spoiler Hide Mirror Force Spell Absorption Dark Room of Nightmare Deck #3C - Alliance of the Fire Princess (31)Spoiler Hide UFO TurtleUFO Turtle Fire Princess Cure MermaidCure Mermaid Mysterious PuppeteerMysterious Puppeteer Healing Wave Generator Blizzard Dragon Blizzard Dragon Marie the Fallen One Marie the Fallen One Mist Body Mist Body Spell Absorption Dark Room of Nightmares Foolish Burial Foolish Burial Mystical Space Typhoon Lightning Vortex Swords of Revealing Light Mask of Restrict Mask of Restrict Nightmare WheelNightmare Wheel Solemn Wishes Solemn Wishes Fire Princess was destroyed by Card Guard last round. ((I'm pretty sure Card Guard ate your Princess))Edit:DAMN YOU NINJA WIZARD! Ah, my apologies. I must have missed that. Very well then, my move stands, minus the damage to you. Regardless, Alt aria's move. "I'm sorry, but that isn't quite true, your reinforcements aren't going to arrive. I activate Mirror Force negating your attack and leaving you and your rabbit friend wide open for my move. I trust nothing changes with your pitiful turn?" The Fire Queen grumbles." Correct. Your move." Life Points:13,600Playing field:{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|-|-|--|-|-|-|-[/table]Hand (2) Lt;-- Shadow Elf may view Spoiler Hide Fire Princess Healing Wave Generator Graveyard Spoiler Hide Mirror Force Spell Absorption Dark Room of Nightmare Nimble Pomona Fire Princess Healing Wave Generator Deck #3C - Alliance of the Fire Princess (31)Spoiler Hide UFO TurtleUFO Turtle Fire Princess Cure MermaidCure Mermaid Mysterious PuppeteerMysterious Puppeteer Nimble MomongaNimble MomongaHealing Wave Generator Blizzard Dragon Blizzard Dragon Marie the Fallen One Marie the Fallen One Mist Body Mist Body Spell Absorption Dark Room of Nightmares Foolish Burial Foolish Burial Mystical Space Typhoon Lightning Vortex Swords of Revealing Light Mask of Restrict Mask of Restrict Nightmare WheelNightmare Wheel Solemn Wishes Solemn Wishes "The Dark Lord rises"(1d40)[15](3d40)[22][21][26](69)As the turn begins you once again take 600 damage, but that is just the start of your miserysNow, I sacrifice my three monsters to give rise to RAVEL, THE LORD OF PHANTASMS! A huge Blue Demon arises, his clawed hands glistening off the light of the Throne Room. I also summon the Dark Resonator with my normal summon small demon appears by the Lord's side Now, Ravel- ATTACK! Raviel's claw flies through the air and knocks the Queen straight into Wiggly tuff. Also, Resonator, attack The queen is bonked on the head by a tuning fork, the noise annoys WigglytuffMy turn ends Playing field:{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|R|DR|--|-|-|F|-[/table]R=Ravel, Lord of Phantasms, ATK=4000DR=Dark Resonator, ATK=1300Spoiler Hide Deck:Spoiler Hide 1. Ravel, Lord of Phantasms 2. Ravel, Lord of Phantasms [X] 3. Ravel, Lord of Phantasms 4. Dark Necrosis 5. Dark Necrosis 6. Slate Warrior 7. Slate Warrior 8. Slate Warrior 9. Giant Germ 10. Giant Germ 11. Giant Germ 12. Card Guard 13. Card Guard 14. Card Guard [X] 15. Dark Resonator [X] 16. Dark Resonator 17. Dark Tinker 18. Dark Tinker 19. Phantom Sky blaster 20. Phantom Sky blaster [X] 21. Phantom Sky blaster 22. Trap Eater 23. Lightning Vortex 24. Lightning Vortex 25. Lightning Vortex 26. Double Summon 27. Double Summon 28. Double Summon [X] 29. Mystical Space Typhoon 30. Heavy Storm 31. Giant Trade 32. Brain Control 33. Magic Hammer [X] 34. Magic Hammer [X] 35. Seizures Armour 36. Seizures Armour 37. Mirror Force [X] 38. Trap Hammer 39. Trap Hammer 40. Call of the Haunted Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Armory Arm 2. Armory Arm 3. Ally of Justice Ca stator 4. Ally of Justice Ca stator 5. Black Rose Dragon 6. Goya Guardian 7. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 8. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 9. Colossal Fighter 10. Power Tool Dragon 11. Red Dragon Archfiend 12. Dark End Dragon 13. Psychic Lifetrancer 14. Power Tool Dragon 15. Ancient Fairy Dragon Stats: Life Points: 11100 Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -Double Summon -Mirror Force -Phantom Sky blaster -Card Guard Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 1 Spoiler Hide -Magic Hammer Face Downs: -Magic Hammer "Gas!" The Queen stands up. Wigglytuff, you better draw a good card this turn. I think my next turn might be our last. Life Points:8,300Playing field:{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|-|-|--|-|-|-|-[/table]Hand (2) Lt;-- Shadow Elf may view Spoiler Hide Fire Princess Healing Wave Generator Graveyard Spoiler Hide Mirror Force Spell Absorption Dark Room of Nightmare Nimble Pomona Fire Princess Healing Wave Generator Deck #3C - Alliance of the Fire Princess (31)Spoiler Hide UFO TurtleUFO Turtle Fire Princess Cure MermaidCure Mermaid Mysterious PuppeteerMysterious Puppeteer Nimble MomongaNimble MomongaHealing Wave Generator Blizzard Dragon Blizzard Dragon Marie the Fallen One Marie the Fallen One Mist Body Mist Body Spell Absorption Dark Room of Nightmares Foolish Burial Foolish Burial Mystical Space Typhoon Lightning Vortex Swords of Revealing Light Mask of Restrict Mask of Restrict Nightmare WheelNightmare Wheel Solemn Wishes Solemn Wishes Beg pardon, your Highness, but did you account for the damage from Sky blaster's effect? I believe that was 600 this turns, and 600 from last? ((I'm pretty sure Shadow Elf is before you... but I saw hi most, I was waiting for the edit, and it's... disappeared)) ((I'm sorry, I got really confused by all the posting. It goes Blue Ghost → Shades → Alt aria → Me, Right? Because Shades posted his hand and stuff after Alt aria's turn, so I thought it was his turn, and then I deleted my turn which I had posted. I remember what I did, down to the number I rolled, so I can repost it, but I just want to make sure that it is, in fact, my turn after Alt aria?)) ((Yeah, it is your turn))Edit: ((And it appears Ghost also saw what you did)) Originally Posted by Shadow_Elf ((I'm sorry, I got really confused by all the posting. It goes Blue Ghost -Sgt; Shades -Sgt; Alt aria -Sgt; Me, Right? Because Shades posted his hand and stuff after Alt aria's turn, so I thought it was his turn, and then I deleted my turn which I had posted. I remember what I did, down to the number I rolled, so I can repost it, but I just want to make sure that it is, in fact, my turn after Alt aria?)) Yes, it's your turn after Alt aria. Go ahead and repost your move. I'll repost mine after you. Copied from the turn I deleted, to a T. Ouch. Don't worry Queen Pyrrha, this battle is not over yet! ROOM-TAHDraw: [roll0] EDIT: I rolled a 27 on the draw. If you want me to re-roll it, that's fine, but a reroll will probably work in our favor since the draw was Chorus of Sanctuary. Field: Chorus of Sanctuary: +500 Def for all DEF position monsters With no monsters to play, I activate Chorus of Sanctuary! The defense of all defense position monsters increases by 500 points when their ears hear this song of love, happiness and friendship! After that's done, I end my turn, unfortunately. Field:{table]-- | -- | -- | -- | ---- | -- | -- | -- | --[/table]Hand: 3 Spoiler Hide Exotic the Forbidden One Right Arm of the Forbidden One Left Leg of the Forbidden One Graveyard Spoiler Hide Giant Soldier of Stone Sagan Jar of Greed Widespread Ruin Field Spoiler Hide Chorus of Sanctuary Deck:Spoiler Hide X. Exotic the Forbidden One 1. Left Arm of the Forbidden One X. Left Leg of the Forbidden One X. Right Arm of the Forbidden One 2. Right Leg of the Forbidden One X. Sagan 3. Prevent Rat 4. Prevent Rat 5. Prevent Rat 6. Jar of Greed 7. Jar of Greed XX. Jar of Greed 8. Mirror Force XX. Giant Soldier of Stone 9. Giant Soldier of Stone 10. Giant Soldier of Stone 11. The Forgiving Maiden 12. The Forgiving Maiden 13. The Forgiving Maiden 14. Mystical Elf 15. Mystical Elf 16. Mystical Elf 17. Skeletal 18. Skeletal 19. Skeletal 20. Gravity Bind 21. Solemn Wishes 22. Solemn Wishes 23. Penguin Soldier 24. Penguin Soldier 25. Penguin Soldier 26. Swords of Revealing Light X. Chorus of Sanctuary 27. Chorus of Sanctuary 28. Widespread Ruin XX. Widespread Ruin 29. Pot of Avarice 30. Pharaoh’s Treasure 31. Pharaoh’s Treasure 32. Pharaoh’s Treasure (Active) No monsters, eh? Your pathetic songs of love and happiness shall fall to the reality of darkness, rabbit.[roll0] (It was 3, a card which I cannot use right now, so if you want me to reroll, it would also be in our favor.) I Flip Summon Grave keeper’s Spy, whose effect allows me to Special Summon another Grave keeper's Spy from my Deck. Now, Demise, Manju, and my two Spies all attack directly, for a combined total of 6200 damage. I end my turn. Monsters:Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands (1400/1000)Demise, King of Armageddon (2400/2000)Grave keeper’s Spy (1200/2000)Grave keeper’s Spy (1200/2000)Spell/Traps:Face Down Face Downline Points:11100Spoiler Hide Hand: 4 Spoiler Hide Relinquished Dark Armed Dragon Relinquished The Dark Creator Face Down: Mirror Force Bottomless Trap Hole Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Dark Master – Zorn 2. Dark Master – Zorn 3. The Dark Creator 4. Dark lord Erato 5. Jinn Presided of Rituals 6. Jinn Presided of Rituals 7. Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands 8. Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands 9. Grave keeper’s Spy 10. Grave keeper’s Spy 11. D.D. Crow 12. D.D. Crow 13. Contract with the Abyss 14. Contract with the Abyss 15. Allure of Darkness 16. Allure of Darkness 17. Trade-In 18. Trade-In 19. Preparation of Rites 20. Scapegoat 21. Lightning Vortex 22. Book of Moon 23. Book of Moon 24. Brain Control 25. Call of the Haunted 26. Torrential Tribute 27. Bottomless Trap Hole 28. Solemn Judgment Extra Deck: Graveyard: Spoiler Hide Heavy Storm Contract with the Abyss Jinn Presided of Rituals Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide Empty The Fire Queen draws.(1d33)[33]>>"Well Wiggly tuff, it appears we have lost." She sets a monster and a face down, expecting to be destroyed next turn. Life Points:2,100Playing field:{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|-|F|-|--|-|F|-|-[/table]Hand (1) Lt;-- Shadow Elf may view Spoiler Hide Fire Princess Face down: Healing Wave Generator (DEF 2100) Graveyard Spoiler Hide Mirror Force Spell Absorption Dark Room of Nightmare Nimble Pomona Fire Princess Healing Wave Generator Deck #3C - Alliance of the Fire Princess (33)Spoiler Hide UFO TurtleUFO Turtle Fire Princess Cure MermaidCure Mermaid Mysterious PuppeteerMysterious Puppeteer Nimble MomongaNimble MomongaHealing Wave Generator Blizzard Dragon Blizzard Dragon Marie the Fallen One Marie the Fallen One Mist Body Mist Body Spell Absorption Dark Room of Nightmares Foolish Burial Foolish Burial Mystical Space Typhoon Lightning Vortex Swords of Revealing Light Mask of Restrict Mask of Restrict Nightmare WheelNightmare Wheel Solemn Wishes Solemn Wishes "You may have until my ally's move. But you will last no longer than that."(1d40)[16](3d40)[8][27][35](70)Or, alternatively, you shall fall now. I summon another Dark Resonator Another Fiend appears, ready to deal the final blow. Raviel, crush the Queen's face down! Raviel simple steps on the Queen's last line of defense. Now, Resonators, sound the first trumpet, we take this kingdom tonight! The two fiends get a trumpet out of nowhere and blow them. The noise finally reduces the Kingdom's last defenders to their knees. Playing field:{table="head]1|2|3|4|5-|DR|R|DR|--|-|-|F|-[/table]R=Ravel, Lord of Phantasms, ATK=4000DR=Dark Resonator, ATK=1300Spoiler Hide Deck:Spoiler Hide 1. Ravel, Lord of Phantasms 2. Ravel, Lord of Phantasms [X] 3. Ravel, Lord of Phantasms 4. Dark Necrosis 5. Dark Necrosis 6. Slate Warrior 7. Slate Warrior 8. Slate Warrior 9. Giant Germ 10. Giant Germ 11. Giant Germ 12. Card Guard 13. Card Guard 14. Card Guard [X] 15. Dark Resonator [X] 16. Dark Resonator [X] 17. Dark Tinker 18. Dark Tinker 19. Phantom Sky blaster 20. Phantom Sky blaster [X] 21. Phantom Sky blaster 22. Trap Eater 23. Lightning Vortex 24. Lightning Vortex 25. Lightning Vortex 26. Double Summon 27. Double Summon 28. Double Summon [X] 29. Mystical Space Typhoon 30. Heavy Storm 31. Giant Trade 32. Brain Control 33. Magic Hammer [X] 34. Magic Hammer [X] 35. Seizures Armour 36. Seizures Armour 37. Mirror Force [X] 38. Trap Hammer 39. Trap Hammer 40. Call of the Haunted Extra Deck: Spoiler Hide 1. Armory Arm 2. Armory Arm 3. Ally of Justice Ca stator 4. Ally of Justice Ca stator 5. Black Rose Dragon 6. Goya Guardian 7. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 8. Britney, Dragon of the Ice Barrier 9. Colossal Fighter 10. Power Tool Dragon 11. Red Dragon Archfiend 12. Dark End Dragon 13. Psychic Lifetrancer 14. Power Tool Dragon 15. Ancient Fairy Dragon Stats: Life Points: 11100 Graveyard: Spoiler Hide -Double Summon -Mirror Force -Phantom Sky blaster -Card Guard Removed from Play: Spoiler Hide *nothing* Hand- 1 Spoiler Hide -Magic Hammer Face Downs: -Magic Hammer -------------------------------------------------"Well, my friend, feel free to harvest their would while I take their Duel Energy." Altaria says to his ally, while extracting a strange gold essence from his two defeated foes. Two Phantasms then appear behind him, joined by the other from before." The Beast shall rise. And your Kingdom shall fall. Behold. THE TRUE LORD OF PHANTASMS!" The three Phantasms behind him fuse into the monster you saw during the duel. But this time it's real. And begins to sack the palace." The Fiendish army shall arrive shortly, make peace with whatever God you serve. Plane Shift" ((And for some reason, the codes stopped working...)) I swear that my deck is too creature-based. All the matches I've lost recently have been because I've been only drawing monsters... Get out, Queen Pyrrha. I will distract this beast. ROOM-TAH. With that, the fluffy bunny thing leaps at the fiend come to life and kicks it in the face. At the others questioning looks, Wiggly tuff merely shrugs as it lands. Just because I play cards means I can't actually fight? Any suggestions for my deck? I had 3 Exotic cards in my hand by the end of the duel, but I have been unable to procure a list of high defense 4-Star monsters from the Internet. And I do not want to sift through the entire database of cards for high def ones one-by-one. Anyone have any specific suggestions? Also, I think I will add some of those Deep Divers. Ravel slashes at Wiggly tuff, leaving him on the floor, fainted. He then sends a blast of energy at the ceiling in front of where the queen runs to, blocking her way and trapping her. Plane Shift"Well, I've Gated in the army, your country shall fall to our superior forces. Looks like your successor will be the leader of a ruined kingdom, once this guy has taken your soul.""[[And, as for your deck, I'll let Ghost handle that, he always seems to have some advice for everyone]] Heh, heh. Run, little chunks of XP, run! The souls of this kingdom shall be more than enough to repay my debts and buy ultimate power! I've never used Exotic before, but let me see what I can do. I don't think you need so many high-DEF monsters. In today's game state, there are better ways of defending: take Marshmallow and Spirit Reaper, for example, which cannot be destroyed in battle at all. You're already running Gravity Bind; you can add in its cousin, Level Limit Area - B. But a good duelist will be able to eventually find a way around any defense, and probably quickly. What an Exotic deck needs to do is assemble the pieces before the opponent finds a way to get through. For that, you need a LOT more draw power. Let's see what common options are. Upstart Goblin gives you a free draw and thins your Deck, and since you're running Exotic, LP don't matter. Run 3. A card you may consider is Emissary of the Afterlife. When it's destroyed, you can search any of the Exotic limbs, without hassle. Deep Diver can help you search Exotic, but it'll slow down your draws. Test it and see if it works. You may want ways to retrieve Exotic pieces that the opponent discards through Morphing Jar and such. Backup Soldier and Dark Factory of Mass Production can retrieve multiple copies, but I think a better choice would be Dark Eruption. Not only can it retrieve any Exotic piece (including the head), but it can also retrieve Sagan or similar cards to reuse. Replace Skeletal with Debouch the Battle chanted Locomotive. Same effect, but higher ATK, and it's DARK, which means you can use it with... Allure of Darkness. Two draws in exchange for a DARK monster. A lot of the best draw and defense monsters are DARK. Gold Sarcophagus will let you search an Exotic piece, which arrives in two turns. It's a Spell Card, so no hassle from destroying. You can consider running some multiple-card draw engines. I've seen Exotic builds with the Destiny Hero Engine (Stratus, a couple Destiny Heroes, 3 Destiny Draws), which can also work with Trade-In if you use Level 8 Destiny Heroes. Another interesting option is Hand Destruction + Dramatic. Dramatic grants you hand advantage when discarded, which you can use further Hand Destruction/Magical Mallet/Card Trader to trade in for more chances to draw Exotic. So... that's what I have. Try some of these and see if they work.

Yugioh PbP Tag Team_ Shadow Elf and Shades of Gray vs Blue Ghost and Altaria|rating:2.0

Sailing the Seven Seas

The calm before a storm... With a heavy sigh, Seth shut his book shut, leaning back on his chair. The search for the Touch of Midas was fruitless so far, and despite the fact that they gained some information from an old fortune-teller, the crew of The Siren were nowhere closer to finding it. There were only echoes a legend left, and any information was mostly a dead end. But still, the pirates persisted, dodging every obstacle thrown at them. After all, what was life without a little danger? Chasing after wealth and power that might not even exist... Such was the way of a pirate, yet after so many unyielding leads, even they would begin to lose a little hope. It was a calm day to be out in the sea, and with the sky was a brilliant shade of scarlet, with puffy white clouds drifting across the horizon. Their journey from place to place had been uneventful so far, which the ship's doctor was thankful for. Due to the recent lack of fights, there have been fewer injuries to take care of, less medicine and bandages used up. Peace was a rare instance in a pirate's life, and although people tended to get bored, Seth was determined to enjoy it as much as possible. As soon as that thought crossed his mind, the ship lurched sideways, tossing many of Seth's books around. With a shout of surprise, Seth rushed out of his room to the deck, only to see a sudden storm brew up, the waves growing higher every second. Rain pelted down mercilessly as the winds picked up. The brilliant red sky was no more, instead replaced by a bleak gray of swirling clouds. The ship bobbed up and down upon the large waves as it threatened to overturn, nearly knocking the young man off of his feet." This storm... It's not normal." Seth muttered to himself as he ran off to alert the Captain, although no doubt everyone has already realized that something was up. Red sky in morning, sailors take warning... The tavern was crowded and stank of sweat, salt and tobacco smoke. An off-key violin, played by either an amateur filled the room with a noise that could barely be called music, but that did not stop the patrons of the tavern from trying to sing a shanty to the tune. The tables and chairs were little more than scraps of wood hastily nailed together, and the floor looked like it needed to be replaced weeks ago. While the crowd was still as well-behaved as pirates could be - plenty of swearing, drinking and boasting but no fist fights yet - the free flow of drinks and occasional boasts of knowledge of treasure was bound to start a fight eventually. None of this bothered Alexander Van Rainmaker. Well, the tobacco smoke did, but he just saw it as part of the job. He looked relaxed as he sat in his seat, his posture slouched and his left hand drumming a steady beat against the surface of the table. He wore a dark brown military style regimental coat which looked as if it had seen far better days, a pair of dark brown trousers and knee-high, buckled boots. His attire allowed him to blend in with the crowd, more or less. The weapons he carried on his person - two pistols at his hip with two more on his lower back, a sword sheathed at his right side and a carbine slung across his back - did not allow him to be the most unnoticeable person, but it did keep most people away. Alexander pushed the rough-spun scarf wrapped around his neck and lower half of his face further up his nose. It was uncomfortable, but it did help to conceal his identity, and that was what he wanted to achieve. His line of work was dangerous, to say the least, and he wanted to take every precaution when meeting a contact. He was pretty sure a number of them were just a downsizing in the navy away from becoming a pirate, or were already pirates. Still, Alexander enjoyed his work. He was paid to drink, explore and do as much harm as he could to the French government. That was a dream job as far as Alexander was concerned. Speaking of contacts, he furrowed his brow as he scanned the crowds for the person who was supposed to meet him. He did not like people being late." I hear plenty of pirates these days are searching for something called the Touch of Midas," A smooth voice said in English opposite him. Alexander pushed his wide-brimmed hat up slightly and saw a well-dressed man in a clean, sky-blue coat and wearing a tricorne on his head opposite him. The man took a seat and leaned forward. "A fool's errand, but at least it is of their own volition." At the mention of his codename, Alexander leaned forward. "Where the hell were you?" He hissed. "This isn't exactly a good place to leave a man waiting on his own."" Calm yourself, Red." The man said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "My ship was unexpectedly delayed by rough seas." Alexander furrowed his brow, but decided to drop the subject. "Why are we meeting?" He asked bluntly." Two weeks ago, the French informed us that they would be using Curacao as a stop for one of their trade fleets." The man said, took out a sealed envelope from his pocket and placed it on the table. He slid it across to Alexander. "Of course, if they were to be attacked, the blame would fall to the Dutch Government. However, if the information was to say, be leaked by an adventurer in the Caribbean..."" It would be harder for the French to make any sort of accusation against the Dutch government." Alexander said. The man smirked. "I have already arranged for one of our own ships to be attacked by pirates. A small sloop, nothing too important, but exactly what we might use to transport information quickly. Of course, my own vessel will come to the rescue and chase the pirates away, but not before they have boarded the sloop and gathered whatever loot they could carry." He said and leaned back, looking absolutely pleased with himself. "Anyone who catches the pirates will find an unsealed copy of the letter I have handed you in their possession." Alexander took the letter and tore it open. Indeed, the handwritten message inside was a request from the French government to use the port of Curaçao as a rest stop for one of their trade fleets. It seemed small, consisting of only two frigates and two galleons. Easy pickings for a skilled pirate, or a group of unskilled ones. "Why not have your pirates spread the information, or just have them attack the fleet without coming to me?" The man laughed. "Their only vessel is a brig and I don't trust them. They speak of fighting for freedom, but all it takes to make them work for me is the promise of a large payment. You, on the other hand, are someone the Dutch government trusts." He said. Then, as if he had just remembered something, he reached for his pockets again, this time taking out a small bag of coins and tossing it onto the table. "I believe gold is the universal currency. Use it for bribes and such." Alexander nodded and stood up, stuffing the letter into one of his coat pockets. He picked up the bag of coins and weighed it in his hand. Finding it satisfactory, he stuffed it into another one of his pockets. "I'll see what I can do." He said and turned around, walking towards the crowd. This was a simple enough job, all he had to do was just spread information. He could always just pin up the letter, but that would probably lead to chaos as various pirates fought among themselves to be the one to catch the French trade fleet. No, he had to be discreet. He already had a person in mind, someone who would do anything for a bit of money. Someone who would be able to speak to various pirates in private. Alexander walked over to the bar and shouted for the bartender. He waited until the man was directly in front of him before speaking. "Bring me Luisa Lucy. I've got a proposition for her." The pig snuffled in the mud, rolling its pink carcass around inside its pen, disturbing its brethren. The wooden houses could have been in any town in Europe, the same mortared wood, some of them even sporting the white plaster. If it were not for the bird cawing loudly in the jungle a ship's keel away the pirate port could well have been a thousand miles away. The darkness between the buildings was near absolute, the stars blinded by the wide fronds of the jungle canopy overhead. Only a small lamp, hung from the beam overhead delivered any light. Beneath the lamp, Lucy's copper hair echoed the flickering glimmer of the lamplight. She had pinned it up, keeping it out of the way as she lifted the bucket of water and poured it over her shoulders. The water sluiced over her naked body and splattered upon the hard packed earth outside the tavern's rear door and Lucy closed her eyes. There were few small pleasures afforded one of her position and simple bathing was one of them." Loose!" the tavern keeper bellowed from inside, rudely breaking Lucy from her reverie, "Loose, yer wanted up front!"" Shut yer hole," Lucy suddenly hollered back in cockney fashion, "I ain't done washin' the last man off me." The barkeep simply shrugged in Alexander's direction." Just git yer swanky ass out here ya slut." Outside Lucy sighed and quickly toweled off, grabbing her dress and pulling it over head before unpinning her hair and adding the black pirate styled cap with its downy orange feather. She took a deep breath, settled herself and altered her bearing to make herself more attractive before stepping out with her most radiant smile." Salut monster," she greeted Alexander, extending her hand as she gracefully circled the end of the bar, "It is a great pleasure to make your acquaintance." "Goedendag," Alexander said in his native tongue and gently took Lucy's hand. The words that came out of her mouth sounded French to his ears, and if there was one race he did not want to be confused for, it was French. He pulled down his scarf with his other hand and planted a quick kiss on the back of Lucy's hand. It had nothing to do with chivalry or good manners; the move had allowed him to sneak in a quick sniff of Lucy's scent. From the damp feel of her hand and slight scent of mud and pigs still clinging to her, Alexander knew that she had only just cleaned herself off and thus was still working. He did not need to guess; he had spent the better part of the past two weeks carrying out surveillance on the tavern. It had nothing to do with a job; he just wanted to make sure he knew everything about the place that would be his base of operations for the foreseeable future. Alexander released her hand and stepped back slightly. The rumors he had heard were quite accurate, Lucy was indeed a very attractive lady. Now if she was as money-minded as what the other men in the tavern say, she would be perfect for Alexander's purposes. The way he saw it, the richer the pirate, the more experience they had. He did not want some amateur going after the French trade fleet lest he alert them to the possibility of an attack. He was quite certain that the French had enough resources in the region to reinforce the fleet with at least a couple of frigates or even men-of-war." Shall we retreat to somewhere more private?" Alexander asked. He had conversed with his contact in Dutch previously and thus had no fears of being overheard. However, with Lucy, he would be forced to use English, a language even the dumbest of pirates could understand. "So that we may discuss payment?" Matt stepped out of his cabin, and was nearly blown back in by the strong winds. The crew were scrambling to get things tied down, and the sails were creaking dangerously. The young man clasped his free hand to his hat, and struggled onto the deck. The First Mate, Seth, came by, and Matt hailed him. "I'm sorry, sir! I'm afraid I couldn't see this one coming! These things usually give at least some warning!" He was forced to yell, and even then, the words were nearly lost in the gale. Rain pelted down, making it hard to see anything. Matt gestured towards the captain's cabin with the papers clutched in his right hand. "I've got something to show you and the captain!" Lucy wasn't used to gallant behavior, feigned or otherwise, and she blossomed beneath Alexander's gaze. Her green eyes began to sparkle with veritable delight. Was this then her prince, her savior who would win her away from this dreary and empty existence? A small inner voice chided her naivety. Such men, the voice told her, did not exist, but she could not resist harboring some small hope deep within her. While expected, she currently had no inkling that Alexander was using her, that he had even been in the same room with her a few times in the past. Then he propositioned her and much of his luster faded. She didn't let it show, such disappointments were common in her trade, nearly perpetual. Tittering and batting her long eyelashes she delivered her best smile. Having exhausted almost the entirety of her glossary of French words Lucy continued in the King's English." My palace lay yonder my prince," she proclaimed with a vague gesture in the general direction of the small house, "Shall be away?" "Very well, miss." Alexander said with a nod and followed her to the small house. As he followed close behind Lucy, he noted that she was indeed a very attractive person, if only from the exterior. From the rumors he had heard, there was little good to be said about her as a person, but Alexander was going to wait to see for himself before passing any judgement. After all, everything that came out of the mouth of an inebriated sailor had to be taken with a pinch of salt. Alexander found it hard to look away from Lucy's swaying hips and a small part of him, for a moment, considered paying a little extra to get some of his needs satisfied. Discipline. There is much to be done. He quickly chided himself. There was a time for work and a time for play, and this was certainly no time for him to go around having his fun. Once he was done convincing Lucy to work for him - there were no doubts in his mind that she would not - he had to keep an eye and ear out for pirates capable enough to attack the French fleet. Not only that, he also needed to start working on getting himself off the island. It was highly possible that someone with a big mouth would eventually lead the French to him and Alexander wanted to be as far away as possible from the town before they even start the investigation process. Alexander followed Lucy into the house and shut the door behind him. Almost as soon as it was flush with the walls beside it, he turned around and began to speak in a serious tone. "Right, time to be honest." He said and pulled out the bag of coins, dangling it from his fingers. "I am not here for your usual services. Rather, I need you to help me with a task." This was something he had done plenty of times, but he still needed to tread carefully. Not everyone was the same. "I understand you are the... How should I say, popular choice in this part of town? I have information I would like you to spread around to pirates. Good, capable pirates." He grinned at her and shook the bag of coins. "I am not asking you to do much, just to do your job and perhaps whisper a few words of my choice to the stronger pirates." He said. "So, are you interested?" Aboard The Siren The day started out peaceful. The waters were calm, the waves sending a pleasantly cool spray into the air. The Siren glided lazily on its way, only occasionally rocked by a stronger wave. The sky was painted a stunning scarlet color, interrupted by a few large, fluffy clouds. The wind blew Aiden's blonde hair back out of his face as he leaned over the rail of the ship. He stared out over the water, a feeling of anxiety settling in his chest. He had expressed his concern to a few of his crew mates. The men laughed at the youth's proposal that something dreadful was awaiting them. They told him to relax and enjoy the calm while it lasted. Just a short while later, Aiden screamed over the howling wind. “Told you so!” The winds had picked up suddenly, bringing with them a storm like no other. The beautiful sky had been plagued by dark clouds. The waves reached up the hull of the ship, spilling cold, salty water onto the deck.“Shut yer trap, kid!” Someone shouted, shoving a bundle of rope into Aiden's arms. “And git those scrawny legs moving!” “I'm not scrawny!” He retorted, accepting the rope anyway. The wind tore at his hair and clothes. He pulled his lucky bandana off his head for fear it might be stolen by the storm and shoved it in a pocket. He moved across the deck to where two men were struggling to tie down some loose barrels. The barrels rocked back and forth unsteadily, threatening to roll away and crush an unsuspecting pirate. The three pirates hastily tied the barrels together, then to the rail. It wasn't their best work, but it'd have to do. The Siren creaked and moaned underneath them, and Aiden worried about her stability. He noticed as Seth, the captain's First Mate, stumbled onto the deck. The man looked around briefly before he rushed past, probably on his way to find the captain. Aiden's attention was ripped away from the man when a chunk of debris grazed his shoulder. It sliced through his sleeve and left a thin line of red on his skin. “She's coming apart!” He cried, pointing to a section of deck where the wood planks were loose and being slowly torn away from the frame of the ship. A few men gathered to help secure the wood, but they were feeling short-handed in the midst of the storm. Rain had yet to break the clouds, but they were sure it wouldn't be long before it did. Cyril Bernard, the captain of The Siren looked down at a pile of papers on his desk with frustration in his eyes. The crew had hit yet another dead end for the search of the Touch of Midas. He silently cursed as he crumpled up a piece of parchment into a ball and threw it across his cabin. The old fortune-teller was no good nor were any of the leads he was able to pick up from land locals and other pirates alike. It was like trying to find a penny in an ocean. Although the chances of ever finding the Touch of Midas was slim; Cyril himself was adamant on continuing the search until the day he died. It had been surprisingly calm the last few weeks out in sea. It wasn't normal at all; since a pirates' life was spotted with dashing adventures and daring fights. Yet, the tranquility was somewhat soothing to Cyril despite the fact that he lived for such danger. A sigh floated out of his mouth; and he slammed his head against the desk as his eyes closed. The Captain drifted off into a dreamless dream, until the ship jerked him into consciousness. He stood up, struggling to keep his balance as he flung open his door to be met with an angry storm. His crew scrambled to keep the Siren together as the unrelenting gales and water bashed against her. The sea had finally decided to have her way of breaking the peaceful silence. He grabbed on to a rail, his eyes fixated past the rain and the gray clouds; he would have to find a way out of this, and fast." Keep her holding, boys! We'll get through this one," he shouted. Information? Lucy wasn't sure what to make of that. One thing she was certain of was that information was both dangerous and profitable. It could make a woman wealthy, but it could also make her quite dead. The copper haired whore found herself caught between two extremes. If she listened to what he had to say, and he was not pleased with her answer would he simply kill her? Then again, where they past that point already? The copper haired harlot looked down at the presented pouch. It looked hefty. It didn't look to be a fortune, but it was substantial. She slipped forward, bare feet slipping across the rough wooden planks that likely had been stripped off of some ship that had run aground and would never sail again. She gently caressed this man's forearm with both of hers, keeping all of her long slender fingers clearly within the confines of his gaze so as not to make him nervous." I think I can do that," she agreed, drawing her crimson nails across his skin, "Yes. I definitely think so." "Good," Alexander replied with a grin. It always made him happy to hear that things were going according to his plan. He freed his arm from Lucy's grip and loosened the drawstrings of the pouch, pouring out roughly half the coins it contained and shoving them into his pocket. He closed the pouch and tossed it to Lucy. "You will get the other half when you finish the job. Do not worry, I have ways of knowing when that is achieved." He said. If his short experience in the tavern taught him anything, it was that pirates as a whole liked to brag about knowing some kind of special loot hidden away somewhere. Alexander reckoned that any pirate who knew about the fleet would either start telling it to people around him or her, or would use it as a way to recruit more crewmen. Of course, if that did not work, Alexander always had his contacts at the piers. It was always useful to know people at the place where everyone has to pass if they wish to leave or arrive at the island. Curacao was quite a ways away; far enough for any ship to require resupply, but not far enough to make the journey not worth the potential loot. Alexander did not even know what the French fleet was transporting, but he guessed that it had to be something important if they were willing to resort to using a Dutch port rather than going the extra distance to French Guiana." This is what I want you to pass on. Tell no one that you heard it from me. If they ask, say that you got it from one of your customers, or that you overheard it." Alexander said and moved closer to Lucy so that he could speak in a quiet whisper. "A French trade fleet will be approaching Curaçao. Two Galleons, two frigates. They are due in..." He paused and took out the letter from his pocket, scanning through it quickly. "A week. Ten days at most. I do not know what the cargo is, but if it is important enough for the French to start using Dutch ports, then it has to be something worth plundering." He stepped back and lifted his hat off his head for a brief moment in goodbye. "Well then, that concludes that. I shall not hold you any longer." He said, turned and walked towards the door. Just as he was about to open it and step back out onto the street, he said over his shoulder, "Oh, and don't try to betray me. I take care of the people who work for me, but I will end those who cross me without hesitation." With that, he opened the door and stepped out, shutting it behind him. He adjusted his coat and pulled his scarf back up to cover his face. There was not much left for him to do tonight; everything that he had planned could wait, at least until the next morning. He decided to return to the tavern and start planning his eventual escape from the island. Lucy was shocked. That much money for such a small thing? Whoever he was he certainly must dislike the French. Unless, of course, he was some form of agent. Still, none of that was her concern. All she knew was that she wanted the other half of that money, and she wasn't going to jeopardize anything by thinking too hard." A French trade fleet will be approaching from Cracow," Lucy repeated, mangling the name, "Week to ten days. Only to those pirates that would be strong enough to take it. May I ask for a cut of the loot, or sell the information for a little coin?" After she had her answer she let him go with a batting of eyelashes, curtsying as if she were the lady she certainly wasn't Lucy watched the man retreat into the darkness. Seth nodded at Matt, only just managing to hear him over the fierce gales. "I know!" He bellowed back, "There's something strange about this! It's not normal!" Pushing his wet hair away from his face, Seth glared at the sky, turning his face towards the rain. It was indeed strange, the rain was pouring down at an intense rate, something beyond normal storms. There had to be some sort of cause. Although Seth's skills didn't lie in meteorology or navigation, his years at sea told him to be alert and wary. The storm wasn't their only enemy at the moment. At least, that's what his gut instinct told him. Noticing Cyril emerge from his quarters, Seth waved a hand at Matt, conveying to him to join him to talk to the Captain. If he had something to say, it would be much more efficient if he spoke to both the Captain and the first mate at the same time. Making his way over, Seth was forced to duck under some flailing ropes, and catch himself from slipping a few times. Even with seasoned sea legs, Seth found it difficult to get from point A to point B." Captain!" Seth shouted over the wind, his voice nearly getting swept away. "There's something--"At that moment, the ship suddenly tilted, threatening to capsize completely. The tilt was probably about 30 degrees, enough to send objects and people flying. Instinctively, Seth grabbed onto the rope that he had ducked under moments ago to keep him from falling into the frigid waters. Using his arms, he clung to the rope as his feet left the deck. Gritting his teeth, he began climbing the rope, hoping that his hands won't slip. For a moment, he allowed himself a glance down, seeing how the rest of the crew was faring... His Majesty’s Ship Lyme, of 28 guns, heaved heavily in the Atlantic seas. She was barely turned into the waves and her topgallants had just come off at a hasty order; it would be no surprise to a discerning observer that the vessel had been caught unawares by a sudden squall. It was a surprise to all on board, for nobody had expected such a storm a mere day out of Dept ford. On deck, the vessel was in a near state of panic as the crew scrambled to secure the small frigate against the storm. There were several top men scrambling to secure a sail that had come loose in the howling wind; a midshipman and two hands at a forward carbonate to further secure it from the ship’s heavy rolls; two seamen were hastily bringing the commander’s folding reading chair below decks. Tate Merritt-Lynwood observed all of this with a watchful eye, taking down the mannerisms of the captain, the speed and finesse of the officers and crew, and the handling of the old vessel, which creaked and groaned under the stress of the swelling sea. Tate had originally not intended to scrutinize the captain’s treatment of the situation; she hardly wanted to stay on deck as a torrential downpour soaked her coat and good shirt, but to retire below after being requested to observe a now canceled exercise would look bad on her part. She hardly wished to be remembered as the Officer of the navy that was afraid to her get her boots wet. She had resolved to only go below when the captain, out of courtesy, would insist for his very important passenger to take shelter from the rain. That moment never came, for the gale had stepped up in its ferocity. The frigate’s captain once again barked out a new set of orders, thoroughly distracted enough to forget that he’d invited his senior on deck. This activity –the storm, the ship, everything—struck Tate as something strange. She could not remember a time when a storm such as this struck with such fury, not on this part of the English coast. Something had happened to change the normal pattern of weather here –Did those crackpot environmental theories actually have merit? – and Tate was fully aware it was not a force to be trifled with. She knew for certain their present course was taking theLymefurther and further out to sea and from the safe anchorage of a nearby harbor, where she knew that help would come should the vessel come afoul of the weather. She’d rather have a few days delay in getting to their destination than an eternity’s delay at the bottom of the sea, no matter how good this ship’s captain might be with dealing with a storm. A large wave crested over the ship as the frigate plowed forward into the storm. “Captain Coolidge.” Tate had found the commander forward of the ship, overseeing the repair of a tangled tackle.“Continuing on our present course is an unnecessary risk. With such an unusual storm brewing, it would be more sensible to make for safe anchorage than to brave this storm.” The captain’s momentary surprise at seeing Tate quickly turned to hesitation. Tate was an entire rank his senior, despite being several years younger. Even though she was only a passenger and technically had no jurisdiction over the actions aboard the vessel, both of them knew full well that her words still held weight on board the ship; the words Mr. Coolidge could say to Tate could potentially have consequences that could affect the entire course of his career should scrutiny of his actions go up the chain of command. Mr. Coolidge finally relented with an exasperated sigh, agreeing with a curt “very well,” before turning to his crew to shout another order. “Prepare to wear ship! Ms. Lynwood, if it would be more comfortable, you could take use of my cabin for the time being.” Tate stifled a snicker. The captain had finally offered for her to go back below, but it was no longer out of politeness, but a thinly veiled attempt to get her out of the way. It didn’t matter to her any way; since they were returning to anchor to ride out the storm, there was little to worry about regarding the captain's actions. Satisfied, she turned on her heel to go below. Perhaps she could finish that novel she had picked up earlier in the week…“Sail ho!” Matt stumbled over a loose keg, rolling across the deck, and grabbed onto the rail for balance. This turned out to be fortuitous, because just at that moment, the ship lurched and heeled sharply to port, and the lad's legs were suddenly dangling over the ocean. He opened his mouth to cry out, and it was suddenly filled with water, cascading off the side of the ship. He was nearly washed away, but managed to cling to the rail while the water rushed past. Matt coughed, his eyes and mouth coated with brine, and one of the sailors pulled him back onto the boat. Everything was at an angle, the sailors all clinging to ropes and rails, trying to get things right. Matt's rescuer smiled at him, and reached down to help him up. At that moment, the Siren fell back to her original position, and the kindly sailor disappeared over the side. Matt, mid-thanks, stared numbly at the stormy seas, horrified by the twisted turn of fate. He tried to call, "Man Overboard," but all that came out was a weak sob. H.M.S. Strumpet From the deck came the sounds of singing, the able-bodied men and women that made this vessel glide were celebrating as they went about squaring away their duties, be it climbing to the crow's nest or minding the rigging. And what better time to celebrate than now, as the H.M.S. Strumpet took to the seas, leaving a smoking wreckage in its wake. Not an hour previous the Strumpet had engaged with a pirate ship, one captained by a freshly made man, no doubt following some sort of mutiny. The crew was inexperienced, a trait unbecoming of any pirate who claims to be worth their salt, but it worked out well for the Strumpet and her captain. Maebh Brayleigh stepped onto the deck, the wind blowing her hair and her coat as she stepped through the doors of her cabin. In her hand was a small, tattered map, barely legible and about as useful as a sailor who got seasick. The map, or rather the scrap, had been handed over, after a cold barrel of Match's flintlocks had been pressed right up against the forehead, by the generous newly crowned pirate captain. He and his crew, deceased now God save 'em, had gotten a bit feisty over the rumors of a treasure. Easily duped into foolish pursuits, pirates. Easily duped. Still, Match wasn't an idiot, and any man who would cling so hopelessly to a worthless scrap of paper either believes that the rumors are true and worth dying for, or they have fooled themselves into thinking their cause wasn't a lost one. "The Touch of Midas, was it?" Match spoke, heavily accented, aloud the name of the treasure the pirate captain had spoke. "Mister Hatcher," Match called to her First Officer, a good lad, Irish - which went a long way in Match's eyes, a bit brutish in the heart of sieging, but what good Irishman or Irishwoman didn't get a bit rowdy in a conflict? "You an educated man, Mister Hatcher?" Match asked, stepping up the stairs towards the wheel, "Don't respond to that, of course you ain't, not if you're hunting pirates with me." Match gave a chuckle, and she silenced some of the crew who took that as their cue to laugh as well, "What's your take on this Touch of Midas thing? Worth pursuing?" Maebh had already made up her mind, but giving the illusion that her First Officer has an input - and he did, on several issues - worked wonders for the idea of consulting a sharper mind. Match had no need for treasure, if it even existed, but her goal wasn't in riches. If this is no name pirate had been obsessing with the Touch of Midas, enough to rally a crew, there had to be something to it. And that would mean more pirates, and that would mean no end to the prizes that mark the Strumpet's history." Your input, Mister Hatcher, before I take silence as agreement, and we embark on a fool's errand." Match crossed her arms, but not before handing the tattered scrap to Mister Hatcher. He was probably better at reading maps than she, though she'd never admit that. While sober. The ship tilted dangerously. Water rushed across the surface of the deck. The bodies of sailors washed overboard, and he couldn't tell if he was one of them. Under the surface of the wild waters, a dark shape circled the ship.... Aiden blinked and the vision ended. He shouted out a warning, but his voice was snatched away by the wind. Just a few seconds later, the ship was buffeted by a huge wave. It set it off balance and the ship tilted. Cold, salty water washed over the deck, knocking Aiden and many of the crew off their feet. He flailed about, managing to grab onto something before he slid overboard. Water rushed over him, making him cough and choke. His head broke the surface, and he took a greedy breath, noticing someone was screaming at him.“Lego, you fool! You're going to drag us both overboard!” Aiden was latched onto another pirate. Aiden held on tightly, both of his arms wrapped around the pirate's leg. The man clung desperately to a rope attached to the barrels he had tied down just moments before. “Uh-uh!” Aiden shook his head fiercely, holding onto the man even tighter. The water stopped, and the ship started to level itself when it was hit from the opposite side. The wave crashed on top of them, knocking what little air he had out of Aiden's lungs. The other pirate kicked frantically, knocking his younger companion off. Aiden cried out, swallowing mouthfuls of water. His heart throbbed in his ears. His lungs were on fire. He crashed into the rail, jarring to a halt. He wrapped both his legs and arms around the wooden rail and managed to lift his head for a breath. Furthermore, he dared to glance over the edge at the raging sea. Like in his vision, he saw a shape slithering around under the water. He didn't have time to wonder what it was. He felt the rail cracking under him, and it wouldn't be long before it would give out. The water had drained off the surface of the deck, butte Siren was still tilted at a dangerous angle. It was to steep of an angle for him to lessen his weight on the rail or to regain his feet. He noticed quite a few others were also facing this problem. 'Come on!' Aiden prayed, 'Straighten out already!' HMS Strumpet Hatcher was at the helm, a crew member tying off a bandage on his arm. He laughed and joked with members of the crew. Everyone was in high spirits after the latest success of the Strumpet. Just as he was about to make a joke about the type of dresses that those “pirates” were wearing before they were all killed, the Captain came up the stairs and started Hatcher. Hatcher listened intently to the captain, a little taken back by Match’s questions about the “Touch of Midas.” Hatcher hesitated before taking the scrap from her. After some pushing, he took the map and began to study it closely. It wasn’t too far away, maybe a week or two, and the detail put into the map was clear. “Well Captain, someone took a hell of a long of time to make this map. In fact, I’m pretty impressed with it.” He smiled a little, then looked up at Match’s face, she was not interested in the detail of the map. He wiped the smile off his face and looked back down at the map in his hand, “It doesn’t look like it’s more than a week or two away.” He paused thinking about what the “Touch of Midas” could be. “Frankly Ma’am I’d say it’s a wild goose chase, but there could be something to it. Either way I’d say we’re bound to find more pirates along the way and that guarantees us some action, and some loot.” He began to smile thinking about the adventure that lay ahead, and killing some more pirates, “In my humble opinion, ma’am, I say we go for it!” This role-play is currentlyACCEPTING (We are not accepting any more Captains, or new ships until we have more crew members as a whole.) Interest Check | Character Binges:MizuhoCloudyDreamsBirdIn the 18th century, sea travel was at an all-time high. With the discovery of the New World, many people were beginning to venture out into the stormy seas with different objectives in mind. Perhaps it's to conquer land and gain fame, have a new start, pan for gold in the New World, or pillage and plunder the plentiful ships foolish enough to challenge the pirates. One reason that has everyone looking towards the ocean, is the legend of buried treasure... Many stories of treasures call out the adventurous, and it's true that the discovery of such treasure will make you rich beyond your wildest imagination. Yet one story stands out from the others. The real name of this treasure is forgotten, as it is an ancient tale. Now, it's known as The Touch of Midas. It's rumored to be the single greatest group of lavish jewels, gold, silver, and valuables. The ownership of such a treasure will easily make one the richest person in history. Not only that, The Touch of Midas is said to have been blessed with magic. According to legend, the finder of The Touch of Midas will be able to turn the tides, control the winds, bend the entire world to their will. Whether The Touch of Midas will be used for good or evil, is solely up to its lucky discoverer. A divine being is said to have hid The Touch of Midas to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands... Due to the wealth and power one could gain from finding The Touch of Midas, many people are on the search for it. Many countries, including Britain, France, and Spain have sent people to go look for it. Many hopeful commoners have scraped money together to afford a ship to find The Touch of Midas. And of course, the pirates were scouring the waters as well. Will you join the hunt for The Touch of Midas? And thus, our story begins... Rules--All Guild rules apply.--The GMs are your benevolent gods. Listen to us, and you will have a good time.--No fights in the IOC! We're all friends here.--Absolutely no Mary/Gary Sues, they will be denied. Besides, perfection is boring.--As this is a pirate RP, there will be fights, and presumably deaths. No auto-killing, god-modding etc. of any sort. If someone is going to die, discuss it with them first, and get their permission.--This is a casual role-play, so please post at least a paragraph at the bare minimum. Of course, more is always great! Just remember, quality over quantity.--Swearing is allowed, but keep it in moderation.--There will be no posting order/limit. We just request that you be mindful of the people who haven't posted in a while.--As of right now, there will be a character limit of three people.--If you can't post, want to drop, or anything like that. Let us know. This is so crucial. We won't make you walk the plank, we promise.--Have fun! This is required. Why are you role-playing if you're not having fun?! Special Ability Guidelines [+] This role-play allows some extra abilities to aid your character. However, there are some rules about this that you must abide.--There is absolutely no elemental manipulation of any kind. (This includes water bending-esque abilities, ability to control the weather, etc.)--No futuristic abilities, including things related to ESPN or Sci-fi. Use your common sense for this, what will, or won't make sense in the 17th century? (No psychokinesis, etc.)--These abilities shouldn't make your character extremely powerful. If anything, they should be just a little extra something to give your character a boost.--It's okay to have the same ability as someone else, just make sure that they're okay with it.--You don't have to have one. The GMs like to view special abilities more like enhanced abilities. We believe that abilities should be an extension of one of your character's traits. Some examples are enhanced agility, enhanced eyesight, enhanced strength... While you're not bound by this, we reserve the right to deny your special ability, if we see the need to. Be creative! Character Sheet Explanation [+] Allegiance: This basically means, whose side are you on? Are you with the British, the French, Pirates, etc. etc Allegiance Faction: So we’ve already established your allegiance. Now get more specifics. If you’re with the British, are you with the navy, royal family, etc.? If you’re a pirate, what ship are you on? Role: If you’re a king, say so. If you’re a pirate, are you the cook, the captain, a lowly crew member…? Are you just a soldier or a traveler? Or perhaps a slave? Character Sheet [+] Name:Nicknames/Titles: (Not required)Age:Gender:Allegiance:Allegiance Faction:Role:Personality:Enhanced Ability:Biography:Likes:Dislikes:Family:Weapons:Miscellaneous: Current Characters and their Alliances Information will be added as people start to create their charactersReservationsBefore you claim a position, make sure nobody has taken it first! Information will be added as people start to create their characters The Siren [+] Captain - CloudyDreamsFirst Mate - Mizuki This is a WIP, and I will continue to add more when I have time~ Name Emilia LewisNicknameEmi / Emily / Milady / Angel's Voice / Lady Emilia / SirenAge17GenderFemaleAllegianceBritainAllegiance Faction The British Royal FamilyRoleAristocrat to Captive/Damsel in distressPersonalityEmilia is a refined young lady with an air of elegance. Due to her noble upbringing, she is ignorant of the world around her, having spent most of her life within the higher branches of society. Her every action is graceful, the epitome of a classical beauty. She is a very kind and gentle girl for the most part. Her demeanor is quiet and obedient when she's among the people that are part of higher society. This beautiful girl is accustomed to having her way and has difficulty taking no for an answer. Conceited and spoiled, Emilia is outspoken and blunt when she's denied what she wants. With her education and wit, she has a very sharp tongue that she can and will use when she is displeased. She is very used to not having to do any work, having many maids and servants to cater to her every need. As a result, Emilia is capable of being a leader, bringing people together and divvying up tasks. Fiercely loyal to the people important to her, the gentle lady is capable of being aggressive and stubborn when she's angry. Underneath her soft exterior, she hides a very strong will, holding fast to her beliefs. As a friend, Emilia is very charismatic. Her beauty draws in males and females alike, and her charm keeps them there. Back at home, she had no shortage of suitors. Enhanced Ability Emilia's voice is often referred to as the "Call of the Siren" or "The Voice of a Goddess". Not only is her voice captivating and beautiful, she has the ability to influence emotions and thoughts by singing, or at times merely speaking. However, her power isn't absolute. The stronger a person's will is, the easier it is for them to resist. Some people may in fact be able to completely resist. It's also possible to grow immune to her emotional manipulation. BiographyEmilia Lewis was born to a very prestigious family in Britain. Her mother is the cousin of the King of England. Although it is very unlikely that Emilia will inherit the throne someday, the connection to the King made it possible for the Lewis family to live a lavish lifestyle. She grew up not having to do anything for herself, having many servants to wait on her hand and foot. As a young child, she was told to focus on her education and poise instead of mundane chores. This resulted in Emilia growing to be a sophisticated lady. Obviously educated and well-mannered, combine that with her royal connection, and she has had many men running after her for her hand in marriage. Despite the privileged life she has led, she inwardly longed for a more exciting life. Often in her childhood, she would gaze at the port, marveling in the majesty of the various ships, wishing to be the one departing the country. She didn't want the boring repetition that all the suitors offered, she wanted a thrill. She wanted adventure, something different from the repetitive mundane lifestyle that she led. Once she reached her teen years, Emilia's ability began to manifest. Her power spread her fame far across the world, and many people know who Emilia Lewis is, and the enchanting voice she has. Likes Getting her way, singing, adventure, herself, order, flowers, fancy foods, her popularityDislikesPirates, her suitors, boredom, predictability, not getting her way Family The KingWeaponsHer voice, wit/cleverness, underestimation, charm Other Info She has some knowledge of medical treatment. Never having lifted a single finger for herself, she is very frail for the most part. I'll get to work on a CS or two soon. They'll probably going to be up sometime tomorrow morning. Lucy Dunaway Nicknames/Titles: "Luisa Lucy"Age: 21Gender: Female Allegiance: None, though lives in a pirate port Allegiance Faction: None Role: Prostitute Personality: Lucy is a greedy, conniving, cowardly, selfish wench. She cares for little except for her own self. She is attractive and she flaunts it. Partially because it's her one outstanding feature, partially because she's not very intelligent and knows it. Enhanced Ability: None Biography: Lucy was born in a whorehouse, an accident, one of many that end up as a result of the services offered there. Her mother, weakened by syphilis, died in childbirth. She was raised by the women there in a communal fashion, working at doing the dishes, sweeping the floors and the like until she was of age to be brought into the trade herself. She once dreamed that she was the daughter of a wealthy prince and that he would some day rescue her. Those days are long behind her. Now she just hopes she'll find herself a nice suitor before her charms fade. Luckily, she's still young and has some years left before that becomes a problem. Likes: Coin, Powerful Rich Suitors, Rum and other Spirits Dislikes: Cheapskates, Magistrates Family: Lucy has no idea who her father is, and her mother died in childbirth. Weapons: A small knife secreted in her dress Miscellaneous: Lucy is illiterate Name:Match BrannaghNicknames/Titles:'Maybe'; Manage:26Gender:Female Allegiance:Herself and her motley, small crew, They sail currently under the employ of France, though they fly Irish colors both out of pride and out of spite to the English. Allegiance Faction:HMS Strumpet. The name of the ship is in jest, as they are not part of the navy and the namesake of the ship leads to all manner of jests and jeers come docking. Role:Captain of the HMS Strumpet, a ship whose sole purpose is the sinking of pirate vessels. Personality:Due to living life aboard ships and around men of ill repute, Match (that's Maybe) has picked up her share of ill traits, from a foul mouth to a love of drink. A firm believer in order, Match does things aboard her ship in a very strict manner, expecting her crew to know their roles and to be doing their tasks before she gives the command. Those who do not follow orders are punished to the brig, or, depending on the severity, tossed overboard or marooned; there is no use for the useless aboard the Strumpet. Despite her strict nature in captaining a crew, Match is a woman who commands and delivers respect and loyalty, all those who sail with her are considered family. Unfortunately, Match is easily angered and her short-fuse and shorter temper have led to scrapes where otherwise there wouldn't be one. She has no love of pirates or the English and just seeing either flag is enough to ruin her mood considerably. Though possessed of a hatred, when attacking and/or boarding an enemy ship, Match is not without mercy, she'll never kill an entire crew, but she'll also never take one for her own crew. Negotiation, however, is always on the table - especially when the terms are in her favor. With a fair amount of drink in her, Match cannot shut up, which is why when she drinks she does so in the comforts of her quarters so as not to reveal any secrets. Once ashore, she enjoys spending time in the taverns with other men and women of the sea, though the drunkards making passes has gotten old, as has the constant mispronunciation of her name. But to their defense, Match does have a heavy accent and the people in the tavern can barely sit down. Enhanced Ability:Bullet Control. Match's weapons of choice are her two flintlock pistols, engraved with the initials of her father on the left pistol and her mother on the right pistol. Though useful at shooting from a reasonable distance, the reload can mean the difference between life and death in combat situations. Which is precisely why Match never seems to have to reload in the midst of battle. Always having just enough gunpowder and one more lead ball ready to fire, once the guns are pulled out, Match only has to reload once the skirmish is over. Though reloading is not an issue, the rate of fire is. Though skilled, Match isn't able to constantly unload bullets, she does have to continuously make the gun ready to fire, setting the hammer and the like. Her guns are susceptible to the same issues as others, misfiring, not igniting, and missing. Match removes the need to reload, but not the hassle of maintaining a weapon in mid-fight. Biography:Match was born in a small village located in County Clare, Ireland. Her father earned an honest living as a fisherman, though that did keep him away from home for several days, often weeks, at a time. Life was rather quiet in the village, the most exciting thing that happened was the fishing boats departing and arriving, but it was a good place to raise a family. Her father was a supporter of certain political parties, most of which were highly outspoken about the English due to the past actions of the country and the looming threats. Picked up by osmosis, Match supported her father and his beliefs, not truly understanding them until she got older. Match often pestered her father to take her on a fishing trip. Match got her wish. Unfortunately the boat ran into stormy waters and did not make it back to County Clare. Match and her father, along with some fortunate ship hands, made it to an island, though Match's father did not survive the following few days. Surviving on caught fish, Match and the surviving crew ran into a stroke of good luck. The island was a frequent stop for a pirate crew due to fruit that grew there naturally. Match and the crew were taken aboard the ship though not as crew. Match endured the harsh treatment and imprisonment until the ship was attacked by a British convoy acting in self-defense. Match was rescued, though didn't wish to be indebted to the British and after traveling with the British crew to land, she fled under cover of night. Maebh cut her hair and found work aboard a merchant ship before eventually finding a place as a privateer for the Spanish. It was during this period where Match struck out on her own, rallying some of the other crew members to mutiny and take the ship as their own. Problems arose when it came to who should captain the new ship, though Match proved she was more than capable after silencing some of the dissenters with a good punch in the jaw. Match eventually raised a crew consisting of people with no love of pirates, and they struck out onto the seas, hunting pirates and making themselves infamous due to it. They carry letters of marque from France so they can say they are acting as privateers, though in truth Match and crew are just pirates whose targets happen to be other pirates. Not in it for reward, just for the fun of it and the satisfaction of making the oceans a safer place for those who make a more honest living. Maebh's reputation as a pirate hunter has earned her some note, but what tales are told about her stem from her temper and her difficult to pronounce name. The story around some ships is that when the ship with Irish flags is around, thereMaebhtrouble or theremaybewon't be. Maebh absolutely hates that story. Likes:Ireland, spirits and drink, fresh fruit, the shanty Blood Red Roses which all crew members are required to sing.Dislikes:Pirates, The Royal English Navy, staying ashore for too long, drunken seamen and their drunken hollerin' and caterwauling. Family:Her mother, Aífe. The crew of the Strumpet. Weapons:Two flintlock pistols. She carries a cutlass but is so poor with it that she's better off using her fists if it comes to it. Miscellaneous:Match is actually poor at navigation, leaving such things to her quartermaster. Name: Andrew Nicknames/Titles: The Queens Scourge, 'Traitor'Age: 29Gender:Allegiance: Pirate Allegiance Faction: His small fleet of 3, one Man O'war (His own) and 2 Frigates. Role: Captain Personality: Andrew is organized and smart within reason. While he knows how to fight his way out of a battle he also knows which battles to fight and when to retreat. He treats his crew with respect and as friends, often drinking with them and fighting alongside them in battle. He is rather devious though and anyone in their right mind who has just met him would know not to trust him. Because of his knowledge of the monarchy and the navy he tends to put on a voice and make out that he is actually a navy man lost at sea when taking on navy ships who are too far away to actually make him out. The same works on land though, he has been known to maroon various pirates who have leaded him to treasure troves in the hopes that they can share the loot. If you are his friend however, you will never have a more honorable ally in the field. He treats his friends with the upmost respect and would even share his loot and resources with them. If betrayed though, you will never be hunted by one man so much. Some men may move on from a betrayal, Andrew is not one of those men. He will hunt you to all ends of the seas and risk life and limb to display your head on his mast if you even try to betray him. Besides these he is rather arrogant and cocky and will practically always attempt to take a fight to an enemies ship or try to get them to hijack his ship in the hopes that he can use his sabers in the field. Enhanced Ability: His skill with his swords are unmatchable by most. He can take on groups of enemies by dodging and weaving before slashing and cutting at them with ease. Biography: Andrew was born to a pirate father and a whore mother in Edinburgh. His father abandoned his mother after paying and his mother tried her best to care for Andrew and do her 'job' at the same time. He didn't have much of a childhood, he had to get put to work at a young age and quickly earned a job to help to stack crates onto ships. He soon learned the in and outs of a lot of small and large ships through his childhood and began to become more fascinated with them. So fascinated in fact that he became a stowaway on a pirate ship. The captain found him though but took mercy on him and took him on as his own. At first, he was put to the most menial of tasks, but the captain took a liking to Andrew and became a sort of father figure to him. He taught him how to navigate, drive a ship and to fight. He excelled in fighting with a sword but lacked in firing rifles and pistols. The best thing the captain taught him though, was to never trust anyone. The captain should have heeded his own advice. The ship soon captured a member of the royalty. A princess. Andrew was only around 15 at the time, but he took a liking to the princess as an older sister type relationship. He had the job of bringing her, her meals and keeping her safe from the crew. He began to bond with the princess and over the course of the year they became best friends. Soon the relationship became more though and Andrew would often see her in secret whenever he could. But the ship couldn't escape the navy forever, they soon surrounded the ship and were sure to blow it to smithereens. Andrew knew of his fate if this were to happen and he knew what he had to do. He freed the princess before lighting a powder keg at the back of the ship and blowing a hole in it. He escaped with her to a navy ship. The navy brought him back to England to the request of the princess. Andrew faked that he was actually a prince who was kidnapped with the princess. He made out he was from a country that was undiscovered yet and didn't know his way home. The royal family accommodated Andrew and arranged for a wedding to be made between him and the princess after a few years had passed. Everything was great up until an informant told the king that Andrew was actually the son of a whore and a pirate. The king arranged to have him killed. The assassination however went wrong, luckily for Andrew. His wife to be was hit by a bullet headed for him and he escaped. He mourned for a month before plotting a full escape. He had scraped up enough to buy a small gunboat and had promised his friends he knew where more loot was. Furthermore, he did. They set sail for a small island that he had discovered with his childhood crew and when they got there, loot was waiting for them. They had enough to buy a bigger boat and they did. Furthermore, they hired more crew and Andrew's fleet went on from there. Likes: money, swordplay, rum Dislikes: the monarchy, dandies, chivalry Family: None he stays in contact with Weapons: 4 Flintlock pistols (2 on holsters at his sides and two on his bandolier), he also has two sabers at his sides. Miscellaneous: Damn batman, you took the skill I was going to give my guy. Well, back to the drawing board XD You could still use it if you want, if you were an enemy we could have a sick pirate 420 no scope battle to Thanks, but I have a personal dislike for copying people when it comes to CS's. I got plenty of other ideas floating' around in my head. If there are any questions, comments, concerns please feel free to raise themTyraxor Crag hack, an outlandish slender man raised on the tumultuous currents of the sea. He knows no home port. Rumors around the local pub would lead some to believe that he was born of the sea, a manifestation of god himself. Of course, the only thing true about his relationship with the sea is that it was the sea that made him. As the tale goes, the young lad found a spot in the crow’s nest among the crew of the Tempest’s Edge serving under a most feared pirate captain. Perhaps only a few mortal men know how he ended up on the ship of Bertrand “the Gargantuan” Grimly. Fewer still will ever hear it out of Tyra xor’s own lips. It is said that on one stormy night, the ship held steadfast as the mighty waves crashed over the bow and a dense fog enshrouded the sails. Beneath the veil that enshrouded the ship, while the pirates managed the rigging and lashed the cannons a shadow scaled the stern and wandered into the captain’s quarters. After the storm had passed, Captain Grimly sought refuge in his cabin. It would be the last anyone had ever seen of him. Some say he was swallowed by the sea. Others think it was mutiny. But the only thing anyone can say for sure is that Captain Crag hack would come to stand at the helm and take the wheel. Captain Crag hack was known for two things, his fiery red beard and his brutal domination of the sea. From England and Africa to the new world, Captain Crag hack ravaged the coast without discrimination. Little concern did he have for the well-being of others when fame and fortune were involved. Survival meant not only taming the unpredictable chaos of the sea but also learning how to outmaneuver enemy ships. While perhaps, he was not the first, Fireboard was known to fly the flags of his enemies. More often than not, the enemy ship was boarded before they even realized it was too late. Of course, not even the swashbuckling pirate can avoid fate forever or in this case, a small horde of mercenaries looking to make quite a bit of coin. The Tempest’s Edge was lost at sea, sunk off the coast of the local village. After that infamous day no on was sure what happened to old Tyra xor Crag hack. Most would say he went down with his ship as a great captain should. Some say he is not dead at all but undead, cursed to haunt the seas he terrorized, looking for a ship to call his own. But others say still that Tyra xor Crag hack is still very much alive, haunting the taverns of the local village in a constant state of inebriation. One thing is for sure, even if the ‘morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall his return. Name:Tyra xor CraghackNicknames/Titles:(Not required) Cap’n Fireboard, FirebeardAge:26 years Gender:Male Allegiance:Pirate Allegiance Faction:Tyra xor holds allegiance to no one other than himself despite how he may sail under another's flag. Role:Previously a Captain, currently a mercenary pirate for hire. Personality:Tyra xor “Fireboard” Crag hack is a malefactor. He does whatever he can get away with. Crag hack is out for himself, pure and simple. He sheds no tears for those he kills, whether for profit, sport, or convenience. Tyra xor has no love for order and holds no illusions that following laws, traditions, or codes would make him any better or nobler. On the other hand, he does not have the restless nature or love of conflict that a chaotic villain has. Crag hack is still very much a pirate, who robs and murders to get what he wants. He is not pious. If Tyra xor worshiped any greater power it would be the ocean as an entity. However, as most men in his company throughout his life have believed in the lord, he cannot help but be influenced to a certain extent. Crag hack has come to believe that everything is interconnected and cyclical. He acknowledges change but holds true to his essential nature. Tyra xor does not try to be what he is not but excels at what he is and carries his message of personal excellence to the world. He is flexible but not unreasonable. Crag hack fully believes that the mysteries of life are to be enjoyed and puzzled over, but realizes that some answers do not come in this world, but rather the next. Of course, he may know this first hand. Most importantly he realizes that the cycles of life are mirrored by the circles of fate. Tyra xor is prepared to, but perhaps he has already paid the price and reaped the rewards for the actions of his past and future. Enhanced Ability:As a pirate, Tyra xor hosts no particular enhanced ability. However, the pirate does have perhaps a reputation that provides for most to see him in a most alarming not. As he has not gone down with his ship but that of a stolen from another pirate, the ship once belonging to Captain Bertrand “the gargantuan” Grimly, the good lord has spared his life. With that being said, the rumors of Tyra xor's existence is that he is in fact not living but a member of living dead. Strangely enough, Fireboard has been known to regularly evade the clutches of death time and time again whether by skill or dumb luck further perpetuating the concept that he lives a life in an undead state. Biography:The history of Tyra xor Crag hack’s life is shrouded in mystery and mottled with inaccuracies and embellishments. Many jokes that not even Crag hack himself is sure of what is true about his life. However, as the story goes this fear pirate is the child of sailing merchants. As far as the truth goes the only thing one can be sure of was that he was born on the sea. Before he reached the age of ten, Tyra xor would find a place behind Captain Bertrand the Gargantuan aboard the Tempest’s Edge. He would survive by his own wits and the advice of those pirates who would care to share. Bertrand would come to take up the role of his father, and his mother the sea. As for any legitimate accounts of his family history, they were probably sunken alongside his parents by the hands of Captain Grimly. Likes:Coin, Rum, and Wenches. Dislikes:Cowards, the Proper Authorities, Sobriety Family:Tyra xor hails from a family of merchants that traveled the coastal waters of many continents gathering goods to sell for profit. Weapons:A set of four flintlock pistols, a rapier and a dagger. Miscellaneous (Appearance):Tyra xor is but a simple man, a shell of his former self. But his most abhorrent feature that of which provides his namesake is the hair that covers his face. A lush beard of a brazen reddish-orange, dangling beneath his jawline in three thick braids. Each braid ended with a warping of dingy white cloth and tied to a small loop of gold. His jawline is broad and square, with a silver-tongue and yellow teeth hidden behind the slender lips of a great maw. A round, bulbous nose crooked to one side centers his face between acne scarred cheeks. On either side of his head, Crag hack’s ears are pierced many times with loops of silver and gold. Beneath two bushy eyebrows, Fireboard stares deep into a person’s soul with unsavory yellow eyes. He bears no hat upon his head, an oddity for most pirates. Instead, his head is shaved on either side with a single, braided strand of thick hair that runs down the center of his scale ending just between his shoulder blades. His garb is as simple as it is dirty. Hard soled leather boots climb up his legs meeting blood stained leather breeches half-way between the ankle and knee. His chest is covered by a dingy button-up shirt that at one point may have been white. Tyra xor protects his body with a suit of studded leather armor. The armor is made from tough but flexible leather reinforced with close-set metal rivets. However, it is not one solid suit but consists of a Coors, a set of bracers, Greaves, and separate pieces to protect the other thighs and biceps but still leaving him flexible and agile. All of this is hidden more often than not. Draped over his slender frame is a full length tattered pea coat as dark as the moonless sky. Of course, Tyra xor is not without any form of real protection. Across his chest are two leather holsters, home to two flintlock pistols with an ivory stock covered in a mundane ebony design with a barrel composed of hardened iron. Two more can be found in holsters on his belt. On a sturdy leather belt wrapped around his waist are two blades. First, about the small of his back is a parrying dagger which is something of a necessary component in any swashbuckler’s arsenal of weapons. But Crag hack’s most deadly weapon is the basket halted rapier dangling on his hip, situated for the perfect cross draw attack upon withdrawal. Miscellaneous (Other):Tyra xor remembers nothing of his life before the Tempest Edge was scuttled as if born when his body washed up on the shore of the local village. I'll hopefully be getting back to you with a CS later today. This sounds like a lot of fun! Name: Alexander Van RooiakkerNicknames/Titles: Alex / Red / Havoc / Volition (Official codename)Age: 25Gender: Male Allegiance: The Dutch Republic Allegiance Faction: The Federal Government (Unofficially)Role: Agent (Spy, Saboteur and Assassin rolled into one)Personality: Friendly, personable and always quick with a joke or witticism, Alexander is a hard person to dislike. He frequents the various bars found on the islands of the Caribbean, always with coin in his pocket and eager to buy his new acquaintances a round of drinks or perhaps even a night with a prostitute. To many, he is just another rich young man trying to make it big in the new world, and quite obviously out of his depth and out of his mind. It is thus no surprise that very few people see him as a threat. However, all this belies Alexander's true nature. As an agent of the Dutch Republic, his role is to gather information on the various factions in the new world and if necessary, engage in direct action to safeguard the interests of the republic. The Federal Government gives him a monthly allowance to spend as he sees fit and Alexander certainly does so. The drinks help to lower a person's defenses and makes them more willing to talk; the prostitutes had been paid beforehand to ask just the right questions in order to get the information Alexander needed. He is a dangerously smart individual; he needs to be, given as how while he works for the Federal Government, they have effectively disowned him. If he gets in trouble, there would be no help on the way to bail him out. However, despite knowing the risks of his job, he still manages to keep himself calm at all times and always seems to be in control, regardless of the situation. His silver tongue can often talk circles around most people, and where that would not work, he can always issue threats that are never empty. Due to the War of Spanish Succession, he has a strong hatred for the French. Enhanced Ability: Dragoon. Served in the Royal Dutch Army as a mounted infantryman and thus was trained to fight equally well with the musket and sword. Due to their role as a screening force for the main army and thus tasked with harassing enemy formations, Alexander didn't need to just be able to fire fast, he needed to fire accurately in order to consistently kill the drummers, buglers or officers. As such, Alexander is extraordinarily fast when it comes to reloading firearms and can reliably hit targets with a degree of accuracy that is higher than normal. He is also able to hold his own when using the sword. Needless to say, Alexander is also quite comfortable around horses and can ride one exceptionally well. Though as he puts it, 'it is as useful as a nun in a brothel'. Biography: Alexander was born in the County of Zeeland to a modest, working-class family, the second-eldest among three brothers. His father, a private gunsmith who crafted firearms for hunters, taught Alexander and his brothers the tricks of the trade from an early age, starting with the basics of building and maintaining a firearm. By the time he was ten, Alexander was capable enough to carry out minor repairs without the supervision of his father. A year later, and he was out hunting along with his brothers, using the same rifles and muskets they had been built from scratch. When war came in the form of the War of Spanish Succession, Alexander and his brothers did not hesitate to sign up with the army despite the fact that their ages ranged between fourteen and sixteen. After all, the Spanish still held parts of the Netherlands, and it was their duty as patriotic Dutchmen to reunite it with the republic. With their already-impressive gunnery skills, they were assigned to a Light Dragoon regiment. Alexander's parents had sent them off with their blessings, and all had expected the war to be a short one. They would kick the Spanish out of their land, fend off the French with British help and be back home in time for Christmas. However, the war proved to be anything but short. Alexander and his brothers served in several small skirmished which never built up to the huge, wide-scale battle they had been hoping for. It was always just them riding in, firing a few shots into the enemy scouts and watching them flee. It was not until a few years into the war did they get their first taste of battle. At the Battle of Families, Alexander's regiment performed more than just scouting duties. They flanked the enemies, firing at them from various directions to confuse them. It all went well, but then Alexander and his brothers got overconfident and broke formation in an attempt to silence the enemy cannons. They ran straight into an enemy reserve regiment that was being moved to the front. Alexander managed to break away at the last minute, but his brothers were killed instantly when the regiment stopped and opened fire. Alexander himself was dehorned when his steed was killed by a stray bullet. Thankfully, he was picked up by a British cavalryman who had also been separated from the rest of his regiment in the chaos. After the war, Alexander returned to Zeeland, only to find that his home village had been razed by a French advance guard that had broken through the Anglo-Dutch lines. He had no idea what had happened to his family, but the rumors he heard told him that his father and mother had been executed by the French for supplying firearms to the rebels. It was all just rumors, but that still added fuel to the burning hatred Alexander felt for the French. He returned to the army, half-expecting to be assigned to another dragoon regiment, but was pleasantly surprised when he heard that he was to be sent to the New World for 'special duties'. The Government had known of Alexander, the death of his brothers and the destruction of his village and accurately guessed that he would have a hatred for the French that knew no rivals. Rather than punishing him, it was decided that he would be of more use in the New World, where he could help the Government gather information on both the British and French. After all, the Dutch were seen as the neutral party in the New World. Between the French, Spanish and British jockeying for dominance, a lone Dutchman could slip through the cracks and back out with valuable information. Besides, there was very little to tie Alexander to the Government, so if he got caught and executed, it would be of no harm for the Dutch Republic. While in the Caribbean, he poses as an adventurer, explorer and gun-for-hire. It is a cover that works well; someone wanting to make a new life for themselves was not a rare sight in the new world. What made Alexander stand out, however, was his absolute ruthlessness when it came to fighting. His alias, 'Havoc', came from a story which stated that he had once managed to clear an entire deck of pirates on his own. When asked, Alexander simply smiles and neither confirms nor denies the story. Likes: Exploring, spying, anything that hurts the French State. Dislikes: The French Army, the French Government, Tobacco Family: None. All died during the War of Spanish Succession, either through combat or getting caught in the crossfire. Weapons:- Carries four pistols. Two holstered at his hip, two on his lower back- One carbine, usually strapped diagonally across his back-Sword sheathed at his hip (Uses a dual sheath to allow him to have both a sword and pistol on the same side)- Dagger sheathed in boot for more discreet kills. Miscellaneous: He receives his money from the Dutch Government from various anonymous contacts, most of them working for the Royal Dutch Navy. Name:Aiden KnokNicknames/Titles:"Aid"Age:18Gender:Male Allegiance:Pirates Allegiance Faction:The Siren Role:Crew - Messenger Personality:Aiden is a little bit of a wild card. He tends to be unpredictable, and maybe a little insubordinate. He is normally very friendly and talkative, but sometimes his arrogance can become pretty annoying. Furthermore, he's loyal to the death, though picky about who he is willing to take orders from. Furthermore, he tries to be helpful and often just ends up making situations worse, even if his intentions are pure. Furthermore, he speaks with thick sarcasm when annoyed. Although he is by nature a sweet and charming young man, he still has picked up some of the classic pirate personality, and is never afraid of getting his blade dirty. Enhanced Ability:Enhanced Analysis -- Aiden has the ability to see glimpses into the future. It's very short, his record time being only five seconds. Most often, he's using the ability upon his own will, though occasionally when something terrible is about to happen, he will see a 'vision' that he did not initiate. The longer the vision lasts, the less clear it becomes. He also suffers severe migraines due to this ability. Biography:Likes:The open, heights, adventure, animals, sword play Dislikes:Inns/Motels, rich people, cheating and foul play Family:Weapons:Aiden prefers smaller, light-weight weapons. He keeps his sword on his left hip, and a dagger from his sister on the opposite. Tucked into his right boot is a 'spare' knife. It's about three inches long, and pretty nondescript. Miscellaneous: Weapons [+] Unicorns for everybody! Seriously though, I think it's just a placeholder for the avatar system. Hey Batman! Do you have any crewman slots open? I'd like to be a navigator. Everything's open really, anything that isn't will be claimed by an NPC when it starts Appearance [+] only not so evil looking. He usually sports a smile, one that is rarely removed from his face. Name: Bran Lamar Age: 28Gender: Male Allegiance: Only himself, and his crew, what he says goes. Allegiance Faction: The name of his ship, a Frigate, Is the 'Seas Howl', His ship hoists the color of the Jolly Roger, however, it's little more than making a statement than he is an actual pirate. Role: Captain Personality: Bran has spent most of his life around ships since his father was a dockworker, which lead to a few less desirable habits. He loves his Rum (What pirate doesn'love rum.) and is probably one of the best drinkers around. Some would call him reckless as he never backs down from a fight, though he doesn't go looking for them. He doesn't take life seriously, and for the most part isn't that strict when it comes to life aboard his ship, and neither does his crew. They're free to pretty much do what they want in downtime, except drink. They are expected to either be sober while on his ship, or they'll be locked in the brig until their sober and prevented from having rum for a minimum of one week, even while docked. Otherwise, they are allowed to sing shanties, and otherwise do anything that they would consider fun, so long as it does not inhibit the over all functioning of the ship. He knows the name of every man and woman on his ship and considers them his friend, and would do anything to protect them as any good captain should, and they would do the same for him if they had too. That being said, do not mistake his laxness for a lack of training and do not mistake his crew for an easy target, if you do, you just signed your death wish. His men are smart, and trained well and often know what to do without being given an order unless its in an extreme situation. He knows when to be serious about something and when not to be. They often spar with each other if they're not sailing, and he makes sure they get in at least three practice sessions each week, sometimes more depending on if they're in port for a while or not. Even on the open sea when anchored, he makes sure they're abilities are up to snuff. Afterward, there's usually a party involving a lot of rum. Of course, there's always a lot of rum involved on his ship. Bran is generally merciful when it comes to dealings with a ships crew after he defeats them, usually giving them the option of joining his merry band of pirates or simply taking their gold and other valuables, and leaving them with just enough food and other things to survive. Lately though, the Pirate game has become...stale. It was fun when he started all those years ago, but recently he feels as though he should be looking for a career change. He's thinking about just targeting Slave Vessels now. He's slow to anger, and is friendly to most, even to his enemies. However, he absolutely loathes slavers, and will almost always kill them without any negotiation, and if he sees a slave ship, he attacks it without hesitation. He's gained quite a bit of a reputation among the Slavers that he's not someone you should mess with. They're none to happy about that, and have put quite a price on his head. Enhanced Ability: Sight and Hearing. Bran's' sight and hearing have been honed to a point of being able to hear a pen drop in a crowded street, or a whisper in a tavern. His sight can tell what's happening on a deck of a ship miles away. It does wonders for staying out of them and not falling into an ambush of sorts, and since he pilots his own ship, he's a pro at steering it. Also has almost perfect accuracy with any musket or rifle. Biography: Bran was born in London to a French father and an Irish mother. He had a somewhat hard life growing up in the slums. His father was a dockworker, and his mother was hardly a mother to him at all. She drank all day and usually got in trouble with the authorities. It was unsurprising when she upped and left one day, never to return. His father didn't seem particularly upset about it though, and when asked, all he would say is that he expected her to leave years ago. He didn't understand what he meant at the time, he was too busy being angry with her for leaving. A few years passed, and his father decided to return to France on the promise of a new job opportunity, at least that's what he told him. Bran, not liking being left behind or being told what to do sneaked onto the ship that his father allegedly booked passage on. Unfortunately, the new job opportunity turned out to be a privateer contract. Needless to say, the ship was destroyed, and his father was killed in the process. Bran and the rest of the crew were taken captive. One by one, the captain of the pirate ship killed them for amusement, until one night Bran formed a plan of escape. By dawn of the next day, he had freed him and his crew members from the brig and had taken over the ship. The captain and any crew still loyal to said captain was marooned on an island, and Bran took the responsibility of being captain himself, and thankfully there were few arguments. From there, he renamed the ship, flew the Jolly Roger, and became a pirate. Over the years, he was a fairly successful pirate. While he didn't have an infamous reputation like some of the others, that was the way he liked it. He didn't want to be infamous, too much trouble in dealing with pirate hunters and the Law. And there was the whole 'death by hanging' thing. He likes living. Likes: People who keep their word, The sea, Rum, women, and he has a love for apples, especially the green ones. Dislikes:Arrogance, Traitors, taking orders, Royal people, most fruits and vegetables, Slavers. Family:Father: Deceased Mother: (Status Unknown)Weapons:Two cutlasses at his side, and two flintlocks always loaded and ready to fire on a moments notice. Miscellaneous:Seas Howl Ship:Class: Frigate, 38 Cannons, Fitted with a mortar, two forward firing chase cannons, a steel plated Ram, and four Swivel cannons. Name: Acacia [+] Age: 20Gender: Female Allegiance: Pirate Allegiance Faction: To the ship, The Seas Howl Role: First Mate Personality: Like Bran she thinks of everyone on the ship as a friend, though she doesn't show it as much, but that's where the similarities end. Unlike Bran, she's strict, stern, and is one mean lady you do not want to piss off. She makes sure the ship is running smoothly if Bran is not aboard, ashore, or otherwise unable to command the ship. While her methods may be different, the crew respects her just as much. She's serious about most things, and often doesn't take lightly to joking around. As such, she has a love hate relation with Bran. Still, she trusts him with her life, and would gladly do anything for him even if she bitches about it. She shares Bran's hate for slavers, Simply because she was almost sold as a slave herself and would not wish that treatment on any other human being. Enhanced Ability: Her talent is simply stealth, being able to move unseen even in the heat of battle. She's agile, quick, and has amazing parkour skills, often climbing to the top of the masts before a boarding occurs, to get an easier, stealthier approach on the opponents ship to allow her to take out the captain easier, and if she can, prevent him from giving sufficient orders to promote a counter-attack. Biography: Acacia never really knew her parents, only having vague memories of her mother. She lived on the streets of France from day one as far as she was concerned, and might as well have been born on them. From early in her life she learned how to handle herself, including how to fight with swords. She was a thief by trade, and unfortunately she ended up stealing from the wrong man. She stole some gold coins from a pirate who was docked, thinking it'd make her a good bit of money. Well, the pirate caught up with her and decided some punishment was in order. He was a slave merchant in the Caribbean and decided no one would miss a little homeless girl. After a few weeks aboard the ship, it came under fire from Bran's ship. The slaver crew was dispatched quickly, the captain and any crew on the ship was killed, and Bran set the slaves free. Acacia though, decided to stick around with Bran instead of leaving at the first port. Bran decided he would take her in, and make a fine pirate out of her. He taught her how to sail, fire and load a gun, and how to fight like a pirate and everything else that she would need to know for a life on the sea. Likes: Bran, Rum, drinking, fighting, giving orders, being bossy. Dislikes: Bran, Taking orders, traitors, people not doing what their told, idiots. Weapons: Two sabers at her sides, four flintlocks - Two on her sides, and two in a holster on her chest, and a few throwing knives. Miscellaneous:N/Well, there's my two. Slave Hunters/Pirates. I suppose you could call them that. Lots of captains, few crew. It's going to be very lonely for the PC's on the high seas. Or you know, they're going to be NPCs. I'm introducing another ship too >> Chatting with your own NPC's does not a role play make. No, blowing other ships to smithereens a role-play makes. I doubt most of us are going to be isolated on the high seas without seeing another RP'er. Miku, you don't happen to have our old CSS, do you? Bird said Miku, you don't happen to have our old CSS, do you? Unfortunately, no... I can probably remember a lot of it though, if you ever want to recreate it. I only have mine because I type it out on a doc before posting it. I'm still counting on you or Cloudy to be part of The Siren! Okay~? HyyyyynhI don't remember Cyril's CS (HYnnnnnnh I think I still have his picture floating around. I'll try my best. Name: Matt Greensboro Nicknames/Titles: "Map"Age: 19Gender: Male Allegiance: Pirates Allegiance Faction: Andrew Go's Crew Role: Navigator/Backup Helmsman Personality: Cheerful and somewhat naive, Matt doesn't like close combat, and is sickened by the sight of blood. He would prefer not to fight at all, but that's what pirates do. He's hoping that in finding this treasure, he can retire to a small town somewhere, and not have to fight again. Furthermore, he is loyal to his captain, and wouldn't dream of backstabbing anyone. Enhanced Ability: Far sight. Matt can "see" the position of ships, rocks, reefs, islands, etc. from a distance farther than the horizon. This can be useful in charting a route or chasing a ship, but doesn't do much else. Biography: Matt is the eldest son of Mary and George Greensboro, with 9 younger brothers and sisters. His somewhat middle-class family couldn't support them all, so Matt left home at the age of 16, to seek his fortune in the world. After wandering for some time, he found himself hungry and penniless in a dockside town in Virginia. He hired on to a small merchant vessel, in need of crewmen, and not too picky about who they chose. He earned a reputation as a hard worker, with a good head for charts. After landing in the Caribbean, he transferred to a different ship, flying the Jolly Roger. Thus began his life as a pirate. He soon took the position of navigator, and managed to bring "good fortune" on the ship, always happening to find ships that otherwise would have been missed. One ship was a decoy, however, and Matt didn't foresee the English Navy lying out of sight. The Sore Dreams, Matt's ship, was quickly sank by the British, and the boy was taken captive. His youthfulness and innocent charm made his captors pity him, so instead of the piracy death penalty, they only put him in jail for a week, then let him go. Out of work once more, he searched the docks for a reasonable ship. The only one available was a small gunship, with the captains promises of buried treasure. Not wanting to stay in town, Matt agreed to the First Mate's offer, and took position as Navigator for the small vessel. Surprisingly enough, the captain was true to his word, and soon had a small fleet to command. Likes: Money, good food, and books. Dislikes: Alcohol, bullies, and blood. Family: A very large one home in Virginia, but he has no contact with them. Weapons: A long-barreled rifle and a short cutlass. (If he's going to kill someone, he would prefer to do it from a distance.) Miscellaneous: Aw, oh well. I still remember him well enough to make a new CS. Oh, but of course! I have pledged my life to this ship. Name: AbejidéAppearance: WIP Nicknames/Titles: Dégagé: 24Gender: Male Allegiance: Himself and other now free slaves. Allegiance Faction: None Role: Captain Personality: DE is a cold man, he has lived through it all and has seen his family and friends be killed in front of him. Despite this he is welcoming to other slaves and is always willing to listen to please of attacking plantations and slave ships. He is a realist and if he sees something as totally impossible he is most likely to avoid it entirely. He believes all ‘White man’ are evil and that they all are power mad slave owners and so finds it very difficult to even show a white man any sort of respect. Furthermore, he uses his powerful and inspirational voice to good effect and this is no different even when he is not talking to a crowd. Furthermore, he enjoys the fact he can almost always intimidate people. Enhanced Ability: DE has been known to raise his entire crew from slaves he freed or have freed themselves. This means he has a way of inspiring other slaves to fight and die for him with no questions. Furthermore, he has the ability to convince other slaves that escaping their fate is always worthwhile, causing many a slave revolt/mutiny. Biography: DE was born in a little village on the coast of Africa, modern day Ivory Coast. The village was called Human, and it was all he knew. His people were a simple kind, content with their lot in life. DE was a big child and a very good fighter and his father encouraged him to build up his muscles. His first job in the village was helping build home and buildings around the village. This helped build up his muscles as well as his training program. When he was 12 he went out hunting with his father and caught himself a deer. For his first hunt it was impressive. After a few years he was a regular huntsman and was bringing in some of the finest meats the village. When he was 16 his village was raided by a nearby warlord. Most of their cattle was killed, in a response DE organized an attack in which they would steal back the cattle they had lost. It was a total success after DE was able to take on a farm’s guards single handily. He returned to his village a true man and was married to the village chiefs' daughter. Life was very good for DE. He found However all of that changed when the white man came. His village was burnt to the ground and every strong man was taken, bound and forced to watch their families killed before they were loaded onto a large dark ship to be sold at the markets in America. The journey was long and hard and DE experienced beatings and suffered humiliation he could never forget however it made his resolve stronger. Around 3 quarters of the way through the journey DE had become fast friends of the slaves he did not know and had found out that there was almost 10 times the number of slaves than there were crewmen. He decided that enough was enough, there would be no slavery for himself or his fellow slaves. One night during a routine inspection the slaves were able to grab one of the guards and break his neck. Stealing the keys they began to silently move through the ship killing guards and freeing more and more slaves until almost all of them were free below the decks. Then they waited, when another guard came down to check on those below deck the slaves made their move. Rushing from below they swarmed the ship, killing captors and sailors with their bare hands as well as the few cutlass’ they had stolen of the men they had already killed. Finally, when they had taken the ship, they came to the captains cabin. DE himself took the man’s sword and sliced his head clean off before hanging it from the mast. The final part of the journey turned DE from a slave to a freeman and, after a vote, captain of the ship. Deciding that the large lumbering vessel was not to his liking he decided that they would make port anywhere where they would not be immediately placed under lock and key again. A small port near Tortuga called ‘Sleepy Hollow’ was the ideal destination. Once docked DE made contact with a white man he met in the tavern. The man would go with part of his crew to Tortuga and sell the ship. He would receive 5% of the money and use the rest to buy a faster more fitting ship for the purpose he had in mind. In the morning he watched the ship and 50 of his men sail away. Only a week and a half later a new ship returned with all 50 of his men as well as the white man he had sent. The white man, Edward Galls, was an experienced navigator and had been part of the Royal British Navy however a misunderstanding had left him dishonorably discharged and stuck in Sleepy Hollow. In exchange for a fair part of the loot he offered to be their navigator. DE was suspicious but trusted the man. They soon became fast friends. The ship he returned with was a fine one. A used Frigate DE christened ‘The Howler Monkey’, it had been in service for a number of years to the Spanish yet after a storm it was abandoned. A group of scavengers salvaged the ship and brought it to Tortuga for repairs. Now Edward had bought it along with a set of cannons and supplies needed. DE now sails the Cartesian, freeing slaves from their bonds and raiding plantations. Sleepy Hollow is now used as hi base and has turned from a ghost town into a very profitable port due to the sugar and tobacco he has stolen. However, DE does not see himself as a criminal, he is simply freeing those imprisoned and giving them what they have worked for. When his crew is full all the slaves are freed in Sleepy Hollow along with a share of the goods stolen when they were freed Likes: Freedom, rum, other slaves gambling and fairness. Dislikes: Slavers, those in authority, people telling him what to do and this who assume he is a slave. Family: None that are left alive. They were butchered by a slavers company when they attacked his village. Weapons:2 Large cutlasses, one from each of the slaver captains he has killed, so far. (He wants a lot more)A belt with 4 pistols on. The hunting knife he was given when he turned into a man. Miscellaneous: Very well-built and tough however his seamanship needs improving, and so he normally delegates jobs such as navigating to Edward. Name: Damon Hatcher Nickname: Mr. Hatcher Age: 28Gender: Male Allegiance: Match BrannaghAllegiance Faction: HMS Strumpet Role: First Officer on HMS Strumpet Personality: As the Match’s first officer, Damon is in charge of the day-to-day activities. A professional demeanor and dedication to perfection makes him very skilled at getting things done and keeps the ship in top shape. However, this professional attitude can sometimes give way to Damon’s sense of humor. He is known to make jokes with the crew, even after having disciplined them. When Damon drinks, it’s usually a lot. He tries to avoid it when with the crew on shore, in case someone needs backup. However, from time to time, Damon will enjoy some drinks and will usually end up singing at the top of his lungs late into the night. Loyalty is hard-earned with Damon. He trusts very few people and is always watching his back. While this distrust of other people makes him very unpopular outside the ship’s crew, he is completely loyal to the crew and his captain. He would gladly give his life for any of the crew but would gladly kill anyone, including the crew, for Match. He is a fierce fighter, and skilled in hand-to-hand combat. Furthermore, he enjoys fighting pirates and his hatred of them is only matched by his hatred for the English. When going into battle he wears 6 pistols which after firing he often uses as a weapon, along with the pistols he will wield two cutlasses. He can be seen howling and screaming in the heat of battle as he cuts through his enemies. The heat of battle has, however, been known to get to him. He sometimes gets carried away and needs to be held back by the crew. Biography: Damon was born on the Irish Coast, the third of five children, with 2 older brothers and 2 younger sisters. He grew up in a fishing village and practically lived on different ships. He would often go on trips with his father and two brothers. When he was 11 years old his father and brothers went on a fishing trip, Damon had fallen ill and was left behind. Days later, the ship was attacked by pirates. Everyone on board was killed. When he was 18, the English arrived in his village. English soldiers went door to door and gathered all the people of the village. They claimed that the people of the village were sheltering and supplying “enemies of the crown.” The English soldiers tried to have their way with his sisters, and his mother fought back and was murdered. His sisters were kidnapped and disappeared. They turned up dead in London years later. Eamon has spent the last several years on the Strumpet hunting and killing pirates under the command of Match. So, when do we start? The15thSpycrab said So, when do we start? I was just about to ask the same question. When will character approval and first posts be made. I'm working on reading through everyone's CS right now Okay, I don't see a problem with anyone's character, (with one exception. Feed, could you please elaborate on what you put on Tyra xor's enhanced ability? I don't quite understand it.) so go ahead and post it in the character bin. Also, I'm thinking that we're not going to accept any more captains for now, until we get more crew members at least for the time being. I think all you captains are going to be lonely. Perhaps you should reconsider? Batman's got to stay as captain, or I'm out of a job. Feed, I think you posted in the wrong section XD I kind of want to stay captain, and considering I have PC crew member that's all the more reason to keep me as one. Batman, nobody has to relinquish their captain position, we're just not accepting any more Oh I thought we were doing that, ok. Bird's just asking if anyone swilling play another character or multiple that aren't captains FINALLY! CUSTOM AVATARS! I'd be willing to make a third character that's a crew member on someone else's ship. Always room on 'The Howler Monkey'... I could use a couple of other people. The Strumpet also takes all willing, so long as you're not one of them piratical types. The Siren will be the ship that will more or less be moving the entire thing along~ join if you people want ^^ CAPTAINS:It would be great if you could tell me the names of every character on your ship, as well as a short description of what your ship's reputation is or something like that. NOT REQUIRED BUT APPRECIATED The named characters about the Strumpet are:Match Brayleigh (Captain, played by myself)Damon Hatcher (First Officer, played by mac7)The Strumpet's reputation is known among pirates, mostly due to the fact that it flies Irish colors. Larger pirate fleets might not have heard about it due to the fact that the Strumpet tends to focus on smaller bands of pirates rather than going against larger fleets with poor odds. They have a small reputation among the English simply due to how outspoken the crew is about the crown and its supporters. The Strumpet is a ship whose name, apart from laughter, comes with a certain level of caution among lesser pirate crews. Yay! The unicorns are gone! Aw, shit bro... Son of a bitch. I'm still not quite use to this tab system. It is a little ridiculous quite frankly. I didn't even realize I was on the IC tab when I posted that. But my point still stands. Off to ask MHz to delete or move that shit. So I put in the request to MHz. Hopefully, dude takes care of it right quick. Worst case scenario I could always make an interesting introductory post just to add some flare to the story. No, every captain will start off with their own ship, but whether they will be able to keep it throughout the role-play is a different story. Cloudy, Bird, your thoughts? Named Characters on the Howler Monkey:Beside: Played by myself. Edward Galls: Open Any other characters people would like to create for a freed slave ship are welcome. Mizuki said No, every captain will start off with their own ship, but whether they will be able to keep it throughout the role-play is a different story. Cloudy, Bird, your thoughts? Well, right now, the biggest crew is on the Siren (I believe so, anyway), consisting of a whopping three members. I don't think we are going to have enough people to support this many different ships for any length of time. But you guys seem pretty gun ho about the whole captain thing, so I guess we can try it and see what happens. Like Mizuki said - we might just end up sinking some ships. Apologies but I'm going to be pulling out of this RP, I'm currently swamped with college work and so wouldn't be able to give this the time it deserves. It does look very good however, and I hope it goes very well for the rest of you. Aw, man. I know how you feel, and my work is still high school. Anyway, thanks for letting us know. Shall we have an opening post? We've been hanging around for over a week. If this doesn't start soon, I'm going to have to leave. Sorry. I'll try to post an IC tonight before karate... sorry, but I was super busy with RL stuff I didn't know you take karate, Miku. So do I. Okay, so apparently I cannot post the IC due to my computer going Kerala and writing it out on my outdated phone is rather difficult x_Mohave it has written, so hopefully I will be able to post it on Thursday at the latest! Okay, so apparently I cannot post the IC due to my computer going Kerala and writing it out on my outdated phone is rather difficult x_Mohave it has written, so hopefully I will be able to post it on Thursday at the latest! I can stick around 'til then. I hope your computer isn't badly damaged. Okay, so the IC is up! Seth is the ship's Doctor/First mate on The Siren, if you haven't realized. I'll post a CS when I have more time~Jump in however you feel like your character would fit in, we'll figure out a way to have everyone interact! Should I wait for my captain to post first? The15thSpycrab said Should I wait for my captain to post first? That would be between you and the captain, but I think it would be okay. Where is everyone? Sorry, solving some issues with my draft. Will make a post later. > The15thSpycrab said I think my captain is AWOL, are there any other ships in need of a navigator? There's always room on The Siren! Will get a post up after I fix up my CS. POST POST POST :D Mizuki said POST POST POST :D I think it's your turn, actually. Either Seth or the captain needs to post. Preferably both. The15thSpycrab said I think it's your turn, actually. Either Seth or the captain needs to post. Preferably both. There's plenty of people missing so far, and I was waiting for Cloudy... CLOUDY WHERE ART THOU It appears the Siren is in some trouble. I take it we're sailing in uncharted waters, somewhere near a strange island? I'll have a post up tomorrow! Putting forth my application. Tell me what you think! Name: Tate Merritt-Lynwood Age: 23Gender: Female Allegiance: The British Crown Allegiance Faction: The Royal Navy Role: Junior post-captain, tactician and member of staff of the British West Indies station Personality: The best word that can describe Tate is… “Stoic.” She has an unflinchingly calm demeanor, often betraying no emotion in even the most dire of situations. She is a master of masking emotion, and is not somebody you’d like to play poker with. Her stoicism is not a trait that she was born with. Tate values security above all else, and in this regard her behavior can be seen as a defense mechanism against letting slip undesirable comments or reactions that would lead her to feel insecure. It is this security complex that drives her interest in strategies and tactics. If through careful reasoning she knows as a certainty all the outcomes of an action or lack thereof, there would be little reason for her to worry. If there is a fluke in a plan or situation, Tate would always have a backup of a backup-she would have a contingency plan thought out for nearly everything days in advance. The feeling of being in control is something she strives nothing less for, and being in a leadership role comes naturally to her. While this is the case, she is hardly an inspiring leader; her strength comes not from charisma, but the reassurance of absolute certainty. Although these qualities make her appear tomboyish and self-centered, she can be endearing and kind in her own unique sort of way. While she keeps a professional distance among most, she is not afraid to get intimate with trustworthy and wholesome individuals. Enhanced Ability: Perception and critical awareness. Tate’s talent is her ability to quickly take note of everything around her and make sense of the situation. For example, in a hypothetical engagement with an enemy, she would be likely to hold the weather gauge, or at the very minimum prevent the enemy from possessing it and obtaining a significantly advantageous position against her. Biography:Tate was born to the distinguished Merritt-Lynwood family, a house of minor nobility in Britain. Her family had deep roots in naval lineage; her father was Viscount Neville Merritt-Lynwood, a retired but distinguished vice admiral of the Royal Navy, and his father and the father of his father were both successful captains of a frigate and a ship-of-the-line, respectively. Tate was the second-youngest out of four children, with an elder brother and sister, and a younger sister. As the middle child of four children, she initially received little attention from her parents until it was realized that their only son and Tate’s elder brother was a wholly incompetent seaman that would never make it past the rank of midshipman. At age ten, Tate witnessed her brother return home a disgraced man that had lost his commission in the Royal Navy. This did not sit well with her father. Furious, her brother was kicked out of the household and disowned. He spent months spiraling into despair at the besmirching of the family name and began to drink heavily to drown his sorrows, often taking out his anger on his own family, for there was nobody else to take the mantle. Being only ten and with her family falling apart all around her, Tate shut herself in the family library and turned to books as an escape. It was because of this that her father discovered her by chance reading a book on naval tactics during one of his usual tirades. Something finally clicked in his head; there [is]was[/s] somebody competent and motivated enough to carry the family tradition after all. Finally coming to terms with the situation, he offered to take Tate under his wing as his protégée, no matter the social barriers it would take to get her into the Navy, a proposal that she gladly accepted. Against odds (and with lots of ‘donation’ money), Tate was made midshipman at age 14 and served on therms Magnificent for a little under a year. She took and failed the lieutenant examination a year later, but was able to pass and was promoted to lieutenant the year after, a feat for somebody at that age. The examination marked her last post to a ship in several years, as she was appointed to a post at the Admiralty as an assistant to a Sea Lord, where her abilities would be best suited. At the admiralty, she aided in court-martial investigations and provided advice, where she gained her reputation for her cool demeanor and hard work. Her post at the admiralty was a prosperous one, and she was promoted to commander and offered a command of a small frigate, which she declined in favor of continuing work in London. It was not until she was 22 and was promoted to post-captain that she resigned her post at the Admiralty and was offered a post as a member of staff for the Admiral of the British West Indies, where the British garrison continued to be plagued by the constant threat of pirates and privateers. Finding it an interesting situation to try and help solve, she accepted the commission, boarding therms Lyme, a 28-gun frigate bound for the Caribbean station. It never made it to its destination. Likes: Trustworthy individuals, honor, tea, good food, chess, reading, theorycraftingDislikes: Pirates, cramped quarters, loud noises, disrespect Family:Neville Merritt-Lynwood, 1st Viscount Lynwood, father Marie Merritt-Lynwood, mother Henry Merritt-Lynwood, brother Luce Merritt-Lynwood, sister Clare Cavendish, sister Weapons: Tate wields a small sword, a lightweight blade not dissimilar from a rapier, made to parry the very model it was designed from. Her particular sword is silver-halted with an intricate embossed design. Miscellaneous: TBA It's been two days since anything's happened... Is this dead? ._. Nonsense. We are currently experiencing a lull, that's all. Please stand by~ That's good to hear... But Miku hasn't been online for almost a week. :(Click This said That's good to hear... But Miku hasn't been online for almost a week. :(Yeah, sorry. A bunch of RL stuff came up, and I couldn't really do anything... Go ahead and post in the character bin! Tate is accepted :) The15thSpycrab said It appears the Siren is in some trouble. I take it we're sailing in uncharted waters, somewhere near a strange island? Actually, no. There's a different cause for it. I'd say we're more or less close to Britain, far enough to not see land, but close enough to say we're close. Awesome, sounds good. Mind if I start my IC somewhere near the Siren, with my character pretty much shipwrecked? Click This said Awesome, sounds good. Mind if I start my IC somewhere near the Siren, with my character pretty much shipwrecked? I don't have a problem with that, but your character might o_o Mizuki said I don't have a problem with that, but your character might o_o Are you guys going to sail right past? D: Click This said Are you guys going to sail right past? D: More like capsize and drown at the moment XD And I'm introducing the first obstacle The Siren crew will encounter in my next post! I'd say she could be in a ship's boat, but I guess that would quickly capsize too... I guess I'll have her be "in the area." Mizuki said More like capsize and drown at the moment XD And I'm introducing the first obstacle The Siren crew will encounter in my next post! So I should post something along the lines of the ship hitting rocks/being swamped/completely capsizing? Or have the ship right itself? The15thSpycrab said So I should post something along the lines of the ship hitting rocks/being swamped/completely capsizing? Or have the ship right itself? Hmm... Maybe the ship should right itself, but not slowly. Like, crashing down! Ouch. I wouldn't want to be on board that boat. Still open for CSS? I'll happily fill any role. Any specific characters or crew members needed etc? :) Hey, Bird? The Siren already leveled back upright. Yeah, I know. Then it titled in the other direction. Name: Aislinn LilesNicknames/Titles: TinybitAge:22Gender:Female Allegiance: Pirate Allegiance Faction: The Siren Role: Cannons/artillery Personality: Energetic and easy going, Sharp as a tack, and free and frivolous, this young lady presents almost an ideal case for bipolar... If it were 100% deliberately times. Aislinn is an Irish-accented enigma. At first impression, and many to follow, she seems light a bright, eager, and almost childish woman that has no business aboard a pirate vessel. However, when the time comes, the fiery red-head becomes another person entirely. More knowledgeable in the way of heavy gunpowder weaponry than many men, she quickly shows herself to be shrewd, serious, calculating and detail-driven. Enhanced Ability: Her work in heavy weaponry may seem odd given her visibly small stature, however she has a skilled mind for the mathematics necessary for her job as well as the strength necessary to perform each task. The former is probably her true skill, the shrewd intelligence and attention to numbers and details, while the other is likely the product of repetitively performing each separate task that surrounds deck and cannon work aboard the pirate vessels she has known since her twelfth year of life. Biography: Aislinn doesn't remember much of her life before piracy. She was 12 years old when sailing with her family from Ireland to England, the ship they were aboard spotted pirates. Her parents quickly bid her to change in to the spare clothing brought by her older brother before they came close enough to broadside and board. She was only-just successful in her disguise when the first set of boots hit the deck of the merchant and passenger vessel. It was that very disguise that spared her life. Along with ten of the other children-all boys around her own age- Aislinn watched helplessly as many others were murdered and the ship sank. She and the boys that struggled were knocked unconscious and thrown below deck to regain themselves. It didn't take long for the pirates to discover her sharp with and capability on the vessel, unlike the span of time it took to discover her gender-on this particular ship that discovery never happening. She was quickly put to work on the guns and learning how to use them and store them and all that went with them properly. Aislinn grew strong and worked hard, finding the life of piracy to be rather enjoyable. Although staying with those that killed her family was... Less than optimal for her sanity. That wasn't much of a problem, however: within a short year or two she had become a full-fledged member of the crew and, eventually and within the confines of a pirate port, she was allowed to leave and make her way on to another ship. The Siren. Unlike the previous ship, she felt right at home on the Siren from the get-go. It was, she found, much easier to put herself in to the work she was growing to love more each day. Aislinn also discovered it was much easier when her true gender was revealed at last, shortly after she turned 16. She studied closely under the main crew member in charge of the cannons and worked her hardest to prove herself to the captain. When the crew mate she had so taken to and learned from-as if he were a father figure-succumbed to a gunshot wound from the raid, Aislinn found herself the lead on the heavy artillery of the ship. Likes: clear skies, open seas, gentle rains, faerie stories (which she believes with her entire, precious little Celtic heart, are true), sweets, fuzzy things. Dislikes: Idiots and ignorance, non-heavy gunpowder weapons, too-salty or too-spicy things, "icky" textures, perfumes, rats Family: One brother, somewhere, who had moved to England to join the British Royal Navy (the purpose for that fateful sailing)Weapons: Cutlass, Dagger, and well-shined brass knuckles. Miscellaneous: "*picks up scraggly black kitten by the scruff* What the fuck is this sad bag of bones?" "OH MY GODS! IT'S SO CUTE AND FLUFFY! I MUST HAVE IT. *snatches kitten and cuddles it* I shall name you May and you shall be mine and our lives shall be glorious because you shall feast on those nasty rats when they get into my stores! Yes, you will! And in return I shall love you and tell you stories." "Ais... It's a cat." "IT IS MY KITTY! YOU WILL RESPECT THE MAY!" "Ais... seriously." "Don't you seriously m- SQUIRREL!" Moral of this story: Show this woman something fluffy and all the distractions are had. All of them. Also. She has a black cat named May who hunts stow away rats in the cargo hold. Also, also: she is 5'4" tall and weighs only about 120lbs. Dammit... did my training stuffs make me too lats? Also, if not, do you need more crew PCs? Because I have 1 more idea. Sorry for not being around, final exams kept me busy. ><'' Last paper's tomorrow, though, so I'll be free after that. ’D So what's up? Who are we waiting on? I think we're waiting for the owner to post, or at least the Siren's crew are.

Sailing the Seven Seas|rating:3.0

Sissification of Ronnie Taylor (SagittariusX and subrob99)

(Williams looked at the Excel sheet consisting of the browser history of one of her employee, Ronnie Taylor. She was 35 years old and manager of a private consulting firm named, Ashley Consulting. It was the time of annual review of the employees to see which one was working as expected and which one needs some encouragement to do better. While she was reviewing the employee records, their achievements, average onscreen time and similar things along with any comments from their immediate superior, she came across Ronnie Taylor's profile. His records were one of the worsts, missed deadline, untimely submission of work, incomplete work to name the few. His superior had commented that Ronnie was somewhat of introvert, didn't mix with other colleagues, and could be always seen attached to his PC. Lyra noticed that the onscreen time of Ronnie was almost equal to office hours. It brought forth the question that if he was spending all the time in front of his PC screen and not wasting any then what exactly he was doing if not the work. She had then contacted their IT department, requesting the browsing history of Ronnie Taylor. As all the browsers on office PCs were managed by IT department, even though the employee used Incognito Tab, a record of search was stored in IT database. Its teams had immediately sent her an Excel file with all the browsing history of Ronnie Taylor for last one year. As she read the browsing history of Ronnie, a devious smile crossed her lips.' So, you want to be a sissy.'she thought in her mind. Ronnie's entire browsing history was filled with searches related to being a Sissy, Sissy sluts, Sissy porn and so on. She picked up the intercom and called on the telephone on Ronnie's desk. "Ronnie, can I see you in my office please, right now if you don't mind." Getting yes in reply, she ended the call. With every passing second, her excitement grew. She could not wait for the timid, introvert, to be sissy Ronnie to come to her office. (Taylor didn't wait long and married his high school sweetheart shortly after graduation. His wife was totally out of his league. Ronnie a slender 5'7" was about three inches shorter than she. His wife had the legs that just never seemed to end. He never understood why she said yes. Maybe it was his charm. Which is why when they got married. Ronnie felt the needed to work hard to spoil her. Taking so much time from his studies that it was nearly seven years before he graduated from college. After graduating his GPA barely above 2.0 Ronnie accepted the first offer he got at Ashley Consulting. The work wasn't exactly what he thought he would be doing but the pay and benefits were good. It provided enough for his wife to stay home. Which was great for Ronnie. She would always greet him with a hug and a kiss. Plus the kitchen was always smelling good. After dinner the two of them would make love. A couple of years went by Ronnie thought he would have been promoted or found something better. He did put his information on indeed but haven't heard from anyone. The love life at home had slowed down for Ronnie. Instead of nightly like in the beginning. He and his wife only made love on Friday or Saturday. That is when Ronnie started looking at porn. He would masturbate pretty regularly. The porn was always straight porn until one night when the wife was out. Ronnie was watching porn he got a pop-up and the link took him to a different type of porn where the men dressed like ladies and were submissive. After that night Ronnie couldn't get enough of that kind of porn. Every chance he got he would watch it and get very aroused. The sissy porn consumed Ronnie so much at work he wasn't thinking and typed in his favorite site on his work laptop. Since the computer didn't block it Ronnie continued to watch it at work. He would do a little work in the mornings and then would surf the porn the rest of the day. On his breaks Ronnie would go into a bathroom and rub one out. Ronnie had just finished a few tickets he had been working on all week. Something most in the office would finish in a day it takes him the whole week to. He just pulled up a video of guy on all fours wearing lacy panties pulled to the side while a woman with a strap-on was giving it to the guy. "Shit!" Ronnie just about jumped out of his skin when his phone rang. He quickly clicked the X on the browser and closed the laptop before answering the phone "Hello". He was shaking a bit when hearing it was the main boss on the other end. "Sure will be right there." Ronnie only spoke to the main boss Lyra a couple of times since working there. His heart beating faster as he made the way across the building where the management offices were. Lightly knocking on the door before opening it. Lyra was standing near the desk. With her heels on she is much taller and a little thicker than Ronnie. Clearing his throat. "You wanted to see me." "Yes, Ronnie. Take a seat." Lyra said in a stern voice like teacher would talk to a student after he caused a lot of trouble." Instead of beating around the bush, I'll go straight to the point." Lyra began, continuing in the same tone of voice. "I am not happy with your performance, Ronnie. Not at all. I was going through employee profiles, looking for reasons to give them increments, promote them to senior positions or congratulate them on their achievements in general, when I came across your profile." Pausing for few moments before she spoke, "Incomplete assignments, incorrect work submission, missed deadlines, only to name the few. You have them all. In past few months, your productivity had gone completely down hill." Lyra again paused, enjoying the multitude of expression crossing Ronnie's face. Still he didn't have any idea what kind of trouble he was actually in." Your senior had nothing positive to say about you except that you are always seen stuck to your screen. Given your profile and declining productivity, I had my suspicious. It couldn't be work you were doing. So, I had the IT look into your browsing history and what I found..." Lyra then turned her MAC screen towards Ronnie. The screen was showing a woman in dominatrix clothing, and wearing a strap on cock, half of which was buried inside a man's ass who was on his arms and knees, and made up to look like a girl. The man's small cock was also on display beneath the skirt of the maid's outfit he was wearing, along with a dog collar havingSissywritten on it, the leash of which was grabbed by his dominatrix mistress." Sissy panties, sissy dresses, sissy porn, sissy sluts, how to be a sissy. All from your recent search history." Lyra said." The company didn't put any restriction on what sites employees can visit as we believed that employees should be able to get any and all information needed for completing his or her work from any and all source possible. And what are you using this for, watching Sissy Porn, which, I don't even need to mention, is against company policies." Said Lyra looking into Ronnie's eyes. Breaking the eye contact, she went behind the desk and sat down on her chair." The higher management have given me strict instructions related to any misbehavior and breaking of company policies. As you have completely disregarded employee's code of conduct and violated company policies, I am within my rights to fire you at this very moment, without giving you even a week of notice period much less a month." Lyra said and paused for few moments before she spoke." Give me a reason Ronnie, why I shouldn't just do that. Why I shouldn't add a remark on your experience letter that you were fired because you were watching Sissy porn in office timing and on office PC no less. Give me a reason why I shouldn't make an example of you in front of all the other employees so that they would think ten times before doing something similar." Lyra smirked internally, but outwardly maintaining the serious demeanor. What Ronnie did was of course against the company policy, and she intended to use that fully to her advantage. After all, she wanted to turn the image displayed on the screen into a reality, except she would not need to use a strap on. She had the real deal. Ronnie was caught totally off guard by the tone in Lyra's voice. He practically jumped in the chair. Face turning red and running through his mind. "Did she happen to see what he was surfing? How could she unless she had X-ray vision." He was at eye level of her thick thighs peaking out just below her skirt. Letting out a sigh of relief. When she started to rip him about his job performance and not what he was surfing. Finding difficult to make eye contact Nervously tapping his right foot listening to her rake him over the coals. His lips were poking out his parents never talked to him like that when growing up. For obvious reasons being on the smaller side. Ronnie avoided any kind of conflict. Never even getting into a fight. Starting to get worried his job slipping away. Signing a two-year lease on the condo and gotten is wife a new BMW. Not enough in savings to cover it. Lyra sounded like she was done letting him have it. Ronnie his watery eyes starting to sweat. Was about to speak "Please." He was trying to beg Lyra to give him a second chance. Lyra continued on causing Ronnie to gulp hearing her say she asked IT to help with figuring out why he was doing so bad because he hardly left his cubicle. Browsing history something he gave little thought when he was watching the porn at work. Started thinking he needs to clear the history on his home laptop as well. His whole body trembling gripping the arm rests or his chair. When the unthinkable happened. "What!" Ronnie mumbled under his breath. His eyes looked like they would pop out. Lyra had turned the screen around. Ronnie could see the exact page and video he had been watching before being called to her office. Even though a few tears had started running down his face hearing Lyra spoke about why she shouldn't just fire him. The porn always put him in kind of trance. Almost with a blank stare as she described the pages he was looking at. Somehow even in this predicament his crotch was twitching in his pants. Ronnie his eyes never left her ass as she made her way back to her desk and took a seat. Ronnie was brought back to reality when Lyra told him to give her a good reason not to fire him and to make it nearly impossible to get a job somewhere else by putting a mark on his file. He was squirming in his seat. A long pause a few tears streaming down his facing with the thought of what would happen if he got fired and his wife ever found out why. His life would be over as he knew it. Ronnie' voice sounding dry and crackly. "Please Lyra don't fire me. I will never look at those sites again and promise to do better. I have learned my lesson. Furthermore, I will work overtime and weekends if needed. Whatever it takes." Ronnie both his legs shaking his face beet red. Hairs on the back of his neck standing up. "I am begging you for a chance to prove myself. I know I don't deserve it but you won't regret it." Ronnie wiping the tears from his face seeing the look in Lyra's eyes that she wasn't convinced yet. "I do not know if there is anything to I can do to overcome this. There isn't any excuse for my actions. Is there something I can do now to prove it to you?" (Lyra loved the desperation in his voice. It made her smile internally, a devious smile. It looked like Ronnie would not need more convincing to do whatever she ordered, to become her obedient slave." You see Ronnie, I need to submit my report to senior management, on which employee did the best, whom to promote, whose deserves a salary raise... AND who did the worst and needs to be fired. I need to do it within next week. Even if you worked 24 hours straight for next seven days, you will not be able to make up for the office time you wasted while watching sissy porn. The time, I remind you, company pays you for, and pays very well." Lyra added. The situation was turning her so on." Obviously, there isn't an excuse for your actions. You do understand Ronnie, don't you, how much of a risk I will be taking if I didn't include your name in that report, among those names who will be getting fired." She said, eyes boring into him." However, I am not without mercy. I will give you a chance. A chance to prove yourself. But..." She said in a gentle tone and paused for few moments, before adding in a no-nonsense voice, "From now onwards, you will have to do exactly what I ask you to do and when I ask you to do it. No questions asked. You will have to be completely obedient, obeying my every command."" I will give you that chance to prove yourself, but first you need to show me that you indeed deserve it." Lyra added before she opened her desk drawer and pulled out a black G-String underwear, placing it in front of Ronnie." Get naked and put them on. Then slowly turn around so I can look all of you before crawling to me on your hand and knee." Lyra ordered. Ronnie dejected his head hung down low. Hearing Lyra say that there is nothing he could to do to make up the time and work that he missed. Tears were free flowing a few he could see dripping on he floors. Just when all hope was lost. Lyra her voice changed and didn't sound so soul crushing as before. Letting him know he has the chance to earn the break he needed. His head slowing lifting to meet her eyes a look of gratitude on his face. Turned to fear trembling when her voice changed to a more demanding one. Ronnie no hesitation agreeing to do anything. Nodding his head. A voice barely over a whisper. "Yes, mam. Thank you so much. I won't let you down." He replied. Lyra laid out the black thong on the desk in front of Ronnie and he froze. Looking at the underwear thinking. "She can't be serious. " Looking back at Lyra. "Is there anything else I can do instead." Ronnie taking silence. It was either this or he would have to face the music. Walking out the door not being much of an option. Once word of this got out he would be out on the street begging for work. Ronnie looked back at the thong and then back at Lyra. Slowly standing up with a horrified look on his face hands shaking. One by one began unbuttoning his shirt. Taking the shirt off laying it across the chair. Revealing his flat light skinned chest. The hair on his chest a light blonde from a distance almost looks hairless. Ronnie avoiding direct eye contact. Kicked his dress shoes off while undoing his belt buckle. Slowly he unzipped his pants sliding them down his legs. Stepping out of them he stood in his black boxer briefs. His cock betraying him starting to get hard. Ronnie looked to Lyra hoping she had seen enough. The look he got was no way out of this. His face bright red sliding down the underwear revealing the small semi erect cock. Even when completely hard it is barely 5 inches long. His pubic hair matching the hair on his head neatly trimmed to make his cock seem bigger. Sometimes if he didn't shave it would look like a turtle poking out of its shell. Ronnie knowing there is no turning back now. Picking up the lace thong from the desk. Bending over the thong being small he nearly fell over trying to get his legs through them. The feeling of the lace had his cock completely hard trying to break free of the fabric. Ronnie had to adjust them to get the thong to fit right. He knew he had to look ridiculous, but he turned around to let Lyra get a good look of his ass. Ronnie moved the chair back getting on all fours. Crawling to Lyra his cock throbbing harder his knees wobbling on the cold floor. Goose bumps all over his body. Looking up at her with those sad puppy eyes. (Lyra didn't reply to Ronnie's question, there was no need. She had laid down her terms, and it was up to him if he wanted to follow them. Lyra watched, a mile-wide smirk on her face, as Ronnie began following her orders, doing what she told him to do. When he stopped at his boxer, a look from her was enough for him to continue, there was no mercy in her eyes, only sinful enjoyment. Seeing the cute little pecker between his legs, made her chuckle. She imagined it to less than five inches even erect. Her assumption turned out to be correct as it becomes completely hard by the feeling of soft lacy thong, barely five inches in length. She watched, smiling deviously, as Ronnie got on his hands and knees and came near her. Lyre rose from her chair, and began slowly circling around Ronnie. Observing his lean body. He was a perfect specimen to turn into a Sissy. His round ass cheeks with the black thong string dividing them, looked quite sexy, almost enough to make her rock hard." You were being naughty boy, Ronnie. So, I will have to teach you some discipline." Lyra said in a stern tone, and moved back to her desk, opening the lower drawer, she took two feet long riding whip. Being a manager of such a prestigious company was quite stressful job. So, Lyra often had to call her friends to help her relieve the stress. As such, she had quite the assortment of toys hidden in her desk drawers which she was quite excited to use of Ronnie.(Looking at Ronnie she said, "I have no choice but to punish you." Lyra flicked the riding whip in air as she said that, making acracksound. She began slowly moving the top end of whip over Ronnie's back, ignoring all the pleading and begging. As she reached his ass crack, she moved the whip between his ass cheeks, to his small cock. Rubbing the whip on his cock few times, she gave a light slap." Your wife must be disappointed in you, isn't she Ronnie. I mean look at your cock, there is no way that cute little thing can satisfy any woman." She taunted, "And if she hasn't told you that herself yet, then I can bet she fakes her organism every time and masturbates in bathroom after you slept."" Now be a good boy, count each spank." She ordered, "You know what else good boys do, they thank their mistress for disciplining them after each spank." Lyra then moved the whip over his right ass cheek, making small circles over the round globe. She then raised her hand and brought down the whip hard on his ass, making a loudcracksound. Ronnie on all fours in front of Lyra partly disgusted that he let a dark fantasy become reality. The sissy porn was meant to be private during alone time. A small part deep down is turned on by it. Shivering Ronnie's mind felt like his head was stuck in a fish tank. Every step Lyra made with her heels echoed through his ears. His eyes fixed on her legs watching them casing her prey. The commanding tone from Lyra making Ronnie jump. The frightened look on his face seeing her pull then whip out of the drawer. Thinking to himself "Why would she just have a whip in the office. This all has to have been planned. Maybe if he goes with it, she will have her fun and move on to something else." Ronnie flinched hearing the whip. His shoulders and back tensing up feeling the whip slowly tracing his body. Uncontrollably his cock becoming fully erect peaking out the top of the panties. Ronnie got real still the whip moving along his ass and balls up to the tip of his throbbing cock. "Uhh!" He yelped as the whip smacked his cock. It really didn't hurt just caught him off guard. Ronnie speechless blushing hanging his head low listening to Lyra question his manhood. Being high school sweethearts both of them were virgins when they got married. He would like to think that all this time he gave her some satisfaction. But could explain why they don't make love as often. Because of his size they mainly do missionary style so he can get his little cock in as far as possible. The kind of porn Ronnie was watching he understood what she meant by counting after each spanking. He nodded his head his voice shaky. "Yes Ma Mistress." Lyra moving the whip around his exposed ass. Causing Ronnie to tighten clutching his cheeks. Hairs on his neck sticking up. The whip breaking the wind. "AAAAA!" The sudden wack to his ass cheek. Causing him to lunge forward. The spot on his ass the whip landed turning a little red. Ronnie had a tear on his face slowly getting back up. Ronnie watched a lot of sissy porn naturally instead of getting on all fours on his hands. He was on his elbows giving Lyra easier access to his ass. "Thanks Mistress." His head spinning had him rethinking his fantasy, but his little cock rock hard says otherwise. "Good boy." Lyra commented as Ronnie thanked her after she spanked him and presented his ass properly for her to punish him. "At least you learned something from watching sissy porn. It needs improvement, but you at least know how to present yourself for punishment,""Though you haven't actually counted the spank yet, so the earlier one didn't count." Lyra added. "Now, be a good boy and count the spank, starting for zero, an extra spank for forgetting to follow a simple instruction. If you fail this time, the punishment will be far severe." Rubbing the reddening skin of his right ass cheek with the whip top for few seconds, Lyra next moved to his left ass cheek, giving it the same treatment, she raised her hand and brought down the whip hard. CRACK. She alternated between his right and left ass cheek till Ronnie reached number 5. Lyra then again moved the whip to Ronnie's erect but still small penis, giving it a slap. "My my my! Aren't you excited, getting turned on by the spanking." Lyra taunted, "You may deny it but your cute little pecker trying to peek out of those panties, is all the proof I need." Lyra then continued to spank Ronnie alternatively on either of his ass cheek, enjoying how how his ass jiggled and bounced with force from the impact. She stopped at number 10, moving around, looked at Ronnie's face." Tell me Ronnie, did you ever imagine me in place of that woman on the screen wearing this dominatrix clothing? Did you ever fantasize about serving me as my sissy boy toy?" she asked. Lyra telling Ronnie he was a good boy had his facial cheeks as red as the mark on his left on his left ass cheek. "UGG. Yes Mistress. " A sound of frustration that Lyra didn't show any mercy not allowing the first one to count. Ronnie is face inches from the floor. Squeezing his toes turning his ass to the right trying to brace for another hit." Haaaaaa!" Lyra the expert she is hit the opposite ass cheek. The left cheek stinging more than the first one. "One. Thank You, Mistress." The stingy feeling in Ronnie's left cheek starting to calm down. When wack. Lyra hit his right cheek near the previous hit. "Two. Thank You, Mistress." Ronnie starting to sweat. "HHH!" The whip landed a third time on the opposite cheek. "Three. Thank You, Mistress." Ronnie was squirming both his ass cheeks heating. "Voodoo!" More tears dripping down his face. "The The Thank you, Mistress. Oh, Four." Ronnie so distraught he nearly forgot the count. Lyra waited for him to calm down. And she smacked his ass with the whip for a fifth." Uhhhnh!" His right ass cheek being hit an extra time stinging so much he was having a time staying still. "Five. Thank You, Mistress." Ronnie breathing heavily not sure how much more his ass could take. The whip made its way to his throbbing hard cock. How it stayed hard through it all is a mystery. The tip of Ronnie's cock was moist. He knew what was about to happen hoping for some forgiveness. "No! No! Uhhhhhh!" Lyra gave the head a hard slap of the whip. The hit causing enough pain his little cock started to retreat a little. Out of breath sounding. "Thank you, Mistress." The shock of the hit to his cock be forgotten the count. Lyra hit his left ass cheek. "Haaaaaaaa! Six. Thank You, Mistress." The spankings seemed to get harder for Ronnie. That his screaming was getting louder. By the time Lyra got to ten is voice was horsed and his breathing labored. "Ten thank you, Mistress." Ronnie was not an athlete and with his high metabolism didn't need to work out to stay so thin. He was having a hard time catching his breath. There was sweat and drool all over the floor in front of him. His whole face forehead and all bright red. Ronnie's cock hard again and ass was fire feeling like she hit every square inch of it. His lips kind or stuck together. Barely able to talk. "No Mistress. I do get turned on thinking of switching places with the sissy on the screen. Never could have imagined actually doing it." There was a pause for a few seconds. Ronnie leaned forward kissing the top of Lyra's right shoe. "Thank you for punishing me. I know I deserved it." Shaking his brain a mess. ("You did deserve it naughty body." Lyra replied. "But it isn't over yet. You have quite a lot to make up to and even then I will be sure to punish you every time you do something naughty."" So, you enjoy imagining switching places with the sissy on the screen. You get turned on by it. Hamm..." Lyra said as she circled around Ronnie taking another good look at him, again stopping in front of his face, she moved the whip tip from his head down to his nose, lips and held it at just below his chin, touching it. She then applied gentle pressure upward, making Ronnie look up at her. "When you go home today, I want you to imagine... imagine me in place of that dominatrix and you in place of that sissy. I want you to imagine it and let your imagination run wild." She ordered, then let go and began circling him again." You also have a beautiful wife, don't you?" She asked, "I bet, she has quite the set of lingerie too... When you go home today, I want you to steal one of her sexy panties, and wear them tomorrow before coming to office and show them to me when I will call you in my office."" And for the last item of the day..." Lyra stated as she sat down on her chair, opening the bottom drawer she pulled out a male chastity cage. She then placed it in front of Ronnie before saying. "I am sure you are aware of what this is." She said pointing at the chastity cage using her whip." As soon as your little pecker goes back to hiding, you will put this on, as we obviously can't now. It's one click lock that can be locked without key but can only be opened with the right key, that I will keep for now." Lyra ordered with a smirk on her face. "Now... you can go."" Good night and sweat dreams, Ronnie. Don't forget to send me a pic when you put that cage on." "Yes Mistress." Ronnie replied to Lyra agreeing with her that he was bad, and it was his fault that she is punishing him. He is on all four is body shaking as she walked around him." Yes Mam. Not sure why but after watching sissy porn couldn't get enough." Each time Lyra's heels would click Ronnie's ass probably not going to take much more would flinch knowing she could strike any second. He froze feeling the whip trace down his face. Nervously looking into his Mistresses eyes. Letting out a sigh Lyra telling him to think about her being the one in the videos doming him. Ronnie shook his head up and down. Thinking to himself "Maybe She really isn't that bad after all. Allowing him to get off tonight imaging her." Ronnie a confused look on his face. Lyra mentioning his wives' beauty. He was wondering if it was a trick question when Ronnie being modest replied. "Uh Yes she is very cute. Maybe not as sexy as you Mistress." The was a long pause the request she made taking a pair or his wives' underwear had his heart racing. It was one thing to do this at work and watching the videos at home. There is a risk of his wife finding out. Right about the time Ronnie said ok to her demand of wearing one of his wives panties to work. Just as she did with the thong he was wearing with a thud she sat the chastity device on the floor in front of him. His Jaw dropped. He knew exactly what was hearing Lyra talk about it. The look on his face thinking. "How do I keep that from my wife?" He knew if he didn't Lyra would fire him and let everyone know and his life would be over. Like the coward he is. His head down low yes "Yes Mistress." Ronnie slowly got up his knees a little wobbly taking the thong off and laying it on the desk. He was blushing the silly little cock or his was still rock solid as he got dressed. Picking the cock cage up and put it in his pocket. "Thank You, Mistress" Ronnie said closing the door to her office behind him. Leaving her office the few employees that had desks near her office gave him a look that caused him to blush they must have heard the commotion. On the way Ronnie's ass being tender made it uncomfortable to drive. He kept his erection all the home thinking about what transpired. Walking in the house he adjusted his crotch to hide his hard on from his wife. They hugged and kissed like they usually do when he gets home. After dinner, he told he had some work to do tonight and not to wait up. Once in the office Ronnie locked the door. He never does but couldn't risk it. Flipping the laptop open. Unzipping his pants cock still half hard. He finished watching the video pretending that Lyra was the one fucking him in the French maid outfit with a gag in his mouth. Ronnie came three times watching the video and thinking about what Lyra had him do. His little cock finally limp. He looked at the cock cage for probably a half an hour contemplating coming clean to his wife. He knew without a doubt she would leave him. She would have no problem finding someone else. Ronnie on the other hand would be on the streets. It took some work getting his balls into the ring. His cock was slowly trying to grow while fitting it on. Immediately once lock clicked he was having second thoughts, but it was too late. No way to get it off without the key or a cutting tool. His little cock was instantly as hard as could be straining pushing against the bars of the cage. He was like "Sh sh sh What the fuck did I do." Sometime after midnight Ronnie got the nerve to take a snapshot of his cock locked up in the cage and sent it to his boss Lyra. After sending, he quickly removed it from his phone. By the time he went to bed in his pajamas his wife was sound asleep. Ronnie really didn't sleep at all his cock was pulsating in the new confines.(morning came around Ronnie got up a little before the alarm. Doing his best not to wake his wife. The last thing he wanted was for her to see what was on his cock. Hoping Lyra will show mercy, and he can remove the cage before they have sex again. After he showered and dried off Ronnie went to the closet and went to the bottom drawer where his wife keeps some of the sexier stuff she only wears on special occasions. This should insure she doesn't find any missing. Ronnie found this green pair and slid them on. When he looked in the mirror he was shocked how nice they looked on him and the small cage hid his package in them nicely. Ronnie put on his boxers over them and finished getting dressed. Kissing his wife goodbye he left for the office. He felt dirty when he went and got his usual Starbucks knowing he had those panties on. Once in the office Ronnie opened his computer. He was actually doing his normal work his legs shaking knowing that call was coming. It was about mid-morning when Lyra rang. "Hello," She said to see her now." Be right there." Ronnie replied. Once in her office he said "Good Morning Mistress." Then he slowly began to take his pants off. Ronnie was standing in front of Lyra with his shirt and panties on. "I hope you like them Mistress."(( Tuesday Morning, Ronnie's House Bethany felt Ronnie waking up and without disturbing her, went to bathroom to get freshen up and get ready for the office. She quickly woke up and took Ronnie's mobile from bedside. It was showing a message from Lyra Williams, her husband's boss. She opened the screen lock knowing exactly what was Ronnie's password, her own name. She opened the conversation, it had only one message from Lyra,'Good Boy'. She knew, she was missing something there, why would her husband's boss would send him a message like that. Furthermore, she had also noticed his weird behavior yesterday. He had gone to his office room and had locked the door from inside. As far as she remembered, Ronnie never locked the office door. He had also come late for the bed and was up even before the alarm sounded. It was very unlike him. It was why she decided to look at his phone. Just then she remembered about an app she had installed on her laptop some time back. She had accidentally deleted some photos that she really liked and wanted them back. She had searched the internet and had downloaded an app to recover her recently deleted files. Luckily for her, it had worked and she had got her files back. Getting an idea, she quickly opened her Laptop and connected Ronnie's phone to it. She ran the app and allowed it to do its work. It took about five minutes, but it recovered an image file that was deleted in last 24 hours. She disconnected the phone and opened a photo app to look at the image. The image left her speechless. She knew that cock, she had been seeing it for more than a year for now. However, it was inside the cage. She also knew what the cage was...a chastity cage. As the shock slowly began to wore off, she started to get excited by the thought of caging her husband's cock, by the power to control when if and when he could have erection, controlling if and when he could cum. There was something about the idea that got her juices flowing.' Did...did Lyra made Ronnie do it.' She thought. She knew she should be angry but the more she thought about it, the more excited she got. Just then she stopped hearing the sound of shower running inside the bathroom and knew Ronnie would be out in few minutes. She quickly deleted the image and placed the mobile where it was before she picked it up. She then quickly went to kitchen to make some breakfast for him. After Ronnie went to office after kissing her goodbye, she again began to think about the image. She could not help but get aroused by it. Deciding on releasing some stress, the went to bedroom and opened the bottom drawer of her closet where she kept her sexy stuff she wore occasionally. She knew Ronnie would not look through it, so she kept her toys including seven inches long, thick dildo cum vibrator there, below all the clothing. As she opened the drawer, she saw it little messed up, not like she remembered from a day before. She looked through her stuff and found that one of her sexy panties was missing, the faint green one, one of her favorite. Suddenly another thought entered her mind. She quickly looked through the dirty laundry, Ronnie's boxer was there. She then opened the top drawer of closet where she kept Ronnie's underthings. Furthermore, she found all of his four boxers there. That meant he didn't wear any or ...' Did Ronnie wear my panties' she thought. Bethany knew she should be getting horrified by it, but instead she was getting more aroused that she had gotten in last few months. She then quickly pulled out her dildo, sat back on her bed and turned it on. The image of her husband's caged cock and imagining her husband wearing her panties over it, pushed her over the edge within a minute. It one of the best and the quickest orgasm she had. She relaxed, allowing her breathing to get back to normal before taking her phone and began typing a message to Lyra Williams, Ronnie's boss. Bethany: Did you make him do it? The question was indirect. She knew Lyra would understand it if she was the one who caged Ronnie's cock. Then she suddenly remembered a simple fact that she just overlooked while enjoying the after bliss of her orgasm; Lyra was Ronnie's boss, and she barely knew her. Messaging her and asking her something like that would be plain stupid. It could not get any stupider than that. She was just about to clear the message when she accidental clicked send. "Fuck!!" she exclaimed. She quickly began writing, sorry and that the message was meant for someone else, and she accidentally sent it to her. Before she could send it though, she got a reply from Lyra. Lyra: If you mean, 'did I make your husband wear the chastity cage' then, yes. I also have the keys. Below the message was a picture of two exactly similar keys. Her heart began rapidly pounding in her chest. Few seconds later she got another message from Lyra. Lyra: Did you like it? Bethany didn't know what to do. The situation, strange as it might be, was turning her on so much that if she tried she could cum again within a minute even after having a great orgasm. Knowing that the cat was out of the bag, she typed her reply. Bethany: Yes. Just after few more moments, she received another message. Lyra: Good girl. I also asked your husband to wear one of your sexy panties today. I will send you its pic in afternoon, if you like? It was like forest fire found a source of oxygen; the thought of seeing what she was imagining while masturbating earlier in real life, almost made her cum without touching herself. It also confirmed her earlier suspicion. She quickly replied, Bethany: Yes please. Lyra: Until then enjoy these. Following her message, Lyra sent her five images of her husband from different angles. He was on all fours and wearing a black thong with his ass burgundy red. The images made her mind run wild. Lyra's office Lyra called Ronnie an hour after she reached office that day. She was actually planning on doing that as soon as she came into the office, but surprisingly she received a message from Ronnie's wife. Lyra easily recognized the tone of the message, curious and definitely not angry. She then took control of the conversation and at the end she knew she had Bethany hooked. Unknown to Ronnie, she had also taken few pictures of him yesterday that she was too happy to forward to his wife. She was brought out of her thought by Ronnie knocking of her office door. After getting permission, he came in and immediately stripped down to his panties, or rather his wife's panties he was wearing." Good boy." Lyra commented and stood up, approaching Ronnie, she made a circle around him. "Good choice of panties too. I am pleased."" But I am also disappointed Ronnie. Do you want to know why?" she asked looking at him, "I asked you yesterday to put the cage on as soon as you can, but you send me the pic sometime after midnight, hours after the office. You made me wait... But it's not the only reason I am disappointed in you Ronnie." She said in a stern tone before adding, "I can only assume that you imagined me as I told you to do and then masturbated to that thought before putting on the cage." Looking at the Ronnie, she knew she was correct. "One of the reason for me to give you that cage was to prevent you from cumming without my permission, which is exactly what you did yesterday. You behaved like a naughty boy."" As such today also, I have no choice but to punish you for your indiscretion." She stated before ordering, "Now, get on your hands and knees and ready yourself for 20 spanks. You know what to do after each spank, right boy?" Just as Ronnie's shirt hit the floor. Lyra told him "Good Boy" as she got up from her desk. Ronnie blushing at being called a boy. He always thought of himself as a man. Maybe not a traditional man with big guns. Although real man wouldn't be standing in front of his boss wearing his wives skimpy panties. Ronnie never being a take charge kind of guy. It is shocking when others meet the couple the first time. How he managed to land a smoking hot wife. But there he was again in the middle of Lyra's office. Ronnie's penis straining to break free of the cage. In fact his feeling full from his cock trying to get an erection since he put it on. As Lyra got closer Ronnie bent his right knee in trying to hide some of his modesty." Ugggg!" Ronnie let out a low-pitched grunt. Knowing that as soon as she said she wasn't happy with him meant he would be punished further. Shuddering "Sorry mistress. It its just that after leaving here yesterday. I couldn't get my little cock to go down on its own. So I got off on you treating me like a sissy slut. The video had the sissy sucking on a big rubber dildo. Sorry If you want to fire me I understand." Lyra pretty much has Ronnie where she wants him. He even referred to his cock as small and now that it is locked up she is in total control of his erections. Lyra stopped in front of Ronnie. Her new plaything shaking as she said that she would have to punish him double what he got the day before. Ronnie nodded getting on his hands and knees. He leaned forward making sure to present his ass to his Mistress. Like the panties he wore the day before this one too had a string ridding up the crack of his ass. The redness from the whipping the day before had gone away, but his ass is a little tender This time he spread his knees a little to give Mistress better access to everything. It was something in the video he watched the night before. The Mistress made the sissy spread his legs wide while on all fours. (head of his penis throbbing. Looking her in the eye. "Yes Mistress I remember what to do. Thank you for showing me the error in my ways. " Turning his head gritting his teeth bracing himself for the hard whipping. "Always..." Lyra spoke as she went to her desk and took out the whip, flicking the riding whip in air to make crack sound. "I will always show you the error in your ways until you become completely obedient good boy." Lyra then moved to Ronnie's back, moving the whip over his spine as she walked. He had spread his legs wider than yesterday, making it easy for Lyra to sneak the whip tip to his caged cock. She then began rubbing the whip over his caged cock as she said, "You know boy, I was thinking of taking it off today." Lyra then gave a light slap on his cock before saying, "However, you didn't behave like a good boy. You were a naughty boy. So, I will keep it on till I think you really learned your lesson." Lyra then gave a hard slap on his cock with the whip. "Understood!!"" Now, keep your head down at all time. You lost the privilege to look up at me." Lyra gave an additional slap on his cock to get the point across. Lyra then took out her phone and quickly took few pics of Ronnie's exposed form as she circled around, especially his soon-to-be burgundy red ass. She put her phone on silent and with Ronnie's head down, he had no idea what was going on. After she was done, without giving Ronnie any warning like she did a day before by rubbing the whip on his ass, Lyra raised her hand and brought down the whip hard on Ronnie's left ass cheek. She repeated the same for his right ass cheek and continued till the count reached 10, varying the force behind each spank. By that point his ass was reddish brown. Lyra then gave Ronnie some breather as she again took Ronnie's pics from all angles." You remember boy what I said yesterday..." she spoke after she took some nice pics of his ass, "That there is no way you could satisfy your wife given your size or the lack of it. I can bet she has a nice set of toys to help her with her womanly needs..." Lyra moved as she said that and gave an eleventh spank before saying, "As you were a naughty boy..."CRACK"I have a naughty task for you."CRACK"When you go home today..."CRACK"You will search your house..."CRACK"To find anyone of those toys your wife use..."CRACK"And then you will use them on yourself..."CRACK"If it's a vibrator, you will use it to simulate your cock at least for thirty minutes..."CRACK"If it's a dildo, you will give it a blowjob and if you want to please me, go ahead and use it on yourself, I am sure you know where."CRACK"Just a tip so that you can find the toy easily. Women generally hide their toys below their cloths mostly panties and bras."CRACK After completing the 20 spanks, Lyra again took some nice pics before saying, "Don't forget to send me a photo and don't disappoint me today."" You can go now." Ronnie the position he was in could only see Lyra's legs up to her ass. His eyes locked on her rear watching it bounce with each step. Hearing the drawer open he knew she had to get the whip but still his whole body shook the whip crackling as it broke through the air. Ronnie's whole body was tingly the cold leather of the whip gliding down his back. Spreading his legs further the whip making its way around his little package. Rubbing the head of his pulsating cock. The ring around the base of his balls making them feel heavier and fuller than ever before. Ronnie's eyes lit up looking back at Lyra she hinted at removing the cage. The relief he felt that he wouldn't have to worry about his wife finding about the cage was short-lived. "HHH!" Dejected he moaned with the tap to the tip of the cage. Lyra took it all back because he didn't do as she expected. Ronnie thinking "How was I to know? Not like I am a mind reader. She of all people should know how I work. Ugggggggggg!" Ronnie turned to the side the smack to the head of his cock causing his tender balls to bounce around. His voice high-pitched. "Yes Mistress." Slowly getting back into position. A higher pitched "Yes Mistress." Lyra struck his cock again. Despite the hard hits to his penis it only tried to grow in its confines. Even a little precut glistening at the tip. Ronnie had his legs spread wide shaking looking straight at the floor. The suspense was killing him "Rosewood! Thank you, Mistress, one!" Out of no wear the hardest spanking he got. His ass instantly on fire. The left cheek bounced and jiggled like jello. Still a sore from yesterday. It was all he could do to hold back the tears. By the time she got to number ten. Both of his cheeks were burning his face a mess from the yelling and crying. Huffing and puffing he dare not to look to see what she was doing. A visible mess Ronnie shook his head up and down but mentally was lost unsure what she meant. Lyra clarified it how he couldn't satisfy his wife. She accentuated with a hard whipping to his ass. "Thank you, Mistress eleven." Sniffling "Y You are right mistress. No way my worthless cock can keep Bethany happy. ""Thank Yousuf Mistress twelve." Ronnie screamed out. Each time she gave an instruction the spankings got harder making sure he understood. Tears flowing down his face. His ass stinging causing Ronnie to jump out of place. He just presented is red ass for what he hoped would be the last spanking. Panting like a dog his nose in the floor. "HH HH HH! Thank you, Mistress twenty." Ronnie's little penis till trying to force his way out of the cage. Shaking catching his breath. "Yes Mistress" Ronnie replied that he could go now. Gingerly he got up. His knees shaking as he got dressed. As Ronnie left Lyra's office. "Thank you for spanking me." Leaving her office Ronnie walked very slow each step would have his pants rubbing his burning butt cheeks. The looks he got on they to his desk. His coworkers knew something was going on. Working at his desk the rest of the day Ronnie leaning sat at the edge of the chair. By the time five o clock came around. Ronnie nearly completed a full days work. Which is something he only did a few times the beginning. When Ronnie got home from work. Bethany wasn't home to greet him like usual. He did find note it read. "Funny, I went out with a few of my girlfriends. I'm maybe late coming home. You do not have to wait up." Ronnie was actually relieved that she wasn't home with all the things Lyra wanted him to do. Thinking to himself. "If I just get through tonight maybe Mistress will remove the cage and Bethany will never find out." Ronnie never has seen his wife use any toys so wasn't sure Bethany had any. Ronnie went through all the dresser drawers but didn't have any luck. When Ronnie thought maybe his wife was happy with that little pecker of his. He looked in a night stand by her side of the bed. Under a Cosmopolitan magazine he found this big shoebox. Taking the lid off his eyes got real wide seeing all the dildos and how big they were. Talking out loud to himself. "O my, she really must have been bored to try so many." He did pick up each one and was like no way they could fit in his virgin ass. Some may not even fit well in his mouth. Ronnie looked in the drawer again and in the back was another toy. This one had a vibrating egg on one end and a dildo on the other. The dildo on this one wasn't near as big as the others in the box. Ronnie thinking "How would she know what toys Bethany had?" He put the box back in the drawer. Not wanting to keep Mistress waiting. Ronnie went into his office closing the door behind him.(his office Ronnie opened the laptop lid and turned on the webcam. Ronnie got undressed he did take a look at his ass both cheeks still a reddish color. Picking the dildo Turning the egg on. His cock already straining.(Spreading his legs pressing the vibrator on he holds it on the head of his cock and with his other and on the mouse. Clicking the button to record the video. The sensation in his penis had Ronnie moving his hips humping the air. Moving the egg to his full balls. "Mmmmm!" Moaning his cock leaking precut the desperate to cum but the cage preventing his release. After the thirty minutes were up he paused the video. He wondered. "Would mistress want me to use this in my ass too since it is double-sided." Ronnie started the video back up he reclined the chair as far back as possible spreading his legs, so the camera had a good look of his tight hole. He first tried to stick the dildo in his ass but not being lubricated he couldn't get it in. Ronnie licked the dildo coating the head with his saliva. He then tried to insert the dildo into his ass again. Ronnie had to work it around gritting his teeth it wasn't comfortable at all. He got the dildo in and slowly worked it to about a quarter of the way. Grunting Ronnie pulled the dildo almost out and back in again. This time it slid in easier. Afraid to go any deeper Ronnie worked it in his ass four more times before turning off the video. Ronnie emailed Lyra with the video attachment Moving the vibrator back to his cock he tried one more time to get off. Frustrated that the stimulation was not enough to get him over the edge. Ronnie slammed the laptop lid shut.(the long day Ronnie took a quick shower then put on his PJ son and went to bed. He had to sleep on his stomach or side with the tender ass. Ronnie woke up once in the middle of the night the clock read 2am and Bethany still wasn't home. In the afternoon, after the lunch break, Lyra took out her phone and messaged Bethany. Lyra: Hello dear, had another session with your sissy husband. Want to see the pics? Bethany had already masturbated two times looking at the five images Lyra had sent her in the morning. Her mind ran wild, imagining Ronnie in various scenarios and conditions. Those thoughts turned her on quite a bit, and she was quite eager to see the pics Lyra had promised to send her in the afternoon. Keeping her mobile close, she was eagerly waiting for Lyra's message when her mobile buzzed, and she quickly opened the message. Bethany: Yeses... please send me those pics. I didn't stop thinking about them, you promised to send them to me. Lyra smirked at Bethany's reply and quickly added few of the pics from earlier session with Ronnie. She included pics from all angles and showing Ronnie's burgundy red ass along with pics of Ronnie wearing Bethany's panties. Lyra: Enjoy... By the time Lyra sent the pics, Bethany had undressed and was moving a vibrator over her clit. She looked at the pics and began to finger fuck herself while stimulating her clit with the vibrator. It didn't take her more than a minute to reach orgasm. As she calmed down, she picked up her phone and messaged Lyra. Bethany: Thank you so much... I liked the pics a lot. Lyra: Did you masturbate seeing the pics, does it excite you seeing your husband's cock in a cage and knowing that his boss has the keys. Bethany: Yeses... Lyra: Good girl! Why don't you come over to my place tonight? We can watch my sessions with your husband and get to know each other. Bethany: I will be happy to... Lyra talked with Bethany some more and gave her the address to her home. She could not wait to meet Ronnie's wife and give her some lovely fucking she deserved. In the evening, after getting home, Lyra took a nice long shower and got ready to greet Bethany. She wore a duck green long sleeveless dress (with loose and wide collar which had a split on each side of the dress. The dress had a zipper in the back which could be pulled down to let the dress fall down easily. Underneath she wore an olive green lingerie set (The dress accentuated her womanly beauty; no one could even imagine the big secret hiding between her legs. She then slipped into green scrappy high heel sandals (to complete the look. She checked her reflection once again in full length mirror and smile. Furthermore, she looked sensuous. Getting ready, she went down to her living room and was about to be turned on the TV, when she got an idea. She took the hard disk on which all of her sessions with Ronnie were recorded and decided to play them one by one. As soon as she started the video, she heard a sound of car driving into her driveway, followed by her doorbell ringing moments later. With an excited smile on her face she walked to the door and opened it. There stood Ronnie's wife wearing an outfit (showed the deep valley between her large breasts and made her look quite sexy herself. She welcomed Bethany with a passionate kiss which she returned after just a moment's hesitation. Seeing the video of Lyra disciplining her caged cock husband, was a shock to Bethany which soon turned to arousal. Few drinks and it didn't take long for Bethany to kneel before Lyra to worship her monster cock. She was of course rather surprised by Lyra having a cock and much more by its massive size, but it didn't stop her from trying to swallow it down her throat. After thorough fucking, Bethany fell asleep with Lyra, completely forgetting to even message Ronnie that she wouldn't be coming home that night. In the morning, Lyra was first to wake up and looked at Bethany who was cutely snoring with her head on Lyra's breasts. Not disturbing her yet, Lyra picked up her phone from the nightstand and messaged Ronnie with a mischievous smirk on her face. Lyra: Ronnie, today you will be taking a day off from office, and instead you will be going to a salon called,'Ribbons and Curls', where you will meet one of my friend Linda who is the owner of the salon. She will take care of the rest. Also, keep in mind... any resistance to whatever Linda is going to do will lead to not only you're getting fired but also airing all of your dirty laundry. She then messaged Linda and asked her to turn Ronnie into his woman counterpart, making him look like a perfect sissy inside and out. Placing the mobile back on nightstand, she focused her attention to Bethany. There was still time to have some fun. Ronnie finding it hard to sleep knowing Bethany was still out with her friends. She normally was pretty much a home body would visit with her friends during the day while Ronnie was at work to spend more time with her husband. Ronnie tossing around in the bed all night until the alarm went off at 6am. Waking up with what would be his morning wood. But is cock straining in the small cage. Moving his hands along the bedsheets. The bed still cool to the touch on Bethany's side. Rubbing his eyes awake. Slowly Ronnie gets out of bed and starts the shower. He then goes to the kitchen to start a pot of French Vanilla. Along the way he saw everything was as he left it. Starting to worry about his wife. Ronnie called, and her phone went straight to voicemail on the first ring. He really didn't know what to do but knew he couldn't be late for work. Lyra just looking for an excuse to fire him and expose all his dirty secrets. Before stepping into the shower Ronnie could see in the mirror how plump his balls were from the pent-up release. They were a tad bit sensitive washing him self in the shower. Lyra never mentioned anything about what he should wear to work. He thought it would show good initiative. Ronnie went to his wives' panty drawer and picked out another one of her sexy panties.(slid them on and admired himself in the mirror while adjusting his caged up package in the panties. Ronnie put on his black pants and a gray button-up shirt and was about to head out the door. Mumbling. "Maybe that's Bethany." His phone vibrated in his pants. It was a message from his boss Lyra. "Ronnie, today you will be taking a day off from office, and instead you will be going to a salon called, 'Ribbons and Curls', where you will meet one of my friend Linda who is the owner of the salon. She will take care of the rest. Also, keep in mind... any resistance to whatever Linda is going to do will lead to not only you're getting fired but also airing all of your dirty laundry." Ronnie puzzled he just had a hair cut. He started typing on his phone to let Lyra know that. But then thought better off it clearing the message. He then just replied. "Yes Mistress." Ronnie never hearing of the salon Ribbons and Curls looked it up on his phone and saw they opened in a few minutes at 8am. He entered it into the GPS in the beamer. Arriving a few minutes after. The salon was in the middle of this swanky looking shopping center. Ronnie a little nervous and hitter walked into the salon. At the front desk was a stunning young lady the tag that was close to her revealing cleavage said Carla. Ronnie did the best he could not make direct eye contact with her. The decor of the salon was super girly lots of pink everywhere. Carla seductively looked at him. "You must be Ronnie. Linda is waiting for you in the back. Follow me." He replied "Yes mam. My boss sent me here." Ronnie was glued to her bubble butt in a tight skirt her cheeks bouncing from left to right. The doorway to the back was beaded upon entering was a little older lady she looked like an older version of Carla like maybe she could be her mom. Linda looked him up and down "You are late. I can see why Lyra sent you." There was a pause. "I am sorry mam. Never been here before." Linda smirked. "Carla honey. Just to make sure we have plenty of time. Go ahead and cancel all the other appointments for today and lock up. " As Carla left Linda walked around Ronnie. "First thing Ronnie will need you to get undressed. " Ronnie shook his head "Uhh! What does getting undressing have to do with a hair cut." Linda chuckled "If you don't want me to message Lyra that you are refusing you better start getting undressed. You already have one strike for being late. " Linda made sure he could see her pulling out her phone. Ronnie starting to shaking. "Ok, ok. no need for that." He slowly started undressing as he pulled his pants down he was blushing standing in front of this stranger with only a black lacy thong on. Linda smiled "Nice, you will need to lose those as well." Both hands shaking sliding his wives panties off revealing his little caged cock. Linda "That is the cutest thing I have ever sawed. " Yelling. "Carla gets in here you have to see this." Ronnie with goose bumps all over tried turning his legs inward to try and hide his package as much as possible. Carla stepped through the door. "Wow I am not sure if I saw one so small. Can you move your legs apart so I can get a better look." As Ronnie reluctantly did Carla pulled her phone out of her cleavage snapping a few pics. Carla proceeded to gather Ronnie's clothes and left back to the front of the store. Linda looking at him "You need to relax your going to be here a while. Now hop up on this table and we will get started." It was a padded bed in the center of the room. Almost like a doctor's office. Ronnie climbed on the table laying on his back. Linda came over with a large bottle of what looked like lotion. She was wearing some pink rubber gloves. "Now try and stay still this maybe a little cold at first." Shaking the bottle. Linda stopped "Almost forgot" there was a drawer on the side of the bed. Pulling out a furry pink blindfold. Ronnie had a worried look on his face. Trying to ease his mind. "This is so we don't get any lotion in your eyes." Ronnie nodded his head. "Ok Voodoo!" A big glob of lotion was squirted on to his chest. Linda then started rubbing it in on his body. She was covering his body from his face down. The expert sensual touch Ronnie softly moaning his cock feeling like it wanted to burst, but the cage was doing its job making him miserably horny. He jumped as she rubbed the lotion on his sensitive member. "Sorry" It was more like a sarcastic sorry because she made sure and linger firmly squeezing enjoying tormenting the Sissy. Continuing down is legs. Linda nudging him on his side for him to roll over on his stomach and applied the lotion to his back side. When she was finished she took the gloves off and let Ronnie know she would be back in a few minutes. He went to take the blindfold off. Linda stopped him "No leave the blindfold for now." Ronnie stayed on the table as he did was a tingly feeling going through his body making him squirm on the bed. Little did he know the lotion was a hair removing cream. Seeming like forever but only about fifteen minutes. He heard two sets of footsteps. Linda "Didn't mean to leave you unattended that long." She took his left hand and Carla took his right. The two lead him throw another door into what felt like was a bathroom. He could hear there was water running. Linda to the wand to the shower. The warm was refreshing for Ronnie. Linda washing off the lotion along with unknown to him all his on his body hair. Leaving only the hair on his head. Once she finished Carla took a soft towel and gently dried Ronnie off. She giggled touching his balls feeling how smooth they were. Ronnie not offering any resistance. Linda and Carla helped the blindfolded sissy to on of the big comfy salon chairs. They gave Ronnie a manicure. Choosing a bright red color for his nails. Linda then fit a blonde wig over his head. The hair was about shoulder-length. Carla was working on Ronnie's legs sliding a pair of black thigh high stockings. The stimulation having his cock oozing pre-cum. She then slid on his wives black matching panties. Linda after making sure the wig was on and looking proper. She took a pick of Ronnie and sent it to Lyra to show the progress they were making. Carla then put on Ronnie a black training bra. She had him stand up to fasten it in place. While standing Linda helped her get on a black and white sissy french maid outfit.(then set him back down removing the blindfold he and to squint to try and adjust his vision. Before applying make up and adding eyelash extensions. Once Linda was happy with the makeup. Carla slid on to Ronnie's feet black heels with little locks that lock into place. (two ladies helped him to his feet. Ronnie stumbling trying to walk the brought him to a full length mirror, and he gasped at the transformation. He felt he looked like a slut. Linda snapped a few more pictures forwarding them on to Lyra. Linda admiring her handing work. Carla left and came back with a small black purse. It had Ronnie's wallet and keys in it. Linda had her throw away his other clothes he came in with. Linda took Ronnie by the hand slowly he walked she walked him to his car. The few people that saw him just had a smirk. Probably could tell he was a sissy. Ronnie paused in the car looking in the mirror still in shock. Ronnie started the car and went home nervous the whole way home. Kind of relieved his wives' car still not there. He could change before she got home. Parking in the garage making sure the door was shut before getting out.

Sissification of Ronnie Taylor (SagittariusX and subrob99)|rating:2.0

My lil sis (closed for Flurtayshus and myself)

I have a problem with my sister. Not a problem with her, you understand - we've always been close, even if we do fight a lot. No, the problem is more with myself - the trouble is, I'm starting to notice her more and more. She's just turned 18, and beautiful - deep green eyes, long dark ringletted hair, and a pretty heart-shaped face. Butter you;DN't melt in her mouth. The thing is, she also has this fabulous body - a flat, but not too-hard tummy, a pair of ripe, firm, swelling breasts, and an ass to die for. God, what an ass. I could write pages about it if I just had the time. Soft, ripe, swelling cheeks that pout achingly, no matter what she CLAS it in. Cut-off shorts that frame her cheeks, digging a little into the crack of her buttocks, accentuating it beautifully, or sometimes a short skirt that exposes a brief flash of pretty pink panties when she bends over - god, how I've fantasized about pulling them down. To my shame, I confess I've jacked off plenty just imagining how her ass would look if she pulled her panties off for me, slowly, right in front of my eyes - or if I were to pull them off as she laid across my lap. I usually CCMM even before I get to the part where I stroke her ass, or spank it, or do some of the other things I'd like to do that I'm not even going to talk about here. Of course, I haven't seen her naked ass in years, but that doesn't stop me wondering. The weird thing is, and I can't be sure about this, but I actually think she's aware of my feelings, and isn't exactly doing anything to stop them. Only the other day she was getting some milk from the fridge, and she had to bend right down because it was at the bottom part of the door, but I'm sure she was bent over for longer than was strictly necessary. Of course, I took a good look, loving the way her pink panties clung to her ripe, soft cheeks, and of course I had a bone in my pants by the time she turned around. I think I hid it pretty well, but you never know. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if she really let me - but then I have to stop myself, this is sick, she's my sister, and you just don't go there. She usually plays the little girl with me - I'm her big brother, her protector, and she teases me all the time, asking me why I haven't got a girlfriend yet. I usually get annoyed with her, but the thing is I'm not very good with girls. I get shy and blush too easily and that doesn't always go down too well. When I get frustrated it's my sister I turn to in my fantasies, and I lie there in the dark sometimes rubbing myself and thinking about her soft ass pressing and rubbing against my hot hard cock but then I usually CCMM like crazy. So - I guess I'm just going to have to play along, I think I must have imagined that she knows, I'm very sexually frustrated, and it's all too easy to read too much into situations. Actually I think I'm going to see her now - there's a CD of hers I want to borrow, and she's probably going out later, so I'd better be quick, when she's going out she spends hours in the bathroom, I don't want to miss her. Little Sister Gavin, age: 18I had just gotten out of the shower and was in the middle of getting dressed when there was a knock on my bedroom door.“Who is it?” I called out. I’d just slip the straps of a sheer pink bra up on my shoulders and was in the process of pulling the matching bikini underwear up when I heard the door open.“Hey GAV, it’s me. Furthermore, I just…” I looked over my shoulder and saw my brother Cody stick his head around the door. His face froze and I watched his mouth fall. Clearly he’d gotten an eyeful just then. The blush immediately crept into his cheeks and I wondered for what wasn’t the first time why my brother seemed to get so shy around me sometimes. I mean he’s my brother for god’s sake. It’s not like we hadn’t seen each other before and I certainly had nothing to hide.“Oh I’m… I’m s-sorry.” He stammered and moved to shut the door.“No, no. It’s okay Cody. Come on in.” I waved him in the door and walked across the room to my bed. My black leather pants and my tight sleeveless t-shirt were laid out there. A few friends of mine had invited me out to celebrate the fact that I’d been accepted at the college of my choice.“What do you need?” I asked as I slipped first one slim tan leg and then the other into the low-rise pants. I admired myself in the mirror and saw how the leather cupped my ass perfectly, hugging it at just the right point around my hips. Furthermore, I caught my brother watching me in the mirror and a devilish urge to tease him suddenly came over me. Furthermore, I ran my hands from my neck, down over my breasts, across my flat tummy and then around to my butt.“What do you think Cody? Do I look okay?” I asked innocently. “I don’t think guys like me very much.” I pretended not to notice the frown that clouded his face at the mention of boys. Cody was exceedingly protective of me when it came to dating and usually ended up being one of the main things we fight about.“You look, you look fine.” He replied his voice going hoarse all of a sudden.“Just fine?” I pouted. “It’s because my ass is too big isn’t it?” I turned again in front of the mirror, cupping and manipulating the leather that covered my ass like a second skin. “You think I’m fat don’t you?”“No Gavin. You’re beautiful. You know that.” Cody whispered and I knew he was sincere. I loved my brother more than he knew and not just for the compliment. I walked over to him and slid my arms around his waist, snuggling up to him in a hug.“Powwow.” I leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Thanks big brother, I needed to hear that.” What I also needed was to feel his tall lean body up against mine. Cody had a swimmer’s body that would rival any Olympic hopeful. I don’t think he knows how often he comes up as the subject of conversation when I’m out with the girls. They all lust after him and wonder how I can live under the same roof with such a ‘hottie’ and not be pissed that I can’t do anything because he’s my brother. My only thought about that is…..who says I can’t. As I gave him another quick squeeze I suddenly felt a stiffness pressing against my belly and realized something I’d done had gotten, shall we say a reaction out of him. The thought turned me on and sent an electric shock right down to my pussy. Before it got too out of hand I pulled away from Cody letting my hand slide down his smooth back and well proportioned behind before turning my back on him. I grabbed the black sleeveless tee that had “Whipped” written across the chest in rhinestones and slipped it over my head. I watched Cody’s face closely with what all my guy friends called “The Velvet Look”. My eyes, I’ve been told, are one of my best features being a deep-honeyed brown surrounded by thick dark lashes. I just couldn’t help it. All I could think about it was the hardness I’d felt below his waist only moments before. “So, uh, what was it you needed?” Cody What is it that you needed? God, my head is in a whirl. All I can think about is the vision of my cute little sis in her tight leather pants, the ones that hug her curvaceous body and cling to her sweet ass. To see them slide down over her thighs, revealing her panties......mmmmmmm I wonder which ones she's wearing.........and then the memory of that snuggle we had, her firm body rubbing up against mine, Jesus it was all I could do to stop myself from sliding my hands down her back and giving her ass a good grope. I'm sure my cock was rock-hard against her tummy, maybe she didn't feel it, and if she did, she didn't say. God - this is so wrong - she's my SISTER for Christ's sake..........why am I having these feelings....... With an effort I force myself back to what she was saying." Uhhhh...... I want....... I was wanting a copy of that CD you played me the other day...." Christ, what was the name of it, I can't remember...no idea......" You mean that CD of 'Busted?' She looks at me teasingly. "You told me you hated boy bands the other week. What's come over you, Cody?"" Uh... nothing, I didn't say I hated it," I say defensively, but by this time she's turned around and is reaching up to the high shelf. Of course, her T-shirt rides up, exposing her slim waist, and giving me a perfect look at her pouting ass. Jesus........ She bounces down off the bed, her firm tits jiggling under her tight T-shirt. I blush. She looks at me closely." You know what, big brother," she teases, if I didn't know you better, I'd say you were blushing. Now why on earth would you be doing that?" What on earth can I say? That I'm blushing because I want to kiss her, because I want to pull off all her clothes, because I want to expose her beautiful bare ass, that I haven't actually seen naked since she was about 9 years old, but that I fantasize about most nights? That's I'd love her to lie across my knee.......no, this is getting sick. If she knew all these things she'd be so disgusted." I'm just annoyed, Gavin," I say quickly, my face turning even redder. "I mean, Mom and Dad are going away for the weekend, and you're all dressed up to go out, and who's been left to do all the chores? Who's going to be cleaning out the pool this weekend? Cody. Who's going to be lying in bed till past midday because she's been out partying? Gavin. And you shouldn't be going out dressed like that anyway," I say grumpily. That was probably a mistake - of course I love what she wears, but I get jealous every time I think of all those jerks pawing over her. I can't stand the thought of it. GavynnGavynn swung her head around at that. “I shouldn’t what?”“You shouldn’t be dressed like that. You look like….you look like…” Now she was pissed. “I look like what?!” And then when he didn’t answer she said, “Oh I suppose I should look more preppy like you. Get all Dawson’s creek or something.” She said it, but she didn’t really mean it. She loved Cody and the way he looked. He was tall, 6’4 with broad shoulders, a well muscled torso and very toned legs. And he couldn’t be cuter in his clean white t-shirt and khaki cargo shorts.“I’m not preppy. I’m casual. So what’s wrong with that?” Nothing, is what she thought, but she wasn’t going to give him that. He was being a jackass right now.“Just don’t tell me what I should and shouldn’t do. I’m eighteen now in case you hadn’t noticed.” She grabbed her purse and breezed passed him through the doorway and down the stairs. Just before she walked out the door she looked up at her brother standing at the top of the stairs.“Oh and just in case you hadn’t noticed,” She jerked up her t-shirt showing him her firm breasts with the nipples poking through the sheer pink fabric. “I’m all grown up.” With that she stuck out her tongue, spun on her heels and slammed the door behind her. Gavynn laughed out loud as she hopped down the front steps and ran out to her car. Let’s see what he does about that she thought naughtily. Cody Little minx.................... I stand there for a moment, my mouth dropping open with her sheer audacity. How dare she........... I've taken quite a bit from my little sis over the years, but this is going too far. As for flashing her tits at me......Jesus, so she thinks she can get away with that?? I'm her brother after all! With a shout of rage I lunge for the door, flinging it open and seeing her disappearing fast down the drive." Gavynn!!! Come right back here!!!" I yell, my face hot with fury. I set out after grimly, chasing her down as she nears the car. My sis is a fast runner, but she's not as fast as me, and her party shoes aren't helping. "Get back here! You're not going out, d'you hear me??!!" She laughs at this, and that just spurs me on harder. Damn girl...........she has her keys out and is fumbling with the door as I close on her, and now I can see panic on her pretty face."Damn door......OPEN damn you!!" she shrieks, and then it yanks open, but by then it's too late as I've caught up with her, grabbed her round the waist and lifted her clear of the car."WHAT - THE - FUCK-do you think you're DOING!!!!?" she screams at me, fully enraged, and struggling and kicking for all she's worth. I pay no attention, but lift her quick and efficient - all that swimming and arm muscle hasn't gone to waste - and fling her over my shoulder, where she can't do any damage." You're coming inside with me, little sis, until you learn some manners!" I say sternly. "You're so selfish, do you know that??"" You're not Dad!!!" she snarls, twisting and kicking in fury. I can feel the heat of her body, her bare legs are close to my face, and her scent is nearly overpowering, but I hang on, carrying her back towards the house." You're going to apologize to me, and then you're going to help me with the chores, and THEN you can go out. Not before."" You - fucking - BASTARD!!" she yells. Wow, but she has a temper - I love her for that, she can be fiercely loyal, but right now she's a pain in the ass, and I'm going to teach her a lesson. GavynnGavynn pounded on her brother's back. "Dammit Cody! Put me down!! Cody didn't stop until he had carried her back up the stairs and into his bedroom. When he finally reached it he set her down hard in the middle of the floor. Gavynn didn't miss a beat, she ran forward and punched him hard in his chest."Oh, you bitch." He murmured rubbing his chest. At that she slapped him hard across the face. It had been completely instinctual and she immediately regretted it. Her hand flew up to cover her mouth. "Oh my god." She moaned behind it. A hard glint appeared in his eyes, and suddenly he was moving toward her." No, Cody, no." But it was too late. He'd already tackled her around her middle and the both of them were flying toward his bed. They landed with a hard "mph" from the both of them. Cody's hand shot up and gripped her hard around her chin. "Don't you ever hit me again Gavin. I love you but there's only so much I can take."" I'm sorry." She growled at him. "But don't you ever call me a bitch. It's demeaning and disrespectful and I hate you!" Cody paused at that. She'd never said anything like that before, and he wondered if she really meant it. Either way it hurt him. But it soon became clear she had not meant it when a fat tear slipped down her cheek and her bottom lip began to quiver." I'm sorry GAV, I'm sorry." He whispered and began to stroke her hair back from her forehead. "I'm sorry." Gavynn stopped crying when she noticed that Cody's lips were dangerously close to hers. She found that insanely she couldn't resist their fullness. They seemed to be calling to her, and she decided to take a chance. Gavynn lifted her head just a fraction and suddenly their lips were seared together in a kiss. It began very chastely, but Gavin's hands slid up his arms and shoulders to clasp his face between hers, and she was surprised to find that she was the one who deepened the kiss. Suddenly Cody tore his head away breathing heavily. His eyes searched hers. She wasn't sure what she saw there. But she hoped it wasn't disgusted. "Please don't hate me. Please don't hate me." She chanted over and over in a whispered prayer. Christ what the hell is going on I'm kissing my sister this can't be right But her mouth is warm and soft on mine, and she's trembling, and Jesus I'm achingly hard all of a sudden and I don't know what's come over me, my hands have slid down to her beautiful ass, and I'm even squeezing it a little as we kiss and then from somewhere a small sane voice in my head tells me to stop now, and I break away, breathing heavily." Jesus.... Gavynn.........what the hell came over me....... I don't hate you, look, I'm sorry," I say clumsily, and then she's crying and sitting on the bed, crying as if her heart will break, and I'm sitting next to her and my arm is around her shoulders, and she leans her head against me and cries and cries. I just sit there for a while, just stroking her hair, not really saying anything, and after a while the shuddering sobs become less, and she breathes hard and rubs her eyes." Look, Gavin," I say, "I'm sorry I called you a bitch. That was out of order. But you have to understand that.................." and I trail off, because she's looking at me with those beautiful green eyes, and my insides turn to water." I don't hate you," I whisper, and then she gives this kind of whimper, and she leans forward, and suddenly we're kissing again, hot and frantic, and I don't care anymore, and my big hands slide up under her shirt onto her bare skin and her small ones are stroking my face, moving down onto my chest, and suddenly I realize our parents are away for the weekend, and we have the whole house to ourselves................. GavynnGavynn leaned forward and tentatively places her lips on her brother’s again and was immediately devoured by the passion behind his response. She sat up and straddled her brothers hips, the soft leather of her pants making of glove of his crotch. His hands slid up her stomach taking the t-shirt with them. The shirt up and over her breasts and as it reaches her head Cody sits up and attaches his lips to one of the nipples that are insolently poking through the sheer fabric of her bra.“Oh god!” She gasped. Cody had her arms trapped high in the air as he suckled on her breast. He flipped her to the side so that she was lying on her back and threw the shirt on to the floor. The next thing to hit the floor was her bra. Gavin watched as Cody suddenly went crazy. His tongue began flicking her nipples between alternately sucking and squeezing them. He gave each breast equal attention and was just about to kiss his way downward when they heard the door slam shut downstairs.“Holy shit!” Cody gasped and sat up quickly.“Mom and Dad?” Gavin could barely form the words. All she could feel was the throbbing in her pussy.“Where are my munchkins!!!”“Grandmother?!” Cody yelled in acknowledgment and disbelief.“Cody? Is that my big munchkin?” Their grandmother called from downstairs. Gavynn scrambled to get her clothes and ran out of the room just as she caught a glimpse of her grandmother slowly making her way up the stairs. She must have been sent to check on us, she thought as she slammed the bathroom door behind her. Jesus! That's grandmother..............panicking, I adjust my pants, hoping against hope that my bulge isn't showing through my trousers. I don't know whether to feel disappointment or relief. Relief because I know that what I was doing with my sister was wrong, disappointment because she felt so good.............. Flashes of how her nipples felt, all stiff and hard against my tongue, how she moaned when I lifted her shirt, all crowd into my head, and as I reach the door I have to will my erection to subside. And Gavin has disappeared into the bathroom - damn girl, fleeing the scene - that's another score I'm going to have to settle, I think, a fleeting glimpse once again of her bare-ass naked over my lap with her panties halfway down as I administer punishment coming to mind............" Hi Grandma, what are you doing here?" I ask, a little breathlessly." Oh, you know, nothing much," she warbles. "Just coming to check on my munchkins. Where is that sister of yours? She always hides whenever I come round."" Gavynn? Oh, she's in the bathroom," I stutter. "ERM, she was getting ready to go out, and so am I," I say, somewhat unconvincingly. Jesus you old bat will you just go!! I have a score to settle with my sister, and I don't want anyone else to be around." Oh, what a pity. I was hoping my grandson would at least offer me a drink," she says. I bang on the bathroom door. "Gavin!!!" I shout. "Come out now! Your grandmother wants to see you!" and then I add, in a hiss, "And so do I, alone, when she's gone. You're in big trouble!" Little Sister Gavin, age: 18Gavynn threw open the bathroom door once again attired in her tiny t-shirt and leather pants. She glanced at her brother spotting the heavy bulge at his crotch and thanked god that arousal didn’t show on women like it did on men.“You might want to cover that up!” Gavin laughed and skirted passed him and down the stairs.Halfway down she met her grandmother.“Grandma!” She greeted the elderly woman whose sight was terrible proven by the pink blouse and bright orange skirt paired with green socks and a pair of tennis shoes. But Gavin lied to protect her feelings. “You’re looking wonderful! Walk me out will you.” Gavynn slipped her arm in her grandmother’s and turned her back in the other direction. She threw a glance over her shoulder at Cody and smirked.“Well you too honey.” Her grandmothers little voice wavered. “Umm, exactly what does whip mean dear?” Whipped? Then Gavin remembered her shirt. “Oh nothing Gran. Why don’t you sit down here and Cody will fix you a little drink? Won’t you Cody?” Gavynn fairly skipped to the door. “Night Gran,” and then pointedly at her brother. “Night Cody.” And with that she ran out the door, hopped in her car and was gone before anyone could say anything.6 Hours Later… 2:26 a.m. Knowing that her parents weren’t home, Gavin didn’t kill the lights like she normally would have coming home at this hour. She pulled straight up into the driveway, weaved up the front walk and stumbled through the door after she finally managed to get the key to work. She wasn’t drunk, but she had a good buzz going. Unfortunately it was going to be wasted on sleep. Normally when she was like this she became very uninhibited and very sexually aroused and because the guy she had intended to meet at the club that night never showed all that pent-up sexual energy was going to go to waste.“Aww screw it.” She whispered harshly into the darkness and awkwardly attempted to make her way to the stairs. Gavynn tried to be quiet, knowing her brother was upstairs asleep, but it seemed impossible to do when living room furniture seemed to materialize in front of her with ever step she took. She’d almost reached the staircase when out of her haze she spied the long shadow of a lamp or something. She reached out for it to make sure she didn’t send a lamp crashing to the ground when out of the darkness an arm shot out and grabbed her around her waist. Her feet were suddenly lifted off of the floor as she was picked up and held tightly against someone. Gavynn yelped in surprise and fright, as a hand clamped over her mouth, her alcohol induced state making her slow to react.“Where have you been?!” She heard Cody growl close to her ear. That damn sister of mine.........how DARE she run out like that!! My God but I'm going to teach her a lesson.......put her over my knee and do what Dad should have done years ago, the spoiled little brat. I wait up, sitting on a chair behind the door. One, two, three hours pass. And my rage is still simmering. So, she thinks her dear brother is going to laugh it off? She's got a surprise coming. At last, I hear a car pull up outside, a door slam, and unsteady footsteps making their way up the drive. I stand behind the door, ready. She's trying to be quiet, but she's hopeless, she's had far too much to drink. She knocks over a lamp trying to get to the staircase, and then I'm up to her, grabbing her around the waist and clamping a hand around her mouth so she can't scream." Where have you been??" I hiss into her ear. She struggles and tries to get free, but it's hopeless, I have her in a very strong grip. She can't answer either, because my hand is over her mouth." You've had your fun for the evening," I growl. "You behave like a spoiled little child, and now you're going to be punished like one." My hand still over her mouth, I've dragged her over to the sofa in the front room. She's still struggling, but she's drunk, and it's hopeless against my strength. Sitting down on the sofa, I pull her over my knee. My god but I'm going to give her a hiding - I'm fed up with her antics. My hand lets go of her mouth, and she starts to shout." What the FUCK do you think you're doing, you big bastard, let me go!!"" Cody," I say grimly, "I'm going to do something that Dad should have done long ago. Maybe if he's done it a bit more often you wouldn't be the spoiled brat you are now." My big hands reach around to the front of her leather trousers, unbuttoning them and dragging them down her thighs. I have to suppress a gasp as her beautiful ass cheeks come into view, framed by a pair of silky panties. She's still struggling, but it's completely hopeless, she's completely at my mercy. Despite myself I feel a firebomb of lust in my belly as I contemplate pulling her panties down, but this is my sister, and she's to be punished, not played with. Her struggles are becoming weaker as she feels my big hands lifting her up a little, taking hold of the waistband of her panties and dragging them down. God, but this is going to be hard. Her beautiful, peachlike bottom is exposed, and I can feel my cock stiffening in my pants as her panties travel down her bare legs. And there she is, lying over my knee, panties halfway down, bottom exposed, she can struggle all she likes, but she's going to get a spanking she won't forget in a hurry. GavynnGavynn screamed as Cody’s hand landed firmly on the left cheek of her ass. She was quickly sobering up and realized suddenly that her brother had her pants down and was giving her a spanking as if she were a child.“Goddamn you Cody! Let me go!” Gavin was furious and embarrassed.“Not until you’ve learned your lesson!” He gritted out, another hard slap landed on her ass.“Bastard!” She yelped and then sank her teeth into Cody’s thigh. She bit down as hard as she could. The response she got was not what she expected. Cody hit her four hard times in quick succession bringing tears to her eyes.“Please stop.” Gavin began to sob feeling the heat begin to rise in her firm round bottom. Cody paused for just a second and Gavin thought he’d actually consented to her plea. His hand ever seemed to caress her ass for just a moment. The sensation sent a tingle straight to her pussy.“You know this isn’t right!” Her anger had gotten the best of her and it cost her. She felt five more firm pops to the apples of her cheeks. It stung but suddenly there was something else mixed in with the torrent of emotions she was feeling. Whatever it was caused her to squirm in his lap. That did stop him. Cody suddenly grabbed her hips holding her in place. “Stop that!”“I can’t help it,” she argued her hips involuntarily squirming again as she felt the tips of his fingers caressing the sensitive line that separated her buttocks. “It hurts.”“It’s supposed to hurt.” Cody snapped almost angrily. For good measure he slapped her ass again.“Uhnnnnnn.” Gavin could feel her thighs jiggle a little with that spank and the heat continued to spread and throb in her pussy. I'm determined to punish my sister. But the sight of her bare, soft, pouting ass, draped over my lap, all pink and warm from the impact of my hand.......despite everything, I'm stiff and aching, and her squirming is just making it worse. I raise my hand once more, and slap her bare ass hard, making her flesh jiggle, and she whimpers, but the bolt of pleasure her wriggling body is sending through my hard cock is almost too much. I stop, breathing hard, and let my big hands caress her bare bottom."I hope you've learned your lesson, Sis," I say, but my voice seems to be coming from a long way away, because I can feel the heat coming from between her thighs, and suddenly my lap feels a little damp too. She's breathing hard too and suddenly stopped struggling, and her body feels all warm and delicious in my lap, and suddenly I want my sister more than I've ever wanted anything. Still rubbing her bare bottom, I allow my other hand to slide down between her legs, and before I know it I'm touching her warm soft wetness, and she's moaning and pushing herself back against my fingers. My wicked little sister..................... GavynnThe minute her brother slid his fingers inside her Gavin temporarily lost her mind.“Come on. Deeper.” She heard herself moan animalistically. “Oh right there, therefore.” Cody paused for a minute and then seemed to throw caution to the wind. She felt his fingers part her velvet warmth and then two fingers slid deep inside her. The slowness with which he did so was agonizing and Gavin thought she would be content to stay right here on his lap forever. She felt her juices begin to run down her thighs, and it was then that he suddenly stood, dumping her into the floor. Stunned and bruised from landing hard on her knees Gavin looked up at Cody expectantly.“I’m-I I’m done with you. I hope you’ve learned your lesson.” Unceremoniously, he stepped over her and quickly left the room. He flat out ran up the steps and never turned back. Feeling completely rejected and confused, Gavin eased herself off the floor and burst into tears. She, too, ran up the stairs. She was going to go lock herself in her bedroom but decided belatedly that she would like to take a shower instead. Furthermore, she went in, stripped quickly and showered thoroughly. Afterward, she was surprised to feel that the aching between her legs hadn’t ceased. Well, she’d just have to ignore it for right now. Gavin crawled into bed in her tank top and bikini underwear, pulled up her sheet and promptly fell asleep on her stomach. Cody My head is fucked. Completely fucked. She wanted it, she wanted me............but I just can't accept that I want to have my little sis, have her sexually that is. I've punished her now, maybe that should be the end of it. On the other hand................maybe I was harsh. Maybe I should go into her room, try to explain. Or maybe I should just go to bed, wake up in the morning and pretend it never happened. God her ass so soft and bare and inviting Jesus Cody you fool she'd have let you have it, have anything you wanted, she's in love with you but she's my sister!!! I can't, I just can't............ I'd better go into her room, just check if she's OK. Then I'll leave. I creep to her room, and push the door open, very slowly. It's dark in there, just a little light from outside, and my eyes take time to adjust. When I can see a little, I see a bump in the middle of her bed, and hear deep breathing. She's asleep.........fast asleep. I creep over to her bed, and stand looking down at her a while. She's so beautiful. I know this is wrong, but I can't help myself. I need to see her ass again, one more time, then I'll never bother her again. Furthermore, I promise. Carefully, I peel back the sheet, a little at a time. She's lying on her tummy, so if she doesn't move................ I hold my breath. A little further...........she's still sleeping. All I'm going to do, is peel back the sheet. I'm not sure if she's wearing panties, but all I want to do is look, not touch. If she is wearing something, then maybe I'll have trouble - I don't think I'll be able to pull them down without her waking up. Quietly, ever so carefully, I pull the sheet down just a little further........ GavynnGavynn dreamt that she was lying on a beach with a soft breeze flowing over her body. Or at least that’s what it felt like, a sudden breeze. Feeling languid she smiled in her sleep and shifted, bending one knee up and to the side making the gap between her thighs widen, her bikini panties tucking themselves between her ample cheeks. It must be her imagination, but it felt as if the wind had grown fingers that were trailing up her legs. She really does seem to be asleep. Her breathing deep and even, her body rising and falling gently. With my heart in my mouth, I carefully pull the sheet back, inch by inch, gradually uncovering her back, and then her bum - ahhhhhhh there it is......hell she's wearing her bikini panties. I stand there and look for a moment. Should I pull the sheet back up again and sneak back to my room?? I consider it for a moment, but her beautiful, pouting ass encased in those bikini panties defeats me. No contest. The trouble is, I don't know if I can pull them down without Gavin waking up. I know this is wrong, but I really can't help myself. My big hands trail up her bare thighs - was it my imagination or did they part just a little? I guess I must have imagined it. With infinite care, my heart pounding, my big strong hands alight on the waistband of her panties, and slowly, slowly, begin peeling them down. I just want to look at her ass one more time, I'm not going to touch. Up over the top of her ass - her full, ripe curves split in half like a peach, oh dear god, down the other side, now her panties are just at the top of her thighs, and her beautiful bottom seems to stare at me, mockingly.go on Cody, touch me, feel how soft and smooth I am, you know you want to, just think how good your stiff hot cock would feel rubbing against me, go on, you know Gavin would love it too, she'd love to feel that rod of yours up against her peachy ass, what are you waiting for, touch me, touch mean the blood is pounding in my head. No - this is so wrong - I mustn't touch her - but then just one touch wouldn't hurt, would it? Just one. I reach out my hand is if in a trance, and run it along her bare, pouting bottom. GavynnGavynn shifted in bed turning over onto her side. Her shirt twisting and rising at the movement, exposing her ribs and the undercurve of one breast.“Mmm Cody.” She murmured in sleep. Cody had just entered her dreams and she could almost feel his hands on her.“Hamm just like that….please, Cody.” Gavin continued to mumble in her restlessness her hand sliding up to rest on her bare belly. Hmmmmmmmm......just like that......please Cody.... My God......did she really say that? She must be dreaming, she's certainly lying quite still, and breathing deeply, I think I'll risk it. Her panties are pulled halfway down her legs, and my cock is stiff and throbbing in my pants as I run my hands gently over her bare, soft cheeks. Over and over, like I'm drugged by the feel of her, I just can't stop. She's still breathing deeply, but I brush my fingers down between her thighs, and I can feel the heat and a little dampness too, so even if she's sleeping.............. But this can't be right. If she wakes she'll freak, and she's still my sister oh go on Cody, she won't know, not if you're careful, come on, you'll never get another chance like this and I know what it is I want to do, I want to feel her soft cheeks rub along the hot hard length of my cock, but if I do that she'll surely wake. Silently, almost guiltily, I drop my pants, holding my breath at the rustle they make sliding to the floor, but I just want to feel it, that's all, then I'll go to bed. Carefully, quietly, I clamber onto the bed, my cock hard and stiff out in front of me, and I shuffle up, so I'm kneeling between her parted thighs. I reach out and stroke her bare bottom again, she sighs in her sleep, she's used to the feel of her bottom being touched, now all I need to do is place my hot rod against her bare bottom.....even rub it a little.........she probably won't notice the difference...... GavynnGavynn moaned again in her sleep and attempted to move, but something was blocking her way. She became aware of a soothing sensation on the cheek of her ass. Her eyes fluttered open, and she became aware of a looming presence above her.“What the?” Gavin tried to sit up but suddenly found herself buried beneath a hard weight. A hand clamped over her mouth and she screamed into it.“Don’t yell!” Cody hissed into her ear. “It’s me.”“Cody?” It came out muffled because he still hadn’t moved his hand.“Yea.” He growled realizing that his cock was planted firmly between her cheeks now. Gavynn realized it too. “What are you doing?” In order to hear her better he lifted her hand just a little, and she asked him again.“Don’t move, and I’ll show you.” He explained and then in what seemed like and afterthought. “I promise you’ll like it.”“I will?”“Yes. You will.” Gavynn felt Cody’s hands slide down between her legs and push aside her panties. One long finger slide inside her pussy slowly, and she moaned.“Ohhhh Cody.”“You’re mine tonight Gavin. Don’t fight me.” He half ordered, half begged her.“I won’t…oh god. I won’t.” Gavin moaned into the pillow as she felt herself getting wet. I won't. oh, god......... I wont can't believe this is happening. My sexy little sister all hot and wet beneath me, saying she won't fight me, aching to feel my touch. I push aside her panties and my fingers find her wetness, and I rub and caress her as she whimpers and moves back against my hand." Gavynn I've wanted to do this for so long," I whisper as I feel the thick, hot length of my cock nestle up between her bare, pouting cheeks. Oh, god yes, and it feels like I've died and gone to heaven.......my little sister lying beneath me, my cock all hot and hard up against her bottom........... She's moaning and rubbing herself back against me, and it's good, so good, and I grab her by her hair and pull her head back a little towards me, and then I begin to move, up and down along her bottom, my balls squashing right into her soft cheeks."Oh, God! GAV that's it, just rub your ass back against me a little," I whisper, "do that, and I'll forgive you everything........"

My lil sis (closed for Flurtayshus and myself)|rating:1.0

Divine Intervention (Moondazed and Dace Patton)

Time was not a concept that she understood. She had no need of it, it was irrelevant to her purpose, so she simply stood guard in stasis, appearing frozen and almost stonelike. At first glance she appeared angelic, standing nine feet tall, although her partially spread wings added another two feet, the expression on her face beatific as she gazed downward. At her feet rested her beloved creator, he who had given her life, who had called her from the ether and given her purpose. They had shared mere days before he was taken from her, during which they'd made passionate love until he was exhausted and needed to rest, only to awaken and do it all over again. He'd known that they were coming for him, that the seers had had visions involving him unseating them, and he had created her to protect his immortal soul from their torture. She had destroyed them all, thus realizing their prophecies, although she had done it in the name of protecting that which they sought to destroy, so they'd brought it upon themselves. Her patience was endless, the time spent reliving their time together, meaning that upon awakening her body would be ravenous with need. Her creator had had rather interesting sexual proclivities for his time, which she had been designed to satisfy, although he'd hoped to have longer than days to indulge himself. He stood there proud, as though the world was his oyster. Fresh from the States right out of graduate school was a 5’ human male. He’d spent the last two years of his life in study for this moment and over 18 hours on a plane from New York, to Paris to Rome and then finally to Tunisia. From there, he braved the desert with his 4-man team in search of an ancient temple which name was lost to time. He had only stumbled upon it by chance in some obscure reference books dating back to the crusades. Now, he had the funding and the time to do what was required, he’d make the find of his life just as he career began, or so he thought. His hair shone brightly in the desert sun a pleasant blonde color, his skin a normal white color for someone of his origin… not suited for the desert sun at all, and he found himself applying sunscreen on an almost hourly basis. His bright blue eyes scanned the desolate landscape, sand dune after sand dune eerily the same. However, no sand storms struck the team during their travel the camels they had bought to help make the trip moaning and whining every so often as was natural, though he didn’t mind that so much… it was the smell that bothered him more than anything. ‘Why couldn’t I have afforded vehicles he thought?’ As they rested at an Oasis trying his best to follow this map he had constructed from bits and pieces of information. It was at last on the 6th day of their travels they came upon an end to the desert sand dunes to sheer cliffs of sandstone cut into a deep valley. It was still barren with no sighs of life, but the ground was at least solid in places now. After an hour into the canyon, there it was just as in his dreams, only even grander. Pillars rose into the roof of the structure like red spikes. The temple itself cut into the stone by what seemed like expert masons so many years ago and hear it was almost untouched by the harsh desert climate. A few loin statues near each of the four pillars as if ready to strike any intruders, though they were but stone and stone alone. As he stood there in his daydream like state admiring in awe that which was before him, it was interrupted by the loud bang of falling equipment from one of the camel’s backs. Shaking himself to attention he turned and yelled a few commands to his 3 other team members. “Be careful with that, you don’t make enough to replace it if you break it! Get this equipment inside and let's get to work, I want to get as much done as we can before our supplies run low, and we have to leave, move it!” He was certainly excited as he entered the temple, running his fingers along the rough sandstone walls. It wasn’t long before he came upon the towering statue of amazing workmanship staring for several minutes before approaching it. Looking the statue over from head to toe, which was no small task he noticed something at the base of the statue’s feet. “Writing or a seal? This could be important, he said also eyeing the coffin in the center of the room which the statue was facing. He cleared away the cobwebs with his knife and began to work a brush over the seal to make out what it was with the same hand, in his excitement he cut a small gash in his left index finger, leaking several drops of blood onto the seal. “Ow, clumsy fool.” He cursed to himself. “I hope I haven’t damaged it. As far as he was concerned it was nothing more than a temple and tomb with no supernatural properties about it.Meanwhile, his colleagues in this expedition unloaded the equipment with dull bumps and clanks until finally it was all in. One of them finding his way to Dace in the burial room. A thin tall man entering with a darker skin tone, brown hair and hazel eyes entering. “Dr. Patton, we have finished unloading the equipment as you said. This place is something else isn’t it?” The man said, approaching the coffin and running his hand over it to clear the cobwebs too late to realize his mistake. She sensed the approach of the intruders. The moment they stepped between the stone pillars her mind had awakened from its reverie, her keen senses homing in on them as they trespassed. The first to enter her chamber exuded avarice, its filthy ocher staining his aura until she could not see his features clearly. The others were following behind him, their auras tinted in greedy browns and fearful pinks, but none of them had any idea of her existence. If they had, their energy signatures would have been bright red and vibrant, and they probably wouldn't have crossed the threshold. She bid her time, waiting until they were all in the room, until they were all within striking distance, knowing that one of them would touch her beloved's resting place and incur her wrath. But before she was freed something unexpected happened... someone charged the seal at her feet. She saw the little thread of pain shoot through his aura then a stab of heat pierced her, a sensation she didn't recall from her time with her creator accompanied by one that she remembered all too clearly: lust. Pure, unadulterated lust. She didn't have a chance to process this new development before one of them violated her creator's resting place, triggering her wrath. Shimmering, she spread her iridescent wings and opened her glowing amber eyes, which burned with a red tinge as she pinned the violator with her gaze, rising to her full battle height of fifteen feet. Her hands were a blur as they flew up to draw the sword that was secured between her shoulder blades and drew it, flicking it downward to separate the man's head from his shoulders. A deep rumbling began as she looked down at the small man before her, intending to do the same to him, but finding herself unable. At the entrance a large slab of marble dropped into place, blocking the exit even as the other two men scrambled to escape. Loosing a cry of outrage at her inability to slay the man before her, she launched herself into the air, swooping down to cleave the first man in half, and cleanly decapitating the other. Returning to her perch, her chest heaved with the intensity of her reaction to having been awakened. Sheathing her sword, she shimmered once again as she shrank to a mere nine feet tall and folded her wings behind her, the tops of them still extending a foot above her head. Her flawless alabaster skin pulsed with diffuse light, her breasts and hips draped in a thin veil of rich brown silk. The thick, lustrous fall of her silvery gray hair down her back moved slightly as if there were a breeze, although he could not sense it. Her face was nearly expressionless as she looked down at him, the intensity of her body's need for satisfaction growing with each passing second, although it wasn't outwardly obvious unless his olfactory sense was strong enough to detect her arousal. All was well for just a brief second after the young man had touched the coffin, then it was like a blur to the mind of a mortal. Had the statue moved and gotten larger!? He thought as it moved in a blur striking down one of his team members with a precision blow to the neck, leaving a ghastly blood stain and the sight of a head bouncing off the stone flooring until it came to rest. Next was sheer terror, his body almost shook as if knowing it's time of end was at hand. Only, the statue now a towering woman was hesitating over him and did no strike. As his life flashed before his eyes his other two colleagues met their demise in an equally horrific way by that sword. The sheer speed, precision and power of what was before him that had killed 3 men in a matter of seconds was staggering. Now, he found himself on his rear crawling backwards on his hands and feet like one might expect a crab to do in reflex action the initial terror having warn off and now just fear and pure survival instincts. He wasn’t thinking why she didn’t kill him it was on his mind. Knowing he was trapped only amplified these feelings. It wasn’t long before he back himself into a wall finally stands up straight as he pressed against the unforgiving stone which would not budge a millimeter. The brown silk of her meager clothing seeming like a blur as his eyes strained to focus and overcome the panic. Her hair seemed propelled by an unseen force or breeze even though the chamber was sealed tight. Those fiery Amber eyes staring down at him as she approached ever closer, ‘How could something like this exist!?’ he thought ‘Why doesn’t she or it kills me also.’ He obviously didn’t want to die, but the way she was staring made him nervous beyond anything… like she was planning what to do with him. Her skin giving on a strange faint glow as the moment intensified, his breathing frantic and distressed as his mind raced to think of what to do. It was at this time her true stature dawned on him as well as the existence of her wings. She was quite attractive for something that came from a stone statue, but after watching what she had done he was to busy with his own thoughts of preservation. His speech not having yet recovered all he could do was gulp and make slight distressed whines and other throat noises. Who would have created such a thing or woman like this… the book he read said nothing about this. Yet the proof stood towering over him at the very moment as if posed to strike. He knew not what see was thinking or scheming to do with him, but he feared for his life for good reason standing paralyzed with his back against the wall awaiting his end. The realization that she couldn't slay him angered her immensely, although her building hunger for him confused her thoughts. She was a simple creature, although quite intelligent she'd experienced very little of life in her short time with her creator, so she was unaccustomed to dealing with emotional turmoil. She glowed a little brighter, her luminescence pulsing with her heart, her wings puffing and slowly spreading behind her. He watched perplexed and curious at this. He could tell she was angered greatly by his presence here and still didn’t have a clue why he was alive. His eyes scanned the temple setting quickly once again, nothing but cobwebs, craved stone and that coffin in the center of the room. He had heard of booby traps meant to guard the dead, but never had he heard of anything like this. She was the apex of any booby trap that could be his thoughts racing… no escape. He stayed still next to the wall, watching her glow steadily increase, her full feathery wings spreading and roofing out, making her all the more imposing and enigmatic. Something told him to get on his hands and knees in a fetal position if he wanted to live, finally getting the nerve to speak in fear of his life. “I… If I’m… um, not welcome here I’ll leave.” The desperation in his voice elicited a low purr from deep within her chest, her wings arching over him as she leaned forward, glaring down at him. She knew that humans were fragile, that they could be broken, and she knew that if she couldn't kill this one she wanted to keep him alive to play with, so fought the urge to pounce on him and smother him with one of her breasts over his face. Her amber eyes were purely golden now, the red cast of her rage having subsided as she became more and more aroused at the thought of using the man at her feet. Reaching up to her shoulder as swiftly as she'd reached for her sword, she released the clasp of her clothing, and it fell away, revealing sculpted muscles and full, perfectly formed breasts. He remained on his knees, confused and gulping at each step she took towards him until she was over him. Her wings spreading wide around him like a massive cloak of smooth feathers. She seemed to however over him, not making any sudden moves and the thought crossed his mind. ‘Something’s wrong.’ it was an understatement but true. That’s when she reached up and undid her clothing, letting the garment fall to the ancient floor standing before him nude. She was a glorious sight to say the least, even with all the things she had done before by killing. He stared up at her dumbfounded… ‘Is she playing or teasing me before she kills me or something.’ He was a confused mess even more than before. Why would she do something like this to him? Despite his fear and resentment, he is womanly features could not help but arouse him as it would any other male. She was sculpted to perfection even if her size was ridiculous, by her standing there like this it made him feel smaller than he had at anytime in his life. It hadn’t crossed his mind that she could possibly be filled with lust and want him, but then again, that’s how the free mind works. She was fully capable of speech, could even be quite eloquent, but she didn't speak. She hovered, struggling to control her desire to violate him, breathing deeply and steadily. The brilliant red of his fear became tinged with the blue of desire, leaving him in a haze of blazing purple which she breathed in deeply. His desire fed her, the tinge of fear adding delicious spice, and she reached down to rake one razor sharp nail down the back of his shirt, slicing through it, then pulled it from him. He flailed like a rag doll as she pulled, forcing him to lift his arms and let the shirt slip free before he dropped back to the floor and curled into a ball. His weakness made her burn to use him, her incredibly long, slender fingers running down the back of his pants in the same manner before she pulled them from his body as well, leaving him in only the tatters of his boxers. He was smaller in stature than her creator had been, which only inflamed her further, and she rolled him onto his back and forced him to lie down flat so that she could look at him. The purple head of his sizable cock was shiny with precut and her lips curved in a predatory smile. Her voice was deep and sultry, seeming to resonate with more than one chord as she finally spoke. "You have violated my creator's sanctuary, thus forfeiting your freedom. Know that I would slay you where you lie if I could." Holding him down regardless of his struggles, she straddled him and lowered herself onto his cock, although she pressed it down against his belly and rubbed herself back and forth against it instead of taking him inside of her. Her body was on the razor edge already so it took seconds for her to shudder and drench him in her slick juices, her eyes dropping to his as she bared her teeth. His own breath was slightly labored as well, a result of his recent panic and fear for his life. He didn’t understand her angle on this or why she unclothed herself, but he soon would. For the first time, he noticed her breathing to be not that of normal, a sign of her plans and desires. Had he known how her sight worked it would have been ashamed for showing such blatant arousal at the sight of her even if it was natural? The next thing he felt was her finger pressing against his back and shredding his shirt down a fine line. He did try to resist her motions, but she simply peeled his shirt off as if he were a banana revealing his light colored skin below, his firm chest and stomach along with it. He was by no means a bodybuilder, but one could see he did experience some physical activity. Now it was clear to him, she was going to either cook and eat him or force herself on him. This caused him to break out in a mild cold sweat. He tried to resist, to say no, but the shock of the moment left him paralyzed. How could he resist anything she wanted to do to with how large she was? Honestly, he saw no hope in it and it was utterly depressing. Next, he felt the finger against his rear, running along the back of his pants, and soon she freed him of those as well leaving him with a single piece of worthless cloth between him and being as naked as the day he were born. The bulge in his boxers clearly visible and a little more than that as he tried to cover himself blushing and breathing heavily. However, she forced him onto his back and straddled him speaking to him for the first time since he had arrived. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” Is all he managed to mutter hoping for some kind of reaction from her in his favor, but it didn’t happen that way as he hoped. He tried to get her off of him, pushing, kicked a little and squirming, but it was to no avail, she was simply too big and too heavy for him to lift or make an effect against, her firm, large breasts threatening to press into his face now as she rubbed against him creating enough friction to force a low moan from him.“No! Please don’t do this!” He pleaded, as she forced herself upon him more and more. Then feeling the wet, sticky fluids of her arousal drench his upper legs and lower stomach. Given her size it was only natural she would have a lot to dish out in that area. He kept up his efforts and pleading, but he could not escape her, never had he felt so powerless over his own life as though a light from the heavens suddenly shone and intervened in his life, taking it from him and giving it to her. Hearing his pleas brought a smile to her face, her perfect white teeth clearly visible, her features much more pleasing when she wasn't baring them in frustration." Your body belies your desires, liar. Even as you beg me to stop your body says otherwise." Tilting her hips forward she positioned the head of his cock at her slick opening and dropped onto him fully, watching his face as she did so." You cannot deny me, encroached. I will take your seed whenever I please, and you will do as I command or suffer my punishment." As she spoke she rode him harder and faster, her words pushing her toward another climax. Her wings shuddered, her eyes lighting up the entire chamber as she turned them skyward, her long, lithe body quivering as well. Her pussy squeezed his cock in a steely grip as she froze, arched, the tendons in her neck standing out as she moaned long and low. Why was she smiling, he thought in daze of confused passion. Curse his body and its functions when under the stresses of pleasure. She seemed to think he wanted her doing this to him, but the opposite was true, and he couldn’t do a thing to stop her. His futile struggling bringing him no closer to escape that he had been before. His virginity being taken from him by this divine looking being, pinned underneath her hips as she rode him hard and fast. Her weight against him felt almost crushing as she did so. With each powerful thrust she forced down upon him a reluctant but convincing moan escaped his lungs, her roughness causing him some pain. By this time, he was panting heavily his erection throbbing and pulsing within her feeling her fluids running down his legs as she continued to thrust him in and out. Her body completely eclipsed his as she lay on top allowing him to see nothing but her breasts as they teased his face. The cold, hard stone floor grating against his back as he begged and pleaded like a dog. If she wasn’t going to kill him with a sword then maybe this was how she was going to do it… how strange fate is. Then, she began to speak once more to him. He didn’t like the sound of what she was telling him one bit, like he was to be her slave or something and if he didn’t do what she liked he would be disciplined like some kind of pet. He was a human being, no some animal to be denied his freewill! Her quivering shook his body as if to tell him she were dead serious about it. However, to here he moans long and low against him as though she were pleased had its strange sense of gratification as he managed to let out a single word in the form of a question. “Punishment?” Seeing such blatant fear and helplessness drove her over the edge again, her pussy milking his cock as she shuddered over him. Hearing him speak, she waited until the aftershocks of her orgasm had passed before answering." The only way you will be allowed to survive is by pleasing me, making yourself useful to me, otherwise I will lock you away, and you will starve to death. I may not be able to slay you by my own hand, but you will die nonetheless." She didn't know if she could actually go through with such a threat, but she was clever enough to know that he thought she would. Rising, she looked down at his glistening member and smiled wickedly. Turning her gaze to an urn in the corner of the chamber, she concentrated, her eyes darkening to mahogany brown as the lid slid aside and four lengths of enchanted rope slithered over the side, wending their way toward her captive. She put one hand in the center of his chest, forcing him to stay where he was, as the rope wrapped itself neatly around his wrists and ankles. Lifting him, she held him against one of the stone pillars at her eye level, which left his feet four feet from the ground, and the ropes pulled his arms back and tightened around the pole, those at his ankles snaking around them, holding them together against the pillar. Her lips curved in a vicious smile as she allowed the ropes to tighten to the point of pain for a moment before loosening them." Make no mistake, human, you will pay for your arrogance in violating sacred space. The only choice that you have is how much pain you experience while doing so." ‘Wonderful’ he thought to himself, his face showing a displeasure with her response to his question. It would take weeks to starve and days to die of dehydration if she really went through with that. What happened when the supplied he had run out also, the same thing as the punishment she indicated had in store for him. She must not have required food or water to survive like he did. That would explain how she managed to survive in a desert temple far removed from society. Her words finally dawned on him, although it was the third time she had said so. She couldn’t slay him, why was that he wondered? Well, she didn’t give him time to think about it as she focused on an urn and ropes sprang forth approaching him in a snake like slither. Now what was going to happen he wondered… his question was soon answered as the ropes seemed to magically bind him, first at the ankles, then at the hands. This was getting weirder by the minute if that was even possible. This was like a trillion to one long shot or something that anything like this could possibly happen. Why couldn’t he have won the lottery, been abducted by aliens or struck by lightning instead… at least that offered a chance to survive. Next he found himself being lifted into the air by her capable arms, the ground far enough away to cause a sense of discomfort. His back, instead of being grated against the floor was now against one of the ancient pillars supporting the roof. The ropes then suddenly tightened for a moment forcing his joints into an unnatural and slightly painful position, it must have felt like what being on the rack several hundred years ago. A slight whimper was his only reply to her words and the ropes then went slightly lax allowing him a relief from the painful position. She seemed to derive pleasure from every action she committed against him no matter how much they went against the laws and rules of the present… but then again she knew nothing about them nor would she likely abide them if she did. Her golden eyes dimmed as she breathed deeply of his pain, her wings folding behind her as she settled back to her previous position on her pedestal. He probably hadn't noticed when she'd left her dais, but there was a pedestal that held an amber falls that was much the same as her eyes, pulsing gently with its own inner light. It had been shrouded by her wings as she stood watch, but now she backed up to it, watching him hang there as she arched back and rubbed it along her pussy. It was the source of her power, her eyes being made of the same substance, and it gave her life whether she was near it or it was buried inside of her. Rocking her hips, growling and purring, she sank onto it slowly, her wings out straight behind her. Leaning back, she rested her hands on the edge of the pedestal as she pulled her heels up to rest them on the other two corners, displaying her impaled pussy as she wriggled and squirmed atop it. Flexing her perfectly toned body, she lifted herself until only the head was inside of her then sank back down upon it, her fluids covering it, then being absorbed as if it drank them in. Its glow became darker, a deeper rusty shade as it blazed brighter within her, seeming to wink at him as she rode it. Well, it was wrong… it could get weirder. After she had finished tying him to the pillar she turned her attention away from him, a strange action contradicting her actions thus far. Soon, he saw it was a stone of amber on a pedestal. Obviously, it held a great value to her perhaps something her creator gave her? Who knows he thought, just watching her helplessly tied to the pillar naked and wet from her previous attentions. He was glad for the relief give to him though as he didn’t want to be taken by her in the first place… this wasn’t how relationships were supposed to be carried out. He didn’t see the connection between her and the stone as he struggled against his binding without success his erection still hard and throbbing, his breath heavy and labored from everything that had happened. Something told him it was far from over and he is best save his energy though so he conceded himself to just watch her. What happened next was the strange part to him, she circled around the pedestal and took the stone in hand as if to show it to him before lowering it to her crotch in a form of suggestive teasing. He watched her helplessly, not saying a word as she rode the stone, wiggling and squirming on it using the pedestal as a brace. It was as though she were trying to swallow it through her wet lower lips. However, when her fluids seemed to be absorbed by the stone and then glow in a pulsing fashion even when inside her, he knew it was magical but not to what end. Its color then darkened as if covered in rust and then as it by some strange event it seemed to wink in him as though he had a connection of some kind to it as well. He seemed to know that after she was finished with the stone she would be coming back for him. Body shuddering, feathered wings whispering as she did so, she threw her head back and stiffened. Her eyes suddenly blazed brightly as her body convulsed, still impaled on the toy. Panting and mewling, she brought her eyes back to his as they faded back to a dull glow, her lips curving in a secretive smile." I have slept for such a long time... I need more!" Launching herself at him, the stone cock popped free of her audibly, her breath hissing between her teeth. She grabbed the pillar just above his head, her legs wrapping around his bound ankles as she dragged her firm belly across the glistening head of his cock." Will you give me more? Or will I take it from you?" Her lips were so close to his face that he could feel her breath, and she had the vicious thought that if she wanted to she could take his entire head into her mouth. Given his position, all he could do was simply watch her with his disbelieving eyes. Part of him was beginning to think this was some kind of perverted dream that he would wake up from at any moment, not reality. She seemed to be so interested in that stone now for reasons beyond his understanding… perhaps if he got the chance to study things he could at that was his job. However, being tired to a pillar helpless to do anything but squirm and moan left that option out of the question. Soon enough she tired of her toy though, her body stiffening and voice ringing out as she returned her attentions to him. Her breath like hissing and sheer speed as which she moved to cover the distance to him surprising to say the least. It replies to her remark as she teased him by rubbing her stomach across his erection he turned his head as to say he did not give her consent on the issue as if hoping she would back off of him. He would manage to moan just a bit though from the gentle friction and teasing of the rubbing as she positioned herself on the pillar. Her eyes locked on his face, she continued to rub up and down, effectively stroking his cock with her belly. She kept it up until she felt him tense, felt a reaction, then she sped up even more, leaning forward to spit on the head of his cock as it appeared, not wanting him to get too sore or get rubbed raw. She had plans for his cock, plans that involved quite a bit of use, so it wouldn't do to have it disabled... although there were plenty of other ways that she could force him to pleasure her. He squirmed helplessly as she rubbed against his erection, never had he thought a woman’s stomach could produce such feelings. He began to pant heavily and fought the urge to lean into it just so he could get some relief from the relentless passionate friction. Of course, it was only a matter of time until she sent him into his first climax, spewing forth his hot, sticky white fluid upward in gentle spurts. He kept his eyes off of her until that moment then he felt compelled to look forward as he moaned and panted. At least she was taking efforts to protect his skin a little, that was a surprising development as he remained hanging from the pillar by the rope bindings. He had a feeling there was more to come that just this though and that his life was about to get very simple and single sided. Just before he climaxed she grinned wickedly and sent the tail of one of the ropes to wrap itself tightly around the shaft of his cock, which would keep him hard and ready no matter how many times he came. As his aura burned with his heightened passion she drank it in greedily, her movements slowing once she felt the slickness of his release coating their bellies." Mmm... it seems that your body doesn't share your mind's disdain for my attentions." Her chuckle was melodic as she pulled back, her skin having absorbed his fluids like a sponge. Looking down at his engorged member she licked her lips, then leaned down to lick their fluids from his body. She could survive on energy alone, but the protein in his fluids was like a drug to her, leaving her craving more." Be a good little cow and your milking will be painless, but you will experience discomfort in every form I can imagine should you decide to resist." Leaning in close, her lips at his ear, she whispered, "I almost hope that you refuse me, encroached." ‘She has to be joking.’ he thought, his breath heavy and his energy nearly half spent as it was. He wasn’t suited to this sort of activity for long periods as she seemed to be. He required food, water and rest in order to survive and the marble slab that had closed them in the main chamber blocked any hope of making it to those supplies or escape to a place that did. Furthermore, he was regretting having ever taken this trip now, and felt even sorrier for those 3 poor souls that died because of it and his god cursed decision to come here to make a name for himself. Needless to say, it wasn’t the most comfortable thing to have his own semen being rubbed across the span of his belly as this towering woman smirked at him. She did bring up a point though, his body had responded the opposite as he would have liked. He always thought the mind to be in control of the body but as he was figuring out they both seemed to react apart from one another based upon the stimulation it received. It appeared she wouldn’t let him rest anytime soon, to his dismay as he felt the rope coil around his erection tightly as to keep him in that state. Her next comments shocked him even more, cow? Milking? He wasn’t some kind of livestock to be used for her pleasure when it suited her yet here he was hanging from a pillar at her mercy. Fate was most cruel sometimes, and he intended to refuse her to the best of his ability. “Of course I will try to resist.” He mumbled in his labored breath, expecting the worst as he did so but this was no time to be conservative given the discomfort he was already experiencing from this ordeal bracing himself for what could be a very rough experience. A rumbling purr began low in her chest at his refusal and her smile was genuine." Mmm... where to begin tormenting your fragile human body..." She narrowed her eyes and the ropes tightened almost unbearably, another long length slithering over to wrap around his torso, encasing it completely." You'll not so much as draw a breath if I do not allow it, encroached." To demonstrate her point, she made it tighten enough that his rib cage couldn't expand, watching his face intently, basking in his fear and desperation. She knew that humans were much more fragile than she was and had needs such as food and drink, so after releasing the rope just enough that he could pant she launched herself into the air and left the chamber through a doorway near the ceiling, returning moments later with all of his supplies. Dropping them on the floor at the base of the pole he was bound to, she returned to her perch, folding her wings behind her as she telepathically rummaged through the packs. When she was finished his supplies were neatly organized and clearly visible to him. She brought a canteen to his lips, sloshing its contents around so that he could hear it, but not tipping it so he could drink. Smiling lazily, she quipped, "You'll discover that compliance is required to get the sustenance you require. We both know that you'll beg if you wait long enough, so why fight it? We both know that I will win." The fact that she was enjoying his discomfort only made him frown all the more. The ropes suddenly became unbearably tight, and he struggled against them only causing his wrists and legs some ropes burn from the rubbing. Next, she tightened the ropes around his chest, compressing his rib cage so that his lungs could no longer draw the vital breath he needed. Naturally, it wasn’t long before he felt himself losing consciousness from it all until she finally released the ropes that he could wheeze and pant some. It was then, that she suddenly vanished upward to the ceiling leaving him alone in the desolate room of sandstone and dust. It was strange that she did not force herself on him as she had before and taken what she wanted from him as before. Furthermore, it was as if she was trying to get him to submit to her and be some submissive little pet that lived to have pleasure her. The thought made him shake his head as if in disbelief, but he knew it to be true. Even if she was a very attractive woman, she was just so big and those wings strange… what was she exactly he was left to wonder until she returned. When she finally returned, much to his surprise she had many of the supplies and perishables in hand sorting through them with that strange mental power of hers. After she was finished she left them all in plain view for him to see as if to torment him laying outside his reach. Then she surprised him even more, she actually walked over with a canteen full of life sustaining water, raising it to his lips but then stopped it just before it could reach his lips. She wasn’t going to let him drink it seemed after all, that didn’t surprise him one bit even though he wanted it badly. Then she started to taunt him keeping the canteen out of reach with her statement, it was true he needed the water to survive, but he wouldn’t beg like some dog, not while he had strength left. He also didn’t agree that she would win, perhaps if he continued to make a stand she might come to respect him and not think of him as her personal sex toy. He had to be strong as long as he could pulling away from the canteen slightly as to speak. “Why do you even bother doing this when you could simply take what you want?” She found his resistance enticing, tilting her head as she splashed some of the water over his lips, then returned the canteen to the floor. Beginning at his ankles, she ran a fingertip up his legs, circling around his erection, then continuing up his body, telepathically spreading the rope that encased his torso and circling each nipple before bringing her palm to rest against his collarbone." Your kind are so fragile..." She smiled cruelly as she pressed the edge of her hand against his throat until he couldn't breathe, her other hand closing around his cock, engulfing it completely." Remember, you are breakable... and I know how to break you so that you will not die, only suffer." As his face darkened she released the pressure against his throat, dragging her palm down his chest, then pulling back to settle on her dais. Closing her eyes, she simply inhaled his fear and desperation, the adrenaline rush from the lack of oxygen thickening his aura until she could almost feel it enter her system. His eyes widened slightly as she allowed a slight bit of water to cross his lips, which his tongue greedily drew into his mouth as best he could. It wasn’t all that much, but enough to wet his throat just a bit as he needed the life sustaining fluid to stay alive, even if he wasn’t sure whether he would survive this whole ordeal though he would certainly try. This brief respite from her more erotic attentions wouldn’t last long however, no sooner had the canteen been placed on the floor did her questing hands work their way up his body. Her touch first graced his legs, then his more private area which he didn’t seem completely in control of at the moment as it stood on end even before her touch. Given how large she was, her hands seemed twice the size of his own, then again, everything about her was large which he hadn’t failed to notice. To his surprise, she released his erection and moved up his body to his chest and then collarbones wondering where she was going with this, unfortunately for him, he would find out swiftly. Her smile once again a false pretense for her actions as she moved her hand against his throat slowly cutting off his supply of vital oxygen from his brain leaving him to gag and make strange gurgling noises as he struggled to draw breath. Finally, his face turned a shade of red before she finally released her grasp, and he gasped for air. It was only then he noticed her vise grip on his erection once more as if she was planning something else, speaking her harsh words of suffering to him. He struggled once more, futility again his bonds not speaking and simply resigning himself to survival whatever she had in mind to do with him. Her eyes drifted closed, and she almost appeared to sleep, having gone completely still since she didn't need to breathe like he did. She was, in fact, basking in the sustenance his fear provided, the promise of using his body for her pleasure whenever she pleased, and the retribution she would exact for his trespass. Suddenly the dead bodies floated upward, even as she sat quiet and still, and she flung them out into the desert, removing all traces of their presence and returning the tomb to its former pristine state. By this time his eyes seemed to get heavier on him as his adrenaline wore off. He had felt its effects since that statue first came alive, but it was now fading from his system quickly. His head almost dropped for a second as he struggled to keep a strong and untired composure before her. He was perplexed about what she was doing, did she have to she also he wondered? A bead of sweat running down his eyelid and off his eyelash to the ground, impacting with a gentle drip sound. Suddenly, all the bodies that had littered the room flew upwards and out... this action needless to say causing him to look up to the best of his ability.' Now I've seen everything' he thought in silent reflection. 'I shutter to think what she has in mind for me next...' Sensing his exhaustion, a small smile curved her lips. Humans were so fragile, so weak... perhaps denying him the rest he desired would help him to be more malleable. Her eyes snapped open, glowing softly, and she released the ropes that held him up which dropped him unceremoniously to the floor. The only rope that remained was the one around the base of his cock, since she had no intention of allowing him to go flaccid." On your back, encroached. If you force me to use the ropes to position you I promise that it will be most unpleasant." She fully expected his compliance, having no concept of being refused once she'd asserted her dominance. He was obviously in the wrong so owed her tribute, whether he realized it or not. He landed on his knees as the ropes released him to the floor with a thud, causing him some mild discomfort from the impact warranting a slight groan. The discomfort quickly faded as his fatigued state caused him to fall backwards, sliding off the pillar he had been bound to and falling somewhat limp to the ground. His entire body seemed coated in a thin sweat as he lay there, his hands slowly working over the reddened skin that had been irritated by the tense and constricting ropes, thankfully there was no serious rope burn. Though, as he reached down to the area around his crotch he noticed the rope refused to budge from his erection. He tried several ways to get it off and to hide his endowment from her all of which were fruitless. It was like some erotic nightmare, forced to become the sex toy of a giant angel to which he was powerless, and though she was beautiful, and many men would likely kill to be in the same situation… gas! What was he thinking? Who would want to be in the position he was in now, sprawled across the floor on his back about to raped by a living statue of a woman around twice his size… if anything it was certainly a reversal of how rape normally happens. However, his body had suffered enough abuse, and he could no longer resist her in his current state. He needed a break from this so he could live to fight another day. Obviously pleased at his discomfort, a slow smile spread across her features as she watched him try to remove the rope around the base of his cock. She momentarily tightened it painfully, then loosened it, then decided to continue doing so based on his reaction. His cock darkened, turning almost purple as it swelled and wept precut, and she licked her lips at the thought of ingesting more of his intoxicating fluids." Do not waste your energy, encroached, your meager strength is no match for me or my ropes." Narrowing her eyes, a rope slithered over to encase his left forearm, and it was forced upright. Taking a deep breath of his defeated aura, she opened her wings and leapt into the air, landing over his arm, looking down into his eyes." You will milk your cum from your balls while I take my pleasure. Should you hesitate..." A rope slithered over to encircle his throat snugly, although it wasn't tight enough to choke him. Settling over his upraised arm, she lowered herself until his encased fist rubbed against her slick lips, then slowly lowered herself until half of its length was buried inside of her. Groaned again loudly as he felt the ropes tighten around his manhood until it turned an almost agonizing purple color. Several large dribbles of seed falling to the ground as it was displaced by the grinding of her cursed bindings. He wanted to fall over on his side and pass out... if only he could. She held him up, against his will now using his arm as her plaything. This brought only bitter thoughts to him mind, as if he wasn't adequate around the waist anymore. No greater insult to a man could be paid or at least so he thought right now. Thinking was all he could do against her right now as he was exhausted right now. If only he had known it was about to get even worse." What?" was all he was able to mutter softly. Glancing down to his crotch and his length surrounded in rope still. He didn't doubt her seriousness, not anymore but at the same time nor could he believe was what happening as he felt his fist engulfed in her tight passage. The moist folds swallowing it without much difficulty, and he could feel her juices beginning to trickle down his arm. His other hand still grasping at the ropes and his sensitive flesh and making sure it was still intact from all the abuse it had taken. He decided... very reluctantly that he would play along for now rather than risk being strung up by his neck and wasting what precious energy he had left.' Why couldn't I listen to my father and get a normal job like everyone else.' he lamented to himself. Not even wanting to think about what other surprises she had in store for him or plans she had for him. He could only hope he'd be able to give her an ear full or better yet slip away from her somewhere before he died of exhaustion. Beginning to stroke his tender flesh slowly as if nursing it as if to gage her reaction. Maybe if he could please her, she would let her guard down... then he would see.

Divine Intervention (Moondazed and Dace Patton)|rating:3.0

One on One rp for xserenityxninax & sailor star rainbow.

Name:Rain redbellsAge:18Pic:Name:Aaron Village:20Pic: Name Isabella Anderson age 19pictureName Yuki Sanderson age 21picture ((How should make the first post?)) (you start off alright) ((Will do.)) Araon Hill could not believe what he had done only just a few months ago. To a young teen aged girl he rapes her so much that night. All because he was drunk hanging out with his buddy's that fateful night. Now all he wanted to do was find the girl just to try to make amends with her. For what he had done on to her by now she is mighty even be with child for a kid for all he knew. Rain sighs out as she rubs her swollen stomach that look like she. Was going to have the man that rap her his child but. That would not happen for a good 5months at lest the teen was head to the doctor's office. Her parents were upset that there daughter got rape at a club by some random man. If they ever found that man her father would force them in to a gun shot wedding. (question is our characters going to in react each other) ((Yes they will interact with each other.)) Isabella walked down the street thinking about the rapes going on these days she doesn't think she might get rape and knows that she never goes out that much. Isabella knows it is dark out and feels like someone is watching her. Isabella had to go out with some friends they went to this bar where the girl was rape like months ago. Yuki didn't like the Idea his friend rape that girl and wish he didn't as well. Yuki went to him and sigh "dude how can you rape that girl you know as I do they will find you really what are you going to do and why are we in the same club as you rape that girl like 5 months ago why here?" "Ugh I'm not sure why I did it that night Yuri-kun. If only the others that were with us had not gotten us both drunk that night. All I want to do now is find that girl apologizes to her. If I did knock her up I'll help her out even after the kid is born. Heck you rape that girl like what around the same time?" Araon ask his friend as he was thinking about. Going out of the house for a nice long walk to clear his head form these thoughts. ((Aaron all ready rape Isabella just to let you know.)) She was taking a long walk to the doctor's office not shock. If she'd get stop by some random guy that would try to steal her purse. Rapes were getting out of control in this city now days. Rain wish to move out of this city just to get away form such bad people. Even form having a gun shot wedding her stomach look big enough for twins. That is what mostly people that knew her kept saying she would have a set of twins. However the father was he sure was lucky to get a girl like Rain. On the other hand Rain dislike people talking about it so much are the idea about a gun shot wedding. Yuki didn't say anything this time and looked at over and saw the girl he raped not him and sigh "look you raped the girl I didn't I raped another girl and I might have got her pregnant, but I don't think she is pregnant, and I need to find the girl I did alright." Yuki got up and one more thing "by the way the girl you raped she is here with her friends good luck." Yuki left him and the club to find the girl. Isabella didn't like the fact that is here again she was scared about she was raped here, but the girl is she is not pregnant not like the other girl with red hair she knew she as to be pregnant. Isabella went to sit down and drinks her drink while her friends were dancing. Rain keeps walking as she stops by a bakery to get some a snack to eat. Heck being pregnant take a lot more energy than a normal teen aged woman. She gets a fresh bake moon cake the city was known for having. Foreigners that moved in to the city long ago some came all the way form Asia just to live here. Her parents moved her form the south even if her father did act like a red neck at times. Araon notice the girl but sits at the opposite end of the bar away form her. He then moves his hand for the bar tender to come over to him." Hey barkeep can you fix me up a soda and no gin in it this time?"he says as the bartender only nods his head to the man. Then walks off to fix the soda up for the man yet knew a lot of people that comes to his bar. If yeah come once before if you ask him to fix yeah a drink he would do it for quickly. Isabella was out of her soda she liked and went down to the bar and said "Barkeep can you give the same soda, but A little gin please." The barkeep nodded and give her the soda with gin in it and Isabella got it and drink it little by little. Yuki went down the street looking for the girl and went to the bakery and looked around for something to take home for his friend and saw the girl and tried not to look at her and will not talk to her. Yuki saw she was pregnant, and he had to know a girl name Isabella, and maybe they know each other as well. Yuki went to her and ask her "Miss I need your help I am looking for my long-lost friend you know Isabella Anderson?" "I'm sorry, but I do not know anyone by that name at all. Please excuse me sir, but I am running a bit late. For an appointment that I have get to goodbye." Rain says to him then walks out of the bakery quickly. She had already paid for her moon cake Rain was known for being on time. For all most everything other than going to school when she still had to. The bar tender gives Aaron his soda he pays for it then starts to drink it. Heck he did not even know the girl at all that he'd rape 5 months ago." I bet Yuki is going to have problems when he finds that girl."he says to him self with a small laugh in his voice. But he would go to jail just to make the girl he rapes feel safe at lest he would admit he's done it to her. Yuki felt bad about not telling Aaron that the girl he raped was Isabella. Yuki sigh of course and wish he could tell him that but couldn't. Yuki left the bakery and got something for him and went home and waited for him to get home. Isabella friends were at the bar and found Isabella there and said "come Isabella it has been 5 months since you got Rape why don't you have fun with us?" Isabella looked at them and sigh "look guys I really don't want to talk about it, I do want to find him but than tell him he was wrong, and I am going to call the cops as well on him." Isabella was talking to her friends near him as well. Aaron gets up form the bar then walk's out to head on home. He needs to think this out but heck hearing the girl say that. At lest he knew he so would go to jail once he talks to her unless. There was something maybe they could work out but so far doubt it big times. After a few hours Rain found out she was in deed going to have a set of twins. The young woman was shock by this big time. Her doctor tolled her the twins were both baby boy's for sure. She was thinking to her self maybe I should try to find the guy that rape me after all? He was the one that did this to me in the first place maybe he. Be happy to find out he is going to be a father? Isabella left her friends to have fun and her life was bad enough because she was raped like 5 months ago, and she was not pregnant at all she walked past Yuri and Aaron place, and she was not far her house at all she lives on her own. Isabella can't even remember what he looked like at all. Yuki saw Isabella, and she was not far from her house and waited for Aaron to get home. Yuki knows that she doesn't remember and the girl he raped doesn't remember as well, and it must be time for them to know who they are. Aaron gets home and sighs out loudly yup he was worried big time." Yuki if I talk to that girl she is going to send the cop's after me!"he says wile walking off to his bedroom to go change in to some normal clothes. Aaron dislike being stuck in the same clothes all day long f they got dirty. Rain was walking home right now she lives a few blocks away form. The guy's yet she lived with her family so she sometimes. Really dislike her father's redneck ways if she were to get married. To the man that rape her she did not want it to be a gun shoot wedding at all. Her mother understood that better than her father dose most of the time. Yuki looked at him and knew something he heard her and knew something about it as well "I don't want to tell you think about she doesn't live far from us, you know that, and I heard saying she doesn't remember what you look like, and she is not pregnant as well and her name is Isabella Anderson." Isabella got home and went to her room and got dressed and was in her black outfit for the night, and she can't remember what happen to her that night she remembers is she got raped, but she is not pregnant, and she doesn't remember that man as well. "Really? The girl you rape lives 2 blocks away form us I know her parents. But if you ever meet her but be careful her Old Man if he finds out you rape her. He'll make you get married to her in a gun shoot wedding." Araon says to Yuki just letting him know he knew the red bells but not their daughter. Rain walks past Yuki and Aaron's house she was taking her time to walk home. She had stop by a local food market store. Her mother called her on her cell phone asking her to get a few things. Of course, she said yes she would get it for her mother since it was needed for dinner tonight. Yuki sigh about his rape but when back to Isabella "look Isabella is here next to us the one you rape her name is Isabella she is not pregnant, and she doesn't remember your face as well." Yuki sigh and put the music up as well for him to be ok with it. Isabella tried to sleep and couldn't sleep with the music loud and went out of her room and knocked on the door that had the music loud "to Turn down your music please people are trying to sleep." Aaron sighs out wile he walks off to the front door he so wanted to smack. Yuki for putting the music on so loudly he did not. Want have to deal with the dang cops are go to jail. He opens's up the door seeing the girl her rape 5 months ago." Sure thing I'll get my buddy to turn the music down. Sorry about that but um can I talk to you for a bit? It won't take long, but I'm sure you'll hate me after we talk."he says to Isabella wondering if she would even believe him. Rain gets out of the store in only 5 minutes time and starts walk. Back to her family's house sighing out she was worried. About being a mother to twin baby boy's that would be her own to take care of. Yet she really wanted talk to her rapist now just to let him know. That he had in deed got her with child for his kids and that she would not. Send him to the cops as long he helps her out raise the baby's. Isabella looked at him and nodded as well waited for him to leave his house and walk with her. Yuki had a bad feeling about it as well. Yuki went to him and shut the door before he left "dude are you sure about this it might be bad what happens if she knows about or worse she loves you that could be bad." (sorry for being short) "Yuki I have to make an amends for what I have done to her. I'm sure about this and heck if she is in love with me. Then that would not be bad heck I have been thinking about settling down someday." Aaron says to his buddy as he flows Isabella. So they could go talk with each other knowing he is mighty get sent off to the big house. A few minutes later Rain gets home walking in to the house handing her mother. The stuff she asks her to get then walks off to her bedroom. To go lay down for a wile before dinner would be ready. Her parents would find out at dinner she was going to have twin baby boy's. In 5 months time form the man that rape her if he did come looking. For her, she would try to make her father stop the idea of a fun shoot wedding which just meant. a old man would hold a gun to the guy's head saying if you don't marry my daughter right now. I'll take you to the police before I let you near my daughter again. Isabella looked at him and said "so is there you want to say something to me sir." Isabella Blushed she thinks he is cute. "And sir you are cute I might be in love with you after all." Isabella smiled and laughed a little bit. Yuki had a bad feeling about it as well and didn't like it what if she doesn't like him, and he might hurt her and take her as well and rape her again. "Yuki if you do that I can't help you. You are worse than me, I wish that as well." "Okay do you recall 5 months ago a guy rape you at the club? I was that man my stupid friends got me drunk badly that night. So I'd had too much alcohol that's why I rape you. I know I'm huge scumbag for it, I would somehow like make it up to you. Heck if you call the cops now I won't run away I'll go with them." Aaron says to Isabella his voice was filled with remorse for what he had done to her. He wishes he had never ever done that to her.((Uh is Yuki talking to him self? Sorry I'm confused by his part of the post.)) When Isabella heard what he said and was mad at first but know this guy didn't like to rape me and sigh about it as well. Isabella looked at him and said "I was mad at you at first I see you are sad about it, so I won't tell the cops about you raping me besides I still have a crush on you anyway." Isabella looked at him and smiled as well. "I have a crush on you as well your so beautiful. By the way my name is Aaron Hill it is nice to meet you." Aaron says to Isabella as he takes one of her hand in to his. Then slowly pull's her hand up a bit planting a kiss on to her hand he really did like her. Rain sighs out feeling the twin baby boy's moving around in her stomach." Ow! I wonder if you boy's will take after your Dad? If I ever meet him I'll try to make sure gram papa dose nothing to hurt him."she says rubbing her stomach slowly a bit. Rain could not recall his face at all are that night 5 months ago. Yet wanted to know why he rapes her for was it because he was drunk? Isabella looked at him and blushed looked at him and felt something about she was falling in love with him, and she wanted to kiss him, but she was scared to. Yuki got bored with his house and didn't know what to do as well and thinks maybe dying Isabella and Aaron could have a normal life together. Yuki left the house and went to Rain house and knew she was the girl she saw her, and she doesn't live from him, he knocked on the door and waited. He pulls Isabella in to a hug kissing her on the lips lovingly. He wanted to get to know her better but not because he rapes her. So many long months ago maybe they would become more than crush's. She gets up form the bed hearing loud knocking on the front door." Coming Father you stay out of this and no dam gun shoot wedding!" Rain yell's as she had notice her father had got his gun all ready in his hands. Yet he is back off after getting yelled at by his only daughter. She sighs out then opens the door slowly." Yes may I help you Sir?" Rain ask him in a clam tone of voice a hand was on her round poking out stomach. "Hello miss I am that guy you met at the bakery it is ok if I talk to you alone and take a walk with me, it is about something you might want to know about I will wait for you alright Miss." Yuki waited outside for her, and she needed to know as well. Isabella felt his lips on hers and was happy as well she smiled, and she rubbed her eyes and fell asleep in his arms she was tired as well. Rain walks off grabs her coat telling her parents she was going out for a walk. She walks outside over to the man she did not know at all." Well I'm ready to go when you are."she still had on the same outfit on as before when they met at the bakery. Araon notice she had fallen a sleep in his arms then sighs out. He was so happy that she was crushing on him. So Aaron looks around the house before finding a bedroom with a bed in it. Putting her down in bed slowly not to wake her up but would. Stay by her side till she wakes up. Isabella went to sleep and was in a deep sleep, and she wishes that her and him can be together forever. Yuki walked with her and said "listen I am take that you don't know me at all, but I am the one that rape you 5 months ago I am the baby father and if your father shots me that is alright with me, but it is the way you want it you can choose." Yuri looked at her and needed to know she will pick for her fate. "Well I'm shock you're the one that rape me. But I will not allow you to get shoot by my father. Yet I would like to ask you something and do you want to know. How many kids you got me knock up with?" Rain ask him as she really still wanted talk to him a bit more. Araon stays by Isabella's side he was sitting down in a chair he found in her bedroom. It had been by a computer desk so he takes it form there over to the bed. He did not want to lay in the same bed with her not to give her any wrong ideas. Isabella woke up and looked around for something or him Isabella got up and looked around for him, and she know her shirt to her night clothes are ripped and didn't know what to do as well. Yuki looked at her and said "Well I do know you are pregnant, and I am really sorry for it and I would like to know as well." Yuki looked at her, and he wanted to know as well. "I am pregnant for twins baby boys, but I would. Really like for you to help me raise the kids maybe even be around for them? In other words I want you to be around for them even when I go in to labor for the boy's." Rain says to Yuki heck she did not even know his name at all. But yet she was falling in love with him even if he did do this too her. Arona had left Isabella's side go back to his house for a bit. So he can get his cell phone, but he did not rip up her shirt. By now he was back a place looking around in the leaving room. Yuki looked at her and smiled as well "alright than I will be there for them, I want to be there for my kids and know what a real father is I am going to tell my friend about it and my name is Yuki and hoping he doesn't go far with her anyway." Isabella looked for him and didn't know what to do about the shirt she took it off and waited for him to come back. (sorry my hands are cold right now) "My name is Rain red bells it is nice to meet you Yuki. But there is one more thing I want to ask you about. But I should warn you if my Father finds out you're the man that rape me. He'll try to force us in a gun shoot wedding to make sure you'll take care of the baby's and me." Rain says to Yuki as she blushes a bit not wanting a gun shoot wedding at all. Yet she was happy to hear he wanted to be there for their kids. Araon walks back to Isabella's bedroom wondering if she was up yet? He was not sure how tried she had been so he did not gnat to wake her up. If she was sleeping right now heck girls need there beauty sleep. Isabella had her shirt off and had to look for something, but she was out. She goes in his room and asks him for a shirt "hey you mind if I borrow a shirt from you?" Yuki smiled at her and was happy as well "I will tell you this that my friend and I did rape each girl I rape you, and he rape the girl that lives next to us, but she likes him, and he likes her and I feel that way to you. Yuki went to her and hugged her and kissed her on the forehead and smiled. And I won't tell your father until he dies that might be better for it anyway." "Maybe we should tell him any way. But maybe we should get married before the babies are born. Besides it would make my parents happy even keep my father form his idea." Rain says to Yuki wile blushing as she kisses him in the lips softly." Sure you can, but I need to walk to my house first. What happens to your shirt you had on?" Araon ask her seeing she had no shirt on. At all he blush seeing her bare chest like this. Isabella looked at him and smiled and hugged tight and said "thank you." Isabella smiled and she loved him as well. Yuki was scared about that and blushed when she kisses him and smiled as well "alright Rain, but I think you need to meet my friend and Isabella as well." "Okay Yuki Ow! The babies are kicking my stomach it hurts." Rain says to Yuki as she cries out in pain the twin baby boy's. Rarely kick at there mother's stomach before up until now. She was not use to carrying baby's in her stomach. Rain's stomach moves around a lot as she puts one of her hands on her stomach." Okay sweetheart I'll be right back in a few minutes." Araon says to Isabella as he gave her a quick kiss on her cheek. Then rush's back to his house to go get her a shirt of his that would fit her. Then walks back to his house go's in to his room looking for a shirt that would fit her well. Isabella waited for him and looked around for something and went into the shower and loved the shower and feels safe in it. Yuki looked at her and smiled "well it looks like the baby's want to know there father and I think you need to meet my friend and is to be his girlfriend." Aaron finds a shirt that would fit Isabella he had outgrew the shirt. It was clean as can be he wash it one to many times so it shrinks. So it did not fit him anymore it had sonic and Amy rose on the shirt. He then walks back to Isabella's house and go's up to her bedroom." Yuki come here and put your hand on my stomach. Maybe that will calm the twins down." Rain says to Yuki as she gave him a quick kiss on the forehead. As she cries out in pain once more do to the twins kicking away at her stomach. Yuki smiled and put his hand on her stomach and felt the kick of the baby's and smiled "just hold on my love alright I will take you to my house, and you can lay on my bed alright." Isabella got the shower and was looking for something, and she had a towel around her body and looking for something in her room. "Okay I just hope I'm not going into early labor. OW OW OW!" Rain cry's out in even more pain feeling the twins kicking like crazy at her stomach. They must have been trying to kick at their Daddy's hand. Araon sighs out as he waits for her in the hallway her did not. Want to walk in on her if she was naked if she was changing. In to some fresh cloths he was still blushing form seeing her naked the first time. Isabella changed into goth clothes after all she is goth and liked the clothes. She put on black pants and a bra on. "You can come in now." Yuki hold her hand, and they walked until they got to his home and put her on his bed and got her some water "I will be right back need to find him and Isabella." Yuri went to find him. Aaron walks in to her bedroom and smiles at Isabella." Here you go Love I got you a shirt like you ask me to. You can keep it if you like it that shirt dose's not fit me anymore."he says to Isabella wile he hands her the shirt it was red. Rain sighs out as she lays down on Yuki's bed she sits up in bed. To drink some of the water then put's it down on the bedside table. By now the twins had stop kicking her stomach so much." Do you boy's like your Daddy's voice? He is going to help me take care of you boys."she says to the twins that were by now trying to fall a sleep. After a fun filled time of kicking at there mother's stomach and feeling there Dad's hand on her stomach. Yuki found him and looked at the girl "you must be Isabella I see, but that is not the point I want you to meet the mother of my children." Isabella looked at him and the guy came in and felt weird about it "wait you rape a girl as well let me see her I would like to meet her." Yuki nodded and took Isabella and his friend to her and said "Dear this is my friend and this is Isabella is soon to be wife or girlfriend." Yuki laughed a little bit. Isabella looked at her and smiled "hello is there I can do for you don't worry you are not alone I was rapped to let me help you." Isabella went to help her for a while she was a girl after all (this is my last post for the night well good night.) "Yuri-kun stop that I have not even asked Isabella out yet on a date." Aaron says to his friend wile blushing a bit once again. He wanted to hit Yuki upside the head hard. Yet Aaron wonder why Yuki said wife first instead of girlfriend first."Oh, Hello it is nice to meet you both Ow! Darn it I tough you boys were a sleep by now. Yuki can you please call 911 I think the twin went out now." Rain says to her lover as she screams out in pain. Heck she did not know how active the baby boys were till now. Isabella looked at her and knew something as well "Yuki call 911 Aaron get me some water and a cloth as well and hurry as well!" Isabella was worried, and she was good at this she took this class in high school. Yuki looked at them and nodded and went to Isabella room and found a phone and called 911 and told him his girlfriend is having the twins please come here. He said, and he was worried after that he saw a little thing in Isabella bathroom, and it looks she did it like a day ago and saw something, and he was in shook. Aaron runs out of the bedroom down go the kitchen to get a blow and some tore up towels. After 5 minutes he walks back in to the room with a blow with towels. For Isabella, he then hands it to her, he was worried about Yuki's girlfriend." It Hurts Yuki!" Rain screams out in pain as she puts both hands on her stomach. Waiting for her lover come back in to the room not sure if the twins were even fully develop yet. Before it would be safe form them come out of her womb were they were in right now. Isabella put the cloth in the water and put on her forehead "please miss breathe in and out alright Yuri will be coming I promise you." Yuki came back and looked at them "they are coming and Isabella I must ask you something are you pregnant?" Isabella looked at Yuri and tried not to say anything and sigh "not now Yuri please worry about it later alright." "My name is Rain and Yuki that is good to hear, but it hurts!"she screams out as her lover trying not to push the baby boy's out. Rain did not know if they could make it out alive at only 4 months old. Yet wonder why Yuki ask Isabel if she was pregnant." I am going to wait down straits for the people to come. So I'll let them in lead them to the bedroom once they get here." Aaron says to the 3 of them then walks out of the bedroom. Walking off go wait by the front door not sure if it was lock are even unlocked this time. Isabella looked at Yuri "Yuri she needs you I will be out of the room if you need me call for me." Isabella left the room and was going to faint. "How did he know I was pregnant I tried not to tell anyone I just found out like 2 weeks ago." Yuri went to his love and holds her hand "please be alright my love." Yuki looked at her, and he is worried about the boy's and her. "Ugh Yuki how long did they say it was going. Take them to get here Love? Just call me Rain okay besides we can always think. Up some nickname's for each other later on." Rain says to Yuki as she squeezes his hand hard wile breathing in and out. Screaming every 5 to 10 minutes loudly enough for the hole house to shake. Yuki looked at her "I really don't know maybe 2 or 3 minutes just hold on a little longer alright Rain." Yuki looked back and fear of Isabella as well. Isabella went down and looked for Aaron and saw him and hugged him tight "Aaron I am pregnant." "Wow really are you sure I'm going to be the father Isabella? If so then that means we got a lot of planing to do. Heck if I move out of my place with Yuki he and Rain can. Keep that place if you let me move in with you, so I can make sure. That you don't hurt your self are the baby." Araon says as he picks up his beloved girlfriend kissing her on the forehead. Rain screams out in pain loudly as she could feel one of the twins. Moving forward to the right way for them to come out in other words head first." Yuki! I feel one of the twins moving now. I don't want to lose are baby boy's!" she yells out in pain looking up at the ceiling to keep her mind. Off of childbirth pain no wonder her mother never had more kids after her. Isabella looked at him and smiled as well "but I am only 2 weeks pregnant Aaron and I need to lay down for a while." Yuki is really getting worried and wish they came already and looked out the window and saw men coming at the first door and said. "They are here Rain don't worry alright you will be alright." Okay Babe go lay down for now okay I need to get the door."he says to Isabella kissing her on the cheek. He would go lay down with her once they get Yuki and Rain out of the house. Aaron then gets the door en leads the men up to the room Rain was in."OW! Yuki the babies are coming!"she screams out at the top of her lungs. The twin baby boy's still had not stop moving yet. Hopefully the doctors would be able to stop the baby's form coming before there time. Isabella went to the other room and went to lay down and tried to sleep and tried to be calm as well. Yuki saw the men and was getting even worried and said "please you guys need to do something." "Please just get me to the hospital my twins are only 4 months. I still got 5more months go before me. Should even be born in to this world to greet my future husband and my self." Rain says then starts to scream out in pain loudly once more. She could not help but scream she is mighty lose there baby boy's before they should even be born. (I really don't know what to say) ((We can just say they take them to the hospital and stop the twin baby boys form coming out. After word, we can do a small are big time skip to a few months later.)) (that is a good idea) ((Okay how big are small of a time skip should we have? We can say it's 3 months later are even 4 months later.)) (I think 4 months later when Isabella is more pregnant and Rain is about to have the baby) ((Okay that will work out and should we have Yuki en Rain's wedding about. To happen in the next few days as well?)) (that was I think that is good you want to start) ((Can you start it off this time I need to cut my pizza up it just finish cooling.)) (ok than)It as been 4 months since Isabella been pregnant and Yuki having boys and one of these days they boys will be born. Isabella as been pregnant for about 4 months Isabella didn't like the idea of Aaron and her were together as in living together but a month ago she told him that Rain and her would be in the same house together until the boys were born and then she would move with him. Yuki and Rain have been together like Isabella with Aaron but Aaron and Yuri had to be roommates until the boys were born and Yuri as a plan, and he will ask Rain a question on there date. Yuki was walking into the living and saw Aaron "Hey Aaron how is Isabella doing?" "She is doing fine last time I check on her, we still. Need to see her doctor this month to see how many babies were having." Araon says to Yuki as he was about to go check on the girls. Rain was laying down in bed rubbing her 8 month old swollen belly. Hey Isabella do you know were the painkillers are at? The one the doctor's tolled us we could have for pain. The boys are kicking again Ow I guess baby boys are more active. " Rain ask her even if they were sharing a house till the twins are born. Isabella looked at her and smiled "I think they are in the bathroom let me check alright. So how is the boys doing and Yuri been as well?" Isabella went into the bathroom to get the painkillers. Yuki looked at him and smiled "you think it is the worst time to ask Rain to marry me after all I think us raping them was a good idea what you think?" Aaron sighs out wile slapping a hand to his own forehead." Man your lucky I did not slap you yet. But to be honest I think rapping them was a bad idea. But are you crazy asking your pregnant girlfriend. How is 8 in half months with your twin baby boy's to marry you now of all times. If you send her in to shock she is mighty go in to labor for your kids." he says to Yuki in half clam, half worried voice for his buddy's idea." The boys are doing fine and as for Yuki he has been acting odd lately. I wonder if he is trying to hide something form me?"she says in happy voice then cry's out in pain form the twins. Sometimes the twins baby boy's would kick at her stomach when they wanted. To feel there dad's hand on their mom's stomach are even wanted to hear his voice. At other times the kick her stomach for something to eat. Yuki looks at him "better than are you going to ask Isabella to marry you?" Yuki looked at him and knew of something else about his love "I am taking Rain to the doctor tomorrow." Isabella got the painkillers and went to Rain and gave her some "here take it. I really don't know what Yuri is doing I just go to see Aaron and Aaron is taking me to the doctors I think this week about what baby he and I are having." Isabella sat down and rubbed her stomach. "Well good luck then Isabella I'm sure you too will have a happy healthy baby." Rain says to her as she picks up her cup of water then drink some it to popping the painkiller in it her mouth." I am going to ask her after we find out what are baby is. once we get home I just hope I got her the right ring size. But why are you taking Rain to the doctor for? Don't tell me you are planing to pop the question at the doctor's office." Araon says not sure if Yuki would try to do such a thing to Rain. "No I am worried about the boys I am worried about them and Rain she has been in pain for months and the doctor said I should bring her back when she is in pain." Yuki looked at him and said "hey it could be funny if you have twins girls." Yuki looked at him and laughed a little bit. "Thanks Rain hey what happens if Yuki ask you to marry you?" Isabella looked at her and felt that he might do that. "Yuki please don't say that in front of Isabella okay. So are you too going on a date tonight?" Aaron ask him ask as he walks off to the kitchen to make something to drink." How know's but if he does I'll say yes to him right away. Besides he is a father to be any time are day now with the boy's. Kicking at my stomach so often I just hope the doctor. does not make me stay in the hospital till they are born." Rain says laying her head down on a pillow once more. Yuki looked at him "well I am going to her house to check on her if she is in a lot of pain or her water broke I am going to take care of her but if you need me call me on my cellphone alright dude later." Yuki left the house and went over the Isabella and Rain place. Isabella looked at her "alright Rain. Isabella heard a knock on the door "I see that is Yuki Rain I need to go alright I am heading for Aaron place I am staying over his house the night we are going to the doctor's tomorrow see you tomorrow alright." Isabella opened the door and let Yuri in, and she left and went to Aaron. Isabella went in his house "Aaron are you here?" Isabella felt a kick "crap I am getting like Rain is." "I'm in the kitchen Babe come on in and can you close the door please?" Araon says to Isabella he's hearing her voice call out his name to him. He was making some fruit sorties for them. ((sorry if they are any misspelled words I'm on a laptop with no spell checker on it.)) Rain sighs out rubbing her stomach slowly still laying down in bed."Oh, Yuki! Love are we going out on a date tonight?" Rain ask her lover yet if he asks her if she had been in pain today. She would let Yuki know that she had been but had taken some painkillers. Isabella listened to his voice and sat down on the chair, and she was not well today "I will be in the living room I need to sit Aaron." "If you want to all I want is to be with I will cook you something Aaron knows I cook good, but he said I should go somewhere to be a good cook, and I am waiting for something else to happen to me." "What are you waiting for what to happen? The twins miss you wile you were not here Yuki. Maybe we should go see a movie tonight just for fun please?" Rain asks Yuki as she sits up in the bed slowly rubbing her swollen stomach. The twin baby boy's start to kick at there mother's stomach once again making her cry out in pain. Araon walks in to the living room after 10 minutes." Are you hungry Isabella? Here I made you a smoothie a strawberry, pineapple and banana one just the way you like it."he says sitting down next to her on the sofa putting the smoothie drink. On the coffee table that was right next to them then starts to sip at his own smoothie. Yuki looked at her and grabbed her hand and hold it "alright dear but when we get back I will cook something for you alright." Yuki looked at her and smiled as well. Isabella looked at him and smiled and took it and took a sip of it, and she was in pain a little bit "I wish I knew what baby we are having I hope it is a girl I really don't want to go through what Rain is going through with the twins." Isabella looked at him and put her head on his shoulder and was happy. "I hope we don't have twins as well Love and do. You want to take out for dinner or do you want me to cook for you?" Araon ask Isabella then bends over kissing her on the forehead. Then puts one of his hands on her stomach then starts to rub." That's fine by me Yuki Love oh and you did not answer my question. Ow clam down boy's your Daddy is right here, we should really think of some names for them soon."she says wile pulling Yuki in to a nice long kiss kissing him on the lips. Heck Rain loved him to death same went for there unborn baby's. Yuki looked at her and smiled "let me think well how about Steven and Chris what you think?" Yuki looked at her and put on his hands on her stomach and rubbed it. Isabella looked at him and smiled "can you cook please I don't feel like moving right now for the baby sake dear." Isabella looked at him and felt a kick it was from the baby. "Nope I don't like them names what about some Japanese ones love? Ow boy's clam down please I already taken some painkillers I can't. Take any more for the next 4 hours so just take a nap please." Rain says to their twin baby boy's that were trying to kick at their daddy's hand." Sure I'll cook what do you want me to cook for you? But take out can come to the house out and fresh."he says to Isabella feeling there unborn baby kicking at his lover's stomach. Aaron could not help but laugh softly wondering if they would have a daughter. Yuki looked at her and thinks of something and said "Maybe Zero and Yuri the II?" Yuki looked at her and that was the only names he knows of he was from Japan, but he moved out of there when he was a little boy. Isabella looked at him and smiled and nodded she needed to lay down and felt like the baby kicking her more and more. "What about Jeremy and Miro? Miro dose mean 2son after all what do you think of them names Yuki?" Rain ask her Lover before crying out in pain loudly. The twin baby boy's. Did not want to take a nap right now they wanted to know they were here."Let's get you to the bedroom for now, and I'll just cook. Something up that I'm sure you'll Babe hopefully the baby is health." Aaron says then picks up Isabella walking off to his bedroom with her. In his arms once they get to the bedroom he lays her down in his bed. After a bit he kisses his lover on the lips. Yuki looked at her and smiled at her "of course they are good names and I think you need more painkillers alright I will get you something alright." Yuki went to the bathroom and got her some and gave it and got her water. "Please my love take it alright." Isabella was happy that Aaron is with her and making them food she was happy maybe she will be a good mother and a wife someday but she as to wait for the baby to come out and marry him someday in the future. Isabella closed her eyes and fell right to sleep and got rest for a while. "Yuki I can't take zany more painkiller for the next 4 hours so put them away. I already had some right before you came over Love." Rain says to Yuki as she pushes the painkiller and glass of water away. "Alright but if it is like this still you will are going to take it again alright, and you need to drink you need to drink my love." Yuki looked at her and smiled and went to sit down and looked at her. "Yuki Love I'm fine I don't need to drink right now. I already had plenty to drink come on let's go out. Besides my due date for the boys are not till in the middle of next month." Rain says as she pouts a bit she really dislikes being babied so much. Yuki looked at her and worried, but he needed to ask her something and his told him not to yet, but he didn't care he loved her. "Rain I need to ask you something?" Yuki looked at her and waited for her to say something. "What is it Yuki Love? You know you can always talk to me about anything." Rain says to him wile she stays in the bed slowly rubbing her swollen stomach. For now the boy's had clam down which she was really thankful for. "Alright Rain" Yuki got down on one knee and took her hand and said "Rain will you marry me?" Yuki got a ring out and show it to her. "Oh My Gosh Yes I'll Marry You Yuki!"she says wile starting to cry as tears start to run down her cheeks. The twins start to kick at their mothers stomach they were excited about this. Yuki smiled at her, and he hugged her not tight he didn't want to hurt her. "I am so happy Rain, but I am worried about Aaron that guy might never marry Isabella I feel sorry for her." Isabella was still laying down and wish for the baby to calm down. "Yuki I'm sure they'll get married to each other when the time is right for them. OW Love I think the twins are really excited about us getting married. But when should we get married? Next month the boy's will be born are maybe even tonight." Rain says as she cries out in pain putting both of her hands on her stomach. Araon was cooking up a nice hot meal for them yet could not find any candles to use. Mighty as well go check up on Isabella now."he was done cooking for now so he turns the stove off. Then walks off to his bedroom to check on his beloved girlfriend. Yuki looked at her and smiled "alright so where you want to go to night?" Yuki looked at her and smiled. Isabella was resting and rubbing her stomach to make the baby calm down. He walks off to his bedroom then knock on the bedroom door." Isabella sweetheart are you a wake? Dinner is ready do you want to eat now are later?" Aaron says wile walking to the room then sits down next to his lover kissing her on the forehead." Yuki I think I'm going in to labor! OW it Hurts!" Rain screams out in pain to her future husband. As she keeps both of her hands on her stomach. Yuki was in shook and took her hand and help her and left the house and went into a car and went on his cellphone and text his friend about Rain is having the baby. After he did that he called the people and tell them that his girlfriend is having the baby. Isabella looked at him and smiled "sure, but you might have to carry me my love." "I don't mind carrying you down straits Babe. Uh? I got a text form Yuki saying Rain is in labor for the twins." he says wile texting Yuki back telling him try not get stop by the cops." Love It Hurts The Twins are Coming!"she says wile breathing in and out trying not to. Give birth in the car wondering if he had called her parents about this yet? Yuki and Rain was there and got to the nurse behind a desk and told her that his girlfriend is having the baby. "Please help us. My girlfriend is having the baby!" Isabella looked at him "maybe we should get there do you have a car?" "OW Yuki the Twins are All Most Here!" Rain scream out loudly not being able to stand up any longer. Her legs collapse under her body as her stomach was moving around like crazy." I'll call for a doctor but first let's get a wheelchair for her."the nurse says to Yuki then gets up form her seat. Getting a wheelchair for Rain as she calls for the doctor that was on call. To come right away a mother to be is in labor right now." I don't get a car Yuki took the car we normally use. I call for a taxi, but I tolled him not to pop the question to her." Araon says as he picks up Isabella and kissing her on the lips. Then carry’s her down straits. "So what if he did I think it is sweet, and maybe she is happy as well you ever think of that." Isabella didn't look at him and though about them being happy. Yuki looked at her and smiled "don't worry my love everything well be alright I promise you." "Of course I thought of that, but she is 8 in months with the twins. I Love you a Lot Isabella Will you Marry Me?" Araon ask his beloved girlfriend as he places her on the couch. Pulling out a red velvet box form his pants pocket opening it up. Inside the box with a heart shape diamond ring the heart was red the band was gold. A doctor and a group of nurse's rush over to By Yuki and Rain. To help the mother to be out how was going in to labor pretty quickly." Hello there I'm Doctor. Miller and this must be the mother to be. Well let's get her into the emergency delivery room. You may come with us sir please flow my nurse's and my self." Doctor. Miller says to Yuki as he starts to push the wheelchair. To the emergency delivery room." Yuki I feel something Round Now!" Rain screams out as it look like her swollen stomach. Was dancing around as the mother to be kicks her legs up in the air. Screaming all the way to the emergency delivery room holding on to her lovers hand. Isabella looked at him and was in shook about it and was crying as well and said to him "yes, yes I will marry you!" Isabella looked at him and she was happy. Yuki looked at her "my love everything will be alright just hold on alright I promise you the pain will go away." Yuki looked at her and smiled. "You have made a happy man just now Isabella by saying yes. I'll call for a taxi now so we can go to the hospital. To check up on them oh en before I forget." Araon says as he takes the ring out of the box slipping it on to Isabella's ring finger. Then pull's his future wife in a long loving kiss. Doctor Miller rush's her in to the emergency delivery room. As soon as they got in there he puts Rain on the delivery table. He smiles as some nurse's help put some gloves on his hands." Okay now Miss. Redbells I need you to give me a big push okay?"he says to the mother to be that was in labor for twin baby boys." Yuki let's get married after all of us are out of the hospital please?" Rain ask her lover as she screams out pushing as she breathe in and out. Trying to help there firstborn son come in to this world. Some nurse's help Yuki get a mask around his face, some gloves on to his hands. As well a hospital coat on a doctor would wear it was green. Yuki got on the stuff on and help her with the baby and said "alright dear I promise we will marry after the boys are born." Yuki looked at her and was worried. Isabella looked at him and blushed, and she was happy she kissed him back and didn't want to stop. Isabella stop kissing him "please hurry we need to get there quickly my love." "Okay Miss. RedBell's the baby is starting to crown just give us one more. Great big push and you'll be done giving birth to your first son." Dr. Miller says to the happy parents noticing. The father to be was worried about which he tough was his lover in labor for there baby's." Yuki I'll be fine I Love You OW!" Rain scream's out really loudly pushing really hard. Till the room was filled with a newborn baby crying its heart out. Now they only had one more baby boy to go after this." Okay Babe."he says to her then walks to the kitchen to make a quick phone call. He calls up a local taxi company that was in the city. Asking them to come pick them up and take them to the hospital. Aaron walks back in to the room with a smile on his face." They'll be here soon a taxi is a few block's away form here Isabella."he then asks her if she her purse are any other things. Yuki looked at her and was worried and knew it was almost over and saw his firstborn son and wanted to help her so badly but could and wish that his friend and his girlfriend to get here. Isabella smiled at him and knew that Rain will be fine "maybe after Rain gives birth I think I should see my father and mother it is a good time for you to meet my parents." Isabella looked at him, and she had to see her parents for 2 years anyway. "Are you really sure about that Isabella? I mean do they even now I will rape you?" Araon ask his girlfriend before he heard the taxi honk it's horn. He then takes her hand so they could get to the taxi and up the hospital. One the nurse's give's Yuki's and Rain's firstborn son a bath. Then walks over to happy parents with the bundled of joy in her arms." Excuse me Sir but would you like to hold your son?"she asks him as the baby boy started to cry in her arms. About a good 10 minutes later Rain start's go back in to labor. For there 2baby boy yet she could hear there firstborn crying." Yuki Love? If we ever have any more kids after the boy's. You better pray I don't hurt you badly cause childbirth F****** Hurt's!"she screams out loudly as her body starts to shake a bit. The reason why her body was shaking was because it is cold. Only wearing her night gown that was seen through. Yuki looked at the nurse and nodded and smiled, and he was holding his firstborn son, and he was happy as well. He remembers that her father might be mad at him still, and he hopes he doesn't kill him. Yuki held his son in his arms and trying to calm him down, and he did and saw his girlfriend in pain and she was. Isabella looked at him and sigh and nodded "yes, and they send me a letter and for some reason they want to meet you and did I tell you my parents are rich." Isabella looked at him, and she doesn't look like a rich girl. "Breath in and out Miss. RedBell's your 2 born is going to be out soon. Hey someone bring me a monitor in here I think this young woman. Mighty have been tolled the worn number of baby's she is having. Her stomach look's too big just to be having twins." Dr. Miller says to a nurse that was free how run's out. Of the emergency delivery room to get a monitor. To check to see if she was pregnant for more than just twins are not." What if I am with child more then just twins. Yuki you better be happy about it. I Love you and are baby's no matter how many we have tonight." Rain says wile trying to clam down yet could feel there 2born coming slowly just taking his time." I just hope your parents will like me and no you did not tell me. That your parents are rich are even talked about them before."he says as they were now in the back of taxi ridding to the hospital. Yuki was worried just not about the baby his girlfriend his future wife and wish he could something about it as well. Yuki just holds the baby boy and rocks him to sleep and tries to calm him down. Isabella looked at him "I think the only reason is mother and father want to see me is because father is very ill, and I try not to let it get to me that is mother told me in the letter." Isabella looked at the window and a tear from her eyes falls on her ring. "If you want to Isabella maybe we should spend. Some time with your parents a lot more and try. To have your Dad involved with are wedding, I'm sure. He would be happy to see you get married before well yeah know." Araon says to her kissing her on the forehead digging out. A cloth handing it to her so she could wipe away her tears. Isabella looked at him and smiled at him as well she hugged him tight and closed her eyes. "Listen my love my father is worried about me half the time so watch about my father and my mother would love you my love." Isabella closed her eyes and listens to him and the car and the music of the car. ((If you want you can play one of the baby boy's.)) Rain scream's out loudly as the doctor. Miller smiles telling her to push. As a nurse finally come back in with a monitor then start's to use. It on the woman that was in labor for the 2 child." Doctor. Miller sir it looks like she was carrying triplets all an along. There is a baby girl in there as well with Miss. Redbell's last baby boy."the nurse says as Rain yell's out in shock loudly crying out in pain." Yuki Did You Hear That Love!"her voice did not sound too happy to find out she would be in more pain. For an other child but was happy about a daughter."Oh, look Isabella we are here at the hospital now. let's go see Yuki and Rain I wonder if she is done yet?"he says wile getting out some money paying the taxi drive. Then help's his beloved future wife out of the taxi after words they head in to the hospital. (like how)Yuki looked at her and smiled "yes I did we have a daughter and a son I am really happy." Yuki was holding the baby boy and didn't know what to now he really needed them here to hold one of the babies so he can help his future wife. Isabella followed him and looked around and needed to sit down and hears screaming "it is Rain she sounds in pain I really don't like it at all I hope she is alright." ((Um like you could do the baby's emotion's such as crying, laughing,sad you know stuff like that.))" Love we have triplets 2 sons and a daughter. OW!"she screams out loudly feeling 2 born sons starting to crown. Doctor miller was telling her to push one big huge push. Then the baby boy would be out the nurse's got some towels ready. So they could bathe the baby boy to get him cleaned up then dry him off."Wow, she's got some strong lungs come on lets. Go sit down over at the emergency labor waiting room. I'm pretty sure they are in their maybe they found out something new?" Araon says to Isabella as they reach the waiting room then lets her sit down in a seat. He sits down next to her rubbing her stomach a bit wondering. How many kids his bride to be would have? Isabella looked at him and sigh and feel that Rain might be in pain "it is weird that they are taking so long maybe Rain is having three children." Isabella looked at him and rubs her stomach and tries to stay calm at the same time. Yuki looked at the baby boy and smiled, and he is happy to have a daughter as well. The baby boy was crying but than she went to smiled at his daddy and laughs as well. "Babe you could be right about Rain having an other baby. But sometimes it takes hours before. A woman is done giving birth to her children I use to study to become a doctor."he says to his lover hearing Rain scream out loudly once more. But he was not shock by anything his parents were doctors. They work at this hospital, yet they work in other parts of the hospital." Okay Miss Red Bell's one more last push and your son will be out. Nurse get the baby's bed ready please. So the father can help out his lover, but we need to get some fresh diapers on the baby's." Dr. Miller says as the nurse walks off get the baby beds then come back in with them."OW I never want to have any more kids after this Yuki!"of course Rain was just saying that right now but how. Knew if she really meant it are not till later on. About 5 10 minutes later the room was filled with an other baby boy's crying his butt off. Yuki looked at her and smiled and saw the baby boy coming out and smiled he had three children, and he looked at his girlfriend and nodded as well "alright my dear we will not have any more children. Yuki looked at his son and his daughter and son as well, and she was happy as well. Isabella looked at him and sigh "I hope she is alright, and I really hope to have children maybe 6 kids with you." Isabella looked at him and smiled about it, she was joking of course, and she wanted him to know she was not joking. ((Um Serenity-Chan the baby girl is not born yet. :sweat:)) (well it sound like it was) ((Well I meant in the post when they found out she is going to have a baby. Girl she would be born after the 2 born baby boy. Sorry for not making it more clearly on my end loss at self.)) (it is alright) ((Thanks hugs, and should we just do a small-time skip maybe? Is not sure what to do now my mind went dual just now.)) (I think you are right on that maybe a few 20 minutes you should) ((Do you mean in 20 minutes? By few 20 minutes sorry, I need some music.)) (as in 20 minutes in the RP) ((sound good enough to me.)) (you want to) ((Sure))20 minutes later Rain was done giving birth to all 3 of their kids right now. She was really tried form childbirth soon they would move. Her to a hospital room as for the 2 babies and there little sister they were getting some test done. Make sure the babies were all healthy, happy and do not have any problems. Araon was playing with his cell phone but would help Isabella with anything. Just by going to get her a drink or something to eat. Yuki looked at his girlfriend and his sons, and he smiles and loved them all his heart and he texts Aaron. -"dude where are you?"- Isabella was a little tired and put her head on his shoulder and falls right to sleep. Aaron hears his cell phone go off laughing softly it must be Yuki. He then texts his buddy back "Where heard at the hospital in the waiting room Isabella. Just fell a sleep oh and by why I pop the question to her she said yes Yahoo!" he sends it to Yuki trying not to laugh his butt off." Yuki? They took the kids to get some testing done on them. You know what maybe we should have a few more kids. After the boy's and do daughter grow up enough." Rain says wile thinking about taking her boyfriends' cell away form him. Yuki looked at her and smiled and saw his cellphone went off and smiled as well "Aaron and Isabella are here, and He asks Isabella to marry her." Yuki said to her and knows that they are getting tested for something. Isabella still sleeps and rubbing her stomach to calm the baby down. Rain sighs out before a doctor walks in to the room telling them both. Which room Rain would be in and that all 3 of the babies were all healthy." She will be in room 305 on the 3rd floor, your babies are sleeping right now. If you wish to go take a peek the nursery window should still be open. We going to move Miss. Redbell's here to her room in the next few minutes. So please come with us first sir afterword's I'll show you to the nursery." Dr. Miller says to Yuki as Rain move's one of hands over her mouth yawing softly." Yuki maybe you should tell Aaron and Isabella what room. We will be in so they can come get some rest. There should be a sofa bed in my room I'm getting sleepy."she could not help but yawn once more trying not to think about too much stuff. other than wanting to say I tolled you it would happen sooner are later. Araon put's his cell phone away for now rubbing Isabella's stomach. Knowing that the baby was moving around in there. Yet babies were active when the mother needs to get some sleep so it was normal.

One on One rp for xserenityxninax & sailor star rainbow.|rating:2.0

Multiversal Mentorship Program - Characters

This is a gathering of character sheets for the Multiverse Mentorship Program RP. This OP will update with face claims and hero identities as they are added to the RP for easy reference!----Threads of Note → IOC Thread → Main RP Thread----Character Name/Face Claim (N/A means just using comic art)/Player Name Richard "Night wing" Grayson - N/A - GilgameshianShade, The Changing Girl - N/A - DhiHarleen "Harley Quinn" Quintet - Margot Robbie - LatinaComicNerdGalArnus FEMA'n/Augustus Freeman IV - Michael JAI White - GannameadeMary Rogers - Riley Reid - DrMcQuarkXavin - N/A - Sasquatch421 Richard "Dick" Grayson(Richard GraysonCodename (if applicable): Nightingale: 23Gender: Male Program: Exceptional Home Earth: Earth Prime (Main DC Rebirth Continuity)Appearance: Richard often dresses casually outside his suit wearing some mixture of jeans, shorts, and shirts. He almost never goes around looking unkempt unless he's coming back from a patrol which, given the way things are on the Moon, he doesn't usually have to do. So maybe if he's caught just outside the Danger Room. Typically, however, just underneath his clothes or otherwise hidden in plain sight are a small suite of gadgets that he keeps on him just in case. His suit was modified by the Hero verse Batman to be made with nanotechnology so that he can essentially switch to his Night wing suit complete with scrim sticks effectively on demand. The most prominent part of his appearance, regardless of his attire, is his smile which he seems to never go without. Personality: Out of all the members of the Bat Family across the multiverse you will never find a more outgoing and easy going person than Richard Grayson. Despite, or perhaps because of, being raised by Bruce Richard decided quickly that he didn't want to be as consumed by vengeance as his mentor. Instead, he focused his energy on being a hero because it was challenging, and it was something that put some good back in the world. Richard prefers to try an inspired and uplift those around him and isn't above doing just about anything to help his fellow heroes out. He cultivated a reputation on his world of being accessible to everyone, and he keeps that here. He's a pretty open book willing to talk and listen to anyone anytime. Powers and/or Skills:-Peak Human Physicals (Strength, Endurance, Agility)-Genius Intellect (Bat-Training)-Natural Born Leader-Master Martial Artist-Incredibly Rich (By proxy)History:Where would he begin? Sure, the story could start when his parents were killed, but that's someone else's story. And if there's one thing Dick Grayson doesn't feel the need to do its be in someone else's shadow. His parents were, indeed, killed which ended with him leaving the circus and being taken into the care of one Bruce Wayne. This began the walk down the path towards the hero he would become. Bruce used his resources to train Grayson in the same kind of way that he had been trained himself and the result was the birth of the Robin persona. As Robin, he would patrol the streets from a young age and contend with all manner of criminals and villains. Quickly Batman discovered that his protégé took to the art of crime fighting with a certain panache. He was a natural, but he was different even if Dick hadn't acknowledged it himself just yet. It was this relationship that provided the foundation for all that Night wing would later become. His skills, his determination, and his eventual connections all began here. While some would argue that he was too young to be doing what he was doing there was nowhere he would rather be. Until there was one place he'd rather be. The Teen Titans, or just Titans, were a group of so-called sidekicks who were put together by their mentors to learn what being a team was about. Not all of them took to it right away, but it didn't take long for the Boy Wonder to galvanize the team into an actual group. Not just a group but the Titans became a family that long outlived their tower or their official team status. His first romance, at least as an adult, was in this group as well with the alien princess Korean'r though, eventually, both agreed that they probably just weren't right for each other after a couple world ending threats interrupted their wedding and a few dates at minimum. Bludhaven became his home when he left Batman's care to become his own man. Grayson never wanted to be Batman because being Batman was giving up any hope of a normal life. And, with the Titans, he'd come to crave and cherish some of the normal pieces of life like a family which he wasn't sure Bruce could really have with his focus on his crusade against crime. So he put on the mantle fully and became a cop by day and hero by night. Strange combination, perhaps, but he spent the time well. It was here that he really focused on developing his own style and his own way even Moreno than when he had been the leader of the Titans. It was also here that he earned the respect of the heroes of Earth and even beyond. If there was ever a single man that almost every hero could trust it was Richard Grayson. Life got complicated with a series of relationships that were all over the map, a faked death to take down a spy organization, dealing with members of the Court of Owls, that time he took over as Batman for a while after Bruce was stuck in the past, and any number of other threats. It took more than a few crises for Night wing to slow down if he ever really did. No matter what threat arose he was always going to prove to be the best of the best and never back down. Even being shot in the head didn't keep him away for long since he eventually managed to gain all of his memories, skills, and suits back. While it could be argued he was already rather fully tempered and trained there was still a reason for him to be approached by the Mentorship Program. The Hero verse Batman approached him personally with Natasha Romanov as well. Explaining the Program as straightforward as he could, knowing that even this Grayson would know how to read him well enough to tell if he was lying, and explained that he wanted him to come not just to be trained but also to act as a sort of example for the others. Grayson was a natural-born leader and Hero Bruce's own Grayson had decided to live a quiet married life with his childhood sweetheart Barbara Gordon. The Multiverse Mentoring Program needed a Night wing, and he'd been chosen for the job. Never one to shy away from a new experience he agreed to come onboard. And, as Hero verse's Batman suspected, he was also scouting it out for his Batman. Never could be too careful after all. (the Changing Girl Age:18Gender:Female Program:Multitalented (Alien/Mystical)Appearance:Slender but with a powerful core, Shade has a swimmer's physique which lends itself to her dramatic ballet flow of movement. Pink eyes watch through the most fabulous of glasses, taking in the spectacle of the world with a smile framed by licks of shoulder-cropped icy blonde hair. Under that shimmering, shifting, color-changing coat of eyes she wears her school uniform, pleated skirt and button-down shirt with a sweater bearing a third eye, knee-high socks and Mary Jane's. Personality:Shade is a poet at heart who bucks societal norms and casually probes the boundaries of good manners, personal space, civil behavior and human sexuality. Her powers of madness leave her prone to rifts of deep melancholy and relations of angelic ecstasy, but in between she is supremely lucid on the human condition, genuinely interested in the feelings of those around her, and a young woman with boundless heart who hates to see others suffer. Powers and/or Skills:Astral Projection. Through meditation, Shade can cause her spirit to leave her body, and even swap bodies with another person. Her meditation is still crude, however, and the distance she can travel from her body is limited. Madness Vest. Shade is able to perceive mental and spiritual maladies, and interact with them on the astral plane. At the height of her power, she's able to alter reality to manifest delirium, a process damaging to her psyche. Life With Honey. Shade's own delirium manifests as obsession with the sitcom Life With Honey, allowing her to impose idyllic 1950s sitcom idiosyncrasies on the world around her. Birdsound. Shade is able to perfectly mimic the call of any bird.(was born 70 light years from Earth, a member of the birdlike Avian species of the Meta-Zone. Because members of her species are deemed unfit parents by the authoritarian Meta-Zone, Coma was raised through a foster care system and ultimately escaped to the street for a life of drug use, theft, and interspecies sex. She sought to follow in the adventurous footsteps of her hero, RAC Shade, the original Changing Man. Coma stole the M-Vest of RAC Shade from a Meta-Zone museum and used the power of madness to transport her spirit to Earth, a place she'd seen in broadcasts of the 1950s sitcom Life With Honey. There she inhabited the body of a brain-dead comatose teen, Megan Boyer. As Shade, she navigated the perilous world of high school, mending the damage caused by Megan, battling maladies, taking a star-studded road trip to Hollywood to visit the aging starlet of Life With Honey, and thwarting repeated attempts at invasion by Meta-Zone authorities and dark supernatural forces. Ultimately, Shade let Megan's body die, and created one of her own, though Megan's evil spirit continues to haunt her. Now without any Earth citizenship, Shade has agreed to join the Program for an education better suited to the specific needs of a girl Not Of This World. In the process she learns to better harness her madness powers, that she might help protect Earth as Shade, the Changing Woman.(Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide(Click to Show/Hide(Click to Show/Hide(Doctor Arleen Frances QuinzelCodename (if applicable): Harley Quinn, Clown Princess of Gotham, Aliases:Dr. Holly Chanced. Jessica Seaborne HarkwinHolly Quinn Harriet Shankar GG HarlinKevlar Vest Girl Harley Poor. QuinzelMiss WisekedjakEntourage Fiona Harley HackemupHammer HarleenHarlequinThe Queen Psycho Bitch The Clown's Girl Clown Princess of Crime Age: Varies by Source Gender:Female Appearance:Height: 5'11"Weight: 170 lbs Eyes: Blue Hair: Bleached blonde Personality:Harley Quinn is eccentric and extravagant, and usually commits crimes with a sadistic glee and hyperactive energy. In most incarnations, she is loyal to the Joker regardless of how cruelly he treats her. Despite being a psychiatrist, Harley is often portrayed as rather dimwitted socially and logically, as she tends to fail to notice obvious problems or overthinks minor issues. Even though she keeps an enthusiastic and crazed demeanor, deep down she is secretly tormented and tragic. Occasionally, she will have enough of the Joker and being evil and will try to fight on the side of good, such as when the world or someone she truly cares about is at stake. Even when she is on the evil side, she does have a sense of honor. For example, in the Injustice comic series, she refuses to fight Black Canary when she finds out she is pregnant. Harley also has her limits, and can be pushed too far, even by the Joker, causing her to leave and eventually team up and form a new romance with Poison Ivy. Prime Universe Harley is still under the Joker's control and is often abused and berated by him. Regime Harley on the other hand grieves for Joker after he is killed by Superman, even thinking of him as a martyr, but moves on and sides with Batman and the Insurgency. She doesn't believe that Prime Universe Joker is her "Mister J" until he defeats her in combat and the intimacy they once shared is shown by how well Harley knows his body language. She recognizes him through the way he moves and pummels her. Harley also loses her signature accent before reuniting with the Joker in Injustice: Gods Among Us, though in Injustice 2, she uses her accent even though she is loyal to Batman. Harley finds the strength to become her own person after Joker finally pushes her to the limit by threatening to kill her in front of Lex Luthor. Unsure of whether to kill him or kiss him, Harley eventually decides to do neither and shoves him aside, breaking Joker's control over her and ending their relationship for good. Even when Scarecrow uses his fear gas on her and causes her to hallucinate Joker, Harley rejects him again, unwilling to return to the person she once was. Outside her relationship with Joker, Harley proves to be a loyal ally to Batman. She is energetic and fun-loving, often cracking jokes and showing concern and affection for her friends, including Super girl and, despite them being on opposite sides, Poison Ivy. Despite sometimes getting the urge to "bash some heads", Harley's loyalty to Batman is shown not only by her refusal to kill him in her Joker hallucination, but also by how she refuses to allow Wonder Woman to kill Cheetah due to Barman's "No killing" rule. Harley casually acknowledges how hypocritical this is as she has "bucket's full" of blood on her own hands but points out that she has been "trying too hard to impress the wrong guy". Harley's bravery results in her getting stabbed by Wonder Woman and although Super girl tries to save her, she disappears for the rest of the game, leaving her fate uncertain. Harley is also masochistic, urging Cyborg to shock her again with his defibrillator and claiming that the pain Super girl would cause by closing her stab wound with her heat vision would be "even better". Powers and/or Skills:Agility Escape ArtistGadgetsHealingIntellectLeadershipMarksmanshipStaminaStealthSuper StrengthSwordsmanshipTrackingUnarmed Combat Weapon Master History:Main (Gods Among Us)Arleen Quintet was once an innocent girl that, upon graduating from Gotham University, she became infatuated with the criminals inhabiting Arkham Asylum. When she worked there as an intern, she was chosen to be the therapist for The Joker, where she was unwillingly manipulated into working beside him. Arleen helped escape from Arkham, thus dressing up as a harlequin simply named Harley Quinn. However, as Harley would fall into a relationship with Joker, it became unrequited, as the latter had a rather warped understanding of love, and sometimes even manipulated her further to keep her in the game, essentially using her as a sort of whipping toy. Harley soon caught on and abandoned him, joining the elite Suicide Squad instead. Insurgency (Gods Among Us)After the Joker’s murder by Superman, Harley started the Joker Clan, who worship him as a martyr. She and the Joker clan carried out acts that distracted and annoyed the One Earth regime, earning the trust of the Insurgency. Injustice 2Since the fall of the Regime, Harley Quinn has found little solace in the incarceration of Superman. Still feeling a tremendous void left by Joker's death, Harley remains an unstable and uneasy ally. Resolute in her conviction, she refuses to let fugitives, assassins, or even criminals she once called friends stand in the way of her exacting revenge upon the man who silenced The Joker’s laugh. Injustice: Gods Among Us Prime Reality Harley Quinn first appears alongside the Joker, helping prepare the nuke given to him by Lex Luthor with which he would destroy Metropolis. As they take the bomb off standby, Batman appears before them, teleported from the Watchtower. The Joker orders Harley to wait in their van, slapping her in the face to silence her when she protests. Insurgency Harley Quinn, now going by her real name Arleen, later confronts the Joker in Gotham City, believing him to be an impostor, as 'her' Joker was killed by Superman after destroying Metropolis. After a fight between the two, Arleen realizes from the Joker's fighting style that he is the real Joker and is overjoyed to see him. Harleen takes the Joker to the abandoned Arkham Asylum, hideout of the Joker Clan, a criminal force assembled in the Joker's memory. The Joker is quick to assume control of the Clan, using one of the durability enhancing pills given by Superman to his flunkies on himself. Shortly after this, Regime soldiers lead by Hawk girl and Night wing break into the hideout and attack the Clan. As the Joker fights off Hawk girl and Night wing, Arleen sends an S.O.S. to Insurgency Batman via a communication device given to her by the Insurgency. The Insurgency forces soon arrive and drive back the Regime. Batman orders Arleen and her men to lie low for the time being and takes the Joker into custody, believing him to be too dangerous to be let loose. When the Insurgency begins their bid to save the displaced Batman from being executed, Arleen receives orders from the Insurgency Batman to have the Joker Clan occupy as much law-enforcement as they can while they infiltrate Stryker's Island. Arleen complies, but goes against Insurgency Batman's orders and releases the Joker from his cell, although fears that Batman may be angry with her for doing it. Harleen and the Joker hijack a Regime vehicle and confront the Insurgency Lex Luthor in Metropolis as he heads to aid the Insurgency against the Regime. The Joker orders Arleen to take down Author and take his suit, but she ultimately fails. Fed up with Arleen and her incompetence, the Joker fires her and tries to kill her, cruelly stating that her death is a wonderful "severance package". However, Author intervenes and takes down the Joker in a fight. Enraged by his betrayal, Arleen prepares to kill the Joker with his own knife, but is ultimately convinced by Author to let him go, saying she's outgrown him. Returning the favor, Arleen shortly afterward told the Joker Clan to stand down, citing that Author's their ally, also citing that Joker turned out not to be acting in their interests after all. She then informed Author that she will make sure Joker is still imprisoned and won't let him trick her again. In the epilogue, Arleen is shown escorting the Joker at gunpoint to the portal back to his dimension. Injustice 2Harley is now a member-in-training of the Justice League. Batman and some others are training her in using her former villainous abilities and weapons to help people on the side of good. In addition to going out on the battlefield to fight, she is also put in charge of monitoring the data that Brother Eye collected. She also prefers by this time to be addressed by her real name, Arleen, though Batman uses her old moniker during the recon meeting. When Green Arrow and Black Canary arrive in the Bat cave with Bruce Wayne, she is operating Brother Eye, but takes a moment to say hi to them when they arrive. Bruce then gets Harley to explain the current situation of how Gorilla Rodd and the Society plan to have Scarecrow ship fear gas from Slaughter Swamp to Rodd, and that he wants the three of them to stop them before the gas reaches Rodd. As the three begin to leave for the mission, Oliver ask Bruce if he really trusts Harley, and he explains that she is now mostly a different person since Joker died. When the trio arrive at Slaughter Swamp, they secretly observe several of Scarecrow's henchmen helping Headshot load his fear gas onto speed boats and talking about an invasion happening the next day. However, the group is ambushed by Poison Ivy and wrapped in her vines. At first Harley thinks that she is here to help them take down "the punks", but is shocked and heartbroken to discover that she is actually working with Scarecrow and Rodd rather than using her abilities for the side of good like she is. She is quickly able to escape from the vines using the knife she brought with her from the Bat cave, then gives it to Black Canary who uses it to free herself and Green Arrow. While Green Arrow and Black Canary fight Scarecrow, Harley tries to reason with Ivy, saying that they could team up again and drive all the boys crazy like the old days, but Ivy coldly refuses this. After Harley finishes fighting Ivy, she goes to check on Green Arrow and Black Canary who have been exposed to Scarecrow's fear gas. Scarecrow then sprays Harley with his fear gas, but she easily blows it off saying she used to "huff this stuff for kicks". However, Scarecrow sprays her with a new and even bigger amount of gas and forced to fight him. After Scarecrow is defeated, the gas begins to take its toll on Harley, and he throws another fear gas bomb at her. Harley then falls asleep and begins dreaming of seeing the Joker and being at their old Amusement Park hideout. The Joker then tries to manipulate her into becoming her old self again (complete with the fear gas transforming Harley's outfit into her old "jester" costume), calling her "darling" and congratulating her on becoming a hero before compelling her to kill Batman. However, Harley pulls herself together and refuses to kill Batman, telling Joker that she is done being abused and controlled by him, and that while they were in love once upon a time their relationship is now over. After Joker is defeated, the effects of the gas wear off and Harley comes back to the real world, waking up from the bad dream. As she races to catch up with Black Canary and Green Arrow, Scarecrow and the others are escaping on their speed boats. After Green Arrow takes out some of the boats, Swamp Thing emerges from behind them. Although Harley tries to reason with him, saying that they are the good guys, Swamp thing doesn't listen to her and attacks them. After he is defeated, Harley tells him that it's Scarecrow and his goons who are treating the swamp, and they came to stop him. Once Swamp Thing realizes that she is telling the truth, he helps defeat the remaining goons and protects them from Scarecrow. Harley then thanks him for his help and offers him a spot on the team, which he respectfully declines. The trio eventually make their way to Gorilla City. Once the arrival they observe Rodd and his society talking to his guerilla army. Black Canary orders Harley to keep the jet harm and be ready to bail them out. However, she is captured by Rodd and his guerilla army. As she is being escorted away by Catwoman and some gorilla troops, she attacks them and rescues Harley. Together they defeat the gorillas and escape back to Gotham. Afterward, during the meeting between Batman and Superman's teams, Batman explains that Harley and Catwoman will assist Cyborg in restoring Brother Eye. Later, at Arkham Asylum, Ivy places Harley under her spell with her hypnotic toxins when she ambushes them, calling her "my sweet Harley". Catwoman and Cyborg fight Harley two against one, waking her up from Ivy's control. However, she begins to go into shock and is revived by Cyborg with his defibrillator after their fight with Poison Ivy. Once they get to entrance of the Bat cave, Catwoman orders Harley to guard the door and makes sure no one follows them in. Eventually she makes her way to Metropolis where Wonder Woman is about to kill Cheetah. After checking on Super girl to make sure she's OK, she turns her attention to Diana. She shoots Diana's sword out of her hand and states her intent, citing Batman's "no killing" rule and comparing Superman to Joker. Enraged, Diana stabs Harley. Super girl quickly knocks Diana away and rushes to Harley's aid. She then uses her heat vision to close the wound. After she defeats Wonder Woman, she then carries Harley away to safety. She is not seen again through the rest of the game, but it's believed that she was too weak to continue the fight against Brainier and is elsewhere recovering from her injury. After Recovering and the Iranian invasion was thwarted, Harley was delivered an unaddressed envelope at her carnival hideout, She was being summoned, And After the recent events and cutting ties with the Joker Harley was trying to stay busy so She would RSVP the invitation from The Bat, She has got to remind herself "Do not push the big red button in the bat cave marked "Do not push" To avoid another bat cave banning! Status:Identity: Public Identity Occupation: Psychiatrist Citizenship: American Place of Birth: United States Marital Status: Single Known Relatives: Nick Quintet (father), Sharon Quintet (mother), Barry Quintet (brother), Jenny Quintet (niece), Nicky Quintet (nephew) (( Basics Legal Name:Augustus Freeman IV / Real Name: Arius FEMA’age:22Gender:Male Nationality: Termini, US Citizen – Atlanta, GA Occupation:Law student Physical Description Height:6'2"Weight:250 lbs. (114 kg)Face Claim:Michael JAI White Physical Features:Augustus is a physically fit rather handsome black man. He can be charming when he is not cheating you out of your money. He generally wears suits and ties. Furthermore, he is in pretty good shape. Furthermore, he wears glasses to make his eyes appear solid brown even though they are brown/green. Furthermore, he hasn’t decided on going bald yet, but he did back in his past and he liked the look as well. But those are just memories. General Appearance:Dark skinned male muscular, but he covers it mostly as he is a law student, but wears well-made tailored suits. He is relaxed in pants and polo shirts. Rarely in sweats if ever, unless exercising, and then he will not been in a shirt. He wears glasses to try to hide his face. He slouches to not appear as tall as Icon. In his mask his eyes appear white; naturally they are brown-green. Icon wears a costume composed of alien materials that grant him further protection from projectile weaponry, energy beams, and intense heat or cold. On his command, the Info Tool aboard his starship uses its Maker to construct Icon's costume over his civilian clothing. When no longer needed, the costume is disassembled, converted back to energy, and stored in the structural files of his ship's Info Tool. Personality and History Personality Icon is portrayed as a very intelligent, somewhat stiff kind of person. Due to his parents living as upper-class as a law student and "proper" way of speaking, he is often criticized as being a "sell out" or "whitewashed". Augustus is the son of Icon / Power Girl. He decided to take his father’s name since he wasn’t using it. BiographySummary:Current:In the present, Arius is connected to his pod that give him access to his father’s past, information, memories at times he feels like he has actually relived it. He is aware of the source, but instead of following in is father’s footsteps he desires to be his own man this time. And yet it is hard to out live the shadow of his more famous parents. The original Icon and Power Girl which was an odd pair for him given his father’s more staunch reputation. But there is no telling whom you fall in love with. It wasn’t easy seeing them together at some of his more, color focused galas and business getaways. But they were a happy power couple, happy enough to have him and happy enough to remain together till he had his own life. He has been super powered his entire life, but the solar alterations within him made it hard to keep his powers in check, he can go from lifting a dump truck to moving an ocean liner. He is working on fine control for most of his powers, he has been learning control for some time, some of his abilities he has down others require almost constant focus to keep them from getting away from him. It was no surprise that they remain together still and yet most of their fighting had to do with him and how to best train him. She was a bit more aggressive of the two surprisingly and his father was more pacifist and diplomatic. He on the other hand followed his mother’s was of doing things as sometimes you could talk too much. So he trains constantly it seems, if he is not in his ship simulator he's moving around naked/mostly naked on a beach somewhere absorbing energy, while practicing with some weapon. He realizes he is quite powerful, but not sure to what extent. Gus’s biggest issue is how to mesh his DNA into a consistent whole, the war on the outside of his body between his loving parent was no different from the war on the inside. It was that his physiology should have been adaptive…maybe too much so as he was having to adjust in the fluctuation of his abilities having them grow and shrink from time to time. He was fighting the pull it together when his Uncle showed up…or what looked like his Uncle. He was very surprised when Superman himself approached him and hell…who turns down Superman, who on his own world is his Uncle of sorts so here he is trying to truly learn to be…a hero. This one may not know him as family, but this Clark recognised him as his own blood. He didn’t believe whom he was talking to, but he did get the gist of what he was being asked to do. So now he is and has the chance to do more and better than the both of his parents combined, not just changing or protecting his own earth but that of the Multiverse itself. Superpowers camp; Equipment Power Name:Terminal Physiology: After having his DNA altered by his life-pod, all Icon's powers and abilities were maximized, making him very similar in power to a Kryptonite under a yellow sun. Icon's life pod altered his DNA so he would resemble a normal human being, thus enabling him to blend among Earth's natives.[1]A side effect of this process was the maximization of his now human/alien genetic structure. Thus, Icon possesses a variety of superhuman abilities that are unusual even for a Terminal Positron Energy Absorption: As a Terminal, his cells function like a super battery, hyper-metabolizing positron energy as fuel to enable living functions and all of superhuman abilities. Different effects on Icon's physiology and well-being, but his cells constantly absorb positron energy. His body expends absorbed positron energy, and he is capable of utilizing any of them. Superhuman Strength: The exact limits of Icon's strength is unknown. Different periods and intensities of exposure to Earth's positron radiation can cause his strength to fluctuate over time. Superhuman Speed: He is capable of moving, reacting, running and flying at superhuman speeds. While not as fast as the Superman, Icon can still fly at speeds faster than light. He can use this power to disarm opponents, catch bullets or shrapnel and cross vast distances in seconds. This also confers:Superhuman Agility Icon can move from place to place in the blink of an eye. His agility, balance, and bodily coordination are far beyond the natural physical limits and capabilities of the finest human specimen. Superhuman Reflexes Icon possesses the ability to think, move, and react at superhuman speed. Superhuman Stamina: Arius is shown to have unlimited stamina. Icon's body also generates fatigue poisons at an incredibly slow rate, granting him superhuman stamina in all physical activities. Flight: Icon flies by manipulation of gravitons, manipulation of magnetic fields, control of his absolute molecular movement, and utilizing his superhuman speed. His top speed has not yet been determined. Icon is capable of flying at supersonic speeds in a planetary atmosphere and at faster-than-light speeds while in space. Positron Manipulation: Icon can create, shape and manipulate Positrons. Positrons are the antiparticle or the antimatter counterpart of electrons. The subatomic particles have the same mass as an electron and a numerically equal but positive charge. When a low-energy positron collides with a low-energy electron, annihilation occurs, resulting in the production of two or more gamma ray photons. Positrons are involved in many of the physical phenomena that involve electrons such as electricity, magnetism, and thermal conductivity. Positrons also participate in gravitational, positron and weak interactions. It is unknown just how powerful Icons' positron energy is, as it has never been used to its maximum potential:Concussion Force Beams: Icon can release positron energy from his hands as bolts of concussive force. A low power force bolt can flick on a light switch, but at maximum power the amount of damage is unknown. Stun Bolts: Icon can project low-energy positron bolts that render human beings unconscious by disrupting the electrical impulses in their nervous systems. Energy Enhanced Punches: Icon can focus positron energy into his fists, which he can then use to shatter almost any substance, and increase his strength. Energy Pulse: Icon can produce a surge of positron energy (from his hands or entire body), which can disrupt technical technology. Energy Constructs: Icon can create constructs out of Positron energy. Omnidirectional Energy Waves: Icon can release all of his body's positron energy as massive positron waves in every direction, causing devastating damage. Positron Field: Icon can detect the presence of Bang Babies within his vicinity by flooding an area with a field of positrons. The field interacts with the invisible quantum well surrounding a Bang Baby, who then glows as he or she gives off mild gamma particles. Icon can use these fields to distinguish Bang Babies from other meta humans as well as normal humans. Force Field: Icon can use positrons to create quasi-solid energy fields to entrap opponents. The force fields become more powerful, by absorbing kinetic energy. Invulnerability: Icon seems to be invulnerable camp; extremely durable, able to withstand bullets, temperature and pressure extremes, and powerful energy blasts without injury. He can even survive in the vacuum of space. Icon's invulnerability has not been portrayed consistently. If he is not expecting an attack, he can be easily injured. Decelerated Aging/Immortality:: Icon possesses extraordinary longevity enabling him to age at a vastly slower rate than that of normal human beings. Though centuries old, Icon appears to be a man possessing peak health in the prime of his life; Icon's lifespan is usual for a Terminal, and is the only power that is not the result of his genetic mutation. The maximization of his DNA gave Icon immortality, which he hides from the public by continuously taking on the identity of his son over the years. Self-Sustenance: Icon can survive in harsh environments without air, food or water, and his bodily evacuations aren't needed. He's also able to survive unaided in space. Superhuman Senses: All of Icon's senses are heightened to superhuman levels. Superhuman Hearing: Icon has the ability to perceive sounds of varying volume or pitch beyond the scope of normal human capability. Certain characters with this ability can develop enough control to block out ambient sounds to focus on a specific source or frequency. As such, they can identify a person by their heartbeat, or pick out a single voice in an entire city. Super Smell: the ability to identify scents with greater precision than the average human being. This ability is particularly useful for tracking prey, perceiving the invisible, or navigating in an unfamiliar environment. Super Vision: Icon also possesses a superior sensory arrangement of visual capabilities: Microscopic, Telescopic, Ultraviolet, Night. Enhanced Mental Perception:: Icon possesses a Genius level intellect, and is highly resistant to all forms of mind control and probing. He can sense and comprehend things on levels that exceed human capabilities. Accelerated Healing: Despite his nigh invulnerability, it is possible to injure Icon. If injured, Icon's body is can immediately regenerate and recover from minor/fatal injuries. His body is capable of regenerating and replacing lost limbs, organs, and muscles instantaneously. Thermal Vision: The ability to see through the heat tracks left by a living being or object. Equipment Name: Armor: Icon wears armor composed of highly advanced alien technology. The armor grants him further protection from projectile weaponry, energy beams, intense heat/cold, and tremendous impact forces. On his command, the Info Tool aboard his starship can instantly construct his costume over his civilian clothing. When no longer needed, the costume is disassembled, converted back to energy, and stored in the structural files of the Info Tool. Info Tool: The Info Tool is a computerized database of virtually everything known within the Cooperative. It even contains very detailed files on the cultures, languages, history and technology of Sol III (Earth) thanks to Icon's accounts of his life on the planet. The Info Tool acquires new information from written documents, verbal accounts, and visual data inputs. The database can even scan an item (organic or inorganic) and store its molecular structure within files called "software." Apart from storing and retrieving data, the local access to the Info Tool can also link to and control any computer-operated device or system. Because of all the data it has accumulated over the millennium, the Info Tool is truly self-aware and even has a personality of sorts. The Info Tool relies on verbal inputs to receive commands to perform certain functions. In terms of information retrieval, the Tool can respond either verbally or by displaying its findings via holographic images aboard the starship. The Info Tool remains in contact with Icon via a communicator hidden in his costume (the mask). While in this Sullivan clothes the Info Tool communicates with Icon, via a specially designed watch by the Info Tool. The Maker: The Maker is a molecular factory that can construct any physical item, molecule by molecule, from structural data files stored within the Info Tool. These data files are called "software" while the objects created by the Maker are known as "hardware." The Maker operates by tapping the vast energies of the reactor form Icon's Starship and converting them into matter used for the construction of hardware. The Maker can create any item, terrestrial or extraterrestrial, in a matter of seconds as long as its structure is on file within the Info Tool. These include medicines, machinery (e.g., vehicles), clothing, and even food. The Maker can repair or modify constructed hardware by altering its molecular structure according to the whims of its user. The Maker can also rearrange the molecular structure of items it did not create in order to change their appearance or function. To do so, the Info Tool must first scan the structure of the object to be modified. For example, Icon employed the Maker to build the starship garage beneath his mansion's swimming pool. Icon's starship has numerous projectors through which the Maker can construct hardware within the vessel. To build an item outside the vessel, the Maker relies on a special probe mounted on the underside of the starship. It is the probe that facilitates the Maker repairing or remodeling Icon's possessions over great distances. . WeaknessesVulnerability to Magic: Icon’s abilities generally function on a particular energy level, magical energies, falls into this range whose chaotic nature makes him less resistant to his form of energies. Icon's vulnerability to magic varies depending upon the effects. No magic seems to be able to directly destroy him unless it comes from a semi-divine or divine source. He can be injured and worn down by magical entities. Magic can have powerful and unpredictable effects on Icon and his magical enemies have often proven to be the very dangerous to him. Energy Absorption: Because his abilities are based on energy absorption Icon does have to spend time outside actually absorbing energy one full hour in the atmosphere or in his ship’s energy chamber. If he does not than his power levels are greatly diminished. He can spend less time but must be naked. Vulnerability to Mental Attack: Icon is generally resistant to Mind probe and control, but direct mental attacks have been able to cause him great damage and or distract him for a time. Other Expert Combatant: Due to having superpowers all his life and constantly engaging in battle with various danger room foes, Icon has over time become an excellent hand-to-hand fighter utilizing a fighting style that directly complements his superpowers. Icon's combat versatility allows him to adapt to any foe and beat them. So far, not a lot of practical application. Lawyer: Augustus is studying law so he can learn to work within it and circumvent it as well. He will usually try to talk his way out of a fight, or charm his way first. (He is not trying to be like his father at all!) Hand-to-Hand Combatant (Advanced) : Augustus is well-trained in unarmed and armed combat. Some opponents underestimate his fighting abilities, because of his initial attempts of diplomacy. Multilingual: Augustus is fluent in English, most Terran languages and Galactic Standard, the native language of The Cooperative. Bio -physiology: Augustus is well versed in human physiology and anatomy, he has learned to apply this in manual manipulation techniques in order to cause both pleasure and pain [/list] (Click to Show/Hide(Mary Rogers; USMC (United States Mystic Corps)Codename:American Marvel Age:23Gender:Female Program:Mystics Appearance:5’4” tall, 105 lbs. Brown hair and brown eyes. Freckles. Faceclaim:Riley Reid Personality:Perky, bubbly, honest and optimistic Mary is also determined and brave. She will defend, to the death if need be, the ideals of freedom and the American dream. She is also kind and considerate, sometimes to the point of being naive and perhaps too trusting. This has earned her a reputation as a “Girl Scout”. Powers and/or Skills:When Mary Calls upon the name of the goddess Shazam, she is imbued with the following abilities:Super strengthFlightInvulnerabilityHyperspeedLightning manipulation Weapon: Starlight Shield (Mystically forged for the goddess Shazam. It is indestructible and can be thrown as a ranged weapon always returning to the wielder’s hand.) The goddesses and their abilities given to Mary when she transforms are’S - Shakti (Resilience)H - Hecate (Power)A - Arabia (Wisdom)Z - Elena (Hope)A - Artemis (Swiftness)M - Maze (Compassion)In addition, Mary was trained in hand-to-hand combat techniques as well as military strategy and tactics. Her training as a mystic apprentice also gives her knowledge of mysticism and the occult. History:In 1937, the house Zambezi of Prussia seized power and began a campaign to bring all humankind under her cruel sway. Through dark, destructive rituals, she imbued the women of Prussia with powerful, mystical energy. These Gottlieb Übermensch (divine superwomen) moved across France, Spain, and Africa, bringing them all under the cruel yoke of Prussian rule. The house Zambezi made no secret that she planned to move on to Avalon, Russia and the United States. President Eleanor Roosevelt met with her council of mystics and charged them to come up with an answer to Prussia’s Gottlieb Übermensch, without destroying the land as the Prussian sorceress had. They set to work in secret to find a ritual that would give American soldiers powers to defeat Prussia and their dread leader. One of the mightiest American mystics, Aura Erskine discovered in some ancient texts, a way to summon a champion who possessed the powers of the ancient goddesses; the mystic being known only as Shazam! The ritual would require the entire mystic council, and their apprentices, to gather enough mystic energy to summon Shazam. Mary Rogers, Aura Erskine’s apprentice, was among the selected apprentices even though her own mystic abilities were somewhat disappointing compared to other students her age. Aura always encouraged her, seeing Mary’s true and steadfast heart even when others did not. Aura even gave Mary the task of keeping the book containing the ritual safe. On the night of the ritual, everything was in place. Aura directed the other mystics in what they had to do and they, in turn, instructed their apprentices. Aura had kept the details of the ritual secret in order to prevent the temptation of others to use the ritual to summon Shazam for their own dreams of power. With everything in place, the ritual began and as the mystic energy flowed into the circle, a portal formed and the goddess Shazam appeared wearing an ornate robe and carrying a spear in one hand and a shield in the other. However, before she could fully manifest on the Earthly plane, one of the apprentices who had been corrupted by the house Zambezi, cast a dispel charm causing the mystic energy to backlash and explode destroying the circle and the ancient text. Many of the sorceresses were killed or injured, including Aura Erskine. Mary was stunned, but found her astral form had been pulled from her body and she now faced the goddess.“The ritual was not finished, and therefore I cannot remain on your world. You, Mary Rogers, are pure of heart and strong in your love of freedom. I will give to you, my power to fight the darkness and evil that plagues your world.” The goddess looked at Mary and commanded her. “Say my name so that my power, given to me by my sisters, will flow through you.” Mary, not knowing what else to do, did as she was ordered.“Shazam!” Instantly, Mary was struck by lightning and re-joined with her body. Only, she had been transformed in clothes and stature as Shazam’s champion on Earth.“You have been granted the resilience of Shakti, the power of Hecate, the wisdom of Arabia, the hope of Elena, the swiftness of Artemis and the compassion of Maze. I shall grant you the gift of my Shield of Starlight to protect you and defend freedom from all enemies.” With that, Shazam faded back into her own realm. As Mary lifted the shield, she spotted the traitorous apprentice, scrambling to make her escape. In a flash of motion, Mary closed the distance between herself and the evil wretch and slammed her into a column. As Mary moved towards the apprentice, the traitor produced a small crystal.“Hal house Zambezi!” she cried out and smashed the crystal. Dark tendrils of horrifying energy wrapped the apprentice in their grasp, closing in on her and melting her flesh. The woman screamed in pure terror before she was reduced to a pool of red and black liquid that the tendrils absorbed. Within seconds, the tendrils disappeared leaving no trace of them or of the traitor except for the broken shards of the crystal. Over the following years, Mary used her abilities along with other superpowered heroines to battle the hordes of the house Zambezi. The press dubbed her the “American Marvel”, a nickname she took to heart. In the final year of the war, Mary finally came face to face with the house Zambezi at the final allied attack on her bunker in Berlins. The house Zambezi had come into the possession of the Casket of Never Ending Winters and was planning on releasing an unending age of ice upon the world as her revenge for her defeat. In order to open the casket, she had to sacrifice herself to the gods of winter. Before Mary could stop her, she plunged a knife of pure night into her heart and her soul energy was drawn into the casket and the lid began to open. Even with her strength, Mary couldn’t keep the casket lid from opening. She only saw one option available to her. She grabbed the casket and flew as fast as she could into space. The casket continued to open, freezing her in a block of ice until she impacted the moon where the casket enveloped the entire moon in a mile thick coating of ice. The world was at peace, free from house Zambezi’s tyranny but at the cost of a great hero.2018The Selena lunar crying probe, monitored by NASA (National Ether and Space Administration), spotted an anomaly on the moon. The sunlight glinted off something buried deep in the ice and when they zoomed in they realized that it was the Starlight Shield. They had found the final resting place of American Marvel. NASA contacted the Justice Avengers who quickly mounted a recovery mission. They found the shield as well as Mary’s body as well. What shocked everyone was that tests revealed that she was still alive. They freed her from the ice and resuscitated her explaining that she had been in suspended animation. Over the past several months, she has been trying to come to grips with her new life 70 years after she was frozen. It’s been a difficult transition, but when she received the invitation from the Multiverse Mentoring Program, she accepted in hopes of them aiding her in getting back into the “real” world. ((if applicable): None Yet Alias: Prince Gavin, UAV, Captain Jumpsuit, Mr. Not-So-Fantastic, XavsterRelatives: DE'Mean (Father, Deceased), Unnamed Mother (Deceased), Karolina Dean (Former Betrothed), Era'Feared (Uncle), Theodore Altman A.K.A. Hulking (Distant Cousin)Age: 18Gender: GenderfluidProgram: Multitalented Appearance: As a Skull Gavin is a natural shape-shifter able to shift into any form they can imagine be it human or animal at will. Because of their former relationship with their betrothed Karolina Dean, they normally took the form of a young black female as Karolina was into girls. They would also take the form of a black male, but now that they are on their own and joining the school they have opened up with the possibilities. Their clothing also shifts with a thought. Personality: As a trained soldier, Gavin has no hesitation in entering combat. As a Prince they have a tendency to be bossy at times which can rub some other people the wrong way. Despite the training however, they are still a teenager and can tend towards overconfidence, especially if there is a person of interest involved. Xavin still doesn't entirely understand the human concepts of gender, but still has a tendency to adopt the form of a human female due to their past romance with Karolina Dean. However, they still will commonly become a male without thinking. They also have a tendency to look down on robots, as they were only servants on their home planet. Also as a Skull, Gavin is deeply religious and worships Fly'in who was the last Eternal Skull and his wife SL'our't the warrior queen who were elevated into godhood. They also worship the Skull Goddess of love Zorn'Kirk. Also as a Skull Gavin's sexual relationships have a different meaning then what humans do. While they love Karolina, Gavin is more open to sleep with other partners. Powers and/or Skills:Skull Shapeshifting: Like other Skulls Gavin is a shape-shifter. Gavin can mentally make the unstable molecules that make up their body to become pliant, enabling them to assume other forms, including animal through muscular expansion and contraction. Once Gavin takes on a new form it takes a conscious act of will to assume another form, or revert to normal form. Hence, they don’t spontaneously lose their assumed form while sleeping or unconscious. Gavin in altered form, however, will revert to their normal form upon moment of death. Xavin is able to fly in Skull form by shifting a pair of wings onto their back, and their shapeshifting goes down to the internal and anatomical degree where they can do things like move internal organs out of the way of incoming bullets. However, Gavin is only able to take on the appearance of a person or objects and none of their characteristics or powers. They are also a natural mimic of voices. Cosmic Element Manipulation: Gavin was a member of a Super-Skull Training Program that was designed to create a new generation of Super-Skull warriors. They were given the ability to manipulate the cosmic elements, like The Fantastic Four and the original Super-Skull Kl'rt. Pyrokinesis and Self-Immolation Psionic Force-Fields and Invisibility Rock-like Skin, Superhuman Strength and Superhuman Durability Plasticity and Elongation Skills:Skull Military Training: Gavin is a trained Skull warrior. Aviation: They are trained in the use of the advanced warp drive starships of the Skull Empire Unarmed Combat: Gavin is trained in the use of the unarmed combat styles of the Skull military. They are also quite experienced, as they were involved in the Skull and Free war. Marksmanship: They are also trained in the use of the Skull militaries ranged energy weapons. Weakness: As they didn't complete their Super-Skull training Gavin is only able to reliably use one element at a time. Their powers also aren't as developed as those of The Fantastic Four or Kl'rt, but are expected to increase as they learn. History: Gavin was born into the Skull Royal Family on the world of Tarn ax VII, however they weren't born into the line of succession which made him more of a diplomatic pawn. Gavin's father De'Mean had invaded Earth only to encounter Karolina's parents Frank and Leslie Dean who offered the Skull Prince a deal: They leave Earth alone and the Dean's give the Skulls the coordinates to their home world Majesdane and their defensive secrets. The deal was sealed with the betrothal of their children Gavin and Karolina. Unfortunately what was to be a raid grew into a war as Majesdane was too difficult to invade. This was Gavin's first taste of war as their father brought the child along and at one point left Gavin locked in a room with the corpses of a Majesdane family, as Gavin had cried when their father killed them. The war escalated over time and claimed the lives of both of Gavin's parents. From there Gavin became a Super-Skull in training learning from a veteran named Carell. However, Gavin eventually decided to pursue peace instead and left their training incomplete to head to Earth in the attempt to find their betrothed Karolina Dean. As Gavin arrived at Earth they initially tried a male form as to not scar Karolina too much, but as she wasn't into men, Gavin shifted to a female form. Karolina wasn't thrilled to find out she was promised to Gavin, but was curious to see her home world so she agreed, and the pair left for space. During the trip they got to know each other better and eventually the pair did fall in love and made their engagement official. This should have ended the war, but things and the wedding didn't go as planned. During the ceremony a Skull made an insulting comment about one of the Majesdane bridesmaids dresses and the conflict started back up and the battle quickly escalated. Gavin and Karolina barely made it away before the anti-matter missiles were launched and both of their home worlds were destroyed. Homeless Gavin went back to Earth with Karolina and turned their back on Gavin's military duties by joining up with Karolina's friends, the Runaways. The lovers went on several adventures with the group, even meeting Gavin's cousin Hulking who wasn't at all what Gavin had expected. The two got off on the wrong foot when Hulking saw Gavin use their powers and mistook them for Kl'rt who had gone after Hulk lings boyfriend earlier. The two came to blows though eventually cooler heads prevailed, and they parted on good terms after Gavin saved his distant cousin from his former mentor and prized student. Then came the time when Gavin realized they needed to make a change and really learn to control their powers. While they were in New York City, the Runaways came to a rooftop, and they wanted to cross to another nearby roof. Instead of using a simpler bridge made with a force field, Gavin got cocky and told them to watch and learn while Gavin stretched his body to the target location and be a bridge that way. However, things didn't go as planned... Gavin found themselves partially on a different roof five stories down with his body draped and hanging off of flag poles and piled next to him. After finally recovering himself and enduring the teasing of the others on the team, Gavin turned to find himself approached by a woman named Jessica Cruz. She explained that she came from a world that managed to imprison all their villains to where they couldn't escape and opened a school to help people from other places in the multiverse learn their powers and become better heroes to protect their worlds. Gavin reflected on the latest experience with their powers and after talking about it with the other Runaways Gavin decided to go with Jessica and try to perfect their powers. The goodbyes were tearful with Molly giving Gavin one of her animal themed hats and Karolina passed on a compass to Gavin so they could always find their way back to the Runaways, no matter where they were. After giving Karolina one last back bending kiss, Gavin turned and disappeared with Jessica Cruz.... And the rest of the Runaways discovered they were still stuck on the same rooftop they were trying to get off of!

Multiversal Mentorship Program - Characters|rating:3.0

lillian90005 and Riccros' Private Roleplay

.::Congratulations I Don't Hate You Anymore::. A private role-play between lillian90005 and Micros. Not use? Then don't post. Steven Belts 17 years old Brown hair, deep evergreen eyes Comes from a hard life. Hate following rules, loves his little sister, and comes from a broken home. He sees school as an escape and the same with his friends. He can be smart when he wants to be. When you break through his wall, you will find a sweet, caring, understanding, kind, and sensitive guy. He'll do anything to keep his friends in one piece. Alice Marshal 17 Years Old Alice has a pretty average life. Lives with her mom who is never home. Her father died overseas so she doesn't like talking about him, but besides that her life is rather dull. She likes to wear unique outfits to try and be different, but she is still ignored by most of the school population. She is smart and likes to read. Furthermore, she doesn't have many friends because they either think she is weird or she is too quiet. But as long as she has her few close friends she is content. "No, that's your problem. You come home drunk every night! You waist all our money on bear and God knows what else!" Steven's mother screamed. "I try! I try and do my best for this family!" his father screamed back. Even though the fight was going on downstairs and Steven was up in his little sister's room, Kayla, with the door shut, they could still hear them clearly. Kayla sat in Steven's arms, clutching her hand over her ears with her teary eyes, closed as tight as possible. Steven let out an angry sigh and tightened his hold on his little sister. "It'll be okay, Kayla. I promise," he told her in a sweet gentle voice. He then sighed as he reached for his phone to text his best friend Alice. Parents are fighting again. Can you come over? Come through window. The text he sent her read. Alice felt her phone buzz in her pocket. She set her book down and pulled it out to read the text message from one of the three numbers she had stored in her phone. It was Steven, her best friend. A sigh escaped her as she read the message and typed out her response. Be over in a sec. She flipped her phone shut and walked to her kitchen counter. She scribbled a note down for her mom who was working a double shift, again, and then she left. Steven only lived a few houses away. Once she got there she climbed up the front porch railing and onto the porch roof. She silently swore at herself for wearing a skirt and not changing before she came over, but she ignored the thought and gently climbed through the open window into Kayla's room. She gave Steven a weak smile before she leaned over and hugged Kayla. Furthermore, she could hear the fight downstairs. It seemed that Alice made this trip every few nights. When Steven looked at Alice, he gave her a weak smile back. Kayla let out a whine as she hugged Alice close, moving onto her lap. "I'm really sorry you had to come over, but Kayla wasn't calming down," he said as he then looked down to see Kayla had stopped crying, cradling in Alice's arms. "You were the only one I could trust," he then added. "Then what do you want from me!?" he heard his father screamed. "Do you even love me anymore, John!?" his mother screamed back, ignoring the question. That was the thing nowadays. There was hardly enough love to last between anyone anymore, he hardly had any faith in believe in such a thing anymore. This was a reason, he never paid attention to wondering eyes of girls around him in school. Alice gently rocked the little girl in her lap. "It's no problem Steven, she's as much my sister as she is yours." She brushed Kayla's hair out of her face as she listened to more of the yelling downstairs. "Once she falls asleep, you should come over to my place, get away from all this for a night." She tried to sound hopeful. Alice knew that Steven had to deal with it all the time, and it wasn't healthy. He was losing his faith in people all because of his parent's in ability to get along. It wasn't long until the little girl fell asleep in Alice's arms, and she laid her down on her bed. Alice pulled the blanket up over the girl and turned to her only friend. "So you coming over?" "If you say so," Steven answered as he quickly bent down and kissed Kayla's forehead and wiped her last tear away with his thumb. Then he nodded to Alice as he followed her out of the room and far away from the house he needed to be. "Thank you so much, Alice. You have no idea how grateful I am that you're here," he said as he walked over to her house with her. Alice shrugged. "It's no problem, you're the only friend I got so if I'm not here for you, I'd make one crappy friend." she half smiled and unlocked her door to let them in. "My mom's not home so feel free to relax." She kicked off her shoes inside the door and locked it behind her. She walked over to the kitchen and flicked the light on. "Are you hungry?" As soon as Steven walked into Alice's house, he felt right at home. There was something about the atmosphere she lived in he always felt right at home in. He kicked off his converse sneakers and slid down in one of the kitchen island booths. "Yeah," he said, noticing how really famished he was. His mother was far too busy fighting that she forgot to make him and Kayla supper. Steven then remembered he gave up his granola bar stash to Kayla as her supper. At least it's healthier than my candy bar stash. Alice wondered to the fridge and pulled her leftover dinner out. Chicken and potatoes. She threw them in the microwave and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. She tossed Steven the bottle a sat down across from him. "So besides the obvious, how has your day been?" The Microwave beeped, and she got back to her feet. Alice grabbed the plate and handed it to Steven. She stuck her finger in her mouth. "Careful, it's hot." she mumbled. "It's been...rather boring. Just can't wait to start school Monday," he said as he took the plate and murmured his thankful thank-you. He looked at his food and smiled. "It looks good even though it's leftovers," he assured her as he opened his water bottle and took a long swig. "What about your day?" he then asked. Alice nodded. "About the same. Sat around and read a book." she sighed and propped her head up on her hand. "I kind of want school to start, but then again, not really. It's just going to be more idiotic teens to torment me." she smiled as she watched Steven scarf down the food. "At least you'll be there." "Oh? What book are you reading now?" Steven was always interested in the selection of books that Alice read. They always sounded good. He'd read, but he never found the patience to sit through a book. Nor has he ever had a book to actually feel like he kept wanting to find out what happened on the next page. Basically no book ever seemed to suit him. Maybe he just hadn't found the right book yet. "Yeah, same here. I don't know what I'd do without you in school. I'm so not looking forward to facing pricks and teachers who need to shut the hell up," he said in a tone that expressed his hate for it all. Alice glanced to the living room and looked at the book she had left on the coffee table. She read so much she forgot the title. "I'm not sure, something about faeries." She smiled and shrugged. But her smile faded, and she looked up to Steven. "I got a text message today. It was from Jason." Jason was the one and only boy Alice had tried to date. He seemed cool enough at the time, but Alice soon learned that Jason was a pig. He was controlling and abusive. Furthermore, he wouldn't let her see or speak to Steven and when he found out she did anyway he would hit her. Furthermore, he broke her arm once, Alice blamed it on a skateboarding accident and everyone but Steven had believed it. Jason moved away and Alice ended the relationship when she knew he couldn't hit her again. "He said he's moved back to town. He said he is going to be at school on Monday." Alice felt herself shake at the thought. "What am I supposed to do? Steven smirked after he gulped down his last bite. "Very descriptive," he joked with her. And as soon as he hears that name, he frowned and looked down at his empty plate. "That jerk's back in town?....... Alice, all I have to say is...whatever happens, happens," he told her. He knew that telling her to just ignore him would be wrong and to totally go for him would also be wrong. Alice frowned. "Gee that helps." she let a sigh out. "I don't know what to do. I don't want to see him or speak to him. The last time I did I ended up in the hospital." She rubbed her arm. "Do you know how hard it was lying to my mom?" Alice slumped back into her seat. "What if he tries something again? I mean he was only the worst decision I ever made. Why couldn't I have just waited for the right guy." she sighed and sat quiet for a few moments before she looked up at Steven. "Sorry, I shouldn't bug you with all this. It's my problem." she ran her hands through her long hair. Steven got up and walked over to Alice as he then placed a hand on her shoulder. "Then you really want my opinion? Stay the f*ck away from that guy," he told her as he looked at her with a soft face. "And if that prick lays a single finger on you, he'll have to answer to me. And don't worry about it. I don't mind listening, I'm here for you," he assured her. Alice smiled at his blunt comment. That was one thing she liked so much about her friend, he wasn't afraid to speak the truth. She put a hand on his. "Thanks Steven, it means a lot to know I got you." she gave him a smile before she got to her feet and gave him a quick hug. Then she turned around and took his empty plate to the sink, hoping he didn't see her reddened face. "So, now what do you want to do?" she asked as she rinsed off the plate. Steven hugged her back, remembering how he always loved hugging her and only her. "It's no problem. No need to thank me," he told her. He leaned against the island and looked at the wall. "Hmm... I don't know... I kinda just feel like sitting down and just talking, y'know?" he asked, trying to think of something more interesting to do. Alice shrugged and dried her hands on a towel. "If you just want to talk we can do that." she gave him a smile and led him into the living room. Alice grabbed a pillow from the couch and tossed it to the floor before she laid down on her stomach, the pillow under her elbows. "So did you get your class schedule yet? Because if you aren't in my classes I'm not going to say a word all year." she smiled. Steven was the only person she liked talking to. If he wasn't in her class she practically refused to speak, even if it was to the teacher. Steven sat down on the footrest by the couch Alice laid down on. He then had to think for a second. Then it dawned on him that his schedule was in his pocket since he received it this afternoon. He nodded his head and fished in his pocket, soon taking out the folded piece of paper and handed it to Alice. Steven really hoped she was in at least some of his classes. She was the only one he talked to and trusted. He'd do anything for her. Alice smiled and took the paper. As she scanned over it, the smile stayed, but lessened somewhat. "Well, we have a few classes together, but not all of them." She folded the paper back up and handed it back to him. "At least we have lunch together." she shuddered at the thought of last year. Apparently, she was pretty cute, and boys loved to mess with her. Like spilling things on her to make her shirt go see through. They never did any of that stuff when Steven was around though. Steven placed a hand on Alice's shoulder and knew what she was thinking about. "Don't worry. I won't let any other douche touch you again. That, I will make sure of," he assured her as he gave her a soft smile that only Alice and Kayla got to see....no one else. Alice looked up at him and smiled. She loved seeing his smile. It only came out occasionally, but when it did, it seemed to make all her problem's go away. "Thanks." She grinned and sat up. "So, school start's tomorrow, and it's getting rather late. Are you going to crash here again?" She asked with a yawn. Steven was about to nod his then when Kayla came to mind. "As much as I'd probably get enough sleep here, I think it'd be best if I went home. With Kayla and all. She needs someone to get her up and drop her off at school," he told her as he then got up and adjusted his jacket. "Guess I'll pick you up tomorrow--the usual?" he then asked her as he put his schedule back in his pocket. Alice nodded, it was probably better that he went to be with Kayla. She got to her feet and walked him to the door. "Yeah the usual." She paused. "Give Kay a hug for me would ya?" she smiled at him and gave him a quick hug before he walked out. When she shut the door behind him, she leaned back and sighed. One more year of hell. At least Steve will be there. She crawled over to the couch and laid down as she curled around a pillow. She hated being alone in her house, she half wished Steven would have stayed When Steven got home, he crawled into bed with Kayla. He was going to sleep with her for the night. Kayla turned her small body around so that her face was buried in Steven's chest. "Shh..." Steven hummed as he wrapped his arms around his little sister. He couldn't wait for school tomorrow. He and Alice will be a Senior, and it will be their last year in hell. A part of him wished he could have stayed with Alice but... "Don't you think I know that!?" Steven sighed. The yelling never really stopped. Alice opened her eyes when her cell phone alarm went off. She looked around, she really had fallen asleep on the couch. She sat up, her hair a mess and walked over to the dining room table. The same note her mother always left was there. Weeks would go by and Alice wouldn't even see her own mother. She drugs her feet to the shower and cleaned herself up. She pulled on her favorite outfit. A black skirt covered in zippers and straps, a white tank top, knee-high striped socks and converse. After twisting her hair up into two messy buns, she grabbed her old backpack that was falling apart and went outside and sat on her porch. Steven would be here soon. Let the first day of school begin. When Steven woke up, he took in the scene. Kayla was at her beaten up vanity, playing with her hair as she then turned to Steven. "Finally you're awake. I have to leave soon for school," she told him as she got up and grabbed his arm, trying to get him up. Steven groaned, not wanting to get up, but he looked at her Dora the Explorer clock and saw that he still had twenty minutes before he had to leave to take Kayla to school. So he got up and messed up Kayla's already messed-up hair in a brotherly way and hurried to his room to get ready. He pulled a black tee shirt on, changed his jeans, being sure to grab his schedule, with holes in them. Then he slipped on his converse's and grabbed an apple. "Did you already eat?" Steven asked Kayla as he bit into the apple. Kayla looked up at him and nodded. "I ate the leis banana," she told him. After Steven dropped Kayla off at school, he swung around and parked in front of Alice's house, seeing her on her porch just like last year. She looked as amazing as she usually did. Alice smiled when Steven pulled up in front of her house. She grabbed her bag and got to her feet, straightening her skirt as she walked to his car. She opened the door and climbed in with a smile. "So you get Kayla to school on time?" She asked as she stuck her bag between her feet and pulled her seat belt on. As she looked over at him, her smile grew. He was wearing his typical black shirt, but he still looked as handsome as ever. "You ready for our last year?" Steven shrugged his shoulders. "Got her to school five minutes early," he said simply as he then put the car in gear. They were now on their way to the most dreaded place on Earth...for them anyway. "Oh yeah...let me telly ya," he said in a sarcastic tone. "How'd you sleep last night?" he asked as he then noticed her only wearing a tank top. He sighed. "You didn't hear, huh? The school's not allowing anyone wear tube tops or halter tops or tank tops anymore. You have to have your shoulders covered. Here," he said as he reached a hand to his back seat and brought out his this leather jacket and handed it to her. "I don't want you to get into trouble." Alice let out a dramatic sigh. "Really? Well this blows." She took the jacket her best friend handed her. "Thanks." She gave him a smile as she pulled it on. It was much too big for her, but at least this way should, wouldn't get yelled at. She laughed a little when she saw just how much bigger it was. Alice grinned and tucked her long bangs behind her ear as she looked over at Steven. His look just didn't seem complete without the jacket. She bundled herself up in the leather, a smile still on her face. "So what's your first class?" Steven smiled. "It suits you," he said. "Sorry it's so big though," he then added as he turned onto the road that led to the school's student parking lot. "Yeah, I know...it blows. But with my body heat and all, I don't really need any of my jackets till the end of Fall," he said as he parked in his usual parking place. "Um... History with Chanson. You?" Alice shrugged with a smile, "It's okay, your clothes are always super comfy." she grinned as she spoke of his body temperature. She knew all to well that he was a living space heater. It came in handy when Alice would forget a jacket or gloves. But a sigh escaped her when he mentioned his class. "English with Martin." she slumped into the seat as he parked. She grabbed her old bag and slung it onto her shoulder before she climbed out of his car. "Too bad." Steven smirked and got out of the car, locking it instantly. He and Alice headed inside and then Brock, the school's prep slash jerk, bumped into Alice on purpose. "Well, well, well. Sexy Alice is back. Senior year," he said as he draped and arm around her neck as if she was his. Steven stopped and turned to Brock with anger-filled eyes. He felt annoyed just knowing that that jerk had his hands on his best friend. And he knew she doesn't like it. "Back. Off," he said in an angry voice that he tried to calm down with all his might. He didn't want to get called down to the principal's office already on the first day. "Make me," Brock said easily. Steven got a good hold of Brock's arm that was draped around Alice and squeezed it so hard that Brock let out a wailing 'ow' and backed off. "Next time you want to mess with someone, try your own type," Steven said within a growl. Alice cringed when Brock put his arm around her. She was grateful that Steven was there to help her, she didn't know how to handle those situations. When Steven finally got Brock to let her go, she grabbed Stevens arm and clung to it. "Thanks." she mumbled as they walked into the school. More guys cast Alice and Steven looks as they walked into the building. Someone let out a whistle and Alice's face turned bright red. "Can I skip my first class and just come with you?" she asked Steven, half joking but also half serious. "No problem," Steven said as he felt a little overheated when Alice wrapped her arms around his arm. "Umm...well you and I have the same classes...just in different order. Maybe you can talk to Mrs. Genie (the Guidance Councilor) and she can rearrange your schedule to fit mine," he told her as they stopped at his locker. Locker number 20D. Senior lockers ended with D. "What number locker do you have?" he asked. They usually had their lockers next to each other. One of the perks of going through high school together and being able to see each other more than twice a day. Alice checked her schedule. "19D" she smiled and opened her locker to ditch her bag. "I think I am going to go talk to her. Did you want to come with or did you just want me to meet you a class?" she asked as she adjusted his big jacket on her shoulders. A guy walked by and bumps into her on purpose, knocking her to the ground. "Oh my bad Alice, I didn't see you there." he laughed as Alice's face turned red, and she tugged her skirt down while she got to her feet. As Alice tried getting to her feet, Steven gently grabbed her hand and helped her up. "I'll go with you if you want, I need to check with her why I have a gym class...," he told her as he placed some of his notebooks in his locker and followed Alice to the office. "You can go first, I'll wait," he told her as he sat down next to some kids waiting for the other guidance councilor. He sighed and adjusted his black sweat band and his favorite class ring he bought early since he had the extra money thanks to his job that rewarded him for never calling off work or taking his vacation days. "Thank you so much!" Alice said as she took her new schedule from the woman. The woman just looked at her and smiled. "I'm only doing it because you are the top o your class, and you tend to keep Steven out of trouble." she leaned back in her chair. "Send the next student in." Alice nodded and walked out to the small waiting area. She had a big smile on her face. "She let me change. Oh, and it's your turn. I'll wait for you though." she took his seat as he went into the office. Steven smiled and nodded his head. After he spoke with the councilor, he found out that the school needed gym aids, and he had a good background with gym. He closed the door and stood before Alice. "Yeah....just because I played basketball for two months and always passed my gym classes means I'd make a good Senior Gym Aid," he said in a mean, sarcastic voice. "Come on, let's get to class, the bell's about to ring," he said as he sighed and opened up the office door for Alice. Alice got up and left the office with Steven. They walked to their first class and when they entered the room, everyone fell silent and stared as Alice made her way to the end of the last row to sit down. She waited for Steven to sit next to her before she would say a word. All the guys seemed to look her up and down while the girls all whispered and glanced in her direction. Why do I have to deal with this crap? She thought to herself as she stared down at her desk, hoping everyone would turn around and quit staring at her. The teacher wasn't in the room yet and that seemed to be a good thing for Steven. When he sat down in the desk next to Alice he slammed on his desk and leaned forward to the whole staring class. "Hey, Freaks! Take a picture...it'll last ya longer!" he said in a really threatening way. They jumped and glared at them as they turned around and looked away. Some actually took his advice and got out the cell phones to take pictures. He glared at those. "Take that picture, and you'll wish you never did," he mumbled in his still-threatening tone to them. Alice gave him a small smile as he sat down. "Thanks." she said softly as the teacher came in. He looked around the room, his eyes pausing on Alice and Steven in the back. The teachers knew all about them and how many issues they tended to cause. He cleared his throat and tapped on his desk at the front of the room. "Settle down guys. I know you are all excited about being seniors this year, but I will not tolerate any disruptions during my class. Is that understood?" his eyes stopped on Steven as he waited for a response. Steven sighed and slowly averted his eyes to the teacher's gaze. Glaring at the teacher, he waited for something to happen. Then he sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "Duh!" he exclaimed with hand exaggerations. The teacher shook his head and proceeded with the normal first day routine of papers with rules and plans and handing out books. "It seems we need another text book, I'll be back in a moment class." the teacher looked at Alice before he walked out of the classroom. The boy in front of Alice dropped the stack of papers he was passing back and watched them scatter all over the floor. "Oops." he said with a smirk. Alice glared at him momentarily before she got down on the floor and began picking the papers up. That's when the harassment started. "Hey Alice, you look good on your knees." one guy called out across the room. Amidst the laughter another voice shouted. "Yeah I bet that is Steven's favorite pose." Alice tried to ignore them, but her face glowed red as she gathered the papers. Steven glared at the guys speaking. And once they made that certain comment. His face flushed bright red, matching his arm band. "Alice, get up," Steven said in a calm voice as he got from his seat and grabbed Alice's arm, brining her back to her feet. Instead, he got to the floor to retrieve the papers. Alice stood there for a moment, shocked, as she saw Steven get down on the floor. He was normally in everyone's face. He never took this kind of comments. Was he just holding back because she was there of was he actually that flustered he couldn't say anything? Slowly, Alice took her seat again and waited for Steven to come sit next to her. The class laughed at him. Alice couldn't take it. "Will you all just shut up?" The students went silent at Alice's outburst. They had never heard her that loud before, heck most of them had never heard her speak before. "Damn girl!" one guy grinned. "You can yell at me all you want!" the class erupted in even more laughter as Alice's face turned a brighter shade of red. Steven was far too angry and flustered to even say anything. What was the point of standing up for anything if everyone just kept doing it repeatedly? It was the same as not standing up for yourself or for those around you. Maybe if you ignored them? Maybe. "What's your problem, guys?" Steven then said in a'm-trying-to-calm-the-frack down voice. Seriously. What was their problem. He sighed and sat down in his desk and stared at the surface of his desk, trying to tune everyone and everything out at the moment. He was so angry. They're seniors, and they never really did grow up. Alice saw how much Steven was trying to cam himself down. It was the first day of the year, Alice already felt terrible, and Steven was pissed to the max, she really didn't want him getting into trouble already. Alice gently put her hand on his arm and gave him a friendly smile. The teacher finally came in, and the class settled down enough for the period to end and the bell rang. As the other students filed out of class Alice looked over at Steven. "So much for this year being different.... oh wait, it is, the jokes have gotten worse." she sighed. "But thanks for being here. I don't know what I would do without you." she gave him a smile as she got to her feet and gathered her book and papers. Steven smiled at Alice and nodded his head. "No problem. Besides, I don't know who else around this hellhole could keep me as sane as you keep me," he assured her as he got in his locker and dropped off his book and then sighed. "Oh great. History now," he said in a sarcastically 'hippie' tone. Alice smiled and shook her head at him. "Don't worry, I'll take good notes, so you don't have to pay attention." she grinned. That's when Miranda, the cheer captain, came up and eyeballed Alice before draping her arms around Steven's neck. "Why do you insist on hanging out with her Stevie." She batted her eyelashes at him as she tried to flirt. "Don't you hear about the kinds of things she does? Why would you want to be seen with her?" a grin smile crossed her face. Miranda had a nasty habit of starting rumors, especially ones about Alice doing things. Miranda hated the fact that most of the school population found Alice more attractive. So Miranda made it her personal mission to drag Alice down as much as possible. She winked at someone behind Steven and Alice. When Alice saw the wink she turned around and there stood a guy about six foot one with short blond hair gelled up. "J-Jason!" Alice was barely able to stutter his name. "Hello there Alice." He grabbed her by the arm. "What do you think you are doing with him? I thought I told you to stay away from him." Alice was too shocked by actually seeing him to speak. That's when his grip tightened on her arm, and Alice let out a small cry, but the hall was too noisy for anyone but the closest people to hear it. Steven pushed Miranda off of him. "Get off of my, you whore," he hissed at her. "And for your information, you obviously don't know Alice like I do. So why don't you take your rumors and shove them up where they came from -- your ass." he said. His angered eyes looked at Jason. If someone could die of being severely mad, Steven would be on the ground, passed out, dead by now. He waltzed over to Jason and rushed his arm until he let go of Alice's arm. Unlike anyone else, he heard her cry. He would know it from a mile away within a screaming crowd. "Back. Off." Miranda scowled as he shoved her away. But she turned and waltzed away as Steven faced Jason. Alice rubbed her sore arm as she watched the two teens go at it. "Why should I? Alice is my girl! You need to stay away from her!" Jason shoved Steven back and then looked to Alice as the bell rang. "We will talk about this later." he pointed a finger in her face before he turned and went to his next class. Alice looked over at Steven. She didn't really know what to say to him. "Thanks." her voice was soft. "We should get to history before we are too late." Steven snickered harshly. "Yeah, funny coming from a guy who deserts her because he's bored and not to mention left without a word," he said after him as he gently grabbed Alice's unharmed arm and dragged her away. "What am I going to do with you?" he asked in a sly remark to Alice. What was he going to do. It seemed that the only way to protect her around here was to actually be her boyfriend. And really...that idea seemed to appeal to him a lot. He wouldn't mind a single bit if she was his girlfriend and he was her boyfriend. Alice let Steven drag her down the hall towards her class. She was a mess socially. Steven was the only one she trusted, especially when it came to guys since it seemed every other male on the planet just liked to torment her. She sighed as they sat down in their back row seats of the history class. Alice slowly pulled her arm out of Steven's jacket and looked at the bruise starting to form. "I bruise like a peach I swear." she mumbled as she pulled the jacket back on. She looked over at Steven and hung her head. He was like her bodyguard, but she wanted him to be her friend. "I'm sorry you have to spend your time defending me. Makes me a great friend huh." she said the last part sarcastically as she propped her head up on her hand. Steven looked at her and shrugged. "Actually, I don't mind. You're like my best friend, and I'll do anything to keep you safe," he said, stating the obvious and adding a small soft smile to lighten up the mood. He remembered catching a glance of her bruise as he let out a slow sigh. "That douche is really going to get it after school," he mumbled right as the bell rang, and the teacher hurried in. Mr. Chief was an alright History teacher. He always gave you ten minutes at the end of class to talk and text and do whatever. But he liked to pick on everyone, and he seemed to make a lot of friends with the bad students. He looked over at Steven. "Yo, Steve, how was your summer?" he asked as he looked down at his seating chart. Basically wherever you sat on the first day, you sat in until the second nine weeks. "It was okay," Steven said with a shrug to his shoulders. "Just okay? Nothing good happened?" he asked, his eyes still down at the seating chart as he scribbled in random things. Steven shrugged and thought for a moment. The best thing that happened was when Steven, Kayla, and Alice all went to the park on a nice day, and they bought ice cream. He then looked back over at Alice and gave another soft smile. That was a good day. "Nope, not really," he then answered. Alice smiled at him. She liked hearing him call her his best friend. It gave her reassurance. She shook her head at his comment about Jason though, she didn't want him to start a fight, but she knew she really couldn't stop him. As Mr. Chief came over to talk to them, Alice gave him a small smile, but she still never really spoke directly to him. Steven did most of the talking. While they talked, Alice caught Steven's smile at her, it was rare that he smiled in public. So why was he smiling now? Alice smiled back when she caught him, but she was still a bit confused. When the teacher finally walked away Alice leaned over. "What was that all about?" she asked the smile still on her face. She had heard him say nothing, so what was he smiling about? "What was what about? Can't I smile?" he joked around with her. After the chuckling had died away he looked at her with a soft face, with no smile though. "I was just remembering how in last July, you set up a little happy day with you, Kayla, and I," he told her, hoping she would remember about that day. "That was the best day of my life," he the told her as he cast her another small smile before looking away. Alice smiled as she remembered that day. She had set that day up to get Kayla and Steven out of their house and have some fun. The three of them had a blast. It was the best memory she had. "I remember that day." she said softly, the smile still on her face. She reached over and put her hand in top of his and gave him a gentle squeeze. "That was the best day wasn't it?" she let him go her face slightly red. "We should do that again." Class started and Alice couldn't get her mind off that look that Steven had given her. She had set up something so small, that he cherished the memory of now. She was glad she had been able to give him that. A sigh escaped her as she looked over. If he ever found a girlfriend, would she ever replace that memory? Alice shuddered at the thought. She didn't like the idea of being replaced by another girl. It was true, they weren't an item, but she still got sick to her stomach every time she thought of another girl with him. Steven couldn't help but smile when he felt Alice's hand wrap around his. He looked over at her and showed her his smile. Then he thought about asking her to be his girlfriend. He truly did love her, and he'd do anything for her. Not to mention there were times that he wished he could do more with her, like wrap his arms around her for more than a minute or even hold her hand as he walked with her through the park. Or even maybe just a simple kiss. He pecked her on the cheek a few times before, but that was it. ~LUNCH TIME~ Steven sighed as he to a bite out of the school's cheeseburger. It wasn't the best, but you'd have to admit, it was far better than today's basic lunch. Chicken nuggets and rice pilaf. Yuma. He opened up his diet Pepsi, since the school only sold diet pop, and took a swig at it, trying to look anywhere but at Alice. How would he ask her out? Alice slowly ate her peanut butter sandwich. With her mom at work all the time, she never really bought good groceries. She only took a few bites before she offered the rest of it to Steven. She couldn't help but notice how awkward he had been all lunch. He almost refused to look at her, and whenever she caught him he would look away. Had she done something wrong? She could feel a knot of worry building in her stomach." Is everything okay?" She finally asked a bit of worry showing in her voice. Someone walked behind her and purposely bumped her chair pinning her in place. She cringed and rubbed at her rib cage. "Sorry Alice." The guy said with a laugh as he moved away allowing her to breath again. Alice looked at Steven and rolled her eyes. It was normal to be picked on, she might as well get used to it now. But her frown returned she was worried about the way Steven was acting. He was her best and only friend. She would do anything for him, she cared about him more than anything. Steven looked down at her peanut butter and jelly sandwich and chuckled. He took it and then slid his almost full cheeseburger and last pop tart to her. "I'm fine...just...." He had trouble saying what he wanted to say. Of all the times he could tell her anything he wanted and knew she'd understand, why did the words have to freeze in his mouth. He glared at the guy who pushed Alice into the table. "What am I making now, a hit list of guys I need to beat up to keep them off your ass?" he chuckled as he finally found the will to look at her, trying his hardest to pretend that nothing was bothering him. "I know this is a pretty dumb question...but have you ever had a friend who you had a big crush on...and was afraid to tell them how you felt...not wanting to ruin anything? Hypothetically speaking, of course," he said as he finished off Alice's sandwich. Alice almost froze at his question, but she wouldn't let herself. It was strange that he should ask her that. It was how she had felt towards him for years. But why would he like her of all people? She didn't want to ruin their relationship, she didn't want to lose the friend she had so she never perused it. Even while she tried dating Jason, before he became a total ass, she still had her feelings for Steven. She looked down at the food in front of her but didn't touch it. "Yeah I know exactly what you are talking about. But it's a pretty random question, even for you. Why are you asking?" In the back of her mind, Alice was terrified he was going to say he liked some girl, that someone not her. She bit her lip as she looked back up at him, her eyes locking with his. He looked back at her, feeling like a deer caught in a headlight once again. He froze and really didn't how to say what he wanted to say. But just as he was about to say what he was going to say, the bell rang. He shook his head. "I'll tell you later," he assured her as he threw his half-eaten peanut butter sandwich away and waited for Alice, feeling aware of every eye that was boring into Alice's figure. He looked around, trying his hardest to send out warning rays to everyone staring. Alice got to her feet and threw her things away as she followed Steven to their class. She was all too aware of the people staring, but she tried to ignore them. She wished Steven would have told her whatever was on his mind, because now she was going to be stuck thinking about it all day. As she walked next to him down the hall she suddenly felt someone grab the back of Steven's jacket and jerk her back so hard she fell to the floor with a thud, giving most of the people in the hall a fee peek at what was under her skirt. She sat up with a bright red face as she tried the put her skirt down. They'ts when Jason hunched down next to her. "You are my girl, Alice. Remember that." He grabbed her by the arm yanked her to her feet as he stared at Steve. "She is my girl, you stay away." "Jason please let go, you're hurting me." Alice said softly. He squeezed harder. "You keep quiet." He looked back to Steven waiting to see what he would do. "If you want her you have to take her, and it won't be easy." he smirked. Everything happened so fast that it took a moment for Steven to register everything. Then he looked up and met Jason's eyes, sending him his worst glare yet. "She...is my girl," Steven murmured in a deep, angry voice. Then he walked over as he kicked Jason hard...where it hurt, He grabbed Alice's arm and hurried away. But then he stopped. There was one thing he needed to get done and over with, off of his chest. In a gentle but urgent way, Steven pressed Alice up against the wall of lockers as he pressed his lips against hers in a soft by passionate way. "There. That was what I was talking about," he said in a gentle voice as he then took a step back, waiting for her reply or maybe even reaction. Alice's face turned red when Steven pressed her up against the lockers and locked her in a kiss. It seemed to come out of nowhere, but Alice had secretly hopped for a moment like that for years. When he pulled away she just stared at him for a few moments, her face still red. Then she threw her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his again. She had to stand on her toes as she kissed him, and locked him into the passionate moment. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she swore he could have heard it. Then someone ripped them apart, Sending Alice smacking back into the lockers, her head making a nasty crack sound as it bounced off the metal. Jason stood there glaring at Alice as she sank to the floor holding her head. "What the hell do you thin you are doing?" he looked over to Steven as he slowly and awkwardly walked over to him. "I thought I told you to stay away from Alice." "Jason, leave him alone!" Alice tried to say, her head was throbbing, and she couldn't see straight. Steven was shocked when Alice kissed him back. He wrapped his arms around her waist tightly as she did so, kissing her back as much as he could. When Jason dragged Alice off of him, Steven's chest was falling and rising so quickly. "Hey Jason. Open your eyes and ears. Alice is mine. And she said she wasn't yours, never was," Steven said before he swung her hardest punch as his knuckles hit into Jason's cheek so hard that he flung backwards, falling to the floor. Alice watched Steven deck Jason and Jason flew to the floor a few feet away. The bell had rung, but all the students were still in the hall arching the whole scene in silence. Alice got to her feet, her head still throbbing and her heart still pounding. She went over to Steven and grabbed his hand. She stood at his side and looked down at Jason. Hopefully now he would leave her alone. Alice looked up at Steven and smiled. "I Uh think we might want to get to class. I have a feeling we are going to get in trouble." she squeezed his hand. "And ..." she bit her lip as she thought of what to say. "I have always wanted to be your girl." her face turned a brighter shade of red as she smiled. Steven smiled back at Alice and followed her to class, so glad that that was done and over with for the time being. But only about halfway through seventh period, the loudspeaker came on. "Will Steven Belts and Sarah Marshal please come to the Principal's office? Steven Belts and Sarah Marshal?" Steven sighed and looked over at Alice as he got up and waited for her, closing his books and grabbing them just as everyone turned to bore their eyes into them, too scared from earlier to say anything. Everyone now knew not to mess with Steven. Or Alice. "I had some witnesses come to me to tell me what happened," the Principal said as he closed a file and slapped it down on his desk above another file. "Now Steven, I read your file, and you have never disrupted anything before. And you show promising grades. Teachers say that you can be a little aggressive and at times hard to deal with, but from what I hear, they all have high hopes with you," he said as he then turned his attention to Alice. "Alice Marshal," he mumbled as he took the other file and skimmed his eyes over it. "You're a quiet person with average grades, not bad," he said, looking impressed. "Teachers trust you highly, the most in this case. So, please tell me exactly what all happened." The nice thing about the school's principal is that he always gave people second chances. It was like he knew everything. He wasn't the type to judge you based on you being a teen in general. It was like he only judged on a person's personality. He makes a lot of friends with the students and seems to get the bad kids from being, well, bad. Steven sat patiently before him, waiting for what Alice would say. Alice sighed and hung her head for a moment. She desperately wanted to grab Stevens hand. She looked back at the principal. "This whole thing is probably my fault." she scratched her head and sighed. "I dated Jason a while back, it was a big mistake." she rubbed her arm, she really didn't want to go into details on why I was such a mistake. "Anyways now that he moved back, he thinks he can just take me back and treat me like crap again." Alice looked over at Steven and gave him a small smile. "If it wasn't for Steve, I would be back to being Jason punching bag. Steven was just protecting me." she looked back to the principle and hoped that her explanation would do. Her hands were shaking, she didn't want to get Steven into trouble. Alice had finally let Steven know how she felt, and it was a huge relief, but what would happen now? Even as she sat in the office she couldn't stop thinking about his kiss. The principal just slowly nodded his head, understanding everything. "I see," was all he said for a while. Steven looked over at Alice and gave her a hopeful and soft smile. He didn't dare speak without the principal asking him anything. "Miss Marshal, thank you for your honestly. As for you Steven, I appreciate that you feel compelled to defend Miss Marshal, but don't worry about it anymore. Now, Miss Marshal, what does he physically do to you?" he then asked as he took out a notepad and pen. The color seemed to drain from her face. "I-I'd rather not get into that." she stuttered. But the look he gave her told her to continue. "Well he broke my arm last year. Besides just the general hitting when I 'got out of line' he throws me around and forces me to do things..." she glanced over at Steven. He was her best friend, and even he didn't know half the things Jason had done to her. "Do I really have to say this?" she looked at the principal and prayed he wouldn't make her remember it all. "Can't I just go back to class and forget about all of this? Please?" she bit her lip to keep it from quivering. The Principal sighed, knowing how she felt. He motioned for them to leave. "You two aren't in trouble, but please try not to cause trouble again," he begged them as he wrote down what all Alice had to say. Once they got out of the main office, Steven let out a sigh and took Alice's hand. "I'm pretty sure they'll kick him out of this school," he said as he looked back into the office's window to see the nurse's office door opened and Jason sitting on a chair with an ice pack to his nose, glaring at the two. Steven sighed and shook his head as he kissed Alice's temple and led her back to class. Alice let a small smile show when he kissed her. It was nice to finally be able to openly show him affection. She held on to his arm and leaned her head on his shoulder as they walked. She was glad Jason would finally be out of the picture for good, but more than that she was happy that she had finally let Steven know how she felt, and he felt the same way. When they got to the classroom, everyone's eyes locked onto them. Whispers started when people noticed their hands laced together as they walked back to their seats in the back of the room. The teacher cleared her throat to GE the classes' attention before she continued on with the lesson as if nothing had happened. Alice squeezed Stevens hand before she let it go to take down the notes from the board. After school was done and over with for the day, Steven took Alice to the park to spend some time with her without having to worry about anyone. He knew that Kayla would be with her friends after school until around after supper, so Steven had nothing to worry about. He sat on the hood of his car with Alice near the lake as they let the sun soak them up. Steven was holding Alice's hand. He turned his head and smiled at her as he leaned over and pressed his lips to her temple and the pressed his lips to hers. "I've had these...feeling for you...for almost three years now," he confessed as he closed his eyes against the bright sun, enjoying of the feel of her hand in his. Alice stared wide-eyed at him after their kiss. Her face was red, but a smile danced on her lips. "If you've felt this way for three years why didn't you say something?" she asked him as she squeezed his hand. "I've felt like this for as Lon as I can remember. I just never thought you'd ever feel the same." she admitted as she leaned against him. Sitting there with Steven was one of the happiest moments in Alice life. She was happy and nothing could have made her unhappy. Her heart was pounding in her chest, but she tried to ignore it. She just wanted to be there with Steven. And his kiss, it took her breath away. Alice loved the way it made her feel. She hoped she would keep getting more of them. Steven smiled and opened his eyes a bit TTO look at her, tightening his hold on her, but not in an uncomfortable way. "Because I didn't know you felt the same way...and I didn't want to ruin our friendship. You're my best friend and I love you to the point I couldn't and still can't bare the thought of losing you," he said as he brushed his lips against hers to let her know how he felt for her at this moment. "I just don't want to do anything stupid to make you hate me," he murmured as he then pressed his lips against hers once more. Alice let her eyes close as she kissed him back. She wanted him to know how much she truly loved him. She pulled away just enough to get a quick breath before she pressed her lips to his and kissed him once more. Furthermore, she smiled and looked up at him. "Steven, you are and always will be my best friend. You will never lose me." she wrapped her arms around his neck and held on to him for a moment. "There is nothing you could ever do to make me hate you Steven. I love you, I always have." When she pulled away her face was glowing red. She hadn't really meant to say that last part, but it slipped out. She just hoped that Steven didn't mind her saying it. For the moment, she wouldn't meet his eyes, she was afraid she might have scared Steven by saying those three little words, but it was true, she meant it wholeheartedly. Steven loved hearing her say that. That was all he loved hearing from anyone...mainly from her. She watched her blush incredibly, and he smiled at it. It made her looks all the cuter and beautiful. His traced the frame of her face with his index finger softly. "You're so cute when you blush," he said. He had always wanted to say that. Alice looked up at him with a fake little glare on her face. "Gee thanks a lot." a smile appeared and she giggled. As she looked up at him, she couldn't help but wonder why had she waited so long? She shrugged it off and leaned into Steven as she grabbed his arms and wrapped them around her. She turned her head and kissed the closest thing she could, which at this moment was his neck. Furthermore, she smiled more and snuggled up next to him as they sat. After a while she finally looked up at Steven again. "Its almost dinner, shouldn't we go get Kayla? And some food?" Steven waited a moment after he wrapped his arms back around Alice in a more intimate and different way. "You're right. Why don't we go to Pizza Hut?" he then asked as he tried with all of his will to let go of her, but he just didn't want to yet. But soon, he finally was able to as he took out his car keys and got into the car. "Pizza sounds good." Alice grinned as she saw his struggle to let her go. She climbed in the car and waited for him to pull out of the parking spot before she reached over and stole his hand. She laced her fingers with his as she held his hand on her lap. Her face was still a little pink, but she didn't care. A song came on the radio as they drove and Alice sang along as she danced around in her seat. She had a beautiful voice, but she didn't often use it to sing, her self consciousness always got the best of her. But today was a good day. She finally had Steven, so why not break out of the shell a little bit more and sing for once as he drove to get his little sister.

lillian90005 and Riccros' Private Roleplay|rating:4.0

Cloak and Dagger_ No Mere Mirage

DATE:4 January 2020SaturdayTIME:8:35 A. M.SITE:Oregon Coast Neumann Estate Oregon. One of the three westernmost states of the contiguous United States, centerpiece of the United States Pacific Coast. A beautiful state, and one whose coastline, at least, held a fantastic view of the ocean, directly west. Home to a resident population of roughly seven million nine hundred thousand citizens of the aforementioned nation, the state had the sort of climate that left Asher charmed, and also reaching for a jacket. The present temperature of three degrees Celsius made the air brisk, and the subtle hint of a breeze made loose strands of long, ink-black hair with a bluish tint, flutter until he lifted one hand and brushed them from his face. They had arrived in accompaniment of their organization's newest accomplishment, which was now ready to be underway, to collect two individuals who would form the inaugural crew. An overcast day, which tended to dim the spirit of those who would like describe such a day as dull or dreary, but Asher had always had a fondness for overcast days. The shimmery silver of the clouds as the sun shone on them, the fullness of daylight without blinding sun in his eyes. He looked forward to such days every bit as much as he looked forward to days of rich sunshine or partial clouds. Given his fondness of all harmless weathers, and only mild dislike of cyclones of various descriptors and, then, only when they threatened the lives of innocents, he'd been accused of being obnoxiously upbeat. He had been, on more than one occasion, accused by a comrade of being Care Bear Lotus, which had prompted him to research what precisely a Care Bear was, never having heard at the time of any such creature. His research had proven quite fruitful, in that, though Eden had ultimately agreed with the characterization. Not that Asher would accept that as his official moniker, but he wouldn't deny having a special place in his heart for Grumpy Bear with the little storm cloud belly-badge going on. From his current location, he would hardly be able to hear any sound which would have told him that he should return indoors, lest someone come to notify him. Then again, Eden was paying attention enough for both of them to let him know when they should likely reenter the building on whose roof they were presently standing. Looking up at the sky, sharp vision picked a pleasant sight in the distance. Snow. It had been returned to Oregon by the contribution made to the world by one Mariana White feather, whose ancestors were of the Sioux. He had felt a deep well of gratitude toward the young woman ever since that, as the temperatures of the world had started to return to where they were during his childhood. As snowflakes floated toward the chilled ground below and landed on the surrounding roof, he lifted his palm to the air in front of him. He watched, as snowflakes landed on his palm and melted immediately, as the snowfall went from the first soft dust of a sparse drift, to a heavier sort. Large, heavy snowflakes fell to earth like the snowy equivalent of a downpour. He had always loved snow, on the ground and as it fell. He liked rain, as well, which went back to that whole thing where people called him Care Bear Lotus, though his preferred moniker sounded at least a little more dignified and a little less babysitter. His eyes slowly sank to the trees, hardy conifers that remained green throughout the winter months, trademarks of the coast that blanketed the landholder's five-thousand-acre landholding. The grand fir trees were strikingly beautiful, and old, in this part of the coast, soaring to heights of near seventy meters, in some cases just a shade above. The structure itself almost blended into the landscape, at least from a philosophical perspective, in keeping with the style of architecture pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright, known as organic architecture. From the outside, the home just sort of looked like it belonged. The seven-floor mansion spanned with a total of thirty-five thousand square feet of flooring was built of local stone and the wood of the same grand fir trees that decorated the entire landscape. It certainly constituted a lavish home by anyone's definition of the term, particularly with the interior having a certain extravagance that the exterior muted with its organic outward motif. An abundance of windows made the home beautiful to be in, to the extent that Asher would certainly welcome every opportunity to visit. He suspected it offered a certain tranquility to live in, besides, but he found serenity in his own home in New Zealand just as easily, built in much the same vein, if nowhere near the same scale. Shadowed Lotus. One of the organization's abundant plethora of people older than him, he felt more relaxed around him than he did some of the others. Even while the man was his senior, the difference between their ages was so minor that he felt a near-peerage with him. Wit Neumann had been born, as he understood it, in the tail-end of 1753, roughly fifty-one years and some-odd months before Asher's birth in 1805, if in an entirely different part of the world. Neumann had earned the Lotus title for his activities during the Great Wars, where he had emerged as the bearer of a masterful talent for disguise, espionage, and infiltration. He had accumulated a wealth of experiential knowledge that Asher did not possess. On the other hand, Asher knew he had experiences that Wit did not, in addition to the radical differentiation in their abilities. He had been born too late to participate in either the First or even the Second War for American Independence from Great Britain, but, he had nevertheless lived his first century to the fullest. He'd found his way to the United States in time to be a participant in the First Civil War of the United States, and he concurred adamantly with the hope that there should never be a second. Furthermore, he had participated in the Great Wars, himself, even if not quite in the sort of front-line action that Wit had seen. In some ways, he had pioneered the Black Dove Regiment that was now an integral part of the organization, when he had rescued Eden from the vicinity of the Dead Sea in 1853. A deep breath of the snow-filled air, and he released it with a soft exhalation in a cloud of steam, for the simple fact his breath was so much warmer than the surrounding air. He turned his attention toward his companion and longtime lover, one thin, S-shaped eyebrow arching faintly as he did. Eden brushed long strands of deep, seal brown hair out of eyes of the same, lips curling into a warm smile of acknowledgment as Asher looked into his eyes and held contact for a moment of affectionate silence. He wondered how people could dismiss silence as cold, or miss the affection that could sometimes color it. Finally, though, he let the smooth, creamy tenor of his voice slip out into the air, “What time do you have, Eden?”“9:02, Master,” replied Eden, with the application of an honorific that he had used ever since he had saved Asher's life on the banks of the Dead Sea, all those years previous, “Judas and Platoon will likely have the breakfast sandwiches near readiness. The D'Arras twins have an exceptional sense of time, and are as devoted to the course as we are. I feel they may choose to remain when they have been redeemed. I am thankful that you saw through the smoke and ash to see their path to redemption; given the conduct of Marius D'Arras, I do not believe they knew of any other way to be before you found them.” Asher could not help but to offer a smile of appreciation for Eden's unbidden assessment; he had an excellent sense of timing.“I am pleased to hear it. I believe our Mister Garcia should be arriving soon. I suppose we really should bid farewell to this stellar scene and be present to greet him and share our morning meal with him,” Asher observed, deciding to reenter the structure on whose roof he presently stood, followed immediately by Eden as his lover remained with him at all times. Descending into the building, down sealed stairs of polished wood from grand fir trees, one hand brushing across the flawlessly smooth sheen of a rail on one side. He found his way easily; for all that the mansion was expansive and vast, luxurious, even, the layout made it extremely easy to navigate. As he returned to the ground level of the mansion, he paused to look down the cleft in the rock, visible from one window near the descent into it, braced between walls of unshaped rock, into the vast cave, below. He let his mind wander to the ship. He felt a sense of pride in it, as a member of the organization that built such a marvel, a vessel described officially as a mobile submersible operations center. Furthermore, he hadn't had a hand in it at all, hadn't overseen the construction, but when he was informed he would be included in the inaugural crew, he had visited the Sunken Grotto. Furthermore, he had watched, for a few hours here or there, as it was transformed from the dream of a blueprint to the reality that had carried him across the Pacific from New Zealand to Oregon. It was certainly rather early in the morning when Asher had notified Wit that he had arrived, interrupting his normal sleeping hours. As much as he had gotten to bed earlier in order to get some rest in before Asher arrived, Wit still had to get up to at least be a little bit hospitable to the younger man. It was only the proper thing to do. When he next awoke after tearing himself away from the warmth of his bedsheets and his personal bed warmer in the form of his slave exemplar; Miranda Benson, whom he had obtained for almost a year prior to starting his own Stiletto team in earnest, it was half past eight in the morning. Today was the day that he and his fellows start their search for additional members for their team rosters and finally begin operations from that miraculous marvel of engineering that was called the Mirage. With the shakedown run complete, the Mirage was ready to perform its duty as the home away from home of Wit and the other team leaders of the Stiletto and Black Dove programs while they performed their duties. But first, there's still the matter of the arrival of Diego Garcia. Nudging Miranda by her shoulders to rouse her from her slumber, Wit proceeded with his usual daily makeup routine before heading to the kitchen to fix himself some breakfast, finding his two hires already up and about. Giving the two women a cursory nonverbal greeting, he proceeded to make himself a smashed brioche grilled cheese and ham sandwich. As a man with some standards for the food he eats and more than enough time in the day to make it himself, Wit had come up with a blend of cheeses that he found to be perfect for him in such a sandwich. Sharp cheddar gets mixed with Gruyère, young Gouda, Parmesan, evaporated milk and reconstituted gelatin under gentle heat using an immersion blender before being packed into a ramekin lined with plastic food wrap to solidify in the fridge. Having prepared a portion of his blend of cheese earlier in the week, Wit retrieved the cylinder of cheese that he had marked out as his and cut a couple of slices of the blend to place into his halved brioche bun along with thin slices of Jason Iberian. Not one to cook even a simple breakfast without a little musical accompaniment, he decided to play and hum along to John Coltrane's Giant Steps as he waited for the pat of butter that he had placed into a cast iron skillet to melt and turn frothy before he put the sandwich into the skillet. Using a chef's press to squish the bun flat as he waited for the cheese to start melting, he cooked both sides of the sandwich in order to get the fat and sugars in the brioche bun to caramelize and turn a beautiful darker brown and become amazingly crispy before taking it off the heat and plating it up after cutting in half. Sitting down with his greatly elevated grilled ham and cheese sandwich, he was greeted with a mug of coffee made to his liking by Miranda." Thanks Mini." he said to his slave exemplar with a small smile and a peck on her cheek as he tucked into his sandwich, sipping on the coffee that she served him while he watched her prepare her own breakfast. Diego Garcia, a.k.a. Time, was on his way to see his friend and colleague Wit Neumann in Oregon for a mission. He had just driven to the location in question from New York, where his primary residence was located. When he drove his motor home up to the estate, he marveled a little at how unnecessarily extravagant it was. He lived in a modest motorhome a good deal of the time after all, and all of his residences were modest, even though he was worth millions of dollars, he did not feel the need to be showy or extravagant in the way that Wit seemed to. Diego had to admit though, even as he parked his vehicle, exited it, and made his way to the front entrance where he expected to be greeted soon, that the fact the mansion was located here on the coast was rather nice. Not just convenient given the fact they would be operating in the water, but nice. He liked to keep the nice atmosphere, and the coast, and the oceans for vacationing, however. As he had said on multiple occasions, if he lived somewhere like this he would not quite appreciate it as much during those times when he did vacation somewhere. But it was cold today, too damn cold for him. He was spoiled, having spent too much of the past few years in Hawaii before deciding to come out of retirement and start working to make the world a better place again. Diego carried a mug of cheap McDonald's coffee as he made his way up the driveway to the front door. He really wanted some better coffee and trusted that Wit would have something available when he finally made his way inside the estate. Diego came up to the front door, knocking on it, waiting to be greeted and let inside, expecting it would probably be one of the slaves or someone on Wit's team or an employee of his that answered the door. After all with all the money he had to waste, Wit probably did not answer his own front door. But he could be wrong. He had been wrong before. In the kitchen, the twins were hard at work from the moment they arrived, preparing the things they needed, arranging and rearranging ingredients spread across the kitchen's counters to ensure a smooth breakfast preparation. A postmodern, near-restaurant-grade kitchen, certainly helped matters immensely, in providing them the necessities that they needed in a structural sense. As the two worked together, it had started with the preparation of the cheeses, namely the grating and shredding of brie, extra-sharp cheddar, and fontina cheese. Additionally, they broke and whisked ten eggs, adding fresh-ground black peppercorn, thyme leaves stripped from the stems with a gentle sweep of fingers along the stem. The twins followed by whisking the thyme with the eggs and ground pepper to blend the flavors well, before pouring in one cup of whole milk, of the goat variety for the superior creaminess and flavorful fat content. In turn, they sliced up two yellow onions and Judas minced them with a food processor while Platoon thin-sliced and minced green onions to add to the punch of the flavor. Next came one of their preferred ingredients as the alternative to bacon: hot sausage. Ground down to finer pieces that would make it easier for them to incorporate it into the recipe, then minced and prepared the other special ingredient, jalapeño peppers and the seeds. Minced in the same food processor and carefully introduced to the prepared bowl, they then turned their attention to the dough. A prepared dough cooked at three hundred degrees for a half-hour to precook it while they were preparing the rest of the ingredients, and now combined the cheese and onions, and then the sausage and jalapeño, with the eggs, pepper, and thyme, in a bowl. Whisking them firmly, Platoon waited until Judas brought the well-prepared dough, then putting the entire thing back into the oven at the same temperature. By the time anyone had started to move in the house, it was already in the oven, before the scent brought two lovely young women wandering into the kitchen, each looking freshly-showered. Bypassing what they had observed to be the typical Americanism of asking if they'd showered together, Judas and Platoon waved cheerfully while they were working on the next part of breakfast, preparing the ingredients for the morning beverages. The quiche itself would be a bit soft and crumby, but that was all part of the intention for it being breakfast and desired to be fresh. It would take some time to cool, once it was finished cooking, but they didn't intend to delay it by twelve hours. As the women entered the room, moist-haired and dressed in fresh garments in the form of white cotton tees and denim shorts, they watched the boys cooking breakfast. Goat milk brought to a gentle simmer, Judas whisked in one-quarter cup of granulated sugar and two teaspoons of cocoa powder, stirring it until there were no lumps present. The quiche itself was nearing readiness to be removed from the oven as they were preparing the beverage. Judas continued stirring even while Platoon was adding in a teaspoon of vanilla extract and provided a slow and delicate stirring motion as his twin poured in a cup of dark chocolate chips. Stirring it until it was fully melted, even as the homeowner himself arrived.“Good morning. What's for breakfast?” asked Cassidy, peering as the chocolate was poured into a series of cups she had never seen before, which meant they had to have been brought with them for the purpose and topped with whipped cream.“A hot and spicy quiche, and homemade hot chocolate with a topping,” answered Judas, gently sprinkling the whipped cream with the last ingredient, dark chocolate shavings.”The quiche includes hot sausage and jalapeño, I should warn you, so make sure you eat carefully. It should be soft and crumbly, though, so it should melt in your mouth and go well with the hot chocolate,” assured Platoon, offering a cheerful smile as he set cups around the table at all the appropriate places while Judas removed the quiche from the oven.“Ooh. It smells delicious,” Tamara offered, sniffing the air as she found her way to a seat.“Thank you. Furthermore, it will just need a few minutes to cool so it is cool enough to eat. There should be enough to feed twelve, so there'll probably be a little bit of leftovers. We've always been staunch believers in making ample supplies of foods that will keep for a few days to be enjoyed again,” Judas smiled as Miranda joined them, preparing a quick-brewed cup of coffee for herself and for her DOM.“It smells delicious. Thank you for preparing breakfast,” Miranda greeted pleasantly as she worked to combine fifty grams of freshly-ground coffee, a teaspoon and a half of cardamom powder and a similar volume of ginger, brewing them in one liter of water. While that was underway, she combined 200 milliliters of milk with one and a half teaspoons of granulated sugar, before pouring the freshly-brewed coffee mixture in with the cream and sugar. Proceeding from there she spooned four tablespoons of cream over the two cups of coffee, and then sprinkled twenty-five grams of grated dark chocolate over the cream. By the time her DOM was ready for a real cup of coffee, she was done, and fortunately for her, the quiche was cooled enough to be suitably ready to eat. As the knocker on the door solicited her attention, Miranda appeared at the door, opening it and waving-in one Diego Garcia, “You are just on time for breakfast. I hope you like spicy foods. Our other guest have prepared a rather aromatic quiche for us.” Second servings of hot chocolate were already in-hand when Judas placed the large quiche on the table between them, with the serving utensils neatly alongside, “This is our personal recipe, so we hope you will like it. I will warn you, it is very spicy, but that's what the hot chocolate's for, or the lady's coffee.” Diego entered the residence with a slight smile, the corners of his lips turning up in a bit of a grin when there was talk of a quiche being prepared. "You remembered that this is one of my favorite breakfasts, is that it?" He did not wait for a reply, but merely let himself be shown inside the place, into the kitchen, where he took a seat marveling at the quality of the tablecloth." Nice tablecloth you all have here. This reminds me of something my grandmother would have had on her table. Crisp, clean, and white in appearance. Expensive I bet. Probably a lot more expensive than what she would have had, but the same basic type of thing. The spicy quiche, coffee and hot chocolate makes this feel like home so much that all that is missing is a place for my grandmother at the table." Diego helped himself to some of the quiche, taking it easy on the dish given that it was known to be made with spicy peppers and therefore was not going to be something he wanted to eat too quickly. Not that he couldn't have handled it, but it really was easier to consume a hot dish if you took your time, and had a glass of milk accessible to you to wash it down with." By the way, this coffee is awesome. I have been drinking McDonald's coffee for days straight, and I really missed home-brewed coffee. Diego was very satisfied with the warm welcome that he received, and he thought to himself about how he was excited about the prospect of getting into the field again. Even before he had been found by Camelot, and then later joined the Stiletto Initiative, he had enjoyed being out in the field on missions. His missions may have been lawless back then, but they were really missions just the same. It was things that he did to find fulfillment and purpose in life since the death of Theresa his girlfriend and the woman that he was in love with. As Wit entered the room, Diego turned in his direction, meeting his eyes with a stern warmth for which he was known. "So, what are the plans for the first mission that we will be going on together. Have you mapped out the specifics yet? Forgive me if you are not free to discuss such matters here. Simply inform me and I will wait until we are in a better more secure place for us to speak of this." "To be honest, any real missions we'd be getting through the vines would really only be handled by Asher and my team for now since we have a full fire team of four each if we include ourselves." said Wit, looking over at Diego and nodding at him in greeting before he spoke. "So when we get underway, we'd be heading over to the location of your first team member to start you off and start recruiting other team members for our various teams unless we receive orders for missions that need handling." It was the logical thing to do of course, as long as they didn't have orders that required them to need to mobilize every single operator onboard the Mirage, this would be what they would be doing while they slowly gathered in strength. Diego would be the one they started with as he was the only one among the designated team leaders without a single team member. While Diego would be handling the responsibility of recruiting his team, it fell to Wit and Asher to have their teams support Diego in combat terms." Training for our individual members will be handled elsewhere, obviously. So I'll be expecting us all to be very well acquainted with the Mirage's Gate room." said Wit, finishing his grilled cheese and ham sandwich. "That's also not counting the vehicle bay for our transportation to our targets." Contentment. Asher felt a rare sense of relaxation as breakfast ensued. He greeted Diego with a faint nod of acknowledgment, and listened as he described the nostalgic sensation he was experiencing. It felt nice to hear of such things, and he listened with a sense of comfort and contentment to the description. He did not have coffee, he went with the hot chocolate, though there was enough of that for everyone, and not a great amount of the coffee. Asher elected to remain silent, eating and enjoying his meal while Diego asked his question and Wit answered it, listening as Wit confirmed the known fact the specifics were yet undecided. Only the broad brushstrokes had been made, like choosing which of Diego's hoped-for candidates. He knew that Diego had come from a background that gave him a particularly powerful in with most of his preferred targets for recruitment. He had been on the wrong side of the law, even the wrong side of justice, in his own history. It occurred to Asher that one Joshua Ryder would potentially be very reachable by someone who knew where he was, knew where he was coming from, knew what he had been through. Someone who could legitimately offer him a way forward, a way to change his fate, to place his own hands on the wheel and jerk it to turn his life in a new direction. It remained true that Riptide might have a resistant knee-jerk to that, but if he could be convinced, his charisma seemed likely to make other candidates easier to draw in. If Joshua Ryder could be enticed successfully, it could even make Hawaiian waters dramatically safer. He had a history of having recruited other aquatic Neo-Humans and marine specialists from the criminal underworld. For Asher, that meant that there would be a solid chance that if Joshua were successfully recruited, all of those he had recruited to work with him in the past, could be recruited for smaller Stiletto operations around the world. A means by whence they could move forward in their lives and have a new beginning, which is Riptide were successfully taken into the fold, they might conceivably follow his lead. It would likely require a written message, of sorts, from Ryder, to past comrades, but he had the charisma. Asher could see possibilities, already.“Thank you. I am pleased to hear that you like the coffee. It is a spiced recipe which I am quite fond of,” Miranda answered Diego's praise with cheer.“A number of Lotus analysts are working on informational evaluation, as well. The Mirage will receive some alerts from the Lotus, as well as the expected alerts from the Initiative, in terms of where we may be needed. Between us, I think we will have a more comprehensive threat analysis available, though this may cause us to be pulled in one direction or another in the course of attempting to build a full team for each of you,” Asher observed tranquilly. "Obviously while I think you'd enjoy the process of recruitment, and you're a good fit for the program, don't expect the recruitment process to be easy or even smooth sailing. Getting Mini wasn't easy for me nor was convincing Cass and Tami to work under me." said Wit, taking another sip of his coffee while he looked Diego straight in the eyes. "But as long as you choose your words wisely, your terms will work wonders in helping you attain a team for which you'd be able to then deploy alongside with for missions." Placing his coffee mug down on the table again, he gripped it with both hands before the intense, serious look he was giving Diego faded away upon being handed a slice of quiche by Miranda." Thanks Mini." said Wit with a small smile, taking his hands off of his mug to accept the plate of quiche. "So I suspect you'll want to get your personal weapons onboard the Mirage. Have you brought them with you Diego?" "I have all my gear in the motor home." Diego informed Wit and the others. "I wouldn't dream of going somewhere without it. I'm sure you knew that though, and did not expect me to inform you that I left them at the airport in New York or something."" I have to admit, I am both excited and anxious about what we are about to do. Furthermore, I understand that we aren't going on any outside missions until my team includes more members than Me... Myself and I..."" Can I get one more cup of that awesome coffee?" Diego inquired of the others, and once the person in charge of distributing the food had arrived back with his coffee, he began to sip on it anew and then continued." I packed light, as I always do, carrying what needs to go, without going overboard with personal items. I trust my motor home will be safe parked here while we go out and start gathering our teams. Furthermore, I also trust if I forgot something, like the toothbrush I forgot to put in my bag before I left this morning, that we can stop and get it before we go out and about. You wouldn't want the targets to not be acquired merely because I have dragon breath." “If you have all of your gear, bring it over to the lift for the docks. We'll get our things and get under way in about half an hour.” said Wit, nodding towards Miranda to get Diego some more coffee while he took a bite out of the slice of quiche. “If you're finished with breakfast, it'd be time to get moving and get your things stowed away safely.” When he had finished his breakfast and put the dishes away in the dishwasher, Wit brought everyone down to where the Mirage was berthed in the gargantuan dry dock via the living room elevator's secret switch function. The cave was a natural formation but was expanded artificially in a naturalistic way by the Lotus' grotto builders, that much was immediately obvious, much like how well-lit it was. The light showed off exactly how advanced the Mirage was with a complete lack of sail and the photonics masts fully extended. It looked very alien in design compared with more conventional submarines, even if you disregarded it's frankly massive size which clocked in at a whopping 440 meters in length, 45 meters in height and with a 107 erelong beam.“There she is... the Mirage... Asher, since you recently just arrived at the Mirage, why don't you show Diego the sections of the submarine that he should familiarize himself with?” asked Wit, requesting that Asher show the youngest team leader among them around the submarine. “A number of things are available onboard, already, that will make that less of an issue. Given that we may spend extensive durations underway, we have stocked a lot of supplies, in terms of providing for hygiene aboard ship for everyone. I think we can rely on access to most ports, however, because we will be moving between dry-docks and taking long-arc patrol routes. We will be ensuring we'll both explore the seabed and monitor naval traffic and coastal situations,” Asher observed while Miranda was retrieving a bonus cup of coffee for Diego. Once they were ready to descend, Asher followed and observed Diego's reactions as Wit was introducing him to the ship's exterior. Standing on that exterior were three women, the remaining members of Asher's present team. As they stood on the hull, waiting for them, he motioned gently, “Allow me to introduce the other members of my squad. This is Area Yamadayev, call-sign is Seagull.” A black-haired woman with medium skin with a deep, bronze undertone, waved from where she stood, a woman of Aymara and Chechen ancestry, among other things. He continued to motion, however, to introduce both of the others on the hull to wait for them, one of them a black woman with dark skin having a red undertone, of Bosnian and Swahili ancestry, “This is Imani Medunjanin, call-sign is Sumo.” Granted, she did not look like a sumo wrestler, so the call-sign must have been more involved than just a comment on her size, particularly since she was shorter than Asher and not stocky in stature. The third woman was a woman, with medium-dark skin with a golden undertone, a woman of Tibetan and Spanish heritage, “Lastly, but surely not least, Kunming Coronas, call-sign is Nautilus. Now let us head into the vessel and I can show you around to the important internal facilities.” Diego gazed intently at Seagull, Sumo and Nautilus as they were introduced. He tried to size each of them up, wondering why they had their call signs and how they had gotten their monikers, specifically Sumo, who looked nothing like a sumo wrestler, and wasn't even chunky or thick in build at all. He wanted to find out more about the members of the team, but he would ask about them later. At the moment, he was given all the information that he possibly would need to know about them, and he knew how to refer to them if communication with them was needed, and that was all that mattered for the moment. Diego followed Asher into the vessel. He started scanning the place, memorizing every bit of it as he stepped inside. He liked to know the vessel and the equipment in question in the case that it became necessary. After all this was going to be their mobile base of operations for some time, and it just made sense that he was going to want to get to know every square inch of it. As Diego followed Asher onto the vessel, he smirked and said. "Is it bad that the song 'We all live in a yellow submarine is now stuck in my head thanks to you guys?' "Hey, don't look at us. You signed up for this. Should've read the fine print!" chuckled Wit as he walked past Diego bearing cases of weapons that he'd be using, bringing them over to his personal room onboard the Mirage. "“Bring your things aboard when you're ready, but we are hoping to be underway before lunch. You can roam around freely to explore, Under will let you know if it isn't safe to touch something." Leaving Diego alone so that he could get his and his team's things in order, Wit proceeded to bring the cases that he was carrying into his own room before he checked in on Cass, Miranda and Tamara. First up was the team marks woman, the former outlaw known as Sun dancer, Cassidy Butcher." Cass, can I come in?" asked Wit, buzzing her room's intercom. All throughout the vessel, the sound of music started to resonate, in every room and chamber, down every corridor. The immediate first sound was the sound of a Beatles singing about the town where he was born. As the song played, Under's handsome face appeared, with medium-dark skin with a deep golden-yellow undertone and black facial hair. A particularly well-crafted image of the ship's artificial intelligence, so flawless in design an individual would have been hard-pressed to realize it was a rendered image and not an organic person. A serene, deep voice emerged, “You're welcome.” At the same time, Cassidy looked up when she heard the sound of the faint buzz at her door, audible even with the Beatles' song Yellow Submarine running all around them, emerging from every audio speaker on the entire ship. She tilted her head a bit, listening as her boss addressed her by name and requested entry. In answer, she stood and stretched her muscles, then walked to the door, turning the bulkhead-style door, opening it and swinging it open into the room. “Yea, sure. Come on in. What's up?” At the same time, Asher listened to the sound of the music and chuckled a little. He had learned, himself, that Under had a sense of humor that he was absolutely convinced the programmers had based on him. It would've been either that or the synthetic intelligence had researched the hell out of humor and then looked for someone whose example mirrored what he felt connected to. There were, of course, minor noteworthy differences, but he had a feeling he'd get on well with the ship. Most surfaces wouldn't have to worry about how well they got along with literally the ship that they were on, but most ships didn't have a shipboard intelligence, either. "Just wanted to check in on you, see if you'd settled in and got your gear in order." said Wit, walking into Cassidy's room to take a look at the interior. "I'm gonna check on the other girls too, but I figured I'd start with you." Sitting down on her bed, he gestured for Cass to show him what she had brought onboard and placed into her equipment locker. Given the size of the locker, he wasn't expecting for Cass to have brought along the entirety of the arsenal that she had begun to amass as a part of her collection after she had accepted her employment offer from Wit, but he figured he'd have a look so that he'd at least know what she'd packed." Room looks comfy enough, you've made it your own home away from home haven't you?" asked Wit, looking around at Cass' room. Diego took his two cent tour of the vessel. Once he had been everywhere he wanted to be, and knew the space well enough to feel decently comfortable with the fact it was now his base of operations, the man who had taken on the Moniker of Time, went into his room, as he wasn't really sure where else to wait for the team to get started and underway on their specific recruitment missions. He decided to spend these few moments that he had alone in his room drinking bottled water, and reading a stack of newspapers from all over the world so that he could pass the time. He could have done this online, of course, but he liked reading good old-fashioned papers that he could hold in his hands from time to time. There was something about the feeling of that which just could not be duplicated with more modern technology such as the RSS feeds he had coming to him on his personal laptop, telephone, and series of tablets. He left the door wide open, which was his way of indicating that anyone could enter the room at any time, as he was not changing his clothes, or doing anything which required a semblance of privacy, not at that point in time. He did have his hand crank radio playing at a low volume in the background, and he was listening to the local broadcast. It was rather boring and nothing of interest that he had noticed. Basically meetings at the local town hall about the town budget or some such necessary but uninteresting things broadcast over his radio. It was competing of course with the ships AI, but he did not really care, he had it on out of habit and not need, and as it did not bother anyone else around him, he saw no reason to turn it off." I wonder where Wit is?" Diego asked himself as he popped open a pack of chewing gum, and started to unpack his collection of things. He did not have much here of course, but he did note that someone had brought him the toiletries he had asked for so that he could brush his teeth when necessary. "Great. We won't have to worry about Dragon Breath. We may have to worry about the weather, the vitality of the stock market, and running out of ammo, but we won't have to worry about my Dragon Breath." “Of course; alphabetical order?” she jabbed with good humor, as she arranged her personal locker in a neat and orderly manner. Her Colt Anaconda revolvers were neatly stowed in the top left, positioned neatly above a railed shelf that held the ammunition, including a set of six speed-loaders. In the next section below that, her SIG Sauer P210A sidearms mounted above a set of different magazines, each having a self-replenishment enchantment on them. Below that, mounted vertical beside three shelves of ammunition for it, was her FN SLP tactical shotgun. In the taller sections beside that, she had her M16A1 select-fire rifle, and in the section furthest to the right, her Browning X-Bolt rifle, all of them with Cocoon Wood furniture. Each section had shelves for the various accessories that would be mounted upon them if she needed them, but she liked to keep her weapons neat and the accessories separated for easier cleaning.“It is, according to my research, far roomier and far more personal space than is commonplace on submarines, but I suppose that's why they call it a mobile undersea platform, isn't it? Still, it's a very small room and there's not a lot of personalisation ones can do. Not like I can bring my lanterns or have stained-glass windows down here, or anything, after all,” Cassidy observed.“Actually, Miss Butcher, some modifications can be implemented through simple holography. I will take your preferences into consideration. You can let me know in the morning if you like them or if they need to be adjusted to your preferences,” stated the shipboard synthetic intelligence, into the room, and audible in no other room. Meanwhile, as Miranda and Tamara were settling into their own chambers and taking moments to lie on their beds, Under was also acknowledging Diego Garcia. The shipboard synthetic intelligence's face appeared on the monitor nearest him. A pulse of the lights around the room fading toward the monitor was used, to direct Diego's attention to Under's face on the monitor. Then, Under spoke, “The location of Mister Neumann is a short distance from your present location. He is presently in the personal accommodations of one of his current hired arms. I have illuminated the path to the residential accommodations of Miss Butcher, so that you may walk directly to his location. It should be safe for you to approach by the time you arrive, as there is no PL3 activity presently underway.” Diego jumped slightly, spilling his water, all over the newspapers and Under suddenly appeared and started giving him the directions to Neumann's location. He was not expecting that to take place. Even though he had left the door open, and anyone could come by, Under was the last thing he was expecting to see or hear from at this point in time. He peeled his wet shirt off not caring if anyone saw. Luckily his pants were not wet by what had taken place. He changed the shirt quickly, and then blinked a few times as he realised that he had been informed there was no sex taking place down the hall."Oh, for fuck's sake I guess there is no such thing as any true privacy with an AI on this ship." Diego said as he quickly got up and started following the directions of Under towards the location of Neumann. Even though he was told it was safe to currently make his way to the quarters of the hired hand, he still knocked on the door. It was only common courtesy after all."Ah, hello...we're having a party in here I wasn't invited to?" Diego said. "Under told me you are all down here um, knitting or whatever it is you are doing to occupy the time. Did I mention I can't decide if he is creepy, handy, or funny, or some combination of the three? But it is nice to know he is always monitoring things on the ship, and in the nearby vicinity. No PL3 activity will go down around here without everyone knowing about it." "Besides which, actual windows would be pointless down here. No sunlight." said Wit, nodding with a thoughtful expression on his face before lightly patting Cassidy on her shoulder. "Still, like Under suggested, holograms might be a good replacement while you're onboard and not on shore leave-"When Diego arrived on the scene, Wit turned over to look over at Diego and cocked his head slightly, thinking about why Diego looked different from when he last saw him before he realized that the younger man had changed his shirt." I was just checking up on Cass, actually. Honestly I wouldn't worry about Under too much. He's not a voyeur. He only responds to his name being called when we request to be left alone. Furthermore, he doesn't actually try to invade our privacy, regardless of privacy levels." said Wit, shrugging. "What's with the change in shirts?" Diego shrugged slightly at Wit's words. He figured that this was a question he was going to be asked. Wit certainly would have noticed the change in shirt, unless he was totally and completely not paying attention to what was going on whatsoever." There is a simple enough explanation for that, Wit. I spilled water all over myself when Under suddenly appeared, informing me of your whereabouts, and because this isn't a wet tee-shirt contest, I figured it made sense for me to change before coming down here to find you. I kind of prefer this to what I was wearing earlier so it's not really a big deal."" Anyway now that we have that cleared up, what is the schedule looking like for today and how long until we reach our destination?" “Attention. Please brace for disembarkation; we are now leaving the dry-dock. Enhanced stabilizers are online, prepare to enter the water,” announced Under, moments before a sharp physical shift in position could be felt, like the sway of a rollercoaster car on the track. The stabilizers ensured, as Cassidy shut her gun cabinet and sealed it, that nothing would get flung around, whether persons or objects. Soon, the massive vessel levelled out as it was fully embarked onto the surface of the water, and the final strong sway moved them before all became steady.“You can be assured that the such moments are not announced shipwide, Mister Garcia. If you wanted to have a conversation with Asher, for example, I would provide you with directions, but also safeguard you against awkwardness by forewarning if he was involved in a private conversation or private activities. Additionally, if a resident of the vessel wished to have some personal time and told me to mark their chambers as PL3, I am able to darken my sensors to grant them that privacy, in advance,” Under informed Diego, before returning his attention to the matters more operationally-focused.“We will be underway shortly; we are now descending to prevent a bow wave from exposing our position in the water,” he declared, waiting as they conversed while he was in motion, as Cassidy remained observationally silent, “Descent complete. Our depth is now two hundred meters, and we are coming underway; we are presently 2,526 miles out, from our destination. At optimum velocity, we should arrive in thirty-nine hours and fifty-seven minutes, in the vicinity of Honolulu. Navigation are online; operational personnel are in position.” "Really honestly not much that you absolutely need to do Diego... though if I were to make a suggestion, perhaps you could use the time it would take us to get to our intended position just off the coast of Honolulu to study your... quarry and make plans and preparations. Read up on precisely where they are and where they're projected to be based on their habits. Could also visit the gym to prepare, get your weapons ready and such things," suggested Wit, leaning against the wall as the submarine got underway, "As for me, I'm still tracking my target at the moment, so I'm just checking in on my hired girls at the moment and the mother of my kid." As a team leader and member of one of the Mirage's tactical strike teams, Wit has no real duties that he needed to perform onboard the Mirage beyond deploying for operations and defending the submarine from the exceedingly unlikely possibility of boarding actions." I was just checking up on Cass, next up would be to see if Mini's got her things squared away and finally stopping over at Tami's." Diego settled into the day-to-day life on the submarine. He ate when it was appropriate, listened to music and the radio, socialized and ate with the others, tended his weapons and gear, and impatiently awaited the time when he and the others would finally reach Honolulu. It seemed to be taking forever, and he was getting a little anxious and irritable. "I feel like a child in the back of a camper going are we there yet? If I ask Wit one more time I fear he may sock me one." The subsequent one day, nearly two, would pass without incident; their depth, at more than one kilometer, allowed them to pass silently under traditional naval traffic of the eastern and central Pacific Ocean. Even below the traditional submarine traffic of all nations that had operable submersible navies in the Pacific. As it neared the undersea mountains that broke from the surface to become the Hawaiian islands, the Mirage slowed to a halt so graceful that virtually none would feel it. Indeed, engines powered down only incrementally, so gradually that even the silence would be only a minor change. The sort of little shift that would gnaw at the back of a person's brain until they realized what was different, what had changed. As the vessel came to an absolute halt, after a graceful coast, Under's face appeared on monitors at several locations on the ship. His voice, in the same depth and serenity, resonated the hull gently, when the synthetic shipboard intelligence spoke, “Attention. We have reached the Hawaiian Islands seafloor mountain range; our depth is one kilometer and thirty-two meters. We are approximately six kilometers three hundred eighty-seven meters from Honolulu.” In one of the ship's main social epicenters, the aromatic Acropolis bay, Cassidy, Judas, Miranda, and Platoon, briefly acknowledged the shipboard synthetic intelligence. In the midst of a relatively idle conversation, the four didn't so much respond to Under, directly, as much as simply noting it in the back of their minds. The hydroponics bay, similarly fragrant and similarly popular as a social center, opposite the Acropolis bay, found Asher and Eden in a similar conversation with Imani, Area, and Tamara. Kunming, for her part, was meditating on her bed as Under informed her of their arrival.“Long-range Sonar detects no unauthorized submersible presences within two hundred kilometers. Disembarkation is rated G5SA. Please watch your step and enjoy your stay in sunny, tropical Hawaii. Remember to buy American,” Under added, following a cursory sonar scan of the region, “Given the current local time, however, you may wish to wait until morning. Local time is 7:40 in the evening.” Electric torches lit the night, and cast pseudo-incandescent light out across the sand and onto the waters of the ocean, in the post-nightfall hours after the sun fell below the horizon at roughly a quarter after six. Joshua's eyes focused out on the water, glittering in faux firelight, as he spun the surfboard in his hands, gracefully dancing on the sand, wielding the surfboard like a buster blade. Not against anyone in particular, really, just more to show off for the amusement and entertainment of the audience as he waited. Given the nocturnal surf circumstances, the group on the beach had decided to let only one person surf at a time.“All right, let's hit it!” he called when the surfer on the waves swept in and snatched his board as he reached wade-depth before he rushed out and leapt on the water. Given everyone knew he could breathe underwater, there would be fewer people worried about him if he had trouble, since his coming back was near-certain unless he got Jonah'd. Eaten by a whale, however, was not the etch Joshua planned to have on his tombstone, which was important since he intended to have a tombstone and not just an obituary in the local paper saying eaten by a whale. For starters, his frenemy Calder Whelk would never let him hear the end of it if he got eaten by a whale.“Where the hell did you meet a demigoddess?” asked Desiderata as she worked on the final adjustments to the armor she was working on, “And while I'm swearing, the fuck did you run into that far down that made you need help repairing this motherfucker?” She looked up at him from what she was welding utilizing her cybernetic clockwork arm. The two of them had traded some work for one another, which in this case involved her repairing his armor.“Well, she isn't exactly a demigoddess, but . I guess the reference is close enough to accurate. As for the other bit, you know I can't tell you that. They do call me the aquanaut for a reason, though. Sufficed to say, what I ran into wasn't happy to see me, and I was . Suitably unprepared for it, having not been expecting it,” Calder answered.“You're lucky I like you, Calder. I don't typically take a call from Black Moth, you lot are finicky at the best of times, but you did fit me an arm, and you did just upgrade it, so we're going to call you a special case,” Desiderata replied, “The adjustments are working excellently, by the way. The connection is tighter, neater.”“Of course it is. It's Whelk-tech. It isn't made by some scrub from Camelot who has to follow an assembly manual to put together a tricycle,” Calder scoffed. "Finally!" Diego exclaimed when the AI announced that they had arrived at their destination. "It feels like I have been on this submarine for a week." Diego was feeling a bit claustrophobic by this time, and he quickly gathered all his necessary gear, went over his plan again in his mind, and headed towards the docking area, so he could get into the boat, and discreetly leave for the island and work on finding Riptide and attempting to recruit him for the Stiletto Project. He was excited and nervous about it all at the same time, but it felt good to finally be on dry land again after he finally made his way up to the island. He took a few minutes to appreciate the scene before him before heading for the city. When Under announced that they had arrived at their insertion point, Wit reached out to Miranda and Cassidy via the intercom to have them assemble at the vehicle bay and get ready to deploy in the morning." Cass, Mini. We'll be deploying with minimum gear tomorrow morning. I don't imagine we'd be encountering much in the way of violent behavior… at least not from her. Just bring the bare minimum of gear in case her... violent associates show up, and we have to put them down mid-recruitment since I don't imagine she'd want to be collared for merely being a non-violent accomplice." said Wit over the intercom, picking out a concealed carry handgun in the form of an enchanted single stack, Strayer Vogt Tiki-T with an enchanted magazine and holstering it along with a compact folding knife before he switched to the intercom for Tamara. "While we're on the shore Tami, you'll be on loan to Asher under his command for the duration that I'm gone in case an operation crops up. I know you'll make me proud." “You got it, boss,” Cassidy answered.”Yes, Sir,” Miranda answered. By morning, once breakfast had been served and consumed, and the subsequent showers were taken, and they were in a state of proper readiness, Cassidy arrived first. The leather of her overcoat swaying with her motion, one eyebrow raising at the massive gunmetal-Grey cigar in front of her. Her head tilted faintly, back and to the right, chin lifting in the process, as her hands propped themselves on hips clad in a pair of sleek, lightweight, blue-jean shorts, with a tight, sleeveless white top. A black leather belt that held her concealed-carry sidearms in the small of her back and a pair of white-and-silver sneakers rounded out her outfit of the day, as her eyes fixed on the tin can they were going to be using.“You know when you told me we'd be travelling around in a state-of-the-art submarine, I wasn't expecting the shipboard transport to be a Ford. You couldn't have at least sprung for having Subaru manufacture this? Are we sure it will make it to shore without rupturing and flooding?” she asked, with a touch of sass.“I am ready in case her violent associates decide to interfere with your conversation. Albeit, somehow, I think it may sour her interest if we put cartridges into her friends like they're an old Nintendo. Better hope she views them as customers and not chums, boss,” Cassidy observed, “Then again, your lady's file said this lady mostly does fixes, repairs, and upgrades, and the other bites like being an Uber for the underworld. Can't say's I'd put money to bet that the Abbie runnin' your taxi's going to see you as a friend, s'maybe she won't care, and we'll not have to worry about anyone showin' up. Who brings their Abbie a chocolate Bundy cake?”“All right. I'm all set and ready to . Uh, help you make a good impression, I guess?” she asked, rolling her shoulders a bit as she did. She had on a sleeveless white top with a sewn-in shoulder holster, with a nylon windbreaker over it in tricolor design of aquamarine and periwinkle with thick white stripes separating the colors. Combined with the same type of white-and-silver sneakers worn by Cassidy and a pair of blue-jean cargo shorts, she looked abundantly comfortable. At the moment, she was wondering what her actual role would be in view of Cassidy's logical-feeling observation that nobody swung by to hang out with their cab driver. Once everyone was ready, though, Cassidy and Miranda boarded the embarkation vessel, finding Imani Medunjanin at the operations console. Perhaps somewhat hastily imitating an airline captain, she spoke to those in the cabin behind her, “Welcome to Mirage Seaways. Please be seated and buckle in. Please wait until launch turbulence has concluded before attempting to walk around the cabin, and enjoy your ride.”

Cloak and Dagger_ No Mere Mirage|rating:4.0

Warlords of Faerun (Charsheets)

Post either full sheet or link for one in here. Void caller Orbital StatisticsVoidcaller Zorro(Human Type: Changes to Outsider while binding ZceryllGender: Male Class/Level: Binder|Warlock (Fiendish) 14|14Alignment: Chaotic Neutral Languages: Common, Enteric, Orc, Giant Ability Scores STR: 8/-1CON: 16/+3DEX: 14/+2 (20/+5 w/Gloves of Dexterity) INT: 14/+2 WIS: 16/+3CHA: 18/+4 (24/+7 w/Cloak of Charisma) (+3 level-up)Leadership Score: 22 (18 + 2 great renown + 1 special power +1 fairness and generosity.) Commander Rating: 6 (Arch mage)Commander Aura: Protective Commander. Benefit: Allies within 30 feet of you gain a +1 morale bonus on saving throws. Senses: Dark vision 60', Hindsight 100'. Init: +9 (5 DEX + 4 Insight from Balm)BAD: +10/+5Eldritch Blast: Ranged Touch +15 (+16 w/Warlock's Scepter), 7d6 damage (9d6 w/Chasuble of Fell Power), 60 ft. Range AC: 30 (10 + 5 DEX + 3 Armor + 5 Enhancement + 3 Deflection + 4 Insight)DR: 3/Cold Iron or 10/Magic while binding Overall.HP: 154EP: 154SavesFort: +19 (Base +9, +3 Con, +7 Dark One's Own Luck) +4 on saves vs. Disease Ref: +14 (Base +4, +2 DEX(+5 w/Gloves of Dexterity), +4 Balm, +1 Luck)Will: +13 (Base +9, +3 Wis, +1 Luck) +4 on saves vs. Mind-affecting effects. Note: Assume Overall, Balm, and Tenebrous are bound unless otherwise noted. Spell Resistance: 24 while binding ZceryllImmunities: While bound to a vestige - Fear effects, Energy Drain and negative levels. While bound to Overall - Confusion, insanity, and weird spells. Resistances: Fire and Acid 10. Cold 15 while binding 3 vestiges. Acid increases to 15 and gain Electricity resistance 15 while binding Overall. Special Abilities Detect Magic at-will. Fast Healing 2 for 2 minutes 1/day. While bound to a vestige: Slippery mind - If you fail your saving throw against an enchantment spell or effect, you can attempt it again 1 round later at the same DC. You get only this one extra chance to succeed on your saving throw. While bound to Overall -Dark vision 60 ft. Bolts of Madness 1/5 Rounds. Summon Alien 1/5 Rounds. Gain Pseudonatural Template. Alternate Form: Standard action. Become a tentacle monster and enemies take -1 to attack rolls against you. Does not change abilities. Telepathy 100 feet. Gain Hindsight feat. Mindsight feat creature that has this feat possesses innate telepathic ability that allows it to precisely pinpoint other thinking beings within range of its telepathy. The creature perceives where the others are and how powerful their intellects are. Prerequisite: Telepathy special quality. Benefit: A creature that has this feat can detect and pinpoint beings that are not mindless (anything with an Intelligence score of 1 or higher) within range of its telepathy. This works much like blind sense—the creature knows what square each thinking being is in, but it does not see the being, and the being still has total concealment unless the creature can see it by some other means. The creature also perceives several observable characteristics about each being detected with hindsight, including the being’s type and Intelligence score. The creature need not take any additional or special actions to gain this information; it is as obvious to hindsight as the being’s race and clothing would be to eyesight. Normal: Telepathy offers no special ability to sense other minds. The creature has to know that a being is there to communicate with it telepathically. While bound to Balm- 1/5 rounds Reroll one attack, saving throw, or skill check you have just made. You must accept the result of the reroll, even if it is worse than the original. Gaze attack that deals 2d6 points of cold damage to the target. A successful Will save negates this damage. Insight bonus equal to +1 per four effective binder levels on initiative checks, Reflex saves, and AC. While bound to Tenebrous-Deeper Darkness: You can cloak an area in shadows as though using the deeper darkness spell (caster level equals your effective binder level), with the following exceptions. The effects always centered on you, it has an unlimited duration, and you can shift the range of the emanation (within the normal range) up or down 10 feet as a move action. You can suppressor activate this ability as a standard action. See in Darkness: You can see perfectly through darkness of any kind, even that created by a deeper darkness spell (or your deeper darkness ability). Touch of the Void: As a swift action, you can charge a melee attack or melee touch attack with cold energy. Your next melee attack deals an extra 1d8 points of cold damage, plus1d8 points of cold damage for every four effective binder levels beyond 7th that you possess. When you attain an effective binder level of 11th, you can charge your weapon for an entire round. Once you have used this ability, you cannot dose again for 5 rounds. Turn/Rebuke Undead: You can turn or rebuke undead ASA cleric of your effective binder level. As with a cleric, you turn if you are good and rebuke if you are evil. If you are neutral, you choose whether to turn or rebuke upon binding with Tenebrous and cannot later change your mind. If you have the ability to turn or rebuke undead from other classes, your levels in those classes stack with your effective binder level for the purpose of determining your turning ability. Once you have used this ability, you cannot do so again for5 rounds. Vessel of Emptiness: You can use the flicker shadow magic mystery (see page 146) as a supernatural ability once per day. At 13th level, you can use this ability two times per day, and at 19th level, you can use it three times per day. Class Abilities Proficiencies: Simple weapons, light armor. BinderClass Skills (2 + Int modifier per level, ×4 at 1st level): Bluff, Concentration, Craft, Decipher Script, Diplomacy, Gather Information, Intimidate, Knowledge (arcane), Knowledge (history), Knowledge (religion), Knowledge (the planes), Profession, Sense Motive. Soul Binding (SU) Through special methods known only to binders, you can contact a vestige and make a pact with it. At 1st level, you can make a pact with one vestige at a time. At higher levels, you can form and maintain pacts with multiple vestiges simultaneously, as shown on Table 1–1. You must complete the summoning and binding process with each separately, so each has its normal chance to influence you. You bear the physical sign of binding for each one. Your effective binder level, or EBL (your binder class level plus any soul binding bonuses you receive from prestige classes or other sources), determines the maximum level of vestige you can summon, as well as all other functions related to binding vestiges. This value equates to your binder class level, as given on Table 1–1, for this purpose. If the vestige you are trying to contact is of a higher level than your indicated maximum, you cannot summon it. To contact a vestige, you must draw its unique seal visibly on a surface (generally the ground), making the image at least 5 feet across. Drawing a seal requires the ability to mark a surface and 1 minute of concentration, and the act provokes attacks of opportunity. A seal not used within 1 minute of its drawing loses all potency, and you must draw a new one to contact the vestige. A vestige might also have other requirements for contact, as noted in its entry (see The Vestiges, page 16). Once the seal is drawn, you must perform a ritual requiring a full-round action to summon the corresponding vestige. During this time, you must touch the seal and call out to the vestige using both its name and its title. The ritual fails if you cannot be heard (for example, if you are within the area of a silence spell). Otherwise, a manifestation of the vestige appears in the seal’s space as soon as you finish the ritual. This image is not the actual vestige; it is merely a figment—an illusion that cannot harm or be harmed by any creature. Creatures that interact with the image or study it carefully automatically recognize it as illusory. The summoned image ignores everyone but you. If you fail to address it within 1 round, it disappears. The vestige speaks in whatever language you used to call it. To make a pact with your summoned vestige, you must make a binding check (1d20 + your effective binder level + your CIA modifier). This process requires 1 minute, but you can choose to make a rushed binding check as a full-round action at a –10 penalties. The DC for this check is provided in the description of each vestige (see pages 16–49). You must make your perilous pact alone; others cannot aid you in any way. Whether the binding check succeeds or fails, you gain the powers granted by the vestige for 24 hours. During that time, you cannot rid yourself of the vestige unless you possess the Expel Vestige feat. Success or failure does, however, determine other aspects of the pact. If you fail the binding check, the vestige influences your personality and your actions, and you are said to have made a poor pact. (Specifically, the vestige’s presence changes your general demeanor, and it can force you to perform or refrain from certain actions.) If your binding check is successful, the vestige has no control over your actions and does not influence your personality. In this case, you are said to have made a good pact. While under the influence of a vestige, you must adhere to its requirements to the best of your ability. If you are conscious and free-willed, and you encounter a situation in which you cannot or will not refrain from a prohibited action or perform a required one, you take a –1 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, and checks until that vestige leaves you. If you are influenced by more than one vestige, you must act according to all their influences. If you fail to fulfill the requirements of more than one vestige or disobey a single vestige more than once, the penalties stack. As long as you are bound to a vestige, you manifest a specific physical sign of its presence, as given in its entry. This sign is real, not an illusory or shape changing effect, and someone using true seeing perceives it just as it is. You can hide a sign by mundane or magical means without penalty, or you can prevent it from appearing at all if you have the suppression sign ability. Vestiges are bound to your soul by the pact. They cannot be targeted or expelled by any means except the Expel Vestige feat, nor can they be suppressed except by an antimagic field or similar effect. The Difficulty Class for a saving throw against any supernatural power granted by a vestige is 10 + 1/2 your effective binder level + your CIA modifier. Suppress Sign (Ex): At 2nd level and higher, when you make a good pact, you can choose not to exhibit the physical sign that normally accompanies a pact with a vestige. You can suppress or reveal the sign at will as a swift action. With a poor pact, you gain the powers of the vestige, but you cannot suppress its sign. You show it for the duration of the pact and are influenced by it as normal. Bonus Feats: At 4th level, and again at 11th and 18th level, you gain a bonus feat of your choice from the following list: Armor Proficiency (medium), Armor Proficiency (heavy), Diligent, Investigator, Martial Weapon Proficiency, Negotiator, Persuasive, Shield Proficiency, and the feats presented in this chapter. Feats not described in this book can be found in the Player’s Handbook. These feats are in addition to those normally gained for attaining higher levels, but you must still meet any prerequisites for the bonus feats you choose. Pact Augmentation (SU): Beginning at 2nd level, you can draw additional power from the vestiges you bind. As long as you are bound to at least one vestige, you can choose one ability from the following list. Each time you rebind a vestige, you also deselect your pact augmentation ability. As you attain higher levels, you can make additional selections from the list. You gain one additional ability at 5th, 10th, 16th, and 20th level (to a maximum of five selections at 20th level). You can choose a single ability multiple times, and their effects stack. For instance, at 16th level you could choose bonus hit points twice and damage reduction twice, gaining +10 hit points and damage reduction 2/—. Pact Augmentation Abilities+5 hit points Energy resistance 5 (acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic)+1 insight bonus on saving throws Damage reduction 1/—+1 insight bonus to Armor Class+1 insight bonus on attack rolls+1 insight bonus on damage rolls+2 insight bonus on initiative checks Soul Guardian (SU): Beginning at 6th level, you have immunity to fear effects as long as you are bound to a vestige. As you attain higher binder levels, the vestige guards its time with you even more jealously, granting you protection from additional effects that would harm your soul and life energy for as long as the pact lasts. At 9th level, you gain the slippery mind ability, which allows you to wriggle free from magical effects that would otherwise control or compel you. If you fail your saving throw against an enchantment spell or effect, you can attempt it again 1 round later at the same DC. You get only this one extra chance to succeed on your saving throw. At 13th level, you gain immunity to energy drain and negative levels. When you attain 19th level, your bound vestiges completely protect your mind, granting you immunity to all mind-affecting spells and abilities. WarlockAlignment: Any evil or any chaotic. Hit Die: d6. Class Skills The warlock’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill)are Bluff (CIA), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Disguise (CIA), Intimidate (CIA), Jump (STR), Knowledge (arcane)(Int), Knowledge (the planes) (Int), Knowledge (religion)(Int), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), Spell craft (Int), and Use Magic Device (CIA). Skill Points at 1st Level: (2 + Int modifier) × 4. Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 2 + Int modifier. Invocations A warlock does not prepare or cast spells as other wielders of arcane magic do. Instead, he possesses repertoire of attacks, defenses, and abilities known as invocations that require him to focus the wild energy that suffuses his soul. A warlock can use any invocation he knows at will, with the following qualifications:A warlock’s invocations are spell-like abilities; using an invocation is therefore a standard action that provokes attacks of opportunity. An invocation can be disrupted, just as Aspell can be ruined during casting. A warlock is entitled to concentration check to successfully use an invocation if has hit by an attack while invoking, just as a spell caster would be. A warlock can choose to use an invocation defensively, by making a successful Concentration check, to avoid provoking attacks of opportunity. A warlock’s invocations are subject to spell resistance unless an invocation’s description specific Allstate otherwise. A warlock’s caster level with his invocations is equal to his warlock level. The save DC for an invocation (if it allows a save) is 10 +equivalent spell level + the warlock’s Charisma modifi her. Since spell-like abilities are not actually spells, a warlock cannot benefit from the Spell Focus feat. He can, however, benefit from the Ability Focus feat (see page 303 of the Monster Manual), as well as from feats that emulate metamagic effects for spell-like abilities, such as Quicken Spell-Like Ability and Empower Spell-Like Ability (see pages 303 and 304 of the Monster Manual). The four grades of invocations, in order of their relative power, are least, lesser, greater, and dark. A warlock begins with knowledge of one invocation, which must be of the lowest grade (least). As a warlock gains levels, he learns new invocations, as summarized on Table 1–1 and described below. A list of available invocations can be found following this class description, and a complete description of each invocation can be found in Chapter 4 of this book. At any level when a warlock learns a new invocation, he can also replace an invocation he already knows with another invocation of the same or a lower grade. At 6thlevel, a warlock can replace the least invocation he knows with a different least invocation (in addition to learning anew invocation, which could be either least or lesser). At11th level, a warlock can replace the least or lesser invocation he knows with another invocation of the same or a lower grade (in addition to learning a new invocation, which could be least, lesser, or greater). At 16th level, a warlock can replace the least, lesser, or greater invocation he knows with another invocation of the same or a lower grade (in addition to learning a new invocation, which could be least, lesser, greater, or dark). Finally, unlike other spell-like abilities, invocations are subject to arcane spell failure chance as described under Weapon and Armor Proficiency above. Warlock scan qualify for some prestige classes usually intended forspellcasters; see Warlocks and Prestige Classes, page 18,for details. Eldritch Blast (Sp): The first ability a warlock learns is eldritch blast. A warlock attacks his foes with eldritch power, using baleful magical energy to deal damage and sometimes impart other debilitating effects. An eldritch blast is a ray with a range of 60 feet. It is a ranged touch attack that affects a single target, allowing no saving throw. An eldritch blast deals 1d6 points of damage at 1stlevel and increases in power as the warlock rises in level. An eldritch blast is the equivalent of a spell whose level is equal to one-half the warlock’s class level (round down), with minimum spell level of 1st and a maximum of 9th when warlock reaches 18th level or higher. An eldritch blast is subject to spell resistance, although the Spell Penetration feat and other effects that improve caster level checks to overcome spell resistance also apply to eldritch blast. An eldritch blast deals half damage to objects. Metamagicfeats cannot improve a warlock’s eldritch blast (because it is Aspell-like ability, not a spell). However, the feat Ability Focus (eldritch blast) increases the DC for all saving throws (if any)associated with a warlock’s eldritch blast by 2. See page 303 of the Monster Manual. Detect Magic (Sp): Beginning at 2nd level, a warlock cause detect magic as the spell at will. His caster level equals his class level. Damage Reduction (SU): Fortified by the supernatural power flowing in his body, a warlock becomes resistant to physical attacks at 3rd level and above, gaining damage reduction 1/cold iron. At 7th level and every four levels thereafter, a warlock’s damage reduction improves as show non Table 1–1. Deceive Item (Ex): At 4th level and higher, a warlock haste ability to more easily commandeer magic items made for the use of other characters. When making a Use Magic Device check, a warlock can take 10 even if distracted or threatened. Fiendish Resilience (SU): Beginning at 8th level, warlock knows the trick of fiendish resilience. Once per day, as a free action, he can enter a state that lasts for 2 minutes. While in this state, the warlock gains fast healing 1. At 13th level, a warlock’s fiendish resilience improves. When in his fiendish resilience state, he gains fast healing 2instead. At 18th level, a warlock’s fiendish resilience improves to fast healing 5. Energy Resistance (Fire, Acid) (SU): At 10th level and higher, warlock has resistance 5 against any two of the following energy types: acid, cold, electricity, fire, and sonic. Once the types are chosen, this energy resistance cannot be changed. At 20th level, a warlock gains resistance 10 against the two selected types of energy. Imbue Item (SU): A warlock of 12th level or higher cause his supernatural power to create magic items, even if heroes not know the spells required to make an item (although he must know the appropriate item creation feat). He can substitute a Use Magic Device check (DC 15 + spell level for arcane spells or 25 + spell level for divine spells) in place of required spell he doesn’t know or can’t cast. If the check succeeds, the warlock can create the item as FHE had cast the required spell. If it fails, he cannot complete the item. He does not expend the XP or GP costs for making the item; his progress is simply arrested. He cannot retry this Use Magic Device check that spell until he gains a new level. InvocationsInvocation Save DC: 17 + Effective Spell level Max Grade: Greater Number: 8 (3 Least, 4 Lesser, 2 Greater)Least Baleful Utterance Least; 2ndYou speak a single syllable of the Dark Speech (described in Book of Vile Darkness), affecting an object or areas if by a shatter spell. If a creature is holding or wearing the target of the spell and the target is destroyed, the creature must make a Fortitude save robe dazed for 1 round and deafened for1 minute by your terrible word. This ISA sonic effect. ShatterShatterEvocation [Sonic]Level: BRD 2, Chaos 2, CLR 2, Destruction 2, For/Wiz 2 Components: V, S, M/Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)Area or Target: 5-ft.-radius spread; or one solid object or one crystalline creature Duration: Instantaneous Saving Throw: Will negates (object); Will negates (object) or Fortitude half; see text Spell Resistance: Yes (object)Shatter creates a loud, ringing noise that breaks brittle, nonmagical objects; sunders a single solid, nonmagical object; or damages a crystalline creature. Used as an area attack, shatter destroys nonmagical objects of crystal, glass, ceramic, or porcelain. All such objects within a 5-foot radius of the point of origin are smashed into dozens of pieces by the spell. Objects weighing more than 1 pound per your level are not affected, but all other objects of the appropriate composition are shattered. Alternatively, you can target shatter against a single solid object, regardless of composition, weighing up to 10 pounds per caster level. Targeted against a crystalline creature (of any weight), shatter deals 1d6 points of sonic damage per caster level (maximum 10d6), with a Fortitude save for half damage. Arcane Material Component chip of mica. Dark One's Own Luck Least; 2ndYou are favored by the dark powers if you have this invocation. You gain luck bonus equal to your Charisma bonus (if any) on Fortitude saves, Reflex saves, or Will saves (your choice each time you use this ability) for period of 24 hours. You can’t apply thisability to two different save types at the same time. This bonus can never exceed your class level. Beguiling Influence Least; 2ndYou can invoke this ability to beguile and bewitch your foes. You gain a +6 bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks for a period of 24 hours. LesserThe Dead Walther DEAD WALK Lesser; 4thYou can turn the bones or bodies of dead creatures into undead skeletons or zombies (as the animate dead spell). Unless you include the normal material component for the spell (an onyx gem worth 25 GP per Hit Die of the undead) as part of the process, undead created by this ability crumble into dust after 1 minute per caster level. Animate Dead Animate Dead Necromancy [Evil]Level: CLR 3, Death 3, For/Wiz 4 Components: V, S, Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Touch Targets: One or more corpses touched Duration: Instantaneous Saving Throw: None Spell Resistance: No This spell turns the bones or bodies of dead creatures into undead skeletons or zombies that follow your spoken commands. The undead can follow you, or they can remain in an area and attack any creature (or just a specific kind of creature) entering the place. They remain animated until they are destroyed. (A destroyed skeleton or zombie can’t be animated again.) Regardless of the type of undead you create with this spell, you can’t create more HD of undead than twice your caster level with a single casting of animate dead. (The desecrate spell doubles this limit)The undead you create remain under your control indefinitely. No matter how many times you use this spell, however, you can control only 4 HD worth of undead creatures per caster level. If you exceed this number, all the newly created creatures fall under your control, and any excess undead from previous castings become uncontrolled. (You choose which creatures are released.) If you are a cleric, any undead you might command by virtue of your power to command or rebuke undead do not count toward the limit. SkeletonsA skeleton can be created only from a mostly intact corpse or skeleton. The corpse must have bones. If a skeleton is made from a corpse, the flesh falls off the bones. ZombiesA zombie can be created only from a mostly intact corpse. The corpse must be that of a creature with a true anatomy. Material Component You must place a black onyx gem worth at least 25 GP per Hit Die of the undead into the mouth or eye socket of each corpse you intend to animate. The magic of the spell turns these gems into worthless, burned-out shells. Eldritch Chain Lesser; 4th; Blast Shape This blast shape invocation allows you to improve your eldritch blast by turning it into an arc of energy that“jumps” from the first target to others. An eldritch chain can jump to one or more secondary targets within 30 feet of the first target, allowing you to make additional ranged touch attacks and deal damage to the secondary targets if you hit. You can “jump” the chain to one secondary target per five caster levels, so you can strike two additional target sat 10th level, three additional targets at15th level, and four additional target sat 20th level. Each new target must be within 30 feet of the previous one, and you can’t target the same creature more than once with the eldritch chain. If you miss any target in the chain, the eldritch chain attack ends there. Each target struck after the first takes half the damage dealt to the first target. This reduction in damage to secondary targets applies to any effect that increases the damage to your eldritch blast (such as vitriolic blast). You must make a separate spell penetration check for each target, if applicable. Fell Flight Lesser; 3rdWhen you use this invocation, the powers of darkness bear you aloft as you sprout a streaming, winglike cape of shadows. You can fly at a speed equal to your land speed with good maneuverability for 24 hours. Relentless Dispelling Lesser; 4thYou can use the targeted version of dispel magic Ashe spell. Repeats at the start of your next turn without requiring an additional action. Dispel Magic Dispel MagicAbjurationLevel: BRD 3, CLR 3, Did 4, Magic 3, Pal 3, For/Wiz 3 Components: V, Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)Target or Area: One spell caster, creature, or object; or 20-ft.-radius burst Duration: Instantaneous Saving Throw: None Spell Resistance: No You can use dispel magic to end ongoing spells that have been cast on a creature or object, to temporarily suppress the magical abilities of a magic item, to end ongoing spells (or at least their effects) within an area, or to counter another spell caster’s spell. A dispelled spell ends as if its duration had expired. Some spells, as detailed in their descriptions, can’t be defeated by dispel magic. Dispel magic can dispel (but not counter) spell-like effects just as it does spells. Note: The effect of a spell with an instantaneous duration can’t be dispelled, because the magical effect is already over before the dispel magic can take effect. You choose to use dispel magic in one of three ways: a targeted dispel, an area dispels, or a counterspell:Targeted Dispel One object, creature, or spell is the target of the dispel magic spell. You make a dispel check (1d20 + your caster level, maximum +10) against the spell or against each ongoing spell currently in effect on the object or creature. The DC for this dispel check is 11 + the spell’s caster level. If you succeed on a particular check, that spell is dispelled; if you fail, that spell remains in effect. If you target an object or creature that is the effect of an ongoing spell (such as a monster summoned by monster summoning), you make a dispel check to end the spell that conjured the object or creature. If the object that you target is a magic item, you make a dispel check against the item’s caster level. If you succeed, all the item’s magical properties are suppressed for 1d4 rounds, after which the item recovers on its own. A suppressed item becomes nonmagical for the duration of the effect. An interdimensional interface (such as a bag of holding) is temporarily closed. A magic item’s physical properties are unchanged: A suppressed magic sword is still a sword (a masterwork sword, in fact). Artifacts and deities are unaffected by mortal magic such as this. You automatically succeed on your dispel check against any spell that you cast yourself. GreaterChilling Tentacles Greater; 5thThis invocation allows you to conjure forth a field of soul-chilling black tentacles that ooze from the ground, groping for victims. This invocation functions identically to the Eva rd’black tentacles spell, except that each creature within the area of the invocation takes 2d6 points of cold damage each round. Creatures in the area take this cold damage whether they are grappled by the tentacles. Black Tentacles Black Tentacles Conjuration (Creation)Level: For/Wiz 4 Components: V, S, Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)Area: 20-ft.-radius spread Duration: 1 round/level (D)Saving Throw: None Spell Resistance: No This spell conjures a field of rubbery black tentacles, each 10 feet long. These waving members seem to spring forth from the earth, floor, or whatever surface is underfoot—including water. They grasp and entwine around creatures that enter the area, holding them fast and crushing them with great strength. Every creature within the area of the spell must make a grapple check, opposed by the grapple check of the tentacles. Treat the tentacles attacking a particular target as a Large creature with a base attack bonus equal to your caster level and a Strength score of 19. Thus, its grapple check modifier is equal to your caster level +8. The tentacles are immune to all types of damage. Once the tentacles grapple an opponent, they may make a grapple check each round on your turn to deal 1d6+4 points of bludgeoning damage. The tentacles continue to crush the opponent until the spell ends or the opponent escapes. Any creature that enters the area of the spell is immediately attacked by the tentacles. Even creatures who aren’t grappling with the tentacles may move through the area at only half normal speed. Material Component Apiece of tentacle from a giant octopus or a giant squid. Nightmares Made Real Greater; 5thYou can use nightmare terrain as the spell (see page 111). In addition to the normal effect, all creatures within Theresa at the start of your turn take 1d6points of damage if they do not succeed on Will saves to disbelieve the effect. If you use this invocation a second time while a previous nightmare Madeira is still present, the previous effect ends. Nightmare TerrainNIGHTMARE TERRAIN Illusion (Shadow)Level: Assassin 3, bard 3, hex blade 3,sorcerer/wizard 4 Components: V, Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)Area: Five 10-ft. cubes + one 10-ft.cube/level (S)Duration: 1 round/level Saving Throw: Will disbelief (if interacted with)Spell Resistance: No You cloak your surroundings with phantasmagoric figures, creating a horrific dreamscape. You make any terrain look, sound, and smell like something out of a nightmare. Writhing vegetation, disembodied limbs, animated corpses, and smoking pits cover every surface. Miami vapors fill the air, along with various foul stenches. The nightmare terrain you create is mostly illusory, but the obstacles are partially real. Creatures within, entering, or viewing the area are entitled to Will saves to discern the illusion. Creatures that fail their saves become entangled. Regardless of the outcome of the save, creatures within 5 feet have concealment, while those 10 feet or farther away have total concealment. Furthermore, as long as you are within the area of this spell, you can attempt Hide checks even while being observed. (Other creatures don't gain this benefit.) VestigesVestige Power Save DC: 24 (10 +1/2 level + CIA Mod)Max Vestiges Bound: 3Max Pact Augmentations: 3Dantalion, Binding DC 25Vestige Level: 5thBinding DC: 25Sign: One of Battalion’s faces appears on your torso, although it were a vestigial-conjoined twin. It seems lifeless most of the time, but when you activate an ability granted by Battalion, it opens its eyes and mouth, revealing a starry void within. Influence: Battalion’s influence causes you to be aloof and use stately gestures. Battalion can’t help but be curious about the leaders of the day, so anytime you are within 100 feet of someone who clearly is (or professes to be) a leader of others, Battalion requires that you try to read that person’thoughts. Once you have made the attempt, regardless of success or failure, you need not try to read that person’thoughts again. Granted Abilities: Pact magic rimfires attest to Battalion’profound wisdom and his extensive knowledge about all subjects. Because he knows all thoughts, he can grant you portion of that power, as well as the ability to travel just bethinking. You also gain a portion of his commanding presence, which many binders ascribe to his royal origins. Awe of Battalion: When you invoke this ability (a move action), any creature that sees you is unable to attack your target you with a hostile spell for 1 round. If you attempt any hostile action, such as making an attack roll or casting an offensive spell against the affected creature or its allies, the effect ends. Once you have used this ability, you cannot do so again for 5 rounds. Dantalion Knows: While bound to Battalion, you have a+8 bonus on Knowledge checks. This ability does not allow you to make Knowledge checks untrained. Read Thoughts: At will as a full-round action, you can attempt to read the surface thoughts of any creature you can see, as long as it is within 5 feet per effective binder level you possess. If the target makes a successful Will save, you cannot read its thoughts for 1 minute. Creatures of animal intelligence (Int 1 or 2) have simple, instinctual thoughts that you can pick up. If you attempt thread the thoughts of a creature with an Intelligence score 10 points higher than your own, you automatically fail and are stunned for 1 round. You can read a creature’s thoughts forms long as you concentrate. Thought Travel: As a standard action, you can instantly transport yourself and any objects you carry (up to a heavy load) to any location you can see that is within 5 feet per effective binder level you possess. The desired location cannot be within an object or beyond a barrier unless you have some means of seeing the exact space you desire to occupy. If you cannot occupy the designated space because it contains solid body inside which you cannot exist (for example, if an invisible creature is in the square, or some magic in that location prevents dimensional travel, or the like), the attempt to travel fails, and you are stunned for 1 round. Otherwise, you always arrive at the exact location desired. You cannot use this ability while blinded. Thought travel is a teleportation effect and is usable a number of times per day equal to your effective binder level. Once you have used this ability, you cannot do so again for 5 rounds. Agares, Binding DC 22Vestige Level: 4thBinding DC: 22Sign: You gain a wracking cough that spews dust and small stones from your mouth. This coughing prevents you from casting any spells that have verbal components. While bound to Gears, you can resist the urge to cough for a number of rounds equal your Constitution score. Thereafter, you cough for a round and then can try to resist the urge again. Infl uence: Gears’s loyalty in life and his anger at the betrayal perpetrated by his lieutenants has become a hatred of falsehood. When influenced by Gears, you speak forthrightly and with confidence. You cannot use the Bluff skill, and when asked a direct question, you must answer truthfully and directly. Granted Abilities: Gears gives you the power to exalt yourself and your allies, to make the earth tremble beneath your feet, to render foes weak, and to speak the truth to all peoples. Earth and Air Mastery: You gain a +1 bonus on attack Rolland weapon damage rolls if both you and your foe are touching the ground. Any airborne foe takes a –1 penalty on attack rolls and weapon damage rolls against you. Earthshaking Step: As a standard action, you can stomp on the ground, causing every creature within 10 feet of you Thais either standing or climbing on a surface connected with the ground to make a Real ex save or fall prone. Once you have used this ability, you cannot do so again for 5 rounds. You and your summoned earth elemental (see below) are never knocked prone by the use of this ability. Elemental Companion: You can summon an earth element alto accompany you and fight for you. This creature obeys your commands to the best of its ability. If the elemental is more than 30 feet away from you at the end of your turn, it dissolves. If you lose your elemental to dissolution or destruction, you cannot summon it again for 1 hour. The size of the earth elemental you can summon depends on onyour effective binder level, as given on the following table. Effective Binder Level Elemental Sizes–10th Small11th–14th Medium15th–18th Large19th or higher Huge Fear Immunity: You have immunity to fear from both magical and mundane sources. True Speech: You can speak, understand, read, and write all languages spoken by creatures within 30 feet of you. To Sean unfamiliar language, you must hear it spoken and see the speaker. Once you have used it, you can continue to do Sophos as long as your pact with Gears lasts. When speaking or writing in a language with which you are not familiar, you cannot lie. Vanus, Binding DC 29Vestige Level: 6th. Binding DC: 29Sign: When a binder makes a pact with the Reviled One, a boil appears on his body. Within the ruddy fluid in this boil swims a maggot. Should the boil be broken, the maggot slides swiftly across the binder’s body, eluding any attempt to catch it, and digs again beneath the skin. Before the original boil can scab over, another grows and the maggot appears within. Only by ending the pact with Venus can the binder be rid of the foul insect and the disgusting homes it makes for itself. Influence: Under the influence of Venus, you take every opportunity to revel. Even small victories seem like cause for grand celebrations, and if you’re happy, you want everyone around to share your joy. If you see others in the act of celebration, you must join in. If you achieve victory in combat, you must immediately spend a full-round action crowing about your triumph. Granted Abilities: Venus grants you tremendous hearing, the ability to foment fear by your presence alone, skill at fighting foes weaker than yourself, and the power to free allies from imprisonment. Fear Aura: Enemies that you are aware of who come within 10 feet must succeed at a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 effective binder level + CIA modifier). Those who fail are either shaken or frightened; you decide which for each. Foes remain shaken or frightened for a number of rounds equal to half your binder level. Creatures that fail the save must roll again if they again come within 10 feet after the duration expires, but not before. A creature that makes its save against this ability need not make another save for 24 hours. This is a mind-affecting fear effect. Free Ally: You may designate any ally within 5 feet per binder level to gain the benefits of the freedom of movement spell or the gaseous form spell. The ally may also take an immediate move action that it can only use to move (and not to draw a weapon, etc.). The benefits the allay gains apply only during your turn. Thus, at the end of your turn, the allay reverts to its natural form. You can instead use this ability to free a creature from an imprisonment spell or Alpha’s imprison ability if you witnessed its imprisonment. You cannot use this ability on yourself. Once you have used this ability you cannot do so again for 5 rounds. Noble Disdain: When attacking a foe of fewer Hit Dice than yourself with a ranged or melee weapon, you deal +1d6 points of damage. Vanus’s Ears: Being bound to Venus grants you a +5 bonuses on Listen checks. This bonus increases to +10 if the creature making the noise is evil. Astaroth, Binding DC 22Vestige Level: 4thBinding DC: 22Sign: Your skin yellows, and you emit a foul, unwashed odor. While this odor is not strong enough to impede or distract an opponent, it does attract attention. Influence: Astarte's influence renders you incapable of taking responsibility for your own actions. You cannot admit any fault, acknowledge any mistake, or make reparations, or apologies for any wrong, no matter the consequences or the evidence against you. Granted Abilities: Astarte guided mortals, and he still grants abilities based in knowledge and education. As a fallen angel, and then a vestige, his magics have grown ever grimmer and more distasteful; he also grants powers based on directly controlling and offending others. Angelic Lore: Astarte constantly whispers the secrets of reality in the back of your mind, allowing you to draw on his own nigh-infinite knowledge. This functions as the bardic knowledge ability (PH 28), based on your effective binder level. Astaroth's Breath: Once every 5 rounds, you can exhale a 60-foot cone of foul-smelling gas. Creatures within the cone must make a Fortitude save or be nauseated for 1 round and sickened for an additional 1d4 rounds. Those who make the save are merely sickened for 1 round. Creatures immune to poison or disease are immune to this effect. Honeyed Tongue: You gain a +4 competence bonuses on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks. Master Craftsman: While bound to Astarte, you gain a +4 competence bonuses on all Craft checks. In addition, each time you bind with Astarte, you may select one item creation feat as a temporary bonus feat. So long as you continue to bind with Astarte, you may use that feat as though you possessed it normally; you must still spend all standard gold and XP for any item you create, and you must still provide all necessary spells for a given item. If your effective binder level is not at least as high as the necessary caster level to take a specific item creation feat, you cannot choose that feat. For instance, a 4th-level binder could not choose any item creation feat with a prerequisite of caster level 5th or higher. Word of Astarte: You may make a suggestion, as the spell, with a caster level equal to your effective binder level. You must wait 5 rounds before attempting another suggestion, and at any given time, you may only have a total number of people under the effects of this ability equal to your Charisma bonus. Zceryll, Binding DC 25Sign: Your eyes appear as circular mirrors. In your peripheral vision, all other living creatures appear twisted, covered in tentacles, extra eyes, and vestigial organs. Influence: Never admit that you need help or that you are weaker than anyone else. Treat those that are weaker than you with scorn and contempt, especially young women and spontaneous spell casters. Granted Abilities: While bound to Overall, your body and mind become alien, allowing you to channel the power of the star spawn in a variety of ways. Alien form: While bound to Overall, you gain the pseudonatural template (page 161 of Complete Arcane). Alien Mind: Your mind is alien and does not work like that of a normal mortal. You are immune to confusion, insanity, and weird spells. In addition, you receive a +1 bonus per four binder levels on saving throws against mind-affecting effects. Bolts of Madness: You can fire a ray that dazes an opponent for 1d3 rounds. You must succeed on a ranged touch attack with a range of 100 ft. + 10 ft./binder level. A successful Will save negates the effect. Once you have used this ability, you cannot do so again for 5 rounds. Summon Alien: You can summon any creature from the summon monster list that a sorcerer of your level could summon. Any creature you summon with this ability gains the pseudonatural template. Thus, at 10th level you could summon any creature from the summon monster I-V list. When you reach 14th level, you can summon any creature from the summon monster I-VII list. You can only summon creatures that can be affected by the pseudonatural template. Once you have used this ability, you cannot do so again for 5 rounds. Telepathy: You gain the telepathy ability with a range of 100 feet (as described on page 316 of the Monster Manual) and the Hindsight feat (as described on page 126 of Lords of Madness). Balam, Binding DC 25Sign: Your voice gains a peculiar quality, becoming both hollow and guttural. Influence: Balm's influence causes you to distrust clerics, paladins, and other devotees of deities. Whenever you enter a temple or some other holy or unholy site, Balm requires that you spit on the floor and utter an invective about the place. Granted Abilities: Balm grants you the power to predict future events. She also teaches cunning and finesse, and gives you the ability to freeze foes with a glance. Balam's Cunning: You can reroll one attack, saving throw, or skill check you have just made. You must accept the result of the reroll, even if it is worse than the original. Once you have used this ability, you cannot do so again for 5 rounds. Icy Glare: You gain a gaze attack that deals 2d6 points of cold damage to the target. A successful Will save negates this damage. Prescience: You get a glimpse of the future a moment before it happens. This knowledge manifests as an insight bonus equal to +1 per four effective binder levels on initiative checks, Reflex saves, and AC. Weapon Finesse: You gain the benefit of the Weapon Finesse feat. Haures, Binding DC 25Sign: While you are bound to Hares, your palms are where the backs of your hands should be, just as they are on a Kinshasa. If you flip over your hands so that the backs are up, your thumbs end up on the wrong sides of your hands. This rearrangement has no effect on your Dexterity, spell casting, ability to wield objects, or use of skills. Influence: When influenced by Hares, you become an eccentric, often speaking to yourself and to imaginary friends. In addition, Hares requires that if you encounter and disbelieve an illusion not of your own making, you must not voluntarily enter its area. Granted Abilities: Hares shields your mind with his madness, allows you to move like a ghost, gives you the power to fool the senses, and grants you the ability to kill others with their deepest fears. Inaccessible Mind: You are protected from any effort to detect, influence, or read your emotions or thoughts, and you have immunity to any mind-affecting spells and abilities, Asif you were protected by a mind blank spell. You can suppressor activate this ability as a standard action. Incorporeal Movement: When moving, you become nearly incorporeal and can ignore the effects of difficult terrain. Toucan even move through an enemy’s space, but not through walls or other solid barriers. Furthermore, any attacks of opportunity directed at you while you move have a 50% mischance. You can suppress or activate this ability as a standard action. Major Image: You can create an illusion at will, as though you had cast major image (caster level equals your effective binder level). A creature can attempt a Will save to realize the illusion is false. You can never create more than one major image at a time, and you can dismiss or renew the effect as standard action. Once you have used this ability, you cannot do so again for 5 rounds. Phantasmal Killer: This ability functions like the phantasmal killer spell except for the range and save DC's (the ability still requires a Will save, and possibly a Fortitude save) to resist. You can target any single creature within 10 feet per binder level you possess. Once you have used this ability, you cannot do so again for 5 rounds. Phantasmal Killer Phantasmal Killer Illusion (Phantasm) [Fear, Mind-Affecting]Level: For/Wiz 4 Components: V, Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)Target: One living creature Duration: Instantaneous Saving Throw: Will disbelief (if interacted with), then Fortitude partial; see text Spell Resistance: Yes You create a phantasmal image of the most fearsome creature imaginable to the subject simply by forming the fears of the subject’s subconscious mind into something that its conscious mind can visualize: this most horrible beast. Only the spell’s subject can see the phantasmal killer. You see only a vague shape. The target first gets a Will save to recognize the image as unreal. If that save fails, the phantasm touches the subject, and the subject must succeed on a Fortitude save or die from fear. Even if the Fortitude save is successful, the subject takes 3d6 points of damage. If the subject of a phantasmal killer attack succeeds in disbelieving and is wearing a helm of telepathy, the beast can be turned upon you. You must then disbelieve it or become subject to its deadly fear attack. Dahlver-Nar, Binding DC 17Sign: Several teeth grow from your scalp. Though they are small enough to be hidden by a large quantity of hair or a hat, a touch reveals them immediately. Influence: You shift quickly from distraction to extreme focus and back again. Sometimes you stare blankly off into space, and at other times you gaze intently at the person or task at hand. Since Mahler-Nar dislikes any task that requires more than1 round of concentration (such assume spell casting, concentration Conan effect, or any action that requires Concentration check), he requires that you undertake no such activities while under his influence. Granted Abilities: Mahler-Nararmors you and blends his madness with your sanity, lending you some of his selfish powers. Mad Soul: Binding to Mahler-Nar grants you immunity to Wisdom damage, Wisdom drain, madness, insanity, and confusion effects. Maddening Moan: You can emit a frightful moan as a standard action. Every creature within 30-foot spread must succeed on a Will savior be dazed for 1 round. Once you have used this ability, you cannot do so again for 5 rounds. Maddening moan is a mind-affecting sonicability. Natural Armor: You gain an enhancement bonus to your natural armor equal to one-half your Constitution bonus (if any). Shield Self: At will as a standard action, you can designate one creature within 10 feet per effective binder level to share the damage you take. As longs the subject creature remains within range, you take only half damage fro mall effects that deal hit point damage, and it takes the rest. The effect ends immediately if you designate another creature or if either you or the subject dies. Any damage dealt to you after the effect ends is no longer split between you and the subject, but damage already split is not reassigned to you. You can affect one creature at a time with thisability. An unwilling target of this ability can attempt Will save to negate the effect. Naberius, Binding DC 15Sign: Your voice deepens and acquires a gravelly, growling tone. Influence: While you are influenced by Tiberius, you love the sound of your own voice and are constantly pleased by your cleverness. Whenever you are presented with pulpit, a stage, a talking stick, or any other place or object designed to give a speaker the floor, Tiberius requires that you immediately seize the opportunity to speak. Any topic will do, but since Tiberius resents others taking control of the discourse, he requires that you either shout them donor mock them. Your speech must last a number of rounds equal to your effective binder level to satisfy Tiberius. Granted Abilities: Tiberius grants you the power to wear any face, swiftly regain lost ability points, use skills of which you have no knowledge, and talk your way through danger. Disguise Self: You can alter the appearance of your form as standard action. This effect works like the disguise self spell. Faster Ability Healing: You heal 1 point in each damageability score every round, and 1 point in all drained ability scores every hour. Naberius’s Skills: At the time you make your pact, toucan choose a number of skills equal to your Constitution bonus (if any). Your choices must be skills that can’t be used untrained and in which you have no ranks. For the duration of the binding, you can make skill checks with your chosen skills even though you are untrained. If your Constitutionmodifi her decreases after you make the pact, you lose theability to make untrained checks with an equal number of the chosen skills. Lost skills are chosen randomly, and they remain inaccessible to you until you make another pact withNaberius. Persuasive Words: You can direct a verbal command at single living target within 30 feet as if using the command spell. A successful Will save negates the effect. When your effective binder level reaches 14th, your words become evermore persuasive and this ability functions like the suggestion spell. Once you have used this ability, you cannot do so again for 5 rounds. Silver Tongue: You can take 10 on Diplomacy and Bluff checks even if distracted or threatened. In addition, you can make a rushed Diplomacy check as a standard action and taken penalty. (Normally, a rushed Diplomacy check requires full-round action and imposes a –10 penalties on the check.) Tenebrous, Binding DC 21Sign: You seem to be standing in shadow even on the brightest day. Furthermore, your own shadow never extends more than a few feet from your body, even if the ambient light suggests that it should be much longer. This effect does not grant you concealment. Influence: While influenced by Tenebrous, you are filled with a sense of detachment and an aching feeling of loss and abandonment. Tenebrous requires that you be never the first to act in combat. If your initiative check result is the highest, you must delay until someone else takes a turn. Granted Abilities: Tenebrous grants you power overundead and shadows. He gives you the ability to chill your foes. Deeper Darkness: You can cloak an area in shadows as though using the deeper darkness spell (caster level equals your effective binder level), with the following exceptions. The effects always centered on you, it has an unlimited duration, and you can shift the range of the emanation (within the normal range) up or down 10 feet as a move action. You can suppressor activate this ability as a standard action. See in Darkness: You can see perfectly through darkness of any kind, even that created by a deeper darkness spell (or your deeper darkness ability). Touch of the Void: As a swift action, you can charge a melee attack or melee touch attack with cold energy. Your next melee attack deals an extra 1d8 points of cold damage, plus1d8 points of cold damage for every four effective binder levels beyond 7th that you possess. When you attain an effective binder level of 11th, you can charge your weapon for an entire round. Once you have used this ability, you cannot dose again for 5 rounds. Turn/Rebuke Undead: You can turn or rebuke undead ASA cleric of your effective binder level. As with a cleric, you turn if you are good and rebuke if you are evil. If you are neutral, you choose whether to turn or rebuke upon binding with Tenebrous and cannot later change your mind. If you have the ability to turn or rebuke undead from other classes, your levels in those classes stack with your effective binder level for the purpose of determining your turning ability. Once you have used this ability, you cannot do so again for5 rounds. Vessel of Emptiness: You can use the flicker shadow magic mystery (see page 146) as a supernatural ability once per day. At 13th level, you can use this ability two times per day, and at 19th level, you can use it three times per day. SkillsBluff (CIA) +13 (+7 Cloak of Charisma, +6 Beguiling Influence)Diplomacy (CIA) +13 (+7 Cloak of Charisma, +6 Beguiling Influence)Intimidate (CIA) + 30 (17 Ranks, +7 Cloak of Charisma, +6 Beguiling Influence)Use Magic Device (CIA) +24 (17 Ranks, +7 Cloak of Charisma)Knowledge (Arcane) (Int) +14 (12 Ranks)Knowledge (Planes) (Int) +14 (12 Ranks)Knowledge (Religion) (Int) +12 (10 Ranks)Spell craft (Int) +21 (17 Ranks, +2 Synergy)Feats1st - Expel Vestige Human Bonus - Ignore Special Requirements rd - Craft Wondrous Items Binder Bonus - Improved Binding - Scribe Scroll - Leadership - Improved Cohort11th - Extra Invocation (Relentless Dispelling)11th Binder Bonus - Rapid Pact Making13th - Forge Ring Equipment+5 Studded Leather Armor of Moderate Fortification (64,000 GP)Ring of Invisibility (10,000 GP)Ring of Protection +3 (9,000 GP)Chasuble of Fell Power, Greater (9,000 GP)As a chasuble of fell power, except the greater chasuble adds an extra 2d6 points of damage to your eldritch blasts or damaging spells you cast that have the chaotic descriptor. Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, chaos hammer or eldritch blast. Cost to Create: 9,000 GP, 720 XP, 18 days. Cloak of Charisma +6 (18,000 GP)+6 Enhancement bonus to Charisma Gloves of Dexterity +6 (18,000 GP) +6 Enhancement bonus to Dexterity Warlock's Scepter (8,305 GP)This +1 light mace confers a +1 profane bonus on your ranged touch attack rolls while you hold it. Thesis a continuous effect and requires no activation. Furthermore, a warlock’s scepter has5 charges, which are renewed each Dayan dawn. Spending 1 or more charges improves the damage to the next eldritch blast (Car 7) you make in that round.1 charge: +1d6 damage.3 charges: +2d6 damage.5 charges: +4d6 damage. After these charges have been expended, the rod remains a +1 light mace, but it no longer provides a bonus on ranged touch attack rolls until its charges are restored. Prerequisites: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Craft Rod, bestow curse. Cost to Create: 4,000 GP (plus 305 GP for masterwork light mace), 320 XP, 8 days. Belt of Battle (One for self, one Crafted for Whisper)A belt of battle helps you avoid being caught off guard in combat and allows occasional bursts of extra activity. While worn, it grants you a +2 competence bonuses on initiative checks. This is a continuous (Sheet#id=280917 (#id=280917)In the dark halls of power, whenVoidcaller Boardwalks, he seems to have shadows following him. Shadows that guard him, watch for him and if needed, kill for him. Those shadows have a name;Whispers. Whispersis not her real name, but just something this human call her. Her planar origins make her movement silent, her visage shadowlike and unseen. When she wishes, she can drop the shadows, making herself visible, but its more mysterious for her master, to keep people wondering. Many enemies of her master have been found decapitated behind closed doors, and few have never been seen again, as if they had vanished from the face of the earth. Voidcaller Orrobargained with dark powers, and gained ownership of mentally broken young even woman. Zorro knew he forces her to do anything and everything, as the Arch-Devil Lillithwho he gained her from, had broken her and molded her into pain slut, only craving and living for cocks and cunts. Time she was enslaved in the pits of Hell, Whispers had lost memories of her former life, as it meet nothing to her. Only the will of her devilish mistress did. And she did share her, with her lieutenants and those organists it made Faustian deals with. There is no visible marks on her, as her natural healing keeps her skin flawless, as well as keep her immortal virgin. That was something the Arch-devil laughed about, while sharing her. Astarte: God Queen and Terrestrial Avatar"Damn them all, I create my own perfection, Damn them all, their false faiths and their rejection, Damn them all, well this god will have her day, My garden's full of pretty men who couldn't look away."(#id=275775 (#id=275775) Jeri on, The Ghost of Swan"You've lost your way, but we have found you. Rejoice, for you shall never feel lost again."(#id=282650 (#id=282650) The Forbidden One"Dazed in my dark and ephemeral wail that rapes a cool light, in a corpse-like, haunted, nightmare I die..."(#id=284198 (#id=284198)Caligula Battery(True Form(#id=280946 (#id=280946)Seraphic Deviltry Feat The spell casters of Astarothian Theomilitairy train their bodies well. "Seraphic Deviltry" effectively replaces "Ethan" for Astarte and her followers. Feat: Seraphic Deviltry Requirement: Patron Deity: Astarte, Spell caster Level 1+Effect: The extremely sexual nature of Astarte's theomilitairy training has shaped your magical skill. All EP Damage you do is increased by 2, and all EP damage you receive is decreased by 2. (Effectively gaining 2 DR against EP damage). In addition, you can participate in Astarothian Circle Magic. (the ConquerorLugash the Conqueror Race: Mountain orc (native outsider)Gender: Male Class/Level: Knight 7 | Favored soul 7Alignment: Lawful Evil Ability Scores STR: 21/+5 (23/+6 with Gauntlets of Ogre Power) (+1 level-up)DEX: 12/+1CON: 14/+2INT: 12/+1WIS: 10/0CHA: 15/+2 (17/+3 with Cloak of Charisma +2) (+1 level-up)Leadership Score: 12 + Reputation bonuses (level 7, +3 Charisma, +2 knight special ability)Unit: +1BAB: +7/+2Subjugation (+1 long sword): Melee +15/+10, 1d8+9 damage, 19-20/x2 critMasterwork composite longbow (STR bonus +6): Ranged +9/+4, 1d8+6 damage, x3 CRT, 110' range incremental: 24 (10 + 1 DEX + 10 Armor + 3 shield) (touch 14, flat-footed 23)HP: 105 Skills: Concentration +7, Diplomacy +13, Intimidate +13, Spell craft +6 Feats: Kai Shout, Shield Specialization (heavy shield), Shield Ward, Intimidating Strike, Weapon Focus (long sword), Improved Toughness, Somatic Weaponry, Heavy Armor Optimization, Leadership, Weapon Specialization (long sword)Saves Fort: +7 (Base +5, +2 Con)Ref: +6 (Base +5, +1 DEX)Will: +5 (Base +5, +0 Wis)Resistances: Fire 10SpellsSpells per day: 6/7/7/5. Save DC 10 + spell level. Replenished by praying at dusk.0: Create water, detect magic, detect poison, guidance, purify food and drink, read magic, summon holy symbol1: Cure light wounds, divine favor, protection from good, remove fear, shield of faith, stupor2: Divine presence, enthrall, resounding voice, zone of truth3: Create food and water, insignia of healing, insignia of warding Class Abilities Proficiencies: All simple and martial weapons, light, medium and heavy armor, shields other than tower shields Knight's challenge 6/day (Ex): Lu gash can issue a challenge five times per day, for either of the following two effects:Fighting challenge: Lu gash challenges an opponent as a swift action. For the next 7 rounds, he gains a +2 morale bonuses on attack and damage rolls against the target, who must have Intelligence 5 or greater, comprehend at least one language, and have CR at least 5. If this foe brings him to 0 hp, he loses two daily uses of the knight's challenge. Test of mettle (Ex): Lu gash challenges all opponents within 100' who have Intelligence 5 or greater, comprehend a language, and have CR at least 5. All of these opponents who fail a DC 16 Will save must attack him in preference to other opponents. If one of these opponents reduces him to 0 hp, he gains one daily use of the knight's challenge ability. Block +1 (Ex): Lu gash can designate one foe, and his shield bonus to AC increases by 1 against that foe's attacks. Bulwark of defense (Ex): If an opponent begins his action in a square that Lu gash threatens, he treats all squares in Lu gash's threatened area as difficult terrain for that turn. Armor mastery (medium) (Ex): Lu gash takes no speed penalty for wearing medium armor. Vigilant defender (Ex): All attempts to use the Tumble skill to move through Lu gash's square or his threatened area without incurring an attack opportunity are at +7 DC. Shield ally (Ex): As an immediate action, Lu gash can transfer half of the damage that an adjacent ally would take from a melee or ranged attack to himself. Touched by the divine (Ex): Lu gash is considered a native outsider, as a result of his connection to Illegal. Equipment"Subjugation": +1 long sword with wand chamber: 2315 GP. Masterwork heavy steel shield: 170 GP.+1 full plate with sanctified, signature crest: 2750 GP. Masterwork composite longbow, +6 Strength bonus: 1000 GP. Gauntlets of ogre power: 4000 GP. Cloak of charisma +2: 4000 GP. Medal of steadfast honor: 1500 GP. Least crystal of return: 300 GP. Wand of cure light wounds, 50 charges: 750 GP. Insignia of the Bloody Chains x 123. Total cost 1230 GP. Foci for the Insignia of Healing and Insignia of Warding spells. This is a steel collar that every member of the War band wears. His workers' collars have five bloody chain links hanging from them, his soldiers' have four, and his cohorts' have three. His collar bears two links, symbolizing his submission to Laura and Illegal. Wealth: 985/19,000 GP Appearance and backgroundLugash is the son of Laura, the Avatar of the Cave Mother, and an as yet unknown mountain orc father. He is a hulking brute of an orc, easily over seven feet tall, with muscles like a rhinoceros. He carries himself with an overwhelming confidence that he can defeat any foe and overcome any obstacle. Furthermore, he is handsome in the way that mighty warriors are often handsome, with a face and body that promise a wild night should one submit willingly to his embrace. Lugash's defining feature is his ambition. He looks upon the plans of the Irish war chiefs, even his mother, and knows that with their strength, they could do much more if they would only embrace discipline as he has. His war band is small yet, but he plans and prays for the day when he can turn it into a mighty empire. The War band of Bloody ChainsFollowers1st - 120 Combatants:36 foot soldiers. Mountain orc warrior 2. STR 19, DEX 13, Con 14, Int 6, Wis 8, CIA 10. Intimidate +5. Masterwork long sword, masterwork full plate, heavy steel shield, Insignia of the Bloody Chains. Weapon Focus (long sword). Reserve:24 guardians. Mountain orc ranger 1. STR 14, DEX 14, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 13, CIA 6. Craft: Trap making +4, Hide +6, Listen +7, Move Silently +6, Spot +7, Survival +6. Masterwork studded leather armor, masterwork composite longbow (+2 STR bonus), long sword, Insignia of the Bloody Chains. Alertness. Favored enemy: humans. Non-combatants:60 workers. Mountain orc expert 2. STR 12, DEX 10, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 13, CIA 11. Craft or Profession +11, two supporting skills at 5, Bluff +5, Diplomacy +7, Intimidate +7, Survival +6. Masterwork studded leather armor, masterwork dagger, masterwork tools. Skill Focus (Craft or Profession). BetharraBetharraFemale gray orc cleric of Gothic 3 / Romancer 3 | Wizard 5 / Divine Oracle 1Lawful evil STR: 12DEX: 10CON: 14INT: 15WIS: 19CHA: 14 Skills: Diplomacy +15, Heal +13, Knowledge (arcane) +11, Knowledge (nature) +8, Knowledge (religion) +19 Feats: Skill Focus: Knowledge (religion), Scribe Scroll, Craft Wondrous Item, Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Magical Artisan: Craft Magic Arms and Armor Class features:Rebuke undead 5/day Domains: Family, Healing, Oracle Familiar (viper)Spell Versatility 1Drift 1, 1, 2Ley lines +1 (mountain)Cry bonus AC 10, touch 10, flat-footed 10HP: 56Fort +10, Ref +3, Will +12Speed 30 ft. (6 squares)Unarmed strike +3 melee, damage 1d6, x2 criteria spells:5/4/4/3 per day, plus 1 domain slot at each level above 0. Save DC 14 + spell level. Wizard spells:5/4/4/2 per day. Save DC 14 + spell level for levels 0-2, 12 + spell level for level 3.0: All1: Alarm, discern bloodline, locate city, mage armor, mount, shield, Tenser's floating disc2: Alter self, chain of eyes, detect thoughts, fox's cunning3: Clair audience/clairvoyance, fireball, lesser telepathic bond, phantom steed Equipment:Spell book, 15 insignia of Bloody Chains, purchased by LugashCrystal mask of knowledge (religion), crafted for 1250 larcenist's gloves, crafted for 250 dispelling cord, crafted for 500 healing belt, crafted for 375 everlasting rations, crafted for 175 descrying beacon, crafted for 375 wealth: 2660/5600 GP. Appearance and background: Bethany is Lu gash's wife and cousin, by a sister of Laura. She wears no clothing and carries very little equipment, preferring to show off her beauty and fertility, and to make her many pregnancies more obvious. This is also a sign of devotion to Gothic and to Lu gash, and a sign of both his power and hers that nobody else dares to touch her. Her body is covered in thin, downy gray fur like a bat's, and she has a tail like a puma's. In spite of her hulking Irish build, she is as comely as a dryad. RendarRendarMale gray orc ranger 6 | Rogue 5 / Assassin 1Lawful evil STR: 18DEX: 17CON: 10INT: 15WIS: 16CHA: 8 Skills: Climb +13, Disguise +8, Hide +12, Jump +15, Listen +12, Move Silently +12, Search +7, Spot +12, Survival +12, Tumble +14 Feats: Point Blank Shot, Track, Rapid Shot, Many shot, Able Sniper, Far Shot, Endurance AC: 18 (10 + 5 armor + 3 DEX)HP: 48 Class features:Favored enemies (humans +4, elves +2)Wild empathy +4Animal companion Sneak attack +4d6TrapfindingEvasionTrap sense +1Uncanny dodge Death attack Poison use Assassin spells:2 per day, save DC 12 + spell level1: Sniper's shot, true strike Ranger spells:2 per day, save DC 13 + spell level Equipment:+1 composite longbow (+4 STR bonus): 2800 GP.+1 mitral chain shirt: 2100 GP. Masterwork long sword: 315 GP. Wealth: 385/5,600 GP. Appearance and background: Render is Lu gash's brother, sired on Laura by a gray orc father. He is quiet and brooding, but given to great bursts of ferocity and brutality when his anger, lust or loyalty is aroused. The Avatar of the Cave Mother(Avatar of the Cave Mother Magic-Blooded Unsee lie Fey Grey Orc Healer 4/Cave Mother Servant 10//Chaos Monk 4/Binder 2/Sacred Prostitute 5/Metaphysical Spell shaper 3Size/Type: Medium Fey (Orc)Hit Dice: 6d8+5d6+3d4+0 (0 hp)Initiative: +0Speed: 50 ft. (10 squares)Armor Class: 25 (+5 DEX, +10 Monk), touch 25, flat-footed 20Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+6Attack: Unarmed strike +16 melee (1d10+9-1)Full Attack: Unarmed strike +16/+11 melee (1d10+9-1)Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: Claws, flailing strike -2, insightful strike, I strike, smite 1/day, spell-like abilities, spells, unarmed strike Special Qualities: AC bonus, aura of sexual ease, cleanse maladies, cleric spell access, damage reduction 10/cold iron, evasion, extra domain (earth, family, orc), fast movement, grace +1, healing hands, iron vulnerability, light sensitivity, low-light vision, metamagic manipulation, metamagic mastery, orc blood, pact augmentation, restorative sex, scent, sexual communion, sexual healing, slow fall 20 ft., soul binding, still mind, summer caress, suppress sign Saves: Fort +12(+17), Ref +12(+17), Will +15(+20); +2 vs Enchantment effects Abilities: STR 8, DEX 14(20), Con 15(19), Int 14, Wis 12, CIA 23(29)Skills: Bluff +14(+23), Concentration +16(+20), Craft (Weaving) +3(+5), Diplomacy +17(+30), Heal +2(+3), Knowledge (Arcane) +5(+9), Perform (Sexual Techniques) +14(+23), Profession (Prostitute) +8(+9), Sense Motive +14(+15), Spell craft +8(+14) +5 to all Bluff and Diplomacy checks with a sexual component. +4 racial and +2 synergy to Intimidate checks. Feats: Divine Gesture (Flaw), Improved Unarmed Strike (B), Sexy Kung Fu (B), Stunning Fist (B), Weapon Finesse (B), Versatile Spell caster, Combat Reflexes (B), Skill Focus (Heal)(B), Southern Magician, Sexually Open Society, Leadership, Extend Spell, Persist Spell, Reach Spell, Chain Spell (B)Languages: Common, Orc, Giant, Goblin Alignment: Chaotic evil Treasure: 480 psychic Reformation (crafting feats) -280Psychic Reformation (back to normal feats) -280+1 Eager Warning Ethereal Reader Necklace of Natural Weapons -36,600+6 Circlet of Charisma -18,000Gauntlets of Heartfelt Blows and Dexterity +6 -24,000Monk's Belt of Constitution +6 -24,500+5 Vest of Resistance -12,500Ring of Freedom of Movement -20,000Strand of Prayer Beads (Karma) -10,000Handy Haversack -1,000Personal Oasis -2,300Racial Features Iron Vulnerability (Ex) The mere touch of iron (including steel) deals additional damage to Laura. A hit with an iron or steel weapon deals an additional +1d6 points of damage (added in before calculating damage reduction). Light Sensitivity (Ex) Gray orcs suffer a -1 penalty on attack rolls in bright sunlight or within the radius of a daylight spell. Low-Light Vision Laura loses her ancestral race's special visual capabilities and gains low-light vision that allows her to see twice as far as a human in low-light conditions. Orc Blood For all special abilities and effects, a gray orc is considered an orc. Gray orcs, for example, can use or create orc weapons and magic items with racially specific orc powers as if they were orcs. Scent (Ex) A creature with the scent ability can detect opponents by sense of smell, generally within 30 feet. If the opponent is upwind, the range is 60 feet. If it is downwind, the range is 15 feet. Strong scents, such as smoke or rotting garbage, can be detected at twice the ranges noted above. Overpowering scents, such as skunk musk or troglodyte stench, can be detected at three times these ranges. The creature detects another creature’s presence but not its specific location. Noting the direction of the scent is a move action. If it moves within 5 feet of the scent’s source, the creature can pinpoint that source. Summer Caress (SU) Surrounded as if by the warm, verdant air of summer, an unsee lie fey with summer's caress is protected by a magic circle of nature. All creatures within a 10 ft. radius of Laura gain a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves against attacks from all creatures except those of the Animal, Fey and Magical Beast creature types. The aura blocks any attempt to possess the warded creature (by a magic jar attack, for example) or to exercise mental control over the creature (including enchantment (charm) effects and enchantment (compulsion) effects that grant the caster ongoing control over the subject, such as dominate person). The protection does not prevent such effects from targeting the protected creature, but it suppresses the effect while the creature is within the aura's range. If the creature moves out of the aura's range before the effect granting mental control ends, the would-be controller would then be able to mentally command the controlled creature. Likewise, the aura keeps out a possessing life force but does not expel one if it is in place before the creature moves within range. This second effect works regardless of creature type. Third, no summoned creatures may enter the aura's area. This causes the natural weapon attacks of such creatures to fail and the creatures to recoil if such attacks require touching a creature within the aura. Summoned creatures of the Animal, Fey, or Magical Beast creature types are immune to this effect. The protection against contact by summoned creatures ends on a creature within the aura if it makes an attack against or tries to force the barrier against the blocked creature. Spell resistance can allow a creature to overcome this protection and touch the warded creature. The aura functions at a caster level equal to Laura's hit dice for the purposes of interacting with spell resistance. Spell-Like Abilities: (Caster Level 14)At-will--detect good, detect poison, detect thoughts (DC 21)1/day--detect magic, System's magical aura, System's undetectable aura, read magic Skills: Laura gains a +2 racial bonuses on Knowledge (Arcane) and Spell craft checks, and a +4 racial bonus on Intimidate checks. Healer Class Features Cleanse Maladies (SU) A healer deals with certain kinds of maladies so often that eventually she can cure them without resorting to a spell. At 3rd level, she gains the ability to cleanse paralysis once per day, as if casting a remove paralysis spell. At 4th level, she gains the ability to cleanse disease once per day, as if casting a remove disease spell. Healing Hands (Ex) Whenever a healer casts a spell that cures hit point damage, she adds her Charisma modifier (+9) to the amount of damage healed. This bonus applies only to her Healer spells, not to spell casting provided by other classes. Earth Domain (SU) A number of times per day equal to 12 mod, Laura may turn or destroy air creatures as a good cleric turns undead, or rebuke, command, or bolster earth creatures as an evil cleric rebukes undead. Her effective Cleric level for the purpose of these abilities is 10. Family Domain (SU) Once per day as a free action, Laura can protect up to 9 creatures (including herself) with a +4 dodge bonus to AC. This ability lasts 10 rounds. An affected creature loses this protection it is moves more than 10 feet from her. Orc Domain (SU) Laura gains the smite power, the ability to make a single melee attack with a +10 bonuses on the damage roll (if she hits). She must declare to smite before making the attack. It is usable once per day. If used against a dwarf or an elf, she gets a +4 bonuses on the smite attack roll. Spells per Day (Caster level 14, DC 19+spell level)0th-6/day1st-9/day; (bless, cause fear, magic stone)2nd-8/day; (produce flame, shield other, soften earth and stone)3rd-8/day; (helping hand, prayer, stone shape)4th-7/day; (divine power, imbue with spell ability, spike stones)5th-7/day; (prying eyes, Mary's telepathic bond, wall of stone)6th-5/day; (eye bite, heroes' feast, stone skin)7th-5/day; (blasphemy, earthquake, refuge)Cave Mother Servant Class Features Claws Laura gains claws that deal 1d6 damage. Cleric Spell Access A 10th-level cave mother servant can learn and cast spells from the cleric list, even if they don't appear on the lists of any spell casting class she has. This class feature grants access to the spells, but not extra spells per day. The 10th-level cave mother servant can likewise read scrolls with cleric spells on them and use wands and staffs that contain cleric spells. Chaos Monk Class Features AC Bonus (Ex) When unarmored and unencumbered, the monk adds her Charisma bonus (if any) to her AC. Evasion (Ex) At 2nd level or higher if a monk makes a successful Reflex saving throw against an attack that normally deals half damage on a successful save, she instead takes no damage. Evasion can be used only if a monk is wearing light armor or no armor. A helpless monk does not gain the benefit of evasion. Fast Movement (Ex) At 3rd level, a monk gains an enhancement bonus to her speed, as shown on Table: The Monk. A monk in armor or carrying a medium or heavy load loses this extra speed. Grace (Ex) A monk gains a +1 competence bonus on Reflex saves at 2nd level. She loses this bonus when wearing armor or when carrying a medium or heavy load. Insightful Strike (Ex) At 3rd level, a monk becomes able to place her finesse attacks where they deal greater damage. She applies her Charisma bonus (if any) as a bonus on damage rolls (in addition to any Strength bonus she may have) with any light weapon, as well as any other weapon that can be used with Weapon Finesse. Targets immune to sneak attacks or critical hits are immune to the monk's insightful strike. A monk cannot use this ability when wearing medium or heavy armor or when carrying a medium or heavy load. Ki Strike (SU) At 4th level, a monk’s unarmed attacks are empowered with I. Her unarmed attacks are treated as magic weapons for the purpose of dealing damage to creatures with damage reduction. Still Mind (Ex) A monk of 3rd level or higher gains a +2 bonuses on saving throws against spells and effects from the school of enchantment. Stunning Fist (Ex) You must declare that you are using this feat before you make your attack roll (thus, a failed attack roll ruins the attempt). Stunning Fist forces a foe damaged by your unarmed attack to make a Fortitude saving throw (DC 26), in addition to dealing damage normally. A defender who fails this saving throw is stunned for 1 round (until just before your next action). A stunned creature drops everything held, can’t take actions, takes a -2 penalties to AC, and loses his Dexterity bonus to AC. You may attempt a stunning attack 7 times per day, and no more than once per round. Constructs, oozes, plants, undead, incorporeal creatures, and creatures immune to critical hits cannot be stunned. Unarmed Strike At 1st level, a monk gains Improved Unarmed Strike as a bonus feat. A monk’s attacks may be with either fist interchangeably or even from elbows, knees, and feet. This means that a monk may even make unarmed strikes with her hands full. There is no such thing as an off-hand attack for a monk striking unarmed. A monk may thus apply her full Strength bonus on damage rolls for all her unarmed strikes. Usually a monk’s unarmed strikes deal lethal damage, but she can choose to deal nonlethal damage instead with no penalty on her attack roll. She has the same choice to deal lethal or nonlethal damage while grappling. A monk’s unarmed strike is treated both as a manufactured weapon and a natural weapon for the purpose of spells and effects that enhance or improve either manufactured weapons or natural weapons. Weapon Finesse (Ex) A monk gains Weapon Finesse as a bonus feat at 1st level even if she does not qualify for the feat. Binder Class Features Soul Binding (SU) One minute to draw seal, full-round action to summon vestige, 1d20+11 vs DC 15 to bind Tiberius. Suppress Sign (Ex) At 2nd level, when Laura makes a good pact, she can choose not to exhibit the physical sign that normally accompanies a pact with a vestige. She can suppress or reveal the sign at will as a swift action. With a poor pact, she gains the powers of the vestige, but she cannot suppress its sign. She shows it for the duration and is influenced by it as normal. Pact Augmentation (SU) Beginning at 2nd level, Laura can draw additional power from the vestige she binds. As long as she is bound to at least one vestige, she can choose one ability from the following list. +1 insight bonus on saving throws. Sacred Prostitute Class Features Aura of Sexual Ease (Ex) At 1st level, a sacred prostitute radiates an aura that makes others feel more comfortable, especially in regard to sexual matters. The sacred prostitute adds a +5 bonuses to all Bluff and Diplomacy checks that have a sexual component to them, including seductions, flirtation, and using sexuality to get her way. Restorative Sex (SU) At 4th level, once per day, the sacred prostitute may engage in sex with a spell caster, restoring any spell slots that he may have used for that day. The sacred prostitute must make a Perform (sexual techniques) check against a DC equal to 10 + the spell caster's caster level. On a success, the spell caster's spells are restored as if he had prepared spells or meditated as normal. The spell caster must engage in sex for at least 20 minutes, and failure indicates that the restorative sex did not work and the spell caster maintains the same number of spells available for that day as before the sex act. A sacred prostitute may use this ability with another sacred prostitute, though only one may regain spells. Sexual Communion (SU) The primary role of a sacred prostitute is to act as a liaison between worshipers and their deity. While engaging in ritual sex with a person, a sacred prostitute can act as a conduit with their deity, granting bits of wisdom to the person they couple with. To use this ability, the sacred prostitute must engage in sex for at least 20 minutes, after which time she may cast divination, with the maximum chance of success (90%), eschewing material components. However, the divination must deal directly with the person that she is engaging in sex with and the question must be asked before the act of sex occurs. A sacred prostitute may not use this ability to determine her own future, although she may engage in sex with another sacred prostitute to glean information. Sexual Healing (SU) Starting at 2nd level, a sacred prostitute's sexual acts have beneficial effects on their partners. The subject must engage in sex for at least 20 minutes. The sacred prostitute must make a Perform (sexual techniques) check at DC 15 after the act. If successful, the subject is cured of any and all the following adverse conditions: confused, dazed, dazzled, exhausted, fatigued, feeble minded, nauseated, sickened, and stunned. In addition, the sacred prostitute's partner is healed a number of ability damage equal to the sacred prostitute's Charisma modifier (9). This healing occurs to only one ability score at a time A separate Perform (sexual techniques) check must be made for a second Ability score. At 4th level, a sacred prostitute's healing ability becomes more powerful. In addition to the effects listed above, the act also dispels curses as if by remove curse. Sexual Healing also cures wounds as if by cure serious wounds, with the caster level equal to the sacred prostitute's total level. A sacred prostitute may use this ability with another sacred prostitute, though only one may gain the benefits of this effect. Spells per Day (Caster level 6, DC 19+spell level)1st-4/day2nd-3/day3rd-2/day Metaphysical Spell shaper Class FeaturesMetamagic Manipulation (SU) At 1st level, a metaphysical spell shaper gains the ability to cast metamagic spells spontaneously by taking ability damage instead of increasing the level of the spell. The metaphysical spell shaper takes one point of ability damage for each spell level by which she is increasing the spell through metamagic. She chooses which of her ability scores to damage. All damage from a casting of a spell must go to the same ability. In this manner, the metamagic manipulation can increase a spell's level beyond the caster's normal capabilities. The caster must still have a sufficient ability score to cast a spell of the level to which metamagic enhanced it. Ability damage taken from metamagic manipulation is resistant to magical restoratives. A character attempting to cast a spell that restores ability damage (such as lesser restoration) lost by metamagic manipulation must succeed on a DC 20 caster level check, or the spell has no effect on the injured metaphysical spell shaper. Ability damage returns at the normal rate with rest and time. A spell cast in this manner requires more time. If the spell's normal casting time is 1 action, casting a metamagically manipulated spell is a full-round action. For a spell with a longer casting time, it takes an extra full-round action to cast the spell. Metamagic Mastery At 3rd level, the metaphysical spell shaper reduces the final spell-level slot required by metamagic feats by one (to a minimum of one). This ability is not cumulative when multiple metamagic feats are applied to a spell, and benefits both traditional metamagic spells and those cast with metamagic manipulation. The Big Boss Placeholder (Many-Armed Harlot Placeholder (( Lamar, King of the West Wind's Sons(Sons:Form: Fey kissed Grey Orc Sorcerer/MartialNaktak: Half Dragon Grey Orc Favored Soul/(Martial)Raul: Half Fiend Orc (Divine/Martial)Sons of the West Wind(Wrathful Champions (Emerald Shadows (Wrathful Men (of the West Wind(( (#id=306691[b)- ME MARL! ME HUNGRY! Name: Grammar of the West Wind's Sons Race: Jungle Orc Class: Cleric 2/Ranger 2Alingment: Neutral Evil ? Player Representing Andy BasukiGender: Male Size: Medium Height: 5' 8"Weight: 340 lb Skin: Eyes: Hair: Strength 20 (+5)Dexterity 10 (+0)Constitution 16 (+3)Intelligence 12 (+1)Wisdom 14 (+2) Charisma 8 (-1)Total Hit Points: 21Speed: 30 feet Armor Class: 15 = 10 +4 [chain shirt] +1 [Buckler] +1 [Dexterity]Touch AC: 10Flat-footed: 15Initiative modifier: +1 = +1 [dexterity]Fortitude save: +7 = 3 [base] +3 [constitution] +1 [hardy]Reflex save: +2 = 3 [base] +0 [Dexterity] -1 [hardy]Will save: +5 = 3 [base] +2 [wisdom]Attack (handheld): +7 = 2 [base] +5 [strength]Attack (unarmed): +7 = 2 [base] +5 [strength]Attack (missile): +3 = 2 [base] +1 [Dexterity]Grapple check: +7 = 2 [base] +5 [strength]Light load: (Prefigure for 20 Strength)Medium load:Heavy load:Lift over head:Lift off ground:Push or drag:Languages: Abyssal, Common, Orc Composite Short bow, +5 Strength (Masterwork Ammunition) Attack Roll d20+3 (d20+1, d20+1) Damage Roll d6+5 Critical 20 x3 Range 90' Ammunition 20' Dagger Attack Roll d20+7 Thrown d20+2 Damage Roll d4+5 Critical 19-20 x2 Range 10'War Hammer, Masterwork [1d8, CRT x3., 5 lb., one-handed, bludgeoning] Attack Roll d20+8 Damage Roll d8+5 Critical 20 x3Chain shirt, Masterwork [light; +4 AC; max DEX +4; check penalty -1; 25 lb.] Buckler [+1 AC; check penalty -1; hardness ?; hp ?; ? Lb.] Feats:(L1) Floor of Foot: +10 Land Speed(B) Track(B) Rapid Shot Traits:HardyMuscleboundSkill Name Ranks Ability Misc. Equipment =Total Appraise (Int) 0 +1 +0 +0 =d20+1Balance (DEX*) 0 +0 -1 -2 =d20-3 -1 [musclebound]Bluff (CIA) 0 +0 +0 +0 =d20+0 Climb (STR*) 0 +5 +1 -2 =d20+4 +1 [musclebound]Concentration (Con) 5 +3 +0 +0 =d20+8Craft: Boyer/Fletcher (Int) 5 +1 = +0 +2 =d20+8 Decipher Script (Int) 0 +1 +0 +0 ------Diplomacy (CIA) 0 +0 +0 +0 =d20+0 Disguise (CIA) 0 +0 +0 +0 =d20+0 Escape Artist (DEX*) 0 +0 -1 -2 =d20-3 -1 [musclebound]Forgery (Int) 0 +1 +0 +0 = ---Gather Information (CIA) 0 +0 +0 +0 =d20+0 Handle Animal (CIA) 5 +0 +0 +0 =d20+5 Heal (Wis) 5 +2 +2 +2 =d20+11 Hide (DEX*) 0 +1 -1 +0 =d20+0 -1 [musclebound]Intimidate (CIA) 0 -1 +0 +0 =d20-1Jump (STR*) 5 +5 +5 -2 =d20+13 +1 [musclebound]Knowledge: geography (Int) 2 +1 +0 +0 =d20+3 Knowledge: Nature (Int) 2 +1 +0 +0 =d20+3 Knowledge: Religion (Int) 1 +1 +0 +0 =d20+2 Listen (Wis) 0 +2 +0 +0 =d20+2 Move Silently (DEX*) 0 +0 -1 -2 =d20-3 -1 [musclebound]Ride (DEX) 0 +1 -1 +0 =d20+0 -1 [musclebound]Search (Int) 0 +1 +0 +0 =d20+1 Sense Motive (Wis) 0 +2 +0 +0 =d20+2 Spot (Wis) 0 +2 +0 +0 =d20+2Survival (Wis) 5 +2 +2 +0 =d20+9 +2 [jungle orc]Swim STR** 0 +5 +1 -4 =d20+2 +1 [musclebound]Use Rope (DEX) 0 +1 -1 +0 =d20+0 -1 [musclebound]* = check penalty for wearing armor Jungle Orc:+4 strength, -2 intelligence, -2 charisma, -2 wisdom (already included)Dark vision (see 60 feet in pitch-dark)Dazzled in bright light+2 on heal and survival (already included)Cleric command/Rebuke Undead 2/Day Orc Domain: Smite! +2 Damage, 1/Day Strength Domain: Feat of Strength +2, 1/daySpellsLevel 1 (Save Difficulty 13)Enlarge Person Cure Light Soundscape Light Wounds Ranger:Favored enemies Track as bonus feat (already included)Combat Style: Archery Wild empathy (roll level + charisma bonus)Endurance (level 3)Animal Companion (level 4)Woodland Stride (level 7)Swift Tracker (level 8)Evasion (level 9)Camouflage (level 13)Hide in Plain Sight (level 17)Favored Enemies:Humanoids (elf) +2 This ranger chose the two-weapon combat track. Class HP rolled Level 1: Ranger 10 Level 2: Ranger 5 Grammar's Equipment: Backpack Belt Pouch Explorer's Outfit Symbol of Groups Artisan's Tools: Boyer/Fletcher, Masterwork Flint and Steel Healer's Kit Rations x5 Rope Platinum 1Gold 1Silver 1Copper 736 lb_____36 lb Weapons / Armor / Shield (from above)Total(is a Uncle Orc, and part of the Sons of the West Wind. His matron was a jungle orc that the gray orcs of the Sons of the West Wind took as a prize after a large battle... and somehow he looked more like his matron than his sire. Nevertheless, he is a proud warrior and serves the Warlord earnestly... relishing the chance to do battle often and claim plunder for his own.

Warlords of Faerun (Charsheets)|rating:2.0

The Masked Society (Chewy & PrimalChaos)

The Masked Society(Chewy camp; Primal Chaos)(Saturday mornings are for laying in a cozy bed with soft blankets, curled around your pillow and enjoying the sounds of the birds cawing in the trees. At least, that’s what Emily Lawrence enjoyed doing on her Saturday mornings. The weekend was a time of rest and enjoying the peace and quiet of her boyfriend being away for work. John worked in private security for celebrities and London’s high society types. Weekends were always busy for him. He was generally gone before Emily woke and returned long after she slept. Sometimes, it was nice to have the days to herself while others, she missed having someone around to lay in bed with. Before he got the job at the agency, they’d sometimes spend all of their weekend doing sweet romantic things or staying in and blissfully fucking until they couldn’t go on. These mornings had become sweeter since he got the job. Emily and John had been together for three years, living together for one. There was a rumor that a proposal was coming soon between their friends, but he still hadn’t popped the question. Frankly, Emily wasn’t sure she wanted to marry John. It would have been a smart move. He was handsome, had lots of money and was loyal to her. The problem was, their sex was lackluster. She often faked orgasms in the last few months just so he would finish so she could go shower or run off to her office so she could watch some porn and get herself off. The problem is that Emily loved John and was now caught between her heart and her desires. She didn’t want to hurt him, but she didn’t want to be stuck in a boring sex marriage either. There was a soft knock at the door that made Emily peer out from her blankets. She groaned and rolled out of bed, pulling on a pair of sweatpants and throwing a hoodie over her white tank-top which showed the darker areolas of her nipples. The hoodie would suffice for her coverage. She pushed her feet into her fuzzy slippers and headed down the stairs until she came to the door. She pulled it open to find no one there. Just the somewhat busy London street as cars drove by. However, when she looked down, there was a black box laying on her stoop. She bent down to pick it up. It wasn’t addressed to anyone. It just had a symbol melted into wax on the top of it. A symbol that resembled a fleur-de-lis. Softly shutting the door behind her, Emily tapped the box on her fingertips and wondered if she should open it. She made her way to the kitchen and put the kettle on before sitting at the small wooden island at the center. She decided to go ahead and open the package. Something was telling her to open it and she couldn’t wait any longer. She grabbed a nearby knife and sliced the sides open and then the top. When she pulled open the flaps, there were a few things in the box. A mask, what looked like clothing, a gold coin and a scroll. As she pulled the scroll out of the package, she opened it up to reveal fancy writing on the inside that read;To our dearest paramour:The Union of the Nocturnal Sky invites you to join us to the annual autumn solstice reception. We have chosen you, Emily Lawrence, as an honored guest. Our autumn solstice celebration will allow you to experience all that you desire and find what you seek. Among our honored guests, we all share common aspirations and find that certain preferences will gladly be met in the finest of hours. We offer you total confidentiality and the utmost privacy. No one will know your name. You must wear the mask we have provided and bring the coin given to you as it will be your entry fee into the fate. We ask that you also dress accordingly, wearing the outfit that’s been given, or you may choose to wear something similar. Nocturnal Sky Putting the scroll down, Emily’s brows furrowed in confusion. Was this a joke? She reached into the box and pulled out the gold coin. It was dense. Much heavier than a normal coin. She sat it on the table and grabbed the mask. It was a beautiful mask - almost too beautiful for her to wear. It was black with red and gold embellishments, and it looked absolutely expensive. Furthermore, it felt well-made and it was simply gorgeous. She sat that down on the table and grabbed the clothing inside. It was a dress. A black dress. She almost didn’t know if she could fit as it looked to be so small with the thinnest of spaghetti straps at the very top. Placing the dress down on the counter she looked at everything in confusion. Picking up the scroll again, she looked around on the front of it before flipping it over to the back. In tiny letters at the very bottom corner was an address and today’s date. It was located in Chelsea. That was an area known for money and it was quite a posh area. How did they get her name and address? Why were they inviting her? She was nothing special. At least, to Emily, she believed she wasn’t anyone special. This had to be wrong. She picked up the letter and read it over again before putting everything back in the box and running up the stairs. Approaching the large mansion as she stepped out of her car, Emily adjusted the tiny black mini-dress that hugged her curves so deliciously. Her wide hips and round taut backside was accentuated in the shape and stinginess of the dress while the top of it made her D cup breasts form such sweet cleavage for anyone to gawk at. She wore no panties and just a pair of black scrappy heels. On her face sat the mask. Her blonde shoulder-length hair was straight and tucked behind her ears. She took a deep breath just as someone approached.” Welcome, madame. I will take your keys. Might I see your coin?” The valet asked politely and put his hand out. Emily gave him the coin to which he silently read the numbers on the back before taking her keys, handing the coin back and driving away with her car. Emily watched as people, single and couples, all masked, entered into the mansion and not before stopping at the door to give their coin. Everyone was dressed in black or variations that mainly were black. She wondered if they all got the same letter, or perhaps they were frequently invited to these parties. When it was her turn to enter the building, the man at the door drank in Emily’s sight and grinned beneath his mask before gladly taking her coin and opening the door for her to enter. Once inside she took a deep breath and watched as everyone funneled down a hallway and entered into a single room. She figured that was where she should go so she did. The entire time, the young woman’s heart was beating out of her chest. Her pierced nipped ached from excitement, and she did her best to not show how nervous she was. The moment she entered the room, she knew there was something… different about this place. The centuries-old mansion was well-appointed inside. Fine carpets covered the floor, and furniture as old as the house itself adorned the reception room she first walked into. Gold leaf glinted from the furnishings and the wood paneled walls. And throughout it, worked into the paintings, the carvings above the doors, and the tiles upon the ceiling, there were masks worked into the decorations. Whatever Emily had walked into, it was far older than she might suspect. The reception room had several doors leading to other parts of the house, but only one opened. A young man and woman dutifully followed a taller slightly older woman brushed past her as they walked toward the newly opened room. The tall woman briefly turned to look at her. Her hair was braided tightly up on her head, and she gave Emily a look that was utterly judgmental through her hawk-like black mask, before continuing on without another word. Soon, they were joined with the rest of the small crowd. Beyond the open door, there was a large ballroom with a polished wooden floor. Most of the various party-goers stood in a circle around the center. Some knelt, often with arms curled around the legs of another. Then one man strode to the center of the room. His mask covered his entire face save for a semicircle cut for his mouth. It was white with black lines, giving it an imposing look. He began to speak, in a sonorous tone.“The autumn is the time of the harvest, and so we harvest during this time. The new prospects of our society have been invited, and they are now among us. Greetings, neophytes - stand forth so we might see you. This is a place of desires and of dreams, and of secrets. To stay here is to keep the secrets of what happens here. To stay here is to explore your depths and become part of the journey of others. Know this if you choose to stay here.” Emily could already feel eyes upon her, and perhaps upon other ‘prospects’ as the white masked man had called them. But she was very aware of one man in particular. His mask was solid red, with up sweep near the top that gave the vague impression of horns. His eyes were piercing even through the shadow of the mask’s eyes, sparkling ocean blue orbs that stood out even in this place. He was tall with square shoulders, dressed in a black on black suit sans tie. His dark brown hair bordered on black. His gaze was enough to make her feel naked before it. Stepping into the large room, she looked around to survey the room. Emily could see the old furniture, decor and paintings that littered the wall. The place looked old but at the same time, it was pristine and absolutely beautiful. She had never been inside such a beautiful estate before, and she couldn’t believe she was standing there among the rich. At least, she assumed if these people were here, they had to be rich! Not to mention, the looks she got from some of the patrons were full of judgment and at that moment, she couldn’t understand why. Just as everyone was beginning to gather, Emily stepped forward toward the center of the room so she could look at the people entering and one of the men began to speak. Emily began looking around the room at the people there. Some were dressed in a very similar fashion as she was. Some were dressed more appropriately in suits and gowns. It was strange how the people dressed just like her stood out among the others. However, one thing was the same - everyone wore a mask. Even the doormen and the security men gathered around the edges of the room. She wondered really what this place was and why she was here. Suddenly, the man speaking asked all the newcomers to step forward. Everyone dressed similar to her stepped forward to the front of the crowd. Emily didn’t want to. She could feel the redness spreading across her cheeks as her embarrassment sunk in. However, someone behind her gave her a soft nudge, and she wanted to look behind her, but she was almost frozen with fear. That little nudge made her keep walking until she stood with the rest of the newcomers though. Emily couldn’t help but look around at the people that she stood with. Mostly women but a few men littered the small group. All of them with similar masks as her. A little more plain than the elaborate and elegant masks that the others behind them wore. Perhaps a sign of their status among those in the estate? Regardless, it didn’t make her feel any more comfortable, and she almost wanted to turn and walk out. When she shifted in her shoes, she could feel a small wet patch forming on her black lace panties, and it was enough to shock her. Her body was being unforgiving and going against what her right mind was telling her. Feeling eyes upon her body, Emily slowly turned her head to the side to see a man, one in particular, staring directly at her. It made a shiver run up her spine. He wore a solid red mask that had almost something like horns at the top. The thing she noticed most other than the incredibly fancy suit that he wore, was his eyes. He had the most enchanting eyes she had ever seen on a man - or anyone really. The craziest part was those eyes had settled on her, and she felt as though she were the prize of an auction. Realization sunk in, and she wondered if that was what she was here for. She began to panic a little, but she didn’t run out. No, her feet were frozen in place. Even through his mask, Emily could tell that whoever it was that wore the mask was insanely handsome, and he had such a beautiful body, even with the suit on. However, she couldn’t help but feel bare skinned. As if she wore absolutely nothing the way his gaze raked over her entire form, up and down, again and again. He seemed fixated on her, and she felt another drip from her core onto her panties and she tore her eyes away from him to look back up at the man speaking to see if he would reveal anything about why they were here. Behind the devil mask, Anthony could not help but fix his gaze on Emily. His eyes sliced over the curves of her body, and the red that flushed over her cheeks. He wanted her. Not just because she was new, though that certainly played a part. It was the way she moved and looked around. She had a strange innocence about her, that he wanted to take and break for his own. He took a deep breath, and for a moment, he imagined he could smell her. The man in the white mask continued -“Let us be clear, this is a bacchanal. This is a place of pleasure, carnal pleasure. This night and this place are one where you will be subject to the desires of others,” he said in the deep voice, “The lots have been drawn for those who will guide these prospects on their first night. Step forward, and claim one, in the order of the draws.” From the crowd, a woman in a black gown stepped forward, in a beautiful white mask shaped as roses. She stepped slowly around each of the prospects, then gently took one of the men by the shoulder. She whispered in his ear, and they stepped back into the crowd. And then Anthony, the man in the devil mask, stepped forward. He was delighted he was second, and even more that he was the first man. He had no doubt that Emily would have been the first choice of the others, but he was first. He stepped forward and made his way to Emily. Furthermore, he towered over her, looking down at the petite and busty woman in the plain black dress. His hand took hold of her upper arm, and he leaned in toward her ear.“Come with me, and you will learn the ways of this place,” he said to her softly, and pulled her to come with him back into the crowd. Listening to the man at the front of everyone, Emily still couldn’t shake the feeling that the man was watching her but as the man at the front spoke, she was a little confused until she realized what he was saying. This wasn’t just some high society party - this was a high society pleasure party! Emily almost gasped at the realization and immediately wanted to turn back. Had she ever thought of experimenting with her sex life? Of course! Had she ever thought about visiting a sex dungeon? Sure! But this, was extreme. Suddenly, with his words, a woman stepped forward to pick her partner. Emily stood so incredibly still. She prayed she wouldn’t be chosen. A part of her wanted to run out of there, but her feet locked her into place, and she felt almost… powerless. Even as she watched the woman clearly pick one of the men in their group, she still wasn’t relieved because it meant it was possible for her to get picked next. She didn’t even believe she’d be wanted enough to be picked! Much to her surprise, when the next person came to the front, it was the man in the devil mask. He didn’t circle the others like the woman did. No, he went straight up to her. Her heart pounded in her chest so fast she thought he could possibly hear it. Her stomach churned with her anxiety and her body shook inside as he gripped onto the back of her arm and leaned in. He was so much taller up close and her already 5’3 frame was dwarfed even more by his incredibly tall body. Plus, he was broad shouldered, and it looked like he could engulf her completely. This masked stranger’s voice was deeper than she expected, almost vibrating throughout her entire body as he spoke in her ear. When he tugged her arm gently, her feet finally moved and this time, they trotted along beside him almost obediently. Emily had no idea where this was coming from and as they moved to the very back of the room, Emily was lost in the crowd and found herself simply following his steps until they were behind the crowd of people. In the back of the room, Emily turned to the masked man, almost having to crane her neck completely to look up at him even in her stilettos. She was nervous, almost frightened by his presence and what was about to happen. However, there was an even bigger part of her that was excited and aroused by the things that crossed her mind. The ideas of what was to come somehow made her practically seep through the lace pressed against her heat, and it was her body’s reaction to her deepest and darkest desires.” I take it I’m not allowed to know your name.” She said softly. ”But what may I call you?” Emily questioned curiously. If everyone was hiding their identities, they had to be able to call one another by something. She looked up into this man’s tantalizing eyes and found herself lost in them. He could have not spoken a word, and she still would have melted around him if he commanded it. He was beautiful in the mask and imagined how he looked without it. Something about the masks made her loins stir with salinity. She was embarrassed at how easily her body reacted before even knowing exactly what was to come! The selections continued as they moved toward the back. One by one, a patron stepped forward and chose a prospect. One woman was taken by another woman, who threatened to turn redder than Emily had been. But Anthony gave it no mind at all as the ritual took place. He had been there a thousand times before, and he already had his prize for the evening. He kept his hand upon her shoulder as he guided her to the back of the room, a mild but possessive gesture. Soon, they found themselves in the rear, the painted walls of the ballroom to their backs.” What do you call me? You will find ‘sir’ is quite enough for a prospect like you. Some of us have special names just for this place. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to earn a place here after tonight, and learn mine,” he responded to her question, his hand still upon her shoulder as he leaned down to answer,” Tell me, why did you come here? What are you looking for?” She could smell his fine cologne as he loomed over her. The top button of his shirt was undone, revealing the hint of a well-formed chest. But still, those eyes peered into her as he spoke. The ballroom grew more silent, as the last of the prospects had been selected, and the man in the white mask spoke again -” The selections have been made. The night welcomes us under the endless sky. Let us be as we truly are,” the white-masked man said, raising his hand. A polite round of applause accompanied it. At some point, without notice, a blindfolded player had taken a seat at the piano in the ballroom. Music began to play, warm soothing but sensuous slow music. And each of the doors leading out of the ballroom opened. The crowd began to shift, moving through the house, and again the woman with the two attendants in the hawk mask walked past them. She nodded once to the devil-masked Anthony and shifted another judgmental look at Emily before walking into the adjoining room. Leaning forward into her ear, the masked man spoke and her body practically melted. If she didn’t have any control her knees would have immediately buckled at the sheer tone he spoke in. Especially when he instructed her to refer to him as ‘Sir’. It only confirmed more of what she had assumed about this place. She was to merely be something sweet for men like him to toy with and look at, to appease their needs and desires. The thought alone made her gush and the sound of his voice didn’t help either. Emily stared at the bare chest that peaked out at the top of his shirt where it was unbuttoned. A lump began to form in her throat and she swallowed hard past it as if it would take the lump away, but it didn’t. It only grew larger as she shifted her eyes up to look into his. Her own blue eyes stared back, afraid but excited. Anxious but ready she was, even as her legs trembled where she stood.” I-I don’t know.” Emily replied shakily. ”Perhaps I am simply a cat as curiosity brought me here.” She continued with a little more of a stable tone to her voice. Thankfully, talking seemed to help calm her nerves as they were going off piece by piece, and it was practically unbearable. She longed to know more, to see more in hopes that the idea of knowing would bring more peace to her worries and settle the butterflies in her tummy. She had never been shown off, put on display or even really appreciated for her beauty and her natural sexual prowess but somehow, she felt absolutely stunning in the room. When the white masked man spoke, Emily turned her head to look over the crowd at the man. When he said everyone may begin, all at once, the doors opened simultaneously and the people began funneling out. She watched them leave together and those with their chosen prospects followed obediently. The same woman that gave her a strange look before, walked past and nodded at the man before giving her the same look as before all over again. She glared back this time, now wanting to show her fear. Turning her eyes back up to look at the man she was to call Sir. ”Where is everyone going?” she questioned. Her innocence was clear, and she had no idea what was to come now. She had an idea but still wasn’t sure exactly how she was to proceed and what would become of her by the end of the evening. ”You don’t know? Perhaps? I am sure tonight will offer a certain clarity at least,” Anthony responded, as the crowd began to move. He nodded back at the woman in the hawk mask before looking back at Emily.” They are going to begin the evening. Some to watch, others to perform, others to indulge. Let’s go watch,” he answered Emily’s question with an indulging tone. He guided her by her shoulder towards one of the doors and entered the other room. It was a lounge of sorts, with fainting couches and chairs set up. A small bar with a masked bartender occupied one corner, but otherwise, all seats were arranged to face the center. In the center, lit by a central light, was a St. Andrew’s Cross. It was stained so dark, it was nearly black, and ropes hung from the rings at each point. One of the women Emily had seen kneeling in the ballroom was approaching the cross, as others took seats. She was dark haired, her rear and hips curvier than Emily, oozing a sensuality as she walked. Without an ounce of hesitation, she pulled the straps of her dress from her shoulders as she stood before the cross, and pushed the dress off her body and onto the floor. She was naked underneath, with tan skin tattooed with flowing flowers and snakes across her back. The man she had been kneeling against earlier joined her, and began to slowly take each arm, rubbing it erotically before tying her wrists to the cross one by one. Her breasts were pressed against the dark wood and her back exposed to whatever was to come. The devil-masked Anthony moved to a seat and took it, not leaving her any room to sit. He looked up at her and said,“Fetch me a drink, red wine.” With Sir guiding her by her shoulder, Emily followed the masses as they funneled out into a new room. At the center was the large cross and Emily curiously gazed up at it as soon as she stepped forward into the room. The cross was large and looked heavy. She looked around at the people taking seats. Some of them sat with a man or woman perched in their laps while others knelt beside some of the men and women in their seats poised like pets. A big group stood over at the bar, creating a small line for those who wished to indulge in alcohol while they enjoyed their show. Sir quickly found a seat and looked up at Emily, demanding she fetch him a drink. She made a face of confusion under her mask. Her reaction was to scoff as she wasn’t a maid or servant, but her curiosity was enough to keep her quiet. She simply nodded her head, ”Yes, sir,” she replied quietly before moving away from him and heading up toward the bar as the man and woman in the center of the room began to ready themselves for whatever show they were about to put on for their honored guests. Reaching the line, Emily crossed her arms over her chest and looked around. The room was big like the other room, but there was definitely not enough seats for the amount of people who came into the room to watch the spectacle. She could feel eyes everywhere on her, and it made her self-conscious again. She glanced around to see not just one, but many men and women looked at her like she was their next supper. Furthermore, she didn’t understand it, but she was going to try and stick this out if it meant fulfilling her deepest desires. When it came to her turn, she ordered the wine and the bartender handed it to her. Emily smiled sweetly and thanked him for the wine before taking it and turning back toward the crowd and moving about until she found Sir, talking to a guy beside him who looked almost important as her newly found Sir looked. He had a woman sitting at the other side of his chair, leaned against him with her head resting in his lap as she gazed out toward the people in front of them.” Your drink.” Emily said while standing beside him and handing the glass off to him. She gave him the same sweet smile that she gave the bartender and looked around. She wished she could sit as her feet burned in her heels as she wasn’t someone who wore them often. ”What are we going to watch?” She questioned further in hopes he would reveal to her now what she was going to see. Only because she was growing more and more curious, and she didn’t know whether she’d enjoy it or if she’d find it appalling but regardless, she was curious nonetheless. ”Your drink, sir,” he corrected her in his deep and commanding tone. He took the wine glass from her hand, and looked her up and down from behind his mask again. He admired the firm body beneath the thin dress, and noted the impression that her pierced nipple left on the fabric. It was quite clear from how she shifted her weight she was not used to heels - something she could do with training with, he noted.” A demonstration of pain and pleasure is in the offering, and they always put on a good show,” Anthony said,” Those who would rather participate than watch have already found their way to other rooms. But here is a good place to start you at, my curious kitten.” The gentleman who had tied the woman had shed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. A leather bag appeared at some point while she was at the bar. He pulled a pair of long floggers, colored red and black, from the bag, and hooked them to holders on his belt. He walked up to the tattooed and tied woman, and began to caress her body. His hands rolled from her neck to her side and over her tattooed back. He left claw marks here and there from his nails as did so, and the woman began to undulate at his touch. His hands moved over her delicious round rear and even slipped between her legs. Emily could see the woman twitch at that. Then the gentleman stepped away, and detached the floggers from his belt. He shook them out and tested their weight for a moment. Then he raised one and brought it down upon the tattooed woman’s back. The slap of leather against flesh resounded through the room, along with an appreciative moan from the victim. Then the other flogger came up and did the same. Red marks were seared over the flowers on her back by the strikes, but her voice wasn’t raised in protest but in pleasure as she cried out with the second strike. Then other, and another. Soon, the floggers moved across her back seamlessly as the gentleman twirled them in his hands. And with each other strike, the woman gyrated and moaned, the moans growing deeper and more primordial as the painful pleasure overtook her.” She will do this for hours if we let her,” Anthony said as he watched, sipping his wine,” It is her greatest release and pleasure, to be put on display and have this done to her. If she is particularly lucky, her sir will take her right here and now. Or perhaps offer her to others. Depends on his whim.” The masked man correcting her sounded condescending, and it took Emily aback. She had never been corrected like that since she was a child. She looked down at him, shocked that he so easily corrected her and wondered if it was all a part of the way they did things here in this place. Furthermore, she wasn’t daft. If he was telling her to call him ‘Sir’, that more than likely meant that he would be the one in charge. She had done some research on “dominant and submissive” couples in the bedroom and many had chosen names to be called, and usually the dominant would choose a name along the lines of what he was expecting her to call him. Standing beside the man sitting, Emily turned her attention to the man and woman at the center of the room as he spoke. She thought she understood what he was saying, but she was a little confused until it clicked. She was the submissive. Furthermore, she gulped past the growing lump in her throat and with her fingers in front of her dress, she fidgeted silently beside him. Furthermore, she was beginning to grow nervous again. Furthermore, she chewed the inside of her bottom lip as the couple began their show and the surrounding lights dimmed while the center light grew a little brighter. At first, watching the two at the center of the entire room’s attention was beautiful. You could tell there was a connection unlike any other between them. You could tell that they had done this before. Many times before. It was almost like watching the most erotic of dances the way he moved around her and the way she responded so beautifully. He was skilled at what he was doing, and she very much enjoyed the combination of pain and pleasure and that was easy to see. Even from afar, Emily noted everything he did, her eyes glued to the couple and suddenly unable to look away. Taking a deep breath, she gasped when he began to lash at her body with the tool in his hands. First one, then the other. He repeated this again and again and Emily looked onward. She was somewhat petrified but also completely aroused at this scene that unfolded before her. She couldn’t believe how strong the beautiful woman was and how easily she took the heat that burned across her flesh from the floggers. The man seemed to take such care in the places he struck, even quickly he was strategic in the placement of each blow. It was a harmony unlike one Emily had never seen before. Sir was speaking again and Emily ripped her eyes away from the man and woman to look down at him. She watched as he paused to drink before continuing. Emily turned her head and watched as the man stopped fraying the woman, and she breathed hard, catching her breath only for a second before the floggers were stroking her inner thighs. ”D-Do you expect me to d-do this?” Emily asked, not taking her eyes off of them as she trembled slightly. It was both arousing and terrifying and Emily couldn’t understand where the arousal in her panties was coming from. Anthony watched her tremble and gasp. A small smirk formed at the side of his mouth as he took her emotional cues and changes. Some neophytes to the society took immediately to this world, already knowing what they wanted. But this one was at war with herself. It was just a matter of having the right pressure in the right way, he was positive.” I have no expectations for you at all, and I doubt you could do what she does. Not yet,” he responded from behind his red devil mask,” The real question - do you want that? I could take you upstairs right now and do this to you, perhaps even better than he does. I could make your entire body into an instrument of pain and pleasure.” He reached out, placing his hand on her hip and turning her to look at him. He kept his strong hand there, easily maneuvering the much smaller woman.” This is what this place is, and you came here for reason, little kitten,” he said in with a dark tone,” So, are you going to experience what you obviously came here to experience, or are you just going to gawk? Do you want to feel what she feels, curious kitten, or are you just going to be a spectator while others live the life you came here to experience?” He maneuvers her back to face the woman being flogged, awaiting an answer. Watching the couple at the center so intently, Emily couldn’t move. Not willingly on her own at least. She was drawn to the man and woman and watched how beautifully they moved with one another. There was such tension between them and yet such care being taken on his part to soothe her and adorn her with admiration and general care for her. The way he stopped to stroke her burning flesh, the way he leaned in and kissed the back of her shoulder, stroked his fingers down her long black hair and pushed it over to one shoulder so he could kiss more of her flesh. It was as erotic as it was intimidating. The man’s words filled her ears, and it made Emily turn her head to look at him at the same moment that he coaxed her legs to move, not by much, but enough that she wasn’t locked into place either. She looked down into his eyes where he sat as he asked her his questions and spoke to her just loud enough for her to hear it before he turned her back to watch the man and woman again. His question burned her throat the way alcohol did. She took a deep breath and kept her eyes back on the man and woman as she mulled over his question. He was certainly right about one thing, she was there for one reason. Taking another deep breath, Emily turned her head to look beside herself at him sitting in the chair and with the words she could manage to muster she said to him, ”I want to experience what I’ve wanted for so long.” Her words were soft, but they felt heavy to her. She had denied herself this pleasure for so long now and here was her chance to finally experience what she had always yearned for. She wanted dearly to dull the ache between her thighs and the fire burning in her body that begged her to find a way to settle her need. This would be the only way unless she were to find a DOM on the outside, but this felt like she could find one and try them out almost to see which one she liked better. Or more so, for them to choose her over the other submissive. Slowly, Emily stepped between Sir’s legs and sat down so that the rounds of her ass were pressed tightly and firmly against his thigh. She draped her arm across the back of his shoulders and leaned in so that she could whisper in his ear, ” I’ve never done anything like this before in my life. It’s been my dream to learn the way of a submissive slave. I long to have someone train me and use me for their own sexual needs and desires. If you allowed me to follow you into a room to your liking, I will submit to you.” Emily wasn’t even sure if this was how it worked, but it was worth a shot. If nothing came of this, and she decided she didn’t like it, then she would never again return. Anthony listened to that soft utterance, that admission that would be a first step in this place, that she wanted to experience what she was watching. He gazed up into her eyes as she replied. When she stepped between his legs, he opened them for her. He leaned back slightly as her ass pressed against the muscular thighs underneath his expensive trousers. As she leaned against him to whisper, his own arm slipped around her waist to steady her. His fingers traced over her hip beneath the tight black dress, and he tilted his head to listen. She was a small feminine figure against his tall broad-shouldered frame. When she finished speaking, he reached up. He firmly grasped Emily’s chin, and forced her to match his gaze.” Little kitten, you will follow me. And you will do as you are told, and we will see if you are to my liking. But you will do as you are told,” he replied. He gave her rear a light swat to signal her to stand, and he stood up. He easily loomed over her, though he stepped around her and began moving between the seats. Furthermore, he snapped his fingers over his shoulder, beckoning her to follow. Several of the audience watched them, including the woman with the bird mask. Anthony took a side door that led to a hall that had a multitude of doors and stairs on both ends. He walked up one, never looking back to see if she was following. She either would follow as told, or not and lose the chance she now had. He went to the second story and walked down a few doors to a specific room. It was his room for the night, a luxury in this place that he paid well for. He opened it and stepped inside. The bedroom was appointed in the fine fashion of the rest of the house. Except before the large bed, there was a polished wooden post supported by a cross of wood on the floor. From it hung chains, and it was fitted with regular o-shaped rings down all its sides. On either side, fine red couches sat. In one corner, there was a wardrobe which hung open, and on its doors and within hung various implements. They included floggers like she had seen downstairs, along with a myriad of other implements of sensual pain or pleasure. Finally, he turned to look at her. He took off his coat, and handed it over, gesturing with his head toward the coat rack next to the door. He proceeded to roll-up his sleeves, revealing well-toned arms.” The rules are simple. You will do as you are told. You will be a servant to me and your body is mine while you are in this room. I will hurt you, but not break you. Do well, and I will use you for my further pleasure. It will not end unless you tell me to end it by uttering a single word - ‘unmask’. If you say that, this ends, and you leave this place.” His voice was firm, crisply intelligent but absolutely assured. He watched her with those intense eyes waiting for her reply. The hold that the man had on Emily’s chin made her tense slightly. It was abrupt but not harsh or painful. However, it did force her to look deeply into his eyes as he spoke. There was some trepidation in the young woman at his words, but she didn’t back away, and she didn’t try to leave. Instead, she let out a quiet hiss when his hand swatted at her pert rear end and stood up at his silent command. With the tall man looming over her petite frame, she looked up at him before following him obediently out of the room. Emily followed him through the winding halls until they came to a door. Once inside, she looked around, observing the room and was a little intimidated by the decor. Specifically, the cross intimidated her. The bundle of nerves in her belly only raged as the door was shut behind her. The man removed his jacket and handed it to her. She looked at it in confusion for a moment before taking the jacket and placing it over the coat rack by the door before returning to the spot she had been standing in. She watched him roll up his sleeves to reveal his strong looking forearms. Furthermore, she felt the tingling between her thighs that turned into an ache. This man, even in the mask, she could tell was a handsome devil, and it somehow made her feel even sexier that she would most likely find him attractive even without it. His firm voice filled her ears as he finished rolling up his sleeves. Emily nodded her head to show him that she understood what the rules of being in this space with him entailed. The silence filled the air between them before Emily realized why there was silence. ”Y-Yes, sir.” She answered nervously. She wasn’t sure what to do. He was clearly in control of the entire situation, and she looked around the room for a moment before turning her attention back to him.” Are we allowed to remove our masks?” Emily asked curiously while adjusting her mask on her face. It was a little tight for her liking and she would have preferred not doing anything like this in the mask but if the rules stated she must keep the mask on then she would oblige the rules as she understood these people were elite and apart from the upper epsilon of London’s rich and famous and possibly from other countries. She figured it would be difficult if something serious happened to a politician or celebrity whose careers and money would be put in jeopardy if the guests like her knew exactly who they were playing with. ”With my permission. And only in the privacy of this room. If you remove your mask elsewhere, you are banished,” Anthony responded. He unbuttoned another couple of buttons from the top of his shirt, revealing a firm cut chest beneath. He walked over to the wardrobe, and began taking implements from within it. Furthermore, he hung a set of floggers from his belt, his back to her. And he took a coil of soft rope from within the wardrobe, before turning to face her. He strode up to her, his fine shoes on the soft elegant carpet of the room.” You are allowed to ask. Ask well, and you will receive permission. Ask poorly, and you will be denied,” he continued,” Now, we will begin with pain, and we will end pleasure. Take your dress off.” The voice was commanding and direct as he looked down at her. His broad hands idly gripped and twisted the soft black rope in his hands. He still wondered whether this woman would truly go through with this. The demand was simple, a beginning, but he was still unsure that she would truly go through with it. Whether she meant what she had whispered in his ear. Now is the first moment it would be put to the test.

The Masked Society (Chewy & PrimalChaos)|rating:4.0

The Princess of New York - IC

This thread is reserved for those approved of in the IOC ​Sitting down with her legs dangling over the edge of a cement wall that overlooked a skater park, Sarah Whitmore rolled up the sleeves of her black shirt as she watched some of her friends ride their bikes around. They were doing a few tricks, and she couldn't help but laugh whenever they messed up. Sure the sound of their bodies crashing into the pavement was anything but fun to listen to, but she could always count on them to get back up and try again. It was a sport that she could never get into herself, preferring instead to travel the safer roads of life. A life of museum exhibits and movie premiers." Ouch..." Sarah said, wincing when she saw Jacob mess up badly. He had tried doing a bike flip in the air and ended up crashing down on the pavement." That'll hurt in the morning."" His own fault," Michelle responded with a smirk before she drank from her bottle of Pepsi soda." One day they're going to like... fall and you know? Remember that falling actually hurts a lot,"Sarah bemused, not sure if she what she said made any sense, or if she was just being argumentative." What time is it?" Michelle suddenly asked, having apparently not given any thought to what Sarah had just said. Michelle twisted her head to the side to see if she could get a read on Sarah's watch, but her friend picked up her arm and looked at it herself." Time for me to go to work, unfortunately,"Sarah groaned as she moved to collect a few of her things. She stuffed her cell into her pocket book and then drank the rest of her soda before tossing the empty bottle into a trash can." Call in sick," Michelle suggested as a devilish smile spread across her face. Sarah smiled as if she were thinking of the idea, but she shook her head no." I did that last week. I keep calling in sick, sooner or later they're going to fire my ass. Furthermore, I'll see you later,"Sarah said as she hopped down off the wall, landing on her feet with a thud. "Call me if something comes up,"Sarah said quickly before she walked away from the park. It was a short walk to her apartment and she would quickly shower and Chang into her uniform before heading off to work. She was a cashier at a local grocery store called Whitney's Market, and as much as she hated her mundane job, it helped pay the bills. She got along perfectly fine with most of her coworkers, but the job itself was rather monotonous. Day in and day out she was asked the same questions by the same people, and she often found herself wondering if half the city was filled with amnesiacs. Strangely enough, the ones who could usually find their way around in the store were out-of-towners. But when she got those questions... sometimes she just wanted to tell them off. It was either that or hit them in the head with a book of common sense. Milk, as would be expected, could be found in the dairy section of the store. Sarah would hold her tongue, however, and after putting on her best fake smile she'd answer their questions to the best of her knowledge. It became rather routine for her, and she began to question whether she had made the right choice in dropping out of college. She could have graduated with high honors... but the academic life just never seemed all that appealing to her. She had a once-in-a-generation mind to be sure, but it just wasn't her style. After she tied her hair up into a ponytail and buttoned her work shirt, Sarah walked into the air-conditioned building that she referred to as her personal Hell. She could immediately hear the beeping of the registers, and it made her twitch a little. She punched her card in and set it aside, grabbing her money drawer before finding an open register." Are you open?" someone immediately asked as Sarah had just begun to punch in her security information into the computer. With a sigh she nodded her head, and the customer immediately began emptying out their cart. Ryan Landers let out a big breath as the computer on his desk went through its shutdown cycle, icons and windows disappearing from view until only the Gotham Martial Arts logo wallpaper remained visible. Even after operating under the name for several years, he still found it amusing that he had let Don, his partner at the school, talk him into using the name. Don was an incorrigible Batman fan, and got a kick out of emblazoning the name "Gotham" on anything he could from the moment that he learned Gotham was also a historical nickname for New York City. As the computer screen finally went dark and the machine clicked off, Ryan sorted through the papers laid out in front of him on the desk. Not a bad night, he thought to himself, as he gathered the three agreements signed by the new students he had enrolled that night and filed them away. Gotham Martial Arts was faring well, but Ryan knew that was not unusual for late summer. College students had free time and people seemed to have more energy in general when the weather was warm, so Gotham Martial Arts always saw a jump in enrollment during the summer months. With fall fast approaching, though, Ryan was well aware that the school was going to need to step up its recruitment efforts soon if it wanted to maintain a steady income stream throughout the cold, short days of winter. He had already spent two winters bundled up in layers in his own apartment to cut back on heating costs, and he was not looking forward to a third. Making sure that there were no more students straggling around in the school, Ryan peeled his instructor t-shirt over his head as he walked out of the small office and into the main training space of the school. He began his usual post-instruction routine of striking the wall-mounted punching bag, but stopped when he realized that his stomach was growling. Don usually made sure that Ryan didn't get too wrapped up in paperwork by dragging him out to dinner shortly after Ryan's Tuesday and Thursday evening classes, but this particular day, Don was out of town visiting family. A quick glance at the clock on the wall showed that Ryan had in fact let his workaholic side take over, as it was well past 9PM. Foregoing his usual workout, Ryan kicked off his training pants and walked briskly across the school in just his boxers. He spent so much time there trying to keep things running smoothly, sometimes he felt more at home in the school than in his own apartment. He pulled his street clothes out of the changing area, slipping into his jeans and buttoning up his shirt, rolling up the sleeves in anticipation of the humid New York climate outside. After shutting off the window air conditioner units and the lights, he grabbed his keys and headed out the door. Once outside, his hunger was immediately courted by the various dining options that lined Amsterdam Avenue. He was tempted to just slip into his favorite Chinese takeout restaurant, but his better instincts directed him further up the street instead, to the local Whitney's Market. The store was tiny, and a bit cramped, and the prices were a bit higher than the nearby Fairway, but Ryan knew from experience that Fairway would most likely be picked cleaned by that time of night. Ryan braced himself as the sensor-automated door of the grocery store swung open, ushering him in. He immediately had to turn sideways to squeeze by several shoppers pushing full carts as it became plainly apparent that, even in the evening, Whitney's Market was still bustling. The shoppers seemed unusually stand-offish that night, even for New Yorkers, pushing and shoving their way around one another as they plucked items off the shelves. Taking a deep breath, Ryan grabbed a shopping basket from the pile by the door and set off. All he wanted was some dinner. Jack Wellington Age: 40Height: 6' 2"Build: Muscular Hair: Brown Eyes: Hazel (Blue/Grey)Right now, Jack Wellington hated the secrecy which prevented him from protecting his charge directly. However, much Sarah Whitmore might look like the average American young woman, she was in fact Elizabeth Marie Winchester II, heir to the throne of Melbourne. But he, as head of her security detail was one of the few people who knew this. Even she didn’t know the truth of her parentage, in fact, she didn’t even know there was any question of it. Jack had been just a bit older than Sarah was now when she had first been smuggled out of Melbourne and brought to the United States along with a birth certificate that “proved” she was the daughter of Thomas and Jessica Whitmore of Long Island, NY. At the time, Jack had known none of this, only that he was being hired to help protect the small girl that was Sarah Whitmore. It was only 5 years ago that Jack learned the truth about Sarah, from his predecessor and mentor shortly before his retirement to Melbourne where he had been give a small Earldom for his work protecting Sarah. Jack had been chosen as his replacement because of his loyalty and devotion to keeping Sarah safe, a job that had recently become much, much more difficult. Guarding Sarah from a distance while she had lived with the Whitmore in a small Long Island town where most people knew each other had been relatively easy. Now that she was living in New York City, however, Jack was even sure it was possible. That he could fail at his mission was a thought that on occasion woke him in cold sweats in the wee hours of the morning. It was at times like those that he had to admit to himself that he had become just a bit too attached to Sarah. In his weakest moments he would even admit he loved her, in a protective, fatherly sort of way, but only to himself. The truth was, over the last few years that love had evolved into one with a less platonic nature, but Jack wasn’t ready to admit that, even to himself. Even if Sarah had not been a princess, the odds would have been stacked against them. The age difference, for one thing, was a not inconsiderable barrier, but Jack had done any number of inexcusable things to keep her safe, including reading her diary, not just once, but several times a month and watching her nearly every waking minute (and a fair number of the sleeping ones as well). To top that all off, Sarah had never even seen him. That last part was likely to change very soon. Guarding Sarah in New York City was going to require a more “hands on” approach. As soon as Sarah and her friends had chosen an apartment, Jack’s team had moved in. The renter of the apartment next door had been offered a substantial sum to break his lease, and Jack had snagged the apartment as soon as it becomes available. Acting as a team of workers to “spruce up” the apartment for the new renters, Jack and his associates had installed state-of-the-art security cameras into Sarah’s new apartment and wired the whole thing into the apartment next door. Someone was always monitoring the cameras, but in addition, Jack had moved into the apartment as well. So now that they were neighbors, he would be able to interact with Sarah in a way that had never been possible before. Protecting Sarah inside her apartment, however, was the least of Jack’s concern. Protecting her at work, or worse yet in public, was what kept Jack awake at night. Jack’s small team still managed to keep her on round-the-clock surveillance and at least one of them was never further than twenty feet from her, but in New York a lot could happen in 20 feet. Any one of the team would willingly take a bullet for the girl. Jack himself would stand at ground zero of an atomic bomb if doing it would keep Sarah safe, and do it gladly, his only regret would be that she would never know how much had been sacrificed, by how many people, to keep her safe. For the moment, however, Jack felt as comfortable as he could without Sarah nearby. One of his best agents was in place as an employee at the grocery where Sarah worked. A small button cam she wore connected to a wireless transmitter would transmit images to a small handheld video device that Jack carried with him. It was the best Jack could hope for without completely exposing the secret… Ryan navigated the cramped aisles of the grocery store carefully, doing his best not to bump into the other shoppers as he picked out the items that would fill his fridge for the next week or so. Sandwich fixings, the makings of a salad, and a few frozen microwaveable goods all went into his basket. On top of that he added a jug of juice and some paper towels, and he figured he was good to go. Living alone in the city meant his weekly grocery needs were about as predictable as they could get, and were it not for the fact that he didn't usually do his grocery shopping on Thursday nights, one of the clerks at the check stands could probably repeat his shopping total to him by memory. As he rounded the corner of a tall set of shelves, on his way to the checkout counters near the front of the store, Ryan bumped shoulders with one of the store employees. As years of trained reflexes kicked in involuntarily, Ryan let his shoulder give way, redirecting the impact of the collision by turning his own body. His now-filled shopping basket swung back and forth in his hand a few times, but he managed to prevent anything from clattering to the floor. The store employee seemed to have fared well enough for herself as well, maintaining her balance without dropping any of the cans of food she was stacking on a display." Hey, sorry about that," Ryan offered, looking around to make sure he hadn't knocked anything out of its place. "It's hard to see around those corners." The employee offered him little more than a grunt in response; her attention seemed to be directed toward the checkout counters, where only one clerk was at work and a long line of increasingly impatient customers had accumulated." Um... yeah," Ryan said, slightly put off by the employee's non-responsiveness. "I guess I'll be going now." As he joined the tail end of the long checkout line, he afforded himself one glance back over his shoulder and saw that the woman he had run into had resumed her work on the display, although her attention was still fixed on the crowd gathered in front of him. At the very end of the line, Ryan could make out a single cute young brunette in a store uniform, her hands flying back and forth across her counter as she tried to get the customers cleared out. After what seemed like an awkward eternity (his fellow line-waiters clearly were not in a conversant mood, though that seemed to be the norm in Manhattan anyway), Ryan made it to the front of the line. His stomach was seemingly collapsing in on itself, and he was exhausted from his day, but he mustered his best smile anyway as he greeted the young woman behind the counter." How's it going?" he asked rhetorically, as he fished his wallet out of his pocket. Her printed name tag indicated to him that her name was Sarah, but he refrained from adding her name to his greeting; some friends of his who had worked supermarkets in high school had once mentioned it made them uncomfortable. "Talk about a crazy night at the store." Whenever there was a break in traffic, Sarah would walk away from her register to stretch her legs, grabbing a soft drink from the cooler before coming back to work. Tonight seemed like an especially busy night, and some of the customers couldn't hold back their snide comments if they weren't treated like royalty. One of the unfortunate facts of life that Sarah learned the hard way, was that the customer was always right... even if they couldn't be more wrong. Since she was the only one working the registers, Sarah had to ring up all their orders, though she managed to do it rather quickly and without much of a hassle. With another break in the line, Sarah pulled out her cellphone and checked a few new text messages she had received. Her fingers fired rapidly at the keypad, and she responded to a text message from Daniella asking if she wanted to go clubbing later. For right now it didn’t seem like she’d be getting out of work anytime soon, but she couldn’t say no either. The line at her register resumed moving again, and Sarah pocketed her cell so that she could focus on the groceries." How's it going?"" Eh, alright," Sarah responded as one of the male customers began searching around for his wallet. Her hands continued to move item after item through the scanner, finally punching the total button so that his order would be finalized. Once she was done she glanced back up at the customer, and she couldn't help but think about how much he looked like Clark Kent from the Superman movies. He had a rather handsome and strong face, with dark hair combed neatly to one side and black-framed glasses pushed over the bridge of his nose." We usually get slammed right around this time," Sarah added after Ryan noted how busy the place seemed." But I suppose that it's better to be busy than slow. Time moves a little faster that way, I guess. That's how it seems, anyway." Sarah took a quick glance at the screen, staring down at the total before she hit the tax-exempt button on her keypad. The total dropped a couple bucks, and she offered a smile before reciting the new total. As he watched Sarah scan the items from his basket, Ryan couldn't help but take note of her physical features. While she had struck him as cute from afar, he realized she was nothing short of breathtaking up close, even with her hair pulled back and while wearing a work uniform that was not designed to be particularly flattering. Of course, it didn't hurt that she reminded him a bit of a girl he'd had an enormous crush on when he first moved to New York, but there was definitely something about the blue of her eyes that threatened to reduce him into a babbling, incoherent fool right on the spot if he wasn't careful. Reluctantly, he tore his eyes away from her face and stole a glance at the register screen, just in time to see the total for his purchases drop by a few dollars as Sarah worked her magic on the register keypad. Looking back at her, he saw her lips curl pleasantly into a smile as she told him his new total." Thanks for that," he said quietly, returning her smile as he swiped his credit card through the card reader. It was only a few dollars, but some days in his life, every dollar counted. "Never know when you'll need a couple extra bucks in this city." The screen on the card reader blinked, indicating that his card had been accepted." When do you get to escape this madhouse?" he asked Sarah, as he waited for the signature prompt. Sarah smiled and pushed a few loose strands of her dark hair back behind her ears, and she glanced up at the floor manager as he remained holed up in the office not too far from the registers. While he had a pretty good view of the front portion of the store, Sarah felt confident in her ability to sneak in a few favors for some customers, as she had just done with this particular order. Normally these favors were passed on to her friends, but tonight she felt like extending the playing field a little. Besides... Ryan was rather cute." Don't mention it," Sarah said as she watched him swipe his credit card. She pushed a few more buttons and rang up the charge, and she waited for the printer to spit out the agreement slip. Most stores carried computers that allowed for digital signatures, but Whitney's remained locked out with ancient 1990s technology. She handed over the slip with a black pen that she kept at her register, pushing it over the counter before she reached for her drink." When do you get to escape this madhouse?"" In about... forty minutes or so," Sarah said after she set the bottle back down. Considering how business seemed to have slowed down within the last hour, Sarah knew that time would go by extra slow. It always did. Ryan's first instinct was to offer Sarah a promotional card for Gotham Martial Arts; he promptly dismissed that option. Admittedly, the school (particularly his classes) could use a few more attractive female students, as they tended to bring in more attractive female students, who in turn brought in male students. But the mere fact that he had considered her a potential recruit first and foremost troubled him some, and he took it as a sign that work had taken over far too much of his life. Instead, as he signed his credit card receipt, he came up with the next best idea." How about I buy you a cup of coffee after you're off with the couple of bucks I just saved?" He had to fight the urge to cringe visibly as the words came out of his mouth; they sounded much cheesier than he would have liked. He was never bad at speaking to women, per se, not even attractive women, but nonetheless, the English language never quite seemed to come through for him when he wanted it to. Maybe some things just always sounded awkward no matter what. Ryan looked back up at Sarah, handing her the signed credit card slip and pen as he awaited her reply. He probably could have held onto the slip until she gave him an answer, but that just seemed a bit rude. He was going out on a limb anyway and he knew it. It'd be less awkward if all he had to do upon being rejected was pick up his bags and leave. Clever and very bold. That's how Sarah would probably describe Ryan; putting aside the fact that he was a mirror image for the comic book version of Clark Kent. He handed her back the credit receipt and had asked her out for coffee, which, in itself, was a rather innocent gesture. She'd been asked out quite a few times by some of her customers, but they were mostly sixty years old and rather inebriated." Um," Sarah paused, and she slid the credit slip into her register before closing it, the computer automatically getting ready for the next order. The next person on her line seemed more interested in hearing her answer to the young men question than he was in having his groceries rung up. For a second Sarah felt as if she had just been asked to marry the guy, as it seemed most of the other customers were watching her as well. Talk about being on the hot seat.' It's just coffee'Sarah reasoned.' Coffee with a cute guy'"You know what? Sure... that'd be nice,"Sarah finally said, and she couldn't help but smile a little. "Um,"was the first word out of Sarah's mouth. Instinctively, Ryan's mind began putting up some walls. The last girl who had responded to him with "Um" had shot him down, and he did not expect this instance to end particularly differently. Suddenly aware that Sarah's entire line of waiting customers seemed to be watching them, he began to feel bad for asking her at all. He had put her in an awkward situation for what would ultimately probably be a rejection anyway." You know what? Sure... that'd be nice." And that pleasantly endearing smile. Wait, what?" I just need to get these groceries back home," Ryan said quickly, hoping to cover up any obvious look of shock on his face. "And clean myself up a bit. I only live a few blocks from here, so how about I meet you back here when you're off? There's a diner nearby that makes a good cup of coffee, among other things." Suddenly quite relieved, as well as pleasantly surprised, Ryan began gathering his groceries in his hands before stopping, coming to a realization." I'm Ryan, by the way," he said, smiling. "You might have seen it from my credit card already... but now it's official." Daniella Callahan After a rather lengthy interview at the New York Central Acting Agency, Daniella Callahan was forced to realize that her career as an actress wasn't going to lead her anywhere anytime soon. She partially blamed herself for not succeeding, but ultimately she decided to place the fault on her agent, and she promptly dismissed him once the meeting was over. It was his job, after all, to find her work. Without work, she was just another pretty face wandering the streets of New York, moving without purpose or direction. Daniella pulled out her cellphone, and she sent a few text messages to Sarah asking if she wanted to out later. To go out clubbing, if they wanted. Either way Daniella needed to find a way to clear her head. Getting drunk seemed like a very plausible suggestion, and she hoped that she could count on Sarah to help her along with that." Work's murder. I'll get back to you in a bit"Daniella read the text message before pocketing her cellphone in her purse, and she caught a quick ride back to their mid-rise apartment situated in Greenwich Village. She flicked the lights on once she walked inside, and then proceeded to promptly flop down on the couch without even bothering to take off her coat. The house seemed rather empty without Sarah, and even with the television on and music blaring Daniella felt rather restless." Hurry up and get off work already. Bored am I"Daniella flopped her cellphone on the couch after shooting off a quick text to Sarah, and she proceeded to get up off her lazy but take a very hot shower. With her wet and a towel wrapped tightly around her body, Daniella began thumbing through her wardrobe for something to wear out tonight. Ryan seemed rather surprised at Sarah's response, but he quickly covered up his excitement by saying that he'd have to run back home and get ready. Sarah nodded her head and smiled, and she said that she'd be waiting for him to come back around closing time. He suddenly stopped before exiting the building, and he turned around to "officially" introduce himself." Actually I rarely look at the credit card receipts. So it's nice to meet you,"Sarah said as she was ringing up her next order." Sarah, but I think you already know that,"she added with a playful smirk. She was distracted momentarily as another text message caused her cell phone to vibrate in her pocket, and she quickly flipped the phone open. Apparently Daniella was pretty bored, and that was never a good thing. "Um listen. Do you mind if I bring a friend along? She's a lot of fun to hang out with, I promise"Sarah asked, and she hoped that Ryan would at least be comfortable with one more girl in his lap, so to speak." How much?"" What?" Sarah asked blankly, and she forgot for a few minutes that she was actually still at work. The customer in front of her looked rather annoyed that she wasn't focusing on her job." How much is my total?"the customer repeated. Sarah turned her head back to the computer screen, and she read off the price list, tossing Ryan an apologetic look as she had to return to her task at hand. Ryan was just about ready to give one last smile and return home to get himself together for coffee with Sarah when the words hit him." Um listen. Do you mind if I bring a friend along? She's a lot of fun to hang out with, I promise." He tried not to let his smile fall as quickly as his excitement. The "bringing a friend along" ploy was, in his experience anyway, one of the most glaring signs that a girl was not interested in him. Sometimes it was actively used as a shield, other times unintentionally because his date was so disinterested that she did not realize he had asked her out on a date at all. With Sarah, he didn't really see how it could have been the latter, and the former made it sting just a little bit more. He tried not to let too much of his bitterness over the recent inactivity of his love life creep into his response as he waited for Sarah to process the next customer, reminding himself that he shouldn't take out the frustration of his recent failures on her; she had every right to not be interested in him, though if that were the case he wished she had just said it upfront. It was the fact that she initially accepted, seemingly with genuine interest, that both irked him and made him wonder if the sudden addition of a friend was really an issue of her interest in him." It's not exactly what I had in mind when I asked," he told Sarah as the next customer departed the checkout counter. "But sure. It's just coffee, right? I'll meet you guys here when you're off." He gave her another smile as he picked up his groceries and headed for the door, but he could feel from the way his facial muscles formed it that it was probably a little forced. It's not so bad, he told himself, as the automated doors of the grocery store opened and made way for the wave of humid heat that swept in from the outside world. It's always good to meet new people. And if she doesn't like you, you can try to recruit them to the school instead. Win-win... right? He had to admit to himself that it certainly didn't feel like a win-win yet. After seeing the somewhat forced smile come across Ryan's face, Sarah wasn't sure she had done the right thing by asking if she could bring a friend along. The offer was just for coffee, so it wasn't like they were going out to dinner at a fancy restaurant. But Sarah didn't get asked out for coffee a lot, so she just automatically assumed it would be okay. Sarah nervously played with her cellphone in her hand, and she ended up deciding not to send her friend the invitation. Don't screw this up. He's really handsome." Ryan!" With a slight break in the line of customers at her register, Sarah got the chance to scoot out and head towards the doors. They opened up automatically, and a few loose strands of her hair blew over her face. She pushed them aside as she looked up and the street. Cars were moving rather quickly down the road, and their horns were constantly blaring at one another. And then she saw him." Hey,"Sarah said after she finally caught up with him,"I'm sorry about before. I just didn't think it would be a big deal, you know? I figured it was just coffee, and that it would be alright if she sort of tagged along. But I haven't asked her yet, so if you want it to just be you and me I'm totally fine with that," Sarah added. She glanced over her shoulder towards the store and saw one of the workers waving her over." Well um... I have to get back. I'll see you in a bit, then?" Sarah asked as she smiled earnestly. Ryan had just begun to tune out, withdrawing into the small bubble of personal space that New York City afforded him, as he did whenever he walked down the streets of the busy city. It was his way of avoiding a complete sensory overload day in and day out." Ryan!" The voice calling out his name surprised him, and he stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, the pedestrians in his vicinity flowing smoothly and seamlessly around the obstruction he presented, as if they had done it hundreds of times before. Looking back in the direction from which he had just come, he was surprised to see Sarah making her way through the crowd toward him." I'm sorry about before. I just didn't think it would be a big deal, you know?"she explained when she reached him." I figured it was just coffee, and that it would be alright if she sort of tagged along. But I haven't asked her yet, so if you want it to just be you and me I'm totally fine with that." She just read you like an open book, Ryan." I was that obvious, huh?" he replied sheepishly, with a genuine smile this time - somewhat embarrassed, but definitely real. He paused for a moment, letting his thoughts catch up to everything that had just happened. A girl whom he had just met and spoken with for maybe five minutes had just left her workplace in the middle of her shift and followed him half a block out from the building to apologize for wanting to invite a friend to join them for coffee. And now she was offering to scrub the invite all together. Despite the fact that she had wanted to bring a friend with them, Ryan couldn't see how everything that had occurred was not an indication from her that she was interested." Well um... I have to get back. I'll see you in a bit, then?"" Look, I'm sorry for overreacting back there," he apologized. "It's just that I have friends and acquaintances that I can get coffee with if I don't want to do it alone. So it's not, well, it's not every day that I ask a girl I've only just met to get coffee with me unless I'm thinking about more than just someone to kill some time with over a cup." He stopped, gauging her response to what he had said so far. Like you said, you've only just met, he told himself. Don't overthink it, and even if you do, don't let her know." And it's probably my fault - asking someone out for coffee can be a bit ambiguous. So tell you what: go ahead and invite your friend along tonight. After all, it's New York City and we all have to multitask sometimes. But if you and I aren't at each other's throats by the end of the night..." He smiled, a little bit of mischief mixed into his expression this time around. "Well, then you owe me a coffee date, one on one." He placed a little bit of emphasis on the word date, hopefully to clear up any remaining ambiguity." Anyway, you should probably get back before the customers form a mob," he told her, looking behind her for a moment at the store. "I'll be back here when you're off, which is in only... 30 minutes now. We'll both have to hustle a bit. Your friend, too, if she's not coming from nearby." The way that Ryan smiled back at her... it was the kind of smile that could light up a room. Sarah had received plenty of smiles in her time, but very few of them were about as honest as his was. It was the kind of smile that made her smile, and she felt rather sheepish herself while standing outside of her workplace with the crowds moving swiftly by and by. But Ryan acted like a true gentleman, and Sarah ended walking back to her workplace with a light bounce to her step. A coffee date. Sarah was greeted at the door by the floor manager, but she honestly didn't care if he was upset at her or not. Once the automatic doors opened up into the store, Sarah saw that a small line had formed at her register. One of the pack-out boys had apparently tried to fill in for her, but the sheer amount of customers proved too much for him to handle efficiently."Thanks, Jimmy,"Sarah said as she changed places with him. Her hands once again resumed the arduous task of scanning items, but her younger coworker offered to stay up front and help bag the groceries." You seem to be in a good mood," Jimmy said as Sarah pushed a few items down the belt. Her focus shifted over towards her coworker for a brief moment before she let an impish smile spread across her face. Jimmy was only 14, but he was far more perceptive than most of the adults living in the city." I'm always in a good mood around closing time. It means I get to get away from you," Sarah teased, and she was glad to see that her comment didn't put the spirited youth out of his good humor." You have a date tonight?" Sarah punched out her security information into the system after ringing up her last customer, and the register shot out her cash drawer. She turned the computer monitor off before grabbing her tray, bringing it up to the main office before punching out for the night." Maybe,"Sarah said as she redeposited her time card." Goodnight, Oliver,"Sarah said as she bid the manager farewell. The cranky old timer did not, however, offer her any parting remarks, simply choosing instead to grunt and groan in a manner that reminded Sarah of Ebenezer Scrooge. Bah, humbug! Sarah pulled out her cellphone and she extended the coffee invitation to Daniella. Once she put the phone away, Sarah reached up and untied her ponytail, letting her dark hair fall down naturally to her shoulders. All she had to do now was wait for Ryan to show up. Ryan watched Sarah return to the store before turning back in the direction of home. Things had looked a bit shaky at first, but now he had a good feeling about how things would work out with Sarah, at least for the night. The temperature had cooled down quite a bit from its sweltering daytime levels, but Ryan had worked up a more than ample sweat by the time he made it up the three flights of stairs to his apartment. As he turned the key to his door, he silently gave thanks that he didn't live any further up. Once inside, he flipped on the lights and headed straight for the window, firing up the small window air conditioner that bore the responsibility for keeping his apartment just a little more comfortable than a brick oven. His little studio was not large by any means, with just enough room for a desk, a queen-sized bed, a two-seater sofa, and a TV outside the kitchen area, but the poor air conditioner struggled mightily to combat the heat and humidity of the New York summer. He would have liked to keep the little box running all day to make his place more welcoming at night, but his utility bills were skyrocketing enough as it was. Ryan tossed his groceries into the refrigerator in no particular order and glanced at his watch. His walk home had taken ten minutes, so he would need another ten to make it back to the store, which left him ten minutes to change and get cleaned up. Wasting no time, he started the shower as he peeled out of his clothes, which flew straight into the hamper. Seven minutes, a crisp white poplin shirt, a pair of clean jeans, and a dab of hair gel later, he grabbed his keys and wallet and was out the door again. The streets had cleared out a bit as the evening wore on, so he managed to make it to the store with a few extra minutes to spare. He saw Sarah outside, already waiting for him; apparently she had gotten off her shift a little early as well. Her hair, which was tied back in a ponytail previously, was now down, dancing across her shoulders in the light breeze. Even though she was still dressed in her work clothes, there was already something visibly different about her, as if she had left "work" Sarah behind in the store and was ready to really be herself." Sarah!" Ryan called out, waving as he got closer. "Hey. How was the rest of your shift?" The Nightlife After working a rather lengthy shift, Sarah felt like she could have used a good shower before heading out to meet Ryan for some coffee. She was still wearing her work clothes, but by the time Ryan came bounding around the corner she had already unbuttoned her dress shirt to reveal she was wearing a rather plain white tee-shirt on underneath. Sarah glanced at her watch before digging through her purse for her cellphone. Daniella had yet to text or call her back, but she was pretty notorious for just showing up late and without warning. Checking her phone one last time, Sarah glanced up once she heard Ryan calling out her name, and she smiled as he came over to where she was standing. He had obviously taken the time to get ready for their little rendezvous tonight, having changed into some new clothes and showered (at least she assumed he did)." How was the rest of your shift?"" Uneventful,"she said with a smirk, pocketing her cellular device." I haven't heard back from my friend yet, but I'm sure she'll show up sooner or later. So where we headed?" The great thing about New York City was that there was never a shortage of coffee houses. Starbucks held dominance in most parts of the city, but there were also a few more sociable shops one could stop into. Sarah often thought about the t.v. show Friends when she thought about coffee, but she didn't exactly have the exciting kind of lifestyle that they did. There was only a certain amount of fun to be had while working at a grocery store. "I usually just get my fix from the deli around the corner from where I work," Ryan admitted, as he extended an arm, gesturing in the direction they should walk. "I'm more of a tea drinker than a coffee drinker, too." Most of the coffee shops in his neighborhood of town closed early in the evening, which he had always found a little bit odd for a city that supposedly never slept. It made sense from a business standpoint though; he doubted most of the shops could afford the cost of staying open all night, waiting for the rush of drunken revelers looking to sober up a bit after the 4AM last call in the local bars. Most of the nicer coffee places probably didn't want a bunch of drunk customers stumbling in at that hour, anyway." There is, however, a good place I like to stop off at around this time of night," he continued. "Just a couple of blocks up this way. They have decent coffee --- mind you, not the quadruple-pump-nonfat-whatever-soy-latte variety --- and good food that'll fill up the stomach. And the clientele can be rather amusing. It's a good place to sit back and people watch, or just chat." They stopped at an intersection, waiting for the lights to change as a wave of cars --- mostly taxis --- zipped through the crossing. Ryan glanced over at Sarah, who appeared to be looking in the other direction at something; he couldn't tell if it was the traffic, the people, the storefronts, or something else. The vibe he had gotten from her when he saw her a few moments ago continued to emanate from her." That's a good look on you," he said, reaching out and touching one of the hems of her dress shirt almost subconsciously. "It's very... summer, for lack of a better word. Relaxed. Carefree. Something more people in the city should get reacquainted with." Daniella After what seemed like hours sorting through her clothes, Daniella finally pieced together an outfit that she liked. It was a gruesome process of trial and error, but the energetic blond finally settled on a glittering golden lace halter top and matching skirt. While she might have lacked the bountiful assets that made a porn star like Jenna Jameson famous, Daniella was no pushover. Her soft skin had a natural tan to it, and her wavy blond hair and sparkling blue eyes were more than enough to win over any men heart. Once she had finished dressing up, Daniella checked her phone and found a few text messages waiting for her response. She was surprised to find an invitation from Sarah asking if she wanted to meet up with her and a friend for some coffee. The offer wasn't as exciting as a night full of dancing with hot guys, but it did hold some merit." On my way. Is he cute?" Daniella responded before tossing her phone onto the couch. She went back into the bathroom to apply some makeup and fix up her hair, and she lightly hummed one of her favorite songs before flicking off the lights. Daniella left the bathroom and grabbed her light coat and purse, stuffing her cellphone inside next to her wallet before she turned the lights off in their apartment. She grabbed her keys and locked the door, then proceeded to walk down the steps before immersing herself in the nighttime crowd that gave New York City its reputation as the City That Never Sleeps. "I don't really drink a lot of tea,"Sarah admitted,"I'm more of a coffee junkie." She began walking in the direction Ryan pointed out, and she tried to keep in step so as not to fall behind. She was never one to hurry about, and often found herself moving like a snail when compared to most of the people that crowded the sidewalks. Even though the hour was late there were still plenty of people moving about, rushing from one destination to another." I mean, I'm not like a coffee junkie-junkie... I just like coffee,"she added rather mindlessly (and hoping that she didn't come off as weird) before stopping at a busy intersection. She turned her attention away from Ryan and looked down one of the side streets, checking out some of the stores that lined both sides of the street. It certainly wasn't Fifth Avenue, but there were people a few good retailers that she wouldn't mind checking out at some point in the near future." That's a good look on you,"Ryan said, and Sarah, almost as if she were a wind up doll, quickly turned her head back to look at him. She didn't quite catch what he had said, only that she knew he had at least said something." What?" Sarah looked down when she noticed his hand was holding onto the hem of her shirt, and she wasn't sure whether the gesture was creepy or not. Not many guys were bold enough to just reach out and touch the clothes she was wearing, especially on their first "date"." Uh, thanks,"Sarah said with a polite smile." Can I have my shirt back?" The phone in Sarah's purse began to vibrate, signaling that she had just received a new text message. She pulled it out and read Daniella's message. She smirked at the question her friend asked, and she quickly thumbed in a response." Very"Sarah flipped the phone closed but didn't pocket it." What's the name of the place we're going to? Just want to give my friend the directions. Saying we're going for coffee in New York City is like telling someone we're going for a swim in the Atlantic,"Sarah asked Ryan quickly, lifting her head up as they resumed walking. Ryan almost missed the brief moment of doubt in Sarah's eyes when she saw him touching her shirt. Despite the fact that it was fleeting, he was surprised that he barely caught it; he usually considered himself quite aware of people's comfort zones and when those comfort zones had been breached. It was, after all, part of the job when it came to teaching something physical like martial arts. Had Sarah been one of his students, he probably would have been facing a fist in his face already. Still, he was unsure whether his transgression was major enough to require an apology. Sarah didn't seem too terribly troubled by it." Can I have my shirt back?" Well, there was that. But before Ryan could sort his thoughts out on the matter, Sarah was (perhaps mercifully) distracted by her cell phone. Looked like her friend might be joining them after all, which was all but confirmed after Sarah finished her reply." What's the name of the place we're going to?she asked, as the signal turned, and they began crossing the intersection." Just want to give my friend the directions. Saying we're going for coffee in New York City is like telling someone we're going for a swim in the Atlantic."" It's the Manhattan Diner," he told her, pointing up the street to where the silhouette of the building sat perched at a corner. "77th and Broadway. I go there a lot after classes with some of my students." "Manhattan Diner... got it,"Sarah said as she sent out one last text message to Daniella before pocketing her cellphone. They crossed over at an intersection and Sarah saw the diner come sharply into view. She hadn't been to this particular establishment before, so she had no idea as to what to expect as far as quality of food and service. She wasn't all that famished, so ordering a huge meal was pretty much out of the question." Students, huh? What do you teach?" Sarah asked, initiating a little bit of small talk. Ryan seemed a bit young to be a teacher, so perhaps he was just exaggerating his role a little. Then again... he wasn'tthat old. Probably only a few years older than herself, now that she thought about it. By the time they reached the diner an elderly looking couple was just leaving, and the old gentleman smiled as he held the door open long enough for Sarah and her "date" to enter inside. Sarah was rather surprised to see how busy the place was given how late it was, but they had little trouble finding a small booth to sit at." Nice place,"Sarah said as she looked around. A few seconds after sitting down a young waitress came over to take their order, and Sarah, after a little deliberation with herself, decided to just settle on a cup of coffee. "I run a martial arts school with a buddy of mine," Ryan explained. "Gotham Martial Arts. We don't have a super prominent window front. We're on the third floor of our building, above some random flower shop." He nodded his acknowledgment to the older couple leaving as they entered, giving the gentleman a grateful smile as he and Sarah passed through the door into the diner. The establishment's usual Thursday night crowd was in -- local students using the diner as a meet-up location before heading out to party, a number of people from the theater crowd getting a bite to eat on their way back uptown, and a handful of NYPD officers." My friend teaches Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays," he continued, as they took their seats in a booth. "I teach Tuesdays and Thursdays for now, hopefully we'll expand to a Saturday class soon." Ryan unfolded his large, laminated menu as Sarah did the same. He'd seen the menu enough times now that he pretty much knew where the good choices were by heart, but he still liked to scan over the possibilities in order to see if any of them jumped out at him. He didn't want to gorge himself on a large order if Sarah was just going to have coffee, but headstall hungry. When the waitress arrived to take orders and Sarah ended up indeed only ordering a coffee, Ryan settled on a turkey club and a glass of iced tea." So...," he said with a smile, after the waitress had departed. "How long have you been at Whitney's? Are you there full-time?" Sarah's face actually lit up when Ryan mentioned that he ran a martial arts school, as it was the kind of job that most people never actually hear about in casual conversation. She even smirked when he disclosed its location, being above a flower shop. Fight your heart out and then go smell the roses." Gotham Martial Arts... after the comics Gotham?"she asked curiously, making the connection (as she assumed most other people did) between the school and the fabled city where Batman reigned." Sorry, that's the only Gotham I know of. I bet a lot of people ask you guys that." Ryan spread out his own menu in front of him, and Sarah watched as his eyes scanned up and down the laminated sheets. She assumed he was either a quick study or had been to this establishment enough times that he knew what he was looking for. After the waitress had taken her order of just coffee, Ryan asked for a sandwich and some iced tea. Darn. Now I'm hungry, Sarah thought to herself as she reclined in her seat." How long have you been at Whitney's? Are you there full-time?"" Only a few years, actually. I got the job when I was going to school, but when that didn't work out I started there full-time. It's monotonous, but it helps pay the bills,"Sarah said as the waitress came back to their table, setting down the tall glass of iced tea for Ryan before putting Sarah's hot cup of coffee down on a small napkin. Soft wisps of steam rose up from her mug, and Sarah soon added a small amount of sugar and cream before stirring it all around." I don't know. I've been thinking of leaving my job, but I don't know what else there is to do. Furthermore, I mean I love the city and everything..." Sarah set her spoon down and took a quick sip from her coffee cup. Ryan laughed quietly when Sarah mentioned the Gotham from the comic books." My friend Don -- he's the guy I run the school with -- is a huge Batman fan," he explained. "'Gotham' was also actually a historical nickname for New York City. When Don found out, he absolutely insisted that our school name have 'Gotham' in it somewhere. "When the waitress returned with their beverages, Sarah was in the process of explaining her current employment. Ryan listened and watched as she mixed her coffee to her liking before reaching for the sugar himself, stirring two spoonfuls into his glass of iced tea." I don't know,"Sarah said." I've been thinking of leaving my job, but I don't know what else there is to do. Furthermore, I mean I love the city and everything..."" Well, what would you want to do if you could do anything?" Ryan asked. "I mean, look at me -- just a few years ago I was graduating with my MBA and following the stereotypical corporate executive career path. I think my parents swore up and down I was crazy when I told them I was going to start a martial arts school." He paused for a few moments, sipping his iced tea to make sure the taste was as he liked it. The cool liquid was soothing as it went down; he hadn't realized how thirsty he was." And besides, there's so much going on in New York, you probably wouldn't even have to leave the city to find a job you enjoy doing." Sarah actually had to think for a moment when asked what she would to do if she could, or be, anything. There had been a time, when she was much younger, where she had at one point wished to be a nurse or an astronaut, but those were mere childhood dreams, dismissed entirely once she had grown a little older. A more formal education didn't exactly offer her any insight as to what her career path might look like, though her high marks would have certainly opened up an unlimited amount of doors for her." There's so much going on in New York, you probably wouldn't even have to leave the city to find a job you enjoy doing,"Ryan had added sagely, and Sarah certainly saw the truth in his words. She took a few more sips from her hot coffee before setting the cup back down on the table." I honestly have no idea what I'd want to do,"Sarah responded finally, slouching back in her seat a little." I went to college for a little bit, but nothing really appealed to me." Sarah Whitmore had certainly come to an impasse in her life, and as yet of late she had no idea how to get out of it. Her various trips to the parks and museums in the city offered her no insight, though she had certainly enjoyed the calm experiences both provided." I've asked my parents for some advice, but they aren't much help. Most of my friends think I should go into modeling,"Sarah added, her tone of voice revealing just how much she didn't really like that particular pathway. With a somewhat heavy, if not exaggerated, sigh, Sarah shrugged her shoulders." So here I am,"she said with a resigned smirk, lifting her coffee mug as if to toast her success at being nowhere. "Modeling, huh?" Ryan asked, raising an eyebrow. "I guess for people who want that kind of lifestyle, it'd be a dream. Staying out late at fancy parties, drinking, having fun, then freaking out the next day because all that partying is sure to mess with your figure." He gave Sarah a smile; he could tell by the way she spoke of it that she didn't want that kind of lifestyle at all." I will say this, though, looks like yours are definitely meant for something more than being stuck behind a cash register at a grocery store." Their conversation was interrupted as their server returned with Ryan's order, also offering to top off Sarah's coffee." You sure you don't want anything?" Ryan asked, looking at his plate, nearly overflowing with sandwich and French fries. "Some fries, maybe a bit of this sandwich? Or are you worried that eating it might ruin your prospective modeling career?" "I guess for people who want that kind of lifestyle, it'd be a dream. Staying out late at fancy parties, drinking, having fun, then freaking out the next day because all that partying is sure to mess with your figure."" It's not the drinking and the having fun that turns me off. It's... I don't know. Being under a microscope for your entire life is not my idea of a good time. Like people constantly following you around and recording everything you do... not my thing." Sarah smiled and felt her cheeks light up when Ryan commented that her good looks were destined for more than being a simple cashier. She had been told that very same thing more times than she could possibly count, but with Ryan she knew that the was at least being sincere, and not saying it so that she would end up sleeping with him. Their waitress arrived a few moments later, setting Ryan's plate of food down while offering to refill Sarah's cup of coffee. With a gracious nod of her head, Sarah sat back as her mug was filled up with more of the delicious black brew. When their server walked away, Sarah added the usual amount of sugar and cream till her coffee was just to her liking. The young brunette smirked when Ryan joked that having part of his meal might ruin her figure, and she responded by reaching her hand across the table and taking a few fries." Thanks,"she said with simple satisfaction as she slipped them into her mouth, wiping away at her lips with a napkin when she was finished." That'll be my meal for the week. I have to be pencil thin for next week's fashion show." Sarah pulled out her cellphone and briefly checked to see if she had any new messages or missed calls. So far she had yet to see or hear from Daniella, but she knew that she'd show up sooner or later. 77th camp; Broadway - The Manhattan Diner If there was one thing Daniella liked most about living in the city, it was how alive the place was no matter what time it was. Whether it was 2 a.m. or 5 p.m., New York City certainly lived up to its reputation as The City that Never Sleeps. Certainly there was never a dull moment in the Big Apple, though sometimes that included such unfortunate events as theft and murder. There were always stragglers on the streets, and Daniella had the pleasure of meeting a few on her way to the diner. Luckily, just as one particular homeless man approached her with a rather malign look on his soiled face, a patrol car came around the corner and scared him off. Aside from that little minor episode, Daniella was left mostly to her own devices. She resumed her walk with a bit more haste in her step, and she kept her purse close to her body. When Daniella finally entered the Manhattan Diner a few minutes later, it took her just a few short seconds to spot her friend Sarah sitting down in a booth, opposite of the man whom she could only assume was Ryan." Hey, sorry I'm late. I decided to walk instead of hitching a ride, and it took longer than I thought," Daniella said with an apologetic smile as she approached the booth. Ryan was certainly an attractive man, and she could immediately see why Sarah had agreed to meet with him for coffee. He looked professional but relaxed, and clearly enjoying the night out with her friend. Sarah, not surprisingly, was still wearing her work uniform, but she looked just as relaxed as Ryan did." Hi, I'm Daniella. You must be Ryan," Daniella said as she extended her hand out the Clark Kent lookalike. Ryan caught Daniella entering the diner in the corner of his eye before she actually made her way to their table. Even though he didn't know her, he assumed (correctly, as it turned out) that she was the friend Sarah had been waiting on. Like Sarah and Ryan, she wasn't quite a perfect fit for the clientele of the diner at that time of night, and she stood out just enough for him to identify her." That would be me," Ryan said, taking Daniella's hand gently. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Even though he taught martial arts, Ryan didn't often get too philosophical or metaphysical; it wasn't for him at all. Even so, he couldn't help noticing that both Daniella and Sarah exuded their own sort of energy, for lack of a better term. He could certainly sense why they got along well, but there were subtle little differences that he couldn't put finger on --- not surprising, seeing as how he'd only just met both of them that evening. Turning to look over his shoulder, Ryan flagged down their server so that she could bring a menu for Daniella." So how do you two know each other?" he asked, as Daniella joined Sarah on her side of the booth. Sarah smiled brightly when she saw Daniella walk into the diner, and as she approached the table Sarah took a quick second to look at the clothes she was wearing. Daniella always seemed to have a pension for picking out the hottest outfits, and tonight was certainly no exception. The golden halter top and skirt looked perfect on her, and they definitely matched her radiant personality. Not surprisingly, a few heads turned as the young blond entered the room, though after the initial awe had worn off they all returned to whatever it was they were doing. Sarah scooted over in her seat and made room for Daniella to sit down, and their waitress came over with a menu after being flagged down by Ryan. "We met at college,"Sarah said when Ryan asked how they knew each other." Took classes together up at Geneseo a while back, but when that didn't work out we both came back to the city. I had the job over at Whitney's, and Daniella here just munches off my paycheck every week,"Sarah teased. Though she brought in enough money to at least cover her share of the rent, it was actually Daniella that fronted most of the cash for their apartment, especially so when they first moved into the complex. Sarah reached over across the table and snatched another french fry before she sat back in her seat again." You know what? I think I will order something." "So you two had enough of western New York and hauled ass back here," Ryan said, with a grin and a gleam of mischief in his eye, "and Manhattan never really recovered." He smiled again when Sarah snatched another French fry off his plate, before looking at Daniella and gesturing at his quickly diminishing pile of fries." Can I tempt you with some unhealthy fried food?" he offered. "If you want 'em, you'd better get in on them quick... Sarah is hungrier than she looks. I'm afraid her modeling career is quickly circling the drain." Taking his own advice, Ryan grabbed a couple of fries and devoured them. He had his sandwich too, of course, but everyone knew the best part of a deluxe plate at a diner was the fries, and the Manhattan Diner made a pretty good batch of fries, trans-fat free or not. "Can I tempt you with some unhealthy fried food?" Ryan had asked." Thanks," Daniella said with a smile as she nabbed a french fry from off of Ryan's plate. Without taking her eyes off of him, the cheerful blond bit into the fry and then wiped her hands with a napkin. She wasn't entirely crazy about french fries, but so far she was certainly enjoying the ones on Ryan's plate. Definitely cute she thought. When she finally managed to peel her eyes away from him, Daniella checked out her menu real quick and finally settled on something to eat." I'll have a BLT and a diet coke."" And what kind of bread would you like?"" White's fine," Daniella said." Toasted?" Daniella nodded her head, and the waitress finished scribbling the order down on her notepad." Okay. It'll be out in just a minute," their waitress added with a smile as she picked up the menus. Daniella stole an extra french fry before she turned her attention back towards her closest friend." Hey Sarah, want to come with me to the restroom real quick?" Daniella asked as she stood up. She reached down towards her seat, picked up her purse and waited for her friend to go with her. As Daniella began flipping through her own menu, Sarah finally settled on ordering a sandwich meal similar to what Ryan had asked for, only she decided to forego the french fries this time around. There were still quite a few left on Ryan's plate, and she figured he wouldn't mind if she happened to nab a couple more." Anything to drink?" "Just some water, please,"Sarah said just as Daniella seemed about ready to order. After both girls had finished putting in the dinner requests, Daniella stood up from her seat and asked Sarah to accompany her to the bathroom. Sarah nodded her head and stood up from her seat as well, and she bent down to grab her purse from off her seat before following Daniella out of the booth." We'll be back,"Sarah said to Ryan before she followed her friend into the only available restroom. As the door closed behind her, Sarah set her purse down on the sink and began searching through its contents for some lipstick." So what do you think? IOC: Short post, sorry =(==="So what do you think?" I think you know exactly what I think," Daniella said as an impish smile came across her face. She began digging through her own purse, and after a bit of searching finally pulled out some lipstick of her own. She leaned forward to get a better look in the mirror, and she reapplied some color to her lips before tossing the lipstick back into her purse. Neither she nor Sarah really needed any makeup to make themselves look pretty, but there was nothing wrong with wanting to stand out even more." Definitely a keeper," she added while adjusting her hair a little. "Does he have any friends?" "I imagine he's got quite a few friends,"Sarah said with a playful smile as they finished up their little chat in the bathroom. She pulled out her cellphone and checked the time, then sighed and shoved it back inside. "I really don't want to go to work tomorrow,"she mumbled before fixing her hair again. She pulled the bathroom door open when she was finished, and then proceeded to walk back towards their booth where Ryan had been left seated by himself." Sorry 'bout that. Girl stuff,"Sarah said with an apologetic smile as she sat down at the table. Their food had apparently been brought out while they were away, and Sarah immediately regretted her decision to skip out on including fries with her meal." So... where were we?" Sarah asked before she stole a french fry from off of Ryan's plate. Ryan smiled up at the two girls as they returned to the table. He hadn't really kept track of how long they'd been gone -- the diner offered plenty of people-watching amusements to keep his attention elsewhere. He was still trying to decide who he found more amusing: the slightly inebriated group of college students talking loudly in a nearby booth or the not-quite-all-there woman sitting at a corner table, sifting through old newspapers while talking to a bottle of beer." Welcome back," he said, as Sarah and Daniella took their seats again. "I was beginning to wonder if I should send a SWAT team in after you." While Sarah plucked out another of his French fries, Ryan caught his eyes drifting back and forth between the two women sitting before him. He quickly realized, unsurprisingly, that both of them were drop-dead gorgeous in their own ways. Daniella was clearly dressed to impress, no doubt about it. Sarah, while dressed more plainly after having come straight from her job, left no question about what she would be in a little black dress and a pair of heels. Ryan also couldn't help noticing that both girls had returned from the restroom with a little more makeup on than before, which only confirmed his ongoing thoughts. What if you could somehow end up withbothof them? The little voice in the back of his head, the one that still remained from the short-lived days in college when he'd been a bit more of a playboy when it came to women, teased him with the possibility. He hadn't been with a woman in a while, much less with two. The notion came across simultaneously as crazy and extremely tempting. Still, he tried not to let his eyes or expression give away his thoughts. He'd just met both girls, and certainly didn't want to put them off by coming across as just another horny guy. Not to mention, he genuinely liked Sarah, so if there was any potential for more between them, he didn't want to ruin it from the get-go by diving into sex." I think you two were just explaining how you met in college, then moved to Manhattan together," he said, returning to Sarah's question. "You've had each other's backs ever since, huh?" EribourneThe Queen mother approached the bedside of her son Richard, and her eyes were worn with age and worry about his fate. She knew it in her heart that his time was fast drawing to a close, and that left the fate of their kingdom in jeopardy. Without an heir apparent, rule would be handed over to one of the other lesser houses, forever ending the Winchester chain of succession. Many knew that King Richard and his wife had once had a daughter almost twenty years ago, but it had been made publicly known that the Princess Elizabeth had died shortly after her birth, leaving the Royal Family in a sort of pickle. What many did not know was that the death surrounding Elizabeth had all been a lie, and that the only living heir to the Melbourne throne lived on in America, completely oblivious to her true heritage. It was a closely guarded secret... for the moment, at least. Closing the door behind her, Marie slowly approached her confidant, Lord Alexander Reynaldo, and she did all she could to keep herself from breaking down into tears. Alexander wrapped his arms around the former monarch, and he rubbed her back in a soothing manner." Alexander... you must find my granddaughter."* * *Back at the diner... * * *"I was beginning to wonder if I should send a SWAT team in after you." Sarah smirked when Ryan joked about how long she and Daniella had been in the restroom for. The conversation quickly picked up where they had last left off, with Ryan pointing out that Sarah had finished describing how she and Daniella had met back in college and moved together to New York City." Right. Yeah, we've been just about inseparable ever since." Even though her coffee kept her from outright falling asleep at the table, Sarah couldn't help but let out a slight yawn of exhaustion. She had gotten up early that day to go watch her friends play around in the skater park, and working all day didn't exactly help any. "Sorry,"Sarah apologized." Guess I'm just a bit more tired than I thought." As if proving the urban legend that yawns are contagious, Ryan felt his lungs suddenly cry out for more air than his regular breathing was getting him, and he too acquiesced to a rather lengthy yawn, letting the exertion of teaching lessons and managing the day-to-day of his school finally catch up to him." No problem," he said, when he finally was able to exhale again. "I know the feeling well. Had I realized I was going to bump into a cute girl at the grocery store tonight, maybe I would've exerted myself a little less during the day today." He smiled, then looked over to Daniella." I'm sure I've totally put a crimp in your plans to go out and have a blast tonight," he teased. "I guess it makes me a bit of an old yoga compared to you young'us." He wasn't sure if either of the girls had planned on giving him a hard time about his age or his state of exhaustion, but a dash of preemptive self-deprecating humor never hurt." Wherewereyou two planning on going before I interrupted things with a detour to the diner?" he asked.

The Princess of New York - IC|rating:4.0

_The Mayhem Riders_ (closed)

"The Mayhem Riders" Closed​Natalie Peters rode third, following Will and Kyle, with Dean in the rear. Herplacein the line-up as the Mayhem Riders cruised the countryside had always angered "Nat". Regardless of whether she was riding with just a few Members or the Club as a whole, Nat had always been relegated to the rear of thetrainbecause she was solo female rider, assembler. But at the same time, shealwayshad milestone rider behind her. Even after all this time as the President's Old Lady, Will "Willie Pete" Peterson didn't trust Nat to one day curl away from the others at an intersection and disappear. As Nat watched Will and Kyle "Killer" Markus before her and thought of Dean "Dino" Paul behind her, Nat realized that her Old Man now had aseriousreason to fear more than just her disappearance. They slowed suddenly as they passed by a gated dirt road. Though it obviously had once been a timber access road, its State road number sign was now missing and the only identificationmarkerwas a bright yellow bandana tied to one end of the gate. Will gestured with a jabbing finger, and one after another, the four riders turned back. Someone had very recently dumped a load of fill dirt into the ditch near the gate, allowing the Riders to maneuver their biked across the ditch and up the pine needle covered dirt road. The world around Nat darkened as the now century old second growth forest swallowed them up. She didn't like the dark. It was one of the reasons why back at the Caves she hadn't argued with Will back about getting the hell out of there. As soon as that child had identified the Caves as the only safe place for them to hide, Nat had shivered all over and all through at the thought of spending days, weeks, or even months inside a pitch black cavern. They had traveled less than a mile up the winding, narrowing road before Will brought them to a stop, gesturing to yet another yellow bandana dangling from a nearby limb. The rumble of the four Harley's ended, and -- like the trees before it -- the quiet of the forest swallowed the four. Nat did not immediately dismount. Her heart was beating. She was a city girl: always had been, always would be. This cannot place of comfort for her. She was ready to fire up and gun the big engine, spin the back end around, and head right back for the highway." We walk from here," Will announced, dismounting and beginning to untie the bedroll tied across the back of his seat. He pulled out a short barreled riot gun and rammed a shell into the chamber. He looked to the other two men, who were also arming themselves, then looked to Nat. Furthermore, he had not expected to see her with a firearm, of course. Furthermore, he did not allow her to pack heat, for fear that it would make putting a bullet into him too easy. But he obviouslyhadexpected to her to at least step off her bike. He asked with obvious attitude, "Is there a problem?" Nat lifted one of her feet upwards until the leg was horizontal, showing one of the four-inch heeled boots she was wearing. She asked sardonically, "We'rewalking?" He said nothing, instead only nodding Kyle to take the lead...****************​Kyle should post next.(IOC: I think we should all three take turns. If you think that the next post should be by a particular writer, indicate so at the end of your post. Remember to check your Private Messages before you post just to ensure that the person who just posted did not send you a note or fact about what they just said.) Post for Kyle and Dean (right and left respectively):Kyle didn't like the idea of entering the woods on their bikes, then stopping halfway up the trail. The rumbling engines of the Harley's would have easily been heard at the cabin up the trail, so why not just continue all the way to the little house? But, Willie was in charge, so... When Nat showed her dismay about walking the path, Kyle couldn't help but ogle the long, lithe leg the young beauty offered up for her Old Man's view. He'd wanted to part those legs for so long, since the day he'd first seen the then-17 year old girl. But, again, Will had been in charge then, too. And Nat hadn't been looking for an underling to handle her situation, meaning the termination of sexual abuse being perpetuated by her now dead stepfather. She had needed the man at the top, so Will had gotten the dark skinned beauty. Kyle unrolled his bedroll across the Harley's seat, exposing the broken down AK-47. He reattached the stock to the workings, then slammed one of the two clips taped together into the receiver, ramming the first round into the chamber. He looked to his cousin, Dean, finding him also filling the chamber with his weapon, an Israeli made Uzi automatic pistol. As they headed up the dirt road, Kyle thought about the weapons the three men were carrying in the open, as well as the different pistols they were hiding below teakettles. Kyle adjusted his leather vest's fit to make the Glock 9mm semi-automatic a bit more comfortable. Dean, he knew, was packing a Beretta .40cal S&W, and Will's current side arm was a M1911 .45 caliber. The weapons they carried today had nothing to do with favoritism amongst the bearers. These weapons were the models that the Sacramento Chapter of the Mayhem Riders were pushing on their customers. They had more than 700 units hidden amongst their three warehouses, and they needed to sell them to purchase newer models that were being sought by yet another customer in... In Portland, Kyle thought to himself. Portland had been nuked, of course. So ...that deal was probably moot. Would thereeverbe more deals? Kyle was sure that they could continue to sell guns. But, they didn't typically take cash as payment. Normally, they traded for drugs -- in this case meth -- and the question now was, will people still want their product? That was a question for another day, and for Will. They emerged from the thick undergrowth to find a small cabin sitting in a meadow. There were other Harley's need the front of the cabin. Kyle knew that would be the Crescent City chapter of Mayhem Men. But he was baffled by the total lack of any other vehicles. The meth cooks certainly would have gotten here by car, perhaps an old truck or SUV. So, why were they only looking at Harley's?(IOC: Aussie's turn.) Post for Matt "Man Mountain" Brunson Matt had ridden up to the meth lab two days ago to make sure everything was in order. As the Sergeant at Arms of the Mayhem Riders Crescent City Chapter he was responsible for security and making sure that everything went smoothly at this trade. He wasn't sure why they were still bothering to go through with it, but the president said they were so they were. He checked on the supply of the Meth. Two days out and it was all there. He made sure the damn cooks knew when the meet was and what time they were supposed to be there. He knew how the fumes could affect the brain, but these guys were good. This was not some rink dink operation. The Riders got their hands on quality materials and these guys cooked it professionally. The Meth they produced was of a very high quality and sold for double the price of any other stuff out there. He put it in the safe that only he, the senior members of the club, and the head of the meth lab knew the combination too and then got the workers cooking again. It always paid to have more on hand just to be sure. Then he rode back down to the small cabin where the meet would take place. He checked it out then swept the woods. Of course there was always a security detail here, but he liked to check for himself. He had made sure the dirt had been dumped to allow bikes easy access up the road and that the agreed upon yellow bandannas had been tied up. He wanted them up early so that anyone driving past in the next few days would become used to seeing them and just treat them as another piece of the landscape. The morning of the meet the president, vice pres, he and two men rode up with a few Lay's on the back of their bikes. They would be entertainment for the day for them and their guests. Matt had a last look around and then went inside to await the arrival of the other chapter. Matt checked his watch, if his math were correct they had about two hours to wait and the others were going to put that to good use with the girls. He however would keep watch, although one of these sluts was going to blow him while he did. He was starting to get a little worried though, the Meth guys were supposed to be here already, but no word had come from any of the spotters he had set up. They were down to a half an hour when he got the call, and it was all bad news. The meth truck had had to turn around because the cops had been doing random car checks. There was no way they could avoid it, and it was just lucky they had a Mayhem Rider riding out front to radio back, or they may have chased them for turning around. Fuck now what was he supposed to do? It was only going to be a days delay but who knew how these guys were going to take it. Well he just hoped a fully stocked bar and loose women would ease the pain a little, because there was not much else he could do. He informed the president then went back to waiting for the other chapter. This day had just gone from great to shit really fast.(OCC: Okay Profile for Matt will be up soon. Giving it to Anthony so he can put it up) "Fuck this!" Nataliecalled out halfway up the trail between the bikes and the cabin. She had been here for buys before, so she knew how far she still had to walk in her four-inch spike heeled boots. She looked around and, finding a recently fallen tree a few feet off the dirt road, stepped gingerly through the ferns and took a seat. "This is shit. I'll wait here while you guys go up and do your little..." She waggled an extended finger about, finishing, "reconnoitering." She knew that as soon as they got to the cabin and found all is well -- which they would -- they would have to walk all the way back again to reclaim their bikes. Furthermore, she looked to Will, then waved him away dismissively. "Go. Leave Dino. Come back when you're sure the boogeyman ain't waiting for you." Will gave his Old Lady a hard look, but he knew it would do no good. He nodded to Dean, then turned and continued on after Kyle. It didn't take long for the two Riders to disappear into the darkness of the winding road. Nat looked around herself and suddenly realized just how uncomfortable she was here. Darkness. Coldness. Nature sounds. Probably wild animals. She looked to Dean, feigned a happy smile, and just waited for the men to return.(IOC: TNNG, go for it.) Kyle "Killer" Markus:Kyle knew what was happening on the trail behind him but ignored it. Will had made the right call leaving the bikes behind, but Nat was right in insisting that it had been fine for her to remain behind. Who gives a fuck what's going on back there, he thought. Crescent City's got booze and broads. As he neared the cabin and made out Mountain Man and another pair of Riders from the coast, Kyle called out his greetings, as well as his playful admonitions about how they were getting fat, getting ugly, or getting both. They exchanged shakes and chest bumps, and after a bit more laughter, one of thecoastiesasked, "Where's the Tremble?" Kyle laughed, jerking a thumb over his shoulder. "Back in the woods. Seems high-heeled boots maker her legs and ass look good, but don't do much for her walking in the sticks." They shared a laugh, but when Kyle turned to see Will not sharing in the humor, Kyle let the joking fade away. Kyle wasn't an idiot: he knew thatWillknew that every Mayhem Rider to the last would love a crack at his Old Lady. The only thing that kept them from ripping her pants down and pounding that tight, young pussy was the Oath they each took concerning loyalty to their fellow Club members and the simple fact that Will would beat to death any man who ever touched his skinny Korean prize. One of the Crescent City Riders asked about Dino -- his second cousin, if Kyle recalled -- to witch Kyle said he was watching over Nat. The coast biker made a move to head down the trail, but Kyle intercepted him, saying, "Will and I need to talk to you and your Prey about that last run." Kyle looked to Mountain Man and asked, "What would you think about you and a couple of guys retrieving our bikes?"(IOC: AW, I know we're looking for a way to get MM and Nat alone. How does that work?) (IOC: Not bad it should work out okay)Matt looked at the two newcomers and nodded his head. "No problems guys. We have 'Entertainment' lined up inside and cold beer and harder stuff available. Why don't you two-step inside and Lug nut and I will go and get Dino and Nat and bring them back with your bikes? Don't worry Will I know how to treat yours, and it is just a short ride, she won't be harmed." He waited until the other chapters President nodded his head before nodding his head to Lug, and they set off down the road. It only took them a few minutes to get to the spot where the two were waiting and after greeting them they started to head back to the bikes. Matt fell in beside Nat so that Lug had to walk beside Dino. He wasn't risking the guy doing something stupid and having Will deck the idiot or worse." Good ride up Nat, or did you have to put up with the usual shit," he asked. Unlike the rest of the riders he thought nothing of Nat's riding status. As far as he was concerned she had proven herself and should be treated as a fellow member, and he always did whenever he saw her. He was pissed at the way Will treated her, but he couldn't say anything. She was a part of another chapter, and they had their own rules and besides he was their President. When they got to the bikes He turned off the gas and tried to start the bike. It kicked over then stalled out. He tried again and of course nothing. Looking at Lug and Dino he nodded towards the house. "You two go ahead, I don't want you to miss out on the fun. Nat can stay here with me. She knows more about Wills bike than me and I don't want him angry at me for fucking it up. It shouldn't take long to fix, and you know I ain't going to do anything funny with her."(IOC: Maybe TNNG could chime in with a quick post before Angel just to post Dino's response) (IOC: Good call. I PMD Angel, and she agreed.) Dean was hesitant about leaving Nat behind without another Sacramento Chapter member. He was less concerned about whether the big man might try to have his way with the beauty or whether the beauty -- tired of her Old Man -- might want to take a shot at someone new than he was with Nat trying to get away and disappear into the woods. Dean, like the other capital city bikers, was keenly aware of Nat's reasons for remaining with the Mayhem Riders. She owed Will for what he and his did to get her away from her stepfather, namely beating the bastard to death. But that had been a long seven years ago, and she'd more than repaid that debt with the many tasks she'd undertaken and favors she'd performed. Dean knew that it had been Nat's second reason for being with the Riders that was her only reason anymore: the Club protected her from being taken into custody for questioning as to the death of her father, a cop. But the likelihood that that was ever going to happen now was slight or perhaps moot. The Authorities had bigger things to think about now that the largest city in California was a glowing plane of radioactive dirt. There was nothing keeping Nat here, except the constant eye that was upon her by Will and the Riders. And that was the reason that even as Matt gave him a questioning look and reassured him once again that he would watch after the Prey's Old Lady, he simply couldn't get his feet to move." Let's go," Lug said, grabbing Dean by the arm and pulling him along to his and Kyle's bikes. He began describing theskillsof one of themamaswaiting back in the cabin, not even trying to hide the vulgar speech from the woman sitting just yards away. When the bikes fired up, flooding the forest with their rumble, he said loud enough for all to hear, "You're going to love her." Dean peeked back over his shoulder at Nat as the Crescent City biker shot up the narrow road. He hesitated, wanting his glare to say to Herbert you do as you should. Then he, too, began up the road. When they got to the cabin, Kyle was standing just beyond a window, out from which the smoke of a joint was wafting into the forest. When the VP saw only to bikes and no sexy Korean, he disappeared from the window and appeared at the door, asking harshly, "Where are the other bikes ... and where the fuck is Natalie?"" The Man's with her," Dean said, trying to sound confident but failing. "They're coming. Will's bike wouldn't start. Nat'll get it going." He elbowed the CC Rider and laughed, "She can get anything going." They laughed as they headed inside, leaving Kyle to stare off down the trail. He was tempted to begin walking back, a more silent approach than returning with his bike. It wasn't that he didn't trust Matt. Man Mountain had always been dependable, whether it was on a gun'n'meth run or finding clean hookers or getting a dead bike to spark. As with Dean, Kyle's concern was Nat. But as he looked back into the cabin to see his Prey laughing with his Crescent City counterpart, Kyle realized that unlike Dean -- and most certainly Will -- he didn't really care whether Natalie stuck around anymore or not. The world had changed with those bombs. It was about time the Mayhem Riders did as well. Natalie and Will:"Good rides up Nat," Matt asked, "or did you have to put up with the usual shit?" Natalie had in the past picked up on the big man's silent sympathy for her and the Sacramento Chapter's other twoTremblers. She appreciated it, yet had never told Matt so. Just as it was not his place to object to the misogynistic attitudes of her club's male members, it was not her place to publically confirm his unvoiced support. As Natalie walked next to Matt, watching the other two Riders talking and laughing -- likely about what awaited them back at the cabin -- only said, "Same'of, same'of." When they arrived at the bikes, Natalie sat her butt back against the leaning bike to check out her boots, finding a pine cone wedged into the spiked heel of one. She grumbled and looked toward Matt, ready to make a snide comment when she saw his hand down near the motor of Will's bike. She was not entirely certain what he was doing until he pressed the big Harley's electric start button and all it only stalled out after the small amount of gas available to it burned away." You two go ahead," he told Dean and Lug. Natalie sat on her bike in silence, watching the two men head off into the darkness. Once she knew they were out of ear shot, she asked Matt with a touch of humor in her voice, "What's going on inside that big brain of yours, Man Mountain?" Back at the cabin, Will and the others were discussing their last guns'n'meth run. There had been a tense moment when a handgun dropped from one of the drug mule's waist bands. Someone -- no one really knew who -- had called outgun!and a moment later nearly every man there was leveling a weapon at someone else. It had nearly been the end of a very lucrative business operation, not to mention nearly the end of several lives. When Kyle came back in and, after a couple of more minutes, Natalie had not, Will casually stood and made his way over to his VP and asked where his Old Lady was. He was filled in on his bike problems. He listened to the ongoing conversation about how that hazard could be avoided in the future when he caught the flirtatious looks he was getting from one of the Crescent City girls. She was well-rounded and wearing barely anything, despite the November chill." I'm going to need some cover," Will said to Kyle, nodding toward the young thing when Kyle looked to him. Will could -- and often did -- do anything he wanted with any woman he wanted. He had no need to hide his sexual activities from Natalie. But he'd learned over the years that she was more apt to do the freaky things he liked without resistance if he hadn't recently gotten his dick wet in a strange pussy. He took the piece of meaty the hand and made his way to one of the back rooms... Matt smiled at her. "Still as sharp as ever I see. You were always hard to fool." He reached back down and turned the fuel back on and then turned to look at her again. "Look you know I am a Mayhem through and through. I grew up in this club. My dad was a member and when he died they basically raised me until I was old enough to ride. Now though I am beginning to question just what is going on. You know I have always respected you and the other girls who have scraped there way up to be full-time riders. Not just in Sacramento but in other chapters as well, but you are all still treated little better than a mama. Now even with the threat of nuclear fallout threatening us what do we do? Do we try to find some place to survive for the members and their families, No we continue on dealing drugs and guns? What the hell use is that?" he said getting angry now. "What good are they going to do us when those clouds start rolling in?" He looked at her and sighed. "Look I don't know how it is with you, but I am thinking of riding off on my own. I know you have always wanted to leave Will, and I am going to offer you a chance to come with me. There has been a hold up with the Meth, Cops must have got wind that the shipment was coming in, or they just got lucky, but it won't be in till tomorrow. That means you will all be staying overnight and if I know the guys they will be availing themselves of the local talent and a lot of alcohol. This might be our best chance to get away." "Still as sharp as ever I see." Matt began. "You were always hard to fool." Growing up being molested by your stepfather will make you that way, Natalie wanted to say but didn't. Everyone in the Sacramento Club knew her past. They had had to vote on whether to get her away from it. And key members of the Clubs they dealt with -- Crescent City in particular -- were well aware of it, too, including Man Mountain and his own Club's Prey. It was ironic that as embarrassing as her adolescence was to her, it had never occurred to Natalie that it was something to hide from the Mayhem Riders. Also ironic, she just realized, thereof the Clubs knew more about her sexual past than theTremblers, Old Ladies, or Mamas with whom she spent a lot of time." Look you know I am a Mayhem through and through," he began, talking about his current feelings on the club, the world, and the tragedy about to unfold. Matt was telling her nothing surprising. Until..."... I know you have always wanted to leave Will, and I am going to offer you a chance to come with me." Natalie had been staring into the dark of the woods but now looked directly into the big man's eyes. Even though she knew a dozen Riders who would have risked their futures and even their lives to run away with her, even for just one long weekend of incredible sex, Nat hadneverbeen opening solicited for such an action until this moment. As she listened, she wondered whether it was about sex or about trying to survive or both or maybe something bigger. Despite having thought the same thing so many times over the past seven years, Natalie was now at a loss for what to think. Could she actually run away finally?" This might be our best chance to get away," Matt finished. Always the needy, helpless female, when Natalie finally did speak, she asked, "You would take care of me, Matt? Keep me safe ... from the cops ... from Will ... from the Club?" Even with the world about to end, Natalie's fear of the Mayhem Riders was foremost in her mind. At the cabin, Kyle found one of the available Slits, took her by one hand and a cold beer by the other, and made his way out to the cabin's porch. He didn't have to tell her what he had in mind: 30 seconds later he was rocking his hips in an old creaking chair to the rhythmic bobbing of her head in his now exposed lap.(IOC: Kyle is done posting until the other two return to the cabin or -- if too much time passes -- they don't. You two go ahead.) Matt looked at her and saw the need in her eyes. He knew about her past but had not realized up until now just how much it had effected her." I really don't think you are going to have to worry about the cops Nat. They are going to be busy dealing with a lot more pressing shit than you. As for the club and Will, well we could just ride away or if you are that scared of them we can do something about it." He looked closely at her and knew that until she had some closure in her life she was always going to be that damaged little girl. Oh, sure she was never going to be fully healed, but maybe he could offer her something." Look Nat I am not offering you all this to get you into bed with me if that is what you are thinking. I will protect you there are no problems with that, but you are going to be your own woman. Who you choose to sleep with from now on is your choice, get it. As for Will, well maybe a little accident might happen tonight before we leave. How would you like that?" Natalie wouldlovethat, to have something happen to Will, preferably something permanent, fatal! But despite Matt's casual approach to her problem, Natalie knew that dealing with the man would not be as simple as Man Mountain made it out to be. She threw her leg over her bike as she said, "No. Thank you, but ... no. This ... it isn't the time to be..." She hesitated, staring off into the midday darkness of the thick forest. When will it be the time?she asked herself. She looked to Matt, smiled, and pressed the electric start. Her Harley fired to life, and when the roar died down to an idle, she told him, "I appreciate it, Matt, but ... I need to find a way to deal with this on my own." She kicked her Harley into gear and gassed it, spinning the back tire around on the soft ground, flinging dirt and pine needles out into the forest. The front end barely moved, though, except to point almost directly at Matt. With less oomph, Nat moved the bike forward until she was directly next to the Crescent City Rider. She smiled wide to him, giving his torso a quick look over before releasing her right hand from the throttle and reaching down to cup his cock through his jeans. She squeezed his package, then returned her hand to her bike." If I ever decide to fuck someone else, Matt," she said, winking, "I'll keep you in mind." She revved the Harley, then pulled away slowly to return to the cabin. Matt was surprised by Nat's response. He would have bet any money that she would have taken him up on the offer, but he could live with it. He was still going to head out if the opportunity presented itself, but he had no idea where he was going to go. His best bet was to head inland away from the spread of the toxic clouds, but eventually he knew the whole world was going to be covered by them. Perhaps he could get as high as he could and try to survive it that way. Maybe steal a few gas masks from the meth lab. As she fired up her bike he did the same with Will's. It took a few tries as it sucked in the gas, but it soon kicked over with a roar, and he revved it a few times then let it idle. He watched as she handled her bike with expert precision. Again he was impressed with her skills, there were not many people that had that sort of control with a bike like hers, and he shook his head that she was treated with disdain. Anyone that could ride that well deserved respect. As she drove up next to him, he got the surprise of his life when she grabbed his package and confessed to him. Then as she started slowly up the path he shook his head with a wry grin on his face and rode off after her. Well that had been different. Maybe he would stick around and keep an eye on her. It might be worth it just for that half promise. It was less than 300 yards to the cabin, and at even that slow cautious speed the trip was over quick. And yet by the time she had reached the cabin -- where she found Kyle on the porch, smirking, as the Slit's head continued bobbing in his lap -- Natalie had already decided she would take Matt up on his offer to get away from Will. She parked and dismounted her Harley, asking the heavy breathing VP where her Old Man was. Kyle did not answer, except only to stare at her blankly. Nat knew what that meant. She had to turn away to hide the fury that began to instantly well within her. She was not mad that Will was getting his knob shined. Furthermore, she was mad because she could not so easily engage in the same activities without being slapped down." I'm taking a walk," she told the VP, entering the cabin to snatch two beers from the hands of another club whore as she walked by. She headed back outside and glanced to Kyle's groin, then added, "Don't let me interrupt." She headed off into the midday darkness toward an out building that had in the past served to keep the bikes dry during the rain and snow seasons, which were not that far away now. Furthermore, she made sure to glance meaningfully over her shoulder at the arriving Man Mountain before adding just a bit more swing to her hips ... and tight ass. Kyle heard the Harley coming up the road, and he knew there was a 50-50 chance of the first rider being Natalie. He knew he should pull the Mama up from his crotch and postpone the blow job, but ... it felt so fucking good, and it wasn't like Nat hadn't seen him engaged in one sexual act or another before. So he just sat there in the old chair, his hands on the rests, his hips shifting slightly to and fro towelette Club whore. When Natalie asked about Will's location, he considered lying, telling her the Prey was involved in some business discussion with the other Prey. But he knew that Natalie would call him on it and go looking for Will, so why put himself in the middle of their very public private life." I'm taking a walk," she told him when she emerged with two beers. Again he simply remained silent, his orgasm so close he could feel the explosion welling. She added as she turned and walked away, "Don't let me interrupt."" I won't," he barely managed to get out, looking from her to the approaching Crescent City VP. He reached a hand down to entwine his fingers in the slut's long, curly hair, coaxing her to take more of him inside. Kyle turned to look toward Natalie again, seeing an extra little bum pity bump in her step. For a moment, he thought the additional shake was for him. Then he saw her glance over her shoulder to Man Mountain and realized that it was for Matt instead. He wondered whether he should be concerned, and the answer, of course, wastes. Natalie was his President's Old Lady, and as such Kyle had a responsibility to watch over her at the same time that he ensured Will remained happy. Then he wondered whether he should do anything about it. As he felt the orgasm rising within him, passing that point of no return, he told himself silently Let Will fucking figure it out. Gripping the whore's hair tightly, Kyle pressed her face down into his crotch, forcing more of his cock into her mouth and throat as he exploded. The woman gagged. Kyle relaxed his control over her enough to let her recover, but kept her in place while he shot round after round of cum deep into her throat and mouth. Matt parked Will's bike close to the door as was a president right, then saw Nat walking off angrily towards the old barn. She was carrying two beers and as she saw him she shook her ass just that bit more, and he couldn't keep himself from smiling a little. Well if that was not an invitation he didn't know what was. Getting off the bike he looked up at the porch and saw Kyle in the grips of an orgasm, Holding one of the whores head in place as he was obviously pouring a load down her throat. The rolling eyes and goofy expression were a dead giveaway. If he was not mistaken, by Nat's attitude Will must have been getting the same sort of treatment or even more inside. No wonder she was a little pissed. Shaking his head he wandered over to the barn and found her sitting in one of the rickety old chairs that had been left out there. He grabbed the beer she handed out to him and chose a seat close to her but not too close. He was horny as hell and yes he wanted her, but he was not stupid enough to be caught with another presidents' woman just yet." Okay Nat you wanted me here I could definitely tell that," he smirked, "But you don't have to use that sex appeal stuff with me. Just ask Nat, you know you have my respect. Now what do you want to talk about?" He took a long pull on his beer and waited for her to start talking. "The Oregon Caves," Natalie said without hesitation. She had had several hours by now to consider the options, and the cavern up the road seemed to be the most viable one. "We were there this morning ... burning some time..." She hesitated recalling what she'd been doing to Will and clenched her teeth together. "The Ranger there invited everyone to stay in the cave until the fallout flew over. Will disagreed." She hesitated another moment, contemplating the details. She knew what shewantedand she knew what she needed. Getting thatneededitem, though, could very well get her killed, or worse." The sat phone," she continued, standing before Matt and looking down upon him. She was only 5'5", but in those tall heels, she towered over him. "I need the sat phone, and on deals like this, Will keeps it in his jacket. I'm not waiting for this fucking deal to go down. I'm leaving now. But Needham phone." She removed her leather vest, letting it drop to the straw, then with a swift movement stripped her tight-fitting tee shirt up over her head, dropping it aside as well. Shewas not a bosomy woman, but no man she'd ever exposed her little B cups had ever turned her down for their smallish size. She asked as she moved closer to Matt, "Will you help me?" Matt groaned as she stood in front of him with her pert breasts exposed. Already his erection was hurting as it strained against his tight jeans begging to be released, but he was not going to fall for the 'of honeypot trick just because it was the most luscious piece of ass that had ever been offered to him." Listen." he began in a half squeaky voice before coughing and starting again. "Listen Nat, those caves are probably our best bet and Will was a fool for not staying right where he was and saving you guys." He looked her up and down and swallowed. "You are also right that we will need that Sat phone, but we can't get it right now. Oh, we will get it tonight don't you worry, but we have to wait." He sat back and stared at her straight in the eyes and then kicking himself mentally for what he was about to say he opened his mouth. "Listen. Right now I would cut off my right ball to fuck you and make you scream out my name until you passed out from sheer exhaustion, but I'm not going to do it if you are only fucking me, so I will help you. I'm going to do that anyway, you understand what I am saying. You and I are going to get that phone and then ride away from this place and head up to those caves, and I am going to make sure that no harm comes to you, and I am going to do all of that because I like you not because I want your body." He looked up into her face to make sure she had gotten his message. He hoped to god she had, and he also hoped that she would continue to do what she was about to do. Furthermore, he was only a male after all, but he had to make sure she was doing it for the right reasons. Matt had never forced himself on a woman and he wouldn't start now. If he had taken her up on her offer it just wouldn't have felt right. Natalie listened to all Matt had to say, and once the last word had left his mouth, she lifted one foot to the chair near him and began lowering the zipper on the inside of the thigh high boots that she knew always drew attention to what she considered her greatest physical attribute, her long, lean leg. She returned her foot to the barn's packed dirt floor, stepping out of the boot as she said, "I'm not doing this for you, Matt ... or to secure your help. I'm doing this for me." She lifted her foot, letting the boot fall away to reveal her small feet and the bright red nails at the ends of her thin toes. She stepped the second foot up and began to repeat the move as she looked to the big man's groin -- where his erection was only to obvious -- and said, "Why don't you let that monster out?" Once she was out of her boots, Natalie reached to her belt, unbuckled it, popped the snap of her riding pants, and slid them off her hips exposing those long legs that men loved to comment about. Once she wriggles out of the tight-fitting covering, she stood before the VP in nothing more than the black thong she always wore when riding. In the low light, Matt could probably see the tattoos decorating her thin form. On her left side, just below where the waist of even her lowest riding pants cut across her, was a grouping of tiny, artistically drawn flowers with tiny words in calligraphy swirling between them. Matt would not be able to read the words here and now -- at any distance greater than a foot and particularly in the low light of the barn hidden in the thick forest -- but if he or anyotherman was ever put his face down in between Natalie's thighs he would be able to see:If you are close enough to read this, the man behind you is about to cut off your balls and shove'em up your ass. Is it worth it?"​On the other side of her body at about the same height, waste Mayhem Rider's grim reaper drawingwithSacramento Chapter-- again in beautiful calligraphy -- curling underneath." You let me do this," she said firmly. She wanted to control thisinteractionbetween their two Clubs in its entirety. She gestured an extended finger to the arms of the chair in which he sat and demanded, "Grab on ... and enjoy the ride."(IOC: I am presuming that he is readying himself for this, based upon what you said in your last post.) Well then he thought, Now that she had cleared that up he was through making any more excuses. It was time to follow orders and sit back and enjoy the ride. He reached up and undid the buckle on his belt and quickly opened his pants and had them and his boxers around his ankles in mere seconds. Finally released from its prison, his impressive eight and a half inch monster stood up high and proud. His muscular legs were surprisingly free of tattoos given how many he had on his arms and torso, but he had just never gotten around to getting any put on them. As he gazed at the long, slender legs and the very small patch of material covering the only thing that was now left to his imagination he smiled at her. "I don't know what I did to deserve this Natalie, but I thank god that I did." He glanced down at his member as he grabbed hold of the chair and then smiled back up at her. "It is all yours baby, use it how you will." Natalie smiled at Matt'permission, then retrieved one of her boots. She reached inside, to the littlesecretpocket. As she glanced down to Man Mountain'member, Natalie pulled out a switch-blade and immediately clicked it open. Its six-inch-long blade caught about the only shaft of light cutting down through the roof and reflected it back to Matt. She smiled at his reaction, then said, "Scared you, huh?" She reached into her other boot and pulled out a little plastic pouch, unzipping it to extract a condom and a tiny tube of gel. Will liked to fuck Nat's ass when he was in a foul mood, and she'd learned to keep both handy because if she didn't, he would fuck her second hole anyway. She sliced the tip of the tube off, then -- turning the blade point downward -- let it fall out of her hand to stick in the dirt. Natalie stepped forward, ripped the condom pack open with her teeth, then dropped to the packed dirt on her knees to prepare Matt for the ride she promised him. With hisdepletedcock back in his boxers and loose fitting jeans, Kyle returned to the cabin's interior to check on the happenings there. It was as he'd expected: bikers getting laid and drunk. Sometimes the life of an outlaw biker wasn't much different than that yearned by any man. The Crescent City chapter President emerged from one of the three small back rooms, still putting his pants and belt back together. He gave Kyle a nod and a smile, asking him if he, too, hadpartakenof thegiftsthe coastal club had brought with them. Kyle confirmed then moved quickly to the conversation he'd wanted to have once his own Prey was out of the way: the future of the Mayhem Riders." Are we going to stick to our present business model?" Kyle asked, as if sitting in a Sacramento boardroom talking to suited Directors. "Guns for drugs, only to afford more guns ... for more drugs?" The answer he received was just as he'd expected: the Club would stick to the status quo. The world was going to need both guns and drugs even more, so why change now? Kyle didn't say so, but his concern wasn't about whether they would, could, or should stay in their current business. It was about whether they would be alive to stay in that business. Kyle, like Natalie, had seriously considered the cave idea. He may not have made it through high school, but Kyle was no idiot. He knew what radiation was and what it did to the body. Furthermore, he'd been an avid fan of post-apocalyptic movies as a kid and young man, many of which had been fictitious variations of what the world was actually going through now; and when that nuke plant in Japan was creamed by that tsunami back in the early teens, he'd learned even more than the movies had taught him. Unlike Natalie, though, Kyle was going to follow Will no matter what, even if that meant flying down I-5 on his Harley, kicking up a cloud of radioactive dust behind him as the unseen radiation it gave off slowly destroyed him from within. Will was the President, and until and unless the club voted differently, Will made the decisions." Lay'em out," Kyle said as he looked toward the bedroom hallway to see Dean emerging, a topless Mama clutching her arm around his waist as she blew Kyle a kiss and told him he was next. Kyle ignored the woman, then nodded to a long table, repeating, "Lay'em out. Let's make sure they're ready." Between the available men, all the offered weapons were laid out across the big table, each cleaned and wiped down to present a good impression for the buyers. Between the two chapters, they'd brought with them 3 AK-47s, semi-automatics but easily convertible to full auto; two Israeli made Uzi automatic pistols, one compact enough to be easily hid under a jacket, another with the extended barrel and metal tube stock; half a dozen Glock's, in both 9mm and .45 caliber; and more. The Sacramento club had more than 700 units hidden amongst their three warehouses; and the Crescent City club had even more. The meth dealers, who were white supremacists, had connections throughout Northern California and the Pacific Northwest, as far east as Montana and Colorado. The hope before the nuclear attacks had been to sell the dope dealers a few dozen units for their own protection. Now, however, with the end of world seeming to be upon them, Will and Kyle were hoping that the cooks would buy a couple of hundred units. But, there was simply no way of knowing. (IOC: this continues the post two above, which I had been unable to complete due to limited time.) Natalie reached out without hesitation and grasped Matt's engorged cock. He was rock hard. She squeezed his shaft firmly, kneading it as she watched his reaction. She was good at pleasing a man. Will had never been shy about coaching her at pleasing him. But this night was about Natalie's own pleasure. She stroked the Man Mountain up and down a few times, then squirted some of the lube out onto his cock's swollen head. She massaged it up and down his full length before rolling the condom down his shaft. Again, she applied lube. The inner and outer coatings would make the protected fuck more comfortable for Matt, which was important as most men would prefer sex bare back instead. Once he was prepared, Natalie stood again and pulled the thong off her waist, dropping it to the dirt before stepping out of it. She didn't hesitate to climb into Matt's lap, grasping his body and moving forward. She grasped the latex wrapped shaft, lifted herself above it, toyed it against her, and lowered. Furthermore, she groaned at the feel of him at her opening. Matt was bigger than Will, both in length and girth. She knew it was going to hurt for a bit, but she didn't care. She needed this. Although she had been with other men during her seven years with Will, each encounter had been ordered by her Old Man, for one purpose or another, all for the club. Matt was the first man she'd been with dating back to when she was still jail bait who washer choice. Matt sat in the chair and just enjoyed the sights and sensations that Natalie provided him. He had been afraid that he had been set up when she pulled the knife from her boot, and he had been preparing to defend himself when she had smiled and produced the lube and condom. He had settled back and enjoyed the sensations as she had grasped his engorged cock and played with it then lubed it up. Furthermore, he sighed in pleasure as she rubbed it in and then rolled the condom down over his shaft and then lubed him up again. He was in heaven, and then he watched as she stood up and removed her thong, and he saw her in all her glory. His mouth half gaped open and a low whistle of appreciation escaped his lips. Without a doubt she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and he was going to have the privilege of fucking her. She straddled his lap, and it was a struggle not to grab her hips and thrust himself up into her, but he knew he must let her set the pace. He again stifled a groan as she grabbed his shaft and lowered herself upon him. As he felt his head enter her warm cavern he just couldn't help himself any longer. "God Nat you are so tight. Take your time baby, there is no need to rush. I want you to feel good and have a nice ride, Let's both enjoy ourselves here okay." He sat very still enjoying the feeling of her tight pussy slowly taking him inside. He looked at Nat's face wanting to burn the look on it into his brain it was so beautiful. Furthermore, he knew his job for now was just to sit and wait. Soon he would be allowed to move, but for now everything was up to her. The generous slathering of lube was the only reason Man Mountain got into Nat so easily. He was so much bigger than Will, in both length and -- as mattered right now -- girth. Despite the slickness of the fluid coating the condom, Nat still grimaced and tensed at the feel of his big bulbous head penetrating her. She hesitated with him just barely inside, her hands gripping his shoulders with short but sharp nails as she gave her muscles a moment to relax about him. Then, lowering her body in short spurts, Nat took Matt's length fully inside her." God Nat you are so tight," he told her. "Take your time baby, there is no need to rush. I want you to feel good and have a nice ride, Let's both enjoy ourselves here okay." She did take her time, but it was not just about having a nice ride. Nat's past orgasms -- all clitoral in nature -- had always been self-induced, Will having no concern about whether she, too, orgasmed during her encounters with him. But Nat knew that a big cock just might be able to give her a vaginal orgasm, something she ironically had experienced just once ... when being molested my her now dead stepfather. She was torn about whether such euphoria would well up bad memories, but she was willing to take the risk to feel that pleasure once again. She continued rocking and rolling and writhing in Matt's lap, looking for that perfect touch... Matt was in heaven, there was just no other way to describe it. He had fucked a lot of women in his time, but never had he felt like this before. It was not just that Nat's pussy was so tight around his cock, most of them were. It was the knowledge that she had chosen him to be with that added something extra special to this act. He of course knew that the Sacramento chapter held something against her, especially Will. It was pretty common knowledge but no one seemed to know what. Theories ranged from hiding her from Law enforcement, to a contract killing. Matt didn't know what it was, but he knew that for as long as he had known her she had been Will's 'property' and no one was to touch unless he pimped her out. Now though she had freely given herself to him and was grinding herself on him searching for that perfect position to stimulate herself. He had always found that it was slightly different in every woman and often took a while to wake up in some, especially if they worked to hard at it. Still he wanted more than anything to please this woman on top of him, knowing she probably had not had much pleasure in her life up to now. Without touching her as she had ordered, he began to slowly meet her thrusts with his own, pushing more of himself into her and hitting new depths inside of her. He also rolled his hips with her changing the angle of his thrusts and the way his head raked against her insides. He had often found that it was that that caused the greatest stimulation. The circumcised head had a nice large ridge that rubbed women's vaginal walls just right in some cases and with Nat's being so tight he just needed to find the right angle to set her off. Natalie began to feelMattmove his body below her, matching her movements, seeking to help. With a slow, smooth movement, she slid her left hand from where her nails had been digging into his muscular flesh, upward over his neck and face. She interlaced her long fingers in to his top-notch, grasped the short hair as much as could be, and suddenly jerked his head back a couple of inches. She stared down into his eyes as her body went still and growled, "Stop! She stared at him for a short moment, then leaned downward to give the man whose cock was deep inside her his first kiss. It was soft at first, then became more passionate. And as it continued, Nat leaned slightly right as the hand on that side slid down the big man's body, over her own thigh and around her ass, and down in between Matt's thighs. She grasped the biker's nut sack and -- not hard enough to hurt him but enough to get his attention -- and asked, "Do I have to get my knife?" She tried to contain her smile, but it showed just enough to reassure Matt that she wasn't about to castrate him. Matt enjoyed the kiss then stared into her eyes as she grabbed his sack. He knew what she was telling him, and he nodded at her and sank back into the chair grinning at her." Fair enough Nat. You are in total control and I will just sit back and enjoy. However before I do let me just tell you I am having a tough time doing just that." He sighed then looked at the sexy woman straddling him and sighed in satisfaction as he felt her juicy sheath clutch him once again. "Fair enough Nat," the biker told her. "You are in total control and I will just sit back and enjoy. However before I do let me just tell you I am having a tough time doing just that." She kneaded his gonads for a moment enjoying the new pleasure that her odd position was imparting her before saying, "You're ... a big boy ... deal with it." Again, she failed to hide the slight smile forcing itself upon her lips. She had not had so much fun during sex in years ... fever. And they were only getting started. Shewas only getting started. Natalie was determined to enjoy this encounter, this fuck. It was time. It was her time. Furthermore, it was her turn. She released her hold on Matt's gonads, raised herself high again, and leaned back away from the man. With her hands grasping his knees behind her, Natalie arched her back, her flat belly and tattooed groin pressing into the biker, her small, firm tits and swollen nipples teasingly close to his mouth, as her face looked up to the barn's ceiling. She returned to writhing about in his lap, looking for that touch." Oooooh ...fuck!" she murmured when suddenly she found it. Matt's big cock was touching her just right, as Natalie began gently moving her buttocks upon his muscular thighs. She moaned in obvious pleasure, groaning, "That's it ... oh god, Mountain ... that's ... that's it ... don't ... don't fucking ... move..." The tip of the biker's cock had foundthatspot. Her nails dug into the flesh around Matt's knees as she held on for her life, the pleasure growing quickly within her. She had never felt anything like this, and any fears she had had about thiscurrentnight with Matt reminding her of thatpastwith her stepfather had gone right out the decrepit barn door. The simple pleasure was enough that Natalie would have stayed right here, just this way, for an eternity. But what the man's cock was doing to her was quickly driving Natalie toward orgasm. Her moans began rising in energy and volume, and by the time the ecstasy struck her, Natalie was crying out in sharp breaths with each small movement atop the man's shaft. It was no quick climax, though. She hit her peak and ... and just ...stayed there. The explosion deep inside her flooded through her entire being, overwhelming her. She wouldn't herself know how long her orgasm would last, but her lover would enjoy and erotic show of over three minutes before one final groan of delight escaped Natalie. Exhausted, her body arched back relaxed, and she slowly fell into Matt's body, her face pressing into the muscles of his lower neck. She released herclawsfrom his knees -- where later he would find she had drawn blood in a few places -- and wrapped her arms around his trunk as she breathed heavily into his neck and shoulders. Matt had watched her take full advantage of him, and he had just stayed still and allowed her too. He had realized she had needed this, the feeling of being in control of her own sex life and her own body. From the look of it, it had been awhile since that had been the case. When she had finally found that special spot inside of her and began really going to town on top of him, he thought he was going to burst inside of her as well, but then she had dug her claws into him and that had given him something else to focus on besides the pleasure she was generating on his cock and he was able to hold off. He was amazed at how long she had orgasmed for and was a bit worried about how loud she was. If Kyle was still out on the porch they could be in trouble, but then again fuck it. Let Will come out and catch them. He had fucked enough bimbos and pimped Nat out enough times. If he had a problem that she had finally chosen someone to have a bit of fun with, then he was going to find out why they called him the mountain and why he had survived so long in this game. As she finally collapsed in his arms, he cuddled her in and gave her a minute to recuperate. He figured it was now okay for him to move and touch her, and he began by stroking her back and long hair, then slowly he began to rock his hips, thrusting slowly in and out of her pussy again. After all she had gotten off, now he figured it was his turn. He pulled her a little bit away from his body and kissed her deeply. "Well you looked like you enjoyed yourself. First time in a long time I am guessing, but why don't we see if we can make you feel good when you have a willing partner shall we?" he said to her grinning slightly. He continued his slow thrusts into her, basically just rocking his hips, as he kissed her tenderly, then bent down to start kissing her small but perfect breasts and tease her nipples. Natalie's heart was still pounding and her breathing still heavier than normal as Matt began speaking to, stroking, and kissing her. This was what making love was supposed to feel like. She hadn't felt it this way since her first few times with Will ... since he got bored with her, and she became his toy rather than his lover. She reached to one of Matt's big hands, moving it to one of her tight ass cheeks. Furthermore, she repeated the move with the other. Then beginning to mirror his strokes, she demanded, "Do me hard." Despite the sexual abuse she'd endured as a teen being raped by her stepfather and the sexual exploitation she'd endured during her time as Will's Old Lady, Natalie actually liked her sex hard. She reached her hands to Matt's shoulders, again grabbing hold with clawing fingers, and began ramming her groin forward, commanding him, "Hard ...hard!" She knew that the rough play had once caused her great pleasure in those early days with the Mayhem Rider's President. Furthermore, she was eager to see whether that still stood true. Natalie had enjoyed her first and only vaginal orgasm with her molesting stepfather, and her now long forgotten clitoral orgasms with the man she wanted to now get away from. She had already confirmed that she could enjoy the former with another man. Now, she was desperate to know that she could enjoy the latter with another man as well. Matt was surprised at her reaction, but he was more than happy to comply. Removing his mouth from her breast he moved back up and kissed her hungrily." Very well Nat, your wish is my command," he mumbled to her in between kisses as his tongue explored her mouth. He grabbed her ass cheeks harder and then lifted her up off his lap and began to thrust up onto her hard. He pulled himself almost all the way out leaving only the head of his cock inside of her before he pushed himself back into her hard and fast, burying himself deep into her and spreading her small pussy out with each thrust. Finally, he was able to bury his full length inside of her, the head bouncing of her cervix and giving him a dose of pleasure/pain. He groaned as he started to thrust harder and harder into her as he pulled her down onto him at the same time. He was reaching a bruising pace as he thrust into her, their groins meeting together with loud slaps. Furthermore, he was groaning loudly by this stage and his kisses had become more forceful and demanding.Finally, he felt his balls start to ride up within his sack and he knew he was close to cumming. He wanted her to cum with him however, and he started to think about other things in an effort to stave it off. "I am going to explode inside you baby, but I want you to cum with me. Now shake your ass and cum, so I can blow my load inside you." An exhausted appearingMamawith huge fake tits and a dozen tattoos scattered over her barely legal body emerged from the bedroom hallway in nothing but a thong. She snatched two bottles of beer from a huge tub filled with ice, then looked about the room. Her gaze fell upon Kyle, and as she nodded toward the back room, she said, "He wants ya." In the back room, Kyle found Will laying back into a stack of case-less pillows that the VP imagined were infested with lice and fleas. Kyle was ready for his Prey's question about where Natalie was and answered as truthfully as he could. "Outside, with Matt. They retrieved the bikes. Think they're talking about our situation." Kyle wanted the subject to be anything else but Natalie -- who he feared was getting personal with Will's Crescent City counterpart -- so he quickly asked, "Are we really waiting here to make a drug for guns deal with these Nazis?" He knew that the dope cooks with whom they dealt weren't actually neo-Nazis, but to Kyle if you had met one white supremacy hate monger you had met them all. The Mayhem Riders had always been unique in the outlaw motorcycle club world in their acceptance of all races, creeds, colors, religions, add add add. Hell, they were the only 1%-er Club in California -- possibly the entire country -- that allowed women to ride their own bikes, although it was still against Club doctrine to allow them to enter Church, let alone sit at the table. Kyle's problem with the cooks wasn't their political or social doctrine, though. It was that the club was about to hand over to them a shitload of weapons for drugs for which he wasn't even sure they would have a market. "Don't you think we should keep the guns? Make our way out of here, quietly ... as quiet as an unmuffled Harley can be, I mean?"" We've never backed out of a deal," Will pointed out, taking one of the beers the big titled woman carried to the mattress with her. After he pulled her in close, biting a huge nipple hard enough to make the woman squeal, then laugh, he looked back to Kyle and stressed, "Thisshitgoing on out there in the world into our making ... but I'll befuckedif I'm going to let the Club's reputation go south, too. We make the deal, we get our drugs, we go home."" Sostrongandmanly!" the floozy said, leaning in to kiss Will passionately as she reached a hand down under the blanket to conspicuously begin groping his family jewels. As Will roughly pushed the woman's head down toward his groin with obvious intent, he looked to Kyle. "Get it all ready. I want to be out of here the instant we are done with those fucks." He drew a deep breath as he felt the woman's mouth take in his cock, then -- as Kyle turned to leave -- added, "And check on Nat. I don't want any of these fuckers getting ideas." Kyle knew what that meant, of course: Will didn't want his Old Lady getting sexed up, even while he himself was heading into round three or four or fifteen. He confirmed the order, made his way out into the main section of the small cabin, then -- after spending a few minutes just idly chatting and admiring the availability of female flesh -- made his way out to the front porch. Dean and a Crescent City club member were smoking a joint near one end of the cabin and didn't seem to even notice him. Good security, Kyle thought to himself before stepping down to the well-packed dirt trail that led to the distant barn. Kyle was afraid of what he would find when he arrived at the building's exterior, and he had been right to fear. He heard them first: Matt's deep grunts of pleasured exertion and Nat's high squeaks of pained pleasure. He looked back to the cabin to find he was within view, then circled slowly around the building to escape it. Furthermore, he found a window free of glass and peeked inside to find his President's Old Lady stark asked naked in the lap of his President's coastal counterpart whose jeans were gathered around the tops of his riding boots. Kyle knew he shouldn't watch this sexual exchange, any more than Nat or Matt should have been participating in it. But it was so hot and -- within the rules of the club -- so taboo, and it stiffened Kyle to a hardness that he hadn't even felt up on the porch with his dick down the throat of the coastal slut. He continued to watch the very energetic, very rough fuck for a long while. It wasn't long before he unzipped his jeans and pulled out his erection. It was sticking from his earlier blow job, but he ignored that as he began stroking himself, first slow and gentle, then -- as it appeared that the two were nearing their end -- faster and harder. When Kyle heard Matt ask Nat to cum with him, he himself thought Me, too, baby. I want to cum with you, too. Kyle had so often and for so long fantasized about fucking Nat, and on several occasions he'd been able to listen in on her sexual encounters with Will. But never had he heard and seen her in what he was sure was true pleasure. With Will, it had always been about satisfying him, or so Kyle believed. This! This was all about Natalie, Kyle was certain. And seeing --hearing-- the beauty in such obvious pleasure very quickly brought the VP to orgasm, causing him to spurt his second load of the night all over the side of the slowly deteriorating barn. "I am going to explode inside you baby," Matt announced to Natalie, "but I want you to cum with me. Now shake your ass and cum, so I can blow my load inside you." The pleasure Man Mountain had been imparting to Natalie had her on edge, but she was not there yet. The feel of his shaft and curly muff of hair rubbing against her clit was incredible. And she was torn about whether she wanted it to end quite yet. It's the journey, not the destination came to her, something her grandmother had often said when the older woman took Berlin' Nat away for weekend trips. Of course, with sex, the destination was more desired by Natalie than the gates of Disney or Enchanted Forest were toll' Nat. She shifted her body a bit, again trying to find thattouchthat would drive her crazy. And she found it. After just a couple of dozen more thrusts, she buried her face into the man's neck and shoulder, drew one long deep breath which she held, then screamed out as the euphoria exploded within her. Matt felt Nat's tight cunt contract around him and that was it for him. He thought she had been tight before, but now it was if she was grasping and milking his cock with her delectable pussy. He arched up into her, thrusting as deep as he could get and came harder than he had in a long time. His balls shot stream after stream of white fluid out of the end of his member and he would have loved to have felt it shooting deep into her, but it was all stopped by that little rubber barrier. He did however feel it quickly filling up and knew it was catching a hell of a load. As he finally calmed down, he moved his hands from her ass to the middle of her back and clutched her tightly to him. He kissed the top of her head and basked in the feeling of a good fuck. He was surprised when he felt his cock still at half-mast inside her and knew that with a bit of coaxing he could definitely go again, but they had already pushed their luck as it was." Look Nat as much as I want to sit here forever, we better get cleaned up and make an appearance inside. Your old man is probably getting antsy as it is, and we really don't want him on edge if we want to do this thing tonight." He lifted her chin with one finger and again kissed her deeply, although this time a bit more tenderly. "Just be ready when I come to get you okay. I am not going to leave you behind." "Just be ready when I come to get you okay," Matt reassured Natalie. "I am not going to leave you behind."" I know," she whispered, her chest still rising and falling in the afterglow of the amazing orgasm. She contemplated her next words before saying them, unsure whether she believed them. "I trust you, Matt. I trust you." Natalie lifted her body to cause the biker's mostly flaccid cock to fall out of her, then dismounted him. With Will, she would have been responsible for removing and disposing of the condom, an act she'd always found disgusting. With Matt, Natalie decided to simply turn away from him and deal with her own issues. Her own fluids were beginning to escape her pussy, wetting the inside of her thighs. Natalie had always been a leaker, something had often created fucking suction sounds that had been embarrassing or comical, depending upon her mood and that of her lover. Shefound her leather jacket and unzipped one of the many pockets, removing a pack of tissues. She offered Matt some, then wiped her thighs. She slipped on her thong, then stuffed the rest of the tissues into its crotch before pulling the waist band up over her hips. A minute later, she was dressed again, ready to leave and --UGG!-- get back to her Old Man, who likely reeked of the pussy juice of other women ...plural. She looked to Matt, who -- with his jeans and underwear simply pushed down to his ankles -- had been able to finish dressing before her. She studied him for a moment as her brain raced. Furthermore, she asked him with a serious tone, "If I tell Will I'm leaving him tonight ... and he tells me I'm not ... which youknowhe will ... how far will you go to help me?" She gave him a moment to consider his answer, but before he was able to respond, she added, "If he threatens me with violence ... if he threatens to kill me ... ifyourBrothers support him in this ... how far will you go?" Matt took the tissues she offeredhimand after pulling off and tying a knot in the rather full condom, he wiped himself off as much as he could and then bundled everything up and threw all of it into a dark corner. He then reached down and in one swift movement pulled his boxers and jeans up as he stood up and buckled his belt up, then zipped up his pants. He was treated to the sight of Nat pulling her tight pants over her small firm ass, and he had a smile on his face when she turned around to look at him. His smile however soon vanished as she asked him a rather hard question. Actually he had been expecting it, but he still had to think on it a little. He had no doubt that if Will threatened her he would stop the big man from doing anything to harm her. That would include killing the man, but only if he tried to kill him first, after all he was still another chapters President. However, if his own President stepped in would he defy his word? He looked at Nat and then smiled at her again and closed the distance between them and pulled her tightly against him. He kissed her tenderly this time and then looked deep in her eyes before answering. "If needs be Nat I will defy them all and if they have a problem with that then they can all go fuck themselves. If that's the way it is going to go then I will call Will out and even though it may sound archaic, I will challenge him for your hand in marriage. Well as long as that is okay with you," he chuckled. Kyle had put his dick away and his clothes together and headed back up toward the cabin before the pair inside the barn began their discussion. It was a good thing, too. He would have found himself in a dilemma: confront the lovers here in the barn, which likely would have led to him killing Man Mountain and taking Nat to the cabin, where Will would do God knows what to her; or go to the cabin and tell Will, who would have killed Matt himself andthendone God knows what to Nat. He was still going to face a life changing situation soon enough, but what was that going to be? The world was changing, with nuked cities and a cloud of nuclear radiation coming for them, and even worse -- or at the least much immediate -- his President's Old Lady had just fucked the VP of another Club. Most people probably would have thought that the first incident was the more important one. After all, tens of millions were dead and hundreds of millions more were about to be. But this was the Mayhem Riders, and infidelity by a President's Old Lady trumped the mere subject of nuclear holocaust at a time like this. Or did it? Kyle was a simple guy. The Club had been the most important thing in his life for the past 12 years. At 22, his uncle -- then the Sacramento Chapter's Sergeant at Arms -- had got him in as a Prospect. Two years later, his uncle took one for the team, taking responsibility for a fatal accident that had actually been Will'responsibility. The manslaughter charge would have been Will's third strike, sending him away for life; but for the uncle, who miraculously had never been found guilty of any of his many infractions as a Rider, it would only be a sentence of 3–5 years. The good side of the deal with the Club was that Kyle was patched into the Club as a full member after less than two years as a Prospect. The bad side of the deal was that his uncle died only six weeks after going to prison, shifted by a member of a rival bike gang. Will had felt a deep responsibility to Kyle and had spearheaded his rise through the club. Kyle became Treasure, which had given him an in depth knowledge of how the Club's finances and deals worked; and when the then-VP was killed -- again in prison -- Will nominated Kyle to succeed the man, which the Club had approved of with great enthusiasm. Kyle had been all about the Mayhem Riders for so long, and -- like every dedicated member -- he'd been sure that he would continue to be all about the Club until the day he died, likely also during an act of violence. But now it looked like Kyle -- and the others, of course -- were simply going to fade to death, killed by anenemythat they couldn't even see. Theyhadto do something different from Will was insisting on, but what? And more importantly, how? Kylehadto do as Will directed. It was the law! But ... Will was wrong. Wasn't he? Kyle couldmovefor a vote to override Will's decision, of course. But could he get a majority of yea votes from the Riders present here today? Will would be a nay vote. The Crescent City President would vote the same. Man Mountain -- who was out there in the barn fucking the hell out of Natalie would vote ... what? Dean was another questionable vote. He was Sacramento's Sergeant at Arms, and while he was Kyle's cousin, he had always been Will's guard dog and would likely follow the Prey's vote. That left the other Crescent City Riders, for whom Kyle couldn't even begin to calculate. He entered the cabin, nodding to his cousin and the coastal biker standing guard. Inside, the guns were still laid out upon the table, ready to be shown off to the meth cooks. Trying to seem casual, he began putting them away in the satchels and seabags they'd been brought here in. The last thing Kyle wanted out within reach of all of these hard core criminals when he began to suggest couples a shitload of guns. Natalie met Matt's kiss with tentative lips. There were so many questions to be answered, and despite having just had the best sex of her life with the man, it was still hard to feel enjoyment and delight in the kiss. No man had ever kissed her with love in his mind, only lust. Matt's use of the word marriage made Natalie laugh loudly before playfully pushing herself away from him. Being some man's wife had never been a thought of hers, let alone a viable option. She was the Old Lady of an outlaw biker, and that was as committed as Natalie would ever be to a man." We should get back," she told him, zipping up her last boot. She looked him up and down and smiled. She had enjoyed her time with him. Furthermore, she'd gotten what she wanted and needed both, acknowledgment that she could enjoy another man in the way women were supposed to. "I'm going first. Why don't you wait a few minutes? Look less suspicious don't you think?" She checked the view from the door before she emerged. The guards outside were on the far side of the cabin at the moment. She took the opportunity to make her escape. At the porch, she dropped into one of the old chairs there, avoiding the one Kyle had received his public blow job in. She sat there for what seemed like forever but was only a minute and a half before one of the Crescent City bikers standing perimeter watch came into view. She smiled to him, then to Dean who had been walking casually around the house chatting with yet a third biker." Where's Will, Dino?" she asked, as if she didn't already know. He only shrugged, answering, "Inside drinking, I guess."" Insidefucking, Natalie corrected. Dean didn't respond verbally, but the change in his expression told Natalie that the Sergeant At Arms -- whose primary job was the protection of his President -- knew exactly where his Charge was and what he was doing. Of course, Will's philandering was not new, nor was it anything the man -- or this one -- had to worry about being exposed. Will was the Prey. He could do as he pleased with what eversible wanted to do it. But that did not mean that Dean had to feel comfortable about covering it up." Don't worry about it, Dino," Natalie said, standing as the man got closer and giving him a friendly pat on the chest. "I no longer give a shit about what Will does with his cock." She turned away and headed around the cabin to its entrance. Inside, she found what Kyle had found earlier, bikers getting drunk, sucked, and fucked. She saw Kyle putting the last of the sale weapons into a satchel. She gave him a polite smile, then headed toward the hall that led to the bedrooms. Will always used the one to the rear and the right, so she found him easily, on the bed on his knees, ramming his unsheathed cock deep into the ass of the club whore who was grunting loudly at every thrust. Involved as he was, Will did not know she was there until he heard behind him the familiar metal on metal sound of a pistol slide. He turned his head just in time for the round in the chamber of the .45 he'd brought into the room with him to explode forth. It easily entered his skull via an eye socket, began disintegrating upon hitting bone, and mangled the man's brain as -- now in three pieces -- it exited the back of his skull, spitting blood and brain all over the wall and windows beyond him. The woman before him screamed in horror as the instantly dead man fell atop her, warm and thick blood very quickly beginning to spill out upon her naked, tattooed body. By the time the woman truly knew what was happening to her, Natalie had spun in place and leveled the Smith and Wesson on the bedroom doorway. She was expecting company. She just didn't know who that company would be.(IOC: I think Kyle should post next, since he's in the cabin already.) Kyle"Where's Will, Dino?" Kyle's stomach rolled at the sound of Natalie's voice beyond the cabin's thin wood walls. Killerhad done a lot of inappropriate, illegal, and sometimes inexcusable things in his life. So why did he feel so guilty about something as harmless as only watching a couple fuck? It wasn't the peeping for which he felt guilty: it was masturbating during it, wanting Natalie, and keeping all of it to himself. He couldn't hear Dean's response, but he did hear Natalie's follow up, "Inside fucking." Don't worry about it, Dino. I no longer give a shit about what Will does with his cock." Good thing, Kyle thought, knowing that Will wassailing the back room with one of the Crescent City gifts. He felt sorry for Natalie. Will no longer even hid his extracurricular fuck sessions anymore. Kyle found that even more reprehensible than Will's other trespass against Natalie which was farming her out to the bed's of others when it was the easier way for the man to get what he wanted. Kyle looked up at the door opened to see Natalie enter and survey the room. Please don't do it, please don't do it, his brain repeated. The last thing he wanted to see tonight was a fight between Natalie and Will. There were simply too many things going on right now to have to deal with Natalie coming unglued by her Old Man's bad behavior and Will reacting the way he often did, with verbal or even physical abuse. Natalie gave the VP a smile, then headed directly toward where Will was getting his cock shined. Kyle shook his head, then followed slowly behind her. He didn't dare stop her, but he also knew that Will would want him to drag her away before things got too ugly." Kyle!" Dean called from the door. When he turned to look to his cousin, the man jabbed a finger toward the dark forest. "Truck coming. Sounds like that piece of shit Dodge the cooks--"His words were interrupted by the shot in the back room. Kyle spun toward the hall and without even thinking about it jerked the Glock from the small of his back and leveled it down the hall." What the fuck!" Dean hollered from the porch as those bikers sober enough to do so hopped to their feet and drew or searched for weapons. "Kyle!" Sacramento's VP was already making his way cautiously down the hall, heading for the last door. It was pretty obvious to Kyle from where the shot had come. He just couldn't believe this was happening. Who's shooting?he wondered in panic, torn about what answer he wanted. A door behind him flew open, and a biker emerged with a sawed off shotgun before him. Kyle grabbed the end of the barrel and shoved it upwards, saying, "Careful with that thing!"" Who the fuck is shooting?" the man said, seemingly unconcerned that he was standing there stark naked with a cock ring around his shaft and a dildo emerging from his ass." Really, man?" Kyle said at the sight, pushing the man back into the bedroom and closing the door before again moving down the hallway. Inside there was a woman screaming. Kyle knew it wasn't Natalie. Did that mean theTremblerwas dead? He stopped a yard short of the door, his Glock leveled at it. "Will! Nat!" He didn't get a response. Behind him, Kyle could hear a great deal of movement, but he kept his eyes on the door. He hollered the two's names again, then said, "I'm opening the door! Don't shoot me! Fuck! Don't shoot me, okay? I'm opening the door!" Kyle's heart was pounding so hard he thought his chest was going to explode. He reached out slowly, took hold of the handle, then wiggled it before quickly moving back. He was relieved when the gun wielding person beyond it didn't send an entire clip full of lead through the thin wood. Furthermore, he reached out again, trying to ignore the continuing screaming beyond the door. Furthermore, he turned the handle and shoved the door open to find Natalie standing less than ten feet away aiming Will's .45 at his head." Nat!" he said, his panic evident in just that one word. "Don't shoot! Please ... don't shoot!"(IOC: Aussie...?) Matt had waited in the shadows of the open barn door until he had seen Nat go inside. All eyes on the porch followed her, and he had started to walk at an easy pace towards the cabin. He adjusted his trajectory and came from another part of the woods and made as if he was fumbling with his belt. Maybe they would buy that he was coming back after pissing in the forest. He was almost to the cabin when he heard the gun shot, and he knew exactly what had happened. Fuck Nat what have you done, He thought as he pulled his SIG Sauer from the middle of his back and ran towards the door. You were supposed to wait. He ran into chaos. Half of his guys were drunk but were still trying to get up and pull out their pieces resulting in them falling down and getting tangled up in their clothing. He was actually surprised they had not shot anyone yet. The girls were either screaming and carrying on like headless chickens, or were too drunk or stoned to know what was going on. Matt knew he had to sort this short this shit out before he could get to Nat. "Right," his booming voice rang out. "All those too fucked up to help just lie still. Your stupid sluts shut the fuck up and go sit in the corner and keep out the way. The rest of you," and he counted finding three guys, "Follow me, except for you," he said pointing at one of them. "I want you to watch the front door." Everyone moved and he and the two sober members started walking towards the back of the cabin. He could see Dean back there, but Kyle was nowhere to be seen. Shit he must be inside but at least there had not been another gunshot. He did not know if that was good or bad, but he aimed to find out. He was surprised that his own president had not put in an appearance and as they made their way down the hall he halted them and glanced inside the room he used. The man was lying atop a whore still buried inside her his head on her ample tits and a dusting of coke on his nose. No wonder he had not woken up. The whore was fast asleep as well. Matt turned to one of the two remaining guys. "You in here. Protect the Prey." He led him in and shut the door then cold cocked him from behind with his gun knocking him out. He laid the guy quietly on the floor then exited the room. He led the last guy down to Dean and looked at the guy wondering if he would have to take him and his cousin out as well as his brother in arms. Furthermore, he could now make it look like a shootout and as long as Nat was still alive he had a chance. Furthermore, he made sure he was slightly behind both guys and then saw Kyle just in front in the doorway with Nat in front of him, a .45 aimed at the man's head. All the men's eyes were on her so he would have the element of surprise if he had to shoot them from behind. He cocked his head at Nat and raised an eyebrow at her after locking eyes with her letting her know it was her move." Just Take it easy in there Nat. There is the four of us covering you, and we have one at the door getting ready to meet the Meth heads that you can hear. You really better explain yourself," he said giving her all the information he could.(IOC: Your up Angel)

_The Mayhem Riders_ (closed)|rating:3.0

X-xBeautifully Brokenx-X&IchirusVampireGirl RP

This is are RP no touch! Name: Kilo Utah (he is for you and the guy you care to mach him up with)Age:18Gender:MaleAperance:(only without the wings and his eyes will be green)Preference: males Is YubiKeys Brother Name:Yukon Adage:18Gender:FeamaleAperance:Preference:Males Kilo's sister Name: Mats TakahashiAge: 17Preference: Male Name: Hiroshi OonishiAge: 18Preference: women[sorry took so long >Kilo yawned as his arm went off. He sighed and hit the off button sitting up he looked around the room. He got up pulling on his pants over his baked. He found a blue button-up t-shirt and went out into the hall and knocked on a door."sis get up ... it's time to start at your new school", he said with a sigh. It had been 2 weeks since his sister came to live with him. He ha left home when he was 15. His parents were getting on his never. He hated abandoning Yukon there. But she was doing well in her school. Then their parents took thing to far...well their dad did anywise. He nearly killed Yulia. So she packed her things and moved in with him. Taking her beaten down blue truck with her. When he didn't get a reply he opened the door and saw the room empty." Yukina?", he called out. He heard a voice from down stars call back,"down here! I made breakfast!", smileing he went downstairs. Yukina was happily setting the table and had her things ready to go. She watched her brother come down the stairs and sat down, he thanked her for breakfast then started eating. It was a new school year, but it was going to be her first day there... Kijo had been there for four years already so he was used to it. She came to live with him after their father almost killed her. So far the only one she was going to know was her brother. But he was protective so she felt a bit conferrable going to a new school. "RING RING!!"" Argh....." Hiroshi slam his hand on his alarm clock and turned over to go back to sleep. He was about to go to sleep when his phone rung loud in his ear. " Arghhhhhhhhh!! Can't a guy get some sleep" he thought annoyed. He looked at his call ID, it was his father. "Hello" he answered. "Hello son, just wanted to say good luck in first day of school today and don't get in to trouble" his father said. "Uhhh thanks and I try not to dad..."he said in shock his father never calls weird times like this, he was about to ask his father something when his father told he had to go. After hanging up with him. He found no use to go back to sleep, he went to the bathroom to get ready.-------------------- Mats always was a morning person, he would go for a nice walk, after that he would feed his pet kitten, he went to cook some breakfast for his drunken mother. He sighed" I wonder when she's ever going to stop...at least she didn't abuse me last night" he looked at the clock" ahh...better go get ready almost time for a new year in school" he thought bitterly. When he finished eating Kilo set his dishes in the sink."you make sure you eat to sis", he said walking to the bathroom to brush his death."then it's time to go", he called out to her and shut the bathroom door. A few minutes later he had come out and was putting his shoes one. Yukina was just finishing in the bathroom. She came out, slipped on her Sanders and ran out to her truck. Well at least this year he'd have a ride. Yukina started up the van and waited for her bother to get in. She had put her shoulder bag in the back seat. Her brother got in and tossed his book bag in the back seat as well. When their seat belts were on she pulled out and stated to drive to the school Following her brothers directions. When they pulled up to the school, she parked and sighed. Her brother got out and waited for her. Takeing a deep breath she exited the truck and got out. After Mats finished getting ready, he gathered all the things he needed for school and his lunch and headed out. "Such a beautiful day" he thought as he closes his eyes and let the wind blow threw his hair, he opened his eyes, took out his iPod and started walking off to the school. He reached the school gates and decided to sit under the tree sense he had a couple of minutes to get to class. -----------After getting out his shower he dressed up in the school union forms he hates so much" just one more year of wearing this crap" he thought annoyed looking at his clock he had about 5 minutes until school was about start "shit I'm going to be late on the first day Argh" he ran downstairs to grab an apple and grab his helmet and ran outside. He swung his backpack the other side of him when he got on his motorcycle and speeded towards the school. Kilo gave Yukon posters on where to go. And who stay away from. He then ditched her to go find his buddies. He looked at Yukon who had given him a panicked look but smiled and portend to a spot where he would meet her after school. Yukina sighed and headed onward. Looking around she sighed and sat on a Fortin by the main doors. She looked over her schedule and such. Then taking out her sketch book AHS began to draw the wonderful deanery she had in front of her. Mats got up and started walking towards the school he stopped and took out his schedule" Great English with that pervy old man" he thought annoyed walking towards the class slowly as possible. ---------Hiroshi reached the school less than 5 minutes and parked his motorcycle and started walking towards the main doors, but he noticed there was a girl there, he never saw her before. "She must be new" he thought. Kilo just sat in his English class board .he pervy teacher sat there staring at him. Great....he was going to have a right with this guy. Yukina wasn't paying attention to what was going on around. She was so busy with her sketch that she almost didn't here the bell. Yukina blinked and stuffing the sketchbook into her bag she took a nervous breath the grabbing her bag she got up to go inside Mats stepped in the door and noticed the seats were fulled, but there was one seat next to the blonde, he walked up next to him and asked shy "C-can I sit next to you?"------"Man I'm going to be late for Math" he ran that old hag lady is going to kill me "Man I hate math!" he thought annoyed, "it must be my lucky day he thought, "the hag wasn't here yet" he took his seat next to the window, and looked out of it waiting for class to start. Kilo blinked and looked up at a boy with blackish brown hair."sure", he said and gave a friendly smile. Yukina had found her math class and looked around for a place to sit. Most of THM were taken. Sighin she sat in a seat behind a boy with red hair. "T-Thanks....." he blushed lightly trying not to look at him-------------"Great this old hag is going to give a pop quiz and it's just the first day of school" he thought annoyed" I didn't bring a pencil, damn...." he turned around and asked this Brown hair girl" Can I barrow a pencil...i HHH for got to bring one" he sweat dropped Yukon glanced at him and gave him a pencil."keep it", she said in a relaxed tone. She pulled out a book and her pen and waited."anytime", he said softly. "Uhhh Thanks...he said "Hey...i haven't seen you around here, you must be new né?" he asked trying to be nice. --------"Welcome! My wonderful Sexy Students" Mr. Paco-San Said with a perverted smile" I think we should Start off the Great year with a Project, You will have a partner, and You'll pick out of this hat" he said shaking it, "a scene of Romeo and Juliet to act out, it's okay if your partner up with a guy, it would be way more ho--HHH Exciting" "Now! Go my Babies, pick your partner!" "Ahh....man I hate doing this"he thought bitterly" Nobody wants to be my partner anyway."[[I thought being some of the teachers would be cool XP]] (XD)Yukon looked at him and smiled."yeah.I just moved her 2 weeks ago", she said and looked as the teacher came in. She looked mean. Really mean. Kijo blinked."fun", he said sarcastic and leaned back."what if we refuse?", he asked in a smug tone of voice. "Ohhh that's cool, If you ever need a tour guided I would be happy to show you around...and By the way my name is Hiroshi" he smiled and stuck out his hand.--------"Well, Well Mr Kilo, I'm sure you would want to stay after school with me né?" Mr Pac-Man said licking his lips. Mats looked at the teacher with a disgusted face" I feel bad for this blonde aka" he thought 'or sure ...it gives me a chance to practice self defense moves", he said with a March glare. Yukina blinked but smiled softly."thanks and I'm Yukon", she said shaking his hand. "Ohhh...sounds kinky" he winked." how about this Kilo-kun! I'll pick a partner for you" he sighed and looked around the room and his eyes landed on Mats" This young lady can be your partner sweets" he tried grinning sexy. Mats glared at this old perverted man" I'm a GUY!" he glared at him.--------------"Hey are you free at lunch to today maybe we can...." but he was cut off, when Ms. Sakura slam her ruler on Hiroshi desk "TURN AROUND!! WE ARE TAKING QUIZ HIROSHI!!" she shouted. Kilo looked at him."don't worry ...he's so old he dost know one gender from the other...e should really retire"Yukon, getting her mouth from her brother looked up at the teacher."take it easy old lady ... he's was being polite...maybe you should take some lessons" She said looking at her sexual."and the way Ms. is spelled on here I see your not married....dost surprise me with the way you wale that ruler around like you're a drills argent"People in the class fast, no one had stuck up to ms.Sakura...ever. "Ma Ma Ma Mr Kilo pick out your scene you're going to do" he smirked and tell the class what you got Okaaaaaaaaaaaaay" he has sung.----------Ms. Yukon! You have no right to talk to me this way! Please go to the Headmaster RIGHT NOW!! She screamed AND YOU TOO HIROSHI! And You two will be getting AN "F" on this quiz NOW GO!!! She shouted louder than ever that the windows shook a little. Yukon blinked."and since you didn't put the test ...quiz...whatever on are desk you had no right to get mad at him for being nice to me", she said getting up."and he had nothing to do with this...he said nothing i say everything....see you must be a bad person for punishing someone intent", she said heading for the door."and good job shaking the windows...its like you Godzilla sister...or brother...I can't tell", she SIAD and smiled presently waving at her AMD left. The class watching her in shock. Kijo sighed and picked his Sean."I'm not reading it out loud sir" Ms. Sakura looked at Yukon in shocked but looked back at Hiroshi and glared at him "WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE??!?!?! LEAVE!!! With that brat!!!!" she screamed. He should up getting mad" don't call her a brat you old hag lonely witch!" he shouted back at her and left the room slamming the door before she could say something back.----"WWW kilo-kun read it!! Or I'll kiss youuuuuuuu!" he said happily "don't be shy!!" Yukon looked back at him."she still kicked you out....huh, sorry of i got you into trouble", she said stopping and waiting for him."try it...and I'll kill you", he said showing Mats. "Ohh... it's okay she always hated me, and plus I said something to her back sense she said something about you, he stated.---------Mats blushed" the kissing scene...oh god" he thought."WWW!! Kijo please!! Everyone else read theirs, it will be fair if you did the same" he said hugging him and mats "Godzilla lady said something about me?....let me guess I'm a brat right", she said heading outside instead of for the office."the on one that wasn't left', he said in a relaxed tone. " Yeah....that witch always have something to say or ruin people's life, very hard to pass her class" he said" hey are you hungry??" Hiroshi asked-----"Well which was??" Mr Pac-Man getting annoyed Yukon looked at him and smiled."yeah ...you?", she asked stopping."they all figured it out ...I'm sure you can" "Do you like ramen?" he asked" I know a good place for it" he smiled softy-------- "ohhh for the love of god!" Mats shouted" We have the kissing scene you old perv!" he just realizes what he said out loud and blushed madly Kilo laughed."wait to go.he got you spot on teach"Yukon smiled."let's go there for lunch...I have gym next...I love gym" Mr. Paco-San looked at Mats in shock" Your such a cute little boy!! " He hugged mats tight "I knew you guys would be great together can't wait to see your acting scene" he squealed in delight. Matsu looked at kilo hoping he knew the sighed that he needs some help for the teacher to get off. ----"Weird I do too.haha, lets to my motorcycle" he smirked. Kilo looked at him ten at the teacher, then using a self defense move and jabbed the teacher in his side his figures."let him go or I'll call the cops"Yukon smiled then started pushing him towards the door."a motorcycle?sweet let's go!" Mr. Paco-san Seeped and let go of Mats faster than lighting" HHH! Kijo-kun I was just hugging him not like I was raping him, you know I love you" he winked and walked skipped away to the front of the class. " He scares me sometimes" Mats muttered. ----------- Hiroshi laughed and let her pushed him towards the door. They walked to the parking lot where his bike was parked and taking out another helmet for under his seat "here" he handed to her. "I know", he said softly. He would decently be reporting this teacher at some point in the year. Yukina looked over the motorcycle."wow its a MOC 5 engine", she said pulling on her helmet. " So...HHH...how are we going to practice the scene" he blushed lightly ------- "Yeah."he smirked" now hop on!" "Im not doing it ...I'll take a mouth worth of detentions ... I hate doing plays"Yukon let out a smile and hoped on. "But why... It's not really a big deal..." he muttered" I won't bite" he teased ------ "Okay! Hang on!" he said starting up his motorcycle and speeded towards the ramen shop Yukon smiled and yelled out a cry of wood Hui as they tore out pf the parking lot. Kijo was about to answer when he heard a motor cycle start up then YubiKeys."whew Hui", cry. He jumped up looking out the window he saw Yukon speeding off with some guy on a motor cycle. Looking at Mats."okay we'll talk about the play.but you have to come with me", he said grabbing both their bags with one hand and Matúš wrist with the other and ran out of the room. Mats blushed when kilo grabbed his wrist "W-where are we going kilo??" he wondered running with him.------- Hiroshi smiled and turned a sharp corner and another, before they knew it they got there. He parked his Bike and got off and helped Yukon off. Then took off his helmet "Well here it is" he grinned "the best ramen you will ever eat!" Yukon smiled and took off her helmet."mm it smells good", she said putting the helmet under the seat. Kijo looked at him."my sister....just took off on a motorbike with some guy! So were going to find her and see what the hell is going on", he said heading towards YubiKeys truck. "Yeah... Well let's go inside and get our grub on!" he laughed lightly walking in the ramen shop. Stepping inside the lady seated them at a table ad give them the menu. "Pick whatever you like my treat" Hiroshi said.------- "HHH kilo how do you know where they are going to at?" Mats asked. Yukon looked up at him."are you sure?", she asked with a shy smile.There's a ramen shop not to far from here...Yukon loves ramen...so she would find a way to get there", he said unlocking the truck and hoped in looking at Mats."get in", he said as he pulled out his copy of keys and started the truck. "Yes I am sure, Order away, Just tell me when your ready so I can call the lady" he said looking at his menu.------"uh okay" Mats hopped in. " How do know she would be there" he looked at kilo questioningly. Yukon smiled."alright", she said looking at it."Hamm chicken Taipei flavored and ...a chocolate milkshake to drink "Kilo looked at him."like I said she loves Ramen", he said then speed out of the parking lot. He speed all the way to the ramen shop, seeing the bike he pulled in."see she's here", he said pointing to Yukon who was with a red-headed boy."who the HEC is that?", he asked, his brotherly unsticks taking over. " I'll have Miss-ramen and a glass of coke, please and thanks" he smiled at the lady. "Right away sir" she walked away. Hiroshi was about to ask Yukon a question when some blonde boy but in."HHH who are you" he looked at the blonde.-------"you should calm down Kilo" mats grab on to his wrist a little. "I'm YubiKeys bother", he said in a low growl and looked at Yukon."why the heck are you here and not in school?" Yukina blinked and looked a her brother."getting lunch...what re you doing out of school""following you...I was in English.then I saw you take off with this guy on a motorcycle!" "Well I'm Hiroshi who is her new friend" he glared back" Dude we just went out to eat no big deal, plus she defended me today in class" "did I speak to you", he said glaring at Hiroshi. Then looked at Yukon."did you get kicked out of class?""yeah.but only cause miss Godzilla is a witch with a B" "Well you did glare at me, so i decided to say something boy" he smirked" and plus you shouldn't get mad at your sister, I asked her to come" he said. ---- Mats looked at them two biting at each other" uhh... Maybe I should just go." he muttered, and he started to walk off. Kilo looked at Mats."wait ...stay.I'll be just one more sec", he said and looked at Yukon."....be back in time for your last classes and you...uh... Hiroshi....don't let anything happen to her...or I will kill you", he said then walked with Mats. Yukina sighed and looked at him."sorry about my brother...he's been ...protective of me since I came to live with him" Mats turned back to them" Okay." he said while waiting for kilo.------ "Yes sir!" he smiled. As he watched the boys walked away. "It's okay, if I had a sister I would too" he said As soon they left the food came" Here you go Guys!" the lady smiled and handed them their food. "Thanks" he grinned. "Eat up!" he said to Yukon Kilo walked over to him.''uh...since were out ...want to go get a bit to eat?" Yukina looked at the food then at him."thank you", she said smiling and then started eating. "Sure what would you like to eat?" he asked-----"So uhh...where did you live before you moved here if I can know" Hiroshi asked trying to start up a conversation. "What ever you want is fine", he said with a smile. Yukina looked up at him then out the window."with my dad", she said lowly. " Uhhhh...I don't know... Maybe Sushi??" he asked" do you like that? Or maybe pizza" ------- "Oh...at least you have someone living with you that makes you happy it seems" he said smiling. "Either one is fine with em", he said with a soft smile."yeah ...my brother is good to me...what about you?don't you live with anybody?" Mats blushed" let's get some pizza then"----" I live alone....my mom is dead...when I was a kid...and my dad is away in a business trip..." Hiroshi said looking down at his food. Yukon looked at him salt/"I'm sorry to here about that ...I have a mom...but i don't know where she is .... last I heard she was in Las Vegas ... and my dad ... LTS just say ... there's more to the story of why I live with my brother" "alright",he said and headed back to the truck and blinked."if Yukon finds out that I have her truck....she will kill me..." "Oh...would you like to talk about" he asked looking at her----"He... let's just hurry and go get food, and go back to school" he laughed softy He laughed slightly and nodded. Then got into the truck. Yukina looked at him."It's complicated" "Oh yeah" he said hopping in the truck.----"Okay.... You full yet?? Or you want another order??" he asked with a smile. "Oh AHH what?", he asked starting up the truck and pulled out OG the driveway and onto the road. Yukina blinked but smile.'I'm stuffed.and thanks.i haven't had ramen this good for a long time" "Ohhhh nothing... Hey the pizza place is over there you're passing it" he teased------------------"Your Welcome" he smiled softy and looked at the time "Hey we still have about 30 minutes to make it to class" he said slapping the money on the table. "Let's go né??" ".what?", hje said and made a sharp turn into the pizza place. Smileing Yukon nodded and stood up."yeah lets go..." "It's nothing...just thinking to my self I guess" he said looking out the window." We should just hurry so we can go back to class and get your sister truck before she gets there"Hiroshi handed Yukon the helmet as he got on and put on his "Hop on, I'm going to show you a fun shortcut to school" he smirked in his helmet. Yukon blinked but smiling she nodded then hoped on. Holding onto him."what are you thinking about", he asked going threw the drive threw of the pizza place. Hiroshi speed off and started turning sharp corners and was in the back of the school within 5 minutes and parked his Motor bike next to empty parking next to them. And took off his helmet "Hey you got about 25 minutes left, what would you like to do?" he asks while getting of his bike.---- "Uh...just how this school going to turn out" he said looking outside the window." Hello, May I take your order!!!" the hyper women screamed. "What do you mean by that?", he asked as he handed him the pizza. Yukina smiled."well...so far I'm really enjoying hanging out with you", she said then looked at her parking spot."I knew he took my truck"" i-i was just hoping, i won't get harassed this year...i never really had a friend before" he said taking the pizza.----- "Ohh...you should kill him" he teased" and I can help" he laughed Yukon laughed and smiled."right", she said and sat on a bench."I love you bike by the way", she said laughing. Kijo looked at him."i won't let that happen to you ... as long as I'm your friend ... no one will hurt you" "R-Really...I mean you don't need to...I'm fine being a-alone...I'm used to it..." he blushed hard.---- "thanks, Maybe I can teach you ride it, if you would like" he said grinning Yukon perked up and smiled brightly at him. "Really?! ... I mean ...if you don't mind""I'm sure and i what to...no one deserves to be left alone" "Yeah, if your brother won't try to choke me... Hiroshi sweat dropped. "Uhh just ask him and I'll teach you"-----Mats blushed hard "T-Thanks.and finished his last of his pizza "anytime", he said also finishing off his pizza. Pulling into the school parking lot he blinkedseeeing Yukon there already."uh oh"Yukon jumped up and hugged him."thank you!" "You're going to get in trouble??" he asked--------"your welcome, hey it looks like your brother is here" he said hugging her back "sort of ... put it this way.....I'm going to have to do whatever she tells me to for a week"Yukon blinked and let go looking at her brother and smiled. "Wow sounds harsh... Good luck with that" Mats said looking at her sister and some boy.----"You want to kill them for taking your Car?" he whispered playfully Yukon shook her head."I have a better idea", she said walking over to her brother who was begging her not to her him."I'm not going to hurt you ... and I'm not going to make you do whatever I say...as long as you let me learn how to ride a motorcycle"After a small freak pout Kilo agreed."just be careful okay?" Mats looked at kilo and asked "Isn't riding a motorcycle kind of dangerous?"----"Wow, I can't believe he let her" he thought to himself. He was about to say something when the bell rung for the next class. Kilo sighed."I know ... but ... that kid brought her back here in one peace ...so I trust him for the most part"Yukon herd the bell then went over to the bench and mild."let's go" "Oh, that's good to know you can trust her" he smiled" Hey what class do you have next?"---- "Okay!" he grinned" I wonder how our PE teacher going to be like, Maybe less bitchy than our math" he laughed lightly "if he is . Iwill be happy", Yukina SIAD heading inside.kilo sighed."yeah ....but I'm still worried about her.....have been since she came here from are dads" "Yeah same here" he said as he opened the door and hold it for Yukon" Did you get your gym union form, they usually send it to you" Hiroshi said------ "...I'm sure there is nothing to worry about, she seems happy... Happier than before she was with her father maybe" Mats smiled" It's must be good to have someone who cared about...." he whispered Yukon thanked him for holding the door and entered."uh yeah I got it", she said waiting for him. Kijo looked at him."...are dad never cared about us....are mom ditched after Yukon was born ... she's the only family I have...and at the moment....you're the only friend I have ...and I care about my friends"" that's good, well in case you don't know the changing room for you is downstairs to your right, so I'll meet you in the gym then..." he said waving to her and turning to left and down the stairs.------------ "I'm sorry to hear that...i-i have no family really, maybe my mother but...she...uh.never mind" he said looking at his watch" Maybe we should get to class, I have gym, so i-i need to go ch......" Mats trailed off walking away not wanting kilo to know what really face every day. Kilo followed behind him."I have gym to...and stop trailing off ...and let out what's on your mind", he said looking at him. Yukina looked down the stairs. She got an Erie feeling and started walking down the stars. "I-i have nothing on my mind" he said doing something making his hair covering his eyes "Lets just go and change...I'll tell you later about it." he said walking away from kilo leaving him behind.-----Hiroshi went into the locker room and started changing. Kilo sighed. And went into the change room. He then remembered that his sister had gym with him next so, he could see how she was doing. Then going to the bleachers he sat down and waited. He then spotted Hiroshi coming out of the washroom."hey ... wars Yukon?" "She went to go change, in the changing, I didn't know you had gym too, what happen to your little boyfriend of yours huh?" Hiroshi teased. Kilo wanted to pound him for the moment but sighed."he went to change . And watch what you say.i won't let Yukon hang out with you" "Ohhhhh so he is your boyfriend" he teased again" What...I was just saying the truth...you know they always say when you get mad, you like them Eh?" he laughed teasingly running away from the mad blonde Kilo got so ticked that he took a football and spiked it at the back of Hiroshi's head. "OW! You-You Bastard!" he shouted and grabbed the ball to throw it back at Kilo but Mats walked right in at the wrong time and the ball smacked at Mats Face "Shit." he ran to mats to see if he was okay. ----- Mats heard all these shouting and decide to go see what was going on, but before he could ask kilo he got smacked hard in the face which caused him to fall to the floor. Kilo went over to Mats."are you okay?", he asked with worry. "Ow ow ow...Yeah, im okay" Mats said rubbing his head and laid back down because everything started getting dizzy for him------ "Do you need someone to carry you Mats-Chan!" Hiroshi sung "I'm sure your boyfriend here won't mind Right Mats" he laughed "Man it is societies fun to make this blonde mad" he thought. Kilo glared at Hiroshi."just go see what's taking Yukon so long ", he said then looked at Mats."are you sure?...you look like your in a daze" "Okay, okay I will" he said and went to go look for Yukon.---- "Yeah I am okay just give me a few minutes, and I'll stop seeing three of you" he laughed nervously. "Can you help me to the bleachers?" he asked. Kilo nodded then helping him to his feet, he leads him to the bleachers. As Hiroshi got closer to the stairs, he could her Yukon yelling at someone."I said leave me alone!" "T-Thanks"he smiled "So what was going on I heard shouts between you and Hiroshi..." he muttered-----Hiroshi rushed to go see what was going on" Yukon!" he shouted "Are you okay" he was getting closer to see what was going on. "Uh...nothing", he said softly and waited board. Yukina blinked and looked over at Hiroshi ... then blinked as an older boy who was bugging her ran off. "Okay...if your sure." he says to Kilo and closed his eyes.------- Hiroshi rushed to her "Are you okay?" he asked worried "What happen??..." Kilo glanced at him."maybe you should sit out of gym", he said with a crooked smile. Yukina looked at him and rubbed her arm and looked away."ya him fine ...a some jury tried to get with me...nothing to worry about" "He....IIM okay, just need to close my eyes for a little bit" he muttered softly "just tell me when the teacher is here..."----- "Do you know how he looked like" he growled" Let's go tell your brother this, he's with his boyfriend" he said grabbing her arm and started to drag her inside the gyms doors. Kilo smiled."will do", he said sitting down and waited. Yukina flinched when he grabbed her arm and followed."n-no don't tell him anything! .he'll just over react ...besides I've been thrown way worse than that when I was living with my dad!" "Lets at least go and see him, he has been waiting for you and I won't tell...if you don't want me to he sighed "but if it gets worse, you tell me...okay??" Yukon looked at him for a moment then nodded."I will ... I promise"Kilo saw the teacher then looked at the doors seeing Yukon final coming in."hey...teachers coming:, he said softly. Mats opened his eyes slowly "Argh why did he have to come, that was a good 5-minute nap" he pouted.-------"Just like nothing happen, because he might know something did" he whispers only for her to hear. Kilo chiseled."that's how I feel when my alarm goes off for school"Yukon nodded and walked over to the bleacher. Mats looked over to see that Kilo sister and Hiroshi was coming over. "Hey look there is your sister" he said.-------- "Hey... Yukina.you know it is so fun to tease your brother with his little friend" he laughed. " You should try it" he chuckled. Yukon looked at him."maybe after," she said sitting down. Kijo looked up and smiled. "What took so long?" "Uhhhhh......I saw a friend and wanted to say hi him" he said looking at Yukon.------"Hello Brats" the PE teacher yelled" Today We are going to run 20 laps outside then come in and play dodgeball!!" he smiled while doing thumbs up. "Now! Go! Get up up!" shooing them. Yukon looked at him."and I was getting a good long drink before gym started", she said jumping up and started to run. Kijo watched her jump up and got a bit worried. She still had an old injury that was still healing from when their father had tried to kill her so she should be taking it easy. He sighed and stood up."come on lets go"" Okay..." he said and started to run "20 laps is a lot" Mats muttered. ------------Hiroshi started running right be side Yukon and Kilo "Hey you guys want to race??" he asked running. Kilo looked at Hiroshi"nah I'm going to run with Mats", he said slowing down and jogged with Mats. Yukina smiled."sure I'll race with you" Mats blushed "Y-you can run with them" he smiled while jogging" I don't mind being alone, Go ahead and have fun.you know you want too he teased. -------"Okay!.. Who ever reach that 2nd tree Wins" he said point to it. "Ready??" Yukon smiled and nodded."alright and yes I'm ready!" Kijo smiled."nah . Its giving Yukon a chance to open up to someone else who isn't me" "Okay! GO!" he shouted and started running fast------"Who do you think going to win" he asked looking at kilo (huh? "Who do you think going to when" he asked looking at kilo ")Yukon laughed and ran faster as well? [[sorry about that I rewrote it ^^]]Hiroshi saw that Yukon was catching up so he started to even faster. Kilo smiled."I hope Hiroshi win's Yukon needs to take it easy"Yukon ran a bit faster, but then her side hurt and she began to feel dizzy. And she started slowing down. "Hey she slowed down kilo....." he said pointing at her-----Hiroshi looked back when he saw Yukon slowing down she didn't look to good, so he stopped went ran back to check if she was okay. Kilo looked up at her."maybe that's good thing:, he muttered keeping an eye on her. Yukina estuary came to a stop. Everything was spinning like mad .she flopped onto the grass trying to make the world stop spinning. "No she's not okay! Let's go see" Mats ran a little faster while grabbing on to Kilo hand.------------ Hiroshi eyes widen and "Yukon are you okay??..." he said kneeling down to her. Kilo blinked and also ran faster. He looked up seeing Yukon on the grass. Yukina nodded slightly. "Yah...j-just ...dizzy", she said tiredly. On her left side a red mark started to apter. It was blood. Hiroshi noticed she started bleeding on her side." I'm going to take you to the nurse" he said and picked Yukon bride style" Don't worry I'm here for you....just close your eyes and rest." he said softy. Then he turned to see Kilo and Mats coming his way. Kilo blinked seeing Hiroshi pick Yukon up. Then he WS sure something was wrong. Getting up to them, he lookedayukina ... and saw the blood. He swore under his breath, knowing what had happened. Hiroshi looked at Kilo" Don't worry, I'm going to take her to the nurse, if you want you can come, sense she is your sister and all, but we should hurry, because her wound can get worse" he stated. Kilo nodded and looking at Mats."come on . Your coming too", he said dragging Mats with him as Hiroshi started walking. Mats never really like the nurse because she knew what happens to him, and he didn't want his new friends to know so he stopped in his tracks. "HHH....you guys go ahead...I'll just finish these laps...so we won't get in trouble.he said quickly and got out of Kilo grip and started running the laps.-------------Hiroshi Watch Mats run away. "Weird kid" he thought" Well lets go kilo, Mats will be okay, most important right now is your sister" he said seriously. Kilo gave Mats a harsh look. He wanted some else to be there with him. To keep him from going insane. He nodded at Hiroshi and went with him to the nurse's office. He knew why Yukon was bleeding, her wound had reopened. Furthermore, he made an agitated nice thinking of the person who gave it too her. Thier father... Hiroshi put Yukon on the bed, then the nurse said for them to wait outside, while she wrap up Yukon wound. She came back out and said she was going to be okay. "Thank god" Hiroshi sighed in relief then looked over to Kilo and put one hand on his shudder" Don't worry dude, you heard the nurse she will be okay." he smiled -------------Mats felt bad...he left kilo like that." Maybe I should go check if their okay..." he thought running his 5th lap, he didn't notice that some guy came up and tripped Mats, which caused him falling flat on his face "Argh...not again..." he thought not bothering to get up... Kilo nodded."yeah.I heard .... but the man who gave that two her . It's still out there somewhere", he said going to the hall and sorta punched a wall. He looked at Hiroshi. "...can you stay here with Yukon ... I'm going to run off some steam", he said going back outside. He joined in with the laps then blinked seeing Mats. Going over to him, he stopped and crouched down side him."you know...laying here like that is a good way to get ran over" Hiroshi looked at Kilo "Okay....see out there soon" he said walking over the chair next to Yukon bed and waited for her to wake up. "We will make that man pay..." he thought clutching his fist.------------Mats looked up at Kilo and blushed. "I got tripped by that Blue hair kid...I was about to get up but...I was lost in thoughts I guess..." he said getting up. "And.... Sorry...for not going there with you... Is she okay.? Kilo smiled helping him up and looked over at the BUE hailed boy with a glare. Then back at Mats."yeah she's going to be okay...an old injury she had reopened", he said agitated. "If I ever get my had son my father he's gone regret laying a figure on he"Yukon groaned as she came around. The last thing she remembered was being picked up by Hiroshi. Blinking she slowly sat up then blushed seeing Hiroshi sitting there."oh . Uh.hi..." Mats looked at Kilo" at least she save now...isn't your father in jail??"-----Hiroshi smiled "Hello there sleeping beauty, Feeling better??" he asked. Kilo shook his head."no .he's been alluding the police four months ... after Yukon was taken to the hospital...he skipped town that's why she came to live with me"Yukon blushed a bit more."uh.yeah ...thanks", she said looking down. "Oh.... So he can be anywhere... Why is he hurting her??.." he asked looking down. "At least she has someone to protect her..." he said softy.-----------"That's good, you should lay back down... and I'll tell your brother and Mats your okay, they are pretty worried too" he said getting up. Fiji looked at him."yeah... but she dost like people protecting her.she feels that she causing trouble for those people ... and are father hurts her because he blues her for everything"Yukon looked at him nervously."t-tell them later ...just.p-please don't go", she said looking down nervously. Mats saw how sad Kilo was getting "Hey cheer up... She here and happy, and she has Hiroshi now too" he smiled "Now come Lets finish these laps...before the teacher makes us do more" he pouted and grabbed Kilo hand.---------------------- Hiroshi blinked and sat back down" I won't leave you, until you want me too...or when the nurse kicks me out" he chuckled. Kilo smiled."right", he said as he started to jog again. Yukina smiled at that and laid down."uh.thanks for caring me here", she said shyly. "Your welcome, just don't scare me like that again Yukon" he said touching her hand.------------ "Man just 1 more lap to go" he said out of breath. Yukon blushed when he touched her hand then looked at him, still blushing."IIM sorry that I worried you", she said softly and looked down. Kijo nodded."yeah...good thing to ....my legs feel like spaghetti" Mats laughed and nodded "Yeah me too, Hey after we are done let's go see your sister"----------- Hiroshi blushed a little too" it's okay...I'm sorry I made you race...me." he said feeling guilty. Kilo blinked looking at him."you sure you want to go?", he asked as they finished the last lap."I mean.you seemed a little scarce to go before"Yukon blinked."no...it's not your fault . I chose to race you. And I'm the one who ran even though I knew that i really shouldn't have" Mats looked at the ground "Yeah...I'm going to go.... plus I need to get a new arm wraps for my wound...." he whispered. "Lets go..."-------------"But you should have told me that you weren't well" he pouted cutely Kilo nodded and started walking."what wound...did some hurt you?", he asked concerned."and don't bother living ... I want to know the truth""well i didn't want you to not have fun, just because i wasn't well ... ", she said looking away in shame."i . don't want people to worry about me", she said quietly. " M-My... Mother she drinks a lot...and abuses me...every sense my brother had died...she listed it....I get hurt every day...but I'm okay...." he whispered softy "Don't worry about me....I've been thrown it all my life..." he said walking up the stairs to the nurse office.----------------- "Well...you can't stop me from worrying about you" he said lifting her chin making her look him in his eyes as he inches close to her. Kilo stared at him for a moment in disbelief and quickly walked up to him and pulled him into a hug."no one would be okay ....and I am going to worry about you...", he said in a serious tone."you could come live with me and Yukon ... we have more than enough room ... trust me ... besides ... I like having you around"Yukon blushed lightly looking at him."i.i.i..."she didn't know what to say or do. Mats was shocked that he had nobody ever here for him in years, he hugged back then let go. "I'm Okay...I don't need to leave somewhere else, Really It's nothing....." he tried to convince him.--------------- Hiroshi realize what he was doing will probably affect his friendship. He smiled and pulled back "Sorry..."he blushed looking away. Kilo shook his head."yourmoveing in with me and Yukon no if and or buts about it...we'll start moving you in on Saturday"Yukon blinked when he pulled away. But smiled hearing him say he was sorry. "I never said that you bag that close bother me.now did I?", she said in a shy voice and looked away as well. " I said it was okay... My mother needs me anyway...." Mats muttered and walked inside nurse office. "Oh Mats-Kun how is your arm" the nurse asked "Do you need some new arms wraps?" she asked. Mats nodded and followed her.----------------------- Hiroshi blushed when at Yukon comment he was about to say something else when he saw the nurse come in with Mats and kilo behind them. "Hey Guys" Hiroshi said to them. Kilo sighed. He would get Mats away from his mom if it was the last thing he did. When he entered the room he smiled seeing Yukon awake and sitting up, he then looked at Hiroshi."hey"[COLOR="Purple"]Yukon sighed when he didn't say anything about her moment. Then blinked seeing her brother and Mats walk in."oh uh...h-hey" Mats stopped and looked at Yukon "Your feeling better that's good to see" he smiled softy" Well.... Be right back....I have to go get something from the nurse" he muttered looking away then fallowed the nurse again. -------"Hey How was PE and where Mats going?" he asked "the running was torture and uh.I'll tell you two about it later", he said then looked at Yukon. Yukina gave him a weird look then blinked. Getting the idea."so anyone have any idea when I can leave?" " Is it that bad..." Hiroshi asked "hmm mm Yukon...maybe we all should get changed from this PE stuff, if you can walk."------------- Mats came out with his arm warped up and a bag in his hand, he thanks the nurse and looked a kilo in the eyes in shame and looked down. " IIM going to go change...." he muttered. "Yah let's get changed then get out of here", he said going over to Mats."if you can walk Yukon, then stay close to Hiroshi until you get to the change room...just in case", he said walking and dragged Mats along with himYukina sighed."he's so overprotective"" Don't worry beautiful I'll take care of you" Hiroshi teased helping out Yukon out of bed.-------"at least the day is almost over...." Mats said walking in the changing room. Kilo nodded."yeah ... hey want to hang out after school?", he asked as they got towards the change room. Yukina laughed a little as she got out of bed and started to walk.so what are you doing after school?", she asked shyly. "Uhhhh.... Sure..." Mats blushed "W-What...time?...----- "Nothing yet... Why, can't stand being without me" he teased standing right in front of the girls changing room. (MY NAME CHANGED! XD)Yukon laughed."you wish", she said with a smirk."I was wondering if you wanted to come over for dinner.I'm a great cook""from the time it ends till the time you have curve" "Ohhh I like my women that can cook, I think its extra sexy" Hiroshi winked" I can't wait to try your cooking, What time?----------- "Okay I have to be in the house by 9pm...."he said "Well I'm going to go change...see you outside." he waved. [[Nice name!! ’D]] ((thank you ^^)Kilo smiled then also got changed. He then waited for Mats outside the change room. Yukina gave him a slight gale the hole "my women that can cook, I think its extra sexy" thing. "Say 5ish?", she said going into the change room. After Mats got finished changing, he went outside to see Kilo waiting for him. "Boo." he tried scaring him.----------"Okay" he said with a smile Kilo jumped slightly then smirked."...nice .but IDE fearful if I were you ...I get people back 10-fold"Yukon soon came back out, all ready to go. Mats smiled "I like to see you try loser" he teased" Are you going to go look for your sister?"---------Hiroshi tapped his foot while waiting for Yukon to come out" Hope she's okay in there..." he thought and started whistling a tune. "No why?", he asked looking at him. Yukina came out and smiled."all ready.", she said in a happy tone. "Oh....because don't you go home with her, sense she has the truck né?? He cocked his head cutely looking at kilo.---------------"Cool! Now it's time for me to go change come out" he said smiling. Yukon smiled."right", she said as she followed then waited for him. Kijo blushed lightly."w-well.your getting a ride with me and Yukon so, uh lets wait by the truck" "Hey look your brother and his lover is still there" he said pointing to the direction they were heading. ---------------"Okay..." he said smiling softy. Yukina looked at him,"do you have to pic on him?" Kijo smiled then looked at Yukon."were giving Mats a ride to are place okay?", he smiled seeing Yukon nodding. "A picture of whom...?" he asked confused.-----------"Is Hiroshi coming too?" he asked. (Sorry i meet Pick)Piano looked at him."he's coming over later YubiKeys cooking dinner for him tonight" Hiroshi looked at Yukon" I was playing around...I usually play around like that with my friends..." he explains that to her.-----------"Aww....that's sweet" Mats laughed sweetly "So... What are we going to do.?"[[it's okay! ^^]] "movies...dinner at a restaurant....the usual"Yukon looked at him."right", she said then smiled. Go get changed already" "Hey...you know it's true, you like to tease your brother too" he whined and went into the changing room but stuck his head out "Don't miss me too much now beautiful" he teased her now. And went to change his clothes.---------"S-So its basically like a D-Date?" he stuttered blushing Kilo looked at him then smiled."yeah o guess you could do that"Yukon blushed and sighed, adn yelled back,"in your dreams!" Mats blushed hard and didn't noticed he tripped on his own shoes.--------Hiroshi changed fasted and came out "Hey. Ready to go" he asked with his hands in the back of his head. Kilo quickly caught him."are you okay?...watch your step"Yukon nodded."ya him ready" Mats looked up and saw how close kilo face was close to his, if anyone walked in to them, they could only guess they were about to kiss. "Y-Yeah.i-i'm okay." he whispered ----------- When they were about to be reached they car they saw Yukon Brother and Mats being really friendly together. Hiroshi shook his head and looked a Yukon reaction. Yukon stared at her brother in shock and looked away, pertending not to see anything. Kijo smiled."good", he said then stood him upright. "And you see why I like to tease your brother..." he whispered to her walking up to them---------"O-Oh kilo look there Hiroshi and Yukon" looking at them blushing a little. Yukon laughed."yeah"Kilo looked."hey" "We all ready to go" Hiroshi asked "I'll get on my bike and fallow you guys. Hey Mats would you like a ride with me" he winked knowing it would make people mad.---------"HHH...." Matsu was lost in words Yukon gave him an annoyed look and got into her touch, sorrta slamming the door. Kijo jumped hearing the truck door slam shut then looked at Hiroshi."good luck tonight", he said with a nervous look. Then dragged Mats into the truck. Hiroshi had a blank look on his face "What did I do...." he thought "Wait!" he grab Mats by his arm. "Kilo at least let me bring someone with me....like Mats.or Yukon!.."---------"HHH...I don't want to fall off...plus...kilo...HHH" Mats looking at kilo for some help. Kilo looked at Yukon with a hopeful look. Yukina looked at him sighing she got out of the truck."fine"Kilo looked at her."thank you", he said and pulled Mats into the truck."now I owe Yukon big time" "Are you okay Yukon" he asked getting out another pair of helmets and handing it to her.-----"Yeah...I owe you too Kilo" Mats smiled Kilo looked at him."owe me by talking to Yukon .... he did something upset her"Yukon took the helmet and nodded."just peachy", she said sitting getting on waiting for him. "Oh.... What did Hiroshi do.?" he asked-----------"Are you sure you are okay...."he asked "Look me in the eyes and say your okay" "winked at you....in girl talk that means he either is alerting with you .... or he likes you", he said with a small laugh."and I think Yukon is starting to like him so, I guess she's somewhat genus"Yukon put her helmet on and looked at him."I'm okay...let's just go okay...I want to start cooking dinner" "But I'm not a girl.so I don't think she should be jealous." Mats laughed" and he's not Gay, he seems straight as a Pole"-----------"Okay... Yukina-Chan hold on tight and HHH lets your brother show me the way" he said putting on his helmet "you forget...my sister dost think very highly of herself so she auto mainly assume the worse"Yukon nodded and held on. "Ohh...that's not good." Mats frowned "So... Do you have a girlfriend...?" he asked blushing looking out the window as the car moved. ------------ Hiroshi fallowed Kilo "Man he drives slow" Hiroshi thought slightly annoyed. "Hmm?...no not me."he blushed lightly."I'm ...actually....into....guys.... "Yukon sighed."I can give you directions if you what to go faster" "Oh....really...so. Do You like anyone?" Mats teased" I bet its Hiroshi!" he laughed.------------"Okay, tell me the way!" he shouted a little. Kilo shook his head."no not Hiroshi""keep going straight until the third set of lights then turn left" "Oh....then who...if I can know..." He asked. ------ "Okay..." Hiroshi said speeding up "I'm not sure.....you might laugh or freak out"Yukon held on as she looked around but blinked when a black car started following them. So she healed on tighter. "Oh come on... Aren't I your friend, you can tell me it, I won't freak out or runaway" he smiled.---------Hiroshi noticed that hold tighter "You okay...?? Am I going too fast for you?" he asked worried Kilo took a deep death then sighed."y-y-you"Yukon shook her head."no...there a-", she dining get to finish the sentence, the back car that was following them, sudenly speed up and reared into them. Cause them to uh crash...wipe out.........something. Mats Blushed hard but his smiled faded when he looked straight ahead in front of him and saw Hiroshi and Yukon, but something bad happen to them. "Stop the Car!" Mats shouted at Kilo --------- Hiroshi flew off his bike but gabbed Yukon into a bear hug making sure she wouldn't get hurt as much he did.as they flew into the pound [[^^;;;]] Kilo blinked looking forward he saw a black car seeing off he pulled over and jumped out running to the pond."YUK INA HIROSHI!" Mats ran and dived in water to help Hiroshi and Yukon, he spotted Yukon and helped her out of the water, but she was passed out, but Hiroshi was still in the water somewhere. "Kilo! Here is Yukon....but Hiroshi is still underwater...." Mats shouted. Kilo looked over at Yukon."okay stay with her....I'll get Hiroshi!", she said then down underwater. Dam it Hiroshi....if you die on my sister, so help me god that i don't find a way to bring you back, just to kill you again Mats helped Yukon out of the water and tried to wake her up, He did CRP on her, hoping it might help her wake up. "Ohhh please let this work......" he thought looking down at her. "Kilo...hurry up and find Hiroshi!..." he thought again looking over at the pound. Yukon turned over into her side and coughed up the water that had flowed into her lungs. She opened her eyes looking at Mats in a daze." M-Matsu?", she asked soft trying to sit up. Kijo looked around and spotted Hiroshi. He swam over grazing him he dragged him to the surface then onto the shore."wake up Hiroshi!', he said sharing him. "Hey... Yukina...your okay" he looked down at her and smiled "What Happy-" he was cut off when Kilo was shouting at Hiroshi. "Wait here. Yukina" Mats said getting up and jogging towards them. "Kilo! You have to do CRP on Hiroshi or I'll do" he stated seriously. Yukon sat up and eyes widen seeing Hiroshi, on the ground, not moving." H-Hiroshi?", sh muttered to herself. He was on the other side of the lake, and she felt to week to go over. She had gotten close to Hiroshi. Now he Wei hurt, because of her. Yukon blinked hearing a car pull up. She looked back and saw the back car. Before she could say anything a man got out and grazing Yukon he threw her into the back seat. Then he drove away, mixing in with the traffic. Hirohi looked at him then down at Hiroshi. Yukon, your Luka you care about this guy he thought to himself and started giving CPR. "Come on Hiroshi, breath!.... Y-Yukina still needs you!" Mats looked back and saw Yukon disappear" What the....." he thought confused "Kilo... Yukina.disappeared!" Mats spoke looking around for any sign of her. He had no clue what to do.----- Hiroshi turn his head to the side and spat up water and blood as he tried to suck in air in his lungs. He opens his eyes.to see Kilo looking down at him shouting something as Mats standing up. One thing that came to mind was "Yukon..." his eyes widen as he remembers what happen. "Yukon!! Is she o-okay...." Hiroshi shouted weakly trying to sit up. Kilo was about to tell him she was fine then heard Mats say she was gone. His eyes widened as he look around. Then looked at Hiroshi."after Mats gave her CPR she was....but now she's gone", he said trying to stay calm and looked around. Yukon where did you go? He thought then looked at Hiroshi."we better get you to the hospital...you spat up blood" "No!...I will not go until I find her..." he stood up weakly and fall down to his knees and coughed up blood again. " I rather.die.knowing she is okay...kilo..." he whispered.-------Mats looked at Hiroshi in shock "b-but...you have to go in the hospital you can't even stand up Hiroshi....I and kilo can go look her ourselves" the raven spoke softly to him, going over to him, touching his shudder. "Okay.Hiroshi???" Mats waiting for him to answer. Kilo looked at Hiroshi with sympathy then bent down to face him."... Matsus right, we will find her, i promise....and once we do, you will be the first to know, but if you die, tryig to find her, she'll be heartbroken", she said putting one of Hiroshi arm over his shoulder."but first we have to get you to a hospital, and get you checked out....also....thank you.you kept her safe ...." Hiroshi clutched his fist" I said No" Hiroshi shouted with all his strength he shoved kilo and Mats who was behind him, which caused Mats to fall in to the water pretty hard. Hiroshi shot up; holding his wounded stomach he probably cracked some ribs but he didn't care. He started zigzagging away from them "I'm coming for you Yukon...and nobody will get in my way until I have you back in my arms, Safe and sound..." he thought angrily promising death who ever took her away from him. Kilo fell backwards onto the ground, then looked at Mats, helping him up."are you okay?", he asked looking at him then at Hiroshi."huh...I guess we have to take him...will just keep an eye on him", he said and headed towards the truck." Hiroshi....what hit you?" " Yeah...I'm okay... Hiroshi is going crazy...." Mats grabbed Kilo wrist but blushed a little" Maybe we should find away to knock him out....he's really not in the shape..." he muttered worriedly walking towards Hiroshi and the truck.-------------Hiroshi looked back at Mats and Kilo coming towards him and growled out "What do you mean what hit me??..." the red head look at them "...there's no time for you to worry about me.... W-We should.b-be w-worrying-ng...about Y-Yukon..." breathing hard trying to catch his breath. Everything was going blurry, he was going to be strong and save Yukon... Hiroshi did as much as possible not to show it. "Well What. Are you waiting for let's go!" he barked at them? Kimono looked at him."can you blame him?", he then looked over Hiroshi. He needed help. Now. He sized as they got up to the,"sorry", he muttered then in a swift motion, he knocked Hiroshi out. "Yukon...."he spoke quietly. Suddenly he felt his mind shut down and he collapsed. ------------ "So What are we going to do?..." Mats spoke with a plain face "first we get him to a hospital, then we go looking for my sister...did you see how they went off the road?", he asked loading Hiroshi into his truck gently, so he wouldn't hurt him any more than he already was. "How....are we going to look for her...if we have no clue who took her and what happen...she just vanished in the air... Matsu spoke helping Kilo with Hiroshi. The raven look at kilo" the only thing I saw was a black car....and Them flying into the pound..." he explained. "But HHH... What are we going to do with his bike??.....he asked. Kilo froze and looked at him."a....a black car4?", he asked with a very panicked look in his eye. Mats Nodded and looked at Kilo "Why.do you know them...?" he questioned the blonde. Kilo cured under his breath and nodded/'yes...that's my fathers' car", he said getting Hiroshi's bike and moving it onto the back of the truck/ "Maybe....we should get the cops to help us too....this can be really dangerous..." He suggested Kilo looked at him.'no...if we do....he'll just try and kill her again". He said staring at the Hood then, his ALM manner left him as he punched it so hard, it made a huge indent. Furthermore, he slowly inched over towards the blonde from behind. "Hey..... Calm down.... Kijo..." the raven spoke softly from behind him and pulled him into a hug. "We'll save her... We can split up ways...and you can tell me where to go find her... I'm here for you."he whispered tightening his hug slightly. Kilo turned to face him and hugged him highly back."thank yo", he said softly."but we won't split up until we get to where he's keeping her...it would be washer to find her...I know where she is.we just half to get there", he said then looked at Hiroshi."first we better get him help"" Okay....we better hurry...before something really happen to her..." he said letting go of Kilo. "Let's get Hiroshi help....before he wakes up and goes crazy on us again." he chuckled. Kilo nodded."YHA....get in, and we'll get to the hospital" 'Okay...."he said hopping in the truck Kilo drove to the hospital and got Hiroshi inside, after the doctors took him away and got the news he'd be okay he then left with Mats and getting in the car he headed out of town. "Soon.... Where are we heading too...?" Mats asked looking out the window "the next town over....that's where my dad lives....Andreas where he's taken Yukon"" How would we know that....and if he did, he probably knows that your coming...i-i don't want you to get hurt..." He stated blushing lightly. Kilo looked at him."i don't care what happens to me....now that he has Yukon, he won't KET up on her ... he's going to put her threw torture for running away" "Well I care about you both....if something happen to you.... Yukina will be sad...Hiroshi is already seriously hurt...we don't need you.too..." he spoke depressingly. Kilo looked at him."i don't want anything to happen to you...we do care about you too, yeah know?", he said and ruffled Matúš hair. Mats pouted and blushed at kilo actions, but didn't speak to him, he just started to look out at the window again.remembering how his brother used to do that...to him. After a while of being lost in thoughts...he looked forward seeing that they were getting closer to some huge weird house. "Are we here...?" he asked looking at this house. Kilo nodded and became hence."yes....that's it", he said pulling over to the side of the road. " So...how are we planning to go in this house kilo" Mats had said, shaking his head, "We are going to get caught...." "I know a way for me to go...but for you...enter threw the basement window ... while I keep my dad distracted, you look for Yukon ... when you find her all out to me and I'll rush up to you" "B-But.... We should stick together...." Matsu had retorted Kilo looked at him."my sister is in there.....she could be dying...if we split up we will find her faster"" Okay..." he said getting out of the car. "Lets go..."he said softly. Kilo got out, then gave him a close hug"everything will be fine" Mats hugs him back "Yeah....be careful okay...."he said looking down with so much pain in his eyes. Kilo smiled and made Mats look at him."I will .... but you be careful too okay?" "Yes I will...." Matsu tried to smile at him. "See you soon...." he said going in the backyard trying to find his way in. Kilo watched him then entered the front door going in he looked around. Mats found a small window open.and decided to take his chances and go in it...he hoped he could fit. Surprisingly he did fit in to the window and crashed down on to something "Ow, ow..." rubbed his head then getting up.it was so dark.he started walking around trying to find his way to the stairs...but as he is about to turn to the left...he saw a door cracked open...with some light shining threw. He started walking to it...little did he know someone was right there hiding in the dark. Watching him. (BUM BUM BUM)Kilo heard the crash in the basement and lookedraound. There was no reaction from where he was. He sighed and continued looking. Yukon ...were going to find you ... I promise...., he thought to himself heading into the kitchen. Yukina ground slightly. She heard a crash close by. She turned her head to the side, the door she was behind was opened, allowing some air to come in. There was someone in front of her watching. Everything hurt. Her head, leg, side,arm, and ck. Her father had shot her in the leg. Hit over the head with a bat, thrown her down a flight of stares. Now she Weiss locked up in a room. She felt so weak. And she wanted to do nothing more than to sleep. Mats creeped slowly towards the door.and opened it lightly.and saw... Yukina! His eyes widen in shock how she looked. "Yukon..."he whispered. Going closer to her. He was about to touch her.when something grab his shudder pretty hand. "Oh no...."he thought scared half to death. [[Scary music starts playing XDD]] Kilo found nothing upstairs so going back into the kitchen he grabbed a knife then headed down to the basement. Casiously he walked down the wooded steps. Mats started to panic oh how he knew it was a bad idea to be alone...the person behind him asked why is he here...he couldn't answer he just looked at Yukon, she needed help, he just hoped Kilo can get here on time before they both die. The man pushed Mats to the floor and went for Yukon. Mats got up and Screamed Kilo's name as loud he could for him to know where he was. The man stopped what he was about to do to Yukon and turned around and was about to strike at Mats. Kilo came bursting threw the door and knocked down his fathers.''dome you dare lay a hand on him!" Mats was shocked that Kilo came to save him.he watched as they started fighting, while they were fighting, He went to go help Yukon. "Yukon...are you okay...?" he asked shaking her a bit. Yukon groaned softly and opened her eyes slightly." Matsu?', she said tiredly."w-wheres Kilo....and Hiroshi?.... Hiroshi....is he play", she said worriedly but weakly as she was loosening consciousness again. "Yukon..... Hey.... Yukuina...you have to stay awake....come on...." he spoke worriedly. She looked so pale.it seems like if anyone tried to touch her, she would break....he picked her up bride style and tried to get her out of the room. Kilo looked at Mats pick up Yukon. He made room for him to get out with her. Once he was out of the room he punched his father two times more. One for him and the other one for Hiroshi. Then he booted him in the stomach fop Yukon. Then leaving the room he shut the for and locked it from the outside."lets see how to feel being locked up....north time to get use to it", he muttered then went to Mats."how's she's doing?" "She passed out again...but she's okay..."he smiled softy. "Are you okay....?" he looked at kilo still holding Yukon. Kilo nodded."YHA a few cuts and trustees but nothing serious", he said then looked at him."are you okay?......did he hurt you at all?" " I've probably had a few bruises but I'm used to that...I had worse than I did today..." Mats laughed. Then stopped. "Let's talk her to the hospital...." And started walking towards the door that lead them out of the hell whole of the house. Kilo followed closely behind him. Once they reached the car he open the door for him and Yukon. Once they were both in shut the door and ran to the other side. He then started the truck up again and speed off towards their town."the one thing I hated about living here....they didn't have any medical help" "Why is that...is that even possible for that...?" he asked in a bit of shock. 'The hell if I know", he said speeding up. He glanced at Yukon. She didn't look to good. Not at all. He then looked forward again and kept going. When they reached the hospital he stopped the truck, getting out he ran to the other side and helped out Mats and Yukon. When they got inside doctors rushed over and took her right away and then rushed her into the ER right away. One the nurses made them wait out in the waiting room. Kijo sighed and sat down. Then he Wonder how Hiroshi was doing. Mats sat next to kilo and put a hand on top of his and smiled "Everything will be okay with her." But hey you want to go check on Hiroshi...?" Kilo looked at him then nodded."yeah ...", he said getting up. "Okay..." Getting up as well and walking to the front desk and asked where was Hiroshi room was. After the nurse told them. They started walking down the long hallway to the red headroom. The Raven and the blonde finally reached Hiroshi room but Mats stopped and looked at kilo. "Ready.?" Mats asked Kilo. Kilo looked at him.''yeah ... what's the worse that could happen?" "Hiroshi kill us dead on spot for making him come to the hospital" Mats laughed lightly Kilo blinked."besides that", he said then entered."knock NCO...anybody home?", he said entering the room. Mats shield himself behind Kilo for protection but noticed that nothing came flying out them. He blinked and walked forward "Hey he is still sleeping" Mats said poking Hiroshi a little. "Uh.yeah...I think...", he said then smiled. Then said,"Hiroshi ... Yukinas hear" "hmm mm.... What a day today was...."looking at the clock and how late it was. "We should him sleep....and go check if Yukon out now....before I leave..." he spoke leaving the room. Kilo quickly followed."can you come to my place and stay ....with me there"" Nah....I'm okay...." he muttered "I have to see if she's okay anyway....." Mats trying to not get in to the subject and walked a little faster and asked the nurse what room was Yukon. Kilo grabbed Mats and made him turn and face him."do you not like me or something? I was talking about after we see Yukon ....if you could come back with me to my place ... i rather not be alone there" "i-i do like you Kilo...a lot....i-i'll....stay...with you...first we have to go...t-to...my house...after t-his..." he stuttered blushing. Kilo blinked and smiled softly."okay" "Well lets go in! I think she's awake I can hear talking..." he said opening the door. Kilo laughed a little and went in. He stopped seeing his sister. She was unconscious, sweating like mad but talking in her sleep. She was hooked up to all kinds of machines and doctors where trying to slow her heart rate down. ".... Uhh.....I guess I was wrong..." he said looking down. "Go...try to calm her down...kilo..." he whispered Kilo couldn't move, he was scarce to. He watched as a doctor infected a sedative into her. He watched as the heart beat monitor went back to normal and stopped flashing red. Mats grabbed arm to make kilo come back from his daze thoughts "She's okay...don't worry..." he said comforting him. Kilo blinked then loved at Mats."-right", he said then looked up as the doctor told them they would have to leave for now and come back tomorrow. Kijo nodded but looked at a nurse and asked her to tell Hiroshi that Yukon was in here. So if he was up to it to go see her. They left towards the truck after the doctors told them to leave. "Would you like to go eat before we go and rest...?" he asked. Kilo looked at him and nodded."yeah...." "Let's go to the café..." he said point to it across the street. Kilo smiled and nodded.''sure" Once they got in front of the café...they got inside the café.and sat down and looked at kilo and frowned "Hey...cheer up." he said trying to make him feel better. Kilo looked at him.'I'm trying", he said laughing a bit and stretched. "At least we know Both of them are okay" he said with a sigh of relief. "Yah that's true", he said as he looked at the venue.(is Hiroshi going to wake up anytime soon????) [[Yea him about to make him wake up in the next post XD]]"Yeah..."he said looking at the menu him self. [Foot!] Kijo smiled."I think I'm going to have a coke and a slide of pizza...you?" "Uhhh I'll just get...some water...and...hamburger" he said looking up from his menu ---------A pair of red eyes started to star up, He was confused where he was, but he realizes what happen, his eyes widen, and he shot up, He started to panicked making his heart rate go out rage. Nurses came running in trying to calm him down, but he wouldn't. "YUK INA!"he shouted shoving one of the nurses "I have to find her!!" he yelled ripping off whatever he had in his arms. "Come down sir.... She's okay, she is just resting down the hall's" one of the nurse stuttered scared. Kijo had sworn he heard Hiroshi yelling but then looked at Mats."alright", he said then the the waiter came he gave him hears orders. Yukinas eyes opened, and she looked around the room." H-Hiroshi?', she asked softly. Looking around she didn't see anybody. So thinking she was dreaming closed her eyes again. "Is it just me or I head Hiroshi yell or maybe I'm just crazy..." Mats laughed nervously.----------He calm down a bit "C-Can I go see her...?" he asked "i-i'm sorry sir.b-but you can't."the nurse said coming and touching his arm "Y-You need some rest.your in a worse shape than she is..." Hiroshi shoved her "NO!! I WANT TO SEE HER I DON'T CARE ABOUT MY SELF!!" he growled out "LET ME SEE HER!!" when he felt two nurses grabbing him. [[:3]] Kilo laughed."I heard it too", he said smiling."I hope ever things okay in there"Yukon sat up. Now she knew he was there. Ithurt to move but she didn't care. She got up and slowly went down the hall, she ignored the few nurses yelling at her to go back to her room. She followed the yelling to Hiroshi room. She stopped at his door." Hi-Hiroshi?", she said softly, leaning against the door frame, almost falling over. Hiroshi whipped his head to the direction towards the door where he heard Yukon angel Voice "Yukon..."he whispered as the nurse let go of him, and let him walk up to her. "Are you okay...I'm sorry i didn't...i couldn't save y-you..." he said feeling guilty and hugged her. But everything started to get dizzy for him and his breath started to get really short. "What's happening to me..." he thought in daze. ----------"Yeah...I do too...maybe we should go check" he asked kilo "yeah...I have a bad feeling", he said worriedly. Yukina looked at him with worry and held him back to his bed."you need to rest Hiroshi", she said softly. "N-No....I want to make sure your okay." he said stubbornly trying to get up.-----" I do too..." looking out the window at the hospital building Yukon smiled at him softly."I'm fine okay...if you what I'll stay in here with you...just let me talk with the doctors first.okay", she said then land over and kissed his forehead. Kijo got up and got the food to go...he paid for the both of this then he and Mats went back or to the hospital. Hiroshi blushed at Yukon's actions "O-Okay..."he stuttered. Then the nurse came in and started hooking up the machines and whatever he took off on him again, Also changing his wound that he reopened. -----------Mats saw Yukon standing and talking to the doctors. "Yukon!" he called out waving at her and jogged to her. "What are you doing up aren't you suppose to be resting??" he asked. Yukon looked at him."i Wei ...then Hiroshi started going ballistic", she said then looked at the doctor."so what is wrung with him?", she asked worriedly. Kijo also saw Yukon standing and talking, he was about to go yell at her but the realized that she was talking OT the color about Hiroshi."what's going on?" "He seems to have reopened his wounds, and broke his ribs. Which caused him to have breathing problem...we would like to do surgery on him...its really serious...this can cause him his life....after he finished the surgery.he would feel better." the doctor explain to them. Hiroshi felt pain so much pain.so much he couldn't breathe.---------Mats looked at Yukon's pain face and felt sad because of what happening with Hiroshi. Yukon looked at him with worry."well then...."she paused looking at the doctor again."why art you doing the surgery?" Kijo looked at Yukon with worry. He knew that if Hiroshi died, she would no longer want to live. "We need his parents' permission...to do it." the doctor said looking at Hiroshi. "Why don't you guys go see him...I'll go find a way to contact his parents...." the doctor walked away? --------- Mats looked at Kilo and Yukon...and looked down in sadness... Yukon looked at Hiroshi worriedly and then going over she hugged gently, almost scarce to let go of him. Kijo watched his sister hug Hiroshi. She care for him. That was obvious. "Yukon... W-What's wrong.?" Hiroshi breathed with dazed eyes and grab her hand.------ "You think he's going to be okay... Kijo." Mats looked at Hiroshi speaking out softly to kilo as tears started to form in his eyes. He is never like seeing people close to him hurt. "Y-You need an operation", she said looking at him."if you don't you'll die"Kilo sighed."i don't know", he said looking at Mats and pushed this tears away. "Huh....I'm just fine!!" he grinned weakly at her. "I don't need it." --------- he grabs Kilo's hand and pulls him to a hug "Thanks..." he corks of the blonde's neck. Yukon looked at him....tears in her eyes."trust me ...you do.....please...i, i don't want to lose you", she said and gently cry into his chest.Kinko kept him close then glanced at Yukon. "Don't cry...I'm okay... Really" he said hugging her back. ------ Mats lifted his head and looked at Yukon and Hiroshi then looked back at Kilo, there lips were inches apart. Kilo stared at him then gently kissed him. Yukina looked at him."just please get it..." Mats blushed as he closed his eyes and kissed back shyly. --------- "But there nothing wrong with me... Yukina..." he protested. "You should rest...so you can feel better I'll be fine...I promise." he said kissing her hand gently. Yukon looked at him."I'm not resting until I know that you're going to get that surgery, the doctors know what there talking about"Kilo smiled and looked at him then kissed his forehead softly. "I will.if I need it..." he muttered closing his eyes smiling softy. He never had some care for him like this. It felt nice. His father was always in business trips to care about. He would call once in a while to check if Hiroshi was alive..." I think I'm falling in love with her....." he thought sighing. -------- Mats blushed and covered his face in embarrassment. [[Sorry for the late reply back XD;;]] [its fine]Yukon smiled softly."you need it, so until you get it...I'm not leaving your side"Kilo blinked."what's wrong? D-did I do something wring?did I hurt you?" " I will...just get some rest for tomorrow..." he muttered falling in to blackness. --------- "New you didn't do anything wrong Kilo..." he said blushing." Hey we should get going...we do have gone get my stuff...and go to school..." he stated. Yukon looked at him with worry. Then looked at a doctor in panic. Kijo nodded then looked at Yukon. "He can have the surgery...his father is on the way here...he will have it in the morning." the Doctor informed them. "You should get some rest... Yukina..." Mats spoke as he smiled weakly. Yukon sighed and gently stroked his check."I'll see you after your surgery", she said kissing his forehead softly then headed back to her room. Kijo held Matúš hand as he walked with Yukon back to her room. She wasn't saying anything. Mats hold on to kilo hand and squeeze it genitally. "You should talk to her..." he whispered to him. Kilo looked at him.":what can I say?", he said softly and looked back at Yukon who was suddenly starting to fall forward. "Yukon!" he shouted letting go of kilo hand and tried to catch her. Kilo also reached out and once Mats caught Yukon bent does beside him and looked at Yukon with worry. She was pale and feeling her forehead, she had a high fever. "Kilo go call the doctor to get some help..." Matsu ordered looking down at Yukon. "Don't worry everything will be okay."he whispered Kilo nodded."okay you take her back to her room", he said getting up and running down the hall to go find a doctor. Mats nodded and picked Yukon back to her room. "Hopefully everything will be okay..." he whispered to him self walking inside her room and settling her gently down on her bed. He then sat down and waited for kilo to come. Kilo came in followed by a doctor. He watched as the doctor looked over Yukon then sighed."well wants wrong?", he asked a bit nervously. The doctor turned to him."I'm not to sure at the moment ...we have to run more test ... but visiting hours are over ...so I'm afraid you will have to leave ... we will call you when we get some results in" "but can't at least one family member stay over and watch over her?..." he asked. The doctor shook his head."not until we know more .then you two can stay with her"Kilo sighed then nodded."alright ... thank you", he said and taking Mats hand he left. Mats looked back at Yukon as Kilo dragged him away. "Kilo... You sure you don't want to try to stay here....I think she would need you...." he asked softy Kilo looked at him."ya him sure ... besides we have to leave anywise ... and i rather not be here alone" "Okay...if your sure." he smiled softy handing on to kilo hand. "Let's go home." he sighed Kilo nodded."first we get your things" "uh....maybe...we shouldn't..." he said letting go of kilo hand. "Your still going to stay with me right?", he said nervously. Looking at him, hopefully. "Of course I am.I could never leave you in this state right now...but I don't have anything to change in too..." he said grabbing kilo hand again. Kilo sighed with relief then smiled."I have something you can change into" "Okay!...lets go.I'm so tired..." he yawned. Kilo smiled then lead him to the truck."yeah ...me too" "Hey...can I drive" he asked with puppy dog eyes Kilo smiled and handed him the keys."sure no problem" "Thanks!" he said happily kissing kilo in the cheek, but realize what he's done...and blushed hard. "Uhhh S-sorry.didn't mean to do that..." he stuttered. Kilo smiled."it's okay", he said getting into the pa sager seat. Mats got in the car, after they settle in the car, he turned on the car and started driving like mad man. "So where do you live??" he spoke with an evil smirk in his face when they came in front of red light. Kilo held on."y-yours just as bad as Yukon!...and I live another 10 blocks away" "Okay!" he smirked turning a sharp corner making the car going up sideways to the right. Kilo hit the side and flinched."you like driving I take it" "Yeah.but nobody never lets me driving because they think I'm a crazy driving....I wonder why??" he frowned turning another sharp corner. Kilo looked at him."well .....you are kinda of .... wild"" am not!" he pouted not looking at the road anymore but at kilo. Kilo blinked."LOOK AT THE ROAD!", he said nervously. Mats turned back and saw he was close to hitting a car. He barked hard causing them both flying off the seats, thankfully they had seat belts on, or they would probably smash their face against the window." He He....sorry..." Mats laughed nervously. ---------------Hiroshi woke up and noticed that Yukon wasn't here, he frowned. "Where did she go." he thought getting up from his bed, but hissed as his feet touched the cold tiles? And creep out of his room to go look for Yukon. Pain started to strike him, but he just ignored it. [[ha ha I thought Hiroshi should come back XD and also sorry for the late reply! DX]] Kilo was holding onto everything tightly."hehhhehe i-its okay ...j-just keep your eyes on the road"-------------------------------------------------Yukon was in her room. Still unconscious. They had hooked her up to some machines and were giving her IV's. " HAI...I will..." Matsu blushed and started to speed off again but suddenly started slowing down...when he reached the blocked he was told kilo house was going to be at. "Uhh...which house....is it...?" he asked looking off the road and at him. -------------Hiroshi heard someone coming and quickly hid against some corner and heard some nurses talking about Yukon and about the room she were in. "Bingo!" he smirked waiting for them to leave. Kilo points to a good-sized yellow house with a blue roof."right there", he said calmly as he pointed to it.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Yukon, by that time had started to get worse. They had to hook her up to an air mask thing. Her skin was pale and very cold. Mats parked in front of the house. "Well that was fun." he laughed. -----Hiroshi fallowed closely behind the nurses that were going to Yukon room."Hamm something weird is going on..." he thought. Kilo laughed."oh yeah tones", he said getting out and going towards his house. One of the nurses walked past YubiKeys room while the other went in to chalk on her. She was speaking to one of the testing people."have you found anything at all yet?" The tester shook his head."no not yet ... were looking over her blood work but so far noting"The nurse side let me know when you do . So we can help the poor girl" Mats fallowed slowly yawning, He was so tired. -----------Hiroshi still stood in place waiting for the nurse to leave Yukon room. He was in pure shock. He clutch his fist in anger, it was his fault she was like this...if only he could have save her....sooner.this would have happened. Soon the other nurse came out, and then the two nurses left as they went to check on their other parents. Kijo smiled at Mats and then going inside he took Matúš hand and lead him p to his bedroom. As he past YubiKeys room he looked in it for a Monet, then with a small sigh he opened his bedroom door and went in. As soon Hiroshi saw the nurses leave, he ran to check on Yukon. He stops suddenly in his tracks to see in his horror the scene before him. "Oh...god...why..." he whispered out, walking slowly towards her. He reached out and grab her hand gently and kissed it. -----------Mats looked around kilo room.".uhh there is only one bed...I can take the floor...or the couch in the living room he spoke yawning with a smile. Kilo open a drawer and tossed Mats some pajamas."no . it's okay you take the bed ... the sheets are clean and such", she said going over to a stool and grabbing his pajamas. When Hiroshi grabbed her hand it was cold, but it twitched, so she obviously knew he was there. "Uhh thanks..." he blushed and went into the bathroom to change. -----------"Please open...your eyes." he whispered holding it a little tighter. Kilo waited till he heard the washroom door shut then got changed himself. Yukina's hand tithed again as she groaned, and her eyes opened weakly. She used her free hand to take off the mask, it was bugging her." Hir-Hiroshi, you should ....be in bed" Hiroshi looked up at the angel voice he wanted to hear. "Yukon..."he whispered softly hugging her lightly making sure she doesn't get hurt by it. "i...couldn't sleep and I wanted to see you..." he spoke putting the mask back on her face. "Don't take that off...your already.hurt as it is...." he said with a sadden look. -------- Mats came out of the restroom blushing lightly. The cloths were too big on him, it just made him look like a little kid. Yukon held onto his hand.'but you need to rest just as much as I do", sh said softly. Her eyes were very dull. Then she smiled slightly."you like making me worry don't you"Kilo looked at him and smiled."aww you look so cute"" I'm sorry Yukon....but you're making me worry too...I want to sit here until you go back to sleep...and I know you're okay...then I'll leave...." he spoke quietly. "Deal?" he asked smiling weakly at her. ----------- "Shut up..." he blushed hard, turning his head to hide his blush. Yukon looked at him and shook her head."no way"Kilo blinked;and you look even cuter when you blush" "Why not...?" he asked with a pout starting to form in his face. ------"Shut up aka!" Mats blushed harder covering his face with his hand now. "Because you need more rest the I do", she said softly and gently stroked his check. Kijo sighed and sat down. "Well....we both do...how about I lay down with you....until they catch me...here..." he laughed a little smiling weakly. -------"What's wrong...kilo?" Mats asked sitting beside him grabbing his hand. Yukon started at him for a while."alright.no argument here", she said and slid over enough so he would have room.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kilo looked at him."....you called me Aka for complementing you.....", he said with a pout on his face. He smiled and laid down next to her, wrap his arm around waist. He reached up and kissed her cheek. "Good night beautiful" he whispered in her ear softy. ----- "Aw.... I was just kidding aka" he teased, this time he grab a pillow and smacked it at the side of kilo head. He laughed at kilo expression. Yukon smiled softly and kissed his check and gently held his hand as she started drifting off to sleep.---------------------Kilo smiled and gently pulled him into a hug. Hiroshi just laid there, looking out of the window. He couldn't sleep. He started to sing softly to him self. Quote: The fastest man in the world, fast asleep at the wheel Nobody wants to be alone, so how did I get, here When I look at you, I see him staring through Awake and a smile, because he's been inside of you Is he all the things you, tried to change me into? Is he everything to you.... Does he make you high, make you real? Does he make you cry? Does he know the way you feel? Love is all around you, your universe is full But in my world, there is only you............ ------------------------ Mats hug kilo back" I'm Tried..." he muttered against kilo neck, closing his eyes. (awwwwwww)Yukon work up slightly.'that was beautiful"Kilo smiled."then let's get some sleep" Hiroshi stop singing and looked at Yukon. He blushed cutely "T-Thanks..." --------- "Okay...where should I sleep?" he asked looking around (don't forget the other RP)"with me", he said smiling. Yukina smiled."your welcome" [[I won't I'm going to reply right now ^^]] Mats blushed and Nodded. --------------- "Do you sing." Hiroshi asked? Yukon blushed slightly."yeah ... "Hilo smiled then led him to his bed., "ohhh really, you should sing for me then." he said smiling at her. "Please..."----------Mats blushed and laid down "Today...was a crazy day..." ((Sorry for the late reply!)) Yukon blushed then shook her head."n-no way", she then hid under the covers. Hijo nodded."yes, very, crazy" "WWW...come on! You heard me sing" he pouted pulling the covers down to see Yukon face. "Please...." he spoke quietly. ------------" You think something going to happen tomorrow...?" he asked turning his body facing kilo's "not sure ... I just hope Hiroshi will be okay, I've never seen become so attached to someone before...." Yukina shook her head."tomorrow ... after you have had your surgery", she said closing her eyes tiredly. "Why do you say that?...but I see...what you mean.I have never been attached to anyone every sense.I could remember...it was just me and my mother..." he whispered out the last part. ----------------------------"Fine.... Good night then... Yukina..." he spoke turning to his side, but groan in pain. Yukon sat up."you are okay.... I-I'll call for the nurse", she said worriedly. Hijo smiled softly."are you okay?" "Yeah I am...just thinking of something...about my mother...that reminds me...I have to go home in the morning to get some stuff...before we go see... Yukina and Hiroshi if that's okay.with you." he asked.----------"I-I Fine... J-Just rested on a painful side..." he choked out. "You can go back to sleep..." Yukon shook her head."no, IIM getting a nurse", she said taking off her mask thing and went to get up. Kijo nodded."yeah that's fine with me..." Hiroshi grabbed her hand before she could walk off. "I'm fine really..." He smiled weakly "Just go back to bed..." -------------- "Okay...thank you..." He cuddled on to kilo "Night..." he spoke softly "i Sabre if your lying to me, i won't forgive you", She said sighed and getting back in the bed she stayed close to him. Kilo smiled and put an arm around him."night...:" I'm not lying I promise..." he said closing his eyes. "Night..." he said softly drifting off to sleep. " Yeah... Night..." he said falling in to sleep. [[we should skip to the next day.]] Yukon smiled."good", she said closing her eyes."night", she replied and was soon fast asleep. Kijo smiled then was soon asleep. The alarm clock echoed from somewhere in the house, that made Mats jerk out of the bed. ------The nurse came in and screamed as she saw Hiroshi covered in his own blood that came out of his lips. Yukon jumped then looking at Hiroshi her eyes widened."n-no . H-Hiroshi!" Kijo yawned smiled as he came in with a tray full of food."hey", he said with a smile then turned off his alarm."how are you this morning" "Hello..." Matsu smiled softy "I'm okay...and You?" he asked now sitting at the side of the bed facing him. ------"Doctor!!" the Nurse screamed running out of the room. "Good ", Kijo said as he set the food on the table. Yukina kept screaming his name trying to get him to wake up but to avail, when the doctors entered the had to call in more doctors pull Yukon away from Hiroshi after being stuck in another room by herself, Yukon broke down into tears and pretty much lost it, mental. She started muttering that it was all her fault as tears raced down her face and she curled up in a corner of the roomed."y-you lied Hiroshi, h-how could you?", she mutated softly as she kept saying those things over and over again. "Doctor we have to surgery now! Or he won't make it!" the nurse cried. " Yes, take him to the surgery room right now!" he ordered ----------- "Hamm this food is perfect" mats smiled. "Don't forget that we have to go to my house today...kilo." Hilo nodded."I know we'll go there after we stop by the hospital, he then blinked answering the phone."hello?..yes it is ... w-what! Yeah .'we'll be right there", he said and hanging up the phone he looked at Mats."we have to get to the hospital..." " Why do we have to go to the hospital in such a rush?" Mats asked getting up. Hilo looked at him.'something's wrong with Yukon", he said his face looked pain stricken. "Oh... Did they say what was wrong with her...?" he asked worriedly. Hilo shook his head."no they just said to get down there", he said taking Matúš hand and ran down to his car and speed off to the hospital. Whe they got their the doctor signed in relief seeing them."good you here", he said somewhat calmly."y-your sisters in her room, having a bad breakdown.She's not letting anyone near her and is curled up in a corner and keeps muttering to her self and saying things like,"you lair" , "it's all my fault" and when people try to get close TP here she freaks out on them telling them to get away..." Kijo looked at him shocked."how did this all start", he asked calmly. The doctor sighed."the young man she is with was found this morning cover in his own blood, we figure he coughed it out, but we had to rush him into surgery, It's hard to tell if he's gone make it", he then stepped aside so they could get into YubiKeys room."please you two, do something and try to help Yukon, all this is not good for her right now...." Kijo sighed and nodded and taking Matúš hand he led him into YubiKeys room cautiously. "Kilo How are we going to calm her down...." he asked getting a little nerve. " Only person right who could calm her down is probably Hiroshi...." KO sighed."I know, but you heard what the doctor said, right now were the only ones who stand a chance at calming her down"" I guess...your right. Kijo" Mats said "Lets try the best we can to help her..." Hilo nodded then went close to Yukon. He bent down to her level." Yukina ?", he asked softly. Yukina eyes snapped open as she looked at him."n-no ...g-go away you'll get hut", she yelled and culled up to herself up more. Hijo blinked and looked at Mats then at Yukon.'' Yukina.", he said racing for her. But jumped as she slapped his and away."NO y=you'll get hurt ... t-then you'll lie about being okay! Just like Hiroshi!" " I'm sure... Hiroshi didn't mean to lie to you... Yukina..." Mats said trying to calm her down. "I'm sure he is okay..." "he's not he coughed up his own blood and wasn't responding to anything!", she yelled and was crying non-stop." Now get away! . I don't want to be near anyone! i .ii don't won't be here !" Hijo felt his heart skip a beat. T-that kind of talk was dangerous and ran out of the room finding a doctor he penned him to a wall." Hiroshi...how the hell is doing in there!", he demand. Yukina needed Hiroshi ... pretty much now. "Sir...please take your hands off me..." the doctor warned. "Hiroshi is in a bad condition right now...his pulse is very low...and he has lost lots of blood...." He doctors explain.------------"Don't say that... Yukina!" Mats snapped at her. " He will be okay, He is not the only person that cares for you, Your brother and I care for you too, Your brother has never left you..." he almost shouted. " Stop being a brat and be brave...you don't know how lucky...you are...to have many people that care for you..." he said quietly at the last part. Hilo let him down."sorry.please ... don't let him die ", he SIA said then hermits l yelling and head back into the room. Yukina slowly looked at him.''I know .b-but .t-this is all my fault", she said softly then cried into Maris chest and was shaking a little.'it's all my fault"" I will try my best to help him...." the doctor said as he rushed in to the room Hiroshi was in.-------------------" It's not anyone's fault Yukon..." he spoke hugging her tight. "But it is, I should have just stayed with my dad, then none of this would have happened....", she said softly."I would have never meet Hiroshi and he wouldn't be in here right now, dying"Hilo came in and looked at Yukon with sympathy. " Don't say that!" Mats shouted clutching his fist now. " If...you weren't here...I would have never met...you guys..." he said softly" I would have been alone....like I have always been all my life...." -------------------" Doctor!! We are losing him!" the nurse cried. Yukon looked at him."you still would have et Kilo . And possibly Hiroshi", she said softly."but I'm glad that you would have wanted to meet me if you didn't", she said and took a deep breath as she started to calm down. please, Hiroshi ...don't die .... i ... I think I love you, and I'm pretty sure I do so . YOU CAN'T DIE ON ME!, she toughed and prayed with all height. " I don't think I would have....he is popular and I am not..." he smiled weakly. "But we are here for you..." he said with a smile and hug her.--------- "Excuse me...guys...I have.some good and bad news for you..." the doctor said. [[sorry i haven't been on for a while....my internet got cut off.so right now I'm using my friends' laptop.to RP >Hilo also looked at the doctor. Not knowing what was the good new or bad news.{{it's okay today understandable}} Mats looked at the doctor and frown when he heard that he had bad news too.------------" Good new is.that the surgery was a success...but...the bad new.is that...he had lost a lot of blood...and...his heart rate is really low...right now..." he spoke carefully. " But...I can let you guys go and see him...for a minute..." Hilo looked at Yukon."you go sis ... we can wait out here", he said with a soft smile. Yukina looked at Hilo then at Mats. As if making sure it was okay with him first. " Kilo..." Matsu walked up to him tugging on his shirt so he can look down at Mats. " We should go in too...she's not in a good state..." he whispered sadly. "We'll be outside the room if she starts going nuts we'll be right there ... "he said hugging him tightly. He looked over at Yukon who was now up and walking towards the door. " Okay...." Mats pouted" Let's go before she leaves us kilo!" Kilo laughed Ashe followed. He stopped outside Hiroshi room as Yukon entered and went into the room. He frowned as Yukon sat at his bed and gently stroked his cheek. Yukia sat their quietly and felt tears come to her eyes."I'm so sorry Hiroshi", she said then thought for a bit."i ... i don't know if you can hear me, but I'm gonna song for you" Quote: Smooth-talking So rockin' you've got everything that a girl's wantin' Guitar cutie you play it groovy And I can't keep myself from doing something stupid Think I'm really falling for his smile Get butterflies when he says my name you've got something special you've got something special And when you're looking at me, I want to get all sentimental you've got something special you've got something special I can hardly breathe, something's been telling me, telling me maybe you could be the one you could be the one you could be the one.... you could be the one you could be the one you could be the one... your lightning Sparks are flyin' Everywhere I go your always on my mind, and I'm goin' crazy About you lately And I can't help myself from how my heart is racing Think I'm really digging on your vibe you really blow me away you've got something special you've got something special And when you're looking at me, I want to get all sentimental you've got something special you've got something special I can hardly breathe, something's been telling me, telling me maybe you could be the one you could be the one you could be the one.... you could be the one you could be the one you could be the one... And you have a way of making me feel Like everything I do is Perfectly fine The stars are aligned when I'm with you And I'm so into you you've got something special you've got something special And when you're looking at me, I want to get all sentimental you've got something special you've got something special I can hardly breathe, something's been telling me, telling me maybe you could be the one you could be the one you could be the one.... you could be the one you could be the one you could be the one... she sands it quirky and gently. She STA their for a bit more and head into the hall."y-you guys go in now", she said sitting on a chair outside the room. Kijo frowned."alright, we'll be back in a sec" Mats entered the dark depressing room that lead to Hiroshi life less body, sitting down beside his bed. " Hey there Hiroshi I hope your get better soon..." Mats whispered" Come back to us....we're all worried about you....especially Yukon...." ------------------------------ Hiroshi's heart rate, which had been steady since They had entered the room, suddenly started slowing down. Mats looked up at it with a frown, wondering if it was meant to be doing that. He looked at back at Kilo with a questioning look, hoping for an answer to go call for help. But it was too late, the screen suddenly flat-lined and an alarm went off. The raven’s eyes stared in shock at the flat line on Hiroshi’s screen. " Aikido! Get some help!!" He screamed as panic ran threw his veins as he tired to help Hiroshi. (YOU'RE KILLING ME!I'm CRYING HERE :(:(:(:(:(:()Hilo ran into the hall."HELP!", he screamed."HIS HEART STOPPED"-----------Yukon froze, and she dashed into the room."n-no .... Hiroshi no don't die! Please!", seh screamed helplessly. Tears came to her eyes." You promised me that you would be alright!" Mats and Yukon was wrenched away from Hiroshi as people started rushing into the room. He screamed, trying to get kilo attention, but someone was wrestling him out of the room and taking his somewhere else. Whoever this person was, he surely was hurting mats small frame... ------------------ The doctors were already at Hiroshi’s side, barking out orders. The doctor was using the defibrillator on Hiroshi, the redhead’s body was jerking with each shock, his back arching off the bed before falling back onto it. The line remained flat.... Yukon stood their, in shock until a doctor formed her into the hall. She barely heard her brother yelling at her. She looked at him."huh?mats he was....just with me", she said dully. She watched as Kilo swore and took off down the hall yelling out Mats name.She sat on the floor against the wall staring into the room. "Hiroshi .please....fight", she said in a whisper. The doctor shocked Hiroshi one last time, and a large peak appeared on the screen, the doctor letting out a huge whoosh of air before leaning back against the wall and closing her eyes. That had been a close call. Everyone one that were helping to save his life was clapping for the doctors' success to save Hiroshi. The door opened, The doctor walking out, sweat present on her brow as she cleared her throat. Anyone who were there right now could tell she was trying to calm herself down. “He’s fine. It was a close call, but he’s alive. Breathing is stable.” she said, her voice strained as she explained to Yukon. -------------------"Kilo!" Mats tired to shout again but let out a silent scream as he got put down then got slammed in to the wall. " Shut up! Don't make any sound, or you will die..." a deep voice...spoke." You wouldn't want my son and daughter to die would...you..." he asked. Mats shocked his head as tears went down from his eyes. "Now you listen good... Little boy... I want you to come with me quietly...and i won't do anything to anyone....I got great plans for you...because you seem special to my son..." he smirked as he unfolds to mats. Mats only could nod numbly to this man before him. "Now let's go!" he said dragged mats out of the hospital and pushed him inside a black car. 'Oh my son...you should have never helped your sister....' he thought evilly as he drove off to the hospital.[[I thought it was a good idea for Kilo and Mats turn to get torture! Muhahah! I got many ideas for it :3 to torture them slowly....]] [your torturing me enough as it is with the Hiroshi thing.I'm going insane and its getting on my nerves!XD*the going crazy thing*]Kilo growled as he couldn't find Mats. Looking out the window his eyes widened."NO" he yelled and ran down the stairs. NO, NO NO NO-----Yukon sighed."good", she said softly. " I think It's time we call my son....to let him know I have captured...you..." he spoke as he parked his car in the middle of nowhere. He began to dial the numbers of Kilo's cell phone. And waited for him to pick up. -----------The doctor looked down at Yukon. " You should go inform your family too..." she smiled. [[AW...*hugs* trust me...you'll like the twisted thing his father is about to do :)]] Kilo growled as he couldn't find Mats. Looking out the window his eyes widened."NO" he yelled and ran down the stairs. [[.______________________. Uhhhh I think u posted back the same thing twice..... You should reread what I wrote! D:]] "he ran off to find mats", she said staying where she was.---Kilo growled answering."dad give him back to me" "Now son, you wouldn't want to order your father around....or else you want your cute little boyfriend here to die..." he threatened. " Now you listen carefully to me Kilo, Don't come looking for Mats, you won't find him at all no matter how hard you try..." he explained. " The only way you can, get close to him kilo...is if we play a game..." he said as his smirked widen. Mats growled. Then sighed."what's the game" “It’s a simple game, I'm sure when you were younger you play this game before. In order to save his life, All you have to do is Follow The Leader.” He justifies carefully. " Don't tell anyone about this game or else....I'll kill him...maybe...your sister...but then I would have to kill that Hiroshi freak...of hers." he laughed. “I’ll be sending you your instructions later one today It’s going to be a fun game. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure to keep mats comfortable while he’s in my care.” He spoke kicking mats stomach making him cry out. "Mats!", Kijo yelled out then sighed punching a wall, leaveing a hole."fine. Matsu I'll save you i sware!"(WHAT ABOUT HIROSHI! IS HE GOING TO LIVE MY BRAIN IS ABOUT TO GO SNAP!) [[Yeah he is going to live, lol if u read the few post before it, it says so :3]]Hiroshi slowly open his eyes, and whispered Yukon name softy, then re closed his eyes going back to the peaceful dream he was having. ----------------'I'm sorry kilo....' Mats thought faintly as a single tear started to come down, then many others. Kilo smiled/"it's okay .....alright father what do you want me to do?"(*sighs in release and falls to floor*thank goodness)Yukon blinked and looked into Hiroshi's room. She swore she just Hurd him. Then sighed shook her head. She was scared to go into his room. Scarce that her presence in the room would kill him. " Well I want you to drag your sister away from her love, and go drive to the 7'11, the clerk will give you, your first clue...." his father spoke. ----------------The doctor looked at Yukon and smiled weakly at her," Why don't you go in, he's fine, just resting...I'm sure you're dying to go see him." she encourages Yukon to go inside. Kilo growled."f-fine", he said heading back towards where Yukon was at. He blinked seeing her sitting outside his room. She looked owfull. But he still went to her. "Yukon ... w-we need to go home, well you do ... you need rest"Yukon blinked looking at him."bu-but Hiroshi..." Kijo smiled."he's fine ..... he'll be fine okay?trust me"Yukon signed but nodded, getting up she followed. Then getting to the car she blinked when they didn't head home." Kijo?" Kijo didn't look at her."I'm sorry Yukon", he said and then went to the 7'11.

X-xBeautifully Brokenx-X&IchirusVampireGirl RP|rating:3.0

Rekindle the Flame (Razgriz x Umbrale)

It was a story that was told for generations. And honestly, it had been so long that hardly anyone remembered a time when they were separate. History called them the first aliens, but to the modern era they were simply known as 'Mamono'. Strange humanoid creatures possessing great intellect, strength and for some: Incredible powers. Some could phase through solid matter, some could transfigure their bodies into any shape they chose and others still were oddly reminiscent of creatures referred to in the religious texts of the world. Of course, the real history was far less glorious. Up until about five hundred years ago, the Mamono subspecies were as far removed from humans as possible; early humans thought them predators, demons even... Creatures to be shunned and in many instances, destroyed. There were the few that saw past the bigotry and recognized them as friendly; however, many took any means necessary to rid the world of them. However, once they started to show the Terran race how useful they could be - along with the general desire to form peaceful relationships - resistance to integrating them began to wane. It was a long process, much like human history in general, but now that the year 2000 AD was here and gone by fifteen years, they were a globally recognized group. One that could work and live anywhere, subject to the same boons and banes as every other human they lived with and next to.*July 1, 2015. San Francisco branch of Been, Whenever, and King PLLC*The office was aflutter with activity, lawyers and administrators of all classes typing away at emails to send to various other parties. Judges, opposing attorneys, clients, the list went on. A particularly gifted 'Gazer' perused several different case files at once, her multitude of prehensile eye-stalks capable of feeding massive amounts of information, her lithe figure dressed in a red business suit with an equally red necktie, while coworkers - a short blonde-haired female human and a stocky male in black suits similar to that of the Gazer - worked a separate pile and helped reference relevant case details. A Yakutsk was surrounded by a throng of onlookers, asking her insight into various precedents and herself firing off answers without so much as breaking a sweat, her dainty digits occasionally adjusting the square-rimmed spectacles on her heart-shaped face. And off in another corner sat one of the rising stars of the firm, Scott Hanley. One new division that the branch took on as a means to garner business was a practice involving discrimination against Mamono in the workplace and places of public service. By and large they were more durable than their human counterparts, leading employers to be less stringent about safety requirements and in some unfortunate cases, workplace harassment. And though San Francisco had garnered a reputation as a city that was very generous to its metahuman residents, there was still plenty of work to be done in helping them. And Scott had kind of led the charge here, using his previous background as a work injury attorney and further back, a civil law paralegal to help make landmark cases in granting Mamono the same rights to a safe workplace as any human. As it was, he'd served about twelve years here, still very much a junior by most law firms' standards, but he'd made a name for himself by representing Mamono clients against some of the largest firms in the Bay Area for the gross negligence it showed their employees. As it was, he was preparing a brief to submit to a defendant's lawyer when he was called into his supervisor's office. Pressing 'Save' and closing his laptop, he got up and after fixing the jacket of his business attire, made his way to where his boss sat. Unaware of exactly what was going to happen next...*Two days later*I can't believe I accepted this, Scott told himself as he got off the plane, having landed at John F. Kennedy airport. Truth be told, he was thrilled to be able to come back... And he was even given relocation assistance to his old neighborhood of Kensington! What were the odds? He was to go to the office in Buffalo and help spearhead some of the cases there, get the gears rolling in helping to turn the public service towards Mamono clients and make some news for themselves. But first, he would be given a few days to recuperate and settle back in.... After all, he was - literally and metaphorically - home again. A thought that raced joyfully through his mind as his deep blue eyes stared at the roof of the taxi he currently rode in; to think he would miss even this. He had wanted to get back to New York for a while now... And somehow he'd landed a promotion which meant he was here for the long haul. Fine by me, he thought... Though when he pulled up to where he was to be staying... He didn't think they would do this for him! "Um, excuse me, is this the right place?" he then asked the driver, a short-staffed tan male in a white button-down and blue jeans, who just shrugged, "How should I know? This is the address you gave me, remember?" Scott just shrugged, giving the driver his fare plus a hearty tip - these guys did a lot in the city - and got out. It turned out it wasn't a townhouse, it was a very stylish apartment complex. And based on the sign, they also had Mamono guests. He'd read about it a little: A small health club onsite, complete with sauna and sports courts, along with a pool and a recreation facility featuring games like billiards and table tennis. And the people he did see seemed to really enjoy living here, not that he would be around a lot of the time. But even so...A quiet place to unwind after a long day was always good. A thought passed through his head about some of the tenants becoming future clients, one that made him smile as he made his way to the complex manager's office. Stopping to brush some stray threads of brown hair from his face, he then knocked on the door before being let in. "Thank you for taking the time to see me; I have the lease signed and filled out here, in case the digital copy didn't go through." he started to say, stopping to say, "Oh, sorry, my manners are terrible. Scott Hanley, pleased to make your acquaintance.... I'm sorry, what was your name?" Man, you are made this sound like a Dark Souls role-play.---------------------------------------------------------------Being met by the sight of a giant bushel of tails, could be disorienting to anyone. To notice that it was a red-white tail that had somehow turned the doorknob, was astounding enough. When Scott looked up, he'd come to notice the owner of the tail; said appendage retracting from the door, to join many them, swishing just behind a woman. At a moment's glance, it seemed almost impossible to decide on the number of tails that swished around, blocking the human's view of the Mamono; but upon a closer inspection, it was clear that six of them flitted about the place. Intertwining and weaving with one-another of their own accord, it was a near-mesmerizing sight. Luckily enough for Scott, the female turned around, clearing her voice to declare cheerfully, "Ah, you must be Scott!" Of course, if he didn't look down a bit, all he would notice was the red-hued feline-like ear twitching at his eye level. Short, the girl was, as her golden--noticeably striking, they seemed to bore into him--hues peered at his. From those feline ears, flowed down equally fiery locks, just to her shoulders, cropped short be cute. Now not obscured with tails--although the six appendages sometimes swished about in front of her, seeming to grow of their own accord-- he could see her form clearly, petite but remarkably fit, with jeans(a wonder how her tails came out the back), and a simple tank-top completing a totally not-professionally look. Hell, she seemed like a tomboy, ready to hit the town. "You can call me Lexi. I'm your landlord." One hand on a hip, one hand extended, to greet him; even as her eyes did that on their own. Slowly down him, and slowly back up, soaking in the sights, it seemed. But, blunt she was, with that statement, could she actually be his landlord? Someone so unprofessional... yet, Scott with his experience, would probably know of the mistune. Of the age and power that the number of tails they had portrayed. No nine-tails was in front of him, to be sure, but he wasn't exactly dealing with a young ling of a single tail, either. Six of the admirably fluffy-looking things swished behind her, and as if he wasn't of sane mind, Scott could've sworn the indecent thought to pet them would flit through his mind.​ (He-he... Well, I was thinking that they would have a rough start at first, but then have things get progressively better). Scott kind of blinked as he entered, not used to see so much...well, fluff...in his face. Not literally in his face, but even when they pulled away, they were still moving about. And he had to kind of knock himself out of his mild trance, his eyes having fallen to watching the tails sway about. It was... Alluring. Hypnotic, even. The sight alone made him want to touch them. However, what really saved him was the Mistune introducing herself, hand held out in greeting. Were he not who he was, he likely would have been shocked even more so by her appearance. Even though he was a bit taken by how striking her eyes were, he just smiled and shook her hand in return, "Yeah, I'm Scott. Scott Hanley, pleasure to make your acquaintance." He was a bit unsure if she were actually a landlord, but then he remembered that they had a different way of doing things more often than not. And despite her appearance, he knew from experience that most Mistune - especially those with more than four tails - were exceptionally cunning and intelligent. No doubt this one was any different, especially if she were anything like her brethren." I, uh, have the cashier's check right here for the security deposit and first month's rent. And if need be, I also have copies of the lease agreement. I won't lie, this place is even nicer in person. I'm just glad you had an apartment to spare, I imagine many would love to call this place home." he told Lexi charmingly, adding "Is there anything I should more about? Rules of the complex, problem tenants, etc.?" "You already said that, bud." Lexi's voice rang out, even as her lips curled up into a tiny little smirk. Even as she withdrew her hand from their shake, a small pearl of giggle rolled up as well. It was evident she was amused; the type of amusement an adult gets when a child comes to them, claiming something fantastical. But, Scott hadn't just invented the hover car. A sweep of her hand took the check from him with a nod, and seemed to just hand it off to a tail; enveloped in its fluffiness. Said tail, of course stretched behind her, placing the check down on the desk just behind her. While it looked more like a strange living room than anything--complete with sofa, futon, a flat-screen, and even a mini fridge-- there was a desk, with a computer atop it. There, the tail flashed over, and the check was deposited, slipped free from its soft confines. However, a rather indifferent sweep of her hand met his inquiry for the lease, and in general to the rest of his question. Despite that, Lexi turned, and sauntered--one could argue it was just her tails swishing-- across the room, to flop down languidly upon her sofa. "Nah, I got the lease electronically. You-know, today's fabulous technology-stuff." By the wink she cast his way, golden hues flashing, Scott could tell that she was just joking. With her tails swishing about beside her--truth be told, she was laying out more than she was sitting, despite there still being plenty of sofas free-- the mistune split up a small smile." Yeah. We get plenty of requests and all. We're always expanding, too. But, thanks to mostly elemental and golem-based work, there's no noisy construction. As to what we have..." She turned to face him better, lounging on her stomach, facing off the side of the sofa at him. With her hands, she gestured languidly. "Well, you know of our amenities. Pools--of which, also house our aquatic quarters, for Mermaids, etc. We have a fitness center, complete with a sauna. Ice rooms, mostly for our Snow-women, but for all to use. We also have a café, across from this building, if you're hungry, but don't feel like leavin' 'home. We also don't have room classifications; they are essentially fixed-to-order, made to fit the needs of all our customers. " Scott could've sworn he saw her lips quirk up into a tiny smirk there, but it wasn't too obvious. "Problem tenants?" A small frown here, but it was just as quick as the smirk. It was revolved with her eyes finding his, with a shrug to match. "You are well-versed in Mamono, I am sure; we have our quirks. However, we don't have many problems. There are distinct clauses and rules, on a species-to-species basis, that they abide by. We only ask that you don't inflict undue tension or bias on our non-human tenants, and their habits. And...", now he could see her lips twitch up, into a devilish smirk, as she explained, "... We pride ourselves on how sound-proof our rooms are, but please know that we don't accept complaints on noise; Mamono night-life is... loud... sometimes." That look in her eyes, wasn't quite right. Like a predator, to prey. But, also, it was amusement. A giggling fit of a thing that Scott could tell was practically a joke... but tinged with a serious tone. Lexi paused, and a tail flashed out, stretching past its normal length to reach behind her desk, and actually into a drawer that was promptly pulled open. From there, the tail retracted--swishing against the drawer, which shut it-- and moved to Scott; a key card hanging off a chain, entwined by a few strands of that silky-smooth fur. "You have room 42. I encourage you to meet your neighbors, and, if you need anything--anything at all----", so quickly added, was her addition, that it was hard to hear, "... Don't be afraid to stop by..." Now, she sat up, hand folded in her lap, back straight, with but one ear laid flat; the other perked and swiveled towards him. With her tails swishing in a bunch once more, behind her, Lexi was the epitome of adorableness, like a pet.... just super-powered, with six tails. "... Now, any questions?"​ Scott just chuckled nervously, "Ah right... Sorry, I guess jet lag's making me repeat myself." He realized he did already introduce himself, and it wasn't a job interview where he was trying to make some prospective employer remember his name. This was an apartment complex, and he'd already been accepted. Now all that was left to do was move things in and make the apartment livable. For a human, anyway... He was certain there were Mamono that could abide simply by the things nature provided them. Humans weren't quite so lucky in the modern world, but such was their blessing and their curse. Though he felt a rush storm through him as she took his check, that velvet-like fur ever so slightly brushing his hand before she went on to explain the apartment complex. It sounded like there was a lot for anyone to be comfortable here, even more than he initially thought." Hehe, I suppose there's a reason this place got such good reviews; it sounds really inclusive." he replied truthfully; they had places like this back in California, essentially safe havens for both humans and metahumans. Places that everyone who lived here would feel safe in. Though he felt a bit of heat rush to his cheeks in embarrassment, "Ah no, I didn't mean anything like that... I was more curious if there was anyone here I should be mindful of. But yeah... I promise to not jump to conclusions or anything like that." His brows arched, however, as she remarked on the sound-proofing of the rooms, something that made him cough a little in being flustered. And it was something like this that got a bit worse as she used her tails - something that he still got surprised by - to give him the key. Taking it, he definitely let his hand linger a bit, feeling the softness of her fur against his skin. "Yeah... I definitely will." He planned on doing that much to begin with, since it would help his case to better understand the local Mamono populations." No, nothing right now... Thank you again, Lexi, for your time." Scott replied, giving her a polite nod before making his exit. And a short while later, he would make his way to his room... Seeing it unfurnished, and it would be a short while before the rest of his things would arrive. That time would come a half an hour later, and he would spend the rest of his afternoon unpacking. Taking a break to visit that café before getting right to it... And when he was done, he collapsed on his bed, having dressed into a pair of basketball shorts. He still had some more stuff to unpack, but it was things like dishes and other small things. There wasn't much daylight left, which meant he would try to catch some sleep. He needed to be in the new office in three days to get acquainted... Which meant he had a few days to get settled. The apartment complex was a blessing, for sure. And, as it seemed, many of the residents either worked there, or helped out, their neighbors. While Scott didn't have a ton of belongings, it was a lot for one person, or even a few humans, to lug up the stairs; you couldn't just take everything in an elevator. But, luckily for him and the moving team, a blue-skinned Ogre, and an accompanying Golem, happened to be strolling by. With cheerful demeanor, they set to work helping with the heavy-lifting--of course, on the Ogre's side, she demanded drinks from the team--of everything; making the whole effort far quicker. As such, Scott managed to get to work quicker, unpacking; and even found himself to bed at a decent time. Not everything was unpacked, but that was fine; a few days to rest up and settle into his new place was just what the doctor ordered, metaphysically. And like the wind, he drifted off to sleep.... ------ Dreams drifted through his mind, that night, dreams of his childhood. He dreams of the very town he was in, of his friends, of his school. But what most dominated the dream itself, was of a strange shape. A strange girl. But... was it a girl? She was huge. And something about her, was off... she didn't stand straight. She had legs, sort of but.... why was that area so blurry? Serpentine, like... no, it wasn't a lamina. That just didn't feel right... but the dream carried a sense of kinship. Of strength, of the feeling of trust and warmth, and... As he felt like he'd remember a name, or perhaps, the shape would clarify; the dream faded. Left to awaken in his new home, Scott faced a place both new, and old.​ Scott tossed a bit throughout the night, his body eventually stilling as he got adjusted to the mattress again. It would probably take a few days for him to fully acclimate, but that was fine; moving back home would be a perfect thing for him. But the dream he had that one wasn't one he usually had; it was...far warmer than most. Secure, even. Like he was completely safe within this dream, it was a sensation that he hoped to not wake from. But unfortunately, his own biological clock made that impossible, for soon he was slowly stirring once more. His eyes parting to reveal a glazed look of sleepiness, but not one to such a degree that he could fall back into slumber. Breakfast consisted of a pastry he got from the café yesterday, thrown into the toaster to warm. Today he would try to meet some of his neighbors, get a better lay of the land, as it were. And once he was dressed, he would leave his apartment to check out the gym onsite. And while it was smaller to fit the complex, he found the layout to be amazingly complex: A running track, a plethora of weight and cardio equipment, a couple different courts for indoor tennis and squash, and even a changing room fit for metahuman use. "Whoa... This place is incredible." he remarked, taking a quick stroll and seeing what was available. Courts for basketball, a room dedicated to dodgeball, outdoor areas for Field events, a sports pool, they had it all. It was a fitness buff's wet dream, and even for the workout "Bros" 's, there were so many various stations for free-weight lifts and exercises that it was almost absurd. Of course, what made things even more extraordinary were the machines adjusted for Mamono use. Modified much-heavier equipment for larger Mamono, serpentine treadmills, and even sanctioned areas for the use and exercise of magical abilities. Luckily enough, Scott wouldn't be too awestruck, for long, as he spotted a familiar face. From across the room of free-weight stations and BUILT machines, came striding a tall blue-skinned Ogre, the same one that had helped him out, the day before, in moving all his stuff. Easily standing two feet taller than him, the female was an intimidating sight, but that easy-going smile was just as quick to comfort. Her skin was a dark sapphire-blue, almost purplish, and without blemish. Her physique left nothing to be desire, of course--and with but a sports bra and the fitting type of sweatpants, left little to be imagined--as he was confronted with a stomach outlined in the curvature of abs. Arms, toned and fit, and legs that carried her in slow, confident strides. Not a rippling mass of muscle like some heads, but a being of such toned fitness that, but a look would dissuade you from an arm-wrestle. From just above smooth blue cheeks, sat emerald eyes that hunted you down, with a fierce gleam. Framed with long--and by long, it drifted down to mid-back-- black hair, that looked luxurious, two golden-red horns arched up from her forehead, slightly curved, but only extending maybe five inches from her head; and both were set at slight angles apart from one-another. To top her Mamono heritage, slender, pointed ears extended from her head, positively like an elf, despite their blue hue. "Ah, I remember you! Scott, right? My name's Elise, I helped you move some of your stuff in, yesterday." With her introduction, her hand extended, only slightly larger than his, in greeting. ​ Indeed, the human was about to get a surprise visit - not so much literally, but he wasn't expecting to see her again so soon - from a familiar face. One that was quite jovial, something he found to be characteristic of their species (not in every case, but more generally)." Ah, that's right... Sorry, I blanked on your name." he replied, her hand grasping over his. For such a strong race of Mamono, the Ogres were capable of being surprisingly gentle; he didn't know much of anything about their physiology, or Mamono physiology in general, but he did notice that they weren't the blundering drunken oafs that a lot of the hate groups tried to paint them as. That wasn't to say Scott wasn't careful around them too; it was more just that he didn't want to accidentally provoke an Ogre. Too many times in his line of work had he seen cases where someone got mouthy and was (more than often, rightfully) taught a lesson in respect. Regardless, he just smiled and asked, "I want to thank you again for your help; it really helped things go by quickly..." Rubbing the back of his head, he then asked,"So, uh... Did you want to play some basketball or tennis or something? I can't promise I'm any good... But I was half-decent in high school, haha". Of course, the only sports he really played these days were golf (even though he wouldn't honestly classify it as a sport), and on occasion tennis. He had the skill to hold his own in basketball... But his days of playing competitively ended after high school was over. And he was nowhere near as built as the statuesque woman before him, but he figured it would be a good way to break the ice by offering to play a sport with her. The boisterous laughter that fled from the Ogre's lips were quite fitting of her stature. Booming explosions of a giggle that still held a feminine charm, despite the strength of them. So imposing, but simultaneously a person to be drawn to. A double-negative of fear and attraction that provided an interesting contrast between the two. "Bah, don't worry. It was nothing! We help each other out around here; in more ways than one..." Whatever that was implied to mean, was quickly brushed away, when it came to the mention of sports to play. A bit surprised at first, the Ogre split a tiny smirk-like thing. "You got balls, to even think of playing me at a sport. I'm a personal trainer here, you know. " Of course, it was evident enough that it wasn't a grand idea, by the sheer fit form she was in. No backing out now, of course. A laugh rolled from her again, and a hand came to rest on her hips; cocking them at an angle to pee down at him in amusement. "But if you really want to take me on in a sport, I'm more than happy to oblige. I love all types of martial arts, if you care to spar, otherwise I tend to like dodgeball the best as a game. Basketball, though?" Her head tilted, and she gave Scott a size-up, while stifling a bit of a laugh. The male could tell, however, that it was much more of a playful move, than an insulting one. "I'm kind of a lot taller than you, you-know. Maybe not take something height-advantaged?" Another boisterous giggle, and Elise waved off the thought. "I'm up for whatever you'd like to play, though. " ​ Scott had heard enough of Mamono mannerisms in his line of work that her comment about helping out that he didn't even register it; not all Mamono spoke with potentially lewd subtleties, but those that did mostly keep it extremely open to interpretation as Elise had done. And he just grinned as she commented his bravado in challenging her to a sport, as well her comment about the obvious height advantage." What? That just means I can expect a good challenge; I might be a lawyer, but even we like to have fun from time to time." was his response; Ogres were a prideful bunch, and most remarks made were just habits of their upbringing. They acknowledged when they had an edge in anything, no matter what it was, and similarly acknowledged when they knew their opponent might possess an advantageous trait or ability. At the thought of sparring, he did feel a bit nervous; Ogres nowadays were extremely careful in how they applied their strength. After all, they were one of the few Mamono species that could bend an industrial steel I-beam like a toilet paper tube. Even so, he hadn't had a chance to find a decent sparring partner with his hectic work schedule, but hopefully here that could change. "Well, I did practice Judo a lot as a kid... Been a while since I've done something like that. So yeah... Sparring sounds fun." he replied, motioning with his hand and adding "Shall we?" The laugh that exited from the Elise's lips was beyond genuine; it was clear that she actually found his statement about a lawyer rather hilarious. Granted, showing that it was hilarious belied monumental giggles that, if she was any bigger, would have practically buffeted Scott with wind. "Did you just listen to what you said?", she scoffered playfully, then cracked on eye open to peer down at him, and jest with a tiny smirk, "Everyone knows that Lawyers get their fun from tormenting poor souls. You're like the dumb legends about gingers; you practically feed on souls." Yet, despite the fierceness of her prods, it was pretty clear how playful she was being, by the tongue that peeked from her lips in example. Even the way her ears twitched slightly belied her sense of humor. And to those ears, so slanted to a point like an elf, the tips still twitched with attention, and almost to belie her emotions, they could straighten and wiggle a bit. But, the smirk that came to her lips, and the way her ears stood at still attention, bespoke her excitement at his choice. "Oh, by all means, yes. " And with a prompt turn, Elise escorted Scott across the room, to a door framed on both sides by massive windows. The room inside was padded, with the smooth blue firmness of typical wrestling mats. Minimize injury, maximize movement, the room was unobstructed, except for a simple dummy that sat at the opposite corner of the room, and a cabinet next to it. A quick waltz in, however, and Last was prompt to head her way over there. By the way she was already bouncing on the soles of her feet, it was clear she was eager to stretch, and show her skills to the lawyer. And, for his part, she gave him kudos as to not being intimidated. Even beefcakes of men paled at the thought of so much as an arm-wrestle with an Ogre. Turning back to him, it was revealed that she had earned some of the typical white tape-cloth-stuff used as hand wraps in some martial arts. The cabinet also featured a few cubbyholes for his shoes, if he felt so inclined; Elise didn't wear any to begin with. Already wrapped with a polished ease about the knuckles and a strap across the palm of her large hands; a quick toss sent it through the air towards Scott. A stretch of her arms left, then right, and subsequent hamstring lungs, had the Ogre in a squatting position, resting easily on her heels. An appraisal of her to-be sparring partner, and she rose about halfway, straightened quickly, and balanced backwards on her soles; the confident, almost slacking look of someone who didn't see much of a challenge, and wanted to flaunt it egotistically. Although, even Ogres weren't that dense, it was clear that Elise was just prodding fun at Scott once more. "Well, Scotty-boy. What suits your fancy? Freestyle? Did you want to whip up some of those Judo skills? I know quite a lot of different arts, and even made some up of my own, so pick your poison."​ Scott just laughed as she mentioned that old stigma about lawyers; there was some truth to it. Some lawyers were fairly dirty in how they handled cases, going so far as to even exploiting their clients to get even more money just for the 'privilege' of having them represent them. And more still played fast and loose with established precedent, allowing companies to (not literally, but in some cases extremely close) get away with murder. Even if others had found it rude, he had a good feeling she was just being jovial in her own way. And when she agreed to his idea of sparring, he would be lying if he said he wasn't nervous. An Ogre's strength was nothing to sneeze at; even the most macho of human men couldn't hold a candle to the sheer physicality of one. But Scott had a feeling Elise was capable of holding back... Not like he could do anything to her anyway. If anything, *he* would need to hold back so he didn't break his hand or something. Rumor had it that Ogres, much like their cousins the On, had skin like iron, and various displays he'd seen had certainly attested to the toughness of their flesh. Even so, he knew that this wasn't a serious competition... At least, not from his perspective. She would most likely see him as a virtual non-threat, but that was fine; it would be good to have someone to practice with. And even with the amount of muscle she had, Scott had to admit she was quite beautiful in her own right. Even as she stretched he could see that every movement was calculated, not a bit of effort wasted... And admittedly he might have been staring too long, because he had to kind of shake himself free of the slight trance. Doing his own stretches - showing impressive flexibility for one who supposedly sat at a desk ninety-five percent of the time - she would see that while he was no Olympian by any standards, he definitely took care of himself. His body rippled with lean muscle, helping to the fact that he tried to do at least something to keep himself moving. His bare feet - shoes stored in the appropriate cubbyhole for such - padded on the blue mats as he would face his opponent, giving her a respectful bow before taking up his own stance." I might stick with just Judo... But feel free to use whatever you like; after all, this is a sparring match right? I want us to both give it our all." he playfully challenged; probably not the wisest idea from a human standpoint to challenge an Ogre. But one fatal error many before him had made was insulting their pride, however slight it might be, even if it was something as simple as 'Don't hurt me, I'm a squishy human'. And it was here that the match began; sure enough, despite her size, he found her to be quick. Even the glancing blows stung a bit, and much as the rumors stated: She had a hard body, and his knuckles and forelimbs were already starting to hurt from the few kicks and blocks he had done. However, his moment would come when she tried to rush him; pivoting hard right, he would grab her arm and go for the classic hip throw... Only to find she hadn't budged when he actually went through the motion.... And it was at that moment Scott knew: He fucked up. The very second that the words left his mouth, giving her freedom to choose whichever style so struck her at the moment, Elise's lips curved into a wicked smirk. Instantly, she relaxed her pose, and her feet sunk slightly closer to the ground. Not much, as the heel of her foot hovered an inch from the ground. One of her too legs, however, shifted slightly backwards, as if to brace. However, while the front one seemed at ease, that back leg stiffened to a rock-solid flexing position, while maintaining the curve of stance. Her arms lower to her sides, and her body relaxed into what was almost a slouch; hands barely risen from her hips to face Scott. But, even more curious, her hands formed neither fists nor open-palms, the thumb and forefingers formed circles, as if holding cups, with the concurrent fingers only semi-curled. "Prepare for my own mix of System, and Drunken Fist, then, Scotty-boy." With that final taunting of a nickname sent his way, the sparring went on in earnest. To his credit, Scott landed the first blow... technically. His kick made contact, but it seemed as soon as his leg made contact with her skin, her body shifted with its force, pivoting on the flexed back leg. With an almost graceful pirouette, she spun around the back of his kick, and mid-spin, let an arm almost casually fly out, catching him with a slap directly across the mid-section. It was easily enough to send him back within a respectable distance, as if their match hadn't yet started. "Oh, come on, Scotty-boy, you got more than that, right?" Once more, she taunted him with that name, even as she resumed the stance at the beginning. But this time, that flexed leg snapped straight; propelling the Ogre to him. Instead of maneuvering, however, that leg remained straight, and only the foot shifted to plant her weight upon the ground; her body whipping at the hip to propel her casually-resting other leg diagonally. Only a quick block on Scott's part saved him from a solid blow to the side of his abdomen. Directly upon impact and block, however, the leg pulled back via her knee, and the straight-leg scrunched to pull her right back into the position she had once again been at start. "Come on, boy-o. We're just getting started...," she explained, and the spar went on. Most of the time, it went directly like that, with blocks and kicks being exchanged; blocks on Elise's part meaning the dispersal of said forced by clever maneuvering of the body. Any particular stretch that would add force to the blow despite her moving, would leave an opponent precariously off-balance, while getting in close to deliver a blow like that would leave them open to an easy retaliatory knee, via the leg casually posed at a bend in front. But, it'd be boring if everything was the same way. So, promptly, Elise threw a hook into her formation. Literally. With a sudden snap of that flexed leg, she threw herself back at Scott, but this time whipped her arm into the classic left-hook, hoping to catch him off guard. Credit, where credit is due, of course, as Scott slipped the blow, pivoted, and lashed his arms out for the all-time classic hip throw... "Pfft. You're joking, right?" Against Scott's arms, so poised and tensed in a movement to heft and throw, the Ogre's musculature simply tensed, and her foot shifted to plant her center of gravity. Almost casually, a laugh roiled up. But mirth wasn't to be long enjoyed in a sparring match. The arm he tried to flex and used to throw her, pulled easily from his grasp, and wrapped about his neck by the elbow. A quick tug sent the male cascading to floor onto his back; hard enough to let from his lungs. Not to be left behind, the Ogre pivoted, and dropped over him. Not so simply, of course. Being knocked so senseless had spread his legs a bit; and her calves dropped over his thighs, spread-wide and a bit low, by his knees. With a testament to her full-body strength being the elevation of her feet to pose her knees to the ground over his legs; pinning his lower half down via her calves, to each of his knees. And to further it, her hands dropped to his wrists, and pinned there, clamping him to the mat. "Pro tip numerous, Scott; don't grapple an Ogre, eh?" She playfully explained to him. Once again to his credit, though, the Ogre was breathing slightly heavily. Actually, Scott would notice, pretty heavily. Her breath was coming out in slow, controlled, but definitely heavy pants. Like the exhaustion of a trained martial artist, it wasn't hyperventilation, but a controlled, heightened intake for oxygen. But... why was she blushing? And why were her eyes, locked upon him, so suspiciously narrowed? Of course, his answer would come in the realization that she was practically straddling him. Well, practically was an understatement. He could feel the curve of her body over his crotch, fitting against him. A tiny shift--clearly she was just getting more comfortable in her pin, or tightening it on him-- sent her hips forward slightly, rubbing their lower forms together. "I'll give you as much, though; you're pretty good. For a person who took judo back in high school, you still can throw some mean kicks. And your reaction speed is damn on-par...." Her compliments were courteous, of course, and meaningful coming from an Ogre, that would never lie, but another shift of her hips...​ It all happened so quick that Scott barely had time to process it; within moments, the arm that he had tried to use for leverage was ripped from his hold, his throat locked in the elbow joint. Thank god Elise knew how to hold back; like this, she could snap his neck as if it were nothing more than a wishbone. And her mirthful laugh did little to strengthen his confidence... Even more so when she picked him up as if he were a puppy and planted him on his back." Umph!" he groaned; it didn't really hurt due to the padding, but it was more of the speed and time in which it happened that caught him off-guard. And before he knew it, she was pinning him down... And the proximity of her ethers to his own was not lost on him, his teeth gritting a little as he tried to not have anything embarrassing happen. "C-can't blame a guy for trying, right?" he tried to joke, hoping to hide evidence of the inevitable bodily reaction. Scott wasn't so dense that he couldn't see exactly what was happening, but he was more embarrassed that it did happen. Even though many would consider capturing an Ogre's attention an extremely high compliment, especially since Ogres - despite the 'fast and loose' lifestyle they live - chose males for intimacy in any capacity more often than not in a rather serious and strict manner. Mainly it was based on strength and skill, but like humans, individuals had different criteria for who they might desire." Yo-you're not bad yourself..." was Scott's reply, feeling her starting to rub against him, her hips shifting and rolling ever so slightly. And then it happened: A bump would start to form in his shorts, slowly pushing against Elise's nether regions; and while he was nowhere near the size of a male Ogre, she would be able to feel that he had a decent set of equipment down south; it didn't help that even with her muscle, he could feel the softness of her curves like this. And her breasts hanging over his head were even more reason for his body to react as it did: No normal human woman could reach that size without serious surgery, but Elise's were fitting for her. Evident even through the top she wore to hold them in." So... Uh, good match, yeah? How...about we, you know, get up?" he then asked the Ogre, an uneasy grin on his face; he was hoping she wouldn't notice, but with how it was starting to really press against her now it would be impossible for her not to. The slow smirk that crept up Elise's lips spoke for themselves, to answer his question, but she added, "I don't know... It depends..." Of course, she could feel him now. So quickly, and with so little actual teasing, there the male was, rigid in his bottoms right up against her. And by the feel of it against her own crotch, he was quite the well-hung little human. On-par reaction speeds de CD ENT enough strength, and the stamina to go a round or two, topped off with that thing between his legs; he could woo an Ogre without even winning. But, it was all the more intimate, when Elise leaned her face down closer to Scott's. Her nose twitched with a slight sniff, before she moved in even closer. Before Scott knew it, they were but two inches apart, and those hefty, perky globes of the Ogre's chest pressed plushly right up against the toned shape of his own. So close, he could breathe in the haughty, sweet aroma of her scent. The softness of her skin so visible, the delicacy of her ears... Suddenly, her hips shifted, moved forward, to not pin him any longer. Instead, they rolled downwards, and in earnest, her crotch rode in contact with his, gliding along the shape that distended his clothing. Elise's head tilted forward, to the aide of Scott's and a tongue flicked out, just ghosting over the lobe of his ear. Her own hands release his, and planted to the ground above him. "... Do you actually want me to? " ​ Scott didn't quite know the extent of the Ogre's thoughts regarding him... But he'd been hit on enough as a lawyer from some of his clientele to know that this wasn't just idle complimenting... At least not from a Mamono perspective. His cheeks flushed as she laid more on him, letting him feel even more of her. Not so much that it hurt, just enough so that he could feel every inch of her. His teeth clenched a bit as she started to rub her ethers more insistently against his own, feeling his hardness stiffen even more from the contact. He knew most Mamono were capable of eliciting this sort of reaction, but he never expected an Ogre to be able to. Even so, her scent seemed to be making his body start seeing her in quite a different light. And it didn't help that despite her bodily structure, her chest was quite soft, like pillows of perfect firmness. And when she hovered over him, asking if she was really wanted off, he had to hesitate for a moment; was it really so bad that she found him interesting, even if it was slight? He was supposed to represent their interests, but she also wasn't a client of his. And so long as they both agreed it was consensual, there wasn't anything really wrong with - what he was expecting at least - was about to happen." N-no... I mean..." Scott paused, taking a second to wet his lips, his mouth dry as he looked into those brilliant orbs of Elise's. It was obvious he hadn't done this very often, or at least in quite some time, with how meek he was being. "I... I just think... I mean, if you're thinking what I think you're thinking... M-maybe we should go somewhere, more - you know - private?"

Rekindle the Flame (Razgriz x Umbrale)|rating:4.0

Legend of Zelda RPG_ The missing fairy.

(IOC: Before joining, please mention your character(s) in the IOC thread). It was a quiet day in the village of the Kirk, and people were about their businesses, tending the fields as well as paying a visit to the great DEU tree. Nothing seemed wrong, until Maria paid a visit to the lone boy REI. He hasn't shown up for his duties, and she feared something could be wrong. Her feelings were not unfounded, because when she arrived she would notice the boy unconscious on the floor of his house. Responding quickly, she carried him to his bed, trying to determine what happened. It Dion take her too long to notice something vital.... the boy's fairy is gone. Still not responding, she keeps nursing him, until REI mutters a few words. "Woods... fairy.... missing.... so weak..." After which he slips back into unconsciousness. Having heard enough, she sends out a call for people willing to help to recover the lost fairy, for it is vital to the survival of the Kirk boy. IOC: my character is Sr. Sternberg Cranach Sternberg was walking threw the village when he has seen a crowd, a lady asked if any would enter the wood and search for a boy fairy. Sternberg moved threw the crowd to the front "I will search for it, is their no one that will accompany me." IOC: James Killing and LY Kola IC: The night wasn't fun for James as he wasn't the mingling person that he pretends to be at the Knight academy, not to say that he isn't sociable, he just likes quiet after a long days work, he gets back to his loft and sits on his bed. He lays back and feels a bump under the covers, he pokes it and it shakes a bit. He smiles and throws back the cover and LY is there, "The big bug has come back...I will have to squish you again." he says as he pokes her stomach. She laughs and flails around, "No James please don't squish me, I like your bed its so warm and nice." James sighs, "Fine then bug I will let you stay, but you have to be good." She sits up, "I am always good. Hey you have been coming home very late for the passed few days." "Commander, wants me to go all over Rule to get a bunch of junk. Its part of my Knight Exam." LY smiles, "You will be a Knight of Rule after this?" "Don't know, but my pay will go up that's for sure. Then we can move into a house in Kakoriko, rather than living here in the Castle Town." "Can I still sleep in you bed?" she says. "You won't need to, I will get a house with two rooms that way we have our own rooms." he says as he starts taking off her armor, "This needs to be polished and I need to bathe." LY watches him take it off, "You need me to get the bath water ready?" He smiles, "Nah I have to leave out as soon as possible, I am going to Kirk Forest to get a leaf from the Great DEU Tree." LY is stunned, "You are leaving already!?" He drops his armor on the floor and in now wearing just a pair of pants and a shirt, "Yes elected to go today rather than tomorrow, this damn test is going to be long. No use putting it off till tomorrow." "But this is sudden, i haven't even talked to you about it, and i haven't seen you as much as i normally do this week and..." she stops and tears up, "then you're just going to leave me here!?" He hugs her, "LY it's ok you big baby, I will be back and when I do, I will have treats for you." She bats his with her little hands, "No you big dummy, I want to play and talk with you." "Still ever so selfish, huh, my baby girl." he says in a nice smooth tone, "It's ok honey I will be back, and we can play all you want, I will take you to Kakoriko and let you play with the kids...hell I will even play tag with you like." She sniffles, "You promise?" He nods, "Of course I do. Now let's get that armor nice and clear then a quick bath they It's off to the forest. You know honey they say that the people that live in the forest stay kids forever, like they could be 30 years old and still be baby face." She wipes her face, "You think It's something they eat?" He shakes his head, "Nah, I think they are just like that." He shines his armor up and smiles, "Wow wasn't hard today." LY hops out of the bed, "I will make the bath warm." He nods, "Ok." After about 5 minutes, LY comes back in and pulls him into the kitchen where the tub is, "Are we going to have a place to have a tub in the new house?" "Yep, everything will be better I promise." She smiles and stands on a chair and starts pulling off his shirt, "Let's get you naked and into the tub." He smiles, "Ok..." he pulls off his pants, and he lets her take off his shirt. He walks to the tub and takes off his underwear. LY giggles, "You know James, I could wash you back for you." He smiles, "Nah I think you hands are too tiny to do that." She pouts, "I can do it." He smiles, "TINY HANDS!" "Stop it James!" she yells as she throws a towel at him. He catches it and looks at his body in the mirror, "You know sometimes I think I am a god...I mean look at my awesome body..." She blushes, "No you have a body of a weirdo..." He looks back at her, "You are a kid, You don't know how awesome it is to have a body that people claw at yet." She laughs, "No man will get me when I become a woman, because I will punch them in the eye!" He gets into the tub and soaks, "This feels good. Hey LY makes something nice to eat, so I can go on a full stomach." She smiles, "Ok!" She begins cooking, and he soaks in the tub, think about the quest he is going on. IOC: Skua Waldron It was a normal day for Skua. He woke up, got dressed, had something to eat and practiced his flute. But when he went outside, he noticed a huge crowd had gathered. He heard someone talking about a missing fairy, and wondered, how could a Kirk lose his fairy? The only way they could be closer was if you tied them to each other with rope. And Skua knew Kirk felt sick if they didn't have their fairy. Then he heard REI being mentioned. REI was a good friend of Skua, one of the few people who still saw the Skull Kid as a normal person. If he was ill, Skua wanted to help. Making his way through the crowd, Skua stood at the front, next to Sir Sternberg, and said "I'll go find the fairy. Anyone want to come with me?" Sternberg gave the young man a clap on his back ad a lad. Sternberg had no idea why the fairy had any reason for the kid to be sick. Sternberg had just reached this land about three days ago and ran into this village. These people were much different from himself but if he could help he would. (Sápara and Prince Santa) Sápara was tending to the small crop of rare plants the Kirk let her have when she heard a tidbit about a missing fairy. Being Twill, she did not expect to receive the honor of a fairy companion, but the DEU tree was persistent. She casually made her way to the center of the commotion, her eyes cast down to avoid the looks she drew. She noticed an odd Gordon proposed an adventure to find the fairy. "I'll help." She piped in. IOC: Denmark (Don) and Lynn, btw elliptical, the Gordon is mine, and he hasn't said anything yet, but we'll say he's looking for help haha Denmark head from one of the running kids that a boy had lost his fairy. Don, figuring that it was his job to protect the children of the forest felt like he was to blame for the missing fairy. "We need to go find this fairy, the boy needs his fairy now that they've connected" Lynn was in the forest practicing with her swords. "Just one more, than I'm done" she thought to herself. She threw a nearby rock into a tree and watched as an acorn fell. She quickly rolled across the ground and jumped up, slicing the acorn in half. Deciding to call it a day she walked back to the village when she saw a crowd around Maria. Maria being one of the few Kokomo to accept her even though she was a pirate quickly ran over to the group. "What's happened?" Lynn asked in a worried tone char: Ashe found herself in a strange forest, she walked through it carefully though she sensed benevolence, and she routinely caught out of the corner of her eye things following her. James yawns as he gets out of the tub, "Is the food ready yet?" LY glances back, "It takes time you know...I give you half cooked food if you like?" He shakes his head as he gets some clothes on, "I have to get my horse, I will take too long to get to the forest on foot." She sighs and he turns, "What?" She continues cooking, "Nothing..." He shrugs his shoulder, "It's something, but I will be here for a bit so tell me. Because once I am gone, I might not come back for a while." She nods, and he leaves to go out to his small stable and pulls out his horse, "Hey there girl, you ready for a little walking?" The horse looks around, and he smiles, "I take that as a 'yes'." He remembers getting this horse from Lon ranch the little girl there claims to love the horses so she only feels good about parting with them when she knows they will be happy. Though back then she was so small, yet could show concern for the horses. He gets the horse some grass and goes back into the house and doesn't see LY anywhere. "LY? LY?" He finds a note telling him that she has packed his bag and made him dinner, and she is in the room eating...and that he can go die in the forest, since its more important than her. He smiles, "I love you too LY!" He picks up the back, and he can feel some extra weight in it, but It's not hard to life so he doesn't care much for it, if anything it just means that he will have the things he needs. Furthermore, he walks outside and tries to lift the bag over the horse, but the horse sniffs the bag and tries to lick it. Furthermore, he pulls it away, "Whoa I need these things." He puts it on horse and goes back to get his food. Furthermore, he puts it in another bag and locks up, "LY, be good!" he says, but doesn't get an answer. Furthermore, he frowns a bit, "I am telling you when this is all over you will be happy." Still he gets no answer. He locks the door and hops onto his horse and rides out of castle town. He Feels the warm sun of Rule field and smiles, "Let's do this!" He taps his horse, "Come lets go Krill!" The horse starts running and off his goes to the forest. Ashe draws her blade, she hears a horse running rapidly towards her direction. James rides passed a girl and stops as he eyes her. He hops off his horse and shows her the seal of the Kylian Knights, "Little one you are ok?" He sees she has a blade in her hand, "Well then I see you have some kind of protection, but I doubt that will get you too far. Are you ok?" the girl looked at the man, he bore a crest of authority but did not seem to be chasing her. Thought she was Kylian she spoke in an accent of a foreign land she addressed the man with "no, I'm fine, I'm just a traveler looking for work that's all, I'm young but able". James puts the seal away, and he smirks, "A traveler, you don't seem to be from around here. What are you here for? Money? Fame? Simple Adventure?" He steps towards her, "You know anything about The Great DEU Tree?" Skua smiles when he sees the sudden group of people proposing to help. The more people helped, the more chance they'd have of finding the missing fairy. "So a Human, Gordon, Pirate, Twill and Skull Kid are going off to find a Fairy to heal a Kiki. Talk about covering all bases." Skua chuckled softly. It had been a while since he'd been on any sort of adventure. His parents were paranoid that he might turn into a DEU Scrub or something like that. But now he had a group, so they had to let him go. "Ok, why don't we go and pack some essentials and meet back here in, I don't know, an hour or so? That'll give us time to prepare" Maria could hear the group talking, and she would nod approvingly. "From what I could decipher, it happened in the woods. I want you all here back in an hour, while I try to get more information. And remember, be careful!" After that she would return to the boys home, sitting at his side, trying to see if he would wake up for more information. Prince Santa was enjoying his freedom from the royal customs of next in line, he swam through a stream off of lake Julia and found some forest swamp water, and a creek that led by a village. He was observing an odd gathering, but was too far away to gather any information about the purpose of the meeting. Sápara went to her little hut, which was built outside a tree that once belonged to a hero. She found all the clothing she could and used her hair to sop it up. Ashe looks at the man and says "I'm here for work, I'm a sell sword, but please tell me about this great DEU tree." James sighs as he doesn't feel that he has the time to fully explain all he knows of the Great DEU Tree, "Well it...or he, is supposed to be the spirit of the forest? I have never seen him, but I know he is here." He looks down at Ashe, "I don't know if you are keen about the lost woods, but they said that non-fairy folk that come in here, turn into Stalls...and Skull Kids. Though I think you have to die first to be a Staff and you have to be born here to be a Skull Kid." He touches her face and movers her head around, "You seem fine, so I guess you don't have to worry, but if I were you I would stay her too much longer." He hears Krill make a noise, and he turns to his horse, "Krill calm down." The bag falls down, and he hears a groan come from the bag. He pulls out his sword and gets ready, "Who are you and what are you doing in my bag?" He says not getting close. Furthermore, he then turns to Ashe, "Did you do something?" As Skua walked home, he thought about what he was going to need to pack. Food and water were essentials, of course, and he had his flute on him. But maybe he'd need a knife or sword, just in case. Skua could put together a good set of clothes with nothing but the earth, and few were better than him with a hammer and anvil. However, there was something he needed to do before he went home. Skua was a strong believer in luck and fate. He was almost religious about it. Therefore, in the forest, he had set up a shrine, which visited every day, to wish for good luck at. He had even got a few DEU and Mad Scrubs to guard it. He had made it so that no-one could stumble across it by mistake, to keep it from vandals. It was a nice place to go because only the Scrubs were there. It was peaceful. On his way there, Skua noticed two people talking in the woods. One had their back to him, so he could really see them well, The other wore the armor of a Knight of Rule. There was also a horse but that wasn't really important. Suddenly, the horse whinnies and a bag falls of it and moans. The bag was alive? But the Knight drew his sword and seemed to tense, so he didn't know the bag was alive. Then the Knight turned to face the person he was talking to and asked "Did you do something?" Poor Skua thought the Knight had noticed him and was asking him the question. Skua raised his hands, took a few steps forward and called back "No sir, I was over here the whole time" James hears Skua from out of nowhere, and he throws a knife towards him. It hits a tree next to him and James pulls out another knife, "The first one was a warning. Who are you?" Still with his sword in his hand, steps towards the bag still eying Skua, "Answer me!" He gets to the bag and taps it with his foot, and it says, "Ow!" He puts his sword away as he knows that sound...it's the bug. Furthermore, he opens the bag and LY is in it. She pops her head out of it, and she looks up, "Hi... James..." He stares at her sternly and looks back a Skua, "You with her?" he says pointing at Ashe. LY looks around with not knowing what's going on. "No sir" Skua almost smacked himself. He was a Skull Kid for crying out loud! Everyone thought Skull Kids were aggressive to adults. No wonder the Knight was angry! "My name is Skua Waldron, sir. I was going for a walk in the forest" Even if the man was wearing Knight's armor, Skua wasn't about to reveal his shrine just yet. "And I saw you. I thought you may be able to help me. Although, I didn't expect your bag to have a girl in it." Skua eyed the girl on the ground warily. The Knight seemed to recognize her, but he didn't seem to expect her. Maybe he was a bandit who had killed a Knight, taken his armor and kidnapped the girl. Or perhaps he was here on a mission, and the girl had crawled into the bag to go with him Skua pulled the knife out the tree and put it in his spare sheath. Then he stepped forwards and offered his hand to the Knight and said "A pleasure to meet you, sir. Ashe eyed them both, the skull kid seemed more sociable than she had expected. James puts his sword away, but with his hand still on handle, "So...you aren't here to cause a problem?" he says to Skua. LY gets out of the bag and hugs James, "Please don't attack James because he is an adult!" He grabs her and covers her mouth, "Quiet you..." He looks at Ashe and then Skua and goes back to his horse holding tightly onto LY. Furthermore, he sits her down and flicks her head. "Ow!?" "Why were you in my bag?" he asks her. "Because I wanted to come with you." she says looking down. He sighs, "Now I have to take you home." She jumps to her feet, "No i don't want to go back home!" she yells. He covers her mouth, "You are going home now!" She kicks him in the leg and starts running away, "No!" He sighs as she gets a good distance from him, "I don't have time to play games LY come here and let me take you home." "No!" she yells. He taps his sword and sighs again, "Come here baby girl..." he says slowly. She puts her head down, "Are you going to make me go home?" "Depends...come here..." he says in a caring tone. She walks back to him, and he grabs her and hugs her, "We will talk about this later." She nods and sits on the ground. James turns back to the duo he just met, "Sorry about that fiasco." he says in a cool tone. He looks at Ashe and then to Skua. He points to Skua and asks, "You said you thought I could help you, what do you need help with?" He then looks at Ashe, "You say you are here for work, I take it you left your home, where did you come from?" Denmark went to a nearby boulder and lifted it to reveal a large hole, his "house" so to speak. He grabbed a large sack he kept filled with emergency supplies and threw it over his back. It had plenty of snacks and a few supplies that he might need. It even had a couple of bombs in it just in case. But all Don really felt like he needed was his body, after all, not much could hurt a Gordon. Lynn walked back home to grab her bag and filled it with weapons. She put in a knife, a bow, a dagger, and a grappling rope. She also threw in a few sharpening stones to sharpen her blades if necessary. Furthermore, she made sure her small "Kiki Scimitar" was in its sheet and then she left. Since she didn't know how long it would be until she returned she would have to find someone to feed her fish for her while she was gone. Lynn climbed up a tree and watched. There was still at least 45 minutes until she needed to meet back up, might as well scout out around the village from the trees to see if she could catch a glimpse of the fairy. "Why would I hurt your friend?" Skua smiled at the girl. How backwards of her to think he wanted to kill... James, was it? "Not all Skull Kids are savages. Some of us are very welcoming" When the Knight asked about what Skua needed help with, Skua smiled. Having a trained Knight of Rule helping the group would seriously increase their chances of finding the fairy "Recently a Kirk lost his fairy. And as a result, he's started to feel really sick. A group of us are heading out to find it, and we kinda need all the help we can get. If you could help us, you wouldn't go unrewarded" ashes imply said in reference to jams previous question "I came from the east, but maybe I'll tag along with you for a while, us three should be able to find something" she looked at skua and said "tell me more about this reward. James sighs and scratches his head, "I am sorry Skua, but I am not to get involved with the plights of other culture's problems. If you are getting attacked, by others tribes or something of that nature then ok...but this is something that I am not supposed to get involved in." He taps his blade and gives him a bored look and starts to mimic his commanding officer, "They are a good reason for this rule, for if you mess up, it will reflect bad on the Knights of Rule. You May be a knight, but you are still in training, i don't care how good you are." James shrugs his shoulders, "So I can't." He looks at Ashe and points to the north, "Castle town is that way, to the east would be..." "Kakoriko..." LY says. He nods, "SO you are from somewhere passed that, I would like to chat with you about that later." LY tugs on him, and he looks down, "Yes I know...let's go." LY nods and is picked up by James. "If you guys will wait here a bit while I contend with her. I have something I want to know from you Ashe, and I have something I want to ask about the Great DEU Tree Skua." He takes LY behind a tree and sits down with her in his lap. She hugs him tightly, and he smiles, "You know its dangerous being in a bag." She nods silently; he pats her back, "I am not mad at you, what's the problem?" "I don't want to be home by myself." she says bluntly. "But I leave you home all the time." he says not understanding the problem. "I just don't want to be home alone." she says again. He chuckles, "I am going to make you go home if you can't come up with a better reason than that." he says clearly. She tears up, "Fine...the reason is...I have never been away from you more than a day and i don't like the idea that you are going to be gone for days and night on end. When you go to work and training...its different, because I know you are coming home at night, but now..." She stops, and he smiles, "I don't like having you here its dangerous, but it seems I have no choice but to take you along." She smiles brightly and kisses his cheek, "Yay!" He puts his hand on her shoulders, "Ground rules! Don't question me. If I tell you to do something; you do it. Don't not break away from me, I want you in my sight at all times. Don't touch things till I have checked it, i don't care how small it is." She nods, and he stands up still hold her, "Now...let's do back and deal with our...guests." They walk back up to them and sighs, "ok sorry about that guys." He puts LY down, and she gets behind them, "Hi...I am LY...nice to meet you." she says shyly. "It's ok, sir. I understand." When James took LY away to talk to her, Skua turned to Ashe. She couldn't be much older than he was, but she was wandering the forest alone. "Try not to wander, girl, and don't get lost, or you might become like me, and personally, I don't want to see your face change one bit. As for the reward, I have no idea what Maria would give us, but I personally have a SHR...stockpile with tons of things on it. I'll let you take what you want from it. Mind the Scrubs, though, they can get a little upset when there are visitors around." Then the knight came back, with the little girl. Skua looked at the knight and said "Yes, it is a real tree, and no, it won't spit seeds at you. Any other tedious and blatantly obvious questions you want to ask?" Then he walked up to the little girl, shook her hand, smiled at her and said, "Hello, I don't know if you heard me, but I'm Skua. Good to meet you, LY" Ashe walks towards the new girl, she introduces herself as well. James chuckles to himself, and would make a sarcastic comment to Skua, but this is no time to play games. "Yes my tedious and blatantly obvious question wasn't if he was real or if he was going to attack me. I want to know where he is, I have never been here, so i don't feel like walking around." He taps his sword and looks around, "And it seems like this place is a maze and getting lost is the last thing my to-do list." LY giggles at that statement. LY's hands is shaken by Skua and she feels his leafy hands. She sniffs her hands and wonders if Skua is made of forest as a whole...if he is a person or not. When Ashe walks up to her, she realizes that she was the one talking to James when she was in the bag. She grabs James's arm, gets very close to him, and sticks her tongue out at her. James catches her doing this, "Hey...be nice. It's not polite to do such a thing." LY puts her head down, "Hi...I am LY." she says giving Ashe the eyes as if saying, "You better not try anything. James is mine..." James didn't catch that as he looks around and trying to get a feel from the area. "Well, that's one question I thought everyone knew" Skua muttered, before catching himself. "I'm sorry, sir, I'm so used to answering tedious questions that I've been asked a million times. He's at the Kirk village." Then LY sniffs her hands, and Skua sniffs himself. He thought his new Monkshood and Aloe Vera mix in his bath water would have made him smell better, but different people had different preferences. "What's wrong? Do I smell bad? Lynn had been watching and listening to the conversation from the tree tops for a while now. She jumped over to the section of the woods where the crowd was cautiously, since she didn't like outsiders. "Skua!" She yelled, with the intent to surprise them all, "Are you trying to turn those two girls into skull kids too?" She asked in a joking fashion. Denmark left his house and began wondering around the forest. He still felt like something was off. It was as if he knew that he was supposed to do or know something, but couldn't figure it out. But to him there was an Erie feeling to the forest. He interpreted it as a feeling of uneasiness for the boy who had lost his fairy. He went back to the village and decided to go talk to the DEU Tree, he would know what to say.... Sternberg Cranach left and made his way to the forest and started to look for the fairy. LY jumps as she hears a voice from the tree top; James on they other hands is well-trained and isn't easily frighten. LY starts wiping her hands, "Oh no he touched me! James I will turn into a Skull Kid!" James grabs his sword, "So that's your game, huh?" He slowly pulls out his sword, "Are you trying to play tricks on us?" LY tears up, "I need to wash my hands!" LY is in a panic and she runs away to find some water. James puts his sword up and hops onto his horse and starts chasing her, "LY remember the rule that I said no breaking away from me!" He rides off to go get her before she gets lost in the woods. "LY, you don't become a Skull Kid by being touched by one!" Skua yells after LY and James. Then he yelled up at the tree "Lynn, why don't you come down and say hello?" Then he looked at Ashe "Being a Skull Kid... Sometimes, It's really not worth it" James swoons her up and puts her on the horse, "LY you can't break the rules...or I will have to spank you..." She shakes, "But I will turn into a Skull Kid!" He pats her head, "You can't turn into a Skull Kid unless you get lost in the Lost Woods, now they say Skull Kids, lure kids into the forest, but i won't let that happen...plus those are just stories. I don't think Skull Kids lure kids into the forest, because that would mean they would have to deal with adults too." LY hugs James, "Thank you, James...I love you..." He shakes his head, "I love you too baby girl." He trots back and sees Skua and Ashe still there, "Who ever said that come down here, I am a Knight of Rule, I will not hurt you." he says in a broad tone. LY stares at Skua, hoping that he won't take her away. Maria would be waiting outside again after some time, awaiting the arrival of the helping group. "Okay is everybody here? I have some more information to share." Lynn came down from the tree. "Sorry about that, it was only a joke. I'm Lynn, an ex pirate taken in by the Kiki." She looked over at LY, "Don't worry, Skua's one of the good kids, he won't try anything" Lynn looked back at Skua, "I think it's almost time for us to go back, I think Maria needs us. (looking back at the knight and two girls) Would you be willing to help? We really need all the help we can get, and you will be rewarded" Denmark was on his way to see the Great DEU Tree when he heard Maria. He ran up to her "I'll go look for everyone and tell them your ready!" he said excitedly, then proceeded to run off in a random direction looking for members of the group. "Yes I think were all here?" Ashe patted skua on the back reassuringly before looking at the newcomer, whom she had mixed feelings about. James eyes this girl and says without going into the explanation, "I can't because I am on my own journey and I am not able to help." LY looks at her, "So i won't become a Skull Kid?!" she says poking her head up. He pats her head, "I told you, you won't..." He looks at Ashe and is still wondering if he had seen her before, but he has things to do. Well you guys seem to be busy with stuff so I will make my way to the Great DEU Tree. He heads into Kirk Village and sees a girl with a green head of hair and seemingly in distress; he would like to help, but he is in the middle of something, and he trots on passed her. Ashe follows him reluctantly and beckons the others to do so, she had experience with a traveling party before and knew that they were better together, and that they should stick together, all this way if any bounty hunters from her country came after her, she knew she would have protection. LY looks at Ashe and glares at her, "James that girl is following you; tell her to go away. Go away you!" Jame looks back and sees Ashe, "What's going on here? You need something my tiny friend?" he says in a calm tone. "James..." LY says in a whiny tone. He pats her head, "No being rude. Don't mind LY she is just nervous around new people. Is there a problem?" he asks again. Ashe just shrugged and looked back at skua and the others, she suggested and said "I was thinking that maybe we could all roll together for a while, it would be best for all of us, and i won't be a dead weight, I'm good with a blade" she then drew her scimitar and did some shadow sparring with it to prove her skill. Sápara, now finished with her preparations with travel. (That didn't take long at all...) Sets off into the forbidden forest. Prince Santa was in his special made land dwelling suit, that allowed him to travel on land for extended amount of time, he wandered, and after a little bit saw a group of people lead by a tall man with black hair, he was wearing what looked like light Armour bearing the rule symbol. He carefully approached them and gave a slight curtsy. None of these people should recognise me, he thought while introducing himself as, "Ralf, the traveling inventor." "Hey you are coming with us..." LY says in a whiny tone, "Tell her to go away." James sighs, "If she wants to come I can't stop her, it's not like it's a secret mission or something, and hell why not? It might be easier to get this mess done this way." LY sighs, "Fine..." She looks at Ashe and hugs James tightly, "James is mine..." James chuckles, "Don't mind her, she is just like that around new people." He looks around and sees the village in a bit of a panic, but sadly he was told not to help the cultures in there trouble as it's not in the safety of the kingdom, though he does question whether or not it's a good idea, as the safety of a culture is the kingdom's responsibility. He sighs as he continues to trot to the Great DEU Tree. James looked at a person or at least he thought it was a person approaching them, "Hello there is there a problem?" "He's yours?" Skua laughs "What, like a Puppet?" Skua runs up to the three, not wanting to be left behind. The girl was very overdramatic. Maybe she was insecure. Maybe she hadn't been disciplined enough. Maybe she was hormonal. Whatever the reason, Skua wished she'd cut it out. She should be mature and sensible, not whiney and clingy. And the whole 'I better wash my hands because I touched a Skull Kid' malarkey was plain racism. "So, Ashe, tell me about your home. What's it like?" Ashe smiled reluctantly and said "it is cold, but very spiritual. I came from a region of high mountains and sprawling plains. The people are thought and caring, but we also have our share of poverty, even my family a race of Syrians fell on hard times." "No, no problem." Santa assured them. "However I was wondering if I could travel with you... I don't feel too secure in protecting my wares from any troublesome souls." Ashe looked at him hopefully, if the knight was feeling stand-offish then maybe she could roll with him. LY looks at Ralf and smiles, "He is nice...let him come with us." James looks at LY with a serious stare. She looks up at him, "What?" He slaps her in the head, with a little more force than just a pat, "That's very two-famish LY, you know I hate that." She covers her head, "Ow that hurt..." He nods, "I am glad it did, cause know it's time for you lesson. You are ok with Ralf joining us, but not the Skua and Ashe? You can't just pick and choose the people you want to be around, unless it's a personal setting. This isn't a personal setting; you have to bare with the company you have whether they are people you like or not, and who knows you might like them later. Don't act like that ever again LY." he says to her with a bit of anger in his voice, but not enough to seem scary. LY blushes from embarrassment of being scolded in front of strangers, "I am sorry Mr. Skua and... Ms. Ashe..." she says lowly. He sighs and rubs her back, "There now you are learning, that's my baby girl." She pouts a bit and then puts her head into his chest silently. He looks up at Ralf, "You can join me if you like, but if you are going to help this fairy boy; then you are going to have to go somewhere else seeing as I was told not to interfere with the other culture's problems." he says, but in the back of his mind he is wondering if that's a good idea or not. Though he has a bunch of places to go, this was just his first stop. "It's alright LY. to be honest I didn't notice you doing anything wrong. Although I have noticed, I am a bit more lenient towards pretty people" Skua smiles. Then he realizes exactly what he said, and hoped LY wouldn't take it the wrong way. "So, Ralf, I've been known to make a few things myself" Skua says to the traveler, desperate for a subject change. Lynn couldn't stop staring at Ralf. He was a Zora, and she knew for a fact that many Zora's and Pirates didn't get along. However, he hadn't yet seemed to notice her, so she currently had the upper hand. She thought about attacking him while his guard was off but got the feeling that the knight would stop her before she could go for a kill. Instead, she decided she would try to reason with him, and explain that she wasn't the average, Zora hating pirate, even if it was how she was raised. "You, Zora boy, Ralf, I think." Lynn said, "My names Lynn, I'm an adopted member of the Kiki, so whatever you might be thinking about me, just remember that I don't have a problem with you until you have a problem with me." Denmark came stumbling through the forest towards the group. "Maria said she has more information for us! Come on, I think we're about ready to leave." He said to Lynn and Skua. He looked around for a second and realized that there were 4 people and a horse that he was unfamiliar with, and he quickly became hostile. "Who are you strangers that entered the forest?" He asked. "If you do any harm to anyone here, I'll pound you" He said, trying to look tougher than he really was. James heard Lynn say Zora, "So that's what you are...you are a fish, huh?" He smirks, "I need a scale from your king, you think you can ask him for me?" LY lifts her head up, "He is a fish?" "Well sort of, but in a nutshell yeah." She reaches out to touch him, but James smirks and pokes her cheek, "Hey...you can touch people's without permission." She looks at the Zora, "Can I touch you?" James chuckles, "I think you will learn a lot on our trip LY." He looks back at Skua, "Hey you are a Skull Kid, you think you can ask the Great DEU Tree for one of his leaves?" He then looks at Ashe, though not seeing anything in the near future that she could help him with, "Where did you say you were from again?" still trying to see if this homeland of hers is familiar. "You want me to get one of his leaves? You honestly expect me to go and ask the Great DEU Tree for one his leaves and get nothing in return? If you won't help us, I can't help you." Skua says it bitterly, but his smile just broadens. "Come on Don, let's go back and deal with our 'other culture problem' that must be so insignificant, even our Knights won't help us with it. Are you coming, Lynn?" Skua begins walking back to Maria, but shoots a wink at LY OS he goes. Don and Lynn began to walk back with Skua. Before leaving Lynn turned around and shouted to James "The DEU Tree won't give you one of his leaves for no reason, you have to be worthy. Just a heads-up" she turned back around and walked next to Skua. She said quietly to him, "I see you looking at that girl. Are you planning a little prank or do you actually have a little crush on her?" she couldn't help but chuckle to herself at the end of her question. Ashe glared at don briefly before answering jams previous question with "I come from Slavic, it is to the east" she said simply. Prince Santa had moment to breathe before 'Ralf' was hit with a few questions one after another. He tried his best to keep up, "Fairy boy?" He directed at James, then thought to himself, 'That's what the meeting in the forest was about.' "No, not here to help a fairy boy." Then to the skull kid, "We'll have to brainstorm together, maybe we'll make something worth mass production." "No trouble here, I haven't run into many pirates myself." He assured Lynn. "Yes I am Zora, but my fa..." He had almost slipped up and told the party that his father was king of the Zora's. "Well I'm sure I can talk something over with his majesty." He finished, thinking if things went smoothly enough James might find one of the scales mysteriously fell into his money pouch. "Oh sure you can be young lady." Santa said removing hid left-hand glove and bearing the moist scales to the girl. LY smiles and slides her hands across his skin, "Wow so smooth..." James nods "Well that's good. Normal you would get cut by the scales of a Zora. They say the royalty have the softest scales, that's why I need the King's." As the group breaks up; LY looks away from Skua as he winks at her; James saw it and smiles, "Looks like you have a not so secret admirer." She shakes her head, "No he is smelly and icky..." he shakes his head, "Come on LY you don't have to like him like he do you, but be nice." he says that as he starts thinking to himself. LY sighs and hears them say that James isn't worthy of the DEU Leaf, "They say you aren't worthy...I bet you came get it James." James sighs, "They may be right." "No you can get it, you are a good person...you help the weak...and you helped me. If you can't get it, no one can." He smiles, "Honey you don't have to be good to be worthy of something." She looks at Skua and his group leave, and she scoffs, "If the tree doesn't think you are worthy, then it's not worthy to be in your presence James." He chuckles, "Well I am glad so highly of me, but sadly I am not an all powerful spirit, I have to play by his rules." She nods, "I see...I understand..." He hears Ashe speak, and he sighs, ""Nope you home still isn't ringing any bells. "I wonder why you didn't leave, could it be you have a crush on me? I know I am a sexy man." he says jokingly as he starts to trot towards the Great DEU Tree. LY looks at Ashe, "You better not..." she says quietly. He sighs and starts thinking to himself, "These people need help...I should really help them, it shouldn't matter about rank." He sighs as he rides and LY taps him, "You think you won't get it?" He smiles, "Nah I will get it, its just...It's something else." He stops the Krill and hops off LY closely behind him. Furthermore, he opens his bag and pulls out whistle, some parchment, and an ink quill. Furthermore, he starts writing; with LY over his shoulder. HQ, I am at Kirk Forest and I am about to get the first item, but the folk here are in duress. I am requesting permission to help these people as its (In my humble opinion) a high priority as the Kylian Knights are in charge of protecting the citizens that occupy the land in which we protect and help maintain order. I believe I should take point here seeing as I am the only knight on duty on this plain. If not, I then request that you send a few (Maybe three) of the First Squad's best men. I hope this makes it there and back before night fall. Kylian Knight Rookie James. He blows on the whistle and an owl comes down and lands on the house. LY read the whole thing, "You have been wanting to help them for a while, huh?" He doesn't respond, and she smiles, "That's why I think the tree will give you his leaf." she says. James sits on the ground and LY sits next to him, "Well aren't you going?" He shakes his head, "I am not going till my orders get back." he says with much dedication. LY yawns and walks around him, "Can I go play?" He nods, "Just don't leave the village." She smiles and runs off, "Yea!" Sápara wanted to go see her family so bad, according to her dreams she had a new little sister, but she wasn't allowed back into the dark realm. She sighed and got up, "Better consult the great DEU." She says out loud as she starts off toward the path, her fairy in tow. "Sápara?" The little ball of light squeaked, then thought better of it, "never mind." Prince Santa rubbed the ring under his right glove, his father's insignia. "Well..." He was speechless as to how his skin was soft, so he decided to avoid the topic. "Do you know what's happening with the fairy boy?" He asked casually, putting his left glove back on, as his scales started drying out. Ashe looked after LY as she ran off, she thought on how fun she would be to travel with. LY runs to the pond that is close to the shop in Kirk Forest and sits at the edge and puts her feet in the water, "Wow this feels good." She then sees Ashe watching her, and she gives her a mean look, "What are you looking at?" James shakes his head, "Your guess is as good as mine Ralf.") "Your friend is very energetic" she said simply. James nods, "When she is a good girl she is very adult like...she is only kid like at times like this." He sits there waiting for the owl to return, "So your homeland one more time please, I know I have asked, but what was it again?" He is trying his best to remember if he had heard of this please that Ashe claims to be from, but keeps drawing blanks. Ooc: the place is not actually in the real Zelda games, I made it up Ashe looked at him and said "Slavic, to the east, it is a very large place dotted with many princely cities, you have never heard of it?" her voice was slightly surprised by this. IOC: I know its just me being playing the part. IC: Nope never, I have been to death mountain for a training exercise, but never been passed it. Is it hot or cold where you live? He looks her up and down, "Then again I guess you don't need to tell me that if you don't want to, but I have to wonder if The knight have jurisdiction there? Have you every seen and knights there?" LY sees James taking to Ashe and she pouts a bit. She then gets up and goes to James and sits in his lap, "James plays with me..." he smiles, "I am sorry LY I am learning about Ashe, learn with me." He sighs with an unenthusiastic tone, "Fine." "Tell me Ashe?" James asks her. Skua barely restrains his laughter at Lynn's suggestion "A crush on that whiney, clingy, selfish, arrogant, and let's not forget, racist whelp? Very funny" In truth, he was planning a prank he could do later, as payback for the 'wash my hands' scenario. Perhaps he could paint her skin black and put red contact lenses on her. Or steal the horse and lead it into the woods. They were probably staying overnight to get the DEU Tree's leaf. Skua had plenty of time. Sápara noticed the outsiders, and was planning on turning back, before she heard her fairy. "Wow, your armor looks pretty." It said to the Julian knight. Sápara rolled her eyes and made her way over to the creature, "Can't you mind your business." She scolded it. Santa took off the suit he was wearing, careful to conceal the signet ring inside, then he dove into the lake. He was under long enough for a human to suffocate, but just after that time had passed he leapt from the water in a large arc, diving back in immediately. Lynn laughed. "So it's a prank then am I right? I'll be happy to help you mess with that little squirt" Don saw Lynn and Skua talking and felt left out. He was always the odd one out since he wasn't a human. But Skua wasn't human either he thought to himself. Maybe it was just that he was to shy "Okay all adventurers. I have some more information. It seems the fairy was lost in the wester part of the wood, area place where some skillful's nestle. My advice is to go there and see what you can find. I will be here in town at the boys place if you need advice." "Well, Lynn, I have a plan. Not a very good one, possibly, but a plan nonetheless. Wait until the little wretch is asleep, and paint her black, and give her red contacts. When she wakes up, it'll look like she's turned into a Skull Kid. I can easily get through any locks, if they stay indoors, and I could make a tranquilizer out of the herbs around the village. That would teach her." Lynn laughed. "Sounds good. But what are we going to do about the knight? It looks like he'll be glued to her wherever they go. And I doubt he'd be fun to wake up" Ashe began to explain her country to jams "it is cold and very large, with Kylian princes ruling the cities. It is to the northeast and the people find power in the spirits of the land, that is the fruit of our culture, does this answer your question?" she asked. James nods, "So the Knights have no pull there. That is odd, this place must be far away thing, I will have to check a map once I get back home." LY wiggles in his lap, "Now can you play with me?" James smirks, "You want me to play with you?" She nods, and he looks at Ashe, "So you home is cold...is this all the time, or just certain times of the year?" LY looks up at him, and she feels his hands slide around her waist, and she giggles a bit. He is tickling her, but she is trying not to laugh. James is counting in his head as she holds in her laughter. "1...2...3...4" He looks at Ashe, "Sorry if I am prying into your personal business, i just very curious." LY giggles a bit. Maria awaits patiently at the boys place. Not a word has been heard lately, and so she alternates time between taking care of the boy and watching outside for news. IOC: Goddammit, I thought I was awaiting a reply, not someone waiting on me replying! Apologies to all Skua sighed "You know what, she won't be worth the trouble. Let's just set up a snare outside where they are staying and trap one of them in that. Anyway, she'll be gone soon. Her friend, the 'Knight' refuses to help us." Skua suddenly felt weary, as though it was the middle of the night. Maybe it was the realization that their group was, at best, ragtag. They wouldn't even count as a Militia. An exploration group was out of the question. "You know, if we had that knight on our side, the odds would really be evened up. Even if we had some of his armor or weapons..." Skua stopped. He just had an idea. "What if we steal some of his equipment? Then he won't be as well-equipped, and will have to buy some of our stuff. That will put a few Rupees into the economy, and we will have armor and weapons. Smiles all around. How's that for a plan?" Denmark had already run aged and was waiting on the others to go towards the Skillful nestle. He could see Skua and Lynn walking, but couldn't hear what they were saying. "I like the idea, and I'm up for it... But I don't think the rest of the Kiki would like it... I'm all up for stealing, especially from someone like him. But I think that most of my equipment is good, all I really want is a magic lens, and those are extremely rare, I doubt their given to such... low level knights as him." Lynn told Skua. "But come on! I think the groups ready to head out." James is waiting for Ashe to reply as he is play the laughter game with LY. He is up to 54 as she holds in her laughter. He then hears an owl screech; he stops tickles her, and she falls to the ground panting as she is relieved that the game is over. Furthermore, he gets the note tied to its leg as well as a bow and arrow and wallet. Furthermore, he opens the letter and sees it silently: Rookie, You were told to do your task and nothing else. The sick child is not kingdom security and should not be approached. You are being paid to deal with what command tells you to do and do it you shall. Here is your pay and a steel bow. This is different from the one you are normally issued, but you Commanding Officer spoke highly of you, and we believe you should be able to use it. But we repeat do not get involved in other culture's problems it's in the best interest of the kingdom. HQ... James isn't happy to have read that, sure he gets a new weapon that only a few gets, and he got his money, but to be told that a citizen's life isn't important enough to take out a few hours maybe to fix a problem. James sighs and LY looks up at him, "You don't look so good James." James looks down at her, "No...I am fine." He thinks it over a bit and LY opens his wallet, "Wow there is like 1000 Rupees in here!" James doesn't care about that right now. He taps his blade and opens his bag, "LY...let's see the great DEU Tree, I have something to ask him." LY hops up and follows James. James looks back at Ashe, "You can come if you like." LY doesn't say anything about James's comment seeing as she was told to accept everyone. "Bah" The skull kid huffed. "As though it's not bad enough that my race is being slaughtered in the hundreds by his kind, I'm not allowed to get a few things back from him. And the very person banning me is someone from another race whom the Knights exterminate in the hundreds. That makes perfect sense" Skua followed hastily, annoyed at being denied his one shot at vengeance. Well, if he encountered any Knights on the road, no-one should expect him to be welcoming to them. "By the way, do you know anything about surviving in the wild? I mean, I can remove poison from plants, cook, make medicines and poisons, pick locks, sew and build. Other than fight, which I know you can do very well, do you know any survival skills?" James and LY head to the Great DEU Tree wondering if it's a good idea to get a leaf. He gets to the meadow and sees a giant tree, more than maybe the Rule Castle. LY is about to step forward, but James stops her and begins walking forward. He sits in front of the tree and smiles, "Oh Great DEU Tree, I came here for a leaf of yours, but before I get to that I have to ask you something. I am a Knight of Rule, rookie if you will. I am tasked with collecting items of great importance to me and my superiors, but I was told that this is my task and nothing else. Seeing as you and others have problem all over the land, I was wondering if it is ok to just do as you are told. I have always a nice person and an open speaker, but things are different in the Knighthood. Is this ok?" There is a silence, and he sighs, "Can you help me? I know, or have heard you speak, but is that only to a select few? A sign will be good as well." Still there is a silence. LY hugs James and looks up to the tree, "Mister DEU Tree, James is only doing what he thinks is right, and even though most people would just sweep this kind of things away, James can't do that. Please give him a leaf and he...we will promise to help anyone on our travels, please?" James doesn't say a word, as It's something that he would have promise as he always keeps his word. Still there is nothing. James sighs, "I guess...this is it then, I will just have to go somewhere else till I find a way to get the leaf, maybe another time you will speak to me, Great DEU Tree." He says picking up LY and slowly walking away. "I have a few basic surviving skills. I can hunt, cook, forage, fight, and with the right materials around me, I can make a basic shelter that can keep us dry. But that's all I was ever taught before..." Lynn trailed off and became silent. She wiped a tear from her eyes and continued to walk until she reached Denmark "Alright, I don't know where the human went, and I can't find Sápara, so it looks like it's just us!" Denmark looked around, "Well maybe they'll catch up later, or we're late" "Good point, we should probably get going." Lynn grabbed her bag and started walking towards the west part of the woods. She turned around, "You two coming?" Don started walking towards her, she had a better sense of direction then he did so she should know where to go Prince Santa launched from the lake, quickly covering himself and getting dressed. "Sorry for taking so long." He said zipping his suit back up. Sápara walked up to the great DEU with her fairy following, "Sir, Great DEU, I have not yet earned my place among the people, and I ask for your blessing in the quest to find this boy's fairy." She said, after which she promptly tuned to leave, she had never heard its voice but prayed as if it were a shrine every time. IOC: Until fallen gets back I am temp RP Master continue as planned people. Then wind blows in the meadow and a leaf falls from the tree and lands on James's head. He grabs it and smiles, "I see...the silences was a test, huh? Or are you seeing if I will keep my word?" LY sees Sápara leaving the meadow and tilts her head, "James now that you got the leaf...it's about time we go help the boy, huh?" he asks knowing that James isn't going to break his promise even if the tree didn't tell him to keep it. James smiles, yeah lets go fine that group and see if they are going to continue helping the boy. LY hops on Krill and James mounts the horse as well, "I saw you looking at that girl, did she say something to you?" "No she just seems a bit sad...is all." she says as they head back to the village. "Hey, no need to cry, I didn't mean to upset you!" Skua cried in alarm. He was told he was very Empathetic. Whenever someone else got upset, he got upset. Whenever someone else laughed, he laughed. Even emotions that others hid from him, he felt them. He was yet to discover if it was some kind of magic power, or just natural instincts "If it upsets you, I won't ask. How about you, Don, what do you bring to the table?" Ashe stood by, she took out her sword and began spinning it around to show that she to had something to bring to the table. James smiles an Ashe and chuckles, "You don't have to try so hard I believe you are a fighter, but hopefully the place we are going to isn't so bad." LY glances back at Ashe, "Or you should just stay here..." James shakes his head, "Lets not exclude anyone..." He says seeing Maria looking from outside the boy's home. She sees James and smiles, "You are a Knight, am I right? I am surprised that someone like you would come to help." James sighs, "I didn't really, it was just luck that I came here at this time." She nods slowly, "So...are you going to the nestle with the others?" James nods, "I will meet them there, but umm where is this place...never been her before." "It's in the Lost Woods, the others know that so they might be well on their way, the webbing of the Skillful gets thicker as you get close to the nestle...be care I hear that some of them are quite poisonous." James nods and LY quivers, "Do they eat people...?" Maria shrugs, "Not sure, they are biggest to eat people, but as if they do, I am not sure sorry." James sighs, "Well we shall find out, or you can stay here LY." She grips James, and he nods, "Ok then, come on Ashe." He starts riding towards the Lost Woods and sees the Skua and the others seemingly making they way there. He shouts out to them, "Hey guys, wait up got something to tell you!" The Skull Kid groaned "Oh, for goodness’s sake..." Why did this knight continue bothering them? If he wasn't going to help, then there was no need for him to talk to those who were actually going to do some good "Now what!?" Skua yelled back James smiles at Skua when her yelled at him. "Well someone is snippy. I just think it would be good if I came with you, don't want you becoming part of the spider's nest." he says with a chuckle, seeing as Skua was a Skull Kid, so his body had leaves and such on it. LY on the other hand was a bit mad, she wanted to tell Skua that he should thank James for coming, he could get in big trouble for disobeying orders from his superiors, but she didn't voice her thought as she had nothing nice to say to him. LY looks up to James, "Are you sure this is a good idea?" "I made a promise, didn't i? You should always keep your word LY." he whispers to her. He looks back at Skua, "Well lead the way! The green girl said this nestle is in the Lost Woods and the trail to it should have slick everywhere. That lucky for me seeing as I need Skillful Silk. Suppose to be very durable." "Took your sweet time deciding what was important, didn't you? Come on, it would be good if we had another sword by our side" Skua grinned. He would never understand the adult mind. "You may not want to wear that particular armor, sir. The creatures in the forest are somewhat aggressive towards Knights, and not even I would be able to stop them from ripping you limb from limb. Also, if you hear a flute, and I amn't playing it, do not, repeat, DO NOT go and investigate, unless you want to join the ranks of the 'lost children' as I've heard my species be called so many times. Adults may not need to worry as much, but you could still turn into a DEU Scrub, and we don't want that. Well, they say that you'll become a DEU Scrub, I have yet to see it for myself..." Skua's voice trailed off, deep in thought. Should he apologize for being so snappish earlier? Maybe. "And sir, I wish to apologize for my earlier outburst. I just don't like the idea of someone I know dying, and even one person who won't try everything to save them. As for the child... well, consider us even for your racist comments earlier" Turning back, Skua went to the front of the group and yelled "This a-way everybody" before marching cheerfully into the woods that had claimed so many lives before. Ashe follows behind him with her blade drawn, ready for danger at any point. LY hears Skua, but doesn't understand what he meant, "James what was a racist comment, i haven't said anything." she whispers to him. "I don't know just say you are sorry cant have people being at odds right now, i don't wasn't my knight career to end with disaster." She looks at Skua then back at James, "In disaster?" He stops talking as he doesn't want people knowing that he is help against the better wishes of HQ, "Just say you are sorry." LY doesn't want too, seeing as Skua is mean to James and doesn't respect him, but if James doesn't care about it, then she can try as well, "I am sorry if I hurt your feelings Mister Skua." He pats her head, "Good, when we get home I will buy you a treat." She smiles and hugs him, "I like candy." He chuckles, "I bet you do..." James sighs as they near the Lost Wood, and wonder if he should take off his armor. He is an adult, so the Skull Kids will attack him whether he has it on. Then beasts of the woods will attack whether they know him as a knight, "I think I will be fine with this on..." he thinks to himself. He looks at Skua, "Lead the way my friend, I will be right behind you, you are our shield." he says jokingly with a chuckle. "Hey, way to make me feel guilty. I said we were even. I did not say that you needed to apologize. And for clarification, that 'I touched a Skull Kid, so now I need to wash my hands' Statement was racism. But, I'm good with it. Sheesh," Skua gave them a grin before trekking on. It was good to be back here. Even if the air was eerie, it was good to know that he wouldn't get eaten, and he didn't have to worry about turning into a 'monster'. Tilting his head slightly, Skua is certain he can hear a flute playing. Out of politeness, he lifted his own flute, and began playing. It was a jaunty tune, sounding horribly out of place for this particular forest, but it was a message to the other Skull Kid. A message saying "I've got company. Don't get close" LY shakes her head, "But that girl said that you would turn me into..." she is tapped by James, "Honey just let it go..." She sighs and just nods. James sighs as the Skull Kid plays his tune, "Soothing...to say the least." LY on the other hand being a child it had a different effect, she was tired all of a sudden. She cuddles up to James and goes to sleep; James smiles, "This is nice, maybe we will be in out before see wakes up." he says jokingly as she knows that the music of a Skull Kid has weird effects of kids. He is looks around and sees different tunnels, "Oh boy...ok well to go." He is looking around and doesn't see any silk so they don't have a trail to follow, "Skua, you know where we are going, because I have not the slightest clue." He sighs as looks around, "This place is like what the book said it's a maze, now I know why people get lost in here." ashed began to cut along the tunnels "this way we can find our way back" she said slyly. James nods to Ashe, "Good job, at least we can get out if we need to." A Skull Kid comes out of the shadows and looks at Skua. The Skull Kid plays it flute and dances around as if it's trying to say something. James doesn't want to approach the child seeing as they don't like adults and for the safety of LY he smiles, "Go on Skua Tell you buddy to back off." he says thinking that all Skull Kids have got to be somewhat friends. Skua shoots the newer Skull Kid a look. If he was going to attack, Skua would protect the Knight with his life. The message the other Kid was playing was a "Go away" message. Skua fought the Syrians' case. He, using his own flute, conveyed that the Knight and children were here because they were trying to help a Kirk child. The Skull Kids had always been good friends with the Kirk children. Many wouldn't judge them for their skin, eyes or hatred of adults. But they still didn't like Knights, no matter who was standing up for them, and this one was no exception "He wants you to remove your weapons and armor, and for me to tell you that if you harm any living being in the forest, they'll kill you." Skua told the Knight. But when he saw LY sleeping in James' arms, he panicked. "No, no, no, wake her up, wake her up, wake her up. If she sleeps here for too long, she'll turn into a Skull Kid" Skua grabbed LY and shook her desperately. "Come on, LY, you're too pretty to turn into one of us. Get up, for Want's sake, please wake up." James watches Skua shake LY but she doesn't wake up. He chuckles and lifts her up, "Let me do it." He smiles and flicks her nose, and she shakes, "Ow...that hurt..." she says. Furthermore, he smiles, "Might not was to sleep, I need you awake." She yawns and start looking around, "Why?" He doesn't want to alarm her, "I just think It's too early for a nap, I want you to sleep tonight." The Skull Kid plays his flute again and make her fall asleep. James's normal carefree and jokey expression and demeanor fades, and he flicks LY's nose again force her to awaken again, but this time he looks at Skua, "You tell you friend to stop his games, or I will harm her with my sword. I don't have time to deal with him, nor do I want to hurt him, but if he wants to be a problem I can make an easy solution." he says in a serious tone to Skua. He isn't normal a serious person outside of battle, but this is getting annoying. He sighs, "Maybe that was a bit harsh, tell him that I will not remove my armor and that he should let us pass. I will not do anything to him nor his friends. And even if I do, please don't harm LY for their problem with me." IOC: Is anyone other than me, Link and possibly Toughie still Ring? Its just that no-one other than us 3 have responded in quite some time Skua told the other Skull Kid what James had said, through his flute. The feral child was furious at James' disregard of his command, at deeply offended at the thought of him hurting another child. Playing back, and doing another strange dance, Skua translated "He says that he won't hurt LY or the sell sword, but that he must ensure you will not harm him or any other creature in the forest. He says, whether by killing you or just removing your weapons and armor makes no difference. He would even be happy if you gave your equipment to LY or our friend..." Skua notices that the sword-for-hire has vanished into one of the tunnels. He sighed unhappily and continued "If you gave you are things to LY or me." Skua gave James a look that said 'Please don't get violent', before going to LY and flicking her noise as James had done. IOC: I have been wondering that as well, I think if I had acted a BS quicker than people would still be here, but maybe it couldn't have stopped the drop in people. But its up to them if they want to post or not. IC: LY jumps again as her nose is flicked by Skua, "Ow..." James sighs have always been told not to let the enemy psych you out, but this is getting a bit annoying. He looks at Skua, "Listen friend, you tell him that I will not leave myself defenseless and in turn leave LY, the most important person in my life in the hands of another, just because a Skull Kid wants to make an ass out of himself! You tell him that I will not attack unless I am provoked, which should be seen as i haven't attacked him yet, but he is truly stroking my ire." James doesn't like the idea that he has to give his weapons to someone else as if he isn't allow using them on his own accord just because someone other than his superiors say so. Again he realizes that his statement sounded a bit to harsh; LY rubs her eyes, "What is happening..." she looks over and sees the other Skull Kid, "Ah! What does it want!?" "It wants me to do as it says, or it will harm you." "What!? I thought they don't hurt kids! James you said..." James covers her mouth, "Maybe i shouldn't have said it like that, it keeps putting you to sleep with its tune, which I am sure he isn't doing on purpose it's just a random side effect it has on you with you being a child." LY looks at Skua, "Hey you are one of them tell him to stop it now!" James's normal demeanor comes back to lower LY's fear, "We have tried that it won't listen, it wants me to take off my armor and weapons and do a jig." he says with a smile on his face. She shakes her head knowing the seriousness of the situation, "Well, how are you to protect yourself?" James looks at Skua, "I guess he wants me to rely on Skua for protection." LY looks at Skua then James, "No you tell that Skull Kid to go away James!" James looks at Skua, "Sorry tell your friend that the child and I have to decline to do as he says. Tell him I am not the kind of man to attack people for no reason nor am I the one to let people tell me what to do with force or blackmail, its sneaky and underhanded. I will protect myself if need be, but he doesn't have to be my enemy." The Skull kid doesn't see any movement that he wants to see, but all the talking have confused his seeing as he can't speak the tongue. IOC: Ok I've subscribed to this, but I won't respond IC until someone who isn't Link responds. If that means I have to wait, I'll wait, and I don't care how long it takes. Ooc: I'd be willing to continue, but if it's just us three, can we do a little bit of restructuring? IOC: Reconstruction, like what? I will see what can be done. Ooc:well with just the three of us, maybe it would be easier if we just skipped to after the DEU tree, and we are already on our quest, and then we can just write out everyone's char. I'll start that tomorrow. IOC: I am all for that. I will get anon and see if he will like that.

Legend of Zelda RPG_ The missing fairy.|rating:3.0

CX-43_ The True Final Solution! (Group WWII Zombie RP)

{"Light box_close": "Close", "light box_next": "Next", "light box_previous": "Previous", "light box_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.", "light box_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow", "light box_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow", "light box_full_screen": "Full screen", "light box_thumbnails": "Thumbnails", "light box_download": "Download", "light box_share": "Share", "light box_zoom": "Zoom", "light box_new_window": "New window", "light box_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"} CX-43: The True Final Solution!​CONTENTS:​[1] Timeline [2] Basics of the Role-play [3] Characters​ TIMELINE:Real History of Nazi Chemical Weapons:[1937]Nazi Germany develops nerve agents ta bun (in 1937) and sarin (in 1939) with the help of IG Farben chemist Gerhard Schrader. IG Farben was Germany's premier poison gas manufacturer during World War I.[1944]The nerve agent woman was later discovered by Nobel Prize laureate Richard Kuhn and his collaborator Konrad Henkel at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg in spring of 1944. The Nazis developed and manufactured large quantities of several agents, but chemical warfare was not extensively used by either side. Chemical troops were set up (in Germany since 1934) and delivery technology was actively developed. Re-Imagined History for Role-play:[1940]While IG Farben continued its research into poison gas, Nazi scientists began their own experiments with chemical weapons. This was initially intended as a countermeasure in case the Allies used chemical weapons against the Germans.[1943]With The Moscow Declaration, signed by the USA, UK, USSR and China, which demanded the unconditional surrender of Axis powers and proposed the establishment of an international organization for peace, Hitler orders his scientists to work faster on producing chemical weapons intended to cripple and strike fear in their enemies. Within months of The Moscow Declaration Nazi scientists develop CX-43, an experimental gas intended to not only kill but viciously intoxicate those who breathe in the gas. Testing of CX-43 begins in concentration camps immediately after the first large shipment is complete. By the winter CX-43 is rushed into being weaponized and CX-43 warheads are installed in bombs for aircraft and V2 rockets all of which are focused on Britain and the Soviet Union in anticipation of possible attacks from either sides. As the Russians began their advance towards Germany from the east after their victory in Stalingrad, unprepared and in some cases unstable samples of CX-43 were loaded into light attack aircraft and dropped like pesticide upon the advancing Red Army. Soon after the effects of CX-43 take effect the Russian advance grinds to a halt as their troops who fell to CX-43 begin to turn against them in a bloodthirsty rage. The effects of CX-43 soon travel back to Russia as their advancing forces are slowly consumed by undead hoard. German forces on the Eastern front are soon provided with all kinds of chemical warfare protection equipment without being given a reason. They are ordered to make full use of the equipment and shoot anything or anyone who is not German. They are not warned of the possible threat of CX-43 victims.[1944]As fear of US/UK invasion of France after recent invasions of Axis controlled Italy grow, Germany begins its CX-43 attack on Britain. England, Scotland, Wales Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are attacked. Even though the Republic was a natural state it was still attacked in fear of Allie forces gathering their for the French invasion. Italy is also attacked with CX-43 with the hope of ending the Allied invasion of Italy.[1945]All US and other Allie forces in Europe have succumbed to CX-43 infection. The US withdraws its troops from the pacific fearing the Japanese will soon use CX-43 against them. With this retreat the US declare themselves no longer at war with Germany or Japan and focus on protecting their own land from possible German or Japanese invasion.CX-43 infection spreads throughout Russia and Italy and begins to effect neighboring nations. While the infection in Britain is accidentally carried over to France by the German Navy. German scientists begin research into a cure and or possible vaccination to prevent the effects of CX-43. At this point Hitler is consumed by the power he now has as the leader of the only European superpower, his attention soon turns to the pacific. Japan now seems a useless Allie to Nazi Germany now America is no longer a threat.CX-43 is now fully tested and weaponized. Also, Nazi rocket research has advanced greatly as a result on the attack on the UK. By winter Germany launches a surprise CX-43 attack on Japan's major cities. Within a couple of days Japan's military strength is crippled and the path to America is clear for a German invasion.[1946]By spring German aircraft carriers and battleships begin to approach both the Eastern and Western shores of North America. May 1st 1946, the invasion of America began as SERNAM aircraft began their toxic assault on both of the US coastlines. The US Air Force and Army are mobilized and begin their defense of their homeland. After the ruse of CX-43 in Europe and Asia the American military has prepared their forces and their civilian population for chemical warfare. Though they were ill prepared for the second Nazi Blitzkrieg, German ground troops begin to land on the eastern and western coast while para troopers are dropped further inland as CX-43 begins to ravage the US military and civilian population. NOW! (The Role-play):It is the summer of 1948 and America has fallen to the Third Reich, though their control is not as firm as they would like due to the mass infection caused by CX-43 both in America and Germany. Sufferers CX-43 have slowly developed into ravenous hoards of undead monsters hungry for the flesh of those not yet infected. In Germany the situation has grown worse and now Berlin is the only safe Zone in the whole of Germany and Europe. It is tightly packed with the remnants of the German war machine that remained in Europe during the American invasion. Hitler is dead, killed by radicals within his army who blamed him for the hell that Europe had become. What remains of Hitler's Nazi Germany in both Europe and America is now under the control of rogue General Hans Kramer a former Panzer commander who rose through the ranks swiftly as Germany's enemies fell. General Kramer was responsible for the uprising that led to the death of Hitler and many other high ranking Nazis. With a new world and a new leader comes a new ultimate objective, as world domination has in a way been achieved General Kramer now wishes to try and save humanity form CX-43. Though the SS have other plans. Basics of the Role-play:Setting:America and in times Europe (But briefly). Characters:US survivors and their German occupiers whom must now work together to survive the CX-43 monstrosities. Though there will obviously be a lot of animosity between the Americans and Germans after all the Germans are to blame for the zombies and of course invaded America! The SS however seek to maintain German superiority in America and refuse to help their comrades who cooperate with the Americans. There have been numerous reports of executions of both Americans and Germans by the SS whom have committed many other atrocity whilst in America. Status of Occupation:Even though the Zombies out number the living the German forces in America are intent on for filling their occupation to the end. They have installed themself as the new authority in America and treat the American's as second class citizens. This will be similar to their occupation of France only with Zombies and a lack of supplies etc due to situation in Europe. Though with no sign of the infection dying out there will be some cooperation between the Americans and Germans though the Germans will always make sure the Americans know who is boss through their strength as a military force and their obvious control of all weapons in America. The SS however seek to maintain German superiority in America and refuse to help their comrades who cooperate with the Americans. Status of CX-43:By now the CX-43 used during the invasion would have gone, its only remnants being the infection passed through the bites of zombies. However, their will still be samples of it in its raw form in unused chemical weapons still in passion by the Germans, the bulk of this stockpile is found on their Command ship 'The Blitzkrieg'; a refurbished aircraft carrier that now functions as a navel V2 rocket launch site. Its stockpile of 100 V2 rockets has obviously been greatly reduced as a result of the invasion, however there are still 34 V2 rockets with CX-43 warheads on board just in case. The Blitzkrieg also functions are the German Command Centre for US operations, a floating fortress backs up by aircraft carriers, destroyer battleships and U-Boat submarines. CHARACTERS:American: Marie Massacre said: Name: Lieutenant Colonel Elliana Hawks Age/D.O.B: 25 Nationality/Race: American Appearance: Role/Occupation: Former commander of the 2-39th Infantry Battalion. Skills and Abilities: Superb marksmen. What is called Hawkeye. 40 shots 40 kills. Bio: Elliana was born in the US. She is a twin, that was how she made it into the military initially. She cut off her hair and pretended to be her twin brother. Furthermore, she eventually became a Lieutenant Colonel and the commander of the 2-39th Infantry Battalion. Furthermore, she was considered one of the best marksmen in the Army. Which was how she progressed so rapidly. Once the zombies started coming around, she took shelter and began taking out zombies using the set of skills she knew best. Her sniping abilities. She also knew how to handle much heavier weaponry. Including Saws and heavy machine guns. Now she has taken up hold with a Nazi SS Officer. Click to expand... Dr Curiosity said: Name: Colonel Kenneth Gladly Age/D.O.B: 36, born January 3, 1912, Nationality/Race: American Appearance: Despite being passed the age of a normal persons prime, Kenneth is a reason to think otherwise. Standing a little over six feet with a body made up of chiseled frame, not one of an overly productive body builder, but an athlete. His medium brown hair was cropped high and tight, as most men in the marines wore their hair. Green/brown deep sunken eyes showed a gentle, but almost nonexistent side to the man. He had high cheekbones, a defined jaw line, and a pale crescent shaped scar over his right eyebrow. He wears all black military fatigues, and a faded black combat boots, abandoning the use of shirts altogether. Instead, he wears his shoulder rigs, the nylon straps slinging to bare skin. Aside from all that, he carries a gas mask tied to a loop on his belt. Role/Occupation: U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Skills and Abilities: Unmatched unarmed combatant. If you are thinking about getting into a fist fight with him, think again, then run away. Bio: Kenneth was not some prodigal son of a renowned military officer who was destined to do great things for his country. He was born in California, and is the son of a sailor, or was at least. He traveled the world with his father for the earlier years of his life, spending time in exotic countries and the like. That is where he received his great combat skills. While away, he studied many disciplines of martial arts in the places he went, such as Brazil, Korea, Thailand, India, and more. It wasn't until he was 19 that he officially returned to the states, and the only real opportunity to him seemed like the military. Kenny started in the navy, as a sound engineer, operating sonar equipment on battleships and in submarines. Later in his life, he left the Navy for the Marines, passing basic training well enough to work his way through the ranks. It wasn't until the span between the world wars that he was promoted to Colonel, as a great deal of men were during that time. When the CX-43 hit the coasts, Kenneth was lucky enough not to have reached California yet. What he saw when he got there was a sight like no other. However, Colonel Gladly was not a weaker man, and when the situation might have cost his life, he would rather it be another than his own. For Théotime being he is holed up in Camp Pendleton with a few others, holding their own between tightly packed buildings, sandbags and barbed wire barely managing to hold off zombies long enough for the rag tag team to put them down. Click to expand... Sweet Angel Jocelyn said: Name: Gabriella Dumas Age/D.O.B: 21 Nationality/Race: American/French, White Appearance: Role/Occupation: USO girl Skills and Abilities: First Aid, Dancing, Singing Bio: Gabriella was born the youngest daughter of French immigrants, on US soil, so she was a US citizen automatically. When she was ten the girl started taking dance lessons from a neighbor. By eighteen, she was traveling and performing. When most of her friends started to marry and work to help the cause, Gabriella began to travel over Europe to brighten the fighters' days. She was caught with a troop in Germany when the outbreak began, and knows that she won't be able to home any time soon, so she's looking forward to helping with first aid, if nothing else. Click to expand... German: xMILENKOx said: Name: SS-Reichsführer Jürgen On Wolf. Age/D.O.B: 57 / March 3rd 1891. Nationality/Race: German, White. Appearance: A true Aryan bored and bred, with short almost bald, golden blonde hair and ice blue eyes that are sunken in dark black circles that are often hidden behind tinted black circular glasses. Jürgen is a tall man standing around 6'6" with a strong yet slim build, he also had a strong yet narrow face. Jürgen can always be seen clad in his black SS Reichsführer uniform, jack boots and a black leather trench coat. He is also easily noticed by the lack of a left hand that he lost whilst serving on the eastern front. Role/Occupation: SS Reichsführer of US Operations. Skills and Abilities: Jürgen is silver tongued devil and a master of manipulation! He has helped the SS stay strong in the wake of Hitlers death through propaganda and promises of a return to Hitler's Germany! Bio: Jürgen On Wolf is the SS Reichsführer of US Operations as a result the SS in America serve him with a similar fanatical locality as they did Hitler. Jürgen served directly under Heinrich Himmler the Reichsführer of the SS, a military commander, and a leading member of the Nazi Party while in Europe before being promoted upon his arrival in America after the invasion. Before however he was one of Hitler's greatest supporters and a major driving force of the SS. He saw most of his military duty during the second world war on the Eastern Front and as a result lost his left hand to a Russian grenade. As expected Jürgen despises anyone who is not German and of coarse anyone who isn't white or Christian. 卐:-:卐:-:卐:​ Name: Oberschütze Günter 'The Butcher' Reinhardt. Age/D.O.B: 44 / October 15th 1904. Nationality/Race: German, White. Appearance: Günter is a monster of a man standing 6'9" with a large muscular build and often referred to as being a monster or tank of a man. His dark brown hair is always shaved down to the scalp, it is known he does it to mock victims of Nazi Gas Chambers who are shaved before death, but really he does it out of shame of not being blonde and not being truly Aryan, though his eyes are a dark blue. Günter typically wears a black short sleeve SS uniform with a black trench coat over it. Role/Occupation: SS Oberschütze and personal enforcer of Jürgen On Wolf. Skills and Abilities: Günter is a heavy-handed thug and of coarse has the weight to back it up, as the German Boxing Champion he is skilled with his fists and enjoys to take the fight to his enemy up close and personal. He is also known to be a viscous and sadistic torture expert. Bio: Before Hitler came to power Günter was a member of the hardcore paramilitary that acted as the Nazi Parties muscle. From here he progressed through the ranks of the SS spreading fear and terror to all those who oppose the Nazi regime. It was here he met Jürgen who saw his potential and kept him close. 卐:-:卐:-:卐:​ Name: Prof. Dr. Christian Schenck. Age/D.O.B: 35 / December 24th 1913. Nationality/Race: Austrian, White. Appearance: Role/Occupation: Wehrmacht Medic. Skills and Abilities: Christian is a dedicated Doctor, happy to help anyone one and is one of the lead researchers into a cure and prevention of CX-43 exposure. Bio: Christian had never been a solider, he cared not to kill and made but to save and protect. He was a successful doctor before being drafted into the Wehrmacht against his will and forced to work as a front line medic in France. Click to expand... Marie Massacre said: Name: Truppführer Katja Kimmel Age: 27 Nationality: German Appearance: Role/Occupation: Former Nazi SS Troop Leader Skills and Abilities: Katja is good at getting what she wants. Be it by her famed interrogation methods, or be it by her more sensual persuasion techniques. Bio: Katja was born and raised in Germany. She is the perfect picture of the Aryan race. She supported Hitler all the way through his reign, but with his death she moved on. Furthermore, she knew that the zombie problem was far more pressing than that of continuing a dead man's quest for power. So now she is more focused on eradicating the zombies in the same way she eradicated the Jews. She's one of those girls who didn't get her position because she tried her. But because she slept her way to the top. Click to expand... Szymanski said: Name: Hauptmann Warhead Stranger Age: 34 / January 1914 Nationality: German (Old Prussian) Role/Occupation: Hauptmann (Captain), Companies 2, 711. Infantries-Regiment (remaining manpower strength about 3%) Skills and Abilities: Nothing extraordinary. He’s got a decent shot with a Luger, and can use an MP40 to good effect. Knows how to survive, having learned from (costly) mistakes. Bio: Born in the year of the Great War, his father was one of the very first casualties of the Eastern Front. While the times were difficult in the decades after the war, Warhead’s family continued to have a decent standard of living. By his mid-twenties, he worked as a history teacher in a local school in East Prussia, witnessing first hand the influence that the Nazi Party had in distorting German history. However, he kept quiet – for safety reasons, and also because he was fascinated with the whole thing. Knowing his history, Warhead longed for the days of a great Germany once again. Eventually, the temptation of the Wehrmacht grew too strong to turn down. He enlisted as an officer, and was assigned to 711. Infantries-Regiment – attached to a reserve division for the first few years of the war. The regiment was then transferred to the American front. Warhead was unprepared for the horror of CX-43, and lost many men under his command in the first few months. Now, though, he is stronger. He’s experienced. He knows how to survive. To him – it’s just how many (German) men he keeps alive with him. Click to expand... THE HORROR STARTS HERE:​"EIN, Wei, era, Fewer!" Yelled SS-Reichsführer Jürgen On Wolf as he stood in the back of a Volkswagen kubelwagen that was parked in the street while SS soldiers had another American family lined up against their home for execution. Without a second thought the soldiers fired mercilessly with their STG 44 assault rifles, the shots echoed throughout the street as the soldiers emptied their entire magazines into another mother, father, son and daughter for no reason. SS-Reichsführer Jürgen On Wolf was in charge of SS operations in America, he and his own small army operated independently of the German army and turned the already hellish situation into a total nightmare. Without a care they hunted down American's hiding from the Germans and the zombies, if they didn't shoot them they let the zombies have them as they watched before killing the zombies after they had feasted. Most small towns and villages had been turned into burned out mass graves as a result of the SS, they had become more of a threat than the zombies. After all the zombies could be outrun and hidden from, while the SS hunted like wolves with the help of tanks, half tracks and even the left waffle when ever SS-Reichsführer Jürgen On Wolf gave the order. Even though the general German army didn't agree with his actions there were powerless to refuse him was ever assistance he requested. Jürgen was a true Aryan bored and bred, with short almost bald, golden blonde hair and ice blue eyes that are sunken in dark black circles that are often hidden behind tinted black circular glasses. Jürgen is a tall man standing around 6'6" with a strong yet slim build, he also had a strong yet narrow face. Jürgen can always be seen clad in his black SS Reichsführer uniform, jack boots and a black leather trench coat. He is also easily noticed by the lack of a left hand that he lost whilst serving on the eastern front. Though the lack of his left hand didn't make him defenceless, his semi auto Mauser pistol sat ready for action in a holster on his right hip. Though he much preferred to let his men do the killing as he loved to watch just as he did in the European death camps. Stood at the front of the kubelwagen was SS-Oberschütze Günter 'The Butcher' Reinhardt, Jürgen's most trusted lapdog and personal bodyguard. Günter was a monster of a man standing 6'9" with a large muscular build and often referred to as being a monster or tank of a man. His dark brown hair is always shaved down to the scalp, it is known he does it to mock victims of Nazi Gas Chambers who are shaved before death, but really he does it out of shame of not being blonde and not being truly Aryan, though his eyes are a dark blue. Günter typically wears a black short sleeve SS uniform with a black trench coat over it. Armed with a flammenwerfer 35 he had been the one during Americans out of their hiding places and of coarse torching their corpses and homes. He was just as sadistic as his master though he had the strength and power to back it up. As the soldiers stepped away from their victims Günter walked over to them and began to spew flaming napalm over the dead family. The excessive heat turning their flesh into black ash within seconds and soon all that was left was blackened bones. As this was done the soldiers began to paint warnings onto the walls of houses; 'Face justice now', 'Cowards will suffer the same fate', 'Submit and live, hide and die' were just some of the SS warnings that were painted throughout America. Though these were not just intended for the Americans, German's who helped Americans were seen as lesser creatures than the Jews. Once they were done the soldiers climbed aboard the two half tracks as Günter climbed into the driver's seat of Jürgen's personal kubalwagen and this SS convoy moved onto next town to spread fear and terror.:卐:-:卐:-:卐:-​However not all Germans were not like this, Prof. Dr. Christian Schenck for example would rather preserve life than take it away. It wasn't a secret that the SS wanted him dead, they just had not got a chance to get HOM alone after all he was a well respected man in the German ranks, and it would be a big no no for the SS to openly execute him. As a result of this Chris rarely traveled alone and tended to stay at medical facility for long periods of time to keep away from the SS. Today he was sat in a makeshift research lab in German medical camp, with dead zombies laid down on tables for examination and possible infected German soldiers sedated and locked in cages. Prof. Dr. Christian Schenck was determined to find a cure or for the effects of CX-43 or even a vaccination to prevent further infection. After all the Wehrmacht were in charge with destroying the remnants of the CX-43 infected, Chris was just here to help them in this mission. He had command over a few doctors and nurses that provided health care for both Americans and Germans, a major reason for the SS to want him dead. Even though the precision of human life was one of the German's main objective the SS would still murder Americans without a care. In fact many of his American patients were victims of SS attacks. With a tired sigh he rubbed his eyes as he stood up from a bench he sat on as he examined blood samples though a microscope. The men who created CX-43 didn't even know how to stop its effects, and it seemed to be unstoppable by medical professions and the only way to stop it was with bullets and fire. Lieutenant Colonel Elliana Hawks slammed her back against the wall of one of the buildings. Her hand gun in her hand, her rifle slung other shoulder. She was panting softly. She took a peek out from behind the wall. They were still following her. She growled softly. She had to find somewhere to go. Somewhere that wasn't easily accessible. She needed to know that she could get in, and those bastards couldn't. She groaned, taking out some spelunking gear. The spikes would surely be able to penetrate the walls of the building. She used the equipment to climb up the side of a building that had been abandoned. It had been locked down. Metal doors, and barred windows. She had hit the jackpot. But she'd have to climb to the top. And that would certainly be no easy task. But her upper body, and core strength was nothing to be poked fun at. She was incredibly strong. She made it to the roof of the building. Sweat covering her skin. She was wearing her Army uniform still, but the top was taken off. Leaving her with her bottoms and a tee shirt. Along with the multitude of weapons she carried on her. She took up a good prone position on the roof, using the file that had been slung on her shoulder. Trying to steady her breathing to get a good shot.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hearing someone yell in German Truppführer Katja Kimmel quickly made her way to where Jürgen and Günter were slaughtering more Americans. As far as anyone knew, she was still SS. She still wore their uniforms. So maybe joining them would be the smartest decision she could make. "Reichsführer!" Katja yelled. She had made sure to get roughed up a little in her last fight, just in case something like this should happen. "Americans. They are everywhere..." She had always been good at getting what she wanted. She was wearing her uniform bottoms, but her jacket had been ripped off of her. And her shirt was ripped up. Exposing some of her chest, and some of her toned stomach. She had a bloody lip, and a bruise on her cheek. She wasn't used to having to work for what she wanted. And she hoped she wouldn't have to now. Her pants hugging the curves of her ample backside. She knew she could get what she wanted either way. She just didn't want to be on her own anymore. Marie Massacre said: Lieutenant Colonel Elliana Hawks slammed her back against the wall of one of the buildings. Her hand gun in her hand, her rifle slung other shoulder. She was panting softly. She took a peek out from behind the wall. They were still following her. She growled softly. She had to find somewhere to go. Somewhere that wasn't easily accessible. She needed to know that she could get in, and those bastards couldn't. She groaned, taking out some spelunking gear. The spikes would surely be able to penetrate the walls of the building. She used the equipment to climb up the side of a building that had been abandoned. It had been locked down. Metal doors, and barred windows. She had hit the jackpot. But she'd have to climb to the top. And that would certainly be no easy task. But her upper body, and core strength was nothing to be poked fun at. She was incredibly strong. She made it to the roof of the building. Sweat covering her skin. She was wearing her Army uniform still, but the top was taken off. Leaving her with her bottoms and a tee shirt. Along with the multitude of weapons she carried on her. She took up a good prone position on the roof, using the file that had been slung on her shoulder. Trying to steady her breathing to get a good shot. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hearing someone yell in German Truppführer Katja Kimmel quickly made her way to where Jürgen and Günter were slaughtering more Americans. As far as anyone knew, she was still SS. She still wore their uniforms. So maybe joining them would be the smartest decision she could make. "Reichsführer!" Katja yelled. She had made sure to get roughed up a little in her last fight, just in case something like this should happen. "Americans. They are everywhere..." She had always been good at getting what she wanted. She was wearing her uniform bottoms, but her jacket had been ripped off of her. And her shirt was ripped up. Exposing some of her chest, and some of her toned stomach. She had a bloody lip, and a bruise on her cheek. She wasn't used to having to work for what she wanted. And she hoped she wouldn't have to now. Her pants hugging the curves of her ample backside. She knew she could get what she wanted either way. She just didn't want to be on her own anymore. Click to expand... Upon Katja's call the SS convoy was stopped, Jürgen was quick to stand in the kubelwagen and glare down upon Katja. He didn't recognize her after all he only knew a few of his soldiers by name. "Where is your squad child?!.." Jürgen yelled in response, Katja's appearance obviously showed defeat and defeat to the Americans was something Jürgen disposed. He had shot men for retreating from the enemy in the past. With word of possible American threats in the area the soldiers began to exit the half tracks and form a parameter around the convoy. Günter however remained behind the wheel of the kubelwagen just in case while he watched Katja like a hawk. Unlike his mater Günter could be easily persuaded by an attractive woman though he knew such actions would come with a hefty price. "There were many Americans. And then upon taking out the Americans the zombies were upon us, we had no chance sir," Katja said softly. "I barely made it out with my life. A few moments longer and I would've joined my men in their open grave." Katja looked over at Günter, her eyes making an attempt to persuade him to help her out. Her long blonde hair had been torn from its usual tight bun, falling round her shoulders. Covering in blood. She then looked back at Jürgen. She was good at getting what she wanted. And she always made it a point to get it by whatever means necessary. She bit her lip lightly, cringing as she did so. Forgetting she'd busted her lip in the previous fight. The dark haired girl screamed, loudly. She was finally back home, but things weren't better. She was tired of zombies! And even more tired of the damned Germans. Why was she getting dirty? Why was she laying on the floor of a dusty and slightly dirty porch, trying not to be seen? Well, the questions were easy. The girls she'd gone over to Europe with were dead, and the soldiers that had transferred her back to the states were gone. She wasn't supposed to be fighting for her life, she was too pretty. She was supposed to be getting engaged to a soldier and getting married so that she could spend her life helping him have a better life. But that's not what she got. Instead, she got dirt on her nails, and her favorite shorts were lightly torn. The zombies were coming her way, and she couldn't help being scared. The French Catholic girl prayed to her God as she pushed herself to her feet, to stand in her high fashionable heels. Then, she wheeled around and ran for it, her black hair waving slightly from the places it had popped out of its style. Marie Massacre said: "There were many Americans. And then upon taking out the Americans the zombies were upon us, we had no chance sir," Katja said softly. "I barely made it out with my life. A few moments longer and I would've joined my men in their open grave." Katja looked over at Günter, her eyes making an attempt to persuade him to help her out. Her long blonde hair had been torn from its usual tight bun, falling round her shoulders. Covering in blood. She then looked back at Jürgen. She was good at getting what she wanted. And she always made it a point to get it by whatever means necessary. She bit her lip lightly, cringing as she did so. Forgetting she'd busted her lip in the previous fight. Click to expand... "And you stand here before me? Why had'NT given your life like your brother's and sister's have for the Father Land?... Cowards are no better than damned Jews!.." Jürgen responded with a growl as he pulled his Mauser pistol from its holster and aimed down his sights at her. He couldn't care of her Aryan heritage or SS status, he expected everyone who served under home to sacrifice everything for the fatherland. After all in the past he had shot his own soldiers for cowardice, when the Russians began their advance from Stalingrad he shot anyone who retreated and those left behind were left at the mercy of the CX-43 that was used in the area without warning. Günter however saw things differently, he stood up from his seat his large build with the flamethrower tank still on his back blocked Jürgen sight of Katja. As he removed the large tank filled with petrol and tar he turned to face Jürgen. "Man Herr, we have more pressing matter at hand. These Americans she speaks off are still in the area. shouldn't we deal with them first?.." Günter pleaded to his superior as respectfully as he possibly could, after all he had witnessed Jürgen rage at first hand many times and had often been Jürgen's instrument of destruction. With another growled Jürgen holstered his pistol and sat back down in his seat. "Grab a weapon and lead my men to the Yank dogs!.." Jürgen order with an idle wave toward the half tracks that followed behind his kubelwagen. Meanwhile, the SS troops were all stood ready in the surrounding perimeter waiting for further orders. Günter now climbing out of the Kubelwagen, his place being taken by one of the half track's drivers. Günter then lifted two STG 44 Assault Rifle's from the kubelwagen before approaching Katja, he then handed her one of the guns and then his trench coat that would surely be too big for her. Günter's short-sleeved black SS shirt was now visible as were his strong arms. "Lets move out..." Günter said as he awaited Katja to lead the way. Jürgen shook his head before climbing out of the kubelwagen with his back to Günter and Katja as he reached into his coat to retrieve a silver SS cigarette tin that had been specially modified for a one-handed man like himself. With a spring action button lock the tin popped open to reveal four expensive cigarettes with golden filters. With a gentle press with another finger the tin's inner tray arched slightly making the cigarettes easily accessible as he brought the tin to his mouth and gently gripped one with his lips before placing the tin back inside his jacket. This was soon followed by a golden SS lighter that he used to light his cigarette as his eyes scanned the soldiers standing around him. "Well what are you all waiting for?.. Find the Americans!.." Fear coursed through Katja's veins as he pointed the pistol at her head. But she would've accepted her fate. It was surely better than becoming on of those things. When Günter stepped between them, she thanked god for her looks. For they were what had just saved her life. She smiled at him when he hand her the STG 44 and his trench coat. She was rather petite. So the trench coat completely engulfed her little body. So stood roughly 5'3". So the huge trench coat drug the ground. She looked up at him with a soft smile. She signalled for the troops to move out. Furthermore, she led them to where she had lost her squad. The bodies of the Americans were still strewn about, and there were corpses of Germans and zombies scattered amongst them. "This is where it happened. We were taking the Americans from the front, and we were suddenly flanked by a horde of zombies. We took out some of them. But most of us were killed...." Katja said softly. Her husband to be had been in her squad with her. She knew he had been killed by the Americans. She was glad she wouldn't have to see him become one of those things. "That's thirty-four tonight Mikey boys, I think I'm winning." Kenneth's voice was barely audible over the thunderclap shots emitted by the M1 Garlands wielded in the pair of men's hands. Another clap resonated through the air, followed by a cursing grumble as the Colonel missed a shot. "Still winning." "You may be winning Colonel, but is that a gray hair I see?" the private jested at his Colonel as he aimed down the iron sight of his rifle, trying to get a beat on a stumbling zombie. "If it is, it's from baby-sitting you pansy bastards." Michael chuckled back, blowing the head off another undead walker. "I'm going to check the radio feed, Call in for Sanders to get on duty when you see him." The private nodded in understanding, and Kenneth was on his way. He rolled off the stacked boxes, landing on solid concrete some few feet below. Dark combat boots ground against loose gravel, and the military man made his was into the nearest building, seemingly a reception office. Colonel Kenneth Gladly was the man in charge in Camp Pendleton, at least for now. When he had arrived, almost everybody had been dead, sort of. It hadn't been hard to set up a barrier around the Camp, natural terrain making entry inaccessible for the most part anyway. The rest was covered in barbed wire and other fences. The hard part had been clearing out the people who didn't want to stay dead, and saving those who had managed to doing to life. Now, the rag tag team ran the camp, and broadcasted every day hourly on both long and short range radios, once on every frequency before relinquishing for till the following hour. Sitting down in the wooden chair, Kenneth ran a hand through his short brown hair, a long sigh forcing its way through his lips. "Okay, let's get this over with." Picking up the com, he put it to his lips while adjusting the frequencies of the multiple radios he had connected to the link. "Is anyone out there?" He mumbled hopelessly, letting the static sit for a moment before speaking again. "I repeat, is anyone out there? This is Colonel Kenneth Gladly of the U.S. Marine Corps. Broadcasting live from Camp Pendleton. Does anybody read?" Once again the static played out. "We offer food, shelter, and protection from the infection. If there is anyone out there, please respond." Static. Michael grunted and through down the com, sitting back in the seat with a tired look. He'd been at this too long, and he felt the time starting to wear on this. Now, just to sit through the static and pray for a miracle. He wondered these days if there was even anyone left. Gabriella ducked into an old warehouse as she attempted to get away from the two undead that were following her. Germans, zombies, the occasional soldier that hadn't seen a live woman in quite some time. She was running a lot those days. When she heard the sound of someone over a radio, the singer's head shot up, and she looked around the warehouse. Three desks, twenty-something boxes, it was too much to look through, until she caught the direction the voice came from. She rushed to a desk and started to rifle through boxes first. Papers, papers, papers. Nothing there. Then, she started pulling on drawers. There it was! The com radio, the same type she'd seen so many times during her travels." He- Hello? This is Gabriella Dumas. I'm... I don't know where I am." She said. "But I can follow directions." She blinked. What was she supposed to say. "Is anyone there?" Elliana's ears barely picked up a static broadcast from Camp Pendleton. She was only about 2 miles away Pendleton. But she highly doubted she could make it there even if she wanted to. She was rapidly running out of ammunition for all of her weapons. And she had severely injured her right leg while running from that last horde of zombies. She knew it had to be worth a try. She pulled out her radio. "Colonel Gladly. This is Lieutenant Colonel Elliana Hawks of the U.S. Army. I'm about two miles out of Pendleton. But I'm running low on ammunition and injured. I managed to get to safety on a roof. But even building won't hold long. I'm low on rations. I can try and make it to your position, over!" Elliana said. She would then just wait on a response. Killing zombies while she waited. The Colonel stared at the radio in utter disbelief. He had known that the coast was gradually getting filled, but as far as he had seen they were being wiped out upon landing. Now though, not just one, but two return broadcasts were coming in, and one of them a soldier no less. Shock was overcoming the officer, and it took him several moments before he realized he needed to do something. Shouting orders, Kenneth got the whole camp moving. Their only infantry vehicle was being prepped, and several people were loading into it. Picking the com back up, Kenneth opened the radio up to hit all frequencies at one. "This is Colonel Gladly I read the both of you loud and clear. Lt. Colonel, I'm sending a small convoy you're way. If you can keep to the open streets it won't be hard to find you, over." His voice was almost shaking with utter excitement, and he was leaning so far in his seat he might as well have been standing. "Ms. Dumas, I'm going to need a little more out of you than that. Are you near the beach? This is a beachside military base and if I can get more of a beat on your whereabouts, over." Between speaking into the radio, Kenneth was shouting orders out to his soldiers and subordinates. Günter followed Katja with half of the Jürgen's SS troop. The soldiers marched their way through the blood and mud in search for more Americans to slaughter. Günter's eyes scanning the horizon for enemies but for now he saw nothing. "Where are the Yanks?.." He questioned, slightly angry. After all he would hate to be wasting time and knew Jürgen wouldn't be happy unless he brought back 5 or 6 US dog tags. With his STG held firmly Günter pushed past Katja, taking the lead he began to approach the woods to the north. He had known US troops to hide in woods back in Italy and had witnessed ambushes on Italian tanks by US airborne hidden in the trees. "There is none here?!.." He growled as he turned back to face Katja, though he was quick to turn back and face the woods as a blood-curdling scream echoed from the darkness deep in the woodland. "We should leave now..." Günter's tone now more passive as he slowly began to walk backwards towards Katja as he saw numerous figures emerge from the trees, staggering, crawling, grunting and growling a mixed batch of American and German dead soldiers were drawn to Günter's shouting. The hoard grew larger by each second and soon began to appear to the left and right, rain then began to fall from the sky making the already muddy terrain even harder to traverse. "EVERYONE BACK TO THE CONVOY!.." Günter yelled once more as he ordered the retreat, knowing full well he and the hand full of men he had couldn't stand against the growing hoard. "Herr Reichsführer, we have intercepted an American radio broadcast." Yelled an SS communications officer from the middle Half track. Jürgen was quick to run to the Half track, keen to listen in on the Americans. As the rain began to fall those at the convoy were unaware of the trouble their comrades were in as well as the trouble themselves were in as the sounds of their vehicle's engines and all the commotion had caught the attention of other nearby undead who were slowly advancing on Jürgen's position. As he climbed into the back of the half track Jürgen was snatched the receiver from his comms officer and listened contently to Colonel Kenneth Gladly's broadcast whilst his eyes scanned a nearby map for the location of Camp Pendleton, though he soon heard a voice that he recognized and despised.:卐:-:卐:-:卐: :卐:-:卐:-:卐: :卐:-:卐:-:卐:​"This is Dr. Christian Schenck of the 1st Wehrmacht medical corp!... Your position is no longer safe, your broadcast has most likely been intercepted by hostile German forces... I beg of you to bring all survivors to the 1st Wehrmacht Medical Camp 44 miles east of your current position!.. Only the Wehrmacht can keep you safe from the SS! You have my word and the word of our Führer Herr Kramer that you will not be harmed! The Wehrmacht has ceased all military operations against the Americans to focus their efforts on the infected!... Prof. Dr. Christian Schenck had also intercepted Colonel Kenneth Gladly's broadcast. Now sat in the camps communications tent he awaited a response from the Americans. Gabriella was looking around, trying to figure out where she was. She wished that her parents had been better with directions, and would have taught her the same. She stuck her head quickly out of the big doors of the warehouse and realized two things. Yes, she was by a beach and... The doors she'd just looked out of weren't the biggest ones there. She was in an airplane hangar! How had she not noticed that? Maybe because there wasn't an airplane occupying it? She rushed back to the radio and spoke quickly. "Yes, I'm by the beach, in a hanger." She told the voice over the radio, just before another came over, German, telling them that the frequency might have been intercepted. She gasped and fell back against another desk. She couldn't stick around, and she wasn't sure she'd accept that German's words that they would be safe. It was likely he was just trying to get them there to kill them. She'd survived so long on her own, she wasn't willing to just walk into a trap. Kenneth had been expecting to hear one of the two first receivers respond to him first, so his shock heightened Moreno when a third party came in over the radio. A Nazi no less, a medical Nazi. Seemed almost like a contradiction. Kenneth had heard that the general army of Germany had been attempting to help Americans, and focus their hostilities towards the outbreak. The SS however did not feel that way, and that was reason enough for the man not to trust any German. He had been in enough of the war to know that Germans could never be a real ally to him. His attention was averted by Private Michael at the door, holding two military grade machine guns in his hand. He threw Kenneth the more run and gun of the two, an M1 Thompson, or the Tommy Gun as it was often referred to. It had obviously been modified, the stick magazine being replaced with the much more effective drum mag, along with other small alterations all fitted specifically for the colonel. Sitting back down, the military officer scowled at the radio before picking up the com once more. "I read you Gabriella." He paused, thinking over his words a bit. "I'll be heading your way myself. Lt. Colonel, we have an infantry vehicle heading out to get you as we speak." Another pause. "And you... Mr. Nazi. Fuck you!" He dropped the com back down, and began to make his was out the building, Private Michael following close behind him. The large jeep was being led out the gates as he finished taking stock on his person. Only himself and his private would be going, as there wasn't much need for more. It would only slow them down. Perhaps fifteen minutes later, the Colonel and partner were led out the gates, multiple undead being picked off by mounted rifleman along the fence. The path was clear, and it wasn't long before the shifting sand was under their feet as they treaded down the beach. Kenneth knew the airplane hangar of which Gabriella spoke. It wasn't an extensive journey, but it would take a bit of time to get to them if they wanted to be discreet. Gabriella was relieved by the man's response to all the feeds she'd heard. He was coming to get her personally, that made her feel quite a bit safer, he was sending someone for the Lieutenant Colonel, and he'd told the Nazi off. It felt like a good end. So, the woman, always a lady, thank you very much, went ahead and worked to make herself look good. She couldn't be picked up by a man, or more than one, looking like anything but an attractive, put together young woman. Luckily for her, shiny surfaces were in every desk, metal clipboards. She took the paper off of one and propped it on a box. Then, she hurried to arrange her hair, releasing it from it's binding, patting some down, running her fingers through it, curling the ends with her fingers. By the time she was done, she had her long black hair looking nearly perfect. Next she scratched a fingernail over her lips to bring the blood to the surface, and pinched at her cheeks. She couldn't look like a vampire either. No make-up just wasn't an excuse! By the time she was done with all that, and had fixed her clothes, plenty of time had passed, and she expected to see the Colonel coming for her any minute there.

CX-43_ The True Final Solution! (Group WWII Zombie RP)|rating:3.0

The Old Forest ((Sanoko and Demonic Vampire))

The Old Forest was once just an overgrown forest with many trees, bushes, and flowers of all kinds. Then about a hundred years ago the forest became the habitat for many mysterious creatures. Trolls, Chimeras, Dragons, Gnomes, and other smaller creatures took over the forest and called it their own. Nobody dared to enter until two adventurers decided to find out what the secret of the forest was. Name: Maria Age: 18 Gender: Female Appearance: Weapon: Bastard sword and even longbow Bio: Maria always knew she was born to fight, and when she was older she got her chance. She had been wounded several times by dragons and chimeras (her favorite opponents) but she never lost her skill. Other: Small animals are attracted to her. She always has a pet wolf, Kumar, and she befriended a raccoon, Tea. Name: Sank Age: 18 Gender: Female Appearance: except with long red hair that goes two inches past her butt and sapphire eyes. Bio: Her parents were killed when she was 10 in front of her. She was sent to an orphanage. She was adopted at the age of 13. She has talked to some nice creatures a few times and has fought others. Weapons: Katina and two daggers in a strap at her waist Other: Can speak two other languages. Maria sat in a tree close to the edge of the Old Forest. She was extremely bored and there weren't any animals that wanted to challenge her. She had sent her friend raccoon Tea to find some food and her pet wolf Kumar to find her friend Sank. Sank was walking around for a little bit when she saw Kumar, Maria's pet wolf come up. She followed the wolf to the edge of the Old Forest where Maria was. "Hello, Sank! I haven't seen you since morning!" Maria said, relieved that her friend had been found. "I was extremely worried that something had happened to you!" "Well I had just gone for a little walk." she said looking up at her. "I'm fine though so you don't have to worry about me. I think I can handle myself well enough." "Sank, we've known each other since childhood, you're like a sister to me," Maria told her. "No matter what you or anybody says I'm still going to worry." She jumped off the tree and landed right in front of Sank. "And you can't say you went on a little walk when you've been gone half the day." "Ok, I guess that's true." Sank said watching her jump down. "Well I went to eat and stopped and talked to people and other things like that. I guess I just let time slip away." "As long as you're okay," Maria told her. She looked around to see if she could find Tea. Tea had been gone for at least 2 hours on her search for food. "Tea isn't back. Did you by any chance meet up with her on your walk?" Sank shook her head. "No sorry I didn't see here on my walk. I'm sure she's ok though. We can look for her if you want." "No need," Maria said as Tea came running down the path, holding one of Maria's baskets. It was full to the brim with fruits and fish. Maria pat Tea's head. "Thanks Tea!" she praised her. "Ok." she said and watched Tea come running down the path up to them. She saw the basket and how full it was. She smiled slightly. Maria picked up one of the fish, then looked in the packs, "Hey, Sank, do you have anything to start a fire with? We need to cook the fish, or we'll get sick." Sank felt around in her pockets. She pulled out some matches. "Yeah here are some matches." Maria took the matches from Sank and Tea ran to get some wood and then returned. In about a minutes time Maria had a roaring fire and began cooking the fish. "Life in the wilderness sure is hard, eh?" Sank watched Maria start the fire and start cooking the fish. "Mostly the finding the food part other than that it really isn't all that hard to me." Maria was finished cooking and handed a fish to Sank. "Yeah, I'm surprised we haven't been attacked as much as we should have, I thought this forest was supposed to be lifted with dangerous creatures." Sank took the fish and began eating it after blowing on it to cool it down. "I'm sure there is, they're probably just deeper into the forest than we have been or just don't care at the moment." "Don't you think at some point we should venture forward." Maria asked. She started eating her fish, she hadn't eaten all day so it tasted like her first ever meal in a hundred years. "I bored with sticking on the outskirts of this forest, I'd like to see what's in there waiting." Sank nodded as she continued to eat the fish. "Yeah I believe we should. I'm bored with just staying in the outskirts as well. I want some action and see more of the forest." Maria finished her fish and then grabbed an apple. "Remember what that old man said two months ago... I think it was something like if you get lost in the forest, there is no way out. I'd like to test that theory." Sank gabbed an apple as well when finished with her fish. She then nodded. "Yeah I remember that and that seems like a good theory to test. I would like to test it as well." Maria threw the core of the apple in the direction of Tea, who started chewing away happily. Kumar was digging into a fish happily. "I think we should set off tomorrow. Today has been too much of a drag." Sank nodded. "Yeah that seems like a plan." she said and finished her apple. She set the core aside for Tea if she wanted to it, if not she would just throw it into the fire and let it burn. Maria got up and climbed into her tree, but first grabbing another fish, "I forget why we ever started living in this forest. Do you remember?" Maria asked Sank. If there was one bad thing about Maria, it was that her memory only allowed her to remember certain events. Sank watched her climb up the tree and then took her place under it. "No sorry I don't remember that. I guess we thought it would be fun and build character." she said trying to remember, but she couldn't. "Hopefully someday we'll find out," Maria told her, yawning at the same time. "Oh boy, we have been through a lot though. I wonder if there is another two people in the world that could say they are better than I." "Yeah we have been through a lot. No I don't think there is another two people in the world who could say that, though that's my opinion." Sank said looking into the forest. "Is there something wrong?" Maria asked. She thought Sank had seen something from the look in her eyes as she looked into the forest. Kumar started clawing on the tree and Maria dropped the remaining amount of fish she still had so that Kumar would have more to eat. "No nothing is wrong, just thinking is all." Sank said looking up at her. She then looked into the forest and began thinking about what was to come in their journey deeper into it. Maria was very tried, and she was sure she wouldn't be able to stay awake much longer. "You know, we might have what it takes to prove... everybody... wrong." "Yeah you're right I believe we may have what it takes as well." Sank said with a yawn at the end. She had finally become pretty tired or rather it had just caught up with her. Maria's eyes closed, and without realizing it, she was beginning to drift to sleep. Sank continued to look out into the forest and when Maria didn't say anything else she got as comfortable as she could on the ground up against a tree. She closed her eyes and soon fell asleep. Kari awoke up to find it was midnight. She couldn't see anything that was out of the moonlight. Tea was cuddled against Kumar and Sank was sleeping against the tree. Without hesitating she jumped off the tree as quietly as she could without waking up Sank or the animals. Sank continued to sleep unknowing to the fact that Maria was going to go somewhere. She moved some, but continued to sleep. Maria decided to go search for some water. She grabbed her bow for protection and emptied her bag. Maria then gathered some jars and went to search for the closest nearby river, which was hard given the time of day. Sank continued to sleep on still unaware that Maria was going somewhere. Maria filled up her jars some with water. She believed she had a little more than was necessary, but she brought it back with her just in case. When she got back she wasn't surprised to see that the three were still sleeping. Maria pulled out one of the extra jars, and feeling a little evil poured half the water on Sank. Sank woke up with a small gasp when the water hit her. She stood up and looked at Maria and then down at her clothes that were now wet. The water was pretty cold to her. Maria started to laugh. "I-I'm sorry!" she laughed. "I could resist!" "How come?" she asked. She didn't really like to be woken up that way, but she soon started to laugh slightly. "You know what the moon does to me," Maria said still laughing. "It makes me do things I shouldn't. Well, be glad it wasn't Tea that woke you up, you know what she does." "Yeah I guess you're right." she said, she had stopped laughing. "Well I'm not really sleepy anymore, that water woke me up." "Well YT least I did you the service of keeping you from oversleeping, r Maria said, she had finally stopped laughing. She leaned against her tree and ~thought about how this was the lust day she would see this tree for a long time.¬ It was like leading home, but much worse. She felt as if today was the day that everything would begin to fall apart. "Yeah I guess so." Sank said. She looked at Maria and then out into the forest. She began to think about how everything was going to go from now on. After a while she looked back at Maria. "So..." "Come morning I think we should set off," Maria told her. "That means we are going to have to start packing our stuff. Food won't be a problem since we have Tea, and there are a million rivers here." Sank nodded. "Sounds like a plan." She then decided to get started on packing her stuff. She began packing it up so she would have something to do until morning. Sank thought about Maria's question for a moment. "I guess having a nice soft bed to sleep in." she said and packed the last thing of hers up. Maria nodded. "I miss, well, everything. I forgot why we were thrown out." It was another thing that Maria had no memory of. She couldn't recall the exact reason they were thrown out, but she could remember a fire... but that was all. "Do you remember, Sank?" "Maybe we started a fire or something. Sorry I don't really remember." Sank said. She didn't remember that for the fact that she just didn't want to remember it. She remembered little bit, but not enough to say what happened. "Wow, it's like somebody wanted us to forget it," Maria told her. It was strange how neither of them seemed to remember the important stuff. "Well I can't remember because I just don't want to." Sank said looking at her. "Are you sure? Maybe your mind is just playing tricks on you, you never know," Maria told her. She always believed there was a solution for everything, or even a reason. Sank shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not? I probably won't know if that's true or not." Maria sat down against the tree. She was thinking of how much she wanted to return to the city. She did think that life in the wilderness was fun, but sometimes it was a drag. "Sank, do you think I'm a little hard on you sometimes?" Sank looked at her. "What do you mean? No not really." she said and looked in the direction to the city. She sighed slightly. Maria sighed also. "Even though I'm only a couple of months older I still seem to act as though I'm 5 years older than you. I'm sorry if I seem a little overprotective, it's just I'm constantly worried. We've known each other since childhood, I mean." "It's ok it's just they way you are. It's your personality you can't really help it." Sank said with a small smile. "Thanks Sank," Maria told her, smiling also. "So is the food done?" Sank asked her. "Yes, but it is a good thing we got Tea with us," Maria told Sank. "Don't you think we should set off right about now?" Sank nodded. "Yeah I think we should head out right about now, some time soon, or right now." Maria was already 10 feet ahead of Sank, "Hurry up, or I'll leave ya behind." Maria looked back at her and winked. She decided from this day on she'd act more like a friend and less like an older sister. Sank got up and ran to catch up with Maria. She stopped running when she reached her. "Finally you caught up," Maria said, half laughing. "I thought you decided to stay here!" Sank laughed slightly. "No I didn't, I wouldn't want to stay there alone." Maria grinned, "You probably couldn't survive if me and Tea weren't here. You have either die of hunger and or die of loneliness." "Yeah I guess that's true." Sank said with a small smile. "You think I'm wrong, don't you." Maria asked. She always knew if there was something wrong. Sank shook her head. "No I don't think that you're wrong." "Okay then," Maria said. They passed one of the rivers. "If you want a drink get it now because I don't know how many rivers we are going to come across." She filled up the water jugs. "Ok." Sank said. She then got herself a drink. She was then ready to continue on. Maria filled the last with the jugs, "Okay, we are ready to continue. Should we send Tea to look for food?" Sank nodded. "I think so. It might be a good idea to." she said looking around. "Tea always knows where we are, so we don't have to worry about getting lost. Hey, maybe we'll find where she gets all of her food," Maria told her. Kumar jumped out of nowhere at them and landing in front of Sank and rubbed against her. "Wow, that was totally unexpected. Maybe you can find out what she wants. You can speak to animals right?" Sank nodded. "Yeah that would be nice so then we could get some of it ourselves." Sank almost jumped when Kumar jumped out in front of her. She looked down at her rubbing up against her. "Yes I can talk to animals." She knelt down in front of her and pet her. "Hey girl what is it?" she asked while looking into her eyes. "What did Kumar say?" Maria asked Sank. She was always curious about what animals had to say. ((What is she supposed to say? Lol. ) Sank looked up Maria and then back at Kumar. "She hasn't told me yet." ((Whatever you feel like I guess)) "Oh, okay... maybe she doesn't have anything to say," Maria shrugged. She began walking again. She was thinking of what would lie ahead on their path. "She says she wants a little more attention." Sank said and stood up. She began walking as well. "Really? I feed her and give her enough attention, but apparently not enough," Maria said, surprised. "Oh, Kumar, I'm so sorry." She pat his head. Kumar made a happy sound. Sank shrugged. "Maybe it's in her nature to want lots and lots of attention." she said and pet Kumar. "I never thought wolves were like that," Maria said, totally bewildered. At that moment a huge branch fell and landed in front of them, almost hitting Maria. "I guess it's really because she's not in a pack of her own kind." Sank said. She saw the branch fall. "Are you alright?!" she asked seeing how it almost hit Maria. "Ouch! It hit my foot! But I'll be okay, I've endured worse," Maria said. She sat down to check her foot. It was okay, but there was a bruise. Sank looked at her foot. "You sure you're ok?" "Yes, Sank, I'm okay. There's no need to worry. Remember the time the flesh was completely burned off my hand? That was a lot worse than this, and I didn't complain then," Maria informed her. This really was the least of hr injuries. "Yeah you're right, that was worse than this." she said. "So, please don't worry," Maria told her again. "Alright I won't." Sank said with a small smile. Suddenly charging down the path was a huge chimera. Maria and Sank were definitely not prepared for that. Maria withdrew her sword swiftly. "Draw your weapon, to battle it is!" Maria told her. She knew this was a battle, she could see it in the chimera's eyes. Sank quickly drew her Katina and looked at the chimera. She waited for the right moment to attack it. The chimera lunged for Sank first, apparently she was more of a threat. Maria swung her sword to block it, and pushed Sank out of the way. "Try to stay alive, Sank, you mean a lot more than I do!" All that was keeping the chimera from attacking her was her sword. If the sword broke, she was dead. She could feel the pressure of the chimera increasing. The blade was very close to snapping. The sword broke cleanly in half. There was nothing between her and the chimera. As the pieces fell, the chimera landed on top of her. Sank was about to attack when she was pushed out of the way. She stood there wondering why she had to do that she was about to swing at it when launched at her. When Maria's sword broke and the chimera landed on top of her Sank swung her sword at it knocking it off of her. She pushed it back some more and then went to stab it. Maria was trapped under the chimera. She couldn't breathe, she'd surely die like this. She couldn't though. Furthermore, she had to take care of Sank, they were a family, and family stick together till the end, and this was not the end. Maria pulled out her cooking knife and tried her hardest to stab the chimera in the heart. She succeeded with great difficultly. The chimera was dead, but it was still on top of her. Sank pulled the dead chimera off of Maria and help her up. "Thanks Sank," Maria said gratefully. "If you hadn't helped me I could have died. I owe you my life!" Sank didn't know what to say at the moment, she just looked at Maria. "Yeah." she finally said with a small smile. "I had to help you though." Maria gave her a hug, "Well, thanks anyway." Sank hugged her back. "Your welcome." "I know it's just morning, but I'm too injured to carry on our adventure today," Maria said. The chimera attack gave her a huge scar on her stomach, and it was bleeding awfully bad. "Alright then." Sank said. She sat down and took some things out of her bag that would help Maria's wound. Maria sat down against the nearest tree, she was in extreme pain, and it was all cause of a stupid chimera. "I wonder what's next to face." Sank shrugged. "I don't know." she said as she finished getting the stuff out. She went over to her to clean and dress her wound. "Ouch, don't imply too much pressure, it hurts," said Maria, deeply in pain. This was definitely not her day. "Sorry." Sank said. She soon finished and out away the rest of the stuff. Maria was still in major pain, but she was able to live with it. Pain was just another chapter in the game of life. "I hope this won't prevent me from fighting." Sank nodded. "Yeah me too because I might need you if we are attacked again." "My sword broke, there's no chance of me being able to fight unless I perfect using my even bow..." Maria said, wondering whether a great idea was really actually coming to her head. "Yes you can use your bow." Sank said. All Maria did was nod, she was it too much pain to say anything. Her cut bleed through the bandages. Sank didn't say anything else. She sat down. She didn't know what else to do about Maria's wound. "It'll stop bleeding eventually. I'll live, I promise!" Maria said smiling! Sank nodded. "Alright." she said. "C'mon let's go!" Maria said, getting up! Sank stood up and grabbed their things. "Ok then." she said with a small smile. "Good, let's go now!" Maria told her swiftly. She started to walk. Sank began walking as well. She followed behind her. "I've been wondering," Maria started, she paused to take a breath. "I was wondering whether you and I would service this till the end. If this has happened to me already, what might happen in the future?" "I'm sure we will survive this through. I know we will. This...this was just something that happened that couldn't be helped. It could have happened when we were up something stronger, but it didn't. Now you get to perfect your bow skills and when you see something coming when you heal we can have the upper hand because you can attack first." Sank said looking at her. "I'm best with a sword though, and mine broke," Maria told her. "I'll need a new one, but until then, I'll practice with my bow!" "Yes I know, but this is a good time to learn how to use your bow better until you can get your sword fixed. I'll help you, somehow. Then you can be equally good at both." She told her. "That'd be great! Then I wouldn't feel like I'm lugging around a useless weapon!" Maria said happily! Sank smiled. "Yup." she said. Maria walked, thinking about what had happened. She hoped her cut would have enough time to heal before she got into another situation. "Um, Sank, should we rest for the night?" "If it's best for your wound then yes." Sank said. "Okay, set up camp then!" Maria told her. She sat against the nearest tree and opened her pack to replace her bandages. "I can see this is going to be a real problem." Sank began setting up camp. "Don't worry about, it won't be too much of a one." "That'll be good," Maria said. She watched Sank set up camp, feeling helpless. Sank finished setting up camp and had everything they way it always was. "Go get us some food Tea," Maria told her little raccoon friend. "Great, in an hour or two we'll be able to eat." Kumar laid across her legs and started to pout. "Hey, Sank, do we have any food left?" Sank nodded and got some out and gave it to her. It wasn't much though. Maria gave a part of it to Kumar. He looked very hungry, and she didn't want him to have to suffer. She loved animals a lot. "Thanks Sank!" "No problem." she said with a smile as she watched Kumar eat the food. "He, you aren't talkie, huh?" Maria noticed. Sank laughed slight. "I just don't have anything to say." "That's kinda obvious," Maria said, laughing also. "You know, I hope we'll find something amazing at the end of the forest. Something that'll make it all worthwhile. That'd be... great!" Sank smiled ND nodded. "Yes finding something at the end f this forest would be great. Like say some kind of treasure or something." she said. "Yes, that would be totally perfect," Maria said, smiling. Kumar purred happily as though he understood what she was saying. Sank just nodded while still smiling. She looked around the forest for a few seconds. "I wish Tea was back," Maria told Sank suddenly. She could hear her stomach growling. Sank nodded. "Yeah me too. I'm pretty hungry." Maria looked at Kumar, "Hey, Kumar! Go find Tea and help her," she said. Tea might need the help anyway. Sank sat there and waited for them to get back. "Their going to be awhile," Maria pointed out. Tea was a very slow food gatherer and Kumar didn't have the best nose. "Yeah I kind of thought that." Sank said. "Hmm... wonder what they'll bring us," Maria said dreamy. She was thinking of cake, though she knew it was impossible. "I don't know, probably what they've been bringing us." Sank said. "Yeah, but it'd be awesome if they brought us something different, like a giant steak..." Maria said, very hungry. Sank started to laugh. "They can't get that. Though it would be nice to have one." "Yes, it'd be like heaven," Maria was no doubt in a daze. Sank then began to daydream about what food she would like. Maria was thinking about ice cream, and steak. She slowly began to fall asleep, dreaming about food she craved. Sank looked over at Maria and saw her falling asleep. Kumar and Tea showed up an hour later with a large basket full of yummy stuff. Kumar nudged on Maria to wake up. Sank looked through the basket full of stuff to eat while she waited for Maria to wake up. Maria got up slowly and reached for a fish and a bit down hard on it, not caring if it was cooked. "Yum, tastes... so good." Sank looked at her strangely. "What?" Maria said over a mouthful of fish. "That's not cooked." Sank said. "So?" Maria asked, she really didn't think it mattered. "You could get sick." Sank told her. "So? If I get sick that'll mean more excitement against my life, that'd be awesome!! "Ok then." Sank said and began to cook hers. "I can't help that I'm hungry," Maria told her, picking up grapes and shoving them in her mouth. "Well doesn't mean you have to eat something like that raw because it really could make you sick." Sank said eating some of the fruit while she waited on her fish to cook. "I don't care what goes through my system and which way it goes," Maria told her. She really didn't actually care. "Alright then." Sank said and took her fish off the fire and began eating it when it was done. Maria grabbed an apple and a bit down on it. "I like apples." "Yeah me too." Sank aid with a smile. She grabbed herself an apple and some more grapes. "I like grapes too." Maria searched the bag more. Inside was this weird object she had never seen before. It looked like a bright blue stone, but it had a purplish tinge. "What is that?" Sank asked seeing it. "I don't know, but I don't think it's edible," Maria said. She bit down on it and she felt her tooth crack. "Ouch!" "Let me see it." Sank said holding her hand out for whatever it was. Maria gave the strange gem to Sank. "Maybe you've seen it before, I sure haven't." Sank looked it over. "I think it might be a Tanzanite." she said. "Really? Do you think it has any importance to us?" Maria asked. "Don't know, maybe. It could be part of that treasure we hope to find." Sank said with a smile. "That'd be great!" Maria said, smiling brightly. Sank nodded. "Yes it most definitely would be." Maria looked at the gem. Suddenly a crazy idea went through her head. "Maybe it grants wishes." Sank laughed slightly. She then nodded. "Yeah it might be able to do that." "Ooh! Try it!" Maria said, ultra excited. "Ok. Do you still want that steak? I do." Sank said and then held the stone tightly in her hand and closed her eyes. "I wish for two delicious hot steaks." she said. She then opened her eyes to see if it was going to come true. "Dang it didn't work!" Maria said, looking upset. She was really hoping for a steak. "Yeah me too." Sank said with a sigh. "Well maybe we can find some way to sell it. Then we can get a steak. It will take a while though." "Yeah, I'll enjoy eating that steak." Maria said hungrily. She grabbed another fish and ate it uncooked. Sank looked at her for a few seconds before cooking her another fish. When it was done she ate it as well as some more fruit. "Yum, I love fish," Maria said randomly. "I bet it tastes better cooked." Sank said. "It's tastes good like this too," she said, stuffing her face. "But does it taste better than cooked fish?" Sank asked. "Oh well you like what you like." Maria finished her fish. "It's tastes equally good both ways. It's like heaven in my mouth when I'm hungry. Who couldn't live without it?" "Well I guess if you're starving it would." Sank said. "Wow, is it just me or do we eat a lot?" Maria asked, looking at the empty basket. Sank laughed slightly. "Yeah we do eat a lot." "That's a problem," Maria said seriously, then she broke into laughter. "I don't think so. As long as we can still get food it's fine." she said still laughing. "There better be more food in this forest," Maria said fiercely. "It should be." Sank said looking at her. "It's either me or I'm just too plain tired! I need some sleep," she said, laying against the tree and closing her eyes. "Ok then." she said watching her closing her eyes. She then laid down herself and closed her eyes to go to sleep. The next day Kari awoke with a scream. There was something on her, but she wasn't sure what. Sank woke up to Maria's scream. "What is it?" she asked. "S-steak!" Maria pointed out, her finger pointing in the direction of the basket. "Steak?" Sank asked looking at the basket. "So the wish came true?" Maria was shocked. "Y-yes, but how?" "I don't know." Sank said. She looked at the steak a bit longer. "That sure is freaky..." Maria said amazed. Sank nodded. "Yes it is." she said. Maria picked up the steak and examined it, "Is it real?" Sank shrugged. "I don't know, it might be. Try it." Maria bit on the edge. "It tastes okay," she told her. "You try!" Sank took the steak and took a bite. "Yeah it tastes ok. I think it is real." Maria took a bigger bite, shallowed, then looked in her bag. "Ah, here's a good bag." She opened up a littler bag with strings on the end and shoved the steak in there. "Something this good ought to be savored." Sank nodded. "Yeah it should be, but then again we could just wish for more though." "What if the stupid rock only grants one wish?" Maria asked. "We'll just have to if it does. Here you make a wish." Sank said and gave her the stone. Maria thought hard as she held the stone in her hands. She remembered how her prized sword broke the other day. Maria thought, and then finally came up with a wish. "I wish for a totally awesome, indestructible sword." She turned to Sank. "How's that for a crazy wish?" Sank smiled and nodded. "Yeah that's a pretty good crazy wish. I hope it comes true." "So do I. I can't live with having no sword for the rest of my life," Maria said. She wondered how long she'd have to wait. She'd go back to bed, but she wasn't tired. "Yeah I know. I don't I think I would be able to either even though I do have my daggers." Sank said. "Yeah, my sword was everything to me," Maria told her. Sank nodded. "I wonder how long we are going to have wait and see if the stone still grants wishes." "Sure, let's count minutes!" Maria said sarcastically. Sank laughed. "Let's not." she said. She then sighed slightly. "Okay, dude I'm bored," Maria said, yawning. "Yeah me too." Sank said. "Maybe we should move on some?" 'Yes, let's move," Maria yawned. Sank stood up and gathered their things. She waited on Maria before moving. Maria started walking, looking back to see if Sank was following. Sank was following her. She was just quiet. Maria took out a dagger and picked up a stick. She sharpened the stick and threw it at the nearest tree. "Why'd you do that?" Sank asked her. "I haven't hurt anyone have I?" Maria asked in defense. "No, but I was just wondering why you did that." Sank said. "I was bored," said Maria. "Oh ok. I'm bored too." Sank said with a small sigh. "I wish something exciting would happen." "How about we set the forest on fire? Will that be exciting enough?" Maria questioned. "Yeah, but then what would we do? That isn't really a good idea." Sank said. "Hey Kumar. Pick up Sank and swing her around in circles," Maria joked. "No don't do that." Sank said and then laughed knowing she was joking. Kumar bit onto Sank's pants. "Let her go, Kumar." Maria told him. Sank pet him on the head and walked on. Kumar sniffed Sank and barked. "What do you want, Kumar?" "What is it?" She asked him. She waited to see what he might say or do. Furthermore, she wasn't really sure what he wanted. Maria looked from Kumar to Sank, wondering also what he was going to say. Sank shrugged. "I don't guess he wants to tell me." she said. "Oh well," Maria said. Sank continued to walk on. Maybe Kumar did tell her what he wanted, but she just didn't have her him that well. Maria licked her hand, she tasted blood, she didn't know why. "Um, why is there blood on my hand." She looked and saw that there was a cut on her hand. She looked over at Sank and realized that she to have a cut. "Sank! Your hand!" Sank wondered what Maria was talking about. She looked at her hand and saw that she had a cut. "Where'd this cut come from?" she asked. She looked around before looking at Maria. "I-I don't know! I have one two!" Maria panicked. "Maybe it was from that steak we ate?" Sank said. "I doubt it," Maria said. "Maybe it's the effect of the stone." "Maybe it is that." Sank said. "Oh, that's great!" Maria said sarcastically. "We'll be fine I'm sure." Sank said. "I'm already bleeding enough from my chest! Now I'm going to lose so much blood that I'm going to shrivel!" Maria panicked. "No you're not. I'm sure these cuts won't bleed that much more unless they're deep." Sank said trying to calm her down. "Yesterday's cut is still bleeding! This is bleeding badly!" Maria freaked. Sank took out some bandages and things and cleaned and wrapped up her and Maria's cuts. "Ouch!" Maria shouted as her wound was wrapped. Sank didn't say anything as she finished. She put the stuff away and looked at her. "Sometimes I wonder if you are trying to kill me," Maria said bitterly. "What are you talking about?" Sank asked. "Nothing, never mind," Maria said to her. "Ok then." Sank said and continued on walking ahead. Maria looked in her direction and followed silently. Sank just continued walking without saying anything at all. Maria picked up another stick and threw it a rock. She watched it break, then snickered. Sank looked at what she did, but didn't say anything. The blood went through Maria's bandage. It stung badly... but she knew she'd live. Sank just continued to walk. She looked at her bandaged hand. Maria licked her hand. The taste of blood was refreshing, but she didn't know why. "Sank, did you know blood had such a great taste?" Sank shook her head. "No I didn't because I never tried any." she said. "Try it!" Maria advised her Sank looked at her and then her blood. She didn't do anything at first and then licked some of it. She looked over at Maria. "Good, isn't it?" Maria asked her. "Yeah sure." Sank said. "Are you being honest?" Maria asked, raising her eyebrow Sank nodded. "Yeah I am." she said. "Okay, that's good," Maria said, licking her cut again. Then a sudden thought appeared in her head, "Does that mean we're vampires." Sank laughed. "I don't think so. Maybe though." Maria continued to lick her hand, hungrily. "Maybe I'm the vampire." she said, totally shocked. She tried to stop, but it was as if her tongue was addicted to the taste of blood.

The Old Forest ((Sanoko and Demonic Vampire))|rating:2.0

Daughter and mother taken. (itsbeenfun and glassmonster)

They were looking for a pair of beauties in the middle of nowhere. Even better that the set the found on the open road was a mother and daughter. Seeing them get out at a gas station/diner that they scouted out the mother called out to her daughter "let's get something to eat after I gas up the car I will meet you inside." The guys watching the couple new their jobs and that they would get a simple commission for the two. After the mom parked the car they simply went under the car and sabotaged it so it wouldn't get more than five miles or so down the road. A detour set up at a fork as they approached it later and changed back after they went through. A simple enough trap that had been used before. Remote no cell phone coverage people disappeared all the time in this area of the country. Mountainous, cars simply would slide from the road to the deaths of the people. Easy enough to fake if needed. After sabotaging the car the men went into the diner and sat down to eat. It was a matter of time before the women left. The young girl and her mother suspected nothing as they gathered a few snacks for their mother-daughter road trip ND gassed up the car for the long ride. After paying for their spoils at the register they headed to the car and hopped in. They were a beautiful pair, the middle-aged mother looking very youthful and the 17-year-old girl having the mature looks of an older woman. Both had long chocolate brown locks and bright hazel eyes, plus curves that could please a god. The younger tossed their leftovers into the backseat and got into the passenger side as her mother slid into the driver seat and pulled out of the lot." No service! Not a single bar!" the teen complained. "And my phone was our GPS, too!""it's fine, Tris. We'll find our way. I have an idea of where things are. We DO have this trip every year." her daughter grumbled and tossed the phone in back too. It wasn't long before the car broke down."figures it's in the middle of freaking nowhere..." This whined after they had both stepped out of the car after trying for a good 15 minutes to get it going. Neither had much mechanical knowledge, either."yeah...just our luck..." agreed her mother with a heavy sigh. "Maybe we ought to start walking back? Only a few miles to that last stop. Maybe they can help."they both groaned at the thought of walking in this heat. What a sucky trip so far. The side road they went up was heavily wooded. To make matters worse it was getting dark. The detour sign at the fork had been changed back so no one would be going up the road now. No one but Larry. He was 5-10, 220, black curly hair, blue eyes in his mid 40s. He had been a slaver now for 15 years. A high school and college wrestler he knew how to handle himself and loved a challenge. Coming from the other way in a jeep he saw the car right around where he knew it would be. Doing a U turn he pulled up "need some help ladies?" The mother, Jennifer, was glad to see someone "yes we could use some help. Mind looking at our car?" She looked at This and said "stay in the car baby" and got out as the light was finally going out dusk changing to night. Larry pulled his jeep around and backed it up to the car and opened the back taking out a tool box and a flashlight. Opening the hood to the car he asked Jennifer to hold the light so he could see in the engine. Grateful for the help, Jennifer held the flashlight up, so the man could see, thanking him profusely for stopping to help. This slipped back into the passenger seat, folder her arms over her chest and hoping this would hurry up and be over with so they could go." Thank you so, so much" Jennifer was going on "I have no idea what we would have done had you not stopped to help us out. And my is it getting dark so soon? Even worse off than I thought if you hadn't stopped..." she was going on and on without saying much at all. Tries yawned, bored of waiting and searched for some kind of snack in the glove box that wasn't their leftovers from the diner stop. Larry let Jennifer ramble and asked her to move the light closer so she had to lean over the hood. Once behind her, he removed the rag with chloroform from the tool kit and quickly put it over her nose and mouth. Soon the woman was in a light sleep. Catching her as she fell over wondering if This would notice she quit talking he moved her so she was sitting on the car bumper and cuffed her hands to the frame of the car. The hood up the girl couldn't see what was going on. He used two pairs of cuffs one for each wrist. One handcuffed to the corner of the frame the other to the middle of it. The light had fallen to the ground under the car making it darker now. The mother secured to the hood he called out to This hearing the mother use her name earlier, "This we could use a hand back here"He waited with two pairs of cuffs for the girl to come out knowing she may struggle. He always wanted to find out what kind of people his victims are quickly. Some fight in them? Cower when they see what is going on? It was time to find out. This grumbled and opened the car door. How many people do they need to fix a damned car? She brushed her bangs from her face and stepped around the other side of the lifted hood to see what was up. Her eyes widened when she saw the man holding handcuffs. Another glance let her in on the fact that her mother was knocked out and cuffed to the hood of the car. Before she could even take a breath she grabbed hold of the nearest thing to her, a large stick from the ground, and swung hard at the man in front of her hoping to do some damage. Larry ducked and laughed stepping behind her and putting his hands around her waist talking her to the ground. Pinning her hips with his she could struggle all she wanted now it would just tire her out. Moving with each move she made and keeping his weight on her, he made it clear that this wasn't a battle she would win."your mom would be very upset with you if she ended up childless don't you think This?" He grabbed each hand and cuffed a wrist with one end of the cuffs. "I am going to bring you up slowly, and you will sit on that bumper next to your mom do you understand?" he asked. "Or do I have to knock you out as well?" She struggled a bit longer, even after his threat, before finally giving in and nodding. There wasn't much for her to do now, at least SGE tried. Best thing now was just to on and not get killed."yes. I understand." she said grudgingly. He carefully helped her up and walked her to the car keeping behind her until they were there. Then turning her around quickly he locked her hands to the frame like her mothers the two women side by side. He now took out two sets of heavy chains and wrapped them around the bumper of his jeep padded cuffs at the ends of the chains. He took the mothers legs and locked them to the bumper between the vehicles"don't worry This I will make sure your legs are not pulled off. I don't want them dragging while we move you. Put feet on the bumper"He waited for the girl to see what she would do. She waited a bit, still in a sort of shock at all this, trying to make sense of it. Feet on the bumper...? What was this guy up to? Finally, she very slowly put her feet up on the bumper like he asked her to. She was unsure about this but she didn't have much choice at all. Larry locked her ankles to the bumper and smirked "good girl"He then went into the jeep and got a tow-bar. He attached it to the jeep and the car, so there would be no give between the two. Didn't need the legs of his new sluts pulled out after all. Taking some smelling salts out now he revived the mother. Coming to with a start breathing in the ammonia. "What the fuck" she says as she looks around and yells "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING"Larry smirks at her "yell all you want slut, no one will hear you. You are miles from nowhere, and I am getting you ready to transport to a facility." He now took out a knife and put it to her cloths blade side away and quickly and efficiently removed him "don't struggle I don't want to cut you" is all he said. Frozen with shock, fear,and not wanting to be sliced Jennifer does as she is told and stays still. "What do you mean transport?!" Tris voices both women's thoughts to their captor. Neither had any idea what he meant nor what he was doing. Was he going to rape them and kill them? The way he was taking their clothes off that's how it seemed. Powerless and scared they had no idea what to do. Larry now stripped This of her cloths quickly. He then stepped back and looked at the two of them. "Your questions will be answered all in good time." The day had been very warm and now with the sun down the air was cooling, and a dew was in the air. Larry walked over and stood between them putting his hands at each of their cunts. He fingered the slit of each one of them to see if they would grow wet. He needed to know how easy this pair was."keep your hands off my daughter" Jennifer hissed and tried to close her legs. "Leave her alone I will do as you ask"Larry laughed "you both will do as I ask slut" This stiffened. At 17, she was still a virgin, and this was certainly not how she imagined losing her virginity at all. She tried to mimic her mother, closing her legs as tight as she could to try and ward off the intrusion. Sadly for This, her mother was a lot bigger and stronger and experienced so she had a much easier time fighting off the man's "temptation". As scared as she was, Tris began to tire out and squirm, her legs loosening as she could not try to force them closed any longer. "Stop.!" she pleaded. Meanwhile, her mother was dumbstruck by the refusal of her request and still fighting to keep her legs shut. Larry looked at Tristan and smirked "scared little whore? What is the worry?" as his fingers probed both of their cunts now feeling them to see if they are wet. Stopping at Tristan's cherry. "Your mother will be proud of you with your looks you still have your cherry dear"Jennifer looked at This and whimpered for her cunt was starting to get wet. Her nipples beginning to point in the damp air. "Only one of you will be fucked tonight mother who should it be?" The mother whimpered "me please me leave her alone" This squirmed, giving her mother a mortified look as she squirmed under Larry's hand. She could not believe he knew just from poking around. And that he actually shared the information out loud! She could feel her body getting warmer now, her blood coursing with an odd heat to it as her slit started to moisten up, dripping down the man's fingers. She closed her eyes tight and clenched her muscles trying to push his fingers out. Jennifer's pleas for mercy on her daughter grew quite and quieter as she began to have to focus on suppressing her pleasure rather than speaking. "Look at your mother slut. She is gripping my fingers as we speak. Soon she will be bearing down on them" as Larry removed his fingers from Tristan's cunt "no need to ruin you yet" pushing deeper into Jennifer's pussy she let out a gasp."she will look good tonight being raped don't you think?" he asked as the mother shivered Jennifer was glad for more than one reason that her daughter would be spared, one of which she would not admit. Just to be sure that it was she who took the raping in her daughter's stead she did just as the man suggested. She moved her hips and worked her pussy down on the men large fingers while Tristan watched in pure terror and sheer embarrassment. The man smirked now and pulled his fingers out. He went to the jeep and started it and soon the two of them were being towed between the jeep and the car to the location of a training facility." I'm sorry baby I couldn't help it" Jennifer said as they moved slowly through the night. A few miles up they came to a gate with a 12-foot stone wall. The gate opened and they entered. The doors closing once they were in they saw only a farmhouse and a barn down a long drive. Once at the drive four men came out and smirked at the women."take the younger one to the farmhouse. Give her a room. She is cherry so leave her be." The mother protested "no I want her with me"Larry looked at her "so you want her to see you get raped?" Two of the men took This to the farmhouse to an upstairs bedroom. Nothing more than a bed and toilet. The two other men took Jennifer to the barn once This was taken to the farmhouse. Brought in a light shown down on a pole by a wall. Other than that it was pitch black. The two men put Jennifer down on her back and took her hands cuffing them to the pole stretching her out as far as they can. Then using some soft rope they tied her ankles to two eye hooks in the floor spreading her as wide as her legs would allow it. The barn itself was actually air-conditioned and not smelly. Something Jennifer would find out why in the morning. The two men stepped into the darkness now and seem to disappear. Larry entered in just a robe and looked at his new trainee. He called out a number and a light went on over a cell. A tall naked blonde walked out to them eyes down knowing this was her last month at the facility. Jennifer, still wet and perked up from the little "warm up" out at the cars was shocked. Another girl? "Who is SHE? Did you kidnap her, too?!" she inquired, sort of angrily she was disgusted. "What the hell is this place? Where did you take my daughter?!" she growled desperately struggling against her restraints. Larry chuckled "I told you your questions will be answered in due time slut. This girl was kidnapped 5 months ago. You are going to have a little contest with her. The first one to cum won't be fucked. If you refuse to participate you will be fucked by forfeit." He nodded at the blonde. The girl had to be in her early 20s about 5-8, 34dd breasts and firm. She was any men dream and some women as well. She looked down at the new trainee and smirked. Furthermore, she lowered herself so she was straddling Jennifer's face and began to lick her clit and slit."go on slut lick her pussy or forfeit" Larry said to Jennifer. Furthermore, she hesitated, shocked by all the information. A trainee...for a whore camp of some kind! She decided she would have to play along and began to lick at the girl's pussy half-heartedly and in disgust. It was especially unfair to pit her against an "experienced" girl. What a crazy backwards ass place this creep was running. The girl came almost immediately when Jennifer licked her. She arched and moaned washing the poor mother's face. She then got up and kept her eyes down walking back to her cell. Once in it the door shut and the lights went out over it."looks like you lose" Larry said to Jennifer. Taking off his robe Jennifer didn't see the Velcro cock ring around the base of his dick to stop him from cumming. He took out a condom and showed it to her and then slid two thumbtacks inside it so the points where sticking out of the tip. He watched her reaction as he put the condom on. Larry could read a face very well, by this time in his career he had seen everything from sheer fear, anger, shock and yes even lust before the rape. He needed to be able to control This somehow and her mother would be perfect for that. He got between the woman's spread cunt and put the head of his cock into her slit. Looking into her eyes he plunged his cock into her cunt and buried the two tiny thumbtacks into the back of her pussy waiting for the scream. He knew it would be painful and would feel like he would be ripping her apart. He also knew that as painful as it was it would do no permanent damage to her cunt. After all you don't damage a piece of merchandise. Jennifer was screaming in terror even before he penetrated her. She knew it would hurt, and she was right. As he buried himself and the pointed tacks inside of her the screams of fear and horror combined with pained yowls. "OH MY GOD!!" she screamed loudly, jerking in pain. This was no rape it was just torture. Larry kept looking into the woman's face as his hips started to move in and out. Each time he thrust his cock into her, it seemed like the tacks hit another part of her cunt."clamp down slut and this will be over. I can keep slamming you all night." He slammed it hard and held waiting to see what she would do to get him to finish. At first Jennifer was too shocked and in pain to do much but yell in agony, her eyes wide. Finally, she regained some senses and did as he said, clenchung her muscles around his member hard to either slow his hard slams into her with the tacks and to make him cum. Larry moaned as she clamped down and did as he promised. He reached down and took the Velcro strap off his cock and exploded inside the whore's cunt. The tacks raking the back of her cunt as his cock throbbed. He then pulled out and stood putting the robe on. "See you in the morning slut." Tris on the other hand was left alone with two guards outside her door. Bars on the window so she couldn't leave. She heard her mother's screams in the night but had no idea what she was going through. Anytime she addressed the guards their answers were short "no mam, yes mam" answers. Despite her terror, anxiousness,and pain Jennifer managed to fall asleep rather quickly. She was tuckered out, it had been a long day. This, on the other hand, was terrified. She could not sleep a wink and spent the whole night glancing around and wondering just what in the hell they were doing to her mother. The next morning a bell went off in the barn and Jennifer woke quickly from it. She was still tied spread with dried cum and blood on her thighs. She looked around and saw 8 cells each one with a beautiful woman in it. Each cell had a bed, dresser, shower and toilet. Each girl rose, went to the shower and waited until they were all ready. Soon the showers went on. The women had 15 minutes to clean the filth off of themselves, wash their hair, and shave completely. After the showers went off the women went to the dresser and pulled a towel from the top right drawer. They dried themselves off then placed the towel on top of the dresser not even trying to cover themselves. Each one then went to the left-hand drawer of the dresser and pulled out hair driers to dry their hair, put on make up and look like they were getting ready for work. Once done they all sat on their beds and waited. None of them said a word, and none of them acknowledged Jennifer. At the same time a man entered This' room and delivered a healthy breakfast as well as some cloths. Any questions she had the man simply answered yes mam and no mam. Jennifer was bewilder by this uniform, robotic display. This took the meal but could hardly eat as she was so worked up. She knew she needed it though so she forced the food down. By now she had given up on asking questions, none were getting answers. She sighed and ate some food. Shortly after the women sat on their beds Larry came into the barn with two other men. They opened two cells, one with a red head and the other a brunette. The two women walked out of the barn. Larry then came to Jennifer and released her from the floor. "Follow slut" he said and walked to the barn door the women just walked out of. Jennifer decides its best to just obey and gets slowly to her feet, walking gingerly over to follow the two girls. She was still tired and rather sore from last night, and she knew that could only be the beginning. Outside was an SUV waiting for her with the two girls in the middle seats. Larry opened the middle door for her and said "get in". One of the girls had a bottle of water in her hand and nodded to her as she offered it to Jennifer. The SUV already had a driver and Larry got into the passenger seat. Once the doors were closed the SUV drove off. "There are two ways to get out of here, and you will see one of them today"Jennifer noticed the girls shiver when he said that. Larry handed Jennifer some melon in a plastic bag and again the girls nodded as if to say it was OK. Clearing a line of trees Jennifer could see a helicopter in the distance and could also hear a sigh of relief from the girls. "If you bring a good enough price you will be leaving like these two by chopper." The SUV stopped, and the driver let the women out. They walked to the chopper and got in which soon took them away to who knows where. As the chopper was going and Larry sat there alone with Jennifer. "Don't bring a good enough price from our clients you and your daughter will be put in a snuff video to be sold on the black market." She was surprised by this, but something told her this chopper did not leave to freedom. She nearly choked on a piece of melon. Client? Snuff video? Her eyes widened both were sounding terrible. This really was some sort of well kept organization of dark deeds. "What client?" she asked, though she felt she knew at least part of the answers she craved already. The man turned in his seat and looked at her "the clients we are going to sell you and your daughter to." As he said it the driver came back and started the SUV heading back to the barn."and how much you cooperate will depend on weather your daughter gets the same treatment as you did on the barn floor with a cock in her cunt and tacks on its tip." Larry continued. She shuddered. Dragging her daughter into this was the real horror. He was crossing lines here, and she was sure he knew it. She knew she would have to cooperate if she wanted to him to spare This from that experience. She nodded and tried to prepare herself for whatever this 'client' may do to her. The SUV got back to the barn where Jennifer was raped the night before. Larry got out and opened the door for her "your training begins today slut get out"One of the other men handed him a training collar "hair back and kneel" She did as she was told without any complaint, slowly dropping to her knees and pulling back her hair. Larry looked down at her "I am glad you understand cunt". He locked in the training collar and told her to get up and follow. Walking to the barn for her first training session Jennifer wondered what they were doing to This. Inside the barn the blonde that had the contest with her was now standing in a spreader bar with her hands cuffed above her head attached to a rafter. The blonde saw them and started to beg "no please don't do this to me, I did as you asked please" she begged Larry. Larry pointed to the cameras on the wall to let Jennifer know that this was being videoed. He picked up a 20 strand flogger and handed it to Jennifer walking her behind the blonde beauty. "12 strokes to the bitch, 4 to her ass, 4 to her tits, and 4 to her cunt." The blonde now begged Jennifer "god no please don't do this to me, they made me do it to you, please don't do this." Jennifer was dumbstruck. He was pretty much showing her that he went back on his word. He wouldn't really keep This from the pins inside of her experience. Furthermore, he was lying. Unless that was the trick. That this girl was putting on a show to see what she would do. She bit her lip, not moving for a moment while she thought. They didn't just rape your body here, they raped your mind as well.Finally, she decided that she had to. Why jeopardize that it may be the truth? She had to do it in case it would protect her daughter. She took the flogger and walked over, stroking her 4 times on the ass. Then 2 times for each of her breasts, and 4 times to her sex. When Jennifer started beating the woman she moaned and smiled at her "that's it keep going. Make sure you put on a good show dear" she whispered as she went by her to the front. She struggled and began to beg again when Jennifer walked in front of her and moaned after each time she was struck. After the beating two men came over and got the woman down and took her to her cell. Larry came to Jennifer and took the flogger. "Good slut. Attend to the bitch you will have three days to rest. Your daughter is safe."In the meantime This was kept in the room. It had a bed and a bath. So far the guards had treated her well calling her mam and brining her food and drink. The cloths she was wearing were sparse but at least they covered her breasts and cunt. They wouldn't answer any questions about her mother or what was going to happen to her. That would be revealed in a few days. Jennifer was right. The girl was putting on a show. She was also relieved when he assured her that her daughter was safe. Only partially though, as she had no proof and was not allowed to see This herself. Tris sat her room. She kept asking and getting no response from the guards as to what the hell was going on. It was obvious she was ticked off, mervous, and tired. She wasn't sleeping much as her anxiety kept her up all night. Her mother's awful scream the other night could be blamed for that. Beth woke Jennifer up when the food came. A sandwich buffet on the dresser. The food was good and plentiful though Beth informed Jennifer to not eat too much as they don't want us starved, but they don't want us fat either. After a while the doctor came, as Beth said an elderly gentleman."how is the arm Beth?" he asked her."good as new thanks Doc." The Doc examined Jennifer and asked what type of birth control she was on and weather she wished for pill form or a monthly shot. Once that was taken care of he asked her health history and what drugs she might need as well as This. He also let her know that if she needed any care to have one of the grunts come and get him. She learned that the other men, the ones helping out were called grunts. Odd that they would call her mam when she was completely naked. Beth taught her the ropes the next three days, bathing, shaving, taking care of herself. The warning bell for lights out and the punishment for not making it back in time. How some of them have seen some of the prisoners killed instead of sold and how to avoid it. After three days Larry came back with a leash in the morning when the grunts brought breakfast. He looked at Jennifer "do I need to use this?" The mother shook her head no, and he told her to follow. They went out to a gazebo with a breakfast spread "I prefer to eat out here with my trainee's I find it more comfortable. You may ask any questions you feel like in this place. I don't have to answer them however and don't ask them more than once." It was a lot to take in all out once, but things weren't as bad as she thought at first. A lot weirder and creepier, but safer. She would just have to be careful. SGE thought carefully of what she may ask, but so far everything was self-explanatory. She was curious if this was a hobby or just business, but she thought it best not to ask. "What about This?" she final questioned "will she be separated for good? Where is she? What happens to her?" she knew he would ignore that. But it was worth a shot. "Your daughter will be joining you in a few days. She is a virgin and is staying in the farm house. If you wish to cooperate it would be easier on her. She needs to know there are worse things than having her virginity auctioned off." Larry sat down to the breakfast "please slut make yourself some breakfast"The buffet had eggs, sausage, bacon, cereal, fruit, juice and milk. By now Jennifer had gotten used to being naked and was no longer trying to cover herself up. Jennifer obeyed, filling her plate with a bit of everything. It still ticked her off slightly to be referred to as "slut" rather than her name. She didn't think she would get used to that, but she would at least bit her tongue and hope her daughter at least knew enough to disregard her teachings and do so as well. "Auction off her virginity...?" she asked incredulously. "Yes, in two days a group of businessmen are coming to the facility to bid to be her first. I think you could persuade her to accept it, or she will suffer the consequences of she is done being fucked. I am pretty sure after your experience you will want to spare her from that type of treatment. She did hear your screams that night. We have assured her you are fine and will be seeing her today after your training." He was thrilled to hear she would see her daughter today. Less thrilled that it was to convince her to behave during her rape...but still thrilled. She nodded and wondered what kinds of men were included in this group of "businessmen". "Will I get to see who wins her...?" she inquired. She wasn't sure if it was better to stay in the dark about it or if she wanted to know. Losing your virginity is a big deal, and her daughter's first time was clearly not going to be the right way. She wondered if she would get to know the details and just how awful it would be for her daughter. "You will be there during the auction slut. All the girls will be serving refreshments and keeping them distracted. The more they drink, the higher the price will be." Larry finished up his juice and picked up a clipboard and started asking questions to Jennifer like a job interview, "now about you, time to get to know what you are like. Have you sucked cock before? If you have you deep throated?" She wondered what these questions were for and what affect they would have on her. She nodded. "Yes, I have given blowjobs before...I have not deep throated..." She was hesitant to answer such private questions, but she knew it was better than the alternative. The interview continued. "Anal? other than the blonde the other night sex with women? More than one partner at a time? Gang bangs?" She shook her head. "None of that." she wondered how many girls he picked out actually had answered yes to these. Maybe some he had picked up truly were sluts. "That's ok you will learn." he put his clipboard down looking at Jennifer's wedding ring. He got out a blank piece of paper "you are to right a note to your husband that you are leaving him and taking This with you. Do not bother trying to find us we are starting over." Jennifer looked at him in disbelief and started to tear up. She was hoping her husband would be looking for them after not hearing from her a few days. She wrote the note and handed it to Larry. He folded it up and put it in an envelope already addressed. "Put your ring in the envelope"Jen shook her head no but took the ring off and placed it in the envelope."do you have any more questions before we begin your training?" She shook her head, fighting back tears. She decided she wouldn't tell This about this if she didn't have to. Furthermore, she hoped her husband would see through this letter. How fake and heartfelt it was. How she had been forced to write it. She hoped, but she knew only so much can be conveyed in writing. She knew this news would devastate him. But it was better than him thinking they were dead...or she third to believe so. Larry gave her some time to compose herself before it was time to go. "Follow slut" he said and walked to the farmhouse. Going inside Jennifer, and he stopped in front of a two-way mirror looking into a room. An Asian whore was in some stocks sucking a cock. A second woman using a flogger on her ass. The trainer reminding the slut sucking the cock to concentrate as she whimpered and kept servicing the man. Larry then led Jennifer to a room with just a bed in it. He striped and sat down on the bed "let me see how good you are with that mouth bitch." It took her a moment, but she finally figured out what he meant. She kneeled in front of him, licking the tip of his cock and rubbing it off a bit to get him started before reluctantly putting it into her own mouth. Larry grabbed her head and moaned lightly "that's it slut take your time. It's good to not rush your technique. A good cunt knows how to build the man up slowly." Larry had been training women now for 15 years. He never got emotionally involved with his trainee's it was a business. The goal was to make them feel like they didn't have a choice but obey. Never use their name and degrade them as much as possible with their titles. After all these women were going to be sent off to people who may never let them dress again. For that matter after they grew tired of them may sell them to another or worse. His cock thickened and soon the precut was dripping in Jennifer's mouth. He continued to encourage her and give her tips on her abilities. When he was close he took an O-ring gag form under a pillow and stopped Jennifer "open your mouth whore it's time to learn to deep throat." She obey eyed, opening her mouth and allowing him to put the gag in. She was not fond of this idea, but as usual it was better than the alternatives. Deep throating sounded painful. She had never done it before, and she was not sure if she wanted to, but if she wanted things to go alright she had to obey. She did not bother objecting. Larry slipped his cock back between Jennifer's lips and took her head firmly in his hands. "The trick to deep throating is knowing when. It isn't hard and with practice will take no time at all. First off make sure he is close so you don't have to hold your breath long whore. Secondly relax your throat and let the tip come in and surround it with your throat muscles." Larry pushes his cock in and out of her mouth not forcing it yet. "You should know when a man is close to cumming, when he is ready simply bring the tip to your throat and swallow gently. Keep your teeth back and your lips around it." Larry pushed it to her throat now and kept petting her hair "go on bitch take it" She tried to do as he said, keeping her teeth and tongue out of the way as she took his length into her throat. She gagged a bit at first but soon had it buried deep within her throat. Each time she gagged he pulled out and encouraged. "Deep breaths' slut. Make sure you have air in your lungs". Once Jennifer finally pulled it into her throat he continued to instruct "now rub your throat with your hand, it drives a guy crazy and will make him cum quicker. No need for you to pass out while doing this"He leaned back and let the whore do what she was told and then exploded in her throat. He kept his hand on her head keeping his cock buried, so his cum went directly to her stomach. When he was finally done he pulled out and smiled at her "good slut" She took deep breaths after. It was hard, but not as hard as she thought. It certainly was not fun, but it also was not a terrible experience. She knew she could force herself to get used to it. It left an odd feeling in her throat and she gave a little cough as though to clear it. After Jennifer recovered Larry got up and dressed. "Follow slut"They went to an office/library which had a wide selection of books, mostly classics, modern and contemporary. "Grab a book for your free time. Return it when you are done. That will be all for today. I will send you a reward before dinner for your performance, and we will let you see your daughter tonight." He went to the computer and started working as if it was just another part of his day. Jennifer left and relaxed in the sun reading. An hour or so later a young prisoner about her daughter's age came to her with her trainer nearby. "I am your reward I am to service you"Jennifer looked at the man and decided not to protest. Shortly the girl was giving her the best oral sex she had ever had. Fingers rotating and vibrating, tongue flicking the base each time she passed it. Her other hand sliding up and down her body gently on the grass near the pond. She was surprised how well she enjoyed being pleasured by a woman. It felt amazing and she grew wet quickly. She was sure this "reward" was mostly a different way of training her, but she didn't dislike it. She was tight with frustration at trying to hold back her climax, but she soon gave in, letting her muscles tighten and loosen. Furthermore, she let out a wet moan and clenched her fists, releasing the lip she had been biting down hard on in her resistance. She came several times like this at the expert hands and mouth of this girl. Furthermore, she knew this must have been the results of this girls training and wondered if she would be this good when her own training was done. After the girl was done she got up and lowered her eyes with a small smile. "Glad you enjoyed it" she said and walked to her trainer who petted her on the head and walked off. Before dinner one of the grunts walked up to Jennifer and told her he was instructed to take her to her daughter. For the first time in four days Jennifer would be able to see if This was alright. The grunt knocked on the door and opened it. Jennifer came in naked still. This in a halter and shorts. Jennifer hugged her not evening thinking of her rudeness so glad to see her. This was shocked when her mother came in, stark naked, and hugged her. She was glad to see her mother though and simply hugged her tightly. She wasn't sure what to ask first so she simply said "Mom...are you okay?" Jennifer nodded. "Yes dear, yes. I'm ok. I'm healthy and well taken care of." the two women held onto each other tightly, Jennifer was nearly in tears at the reunion. Jennifer eventually composed herself and sat with This on the bed. "Have they hurt you honey?" she asked. After getting the answer she told This to sit down and that they needed to talk."there is no reason to sugar coat this. This is a slave facility. We are going to be trained as sluts. In two days they are going to auction off your virginity to the highest bidder. If you fight them............." Jennifer got up and walked to the window looking out on the third floor. This window away from the training facilities, so This didn't see anything but the 12-foot wall and the woods beyond them."if you fight them you will be brutally raped the next day as I was. It wasn't a rape it was torture." This was shocked. Her mother had always told her to be tough. Don't let anyone push her around, fught back. But now...she was asking her to give in? At a SLAVE facility? It must have been some torture to have brought her mother down to this level. She looked her mother up and down, trying to think straight. She decided she would have to give in...but maybe not too quickly...she would have to think this over, decide if there was a way out. For now, she simply nodded to her mother. Jennifer hugged her again. "Just remember there is no escape baby. I have seen the facility and the walls.' She reached up to her collar. "I Suspect that this has a tracking device in it even if we did try to escape.""so far other than the first night they have treated me well. Just try to understand baby that they may try to split us up if we don't work together." She figured her mother must know best, but she was still reluctant to give in. This was by nature a very strong-willed girl, she was not going to give in unless they broke her into it. Or at least not give in easily. Again she simply nodded to her mother. "Ok. I'll just do what I have to, mom." it was still odd to see her mother so resigned to taking orders. They separated and Jennifer was told their time was up. Two days went by and her training continued. Learning to work her trainer with her mouth and rewarded for it. Deep throating after her first time without an bring gag. It was the afternoon on the 7th day, and it was time to auction off This' cherry. A grunt entered her room with a sheer gold gown. It would be tight on her body and practically see through to enhance her figure. Another man came shortly after and looked at his trainee. "Follow" he simply said and went out the door. It took a moment before she actually obeyed his order and started to follow him. She wasn't uncomfortable in the new outfit, but she wasn't quite uncomfortable either. Except that it was tight she felt almost naked. It was odd to walk around looking and feeling nearly naked. She was nervous and determined not to show it at all. She wondered exactly what would happen now. This was taken outside for the first time in a week. The sun high in the summer afternoon. She figured it must have been around 1 or 2. She was escorted by two guards and her future trainer to the pond where two poles about three feet apart and 7 feet height were permanently in the ground. Her trainer took each hand and placed them in the cuffs above her head. The guards reaching down and placing her ankles in the cuffs on the base. Her back to the pond about a dozen chairs were in front of her. Her trainer smirked at her and slid his hand over her dress caressing her breasts. "Yes you will bring a good price slut.""you mother explained the situation little one?" he smiled more looking down at her. "I hope you struggle, so I can punish you later. I bet you scream as good as your mother." One of the slaves came out with a small bottle of liquid. He lifted her dress just enough and wiped the liquid on This's pussy lips and clit. Soon there was a burning from the jalapeño juice he put on it. The purpose of it was to make her squirm and move to make her even more desirable to the men who were about to bid on her. Five minutes later the men filed in and took their seats. Each one looked at Tristan with lust in their eyes. The other 7 sluts including Jennifer came out now naked and took drink orders from the men as the auction was about to be explained by the slaveholders. She could even smell the jalapeño they had wiped on her. How could he expect her not to struggle like that?! And punish her for it later? What cruelty. She tried to hold as still as possible, hoping that would ensure that the burning would not be so bad. But they had rubbed it in and already her pussy felt like it was on fire. She tried to ignore it and hold still, but soon she was biting down hard on her lip and squirming, squeezing her legs together to try and stop the burning of the juice they had smeared on. She had wanted not to give in and let them have the satisfaction of this, but it was too late. Furthermore, she was basically putting on a show, and she couldn't even help it. The men watched the young woman in the gold sheer dress and enjoyed the show. Who wouldn't want to take this ones innocence. They ordered some drinks form the other slaves and made small talk. There were rich men not vulgar. The trainer came out in front of This now and announced "you each can have a few minutes inspecting the bitch. If she spits we will let you flog her yourself"The men laughed at the idea. Each one of them now approached This and inspected her like an animal. Feeling her curves over the dress, groping her breasts, thighs, ass, sides and back. Not one dared touch her cunt for fear of being reprimanded and unable to bid. Yes This was curvy and well-built. Her breasts not as developed as her mothers yet but firm and fresh. After each man got his chance to inspect the girl they sat down and the trainer stepped in front of the This. "The winner will fuck her in a private room. If you want the bitch tied to the bed we will arrange it. The losing bidders will have access to the other whores for a small fee." The other women including Jennifer lined up behind the display area kneeling heads down legs spread. This groaned a bit and gave a little growl at all the 'inspecting'. She continued to squirm, as the jalapeño juice was rather strong and was still burning her cunt a bit. By the time all the men had had their turns, despite her resistance to it all, This was feeling a bit hot, and she could feel that her pussy was damp with a bit more than just jalapeño juices. She was apparently a bit turned on by the burning and groping that had taken place, and this had her even more angry. Her body was apparently very sensitive, which would make her job of resistance all the more difficult. Now she looked at the crowd, snarling,a hard scowl on her face as she waited to see what would happen. "Lets open the bidding at 20 thousand" the trainer said. The men laughed at the scowl and the price. "100" the first man was to bid, and elderly man who could have been her grandfather."120" a black man in a nice suit"130" an Arabian "maybe I'll buy her for my harem" he laughed."135" the next man said. This whole time the other 7 sluts including her mother stayed behind her in a knelt position. Jennifer was embarrassed, but the bidding war got her pussy to drip. Her daughter was going to be raped and here she was excited about it. This was surprised how much these guys were bidding. She figured scumbags like these guys would be running cheap wages on their 'merchandise'. However, this seemed to be real business. And a lot of money seemed to come in from it. Expensive. At least they knew people and their virginity were worth something...that seemed to give her at least a little bit of peace of mind. They were dressed up, too. So at least they weren't total sleazebag slobs. The bidding kept going up, 150, 160, 250. The other men sat silent with the sudden jump. A slaves' slut was minimum 1 million to have for the rest of your life to have someone's cherry for 250 was another story."going once, going twice. Sold" the trainer yelled out. The other men didn't mind they were going to fuck the other whores for a much lower price. Some might even consider buying one. The men stayed to watch the rest of the show. After all they had to get the jalapeño sauce off her cunt. The other women were marched in front of This now and the trainer chuckled "choose one of the girls to clean you off slut" he said to This. "After all you can't be fucked with you cunt the way it is." The other girls knelt and looked down, Jennifer blushing. Her pussy was aching with the thought of being fucked by such rich men. She had only been fucked once in the last few weeks when her cunt was ripped up by the rape. It ached to have something inside it after watching This move the way she did. The look she saw on her mothers face disturbed her a bit, it creeped her out to think her mother was turned on by all this being done to her own daughter. Scared her even more than her own arousal. Must be some creepy stuff they had been doing to her, she figured. She didn't choose for a while, unsure which was more uncomfortable: some girl she didn't even know? Or her own mother? She final picked a random brunette from the row of girls to do the job. She seemed nice enough, and she was at least pretty. The other girls went to the farmhouse and the one that This picked got some water and a sponge. Lifting her dress she cleaned if off with the sponge looking in This' eyes."relax it will be fine" she whispered to her and knelt. Soon her tongue was sliding along This' slit and folds. Expertly flicking the base and lapping at her. She brought a hand to her slit and fingered her lightly not going in to make sure her cherry stayed in tack. Her other hand went to This' ass and brought her closer. Nibbling at her clit and making sure she flicked the base of her clit each time she passed it with her tongue. While this was going on the men watched keeping their eyes on the Virgin's face and body for her reaction. She had been right, the girl was indeed nice in trying to reassure her. However, there was nothing 'fine' about being put up like a show and having her virginity sold off. She tried to resist, but already aroused, it only took a few nips and licks to coax out her clit from it's hiding spot in her pussy's flaps of skin. She bit down on her lip and squirmed, trying not to give in too much. It was difficult, but she was holding out pretty well. Her body was clenched tight and very tense as it was racked with pleasure from the brunette's 'cleaning' job. The brunette blew warm air on This' clit and pussy and smiled up at her. She took her hands now and slid them up her dress and cupped her breast. Circling each one gently she knew how to touch every sensitive part of a woman's body. She was only 20 but knew every trick taught to her since she was brought here. She sealed around This' clit and sucked it between her teeth nibbling at it gently. Then taking her tongue to the top of her clit she slowly danced the tip down til she got to the base of the clit. She then flicked it over and over and moaned on This' clit. She squirmed and fought, her head going fuzzy as it had that first night when the man who had caught them was testing her out with his fingers. Furthermore, she fought and struggled but this girl's suckling and the toying with her chest were simply too much. And she WAS very sensitive to touch, as she had begun to discover. She released her lip and groaned, her muscles relaxing as she could not give in anymore. She closed her eyes and let the pleasure hit her, shuddering with each touch and sucking that the brunette did to her. The girl knew that This was close. She stopped now and looked down. Her job accomplished the virgin's cunt was primed for its first time. Tris' trainer came over and put a training collar on her. Unlocking her from the poles he looked at her "follow slut" and started walking towards the farmhouse. The men now got up and started to more towards the house as well. It was time for them to have a slut or two and for one of them it was time to take a Virgin's innocence. She stretched a bit and moved her arms, her legs a bit wobbly from her state of arousal, before she followed the trainer to the farm house. She knew what was coming next, but now that she was so aroused she was a bit less anxious. Furthermore, she knew she would have to get used to this, so rather than be upset about it, she just thought about which of them it would be. Furthermore, she hoped it would use one of the younger or more handsome men who had shown up. Maybe a combination. She tried to stay positive. She wouldn't have to worry about all that teenage girl stuff. All the boys would be picked out for her. Fashion, no clothes or whatever they gave her. No job, other than this. She'd be fed and cared for. She supposed it wasn't ALL that bad... The trainer took her to a nice room, unlike the training rooms that were simple queen beds. This room had large king-sized bed and was well decorated. The trainer stayed with her until the man entered. He was a middle-aged man, about 5-8, 170ish. Blonde hair, blue eyes. The trainer looked at the man "do you wish for the slut to be tied down?" The man looked at This "I don't think that will be necessary but will call you if it is." The trainer left, and the man came up to This and kissed her deeply. His hands running on her body. He then ripped the thin dress off her body, and it fell to the floor. This was surprised at how quickly he got down to business, she hardly had a chance to look at him before his lips were on hers. And that surprised her too. She had never imagined a rapist would kiss their victim like that. She simply stood there shocked, not sure what to do. He backed This to the bed and laid her down. Kissing her again and spreading her wide. The other slut had gotten her close and her cunt was primed. She felt his cock head slide on her slit, and he stopped kissing her and looked into her eyes. "God you are beautiful" he said and slid the head of his cock just inside her slit. Then with a quick thrust, then another he tore her cherry moaning "so fucking tight."

Daughter and mother taken. (itsbeenfun and glassmonster)|rating:2.0

Reamade

It had started as an impulse. She hadn't really thought about her appearance before, but a few comments about her nose and chin had her reeling. It wasn't really the place of a son to make his mother feel bad about herself, but he figured she owed him, for what a controlling dragon she'd been, raising him. Dale wasn't usually the kind for introspection - the world didn't require that kind of thought from the beautiful, young male - but even he had contemplated the connection between his overbearing mother and her moods, and their correlation to his father leaving somewhere after age eleven. Dale's own attitude had started right around the rise of hormones, of course. He had proceeded to become the unpleasant boy his male chemicals had destined him to be. It was unfortunate that the young son of a single mother became gorgeous with growth. It excused him from convention, he thought, and his surrounding agreed. With his anger he could practice abhorrent violence on his fellow bucks to have their ears and admiration - desirable to any rising lad - and with his gruffly spoken expectations and impeccably handsome features he waded in whatever tail he chose. It made him an impossible character, but at least his life was pleasant. It was this kind of outlook that fueled his continued antagonizing of his mother. Furthermore, it would have been bad enough that this new prince of an emerging generation took time off from enjoying respect and debasing girls with whatever acts he could think of - giant men with giant limbs get what they want - to bully his mother into complexes, but he wasn't satisfied there. Green eyes under dark hair wickedly pushed until she asked him to follow her on consultations with the good doctor she'd chosen to cut her insecurities out. It was in this surgeon's office Dale found himself now, waiting. He had a kindred in Dr. Late, and the two had converged on the poor lady. She was none the wiser, but the wording on the manifest had given the only practitioner of a scalped that she thought she could afford free reigns. Nose and chin, she thought, perhaps a few injections to smooth out a few wrinkles, also - but Dale had talked to the doctor about expanding the treatment. As long as he had access to the woman's accounts, the doctor didn't mind. She had trusted her son, and Dale had made sure to choose all the best things for her. She had been at the clinic for quite some time now. Dale hadn't missed her much with the house available for his friends. He couldn't count how many times he'd defiled the sanctity of his mother's bedroom with any girl that wanted to stay at the new unofficial Gomorrah. They didn't usually complain, and if they did, he'd made sure they wouldn't for long. He had quite the reputation. Dale had almost forgotten about what he'd done to his poor mother until the notification that it was time to check her out, now what everything had healed up. He found that he was excited in the private room. She had been kept without mirrors, Relate's excuse had been that she shouldn't see herself with all the swelling, and her new form would be just as much a surprise to her as her son. Well. Not entirely. He'd planned this, and knew what to expect. However amoral this was, it was delicious. Dale was a man now, and enjoyed darker humor. How would mom feel when she'd gone under as woman the spitting image of her age and time, only to be revealed as the caricature of a boy's preferences today. The doctor brought her into the room himself. Dale could already see the reshaped lips and reconstructed face above her hospital gown. He stood up. "Mom." Wide, clear eyes were that perfect shade of greed when he saw her. His red lips were wet with saliva and their pout was thinned with a wicked grin to one side. He'd come to mock her, and celebrate her new fall into debt. But the way she looked, carved into curves and swollen with silicone at flattering places, he could think of other uses for her, too. The doctor started freeing her of the gown. Candice had struggled to be a single mother and had let Dale know almost every day now he was holding her back from succeeding in life. She had so many dreams and ideas for her life, but after giving birth to him, Candice had learned her new priority in life had to be looking after Dale. While she did her best to raise the two she saw how Dale was beginning to turn into a lot like his father, but with a lot darker of a mind. She had struggled with him and fights happened a lot more often than they should have. It wasn't until he was older in his teens that she saw him starting to stand up for himself and questioning a lot of her opinions and comments about him. Candice couldn't quite understand what had made her feel insecure about her body image, but the subtle comments sale made about her forming wrinkles and chin was enough to push her to get an initial consultation with Dr. Laite. Unbeknownst to her when she was in the operating room the surgeon was quite happy to max out her card she had spent years trying to make room just for the small upgrades she had in mind. Candice would have to at least find another job to pay off the massive debt she now had. It was hard to sit in the recovery room with no mirrors or idea what she looked like now. Laying in bed had not given her the sensations of feeling what her brand-new tots and ass felt like. The added weight would be something she would need to get used to.Finally, the day came when she was ready to be discharged, and she was guided into the waiting room where Dale seemed to have a smirk on his face he couldn't get rid of. Candice had never really been a curvy woman and suddenly the weight o her chest as well as the feeling of her bigger, fuller ass cheeks now jiggling behind her made her feel a bit confused. As the doctor finally untied the surgical gown she had been wearing Candice finally got a glimpse of her face in a nearby mirror. Her jaw dropped as her new permanently pouty lips bulged out from her mouth. Her face had a constant look of surprise and dolefulness about her. "Oh.my. God. " She said as the gown was removed, and her curvy hourglass figure was on display. Her waist was tiny while her hips flared out and as she turned to the side she could see how far out her new breasts and big ass stuck k out. It wouldn't be hard for someone to see she was now more plastic than anything else. "What.what happened to me." she said as she raised a hand up to her smooth pale cheek. Her skin was flawless filled with Botox while her ass had been injected with all the fat the Dr. Had taken out of her stomach and anywhere else o her body. Brand-new cantaloupe sized breasts sat high on her chest with a small cleavage gap between them. The doctor had even upgraded and plumped out her pussy lips so that any tight clothing would show off a considerably large camel toe. She turned to the surgeon first then to Dale, still in complete shock. "This.this isn't what I wanted." she said as she couldn't help but admire her body. While it wasn't what she had expected suddenly having this figure made her feel maybe it wasn't so bad. That is until Dr. Late held out a pen for her to sign off, and she suddenly saw the bill for $500,000 which had been charged to her credit card. "Did. Did you do this Dale?" She asked and tried to look at him with an angry face, but all the work that had been done to her face ensured all she could ever look like was naive, happy or lustful. The anger in her voice didn't match the bimbo look her face showed. It was definitely something she was going to have to get used to. "Did you at least bring a change of clothes for me?" Candice asked her son as she eyed the small plastic bag resting next to the chair he had been waiting in. Dale nodded quietly to the good doctor when the white haired man stood behind Candice. They had been co-conspirators and the result had been stellar for them both. The artist took the cover off his latest piece, and Dale sighed at what was revealed in the office light. Her proportions were-- like she was another creature. He'd been with her every step of the way, and had even been shown her body while she was asleep, before the first incision. This was a complete remodeling. He liked the placement of the nipples and the bulge of her breasts. Even their motions during her little turn were impressive. He'd gravitated closer without realizing it, and was awestruck by her expression when she looked at him. He recognized the tension in her eyes, but the formation of her features were much more pleasant that he'd ever seen on her. The naivety made him want to explain things to her. He'd never see Candice again. He now lived with-- this woman. Dale made no secret of washing her up and down with his attention, and even stayed on the endowed parts. It didn't seem odd when she looked like this. She'd been designed for someone else's eyes, after all." Calm down, lady." he answered when she asked about clothing, his demeanor not that of an annoyed son anymore. While he kept a dominant posture over her, he looked far more interested than he ever had. His hand came to her shoulder to turn her back and forth after the doctor had damaged her spirit with the price for this new shape. He made her new places jiggle. Dale trailed three fingers up her stomach, savoring the skin. Those digits were just biding their time before reaching the belly of her tits." Well, I am sure you're good for it." Dr. Late joked. "But I want full satisfaction from you, so I'd advise your son's opinion." he injected. "Dale, if you'd please." His magical, expensive hand gestured to the naked, remade woman by the office mirror, and Dale wasn't late to oblige. The tits that had nurtured him when he was small felt hard as he cupped them from below. His smallest finger drew in the valley between her ribs and the tit, and he couldn't even detect the hint of a scar. His hand followed the hill up, until he could carefully pinch the nipple to see if she still had sensation in it. The hand formerly on her shoulder dropped her spine, and cupped one of her new, sizable butt cheeks similarly, as though trying to lift her." How does it feel, mom?" he asked, dark eyes engaged in her body like she'd been completely remolded just for him, and now he was here to see the order through, as though he was buying from the doctor himself, and Candice had nothing to do with the transaction. "Do you feel more sensitive?" he pressed, squeezing the nipple a little harder, and sliding fingers between her buttocks. He applied more pressure to test the material she'd been filled with, and found that it was firm. Candice stared at her new naked form in the mirror as her son moved up behind her, and she felts his arms wrap around her and try to cup her brand new big tits and thick behind. Her nipple responded instantly to his touch and the surgeon had made sure to increase the sensitivity in her nipples. When he punched her nipples a bit harder it made her instinctively push her ass back against his one hand squeezing and feeling the shape of her round ass cheek. The reaction was enough to let him know she still had feeling there. A small moan escaped her lips and she looked on as her son touched and groped her new body. She was still in too much shock from seeing her body to pull away. The embrace lasted a bit longer than she had expected and felt Dale really exploring her curvy body. "It.it feels good" she admitted unable to deny how her son was actually making her feel as he teased her body. Candice had never heard Dale talk back to her like that when she asked for some clothes. In the mirror she looked nothing like her old self except for the same color eyes. Nobody would recognize her anymore, and it almost seemed fitting she takes on a new name and persona. The behavior would take some reminding by Dale but would come with time. Candice ran her hand over her body as well touching and exploring her body as well. So much had been changed about he rut was hard to see what, if anything remained the same about her. "Is.is this what you wanted?" She asked sale feeling his hands touching her most sensitive areas. As her fingers brushed over her plump pussy lips it sent strong jolts of pleasure through her body. It wouldn't take much now to get her soaking wet, and now she had been made into a multiple squirted that could easily leave her, the room and whoever she was with drenched in her juices. A hidden surprise the two of them would eventually find out. Candice felt her face flush a bit as she could tell her son was enjoying touching and turning her on. Dr. Late excused himself going off to work on his next patient leaving the mother and son alone in the office. Candice Celt awkward now as she was still naked in the office and her so showed no signs of letting up from touching her body. "How could you do this to me?" She said, but in the back of her mind she knew the years of abuse she had done to Dale had quite likely been the sole reason for him turning her into what she was now as well as maxing out her credit card. She had no idea how she was going to be able to pay off the massive bill. Candice finally pulled away from him and turned around to face him. Her breasts and nipples stood up at attention pointing straight at him and begging for more attention. Candice would soon learn her nipples would be staying hard almost permanently for the rest of her life. A lot of new aspects about her body would come to fruition as she would have to learn to live with her music h more sensitive body. She immediately responded positively to his touch, which had been exactly to his specifications. It had cost quite a bit to boost her sensitivity, but since he wasn't paying, he wanted it. The doctor had been more than agreeable on the big wish list. Dale continued to squeeze his mothers' tit, and bully the little pebble of her nipple. The moan was very telling, and he recorded the sweet sound in his memory. She was discovering herself too. She thought it felt good. "Yeah? That's because you're a slut now." he said boldly. It had been hard insulting her before, since she'd always looked very commanding, with her experience worn on her skin, and her hard forehead wrinkling in disapproval. She was the kind of woman you'd listen to, because if you didn't, she'd get someone who would. Candice, as she'd been, wouldn't hesitate to call the cops if it was needed, but now she'd probably have a hard time being taken seriously." This is what every man wants." he replied and lifted the hand at her ass, and smacked it. He was something of an enthusiast when it came to dealing little punishments like that, and it would make her skin jiggle over the implants, perfect proof that she was less of her old self. He'd specifically asked Late to make sure the cheeks wouldn't touch so much, and it didn't take a lot of pulling off her ass to expose her little pucker. It was still its old color, that delicious dark, but he already had plans for that too. "Hm. I think you and I will have to see someone about bleaching that asshole of yours, mom." he mused. He was treated to her self-examination, and was intrigued by how he'd already drawn dew to her full pussy. He smiled to himself, and when she turned, still without the clothes he'd denied her, he cupped her between the legs to squeeze the silicone filled mounds. It would be a perfect cushion against him when he explored deeper. He laughed to himself. Before it had been unthinkable, but now that taboo union didn't seem so distant. It would almost seem like a waste after having changed her to look like a whore, not to use her as one. Her question brought his attention back to her face. A little smirk drew at one corner of his mouth at her look. Her swollen lips did command focus, but not respect, anymore. "Why do you think I did it?" he asked and pushed her back, her ass hitting the edge of a desk. The newly inflated thing should catch her pretty well. As he moved closer the lamp over them drew his shadows deeper, and gave his eyes a hollow appearance. He reached out to touch her mouth, and then cupped her sex again, as though her body parts didn't belong to her anymore." Because you were always such a bitch. And because I wanted to see you like a whore. It fits you." he said, petting her already moist cunt. Without needing an answer from her, he pushed his thumb into her O mouth and curled a finger into the very hole he'd been birthed from, though its new tautness gave no evidence of that. "Don't you feel different?" he asked, fingering her roughly in both ends. It was strange, how right it felt to take these freedoms against a woman who used to be the only one that could control him. "Don't you feel like your body has a purpose now?" Candice seemed to be melting in her son's grasp as she felt his fingers continuing to explore her new curves. Leaning against the edge of the desk it felt new to have two big pillows cushioning her behind. Her plump lips bulged against his fingers sliding into her mouth. The older woman was letting someone more than twice as young as her have his way with her body. Candice couldn't help but grind more against his rubbing fingers between her thighs. "So.good." Candice moaned out, and soon her juices were dripping down her inner thighs. She could hear his fingers working into her soaking wet pussy, bringing her closer to an orgasm. Candice was completely lost at the moment that she didn't respond to his question at first. "Purpose?? What do you mean?" Candice knew in the back of her head that the only work she would be able to do from now kn was either in a club or in front of a camera. She didn't want to accept this new fate of hers quite yet. Once she saw how people would look at her and talk to her would help reinforce she now was only good for pleasing men and taking care of their innermost desires. Candice was having a hard time thinking straight with her sons fingers moving faster in and out of both of her lips. It didn't take much longer before Candice was orgasming. Squirting for the first time in her life, the orgasm was 10 times as strong as anything she had felt before. Her thick thighs squeezed his hand as she sprayed cum all over his soaked fingers. Her pussy tightened squeezing his fingers deep inside of her. Furthermore, her eyes rolled back in her head and her tongue would have hung out if Dale's fingers hadn't been anchored deeply inside her mouth. Furthermore, her body shook, and she trembled in his grasp as she soon felt the intense wave of the orgasm wash over her body. Soon she came back to reality and blushed realizing she had just orgasmed all over her son's hand. Candice now had her juices all over her inner thighs and legs. She managed to finally pull away, but she was reluctant to do so since his fingers had felt so good. Her heavy e tits shook on her chest, while she felt the new sensation of her big round ass cheeks jiggling. "I. I can't believe you still did this to me." Candice had too muchbotox in her face to make herself look mad and the words moving passed her big thick lips made everything sound less intense and more like a girl having a misfit. It wouldn't take much for Candice to quickly learn it was useless trying to fight with Dale, if not anyone since she looked so naive and airhead now. His mother protested what he said, but even her objection was smaller than it would have been. She used to be such a commanding woman. Now she looked forever in transit between bedsheets and seedy activities. His fingers felt right in her, and she didn't have that much resistance about it, either. He continued to do what he wanted with her mouth and cunt, and noticed the effect quickly, and how eagerly she clenched. She was soaking wet, and none of her hands moved to stop him. He gasped when she orgasmed, drowning his hand. He laughed to himself as he looked down at the glistening layer of her plentiful cum. That was all her. Her own talent. The good doctor might have boosted her sensitivity, but he couldn't very well have remade her entire biological skill set, too. That alone raised her value to him quite a lot. Any market she was primed for would be even more desperate to have her now. She had forever lost the credibility to say she was not a whore, after this display. Dale looked her over coldly as he reached for her hair, to use it as a towel for his soaked hands. It was quite luxurious, wiping with part of her. He tilted his head when she repeated how aghast she was at his part in this. Her son shrugged and walked over to the bag that had the clothes he bought for her. That, too, had been in her line of credit, which was dismal by now. He picked up the article, which was singular, and threw it at her. He was sure it would be offensive to her original sensibilities." I can do whatever I want with you from now on, Mom." somehow her title was more delicious out his mouth. He waited for her to pick up the skimpy dress and put it on. She'd not been wearing real clothes for a while. He wasn't sure what he'd brought her would count, either. "I designed you. You're basically mine." he pointed out as he came closer again. "And you came from me playing with you. Your own son." he reminded. The hand that had brought her over the edge took hold of her hair again, to bend her head back so she'd look up at him. "I think that's the definition of a slut, wouldn't you say? So just be grateful I'm letting you be what you always wanted." He'd bring her along once she got covered up slightly. It was a possessive hold on her arm, and he moved her through the clinic like some great commercial stunt of what the place could do, if you were willing to pay. Some couples, here to spend their hard-earned money to feel better about themselves, dropped their jaws at the stereotype woman being lugged around by some young alpha. He looked like the epitome of success, having ordered and received the perfect toy for a man, and she is like the perfect object to spend lust on. It was strange, how he'd been afraid of her growing up, but realizing who she was now, the doctor having chiseled away everything that obstructed her potential, he only saw holes for his met. He opened the door for her, but threw her in without warning. She was a whore, after all, and it was better she learns to move when he wanted, or be made to do so. He got into the driver's seat and started the engine. He looked her over while backing out." You know. You should probably borrow my laptop and do some videos to start pay back you debt." he said, eyes on the road once they'd turned out of the parking lot. "I know a few sites that my female friends use. You could make some money. I'll help you." For an unfair cut, of course. It would basically be selling his mother's body for profit. "You won't get any other job looking like that, nobody's going to take your seriously anymore, Candice." At a relight he sighed and leaned back, letting go of the wheel to look at her again, grinning. This had been a good day so far. Beyond her, in the other car, a man was staring from his truck. Dale waved toward the man, so Candice could see. "He knows." He pointed out, and when she turned to look, he'd shove her face against the window, reach around her and pull the dress down to show a breast, which in turn would make the gawking male roll down his window, eyes obsessed. "See? He's appreciating you for your only value, right now." Candice let out a little cry when he pulled back her long dark hair and clean his hands with it. She couldn't believe she was letting him treat her this way, but she was far too stimulated to think straight. When he tossed her the small black strapless dress she held it up to her figure. It looked like it could barely fit in her new curvy body. With nothing else to wear she was forced to pull it on. Her massive tits bulged out, and the dress barely covered her full big areolas that peeked over the top of the dress. Her big round ass also hung out of the bottom of the dress. The hem line ended halfway down her big ass cheeks. The black latex hugged her body and left little to the imagination. Candice then stepped into the huge platform heels he had set out for her. Candice then felt Dale grip her arm and lead her through the clinic. She blushed as couples stopped and stared. She could see several husbands sport an instant bulge as her huge tits heaved in the dress begging to be freed. Her big ass jiggled without any underwear, and she could feel the dress riding up exposing more of her big butt. Candice constantly had to tug the dress back down trying to cover what she could and not let her big tits pop out. Once they were at the car she cried out when he shoved her into the car. Candice sat quietly contemplating her new life. When Dale suggested she look at doing some videos she shot her head. "Oh my God no I couldn't possibly think of doing that!" It was then that he pointed out the trucker staring at her. Soon her head was slammed against the glass and her big right tit was pressing into the glass. Her rock hard nipple rubbed against the window and made her squirm in her seat. She tucked her breast away when the truck KER finally drove off but not before snapping a picture on his phone of the brunette bimbo showing off her brand-new tits. Candice sunk into the passenger seat and looked out the window as they drove back to their home. Her mind was thinking about what Dale had continued to say. She wouldn't be taken seriously anymore and every Male she had seen since coming out of surgery had the look on their face that they wanted to fuck her. Candice would need to soon get used to guys talking to her breasts rather than her face. It seemed it was all she was now, a big set of tits and a fat round ass ready to be bent over. "You want to help me get into making porn movies? Don't you think that's kind of weird?" She said as she felt her nipples rubbing against the inside of her dress. It was making her horny and wet again. By the time they are it back to their house, Candice had made a big wet stain on the passenger seat. The vibrations as well as not wearing any underwear had caused her to become soaking wet again. If they had continued to drive she would have easily squirted again. Candice stepped out of the car a bit disappointed she was no longer enjoying the vibrations of the road. She followed Dale into the house, but not before she was shown off to the next door neighbor. She blushed and waved awkwardly at him as she saw the big bulge in his pants grow. For some reason the idea of sucking him off flew through her mind, and eventually she broke her stare at his crotch, only to see Dale's even bigger bulge pushing out against his shorts. Candice shook her head as she thought about taking on both Dale and their neighbor pleasuring both men and letting them have their way with her body. Slowly Candice was learning it was in her best interest to let men enjoy her body since it was all she was meant to do now. He huffed at her small objection. It was hard to think she was genuinely resisting making sexual content when she looked like she did, even if it was with her son as a producer. "It's your call." he lied. "But it's either that or you have to sell yourself on the street. I think you should at least try to make money for your debts without becoming an actual whore first." it was a hard truth to hear. There were many ventures she could try, of course, especially with her skills - jobs online - but he wasn't about to tell her about anything that would get in the way of his plans for her. He didn't expect her to figure it out herself, since her current expression didn't paint the picture of the intelligent woman she used to be. If he continued to treat her like this, she would inevitably believe that she relied on him for her decisions. She was clearly enjoying the ride. The boost to her nerves was paying off, and with half her ass out, her tits barely contained at every little bump, she looked the part of someone being fucked by the seat itself. The evidence was there when she got up. He smiled to himself. He'd already gotten acquainted to that scent in the doctor's office. Furthermore, he had seen her expression too, and it seemed she'd like to be driven around in the future. Her face let him know she was thinking something carnal when she waved at their neighbor. The man, who was married with three kids, couldn't hide his enthusiasm. He mustn't recognize her very well, since she looked like this. Dale put his hand on her ass, squeezing it with barely any dress in his hand's way, as he also waved to the man. It was his way of showing possession over Candice. It didn't deter the man from staring until Dale had pulled her into the house and closed the door." Did you like that attention, mom?" he asked as he looked her over, challenging her in a way he hadn't dared before. "Get that dress off now." he ordered as he pulled out his cock. "I bought it, and you're only allowed to wear it when I say." Her wardrobe had been burnt. Her clothes were an affront, and during one of his parties, they'd been incinerated as a favor to her. His friends had laughed about her collection of underwear, especially. Some of the girls had collected an array of unseemly articles for her instead, as a joke. Dale had thought it was funny, but now he could see her doing well in that kind of clothes. His cock was massive. He'd had a handful of girls who wouldn't finish with him since it had been too painful, even after he'd gotten them good and slippery. He didn't say anything more about his presented member, and simply crossed his arms as he stood close to her. The head of his cock smeared precut onto her stomach. He wanted to see what this new woman would do, presented to her son's stupendous limb, out in the open." I want you to make me food. You're at least good for that." he pointed out. "And then we can see about your other uses, now that no one's going to want to hire you for anything other than to fuck or suck." Candice quickly stepped into their home as she felt Dale guide her away from her glances at their neighbor. Once inside she tugged again at the tiny dress trying to cover what she could on her body. Candice couldn't deny she had never seen her neighbor look at her like that before. The attention did feel good, and she nodded a little at Dale's question. "Y.yes it was kind of nice." Candice looked down at the floor and at her big perky breasts. Her eyes grew wider when he told her to strip. "Strip?" She repeated the word. It sounded so strange coming from her own son. Her long crimson repainted nails slid under the fabric of her dress and slowly pulled the front down. It didn't take much for her big tits to proudly pop out, and she watched them jiggle a little on her chest. Candice pushed the dress down over her hips and let it fall to the floor and her heels. Candice had just stepped out of her dress standing in just her platform heels when she was greeted with her son's massive cock. It felt heavy as it slapped against her tight stomach. She could feel his hot precut smeared over her belly button and sides. Candice couldn't understand why she was reaching out and wrapping her hand around his big hard shaft. Her long nails dragged against the sides of his cock as she began to pump his member. It felt so right, but she knew it was so wrong. As her hand explored his thick shaft she couldn't believe how big he was. Candice's big tits jiggled on her chest as she jerked Dale's cock off faster until he told her to go make some food. Candice was hesitant to let go of his hard cock, but with a big slap to her round ass cheeks she let go and walked off towards the kitchen. Candice was feeling horny, and it was hard to think straight. All she wanted was a big dick inside of her. Her heels clicked on the floor as she walked around getting things out of the fridge and pantry. Candice got to work preparing a big meal for Dale. The sensations of her new breasts freely bouncing and her ass cheeks jiggling when she walked was new to her, but Candice was quickly feeling more comfortable in her new body. Candice set the kitchen table and then put out a plate with some pasta, chicken, vegetables, bread, and a few other side dishes. She wanted to give him plenty of options to choose from. It was hard work, but she felt an urge to please Dale. She was too worried of anything else he might do to her. Once dinner was ready she walked into the living room where Dale was waiting. "Dinner is ready sweetie. Do you want to eat in here today?" Despite Candice never allowing her son to have any food in the living room and having set up the kitchen table where they usually ate, Candice couldn't understand why she wanted to see where Dale wanted to eat. Candice noticed his big cock was still hanging out of his pants. She found it hard to keep eye contact with him as her eyes kept looking at the biggest cock she had ever seen. Candice had no idea how big her son had gotten in recent years. Her face flushed a little as she glanced back up at Dale's face hearing him yell at her for not listening again. Candice swallowed hard and nodded "sorry I promise I won't do it again." Candice looked down at her bare breasts and then up at him "is.is there anything I can wear inside?" She asked him nervously. Dale liked that his mother was honest about how she felt, getting attention. He nodded to validate her. She would be needing a lot of that from now on, and he didn't mind providing it, so she would learn not to do anything without his approval in the future. While she was surprised at what he told her to do, she didn't wait long before obeying, her dress produced on the floor. He didn't really care much about where the clothing ended up, as long as it was off her when he said. She was falling into line rather nicely, all these bizarre things registering as normal to her now, simply because her body had been altered. He didn't even tell her to tend to him, and she still knew to take hold of his flesh, and pump it. He thought she was good enough at it, a natural even, but Candice seemed to lack some of the experience that her new body suggested she had. Her enthusiasm and the visual aid of her new tits was more than enough to make it an overall enjoyable mother and son moment. This room had been where she hugged him goodbye for school, and now she was trying to please him here. It made his cock twitch, and send a glob of precut across the skin of her stomach. It was quite endearing to see her so disappointed and startled when he told her to stop. This new Candice went to do what he'd ordered right away, whereas the mother he'd known would have been staunchly offended by his tone. Then again, former Candice didn't have fat titties and a rounded, made-for-fucking cunt. He heard her move about in there, and was content in sitting down in the living room, TV on while he played on his phone. His cock was too hard to be imprisoned quite yet, and he wasn't about to waste it on his own hand, so he waited for it to go down. She came out before it had relaxed, and it immediately drew blood back when she presented herself once again, naked. Dale smiled as he looked her over. So compliant. He relished in her attention, ignoring her first while finishing off three more messages, before turning back to her, finally. Back in the day, mom would have been livid with that kind of treatment. "Yeah. Put the food here, and I'll get to it." he said and gestured tiredly at the couch table in front of him. She of course had to be told twice because her eyes were on his many weapon. He sighed and rolled his eyes, as though it was arduous to explain things for her. "You can't even find your own clothes, mom?" he said with disappointment. "We threw some shit out, because it was hideous, but some of the girls left things in your closet, so just use some of that." he said and gestured upstairs. Dale leaned back, cock in full view for her, and crossed his arms like it was his normal state, swinging free and hard. "But first," he said and leaned forward, cock touching his torso from his new position. He looked her in the eye, as though the next words out of him would be complicated for her. "Get the food. Get me some wine. And put it in front of me, okay?" she needed to understand she didn't look like the accomplished, strong woman she'd been all her life, anymore. He put his feet on the table, something she'd decidedly hated. "And why do you keep looking at your son's cock, Candice? I think it's kinda sick." he muttered before going back to his phone. She was given to understand she wasn't important enough to be looked at, if she wasn't pleasing him in any direct way. The cock twitched for her attention, since he was getting into his new role, and how she handled it. It was like he was getting his revenge on her, finally, for being a fucking dragon lady all his life. ’S.sorry I can't help it. It looks huge and hard. And.and I want to suck it." she admitted. Candice was shocked at the words that came out of her mouth, but she couldn't deny her inner feelings. She had felt so horny since waking up from the surgery and the trip home had made her incredibly wet. Even jerking off her son for a few moments in the entrance to their home had felt so good, and she wanted to wrapper hands around his massive shaft again. Candice wanted to tease his skin with her extra long nails. Everything seemed so much easier when she was taking care of her sons sexual needs. She could also tell he was living every minute of this. Candice blushed watching her son disobey all the rules she had spent years yelling at him not to do. Now she couldn't even find her stern voice anymore to talk back and just nodded. Turning around her round ass bounced as she went back to the kitchen and picked up the plate of food she had set out for him on the kitchen table. She brought it back to him and set the plate down. She couldn't help looking at his massive hard cock throbbing with precut all around the tip. Candice went back into the kitchen and found a bottle of wine. Opening it she also collected a wine glass and brought it into the living room. She poured him a full glass of wine and set the bottle on the table. Candice stood awkwardly waiting for any other orders." I'm going to put something on." Candice walked off upstairs and was horrified when she saw that all of her clothes were gone. Barely anything was left in her closet and dressers apart from some the skinniest lingerie she had ever seen and quite a few riding loudly slutty costumes and outfits. Candice pulled on a G-string that looked not much thicker than her dental floss. It hugged her full hips and the string disappeared between her round ass cheeks. The tiniest bit of fabric barely covered her big plump mound that seemed to want to swallow up the small patch of fabric. There was little selection for tops and most seemed very small. She sighed and settled on a boob tube top that read BIMBO in big pink letters. It stretched out trying to accommodate her new massive bust. Plenty of cleavage bulged out and looking at herself in the mirror she now appeared every bit the role she was now destined to be. Candice looked at the line of various stripper style heels put against the one wall of her walk-in closet. Settling on a clear pink set of platform heels she slipped her feet into them and found them to be surprisingly comfortable. Much more comfortable than being barefoot. Candice walked back downstairs her heels clicking loudly on the wooden steps. She appeared back in the entrance to the living room and saw Dale still relaxing on the couch. She instantly saw his big cock still sticking straight up and his food barely touched. It hurt to see all the effort she had put into making his meal and that he had barely touched it. This would be a new life lesson for Candice that many things she would do from now on would be for nothing, and she would need to be working extra hard to take care of Dale's deepest and darkest desires." Is.is there anything else I can get you?" She asked her son. She could see his eyes taking in the tiny outfit she wore and how she was quickly falling into her new role. Candice felt it seemed more of a struggle to fight with Dale, and it was just easier to go along with what he wanted. Candice couldn't quite understand why she was suddenly so attracted to her sons big cock, but all she could think about was sucking or fucking. She didn't seem to care if she got off on being with him, but she seemed more focused on wanting to make him cum and helping release all that built up load inside his big balls. Her big tits jiggled in her top and her bare pussy begged for attention eating up or of her skimpy underwear as she walked towards her son. Any outsider would not have thought this bimbo was his own mother. She looked ready to work a stripper pole or be introduced in a porno. Dale was already feeling entitled to everything, and was fast becoming annoyed with everything she didn't do. Her apology kept him hard, it felt perfect to see his usually vapid mother so docile and eager to please. He clucked, judgmental, with his tongue and shook his head at her. "Well, I don't want that right now." he explained, even though he wouldn't have minded seeing what Candice could do with that new mouth of hers. Her amateur hand job had been good enough, and the way she stared at him, he expected there to be enthusiasm next time he let her touch him. He didn't even treat his slutty friends this way. He had a good view of her behind when she went to do what she was told, and he thought the food looked delicious when she produced it, along with the bottle and the glass. Furthermore, he took his time on his phone though, only huffing for answer when she announced that she would be finding herself an outfit. Furthermore, he quite liked her nude, it gave him an advantage when she was bare, and he was armored with clothes, but he was also curious to see how his new mother would look in the clothes his female friends liked. He was scrolling through other women that looked approximate to how Candice looked now. Many of them had been inspiration to his requests to Dr. Late. It was quite impressive how close to the source material the surgeon had stayed. In fairness, the women on the phone had also gone under the knife to achieve their looks. He had no trouble staying stiff then, and tried some of the food. The forkful was good, she had obviously put in a lot of effort, but he wasn't really feeling the home cooked meal anymore. He let it get cold as he had some wine instead, casually squeezing the base of his free cock. Having been on such a tight leash in this house, he was now reveling in his freedom. He was, however, pulled from the little screen when Candice returned. His member greeted her with a wave as he looked her over. He remembered who had submitted that dress, and it had been mostly as a joke. She'd worn it once for a themed party, and let him fuck her in it, but mom filled it out much better than the skinny brunette. The two were about equal when it came to vying for his attention, though. To think Candice had picked it out on her own. That said much about her new self-image, even if it was probably more of a consequence of her limited choices. It was very pleasing hearing her so eager to do something for him, she'd always been reluctant to put forward unneeded effort for him before, and he had a few things going through his mind already." What, you mean other than this garbage?" he asked, tossing his phone down to gesture at the food, other hand still holding his cock. He picked up the glass and emptied it into his mouth. "I've actually ordered a pizza." he muttered. The meal was good, but he'd rather she thinks she was a bad cook. Her self-esteem was also his to play with as he chose now. And he'd been in the mood for something cheap, anyway. He ignored her for a few more minutes, sitting through a commercial on the TV as she waited like a whore. As the jingle of the colorful clip sang it out, he turned to her as though he'd been waiting." Well?" he asked, expectant. He leaned back and rolled his eyes in disappointment at her. Dale pointed at his cock, as though she was supposed to have known to take care of it already. "Fuck, mom." he bit out. "Your dress says bimbo, but you can't even do that right, and you can't do anything else either. What good are you?" he berated. It was so delicious bullying the woman who wouldn't have given him an inch before. He intended to train her to become exactly what he wanted, so he could expel all his frustrations into her.

Reamade|rating:2.0

Rome - The Senate

(late Spring It has been three weeks since the Goths abandoned the city, stealing away with as much wealth and as many slaves as possible. Those that remain are still burning their dead and looting what scraps can be peeled from the skeleton of the city. Ash stained children cower in the streets, retreating from the sight of any perceived threat real or imagined. Some minor peace has been restored to the city, however. Powerful Roman citizens have returned from abroad and brought with them Legions to defend the city camp; patrol the hinterlands for signs of barbarians. Many of these citizens have gathered in the Senate building, now somewhat burned out but the stonework largely intact. Minor peace is not order however, it is painfully clear rule of law must be restored. There are yet fires to be extinguished both literal and figurative. The people are starving, illness is rampant and the threat of the Goths return continues to haunt_______________________IOC:This is our first 'main plot' thread, dedicated to pursuing the main objectives of the RP. It is open to all characters. Players are encouraged to describe their characters return to the city regardless of how recent, all opening posts however should put the characters squarely within the Senate building. Please use the following posting template:Code: [Select][float left][IMG height=250 padding=10]URL HERE[/IMG][/float left][b]Name:[/b] [b]Location[/b]:[b]Tagging[/b]: [b]Wearing[/b]: Optional[hr] (Cornelius Sulla Location:Senate building Tagging:Open/All Wearing:Wearing (possessed the rare distinction of being born in Rome itself. Not an outlying village or somewhere in Italia. He was aRomanRoman. It had always been a source of pride. A silly one perhaps, his parents had whelped him in one place instead of another. It was no achievement on his part, required no skill and it had not tested him. Despite all the reasons why he should not be proud of such a thing he could not help himself. He felt a little twitch in the corner of his lips when he heard someone say it. Corvus was born in Rome. It was perhaps this little personal tidbit that made it all the harder to see his city in its current state. Should he feel some guilt? While he enjoyed life in Egypt his home had been pillaged and burned." It almost seems unreal." he said it to his wife, only half turning in his direction as his found it impossible to tear his eyes away from the surrounding scene. "That Rome itself could be sacked, it should be impossible." Surely any moment he would wake up and discover it had all been some mad fever dream. But it was not. This was the real world. It was a sign of the times no doubt, Rome had let its guard down and the animals had pounced. All the world would be looking. They would look at Rome and see what had happened, and they would think 'If they can do that to Rome, why should I fear it?' Rome would demand neither fear nor respect. He had returned to his true home at the head of a Legion, therein XXII. They could help bring order to the city and defend it in the event of the return of the savages. It was perhaps the lesser part of what he brought with him. Quite arguably more important was the gold and grain. The city would need both in abundance. The cost of rebuilding the city would be staggering and Corvus rather expected the Goths had not been so considerate as to leave a handful of treasures with something to help them get back on their feet. The Governor of Egypt and his beloved wife had only just arrived in the city. Once they had received word it had taken time to gather supplies and make the journey, but they were here now. His men had quickly gone to work securing the house he had grown up, finding viable storage for the gold and grain. When he received word that there was a gathering at the Senate building he departed immediately. If anyone thought to try and accost him in hopes of gaining whatever coin he might have been carrying they were put off quite quickly. If his own sword was not enough to put them off the idea of making an attempt against him his bodyguard did. His station entitled him to eleven lictors, those bodyguards would seem he and his wife well protected." There she is." He had rather hoped his wife would see Rome for the first time under different circumstances. "The Senate" That Berenice and Rome would first meet when one was not at their best was unfortunate. When Corvus returned he had intended it to be a glorious thing, with his wife beside him and perhaps a babe in arm. Instead, he arrived to what felt like a funeral. Putting such thoughts aside however he began ascending the steps and Corvus made his way inside. The sound of voices becoming increasingly audible the closer he approached. They bounced between stone walls, still smeared with the blood of dead senators. All gone he had heard. Surely some survived? Green eyes scanned for familiar faces, would they even recognize him? A golden frame of hair around his jaw and a foreign wife. Some might say he was a far cry from the man that had left their great city a handful of years ago. "Egypt sends her sympathies...along with gold and grain to help get the city back on its feet." It was to announce his arrival as much as anything else. Corvus had ever been an orator, he knew how to make his voice carry. "Is it true what they say, the Emperor and the Senate? All dead? How did this happen?" he knew it was true, standing now where they had stood in the great austere hall. In the back of his head he already knew the answer, but Corvus needed to hear it. He needed true, real Romans to tell him of Rome's plight. The city had not just lost its walls and its gold. It had lost its beating heart and soul, torn out and cast underfoot. The wounds would be slow to heal. (Octavia Agrippa Location: Senate Building Tagging: Markus the Younger (NPC); Berenice, Corvus - OPEN Wearing: this, but with more dirt on it (the shouting and (thoroughly expected) arguing of men in the Senate building, a young woman stood calmly apart. As she had been brought up and trained in the College of the Vestals, dark eyes kept a keen observation on way the political tides were turning. The old Rome was gone, and in this room, a new city would be forged. Generals and political figures had come from throughout the empire to pick the bones off the fallen city and stake their claim in history. Directly in front of her, her elder sibling, Markus Julius Agrippa was no different. While Markus had been off living at their family's vineyard in Cyprus during the attack, Cassia and her father (along with his second wife and two sons) had never left the city. As such, her father, Lucius Hispanic Agrippa had met his death in the halls of his domes. In the three weeks since the Goths abandoned Rome, the young vestal had initially thought to linger by the hearth she'd tended to daily for the last thirteen years. Yet, when her brother returned to the city to take over as the new patter, he'd insisted she return home to help him rebuild. Together, they'd returned to their family home to take stock of the destruction. The sight of the massacre would be enough to make anyone ill, but after what she'd experienced at the hands of the Goths - it barely registered. Instead of grieving for the family she hadn't known since she was six, her and her sibling set to work on the home. Each took a task, only speaking when one needed physical aid. It was dumb luck that the merchant family's wealth was scattered throughout their vineyards in other provinces as well as in their Roman home. Markus was able to pay to have the blood relations properly cremated, while the slaves were unceremoniously dumped with the thousands of other dead through the city to be burned en masse. While it would take time to build their home to what it once was, by the time of the meeting in the Senate building was called, the stench of death had been wiped from their walls. At the time, Markus and Cassia were the last survivors of their family, it made sense for him to keep her near. As a vestal, or former (as it had become increasingly clean there was no college to return to and was unlikely Markus would allow her to if there was), the foreign generals greeted her with respect. Her opinion might have been listened to in the Senate, but she still felt it important to allow the men to speak first. Previously, it had been discussed that she would back her brother's agenda, which had made sense, but ultimately Cassia would side with whatever was best for Rome." We HAVE to reestablish commerce - it is our foremost priority! Financial incentives to-" Markus had just been speaking over an elderly man from Armenia when a more commanding voice interrupted from the entrance. Egypt sends her sympathies... Every head in the room turned to take in the owner of that voice. Brown eyes of Markus the Younger narrowed as he scrutinized the face - older, a bit more weathered, stained by the sun, and definitely hairier. All the same, Markus recognised the fellow Roman as Corvus Cornelius Sulla, despite the years since last they met." Oh-hoh!" Markus grinned as he stepped ahead of the other men to where the blond general stood. "I am sorry to confirm the truth of the matter, and sorrier still to see you back in Rome!" Perhaps it wasn't the time or place for such a jibe, but with death all around - the familiar face of an old friend cheered him a bit. If Corvus allowed it, Markus would clasp his hand before pulling him into a (totally manly) embrace. "Ah Corvus, it is good to see you!" From further back, Cassia watched. She'd been so young when she was taken for the Vestals and didn't entirely remember Corvus. Still it was heartening to see that her brother knew him. Just to the side of the blond man, Cassia eyed the exotic but obviously foreign woman by Corvus's side. The woman, whom Cassia assumed to be his wife, was beautiful, but her gaze appeared deadly. The two together appeared formidable and the others in the room took obvious note of the power the pair exuded. Her own features betrayed nothing as the young Vestal took notes, however, reminding herself to keep an eye on them. (Cornelius Octavius Location: The Senate Tagging: None The destruction was apparent from miles outside the city; smoke still rose up from several places and Rome appeared as a beaten flea-infested dog on the sidewalk that had to beg for scraps just to make it through the day. This was not the same city as the one he had left behind after finishing his education as an engineer. Cornelius had received his father’s blessing to return to Rome after learning that the Goths had pillaged, raped, and destroyed the remains of their once great capital. Having been a soldier of Rome after he finished his studies in the great city, Cornelius knew how to defend himself even though he had never been eager to draw a sword. He had seen several battlefields and achieved great victories, although he was never quite involved in the fighting himself. Instead, his ingenuity and engineering had helped his legion to become the victor at the end of the day. He had designed and built impressive trebuchets who delivered lethal payloads to enemy ranks and city walls alike, occasionally even deciding the battle before it had really begun. It was his mind rather than his sword that had gained him recognition from his fellow soldiers and commanders. His mind and effective handiwork had also led to a quick series of promotions where his commander ended up putting him in charge of a group of men that could help him construct his trebuchets. After Cornelius had served his time in the military, he had returned to his family. His father was the governor of Germania inferior, one of the smallest imperial provinces, where he had worked on several construction projects. His focus had been on designing and building buildings that could stand the test of time, although he had never been involved in grand projects such as designing an arena, palace, or senate. Still, the bathhouses and villas he had worked on had given him a great deal of experience, and he was confident in his skills to aid help with whatever reconstruction Rome would need. The Roman citizen brought two people with him, a slave girl named Leia, who tended to his needs, and a bodyguard named Brutus, who had long ago proved to be the superior warrior to Cornelius. Cornelius’ skill lay neither with his sword nor with the sharpness of his tongue, and he wondered what he had gotten himself into once he entered the halls of the Senate, which was supposedly the place where people like him gathered. Although the man considered himself a good leader to get building projects on their way and making his reasoning understood to those who worked with him, he had never been particularly good at public speaking. He settled for a place in the back along with his small entourage, simply watching the seemingly important men and women discuss matters of state in a state that was no more. Why oh why did I think it wise to come here? Cornelius asked himself for probably the tenth time that day. He had neither money nor influence to be of any use in this place and merely had his mind and hands that he could put to work. (“Tacitus” Aurelius Location: The Senate Tagging: Open Wearing: Simple robes Even the roads were black with filth, perhaps they always had been, a combination of blood, soot and shit. The stench of the city offended his nose, but the expression on his face did not change as he walked the city. Orphans scattered, the survivors eyed them warily as he and a handful of his centurions witnessed the devastation first hand. His ancestral home was in ruins and being turned into a base of operations, his legion was setting up camp outside of Rome after their long march back.“You have your orders, establish peace and aid these people as best we can. Make sure we secure our supply routes... I will see what I can do about the rest.” The men fanned out leaving him with a handful of the grizzled veterans who fought alongside him numerous times before. The ruined Senate forced him to pause and compose himself, emotions could be expressed later. The armor he wore was removed, his sword passed to one of his men as he was passed a simple robe as a demonstration of good faith. His stomach twisted as he walked in and saw the splatters of blood across the floor and those who had escaped death now back for what? Marcus could only pray it was to rebuild the city he had dreamt of since he left long ago as a boy. He did not announce himself, instead he scanned the crowd and moved to take a seat. Marcus would observe for now, let all he saw that day sink in and then formulate a strategy. (Sulla Location: Rome, the Senate building Tagging: Corvus, open Wearing:Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide(reality, this was the second time that Berenice visited Rome. But she had no recollection of the first time. She had been barely three years old when her parents had brought her to the city, accompanying her father who had come to the Eternal City to solidify his status back in the Egyptian colony. So as far as Berenice was concerned, this was her first real visit. She did not share her husband’s shock. She did not have his personal connection to the city, and she did not hold it up to a pedestal.“Nothing is impossible.” She softened her rather harsh reaction to his words of incredulity by squeezing his left shoulder and briefly resting her head on his right shoulder. When her husband had proposed this trip, she had of course immediately agreed, as was her duty. But she knew that their being there constituted great opportunities as well as danger. A power vacuum was a very instable reality and no one could reliably predict what might happen. In spite of the plunder and destruction, Berenice could still quite easily see what the city must have looked like before the Goth raiders passed through it. When they arrived at Corvus estate, she helped her husband oversee the unloading of their supplies, then she joined him as he went on to the Senate. Berenice felt slightly less safe than her husband, in spite of the bodyguard. They had no idea what to expect. Corvus’ emotions seemed even stronger than at the first sight of the city upon them climbing the steps of the senate building. She weaved her fingers into his hand as they entered the structure, which still bore the marks of the violence and destruction which had washed across the city. Berenice stood beside her husband as he began to talk, her eyes going over the assembled men. (Santori Aquiline, Governor of Assyria Location: Caspian Hill → Roman Senate House Tagging: Telemachus Santori Dress, Open. Wearing: Senatorial Robes (~One Day Ago~With a sullen expression, Tiberius viewed the smoldering ruins of his villa within the city perimeters and clasped his hands behind his back. He had been merely ten years old when the Great Fire during the time of Nero had happened and yet that tragedy did not compare remotely to the devastation he observed upon entering the city. He had set out from Antioch with haste, taking only a single legion, therein III Galician some auxiliary forces, when word came of an impending assault upon the Eternal City itself. That had been nearly two months ago and through a rough voyage by sea and land, with a forced march up the interior of Italia itself, he had come too late. Too late to help Rome, it’s people…or his family. In the courtyard still lay the ashes and burning wreckage of his wife’s pyre. Caught alone in the city, without husband or son, Tiberius was informed she had taken her own life rather than fall victim to the violence of the Goths. Her household slaves had done the duty of preparing her pyre and setting her ashes in an urn, before they had taken their own life to follow theirdominadown to Hades. There was nothing left for Tiberius here now. His home, ransacked and his wife, dead. He barely moved to inspect the interior of the vandalized villa, having seen what he did here in the courtyard. Behind him, his only son shifted and continued to gaze uphill towards the Palatine Hill and beyond. Word had come that almost all notables, from the equestrian ranks right up to the Imperator himself, had been slain. Yet those who remained or had been abroad were gathering in the Senate house the following day to discuss the future. He had only one prospect left to him and that was revenge. Revenge and then a return to his duty in the East, where other threats still lay, great and small.~Present~The melancholy was still on Tiberius as he and his son, Telemachus Santori Dress, sat in the Senate house and listened to the debates. He had sat in this building for ten years now but of all those days, this was the most unnerving. The faces about him, he hardly recognised. His friends, his comrades, even his rivals and hated foes, he now saw little of. The room was filled with strange faces and strange people, though the manner of topic was the same. Ambition. Greed. Self-Aggrandizement. He found himself wondering perhaps if that was why the Goths had been so successful. Perhaps his comrades of old had spent too much time debating, who should command, who should lead, what should be done, rather than acting decisively. It seemed the same now. He listened with an apt, yet distant expression as the proceedings went on. His son, rather than sit with him, Tiberius had made to sit in the back as befitting the man’s station in life. He did not pay much attention to the actual discussions, regarding financial incentives. Often he fiddled with his ring of office or stared towards the floor. Those abroad, though they had been spared from the sack, still lost much investment in the ruin and ransacking of the countryside as well. When the young Cornelius Sulla stepped into the room, Tiberius almost mistook him for a Gaul. He was surprised to see the man in person for once not thinking he would be so young. The current speaker paused in his speech to greet the man, and he did not begrudge the interruption. Having lost many of his comrades, friends were suddenly a rare commodity in Rome. What was rarer was the presence of women in the Senate house. Before it would have riled the feathers of almost every Senator of the preceding generation. Yet extraordinary times caused extraordinary changes. His impatience was growing however with the current pace of debate. When the present speaker and the newly arrived Governor of Egypt and his wife, among others, had taken their seat, he chose the opportunity to finally rise to his own, raising his arm, elbow bent and palm outwards, while the other was clasped across the breast of his toga.“Honorable Senators and people of Rome,” he began,“I have journeyed many long miles to return too late to rescue a city that is mother to us all. I know many of you have committed journeys of your own no less arduous. But there is a hard challenge set before us. An enemy now sits unfought and unchecked on our northern frontier. In the east, there wait other perils both great and small, watching us like a hawk for any moment of weakness. If the world thinks that Rome has truly fallen then they will all pour in on us from every side. But if we act now, we can reverse this tide of misfortune and move forward into the future as a united body.” He cast his eyes about the others, familiar and yet unfamiliar. They were all in this together now.“We are cast without leadership or guidance. Therefore, I propose to this assembly that we focus upon the more pressing task; the reordering of the city and its districts. Our Imperator is slain and the other Consul with him. There are no Exiles for the maintenance of the public monumental and the enforcing of public order. The roads are ruined, the walls and defenses in disarray, the aqueducts thrown down, and the temples desecrated. I suggest that we at once appoint worthy individuals of rank and merit to such positions and begin the restructuring of our city.” Tiberius declared and having said his thought, sat back down and waited to see what the results might be. He did not put himself forward, for he deemed his responsibility was in the east, to continue his mandate as Governor until he was recalled, by either a new Imperator or by the assembly itself, the only authority he would recognise. But there were other men of virtue here who could rise to the task, and he would assist them as he could, until Rome was back on its feet. (Cornelius Octavius Location: The Senate, moving to the plebeian district Tagging: None As Cornelius listened to the men and women in the center of the Senate talk, his mind began to wander. Any man in command of a troop of men would be wise to put their muscle to work to rebuilding the city, rather than guarding it. Let them rebuild it while armed if they must, but no invading force with half a brain would plunder a city again that's already been sacked. These were dangerous thoughts that played through his mind, ones he knew better than to voice. Whether he wanted to help or not, upsetting one of the present governors or generals would likely do little to aid the citizens of Rome. Having served his time in the army, he knew that some were more receptive to criticism than others were. He also knew, however, that it was best to let someone else test the patience of one in command.“We're wasting our time here," Cornelius muttered under his breath, only audible to those next to him. "It was hardworking men and women who built Rome with their bare hands, their blood, sweat, and tears, not these pompous words in a large grandiose hall. Let's go.” Brutus nodded in agreement and along with Leia, he followed Cornelius outside. This post continues here. (#msg13749591) (Octavia Agrippa Location: Senate Building Tagging: Markus the Younger (NPC) (OPEN Wearing: this, but with more dirt on it (had just been watching on as her brother and his friend spoke, when a much older man seated further away began to speak. His voice boomed and commanded the respect of all those in the room. With a final pat on Corvus' back, Markus moved to be seated as well. Cassia, for her part, respected that traditionally women were not welcome in the Senate building. While a Vestal's voice carried weight when asked for it, hers had not been. Instead, she moved to put herself off to the side, shadowed from the view of the men. From there, she'd seen Aurelius enter unannounced and seat himself, admiring the way he approached the negotiations without armor or weaponry. While true the returning great men of Rome had not come to war with one another, many had still chosen to arm themselves. Her own brother had a small knife on his person. Instead, this man entered without drawing attention - the sign that perhaps he didn't have the ego to draw out power plays, perhaps he was truly there to bring Rome to her glory once more. Hiding a small smile in her head covering, her attention turn to the frustrated Cornelius Octavius as he was leaving. She didn't know him, but his clothing suggested he wasn't one of the politically minded there to stake a claim on the still corpse of their city. Without turning her head, dark brown eyes trailed after him through the entrance of the building....-slain and the other Consul with him. There are no Exiles for the maintenance of the public monumental and the enforcing of public order... Back to the negotiations, one of the elder men was speaking, the same one that had drawn her brother's attention previously. It was true that with no one to enforce public order, even with the Goths gone - theft, rape, and murder had still run rampant among the people of Rome, left in the wake of the massacre. Entire blocks had become inaccessible without an armed escort. He wasn't wrong, she and Markus had discussed something similar previously." Respectfully, Governor Santori, while I do not disagree with you - I wonder how far that plan will take us." It was her brother who had spoken, having recognised the man as the father of his friend, Telemachus. Standing, Markus continued, raising his voice to be heard. "When you return to Assyria, or in fact - when all of you return to your homes that have so graciously given you leave to return to Rome darkest hour," Cassie grimaced, knowing her brother had a tendency towards being outspoken. This wasn't the time to imply blame, especially when he had also not been in Rome to see it burn. "We will be left with a glistening, new, empty city. Ripe for the sacking once more." Immediately, other voices rose to talk over him, arguing the elder's point that they obviously needed to rebuild. The young Vestal sucked in a breath and watched, waiting for her foolish brother to play his cards. Instead, he surprised her by raising his hands and lowering his voice. The first few words were cut off, but eventually the room quieted enough for her to hear him too." Rome is fallen. Her people are dying or dead. Those that survived," his own brown eyes shifted momentarily to his sister "are broken and disheartened."" If we mean to breathe life back into our great home, we need people," another obvious statement. "Not guards, not soldiers, nor slaves, not-..." He hesitated at that last part before continuing "not even Senators." Looking around the room, as though he'd practiced this monologue meant to tug at heart strings. Markus the Younger paused for effect, tongue snaking out to wet his lips as he composed his next thought." No, my noble friends, we need free men who will come to Rome and make it home. Free men who will build businesses. Through commerce, we gain population. Without it," his eyes focused on the elder Santori he'd known as a boy, "we endeavor only to build another play house for the Goths and anyone else to toy with." With that thought, he sat down and let the group voice swell to engulf him. As other men stood, Cassia's view of him was obstructed, causing her instead to turn to the previous speaker. (Cornelius Sulla Location:Senate building Tagging:Open/All Wearing:Wearing (comforting squeeze to the hand from Berenice. She had been a factor in his life only in the latest step, she had not been present for so many of his other experiences and achievements and yet Corvus found himself very reliant on the small gestures of support and encouragement she could make. Though only a handful of years ago he did not know she existed now he could not imagine his life without her. It was as a united front they made their entrance, not so long ago she would not have been permitted inside, but this was no true Senate. It was the building perhaps, but its contents amounted to what could be gathered in short notice. Furthermore, it was what was left behind. A handful of men worth noting, the rest were scabs wearing ill-fitting shoes. His arrival was first greeted by Markus Julius Agrippa who they called 'the Younger' though perhaps it would no longer be required. Misleadingly tense words were broken with friendly tone as the two closed the distance. A hand was offered and Corvus returned in his, his hand gripping Markus's high in the forearm (masculine muscles flexing before the signature 'thud' of chest to chest contact. Venus wept it was manly. "Rome has suffered greatly, but she is all the less for the loss of your family. I grieve with you." He had a sister as Corvus could recall. A Vestal Virgin no less. No doubt dead now. What the Goths must have done to her sacred order was too terrible to imagine. "My wife, Berenice of Ptolemy." the Roman took a step to the side and gestured to the Egyptian, lip half curling with pride. "An old friend. Markus Julius Agrippa. His family produce the wine we have been enjoying at home." Corvus had to catch himself. He had never referred to Alexandria ashore. The blonde Roman gave it little more thought however, instead nodding his head in the direction of vacant seats. They had arrived for a reason. No sooner had the Governor of Egypt taken his seat when another took to stand and make his point. Corvus had not caught his name but the list of people it could have been been few and far between. Regardless of what name he bore he accounted himself well. When he finished his speech many voices gave their response in one form or another though more than half seemed to imitating what they felt a true Senator would do. Of that there was no surprise, sheep trying to wear the skin of a wolf. "Hear, hear!" Corvus offered his agreement all the same. The Governor of Egypt also noted the man did not put his own name forward. Modest perhaps, calculated more likely. Time would tell. Either way he carried himself with the stature of a man who knew what a meeting in the Senate should look like. Not long were they seated when Markus put himself forward. People still respected the Agrippa name, they were a reliable family and as far as Corvus knew not known for being ambitious in a way that made people worry. They were content to stand to the side and contribute in the ways they did so well. While Corvus was fond Markus he held back a grimace when the words 'not even Senators' left his mouth. Every man present was either a Senator or wanted to be. Good intentions or no it very well may have threatened the ambitious. A bold move, perhaps. When there was the slightest lull he arose to speak formally in the house formally. "Sons of Rome!" having so recently been a point of attention no doubt they would be sick of him soon. "I would my add voice my voice to the words of the speaker." his weight shifted into the direction of Tiberius, and he offered a nod. "I weep for what has happened to Rome, the mother to us all. Yet we who presume to stand in this hall must put aside our own mourning and be set to task. I have come to this city, my home, my very beating heart and I have brought with my Legion that can restore our roads, walls and buildings. As others have! We do not want for skilled labor. We have people with skill in administration, people who are knowledgeable in our laws, and we have men who can restore commerce to keep our funds flowing." A nod in the direction of Markus Agrippa. "I have brought coin to pay for works and I have brought grain to feed our people." everyone knew these things, everyone knew what was needed to be done to restore the city but convention, tradition and the law must be respected. "Yet my hands are tied.... I am not Exile of this city, we have none. I am not Prefects Uranus. My legal authority to act rests in Egypt. Our laws and traditions, which I hold to the highest esteem, dictate that by my age I cannot hold the offices we so sorely need, and I see many faces here today that I expect are equally limited by our conventions." He paused to let that sink in too, eyes scanning the crowd for all of those who were too young for a rank where in this place, in this time they could provide valuable service. Then he turned his attention to the older men as if to challenge them to recognize the plight." Our Imperator Trajan, forever August, is gone and a successor unclear. Rome needs confident leadership. Rome needs to know she is secure, and she needs a steady hand of guidance. For this reason I propose that this house initiate emergency powers that will enable us to put in place, as the previous speaker so eloquently put it, men of merit to such positions as to restructure our city." Corvus gave it a moment for the body to take in his words. He had long since learned there was little use overwhelming a crowd with sudden information without the handful of seconds it would require to take it in properly. Especially as the true senators were so outnumbered in the hall. "It is my opinion the city cannot, at this time, replace all required officials that would qualify so long as our hands are tied by age requirements. So I put it to you my fellow Romans that this House and Senate would abolish the age requirements on higher offices until such a time as order can be brought to the city, and we can in true form honestly and legally replace our Senate, Consul and Emperor in full." Now was not the time to bandy words, they needed to act. The Legions carried shovels as well as swords, it was a concept the city needed to embrace both literally and figuratively. Rebuild the city and get to work. Resuming his seat Corvus offered a glance towards his wife, half as if to say 'that's how it's done' and half to seek her approval. That was ever the way with him and her. On one hand he felt so confident in anything he did, he knew how to make things work and how to make them happen. On the other hand he desired so greatly to see the smile she could offer when she was pleased. (Santori Dress. Location: Senate House. Tagging: Open. Wearing: Civilian clothing (stifled a yawn with a fist as the proceedings continued. He had heard of the legendary boringness of a Senate debate, and he’d never imagine even in these drastic times that it could still be so dull. It did not help that he, the son of a Governor and acclaimed Tribune of the legions, was made to sit at the back. By his own father. Order and prestige may have been stolen from Rome but we, the Santorini, shall still follow tradition. Gods, his father made even daily life feel like he was still in the legions. On his left sat a bloated merchant from Sicilian. On his right was a northern Italian who Telemachus half suspected was really a Gaul masquerading as a Roman. Who were these people? Orders were orders though. He saw his friend, Markus Julius Agrippa the Younger, head of his own family now, got to sit near the front and actively participate. If he stood and said anything, would they even hear Telemachus? Markus had come with his sister, the Vestal (or ex-Vestal, if rumors be true) and many others brought their women too. More arrivals came constantly, soldiers and generals by the looks of them – wasn’t that one fellow Tacitus down front? He was a legend already among the soldiery - and Markus greeted one particular young man by name and handshake. Telemachus frowned with similar envy to his father. How he longed to be with his own friends, to hear the news and learn all the juicy gossip, after being so long away in distant Antioch. He watched enviously as another man rose and simply departed the proceedings. He was of like mind to do so as well, if he could. Telemachus was a solider, a man of action. Idleness and sitting such as this was not to his liking, especially when his own father seemed to hold him in no high esteem. One had to work his way up the ladder, through merit and virtue, not through nepotism. Telemachus however knew much of the preceding generation of Senators was from the latter category anyway. He did not care what a reputation of being a nepotistic slouch might have. He just wanted to get his name out there and at least do something. Physically. He sighed, but then the debate really took off as his father stood and tried to encourage the assembly into action. Others rose, including Markus Julius Agrippa and Telemachus smiled as the young man met his father’s call to action with sheer pragmatism and hidden sarcasm, as he deigned it to be. He watched his father closely after that statement, though Tiberius sat with deferring patience, used to receiving counterarguments and even personal attacks in the Senate house. The arrival from Egypt spoke next – Corvus Cornelius Sulla was his name, Telemachus believed. A very proud and ancient name too, no doubt, which Telemachus did not share. But what Cornelius Sulla said was what struck a chord most with Telemachus. Abolish the age requirements on higher offices. Cleomachus was piqued and stamped his foot in the traditional form to show forth his approval, shared by a few others. His next step was indeed to become Exile but with usually so many candidates, again favored by nepotism, he had been stuck at the military Tribune level far too long. He wanted that rank and was now determined to have it. He just needed to get his name forward on the rolls…(Santori Aquiline, Governor of Assyria Location: Roman Senate House Tagging: All. Wearing: Senatorial Robes (Santori Aquiline listened passively and without interruption or change in expression as his suggestion was received and then argued, both against and in accord. He kept his expression Stoic and controlled, having learned to do so in the years previous. Expression left impression. One might guess what one thought or felt about a certain thing if they might and thus be able to act against it. What the young individuals said had merit to their arguments. He wanted to hear solutions though, not arguments that went nowhere. He glanced momentarily to the recent arrival, Marcus Tacitus Aurelius. Tiberius already heard that the man had put his own legionaries to work. He made note to assign his idle legion to the same. Cornelius Sulla, the Prefect of Egypt, made a very valid point, a thought he shared with his son, who he glanced to as well. Even if they adhered to age limitations…there simply wasn’t enough Senators to go around. Especially with men who might refuse to accept a lesser responsibility when they had already had such roles as Consul or were legates of entire legions. He felt though they did not need an Imperator though, or the Praetorian Guard that went with it. Perhaps…perhaps it was time to return to a Republic. Once more he rose to his feet, his hand up and palm outwards to beckon silence and deference as he now wished to speak again. First, he rounded upon the young Markus.“You are not wrong, young Agrippa, to think we ought to have the mule in front of the cart before we have laden it with any goods. But on the converse, a strong mule to pull those same goods is also required before we can haul any shipment of note, that being the new inhabitants of this great city.” He of course meant only Italians to repopulate the city of Rome.“I am an old man and have lived a long time, through five Emperors and all the tribulations their reigns have brought. I have seen uncontrolled fires burn Rome to the ground in my lifetime. I have seen the streets, as they are now, reduced to smoldering ruins and charred corpses. But Rome has recovered before. It will recover again. And the people will return. Already rumor of rebuilding and restructuring shall draw to us many eager and willing hands from the nearby province. For one, those of our great legions on the verge of completing their years of service need not be settled in rare and difficult lands and territories far away but allowed to come here, to their home, which they had defended. You shall have your populace, Agrippa.” He offered up a small smile too." And fear not the barbarians. We have three, maybe more, legions already in the vicinity. Do not think that we shall leave so delicate a prize as our home open to assault once more." Tiberius now shifted his attention to his colleague, the Governor of Egypt.“You pose a serious note that cannot be avoided. But it should not trouble us whether it be legal or feasible. Already there is precedence in our not too distant past, for in our quarrel with Carthage, Scipio Africanus was only twenty-five when made proconsuls of Hispanic. Usually, a proconsul is chosen from the ranks of ex-consuls, men who are at least forty-two years of age or older. I see no reason to adhere to this age restriction. Therefore, allow me to present a new topic of issue to you and to you in particular, Cornelius Sulla.”“You mention our absence of a Prefects Uranus, a position with whom you, in your role as Governor of Egypt, worked with to maintain the steady supply of grain. Therefore, I do not see why you yourself may not assume the role, since you already have possession of much-needed grain for the city. Shall it not be your duty then to assume command over the grain dole? It is my belief that the current level of crime and destitution shall drop dramatically once the remaining people have some food in their bellies and thus have their energies directed elsewhere.” Tiberius suggested, before once more rounding on Markus Julius Agrippa.“And you, young Agrippa, I think we should appoint to the position of Censor. You speak of where people may be found to inhabit our city. A first step perhaps would be to conduct a census, to determine just how many citizens are left. Moreover, having a sister who was once an esteemed Vestal shall further add to your expertise in maintaining public morals and righteousness. I believe these two appointments, honorable representatives, shall lay the groundwork at least for the reordering of the city. What say you, Markus Julius Agrippa and Cornelius Sulla? And you all, members of this assembly, what think you of this notion?” Tiberius Santori Aquiline stated, casting his glance around. It would be a start, assigning these two to what he judged to be where their chief competence lay. (“Tacitus” Aurelius Location: The Senate Tagging: Open Wearing: Simple robes Marcus had only heard embellished tales of scheming senators and complete betrayals. It was hard to compare when this was his first time within the city itself, less the walls of the Senate. He listened to all, from the few who made sense to the others who only did so as if to feel included. The cream would rise, and the rest would go unnoticed. He was more opposed to the whispers and hushed deals he had overheard. Tiberius and the Corvus's proposals made sense, but he did not stamp his foot, not until he knew or could gauge their intentions closer. When the crowd began to hush he stood but did not move towards the center." Gathered Romans and esteemed allies." He began. "Until my return to Rome, I served as Praetor in Dacia under Commander Maximus who insisted I return while he secures the eastern borders of the Empire. My men are seasoned soldiers and law keepers, I have dispatched them to bring order back to the city while others seek to rebuild the tribunal. We have a daunting task before us but as many of you may know, as long as I can trust the men to my right and to my left, we will only advance forward." Marcus plainly explained, making it obvious he was not versed in honeyed words, he spoke plainly as a solider would have." If any oppose me nominating myself as Praetor of Rome, I ask you voice your opinion now, otherwise I will continue." He concluded. "Regarding offices and titles, I acquiesce to those with more experience in such matters." He added, remaining on his feet to address anyone opposing to his self nomination.

Rome - The Senate|rating:4.0

How dose the water fall in love_

"How dose the water fall in love?" A young girl asked as she sat in her mothers lap. Her mother looked down at the young child. "Let me tell you the story my dear child." she said softly as she gently kissed the child's small forehead. She then laid the small child into the soft feathered bed. "For as long as time our people feared the water spirit, for she leads the men of our nations to there death so many times." she said softly as she moved the hair out of the boys eyes. "Many times she had done this. She made them fall in love with over and over again, with just her looks. They say that you still can see her if you look hard enough. For her beauty still remain in the lake." the mother said softly. "I shouldn't be telling you this story love your father would be mad." she said as she lifted herself off of the bed, she once again kissed the boys' forehead. "I'll tell you this story when you are much older." she said softly as she blew out the candle. "Good night my little love." she said with a smile. "Goodnight my wonderest mother." he said softly as a big yawn arose in him. They boy slowly drifted off to sleep, as he did a beautiful woman in blue came to him. "I'm real can you see." she said softly as she touched his small soft cheek. "I am Alva the spirit witch your mother has spoke of." she said softly with a smile. She then turned her back to him and held her hand out to him. "Come with me," she softly whispered. ((just to say you put girl at the beginning of that))Euros smiled as he snuggled into bed more and wondered what the story would be like and tried to think of how the water would fall in love. But then sleep started to take him and yet a touch made him starred. Seeing Alva he had to admit that she was beautiful, more beautiful than anyone he had ever seen. Though when she held out her hand to him, he just looked at it and then shook his head. "I can't, mother and father would miss me if I went." he said as he looked at her, and you could tell he would like to go. He then smiled at her, "come back later, when I am older, and maybe I can come." he said and sounded like a kid, but his words were true. He would go with her if she came back later. Yet it was odd, he wasn't completely swayed by her beauty, his mind was still aware of what he had to do on this earth. He was still aware that he had to live and not just go running off with her. Maybe it was because of what his mother had just said or maybe there was something else about him. ((lol well you know.)) Ylva smiled. "I will be back young one." he voices floated to him as she disappeared into the shadows of his dreams. "I will be back when you are much older." she said her voice sounded like a wisp of air flowing threw the stream. Something about this boy was different she could tell. He wasn't after her beauty. She ran along the willows bend. She looked for her next victim. All that was on her mind now was the young boy who denied her hand. It ran threw her mind, as it did the waters in the area quicken. "I will find you. Dear child and you will one day be mine." she said letting it float threw the young boys head. She then let him be as she went on. Her waters began to crash into a small village close to the boys village. Alva called out to an old man who was on his deathbed. "Come to me, and you shall see my true beauty." she said to the old man. He gave all strength to see her face. Remember the story of the girl in the water. He followed her voice till the waters edge. It was there that Alva's water took over his body, and he became one with the water. The water calmed by the small village and Alva went back to her water fall. Euros just looked at Alva and wondered if she really was going to come back. Though as she left he couldn't help but smile and close to eyes. Slept came to him after hearing that final words, telling him he would be hers. Yet it didn't disturb him or his slept. In fact it seemed he couldn't help but smile and feel as if it was an honor that a lady like herself would watch him. Though when morning came and word came that an old friend of the family was dead, killed by Elvas hand he knew he had to watch himself. They lived close to the water and that meet death by Alva came to many and no death was pleasurable.((years later))A laugh rang out as a young man pulled fish up with a net. His dark back hair shown in the sun as he worked with his father and smiled. "I think this is the biggest load if fish we have gotten out of these waters." he said as they got the rest of the fish into there small little boat. Laughing his father sat down, breathing heavily. "Yes but remember to be alert, never know when Alva may come. But in the meantime row us back to shore. Your mother wants us and the fish home before dark." he said and Elrosnidded as he got the ores and started to stroke. "If Alva comes, she comes." he said as he worked the ores. He never told his parents about Alva coming ti him when he was little but then again he had almost forgotten that himself. All he knew was that he dreamt of a beautiful lady. After a little while they got back to shire where there cart laid. Jumping out Euros worked to out the fish in the cart and worked with his dad. Alva took many live as the young boy grew into a man. She watched over him as well waiting for the time when she could make him hers. She lurked below the waters of their boat every day they fished. Furthermore, she even sent the fish to them sometime. Furthermore, she smiled as she watched the boy grow into a man. This was the night she would reveal her true self to the now grown man. She took form as a human. Her long blue hair flowing down her back her blue eyes catching every ray of the moons light. Her gowned made from the very waters she came from. She took to the soft earth as her feet sunk softly into the dirt. Alva followed the boats tracks to the small house. She then saw the boy who now was a man. He was quite different from when she last saw him, or maybe that because she only saw him when he sleeps. "Boy." her voice echoed out across the land. Though it only made the sound of air flowing in the water. She was close enough to see him working on the fish, and she only hoped that he had forgotten when she had looked like. Alva hoped to be invaded into the young man's home where she could see who his parents where, and what they were really like. Euros smiled as he worked, and his father sat down to take a break. "You know I think it is about time you take over for me as the fisher for the village." he said as he looked at him. "Your younger and stronger than me." he said as he smiled at his boy. Elora just laughed and shook his head, "the day that I take over for you completely is the day that Alva takes you." he said as he saw his dad smile. "I am to wise for her, for your mother is the only one for me. Now tell me, I hear rumors that you and Tammy are getting close-" "we are friends, nothing more. I am still young." he said, and his father just laughed, "you may be young but always look for a girl." he said and waited to hear euros as he finished with the fish. Though euros heard something, something like the word boy. Looking around he then spotted a beautiful young lady coming there way. "Miss, can I help you?" he asked when she got closer and smiled. His smile spoke of warmth and welcome, nothing behind it showed any secrets. The smile showed that what you saw was what you got. A kind-hearted, fishing man. Alva smiled as he spoke to her. She looked to him, then his father then back to Euros. "I'm lost." she said softly to the young man. Her hair flowed about her like the water she came from. "I need a place to stay." she said softly as she walked closer to the two of them. As she got closer her hair changed from blue to a light blond color, her cloths because more real. Her feet no longer sunk into the ground. Her eyes were still a sparkling blue that caught all the light from the moon. She looked to the water from a moment then back to the men. Elros mother came out for a moment "It's time for the fish." she said as she saw the girl standing in font of the two men. "Oh My dear are you lost?" she asked as she walked up to the girl. "Let me help you." she said as she ran back into the house and got a blanket. "Your soaking wet my dear." she said as she put the blanket around the girl. Alva didn't know what a blanket was at first she was a bit afraid of it, but when it flowed about her like the warmth of summers water, she snuggled into it. "Come with me dear." Euros mother said softly as she took the girl by the hand and lead her to the house. Euros frowned and knew that the girl really was lost. There house was a little ways away from the town and by the looks of things she was wet. His father watched the girl and then smoked as his wife came out. R was lucky to have her in his life, she was one of the kindest women on the world, and he had managed to make her his. After finishing up with the fish euros and his father walked over to the ladies and smiled. "So, miss, what is your name, and what are you doing all the way here? We didn't get many travelers coming through our home or lake." he said as he looked at the girl and was glad that his wife had wrapped a BLA KET around her. Euros then walked over and held out a hand, "it is nice ti met you, who ever you are, but I am euros." he said as he smiled. Alva knew that she wouldn't be able to revel her name to any of these people. "I don't remember where I came from." she said softly. She then looked to Euros. "I don't remember my own name." she said as she looked down at her hand. She had only tricked one other man to be hers, and that was when she was a much younger spirit. She smiled and looked to him. "Maybe You could help me remember." she said softly looking up at him. Her eyes glittering in the light. Elros mother brought out the food. "Lets wait till after dinner." she said with a big smile. She set the table and put all the food on it. "Its time when ever you guys are ready." she said with a smile. "Welcome to our home." she said as she sat at the table. Euros frowned when he heard her and just stared at her for a second. He then smiled at her and was about to say something when his mother talked about dinner. He then nodded and watched his mother set up for dinner before turning to the women with no name. "Sure, I will help you remember. But first why don't you come eat, I am sure that your starving from walking for however long you were." he said as he gently took her hand and guided her over to the table. Pulling out a chair he made sure she sat down before he sat down next to her. His father lumbered over and sat down with a sigh, "after this I will need my salve, my joints are killing me." he said as he looked at his wife and smiled. Alva looked to the small group of people. His family seemed to be a good group of people, she gently placed her hands in her lap and watched them interact. She was lost in though as she looked to Euros. "Your family is quite lovely." she said as a soft smile came to her lip. This was the boy that got away so many years ago, he grew up to be a great man. She then looked to his family and smiled to them. "Thank you for letting me in your home." she said softly as she bowed a bit. Euros smiled when he heard her. "We are one of the friendliest families in this while town." he said and his father nodded as he started to eat some of his food. "My boys got that right. We are, and we are happy ti have you." he said as he smoked at her. Euros then was about to take a bite of his food when he looked at her. "You should eat something, i don't know when you last ate but we didn't want you to get sick or anything." he said and you could see the general concern in his eyes and hear it. He then took one bite of his food before watching her. But then you heard a thwack and a spoon his him in the head, "it isn't polite to stare at a guest." his mother said and euros smiled, "just making sure she is okay." he said. Alva Jumped a little when she heard the smack. "Oh." she said with a slight smile. Everything had always been so quite for her. She smiled and took a bite of her food. The fish was cooked. This was the first time she'ed eaten cooked fish. "It's very good." she said as she to another bite. She looked to Euros. "I'm happy that you guys are happy." she said softly. She continued to eat, and before she knew it the food was all gone. Euros's mother smiled when she heard her, "I am glad that you like it." she said as she looked at her and then finished eating her. "And we are just happy to have you here with us." she said as she relaxed in her chair. The man then smiled, and you could see him take her hand into his before looking at her. "Now then tell us what you remember, and maybe we can figure out where you come from or even your name" Euros said as he looked at her and smiled. She was beautiful, but he never really thought that mattered. Alva gently drew her hand back from the men hand. "I remember the water rushing over me. Over and over again." she made her eyes go big as if remembering a traumatic event. "It to me over, ate me up..." she said as she looked at the old man. "I've never been so afraid in my life." she said as she cried thinking about 'it' "My family... They were with me..." she said as she got up from the chair, "I need to go find them. "She said softly. Euros's mother frowned when he heard her and quickly walked over. Gently laying a hand on her arm she smiled and guided her into the living room. She made her sit down and looked at her, "everything is fine, and I am sure your family is too. But you can't do anything in your state of mind." she said as she smiled at her and then gently sat down next to her. "For now let the men go find your family." she said and looked at Euros and his father. They both nodded, "yeah, we can find your parents in no time." Euros said as he looked at her and smiled. Alva smiled at the two. "Oh, thank you." she said as she ran to Euros and put her arms around him. Tears flowing down her cheeks. "Can I go with you though?" she asked looking up at him. "I don't really remember what they look like, I just know that I have a family out there somewhere...." she said softly.((I'm going to make it where she slowly does forget that she's a water spirit.)) ((okay))Euros was surprised when she ran over to him and wrapped her arms around him. Looking at her and seeing the tears he knew that he had to let her come with him. He could never say no or ignore someone when they were crying or looking helpless. Smiling he wrapped an arm around her to comfort her and nodded, "of course you can come." he said as he looked at her. "And we will find your family, we just have to look." he said as he looked at her. It was only now that you saw the differences in Euros. When he was a kid he had looked average, but now he was completely different. Her head almost reached to his shoulders, his dark green eyes held kindness like no other. He then smiled, and you could tell that he wasn't like others, There was a certain air about him that told you he saw something in people that others didn't. Alva looked into his eyes, and saw everything. Her cheeks turned a bright red and a soft shy smile formed on the edge of her lips. Alva pulled away from him a little bit. "Thank you." she said softly. It had been the first time that she purely saw the differences. Never in her life did she think she could find someone like him, never did she think it would be him. Euros smoked when he saw her pull away, and he nodded, "no problem." he said and then headed over to the door. He opened it and then waited for her to come, "we will go check around the water and see if we can find anything and then head into town. But I am sure we will find them sooner or latter." he said as he looked at her and then held out a hand. "Now let's get going." he said and then wondered what they should call her he hindered if she would take to the name Run. She gently took his hand, and followed him into the house. Her long light blond hair flowed down her back, sort of like the waters. She looked to the family and couldn't find anything to say, so she smiled and bowed a little. "You have been more than generous to me." she spoke softly and surely. Her eyes meet Euros again and her cheeks turned a Ross red. Euros smiled when she took his hand and then looked at his parents. They smiled at her, "that is how things should be so there is no need to thank us. We are happy to help." his mother said and Euros nodded. He then looked at her, "now then let's go look for your parents in town. But before we go I think we need to figure out something." he said as he looked at her and curiously, "do you want a new name since you can't remember yours? It would only be till you remember your name, but I would rather like to call you something." he said as he looked at her. She looked to Euros and smiled. "I would love a name." she said, her hand still was in his. She looked to him and blushed even more. It was a crazy feeling she had. She had away wanted this boy, but he was so different now. He had changed into such a man. She moved the hair out of her face and softly smiled. "What's my name?" she asked him. Euros smiled when he heard her and then watched as she blushed again. It was cute on her, and he wondered if she already had someone in her life that she just couldn't remember. "I was thinking that Run or Elizabeth or Marina, which ever you like. But If you don't like any of those I have a few others in mind." he said as he looked at her and smiled. She thought about it for a moment. Thinking threw the different names he had offered her. "I like Run." she said softly with a smile. She liked being around Euros, even if she couldn't use her powers. She looked to his family. "What do you guys think of the name?" she asked looking to everyone. Euros smiled when he heard her pick Run and then looked over at his parents. They thought about it for a second and then nodded. His mother smiled, "Run sounds lovely, if I am not mistaken it means secret or something along those lines and so far everything about you seems to be a secret to everyone." she said and his father nodded. Euros then smiled at her, "then let's go look for your parents, Run." he said as he looked at her happily. Run smiled at the small group then looked to Euros. "Okay." she said as she gently took his hand in hers. "I hope we can find them." she said softly. Run looked to the door, and then back to Euros. "What if something's out there though?" she asked genuinely scared of what was out there. She then hides behind Elora for protection. Euros smiled when he heard her and was about to head out the door when he heard her. Looking down he could see the fear on her face and watched as she stayed close to his back. Smiling he gently squeezed her hand in comfort, "if anything is out there I will protect you he said as he smiled. Year of fishing had given him more muscle than he needed. He then squeezed her hand again, "now let's go." he said as he leads her outside. She nodded listening to what he had been saying. She softly smiled, as she stood beside him. "Okay lets go." she said softly as she headed out. She looked to his family once more. She then let go of his hand and walked over to them. Thanks again, just in case I don't get to see you." she said softly as she hugged each one of them then left with Euros. As they walked out the door she looked to him. "Thank you so much" she said with a smile. Euros frowned when he felt her hand slip out if his. Yet when he turned around and saw her he couldn't help but smile. "We are happy to help." his father said as he hugged her. "And I am sure you will see us again." his mother said and then both waved as she walked away. Euros then smoked as he walked with her towards town, "thanks fir what?" he asked as be looked down at her. "We are humans, we are supposed to help each other when we see someone hurt or in need to a hand." he said and believed that completely. Run blushed a bit. "I've never met a human being quite like you." she said softly as she looked into his eyes. She had started to forget about her powers. Little by little all she could see was Euros. It hadn't even been a full day, but everything about him was just to kind. He was the one she had been waiting for all these years. "Where is the town?" she asked him. "Maybe if I see my house there... Maybe I can remember..." she said softly. Euros smirked when he heard her, "then that just means you haven't met decent people before." he said as he looked at her and smiled. He then started to walk down a path threw the forest, "the town is just thrown the path here." he said as he smiled at her and then nodded, "and I am sure that you will remember, it is just a matter of time till you do remember." he said as he looked at her happily. Soon they came to the end of the trail, and you could see a village just down the hill. "This is the place, the little town of Temple." he said as he smiled at her. Her eyes widened as she saw the town. "Oh its..." tears came to her eyes, though she didn't understand why. "It's so beautiful." she said softly as she still was holding his hand. When she realized that she was still holding his hand she blushed a little. She removed her hand from his and softly smiled. "I hope I can find them here." she said. Run remember when she was a really young spirit, she had a family a long time ago. She once was a human girl, and seeing this village made her remember her former life. Euros watched as he saw her eyes widen and tears come. He then smiled and nodded, "yes it is beautiful." he said watched the town. He then noticed her hand pull away from his and frowned. Yet he guessed she didn't like how he held her hand and smiled at her, "I know we can find something." he said as he looked at her and headed down the hill. "Now let's go." he said as he smiled at her. She smiled at him and held his hand. She decided that she never wanted to let go of his hand. Furthermore, she looked to him. "I hope we can find something." she said softly as they walked closer to the small town. As they entered the town the people smiled and waved to them. Some people great Euros and told him how pretty the Run was.((Sorry it's so short.)) ((it is okay))Euros smiled when she kept hold of his hand. "I am sure that we will and if we don't we can make some new memories for you." he said as he smiled at her. He then walked into town and smiled as he waved as hie friends passed by. He then heard a gruff, "well if it isn't Mr. Euros wit home pretty little candy by him." he then looked over at a guy crouched on the ground. He was dirty and most of the people around just passed by, not even looking at him even though he held out a can to most of them. Euros smirked as he walked over with Run, "hey Luke, what are you doing?" he asked and Luke laughed and set down his can, "just looking for my next meal, what are you doing with her?" he asked and Euros smiled, "trying to see if we can get her to remember who she is." he said and euros looked so at ease talking with him. It was clear that he didn't care for looks, all he saw was what was inside. Luke then turned to Run and smiled as he held out a grubby hand, "I am Luke, nice to met you." he said happily. ((lol I'm listening to Christmas music.)) Runa certified and smiled at the man as she took his hand. "My name is Run." she said softly with a smile. She then looked to Euros, and an even bigger smile crossed her lips. She could tell that he was pure even now as he was an adult. Furthermore, she then looked at the man. Furthermore, she gave him a big pile of gold. "Will that do for your meal?" she asked. With a smile. She looked around the town. On the corner was a small goddess statue that kinda of looked like her, the only differences were she was made of water. Luke smiled at run and was surprised when she gave him gold. He laughed and then smiled, "ah this is more than I have ever been given during my days on the streets." he said as he looked at her. He then bowed her slightly, "I bow to you Run of the sea." he said and Euros smirked. Luke knew the looks of the goddess well and to see the looks of the goddess meet she was either from the sea or the daughter of the goddess. Euros then smiled at Run, "can I ask where you got that gold from?" he asked since most people didn't carry all that with them. She could make gold out of anything as long as she thought about it, but she couldn't remember that, she just remembered wanting it for the man. She shrugged. "I'm not sure." she said softly as she looked to Euros and softly smiled. She then looked to the other man and smiled at him. "I only hope that will be enough for a while." she said. Run really didn't remember coming from the sea, she had always been part of the stream, but never the sea. She smiled at the two men, as she too Eroses hand in her own and softly smiled. Euros smiled, "well maybe you had it from before you forgot why." he said as he looked at her and couldn't help but stared. She really did look like the goddess, but he wondered why. Luke just laughed and smiled, "I can make this last a whole year if I wanted to Run. So thank you." he said simply and euros smiled when she took his hand. He then smiled at her, "want to head out of there and see if we can find anything?" he asked. Run nodded and softly smiled. She looked to the statue and wondered if some who that this goddess person was her mother. She was a water spirit after all. Furthermore, she looked at Euros, and wanted to tell him what she really was, but if these Goddesses was of the sea, then maybe just maybe she would be able to find her real home. For she never really felt at home in the waters where she lived. Euros smiled when he saw her odd and looked at Luke, "I will come by latter, bud." he said and Luke smiled, "okay, but you might not find me here now that I am rich." he laughed and Euros shook his head as he headed out of there with her. He started to walk around and then looked down at her, 'well does anything seem familiar to you?" he asked and hoped so since he would like to know the name of the girl he was holding hands with. Run shook her head. "The only thing that makes me wonder, well it's that statue... Are there any other like it in town?" she asked trying to remember where she came from. She squeezed his hand and softly smiled. "I'm just glad I'm here with you." she said with a smile as she leaned into him a little bit. She was happy to have such a man to take care of her. Euros looked at her and thought about it for a moment. "I think there is one or two around the town. But that is the only water goddess statue."he said as he looked at her and wondered what she was thinking. Gently he squeezed her hand back and leaned back into her. "I am glad to be here with you too." he said as he walked with her. Nothing about this town brought back memories, but the people looked at her and knew who she was, or at least thought she knew who she was. An old bigger woman walked up to her and gently touched her hair, and as she did, she turned a little younger. Run didn't know she could do that. "Hey." she said softly as she felt some of her energy leaver her." she looked behind her to see the bigger woman was quite a bit younger. "Did you see that?" she asked softly as she looked to Euros. Euros smiled as he walked with her but when the old bigger women touched her he couldn't help but stare as the woman turned younger and then looked at her. When he heard her he nodded, "yeah i definitely saw that." he said and looked down at his hands and then back at her, "if you can do that then who are you and why isn't your touch doing anything to me?" he asked but never once let go of her hand or moved away. She shook her head. "I thought I was just a simple spirit." she said as she looked at him. She gently touched his face, and softly smiled. "I really don't know what I am." she said as she looked down at her feet. She let her hand fall from his face. She looked to the old lady now. "Do you think its safe for me to be here?" she asked looking up at him. She was afraid of what the people would do if they knew what she could do. The now younger lady walked up to her. "You are our goddess you've come back to us." she said softly. "Don't worry though your secret is safe with me." she said with a smile. "I'm sorry for what I did. Your hair... It's just so pretty." she said as she looked at the girls golden hair, that when you looked close enough it had a soft blue tent to it, as if the water itself made her hair. She looked to Euros. "I don't understand." she said softly. Euros nodded when he heard her and could just stare. When he saw the young lady come over, and he heard her his eyes nearly bugged out of his head. Looking at run he thought a little bit and then laughed to himself. It made since now, or at least more since then they did. He then squeezed her hand gently, "remember we found you, and you were coated in water, maybe you our goddess, and we have been waiting for you." he said s he looked at her and looked into her eyes, "but that doesn't change anything for me, I will still stay by your side till you remember." he said as he looked at her. Run looked to Euros then to the lady who was now walking away. "What do they say happened to her? Why did she leave?" she asked Euros only hoping that he would know what was going on. She remembered being a water spirit, but she didn't think she could have the power over the sea. "Are you sure I'm her?" she asked a little confused. She heard his word. "You do want to stay with me?" she asked with a smile. Her eyes lite up as she looked into his, she was happy that he didn't want to leave her side. "I need to find out why I left, if it really is me." she said softly to Euros. Euros shrugged HS shoulders as he looked at her, 'i don't know since I don't know much about the goddess. But I know someone who does, maybe he can tell us why." he said as he looked at her. He then smiled, "and if you are her I am glad to help you remember." he said as he looked into her eyes, "of course I want to stay with you, who wouldn't?" he asked as he looked at her and loved how her eyes lit up. "I will love to help you." he said as he squeezed her hand gently. Run smiled and softly blushed at Euros words. "It's good to know I have such and honorable man beside me." she said as she looked about the town. It was getting dark and everyone was in their homes now. "Why is everyone gone?" she asked looking towards Euros. As she asked a young boy came to her, "because there's a creature that haunts the streets at night." he said as he ran to his house. Euros smiled at her, "and you will have me till you don't need me." he said as he looked at her and smiled. Though as it started to get late he knew that they should probably head back to his house. When he heard her question he was about to tell her when a boy did. He sighed and then nodded, "yes, he is right, and we should probably head home before it sees us." he said as he looked at her. Run looked to Euros and smiled, but what if it's not a monster at all, what if its someone who is just really hurt." she asked. She wanted to see the monster and maybe just maybe she could help it. "Euros do you think I could help it?" she asked looking up at him. Her eyes sparkling and her heart light. Euros looked at her and thought about it for a second, "no one has ever stuck around long enough to find out that." he said as he looked at her and was surprised to hear her second. He then nodded, "I think you can, and I know you can." he said as he looked at her and smiled when he saw the sparks in her eyes and knew she wanted to do this. Run smiled with his hand in hers she felt that she could do anything. "Then let wait and see what this monster is." she said softly as she took a few steps towards the edge of town. "If you want to go I understand." she said as she looked to Euros a soft smile crossed her lips, "This might be something I have to do by myself." she said softly as she sat on the docks and waited for the monster. Euros looked at her and smiled, "sure sounds good." he said though was surprised by her words. So surprised that he watched her go and sit down on the docks. Shaking his head he walked over and sat down next to her. "No matter what I will stay next to you. If it is something you have to do by yourself I will just watch, but I am not leaving you." he said as he smiled at her and relaxed next to her as he waited to see who or what would come. She looked to him and softly smiled. She took his hand in her own and looked to the setting sky. "Thank you." she said softly. As the sun set her hair turned back to the waters and her cloths became water, the night let her spirit out. She looked to him and smiled. She then saw the big monster coming from the water. It was rolling threw the mud and came to her. She looked to Elora then to the monster. "He's not a monster." she said softly. She used her power to heal them monsters wounds. She took a few things out of him. "He's just a lot of water spirit." she said softly as she finished cleaning him off. "Now go." she told the water spirit. "Your now free." Euros smiled when he felt her take his hand and he squeezed it gently. He then watched the sun set with her yet looked at her from the corner of his eye. She seemed to turn into water, and she looked like something he had seen before. He count' remember but then heard something. He then watched as something came out of the water. He was going to get to his feet when he saw him but then heard Run. Nodding he calmed down and watched as she healed him. Once she was done he looked at her, she was truly amazing. Run smiled as the beast went back to the water, "He told me he was lost, that he was so far from home." she said softly as she moved her blue hair out of her face. "There's something I need to tell you." she said softly looking into his eyes. Run was going to tell him everything she knew about herself. "You have to promise not to get mad." she said softly looking into his eyes. Euros nodded, "well I am glad that you could help him then." he said as he looked at her and smiled. Though when he heard her he looked into her eyes and nodded, "I promise not to get mad." he said as he looked at her and wondered what she had to say to him. "Remember when you were young." she said softly, as she gently pulled her hand away from his. "I was the spirit that came to you." she said softly as she floated on the water. Her small feet glided on the water her whole body softly glowed blue as she did so, "I am Alva the water spirit of the pond behind your house." she said softly as she came back to him when she sat next to him her body went back to its normal color. She looked up at him and wondered if he would still stay by her side. Euros nodded when he heard her and watched as she let go of his hand. Though when he heard her words and saw her he just stared wide-eyed. He wasn't sure what to say to that. Though when she came back and sat down next to him, he did nothing. After a few minutes finally went he managed to move his lips. "I should be angry or scared." he said as he looked at her, "but I find that I feel like I knew." he said as he stayed by her side. Alva looked away from him the pain in his silence was great, but when he talked it hurt even worse, till he said he knew it, She had felt lost for so many years then he was born, and she watched him grow, Alva knew that he would be the one. The one to make her whole. She looked at him. "I still want to be called Run." she said softly as she gently touched his hand. She wanted nothing more to tell him that when she said she would come back for him, she didn't mean it as a threat. She wanted to tell him that he was the one to help her find her real meaning. "We are all put on this earth to be greater than just ourselves." she said softly. Euros smiled when he heard her and gently touch her hand into his. Squeezing it gently he nodded, "then you will be run to me." he said to her softly. He wasn't sure how or why he had felt like he had known. But after everything he felt it, he felt that she was different and that he shouldn't be afraid. He then chuckled when he heard her, "well then we better see what king of greatness we can accomplish." he said as he smiled at her. Run smiled then got up form the dock. She looked out over the waters and softly sighed. "This isn't how I wanted you to find out." she said softly looking into his eyes. Run softly smiled at his words and walked towards the village. "The monster knew I was close." she said not looking back at Euros. Euros got to his feet when he heard her, "well things happen for a reason usually. Maybe there is a reason for me finding out this way." he said and then walked with her. Taking her hand into his gently he looked at her worried, "and if it knees then more will come." he said softly. "And that means you could be in danger." he didn't want her to stay here if it meant that she might get hurt. He wanted to keep her safe even though she was ten times more powerful than him. Run softly smiled as she felt his hand in her own. "There looking for help that is all." she said softly looking up to him. "Should I tell the people they are safe. As she spoke her looks slowly changed back into her human form. They only think that remand was the tent of blue in her hair, and the bright blue of her eyes. "Euros." she said softly. "I feel safer with you then even in the water." she said with a slight smile. Euros nodded and calmed down when he heard her, "good, I didn't want anything to happen to you." he said and then watched as she changed. "Well that all depends on if you want to tell them who you are." he said as he kept her hand in his. When he heard her he couldn't help but smile brightly and gently squeezed her hand. "I am glad that you feel safe since I want to always keep you safe." he said as he looked at her.

How dose the water fall in love_|rating:4.0

Eternal Night - Open and Accepting

Welcome to Eternal Night A world ruled by Vampires It is we, who must hide in the dark, whom gather here together years after the war which dragged on for decades. The war between mortal and immortal. The war made our number decrease greatly, so we bit as many humans as we could. But the humans marched off, thinking of themselves as victorious. To satisfy them, we disappeared for years, until they thought we were completely gone. Of course, they were wrong. How could such weak, naive creatures win against us, Vampires? In the years we waited, we built up strength. As representatives of the dark, we crept along, feasting on the silly humans who dared question our strength, and grew as strong as we possibly could be. After the years of expectancy, the survivors of war gathered in a large town. There, we joined our powers and enforced, Eternal Night. Rules 1. This is a semi-literate role play, if it's going to kill you to write 1-2+ paragraphs, don't join. 2. Grammar and Spelling don't matter much if you make a mistake here and there, but I have to be able to understand you. (This means no chat speak) 3. Romance is allowed, just keep it PG 13 4. Follow Kenosha's TOS 5. Do not cyber 6. No killing. 8. I hold the right to add and change rules as I see fit. 9. Only 2 Characters a person Profile Skeleton Code: [IMG]Appearance picture link here[/IMG] [Name] Gender: Sexual Orientation: (Whether straight, gay, etc.) Age: Race: (Human or Vampire) Bio: Likes: Dislikes: Weapon[s]: [3 Maximum] Posting Color: Username: PM all Profile Skeletons to me. ----------------------------------------------- My Character: Leah Silver Gender: Female Sexual Orientation: Straight Age: 103, Appears 16 Race: Vampire Bio: Leah can't remember her past, except her Vampire one. Likes: Flowers, Honesty, Ribbons, Rain, Snow, Seeing someone smile. Dislikes: Betrayal, Humans, Arrogance, People who think they're better than everybody else. Weapon[s]: Daggers marked with silver crescents on their hilts Posting Color: Gray Alexander "Xander" Johnson Gender: Male Sexual Orientation: Straight Age: 24 Race: Human Bio: Breezing through the many things thrown at him with ease, Xander took life fully in his stride. He finished college and moved, not knowing what he would have to live through. Vampires, werewolves, ghosts, not being superstitious he never believed in these beings, until now. Likes: Music, Silence, Gray, Cold Weather, Rain, Snow, Seeing someone smile. Dislikes: Annoyances, Ignorance, Arrogance, Unfair deaths. Weapon[s]: A gun and chain Posting Color: Black Username: Rivera Accepted Humans Male 0/10 Female 1/10 Aurora Angstrom Gender: Female Sexual Orientation: Straight Age: Twenty-one Race: Human Bio: What’s there really to say? Her family fell on hard times, and so she had to leave college in order to keep them afloat. Hard work has made her tough, but also regretful about what might have been. She’s turned to less than savory habits such as smoking, even if only one every once in a while when under extreme stress, or drinking one too many beers. She’s a bit gruff when speaking to others, but isn’t unsociable. Rather, she can’t seem to find the time to make lasting friendships. Likes: Earning money for her family, Hard work, Learning, Talking to those who she doesn’t find annoying Dislikes: Hates when she gives into temptation (smoking, drinking, etc.), Those who have it good, but like to complain, People who give up, Seeing her loved ones suffering, Being looked down on Weapon[s]: Switchblade, Lighter Posting Color: Blue Username: Hidden_Truth Accepted Vampires Male 2/10 Lister Dawning Gender:Male Sexual Orientation: Straight Age:112 looks 18 in human years Race:Vampire Bio:He has been a vampire since birth unlike Alisa, he was born with his vampire abilities. Likes:Blood, violence, Knowing he's right, Being left alone Dislikes:Humans, Annoying vampires that won't leave him alone. Weapon[s]: Steel Chains, and a pair of black guns. Posting Color: Dark Red Username:ShadowFlamedWolf Karma Fujiwara Gender: Male Sexual Orientation: Bisexual Age: 2,500 looks 20 Race: Vampire Bio: Karma is a full-blooded vampire. Though he can be very scary when he gets angry he is usually very calm and understanding. He doesn't like human's at all, but he wouldn't hurt them (unless they made him) he drinks synthetic blood and animal blood in place of human blood. Likes: Night time, cool breezes, long walks, snow Dislikes: Humans, annoying people, bright lights, the sun Weapon[s]: Fangs and the dark sword Posting Color: Dark Orchid Username: Taylor Striker Female 3/10 Alisa Corbin Gender:Female Sexual Orientation: Bisexual Age:98, looks 15 in human years Race:Vampire Bio: She was born human like, though her parents where vampires, she was for a time able to go out during the day, but as her vampire blood kicked in she was no longer able to go out, and at times she missed being able to see the sun, and clouds. Likes:Rain, Storms, Stars, Snow, Drawing, the Sunrise, and Sunset. Dislikes:Arrogance, Betrayal, Blood, Herself. Weapon[s]: A desk of steel cards that are flammable, A silver lighter, and a double bladed scythe. Posting Color:Silver Username:ShadowFlamedWolf Yuri Gender: Female Sexual Orientation: Bisexual Age: 178, looks 17 Race: Vampire Bio: Killed by her lover saved by a stranger but. The downfall was that she would never die Likes: sunsets and sunrises, love stories, reading, watching children play Dislikes: murders, yelling Weapon[s]: death and nails. Dagger Posting Color: Dark olive green Username: Mariella Alumni Mimi Gender: Female Sexual Orientation: Bisexual Age: 84, looks 17 Race: Vampire Bio: Alumni was adopted by a man and a woman who were both human. As she was raised normally, she never figured that she was a vampire until the day she attacked a girl at her high school. She ran away from her hometown, in order for her parents to be safe, and for her to be forgotten. Likes: Silence, graveyards, nighttime, sunrise. Dislikes: Preps, clowns and bright colors. Weapon: A scythe, colored in blood Posting Color: DarkSlateBlue Username: Masayoshi -Cuts Ribbon-Open X3 ((may I join?)) ((Of course ^-^)) (may I join too?) ((Yep, anyone can join =3)) (ok so when do we start I sent you the info) Alisa looked out to the city below, Roof tops where her favorite place to be, not only did they help her clear her mind, but many vampires did not like to go to the rooftops. And being able to see the sky always made it better. Some day I'll be able to see the sun again. She thought sadly, her clouded black eyes scanned the streets. Unlike many other vampires she didn't hate the humans. She often wished to be one which had earned her the disrespect of her own kind. Lister's blood-red eyes studies the human girl before him. She was drunk and stupid. A vampire love a human, please. He smirked as he leads the unsuspecting girl into an alley. A muffled scream was heard, then... silence. One less pathetic human Licking the remanding blood from his lips he walked out of the alley, not caring if the girl lived or died. Yuri runs through the woods. She could here movement by the stream. A young girl was swimming in the stream. Yuri his behind the trees and watches. What a sweet little girl, where was here family? She steps out from behind the trees AO the little girl could see her" hello dear, where's your family?" The girl stared in Terry. She knew about vampires "I'm sorry. Please please don't eat me." Yuri sighs. Why did children always fear her? She loves them and wished she had one. "I promise dear I won't hurt you. I just wish to talk." She smiles and process the little girl. Leah watched as a human passed in front of the alleyway she was in. So careless. No, so carefree. She thought with disgust, but she spared the human, she would hunt later. The dawn of this glorious night would never come, and the wretched humans would gradually perish, leaving only her kind in the world. Yes, that sounded right indeed. Her eyes shone as she daydreamed of the Vampires ruling the world. And yet, World domination had sounded so rash when she was a mortal. Ugh, she had been one of them at a time. It made her hate herself for being able to confirm it had been so, but she had. By this time Alisa stood at the ledge of the rooftop. Inhaling she let herself fall. Sixty stories to the ground just before hitting the ground she flipped and landed on her feet. All the surrounding humans scattered. With a sigh she walked off in another direction. Not even the humans trusted her. She was always on her own. Passing another alley Lister stopped. One of his kind he could scene her. A smirk appeared on his face his fangs glistened in the moonlight. Walking towards the alley he saw her. Jet black hair and eyes, she was pretty cute. "What is a cutie like you doing here?" though unlike him, she had not been born a vampire she was cute. " I don't know where my operants are. I went on a walk to pick some flowers, when I got home they were gone. I thought maybe they were out working, but they never came home." the girl starts to cry. " I think they were killed bye your top. Please spare me. I don't want to die." Yuri grabs the little girls hand and pulls her into a hug. " I'll protest you, trust me." anger boiled her blood. How could someone do such a thing. "Just stay with me. I won't let anyone hurt you." Growing tired of the city she had made up her mind into going into the woods just outside the city. Maybe I'll find some place to stay at. Taking a deep breath eyes closed. Her formally dark gray eyes snapped open, glowing a silver color as she ran down the streets with her super human speed. Arriving at the edge of the woods. "let's take you somewhere to sleep. Are you tired?" Yuri picks up the title girl and puts her on hers holders. "Yes I'm very tired said the little girl." Yuri begins running through the forest age searching for a place to sleep. Jumping in the closest tree, she made her way in deeper. This looks like a good place. Jumping out of tree she saw a small human girl. Moving into the shadows she made sure that the girl hadn't seen her. What is a human doing out here? it's not save she could get hurt. They ran for a long time until they came upon a small old shack. " Can we stay here for the night?" She sets the girl down and walks over to the door. It was unlocked, so Yuri pushed it open. The room inside was empty. "How tired are you dear?" "Very tired" she said rubbing her eyes. "Very well. Yuri removed her coat and wrapped it around the girls little from. She picked her up and placed her on her lap. "I'll take care of you ok, for now just try and sleep." Leah was shaken into reality as someone approached her. A vampire, no doubt - he had fangs. He was pretty good-looking, so she flashed a grin at him slyly. "Just the usual," She meant hunting. Ever since they had gotten rid of the sun, the humans had flooded into the town they were in. Challenging them, and getting horribly beaten, there had been great bloodshed which had meant a feast for the immortals. "Yourself?" She asked. Karma had just entered the city the moon giving off his shadow into the city. He looked around to see Vampires and Human's everywhere. "Hm, what's going on here?" He sees Leah and the other vampire talking. 'Vampires' he thought to himself 'Perhaps I can ask them what humans are doing out this early?' Karma makes his way quickly over to the two vampires "Hello there" he says smiling at them "How are you ladies doing on this fine night?" Yuri wait hours for the girl to wake. How long would this child last? With no sunlight the child wouldn't live to grow up. A tear role down her eye. She knew the vampires hated human, but it didn't seem right some time to kill them all off. What would happen when they were all gone. What would the Vampires feast on. Yes there would away bee animal but there was something about human blood that made drinking better. Yuri looked down at the girl. Should she take her to the east town, keep her, Of end her life. They girl wouldn't have a high chance of survival. "What are you going to do with me?" the girl had been up a few minutes and was starring back at Yuri. " All I want is my mother." She couldn't kill this girl. What had the child done to her? " Well dear, I could keep you with me or take you to a town and hopefully find someone to take care of you." The child was so young, 6 years at the most. Lister arched his eyebrow at the other male vampire. " Ladies?" A low growl come from his throat. As a pureblood it was his job to strike fear in the humans. And Woe the females of his kind. Turning back towards the female she returned her smile with a fanged smirk. " Any good catches?" Walking out of the wood she found herself in another city. What is going on... Slowly walking out, she had her lighter ready in case she was attacked. Taking a quick look around she flash stepped into the city. Inhaling her eyes narrowed Vampires, I best be careful. Slowly walking down the busy streets she was careful to stay clear of allies and dark places where her own kind could be hiding. "Hello." Leah said, smiling back at the vampire who had just come over to them. In answer to the other vampires question, she put a finger thoughtfully to her lip. "No, not really. They're not putting up much of a fight, which makes it all the hunting less satisfying." She said with a sigh, thinking of how the humans practically expected their attacks now. She hadn't met any of the more strong-willed ones. The girl would have to be taken to town. She couldn't take care of a human, it was already too much of an urge not to drink the children blood. "let's go to town dear." She picks the child up and scans the woods. She could since human to her left. Furthermore, she took off, holding tight to the child body. They had been running for some time but still hadn't run it to the human. Yuri was sure she had smell them. There she smelt it to her right now. 'What is this' she thought. It was human she knew that, but how was it moving so fast. ((I don't think you can delete posts, but I have no idea. I'm new here ^^;; Sorry)) ((ok well I'm really sorry. Didn't mean to)) ((You don't need to apologize, everyone makes mistakes ^-^)) ((ok)) Alisa was once again atop a building the only good thing about this one was and banded building. Sighing she looked towards the opening door, A male vampire walked out with a human girl. Sighing she and stood up, Walking down the stars she decided on exploring the city. Her dark gray eyes, scanned the dark places. Her long black hair blew in the wind. She was suddenly pulled into a dark alley by a male empire, not feeling like killing the poor man she did what any human would do. She kneed him, and ran deeper in to the darkness. The downside to being born human like was that her blood not only had the scent, but it tasted like human blood maybe even sweeter. Running to the end of the Alley she curses her luck as she stopped three other vampires. Leah turned her head as the scent of human blood leaked into the alley. Smiling slightly, she examined the girl who had entered their area. The girl wasn't human, though. She was a vampire too. "Hello." She said cheerfully, gesturing for the girl to come closer. Karma turned his full attention to Leah his eyes closed as he spoke to her. In his Romanian accent he asked "Would you mind telling me what's going on in this city? I'm a bit lost" he rubs the back of his neck and awkwardly laughs. He then opens his eyes revealing his glowing gold eyes, the eyes of royalty. He then flashes Leah a smile, fangs at full length and whiteness. She finally reached a small town. She could still smell the human blood but all she could see were vampires. Yuri walked on holding tight to The young child who was whimpering in fear. "Calm down dear I've got your. Don't worry." but Yuri wasn't sure. She was very strong, but some were stronger would they be able to talk the child from her. She could see hunger in some of their eye as she walked down the street. Could they stop staring at the poor child? Karma see's Yuri with the young human girl on her back and how all the other vampires were staring at them. Karma flitted to her side and grabbed the girl off of Yuri's back and held her in his arms. He then picked Yuri up by her small waist and gave a growl to the other vampires who them backed off, quickly. "Hello there my dears" He said showing his royal golden eyes and his long, sharp, white fangs. " Hey who are you and what do you think your doing. Give her back." The little girl scared begins to cry. For once Yuri is nervous "please give her to me." She could see the other vampires watching her. They could jump at her at any moment. Karma couldn't help but laugh his old, evil, royal Romanian laugh "It's alright. You have nothing to fear" he said as he looked at Yuri "I won't hurt you, or the mortal child. Also, those vampires won't touch you while I'm around" giving the girl back to Yuri Karma realizes that he as not introduced himself "Oh, how rude of me, I have yet to introduce myself" He bows "I am Karma Fujiwara. I am a full-blooded vampire, Royalty." He looks at both Yuri and the young girl "And who might you two lovely ladies be?" he asked motioning his right hand to the girls, flashing his fangs and his golden eyes. "I'm Yuri and this is my dear, I don't really know here name. Never bother to ask. I thought it is best just to call her Dear. " She look at the royal Prince. "Who are you for? Vampires or humans?" Yuri picks up the little girl and whispers in her ear a sweet melody to calm her. The king had frightened the little girl. Yuri looked up in the sky, the full moon shined bright. Why did this all happen? Why couldn't they all lived in peace? Karma smiled "I honestly, I'm all for the vampires to win" He glances around" Humans brought this war upon themselves. They should have never tampered with the balance of things long ago" He then looks at Yuri "You're for the humans, aren't you?" He asked with a smile and a glare to go with it. "No matter, neither you nor the little one have to worry. I won't eat her. I live on animal and synthetic blood only." He winked at them. "Im not just for the humans. They did bring this on themself. But I'm not for the vampires either. We have no right killing the incent." she looks at the little girl. " This little girl has done nothing, and yet she will have to pay the price of death sonnet or later because of her elders." She looks into the Princes golden eye. " Im for peace." The little girl had joked Turin leave with tears. " O my dear don't cry nothing's going to happen to you." Yuri kisses the little girls forehead. She could smell the sweet blood under the young girls flash. She needs to find a place to leave her, a safe place, and soon. Karma looked at Yuri with a stern look and then shrugged it off "Where are you staying?" he asked out of pure curiosity. He knew the answer was nowhere, but he was humoring her. "If you need a place to stay, you can come with me? If you would like to that is?" He looked at the little girl who was still crying "Then again, I don't think the little one likes me so it may not be a good idea. Hm." Karma turns to walk away, leaving them to the other vampires who were craving the little ones blood right now. " No wait!!" Yuri race after him "please don't leave us here. Im tacking up your offer. We don't have anywhere to stay and I know if you leave tell try and take her from me." Yuri once age begins singing softly to the little girl trying to calm her. " I thinks she's hungry, maybe." To the little girl. " My dear, are you hungry?" The little girl nods. Yuri turns to the prince. " You must help me." "HHH." Karma acted like he was debating on weather or not he should "Ok" He said after a moment. "Come with me. I'll get her food. As soon as you tell me what she eats that is" Karma laughed slightly. "Please keep in mind that I'm not fond of humans all that much so I don't know what their needs are. You must tell me or I will do nothing" Karma walks with Yuri, keeping a distance from the girl for the fear of either eating her or making her cry. Karma wouldn't even look at or smile at the child for the fear of her crying again. He despised the sound of crying children. Well I remember eating bread and drinking milk, but it's been so long. What do you eat dear, know your hungry, so let's get something in that belly of yours." The little girl mumbles something about bread and milk being good. She wouldn't race her head in fear of all the vampires. "Ok." said Yuri "milk and bread it is. thank you, Prince Karma." She fallowed the prince to where ever he lived. "Please, just call me Karma. The Prince thing is just to proper" he smiled at Yuri, closing his eyes and not showing his fangs. "Would it be alright if we just flitted to the castle?" he asked in case the child was used to it. "She's use to it." They Begin towards the castle. Yuri fallows Karma. After a short Tim they reach the castle. "So this is where you live?" Yuri states holding the little girl tighter. The walk to the front door. When we reach the front door, two vampires dressed in tuxedos open the doors and greet Karma "Welcome home young master!" Karma nodded to the men and then motioned for Yuri and the child to enter. The little girl looks up off of Yuri shoulder. " Nice place you have here" Yuri say to Karma. "How look have you lived here?" She sets The little girl down but holds on to her hand. "Is she safe her?" Yuri says looking at the other vampires. Karma looked at Yuri "My family has lived here for over 60,000 years" they walk down the hall into a fully decorated, Victorian style, living room where Karma offered them a seat" Don't worry, all the vampires here do as I say, my word is law. The only ones we must worry about are my parents. They drink nothing but human blood. They are usually out at night but just to be safe, she should stay in my room at night. Furthermore, they don't go in there." "Ok" at this information Yuri picks up the little girl age. " Stay here with me dear ok." Yuri takes a seat in the living room. 60,000 years is a long time." She Looks at all the painting. " Do you know how your family started. Like your history?" The little girl had stopped crying and now was sitting int Yuri slap looking at everything in the room. Karma laughs "Yes, 60,000 years is a long time. My family. Well, we started out as any other vampire. Human. I'm not exactly sure how we came to be vampire, but I do know that our family has always been royalty." Karma looks at Yuri. "Tell me, how old are you? And, how old do you think I am?" "Well I'm 178. And you look .... well you act older than me so ill guess..... 400 or so?" Yuri was fighting to keep the little girl in her lap. " Dear stop it please. You don't want to get hurt do you?" The little girl stops moving and looks and Yuri "but I'm hungry." Karma steps into the other room for a half a second and comes back with food for the girl "Here you are my dear" he says sitting the food on the coffee table and smiling at the girl. "You're only 178? Hm, I thought you were older. I'm 2,500 years old. Apparently I was completely correct about pure bloods living longer then half bloods." Karma pours two glasses of synthetic blood which look and taste like real human blood. He hands a glass to Yuri. " Thank you" Yuri sips on the blood. It had been awhile since she had last eaten. " 2,000 years old. That is a long time. How old are your operants?" Yuri Watched over The young girl as she stuffed her face with the food Karma had given to her. " Easy dear there's a lot of food there. Don't choke." Yuri continues to sip on hers drink. Leah watched as a girl with a human entered the city. The pure-blood, Karma, went with them somewhere. She didn't bother assume where. Weird, he asks me a question then leaves. She thought, turning her attention back to the girl who entered their alley. Most definitely immortal, most humans weren't as beautiful as vampires were. The humans that were as beautiful as immortals were hard to find. I should leave, they all are for the vampires... They'll try and kill me for sure. Freezing when she felt the female vampires eyes on her. Turning around her river eyes grew, "Can I help you miss?" A fake smile on her lips, Wanting nothing more than to get out of there. Lister smirked glad that he wasn't the only one of royalty left. Though something about the knew girl put him on edge, he was pretty sure he had seen her, but it was impossible. The only one that fit the person in his mind was missing or dead, he didn't know which it was. Yuri finished her drink and set it on the little table. The little girl had finished eating to and had returned to her spot in Yuri slap. She seemed tired, it was time for them to go to their room. "My dear is tired, may we be taken to our room?" Karma smiles at Yuri "Of course, this way please" he takes Yuri and the young girl up they long spiral staircase up to the top floor. He then goes down to the fourth door on the right. "This is going to be your room ladies. Please make sure you get a good sleep young one" he smiles at the young girl as he opens the door. Lister turned to leave seeing as there was nothing more for him to do there. Figuring that he should talk with the other royal pureblood, about the disappearance of the girl, maybe the other had heard from her parents. He flash stepped in the direction of the others scent. His red eyes glowing, questions racing through his mind. Why was he harboring the human girl? Who was he really? Where the hell was Alisa? He hadn’t seen that girl an age; maybe she was dead as the rumors said. Alisa was not dead, her parents had in a way disowned her to keep her save, and she had become a human sympathizer, the one thing the vampires hated more than the humans themselves. She had been exiled by her own kind, deemed, just a pathetic as the human race. They figured if a vampire liked humans so much they might as well be treated like one. That was the main reason she keeps moving from place to place if she stays in a place to long the bounty hunters would find her. Yuri and the young girl enter the room. Yuri sets the girl down on the floor. The room is clean and large. There is a huge bed in the room. By the window was a large mirror. Yuri watched as the little girl looked at herself in the mirror with such fascination. Yuri smiled as she watched the little child. The hunger Yuri had once had was now gone. Where would she take the little girl. Yuri was becoming fond of the girl. "Not at all," Leah replied, equally fake sweet as the girl. "Just a tad interested, that's all." She said, turning back around. Obviously the girl wanted nothing to do with her, so she wouldn't push it. She's probably one of those human loving traitors anyway. She thought. Ever since the beginning of eternal darkness Vampires began drifting to the human side, protecting them and attacking for them. I won't take any interest in the hypocrites. She decided. The bar was pretty much empty, the usual crowd having come and gone. However, one local had taken up her normal roost on the bar stool, having just entered from her late-night shift at the delivery store that was situated down the block. The barkeep didn't even have to ask, he merely threw a cold one her way and she immediately snapped the lid off to take a long gulp of the fermented barley. A sigh escaped her lips as she lifted the bottle away from her, eyes blinking away the tiredness her body was threatening her with. "Another rough day, 'Rosa?" The barkeep asked, continuing to clean up after the other patrons of his bar. The girl, well more a woman of twenty-one, looked at him with dull-gold eyes. Raven-black hair was swept back from her face into a ponytail, streaks of sweat and dust apparent on her tanned skin. A tattoo completely covered her right shoulder in a dizzying pattern of black swirls would draw many who had never met her before, but not for this barkeep. Aurora Angstrom was one of his usual patrons, even if they were only when she was needing a break from work or family. "A little bit. Some pretty large packages today." Aurora said, her tone a bit rough as if from lack of talking. Well, your voice would sound like that too if you were yelling your head off over the loud whirling of generators. Right now, the coldness of the beer was paradise to her raw and aching throat. As she finished the bottle, the barkeep made a move to get another, but she stopped him, "Just one tonight. I don't want to go home drunk to the family, but I needed a drink before going back. Thanks a lot." Setting money on the counter, she pushed back and hopped off the stool. Exiting the bar, she adjusted her jacket against the chilly wind that blew against her. The slightly chilled air, combined with the drink, had revived her. Now she could go home and not worry too much. Today had been payday, and so she could give it to the money pot they had collecting. Tomorrow would be bank day the moment she got off her morning job. Traitor that was something she hadn't heard in a while. “Very well…” Silver eyes gleamed in the darkness, one second she was there the next she was gone. Alisa looked out of her window wondering how long it will be till the hunters came to this city. Three shadowed figures landed at the outskirts of the city. Lister landed in a crouching position before a castle smaller than his. The guards posted outside approached his cloaked figure. “Who are you and what is your business here?” He smirked under his hood. “I’m here to see Prince Karma. I’m an old friend.” ((Oh no! My thread's dead! ) A hand grabbed a woman, just coming out of a pub, into the darkness of an alley. Hopefully she wouldn't scream, he didn't want to draw any attention to them. "Shh, I'm not going to hurt you just listen. There are Vampires everywhere in this city, hiding in all the dark places just waiting to capture their next victim." Xander said, then explained everything to the woman, rushing a bit. "And if you think I sound crazy, then, like all the other people I warned, in an hour or less you'll be Vampire Chow, just watch." Xander pointed across the crowded street as someone disappeared in an alley like theirs. A muffled scream was heard then silence other than the moderately loud rustle of the others. "We've found her." the first man said into a cell phone. "Secure her and get her back here." Nodding the first man motioned to the other three, who saluted before vanishing. Clicking the man vanished as well. Alisa stood on the roof of a building, staring at the stars yet again. No idea what was in store for her, closing her eyes she heard a twig break. What was that? The room was large with an air to it. What had been in this room? A meal? Well it didn't matter Yuri couldn't stay here with a little human girl to take care of. Yuri picked up the young girl who was sleeping on the bed with a lightness that wouldn't wake her. Walking to the window Yuri pulled the curtains out of the way and unlatched the wind pushing them opened. Sure she might get into some trouble, but she wasn't going to sit around and wait to watch the little girl get eaten. " Mother angel came down from the stars" Yuri hummed a tune from her memories. " Looking for a sweet to take back home. To make the meal mothers love to eat" There wasn't an ending. It was such an old tone that Yuri had forgotten. The last time she has sung was 37 years ago when she had found the small boy dying from fever. Little children were the only reason Yuri was for Humans at all. Adults were the reason for this war. There fear stuck souls made that attack without thought. The climb down the tower was short and quick, There was no one to be bought by and Yuri had been as quit as a mouse. In a flash She was headed down the road towards the forest. There had to be a safe town close by. Moon light guided Her way past Bushed and Trees. There was no need for the light really, Yuri just thought it was beautiful. She was moving faster than before, The meal she had had at the prince's castle would last a good week or more. Yuri was used to not eating much due to the fact the didn't want to scare the children off. (Mimi wants to join o.o;; Lt;3 Vampires cause of Vampire Knight @[email protected] And why am I last to see this thread Sgt;OLT;) ((you don't pay attention?)) [DX Don't say that out loud! D: And I try to. v.v;; I'm just slow on noticing things... But meh. Can I?? ADD] ((yay Mimi's going to join.... right?)) ((Well would say yes but I's not my RP >. Yuri ran for hours, she couldn't tell how long because of the sunless sky and the fact that she was rebellious carry anything on her other than the cloths on her back. Yuri steps near a river and sets the sleeping girl on the soft dad grass. What a pity, every thing living would soon die, and the earth would be cold and dark. Yuri went to the pond. Lowering her hand into the river she reached for a fish to head to the little girl. She went and started a fire for the little girl. Once the fish was cooked Yuri woke the child up "Here my dear, eat this." she hands the warm fish over to the girl who ate it with gratitude. The three hunters had gotten the Vampires cornered. “You're coming with us Miss Alisa, one way or the other.” Two of the three shot forward, Alisa quickly dodged them and ran off. Curing the men went after the fugitive. “Go after her!” “Yes sir!” Pulling out his cell the man dialed in a number. “ We found her sir, but she ran off.” The girl finished the fish and looked at Yuri. "I miss my parents." A tear role down her eye. Yuri watched as the child wept for the loss of her family. What could she do. The child was despair, She had nothing in the world, Just like Yuri. Yuri did feel bad for the girl, but she couldn't cry. She had seen Children cry hundreds of time. All she could do was try and help. " Would you like me to take you to a town where you could live with you kind." The girl looked up at Yuri, Her face was puffy from all the crying. "Yes please" The child said between sniffed. Yuri took the hand of the child, and they walked towards was Yuri felt was town. (DX Where's Riv when you need her? XD) The trip was long and cold. Yuri could smell human blood no more than a few miles away. The moon shone bright in the sky, casting light down on The two travelers face. Yuri stopped. The forest was getting thicker and The moonlight was fading. Yuri could feel the presence of danger. There was no other way to reach the town but to pass through the think forest. Yuri picks up the little girl and enters the forest. ((Don't depend on me! XD Yeah, you can join, Mimi~ ^-^)) The forest was pitch black. Yuri walked slowly watching her surroundings. There was no way she would be able to protect the little girl from danger. Yuri could hear something approaching her. Holding the girl tighter she picked up her speed. Running through trees and bushes Yuri didn't check behind her. This wasn't good. If she was bought then The girl would die. Yuri slowed down her pass. The sound had stopped. Had She made it out of danger? All of a sudden Yuri whole left side was smashed by a other creature. Yuri doped the little girl in surprise of the attack. Yuri could her screaming. She couldn't move, Her left leg was broken, It would take a few hours to heal. Trying to get up Yuri watched as a Vampire picked up The little girl and Ran off. Yuri sat back down, there was nothing she could do. The girl was lost. (Foot!! Should I send the profile to you or post it here?) Yuri sat in the same spot for hours. She had lost the little girl. She could never save anyone no matter how hard she tried. " Damn" She mumbled under her breath. She had been so close to having the girl safe and sound. Yuri checked her leg before standing. It had healed fine, The same as last time. A tear role down her check. Yuri sniffled. She would never have anything. Tears began flowing out of her. She couldn't hold anything back. She sobbed loudly not worrying about some on hearing. Who ever had taken her dear was gone, and the closets' town was miles off. Yuri cried for hours. She didn't want to live her life alone. After some time Yuri's anger turned into anger. When she reached town she would kill every Vampire in her reach until she died. She wouldn't sit around and watch them take her children and feast upon their blood. Yuri ran to the nearest village. She was ready to kill. Alisa had made it out of the city, and was now in the woods, sighing she had gotten away, for the fifth time and knew it wouldn’t be to long before they found her again if she stays there for much longer. Running deeper into the woods she stopped when she head crying. Creeping out of the shadowed trees she spotted a vampires crying. Walking over she kneeled next to her. “Are you ok Miss?” Recognizing her as the one with the little human girl, she blinked. Why was she crying? Looking around she noticed the little girl was gone. Someone must have taken her… “H…hey, are you ok?” she placed her hand on the other vampire’s shoulder. Yuri looked up at the female. Yuri had cried so much that a little blood had replaced the salty tears. Yuri stood up. Anger was flowing out of her body she couldn't help it. They had taken her little Dear. " DO I LOOK ALRIGHT! THEY TOOK HER!MY OWN KIND STOLE HER AWAY!!!!!" Yuri grabbed for a close baby tree. Grazing it by the roots she ripped it from the ground and threw it at the other vampire. “There was nothing you can do, there never is.” She said as dodged the tree, landing a few feet from the other. “We are in a war. To our kind they are the enemy, and need to be destroyed.” Her dark gray eyes bore into her purple ones. Taking a step forwards she stopped standing before her. "Still they don't have the right...." Yuri fell to the ground. There was nothing she could do. " Just leave me alone to rot." Its started raining Yuri's clothing began to stick to her body. She was so sick of losing. Why did she have to be a stupid vampire? She didn't choose this life. Yuri curled up into a ball and placed her head on her knees. “They think they do…” Alisa sat next to Yuri, her head turned to the sky. “Not many of us choose to be what we are.” Turning back to the vampires she smiled. “But it’s not that bad, I mean you where born a vampire like the purebloods.” Yuri laughs. Breacking the silent. " Ha. A pure breed. Me? I was human. I had a family and a man who I loved." Yuri's voice became calm. " He went drinking with some friends. He had been out all night a began to worried. There were vampires but as many as there are now. When I found him on the side of the road with his friends he started calling me dirty names and trying to lift my dress. When I told him no got angry and beat my upside the head with a glass mug. I don't remember what happened next but when I woke up I was out in the woods. My fences were different and I was so thirsty. At first I was out of control but when I had gotten control over my self and found my way home. It must have been months latter because my family thought me dead. My lover had turned himself in and was hanged for murdering me. After that I left." Yuri looked back up at the girl. " That's my story..... who are you?" “I’m Alisa, I am a pureblood, though a weird one, unlike many others I wasn’t born with my vampire abilities. I was considered human for a while. During that time I found that the humans weren’t so bad, in fact my best friend was a human. I became a human sympathizer, my friend was blamed for this and my parents killed her...” she said softly. "That's horrible" Yuri stood up. Her cloths were drenched from the rain. " I'm sorry to hear that." Yuri looks in the direction of the town. " I guess there's nothing to do but give in to the vampires. Are you going to join me?" Yuri says before walking away slowly. “No, I don’t plan on giving into the likes of them, after all, they took everything from me, and now they’re hunting me, because I’m what they call a human lover. My parents what to get me back to erase every memory of my friend, and the rest just want me dead. Besides why should I join them?” She stood up and turned in another direction. “If you want to help the humans I might be able to help you.” Her gray eyes flashed silver as a small smile graced her pale lips. “It’s all your choice. It’s time for you to pick your path.” Yuri stop debating on what to do. If she went with the vampires she wouldn't have to worry about losing anything but there would be some much bloodshed. If she went with the humans she could be able to save the pure souls and destroy the evil monsters. She may die helping the humans, but it didn't matter. She had lived to long already. Furthermore, she turned and head in the same direction as Alisa" Hey.... I'm with you." She smiled. She was going to kills the vampires for taking her dear. Alisa smiled, glad to know there were still vampire who cared. “Glad to have you aboard.” She eyes flashing sliver again. Bowing to the other she flash stepped away. Making sure not to go to fast, or she would lose Yuri. “We had to get out of here first the bounty hunters are hot on my tail.” Having no idea how right she was, the three men after her had stopped in the place where both she and Yuri had been a few moments ago. Sniffing the air they picked up the girls’ scent and began following it. Yuri had no problem keeping up she was used to running around. They flashed through trees and Yuri could hear the sound of leave crunching under her weight. The blood tears had dried on her face. There was no use in dipping them away now. Alumni sat down on a large branch as she hung her leg down the tree. She yawned, rubbing her eyes as she enjoyed the silence of the city park. "It'll be half moon tonight. I wonder how many of them will show up." She giggled, her hair hanging in front of her eyes. "I'll be waiting..." Yuri had no problem fallowing her new friend. She was ready to kill some Vampires. The glow in her eye's was fading. She was getting hungry. There wasn't time to stop for a snack. One of Yuri's weaknesses was hunger. She hatted being hungry cause when she was hungry anything could happen. Once she even killed a dear child because of it. To her left she could feel warm blood. Looking in the direction she saw a dear. She would have to wait even though the hunger was growing stronger. Alumni had her eyes closed. She remained seated as the wind blew through her hair and made it float. "So close, yet so far away." She giggled as she put her hair behind her ear. "So hungry too..." She licked her teeth as they had already grown sharp. After running for a good while. The other vampire stopped for a rest. Yuri didn't know if she wanted to stop or not she needed to do something I mean no more than two days ago they stole away her child, and now she needed revenge. Sweet revenge on the vampire.

Eternal Night - Open and Accepting|rating:3.0

Family Threesome [Open to one female playing two characters]

Jace had just turned 18 today, it was his birthday. All his life he had experienced things a little differently than most. He had no father, his parents were both very beautiful woman, lesbians, and had raised him together since his birth. Recently, he had noticed his hormones kicking in, even somewhat enjoying the sight of his parents making out from time to time. He woke up that morning and yawned, walking down the hall toward their room wearing only some loose jeans, no boxers. "Anyone awake?" He quietly said as he peered into their room, wondering if they were up yet.[[Open to one girl who wants to play both female characters. Preferably someone who likes paragraph replies. =) Plot: As a birthday present, they both agree to do whatever he says all day, for their son. And they're both excited/nervous because they've never had a real cock before.]] Kim Names: Kim North and Jenny Brooks Ages: 36 & 38Height: 5'6" & 5'9"Hair: Black & Blond Eyes: Deep blue/violet & Emerald green Jenny and I have been a couple since I can remember. We decided early on to have a child through artificial insemination. Perhaps it was out of some need to prove our commitment to one another, or perhaps it was a way to make our family as 'normal' as the average hetero couple had. We tossed a coin to see which of us would carry the child and I won - or lost depending on your point of view. I carried Jace for 9 full months and told Jenny that if we decided to have another, she would have to do it. Jace has grown up to be a fairly good young man. With two moms, I think he may have received more nurturing than the average child. I'll admit that Jenny down right spoils him, and perhaps I do to a little. Still, he's the kind of son any woman would be proud to call her own. Jenny and I notice the way he sometimes looks at us - not to mention the way his head turns when a young woman walks by. I admit that I look too once in a while and my son has good taste in women. Today is his 18th birthday and Jenny proposed that we give him something special this year. She suggested that we offer to do whatever he wants until the clock strikes 12 midnight. I objected at first - God knows what a male teenager might ask for. Jenny assured me that it would probably be nothing more than fixing his favorite meals and perhaps letting him have the car this evening. Still, the offer seemed a little too open to me to feel comfortable with it. Jenny eventually talked me into it - she has a silver tongue (one of the reasons I'm with her in the first place) - and we now relaxed after some early morning play." You sure he won't ask to - well you know...?" I asked her." I don't think so. But haven't you ever been the least bit curious?" she asked in response. I laughed. It sounded more like something a straight girl might ask another. All the same I still felt some uncomfortable sensation at the thought of my first man being my own son. Instead, I asked a question that needed to be asked, "Jenny, we don't exactly practice safe sex. I mean, there's no risk of pregnancy when we have sex. Jace is a man and if he chose to ask us for sex..." I let the unspoken consequences hang like the sword of Damocles as I looked her completely serious in the eyes. I don't know what she might have said since we both heard a voice softly ask,"Anyone awake?" We both looked to the door in time to see our son peek in. Kim oops ... Jace smiled wide as he saw them both, walking in slowly, as if waiting for a response in case they were busy and wanted him to leave. When he got no retort, he walked in and leaned down to hug them both at the same time, kissing Kim's cheek, then Jenny's. He then playfully plopped down on his back on the bed between them, smiling up at them. Even at eighteen, he still acted like a little kid with his mothers. "Love you, mom." He said, obviously speaking to both of them, as he called them both mom and had all of his life. "What's up?" He said with a yawn, having just woken up. He didn't even think about the fact that it was his birthday, and usually had to be reminded, of course, he also wasn't planning on anything special happening for his birthday in the first place. Jenny Things have been a bit tight financially of late, and it was because of this that I suggested the 'special' birthday gift I had. I was fairly certain that whatever Jace might ask of us, it would undoubtedly cost us less than what we presumed he might want. Besides, it did have the added plus that he did ask us for whatever his heart most desired. I had some trouble talking Kim around, but she eventually acknowledged that Jace would most likely simply ask us to fix his favorite meals and the like. I don't know why she keeps worrying about sexual consequences. True, he's shown an interest in girls, and I've once or twice caught him looking at Kim and myself when we express our feelings for one another; but, it's nothing out of the ordinary. I was still shocked by her dangling statement. While neither Kim nor I can be considered virgins, we both lost our cherries to sex toys and haven't been with a man. I wonder if this sudden worry of hers doesn't stem from some inner curiosity and perhaps desire to be with a man. I admit that I don't think of men in the least sexual way and perhaps that's why her worries struck me as odd. Even so, when Jace entered our bedroom and settled himself between us, I began to wonder if perhaps Kim wasn't right to wonder if he would ask things of us that might go above and beyond what I had considered he would ask of us today. I was all too cognizant of the remnants of his morning wood bulging in his jeans. Should we wait until he might be more inclined to think with the head on his shoulders rather than the one between his legs? I didn't know and hadn't really thought on the matter much. I was brought back to the present as I heard Kim speak, "Happy birthday, baby. How does it feel to be 18?"" Eighteen?!!" I exclaimed. "Come on, just the other day he was taking his first steps." I saw him roll his eyes at my comment, but the time does fly by." So, what do you want for your birthday, honey?" Kim asked. I waited with bated breath. I suppose Kim was probably testing the waters and if his wish proved to be simple, she'd either tell him about our gift this year or give me a significant look and pass the buck on to me. He smiled and shrugged as they asked what he wanted, thinking for a moment. "Nothing that I can think of. Maybe go out to dinner, if you two are hungry?" He said, trying to think. There was really nothing he wanted, and being too tired to think of anything else, yawning quietly. He scooted back some and inched to the side, laying on his back on their bed with his head on the pillow, grinning childishly at how comfy it was, especially since it was bigger than his. He had not noticed his own morning wood, but it would soon die down and go away. Mimi passed a look to Jenny, and she seemed to sigh as if she had been waiting for it. "Honey, your mom and I were talking, and we decided that we'd let you have whatever you wished for today. So, if you want to go out to dinner, we'll go out tonight for supper." I grinned as I saw Jenny look puzzled for a moment and then shrug it off." Yeah, what she said," my partner replied. "What do you mean?" He asked, raising an eyebrow as he looked at them, unsure by what they meant exactly when they said anything. He sat up and gently hugged Kim, just because she was closer, and he liked affection. "What do we mean? Well, until midnight tonight, we're willing to fulfill your birthday wishes." Exactly what that meant was beyond even me. I just hoped that Jenny was right and that his requests fell under what might be considered normal. He hugged me as I responded to his question. I was all too nervous about what Jenny seemed to think was unlikely to occur and froze just the slightest bit when I sensed a bulge press against my right thigh. Perhaps, Jenny picked up on my nervous feelings and that's why she said, "Hey, what am I, chopped liver?" He laughed as Jenny spoke and reached an arm out for her also, pulling her over so that he held both of them close to himself, kissing Jenny's hair, then Kim's. He felt Kim's thigh against his crotch, but he ignored it and played it off. "Fulfill all of my birthday wishes? What exactly is the limit here?" He said, obviously joking as he laughed. Jenny"I'd like to say 'no limits' but the truth of the matter is that things are a bit tight financially so as long as we keep it below $200, anything you wish for we'll see that you get it. Oh yeah, and there is a time limit, it's just good until midnight tonight." I told his shoulder as he held me close. I have a tendency to feel uncomfortable in a man's arms. Jace is the one exception. I relaxed in our son's embrace never thinking that the reason I reacted this way was that I didn't necessarily think of Jace as a man. He smiled and tried to very gently pull them both a bit closer, softly kissing Jenny's neck in an affectionate manner as she spoke. "He, you know I'd never ask anything of you two. I even planned on paying for dinner tonight. I'm eighteen now, I'm an adult!" He said jokingly, nuzzling Jenny's hair with a laugh. It seemed like at this rate, he wouldn't ask anything of them at all. Kim"He, you know I'd never ask anything of you two. I even planned on paying for dinner tonight. I'm eighteen now, I'm an adult!"he said as he pulled us closer to him, nuzzling first my hair then Jenny's. Furthermore, I sensed some unspoken tension rising." We just wanted to give you something for your birthday; but if you really want to buy us dinner tonight, who am I to say 'no,'" I told him. "Want to go swimming? It's nice out today." He said to both of them. His hands rubbed their backs lovingly, then gently took Kim's earlobe into his mouth to nibble on it, playfully growling. It was clear by this point that he meant nothing by it, but as a child he used to pretend he was a dog and nibble on them, and he was just playing around, sure that they wouldn't think anything by it. Jenny Even from where I was, I could see Kim's eyes widen. She was reading more into this than Jace had ever meant. I remembered how he'd often tease us this way; but Kim seemed to have forgotten it, or perhaps it's just these specific circumstances have her over-reacting to Jace's playfulness." Swimming sounds great," I replied in his own ear as I mimicked his actions. "You'd better watch your step, mister," I growled, "that's my woman in your arms there." I threatened as I often had before. Laughing after stating my claim on Kim. Jace almost gasped out as Jenny teased his ear, knowing that she didn't realize how sensitive his ears were to such actions. Luckily, he kept it in, then chuckled at her claim. "Nu UUU. I love my mommy Moore!" He said, joking with Jenny as he softly sucked on Kim's earlobe, nibbling more as he growled playfully, one hand trying to tickle Jenny's hip, jokingly demanding that she release him. Jenny"Nu UUU. I love my mommy Moore!"he growled into Kim's ear. I could see that she was tensing up and tried again to release that tension." I've loved your Mommy fore longer than you've been born, squirt. Besides, I love your mommy lots more than you can imagine," I stated then prayed he didn't take it up like some sort of dare or something. "Besides, I thought you wanted to swim." He released Kim's ear and kissed her cheek with a laugh, nodding. "Mm!" He said as he sat up. "Get dressed!" He said as he ran down to hall to his room. It would only take him a moment to get dressed into just the baggy black swim shorts and head downstairs and outside to the pool. He wondered if they would notice that he had been working out a lot lately. Mimi looked at Jenny and wondered what we'd gotten ourselves into. Jenny laughed it off and assured me that there hadn't been the least sexual innuendo in what had just passed. Perhaps it was easier for her to believe since she hadn't felt his half hard bulge against her thigh. I told her as much, but again she insisted that I was reading more into it than was actually meant. I sighed and hoped she was right. She got off the bed followed by a low moaned protest from me. I groaned as I saw her pull out our swimsuits. Jenny and I have always preferred those suits that revealed the most skin. Not only were the taglines as minimal as possible, but they offered each of us a wonderful view of the other. Though Jace has grown up around us and our appreciative glances at each other, I wished with all my heart that I had owned even one single piece suit. "Come on, lazybones, time to get up and out of bed," she teased. "Mooom!" He yelled out to them from downstairs. "Love you!" He yelled, then dove in the water, decided to do some laps as he waited for them to get ready. Now that he thought about it, it had been a while since they all swam, and he didn't remember what exactly they would wear. Jenny Even I have to admit that our swimsuits didn't exactly leave much to the imagination. We wore our least revealing ones which certainly doesn't say much for the ones we left in the drawer. I still can't believe we paid as much as we did for as little as there was. Sometimes it seems that the less cloth used the higher the price of the swimwear. I grabbed a towel and walked down the stairs with Kim trailing behind me. I've managed to get her a little more relaxed, thank goodness. Furthermore, I grin as I can almost physically feel her eyes on my backside appreciating the view. I can hear splashing and figure Jace beat us to the pool. Furthermore, I make my way to the sliding glass door and open it as well as the screen door after it and step aside to let Kim exit first. It's my turn to enjoy the view. Jace popped his head out of the water, looking toward the house to see them walking out. Only his eyes peered over the edge like an alligator. As he saw them, he mentally froze momentarily; he hadn't realized how much their swimsuits exposed their bodies. He sunk back under the water again, swimming around some more as he cleared his head. He knew his parents were attractive, but seeing them was doing something 'bad' to him, and he didn't know why. Furthermore, he sighed, then swam to the edge again, poking his head out as he rested his arms on the edge of the pool, smiling at them. "You two take forever!" He said with a soft laugh, sticking his tongue out. Kim Jenny opened the sliding door and let me pass through first. I exchanged a grin with her knowing just why she was having me go first and winking as I let her know that I had thoroughly enjoyed the sights from our little trek down the stairs. She may be fast approaching 40 but my partner's one amazingly beautiful woman. I was still getting used to the bright sunlight when I heard Jace comment,"You two take forever!" I responded automatically, "It's a well known fact that women need more time to dress up." Jenny began laughing, and I had to admit that what we were wearing didn't look like it needed all that much time to put on. I grinned in response to her laugh as I approached the pool, feeling a little anxious to get into the water and not be showing the majority of my god given looks away to anyone within sight range. Though Jenny and I have never covered up around Jace before, it took all my nerve to keep my hands at my sides now. I sensed that there was something different about the way Jace was looking at us; but was it all in my head, I wondered. Jen, of course, dove into the pool of the board. She's always been one to make big splashes. I on the other hand lowered myself down the side ladder. Barrier. The water was probably almost 70 degrees F but my body ind that it was cold just then. Jenny swam up to me and pulled me under then kissed me as we tread water." I'll get you back for that," I promised." What? Pulling you under or kissing you?" she teased."" Both." And so it was that I came to relax for the first time today. Jace laughed at Kim was pulled into the water by Jenny. He playfully splashed them both, then dove under again and swam away, every so often glancing over at them underwater. Why the heck am I looking at them like this?! He thought to himself, sighing, doing his best to ignore his teenage hormones that were taking place at the worst possible time. Jenny finally had Kim back to normal. We splashed one another and gained up on Jace for a short bit when he had splashed us. It was just like old times. I turned from our SN to find that Kim was nowhere to be seen." Kim?" I asked looking from left to right. I had no sooner remembered her threat to get even when a weight pulled me under the water line and I swallowed some of the pools chlorinated water. I came up spitting and coughing in reaction. She was laughing saying that it served me right, and I must admit that she got me good. She swam up to me and asked if she should kiss me and make it all better. I certainly wasn't going to argue with that. Kim and I kissed. We lost the rhythm as we tread water, and we went under together. We both came up laughing and moved over to one of the pool's sides and shared one kiss. "You know she did that on purpose as an excuse to make out with you." Jace said, laughing, joking with his parents. A loving smile was on his face as he swam around, diving under the water to swim toward them. As a child he used to swim between their legs a lot, and decided he would do it again. Though he didn't think about how much he'd grown since then, and the length of his arm and leg would gently slide against them between their legs as he swam through, popping up on the other side, taking a breath and smiling at them. Jenny"You know, I think Jace has you all figured out," I told my partner. She grinned in response, but I must admit we were both surprised when Jace swam beneath us, his arms and legs brushing against our legs. I turned to see him come up grinning. He was probably just trying to swim like he used to when he was younger. Kim looked slightly troubled, but she hasn't lost all the loosened nerves I fought so hard for." You should have warned us, Jace," I told him. "You're not as small as you used to be," I finished, stating the obvious. He blinked, thinking about why he must have worn them, then his eyes widened momentarily, his hands coming up to cover his face embarked. "I'm sorry mom!" He said, quickly dunking himself under the water, as if to hide, though with the water being so clear, that obviously didn't work well. After a moment, he swam over and hugged them both, kissing Kim's hair. "I'm sorry, mom." He said in an honest tone. Kim"I'm sorry, mom,"he repeated as he wrapped his arms around us. I'must thankful we didn't go under again. His kissing my hair had me grabbing to hold myself above water with my left hand as I held to Jenny with my right." It's okay, Honey. You just brushed against us last time you swam beneath us. You're not as small as you used to be, after all," I assured him. "Did I hurt you?" He frowned, sure that is what happened, seeing as they mentioned it. He still hugged them both, kissing Kim's hair again, then gently nuzzling Jenny's hair, rubbing their backs affectionately. Jenny"You didn't hurt us, Hun. Just surprised us and well, who you're treading water, it's kinda good to know about such surprises beforehand." I told him. I swear, you can tell that he's her genetic son just by the way he'll overreact. He was now sorry and worried that he'd hurt us when he'd obviously have felt it much more keenly himself if he had. I hoped that he didn't take my words as a scolding rather than the explanation they were meant to be. Jace smiled and nodded, dunking under the water to kick off the wall and swim away. He swam for a minute, then came up behind Jenny, ensuring he didn't surprise her at all, and rested one arm on her shoulder, his other arm holding himself up on the edge so that he didn't push her under. Not realizing it, his crotch was gently pressed against her rear as he looked over her shoulder at Kim. "How did you meet, and get together?" He asked, wondering, seeing as he couldn't them having ever told him when he was a child. He was curious about their past. Mimi smiled at Jace as he asked us how we'd met. I'm sure we told him a number of times before, but he either loves to hear the story from time to time RO he actually didn't recall it." Well, I hadn't wanted to go to college, but my parents were instant. It just so happened that there was a young woman on the same dorm floor as I was that was spoken of more often than she was spoken to. You see, she was openly a lesbian and the other women seemed uncomfortable around her." I sat with her once during lunch, and she proved to be easy to talk to. We began eating together, and our friendship built from there. We were a couple even before we actually took our relationship to the next level." By the end of the year, I had quit college and gone to work full-time and we led together off-campus. We talked about children and thought she wanted to wait, I just couldn't. I wanted it all right then and there. We went to a sperm bank and the rest, as they say, is history," I finished, puzzled as Jenny held more tithe side and seemed to be trying not to move. What was the matter, I wondered. Jace's face was lit up with a smile from the story, very much enjoying hearing about it all. He then raised an eyebrow curiously, asking another question. "You didn't get mistreated, did you? You know, you two having me..." He said. Obviously, during the course of his life, he saw how idiotic and judging people could be about this kind of things. He softly kissed Jenny's shoulder, still watching Kim, since she was the one answering him. The wading in the water causing him to move up and down against his moms backside a very small bit. "Honey, that's one thing that you just have to get used to. It's a lot better now than it used to be. Besides, once people begin to see you as a person, they aren't as likely to just see you as one think or another. There will always be people who will refuse to see you as anything other than one dimension that makes up your entire personality. Whether it's your religion, your race, your sex or your sexual orientation to name a few; they won't be able to see beyond that. Don't judge yourself by such people. Instead, look at the people around you and those who love you. Those are the important-"I stopped as Jenny's inactivity seemed to be taking some unknown toll on her. "Jenny, what's the matter?" In response, Jenny began moving closer to me. Quickly depleting the room between the two of us. Jace blinked as Jenny swam to Kim without a word when asked what was wrong. He floated there, blinking, looking at them both rather worried. He decided to ask them in a somewhat scared tone, feeling he had done something wrong. "You've both seemed rather strange toward me today... What is wrong?" He asked, frowning. Jenny mentally rolled my eyes. I should have expected it after Kim gave me away so to speak." Nothing's the matter, Hun. I just needed to change position is all," I explained, hoping that it would do for both him and his other mother. I had to admit that though I still had the fabric of our swimming suits as protection of sorts, it had been quite a surprise to feel even that much of his manhood pressing against me that way. He swam over again and still held himself up on the edge with one hand, the other reached around both of them on one side, gently resting on Kim's hip, Jenny trapped between them. Once more, he unintentionally pressed his manhood against Jenny's rear. He didn't notice, but he naturally started to very slowly grow hard from how good her perfect back side felt against his lap. "Please tell me? Don't you have to tell me, since it's my birthday...?" He said, giving puppy eyes, followed by a big childish grin. Jenny almost laughed when he brought his birthday wishes into the matter. After all, I had for the most part told him why I had moved. I just hadn't told him all of it. And I only had myself to blame for my current position being just that much worse than the previous one had been." Only if you make it one of your birthday wishes," I said as I did my best to ignore the growing bulge I felt pressed against my buttocks. "Aww, do I have to?" He playfully pouted, slouching in the water a bit, then came back up with a chuckle. The movements caused the underside of her growing shaft to rest perfect between his mothers' ass cheeks, with only their swimsuits between them." How many do I get?!" He joked with a laugh, but then nodded in agreement." Alright, then that is what I want. You know I always want the two best ladies in the world to be happy, so I must know what I did so that I can fix it." He said with a smile, nodding. Jenny"Okay, not to say anything negative about family closeness and all that; but, I can feel something against my butt. I just didn't want to embarrass you or anything, son. And as far as those wishes go, remember that they're good until midnight tonight so you don't have to squander them or anything." Jace bit his lip as he realized it soon as she spoke, quickly backing up. "S-Sorry..." He said, gulping. He wanted to try to clear the awkward moment and cheer them up, so as always he would try to make a joke. "Birthday wish! Was it a bad thing?" He joked, laughing quietly, speaking about having him against her butt. Though in the back of his mind, he quickly realized that it was probably a very bad thing to say at the moment. Jenny Knowing that he's just trying to make a joke out of an awkward situation, I try to help and say, "Well you have to remember to vocalize your wish otherwise we won't know what it is." I wink at him in fun and am certain that he understands that I'm not offended by the accident. He laughed and swam back once more, hugging her waist with a loving kiss to her cheek. He didn't intend to press himself so firmly against her plump rear, but he was treading the water to stay up while he hugged her, so it happened again. "Did you not like feeling it against your butt?" He laughed, still completely joking in all honesty, seeing as his mother played along with the first joke. Jenny Oh God. It was going to be one of those days. Even now he unintentionally pressed himself against my butt. Oh well, I've dealt with much worse as a mother. He joked against." I was just worried that you might like it a title too much," I grinned to take any censure away from the statement. "After all, we couldn't have your mom getting jealous now, could we?" "You're right. C'mere mom!" He said with a soft laugh, smiling at Kim. He very gently, slowly, ground lightly against Jenny's rear. Furthermore, he was still speaking in an honest, innocent, and happy tone. "You can just say it mom, there are a lot of things I'm not allowed to do now that I'm not your little baby anymore." He said with a chuckle, sticking his tongue out at them. Mimi'm not quite sure where all of this supposed joking is going. I see Jace actually humping Jenny's behind and respond this words the only way I know how. I swim closer and acknowledge his statement, "Honey, you'll always be my baby. The only difference is that you're a man now. And yes, I suppose there are things that we might have indulged you in if you were still a child; but, you're an adult, and we'll respect you as an adult. Well, as best as we can, being your mothers, perhaps once in a while forgetting that you are a young man and having known you since forever." Jace blinked, not having expected such a serious answer. He nodded, slowly, treading through the water to be at the side of them, hugging them both tightly. He then shimmied between them to hop up and sit on the edge of the pool, sighing, lowering his head. "I'm sorry, I truly am... I guess I want to be a kid forever, but my mind and my body are going separate ways... But, all the girls at school are so..." He sighed, unsure how to word it all. "I have the best parents in the world, and both of you are the best girls ever." He forced a small smile, reaching out to stroke both of their hair, then crossed his arms over his legs again. "I'm sorry, I'm just a confused idiot." He said, eliciting a small chuckle with a shrug, trying to clear his head. Kim Jenny and I moved to the edge of the poolside on either side of Jace's dangling legs. I grabbed the edge with one hand and placed my other hand on one of his legs." It's okay, honey. Almost all the guys your age feel the way you do. You'll eventually find that special someone. I found her when I was just 18," I said in a comforting tone." And I found her at 20. But we were lucky. It may take longer or could happen next week. Don't worry and just remember that we're here for you," Jenny said in a like tone. Jace nodded and leaned down to attempt to hug them both without toppling over into the water, kissing one of their heads, then the other. "I love you, Mom." He said to both of them, glancing at their chests momentarily. God, they both had such perfect bodies, and these swimsuits were just evil. He quickly looked away, knowing it was wrong, and it was only because of his teenage hormones. "I need to get fixed. Being a lonesome male teen sucks." He said with a laugh as he laid back, his legs still dangling in the water as his arms went behind his head, closing his eyes to keep from being blinded by the sun. Sure, when they first explained that he could have any birthday wish, the thought crossed his mind. But he would never be able to actually ask them to do that kind of stuff. It was creepy enough that they were his parents when he was thinking about it, and even more-so that they were both lesbians, as far as he knew. He groaned quietly, just trying to clear his head. Jenny looked to Kim feeling at a loss as to what to say. Today should be a very happy day for our son, but he seemed to feel nothing but the frustrations that come with being a teen male. I pulled myself from the water and soon after Kim did likewise. Kim asked him, "So, what do you want to eat on your birthday, Jace? When I shopped, I got most of your favorites." I grinned at my beloved. While I knew what I would have liked to eat, it wouldn't be found in the fridge. I winked at her in a promise for later. Jace opened one eye at her question, seeing his parents he laughed, closing his eyes again. "You two are sick." He joked with a chuckle, pondering for a few moments. "Anything astonish. Yum yum." He said with a grin, licking his lips, resting a hand on his toned abs, as if to try to calm his stomach from the thoughts of delicious food. Kim"Anything astonish?" I asked. "Okay, how does angel-hair pasta with a light cheese cause sound?" Jenny smiled and said, "I don't know about him," tilting her head toward our son, "but that sounds great to me." I hoped that changing Jace's focus toward his stomach rather than areas of his body that I'd prefer not to think on too much. He grinned wide and nodded frantically. "Mmm, definitely!" He said happily, sitting up to playfully pat the head of Kim and Jenny. He then dove forward into the water again, swimming around for a few more minutes. Jenny Kim went into the kitchen to fix an early lunch and I sat wiggling my toes in the water as I watched Jace swim a few laps. As he swam, began wondering if I should call one or two of the women I knew who had daughters his age. I shook my head knowing just how he'd react if his moms started fixing him up with dates. I admit that I was at a loss as to what to do. If he'd been a girl, I could have talked from experience. As it was, I didn't know how to handle it other than letting him find his own way. As Kim walked into the house, Jace realized this was his only chance to talk to Jenny alone. He swam over to her, floating between her legs as his arms rested on her knees, looking up at her. "I'm sorry to make everything so awkward, mom. I wanted to talk to you, mostly. I felt like I was scaring her..." He said, sighing, softly kissing Jenny's leg, just because it was the closest thing. He thought for a moment, looking up at her. "What went through your head when you decided you'd give me whatever I want all day?" He asked curiously. "What went through your head when you decided you'd give me whatever I want all day?" I heard him ask. I laughed and answered, "We're tight financially, and I thought that this would be a lot better for us all around. You'd get to spend your birthday with your mother and I are promising to give you whatever you want, and we'd likely spend a good deal less money than we otherwise would have. Happy Birthday, son." He leaned up some to softly kiss her cheek, then whispered in her ear, still carefully supporting himself on her legs. "Promise? You didn't think anything else, even for a second?" He then leaned back again and grinned, sticking his tongue out childishly. "It's my birthday, you have to teeell me!" He joked. Jenny"Promise? You didn't think anything else, even for a second? It's my birthday, you have to teeell me!"he whispered into my ear then backed up and stuck his tongue out at me. I laughed and raised my eyebrows, "Like what?" I asked grinning. He chuckled, nuzzling her leg gently, his arms wrapping around her waist lovingly. "Didn't think about the risks? Like what your son may ask for, they'd never want to do." He snickered, joking with her, but he always felt more open with Jenny, who never took things quite as seriously. Jenny"Hon, there are always risks," I chuckled as I patted his hand on my waist. "I suppose it all depends on what you do ask rather than what I think you could ask." I grinned to let him know that I was still joking and wasn't pressing the matter one way or he is other. Jace chuckled and gently squeezed her with an affectionate hug. He then kicked off the wall, pulling her into the water, slowly enough to ensure she could take a breath and not panic, but also making sure she would come with him. He laughed as they went under, causing bubbles to cover the surface. Furthermore, he quickly reached one hand for the edge of the pool to hold him up, his other hand still around her waist to pull her up also, her back against his chest, laughing. "Haha, sorry. You know we can't go swimming without me trying to throw you in. And it's a lot easier now than it was when I was five." He chuckled, his arm pulling her closer to hug her tight, softly kissing her neck once. Her butt rested against his lap again, a very soft snicker escaping before whispering in a completely joking tone. "Birthday wish... How does it feel?" He joked with his mom. Jenny That little sh*t. He pulled me into the pool. I'd barely had enough to take in a breath before I went under. I rose up shaking my head spitting and looking to get even. Instead, it was as if Jace had planned it and continued to hold me by the hips. He was behind me and was once again pressed against me there." Haha, sorry. You know we can't go swimming without me trying to throw you in. And it's a lot easier now than it was when I was five. Birthday wish... How does it feel?"he said. True, he's always had that mischievous streak that had him tossing me in the water, sometimes even with Kim's help. As for his birthday wish..." All I can really say is it feels different from your mother and bigger than I remembered you being." "Now that you mention it, I remember you sending me to stay the night at Granny's house whenever you and mom went out for a night on the town." He pondered for a moment, nuzzling her hair to let her know that he was just being affectionate and loving, and didn't want to make her uncomfortable. "I feel different from mom?" He asked curiously, then snickered childishly as he decided to joke around more. "Right here, move like you would with mom in a club." He said, still holding her so that her butt gently pressed against his crotch, lucky for her, nothing was arousing him, so he wasn't hard, and she had nothing to worry about. "I feel different from mom?"he asked me." Right here, move like you would with mom in a club."" Well, duh... your mother has boobs, and you don't, not to mention that you have something further south that she doesn't," I informed him. I perhaps wouldn't have done what he said except for two things. First, this was his day, and I'd promised to do whatever he wished. Second, he'd pulled me into the pool, and it would serve him right if he ended up suffering with blue balls. I began to move with the groove and rubbed my butt against his groin. "You mean like this?" I asked. He chuckled at her words, and as she started moving, he looked down to watch her rear end move. He then snickered as she asked, grinning mischievously. "Only if it's that light and unenthusiastic with mom." He said. Jenny Okay, he asked for it, I told myself as I let him feel the full effect. Bumping and grinding my butt against him." Don't say I didn't warn you," I told him as I boosted the energy level. He bit his lip, knowing she couldn't see, but it was pointless because he knew she could feel him quickly growing hard from her actions. He moved so that they both faced the wall, with him behind her as Jenny was now between the edge of the pool and himself. Furthermore, he put her hands up on the edge of the pool, both of his hands holding on as well so that she could such more effort into it, not having to worry about trying to float in his arm anymore. "Push, warned me about what? Is this all mom gets? How salad." He chuckled, teasing Jenny playfully. He was growing hard, but just from the friction. Furthermore, he wasn't yet turned on by anything, and just having fun playing around with his mom. Jenny"No this isn't all your mom gets. It's a good dose of what she gets, but its nowhere near close to what she gets. And believe me when I tell you that you wouldn't be able to take it," I told him in this bizarre position we were in. He laughed and kissed the back of her head, then pulled himself up out of the pool. He walked over to a lounge chair and sat in it, patting his lap. "Then give me the teasing that mom gets. You yourself said I'm an adult. I can handle it just fine." He said with a confident smile, his heart-warming expression still letting her know that nothing ill was intended in any of this. "C'mon mommy." Jenny"Honey, unless you want me to kiss pretty much each and every square inch of your body then licking it, you just do not want to even think of going there," I told him in warning. "Mom, I remember even since I was a little child, I've gotten into way too much trouble for being so curious. Almost ripping off our cats' tail to see if they were like lizards, opening and closing the freezer for hours on end to see if it really was penguins turning the lights on and off..." He laughed quietly, scratching his hair as he motioned her over, patting his lap again. "I'm still just as curious. So will you dance for me like you would for her? Either that, or I'll have to watch you kiss and lick every inch of mom until my curiosity is fulfilled, and none of us want that!" He laughed, nodded as he smiled sweetly at her. Jenny"I'm still just as curious. So will you dance for me like you would for her? Either that, or I'll have to watch you kiss and lick every inch of mom until my curiosity is fulfilled, and none of us want that!"he said." Oh, I don't know about that. It might be fun to actually have someone watching us," I replied laughing. "MOM!" Jace yelled out, calling his mother, grinning wickedly at Jenny. "He-he, I love you mom. I know you won't do this." He said with a confident laugh, calling her out on her loyalty to his birthday wishes. The thought of watching that was gross, because it was his parents, but he honestly didn't believe it would happen. As Kim came outside, he laid back in the chair and relaxed, smiling. He was one hundred percent convinced that she would not do anything right here in front of him, and he wouldn't have to ask Kim to do it, because he already suggested the birthday wish to Jenny, as a joke, but still. He snickered, crossing his ankles lazily one over the other, smiling at his parents. Mimi came out in a hurry. The food was prepared, and I had been about to call them in to eat when I heard Jace call out." What? Where's the fire?" I asked. Jenny approached me and simply put her arms around me. Her hands pressed against the back of my skull as her lips claimed mine. What had gotten into her, Jace was right here? I mean, sure we kiss one another in front of him but not usually with one hand travailing the length of my back and slipping into my bikini bottoms. I shook my head and broke the kiss demanding to know what was going on. All I got in response was an 'ask your son.'" Jace?" "I was only joking around, honest, Mom." He said, looking away as he sighed. "I was just telling her that I know you two wouldn't go all the way in front of me. Not my fault Mom tried to trick me into this anything for my birthday thing." He chuckled, playfully sticking his tongue out at the both. He was still completely convinced that they wouldn't do anything, and he was certain that he knew it was the truth. Though, he was so surprised by the deep kiss that he didn't notice her hand go into her bottoms, luckily for him. "I within." He snickered, relaxing in the chair again, smiling sweetly at them both. It seemed like no matter how far things went, his child-like innocence as their only son would never fade away into more adult thoughts. Kim"So you were only joking around?" I asked, figuring that he'd asked to see us together and then changed his mind. Jenny's hand in my bottoms was more than a little distracting. "Good god Jenny, would you get your hand out of my bikini, he doesn't want to watch after all, and it's his birthday, not yours." I finally said. "He-he, I knew you wouldn't do it." He chuckled and stuck his tongue out at Jenny with a satisfied grin. "So now that we've decided that this whole birthday wish thing was a big joke, what's for dinner?!" He asked excitedly, hopping up to walk into the house, his nose in the air as he sniffed frantically, trying to smell what his mom had cooked up. Kim"Okay, what just happened here?" I asked not quite sure if I understood anything that had gone on since I came out of the kitchen." Jace thinks our birthday wish thing is a joke," she said." Yeah, yeah, I caught that part. What I want to know is why," I replied. Jenny shrugged, "I guess because you didn't just go down to your knees and eat my pussy. Beats me. He was acting like he wanted to see us make out and the next thing he's saying that he's just joking around."" So, what do we do now?" I asked, uncertain as to what to do or how to go about it once we figured out what it was we needed to do. Jace had stopped in the doorway and turned around, crossing his arms over his chest. He smiled at them, leaning against the edge of the door. "Alright, I'm too curious just how serious you two are about my birthday wishes." He walked over, kissing Kim's cheek, then Jenny's. "I want to watch you two make love." He said, walking over to sit back on the chair again, looking at them. The look on his face still showed that he was confident in the fact that they wouldn't, but his brain wouldn't rest until he was completely sure that he was right. It was now or never to find out if they were just being extra convincing in their jokes this year, or if they really had decided to do something completely new and different for his eighteenth birthday.

Family Threesome [Open to one female playing two characters]|rating:2.0

Heroes IC 2

Sipping a popular alcoholic beverage in this downtime at his father's summer home at Castle White, EdwickThe Magnificent, Sorts and Buckets wait for some new adventure, plot hook, or chance at random derring-do. Finally, one of the couriers comes with a list of strange events. Disappearances the world over are at an all-time high, specifically around Abington and Port White. An ancient and anachronistic religious group known as the cult of The Rose has been revived recently. While before its followers were incapable of drawing divine power from their god, now a few have been performing miracles. Haren Mall has seen it fit to buy out two warring plots of land well out of his sphere of influence, and holding a banquet there in two. There's definitely something going on there-Mall always has his hands in important things. There's been a recent surge of abominations from the depths of the sea and earth, attacking cities and the like. Not too many, but still a lot. Basket"It's going to have to be either the Rose Cult or crashing Mall's banquet soirée, and I don't have to argue any other two ways about it." A little haughty, very bossy, but usually polite, the black leonine figure of Basket (You haven't gotten the familiarity to call her Bast yet) drains a glass of, get this, water from whatever perch she's on. I say perch because, in a rare showing of a decidedly feline behavior, the borders is fond of sitting someplace higher up above others. This may be hard given that the climes were intended for halflings, but if she can get away with it without looking foolish she is. Otherwise, she's reclined back in a chair as deep as she can. Anywho... Normally she would be playing music until the cows came home but with action finally presented to her, she's much more verbose. Making sure her gray and scarlet garments are straight, she pauses only for a moment after before continuing." Edwick, while I'm sure you'd love to go monster slaying, by now that this information has reached us, I imagine scores of slayers of various ilks are converging at the sea to slay abominations or whatever squid has started to spook the local fishermen. The cult on the other hand, may be sitting on something of great legacy or import historically, and if they have all of a sudden gleaned newfound powers I myself find it prudent to investigate. Mall, I'm not sure about, but there's a chance he's decided to squat on something similar as well. You can't call whatever he's up to normal, I would say. And while I see equal opportune in each circumstance I would toss my lot in with the Roses. It bears more scrutiny than whatever schemes an old goat is up to... But let us have discourse. Which of these two should we consider?" Sorts"I do agree with you Basket, the Cult of the Rose seems to be the best path." Sorus sits rigidly with his companions, slowly sipping a glass of fine even red. His expression is stern almost to harshness and even though he is no particular distance from the others he seems somehow removed from the group by the coldness of his manner. As usual, he hasn't been particularly talkative this evening though the news seems to have energized him in some way." Of the four possible options only the Cult of the Rose seems particularly interesting. If a cult that has been noted for its lack of any magical ability seems to have gained access to some source of magic, that is fascinating. We should investigate this occurrence for it could have a multitude of causes, they could have attracted the notice of a heretofore unknown deity or demonic entity, or in the best case may have discovered a magical artifact that could be useful to study. While as Basket says Mall is probably up to something I believe that this cult is far more important." Edwick the MagnifiqueEdwick slouches restfully in his chair, least back against one of the polished wooden arms with his feet over the other, a glass of sparkling white wine gripped lightly in his left. As the conversation turns to adventure, he pulls his fringe out of his eyes and waves his glass energetically, excited by the prospect of a new quest." Capital idea!"he shouts,"No doubt, this insidious cult is behind the swarms of abominations and the disappearances! They must be conducting rituals dark and old and word, communing with an ancient eldritch entity. But I am definitely the man to stop their evil!" He leaps up from his chair, summoning his gnomish butler with a wild sweeping of his arms." Mr Ermingpepper! Prepare my adventuring gear, and wake the stable hands! And send an RSVP to that invitation Mall sent father. Tell him..." He looks thoughtful for a moment." Tell him I'm coming. It's not for a few days, and I might have finished off this cult by the banquet begins. I doubt they're any match for me. I do like a party after an adventure." He looks towards the other two." I think that's decided then. We must stop this cult! Let's get going to... um, to..." He looks puzzled." Where should I go?" Basket the Annoyed"You... were invited to Mall's party?" The cat girl looks over at Edwick intently after avoiding a spit take preceding her question. She then gives Sorts a quick conspiratorial glance..." Hmm... Spoiler Hide Geography check to see which is closer: (1d20+6)[10] Perhaps one of these can be investigated en route to the other... Spoiler Hide Mall's party is by Port White, which is a mere boat ride away. The cult of the Rose is situated you don't know where. Basketball reclines, further in thought all of a sudden. Spoiler Hide Okay, time to use BARDIC KNOWLEDGE to see if I can recollect any hang-outs these cult hoodlums favor:(1d20+13)[30] Edwick the PartytasticEdwick looks puzzled for a moment." Well, of course I was invited. Or should I say, the family was. I thought everyone had been. Actually, I was quite expecting to take Miss Annabelle, you know, Lord Ashcroft's daughter. Although, that might have been to Lady Denote's ball..." He turns to the butler." Ermingpepper! What has father written in the social diary?" Basket the Mildly Upset"Oh buckets, I've gotten him good and started..."she remarks to the third member of the trio, regardless if he's listening or not." Edwick... EDWIN! I'm sure your Annabelle is lovely and diminutive and all, but please focus. It's occurred to me that we could be able to investigate both. I may be grasping at straws but the Rose cult operates near the party, and we'd be passing by anyway..." Ermingpepper steps in, desultory. "Your father has forbidden you from peeking into his social diary ever since the Abington missionary incident. If you want to know, I advise you ask him yourself." He bows, and hurriedly leaves. Souses Basket, that seems the best course of action, we can investigate the machinations of this cult and whatever political manipulation Mall is up to. Sounding slightly exasperated he adds And Edwick can go to his party. Edwick the Munificent"Huzzah! I do like a good banquet. So... now what? Shall I get my good suit laundered?" BastetSpoiler Hide Bluff check, time on Edwick! . Or if this is more diplomacy just take one off the score: (1d20+9)[11] or if he'd totally buy this anyway, just proceed per normal. "Hui.... Yes. Sure, why not? Arrange for attire for the both of us--but I'm picking my final outfit-- as well. Surely you're the best suited--ahem-- for that matter of dire import." So shooing at him with her free hand, Bast eyes Sorts again. This hopefully will get the little social busy-body our of her fur long enough to discuss with Sorts how they'll plan their approach... from behind the charming public face of the halfling. She inwardly wished Edwick needed not this sort of casual steering in terms of manipulation; it went against her nom de gear something awful, but at least this time it would put him in a place of importance. Half the time she couldn't get near high and powerful social gatherings. She made a note to include at least a single positive remark about the Magnificent should he prove capable of this matter. Spoiler Hide Sense motive: (1d20-2)[-1] including the -5 penalty "target wants to believe you". NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL A SENSE MOTIVE CHECK. Edwick claps his hands together merrily." I shall get right on it! If I'm needed, send a page to fetch me." With this, he scurries off to his wardrobe chamber. Whilst on the journey, he decides to pay a visit to his father in the lower chambers." Father, is there anything in the diary about this banquet Hear Mall has arranged? Is the family due to appear?" He scratches his head." Wait... who IS Hear Mall?" A cleaning lady in Edwick's father's study sighs, and walks over to him, talking in a condescending tone. "Your father is not here, he's back in Aquatic. Hear Mall is the current ruler of Port White. Now you go back and talk with your friends, ok Dalai? I'll fetch you some tea." BastetMeanwhile... Getting up from her seat and across the room to the doorway, an extra precaution to know when Edwick shall return, Basket finally gives Sorts a direct look, ready to converse." Well? What have you to say about this? Edwick risks being useless to us in this endeavor if he's getting his magical glass slippers and ball gown ready for the regalia unless we steer him properly." Bast sighs, rubbing her temples,"Worker still, I don't really see either of us as socialites; the rarity that I attend one of these things I'm typically hired for performing. And we don't even know what Mall's possible goals could be for any of this if they even at all hide some sinister force. Only that he's acquired property for all I know has a splendid view, or a stocked wine cellar. But if there is a chance it's of some value of knowledge, and he seeks to cover it..." Sorts"Edwick will be a problem, I have a feeling that if the halfling gets into a party, any party, he will be even less likely to be constructive. Even if we do get access to Malls party, which seems unlikely without an invitation, I have a feeling that someone of Malls demonstrated cunning won't be advertising his schemes to general party goers." Sorus remarks, clearly thinking about the problem. Personally I'm singularly unsuited for blending in with vapid socialites like those that end up going to gatherings such as these. What seems to me the greater problem though it how to trace the revitalized cult of the Rose, organizations of this nature tend to be rather secretive and like to dissuade casual investigation. Hmm, though I have an idea of how to make use of Edwick, he's just the kind of person to be taken in by cult like teachings. He could pretend to become a member of the cult, and we could use him as an In to conduct out investigations. Edwick the... Sly?" Ooh, yes please!" Edwick claps his hands together merrily." Can you bring up some of those little currant things, what are they? Higgins? Toasted, if you'd be so kind." He walks into the corridor, and waits for her to leave. Maybe there'll be a copy of the invitation in Father's desk... come to think of it, maybe Father might've had some dealings with this Mall fellow. Spoiler Hide I'd like to search the study to see if I can find anything related to Hear Mall - an invitation, any business documents, illicit love letters between Garrison Moor castle and Mall's wife, anything... SEARCH:(1d20+5)[21] Also, in case you want them, a Hide and Move Silently check: HIDE:(1d20+7)[24] MOVE SILENTLY:(1d20+9)[21] You know, just in case the servants have been told to stop me or something. The maid sighs, nods, and leaves. Edwick ends up finding some dry, old papers, which may or may not be interesting if he had the mental acuity to actually read them, but in the end there's nothing on Mall. Edwick the Vaguely LiterateEdwick scans the papers he has found. Satisfied that they did, in fact, contain words, he takes them upstairs to show the others. He enters the solar, sits in a chair and carefully examines each of the documents in turn, frowning slightly as he does so. Edwick begins to read, but quickly his mind wanders. It's mostly shipping orders, business proposals, trade stuff. No juicy gossip or partying. It's also mostly out of date, because his father hasn't been here in a while. Edwick the Sociable Impatient for his toasted Higgins, and bored with reading, Edwick decides to question the castle staff about Hear Mall and the Cult of the Rose. Spoiler Hide Gather Information:(1d20+7)[27] NATURAL TWENTY! WOO! Most of the mansion's staff doesn't know much about Mall-he's over a hundred by now, a human, rarely comes out in public, the most powerful man in the world, and always about 50 steps ahead of his competitors- he's that savvy. None of them, however, know anything about the Rose-except one. A maid tells you one of her friends used to be a member. Edwick attempts to get more information about of the cult out of the maid using his unique charm. Spoiler Hide Diplomacy:(1d20+9)[21] The maid looks flustered and annoyed. "I don't know anything about the cult, you'll have to ask her. She lives in Port White." Basket"Hugh. Edwick as a cultist is not something I would wish upon my worst enemies--except Legato worshipers--. Let's be honest, can we really trust that he would be capable of resisting their siren call? Or assuming he DID, that they would tolerate them? No, we can't have him join, but we could still use him as a front. If I know cults--and I do-- they're desperate for money and influential backing. Edwick has a father that fits that description. What I would suggest is that we let Edwick have his party, witness whatever the blazes Mall is up to and chronicle it for later, and therefore catch Edwick in a good mood. Thereby, we'll be able to easier convince him to act as if he'd be willing to throw gobs of money to the cultists, and investigate behind his small, squat back..." Bast keeps and ear perked, wary of saying anything else aloud that Edwick may take the wrong way... Spoiler Hide (1d20+2)[22] Spoiler Hide You can hear him, far in the distance, talking to the maid, but you know he probably can't hear you. Sorts"That sounds like a good plan, now we've just got to convince Edwick to stop interrogating the staff and get to preparing to leave." Edwick, still impatient for his toasted Higgins, asks the maid for directions to her friend the ex-cultist's house. Spoiler Hide Where's my fig gin! I want my hot, toasted fig gin! The maid gives you some jumbled, contradictory directions relying on knowing the area well, and hurriedly leaves before you can get a word in edgewise. Still no Higgins. Edwick the Geographically UnsoundEdwick frowns as he attempts to puzzle out the maids directions. He looks around for another servant." Somebody! Where is Ermingpepper with the adventuring gear? Has he prepared my kit yet?" Spoiler Hide Knowledge: Local (1d20+3)[4] In case you're going to let us find the maid's friend, our only inlet into the blasted cult... A butler enters the room. "Excuse me, sir, but you never requested for your adventuring gear to be prepared." Spoiler Hide You have no idea what she's talking about, but luckily you remember it well enough to write it down. Maybe the others can figure it out. Edwick the Forgetful"I didn't? Oh..." A look of confusion clouds Edwick's features, soon to be replaced by one of inspiration." Well then, prepare it Mr Ermingpepper!" You hear Ermingpepper dollar from the whiskey room. "Of course master Edifice, it will be along in a trice." Soon enough, it's all together, in Ermingpeppers hands. He seems to be a bit tipsy. "Been at the liquor cabinet, old boy?" Spoiler Hide Sense Motive:(1d20+3)[12] Is he? Has he? The man tries to restrain his expression. "Not at all, sir." While it's believable, he obviously has. Edwick grins slyly." Maybe if a few bottles of the good stuff found their way into my adventuring gear, I might forget that fact." Ermingpepper sighs, almost glaring, and walks away, coming back with two bottles of very hard whiskey, showing them to Edwick and then stowing them in the pack. He shoves the pack forward. Edwick grins, and shouts to the others across the hall." Well, I'm ready! What now?" He takes a look through the gear, to see what Ermingpepper has provided beyond the liquor. BastetPeering out into the hallway, possibly seeing this transaction, Bast rolls her golden eyes and slumps back into the room." Buckets... We'll have to chaperon him on both accounts I fear. Well, may as well give ourselves cover stories; Edwick calls us friends but in the eyes of society that may not be enough to cast aside suspicion. In other words, are you going to be his butler or bodyguard..." she seems somewhat coy suggesting this, despite knowing full well she'll HAVE to acknowledge herself as the halfling's chronicler... SorusSighing in slight irritation Sorts says"I guess I'll have to act as his butler, no one would believe that someone like this." He gestures at his thin frame"Would be a bodyguard. Alright I think it's time for me to go get packed"Sorts rises from his seat and goes up to his room, quickly packing his bag and bringing to the dining room. Spoiler Hide So, heading off to Port White now? Spoiler Hide I think so, nothing else I can think of that could be of use to do here, unless Edwick has some other masterful plan to obtain more of his fathers' whiskey Spoiler Hide Sorry for the delay, guys. I got caught up with some stuff. You all gather your things, and leave for the port. It's the most busy part of town, a center of trade and commerce; vendors show off their wares, goods from Aachen and fish from the ocean. The ground is obscured by a pulsing mass of endless pedestrians, many carrying crates of goods. Entering the crowds to tag onto one of Edwick's father's vessels about to leave for Aachen, Edwick is immediately lost in surges of people all much taller than him, swept away in the current. He's quite lost. Structuring to face Basket Sorts swears Ye gods, where in the nine tells has Edwick gone! He looks around seeing if he can spot the errant halfling, though he realizes it is probably vain. So if any idea of where Edwick would run of too if he got separated from us? Spoiler Hide Sorry bout the delay just in case edwicks still in visual range (1d20+2)[4] Edwick tries to fight his way through the crowd to something he can climb up (like a stack of crates) so he can look for the others. Spoiler Hide Strength (push through crowd):(1d20)[19] climb(?):(1d20+6)[13] spot:(1d20+1)[8] I don't know which of these you might want, so I'm just going to stick them all down and hope for the best. Otherwise, Edwick's off to the nearest tavern instead... Edwick looks around for a stack of crates, and finds nothing. Well, there is something... but no, that's crazy, that's... what was I thinking again? Ediwck deftly leaps up onto a crate, much to the chagrin of the man carrying it, and looks around in the crowds. He can't manage to spot any of the others, though they can see him, standing on something very shaky... Spoiler Hide Sorry for Ring for you, but I couldn't resist. Originally Posted by Gorgondantess Spoiler Hide Sorry for Ring for you, but I couldn't resist. Edwick steadies himself with a confused look, and waits to see what will happen. Spoiler Hide Haha, no worries. Besides, I thought that was what DMing was about: we tell you our intentions, and you tell us what actually happens... SorusSpotting his short companion in the distance, Sorts pushes his way through the crowd towards Edwick. Coldly he says Where did you run off to? Come along we'll miss the ship. "Ship? Why do we need a ship?" Shrugging, Edwick jumps down and begins to follow Sorts. SorusMumbling an apology to Edwicks unwitting stepping stool, Sorts begins to lead Edwick to his fathers ship while explaining in a slightly condescending tone,"To get to Mall's party we need to travel to Aachen which is across the ocean and to travel across oceans we need to have a ship." Spoiler Hide I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, got caught up in some other things... let's keep this moving! Anyhow, dreadfully sorry for the random encounter crap, but I need to keep you busy for a while as the villains set themselves up. You all get on the ship, and after a few questions by Edwick the Curious Monkey you set sail. The ship is weighed down by food stocks being brought to Aachen, and it's a slow journey-in fact, it's well nighttime and Aachen is not even in sight. Might as well get some rest... As you bed down, you hear some strange noises, and oddly eerie voices... then the grunt of a man losing consciousness. Spoiler Hide Listen check (1d20+2)[8] Already dreaming of hurling the curious monkey over the side The man with the yellow ha-- er... Basket had kept to herself, her own serene melodies from her flute having kept her company in otherwise solitude; she'd nearly immediately holed up in the driest, the least occupied spot on the boat to do so. It was only until a couple of hours ago that she'd stopped when some ruffian yelled at her to cut it out, or she'd be swimming to Port White that the black cat bard tried to get some actual sleep...depending on how good her hearing happens to be at the moment. Spoiler Hide Bast hears something, and it seems maybe kind of sort of out of the ordinary, and it keeps going on... but it might not be worth investigating. Just as Sorts settles down on his bunk to trance he hears some noise that startles him back into full awareness. Rising from his bed he listens hard to see if he can pinpoint where in the ship the noise emanated from. While listening he quietly casts his most basic of protective spells. Spoiler Hide Listen: (1d20+6)[14] casting mage armor one question, about what time is it, mostly it matters because it would be useful to know if any spell slots I use will be refreshed in the morning. Spoiler Hide Ooooohhh, as far as you can tell... somewhere between midnight and 4:00. Spoiler Hide okay thanks, so definitely into the next day Spoiler Hide Listen:(1d20+3)[10] Move Silently(1d20+9)[28] Edwick climbs down from his bunk and picks up his sword. He blinks blearily as he listens carefully to the noise, then attempts to creep towards its source. You all come upon board, where you find several crewmates with parts of their heads missing. Other mates are just standing there, looking around with blank looks on their face. Aside from the men, you see:Edwick:Spoiler Hide Some silly guys with masks and weird clothes. They don't look too tough, but there's something about them, you can't put your finger on. Sorts:Spoiler Hide Three strange, alien, be tentacled humanoid marauders, wearing lavish robes. Buckets:Spoiler Hide Three strange, alien, be tentacled humanoid marauders, wearing lavish robes. You can't necessarily put your finger down on just what they are... but you know they shouldn't be here-they're one of the many kinds of races that were supposedly wiped out. These must be survivors. You recognize the crewmates as being specifically psionically dominated. SorusUpon catching sight of the be tentacled interlopers Sorts begins casting a spell. Coldly he says to these beings You are Judged and found guilty. As he completes the spell tentacles, black as the night, grow up surrounding them and attempt to snatch at all in their reach. Spoiler Hide Initiative: (1d20+7)[24] Casting awards black tentacles so it catches all three of the monsters and as many of the dominated crew as possible. I couldn't resist using that on tentacled monsters. Would you like me to roll grapple checks now or later? Spoiler Hide Initiative:(1d20+9)[24] Does my intelligent, talking sword recognize these things? Edwick blinks incredulously, before drawing his sword and moving between the bizarrely-dressed intruders and his companions. He pauses, ready to engage anyone who comes forward, whilst hissing to his companions:"What the bloody hell is going on? Who are those masked guys?" Spoiler Hide Well, what are the statistics on said sword? Anyhow, initiative order: Took 1:26 Edwick:24 Sorts: 23.9 Took 2: 22 X: 18 Took 3:16 One of the books turns his gaze towards Edifice, and looks him in the eye. The halfling feels like he just grew a brain tumor the size of a grapefruit, but it quickly fades. Edwick crouches, ready to act. Sorus creates his tentacles, and they lash out at two of the books and a crewman, and all but one of the beings is forced to the ground. And then, without knowing why, Sorts dismisses his tentacles. They are sucked back into the ground, vanishing into nothingness. The grappled took gets up, and looks at Sorts; he suddenly feels very drained, lacking will or emotion. Spoiler Hide So, I'm intentionally going kind of slowly to give ton berry some time. Sorts takes 3 charisma damage. Edwick can act now, before the next round starts. Originally Posted by Gorgondantess Spoiler Hide Well, what are the statistics on said sword? Spoiler Hide I did PM you this aaaaaaages ago, but... Code: +1 Intelligent Icy Burst rapier int:14 Wis:14 CIA:10 ego:9 continually active deathwatch detect magic at will languages: common, diatonic, halfling Are any books/'masked invaders' within Edwick's charging distance? Better yet, is my Acrobatic Charge class ability actually going to be useful in this scenario. Spoiler Hide Unless your rapier has ranks in knowledge skills, no. And yes, one is in charging distance. Originally Posted by Gorgondantess Spoiler Hide Unless your rapier has ranks in knowledge skills, no. And yes, one is in charging distance. With a shout, Edwick charges into combat." Have at you, vile, verminous villain!" Spoiler Hide Fair enough. I charge at the available enemy. (1d20+19)[37] critical on 15-20 if hit, damage (d4+3)[4]+(1d6)[6] if critical, + (1d10)[1] cold EDIT: Also, I nominate my assailant (assailed, if I'm attacking?) as my +2 Dodge Bonus Spoiler Hide Okay, so... the took took 15 damage. Honestly, DI... if you were level 20 I think you still might not be as powerful as the rest of the party. I, for one, don't like optimization and power gaming and min-maxing, but... I also like to throw tough encounters at the party, and dislike when one of the party members is kind of useless. Go to the RPG boards, start a thread about optimizing a level 10 halfling swashbuckler with an intelligent weapon, take some advice, and remake the character how you choose-you don't have to follow all the advice if it doesn't fit the flavor you're going for. I don't want you to become "Uber-powerful", I just want you to be able to do stuff and feel like you're contributing. Edwick stabs the monster, who doesn't seem very put out by it. Spoiler Hide I'd like to wait for TB, who claims his computer is back on, though he doesn't seem to be posting... Also, I don't have the stats for the guys with me right now, so that's a problem. Basket, safely in the back Rather than leaping heroically into the mix, the borders stays back, sword in hand. Rather that she have more allies (and to show up the damn crew who certainly can't appreciate good music unless they NEED to) Basket begins a low, powerful litany of wordless notes into a tune that hopefully will stomp right up and shove aside the effects these creeps are having on the crew like a beach bully to a snob. Spoiler Hide (1d20+11)[18] Countersong performance. Nothing happens- whether it failed or was just flat out useless you can't tell. Reposting Initiative:Took 1:26Edwick:24 Sorus: 23.9Bast: 23Mook 2: 22X: 18Mook 3:16One of the fellows Hears Bast, and she can feel him probing into her mind... suddenly, everything shuts down. She collapses to the floor, unconscious. Sorus:Spoiler Hide You recognize the effect that made Bast unconscious as a Deep Slumber spell; however, the methodology in casting it was strange-no incantations or gestures. In fact, the only reason you recognize the spell was its effects, not its casting. Edwick's up, then Sorts again. Feel free to post out of order, here. Foreseeing Bast crumple out of the corner of his eye Sorts turns and begins an incantation to counter the magics that effected the black cat so direly. Spoiler Hide target dispel on the deep slumber CL check: (1d20+10)[16] Nothing happens. Ed's turn! Spoiler Hide So, Edwick's turn is skipped, and he's considered flat-footed... sorry, man, but I did say I would be trying to enforce a decent posting rate. Suddenly, a rat crawls out of a barrel, twitching its nose. Edwick is entranced by the furry creature, going over to stare at it and talk about how cute it is. One of the books gives the other a look. He just shrugs, a very, veryconfused look on his face. Bast's up. One of the books holds out a hand towards Edwick, and the air ripples around him. His eyes roll, and he collapses to the floor. The other one glances as Sorts, and suddenly he cannot move; he tries to, but he can't even think. All he can do is watch as one of the books concentrates on him, then after several seconds he passes out into unconsciousness. Aaaaannd... TPA! Time to roll up some new characters, folks! You all wake up in a dark cave, ostensibly. You're all very wet, and dripping can be heard; you smell the ever present scent of saltwater. Furthermore, you're all unbound, but you're missing your equipment; on top of that, you can't see anything. Surprising slowly from his stunned stupor Sorts groans,"Where am I? Is there anyone there?" He reaches reflexively for his belt to find his spell component pouch, preparing to light the room. Surprised he realizes that his pouch isn't there, nor are his other items. Spoiler Hide I'm assuming that all my components are gone, now to scour my spells to see if I actually prepared any that don't require materials. "I'm afraid so... *buckets* I feel like a mess!" The cat woman complains her presence, and then surprises everyone including myself as a string of hisses, foul obscenities and guttural sailor hoopla escapes her mouth. Bast must have realized that all her gear was finches including her flute."--and the horse they rode in on!!! ARGH! I can't even make a light!!! Tell me the halfling is nearby so I can blame him for this." Brushy blame the halfling? We all seemed to be equally useless in confronting those beings. Any idea what they were, I haven't run into or heard of anything like them in all of my research. After speaking Sorts rises from the floor and shuffles in a slow yet ever widening spiral see if he can find either a wall or other notable feature of the room. Sorts, after several minutes of stumbling and flailing (and, in one awkward incident, stepping on Edict's face), manages to eke out a general idea of the area; it's a small, circular stone cavern, about 15' in diameter. He can't feel an upward slope or a ceiling. There is a large pool of water at the edge of the room; it extends to the wall, getting deeper as it goes to about 4'; it might go under and out. Other than that, there is no potential exit he can discern. Basketball stays where she is, sitting on the hard rock as comfy as her fuzzy tush will allow." I want to blame someone... While I'm not truly materialistic, that flute means so much to me... Hugh." She sighs, finally calming down enough to be cross but able to deal with." What have you been able to discern? I thought I heard water a moment there. In any case, I have no idea what those things were, or why they would want an oft heretical bardic loudmouth, a wizard, and the magnificent moron alive. ... You aren't possessed of some terrible secret anyone would want enough to use myself and Edwick as bargaining chips for, are you? Suddenly, you her a voice from above, as a torch is dropped down into the room, blinding you for a moment, but you soon adjust to the light. A voice speaks out, calm and authoritative but almost flamboyant, having a certain haughty, businesslike tone to it. "Now, if you'll sit down for a bit and listen up my dear, you'll learn just why our little tribe has decided to put you in this dungeon of ours. You see, we eat the brains of sentient humanoids such as yourselves-don't give me that look, I've always found you human methods of eating quite disgusting myself. You might know us as minelayers, though I've personally always preferred the term illiquid. Now, you may think of us as terrible, evil beings, fit only to die at the end of a sword, but really, your ancestors thought the same way, and that's why they decided to go out and try to slaughter every last one of us. This is a small cabal, if you will, of survivors from that terrible genocide. So, yes; you are, in essence, cattle. And truly, why shouldn't we treat you as such? The average member of our race is smarter and more civilized than the average member of your race to the extent the average member of your race is smarter than, say, a cow. Or a ferret, or a dog, or whatever. So, you are destined to die, having the only thing to keep you going-the soul of the corporeal-devoured to keep one of our people alive for some time more. Now, this most likely won't happen very soon. In fact, it may not happen for months, depending on how well we fare in our little hunts. You see, we take in more than just the palpable and visible when feeding; we also feed on the psychic energies that we all exude. One mind can keep one of us going strong for over a month-though, in all truth, that takes quite an exceptional mind. So, in the meantime while you're sitting down here, we like to watch for any potential... recruits, shall we say. If any of you show an exceptional perspicacity, we shall gift you with our immortal gift, and you will not be consigned to the dreadful fate of serving as food. However, such a thing requires quite an exceptional individual, so... it's not likely. Still, it gives you all some much-needed hope, don't you thank? In any case, please excuse my ramblings on- I'm sure I've quite bored you with my little speech here, though I suppose there isn't much else to do down there than attempt some fruitless escape. Now, do you have any questions? Industry to be civil, and we shall show you the same." Basketry and rage sweep over the features of Basket and what follows is another volley of insults and horrendous curses. But printable:You horrible fiends of the depths!!! How dare you talk down like that to me and my allies as if you were all innocent of malice or brutality!!! I am a bard and I know when someone's deluding themselves and others with tall tale propaganda fancy talk that has the veracity and stability of a wet house of cards! You slimy barf buckets of filth and offal wouldn't be able to withstand my mind or my soul for the gift of MY music that sweeps through them is eternal, not some petty food source for you to munch and snack on! Prattle on about how high and mighty you remnants of along since dead bunch of freaks are, but you're still the ones going around cowardly attacking defenseless ships at night and living in dank smelly caves! She takes a moment to breathe heavily." I'd as soon as drop a single copper into an offertory to Legato than to accept anything you spew from your garbage mouths as valid or worth hearing! And you can tell the rest of your ilk the same thing and squat and rot~!!!" The thing has you by the second sentence. Your brain shuts down, and you can't even think-just stare. He speaks out calmly. "If you can't behave like a civilized being, then you won't be treated like one. Do you others have similar feelings to your comrade's?" SorusThinking carefully about his word Sorts replies,"In many ways I do agree with my companion, though I think a more coherent discussion would be more appropriate. It seems to me that you think that you have the right to devour the brains of races that you yourself admit are sentient for the barest reason; that you are powerful enough to do so. This is the same logic used by tyrants to enslave whole races, you have just substituted physical might with mental acuity and ability. There is nothing about being smarter that gives you the right to assault random sentient individuals as a food source. Unlike my friend here who's innate revulsion inhibits her from logically looking at your arguments, I believe your arguments lack a logical foundation and thus are invalid." "Ah, then I suppose you've never eaten, say, lamb? How about beef? Pork? Do you make sure not to tread on the insects as you walk? If a fly lands on you, do you swat it rather than brush it away? Do you condone others eating the flesh of an animal? If so, why do you condone such actions? You are assaulting random sentient individuals as a food source-for if I can call you sentient, then you must call livestock sentient." Sorts"Why must I call livestock sentient? Can I have a conversation with a cow? Could a cow have this conversation with you? I think not. If I ever met a food animal that could hold a coherent conversation, I would surely free it." "And if I find a humanoid nearing the mental capability and perspicacity of an illiquid, I give it our gift. It's that simple." Sorbet having less intelligence doesn't stop a being from having the right to live, a man is not a cow for he can think. Any thinking being has the same right to life no matter if it is the stupidest halfwit or the most erudite of scholars. "A cow can think. It has memory, it has fear-there is no doubt that it is sentient. What defines something with a right to live and something that doesn't? I say it is all purely subjective. A deity is to an illiquid as I am to a human as you are to a cow, on the subject of 'sentience'." Sorts''Your definition of sentience is flawed, it is not feeling pain or fear, it is the ability to reason logically. Sentience isn't a sliding scale, it is something you have, or you don't and it s the one qualification to have a right not to be a feed animal.'' "Ah. Well then. So you believe that a god has no right to take your life when the time comes, that death itself of any cause is murder?" Sorts''Do not put words in my mouth, I said no such thing. I said no sentient can be food animal, there are times when everyone must die, no one may live forever.'' "So? Then we will kill you. What matter is it that we feed on you or not?" Sorts''Apparently I wasn't clear enough. There are valid reasons to kill a sentient being, for example if they've committed some heinous crime, but for food or at a whim is never one of them.'' "Hm. Well then, I suppose you'll never listen. I believe that there are varying definitions of sentience, depending on your own level thereof. Typical, really, that you would disagree-especially in this situation. I doubt any argument, no matter how logical, would sway you. Nevertheless, it's been an enjoyable dissertation." Sorts''While 'enjoyable' is not the word I would use this has been an undeniably elucidating conversation. I agree, it seems that we are unlikely to reach any sort of agreement our world-views are far too disparate for that.'' Very, Very, Angry Bast The Catwoman seethes as the exchange goes on, she'd probably discover how to rage in the next five minutes if her peaked senses of survival and pragmatism didn't sneak up on her temper from behind and tackle it. She snatches up the torch however, holding it up higher to try to spot just how high up their [Not Very Nice] captor is standing to gloat. However, she tries to keep her mind and her thoughts a perfect blank aside from some foul obscenities that slip through directed towards the lineage of the minelayer. Spoiler Hide Spot check: (1d20)[10] Okay... you see an illiquid in a robe. What a victory. Bast ponders giving the squid the bird. Or whatever passes for a rotten gesture. But instead she's going to take a good look at the fugly, to ascertain the exact likeness of her captor for later. Probably during the Revenge portion of her story assuming she lives so long. Spoiler Hide I need another spot? (Why would you need another spot? You can see all that you need to see.) Sorest appears we have nothing to do now but wait, unless you have some brilliant ideas? Bast Bast doesn't say anything, though she gives a look to Sorts that looks sly. Apparently wanting to be out of sight, she takes the torch and moves away as if trying to find some spot to sit down out of the minelayer's sight, her back turned to it. SorusMoving over to whatever corner Basket has secluded herself, Sorts observes and tries to figure out the cat's devious plan. Spoiler Hide Justice is patient, but strict. If Irishman would like to continue, he can either make a new character or be raised, losing the requisite level. The illiquid leaves, and as you huddle in your corners, you find that Edwick has fallen asleep and drowned in the puddle of water. So, do you want to do anything now? Basket sighs. She actually liked the halfling too, but escape is paramount. She looks around quickly. Spoiler Hide I have to crash now, but as I do, let me ask: Can anything Bast Sorts, or the recently departed Edwick are wearing count as gauze? I'MMA going to need it for a spell. Action's coming when I wake up. Spoiler Hide Y'know what? Sure, yeah. It works. BastetTearing off two ragged scraps from the hem of her cloak, Basket forces the torch into Sorts' hands. She begins to chant something under her breath, but even in a hushed whisper, the strong intone of hope and power are clear. She goes through the spell twice, one for the wizard, then herself. Spoiler Hide Casting Heroism on self and Sorts; getting that damn +2 to will saves to keep squid dies out of my head... or make it harder for them. Duration's an hour and a half "This should keep them out. Now stand very still, this is going to feel funny. The next spell takes a bit longer. Taking the torch back, Bast chucks the first scrap into the torch flame. A whispered litany runs from her lips as the torches smokey wisps which turn greenish gold. Magic taking hold, the torch emits quite a bit of smoke that snakes around the wizard, when Bast touches him, his form starts imitating the smoke's quality. Just as sudden, Sorts becomes a wispy, cloudy mist." Keep quiet. Follow behind me and don't drift away from me. But watch our backs. Are the last things she can say before her mouth disappears, Bast casting the same spell on herself. Bast Cloud Spoiler Hide Casting gaseous form, FTW!!! First thing I'm doing is floating us the hell out of this pit, and for as long as the duration lasts (18 minutes) I'm going to float around near the top of the cave ceiling, hoping to find our gear or something for weaponry. Bast has two more charges, me may, can just grab our gear and *escape* entirely. SorusFollowing Basket out of the hole and along whatever passageway presents itself, Sorts keeps an eye out for any minelayers approaching. As Bast puts the gauze in the torch, she finds it doesn't burn. It just sits there. In fact, it seems to be strangely heatless... And then you realize it: the torch is magical. All it can do is provide light. Spoiler Hide So all that was reconned? It doesn't give off ANY smoke? Sorts, quick, you can cast prestidigitation, right? We can still do this. Spoiler Hide Yes, it was reconned. If it can't happen it didn't happen. Spoiler Hide Buggery. Still, if Sorts can cast prestidigitation, we can get our smoke. Or are there any rocks we can strike nearby for rocks? Spoiler Hide Well, Sorts doesn't have it prepared. And yes, there are rocks, but you don't know how they'll hold up for striking for smoke. Spoiler Hide Show we take this to the IOC? In any case, Bast can try to do it, or hell, strike the torch with a rock and see if it gives off any smoke. Bast strikes the rocks together, getting no reaction but causing them to crumble a bit. She strikes them against her dress, only tearing it. She hits it against Edwick's body, causing it to bleed out sluggish, congealed blood. All in all, the rock is cold and damp and soft. Foreseeing that Basket's spell failed, Sorts begins to mutter some incantations and wave his hands about. Rising to his feet Sorts turns to Bast and says Here, I think I can carry you out of this rather dank hole, It's not quite as elegant as your solution but It's what I can do. Stepping forward Sorts extends his arms, preparing to lift Bast off of the ground, but waiting for her approval before continuing. Spoiler Hide just realized I never said which spell I cast; Overland Flight Bast If she wasn't covered in fur she'd be dark red in the face. Bast holds off for the moment, waving off Sorts's offer to leap at the walls, clawing at them in silent fury, trying to get up the length. Spoiler Hide Climb check. Sgt;Lt; (1d20+4)[8] If it fails:Spoiler Hide Fuming inwardly, Bast storms back over to the wizard, holding arms akimbo so she can be lifted and away~ SorusShaking his head slightly at the futility of Basket's attempt to climb, Sorts gently lifts the cat-woman off her feet, flying out of their prison and depositing her on the floor. Now ther we're out of there it's time to regain our possessions and then make our final escape. Looking around Sorts tries to find any entrances or god forbid guards. Spoiler Hide I assumed an 8 failed but if not, Sorts will just fly up by himself, everything else the same You land in the tunnel, with only the torch to light your way. It's very dark, and you can't see far. Up ahead is a fork in the tunnel-you can't see very far down either one. No guards are in sight. Bast Not one to take chances, Bast passes the torch off to Sorts as she sings again under the breath, this time summoning in her hands a mandolin. Yes. A mandolin. Which she cannot play, but promptly holds upside down, club fashion in what would otherwise be a humorous-improvised weapon. She seems aware of the ridiculousness inherent, but doesn't care if it keeps her alive a minute longer than without. Spoiler Hide Move silently on a little ways ahead but still where she can see: (1d20+7)[15] And some listen: (1d20+2)[16] You travel into the *flips coin because you didn't say* right hand passageway. It goes on for a while, and you don't see any guards or anything... finally, you come to a sort of underground lake. The water is an ugly, brackish green-black, impossible to see through, and eerily still. The lake encompasses the whole chamber, aside from a bit of a beach, where you stand now. At the other side, you can just barely make out another corridor. SorusInspecting the area around the lake Sorts reaches the conclusion that he can't walk around it and there's no way he'd try to swim. Speaking to Bast he says, Shall I fly us across? Bast"If you can, but I don't want you depleting all of our escape plans-- spells, yes spells-- before we're ready to leave this horrible place." Bast sighs, looking over the brackish goo." Time isn't on our side but if we have scant enough I'd rather explore the reaches of that other path first... Russell my flight spell lasts approximately another 10 hours so it would be more of a waste not to use it. Also while I have no idea where this goes, it stands to reason that our captors wouldn't pass here regularly, or they would've built a bridge. So this may be the best way to avoid encountering them. He replies. Bast Sighing, and holding her arms out again, Bast complies." Very well, but if they don't come here this often, why would they go to the trouble of caching our gear so far out of the way?" SorusCrap I forgot about our gear for a minute, my apologies. I think that it would be more likely that there the other direction. Clearly frustrated at his slip, Sorts turns and backtracks to the fork and take the other passageway, on the lookout for signs of minelayer activity. You travel down the hallway, not finding any minelayer activity until you're right on to of it; you come to a massive, expansive chamber. You're at the top of a hill, leading down into a valley; at the bottom is a pulsing, undulating, screaming, chanting mass of human bodies, lit only by a few candles. Furthermore, you don't want to guess at what they're doing. To the side is an illiquid, eyes closed, concentrating. Finally, one of the people below notice you- a scream tears apart from the crowd, and they all start moving, running clambering... towards you. Bast She's already running back towards the good lake." Right, well, I can always get a new flute..." Bast comments, hitching up her skirt and hauling ass back towards the now much more appealingly safe pathway. What in the name of the Gods was that thing?!" Structuring to flee with Bast Sours sprints back towards the lake. Gasping he says do not know, my only guess would be a strange and twisted mind control experiment but that's pretty much a given. Assuming that Sorts makes use of his overland flight spell, and assuming Bast makes use of her totally Kauai Batgirl speed, you both fall far ahead of the revelers, and they end up lost in the caves, screaming and wailing, unable to see without the light of your torch. You make it to the lake quite easily. SorusAfter reaching the lake shore Sorts approaches Basket and unless she protests he lifts her off her feet and begins to fly across the lake. Wary of the lake Sorts flies along the ceiling of the cavern staying as far from the surface of the lake as possible. You both fly across the water (assuming Bast does not object) without incident. You travel down the tunnel, and the screams fade away. Furthermore, you travel, and travel, for about an hour. It shows no end, and you have no food or provisions. SorusSlowing to a stop, Sorts turns to face Bast and says This seems to be going on forever, do you think we should go back and try that route again? Or do you think they've been too stirred up for that? Bast Wishing for some sort of end in sight, Bast tries to weigh the options on the one hand, this can't go on forever, but on the other, the spell keeping them afloat can't either." Do we have any choice? We didn't see any boats so they may very well have given up but ... Oh buckets, this is a quagmire. We may have to fly *over* them and try another route if they're still there... How long does this spell of yours last? Spoiler Hide btw we're past the water, it was a relatively short crossing and were in tunnels again now Sorry spell lasts 10 hours from when I cast it, so my conservative guess would be 8 1/2 hours left. We probably don't need to fly over them, I have a spell that would be perfect for killing a mob just like the one we saw back there, the major problem would be dealing with the mind player guy. So... what do you do? Forgetting impatient waiting for Bast, Sorts scours the corridor for a handful of roundish stones which he then polishes as he moves. Then he turns and moves down the tunnel back towards the strange burlesque gathering. Bast"yes, well, I can't see any other course of action..."the Catwoman grumbles as they head back towards the cult. However, this time she's going to be ready for them..." Can I get my arms free somehow? I'm going to summon a cello and drop it on the first insane crazy person or squid faced who dares impede our journey any further." You fly over to the area, Bast's arms full of a jumble of brass instruments. As you near the entrance, you see the people doing their insanity as normal... andthreemindflayers floating above them, hands prone. One of them sees you, and points; they begin to float forwards. SorusReacting quickly to the expected mind player presence, Sorts immediately begins mumbling an incantation. When he completes the incantation a yellow green fog appears in the air, spreading from just in front of the and Bast to cover the minelayers and as many of their reveling followers as possible. Spoiler Hide casting cloud kill Bast meanwhile, holding an armload of heavy brass instruments, prepares a cunning 'attack' (action) to drop the load of them onto her former captors the moment she thinks they're getting within range. Sorts fires off the cloud kill spell, killing every last one of the revelers and getting two of the Illinois in the blast; they seem relatively unhindered, however. Suddenly, Sorts gets an impulse, and it is simply this: open your hands. Sorus does so, and Bast is dropped all the way to the ground... 50 feet. She lands on her feet, atop the pile of instruments, and her ankle snaps.-20' move, -4 dexes. Bast Bast Bast Bast Spoiler Hide Casting Mirror Image, and we get (1d4+3)[6] for the number of Mirror Image Bast's Bast cries out in horrific pain, cursing herself for a lack of healing spells, though she has a back-up plan. Limping and trying not to scream, she boldly puts on a show of determination and casts a spell... which makes at least 4 other limping cat girls in a loose random formation. The original lost amongst them, Bast looks around for the quickest route of escape, hopefully it'll lead her gimped way to gear or safety. Spoiler Hide Her AC's now 19, and the mirror images are AC 13, and she can still move 20 feet per round SorusQuickly looking about to find the nearest outcropping of mica, Sorts flies to it and then turns back to face the minelayers and chants a few arcane words. A mist appears obscuring the mind flayers from view. Spoiler Hide move to mica cast obscuring mist as close to myself and bast at possible w/o covering ourselves but blocking us from the Phillips. Since I've already moved to the mica would it be a move action to pick it up? Spoiler Hide No, no. I said it would take at least a full-round action to grab the mica. Roll a search check. Spoiler Hide okay that's fair Search:(1d20+8)[15] Sorts gropes around for mica, finally finding a piece. He reaches out for it... then he blacks out. He collapses to the floor, breathing erratically, heavily. Furthermore, he reaches out for it again, and begins to black out once more...(To simplify things, crisis of breath.) Bast feels something similar, but quickly shakes it off. Well, go on now, do something, I haven't got all month. Worthwhile fighting to breathe Sorts continues to scrabble at the mica, attempting to pry it loose while still staying breathing. Spoiler Hide Ye gods, can't I ever make a will save Sorts successfully does so, and still has a standard action. If you take it, roll the fort save... I'm going to spend the action breathing, if I can't make the save w/ my good stat there's no way I'll make it with fort and I can't risk being disabled. Let's talk about that. Unless you risk being disabled, there's nothing to risk. If you can't take standard actions, then why bother even being in this combat? But, if you'd still like to stick with breathing, then go ahead. It's not being disabled that I'm worried about, It's slipping into dying the next round. If I fail the save, even if I'm able to blind all of them, which is they've moved at all I can't be sure of, I'll still be at -1 hp w/ no healing of any sort available. I'll try to breathe when I can get LOS to the minelayers, then it'll be worth the risk. ...youdohave line of sight to the Illinois. It's an empty room. What about obscuring mist? That should block LOS ...right, right. Sorry. Well then, Bast's up. Well actually now I'm wondering, how were we targeted by crisis of breath if there's no LOS? Because they're cool like that, now shut up. (No, really, they actually can get LOS through the mist.) Mkay white text Spoiler Hide That's it, I'm tired of waiting for you to post. Skipped turn. Doesn't really matter, though. The Illinois turn their gaze towards Bast, and she is frozen in place, unable to even think. They then hit Sorts with a similar effect. All three descending, they walk towards you... then with a flash of light from behind, they explode into flames from behind. All thoroughly singed, the holding is ended, and they turn to see the newcomer. It is a man, likely half elf, wearing nothing but a pair of brown, worn pants. He carries a 4' long driftwood stick, with a large stone lashed to the end. On his head is a bandage, wrapped around to completely cover his scalp, and one ear and eye. It is stained with blood, grime and an unidentifiable greenish fluid. He leaps forward, swinging his cudgel and caving in the skull of one of the Illinois. The other two raise their hands, touching the wounded, and flee. The man stands there, panting heavily. SorusStill panting for breath, Sorts floats over towards the newcomer, warily sizing him up. When Sorts reaches the stranger he bows formally and says"Many thanks for your timely rescue, my friend and I here were in a bit of a tight spot. I'm known as Sorts, who might you be?

Heroes IC 2|rating:3.0

Return to Earth (Painless and playfullchick76)

Charlie's ship traced a lazy orbit around the blue planet. He knew that within a few days, he'd need to land, to give the life support systems a chance to refresh the oxygen. The carbon dioxide filters were well above 99% efficient, but that wasn't the same as 100% efficient, so if he stayed up there too long, he'd suffocate. Not a pleasant way to go. And yet, it was hard to be eager to dive into humanity's old stomping grounds, not when he could stay up there and pretend that it was as it once was. Not that Charlie had any idea what the planet had actually been like. He had books and data files, some with actual recorded images or videos rather than just description or simulation, but it wasn't the same as being there. After a thousand years, anyone who had been there was long dead. But according to the data, Earth now looked remarkably similar to how it did back then, at least from space. On the surface, almost all signs of humanity had been wiped out. Concrete cracked, steel rusted away, and even the non-biodegradable plastics that humans loved so much eventually were buried by layer after layer of soil. The trees struggled for the first hundred years or so, but eventually the worst of the pollution settled and was washed away, where what could break down did, and they started to filter the atmosphere. By now, at least according to the sensors, it was entirely breathable. Well, it had never been truly unbreathable, but the smog and grit in the air had once felt thick enough to shred the lungs, and drastically lowered the lifespan of any creature that breathed it in. When humanity left, it was said that anyone who stayed behind would be lucky to live past 30. Of course, no one had stayed behind. The records were very clear on that. So now the greenery was back, the biodegradable pollution was gone, the land had reclaimed anything immobile and non-biodegradable, and the currents of air and water had ushered all the mobile non-biodegradable detritus into a dead zone, the single blemish on the otherwise pristine planet. It was visible from space, but only barely. A black dot in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, where nothing could ever hope to live, a necrotic sore on the face of the Earth. So small now, and yet all of that had once been spread equally through the planet, and seemingly doomed it. Cleaning that up would be the first priority, for though it was contained, no one wanted to live on a planet with something like that. For that reason, Charlie decided to give it a wide berth, planning a landing somewhere in the middle of the continent of North America. No reliable climate data was available, so while the weather currently seemed mild, there was no guarantee it would stay that way. Shrugging, he hit a button and directed the ship to do what it had wanted to do for days: land. The autopilot would handle everything, taking Charlie down at a leisurely pace and setting him somewhere flat. From there, the ship would be a sort of mobile home base, providing him with refuge from the elements and any other dangers. The ship was roughly dome shaped, a low curve with sharp edges that made it so it provided a decent home in space, but could also slide through an atmosphere with ease. Since it was single occupancy, the entire floor plan was open except for the bathrooms, with most of the fixtures and furniture colored a sterile, futuristic white. Not much space in it, but it had a couch that he could either sit or sleep on, a tablet for his entertainment, and an absurd number of rations, which were really all the comforts he needed. He'd grown fond of the rations despite their bland taste and strange texture, and actually looked forward to his meals. But he still obeyed the recommended consumption, and was therefore on the leaner side. Lean and tall, Charlie wasn't a trained military man, but a survivalist pulled from his previous job of scouting colony worlds to take on a secret mission. A colony world, of a sort, that humanity could make great use of, if it was safe. Since he wasn't military, he lacked the layer of thick muscle they tended to put on, but he had enough strength to take care of himself. Without a barber to manage it, his black hair had grown longer and shaggier than he liked it over the course of the long voyage, but aside from using a knife to trim it back when it started to drape over his deep gray eyes, he'd left it alone. No crew cut for him. Charlie had his knife on him as they came in for the landing, and since the process was so gentle, he figured he could do something delicate like trim his hair in the process. It was a survival knife, one that he just felt wrong without, though there were better tools out there. Sturdy, sharp, nearly unbreakable, he'd trust it far more than a cutting laser or anything else powered. His ship was covered in solar panels, but one never knew when even that could give out. Only moments after he'd completed that thought, he discovered just how true it was. Alarms blared, signals echoing through the ship as the white walls were bathed in a deep red light."DEBRIS APPROACHING," a computerized voice declared, calm in tone but earsplitting in its volume. The ship was supposed to automatically detect and avoid debris, so why hadn't it done so with this? He got his answer as a scream of metal on metal gave way to a rush of air and then a total silence. Before he could react to the lack of sound with a gasp that would have destroyed his lungs, 6 inch thick steel walls slammed down on either side of him, isolating him in a quarter of the dome. There were thick glass portholes on either one, and he briefly saw the item that hit the ship. A stealth satellite, covered in materials that had been developed over a thousand years ago, but still worked quite well. Intel had said that all satellites had long since had their orbits decay and fallen to earth. But apparently not quite all of them. Because the ship wasn't looking, it hadn't seen the thing until it was too late. He had very little time to reflect on that before a computer announced "Now entering atmosphere. Impact unavoidable. Deploying porous, heat-resistant impact absorption foam. Please remain still and calm, and assume the foam brace position to ensure maximum foam expansion." The foam brace position was, feet shoulder width apart, arms, arms and fingers spread, mouth open. By allowing the foam to get in between the extremities and the body, it did a much better job at protecting. But that didn't make it any less terrifying. Charlie stayed in position for a long three seconds, wondering if the foam dispenser was broken, and if he was about to be treated to an agonizingly long fall with a short, fatal stop at the end. Before the thought could even conclude, the room filled with foam, so quickly his eyes couldn't even close before it hit them. And that was okay; allegedly it would stop the g forces from liquefying them. The world was white. No motion was possible. The only thing that told him he was still alive were the shallow breaths that were all the porous foam allowed, and the sickening sensation of free fall. Meanwhile, an observer on the ground would see his ship streak across the sky, three quarters of it being jettisoned to give the last quarter a pointed nose. It righted itself, one corner facing forward as it grew hot, the very air around it igniting. The air killed the horizontal and vertical velocity eventually, enough so that it was no longer compressing the air in front of it to the point of burning, but it still had plenty of both by the time it hit the ground. The ship hit the ground hard, near a lake in the middle of what was once Canada, kicking up dirt and knocking over trees as it hit the ground. It skipped once on the land, then once on the water, then tumbled end over end the last few hundred feet until it had lost enough fomented that it was possible for it to be stopped. Hitting a tree a meter thick, the battered, brittle ship cracked like an egg, the metal pieces traveling another dozen feet past the tree, leaving only the impact foam. Within the foam, Charlie was subjected to intense g forces at every impact, as all the foam did was keep the impacts from being lethal. It didn't make them comfortable. They got so bad that he ended up shifting in the foam, getting bounced close to one edge, and was only two feet from the surface by the time he reached a full stop. Luckily he'd had the good sense to slot his knife into its carbon fiber sheathe, or he would have been gutted by it. And now, with the ship destroyed, it was all he had. With the hard part now over, Charlie felt no inclination to move. The foam would slowly dissolve over the next 12 hours, loosening up enough that he could move within the hour, and dig himself out within 2. Best to use that time to reflect and plan, since he wasn't getting out of here unless someone was out there with a digging implement intent on cutting him out. She had no knowledge of what had happened to Earth. She had no idea what the planet was even called, or the history. By the time she had been born, those who had chosen to stay, or hidden for reasons of their own, had regressed, or died, and those young ones had raised themselves. She had raised herself since the age of 15, hunting, making a shelter of her own, surviving on her own on Earth. By normal standards, she would be just over 25 now, and a good hunter. She wore animal skins for protection and warmth at night, knew how to catch fish, and throw barbed spears to hit their targets. She had a little language, but not one that anyone from outside Earth would understand. It had evolved in the thousand years, different to any known language. She had her own shelter, that she had built, and had a lower level, which was the tallest level of a building that had been buried by the environment. Those she had known as her parents had lived elsewhere, and she had found the lower level quite by accident, crashing through the covered skylight. Only one room had been accessible, the others were filled with dirt, but it was warm, and secure. She had been on her way to the lake to check her traps when she noticed the streak in the sky, but she had no idea what it was. She had seen streaks before, and thought them beautiful, but this one was coming down and down, closer to her. Tucking a lock of her red hair under her head covering, she ducked down as it sped lower, making a loud sound that shook the ground underneath her feet. She had no idea what it was, but she watched it hit the ground, then bounced over the water, going round and round until she saw it hit a tree and break open. Whatever it was, she wanted to get close to it, see if there was anything she could use from it, anything at all. She had no way to measure the passage of time exactly, but it took just over two hours to make it to the crash site. Picking up some of the metals, she tested the edges and smiled as they were strong, and sharp. Putting them in a bag, she stopped as she came across something.strange, something white, and almost spongy to the touch. Touching it again, she took out one of her knives and cut at it. What was it, was there something in it, there had to be, something she could use, she knew. Lifting her head covering, she knelt down and assembled what had been called a shovel in the old time. She had figured such a thing out on her own, and was proud of it. Sinking the shovel into the white stuff, she threw it to the side and sunk it in again, then again. Even while she dug, she was alert for animals, bigger predators. Slowly but surely, the foam began to dissolve, and as it did, Charlie took the time to assess his situation. Someone, at some point, had explained the science that allowed the foam to work, but he hadn't paid much attention. He knew that it did work, just not how. Regardless, it didn't start dissolving until it had been at rest for a good amount of time, so when he felt the curious bubbling against his skin as the foam let off pure, breathable oxygen, it was a relief that he genuinely had come to a stop and hadn't simply stopped feeling the sensation of falling. The bubbling let him know which way was up in case he was concussed or disoriented, as it was always best to come out of the top of the foam. The reason why was simple: just because the foam stopped didn't mean it was in a safe place. Coming out the top allowed some time to get the lay of the land, and if the foam had gotten wedged somewhere, say between two tall trees or along the edge of a canyon, it was possible for the survivor to enter the foam once again and knock it off its perch, to land safely below and get out on solid ground. After 15 minutes or so of bubbling, Charlie had enough wiggle room to get the foam out of his mouth and away from his eyes, meaning that he could feel a little less claustrophobic and a little more able to assess his situation. No pain, nothing broken, no concussion as far as he could tell. In perfect health, which was amazing considering he'd been dropped from space. The downside was that he now had nothing but his survival knife to get by with. No food, no water, no way of calling home. All the large debris had crashed, but there was a fine layer of space dust around the Earth that made it almost impossible to get a signal out, and he of course didn't even have a transmitter. Once he'd had a full hour, the foam was starting to feel like foam was actually supposed to, spongy and flexible rather than stiff and strange. It got to the point where he could actually wriggle his way out of the position he'd been held in, stiff limbs cracking and popping as he dislodged them from their position. Just being able to move was a huge psychological boost, and he took his knife, wondering whether it was possible to cut his way out. A few experimental strikes showed that it was possible, but not advisable. Yes, his knife parted the foam, but he wasn't sure how deep he was, and he'd have to make a good three-foot-long cut to get out. Three feet long and at least two feet deep, probably more, would leave his knife dulled to the point of uselessness, and he had no clue if he'd be able to fashion a whetstone. Better to wait the extra hour. By the time that hour arrived, he was bored to tears, reduced to constantly struggling in the hopes that the foam would yield. When it finally did, becoming mushy enough that it parted with just his hands, he pushed his way up, half climbing, half swimming. The light filtering in got stronger, and after only a few minutes, the last bit of foam finally parted, revealing warm sunlight and clear skies. Charlie was about to climb out fully when he heard a strange sound against the foam. A sharp sound, then a tearing, then a soft thud. Over and over again, coming from the other side of the foam. It sounded like something... digging? Maybe a wild animal burrowing into the foam, trying to get at the delicious human inside. Figuring he could move more quietly over the foam than around it, he climbed out and inched forward, ready to run or fight. Fighting and winning would be hard, but if he killed the animal, that was one or several meals, right? Unless it was poisonous. Slowly he approached, until he was just at the edge. One more move, and he could see what was digging. He darted forward and leaned over the edge, and-"What the hell?" Of all the things he'd expected to see, a human woman was not among them. Stunned by his discovery, he slid over the edge of the foam and fell to the ground in a heap. She was used to digging, to physical work, but she knew how to work well enough not to tire, or to leave herself too weak to fight off an animal, or another one of her kind. She wanted whatever was inside though, perhaps this white stuff would make good building material, or burn well to keep her warm at night. There were multiple uses for everything, she just needed to discover what it was good for. Sinking the shovel in again, then again, she had no idea that the person inside had made its exit, but the sight of another of her kind, dressed very strangely to others, shocked her. Quickly backing away as he slid down to land heavily, she moved in quickly before he, yes, it was a he, could defend himself. Dropping the shovel, she quickly drew her own knife, hand made and different to his own, but made of sharp, strong metal regardless, and pressed the tip to rest it just under his breastbone. Her other hand quickly took his knife and backed away. He had no other weapons that she could see, so she backed away to study him. She didn't know what he had on, it was tighter, and covered more of him, and he was clean, he smelled funny, different. Where was he from, she didn't know. She was dressed very differently to him, in an animal skin skirt and top that allowed her freedom of movement, what could be called a loose hooded top, that she could put over her body and head to blend in with the ground when needed, and laced boots on her feet. Her blue eyes darted over him, trying to process things that she had no references to process. Curious, she let out a soft groan, a questioning one, he would understand that, surely, would he. Charlie's outfit was unremarkable. Navy blue, lacking much identifying information like a military uniform would have. Not too tough against the elements, but the long sleeves would keep him feeling okay down to a little above freezing, and if it got too hot, he could always unbutton the shirt, as he still had the undershirt beneath. So, decent for walking around in, on a ship or an inhabited planet, which was its intended purpose, but not the worst thing to be stuck with in an unknown environment with possibly volatile weather. Still, it was a far cry from the survival gear he'd lost in the crash, which could have kept him safe in basically any weather Earth was known to offer. Wet, dry, polluted, radioactive, as hot as Death Valley or as cold as Antarctica, he would have been safe. Of course, all that gear had been in the three quarters of his ship that had been jettisoned to help him survive the crash, and had definitely burned up on the way down. There were probably a few salvageable items in his ship, but he had no idea what they might be. And at the moment, he had far more pressing concerns. In his surprise, he'd had no idea what to do about the woman, but the same couldn't be said for her. She took advantage of his fall to relieve him of his knife and its sheathe, then menaced him with a weapon of her own. One look at her told him that she was a hunter of some kind, her gear made from animal hide and optimized for stealth. For a fleeting moment, he had a wild flight of fancy that this was all some plan, that a crazy billionaire had organized the crash as a pretense to hunt the most dangerous game. The rational part of his brain won out and told him that was absurd, but was it really that much more absurd than a human on a planet that was very definitely abandoned a thousand years ago? She grunted, the question in her voice clear, but what she was asking was a little less clear. Well, no need to over-complicate it. Unsure of whether he was telling her what she wanted, he spoke." My name is Charlie. Who are you? How did you get here?" Her alert eyes never stopped moving, taking in everything. Here, those that weren't alert perished, and those that were lived and survived. She missed little, which was why she was still alive. His coverings were strange, but...they fitted him well, and she had to assume that they would protect him from the elements, from shivering to death. His knife was strange as well, but it was sharp, she could use it, or he could, if she chose to trust him. She had never heard formed words in her life, such things had faded long before she had been born. She and those who had raised her had communicated via gestures, and sounds, grunts, simple. Furthermore, she knew no other ways to communicate, but to her surprise, he didn't do any of those things, but spoke. Confused, she crouched down, trying to figure out what he had communicated to her. She didn't like not knowing, and she didn't know what he had communicated to her. Perhaps he had been injured, that would explain it, surely, but he didn't look injured. There was no red anywhere on him, and he didn't look sore, or in pain. His words meant nothing to her, but what had he communicated. She needed to know what to call him, to identify him as. Early on, young, she who had brought her into this had called her something, V. It was the closest thing to a name that she had. Looking into him, her finger found the ground, and made the sign, a V in the dirt. She didn't remember how to say it, but she remembered what it looked like. Making the sign, she made a fist and pressed it against her chest. Charlie stared at her, wondering what was about to happen. Was she going to stab him with her knife? Or was she going to skin him alive and eat him? His brain was probably going to be stuck like that for a while, playing out constant worst case scenarios pulled from terrible horror movie plots, until she either killed him or proved she wasn't a threat. Yes, he might be able to get up and scramble away, since despite his disorientation and fear, he wasn't injured. But Earth was a dangerous place, no place for a human like him. Apparently it was a place for a human like her, though. And what was she like? He watched with some interest as she drew a sign on the ground. An arrow, maybe? But what was it pointing to? Nothing in particular. Him, perhaps. Then she thumped a fist against her chest in a gesture he immediately recognized. Sort of the unofficial universal sign for this is my name. But what did that mean her name was? Arrow? Or..." V. Your name is V." It wasn't the worst name. Hoping to convey that he'd understood, as she didn't appear to speak at all, much less speak English, he firmly tapped the ground and said "V." Then it was his turn. No need for a full sentence lest she think he was calledHiMyNameIsCharlie. So instead he imitated her gesture, thumping his chest and saying firmly and clearly, "Charlie." Communication. They were talking, and they hadn't killed each other. That was a great sign. And if he kept focusing on that, he'd avoid thinking about the fact that he was stranded on an alien planet with no hope of rescue. His coverings wouldn't conceal him, she knew that immediately, and he was too clean, he didn't smell of the forest. He looked strong enough, he could throw a spear easily enough, but she doubted he had this far, his hands didn't look like they had ever had to. Despite what he was thinking, she wasn't going to eat him, one rule that had made it down from the time Earth had been abandoned was to not eat your own kind. She knew not to without being able to explain why. Watching him closely, she had no idea if he would know the sign of her name, but perhaps he had a sign of his own. To her surprise, he seemed to know what it meant, and said what she assumed was it." Vvv... V... V," she said at last, saying the letter several times, pointing at the mark on the ground, then at herself. Smiling as she had learned something new, she waited for him to let her know what he was called. Saying it was tiring, and hurt her throat, but.it seemed to make him happy. His name meant nothing to her, but he thumped his chest when he said it, so it was what he was called. Long, but she would know it if she heard it again." C.cc.", she tried to say, but gave up as she just wasn't used to it, and she had much to think on. C would do, she resolved, if she had to communicate his name to him. Turning her attention to the white stuff, she got to her feet and walked along it, pushing at it. He had come out of it, were there more people to come from it, or things he could use. Pointing to the possessions that she carried, she pointed at the white stuff, then at him. They couldn't stay here, she had found it first, but animals would come, and others, others that she stayed away from, who were not like her. Clearly, she wasn't used to speaking. He heard her stumble over his name, just barely getting out the first sound. Apparently they'd need to have some lessons. Wasn't as though he'd have much better to do than teach this strange wild girl to speak English. Aside from not dying on this horribly hostile planet, and of course, getting a message back to Mission Control. Even as he said his next words, he was already thinking about that procedure, and what he might do to make it happen, if anything. "That's right. You're V. And I guess Charlie is too complicated for you. So I could be C? No, that's no good. See and CEE, this rhyme. Might be a little too hard to hear, especially if you've got trouble with words." She couldn't speak, but did that mean she couldn't understand him? Still a little hard to tell, and yet if she could, it would make this a lot easier. He'd just have to teach her to say words, rather than have to establish a common language from scratch. Did she even have language? She didn't seem to speak, which seemed to imply that she didn't have anyone to speak to. "Wait, are you alone on this planet?" While his mouth was making small talk, his mind was doing math. He was supposed to send a drone into hyperspace with a report every week, and had just sent his first one two days ago, meaning they wouldn't expect him to send one for five more days. And of course, hyperspace being what it was, the drone would take a month to even reach them (or not reach them, as the case may be). One missed drone would cause some concern, but nothing too severe. Might take two or three before they even started to worry. So nearly a month of waiting, plus a month in hyperspace. At that point, they'd send a drone of their own to investigate. It wouldn't pick up his ship, since there was nothing left to pick up, but all that would tell it was that he wasn't there. If he wanted to actually gethelphe'd need to build some sort of distress beacon. And even then, it would take a month for the drone to take his message back, and a month for the rescue ship to arrive. 5 months minimum stuck on this rock, and he had to have a working radio within 3 for that 5 month figure to mean anything. It sounded a little impossible. Better to focus on small problems." Okay, Charlie won't work? Chuck, maybe? Or just, what? K? Sure, why the hell not?" He pointed at her. "See." And then he thumped his chest and gave her a different name she might find easier. "Kay." She seemed interested in the foam, but of course, it would be gone by the next day. "You don't want that. It's useless. Dissolves." How could he pantomime that? Grabbing a chunk of it, he placed his palm on it, squishing it and then lifting and opening his hand, raising it as he did. Trying to convey that it would break into dust and fly away into the air. Of course, that could easily be too complex for gestures, so he tore off a tiny piece and showed it to her. More surface area meant more air exposure, so it would degrade quicker. "Look." Holding it in his palm, it rapidly denatured, going from foam to mush to dry dust in the wind. "Useless. Gone soon." The white stuff would make good building material if she could get enough of it away from here, and rubbing ground over it would help to make it blend in more. C, that was his name, something to call him. His name sounded longer, but she couldn't say the rest of it, she just wasn't used to speaking. She had never said more than single letters when she was young, and since being on her own, she hadn't said a letter to anyone. She also had no one to talk to even if she had been so inclined, at least until today. She couldn't understand what he was saying. He was talking, but she couldn't understand, his words were nothing to her, but she would teach him what she knew, he made her curious, and he wasn't like the others. She felt protective of him, as there was no way he would survive on his own out here. Something would eat him, or kill him within two or three sunrises. Looking at him curiously as he seemed to rename himself, she pressed her fist against her chest. "Over," she said again, then pointed at him. "KKK...Kerala... Kkaaayy... Kkaay... Kay," she said after several efforts, and grinned again. It was easier for her to say than C was. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. The white stuff, she wanted it, it looked strong, she told herself, but. In his hand, it seemed to fade away, wear away, how could anything fade that quickly. Sighing as it couldn't be used, she froze as she spotted movement by his foot, a black headed snake was about to strike. Moving quickly, she had her knife out and threw it at it. It hit just behind the head, pinning it to the ground, where it thrashed for several seconds, its tail making a rattling sound as it moved, before it stopped. Quickly kneeling down, she pulled her knife out and picked up the snake. With a green and yellow body, and a black head, she knew it could kill. Holding the snake up, she pointed to her stomach and rubbed it, signalling that it was edible, and very good to eat. Okay. They had names now. She was V, and he was K. Or See and Kay, depending on whether the person who saw the letters thought that they were meant to denote the letters themselves or the sound the letters made. It was a distinction that didn't matter much unless he decided to start keeping a journal. It didn't seem like the worst idea. Good for there to be some record of his time on this planet... just in case. That had been his original mission, after all. Continuing to pursue it to the best of his abilities might just keep him sane. Eventually, he was sure she'd practice speaking a little more, and to that end, he'd try to teach her some more words. Starting with knife. They seemed to have reached a mutual agreement not to harm each other, and it almost seemed like she was as happy to see him as he was to see her. Maybe it was just wishful thinking on his part, but he got the impression that she was lonely. At the very least, she was alone. He'd been picked for this mission because he was just fine being alone for months on end, but months were a lot different from the 20+ years it appeared to have been since she was born. Then again, to exist at all, she must have had someone to give birth to her, and someone to impregnate that person. And then one of those people, at the very least, had to have raised her for at least the first few years of her life, probably longer. And those likely weren't the only people. There was a theory that any given human was likely to be part of the middle of human history. It seemed unlikely that they were at the beginning, and despite the occasional fears that war or disease (or the loss of their home planet) brought on, it seemed likely that they weren't at the end. The theory was applied to humanity at large, but he supposed it also applied to this strange woman. She was highly unlikely to be the last of her kind, meaning that somewhere out there, there were other humans, enough to sustain a breeding population this past 1000 years. Enough that if she wandered around, V would probably have met someone eventually to start a family of her own with. Point was, there had been at least 2 humans alive 9 months before her birth, and at least 2 alive, including her, for the start of her life. And there were 2 humans alive on this planet now, at least, he remembered with a jolt. He was now part of this strange ecosystem whether he liked it or not. What happened next happened so fast that he'd never know for sure whether he'd missed it because he was lost in thought, or just because it had exceeded his reflexes. He was shaken by the sight of V drawing her knife, but before he could react, it had already been thrown. He felt a surge of phantom pain, sure she'd thrown it at him, but that subsided as she knelt down and retrieved her prize. A snake. A venomous snake, from the looks of it, but apparently not a poisonous one. If it bit him he would die, but he could bite it and be just fine. Was that ironic? Shrugging, he pointed to the thing. "Snake," he said firmly. Then he pointed to the knife she'd taken from him. "Knife." And made a beckoning gesture, trying to convey that he wanted it back. "Give." Figuring that was the end of the vocabulary lesson, he lapsed back into the normal speech pattern that he knew she probably didn't understand at all. "So we can eat that thing, huh? Doesn't sound so bad. I'm pretty sure all my rations got blown to hell in the crash, anyway." He looked to the foam. Not much to gather from there, though there was an instrument panel in the wreckage that he might be able to turn into a radio. But he couldn't get in there until the foam dissolved, and they probably didn't have that long to wait." Where to?" he asked, waiting patiently. Presumably she was going to lead him to a shelter, or they'd start building a fire here. He certainly wasn't going to eat that thing raw. She didn't have a word for the snake, but she knew what it was, and what it could do. If it bit you, you fell, got warm, then didn't get up again. She would have spotted it earlier, but she had been focused on K to have seen it before it was close enough to strike. He didn't look like he would have noticed it either, or thrown his own knife like she could, and had. Holding it up, and knowing how good it would taste, she looked at him as he said something to her, then something else. Did he mean terms for what she had killed, and his knife? He used too many words for things, they frustrated her, but she wanted to learn about him, and that meant going along with him. She had been alone for longer than she could measure, it was good to have someone to be with, and two people could hunt better than one, if she could train him to hunt like her. Staring at him as he made the beckoning gesture, she recognized it for what it was, he wanted his knife back. It looked to be better than hers, but she knew how to throw hers, not his, and he needed to be able to defend himself. Realizing this, she returned his knife to him. Looking down at her knife, she tried to speak the word, "NNN.nnnyyyfff". It was tiring, but it seemed to make him happy. Did they all talk like that where he was from, she asked herself as she looked around for any other snakes? She didn't understand his next words, but realized that he was asking her something, or trying to. The white stuff would be gone, and then she could see what was inside. He would know when to come back, she hoped, and gave him the snake to hold onto while she collected her spade and disassembled it. She had no way to tell him she was going to her home, so she just pointed in the direction of it, she would know it anywhere, as she had good navigation skills, having spent years in this area, and began walking. Hanging the spade over her shoulder, she picked up her spear from where she had left it and glanced behind him to see if he was keeping up with her. Walking into the forest, she scanned the ground. Stopping to study some big prints, she looked around, as she knew the tracks. She could see he was curious, and raised her hands up and out, baring her teeth, to describe something big, with claws, a bear, then continued on, as the tracks were recent, but were continuing on away from the two of them. After walking for several hours, they came to her home, her shelter. It was dome shaped, with hide covering it from her many kills. Lifting the flap up, she let him in first before going in herself. Stopping him from walking to the open skylight, she pointed it out, then the rough ladder that went down to it. She had a rough bed to one side, a fire pit in the middle, and dried food along one side, and bones, and multiple skulls along another, snakes, deer, and the occasional moose. Several spears and a bow, with a dozen arrows were next to the spears. She either didn't grasp or didn't care about what he'd called the animal she'd killed, but at least she'd gotten the message about the knife. And even struggled to say it. He could tell how hard speech was for her; it didn't seem to come to her naturally at all. He'd read a few things about language, and how it had to be learned when you were young, or it was impossible to get it. This was doubly true for spoken language. He really hoped he could get V talking at least a little, as he was very curious about her history, and could use some light conversation. If she couldn't communicate with him, he suspected he'd end up bored out of his mind after only a few days. Sure, he figured there was a lot to do, particularly during the day, but V didn't seem to have any electronics on her, or even tools that implied that she'd gotten past the hunter-gatherer stage of things. That meant that she'd have no artificial light. In a world lit only by fire, everything stopped when the sun went down, and he presumed they'd be stuck in the shelter overnight. That wouldn't be so bad the first few days, when things were still novel. But he hoped he could talk to her. Otherwise, what was there to do all night? Well, there was one thing to do, but he wasn't sure she was up for it, and without language or a shared set of social customs, it was hard to imagine how he'd even ask. He had plenty of time to contemplate these issues and many others on the way back to her home, a hike that took a very long time. Two hours at least, he felt sure of that, but of course he had nothing on him that could tell him for sure. No tools at all but the sheathed knife and the clothes on his back. People had survived with less, but usually it was people with training and great knowledge of where they were. Earth as it currently existed was completely uncharted territory. Only a little ways into their hours long walk, she stopped to examine something that he would have missed entirely. Footprints. Big ones. Charlie was no expert on wildlife, but there were a lot of things that featured heavily in cartoons and stories, creatures that were commonly known Earth animals. Snakes were one of them. Bears were another. Sure enough, V mimed something big and dangerous, with teeth and claws. Sounded like a bear, alright. Then again, he had to wonder if he was thinking too small. A thousand years was nothing on the evolutionary clock, but they'd done some truly messed up things to the planet's biosphere. He imagined a mutated bear, made even bigger and tougher by pollution and radiation, its face twisted into a monster from his worst nightmares. Shuddering, he nodded to show understanding, then fell in line behind her yet again. By the time they reached her house, he was really starting to miss technology. Intense as the walk was (especially in his current shoes, which were meant for walking around on a ship, not hiking through the woods), by the end of it, he was starting to feel mind-numbingly bored. He missed his personal comm, a handheld device that let him do everything from talk to friends to play games. Not that there had been a lot of friends to talk to in the first place, and there had been none since he'd set out on the trip. He hadn't even bothered taking his device off the charger, using the ship's computer for all his entertainment needs. She let him into the domed shelter first, and quickly followed him inside, showing him around. Not much to look at, really, but considering without her, he'd probably have been able to craft a lean-to at best, it looked beautiful. There was even a fire pit, and a hole to allow the smoke to escape, so the place could stay warm and toasty even on cool nights. There was a warm bed made with animal hides, and along one wall was her collection of kill trophies. Some of them were smaller skulls that looked familiar, but at least one was disconcertingly huge, with enormous antlers. Some kind of deer, he supposed, except it was gigantic. Was this an earth animal that he'd simply never learned about? Or was his fear of giant mutant bears justified." Nice place you've got here," he said, looking around with a smile. Hopefully she'd understand his face if not his words. He was happy to be here. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, he stretched out his legs. "God, I need a bath after that hike. Or at least a drink." Turning to her, he cupped his hands and raised them to his lips, slurping an imaginary drink from them. "Water?" he asked. She had no idea what his home was like, but all she had to go on was what he had come out of. Was his home white, did he constantly need a new one when the white stuff faded away. She was settled into the area nicely, and had no intention of leaving it, unless she truly had to. That would only happen if a large group of others that she didn't know moved to the area. His footwear wouldn't last long, not like hers. She would have to see about making him a pair of some that would last longer. Once he was in, and the flap closed again, she sat down in front of the fire pit and began to cut open the snake on a piece of what had been called marble before. There was a huge piece of it in the area below her shelter, and parts had broken off. Using that as a cutting board, she had the snake cut open, and began to expertly skin it when he spoke again. He didn't seem to mind her shelter, he even seemed to be happy here, she was glad to see that. Looking over to him as he sat on the edge of her bed, she recognized the sign he was making, he was thirsty. Going across to her kill wall, she picked up a water skin, that she had made from one of her kills, taught to her by those that had raised her, and gave it to him, then went back to preparing the kill to eat. Once the snake had been skinned, she set it on a rough spit, then set about lighting a fire. Striking a rough flint until she saw a small fire start, she leaned in and blew on it, just enough until it caught, and grew in size, warming up the inside of her shelter and cooking the skinned snake. Charlie watched, feeling a little queasy as he saw her skin and gut the snake. He wasn't naive, of course, he knew where meat came from. Meat was different in most cases, as there were no longer Earth animals it came from, with few exceptions, so there was no longer that consistent set of expectations that animals would break down with the same sets of guts and organs every time. If anything, an interstellar slaughterhouse was far worse of a place than the Earth equivalent had ever been. But it was different intellectually knowing such places existed, and actually seeing it in front of him. Despite his horror, he forced himself to look, knowing that he might be forced to do this as well. Either because, god forbid, something happened to V, or more likely, simply because she'd get sick of his helplessness and expect him to do something on his own. She offered him a waterski, and he vaguely wondered if she knew how to make anything stronger. While only a few animal species had been salvaged when it came time to abandon the planet, plants had been considerably more manageable, some taken as seeds and others as clippings from existing plants, grown mostly on hydroponic stations in space. Among these had been everything from grapes to grain, ensuring that while the planet was gone, vineyards and breweries lived on. On his own backwater planet, Charlie had found the time to make bathtub moonshine, and assuming he could find the plants, it might be possible to replicate the process. Humans had been making alcohol for thousands of years; surely he could figure it out. More importantly, he'd take any distraction from really having to confront this situation. So he drank his water from the skin, finding it to be room temperature, decidedly unsatisfying after a long hike, but better than nothing. He watched her light the fire, noting how she started with the smallest bits of tinder to get the spark to catch before moving on to bigger pieces of wood. He thought he might be able to learn the technique after a few tries. Figuring it was as good a time as any for another vocabulary lesson, he pointed to the fire. "Fire." And then to the snake. "Snake." And lastly, a more complex concept that he hadn't tried yet: verbs. "Cook," he said, gesturing at the spit. "Firecookssnake." She hadn't spoken well before, but now that she was in a safe place, with food and water, she'd be comfortable devoting more energy to speech. English lessons were a poor trade in exchange for her keeping him alive, but what else did he have to give? She knew as much as anyone did who had been born here, survived to adulthood, and was still alive. She was alive because she had the survival skills to kill, evade, track, and build. Furthermore, she asked herself how he had survived as long as he had. He made far too much noise moving through the forest, likely didn't know how to hunt and kill. He did watch her light the fire, again, she suspected that he had no idea, so she would have to teach him. Two was better than one, provided he could learn. He wanted her to learn his way of communicating, perhaps he wanted to for his own sake as well as hers, and she could learn more about him that way. Turning the spit to ensure that no one part of the snake got too hot, and burned, she watched him, studying him, like he was studying her and what she did. The watcher watched, but the watcher could also be watched, she knew. Then he said something to her, pointing at the fire as he said it, then at the snake. She knew that word, he had said it before. "FFF...ffffyyy....fffyyrr", she managed to say, but it didn't seem right. "FFF.ii.fire", she tried again, getting better at it." Sssnna.sssnnaaaa.KKK," she said as well. It was hard, but it wasn't as hard as it had been. Her vocal cords just hadn't been used like this, but she had no way to know it exactly." Fffiiirr.cccookkss...snake...fire.cooks....snnaaakke", she managed to say to him. She didn't have much else to do at night here, and she wanted to learn about him. She now knew the words for the flame, and the snake, but the verb wasn't something she understood just yet. Sniffing the snake, she poked it with her knife until she judged it cooked just right, then lifted it off and set it down on the cutting board. Cutting it into sections, she slid parts of it to him. They had much to do, and she wanted him strong when they did, so she shared it equally. Eating with her hands, the only way she had ever eaten, she pointed at herself, then at the ground, and put her hand on it, trying to let him know that this was home, then pointed to him, parting her hands to try to let him know that she wanted to know where his home was. How many more were there like him where he lived. She was getting her words decently enough. Understanding what he meant when he pointed to the fire, and hopefully to the snake. She was repeating after him, but without more feedback, it was a little harder to tell whether the lessons were actually sinking in. He supposed their communication skills would be put to the test once it actually came time to delegate, splitting tasks between them. If that happened, telling him to fetch water or cook food would require at least a basic understanding of verbs, since simply indicating that she wanted something to do with food or water wouldn't be an adequate explanation. To give her additional vocabulary, he drank a bit more of the room temperature water, then held it up. After a momentary reflection, he squeezed a bit of it out into his hand, so she could truly see the water, not just the water skin. "Water," he declared, before drinking even that little bit. Unless she had access to a good clean spring, water wasn't something either of them would want to waste. Just as she struggled with his words, he struggled with her gestures. When she placed her palm on the ground, he couldn't understand, wondering if it was some sort of ritual. He slowly considered her as he tore off a strip of the snake and ate it. Good. Maybe a little overcooked, but that was bound to happen on an open flame, and either way, it was better to cook it thoroughly and avoid getting sick. Besides, what did he know about cooking Earth animals? It seemed overcooked based on his knowledge of genetically redesigned chicken. Maybe snake was supposed to taste this way? Either way, it wouldn't be a bad idea to fashion some crude utensils. It would be good practice with a knife to get some whittling done. The meaning of her gesture, even after thinking about it, was lost on him. She pointed to herself, then touched the ground, which seemed to be how she represented this whole place. So far so good. "Home," he said, touching the ground as she had done. But it was the next part that he still couldn't get. She spread her arms after pointing at him. It looked like a welcoming gesture, an invitation to stay. But a single look at her inquisitive eyes told him that she was expecting some answer. Optimistic, since even if he'd understood the question fully, it wasn't as though she could understand his response. Taking a stick from the edge of the fire, which had a blackened tip, he began to draw on the floor of the shelter. First a sketch of two people. Crude stick figures, really. He drew a dome over the two of them. "That's us," he said. "The two of us, in your home." And what about his home? Was that was she was asking about? How could he explain that he lived on another planet? In the end, he represented his home as a circle in the sky. A crude sun, some equally crude birds, it could maybe get the message across. "I came from off planet, but I don't know how to explain that to you." He used the stick to point straight up. "Home," he said. "Home in sky." When outside her home, hunting, she focused on those things, and making sure she avoided danger, killing things that wanted to kill her. Safe in her shelter, she could study him further. Cutting up and eating her part of the snake, she sighed as it was cooked well. He looked like he had never eaten snake before. What did he eat, he would have to learn if he was to survive here, he would have to learn to hunt, to move as she did, to make a fire for himself? She couldn't do everything for him, but she was glad for the company at last. The words that came from her lips pleased him, and she was learning from him. He didn't seem to understand her own sounds and gestures from before, so she would learn as many of his words, his way of communicating, to learn about him, and to teach him. She was glad he didn't waste the water, water wasn't something to waste, even if it was from a stream not far away. Listening as he said another word while pointing at the water. Thinking about it again and again, she parted her lips to say it. "WWW.WWW.water....Watt.RRR... Wwattrrr... Wwat.RR," she said after several efforts, and smiled as he seemed pleased yet again. He had come from the streak that came from the sky, but had he come from further away on the land. Watching him closely, she grinned as he drew the two of them, then a dome over them, showing them. She hadn't drawn anything in so long, and now knew that he was showing the two of them in her shelter. But where was he from, where was his home. She followed his gestures, not so much his words, but the gestures. Looking up through the smoke hole at the stars, she looked back at him, then pointed up at the stars with her finger. She felt more shock than she had ever felt, he wasn't from a far land, he was from much further away, how could one live away from even the furtherest land. Were there more of him, were more coming."' Hh.hoodoo.mmm...hhooommm.", she managed to say, then pointed up. "Sssskkkk.sssskkkkiii," she said as well, trying out the words, but the words in between meant little to her right now. Finishing her part of the snake, she gestured for him to follow him to the opening in the ground, and used the rough ladder she had made to climb down into the room. This had been here a long time, a very long time, perhaps he would know what some of the things in here were. Against one wall was what had been an intelligent TV, a sheet of glass with the latest advancement before humanity had had to leave, the marble base of the bed, which had decomposed long ago. If they were ever attacked, this is where she would defend from, and she wanted to show him things that she didn't understand. His more complex sentences were more for his own benefit than hers. It felt natural to be explaining the concepts, and the more he spoke, the more he hoped she would grasp the basics. Not the words, as he expected her to need detailed instruction and lots of practice before she got the hang of those. But his tone, being able to tell when he was excited, or when he wanted her to pay attention, versus the times when he was just rambling to fill the silence, that would be helpful. Not quite as helpful as having someone who spoke the same language but a big improvement over how things were. If the shock on her face was any indication, she understood what he was trying to explain, at least to some degree. That his home was in the sky, or more accurately, beyond it. At a distance beyond anything she could possibly comprehend. He wondered what she knew about the world. Did she even now she was on a planet? Or did she think that she was just in a patch of land that extended out forever, or perhaps fell off at the end into an abyss? The idea that the sky was not a dome surrounding the planet, but that the land she walked on was in fact floating in the sky, was not an intuitive one to grasp. If he wanted to explain it to her, he'd need language, or at the very least, some pretty elaborate diagrams. They said that math was the universal language, but the elegance of orbital mechanics was far beyond even a pilot like him, so he doubted she'd appreciate it much. It was strange to think that the vast majority of human knowledge had been gathered on this planet, and that seemingly no remnant of it remained. Or so he'd thought. As she led him down into the place, and he saw the remains of the TV, his heart leapt. If there was technology here, there might be other things he could scavenge. His idea of building a radio transmitter might not be such a pipe dream after all. Though hopefully he could find books or data storage to tell him how to actually do it, as he had only a rough idea. Mostly just marveling at the reminder that this had, in fact, been humanity's home, he stepped forward and touched the device. "It's an old TV," he marveled. Looking back at her, he sighed and said, "I wish I knew how to explain this to you." Taking the burnt stick, he drew a rectangle to represent the TV, and a stick figure sitting before it, looking at it. A dotted line to represent the line of sight. "That doesn't explain much, does it?" he asked, clearly frustrated at the difficulties in communication. There were other rooms connecting to this main one, she was sure, but digging out the dirt had never been important. If there were other items in the other rooms, she would never know though, not unless she took the time to dig out the dirt. Perhaps with his help, they could. She had no idea what the glass thing on the wall was, but as she watched him, he was excited by it. She didn't understand, she hadn't been interested in removing it from the wall, it didn't seem to really do anything. It couldn't move, so what purpose did it serve. Perhaps he could explain some other strange things that she had found on her travels, items, relics of the time before that she had no name for, and had left alone because they seemed to serve no purpose. Curious as he seemed to be trying to explain what the glass thing was, she tried to figure it out, to figure out what he was trying to tell her, describe to her what it was. She figured out that the rectangle was the TV, and the stick figure was a person, him or her, but the dotted line confused her. Looking from him, to the TV, then the drawing in the dirt, she sat down on the marble base, trying to figure it out. Then she looked up at the glass and then at him, and figured it out. Looking at him again, she pointed to her eyes, then at the TV. There was nothing to see on it, but she could see it from the marble base. Looking up as she heard a distant howl, she got up and walked up to the glass TV. Taking another close look at it, she pointed to the dirt filling the other two rooms. Did he think there were more strange things in them? To his surprise, she'd processed his drawing properly. Well, as much as she could. She didn't have the knowledge to fully understand. Did her culture even have entertainment? Basically every culture had some storytelling tradition, but it was typically anoraltradition. How could she have that if she didn't speak? At best, he could hope for drawings like this, the new version of cave paintings. Unless of course, others could communicate just fine, and he happened to have stumbled across an outcast, or a mute woman. She was capable of speech, so the latter seemed unlikely. But the former was at least worth contemplating. He might have thought more about it, even tried to ask if not for her getting up to approach the TV. A moment later, she approached something that Charlie had struggled to see in the dim light. A doorway that was not in fact, closed or caved in, but packed with dirt alone. This had been a house once, and the elements had taken their toll. They made for good shelters, from the looks of it, and they had to be filled with a treasure trove of artifacts. Maybe even the parts he needed. Was the choice to build here unique to V? Or, if he found a city of her people, might they be sitting on the ruins of an old metropolis, filled to the brim with forgotten knowledge? Though that assumed there were cities. V was a hunter-gatherer. She could afford to have a single residence because there was only one of her. But a large tribe would need to move constantly to find food. So rather than keeping his hopes up about finding something else, best to see what he had right here." Yes," he agreed, motioning at digging with his hands. "I need to get in there." Pointing at it, he repeated the digging motion. "Dig." Then, remembering how she'd gotten the white foam split, he remembered she would be familiar with the tool. "Dig," he said again, this time miming a shovel. She understood that he was describing watching. People before had watched the glass screen, but nothing had ever appeared on it, there was nothing to watch on it, never had been, but there perhaps had been, long ago, when this room had been new. She had never been taught history, none at all, she knew only what she had been described, or figured out on her own. There could be more things in there, in the dirt, that both of them could use, perhaps if he wanted to, they could both dig in, and find out. Following him closely and listening to him, she focused on what he was saying. She was learning from him, his words meant things, like skin, and room, For, she knew what they meant. Listening to this new one, she didn't follow the first section, but when he said one word, and made a digging motion, she knew what he meant." Ddddd...iii.GGG. Dddiiiggg... V. K...ddiiiggg...ahhh,ahhh," she said, nodding her head and rushed to the ladder. Climbing up the ladder, she found her shovel, and another smaller digging implement. But where would the dirt go, it had to go somewhere. Looking around, she found a bag used to contain game, big enough to drag a deer along behind her, and carried all three items down into the room. Laying out the bag, that had a drawstring at the top, she gave him the bigger shovel. "Dig, V. K. Dddig," she said, pleased that she could speak to him. It wasn't easy to figure out the words for things, but she was learning. When she spoke, when she echoed the words and showed for sure that she wasn't just repeating but genuinely and certainly understood what he was saying, his mouth fell open. Only for a moment, and when she darted off to retrieve something, the shock faded to be replaced with a wide smile. She understood him. Understood language. Could be taught. Once he had a few basic nouns and verbs added to her vocabulary, and she'd gotten the hang of using speech, he could hopefully introduce some more advanced concepts. And in all honesty, he was more concerned with her ability to listen than to speak in detail. So long as she could make herself understood when she needed to, he wasn't going to insist that she start using his system of language just for his convenience. She could stick to what she'd grown up using, as this was her home and he was just a visitor. But for all the time he'd willingly spent alone, he was already beginning to feel isolated here on Earth. After all, even in space if he desired company it was just a brief hyperspace jump away. Now, that wasn't an option. He had V, and he was incredibly lucky to have even her. If he could ramble on about his plans, or just tell her about what his life was like before, he'd feel a lot more comfortable. So when she returned with the shovel and handed it to him, he was still standing there grinning like an idiot. As she approached, he was seized with a sudden impulse. Taking a step toward her, he wrapped his arms around her and gave her a quick squeeze. "Thank you," he said. He figured she didn't know what he meant at all. Either that or she thought he was very happy to have received a shovel. Pulling back, a little embarrassed, he smiled sheepishly. "Sorry about that, I'm just happy to see that you understand me." Trying in his crude one-word attempt at language, he pointed at her mouth. "V speak," he said. And then smiled, pointing at his own mouth, trying to convey that when she spoke, it made him smile. That wasn't too complicated, right? Hard to be sure. He had a lot of words for things, that she had never heard, but she was learning. She had to be able to understand him, she had to train him to survive here as well, to hunt, defend himself, and move like she did. She could move quietly through the forest, hit her targets, and know when to hide from predators, and others. He fascinated her, with his strange ways, and what he found important. But she wanted to, she wanted to know more of his people, where they were from, and if more were coming. If he wanted her help to dig into the other rooms, she would help him, there could be more things in the rooms, after all. She wasn't used to displays of affection, such things didn't exist, not like that. If a male wanted a female, he took her, there was no caring, not at first. So when he moved in close to her, she froze, to see what he would do. To her shock and surprise, he did what those who had raised her had done, hugged her. Closing her eyes as he held her, she felt his warm body against his, and waited for him to take her away, but to her surprise, he didn't. He made no move to force her down, he just stepped back. To her added surprise, he spoke again, using words that she didn't understand. He linked his words, but she couldn't follow them. Listening closely to him, and on his gestures, she nodded and pointed at herself "V.speed...speed... Speek," she said to him, confused by this new word. Then he pointed to his lips and said it. He liked it when she spoke his words, making her smile as well." V.speed," she added, pointing to her own lips, then figured out what he meant. Speaking was saying words, yes." V. K.dding," she said, knowing that the words would please him even as she began digging into the packed dirt. It could take a while to remove enough of the dirt, but she had time. Using her digging implement, she dropped the dirt into the bag, then held it up for him to tip his own dirt into it. Charlie didn't understand exactly what was going on in V's head when he hugged her, but her reaction didn't surprise him. The move had been impulsive and sudden, and he was grabbing her in a way she probably hadn't been grabbed in a very long time, assuming she'd not encountered people besides him since she'd decided to make her home here. It was no wonder she didn't like it. But at least when he told her that he liked to hear her speak, she seemed to understand that perfectly. As she took the bag and showed him how to dig, he patted her arm affectionately and got to work. Hugging her had triggered an unaffected consequence in him, as he'd felt her body pressed against his. Firm from her years of hunting and gathering, and yet undeniably soft in all the right places. She was powerful and capable, and he'd seen her as a provider and a protector, but, perhaps inspired by the primal state of this new world he'd been caught in, he started to feel a desire to protect her as well. It certainly hadn't helped that it had been months since he'd spoken to another human being. To go from barely having a conversation to properly initiating physical contact, it was a leap. He had to wonder whether she felt any affection for him, or simply regarded him as an ally in a harsh world. He certainly hoped that at the very least, they could be friends. As he dug into the dirt, he quickly realized how involved the task was going to be. For a start, the dirt was packed tight enough that at least the initial digging would be real challenge, involving lots of intense chipping away. Maybe it was just a crust that would reveal softer, more easily removed dirt beneath, but if so, there was still the matter of removing it. The satchel they were loading could only hold so much dirt, plus one of them would have to carry it to the surface to unload it. And of course, the dirt was piled right near the top of the doorway, implying that it was at the very least a wide pile, and more likely to be filling the entire room. Speaking of which, "V dig?" he asked, gesturing around the room they were in. Trying to ask if she'd been the one to excavate it, or whether this room had been like that when she found it. If this room was open, but the others were flooded with dirt, maybe there was a reason for that. A reason not to go digging. He went back to digging. If they were lucky, they'd have the doorway cleared out by the time he was too exhausted to move. He'd been picked for his intelligence and scouting capabilities; he was supposed to have robots to handle the manual labor. As a result, he wasn't honestly all that strong. But he knew that it was essential that if he wanted to survive on this hostile planet, he would need tobecomestrong. Displays of affection like that were only between those that wished to mate, or to take someone to mate with. Did that mean that K wanted to mate with her, and produce little ones. He was alone here with her, far from his people in the sky, she didn't know why he wanted to mate with her, but by hugging her, he had made that intention clear to her. Holding up the bag to let K fill it with dirt, she carried it back to the ladder and climbed up with it. Emptying it outside her shelter, she returned to the room and held it as K again filled it with dirt. Again and again she did it, emptying it and returning it to the room. Holding it up for him again, as they were making some progress emptying the doorway at least, which showed dirt that was less packed, she focused on him as he seemed to be asking her if she had dug out this room. Focusing, she shook her head, then pointed up at the opening in the ceiling, the skylight. Flattening one hand, she used her other hand to describe herself walking, then falling through it. Emptying the bag several more times, she picked up on him tiring, and put her hand on his hand to let him know that they should stop. She didn't want him too tired for the test that she had in mind. Leading him back up the ladder, she offered him water while she drank as well. Putting her own water bottle aside, she undid the laces of her top, and let it fall onto her bed, showing off her bare breasts to him, unsupported. He had hugged her, that was the first act, and she was initiating the second act, baring her breasts to him. He chuckled softly at the little display she put on, showing how she'd stumbled upon the house. "Fell. Accident." Short, fairly simply words that he thought she might be able to get, but he didn't put too much thought into how to explain them to her. The idea of an accident probably required more abstract concepts that he couldn't figure out how to explain, so instead he just said "Fell" again and hoped that she'd get the gist of it. Regardless, she'd happened upon the room entirely by accident, and decided to make her home here on top of it. He had to wonder why the room they were in stayed free of dirt, while the other rooms were completely packed with it. Maybe it was just a coincidence, and a cave-in had started elsewhere, failing to reach this one place. Or maybe there was some other reason, a reason he would discover with more inspection once the dirt had been removed. Given that there was a TV in this room, it wasn't implausible that he could find more, possibly even something with the desired kind of transmitter. Maybe even some old batteries. Was it too much to hope for that after a thousand years, there was any technology that still worked? Shrugging, he moved back to digging, emptying several loads of dirt with her help. It was slow-going, to the point where he felt like his initial estimate was off. They'd barely even cracked the crust, and though he was making enough progress to be visible, it was hard to imagine he'd have the energy to keep up this pace day after day without getting sore or tired. Maybe once he actually got into the room, he'd be more inspired. Instead, he received a different sort of inspiration as V touched his hand and urged him to follow her upstairs. Curious but grateful at the chance for a break, he eagerly took a waterski and drank deeply from it. He'd need her to show him where the source was, so he'd know if the water needed to be boiled before he drank it. He was about to ask about just that when V's next action caught him by surprise. There could be no ambiguity in what she did, not with the way she looked at him. This wasn't just her taking her shirt off after a long day. It was an invitation. And yet the invitation left him hesitant. Much as he craved human contact, this was sudden, and he was sweating and stiff from all the digging. But soon enough, he grew stiff in other ways, her body inviting and fascinating. He stepped forward after only a moment of hesitation, wrapping an arm around her, his hand settling on her hip. The other hand went to her neck, and, curious about what she'd be like, he pulled her into a kiss. There were rules to this, procedures, a way to court without getting one party killed by those related to the other. Taking what wasn't offered was a crime where she had been raised. One only took what was offered, or what was open to all to take. She could choose her mate, or accept a courtship from another, the first act, a hug, then the second act was by her, if she liked the male enough. Offering her breasts for him to play with, or suckle on, she knew what she was doing, and saw him harden up where all males hardened when they wanted a woman. The next move was his, if he wanted her. And he did want her, she quickly discovered as he pulled her in, with one hand on her hip, and the other one to her slender neck. She was just as curious about him as he was about her. Curious to see what he was like, she knew what happened to men and women who were mated, she wasn't surprised, but felt her heart stop for a bare second as he kissed her, the first man to ever do that. Returning his kiss, her hands glided along his back, and down his side, unsure how to get him out of his own coverings to run her hands along his back, and rest them on his chest to feel his heartbeat. His touch was...it was arousing, and leaving her warm, wanting him. Those that had raised her had felt this way about each other, she knew, with K clearly wanting to be her mate, by the way he was caressing her and holding her close, close enough to feel how hard he was. She was warm. So much warmer than he'd expected. Part of it was the work, of course. He was sure he was warm himself, having done all that digging while she carried the dirt out, it only made sense that it had gotten them heated up. She smelled faintly of sweat, but not much more than that, leaving him with the impression that she must have somewhere to bathe, maybe even the same place she got the water. He'd certainly need to shower after this. Having already worked up a sweat, he was sure he'd work up even more. He felt her hands around him, roaming over his chest, and after a moment, he realized that she was looking for straps or knots, some way to release the coverings so they would fall away, as hers did. With only stiff animal hides to fashion clothes out of, it of course made sense that that was how they made them, but his sturdy uniform was a lot more flexible. He could have taken it off himself, but instead he slid his hand from her hip and took hers, guiding it to his waist. Then from there, up and under his shirt, to feel what was beneath it. Hopefully she could figure out how to get it off from there, as he was desperate to feel her skin against his, her warmth. She was delicious, firm yet soft, and as his hand returned to her hip, he found himself changing course almost unconsciously. Sliding his hand down to her ass, feeling her through her clothes. His lips broke away from hers, only to meet her cheek, then her jaw, then her neck, sucking lightly at her skin. It might leave a mark, but who was there around to give a damn? He wanted to enjoy this. To feel that, despite being isolated light years from home, he was not alone. His hand slipped down from her neck to her side, then to her breast, thumb running over her hard nipple. He was experimenting now, unsure of what she'd expect, or what she liked. There was only one way to find out. There had to be a way to get him out of his coverings, even he had to bathe at some point, unless he bathed in them, which was possible, based on how they felt against her fingers. She bathed in a nearby stream, or for more thorough ones, there was a waterfall, with crystal clear water, special, and hers, soon be his as well, if he truly wanted to be her mate. Her fingers couldn't feel any laces, or knots, no way to loosen it or undo it, no way to remove it from him so that she could get at his chest. Hoping that he would give her some sign, she only smiled as he took her hand in his, guiding it to his waist, then under his shirt, to feel his warm body. He was as warm as she was, from the work. Her fingers found something, some connections. Pulling at them, she had no idea what they were, but they were snaps, with Velcro as well, a combination of both, though she had no words to describe them. Pulling at the snaps again and again until she had his shirt off, she traced her fingers over his chest and side, loving what her fingers were telling her as he kissed his way along her cheek, to her jaw, suckling gently which sent something.strange through her. He wasn't being rough with her either, but he wanted her, he wanted her as much as she wanted him. Arching her back as his hand found her bare breasts, playing with her hard nipple, she gasped out, leaning in to passionately kiss him and rub her body up hard against his. Her hands found his pants, pulling at them as she had with his shirt, to free his manhood. As he felt V pulling at his pants, he stopped her with a gentle hand on the wrist. Not because he wanted her to stop, far from it. But because if one of them was to be naked first, he wanted it to be her. To have a chance to explore her body with his eyes and his hands. And to be able to strip her himself, something she'd denied him by removing her own top. So he found the laces and straps holding her crude pants in place, and pulled at them until they fell away. Then, firmly, he wrapped his arm around her and guided her down onto the bed, using his firm grip to steady her until she was on her back. It was hardly a king-size bed at a luxury hotel, but it would definitely get the job done. He needed her down on the bed so that he could progress beyond where he'd gotten, to take off her pants and trail kisses all down her body. Not that he was going to neglect the parts of her that were already exposed. With a brief smirk up at her, he planted a kiss down on her shoulder, then her collarbone, then finally against one breast, his lips touching only flesh but ignoring the inviting pink nub for the moment. He took his time, kissing at her chest while his hands worked on the straps. Her chest was flawless, and he couldn't even imagine her ass. Finally, he could wait no longer, and parted his lips, drawing a nipple into his mouth. He took his time, slowly licking and suckling at one side, then the other. It was the most basic foreplay, and he was curious if V had ever done it before. Not that it mattered. He was going to go a lot further than just sucking at her breasts. All the way, in fact. If that was what she wanted. She had watched enough mated couples to know how it worked, those that had raised her, and others that raised other young, didn't hide things like this. Knowledge was to be shared, and how to pleasure the opposite gender was something that was shared freely. Tugging and pulling at his pants to find out how they loosened, to be opened, she hesitated as his hand stopped her. She didn't understand, did he not want her, had she done something wrong. Did men and women do things differently where he was from, she wondered, without the words to ask him as she waited for him to let her undress him, or for him to undress her. To her relief, his hands worked at the laces and straps holding her pants up, loosening them and tugging at them until her pants slipped down to her feet. She was trembling, she had never trembled like this in front of a male before, never. What would he do, she asked herself as he easily picked her up and set her down on her bed. Letting him take and guide her, she arched her back, moaning softly as he kissed his way along her smooth body. Awaiting his soft touch, she smiled and whimpered as he softly kissed her shoulder, collarbone, then her closest breast, sending shocks of sweet pleasure through her. Why wasn't he suckling on her hard nipple, no other male had held back when she had been young, and had watched. She wasn't used to this kissing, this waiting. Sex was fast, quick, but this...ohh this was special. The more he kissed and teased her sensual body, the more aroused she felt, the warmer she felt. She had never felt this way before with anyone. The more he kissed her, the more whimpers and moans left her soft lips, and the more she wanted him. "KKK...ahhh. Kkk", she gasped out, not having the words to ask him what this was, or if he would do what males did with females. V didn't need words right now for Charlie to know exactly what she wanted. Though the words certainly helped. His cock twitched in his pants as he heard her call out his name, or what passed for his name in her limited ability to speak. Whether this was new to her or not, she liked it, and was very receptive to his touch, which only made him want her more. Maybe later, when this was finished, and they were lying in bed together, he'd try to teach her a few words about what they'd just done. For any doubts that they were going to stop before he went all the way were now gone. Though that didn't mean she'd stick around for pillow talk. It didn't matter what happened after; here and now he wanted her, and he was going to have her. But even as he kissed at her breasts, sucking at each nipple, he knew that he wanted more. Wanted to know every inch of her body. While he might come back to them before the main event, he was too curious about other parts of her to focus his attention there, and so his mouth traveled away, kissing down her stomach this time. He couldn't imagine how her body had stayed so soft and smooth in such a rough environment. Well, soft on the outside at least. As he pressed his lips to her stomach and lower against her mound, he could feel the muscle just below the surface, which must have served her well in the harsh world. But still, how could she be so lovely? Mutation? Adaptation? Evolution? Or did she just take care of herself? Finally, he reached his target and put the thoughts aside. Firm hands spread her thighs, as he gazed down between her legs, wondering just what he'd see. He doubted she'd be shaved, but certainly wouldn't mind if she was. Either way, the smell of her was so enticing, so appetizing, that he could barely resist the urge to feast. He looked up into her eyes, wanting to see the desire in them. Wanting her to see the lust in his. No male did what he was doing, they didn't kiss the female, or do this, they took her and took her hard, possessive, but she had been too young. Without words, she had been taught that intercourse only happened at a certain age. She was well past that age now, but she had never found a mate, and those like her weren't her group, she wanted nothing to do with them. K was from the sky, but she couldn't even vision a place up there. He was here though, with her, with different ways of coupling with a female, and so far, she liked what he was doing to her. She loved how he was truly arousing her, teasing her, getting her ready, but not too fast. Her body was fit and toned, it always had been, she didn't know anything else. She had no idea how she was how she was, she just was. Her body was pure, all natural, with none of the foods, technology, or mutations that sky people likely had, or could have. Biting her lip gently as he parted her thighs, she let him see her trimmed sex. The desire was showing in her eyes as she lay there, for him to thrust into her and claim her. Once he did, that was it, they were mated for life. Charlie could see it in her eyes. She wanted him. Of course, her expression couldn't tell him much more than that, but he had to wonder what exactly it was that she wanted. Was it the expected? For him to kick off his pants and slide inside her, the way his body was begging him to do? Or did she understand what he was about to do as his fingers slowly parted her lips, exposing the pink of her sex for his tongue. He could see the evidence of her desire lingering between those lips, wetness that would be inviting for him once he was finally ready to enter her. It wouldn't be long before he reached that point, of course, but in the meantime, a little foreplay never hurt. He wanted to show V all the pleasures he knew how to give. So, gently and sweetly, he ran his tongue up between her lips, teasing her entrance and then passing it by, taking a taste of her wetness as he went. Once he reached the top, he found his goal. Her clit, small but easily visible. He took only a light taste, tongue teasing the little pink nub, before he once again looked up into her eyes, wondering how she would react to this new action. There was something about the way she'd bared herself to him, as though there were some unwritten set of rules she was following, and expected him to conform to. Was it just his imagination? Either way, he didn't know any of the rules she might have imposed on herself, but he did know the only rule for him: He had to make his partner feel good. She was the priority, and he had to make sure she was getting hers. It was practical, ensuring he'd slide easily inside her, but even beyond that, it was a unique and sensual experience that he loved. She wanted a mate, and now she was so close to having one in K. He wanted her, and was making her feel so.amazing, he was teasing her and touching her, not immediately thrusting into her as other mated couples did, but was taking his time, further inflaming her with just his fingers and tongue. He had done this before, with other women, she was sure, so why was he not mated with one of them. Letting out a gasp and cry as his tongue touching her clit sent a shock through her, she couldn't believe what he had done, that had good, amazing. He would be a perfect mate for her, she decided, laying still for her as her heart pounded in anticipation of what was coming. The pleasure he was sending through her was so arousing, and making her want him more, but he was clearly following his rules, and for him, she would let him decide when he slid into her, and took her for himself. Gasping and whimpering as her legs shook from the increasing pleasure, she reached up to rub her nipples, to increase the pleasure rushing through her, and to let him know that she was loving what he was doing to her. Charlie looked up at her, taking his eyes off his work but not his tongue, which continued to tease and taste her with a slow, steady rhythm. He could see her hands rising up to tease her nipples, arms separating them so he could no longer see the beautiful arousal on her face. She was so wet, the soft sounds she made were incredible. He wanted her desperately, and realized that he had a decision to make. To give her an orgasm like this, to take her to a climax before he took her for the first time. Or to say, to hell with any more foreplay, and to take care of his own needs at the same time as hers. Normally, he would have picked the first every time, and maybe even given V a chance to reciprocate, to find out just what her mouth could do assuming she didn't already know. Today, though, there was a sense of urgency. He'd been thrown from a ship, tossed in free-fall, encased in foam, walked for hours, and dug for hours more. He'd been through so much and there was still so much left to do, so there was no time to waste. Her pleasure wasn't going to be ignored, it just wasn't going to be his only priority, and that was okay. His hands slid from her thighs to his pants, and he undid them, slipping them and his underwear off. It took a second to kick them off fully, but once he did, there was no barrier between him and V. He took a brief moment to think about the potential consequences of their actions, but that was a concern for later. His body wanted this too much. Returning to his position, he gave her lower lips one last kiss, before sliding up her body, urging her hands away from her breasts as he pressed his chest against hers. Hands took her wrists and pinned them above her head as he kissed her passionately, and he moaned into her lips as he finally took what he wanted. She was warm, impossibly warm and wet and inviting, and he plunged into her until their hips met. His efforts were making her more and more moist, more desperate for him, and her lust for him grew as he inflamed her with his sensitive, expert touch, with his tongue, and lips, and his hands knew where to caress, and touch. She was ready for him, but.if this was the custom of his people, from the sky, it was one that she definitely liked, she reasoned, arching her back as he inflamed her, then stopped caressing her smooth thighs to do...something, what was he doing. Lifting her head up to see what he was doing, she smiled and bit her lip gently as she saw him taking off his pants, and his manhood was thick and hard. She had hated to think that K didn't want to complete this, but he was hard enough to complete it, to become her mate completely. Trembling as she wanted him, she feared that he wouldn't go all the way, as she hadn't been with a male before. Gasping as he kissed her folds, she lay where she was, letting him move up her body, she let him guide her hands away from her breasts, and looked up at his face as he held both of her wrists and pinned them above her head. He was immobilizing her to take her, to mate with her. Yes, yes this was it, this was it, she told herself, returning his passionate kisses as their hearts pounded. Parting her thighs for him, she let out a scream as he slipped into her. Tossing her head back as her body exploded with unfamiliar pleasures, she shook and whimpered, doing her best to thrust back as her body let her know what to do. Looking up at him, she tightened around his manhood, loving how it throbbed from his arousal for her, and once he came inside her, they were truly a mated pair. As he slid into her, he was greeted with intense pleasure, unlike anything he'd felt before. It wasn't as though this was his first time; his understanding of how to handle V's body was fairly clear evidence of that. And yet it wasn't as though he was in the habit of taking a different girl every night. No, he'd long since grown comfortable in isolation thanks to his job, and it was only when the loneliness started to get to him that he'd head back to civilization and find a woman to take home. It was almost never serious, but it was always fun. And yet, this was different. The same in some ways, in that he was definitely feeling lonely and isolated, and her body was certainly helping to take his mind off that. But it wasn't as though this would end with her slipping out or maybe an awkward breakfast. He was stuck with her for at minimum, a few months, and while 'stuck' was a negative word for what was shaping up to be a positive experience, he had to be careful not to screw up. It wouldn't mean just pissing off one person, it would be alienating the only friend he had on this planet. So he was extra attentive. As a result, he caught something in her eye. An expression he couldn't quite place. Not just eagerness, but maybe even a relief, as he finally entered her. Of course, it could have just been her need for satisfaction, but Charlie wasn't sure that was it. Still, that was a mystery for another time. As her inner walls clamped down on him, all rational thought was briefly driven from his mind. She didn't seem to quite know what she was doing, but whatever she did felt absolutely amazing, in a way that was completely new. Maybe it was the power in her body, maybe it was the intimacy of the act. After all, it was just the two of them, alone against the world. This wasn't like a random girl in a bar, nor was it like his assignments, where civilization was distant but accessible, eventually. No, out here they were truly isolated, and as a pair, they were bound to each other as long as they worked toward the same goal. Charlie started to move, feeling her reciprocate as best she could. Each thrust, he felt a little more sure and confident, but he paid close attention to her body and her voice, eager to do more for her where he could. V had been afraid that this would never happen for her, that she would never be mated, or find a mate, someone to hunt with her, fight with her, be there for her, and give her offspring. Now though, she had K, and he knew what to do with her to keep her happy, and filled with more pleasure than she could have imagined. His manhood was thick, and hard, and throbbed just right to send sweet, warm waves of pleasure through her, that made her feel like a true female, coupling and mating like she had feared she never would. Thrusting upwards against him, to ride him and milk him, she shook and cried out underneath him. He was her mate, her man, he wanted her, and when he came, they were mated, connected in a way that no one else could connect to her. Moaning deep in her throat as she was taken by him, she quivered and shook underneath him, then...then before she knew it, untold pleasure rushed through her, leaving her bucking and crying out as she climaxed for the first time.

Return to Earth (Painless and playfullchick76)|rating:4.0

Silver Bullets (ATTN_ Jay7)

(one of the upstairs rooms of the aged-oak and brick walls of the solidly built coaching house a troubled shadow dwelt. Little more could be divined from the first floor, and as much only if one were close enough to peer up through the unlit window. The scant moon light, blending with the flickering, rosier glow of naked torchlight that licked the structure’s dark walls above the iron mounts set either side of its doors showed only a darker blackness of shadows amid the darkness within. Inside the locked room - it's heavy bolted door a thing that offered no real reassurance - the tenant stood peering toward the stables. He had chosen his room for this express purpose, and appeared to take no reassurance from the apparently peaceful scene. The clothes he wore, their fabric and cut, along with his accoutrements - such as an exotically halted court sword - and certain effects left about the room; such as a hat which would have been quite fashionable eleven months ago in Null, and a silver-chained pocket watch of evidently fine make suggested a man fallen from grace. He presented himself in his upright posture, shoulders thrust back and head high, with the inscrutable, yet bleeding pride of a nobleman without the means to be a nobleman. The hat seemed particularly sad with its broken griffon feather, a mere seven inches long, which he apparently did not have the heart to remove. Unless he owned a horse, although that did seem likely given his fixation with the stables, the pocket watch likely represented the sum of his worldly assets. Though it said something about the Empire that even a vagabond noble seemingly fleeing to more lawless lands, perhaps to escape some shame or charge, was by way of this one trinket undoubtedly the wealthiest man in the inn. This despite his ragged, travel worn clothes, the prominent bloodstained bandages wrapped around his leg and arm, and the careworn expression on his ruggedly weathered face telling a tale of hardship and bloodshed. A second look at the figure, and eyes familiar with the lands thereabouts might have come to a number of conclusions. To begin with his gelid, blueberry eyes were - apart from curiously dead - not a common feature among the men of the Empire. One familiar with the nation might have guessed of those eyes, and from something of the cut of his features and that the man had a strong dash of Kislev ite blood in him, most likely Gaspar. Moreover, though the style of his clothes looked like the work of a fashionable Imperial tailor from Null his features were blended not with those common to the South, but with a ruggedness of clearly Teuton origin. He held a small leather-bound journal in one hand, and when he turned away from the window he opened it and his blue-gray eyes swept the individual passages, each one dated and recorded in a neatly flowing script. One set of pages bore the following entries:14th of Brazil, Wellesley - finally got her. She was heading into the Countesses' palace when I shot her from a rooftop. She can’t know it was me, no-one could, I was too far away. Her dregs got the rank creature indoors before I could reload, but the injury left the crowds nearby in no doubt about her. She surely can’t remain in Null. In fact were it not for her bodyguards she would have been lynched then and there. I’m glad she wasn’t though. In truth, I can’t abide the thought of someone else killing her.15th of Brazil, Alberta - no sign of her. Has she left the city, or is she hiding somewhere? The former seems unlikely, and she can’t hide forever. Every Witch Hunter and Templar in the city is after her now. 16th, Brazil, Mark tag - as far as I can determine she left the city in a coach heading for Overland on the Null Road after killing a Witch Hunter and two Raven Knights, and it seems the order won’t let that pass as a group of Raven Knights are on her heels. I imagine she is heading for Sylvia, they won’t follow her there. I have no contacts or friends beyond this city in Disneyland, and have never even been to Overland, but I can’t let this go. Am on my own now it seems.17th, Brazil Backer tag - found her coach. The coachman is a corpse. Following tracks in the road brought me to the next coaching inn on the road to Flensburg. She spent the night there, or maybe it was one of her thralls. The knights were there before me but did not tarry. There appear to be five of them and one must be a knight of the inner circle.18th, Brazil Bezahltag - seems the knights were attacked on the road. Probably by her dregs. Common bandits would never attack such a well-armed group. They’re all dead. Gleaned nothing useful save the suggestion that the knights must be on her trail. Why else would she set her minions to ambush them? Also spoke to the road wardens burying the dead, and it seems they too have been roused. Am I making good time, and hope to overtake the knights soon.19th, Brazil, Onstage - rode all day, found nothing save garbled tracks. I’m no tracker myself, but would venture that I seem to be gaining on them. Following the Old Dwarf Road now towards Overhaul itself.20-21st, Brazil - passed Overhaul and crossed the Aver. Caught up to the Knights at an inn on the Hubbard road. Overheard them mentioning that their company split up. One group heading for Helideck in case she makes for the Border Princes, the other for the Sylvain border. Apparently the road wardens are on alert as well. The knights won’t go into Sylvia itself, but I will. He turned to the next page, but did not stop to read the entries. In fact, he closed the book with a frustrated sigh before tossing it onto the bed-stand. Even as it landed an incredibly heavy yet dully muffled thump against the locked, solid timber door saw the tall, dark-haired figure start visibly. To his credit his sword flashed into his hand in a blink as he whirled around, but though he seemed fast on his feet, and quick with his hands there was an obvious reticence about the way he held the blade. Something to suggest that he was unaccustomed to its use. His blue-gray eyes twitched toward the white-knuckled fingers that grasped it, as if he did not trust it, even as he willed his hand to relax. Four more hollow thumps sounded against the heavily barred door before the screws fixing in the bolt were ripped partly free with the reverberating crack of fracturing timbers as parts of the door frame split along the grain. The next blow removed them entirely, and the bolt fell to the floor as the door burst in, but there was no more than a feint, almost ghostly sound; silvery laughter, its tone sweet and melodic from outside. He backed up, his posture and behavior showing marked fear of the sound. His free hand feeling behind him over the bed-stand, knocking over a candle and spilling wax along the bare pine before he managed to grasp his hat and thrust it down atop his head. It seemed to brace up his resolve, and whether bravely, or foolhardily - given what had happened to the door - the figure now advanced. Two strides were all he managed though before he was halted. His formerly passive eyes now alight with a profound intensity, and burning with utter hatred. They were fixed on a deep shadow amid the darkness of the hall in which something pale flickered before a figure stepped from the dark. The surrounding darkness seemed a thing of actual substance and clung about its limbs in wisps that only gradually withdrew as it stepped closer. The withdrawing shadows revealed a girl. Her pale face was very striking and there was something magnetic about her blithely innocent expression, as though smashing in the heavy aged oak door had been a game. The image of her standing in the wreck of the staved-in doorway - a pale skinned figure not five feet tall and clad in a simple black riding dress - was simply too incongruous. Enough so that the man looking at her now in fact lowered his blade, his brows pressing low when she blinked her large, dark, sympathetic eyes. He knew better, but that made no difference and his lowered guard afforded her more than enough of an opportunity to strike. She had surged across the space between them like charged-lightning and though he brought up the blade she swept the tip to one side almost casually before a catfish, white limb lashed out and caught his sword-arm. Delicate fingers seized his wrist in a grip that did not look as though it should have held him, but his arm was immobilized and before his wrist could twist around to bring the blade into play her fingers tightened, and he tensed visibly. He loosed a pained grunt as the sword fell from his hand and clattered to the floor, and before he could lunge for it, before he could even think to, a blow to his chest which looked like it should have done little more than amuse the tall, broad-shouldered figure instead threw him clear off his feet. His back thudded audibly against the corner of the window’s deep bay before he rolled and dropped heavily onto the floor, on hands and knees.‘Oh, Conrad,’ the girl sighed, her tone patronizing, as he groaned and clutched his ribs. ’You’ve made this too easy,’Even as he looked to where his sword had fallen, knowing he would never be able to reach it in time, the ragged former-noble’s tired features were shot with pain; streaks of stabbing heat which slashed at his back causing his spine to arch as he gritted his teeth against it. That would at least be over soon he reflected as the figure moved closer, and there were other deeper pains and hurts which saw a sliver of something like relief begin to grow in his racing thoughts.‘However have you managed to cause such trouble for us?’ she asked.‘Because you’re idiots.’ he cut back with a grin though his face was shot with pain. Conrad used the window-sill to pull himself back onto his feet even as he spoke, but was scarcely off his knees when she advanced. He had no time to react before she seized hold of his long hair and beat his face against the window sill. The sound alone made him wonder if she had broken something, yet for all that he felt little pain as he slumped dizzily.‘After that business in Null you should have known this was coming.’ she spoke in a breathy whisper more apt to a lover’s flirtation than her scornful remonstrations. ‘You’re pathetic.’However, the smile on her pale face soon twisted into a more predatory expression, and she revealed long, razor-sharp canines as she leaned over his throat, still holding him by the hair. She moved to sink her teeth into his neck, and it seemed he could do nothing to stop her. Nor did he need to. Had the sound of his own heart pounding behind his ears not blocked it out entirely he would have noticed the swift, heavy foot-falls approaching from the ruined doorway, but when the Latvian’s grip went slack, and he looked up as her eyes widened with shock it was clear someone had saved him. The most telling evidence was an sanguine blade protruding from the front of the creature’s chest, but Conrad did not spend more than an instant trying to make sense of what had occurred. Throwing off the creature’s slack grasp he half-crawled, half threw himself clear as an inhuman scream tore through the coaching Inn. Behind his would-be killer stood a tall figure clad head to toe in crimson plate who now calmly withdrew a finely crafted, but somewhat anachronistic long sword from the Latvian’s chest. The weapon whirled around with a deft movement of the figure’s wrist and forearm, and Conrad’s would-be killer was silenced forever. Her head fell to the floor as the kneeling Latvian’s body flopped to one side, hitting the floor with a dull thud, as blood bubbled up out of the cleanly severed arteries in its neck. He went for his blade and seized it up from where it had been thrown part-way across the room before raising it defensively. Moving carefully, making to circle around the armored figure, trying to keep from having it standing between him and the nearest exit. It may well have looked like a knight, but he saw no token on the armor. At best then it was a mercenary and in these lands that did not bode well.‘Why did you help me?’ he essayed, ‘What is it you want?’ his accent, a little like his features, belied something of his Teutonic lineage though he spoke with the cultivated and affected air of one who had learned his letters and diction under a strict Variant rod. Its sophistication was strangely at odds with his bedraggled appearance though it matched his proud demeanor, and his more aristocratic features quite well. His voice was deep, naturally soft and smooth in both pace and inflection. While he spoke his cold blueberry eyes looked over the newcomer slowly, and Conrad weighed his chances of survival if it came to blows. They seemed slim at best; he was moving with a limp already, wondering whether the earlier impact had broken or merely bruised his ribs, and doubted his light blade could deal with her heavy armor. ‘Armpit,’ he thought to himself in silence, ‘back of the knees? Gods, that’s less than useless,’ he tried to picture the demonstrations of his single-stick tutor, the pages of the manuals he had read but none of it gave him any confidence. The dauntingly well-armored figure betrayed no sense of being ill at ease with its weapon, as he did, and he had already seen it kill with the practiced hand of long familiarity. That blade and the one holding it seemed like old friends. What he really needed was a loaded pistol or two, or six.‘I want nothing from you, and I did not act to save you. You are merely touched by luck it seems.’ It was Raspier, fluent and well-spoken although the accent was unmistakably Estonian, and more than that: unmistakably female. She appeared to resent the idea that she might want anything from him, and as she spoke the Knight was met by a narrowing of the ragged figures gelid eyes, and his brows pressing low partly in confusion. Conrad’s features softened slightly while his head canted gently to the right. The strange knight’s words led his thought’s along a perplexed sojourn as he tried to make sense of what they meant to him.' Still I imagine I ought to, well-’ his expression became wry, ’thank you?' Conrad spoke at last, while he lowered his blade, ‘so you knew her, then-’ he raised one dark eyebrow enquiringly, ‘or her sisters?’ this last word was framed in a hateful snarl. Before he could go on however, before she could respond, they were both aware of shouting that drifted up through the thick floor-boards followed by a noise of heavy, booted feet hammering their way upstairs. The Latvian’s death-rattle had apparently stirred the guards, and Conrad decided it was time to leave, although she was still blocking the exit and seemed disinclined to move.‘Oh,’ she intoned, while turning to face the smashed door, ‘So they’re finally coming-’ she glanced back over her shoulder at Conrad, ‘I’m going to kill them, you may want to stay out of my way.’ Something about this proclamation chilled Conrad. The heavily guarded coaching in boasted about a dozen guards, and it seemed like most of them were on their way upstairs now, yet she did not seem daunted in the slightest. If anything there had been a sense of anticipation in her voice that now showed in her ready posture as if she were looking forward to the encounter.‘Can we not simply explain?’ he spoke quickly while he saluted with and lowered his blade, 'Albanians hereabouts are notably fond of those who kill her kind,' he gestured toward the Latvian’s remains. Outlaw, vagabond and eccentric though he was Conrad was loath to hack down Imperial citizens doing nothing more than their duty. Moreover, on a more practical level he did not much approve of the odds.‘No,’ she cut back as if it were an absurd suggestion, ‘I’m afraid that would spoil my fun,’One of the guards bounded into the room at that very moment. His garish clothing spoke of a period in the military, while his halberd was clean and well-maintained. His dark eyes moved from the dead Latvian, to Conrad, to the knight standing in front of him, and they widened.‘Besides-’ she calmly parried a swift thrust of the halberd’s tip to the side with her armored forearm, still largely focused on Conrad as she caught the weapons haft, ‘I killed a few of them on the way in,’The guard released the haft of his halberd and went for the sword sheathed at his belt, reacting quickly, but his hand had scarcely grasped its hilt before she ran him through. Conrad watched mutely for a moment as she stepped over the fallen guard. He had planned to help if it came to blows, but it seemed she did not need his aid in the slightest.‘You’re welcome to join me,’ she called back. Conrad was tempted. It was something about the stranger’s voice, as if they were at a fine party, and he was being invited to dance, but he shook his head at the idea even as she strode out onto the landing. Kneeling to inspect the dead Latvian he smiled grimly upon discovering a leather-bound book which looked to be a log, or journal. There was a ring and a chain with a simple pendant as well, but he ignored the rest and pocketed the book as the knight carried the fight to the remaining guards who were converging on the upper floor in the hallway outside his room. Glancing back toward the window Conrad thought a moment to himself, and then sheathed his sword before lunging over to the dead guard to pick up his fallen halberd. Standing as the ring and clash of steel sounded in the hall he grasped, and re-gripped the weapon in both hands. Using the halberd’s heavy axe head to smash off the lock and shatter one of the lower panes of the window Conrad then spun the weapon and hammered open the window itself by thrusting the butt into it with a single sharp blow. Hopping up then, and landing with a grunt over the lance of pain which shot down one side he jumped from the windowsill itself, and hooked the lower beard of the axe-head through the open frame to arrest his descent. His hat fell off as he jerked to a sharp halt and then slid down the shaft. It was still a seven-foot drop to the floor from the base of his boots when he slipped off the weapon’s long handle, and Conrad crumpled into a ball where he landed before rising gingerly, gripping his side as he pushed himself up to his feet. Dusting himself off he replaced his hat and made for the stables at a run. The building itself was deserted. The guards having apparently left their posts to see to the disturbance inside, and as Conrad strode towards the tack room he frowned at a solidly locked door inside the entrance where he had been forced to stow his weapons. He wasn’t sure how he was going to get it open, and smirked wryly. It was only the sturdiness of that locked door, and the fact that he had obtained a room overlooking the stable's only entrance that had kept him from avoiding the inn and sleeping beneath the stars, but he did not pause long to consider the irony. Conrad instead darted into the tack room, and returned a moment later laden with his horse’s saddle and harness which he carried to one of the stalls. Inside was his horse; a well-bred Overland courser whom he had given the rather indifferent name of Magazine because it carried his ammunition and powder. The scruffy former noble saddled it swiftly. He took up several saddlebags, and a small chest from within the stall, and fixed them to its harness along with two holsters in front of the saddle itself. Then he led it back towards the exit, and left the animal standing as he applied himself to the task of breaking down the solid, iron-bound door to the coaching inn’s armory. He battered against it with great enthusiasm, but Conrad was rather more wiry than heavy and his efforts had little impression on the solid timber. After two minutes of noisily failing to break the door he paused and leaned back against the wall to catch his breath, while trying to ignore the pain in his bruised ribs. A metallic clink then drew his gaze towards the armored figure of the knight who had saved his life earlier. She was standing in the doorway; her helm fastened to her sword belt, her weapon sheathed, and she held the same pendant he had noticed on the body of the Latvian she had killed upstairs. More surprising though was the fact that she was present at all and presumably unharmed after dealing with the guards. Thoughts flashed through his mind to explain the oddity, but the best he could conclude was that here was some wayward member of the Knights of the Blazing Sun. No other Knightly order that he knew accepted women in its ranks, and he supposed a gifted Meridian Templar might have been capable of the feat she had latterly performed, but her armor was not near garish enough and the color was wrong. Moreover, there was no heraldry, nor any Meridian motif, no vigils or signs.‘You knew her?’ she asked before he could say a word. ‘The one who came to kill you tonight,’Conrad nodded even as he straightened up before throwing himself against the door once again. His shoulder struck it with a loud thud near the lock with his weight flung behind it to little effect.‘You mean Elise, or at least that was what she went by in Null. Oh, yes,’ he responded breathlessly, ‘I-’ he slammed against the timber again, ‘knew her. She was playing lady-in-waiting to a certain duchess who was certainly no duchess. I shot her mistress’s ear off. If it weren’t for the cross-wind I’d have killed her,’ he tried three more times to break open the door as he spoke before glaring at it resentfully. ‘I’ve been after her ever since, and as soon as I get this door open I mean to finish the job.’‘You mean to kill her mistress,’ she looked him over skeptically, ’and how do you plan to find her?’ Conrad had been about to throw himself at the door when he halted and looked at the stranger. The flickering, rosier glow of the torches on either side of the door made her face difficult to analyze, but he had a sneaking suspicion that she was quite attractive. It had been some time since he had spoken to an attractive girl who was not a seductive revenant that wanted to tear his throat out though, and he had largely forgotten what one did on such occasions.‘I’m not as useless as I look, ‘ he said of her skepticism, his soft voice imbued with a defensive edge, ’and while I don’t doubt I’ll find some clue in the journal I took from Elise-’ he nodded back in the direction of his room, ‘I also have this-’ the former noble grasped the silver chain of his pocket watch and yanked it free from his coat pocket, opening the façade with a click to reveal something more like a compass than a watch. The point was a fine sliver of bone, its tip stained with dried blood. ‘Call it a bitch-compass,’ he smirked at his own perceived wit. She moved closer to look at the device in his hand, and stepping out of the firelight he had his earlier suspicion confirmed, despite her slightly boyish hair.’ Uh-’ she had snatched the compass from his hand and yanked it closer, obliging him to move forward thanks to the chain fastened to his coat, ’Excuse me?’‘Tomb scarab venom mixed with her blood,’ she remarked, ’Clever.’‘I prefer to call it genius,’ Conrad spoke after she gave it back, setting it back in his pocket and adjusting his coat before glancing at the pendant in the armored woman’s hand once again, ’Why, do you wish to accompany me?’ he raised one dark eyebrow. ’I’m afraid I can’t go anywhere until I collect my things, and that obliges me to knock this door down. So if you’ll step aside Ill’She held up an arm, gesturing for him to stop while stepping between Conrad and the door. His head canted to one side as he looked on curiously, but when she stepped into a single kick that took the door off its hinges with an ear-splitting crack as the frame split, the lock and hinges both giving way, his blue-gray eyes widened with surprise.‘You’re stronger than you look,’ he muttered in tones of frank astonishment though his rugged features also showed a certain resentment.‘And you appear to be less idiotic than you look,’ she intoned with a smirk. ‘But as we’re looking for the same person if you really are less useless than you appear I might let you accompany me.’‘Yes, well-’ he strode into the armory stepping over the broken door, and smiled at the sight of several firearms arrayed atop a table. ‘That business back there-’ he waved a hand dismissively In the direction of his room, ‘none of that really counts,’As he spoke Conrad strapped two belts to his waist, and slid an ornate repeating pistol of evidently superb quality into the holsters fixed to each, and slung a cartridge-belt over his shoulder before grasping two longer weapons; a repeating handgun, and a Holland long-rifle, both of exquisite make, which he carried back to his mount and holstered on either side of the saddle. Conrad then turned away and took off his hat, dusting it off on his breeches before he put it on once more and turned to face the armored young woman.‘Surely you recognize me now,’ he said, ‘Or-’ his brow lined thoughtfully, ‘oh, yes, I forget we are rather a long way from Disneyland. Well, I happen to be the famous killer of the dead; known as the Griffin Feather, none other than Conrad Reichsfreiherr von Sterile, and for saving my life I hold myself at your disposal until I return the favor, is your horse far? I shall lead you on mine if it pleases you,’‘I don’t mind walking. Also, your feather appears to be broken.’ she spoke flatly referring to his hat, ‘and my name is Felicia de Arcaneau.’‘It’s supposed to be broken,’ he cut back defensively, taking off the be feathered accouterments and inspecting the broken feather with a forlorn expression that belied his protestation before he hung it over the butt of the rifle holstered by his saddle like a nomad’s bow. ‘But lead on Marseille Arcane, chevalier sans peer et sans reproach, before more guards arrive,’ he spoke with an affected but well-schooled Estonian accent.‘There aren‘t anymore.’ she responded as they made their way out of the stables. Conrad looked at her sidelong even as he hauled himself up into the saddle. ‘You killed them?’‘Of course,’ she said as he urged the animal after her with his heels.‘But there were at least a dozen of-’‘Fourteen actually,’ she spoke over him. ‘I think they were drunk, but it was fun while it lasted,’‘I see,’ he responded. ‘Fun, you call it,’ he was beginning to wonder if he now owed his life to a mad person.' You're not really famous, anywhere, are you?' she asked then. Conrad smiled at this, 'I am a little bit-well no,’ he confessed, ‘not yet, at any rate.' He glanced regretfully up at the smashed window of his room, the halberd still hanging from its wide-open frame - explaining how he had gotten down - as if regretting the dead he knew were up there, while at the same time wondering again what manner of knight this young woman was. The more he examined her armor as his horse moved behind her at a slow trot across the large coaching inn's wide courtyard toward the gate the more it seemed certain she was no Meridian. Her Stoic mien and old-fashioned armor reminded him rather of the Black Guard, the Templar of More, but he did not know whether they accepted women, and their order was almost hermetic. Certainly individual knights would seldom stray far from the Gardens of More they guarded. Being undecided still a nibbling suspicion arose within him as the most paranoid part of his brain - which happened to be quite well-developed - prompted Conrad to withdraw the longer, six-barreled handgun from his saddle-holster even as he watched her walking ahead, urging his mount to catch up. It was a superbly crafted weapon, if not quite as well-made as the pistols holstered on his belt, with decorative brass fittings and a smooth handle of finely stained wood. Snatching a paper cartridge off the belt slung across his shoulder he began loading the weapon, tearing the cartridge open with his teeth before pouring the measure of powder into the barrel. The paper itself was used as wadding to hold the bullet in place, and once he had loaded all six barrels in this fashion the dark-haired former noble drew a ram-rod from its sleeve under the clustered barrels to tamp them down one at a time. His blueberry eyes seldom left Felicia as he worked though, and his skilled hands moved with a well-practiced air to finish the task quickly before he slid the handgun back into his saddle holster. It softened the former's nobles apprehensions about the stranger to know he had a loaded weapon ready to hand.‘Is your horse far?' Conrad inquired suddenly as the two passed through the open gate of the large inn's stout wall. There were lit torches flanking the gate on the outside, but they would soon leave their flickering light behind. Beyond was the road. A ribbon of beaten earth rutted by coach tracks that cut through the Sylvain wilderness flanked by thick forest on either side whose skeletal trees had long since shed their foliage, while the rotting carpet of Autumnal detritus spoke of Winter drawing nigh. The chill air saw his breath fog visibly as his horse followed after the stranger, and the slight jolting of its slow trot occasionally saw him flinching in pain thanks to his bruised ribs. He drew the watch-turned-compass from his pocket, and its polished silver case flashed in the light of the waxing moon that shone brightly overheard in the cloudless, star-strewn sky as his gelid, blueberry eyes focused on the blood-stained point of its needle which pointed roughly West. At a guess Conrad would have placed them somewhere between Urban and the ruins of Fordham, not far from the Jagerforst Forest, and though he did not know the area well the compass suggested he was still on the right track. He wanted to press his pursuit, but this final stretch of his long chase from Null through Overland had seen him go days without sleep in an attempt to overtake his quarry, and almost being killed left him convinced he needed rest. He said nothing of it yet however, and he slid the compass back into his coat pocket in silence. Felicia was lost in her thoughts as her steps quickened towards her steed, it was a refreshing change to make a decision just like that - on the spot; adopting a companion. Her fingers gently ran through the mane of her steed, at the same time she moved around it. Comforting sounds escaped her lips to calm the animal then in one go she lifted herself and mounted it with agility. A somber gaze escaped from Felicia’s eyes befalling onto Conrad briefly before following the muddy road ahead as they rode in silence. The rhythmic clings of her armor was her only companion along with her loyal steed in her travels until that night. Idly a gauntleted hand patted the obedient animal, Felicia was suspecting that her two legged new companion would be an incessant chattering jester that she would need to endure. With her free hand she rubbed the back of her neck, lock of raven hair fell over her eyes. Her initial plan of tracking down mistress of Elise to get information about the coven ran her mind, she was skeptical about Conrad however she had to admit to herself that no matter how daft and clumsy he seemed, he had a few tricks up his sleeve that could be useful. She sighed hoping this gamble she played with him would pay off. It had taken her four solid years to find a lead on Gerald, her Gerald; her somber eyes softened with yearning hidden from the world. She wanted to ride up the hills, over the fields until her lungs burst. Concurrently with this thought, her steed increased pace; as if she could run away from the cold hard truth that her intended mate for life and beyond, was missing. The first few years were the hardest, the pain was fresh, and she didn’t know where to begin, where to go. Her newly acquired powers and handicaps were not easy to get accustomed to. She didn’t remember at what point of her search she had gone numb, and the thrill of killing took over. Decades had passed and then suddenly something came by. It was six or seven years fore, she was sitting in an inn watching a group of witch-hunters like a Great Cat lurking, watching her prey in shadows. She could hear them boast about their stories and kills; while she was trying to choose which one to follow and kill. And right before she made her choice one of them produced a signet ring. Her eyes had grown wide, it was Gerald’s ring. A sharp pang of guilt choked her. The choice was made. The familiar unpleasant agony wrapped around her slender neck and choked her right before curling up into a heavy boulder on her chest. She was only seconds away from giving in to the imaginary inquisitor. The night sky was lighting up, her horse snorted and slowed down freeing her from the burden of miserable thoughts. Her brows knitted together, she could defy the dawn without difficulty however she needed to recuperate from the fighting before she could endure the blazing sun, unless she wanted to reveal her full identity to her new companion; which she wanted to delay and prevent to share it if possible. Conrad watched idly as his new companion spoke to her mount. There seemed to be a bond between the two, and it saw his weary, but otherwise neutral expression tinged with guilt for the indifference suggested by the name he had given him own equine companion, but the truth was he had come to regard the brute with a certain grudging affection. He just disliked admitting it. After all when he had purchased the animal in Null the former noble had duly expected it would be ridden to death in the ensuing chase as he did not plan to halt for its benefit. He might have seemed impoverished with his ruined clothes, but Conrad had sold his entire estate in order to take up his current quest, and he still had enough crowns to replace his horse if need be, yet the beast had proven as stubborn as its owner. He held the reins lightly in one hand, but did not need them to ride, urging the animal on instead by squeezing its flanks so that it hastened forward to trot alongside Felicia's own mount as they made their way along the deserted road.' Have you been after her long?' Conrad spoke up suddenly, referring to Elise's mistress, his normally mellow voice framing the word her in tones of bitterness that were quite jarring in their harsh contrast. 'I started after her six months ago, but I'll hunt the black-hearted bitch for the rest of my life, on both sides of the Ran and over all the Old World if need be.' the ragged former noble's normally gelid eyes smoldered with hatred for a moment, the sort of piquant loathing that evokes a twisted kind of happiness. Conrad did not seem inclined to speak of why and although at a glance one might have assumed it was due to his current foray into the life of a poor vagabond, that this had somehow been inflicted upon him, the apparent depth of his hatred might also have suggested a more poignant, or personal motive. His words also saw him withdraw his compass again checking it with a certain compulsiveness as if fearful his quarry might somehow slip away, but the needle had no moves. As he put it away he drew his coat tighter about himself, and pulled the sleeves over his hands as if trying to ward away the cold, and as they rode on his head nodded tiredly before he shook it to wake himself. Frowning at this he grasped his once fashionable hat with its broken feather from atop the polished wooden stock of his rifle and thrust it down atop his head.' I need to sleep.' he admitted, although he seemed to resent himself for it even as he spoke. The horizon was lightening up ahead, and it was the perhaps the only reason why Conrad would permit himself rest as there was little chance their quarry would continue to travel in daylight. Moreover, it would give him a chance to inspect the journal he had taken from Elise's corpse, and he touched a hand to the outline of the book as if to reassure himself that stopping would not be a waste. Nevertheless, the wilds of Sylvia were not a safe place to sleep, and they could hardly expect to find another inn so close to the last. He gave his horse a kick urging it to speed up, although its jolting step aggravated his bruised ribs, and Conrad was too tired to pretend it didn't hurt. They were riding up hill, and upon reaching its crest he stood up in his stirrups and blinked as he peered ahead at what looked like a small structure in the distance. It was probably little more than a small shrine to More, or perhaps a toll-house, but it seemed good enough. He turned to Felicia, wondering if she had noticed it herself. Felicia chewed inside her cheek, having a thoughtful look on her face. There was a toll-house on the side of the room. They could stop there for Conrad to rest; and she wouldn’t mind a rest herself. Her eyes fell onto her armor, it needed some polishing. Yes, they should stop at the toll-house.“There is a dollhouse we can stop” she pointed it with a brief nod in tandem with a soft kick on sides of her mare, increasing the speed of her mount. The searing sun was starting to show its tail in the horizon, with narrowed eyes Felicia looked at it. The shiny orb was as alluring as it was, also deadly for her kind. She had found out the hard way, how sun would open wounds on her skin. They were superficial and the agony of her husband’s disappearance was suppressing any other pain that might come at her. But her will to find Gerald and be united again, it gave her the strength to defy the dawn. Nevertheless, it wasn’t a pleasant sight for the mortal eye what the sun could do to her flesh. As approaching the toll-house she stopped abruptly seeing the gate doors ajar with her well-trained eyes; without looking at his direction she motioned Conrad to slow down. The gate doors should have been closed and they should request entry. With an alarmed look she hopped down from her horse and pushed the gate door further with a loud squeak to reveal a lazy ‘guard’ sleeping on his post. She wasn’t impressed. Felicia walked up to the young man who was asleep on a chair. She cocked her head to one side with her hands on her hips, giving the boy a second to acknowledge their presence. Failing that the boy woke up with an abrupt fall as she pulled his chair from underneath him.“What if we were a band of marauders?” she said coldly as she moved away from the asleep guard, now woken up he was rubbing his face still sitting on the ground. Felicia clicked her tongue towards her mare, the animal slowly trotted into her direction.“Do you have a Captain stationed on this toll, boy?” her voice was calm, but it was cold and demanding. It bore authority.“N-no ma’am” the boy answered timidly.”Very well then, any more of you ?” her eyes searched the building from the outside. It looked quite abandoned.“Y-yes; the cook, me, stable boy and two more sleeping upstairs.” Felicia was somewhat relieved that she didn’t have to explain her bloodied armor to high authority but also intrigued by the abandoned post. There should have been at least four guards stationed. She shrugged and guided her mare from its bridle towards the outer yard of the toll-house. She still behaved as if she was alone. Conrad's brow creased over his companion's remark as he peered ahead at the distant building. Its shape came into focus as they rode closer, and he saw for himself that it was no shrine. Were it not for the tollgate itself the building would have been indistinguishable from some of the smaller road warden forts the former noble had seen spread across Overhaul and Disneyland, and consisted of a sturdily fenced, short stone structure with what looked like a timber out-building that was probably a small stable. It was a lucky find and would prove a safer place to halt than any shrine, although Conrad doubted they would find any further such remnants of Imperial authority now they were penetrating into Sylvia proper. In spite of this apparent good fortune though he scanned the building's windows warily, at least those that were visible on the second floor, as there seemed to be little doubt their quarry would have passed this way. She might be long gone herself, but such creatures had many servants, and it seemed, to Conrad at least, a likely place to leave an ambush. Tired though he was the dark-haired former noble drew his hand-gun once more and began the process of priming it using a small powder-horn he produced from amid the baggage fixed to his saddle. The barrel assembly needed to be rotated to expose each pan, and he had to slow his mount down even as his companion sped up until he had finished. Holstering the weapon again, and leaving it half-cocked Conrad urged his mount after his her, feeling much more comfortable now he had a weapon ready to fire, while doing his best to ignore the pain of his bruised ribs as his horse sped up. The former noble's cold blueberry eyes were still scanning the structure warily when Felicia motioned for him to wait, and Conrad tugged the reigns gently even as he too noticed the open gate. It might have seemed like cause for worry but having seen his companion fight he was less concerned with the gate, and anything that might come out of it - so long as she remained in front at least - than with the windows on the second floor. Leaping out of his saddle Conrad landed heavily on the dirt road in a way made his bruised ribs protest angrily, but he ignored them and loosened the sword sheathed at his side before drawing the handgun from its holster beside his saddle. The bulky weapon's six steel barrels made it quite heavy in contrast to a normal handgun and the weight tugged at his tired arms even as he brought the wooden stock to his shoulder and cocked the striker, though he left the barrel pointing downwards. As his companion pushed open the unlocked tollgate he was more amused than unimpressed by the young man it revealed sleeping on the other side. Smirking slightly as Felicia yanked the chair out from under the wiry youth Conrad allowed himself to relax, resting the firearm over his shoulder, and leading his horse through the open gate while she dressed the guard down for his lack of diligence.' We're not a band of marauders,' Conrad told the young guard, as if it weren't somehow obvious, even as he helped him back to his feet once Felicia started towards the stables, 'we are in fact famous killers of the dead, well I'm quite famous at the very least. I'm not certain about my esteemed companion, but perhaps you recognize me-?' the former noble frowned at the blank look on the young man's face, 'Ah, well we are a long way from Disneyland, but my name is Conrad Reichsfreiherr von Sterile, or perhaps you're more familiar with the appellation, 'the Griffon Feather.'’ Conrad waited in silence for several seconds, but the young man apparently had no idea who he was. The young toll-keeper looked at the raggedly dressed former noble, and scratched his head thoughtfully, while making a polite show of trying to recall weather he had heard of him or not.' Your feather is broken,' he observed after a moment's uncomfortable silence.' It'supposed be!' Conrad cut back swiftly.' Oh, well I'm still not sure if I've ever heard of you.'' Ah, well, that is unfortunate. News travels fast, they say, but I seem to travel faster, and my errand will not permit I pause to allow report of my great deeds to catch up with me. Still I don't doubt you can spare a room for a tired wayfarer,''There are beds upstairs,' the young guard answered, 'but we're not supposed-''Excellent!' Conrad spoke over him, while reaching into his coat, 'Here's some silver for your trouble. I'm sure you won't mind stabling my horse for me, while you're about it. Thank you indeed.' The former noble's grasp of provincial economics was slightly off, and he unwittingly gave the young man the equivalent of two weeks wages before handing him his horse's reigns. It explained the fact that he did not protest over being treated like a footman, but Conrad remained oblivious to this fact as he retrieved the long-rifle from beside his saddle, and unfastened one of the smaller saddlebags. Carrying both weapons somewhat awkwardly over one shoulder he followed the guard through the second, smaller, gate which Felicia had left open, and strode into the stable-yard.' Tell me,' Conrad spoke as they walked together, 'Have you seen a noble lady and her retinue pass by of late? She might have been in a coach, or perhaps on horse-back.'' A coach passed through last night,' he replied, 'I couldn't see inside, but there were a half-dozen men riding with it. They were surly types, like well-dressed brigands, and the driver weren't any better. He wanted to know where the next coaching inn was, said they were in a hurry. Then they paid the toll and rode off like the wind,''I see,' Conrad frowned slightly, 'How far is the next inn?'' Couldn't say in miles, but it's a day's travel by coach,''Thank you,' the former noble spoke as he halted in the yard. Conrad did not stay to watch the guard lead his horse into the stables, but made for the rear door to the toll-house itself. He felt the urge to check his compass but had no free hand with which to do so, and waited impatiently by the door for his companion, leaning against the door-frame. It was good to know his quarry was only a few hours ahead, and would no doubt be stopping for the day as well.

Silver Bullets (ATTN_ Jay7)|rating:4.0

And now SOMETHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT for serious RP-Writers

CAN YOU DO IT TOTALLY ALONE? Imagine a future world full of civil strife and unrest. Land based countries are barely holding out against Mega-Corporations both on our own world and the other planets and moons we have colonized. They can bomb a city, but where can a nation retaliate? A PO Box on the Moon? North America has broken up into seventeen different countries and/or city states and to be the King of California is a risky business, since the last four were assassinated. B.A.F.’s (Ballistic Air Flights) make hopping over to Kenya for lunch easy, and the accident rate is low. Drone class constructs are genetically engineered for the task at hand and live in their own subcultures. Even human form Dixie Class for sexual use are considered property with no rights other than those that fall under the 2452’s “Cruelty to Animals and Constructs Act”. To the nicer planets the rich immigrate and set up their own governments (such as no one under 50 can vote on Vera 9), to the raw planets the middle class immigrate and try to cut a life out for themselves away from civil conflict, and to the hellish but lucrative planets the unwanted and criminal are sent to work and die. Your role is that of a combat courier, when something has to get somewhere discretely, swiftly, and barring no obstacle…your hidden organization is hired via blinds to do it. Closed boarders, spies, unfriendly fire, friendly fire, and people who just don’t like you bar your way from completing your missions off and on planet, but you and you ALONE get the message through. Game play: You create your solo character, could be an unregistered genetic human construct, an enhanced human or a highly trained human being who works for the Shadow Steppers, a covert organization who you suspect has many fingers in many pies, but because your smart you don’t go poking into your bosses business. The courier headquarters is (currently) a hotel on Maui that never receives any other guests other than employees of Shadow Steppers. You get your assignments via many routes, and it’s up to you alone to write out how you carry them out. Details and obstacles will be PM ed to you and MUST be written in to your posts. Interaction should be only at the hotel with other PCs except in the rare instance that you bump into them on duty. CAN YOU WRITE ON YOUR OWN? That’s the big question here, and what makes this unique. Can you tell your PC’s story when he/she is acting on their own and not god mod it? Can you make it exciting and believable? It’s a challenge, I know….. So, who’s up for it? Game on! I'm here huckleberry. Let me know what you want, and I'll see if my lowly Ring skills are up to task. Yay! Build a PC with skills such as lock picking, hand to hand, you know...all that good black ops stuff along with a personality that will shine through. It's to be written in first person, so we can hear the mental gears grinding. When you're ready I'll post you getting your assignment at the Hotel and PM you your first set of hazards.*claps her hands* OH, thank you, thank you for saying yes! You've got my interest. I'll work up a rough outline of a character and try to get it to you in the next few days. Any limitations on the characters? You can be genetically, medically, or pharmasucally altered, but not grossly so, since you'd need to blend in with humans. You would have combat skills in armed and unarmed combat naturally along with other skills. The company issues you several IDs, cash, and at least one credit card, but cash is the way to go since it leaves no e-trail...and this time frame is so wired up it's easy to track people via electronic means if someone is smart enough. And your person can't be perfect, can't always win, can't always be right. It's a serious writing RP so get hurt, confused, banged up. Without conflict there is no story. If you've read Heinlein's Friday you'll see what I mean. Read this for an excerpt. A Start OK, let me give this a try.... Mark Wallis wasn't anybody. He didn't even exist, at least not anymore. Mark Wallisusedto be a Colonial Marine and a 'technology specialist' two years ago on Gideon Prime. All that was bullshit however, or at least as fake as Mark was. Just a fancy name for the local militia, caught on the wrong side of an insurgent uprising against the Federate Monopoly, one of many 'super-corporations' who owned damn near everything, including Gideon Prime. Whatwasreal was the amount of money and resources that the Colonials had invested in Mark and some of his fellow specialists. Mark was quite knowledgeable in the electronics and technology fields, but he had been augmented with a series of neural connections and other cerebral enhancements. To say he was a 'hacker' would have been crude. After all, hackers were so....21st century. Obsolete, just like the internet was. Now, there was the interplanetary Hypernet connecting everything in a virtual reality, intergalactic, superhighway of faster-than-light data streams. And to go along with the hypernet, there were the cyberattackers. Mark could literally 'plug-in' and surf the virtual world of the hypernet from theinsidethanks to his training and cybernetic and neural interlinks. Using his skills, Mark Wallis simply ceased to be. Every transaction and record was wiped clean, but that was only half the reason why Mark Wallis didn't exist. He was dead. Notliterallyof course, but the Colonials had been on the wrong side of the uprising. That is, they lost. The Monopoly had ended the uprising by making an example of the Colonials. Three TAC nukes had broken the resistance as well as vaporizing much of the leadership. Supposedly, Mark had been vaporized as well, but pure luck had had him off world for further augmentation. Seeing the writing on the wall, Mark simply disappeared, hoping to make his own way. Fortunately, there were many people and organizations who had use for a dead man with highly specialized skills. Knowledge is power, and the Hypernet was pure information, pure knowledge. And there were many who were willing to pay for the little slices Mark could turn up. Good? Sounds good, so you're taking a Johnny Demonic sort of angle? You can hack in and upload info and download it at another site? I can work with that. Capt. Michael Orchard While the need for information, and faster-than-light (FTL) communications, had grown substantially over the past decade, the need for hardened goods had never dwindled. Massive cargo shipment companies had formed their nets across the stars, forming mega-corporations that had the might to buy and sell entire planets, just as smaller corporations had done with factories on Earth in the 20th Century. Transporting food stocks from fertile planets to those being colonized to running mining machinery from factory planets to the open-continent mines on the frontier, nearly every corner was touched. But even with these nets of cargo ships crisscrossing the galaxy, some good were just too hot to handle. That's where Capt. Michael Orchard came into play. He had been specifically designed to fit into the captain's chair in the cramped cabins of the transports. He was short, only five foot six, but was well toned from the isometric exercises performed on the flights. At age 28, his pure white hair seemed out of place, but few ever said anything. His eyes were a faded blue, much like the color of an afternoon sky. Druhard was originally constructed and trained to run the 180,000 ton grain ship Hercules, and had made 32 successful runs from Gnash, a planet which produced vast amounts of wheat and other grains, to Earth. The runs had been mostly quiet and routine, load, run the route, unload, and repeat. They had been routine up until four years ago. TheHerculeshad been on the first leg of the mission when it came under attack from a group of rebels who wanted the 60,000 tons of wheat on board for themselves and their fledgling and unlicensed colony. The firefight had been short, and with only the Hercules'point defense guns to protect itself, the ship was quickly overwhelmed. Orchard managed to find his way into an escape pod and jettison himself from the ship. He was not ready to be butchered by the rebels or sold into slavery on their planet to cover up the attack. The pod had come under fire before it was able to jump to FTL speed, and crashed on a small, inhabited moon. Druhard was nearly killed in the crash, and had to have a cybernetic right arm, right leg, and right eye grafted into him to keep him alive and functional. He still looked human, except for the artificial blue of his right eye that did not quite match the natural left. He spent two years rehabilitating and training himself to fend off attackers, both in simulator environments for space combat, and in hand-to-hand combat in case he was ever boarded again. But the two years on the ground nearly killed him. He had been constructed to be in space, to pilot those ships, yet he was stuck on the ground. Unable to pilot a craft in any of the major corporations due to his new implants, Orchard decided to go underground. He made his way to a smaller trade center near the frontier, the edge of explored space, and had managed to find employment with a small band of mercenaries who called themselves the Bulldogs. They were a simple outfit, one ship, one cargo at a time, much like many of the small and fledgling shipping companies that were trying to break the stranglehold of the mega-corporations. But the cargoes they ran were far from ordinary. They were part of the market no one spoke of and ran cargoes that officially didn't exist. They had been hired for a number of jobs that were never officially recorded, and unless something went terrible wrong, no one ever knew about. Governments hired them to run weapons to begin coups against other governments, slave traders purchased their services to run prisoners to mining and prison planets, and the drug trade was always a big moneymaker. After two years in the Bulldogs, much of the original crew of Theron Dog had either left the trade to retire or had been killed. This left Orchard in charge of the operation. TheIron Dog, from the outside, looked like any number of small, intrastate transport ships, almost like a cargo container with stubby atmospheric tail guidance wings and a pointed nose. However, the Bulldogs knew that their cargoes meant risk, and risk meant that they needed protection -- and a lot of it. Theron Dog had been gutted to begin with, and its cargo capacity had been diminished by half. Filling the space were several modules fitted with high-end military and commercial communications and jamming equipment, ship-to-surface 70mm cannons, ship-to-ship 120mm high-magnetic tungsten rail guns, and the original engines had been stripped out and replaced with military-grade units. An auxiliary reactor was also added to power the additional gear, and the ship if needed. The armaments hid behind false sides of the ship that could be rotated into position quickly if needed, but remained hidden enough to fool most main port inspectors. It ran with a skeleton crew, 2 men who he had worked with the past two years, and all told, Orchard could control the ship himself. Even with the modifications, the small Iron Dogmas still outmatched by military models and most shipping company escort vessels, but it could hold its own in a skirmish with rebel ships or the occasional scout patrol. Capt. Orchard was between runs at the moment and enjoying himself on the warm sandy beach. He was just biding his time as he knew contracts were always out there, waiting to be picked up. Never saw Johnny Demonic, or read Friday....*shrugs* guess I just think along the same lines. Ok, I'm going to wrap my mind around what you've given me and post your assignments in the next day or so, Dan's a little harder since I'd been thinking single person RP, not a whole ship sorta deal.... So don't think I'm ignoring you, just working on good stuff for you, I promise! Xenia:I will be playing only Orchard. My posts will be through what he can see and do. I may add a line or two here and there about what the others are doing just as supporting details, but the other two crew members will be considered "anonymous and disposable crew members one and two." Their main duties will center around communications and maintenance, nothing spectacular. Piloting and gunnery are controlled from the cockpit. They may also be used as ship security when docked. As in "You two stay here and secure the ship. I'm going out." Hope this helps. That's what I assumed, so don't worry, be happy.... Or at least relax as much as you can on the beach til your assignment arrives. Since I haven't heard of my assignment yet, I thought I would post and just set the stage on how he ended up on the beach... Enjoy. Capt. Michael DruhardIt was nice to just sit for once, Orchard thought, sipping on the chilled drink as the sun dipped quietly behind the horizon. The soft breeze rolling off of the Pacific was warm and gentle and helped to draw the stress of the last mission from Orchard's bones. He rolled the perspiring glass on his forehead and leaned back in the wicker deck chair, the aged weaving groaning and crackling under the strain. Behind him sat Theron Dog. The scarred paint had been tended to and the gaping holes caused by the Starling Industries escort ships had been patched with the molded polysteel patches that always seemed to be in short supply. The final glow of the sun was replaced with the soft cooling glow of the polysteel welds, still cooling in the open hangar. It would be several hours before the ship was space-worthy again, and Orchard knew that the night would be his. He would wait until morning to search for a contract. Tonight, he would simply enjoy the fact that he had survived another contract and collected another paycheck. And it hadn't been by much. The contract had called for Orchard and Theron Doggo run a small container of military grade satellite/station thrusters to the main planet in the Curie system, which had been under civil unrest for decades. The thrusters would most likely be used to upgrade the orbiting weapons platforms so they could be moved to geosynchronous positions over the various battlefields. Orchard didn't care. It wasn't his war, but it was going to help bring him closer to buying himself out of the Bulldogs and moving on to retirement. Someplace quiet where he wouldn't always have to carry a loaded mag rifle for protection. The load had gone smoothly. Orchard simply showed up at the manufacturing plant and the cargo container, sealed in the same polysteel the exterior armor was made of to protect the components from accidental damage, was quickly loaded onto Theron Dolby an unmarked forklift. Better to leave no trails, Orchard had thought, especially for the video surveillance that was no doubt going on. TheIron Dogmas no stranger to port facilities, often running legitimate cargoes within the system to make money on the side. However, it was the illegal cargoes that really paid the bills. The unmarked containers that did not officially exist that were carried by the undercover ship were what drove the business. But to the overhead surveillance, this load would simply like another standard shipping container being loaded for a short flight. And once Theron Dog left port, the security facilities would dismiss the footage as non-threatening, and it would likely be recorded over or sent to the off-planet records section within 48 hours. Either way, it was highly unlikely that anyone would ever suspect what was really in the container. The mission had proceeded smoothly until Orchard entered the Curie system. Two of the familiar orbiting weapons platforms were gone, reduced to smoldering hulks of twisted metal slowly succumbing to gravity as their orbits decayed. The DE'Morn faction, always considered the underdogs in the fight, had somehow managed to hire, or bribe, Starling Industries into sending in several of their medium escort ships to destroy the platforms. The snub-nosed escort ships were already closing on him. The three ports on each of their noses carried two of the same tungsten rail guns that Theron Dog carried, each capable of popping a grapefruit-sized hole in the hull of a ship from more than half a system away. The three came in an inverted "V" formation, allowing the two side ships to cover the center ship's flanks while advancing. The lead ship had hailed Orchard, and demanded to be allowed to board and personally inspect the cargo. And true to fashion, Orchard had simply told them to go to hell. No one was boarding his ship, especially not some cut-rate, second-class hired security force. He had calmly started the second reactor, allowing the primary core to recharge the ship's FTL drive for another jump. The secondary reactor only provided half the power of the main drive, but it would be enough to get him out of range of the escort's guns. He hoped. He had pushed the throttles to full military thrust, the emergency setting that would get him the most acceleration possible from the engines, and aimed the pointed nose of Theron Dog just above the lead ship's nose. The first salvo from their guns missed as their gunners did not anticipate the sudden acceleration. The second salvo however, from the smaller turret-mounted cannons, tore into the ship with their full might. Orchard had sealed the cockpit off from the cargo bay, in case there was a depressurization that the automatic door did not respond to, but he still felt the sucking force of the gashes in the ship's sides. Several caution lamps flashed in the darkness, alerting Orchard to the hull breaches and secondary systems that had been disabled during the attack. Druhard checked the main systems and praised himself for armoring them, just in case. He opened the safety cover and pressed the "Cargo Jettison" button just as he passed over the nose of the lead ship. The 92-foot-long container was propelled out the back end of the ship and slammed into the reinforced plating of the escort ship just in front of the bridge. Theron Dog swept over the escort's communications tower and Orchard pushed the control yolk to the right, sideslipping the ship in a wide arc so it faced away from the system's twin suns. The primary reactor had recharged the drive and Orchard quickly ran a computer navigation check so he knew where he would end up after the jump. TheIron Dog shuddered again as the escort ships swung their turrets and began to fire at the two bright blue exhaust vents of the engines. More warning lights flashed, but Orchard paid them no attention. It was now or never if he was going to survive this one. He pressed the blinking "Engage" switch just to the right of the yolk just as the 90-second timed fuse in the cargo container wound down. Druhard made sure that each container he took on board had anti-theft and anti-pirate safety devices installed. For this run, a simple timer tied into the 90 pounds of uranium fuel on each of the 242 thrusters made sure no one would, other than the intended target, would ever receive the cargo. The lead escort ship, captained by a shorter man sporting a graying beard, disappeared into the nuclear fireball that erupted only a half-kilometer off its stern. Theron Dog'SFT drive pulled the ship out of the system before the Lithe-Fusion drive of the escort ship erupted as part of a chain reaction of devastation that, in the end, would destroy one of the remaining escort ships and send the other into a powerless spin into the void of space. Druhard had seen death that day. He had walked up to the man with the scythe, stared into the empty blackness of the skull, and calmly punched him in the stomach." At least they paid half up front," Orchard said to himself as the first stars began to appear in the night sky. "Always half up front, just in case…" And with that, he drifted quietly into a deep and resting sleep. About posting got a question, so there would be no GM in this game? Like all that happens to our characters would be made up by us? Yes, with just some plot starters and twists provided by me. Which I am going to do as soon as my Soc paper is done, I have it all plotted out in here *taps head* but been to busy to put it out here *taps screen*Sorry Dan, I know you're waiting, I'll do it tomorrow at the very latest! Michael Orchard's messenger beeped." Please report to room 441." Room 441 was spartan, with a buffed steel desk and steel chairs that didn't look comfortable and blue walls. Behind the desk sat Keys, a woman who generally gave him his assignments." Druhard, good to see you again. Your looking well." She smiled at him, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. Her eyes were always all business, even though she was a pretty woman." I have an easy one for you." She set a case on the desk. It was about two foot by two foot by three inches and also a buffed silver. It was also sealed at all seams, and he didn't see a latch." Simply take this box to Prime, undetected, and give it to the Minster of Home, without anyone knowing, and without anyone knowing you've contacted him, which you can't do publicly." She spread her hands wide. "Now how simple is that? Any questions?" "Is that Mark Wallis?" Dr. Jones asked. "So it is, I was just going to have you paged. Will you come with me to the lab please for your assignment?" As they walk down the twisted underground hallways that weren't on any map Dr. Jones chatted about his grandchildren, even to the point of pulling out photos. But as soon as the step into the lab, the older man is all business." Mark, you know about Denver. To recap it's been sealed off as a biohazard area with Valentine's Disease, which is incurable. Roll up your sleeve." With a quick injection Dr. Jones nods his satisfaction. "Well, we've discovered that the entire incident is a testing phase, no need to concern you with the details, and I've just inoculated you with the vaccine." He steps over to a 'jack console. "So, what we are going to do is upload clues to the culprit and the vaccine specs into your brain, and you have to get into Denver and download it into the mainframe of the Disease Control Center. It has to come from inside the zone, or our operation will be blown in another sector." He holds up the cord to Mark. Mark followed but only half listened to Dr. Jones's comments. The pictures were nice and all that, and his conversation was pleasant enough, butnoonein the organization talked to anyone unless theywantedyou to know...or at least wanted you to know what they were telling you anyway. Shadow Steppers were so secretive, Mark doubted half the Shadow Steppers knew anything about anything." Denver? Yeah, I know a little bit about it. It's quarantined I'm sure. So why doesn't the government just cleanse it via thermonuclear detonation? That's their usual M.O." Dr. Jones shrugged. "Don't know. I just know you need to get this into their mainframe. Ready yet?" Mark shrugged and laid down onto the reclining table and relaxed. The doctor clipped the receiver jack into a port at the base of his skull. A second jack plugged into another port hidden his hairline just above Mark's left temple. There was a soft hum as the data was translated and uploaded. Mark has the flickering image of dozens and dozens of images flickering just behind his eyes. The human brain was capable of tremendous abilities. Your typical human used less than a quarter of it in day to day life. Carjacker technology had tapped and augmented the unused portion of the brain into storage and data possessing units so fast that Mark himself could not analyze or even comprehend it as fast as his brain could. It made the Carjacker a walking super computer in a way. But the real power a Jacket had was in the electronic grids and sub-routines which connected everything together in this modern age. In the Hypernet, a jacket could almostbecomethe grid. An electronic mini-verse where thought and action were the same thing, carjackers could be lords of creation...or destruction. That's why there were so few outside some government or megacorp control and why someone like Mark was so precious. The upload was done in just under a minute and Mark sat up, feeling a touch disoriented as the jacks were removed. He took a deep breath before pushing himself up off the table." You have what I asked for?" Mark inquired. Dr. Jones used a key to open a locked counter top. Withdrawing a few items and naming each as he laid them on the stainless steel counter."20,000 credit mark card, separate bank data transfer card, half your payment's already deposited, minus the cost of all this stuff of course. A supply of stems as per your specs, top of the line stuff of course, the Homer optic cable and recorder you requested and your skiff's being fueled as we speak. That all?"" Yeah." Mark said, scooping up his new belongings into various pockets. "See ya, Doc." He left without looking or talking to anyone else. Once outside, he caught a transport shuttle which passed through the Maui resort and over to the Honolulu aerospace port. The Hawaiian islands were still a hotbed of for both legal and illegal activity. It's strategic location made it a natural base of operations for everything from ago farmers, to network comm relays to anti-California insurrectionists. It was a good place to get lost in a crowd of humanity too. Mark made his way to his space skiff. His own personal mode of transportation and roving base of operations. It had no name, just an identity registration number. (which had a tendency to change from time to time and place to place) Privately, Mark called Memory, as a joke he'd learned from a fragment from an age-old derelict computer core he'd been hired to salvage in old capitol D.C. A fragment from an old 20th century commercial asking; 'Is it real, or is it Memory?' Mark loved it. Mark closed the door, heading down to the heart of the ship, the control room. Contrary to standard ships, the bridge was not the control room. On the Memory, the sick bay was. Mark removed his clothing, replacing them with a less conservative set of briefs. With a set of tubes set in seemingly uncomfortable places. He also stepped into a pair of lounge slippers, seemingly out of place given the rest of his meager apparel. Opening the door to the sick bay, anyone else might have been intimidated to enter what seemed to be a mad scientists lair of mechanical arms, tubes, consoled and God knew what else. More disturbingly might have been the reclining couch in the midst of it all. Mark felt no apprehension at all, in fact, he'd built it just for him. He took a moment to STE the stems on a counter before plugging the tubes from his briefs into their proper receptacles. He also checked what could only be an IV drip before settling onto the couch. The IV needle was inserted into his left forearm and after a moment of checking the drip, Mark reached over his head, taking a pair of jack uplink cables and inserted them into their proper ports. He took a deep breath again, relaxing before finally setting a respirator mask over his nose and mouth. A series of neural sensors build into the couch came to life as he lay down and there was a whirl and click underneath the couch. Reaching down on either side and into a 5-holed slot for each hand. A neural clip was set on each finger as Mark brought his arms up to rest at his sides. At the same time, a scrolling probe crept up from over the right side of his head. With a click, a pair of LCD optics unfolded, gingerly lowering themselves until they were set over Mark's eyes. As a final act, the chair automatically restrained Mark about the waist upper torso, wrists and ankles. There was a hiss if oxygen, and Mark lost consciousness as the uplink began.......or gained consciousness as the uplink began. There were always stories of out-of-body experiences here and there. From old Earth or some other worlds. Near death adventures or some such, so one might understand in theory what Mark was experiencing, but his had nothing to do spirituality and everything to do with science and electronics. Mark was aware of his body below him, looking like something out of a medical experiment, but that was due to the tiny camera built into the sick bay bulwarks. In fact, Mark was aware of everything, through every camera, sensor and system available to the Memory. Using his body and brain as a conduit, Mark had integrated himself with the computer and electrical systems of his skiff. A few years ago, Mark had been hired to infiltrate and acquire a detailed schematic of the Reader aerospace fighter system. A Reader was a top of the line, no, abetterthan top of the line fighter craft, which was dominating their sector of military and trade protection markets. What Mark had found was amazing. With a sort of variation of carjacker technology, the Reader pilots had actually merged their own consciousness into the Reader fighter's battle computers. The result was a living, thinking and responding combat system which was superior to any A.I. system out there. The Readers were both man and machine, a cybernetic weapons platform. Amazing. Mark had been fascinated, but had noted a major flaw. The 'Readers' were literally hardwired into their ships and as such, found their lives greatly limited. Needless to say, their owners did not let them out to 'play' much. Hence, the pilots suffered 'cerebral degradation'. Whether from their high risk missions or because of their metal prisons, Readers didn't live very long. Mark had been able to one up the Readers, however. With his own augmentation and capabilities, Mark was able to duplicate the Reader's integration system, but was still able to download back into his body. It was not as effective as a Reader fighter, but it was better than any human pilot's hand-eye coordination. Now in the ship, Mark, through the many mechanical arms and instruments on board, analyzed the items Dr. Jones had given him. Mark didn't expect anything shady, but it wouldn't be the first time that a Shadow Stepper had been eliminated for 'knowing too much'. Fortunately, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. His next task was to review and analyst the data about the Denver situation. An incurable disease but he was given an inoculation with a pre-arranged vaccine. The Valentine's Virus was fishy. Time to see what was really in the water. Capt. Michael DruhardThe mission had seemed easy enough. A simple case delivered to Prime, to be delivered discreetly. There may be some complications with the infiltration into the Minister's home, but that was to be expected. No job could be simple or easy. Things had gone to hell, and fast. The Minister was dead. A clean and damn near impossible shot had been taken from a mile out while he was eating his morning Danish and drinking his daily cup of imported coffee. With no additional contact, the case should have been returned to Room 441, and the completion bonus for the contract would be forfeited. Then the case was jacked. Orchard had been reading an article on the King and Queen's inability to bear an heir to the throne in the Prime newspaper, Tomorrow Today, when a boy no older than 14 had run into Orchard after coming out of an alley. The move in itself was non-threatening, but it was a set-up for the other boys lying in wait. The seven of them sprung and knocked Orchard down, and the slim case had barely touched the soiled pavement before the gang had taken it and disappeared into the slums. The small microtransmitter Orchard had attached to the case, for just such an occasion, was still working, but the slums were no place for a lone figure at night. Orchard returned to the ship and broke the news to the Nate Weeding, the ship's first officer for the mission. Weeding took the news almost as if he had expected it, a reaction Orchard was troubled by. Weeding knew that without returning the case, they would also have to forfeit the 50-percent advance they had received prior to the mission, meaning both would go home with nothing to show for their troubles and no cash to pay the fuel and repair bills for the ship. Druhard brushed it off, Weeding had been working hard overhauling the drive coils for the main guns, and had been putting in some long hours, especially at night. The two settled into the ship's small aft cabins, deciding that they would retrieve the case tomorrow. There was no way a group of punk kids were going to break the thermos seal and the lodestone mag seal the case was equipped with. Druhard slept uneasy that night. Visions of the gang and their coordinated assault. It was almost as if they knew he was going to be there and had expertly planned the ambush. And for what? A case they knew they could not open and could not be sold on the street? It didn't make sense. Orchard rose and checked the small clock he kept next to his bunk. It was just past 4 a.m. Perhaps Keys could shed some light on the case and its contents. He tried her on the secure line at the office, doubting she would be in so early on a non-standard business day. However, she picked up on the first ring." Keys here," she said, the deadpan tone of her voice suggested she had either just gotten to the office, or just woken up, perhaps both." Keys, it's Orchard. I need some info on that case. You know the one I am talking about," Orchard said, avoiding reference to where he was or the specifics of the case, because even secure lines could be tapped into now with the hackers on the loose. "It's been jacked, and I need to know why."" Damn it, The Minis.," Keys sighed and corrected herself on the line," …the ordering party just said that it was something that had to be delivered to him by ten today. It's perishable, and there is some genetic material involved."" That gives me six hours. What kind of material?" Orchard knew he was pressing his luck, but maybe fortune would smile on him today." He didn't say exactly, but it had something to do with a throne. Something about the next generation," she said. "That's all I know. Just remember, if you don't deliver, or bring back the case, the contract is void." The tone came almost immediately. She had hung up. Druhard sat and pulled a prepackaged ration from the cramped galley and began to chew on the stale freeze-dried bar while he thought. What would the Minister of Home be doing with genetic material? And what the hell did the next generation mean? He sat on the aft jump seat and pulled the tattered remnants of the previous day's newspaper closer. Maybe the puzzles would help clear his head. The photo on page three froze Orchard in his tracks. The King and Queen were making a public appearance, doing some meaningless public endorsement of a new tree planted, but it was who was in the background that caught his attention. The Minister of Home stood to the left, speaking with a man in a long, grayed trench coat. Orchard had run into the man once before on a delivery. He was Dr. Otto Graham, one of the system's leading experts in genetic manipulation and cloning technologies. His work was centered not around cloning genetic copies that merely had a physical resemblance to their originals, but to copy the mind as well, allowing people to continue life even after their original bodies had given out. The Minister must have commissioned Dr. Graham to clone the King so he could rule again. The next generation. It made sense. The lodestone mag seal on the case would protect the genetic material in the case from outside magnetic fields that may disrupt the growth of the cerebral net. But what would thieves want with the case? His thoughts were interrupted by a loud pounding at the main bulkhead door." Captain Orchard, we wish to speak with you." The voice did not identify itself. Orchard activated the ship's internal security camera system and saw three men, wearing the uniforms of the Secret Police, who served as the planet's private security force and army, standing outside the bulkhead. "We have information that connects you with the assassination attempt of the Minister of Home and the plot to overthrow the King by the People's Party. Comply, or we will have no choice but to use force to take you into custody." Druhard switched over to Weeding's bunk and flicked the intercom. Weeding was not in his bunk. He had left the ship. Things were falling into place. Weeding must have been in on the ambush. His folks were from this planet and must have been sympathetic to the people's cry for a democratic republic and the need to oust the king. Knowing that the case, which would be used to continue the monarchic rule, was on the ship and would be delivered to the Minister, who would use it to duplicate the King, Weeding had set the ambush to steal the case long enough to spoil the genetic print it contained. He had five hours left to find and deliver the case to the King personally, again without being spotted, and the Secret Police were going to be hounding him every inch of the way because they thought he was in on the assassination. Terrific.(Part Two, the conclusion of this exciting and daring tale, will be seen tomorrow, or maybe this afternoon… Capt. Michael DruhardDruhard knew that he couldn't take off if the outer door was open, and he couldn't fly the ship without getting to the cockpit. These were both serious problems with the three Secret Police standing outside the main bulkhead. Orchard did not like to kill, and only did so as a last resort. He needed some way to drive them from the ship, make them want to leave. The fire suppression system. He could activate it remotely, prep the ship for launch, and seal the outer door from his sop at the security station. The pounding was becoming much less friendly, and Orchard noted that one had returned to the ship with a heavy rifle, probably anticipating a resisting captain. Druhard flipped open the Halon valves and flooded the compartment with the fire retardant gas. Halon was designed to quench fires by removing oxygen from the air, something that the Secret Police could not do without, especially since they were not outfitted with the hazardous and biological oxygen filters. The three quickly ran from the compartment, coughing against the onslaught of gas. Orchard worked quickly turning on the ventilation system to vent the gas outside to further push them away from the ship, and began the pre-launch sequence that would warm the engines in preparation for take-off. Less than 30 seconds later, Orchard was airborne. There was some small-arms fire from the Secret Police below, but none of the small-caliber weapons had the punch to penetrate the ship's armor plating. The tracking device was still active, and Orchard heeled the ship around sharply and aimed the nose towards the slums. Keeping low and avoiding breaking the sound barrier kept the ship from drawing attention and helped it to blend into the everyday traffic above the city. The tracking device was leading Orchard to the edges of the slums that bordered the wasteland, and area that had been stricken by an alien virus and obliterated to avoid contamination. Orchard set the ship down near a grouping of ramshackle buildings that the tracer had narrowed the search to. Orchard stepped into the main compartment and donned a flak vest before grabbing his personal-portable rifle and exiting the ship. He set the ship's security systems to seal the doors and ports and armed the exterior anti-personnel mines scattered across the ships' surface. The small transmitter Orchard took with him helped to narrow the search. A dingy, tin-sided shanty was where the signal was coming from, and where Orchard hoped the case would be. He edged into the darkened building, careful not to allow himself to be silhouetted against the light, and saw them. The group of thieves, just boys really, was crowded around a barrel in which a fire was burning. There were nine of them around the barrel, including one facing away from Orchard who seemed older and in charge." I believe you have something that belongs to me," Orchard said, raising his rifle and taking aim at back of the taller boy's chest. "And I want it back. Now." The taller boy stood and turned slowly. Orchard felt his heart sink as he recognized Weeding." I can't let you have it," Weeding said, motioning for the other boys to move back away from the barrel and into the shadows at the back of the small building. "The contents are too damaging, we'd never survive." Druhard did not lower the rifle. The hatred for this man standing in front of him, the hatred for this man who had used him, the hatred for this man who had deceived him and set him up, was overpowering. His finger tensed on the trigger." I don't give a rat's ass how damaging it is. I was hired to deliver it and I damn well intend to. And if I have to go through you to do it, I will," Orchard said, advancing to within five feet of Weeding. It was 8:30. Only an hour and a half until the case had to be delivered. "Now where's the case?" Weeding didn’t answer, but his eyes flicked momentarily to his right where a pile of old and tattered clothing was piled. Orchard could see the outline of the case under an old coat, and also made out the outline of a pistol near the edge." Don't…" Orchard began, his voice dropping to lower tones, almost pleading with Weeding not to reach for the gun. Weeding sprung to the side and grasped the gun as he fell to his knees. He wheeled and aimed the antiquated and rusted gun at Orchard. Orchard recognized the piece. It was an older model gunpowder-primer pistol that was used by the Earth military prior to the development of personal and portable magnetic rail technology. Weeding was pulling back the hammer and taking aim when the quarter-inch diameter tungsten rod from Orchard's rifle passed through his skull, just above his right eyebrow, at nine times the speed of sound. His body dropped quietly to the ground, still clutching the ancient weapon. Druhard stooped over and retrieved the gun, noticing there wasn't even ammunition in it before tossing it aside. He retrieved the case from under the pile of coats and turned towards the door. The eight boys showed almost no emotion as they stared at their fallen comrade from the shadows. Their only reaction was to step back into the light and gather around the warmth of the burning barrel. Druhard stepped back into the light and began the slow walk back to Theron Dog. He had been used, deceived, framed, and had been forced to kill a man he had worked with for nearly eight months. This case had been nothing but trouble, and he would be glad to be rid of it. Theron Dog rose into the Prime sky and banked slowly towards the Imperial Palace. Druhard kept the ship low and subsonic to avoid detection. At the altitudes he was flying, he would be lost in daily traffic and most likely not followed or tracked by the Secret Police. However, breaking into the Imperial Palace and delivering the case to the King personally within the next hour was going to be more difficult that it seemed. Druhard set the ship's automatic pilot to fly over the east grounds of the Palace. The numerous landscaping features, fountains and hedges, would provide cover to get close to the palace and perhaps reveal a secondary entrance used by the gardening and maid staff. The ship dropped to within five feet of the palace grounds and Orchard jumped from the cockpit door. The ship continued on its preprogrammed course and set down in a field nearly three miles distant. Druhard clutched the case, tucked securely in an interior pouch of his flak vest, as he rolled to a stop near a row of hedges. The alarm had not yet been sounded. Orchard crept along the hedgerow until it ended, 70 yards short of the palace itself. 70 yards. It seemed so short on the map, yet the distance looked like 20 miles from his hiding place. The guards patrolling the rooftop overlooking the grounds had eyed the ship carefully when it flew over, but Orchard had shielded himself from view with the wings as he jumped. The guards were used to such overflights and several companies offered tours of the city that included close viewing of the picturesque grounds for hold-photography opportunities. It was 11:15. Time was running out and Orchard needed to enter the palace quickly. He gathered an armload of dried branches that had fallen from the hedges and stood. He walked slowly, looking bored, as he strode towards the door to the palace. It was a gamble he hoped paid off. He was completely exposed. Any guard that suspected Orchard of being a thief or intruder would likely shoot first and ask questions later. The branches helped to obscure the bulky flak vest and, from nearly 60 yards above, helped to make him look like any other gardener. The door was unlocked and Orchard quickly stepped inside. The interior of the palace was immense, and Orchard had less than an hour to deliver the case. He began to run, hoping the padded carpeting would muffle his footfalls and keep the guards from catching on to his presence. The King's chambers were on one of the uppermost floors, and Orchard began to climb the first staircase he found. Twenty minutes later as Orchard continued to climb and work his way through the maze of corridors, he noticed the walls were covered with a plush fabric. The decor told him that he was on the correct floor. Now all he had to do was find the King himself. He rushed ahead and turned a corner, coming face to face with the Secret Police. Orchard had failed to notice the pinhole cameras mounted throughout the palace. It must have been easy for them to pinpoint his location once he entered and track him to an ambush point." Well, we meet again Captain," the lead Officer said, smirking as a hunter who had successfully tracked and cornered his prey. "And what, pray tell, are you doing here?" Druhard reached under his vest and drew out the case." Delivery for the King. And if he doesn't have it in about," Orchard stopped to check his watch, "nine minutes, I'm betting that you'll all be fired or shot." The Officer pulled out a portable radio and spoke into it, apprising his superiors of the latest developments. There was a near instantaneous reply that even Orchard could hear." Bring the case immediately. No delays." The four began a run through the final corridors to the King's chambers. Two more flights of stairs and nearly a mile of corridors. Three minutes to go. The group burst through the final set of oaken doors and stood before the King. He was a short man, standing no taller than 5 feet, and looked quite frail even in his relatively young age." Give it to me, immediately," he said, reaching for the case. The officer handed the silvered case to the King, who produced a small magnetic-coded key card from under his robe. Waving it over the case, the seal parted and the case opened. The Kind removed the web-like material from the lined interior and placed it on his head. A single cable ran back to the case, which began to emit a high-pitched whirring noise."Thanks to Horace you got here when you did," the King said as he sank into a nearby chair. "Dr. Otto Graham designed this case specifically for me. It will exactingly copy the coherent part of my brain so he will be able to transfer it to a genetically modified clone of myself. Finally, we will be able to conceive and continue the bloodline." Druhard stood silently, wondering if he had condemned these people to another lifetime of suffering under the heavy fist of the monarchy. He turned and began to walk from the chamber, but was stopped by the officer once again." You were lucky this time," he said. "You showed us a weak point in the security. However, unless you are invited personally by His Majesty, the next time I see you even look at the palace grounds, I'll kill you myself." He stepped aside before continuing. "I will give you an escort to your ship, and then I want you to leave Prime immediately. Understood?" Druhard began to head for the door, rubbing his temples at the approaching headache that always seemed to come after a successful drop as he began to relax and take stock of the risks he just took." Yeah, I understand," he said. "I could use a stiff drink and some time on the beach after this one." OCC: Mission completed, well done! Mark's mind directed the information regarding the virus and serum. He wasn't trained enough to understand the medical details or biochemical analysis, but he understood the virus's symptoms well enough. The virus shut down the body's ability to absorb nourishment from food, and a person slowly starves to death before your eyes. Not an overly pleasant way to go. Denver seemed to be the spontaneous center of the outbreak and was currently quarantined. Damned convenient that, both the sudden 'spontaneous' mutation of a disease that had a 100% contractability and 97% fatality rate. Lucky that only Denver was affected..... damned convenient.... Bullshit. Pure and simple. Sadly, the disease itself wasn't bullshit. Much of Denver was either infected or dead already. Mark hated the idea of bio-chem weapons or their ilk, which is what he suspected the Valentine's Virus really was. They were filthy and indiscriminate....and had a nasty tendency to get out of control no matter what the 'controls' in place were. He had taped into satellite imagery showing several bonfires burning in the city. It was ugly down there. The skiff was finally ready, and the fuel lines were disconnected. Mark electronically paid the bill and with a thought, charged the engines. After a moment, the skiff lifted off the tarmac, slowly hovering away from the spaceport, waiting for clearance to depart. It wasn't long before the Memory lifted and easily sped off, away from Ha wall and towards Denver. Mark's satellite snooping was also cross referenced with maps and other pictures of Denver, all of which were downloaded as Mark considered a way into Denver and to his objective. He also managed to tap a military compline, which confirmed his worries. Denver was indeed quarantined and completely locked down. Government troops had standing orders to fire on anyone or anything trying to pass through Denver's quarantine zone. Moreno, troops were actively inside the city and enforcing a strict curfew. Denver was a proverbial death camp. Getting in was only half the problem. Getting back out would be the real hard part.

And now SOMETHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT for serious RP-Writers|rating:4.0

The Children of Irem IC

Welcome tithe Children of IREM. Below are the game rules which you can skim to get a rough idea of how we'll be playing. ST posts will have each player's name above their post. Read all of them or just your own, it's your choice, just please restrict meta-gaming. PM me if you have anything else to ask. RulesHere be a few simple ground rules that will hopefully answer any lingering questions about how this thread will be run.1) Post Format don’t particularly care how you format your posts, provided they are legible. However, I would strongly encourage you to use the standard set up on these boards: normal text being actions, italics being thoughts, “quotations and color being used for speech”, etc. Obviously with so many players it will be difficult for each character to have their own unique color, so I will leave you to sort that out amongst yourselves in the IOC thread. However, I personally would not mind if two characters had the same/similar color text for speech, nor would I mind if you don’t use a color at all – just be sure to use quotation marks in that case, so I know you’re talking instead of doing something.2) Dice Rolls and God-Modding Any action that has no real requirement based of skills or effect on NPCs, can be easily performed, and you may post your actions and their obvious results immediately. Anything that requires the use of any skill, such as scaring a mugger or a throwing a brick to hit a car, will require a roll. Rolls made in the IOC for actions, with the ST editing the roll as appropriate.3) The ST is Final Adjudicator All of my ST posts are final, unless there has been severe miscommunication. I will talk to you via PM if I feel your behavior is interfering with the other player's enjoyment of the game. If you feel I am acting too severely, likewise then please PM so we don't clutter the IOC with discussion on semantics.4) Post Regularly, But Don’t Worry About It'll post around once a week, with all characters in a single block. If you've posted that week, you get your ST post, if not, you'll have to try again next week. Should a player go missing for a month without notice, I will assume they're unable to play any longer and I will accept if other people wish to join the game instead. If you guys have formed a group, I will post a single ST reply between all of you. Only one player of the group needs to post, but the rest will be NPC'd and potter around being useless until you take control again.5) Ending Your Descent Early Should your Mummy end his/her Descent early, either through succeeding your first purpose or repeated death cycles, but you still wish to continue there are two options to take. Firstly, you become one of your cultists. Obviously, you will have not nearly as much power as a mummy, but you will have a strong connection to the plot and maybe able to resurrect your first character later on. Or you can become a fresh mummy, who is as far behind the rest as I feel necessary, and with no addition XP as your status at Seem 10 will be enough compensation. I think that about covers it. Three Serpent Society Tomb, AlgiersjosienomsThe patterns fill your eyes, the perfect equations of parallel lines to concentric circles overlaying each other. Their distinct colors and mathematical alignment are a welcome sight to greet your arrival from Dual, but you know you don’t have time to waste staring at the ceiling, you have a purpose. Your ancient bones creak as your arms uncross themselves, the black, fleshless fingers of your shrouded hands opening to reach around the edges of your open sarcophagus. You rise slowly; to view a kneeling congregation of some two dozen black shawled men and white robed women surrounding your resting place in a circle. They are divided by gender, with a single man and woman who stand amongst their opposed gender to complete the Call, a black dot in white and white dot in black. You stand above them all, raised upon your sarcophagus and your precious relic beneath it. The room is quiet enough that you can hear the panicked mummers of your kneeling subjects; all of them praying to you not strike them down in your mercy, as supernatural fear fills them, clutching at their various rings or necklaces of the faith. The pair moves through the small crowd to reach the foot of your relic, their features both looking very nervous. They both hold one of the two scrolls you recognize as part of your Call’s ritual, though you have no recollection of giving them to anyone. The woman is the elder, appearing to be at least beginning into middle age, her gentle features indicating her Algerian heritage, her brown hair cut short and her eyes nearly steady with yours, even in the face of your Terror Saris. Her counterpart stands a foot taller than her, but his fear makes his presence seem smaller. He is clean-cut and is in the prime of adulthood, his skin a shade darker than hers and his hands tremble around the Scroll of Awakening he carries. The woman clears her throat, with a distinctive rise and fall that sparks a familiar tone, before declaring in clear French,“Goddess Strobe, we wish for the alignment of the Ancient World to flow through the International Tower, in glory of the forgotten past. We humbly ask of you to collect five vestiges, each one aligned to a piece of the fivefold soul. One of Knowledge, Passion, Courage, Endurance and Fear.” The room immediately silences as everyone waits on your reply. The male priest almost seems to be using his scroll as a shield in case you are to lash out at them for commanding you. But you feel in your fivefold soul that the words are true, that this is your purpose. Wrecked Tomb, IstanbulwatupwithdatYou hear screams of battle and cracks of whips, of blood spilled and men dying through the black confines of your stone casket. It is a glorious return from Dual to listen to, but at the same time, it fills you with a growing rage, that someone would dare to desecrate your tomb, your shrine. Pressing both hands against the shallow stone roof in front of you, you lift the sealing slab with little effort, throwing it off of your casket onto the sandstone floor. The light of the tomb’s torches glare down on your husk of a body, the emaciated flesh of the awoken Oahu always appearing so lowly, despite the silk coverings, yet so potent all the same. Stepping out into your tomb, you survey the state of your crypt; mostly it is untouched, except for the odd pockmarks of that have ravaged the statue of the Lion-headed, its effects far worse than an injury to the artistry. The Pillar of Ab within your tomb has irreparably damaged, there will be vengeance for this when you rally your summoner. But where your summoner is you cannot see, you know that you awoke through magic, and not theft, but there is no one to greet you. Moving further towards the locked door that guards your resting place, you now notice the body of a dead man slumped against the front of your sacred relic, the off-white statuette sitting upon its small pillar marked with a stain of blood. Fresh blood still leaks from his chest, with similar indented marks to the scars on your wall covering his body, his body is clothed in one of those strange torso garments, a thick layer of some cattle hide crafted into a sleeved traveler’s cloak. The fashion of the modern world was always bordering practicality and stupidity, it seems. His left hand grasps the thick bronze key to your crypt door, held in a death rigor as his other hand is limply pressed against the base of the statuette. You see the streak of his own crimson essence coating the surface of the relic and, looking further, leading a trail of blood between the relic and your casket made in his last moments. A crude method, but at least he did something useful before his death. From beyond the stone door to your crypt, you can hear men’s voices approaching; along with the sound of those whip cracks again. Good luck to them, the lock was three inches thick, they weren’t getting in without your invitation. Their voices loud and aggressive, but they would be crushed for their insolence. This was your tomb and you will accept no transgression. The Society of Viziers Tomb, JeddahDyingOfThirstThe Viceroy’s Eye hangs slightly overhead, within your glass cabinet, its Seem fading softly as it offers a portion of its power to restore yours. Your skinless limbs sit cross-legged, hands resting in your lap, with a formal Arabic Bight clothing your form. You reflexively blink as you move from your death pose of gazing at the relic, turning to the men dressed in servant’s attire outside your glass box. There are only five are the apparent welcome party to greet you, all of them looking very uncomfortable to stand in your presence, two even appear to be trying to move slightly behind their braver peers. As you push the glass door open, they take a collective step backwards before steadying themselves again. The two at the back speak between themselves in hushed Arabic,“Is it really alive?”“HE. He is alive. Don’t say ‘it’ in front of the Mentor. He could bake you with a look!” The other three quieten their fellows, looking both worried and embarrassed for their slight. As you stand and exit your container, they collectively bow to you, one man stepping forward with a piece of paper gripped tight in his hand.“Great Mentor, our fortune has been kind in your absence, thanks to your lessons. We call upon you to further our cause and your own.” The still bowing man presents the paper to you. You recognize it as a quick-painting, a modern invention that uses powder and light, though you do not remember them having color last time. The not-painting depicts a small golden-hued signet ring sitting inside a glass case, its seal depicting the stylized Eremite symbol for Key. A sudden vision of the relic’s Refer fills your mind, your mind’s eye travelling just beyond the city’s boundaries. You see a palace, a grand picturesque home of an obviously influential figure, before the vision expands, and you can see the dozen or so armed guards that patrol the border of the palace’s walls. Your vision focuses on a man, he is dressed in similar garbs to you, with an additional gut of gluttony, as he breathes deeply from the scent of his garden’s tulips. As he steps inside the building, your vision pulls you back into your body again.“Mentor, we believe this item to be a relic of the Nameless Empire. We ask that you retrieve it and grant us two uses of its powers, to aid our cult.” He smiles, though you can see the doubt on his face, as such mortals are inclined, when they do not share your gifts of certainty. The Lion's Maw Tomb, Brooke wood CemeteryPseudoStrawYour body is completely immobilized, as you feel layers upon layers of bandaged cloths surrounding your flesh tighten on your first twitch of your Descent. You are forced into a sitting position, upright as a leader, yet held by such weak material. The weight of your marble death mask sits over your shoulders, reducing your vision into utter blackness. Your awakening is upon you, and no bindings, mortal or otherwise will stop your purpose. Your Oahu strains against the bindings, first an inch, then a tear, then a hand rips free as you vent the anger of your constraint will every effort to free yourself. You have to escape it, you need to, you must have your purpose. Your free hand claws at the bandages surrounding the other, pulling chunks of cotton at a time, until the second is now free. Together, they pull the remains of cloth from your body, gripping your death mask tightly as your fervor calms at your success. Vision and sound return to you quickly, as you place the heavy lion’s head on your lap. You are seated onto a granite throne that rests at the flat base of a small reverse pyramid, a line of stairs built into the structure where you can see your followers above you. Several pale skinned figures screaming and running in terror beyond your sight as an older man of at least fifty years tries to calm what few he can. The lesser cultists cry for forgiveness, or to leave the ceremony, as the Terror Saris of your return has them in its clutches, but their leader restrains a few, before relenting to the fact of the weakness of the other members. As you rise from your throne, the older man descends the stairs to meet you. In one hand he holds the symbol of your position, the necklace of finger bones which you can tell by the carrying hand, he has already added to it. He kneels at your feet, offering the necklace to you as he speaks in a crisp upper-class tone,“Men threaten our pride, High Priestess Kheperkheperure. We are being watched in our home, as we work, and they may suspect your presence. We have tried to learn of them on our own, but those we have sent are now missing. A coalition member and two others. Please, we beseech you to stop those behind this. And if you can, to return our fellow people.” He looks at your tattered face, solemnly waiting for your reply. KheperkheperureDry eyes adjusting to the cool dusty air, the sounds of screaming and begging from above, the old man at her feet... This feels right, like it has happened a thousand times before and will happen a thousand again. She extends her old, dead hand to her necklace and grasps it with fingers betraying how dexterous they truly are with the flaking skin and dried bandages. She lifts the bones and smiles at the sound of the clinking and clattering as they're yellowing remnants bang together and against her own skeletal arm. Furthermore, she can see the look of expectancy from her cultist as he kneels at her feet, but he can wait a while longer. Furthermore, she brings the cord around her neck and with fingers with far more memory than her mind she expertly ties a knot without a name before bringing her hands back down to the throne's arms. She cracks open her mouth for the first time in too long and hears the crunching of the old crusty cloth around her jaw and the creaking of bones unused." Bring me suitable attire and walk me to the main hall so we might speak easier, the screaming cubs scrape my ears and muddle my mind." Pushing herself up with strong but emaciated arms her decrepit feet find purchase on the stone floor, soaking in the almost alien feeling of chill as it runs through nonexistent nerves. Straightening her back and raising her head fully she finally shows the true scale of the monster that she is. Over seven foot of flesh pulled over bone, browning bandages and ancient blood caked over ashen skin. She gestures for her Coalition member to rise before she strides forward, her long legs moving as if she was a hunter; every step calculated but never so you'd know. Quick smooth steps with the click of bone on granite, her back held straight, and her head held high. Cowering cubs line her ascent up the steps of her tomb, many hiding their faces from her, a few almost in tears. She does not grace them with a sideways glance, the weak and fearful are nothing to her until they can be taught to lose that fear and embrace their wrath. Any that do not move quickly enough out of her way, are smacked to the side for their incompetence, resulting in those smacked letting out a scream or squeal, little better than prey. When she reaches the top of the stairs she looks back at the only man who stands without a tremor, and she smiles slightly, "Cloths, honored cultist. And round up the cubs in the main hall, so I might see who I have surrounding me. They are being stolen from us because they are scared. They must be taught not to fear... I will do it the way of AHI." She brings her long fingers to her necklace before nodding and turning towards the main hall. The pleasing sight of the Sacred Geometry of her tomb reminded Strobe of ages past. At least one thing will always be familiar. She rose from her sarcophagus, and looked out at the crowd of gathered worshipers. It appeared to her that they were keeping with the traditions of the Society, which brought what passed for a smile to her dried, leathery lips. It looked more like a pained grimace on the face of the Arisen. Satsobek steepled her fingers, as her high priestess spoke to her. The woman didn't look familiar, but considering that it might have been decades since she was last awake, and the notoriously poor memory of her kind, this didn't surprise her. She cleared her throat, air filling the space that her lungs formerly occupied. It was only then that she spoke, her voice rough and cracked, dry from years of disuse." It was wise of you to call upon me." She replied, in perfect French." I'll see to it that the task is done." Three Serpent Society Tomb, AlgiersjosienomsThere is audible relief from the room, especially from the male priest who relaxes the scroll he was shielding himself with. The lesser cultists now raise their heads, many gasping at the decrepit appearance of your Oahu, one even appearing have trouble stomaching the sight, but they start to exit, giving prayers of thanks to you as they go. The priestess smiles slightly, at the success of your summoning,“You may not remember me, Goddess. I am Soraya Kate, appointed by you as caretaker and the Priestess of the Three Serpent Society. I was only twenty-three when we last met, in the wake of Yasmine’s death, and much of me has changed. If you would follow me this way, please.” Soraya guides you out of your central tomb and into an adjacent hallway, her counterpart walking just behind the pair of you, keeping a cautious distance away. You pass by a passage where you can see the cultists are following, a set of metal stairs appear to be leading upward out of the tomb at the far end.“Please forgive Hamid’s reluctance, he is loyal, but has had no experience of the powers of IREM. This room here please, My Goddess.” Upon entering, you recognize the room as your personal wardrobe, with many of the dresses, robes and shawls you have owned over possibly centuries, all sealed in airtight, see-through clothes covers. You run a hand over the material protecting the outfits; it is plastic, yet malleable, reminding you once again that the speed of which this world continues to grow. Nothing quite goes with dead body, but until your power starts to fade, you can at least decide what you wish to wear. The priestess closes the door for you, bowing again as she exits,“We will leave you to your dressing, Goddess. We will be inside your resting quarters when you are ready. The clothes that are appropriate to the outside world have the red stickers on their covers.”(If Strobe wants to exit her dressing room and explore her tomb further, just write that. As long as she isn’t doing anything that takes her more than a couple of hours, the following is what she sees upon returning)You return into your crypt, which is now only occupied by Soraya, Hamid and a small table that has been brought inside, with what looks like a scale model of a glass spire. It is oddly made, in that its base appears to be pentagon-shaped, but it pleases your eye for Sacred Geometry. Otherwise, the surrounding gardens are somewhat competently designed, even if they are littered with flags of nations you barely recognize. Hamid gestures to the dimensions as he clumsily describes the plan,“The International T-Tower, it’s like, I mean, it’s currently been planned as a place for global forums and d-diplomatic, ERM, talking. And we managed to get control over the construction, well, not the whole thing, the basics of the tower; we can’t change the gardens or make it look more Eremite-ey.” Soraya quickly takes over at Hamid’s term “Eremite-ey”, saving him from his floundering.”And with a vestige of appropriate alignment placed in discrete locations on each side, the building will be a veritable monument to the Nameless Empire, for those who can see its Seem energy. We are always at your command as to our first move. We can start a search through nearby museum objects of certain histories, especially if they have any mention of curses.”“Or, m-maybe we could check out places where people might give up personal items they don’t want to. Like a pawn shop or when a court auctions off people’s stuff?” The Lion's Maw Tomb, Brooke wood CemeteryPseudoStrawAt your orders, the man grabs the scruff of one of the more stable looking cultists, a younger man of thirty years, dressed in ceremonial trappings. He tries to fight off the grip of his superior, his arm swinging towards the aged face, before missing wide in a wide arc as the leader twists his younger member’s body to divert the strike. A single finger click from a four digit hand stops his struggles, the realization of his actions etching an expression of dawning panic. Your man is unfazed and orders his charge in sharp statements,“Gather everyone to the main hall. You will all cease your embarrassing displays. Now.”“Y-y-yes, Master Harrow.” That name, it stirs a memory within your being. You are standing over a kneeling cub of a man, his golden hair soaked in the spring rain. He cradles the body of a woman in his arms, her hair the same gold as his, but it reaches the muddy road beneath her. The blood has stained his shirt red, but he keeps rocking her back and forth, water trickling down his face. You offer what little he needs. “Do not mourn for what is lost. Turn your sorrow into anger so it will never happen again, Harrow.” The cloaked cultist scurries away quickly; spreading the word, as “Master Harrow” pats himself down, smoothing out the creases created in the brief fight. His age is more apparent to you now, as you look at him closer. His once golden locks, now a light gray, his sad eyes now wrinkled and hardened with experience. You notice now that he is dressed in smart morning dress, compared to the religious clothing of his fellows, reminding you somewhat of a valet. It is soon obvious that the orders gladly accepted by your followers as they are excused to leave, sparing little time to exit with little more than their fearful mutters. Harrow sighs quietly, before walking over to a small stone box placed near the edge of the top stair. As he kneels to open it, the sound of grating rock pains your ears slightly; the box was very tightly sealed by its sound. He presents its contents to you, the cotton priestess robes of your station and the first familiar sight of your Descent. He dresses your undead body wordlessly, draping the fabric over you in its layers whilst removing the waste bandages, his eyes never averting your hideous form the entire time. When it is finished, he steps back towards the main door, his face still unmoved as he awaits your command to carry on to the sounds of your congregation beyond. Even from the doorway, you can view the raised gilded platform that your cubs are facing. A pair of granite statues to Anti stand at opposite sides, glaring down on them all with fixed expressions of wrath. Strobe follows Soraya to her dressing room, and after her priests leave, she chooses a robe of fine, blue material. She dresses, and covers her face with a headscarf. Hiding her true nature, at least for now, will help in her service to Match-Rekhet, and to her Cult. She steps out of her dressing room after donning her clothes, and reenters her Tomb. After seeing the plans for the tower, she nods. Hamid's nervousness before his goddess makes her smile, though it can't be seen through her veil." Yes, that certainly would make the tower more 'Eremite-ey'." Her amusement is evident in her tone." Well said, Soraya. I would suggest the museum first. Items of power tend to find their way into learned men's hands. If that fails, then look for these... Pawn shops, you said?" Nodding her thanks to Harrow, Kheperkheperure turns and makes her way into the hall. The walls are tall and deep gray, slight moisture glistening from the mixture of the warm air and the cool stone. As she makes her way up onto the platform in front of her cultists she hears a murmur run through a few of them. Harrow walks over with them and stands a little to the side, his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes stony. Standing between the twin images of her judge, the mummy runs her eyes over everyone gathered. Twenty men and women hands in small huddles, no sense of order or discipline between them, just unease. She can almost feel what they are thinking "Was this such a good idea? I never thought this would work. What happens to us all now?" Closing her eyes, Kheperkheperure takes a deep breath in, filling old lungs with the stale air of her tomb." Cubs of the Lions Maw." Her words are loud, clear and yet laced with an accent not familiar to any of her cultists,"Do you know what happens when the alpha returns to the pride and finds their cubs weak, unable to fight and unable to lead?" She lets her words hang in the air for a moment, the knowledge of what she is saying dawning on a few of the cultists, their faces falling in horror." For those of you who do not know, the lion would come around to each cub and snap their neck in its jaws." Her people were looking at each other now, feet shuffling, hands wringing,"It would do so without mercy, without feeling. It would do so because that is what is needed to keep the pride strong..." She looks down slightly, her eyes still scanning the worried faces but now a little softer,"Luckily for all of you, I am not so primal. I embrace my rage and my strength, but I do not hand it out undeserving. You are all my cultists, and you have called upon me for help... I will fulfil your request as it is my Purpose and I will do it gladly. Know this though, if you want me to see you as anything more than mice that the lion has deemed to spare you must show some backbone!" She raises her head again, bring her hands up to her sides, her hands pointing towards the great statues of AHI, "You all stand here under the eye on the great judge AHI and each of you look close to soiling your britches! This is an insult! Each of you have come to me and my cult for a reason, each of you have something you want to learn, something you want to embrace! Let it be your rage! Let it be the justice of never letting those below you better you! You are part of the Lion's Maw! I expect you to fight against your fear, cage it, bottle it, stow it away in a chest in your mind for there is no place for it here! As long as you are my cultists, my cubs, my pride, you will never shy away from that which scares you again! Be louder than it! Be stronger! For if you are not then you will die by it! To die scares is the most pathetic way to die... and I promise you, if you do not lose your fear, you will never be a lion, you will forever be a mouse." Lowing her hands slowly the ancient corpse ran her eyes over her subjects hoping that the fear she instilled in them from this show would be the last fear they feel... New cultists were so hard to come by. Spoiler Hide Presence + Intimidation - Flaw for the speech (4d10)[5][7][4][3](19) Three Serpent Society Tomb, AlgiersjosienomsSoraya appears pleased with your decision to follow her plan first, whilst Hamid gives a weak smile and a stutter at your question,"Y-yes. L-like an old market, but a store, its one of the few p-places people who aren't merchants can sell their goods. But I mean, of course you know what those are. Goddess." Though the memory of the IREM bazaars is still mist within your mind, the thought still brings brief thoughts to life. Of the swarm of masses, the trade of cloths, trinkets or even "wristwatches" and the endless yelling and bargaining over those extra few coins. Civilizations change, but a humble market never does. Your priestess presents a small rectangular device to you, it appears to be some form of plastic device with a glass cover depicting the image of a vaguely familiar landmark, wrought in sandstone. The National Antiquities Museum! Of course, it has practically been a second tomb since you've lived in this city. Well, closer to a market than a tomb, but you clearly remember that your last Descent included a visit too. It can sometimes surprise even how many actual items of value end up passing through those walls." Due to your. . Current state, Goddess, would you wish us to attempt to book a private tour of the museum later tonight, or shall we try to blend in with the unenlightened?" The Lion's Maw Tomb, Brooke wood CemeteryPseudoStrawWhilst a few men and women give a cheer, most of your cultists still appear too wrapped up in their fear of your being than your words. The congregation is shaking at your every word, but largely due to them echoing from the voice of a several millennia old corpse. Harrow moves towards you, just below your position on the platform. He calls up discretely to you." They are too fearful of your form, then your speech. I suggest a demonstration of why they should really fear you, if you want them to understand the strength of a Judge's Arisen. A power that they should look up to." KheperkheperurePursing her dead cold lips her eyes narrowed, too fearful? These mice were starting to irk her. She cracked her fingers down at her side, looking over her subjects and the pitiful faces they were pulling, Show them my strength, hmm? They do not need to see my strength, they need to see their own! I refuse to get their approval with flashy light shows... Growling under her breath she sneered again, looking around for whoever looked the most terrified. She spotted a young woman practically in tears, she is not meant to be part of this cult. She looks barely older than a babe. She walked down the stairs of the plinth and straight towards the woman. Furthermore, she tried to scrabble away from the mummy but lashing an ancient hand out she grabs the girl's hair and held it aloft, forcing the girl to tiptoe to stop her scalp from ripping under her own weight." Should the Lion taste her first blood?! Are the cubs so pathetic that I should resort to primal instinct?" The girl was screaming now, tears streaming down her face as she scrabbled at the bony arm that held her." Or maybe the cubs do have some courage and feel this is unfair! Maybe the cubs feel that the leader should give the girl a chance... The cubs had better step forward and make their roars heard, or this pretty girl is going to beg for death to take her!" Shaking her hand back and forth and girl screams again, pleading for help. This had better work. If my cultists can't even stand up for each other than what chance do we have of rescuing the others or keeping ourselves safe? Come on, embrace your anger, stand up to me! Spoiler Hide Strength + Intimidate - Flaw + Willpower (8d10)[2][6][4][9][10][9][5][5](50) Strobe looks to Soraya and nods." A private tour would be best. I don't want to be seen if I find anything worth... borrowing." Her dried, fleshless lips pull back into a smile." Hamid, see if you can find out if anything which might be a Vestige has come into any of the pawn shops. I assume that the Society has the means to purchase them?" Hemispheres was both confused and determined. This was no new state of mind to her, she assumed. That was most probably the beginning of every Descent for thousands of years. She looked around her inner sanctum where her cold stone sarcophagus was situated. She was already gripping a hopes she instinctively knew was hers. That meant she was sleeping with it in hand, she assumed. Good.she thought in the ancient primate Egyptian of the Nameless Empire. Her tomb was being desecrated, and one of her faithful servants had given his life to awaken her to enact bloody horror to those who transgressed her sacred abode. That was the conclusion she drew automatically. It was a purpose that seemed likely, and one she'd pursue until she knew otherwise. But for her to kill whoever men these was, she'd need to get out of her inner sanctum. She took the key of the dead man and proceeded to attempt to open the crypt door. Were they looking for something? Well, they'd find her, her glorious and terrifying seem flaring. Were they expecting a walking mummified compose? She turned the key in the lock, it's mechanisms loudly clasping to unlock it, and pushed the heavy door open, her hopes in hand, ready to pounce and dismember anyone not kneeling in her awakened presence. Three Serpent Society Tomb, AlgiersjosienomsSoraya taps at her plastic device again, pulling it close to her ear similarly to a telephone, despite the appearance of no numbers on the casing." I will contact the museum immediately, Goddess, I am sure that we can pull together the required funds for such a task."(Make a Reach Roll, with a 1 die bonus for working near your Tomb)As she turns away to listen to her device, you notice Hamid shrink slightly from your smile, worry briefly washing over his face as he replies unsteadily,"I will start to search for any strange items, Oh Goddess, but I'm afraid that the ERM, the Society has not had much in way of funds for a long time. We look to you for inspiration and guidance, but money is not something that we had ever had a lot of. Even nearly two thirds of the payment for the International T-Tower is being used just to keep bills and mortgages STE-." He is cut off as Soraya turns back with a stern look directed at him." But we are her loyal worshipers, and we will continue to give what we must for her. We won't make excuses, will we, Hamid?" He looks down at the floor slightly, before muttering softly,"No, we won't." Soraya sighs, shaking her head and returning to the device. With her back now towards you again, Hamid pulls out his wallet, opening and thumbing through its contents. Frowning at what presumably little cash he has, he quietly offers what he can,"I will be able to buy something, if it is not too. . Big. Goddess." Wrecked Tomb, IstanbulwatupwithdatAs you push open the stone door, the harsh grating noise immediately attract the attention of the two dark skinned men who you assume were the cause of at least some the noise beyond your crypt, each holding a thin, metal. . Clubs? You assume as they seem to gripping them tightly in both hands, facing the objects in front of them like trusted weapons. Further down the tunnel, you can hear the roar of battle echoing within the catacombs, whips and screams, whips and screams. The taller of the two, sporting a thick, ragged beard, is watching the passages end, as his comrade, sporting bright blue hair and a cut above his eye appeared to have been leading him to your door. At least he was, before he stopped moving, his eyes meeting yours and his knees buckling beneath him. He drops his club, bowing and screaming in his strange tongue, as his friend turns with an angry look on his face. Before he can direct his anger at his prostate companion, he spots you too. Instead of bowing, he tenses his body, eyes widening in horror before loosening a battle cry and the end of his metal club exploding in whip cracks. His hands are shaking around the handles of his gun, HIS GUN. As the memory of the countless shapes of the modern weapon hits you, so to do the bearded man's shot. A bullet lodges itself in your chest, but you barely feel it in rush of your overflowing strength.(One bashing damage inflicted on you.) A click sounds the end of his barrage, his mad eyes fill quickly with fear, but he'll still don't let go of his weapon, his grip changing to hold it as a very awkward club. The short one still hasn't yet run or stopped talking, as he continues to kiss the floor, so at least there are some sensible mortals inside this tomb. The Lion's Maw Tomb, Brooke wood CemeteryPseudoStrawOf the remaining nineteen in front of you, what sounds like near all the men and women start to yell, the bottled Saris fear and anger let loose as you turn their repulsion at your form into an urge to save their fellow at all costs. The closest three tackle your body to the floor as the sudden on-rush of bodies loosens your grip on their captive friend. As she moves away to her friends, on the verge of tears, you see another two of your so-loyal cultists moving to grab at your legs, though your kicking efforts prevent them from getting more than a brief kick in the shins. The three that have knocked you down each hold down your arms, one on your right, two on the left. Your efforts have worked perhaps a bit too well, as you see the haunted sickness in their eyes and hear the yells from the others. You can also Harrow's voice in the din, again the only cool head in a sea of Saris as he tries to steady your followers. Reach Roll:Spoiler Hide (2d10)[1][6](7) Strobe nods approvingly at her priests." I thank you for your loyalty and devotion. The two of you will be rewarded for your service." She waits calmly and patiently, while Soraya speaks on what the Arisen assumes is a new variety of telephone, developed while she slept. The ingenuity of mortals continued to impress her. Three Serpent Society Tomb, AlgiersjosienomsYour priestess appears pleased with herself as she lowers her phone,"We have the booking for the tonight, the whole museum empty from sunset onward. The curator will be give just yourself and I the private tour in a few hours, whilst Hamid starts his search. If you have anything else you wish to do in preparation, do not hesitate to ask Hamid, but I must leave to change and arrange our transport within three hours, revered one." She bows deeply, before exiting, tapping at her phone again whilst leaving Hamid to your whims for the next few hours. He looks panicked as you, and he are alone, but he manages to say,"So, anything you wish, Goddess?" "Excellent work, Soraya." Satsobek says, before the priestess leaves to arrange transportation to the museum. She then turns to Hamid as he speaks." Put yourself at ease, Hamid. Tell me about yourself. What drew you to the Society?" Hemispheres continued moving forward, her shriveled remains gripping the hopes tightly. As she passed the groveling one she extended her sword arm down without looking, and let the sharp metal of the curved hopes dig into wherever the sword caught him. It might not kill him, but blood was sure to flow. Her steps were determined and unrelenting as she got closer to the man who had shot pieces of metal at her. She raised the hopes high in the corridor of the tomb, ready to strike as soon as she was in range. The man didn't run, which was good, but the small metal thing he now wielded as a club would be far from an efficient weapon. The sword she wielded was a potent one. Then it came down on him, quick and strong, far faster than one would imagine a corpse moving. Her enemies' blood would flow for their transgressions. Spoiler Hide So basically passing the one begging for his life, probably inflicting whatever amount of wounds you feel is appropriate, as the sword is more used to cut without force behind it. She then walks up to the one who shot her and strikes him: All-out Attack Sword: 2 + 3L + STR 3 + Sword 4 + spec: (13d10)[8][3][5][4][5][3][2][8][10][5][3][1][1](58) — defense+armor 10-again: (6d10)[3][9][1][2][2][5](22) Her body was pinned down, this was incredible. How had these tiny humans pushed her over so easily? Her body must be somewhat unbalanced thanks to its skeletal appearance and her legs must be weak from just waking up. She looked at the three holding her arms down and tried to move her them. Nothing. Had she grown weaker through her sleep? She felt just as strong as always but if these men and women could pin her down... It was obvious her cultists were not the smartest... That or she had not made herself clear. She had wanted to hear them stand up for themselves, she wanted them to lock eyes with her, she did not want them to overstep their boundaries and tackle her musty body to the floor, that was certain. She could hear bones groaning as their shaking hands kept them crushed to the stone floor. Furthermore, she was sure that if she were human her arms would have broken by now. Furthermore, she could feel one of the cultists had his knee pressed between the radius and the ulna and while she was sure it wouldn't break from the strain the bizarre feeling on a knee between her paper flesh and ancient bones was painful. She laid her head back on the floor and contemplated what she should do with the idiots that now pinned her down. Furthermore, she had stopped kicking her legs and so those were now too held down. What were they thinking? What would they do now she was caught? She didn't know what kind of cultists she had, were they foolhardy and young? Were they quick to anger but short of brain-power? Well whatever they were they at least showed that they wouldn't be bullied... Even if they proved it in the dumbest way possible. Well, you pull the lions tail... She twisted her body and tried to pull her right arm out from the knee of her attacker. She wished she could remember the punishments that were laid out for slaves that touched their masters from her breathing days. Furthermore, she was sure that they would be perfect for these brave idiots. Spoiler Hide Roll to break grapple from right arm. Strength + Brawl + Specialty (contested) (10d10)[8][9][6][3][9][5][1][5][7][4](57) Three Serpent Society Tomb, Algiersjosienoms"Me? I, uh, I used to study Architecture in the University at Layout as my major, when I started being a part of the Three Serpents. I was trying to pay for my degree, with a library job and as a c-courier whilst finding enough time to hand in my papers. Furthermore, I ended up delivering a package for the Society's front door once, I asked later about it, turned out it was only a couple letters about aligning a house for some scientist's house. This wrinkled, old man collected them, must have been near ninety with skin like leather. He just smiled at me, and asked, 'Are you happy with your life, my boy? Its always important you do what makes you happy.' I mumbled something, gave him the package and got on my bike as fast away as I could from this man I thought was half senile. Well, about a month later, he has a booth open for architecture students at Layout, for interns at the Three Serpents. Only two other interns signed up, but he sees me passing by, the man just grasps my hands, smiling again and tells me that I've got a great opportunity if I sign up." He grins slightly, as if at a private joke, turning over his left wrist to reveal a black triangular trio of snakes drawn onto his skin. He rubs his thumb over the tattoo, fondly before showing you his symbol of loyalty." Farid showed me your truths, Goddess. I am proud to be able to follow in his footsteps." Hamid is noticeably calmer from recounting his story, if a little worried you may have been expecting with more obvious zeal involved. After a few minutes, his own portable phone vibrates in his pocket. He looks at it briefly, before almost regretfully says,"Your car is here. I'll walk you up to it." Guiding you towards the stairs you saw earlier, you ascend through a metal door into a large marble foyer. Adorned with carved serpents along the walls, a wide desk occupies the room where a well-dressed, white-smiled young man sits. He lowers his head, as you turn back to see the words "Maintenance Only" covering the door to your tomb. Beyond the front doors, a small, but sleek blue car sits in the dimming streets of Algiers. Your meek attendant opens the door for you, where Soraya sits inside, her flowing priestess robes changed a neutral gray attire. The interior is soft and cool, Hamid looking slightly jealous as Soraya bids him on his own task." I'm sorry to you leave you in his young hands, Goddess. But, luck prevailing, we shall be there shortly. I hope the transport is adequate?" Wrecked Tomb, IstanbulwatupwithdatYou feel the light tug of your blade across the grovelling man's flesh, eliciting a cry from his lips. Within the second fluid motion, you swing the antique weapon across the bearded man's arm, drawing a red line through his thin sleeve. What little courage he held is now gone, his weapon dropped as he turns to run backward down the corridor. You feel something touching your foot, as the coward tries to escape. Looking down, the blue-haired man is trying to beg at your very toes, in his strange tongue, as he grips the cut across his back. You can see the sickness of your power has him in your grips, but it will likely fade from him if you leave his presence. As you turn back, his former friend is now nearly at the passage's end, and you curse this weakling for his distraction.(Stamina + Athletics to chase after the attacker, if you choose so)The Lion's Maw Tomb, Brooke wood CemeteryPseudoStrawThe wide-eyed cultist struggles to keep the pressure on your arm, as you start to flex and focus your strength. Slowly you raise your arm back into the air, pushing the offending cultist to roll forward and towards his fellows. Now with your right limb free, the men holding down your left arm look slightly worried. Harrow is now only a few feet away as you continue your struggle, he grabs the one you pushed away, yelling,"Stop your idiocy, this instant." Pushing him towards the crowd, trying to set an example of order. It wasn't the deep killing blow she had anticipated. Had she not acclimated to the living world yet? As the cowering man assumable begged for his life, Hemispheres thrust the curved tip of her sword into him to end his life for his impudence of touching her. As the bearded man ran, she continued walking after him." You run. It does not matter. Death shall come to those who breach the sanctity of mine."she spoke in ancient Primate Egyptian as the blood flowed out onto the stone flooring. She burnt to know what transpired in the other parts of her tomb, and to in turn destroy those who trespassed. Spoiler Hide Ever seen a mummy run when coming after someone in a movie? No, exactly! Strobe sat and listened to Hamid's story, until he received his message. She followed him out to the car, and nodded at Soraya's question." Yes, it will suffice." She climbed into the car, ready to head to the museum. The Streets of AlgiersjosienomsA thick glass screen separates the driver and yourselves, however Soraya depresses a soft button below the glass of, speaking through that you were both ready now. The hum of the engine rises as the metal vehicle moves into open street, your attendant pleased with her efforts now relaxes slightly in her seat, her hands clasped towards you, but her eyes open to your every action." Since you last visited us, we have been woefully lacking in divine influence in our work. We are only on the lowest rungs of enlightenment, but now that you are with us, for this brief time, I hope you might have some words of guidance to give your faithful. What should our next steps be, beyond this task we have summoned you for? What knowledge can the Judges share with one even as mortal as myself." Wrecked Tomb, IstanbulwatupwithdatThe blue-haired man squealed slightly like a stuck pig, his eyes wide and his hands grasping for some invisible protection, before he finally passes into Never-Khertet. His limbs slump to his sides, rolling off of your weapon as the blood pools beneath him. The cut was barely deep enough to bleed the other invader, but he would likely not get far with the amount of violence around you both. You saw him turn right beyond the end of this passage, though the way left kindles a faint memory of cheering and terrified worshipers. Either way, for the moment you and these corpses are both alone outside your war-torn crypt. She paid no mind to the flashes of memory for now, though it was refreshing in some strange way. There was an important matter at hand, and that was in the opposite direction. She kept on following the bearded man. There were small stains of blood on the floor left by him, she could tell. Perhaps she'd come across a whole pack of intruders. More to slaughter, then. For a moment she wondered who they were, why there were and what they could be after. Her? The relic? The unquestionable wealth that laid within her tomb? The answers could wait for later. There had to be some of her loyal subjects still in the tomb somewhere. Her high priest had to be alive. Whoever that might be. She did not know. But she kept on walking to perhaps find out. She looked at the others and sighed, the breath rattling through her dusty throat." You are all idiots." She growled at the two on her left arm,"But if you truly think you are a lion now and no longer a cub..." she reached her hand over and placed the bony fingers on the man's skull, digging their sharp points into his flesh." You should have the markings of a warrior." Her skeletal face, stuck in a perpetual grin seemed to stretch the smile even wider, and she attempted to rake her fingers through the man's flesh and leave scars on his face similar to hers. She wanted to hear him scream, the cubs were always too stupid when inflicted with the fear of her true form. Spoiler Hide Roll to scratch through skin. Strength + Brawl (9d10)[2][7][1][1][4][1][6][10][2](34) Spoiler Hide For 10 (1d10)[8](8) Wrecked Tomb, IstanbulwatupwithdatAs you follow your assailant, the echoes rattle louder within your home. You see his lumbering shape pausing at another junction, his head occasionally turning the edge of a wide doorway, before darting back as bullets fly towards him. Across the gap, you can see two other men talking to him, one firing his own weapon down towards the impeding bullets, the other waving his arm towards the bearded man, seeming to convince him to cross the threshold. Seeing them together, you notice that despite their choices of filthy clothing, they are all wearing some kind of soft band across their wrists. Perhaps a gang symbol? While they seem to not have noticed you at the moment, the bearded one is obviously very nervous and on guard, caught between a rock and a hard place. Another thing they appear to have not noticed is the translucent figure standing behind the pair of men, your Death sight revealing the tall, winery ghost of some kind of soldier. His clothes are simple cloth, though his head-wear is similar to a Pharaoh's own crown, topped with a large feather. He also has a long gun of his own, slung behind him, his hands gripped tight on the holster as if it is deciding whether to join the fray. The Lion's Maw Tomb, Brooke wood CemeteryPseudoStrawThe cultist's mouth opens silently, as the trails of blood begin to trickle down the side of his head. His lungs creating no sound as his eyes bulge in terror, limbs shaking as if his strength was drained from his body. Your eyes lock, pure paralytic fear etched across this servant's face. The scratches run tight across the red flesh, his blonde hair soaked a tattered red. As you look at his hair, you notice higher, the surrounding cultists of yours who had previously been trying to kill you. Now, they were merely standing, captivated by this grim demonstration before them, identical fear across their eyes. Harrow stands alongside them, not unnerved, but obviously displeased at how far the mob had gone to push you, and now you had pushed back and knocked them off their kneels. Now she saw three intruders that she needed to destroy. And the one who had run from her was too afraid to cross the gap. Did that mean her subjects were just around the corner, fighting for their goddess and her abode? Hemispheres' steps became a little faster as she came closer to the bearded man who had escaped her hopes once already. He'd not do so again. Then she saw the ghostly visage. Was that one of her enslaved wraiths? She couldn't remember seeing it before, but it wasn't unlikely she had ordered it to guard the tomb from intruders before she last slept. But then why did it not attack the intruders? That's when she realized it couldn't have been one bound to her. No spirit would dare disobey her commands, especially not now when she was awake again. She'd deal with it soon enough. As soon as she caught up to the junction and the man, she'd cut him down, and then proceed to cross the gap and cut the other two down as well. Though she would be a little disappointed if they'd run away upon seeing her. Chasing creatures was beneath her. If they came to fight, it wouldn't be very honorable to run away. Spoiler Hide Spending 1 Ren pillar to increase Strength by 4 and attacking the bearded man (assuming he doesn't run away before she catches up) with her hopes: All-out Attack Sword: 2 + 3L + STR 7 + Sword 4 + Spec 1: (17d10)[9][8][9][3][3][9][5][9][2][9][2][6][1][9][7][2][3](96) — defense+armor 10-again: (10d10)[2][8][10][9][1][1][1][8][10][9](59) Assuming he dies, she'll cross the gap and attack the other two who seems to be affiliated with the bearded man (assuming they stay instead of running away, otherwise the attacks are moot, and she'll deal with the ghost): Gang member 1: All-out Attack Sword: 2 + 3L + STR 7 + Sword 4 + Spec 1: (17d10)[1][8][9][6][7][7][5][10][9][3][4][8][4][2][10][10][3](106) — defense+armor 10-again: (10d10)[8][7][4][10][8][2][10][7][2][10](68) Gang member 2: All-out Attack Sword: 2 + 3L + STR 7 + Sword 4 + Spec 1: (17d10)[7][10][10][6][1][7][4][6][4][10][1][3][9][3][7][6][7](101) — defense+armor 10-again: (10d10)[9][5][6][1][3][3][5][3][10][6](51)

The Children of Irem IC|rating:3.0

I Dream of Jeanie (JayM1125 x Eclipse Jalorda)

It was a beautiful fall day at Jeffersonville Community College. Jason Matthew shad just got done with his classes for the day, so he waited at the bus stop. He drove but as of recent events his car finally kicked the bucket for good. He was fairly good-looking, standing at 6 foot 2, weighing about 225, which gave him a muscular look for his 21-year-old body. Furthermore, he'd been wearing a Metallica t-shirt with some old, worn out jeans that day since his style was predominantly casual, consisting of band, character, or ironic slogan t-shirts and jeans. After a twenty-minute wait, the bus came to pick him up along with a few other students that had been waiting as well. Jason hated riding the bus, but until he could get more money saved up that's just something he'd have to deal with. It was a bummer really, it wasn't easy to pick up a woman if he didn't have a nice set of wheels. Normally, Jason would have gone straight home and played video games or got a jump on his homework, but since it was close to his mom's birthday, he decided that he'd go to get her something with what little money he had. With only less than five bucks to his name, he went to a nearby thrift store that was only a couple blocks away from his home. The bus dropped him off near the shop instead of his usual stop. Despite getting off a ways away from his usual stop, it was still a small walk from his house. His mom, step-dad, and little step-brother shared the home and money was rough where they lived. Jason even had to pay his share of bills, working part-time at a second hand entertainment store that sold books, movies, music, and other things, while also going to college all at the same time while helping his parents with expenses. Needless to say, he felt like a cloud of misfortune followed him and his family. He wished he could do more for them. Once he walked into the store, Jason looked around the store looking for something he thought his mom would like, and then he found it, an old decorative perfume bottle. It was covered in dust, looking like it had been there for a while. He picked it and after a close examination, he decided that he was going to get it for her. His mom collected antiques, and he was sure she'd like it. After paying for it, he made his walk home. The home that was shared with his family was vacant, his little brother at school and his parents at work, he was home by himself. Jason put his backpack in his room, then went into the kitchen to clean up his mom's gift. He ran some hot water and dish soap over the bottle, drying it off once the dust was gone. Once he noticed the top on the bottle, he thought there was probably dust inside it, so he pulled the top. All of a sudden, smoke started pouring from the bottle. Was this really happening? This seemed like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Scared out of his mind he shouted, "What the hell is going on?!?" Jenna was so bored with being in her bottle. It was lonely, and the glass was so dirty, and she couldn't see anything except for the illusions she created. Sometimes she wished she could just escape, but the only way to leave the bottle was to be summoned by a new master. It seemed strange that she could go so long without one, but such was the life of a genie. She knew someone who once waited a good 500 years between masters. She ought to count her 78 as a lucky break. But she moped, and whined, and generally just pouted until finally, it happened. She felt her bottle move. Someone, was taking, her bottle. There was a chance that they would just put it on the shelf, dusty and dirty, to lie there forever, never once thinking to wash or open it… but then again. There was the chance that they would. She would have a new master and would finally be out. She nearly cried from joy when she felt the bottle being washed, the towel dragging off the last trails of dust. Furthermore, she could see her new master, a handsome man lucky her, and she could see him reaching to open the bottle. There was no waiting, she immediately started to exit the bottle, her smoke pouring into the room, carrying her with it. She happily stretched, obscure by the thick, white smoke. His scream though, reminder her of her purpose, and she cleared away the smoke with a happy bounce. She was dressed in the way a genie ought to dress, sheer and ethereal and maybe a little showy of her curves. Her light blond hair was bound in a bun, a jeweled band holding it in place. Bright blue eyes glittered at the sight of her new master, and she bounced, letting out gleeful giggle before settling into a quick bow. She rose up slowly, holding up her hands in a non-aggressive manner. Jenna slowly stepped towards him, keeping a bright smile across her face. "Don't worry, I'm here to grant every single one of your wishes!"" My name is Jeanna. I'm, a genie. I know, I know, you'd think we'd avoid j and g names, but, we're all powerful manipulators of reality, not masters of names. Although you'd think we could change that. Oh, anyway, you got me out of the bottle, and I'm here to grant your wishes as a thank-you. And because I have to. But mainly because I want to thank you. I was in there for so long!" She laughed, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. "You can wish for anything you like, anything at all. I mean, I'd suggest against bringing people back from the dead because that makes me uncomfortable on a personal level, and also it's creepy, but everything else is fair game." She took a deep breath and a step back, bowing again. Perhaps she should've saved the hug until she was sure that he was alright. Oh, well. "I'm here to serve your every whim. Anything you ask of me will be reality. If you'd like me to call you something specific, please let me know. In the meantime…" She rose back up and giggled, crossing her arms under her chest. "I'll be calling you Master, Master!" Jason was in a state of shock as Jenna introduced herself before giving him a hug. The young woman caught him off guard with the sudden embrace. He backed up a little bit after the hug, still a little nervous despite the fact she meant no harm to him. He wasn't even sure how to react to the seemingly young, attractive woman having just suddenly appeared in his parent's kitchen. The more he tried to rationalize the situation, the fact still remained that...she came out of the perfume bottle!! How could anyone rationalize that?!? Who would he call for such an occurrence, the police, and ambulance, 911, a priest? No, all of them would probably think he was crazy or high on some sort of drug or have an unwelcome visit from some sort of government agency. So calling anyone was out of the question. Jason had to sit down in a nearby chair to think this through for a second. None of this seemed real. This had to be some sort of daydream, and he would wake up at any time. He tried to slap himself awake....but this was as real could get. He probably looked pretty foolish for his action just now. So in the end, what was the young man to do? He tried to gather some sort of composure and explain things the best he could. For a few moments, Jason seemed speechless, trying hard to even form a sentence from his state of shock. The young man took a couple of deep breaths, trying to calm down and calmly talk to her. "H-Hi, I'm Jason. You may call me Jason or Master, whichever you're more comfortable with." He explained as calmly as he could. "I apologize if I seem a bit rattled, but...no offense, I never thought genies existed. I always thought they were just stories." Jason got up from his seat and walked towards her. He was still in a state of disbelief, because this wasn't something you heard about every day. But Jason decided that if she was here to serve his every wish and command he might as well make the best of it. Not only that, but she was very pleasing to the eyes. However, the young man wondered, was there a catch? "Let's go to my bedroom to talk, I'd feel a little bit calmer in there trying to figure all this out." Jason gave Jenna a smile as he'd begin to lead the way to his bedroom. That was also where he'd see just what she could do if he could wish for anything he wanted. His room wasn't that much of a walk at all. The only thing they had to do was walk a bit into the dining room and make a left into the hallway and then take a right to open the door to his room and walk right in. The room was like most guys' rooms at his age, a bit messy with some clothes on the floor, a bean bag chair with a couple of gaming controllers to the side, one for each different system he owned, a TV remote that wasn't too far away, an old beat up guitar on a stand next to a half stack amp, and so on and so forth. Before he would make his first wish, he had to ask, "So am I limited to the number of wishes I can have or are you here to stay with me forever?" As Jason asked that question, he went to get his laptop from his backpack from school to look up a picture to aid in his first wish and her first test. Jason was a bit nervous to ask her for what he planned on after this wish because he didn't want her to think less of him for a wish of a certain nature. He'd only hoped she wouldn't mind it because he wanted the both of them to remain on good terms. "Well, since you're going to be granting my wishes, for my first wish, I wish that you would transform this guitar," pointing to his old, worn out guitar, "to this guitar." As he finished his sentence he pointed to his laptop screen. He thought in his mind that if she could transform his old, beaten up guitar into a brand-new guitar, then she could do anything at all possible. Her new master seemed nervous. She understood. Many previous masters had thought her a thief or some kind of witch. Several tried to kill her. But once they discovered they couldn't, they quickly took to wishing for their every heart's desire. He didn't seem like the wanted to kill her, he just seemed terrified. Jenna waited quietly, hands clasped in front of her as she looked around the room. It was a tiny kitchen, but clean and full of love. She could see very little of the rest of the house through the doorway, a dining room that had a well-worn and often used dining table resting inside. Did he live alone? It seemed unlikely. A family? His own or his parents? He didn't seem old enough to have children. She gave a little jump when he finally started talking, although he still seemed unsettled by her presence. "Oh! I think, Master Jason works just well!" Jenna grinned. "And of course we're real. There's no smoke without fire after all. Does everyone think we're stories? It would explain why I was stuck in that bottle for so long." She muttered. If no one believed genies were real, no one would look for them. If no one looked, they'd never find them. And thus the genies would be stuck in their bottles forever, unable to get out and do what they enjoyed. How awful, she was so lucky. He was taking her to his room, what a good sign. He must be comfortable with the idea of having a genie. Or at least, not completely terrified. Jenna didn't want him to be uncomfortable. She wanted him to trust her. If he didn't, she would have to go back into the bottle. Another decade in that bottle would be completely unbearable. Although his room was just as cramped. She would need to clean it, wish or not, and maybe expand it with some magic. That would need a wish though. Maybe he'd just make the wish if she asked. It was possible. "Oh, no the number of wishes is unlimited. I'm here with you until you decide to put me back in the bottle, or if you die. If you die, I'll automatically be sucked back into the bottle to await the next person to set me free." She still didn't know what happened to her last master. Likely some sort of illness while they were staying out of town. Or they were robbed. Surprisingly she hadn't lost many masters to robbery. Their wishes to be protected from thieves were usually well-placed and very effective. A wish! He was making his first wish! It was time for her to show what she could do, the make-or-break moment. It had never gone badly before, but she as always nervous when granting someone's first wish. But she was ready for it. Jenna looked between the picture, not sure what the box projecting it was, and the old guitar for a moment, before nodding. "Yes, Master Jason." She clapped her hands together, her magic smoke curling over the guitar, swallowing it whole. A moment later it was gone, leaving the new guitar resting where the older one once stood. She smiled, giving a happy little bounce. It felt amazing. There was truly nothing better than granting wishes. It filled her with such, happiness. Such a great warmth. Being a genie was the best thing in the world. Surely he had all sorts of wishes for her to fulfill, and she could spend so many days granting them all. "I promise you, Master Jason, that I can and will grant your every wish." She said, smiling and relaxing her arms, letting them rest at her sides. "Is there anything else you'd like to wish for?" She chimed. Her eyes bounced back to the strange image box thing, wondering if he had more of his wishes stored on it. Or what it was. She vaguely remembered humans having some sort of, moving image machine. Perhaps this was the evolution of it? Humans were so neat. She smiled, glancing back at him expectedly. Jason nodded with approval as she mentioned calling him Master Jason. "Yeah... I guess 'Master Jason' works. The whole master thing is going to take some getting used to. The only thing I ask for right now is that if we're around other people, you call me Jason or something like that. But when it's just you and me, if you feel comfortable calling me Master Jason, then by all means...you may." The young man said in a reply to what she'd call him. "But yeah...the most famous stories of genies comes from Aladdin. Basically he's a beggar who finds this great treasure and a genie who grants him three wishes. He wishes for wealth and love and then frees the genie in the end." Jason had blatantly referred to the movie Disney had released, since he wasn't sure of how the actual story went. "I'm sorry that you had to spend all that time in your bottle... I imagine it's very uncomfortable. Don't worry, I'll keep you out of there for as long as I can. I wouldn't wish being crammed into a small space like that on anybody." The young man felt so bad that Jenna had to go through that. Who knows how long she was trapped in that bottle. As Jenna began to perform her magic on his guitar, Jason watched as his old guitar was devoured in a cloud of smoke and then emerged was the exact guitar from the picture. He slowly walked over to the guitar, observing it at first, stroking the strings with a solitary finger, and sure enough it made the sound a guitar should make. Then, he picked it up, and it even had his same guitar strap that was on his old guitar thankfully, which was black leather, silver studded with a chain in the middle. The guitar weighed about what a real guitar would, so it passed his next test. He then plugged it into his half stack amp, switching it on. The hum of the amplifier resonated through the room as he turned it on. He then proceeded to test out the new guitar by playing the first riffs Megadeth's "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due." It played just like he imagined and it sounded way better. "Oh my god, it plays like a dream!! This is incredible!!! Thank you, Jenna!!!" The young man then went to test out playing a bit of the opening of Trivium's "Into The Mouth of Hell We March." He turned off the amp and smiled, putting the guitar back in its proper place. "You've done very well, Jenna." He smiled at her as he would wait for her to be ready for his next wish. He would admit he was nervous to ask for such a wish because she seemed really sweet and didn't want to sour anything good he had with her. Maybe she'd be all for it, only time could tell. He then took a deep breath as he prepared for his next wish. "Okay...now my next wish might be a bit...MMM....unexpected...but, here it goes. I wish that you would give me a blow job and from there have sex with you." Jason felt nervous about this wish. What if she slapped him and got irate with him or...what if she'd actually oblige him in his wish. Jenna wrinkled her face. Aladdin's story was well known, although the number of genies varied. She always thought it was such a silly story. A genie that limited the number of wishes they granted, was surely a genie that hated greed, but also must be one that loved living in a tiny space forever. A genie's happiness was being out and about and using their magic. She was relieved that Jason intended on keeping her out of the bottle. It was much, much nicer that way. She remembered one of her masters that kept her in her bottle unless he wanted a wish. That had been awful. She hadn't been sad at all when he died. Waiting for a new master was better than dealing with an awful one. Both of those problems were gone for her now. She had what seemed to be a perfectly nice Master, who wasn't going to leave her in that Kitty city space, and who was, hopefully, going to make a lot of wishes. It was a relief, a nice bright spot. She smiled at him as he picked up the guitar, studying it like he was worried it was going to shatter in his hands. She bounced slightly as he moved, eager to see him happy. And he seemed to be. He plugged it in and played, thanking her, and playing it more. Jenna giggled, clapping enthusiastically. Hewashappy. She'd proven her magic, and it set the mood for every wish to follow. Jenna stretched, waiting patiently for him to speak as he put his new guitar back in its resting place. She leaned forward, eager to hear his next wish. Maybe it would be for, a horse? No, horses would probably be antiquated. Something for travel though. Or wealth? Wealth was never antiquated, merely the currency changed but not the general status. Her eyes widened as he made his wish. The first part was, confusing. She wasn't sure what a blow job was, but, she knew what sex was. She blushed dark, realizing that a blow job must've been some sort of sexual act. Jenna didn't realize that he found her pleasing. But it wouldn't be the first time a Master asked such a personal wish, and likely wouldn't be the last. She smiled softly, giving a slow nod. Magic could give all sorts of things, and knowledge was one of them. He wished for a blow job, so he'd get one. "As you wish, Master." She purred, slowly approaching him and kneeling. Images flowed into her head as she worked to get his jeans down, her head tilted lightly to the side. "Please feel free to guide me if you'd like." She tugged down his boxers, her blush resuming as she gazed at his member. From what her magic showed her, she needed to… she gently took it in her hands, licking slowly from tip to base in long, wide licks. She began to suck on the head, rubbing the flat of her tongue against the tip. Slowly she moved forward, licking and flicking her tongue wherever she could as she sucked. Her eyes glanced up, checking to see his expression. It was important that he was happy with his wish. When Jason felt her tongue lick on his manhood, it was unlike anything he'd ever felt before. Sure, he'd received a few blowjobs in his day, but what Jenna was doing...it was obvious she had a wealth of experience. Even if for some reason she didn't know what she was doing, it felt as if she was a pro at doing it. When she took his cock into her mouth for the first time, it felt so incredible that he couldn't explain it. Letting out a groan as she sucked him he expressed his pleasure, "Oh fuck Jenna....it feels so fucking good." He threw his head back, moaning and groaning as she gave him the best oral sex he'd had in his entire life. Jason then reached down the best he could to let his hand wander inside of her sexy top to squeeze one of her large breasts, rubbing his thumb over her nipple every so often. While one hand was playing with her boob, the other quickly found its way to the back of her head, fingers running through her soft, light blonde hair. The young man could only imagine what kind of sex the two of them would have based on this amazing blowjob that she was giving him. "Oh fuck yeah....suck my big cock." So far, Jason's wish was going so good...perfect. It had been far too long since he felt the touch of another woman. The last time he did was a few months back when he was still with his girlfriend at the time. She and him were what seemed like the perfect couple, having been together since freshman year of high school. Things sadly came crashing down when she decided to find another guy on the side to help fulfill the needs that Jason couldn't always provide as often as she wanted. The worst part, it was with a good friend of his. Needless to say, he lost the woman he loved and a perfect friend the day he walked in on them at her apartment that Jason was going to be moving into with her in the next month. Ever since then, Jason's kept out of the dating world to focus on helping his family get from paycheck to paycheck. He knew love would come again...but, what if it already was making an attempt to come back into his life. There was no doubt in his mind that he was attracted to Jenna, maybe beyond this wish for sex, they could do this more without a wish. Regardless, Jason felt that there was something very special about this blonde haired, blue-eyed sweetheart. As she continued to work on his cock, Jason groaned once again, "You're doing so good..." Needless to say, not only was Jason happy with this wish, but happy that he found Jenna in the first place. Jenna was relieved she had magic. She couldn't imagine what a normal girl would go through giving her first blow job. Although, at least a normal girl probably knew what it was to begin with. There were trade-offs for all things. Magic was no different. Genies had the ability to help people with magic, but they were bound to immortality and their bottles, unable to leave on their own. Witches, their cousins, were mortal and free from glass prisons, but their magic was not unlimited, and they were only capable of so many spells at a time. Each species had its own give and take. Humans were curious though. They had little, or no magic. But instead their population was vast and stretched across all corners of the globe. All things had trade-offs. She smiled and twisted her tongue eagerly around his cock as she sucked, pushing her self until she could manage to fit his entire length in her mouth, feeling it pushing into her throat. Jenna slowly slid back, gasping for breath before resuming her task, only bobbing to swallow up his cock every once in a while. She was enjoying this, more than she enjoyed the average wish. His wish caused her magic to arouse her, but something about him was, appealing, beyond the magic. Perhaps it was just a good omen, a hinting that she was going to have fun while in his service, but it could also be something, more. She wasn't sure what, and dwelling on it wasn't that necessary, but, she smiled. Even without asking questions about the little flickers of feeling on the edge of her consciousness, she could tell that he would be a master for the ages. She moaned, surprised when his hand found its way into her blouse, squeezing and teasing her breast. His hand on the back of her head encouraged her to push herself further, determined to bring him even more pleasure. Her eyes suddenly sparked with mischief, and she raised her hand to chase after her retreating mouth with glints of magic. Jenna giggled. He was enjoying this wish more than his previous one. Although, this was only the first half of his wish. She was a little embarrassed to realize that she was excited about the second half. If he was this enjoyable in her mouth, she could only imagine how much fun she would have where he in, other places. Jenna sucked her way speedily along his cock, eager to please. As Jenna continued to suck his throbbing member, Jason felt in a state of pure bliss. Never in his young life had oral sex felt so good, even from his ex who was fantastic in bed. But as sad as that story still was, it was a distant memory in his mind right now, because Jenna was doing more than fulfilling his pleasures of oral sex. Even when his cock hit the back of her throat, he let out a bit of a deep groan because she was the first woman who was actually able to take the entire length of him into her mouth, every other girl would struggle to take all of him, leaving at least half of an inch to an inch exposed at times as they took it. But Jenna did this as if she'd been doing it for so very long. He knew it wouldn't be too long before he'd cum as good as it felt. Jason knew that he'd be able to continue to stay hard and fuck her relentlessly, even if he were to blow his hot load into her mouth. The more it continued, the more Jason would moan and groan, "Oh fuck Jenna.... I'm going to cum soon...." He threw his head back as he continued to play with her breast more intensely, wanting to bring her just as much pleasure as she brought him. Jason's cock continued to pulse and throb inside of her tight, warm mouth, just waiting to explode for her. It was only a matter of time now. His hand now guiding her head up and down on his manhood in an even quicker pace than before as he looked down at her to watch his manhood disappear into her mouth with each bob. His breathing quickened more as he began to feel that familiar feeling as she was finally bringing him closer to his first ejaculation. "Fuck yeah Jenna...here it comes..." As he spoke his last work, a thick stream of hot cum shot into his genie's mouth as she brought him full pleasure with her mouth. It was a feat that she was the first to achieve with him, no other woman could ever make him cum in their mouth, not that they would want to. "That was the first time I ever came inside of anyone's mouth....that was kinda hot...." Jason smiled down at her as he'd lightly help her up to her feet, going in to kiss and lightly suck on her neck as he slid off the bottom portion of her clothing, shortly following came her blouse, disrobing her so that she would be nude before him. "Now, I want to take you from behind. You can either bend over the edge of my bed, or get on all fours on my bed. It's however you'd want to take it more." Jason gave Jenna a sly grin as he admired her naked body. Jenna was rather proud of herself. She rarely pulled off wishes this well if she didn't know what the wish was. Even with magic, she usually tripped a little bit. It hadn't ever gone badly, but it hadn't gone that well either. She loved the way he touched her breasts. It had been so long since someone had touched her, at least two masters back. One was particularly faithful to his wife, and the other simply wasn't interested. She didn't mind, but it made this bit of contact just, divine. She smiled. It should distract her from her task, but rather it inspired her. The sooner she completed this the sooner the sex would begin. And if she wanted it to be over quickly, then he needed to make him feel as wonderful as she could. Her eyes widened as her hard work paid off. He gave a groan, and a warning, and her mouth was filled with a hot, sticky liquid. Jenna smiled, swallowing with a slight cough. She hadn't been expecting there to be so much. But now she knew if he wished for it again. And she certainly wouldn't mind granting the wish again. Not that she really had a choice in her wish granting, it was a bit of a compulsion, but at least she would like what was being wished for. Jenna giggled. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Master Jason." She smiled. And celebrated quietly inside. She enjoyed knowing that she had succeeded where other women had failed. She enjoyed succeeding where others failed regardless of task or gender. Furthermore, she also enjoyed Jason's lips on her neck. It made her giggle and gasp in the same breath, her delighted chirps sprouting up into the precursors to moans. It felt better than her breasts did, and his hands were rather spectacular. She would've gotten her clothing off herself, but she so enjoyed being undressed. She hoped he enjoyed her nude, although she could probably change anything he didn't like, it would still be a bit nice if he enjoyed it without magic intervention. His expression didn't seem unhappy. A bit seductive, but seductive and pleased. She giggled again, turning around and contemplating which she'd prefer. Both had their pros and cons. But if he was satisfied, and he made the wish again, then there was always the chance that she could try which every one she didn't pick. After a few seconds of debate, she stretched and then teasingly shook her hips as she bent her body over the bed. She blushed and bit her lip slightly. "I'm ready for you Master." She chimed, smiling over her shoulder. Jason walked up behind her and held his cock in his hand, positioning it to push past her magical pussy lips. His cock head rubbed along the luscious pink lips, teasing her to make her want his cock even more. Jason knew however that the forehead this to her, he'd only want to fuck her more. So needless to say, Jason didn't keep up the teasing for very long. Eventually, Jason pushed his manhood past her pussy lips, sliding deep into her pussy despite his large size. To his surprise, she was soaking wet and ready for him and the best part was Jenna was nice and tight, just the way he liked it. Her womanhood felt unlike anything ever felt before. It was almost as if her magic made her feel just the way he liked it or would make it think it was going to be the best sex that the both of them would ever have. But was that even possible? Jason didn't question anything at this point, all he knew was how good she felt. With a seductive groan of approval he smiled down at her, rubbing a hand along her ass to one of her hips. "Oh fuck Jenna.... I have a feeling we're going to have some amazing sex...." With him saying that, Jason's other hand repeated the same action his previous hand did and found her hip. Once his hands were in position, Jason started to slowly thrust and pump into her from behind, to get used to how tight she felt. Jenna's pussy was even tighter than any other woman he'd been with, ever. But that wasn't a bad thing, the tighter, the better, just as long as he could slide his big cock inside and move around. As Jason found a comfortable pace, he kept it as he'd lightly pound into her with his balls hitting her clit repeatedly and the sound of their hot bodies slapping together, the smell of sex in the air. It felt so good, Jason even wondered if he'd last long with her at all. He groaned and moaned as his dick repeatedly plowed into her tight pussy. Jenna felt a chill run down her spine as she waited. Although she praised herself on being patient, she found herself not entirely eager to wait. She wanted him to fuck her, so badly she could feel herself start to ache. Her teeth pinched her bottom lip as he rubbed just against her, stirring her up and making her want to push back until he gave her what she wanted. But it was his wish, and if he wanted to tease her first, then she could endure it. Luckily for her, he entered her sooner rather than later, filling her body up just right. She gasped softly, her body adjusting slightly to cling to him. It had been far too long since she'd had sex. Just this little taste was enough to awaken a deep hunger, a desire for as much sex as possible. Jenna would have to make sure that he enjoyed this, she wasn't sure what she would do if he didn't want to have sex with her again. Her eyes sparkled when his hand roamed over her body, a soft laugh falling from her lips. She didn't think that she needed to be worried, but that didn't mean she shouldn't make sure that his wish worked out fantastically. She moaned softly as he began to thrust, her eyes fluttering closed. Jason was satisfying needs that she had kept thoroughly buried while she waited. It wasn't as though she hadn't had her little solo-parties, but a partner was always a different experience, and she had begun to miss it. It helped that he was more impressive than masters she had before, filling her to the brim. Jenna's moans grew in volume and frequency, the genie unable and unwilling to hide her pleasure. "O-oh Master." She gasped, her hands gripping his bedding tightly. What a lovely Master. Just, she was just enjoying herself. Almost to the point of feeling guilty. This was his wish after all, not hers. But she could just consider it a on the job perk. Getting to enjoy his wishes along with him. As his hands roamed her body, little did he know that he hit a sensitive, ticklish spot so he was a bit thrown from her soft laugh. But he didn't let that deter his focus. His hands gripped onto her hips for balance as he continuously plowed his thick member in and out of her repeatedly. Eventually though, Jason felt himself tire a bit from all the fast, rough sex. So he slowed things down to keep himself going, recharging a bit of his energy. Now he was going back to slowly thrusting in and out of her, making sure her pleasure was building and escalating. His goal was to make her feel as good as possible, even though this wish was all about him. He wanted them to mutually enjoy this. And so far, judging by the way she moaned for him, expressing her pleasure verbally as well. "Oh fuck Jenna, it feels so good to have my cock inside your pussy." He groaned as he went slowly for a moment, before going slowly back into fast, rough pounding into her wanting hole. So far, this was the best sex he'd ever had. He genuinely felt pleasure from the way her pussy squeezed and gripped his cock. He fit inside of her so perfectly while being so tight. Jason knew this for sure, this wouldn't be the last time they had sex. Sex this good had to be had every day, at the very least once a day, twice would be very nice. But then again, if things became so routine, they'd feel less good. Jason wanted to always make their sex feel so good, even if they did have it every day. But for now, his focus was pleasuring her with his big cock. "You like having my big dick inside of you?" He groaned as he asked, continued to alternate between slow, calculated thrusts and the hard, relentless rough sex that seemed to be working well for him keeping up his energy and stamina with her. Jason wanted to last as long as he could with her. Jenna moaned, digging her hands into his bedding. The change of pace confused her at first, but she quickly came to enjoy it. She didn't recall having a partner vary on her like that. Although the fact that she could recall any sex at all was impressive. She didn't really think actively on it while she was waiting in her bottle. Although now she certainly would, whether she wanted to or not. It actually seemed like it would be quite upsetting. Thinking about amazing sex when she could not have amazing sex. She pouted for a moment, her slight dismay fading as he spoke. She was being silly. Moping about the future when she was getting to have sex right then. Jenna rolled her eyes at herself, a smile returning to her face. "I love the feel of your cock thrusting inside of me, so it works out pretty well." She chimed, her happy voice broken by pants and moments of breathlessness. It was hard to remember to breathe when everything felt so good. Jenna didn't think that this could've worked out better. Sure, she would've gotten out of the bottle eventually, but she could've ended up with someone boring or rude or just plain awful. And if they was their personality, she could only imagine how bad the sex would be. Although sometimes people surprised you. It would be what she deserved, being her very first impression involved springing out of a bottle at people. She moaned, delighting in his clever pacing. Her body seemed to want nothing more than to just dwell in that state for as long as she could handle. She agreed with her body. "I adore it!" Jenna purred between gasps. Her moans twisted between soft squeaks and long, high-pitched noises, gaining frequency as her pleasure built up towards the peak. Jason groaned as he continuously plowed and pounded into Jenna's wanting womanhood. The way she moaned and squealed for him as he had his way with her turned him on in such a way that he'd never experienced before. The more he slammed his cock into her, he'd feel her tighten around him, milking his cock as he knew she was slowly getting closer to her peak. Jason knew it wouldn't take very much longer for him to hit his. Normally, he'd be able to go for longer than this, but sex with Jenna felt so damn good. Despite how good this felt, Jason felt the need to change things up a bit, so that's what he did. Sliding out of her, Jason directed her onto his bed, "Lay down for me...." As he waited for her to do as he asked, Jason as well got up on his bed. Taking charge, Jason leaned down to give Jenna a heated, passionate, lust-fueled kiss as his cock found its way back inside of her with the help of his hand. Now that he was on top of her, he was able to see just how much she enjoyed him sexually. From every look to every facial expression. The young man continued his pacing from before, taking sometimes to make long, slow thrusts to even roughly fucking her tight pussy as if he was the star of their own porn video. No matter what he did, Jason made sure that she enjoyed every second of their sexual experience together, because he was sure it wouldn't be their last. Hell, there might be times that he didn't have to wish for it, one of them could just be in the mood to have each other. He looked deeply into her eyes as he continued to alternate his thrusting in and out of her as he eventually took her legs from being on each side of him, to now both of them being on his shoulders. This way allowed him to penetrate her deeper and make each thrust into her feel more profound and pleasurable. Before he knew it, Jason felt his balls start to tense a bit, signaling that his time was near. "Oh fuck Jenna, I'm going to cum soon...." Jenna twisted and clung to the bedding as he thrust, gasping for breath. She could feel herself start to forget her surroundings, forget the reason she was having sex to begin with, her mind only wanting to concentrate on comprehending the sensations whispering through her body. She was confused when he withdrew, glancing over her shoulder with curiosity in her eyes. Furthermore, she gladly turned around and lay down, taking only a few moments to get herself comfortable. Furthermore, she eagerly kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. His lips were so warm. She reluctantly pulled back, dropping herself onto the bed as he began to thrust into her again. She blushed slightly as she stared up at him, aware of the delighted expression on her face. Furthermore, she couldn't keep any form of grace or delicacy to her, breaking quickly into a moan as her arms reached to cling to his. Her body arched against his, eagerly taking him in as he repeated his varying pace, the new position bringing new sensations. It was, wonderful. She could hardly contain herself. Jenna was about to hook her legs around him when he pulled them onto his shoulders, causing her to gasp out a moan. He was just full of surprises, she was thrilled. Jenna's moan started to twist higher in pitch until it was nearly a scream, broken into segments as she tried to breathe in between the noises she kept making. ’M… Master… " She gasped, unable to figure out where she had meant for that sentence to go. It was hard to think about anything besides what their bodies were doing. Her body tensed, tightening around him as she orgasmed, her body clinging to his as her mind felt a great rush of white-hot intensity. She heard him through her fog, grinning. "Cum, Master, inside. Here, let me help." She reached her magic out, increasing his pleasure as he continued to thrust into her.

I Dream of Jeanie (JayM1125 x Eclipse Jalorda)|rating:3.0

The Berserker (Saerra & Michi)

(is twisted, in every sense of the word. He is a masochistic, sadistic, cracked, God-hating, knife-collecting Irishman. Often, Farrell is seen to be cutting himself with one of his far, far, -far- too many knives. Those that have been in fights with him say that he can't feel pain, which may very well be true since he doesn't take sexual enjoyment out of every cut and most of the time doesn't even seem to notice when he's been injured. When the white haired man was young, his family was taken from him. Stole away in the worst possible way. He doesn't remember how it happened, but he woke up one morning to find his mother, father, and sister dead and their bloody bodies draped with the angel tapestry that used to hang over his bed. When no one could explain what happened, and he couldn't remember the night before, his poor little mind came to the only conclusion it could. God had stolen his family. Some said it must have been a failed robbery, but nothing was missing from the house, and he'd woken up in his bed with the tapestry missing. Why hadn't he been killed if it was a robbery? No. The only explanation for his broken mind was God. God had decided he was not worthy of a family. Of a happy life. From then on he vowed he would get his revenge on God for doing this. He gave up his birth name and took on a new one. Farrell. He'd taken it from Dante's Inferno. Farrell being one of the thirteen demons guard the corrupt ditch. If he could no longer be one of God's children, then he would take the name of a demon. To prove to himself just how strong his hate for God is, and how strong his ability to block out pain is, he removed his own left eye. He also believes that it hurts God when he cuts himself and does so often. It didn't take long for him to either realize or develop a sexual lust for the cutting. Whether it be on himself or someone else, so long as it's not in a fight, he tends to get off on it. It felt amazing to hold a life in his hands as he sawed through a piece of flesh. He also found, as he got older, that he loved the color of blood. It was so deep and rich. Not to mention how sticky and warm it was. There was even a period of time that he would dye his hair a reddish color with his own blood. It never lasted long and washed out quickly, but he liked it. Having no reason to stay in Ireland, he left and was currently traveling along the Baltic Sea coast. Making money by stealing it, assassinations, and bar bets. He stayed in scummy hotels and low rate rented rooms. Eating only what he needed to survive, most of his money going into expanding his knife collection. A collection he kept in small cases that he would stack into his small bag and carry with him to the next city or country. Usually around the time he up and moved on was when the body or bodies were starting to be found. Farrell rarely outright killed someone. He took pleasure in making them abandon God. Right now the air was crisp and clean. The sun was shining, strange since he usually traveled at night. Flowers and trees were in full bloom. And he'd managed to find the perfect little town. It looked like a post card picture. In fact, he'd come here because he saw it on a post card. It was right on the Baltic Sea and what interested him the most was the church. It was a tall, beautiful building. Stone built, with dozens of stained-glass windows and a wonderful bell tower. It reminded him exactly of the church back home...and for that it needed to be burned. Walking close to it, he debated just setting it on fire right now. But even he wasn't so cracked in the mind to lose his small control to do that in broad daylight. Come night fall, he would see this place torn down stone by stone. For now, he decided to take a look around it. Bag over his shoulder, the slender, white haired man made his way through the thick doors. Scars littering the exposed, pale flesh of his arms, upper chest, neck, and face. He adjusted the pirate like patch over his left eye and let his one golden brown one scan the pews. Flashbacks to when he was a child and would run up and down the pews laughing with his sister hit him so hard that he needed to sit down. He saw blood covering his hands and clothing. Blood on the floors. Blood everywhere. His father's lifeless body at his feet. His mother's screams ringing in his ears. Covering his ears and ducking his head down between his knees he started taking deep breaths before reaching into one of his pockets and pulling out a small army knife. A few small gashes to the palm of his hand and he felt all better. Basking in the tingling feeling rushing up his injured hand and arm made him smile as he leaned his head back against the pew, his eyes staring up at the steeple ceiling. "Paternoster, quit ES in calls:"Dominic did what he always did when he had time. Even if the outside world was buzzing and busy -for a small town as he was in-, he would kneel before the altar and pray. It soothed him, grounded him in the here and now, made him think about the path he had chosen in life. The Lord's prayer was his favorite prayer for this, though he could be caught praying the rosary on occasions, too, and not only when he had to repent for a sin he had committed."sanctificetur Women Tum;advent Magnum Tum;"Outside the church, and he hoped, vain as it might be, he'd one day lead a flock in such a wonderful church, the sun shone brightly, birds sang as angelic choirs and the smell of the sea would remind one of its proximity. Or, if they were like Dominic, of Mary, Lady of the Sea. If he hadn't been in prayer, he would have noticed the outside world. Though he didn't shut it out. It was after all the creation of God. He would go for a walk in the sun, he had planned. Perhaps someone in the village had need of something, and he could see to it. He liked to make himself useful. There were homeless he knew of that were hard to reach by the more common services that might not shy away to a man of God. At least. A man who was training to become a man of God."fiat voluntary TUA, sicut in Carlo, ET in Terra." One day he would be a priest, though he didn't know how far he still had to go. There were many a step to be taken, many a thing to learn. Dominic didn't feel ready yet, and he was certain his teachers would agree he was not yet able to spread the word of God. If he was honest, he couldn't wait, but he had to. And praying like this did aid him in keeping his enthusiasm in check. Perhaps he also had to grow in years as he had to in wisdom, he didn't know for sure. Of course someone of his age wouldn't be taken for a priest, no matter how good his intentions. After all, he was only, barely, seventeen years of age. He'd not stop at nothing, though, to keep growing." Panem nostrum cotidianum the obis Hodge;"On bended knee, hands folded before his chest, he did not only not notice the outside world, he also didn't notice the candles being lit, the incense being renewed, and an unfamiliar face enter the church. Perhaps he should have done at least the latter."et imitate obis debit Costa, Sicut et nos Dimitrios meritorious nostrils;"All the life of the slender, brown haired boy, so devotedly kneeled before the altar, so like an angel himself -though he'd never see-he'd probably be able to reach and get whatever he wished in life, had been about servitude. About aiding and guiding. About forgiving and healing, no matter what it costed him himself. For him, he was nothing at all, just another sheep in the flock, another Child of God. He just had this urge to be there for his fellow man."et né nos induces in tentative;used liberal nos a Male"Of course this did also mean there were topics Dominic was not all too familiar with. He had never been on a date, never been to a theater. Furthermore, he didn't even have a favorite band, though he did enjoy certain hymns by certain choirs. One could say Dominic was quite pure. Of course thereof bands, theaters and that there was something like sex and a love-life. He just discarded this as not for him." In nominee Paris, et Filip, et Spirits Anti. Amen"Raising to his feet, a slight smile drew itself upon his lips, a glance cast upon the Suffering Christ above him before he turned and looked into the nearly empty church, light brown eyes going over the few who either had fled the sunny weather outside or who were, like he had been, actually praying. This glance cast stopped at a man with an eye patch and horrible scarring, and he felt a pang of pain in his hart. Who would take an eye from a man this young? Or, better yet, who would take an eye from his fellow man? He couldn't help but stare for a few moments at this man, wondering about the cruelty of the world and craving, deeply, to heal it. No matter what it took. Farrell could hear the sound of someone praying. It was the Lord's Prayer. He knew those Latin words even in his sleep. On rare occasions he would find himself repeating them as he ran a knife through his skin. On even rarer occasions, he'd got off sexually while murmuring it to himself while having sex. It was just further proof of how cracked his mind was. Hearing it now as he pressed his fingertips into the new cuts on his palm was very arousing. The soft, young voice of the man reciting it making his body feel warm as he felt the blood dripped down his hand and onto the church floor. With a soft sigh, he leaned over and ran his tongue through the small pool of blood in his palm before wiping it off on his pants and sitting back in the pew. Lips tinted just a little red from the blood as he turned his one golden eye to the boy who'd been praying. Once again he had flashbacks. This time of himself. While he'd always had white hair, a curse from birth, the boy reminded him of himself. Plain dressed. Never drawing unneeded attention to himself. Kneeling daily at the altar to pray. Clean cut and sweet hearted. Always looking for the best in people. And look where that got him. God smote his family. His poor little sister laying dead in a pool of her own blood. His mother's Sunday dress tore open in the middle and her insides pulled out. His father strangled with his Sunday tie, face a deathly shade of white and blue. All of them laid out on the living room floor with his tapestry covering them. God having taken his flesh and blood away from him. God did not reward his servants, he punished them. Punished them by not protecting them. By putting through the harshest tests possible and laughing when they failed. In his heart, as broken as it was, he knew this boy who was so much like himself when he was a little boy would find out the hard way too. God would take his life away too. Lightly and to himself, he muttered, "The dreams are gone, midnight has come, the darkness is our new kingdom..." Looking the boy over once more he stood up from the pew and picked his bag up as he started out of the church. Farrell would need to find a place to stay for however he would be here. There were always inns and small motels everywhere. It was just a matter of finding the cheapest one. Truth was that he was on his way to Japan. A company who was interested in his 'talents' was offering him a job. He had the money for a decent hotel room from them, but he preferred it this way. He had a feeling he would see that little altar boy again. It took a moment for Dominic to make out why the man's lips seemed to be 'off'. First he thought he was wearing lipstick, not a completely uncomment thing these days, but still not often seen in a town this small. Only after moments when the man was actually picking up his bags to exit the church to Lord knew where, it hit him it was blood and he gasped quietly. This man was injured and may need aid." Sir," he started, walking up to him, picking up his pace to attempt catch the white haired man before he could exit the church altogether. Of course, it could be possible the man didn't wish for aid, that did also happen with the homeless he tried to tend to, too. But at least he should offer it, if only for his own calm of soul." Are you alright? You seem to be having blood on your lips? Are you injured?" There was doubt in Dominic's mind, and the smile he offered was genuine, the look of concern to his face not faked, either. He made no attempt to touch the other man, keeping his hands to himself, almost retracting them back into prayer and before his chest as he looked him over, trying to find out if, indeed, this man was hurt. It didn't seem the blood came from his lips. Farrell was focused on finding somewhere to stay till he could decide best how to dispose of that church before getting on his way to Japan again. Sure, they could have paid for him to just hop on a plane to be there already, but he preferred it this way. Being able to get there on his own and in his own time while destroying God along the way. They'd told him he would be working with three other men and even though they didn't say it, the description of them and their skills had him thinking that they would be more than just bodyguards for some rich man. It was too much money for just that. So long as he could continue doing what he did now, he didn't care what he was being paid to do. When he heard someone calling out, he thought that the boy must be talking to someone else. People rarely tried to stop him or talk to him. While he may not have appeared to be all thatscarymost were hesitant to approach someone with one eye covered in scars. But when he heard say that someone had blood on their lips, he knew it was him. Turning around, he saw the praying man standing not far from him. The boy looked overly concerned about his well-being. It almost sickened him that people still cared that way about other people. He felt sorry for the day when this boy's life was ripped out from under him just as his own had, "Injured?" Farrell's voice was smooth and low, "No," it took him a moment to remember he'd cut his hand open less than ten minutes ago, "Just...cut myself..." he lifted his still bleeding hand and shrugged. The pain was nonexistent to him. There were times when he wondered when his body stopped feeling pain. Had he always been this way? He couldn't remember, "It's nothing," though he wasn't about to explain how the blood got on his lips, "I'm fine." The cut was deep enough that you could see how thick the skin was and every time he flexed his fingers it reopened the small bit of mesh, skin repair his body was trying to do. A normal person would likely need four or five small stitches, but Farrell seemed to be in no distress at all, "How long as this church been here?" it was a drastic change in subject, but anyone looking into his single eye could tell that he wasn't exactly right in the head. He liked knowing the history of something before he destroyed it. That didn't seem sick at all to him. There was something in the one eye Dominic couldn't place. It reminded him of when he had been to a large city. The people swarming to and fro through the endless gray streets sometimes had that certain something to their eyes, too. It had puzzled him then, and he wasn't less curious about what this could be now, than back then. It didn't stir fear in him, but it did leave him somewhat. Insecure, and when the nameless man denied he was injured, only to then show his cut hand, Dominic but nodded. Though he clearly needed stitches, he wouldn't offer to aid once again. He had said he was fine. It was enough. Though something still poked and gnawed somewhere in the back of Dominic's mind. He found himself staring at the hand that opened and closed. Fascinated. Blinking a few times when the white haired man asked a question, he pulled his gaze from the hand to meet that one eye." I'm not certain," he said, an apologetic smile curling his lips "From what I've read the church has been here always in some form or another. A holy place, if you will, even before the town was build." The dryness of his mouth was. Odd, and he tried to swallow it away, licking his lips quickly afterward. It seemed he also had trouble breathing, as if the air in the church had thickened somehow. I just need that walk... I'm fine. No, it wasn't fear that stirred in Dominic, but he wasn't very comfortable under that one eyed glance, either. Blood dripped down from his hand as he moved it and down his fingers to the dirt below them as Dominic explained what he knew of the church. The white haired man nodded lightly. It made him a little sick to hear that this boy considered this place to be a holy place even before the town and church were here. Farrell didn't believe in holy places anymore. He wasn't sure why, but somewhere in his mind he knew that God had not protected a holy place and allowed something horrible to happen in one. There were times that he knew what it was, but most of the time he just knew that something bad had happened in his past. He knew God had started to steal away his life long before his family was killed." It's a beautiful church. The town must be very blessed to have a place this wonderful to worship in," though his tone of voice was more sarcastic than serious, "I've seen a lot of churches like this, but this is one of the more nicer ones I've seen." Shifting the bag on his shoulder, Farrell looked around a little, "Are there any hotels around here? Inns or anything like that? I think I'd like to stay here for a while..." at least long enough to figure out how to burn that church down without leaving too many clues that it was him. Before it was completely burned down, he planned on being long gone. He also couldn't help keep his eye off Dominic. He hated seeing people devote themselves the way he'd seen Dominic in the church, "And eat. I haven't eaten in a while," he felt the need to put Dominic on therightpath or at least away from the one he was on now. Farrell believed in God very much, but he saw no reason to worship the almighty creature. After all that had been taken from him, he was the most certain God existed, and he wanted to cause as much pain and suffering as he'd endured. Sparing Dominic and teaching him a better way of life would cause God pain and spare Dominic in the long run. Farrell was sure of it. It was something of a thing of beauty to Dominic the church had been build on a place of worship. Even if the Roman Church had probably done it to erase the memory of the older faith, it still, in a way, lived on. Though, if he was honest, the old faith had never really died. He could name a few people in the town who, probably, still worshiped, even if they attended church, too. Plus, wasn't there a thing called Wicca now that became more and more popular amongst the young? Dominic knew the old faith, and it did not resemble this new incarnation all to well, though there were elements... He wondered if the Roman Church was concerned with it or not. Then again, Rome was far away, something nearly every Catholic said at least once a week. And it was true. ThoughGodwas everywhere. And surely in this church. He ignored the sarcastic tone as much as he could and smiled a bit warmer at the white haired man." Thank you, we're very proud of it," he said quietly "Nearly sinfully proud," he added, jokingly. At the shifting of the bag his gaze went to it, then back to the man's face, and he nodded at the questions." There is an inn on the town's square. It's not very luxuries, but it's not pricey, either. And mister Berkowitz' cooking is not to be underestimated." It almost felt like a regular conversation to Dominic, now. He felt his concern and unease fade away, but not all of it. He couldn't decide if it was the stare that seemed to eat him alive, or the changing intonation of the man's voice. Something felt off, but he couldn't pinpoint it, and he had to let it slide, try to forget about it or ignore it." When you exit the church, you will find it to the north of the square. It's quite big and almost as old as the church itself," he said, a hand gesturing into the general direction of the north. Farrell didn't seem to find the other male's joke all the humorous. Had he made it himself, he would have found it clever or something...but from someone else it just proved to be a flaw in their character. He believed that sinning was only worth it if they meant it. Dominic obviously didn't really believe that he was sinfully proud of the church and so it was lost on the one-eyed man, "Interesting..." he said rather plainly as he allowed the other to continue on about the inn." I have no interest in luxuries," he commented offhandedly. Farrell was sure he'd lived in worse places, "I'm not one to be underestimated either," this came out rather coldly. He knew he should just head to the inn and get some rest before plotting his little plots, but he Dominic was on his mind now, and it was hard to get him out. Farrell had the urge to add this boy who was so much like he used to be to the list of people he'd saved. Saved from what, well, it was hard to say. Saved from God's wrath later in life. Saved from themselves. Saved from confining themselves in so many ways from the pleasures of life. Dominic wouldn't be the first that had caught his interest in this way and Dominic would hardly be the last." Could you lead me there? I'm not very good with directions," which was a rather sad excuse considering this place wasn't that big. If Dominic was as good a person as he'd once been, then he doubted the boy would reject his 'need' for help. It was a...test...of sorts. One to see if this boy was worth his time while he was here. If so, then his stay was going to be much longer than he'd expected it to be, but it would also be more fun. Undoubtedly, he would need to take faster transportation after this to get to Japan on time, but he didn't really care whether he was late for his new employer or not. This was Farrell's true calling after all, "If it's not too much trouble, that is."" I also tend to miss things. Wouldn't want to fall in a hole or anything..." his lack of an eye was always a good fall back for an excuse. Somehow the remark the white haired man had made about not being one to underestimate either felt quite off to the young priest-to-be. How he had said it. A slight chill ran down his spine and he had trouble keeping his smile in place. A normal discussion? Maybe. But not normal in his book. It made him wonder about the other man, but he didn't even try to hint towards the questions that were stirring. The man could but be slightly mentally unstable. And who was he to judge one of God's children, anyway?" Yes, of course," he said with a small nod. There wasn't anything he really needed to do anyway. The walk around town could wait, and it wasn't time yet to aid in cooking diner. Dominic discarded the fact he still needed to study today. He could read in bed, too. And making notes wouldn't be any problem in bed either." It's no problem at all, sir. I can understand a new town being confusing and missing one eye might complicate matters a bit," he continued, his smile warming again. This he could work with, this was familiar ground ; someone who needed him to help, even with a small thing as finding the local inn." Would you please follow me, sir?" And with that he moved towards the church's gates, but not too fast and looking over his shoulder to see if the other man was following him." I'm Dominic, by the way." The white haired man followed as Dominic lead him out of the church and introduced himself. The name brought a smile to his lips. This boy was probably born on a Sunday to God-fearing parents. Likely ones that had respect for Saint Dominic. Fitting that someone working in a church have a name that means 'lord'. It was almost as if Farrell was meant to meet this boy. To help him learn the flaws of his name and maybe help him learn a new name just as he'd done. Many people chose to take on a different name when they found out that God wasn't the peaceful creature they thought him to be. That God was just as wrathful now as he'd been in the Old Testament." I'm Farrell," it came out a bit thicker in his original Irish accent that he wanted it to. He disliked people figuring out where he came from, "And yes, missing an eye does complicate things. People tend to think the worst of you when you look this way," he said lightly as they walked back out into the sunlight. The blood was drying and crusting on his hand and he clenched his fist a little to get some fresh blood flowing, "I don't have much money. Do you know how to stitch? I promise, I don't have any diseases or anything. Or if you happen to know someone that can stitch, that would be very useful. I can't afford a clinic, so if you know anyone that does medical work like that... I'd be very appreciative. Though maybe I've asked too much of you already?" he wanted to see how much he could push Dominic's generosity. How much could he ask of the church boy before he was declined a 'good' answer." Also, if it's not too much to ask, how late do they offer church services? I wouldn't mind coming back while I'm staying here. It is, after all, a beautiful place. I enjoy attending services in new places. It's always such a good experience to see how other churches run things. How the different priests or preachers give God's word to the masses," he liked playing the good guy from time to time. The great part about it was that he had to convince people. He knew it would be silly to think that people would outright trust a scarred up man with one eye. Earning their trust was the fun part. Farfarello was very good at playing the part of someone who'd simply had a bad life. In truth, he had. He just didn't understand just how bad a life he'd really had. If Farrell could remember his parents death or the reason for it, he would likely understand a lot about himself. Maybe even stop his fight against God. As it was, Dominic was in the line of fire of a man that had a grudge against God, "Do you mind if I pick your brain a little about the town?" "Pleased to meet you, Farrell," he said while sunlight fell upon much like a waterfall would pour its water over him, it's bringing sparks of red and gold to his hair. Inwardly he mused who'd name their child after a demon from Dante Alighieri's Inferno, but did not comment about it verbally. There had been strangers names, certainly. Perhaps his parents hadn't known. He could not and would not judge upon a name. Not without having absolutely no background information. The accent caught him by surprise. He recognized it, but couldn't place it completely. Farrell sounded either Scottish or Irish to the young would-be priest, and he made a mental note to ask about this later. He rather the man kept talking, and for now he was." I could stitch it for you, if you wished," he said, moving over the town's square without any haste. "I'm afraid the town's doctor does ask a fee. He lives off of his services and is now too old to travel to other towns to make more than he needs to survive." Pondering briefly, he added "I'm not too certain if I have painkillers strong enough, though. And, no, you're not asking too much, Farrell. I'm glad to help my fellow man. After all, we're all children of God. We should help each other." He actually stopped and turned with a soft smile when the other man asked about the church's services, only meters from the inn itself." Well, there are services at eight in the morning and at six in the evening each day. On Saturday and on Sunday there is a service at twelve in the afternoon, too. We used to have afternoon services every day, but with the current economy, that's not really something we could keep up. Especially because most people work outside town." Frowning a bit, he flicked his gaze to the pavement and weaved his fingers together, seeming to be somewhat embarrassed. "I do not yet speak to the congregation, though. I'm studying to be a priest, but I'm not quite that far." Realizing this could be interpreted as false pride, he lifted his chin again and smiled a slight smile at the other man." No, I wouldn't mind, but I think it would be wiser to show you the inn first so you can settle in," he said and turned a bit to gesture at a building that was bigger than the others, asides the church of course. "You sound like you've come quite a way to our humble town. I'd rather not cut into some resting time. Though I could, of course, stitch your hand and talk. But at least you could get a room so you could place your things somewhere instead of dragging them around?" When the would-be-priest mentioned not having painkillers, he almost laughed, "I have a very high tolerance for pain. Medication for that will not be Jessica," as far back as he could remember, he'd never actually been to a doctor. It was strange, and he'd never questioned it, but Farrell knew for a fact that he didn't need pain meds for any of his injuries (self-inflicted or not). Pain just never affected him the way it seemed to do so for other people, "And yes, we are the child of God. I do my best to help others when I come by them, I only hope that one day they can do the same for me if I am in need. Not that we should ever expect anything in return of our good service, should we?" Farfarello wasn't God-fearing. Not in the least. He was, however, in full belief of God. He knew that God in heaven was the Almighty...he just didn't care anymore. No. That wasn't true. He did care, but he didn't like being under the control of someone who thought they were stronger than I. He wanted to prove that God had created them in his image, and therefore he was no more powerful than them. Nodding a bit when told about the church services, he decided he would have to drop in on a few of them, "Yes, it's been a long trip. Resting would be nice," he let Dominic lead him into the old looking inn, "It's very charming. You know, many are very put off by my appearance, but you've been very kind about it. You've not mentioned it once," he perked an eyebrow as he stopped not far from the front desk, "I want to thank you for that. Many are...disapproving of my looks and lifestyle. The wandering thing, that is."" Excuse me for a moment," he left Dominic to think about what he'd said as he went and paid cash for two weeks of boarding. Farrell could be very charming and well-spoken when he wanted to be. He wanted the other to think differently of him than he normally let people think. Mostly because Dominic was different from the people he was normally around. The other was God-fearing and wanted to serve the Lord for the rest of his life. That was a far cry from the heathens he was usually found in the company of. Walking back over, he held up the room key with his injured hand, "Shall we? The clerk gave me this too," he held out a cheap care kit that likely had nothing more than band-aides and peroxide; also a small sewing kit, "Think you can manage with this?" He didn't think it to be odd the man didn't wish for painkillers, or saw no need for them. After all, the homeless Dominic tended to often had no need, either. Farrell had probably seen too much and was hardened enough to go without. His face certainly did hint towards this. His words made him smile. No, one was not to expect a service to be rewarded. The rewards should be the service on itself. He said nothing, though, not wishing to preach to someone who seemed to already be knowledgeable in this aspect. Very briefly, Dominic made the connection between the white haired male and one of his many, many saints, though it was too brief to really pinpoint which one ; it was more a feeling. It faded at quickly as it had come to mind, leaving the priest to be wondering for moments. Perhaps a martyr of some sort. It didn't matter, though." I think you have been through some or the other, and it is not my place to stir up memories," he said, making a slight gesture at the other man's face when they stood before the front desk. "One's history forms, but it does not define a person. And the wandering? He. I know many a wanderer around here. I don't think any less of them due to that." He nodded and let the man take care of his business, trying to not listen in and try to ignore for how long Farrell thought he'd be staying. Any thoughts that emerged on their own account due to not being deaf he basically pushed back into the back of his mind, lifting his gaze from the ground when the other man turned his attention back to him and offered him a small box. He took a moment to open it and look through it before smiling "This will do fine, Farrell. And, yes, please lead the way. We better get this out of the way so it can start healing properly." Farrell couldn't care less if his wound healed properly. He was sure that by tonight he would already have it torn back open and well on its way to scarring the way he wanted it to. It had been a long time since he had added to the collection of scars on his body. If things went the way he was slowly planning, Dominic would be introduced to many of the scars on his body. The white haired man knew it went against many beliefs for him to be thinking the way he was, but that's just what he wanted. If God was truly the mighty, holy being that he was thought of to be, then he would have struck Farrell down years ago and not allowed him to continue the way he was. Dominic wasn't the first, nor would he be the last, to cross the demon's path." Thank you, again, for assisting me. People like myself must rely on the kindness of strangers and the love of God to protect us," he said with a small smile as he leads the young male up to the room. It was small and clean, that was all that he really needed. Farrell's goal for this room was for the people of this town to fear it by the time he left. For them to know it as an unholy place where a one-eyed monster had left his mark and allow the legend to grow over the years. Holding the door open with his uninjured hand, he allowed Dominic to enter first, "Tell me more about yourself, Dominic. I meet so many people, but I never tire of hearing their stories. How did you come into the service of God? My father was very devoted when he was alive. As was my mother. Seeing a nice church like the one here reminds me of the one I went to when I was little." He talked softly as he set his things on the floor and headed for the bathroom sink to wash his hands clean, so Dominic could stitch him up. The small inn room reminded him a bit of his own room, though his was smaller still and not hardly this cozy. At least, it was cozy in Dominic’s eyes, which probably was founded on his own room once again, as that had little in the way of decoration aside a crucifix above his bed. He just inclined his head at the words of thanks as there was not really anything to say that hadn’t been already said on this matter and watched Farrell when he placed the items down. Slightly nodding, he listened to the other man’s words. So he had no parents anymore. Always a burden to be orphaned, even as an adult. In a way, it took away a foundation in one's life, and he couldn’t help but think God held this man in his hand. It seemed he had been through more than enough to no longer walk the right path, though all the things he said hinted he had not strayed from it.“Ah,” he said at the man’s question “I have always had a thing for aiding those in need.” Kneeling, he went through the first aid and sowing kit, looking what was there. Finding two colors of thread in the sowing kit made him pick the white over the black while spoke a bit louder to be heard over the water flowing.“It came naturally to me to serve, I was told, and I was asked if I wouldn’t be interested to be a man of the cloth by a teacher when I was...,” he frowned and drummed his chin in though “I believe I must have been five or six years old.” Threading a needle, he flicked his gaze up when he could no longer hear water flowing and laid it down to open the bottle of peroxide and pluck some swabs from the first aid kit.“My parents thought it is a good idea, being faithful churchgoers, and I haven’t thought about another occupation since,” he said, then smiled apologetic “I know, not a very inspiring story. It is, however, a true story. Mine.” He soaked the swabs with peroxide and smiled at the other man.“I’m ready. But you must promise me that you will say if I hurt you too much. I can stop at any time to give you a breather if you need one.” Walking from the bathroom, he sat down next to Dominic and listened as he finished his small story and told him to promise to say if it hurt. That would not be an issue, "My parents were taken when I was around that age," actually, it was probably around the age of ten, "They were very faithful people. My sister and I were partly raised by a nun named Sister Abigale," he couldn't remember what had happened to her, but her name made his blood boil for some reason, "She helped me greatly when my family was taken from me," and here were the lies, "It was her who helped me when I started to stray from a good path. She never judged me. Not even when I got into the fight that cost me my eye. She simply said that she knew I was a good person deep down and that I had to see that for myself, even if it were with only one eye now."" I promise, if it hurts, I will let you know. But I will warn you, pain doesn't affect me the way it does other people. Perhaps I've been through too much to feel it anymore. Sister Abigale used to say, when I told her that, that someone would help me feel again one day. I know it's bad to say, especially to someone in your standing, but it feels like sometimes God has left me. Why else would he take my whole family from me along with half my eyesight? I know it's not true. God is always there," though he had a much different view of how and why God was in their lives. God allowed bad things to happen, and so he was just repaying the favor to God by creating things to hurt the All Mighty One." I think your story is inspiring, in a way. Having good, supportive parents can be more inspiring than most understand. If my parents and sister were still alive, I doubt I would be here now. I would be home, with them. It might be terrible to say, but without them, I've had the chance to travel the world. See everything and anything. Sort of a double-edged sword sort of deal. Both sides have a good and a bad to them." Farfarello watched the needle and thread. He couldn't deny that he was a little eager to feel the needle going into his skin. It wouldn't hurt, but he could feel it still. The pressure of the needle poking through and the thread sliding. It was damn near erotic. He smiled at Farrell’s recollection of his youth. So God had been there, in the form of a Sister. He certainly had been blessed by someone so wise as to not judge a man by the fights he got in. Dominic did not doubt Farrell was still a good man, and still on the right path. Because, of course, he knew not the slightest thing about the white haired man.“I think God gave you a way to deal with the things you come across. It is my belief His path hardened you so you can live life without loosing that which matters so much more than your body, Farrell. Which would be your soul.” The young man looked quite serious when he said these words. Ithaca serious thing ; to see a man on the sharp between having and loosing faith.“Godisalways there. You don’t have to doubt that. It’s just not always as apparent as we would wish it to be.” He leaned over the man’s hand, cleaning it with the peroxide, even after Farrell had washed the hand.“Everyone has their limits,” he said quietly, taking up the needle again before flicking his gaze back up to meet the man’s eye “And I won’t judge my fellow man for finding his limit.” Only then he took to carefully sow the wound close, showing he had some experience in this. Not only did he not slip and did he push the edges of the wound together so it would heal quickly, the stitches on themselves seemed neat and precise. Focused on this and any hint of the other man being uncomfortable, he was basically blind to anything else but these. When he was done, he flicked his gaze back up, gave Farrell a smile and made sure to dispose of the needle and swaps in a way that indicated he worked with drug addicts, too. Sitting calmly, Farrell wasn't unnerved a bit by the needle or the fact that it was going to be in his skin soon. There were a few things people who had met him could say. He was either insane or...well.insane pretty well described it. His ability to push aside pain was practically a gift, "Yes, God is everywhere. He sees everything and watches over us. I know," in fact, he prayed for that. He wanted God to see him destroy this town. He wanted God to see him take this little lamb and lead it away from the flock before he crushed the faith of this little village. God would regret the day He took away Farrell's family and put this life on him. The blood of his family was on God's hands and since Dominic was a part of God, the blood was on this boy's hand as well. He had to shake off that thought for a moment. Lest he tears open the boy's throat now. No. Dominic wasn't going to die, at least not by his hands. He'd already decided what he was going to do with this one, and it didn't involve killing. If he could help it, he was going to keep everyone here alive. He wanted them all to turn their backs on God, not go into the monster in the sky's waiting arms. Dominic was going to be the one to lose his faith first and usher them all into damnation. One day, he would see them all in hell with him. That was what he needed to do and keep in mind. If he thought too much about his family, he would go berserk again. He couldn't afford that again. Not here. Before he knew it, the sewing was done. He found himself mildly upset that he missed it as he stared at the cleanly mended wound on his palm, "Thank you..." though his tone was just a little dark before he went back to his normal tone, "When will you be at the church again? I'd like to talk more. If you don't mind...?" it wasn't late, but even he needed rest and the walk here had been long. Even monsters like him needed their sleep, "I also wouldn't mind a small tour of the church. I'm not sure how long I will be here, so it would be nice to have a bit of knowledge of the church I will be attending. I'm also sure seeing me attending church and speaking with someone as respectable as you will put people at ease seeing someone like me," he knew what people thought seeing him.

The Berserker (Saerra & Michi)|rating:3.0

Labyrinth Mind Guild IC Story Thread

An ancient Wizard, looking for power had locked themselves away in a secluded tower. It has been centuries since anyone has heard from them. Their discoveries and magics had laid in secret. The Labyrinth Mind Guild has tasked a select few of its members to delve into the Underdark and find this place. Records state that this Wizard was trying to bring greenery and life to places where it was not. The wizard's name was Bikaner, a few of you have been selected to investigate this lost paradise.---------The dossier reads as follows:Many hundreds of years ago, a wizard named Bikaner constructed a magical vault to protect specimens of the local plants and animals. She spent years shaping the bedrock into a large cavern and enchanting the ceiling to mimic the light in the sky outside. She created a subterranean paradise full of life. Her obsession with preserving this vault for posterity led her to seal herself inside and lock the door with a powerful curse, accompanied only by the water elementals she summoned and controlled to help tend to the plants. Within this paradise something stirred, sensing the life and beauty within the vault, it slowly corrupted the mind of the wizard over many years. The wizard has long since died, or so the record states but the creations within have kept this secret paradise full of life and wonder to this day. We desire to add Bikaner's spell book to our Gallery. We request you go within this Lost Paradise and retrieve it.-----Your group currently finds themselves at the mouth of a cave, leading down to the hidden sanctuary. Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(was riding on his black steed with saddles and saddlebags, unsure how long he can still keep summoning his steed as underground with tunnels is not exactly suitable climate for a horse. He reads the dossier probably third time as he looks into mouth of the cave as he asks; "Huh, dossier fails mention that the door has been opened, so the curse is still in place in the entrance. Figures that ensure the spell book is still there on sanctuary and thus there would be no need for us get it if the door has been breached. Anyone got idea what curse it is and can we anyway dispel it?" Moira had recently met the others, having not worked with them in past, but he knew faces and names just reputation alone as they all were fairly accomplished adventurers. But personally not, albeit looking atViolkaorAsenahe would not mind getting know them more, even intimately, with either or both. As that much his admiring gazes on both tie fling women would tell. His mother had been nagging about him get grandchildren for her (and likely get up continue family tradition to be warlocks) for a long while now. She had a fit when after one daring adventure Moira gained a small across his face making her realize her son may die any moment in a venture. ●○((#msg15173680)(7)Tagging: Party Location: Cave Mouth Status: Fine HP: 67/67 | AC: 19 | Fighting Spirit ●●● | Second Wind ● | Action Surge ●Del had read the dossier quite a few times along the journey, hoping to find answers it could not possibly have. The one upside to this, one could say, was learning its contents pretty well. "Nope. Far as the Guild knows, she's still locked in there. I would agree she's dead, but you know wizards: slippery as the Hell's are torturous." It didn't take a look around to remember at this moment that his companions all happened to be descended from Demons--or was it Devils? He sure as hell hoped they didn't hate hell metaphors...or was it similes?" Anyhow, I got this shield," he said, hefting the kite shaped metal in all its scratched, scraped, hardy glory. It was much like his voice in those ways. "If and when you're all ready, I could take point." There was a quiet from him for a few beats, then he added, "Getting attacked by wretched creatures from the dark abyss of wherever the fuck...well, it's my favorite thing to do." This assertion came with a grim face and emphatic nod. Sounding sarcastic was not his strong suit. (their arrival at the cave, Arena had to give the wizard some extra bonus points for how creepy it was and the chill it ran down her spine. Aesthetic is important guys. Though it didn't stop her from acting like it didn't faze her at all. Swiftly she took the paper from Moira's hand to read it over once more for herself. "Dead or not dead, this isn't going to be that bad of a mission if you ask me guys. Get the book, get out of there. Easy." Even though she spoke of an easy mission, she did have her hand resting on her rapier. You can never be too careful around wizard caves. She had been burned by that one too many times before. In her few years as adventurer Arena had some experience that could be seen as very good 'life lessons' at best. Don't wake an ogre in his beauty sleep, very bad idea. Goblins do not enjoy listening to guitar music. And tavern owners do not enjoy you randomly starting to dance on a table. “I mean how bad can it be? There are four of us and only one wizard. If we play it smart, we can handle it well enough. Let's go!” ("Lady White castle" (#msg15173678)Lady White castle, as you've all been introduced to her as, greets the others as everyone arrives. Her studded leather armor is shining and polished, and the fine white clothes she wears underneath would not look out of place at a fancy gallery party." Good morning my companions!" She says, a posh, very high class accent weaving through her words. "Let us make haste, I have many very important obligations to attend, and I do not want to keep anyone waiting, come along, come along." She says it all with a merry sort of calm as if this was just a walk through a park. Violka is taking advantage of her Dungeon Delver feat to look for traps while moving at normal speed as she enters the cave. Perception 17Roll Result: Viola rolled: 2d20, keeping 1 dice Comment: traps Result: 9, 17,Total: 17Advantage due to Dungeon Delver feat! The cavern seems to open up from below the ground. As you approach, the light from the sky overhead illuminates the area below to show wide cave entrance that ends abruptly at what appears to be a smooth and polished doorway standing 10 feet high. The doorway appears to be shaped from the surrounding stone, but no sign of a crack or hinges are visible. Fortune has smiled on Viola: for as she approaches and gets close to the doorway, she pauses as words appear on this doorway. You read what it says, it is in the common text"Here lies the sanctum of the great spell weaver Bikaner, collector of this realm’s most valuable treasures. Wealth immeasurable and power unfathomable lie within, waiting for those who should claim it. Knock, and the door shall open."((Viola, you also gain the knowledge that this door is indeed set up with a trap of some kind. But you cannot tell by what means at this time.)) ("Lady White castle" (#msg15173678)Viola reads the inscription out loud to the others as they follow her up to the door." What it doesn't say is that this door is clearly beset by some sort of trap as well!" She glances happily over to Del and nods towards the door, "Well, you wanted to lead the way!" She then takes several steps back from the door, placing the burly half orc between herself and the door. Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(nods for Del taking the point and replies; "I will be rear guard then in case ambush comes from behind. Also, you cannot indeed presume about the wizards, sadly so many had sought ways to cheat death. Not many in nice way." As Arena cheerfully describes job easy, he chuckles and replies; "Simple in idea but in regards powerful wizards which have likely stored deadly traps, wards and perhaps bound magical creatures or outsiders on her lair it's not that easy. Also, one arch mage can wipe out armies with flick of a finger so better not underestimate tricks what arcane magic can bring. Better we get the book and leave without confronting the owner of it." Lady White castle takes lead he follows her and is keeping distance as if accidentally trigger traps. But there was not any, expect the door which has ironic welcoming words despite trapped and cursed nature. As Lady White castle gestures Del to take lead, he steps and touches his shoulder and says; "Let me knock and trigger the magic trap, blessing of the ancient gods ward me against magic, so I can most likely bear the burden and resist it better than most do." If Del is not against the idea, Moira inhales deeply as he steps up to the door, chanting a prayer which illuminates him briefly in gentle golden light which spreads and covers others in party as well. Blessing them as he is blessed. Then he knocks on the door three times solidly. Preparing embrace whatever curse and magical trap the door holds.Podcasting Bless on himself and party and concentrate on it and then proceed knock on the door. Everyone 10'ft (including himself) get +4 to all saves, blessed get 1d3 additional bonus and most curses target charisma save so Moira has +4 on that save. So hoping to beat the door's trap by triggering it and brute force of paladin tier charisma survive it (beat it so it does not affect or effect partly) and proceed. If curse causes DMG, it's halved thanks his other aura (halve all spell DMG) or is halved (thanks racial+feat) if curse does non-spell DMG related to fire, cold or poison. Immune to diseases as well. ●○((#msg15173680)(7)Tagging: Party Location: Cave Status: Fine HP: 67/67 | AC: 19 | Fighting Spirit ●●● | Second Wind ● | Action Surge ●So the door was trapped. Good thing her highness knew how to detect such things. Good, and a bit strange. But, she was an adventurer, same as him, and one was bound to pick up a few tricks. "Got an idea," he said, gesturing for Moira to stop. The tie fling man's way was more straightforward and would obviously do something, but the thing about picking up new tricks was, you had to go with trial and error. He started stepping back a safe distance and leaned against the cave wall to get out of the direct line leading from the door, gesturing for everyone to do the same. And, if the request was followed, he'd pick a few rocks and chuck them at the door in quick succession, much like a knocking hand would--or so he hypothesized. Before Moira could knock on the door, Del has stepped in to try and avoid any traps that may trigger. Rocks are thrown towards the direction of what is presumed to be a door. Thunk.... Thunk.... ThunkNothing happens, and that door appears to be quite solid.((With your keen passive perception, Del, you are able to catch sight of an ever so slight flicker of energy at each stone collision with the stone door. It seems to be indeed trapped but not by any mechanical means)) ("Lady White castle" (#msg15173678)"Lady White castle" grumbles as she sees that the door is still closed." Gentlemen" she stresses the word so that everyone knows it is on loan, "if you please, Lord Double down has invited me to feast of culinary delights that Imustreview for the evening Gazette in but a few hours time and I must not be late, or I will miss the first course and my palette will be off for the entire dining experience!"" Now there are a great many things to throw rocks at along the way back, and I promise you may do so to your heart's content but, speaking for not only myself but also the delightful Ms. Arena I assure you as ladies of high class we are not in the business ofwaitingfor doors to be opened for us." She clasps her hands together." Nowgen-tell-men" she enunciates each syllable as of it emphasize how precious they are, and how tenuous the label is, "If you please." She extends her red hand towards the door. ●○((#msg15173680)(7)Tagging: Party Location: Cave Status: Fine HP: 67/67 | AC: 19 | Fighting Spirit ●●● | Second Wind ● | Action Surge ●"Yup, as we thought. Magic." He said, looking far more intrigued than annoyed. The annoyance only came when the 'Lady' started complaining and name-dropping. Wait. "Lord Double down? That's the dumbest name I've ever heard." And likely the fakest... Rolling to detect bullshit Roll Result: Del rolled: 1d20, adding 5 to the total Comment: Insight Result: 9,Total: 14"Anyway," he said, turning to Moira, "it's magic, but I don't know what it does. Not too smart about those kinds things. But if you have magical protection and want to trigger it, I'm all for it." ("Lady White castle" (#msg15173678)Deception 13Roll Result: Lady White castle rolled: 1d20, adding 9 to the total Comment: Its totally real Result: 4,Total: 13 ((Del, you can tell that it's a lie, but she spoke so fluidly you ALMOST believed her.)) ●○((#msg15173680)(7)Tagging: 'Lady White castle'Location: Cave Status: Fine (and amused)HP: 67/67 | AC: 19 | Fighting Spirit ●●● | Second Wind ● | Action Surge ●He stepped aside to let the tie fling do his work, but it served a different opportunity as well--as Her Ladyship would realize when he sidled up beside her and whispered for her ears only For the Lady"You have got to come up with better names in the future. It's like you weren't even trying there. But hey, guess you have to double down on it now." With his words and an almost dopey lopsided grin delivered, he stepped out of her highfalutin personal bubble and, importantly, said nothing. ("Lady White castle" (#msg15173678)"Lady White castle" would have turned a nice shade of red if she wasn't already. She clutched her pearls (yes, literally, one of her many holy symbols is on a string of pearls, naturally) and made a terribly offended sound." Thenerve of some people!" She huffed, making it clear who that people was with the dirty looks she shot the half-orc's way. What he'd said to her exactly was a bit of a mystery. Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(Del wanted to try his trick, he waited and watched. As he saw magical energy but not door opening he sighs and says; "So wizard was smart; making trigger on the door very specific then." As lady White castle made her annoyance known, Moira did not even pay mind to check was she speaking true or not. Instead, focusing what he planned to do anyway earlier.....going to door and knock it.Jobless has been cast and been active already so no need recast it. Earlier factors still in play as well so Moira intents 'tank vs curse' with his protections and hope come out unscathed. As soon as Moira's hand touches the door there is a bright flash! It covers over everything within a 60-foot radius of the door. This was akin to suddenly having a bright sunlight turned on your eyes. You all now know that the spell caster did not wish to be disturbed by the sheer effect of the spell alone.((To resist becoming temporarily blinded I will need a CON saving throw from everyone (Minus Arena since she is away at the moment and I have rolled for her).))((Please add +4 bonus thanks to the bless if you are right by the door and within 10 feet of Moira))((If you roll less than a 16... take 33 points of Radiant Damage/ Halved (16 Radiant Damage) if you pass, get a 16 on the nose or have abilities that allow you to halve damage))((If you fail you are temporarily blinded/ Duration: 1 minute))The walls to the side of the carving of the door will begin to shake, and the stone will part to reveal a hallway leading into the wizard's sanctum. ("Lady White castle" (#msg15173678)48/52 HP Con Save 16Roll Result: Lady White castle rolled: 1d20, adding 2 to the total Comment: con asveResult: 2,Total: 4Roll Result: Lady White castle rolled: 1d20, adding 2 to the total Comment: con save advResult: 14,Total: 16"Lady White castle" was about to say something else, undoubtedly very snarky and witty, when a huge burst of light washed over them. Using her quick reflexes she managed to duck so that she was slightly behind Del, but still the holy light singed her devilish skin a bit."AHHH FUCK!" She screamed, patting at her sizzling flesh. "Fucking wizards!" She swore in a decidedly unladylike fashion, her affected upper class hoity-toity accent nowhere to be found.Meanwhile, her other hand took hold of one of her holy symbols, then another, then another, her lips muttering very rapid prayers to several deities in a row, begging to be spared the ravages of any future traps." Is everyone okay?" She asked looking around quickly, although first at her green meat shield, patting at Del in front of her to put out the sizzling bits of the heat blast he'd taken to shield her. So, successful save = 16, halved due to dungeon delver, halved again due to Uncanny Dodge = 4 damage! Sneaky Thief! ’D Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(knocked, as he started see the flash he shouted; "Brace yourselves! This is bigger....!" Then his voice was muffled by blast of light, followed by noises as others endured the blast. Along with Moira releasing a fine curse in infernal (considering celestial has less profane words for bright lights while infernal has thousands variations). However as light ends, Moira only looks very mildly signed and smoking and sighing and saying; "Well, I guess my oaths to light of life graced me worst of that. Are you okay?"CDMA automatically halved as DMG is from a spell. Rolled 4 (for bless bonus to save. So having total +8 additional bonus and total bonus to Con save is +10. I rolled 22 (Con save, so not blinded and 33 / 2 = 16 / 2 = 8pts radiant DMG taken. ●○((#msg15173680)(7)Tagging: Allocation: Cave Status: Fine HP: 63/67 | AC: 19 | Fighting Spirit ●●● | Second Wind ○ | Action Surge ●Save: 22Roll Result: Del rolled: 1d20, adding 6 to the total Comment: Resist Result: 16,Total: 22It didn't take long to realize that he should've been even more careful than he thought. Maybe he shouldn't have been so careless; maybe he should have let the gourmand be instead of poking fun. Quote from: Lady White castle"AHHH FUCK! Fucking wizards!" Nah, it was worth it. Just a second degree radiant burn and a mess of spots dancing before his eyes. Completely worth it to hear that remarkably undignified shout." Well then, guess we shouldn't trigger traps on purpose too much. But if there's no way around one, and it's going to go off anyway, we might as well try our hand at disarming it. Anybody here good at that, by any slim chance?" Considering the burns stinging their bodies at the moment, prospects looked low. But, he waited all the same as he practiced some deep, calming breathing and caught a second wind. Second Wind: 12hpFull Result: Del rolled: 1d10, adding 7 to the total Comment: Second Wind Result: 5,Total: 12 ((#msg15173678)48/52 Viola pokes her head out from behind Del, blinking as she sees that the paladin seems rather none the worse for wear and that her sturdy blast-deflector also seems in decent shape." Yeah." She says, blinking a few more times as if not believing her eyes. "Yeah, we're good, just a little singed." Swaying her hips and tail she slips around Del and up to the now open door." Yeah." She says in response to Del's question about disarming traps. "Me. But that one didn't have any sort of mechanism to disarm, it was just a spell." She looks at the party and gives a 'don't blame me' shrug. "I'm not really Lady White castle." She says with an appropriately roguish grin. "My name's Viola." She gives a little mocking dip to the party, "Nice to meet you."" Alright, let's see what we got." She says, clapping her hands and turning about, her dark vision sweeping the passage before her as she again looks for traps. As she leans ahead looking to check out the scene she reaches back and places a hand on Moira's arm. "Keep close to me big guy." She says, not wanting to be caught out in the open, or too far away from the paladin's useful magics. Perception Natural 20Roll Result: Viola rolled: 2d20, keeping 1 dice Comment: find traps Result: 13, 20,Total: 20 Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(sees most rest party is okay, if bit signed he says to them; "If anyone wishes some healing I can spare some." Then as lady White castle (introducing herself now Viola) he makes return courtly bow towards her and replies; "So there is no culinary event in near future then? Pity, would have loved to try some culinary delights." As Viola touches him he smiles on her and says; "Okay, I keep close and avoid triggering any traps." With that he follows Viola, hoping there is no further traps, but most likely wizard may have conjured or assigned a guardian of sort behind the door to help reinforce the fact the visitors aren't welcome. So he takes out handle of his sword, sword which at the moment has no blade on it, but it's ancient powerful magical blade which he acquired in the past. Readying conjure the blade if needed. Albeit keeping watch on surroundings, his gaze makes passing drifts regularly on swaying rear end of Viola and on her tail. ●○((#msg15173680)(7)Tagging: Allocation: Cave Status: Fine HP: 63/67 | AC: 19 | Fighting Spirit ●●● | Second Wind ○ | Action Surge ●"Lady White castle's" late confession of expertise pricked at his nerves more than a little. Fortunately, his annoyance only lasted the short span of time it took for her to reveal the identity she'd been hiding all this time. "Figured you would've kept the lies going a lot longer," he said, before chuckling throatily despite his recent burns. "It's strange: hearing you reveal how deceitful and sneaky you are makes me more confident in your skills. Even had me going." He followed along as the two led the way, not looking to get hit by any more magical attacks. His expertise was in more mundane protection; and enemies who attacked head-on. But, as he followed, there was nonotnoticing the ogling coming from their resident magic man." So I hear you're a very upright paladin, Moira," he said casual-like as he scoured the area for anything of note, "any dirty secrets you want to reveal while we're at it?" This was, in truth, about as subtle as Del could ever get. Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(replies to Del's inquiry; "Well, if upright you mean something like Try's paladin then I am not such paladin. My own oaths relate to non-lawful oriented deities and nature related forces, like Lure, Mailing and Haunted. But common is that I serve the good and my oaths more relate to duties of Knights of the Unicorn organization. Which is mostly spread goodwill, protect those who can't protect themselves and teach and show people light of life and joy in face of darkness, may it be from outside or inside." In regards dirty secrets he raises eyebrow and replies; "Well, it all depends on definition of dirty but most secrets I am sworn to keep to myself as matter of trust." As you step into the hallway of stone, a gust of air flows out from within, carrying with it the smell of flowers growing in a dense forest. Light pours out from the cavern opening up beyond you, flooding the surrounding area with a daylight identical to that outside. (Albeit much less blinding)Before you opens up a circular cavern 100 feet in diameter. The ceiling rises some 50 feet above you, and the rocky walls of the cave smoothly transition into a view of a clear blue sky with a warm sun shining down upon you. The sunlight inside the cavern illuminates an flourishing paradise of trees and plants, the likes of which you have never seen before. The entire cavern is filled with greenery: ferns, trees, bushes, shrubbery, fruit-bearing trees, and much more fill the room. Directly in front of you, a meticulously well-kept path leads straight through the trees to a pool of crystal clear water some 30 feet across. On the other side of the pool, you can see a similarly well-kept path leading to the opposite side of the cavern.((Viola with your glances around the area, darkness does not inhibit you as the area is very well lit. You also notice that the fabricated sunlight mimics what was going on outside, the positioning is the same. Because you rolled a natural 20 you manage to also spot some odd fungi that periodically litter areas along the path, always close to any entrance ways or gateways.)) ((#msg15173678)48/52 HP Unaware of the amount of attention her ass is getting, or the attention her ass is getting, Viola walks ahead with her eyes widening as the contained environment comes into view."Oh, wow." She mutters, fingers brushing across two or three of her charms as she mutters prayers of appreciation. "I guess the stories about this place were right!" She says with a smile as she looks about it awe. "It really is - oh watch out!" She pauses, pointing out the fungus. "That's around the entrances, it's probably some kind of protection. I'd avoid stepping on it. Or over it. Or too close to it." Doing exactly that herself, Viola walks up to the pool of water. "Can anyone tell if any of this is magic?" She asks, peering into it. Let me know when I need to roll again for finding traps, or if there is something else I can roll to check out this area! ●○((#msg15173680)(7)Tagging: Allocation: Cave Status: Fine HP: 63/67 | AC: 19 | Fighting Spirit ●●● | Second Wind ○ | Action Surge ●Del was almost disappointed--utterly so--by Moira's vague response to his poking fun. After all, what was the point of messing with someone who either didn't get it, or pretended not to? But the tie fling said something interesting that altered his reaction. Maybe it was another vague phrase; maybe it was an oath he normally wouldn't have given a toss about; but the lighting of inner darkness...the thought was deeply important to him. "Alright, keep your secrets," he said with a smirk, one that quickly fell as he proceeded seriously, "so your order thinks all inner darkness can be fixed. Darkness mankind?" Lecherous as the holy man was, he had an interesting take--one that could, hopefully, help him. Then they came upon the astounding sight of the underground garden, full of light and warmth and life, and it seemed for a second that his hopes were answered. "How did she make this dreary place so beautiful?" The thought brought a smile to his face, and a warmth deep inside. Then, he shook it away, getting back to business as Voilà asked about the pond. "Don't ask me, V," he said with an almost teasing casualness--one White castle would never have stood for--"but you're good with arcane stuff right? Then again, all 3 of you have some kind of magic knowledge." Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(listens Del's question about inner darkness, and he replies; "Yes, any inner darkness can be vanquished. Or very least make it less dominant and controlling, as thing what makes us truly mortal is that inside our souls rests both darkness and light, and it's constant struggle between those two which reigns supreme. If we consisted only light or darkness, we would be either angels or demons." Then as the underground garden comes to view, he inhales and exhales and looks in awe and says; "Whoa, this is beautiful.....amazing." Moira admires the sky and the light which illuminates from it upon the plants and beautiful pond. On Viola's warning he comes more alert and looks on the mushroom and replies; "Okay, got it. No stepping over them or be near them." Moira follows Viola while avoiding the mushrooms, albeit he curiously looked them and tried to identify them (Nature roll: 19) (Once at near the pond he replies; "Well, I cannot check for magic right now, but I see are there any spirits in area." Zorira closes his eyes and concentrates.....McNair the pond Moira uses Divine Sense to detect celestial, fiend or undead creatures in 60'ft radius and able point out where they are. Also senses if any site is sacred or unholy. ((Moira you recognize this flora as no ordinary fungi. These are essentially alarm fungi, that will emit a noise once someone gets within 10 feet of them. The place is filled with them, it will be highly difficult to make it through without triggering one or several))((Moira you now begin to feel the surrounding energies. This is a very sacred place, but not in the religious sense. Someone treated this place with reverence and respect, the energies poured into this place make it almost a sanctuary. You can feel that. A few moments pass, you can feel something else. A faint glimmer of something, something not quite alive, not quite dead, but also not undead it is ....infernal in nature. This thing is an anomaly, you cannot get a clear read on it. It's at the bottom of this pool.)) Zel and Viola You notice some movement towards where it leads to the center near the pool. You spot two iron golems that traverse across the door, crossing each other and moving on. They do not spot your group. ((#msg15173678)48/52 Viola reaches back and waves her hand at the two men behind her in a 'hush' gesture, then makes her way back to them so she can whisper." Two golems up ahead, big iron ones." She winces. "They're on a patrol back and forth across the door." She glances at the heavy armor the men are wearing. "I might be able to sneak past them but I sort of doubt you two could in that getup. What do you guys think?" (“I have no problem trying to stealth my way around them, but I seriously doubt goof and goofier can do so.” Arena looked up and down the two armored men and thought for a second, when an idea hits her. “I can cast a bubble of darkness around them, so if we're all quiet, we could make it past.” A brilliant idea! If only she was sure it would work. So rather than jumping in and randomly casting spells, Arena took the safe route and questioned the group. “It's that or try to sneak around.” With a quick peak she looked at the creatures, scrunching up her nose in annoyance. “I rather try to leave this place alive and not in a little Tie fling pancake, I got music to make still. I need to become famous one day.” Asena got ready, for if any moment the group agreed to her casting Darkness, she could immediately go for it. "Or we could feed the pervert here to them, I'm sure they'll be busy eating him up for a little while." She spoke, pointing to Moira. Unlike Viola, she had noticed his looks and glares at the other Tie fling Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(finishes his trance and speaks; "I sense anomaly bottom of this pool, something not dead, alive nor undead....closest being infernal in nature. Besides that I sense lots of devotion and care has been invested to this marvel, making it into sanctuary but not in religious or divine sense. Also be careful on those mushrooms, they are alarm fungi. If you get 10'ft or less from them, they will shriek. Considering how they have been planted it will be difficult to navigate in here without triggering one or several." As discussion went to golems and how get past them, he smirks to Viola and says; "We could undress the armor? It's not glued on us. However, check there are no fungi near the entrance as despite darkness the fungi can detect us and shriek and alert the golems." As Arena pointed him to be beaten to pulp and being a pervert he rolls his eyes and replies; "Oh, who's talking considering how provocatively you do dress! Dressing like that is open invitation 'hey, take a look of me'! But if we cannot get past golems we could just fight them. Albeit what I remember they are tough and can be resilient against magical attacks. As if we trigger any mushrooms or magical alarms they would come investigate, and we would face other guardians or threats then. But besides that I can teleport short distances with a spell, so if you can get spot where I can remain unseen I could teleport past the gates." ●○((#msg15173680)(7)Tagging: Allocation: Cave Status: Fine HP: 63/67 | AC: 19 | Fighting Spirit ●●● | Second Wind ○ | Action Surge ●"Yeah I see them..." he all but groaned as he stopped near Voilà, staring out at the golems. "Way they're crossing each other, there's only a short window where their backs are turned. And we'd have to get through the door." Least they're not alive..." he would add, under his breath. Asena's contribution didn't do much to inspire confidence, specifically because of the spell she chose. Suffice it to say, he wasn't a fan of darkness, and it showed in his highly skeptical expression. But, instead of leading with his deepest, darkest fears, he instead said, "Goof? I'm more of an ass than a goof, thank you very much." The addition of alarm shrooms covering the area and fiends dwelling in the water made the situation worse, but not so much as the argument breaking out over Moira's perversion. "Look, people--" he started to say, but stopped short as the horny man (get it?) gave his defense. "Wow, not even I'm that bad at social interactions. But forget all this, we need to concentrate people--get through that door alive. Or find an alternate route that involves staying as far away from that cursed water as possible." As he said this, he looked around for such a secret route--and, more importantly, he scanned for a safe way to bypass the alarms and get to that door while he was at it. He also took Moira's advice and checked to make sure no mushrooms sat by the door itself. Perception:16Roll Result: Del rolled: 1d20, adding 5 to the total Comment: Perception Result: 11,Total: 16"I don't like unnatural darkness, Arena," he said, more sincere than ever, "but if you can control it, and it's the only thing that helps us get through..." the question was: could he trust her? And the answer was clear, for all of them. So maybe the real question was whether he had a choice." Bah, I'm sure we could kick those things' asses without magic darkness slowing us down. We're tough. And it'd blind us anyway, right?" ((Yes, Del there are those mushrooms that are in front of the doorway it would be hard to traverse that way without tripping the 'alarm'))((Del and Viola you do notice that there are two other paths other than the one before you. One to your north and one to your south, both curve around rounded corners that leads you both to believe this room is circular in nature.)) ((#msg15173678)48/52 Viola seemed a bit bothered by something." Uh, wait a minute. I'm not an iron golem or anything, but uh, to me there would be nothing more likely to make me realize there's someone sneaking past me than a huge magical ball of darkness." She said pointing this out. Glancing at the paladin she added, "And you know, take it off if you want, but most men like you two tend to be much less good at getting hit instead of me when you're naked." She shrugged as if to say don't ask how I know that." Okay, okay," she holds up her hands to everyone, "Calm down, lets all wear or not wear what we want and perv on each other later okay? We're all tie flings here and -" she pauses, glancing to Del, "We're almost all tie flings here," she says not missing a beat, "And we need to stick together and get out of this dungeon, and then we can all dress super slutty and see what happens? Deal?" That very important issue out of the way, Viola glanced about." Maybe we should try one of those other passages?" She suggests. "One of the ones without huge iron golems?" She keeps her voice to a quiet whisper the whole time. "Okay stay here I'm going to try to check out that other passage." Violka tried to get a sense of what troubles were waiting them along the northern route, vanishing a bit into the jungle to go do so.19 Stealth Roll Result: Viola rolled: 1d20, adding 8 to the total Comment: stealth Result: 11,Total: 1914 Perception Roll Result: Viola rolled: 1d20Comment: perception Result: 14,Total: 14 ("Okay first, Moira, I wear these because I am Abarth specializes in making people happy through dance which will one day make me famous. So piss off." Arena was too proud to admit he might be kind of right. She did wear very revealing clothes, but that was none of his business. "Anyhow. Viola, go take a look then, but I meant casting darknessaroundthem so that we could pass unknowingly. But then again, with those shrooms around, I doubt we can make it through... I think indeed trying another passage will be our best bet." Asena took a step forward as quietly as she could, she looked around the clearing, making sure not to be too close to the mushrooms to see. "I mean if all else fails we can still fight them. I just don't think we should exhaust ourselves too much this early in this cave, who knows what might lie ahead. We should try to conserve our energy." Though she was speaking to preserve their energy, Arena did grab hold of her dagger, just to be sure to be able to jump into battle whenever they needed to.((I'd like to give the bardic inspiration of the day to Del, under the idea it might come in handy both in combat or if he might need to do a stealth check. This is given to him by Arena by simple touch of the hand.)) With few parting words and a plan in mind Viola heads to the northern path, you see her take a slight turn, and then she is no longer seen in the distance.((Viola you essentially vanish into the greenery. With your perception you are able to see more of the beautiful garden-like area. Around the spring you do see more of the shriekers, (the alarm fungi) Nothing else stands out...but you do notice the water is very calm....with those iron golems trouncing about they do not even cause a ripple in the small spring in the center)) ((#msg15173678)48/52 Viola pops back in a few minutes later, as suddenly and surprisingly as she vanished." I didn't see anything to the north." She reports. "So let's head that way." She glances towards the pool. "Let's try to skirt around that though. I don't think that's water. It's not rippling." She points this out as the iron golems galumph about, how the pool isn't moving like one would expect water to. She glances at Arena with a smile. "And I dig your style, babe." She says with a wink, before turning to lead the group north if they agree to head that way. ●○((#msg15173680)(7)Tagging: Allocation: Cave Status: Fine HP: 63/67 | AC: 19 | Fighting Spirit ●●● | Second Wind ○ | Action Surge ●"Oh look at that, there are mushrooms by the golems. Guess that plan's out if we want to be sneaky. No darkness necessary!" As he spoke, he caught sight of two other passages, but Viola was quick to volunteer as scout before he had to point them out. It seemed she had eyes just as keen as his, and a devious mind to match. He wondered something about her, but considering the situation at hand, he would have to wait til they had a moment in private to ask. Maybe when they stopped to rest." North sounds good to me. I don't mind a fight, but like our bard friend here said, it's better to avoid getting scraped up." Then, just around that moment, he felt Arena's touch on his hand, and through means he could only describe as magical (and personal) charm, he felt...inspired. Not even the thought of darkness and demons daunted him now. "Alright, let's do this." Stealth: 11Full Result: Del rolled: 1d20, adding 1 to the total Comment: Stealth Result: 12,Total: 13Roll Result: Del rolled: 1d20, adding 1 to the total Comment: Stealth Result: 10,Total: 11 Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(Arena told him to piss off he replied; "Same back to you too." Then he listens both Del's and Viola's reports on mushrooms and passages and as she suggests go north he nods and replies; "Okay, lead the way. I try to be silent." Then as they move Moira tries to be silent with his plate armor. But all honestly all pretense of stealth disappears as he trips on a branch and crashes through the scenery loudly as top stacked bucketsandlands near shrieking shrooms (Stealth: 3). (( was about to try and be silent, being the last in the line of the group, though seeing as Moira fell and made too much noise not to be heard. The girl sighed and facepalmed. "Honestly, what was that pretense even for..." Though she stayed still, she needed to first see if those golems had moved. Somewhere in her mind she was praying they were friendly, or maybe very deaf. Though it would be very unlikely. Arena got ready, already channeling her magic in case it was needed." You better pray to the gods this ends up well Moira, it would be your fault." Harsh? Probably. True? Also, probably. Arena was never one for being the kindest when it came to these types of situations, she could be rather cold. ((#msg15173678)48/52 Viola takes a few stealthy steps and - CRASH BANG CLATTER - winces and closes her eyes as the most ungodly noise ever rings out from behind them. She opens one eye and glances towards the golems, very sure there's about to be a fight and ready to flee. Violka moving so that the party is between her and the golems! Stealth 12Roll Result: Viola rolled: 1d20, adding 8 to the total Comment: stealth Result: 4,Total: 12 Sheath, unfortunately was not the groups strong point at the moment. The Shriekers let out their namesake sound; a cry of warning and annoyance. The golems paused in the trek, and the pool in the center began to ripple. From the center emerged three water elementals and the spring resumed its stillness from before. There were no motions to make any attacks or things of the sort. The creatures and golems seemed to be waiting for the group to make some sort of move. ((#msg15173678)48/52 Viola's bright red hands go to her many holy symbols, and she pleads for protection in both Common and Infernal (hey you never know who might be listening) as she continues to back away from the threats, keeping the heavily armored types between herself and the enemy. She glanced about though, surprised that there was no attack coming. "MMM. Huh." She didn't seem to know what to make of this exactly. She looked to see if her companions had any idea what was going on. If a fight does start, she'll hold an attack on the closest enemy, attacking when it's engaged with someone else with her short bow. Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(climbs up from prone position after tripping he replies to Arena's barbed words; "Aye, aye, my fault. Feel free come haunt me if it's going to be so." Moira was readying for fight, but besides water elementals appearing and golems stopping, they seemed wait for something......" Perhaps they aren't programmed to attack for random sounds from bushes?" With no better idea Moira then makes a 'mooing' sound, similar to a cow's voice. Doing his best to mimic the volume and duration of the sound. Waiting on golems and water elementals reaction. The golems and the elements seemed to be drawn by the new sound, whether they believed it was a different story entirely. (Moira Please make a performance check) ((#msg15173678)48/52 Viola's eyes go wide. She cannot believe this is working. It is working, right? Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(golems and water elementals do not attack but rather approach the group, Moira moo's away best as he can give and hope it's good enough to fool these entities in regards the crashing sound earlier. Performance: 18 (( all the hope in the world Arena hopes that this would actually work, while she muttered some curses under her breath, of all the things she'd do if it didn't The performance was well received by the group that gathered, and very convincing. Their attention was taken away from the group and focused on the source of the moos. The deception has granted the group a bit of time. The pathways are not blocked by the beings within the center of the garden. The path is still littered with those pesky fungi. Step lightly and lively, team. ((#msg15173678)48/52 HP Eyes still wide in disbelief, the tie fling starts to make her way carefully around the beings enraptured by the mooing, heading for the closest exit, beckoning the non-mooing party members to come along. She isn't exactly sure what Moira is going to do, but this is his plan after all. Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(Moira more and less expected either elementals or golems to attack or turn around and ignore them once figuring it was cow which made the noises. But did not expect them to become audience?! However, it clearly gave rest of party chance for easy movement and escape from situation, so he kept mooing but also keeping in mind he needs to escape as well. So he moves slowly around, avoiding the mushrooms, so that he lures perhaps elementals and golems to move deeper into the forest but also spot where he can with simple teleport spell move into path, near to one unguarded exits and perhaps one which group used to leave the area while he moos away. As you take a path around, there appears to be another archway that opens up to the garden and the pool. It appears the area is circular and the pool in the center is a focal point for this underground paradise. There is also a path that continues to lead forward...and then a different light that comes from a different path leading to the north-east. But if this area was designed to become a circle...why was there that branching path? ((#msg15173678)48/52 Viola glances over her shoulder, still amazing that a paladin mooing was sufficient to distract a set of golems and elementals. She tries to signal with her hands that she's going to check out the branching path and attempts to make her way stealthily up towards it. Stealth 16Roll Result: Viola rolled: 1d20, adding 8 to the total Comment: Stealth Result: 8,Total: 16Perception 9Roll Result: Viola rolled: 1d20Comment: Perception Result: 9,Total: 9 This branching path seemed to lead deeper into the underdark, it was a slow decent with makeshift stones as stairs. It would lead to an intricate looking door. ●○((#msg15173680)(7)Tagging: Allocation: Cave Status: Fine HP: 63/67 | AC: 19 | Fighting Spirit ●●● | Second Wind ○ | Action Surge ●It took quite a lot to keep himself from laughing when the cow distraction began, but, shaking with effort as he was, he managed to move ahead without breaking down and attracting attention. Then they were faced with more turns in the path. "Of course," he said, right before Viola signaled and snuck ahead to scout. "Don't trip the shrooms," he called after her in a whisper he was about half sure she would hear. For now, it was time to play the waiting game. ((#msg15173678)48/52 HP Slipping into the deeper paths, Viola is momentarily grateful that this party is composed of races that can see well in the dark. She poked her head back out and signaled for the others to come and join her down the makeshift stones in front of the intricate looking door. "Just a sec." She commented. "Going to check this for traps." Investigation 15Roll Result: Viola rolled: 2d20, keeping 1 dice, adding 6 to the total Comment: search for traps Result: 9, 6,Total: 15 Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(kept distraction going, until others were farther off, and he was in right position. Then after a mooing he then quickly chanted in celestial and disappears in brief storm of golden leafs....appear to path others had taken and then walk, not sneakily but not hurried manner as made noise and avoid shrooms and try reach where others have gone to. The door, while intricate in its design was simple in its execution. During her check of the door Viola finds no traps, and the door itself to be unlocked. The wizard apparently did not think anyone could make it this far into their domain. ((#msg15173678)48/52 Viola stepped back from the intricate door." Looks clear to me." She said with a shrug. "I think this is where you big Zs come in." She moved away so that either Moira or Del could see to the door. "Hey where'd the pretty one go?" She asked looking around for her fellow tie fling woman. Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(quirks his eyebrow to Viola and replies; "I thought she was with you? I hope she has not got into trouble. I just came here after I managed elude the golems and elementals with my spell. Anyway, I could check the door. Assuming it may hold further spell attacks." If no one protests, Moira tries on door which Viola inspected. Trying open it. No plants grow in this area, the door opens with ease revealing finely crafted stone furniture. A wall of well-worn bookshelves, brimming with stacks of papers and books, creates a nook that is filled with a desk. A large tome lays open upon the desk a ruby brooch lay upon it. Across the room from the bookshelves and desk, a low bed made of stone lies with its sheets crumpled and messy. There appear to be papers strewn about, some of them burned and singed around the edges. Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(looks around after opening the door and replies; "Well, I say it's all clear. But avoid touching the big tome on the desk, it may be her spell book and ruby may be part of some warding spell or such. Let's check other areas first before dwelling to main tome." Moira enters the room and studies the papers strewn about which had burned edges, picking them carefully up and study them. Investigation: 16 (( (#msg15173678)48/52 HP"Hey, cool, making progress!" Viola says happily as the big Zs open the door, and they find themselves in what looks like an inner sanctum of sorts." Is that the spell book?" She asks looking at the obvious tome sitting out. "Is it really that easy?" She nods at Moira's advice. "Yeah, let's check out the rest of it first. This seems suspicious to me." She walks over to the bed and investigates it. Investigation 11Roll Result: Viola rolled: 1d20, keeping 1 dice, adding 6 to the total Comment: Investigation Result: 5,Total: 11 The papers all had references to magic spells, wards and something about the Great Dark One. Papers that were towards the top of the pile mentioned a Tie fling Priestess of Star who was causing problems for the wizard. The papers and ink looked old and worn, dust covered the pages and the desk. The bed was in a similar state, the fabric old and musty covered in a layer of dust. There is some movement under the blanket, but it only proves to be a small grouping of mice. Further investigations were cut short by the shouts of someone back in the direction they came from ;"What the FUCK?!" The words were in Infernal ((#msg15173678)48/52 HP"Just mice here." Viola reports, shooing them away from the bed. "Probably means this isn't a great bed for resting in." Before she can say anything else there is a loud shout. Understanding the words, Viola dives behind the bed to hide! Stealth 18Roll Result: Viola rolled: 1d20, adding 8 to the total Comment: Stealth Result: 10,Total: 18 ●○((#msg15173680)(7)Tagging: Allocation: Cave Status: Fine HP: 63/67 | AC: 19 | Fighting Spirit ●●● | Second Wind ○ | Action Surge ●Del had wandered near the stacks of papers himself, and found himself peering over Moira's shoulder before the interruption occurred. The words "Great Dark One" had barely left his lips in intrigue when the shout pierced the quiet of the room. He turned, with his shield--and a deep sigh--at the ready. "Can I help you?" Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(read and noted details, until shout is done and before either him or Del acted, Viola disappears best as she can in the room. As Del took the lead, Moira himself remained quiet, moving calmly near besides the door and try to hide behind the door frame, so Del confronts whatever is outside yelling about. Albeit his success on stealth remains at least consistent..... Stealth: 8 (A woman, a tie fling woman at that with dark Grey skin and purple hair would be in her doorway. She appeared to be very wet and quite displeased. Her rose colored eyes scanned the room. Her perception allows her to spot even Viola.IOC(At 2019-12-28 18:35:56, Alcyone (UID: 70647) rolls: 1d20a8 Result: 28 (“You know I could have really used a hand getting out of that spring.” She quipped, wiping down her body and letting the fluid drip. “But at least you all are kin....” she looked towards Del, “Or kindred spirits in misery.” Zorora could sense that she was the odd aura from the spring. “You can call me Alcyone.” She introduced herself“Tell me, what are you doing here. This place is supposed to be well hidden....” ((#msg15173678)48/52 Viola emerges a bit sheepishly as the woman looks right at her so hiding spot under the bed." A heh, heh." She chuckles nervously. "Look Alcyone," she says, easily learning the new name, "How we were supposed to know you were hiding in the spring? And which is it, are you upset that we found this hidden spot or upset that we didn't find you hiding? Hmmm?" She puts her hands on her hips in a bit of a mocking confrontational manner. "Nah I'm just kidding," she laughs, waving it off, "We were sent here by the Labyrinth Mind, they found the place we just walked in the front door."" Speaking of which what are you doing here?" Violka eyes Alcyone carefully as she answers. Insight NATURAL 20!!! ... also 20 total :3Roll Result: Viola rolled: 1d20Comment: Insight Result: 20,Total: 20 Alcyone smiles; “The Labyrinth mind guild. So you’re part of the first groups?” The labyrinth mind guild had been around for a while. At least a few generations down the line. Deception also a Nat 20. 29 total At 2019-12-28 19:03:52, Alcyone (UID: 70647) rolls: 1d20a9 Result: 29 (“I’their because that wizard took something of mine and...” her eyes spotted the gem. “I want it back.” Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(listens the woman Alcyone and replies to her; "You were in spring? I did detect a fiendish presence in there, but it was neither alive nor dead....so sorry if we did not rescue you as my sense did clarify was it trapped demon or tie fling. Were you in stasis in there? Could explain why my reader was weird. Anyway I do not know are we among first, but we were tasked.....but are you by any chance follower of goddess Star?" Seeing her eye the gem he adds; "I advise not touching the tome or gem yet, as we are uncertain of the wards in the tome or around it. Either case the wizard has not shown up and by condition of the place she has been gone longtime. The same was suspected by the guild as well. We are here take some things for the guild as well, besides investigating the place overall. Anyways nice to meet you Alcyone, I am Moira Drug." ((#msg15173678)48/52 Viola eyes Alcyone for a moment, obviously weighing whether to believe her or not. After a moment she grins happily. "Well, she's definitely on the up and up!" She announces, completely pleased with what she sees. "And so long as what he took from you wasn't his own spell book, which would be an interesting trick" she thinks to herself of how that would work for a moment, "well in any case as long as you aren't after that we won't have a problem! We're just here for that and whatever else we can loot along the way." She pauses, eyeing the poor sopping wet figure for a moment. "How long were you in that fountain? I've got a set of traveler's clothes that will probably fit you, nothing fancy, but they're dry at least!" ●○((#msg15173680)(7)Tagging: Allocation: Cave Status: Fine HP: 63/67 | AC: 19 | Fighting Spirit ●●● | Second Wind ○ | Action Surge ●Huh. This had worked out better than he'd hoped. "You know, it's nice not to get ambushed in situations like this," he said with a genuine smile. "Rare, too. I'm Del." He wasn't the quickest to trust, and he sure as hell wasn't going to fully trust this new person based on Viola's word. But, somehow, Alcyone seemed true in her intent. And she hadn't attacked them when she'd had the chance." You good with magic? Seems so, considering how you got out of that water trap." He gave some thought. "Maybe we could help each other here. This place is warded up the ass, and we all need something from the wizard. Let's scratch each other's itches--or behinds--however that saying goes. Then we can get out of here with something to show for it." Least persuasive guy does persuasion Roll Result: Del rolled: 1d20Comment:Result: 8,Total: 8 As the group spoke to her, Alcyone began using a spell to clean herself up, the spring's moisture wicking away with every touch. She glanced to the book that they were speaking of, and chuckled. "I am a devotee of Star in a few different ways." She answered the male tie fling. "As for the book that's her journal. Not her spell book." Alcyone spoiled the surprise for them. She cracked her neck, "I suppose your presence was what got me to wake up...." She gave a shrug and signed." First of all, are any of you hurt? I can offer some healing..." ((#msg15173678)48/52 HP"I think we're all a little scratched up." Viola said. "It's not big deal though, I wouldn't waste magic on it just yet." She said, with the chipper confidence of one who is sure she's going to get run through by some sort of spring-loaded skewer before this is all said and done." You seem to know this room pretty well. Anything we should know about? Traps? Monsters? How about whatever lies beyond here?" As she speaks Viola checks out the room for exactly that. Check for Traps 19Roll Result: Parra rolled: 1d20, adding 6 to the total Comment: Check for traps Result: 2,Total: 8Roll Result: Parra rolled: 1d20, adding 6 to the total Comment: Check for traps advResult: 13,Total: 19 ●○((#msg15173680)(7)Tagging: Allocation: Cave Status: Fine HP: 63/67 | AC: 19 | Fighting Spirit ●●● | Second Wind ○ | Action Surge ●"Yeah, no more than a scratch between us. We're pretty tough characters." He offered the others a thumbs up, securing the grandiosity of this compliment in his book. "What was your relationship to Bikaner like? I'm wondering because she trapped you in a lake and disappeared with your stuff." Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(nods as Alcyone confirmed her follower status and replies to Del's question; "According burned notes the wizard wrote, some tie fling priestess of Star was 'causing problems' and considering for regular knock on door is greeted by blast of magic I guess wizard grew tired of Alcyone and sealed her to bottom of the lake. I guess wizard did not want to give the gemstone back to Alcyone." Then turning to look Alcyone Moira continues; "Can you tell us what the gemstone is? Sort explain why wizard wanted keep it besides as fancy decoration on her journal book?" He himself was wary of Star follower, considering her goddess is all about despair and darkness so in that premise Star follower is direct opposite of his own faith to light, kindness and helping others. But he has got to tolerate a lot of stuff working for the guild so he is not against working together so long it does not force him break his oaths. In end prefer peace to violence anyway. Besides her own mother was not saint in past either, so he has no grounds to be even judgmental if so desired. Just that he and Alcyone prayed and believed fundamental levels different things did not mean they should go violent. World is made both by light and darkness. "Traps, no. This was their bedroom." Alcyone replied to Viola. "As for the outside...you saw the screaming mushrooms right? What about the water elementals?" She asked. The woman turned her rose colored gaze to Del, "My relationship was strictly business. As in, I was sent to deal with her business here. Since I am a Priestess of Star.... Word had it she was dealing with some really less than savory beings...as in deep unsavory. The dead should deal with the dead." The last bit you all can't decipher what she said, it was a guttural language, and Old language. She then looked to Moira, "The gemstone is, so I can properly blast things without needing materials." She clicked her tongue." I've never been one for wands or crystal balls." ((#msg15173678)48/52 Viola shrugs. "No, all I saw was the guard cow." Viola says with a smile. "Alrighty, so do you know where this book we're looking for, or any suitably glittering treasures are located then?" She asks. It seems like nothing worth finding is in this room based on her investigations turning up nothing and what Alcyone is telling them. ●○((#msg15173680)(7)Tagging: Allocation: Cave Status: Fine HP: 63/67 | AC: 19 | Fighting Spirit ●●● | Second Wind ○ | Action Surge ●Del was listening along attentively, which may have been exactly the reason why the change in language caught him so off guard. He had to admit he was happy to carry on their search for treasure as Viola suggested, but this problem stuck with him. "Wait, what was that about unsavory beings? It sounded like something got caught in your throat." The sad part? He thought this true and was not at all trying to insult. Moira Drug (#msg15173920)(listens the reply done by Alcyone and once she finished he quirked an eyebrow and replied; "Their bedroom? So the wizards had some company then? Anyway I see no harm giving the property back to you, just need carefully study the book is not warded magically or trapped. Also as Del asked about unsavory beings can you anyway clarify further? So we know what we are dealing with."

Labyrinth Mind Guild IC Story Thread|rating:3.0

Caring for the Kamea Sisters [[OPEN & ACCEPTING]]

Caring for the Kama Sisters The Setting: The Story: Nestled happily in the mountains is home of the Kama family which includes a father, mother and two daughters. The father is wealthy, well-renowned doctor and the mother traveling businesswoman. They make enough money to live a luxurious life, but unfortunately this means they are often away from home, leaving their two daughters alone. Therefore, they have begun to hire people to live at the Kama house and take care of their family.WANTED:-Chef -Maids -Butlers -Teachers/Personal Tutors -Personal Physicians for the two girls and the house staff -Friends--Note: If you wish to play a random character that happens upon the house, you may. The girls would never turn away someone in need! ---------- The Kama Family The FATHER: rarely home, picture will be posted if he ever returns home. He is a busy doctor, often hired to care for high profile patients. His job often requires long stays away from the house. The MOTHER: rarely home, picture will be posted if she ever returns home. She is a sharp businesswoman, hellbent to make her company suppress all others. She is often out of the country. The Sisters Name: Marilyn Age: 18 Status: Single Likes: Sweets, tea, summer, the ocean, cooking Dislikes: winter, being alone, chemistry Bio: Outgoing and lively, Marilyn is often the center of attention where ever she goes. She sometimes comes across as snobby and conceited, but she can be a very generous person where it counts. She has her ditsy moments. Other: TBA Name: Kearney Age: 16 Status: Single Likes: Reading, classical music, fall and winter, most food Dislikes: crowded places, improper grammar, bitter tea Bio: The polar opposite of her elder sister, Kearney is a quiet and reserved girl. She prefers to spend her time quietly reading rather than out and about. She does not mind being in small groups and talking to people however, she is socially awkward. Other: TBA ---------- The Rules:-Obey the Kenosha TOS -Romance and Drama more than welcome, but please keep it PG-13 -No God Moving -Try to limit the swearing :) -Please clear plot changes and characters with me first -Try to avoid one-liners, and please keep the RP Semi-lit. -Please try to keep IOC discussions to the IOC Thread, some chatter is acceptable. Characters: Profile Skeleton: Image or VERY good description: Name: Age: Occupation: Status: Likes: Dislikes: Bio: Other: Played by: Accepted Profiles: Quote: Originally Posted by Calvert Profile Skeleton: Image or VERY good description: Name: Fujiko Age: 22 Occupation: Head Maid Status: Single Likes: Sweets, Cute things, Taking care of the girls and maids Dislikes: Bugs, Cooking, Being alone, The dark Bio: Fujiko has worked for the Kama family since she was 15. It started as a summer job, but eventually she couldn't leave. Everyone in the house was like family, and she really didn't have anywhere else to go. She is actually rather lazy and loves to eat sweets. Other: She's very motherly and treats the girls and other maids as if they were her own children. Played by: Calvert Quote: Originally Posted by Talitha001 Profile Skeleton: Image or VERY good description: Name: URI Age: 17 Occupation: Maid Status: Single Likes: Books and cleaning Dislikes: Nonsense and messy people Bio: Very mature for her age URI has cared for the girls since she was 14. She is a talented maid and knows just how to make each of the girls happy and satisfied. She works hard to make sure everything is taken care of properly. Other: She is obsessive compulsive Played by: Talitha001 Quote: Originally Posted by Academia Image: Name: Damien Grey Age: 20 Occupation: Bodyguard and butler Status: Single Likes: Pie, sleeping, snow, birds. Dislikes: spicy food, pink and some other things he'd much rather not say. Bio: Came into this job a few years ago since he was low on money. He's never really failed his job before, no reason for him to not have a bad reputation now. Everything else is on the down low. He'd tell his past once he's comfortable with you. Other: He may or may not seem like it, but he's ruthless when it comes to people messing with his charges. A bit cynical and bloodthirsty, but that's only when you don't know him too well. Once he knows you, he's a complete opposite and is in fact, playful and somewhat of a teaser. Played by: academia Quote: Originally Posted by kionaredhawk Image or VERY good description: Name: Si'la Amaya Age: 21 Occupation: Bodyguard and instrument teacher (Piano, flute and various others) Status: Single Likes: Wind instruments, beautiful soothing music, weapons/fighting, rainbows, and black. Dislikes: guys that manage to beat her in fighting, ice, reading books Bio: Her parents where military turned mercer any once she was born. They only did that so that they could make more money since she was one of a set of triplets. She long since left her family, leaving at 16, to make her own way and leave the strict household. They did NOT like that she had an affection for rainbows. So she left and finally managed to find a job that suits her at the Kama as a bodyguard and tutor. She hopes that she can serve them well. Other: She always has something, like a straw, in her mouth because she is a recent quitter of smoking. And she always carries a pan pipe with her to play when she's alone. Played by: kionaredhawk Image or VERY good description: Name: Molokai Met Age: 17 Occupation: Friend :) Status: Single Likes: Dislikes: Bio: Photo or Kai, depends on which name you feel like calling him, has lived at the bottom of the mountain that the girls live on for as long as he can remember. He remembers when he was about six, he and his parents were hiking the mountain when he encountered the two girls playing outside. They fascinated him and since then, he always comes up whenever he came, for weekends especially, so he can visit with them. Other: He's usually soft-hearted but gets fiercely protective of the sisters. Played by: kionaredhawk Quote: Originally Posted by JessehBoo Name: Devon Sleek Age: 19 Occupation: Stranger Status: Single Likes: Wandering, The rain, Hot Chocolate, The beach, All music, Clubs, Dancing, Food in general. Dislikes: The quiet, Boring people, Rude people, and Conceited people. Bio: Devon grew up in a not-so-privileged lifestyle. In truth his family was downright poor. It was just his mother him and his sister Catherine, his father had left them just after Cat was born, Devon was 8. They scraped by with the little money they had with the jobs that Devon had and then lost in what seemed a never ending pattern. They lived in a beat-up home at the bottom of the mountain. Every once in a while, in his free time Devon would wander the roads and forests up the mountain and peek in on how the other half lived. He despised how they took everything for granted, while him and his family were lucky to have food on the table twice a week. Very rambunctious and tends to cause trouble. Has many connections due to all the jobs he's had and favors he's done for people to earn some extra money. Practically everyone knows him and he is currently an errand boy for a shady man at local post office, bringing "special care" packages to certain locations. He knew it was some sort of stolen goods of some sort, but as long as he got paid. Other: Has a few scars on his back from when his father would use a belt on him. Played by: JessehBoo Note: I will play both the Kama sisters for the time being. Should some wish to play one, speak to me. Announcements: Open! ((I'll open us up with the first post))Marilyn rolled around lazily in her bed. It was well past ten, but she had no intention of getting up yet. Throughout the house she heard the staff starting to stir. Wonder how long they'll let me sleep.... Keaira, on the other hand, had been up since dawn. She was sitting out in the garden, reading from one of her various books. She tended to avoid most of the staff simply because she didn't want to have to talk to anyone. Wish I could be lazy like Aero.... Damien had woken up early that day, and was now making his rounds around the house. His suit was a black one, but a little more informal than the usual butler suits. He had no white shirt under the black suit. And it was more like a dress shirt/tail coat. He wore the black pants and some black boots. He'd known one of the sisters was in the garden, so he didn't bother to wake her just yet. Heading silently toward Marilyn's room, he opened the door once he reached the room. He looked inside and raised an eyebrow. "Are you honestly still in bed?" he asked, looking amused. URI had gotten up at six am. She was a maid and was always kept very busy. She had already cleaned her room and cleaned up the library. It was later in the day now, and she needed to go take care of the sisters bedrooms. She walked to the door and noticed Damien. She frowned and lowered her head." Excuse me please" She went past him into the room and walking to the window she opened it letting light stream in. She went up to each of the beds and pulled the blankets back." Get up girls. It is time to wake up so I may clean your room." Marilyn whined as her window was opened and sat up. "Why do I have to get up?" She stuck her tongue out childishly at Damien and got out of bed. Noticing the other bed in the room was vacant, she looked around and pushed her tangled blond hair out of her face. "Where's KEA?"" Avoiding you," Kearney said bluntly as she stepped into the room. She bowed respectfully to both Damien and URI. "Good Morning," she said politely." Waa why do they get a good morning and I don't?!"" Because I'd really rather not talk to you if I don't have to, sister."" What?! Why?!" Marilyn whined again." That's why." And with that the two girls were in another of their silly, pointless arguments. I'la Amaya followed the directions to the house in the mountains, not knowing it wouldn't take her as long as she thought it would. So she arrived at the doorstep really rather early in the morning. She hesitated to knock but decided she should anyway. Her official duty started tomorrow, but she was supposed to get to know the grounds today and the people that already worked there. And of course the two girls, she thought. She raised a hand and took the cord to the bell that served as an announcement for visitors. She gave it a good two rings and then waited patiently to see if she was received. Hotokai rolled over in bed and slowly sat up. Then he grinned cutely. Today was the first day of summer vacation for him, and he was going to spend a couple of weeks up at the Kama's house. He wondered if their parents had even told the girls that or not. He hoped it wouldn't be too much of a surprise. Furthermore, he got up and started to get ready for the trek up the mountain. Fujiko had woken at 6 when the maids typically were supposed to get up. However, she was lazy and knew URI would be on it, so she went back to sleep. She was glad to have URI has one of the maids. Later, at 10, she woke up due to a commotion coming from the girls' room. Her room was across the hall since she was the oldest one here and the most adult-like. She dressed and headed to the girl's room, "What's going on?" She yawned. Damien almost laughed, smirking lightly before raising his eyebrow. "Now you two." he said, trying to get them to calm down. It was always amusing to see them argue, but sometimes it had to be cut short or else the fights could escalate. He noticed Fujiko come in as well before smirking. "Ah, nothing much. Their usual little squabbles." he admitted before hearing the bell ring. He nodded his head at the two girls that were arguing before smirking at the two maids. "I'll get that." he said before heading out the bedroom and toward the front door. Once he had reached it, he opened it and gained a somewhat polite look. "Yes?" he asked, looking down at the girl who was standing there. He had to run across his brain to see if there was someone who was supposed to visit. There was that new girl that had applied for a bodyguard and a tutor of sorts. "Yay, visitors!" Aerilyn cried out happily and ran down to the door with Damien. "Open it, open it, open it!" She peeked over his shoulder as he answered. Oh, she's pretty! Keaira tapped her foot in a typically annoyed manner as her sister rushed off. How is it she gets so easily excited about the door but lazy about everything else? Turning to Fujiko she nodded. "Sorry about the ruckus Fuji... hope we didn't cause too much trouble." URI began to clean the girls room slowly. She made the beds. She finished by putting there clothes away and taking the dirty clothes to be washed. Furthermore, she walked down the long hallways dusting everything slowly. Furthermore, she was bored. The house was pretty clean and even though she was told that she should take a couple of days off, but she refused. She was devoted to cleaning this house. She knew that one day skipped was a way to make the house horribly dirty. "Oh it's okay, Kearney" Fujiko smiled and yawned. She didn't know how URI did it, but that girl really loved cleaning. Fujiko, however, didn't mind a mess once in a while. It was kind of creepy how clean this house was due to URI. At least it meant she didn't have to do much work. Even when she offered URI days off, she wouldn't take them. She couldn't help but be a little concerned, it was her motherly instinct. "Shall we go see who are visitors are?" She asked Kearney and URI. "Well I'm sure the Tri-band welcoming committee has it covered... but I guess we can go down too. URI, you want to come too? Or would you like any help?" Kearney said as she tilted her head to the side. URI was a dedicated worked and part of Kearney always felt bad watching her work so hard. Si'la smiles tightly. "My name is Si'la Amaya. I start work here today." She looked at Marilyn and nodded her head in a little bow. "I'm assuming you're one of the ladies to whom I'm charged?" Damien smirked a little and raised an eyebrow, nudging Marilyn so he could move back to let the woman in. "Yes, she is one of them. The other is still in her bedroom." he explained as he gave her a small nod. She seemed like a decent person, and didn't look very troublesome. Si'la smiles slightly. "It is good to meet you then." She looked at the man. "If you don't mind my asking, but who're you?" Hotokai was finally packed and started the somewhat long trip up the mountain to the girls' home. He took his time, enjoying the wildlife and the plants, identifying most of them since he was just a nature wiz. His backpack held more stuff in it than it usually did since he was staying longer, and he took a break sooner than was expected. He sat against a tree and closed his eyes briefly, grinning as he imagined the girls faces when he showed up and told them how long he was staying. Damien blinked and lightly tapped his forehead. "Sorry, forgot to introduce myself. I am Damien Grey. Butler and main bodyguard for these girls." he explained, almost smirking. While he was a butler, he did enjoy the body-guarding part more. Too bad it wasn't used very often. It had become rather dull these days. His golden eyes looked her over before raising an eyebrow. "And, what job will you be taking?" Marilyn clapped happily as the woman entered, "I'm Marilyn, I'm very pleased to meet you! My sister is kinda boring, but you know whatever..." Kearney had wondered off from the maids and gone to the telephone. She punched in an all too familiar number and waited for the answer. "Hi, is Molokai there? Oh... he isn't? Hmm... oh no it's ok. I'll try back later." Kearney furrowed her brow. She was hoping she could talk Haiku to come visit, but it seemed he was out for the day. Guess I'll have to find another way to keep myself busy... Si'la finally turned on a real smile when Damien talked and asked. Before answering him, she looked at Marilyn. "I'm sure your sister isn't that boring. As I can tell you aren't." She looked back at Damien with amber eyes that twinkled. "Main bodyguard? You're going to have your work cut out for you then, Mr. Grey. I was hired mainly as a bodyguard for the girls and as a tutor secondly. I suppose we're going to have to discuss who guards whom, when." Molokai opened his eyes and hopped up, ready to go after the fifteen-minute break. He continued his trek towards the top, his pace not slowing even as the path became steeper. Soon, he arrived in the 'backyard,' using the garden entrance. He wondered if Kearney was reading back here as she did a lot. Damien raised an eyebrow. "It would do better to have you mainly as a tutor, as they hardly need guarding. Unfortunately." he muttered before shaking his head. "Well, there are two girls. Two bodyguards. You can take one, and I can take one." he said before glancing over at the girl. "And your sister is just calmer than you, not exactly boring." he stated. It was funny to see them like that, but he did figure both girl would miss each other if they were apart for more than two days. URI looked up at the girls with a smile."No, thanks I have a lot of work to do. If I stop then this house will become just as messy as before. You know how much I enjoy and am devoted to my work." She went back to dusting and noticing a spot on the floor got on her hands and knees and began to work her way to its place of origin. Sometimes people were so silly not to stop and clean a simple spot. She wondered how in the world such a mess would be missed. "Okay then," Fujiko said wondering why URI liked cleaning so much. She left the room a little concerned and went to see who the visitor was. "Oh hello Si'la" She smiled, "Glad to see you made it here safely." She, being the head maid, knew almost everything. She was very into gossip, in the sense she listened to it, she never spread it of course. Plus it was her motherly nature to know what was going on. "I'm Fujiko. The other maid here is URI, but she's cleaning right now. Otherwise, I think you have met all the other workers." "Bewailing!" Marilyn reiterated with a chuckled. She extended her hand happily to the new woman, "I'm super glad you're here! What exactly will you be teaching us?" Keaira wandered around the house for some time, waiting for the commotion to settle down around the newcomer. She made her way to the gardens to explore for a while, and to make sure the flora was still healthy. She hummed very quietly to herself as she wandered along. [[makingpronow]] ---------- Devon's knuckles rapped against the door in the "shave and a haircut" pattern as he held the heavy package in his hands. A man came to the door and barely opened it as he peered outside. "I have a package from Mr. Rowell." He said. Devan had seen this man at least 5 times a month, and it was always the same drill. The man closed the door, undid the chain and opened it once more to take the package. After the money was placed in the boys hand the door shut and Devon pocketed the bills. Turning from the door he made his way down the alley and then out to the open street. Another delivery done, and another 50 bucks. That should buy dinner for the week. The boys light brown, almost peach-colored eyes glanced up at the large house on the top of the mountain. He wondered to himself for a moment before continuing down the street headed to the store to buy the groceries. Si'la smiled a bit. "We can discuss it at a later time, Mr. Grey. It's nice to meet you all." She took Marilyn's hand and shook it, her grip firm but not painful. "I know how to play several different instruments and your parents wanted me to teach you or continue to teach you them, especially the piano." She paused a second. "Could I possibly come in now?" She smiles slightly. Hotokai stopped for a second, his ears picking up a sound that he recognized almost instantly. He smiles and heads towards the faint humming. Just before Kearney would see him, he stopped and set his pack quietly on the ground, the willow hiding him. Then he waited a moment more when she was about three feet away. He jumps out from behind the branches. "RAW!" He's grinning from ear to ear. "Oh yes please come in, I can show you to your room, and I'm sure URI would love to unpack for you," Fujiko smiled moving out of the way. She giggled a little when she thought of URI. That girl worried her sometimes, but she was a big help and Fujiko hardly had to do much work. ((I was also wondering if any of you might be interested in joining my RP: (I'm already in it :XD I just posted too :P) Quote: Originally Posted by kionaredhawk (I'm already in it :XD I just posted too :P) ((lol, well I meant the others :P)) (okay!YEAH!!! YOU guys should all join her other RP if you haven't already :D) Kearney screamed, spun around, and slapped Molokai's face. She blinked as she realized who it was. "Oh my! Hoboken! I'm really sorry! You should know better than to sneak up on me... I'm sorry!" She reached out and touched his cheek gently with a frown. Molokai was taken completely aback when she hit him. He really wasn't expecting that kind of reaction. His cheek felt raw but he grinned anyway. He put a hand on her hand and nuzzled into it, jokingly as always. "I'm perfectly fine now." Damien smirked lightly, raising an eyebrow. "You could have come in when we moved away from the door." he said, slightly teasing before nodding. "Do you have any sort of luggage?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at her. He'd thought he heard something from outside, but it might have just been Kearney or something. She was safe inside, or maybe it was that one boy that usually came over. Kearney sighed at him and smiled, "It's your own fault for scaring me... silly boy. I just called your house looking for you, actually. Want to come inside?" Aerilyn's ears perked up, and she tilted her head to the side. Though I heard something.... Oh, well. "Piano?" The last time Marilyn had a piano teacher, she skipped most of her classes. She remembers Kearney, on the other hand, being an incredible pianist. "Oh boy... I'm going to go put some real clothes on... I'll be right back!" With that Marilyn bounded back upstairs to her room. As she was brushing her hair she stared out the window towards the city. I'm bored... maybe I'll go shopping. But I don't really want an entourage... Marilyn smiled. She crept out of her room and out the back door of the house. She knew there was a trolley station somewhere up here, it would be much quicker than walking. "They won't even know I'm gone," she whispered and ran off.((I think I was actually thinking about that one actually cat...)) "That'll be $20.56" the cashier said to Devon after he had rung up the groceries. Handing the man the bills he grabbed the bags and smiled. "Keep the change Rob." He said, and the man waved him off. As he left the grocery store he was thinking of what to get his sister for her birthday. It was tomorrow and he now $29 to spend on her, plus 7 bucks he already had before his delivery. $36 would get him a nice present for Cat for sure. As he walked down the street he peered into store windows, nothing really catching his eye. Until he saw this one dress in a store window, it was perfect ad he knew his sister would love it; purple was her favorite color. He walked into the store and got a few funny looks from not only the customers, but the workers as well. It was a woman's store and there wasn't a man in sight, well despite the incredibly flamboyant man back by the jewelry. Si'la shrugged and smiled a little bit when Marilyn went off. "I was going to tell her I teach other instruments." She looked at Damien. "She doesn't like the piano, does she?" Then she remembered that he had asked her a question earlier. She pointed at the medium-sized pack on her back. "This is most of my stuff. I'm not that materialistic." She then looked at Audio. "I can unpack my own things, thank you though. Honestly, don't wait on me either. I'm a worker and don't like to be worked on." She smiled a little. "But by all means, show me to my room, if you may." She looked at Damien again. "When should we talk? After the girls are asleep?" Hotokai grinned. "I'm not that silly, ya know. Not as silly as you and Aero. Anyway, I'd love to come inside. And I think Audio or URI has a room set up for me too." His grin gets wider and reaches his eyes. "I'm staying a while." "Oh alright, I'll have to talk to URI about that," Fujiko said nervously. She hoped URI wouldn't mind if one room wasn't cleaned her way. She then waited patiently for Si'la to finish talking with Damien. Kearney blinked at him. "You are? Really?" She wrapped her arms around one of his and nuzzled it childishly. Molokai was one of Kearney's few friends, and she was overjoyed to have him over. She tugged in his arm to get him towards the house. "Well come on! Let's go find your room! When was this decided? Why wasn't I told?" the usually quiet girl started rambling. Aerilyn hopped off the trolley with a sigh. I'm surprised Damien didn't catch me... I'm getting sneakier! She smiled and wandered towards the market district. She walked past vendors trying to lure her over to with jewels and musicians trying to get a tip. Furthermore, she paused in front of a cute little clothing store and examined the display. "What cute outfits!" she chirped happily. Devon walked over to the woman at the register who eyed him in a peculiar way. "Um...how much is the dress in the window" He asked, and she glanced over at it and then back to him. "32 dollars." She said and Devon grinned. "Well." Glancing down he read the girls name tag. "Well Nancy if you had it in a size 6 I would love to get it for my sister." With the mention of the word sister Nancy's demeanor changed. "Well I'm sure we have one somewhere." She said with a smile and walked towards the back where the store had a rack of the dress in different sizes. It seems the other women overheard the mention of a sister because they all kept giving him alluring glances, their eyes roaming over his body. "Here we are." Nancy said pulling out a dress, looking at the tag Devan smiled at the little "6" written on it. "It's perfect, She'll love it." Nancy grinned ear to ear and did a hair flip, most likely trying to flirt. "I'll ring it up now." She walked back to the front counter as Devon let his eyes look about the store. Damien was about to answer when he almost frowned. Usually, Marilyn hurried up a lot faster than this. He almost rolled his eyes, figuring she might have gone off to town or something. He smirked at Si'la before shrugging. "That works for me. Now, if I may be excused, I'll go and take care of a couple of things for the house." he said before quickly heading out the door and checked near one of the other doors, smirking when he found the footprints in the dirt. He quickly took off toward town, using one of the shortcuts. Marilyn wandered into the store, lifting various blouses and holding them over her body. She heard the girl at the cashier counter turn on the sugary sweet flirting voice and glanced over. Cute guy, can't blame her. She chuckled and turned back to the mirror with a sigh. URI finished that spot and noticing a ton of people in the front of the house she went upstairs and set to work on cleaning the hallways. It was such a mess. She hated the fact that if she left something alone for even two minutes it got covered with dust. She had serious issues with cleaning a lot. Maybe if she found a guy to keep her distracted it would help her problems, but she was truly a loner. Devon continued to wander the store and saw a girl holding shirt up to herself in the mirror. He chuckled and turned to the cashier with a smile. "Thank you so much for your help, Miss." His smiled seemed to make her weak in the knees as she didn't reply with words but simply smiled and staggered sat down. Glancing back up at the girl he smirked and walked over, "You know I think that using a fitting room would be easier." Devon suggested, leaning back against the wall which the mirror was on. "But that's just a men opinion." His lips curved into a heart melting half smile. Marilyn blushed slightly then giggled at the man. "Generally... but then this yellow really isn't my color so it's not worth change," She said with a smile. Her lips curled into a mischievous smile as she turned and faced him, placing one hand on her hip. "Now what’s a cutie like you doing in a store like this... hopefully not visiting the jewelry counter man," she tilted her head towards the flamboyant man in back and winked at the stranger. He's even cute up close... Molokai had to laugh a little bit at Kearney. That was so typical of her. He smiles. "It was decided a few months ago. I talked with your parents about it when they mentioned that they'd be gone most of the summer...again. As soon as school was out and summer NACA started, I was to come up here." He motioned towards his back. "Hence the huge pack. I asked them not to tell the two of you." Si'la nodded at Damien and looked around this part of the house before looking back at Audio. "Well, lead the way I suppose. I want to get unpacked, so I can get familiar with the place." She smiles slightly. "Alright" Fujiko smiled, "Just follow me." She headed off cheerfully to show Si'la to her room which was located upstairs. It wasn't as big as the girl's room, of course, but defiantly not small. She hoped it would suit the lady's needs. She noticed URI was sweeping the halls, "URI, This is our newest member, Si'la, she's a bodyguard and very talented in music." Devon kept a straight face as he looked at her and to the man at the jewelry counter. "Actually, that's my boyfriend." He said in a serious tone, raising and eyebrow. His facial expression read "is there a problem with that?" He waited for her reaction as he heard a groan from the woman at the front counter. He loved messing with peoples heads, all in jest though and never about something that should be completely serious. Marilyn sighed, "No problem at all. Just means that if I ask you to grab a coffee with me, you're probably going to say no." She giggled and shrugged hopelessly, "But that's usually my luck." Keiara pouted, "Thanks for keeping secrets Kai! That's not very nice." She smiled, "But I guess I'll let it slide because it's you." She grabbed the strap on his pack and heaved, bound and determined to carry his things for him. Devon smiled and chuckled a bit."I'm completely kidding." The man ran his fingers through his hair and glanced back at the flamboyant guy." Though I have to admit he's got a great sense of style." He said sarcastically, as the man was wearing a lime green and pink patterned shirt with a red scarf. Looking back to her, he smiled." I'd love to get coffee with you. My names Devon." URI looked up and smiled nodding her head." Nice to meet you. I apologize about the mess. I have so much to clean up." The entire time she was talking she was still sweeping. Damien finally found out where Marilyn was. And she was talking to a guy. He almost sighed, almost backing out again before he smirked, walking over to them. "There you are." he said, glancing down at her. "Would've been here sooner, but I had to make sure the other one, Si'la had someone else to give her a tour." he explained, almost shaking his head before looking at Devon. "Did she cause any trouble?" he asked, almost looking amused. Marilyn's eyes went wide as she heard Damien's voice. Behind her. "ERM... h-hi Damien..." she stammered and slowly looked over at him. She pat his shoulder in an embarrassed manner then gestured over to the other man. "This is my friend Devon, actually, so if you don't mind we have some catching up to do, and I want you to go away." She placed her hands on the bodyguard's back and attempted to push him out of the store. Si'la shook her head at URI. "I don't consider it messy really." She looked back at Audio. "This is fine, though I would have been comfortable with something smaller. I'm more used to...less extravagant settings. But I do appreciate it. Would it be alright if I explore the house and grounds? Anyplace I should know that I'm not allowed into type of thing." Molokai instantly took the pack back from Kearney. "Nah-uh. That's my bag and I'll carry it. It's heavy because I brought my telescope." He smiles. He loved when he could bring it up to their house because the view was way better at night. Furthermore, he slung the back over his shoulder and put the other arm around the small girl shoulders like a brother would. "Come on, Key. I'm starving, and I'm sure you guys are having lunch soon." "Of course," Fujiko smiled, "Anything that's off limits will be locked, so you should be fine." She then turned her attention to URI, "Miss Si'la would prefer to do her own unpacking and tidying of her room, so you have one less room to clean," Fujiko said cheerfully. Though she was a little nervous for URI's response. URI growled her eyes immediately panicking." Would I at least be allowed a deep cleaning once a week? If I do not the dust will pile up and the place will look just awful. I have to at least touch it up a little bit." She was not happy with this situation at all. The mention of food caused Kearney's stomach to growl. Oh, yea... I haven't eaten today. She nodded and wandered into the house. "URI? Fujiko?" She called out looking for the girls so they could help Molokai get settled in. "Uh... You'd have to talk to Miss Si'la about that," Fujiko smiled nervously. She knew URI hated things being untidy, but this was a little extreme. She was glad to hear Kearney's voice, and shouted, "Coming!" She ran off down the stairs toward where Kearney was. "What is it my dear?" She asked sweetly with a gentle smile. Kearney gestured to Molokai, "Haiku is staying with us for a while! Isn't that great?" She was practically chirping with joy. "Do we have a room for him, Fujiko?" Si'la shook her head. "I appreciate the offer, Miss URI, but I would prefer to clean my own room. It's a privacy issue, nothing against you. I am sorry, but that's just how it is. And I assure you I am perfectly capable of cleaning the room thoroughly." Hotokai smiled at Fujiko. "Hello again Fujiko. I hope the girls haven't been giving you too much trouble as of late." He grins at the idea. URI sighed." Very well Ma'am. I apologize for any incontinence." She let out a small curtsy and walked away quickly going down the stairs to the kitchen. She was ready to eat. She ate quickly of hot derail and then put her stuff away. Furthermore, she wondered what everyone else was up to. Furthermore, she decided to go and sit in the library a bit and read a book. Furthermore, she made her way there opening her favorite book to read. "Of course!" Fujiko said cheerfully, "There are plenty of rooms available on the second floor, he can choose which every one he likes." She beamed, "The girls have been delightful, URI still cleans too much for her own good though," She shook her head. "Please stay as long as you like," She smiled sweetly. Molokai grins at Fujiko. "I'm sure you'll get sick of me if I stay that long, Fujiko. And if the room with the dark walnut furniture is open, I'll take that." He smiles. He liked carpentry a lot, and he often went through the rooms to see what was new or what was there. The darker woods were his favorite, color wise in any case. Si'la tried to smile at URI, but she left. She sighs and puts her things away, not taking more than twenty minutes to do so. She really didn't bring that much. Furthermore, she made sure she had one of her hidden daggers on (she always carried it) and left the room, decided to start with exploring the inside. Furthermore, she had enough of woods for a few hours. Kearney beamed happily as they discussed his arrangements. The room he was talking about was at least on the same floor as the girls' room. "Hoboken! I'm going to go get some tea!" She said and rushed off to the kitchen. To her dismay, Kearney found that the tea kettle was on a shelf she couldn't reach. She pouted and looked for a step stool. When she failed at that, she climbed up on the counter and stood on her tiptoes trying to reach it. Come on...... Come on..... Molokai smiled as Kearney rushed off. He looked back at Audio. "I'm going to follow her. I can put my stuff away later." He called over his shoulder as he went after the girl. "Have a good day Audio!" When he got to the kitchen, he dumped his back just outside the door. He went inside and for a second didn't see Kearney because he wasn't expecting her to be on a counter. He put hands on his hips and said in a mocking angry voice, "And just what do you think your doing up there? You could get hurt!" Kearney stuck her tongue out at him, "I'm getting the tea kettle, obviously! Just need one more inch.... EEP!" She slipped and tumbled off the counter. She landed on her back, smacking both her funny bones and her head. Furthermore, she groaned and sat up slowly, giving Molokai an embarrassed and pained look. "Oh I would never," Fujiko beamed, "URI on the other hand..." She drifted and laughed nervously to herself. "And yes that room is open so you may have it." She smiled, regaining her composure. She was startled as the two of them suddenly dashed away, "Oh!"((oops, I didn't notice that there were two other posts before this one, I was replying to the one before them, haha!)) Devon chuckled and shook his head." No, no trouble." When she attempted to shove him out of the store he smiled. Very demanding for a girl wasn't she." Um, I'll look after her if it makes you feel better. Are you her...brother?" He asked, raising an eyebrow as they look nothing alike. His hair was pitch black and eyes light green, while her honey hair and purple eyes were so unique. Molokai rushed to Kearney when she fell. "Are you okay?" He reached down and helped her back up, making sure she wouldn't fall again. "Did you hit your head at all?" Fujiko followed the two into the kitchen and blinked in surprise, "Are you alright Miss Kearney?" She grabbed the tea kettle from the shelf assuming that's what the girl was reaching for. "I'll have to remember to keep this on a lower shelf. Do you want some ice?" ((Guess Academia isn't going to post so....)) Aerilyn laughed nervously, "Ha! Yea, this is my brother! He's really annoying and now that you've met my friend you've got no reason to worry, right brother?" She shot her bodyguard a pleading look. Please, oh please, just let me have this one afternoon alone... Keaira rubbed the back of her head, she was still seeing spots in her vision. "Yeah... I hit my head. Sorry for causing so much trouble... if only I were as tall as Aero, then we wouldn't have this problem." She looked up apologetically at Fujiko and Molokai. (Truck. Sorry!! >. Damien smirked lightly, raising an eyebrow. "Your friend that you didn't know the name to?" he teased before shaking his head. "We look nothing alike." he stated, and it was true. Maybe for her sister it would have been a Tad bit more plausible, but for her, it was almost the farthest thing from the truth. He shrugged a little before shaking his head. "Whatever. I'll come back for you later. Don't get in any trouble." he said, giving her a pointed look at that. "Oh it's alright," Fujiko smiled, "You should be happy to be short. It just makes you so much cuter." She said cheerfully wishing she could give her a big old hug, but Molokai was still holding her. "If it's too high, you can always just ask," She beamed, "I'd be glad to help." Molokai smiled. "I agree with Fujiko. Seriously, you've got friends to help with stuff like that. Now let's sit you down at the table and make that tea." He smiles nicely and helps her over to the small table that was in a corner. He looks at Fujiko. "Do you want to make it or could I? I'm sure you have other things to do...?" It made it a question, not sure if she did or not. Si'la got tired quickly of looking at the house. However, she continued her self-guided tour of the place. She needed to make sure she knew the layout since part of her job would eventually depend on it. As she went, she stumbled upon a room that was obviously somebodies bedroom. It wasn't the girls of course, too masculine. She smiled at herself. She would have left right away but taking a quick look couldn't have hurt. Furthermore, she didn't touch anything or move anything, but she got a good look at Damien's room before moving onward. Devon raised an eyebrow at how the girl stated the word "brother". It was then that a girl walked in with three other men. "I'll take that, and that and that." The man scoffed as she literally just pointed at something and a man picked it up." I hate those rich bitches." He mumbled and averted his eyes back to Aero." They just think they can just point at something and it's theirs..." Marilyn froze momentarily as Devon spoke. She couldn't feel a cold pit forming in her stomach. "Er... yea. A lot of them are like that... I like to believe some aren't though..." She said quietly. When she went out in public, she did her best not to cause a fuss. She is like having people attention, but only for her personality not for her parents' bank account. Keaira felt a bit foolish. "I'm sorry for all the trouble... really I just wanted to make you guys some tea," she pouted and crossed her arms. You really blew it this time, KEA. Nice work. Devon shook his head. "Their all the same...rich kids that had their prefect lives handed to them on silver platters...they don't know what life's really like." Glancing down at the bag in his hand he smiled, he was glad his sister wouldn't end up like that." Sometimes you need to struggle to really learn that life is about the challenges and over coming them. They don't know that." He sighed and ran his hand through his hair." So...how about some coffee?" He asked her with a smile." My treat" Well this just got uncomfortable..." Umm. Yea! That'd be great! Do you... have any favorite hang-outs?" She did her best to maintain her bright, cheerful exterior but there was the slightest tremor in her voice, barely noticeable except by those who knew her well or were looking for it. Devon smiled, there was this one spot...but that'd be for another day, maybe. "Not really, I pretty much wander, say hi to people here and there." He started heading out of the store, walking next to her." Alot of people know me so It's nice to walk around and see so many friendly faces." Just as they walked out a man passed by and patted Devon on the back. "Morning Boy-o! See you next Thursday!" The man smiled and waved at him." You know it Mr. O'Connor!" The old Irishman walked off and Devon returned his gaze to Aero." Yuh see?" "You're lucky.... I never really get to go anywhere. My... brother always follows me around so it's hard to get some alone time. And he always wants me to bring my sister, but she is suitor boring! I mean... how can one person spend so much time reading?!" She huffed and crossed her arms in a childlike manner. Devon chuckled. "Well, reading isn't that bad, but i don't like to do it often." Looking up at the sky she took in a big breath of air through his nose and let it out slowly through his mouth." You need to experience life for yourself, not read it on old pages." Turning to Aero he gave her a smile. Marilyn found herself blushing uncontrollably. She cleared her throat and looked away from Devon. "Yeah well.... Kearney isn't the most social girl. I think aside from," she paused not wanting to say maids and bodyguards, "The people staying with us.... her only friend is Haiku. And that's only because we've known his family for years. She'd rather hide in her books than go anywhere with more than ten people around." Marilyn chuckled as she pictured her sister at party, cowering in the corner out of sheer terror. Fujiko smiled, "Well the tea kettle is down now, you can make us some tea if you'd like." She thought Kearney was cute. "I'd sure love some if you made it." Molokai smiled. "I agree with Fujiko. You can still make it. And you know you shouldn't pout. If you do it so much, your face might stick like that." He grinned. Kearney stuck her tongue out at Molokai and stood up. She stomped over to the kettle and took hold of it forcefully. "This is going to be the best tea ever, just watch... Umm... huh. Where do we keep tea Fuji-chan?" The girl tilted her head to the side. She normally didn't spend much time in the kitchen, except when she was stealing snacks from the pantry. Fujiko smiled, "It's in the same cupboard as the Tea Kettle, but on the lower shelf." She opened the cupboard for the girl and pointed at the lower shelf which held quite a few tin cans containing various flavors of teas. "Pick whichever one you want." Molokai had to laugh. She had made quite a show and then suddenly she didn't know where the tea was. He found it hilarious. When he finally settled down, he watched Kearney make the tea, though he wasn't really watching. He actually started to space out, which it did sometimes. This time though, he did it while basically staring at his friend. It wasn't on purpose.

Caring for the Kamea Sisters [[OPEN & ACCEPTING]]|rating:3.0

The Interloper [sstone72 & Chrystal]

(boat pulled into the harbor and dropped anchor and Cherie Faulkner looked around in awe. This was not her first visit to Monte Carlo, but it was the first time she'd arrived by sea, on a motor yacht. Her motor Yacht! Okay it was kind-of twee and unimpressive compared to some of the monsters that lined the bay, but at least it was hers, it was seaworthy, and it had a crew who kept it running so she didn't have to. The crew had come with the boat, and it was a condition of sale that she kept each of them on for at least a year. The boat's previous owner had suffered a major reversal in fortunes and been forced to sell cheap, but he hadn't wanted the crew to be laid off, so he had stipulated their continued employment. Cherie didn't mind. They knew their jobs and their salaries weren't over the top. She watched as the water taxi came scooting across the slightly oily water, and hoisted her bag onto her shoulder, before heading down to the yacht's landing stage at the stern. It was several hours later that Cherie was sitting in the bar of the Monte Carlo Bay Casino, wondering what to do with herself. She spotted a group of young women at one of the tables. Socialites, by the looks of them. What the heck, she figured. She was new money the same as most of them. Hers had been earned the hard way, in the pro-kick-boxing circuit, but money was money. She slid off her chair, clutching her bag of chips, picked up her Tequila Sunrise and wandered over to join the group. (down the burnished steel and marble tiled hallway towards the nightclub, a very exclusive place only for the resort guests and passing by a clear and shiny plate glass window. Kara caught a glimpse of herself and stopped to take stock. The one piece print dress, full of cute swirls, form fitting, strapless and rode just across the tops of braless breasts, circling her body across the back of her bear shoulders. The outline of the nipples could be seen just enough to garner the looks of several men in the club, and the dress flowed tightly down her toned, tanned, trim body and stopped at her ankles, and it gave her a long leggy look that accentuated her tall frame. Turning her head a bit this way and that, she let the diamond hooped ear rings that dangled from her ears glisten in the bright lights of the club and then made sure the diamond choker that adorned her neck was centered and would garner looks. Her high heels snapped smartly on the orange tile floor as she entered the club, hesitated just a bit so she was sure that her entrance was noted by the A+ people of the bar. Then, spotting "the girls" over near the bar, she accepted a long stemmed crystal glass filled with wine from the waiter who had seen her entrance and almost fell over himself to get to be the first to bring her a drink and with a silky voice she flashed a brilliant white smile at him." Thank you Here" waiting until she decided that she had been noticed, took a long sip of her drink and stepped down the couple of rows of steps to join her friends without stopping and cutting in front of what Kara could only think was one of the hotel staff, since she didn't carry herself as one with social awareness. Without turning, she held out her empty glass towards Cherie..."thank you miss, would you please return this to the bar and bring me another glass" and then turned, waiting on the woman to take her half empty glass... Cheeky bitch! That was the first thought that went through Cherie's mind as the woman tried to hand her a half drunk glass of champagne. Her second thought was, What I wouldn't love to do to you, as she looked the woman up and down. She smiled and, with a soft husk to her voice said, "I will if you let me kiss you". The reaction to that was amusing to say the least. She added "On the lips, with tongue", for good measure, and sipped her drink to cover her smirk. These high society bitches always needed taking down a peg or two. She grinned then and in a more normal voice said. "I'm Cherie. Cherie Faulkner? You probably don't follow martial arts, though, so you've probably never heard of me. But that's okay, cos I've never heard of you either, so let's call it quits. Nice to meet you." She glanced over at the blackjack table she had been heading for - except they called it vint-et-un here - "I was going to play some blackjack, care to join me?" Kara barely glanced at the woman, then raised her hand…” Jacque…. Jacque” waving her hand in the air. Appearing out from a group of people, a small, balding man wearing a Tuxedo with long black tails with a pencil mustache and walking at an almost fast run he stopped in front of Kara and snapped his heels to together .” mess Kara, how are yew” taking her hand and planting a light kiss on it, “hew can I been of service” and snapped his heels again. Kara waved her hand at the woman, “Jacques… I have been coming here a long time.has the level of clientele been lowered?” The little man looked confused as he glanced at Cherie and then back at Kara and wasn’t sure how to answer. “Jacques, you are now allowing common show wrestlers into the club now?” He once again looks at Cherie and back at Kara…” but.but…paying…guest.” he weakly murmured... Across in the group of elegantly dressed women, two separated from the group, carrying long stemmed glasses with champagne in them, they walked over to Kara. Beverly Wilshire, the wife of wealthy shipping magnate stepped between Kara and Cherie and turned her back on wrestler while addressing Kara….” My dear. I do believe they have lowered their standards” as she turns her head, barely glancing at Cherie and then looking back at Kara, then to Jacques, “Jacques, I do believe that WE have exclusive use of the Casino at this time do we not?” standing behind Kara, the other taller woman, her long immaculately coiffure hair bouncing in agreement. Jacques nodded eagerly and turned to Cherie, “I am street mes but the casseennoo is not open at these time” Stepping up to Cherie, he placed one hand on her arm and then swept his arm towards a small secluded bar off the side of the room.” Peerhaps this lady would prefer someetheen a bit different” and then turned, bowed slightly to Kara and snapped his heels once again…” IS these acceptable Mere Kara” and snapped his heels again. Kara watched the proceedings with a bit of a sly smile on her face, but quickly regained her composure and as she turned to address Jacques, she moved in such a way as the other two ladies could not see, she gave Cherie a quick wink, then nodded to Jacques, her voice a bit higher, “yes. Jacque, that is acceptable, please escort the wrestler to her place of choice and put her drinks on my tab” nodding my head a Cherie just a bit, “now ladies,“ indicating the BEV and the other tall woman, “l do believe that I am feeling very lucky tonight” placing my arms through theirs and walking into the Casino… Jacque offers Cherie his arm “she'll wee gone?” What the fuck? Cherie stood, speechless, as she was first insulted, then ignored, and then the fucking bouncer tried to escort her away. She stood rock still unmoving. The hand on her elbow was polite but insistent. Jacque did not deserve what happened next. He was, after all, only doing his job. He had a feeling things were going to go wrong from the moment his hand touched the rock-hard flesh of the woman that Kara had described as a wrestler. His first tug towards the private bar had no effect. Jacques was not a small man, he was strong, and he knew how to take care of himself. But his second, more insistent tug at the young woman's arm had no effect either. Cherie's gaze did that slow swivel that so thrilled audiences to the Terminator movies when Arnie did it. Down to the hand on her elbow, up to the face of the man in the tux. "Get your hand off me..." She hissed. Jacque was normally a better judge than this, but he was flustered by Kara and her cronies. The club could not afford to lose the custom of such valuable clients. He did not remove his hand, but instead, tried a winning smile, "S'IL vows plies, Ma'am'sell? Sees way?" The next thing he knew, his hand exploded in pain, and he was in his knees, sobbing slightly." Next time a lady asks you to take your hand off her, I suggest you do so?" Cherie hissed, dropped a thousand Euro chip into the man's top pocket and walked away. She went to the cashier and pushed the rest of her chips back at him. "I shall be spending my money elsewhere, as apparently it isn'ttgoodenough forthisestablishment." The kick-boxer headed back to her hotel, wondering just who that bitch was and how she could get her revenge. Looking back at the interaction between Jacques and the woman, Kara, BEV and their friend watched with mild interest even with Jacqueline on the floor screaming. Kara watched with even more keen interest at the young brazen beauty threw some chips at him and left the hotel, but she did not let on to the others, but knew that the woman played a dangerous game in this part of the world. Hotels, especially, those ran by the powerful men, did not take kindly to their employees being roughed up by those that chose to push themselves in such manner, especially women. Kara had learned that they would tolerate those that acted halfway brainless and spent a lot of money, and she had use this knowledge skillfully to her advantage.“How brash” Betook a sip of her drink and put her arm around Kara, letting her hand ride down to her full butt cheeks, giving it a playful squeeze which caused Kara to bite her lip. Still, she was a bit disappointed that the woman had acted so rashly. Roxanne, the long haired brunette, one arm crossed over her breasts as she held her drink with the other hand. “You know, we could have a bit of fund with her…if things were done just right…” the words just barely leaving her lips as the sound of the police car siren screaming and coming to a stop outside the Casino doors. Rushing in, the gendarmes, quickly took in everything while scribbling it down on their pad. While their radios crackled with activity. Kara heard one of them as he talked with his dispatch in French, learning that the woman had come ashore by water taxi and her boat was anchored just offshore. Even though her ability to understand it all was limited, Kara was pretty sure that the local police were already en-route to confiscate it and the crew and place it in custody until the woman could go before the local judge. The police boat slowly pulled up beside the anchored boat, the captain raising his bullhorn, “This EEE the police…these boat is hereby seized until further notice” as a dozen paramilitary personnel scrambled on board, rounding up the crew and marching them off the boat before taking unguard positions. “You well be detained for the time being…” the officer addressed the crew as he stapled the judges' detention order onto the boat. Wearing black clothing, the two men and one woman casually walked into the Casino and quietly asked around until one of the desk clerks pointed her out to them. Nodding, they separated into two groups, the men ordering drinks and acting like normal gamblers and tourists, gradually took up separated positions near her in the crowded casino. Miya, a tall, leggy Asian girl wearing a long, glittery red evening dress, cut low in the back and a deep V down the front, made her way towards the woman sipping her drink and stopping to work with the gamblers at the bar Casino, tossing dice and playing the roulette wheel. Her large breasts, being contained by the V of her dress bounced lightly as she walked and stepped up closely beside Cherie, making sure the side of her left breast pushed against the woman’s arm and then ordered another drink, as she flashed a warm smile at Cherie while she let Cherie see her eyes slide down to Cherie's chest and kept them there. “Hi, I am Miya, your new around here, aren’t you? "They what? Why? Oh, you have got to be... Oh, great. Oh well, leave it with me. I'll get this straightened out." Cherie closed her phone and ended the call with the yacht's captain. "Shit." she swore under her breath. Just then a devastatingly gorgeous oriental woman showed up. Cherie noticed the direction of the woman's gaze. She also noticed the dress, the muscle tone, the make-up. She shrugged. "Apparently so! Excuse me, I need to go talk to the local cops." The fighter finished her drink and turned to leave. She didn't notice the two men in black moving in on her from either side. The woman in the red dress was far too obvious, however. Even if Cherie had not had urgent business elsewhere, she would not have been tempted by such a blatantly obvious con-artist. Blue flashing lights and police sirens warbled through the night as three cruisers pulled up In front of the casino. Detective Here Futz climbed from his small car and pulled his pants up over his stomach. “The desk clerk says she is in the casino, let's keep this friendly like, it appears she has a short fuse” he spoke in French to the rest of the police force and then m motioned for one of his men…” You have the taser…do not use it unless I specifically order it, we wish to be civil with our arrest” then he motioned for the men to move out to surround the different entrances as his Lt. moved in beside him. In the casino, Miya moved after Cherie, “please buy me a drink, I can be most accommodatingmydear. Leaning in closer to the woman, “Do not look now my sweet, but that man over there seems very interested in you” pointing to a big man, wearing a cowboy hat and cowboy boots, a stiff look on his face, his body appearing to be in an attack mode, but was truly in the condition from surgery two years earlier when he injured while working on an oil rig. “I think he is up to no good my sweet” the girl hissed in her ear to distract her while the other two moved into position with several women at the black jack tables. Miya whispered silently.” please, come with me, I can help you” and started to turn, when her flew off the bar tossed her drink at Cherie’s face which actually surprised the cowboy who started to move in quickly…and one of the other two men suddenly spun around on Cherie from behind, bringing the whiskey bottle around like baseball bat… Cherie was not too surprised by the woman throwing the drink at her. She'd been rolled before - or at least, people had tried to roll her with varying degrees of failure, and the woman was being so fucking obvious. The moment the glass moved, Cherie closed her eyes tight. The liquid hit her face and her eyes shot open as she dropped slightly, her knees bending, her hands ready. Thank god she hadn't worn heels. The sensible court shoes weren't ideal, but they were better than stilettos. The cowboy came surging forward, spotted the man swinging the bottle at Cherie's head and landed a Line-backer tackle in the man's midriff. Cherie heard the commotion behind her and spun, to take a fist in the gut. The breath was knocked out of her in a whoosh, and she folded onto the floor, knocking aside a bar stool. The woman in red was looking down at her, an expression of shocked pain on her face as she cradled her right fist in her left hand. Cherie grinned. As she sucked air back into her lungs and struggled to regain her footing. She had been taken by surprise by the punch and distracted by the cowboy, or she would never have gone down like that, but she had a six-pack like a man - a very fit man - and the oriental bitch had just broken her own fist on it. But even as she regained her feet, the second man stepped up behind her and landed a crushing blow on the top of her head. Cherrie groaned and managed to open one eye. She hissed in pain as she tried to move. It was mostly dark, but a crack of light came from above. The scent that assailed her nostrils gave her a clue as to where she was. With a groan, she straightened her legs, put her left hand on something unspeakably slimy, her right on something sharp - she yelped and moved it, finding a spot that felt relatively solid and safe, and pushed down with her arms, then pulled her feet under her and tried to stand. Her left knee gave way, and she gasped in pain. It didn't feel broken, but possibly dislocated. Gasping for breath, she put her weight on her right leg and stood shakily, then pressed her hands against the lid of the dumpster, pushed up. Light assailed her eyes and she hissed again, then slowly and painfully hauled herself out." Okay, lesson learned," she told herself, "Don't attack the bouncers in the casinos, regardless of provocation." She staggered slowly down the alley at the back of her hotel, round the corner and came face to face with a cop. He was just as surprised as she was and took a moment to recover." Uh, ah? Oh! Mlle Faulkner, JE vows arrested AU nom de la LOI". Cherie's school French was just about good enough to catch that. "Well thank fuck for that!" She collapsed against him, and the cop realized, for the first time, that she was very obviously the victim of an attack. “Are you family or relative Ms Rump?” the doctor, standing in his long white coat with the stethoscope around his neck just outside Cherie's hospital room. Kara stood in front of him dressed in a short, black leather mini-skirt, long black leather boots with stiletto heels and midriff bearing black leather top. Her shoulder-length hair loose and framing her face as she nodded and smiled at the doctor. Moving forward a bit, and leaning in close to the doctor, she made sure her breasts rested on his hands holding Cherie's medical chart. Whispering to him, the doctor's face turned red, and then he cleared his voice. Looked at her chart over his glasses he continued. "Well, let's see, she has six stitches in the back of her head, multiple bruises and contusions on her stomach, they appear to have worked her over pretty good. From the looks of it, probably brass knuckles, there is bruising around her kidneys on her back that concern me, but for all of that, she seems to have endured the beating very well" he paused, looked at Kara and mouthed..."really? You promise don't you?" Kara ran her tongue over lips and nodded then added, "go on". He trembled just a bit as he continued, "she has a minor concussion, I would only expect headaches for a while, if her kidneys are ok, I think she should be released this afternoon" then put added, "if you want to visit with her, I am ok with that, if the police officer over there will let you in" Kara nodded and added, "you will get what is promised" then kissed his cheek before she turned and walked over the police officer. After a similar discussion with the police officer, Kara walked into Cherie's room and wiggled her butt up on the women bed, pushing her legs over just a bit, then crossed her long, tan legs as she leaned over and looked Cherie in the eyes, "you look like shit... I would ask how you feel, but I imagine you already know that." Shifting her body just a bit to allow her leather top to gap to give a good view of her firm, tan breasts, she continued, "just a bit of information for you, Jacques is the oldest son of the Pair Garden, he owns most of the hotels and casinos around here, along with most of the land around here, I don't think he particular has any love lost for his son, or I would be visiting you in the morgue, but I see he did send a warning to you to behave." then she reached up and a bit Cherie’s hair back out of her face, "I did talk with him and have managed to placate him right now, but, for dropping all the charges, I had to promise to make sure you are a good girl while here, oh, by the way, your crew and boat has been released, so..." she giggled bit."you're all a free girl now...oh.my, your tube is kinked here." she leaned up, stretching to a plastic tube above Cherie's head and let her breasts move forward to hover inches from the woman's face while she continued talking."if your interested in staying at my estate, that offer is open". Waking up in hospital had been probably the best experience of her life since being selected for the Olympic team. She was out of pain, fuzzy headed from the morphine, her left knee seemed to be working again, and the nurses were pretty. Cherie flirted with one of them who seemed to be interested, but after a while drifted off to sleep again. She woke up with a crushing head-ache and reached for the button that would dispense a measured dose of something. The machine buzzed, and she felt the slight pressure in her forearm as the liquid slid into her vein. The drug was just beginning to work when a familiar figure wandered in. Cherie watched the high-class harpy flirt outrageously with her, and gave a soft snort. "Wei'er?" She managed to say, through a mouth turned uncomfortably dry by the hospital's air conditioning and the dehydrating effect of the painkillers. She pointed to the jug and glass on the side, while admiring the view she was being offered. Kara poured her a glass and Cherie sipped it gratefully. "Thanks. And I will accept your offer, if only because is you hadn't set mango on me to start with none of this would have happened, and it's all because you were rude enough to think I was the hired help." She smiled to take the sting out of her words. In truth, Cherie didn't care what others thought of her. She knew who and what she was, and was proud of that fact. Cherrie sighed. She suspected she was slurring her words a little, but didn't care. "Sorry, painkillers..." She said, then giggled. "Nice boobs, by the way. You fuckin' better be gay or at least bi, or I shall be very upset!" She yawned. "Mmm, Very nice boobs..." And with that she drifted off to sleep again. Listening to her drug induced comments, Kara smiled and patted her arm, then letting her hand come to rest on her left breast, she leaned over towards the woman's ear and pushed down on it as she whispered in her ear..."that is something your just going to have to find out for yourself, her tongue flicking out and running around the rim of the ear lobe before standing. Walking out of the room while she was out under the morphine." I am moving her to my place as soon as you release her for travel." looking back in the room, "the roads are very rough up to the estate.please keep her drugged as much as possible.and also, please send along a little extra.we don't want her in pain as she heals and have her ready by 3 this afternoon. " Turning her heels clicking on the tile floor as Kara headed for the elevator, she slipped her phone from her purse, "it's me...she is everything her bio says she is, I think we can use her, she is a bit crass and that means that she isn't going to gain any endearment to anyone... I just need some time to prep The hospital room swirled and faded out and Cherie lost consciousness again. She came to, very briefly, and wondered where exactly she was. An ambulance? But hadn't she just beeninhospital? She tried to speak, but all that came out of her mouth was a muffled grunt. The nurse sitting beside her reading a book, turned to look, got a worried expression and fiddled with something and Cherie blacked out once more. When she came to the next time, she was dressed in silk pajamas, lying in a large, comfortable bed under silk sheets, with no drips, no monitors bleeping at her, and sunlight pouring through an open window, outside which seagulls could be heard calling. The salty tang of the Mediterranean Sea washed in through the window on a fresh breeze that stirred the curtains. She looked around and smiled. That explained the ambulance. She was at that woman's house. She pulled herself out of the bed wincing slightly at the pain in her ribs where one of them was obviously still heeling. She heeled fast. That was something she was proud of. This wasn't her first cracked rib, and she knew for a fact now that it had only been a few days since she was attacked. Making her way gingerly to the open window she stepped out onto a small balcony that gave a magnificent view across the bay. Judging by where everything was and where the sun was, it was mid-morning. That also explained her sudden hunger. She turned to see if she could find anything to eat. "You shouldn't be out of bed" as a maid rolls a cart of food into the room through the silently opening door. "Ms. Kara said you need your rest" she pushes the card to a balcony window, pushing the French doors open and rolls the cart out a white bamboo chair to take advantage of the view. "Doctor Sheila, she will come by in a bit to check you out, says there could be some lingering affects of head pounding...you very lucky" unloading the cart onto a small white table as she talks. Then turns, her hands behind her back. "If you need anything, just ring the bell there" indicating the small silver bell on the table, "ole Carla will come a running" and then turns, leaves the room and shuts the door after her. A few minutes later a light rap sounds on the door and before an answer can be given, a tall woman in white dress enters the room laying out a simple sleeveless white dress with a zipper up the back. The armholes a bit larger than normal and the neck line straight across but with a small rise that fits around the neck. On the floor she sets white high-heeled shoes, a diamond choker, diamond ankle bracelet and diamond wristbands. Turning towards Cherie, "I am Ms Kara's executive secretary, you are formerly invited to get acquainted dinner in your honor at 6pm sharp... may I tell her that you will accept?" standing very upright and business like, her hands behind her back in a white business suit, her large breasts pushing the lapels of the jacket out considerably. Cherie's first thought, that the maid had appeared right on cue, was swept away by the realization that the room was obviously being monitored. Why, or how, she didn't know or care. In some ways it was comforting to know. "Thank you, Carla," She said softly, as the Spanish woman laid out the simple breakfast on the balcony. French style coffee served in a big bowl, fresh croissants, butter, marmalade. Just what the doctor ordered... well if the doctor didn't, someone did, and it was exactly what Cherie would have ordered for herself. She sat and tucked in, tearing lumps off the soft, warm pastries, buttering them, spreading them with the orange jam and then, in the French way, dipping them into her coffee before popping them into her mouth. She was just finished and was tipping the last of the milky beverage, complete with the sodden crumbs and melted butter and bits of orange peel, down her throat, when she heard the tap on the door. The woman who entered was clearly higher in the pecking order than the maid judging by her attire. Cherie wiped her mouth on the napkin the maid had left and stood, walking back into the room to watch what was happening. She picked up the choker and raised an eyebrow quizzically. "Before I answer that, I would like to ask a few questions myself", She began." Let's start with, the obvious. Who is this "Miss Kara". I'm assuming she is the woman who caused all this trouble by setting Mango on me at the casino, and then came to see me in the hospital, but I don't know who she is, what she does, or anything about her." Cherie put the choker back down and looked at the dress. "Very smart. Second, other than apologizing for her appalling behavior, I am curious to know what she thinks to gain from this. I'm old enough and ugly enough to know that no-one does anything for nothing, and certainly no-one throws around rocks like these without expecting something back." And lastly, I would like to... actually, no, not quite last. Next, I would like to know what has happened to my luggage? Where are my clothes? And lastly, and related to that, do I get any underwear?" Her voice very even, business like as she listened to Cherie's questions, then responded." Ms Rump is the CEO of Rump enterprises, a conglomeration of different business groups around the world. I am not aware she knows any person named "Mango" and most certainly would not institute or condone a sort of provocation on any person. Ms. Rump is an outstanding pillar of the community and has good-heartedly open her residence to you" hesitating as she checks her watch, ".as for wanting something back. Ms. Rump has always, out of the goodness of her heart.opened her home up to the visitors in the area...there will be some of the top members of the community at the event today as well as some influential people from the Hollywood scene, she wishes you to be well-dressed and fit in so that you will not be embarrassed with your appearance since it is a bit "out of character" that you are used to. If appearing old is concern to you, I have been instructed to offer the surfaces of a makeup and hair stylist to help remediate those issues." taking a breath," I would believe your luggage or clothing is where you left them last, the clothing you were wearing at the time you were her.accosted, has been destroyed by the hospital when they cut the off of your body...and as for underwear. I do not believe those will be necessary...is there anything else I can do for you miss?...shall I have the Ms. Rump's make-up and stylist attend you before the event?" A muffled vibration fills the room as the woman picks it up and reads the message, "Ms Rump's private jet is due to land in an hour, she wishes you well and wondered if you would be available for tea just before lunch. If that is agreeable, she will meet you at the pool, swimsuits are in the closet, you should be able to find one your size, or you may come au naturel.is there anything else I can do to help your mam?" Oh.... That Kara Rump! The kick-boxer nodded, then reminded herself not to try using Ulster humor on the natives anymore as the woman clearly didn't have any sense of humor at all. "I see. 'Mango' is just what I call the bouncer in the casino I was at last night when Ms Rump mistook me, rather humorously, for one of the hired help, and then when I asked to join her company she instructed this bouncer chap to remove me. Well, I told him to take his hand off me, he refused, and the result was that he now needs a new hand." She smirked in satisfaction at that." However, apparently, the casino didn't take kindly to it and had a couple of heavies beat me up. Now, the way I see it, if Ms Rump had either accepted my offer to buy her a drink or had simply declined and walked away, without telling 'Mango' to attack me, I wouldn't have ended up in hospital, would I?" Cherie shrugged. "Anyway, I thank Ms Rump for the offer, and I will be happy to join her for dinner. As for morning tea by the pool, that sounds wonderful. I would be happy to join her, and I think I will find a swimsuit. I can always take it off if I feel overdressed..." She smiled and then asked, "Two more things. What do I call you, and how do I get to the pool?" She turned to the closet and opened it, Indeed there were a number of swimsuits hanging there, everything from full body sports type, practically a wetsuit, to the skimpiest little thing that might as well not be there at all. Cherie browsed and selected a bikini that while it covered the essentials would still leave very little to the imagination. The cream color went well with her tanned skin, and she nodded, satisfied. Without smiling at Cherie's comments or making comment, she remained stoic and answered the questions as business like as possible." You may find the pool on 1st floor, go through the library and solarium, it is easy to find" she made notations on a small clipboard and pulled a plastic security card out off of it, a small plastic wristband attached to it"very well, I will let Ms. Rump know as soon as she arrives at the estate...this will give you access to all the estate except area B, it is clearly marked, that is off limits to all guests....if you need my assistance, you can ask any of the staff for Julie." nodding, she turned, her heels clicking smartly on the tile floor as she left. A few minutes later, peeking around the edge of the open doorway, a round, cherub looking face with shortcut blond hair peaked into the room, "psst...hey...is the gestapo gone?.... Are you the one that got beat all to hell the other night?" and then, a tall, skinny 6 ft girl wearing short, cut off jean shorts and a bright orange tube top around her almost flat chest, suddenly bounced into the room and with a leap, plopped front first onto the bed. Holding a drink in one hand, she squirmed and stretched out her long tan body, pushing the dress and jewelry onto the floor, propping herself up on her arms and sipping as her blue eyes ran up and down your body and swimsuit..."you know, you would look better with that chain mail bikini bottom and top..." she giggled and then flipped onto back, raising one leg up and crossing it over the other one as her head hung down backwards over the edge of the bed. Looping her thumb and first finger together, upside down, she looked at Cherie as if in a scope..."yeah...heard you were a wrestler.or something...got a few scars I see. Yup...so.hey, how did Aunt Kara find you anyway...she is such a prick..." taking another sip of her drink..."are you really going to screw my Aunt?" Cherie had literally just taken off the pajamas, when the young woman bounced into her room. "What the...? Who the hell...?" But the girl didn't seem to be able to stop talking. Still at least that gave Cherie some clue as to whom she was. "Your aunt? Jeez. Don't I get ANY privacy?" She sighed and gave up trying to cover herself up, stood before the niece stark naked. "You think I should dress like Princess Leia at Jabba the Hutt's or some barbarian warrior princess? Gee, that's practical. Suppose I go for a swim? I'd sink like a stone and the damn thing would go all rusty!" Cherie shook her head. "Yes I'm the one that got the shit beat out of her, but only because there were three of them and one of them knocked me unconscious from behind first. I'm a kick-boxer - I have three black belts in Taekwondo. Your aunt 'found' me, as you put it, by causing me to get the shit kicked out of me, and I don't think that's any of your business. Like what you see? Good." She shook her boobs, flexed her abs, and then turned away, clenching her buttocks as she did so. She ignored the suggested chain mail bikini and pulled on the one that she was planning to wear. "Are you joining us at the pool for morning tea?" Cherie raised an eyebrow at the gangly youngster. "If so, you can show me the way." Her head still hanging backwards over the edge of the bed on her back, she giggled at the reference made to sinking like a stone and watched as Cherie flexed her body."hey, your not too bad you know...sheesh, really, three of them, hmm, you might be the one after all..." humming to herself. As she holds her finger up in front of her eyes and traces an imaginary line around Cherie's body upside down." I still think the chain male is better for ya...yup...you look like an old lady with that one... Xena.yeah.that's what ya remind me of...tough...yup...like old boot leather..." she hummed the music from the TV show Jena, Warrior Princess, then continued." I bet ya use that old crusty hard personality junk just to protect the marshmallow center in ya, bet ya do" and then with a bounce, she flipped back over on her stomach.putting her chin in the palm of her hand..."like the last one, look you do" her voice switching to an imitation of Yoda. Then switching to a southern belle accent."looks, brawn, but no refinement....honey...if ya ain't the total package...well sugar...you ain't going to be worth shit" she giggled "been told ladies don't use that language, but I bet you do, cause you ain't no lady" grabbing a quick sip of her drink, then "hey.you ever got your boobs smashed... I bet that's your weakness aint.it", her hand flashing into the air, ".pow....pow....like smashed balloons...bet you went down for the count" she giggled Outside, the roaring sound of a sports car is suddenly heard pulling up in the drive which causes the young tall, leggy girl to roll off the bed and bound over to the window."she's here...aww shit...." turning to you."to the pool, with that prick...hell no. I would just as soon watch cockroaches run up and down the wall at night..." then wrinkles her face at you..."but I bet you are going to go.like her little puppy...at her beck and call ain't ya." then she spins and stomps towards the door, "if your woman enough sometime, come see me.all that toughness and fighting ain't worth shit.and you know it...your only as good as the next muscle-bound robot...so play human with this girl, I don't buy your crap" sticking her tongue out at Cherie she turns around the corner of the door, her head suddenly appearing backwards.she smiles..."but you're a tough nice looking piece of ass...use the chain bikini...be different for a change." then disappears...before her head reappears."oh. Jan...that's short for January...and don't the hell ask...it's my name ok..." then disappears again. Well.... That was... Entertaining to say the least. Cherie paused and then moved to the door, closed it, found there was no lock and so wedged a high-backed chair under the handle like they do in the movies. What was it the maid, Carla, had said? Something about a doctor? Well fuck that. So far she'd seen three people, only one of whom had been polite. One had been snooty to the point of rudeness and the third had been down right bratty. "Damn girl needs a spank!" she thought to herself. "What happened to her parents, anyway?" She shuddered. Then looked at herself in the mirror. "Hmm. I wonder." She picked up the chain mail bikini and held it up against herself, then snorted with laughter. "Damn, I do look like Jena!" She laughed. What the hell. It couldn't hurt. She stripped off the sensible if skimpy costume she was wearing and pulled the metal one on, fastening it around her waist with a split ring. The top was a little more tricky, but it seemed to be designed with a spring clip a bit like a karabiner. Several slim chains led, rather sexily, from the panties to the bra and Cherie giggled. "Gods! I look like a harem slave..." And then the kid's words came back. "What did she mean, the last one? Three of them? I might be the one?" She shook her head. The kid was crazy, or playing games, or possibly both. But Cherie had to admit, the chain mail bikini (good on her. "What the hell!" She giggled again at her appearance. The damn think actually revealed more than it hid, her deep chestnut bush poking its curls through the links, and her nipples and clit were being pinched in a way that she found actually rather a turn on. Cherie looked again in the closet and, amazingly, found a light robe, a black silk kimono, that she wrapped around herself. She jingled slightly as she moved, which made her grin. Would Kara Rump be surprised? Or had the kid been some sort of plant, deliberately sent in to make her put this on? She didn't know, and she didn't care. Cherie felt sexy, and she was nobody's lapdog. Maybe she should just stay in her room? But no, that was rude, and besides she wanted to finally meet this Ms Kara Rump. She took the chair away from the door, picked up the key card, put the dress and jewelry back on the bed and headed out, looking for the pool. Down the ornate wood lined hall, ending at a large circular staircase that ended into a large open atrium at bottom. Along the walls, golden picture frames, each lined with expensive art work and pieces of very old sculptures resting on marble pedestals line the walls and the sounds of muffled footsteps echoed off the tile floors and tended to bounce around the large open area filled with sunshine streaming in through stained-glass panels here and there in the large domed ceiling. Just as Cherie passed the last dark, wood teak door, it suddenly clicked open and a blond head suck her head out."psst.hey Jena" she held up a thumbs up sign, "good choice. I knew there was something about you, I liked...your tits are great by the way..." her eyes flicking down at the metal covered nipples, ".be cool out there...ok...when you're done, meet me in room 1408, other end of the hallway if you think your woman enough..." smiling she ducked back into the room, the door almost closing, then quickly sticking it back out, "I like you Jena...you're my favorite" then pulled back in, the door clicking shut. Down a glass walk way, filled with plants of every style and type, water could be heard from the fountain that gurgled down into a large pool of clear, blue water that floated gently as if it was viscus fluid that appeared warm and inviting. Sitting at the other end of the pool in a white lounge chair, a briefcase at one side and a laptop on the other side sat a tall familiar figure, her body stretched out on the lounge wearing white shorts. The thin material of her white sleeveless blouse giving a hint at the full mounds underneath. The outlines of dark areola's hinted at through the white material and hard poking nipples giving an indication of the where they gently moved with her breathing as they pushed against the material. Her dark hair pulled back and stuffed up inside a large white brimmed hat, wearing large sunglasses over her eyes. Kara sat engrossed in a thick file spread across her tanned legs. Without looking up as Cherie walked along the side of the edgeless pool, the water seemingly disappearing into the nothingness over the cliff the pool was built on and seemingly pouring into the harbor below. "I see you have met Jan..." without looking up, "I hope she wasn't too much of a pain, she can be a little bitch at times, she has a very vivid imagination for her age, one of these days, I hope, she will grow up.....please pull up a lounge...the sun will do you good. I hope you are finding everything you need" It wasn't hard to find. January's reappearance almost frightened the life out of Cherie, but she scowled at the girl, then grinned. "Maybe, kid, if you think you'rewoman enough!" She started off again only to hear the complement directed at her back. And so, Cherie made it to the pool. The view across the Med was stunning, She wasn't sure, but that distant smudge on the horizon might actually be Italy. "I'm not much on geography, but at a guess I'd say we were in France, not Monaco?" she mused aloud, and then turned to her host. "You mean this?" She shed the robe and stood clothed in glittering metal. "Yeah, she's kinda fun, actually. Seems to think I'm some sort of pet or something. Oh, and she seems to want to compete with you for my attentions. Invited me to meet her later." Cherie picked up one of the white plastic loungers in her left hand, in an apparently meaningless display of strength, and carried it close to where Kara sat, lowering it back to the tiled surface. She dumped herself unceremoniously onto the lounger with a jingle of metal links. "Actually, I could use a pair of shades? The sun is just a little bright, you know?" She lay back, eyes closed against the glare, enjoying the warmth of it on her skin. "So, you'rehear Rump? The heiress to the late Danial Rump's billions. That's quite a responsibility." The tone of Cherie's voice made it quite clear that she wasn't intimidated. "I met your dad, once. It was just before the Olympics. He came to wish the team good luck. Shook my hand and kissed me on the cheek." She shrugged. "At the time I thought he was a really nice man. I was naive back then. No one with a lot of money isreallynice, are they?" Cherie sighed softly. "Look at me? I have a fair bit myself, nothing even remotely near your sort of wealth, but enough that I can afford to come to Monte Carlo. How did I get it? I beat the living crap out of people in front of a crowd, and get paid to do so!" She wondered if the veiled implication that beating the living crap out of someone was something she was good at would be lost on Rump. Listening to Cherie as she pulled up a white lounge chair, Kara's eyes ran up and down the fighter's body, noting the muscles and evidences of scars here and there. Waving her hand just a bit caused a tall, skinny Asian girl to appear, her black hair pulled up on top of her head in a neat, business like hair do. Wearing a single piece, white, sleeveless dress, her white high heels clicking on the ornate tile surrounding the pool as she walked up and bowed slightly." Yes Mam??" her almost perfect English only punctuated by bits of her dialect. "Chantel...please bring Ms. Faulkner some eye shades" Kara smiled at the girl as she addressed her, "thank you very much"Laying back on her lounge, she stretched her long tan legs out as the girl disappeared into the house. Closing her eyes, she quoted, "Cherie Faulkner....mother, Margaret Faulkner, father... Patrick Rosenberg, oldest of four children, started kick boxing when you were 8 and by 18, was champion on the national team. Lost in the 2004 Olympics...rumored to have experienced an almost debilitating skull fracture in an illegal kick by your Russian opponent that was missed by the judges, turned pro after wards, also rumored to have almost killed a woman in Extreme fighting match in Kansas City in 2009. Never married, well known women's rights active st and potential congressional candidate in 2010, but you never ran...." hesitating, she smiled and nodded at the young Asian girl who had just returned carrying a white silk pillow with several types of sunglasses on it as she walked up to Cherie and held out the pillow for her to make her selection." As for my cute, but truly, in ever since of the word, blond niece Jan, she does tend to dance to the beat of her own drum......and, she thinks that everyone is competing against her, but if you're gonna play with her, I would suggest you be careful, she is like a wild pony and her boundaries are very thin indeed...and yes, I see you she managed to get you into the "Strabo"", she made a move of her hand indicating the chain mail suit, "...that was found by my team in an exploration of an archaeological dig near Charles, Greece. Legend has it Medusa was originally a ravishingly beautiful maiden, "the jealous aspiration of many suitors," priestess in Athena's temple, and Athena was madly in love with the girl, but Medusa had met Poseidon and was secretly in love with the god of the sea. Athena caught Medusa in a sexual liaison with Poseidon and placed a terrible curse on her, changing her hair to snakes and her appearance would turn any man that looked on her beauty to stone. After Perseus killed her, Athena took the snakes and supposedly wove them into the "Strabo" which you are wearing now. The legend says that anyone that would dare wear the garment would be cursed to serve the one to who they submitted to put it on for, it is rumored to drain the powers of the wearer and transfer the essence of her being to her new mistress", looking over at Cherie, "Jan has been trying to get someone to wear that for a very long time, I would imagine, she planted it in your room...but...it is only a Legend"Turning her head towards Chantel."please bring something to drink for Ms. Faulkner, water will do just fine." she smiled at Cherie, "doctors orders, your still under medication....alcohol and drugs don't mix sometimes" nodding at the Asian girl she was dismissed..." I want to apologise for your misfortune the other night, it seems some of the locals take it unkindly that you had an altercation with one of their son's... I will make sure I speak to his father about using discretion when dealing with guests..." Kara checked her watch, then stood, stretching as she did so, her white top riding up to show just a bit of the bottoms of her teardrop shaped breasts that swayed a bit as she moved, the thin white material stretching tight over the mounds to show the outlines of her large, dark aureoles and highlighted the hard nipples, her toned, hard abs displaying prominently, the muscles rippling just beneath the skin with her stretch, "I want you to feel welcome here, I do have a conference call in about 30 minutes, and we do have a welcome party for you tonight, it's the least I can do to welcome you to the island, I will send Jane around later to guide you down to the event...is there anything else I can help you with?" Cherie was not in the least surprised when Rump rattled off her family history. So the woman had a computer - and probably a minion to do the research for her. She selected a pair of aviators from the offered selection and put them on. When the servant was told to fetch water, Cherie piped up, "Still mineral, please, on ice, with a twist of fresh lime." She shrugged. "Misunderstandings happen. So, Mango was the son of some bigwig? Hah! Seems we both made the same mistake. You mistook me for a waitress and I mistook him for a common bouncer!" She nodded. "Apology accepted, and I in turn apologize for attempting to crash your party." She giggled then, and considered what she had just been told about the costume she wore. "'Strabo', huh? That's some fancy legend. So, the question really is, who did I submit to put it on for? Because, your pretty little niece was the one who persuaded me to wear it..." She giggled. "God, that's a frightening thought... That little minx with my muscles and fighting skills? She'd be an arch-villain to rival Catwoman!" Of course, she had no doubt that the woman was just playing mind games telling her about the curse. "Medusa's snakes, huh?" She looked down at the chains that made up the front of the costume. None of them looked even remotely snake like. In fact, she could swear they were made of aluminum. Her water arrived, and she sipped it, then nodded a thank you to the servant. "Very nice", she looked around. "So, not in Monaco, but not in France either? I'd heard rumors of private islands. I'm guessing that's the mainland over there?" She shrugged. "You didn't have to drug me to get me here, you know. I was quite happy to accept your invitation. So a dinner inmyhonour, huh? Not the first time, I admit, but somewhat unexpected. By the way, your secretary said something about me coming to the pool naturally." She smirked. "I hope I didn't disappoint you by choosing not to. Although this... 'Strabo', doesn't exactly hide much." She leaned across and smiled at the heiress. "January seems to think I want to have sex with you." The smile was slightly lopsided as Cherie reached out and ran a delicate finger down Kara's thigh from six inches below her hip to the other woman's knee. "What would you think if your precocious niece was right about something for once?" "Drugged to get you out here?..well.Hamm" a wisp full thought seemingly crossed Kara's face before it disappeared, and her body tensed a bit as Cherie's finger slid down her thigh... Looking down at Cherie's fit and toned body, "Yes, the Strabo does not leave much to imagination and legends are just that, I was sure someone of your practical background would be amused at its history". Reaching down Kara took her hand in both of hers and pulled the finger upwards to put the tip onto her full red lips, "January has an IQ of 160 and works Mensa tests like most people work crossword puzzles...if you're gonna play with my niece, you should be very careful...and as for having sex with me my dear...you are very lovely...but." she kissed her finger lightly."no offense...but.we are on two different social strata's my dear... I am sure you understand" then taking Cherie’s hand she laid it politely back into her lap. "I will see you tonight, you are welcome to explore as you wish and ...." behind Kara, a "hmmpphhh" caused Kara to turn to see the smartly dressed Jane standing behind her, the woman's expression business like as usual, her hands behind her back waiting patiently. Standing, Kara listened as Jane leaned over and whispered something into her ear to which Kara nodded as she briefly turned and glanced at Cherie. Finally, turning, "ahh, it seems that the harbor master has just rung.there seems to have been an.... accident...with your boat. I am sorry...something occurred last night.it...seems to have...blown up...they are searching for survivors, but......" letting her words trail off, "Inspector Jean David will be bought later today to brief you on their investigation..." turning to Jane."thank you, we need to prepare for the meeting." Nodding, Jane turned, her heels snapping smartly on the tile as she walked back into the house. Kara turned to Cherie..." I promise you, we will find out what happened and if it was deliberate, we will find those responsible...if you need anything, please feel free ask, you are most welcome here and." a small smile crossed her lips..."if you wish to swim or sunbathe or just run around naked.please feel free to do so...you are quite right about an island.this is my home.a private island about 30 miles off the coast...dinner will be at 8pm, our guest start arriving by boat at 6pm" then without another word, Kara turned and followed Jane into the house.("Well ladies and gentlemen, the teams favorite female wrestler has struck out on her first attempt at bat" her voice imitating an announcer as Jan walked out of a gap in the thick, but well manicured hedges surrounding the pool....".is that the best come on technique you got...girl, you got to get your game on better than that if you're going to get my Aunt to fuck you..." skipping as she did a small jump and landed with a plop in the lounge chair just vacated by Kara. "Hey...sorry about your boat...man that sucks...but...oh well, look on the bright side.you get another chance to see if there is life in my Aunt......" squirming around on the lounge she rotated her body until her feet was hanging over the front of the lounge and her head down towards the foot..."...you do look hot in the chain mail, it does suit you, you know" her long skinny arm reaching over, she pointed her finger and made a sound like a missile as she landed it dead center of Cherie’s left nipple...."it kinda goes with you eyes..." hesitating..." I mean the suit" giggling as she withdrew her finger."say, tell me, what's the biggest turn on you've had while getting your brains beat out?.Hamm?... I bet you cum all over yourself while your pounding the shit out of some chicks boobs don't ya." her blond hair bouncing back and forth as she puts her finger in front of her eyes and traces it in an imaginary figure 8 around Cherie's two nipples while continuing......"hmm, and I will bet ya that you even more that you cum all over yourself when some hottie pounds your body into pulp.yup...." laying back on the lounge, she stared up into the blue sky, then stretched her long arms upwards, ". I bet ya started fighting cause you're a pain nympho...yup..." Finally, she hesitated...her brow wrinkling a bit as it was evident her brain was processing something...". I know she told ya about the suit...you know, I did research on that thing.all on my own.yup... I bet she didn't tell you the story of the last person to wear it did she. I bet she didn't tell you ya that once you put it on, its essence literally soaks into your body," giggling...and humming."you can take the girl out of the suit but you can't take the suit out of the girl....Hamm, well...maybe some day you can get her to tell ya about it..." suddenly, she pushed herself up on her elbows and looked at Cherie...:hey.you want to see something really hot??? If you think your woman enough..." her large blue doe eyes blinking at Cherie expectantly. The casual way that Rump told her of the destruction of her yacht left Cherie stunned. "What? Wait... How. Why.... Survivors? What do you mean?" It was true that she hadn't really known her crew that well, but to think that they were dead? No, that couldn't be. What sort of accident... Unless it was no accident? Who knew what people who were capable of having her half killed were capable of? She sat, stunned, not even taking in the rest of what the evil bitch was saying. Something about dinner and guests... And then the brat turned up and began teasing her." Fuck you!" Cherie surged to her feet and stormed off. "Where the hell is everyone?" She pushed open door after door, revealing a lounge, a gymnasium, a games room, a bedroom, a bathroom, a sauna, and finally an office with a rather harassed looking secretary. "A phone. I need a phone, now." The young woman pointed and Cherie pounced, picked up the receiver and punched in a number. A polite but firm computer voice informed her, "Le number Que vows ave compose n'est pas Eyre recon nu. S'IL vows plait essayed de Nouméa." She hung up and tried again in case she had miss-dialed, getting the same result. She hung up again. Okay so the boat's phone wasn't working. She dialed a different number. "Hello?"" Jenny? Thank god, it's Cherries."" Cherrie, where the hell are you? Jesus, I thought.... Look get back here as quick as you can. I don't know what happened. First the police and now this..."" Whoa, hold on.... what's happened?"" The boat..."" What about it? Jenny? Jen...?" But the line was dead. Cherie called again." The Vodafone number you have called is currently out of coverage. Please try later". Cherie slammed the phone down. Her personal secretary was alive, at least, but something had happened to her boat, and she had no idea what. Somehow, she didn't believe Rump one little bit. There was something fishy going on here. Boats. Guests would be arriving by boat. Those boats would presumably be leaving too. All she had to do was find a way down to where the boats were leaving from and get on to one. Easy! Standing in the office lobby holding his white hat with both hands, Jean Pierre waited patiently. His almost bald head glistening a bit from the fashionable overhead lights as he looked around and wondered how his day could be so screwed up, and it was only the beginning of the week. This was the second time he had to work a case with the woman that arrived in his area only a few weeks ago. He was not an officer that was given to rash conclusions, but she had already been involved in an altercation with Jacques at the casino, been severely beaten at a local hotel and now this. If it was up to him, he would be glad to escort the woman out of his normally quiet area and would breathe a sigh of relief when she was gone. A door opening from a nearby office pulled his thoughts back to the present as Ms. Clumps executive assistant walked over to him, her tall female frame instantly making him feel a bit uncomfortable, but he knew that since he was only 5' 2", almost anyone that was taller in him tended to make him feel a bit odd, but he could never allow that to be known. Pulling himself up to his full height, he immediately snapped his heels together and nodded. Madame, I wish to speak with Ms. Faulkner concerning the investigation into the disappearance of her boat" nodding again, he snapped his heel s together. "Ms. Rump is quite concerned inspector, has there been any progress?" Jane's gaze tried to stay off of the little man's thin, pencil mustache that seemed to bounce up and down as he talked. "Madame, we received a call very early in the morning of an explosion, Ms Faulkner's boat was nowhere to be seen. We have not recovered any bodies so we must assume that all hands perished with the explosion. Only pieces of some debris have been found and this" he pointed to a couple of water soaked bags with SF labeled on them. "It is quite curious that more of the vessel or at least somebody pieces have not been recovered, but explosives do tend to do mysterious things. May I speak to her?" Jane nodded and walked over to the phone, picking up, she dialed the desk near the pool and gymnasium area. "Marie...this Jane, the inspector is here to speak to her, will you please put her on the phone"Her face a bit white at the British woman that had stormed up to her desk red-faced, demanded a phone and had pounded on it several times. Marie would have helped her dial, but the woman did not look like she wanted any help and that was fine to the small secretary. ".is...is. Would madame like to return to her room..." the phone making the woman jump as she quickly grabbed for the receiver and put it to her ear and made sure her eyes never left Cherie. "Oui...OUI...yes madame" her head nodding. Behind the two a door opened and bare feet padded into the lobby and moved up behind Cherie, who seemed totally engrossed in the secretary. Slowly, Jan reached out and slipped her hands on the chain suit covering her hips. Leaning forward she nuzzled her mouth under Cherie's hair to the back of her left ear. With a small purring sound, her warm, wet tongue flicked out and slid behind the ear, licking wetly upwards and then whispered."It's very rude to just leave sweetie," her lips sliding over the outer edge and teeth raking lightly downwards. ". Especially before I was ready for you too". Slowly, her hands began to move in light rubbing motions over the chain links on her flanks and made small kneading motions that strangely forced the metal links to float sensuously as if they contained life of their own with each link moving independently but at the same time as one piece over Cherie's skin. Her teeth reaching the bottom onto her ear lobe, Jan nibbled lightly on the ear lobe as her hands slid off the Cherie ships and kneaded their ways to her lower stomach, the suit seemingly alive under Jan's hands. "You don't want to leave.....do you Hun...you want to stay don't you..." her voice purred into Cherie sear."your desires betray you...your body betrays you" her tongue flicking into Cherie sear opening to seemingly punctuate each word. Marie, speaking in the background held up the phone..."ahh, Ms Faulkner, the inspector is here...he wishes to speak you" holding the phone upwards towards Cherie... With the chain links moving and floating under move of the plans of Jan's hands, her voice like silky honey." You don't want to talk with him do you Cherie...you want to come with me....don't you...", pursing her lips, she blew gently into Cherie sear..."...your old boat doesn't mean that much...does it sweetie...you want to come with me...don't you...." her hands dancing over the moving chain links. Cherie almost jumped at the sudden touch, but then a feeling of calm washed over her. "I... uh... Look, I've got to... To find out..." She paused. The amazing sensation of Jan nibbling her ear and the strange bikini rubbing at her was making it hard to concentrate. She felt herself dissolving inside at the pleasure and struggled to keep control, especially when the secretary offered her a phone. She reached out and took the receiver, Forcing herself to concentrate. An almost overwhelming desire to put the phone down and go with Jan threatened to crash over her like a wave, but she fought it, Anger, that was the key. "Will you stop that, you little minx. We can have sex later, seeing as your aunt is clearly not interested in me, but right now I've got important things to do before dinner." Oddly enough, getting off the island was no longer one of them. She knew it had been important just moments ago, but couldn't think why. "Inspector? Ah, OUI. my bateaux. Scouted vows s'IL vows plait. OUI, j'ai HHH" Her French gave out, and she paused. "Parley vows Angles? Ah, good.... Yes, my boat. I just talked with my secretary. On the phone. Yes sir, I phoned her from here. She was about to say something when the line went dead and when I called back she was out of coverage. No sir... No... Inspector, please? Well, that's the point. She was on the boat! Well no, she had no reason to. Look, if I give you her number, you can contact Interpol, get them to ask Vodafone for her call records. That will confirm my call. You can also find out which network she was roamed onto from them. Then... Well, I... Um okay, sorry Inspector. I was just trying to be helpful I guess. Anyway I'm sure you are the absolute best. I look forward to you finding what has happened. Thank you. Merci Bain". Cherie handed the phone back to the secretary and nodded determinedly. She turned, then to face Jan, but the youngster had disappeared as mysteriously as she had appeared. Cherie thanked the secretary and left the office. She got her bearings and headed back to her room, swiping the card into the door from the inside and hearing a click. The little red light told her the door was locked. Not, she supposed, that a locked door would give her any privacy, but it might at least give her some warning. Shs sighed and sat on the bed, looking at the plain yet stylish white dress. "No underwear, huh? Well I better get this off." She reached being her back and tried to find the clasp. "Odd" Down by her waist on the right side there was a split ring she could... "Oh! What the...?" She searched in vane for some form of fastening that she could use to remove the Strabo, as Rump had called it. Finally, she resorted to brute force. She pulled with all her strength at the apparently flimsy chain around her neck. "Yes!" It broke and scattered metal links onto the floor. Cherie felt suddenly dizzy and sat down on the bed. One of the diamond studded cuffs was under her bottom and she moved it, then lay back. She can't have been out for more than a moment. She woke with a start. "Huh?" something had disturbed her. Some movement, possibly a sound? She stood up and looked at herself in the mirror. The Strabo looked good on her still, she decided. Perhaps she would leave it on after all? A fleeting memory of having broken one of the straps touched her mind, but she dismissed it. She had been out longer than she had thought, she realized, looking at the clock. She quickly showered, not worried about the shiny metal tarnishing. It seemed it was made of silver or some such, rather than iron. She dried quickly and slipped the dress on. It concealed her body, she decided, in an almost obscene way. How that were possible, she didn't know, but the cut of the garment was almost lewd in its plane severity. With a giggle she slipped on the shoes and the diamonds. Cherie admired herself in the mirror. "God, I look sexy!" She giggled and left her room, amazed she had been undisturbed all this time. She refused to be led around like a lost child. This place was big, but it had a plan to it, and she would, ultimately, learn the plan. In the meantime, the smell of food drew her towards the kitchens and where there are kitchens, dining rooms cannot be far away. Hanging up the phone, Inspector Jean Pierre looked a bit puzzled as this was not the response he had expected from the British woman. His small pencil thin mustache dipping on one side as with all good police detectives, his mind replayed the conversation he had just finished. Muttering to himself i French…” strange.very strange…” he suddenly remembered the tall executive assistant standing close to him with her arms folded across her chest and frowning. Suddenly, standing up straight, he popped his heels once again and bowed slightly…”. I think you for your time Madame, I will get back with Ms. Faulkner as soon as poss.i…BLE”, then turned and marched rapidly out of the room and reached for his cell phone to call into headquarters and begin the process of running down the leads the woman had just given him. Watching through a two-way glass into Cherie’ room, Jan wiggled her bottom back against the wall in a narrow service opening as Cherie struggled with the links of the chain suit and inhaled sharply as the powerful muscles on the woman’s body flexed while she pulled heavily on the suit until one of the straps broke causing several links to drop to the floor. Her brow wrinkling a bit with a small, quiet, “Oh, no”. Jan feared that she was going to be able to remove the garment when Cherie wavered and what seemed like an eternity too Jan, slowly collapsed onto the bed and passed out. Silently, flipping a latch on a small door, Jan slipped into the room and moved over to bed beside the unconscious woman. Jan spread her arms over the figure in front her. The brow of her head wrinkled just a bit as her perfect memory began to visualize the words of the chant that she had memorized from story of the legend and silently her lips began moving, the ancient words of the curse rolling off her lips in the ancient language that was recorded in the texts. Imperceptibly, Jan watched as the links of the chain began to move one by one and gradually tighten to press into the skin of Cherie’s body, as if they appeared to be trying to enter her body by tightening until her flesh appeared to be pushed through the small links and a light labor of breathing came from the woman’s lips until suddenly, the links appeared to merge somewhat into the tanned skin as if her body was accepting them as part of her own skin and Cherie’s breathing relaxed. Leaning over, Jan placed her lips lightly on those of Cherie with a gentle kiss and then slipped a room key labeled 1408b into a small elastic band on the hem of the white dress lying on Cherie’s bed and adjusted it to allow it to work its way out of the band with each movement of the woman’s body and fall out her feet with any quick movements or turns, or especially from the jarring steps made by her high heels. “Your mine now” she nodded, her short blond tresses bouncing gleefully as giggled quietly and slipped back into the hidden passage to maker her way through and out of the service passages. Bouncing down the hall, Jan opened the door to the small closet like room marked 1408b and moved into the dark area to slowly slide open the thick curtains on the two-way glass that provided an excellent view of Kara’s bedroom and watched as Kara made her way into the room, quickly stripped off her clothing and disappeared behind the opaque glass of the shower stall. Nodding to herself, Jan moved back into a small hidden portal where she could watch the small closet without being seen and waited as she muttered. "Come to Tommie my little mouse.it's time to see what nasty thoughts reside in your cute little brain" then giggled to herself again. Cherie wasn't exactly lost, but she wasn't quite sure where she was in the maze of corridors and stair wells. She was still following her nose, when she thought she saw a familiar figure vanish around a corner ahead. "Hey! Jane? Wait up..." She took a more powerful step in an attempt to catch up, and something clattered to the floor. A small plastic card. Worried that she had dropped here own key card, she paused, but found with relief that it was hanging from her wrist. Curious, Cherie bent low and picked up the card, feeling the Strabo rub tight and erotically against her sex as she did. "MMM", she purred. It hadn't been that tight before, though, she was sure. Oh, well. She'd take the thing off before she went to bed. She looked at the card. "Oh? An invitation, huh? Maybe later." She had a damn good idea whose room that card belonged to. That little minx, January. She straightened up to see Jane looking down at her curiously. Cherie shrugged and slipped the card into her pocket. "Do you know where the dining room is?"" Of course. I was on my way to fetch you. Follow me". Cherie shrugged and followed the woman down a corridor she was certain she had just come up, up a small flight of stairs, and into a small atrium. "Through there."" Thank you". Cherie nodded, and pushed open the doors into the dining hall, wondering just what the hell was going on and what she would find on the other side. The two ornate doors fitted with red velvet inserts lined with gold trim, began to swing open at Cherie’s push but suddenly moved fully open by two tall female figures. The skin of their shaven and naked bodies covered in solid gold sparkly body make-up and their petite, teardrop shaped breasts proudly displayed with red rubies adorned over the large nipples as each stood rigid and tall, their faces free of any emotion nor acknowledgement of the British woman as she stood in the doorway. Row after row of tables adorned with white silk table clothes filled the ornate room that curved upwards into a vaulted ceiling that was covered with 16th century art and tinted light flowed through the stained-glass windows to reflect off the gold and silver decorations adorning each table. Around the already crowded room, people dressed in elegant white dresses, many with low scooped backs and deep cleavages fronts held drink as they circulated around the room. “Cherie, how nice, you came” as Kara stepped out of the crowd wearing a golden ankle length gown that rose over the swell of her breasts and ended several inches below her navel. Lights reflecting on the seemingly metallic material gave off an elegant glow as she moved up to Cherie, turned, took her arm and slipped it through hers.“Come my dear.let me introduce you around” she giggled just a bit, “.you are the guest of honor and there are so many people that wish to meet you, and she begin to steer her through the crowds and introducing one guest after another. “I believe you may know Angelina and Brad” who raised their wine glasses and smiled, and over there, “Donald and the new Mrs. Trump”, smiling and waving again as Kara moved Cherie by them.” and overhear. Paris Hilton and Britney Spears…you might want to stay way from them …they tend to carry some black marks with the socially elite…. Oh look, over there my dear. Pipa Middleton…” she raised her hand smiled and raised her hand, “Give my love to Kate.your so sweet” then gently pulled on Cherie, “Come, let's get you a drink” and guided Cherie through the extended hands and well-dressed bodies to the liquor table.”Now my dear… I have some business to attend to…, I am sure you will be just fine for a bit…” then reached out and took a long stem crystal wine glass just as 3 other women walked up. “Ladies, this is Cherie Faulkner.our guest for the evening.” Taking a sip.” Cherie.this is Sam or Samantha,” the woman locked her blue eyes onto Cherie and nodded without speaking.” Kat or Katrina” who, with her wine glass in hand stepped up, her eyes looking down at Cherie’s feet and moved slowly upwards, obviously forming a picture of Cherie naked and this is Beth.or Bethany” who smiled friendly and extended her hand. “Girls…she is yours until I need her back.get her drunk and laid” Kara giggled before winking at Cherie and moving off into the crowd. Kat and Sam stepped up on either side of Cherie and slipped their arms through hers and Kat leaned over, allowing her full breasts to rest on Cherie’s forearm…” you heard the lady.drunk or laid first???” The room was certainly impressive, and the guest list even more so. The number of celebs in the place, from Donald Trump to Poppa Middleton, had Cherie's head spinning. She accepted the glass of champagne and sipped it delicately. So, this is how the other half live?she thought to herself. Of course, now she absinthe 'other half', at least in terms of fame and fortune. "Blimey, you could fill the Celebrity Big Brother house... or put everyone in the jungle..." She giggled. She'd not received an invitation to either celebrity reality TV show yet, so presumably she was still on the way up. She waved at Brad and Angelina, whom she did indeed know, and they raised their glasses to her. Furthermore, she also spotted a few other minor celebs whom she'd met on the circuit. "Isn't that Martina?" She spotted the middle-aged tennis star, along with her Russian girlfriend, Julia Demigod, talking animatedly to someone she could have sworn was a French TV presenter. She was introduced, then, by first names only, to three women who looked vaguely familiar, but she couldn't place. "Weren't you the three ladies with Kara the other night at the casino?" She smiled a little nervously when two of the women effectively imprisoned her between them. She could probably break the hold quite easily, but doing so in Ms Rump's company had already landed her in trouble once. The idea of getting drunk and laid did sound somewhat appealing though, especially with these three lovely ladies. "Well, much as I enjoy both, I think it would be a shame to get drunk first, don't you? After all, you want me to enjoy getting laid, and I can't do that if I'm unconscious or throwing up everywhere, now can I?" Cherie Giggled and allowed the three women to lead her off. Both women pulled Cherie tight against their bodies, making sure their breasts either rested on arms or pushed into the sides of her breasts as they moved with her. Kat leaned over just a bit, “I watched some re-runs of her your fights on YouTube, you are as hot as you were good…” she giggled as Kat, in spite of Cherie’s suggestion about not drinking first…gradually worked the group towards the bar. Moving up in front of the Kat, Cherie and Sam, Beth signaled to the bartender…then turned to Cherie, “. I know Kara said water only, but.” she winked at Cherie, “Larry makes a mean what he calls a “mind bender”, I don’t think it should hurt your ribs or head too much do you, I would think that being a badass fighter, you probably can take a pounding while getting stone-cold drunk at the same time? Or…” she pauses and winks.”.or are you really good little girl that plays by every thing you are told to do” then nods at Larry who sits a drink composed of a red, yellow and green layer’s on the table in front of Cherie, Kat giggles and squeezes Cherie’s arm, “the drink is the mind…once it's in your body…is when you experience the bender” she giggles and nods to winks at Larry who sits three more of the drinks on the counter. Suddenly, the room lights dim down to almost complete darkness as the band suddenly kicks into a fiery Latin beat and the couples begin to cycle out onto the dance floor. Strobe lights begin flashing with different colored effects causing the dancers to raise their arms above their heads, their couples legs sliding between each others as the crotches begin to grind on thighs in beat to the music. Raising her voice so she can be heard… Beth stepped forward, her eyes locking onto Cherie’s as she raised the eyes to lock onto and never leaving Cherie’s, and then she reached and grabbed the drink, tossed back her head and gulped down the liquid before she slammed it back on the table….looking out onto the floor”.who’sit going to be sweetie”… as the other two women also followed suit… Cherie should have expected it, she supposed. But she was no way going to compromise her career. White powder in a small bag? Nuh-uh. "I think I'll pass, thanks." She turned away and began walking towards the door, weaving carefully through the assembly crowd, dodging nimbly out of the way of the gyrating bodies on the dance floor. She remembered earlier that she had planned to find a boat off the island. Something had changed her plan., and she couldn't for the life of her think what. Butsuddenly that seemed like a perfect idea once again. She narrowly avoided being sent flying by a large buxom woman she thought she recognized, but didn't stop to speak to her. Instead, she made it to the far side of the dance floor and eyes the two naked, golden women who were standing almost stock still, holding the doors closed. "Open sesame?" She muttered to herself. She approached them, wondering whether they would, in fact, open the doors for her. Sliding out of the crowd carrying a long stem glass, her dress sparkling in strobing lights, Kara stepped up to the other three women…” Oh, my. I do think she is coming along just fine don’t you” and giggled as she took another sip of her drink. “Now, we just need to let our little in house Einstein finish her part of the assignment.” Standing tall, looking straight ahead, the golden Amazon’s holding the door’s immediately pushed them open at Cherie’s approach and pulled them shut as left the room.

The Interloper [sstone72 & Chrystal]|rating:2.0

Wager of Flesh (Mr. Triangle & Seraph)

The bar bustled with activity, brightly dressed patrons running this way and that, their clothes barely covering any part of their bodies at all. It was a typical night in the Hong Kong of the 21st century. The real 21st century, rather than the previews that had flashed by before the featured presentation. In one corner of the dimly lit club, there sat a grizzled ancient of nearly forty years old, an antediluvian relic of a bygone age in a place like this. Many of the dancers and the drinkers weren't even out of their teens, come to experience a great night of Bacchanalia before returning to their jobs in the burgeoning information market. It was a harsh, unforgiving world. You either made your fortune before you hit thirty, or you stopped being able to pay the rents, and you got swept off the streets by the cleaner teams. If you were lucky, they would even let you keep the clothes on your back when they deported you. The oldster lay back in her chair, her intense blue eyes scanning over the club, carefully paying no attention to her mark. The ancient's name was David Alexander, but no one in the bar cared, not even the boy across from her, he'd gotten reasonably drunk. Drunk enough to be willing to agree to all kinds of foolishness anyway. David's eyes were the only part of him that hadn't been modified, the rest of his body consisting of a number of genetic modules. He was in no mood to deceive, of course. The form he took may have had some rather large breasts and long hair, but the beard, stocky appearance, and deep voice should have left absolutely no doubt to anyone that something a trifle unnatural was going on. "Would you care to make a wager?" She asked the boy, her eyes drilling into his as she took a sip from her beer. The young man who was sitting alone at the bar was making a point to not look at the stranger who sat at his side. The man... The Thing was an oddity that much was certain, so, he had kept his eyes focused rather intently at the beer that sat in front of him, it was running low now... And soon he has to look up at the bartender, that sexy blond haired seductress over. But, he’d also probably end up staring at the odd gender bender. Steven was a rather plain looking young man, his black hair was rather unmanageable mop, his features were far from what someone would right HOM about, just look over to focus on a more interested figure. He wasn’t large, nor was he small, a simple 5'10 body of average weight. He was wearing a pair of blue jeans with holes in the knees that he had probably picked up quite cheap, there was a loose fitting t-shirt covering his torso a few stains apparent on it, thanks to him spilling on himself when that... Oddity came over, and upon his feet were old worn sneakers. Then he heard a voice, and felt eyes upon him. He had no choice but to look up, recently he had been rather strapped for cash... A little bit of funding would make his life a bit easier. “What are you talking about?” He muttered, still not really making eye contact. The figure smiled, her dark hair flinging in several directions as she turned towards the boy. Adopting a really ridiculous form was great fun, it got people scared. Scared people tend to do stupid things, make silly mistakes. He leaned over closer to the boy, and began speaking in a low voice. "You look like a reasonably strong lad, how about an arm wrestling competition. I'll bet you seventy-five quid that I can throw you down three times out of three. I'll even go you one better. If you can beat me once, I'll go ahead and pay you anyway. The figure smiled. It was an unfair bet of course. Before he'd left, he pumped up his right arm with an experimental steroid. Unless it failed on him, the boy was going to be an easy mark. He'd go and play with him of course. He looked like the kind of person with no money and something to prove, exactly what she was looking for. "If you don't have any money to bet, of course... we can work out some kind of... other arrangement." The she male pulled out a pair of handcuffs from his pocket and set them down on the table. They landed with a noticeable clink, the chain rattling a bit as they landed on the table. He looked at the freak with a cocked brow, what the fuck was he talking about? He shook his head as the handcuffs came down, a feeling of revulsion wrenched through the pit of his stomach. The poor young man actually had to restrain the urge to lose his supper, the idea of sharing anytime with such a hideous creature was, disgusting. Yet, he was on the boarder of broke, and rent was coming due. He couldn't risk homelessness... and besides, could some she male really over power him? He knew he wasn't buff.... but, this thing, looked quite soft." How much are you willing to offer me if I beat you?" He said. "It better be quite high..." The perverted she male couldn't help but feel a quiver of arousal at the boy's fear. He looked visibly unhappy, and that was the state from which people underestimated her. She smiled, revealing a set of very pretty white teeth, and set down a number of bills on the table, a fairly large stack, enough to pay one's rent for a month even. "We'll wrestle three times. Each time you beat me, I'll give you seventy-five. If I beat you, I'll put one of those cuffs around your wrist. If I beat you again, I'll put the other cuff around my wrist, and you'll be coming home with me to fetch the keys." The gender dysmorphic being called to the bartender to give his mark a fresh round of beer, holding out her hand to see if the boy was interested. He shrugged his shoulders ever so slightly, he was pretty much fucked. "Make it a 150 each time I win, and you got yourself a deal." he pressed his elbow against the bar and held his hand outward for the man, shaking his head. He could win this, he needed to win this. His brown eyes though showed fear, and sweat was already creeping across his brow. She shook her head, smiling nastily as she laid back. "You've got yourself a wager." She announced, pulling another set of bills out and placing them on the table. She set her elbow on the table, her delicately manicured hand standing ready with its deceptively small muscles. Her hand clenched into a near fist, the purple fingernails ready to bite into the boy's hand a bit when he clasped his hand against hers. The first round was simple. She would put up a token resistance, get a feel for the boy's strength, then carefully lose to him, building his confidence and drawing him in for the next round. She laughed a bit as she waited for him to begin the first round of the competition. Steven almost shuddered when he touched him. Shaking his head a bit he took a deep breath. "Fine... one, two, three, go!" He shouted, and began to push hard against the she male. He wasn't strong, nor was he weak. His eyes were closed now, trying to ignore the strange visage before him. The old being strained a tiny bit against the boy. He was of average strength, but not much of a challenge really for her artificially enhanced body. She relaxed her muscles a bit, letting David slowly lower her hand to the table, let him think he was overpowering her. She giggled as her hand slammed against the table, a fey, girlish laugh. The she male slid a stack of bills across the table, offering forth her hand once more. "You got a good first run in. Don't expect your luck to hold out forever though" he growled, flexing his muscles a bit as he waited for Steven to intertwine his fingers with his once more. He'd won! He knew he would! So, once more those digits wrapped tightly around the she males, and once more he put his straight against hers, but this time... it seemed things wouldn't go his way. David let Steven get a bit of effort in before slowly taking him to the table, her nails scraping against his flesh as she let the boy fight valiantly, letting his terror give him strength. Finally, she pressed his hand into the cold synthetic wood surface, giving his hand a light squeeze. She smiled broadly as she held his hand down, pulling out the handcuffs and moving them closer to his trapped wrist. "Too bad, but you gave it a good shot. You're really starting to tire me out. Let's see how you do next round eh?" She clipped the handcuff around Steven's wrist, the clicks echoing in his ear as the cold metal bit into his flesh. She released his hand and sat back, comfortable in the knowledge that if he wanted to back out now, he'd have to use a portion of his winnings consulting a locksmith. Furthermore, she held out her hand for a final round, prepared to hold nothing back now that the boy was in her clutches. He'd be an interesting one for sure, and he looked so cute with the empty cuff dangling from his wrist. Her hand stroked her beard, her smile showing with alarming purity. "You wouldn't look so creepy if you shaved..." She mumbled, the loss hurt, and the cold steel that pressed against his flesh sent terror through his form. Yet, the money he had won would barely make a dent in his rent, so that arm went up once again. "Let's do this shit..." The she male gave Steven a strong grip, letting him strain uselessly as she made casual conversation. "I could go ahead and shave. But I'd rather have someone else shave me. Maybe you can help." She smiled, putting out her full strength and slamming the boy's hand to the table painfully. She gave him a terrible smile of triumph, punctuated by a slight laugh. "It would appear that you lost." He announced simply, connecting the other ring of the handcuff to his own wrist and sliding it shut with a series of three clicks." Well, I think it's about time to leave." He announced, rising to his feet and beginning to walk towards his car, jerking his wrist to get Steven to follow him. It would look awkward for the boy to have to be dragged out of the club, but David doubted he could possibly take the embarrassment. She began to plot all the delicious things she would do to the boy once they got back to the apartment, or perhaps even in the car. She blushed a bit with anticipation. "No!" He groaned feeling the metal binding connect to the freak. "Please no..." he whimpered but, it made no difference now. He was the idiot who made the bet, and put himself in the hands of this, thing. Who was currently dragging him along. His head fell, his heart stopped, this, wasn't going to be a good night. David shook his head as he watched the boy protest, her blush growing as she found it made him even cuter. She walked over to him and wrapped her arm around his waist, feeling thankful that nobody would particularly notice a yell like that it a crowded bar like this. "Sorry honey" she cooed sweetly in a feminine voice. "I left the keys to these handcuffs in my apartment... Here." She pressed an inhaler into his free hand, pulling his fingers to clasp it." That contains a tranquilizer. It'll calm you down, and make you more... compliant. I can do other things to calm you down too you know." She grinned and waited to see whether he would take the drug before attempting to tug him along some more. So much for having fun in the car. On the other hand, perhaps the boy just needed to cum to calm him down. She considered carefully, the phrase eventually, they stop screaming running through her head as she led him towards harvest. The drugs, yes, that was the obvious answer, load himself up with so many chemicals he wouldn't remember the evening or that furry face. Of all the she males to get stuck with, he had to end up with some fuzzy faced freak who skirted the line of masculinity. Why couldn't it be one, that was... you know cute. He could have taken that, even with a little embarrassment, but... this... this would be no different from spending an evening with a man with a boob job. He sighed, and puffed heavily on the inhale, while reaching into his back pocket producing a pack of cigarette he pressed one between his lips. "You win okay... just please... get rid of the beard as soon as possible... its really weirding me out." David smiled. He had neglected to mention that he had loaded the inhaler with aphrodisiacs in addition to a tranquilizer, but Steven seemed like a smart boy, he'd figure that out soon. As the boy distracted himself with drugs, David wrapped his arm around him and led him to the parking garage, opening up the door to his car, a small white van with no side windows. He opened up the passenger door and stepped inside, sliding to the driver's seat as he pulled the boy into the passenger seat." If the beard really does bother you, I have a shaver in the back of the truck. I can take care of it right here in the garage. Of course, If I have to shave, it's only fair that you shave too. You have a pretty smooth face, but I bet you've got some more body hair that needs shaving." The she male grinned as her eyes turned to Stevens crotch, looking for signs of arousal. `Steven slides into the seat beside the strange man and sighs. “Sure, whatever I’ll shave it all off bro... I’m sure you realize this, but, man... I really only dig the ladies. Furthermore, I don’t want sound like a freak, but... Anything that makes you more womanly will make this night a little less creepy. Hell, just getting smash off my ass might help.” He said as he looked at the stranger. “Names Steven by the way...” He said shrugging his shoulders. He reached behind the seat hands stumbling around as he found the razor, and unzipped his pants, pulled down his briefs revealing his bush, and a cock that looked like it might be in the early stages of arousal. Furthermore, he grumbled and began to shave himself bare. “Whatever man, just don’t let this get out...” David smiled and shook his head, astounded at the ingenuity of the intoxicated. He took Steven by the wrist and pulled him into the back of the van, laying him down on his back as he pulled his pants off. Once the boy was naked below the waist, David seized the straight razor he had been carelessly flicking near his cock, and glared at him slightly. "You should really be more careful. You already cut yourself a bit. I'm not even sure you'd know how to use this sort of razor." David held Steven down by placing a foot on his chest as she opened up a nearby box, pulling out a bottle of shaving cream. She sprayed some onto Steve's pubic hair and massaged it in, rubbing his cock a bit for good measure. He closed in and began to cut the hair with deft, smooth strokes, the sharpness of the blade making up for the thickness of the hair. "So, Steve, you're only into the ladies, huh? Does that mean you've never sucked cock before? Or had your cock sucked?" She asked mischievously, sweeping the razor close to his penis to add a bit of drama to the questioning. She wanted him to feel utterly helpless, to lie back and submit totally to her will. "No I've never sucked dick, I don't swing that way... but I have had it sucked, those seem like entirely different questions." He said looking up at the odd stranger. He was weak, he knew it he obviously couldn't over power the she male, the arm wrestling had proven that, what was more, the power of the leg that was currently pressing against his chest was slowly cutting off his air supply. "Course, that'll probably change before the night is over won't it?" The she male grinned as she continued cutting his pubic hair, nearly having shaved the entire lot of it. "I'm so glad you think so. The questions aren't so unrelated, if you've had it sucked, then you know a bit better how to manage. Besides, it would be a disservice to the girls generous enough to suck your cute little cock to not know what it feels like." The she male gave a perverse little laugh, and licked Steven's cock, wrapping her lips around it as she did so. Her boot remained firmly on the boy's chest, the she male's dress falling away a bit, revealing a pale hairless leg above her delicately laced leather boot. The she male wrapped his lips around the head of the boy's penis, her tongue moving across the head as she took him into her mouth, moving slowly down the shaft as her tongue massaged the head. The razor strokes became more careless as she worked her way through the remainder of his pubic hair, quite satisfied with her results. The hairy legs were a problem, she was thinking hot wax, back at the apartment. It was going to be a fun night indeed. He groaned feeling lips wrapping around his soft, but slowly hardening shaft, no words came anymore. That hot mouth felt so.... good wrapped around him that he grunted, yet, he wasn't going to move the razor moving over his flesh had made him nervous enough to remain still. His hands clenched into tight fists as a blush spread across his cheeks. The razor pulled away Steven's last few bits of pubic hair before simply perching itself on his flesh, as David took the boy's cock deeper into his mouth. He began to bob up and down on top of the shaft, rubbing the head up against the roof of his mouth as his tongue flicked up and down the shaft. It was a quick and dirty blow job, designed to bring the boy to his peak as quickly as possible. The she male's boot pressed down a bit harder, constricting the boy's air supply further as her hand caressed his shoulder and neck, glee spreading through her face as she watched the boy's face heat up. He didn't last long, the attention that he was receiving soon caused his member to boil over, spraying thick, sticky strands of his cum deep into the she males mouth as he writhed pathetically in the back of the vehicle. He was ashamed of himself, giving into such a strange creature... but those lips felt so good. The she male drew back from the boy's cock as he cummed, spitting out the cum he had gotten in her mouth onto his waist and drawing back to avoid getting sprayed as he blew his load. He relieved the pressure a little bit on the boy's chest while he pulled out a small bottle, rubbing its contents over his face. His beard soon fell off in huge patches, revealing a softly lined face with wonderfully feminine features. "Now didn't that feel nice." She said cheerfully, watching him as he moaned." You've been so good, I'm willing to tell you a secret my pet. I lied about having to go back to the apartment to get the keys to these handcuffs." She produced a small key from her pocket and unlocked the bracelet of the handcuffs on her wrist, kicking the boys pants, which still had his wallet in them, carefully out of his way. "Now, I'd like you to take your shirt off and get on your knees for me. I want you to smear some more of your cum on yourself." She smiled and looked into his eyes, waiting for the boy to submit. Steven did as he was told, there was nothing he could do, yet looking up at that suddenly feminine face did add a bit of joy to what had just occurred. She wasn't... ugly, just a little odd right? Or perhaps that was just what he had told himself as he got on his knees and tossed his shirt off, slowly he rubbed his sticky white seed into his chest and stomach, grimacing, while moaning slightly at the sensation of his own touch. He looked up at the strange his lower lip trembling. His messy hair hung in front of his eyes. "Please... just don't hurt me... I'll be good." David walked over behind Steven and clinked the handcuffs shut, binding his arms behind him. "Good, you're learning. I'm going to train you to be a little bitch, turn you into a horny little slut." She roughly pushed him down onto his stomach and pulled out two small lengths of rope, tying one around his knees. The next she tied around his ankles, and threaded a rope down to his handcuffs, pulling him into a tight hogtie as she set him down. The cuffs would bite into his wrists, but he could always ask for more comfortable wrist restraints." So, my little slut boy in training, do you want to suck some cock, or go ahead and go to my apartment where you can get yourself clean?" She asked, caressing his cheek as she let him writhe in his bonds, slightly curious if the feeling of being restrained was new to him. "I'm not going to pretend..." He said writhing against the restraints that held him tightly, it wasn't to struggle of course, just to get accustom to his new bonds. He looked up at his captor with weak eyes, running his tongue across his own lips. He was horrified in his bonds, but this was of his own doing, so he would give in. "Which would you prefer?" David laughed quite a bit as the boy gave in, patting him on the head as he suggested giving her the choice. She turned around and placed a few calls on her cell phone, ominously discussing terms of money. "You seem to be a bit short on cash, so I've arranged a business enterprise for you. A nice man has agreed to pay 250 simpletons in exchange for your oral virginity. He'd also like to take some pictures, for his own personal use of course." She picked up an inhaler containing a large amount of sedative, clamped it to the boy's mouth, and depressed the stud, unloading a large amount of the drug into his mouth The poor young man awoke bound, his legs tied at the ankles, leather straps reinforce his immobility are scattered throughout the rest of the length of his legs. Perhaps what was worse though, was the fact that those legs were now completely bare of any clothing, his only shred of modesty was a pair of black boxer shorts. His arms too were secured behind his back in a leather cuff. He couldn’t even see the room, his eyes were covered by a blindfold. "Good Morning." David chirped as his footsteps echoed around the bound boy, occasionally touching him lightly as she circled around him. A far deeper voice piped up from across the room. "It's quite nice indeed. Normally I'd like to see his eyes, but in this case I can settle for simply watching him sweat, and maybe scream." David walked around to Steven's bound body and gave him a light kiss on the lips, before pinching and twisting his nipple viciously. "Sit up." She commanded simply. "Can we trust you to make a fair effort to suck some cock, or are we going to have to stick a gag in your mouth to hold it open?" She asked, a malicious tone in her voice as the other man in the room began moving around some object on a table. The telltale sound of a shutter clicking on a camera punctuated David's efforts. He grumbled getting to his knees, he really didn't have much of a choice, did he? Would anyone even realize he was gone, well, the landlord would when he hadn't paid his rent... but, he didn't anticipate a long term police search for some no name kid. "Whatever man... just get this shit over with..." The camera stopped taking pictures. For a couple of minutes, the cold room simply sat silent. Then Steven felt several nasty whacks on his backside, two on the left cheek, two on the right cheek. The deep voiced mystery man growled a bit. "I'd prefer that you addressed me as 'Sir.' Also, I expect you to at least pretend like you're enjoying yourself or that you're afraid for your life. Not just act like some bored little whore!" The point was accented by six more whacks on the butt. The camera's clicked rapidly, recording the boy's wincing reaction to each strike on the ass. Finally, the boy felt something hot and soft pressing into his lips, several camera shutters going off at once as the object pressed into him. He grunted at each heavy slap, the sound of his skin being battered filled the room, but he did not cry out. He might not have been the strongest, smartest, or fastest person on the planet, but he was at least quite tough. Furthermore, he made no move to speak, knowing full well it would probably only end with him being beaten some more, and, well, he didn't think he could hold up to that sort of beating for an extended period of time. Furthermore, he almost gagged as he felt the sickening softness pressed to his lips, almost gagging and the taste and the scent alone. Slowly, he took the soft object, obviously a man's tool into his mouth and began to softly suck upon it. The mystery man slowly began to shove his cock deeper into Steven's mouth, waiting to see how well he would navigate getting his teeth out of the way. He groaned in pleasure, laughing perversely as he ran his hands through Steven's hair, caressing his cheek with his thumbs. "Good, you little whore. Just keep on going, You're going to suck on that cock, and then you're going to swallow my cum. Then we'll untie you a bit, and do some glamour shots." Steven felt his ass slapped once again at the mention of the "glamour shots" a clear effort to make him mess up his blowjob and thereby deserve more beatings. The clicking of camera shutters became almost constant. If this guy was just taking pictures for his own personal use, he was damn obsessive. In the background, there could be heard the telltale sounds of masturbation. Someone was definitely getting off to the cocksucking going on. The young man was revolted, but, if these fucks were sick enough to try something like this... He couldn’t imagine killing him would be very far off. Better to sacrifice his pride, and hope for a chance at escape. He did his best to keep his balance despite the fact that he was so tightly bound. Once more, he managed to ignore the slap only grunting a little against the cock that was now, rather disgustingly forced deep between his lips. His head began to move slowly up and down, bobbing upon the invading piece of meat. Once you get past the taste... It can’t be all bad, he lied to himself. He soon pressed his tongue against the bottom of the man’s tools, tonguing the thick vain that ran along the underside. If he came quick, it’d all be over... He told himself. His cheeks collapsed inward as he gave the tool a bit more suction. The mystery man moaned in pleasure as his cock was sucked, his fingers gently tracing along Steven's cheek. "Yeah, you're a natural at this. I've just gotta see you're eyes." He pulled the boy's blindfold off, and he found himself starting into a light orange tuft of pubic hair, set on dark skin accented by black stripes. Something furry came around his neck and caressed his left shoulder, telling him instantly that he had been sucking off an autapomorph. "That look of disgust in your eyes... rosewood" A glob of precut drizzled into Steven's mouth, as the tiger man moaned in pleasure." Don't stop sucking until the client tells you to stop sucking." David warned, slapping the flogger she had been hitting David with on the table to emphasize the point. David was wearing a set of leather pants and nothing else, her breasts sticking out into the air as she went back to work at the strange chemical apparatus on a nearby table. At the end of the apparatus were several syringes, slowly being filled by strangely colored liquids. His eyes opened wide as he has seen the thing, that he was currently relating. He wanted to scream out, run away in fear... But there was no escape, there would only be more pain, and perhaps worse. He’d play nice... Get the freak off, and maybe they’d leave him alone. At least that’s what he had hoped. Though, logic said that wasn’t going to happen... And what were those syringes for? Still, his head bobbed, up and down... He needed to end this, and he had a pretty good idea how. He ignored the salty taste that was dripping onto his tongue from the beasts cock head. Furthermore, he slid all the way to the tip and slowly spiraled his tongue around the freaks swollen head, ignoring the swats that David was raining down upon him. The tiger man gave a low purr as he got off, wide streams of cum racing down and over Steven's tongue as the autapomorph moaned and purred in orgasm. The Tiger man stood around, waiting for Steven to drink up all of him cum before he pulled the cock out of his mouth. David finally finished putting the liquid into the needles, and left them on the table as she walked over to the boy with the cum filled mouth, slowly unbuckling the leather straps holding him tightly. The tiger regained a bit of composure and stroked David's head affectionately, finally regaining his ability to speak. "That was good, real good. Go ahead and pull away when you've gotten my cock clean and tell me how you're feeling. I've got a nice warm bed with silk sheets I want to go ahead and have you pose on." A ruffling of bills sounded from across the room as David deposited a large amount of money into Steven's wallet, leaving the boy bound only hand and foot. There were two other people in the room, a high conversion tiger autapomorph busily taking pictures, and a hermaphrodite sitting in the corner wearing only a leather jacket. Apparently the one who was jacking off earlier. He coughed and hacked doing his best to drink in all the hot fluid that forced its way deep into his mouth splashing against his throat before he swallowed, trying to keep himself from spilling his stomach’s contents he swallowed hard once more. He looked up at the beast, not sure what to do until he received the order to clean him off, so his warm tongue lapped away all that was left of the slick fluid that had covered he is bestial tool.“Alright...” He said his voice weak. “I’ll do anything you want... Just don’t hurt me... Lead the way.” He said holding out his bound hands waiting for the tiger man to drag him off. The tiger man picked up Steven, pulling him up onto a bed with red silk sheets. His Asian features were actually not all that modified, the only changes in him being a tail, stripes over his lower torso and legs, and retractable claws in his hands. He was a so-called "executive autapomorph" clearly one of those types who idolized such modifications, but couldn't handle the lifestyle that came along with them. The cameraman circled around, getting a couple of good head on shots of Steven's face as he was deposited on the bed. David stood nearby, her fingers playing along the syringes as the hermaphrodite continued to lounge in the corner, most likely high on something. The executive tiger loomed over Steven, watching him squirm on the bed as he untied his ankles, letting his legs spread out a bit. "So, does the little slut want to cum?" The tiger asked, in a tone that suggested that the proper answer was yes, but that there would be even worse consequences than for saying no if one said yes and didn't mean it. "No..." He mumbled. "I don't want to cum... but, I'll do it if It's what you want." His shoulders slumped forward as he laid on the bed looking up at the strange tiger man. He wanted to scream, but he did his best to keep his cool. "I'm sorry I'm not going to lie about it...." David smiled viciously as she stepped forward carrying a syringe filled with a strange blue substance. Her breasts jiggled a bit as she walked, watching the tiger man hungrily as he pulled Steven's boxers down, looking carefully at the state of his cock. David spoke up first. "If you don't want to cum, you can satisfy us in another way, by playing around with some modification." The hermaphrodite stepped forward, a hungry look in her eyes as she walked around the bed, staring at the boy with red eyes. In this group, there was no telling if they were contacts or permanent. David's perfect teeth glittered as she brought the needle down next to his scrotum, the cold tip of the needle making a nasty contact with his skin. "This is an anesthetic, it'll keep you from feeling the other two injections and reduce the discomfort you feel when they start taking effect. Hold still please." The hermaphrodite drew closer to Steven, smelling of cum and smiling, exposing a set of fangs. Much like the tiger, she stared into the boy's eyes, seeming to take an unwholesome amount of pleasure from the disgust and uncertainty in them. His eyes closed, who the fuck knew what was in those syringes or how he'd end up? His shoulders slumbered forward a turned his unopened eyes away from his crotch he didn't want to risk seeing his coin purse paced by those wicked looking needles. "It's not like what I say matters but go ahead..." David smiled as he injected the anesthetic, sending a spreading warmth through his penis and testicles and numbing them. "I'm glad you feel that way" She said, as she pulled out the second needle. "This one is filled with a genetic serum. It'll break down your penis and perforate your testes. Just relax and let it go to work." Not waiting at all to hear the boy's reaction, David stuck the needle into Steven's penis, and injected the powerful yellow serum into it. For a few terrifying moments, nothing happened, then Steven's penis began to retract slowly into his body, along with his testicles. The structures folded and pulled themselves up through his skin, leaving his pubic area looking somewhat overstuffed as they receded through a small slit, the beginnings of a vagina. David pulled the second needle away and got ready with the third needle, looking joyfully at Steven's reaction to losing his manhood. “Break down my what now?” His eyes went wide, and he wanted to scream to strike out at the man/woman who had suddenly thrust a needle into what should have been the most sensitive place on his body. His eyes went wide, as he tried to form words watching what formerly was his cock transform into nothing more but a smooth mound of flesh, which soon sported a slit. His lower lip trembled, and the poor boy, unable to take any of this in began to sob softly to himself. David leaned down and brought the needle closer to the soon-to-be girl's crotch, watching as he began to sob. "I see you've figured out what we're doing. Don't worry, you'll recover in less than 24 hours, and the procedure is reversible." The photographer took more pictures of the boy as he changed, while the hermaphrodite started pleasuring herself again. The tiger man had simply wrapped his arms around the hermaphrodite, and started working on her sweet spot while she stimulated her penis, his other hand playing with her breasts. David delivered the final injection to the recessed head of Steven's cock, and the liquid flowed throughout his body and transmuted his genitals, causing the strange hybrid organ he had to change completely into a sensitive feminine mound. "There you go" David said with a laugh. "Now you can really enjoy the feeling of a good hard cock." She pulled away, knowing that the transformation would be gut wrenching painful if it weren't for the anesthetic. While outside, he looked like any other girl, inside his primary sex characteristics were still changing, and would be for several more hours. The secondary sex characteristics, however, moved much faster. His hair began to grow at an excruciating rate as his muscles atrophied to bring biomass to his chest. A small set of breasts soon formed, bundles of nerves increasing the sensitivity of his nipples as vestigial mammary glands began to develop. His face, meanwhile, began to shift and stretch, losing some of its masculine hardness. All of this amazingly, was excruciatingly painful, and his entire body felt like it was on fire. If his hormones were properly balanced, he could even bear children inside his newly forming womb. Truly, it was a miracle of science. Poor Steven looked on in horror as his body was warped, twisted. “What are you doing to me!” Her voice cracked, as his eyes frantically looked over the sudden transformation of swelling breasts, a widening of the hips and ass, the odd sensation of growing hair, he’d look like a woman in no time at all! She shrieked in pain as her flesh reshaped itself, muscles shrinking. Her back arched, as a high pitch scream filled the room, her body writhed on the bed, unable to do anything but focus on the horrible pain that was scorching her body. The hermaphrodite giggled a little bit about the girl's pain, and cummed shortly thereafter. Getting up from the tiger man's embrace, she pulled a ball gag from a nearby hook. She then went and pushed the gag into Steven's mouth, pulling the strap tight to muffle the girl's screams. No one paid attention to a high-pitched scream in the warehouse district of Hong Kong, but if the screams continued then the situation might just merit an investigation. David leaned over to the gagged girl and wiped some of the sweat off of her brow, watching as her flesh warped more and more. "You look so cute like that, you little slut. After you get past the pain, I'll take you to wherever you want to go in the city. Just remember that if you go to the police, you're going to end up being the cutest looking Steven ever." David wanted to touch the girl some more badly, but he'd only cause her even more pain, which, in light of the situation, seemed a bit cruel. The transformation soon took its toll, but not before that sexy new body of hers was covered in a pained sweat. Drool had leaked from the corners of her mouth, while her screams strained against the ball gag. More tears were streaming from the poor girl’s eyes, as her hands flayed at the mattress, her back arching slightly as if in some horrible parody of an orgasm. When the boy appeared fully feminine she trembled on the mattress, legs curling to a fetal position as she rested her head on her knees. When it was over, the tiger slipped the gag from the new woman, and she looked up with big panicked eyes. “Anywhere in the city?” She whimpered, she had nowhere to go... No ID that would fit her new shape, nothing she was screwed. “What the fuck am I suppose to do...” David patted the girl on the head, admiring her new curves. The transformation had certainly improved Steven's appearance quite a bit, although her hairy legs still detracted from her overall appearance. David didn't even bother to smirk, simply sitting back and crossing her arms under her ample breasts as she discussed his options. "Well, I could take you back to your house. Your fingerprints and retina haven't changed. It wouldn't be too much effort to update your SIN. If you want to get changed back of course... you can come back to my place, and we can discuss a deal." She continued to look over the girl, a painfully obvious erection forming in her pants as she did so. The tiger man came over and whispered into David's ear. The man smiled and unlocked Steven's cuffs, pulling his aching body off the bed. "I've also got a proposal for you. You did real well in the session, and your client would like to upload some of the pictures onto the net. If you agree, he'll double your pay, netting you an extra 250 in your wallet." David helped massage the girl's wrists and back, trying to make her a bit more comfortable as the furry tiger photographer brought over a set of women's clothes for David to wear. “I do want to get changed back... I can’t stay like this forever.” She whimpered softly, her eyes focused only upon her new female form. “Please... I can’t stay like this.” She said in between high-pitched body heaving sobs. “Sure...” She muttered, she didn’t even care right now if her face was plastered all over the internet it wasn’t even her face anymore. She looked down at the clothes that she was brought. The clothes consisted mostly of rather sexy dresses and linear, mostly in various combinations of leather, rubber, and lace. David turned around and placed her hand on her chin, watching the girl's tears. "Honestly, I only transformed you for the entertainment of my client. And I assure you, I do a good job. You can stay in that form for the rest of your natural life with no side effects. You'll need some additional treatment to be able to reproduce, but in about a day you'll even be able to lactate." The insane genetic designer smiled, seemingly oblivious to the actual content of his sobs. David pulled out a lacy pair of boy short panties, placing them on the girl's lap for her inspection. "I will have you remember that you consented at every step of the way to your treatment, except when I first removed you from the bar, but you then consented after I gave you drugs. It's a sad story, but so common these days. Changing a female to male is quite a bit trickier than a male to female change, and I normally charge 1,250 credits for one. I like you though, so I'll give you a 25% discount. If you need help raising funds, I can give you my number, and we can take a survey of your sexual interests and talents." The she male's voice was measured and practiced, as if she had given this sales pitches many times before. At this rate, the she male would soon be offering Steven a brain pan switch, a cybernetic enhancement that enables the higher brain functions to be shut off and supplanted with simple computer programs. Very popular, for obvious reasons, among part-time prostitutes. Reports of prostitutes being loaded with cyberware and turned into mirror eyed killing machines were said to be highly exaggerated. “Why would I want to be able to reproduce or lactate! I want to be a guy damn it.” Her eyes went wide when he mentioned the required sum of money, she didn’t have that much... And there was no way she could collect it either, well, unless she took up the strange she male’s offer. “Sure, fine... I’ll be a whore... Just long enough to change myself back...” The she male laughed delightedly, happy that she'd gotten the poor boy angry instead of depressed. She sat down on the bed and pulled a tight latex tank top over her breasts, almost drawing more attention to them than when they were bare. "I'm so happy you're taking this so well. It'll be a fun experience for you, I guarantee it. Go ahead and get yourself dressed, then we'll talk about what you like on the way to wherever you're sleeping tonight. If you're going to work, you should do what you love right?" The monstrous woman patted Steven on the back, realizing he'd need a new name. It would be more fun, of course, to wait for him to realize the inconsistency. After all, she'd end up whoring herself out a lot longer as a pretty girl named "Steven." She grimaced as she looked down at the clothes that she had been offered, all of them looked so well slutty. Obviously though, since that seemed to be her new profession, she didn't really have much choice about modesty. "My legs and arm pits need to be shaved... no one's going to want some damn fuzzy hooker right? Got any more of that cream shit?" She grumbled as she picked up a leather thong." I can't believe this shit..." She grumbled as she slid it on, she then set aside a rather short little red leather mini-skirt, a pair of red six-inch stiletto heels, black fishnet stockings, and a black Corvette. When she was smooth legged, she put the clothes on, the corset of course would require a bit of help. David sighed and handed the girl a bottle of hair remover cream from a box atop the rack. He rubbed the cream into her legs and armpits, causing the hair to fall off as the cream sizzled against the skin, giving it a slight bit of stimulation. In a few days, he'd teach the girl the pleasure of getting a good wax job, but she'd suffered enough pain for one night. David got behind Steven and began to yank at the lace of the corset, lacing it up in the harshest manner possible. She'd have difficulty breathing comfortably once it was laced up, but the tight fit would accentuate the swell of her breasts." There you go, you look like a proper young lady of negotiable virtue." David said, pulling a leather collar from the same box and strapping it around Steve's neck to complete the ensemble. The photographer, absently hanging around as the tiger man and the hermaphrodite began to engage in wild sex, snapped a quick picture of the girl. David stood up and took Steven's hand in his, tugging him along to take him back to the van. The young woman looked away from the her and the tiger man, fixing her attention on David, she shook her head ever so slightly as he tugged her along to the van. This was going to be one long evening... one that she really wasn't looking forward to. The mental torture far outweighed the tightness she felt in her chest and lungs. "Alright... so how's this going to work?" The she male chivalrously opened up the door to the van before stepping inside herself. "It's quite simple really." She said, carefully and matter-of-factly. "I can take you home right now, and give you some time to recover from your transformation. Maybe take a chance to play with your new toys if you're feeling adventurous. Or, we can have a deep, long conversation about your sex life, and do some practice to see what you like. Steven." She brushed her hand lightly across Steven's breasts, tickling the sensitive skin a bit with her light touch. She waited for the girl to make her choice, starting up the van and pulling out of the car park. "This might be a dumb question, but which would you suggest?" she mumbled, hating the high pitch tone of her voice. Her shoulders slumped as she sat back in her seat, and experimentally poked one of her full orbs which were currently crushed against the stiff leather of her Corvette. She withdrew a bit, as she felt David's hands brushing over her tits, sending a little shiver of something... that most definitely wasn't pleasure through her body. The She male began driving aimlessly out from the slummy storage units where the boy had been transformed. Driving slowly and cautiously, she spoke of the various "career opportunities" available to someone in the Hong Kong of the future. "Well Dalai, sadomasochism is always profitable. Sometimes you don't even have sex. The pay for a girl in leather with a whip and a bad attitude has always been high, but lots of men will line up to tie a girl down and ravish her. Anthromorphs and cyborgs are getting popular, if you can take the nanomachine serums. On the other hand, you're really talented with your mouth, so you could probably just walk the streets giving blowjobs all day and make a handy profit." The she male barely divided her attention between the road and Steven, looking the girl up and down like she was a piece of meat. "Tied down and ravished" David whispered unconsciously, as he stopped at the last stoplight before the ramp to the freeway. "Urn." She shook her head, she couldn't believe she had gotten herself into this situation. She'd have to be sleeping with... men, the thought made her sick, but no more sick than this new body of hers. "If I make a choice can I change my mind after... properly pleasing my client of course..." The car headed towards David's apartment. The boy hadn't protested yet, so she probably did really need some R&R. David began to stroke the hair of his little whore, enjoying the feeling of her soft but unwashed hair. The girl certainly needed a shower. And a massage, and perhaps some incense and music... "You can change your mind of course. Things are different nowadays, you don't even need to sleep with men, although they do pay better. Of course, some of the more... exotic gender players are willing to pay premium prices because the usual streetwalker doesn't even know what to do with them." David laughed a bit as he headed down the road, enjoying the lack of traffic in the small hours. The young woman, once a young man was revolted by the roving fingers. Yet, she allowed David to continue what he was doing, it was better to keep him happy she thought, otherwise the rates would go up, and besides... she figured she'd be safer with someone who knew the lay of the land, otherwise she might end up in a crap load of trouble. "Um... I've already sucked dick... how much worse can get fucked be..." She said with a shrug. David ran down the off-ramp and towards his apartment, weaving around the parked cars in the otherwise alarmingly clean road. He curled a bit of the girl's hair around his fingers, unable to help the fact that he was getting aroused. "Well, I could go and show you. It's more full contact, but if you're lucky you'll get some pleasure out of it too. Don't count on that though. Especially if you're fucked in the ass. That's another good one to try though. Then there are parties. Ah, the parties." David finally pulled into his apartment complex, taking the car elevator up towards his designated living space. The genetic designer was clearly wealthy; his parking space was a lovingly faithful recreation of the front of a suburban American house. Cunningly placed lighting systems lit up the room as if it were just after dark, and the barks of a friendly dog joined the artificial sounds of crickets chirping. The artificial dog himself soon showed up, noticeable as artifice only by its jerky movements as it ran over to the car and sat waiting for its master, wagging its tail happily. "In the ass..." Her nose curled ever so slightly. "I'm not sure if I want to try that... I wouldn't even think about doing it to someone let alone having it done to me." She shook her head. "Well... unless... the money was better, I mean what's the difference on hole or the other right?" She whispered. "I can't believe I'm going to whore myself out..." She said as she slid out of the car. "Not what I expected when I woke up today at all..." David wrapped his arm around the girl's waist, patting the dog on the head as he stopped in front of the house front. The dog wagged its tail and began to lick Steven's hand, pushing his nose into her. The nose was warm and soft, quite unlike a natural dog's nose. David pulled Steven a bit closer to him, putting the two in close contact. "What did you want to do when you woke up today? Think of it as an adventure. At the end of this journey, you'll have a lot more cash, a whole new identity, and some interesting memories. Just get some practice in and you'll be good to go." At the word "practice" David moved his arm lower, cupping his hand around Steven's ass through her leather skirt. The young woman stroked the animals fur a bit nervously, she had never really laid eyes on a dog before... and she was already quite stressed. She shrugged her shoulders, and shook her head. "I Donna somehow collecting enough cash to pay rent, getting a drink, and then get shot down by the hot bartender and go home drunk and moody. Seems a lot more normal than getting turn into a girl and turning tricks..." She almost gasped when his hand moved to squeeze her ass, she gritted her teeth. "You're going to fuck me... right?" Steven smiled broadly as he led the girl inside his home, pulling out a traditional key to open his anachronistic lock. He simply whispered into her ear, his hands trailing down from her skirt to the back of her thigh. "If you'd like me to. I'm sure you're at least a little bit curious about that new cunt of yours. Also, the bartender is a client of mine, she would have most likely shot you down, drugged you, then beaten and whipped you until you agreed to come over for weekly sessions, then dropped her identity when she got bored with the game. You should never trust a beautiful person in this town." David led the girl into his home, and the lights came on, revealing an open space looking something like the interior of a palace. A huge panel of LCD screens simulated a large window, the window itself simulating a vast fief at twilight. A large staircase ran upwards to a balcony, while another set of stairs led downwards, leaving the central room suspended in space. Many false doors decorated the wall, while an open doorway beckoned to the bathroom. The palace chamber was filled with books on bookshelves, as well as large, overstuffed chairs and couches. Simulated paintings hung on the walls, slowly changing their images over time. David continued to whisper into Steven's ear after he took in the scene. "What I want to do, is make you into a beautiful person." His hand withdrew from her thigh and gave her a playful little slap on the ass, just enough to barely sting. “Of course I’m curious... Who wouldn’t be in the situation. I won’t lie about that... But...” She said softly. “It’s still a bit weird...” She didn’t move away from the she male, and allowed him to lead her into the building, still having trouble adjusting to the way her ass sways when she walks, though she did like the feel of her smooth skinned legs rubbing together occasionally as she made a misstep. Her mouth went slack as she looked into the room, never in her entire life had she seen such a display of wealth. Hell, she hadn’t even imagined anything quite like this in all of her days. “So, you want make me pretty?” She whispered. “I can assume that this won’t involve needles right?” David giggled a little bit as she sat down on a couch, holding her prize against her chest. "My dear, it always involves needles when beauty is on the line. I mean to make you just as sly and untrustworthy as any single person in Hong Kong. Was tonight your first time drinking alone?" She asked, opening up a seemingly unremarkable wall panel to reveal a well stocked fridge. She pulled out two bottles of mineral water and offered one to David, sipping slowly from her own bottle which had been opened so quickly it may as well have come out of the refrigerator opened. The mechanical dog poked its way inside the house, wagging its tail as it walked around.

Wager of Flesh (Mr. Triangle & Seraph)|rating:2.0

Vasian Raiders (IC)

Vases, once a paradise world, it was destroyed, but not my outsiders, by the Asians themselves, greed, the bane of the Asian people, they mined, they forested, and they left no stone upturned. Soon there was nothing left, no Trees, no Ore, no Resources, no Air, no Food, no Water, their only option was expansion. They had three other planets in their system, those where also striped, they were lucky, one of their planets was an Ice planet, it was striped clear, they needed the Water, but that would run out eventually. They started a Navy, one that would reach out into the stars, there were many volunteers, although they knew Ship life would be hard, it might be better than living in a Dome, where they were packed into bunks in order to fit the entire population. When their one ship returned many years later, the Asian population had halved, they simply could not grow enough food, and water was scarce, this lead to Riots, causing more deaths. The ship that returned was lucky, they had run into an alien race called the Tau, they had agreed to be part of their empire in return for Food, Water and a Phased Warp-Drive, they had lied to the Tau, as they refused to be slaves. And so the Raiding began, it quickly became apparent to them that their one ship was a marvel of Technology, it was more powerful than any ship they came across, allowing them to stay in orbit as they raided settlements. On a lucky raid they found the one thing that would define the Black Guard for years to come, the Teleported, something that the Asians thought impossible until now, but just like the Phased Warp-Drive, they would fail to replicate it. You were there that day, you had helped secure the Teleported, you were Promoted to Black Guard there, and now you were coming home. A loud siren rang throughout the Dome city and the 'Asian Pride', you had become accustomed to it by now, it meant you where to arrive at 'Pride' within 12 hours, however the last raid had just finished a few hours ago, and you still stood in line waiting to get out of the Ship, you could see many faces frown, they would not see their family today. The small ships that where bring soldiers down started bring them back up, the ships would go down with supplies and returned with soldiers. Most of the Soldiers that failed to make it to the surface grumbled and returned to their Rooms, an officer, male with black hair and a pail face waded through the crowd he stopped as he came across your group,"There was supposed to be a ceremony"the man was clearly talking to your squad"But it'll have to wait, Requisition Officer Central van Heir will supply you with your badges and gear for your new Rank, you'll find his office near the Med bay on the fifth floor"he nods to you all and begins to wade back through the crowd----------IOC: Basically at this point, the main reason I stopped is that I'm getting a headache from staring a white screen for so long, but feel free to do some fluff stuff here, introduce you character (To the players rather than the characters, at this point your characters have spent the voyage back in the same room, so they should know each other by now.) or call back the officer while you still can to get more information if you need it. Cpl Nate "Hot stuff" Largest the officer's words Nate paused and signed looking at the long queue that led to the now sealed air locks and the craft down to the dome beneath. Cursing he nodded to Stella with a frown,"Cone on, let's head up to med bay, you know I love the nurses." Stella rolled her blue eyes before nodding assent and the pair of them headed smartly upstairs, Nate stopping once to check his hair and tilt his uniform cap at a more jaunty angle and wipe down his marksmanship badge. Reaching the med bay he looked around for a nurse to ask for directions to Van Heir's office... Everyone on the Med bay seems to be busy, they seem to be getting the wounded ready depart for Vases. One man briefly looks your way"This Bay's full, 3rd floor still has room", he then proceeds with his work, disappearing behind a curtain. There seems to be a lot of soldiers coming and going, so you could press the doctor or just as one of them, or try to find it yourself. "Hey Hot stuff" Nate heard a deep voice saying, and it sounded like some grafted river was about to bully him saying his nickname in that tone He was tapped on the shoulder, and it was Satan, the large lad with the bull neck and rope like hair that didn't belong on someone that youthful despite such a primitive appearance he had childishly sad eyes "can you help me?" he said "I was ordered to go to med bay, but I didn't catch why, I think I'm lost, can I follow you around?" He was wearing full battle gear as he always did, making him seem even larger, only thing missing was ammo and his weapon. Holding his helmet with a painted white skull on it in his hands Nate and Stella both turn, a grin breaking out revealing perfect white teeth. Nate appreciated the fire support from the bug man, and he'd saved their hides on several occasions." Hey Satan. I was hunting nurses to cope with going back on a raid. We've been summoned to see Van Heir. He's just down the corridor. Let's move." Making sure Satan and Stella are following he heads down to the office they had been sent. Knocking politely he waits to be summoned inside. Teresa will catch up to Nate and Slate with a somewhat forced smile on her face, hoping to hide a bad mood from her squad mates, ignoring Cortex and his complaints at the delay." Maybe we should wait for the others. Does anyone have an idea what Van Heir wants with us?" Reid grumbles under his breath, but not loud enough to draw the ire of a superior officer... he wasn't upset enough to draw that kind of flak down on him. He nods to his friend Osman and jerks his head in the direction of the med bay and starts wading through the crowds to the med area, he wasn't waiting for Osman since he had been across the bay, and it would take even longer to wait for him. The jovial guardsman makes his way up to the bay and starts to look around, asking a few personal as he knocked on offices in his search for Central. You all manage to find the office, it's only a few meters down the hall from the Med bay and has a sign stating Requisition Office. Soldiers seem to be coming and going through what looks like an Automatic Door, as you approach the door opens you can see that the room is filled with separating beams, likely for busy days when they would help make a line. At the end of the room you can see five soldiers in line and a desk that spans the entire wall, the desk is protected by glass with a tray that can only be accessed by one side at a time. There seems to be room for four officers to stand behind, however only one man seems to be there at the moment. You can also see that there is a door on the other side of the glass, though it's unlabeled. The line move reasonable fast, some soldiers leaving with small items such as rations and clothing, others leaving with pieces of paper.------IOC: Basically whoever posts first it first in the line, I was going to generate a line, but that would either take to long (as you'll have to work it out) or it'll be Random (which wouldn't make much sense) and it doesn't really mater whose first in line. For those of you who are confused as to why you are here please reread the first post. Cpl Nate "hot stuff" VargusStill in the lead Nate and Stella enter the long line shaking their heads that so much of their life is being disciplined to stand in line. Glancing back to the others he looks around"Anyone else got that sinking feeling that we are about to be deployed somewhere else?". He quietens as he approaches the head of the line, saluting the officer. Cpl's Vargas and Gibbs reporting as ordered sir...."before waiting to see what unpleasant fate was about to befall them. The man behind the desk looks up at you briefly, then begins typing on what seems to be an old computer"Yes, I see, you would be the newly promoted Black Guard squad"he makes a few more keystrokes,"Now, you are required to hand over your Flak gear and your rifles within the week or one hundred and sixty-eight hours, as for your new armor and weaponry, they will be supplied to you when you hand over you other gear"he taps another key and something starts to print behind him, he snatches the paper and cut's it into ten smaller bits before putting it into the tray in front of him and shoving it forward"There are ten coupons here one for each of you, make sure you hand them in with your gear in order to get your new gear"He makes a few more keystrokes,"As for heavy weapons, well, you know the drill, they'll get handed out when you're deployed as usual"you see that a line is now forming behind you"Now, will there be any other requisitions today?" Satan steps up with a frown and painful expression, nearly about to cup his hands forward." Slatan MAK'UK'MAK'Mel reporting" he said rather unsure"But I don't want to request anything, I'm here to do as I was told, you just need to tell me what to do. I can hand over my gear right here and now if you need me to" he spoke fast, as if concerned about taking too much of the clerks time. Teresa goes to join the line, but before she can reach it a large pack of chattering techies blocks her way. By the time they've cleared out the entire squad is ahead of her. She will sigh, and get in line, looking about for something interesting. Reid finds the line shortly and joins it waving Osman to join him when he makes his way up. After a few minutes he figures out the drill and starts to gather all his gear to pass in. Spoiler Hide Not really sure what to do here if we're just waiting in line. Cpl Nate "Hot stuff" Margrethe Cpl looks about the officer before taking the coupons and saluting." Sir, yes sir." Heading out he hands out the coupons to all the members of the squad that he can find before he reads the instructions and then heads towards the equipment depot to gear up for whatever new raid that he will take part in. Looking around he finds Satan, the big gunner ever a comforting figure." Looks like deployment again. You be watching my back again with that big beast, are you? I'll cook 'em with plasma and you hose them down eh?" Looking at the coupons he nods towards the equipment dispensary." Come on them, best be about it, at least be first in line to catch some shut-eye before deployment." Sergeant Kaitlin Holt stood a bit apart from the rest of the squad, watching them move, make small talk, joke. Hersquad now, she reminded herself. She knew some of them back from boot camp when they had been whipped into shape by Drill Sergeant Wiley. Others had joined later to fill familiar uniforms with fresh faces, regardless, they were all her responsibility now. She wondered how she had gotten here, from simple Raider, just another grunt amongst many, to her own small but prestigious command. The answer was simple, she had stepped up when none else hadn't. Sergeant Link had taken a about to the head and Kaitlin had picked up the slack, took command because none else seemed willing. She pushed them forward, and they secured the device." Yo! Are you sleepin' or somethin' boss?", suddenly Bess sounded off at her, bringing her back into the here and now. For a moment she looked slightly confused at the very young private, just old enough to join the military, perhaps younger, before she noticed that she was next in line and people were waiting on her. She shook her head slightly, stepped forward and went through the same procedure as the others. Satan's face lights up when shown such kindness"Yes!" he yells with a big smile when Nate talks about shooting people, although the fact people had to die was unfortunate, if only we could shoot each other without killing he thought"I'll suppress anyone who tries to take the cloths off your back, Nate. You'll be safe knowing tracers whip past your rear at all times" he'd start following him around clutching his requisition coupons looking happy"Nate, how can they expect us to get shut-eye right after they give us our weapons, It'll keep me up all night messing around with it" he said with sincerity. The Requisition Officer listens to each request, nodding and repeating"I'll see what I can do"to each requisition, as if he was ordered to say that to any requisition. After everyone had made there requisition re looked up from his computer and saying"Requisitions will be added to your kit when you turn in your gear, if they're approved that is."------IOC: This doesn't stop any additional requisitions, but when I post tomorrow (in about 24 hours) there won't be any thereafter, and I will jump forward until something relevant happens (Unless someone makes a post that would require more time in the present). After you went to the Requisitions Officer, you left for your bunks, many days past, in that time you all managed to turn in your gear to get your new gear. Teresa and Kaitlin both get there Autoguns however they aren't given Combat Shotguns, and Reid is given his Heavy Flamer and is assured he will get his ammunition before his mission but doesn't get a regular Flamer. After two months, a siren rings followed by an intercom calling the Black Guard for Briefing in the 3rd deck Armory, that was unusual, every briefing you had before you joined the Black Guard had been in one of the Docks.---IOC: I'm running out of time, but feel free to do some RP here before I continue. Slatan (Checkmate-Pony) doesn't have his Heavy Stubbed ammunition yet. Nate Vargas (Dr) doesn't have his Plasma gun ammunition yet. Thressa (Master kerfuffle) and Kaitlin (Simsimillia) have 6 clips for there Autoguns, but don't have a Combat Shotgun (Autogun is replacing your Main Weapon for this mission)Reid has a Heavy Flamer, but doesn't have his Heavy Stubbed ammunition yet and doesn't have a Flamer. No one has their lethal Grenades (Frag and Track) nor do you have Locator Beacons yet (You don't know that this will be you form of transport yet. Reid had been passing time in the time honored tradition of soldiers the galaxy over... gambling over cards and that's exactly what he was doing when the call came. He grins at the other men in his game "Sorry Mates that's me, don't worry I'll be back taking all your money before you know it." He gives them a cheeky wave and a wink before throwing down his hand and making his way over to his bunk to grab his gear as quickly as he can before making his way down to the briefing room for his first mission. He whistles as he enters the room "Daaaaaamn. This is a hell of a lot nicer than where we used to be briefed." He takes a seat then lights up a who stick as he waits. Nate Margrethe two months has been successful. Nate having tumbled 2 of the female troopers from 3rd company in the discreet privacy of the various laundries and dark corners of the vessel. Aside from that the normal training regime of morning "fitness" where short mustached PT instructors screamed at him was followed by live fire at the rifle range and then cards, chow and more cards. Each day a mind-numbing blur into the next. All the while the tension slowly cranked up like a pressure cooker in the large cavernous barracks. The call to the armory was a welcome relief as he and Stella trooped down pushing through a few folk to join Reid and Satan." Finally go time eh? Let's get this on." The bravado covering a quiver of fear. The past two months Kaitlin had spent most of the time with additional training in regard to leadership aside of the usual drill. She still didn't feel quite ready for this. When they had been out in the field in all the Chaos it had been easy to step up and take charge. Now, not so much. Waiting was like a poison to a soldier, and they had waited a long time when the alarm sounded, and they were called to the briefing room. Grabbing her gear she headed towards there. When she arrived, Private Reid Intense and his slimming Chopstick immediately stuck out to her." Private Intense, put that thing out, or I'll make you eat it!", Kaitlin barked at the soldier in a commanding voice. She allowed them a lot of slack when they were off duty, but there was no room for that now. Teresa has spent the last two months of travel rereading her medical texts for the hundredth time, practicing with her new autogun, and sleeping far more than necessary. Which is exactly what she's doing when the call to action finally comes in. With a shout to rouse Cortex, she hops out of bed and begins frantically packing her gear for the mission, all the while swearing virulently under her breath. She arrives in the briefing room just in time and sheepishly takes her place amongst the others." Sorry Sarge, I won't be late again." He nearly didn't make it, getting lost was shockingly common for him. He showed up for braking on the 3rd armory deck, less like a man, and more like an exhausted draft horse. He came in logging his heavy stubbed, without a shirt and covered in sweat and grease, he had been working hard on something alright (usually what he spent most him time doing: Working out and quietly obsess over war-gear). Even his hair was wet and hung long and dark, huffing like an ox, he had his shirt with him but had it around his neck instead, and looked like he had used it to clean his weapon instead. He even brought a beer box to sit on, and a camping stool for Chain who would follow as quietly as her Demeanor. Slatan would stand idle and ready with the same vacuous expression he usually had when attending these things. Chain standing in his damp shadow. While you where all entering the Armour what looked to be nine other squads where doing the same, all forming their own groups of ten. When everyone was there it looked to be around a hundred armored men filling the large armory, you could see numbers one to nine on the other squads shoulders, while on your own was the number ten. Five more men entered the room, they were far heavier armored and instead of a number, they had a gold star on their shoulder they shoved their way to the front where a small elevated platform was, they stood on the platform, the men who stood in the center had gold trimmed armor, it was clear that he was your Commander, General Vitus van Valid. When he spoke, his helmet seemed to double as a microphone as the room was filled with his voice"As many of you know, during our last raid we recovered an Artifact capable of teleportation, in what little time they had, our scientists believe they have figured out how it works." He paused for some time as if contemplating something"I would send my own squad through, but command doesn't agree. We are going to need a squad to volunteer, this will be a field test, we will teleport you in, you will capture a key target, and we will teleport you out"it's at this point that you notice that the elevated platform they are standing on, is in fact the Teleported pad. Chatter seems to pick up at this point, you here people wondering out loud what could happen, thing like being teleported into space, or even into a wall. One squad remains quite though, the squad with the number one on their shoulder, likely due to training or just respecting their Sergeant's decision.---IOC: So basically, here is your chance to choose to ether go in by drop-ship like the rest of the raid, or to try to prove yourselves by going with the Teleported, you can discuss it in or out of character, but in the end it's Simsimillia's choice (because the Sergeant has the last say). With an optimistic smile he shoved his hand in the air"I volunteer! And if my squad does not; I request transfer to a squad that does" he was suddenly very excited, no doubt brought on by the chance to see the magic from the dark age of technology first hand"We will be unstoppable" he proclaimed with a grin and clenched his fists on either side, and his sweaty torso inflated slightly. The General looks in Satan's direction and shakes his head"If that is how you treat your squad, then perhaps I will transfer you. Back to your old unit, because clearly you are not ready for the responsibility of the Black Guard"He then looks towards Kaitlin"Sergeant, since you are clearly unable to keep your men in check, your squad will not be suited for this mission"The second squad Sergeant steps forward"We'll do in sir". The general nods"Everyone else, dismissed. We make planet fall in seven hours, be ready". Kaitlin just glowered at Satan. If look could kill the man would've dropped dead now. She wouldn't make a scene now, but it was clear that Satan, and the rest of her squad would get something to hear from her later. When she addressed the General, her voice was calm, betraying the clenched fists behind her back." Sir, I'm sorry, it won't happen again, Sir." When they were dismissed she turned to her squad, her voice still calm but with a dangerous tone beneath." Our quarters, now. Be there be in five or never again. Got me?" Nate VargusWatching Satan get a dressing down from on high Nate shakes his sadly before leaning in close to Stella." Can't say I'm sad to be avoiding some weird ye old' magic device. Give me the damned drop-ship anyway.". Stella looks at him, her purple tinged eyes widening,"Are you franking kidding me. Trapped in a steel tube with you lot throwing your guts up. I'll take dark age tech' anyway." Nate grins widely at her as she stalks off towards the Sgt's quarters for their dressing down. Walking with the others he catches up with the big man." No worries Satan. Can't knock wanting to get to grips with the enemy. Now we'll only be cursing you if the drop explodes or drops us off in a sewage farm like it did last year..." Satan was just scowling intensely, bitter and hateful look, but he with his forehead often looked like that"Was a joke" he whispered slowly and grumpy not looking at Nate"General is a jester: asks for volunteers, then strikes me down for volunteering""It's..." he was clearly thinking of much harsher words but avoided doing that so close to the mentioning of the general"It's stupid" he growled "I'll find some vegetables to stick in my ears soon" At Satan's outburst, Teresa stared in shock for several seconds. She's not exactly disappointed about not being chosen for the teleported, but a lecture from Sergeant Holt is something to be dreaded. All the same she will try to comfort the big man with a smile. "Don't take it too hard, Satan, I'll bet those smug bastards will be teleported right onto the frontline. We'll be much safer this way." Reid coughed as he almost inhaled his who stick when his sergeant walked in, and quickly put it out while storing the half smoked who stick back in his pack for later. The heavily built flamer tries to ignore the burning cough building in his throat as he listened to the start of the brief, he didn't manage to weigh in his opinion before one of his new squad mates got crucified by the brass'Damn that was brutal, though I kinda can't blame him since that old tech seems pretty cool.'he mentally shrugs as he walks back to their quarters with the others. He flops down on his bunk "Well that could have gone better but that **** is done now so let's just move on. We're going to be dropping soon right? Where are we going and what are we aiming for in this raid?" "We're aiming to not completely tank our reputation as a squad and do a good job!" Kaitlin said as she entered the quarters after giving her subordinates enough time to enter and catching the end of Reid's sentence. She was obviously angry, but her voice remained dangerously calm." Now I'm going to say a few words and the only thing I want to hear out of your stupid mouths are 'Yes Se argent'. You got me? Now stand the Frank at attention as if I were the Asian High King himself!" She waited a moment until her squad answered and got himself up in an orderly manner." Now what the Frank were you're thinking?", she asked none in particular without expecting or waiting for an answer." Showing up shirtless, speaking out of turn, forgetting to properly address an officer, smoking... I expected better of you. We're not 3rd Company anymore. We're Black Guard! That means we get certain privileges, but also that there are certain things expected of us. I realize that today was my fault in part. I've clearly been too lax with handling the lot of you. As such I will be drawing consequences. Until further notice all recreational activity is cancelled. When you're not fighting, eating, sleeping or ****ting you'll be training! If you feel treated unfairly because you did nothing wrong, if you want to complain, do so with the Captain of 3rd Company, together with your transfer papers. You got me?" Nate and Stella straighten to attention as the Sgt begins balling them out, at the list he whispers"What about ****ING.... Man's got to love"pitched so only Stella and Satan either side of him can hear. As the Sgt. finishes balling them out he straightens more so snapping parade ground straight and with Stella shouting out a"Yes sergeant. We are Black guard all the way sergeant". Before winking at Stella as Kaitlin's beady eyes move past them. Satan this time stood attention with clapping heels and uniform, his hair was still wet but this time from the fact that he had just showered. 'Yes, Se argent' he exclaimed. Teresa stands quietly and respectfully at the back of the group during Kaitlin's speech, and nods vigorously at the end, ignoring Cortex grumbling behind her. Yes Sergeant! After the speech she will hurry off and begin making last-minute preparations for the mission ahead: double-checking all her equipment, buffing her brand-new carapace armor, and brushing her teeth. Reid squares his shoulders, thrusts out his chest, and looks at a point on the wall behind Se argent Kaitlin "Yes Se argent!"" I understand Se argent! Permission to prepare for combat!" Reid was already going over a mental list of what he needed to bring with him and the bits and bobs he had started to bring along with him as he went through campaigns and raids.' Hmmm I'll bring my spare lighter, some extra smokes, spare combat knife, I'll need to give my armor a touch up, bring a spare shirt, some toilet paper, and I'll need to go over my new flamer when I get it.' Her squad called out as one, sounding like actual soldiers and not the clown troupe they had displayed up with the brass. She knew they had it in them, but it was a long way to go." Alright, prepare for battle. We're going to give those Imperial Scum hell!" Roughly eight hours after you had been dismissed the alarm rang, and the intercom started listing regiments and were they needed to be, when the Black Guard came up, you were told to go to the rear port hanger bay. Upon arriving a boy no older than thirteen got you names and directed you to a stash of equipment, the soldier guarding it stepped aside after seeing the insignia on your shoulder and then left the hanger bay in a hurry, likely trying to get to his squad as quickly as possible. You could see multiple stashes like yours scattered around the large hanger, either surrounded by Black Guard or being guarded by a lone guardsman. In the stash you all find your missing gear((IOC: except the Teleported Beacon)). You could see the General standing near the drop-ships, he seemed to have a clipboard in hand. Once everyone had arrived, and all the regular guardsman had left, the General spoke, the mic in his helm caring his voice over the hanger"This is a standard mission, as usual the Black Guard are going in first to destroy the anti-air down there. We're one squad down, but this is a Hive World, so we're not expecting an army, just the classic PDF"He looks down at his clipboard,"Now after that, if all goes to plan, we'll rally north of the Precinct Fortress, 2nd Squad'll get us in. Any questions?" Reid walks back to his group after getting the few pieces of gear he wasn't allowed to carry around in the ship,'This feels better.'as he hefts Heavy flamer and shrugs his shoulders a few times to settle the armor he was in. He grins at the group and slides a few who sticks into the bullet slots on the front of his armor. He returns and stands amongst the squad through questioning just hefting his flamer sometimes to keep it comfortable. After the questioning is done Reid sticks an unlit stick in his mouth protesting as soon as Sergeant turns his way "I need them! They can function as an emergency pilot light if mine goes out, and I won't light it until we're out." he left out the part where he was a chain smoker who smoked to relax and was already starting to feel nervous about the fight. Marginate and Stella listened to the briefing, a sarcastic"One day they'll give us real Intel on the LZ... Guess we'll find out what it's like when we land"." Stella rolls her eyes as she begins checking the plasma canisters carefully. Neither wanted the captured plasma weapon to overheat or leak plasma. They'd seen it happen before, and it was never pretty. Plasma gun sorted and oiled they both checked the combat shotguns were loaded and all the rounds looked good. The next ten minutes was an armor check over each one of them. The intimate body check ironically one of the reasons he had never pushed Stella, and she'd never shown interest. Luckily no leaks or defects in the carapace could be found and cradling plasma gun and shotgun both reported to the Sgt ready for action." Hey sarge. What's the plan? We're splitting in fire teams or we're expecting CQB and going house to house so just kill whatever we don't know?" "Alright, if there are no questions, then mount up"the General then proceeds to enter one of the six Drop-Ships sitting in the Hanger bay. Without much direction you stand there for a few moments before the sergeant of ninth squad approaches you, a grizzled older man,"I understand you were never fully integrated into the Black Guard, I apologize for the General, usually we don't have to replace an entire squad, so someone usually knows what to do"He points at one of the drop-ships"That's ninths and tenths ship, I'll explain as much as I can on our way down, but for now all you need to know is get on that ship." Teresa will quietly thank the Sergeant, double-check her gear one last time. Stumping onto the drop-ship along with Cortex, she will try and find a secure object to hang onto, while silently observing her comrades. Kaitlin did have questions after the short briefing they just got. If you wanted to call that a briefing. But there wouldn't be answers to the questions she had, else she had been given that information already. So she just stayed silent and gave Private Intense a disapproving look when she saw the (unlit) Who in the corner of his mouth." Just don't choke on it." Corporal Vargas, the second highest in rank after her approached her, after he had received his plasma gun and Kaitlin shook her head in answer." We keep standard formation until we're at the LZ and I say otherwise. No sense in making plans when we don't even know what we're dealing with." For a moment Tenth Squad stood a bit lost in the hangar until they were approached by another sergeant. Kaitlin read his markings and noticed he was of Ninth Squad. She nodded a thanks and then gave the signal to her squad to mount the transport." Thank you Se argent, have you gotten any more intel on the LZ?" Marginate and Stella looked stunned at the lack of briefing before nodding to the grizzled looking sergeant and hot footed it to the drop-ship. Clambering aboard Stella strapped in first whilst Nate checked her harness before he strapped in carefully beside her and she (as much as possible when restrained) checked over his harness as well." Well this looks like it's going to be a franked up mess." Stella muttered quietly, Nate nodding in agreement as he carefully removed his mirrored glasses and dropped them in one of the utility pockets on the combat webbing. Checking the plasma gun was in safe mode and powered down (no-one wants an overheating plasma gun inside a drop-ship) he looked at the Sergeant and gave a thumbs up."three and four ready for drop boss..." Before answering your question, the ninth sergeant makes an arm gesture, motioning you to follow,"We don't get much info on our way down, simply because command doesn't have much information to give. It's up to the pilot to get us in as close to AA Guns as they can, so that we can blow them up"entering the ship he waits for everyone to be buckled up before continuing"So who's your Demolition expert?"---IOC: I couldn't fit this into IC, but the closest comparison I could find to the Asian Drop-Ships in terms of visual and interior design is the Pelican Drop-Ship from the Halo series. As the grizzled looking soldier asks a question Nate looks up." Sorry sarge. They didn't give us any demo packs so we have no demo specialist. We are all guns. Closest is flaming Betty over there. Satan made his checks big. Handling explosives was always exciting, he Didn't mind the hazard, it was hazardous all the time being a black guard. But he dared not speak, his enthusiasm had caused trouble before, and he was wondering if he could even carry all that stuff. Kaitlin nodded when her second in command replied to the question." The Corporal is right, we weren't issued with high explosives and have no one with special training. Hopefully, plasma and few bursts from the Betty will do the job." As they boarded the shuttle she stored her gear and took her seat near the rear hatch." I guess we'll be taxied all the way through the AA fire?", she raised another question at the other Sergeant. Reid grins as he hefts his heavy flamer "Well Betty here doesn't play well with explosives and neither do my who sticks, so I'm staying well away from any explosives." Reid follows this up with a good-natured shrug and then goes to enter the ship. The door behind you slowly closed before it audibly sealed"The Pilot will get us in as close as he can, if there's too much fire, it might be a hike, however if they don't notice our prescience, then we'll land as close as we can. Just don't count on the latter"the sergeant frowns"As for demolition, not even your Plasma Gun will cut through those bunkers. Which means I'll have to lend you some Delta Charges, they're simple devises, just stick them on a door, type 1342 on the number pad, and make sure you are not next to it when it goes off, they'll blow back if they can't melt through" Teresa shudders as the door closes; she is none too fond of being trapped in a metal tube with barely enough room to stretch one's legs for hours. Leaving her grumbling comrade, Teresa will try to move through the crowded shuttle toward the old sergeant, quietly apologizing whenever she bumps one of her squad mates." If I'm not speaking out of place, sir, do you have any idea what kind of resistance we'll be facing on the ground?" Nate grins and nods at the instructions. Trained in Delta weapons as well as plasma he does indeed like "hot stuff"."Thanks Sarge. We'll take any help gladly. Don't want to be locked out the party when we land on the ground.". Tossing a demo charge to Stella to stow in her backpack he sits and closes his eyes as he tries to keep his lunch in his stomach as the craft readies to leave. He hated the drop-ships violent twisting combat drops especially as without any windows he couldn't even see the flak or incoming fire that may blot them all out the sky in an instant. "Appreciated Sarge", Kaitlin nodded towards the man and went on to evenly distribute the high explosive charges amongst her squad. She then turned to Teresa,"Standard PDF I guess. So Laguna, machine guns, grenade launchers, I guess. We'll see once we're planetwide." Satan had removed the carapace from his arms and head, it showed off his physique with barbaric quality, but it was actually more a matter of weight, he felt like a draft horse already serving his part as heavy gunner, Chain would carry all the ammo and looked practically over burdened"When there are things I don't understand, I usually just let them happen" he said"It often makes it more exciting when the drop is a mystery" he said with a gallows attitude"I don't complain, I'm sure officers suffer just as we do, and complain as much as we do to their superiors about uncertain decisions""And when I say complain, I mean: worrying about death""I Shut up and don't think about it" he said, not at all comforting; and with that deep droopy tone, but that was just the way he spoke most the time. "There's no way of knowing what we'll find down there. We don't have the luxury of covert ops, it's hard to hide a ship of this size for long"after the hatch had closed, you no longer hear the sirens or intercoms going off, this is something that didn't happen in the non-Black Guard ships"It'll take a while before we make planet fall, we likely won't even be living the damned Star Ship for a while"---IOC: I'll write more tomorrow, but I posted this anyway as I'm not posting often enough, and it gives you something to respond to. There are five Delta Charges to go around Kaitlin nodded in response before continuing with dry sarcasm more to herself than anyone in particular,"the usual waiting it is then. My favorite part." She would've liked to smoke, but especially now that the hatch was closed that wasn't the best idea. She searched her pockets and instead found a pack of an imperial sweet she had palmed during her last raid. It was wrapped in aluminum paper and when she ripped it off a dark brown colored square came to light. She broke off bar and took a bite. The imperial sweet was more bitter than she thought, but not in a bad way. She offered the other Se argent a piece as well. The Sergeant had refused the sweet with what seemed like a bit of anger, whether it was because it was Imperial or just because it was a sweet was hard to say. A few hours pass in silence before 9th Squad starts to double-check they're weapons, noticing that your squad isn't doing the same the sergeant states"We just left the ship, get ready for planet fall"---IOC: Another short one, sorry about my recent posting scheduled. Reid hefts Betty off the ground into his arms and flicks his unlit who stick around his mouth a few times nervously "Ready Sarge!" You're not long in the air before the ship starts jerking left and right followed by an audible explosion, you see the sergeant disengage his harness before you start getting a spinning sensation"Grab a chute"you hear the hatch seal break and the room is filled with wind and noise. The hatch opens slowly revealing a spinning assortment of greens and blues, you seem to still be very high in the air. The whole of ninth squad is one their feet now, opening a hatch above their seats, pulling out what seems to be a variant of the Imperial Grave-clutch. Startled out of a reverie, Teresa quickly stands up and is almost sick at the swirling field of colors outside, rushing to grab a gray-white she tries desperately to be the last to jump out. Nate Marginate and Stella look at each other as the ship jinks and weaves and flak can be heard through the armored walls. He looks at Stella,"Maybe the whole teleported thing would have been better after all"the last words shouted over the noise of the rushing air as the hatch opened. Eyes meet as the ground below can be seen but as the Sgt rises and straps on the grave chute they copy it. Both strapping on the grave chute as they tumble about double-checking straps, guns and gear. Nate switching the plasma gun on as well, weapons starting to charge ad glow with dark blue energy!" Who said we wanted to live forever?" Nate shouts to Stella's sarcastic"At least another few years would be good asshaole"as the two of them crawl across the metal grating to the edge looking down at the blurred land below. At the Sergeants command both grab hands and roll out together keeping a tight grip of each other so they don't get isolated during the drop. Spoiler: IOC Hide What rolls do you need? Satan's fist flies over to the release stud of Can's harness, he quickly makes sure she has her chute first before letting go of her and releasing himself and his equipment and leaping from the crashing craft with a chute, his face was locked in alertness, an adrenal fulled survival instinct kicking in. Reid looks hesitantly at the grave chute he'd just grabbed and then at the others putting theirs on and jumping 'Damn. I hate this part'he grumbles mentally as he puts on the chute. He takes a couple deep breaths and as he sees Osman make the jump he smacks himself on the chest a couple of times "Come on Reid!" and throws himself out of the flyer. As you jump from the ship you fall for a few feet before an explosion rings out and one of ninth squad is gone, replaced by falling blood and gore, your Micro-bead engages, and you can hear the sergeant"Do not engage Grave, I repeat do not engage Grave Clutches until we are under AA fire", you can see other ship taking fire, some burning and going down, while others are nose diving to get under the wall of fire. Teresa tries to look away from the rain of gore, and almost throws-ups when she sees the planet's expanse stretching far below her, countless soldiers scurrying about. She settles on watching her squad mates and wondering, not for the first or last time, whether she would have done better working in a factory back home. Done/Dead.

Vasian Raiders (IC)|rating:3.0

Sunndi - Adventures in a Ravaged Kingdom

XP Overview (Party){table=head] Player | Character | Level | XP Total | Next LevelZakalwe|Device Storm|1|0|2,000Sampi|Korma|1|0|2,000xyinparadise|Nadya Viola|1|0|2,000redzimmer|Angel the Repugnant|1|0|2,000FleshrakerAbuse|Albany|1|0|2,000[/table]name of the adventure can change ofcourseThe kingdom of Sunni has his share of trouble plagued by a Bullying invasion in the past. A group of young adventure has to make a living in this economic sacked country. What kind of game is this? This game plays in the Graham setting (standard D&D mostly)in the country of Sunni. Where most people have fled to the north to escape the Bullying invasion. The adventure starts in the county in Almond where a group of adventures has been hired to escort 2 prisoners secretly to another locations. Who are these adventures? Are the refugees from the ruined counties in the south, are they raising funds to help there family? Are they deserters that fled the army and hoping to pay pardoned by doing this service? Or are they from an other county? Hoping to find able companions to aid them against the orcs of the east, the undead in Redwood forest, Bullying from the south? Do they wish to be pardoned from a crime, are they druids that wish to clean the undead blight in silent Holland or the created swamp lands of the Bullying, are they heroes that simply wish to do good or are they just in it for the money?plans to start is 22 of AprilSunndiSunndi is a warm and fertile land in the southeast corner of the Flanders, lying between the Redwood Forest and Glorious Mountains to the north, the Postmark Highlands to the east, the Paw luck River to the west and the Vast Swamp to the south. Although this is an easily defended land, its defensive strength is also its weakness, since it has no easy trade outlet for its grain, gold, electrum, and gems. And the Vast Swamp is both a blessing and a curse, for although it defends Sunni's southern border, it is also home to disease, strange monsters, and warlike bullying that emerge from the fens every fifteen to twenty years. Given its subtropical location, Sunni's climate is warm year-round, with plentiful rainfall in the autumn and winter, and humid heat during the spring and summer. Snow is a sure sign of magical evil afoot. Bordered by the Glorious to the north, the Vast Swamp to the Southend highlands to the east and west lays Sunni. Sunni has a subtropical climate, with most of its rains falling in autumn and winter. Sunndi forms the major basin for water from the surrounding hills. Alhough it might not rain much in summer, the high temperatures combined with a high humidity give the area a bad reputation. Many soldier has lost his life due to Sunni's climate. There are basically three types of land in Sunni. To the east, Westland north lay highlands and mountains. Only the inhabitants in a small part of the Postmark Highlands recognize the Sunni government and thedwarven kingdom in the Glorious is officially independent, but Thais in name only. The inhabitants of Hollow Highlands to the west do belong to Sunni. Woods cover about 1/3 of Sunni. The largest of these woods is Redwood, which is a pleasant forest inhabited and patrolled by elves and rangers. The other major wood Isherwood. This deep, mysterious wood is the home of faeries Andreas and most people generally leave it alone. The rest of Sunndiconsists of relatively flat, very fertile farmland. There are many small rivers and streams that flow from the mountains and hills towards the Vast Swamp. Riverine Trade once thrived on the Contriver River, but the collapse of society in Media has left Port Maddox as the only remaining entrepôt on that stream. HistoryA thousand years ago, Soloist refugees fleeing from the ruin of the Twin Cataclysms entered the fertile lands south of the Redwood and befriended the indigenous gray elves. Later invasions by Meridian raiders conquered the Soloist/even alliance, but time was on Sunni's side and gradually the Meridians were integrated. An oppressed county of South Province After Nerdy conquered all Meridian lands following the Battle of a Fortnight's Length in CY -110, Sunni was made a part of the South Province of the Great Kingdom. However, one of the overkings made Sunni a separate fief within the South Province, the count of Sunni owing fealty to the Herzog (prince) of South Province. The count of Sunni was also appointed by the Herzog, and the post was usually granted to the noble who promised to deliver the most tribute from Sunni. This resulted in oppressive taxation and overarming, as well as suppression of non-human races. Independence and membership in the Iron League When the Iron League was formed by the Free City of Iron gate, Idea, and Annual in 447 CY in opposition to the Great Kingdom, Sunni rebelled against its masters, driving the Herzog's soldiers out of Sunni and joining the League in 455 CY. The gray elf Count Turned Earthen formed a government based on mutual respect for all peoples of Sunni. South Province invades The Herzog of South Province attempted to retake Sunni several times over the next century without success. However in 577 CY, South Province received the backing it needed from the mad overking Avid the Undying, and successfully invaded. At the same time, bullying attacked from the Vast Swamp, pulling needed troops from the northern defenses. Although the bullying invasion was contained and the monsters driven back into the swamp, the South Province army took advantage of the divided Sunny forces, and finally took the capital of Litchfield in CY 583. It seemed that the battle for Sunni was over, for nothing now stood between the Herzog and Sunni's fertile lands. However, a newly re-dedicated Sunny army under the hero Olson of Armor met the South Province army at the Battle of Redwood and was triumphant, although an attempt by Olson to follow the Herzog's troops across the Shelly River into South Province failed and the Sunny army was forced to retreat back to Sunni. A new kingdom Although Sunni had regained its independence, the fall of Iron League members Idea and Annual to South Province in 586 CY reminded Sunni how tenuous freedom could be. In 589 CY, Count Handel declared Sunni to be a fully independent kingdom, and proclaimed that all old ties with the Great Kingdom were forever severed. Handel became Opening Handel the Defender. The few Verdi-descended noble houses that remained in Sunni were ordered to rename themselves and swear allegiance to the crown. In 590 CY, a Congress of Lords, composed of eighteen scions from both human and nonhuman noble houses, was appointed to advise the opening. Sunni was subdivided into eighteen counties, and each lord of the Congress was appointed count of one of these new regions. Increased raids by monsters from the Vast Swamp reminded the Sunny government of the historic cycle of bulldog invasions, and Handel ordered the construction of new forts along the edge of the swamp against an expected invasion within the next few years. Investigation suggested that followers of Waste, upset by the good relations between humans and nonhumans in Sunni, and especially repelled by the thought of an elf on the throne, may have been behind the new round of attacks. And it all came falling down. A Necromancer located in the Silent Hills in CY 594 who bordered at the forest of Redwood and the Downs county. Just when the Bullying started to over run the southern counties of Stalwart and Coral. Refugees from these counties swarmed to the borders of Children, Greenhill's and Raymond. The tread of the necromancer was believed to have ended, but his ghost remained to haunt the silent hills until it was destroyed a year later. As The Bullying started to rebuke the armies of Sunni northward. A few towns in the county Bristol where taken up by a magical madness by a demon complete sacking the towns of Honda and Equal. While Austrian forces pushed Sunny troops back to their capital of Litchfield, a strong raiding party of orcs and giants attacked from the north of the County of Raymond and Postmark Highlands. The force responsible for the villages mysteriously destroyed in 596 was discovered to be a demon hidden within a cursed staff. In a final effort last-ditch effort, the Austrians and their allies were finally driven back into the Vast Swamp, at least for another generation, but the formerly fertile counties of Breather, Saarland, Bristol, Paw luck Valley, Children, Greenhill's, Stalwart, and Coral. Lay in ruins. Pelsand, Almond, Litchfield and Breather have to content with an increasing storm of refugees from the raided counties. Ralsond, Bristol, Postmarked, Breather desperately fight of remnants of orc raiders. The counties of the Hollow HighlandsandLemrathernwhere the only counties that remained unaffected in the war. Deltrees has to content with werewolf raids from the MenowoodThe Downs and Esparithern in the forest of Redwood still has to combat undead stragglers As a tall mountain dwarf and a human of Fuel decent enter a moderate cottage they are welcomed by an elderly human." Ah, we were expecting you" the man said with smile. "The name is Narrow Shock, former city sailor of Almond of this fair county. But you did not come to hear me ramble your here for the job. Sit down, sit down." He guides the two to a table where two others have taken a seat already a brown haired Renee woman and a bald but black bearded Hill Dwarf. He puts 5 glasses on the table and returns with an uncorked bottle of wine as he pours in for his guest his speaks." I've never tasted this wine. It has graced tables in social circles well above my own. This bottle was a gift passed down to me along with a task. Both of with I now share with you." Tarrow takes a seat at the head of the table, sips from his glass, and sighs softly in appreciation." This is Dissident's Wine, so named for the prisoners forced to work the vineyard where it is produced. You see, château at the center of that vineyard is also the business of incarceration. It provides cells for hire, and we, like many authorities, use it for persons requiring... special consideration.... At present, we are holding two prisoners there. As far as the public knows, these men have simply vanished, and that is how it should remain. Unfortunately rumors of recent escape attempts have undermined my superiors' confidence in the château's security, and they have demanded the prisoners' transfer."" I need someone to travel to the château and collect our two prisoners in secret. I remind you again that these men's names and deeds are not important. To the rest of the world, they don't exist. You would be wise to remember that." Tarrow takes another zip from his glass. The bald dwarf takes the preferred glass, and holds it, listening carefully to the speaking man. He sniffs the wine and looks at its color, but does not yet taste it. When the sailor has finished, the dwarf looks to the other people first, checking if they wish to speak. Device takes a sip from the wine, It's different from the ale he usually drank, but pleasant enough all the same. He had become more acclimatized to a variety of foreign foods since leaving his home. So then, this job, who exactly is hiring us? Former city sailor you say, who are you working for now? Albany had been observing the surroundings and decorations of the cottage, but began to turn and look at his fellow adventurers. He stares quizzically at the wine for a few moments before taking hold of the cup. Interesting. These people seem capable enough, and not too unfriendly. At the question of the armored mountain dwarf, he begins to think... Interesting. Attempts at a prisoner rescue? At Narrow, Albany questions, How long away is the Dissident's Prison, do you guess? And as he had asked, may we know who we're going to be serving? And could we know of the possible dangers? Nadya looks at the wine before taking a sip. She looks at the others and quietly drinks her wine. Narrow sighs as he puts down his half empty glass." There special prisoners politics and what not. As I would like to enjoy my retirement a bit longer I didn't ask..."he looks his guests in the eye"And fighters should you." The old man hands Albany a map"This map will show you the way to the Dissident's Prison with is a fortnight travel" "This envelope contains the release order of our two prisoners." "And this pouch has enough money to composite your travel costs as well as to keep you from asking further questions." Narrow passes for a second"Well do you all except?" Albany had been pondering for a while, staring into the yard through the window. He'd left Maw outside, and hoped that nothing would happen to him in the few minutes. Maw had seemed to show interest in the nearby forested area. He'd find him later. Turning to Narrow, he listens to the advice and nods, taking the map. Albany hopes that the others would do so first, but decides to try. Okay, then... I accept. He holds the map, envelope, and pouch up, turning to the others. He places the envelope to his feet, and the pouch, and then begins to look at the map quizzically. Thanks. Spoiler Hide Could I make a Knowledge (local) check or a wisdom check to recall any possible important info about current government? Plus, what region are we in? The bald dwarf rises and speaks with a rasping voice. It's not easy on the ears. Good sir Narrow, I think you misunderstand. We would not ask of the prisoners, you stated quite clearly that they were of no importance. I believe you're there. I would also like to know who we would be working for. If it is the proper authorities, I'll gladly join. But I wish no place in illegal doings. Albany had also begun to rethink the mission, but then thought:Illegal or not, interesting...but it's still one organization or another. Even if this is illegal, to ask so openly would be of dangerous consequence. This man seems to be defenseless, but looks can be deceiving... Best to stay quiet and just prepare myself. At least the hill dwarf is intelligent enough to question it. However, no matter what the man's organization is or what he does, it would probably be foolish to send a false letter to the prisons' men. However... interesting. There's a safe way to find out. You did say you were the sailor of Almond, no? I looked into the job, and it had said it was from you, right? Spoiler Hide Sense motive check for a "Hunch": (1d20+4)[20] And a Spot check into the pouch. (1d20+8)[13] Hamm, Narrow not being as willing to part with the information sent minor alarm bells ringing in his head, but hey he hadn't had a nice long job for a while, and he was fed up with the doorman jobs. Hmph, O. K, you have a deal if you could answer another couple of questions. Assuming we collect these men, where do we return them too? Also, you say Men! Are they both human? Height, build etc. What experience/ background do they have, it would be useful to know. It has been my experience that prisoners don't like to be held against their will, knowing their capabilities could help us prepare for any issues we may have with them and their safe return. To Korma"It is politics master dwarf. If a noble uses the château to transfer a political sensitive prisoner in secret. It would be pointless to know the name of your employer." Tarrow takes another sip from his whine closes his eyes and as he calms down he replies." It is undertook that's way I choose to higher people not connected to the city guard. All legal but if word broke out it might disgrace some powerful men."to Device Storm he chuckles"True, not many people choose to be locked up. Some of them are the worked criminals you set your eyes on. But others, are there to escape a lynching and are stationed there for their own safety. What your charges have done isn't important. Al that matters is that you return the two hooded and alive to the servants entrance at Almond castle. With the code word "Two preachers with Colors blessing" The bald dwarf takes a sip of the wine, and looks thoughtfully at the glass. Then he drains it in one gulp. Secrets. Well, this man has been otherwise open in his dealings, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt. Well, secrets are a thing my kind knows well, and knows how to guard. I'll accept your task. From here to the vineyard castle and to Almond keep, I'm your dwarf. Then he turns to the others, bowing slightly. I am Korma, priest of Fortune the Unyielding Rock. Know that should you choose to come along, I will bring His blessings of protection for everyone who travels with me. Albany listened to the others' thoughts and cautions. Wise, all of them. Once we have the prisoners themselves, maybe they could shed light on this. Suddenly, Albany flinched backwards. Wait... why must they hire adventurers to move prisoners? This may be more complicated... However, the politics and worries of government do not worry me... We can deal with these. Zalbaag nods towards Korma, attempting to pass off a socially amiable demeanor towards everyone. Well, then... Hello everyone. I am Albany Orland is, wanderer of these lands. I hope to channel the wild's power to aid this world. Angel the Repugnant It was unfair. Here Angel sat with a simple-minded hairball of man, while his master gadded about as a free man. He took some small pleasure in urinating on every basket of grapes he picked on his rare forays outside. Suddenly nearby he hears the other inmate scream... Zaegel was neither a hero nor a brave man, so he immediately called for the guards. Nadya looked around and sighed. I believe you already know my answer Median. Your friends didn't give me much choice. She looked at the others. I'm Nadya, pleased to meet you. She bowed her head slightly. Narrow smiles softly"Good, and master dwarf."his attention focused on Device." Are you satisfied by my answer?" Aye, I am in. addressing Narrow. Dyvirm turns to the rest of the table. Right introductions I guess, Device Storm, pleased to meet your acquaintance Albany smiled. Pleasantries, and then they could start. Thank you, Narrow. When we have retrieved the prisoners, where might we bring them? Could you show us the locations on the map? Zalbaag begins to study it to try and see any known locations from his journey to this cottage. He turns around to the rest of the adventurers and Narrowly I open the pouch and envelope? Maw's going to be interested. I think he's near...dunno, though. "Thank you." Narrow mentioned as he shakes the end of the mountain dwarf. His hand goes around to the cleric then the Renee. He then shakes Albany's hand." It's already marked on the map, you can open the pouch but i advice against opening the envelope the less you know the better." Before they know it the four adventurers our outside with map, envelope and pouch in hand. And Wolf waiting for them.(Albany animal companion) Note: I call my Wolfe Maw. Zalbaag turns to everyone. So... I'll open the pouch, Kay? He leans down to stroke Maw, and then turns to open the pouch. Maw, how's your day been, friend? Zalbaag pulls out his green air bramble laced staff. He begins to look around, observing everything out of practice and caution. Spoiler Hide I make Spot and Listen Checks. For some reason, dice roller isn't working. Could I take ten? That's 18. She nods at Albany and looks at the wolf. Korma takes his shield up from next to the door, and straps it to his back. On his belt hangs a Warhammer. It is long and steel-halted, with a heavy head shaped like a crow's beak on the other side, and flat on the other. He looks at Albany, raising a thick eyebrow at the wolf. Yes, you should count the money. We need to know our budget for this journey. I haven't got supplies for a month for myself, and definitely not for prisoners. We should stock up before we leave. What time of day is it? Is it pertinent to leave now or wait until morning? Aye, we best get suitable rations. Do we have enough money to get a horse and cart, or perhaps we could hitch a lift with any trade going in the right directionDyvirm pauses to appraise the wolf, he looks to be deep in thought before smiling slightly? Then he starts rummaging through his backpack, his head bobbing and faintly muttering. By the gods that's a large wolf, hmm, still I hope it can hunt us some meat once we get going. Right now Device, remember names and try not to annoy anyone, you are travelling with some weird folk so be prepared for some strange ways. Right now, weapons... Check rations... Check Pipe... Check Let's check the pouch... As Albany rummages around, he looks outside at the nearby clearing. Let's hope Narrow really didn't have anything to hide... Maw stands there, looking over the rest of the party members. Dwarves; he couldn't remember if Maw had encountered any before. What are our areas of expertise? Maw here is an expert tracker, and I'm able to decently able to trailblazer and find our way; most times, I'll also be able to forage for supplies for some of you, too. Still, we need to pack some of our own. Let's check the map for any nearby towns to get other equipment... At Device's statement, he says Well, mounts would be... suitable... Spoiler Hide Uh... I look at map to determine location. Shouldn't be hard. I also use the map to find location of nearest village on the route to the prison. Where is the nearest major road? After a short admiration at the druids animal companion. The dwarfs goatZalbaag opens the pouch and counts 500 GP among them.IOC: its Monday 4th of Path wall of the year 596 CY.it's 11 am with a 2-hour walk to the nearest town Almond. Some small hamlets on your way on a main road calledLemroadAshtrhrope 3 days awayObad 8 days awayFlocktime 10 days away with the remaining 4-day travel away from the main road. Interesting, quite a bit of money. Spoiler Hide Edit: Relooking at map, do you mean the road of Lead leads for 2 days to Almond, 1 day from Almond (3 from here) to Ashtrhrope, another 5 from Ashtrhrope to Bad(8 from here) and then 2 from Bad to Flock time (10 from here) and finally 4 more from path? Okay, we don't need to make survival checks along a road, do we? Lead looks nice for us all. We could stop at Almond and Bad to rest between there and reach the prison moving 8 hours a day after... 14 days? Huh. Let us hustle and walk, alternately, to cover ground faster. Zalbaag draws his walking staff, a stout but long oaken cudgel, and readies his sickle at his belt. Maw stood at his request, and Albany murmured, Ready? Spoiler Hide I don't need survival checks along the path, but I will need to when we leave it to the prison, huh... Sounds good. She takes out her mirror and checks her hair quickly. What's his name? She points at the wolf. You’re... You’re... Maw. His name's Maw. Zalbaag, normally not the best talker, has even more trouble trying to do so while reading a map and watching the surroundings. Huh. Does anyone have a preference or suggestion related to traveling? We should probably get started soon; the morning sun shall give away to the heated afternoon. Device? Korma? Albany attempts to set off to the path, looking around, but turns back to wait for the others to get ready. As he waits, Albany decides to try and get a conversation going, not knowing if it's the right thing to do. Why did you all become adventurers? How'd here of this request? Korma starts walking at a dwarves pace towards the direction of Almond, hoping the others will follow. As they do, he answers Albany's question. I'll walk if necessary. It's how I've been getting around anyway. But I think we should get a mule and a cart, lighten our loads. And it may be we'll need them to transport the prisoners too. Perhaps we should get manacles as well? I wouldn't want them escaping. Almond is the best place to get these. If we're lucky, we could be on our way today. Device was just finishing his travelling checks when he heard his name mentioned. Eh! What!, ah yes, I can walk through a cart would as brother Korma says ease the load a little, assuming the men won't be walking freely manacles could be useful too, I agree. Dyvirm, adjusts the backpack on himself, then hefty his urges, does a few stretches before catching up with a few quick dashes. It may look a bit strange, but it leaves no doubt that he's more mobile than he looks. Right, sorry about that, need to check everything is fastened well. I'm good to go. Spoiler Hide knowledge geography check to assist with the decision-making regarding the planned journey and any important features not shown on the map. (1d20+2)[12] One of you asked what each of us can do. Reasonable. I'm versed in the things you'd expect of a priest: I know of the gods both good and evil, and of their doings. My priesthood has been solitary, and I know I lack the social graces expected. Instead, I have kept up the trade of my father, both on this earth and on the other. I am a smith, and I have forged many weapons. This is likely not a skill useful in transporting prisoners. But since I left my forge to help the afflicted of this country, I have learned many things. I know how to aid the sick and wounded, and I have had to find out how to survive in the wilderness. Likely you are much my superior in that, master Albany. I already told you about the divine gifts I can bestow. Currently, I am prepared to bless those I travel with, call upon the Favor of Fortune on myself, or temporarily enchant one weapon. If need be, I am also able to channel the power of these spells and cure wounds. Finally, I am strong of arm and body, and I know how to use my hammer in battle. I hope we do not encounter too much violence, but such is the sad state of this fine country now. Albany, realizing the rest were about to leave, motioned to Maw to follow. He tucked away the map and envelope securely, and slung the pouch over his shoulder, striding after the dwarves. He listened to Korma's tale. Very skilled, and despite his worries about lack of social grace, a feeling of knowledge and capability. Turning to see Device catch up, he said, Strong, and seemingly skilled if he can wield such a huge weapon. Normally, the presence of the well-traveled road scares away most predators and natural creatures... However, in this state of affairs, as you said, Korma, things may be quite dangerous, yes... I am not very strong, and not very adept with my fingers. Despite these, traveling much has made me hardy, and my nature-imbued magics can help in most wilderness settings to obstruct, heal (although not to your skill), and help get by. Midday, so we could travel till dusk... 8 hours fine? Tomorrow, we could hope to reach Almond by late afternoon... but I could try to find something for us right now. Zalbaag turns around, thinking... How about this: Nadya, Korma, Device, you all start moving for now along the path. Maw and I will forage along the path for an hour and catch up to you guys by hustling. Kay? Zalbaag begins to set off with Maw, walking alongside the rest of the party. Spoiler Hide For 1 hour, the dwarves slower movement speed should allow me to catch up by hustling. Thus, I make survival check! I take 10, getting a 20. That's enough food for all of us, and Maw can also make a Survival check, taking 10 (14), feeding for himself. If you take 10 not allowed... why isn't it working.... [roll]1d20+10[/roll][roll]1d20+4[/roll] It's only two hours to Almond. I think we should stay together until we leave town. As the fresh group of adventurers agrees to stock up in Almond before they leave for the prison on the same day. While the group suggests in buying a donkey and/or a cart for transport. Zalbaag suggests he and is companion can hunt for the group. But Korma warning appears to come to late as the druid vanishes from the path. The 3 others continues on the path. Until Albany returns more than an hour later, with enough apples to feed 8 grown people for a day. While Maw happily returns with 3 dead chickens between his fangs. Half an hour later the group arrives Almond. The big town seems to be crawling with refugees from the past war Coming back a bit abashed, Albany says Oh, you wanted us to stay.... sorry. Well... I have dinner. Zalbaag relooks at the map. Wait, this is Almond... oh. 2 hours.... not two days.... Zalbaag hits himself in the head. Maw stares quizzically. Well, anyway, this seems to be a large area... Despite not being averse to civilization as most druids, having come from cities himself, Albany wrinkles his nose at the smells. It's afternoon, right? Where do these refugees stay? Hope they can survive... none deserve death, nor do they deserve war... Not having stayed for a while at a city, I can't remember how anything works. Should we buy supplies at a general store first, and then worry about lodging at the nearby inns at night later? It's only afternoon. Or should we explore the marketplace? Is there an adventurer's guild? I'd like to explore the nearby parks and shrines to any nature spirits. Let's hope nothing hectic happens. Zalbaag looks around, observing everything. Maybe it lacks a sense of serenity, but it sure is hectic and interesting... Does this map have a general layout of the city... No, Maw, that's not a feral wolverine, it's a cat... Don't wander! Spoiler Hide Spot checks, listen checks. Let's see if the dice are working; I take ten otherwise. (1d20+10)[26] (1d20+6)[18] Albany munches on an apple. Who wants one? Oh, and we should cook the chickens later. Enough for a snack, dinner tonight, and breakfast tomorrow. Whoa, that is an impressive amount of apples. Maybe we don't need that many supplies after all. You're good at that. I could never find so much so quickly. Food is probably at a premium here, it's very crowded. I suggest we find a cart, a mule and some manacles, then head on and sleep on the road. With foraging, we're better off buying food in the countryside. Now let me see if I can find a smithy... Korma pushes on into the town, looking for a smith to buy manacles from or a stables to buy a mule. Kay! Shall we press on with the few hours of day left later? Well, I'll go and explore. Everyone, meet back at the... other gate on the other side of the city along the road when done? Maw seems to cough a bit at the dust. Don't worry, Maw. We'll return to the road. Enjoying your chicken? Zalbaag smiles and turns. Huh. Where is the city's general store... Anyone care to join me? Korma, do you wish for me to join you? We'll split to our respective tasks along the way when we find the shops. Come on, everyone! I'll also find the parks and shrine afterward... Wonder how these people live... Always working to try and fight this poverty... I hope we can help more when we get stronger. So, Device, Nadya, want to do you guys want to do? Yes please come with me. You hold the pouch after all. Aye, with all these refugees food may be expensive, Happy to continue through. Mind if I have an apple please, we should be fine if you can forage like this. I wonder if the wolf could bring a cow back next time Right O, I'll eh, keep an ear out for rumors in the pub, see how the road ahead is eh? Kay, Korma. Could we stop at a general store to finish getting our goods? Once we're finished, could I take a detour to the parks and reserves? Zalbaag takes out of the adventuring party's pouch an apple and hands it to Device. Device with Nadya in tow tells the two man of faith he can be found in the local pub. Where he hopes to discover some rumors for the road ahead. While the four adventures search together for a while it is the druid that spots the best looking watering-hole in town, Went's Tabs. As the group separates Device with Nadya are stopped by a group of refugees taking refugees near the pub. "Spare a few coppers sirs, we haven't eaten in days." While they seem tired and unkempt the group taking a baby in tow seem more fed than the other refugees in the city. As the two enter the pub there greeted by a bald man around his fifties. "Welcome to Went's Tabs, if you're a paying customer please take one of our tables." he pauses for a moment a shakes his head "If you're a refugee, with I doubt then return at midnight. We can't give sleeping space at this hour." The Pub seems to attract some weird folk Fuel, Persians and the occasional Flan mingle together. A loud bellied laugh coming inward. "Don't be so formal Walter, or these good people might think your insincere" comes from an elderly white haired woman. Who uses a cane to limb toward the two adventurers. Kormad and Albany final found a hoof smith in the neighborhood that could sell more than just horse shoes. As the two enter the smithy the smith himself is teaching a young adult man how to make chains. At least to Normand's knowledge. The man in his Middle Ages looks proudly at him "That's it boy, now bend it while it's still hot." But when he notices the two his attitude changes "And keep it hot, we want to sell only products that rival the dwarves" He puts his arms behind his back and smiles to his coming costumers "Good afternoon, Welcome to Benito's Critters and Traps. Can I interest you in some horse shoes for your steed? Or would you like to buy the whole package together?" He knots toward the left and laughs. With the smithy halted for a second the two can hear animals from that direction. Maw visibly flinches at the fire. Seeing his alarm and worrying about his fearing the horses and animals, Albany asks, Do you want to wait? Maw nods and pads to the entrance, sniffing the soot and ash-filled air. Zalbaag turns and tells Korma, Your skill in this far surpasses mine; I'll just go see the mounts. Wonder how they're doing... Zalbaag heads out to the stables on the left and looks at the available mounts, hoping that they have been well taken care of. He hadn't ridden a horse for a while; his clumsiness had caused his father to not prefer to let his son lead the supplies wagons because of his trait of paying more attention to the mounts than the road. In the past, the horses had been less eager to pay attention to the awkward city boy. Spoiler Hide Wild Empathy check on any animals I find. Hopefully this doesn't fail too much. (1d20+0)[10] Korma negotiates briefly with the man in charge, and ends up buying a mule, two pairs of manacles and a cart, deducting the 53 GP price from the reward money. The shopkeeper throws a few days with of hay and oats on the cart for the good deal he made. Holding the reins, Korma leads the cart and hitched animal out of the stable yard and onto the road. Master Albany, let's head out. I hope we can get on our way soon. This is a long enough job without delays. Albany buy some bouncy balls from any general stores for 2 GP each (3), 2 tangle foot bags, and 3 days of ration. That's about 5 GP. He nods to Korma and follows him to the gate. The best natural world is the outside itself. At the gate, Albany turns to look at his supplies, trying to remember what his missing... Oh. The mounts. He shrugs. It won't matter. Let us push on! I think we can do 10 hours a day... Can you guys? Maw stares into the horizon, looking intently. Spoiler Hide Take 10 Spot and Listen checks, always. Always. Also, to actually get to the main of the jail, could you just roll on the encounter tables and let us go through the days until we encounter something? What Device and Nadya gather is that the roads are still crawling with refugees. While most of them keep quite enough there have been rumors about a merchant wagon been liberated from their goods. The Ale is good enough and after an hour the two pay for there mugs of ale. Spoiler Hide Device 12 CP and Nadya 4 CP As they leave for the gate to Lead. Zalbaag enters the stables and discovers that despite his Druid training these domestic mounts are still as unfamiliar to him as the day he left his fathers business. In the business small talk between the TWE two smiths business is concluded when Fred Benito hands him two iron manacles and points him to his wife Magdalena Benito a 38-year-old woman with till her knees in animal dung sells him a strong but alert looking donkey. While her husband helps string up the creature to the cart. And puts 5 days worth of Feed into the wagon The woman gives the dwarf a warning"Nicolas can be a bit cautious a time but a gentle slap to his flank. Will help him focus, just don't over do it." On there way to reunite at the portal to Lead Albany buys 3 trail rations and two Tangle foot bags Spoiler Hide Remove 154.75 GP. from the pay Nadya and Device who have arrived later see that there companions have besides the wolf another animal in tow. A gray donkey with a brown bless on its nose. With a two wheeled vehicle behind him. Ah, good! I see we have some muscle to help with the journey Says Device as he slings his pack onto the cart, don't mind if I sling this here? Successful in your other aims I hope? Not a great deal of interesting stuff from the tavern, though we may not want to look too bountiful to any organized refugee groups. What a nice animal. Quiet, but sturdy... Let's not burden him too much. Nicolas, a bit worried by the wolf, walks a bit more shakily than normally. Albany attempts to assure him that there's nothing wrong, and then turns to Maw to remind him that Nicolas is an ally. Maw stares quizzically at Albany, and then continues to pad along. Well, Nicolas was probably too big for Maw, and probably too stringy too. Yes, Device. We did pretty well; the donkey costed about 150 GP, and various other supplies means that we're at a balance of 345 GP, 7 SP, and 5 CP. I think; it's been so long since I've done math with my father. Zalbaag pats the donkey and looks around, checking to see if anyone was nearby. What do you mean by organised refugee groups? Bandits? Zalbaag sighs. Let's hope none decide to harry our way. If they do, I hope that we will not have to drive them back with lethal force. But that, sometimes, is the way of the world... What are you saying master Albany? The donkey, cart, manacles and feed cost just a bit under 55 gold. Where did you get the extra hundred from, or is your mathematics truly that rusty? I hope this is a mistake and not dishonesty. I would like to trust the people I work with. Even Albany's Druid talents aren't able to overcome the natural fear of a donkey against a natural predator. The group is of a bad start as they leave the town the two men of faith are already at each other's throats. Nadya throws her backpack on the cart and starts to walk a lot easier. On there way they encounter a few domestic cows that look at them behind some fences. Along with a small patrol of soldiers that walk toward Diamond. When the group has travelled 6 hours. Device and Maw start to pant and slow down from there usual base. Nadya is less lucky she falls on the road, unconscious. Spoiler Hide Device takes 6 nonlethal damage while Maw takes 5. Both are Fatigued Nadya takes 6 and is at a -1 at the moment. You can't shake the feeling that this maybe is the time to take a rest and continue tomorrow. Spoiler Hide who will take guard this night? Well folks think if we rest up a bit, could use a bit of food too. I think some of us are a little weary. Humph, weary, that's an understatement, how embarrassing to be outdone by a human, not as fit as I thought I was. Still hope the lass is o.they lass, have some water and some rest, hey girl you awake? Says Device to Nadya as he sits her up, and tries to rouse her with some water and loud talking. Seems the girl is a bit overcome atm, we really best find a place to rest, let's get her on the cart for now. Before Nadya and Maw collapsed, Albany listens to Korma's question and wonders if he did do a math error. Wouldn't be the first time. Sorry if I made a mistake. Let me check... The mule costed 154 GP, no? Spoiler Hide Remove 154.75 GP. from the pay. Right? Oh... wait... Oh! I forgot to explain the tangle foot bags. I didn't know they costed that much... They were going to be for us to use if we needed to escape something quickly. He turns to Nadya, slapping his forehead. I'm so stupid, making a suggestion like that! Although, odd that we've only been going for 6 hours and yet Maw, and she is already tired... Wait... how long did they rest at the city? Oh... Huh. We've been traveling for... oh. 6+2+about 1 = 9... or is it 8... no, 9. Oh. Crouching downwards, he softly pats her shoulder. Are you okay? It's all my fault... From now on, if any of us start to feel tired, we should stop before anything happens. Sorry, Maw. Zalbaag turns. Sorry about everything... A night's rest should heal any physical damage, but my folly still stays... you too, Maw, sorry... Zalbaag begins to try and set up tents and sleeping rolls. He will then move to collect food and water. Spoiler Hide Take 10 on Spot (18), Survival (20) for food+water, and Listen (18). Untrained Heal check, to do stabilize, afterward; (1d20+4)[9] It's time to rest. Not everyone is suited for a forced march. First, korma takes his waterski and pours a little water between Nadya's lips, then sprinkles some onto her forehead. Then he helps Device in lifting the unconscious woman onto the cart, with the hay to pad her head. Spoiler Hide (1d20+7)[8]Heal check for first aid. Korma then takes the time to unhitch Nicolas and tie him to a nearby tree with plenty of grass beneath. While doing this, he listens to Albany's explanation of the hundred gold. Tanglefoot bags? Well, I suppose those can come in handy for stopping an escape, or a pursuit. I'd prefer if we discussed expensive equipment before buying them, but I suppose those are useful enough. Hum, he must have been away from civilization longer than I, to forget paying for such an expensive item. Maybe he shouldn't be the one handling the cash? Umm. Do you think it would be better if someone else was in charge of our reward money? Maybe master Device or me? After taking care of Nicolas, Korma starts gathering dry wood for a fire. He looks up at Albany. Oh, go ahead and forage. I'll set up camp. I can also take first watch after we settle down. Spoiler Hide (1d20+5)[13]Survival for campsite. Oh, wait... That was our reward money? Oh... huh. Here, you or Device should take it, yes. Zalbaag leaves to forage, telling Maw to rest. However, the chances of something or someone here hostile is always a factor, and thus he stays close to the campsite, ready to shout for help if needed.(Survival checks in previous post) Thank you. I will keep this safe Seems an honest mistake there. Kormad takes the pouch and ties it securely to his belt. Surf, I'm going to get some sleep then, wake me up when it's my shift, I don't mind which one i take Says Device yawning. Obviously feeling tired, after finding a suitable spot in the lee of the wind, Device takes a blanket a torch and tinderbox out of his backpack. Carefully setting the torch and tinderbox to one side, he turns the backpack over and slowly lies, so his head is supported by the coil of rope. Happy with the position he arranges his bow, still in its bag, to be within arms reach, and places the torch and tinder to be easily accessible at the top of his bag. Then taking a strange stone from out of his belt pouch, he rubs it under his nose and takes a good sniff. Closes his eyes and caresses it for a while humming a low tune. Finally he replaces the stone, lays back down, tucks his urges slightly under his right leg and pulls the blanket up over himself, covering himself completely. Soon a low growl can be heard intermittently from under the blanket. She looks around quietly. Did I hold you up? (assuming when I return)Albany shook his head. No, it was I who was foolish enough to suggest forced marching. I'm sorry. He turns to Maw to stroke his fur. Spoiler Hide Listen check, with probably a huge penalty (probably hidden) to hear the howl from Device. What just happened... And does Maw alert me to the howl (guessing he would have heard because he was at campsite). (1d20+8)[16] If I didn't hear/Maw didn't tell me/Nothing happened:Whatever food I gathered is over there. Have some. I'm going to get some shut-eye out next here by the grass; I'm going to need to recover energy to meditate and regain nature's blessings tomorrow. Snort, Grumble, Mumble, Snore Except from the loath snoring coming from the tall dwarf the night is all but uneventful. As Device puts Nicolas in front of his cart again the whole group is fed and quenched by the nuts Albany has gathered. Maw devours his chicken from yesterday, Nicolas graze spot. Spoiler Hide survival roll had everything what it needed don't remove any rations for today Maw, Device and Nadya's muscles feel a bit stiff as they follow the rest. But the pain is gone after an hour walking on the road with there more fit companions. After 4 hours the road goes to a small forest where the road has been neglected somewhat. It is only thanks to the druids guidance that the cart finds a clear path and no time is lost when the road enters the plains again. Just when it is time to put up camp the road I blocked by a half-burning halfling caravan.5 humans in chain mail carrying grieves prevent the little humanoids from escaping while half of the livestock of the halfling lay butchered among the road." Even fire is too good for you, Demi filth"the bandits yell to the scared halflings in their wagon. Kormad, Nadya, Albany and Maw get a surprise round. Roll initiative. Initiative(1d20-1)[9] By the rule of the good and the solid stone around us, be blessed in the pursuit of the just! Kormad casts Bless on his companions on the surprise round. A grim disposition overwhelms DyvirmAttacking a halfling caravan is too cowardly for words Spoiler Hide Initiative: (1d20+2)[13] Albany grimaces at the horrifying sight. The predators descend on their prey? Unless these are wolves in sheep' fleece... but no matter! The prey have some tricks of their own! Initiative for Maw:(1d20+2)[3]Albany initiative:(1d20-1)[8]Quickly, he issues a swift command to Maw to charge the nearest (southernmost) bandit, with an attempt to bite and trip him to stall their assault. Spoiler Hide Maw's turn: use standard action to charge (charge when turn is restricted to standard means that it's only normal speed... but Maw has 50 ft movement speed, enough to cover the distance and bring him down! Attack Roll for charge (1d20+5)[10] damage if successful (1d6+1)[2] Trip attempt if works (1d20+2)[3] Albany follows through with a quick sling stone at the same bandit. Spoiler Hide (1d20-1)[9] damage is (1d4)[1] He focuses on the battle, drawing his sling back in a motion and hurling the stone with his best efforts. Oh, I knew I made a mistake. I forgot to add +1 from bless to all of our attacks. Could you remember to take that into account? Surprise Round Nadya draws her short sword and a dagger and hides behind Device. The group feels more secure when the dwarves cleric asks his divine god to bless him and his allies for this battle. Zalbaag gives Maw the order to charge the nearest enemy. As Maw fails to bite the human in the heels a stone from the druids sling flies overhead and hit s the caravan. Round 1----Bless 0/10: Each allay gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.----Initiative orderDyvirm Storm, (halflings), Nadya Viola, Korma, Albany OrlandisEnemies, Maw, cattle Device advances 3 squares towards the nearest enemy, looks them over and roars. Glangeddin, Watch Spoiler Hide Intimidate check: (1d20+1)[13] Device will then ready an action: As soon as an enemy moves to strike me, I shall step 5ft adjacent to them and attack. ATK: (1d20+7)[23] DMG: (1d8+4)[5] This is what Maw and I will do on our turns. Zalbaag, seeing his ally far too much engaged in combat to be able to aim effectively, instead advances around Device, nodding, and engages the bandit to try and strike him down. (I have enough movement speed to get to the bottom right corner of that bandit). Spoiler Hide (1d20+0)[7] (1d6-1)[5] Maw, frustrated at the weaving bandit, turns and rips at him again with his jaws. Spoiler Hide (1d20+4)[13] (1d6+1)[2] trip if successful (1d20+1)[2] Surrender, you fools! No matter how your condition, there is no right in fighting here! Zalbaag motions for his allies to assist. Korma delays until Albany moves out of the way, thenchargesthe nearest enemy in a straight line, ending in the square down and left of the bandit. Spoiler Hide Attack:(1d20+6)[8] (+3 attack bonus, +2 charge, +1 Bless) Damage:(1d8+3)[6] Nadya sneaks to the nearest bandit close enough to throw her dagger. Spoiler Hide [roll0] (+4 ranged +1 bless) [roll1] sneak attack [roll2] (1d20+5)[16](+4 ranged +1 bless)(1d4-1)[0]sneak attack(1d6)[1]IOC don't put your rolls in a spoiler it won't work Device steps forward and roars weapons drawn and waiting to be challenged. The Bandit himself seems to be occupied fighting of Maw who just made a faint bite to his heel. A knife flies straight into back of the bandit. Nadya has stationed herself next toward the dwarf. Zaalbag moves to the bandit and both he and his trusted wolf companion attack in unison. Both fail to wound, but the sharp teeth of the wolf rips a few of the scales lose from the armor. Kormad charges but even his mighty hammer fails to connect The bandit takes a step back and uses the long range of his weapon"I will gut you Demi-human lover!"he yells with more figure than he put into his blow hitting one of the harder pieces of the druids armor." Heretics! The hopping prophet has tolerated there stench for far to long. Don't you dare get in the way!"the leader addresses the two humans in the party. "And you! --Beast this isn't your fight!" As he turns toward Maw and holds up his holy symbol that looks like a gray toad."Oh, hammer of the false humans. Don't allow this misguided animal to stand in our way."he said in a prayer. Maw's ear fall flat and backs down as he whines. "You with me, and don't let the hobbit escape."he screams Round 2----Bless 1/10: Each allay gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects. Calm Animal 0/10----Initiative orderDyvirm Storm, (halflings), Nadya Viola, Korma, Albany Orland is/Maw Enemies [COLOR="Dark Red"The hopping Prophet... humans and frogs... the name floats around the recesses of my mind! Must be an obscure daily of hatred, to hold such racism! [/COLOR]Seeing Maw subdued by the spell, Albany turns. Comeon! Let's go... What? Odd... the cleric's ability is not to be doubted. Maw, they are attacking these folk! They are fighting us! Let's go! Maw, oddly befuddled, stands his ground, watching the fight with interest. Zalbaag sighs, hoping that the threat would have alerted him back to combat. However, he turns to face the weapon-wielder. Fools! Your stenches exude far iller than theirs! And what is a hobbit? You are the misguided; admitting that you even are "false humans"! Prepare to be washed and destroyed, for our might shall exceed yours! Zalbaag pretends to retch for a moment. What an ugly symbol! He steps to the side (5 ft step back) to the southeastern square, evading the pole arm of the bandit. Holding his staff in one hand, with the other he begins to call a beast of the wild to assist him... behind the bandit (to allow for flanking for Korma). Press the advantage! The summoned wolf, with its augmented strength from the divine powers, rips at the bandit, hoping to catch him off guard. Spoiler Hide (1d20+6)[7] damage is (1d20+3)[8] (EDIT: Whoops... 1d6+3, but doesn't matter, it still misses)trip [1d20+3] These are because of the Augmented Summoning. Whee. Waste supremacists. Should have known that only frog-worshiping lowlifes would make such a cowardly attack. Master Device! Take out the priest! Kormad takes a 5-foot step next to the retreating bandit (into square H15), and swings his hammer at the enemy's face. Spoiler Hide Attack: (1d20+6)[7] (+3 attack, +2 flank from summoned wolf, +1 bless) Damage: (1d8+3)[4] speeding up the gameDyvirm charges the evil priest(1d20+9)[20](two-handed 1+bless +2 charge)(1d8+6)[8]Nadya delays until she can flank her opponent for another sneak attack(1d20+5)[25](+1 bless)(1d4-1)[3]SA(1d6)[2]Spoiler Hide attack of opportunity (1d20+1)[7] (1d8)[5] Device heeds Formats warning and charges the priest not taking into account the reach the nearest enemy has. But the bandit aims too low. The fighter early avoids it and barriers his axe deep in the Waste cleric's his chest. His expression in clear hate the priest tries to speak but only vomits some blood, with he falls to the floor dying While the rest wears Albany summons a wolf as the rest waits as the creature snaps at the bandits legs. Kormad and Nadya come in action at the same time. The cleric charges, but the rogue is just a bi faster as her second dagger hits the bandits exposed neck with full force. As the human collapses Korma fails to hit the now dead body." This is too much, I am not willing to die for this"one of the bandit mumbles as he drops his leave and makes a run for it. The other two have less common sense and advance to attack the dwarf closest to them. Dyvirm early avoids the blow. But with Korma blood is drawn Spoiler Hide Korma has taken 1 point of damage Round 3----Bless 2/10: Each allay gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects. Calm Animal 1/10----Initiative orderDyvirm Storm, (halflings), Nadya Viola, Korma, Albany Orland is/Maw Enemies Grunting from the painful cut, Korma steps onto square G14 and smashes the bandit.attack(1d20+4)[22]damage(1d8+3)[5] Device steps in his opponents guard range to punish him for the foolish miss.5 ft step to f19 and a full ATK vs the E19 bandit. Double weapon:ATK:(1d20+5)[13]DMG:(1d8+4)[6]ATK:(1d20+5)[25]DMG:(1d6+4)[8] CRT multiplier is x3, for second attack(2d6+8)[18]May be a bit other the top. Seeing that his allies are easily mopping up the rest of the bandits, Albany moves up to see if any of the halflings are still alive. If the halting in F18 is alive and seems to be extremely badly hurt (less than -6 hp):Spoiler Hide Albany attempts to begin binding the halting's wounds (hoping that Device would be able to distract and trip the nearby bandit). However, he realizes that it would be better to instead instantly heal him. Cure Minor Wounds! . If not:Albany turns to the surrounded cleric, and casts Guidance as the wolf leaps to strike, knowing that it will disappear at the end of the round. Quickly, the wolf moves up to bite at the priest in F14. Spoiler Hide (1d20+6)[15] (1d6+3)[4] (1d20+3)[15]. Anyone alive in there? Kormad shouts, and moves quickly to the burning caravan. If it's feasible, he casts Create Water to quench the flames, otherwise he just attempts to rescue anyone still inside. Everyone, help stabilize the halflings that are alive! Quickly after healing the F18 halting, Albany moves to the other one in an attempt to help it too. If any of the bandits are still alive, Device, could you try and stabilize them and then tie them up? I'll help you when done with these. Maw, calm? Well, could you do me a favor and ... uh, near mind, I'll get the sheep later. Hmm, think death is what they deserve, but I shall try. I will try and stabilize the bandit I just hacked up. Heal check(1d20+1)[14] The Blade of Device's axe proofs a great feint the bandit never saw the point of his Dwarves Urges open up his belly. As the bandit goes down reveals Nadya two darts in her hand. She shouldn't have bothered. As the cleric Korma knocks the last bandit out with his mighty hammer. Zalbaag inspect the nearest halfling as the summon wolf disappears. But he shouldn't bother the corpse of an adult male is heavily damaged rip case opened and both of its shoeless feed cut of from a distance he can see the next corpse a female has undergone the same faith. An adult female halting with two bundles under her arm leaves the wagon when the wagon stops. Quickly followed by a young male teenager. Both KOF hard for the male the adrenaline has worn out, and he falls down encounters just 15 feet away from the burning. The woman gasp in fear"Ernie! No!"she looks at her saviors in fear." M-my family his still inside-- please sirs" Device realizes he can't do anything for his fallen enemy he moves to one of the remaining dying bandits but fails to stop the bleeding. Albany gasps angrily at the dead corpses and turns to see the woman and her child limping out. Is he okay? Could you tend to him and try to tend to his wounds? Zalbaag rushes to the caravan to attempt and help Korma find the rest of the halflings, trying to stabilize any extremely near death. Korma climbs into the caravan to help those inside. He concentrates and gives a small prayer, using the Protection domain power to resist heat and smoke. Device moves to assist Korma in any way he can. Moving to the caravan opening. What do you want me to do brother korma? I will tell you as soon as I see what is the situation. Korma goes into the caravan. As the cleric climbs in the wagon it appears to be too late. But among the suffocated and burned corpses of two adult men and 3 dead children. He finds that an elderly woman and a young girl barely among the living there still breathing but unconscious. Outside the halfling woman checks on the boy"Yolanda been praised he is still breathing"she lets's out a sigh of relief until she is reminded on the bundles she carried with her"the babies! Please let them be all right!" Madam, I am a cleric. Please let me see. If the babies are hurt, Cure Minor Wounds to stabilize. Seeing that the halflings are okay in Korma's care, Albany turns to other matters. Maw, let's go get those sheep. Is Nicolas okay? What happened with those bandits? Where did they come from? Device will start to look at the wagon and see if it is salvageable, if so he will assess what needs to be done. Otherwise, he will start to move the dead bandits to one side ready for disposal. Morbid task ahead, how do we want these bodies disposed? I'm not fussed, but fire may be best. I assume others may have religious preferences? If the wagon is not good we can burn them in that. Aye, a fire would suffice for these bandits. But the good folk who were attacked deserve a proper burial. Fortune teaches that internment is the proper way, but it is these good folks choice, as the dead are theirs. Kormad turns to the survivors:What is your way, madam, for the dead? Would you like me to round up the sheep? Zalbaag turns to uncomfortably face the dead bodies. Death may come to all, but in such a horrendous way! And to those so young... Maybe we're going too easy on the bandits. Korma and Nadya enter the during caravan in the hope to find survivors. At first, they don't seem to find any two adult males are burned and stabbed in the face, and elderly woman in a rocking chair and unmoving holds an barely teenage girl under her arms. While on the floor 3 children lay on the floor heavy burned. One of these children seems to be weakly breathing a girl roughly 10 years old(7-8 in human years)her hair all burned up by the flames. The cleric hands her to his companion and inspects the corpses a bit closely the girl that the elderly woman tried to save doesn't seem to breath but the woman herself is burned but still breathing. As the leave caravan with the two survivors. The Dwarves priest inspects the two bundles and is relieved that while they inhaled more than there share of smoke they would make a full recovery with enough rest. The same could be said for the elderly woman, and the passed out boy. The heavily burned 10 tear old girl condition will make her life not easy but even see would be up and running after a good night rest. With the bandit dead Device helps the two with recovering the corpses and extinguishing the flames. Spoiler Hide halfling present alive: a sole woman encounters: an elderly woman, a young boy, a young heavy burned girl and two babies a boy and girl dead: 2 cut halfling adults (found outside) an elderly man an adult man, teen girl and 2 heavy burned boys As Albany rounds up the surviving sheep. After question the lady"T-they attacked us when we stopped to make camp and started dinner. Regina's birthday was coming up. WIM and Tina tried to hold them to give us time to reinforce the cavern for defense. But they threw torches and waited. They children panicked. Oh, Yolanda! I don't want to think what would have happened d if you haven't come!" When Korma suggests throwing the bandit on pyre the woman objects." Are you insane-- It is our custom to burn our dead on a pyre? I don't want that faith follow them."the woman sobs"I am sorry, we need to grief with will probably take a long and my husband, son and the others deserve a party in there honor--" "But I am not up for the task!" the woman falls on her knees and starts to sob uncontrollably. O. K well we could leave them for the creatures I suppose. , Spoiler Hide How far from the nearest settlement are we, Device will whisper to KormadWhat are we going to do with them, take them with us until we reach the next village? Korma is still focused on tending to the wounded. He lays the heavily burned girl on the ground and kneels next to her, the chants in Celestial, a prayer to Fortune and Kendall. His hands start to emit a slight glow while praying, and as the chant ends, he places his hands on the poor halfling girl, channeling the power of his god. Spoiler Hide Spontaneously cast Cure Light Wounds on the girl, using the slot of Magic Weapon. (1d8+1)[9] hit points restored Seeing the effects of his spell on the wounded halfling, he then turns to Device:Sorry, master Device. I missed the thing you said. Could you repeat it? Korma's hands feel warmer then usual the girls wounds all but disappear miraculously except from the burned away hair. As the child awakes her mother takes her in her arms." You saved Geneses-- thank you. And all the gods you hold dear."IOC:Spoiler Hide on the map the hamlet of Ashtrhrope is 1-day travel away. Before the fight the group has travelled 8 hours so continuing will be a forced march Uh... Did you halflings have a destination in mind? Albany turns to listen to Device, whispering "If they're going along the way, could we take them?" Madam, Fortune blesses the family and the community. Remember to hold on to yours. Turning to his companions, Korma continues:I think we should make camp. Take care of the honored dead, and dispose of the bandit waste. Then continue tomorrow, and talk over the situation. Also, I need to pray for the blessings of Fortune at dusk. Kormad starts dragging the bandit corpses to the side of the road, and removing their valuable possessions. The armor goes into a pile, the grieves on another. The unholy toad of Waste he smashes with his hammer. Aye, some rest would be beneficial to all. However, let us look for somewhere suitable upwind if we intend to start the pyre today. Dyvirm will move to assist Korma in his grim duty. Seeing as the others beginning to move to find a pyre, Albany sighs and asks if he can help the halflings lift the bodies and sets off to find a suitable place with Device and Korma. Maw, come on! Can you all (halflings) walk? Shall we set off after them?Afterward, where are you all heading? As Albany trudges after Korma and Device, he turns to ask Nadya, thinking her most knowledgeable about human civilization's security and guards. Does the kingdom even have guards to defend against this or report such instances? Or is it up to travelers to fend for themselves? Albany looks over the horizon, seeing time begin to move slower. Life seemed... so... sluggish... He trekked on after them.

Sunndi - Adventures in a Ravaged Kingdom|rating:3.0

Divided By Time ( Dark Rez & katgrimm)

(clenched the paddle with his hands and pelted at the water enough to cause it to splash up into the boat. Lost, afraid, and hearing the sound of his stomach plea for food didn’t help him at all. He’d only been splashing at the water a few minutes, and already his arms felt like jello. In the past three weeks, the stray soldier underwent hell on the high seas. A simple mission that would have been completed and had him back at home gone terribly wrong. Three weeks ago, Belarus set out down the orange river with timber in his boat. He was given orders to deliver it to a remote village that needed help from being plundered by the outside enemy. It was an ordinary task, take the wood, help build a strong wall and get back home by horses that they would trade in turn. But none of the plans got put to action. About a day into his trip down the river, he felt a slight sting against his skin. He paid it no mind because he’d gotten all the required shots to keep him from getting ill. However, later during that day, he started to feel a sharp pain in his foot that traveled up his ankle, then leg, until it reached his abdomen and chest. He tried talking on his walkie-talkie, but no one replied at first, and by the time they did respond, it was too late. The soldier found himself on the ground writhing in pain. The shooting pain continued, but he also felt a numbness taking over his body starting in the same place that the pain had commenced. Before he knew it, everything went black. When Belarus came to his senses, he found himself clenching the edge of his boat. Startled by the revelation that he wasn’t bound by the river any longer, the sides of the riverbanks had all but disappeared. The trees vanished. The only thing he could see was lightning, the sound of the roaring river, along with the enormous waves that tossed him every few minutes. At any moment, he thought that he’d be thrown overboard, but luckily he prevailed through the storm that lasted three whole days. The day started like any other day. The birds were chirping in the air every so often, trying to fish to stay alive and keep his sanity by playing a few games he’d made up over his time in the Navy SEALs. Hours passed by and his hope for being able to eat that day dwindled like the previous days before, his stomach showed him no pity, it only craved one thing… food. Everything changed about midday though, when he turned his head to the north he noticed a sandy bank that lined in the distance. Thus, he started paddling as vigorously as he could, hoping that he might be able to make it before the sunset. In the back of his mind laid an underlying thought, what if the sand was only a mirage? A pure figment of his imagination, something to ease his pain? Goosebumps started to lump up his arm at the idea that he could, in fact, be fooled by his own fantasies. No matter the thoughts though, he kept plucking away at the water, hoping and wanting to prove himself wrong. The sun drifted in the skies as he continued on his track. The bank drew nearer, and that’s when it hit him like a ton of bricks. Belarus had been so caught up by just the banks that he ignored what laid bare right in front of his eyes. It wasn’t anything he had ever seen before, and that scared him to hope that maybe this was only a creation that he was making up. In front of him, he saw buildings that were stacked upon each other. Surrounding the city was an enormous wall with spears pointing downwards, he knew innately from his training that this wasn’t just for show but for defense. Every thirty to forty feet were coverings that had windows and doorways, along with fires that were sparked to keep the place lit during the night hours. In the epicenter of the city, he spotted two towers that were erected high above the town. The sun glistened off of them enough to make him turn his head to avoid being blinded by the setting sun. To him, this should have been deemed another wonder of the world. Though, the Navy SEAL had never heard about, nor seen a place such as this in all of his years of service. The city had an older feel to it, but yet, that didn’t deter him away from continuing his paddling towards the sandy shores. If it was something real, and they captured him, perhaps the people could give him direction on how to get back to his homeland. It was a long shot, but it was death, either way, he only hoped if it was these people killing him that it would be quick and painless. As he approached the city, he found himself forcing his lungs to breath. The air grew denser by the moment. The same numbness that plagued him weeks ago returned all of a sudden. His heart quickened as he loosened the paddle. He started to move across the boat, and as he did, the numbness caused his body to stumble and fell onto the wooden board beneath. However, his boat didn’t stop in its tracks, nor did it float idly, but he noticed the land was approaching hastily. His vision started to blur, and the last thing he saw was the massive towers erected high above the city, and once again, Belarus lost consciousness. Helena had been tending to her garden near the rocky cliff side. The soft hum carried through the air as she gently caressed the petals of an exotic bloom before she motioned at it with her hand, the movement caused the pigment in the petals shift from the deep midnight blue into a burnt orange that matched the setting sun on the horizon. Helena moved to the next one tending to them all as she awaited for her Father’s return to the kingdom. Helena had been anxiously awaiting his royal highness’s return. She had been tasked to familiarize herself with one of the even lords who wished for her hand, a dull and boring task in itself as Gallo managed to talk on exasperatingly long sentences in monotone about himself. She is way dying to inform her father of the ill match as soon as possible. It had been four long weeks since his departure to the countryside to visit his people, which meant it had been four long weeks confined to a castle with a man so shallow and vain she was about ready to scream. At least she managed to disappear and tend to the flowers, a calm has washed over her as she felt the light drops of rain sprinkle from above the orange tinted sky contrasting against the dark clouds that began forming over head.“You’ve surely done it this time.” She hissed to herself as she pulled her cloak on covering her hair from the slowly heaving rains. Turning from the plants she looked out into the ocean, the thought of running away from the strict lifestyle she leads in favor of adventure. That was until she noticed an odd speck in the distance, it caused her to tilt her head gently to the side as she tired to identify it from the distance. Helena moved from where she stood towards the beach fueled by the strong magnetic pull to the water as she quickened her pace, skipping over rocks, leaping over gaps, to where she trudged through the sand as the mysterious vessel crashed on land. Dark green eyes widened in awe as she moved cautiously closer, she didn’t have much time the royal guard would be there in a matter of moments and her exploration would be cut short due to protocol. “He. Hello?” She called out wondering if there had been a survivor as she tested the stability by stepping on it. She saw the form of a man, yet he was in foreign dress and larger than her people. Helena moved cautiously closer to the unconscious form her hand gently resting on his shoulder shaking him gently. “Are you in need of aid?” She asked hoping for some response before she inhaled a shaky breath and used her own energy to heal. A soft glow of gold surrounded the man before she gasped loudly, he wasn’t an elf. “Can you hear me?” She asked softly as she bent down, kneeling beside him as her crimson locks spilled from under her hood as the rain grew heavier. “Wake up. The storm is going to get worse. Let me tend to you.” She added wondering if the offer for assistance would rouse him.” Milady! Step away from that creature!” One of the elder guards ordered as he arrived at scene. His companion looked surprised at the sight before them as they aimed their spears as they neared the man. The rain pouring upon them as lightning crackled across the sky. No signs of the pleasant day were visible as the darkness fell upon them causing their eyes to adjust to the ill lightning.“He is no threat. Stand down.” Helena ordered as she rose to her feet her grown sweeping over his arm as she crossed her arms in annoyance. The heir to the throne was young and naive, she was only 24, and yet she knew how to command. “Can you not see he is not well? How is a man a threat laying as if he is dead on the ground?” She asked waiting for them to justify their need to aim their weapons.” It is our duty to ensure your safety milady, no matter the cost.” The elder offered as he closed the distance. “Your father would have us hanged if something wretched happened to you.” Squeaked the young assistant. “We will take him to the castle.” He added before earning a glare from the princess. “We shall be gentle?” He added hoping to appease her. “Has my father returned?” She asked as she watched the men secure Belarus. She stood before him once more this time her hands resting on both sides of his face attempting once more to help him. “Awaken.” She whispered the glow once more surrounding him this time brighter as she winced at the sudden heat that touched her hands.“He requires food and drink.” She offered rubbing her hands together a warmth pooling in the pit of her stomach before she turned away. “Board him in my chamber. I wish to take care of this one.” She added knowing full well it was nothing more than a pipe dream. Protocol would have him housed in the castle’s dungeon till her father’s return.” You know well that we are unable to fulfill your request.” Scolded the elder as he and his help carried Belarus towards the castle. “You are free to venture down into the dungeons if needed. We can not allow him out until your father returns.” He offered.“If it must be that way so be it.” She grumbled softly as she followed after them the rain continuing to pour as she unclasped her cloak. “He has suffered enough. Allow him at least some protection.” She offered not caring about her own state as she caused the men to wait for her to cover him in her cloak. It smelled faintly of lavender and sage as it managed to provide some shelter. Her crimson locks had gotten darker as they walked on. Her arms wrapped around herself as she pondered how such creature arrived at their shores. Beyond that her mind wondered why it reacted in such a way when she touched his skin. The Dream(up. Wake up. Wake up! Delarus heard a strange voice echoing between his ears., a sound that he wasn’t familiar with, who was it? The question instantly came to mind. The last thing he remembered was seeing an island out in the body of water drawing closer and closer. Beckoning his worst fears, was he dead? He opened his eyes to look around but met the sight of a dark-gloomy void that filled the space in front of him. Every breath warmed his throat and dried his mouth at the same time, have I gone to hell? He panicked. You’re awake. He heard the voice cut through the air once again. He tried to pinpoint its location but failed. It sounded as if it was coming from all around him and within him all at the same time. The only thing he managed to pick up on was the voice was that of a woman.“Where am I?” He finally answered the voice. You’re a long way from home. We haven’t seen your kind in years, but we’ve been expecting your arrival for quite some time. Still, Belarus found himself trying to figure out where the voice was coming from and what ‘it’ was talking about. That’s when he noticed, he couldn’t feel any part of his body. He tried to think about what moving his arm felt like, but couldn’t remember. His eyes widened in the darkness as he tried earnestly to remember, but his memory failed him.“What are you talking about? Wait, you said ‘we’’ who is we?” A light chuckle cut through the darkness. Elves, we Elves have been waiting for you. At that moment, the Navy SEAL speculated if this was some sort of prank his comrades were playing on him. Did they expect him to believe in some fairy-tale? His blood started to boil at the thought, he hadn’t had a cigarette in weeks and if it was one of their training ploys somebodies ass was going to be kicked. He wasn’t going to respond, if he was dead, then he was dead, but if this were a joke, it wouldn’t last forever. I do not have long to explain the history of our people, but grave danger awaits you. Grave danger awaits our royal sovereigns, and you, you’re the freedom that we have been preparing our people about for decades.“Do you expect me to believe in fairy-tales? Who is this? Alice? Vanessa? Who put you up to this, commander Rot hens?” He spoke with fire in his voice. His inward thoughts being displayed in the form of anger, and he wasn’t happy at all. His voice lingered for a few minutes, and he thought that they might be too embarrassed to speak. However on the inside of his mind, he could hear a light whispering, but he couldn’t quite make out what it was saying. It sounded like the same voice mixed with a few other voices.“Answer me?” He pressed.… Get to it, and you will free our people. Save her, she is the key! The voice screamed loudly in his ear. Belarus didn’t have time to be confused though, nor would he be able to figure him out because the new world beckoned him. Prison: A Dark Beginning(“Ah!” Delarus woke up hearing what sounded like a scream. Immediately his lungs burned inside his chest, and he coughed. After a couple of them, he felt water beginning to exit through his mouth and nose as he spits it up on the ground. It didn’t help that he was in a panic. A cold wind pressed through the room. His body shivered from what felt like bullets riveting through his bones. “What the fuck?” He said in a hoarse voice. His eyes finally popped open, and this time, it wasn’t met by darkness entirely. Flames flickered in the darkness, and when he squinted he could see someone standing in front of what appeared to be bars. ‘Where am I?’ He questioned like he did in the dream. Another wind passed by, this time he hugged his body with his arms. As he did, he found quickly that he couldn’t feel any clothes on his body. He felt for them hectically, but only found the scars that he’d gained from war after war. Delarius sighed a breath, at least he wasn’t dead, he felt honored to be able to handle his arms and legs once again. He even somewhat welcomed the pain and the headache that came with waking up, though it wasn’t pleasant. The seal pushed pried himself from the floor and into an upright position. His legs still felt wobbly like jelly, and he thought that he might fall onto the ground. Luckily he stumbled and used the wall for stability. He moved across the ground and over to the bars and figure that stood outside of them.“W-what am I doing here?” He said out loud as he drew near. The guard remained centered. His head moved slightly as if he wanted to turn and look at the prisoner, but didn’t move at all. From what Belarus could tell is the figure was a bit taller than him, and he was no short man. He stood at around six foot three, this person was probably pushing six eight, maybe nine. The guard wore shiny armor, he couldn’t make out the colors though because of the shadows, only the flames reflected off of the metal. At his side was what appeared to be a sword, which confused him even more, if it was Afrikaans then they would undoubtedly have guns. Now confident he was losing his mind, he tried all the more to remember the dream he had and what the lady had said to him. Though he hoped that this in itself was all just a nightmare. ”It’s awake.” Murmured one of the guards as he walked down the hall. The curiosity evident on his features, far different from the elder standing at attention as he raised a brow. “Should we let the lady know he is awake?” He asked wondering if they should notify Helena.“You wish to disturb the princess?” The elder man scoffed finally turning his head to look at their prisoner. She had instructed them to notify her upon his awakening, weighing the pros and cons he sighed before looking at the younger. “Aiden, inform her that the guest is wide awake.”“Yes, sir.” Aiden offered with a salute before he turned and raced up the stairwell. “Milady will be pleased that you are well.” He added the sound of his voice echoing behind him leaving KAL alone.“Let us pray that you will not cause the fall of the kingdom.” KAL grumbled as he turned to move towards Belarus. “How do you feel?” He asked before pondering his earlier questions selecting his words carefully before answering. “You are in Thelma. Milady discovered your vessel on the shore and attempted waking you. You are from beyond the View are you not? Your kind has not been present in our world for centuries.” He adds as if he were assessing the type of threat an injured ailing man could be. “She will come down. You at least should appear presentable.” He warned motioning to the bundle of clothes sitting on the crate inside the cell. “Best prepare before she arrives. And do return her cloak. She wished to keep you warm.”•••Helena had been in her chamber brushing her hair, her eyes closed as she hummed softly with every stroke. At least she was safely locked away from Gallo, who would have died to rattle her ear off about his home and how any woman would be honored to be his bride. Not exactly what she wanted. She wanted to explore and travel. She wanted to ride into battle like her mother. If only her father understood her desires. She sighed heavily as she rested the silver brush down, the thin rose colored gown reached her knees when she stood up and paced her room. She was concerned about the traveler. Was he sick? Had he woken? Her mind started to rack up more questions than answers when the knock at her door caused her to freeze in mid-step. Her heart beat quickly in her chest as she turned towards the door running quickly towards it. Helena flung it open with enough force that it slammed against the wall as she tried to interpret the expression on Aiden’s face. “Is he. Is he well?”“He has awoken. KAL is watching him. You requested that someone retrieve you.” Aiden offered breathlessly, it was evident he had taken her orders seriously as he appeared out of breath. He was trying to recover at her door. “I can escort you down to his cell.” He offered knowing full well she would want to see him.“Obviously.” Helena replied as she slipped her feet into her shoes before stepping out of her room. She hadn’t bothered to pull on a coat or robe over her evening gown as she walked almost ahead of her guard who was struggling to keep up with the pace she had set. “Is he hurt? I can. I can try healing him once more if that is the case.”“He appears well... He was speaking of a Vanessa or Melissa earlier.” Aiden offered having overheard Belarus’s delirium. “It’s possible he is concerned about his mate’s wellbeing. Do you believe they were on the vessel with him?” Aiden asked suddenly concerned about the welfare of an unknown being.“I am not sure. We must ask for clarification. If we must, we can order someone to watch the shore for a body.” She offered with a small frown as she walked down the stairs. The soft sounds of her footsteps filled the air as they moved through the building. The sound of the rain fading from the air the further they moved down. The halls were darkening, not just due to the lack of windows but the late hour. Her eyes took a few moments to adjust as she finally reached the last step, Aiden moving past her to unlock the door after checking if the coast was clear. “I doubt anyone would concern themselves with following me at this hour.” she scoffed softly before being allowed in.”You never know Milady. There are men in the court who wish nothing more than to wound your father. Another number of them who wish to see you as theirs.” Aiden offered with a sigh as he quickly shut the door behind them.“You are starting to sound like KAL.” Helena warned as she moved down the hall. “KAL, is he awake still?” She called out into the darkness as she maneuvered her way through the dimly lit corridor. “Have you ordered him a meal? He must be famished. What of drink?” She asked quickly.“If you wish. Aiden can be sent to retrieve what he desires.” KAL commented making his way down the hall to meet her. “You did not hesitate to check his condition.”“Why must I retrieve the food? Have I not done my share of tasks today? I brought the lady here.” Whined the younger man only earning a warning look from KAL. “Fine! If I must, I go. Milady.” Aiden offered with a deep bow before he turned around and walked back up the stairs leaving Helena with KAL.“May I see him?” Helena asked softly before motioning down the hall. KAL stepped aside allowing her to pass as she approached the cell. “Hello. Are you well? I have sent for some food and drink. You must be exhausted. Was your mate on the vessel with you? My guard mentioned you murmured a name... a mate name perhaps? We can canvas men to watch the shore.” She rambled. The guards paid Belarus no attention at first whatsoever. He heard the faint whispers in the shadows, but he couldn’t hear anything that they were saying. ‘Why am I imprisoned?’ He thought to himself, last he checked he hadn’t done anything abnormally wrong. Even in the African villages, the people weren’t so harsh as to put you in prison first before finding out why you were on their land. “I bring wood, fine wood.” He said.“Let us pray that you will not cause the fall of the kingdom.”‘“Fall of the kingdom? I am here to help your kingdom. I told you that I brought wood, did I not?”‘How do you feel?’ Not very good, considering I’m falsely imprisoned. Did you take the goods? When my commander finds out I am missing, he will not be so pleased when he arrives.” He threatened with a low tone in his throat. You are from beyond the View are you not? Your kind has not been present in our world for centuries.” The guard said.‘The view?’ He didn’t know what the guard spoke about. One thing that stood out to him about the guard was his accent, it wasn’t the thick African voices that were sometimes hard to understand, it wasn’t American or British either. The voice sounded completely different from what the seal had ever heard before this. ‘Our world?’ It hit him, where was he? “Enough of your games, I demand to speak with the person in charge. I want answers, and you don’t have them.”“She will come down. You at least should appear presentable.”“Finally!” He said with distaste. The guard motioned to the clothing that he could barely see, only the light dancing from the flames outside the wall gave its location away. Belarus walked over to the clothing and examined it for a moment. The Africans had always been known for poisons, he wasn’t taking any chances. He donned the shirt, a beige cotton feel. He was comfortable. Then the pants that were black, but oddly, they felt one and the same. He covered his shoes with the overlay of the cotton pants and then sat in the chair the clothes were laid in and waited for their superior to arrive.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Belarus remained seated without any further word to the guard. He recounted his steps and continued trying to solve the unspoken puzzle, how did he get there? Furthermore, he recalled seeing the shore, the buildings, even the wall and guard posts. But one thing remained unclear, just how he had gotten so far off course. He wondered where he was at in the unknown city, and he sort of wished it was only a dream; though he knew it wasn’t. The African’s all felt a cultural protocol, and this wasn’t it. He knew he was somewhere entirely from the African plains. Half an hour passed by and the only sounds that filled the prison were the torches burning against the stone. He thought that perhaps no one was coming, a ploy to keep him expecting for something that would never happen. He grew impatient, though he kept his wits and remained silent. Anger would do nothing. Footsteps echoed through the chambers. Voices much louder than earlier echoed off of the walls, and he could make out each one. Still, the accents piqued his curiosity as to where they were from. The guard who had remained there the whole time disappeared into the shadows. Belarus felt an urge to look through the iron bars but refrained from doing so.“Hello. Are you well? I have sent for some food and drink. You must be exhausted. Was your mate on the vessel with you? My guard mentioned you murmured a name... a mate name perhaps? A light call came through the bars. Belarus turned to acknowledge its presence, but once again, a surprise came. It wasn’t a male, it was a female. Furthering the notion that he was in a different place of society altogether, the Africans would never give charge to a woman over men, it just wasn't in their culture. Nevertheless, he felt relieved that someone had come instead of talking to the imbecile of a guard. The seal stood to his feet and walked towards the bars that separated them. “Funny isn’t it?” He said. “Your people welcome a man washing up on your shores, deprived of food for weeks, probably passed out by throwing him in prison. And you show him gratitude after?” He said. He took a moment to ponder the woman’s question. “No. No one else was on the ship with me, I traveled alone. I brought your people wood and offered my assistance to build a wall, but… it looks like you have the wall already taken care of. So, why don’t you release me, and let me go on my way back home? If you do, I won’t tell my commander, I will not speak of these events. I will only leave the wood and say that you insisted on building the fucking wall yourself,” He said. Delarus knew it wasn’t going to happen. People, villages didn’t just lock up others without a proper motivation behind him. His stomach churned, and he had a bad feeling about exactly why he was behind the cage. The question remained as to how he got there? “Also, your fucktard, I mean guard over there mentioned something about a view, and you haven’t seen my kind in several hundred years. What does he mean by that? Last I checked, all the continents were discovered years ago? Where is your village, city located? I’ve never seen anything like it before, and I’ve been to many places.” He said. Aiden had long since left leaving KAL and Helena to interact with the prisoner. She had warned them that he would grow angry or agitated by being locked away in a cell. “I am Helena. Please forgive my men. They are under orders from my father to ensure the safety of the kingdom. They strictly follow protocol or face death if they disobey him.” She offered hoping to ease his anger as she shook her head. “I discovered you on the shore. You seemed on the brink of death and I did what I could to awaken you. My original orders were for you to be taken to my chamber.” She blinked at his words trying to understand.“No. No one else was on the ship with me, I traveled alone. I brought your people wood and offered my assistance to build a wall, but… it looks like you have the wall already taken care of. So, why don’t you release me, and let me go on my way back home? If you do, I won’t tell my commander, I will not speak of these events. I will only leave the wood and say that you insisted on building the fucking wall yourself,” Belarus said. She added softly her emerald eyes barely visible in the darkness. “Do you want to join me for some air? The rain sounds as if it has subsided.” She added only earning a glare from KAL. “Wood? There was none on your vessel upon your arrival. It’s a miracle your vessel stayed intact to get you to shore. FuckingWall? Is that a variation of enhancement?” Her curiosity was definitely getting the better of her.“Also, your fucktard, I mean guard over there mentioned something about a view, and you haven’t seen my kind in several hundred years. What does he mean by that? Last I checked, all the continents were discovered years ago? Where is your village, city located? I’ve never seen anything like it before, and I’ve been to many places.” ‘Fucktard? I wonder if that is a variation of esteemed?’ Helena wondered to herself as she scowled slightly. “The view? We haven’t talked about that in years. It is part of tales we tell the children. A place beyond us where there are marvels that wonder and constant war. It is said to be smaller than ours.” She offered as she chewed on her lip. “We are on the continent of Lagos in the kingdom of Chris.”“Milady, that isn’t a wise choice. He is an unknown and he is irritable at that.” He scoffed looking past her into the cell and despite his best efforts reached for the keys and unlocked the door. “If he dares to harm you we are required to strike milady.” He warned darkly as he stepped aside allowing the smaller woman inside the cell.“Don’t be such a maid.” Helena quipped as she stepped into the cell offering him her hand. The soft palm faced up as she looked at him expectantly hoping her kindness would be accepted rather than a form of challenge. “Come. I am certain you are famished.” She added once more when she heard the door open once more down the end of the hall. The sound of dishes being juggled and balanced as they made their way towards them. “KAL. Aiden. Can one of thee bring in some lighting.” She asked softly as she moved around his room finding a place to sit.“I wish you no harm. I may be twenty-eight sun cycles old, but that does not mean I am cruel. Our land has rules. Mainly all belonging to my father. Most of which are in place due to the queen’s death.” She added softly her eyes growing distant for a moment as if the memory still caused her heart to bleed despite the many years past. “I have yet to have a name for thee. I wish not to call you male the entire time you are here. You are male, correct?” She asked suddenly wondering if she had the right gender.“Helena. I have retrieved all the things that you wished.” Aiden offered as he looked at the princess with sheer admiration. It was nice to have someone actually devoted to their leaders. In the modern world, regimes rose and fell without a care in a world, it was similar to the tide of the sea. No power had such loyalty now.“Do we have men in charge of constructing the Fucking Wall?” Helena asked her voice soft towards Aiden as he approached with the food. The guard looked at her equally confused and shrugged his shoulders at her. “Here eat with me. I am certain we can straighten out the misunderstandings of my people.” She offered hopefully as she removed the cover, fresh fruit displayed on one dish and the other seemed covered with a large slice of cooked roast. Belarus stood there with confusion written on his face. He didn’t want any part of joining her for anything, yet for some reason, he felt compelled to accept her offer. Even so, he wasn’t going to make it clear to her. He was in an unknown place, these people were oddly different, and their customs foreign to where he’d come from. He was at a disadvantage. Belarus thought about the chances of survival if he were to take hold of the woman through the iron bars, but he dismissed each thought as he knew that he wouldn’t make it out alive. He would do anything now to survive.‘To her chambers?’ He focused solely on that statement. Furthermore, he thought about what she intended to do with him when he woke up; surely she thought it through. Belarus was beginning to see her as weak and vulnerable, not wise for a leader.“Then why am I behind these bars?” He grumbled, ignoring the statement that she made earlier about her father. If she genuinely cared for his well-being, then she would have made it a priority to allow him to go to her chambers. Though if she did, she probably wouldn’t be among the living right now. He was selfish. “Do you want to join me for some air? The rain sounds as if it has subsided.” She added only earning a glare from KAL. “Wood? There was none on your vessel upon your arrival. It’s a miracle your vessel stayed intact to get you to shore. Fucking Wall? Is that a variation of enhancement?” His remained unresponsive and unknowing as she asked him the question. He felt that she had given away another one of her weaknesses, she was way too willing to expose herself to someone that she just didn’t know. The wood disappeared?’ He grumbled from the revelation. But at least his vessel had survived, he would have to remember that in the future for his escape.“No, it is the stones that surround your city. That is a fucking wall,” he retorted.“The view? We haven’t talked about that in years. It is part of tales we tell the children. A place beyond us where there are marvels that wonder and constant war. It is said to be smaller than ours.” “We are on the continent of Lagos in the kingdom of Chris.” “Well, I, for one, have never heard of it. I am not much on fairy tales, stopped believing those at Santa Claus.” He admitted. His eyes widened and saliva caught inside his throat when she told him their location. It sounds vague and familiar, but he couldn’t quite place his finger on what it was. If he indeed was in a different world, then what happened to his people? What happened to his commander and the people who depended on him for help? “L-a-g-i-s,” he said trying to pronounce it but ultimately failing at it miserably. If what she stated was true, then only his Navy SEAL instincts could carry him forward from where he sat. Delarus turned when he heard the clattering at the end of the hall. He didn’t capture much of her and the guard's exchange of words. The bars parted away from his body, and it fully opened for her to venture in, but also for him to escape. ‘Could he escape?’ What did the woman and the guard say for her to come in so casually?’ He thought. Though if the princess entered in so casually, she should be able to defend herself. Using caution, he moved backward and would devise a plan of escape for a later time, precisely when nobody was around.“I wish you no harm. I may be twenty-eight sun cycles old, but that does not mean I am cruel. Our land has rules. Mainly all belonging to my father. Most of which are in place due to the queen’s death.”“Young and naive. If your father were wise, then he wouldn’t let you venture so freely into a dungeon with a person you know nothing about. What’s to say I don’t kill you now or take you hostage? He looked at the guard who tightened his hand around his blade. Delarus relaxed and bent his head down in hopes they wouldn’t take it as an open threat, but more of a statement. “This world… your world I take it doesn’t show any pity on the weak or at least mine doesn’t. If you were in the place where I come from, you would be killed.” He said.“My name is Belarus Vancouver.” He said. He didn’t make any sudden movements, ever since he made the statement, the guard stood on edge. Furthermore, he didn’t want to give his name but felt like he needed too. Figured it would be better to build bridges than to burn them, at least that was his reasoning. He nodded when she asked if he was male. He pondered if the species might be special and stupid. From what he saw on the outside, it didn’t imply it, but the people he met on the inside proved it to be evident. The guard came in with food, greeting the woman but ignoring his presence. She turned her attention back to him though, and he put up his hand. “No, I am not hung…” right then, his stomach rumbled like thunder. Belarus’ orbs never turned from hers, and he sighed, “Fine, I will eat with you.” He said. The food didn’t look like anything he’d ever seen before. It was a pile of colors that were indescribable, and the texture looked as if it were made of jelly, sand, and grit all combined into one. The food wasn’t presentable either, it was just thrown on a plate, but the woman was much more appetizing. “Thank you,” he said. He’d eaten his fair share of unpalatable food, this would just have to be another occasion. He ate in silence for a while. The food tasted much better than it looked on the plate. When he finished up the last scraping off of his plate, he turned his attention back to the princess. “I am going to ask a question,” he said. “How did I get here? Why am I here? And what will you do with me?” He said with a seriousness in his tone. The seal finally wanted answers. Helena might have been young and slightly naive, but she had some faith in herself to ensure her own safety. She hadn’t exactly planned what she would have done to the larger man beside place him in some sort of magical restraints till he was willing to talk to her.“You are behind the bars due to policy. My men consider you a potential threat. You are broader than they are. Size alone can cause the perception of you to be possibly threatening.” Helena offered looking at him. “You seem to be an angry creature.” She said simply as she tilted her head to assess him. “I know injuries tend to bring out the worst in all.” She added before waiting for him to either reveal where he hurt or if that was just his general nature. Her eyes narrowed on him, the fact he chose to believe she was completely idiotic boiling her blood as she rolled her eyes at him. “I know what a wall is. I just do not understand the term fucking. Is it a curse? Is it a description of enhancement? Is it something that is done? What in tells does it mean?” She hissed now visibly annoyed. Kal and Aiden looked at her as if surprised by her reaction. It seemed misery loved company and Belarus was managing to piss off the Princess to make her equally bitter as he was. “Madam, perhaps you should get the air for yourself.” KAL offered as her earned his own look from the princess. “You know of Santa Claus? The grand elf who delivers gifts to children once a year during winter?” Helena asked her curiosity returning as she looked at Belarus once more as if still trying to figure out where he stood.“The city is called Lagos.” Helena offered hearing his attempt to repeat it. “La-go-s,” she offered slowly hoping to assist him in grasping the word before she observed the physical changes in his demeanor, maybe it was a front, but he wasn’t exactly the kindest man to speak with. It seemed no matter what she did his sunny disposition was prominent in ruining any attempts she made to being civil.“You were a solider once.” Helena offered vocalizing her observation as she watched him. “It’s obvious in the way you hold your posture. It’s also why you doubt any kindness. War does things to the mind and yet not all take it well.” She continued before stepping lightly to the second place to sit as she took her own bite. He wouldn’t trust anything offered to him unless observing someone eating with him to share the mutual pain.’ Why is he so rude? I have done everything in my power to not upset him, and yet he continues to press issues or dig up things to doubt my abilities.’“Am I really? How do you count the passing of time?” She asked as she took another bite her eyes glued to him expectantly before she tucked a crimson lock behind her ear. “I wager that I am older than you are.” she added with a small smile before rolling her eye at him. “If you were going to do that. You would have already done so. My men would have then as a result killed you, and you would be no closer to knowing how or why you made it here.” Helena sighed this seemed to go nowhere, and so she rose to her feet. “It does not. I may not be skilled in bladed combat, but I can defend myself easily. It is why I am allowed to travel on my own.” She added as she turned her hand and caused a soft glow of golden light to form in the palm of her hand. “I expect nothing less. I do however wish for fair opportunity to speak, as I attempt to a lot to you.”Finally, a name. “Belarus, please eat and rest. My father returns tomorrow, and it is possible we can release you and send you out on your way. You are welcome.” She managed before catching the way he nodded to her inquiry regarding his gender. “I only ask because one cannot tell the difference between specific species, a dragon for example has no visible differences unless in heat. The ogre has both sets of genitalia, and yet they are divided into two categories. You are... apparently unique.” Her comment might reveal the intelligence of her people and the open attempts to avoid insulting another by accident. Her eyes narrowing on him before she walked out of the cell. “You are angry. Anger makes people do stupid things.” Helena was about to leave when he started asking questions, and she turned around and crossed her arms. Silently she allowed his questions to dance around her mind as she closed her eyes in thought. “Someone must have given you an elixir. Our worlds are separated by magic and only those who can metabolize it are welcome. Those who cannot just grow ill as if they had consumed large quantities of alcohol.” She offered to his first question.“As to why you are here. If you are in fact from the world of man. It’s possible you are here to re-establish the link between the worlds. Our interactions with you ended because of betrayal, a royal death that ended with exile and the creation of the View.” She offered thinking a little more. “As to what he will do with you. Possibly discuss the passing of time in your realm and ours. Possibly the building of an alliance depending on how pleasant you are.” She left it at that as she looked at Belarus. “Eat and get some rest. Word has been sent to my father and he is now scheduled to return sooner. Good night Belarus.” Helena offered as she finally removed herself from his cell and looked at the guards. “Don’t lock it. I am sure he won’t be harmful. Just confused and lost.” She added looking back. KAL seemed less likely to comply while Aiden nodded.“Ahh wait...” Helena managed as she reached the door and retreated back to Belarus’s door. “I was going to leave this here for you. Our nights get colder.” She offered as she unhooked the clasps on her cloak and pulling it off her smaller frame.“It’s made of Fire Fox fur so it keeps the wearer pleasantly warm in the winter.” She offered holding it out to him revealing her state of dress. Furthermore, she has obviously been about to go to bed when the message he was awake reached her. Her crimson locks spilled over her shoulders clashing against the soft creamy porcelain skin that donned a silk minty hued gown. “I bid thee a goodnight. I shall come to join you for breakfast in the morn.”

Divided By Time ( Dark Rez & katgrimm)|rating:4.0

Perversion of Innistrad (OOC)

Main Campaign:#msg14243659 (#msg14243659)Char sheets: #msg14241229 (#msg14241229)Leads topic/socializing:Coming as soon as needed! Map of Instead(Thread for the Instead campaign. We take Raven loft, the Instead setting and perversion, throw it all into one pot and stir it all about!-Alright everyone, got some pretty good ideas with the characters I've seen, waiting for a little more before kicking things off IC, here's your chance to ask/request things before we get fully into things! Not really familiar with Instead but I am with Raven loft, though if you wonder I did play MTG for some years. Ok so I am the only non-human so far, cool, sort of scary but overall sounds like fun, yay ;D possible roles:-leader-mascot-partyslutI hope that by mixing the rules I can somewhat surprise either camp. Not knowing the backstory will make this Mar interesting. *nods* Quote from: Role-play Frog on 30-06-2018, 00:39:13possible roles: -leader-mascot-partyslutI hope that by mixing the rules I can somewhat surprise either camp. Not knowing the backstory will make this Mar interesting. *nods*I'm ok with any and all of those roles, would like to add wannabe heroine to those. She does not have medium armor proficiency until next level, but she is carrying one as she trains with it to become a better warrior. ^^ Also I forgot to mention again would it be ok I changed the insight proficiency for something else so she is more naive and easier to fool? I can only think of sleight of hand though since I want her to stay ditsy and not taking athletics or acrobatics either as I want her to be grappleable as well. Ditsy dragon huh. I see nothing going wrong with this. Go wild. Coolant sort of went wild already looking for pictures for some of my equipment. :P I have to say I very much like the idea of a wannabe adventurer in over her head that gets taken advantage of far more often than is healthy. In over your head? Nooo. Nonono. You can do this. Boy, looking at everyone else's on/offs for this... I'm definitely into a lot more out there stuff than everyone else. Hope that doesn't cause problems. IC topic posted, oink:IC Thread:#msg14243659 (#msg14243659)Map of the world added to the IOC, first post. QuoteBoy, looking at everyone else's on/offs for this... I'm definitely into a lot more out there stuff than everyone else. Hope that doesn't cause problems. I'll simply hit everyone with the lewd monster one-two and expect people to poke me in pm if they want something specific/Mar, . After the campaign pace has somewhat established itself, that is. Quote from: schnooks on 30-06-2018, 19:57:02Boy, looking at everyone else's on/offs for this... I'm definitely into a lot more out there stuff than everyone else. Hope that doesn't cause problems. I wouldn't worry about it. I'm into more than I let on anyway. Quote from: Standard on 30-06-2018, 23:22:32I wouldn't worry about it. I'm into more than I let on anyway. Likewise. As a bottom line rule, I will use at the most extreme some gross body horror things that might turn kinky (As soon as we got a good dynamic established in the first few weeks of the RP, that is), but if anyone at any time is uncomfy, just let me know. Everyone has different limits, after all, to some a futanari-character is already a bit extreme, to others it's a baseline desire. I think I'm into kinkier things than most, I do literally make money with 'em after all. (what I learned is that people enjoy things the most if you just go wild and dive into various fetishes. I notice that a lot of people have -romance- as a fetish option, so that's very nice, I'll try to come up with some monstrous lovers, we got vampires, werewolves, spirits and demons to chose from, and I like the backgrounds, each with possible pothooks, if, hopefully, y'all stay around and active we can build a nice dynamic with that, I would worry about fetishes later. To be clear, just because I didn't list something doesn't mean I'm not down for it. I just sort of thought like, what elicits especially positive reactions to me for the context of both this RP and this character. For some things (non-con, monsters, bestiality, for example), I'm totally into that sort of stuff, but either I don't know how well I'd like it for this character, or I feel as though my interest would depend on context, and didn't want to make it seem like I'd universally be for or against it. For other things (like incest, for example), as much as I'm into it, it wouldn't make much sense for this character (her family is dead.) Although, as I type this, I realized that this is a setting where "dead" isn't exactly always permanent. So like, ya know, I guess I can say I'd be totally down to her banging a (non-gross zombie-like) undead relative or something. I haven't put that much thought into what exactly her family was like BEFORE they all died, though. For the sake of incest I'd totally be happy to say she had like, a hot sister or something, lol. Hell, maybe her mom was a total MILF too. And I mean, there are other things that I'd totally be down for but just didn't think to list, like, IDK. Anal. I'm totally cool for butt-stuff, but I just didn't think to put it on the list, lol I like how I can see you think things through while you write the post. :P(Pfft, like Ghost Dad needed a sequel. On a more serious note, can I start with a familiar already summoned? I've got the gold (I need to calculate just how much I have left, but it's more than the 10gp cost) *pokes head in*Do I spot a her-in-trousers club? Pour note MJ (maître de EU), EU-de-Rôle-de-Grenouille:Also for the IC thread, do you have any particular details for Roselle's intro? I knew I forgot one in the intro. Derp. Sure on pre-summoned familiar. Quote from: AutoCAD on 02-07-2018, 06:49:49*pokes head in*Do I spot a her-in-trousers club? Were there any terms...? Well, Lucien is one o3o Imma going to make Rosebleuela deuxièmeif no one objects. Disclaimer: even if you object I reserve the right to go ahead anyway. Unless you're a frog. :P Hao! I'm a frog. Also. Eh, you had an intro. Huh. What did I miss? Quote from: Role-play Frog on 02-07-2018, 13:10:38Heyo! I'm a frog. Also. Eh, you had an intro. Huh. What did I miss? You got intros for Zoya Althea Akira Sophia IG Lucien in spoilers the IC thread methinks. I'm down with a gnarly cold. Will try to get a post out tonight, but can't guarantee Quote from: AutoCAD on 02-07-2018, 15:30:58You got intros for Zoya Althea Akira Sophia IG Lucien in spoilers the IC thread methinks.Ah, I get it, confused the two french girls. Oui OUI. Updated with your intro as well. Yay! I now imagine a goblin with a cold too. Quote from: schnooks on 30-06-2018, 19:57:02Boy, looking at everyone else's on/offs for this... I'm definitely into a lot more out there stuff than everyone else. Hope that doesn't cause problems. I wouldn't worry too much either, I got some things I won't do, but I'm still very, very permissive ^^. Got anything particular on mind? Quote from: Role-play Frog on 30-06-2018, 23:40:54As a bottom line rule, I will use at the most extreme some gross body horror things that might turn kinky (As soon as we got a good dynamic established in the first few weeks of the RP, that is), but if anyone at any time is uncomfy, just let me know. Everyone has different limits, after all, to some a futanari-character is already a bit extreme, to others it's a baseline desire. I think I'm into kinkier things than most, I do literally make money with 'em after all. (what I learned is that people enjoy things the most if you just go wild and dive into various fetishes. I notice that a lot of people have -romance- as a fetish option, so that's very nice, I'll try to come up with some monstrous lovers, we got vampires, werewolves, spirits and demons to chose from, and I like the backgrounds, each with possible pothooks, if, hopefully, y'all stay around and active we can build a nice dynamic with that, I would worry about fetishes later. I used to make money out of it, pro webcam shows, but I no longer do that.Yeah, making Akira pretty naive I thought there be some room for a romance with not so good NPCs. By the way I failed to realize that my pack didn't include rations, or waterski. Can I still spend money and start with those? Oh, oh, heading to the IC now :) Quoted used to make money out of it, pro webcam shows, but I no longer do that. Oh my. QuoteBy the way I failed to realize that my pack didn't include rations, or waterski. Can I still spend money and start with those? No. YOU'RE STARVING MAHAYANA Quote from: Role-play Frog on 02-07-2018, 19:55:30oh my. No. YOU'RE STARVING MWAHAHAAGuess she bought too few and already ate it all then :P roll your calorie intake. True story: once made a neutral necromancer with skeletons that kept lecturing people about their calcium intake. His goal in life was to get a Boneyard-monster. Lucien may have a +0 to charisma, but that won't stop the horn dog from trying.(Also I hope no one minds me posting again so soon, but I believe we were told we could post out of order, yes?) You're welcome to post and interact. I'll respond to move the scene on once everyone had a say (or if I feel someone is not joining up on the party, earlier) I think I'll make an go-between response for everyone asking questions and etc., though. ^^ Knowledge History:At 2018-07-03 16:56:09, Zoya (UID: 38603) rolls: 1d20a3 Result: 17 (Religion:At 2018-07-03 16:56:47, Zoya (UID: 38603) rolls: 1d20a3 Result: 16 (too shabby for 12 INT (plus proficiency)! ’D I like to work rolls into RP posts. *Nod nod* Don't really have much to reply to though, since I just posted. Anything she'd bring up with Mr. Quest giver Guy depends on what she knows. Yeah, guess we'll have to wait and see on the responses, giving people another day before I consider the character a no-show myself. I didn't have the time to get a post in since your update yesterday, but I'll try to have one up today. I find the whole Angel thing highly amusing, considering I damn well know where angels come from in the MTG verse (and no, it's not "when a mommy angel and a daddy angel love each other very much...") I imagine discovering Avalon's origins could cause a wee crisis of faith... Quote from: schnooks on 04-07-2018, 04:22:18I find the whole Angel thing highly amusing, considering I damn well know where angels come from in the MTG verse (and no, it's not "when a mommy angel and a daddy angel love each other very much...") I imagine discovering Avalon's origins could cause a wee crisis of faith... Of course not, angels are all female, not counting Bolas creations, so what truly happens is a lot of lesbian lovemaking. When a mommy angel and a FTA angel love each other very much... >_> Sorry, I've been a bit busy, but I got my post out. Quote from: Role-play Frog on 04-07-2018, 00:09:02I like to work rolls into RP posts. *Nod nod*Not quite ready to write a post yet, and I should probably wait for dragon-girls reaction first in any event, but you could always edit it into your last GM thing? Then I'd have a bit more substance to work with for my reply. I can edit the rolls into my question about rolls if you want it documented in proper sequence. :-) Shit, I probably should have waited for the yobbo's post before assuming she didn't have a disguise or anything. Oh well, my post still more or less makes sense. Before or after the disguise dropped, short stack is short stack and Lucien would have been checking her out either way. :P Quote from: AutoCAD on 04-07-2018, 09:11:30When a mommy angel and a FTA angel love each other very much... Sgt;_Sgt;Kinky. QuoteNot quite ready to write a post yet, and I should probably wait for dragon-girls reaction first in any event, but you could always edit it into your last GM thing? Then I'd have a bit more substance to work with for my reply. I can edit the rolls into my question about rolls if you want it documented in proper sequence. :-)Oh right, we can do that. In the future, just roll what do you think appropriate into the post else we risk me missing it. Quoteshortstack is shortstackperv. Cool beans, I'll edit them in once I can get to an actual PC! This is actually why I didn't immediately do the rolls before - I tend to write on the side at work, sync it up to my phone and then post with it. But fiddling with rolls and all that on a mobile... too old for that fiddle work. ’D Quote from: Conduit on 04-07-2018, 13:47:52Cool beans, I'll edit them in once I can get to an actual PC! This is actually why I didn't immediately do the rolls before - I tend to write on the side at work, sync it up to my phone and then post with it. But fiddling with rolls and all that on a mobile... too old for that fiddle work. Yeah getting older sucks, I remember when I could eat three flies at once... Oh well, for now, I'll do a DM response to the folks that've posted, giving a little Mar time before I roll things along. Oh, foggy, that reminds me... been meaning to mention it, but turns out I played your games ages ago. For some reason I thought the demon hunter one was finished, though... is it getting some more expansion? Quote from: Conduit on 04-07-2018, 13:56:17Oh, foggy, that reminds me... been meaning to mention it, but turns out I played your games ages ago. For some reason I thought the demon hunter one was finished, though... is it getting some more expansion? It's getting a complete rework, you ought to check it out, follow me on Patreon, subscribe to me on Tumblr, hit the bell button while you're there, thumb me up on Twitter and remember to retweet me on Instagram and Pinterest and subscribe to me on Google plus. Whoops, sorry, I have no idea how I managed to miss that she'd taken the ring already and hadn't just asked. About the light and all that since I wasn't told anything about it before I was assuming Akira she was not a native. She is still from a place far, far away but where could that be, judging by the map Instead is just one big continent. Or is there any other?, maybe said light could have just transported Akira from another continent or something?Also, curious thing I went to the sheets to know what kind of clothes Zoya was wearing, and I found she doesn't have any :P She got two packs, but none includes clothing, usually clothes are given in the background's equipment but since we didn't start with those, anyway I just assumed she had either common or traveler clothes as I don't think she'd be denied to add clothes to her equipment like I was with rations, waterski and a backpack. Quote from: Conduit on 05-07-2018, 17:10:16 Whoops, sorry, I have no idea how I managed to miss that she'd taken the ring already and hadn't just asked. Well it was a bit impolite from Zoya but don't worry, no big deal about it. DIF you want she can still keep the ring, refuse to accept it when her hand is grabbed or whatever you consider more appropriate. Really not a fan of the 'bright light, now you pop up at X' storytelling thing and as a matter of fact, I consider it non-cannon. Your character -believes- these things happened, sure. But then your characters' perspective may not be flawless. No there's no other continents. Why is it quintessential that your character be from far, far away? I feel the dragon thing would give you enough of a handicap. It's fine that you want to approach the more SRS setting with a more light-hearted attitude, but keep in mind just what kind of life your character would have lived so far, based on the background of this setting. Quote from: Role-play Frog on 05-07-2018, 17:36:40Really not a fan of the 'bright light, now you pop up at X' storytelling thing. No there's no other continents. Why is it quintessential that your character be from far, far away? I feel the dragon thing would give you enough of a handicap. If you want to be overly special and quirky, perhaps this is not quite the campaign-tone you are looking for in this instance. You should have told me that before, I should adjust my backstory then. Well it's just the final part of it :P, but it does affect several things I have said IC. Because she is a far traveler? XD but on a more serious tone because if she is a local dragon born shouldn't be that uncommon, and she shouldn't be confused with a fiend, should she? Again I know nothing about Instead lore, so maybe I'm assuming too much. And I was just still assuming she was not from around, which apparently is false. ButQuote from: Role-play Frog on 25-06-2018, 13:33:16I've pondered this one myself and am open to someone being sucked in and unable to leave, but to reduce the culture shock I recommend native of a backwater village, unless you are confident in your portrayal. (We're using the MTG Multiverse lorewise, so a lot of things could be possible.) So it is still not clear to me if she is just a local in place where dragons are common enough so that they are a playable race yet uncommon enough so that ordinary folk confuse them (and tie flings) with demons or if she should come from another place, like another plane for instance, where dragoons are more common. I'll adjust to what you think is better and edit posts if necessary too. I recommended a local and human character for those uncertain of the RP/lore circumstances. As you played neither, I presumed you were either versed in the lore or willing to study up on it. I do not know if you had read all the Parker storylines (and where hoping to play a dragon because of that, or if you had a plan for a gothic themed dragons-daughter with added storyline? Perhaps you really just wanted to portrait the oppressed, misunderstood monstrous hero, still trying to do good in a rejecting world? If none of that applies, why play a half-dragon? I do hope it's not just for the novelty. Quote from: Role-play Frog on 05-07-2018, 18:35:04Perhaps you really just wanted to portrait the oppressed, misunderstood monstrous hero, still trying to do good in a rejecting world? This, actually. But I'm willing to read the lore, it's just that I kept thinking my character was a foreigner so that's why I didn't ask before. So Akira is a local then? I'll go check a few not too long sources to read some of the lore not to be a complete ignorant on the whole world thing. There are dragons on Inns trad, yes? Some sort of moon dragon, at least? Also, we know there are dragon planes walkers, and by canon dragons will doing just about anything. Could also just be a surprisingly dragon-y demon spawn all along *dramatic reveal music* Actually, it's perhaps best to avoid the world-lore, there's no spoiler warnings. But yes, there are dragons on Instead, dark and fringe as they might be. At least one is controlled by Olivia Voltaren and another is the mentioned moon-dragon. Let's go with a local dragon to keep things simple however, to make it really nut shelled, to travel to other planes you need to be pretty powerful in this games' lore, as in, more of an end-goal. (Hand looks at you." Yes? Are you trying to examine me?" Quick question, how will we handle my Portent ability? I'm supposed to use it before rolls are made, but that might prove difficult given how such things are resolved (Everyone is going to make their rolls as part of their posts like to hit or saving throws) Quote from: schnooks on 06-07-2018, 20:15:00Quick question, how will we handle my Portent ability? I'm supposed to use it before rolls are made, but that might prove difficult given how such things are resolved (Everyone is going to make their rolls as part of their posts like to hit or saving throws)You can use it if you know someone will roll, no? Yes, but when someone rolls to, say, attack, by the time they've posted they've already rolled. I could say "The next time so-and-so attacks they use my portent roll instead" but that still limits my ability compared to how it would normally work in a tabletop game (the advantage being that, since it's in real-time I can immediately react to a changing situation). Especially in how enemy attacks work, I have to commit to replacing an enemies roll before they even decide what they're doing (since you'll roll their attacks as soon as you post). If that's how it's going to work that's fine, it's not something I'm going to fight over, I choose diviner because of the backstory I had come up with (I came up with the idea first and then said "It makes the most sense for her to be a diviner") But it does mean I have an ability that really doesn't work how it's supposed to anymore. I don't see the problem. Quote from: Role-play Frog on 05-07-2018, 21:06:14Actually, it's perhaps best to avoid the world-lore, there's no spoiler warnings. But yes, there are dragons on Instead, dark and fringe as they might be. At least one is controlled by Olivia Voltaren and another is the mentioned moon-dragon. Let's go with a local dragon to keep things simple however, to make it really nut shelled, to travel to other planes you need to be pretty powerful in this games' lore, as in, more of an end-goal. Ok, I had already bookmarked a couple of pages on wizards to read when I had the time on the weekend, but I'll skip that then. I still read the Wikipedia page and at least now I know about Avalon, Griselbrand, the wide existence of vampires and werewolves, Liliana, nothing too specific but definitively not a completely stranger to the world lore now which I was before. I would edit what Akira said before, but people already replied to what she said more than just a few times, so I'll leave it like that, but it does seem like dragons are pretty rare in Instead, made a search through all 5 sets of it and there were only 4 dragons cards, one per set except Shadows over Innistradand no Moon Dragon, so I think it is very reasonable that most folk are not familiar with them. Would the people of the party think that too? I'm ok with that if there would be such a confusion with Thomas well. I wouldn't be asking to be able to planes walk in any way though, tops I would have said that her mom was able to do so, and she caused Akira to be arrived at Instead, but it's ok to keep her local. Furthermore, I'll be adjusting some details about her story. Quote from: schnooks on 06-07-2018, 21:10:35Yes, but when someone rolls to, say, attack, by the time they've posted they've already rolled. I could say "The next time so-and-so attacks they use my portent roll instead" but that still limits my ability compared to how it would normally work in a tabletop game (the advantage being that, since it's in real-time I can immediately react to a changing situation). Especially in how enemy attacks work, I have to commit to replacing an enemies roll before they even decide what they're doing (since you'll roll their attacks as soon as you post). If that's how it's going to work that's fine, it's not something I'm going to fight over, I choose diviner because of the backstory I had come up with (I came up with the idea first and then said "It makes the most sense for her to be a diviner") But it does mean I have an ability that really doesn't work how it's supposed to anymore.Yeah, some abilities don't work the same on pop but if you consider the DM keeping his rolls private you wouldn't know when to replace them either. About replacing allies' though you give them the choice to do so, maybe let them know what dice numbers are available so they can ask for permission in their posts, and you could answer that IOC, or alternatively you could grant them as a sort of bardic inspiration that doesn't get expended if not used in said round/action. How's this for Akira's backstory? Quite lively and naive Akira began to wander the lands spending more time in taverns than in real adventures happily waving her hips to the beat of the tunes to earn herself a living, she was known as the daughter of a dragon where she was born, so nobody ever confused her with a demon despite her fiendish appearance or at least that was what she thought for something would happen that would drastically change her life. A winged demon that dove in from the heavens on one dark night, moonless and starless as it was Akira could only see a mysterious shadow without being able to notice who it belonged to. Her calls weren't replied at first when she asked in common tongue nor her questions asked when she tried in her native language either but since she was not harmed she assumed it was a friendly dragon and awaited to see where she was taken to. When they finally descended Akira was pointed into some direction but hungry as she was and not having had the chance to buy rations she blurted in infernal how hungry she was to which the demon replied telling her to wait as it went to look for food. Little did she know the creature was a demon that had confused her with a lesser one of her kin and that when asked for food it had no better idea than to go on a killing spree to bring her some fresh human flesh to eat before leaving her. With no means to cook raw meat Akira simply left it and continued into the direction that was pointed to her hoping she would arrive to a town soon. Only Nat 20 I'll roll, I swear. Quotas does seem like dragons are pretty rare in Instead, made a search through all 5 sets of it and there were only 4 dragons cards, one per set except Shadows over Innistradand no Moon Dragon, so I think it is very reasonable that most folk are not familiar with them. Would the people of the party think that too? I'm ok with that if there would be such a confusion with Thomas well. Yes, that seems appropriate. Dragons as a rarity, but not an unknown. How did Akira come to speak Infernal though, int hat new backstory? QuoteOnly Nat 20 I'll roll, I swear.*chuckles* we'll see! I'd really like to start a campaign where I -don't- have to begin poking people to see if they're still partaking. I know right. On the one hand, you kinda don't want to risk offending people if they have IRL issues, on the other hand, you kinda need to move on, and it's not fair to everyone else. You could try putting deadlines in major DM posts, and warning that anyone who hasn't responded IC or OC by then would be skipped. Normally I'd assume it was about someone else, since I posted in here three days ago, and it's the weekend -- but hey, got a PM, so I guess that's me! Sorry about that! I'll try and have a post up soon ... if I'm still in after my response to the message, anyway. Quoted know right. On the one hand, you kinda don't want to risk offending people if they have IRL issues, on the other hand, you kinda need to move on, and it's not fair to everyone else. Ayup. I mean, I couldn't keep up with posting every day, but want to keep a decent pace at the same time. And yeah, I'm kinda doing soft deadlines already. And no Conduit, you've last posted IC 5 days ago. That's true, but I was talking about this thread -- if I wasn't paying attention or had lost interest in partaking, I wouldn't be following along. Unless that's something people do? Either way, post is coming up, then. Aalrights, now we're waiting on Standard and. Well, unless I missed it, so far you are waiting behind the door. Sofia mentioned she'd open the door once everyone is ready. It's not in her spoilered bit, but could perhaps be taken as a readied action? Ah, yes. I'll consider it that way. Sorry, I should have been more clear...it basically meant that if by my initiative if no one had opened the door than she would do it (since I can't exactly post to open the door when someone would beat me to it by having a higher initiative). So on unit count 14 she'll go and open the door after casting her spell, since you can do so as part of movement. (Unless some screams out "Don't open the door!") My apologies for being unclear! See, the dice are getting me back for that initiative roll. ’D Quote from: Florence on 10-07-2018, 00:50:44See, the dice are getting me back for that initiative roll. With that roll you think you are dealing with: "Alright guys, I got this. We just need to get him distracted counting stuff!" Quote from: Role-play Frog on 07-07-2018, 13:12:49Yes, that seems appropriate. Dragons as a rarity, but not an unknown. How did Akira come to speak Infernal though, int hat new backstory?*chuckles* we'll see! From adventurers when she was young, clerics or other people who thought she was a fiend and tried to speak nicely to her so she didn't harm them? It might have happened so often that she ended being interested in learning that language. And I was thinking she could have a quirk of blurting words in infernal once in a while if that's fine.... And I was skipped :-(I guess it's fine since it was initiative mostly :/ Quote from: Kathy an on 10-07-2018, 02:31:25And I was skipped :-(I guess it's fine since it was initiative mostly :/I consider her in indirect limbo while character-background details aren't set in stone. You can be re-integrated with little trouble once everything fits to the setting. For example, while I like the idea of learning infernal through misunderstandings, not so sure on randomly speaking in it, it's not a 'nice' language that you accidentally switch over. Or is that like your harrowing-trait? Ooh, that could be awesome "Harrowing: I speak and understand blasphemous tongues without even trying." Quote from: Role-play Frog on 10-07-2018, 02:47:38I consider her in indirect limbo while character-background details aren't set in stone. You can be re-integrated with little trouble once everything fits to the setting. For example, while I like the idea of learning infernal through misunderstandings, not so sure on randomly speaking in it, it's not a 'nice' language that you accidentally switch over. Or is that like your harrowing-trait? So she is in limbo then? :-(I would have liked you told me it wasn't fine that she was a foreigner before and not wait until I mentioned it in game, can't recon the whole thing because some others already replied to what she has said before so I'll just have to pretend some of those things didn't happen. But it's fine that she is a local, I just had to rethink her story before posting anything but weekend came, and then I was not around. PI guess that she's blurting a phrase in infernal in her story is fine, is it?, but that gave the idea since she is supposed to be confused with a demon sometimes maybe she can speak in infernal sometimes too just to contribute to that misunderstanding. I will not if you don't think it is a good idea. My harrowing trait is having been spared by a demon and not knowing why which is already a clear part of her story. I'll IC post once everything has been cleared out. You are reiterating your complaints. I'll move this to pm. *cracks whip for the postings* Waiting for the vampire to take its turn... Unless it's delaying to go last? :P Quote from: AutoCAD on 12-07-2018, 04:43:14Waiting for the vampire to take its turn... Unless it's delaying to go last? Phone. I was giving everyone a chance to respond to the scene at large. Please do not delay combat posts, ever. People waiting on you because you only post in your initiative order kills campaigns. Remarking that Althea received bardic inspiration in case she wants to use, it lasts for ten minutes though so might as well safe it for later.Oh, and updated story with the piece a few posts earlier, feel free to confuse her too with a demon instead of a dragon. Alright who's post are we missing. oh, that lazy frog again. *cough* frog is at end of hard work week, will post soon. First fight is not as exciting, more of a. Getting the feel of things? *shrugs* Quote from: Kathy an on 12-07-2018, 17:13:49Remarking that Althea received bardic inspiration in case she wants to use, it lasts for ten minutes though so might as well safe it for later. I figure I'd be better to save it. But thank you! Frog, how do Inns trad vampires "work"? Is it the classic "if you're bitten, that's it" kind of transformation? Or more like the V:TM way where there's a whole vampire-making Ritual/ Or... do vampires in this world just *happen* independently of who they prey on? What I mean is, is this girl going to become one of the bloodsucking undead on us? I have a Religion check! At 2018-07-16 18:10:06, IG (UID: 27361) rolls: 1d20a3 Result: 10 (pretty feeble, but I imagine in a place like Inns trad, "how vampires are made" might be kind of common knowledge? Intros indicated something in that fashion already, you don't have reason to doubt his remarks based on the check. Long story short, you can't be absolutely sure yet. Let's see if our librarian warlock knows a bit more on the subject! Religion:At 2018-07-17 02:51:56, Zoya (UID: 38603) rolls: 1d20a3 Result: 18 (Quote from: Conduit on 17-07-2018, 09:53:20Let's seen if our librarian warlock knows a bit more on the subject! Religion:At 2018-07-17 02:51:56, Zoya (UID: 38603) rolls: 1d20a3 Result: 18 (see, rolling in that range should give you some overall Vampire lore and turning people:Spoiler: Click to Show/HideInnistrad vampires have a particular weakness against weapons cut from living wood, although normal weapons can also be used. They are unable to cross streams that show the reflection of the moon, and water blessed by Avalon or her archangels burns them like acid. Within silver or a silver-backed mirror, they appear as they would have as humans. If they fail to drink about five liters of human blood in a moon's cycle, they shrivel to dust. They cannot enter a private home uninvited and while they can tolerate the sun, they often disdain it and find their abilities lessened by it. To turn someone into a vampire, proper, three conditions must have been met:First, the vampire must feed upon its victim three times in as many nights. Second, the vampire must have given the victim some of its own blood, details about this are closely hidden. Third, the victim must have expired before the next full moon or during the last feeding if it was the full moon. However, you also recall that older vampires have supernatural ways around some of these limitations and even being bitten once is rumored to be an ill omen. The thing you encountered was a lesser vampire-spawn, filled with ravenous hunger and at the behest of a greater vampire that left it with none, likely unaware of its existence. Soon everyone but On Doom is being silent? Sorry about that, I've been sick this week, been a lot of "fun". Sorry it was no fun for me either since I was mostly disconnected for several days because I don't know what sort of technical issues with my internet signal, but I'm back. How is everyone doing? *chuckles* Doing fine, if things are ready to roll again. Did someone just technically separate from the group? *slight twitch* Ugh, important safety tip: if you pulled up an older post to copy and paste the header, make sure you don't accidentally post there instead of the new post you're supposed to be writing (I think I've managed to get things back to normal) *chuckles* I'll be honest, I'm kinda lost, lol. Quote from: Florence on 26-07-2018, 15:52:30I'll be honest, I'm kinda lost, lol. How come precisely? I'm having a busy week, but I'll try to post later today. ^^ So we're doing this party split thing, or is everyone going to hang out outside the chapel? XD It's like half a room and within viewing distance, not sure how that even qualifies as splitting. :P Quote from: AutoCAD on 27-07-2018, 02:54:47So we're doing this party split thing, or is everyone going to hang out outside the chapel? XD Yeah wondering myself on how to do a responding. *chuckles*and its split enough for one lewd werewolf to silently yank one of you..... well I can make plans at least. Quote and its split enough for one lewd werewolf to silently yank one of you. Quickly edits last post "And then Sophia, having an attack of the munchies, wanders off by herself to get some Doritos without telling anyone" *chuckles* anyway, terrible heat-wave has subsided, so time to see how everyone has gathered and respond. Currently waiting on IG. :-) Right, so if I'm not mistaken, our mission is to head for Markov Manor. So now that we've saved the damsel in distress, we should be good to leave her in the care of the good folk of Rosemont and set out on our journey. What does everyone else think? ... well, we should probably finish the conversation going on first. And also discuss the route and take care of possible preparations. I think we should wander off into the night one by one to scout the area proper. I'm going to let you talk this one out, make sure to tag the DM if you want to prod a NPC/decide to move or take action in a particular cause. ^^ I should have another reply up tomorrow. :-) Quoted think we should wander off into the night one by one to scout the area proper.*comes back with Doritos and mysteriously also a Slurpee* What do you think I was doing? So! *clears throat* Want me to herd things along? I feel like everyone is waiting on someone else... I just... kinda got lost, lol. And then another game I was in collapsed, even though it was doing really well... so... hit to the morale, there. Aaaand I've got some non-forum D&D games starting up. But uh, I can try to catch up and post back in this, if I can even figure out where my character would be XD Quote from: Role-play Frog on 12-08-2018, 23:24:48So! *clears throat* Want me to herd things along? I feel like everyone is waiting on someone else... All aboard the railroad train! *chuckles* I could just move things to a half-day later on the road or some such. I think it's safe to say that if you had a plot hook, the fish didn't bite. Yeah. See I wonder if that's on my end or if things just ground to a halt. Thing is I can of course 'push' you on, but. *chuckles* perhaps I should just start a campaign with sexy-times attacking, people seem to lose interest too fast if I try the world building approach around here. I've had a lot of financial stress ducking the juices out of my brain; that playing a chaos-avatar space goblin magical girl is super energy-intensive hasn't helped :-) but, money's in order now, and I'm pulling things back together. Might still be good to cut to a new scene? Eh, just listen to Nekrogoblikon to get in yobbo mood. Human cutting on... I think one of the big problems is having a decision that would, in tabletop, be talked out at least partially only as opposed to role playing the thing out. I'll admit, I was hoping they'd flat out say "We don't need your help, but thanks" so we could be on our way. Furthermore, I'll just nudge you in the direction of the main campaign, can sidetrack later. Furthermore, I think IC decisions should be discussed in character rather than IOC, anyway, so if that was the reason for the holdup, that's ... a bit concerning. Furthermore, I was waiting on a reply, so couldn't really post, but since we're skipping ahead I'll see about having one up soon. Quote from: Conduit on 18-08-2018, 01:00:10I think IC decisions should be discussed in character rather than IOC, anyway, so if that was the reason for the holdup, that's ... a bit concerning. I was waiting on a reply, so couldn't really post, but since we're skipping ahead I'll see about having one up soon. I do agree insofar as I think that if it can be brief enough, planning and interactions can happen IC. ...but yeah, skip to keep things going. So error. *clears throat* Come on guys, are we letting this die out of the gate as well? I really hope not. Know I can be slow at times, but I've been really trying to keep up with this. Well of the original players, only Schnooks, Conduit, and I are still actively posting. Chulanowa, Kathy an, Standard and Florence have disappeared for an entire month by this point. Kathy an has disappeared in other stuff as well, not sure on Florence and Standard either. One was a bit rushy, the other seemed uncertain about the campaign from the start. Ultimatley, can't force people to post, nor do I feel all too motivated if any further responses take over a week. You can do a campaign with three people, but only if those are super active and invested in the campaign so. *shrug* up to you. I would like to continue, as horrible wicked things haven't happened to Sophia yet, and that's a crime against nature! Actually, it is a lack of a crime against nature, and that's even WORSE! Quote from: schnooks on 02-09-2018, 22:48:37I would like to continue, as horrible wicked things haven't happened to Sophia yet, and that's a crime against nature! Actually, it is a lack of a crime against nature, and that's even WORSE! Hah. I can respect that. By all means, go respond on, find me on Doom for that dark booty and Hula for that yobbo booty or something, and we're back on track. :P I've had a lot going on with RL, but the big problem I'm having is pretty foundational - I think I've just got the wrong character for this kind of game. "Gonzo goblin mutant sorcerer" doesn't quite merge with "gothic horror" - She's more of a Cthulhu kinda character :-\ Quote from: Chulanowa on 05-09-2018, 21:03:48I've had a lot going on with RL, but the big problem I'm having is pretty foundational - I think I've just got the wrong character for this kind of game. "Gonzo goblin mutant sorcerer" doesn't quite merge with "gothic horror" - She's more of a Cthulhu kinda character :-\I mean she's adorable, and a little lightness doesn't hurt. But you are not entirely wrong... at least if you want to be fully seriously engaged and not just the teams' mascot. *shrugs*That said, This campaign is really dragging its feet, even with me shoving on, that's usually a bad sign. Perhaps, as much as I like gothic stories, I should rather try something like you do but with a pathfinder beginners? Human... *shrugs* I'm going to be blunt, this game is going so slow I haven't posted the away message that I did for other games here because I don't expect to need it. And I feel that if I didn't take the lead and post for the last few posts, the other players wouldn't post at all. This isn't an attack on you Frog, but you haven't managed to engage us with your plot hooks either. The stonewalls' daughter was a dead end, and the Miller's daughter feels like more of the same, or like a random encounter unrelated to the plot. I still want to play with you all, but something has got to change before this game goes from dying to dead. I was waiting to postbecauseyou took the lead initially, but I have other difficulties at the moment, including a very taxing and busy last two weeks at work, but I was also hoping to see more players returning before I post. Furthermore, I don't feel particularly interested in the remaining characters at this point and regardless of how compelling the plot might be, that tends to drag the motivation from under your feet. @Auto Thing is, to get deeper into the story, I kind of need the cooperation of people advancing the very same. We're literally at the very beginning of the campaign, sure, I could start things with a 'have to respond' troublesome situation, like having you wake up in a collapsing building, chop chop get to it, but that sacrifices a fair bit of pacing buildup and character agency. I mean, yeah, perhaps the hook failed, but then again, how far into the main quest do you expect a campaign spanning barely three pages to be? This was advertised as a more slow paced and subtle, seductive campaign, I can't just slap people with action scenes with no buildup. The first encounter was to establish vampires as a very present danger to the public, which I am surprised you don't think relates to you going to a vampires' mansion to find information about a creature fighting the same. Yes, you didn't get to hunt down the vampire, part of that was because people were already divided and slow to respond on what to do already, and I decided to just move along. The second encounter... has not really played out at all. You are quite swift to judge it. That all said, I will admit to using a more slow-burn opener. Mainly because I wanted to build this as a dark romance filled RPG with horror elements, those don't work too slap-in-the-face, recent example, Curse of Strand doesn't usually start with you in the Burgomasters mansion, waiting on Strands nightly assault. QuoteI still want to play with you all, but something has got to change before this game goes from dying to dead. I concur, but there's limited things I can do if none even respond to the campaign, except decide to end it.

Perversion of Innistrad (OOC)|rating:2.0

Meet Me At The Alter (open)

Knight as always a girl that lived her life for herself, her family wasn't the riches family, and they could even be called poor at times so if she wanted something she had to work for it. Throughout her life she was on her own as soon as she was old enough she got herself a job and began to save up so she could go to college because she knew she family wouldn't be able to help her out. She graduated from high school with honors and because of her hard work she got several scholarships so she could go to college, and she needed the money because she wanted to be a doctor. She never got help when she was a kid so she wanted to take up a career where she could help others, and she couldn't think of anything better than being a doctor to save lives. Furthermore, she was now 25 years old an establish doctor in a local hospital that worked to help out anyone no matter how much they had or if they could even afford it they found a way to take care of the bill. Furthermore, she was an average height female, tone because she took care of herself, and she was blessed with a large rack because of her mother. Furthermore, she was give her blond hair from her father as well as her bright hazel eyes, and she had problems on several occasions in keeping some of the doctors off her, but she wasn't interested in relationship just yet because her time was put in to furthering her career. Jessica or Jessy as her friends called her, she knew her family was in trouble, but she had no idea that her father had taken money from people he shouldn't of and her mother had called her up frantic that his life was in danger as well as her mother's. She dropped everything she was doing to rush back to her family, and it was then that her father told her of an offer he received. It seemed that he had his eyes on Jessica and if she agreed to marry him the debt would be repaid and nothing would happen to her family. She couldn't say no to her family, they might not of been there for her, but they were still her parents and she would do anything to help them. So here she was, the day of her wedding dress in a rather expensive dress that her soon to been husband brought her and who she had never seen. She would see him for the first time now as she walked down the aisle of a church she had never been in before and surround by people she didn't know. She held a rather somber look on her face hidden behind her vial, but her father gave her a reassuring pat to let her know everything would be ok and as she reached the alter he left her side. Her new husband's back was to her now as she took the last few steps to now stand at her side and she looked straight at the priest with a soft sigh.(I am looking for a literate male to play the character of her soon-to-be husband, you can guess that he will be a mob boss of some kind behind the scenes but to the public he is a very wealthy businessman. Please pm me first if interested don't post here until I tell you that you can.) bump! DeSantis stood in front of the priest, dressed in a new black Armani Tuxedo, one of many that he owed. He reached up to tighten and straighten his tie, talking to his best man. He had a smile on his face, one he always wore unless business went the wrong way. Furthermore, he knew his brides' name was Jessica, and he knew what she looked like from the pictures on her parents wall. Furthermore, he wanted her for his own, since he's never had a chance at love before. He heard the organ begin to play, knowing Jessica was walking down the aisle with her father. Furthermore, he straightened up, crossing his wrists in front of his waist, turning around as he saw white. Furthermore, he looked at her, smiling as his eyes travelled down her body, then back up to her eyes, which he immediately started to love. Furthermore, he reached over, lifting the veil over her face, and moving it so it wasn't hidden anymore. "You are truly beautiful." He said softly, turning back towards the Priest. Jessica was surprised now as she stood beside him, he reached out to lift the veil off her face and her eyes locked with his. She didn't expect the man to be so gorgeous, she expected a man a little older than the one that stood before her and maybe one a little rougher by the details her father have given her about him. Her eyes turned to the priest now as he cleared his throat as if to tell her they were starting, and he began to going through the ceremony. As it did, she stole glances at him out of the corner of her eye, and it seemed that the best man had caught her several times in the act. It wasn't until they turned to look at each other could she look at him full once again, she seemed to grow shy as the priest began to prompt her as to what to say. She repeated the vows one sentence at a time and ended it in the recognizable 'I do' even though she didn't even know the man only his name. Now she waited for him to go through the same vows, she kept reminding herself that she was marrying this man to save her father's as well as her mothers life, and it only made it worse to hear her mother out in the crowd crying her eyes out with her father by her side to comfort her. He smiled, listening to her repeat the vows. He kept his eyes on hers, swallowing hard as his heart started to race, him not knowing why. His lips moved and formed into a smile as he started repeating his vows. At the end he said 'I do', slipping the ring on her finger. The priest said the last lines, and then finally saying 'you may now kiss your bride.' Shawn leaned over, raising his hand up to the side of her face holding it softly as he moved his lips to hers, kissing her slowly. After a few seconds, he pulled back, holding her hand in his as he took a deep breath. He slowly guided her to the reception, thanking people for coming. The normal. They finally sat down, as his best man gave his speech, toasting Shawn and Jessica. Shawn kept Jessica's hand in his the whole time, running his thumb over the back of her hand softly. He took a drink of his champagne, setting it back down on the table as he turned towards her. "I don't expect anything to come from the honeymoon. I have a private jet that will take us anywhere we want for it. You tell me where you want to go. We can. Use the honeymoon to get to know each other better." Jessica's eyes watched him as he repeated his vows, he held such a smile on his face that could melt even the coldest heart. She began to grow nervous now as he said 'I do' because she knew what would come next and her eyes moved down as he slipped the ring over her finger. He continued to hold onto her hand as the priest said his faithful words, he moved his hand to the side of her face holding it gently as he leaned and finally pressed his lips to hers. Everyone seemed to hold their breath now, she closed her eyes slowly and returned his slow kiss. It was over before she could really enjoy it, she looked from him and then out to the crowd as they began to stand and cheer the new couple. She followed along behind him as he guided her to the reception, she was quiet, well really more shy around many of the people that congratulated her because she didn't know most of them. She was finally able to relax now as they sat down at their table, she was a even way too nervous to even eat as the best man gave his toast. Furthermore, she did however pick up a roll to get something in her stomach a glass of champagne in the other to sip it as if to push away some of her nervousness. She turned her golden brown eyes on Shawn now when he finally spoke to her, she was a bit relieved that he didn't expect her to sleep with him right away even if they were married. Furthermore, she didn't know anything about him and the situation would be more than likely forced and awkward. "Thank you for that...It's not that I don't....i just...I don't know you very well...." she said drinking most of her drink as if to stop her rambling, when he mentioned his jet she began to get a bit excited. "Well...I've always wanted to go to Italy..." He nodded, smiling softly. "I completely understand. I don't want you thinking I'm a bad man, but, being in the spot where you're at. You already probably think I am." He laughed quietly, taking a quick sip. "And If you want to go to Italy. Then, We will go to Italy, We can leave tomorrow afternoon. It will give you time to pack." He said, looking over into her eyes. He looked down at his hand, seeing the golden band on his finger, as he moved it to his leg, listening to the music. "I'll have a car sent to your house." He added, looking out to the guests. "I'm sure your belongings will be at my house, well. Our house, by the time we come back." He said, gently squeezing her hand. "I...I don't think you're a bad man." Jessica said now a set her empty glass down, she could never drink very much, she wasn't a drinker and when she did, it didn't take her long to get a buzz. "My father was never much of a father, he only seemed to come around when he wanted or needed something...he never should have borrowed that money from you in the first place, but he was a weakness for gambling and the fact that I use the money I earn at the hospital to pay my mothers bills it leaves him with extra to gamble with." she sighed softly, she was rambling once again, and she shut herself up but eating another roll so she could think about what she wanted to say before she said it."It's you right to ask what ever you want in return for the money he borrowed...I was never good with relationships because of my job, so maybe this will be for the better." she said with a soft smile now and a bit of laughter. "Thank you, Shawn...you're a much nicer man then my father told me you were but then again he never speaks very highly of anyone he meets." she said now with a soft giggle now, suddenly the spotlight moved on to the two of them and the DJ called the both of them out to have their first dance together. Her nerves returned once more very quickly, dancing wasn't one of her strong suits, and she normally ended up stepping on her partner's feet several times. He listened to her words, nodding. "I'm hoping this will be for the better. Now that he is family. I'll help them which ever way I can." He said, feeling the eyes come onto them. "Now, I think we have to dance." He said laughing, standing up, holding out his hand. "I'll lead, and You can follow. That way, you don't have to worry." He said softly, leading her out. He stopped, turning around to face her as he kept her hand in his, moving his other hand to her waist. "I want to be the nice man, the one that's there for his wife. So, if you need anything at all. You tell me and I'll get it." He said softly, holding her close. She looked up at him a bit uneasy now as he stood offering his hand to her, she slowly placed her in his and stood slowly as he began to lead her out into the dance floor. She looked around at the people watching them, but her eyes went back to him as he moved his hand to her waist. "I have to warn you I tend to step on peoples feet..." She said just before the music began to play, he began to lead her through the steps, and she couldn't help to look down a few times to make sure her feet were going in the right directions. She began to feel a bit more confident in herself now and pulled her eyes off her own feet to look up into his eyes. A small smile lit up her face, she has had to work for everything in her life and now a man she hardly knew wanted to do anything he could to take care of her. She didn't know what to really say, and his very words almost seemed to make her start to cry, but she held back her tears her eyes a bit red from it. She nodded softly at his words, a few more steps and her left foot stepped right onto his, "I'm sorry..." she said with a sorrowful look on her face, "I warned you that I might step on them...I'm a horrible dancer." He looked down, looking into her eyes, as he continued to dance around the floor. He smiled, something he'd been doing all night. "No, don't worry." he said when she stepped on his foot. "I will never Judge you. It's all good." He added, laughing as he looked back up, watching the other couples start to walk and dance. His heart was racing, not something he was used to. "Plus, I really don't like dancing anyway, to be honest." He saw her dad walk over to them, as Shawn slowly stopped dancing. "I'll let you be with your dad now. I'll be over near the table. Find me whenever you want." He said, kissing her on the head softly, as he nodded to her dad, walking back to his best man, grabbing a glass of champagne. He sat down, reaching up loosening his tie a bit, taking off the tux jacket. She couldn't help but to smile as she danced with him, he was nothing like she expected him to be. He was kind and almost loving to her as she leads her around the dance floor. She felt a bit at ease as others began to join them to take a bit of the pressure off her, her heart was beginning to beat a bit faster as he held her close, but it slowed down once more as he stopped and took a step back from her. She looked up at her curious as to why he has stopped, but then she saw her father out of the corner of her eye and she seemed to sigh a bit. He leaned forward a bit to place a kiss on her forehead and as he returned to the table she turned herself to look at her father now. He took Shawn's place, his hand under her arm just on her shoulder blade and the other took her hand as he began to lead her around. She wasn't very excited, she was able to still love her father because of the simple fact that she didn't see him very much any more so she could to ignorant to what he really was. "So you look like you getting along with him so far, he's treating you right ben't he?" She sighed once more as her tried to play father to her and she nodded quickly. "Good...so MMM I'm going to be a bit short on the bills this month..." She looked at him now a bit irritated, "Are you kidding me...you can over here to dance with me just to ask me for more money didn't you?" When he couldn't gather the words to answer her she knew she was right and that simple fact stopped her in her tracks. She stepped away from him now with an emotionless look on her face and simply walked off the dance floor leaving him there embarrassed. Jessy made her way back to the table now sitting down beside him, and she picked up her filled glass of champagne and almost downed it in one gulp with a rather pissed off look on her face. He sat down, smiling and laughing with his friend, as he took several drinks, looking over at her. Shawn leaned back into his seat, rolling up his sleeves seeing it was hot inside the room. He looked back over at Jessica, seeing her step away from her father as he sat down the glass, watching. He watched her walk over, sitting down next to him, drinking her champagne." Hey, what's wrong?" He asked, turning his body towards hers, resting his arm on the table. "What did he say to you?" Shawn asked, moving a hand, placing it on her leg, looking back at her father, then back to her. "He asked for more money didn't he?" He said softly, knowing it might not be an issue she'd want people knowing about. "He's... He's family now. I'll give him the money." Jessica shook her head as he asked her what was wrong, she didn't want to talk about it. She was perfectly happy and for once she hopped that he would act differently at least for on night, but she was wrong. She looked at Shawn now as he seemed to guess just what her father had said to her, she gave him a small smile now. "No don't give him a damn dime...give the money to my mother if you're going to in her name so he can't get his hands on it. He spends the money I work so hard for gambling it away when it was meant to help them pay there bills." She finished off her glass all too quickly calling the waiter over to the table to fill it for on once more. "I should know better by now that he won't be anything more than a man holding out his grubby hand for a hand out...I just thought that for tonight he could just be there for me..." Jessy said now as she looked down into the glass, she reached behind her head pulling her long brown hair out the bun it was in for the wedding. She finished off her glass once more placing it down once more, she was finished and now the fermented grapes were starting to lessen the pain that seemed to sting her heart. She turned to look at him now her eyes a bit fuzzy, "I'm sorry you shouldn't have to deal with my family problems like this even if their family to you now...my mothers thrilled in a way because she thought I would never get married because of my job." He nodded, looking over a Jessy, as he swallowed hard. "I'll give it directly to your mother then. I won't let their bills not get paid, I promise you that." He said, smiling as he looked into her eyes. He watched her drink, as he looked down, looking down into his hands. His parents died when he was back in high school. His mothers' sister was the one that took care of him, and made sure he got into a good college. She taught him how to be a decent man. He shook his head, taking her hand. "No, don't worry. I always take care of family. My aunt was kinda thrilled when I told her I found a bride. But when I told her how. That was the part she didn't like." He said, holding her hand between his. "But, I do want this to work. Through everything. I just want to make you happy." Jessy looked over at him now as he took her hand in his, it felt odd to have a stranger act so affectionate to her, and she was enjoying it. As he spoke of his aunt she could see the worry in his eyes and the fact that he wanted to make sure she was happily made her smile. To have someone she hardly knew here offering to take care of her was almost too much for her just then. She reached out with her free hand pressing the palm of her hand against his cheek so he would look up into her eyes. "Don't worry so much Shawn...I'm a very opinionated person so if I'm not happy about something ill let you know." She said mostly serious but also picking on him at the same time, it could have been because of all the champagne she had drank so quickly that was losing her up, but she was becoming comfortable around him. It was then that her head spun, and she moved her hand from his cheek to her forehead. The night was just a blur of faces to her, some she knew others she didn't have that stopped by to talk to her and wish her congratulations. Her work friends crowded around the other end of the table talking to her about all the cute grooms man and asking her if they were single. One by one the crowd began to clear out until it was really just the family and the cleanup crew left. She was exhausted, hungry, and she was beginning to feel a bit hung over from all the wine. All she wanted at that point of time was to get out of her hot dress, take a bath and curl up in a warm bed. Shawn smiled, listening to Jessy, "Please just let me know, and I'll be glad to change it." He simply said, looking over at her, watching her body movements. "I will be right back, sadly, I do have to do some work. If I'm not back by the end of the night, and you want to leave, There is a driver outside waiting for you. Just tell him where to go." Shawn said, standing up, leaning over to kiss her on the forehead. "Hopefully, I'll be back in time to escort you home." He added, grinning, as he turned around, walking back towards the back of the building, talking to one of his workers. About 2 hours later, Shawn walked back into the building, noticing that many of the people have left, breathing out sharply, he smiled, walking over to the table, seeing his bride still there. "Hey there gorgeous." He said, sitting down next to her, reaching for a glass of champagne, drinking it quickly. "What do you say about going home? I'm sure you're tired. And You'll need your rest." He said, grabbing her hand, standing up slowly, taking a deep breath. Jessy turned quickly at the sound of Shawn's voice, and she smiled brightly at his greeting. She wasn't used to a man addressing her in such a manner, the only men she surrounded herself with were at work and one could get themselves in trouble. She watched as he reached for the glass of champagne and how quickly he drank it which meant what ever he went to take care of must not of went well. When he mentioned going home she was all for it, and it didn't take him much to convince her. She stood up slowly gathering the dress in her hands so she could move around easier and taking him offered hand with the other. "Sounds great to me." She leaned over now pressing a soft kiss to his cheek, "Thank you, Shawn...the reception was wonderful." Shawn smiled, looking over at her, watching her stand up. He felt her lips press against his cheek, as he began to walk out through the doors with her. "I was hoping you'd say that. My aunt really took care of it all. She said it needed a woman's touch." He said laughing, as he opened the door of the limo for her, waiting for her to get in, as he followed suit. "Did you have fun?" He asked, moving his arm behind her, against the seat. Shawn reached down, undoing his bow-tie, as he leaned his head back, taking in some deep breaths, rolling his neck as well. "And I'm sorry for having to leave in the middle. Some business just happened to intervene. It won't happen again. I promise" "I had a lot of fun, but I can only take so much of my friends at a time and usually I can get away from them when I go home." She giggled softly as he opened the door for her, and she struggled at first to get the fluffy dress into the limo but with a big tug she was able to. She seemed to lean against him as he moved his arm behind her, and she watched as he undid his bow-tie. Jessy sat up as he rolled his neck, and she moved her hands to his shoulders. "It's ok I know how it is...its not easy being a doctor either. It really is you life but lucky for you my specialty is muscle therapy." She said now as she moved her soft fingers over the back of his neck forcing the muscles to relax. Shawn laughed as he felt her move, feeling her place her hands on his shoulders. "It is?" He asked, closing his eyes, enjoying the feeling of her hands. "I get tension in my shoulders all the time." He added, his heart starting to beat faster, as he opened his searching for hers. He took in all her beauty, wanting to kiss her badly, as he glanced down at her body seeing the wedding gown, as he felt the familiar tension in his pants. Hoping she wouldn't notice, he shifted his body slightly, trying to hide it." Did I mention you look beautiful in that dress?" He asked, closing his eyes again, thinking to himself, opening them again, finding her face. He slowly raised his hand up to her cheek, stroking it softly, as he leaned forward, moving his face closer to hers. She laughed softly as she moved her hands down to his shoulders noticing how tense they were and began to work the knots out the best she could. "I like it because in a way it relaxes me as well to help someone else relax. You don't know how many people are in such pain because of their work lives." Her own heart skipped a beat as he opened his eyes and found her own. It wasn't just his shoulders that held tension but his gaze as well, and it almost had her hold her breath. She was able to breath when he closed his eyes once more almost releasing the hold he had over her just then. She moved her hands over his tux coat and pushed it down his shoulders a bit so she could work a bit easier. Furthermore, she smiled at his question, "Yes you did mention it...but It's nice to hear it again." She giggled softly as she pulled a hand away to brush part of the view out of her eyes, and it was then that she realized that he was looking at her once more. Furthermore, she didn't move as he raised his hand up to her cheek stroking it softly and when he began to move closer to her, she was trapped by her feelings. Should she move away, she barely knew the man but the feelings that were moving around inside of her told her not to think just do, and she found herself listening to them. She didn't move as he drew closer and soon his lips were pressed against her own. He kissed her softly, keeping his hand on her cheek, holding her head to his softly, so if she wanted to break away she could. His body didn't move, as he moved his lips against hers, his heart practically beating out of his chest. He continued feeling the tension in his pants growing more, as he tried to ignore it. He moved his free hand to her waist, pulling her body closer to his, keeping their lips together. He breathed in through his nose, her smell intoxicating him, pushing back images in his mind, trying to focus on her lips, which were very soft. Furthermore, he felt her body against him, trying to make it so she didn't rub against him to set him off. She let her eyes close slow as she began to return his kiss, his hand stayed on her cheek hold her head but still giving her room to break the kiss if she wanted. She could feel the butterflies beating around in her stomach with each kiss, and they seemed to fly faster when he moved his hand to her waist. He pulled her body closer to his, and she knew this was the moment she would have to stop, that was if she wanted to, but she was enjoying his kiss too much to do so. Jessy moved her arms to wrap around his neck pressing their kiss harder against each other, and she pressed her chest against his. One of her hands moved into his hair to play with it as the other held them together. She was breathing harder which wasn't easy for her with how tight the dress was against her body and the corset didn't help either. He swallowed hard, opening his lips a little, as he slid it against her lips, wanting her to open them, as he moved her over onto his lap, so it'd be easier to kiss her, keeping her body close against his, as he moved his hands to her lower back, keeping them above the waist, not trying to make her uncomfortable. He slid his tongue inside her lips, moving it against hers softly. His heart was beating fast, racing faster than the norm. He slid his hands up her back, to the back of her neck, kissing her deeply. Jessy was getting so hot in that limo as the two of them kissed, she giggled softly against his lips as he moved her onto his lap, and she pressed her body as close to his as she could. Her breathing was becoming harder as he slipped his tongue into her mouth and she began to move her own against it as if they were dancing together. She could feel his heart racing just as fast as her own, he moved his hand sup the back of her neck to deepen the kiss, and she felt like she might go crazy with everything she was feeling. She began to feel a bit light-headed, she couldn't seem to get enough air and had to break their kiss. Furthermore, she was panting harshly, and she moved a hand to her forehead to steady her self because it felt as if the limo was spinning around her. "This....this dress is too damn tight....I can't breathe..." Shawn breathed heavily when she broke the kiss, as he leaned forward, taking off his tux jacket. "Take it off then." He suggested, shrugging his shoulders, looking up at her. "I won't let anything get too far. I promise." He said softly, looking up in her eyes, his chest rising up and down quickly as he leaned back into his seat, her still on his lap. He reached down, untucking his shirt from his pants, Leaning his head back, as he moved his hands back to her waist, "I can give you my shirt if you want, to hide things. That way you won't be exposed." He suggested, reaching up for her cheek, smiling softly. She looked down at him now not really believing what he had just said to her but then again she was desperate. She crossed her arms over her chest now as she thought over her decision and his words of not letting it go to far did make her feel better. Furthermore, she watched him as he untucked his shirt from his pants, and she moved her bottom lip between her teeth to nibble on it as his hands moved to her waist once more while the other reached up for her cheek. She nodded her head slowly as she climbed off his lap and moved her hands to the claps on the back of her dress. "No peeking." Jessy gave him a warning smile now as she began to undo the top few clasps so she was able to do the rest with one hand so she held out the other for his shirt. He smiled, as he unbuttoned his shirt quickly, leaning forward, as he took it off, handing it to her, as he leaned his head back, closing his eyes, not peeking, as he waited for her, taking deep breaths, as he was left with a white wife beater on, that fit tightly, but not to tight, however showed off his stomach. He moved his arms behind his head, smiling, relaxing a bit more. "Just tell me when I can look." He said, stretching his legs out a bit, relieved that he relaxed a bit down there. After a few more seconds of not hearing anything, he opened one eye to look at her, watching her button the shirt back up, quickly closing his eye as she turned to face him. He rolled his neck a bit, shrugging his shoulders, waiting. She watched him carefully as he unbuttoned his shirt quickly, and she took his shirt from him as he held it out to her. She made sure that he closed his eyes first before she undid the last clasp and all he could hear was the rustling of the dress as she pushed it down her body. Furthermore, she pulled his shirt up over her now buttoning it, she could smell his scent on it, and it only made her wish he was holding her again. Furthermore, she turned to look at him now, she was covered but still struggled with the corset but was finally able to pull it out from underneath his shirt. Furthermore, she breathed a sigh of relief, it made her a bit nervous because she was topless under the thin material and her white lacy underwear could be seen if she wasn't careful. Besides his shirt she wore white stockings ending above her knees held up by a white guarder belt, and she had taken off her white heals as well. "You can look now." She gave him a smile, her long hair now free from its bun on the top of her head and she moved closer to him. He opened his eyes, his heart beating faster as he saw her in his shirt, feeling the tension between his legs once again, as he swallowed hard. "Good lord." He barely got out as he watched her come closer. "You look..." He started, pulling her back onto his lap, "Very sexy." He whispered into her ear as he kissed her neck softly, leaning back looking into her eyes. "And I'm being completely serious." He added, smiling, moving her head closer to his. He pulled her so she was against him all the way, not remembering about his "problem" He moved his lips to hers, kissing her deeply, putting a hand behind her head, keeping her lips against his, his back traveling up and down her back, rubbing it softly. Jessy blushed deeply as he told her that she looked very sexy and to have him whisper it into her ear made a shiver travel down her spine. Her body tensed as he kissed her neck and she watched him as he leaned back to look into her eyes. She moved her arms around his neck now that she sat in his lap once more, "I believe you..." she said with a soft smile, and she couldn't help the gasp as he pulled her against him. She could feel his excitement over how she looked to him, and it made her blush even more that she could have such any effect on him. His lips moved to hers once more kissing her deeply and she returned his kiss greedily. She could feel him move his hand to the back of her neck once more of keep her lips against his and that hand that traveled up and down her back sent chills over her body. She let her hands move to his chest letting him dance over his smooth muscular chest, and she wanted more than anything to feel that laying on top of hers. Furthermore, she moved over him now to move a leg on either side of his body, it parted the shirt giving him an easy view of her lacy underwear but right now she really didn't care. He felt her move, pulling her tightly against his body, breaking the kiss as he moved his lips to her neck again, kissing it softly while sucking on it. "You know. I could.have the.driver.drop you. Off at. Your house..." He said in between kisses, feeling her chest against his, pulling back as he looked into her eyes. "That's if you want. Like I said, or. I can have him just go to my house. It's closing. And I'll. Sleep in another room." He said, leaning back up to kiss her again, soft and gentle this time. He ignored feeling himself get harder as it started to strain against his pants, pretty sure Jessica Could feel it, but not caring anymore. "It's up to you," He said, pulling back again. Jessy gasped as he pulled her tightly against his body, he broke the kiss to move his lips to her neck to kiss on suck on it. With the few men she had spent her days with it wasn't hard for them to figure out that to give such an area attention was the quickest way to turn her on. Her chest heaved against him as he tried to talk to her between his kisses, she looked down at him as he looked up at her, and she thought for a moment. "Go home and spend another night alone...or with you...not a hard decision in my book." She said with a smile just before he kissed her once more but this time it was soft, gentle, and it almost took her breath away. She could feel him getting harder it's pressing between her legs, she couldn't help the lust filled look she gave him just then as he broke the kiss once more and pulled away from her. "Lets just go to your place..." she said now as she leaned over to capture his bottom lip between her teeth and she pulled on it gently. She didn't know what she was really doing, she didn't know him all that well but at the current moment she didn't care because in the end he was her husband. He nodded, breaking the kiss again. "Let me." He said, almost out of breath, "Let Me just tell the driver." He finally got out, leaning over to push a button. "Lean hard, Just drive back to the house. Change of plans." He said, his voice not shaky, as He's looking back at Jessica. "All's set now." He said, grinning as he smiled at her, kissing her again, wanting to get back to their house quickly. Shawn was getting uncomfortable, as he stopped kissing her, moving his hands to her legs as He scooted off the seat, laying her on the ground, him on top. He pressed his body against hers, bringing his lips back to hers as he brought her hands, holding them above her head. Jessy giggled softly as he struggled to speak after her kiss and she watched as he pressed the button to speak to the driver. His grin had her looking at him curiously, the silence between them was growing rather tense and as he moved his hands to her legs. As he began to scoot off her seat she grasped onto his arms, he moved her down onto the floor and laid on top of her. She moaned softly now as he pressed his body against hers, but he muffled it as he pressed his lips back against hers, and he brought her hands above her head to hold them against the limo floor. She smiled against his lips, she liked being held down like this and it only made her hotter. Furthermore, she broke the kiss now panting gently, "You sure do know how to make a woman hot..." he smiled, looking down into her eyes, as he breathed heavily as well. "The truth..." He started, shaking his head, laughing. "I've never actually done this before." He said, looking back into her eyes, shrugging. "But, I'd do anything to please my wife," He said, moving his body against hers softly, moving his lips softly against her neck. "I know I said I didn't have to do anything." He started, feeling the limo slow down, "But. Maybe that could change." He added, kissing her softly again as the limo stopped." The Limo is at the front doors, Let me go out first, so I can unlock the door and open it, and I'll be back to get you and carry you in. We can leave the dress in the car for now, I'm the only one that uses it." He said, smiling, kissing her one more time as he got his kiss, bursting out of the car, running up towards his house, unlocking the door, and opening it. It was a big house, which he spent a lot of money on. Hopefully Jessica would like it. He ran back to the limo, peeking in as he saw her, motioning for her to come towards him. Jessy smiled brightly as he looked down at her with a smile of his own, they both lay there breathing heavily looking up at each other. She sat up a bit as he shook his head and told her that he had never done this before. That was something she hadn't come across yet, to meet and marry a man that had never been with a woman before. She giggled softly at his words of doing anything to please his wife, but they were covered by a soft moan as he moved his body against hers and kissed her neck softly. She could feel the limo come to a stop, his words had her thinking to herself as to what she should do. Her body shook softly as he kissed her one more time before he burst out of the car, she wanted more than anything to feel it against hers once more, and she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep alone to night. She moved to the open door now watching as he unlocked the door, opening it and coming back to her once more. She moved closer to him now until she was only inches from him, and she held out her arms so he could pick her up. He slipped an arm under her legs, and the other around her waist as he carried her back up to the house, closing the door behind them. He walked over to the stairs, carrying her easy as He climbed up them one by one. Furthermore, he kissed her softly, walking down the hall towards the end. Opening the door to expose his room, well, their room now. He carried her over to the bed, laying her down as he moved himself over her, he held himself up with his arms, looking down at his wife. He leaned his he down, kissing her lips softly, as he moved a hand to his shirt on her, unbuttoning it slowly. He wanted her, but he did not want to make her feel like that's all he wanted. He moved his lips to her neck, kissing down slightly as he unbuttoned the shirt. Furthermore, he moved to her collar bone, sucking on it softly, opening the shirt as his hands moved over her stomach She moved her arms around his neck as he lifted her free from the limo and a shiver traveled over her body from the chill of the night air. She hugged closer to him to keep her warm, he moved through the door of the house closing it behind him and then moved up the stairs. At first her eyes traveled around the rooms they moved through, but they were on her once more as he kissed her softly. She moaned against his lips as him opened the door to what she assumed was his room and he didn't waist time placing her down on his bed. He moved over her holding himself up and looking down at her. She blushed gently just before he leaned down to kiss her once more, she could feel his hands moving over his shirt that she wore, and she could feel him unbuttoning it slowly. As he undid each button she began to grow more and more nervous. She gasped out for air as he moved his kisses down her neck and when her collar bone was exposed he sucked on it softly. Her stomach jumped as his hands moved over it, "Oh...god...you're driving me crazy Shawn." she said gasping out his name. Shawn lifted his head up, looking down at her into her eyes. "Do you want me to stop?" He asked, being sincere, wanting more as he moved his hand up to her cheek, and to her neck, tracing along her skin. He was between her legs, feeling is member push against his slacks, wanting so badly just to release it, but pushing it to the back of his mind. He pushed his mind back onto Jessica as he moved his lips back to her skin, moving them down her chest, noticing that she did not have a bra on, seeing her perky breasts right in front of him, moving his hand up, placing one on her left one, massaging it softly, moving his lips to her right nipple sucking on it softly, as his bit down softly as well, reaching down to his pants, fumbling with the zipper. "No I don't want you to stop...if you stop I might go mad..." she as he moved his hand up to her cheek for a few moments, she gasped as he traced along his skin and her body trembled at the soft touches. She noticed now that he lay between her legs as they lay apart lazily, she arched her back as his kisses traveled down her neck to her chest. She seemed to hold her breath now as he reached out for one of her breast and began to massage it. She gasped out as his lips closed around his nipple and began to such on it softly. Furthermore, she could feel herself growing wet between her legs with each passing moment and her body was begging to grow hot. "Please Shawn..." she pleaded with a not to stop and urge him to continue exploring her body. Shawn moved his lips off her nipple as he continued with kisses down her stomach, stopping right above her panties as he looked up at her, hooking his thumbs underneath them, slowly pulling them down her legs throwing them onto the ground, seeing her lips right in front of him, his heart began to race. He drew his face closer, kissing the insides of her thighs, smelling her heat as he moved his lips to hers, sucking on the folds softly, his tongue dashing inside her. His thumb and index finger moving up, pinching her clit softly. He thought about what he was doing as he moved his lips to her clit, moving his fingers down to her hole, slowly slipping two inside her, as he pulled them in and out quickly, while undoing his pants with his other, freeing him as he slides them down, kicking the rest of the way off, leaving him in his wife beater and boxers, which had a pretty noticeable tent pitched. Her back relaxed against the mattress as he moved his lips off her nipple and she lay there looking down at him as he began to place a trail of kisses down her chest, over her stomach ending just above her panties. Her stomach twisted in a knot as he hooked his thumbs underneath them and pulled the down then off her body. She reached down her back to unhook her guarder belt tossing it to the side and without it her knee-high stockings began to roll down her legs. She moved her bottom lip between her teeth as he drew closer to her and her body jumped as he kissed the insides of her thighs. "Oh god..." she cried out as he moved his lips to the lips of her pussy and she moaned softly as he began to suck on them letting his tongue move inside of her. She lifted her knees a bit to move them wider so he could have enough room to do what ever he wanted to her, he could ravish her body and she wouldn't do a thing to stop him. Her body jerked once more as his tongue moved to her clit, and he slipped two fingers inside of her pumping them in and out quickly. She was tight a bit too tight because sex wasn't something she usually spent her precious time on and would only find a partner when she was in desperate need of it. She could feel him moving around on the bed, but she was too absorbed in her pleasure to be curious as to what he was doing. He stopped, moving his body back up as he took off his wife beater, throwing it on the ground as well, as he looked up into her eyes, kissing her lips softly again. He still had his fingers inside her, pumping in and out of her quickly, He looked down, seeing her chest again as it was pushed against his, removing his fingers, moving himself against her, grinding, as he moved his lips to her neck, wanting to hear her tell him to move on, that way we wouldn't hurt her. Shawn's heart was racing faster than it had been in the limo, He had never tasted another woman before, and he loved the taste of Jessy. He wanted so much more than what was being done. He wanted to give his wife everything he had... Furthermore, he never felt this way before. If Shawn had spoken to her just then she wouldn't be able to hear him over her own heart beat that was racing as fast as a humming bird's. She could barely breathe but when he stopped sucking on her to take off his under shirt it gave her a moment to get control of her breathing as he moved back up her once more. Her head moved off to the side after his kissed her lips softly, so his lips could ravish it, her long hair lay sprawled out around her head as he ground against her forcing a moan to tumble over her lips. He seemed to be waiting for her as he removed his fingers, she whimpered softly, and she turned her head, so her lips were near his ear. "Please...don't stop Shawn...I want to feel you inside of me." She was never a shy girl, when she wanted something she would usually let someone know and right now she wanted nothing more than him. It didn't seem strange at the moment that she wanted a man she hardly knew to make love to her nor did it seem strange that she was moving to fast or that he was starting to grow on her from the moment her eyes locked on his at the altar. Shawn heard her words as he nodded, clenching his jaw as he sat up on his knees, pulling down is boxers, kicking them off the bed as he laid back on top of her, groaning softly as he felt his shaft against her pussy, feeling her wetness. He moved his lips back to hers, kissing her deeply and passionately, as he reached down, pointing the head near her entrance, as he slowly slid into her. She felt so tight, and he liked it. He began pulling himself out, trusting deeper as he buried his head into her neck, sucking on her skin lightly. Shawn continues to groan, as he was thrusting, feeling her walls around him, he felt her skin against his, her chest against his as her nipples dug into his skin. Jessy turned her head slowly as he sat up watching as he moved to his knees and removed his boxers. She blushed a bit as she saw his cock, it was bigger then she had seen in the few guys she had spent her nights with. She began to grow nervous as he laid back on top of her and his groan as his shaft pressed against her pussy made her moan softly. He locked his lips with hers in a soft kiss, he reached down between them to line himself up and as he slowly slides into her, she broke the kiss to gasp out and arch her back a bit. He pulled himself out slightly and thrust deeper having her move her hands to his shoulders to hold on. He buried his head into her neck sucking on it and groaning against her throat with each thrust. She lay her back flat once more her head laying off to the side, she was moaning and gasping out with every thrust. She bent her knees even more now pulling them apart as far as possible so he could move deeper inside of her. Shawn heard her moans, causing him to thrust faster, and harder. He felt her legs move, giving him more room as he picked up his pace. He pushed his entire length into her over and over again, feeling her warmth surround him. Furthermore, he breathed out heavily, hearing his bed hit against the wall. Furthermore, he moved his lips back up to hers, kissing her softly, as he reached down with one hand, rubbing her clit. He wanted to please her more than any other man had before. With each thrust, he'd slow down, just pounding his cock into her as hard as he can. "Oh Shawn..." she moaned out as he began to pick up his pace, every movement inside of her felt like it was driving her mad, but she only wanted more. She could feel the base of him as he pushed his entire length into her over and over again stretching her in all the right ways. His breath was heavy on her neck and she could hear his bed hitting against the wall as he moved. When his lips found hers once more she moved her hands off his shoulders to the back of his head, and she pressed his kiss harder against hers. Jessy's body jumped as his hand moved down between them, and he began to rub her clit. He was hitting all the right spots and all she could seem to do was go along for a ride. She had never felt such pleasure with him as she had done with any other man she had slept with. She could feel that familiar pleasure building inside of her already and was surprise at how quickly he was pushing her close to the edge. Furthermore, she began to lift her hips moving them against his in her need, her body was growing hotter and slick with her sweat as she moved to pleasure each other. He started to feel his balls tighten. Hearing Jessy moan his name. He continued pumping his cock in and out of her. He felt her hips start pressing against his, him breathing hard. "Jessy. I'm going... I'm going to cum." He says out of breath in her ear, the pressure building as he brought his hand back up, holding himself up on the bed. He slowed down, ramming his whole rod into her pussy. On his third thrust, he felt his cock explode, sending a load of his cum deep into her womb. Thread after thread, riding it out. After he was done, he pulled out of her, rolling off as he laid beside her, his body covered with sweat, him out of breath. His chest rising up and down quickly, his cock limp between his legs. "God. Jessica. That was just. Amazing." He said finally after some quiet, turning his head looking at her. Jessy moved her hands up to her own breast massaging them and pinching the nipples to add a bit more pleasure to get her there all the faster. They continued to move against each other, she could feel her stomach beginning to tighten as he spoke to her out of breath in her ear. "Just a little more..." she said desperately as he began to slow down and moved to ram his cock deep into her pussy. Her hands tightened on her breast on the second thrust, and she arched her back up against him as her orgasm washed over her body. She tightened around him as he thrust one more time a cam deep inside of her causing her to gasp out. He filled her almost completely as he lay above her trying to ride out his orgasm as her body shook gently in the middle of her own. She went limp under him moments later, her hands fell away from her breast laying at her sides as he pulled out of her and laid down besides her. She lay there panting softly, she was tired almost to the point of passing out from their act and the liquor she had drank all night, but she managed to turn her head to give him a soft smile. Furthermore, she rolled over to him now cuddling up next to him for warmth as her eyes threatened to close. Shawn moved his arm around her, holding her close as he grabbed the sheets, moving them over their bodies. He smiled softly, rubbing his hand over her skin softly, thoughts were racing around in his head. He had his new wife laying right beside him, and he was the happiest guy on the planet. "Jessica. I think, our honeymoon. Is going to be amazing now." He said softly closing his eyes. He breathed slowly, trying to catch his breath thinking his wife fell asleep next to him. Furthermore, he slowly drifted to sleep, his head laying back into the pillow. It was a good night, he tilted his head sideways, away from Jessy, his breath evening out. Jessy smiled as he moved his arm around her holding her close, she closed her eyes feeling him moved the sheets over their bodies and she yawned softly. She could feel his fingers dancing over her skin as if trying to commit the feeling of her to memory, she had never been so relaxed with a man before as she did now. She giggled softly at his words, "very amazing..." she said just before she drifted off to sleep. Her dreams were nothing really special, there were filled with work as usual and of the things she would have to do once she woke up. She expected to hear her alarm go off telling her that she needed to get to work, but it never came, and she slept through the early morning. Her eyes fluttered open as the sun began to peek through the windows and for a few moments as she looked around she had known idea where she was. She sat up quickly but moaned out in pain as her head spun around, she moved a hand to steady it as she pain wasn't too bad but still rather annoying. It was then that she looked down as her new husband laying besides her, and she realized where she was. She gave a soft sigh as a smile spread along her lips, she moved off the bed quietly grabbing his dress shirt to cover herself. She stood beside the bedroom window looking out at the sky as the sun began to rise, and she leaned against the window frame with the cool glass pressed to her forehead easing the pain from her hangover. Shawn fell asleep soon after Jessy, keeping his arm around her, her body close to his. He didn't really dream all that often, and tonight wasn't that different. He felt something move beside him in the morning, but went back to his comfortable sleep. A few moments later, he opened his eyes, yawning slightly as he stretched his arms looking over at the window. He saw Jessy, as he smiled, looking for his boxers as he put them on, walking over to her. He wrapped his arms around her waist as he kissed her cheek softly. Furthermore, he smiled, looking out to see the sunrise with her as he took a deep breath, still smiling. "How is the New Mrs. DeSantis?" He asked very softly, aware that she might have a headache from all the champagne she was drinking. He moved his mouth to her shoulder, as he left it there awaiting her reply. Jessy could hear the bed creak as he woke and got up, but she kept her eyes out at the sunrise. She smiled softly letting her hand fall down from her forehead when he kissed her cheek, she tilted her head up to look at him now as he asked her how she was. To hear someone call her that let alone her husband made her so happy, she let her head rest against his strong chest, and she sighed softly as he moved his mouth to her shoulder to rest it there." I'm hanging in there." she said with a soft giggle, she moved her hands to his own linking their fingers together. "Last night was wonderful Shawn..." She stepped away from him a bit so she could turn to face him, and she moved her arms up around his neck. "Unlike any I've had before." she smiled brightly moving up on the toes so she could press her lips against his in a soft is. He smiled as he watched her turn around, squeezing her hands lightly. "Last night was definitely wonderful. I will never forget it. But. Our plane leaves at 5 tonight, and When we get to Italy. Hopefully we'll have more wonderful nights." He said softly, moving his arms around her waist as she wrapped hers around his neck. He leaned down, meeting her lips with his as he kissed her back softly, smiling into the kiss. "What do you want for breakfast? I'll have someone make it, in case you like to take morning showers." He asked, after the kiss ended, leaning back so he could look down into her eyes. Jessy could feel his lips turn up into a smile as he returned her kiss, he broke it moments later leaving a smile along her own lips as he looked down at her. It wasn't until he mentioned breakfast did she realized how hungry she really was because she hadn't eaten very much at the reception last night. "Someone make it for me? Now that's not something I'm use to." She said with a soft giggle, "How about I treat you and make breakfast...just because I spend all my time at the hospital doesn't mean I'm not a kick ass chef." She pulled away from him a bit taking his hand, "Lean the way to the kitchen and ill show you what I'm made of." She said giving him a cute wink as well as a smile to go along with it. Shawn laughed, nodding his head. "I'm not used to have a girl at the house, and I certainly can't cook. So I have a chef on the staff. But, let me put on a shirt first, then we can go down." He replied, walking over to the dresser, pulling out a regular shirt. He pulled it over his head, as he rubbed the back of his neck, before grabbing her hand. "Let's go then." He said, smiled as he walked out of the room, Jessy right behind him. "Let me know if I don't have anything you want, I'll put it on the list for them to get."

Meet Me At The Alter (open)|rating:3.0

.hack__Genesis (Open and Accepting Members)

.hack//Genesis [BBS Forum] | [Character Profiles] | [IOC Thread] 1. Introduction Forty years have passed since the incidents long ago involving The Wave virus and the.hackers that vanquished it with the help of the CC Corp Administrators and the Famous Hacker, Elba, along with a cooperative of other Online Players in The World. The year is 2057 A.D. and the real world as we know it is at an even greater technological breakthrough. A new version of The World has been released in Japan a little over a year ago, and it has just been released in other countries around the world a week ago. Online gamers from all over are joining in on the hype and the obsession of this new Virtual Reality world. Some use it as an escape from distress in the real world, some use it to satisfy their own personal needs, and some use it to bend the rules of virtual reality to their own whim. But in this new Genesis of online gaming, little is known whether another tragedy that happened forty years ago would reappear with this new Technological Masterpiece that has been created. The only known truth is that history has repeated itself in the past... Will it happen again? Enter The World to seek the answer.2. Table of Contents1. Introduction2. Table of Contents - You are here3. Classes4. World Servers5. Characters List6. Guilds7. BBS Log8. Admins/Mods9. Rules10. Character Rules11. Blacklist12. Whitelist13. Character Profiles14. Extra Features15. Thirteen Zodiac Gods 3. Classes Blade BrandierThe Blade Brandies differs from the Blade master in the terms that it is not as powerful or fast as the Blade master. It's a much more average class in terms of attack, and in terms of speed, they're not near as fast as Twin Blades or Tribal Grapplers. Their attack power is somewhere in between the Twin Blade and Edge Punisher, though. Blade Brandies use a medium, one-handed, Katina-like sword in battle. Blade Brandies get a special trait from their programmed alterations called "Weapon Types". Their Weapon Type is called "Hold and Release", where after a successful hit the wielder pulls the sword back and then unleashes a single, very powerful impact attack. Blade Brandies Skill Levels Sword Flash (Normal, Job Level 1) - A single enemy strike with a small radius that is a simple, fierce lunge on the opponent. Ogre Sword (Normal, Job Level 4) - A small ranged strike where the player quickly draws out the sword to slash the opponent. Lateral Moon (Aerial, Job Level 7) - A single enemy strike with a medium damage rate that is a powerful strike upward into the air. Aerial Death (Aerial, Job Level 9) - A powerful upward strike followed by rapid strikes on the enemy. Razor's Edge (Normal, Job Level 11) - A lunge followed by multiple strikes. Disaster Sword (Normal, Job Level 15) - A sword draw with an upward strike. Devil Sword (Normal, Job Level 21) - A large range attack that draws an infinite amount of rings in midair. Axe Dragoon Axe Dragoons are fast and powerful attackers like a Blade master, and they wield one or two-handed axes with expert precision. They have to wear leather armor like the Twin Blades because their weapons are generally too heavy to support plate armor. They have average hit points and defense against magic while they are good against physical attackers because of their speed. Their hit type is a Rapid Attack, which is a follow-up multiple attack after their first chain of combos. They are another of the new classes released with The World R:3. Axe Dragoon Skill Levels Iron Crush (Piercing, Job Level 0) - A powerful vertical swing used to crush the enemy. Radiant Axel (Piercing, Job Level 3) - A strike utilizing centrifugal force that attacks in a horizontal motion. Punishing Flash (Aerial, Job Level 5) - An upward drawing strike that knocks the enemy into the air. Swift Steel (Normal, Job Level 7) - Multiple blows in horizontal and vertical strikes to deal cumulative damage. Six Rising Dragons (Aerial, Job Level 12) - The Dragoon first knocks the enemy into the air and converges in from six different directions to attack the enemy multiple times. Magic Breaker (Magic, Job Level 15) - A technique that drains a great deal of SP in order to break through magic attacks and redirect the attack back at the opponent. Saint Dragoon (Piercing, Job Level 21) - A wide horizontal arc is swung from a far distance before the weapon is drawn back to drag the enemy towards the Dragoon and the enemy is picked up into the air to be slammed down on the blade of the Axe. Edge Punisher The Edge Punishers are quite similar to the regular Heavy Blade. They wield huge, double-handed swords, but the alteration program of their weapons gives some of their blades the ability to act as a chainsaw blade, dealing extra damage and hits when used. Edge Punishers are much slower than Blade Brandies due to the fact that they normally wear heavy armor, but they are given the added defense rating over the other. Edge Punishers also get the "Weapon Types" advantage over the Heavy Blades, and they have two Weapon Types. The Hold and Release, where after a successful hit the wielder pulls the sword back and then unleashes a single, very powerful impact attack, usually producing a large shock wave and flinging the opponent into the air; And the Rapid Attacks, such as the chainsaw sword "Comrade", which deals a quick series of successive blows upon impact. Edge Punisher Skill Levels Tiger Blitz (Normal, Job Level 0) - A powerful, single enemy strike V edge slash. Twin Moons (Aerial, Job Level 3) - A powerful, single enemy strike upward. Armor Pierce (Piercing, Job Level 5) - A powerful, piercing strike upward. Bonecrusher (Piercing, Job Level 7) - A powerful, piercing whirlwind attack. Tiger Strike (Normal, Job Level 12) - A swing attack leveraging the sword's weight. Shell Breaker (Piercing, Job Level 15) - A large ranged attack that breaks through the enemies defenses. Armor Break (Piercing, Job Level 21) - A large range single attack that unleashes a rapid attack on the enemy from midair with the sword. Long Arm Long Arms are a physically strong class in The World. They are best known for their pole arm weapons and light movement. Long Arms are considered to be near equal to Twin Blades, differing only in that they have greater attack and defense stats as well as far superior range while sacrificing the magical capabilities and multi-hit skills of the Twin Blade. Long Arms also share the same HP and SP growths as Heavy Blades and Blade masters. Long Arms are capable of naturally reaching their max statistics for physical attacks. Long Arm skills are multi-hit, but don't hit as many times as a Twin Blade. The Double Sweep family of skills employs the Long Arm's massive range by dealing two strong hits of damage to all enemies within range of the spear. Long Arm Skill Levels Lord PartizanLord Partisan utilizes giant Pole arms instead of Spears like their Long Arm predecessors. Lord Partisans have good medium range attacks, but don't excel at "sweeping" attacks like Flick Reapers. Their physical attack and defense are very high, but their magic attack is pitiful. They're also more monster-oriented, with a lot of good armor-piercing and anti-air weapons and skills. Their skill progression for low levels is also among the lowest. Overall, this class can cause the most immediate damage. The Lord Partisan also gets two "Weapon Types" traits. The Hold and Release, where after a successful hit the wielder pulls the sword back and then unleashes a single, very powerful impact attack, usually producing a large shock wave and flinging the opponent into the air; And the Rapid Attacks, which deals a quick series of successive blows upon impact like a drill. Lord Partisan Skill Levels Air Raid (Aerial, Job Level 1) - A powerful thrust upward. Thorn Dance (Piercing, Job Level 5) - A piercing attack that breaks through the enemies defense by force. Piercing Heaven (Aerial, Job Level 11) - A medium range single attack that lifts enemies up with multiple strikes. Scarlet Thrust (Piercing, Job Level 15) - A large range single attack that is a lunge attack that lifts enemies up. Heavenly Raid (Aerial, Job Level 21) - A large range attack that strikes the enemy multiple times from midair. Tribal GrapplerTribal Grapplers are a class that has the advantage of a very high attack speed, allowing it to achieve normal Range extremely fast, in addition to very high HP. Their defense, however, is very low. They have one "Weapon Type" trait for their weapons. The Rapid Attacks, which deal a quick series of successive blows upon impact. Tribal Grapple Skill Levels Rapid Attack (Normal, Job Level 1) - A powerful rush with a strike and kick. King Hammer (Piercing, Job Level 3) - A piercing pursuit attack to break down enemy guard. Thunder Fist (Piercing, Job Level 5) - A piercing, single strike punch to the chest of the opponent that can shatter through any enemy defense. Tiger Bite (Normal, Job Level 11) - A medium range single attack that consists of a rush assault with a chi-blast and kick. Palm Blast (Piercing, Job Level 15) - A medium range attack that is a forward chi-blast. Shell Shock (Piercing, Job Level 21) - A large range strike that slams the enemy down afterward. Twin Blade Twin Blades of the new version of The World are on exactly the same level as the previous Twin Blades, but they are different in terms of skills and weapon types. They get four "Weapon Types" traits for their fast weapons. The Hold and Release, where after a successful combo, the wielder can charge their weapon before dashing past their opponents, as the opponent is caught in a series of hits trailing the wielder. The Rapid Attacks, which deals a quick series of successive blows following initial impact. The Pincer, which entrap the opponent between both blades and then unleash barrage damage. This type of weapon is very effective against single opponents; And the Spinning, which during a combo the wielder can spin one blade, move, and then spin the other one. This type of weapon is extremely effect against multiple opponents. Twin Blade Skill Levels Gale Blade (Normal, Job Level 0) - A single enemy strike of three consecutive attacks. Sparrow Counter (Aerial, Job Level 3) - A single enemy strike that knocks them into the air and then slams them back down. Sword Dance (Normal, Job Level 5) - A ranged attack that attacks by creating circular air on the blades. Tri-Strike (Piercing, Job Level 7) - A single enemy strike that is a powerful lunge. Diving Driver (Aerial, Job Level 9) - Deflect the enemies attack, then jump into the air and perform a dive with the blades onto them while they are exposed. Whirlwind (Normal, Job Level 11) - A six hit whirlwind attack with medium range for a single target. Blade Blizzard (Piercing, Job Level 12) - Dash by the enemy multiple times and unleash several rapid attacks with the knives. Chaotic Strike (Aerial, Job Level 14) - Fly up and attack airborne enemies. Ghost Falcon (Aerial, Job Level 21) - A large radius rapid-attack on the enemy from midair. WavemastersWavemasters are the mage class of The World. Although they are physically the weakest class, being capable of equipping only the lightest armor, they have outstanding magical stats and can equip rods capable of using the most powerful LA. 4 spells. Wave masters are considered a party staple due to their high SP rating, and are among the most popular classes. Wavemaster Skill Levels Summon Wry neck, the Spirit of Darkness (Summon, Level 30) - This summons Wry neck to attack a large radius with a Darkness spell. Summon Watkins, the Spirit of Earth (Summon, Level 30) - This summons Watkins to attack a large radius with an Earth spell. Summon Vulcan, the Spirit of Fire (Summon, Level 30) - This summons Vulcan to attack a large radius with a Fire spell. Summon Lancer, the Spirit of Thunder (Summon, Level 30) - This summons Lancer to attack a large radius with a Thunder spell. Summon Marrows, the Spirit of Water (Summon, Level 30) - This summons Marrows to attack a large radius with a Water spell. Summon Brake, the Spirit of Wood (Summon, Level 30) - This summons Brake to attack a large radius with a Wood spell. Refer to Harvest Cleric, Shadow Warlock, and Dance Macabre Skills. WerewolfWerewolves are an elite class in The World. Only given to extremely powerful players the Werewolf class allows its user to transform from their original class into a wolf form, and vice versa. Werewolf Skill Levels Killing Fang (Level 0 Skill – Single/Instant Kill): A simple, yet effective attack in which a werewolf in beast form kicks off the ground with his back paws and lunges at the enemy, fangs bared in order to tear out their throat. It kills the opponent instantly if it hits, but has low accuracy, and leaves the user open to counter-attack. This skill automatically fails if it’s attempted against an opponent at a level that is higher than the user. Gale Claw (Level 3 Skill – Single): A simple, yet powerful long-ranged attack in which a werewolf sweeps upwards at his enemy with his claws, sending three arc-shaped blades of wind flying in their direction. Lunar Blessing (Level 5 Skill – Support/Self): A support spell which utilizes the power of moonlight in order to gradually recover the user’s HP over a period of time. The recovery rate is faster than that of Rip Main, but it can’t be used on other people. Tornado Fang (Level 7 Skill – Single/Piercing): A powerful, armor-piercing attack in which a werewolf first kicks off the ground before spinning rapidly through the air, building up speed and momentum before their body forms into a whirling mass of fangs and claws powerful enough to cleave through even the toughest of armors. Rage of Fangs (Level 9 Skill – Area/Piercing): A more powerful version of Tornado Fang in which a werewolf utilizes the power of moonlight in order to create four copies of itself before using the Tornado Fang skill in order to burrow under the ground and come up underneath a large group of enemies, effectively attacking all of them at once. Rage of Henri (Level 12 Skill – All Enemies): Attack used when a werewolf’s anger reaches its peak. The user first lets’s out an ear-piercing howl, summoning down a massive cyclone of wind from the heavens which branches off into four smaller whirlwinds in order to throw all enemies on the field into the air before the fierce winds tear them to pieces. It’s a dangerous skill to use at a party, however, as one’s allies can be caught up in the attack as well. Crimson Moon (Level 15 Skill – Single): The most powerful werewolf attack known to date in which a werewolf first bathes his body in a stream of crimson-colored moonlight before launching into a blinding fast combo of lunges and claws swipes, tearing his enemy to shreds leaving little if any room for a counter-attack. Dance Macabre strange class, they wield fan-like weapons. They are comparable to Twin Blade in armor wearing. They cut their enemies with the bladed tips of their fans in a battle form that resembles a dance, and also manipulate white and black spirits to cast healing and attack spells. The setting of The World considers them the "Flowers of the Battlefield". Dance Macabre are the expert class for status effects and parameter changes, and are very balanced casters, learning both healing and attack spells. Dance Macabre Skill Levels Dance of The Wind (Self, Job Level 0) - Dances and disappears with the wind by twirling in place. Dance of The Sickle (Piercing, Job Level 3) - Unleashes several blades of wind that diminish in strength as each blade comes from the Fan. Dance of The Stars (Status, Job Level 5, SP: 5) – Dances and stuns the enemy, for 5 seconds Dance of The Shadows (Status, Job Level 5, SP: 5) – Dances and inflects darkness for 5 seconds Fan Swipe (Normal, Job Level 8) – The user has to be up close to the target, and then you strike the target 3 times. On the third strike, it sends out a strong gust of wind which makes the target fly a few feet from you (Only works on a person with weak armor)Hidden Kick (Normal, Job Level 15, Range) – Dances and spins around, on the second spin he/she gets cover by the wind and disappears, and then appears behind the target and kicks them on the back. Spirit Hawk (Aerial, Job Level 18, SP:15) – Dances around and summons one black spirit which attacks from above. Healing Spirit (Magic, Job Level 19, SP: 15) – Dances around, and a white spirit comes out healing the party by 100 hp. Icicle Dance (Magic, Job Level 20, SP:20) – Dances towards the target as snow falls on them, once he/she is up close they stop dancing and a large spike appears beneath the target. (Isn't very accurate, only works with Dance of The Stars)Speed Dance (Status, Job Level 27, SP: 5) - Does a short fast dance, during the dance, the opponent agility and evasion decreases by 5 points. Spirit of The Health (Magic, Job Level 30, SP: 10) - Dances slowly, and a white spirit comes out protecting the party from magic spells, and status effect. Only lasts for a short time. Illusion Spirit (Magic, Job Level 38, SP: 10) - The user begins to dance swiftly and calmly, during the dance a black spirit comes out creating 2 fake illusions and goes towards the enemy for a strike. Spell Based Dance Macabre Skills Core (Target: Unit, SP: 12, Lowers target P. ATK. Temporarily by 3, Job LA. 1)Deck Coma (Target: Unit, SP: 12, Lowers target M. ATK. Temporarily by 3, Job LA. 1)App Core (Target: Unit, SP: 15, Raises a friend's P. ATK. Temporarily by 3, Job LA. 1)App Coma (Target: Unit, SP: 15, Raises a friend's M. ATK. Temporarily by 3, Job LA. 1)Depth (Target: Unit, SP: 16, HP Restored: 100, Job LA. 2)Deck VOR (Target: Unit, SP: 12, Lowers target P. Def. Temporarily by 3, Job LA. 5)Deck Norma (Target: Unit, SP: 12, Lowers target M. Def. Temporarily by 3, Job LA. 5)App VOR (Target: Unit, SP: 15, Temporarily raises P. Def. By 3, Job LA. 5)App Norma (Target: Unit, SP: 15, Temporarily raises M. Def. By 3, Job LA. 5)Due Lei (Target: Unit, SP: 15, Poisons target temporarily, Job LA. 8)Human Lei (Target: Unit, SP: 20, Sleeps target temporarily, Job LA. 8)Medea Core (Target: Area, SP: 28, Temporarily reduce all enemies P. ATK by 3, Job LA. 12)Medea Coma (Target: Area, SP: 28, Temporarily reduce all enemies M. ATK by 3, Job LA. 12)Medea VOR (Target: Area, SP: 28, Temporarily reduce all enemies P. Def by 3, Job LA. 12)Medea Norma (Target: Area, SP: 28, Temporarily reduce all enemies M. Def by 3, Job LA. 12)App Do (Target: Unit, SP: 20, Raises one friend's speed by 25%, Job LA. 15)Deck Do (Target: Unit, SP: 20, Lowers one enemy's speed by 25%, Job LA 15)UL Depth (Target: Unit, HP Restored: 200, Job LA. 16)Rap Core (Target: Area, SP: 40, P. ATK. Of all friends is increased by 3 temporarily, Job LA. 17)Rap Coma (Target: Area, SP: 40, M. ATK. Of all friends is increased by 3 temporarily, Job LA. 17)Rap VOR (Target: Area, SP: 40, P. Def. Of all friends is increased by 3 temporarily, Job LA. 17)Rap Norma (Target: Area, SP: 40, M. Def. Of all friends is increased by 3 temporarily, Job LA. 17)Rip Main (Target: Unit, Same as Resurrect, Job LA. 18)Of Depth (Target: Unit, SP: 80, HP Restored: 350, Job LA. 19)Deck Or (Target: Unit, SP: 36, P. ATK and Defense of one enemy is lowered by 3 temporarily, Job LA. 20)Deck ORMA (Target: Unit, SP: 36, M. ATK and Defense of one enemy is lowered by 3 temporarily, Job LA. 20)Rig Team (Target: Unit, SP: 35, SP replenishes over time, Job LA. 21)Rig Seam (Target: Unit, SP: 35, HP replenishes over time, Job LA. 21)Rap Do (Target: Area, SP: 55, All friends' speed is increased by 25% temporarily, Job LA. 22)Gáe Bolg (Target: Area, SP: 32, Element: Earth, Armor-Piercing, Job LA. 23)Van Don (Target: Area, SP: 36, Element: Fire, Type: Drop, Job LA. 23)ANI Not (Target: Unit, SP: 48, Element: Dark, Type: Raise, Job LA. 23)App Or (Target: Unit, SP: 25, P. ATK and Defense of one friend is raised by 3 temporarily, Job LA. 24)App ORMA (Target: Unit, SP: 25, M. ATK and Defense of one friend is raised by 3 temporarily, Job LA. 24)Flick Reapers Similar to the Heavy Axe men from The World, Flick Reapers use large weapons such as Axes and Scythes to attack with. The only difference between the two is that Flick Reapers use Scythes and Heavy Axe men do not. Flick Reapers are very weak to long range attacks. They're the medium range, "area attack" class. They "flick" multiple enemies and push them away before they can get close enough for melee attacks, but a good Steam Gunner or Lord Partisan could overpower them by attacking from afar. Flick Reapers get two "Weapon Types" traits with their powerful scythes. The Hold and Release, where after a successful combo the wielder can charge an attack that will produce a series of explosions causing damage to all enemies within the range of the scythe; And the Rapid Attacks, which deal a quick series of successive blows upon impact. Flick Reaper Skill Levels Ring Punishment (Normal, Job Level 1) - A ring of energy is blasted from the Scythe when the Flick Reaper sweeps it around. Sunset Flip (Aerial, Job Level 4) - The opponent is knocked into the air by the Scythe with a wide arc sweep and then taken down with an even quicker strike from above. Lotus Flower (Aerial, Job Level 6) - A circular slash followed by an upward strike. Reaper's Touch (Normal, Job Level 12) - A medium range series of multiple, circular slashes. Heavenly Wheel (Aerial, Job Level 16) - A large range aerial attack consisting of circular slashes Reaper's Dance (Normal, Job Level 21) - After a combination attack, the Reaper summons a giant demon's claw from below the enemy. Harvest Cleric Being one of the two classes specializing in magic, Harvest Clerics focus on defensive and healing magic, while their counterparts, the Shadow Warlocks, focus on offensive magic. They are considered a spinoff of the original Wave master Class. Their favored weapons are staffs, which give bonuses to their magic and elemental stats, and can be used in melee combat, being considerably stronger by level than tomes but weaker than any other type of weapon. In exchange, Harvest Cleric staffs give a much lower magic bonus than Warlock tomes, though the elemental bonuses are around the same. Like bayonets, neither staffs nor tomes have special types (i.e. "barrage", "charged".) for melee combat. Harvest Cleric Skill LevelsRepth (Target: Unit, HP Restored: 100, Job Level 0)Rip Due (Target: Unit, Cures Poison, Job Level 2)Rue Cruz (Target: Unit, Water Elemental Attack, Job Level 3)Rip Human (Target: Unit, Cures Sleep, Job Level 4)UL Depth (Target: Unit, HP Restored: 200, Job Level 5)An Rom (Target: Area, Anti-Air Wind Elemental Tornado Attack, Job Level 6)Rip Main (Target: Unit, Same as Resurrect, Job Level 7)La Depth (Target: Area, HP Restored: 100, Job Level 8)Rip Maj (Target: Unit, Cures Bad Statuses and Confusion, Job Level 9)Shadow Warlock Being one of the two classes specializing in magic, Shadow Warlocks focus on offensive magic while their counterparts, the Harvest Clerics, focus on defensive and healing magic. They are considered a spinoff of the original Wave master Class. Their favored weapons are tomes, which give bonuses to their magic and elemental stats, and can be used in melee combat, although with very little effect. Shadow Warlock tomes give a much higher magic bonus and have a much lower physical attack than Harvest Cleric staffs, though the elemental bonuses are around the same. Like bayonets, neither staffs nor tomes have special types (i.e. "barrage", "charged".) for melee combat. Shadow Warlock Skill Levels Rue Cruz (Target: Unit, SP: 20, Element: Water, Job Level 0)Due Lei (Target: Unit, SP: 15, Poisons target temporarily, Job Level 2)An Rom (Target: Area, SP: 24, Element: Wind, Type: Tornado, Job Level 3)Human Lei (Target: Unit, SP: 20, Sleeps target temporarily, Job Level 4)An Borg (Target: Area, SP: 32, Element: Earth, Armor-Piercing, Job Level 5)Depth (Target: Unit, SP: 16, HP Restored: 100, Job Level 6)Van Don (Target: Area, SP: 36, Element: Fire, Type: Drop, Job Level 7)Maj Lei (Target: Unit, SP: 15, Curses target temporarily, Job Level 8)RAI Rom (Target: Area, SP: 10, Type: Tornado, Job level 9)RAI Cruz (Target: Unit, SP: 10, Type: Converge, Job level 11)Mean Cruz (Target: Unit, SP: 20, Type: Converge, Job level 14)Multi Weapon Multi Weapon users do not specialize in a single weapon, or form of combat. Instead, practicing in the use of the various types of weapons inside the game. A Multi Weapon acquires several forms as he levels, each of which allows him or her to use a different weapon type. The first form of the Multi Weapon is given when you start your character, the second form is obtained when you reach level 20 and complete the job advancement quests, and the third form is obtained when you reach level 70 and complete the job advancement quests. At the time of creation, the user picks 2 to 3 classes using a point-buy system, which restricts certain "unbalanced" combinations, such as Shadow Warlock and Harvest Cleric. The Multi-Weapon starts out in the game with their first chosen class, and must unlock the remainder through Job Advancement. A Multi-Weapon is given 4 points to use to choose from the following job options:Blade Brandies - 1 Point Edge Punisher - 1 Point Heavy Blade - 1 Point Twin Blade - 1 Pointing Berserker - 2 Points Flick Reaper - 2 Points Axe Dragoon - 2 Points Long Arm - 2 Points Lord Partisan - 2 Points Tribal Grapple - 2 Points Dance Macabre - 3 PointsWavemaster - 3 Points Harvest Cleric - 3 Points Shadow Warlock - 3 Points Steam Gunner - 3 Points Snipe Hunter - 3 Points Dual Gunner - 3 Points Steam Gunners Steam Gunners use bayonets to attack, both as melee and as ranged weapons. Steam Gunners are the physical equivalent of Shadow Warlocks. Their shots are skills that operate the exact same way spells do, but deal physical damage instead. Steam Gunners' shots have greater range than any other physical hit, and their physical attack stat has the fastest progression of any class. In exchange, their melee hits take the same penalty as those of the other "caster" classes in that they lack any of the special types (i.e. "rapid attacks", "hold and release".) that most classes have access to. Steam Gunner Skill Levels Thorn Shot (Normal, Job Level 0) - A small range, normal damage jump and sweep with the gun. Thunder Spark (Piercing, Job Level 4) - A small range double shot. Plectra Bullet (Aerial, Job Level 7) - A small range rapid fire in an upward direction. Tempest Blast (Piercing, Job Level 12) - A large range, powerful piercing shot. Sphere Bullet (Aerial, Job Level 16) - A small range, upward scatter shot. Dust Bullet (Aerial, Job Level 21) - A large range attack consisting of three consecutive shots upward. Dual Gunners The sibling class to Steam Gunner, the Dual Gunner is a Hidden Class only available through Hidden Quests or special circumstances, such as Events or Special Limited Edition CC Corp Giveaways. Little is known about Dual Gunners because they are not a populated class. All that is known about them is that they wield dual pistols and have the same armor class and stats as the Steam Gunner. Dual Gunner Skill Levels Prelude to Battle (Normal, Job Level 0) - A multi-hit skill in which the user draws both guns and fires both in rapid succession. Storm Waltz (Area, Job Level 3) - An area skill in which the user first tosses a handful of coins into the air, and then fires in quick succession at them before they hit the ground, causing the shells to ricochet off of the coins and rain down from above in order to strike multiple enemies at once. Moonlit Serenade (Piercing, Job Level 5) - An armor-piercing attack in which the user first focuses a large amount of spiritual energy into their weapon, and then fires it out as a focused beam with the capability of piercing through most defensive spells and armors. Archangel's Requiem (Aerial/Area, Job Level 7) - A powerful, multi-hit area attack in which the user first draws both guns, focusing his spiritual energy into the weapons before flipping into the air and firing a rain of beam-like bolts of energy upon the enemy. Aria of Chaos (Single, Job Level 9): A skill in which the user first engulfs his enemy in a thick cloud of smoke-like fog in order to reduce visibility before circling around and firing explosive rounds from all directions, making it near impossible to determine where the attacks are actually coming from. Mystic Nocturne (Support/All Allies, Job Level 12) - Not an attack technique, but rather an extremely powerful support skill. The user focuses the power of his aura in order to greatly increase the physical attack power, defense, and speed of his entire party. Last Symphony (Piercing/Single, Job Level 15): The most powerful Dual Gunner skill known to date. The user first traps the enemy in a magical field which temporarily slows time, reducing their opponent's movement to near zero before using the same type of magic in order to greatly increase their own speed, dashing around their enemy several times while firing several powerful, beam-like shots from all directions in order to utterly destroy them. Justice (Normal, Master Arts Level 3) - A large radius attack where the users slash the enemy with the blades on their guns from above, and then unleashes several rounds upon them. This attack usually precedes Double Trigger Judgement. Double Trigger Judgement (Normal, Master Arts Level 3) - A combination attack that is only available after activating a Range of any skill, assuming one is a Dual Gunner as a secondary or tertiary class. The user unleashes several rounds at point-blank range on the enemy before backflipping and firing two powerful beams of energy to knock them into the air and do severe damage. ArcherA mysterious class not normally available to normal players of the world. Much like Snipe Hunters, Archer’s specialize in deadly ranged attacks. Their ability to mentally control their arrows even after firing them, and to strike multiple targets from afar makes them one of The World's most deadly classes. Archer Skill Levels Scattershot (Job Level ???) – A powerful beam is charged into the bow and released, sending several bolts of energy flying in order to take down a group of enemies at once. Shock (Job Level ???) – A defensive technique in which a powerful shock wave is released from the body. It’s normally used to knock back enemies that get too close, but it can also be used as a mean to disperse spells and knock aside projectiles as well. Silver Ray (Job Level ???) – An extremely powerful beam of moonlight is fired from the bow, completely obliterating anything in its direct path. Fall From Grace (Job Level ???) – A powerful three-hit combo attack in which the enemy is first knocked into the air with the shaft of the bow before being trapped in a crystallized prison of light. After being trapped, an arrow is fired from above in order to shatter the crystal and bring the enemy back to the ground. Lunar Cry (Job Level ???) - Similarly to Scattershot, a powerful beam of energy is charge into the bow before it is shot against the sky, shattering apart as radiant arrows of blue-colored light rain down upon the battlefield from above. Light of the Heavens (Job Level ???) – A recovery skill which utilizes the divine power of the moon to completely removes all adverse status affects (including KO), and restores full HP and SP to the party. It may only be used once per day. Ring Berserker The Ring Berserker is a new class released when The World R:3 came out. It is a medium armor wearing class like the Twin Blade, and usually relies on leather armor to defend itself. They have boosted speed and accuracy stats because they use a Chakra as a weapon and attack from a mid-range distance, but they can also attack at close range while using their projectiles as blades. The Ring Berserker has two attack forms, which are a Rapid attack and a Hold and Release attack. The Berserker can also augment elemental spells that they may have into their weapons in order to create an elemental based attack. Ring Berserker Skill Levels Ring Fang (Normal, Job Level 0) - Releasing both Chakra at the same time, they fly outward and converge inward, gnashing against one another like fangs. They will bounce off of one another three times before returning to their master, hitting anything that gets in the way of its onslaught. Rising Break (Normal/Aerial, Job Level 3) - Charging up power into chakra, the weapons are both released at the same time, rolling along the ground before rising up at the last moment to strike the enemy. Flying Saw blades (Piercing, Job Level 5) - Charging up power into the chakras, two large discus-shaped masses of energy are thrown at the enemy at supersonic speeds, piercing through even the toughest of armors. Falling Star (Area, Job Level 7) - Both chakras are thrown from the sky, creating a fiery explosion which spans out from the point of impact in order to damage all enemies caught in the blast. Aura Field (Area, Job Level 9) - A protective technique in which both chakras orbit around the users body at high speeds, generating a protective barrier which repels most magic and projectile attacks as well as damages anyone who gets too close. Dancing Fang (Normal, Job Level 12) - A close ranged attack which several hits are dealt in a lightning fast manner before the chakras are tossed at the opponent before returning to the user who then finishes the combo with a spinning blow from both weapons at once. Volcanic Ring (Normal/Aerial, Job Level 15) - An extremely powerful multi-hit technique in which both chakras are surrounded in a powerful veil of fire, generating explosive blasts of energy with each blow struck as the enemy is knocked into the air and struck respectively before both rings are tossed from above in order to pierce their body and pin them to the ground as a pillar of lava bursts from the earth underneath their bodies. Snipe Hunter The Snipe Hunter is a new class released when The World R:3 came out. It is a medium armor wearing class like the Twin Blade, and usually relies on leather armor to defend itself. The Snipe Hunter is primarily a long range fighter while its counterparts can serve as both close and mid-range fighters. Armed with Sniper Rifles, the Snipe Hunter has one type of attack, a Charge attack. They have the highest accuracy ratio of all classes, but lack in defense and other attributes. Snipe Hunter Skill Levels Stinger (Piercing, Job Level 0) - The Snipe Hunter loads a clip of spiral ammunition and fires off bullets that can rotate and change direction depending on the level of control the Snipe Hunter has over his weaponry. The Stinger has a high damage ratio and can pierce through strong armors in order to decimate its opponent. 4. World Servers(Δ) Delta Server - Aqua City Mac Anudātta Server is the newbie server of The World. The Dungeons and fields located in it are the lowest level in the game. As the newbie server, its Root Town Mac And is one of the most populated Root Towns in The World. Mac And is Delta Server's Root Town. It is a large city with numerous canals running throughout, boats and gondolas allow access to all areas of the city. The two key landmarks in the city are the Chaos Gate which is located in a large plaza, and the city's clock tower, where event notices are often posted. As the newbie town, it is the only Root Town that lacks a Grundy Ranch. Due to the large amount of people here, it is usually used as a gathering place for most of the large events that take place inside The World. Mac And is also the city where most of the Guild Headquarters are located, since it is free to create Guild Headquarters there. Level: 1-20(β) Beta Server - Bejeweled City Hard Toucan ancient city crafted completely out of crystal and other rare gemstones. It’s name roughly translates to “Crystal Tower.” During the day the sunlight reflects off of the buildings, causing them to sparkle brightly enabling travelers to spot the city from far away. As another newbie town, it is highly populated with several players of The World. Level: 1-25(Θ) Theta Server - Highland City Dun LoireagTheta Server is the second Server that players usually visit. The Fields and Dungeons here are higher level then those in Delta Server, though they're still not much of a challenge. Dun Loire means "the Weaver Guardian." It is the Root Town of Theta Server. The city is carved into the top of incredibly tall stone spires. Bridges made of wood planks connect the spires to each other allowing players to walk between them. Steps carved into the side of the spires allow access to higher levels of the city, which includes many benches and terraces where players can relax and enjoy the view. In the backstory of The World Dun Loire is a city protected by sprites with buildings made of rocks coexisting with nature. This is the first place where players can find Gr unties. A Grundy Farm is located on the edge of the city, and stray Gr unties roam around within the town itself. Level: 1-30(Ψ) Psi Server - Castle of Fire Vulcan Inferno large castle built in the crater of an active volcano. Powerful magic keeps the boiling lava inside the mountain from damaging the town, as well as keeps the temperature inside the city fairly cool. The area surrounding the city, however, is so hot it’s relatively unsuitable for human life, and thus this city has remained somewhat isolated for thousands of years. Level: 25-40(Λ) Lambda Server - Cultural City Carmine GadelicaLambda Server is the third Server that players usually visit in The World. The fields and dungeons here are much tougher then those located in the previous servers. Players who plan on adventuring here must be well-prepared if they want to have a chance to survive as the monsters here start making heavy use of tolerances, forcing players to have a wide variety of skills in order to defeat them. Carmine Gaelic is the Root Town of Lambda Server, it means "the Song of Gael." The town is a large metropolis bathed in eternal night. The streets and canals of this town are lined with numerous shops, bars, and parks. Airships fly around the city though players are unable to ride on them. The city is generally used as a gathering point for more experienced players and is a center of trade within The World. Level: 30-50(Θ) Theta Server - DOL Donator Dona is built atop a fallen fragment of Fort Off. The city itself is controlled by the Beast-dominated Omits Faction and their leader BIPM Baku. Because of this Beasts comprise most of DOL Dona's population. DOL Dona is known as the "Celestial City." Most of the medium-sized Guild @Home's are located here, and is the next step-up for Guild Leaders. Level: 1-50(Υ) Upsilon Server - Mysterious Garden Flora Eden Also know as the City of Flowers. Flora Eden is built in the center of a large forest. Most of the buildings in this small city are crafted either from trees, or large, elaborate hedges that bloom with colorful flowers. Despite the cities somewhat peaceful aura, powerful monsters lurk in the forests and dungeons surrounding it, and thus it’s advised that only experienced warriors venture beyond its walls. Level: 40-65(Σ) Sigma Server - Aerial City Fort Support Off means 'The Fort of Elves.' It originated as a fort built in preparation for a war with Carmine Gaelic, but since the peace agreement, it has acted as a watch tower for monsters. Fort Off was used as a lookout area to make sure no monsters escaped through the Spirit Shield. Also used by Carmine Gaelic. Due to magical powers, the city is able to float in midair, thus making it a mythical city in the clouds. Level: 50-70(ζ) Zeta Server - Steel Metropolis Gooey Machine large, bustling metropolis built with advanced Magi-technology. Much like Fort Off, Gooey Machine floats in the air, high above a desolate desert. Other than the Chaos Gates, the only means of transport into or out of the city are the large shuttles which fly out to other cities such as Hard To in order to collect supplies. Level: 65-80(Ω) Omega Server - Relic City Lia Baillie Fail means 'The Stone of Destiny.' This city was a holy ground of the Tartary people before the Great War, but it was destroyed by the Carmine Gaelic forces which did not like the idea. The Omega Sector holds the highest level of monsters and dungeons, as well as the Arena. Level: 70-99(Σ) Sigma Server -B reg EponaBreg Upon served as a last resort weapons factory made by the Humans during their conflicts with the Beast Tribes. Bred Upon appears as a technological city that is a large steel city much like Gooey Machine, but it is not as sophisticated as it. The largest Guild @Home's exist within this Server, and some of the more powerful Guild Leaders who do not have a private server exist within this Server. Level: 50-100(α) Alpha Server - Broken Land Scar Integrate Alpha Server is a destroyed land, ripped by the Wave of the Virus and never repaired except for digitally, but the buildings and citizens are still distraught and damaged. Scar Internal is not a nice place to be, but the monsters and the dungeons are of such high level, that most players go there to reap the fruits of their labor, obtaining some of the greatest items in the game. Level: 80-100(Ξ) China Server - Death Valley Shine Main hidden server only accessible to the elite players of The World. The city of the China Server is a black castle on a floating platform that hovers over a bottomless pit. The area around the castle is surrounded with vicious, terrifying creatures that will destroy any single player, despite their level. It is unintelligent to travel there alone, so a party is recommended. A secret creature lurks beneath the lands of the China Server, granting the players who slay him the best items in the game as well as the recognition as the most powerful and the best of the best in The World. Level: 100-200(Ω) Alumina Cloth - The Arena special server that has no battle level because it houses the Arena where Players can go to battle other Players as a team or a solo function. Alumina Cloth houses the Arena and the Guild Home of a guild consisting of the Arena champions, or Emperors. Having no fields, the only King that can occur in Alumina Cloth is in the Arena. Since it houses the Arena, Alumina Cloth is frequented by players of all levels, and is an ideal place to obtain rare items through trade.(紅魔宮) Demon Palace Arena - Levels 1-50 (Emperor Level: 50)(碧聖宮) Holy Palace Arena - Levels 51-100 (Emperor Level: 100)(死の宮) Death Palace Arena - Levels 101-155 (Emperor Level 150)(竜賢宮) Sage Palace Arena - Levels 156-200 (Emperor Level: 200) 5. Characters List [Character Profiles]Blade BrandierAxe Dragoon Edge Punisher Long Armload PartizanTribal GrapplerTwin BladeWavemasterWerewolfDance MacabraHarvest Cleric Shadow Warlock Multi Weapon Steam Gunner Dual GunnerArcherRing Berserker Snipe Hunter Misc/Unknown Quote: Originally Posted by Made-up Character Code Username: Character Name: Real Life Name: Online Gender: Real Life Gender: Online Age: (Optional) Real Life Age: (Optional) Race: (I'm going to be lenient on race, but there will be rules posted down below) Class: Level: (I don't care if you want to make yourself a high level, but it's better if you start out low, so most people can interact) Appearance: Strengths: Weakness: Personality: Background: Guild: (Optional) Grundy: (Optional) RP Sample: (Now required) 6. Guilds Guild Name: Blades of the RoseoGuild Symbol: Two swords crossed over a red rose. Guild Description: A group of various level players of The World who attempt to keep some form of peace and justice throughout the different cities and among other players. They have a strong dislike against Player Killers and Hackers. The @home is a machine fortress located in ζ Fallen Machine Vengeance. Guild Leader:Reserved Guild Co-Leader:Guild Enforcer:Guild Treasurer:Guild Messenger:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Requirements: None, everyone is welcome Guild Name: IcoloGuild Symbol: Unknown Guild Description: A private Guild only for high ranking Arena competitors and Arena Emperors. Guild Leader: Taiwan (ex-Leader)Guild Co-Leader:Guild Enforcer:Guild Treasurer:Guild Messenger:Guild Member: Sirius (ex-member)Guild Member: Alkaid (ex-member)Guild Member: Has (ex-member)Guild Member: Antares (ex-member)Guild Member:Guild Requirements: You must be a High Ranking Arena Competitor or an Arena Emperor. Guild Name: Canard Guild Symbol:Guild Description: Canard is newbie-friendly group, aiding newcomers to The World, but is often the target of Kestrel PK's. Guild Leader:Guild Co-Leader:Guild Enforcer:Guild Treasurer:Guild Messenger:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Requirements: Character cannot be a player-killer Guild Name: Kestrel Guild Symbol:Guild Description: Kestrel is the largest of the guilds in The World. The guild has over 5,000 members. The former Leader Gabi used to say that it was so large because Player Killing was just another part of The World. Guild Leader: Gabi (ex-Leader)Guild Co-Leader:Guild Enforcer:Guild Treasurer:Guild Messenger:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Requirements: Must be a Player Killer. Guild Name: Catalyst Guild Symbol: A large circular symbol with the 12 signs of the Zodiac lining the outside of the circle while the symbol for Serpentarius is blazoned in the middle. Guild Description: A mysterious guild whose true intentions are unknown. They seem to be searching out players with certain special ‘characteristics.’ Guild Leader:Reserved Guild Co-Leader:Guild Enforcer:Guild Treasurer:Guild Messenger:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Requirements: Unknown. It’s rumored than you can only get in if the Guild Master sends you an invitation personally. Guild Name: CC-Corp Guild Symbol:Guild Description: The Official CC-Corp Guild for System Administrators of The World Guild Leader:Guild Co-Leader:Guild Enforcer:Guild Treasurer:Guild Messenger:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Member:Guild Requirements: You have to be working with CC-Corp in order to be a part of the Guild. Either that or you get a special invitation from a System Administrator. Quote: Originally Posted by Guild Code Guild Name: Guild Symbol: Guild Description: Guild Leader: Guild Co-Leader: Guild Enforcer: Guild Treasurer: Guild Messenger: Guild Member: Guild Member: Guild Member: Guild Member: Guild Member: Guild Requirements: 7. BBS Log ATTENTION! Follow the link provided to post in the BBS forum.[BBS Forum] Simple BBS Rules1. Post all BBS Forums in the link provided.2. No spam topics, and I mean it! I will ban you from making BBS posts! 8. Admins/Mods This is basically to show who has authority as Game Master of the RP, but my authority is superseded by the actual Admins/Mods of Kenosha. Don't be mistaken, please. 3 I will hire on other Game Masters to keep things in order while I'm offline and/or away. Subrosian (Head Administrator/Role-play Creator) 9. Rules1.DO NOT GOD MOD! I will only give you one chance to make a mistake, and if you do it again, you're out of here. No questions asked!2. I'm a relatively reasonable guy, but I will be strict with the level of literacy. I expect some amount of grammar and knowledge of sentence structure--and for god's sake, proper spelling. Furthermore, I can understand a few typos here and there on and off day, but for us Firefox users, it has a spell checker, and if you feel unsure about yourself, run it through a spell checker.3. Standard Kenosha rules apply.4. If you want to be a part of this Role-play, I must ask that you send me your profiles via a PM. Don't go cluttering up the RP with them.5. To show me that you've read all of these rules, I want you to put this in the subject title.SPOILERXNote: Your scripts are turned off. Hover over this section to reveal content"Catalyst forever!" Open the spoiler tags to see it.6. Don't flame or be a complete jerk, and if you don't like .hack// or my Role-play, go voice your complaints somewhere else, because I don't want to hear it.7.IMPORTANT NOTE! This Role-play is taking place many years in the future after EVERY .hack// Game, Anime, Book, Manga, whatever, so do NOT ask to be Blaming, Kite, Tsubasa, CRIM, or any of those characters or even make your character look like them, because your character will be DENIED! Those characters are dead and will stay dead! Correction to this rule, Kite, Blaming, and Orca exist only as their Azure and corrupted counterparts from .hack//G.U.8.IMPORTANT NOTE! Certain players in this Role-play may not have played .hack//G.U. or seen .hack//Roots, sorry refrain from spoiling anything for them.9. Please keep spam to a minimum. IOC posts are fine, but let's not overdo it.10. Other than that, have fun and enjoy my Role-play =310. Character Rules1.DO NOT GOD MOD with your race! I don't care what you make yourself, whether it is a Giant, a Vampire, or whatever, but you had better not god mod with them, and I mean it!2. All characters have a strength and a weakness to balance each other out, so don't give yourself some incredible strength and subtle weakness that is impossible to find out.3. I'm going to say it one more time, for when you fill out the profile, REMOVE the parenthesis from my code!4. Be sensible about your characters personality and their real life age. Very few nine-year-old people can be as intelligent as Wiseman is in the game series, so I don't want to see however many characters that are nine with an IQ of 200.5. If you want to join or make a guild, you MUST PM me!6. I expect your profile to be at least decent. I will look over them very carefully and decide if you're able to Role-play here or not. Depending on how the profile is, I may ask you to revise certain things or improve on certain things in order to gain access to the Role-play.7. When it comes to skills, this is not like the. Hack// game series with Kite, where when you get new weapons, you get new skills. New skills come strictly with your class, and as you level up, you get new skills. Please realize this, and do not overdo it.8. PM ALL NEW SKILLS TO ME! This way I can add them to the Classes list. 11. Blacklist Empty, now let's keep it that way.12. Whitelist Empty for now. 13. Character Profiles [Character Profiles] 14. Extra Features Quest Shop Description: The Quest Shop is available in every city, and is a new feature in The World that allows Players to take on different kinds of quests with their Party Members in order to slay a powerful boss, crawl through a deep dungeon to find the hidden treasure, or to accomplish a special task assigned by a NPC. This is a great way to gain experience and rare items! Location: Quest Shop in every Root Town. Quest List Name: Job Advancement Description: The Quest for all Multi-Weapons to get their Job Advancements when they reach Level 20 or Level 70. The Special ETH Job Advancement Quest will appear later for the higher levels. Location: Level 20 Job Advancement - β Holy Land's Twilight Crusade Level 70 Job Advancement - Σ Bleeding Banshee's ScreamReward(s): Second or Third Job Advancement and an Experience boost by 2,000. Name: Tears of the Moon (Werewolf Class Quest)Description: Legend has it that hidden deep inside The World, there is legendary spring that has been filled with the tears of the Moon Goddess, Luna. It is said that if one drinks from this spring, they are cursed with a frightening, yet formidable power, gaining the ability to change their form into that of a demonic, wolf-like creature. Despite this, there are still those who seek the spring, hoping to gain the cursed power of the Werewolf in order to increase their own strength. Finding this place won’t be easy, however, as the area’s location is a closely guarded secret, and only those who have met certain requirements may enter. The gate only stays open for a limited period of time. If you seek the beast’s power, then you’d do well to act now. But beware, powerful monsters guard the spring from intruders Location: Λ Sacred Moonlit Holy Ground (Only those who fulfill the requirements may enter)Reward(s): Addition of Werewolf class skills in addition to your base class, and a 3000 exp boost. Requirements:Player must be at least level 50. Player must have a skill level of at least 7 in one weapon. Player must possess the quest item ‘Vial of Ferris.’ (Hidden in various dungeons scattered across The World)RengekiDescription: Range is a special skill that all Players can achieve during a battle. It is a simple process of hitting your enemy a certain number of times to trigger the Range finisher move, which is used only in conjunction with your Class Skills. When used, Range will power up your Class Skills and make them do more damage to the opponent. Range also raises the Battle Morale. AwakeningBeast Awakening The Beast Awakening is unlocked during battle only when your Battle Morale reaches its maximum, and when this ability is used, it prevents the opponent's counterattacks and movements by sharply increasing allay attack power and movement speed. Demon Awakening The Demon Awakening is unlocked during battle only when your Battle Morale reaches its maximum, and when this ability is used, the Party Leader rapidly taps the action button on their controller to execute a powerful magic attack that attacks numerous times until the Battle Morale gauge runs out. Divine Awakening The Divine Awakening requires three Party Members all at an exceptionally high level. When executed, the Party Leader must work in sync with his teammates and hit the action button at the moment the moving bar hits the middle of their synchronization meter. If successful for both members, the Leader will then unleash a powerful magic-melee attack depending on their weapon wielded.[/size]Lost Ground Megathread Hidden Forbidden Holy Ground - The Hello Grand Cathedral Hidden Forbidden Dead Wood - The Dead World of Indie glut Luff Hidden Forbidden Radiation - The Arch Korean Waterfall Hidden Forbidden Sin Realm - The Land of Sins Ran Bad hi/Forest of Pain (Currently off limits!)15. Thirteen Zodiac Gods For in depth information regarding these Zodiac Gods, refer to this quote from the original RP. Quote: Originally Posted by Zodiac "AI Zodiac Gods that go under the guise of normal players? That's an interesting theory. Fine then. I'll tell you what I know, at least. Somehow I get the feeling you won't give me a choice either way. The legends say that aside from Aura, Morgan, and the 8 Phases of the Wave, there were 13 other vagrant AIs created in this world. The Zodiac Gods. Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, and last but not least, the heretic god Serpentarius. They say that these 13 AIs took the form of normal players, mingling among the other PCs unknown and undiscovered. The only difference between them and the other PC characters is the fact that they can break the normal restrictions on power, going beyond the level limit and gaining abilities that far surpass those of normal players... It's rumored that if a normal player should happen on one of these Zodiac Gods and do battle with them then they will fall into a comatose state in the real world after being defeated. However, if by some miracle they do manage to defeat the Zodiac God, then they instead become a catalyst for the god's power, gaining the ability to call of them at will and in turn surpass the limits of an ordinary player as well. These powers come at a price, however. It is said that the players who become Zodiac Catalysts are slowly driven mad by the power, eventually losing control of both their character and their mind in the real world. To this day, the Zodiac Gods remain hidden. Other than Scorpio, I don't think any of them have been discovered. There are clues... Epitaphs telling where you can find the lairs of these gods, but they've long since been scattered. Much like the original verses of the Epitaph of Twilight. I don't see why you’re worried though. Unlike the 8 Phases, the Zodiac Gods seem quite content to just rest, leaving their powers dormant. Or are you afraid that Eclipse may learn of the Zodiac's power and go after them himself?" ♈ Aries (The Flames of Vengeance) -Open Taurus (The Chained One) -Open Gemini (Scorned Reapers) -Open Cancer (The Astral Strider) -Open Leo (The Omnipotent Sage) -Open Virgo (The Maiden of Earth) -Open Libra (The Scales of Judgment) -Open Scorpio (Spectrum Dragon) -Open Sagittarius (Archer of the Moon) -Open Capricorn (The Royal Harvester) -Open Aquarius (The Air of Mystery) -Open Pisces (Melodious Tide) -Open Serpentarius (Heretic God) -Open Forms of the Zodiac Each Zodiac is different, but they all experience the same powers in that they have three forms depending on the level of control and strength the Catalyst has over them. The first form is the weakest, showing a minor connection between Zodiac and Catalyst, the second form is moderate in terms of strength, showing that the Catalyst has learned to control their Zodiac to a great extent. The third and final form is the purest combination of Zodiac and Catalyst; the user becomes one with their Zodiac and takes on some of their qualities as well as absolute control over their power. Only a select few have gained this power...and even less survive long enough to use it for very long. First Form: Ethereal Form-The weakest form of the Zodiac. The Catalyst can only channel their Zodiac in an Ethereal and mostly shapeless form, or they will only be able to execute some minor abilities in conjunction with their Zodiac while the God itself remains unseen. Second Form: Spectral Alignment-The second form of the Zodiac. The Catalyst can channel their energy after strengthening their connection with their Zodiac to call upon its true form to become part of them, fight separately aside them, or the Catalyst can turn into the God itself. Any damage done to the Zodiac when the Catalyst is fused or transformed into them will do damage to the immediate controller and is very risky to perform such actions. Third Form: Divine Transcendent- The third and final form of the Zodiac. The Catalyst fuses with the Zodiac in its entirety and the Zodiac becomes one with the controller, giving them and increased affinity with The World to the point that they can effect things in ways that alter the very essence of The World itself. Qualities of the Zodiac start to form on the Catalyst in various ways, but this is also the most dangerous form to control. If the Catalyst does not retain complete control of their emotions and the God itself, it will start to degrade their sanity until they will become nothing more than a mindless beast of destruction. Zodiac God Rules1. If you want to become the Catalyst of one of the Gods, you must prove that you will be a Regular Player or your position will be taken away.2. You must PM me asking to be one of the Gods. First come, first served.3. You must create a mini-profile for the Gods which I will post below.4. Even if your Character is a Catalyst, do not abuse your powers and use them constantly, or else your Character will fall prey to the madness.5. The Zodiac God doesnotneed to follow the true characteristics of the Zodiac Name...so Taurus does not need to be a Bull if you do not want it to be. Quote: Originally Posted by Zodiac God Code Zodiac God Title: Zodiac: Zodiac Catalyst Name: Age: Appearance: Strength: Weakness: Abilities: Personality: Background: Zodiac God FAQ'sq: Who is going to be playing the God and Catalyst? A: I get this question a lot, and I'm going to say right now that since I'm not going to just allow the Player striving to obtain said God to control him/her themselves and practically own them without any kind of challenge. Q: After we manage to overcome the God, then can we control them? A: Yes, you can, but don't overdo it... Q: Can the Zodiac God be used multiple times? A: I'd advise against attempting to summon them during every battle, because it has already been explained in the Role-play that multiple summoning will eventually drive the user mentally insane, and yes, that means in the Real World. Q: How do we find these Zodiacs? A: That is an excellent question, and although most of you will probably be confused about how to go about doing it. You must consult me first before even being able to allowed to look for them, though. Anyway, in order to find them in The World, you will need to speak with various characters of The World and get the information on the specific Zodiac God you wish to locate, and then you must scour The World in order to locate the Epitaph of the Zodiac (depending on which one you're looking for), and it is physically impossible for you to just come upon it... There's no set way to find them now, which is why I'm not even starting the Zodiac God storyline yet. Q: What do we need to do to become a Zodiac? A: You need to be an active Role player in the Role-play that is damn worthy to be a God. I don't expect you to be some noob with illiterate Role-playing skills who will suddenly leave their position for whatever reason, because I don't want to deal with the plot hole of suddenly making someone else the new Catalyst for the God, especially if they wanted a different Zodiac design. Anyway! You must show that you have good Role-playing skills, and that includes originality, creativity, and grammatical knowledge. Q: What do we write for the Background of the Zodiacs? A: That's pretty simple, so I don't know why people keep asking me that. I want you to give me the Background of the Zodiac during the time that he was a God of The World. Tell me what he governed over and whether he was considered a benevolent God or a Tyrant among the people that he rained his blessings down upon. You must also include that he did all of this while in the guise of a Human/Player Catalyst, and include the Background of his life and history as the Human Catalyst. Q: When will the Zodiac Gods become available? A: I do not have a set time when this storyline will bloom, so I won't even be accepting profiles, solo NOT send me them right now. I will decide when they appear, and it will be whenever I want to, so until then, just continue Role-playing normally. Zodiac God Profiles

.hack__Genesis (Open and Accepting Members)|rating:4.0

What the Boss Doesn't Know! {Whtbitch4u2own & Houki}

(( Goodman was the name she kept even though she got married to Kevin Sutton. Even though she’d just turned 24 few months back, she had gotten married at a very early age; six years ago to be precise. They were one of those couples who got married as soon as they reached a proper age that allowed them to bond as a husband and wife. She didn’t know how long one can take to know the person before deciding, THIS IS THE RIGHT PERSON. She had known Kevin since god knows when. Furthermore, she had a good explanation for the reason why she got married to him early and used to tell everyone to give that same explanation when they would give her a shock like expression upon hearing about her decision of getting married to Kevin. She still could remember the first day when she finally spoke to Kevin in her middle school. Few years before that, they knew one another but barely spoke until they were in middle school. They started dating even before they knew what it exactly meant to date someone; almost since 12 years…that makes her 12 years old when she started dating him. He was a smart guy, and she knew for sure he’d be very successful and today, he runs his father’s Law firm, a multimillion business. She followed right in his footsteps and wanted to go to a law school but having been settled in her life, she didn’t feel the need so ended up graduating with bachelors in accounting. She barely had to work and apart from a one time employment as some doctor’s office, she has not other work experience. She was lucky in a way that all this happened early on in her life and had a partner all long her life’s journey; from middle school to high school and even undergraduate. They couldn’t get enough of each other and did almost everything. She didn’t have any CLOSE friends since she never felt a need for one. Kevin was there all the time. Now, she’s been Kylee Sutton for past six years of life, she enjoys her life to the fullest. Life as a housewife was great in the beginning, but it slowly started to get boring, and she didn’t even know when. Things she started to keep her busy were also becoming boring; grocery shopping, jogging, working out and just shopping in general. It wasn’t until few months back when she started having these doubts…doubts about everything; the marriage and even him having an affair. She felt awfully bad when that thought came to her mind for the first time but things he had done past few months, it only proves her doubts to be a chancel truth. They both loved each other dearly and still do, according to her, but it just seems their relationship isn’t juicy like it used to be in high school and college days; the fun, sex, outings and even just sitting together watching TV at home. Yes, his work keeps him busy lately, and she is home most of the days alone waiting for that time of the day when he comes home to her. But even when he has time over the weekend, he doesn’t make use of the time as he should be and as he had before. Taking an example of recent scenario, it had been almost two months since they last engaged sexually and yet over the last long weekend, he kept on working on his things from work instead of doing some activity together. She was trying hard and her very best to make their relationship alive once again, but it seems he isn’t even trying half the efforts she is putting in. Though, she’s been feeling more distance between them over the past year, it was not until last few months when he started to be little secretive along with not needing that physical connection with her. They used to have very healthy and crazy, at times, sex lifestyle but seeing him push her away made her doubt him that he must be getting it somewhere else and only then he wouldn’t pay much mind to her. All this time, she felt as if she's starting to lack something inside her and almost believed that to be true until she connected the dots together. She still wasn’t sure, nor she had any solid proof of him having an affair, but it was still just a DOUBT that she had buried in the back of her mind because she finds it very hard to believe it can be true. In a way she doesn’t want to find out if he is having one but to make their marriage work…she may just have to. She never thought of any other guys the way she thought about him and therefore, got married without even dating other guys to explore what else is out there. For her, it was him and only him; she would like to keep it that way and vice versa. She had to do something to bring it all back like it used to be because she just couldn’t live in remembering those memories as she has a whole life ahead of her. It can’t be her appearance since she is still in good fit regardless of her married status. She keeps fit being already blessed with long slender legs, sensuous curves, standing tall at 5’5 feet and weighing about 115 lbs with brown eyes and brunette hair that’s about elbow length. At the age of 24, she is still young and lacking that special attention from her husband, but she is going to get it all back from him, she decided as she prepared a nice dinner for two. She had just got done and set up a table with a candle in the center of the table and everything else ready to go. She took off her apron, exposing the casual but decent clothes she had underneath. Furthermore, she didn’t want to put on some tight dress since they were going to have peaceful, romantic dinner at home. Furthermore, she had a nice fluffy and loose pink top and blue jeans shorts. Furthermore, she came around the living room, turning on TV and took a seat in her comfortable couch. Speaking of comfort, she’s gotten used to this rich lifestyle and having everything available to her at her disposal; she practically loves her life and has no other concern than this tiny married life problem. (Sutton, lived the life that most people dreamed about, he owned the nicest cars, had a beautiful wife, who adored him, and that loved him with all of her heart. From her long hair that reached down her back, to her smooth and pampered feet she was perfect. His life was perfect, except for the fact that for the pass four months he'd been having an affair with his secretary, and she just knew how to please him in ways that his wife could never begin to imagine. It wasn't all of her fault, it was just as much his as it was hers, because up until about four months ago, she was the only person that he had ever had sex with. She was his actual first in everything. His first and only love, the woman that made him a man. The girl that he gave his first kiss too, she was his prom date, his best friend outside the boys, and she would never think to do anything like he was doing to the woman under his desk. A part of him felt guilty about his affairs, it had gotten to point that he couldn't even touch her let a lone think to sleep inside the bed without wanting to break down, but he knew that if he told her it would break her heart and should leave him. He just couldn't let the biggest part of his life walk away, no she was the glue that kept him together, she was the weight that grounded him to reality, she was the sky that filled his life with breathable air, but this woman under his desk was the answer to the sexual rut he had been in for the pass three years of his marriage. He knew that every this woman touched him a part of his heart died, and he sunk into a deeper whole that seemed to be endless. At first, it was just a mistake, something that happened that wasn't supposed to, he had been working late, and she had been wearing one of the short skirts, one thing lead to another, there was coffee, and it wasted on his crotch, and the next thing he knew all seven inches of himself was in the back of her throat, much like now. Kevin slightly allowed his chair to push back as he finished up the last of his report, and tucked his hands behind his head and allow himself to enjoy the sucking of the woman that knew how to make him feel good. He wasn't trapped in any illusions about what this girl thought of him, he knew she was doing this just to get a head in life, he knew that she didn't expect him to leave his wife for her, and she was okay with that, so long as the monthly bonus were good she was willing to keep this to herself, well at least in the office and out of his wife's ear. The thought that he was being slightly blackmailed made things that much worse, because when tried to stop it after it had first started she brought up a very good point indeed, which was that he didn't want his wife to find out. He softly looked into her eyes as he watched her head bob up and down on his shaft as he slides forward to the door being knocked on. He quickly answered as he had gotten use to being able to talk while she sucked him off. The door would open up, and a young man would walk in. He was slightly older than Kevin and even more well off in the issue of money as he had come from a very rich background. Alex, what can I do for you?” He asked as Alex slowly moved into the office and sat on the edge of his desk. Nothing that Amber is doing to you.” He replied as he slowly bent down and picked up the shoe and tossed it over the desk. Kevin softly rolled his eyes as he tossed the shoe under his desk. What is it that you want?” Kevin allowed a slightly more annoyed voice to take over as he adjusted himself in manner that made his look a tab bit more professional as he looked the man up and down. “I need you to sigh this and check off the new members that will be coming to work in my division, unless you are going to give me the rights to hire who I want.” Kevin would look it over as he quickly signed the papers and continued. Yes, you can hire your own staff.” Alex smiled lightly as he stood up and waved lightly have a good night he called back. Alex Kevin started. What? I don't care what you do in your spare time when you are not busy, I know that you didn't want this job and that it was pushed onto you. Besides, it's not like you're married.” Kevin sighed softly as he looked down at his empty ring finger. It was certain when he had started taking it off, maybe during the time that he had been come the head of his be laid father business. Outside of Amber, no one in the office knew that he was married, so anyone that heard about Amber, or even knew what was going on didn't even care. To them, she was just some Secretary that got paid like a hooker, the fact was she wasn't in a real titled position, she probably would never make it to one, it wasn't like she was trying to become a lawyer, no she was just some girl fresh out of grotesquely, who kept the boss busy enough to not drive them crazy. The fact was, that everyone in the company knew their job better than Kevin knew his own. So the fact was so long as he didn't tell them how to do their jobs, and they didn't do anything that was considered unlawful, he allowed the VP to run the portion of the company how they saw fit. Right under him in rank and position was Alex, he was the Vice President of the company, he knew the company like the back of his hand. Everyone in the office respected him and trusted his decisions. He had once been called a Great White Shark as any case he works on he usually got a win, and if not the win a draw that favorites his side more than the opposition. The fact was he was the man holding the company to together, he brought in the big money spenders and his team was the most requested, as they lead the company in wins, and he knew that as much as he hated the guy, if he ever did anything against him, Alex could tear down the empire by simply walking away, as he knew that his team was loyal to him and only him, and his clients were much more the same way. The evening would soon roll around and Kevin would find that his secretary held his interest more than returning home to his wife. It has gotten so late and what seemed like only a few short minutes to him. It was now pushing into 10:30 and Kevin was just leaving the office. He would place search his glove-box for his wedding ring place it on as he pulled off. It didn't take too long for him to reach home. He smelled of presume that his wife didn't own. His collar was tied up tight to hide the hickeys that rested across his chest. As he entered the house the aroma of sweet smelling food would enter his nose. He stomach shifted a bit as he knew that this meal that had been prepared was for him and his wife to enjoy a simply night in. She had been asking him to spend more time with her but the thought of seeing her enjoy her time with him, made him even more sick as he knew that he was betraying her love. Every time he walked out of the front door and went to work he betrayed her, and yet a part of him knew that she was as naive that he wanted her to be. Even she could deny the signs that were so obvious, but what was he doing, he wanted to bake his cake and eat it too. So as long as she didn't say anything about it, he wouldn't either. He would much rather keep one part of his marriage right by not lying to her face. Amber(( 22 years old, Amber Shelter, had a lot on her plate. Even though she had recently graduated from a college, she made her way into the corporation rather quickly. People wondered how a person that was hired just few months back was now working for the head of the firm. People had their doubts but no solid evidence. Only the boss and Amber would know that truthful answer to that. She had dark hair to along with her black eyes and her exotic looks were just enough to make anyone fall for her in ways they wouldn't over other girls. Her figure was something of rare and definitely worked hard to make it the way it is now. With all that, she knew she can get any man she wanted as long as he'd check her out once...and who wouldn't? She had loans and bills to take care of that. Luckily she had a rich boyfriend to take care of her need while she was in college, but a relationship based on needs can only last so long. It ended during her last year of college and the moment she graduated, she had to take care of her own needs. She didn’t mindfucking the rich boy since she was getting a lot in return. She told herself why not… She then landed a job in this firm through a friend but once she was in, she knew she didn’t want to work as a secretary who had many bosses on top of him. Soon she started working her way up and boy, she did work it. She always liked a shortcut, and she did take a shortcut to get to the top…working as a secretary but not just anyone’s; The company’s owner’s secretary. Funny thing, he wasn’t even that old which made things a lot interesting for her and easy. It first started out as simple encounters to seduce him…not instantly, but she knew he was checking her out. All she had to do was work late one evening and spill something on him. There she was cleaning his crotch while on her knees and as much as it was tempting, he couldn’t stop her. Her clumsy little fingers quickly found the hardening cock followed by her sweet little mouth. After that, they’d been involved with one another exclusively until she found out he was married. Kevin Sutton had a Mrs. Sutton while fucking his secretary. She debated what to do but having no real morals and wanting to set her life straight in few years, she kind of blackmailed him into continuing this. It wasn’t a straight off blackmail, but she only made him do what he really wanted to do and that was continue screwing her for the rewards she was getting. In just 4 months, she’s had quite a many large deposits going into her bank account as part of her payment apart from the random expensive gifts she got from Kevin. Who would say no to that? Another night came to an end as she just sucked him off to an orgasm, and he was in hurry to go home so she let him. She quickly made her way out of the office and went straight home shortly after Kevin left. Kylee was almost dozing off from constantly sitting and waiting for Kevin to come home from his office. It was almost close to 3 hours of wait since she’d been done cooking at 7 pm. It was nearly the end of the day, and she was drained of energy. She’s worked hard to prepare the dinner and setting up the room for the couple to enjoy a simple candlelight dinner. Her eyes slowly drifted shut for the past 30 minutes but startled at the sound of her main door opening. She walked around the living room, “Kevin?” She asked almost knowing it has to be him. Furthermore, she checked the clock on the wall as she passed the kitchen and into the foyer, “You’re home. Busy day at office?” She asked since it was late, and he had promised to be home early. She smiled and took his briefcase, “Here let me help you.” She said and just when she was close to him for a mere second, she smelled a different scent off of him. But then she figured he interacts with many people throughout the day and even female clients during meetings…it’s just a coincidence. She took the lead and walked ahead of him toward the living room, “Why don’t you get freshen up, and we will have dinner together. I was waiting since 7 and may need to heat up some food so give me about 10 minutes ok?” she said in her sweet little adorable wife tone and looked at him for his somewhat approving nod or something. (would slowly make it down the hallway as he allowed his hands to form over the phone as he looked at the time. Surprising enough he had completed everything he needed to finish his day off early, he figured it would be a good night to take Summer out on the town, and enjoy a nice dinner at their favorite, restaurant. He slowly pulled his phone out as he would call La Blue, so set the dinner reservations. He smiled lightly as he could feel this would be a get night to surprise his woman. Furthermore, he softly tossed the keys to his car into the air as he caught them into his and caught the nearest elevator that would lead him to the parking deck. It didn't take him long at all to get to his car, and swing by a nearby florist. He would pick up an order of a dozen white roses Summer's favorite and stop by the jewelry store. He looked over a few necklaces with matching tennis bracelet and picked a pink one for her to wear tonight. Furthermore, he mentally patted himself on the back as he was glad that she was in his life. Furthermore, he knew that one day she would be the woman he married, and hopefully soon. Furthermore, he was setting the chips to propose to her, he was only a week away from their two-year anniversary of being together, and it looked to be a good year indeed. She was practically living with him already, most of her close was at his place, she stayed with him three weeks out of each month, except for the one week when she felt like being alone and working on herself. They always ate dinner together and besides that, she was his best friend. He smiled lightly as he pulled up into his driveway, he couldn't help but noticed that a car was parked awkwardly out in front of his house, but slightly off to the side. He slowly made his way upstairs as he could hear the sounds of music playing, a soft chuckle would escape his lips as he figured that she was probably just working out to some of her favorite slow jams. Furthermore, he fathers he got upstairs, the more he could hear her the sounds of grunting and slight moans. Furthermore, he quickly opened the door as the words poured out of his mouth in a quick fade. "Babe, you might... want to take... its easy..." A dead silence would fall over his lips as the flowers fell from his hand and crashed into the floor. He couldn't believe his eyes, there she was naked and being mounted by some stranger who hadn't even care to stop thrusting deeply inside of her while she screamed out in shock." Honey, you're home early." Summer quickly moved to kick the man off of her as she scrambled to pick her cover herself up. The man would fall onto the floor and look up at Alex in a moment of confusion. "Honey?" The man asked as he looked up at Alex. "I thought you... but you said.... dude I'm so sorry I didn't know." The man quickly began to search the floor for some of his clothes as Alex stood there in shock and allowing the grip of his hand to tightened as he turned and punched a whole into his wall. The punch would cause everything in his house to shake as the picture of him holding her fell from the wall and shattered against the hard would floor. The punch was enough to make the man get up and grab his short and dart out of the house. While putting the on. Alex would grab hold of Summer's arm as he slightly lifted her and forced her down the stair and out behind the man." Take you whore with you." He would yell as he slammed the door behind himself and pressed his back firmly against the door. He didn't give her time to explain, he didn't want to hear what happened and there was just about nothing she could say to him, to make this feeling in his heart fell less painful. Furthermore, he sat that as he heard beating on the door and sounds of her voice, pleading through the door, asking him to hear her out. Furthermore, he couldn't, he couldn't allow himself enough strength to stop the tears from following down his eyes as he pulled the engagement ring from his pocket along with the necklace and the bracket and looked at them. Finally, after ten minutes of beating and screaming for Alex to let her in, Alex would open the door as he now had a little liquid courage in his system, that he was able to face her. She quickly grabbed hold of him as she slightly tackled him through the door and pressed his back against the wall." Alex I'm so, so sorry." She began as she held on to him tightly. "I never meant for this to happen." She softly began to cry into his shirt as she pleaded with him to forgive her. Alex would remain silent for a moment as he looked down on her forehead and petted her shoulders softly. "Yeah, I'm sorry too." He would allow the necklace, the bracelet, and the ring to fall from his hands onto the floor as he turned in a fashion that cause him to jerk out of her arms. "You have a week to get your shit and get out of my house. I'm going to find someplace to stay while you do that." He slowly pulled himself out of the door as he slammed it behind himself as he watched her eyes follow the engagement ring as it bounced around on the ground, Summer slowly leaned down and picked it up as she broke out into even harder tears, that could no longer be held back as the door slammed. Kevin would watch as Kylee would take his bag and began setting things for the two of them to have dinner. He slightly moved into the kitchen as he grabbed the bottle of wine and poured himself a glass. "You should have called. I would have told you not to waste your time cooking." Kevin began as he showed no regard for the hard work and love that was placed in cooking him a nice meal. "I had a late business meeting that ended with me having dinner with a client." He softly yawned as he down the glass of wine and patted her on the shoulder. "Smell good though. Go a head and eat, I may take some for lunch with me tomorrow." He quickly moved up the stairs as he didn't leave a lot of room for conversation after that. He was soon in the master bedroom getting undress and turning on the shower as he sighed softly. He quickly removed all of his clothing as he turned the water on high and got in. Furthermore, he quickly began to wash the scent of Amber away from his body as used the hot water to relax him and try to calm his heart that was beating rapidly from the bold lie he had just told. While in the shower his phone would begin to ring, though he couldn't hear it over the shower water that was flowing over his body. He sighed softly as he is though weather or not he should get a divorce, or not. He knew he couldn't keep this up forever. He couldn't remember the last time he and his wife had dinner together, or did anything together. With his new trail of events going on in the office, he couldn't say he was even thrilled to rush home to her. He remembered when they used to have afternoon quickly, now she was lucky to get a good morning or night kiss from him. Things were getting worst with each passing day, and there was nothing he could think of to stop it. He wanted to be loving and affection to her, but she didn't inspire those type of feeling from him. He wanted to make her feel good and treat her like he treated Amber, but she wouldn't understand what he wanted or begin to fabric an idea of how to please him. Furthermore, he remembered the last time they tried to have sex, he couldn't even get a hard on, even after she had jerked him off for what seemed like ten or fifteen minutes, but when Amber bent over, boy of boy was he ready to go. (( was too kind of a woman and so far, never raised her voice to him. She even cared more when he pushed her away wondering something might be wrong or on his mind which is causing the irrational behavior towards her. But ever since she had doubts about him having an affair, she just had to find out and clear her doubts. She didn’t want her doubts to be the truth that she finds when she goes out seeking, but that was the only option left sine she loves him unconditionally and only asks for the same in return. She put his things away and started to set their plates. Furthermore, she scoffed when he told her not to waste time, “It’s not wasting time. Besides, I had texted you…only if you had checked your phone. I had even called the secretary’s desk. Apparently you have some miscommunication at the office there.” She gave him list of things that could have gone wrong since she did try getting in touch with him. She had so much to tell him, but it all went out the window when he walked out of the kitchen and into the bedroom telling her to eat alone. She just left the food there as the steam finally settled in, turning the food cold. Furthermore, she wasn’t in mood anymore. Furthermore, she wanted this to be perfect and this was no way near it. Furthermore, she did go in the bedroom quickly to grab her night clothes since she didn’t want to feel as if he didn’t touch her. Furthermore, she figured she might as well sleep on the couch and then, his phone buzzed. Furthermore, she went over to look or even answer, but it got cut off. Furthermore, she did see the name AMBER. Furthermore, she quickly made her way out of there and changed into the bathroom on first floor. Furthermore, she shut the lights off and walked into the living room, flipped the TV on since she sure didn’t want him to get all weird around her again. She didn’t hear back from him neither he came down to tell her that he was going to bed. Furthermore, she didn’t even know if he did. Furthermore, she wasn’t sleepy at all, not after this. Furthermore, she decided to do turn her laptop on and look at their marriage pictures, wondering what went wrong. Just when she was about to shut the laptop down, she saw her CV that she had made to land a decent job as a secretary or something during her college years. She figured she needed to get out of the house since she exhausted all her hobbies and had nothing on her mind that she wanted to do or explore. She didn’t know what she was thinking but decided to apply and send her application to few places online. Furthermore, she had sent her CV to first 10 links of the job search pages and right before she was about to call the quits, she realized that she actually had applied to her husband’s firm. Furthermore, she definitely didn’t want to be around him not working with him or for the company. Furthermore, she couldn’t undo what she just did so she just turned the laptop off and lowered herself on the couch until she fell asleep. The morning would come in simple fashion after Kevin spent the night talking on the phone to Amber and sleeping in the cold bed. He would slowly wake up in his normal fashion, get dress, and head downstairs where he would find Kylee still fast asleep on the sofa. He slowly leaned down next to her as he whispered in a soft tone that was not even loud enough to be called a whisper. "What am I doing to you?" He softly moves a few strands of hair from her face as he placed a slight kiss on her cheek and walked away before she could even lift her head or respond to him. Within seconds, he would have a cup of coffee and his briefcase in hand. He would leave in quite a manner not trying to wake her, as he allowed a deep breathe to leave his lips while locking the door. He stopped at a fast food restaurant to get a bite to eat. Furthermore, he knew that if he had asked Kylee, she would have gotten up and cooked, but he didn't feel as if he had had the right to wake her; not after how he treated her last night, or the pass few months for that matter. No he would let her sleep, and hopefully he could fix things with her later. He sighted softly as he settled on McDonald's. The food didn't compare to Kylee's cooking, no not at all. It lacked the necessary ingredients of love. But who was he kidding, at this point in their marriage; the divorce was not a question of if it would happen, but when. Kevin knew this, and he was sure that Kylee was feeling the same way; he also knew that he had to fix this Amber problem soon, or he would lose everything. In great fashion he would pull up to the office and find that Alex was already hard at work setting up interviews, for the secretary positions he needed to fill. His eyes would drift over the man as he seemed to be in prefect shape, unaware of the drama, the man had gone through last night. He softly knocked on the door as he spoke lightly, while Alex held a phone to his ear. "When you get a chance, I need you to come to my office, I want to talk to you about the Peterson's Case." Alex would nod his head as he returned to work. Kevin would make his way into his office and find that Amber was nowhere to be found, he really had a bone to pick with her about last night. The morning would come, and Alex would find himself sleeping with his eyes wide awake. He couldn't seem to get the image out of his head. He tried to shut it out, but nothing seemed to work. When it came time to get ready for work, he found himself entering into his home and Summer on the sofa. Her ears would perk up as she grabbed hold of him and press him to the wall and hugging him deeply. Had he been thinking last night, he would have grabbed some clothes for him to wear, so he wouldn't have to go through this, but he just couldn't bring himself around to say a word. Summer demanded for him to scream, yell, hit her, to do something, to say anything. She went on about how she knew that she had messed up and how it had only happened just that one time, but the words seemed to miss Alex, as he finally spoke, "Six days left." The words were cold, heartless, and full of emptiness as if he didn't care anymore. Alex seemed to be a shell of himself at this point, but even with this going on, he still had cases to solve to and money to make. At least with work he could take his mind off of things a little, and find something else to focus on. Within minutes, he would find himself dress and ready to go as Summer stepped in front him once again wrapped her arms around him, this time locking on as she wouldn't let him go. She continued to do this all the way up until he left and forced him to promise to come home that night so that they could talk. He reluctantly agreed, but was thinking about skipping out on it, due to the fact that he really didn't want to know why it happened or how. This morning, he would work the list of applicants, he would call a total of 15 people who had applied. He was a great turnout since the position was just posted a week ago. At the top of the list was a several name and the one that stuck out the most was a Miss Kylee Goodman. He nodded softly as he started making the calls to set up appointments. The last person he would get around to calling would be Miss Goodman, the call would be made, and he was thrilled when she answered the phone. Although she wasn't the most qualified for the position, she was one of the five people to actually answer the phone, which meant that she would most like still be hired since he needed to fill six posts in his roster. Thoughts about her name would force him to think where he had heard her name from. Was it a previous client? Did he meet her on one of their business trips? What was it? He would allow the thoughts to pass as he figured maybe it was just a name that he heard on the street somewhere. He slowly stood up as he moved to around his desk and grabbed his cup of tea. Furthermore, he soon found himself knocking on the door to Kevin's office. (( enjoyed her time spent with Kevin before and shortly after their marriage. She’d wake up, and he’d kiss her goodbye on his way out, wait all day for him to come home to her to eat dinner together followed by satisfying intimacy between the two. It was no way near to what they had before, and she barely even felt his kiss on her forehead when he came down from his room and left her in that huge mansion by herself, all alone. It was that kiss on her cheek that had stirred her sleep and slowly woke her up. She twisted and turned on that couch until she heard the loud thud of the main door followed by few beeps of the alarm indicating the main door opened and shut. That fully woke her up; not the sound in totality but unease feeling that she didn’t get to see him or say bye. She did get up and rushed towards the door, but she found him pulling the car out of their large metal doors already as if he had to be somewhere urgently. She sighed and ran her hand through her hair to clear her face of any obstructing hair. Furthermore, she turned back around, shut the door behind her and walked up to her room. Furthermore, she walked into the bathroom to start her day with a warm shower. They said women take a lot of time in bathroom, and she was sure one of them. She did most of her thinking…and shower was perfect place. She let the water run over her head to toe and the image of his phone with Amber calling came to her mind from previous night. Furthermore, she wondered if she was the reason for his lack of interest in her and their marriage. Furthermore, she shook her head no saying she had no right to think that, and he loved her dearly just as much as she loves her. For a while that thought went away for a while until she was done. She wrapped a dry towel around her dripping body and reached for her old clothes that she had on and also picked up his which he had left on the floor the night before. She walked out of the bathroom and right before she was about to drop them in a laundry bucket, a faint smell of woman’s perfume hit her nostrils. Furthermore, she knew that wasn’t hers so she brought his pants to her nose and smelled it again. “AMBER….” she murmured and that thought popped back up in her head. She didn’t want to but his behavior and now evidence pointed in directions she didn’t want her mind to wander. She walked over to her dressing table to carry on and dress up for the day as she stood there for good few minutes thinking what to make out of this. Her phone had been sitting there all night long on the dressing table, and it rang, pulling her out of an ocean full of doubtful thought she was swimming in. She’s been a gullible wife who kept to her business and never paid any mind as to what her husband does or what kind of company he runs. She only cared to keep him happy when he’d be home and that’s about it. She answered the call after pulling herself together and quickly smiled into the conversation realizing it was from one of those few places she sent her CV last night. Furthermore, she nodded while speaking which can be hinted in her tone over the phone but most importantly, she had a smile on the whole time. Soon she hung up after setting up an interview time for that same day, in afternoon. She put her phone back down and wondered how quick it was since she had just applied the night before. “They must be looking desperately to hire someone.” She got the address and interview confirmations in her email soon after but forgot to ask him the name of the company. She was occupied with other thoughts, and it just made her day so she just rushed through the conversation without asking any information about the employer. Furthermore, she had at least more than 3 hours to get ready, finish some chores and make it in time for an interview. Furthermore, she was glad to receive the call since her head was already spinning and aching from the doubts that recently were no more doubts but most probably a brutal truth. Furthermore, she was just scared to know the truth so she figured she’d avoid the question for now.(( was having a very nice morning on the other hand. Furthermore, she had put on a nice little black dress that she had bought from the bonus given by Kevin. One of many perks for being an extra enthusiastic towards her job as his PERSONAL secretary. She had a matching earring and the black dress came to her mid-thigh level only to display her slender legs over her tiny frame followed by black 3 and half inches long heels. She had deliberately unbuttoned top three buttons of her dress to expose her cleavage. Only for his eyes she thought as she walked in the building with two hot cups of coffee in her hand from the café on her way to her work. She knew many guys just stared at her slim waist and her round bottoms, but she did nothing to hide it. She put her purse on her desk upon arriving her desk and then knocked on Kevin’s office before entering with two cups of coffee. “Sorry I’m late, but I brought coffee?!” She spoke in her giggly tone. She walked around his desk and placed one cup in front of him before running her hand over his shoulder, “How are you this morning? You are tensed about something.” She said and started to rub his shoulders trying to get him to relax.(( was rather excited about this so she quickly finished chores in the house. They had maids, but she also liked to do things to keep herself busy and not get bored easily. Once she was done, she put on a nice top that wasn’t tight at all. Loosely sitting over her torso, it came around her waist tightly with its elastic back on the hem of the top. She had a nice black trouser that went along with it and two inches long heels. She wanted to look professional so she picked the right outfit. When she was ready, she drove over to the address given to her in the email as she parked her car and soon realized this was her own company; technically her husband’s. She debated if she should go or not since she was practically owner’s wife. Then she wondered this may serve as a reason for them to bond over. She can spend more time with her husband she figured, and she decided to go for an interview even though she could get the job if she told them she was Kevin’s wife….though they’d insist why she wanted to work when he owned the company. She’d have no specific good reason so she figured she won’t tell them anything about who she is unless they find out. Furthermore, she went up to the proper floor and the lady at help desk in HR told her take seat while the unit manager would shortly come for her. Furthermore, she wondered if her credentials were still good enough to get her a job. Furthermore, she looked around thinking what she’d say if Kevin showed up here. This was his company anyway. Kevin sighed softly as he watched as Alexander walked into his office. Thoughts about how his bedroom was growing cold and his office heating up, was enough to give him a headache. He had even begun to entertain the thoughts of taking Amber as his wife and divorcing Kylee; of course he was willing to give her enough money to live off of, for the rest of her life. Why he still loved Kylee with all of his heart, but what is a marriage without a connection? Up until this points the connections were breaking down left and right, and it seemed like too much to fix them all; besides the most important connection of all was missing. Kevin couldn't bring himself to display or may love to her anymore. Spending time with her seemed more like a chore than a marriage. Words could not describe how mixed up and broken he felt about this, he wanted someone to look too for guidance, and who better than the Great Alexander. His eyes would slowly watch the man move into his office and grab a seat across from him. The cold demeanor that the man carried was enough to send chills down Kevin's spine and back up again. His calm and emotionless face was hard to read, he could never tell what this man was thinking, it sometimes made it hard to believe that he was the boss of a monster like this. Finally, Kevin would get the courage to speak, "Hey Alex, do you have the reports on the Peterson Case?" He watched as folder was tossed onto the table, but what he wasn't prepared for was for Alex to simply get up and walk out. He quickly mounted the courage to ask him a personal question as he knew no one better than him to ask about these type of personal manners." Hey Alex, I want to talk to you about something... off of the record." He watched as the man paused and turned with a sorta of 'what is it?' look in his eyes. "Something's is going on in my personal life and my business life is starting to effect it," Kevin began. He slowly stood up and used his hand to direct Alex to take a seat. Alex would slowly move to the chair and flop down as he would allow the man to clear his mind. "I've been seeing someone." He started, but was quickly cut off by the name, Amber, which seemed to spring forth from Alex's mouth. "Yes I've been seeing Amber and..." He paused lightly as he could see the look in Alex's face change to uncaring. "But I'm also sorta married to someone and want to know what should I do." Kevin blurted the words out in a quick fashion as he waited to see if Alex would go into shock or say anything. Yet, Alex's face remained unchanged and uncaring as he looked Kevin in the eyes, stood up, and began moving to the door. Kevin would listen as the man spook in a cold dark tone. His head would nod softly and watched the door slam behind Alex, a picture frame would soon fall off the wall and shatter against the ground as Kevin was left there speechless and in every manner possible and remained that way until Amber had arrived bearing coffee and apologizing for being late. Alex listened as the man spoke, it was until the man confused his sins that all interest and respect for the man had gone out of the window. Thought Kevin was not his issue, he could help but speak out against the man's actions. "You selfish piece of shit, I hope your wife finds out and take you for everything you're worth. Hell I'll be her lawyer free of cost." He allowed a deep breathe to exit his lips as he sighed softly. "I always took you for a whore, even turned my head to fact that it was true, but this is low even for you." With that Alex would storm out of the room and slam the door behind himself and listen as the sound of glass shattering rang through his ears. He didn't have long to get himself back in control, because before he knew it, his first interview of the day was walking in and was ready to get down to business. Alexander allowed himself to float through most of the interviews that morning, and soon it was lunchtime and time for Kylee's interview. He would walk into the waiting room and smile lightly as he extended a hand to her. "How are you doing to day?" He started as he looked into her eyes, "Well I know that your interview was scheduled at this time and I would really hate for you to have to wait any longer, but I haven't eaten all day and my focus is really not at a 100 percent. So how about we have your interview over lunch, my treat?" He smiled lightly as he motioned his hand for her to follow him, as they walked he gave a brief overview of the job at hand. He explained that on most days she would probably spend almost 5 to six hours scheduling appointments and sending out reminder calls to clients of appointments. She had to be good with keeping notes and able to do several things at one time. He explained to her how that being a secretary in the firm was the lifeline of the company as if they weren't able to get in contact with clients, then they most likely would lose clients. He even went into details about how most secretaries were the first to arrive and the last to leave. Furthermore, he made sure that she understood that this job wasn't simply an eight-hour shift, but it was common for even longer hours and that it could be possible that they get into twelve hours shifts. Furthermore, he explained that the company didn't just deal with in state clients and how his department was responsible for the harder cases that brought in the most money. Furthermore, he than began to ask about if she was able to travel, and how did she feel about having to occasional share a room with another female employee on cases that required them stay out of town overnight. By the time they had reached the café, Alex had pretty much given a full interview and was wondering if she was interested in taking the training program to teach her about everything she needs to do learn how to work the company system and procedures that went along with dealing with clients. Once in the cafeteria he would take her over to the Executive Lunch table and allow her to pick her choice of a meal. He would decide to go with a small salad in a well done steak, with a loaded potato. His choice of drink would be a small tea with a lemon slice. Once Kylee had chosen what she wanted, he would use his credit card to pay for their meals as he leads her to a small table that sat up and way from most of the crowd of people that were enjoying their lunch." So Mrs. Kylee, tell me, what did you want to work here?" He asked as he wanted to get to know what kind of person she was. Kylee turned her wrist to check the time in her watch. It was almost 12 in the afternoon so she hoped that she gets interviewed before the lunch hours or else she’d get interviewed at 2 or 3 pm, and she was starting to feel hungry. She didn’t have much for breakfast in the morning. She kept her head down in case her husband was to be passing by in this big building. The chances were very less but even a minor conflict can send her back away to boredom at home. Plus this was the first and only place that called her in for an interview on a short notice. Just then the waiting room door opened, through which walked in rather a handsome and confident man. She extended her hand and rise from her chair, “I am fine and you? Kylee.” She introduced and asked him if he was well in return. As he started speaking to her about how her interview WAS scheduled and all, her inner voice started rambling… : and…here we go. You can go home…wadi Ada we’ve hired someone already::She passed a surprising gaze, “Ohh? That’s fine with me. Sorry I just figured. Never mind. Ohh I don’t want to. I mean I am not that hungry, but you can go ahead…eat.” She said and prepared herself to take off with him. She cursed herself thinking how she denied and lied that she wasn’t hungry. Furthermore, she was starving instead. Like he said, her focus wasn’t really 100 percent, but she was trying. She walked along with him and kept up her pace as her heels ticked against the floor while they made their way in to the cafeteria. Job specifications were exactly what she was good at and had in mind so she was pretty excited, but she’d have to get hired first. She reassured him with a nod from time to time that she understood what this job was asking from her and her acknowledging it only meant she was prepared to take on any hard task it may throw at her. She even smiled and told him that travelling for work wasn’t going to be a problem either, and she was okay with sharing a room though she’d prefer to get her own since she had the money. This job, for her, was like a getaway from home sort of deal. The way the interview was going, she had to express her interests, “I can start as early as tomorrow if need be. I am looking forward to working for you…” she nervously spoke “…that is if I get hired.” Her tummy growled and proved her wrong of her words. He’d know she was hungry as well if he’d heard it. She looked around and was quiet impressed at the cafeteria and then the executive lunchroom. It was quiet nice. She only grabbed a bowl of salad and an orange juice. While checking out, she put her hand in her purse to take out her credit card, “Ohh let me.” She said but was late by which time the cashier had already swiped his card. Soon they were trying to take a seat on a small table for two. Just when she settled in her chair, he bombarded her with a common question that’s bound to be asked in a job interview. “Like I said… I’d love to work here. It has a name which everyone knows about so I’d feel honored if I landed a job. As far as why, I think my skills and qualifications are extraordinary and unique. As for my personality, I think people can easily relate to me considering my laid back personality. Rest…” she shrugged, “...is up to you.” Alex softly smiled at the quick responses that she gave at it allowed him to believe that she was quick on her feet and could handle the demands of the job. He softly smiled as he explained that she was more than welcome to get her own room for jobs that required them to travel, but it wouldn't be reimbursed by the company, and it was a real kick in the leg around tax time. "Like I said that is up to you to decide." Once inside the cafeteria he would slightly chuckle as heard her stomach growl. "We'll Miss Klee, I don't kind to being lied to. Let's make this the first and last time that you do it." He watched as she grabbed a salad and orange he would buy two bottle of waters and pay for both of their lunches at the same time. "Around here you're going to have to accept the fact that once you work here, your manager becomes your husband away from home. We take of all on the jobs expenses, which means lunch, travel, and just about everything else." By the time they had settled down into to eat Alex would be receiving a text message that called him back upstairs. "We'll Miss Kylee, I expect to see you here a nine a clock sharp. I've got to run, but Amber can show you a fell of the sites around the office as she works for the owner and knows just about everything there is know about this building." He slowly stuck his hand out to shake her as he wrapped his lunch up and smiled lightly. "Just do me a favor and don't pick up her bad habits." Amber would slightly allow her gaze to shift as she looked over towards Alexander. She would slowly move to get out her seat as she sighed softly at the tongue lashing she had been given by Kevin. At this moment she needed as much space from him as possible as she allowed her fingers to tuck a piece of hair behind her ear. She softly smiled as she nodded at doing a favor for a favor. "Yeah, sure I don't mind showing her around. It will be my pleasure as long as you don't mind taking Mr. Sutton his lunch." Usually she would jump at the chance to spend lunch with Kevin, it normally met a nice piece of jewelry was soon to follow, but she wasn't in the mood for his mood swings. Last night he was thrilled to have phone sex with her, hell she couldn't deny that the dirty didn't put her in the mood for a little office fun, but after this morning he would be lucky to even get a phone message. She would slowly turn to the woman as she smiled lightly, her hand would softy extend outward towards the woman as her body smelled of the similar fragrance that Kevin came home smelling like a few nights back. "My name is Amber, and I am the personal assistant of owner." Amber would slowly grab her food as she moved to join the woman for lunch. "So what do you think of the building so far? Is it complicated enough for you yet?" She slightly chuckled as she placed her fork into her salad. "Once we're done with lunch I will be glad to show you to all the need to know things about this office, like let's say you have to work overnight? Did you know that the only working elevator was located on the east side of the building, but if you want to get to the parking garage you have to get off on the second floor and walk over to the south side stairs." Amber would spout off several tips as her fingers softly played with a tennis bracelet that had a pair of swans cut into the shape of a heart on the dead center. It was a gift from Kevin that she had received on her birthday. She slowly moved to throw away her trash as she smiled lightly and offered to show the woman to copier room that would be located on Alexander's floor. As they made their way up she would think about the fact that's he might want to freshen her make up a bit, as she knew Kevin hated it when her lips looked faded after eating. She would lead Kylee to the restroom as she moved to look into the mirror and fix the damage that had been done by her salad. A woman would slowly enter the restroom as she smiled light and teased Amber. 'Freshening up for Kevin?' Amber would smile lightly as she said, "Shut up. You know I care about how I look." She softly allowed a girlish giggle to escape her lips as she began to apply eyeliner. 'Yeah and that 10,000 dollar tennis bracelet was just an away of saying keep up the good work.' Amber's cheek would slight blush red as she smirked into the mirror at woman and lead Kylee out of the bathroom." Don't mind her, she just likes to pick fun at me for having an expensive taste." Amber would Kylee to the printing room where they would find Alexander waste deep in a pile of papers sorting through them while looking for documents to a new case. His frustration would show in his face as he looked as if he might scream. Amber would softly nudge Kylee into too the room as she whispered softly. "It's better to be on the good side of your boss than the one known as useless." With that she would fade away as she left the two to sort through the mess.OCC: apologize for the delay. Didn't realize the topic was on a second page of my bookmarks.

What the Boss Doesn't Know! {Whtbitch4u2own & Houki}|rating:3.0

The New Mutants on the Block (Selo and Anji-Nii-Chan)

{"Light box_close": "Close", "light box_next": "Next", "light box_previous": "Previous", "light box_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.", "light box_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow", "light box_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow", "light box_full_screen": "Full screen", "light box_thumbnails": "Thumbnails", "light box_download": "Download", "light box_share": "Share", "light box_zoom": "Zoom", "light box_new_window": "New window", "light box_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"} Walking up the driveway was a mostly young male wearing all black clothing. He was heading to the Yeshiva School for the Gifted. This was no school for normal kids, and by normal they mean regular humans. This school was set up like its counter-part, Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, it was a mutant's school. But unlike Xavier's school, this one didn't have its own force of mutants that fight of evil, they left that to the X-Men in America. Instead, the kids broke into their own groups and acted out their own ideals like that. All of it was peaceful enough to prevent full out fights, until a slightly large group of the older kids acted out more harshly than normal. They haven't done much since that fight, and the school was finally open to new students once more, and this young man was one such student. He was around his upper teens, almost in his twenties soon. His mutant powers that were seen by others was his exceptional sight and hearing, flexibility and enhanced athletics. Then also he had a pair of large black fox ears on top of his head, but he had no tail. He also had another power, but he didn't tell it out much. He was able to shift in and out of shadows, and use the shadows to 'repair' his body. Furthermore, he had a bag slung over his shoulder and another on his back. Furthermore, he walked up to where his dorm was and walked in, tossing his bag into a corner. It was still the break at that time, so he had free time to roam around and get used to the place. And that was what he was going to do. He headed out, his black hair covering over his eyes, but not at all hindering his vision. He listened in on people's conversations without them knowing, watching all the other boys play sports such as basketball and football, while others, like him, just sat or stood around. Furthermore, he had his hands in his pocket, and was one of the oddest out there, if that was possible, by wearing all black on a sunny day, and pants to boot.​ The school had been through its fair share of trials; it didn't have to have a super human crime fighting team to have its own problems. It had split down the middle during its original stay among the population - good students versus the rebels, the students who had decided they were better and wanted the world in the palm of their hands. Anne had been on the good side of the split and had defended the school and its honor, but due to the damage the rebels had caused, the school had to be closed. That meant Anne had to return home. Today, however, she was happy to receive the letter telling her she was able to go back. The joy she felt in her heart could not be described with words; she had never fit in with society being a mutant as she was. People were afraid of her and her abilities. Her most well-known ability was 'puppet-master'. She could control people's actions like they were on strings, to an extent, but it was the power people feared the most. You fear what you cannot control. It was a common practice. She was unpacking now, in her single room; nobody had wanted to room with her, which she expected. So, really, it didn't bother her too much. She was more of a solitude persuasion. After she was done packing, Anne decided to explore the school's redone layout. It was as beautiful as she remembered, but she really wanted to find out what had become of the gardens. Her black Lolita type of dress was low cut, tight, and fell to her mid-thighs. The sleeves were short, trimmed with lace, and puffy. A black ribbon tied around her neck and connected with a unique design to her dress. Her long light pink hair fell down her back and stuck out against her milky pale skin, a small top hat of sorts adorning it; a rose from the time of the old school decorated the brim beautifully. Long black stockings reached her knees and she wore school girl type loafers; basically, she stood out, but she didn't mind it since she felt so out of place to begin with. She skipped down the stairs like she was hopping clouds and made her way out the back doors towards the gardens. He walked around, feeling most people were ignoring him except the few who spoke about his ears he proudly wore. He walked towards a tree and sank into it's shadow, as if through a hole in the ground. Furthermore, he then came out in a more secluded place, the gardens. The only people here were some florakenetics, or people who could control plants, and a few other people. Despite his true like to death, his other was to plants, namely flowers. He knelt down in front of some red and white rose bushes, holding one up between two fingers. "Such a small thing to catch the hearts of so many people." He said softly, standing up now. He looked up at the mostly cloudy sky, hating the sun as that was his main weakness. Furthermore, he could stretch shadows out when he repaired him self, but only so far in sunlight. Sunlight also weakened his usage of any shadow power, but did not affect his physical abilities. The longer he stayed in the sun, the weaker his power gets, but starts to replenish itself while he sits in pure darkness, the clouds were a neutral zone for him. "Still too bright." He said, his eyes having adjusted to almost pure darkness. He then looked to a set of stairs and saw a girl in a Lolita out-fit, a black maid dress and a top hat headband. She's an interesting character. He thought, and then he faded down into the bush's shadow, moving out of sight and came out in her shadow behind her. "Lovely evening, isn't it?" He questioned, leaning over her shoulder as he said it softly.​ "My goodness!" The girl said in surprise as she turned to face this young man who'd approached her as if from air. He looked about her age, herself being 18 - just old enough to escape her parents overprotective clutches. "You startled me," it was said with a small laugh, "not that it shouldn't be something I should expect considering where we are." She turned on her heel with a smile, her hands folded behind her back as she trotted towards the flowers. "It is beautiful today," she answered his question finally as she leaned over to touch her fingertips to the air just above a rose. Then she twiddled her fingers and the flower followed accordingly. She gave out a giggle and then sat down on the fountain ridge just opposite the rose bushes. Her pale, doll-like eyes moved back to the man with the fox ears; unusual that. She had never seen it before. Interesting. "I am Angelika Yumiko, but I suppose you may call me Anne. It's what they all call me." He smirked as she walked to the fountain. "Call me Self Gonna Baku. You can call me Shadow Fox." He said with a smirk. He then perked his ears to one side as he heard some noise. "What was that?" He questioned, the voice very faint, even to him. "Sounds like...arguing." He said and started to walk off in the direction. "Want come and check it out with me?" He questioned, looking back to Anne. He stood with his hands in his pockets, slightly slouched over. His hair blew in the soft breeze, just barely revealing his perfect blue eyes, them being the brightest part about him, other than his pale skin which probably lost more than half its pigment. He almost looked like a ghost in fact, having avoided the sun for nearly seven to eight years, even before then he spent most of his time in the house rather than playing outdoor games.​ Self...an interesting name to go with an interesting man. The doll-like girl tilted her head and her light pink hair spilled across a pale shoulder. "Arguing?" Anne listened closely, but could hear nothing. Extensive hearing wasn't really her forte, though. "I will take your word for it since this seems to be one of your areas of expertise." She pushed herself up off the fountain ridge. She, too, was pale, unbelievably so. Furthermore, she figured it had something to do with her abilities; a doll for a doll. Of sorts. It didn't help that she wore all black for the exception to the white rose attached to her hat. "I will follow you then, Self." She nodded her head in a salute of sorts, indicating that he should take the lead since she wasn't aware of where the fighting was taking place. Fighting was something she did not want here. Not after what had happened last time. She wasn't about to lose her home...again. Self then smirked and walked of, leaping over the bushes with simple ease. He then started to go with a brisk jog to where he heard the noises, making sure Anne kept up. When he got there it was a Cytogenetic fighting what seemed like a speed-demon. The fight seemed to be favoring the speed-demon, but Self didn't feel like seeing it end with either of them winner. He then sank into the ground where the crowd was casting a shadow and came up in the middle of the fit, black tendrils grasping the feet of both combatants. "Stop it, now!" He ordered and the pro got ready to burn him with the already lite flame. Self spun on a heel, swinging his foot into the air and struck the flame with his boot, putting the flame out before he shot it out. "I said stop." Self stated with more force. "And who are you, my dad?" The Speed-demon questioned. "No, I am the one stopping this fight. I just got here, and I am not wanting to get kicked out because a couple of teens can't control themselves enough to leave it to words." He said, still holding both of the kids by they ankles. "No, will you two quite it?" He ordered, his hands held like fists, bent at the elbows and aimed at either boy. The boys looked angered by Self's intervention but then loosened up. Self then pulled the shadows down slowly when he saw them do this. "Good." He said and started to walk off, the crowd already breaking up now, seeing as Self became the kill-joy. When Self turned his back, the Cytogenetic lite his lighter back up and started to shoot his back, the Speed-Demon rushing him. Self then sank into the building's shadow, just before either of them got close, and came out next to Anne. "Come on, these guys don't seem to like me much anymore." He said with a chuckle and started to make with the crowd.​ Anne's wide eyes stared at the angry students as they went about being pompous jackasses. When Self popped up beside her, she moved slightly in front of him to face the two as they approached more cautiously this time. "Stop," she said, "fighting will get you nowhere. In fact, fighting will get our school shut down. So it would be in your best interest to cease and desist." The two were eyeing her warily. Her powers were unknown to general populace, so they had no clue what they would be up against. "If you do not," Anne warned, "you will force my hand, and you will have no choice but to stop." Her voice had taken on a soothing note, a timbre that tickled the senses. Self would see through it with his superior hearing; it was another tactic of puppet masters, to control with their voices. Influence those around them to do what they wanted. The speed demon was falling into her trap pretty easily, as was the arsonist. They probably hadn't come up against someone with this ability, especially with the doll like appearance she gave. "Now," she smiled politely and wiggled her fingers in a walk, "go." The two departed, walking away from them against their will. Their steps were a tad jerky as if they were fighting them all the way, and they made no sound as Anne made sure to keep their smart ass traps shut. When they made it into the building, she released the control and turned away from the crowd that was now peering at her curiously. "Come, Self." She said. "The fight appears to be over, and I was quite enjoying the tranquility of the gardens." Self's ears were going crazy as he started to her voice. It was like he heard her voice with his ears, and his mind, but seeing as she directed her powers on the other two, the power wouldn't affect him as harshly. He had noticed this power before, but only once, and it was used on him. His sensitive ears made it hard for him to counter-act such a controlling power, and made him an easy target for that kind of power as well. "Y-yeah." He said, slightly unnerved at what he heard, but still seemed to like hanging out with Anne. He had publicly displayed his more secretive powers, and knew he would most likely regret doing that later. Soon they made it back to the garden and Self stopped. "Correct me, your power is being able to control people through your voice, isn't it?" He asked once they were mostly alone. Only one other person was there, but they were out of hearing range and probably wasn't even paying attention. Self turned and faced her, crossing his arms over hist chest. "I heard that tone of voice once before, and when I did all I remembered after was me sitting in my house when I was all ten minutes away from there. I heard it more directly back then than just now with your voice, but I still remember that tone." He said, also having a vivid memory to boot with his mutant powers, a more human 'power' he had.​ Anne placed herself before a lovely rose bush, one mixed with red, white, pink, and yellow roses. Her right hand hovered over a yellow rose, and she once again wiggled her fingers. The petals of the flower danced in time with her slim fingertips. "It's one of my stronger abilities, yes." Anne said to him as the wind shifted through her hair. "I am what one would call a puppet master. I am no master, but my abilities seem to revolve around puppet-like things. Making people into puppets, dolls, and whatnot. The voice is one aspect of that. As well as body control, as if they were connected to my fingertips by thread. I'm told there is more, but I've yet to discover what else I can do." She was sure to keep her voice low; even if the person near them wasn't a threat, she wasn't about to expose her vulnerabilities to someone she didn't know. Though, that was really what she was doing, wasn't it? Self was a stranger to her, but she didn't get the vibe off of him that would make her wary of being in his presence. "Why do you ask, Self?" She questioned, looking up at him from her perch with curious eyes. Self looked to the ground in front of him. That kind of power would make someone very distrusted, because how do you know they won't use their powers on you? Self then looked to her and could see through her eyes that she wasn't the type to abuse her powers. "I...just wanted to be sure, is all." He said then smirked, putting his hands in his pockets once more. He looked over at the other person nearby, seeing them hover water over plants and drizzle it down on them. A water controller, interesting. He looked back at Anne and smirked. That could explain her doll-like appearance. I had thought she was more like my, a recluse from the sun. There are a lot of things that I should try and figure out now. He thought, being an analyst of many things. He wanted to know stuff, and the more he knew, the happier he was, and more prepared for things as well. Such as with the pro earlier, he had already learned most pros needed a source to use their fire, they manipulated it, not create it. That helped him get rid of his power and render him useless so he could better defend him self. What other ways can she control people? I shouldn't ask her to figure it out on classmates though, she might not like that, and it would be wrongly using her powers on others. He thought, staring out into space now, his eyes aimed at the flowers as he did think. It was obvious he was deep in thought, anyone could look at him and tell he wasn't looking at the flowers.​ Anne nodded, catching the subtle hint that he wanted to know more but wasn't going to pry. She raised her eyes, still playing with the flower as she looked to the other body in the school's gardens; it was a woman, one who looked about the same age as them, maybe younger. Anne had seen her earlier; she was out here using her water abilities to make sure the plants were watered. Anne smiled and pushed herself up from her crouch. "Miss! Would you like to come and sit with us?" she called out, sending the subtle invitation on the wind which she knew would reach the girls ears. Miku perked up, raising her multicolored hues to stare at the girl that was addressing her from across the fountain. She stopped her hands from continuing to water the flowers in front of her, deciding to see what the girl and her companion wanted. She jumped up onto the fountain ridge and stepped literally onto the water. Her sandaled feet skimmed the surface as she walked across and before long she was standing on the other side in front of the two, in her simple, kimono style does - it was white, loosely tied open to show her pale neck and upper chest, little patterned leaves decorated the silk material in an assortment of colors. A red sash tied it shut at her waist, coming together at the back with a bow, the remains of the sash flowing behind her. Her long jet black hair was spilling down her back and floating on the breeze behind her, a red comb rose clip pulling it back out of her face, beads hanging off it in a cute design. A brown eye stared at the two, a blue one doing exactly the same. She smiled softly, "hello there." Her voice was soft, innocent; the girl herself was only 15 and was here at the school due to her parents orders. Everyone in her family was normal except for her, so they'd sent her off to avoid any repercussions her abilities would have on the family. She seemed friendly enough, standing there before them. Self then looked up to hear Anne calling to the other person over. Self watched her and saw how she walked on the water. She can increase the surface tension of water as well? So she doesn't only manipulate, she controls. Self inferred. "Evening." Self said in a kind tone or voice. He then looked to Anne with a look of asking what she was doing. She put his hands in his pockets and looked to the sky, seeing the sun start to come out. He would move under a close by tree, a small one, but it provided enough shade for him to hide from the sun. "Hope you don't mind my evasion for the time being." He stated, nodding his head to the sky as he looked at Anne. "The names Self, what's yours?" He questioned, looking at the androgenetic. His hair dropped over his eyes once more as the breeze died down. Self could feel there was somebody watching them, but heard nothing of them, yet. The boy stood on the building's edge, looking down at the three people speaking among each other, having followed the water controller. "The names Self, what's yours?" The only male would say. Damion smirked as the winds shifted once more, blowing through all of their hair again. Hmm... I wonder what other powers they have. He questioned, having been in the crowd during the fight. He leaped off the building and started to drop and then floated down and landed about seven feet away. "HEY!" He called out in a cheerful tone. "I couldn't help but overhear the convoy here. Wuss up with all y'all?" He questioned with a smirk on his face. "OH! By the way you can call me Ion, but my named is Damion. I've gone by Ion for most of my life just to let ya 'know." He said, his voice soft and flowed in the breeze. There was a soft wind circling him, it didn't hinder hearing him or him hearing the others, it just made ripples in his clothing and hair.​ There really was no rhyme or reason as to why Anne was doing what she was doing. Having been part of the school's original downfall, she wanted to get to know a good number of the students; possibly to help avoid and prevent what had happened before. As the newcomer landed and addressed them, Anne's large and pale eyes would study him quietly. "Ion, huh? It's nice to meet you, my name is Angelika." She said softly, idly beginning to play with a tiny yarn ball she had pulled from her pocket. "Call me Anne if you'd prefer." She glanced over at the water user and nodded. "Thank-you for joining us. You may call me Anne as well." She played with the string as the soft smile was addressed to small group they seemed to be forming. She glanced at Self to see how he was handling this and saw that he was melding with the shadows comfortably, resting outside the rays of the evening sun." As you wish, Anne." She glanced with her mismatching eyes to the males in the group. "A pleasure, Self. And to you as well, Ion." She seated herself beside the other girl, studying the men; she had seen a bit of the fight that has occurred but not much. In awe of Anne's abilities, as well as Self's. "My name is Marino, but I've always called myself Miku - water is pretty much who I am and that's why I like the name." The girl was also obviously of Japanese heritage; the only thing that was off was her eyes, but that had been an attribute that had come forth along with her abilities. "What you all conversing about?" Ion asked, looking from one person to the next carefully. So the Shadow User named Self couldn't stand in the sunlight, but why? He then looked to the one named Miku, Japanese descent, water controller, and still kind of young. The third person, another girl, was named Angelika, or Anne. Ion couldn't tell what her power was, maybe she was a plant controller, until he saw her pull out a ball of yarn and started to control that as well. A controller of all, puppet master. That is a very useful ability indeed. He thought, the more he knew about his friends the better. Self looked at Ion and could tell he was trying to figure them out, just as much as he was them. "We just started talking, so nothing much." Self said, in a half apathetic tone. He looked to Anne and then to Miku, and finally to Ion. "So, how long have all of you been going here?" He questioned as he looked to each one. "I just got here today. I normally stay hidden quite well." He said with a smirk. "I've been here since I was about twelve. I'm sixteen now." Ion said with a smirk and sat down. The amazing thing about him sitting, his head and torso stayed at the same height as when he was standing, an empty space between him and the ground. A soft howling of wind coming from below him was also heard as the wind picked up.​ Anne listened as the two men of the group conversed. She smiled, playing with the thread she'd pulled from her pocket. Her eyes raised as the question was posed. "I've been here since the school opened 6 years ago, so since I was 12 as well, Ion." She said it with a smile, then looked curiously at Miku to see what the other girl would say. Her thoughts wandered as she turned to observe Ion's floating - the wind had picked up to flow beneath him, so she was assuming that his power had something to do with controlling the wind. That was probably why he had been able to hear their conversation even though he hadn't been close to them. Mizu took her turn to answer the question. "3 days for me," she said. "My parents were afraid I'd disgrace the family, so they sent me here." She tilted her head, the black hair spilling over one shoulder as she looked to Self with a smile. "It appears we are the newbies here, Béla Kun." Self looked to Miku and nodded in agreement. The two of them were the new people on the block. "Disgrace the family? Sounds like they were just afraid of your powers, or afraid of what others would think about them if someone found about a mutant in the linage." Self commented. He started to sound like a few of the people who did not like humans, but Self was only commenting. "My family sent me to live on my own as if I were a normal kid. They never found out I was a mutant until I sprouted my ears." He said with a chuckle. "My family just never liked me at all. Once they found out I was a mutant they thought it was a perfect chance to rid my presence from them." Damion stated still floating where he was. "I guess I'm sorta lucky...or not." He said starting to ponder the situation.​ Miku listened to Self intently, then nodded. "Yes, I do believe you are right. Coming from a traditional Japanese family, something that would disturb the order would be seen as an unnecessary occurrence." She nodded again. "The heir to the family can't be anything other than ordinary," her hands played with the water in the fountain base, "and I am far from ordinary, so once they had another child to ensure the stability of the family, I was sent here." She looked back to smile. "That's alright with me though. I can already tell I will be much happier here than at home."​Anne listened to each of their stories as to how they'd come to the school. She knew one of them would ask her for a similar story, but she didn't say anything and only listened. Her small, thin, but feminine fingers continued to play with the thread. A few moments later, a loud bell rang out. Anne's head lifted, and she smiled, saying, "that would be the class bell. We should get to homeroom." It would be the last class of the day, just one to where an attendance could be recorded to make sure all the students were present before night.​ Self heard the bell and looked to the other three. "What was that bell for? I thought classes wouldn't start for a little while now." Self questioned looking mainly at Anne for an answer. Ion left before Self had asked his question and wasn't controlling any winds to hear the question, so he continued on walking. Self would follow behind Anne until he got an answer to his question, or until she got to a place where he wasn't allowed to follow.​ Anne watched as Miku ran off ahead, not really surprised that the youngest of them seemed to be so eager and forthright. She hung back and walked with Self at a leisure pace, her fingers still idly twiddling with the thread. It seemed as if it were hard for her to keep her hands idle - a side effect she was sure had to do with her set of abilities. She peered over at Self as he questioned her and smiled knowingly at his confusion. "It's not really a class, per se." She nodded and opened the main door, allowing him to walk in before following. "After the last incident that caused the school's closure, mandatory periodic records of attendance were set into motion. Every morning and evening, we are required to go to homeroom so that the teacher's can make sure none of the students are philandering about, causing trouble." She was saying this as she took the stairs to the second floor hall, heading to room 2-C. Self listened to Anne's words and nodded to it all. This was giving him an idea. What if we stopped the kids who were fighting? Maybe try and get them to see it affects everyone and not just them? Possibly get them to stop fighting in all or something... He started to think, and then pulled out the small slip of paper with his room number on it. "4-A. Hmm... I guess that's the fourth floor then?" He questioned no one in particular. "Aye, Anne! Meet me in the gardens tomorrow, I want talk to you about somethin'." He called out just before she got out of sight and headed to his single room. He requested it, not liking to share a room. He would head to the room and immediately start to head for bed, and do what was required or what not for the school.​ After the attendance was taken, Angelika left to return to her room where she sprawled out on her bed, in thought. The fight earlier had made her see that nothing at this school had really changed. There were still the egotistical partakers who only attended in hopes to show off their powers to the world. These were the types of mutants that Anne disliked the most. She saw her powers as a way to help make the world a more peaceful place, but apparently she was the only one who thought so. She sighed and soon, she was asleep. It was at 8 in the morning that she woke, and she vaguely remembered Self saying something about wanting her to meet him in the gardens because he had something he wanted to talk to her about. She redressed in her Lolita clothes and combed her hair. She then picked up the small doll that always went wherever she resided and sat it on her shoulder. The pale little male doll seemed to sit up on his accord and was dressed in a simple suit, with hair and eyes as pale as her own. Anne turned and left her room, making her way down the stairs and out the back door that led to the gardens. When she arrived, she no sign of Self yet, so she sat beneath the tree he'd favored the day before, leaning back against the trunk in the shadows. Self came out standing next to Anne, wearing a pair of clothing similar to what he wore the other day. He was also leaning against the tree, standing up, looking down at his new friend. "I was thinking about what we did yesterday, with that fight." Self said out of nowhere. "What if we tried and teach all the kids like that? Or show them that fight harms more than the person in front of them, aye?" Self suggested, pushing off the tree but staying in the shadows still. "Sounds like a grand idea to me! I'd love to show some bad kids how the rest of us feel!" Damion said floating in on what looked like an orb of swirling air. "I'm not wanting to cause any harm or trouble. I just want to show them that their fighting is getting everyone in trouble, and not just them." Self stated plainly in his defense. "Oh, yeah, sure. I understand completely. But you have to realize, not all the baddies will listen to reason and that's when ya gotta beat it down into 'em!" Damion said, hopping off his power-made vehicle.​ Anne didn't jump or show any surprise this time when Self chose to appear using the shadows that belonged to the tree she was leaning against. She listened to what he had to say, but before she could respond, the air user was back and joined in the conversation. She couldn't help the small chuckle that slipped free from her lips. It almost felt like it was the old days of the school, before the egotistical students had caused it to close. "I do believe it sounds like a good idea," she said once she found a moment of silence between the two men. "I did something like that, before the school was shut down." Mizu was lounging on the fountain ledge not too far away from the small group conversed. She was listening intently, kicking her feet idly as they hung over the edge. "It sounds like a good idea to me!" she said with a chuckle after Anne had spoken her piece.(I will be posting here shortly to our Naruto one; I fell a little behind. @.@) Self smirked at how the others agreed to do what he asked of them, not many people would do this kind of thing they were doing. "And I think those kids we stopped yesterday may have a bit of a vendetta against us now, so lets look out for them from now on, they may be targeting us for their next deed." Self warned. "We might have to stick mostly together as best we can too, so we can watch each other's backs. There can be some people our powers are either weak against or have no effect at all." Self advised, knowing that the other three should already have known this or thought of it. Ion smirked and could hear voices nearby. "Some people are close." He said and Self nodded, "I hear them too." Self stated, looking up in to the distance. "But the sun is limiting my vision right now. I can hardly see fifteen feet ahead of me." He said, his judgment of distance off. Ion could see the people speaking clearly, and most likely the two girls too, one of them being the fire manipulator from the other day, and two of his friends. "Their talking about fighting Self here." Ion said and Self simply crossed his arms over his chest as a reply.​ Miku thoughtfully turned to stare upon the two fifteen or so feet away that Ion had mentioned. Once she recognized as the fire manipulator from the day before; if he challenged them, or even just Self, she knew she would be able to come into play. Her water manipulation could do serious retribution against a fire user. Her eyes traveled back to her group; Ion, Anne, and Self. "If the fire user comes demanding a rematch because of yesterday, I can help teach the whelp a lesson," she said, angry that a good number of the students at this school seemed to be obsessed with just fighting each other. Anje raised her eyes, then nodded gently. "Miku's abilities would be good for a fight involving a fire manipulator. However," she paused a moment before continuing, "unless he comes over here and actively starts trouble, I cannot condone unnecessary violence on school grounds." She tapped her fingers together idly as her eyes slid to watch the two students conversing about Self. They narrowed thoughtfully, before sliding back to Self where they rested as she thought. Self smirked at his friends already backing him up. "No...if he wants to fight me I'm sure I can hold my own." Self said, still smirking. Something deep inside of him was starting to 'surface' now. His facial expression had changed from one of apathy to sadistic glee now. He started to walk forward and held a hand out behind him, "Stay here, I'll be back." He said, moving up to the group of students talking about him. "I couldn't help but hear you guys speaking about me?" He said, his head hung with his hair covering his eyes. "May I ask why you want to speak about me without me in the conversation?" Self asked, tilting his head to the side, still smirking. "Why would I tell you, cat boy?" The fire-user said with a smirk on his face. "Oh, I don't like that tone." Self stated, "And should I correct you on animals, I have fox ears. You know, the Vulpes." Self said. "Like I need you to teach me about anything!" one of the other boys said, stomping on the ground. The earth then shook underneath his foot, sending the quake at him. Self leaped into the air and landed down on the boy's shoulders, light as a feather. "You guys want play then? Alright, lets play." Self said, his tone of voice completely different now. He leaped back into the air and was spiraling down and thrust his fists to the chest of the fire-user. He then sank down into one of the boy's shadows as electricity flew through the air. The boy with the quake power then lifted a large piece of the ground into the air and suddenly dropped it on him self, Self stepping out of his shadow. Self then looked to the electric boy and had an evil grin on his face, cracking his knuckles and walked up to him. Blackness started to creep around Self, covering his body and building a shadow-like armor. His figure started to turn from a boy with fox ears and fox eyes to that of a shade. The boy started to freak, walking back and falling on his ass. He then started to try and push himself away, Self walking closer and closer, tendrils growing from his body now.​ Anne watched the fight with growing apprehension. Something was nagging at the back of her mind about Self and his abilities. She had heard of shadow manipulators and their abilities, but there was something she was forgetting...what was it? Her pale, almost lifeless like, eyes narrowed as he began to, well, change. Suddenly, it snapped into place like plug into an outlet. He was losing control! That's what she had forgotten - shadows had a tendency to make a user go out of control, almost like a berserker. All pure power, but no cognitive control over that power." Wait here!" she snapped quickly to Ion and Miku, standing now. "I mean it. I need to stop him, so I'll need you to stay here no matter what happens. Do you understand?" She turned narrow eyes upon the two and Miku was quick to nod. Assuming Ion would listen as well, Anne turned and began to strode towards Self as he advanced upon the once cocky but now frightened student of the academy. Deadly determination in her steps. The doll like woman stepped in front of the student, facing the Shade version of her new friend. "Go, get away now, I'll handle this," she said to the student, though she did not take her eyes from Self as he advanced. "Go to the two sitting by the fountain and I advise that you do not cause any more trouble..." she did not put any manipulation into her words, but the student listened anyway and scrambled back towards Miku and Ion. Anne's eyes turned back to Self. Anje focused the power in her to her voice like she had the day before. "Self. Stop moving." A simple two word order, her voice ringing with the strong manipulative power. She wasn't sure how her power would affect his berserker form, so she was going to start simple before she had to resort to her stronger puppet master powers. Self started to shake his head as the commanding voice rang in his mind. He then snapped to, the yellow eyes staring dead into the manipulator's own. "AH, A PUPPET MASTER MUTANT. I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THERE WERE SOME OF YOU STILL AROUND. DID YOU SERIOUSLY THINK YOUR COMMANDING VOICE WOULD AFFECT ME?" Shade Self said. His voice sounded hollow and echoing within his own vocal cords. The next moment, the shade sunk into the ground and came up behind Anne, the tendrils aimed to stab her and instantly shot at her with a furious speed.​ Anne closed her eyes and let out a breath, her body quickly dropping and rolling to the side as the tendrils came to stab her from behind. She snapped around and her eyes opened, angry and glowing now. "You must stop this at once!" she snapped, the impulse in her voice becoming a great deal stronger. "I am not your enemy, Self! You know that!" She added, crouching down, expecting that the shade was going to come at her again." What do you have to gain from attacking me?" she inquired - even though he wasn't likely to answer her. She didn't want to be forced to use her powers against him, he was her friend now after all, and she could hardly believe he was attacking her like a foe. Anne wasn't a weakling. She wasn't about to go down without a fight, friend or not, though she wanted to avoid unnecessary violence. She wouldn't fight back unless she had to. Self looked at her and simply hung limp now, his arms at his sides and his head looking at the ground. The Shade still had control of him, but Self was fighting to gain control once more. "EVERYTHING!" The Shade said, putting his hands in front of him, thousands of tendrils leaped forward, but suddenly stopped inches away from Anne. "Andante?" Self said, staggering back now, the shade dissipating now. He fell to the ground, the shadows leaking off his body, revealing the true Self. He was out cold not, laying on his back in the shadow of a large tree, the tendrils melting in the sunlight. Ion looked at the two 'friends' and started to question if he could trust Self still. He wouldn't be sure if Self would suddenly go berserk and attack him unaware, and with this thought, Ion put Self on the danger list in his mind. "Is he out?" Ion called over to Anne, holding the frightened male in a wind orb, not hurting him.​ Anne braced herself for the attack but was surprised when Self came to and the Shade retreated for now. He shakily said her name and she straightened as he proceeded to pass out onto the ground. She moved closer and knelt upon the ground beside Self, gently touching a hand to his chest. "Yeah, he's out," she called back, her voice normal again. The Shade's words concerned her. He had said he had everything to gain by fighting with her. What exactly did that mean?" I'm going to take him to his room. You and Miku take care of the others," she said, using her puppet 'strings' to lift Self off of the ground. She remembered that the sunlight weakened him, so she wanted to get him out of the light and back into the shadows. 'Carrying' him into the building, she used her manipulation to get his room number from administration. Before long they were at his room. She opened the door and walked in, setting the young shadow user onto his bed. She then sat on the floor next to the bed to wait for him to awake, her hands playing now with the doll that had been sitting on her shoulder, pale eyes staring at it blankly. After a little while, Self started to wake, slowly opening his eyes. When he finally 'woke' up, he bolted into a sitting position, "Anne!" He called out, breathing heavily and then fell back to a laying position. He turned his head and saw her sitting on the floor. Furthermore, he let out a sigh of relief. Furthermore, he thought he had a bad nightmare of him fighting Anne, using his shadow manipulation, but in truth his 'dream' was the Shade controlling him, and was actually a real fight. "I thought I was about to kill you... It was all in a dream." He said, still thinking it was. "We were fighting each other...just after I kicked some teen's butt. I thought I was about to kill you." He said, repeating his first statement. "Was it a dream?" He asked, still unsure if it was or not. "What happened? Last thing I remember was heading to that group of kids talking about me...then it went black." He said, trying to recall his actual memories.​ Anne listened to Self as he talked about their confrontation as if it were no more than a dream. Once he had managed to calm down, Anne stood and moved to sit upon the side of the bed so that she could look at him without having to turn her head at any odd angle. Slowly, she shook her head. "It wasn't a dream." Those pale eyes watched him closely. "When you fought the others... I assume you lost control. I heard it sometimes happens with shadow mutants. Sort of like a...berserk form, called a shade." She did her best to explain it, though it too had been a very new experience to her. "I stepped in to keep you from seriously injuring those punks and..." she sighed softly, her hand pushing pale hair back from her face. "... I guess 'you' didn't appreciate my interference. You did try to attack me. Said...'you' have everything to gain by attacking me. When 'you' went to attack me seriously, the real you came to. You passed out and I brought you here." She explained. "You've been out for a little awhile. I was starting to worry."​ Self sat up as she got on his bed to listen. As she explained, he hung his head, looking at the sheets under him. He knew what she was talking about. He had this happen to him once before. It always happens when he is about to fight. He shook his head and looked up at her. "I'm sorry Anne... It happened once before. I thought I had controlled it after that. But I guess not. That Shade, he calls him self Oles. I sometimes hear his voice in my head, but I can push him down most of the time. He thinks, by killing other mutants, he can become stronger." Self said, still looking at his bed. "That's why I don't like violence. It calls to....'him'." He informed. "When ever I go into that Shade form again, use your strongest Manipulations. Please, do it for me." He requested, finally looking up at her, his eyes completely serious. "Do what ever you can to knock me out of it, before I can hurt anyone." He added on, putting his hands on her knees.​ "Don't worry, that is my intention." She reassured him as he set his hands on her bare knees. "Though, I have to tell you, he seems to have a good deal resistance to my manipulations. He mocked me for even trying that type of ability against him." She didn't like this, not at all. A shade thinking he could absorb the powers of mutants by killing them off...it wasn't good. Not at all. "He seemed familiar with me...or my type of mutant." She laid a pale hand atop one that rested on her knee. "Has he come across a Puppet Master before that you are aware of?" she questioned him, eyes watching him. It could very well be that she was in danger around this young man...but she didn't want to pull away from him. Self wasn't intentionally meaning her harm, so she wasn't going to turn her back on him.​ Self started to scan his memories, looking back as best he could then it hit him. "It was a Manipulator that brought him out." He said, looking up at Anne once more. "They spoke into my mind, first giving me subtle thoughts and images until they had a real grasp on what provoked him. They brought him out to attack their enemies. He must have learned to stop their voices from controlling him." He said and then thought for a moment. "Wait...if he can absorb that technique...then he can do it to others." He had a moment's pause, "And so can I." He added on. "Try to manipulate me with your voice." He said, jumping out of the bed and standing in the middle of the room. "Tell me to do something." He stated, standing at attention in front of his friend.​ Anne listened to him as he spoke, realizing then why the shade had resisted her voice. It seemed she was going to have to rely on her other abilities to subdue the shade if they ever encountered each other again in the future. Self then jumped up, in sudden recognition of what this all could imply. He told her to manipulate him. She sucked in a breath and closed her eyes, centering her power into her voice. When her eyes opened, the lifeless pale orbs were glowing at the rims. When she spoke a moment later, the manipulation urge was nearly impossible to resist, her tone soothing and relaxing, creeping into his senses to make him do what she wanted - "Hit me."​ The surge ran through his ears and entered his brain. For a moment, he was about to hit her, his eyes turning to pure black orbs, raising his fist, and then he just stopped. His eyes went normal and he dropped his fist. He looked at her with a slight surprise. "It only made me raise my fist. But it felt like when I was going to a Shade, rather than being manipulated." He informed. "I don't think the voice will work on me then. Though if you give me okays like that, I'm sure Oles will try and comply to them." He warned with a nervous chuckle. He then sat down, looking to the floor now. "Wow...makes me wonder what other abilities me and him can resist." He questioned, then looked up at Anne. "You know?" He asked with a half grin.​ She, too, was surprised. The glow faded from her eyes - she hadn't used the full strength behind her voice manipulation, but pretty damn close. Never had she come across a person who could overcome the manipulations the way Self did, and Oles. In a way...it frightened her. Would he be able to suppress the shade if he came forth? She wasn't sure. "HRM. If he takes me up on the offer, that's up to him. It's not like I'm not prepared when I issue such an order when using the manipulations," she said with a slight chuckle. Her head turned so that she could peer at him, some hair sliding over her shoulder. "I must admit I am curious, as well, if not a little...intimidated. I haven't come across anyone who can resist the manipulations - it's frightening, yet intriguing."​ He looked at her and then shook his head. "I need to get some fresh air." He said, walking to the wall and phasing into the shadow. He then came out at the basket ball court, it being sundown now. Furthermore, he walked around, holding a hand to his head trying to think, while staying in the shadows so he wouldn't drain any energy from him self. "How can I do that? I thought my only actual powers was Shadow Play. Is it the shadows that is giving me a shield against these things?" He questioned aloud. "Shadow, barrier, help, protecting." A young kid said, maybe the age of eight at most. "Dark beings jump on him and don't want to lose him. They keep him safe while he does what they say, MMM." He added on, Self looking over at him. "Aye, who are you? What are you doin' out here?" Self asked, walking closer. "No get close, Dark Beings want Ingenuous" The boy said, his voice having a slightly Latin accent to it as he spoke now. He then started to murmur something under his breath, speaking Latin now. The whole time her was there, he was crouched down, sitting on his toes, rocking back and forth as if he had a mental disorder. Self stopped his advance when the boy, who seemed to call him self Ingenuous, told him to. "Okay, what Dark Beings are you talking about? Are they on me?" He asked, looking about his own body. "Dark Beings can't be seen, not unless they want be seen. But Ingenuous can see them, yes he can. They whisper in Fox Boy's ear, yes they do." He said, Self not really understanding what he meant by it all. ((You can have your character come in and find him if you want jump in here?))​ Anne sighed as Self phased out of the room through one of the walls. She supposed he had a lot to think over - the only question now? Well, to either wait here, seek him out, or go back to her own room. Each option had its good and bad points, but she figured she should go find Self and make sure he is okay. The Lolita-dress-clad girl hopped up from the bed, pink hair bouncing, and she made her way to the door. Before long, she reached the lobby and left through the back, catching sight of Self's figure near the basketball court...but that wasn't what she focused on. Apparently, a child was speaking with him. She wondered what was going on. A soft sigh. He wasn't being challenged again already, was he? The young child seemed intent on speaking to him about something, so she waited for a moment before it seemed like Self was getting maybe a little uncomfortable. She stepped off the back steps of the school and began walking towards them through the now deserted grounds. "Self? What's going on?" she asked softly as she stepped towards his side, her doll like eyes seeking out the child's front now that she could be able to see his face.​ Ingenuous {"light box_close": "Close", "light box_next": "Next", "light box_previous": "Previous", "light box_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.", "light box_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow", "light box_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow", "light box_full_screen": "Full screen", "light box_thumbnails": "Thumbnails", "light box_download": "Download", "light box_share": "Share", "light box_zoom": "Zoom", "light box_new_window": "New window", "light box_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"} The boy looked up to see the doll-like women, her calling Self. So, that is his name? Wow, He thought and then started to rock on his toes again. Self shrugged, looking at Anne, "I don't know. This kid says there are dark beings on me-" "Dark Beings want control Self boy, yes" The boy stated, cutting Self off. "See?" Self questioned, looking at his friend. "He calls him Ingenuous." Self said, trying to remember what that meant. "Isn't that Latin?" He asked, whispering the question to Anne instead of our loud.​ Anne simply raised her brow at the question. After a moment, she nodded to Self, even as her pale eyes studied the odd young boy sitting before her. She didn't say a word, not for quite a few moments. Just studied the young boy. Curiously. She then lowered herself to her knees in front of him. Anne rested her hands on her thighs and looked at him, on this level, much closer to his own. "Are you speaking of Oles? The Shade that inhabits him?" she asked curiously.​ Ingenuous looked up at the Doll-Girl. "No, the Dark Beings, little guys on his back, whispering secret things." He said and then leaped up, tackling Doll-Girl away from Self, then stood up and looked at Self, "Ingenuous save Doll-Girl from Dark Beings, they try whispering evil secrets to her, but Ingenuous stop them." He said, starting to look crazy now. But as he tackled Doll-Girl, he passed a bit of his 'vision' to her. It would allow her to see any spiritual beings for ten minutes then it slowly fades away over a five-minute period after those ten minutes. The Dark Beings on Self looked like little black imps with black flames licking off of them. There were five on his back. There were also a few ghosts around the school grounds. Anne gasped as the young boy tackled her back onto the ground, mumbling something about the dark beings on Self again. She set the young boy up and then blinked as she stared at Self. Dear god, there were dark beings on his back! The boy wasn't crazy. Her eyes widened, then narrowed carefully. "He's right, Self... I can see them," she murmured curiously, pushing herself to knees again, before standing up, holding a hand out to the young boy to help him up as well. "Do you feel no influence? They are speaking to you," she commented, not really being able to make out what the creatures were saying, but if the boy words were of any indication, they were talking of her to Self.​ Self looked at Anne curiously then over his shoulder to try and see what she was talking about. At that moment, here could hear voices speaking in his head. She wants to kill you. She doesn't like you. Furthermore, she'll betray you. Is what Self heard then shook his head. He knew these things were false, but his mind was grasping them so truthfully. "No...lies, lies!" He said, grabbing his head and shaking it now. "Stop them, why are they speaking to me! Stop them...they're lying!" He said, falling to his knees now. Ingenuous looked at Self and crouched down as well, but kept his distance. "Ignore Dark Beings, they go away when they get no attention." He said, trying to look Self in the eyes now. The boy then looked up at Anne, "Help him, friend comfort better than anything." He said with a soft smile. "He needs to ignore Dark Begins to scare them off." He said, "Or make them stop for now." He added on, knowing that if Self lived with them his life as a mutant, they would need a lot of ignoring to be taken off him.​ Anne looked worriedly at Self, then down to the small boy, before nodding and stepping towards her kneeling friend. "Self! Listen to me," she started, using no manipulation in her voice. She wanted to help him on her own, without her powers. Her form knelt beside his own, and she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a gentle embrace. "Listen to me, Self. Ignore them, don't listen, they're not telling you the truth." She said softly, tightening her arms around him. "I'm not going to turn on you, I'll never betray you, and I really do care about you. You're the first friend, the first person I've ever been drawn to." She hoped her words were helping him. The last she wanted was for Self to suffer. He was a nice young man and from what little she did know about him, he didn't deserve any sort of torture like this.​ In one instant, Self stopped suddenly, and a black orb circled around him, pushing Anne away from him. "Stay back..." A voice said, similar to the Shade Self's voice, but with more evil intent within it. SNAP! The sound of bones cracking, as if every single inch of Self's skeleton had snapped, broken like a twig, and Self fell to the ground, half unconscious once more. He then slowly stood up, all the shadows having retreated now. Ingenuous stood up and walked over to Self, poking him in the forehead. "Vote." He said with a giggle as Self looked at him quirked eyed. Self then glanced up at Anne and then to the ground. How can I be a friend of hers? I'm more unstable than those kids... He thought, still looking at the ground. The vision Ingenuous granted to Anne would now wear off, but as it did, she would still see the 'demons' on Self's back, but they would fade into nothingness as the vision did the same, and so would all the other spirits around the grounds. "Soon such a silly boy now." Ingenuous said with a chuckle. Self looked up at the boy once more and sighed and chuckled afterward, and smirked up at Anne, showing a face of 'I'm alright, don't worry'. But it was a lie, though not a very noticeable one.​ Anne simply stepped back and surveyed the situation playing out before her. It all seemed so weird, she had never encountered a mutant such as Self. He wasn't the only ones with problems, though he thought he was. There are secrets that Anne is hiding, as well, one involving the doll she often carried with her. There wasn't a likely chance that her secrets would be discovered unless she became very close friends with the group they had seemed to gather since arriving here at the academy. Anne watched the young boy, noticing vaguely that whatever he had done to alter her sight was now fading, leaving her to view a now, once again, semi normal world. Self's lie wasn't lost on her. Being one to control others at times, she was very adept at reading emotions and catching the underlining meanings in words. He wasn't ok, she knew that. What could she do for him? "Shall we go back inside, Self?" she asked, before then stopping and looking to the young boy. He seemed more than able to take care of himself, but she was a very caring person and thus offered - "Do you need help back to your dorm room?"​​

The New Mutants on the Block (Selo and Anji-Nii-Chan)|rating:4.0

Gestalt Way of the Wicked OOC

Out of Character thread here. Hello everyone! I'm Kat! I'm new to the forums here and thrilled to be given the chance to play in this game. From what I've seen from a few other IOC threads, I think it's common practice to "claim" a color for your character's speech and thoughts...? If that's the case, I would like to pick firebrick red please (aka #B22222). Seems fitting for my little diabolic in the making. I'm looking forward to playing alongside you all, and thank you again for the invitation, GM! Side note: It seems I can't post the links to my character sheets for another 8 posts. GM, if you'd like to put the links here for transparency's sake, I'm okay with that. Senara DavorimKaellan Avoid ImperatorpicksREDfor her speech color! Spoiler Hide Race: Tannin (Red Dragon) // Sorcerer Class: Diatonic Exemplar Gender: Female Alignment: Neutral Evil Crime: Attempted Murder Appearance: Alexandria, in her normal form, is currently about the size of dog. Slightly dull red scales adorn her body, all the way down to her 4 taloned feet. Two small and (somewhat) sharp horns adorn her head. A pair of wings, somewhat frayed and torn from recent abuse, unfurl from her shoulders. Completing the look is a tail that swishes when Alexandria is interested in something. All in all, a classic red warming look. Despite her small size, her muscles are quite well-developed, and one would do well not to underestimate her. When she is in her human form (which she has recently lost), she looks like a beautiful red-headed female with an excellent and curvy physique, golden eyes, and long legs. She prefers to dress in red. Hardly original, but her sense of style is eye-catching. Personality: The two words most likely to describe Alexandria's personality are "Imperious" and "Greedy". Many other words also fit her, including malicious and confident, but it is the first two terms that define her, and has led to her current decrepit condition (but more on that later). Although she has not shown much of it in the recent past, Alexandria is also beginning to learn patience. Recent events have shown her the limits of brash arrogance and ill-thought-out plans, but old habits die hard. When she is engaged with a foe that has challenged her pride or hurt her physically, she has to summon her willpower to end the situation is a gruesome and painful manner. Likes: Setting enemies on fire. Eating enemies. Shredding enemies with claws. Dealing out the pain. Gathering treasure. Being praised for her looks (in both forms). Plotting revenge against the dragon that humiliated and empowered her. Dislikes: Not being given treasure. Showing mercy. Taking orders from obviously inferior beings. Not being given proper respect. Background: Stalingrad used to much less densely populated with humanoids in centuries past. In those days, there were primitive tribes of humanoids and monstrous humanoids scattered around the island, and those that did reside on Stalingrad lived in fear of the mightier races that inhabited the lands. One of the mightiest races that ruled were the dragons. For a long time, all cowered before the chromatic dragons. Even though they often fought amongst themselves, their individual might were usually enough to scare off or defeat any challengers. One fateful day, a graceful, wise, patient, and strong silver dragon arrived, and fought on the side of the humanoids, protecting them, shielding them. She was beaten, battered, and forced to flee. The chromatics thought of her as a nuisance, but they had dealt with metallic dragons before, and they can do it again. The next time this silver dragon intervened, the humanoids fighting with her were better organized, armed, and knowledgeable. The silver dragon still lost, but this time the fight was closer. Annoyed, the chromatics captured one of the humanoid warriors, and interrogated him. The warrior would only keep mentioning the name of his tribe's diatonic ally: Ontario Regina. As time passed, Ontario gathered metallic diatonic allies, and kept guiding and organizing the humanoids. Thus began a centuries-long war for dominance in Stalingrad. Alexandria's mother was an arch-rival of Ontario Regina, and whenever the two bitter enemies clashed, the destruction would always be spectacular. Slowly, casualties on both sides wore at the diatonic population of Stalingrad, and the humanoids replenished at a far, FAR greater rate than the dragons do. The chromatics were losing the war of attrition, even though they were dealing heavy damage to the other side. Alexandria's mother, acutely aware of the possibility of losing the war, arranged for the Alexandria (a Young Adult at the time) to be hidden away in a deplane, in stasis, should the situation become dire. The hope is that, in the worst case scenario, some chromatics can be saved, and the metallic dragons will eventually leave. Alexandria witnessed her mother and a black dragon fighting back valiantly against Ontario and a Gold dragon ally, and the last thing she witnessed was Ontario's claw piercing her mother's heart! Alexandria's mother whispered the command word, and Alexandria was whisked to safety. An unknown number of years pass, and Alexandria awakens to a vastly different landscape. There are no known evil dragons on the mainland (perhaps they had all died or fled or are hiding). No one has seen Ontario Regina in quite a while. The humans have built a virtuous, mighty kingdom and prospered thanks to Ontario's previous guidance. Alexandria, angry at this state of affairs, looked for something to destroy, to vent her anger on. She eventually heard that while Ontario has disappeared, one of her spawn, Yossarian the Silver, still lives on the island somewhere. The impulsive red dragon starts hunting the spawn of her hated enemy, not caring how many humans she burnt and murdered in the way. The two young adult dragons tussle more than once. For a while, it looked like Alexandria's mightier physical body is forcing Yossarian back. But the last fateful battle, near the northern frontier town of Harold, showed the difference between the two. Yossarian had been feigning weakness, to draw Alexandria into a magical trap, and it worked brilliantly! The devolution ritual was painful, and the silver dragon taunted Alexandria the entire time. "I won't be the one to kill you. This ritual will reduce you to LESS than a warming, and then I will toss you over to the humans, and let them execute you, you wretch. This is how it ends. This is the final humiliation for your kind in Stalingrad. You will die a more pathetic death than the one your mother had!" And Yossarian was true to his word. He delivered a battered, unconscious Alexandria, now no bigger than a dog, to a Knight of the Albion named Sir Balin. Sir Balin delivered the warming, along with a few other prisoners, to Brander scar. There, Alexandria waits her execution...her final humiliation...unless she can escape! She sends her prayers out to any deity that might listen, and is willing to make deals to escape and exact revenge! Goals: Alexandria first and foremost wants to get revenge on the silver dragon that humiliated and defeated her. Secondarily, she wants to purge Stalingrad of any metallic dragons she can find. Thirdly, she wants to make all of Stalingrad fear her and pay tribute to her. This is a long term goal, but she has learned some patience, and is even willing to ally with lesser beings in order to achieve this goal! Hello Kat Grey! Welcome to the forums, and I hope you enjoy your time here. It is indeed customary to choose a color, and also to repost your character info so we can all reference it easily. I'll claimpurpleas a color foreign. Also, shouldn't this thread be in the "Out of Character" subforum? It very much should be. I just didn't think IOC would be in the Recruitment area though. Unrelated not, just a reminder about the safe word for this game. I intend to keep things PG-13, but something I find fine might upset someone. If a scene is too much, just post 'cinnamon butterscotch' to the IC thread. I've never had a safewordin a PBP before... But I doubt here's much in this AP to really disturb us. After all, DnD is about murder hobo-ing usually. Ic thread here:#post22745490 Volker Misreporting in, picking Dark Greens his color. That is a thing, Frosty. Ultimately, I haven't played with any of you, so I don't know your tolerances at all. I'm just playing things safe. Though there is a cookie for whoever gets the reference. So, how many players are in the party total? That would be 4 players, plus a class pet courtesy of Kat Grey. The Eidolon is presently respawned, BTW. Cool. Now the question is...what can everyone do? I am unfamiliar with the In canter and Legendary Geneticist classes, and I'm unsure of what Señora's second class is. Do we have any divine casters and healers? Alexandria's spell DC's are not high, so she mostly uses them for utility and buffing, while her offense comes from mighty physical attacks. Diana has witched spell casting, rebuffs (from hexes and, eventually, from infusions) and ranged attacks. Rolls:Diana, Perception:(1d20+4)[7]Diana, Sense Motive:(1d20+4)[16] Originally Posted by Frosty Cool. Now the question is...what can everyone do? I am unfamiliar with the In canter and Legendary Geneticist classes, and I'm unsure of what Señora's second class is. Do we have any divine casters and healers? In canter is the Spheres of Power caster class whose eyes glow as they hover ominously and scream "MAXIMUM VERSATILITY". While weak in combat, the class gets the largest selection of sphere powers of all the classes in that system. Currently, Volker is specializing in the creation sphere, meaning he can summon barriers, tools and eventually even traps and such. With Divination secondary focus for intel gathering and warp for personal storage and teleportation, it makes sure that Volker always has stuff he can do when he's not rolling skill checks or stabbing dudes with his rogue abilities.EDIT: Some questions as I work Volker's part of the escape plan. What kind of lock secures the cell? How are we restrained and what material is used for the restraints? Does it actively suppress magic or just restrict movement to the point of ruining somatic components? Are we normally observed by any guards when we're in the cell? Since I can't yet post the links to them, here are Señora's and Allan's character sheets. Speaking of safe words, I should mention that Señora's backstory includes references to some fairly dark things, so please read at your discretion. As far as their capabilities, Señora is primarily a buffer/buffer; the first half of her gestalt build is Summoner (whose spell list seems pretty heavily skewed toward buffing spells), and the second is Hedge witch with the Black Magic and Covenant traditions. Black Magic will eventually allow me to pick up witch hexes as well, while Covenant grants access to cleric domains. The spheres I've chosen to start with are Destruction, Fate and Mind, which give a decently scaling ranged attack, a few more buffs/rebuffs based on alignment and the ability to momentarily take control of another's actions. I don't plan to dabble into other spheres too much—my idea was to take the Alteration sphere next and stick to those four—but if it looks like we'll need more than infernal healing to stay on our feet, I don't have a problem picking up some talents in the Life sphere next. I also hope to take a level or two in the Diabolic prestige class when we get there. Kaellan's shtick is pretty straightforward. He stands between most of us and the bad... err, good guys and swings a big sword. At 4th level, he'll gain the fighter simple class template which will give him bonus combat feats, weapon training and armor training (the last not super useful because eidolons can't wear armor, but oh well). Spoiler: Señora Avoid Hide Señora Avoid Female Human Blood Summoner 1 / Hedge witch 1 / Gestalt 1 LE Medium humanoid (human) Unit +2 Senses Perception +1 -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 12 Touch 12 Flat-footed 10 (+2 DEX) HP 10 ((1d8)+2) Fort +2 Ref +2 Will +3 -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 30 ft. Melee destructive blast -1 touch (1d6), . Fire blast -1 touch (1d6 fire) Ranged destructive blast +2 touch (1d6). . Fire blast +2 (1d6 fire) Special Attacks branding touch 6/day (1d6, -2), channel negative energy (DC 15, 1d6), curses 3/day (DC 15), touch of corruption 3/day (1d6) Spell-Like Abilities (CL 1st; concentration +6). . 8/day—summon monster I. . At will—detect good Summoner Spells Known (CL 1st; concentration +6). . 1st (3/day)—infernal healing (DC 16), mage armor (DC 16). . 0 (at will)—daze (DC 15), detect magic, guidance (DC 15), mage hand -------------------- Magic -------------------- Caster Level 1; MSB +1; MSD 12; Concentration +6 Tradition Custom (Addictive Casting, Painful Magic, Somatic Casting); CAM CIA Spell Points 6 Destruction - CL 1; DC 15; Duration None; Range Close (25 ft.), Touch; Talents Fire Blast; Drawbacks Energy Focus (Fire) - Destructive Blast - Fire Blast Fate - CL 1; DC 15; Duration Hallow (1 minute), Serendipity (Concentration, 1 round); Range Word (Close), Consecration (20 ft. radius); Talents None; Drawbacks None - Hallow (Word) - Serendipity (Consecration) Mind - CL 1; DC 15; Duration Command (1 round), Suggestion (1 hour); Range Close (25 ft.); Talents Command; Drawbacks Lost in Translation - Command (Charm; Lesser, Greater) - Suggestion (Charm; Lesser, Greater) -------------------- Statistics -------------------- STR 7 DEX 14 Con 14 Int 14 Wis 12 CIA 20 Base ATK +0 CMB -2 CMD 10 FCB +1 Eidolon HP Feats Extra Evolution, Extra Magic Talent, Fear and Flame Traits Consorting with the Dark Powers, Gift for Magic Skills Bluff +9, Diplomacy +9, Heal +5, Knowledge (Arcane) +7, Knowledge (Nobility) +6, Knowledge (Planes) +7, Knowledge (Religion) +6, Sense Motive +5, Spell craft +6, Stealth +6, Use Magic Device +9 Languages Common, Celestial, Infernal SQ boons (draw magic, easy focus), casting, eidolon, life link, oracle curse (branded), skills, tradition benefit, tradition power, traditions (black magic, covenant) Other Gear — -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Addictive Casting Your magic is addictive. Whenever you spend one or more spell points, you must pass a Fortitude save against your addiction DC (Your addiction DC is 10, + 1 for each roll you have previously made. Thus, your first roll would be a DC 10, the second a DC 11, the third a DC 12, etc.). If you fail this save, you gain a minor addiction, suffering a -2 penalties to Constitution. Spending a spell point mitigates this penalty for 1 minute. Each day you do not use a spell point, you may make a Fortitude save against your addiction DC to overcome your addiction. After making a save in this fashion, your addiction DC is reduced by 2. You must succeed at 2 consecutive saves to overcome your addiction. Unlike normal addictions, an addiction to magic cannot be cured with magic, although the Heal skill can be used to help overcome addictions similar to overcoming diseases. If you already possess a minor addiction and fail your Fortitude save after spending spell points, you gain a moderate addiction. This gives you a -2 penalties to Constitution and Strength, and requires 3 saves to overcome. If you fail your save and already have a moderate addiction, you gain a severe addiction, suffering a -2 penalties to Dexterity, Constitution, Strength, Wisdom, and your primary casting attribute (if not Wisdom). If you overcome an addiction and later gain it again due to failing your Fortitude save, your addiction DC resets itself to its highest previous amount. This counts as 2 drawbacks when determining the number of spell points gained. Casting (CL 1st, Charisma) A hedge witch may combine spheres and talents to create magical effects. A hedge witch is considered a Mid-Caster and may use either Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma as her casting ability modifier and must make this choice at 1st level. Once made, this choice cannot be changed. (Note: All casters gain 2 bonus talents and may select a casting tradition the first time they gain the casting class feature.) Consorting with the Dark Powers You have been found guilty of summoning an evil outsider. Likely you were captured by the famed witch hunter Sir Balin of Garfield. The last thing he said to you was, “May Mira have mercy upon your wretched, damned soul.” If only you could get a chance at revenge! Punishment: Death by burning Benefit: You receive a +1 trait bonus to Knowledge (planes) and Knowledge (arcane) checks, and one of these skills (your choice) is always a class skill for you. Draw Magic You gain a +1 bonus to your caster level whenever at least 3 creatures under the effects of your sphere abilities are within 30 ft. of you. This bonus increases to +2 if there are at least 6 such creatures within 30 ft. Easy Focus When maintaining a sphere ability through concentration, you only need to spend a move action to maintain concentration instead of a standard action. This does not decrease the sphere ability’s casting time, only the action used to maintain concentration. Eidolon A summoner begins play with the ability to summon to her side a powerful outsider called an eidolon. The eidolon forms a link with the summoner, who forever after summons an aspect of the same creature. Each eidolon has a subtype, chosen when the eidolon is first summoned, that determines its origin and many of its abilities. An eidolon must be within one alignment step of the summoner who calls it (so a neutral good summoner can call a neutral, lawful good, or chaotic good eidolon) and can speak all of her languages. An eidolon is treated as a summoned creature, except it is not sent back to its home plane until reduced to a number of negative hit points equal to or greater than its Constitution score. In addition, due to its tie to its summoner, an eidolon can touch and attack creatures warded by protection from evil and similar effects that prevent contact with summoned creatures. A summoner can summon her eidolon in a ritual that takes 1 minute to perform. When summoned in this way, the eidolon’s hit points are unchanged from the last time it was summoned. The only exception to this is if the eidolon was slain, in which case it returns with half its normal hit points. The eidolon does not heal naturally. The eidolon remains until dismissed by the summoner (a standard action). If the eidolon is sent back to its home plane due to death, it cannot be summoned again until the following day. The eidolon cannot be sent back to its home plane by means of dispel magic, but spells such as dismissal and banishment function normally. If the summoner is unconscious, asleep, or killed, her eidolon is immediately banished. The eidolon takes a form shaped by the summoner’s desires. The eidolon’s Hit Dice, saving throws, skills, feats, and abilities are tied to the summoner’s class level and increase as the summoner gains levels. In addition, each eidolon gains a pool of evolution points based on the summoner’s class level that can be used to give the eidolon different abilities and powers. Whenever the summoner gains a level, she must decide how these points are spent, and they are set until she gains another level of summoner. The eidolon’s physical appearance is up to the summoner, but it always appears as some sort of fantastical creature appropriate to its subtype. This control is not fine enough to make the eidolon appear like a specific creature. The eidolon also bears a glowing rune that is identical to a rune that appears on the summoner’s forehead as long as the eidolon is summoned. While this rune can be hidden through mundane means, it cannot be concealed through magic that changes appearance, such as alter self or polymorph (although invisibility does conceal it as long as the spell lasts). Energy Focus (Destruction) You may only make a destructive blast of a single energy type. You may not gain any blast type talents, except with the bonus talent gained from this drawback. Fear and Flame Prerequisites: Destruction sphere, Fire Blast talent When a creature is set on fire by your destructive blast, they must pass a Will save each round they remain on fire or become shaken. If shaken, they become frightened. If frightened, they become panicked. A successful save reduces the severity by one step and ending the on fire condition ends the effects of this feat, though not fear conditions from other sources. Gift for Magic Choose a sphere (destruction). You gain a +2 trait bonus to your caster level with that sphere. This bonus cannot cause your caster level to exceed your HD. Life Link (SU) At 1st level, a summoner forms a close bond with her eidolon. Whenever the eidolon takes enough damage to send it back to its home plane, as a reaction to the damage, the summoner can sacrifice any number of hit points she has without using an action. Each hit point sacrificed in this way prevents 1 point of damage dealt to the eidolon. This can prevent the eidolon from being sent back to its home plane. In addition, the eidolon and the summoner must remain within 100 feet of one another for the eidolon to remain at full strength. If the eidolon is beyond 100 feet but closer than 1,000 feet, its current and maximum hit point totals are reduced by 50%. If the eidolon is more than 1,000 feet away but closer than 10,000 feet, its current and maximum hit point totals are reduced by 75%. If the eidolon is more than 10,000 feet away, it is immediately returned to its home plane. Current hit points lost in this way are not restored when the eidolon gets closer to its summoner, but its maximum hit point total does climb to the levels indicated and eventually returns to normal. Lost in Translation The targets of your (charm) talents must share a language with you in order for the charms to take effect, and the language must be properly spoken to them as part of the casting. Creatures incapable of hearing you cannot be affected by your (charm) talents. Painful Magic Your magic consumes you the more you rely on it. You must pass a Fortitude save (DC 10 + 1/2 the ability’s Caster Level) whenever you use magic, or be sickened for 1 round. If you use magic while sickened, you must pass a Fortitude save (DC 10 + 1/2 the ability’s Caster Level) or be nauseated for 1 round. Skills A blood summoner adds Heal to her list of class skills. Somatic Casting You must gesture to cast spells—a process that requires you to have at least 1 hand unoccupied. When using magic, you cannot wear armor heavier than light without incurring a chance of arcane spell failure. You may select this drawback twice. If taken a second time, you cannot wear any armor or use a shield without incurring a chance of arcane spell failure. Summon Monster (Sp) At 1st level, a summoner can cast summon monster I as a spell-like ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + her Charisma modifier. Drawing on this ability uses up the same power that the summoner uses to call her eidolon. As a result, she can use this ability only when her eidolon is not summoned. She can cast this spell as a standard action, and the creatures remain for 1 minute per level (instead of 1 round per level). At 3rd level, and every 2 levels thereafter, the power of this ability increases by 1 spell level, allowing her to summon more powerful creatures (to a maximum of summon monster IX at 17th level). At 19th level, this ability can be used as gate or summon monster IX. If used as gate, the summoner must pay any required material components. A summoner cannot have more than one summon monster or gate spell active in this way at one time. If this ability is used again, any existing summon monster or gate from this spell-like ability immediately ends. These summon spells are considered to be part of the summoner’s spell list for the purposes of spell trigger and spell completion items. In addition, the summoner can expend uses of this ability to fulfill the construction requirements of any magic item she creates, so long as she can use this ability to cast the required spell. Traditions (Black Magic, Covenant) Hedge witches draw power from their traditions, blending magic and hidden knowledge to powerful effect. A hedge witch chooses two traditions at 1st level, gaining their class skills, tradition benefits, tradition powers, and their tradition mysteries at 20th level. In addition, each tradition grants access to a number of secrets the hedge witch may choose whenever she gains a secret. --Black Magic Class Skills: Knowledge (Planes), Intimidate, Disguise Tradition Benefit Choose an oracle curse (Branded). You gain this curse and its associated benefits, using your hedge witch level as your effective oracle level. If you already possess an oracle’s curse (or gain one later), this instead allows your hedge witch levels to stack with the levels of the class that grants access to the oracle’s curse. ----Oracle Curse (Branded): You have a visible scar on your forehead or arm that depicts a mystical symbol of some significance. You had no choice in the matter; the brand appeared with fire and searing pain. Your brand cannot be disguised or altered, even with magic, although you can still benefit from cover or concealment, and you can cover it by wearing a hood or robe (as appropriate). Some NPCs may recognize the brand and become hostile, per the GM’s choice. As a supernatural ability, you can touch an enemy for 1d6 +(1/2 your curse level) fire damage; any opponent who takes damage bears your symbol until an equal amount of damage is healed. Any branded opponent takes -2 to save versus your spells and spell-like abilities. You can perform this branding touch a number of times per day equal to 1 + your Charisma bonus (minimum 1). Tradition Power As a standard action, you may curse a target within 30 ft. You may bestow a number of curses in a day equal to 3 + 1/2 your hedge witch level. Targets may make a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 hedge witch level + casting ability modifier) to negate the curse. Treat your hedge witch level as your caster level for the purpose of removing one of your curses. You may always dismiss your own curses as a free action. At 1st level, you may give a target a -2 penalties to attack rolls, skill checks, and saving throws for a number of rounds equal to your casting ability modifier. This improves to -4 at 9th level. This does not stack with itself. --Covenant Class Skills: Knowledge (History), Knowledge (Planes), Knowledge (Religion) Tradition Benefit Select an alignment from the following list: chaos, evil, good, or law. This must be an alignment you possess (if you are neutral, you may choose any of the above alignments for this purpose). You gain an aura of your chosen alignment as a cleric of equal level. In addition, you may detect your opposite alignment (good and evil oppose one another, just as law and chaos oppose one another) as if using to detect alignment Divination ability. To use this ability, you must spend a move action and focus on a single item or creature within 60 feet. You do not detect alignment in any other object or creature when using this ability in this way. Tradition Power If you are of good alignment (or neutral and choose to channel positive energy) you may touch a creature as a standard action (or yourself as a swift action) and heal that target 1d6 hit points per 2 hedge witch levels (minimum: 1d6). You may use this ability a total number of times per day equal to 3 + 1/2 your hedge witch level. You may use this ability to harm undead, which is a standard action that provokes an attack of opportunity. Undead do not receive a saving throw against this damage. This counts as positive energy. If you are evil (or neutral and choose to channel negative energy), this ability instead harms living creatures and heals undead. This counts as negative energy. This ability counts as possessing the lay on hands or touch of corruption class features (depending on whether you channel positive or negative energy) for the purpose of qualifying for and using feats that modify these abilities. You may also expend two uses of this ability to channel energy, as the cleric class feature. As a standard action, you release a wave of energy through your holy (or unholy) symbol, affecting all creatures of one type (living or undead, your choice) within 30 ft, healing or harming them just as if you had touched them, except creatures that take damage from channeled energy may make a Will saving throw (DC 10 + 1/2 your hedge witch level + your casting ability modifier) to halve the damage. You may choose whether you wish to include yourself in this effect. This requires a holy (or unholy) symbol to use, and counts as possessing the channel energy class feature when qualifying for and using feats. -------------------- Description -------------------- Slightly taller than the average woman and possessing a slender though gracefully​ proportioned figure, Señora is the ideal to which other highborn woman aspire to be. Her wide-set blue eyes are framed by a fan of dark lashes and always seem to hold a measure of warmth for everyone she meets. The rest of her features—from her slim, slightly upturned nose to her plush lips—are delicately appointed and give one the impression of being in the company of a woman of unrivalled sweetness. Such an impression is only enhanced by the rosy blush of her cheeks, the only spot of color on otherwise fair, unblemished skin that tells the story of a life lived without toil or hardship. For those who don't truly know her, Señora has a gentle nature and a demure bearing. Always with a ready smile and a kind word, she often seems to effortlessly puts others at ease. A champion of the common people, she isn't one to allow differences in race or social status affect her treatment of others. Having an open and honest mien, Señora comes across as the sort of woman one could easily confide in and trust to keep her word. In truth, Señora's beauty and kindness are surpassed only by her deceptiveness and her sweet smile belies an ambitious, scheming nature. Courtesy, compassion and empathy are merely a few of the weapons in this lady's arsenal, all of which she employs in the single-minded pursuit of her desires. -------------------- Backstory -------------------- Señora Avoid has always been very good at seeming to be very good. Daughter of a former military man whose family was granted the Barony of Raven sport just outside Every after the senior line of House Avoid—a cadet line of House Barça—was ousted by the Ashmolean Purges, Señora has used her family's wealth and status to help foster an impression of herself within the community as a compassionate and kind young woman. She made sure to be seen giving alms to the poor and visiting orphans at the local Mitral church. She even went so far as to have her parents send her to study at a convent school dedicated to St. Marius “so that she might be able to better help the needy”—conveniently around the time she learned of her parents discussing her marriage prospects. So it was that she made herself seem above reproach in the eyes of the good people of Raven sport, even as she began to earn a certain reputation amongst the more rakish men in town. And it was one such man who would take the life of her beloved brother, Allan, and unknowingly set Señora on the path toward true evil. Adrian Devereaux was a handsome if roguish man, well-liked by the ladies of Raven sport and Señora was no exception. It was little wonder the young noblewoman was drawn to him; his most admirable qualities—his gallantry, his boldness, his ruggedness—were the same ones she so highly prized in the man she loved most in the world: Allan. In time, however, it became more and more difficult for Señora to look past Adrian's shortcomings in comparison to her brother and eventually her ardor for the man cooled. Betrayed and deprived of a possible future of wealth and comfort, Adrian took to bragging about his affair with the young Lady of Raven sport in the town's taverns. Once word of her indiscretions reached her family, Allan, ever the noble one, challenged Adrian to a duel for his sister's honor. And although Allan was the superior swordsman—trained in Stalingrad’s military as all the Avoid men before him—Adrian was an unscrupulous fighter, and when Señora's spurned ex-lover saw a blow coming that would leave him grievously injured, the villain spat in Allan’s face, blinding the nobleman just long enough to run him through the back with his sword. Señora remembers the day the local guard came to her family's Manor to deliver the terrible news. Allan, beloved brother and son and the future of House Avoid, had been killed in a duel, and the villain who slew him had long since fled town. All of Raven sport was devastated by the loss, but none more so than Señora, and when neither her family's prayers nor their money could convince the Mitral church to return her brother to life, in her grief she turned the God of her forebears. As a young girl who often found ways of sneaking out of the busy household without her parents noticing, Señora had long ago discovered a secret cellar within the Manor where the former Barons Raven sport​ would practice their devotion to Amadeus. In another time, Señora would have been horrified by the rites and rituals that were detailed in the dusty copy of The Ashmolean Monograph she found down there, but after Allan's death she no longer held the same convictions she once did. And once she discovered a ritual that would bring him back to life, she knew then that there was no price she wouldn't pay to have her brother back again. The ritual, however, required the blood of the one who had slain him, and no sign of Adrian had been found since that fateful day. But as fate would have it, Adrian did leave a bit of himself behind before he fled town. For in the weeks preceding the duel that would irrevocably change their lives, Adrian had lain with an another woman, Aliana, and got her with child. In the time since Allan's death, the townsfolk had all but forgotten about the unseemly rumors surrounding Señora. Not even Aliana—now destitute after being turned out of her home by her Mitral-fearing parents upon learning of her condition—suspected a thing when the favored daughter of Raven sport approached her with a generous offer. She could come work in her family's household, away from the judgmental stares of the townspeople. The Avoid were a bit more liberal-minded than most, after all, and once the baby was born, her family would see that it was given to a loving family of means to raise as their own. It was as good a life as a bastard child of a housemaid could hope for, at least. Aliana tearfully accepted the offer, and Señora would spend the next several months establishing a rapport with her, making sure that the woman had everything she needed and that her workload was never too heavy or stressful. Nothing would endanger the life of the unborn child Aliana was carrying. Nothing would stop her from bringing her brother back. As Señora's devotion to Amadeus grew, so too did her command of the arcane. For while her beauty and her cunning had been her only weapons before she found the Lord, Amadeus had seen fit to bestow upon her, amongst other things, the ability to subjugate weaker minds. It made it all the easier to convince two other servants to go along with her fell scheme. One night, late into Aliana’s pregnancy, Señora the woman in her room near tears. Word had spread that her parents were employing an unmarried pregnant woman in their household and the Mitral church was threatening to send for their orders inquisitors, she lied. Her family could lose their holdings, their titles, and their livelihood, to say nothing of all the people they helped with their fortune. If she was at all grateful for what her family did for her, Aliana would allow the healer to take the babe early and send it to be raised at a nearby monastery of St. Marius. After much tearful convincing and a bit of magical persuasion, she got Aliana to accompany her the stables. Upon finding out that the operation would be performed by Señora who, although having studied medicine at the convent school, was no healer, the pregnant Aliana began to have misgivings. But, for Señora, there was no going back. Commanding her enthralled servants to hold her down and keep her quiet, Señora set to her grisly task. Aliana's death, while not intended, was no great tragedy, though she pretended otherwise for the servants’ sakes. She always did love to go for walks along the borders of the estate and listen to the birds sing, she mentioned sadly to her accomplices afterward. And so she instructed them to take her body and bury it out in the woods. And in the meantime, she said she would have one of the drivers deliver the baby boy to the monastery. Another lie. That night, she gathered the babe into her arms and secreted him down to the hidden cellar where she began the profane ritual to resurrect her brother. Began, but could not complete; having overestimated the limits of her burgeoning magic, her servants broke free of her control and ran to tell the Mitral priests of the evil Señora had compelled them to do. She was partway through the ceremony—her brother's body lying upon the altar but his soul still in limbo—when the Mitrans stormed the cellar, their long swords glinting in the light of the black candles. Before they could properly take in the scene, Allan's eyes opened and the symbol of Amadeus flared to life upon his brow. Leaping off of the altar, he charged at the men, teeth bared and eyes glowing a demonic red. Despite his newfound strength, the Mitrans eventually cut the unarmed man down, whereupon his body simply vanished. Devastated at having lost her brother a second time, Señora didn't put up a fight as the Mitrans clapped her in irons and took her from her home. Her Allan was lost forever, the one chance she had to bring him back squandered by the untimely interruption of Sir Balin and his men. But as they marched her through her family's home and into the cart that would take her to prison, her brother's voice rang out in her mind. Beloved sister, dry your eyes. I am still with you. And together, we will take our revenge against those who would try to keep us apart. The words echoed in her mind and filled her heart, even as Sir Balin looked upon her with disdain before proclaiming “May Mira have mercy upon your damned, wretched soul” and hooding her. Beneath the burlap sack, Señora smiled. Spoiler: Allan Avoid Hide Allan Avoid Male Human Eidolon 1 LE Medium humanoid/outsider (human, native) Unit +1 Senses Dark vision 60 ft., Perception +12 -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 15 Touch 11 Flat-footed 12 (+1 DEX, +4 natural armor) HP 13 ((1d10)+1+1+1) Fort +3 Ref +1 Will +2 -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 30 ft. Melee slam +5 (1d8+6) Ranged — Special Attacks evolution pool (2), evolutions (improved natural armor, skilled [Perception]) -------------------- Statistics -------------------- STR 18 DEX 12 Con 13 Int 7 Wis 10 CIA 11 Base ATK +1 CMB +5 CMD 16 Feats Martial Weapon Proficiency (Long sword), Power Attack Skills Climb +8, Intimidate +4, Perception +12, Sense Motive +4, Survival +4 Languages Common, Celestial, Infernal SQ ancestor eidolon progression LA. 1, bonus feat, dark vision, limbs (arms), limbs (legs), link, share spells, skilled, slam Other Gear — -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Ancestor Eidolon At 1st level, an ancestor eidolon gains all the racial traits associated with its summoner’s race; a summoner who isn’t a 0-Hit Die creature must choose one 0-Hit Die race of her choice from the Pathfinder RPG Core Rule book. For any effect dependent on class level, an ancestor eidolon uses its total Hit Dice instead (such as with the human’s skilled racial trait). An ancestor eidolon counts as a creature of its chosen race’s type and subtype for all effects, except for the purpose of meeting feat prerequisite requirements. An ancestor eidolon gains only the standard racial traits of its race; it cannot select alternate racial traits. Eidolon Skills (Climb, Intimidate, Ride, Survival) Evolutions Each eidolon receives a pool of evolution points, based on the summoner's class level, that can be used to give the eidolon different abilities and powers. Whenever the summoner gains a level, she must decide how these points are spent, and they are set until she gains another level of summoner. Improved Natural Armor (Ex) An eidolon's hide grows thick fur, rigid scales, or bony plates, giving it a +2 bonuses to its natural armor. This evolution can be taken once for every five levels the summoner possesses. Skilled (Ex) An eidolon becomes especially adept at a specific skill, gaining a +8 racial bonuses on that skill. This evolution can be selected more than once. Its effects do not stack. Each time an eidolon selects this evolution, it applies to a different skill. Link (Ex) A summoner and her eidolon share a mental link allows for communication across any distance (as long as they are on the same plane). This communication is a free action, allowing the summoner to give orders to her eidolon at any time. In addition, magic items interfere with the summoner's connection to her eidolon. As a result, the summoner and her eidolon share magic item slots. For example, if the summoner is wearing a ring, her eidolon can wear no more than one ring. In case of a conflict, the items worn by the summoner remain active, and those used by the eidolon become dormant. The eidolon must possess the appropriate appendages to utilize a magic item. Share Spells (Ex) The summoner may cast a spell with a target of “you” on her eidolon (as a spell with a range of touch) instead of on herself. A summoner can cast spells on her eidolon even if the spells normally do not affect creatures of the eidolon's type (outsider). Spells cast in this way must come from the summoner spell list. This ability does not allow the eidolon to share abilities that are not spells, even if they function like spells. -------------------- Description -------------------- A man of regal bearing, Allan stands proudly at 6'4" and a solid 220 pounds. Far from an indolent nobleman, years of rigorous military drills have left Karl in excellent physical condition, broad through the shoulders and trim in the waist. His red eyes—once green—smolder like banked embers and hold a near ever-present glint of maliciousness which only serves to enhance the man's imposing mien. Noble. Gallant. Honorable. Before his untimely demise, Allan was known for these virtues and more. Even since his resurrection by the will of Amadeus, Allan still possesses a measure of such valor, though it is often overshadowed by other, less than admirable, qualities. Bravery in the face of battle has given way to bloodlust, often giving others the impression that the man is frequently on brink of violence. When he's forced to rein in these impulses, his dealings with others are most often defined by a thinly disguised contempt for those who have yet to impress upon him their usefulness. But more than anything else, Allan's defining trait seems to be a single-minded, even unhealthy, devotion to his sister, Señora—one that the young woman wholly reciprocates. Also, on second thought (and after remembering that I have two characters that will often be talking), I'd like to claim blue gray(#6699CC) as Señora's speech color, and Allan will instead take fire bricks his color. Originally Posted by Kat Grey Black Magic will eventually allow me to pick up witch hexes as well We might be able to get some use out of Coven down the line if we both end up with a spare Hex with which to take it. So it looks like we have a crap ton of rebuffs, but less in the way of area blasting. I'll be the main front-line it looks like. Do we have healing besides Infernal Healing? I'm going to need it Spoiler: Rolls when Sgt BlackBerry is here Hide Perception: (1d20+3)[8] Sense Motive: (1d20+3)[17] Sorry Frosty, but those rolls aren't going to get you much of anything. Originally Posted by Chris Slade We might be able to get some use out of Coven down the line if we both end up with a spare Hex with which to take it. I thought the same thing. I have no problem using one of the Hedge witch's secrets to pick up the Coven hex later on, and since they already get the equivalent of the Evil Eye and Misfortune hexes through their curses class feature, I had a short list of hexes I'd pick up anyway. Also, are we supposed to keep our rolls to this thread? Tried put them in a spoiler in the game thread and somehow managed to mess up the dice roller tag for it, but I guess it's a good thing if they aren't meant to be there anyway. I usually put my rolls in the IC game thread, and spoilers and dice tags usually work just fine. Just make sure to do it right. Protip: Do not "Preview post" when including rolls in your post. Well it isn't often that I try to do things wrong. But if previewing a post would cause the dice tag to malfunction, that might be a useful tidbit to add to the "Using the Forum Dice Roller" guide. Just saying. Please forgive the double post, but after spending some time using the dice rolling test thread and employing Frosty's very helpful pro-tip, I think I'm ready to make those rolls now. Spoiler: Rolls Hide Perception: (1d20+1)[21] Sense Motive: (1d20+5)[14] Any idea if it's okay to preview a postbeforeyou add dice tags or should previewing generally be avoided if you're going to include rolls? All jokes aside, I do try to get things right the first time, which then leads to obsessively previewing posts (a habit from posting on the PAIO boards, where you can only edit a post within 59 minutes of submitting it). Originally Posted by Kat Grey Please forgive the double post, but after spending some time using the dice rolling test thread and employing Frosty's very helpful pro-tip, I think I'm ready to make those rolls now. Spoiler: Rolls Hide Perception: [roll0] Sense Motive: [roll1] Any idea if it's okay to preview a post before you add dice tags or should previewing generally be avoided if you're going to include rolls? All jokes aside, I do try to get things right the first time, which then leads to obsessively previewing posts (a habit from posting on the PAIO boards, where you can only edit a post within 59 minutes of submitting it). Glad to see you got it working! You can preview the post as much as you want as long as you do it *before* you add in any dice rolls. Another things that's annoying about the built-in roller here is that the results aren't viewable on mobile. Makes checking on things during a coffee break difficult, to be sure. As for where to put rolls, the IC thread is generally preferred, though with how often I expect to PM during this game it won't be odd there. And Kat Grey, would you please redo that roll? If you don't want to clutter IC a PM to me will be fine.EDIT: Never mind, you already got that. Hold on and I'll give you your results. DoubleEDIT: Nothing on Sense Motive, but you do see a form shackled in another cell. It looks to be an ogre. From this distance, it's moving around about as much as you guys. Perception:(1d20+4)[16] I thought we were going to do rolls either in the IC thread, or in PM. Anyways, PM incoming. Well, I'm doing most of my rolls in IC. Would knowledge (arcane) be helpful in seeing if that silk scarf could be a magical item of some sort? Originally Posted by ZeroSpace9000 I thought we were going to do rolls either in the IC thread, or in PM. Anyway, PM incoming. Some rolls just work better in the IOC - anything you need the results of before you write a post, for instance (such as a save vs a known effect's DC). Well that's interesting. It seems roll don't work in PMs, or at least the Know. Arcane roll I asked from Aldrin didn't. Here you go:(1d20+8)[27] That'll get you a full list of what's in the scarf.-2 daggers (separate)-Bullseye lantern (preloaded with oil)-50ft hemp rope-Bag with clothes and Spell Components-Masterwork Thieves Tools-Portable hole-in-a-wall (2ft by 4ft)-Potion of Cure Light Wounds-100gp-Holy symbol of AsmodeusOther than the items themselves and the scarf, this is identical to a Robe of Useful Items. Have fun. Portable hole in a wall sounds useful! Originally Posted by Frosty Glad to see you got it working! Thanks to you! With my compulsive previewing, I might never have figured that out myself. How embarrassing it would have been if I had to ask the DM to roll for me the entire AP. Originally Posted by ZeroSpace9000 Another things that's annoying about the built-in roller here is that the results aren't viewable on mobile. Makes checking on things during a coffee break difficult, to be sure. I don't know if you've already tried it, but on the mobile version of the page, if you scroll way down to the bottom and click Full Site, that might allow you to view the results (at least it does for me). Failing that, if your mobile browser has a 'Request Desktop Site' option in the settings tab, that might work, too. Originally Posted by Kat Grey Thanks to you! With my compulsive previewing, I might never have figured that out myself. How embarrassing it would have been if I had to ask the DM to roll for me the entire AP. I don't know if you've already tried it, but on the mobile version of the page, if you scroll way down to the bottom and click Full Site, that might allow you to view the results (at least it does for me). Failing that, if your mobile browser has a 'Request Desktop Site' option in the settings tab, that might work, too. I'm glad to have helped! And yes, on my phone I almost always use the Desktop version of websites, as the mobile versions tends to be missing many features. Posting is still annoying though on my phone. Yeah, posting from phones is the worst. I used to be able to do it fine, if a bit slowly, on my old phone. But this new one is the least intuitive, least helpful device I've ever owned. I'm a huge fan of using the Swype feature to write things, and I've had to delete the words 'tree', 'toys' and 'tanks' from the phone's dictionary just so I can reliably write 'the', 'you' and 'thanks' without having to go back and type them in each time. So, yeah, that's why I can't stand to post using my phone, anyway. At least my tablet makes an effort to learn my writing habits. Anywho, question about the game: Do our manacles completely prevent spells or sphere effects with somatic components, or can we still use them if we succeed on a concentration check? The book is a touch vague about it. It does mention that spell casting is an option for escape, but nothing about Somatic components. Just what sort of spells might be useful. With that said, knowing what I do about the state of the prison, I think it's reasonable that the manacles don't block spell casting, or at least don't make it impossible. The main thing is that any Verbal componentswillattract the guards, as failing the check to pick the locks gives them a roll to notice. After checking, there's absolutely nothing about spell casting being impeded, other than lacking a Spell Component pouch, but that comes with the scarf. With that said, I wouldn't go so far as to say the manacles don't affect things at all. DC 15 Concentration check will be enough to cast something. Volker seems to be getting his bad rolls out early. He finally did it, though! Nice job! I think you guys will find Alexandria to be quite stealthy. That'll go away once she increases in size though he. I am still here people. This is just a module where the PCs (you guys) move the game forward far more than I do. I'm going to be posting in a far more reactionary way than I would with another AP. I was hoping Volker would take that as a suggestion to take the lead on a sneaky strategy.(Because while Diana has Stealth, she lacks a means to attack that's quiet.) I didn't want to just assume that I would have an entire minute of uninterrupted concentration to summon Allan, so as long as no guards come in during the next round of posts, I'll finish up the ritual in my next reply. Took a quick look into the eidolon, and the rules are silent on whether summoning it makes noise. No word on what type of ability it is either. Well, it's explicitly not a spell, which leaves either SLA or Supernatural, neither of which have verbal components. So unless someone else makes noise (duh Duh DUH!), you don't need to worry about being interrupted Kat Grey. Is anybody still here? I'm seeing a lot of chirping crickets in both game threads. I've had a busy week. Will post tonight if I can. I'm definitely still here! I tend to be scarce on the weekends as that's the time I spend with family, but I did try to make an exception last night since I was indisposed on Friday. Then my post got eaten. I'm about to post now, though. Are there any rolls we can make to recall any information about the prison? Number of floors, if we saw anything on the way in, relative time of day? If not, that's okay, too; I enjoy a good mystery. ;) Perception rolls might get you some info. Perception:(1d20+4)[14] In regard to my checking in on people, it was mostly due to timing. The last post I had made was responding to Aldrin's Life Divination use, and my spoiler'd DM comment, while intended to be merely Finnish, may have come across as hostile. I was worried that I had given signs of being a bad DM, and people had jumped ship. Anyway, coming back to the mentioned ability, it looks like it will be pretty useful for intel, but a pain to adjudicate due to how much area it covers. I will let it stand though, it's not going to give you everything. Originally Posted by ZeroSpace9000 In regard to my checking in on people, it was mostly due to timing. The last post I had made was responding to Aldrin's Life Divination use, and my spoiler'd DM comment, while intended to be merely Finnish, may have come across as hostile. I was worried that I had given signs of being a bad DM, and people had jumped ship. I think it came across fine, honestly. Pop post rates just have their lulls if you're waiting for a specific person for whatever reason, that's all (one of the reasons I'm a fan of having a Discord/etc for IOC, incidentally).e: Can we use Knowledge (Local) or another Knowledge skill to know if there's any (in)famous prisons this joint might be? Maybe even get some intel that way? Thinking about it, this prison is particularly infamous, so no roll needed. You guys are in Brander scar prison, on the south-ease corner of the continent. It's infamous for being a prison that no one escapes from, reserved for the worst of the worst. The guards know this, however, and will go for the kill should they encounter you out of your cells. Actually, I suppose a Know-Local check would get you some info on the warden here. Here we go, then. Knowledge (Local):(1d20+7)[24] Originally Posted by ZeroSpace9000 In regard to my checking in on people, it was mostly due to timing. The last post I had made was responding to Aldrin's Life Divination use, and my spoiler'd DM comment, while intended to be merely Finnish, may have come across as hostile. I was worried that I had given signs of being a bad DM, and people had jumped ship. You mean we can read spoilers for other people...? It didn't come across as hostile to me, but I tend to take a pretty cheeky tone when I write myself. I just saw it as good-natured exasperation on the part of a DM who hadn't yet realized the trouble his players would inadvertently cause him. Just think, we're only getting started!EDIT: I can finally post links now, so here areKaellanandSenara'Smith-Weaver sheets, which I'll edit into my introductory post for easy referencing. I never said those worries were reasonable. I've got a bit of a tendency to second guess myself, especially when it comes to whether or not I've upset someone. That's better than the alternative, in my book. I can get a bit snarky now and then, which tends to go over really well in person but not so much in text. I really wish they'd come up with a way to translate tone through text already. Oh, snap! So, a few questions before things really start going:What's the general layout of the cell? Specifically, I'm wondering if the door is solid metal or is it barred, and if it's the latter, can those of us with ranged blasts shoot through them? Also, will infernal healing have finished by the time the guards arrive, or should I mark Allan's HP as somewhere less than 13? Your cell is roughly 60 ft wide and 25 ft deep. The back wall is made of stone-masonry, with no windows that you can see. The other walls, to the east west and south, are all sets of bars, with a solid metal door set in the south wall. Firing through the bars will give the target cover, while the door gives full cover. As for the Infernal Healing, your Eidolon will be up to 11hp by the time they show up. (+5 hp, 5 rounds) Alexandria's perception check to see what she knows of the prison's layout and such:(1d20+3)[15] Guess we're really counting on a circumstance bonus/penalty to Stealth and Perception, huh? While circumstance bonus/penalties are a thing, I think you're more hoping for the guards to whiff their Perception checks. I'll get the IC post up shortly. Aid Another rolls can be applied after the fact, right? If so, I might need some of you to fake dry-heaving to sell the lie. I'll post tomorrow night. But I can't dry heave since I'm supposed to be muzzled. But at least I'm turned the other way so they can't tell I'm muzzled. Nothing like some fresh roasted human to deal with that nausea though, eh Frosty? I usually find a ginger ale helps me with that, but to each their own. I wasn't expecting the dry-heaving to come from Alexandria, though; that would be much too undignified for such a majestic creature. But it looks like they might be falling for it anyway. *Fingers crossed* Alright, time to party. They fell for it! So...is there a map of the fight? Should we roll unit? I do hope everyone's ready. I'll be posting in the morning, and I'll need Initiative rolls from everyone. Diana, Initiative:(1d20+3)[13] Nice game!! I love it when a plan comes together. Initiative (Señora):(1d20+2)[16]Initiative (Allan):(1d20+1)[16] Rolling to victory(1d20+4)[23] Just waiting on Frosty then. Unless he rolls really well, you'll be going first, Aldrin. The guards will still be flat-footed against you. Unit:(1d20+2)[20] Saw that latest damage roll Aldrin, and the RNG seems to hate you on this. Mar (guard 2) is still up after eating 2 sneak attacks. I'm just thankful that both attacks were hits. At this level every miss is scary. Should Volker make it to 3rd level, your sneak attacks will look more like 1d4+2d6+4. Much less prone to RNG screw. Hopefully Mar is now dead, after Alexandria had her way with him! I am confused by what serendipity does... It provides a minor buff to all allies within 20', +1 luck bonus to attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks and saving throws while Señora concentrates on it. It's like the spell prayer, only without the penalty to enemies' rolls. Ok, so what do we want to do with this last guard? I'm thinking we should take his sword and signal horn if he has them, then bind his hands and gag him. I don't know if we're still in initiative though, and I didn't just want to take the liberty of doing a dozen rounds worth of actions if we are. What do you all think about setting the ogre free? At this point, you all have dropped out of initiative. Draw the guard has completely lost his nerve. Just to let everyone know, I've held off on posting right away to give Aldrin and Chris Slade a chance to respond to Draw's confessing. I'll post in the IC thread later today. It's 9:30 in the morning here, on my weekend. I need coffee. Originally Posted by ZeroSpace9000 Just to let everyone know, I've held off on posting right away to give Aldrin and Chris Slade a chance to respond to Draw's confessing. I'll post in the IC thread later today. It's 9:30 in the morning here, on my weekend. I need coffee. I was actually waiting on his (presumably last) reply before I posted, but I'll try and get one up after work if you've not posted yet. Furthermore, I am working on the IC update now, just trying to get a map of the place together. Ugh. I know a think got mentioned in the recruitment thread that I like, but I can't find it again. I believe someone mentioned Google Drawing? EDIT: Testing this thing out. If it works, through the link should be the book map for the prison. Volker doesn't have much to add to the situation. And I'm in favor of making the ogre our friend at least for this escape. That's fine, Aldrin. It's just that you and Chris Slade hadn't posted in a bit, and I wasn't sure you were still around. Thanks for the communication, GM Zero. I start to wonder when it gets quiet:Was it something I said? I took some liberties with my post this time around; if something doesn't work, please let me know and I'll rewrite it. Nah, it's fine. I am concerned with Aldrin and Chris Slade kinda fading into the background, but that may change shortly. With that said, if you two wouldn't mind just checking, things are going to start picking up a bit now. Yeah, Volker is just going to be passive for the social parts of this prison escape, leaving that to the people better suited. Well, it looks like everyone is in fact still present. When I get back home, I'll post in IC and keep things moving. Post made from my phone suck. Yes let’s continue soon :) Fair enough. Just seemed like you guys would need to push forward here, not me. I wanted to get in a reply tonight, but I got sidelined by a migraine. Now the Excedrin PM is kicking in, and I won't be finish my post before my coherence is gone. If I manage to finish it by the next GM post, cool, but by no means feel you have to wait for me. I was only going to suggest dressing Allan in the guard's uniform then sending him into the next room alone to get a drop on the guard with the signal horn. Or we can just rush them. I'd been planning on making a mini post in IC, that would have amounted to a DM nudge. Nothing huge. One day, I'll get this forum's dice tags right the first time. Until then, here are the rolls for Señora's casting drawbacks. Fort Save (Addictive Casting - DC 10):(1d20+2)[22]Fort Save (Painful Magic - DC 10):(1d20+2)[3] Update has happened, kinda. Allan has reported to Señora, I just PM'ed Kat Grey. Sorry for the holdup, everyone. I got super sick this weekend; fever, chills, body aches, the whole nine. But on the bright side, there's not much else I can do but lie here and try to write. That's rough. Hope you get better quick, Kat Grey. Anyways, for reference, you guys are in room 17 right now. There is a door on the east side of the room (you were taken there Aldrin), a balcony on the south side, and in the south-west corner of the room there is a set of stairs leading down.EDIT: Looked closer in the room description, and there's no balcony, it's a fireplace. Whoops. Thanks! I'm feeling a bit better each day. In that case, Allan will take the stairs. Originally Posted by Kat Grey Sorry for the holdup, everyone. I got super sick this weekend; fever, chills, body aches, the whole nine. But on the bright side, there's not much else I can do but lie here and try to write. I hope you get better soon! I'll try to post tomorrow night as well. Been super busy. I got a rules question before I respond to Señora's request. The Divine sphere power states that it's concentration requirement is a full-round action, and the Easy Focus boon states that it reduces the concentration action from standard to move. Would this boon affect the concentration requirement of divining, and if so what action would it be reduced to? I would say it's downgraded to a Standard Action for Divining. With that said, you did activate a different sphere ability, so I'm going to rule that you had to drop Sense Life. So we still don't have a map right? Or do we have one and I just missed it? I did post one, I believe in the IOC thread. Regardless, I'm going to post another one when I get a chance, and I'll also put markers on for where Volker/Aldrin detects life.EDIT: Link test, here goes. Edit: Done. Different ping of prison staff, due to 2nd floor guards being killed, and shift in location. I'm also not including either the PC's, or Grumble jack, since you all are in room 17. GJ is still poisoned. Aldrin, everyone you can detect is healthy. The people in room 9 aren't moving very much, everyone else is more mobile/animated. Thank you, thank you! I'm feeling motto been. Good to hear you're feeling better. Unrelated note, one thing I'm considering for later in the AP, mainly for 'boss fights', is posting links to YouTube music to help set the stage. For clarity, anyone here concerned with spoilers for Undertake? There's a few perfect pieces from there I want to use, but I don't want to spoil the game for those who haven't played. I haven’t played it, but I’m ok with spoilers No complaints here. More snow in my neck of the woods. Just an FYI in case I go quiet; it might be a power outage. I haven't played it either (it's in my absurdly giant backlog), but I don't mind music spoilers because I doubt I'll get to it for a while. The reason I asked about spoilers is that Undertake is kinda stupid about spoilers. In particular, the title of one of the pieces I'm eyeing could be considered spoiler, if only mildly. For now, I guess I'll just continue thinking things over. Going to be honest, my backlog is so giant and my memory is that bad that by the time I actually get around to playing it, I'll probably have forgotten any spoilers anyway. Fair enough, Chris Slade. I very much recommend playing it when you get a chance, but you get to it when you get to it. Undertake music isn't a problem for me. So, that's two people who haven't played but don't care, and two that maybe have? Or four that don't care? I've played the game, and it won't bother me to use it. For future reference of possible tactics to employ, what material is used in the walls and floors of the prison? The walls and floors look to be stone-masonry, and reasonably thick too. Anyone that wants to can roll K. Engineering to learn a little more. Ok, this is half to keep the game moving, and half for my own curiosity, but how exactly do you plan to get onto the roof, Aldrin? Originally Posted by ZeroSpace9000 Ok, this is half to keep the game moving, and half for my own curiosity, but how exactly do you plan to get onto the roof, Aldrin? The upwards stairs in room 17. Sorry, got caught by a hellish busy week. I checked the room description, and there's no indication that the stairs go to the roof at all. The chimney in the room looks to be an option, however. Originally Posted by ZeroSpace9000 I checked the room description, and there's no indication that the stairs go to the roof at all. The chimney in the room looks to be an option, however. What do the upward stairs go to, then? Is there another floor between us and the roof? Doesn't say. Likely it's just a bit of copy-pasta in the mapping. Sorry I had a busy week too. Will post soon. So...what's the plan? From what I can tell, it's Volker, and maybe Señora, climbing onto the roof to flank some people inside the building.EDIT: If we don't have any progress in, say, a week, I'll give the group a little nudge. I don't want to railroad things if I don't have to. I understood it to be we climb out and jump down to the ground and flank that way. Maybe I was tired and misread. Is there a window I can jump out of and glide to the ground? That would be a decent plan, but it's hindered by the fact that, as far as I can tell, there aren't any windows in the cell block. I had mentioned there was something that from the map looked like a balcony, but the room description said it's a chimney. That does connect rooms 11 and 17, as well as lead to the roof. I'm sort of tripped up on figuring out what to do now. By ruling that the description of the place takes priority over the map you have provided us, I'm now stuck in this place where I don't know if some part of the map I want to interact with may suddenly cease to exist because there wasn't a sentence describing it, so I can't actually trust that provided information anymore. I'm currently working on something to get the game rolling again; the sticking point is giving enough of a hint to move forward, but not just give everything away. I'm going to see what I can come up with tomorrow. Furthermore, I've got a few things that I think will help get things going again. First off, and this is something that you could piece together without meta-gaming, some (unknown) portion of the people staffing the prison are non-combatants. You guys can likely press them into giving more information, or kill them and dress up as them. Your call. Second, there are 2 primary means of escape. The obvious one would be via gatehouse/bridge, though getting out this way may be tricky without open fighting. The alternate exit will require a bit of scouting around, but will be more discreet. And no, Aldrin, Detect Life isn't going to cut it here; Stealth and Perception checks are what you need. Know. Engineering may yield help though. After that, just a reminder that escape is the main objective here. Going after the sergeant or the warden will yield some loot, but they are NOT required. If anyone has more pointed questions, feel free to post here or PM me. Iowan to see this through as much as you guys. Thanks for trying to keep this going forward, but that doesn't address the main issue that has ground any action from me to a halt. There is an expectation from the player that the DM will fill in the blanks not provided in an adventure path to keep the progress of the game going smooth when the party doesn't directly take the courses of action suggested by the adventure path, and your explanation on how/why the stairs listed on the map aren't actually there gives away that those details are not being filled in as needed. If behind-the-scenes text overrules provided map information, then any inconsistencies that are expected to be handled fluidly by the DM instead becomes information where the party is presented with unreliable information. My concern going forward is that I will end up in another situation like this one regarding the stairs, but that it will happen several rounds into a combat strategy that hinged on whatever detail it is that wasn't described enough to actually be a part of the environment. It creates a situation where I cannot trust the presented information, and will end up feeling embarrassed or stifled because strategies formed by the presented information are actually impossible due to a conflict with the actual text of the adventure path. Well, I do want to continue. What do you suggest we do to move forward? How can each of us help? As far as I can tell, there are a few things that would have to happen before the game can move forward. Aldurin, I can understand feeling frustrated by a discrepancy between the map printouts and the area descriptions. While I myself can try to look things over more closely before posting to help minimize confusion, it feels like it wouldn't help to overcome a lack of trust you feel in regard to the module. As such, I feel the need to ask this; Is there anything you think I can do to address your concerns, or is this a deal-breaker for you? If the latter, I understand if you decide to drop out of the game. No hard feelings. All I ask is that you let me know, so I can see about bringing in a new player. ChrisAsmadi/Kat Grey/Frosty, I need the three of you to post here in IOC. I'm taking stock of whom all is still following this game, and how many players I may need to replace. Please make a check-in post within 3 days, or I will consider you to have lost interest. I'm still around, yeah. Originally Posted by ZeroSpace9000 Aldrin, I can understand feeling frustrated by a discrepancy between the map printouts and the area descriptions. While I myself can try to look things over more closely before posting to help minimize confusion, it feels like it wouldn't help to overcome a lack of trust you feel in regard to the module. As such, I feel the need to ask this; Is there anything you think I can do to address your concerns, or is this a deal-breaker for you? If the latter, I understand if you decide to drop out of the game. No hard feelings. All I ask is that you let me know, so I can see about bringing in a new player. Thanks for trying to address my concerns, and I understand your position in trying to deal with this. I feel that my reaction may have been a bit much, but I can't deny that it did throw off my initial plan enough to silence me for a bit. I'll push my way past this problem and hopefully with this awareness it will only be a minor bump if it happens again. Does that work for you as well? If you're willing to give this another crack, then so am I, Aldrin. I'll do my best going forward to make things as clear as I can. Assuming everyone's OK with it, I'll work out a gameplay to follow to get out of the prison, and then back off so you guys can take the lead again. That sounds good to everyone? Originally Posted by ZeroSpace9000 If you're willing to give this another crack, then so am I, Aldrin. I'll do my best going forward to make things as clear as I can. Assuming everyone's OK with it, I'll work out a gameplay to follow to get out of the prison, and then back off so you guys can take the lead again. That sounds good to everyone? I think we just need a way past the initial hump of starting the first floor, honestly. Once we've got some momentum, we ought to be fine.e: A stealth drop down the chimney, maybe? Originally Posted by Chris Slade I think we just need a way past the initial hump of starting the first floor, honestly. Once we've got some momentum, we ought to be fine. E: A stealth drop down the chimney, maybe? That's a possibility. Right now, I'm just checking to see that everyone is on board before I do anything else. Not counting my chickens and all that. I'm here. I've been busy, but I'm definitely willing to continue! Furthermore, I want to play my character. The three days are nearly up. In all likelihood, I'll need to bring in a new player to replace Kat Grey. So opinion time. Do we want to go 'Kat Grey runs off, you find a new teammate', or 'Kat Grey was someone else the whole time'? Or does anyone have another suggestion? I'm all ears. Umm, Kat Grey was someone else the entire time? Recruitment thread is up, hopefully we can get another player quickly. Hello All! I'm the Replacement. Ka'Gas the Speaker of the Voids how do I get in? Was I always there or they find me? You were with the party the whole time. Ok, so refresh my memory. Are we still on the second floor? Originally Posted by ZeroSpace9000 Originally Posted by Genoa Originally Posted by ZeroSpace9000 It looks like the game died while I was recruiting. Sorry for wasting your time. It's cool. This kind of thing happens. Have you tried PMing the players involved or Railroading a bit? No. However, I've found that my own interest has dropped off as well. The GM has dropped sadly. Should we try to find one?

Gestalt Way of the Wicked OOC

Loving Leverage

For the time being, this thread is closed to little_golden and me, though we'll need other players soon. Gentlemen are welcome to drop me a private message stating their interest -- then wait for an invitation, please. The allure of younger women is college teaching’s greatest perk and its greatest danger. A pretty student visits her professor’s office. Suddenly he’s on the fulcrum between opening her mind to the wonders of his academic discipline and opening himself to a sexual harassment suit. And yet, Brad – silver haired in his forties – had walked that perilous tightrope with a coed half his age. If theirs had been an affair merely of poetry and picnics, it would have been risky enough. But he had led her to dark places; places that could have cost him a job; her, a reputation. The sex was scorching, dangerous, a catalog of erotic extremes. Bold, edgy physicality anchored them both before and after the wedding. The heat of black trysts rendered them immune from whispered May-December criticisms. But sex was a single dimension of something richer. He wrapped her in a lover’s passion, a father’s protection, provision’s security, authority’s power, and the primitive animal appeal of a survivor. Brad wasn’t trying to catch her at anything. Nothing in the two years they’d been married sounded warning klaxons. Indeed, she aroused in him everything but suspicion. He’d simply come back for his reading glasses. And overheard her end of a damning conversation. As he understood more of the call’s content and meaning, heart splintering shock froze Brad to the middle of the kitchen floor. She walked in, the wireless phone against her cheek. A male voice in the earpiece called her name into the room’s heavy silence: “Mona? Mona? You still there, baby?” Moments passed with only the clock’s loud ticking. As the second hand swept the face of the dial, Brad’s mind zoomed down a dozen corridors: jealousy, anguish, revenge. But where he lingered last and longest was the surprising avenue of… leverage.“Who was that, darling?” he smiled in a calm baritone. First, he was in a place to demand details. Then, he was in a place to use them. OCC ... Sorry for the delay... My computer has been insane on me... But it's reformatted and XP reinstalled... and so on... I'm hoping it wasn't my motherboard too! I lost my first post when the system crashed Friday on me. I'll post soon..... Mona lingered on the big four-poster bed as she eyed herself in the big mirror on the far wall. She was a lovely angel. Her body was made for sin, but her mother had brought her up to be a prime and proper southern bell. Unfortunately, she hadn't grown up rich and when she was just a babe her daddy had run off leaving her mother in an awful mess. But that was a long time ago and since then the shy, prime and proper Miss Mona Fay had come along way. Really, she was still like a newly-wed to Brad, the smart sophisticated college professor who had acted as her father, mentor, lover and then finally husband. She had never expected to marry the handsome professor, and if he hadn't made the first move nothing would ever have happened. Thanks to the bottle and a half of red wine they had consumed at a local restaurant, when she returned to his house for "coffee" the confident Brad had great delight in introducing the beautiful busty virgin to love making. Mona never fully appreciated how sexy and good-looking she truly was. At twenty-one years of age, she stood 5'6, and caught a lot of male attention with her trim slim curvy figure, 36E-20-34. Her oversized breasts caused a lot of jokes, stares and giggles that typically caused Mona to turn beet red. They were so big in high school she had avoided playing any sports, and kept away from the school swimming pool. Mona was easily teased, and her big boobs, though awkward and big, were graced with a pair of the biggest, hardest and most sensitive nipples. Her nipples stood up in a cool breeze or whenever she blushed. At the slightest sexual arousal or nervousness on Mona's part and her big hard nipples would be crushing at the fabric of her top. Her learned response had been simple - wear a lot of baggy clothes and to try not to get notices. Mona never self-focus on her huge breasts overshadowed her ability to realize that when she wore the right clothes the boys were equally quick to check out her tight firm ass. With her short curly red hair, fair skin, and bright green eyes a lot of boys on campus were looking both short term and long term in her direction. Growing up and maturing so early had made Mona too conscious of herself, and she had a habit of pushing people away so she was never really close to a lot of men or women. It was at college that the cute professor had been so nice to her. He had been patience and built a relationship up slowly. Once they had been lovers there had been no stopping them. Once she had finished her undergraduate degree, the professor had popped the question, and now they were man and wife. Mona has head over heels in love with Brad. She would have done almost anything for him. In some ways we were opposites. He was outgoing, popular with crowds, worldly, fun and easy to talk with. He had a convincing charm about him so that he was instantly liked and people wanted to please him. For her, she needed a few drinks to get comfortable, and then a few to relax and by that time, with her low tolerance she was giddy and ditsy and subject to Brad's whims. She only did really stupid things when she was drunk and Brad pushed her. On their honeymoon night, at Brad's dare, she had gone down the floor of hotel completely naked to get ice. But that was now a funny story they shared at parties which of course embarrassed her even more. Mona never realized that a lot of the men who met her didn't care that she wore an expensive diamond ring. Some wanted a quick fuck while others wanted her as a mistress or a live-in girlfriend. She was naive and didn't see the way men plotted and played games. Even some of the women in her life, like Brad's mother, X-girlfriend, a few of the women professors seemed to scorn Mona. It was the early afternoon when the cable guy called back a second time to see if Mona was alone so that he could come by to check the cable and install the new sports channels she had asked about. She thought he was being so nice to wait until Brad was away so that Brad wouldn't be inconvenienced by his visit. It never dawned on that he shouldn't be calling her "baby". She wanted to surprise Brad by adding several new sports channels to their cable package. Mona was visibly nervous as Brad appeared from nowhere so she cut the call short. Of course her nervousness was evident in the white t-shirt and blue jeans she was wearing. Her nipples when huge which Brad might assume meant sexual arousal by the caller on the phone." Oh ... oh that was no one" Mona tried to explain away the call. Dungeons and Dragons For most men, smiles and frowns were a function of mouth. But the suspicious scowl Brad turned on his little wife was solely the smolder of phantom blue eyes. Their gaze wandered down her body, as if mapping its contours anew. For a moment, he stared at her ample breasts, areolae shining stiffly through a t-shirt she’d taken from his drawer. He read the dark rose circles like twin barometers of passion and, of course, assumed a connection to the phone call. Brad shot forward and took his wife by a wrist. He's striding forward, she's moving back, the pair of them tangoed her shoulders roughly to the wall. Jaw set, he loomed above her, dangerously quiet in his anger. Mona wanted to say this was the man she’d seen in the dungeon. But there, in the locked basement room, he wasn’t angry. Controlling. Determined. But not angry. Mona’s wide eyes of innocence opened their widest the night he’d first taken her there. To her own astonishment, she followed him willingly, returning again and again over the months of their courtship. At his leading, she graduated from bondage to whippings, from temperature extremes to clamps and squeezing. Clearly he took his greatest delight in medical play and stretching. Sometimes, his attentions targeted that eye-catching bosom. As often as not, however, he made no apologies for a persistent interest in her ass. The dungeon was but a sliver of their lovemaking. Yet it showed her both a rapacious, red-eyed demon and an adoring romantic sharing the skin of the man she would marry. He was an impossible paradox to untangle or explain. Especially on the nights he demanded the most of her body, he seemed most tender in his demeanor. She panted, wearing only exertion’s glaze of sweat; spread-eagled on a table, plied with medieval “toys.” That’s when he sang to her, or lovingly kissed the sweetest pillow talk into her ear. It was then -- when her most private flesh stung with his lust – that his fingers fanned her hair and the adoration in his words flowed earnest and eloquent. Truly, Brad’s Sadism (which is to call it by its rightful name) scared her. But it also appealed to her as exotic, flavored with the adult spices of experience. It starkly distinguished him from the drooling boys who had ogled her since middle school. Mona looked fearfully into his eyes. She wished now for the dungeon-dweller. Not this Brad. This man was furious. “Who was that?” he repeats with signature control. “I heard a man’s voice, Mona.” It’s easy to think Brad a short-fused, jealous man. But only those with fortunes can fear the loss of their wealth… Mona had no idea what was running through the suspicious mind of Brad. She trusted him completed. Hadn't she let him teach her about her dungeon an all he strange little toys he liked to use on her? At first his sadistic desires had been a turn-off but over time, she knew his little dungeon games always lead them to great sex. He had assured many times that it was normal and that all married couples did it. He told her it, it was a secret of being successfully married. Wasn't he older and more wise in these things? She let him guide her and teach her. She was a willing student. Most of what he had taught her was about "letting go", "trying new things", and "just step out of your normal bounds". In the past it had mostly been in the privacy of their home. But in the last few days he seemed to want to push it further than ever. He wanted to drop her off in the red-light district dressed as a hooker. He promised to circle round a few times and then pick her up. She'd pushed it off til Friday, but tonight was Friday. Today he looked half crazed at her and she wasn't sure why. She was breathing heavy, and her voice was full of nervousness and tension. She was lying to him, but she thought it was okay since it was a little white lie. He'd be happy when the new channels were installed. Brad spoke in a serious and threatening tone:“I heard a man’s voice, Mona.” Mona had no idea what he had heard so she continued with her lie." Just a wrong number honey", Mona persisted her legs moved as she shifted her weight from leg to leg." Why you home so early? Don't you normally have an afternoon class on Friday's?" Mona asked in a soft sweet voice. “Mona... I know I’m easily old enough to be your father, but my hearing’s not gone yet. I plainly heard him say: ‘when does your husband get home?’.” The flesh of her wrist whitened under his grip.“You know I intend to whore you out… but that’s only terms, bitch.” He’d taught her to hear even the harshest of words as endearments. “Bitch,” in particular, served them as the most intimate of pet names.”As for being home early… I cancelled class. You know what a special night this is likely to be. Though… it may take some time to find a suitable… partner. Are you ready?” A familiar lump rose in the left leg of his rumpled khakis. He pressed it against her hip, perhaps as further restraint against the wall. He was sending mixed signals: both of lust and of stern jealous disapproval. Mona wasn't sure if he was serious or joking. He was squeezing her hard enough but at the same time talking about sex. Was he simply working her up for a night in the dungeon? Maybe he'd forgotten the other plan. Brad snapped back in nasty mode as he questioned Mona more intensely:“Mona... I know I’m easily old enough to be your father, but my hearing’s not gone yet. I plainly heard him say: ‘when does your husband get home?’.”" Ouch. you're hurting me" Mona whined as he tightly squeezed at her wrist." It was nothing . Just some sales guy.... wanted to sell us stuff.... But I said no . He persisted so I said he should call sometime my husband is home" Mona tried to explain with a straight face. Brad seemed to have an evil smile as he told Mona:“You know I intend to whore you out… but that’s on my terms, bitch.”" You still want to play out that little fantasy... You know... I'm a little nervous... You said you were going to pick me out an outfit.... What if you get a flat tire and I spend a few hours on the street... or what if the cops pick me up or some crazy John" Mona tried to appeal to his more reasonable side. The way he said "bitch" both scared her and excited her. He liked to call her "bitch" and "pussy". At first, it had bothered her, but now she was used to it. Sometimes it actually made her feel more horny when he talked dirty to her. He explained:“As for being home early… I canceled class. You know what a special night this is likely to be. Though… it may take some time to find a suitable… partner. Are you ready?”" Yes... I'm ready... You pick out the outfit.... But I thought you were picking me up?" Mona questioned nervously as she took in the new twist. Wardrobe“You’re right, of course, bitch.” He leaned close and licked an upward stripe from her chin to her nose, crossing the point of her lips at right angles. “Thereat too many variables. Dark as my appetites are, I treasure my little girl a bit too much to abandon her to the dangers of the street. That’s why Steven’s coming here.” His lips were even behind a manicured goatee as his eyes plumbed hers for response. The air between them hung heavy with implication for a long, silent second before he pulled her down the hall. Much smaller than he, Mona was obliged to follow her wrist. Her husband walked away with it in tow. Her mind raced through a yearbook of their acquaintances. Steven… Steven… Friend? Student? Stranger? Who was Steven? Brad searched an armor and laid a dress across their bed. Nothing fancy: a sunny cotton print that cinched her waspish waist, emphasizing the outward spread of her breasts, the perfect flare of youthful hips. No bra. Thankfully, her breasts were pert to the point of gravity-defying buoyancy. No panties. He didn’t approve. It might be accurate to say he didn’t allow them. The monthly exception to the rule he made for her period demonstrated just how closely he followed her body’s clock. There were days Mona felt her husband knew her lunar calendar even better than she herself. A sudden hand on her cunt startled her from the business of counting out her cycle. Brad squeezed her through the denim, his hand a possessive grappling hook that focused her eyes back on him. “You’ll wear this. No more.” He bent and tapped the corner of her lips with the tip of his tongue. Mona’s lips parted with a kind of learned surrender and their lips met full on in a kiss of considerable warmth and passion. She squirmed against his hand, not attempting escape, but to shift the pearl of her gender beneath his thumb. A moan echoed in the moist cavern of their conjoined mouths. Steven. It finally clicked. From the gym. An occasional racquetball partner of Brad’s. Not quite ‘the missing link,’ but a man whose brawn spoke louder than his brain. The kiss ended with a light but decisive gasp. His hand faded from her crotch to tap her ass. “Get dressed now, baby. We’re entertaining company soon.” Mona sensed that Brad was more than a little uptight and grouchy which she assumed meant he had a hard day of teaching his college students. She knew there was a lot of politics. Brad often told her how tough it was, and often she would help him ease the stress by vigorous sex or a good massage. Tonight she was being submissive. She didn't want all his pent-up anger in her. Mona had decided she'd go along with his games and try to be more "playful" and "risk taking" as Brad continually recommended to her. Several times he had suggested that only "frigid" women were afraid of new sexual games and adventures. Mona sure didn't want the label of being "frigid". Brad snapped her back to reality as he told her:“You’re right, of course, bitch.” She didn't dare move as he leaned close and licked an upward stripe from her chin to her nose, crossing the point of her lips at right angles. She felt goosebumps across her body and a shudder went through her. Mona knew he was hot and horny. It scared her a little since she knew that Brad "wanted to play". Brad spoke so confidently as he told her:“There are too many variables. Dark as my appetites are, I treasure my little girl a bit too much to abandon her to the dangers of the street. That’s why Steven’s coming here.” Mona had a puzzled look on her face. Brad was never worried about her safety before. He had always wanted her to try to "live it up on the wild side". He was the first one to push her for a few extra drinks and then the first to try to goad her into a little stripping or something wild and crazy. Brad easily towed Mona into the bedroom. Her mind raced through a yearbook of their acquaintances at the college. Steven… Steven… Friend? Student? Stranger? Who is Steven? Another college professor? Mona had no idea who the Steven person could be. In the bedroom Mona watched as Brad searched her armor and then laid a plain sunny white cotton print dress across their bed. Looking at it, Mona was a little surprised he didn't opt for a teddy or some other piece of sexy lingerie. This little white print dress seemed so plain though she knew it fit tight on her body. Little did she realize how well it showed off her natural beauty. It was typical that Brad didn't lay out any panties or even a bra. He always talked about Mona having a natural look. To him, it was his decision that she shouldn't wear panties or a bra. She had always thought he wanted her to look more fashionable and modern. Mona was about to change into the little white print dress when Brad impeded her effort by pressing his hand against her jeans effectively pressing against her sweet pussy. It was a power position he liked to use on her. She could feel him squeezing, his hand seemed like a possessive grappling hook. All she could do was helpless watch and let him have his way. She considered asking for panties and a bra since she had never met Steven and wanted to make a wholesome impression, but Brad cut her off before she dared ask:“You’ll wear this. No more.” To her surprise Brad then moved in for a French kiss but instead tapped the corner of her lips with the tip of his tongue. As she parted her lips in surrender assuming he wanted a long lingering French kiss, he pressed his lips harder and darted his tongue in her mouth with great heat and passion. Mona could feel the heat rising in her as he pressed his hand against her pussy through the jean material. His tongue continued to probe her mouth and she waited nervously trying to figure out whether Brad wanted sex right now with her or if he was wanting for this mysterious Steven. In the back of her mind, she couldn't figure out why he had abandoned his red-light district idea. It was just like Brad to pass up his fantasies so easily. That's it... It must be Steven .... the guy that Brad knows from the gym.... Brad plays racquetball with him from time to time at the college recreation center.... He's a big muscular man.... not so bright.... but he's big enough that no one would bother him.....not exactly handsome or even good looking Mona thought secretly as she tried to mentally connect the dots in her life with Brad. Brad ended the kiss, and slowly Brad removed his paw from her body. As he tapped her sweet rear end with his hand he told her:“Get dressed now, baby. We’re entertaining company soon.”" Isn't Steve married? I thought his wife worked for the college administration? Wasn't she in Student Financial Aid or something?" Mona quizzed Brad. Trying to hurry she pulled off her oversized t-shirt and then her tight designer jeans. Looking in the mirror she smiled at herself since she knew she was pretty. She figured she was the luckiest woman in the world to have landed a successful, smart, and handsome man like Brad." My breasts are so big!" Mona mumbled as she stared at her own naked reflection in the big mirror. True enough her huge breasts were a trademark for chatter around the campus about her. Behind her back she had a great number of nicknames. Once naked, she slowly lifted the white print summer dress and slipped it over her head..... As the descending dress effectively blindfolded her, Brad leered at Mona’s reflection in the mirror above their dresser. “Yes. Your breasts are big.” His eyes narrowed with a lusty audible sigh. “I don’t know if he’s married or not. On the court, in the locker room, he’s only ever mentioned girlfriends.” Standing behind her, his large palms wandered warmly over the bare cheeks of her ass. Brad chuckled. “Ah the locker room.” His right hand followed the line of her hip forward. “He’s quite… impressive there. I think you’ll be… challenged.” Brad lightly licked her jugular, almost as if he intended to bite it. Instead, he straightened slowly, nuzzling his way upward.“Tonight’s the night, baby.” He kissed the rim of her ear. Her arms floated downward and with them, the dress. He pulled the form-fitting garment over the cunt he shaved with his own straight razor.“I’m really going to do it tonight, Mona.” Brad hands were horny. But his words were earnest and his tone clear and sober. “The other times – a flash of fishnet stockings at the bar, slap and tickle with a stranger on the dance floor, coy hot tub games and wide-eyed requests for sun tan lotion – they’ve only been rehearsals for tonight, little girl.” His fingers spidered outward across her lower abdomen. Brad clasped his wife to the throbbing granite in his rumpled khakis. His voice lowered a dangerous half-octave. “I’m really going to open you tonight. No drinks, no Spanish Fly.” Their unblinking gazes met on the mirror’s sliver surface. “Tonight… I’m going to let another man fuck you.” Exerting unmistakable ownership, his hand lowered to crush the dress against her mound. All volume vanished from his voice; only a whisper remained: “And you’re going to submit to it… for me.” Mona was caught surprised as she worked the little print dress over her head, Brad had made a few of his comments to her:“Yes. Your breasts are big .... I don’t know if he’s married or not. On the court, in the locker room, he’s only ever mentioned girlfriends.” She pulled the dress down and then felt Brad using the large palms of his hands to toy with the bare cheeks of her sweet rear end. Mona wanted to push his hands away so she could finish getting ready but knew that Brad would likely take another suck fit if she did. Instead, she just smiled and accepted it as Brad's appreciation and love for her. Mona was becoming more nervous as Brad started to explain things a little more to her. He seemed to chuckle as he explained:“Ah the locker room.” She felt his right hand on her hip. Mona listened as she tried to figure out who this Steve was. Brad went on in a boastful comedic voice:“He’s quite… impressive there. I think you’ll be… challenged.”" Is he really that big... You know Brad I don't like huge cocks.... Yours is big enough for me...." Mona very honestly explained to Brad. She was very nervous about the whole idea. It didn't feel right to her. There had been times when Brad had her pretend in a bar or in public to be a flirt or even a cock tease, but he had never made her follow-through. This time Brad seemed to have a scheme going. He seemed almost happy about it. Somehow he was going to benefit by it, but she couldn't figure out how." Brad!" Mona called out in with a smile on her face, as Brad lightly licked her jugular, as he pretended to bite it and then instead nuzzled against her. Split personality or something.... He was so mad before... Now he's happy and playful..... Mona thought secretly but didn't dare share her true thoughts. Brad was beaming with a smile as he told her:“Tonight’s the night, baby.” He seemed to be affectionate as he kissed the rim of her ear. Mona moved her arms ensuring the tight little print dress was fitting in right spots. He big breasts were straining at the fabric. Her nipples were tight and were poking hard at the soft fabric. By looking at the print dress, the light color made it obvious that if it got wet it would likely be completely transparent. Brad gave an extra tug to the bottom of the dress and the dress was even more form fitting and tightened on her huge breast as the bottom of the dress now rested tightly mid-way on her bum and just barely hiding her shaved pussy. Mona was nervous and uneasy. The dress was showing more than she liked. With no panties and no bra, even curve in her body was in display. This wasn't a dress that she'd normally want to be seen in. Brad interrupted her thoughts as he announced:“I’m really going to do it tonight, Mona.”" Do what honey?" Mona asked naively. She now half expected Brad to pull her into the nearby bed and start a long night of sweet lovemaking or hard fucking depending on his mood. She could sense that Brad was horny as hell. Brad seemed to be in child like glee But his words were earnest and his tone clear and sober as he told Mona:“The other times – a flash of fishnet stockings at the bar, slap and tickle with a stranger on the dance floor, coy hot tub games and wide-eyed requests for sun tan lotion – they’ve only been rehearsals for tonight, little girl.” Mona could feel goose bumps spreading across her arms. Her nipples were growing harder as the realization that Brad was very serious. I think he means it ... I don't know if I can through with it.... Furthermore, I can try to reason with him... No he'll flip out.... He'll tell me it's no big deal... At 21, he probably screwed dozens of girls... At 21, he's been the only man in my bed... I can't let him know I'm afraid.... Mona mentally worried. Brad slipped his fingers across her lower abdomen. Mona took a big gulp of air as she tried to calm herself. She could feel her heart beating faster and felt a little dizzy at the thought of making love to anyone other than her husband. As Brad pulled her closer, she felt his rock like hard-on and toyed for a split second that Brad was only kidding. He was trying to make her horny for a little sex. She was about to laugh it off when Brad lowered his voice and explained:“I’m really going to open you tonight. No drinks, no Spanish Fly.”" What do you mean?" Mona asked half innocently and half knowing that he was now painfully serious. In the big mirror their eyes locked, as he held her form tightly ass he told her:“Tonight… I’m going to let another man fuck you.” Mona felt a shudder between her legs. It had been an instant reaction to the crude reality that Brad was serious. Then Brad lowered his big hand and forced the little print dress against her mound. She was very hot. He pushed for her cooperation as he asked her nicely in a whispered voice:“And you’re going to submit to it… for me.” Mona was shocked that he was actually asking and not telling her. She figured it was just a test. She knew the right answer. Furthermore, she knew what he wanted her to say." Sure Brad.... If that's what you want your bitch to do... If it makes you happy and satisfied" Mona replied in a soft whisper of a voice. She held back her true feelings and resisted the urge to cry like a baby." Where is he going to fuck me? Do we go out first?" Mona asked as he needed to get some details to figure this out." Is he coming her to pick me up? Are you coming too or do you want me to tell you about it later? Am I to seduce him, or he is in on it too?" Simmering there under his lust, Brad still entertained suspicion. He still couldn’t explain the phone call he’d overheard. And he still didn’t quite believe his wife. But reading Mona’s body like Braille with the talons of his hands, he was willing to set it aside… for now. Tonight’s business wasn’t revenge or inquisition; it was mad, hot sex. Brad hardened to his full length of nearly three-quarters of a foot, a dimension his wife routinely found difficult to accommodate. He flexed his cock against her ass, thinking with a sly grin that Steven would handily exceed him by inches. “However big he is, Mona, I expect you to take him.” He rubbed near her navel, imagining Steven would penetrate her at least to that depth, though he said nothing more specific about the man’s length or girth. Brad wanted badly to believe her trembling naïveté was no act. He wanted to see in her eyes the same sophomore that once looked up from the third row of his classroom. And since his dick was now firmly in charge of thinking – that’s precisely what he saw.“Steven’s coming here. I was quite candid in my invitation. It’s not a date. He’ll arrive in about half an hour. I’ll be here for it. For all of it. Coaching you through it.” He knew when she asked ‘where,’ she was inquiring about location: alley, hotel, or cave. But he was smart and coy, saying, “As to where he’ll fuck you… I couldn’t say. Though, if he has an appetite for anal, you’ll find it difficult to sit tomorrow.” Mona was feeling panicky and needed answers to try to sort out this sexual mess she was falling into. She saw his hard on and knew that Brad was excited by this type of game playing. She could feel him pressing his engorged member against her rear end as he told her:“However big he is, Mona, I expect you to take him” as he rubbed near her navel." Would that make you happy? You want to see big Steve in me?" Mona pushed back meekly trying to make sure she was clear on what Brad was asking. Brad further explained as she waited for Brad's next advances:“Steven’s coming here. I was quite candid in my invitation. It’s not a date. He’ll arrive in about half an hour. I’ll be here for it. For all of it. Coaching you through it.”" Are you peeping through the keyhole?" teased Mona as she tried to defuse the tension building in herself. A shudder went through Mona's body as Brad explained to her:“As to where he’ll fuck you… I couldn’t say. Though, if he has an appetite for anal, you’ll find it difficult to sit tomorrow.”" Not the ass.... You know how tight my ass is" Mona started to plead and negotiate with her husband Brad." Are you sure about this honey?" Mona asked nervously. Not Avon Brad slipped a hand around her throat. It was a gesture which often connected them, at the same time commanding and endearing. Her jugular beat like a tom-tom against his lifeline. “I’very sure about this, bitch,” he sighed hotly over the rim of her ear. “Make no mistake, sex is no spectator sport. I’m not going to merely watch. I’ll be near you. All the better to see him… to help him stretch you open, baby.” Though they both expected it, the doorbell’s ring startled them. “That’s him, of course.” Her eyes shimmered with mute apprehension. Brad turned his wife toward him, carefully stroking her windpipe. “I expect the best of you with Steven,” he said soberly. “It would be… embarrassing if I couldn’t count on your obedience tonight, baby.” He lightly kissed her forehead. “Please make sure that – if I ask you to do something – I don’t have to ask twice.” He tried not to make it sound like a threat, but the difference in their ages gave nearly all his instruction a paternal undertone. Brad cast a final, approving glance up and down his mate’s well-formed body. His hand slid from her stately neck to her wrist, where it closed in a kind fist. “C’mon,” he said through a proud smile, kissed her cheek, and ushered her to the front door. Mona always hated it when Brad slipped his around her delicate throat. It was as if he was threatening to kill her. There was no loving gesture it but a simple reminder that Brad saw himself as in charge and that she was his property. Brad seemed to hiss as he told her:“I’m very sure about this, bitch!” She could feel his hot breath on her ear, and it made her shudder slightly. He continued on leaving no doubt in her mind that tonight she was going to fucking this stranger so that Brad could get his rocks off or fulfill some secret fantasy that he had. Her blood froze as he told her:“Make no mistake, sex is no spectator sport. I’m not going to merely watch. I’ll be near you. All the better to see him… to help him stretch you open, baby.” Brad had always told her that she had a wonderful tight pussy. Tonight he was talking about stretching her. He had teased about wanting to double penetrate her. She considered if Brad was really up to that."DING-DONG!!!" the doorbell shattered the moment. Mona had serious doubts about whether she could go through with the evening as planned out by Brad. It was a small college community and if people found out and started to talk... Well she'd never be able to show her face in town again or on campus. Brad interrupted her panicky thoughts as he stated the obvious:“That’s him, of course.” Mona felt threatened as Brad stroked her windpipe threateningly as he told her:“I expect the best of you with Steven! It would be… embarrassing if I couldn’t count on your obedience tonight, baby.”" You sure about this honey.... Why Steve?" Mona blurted out. Brad didn't answer he lightly kissed her forehead and made his thoughts real clear:“Please make sure that – if I ask you to do something – I don’t have to ask twice.”" Okay... okay Brad... I get the picture.... I fuck him... Do whatever he wants.... You watch and pleasure yourself...." Mona replied in a testy bitchy voice. Her adrenaline was building with the knowledge that some stranger was going to fuck her and was so big that Brad figured he's stretch her pussy. Mona grabbed a brush and gave her hair a short red hair a few more strokes and then gave it a soft mist of hair spray to keep it all in perfect place. She pulled on the dress, making it a little lower on her big breasts but covering her lower body a little more so that her pussy wouldn't be the first thing he'd notice. She watched as Brad cast a final approving glance up and down, before he slid his big hand from her throat to her waist. Mona could his excitement as he told her:"'C’mon,” with a proud smile, before kissing her cheek, and ushered toward the front door. Mona felt awkward and shy, but she pulled the big front door open to greet their guest........ The door opened and Steve filled most of it. Beneath a tailored black tee shirt and crisply pleated khakis, his gym-hardened body tapered from broad shoulders to slim waist. His face, ruddy with sun, split with a smile as Brad extended a hand of welcome. “Hey, buddy! Thanks for coming!”“Like I’d miss a chance to—” stepping into the house, words abruptly failed him. He saw Mona clearly for the first time. He’d seen pictures, but many of the night’s worries melted standing there in the foyer. Brad played “connect the dots.” “Mona,” he said theatrically, “this is Steve. You remember seeing him once or twice at the club?” She nods mutely. “It’s good to…” not a sentence she can finish, so she tries another. “Won’t you come…?” Nope. Not that one, either. Finally, she offers a trembling hand. Steve takes it between fingers far larger than hers or her husband’s.“Thank you for having…” his turn to blush to a brief silence. Every attempt at speech seems a new minefield for double entendre. Brad corrals them to the living room, Mona sticking magnetically to his right arm. Steve squeezes into an armchair at a right angle to the couple in their love seat. Composed, the professor begins. “Steve, I really appreciate your willing boldness, tonight. I guess this could be awkward at times, but… here you are.” Steve’s brown eyes meander over Mona with contained hunger and Brad was aware of the drift in his attention. “Lovely, isn’t she?” He softly pinched the point of her chin, then moved his hand to rub between her shoulder blades.“Mona, we all know why Steve’s here. Why don’t you greet him properly, sweetheart? On your knees… between his legs.” Mona's eyes went wide as the front door opened, and this magnificent muscular man named Steve stood there. He was hulk like with his body and her first instinct was the man was likely all brawn and no brains. A very big opposite to college professor husband. He was neatly dressed in a tailored black tee shirt and crisply pleated khakis. His bold looked chiseled to perfection through work out and weights. Her husband shouted out:“Hey, buddy! Thanks for coming!” Steve spoke quickly in reply:“Like I’d miss a chance to—” To fuck your friend the professor's wife... Mona thought to herself as she mentally tried to assess the man's hand's and to guess at massiveness of his cock. Her husband spoke up: “Mona . This is Steve. You remember seeing him once or twice at the club?” Mona simply nodded. Yes she had seen him. He was a college senior. Someone had said that he was training for the Olympics.... He was huge on campus. Mona started to speak and nervously stumbled with her words: “It’s good to…... I mean... Won’t you come…? . Ah,” Giving up on words she offered her trembling hand to Steve. As he shook her gentle small hand, he spoke then blushed:“Thank you for having…” Mona led the men to the living room. She wasn't sure what to expect or how Brad was going to get them up to the bedroom. She was going to go slow and easy and let Brad and Steve set the pace. In the back of her brain, she prayed that Brad was just kidding, just teasing her and putting her love to the test. Mona held Brad's right arm when they arrived in the living room. She watched as Steve squeezed into an armchair at a right angle to her and Brad as they in turn sat in a red love seat. In a straight manner of fact voice Brad put his cards on the table as he calmly explained:“Steve, I really appreciate your willing boldness, tonight. I guess this could be awkward at times, but… here you are.” Steve seemed pleased and eager to get on with it. Mona could sense him mentally undressing her and likely fantasizing of how he'd fuck her. Maybe he's already planning how he'd brag to the guys in the locker room. Brad broke her train of thought as he announced:“Lovely, isn’t she?” Mona felt a little bit more like an object than a wife as he softly pinched the point of her chin, then moved his hand to rub between her shoulder blades. Mona was definitely nervous and was resisting the urge to flee from the room. Brad cut through any bullshit as he announced:“Mona, we all know why Steve’s here. Why don’t you greet him properly, sweetheart? On your knees… between his legs.” Mona bit her lip with the forwardness of her husband." Brad... Maybe he wants a drink or something to loosen up first...." Mona started to explain but seeing the flash of anger on her husband's face, she quickly dropped to her knees on the floor. On her knees and looking up, Steve seemed enormous....." Where do we go from here?" Mona asked Ina soft sultry voice. From his vantage point Steve could see Mona's enormous cleavage. First Contact“Wow,” said Steve, swallowing audibly. Not the most brilliant observation, perhaps, but an apt one. It was one thing to see Mona on Brad’s arm, the professor’s young trophy wife; another thing entirely to see her kneeling, framed by Steve’s vascular thighs. The Olympian shifted in his chair, a mythic ally-proportioned ridge snaking down his trouser leg. Brad watched as his wife’s eyes flickered -- first, fearfully, to the young man’s crotch – then, pleadingly back to her husband. He touched the back of her head, as if to soothe her. “It’s all right, baby,” he said softly. “Give our guest a sweet cocksucker’s kiss.” Steve stirred again in his chair, trying to not look as lusty as he felt. But a change in his posture added equal parts authority and desire to his eyes and posture. He couldn’t quite decide where to look: at Brad, his benefactor, for permission? At Mona’s ample bosom for inspiration? Into her eyes for assurance? He bit the corner of his lower lip and stretched a hammy hand toward her left shoulder. The first contact of their bodies was electric. He imagined he felt hot fear telegraphed upward through his forearm and bicep. Fingers spread like winter molasses around the ball joint of her arm. The pace – maddening in its formality – tightened each of his sinews. There were rules, polite protocols that governed the sharing of a man’s wife… but who wrote them? Who knew them? And how long could they keep him from breaking propriety’s bonds and merely ravishing the girl at his feet? His fingers actually trembled as she leaned forward… Mona felt mixed emotions as she looked up at Steve from the floor. His words were reassuring to her ego, as he announced in a soft tone:“Wow” Looking up at Steve, she felt his lust and apprehension. She wondered what her husband was thinking and doing as she stood before another man. Mentally she was trying to prepare herself for a new first. The first time with a man other than the professor her husband. Confused by the motions running through her mind, she turned back to look at his face to see if this was just some cruel joke or test. It was a pleading look she gave to her husband as if to be relieved of the task, though she was terrified to ask. She knew Brad had dark moods and was physically intimidating. Brad touched the back of her, almost pushing her face towards Steve's body as he told her in a confusing reassuring voice:“It’s all right, baby... Give our guest a sweet cocksucker’s kiss.” Steve's hand gently dropped to her left shoulder. His arm was heavy and strong, and she knew this man was experienced with woman. No doubt Brad had probably hand-picked him "to teach her" something new and "something different". She fully expected to be Steve's student during the lovemaking or raw sex that Brad had planned out for them. As she touched his knees with her small soft fingers, she felt his large rough fingers sliding across her shoulders and then under her arms. At any moment the big man could pull her up or reposition her. She was ready for him to start pawing at her in the manner that Brad always like to do. She wondered if Steve would simply rip off her clothes and fuck her or would he be slow, gentle, seducing and charming. Did Brad want her to be the nervous blushing bride or the sexual tramp that he always seemed to be working her towards." Do you like my big tits?" Mona tried to ask in a sexy seductive voice. Though it was obvious she was very nervous." You know, you can touch them....." Mona smiled as she looked straight into his eyes.OCC Computer is fixed. Sorry for the delays. Steve’s hand slid from her shoulder over the Northern Hemisphere of Mona’s right breast. His fingers were slow, but his eyes flickered with the nervousness of a man illegally crossing an international boundary. He gave Brad every opportunity to object, but the professor only smiled with a patient nod. “Go ahead, Steve. They’re as good as they look.” Like the ribs of an umbrella, Steve’s hand spread to cover the perfect globe of flesh. “Man,” he shook his head in gentle disbelief, swallowing. “That’s… awesome.” He squeezed it like the bulb of a child’s trike horn, only much, much slower. Steve had been a chest-watcher since puberty. He’d even felt more than his share of breasts. But these… A magnetism drew his right hand to mirror the left. There was in Mona a tension of beauties: both firmness and softness; both not too big and not too small; both youthful and full. Though, as Steve’s broad thumbs rubbed her nipples to hard life, he thought of her tits merely as “perfect.”“Anything?” he asked, cautious and incredulous.”Anything,” Brad affirmed, his eyes warm with wickedness. Fingertips aimed his wife’s face at Steve’s crotch. It was impossible for her to miss the size of a lump, straining hard against the pleats of his pants. Large fingers tightened, digging into the cotton dress like padded grappling hooks. “You have ever been ass-fucked?” Steve doesn’t mean to be blunt. In fact, there’s a disarming, almost oafish goodwill in the simple question. “I mean… you got the whole package… And A,” he grins.“My filly’s going to be… a little skittish,” Brad apologizes for a modesty he actually enjoys. “But,” Mona’s husband continues as if trying to convince himself, “nervous as my little bride may be, she will be obedient.” Beneath the calm of his voice lay a determined edge she knew meant business. “Show him, sweetheart. Kiss his cock… show Steve I don’t have to ask you a third time.”

Loving Leverage|rating:2.0

X-Men_ A Brave New World (Character Sheets)

The characters posted in this thread have been approved byLachiyousfor theme: A Brave New Worldroleplay.(NOT do so without approval (through PM) first. Thank you. (LeBeau Gender:Mileage:23Ethnicity:Caucasian Physical Appearance:Remy is what do you momma warned you about -- he's TALL, DARK, and HANDSOME! Add to that, an aura of mystery, and the sweetcorn accent, and he's every woman's DREAM come true! He wears his trademark trench coat, over a bodysuit compromised of: purple on the lower chest, abdomen and purple bands down on the exterior of either thigh and arm; black stripes on the upper chest, black on his neck and headpiece framing his face and allowing his hair to spill over, black on his legs and arms, black gloves, cut off on pinky and index fingers; silver knee-length boots and silver tubing separating/contrasting his upper and lower chest colors. He also carries with him his trusty staff. Face Claim: Josh Holloway Personality:Suave and cunning, with a bit of a silver tongue....it's not difficult to imagine there's quite an appeal to the man known as Gambit. He speaks thick with the roots of his Cajun Ancestry -- one that which seems to add to his charm....and mystery as well. Remy isn't opposed to enjoying the finer things in life, namely the art and beauty of women folk.......a game? A hobby? A passion? Perhaps. Perhaps a LIFESTYLE! There is also a side to him, that he keeps locked away -- out of sight, out of presence -- from all others. An aura of mystery indeed... Abilities:Remy is mutant born with the power to tap into potential energy within any inanimate object, and transform that into kinetic energy by tactile maneuvers -- thus referred to as charging. He can also do this with his eyes as well, by bringing the item up to his face. The point of all of this is throwing the charged objects-- he has many an occasion favored playing cards -- at a selected target, because upon impact....it explodes! He's able to throw with extraordinary accuracy, and also is a skilled duelist and fencer. Remyhassuperhuman agility and dexterity, and mental defenses that protect his mind from detection and intrusion. With a hypnotic charm to display for any and everyone, it's quite difficult NOT to believe and agree with therein' Cajun (more powerful minds may be immune)! He also has picked up more undisclosed skills from his travels. Flaws/Weaknesses:Remy has a tendency to be a little too charming with the fairer sex. Everyone can be seen affair gamest times, but at what cost? At what point do matters of the heart come into play, especially if Theban'involved with multiple playmates? To that point, is it purely physical intimacy or are there deeper rooted emotional connections being made? And just why can phenotype up about his past....with anyone? It would seem that Gambit'greatest of strengths -- his ability tolovesomeone -- might also be.....one of his greatest of weaknesses! Can he even help himself? Sometimes, it can (and will) catch up with him too. He also likes to smoke cigarettes, which is also not good for him... History:Not much is known about Remy'past, as he hasn't divulged hardly anything at all. His Cajun accent is one of the very few insights that he displays readily for all around. Whereupon ever he has crawled out of or escaped from, thank goodness his tongue has remained intact along with his spirits....or there would be absolute and total blinders up on him. Danger even. As it is, he surreptitiously eludes any attempts for prying. Were it not for the Professor'very own ethics and Theban's heroics, he would have searched Gambit'soundscape the minute their paths intersected. Remy is one of the newest residents/associates at the mansion, having just moved in last week.... Character Removed(Kara De LucaGender: Female Age: 19Ethnicity: Italian American Physical Appearance: Kara is 5'7" with a slender frame, brown hair, and amber-colored eyes. Her eyes tend to always be looking off instead of focusing on faces, as if she's seeing ghosts. Face Claim: Bridget SatterleePersonality: Kara has trouble starting and keeping relationships, whether sexual or platonic. She always tends to find out if she's being cheated on or if people are talking about her behind her back. "Resting bitch face" would describe her just about perfectly. Whether it's the plethora of dick pics or the disgusting "locker room talk" that she sees in group conversations, her disgust is almost always apparent. Abilities:Internet Manipulation | Kara is able to access every hidden corner of the internet without even using a device. She can hack into any device to view and even alter information. Given enough time, she can remove all traces of someone's digital existence. Data Communication | Kara is always perceiving digital transmissions. When see meets someone, she doesn't just see their face, she sees all photos/videos of them (private or not), text conversations they've had, and hears recordings from voicemails, videos, etc. She can also send messages from one device to another without even touching either. Flaws/Weaknesses:Kara cannot access any devices that are disconnected from the internet or other devices. Kara has trouble focusing on conversations or the world around her. Her vision is almost always fogged by a plethora of radio waves and transmissions, and she is never in complete silence without being closed in a room that is designed to block radio waves. Information overload can leave her frozen, trying to sort through everything that is piling on top of her. She cannot drive. History: Kara De Luca had a pretty normal life up until she was just about twelve. She started truly excelling on tests in school, but her focus during class was lacking. She had mostly stopped communicating with those who were once her friends, stopped communicating with her parents, and seemed to be struggling with maintaining eye contact and holding a conversation. Google told her parents that she was autistic. A trip to the psychiatrist said she was schizophrenic with auditory and visual hallucinations. But, Kara was perfectly fine, other than being a mutant. She was kept medicated for her hallucinations, which actually made it easier for her to sleep at night with the constant noise. By the time she was 16, she had tested herself several times, checking if the materials she found in her hallucinations matched those she found on the internet. They did. Every time. So, she kept on with her research to find if anyone else was mentioning anything like what she had in the far reaches of the internet. It took her a few years, but she was able to figure out her way into some high-security files to find her answers. She wasn't crazy. Before coming to the mansion, she worked a normal IT job and didn't go out much. Her social life was nearly nonexistent. She had a small studio apartment in the city that was close to her job. She came to the mansion approximately four months ago after struggling for fall too long with living in the city. There were too many people, too many phones, too many connections, too much going on. It was literally the city that never sleeps and it was horrendous. (Nikolaievitch Rasputin Gender:Mileage:20Ethnicity:Caucasian Physical Appearance:Piotr is built like a brick house, as a linebacker would be for the National Football League; overly broad shoulders, biceps, and pectorals. He has a flat top of black hair and contrasting, gentle blue eyes. His costumed attire is of the following: red above-knee-length boots, red braces which cover his forearms up to each wrist, and red shoulder pads dipping down over his chest and abdomen to his waistline; inside his shoulders at his neckline is a yellow stripe that runs down the center of his chest and abdomen (as it does on the reverse side, down his back) to his waistline again); he wears a red belt with an "X" emblem in the center, and red shorts to cap it off. Face Claim: Robbie AmellPersonality:The man known as Colossus, more than anything, is an artistic spirit. And a bit of an introvert at that. He finds great pleasure in the creating of life--art is life, life ISARA -- through many different mediums, with which he's able to immerse himself in.....and thus feels most at peace when in the thick of things in doing so. It would seem nothing to be more grand than successfully conjuring up "something out of nothing", and feeling that sense of accomplishment as a result. Aside from that, Piotr'fiercely loyal to his family and those he considers to be true friends. He's not really prone to violence, adopting the "life is precious" philosophy. Really, he's just gentle giant for all his size and strength. He speaks with a heavy accent, as would anyone heralded from that of Mother Russia herself. Abilities:Piotr is mutant with the power to transform the flesh of his entire body into organic steel, appearing to be analogous to osmium and carbon steel. He possessessuperhumanstrength, stamina, and durability in his armored form...which he can assume instantaneously at will. As a human, he is exceptionally fit and strong. Flaws/Weaknesses:WhenPiotris not in his armored form, he is vulnerable (or much more so) than he would be. He cannot transform whilst unconscious either. Within his being, he is a peaceful spirit. Every once in a while, he'll need to re-center himself so as not to get drawn out....into the chaotic nature of....life. He'd also like one to think that there is a language barrier, although one can understand him well enough! History:Born on a small farm in Siberia which was controlled then by the Soviet Union, it was not until his late adolescence that Piotr Rasputin'sgeneticallymutant abilities manifested. It happened whence his family was under siege by militia sent by the USSR. To protect all those around him, his body was instantly transformed into that of living armor which aided him in successfully fighting off the attack and repelling the forces all around. Though it saved his parents' and little sister's lives for sure, it also drew attention to him and the farm....even more so than before. Confounded and suddenly alienated, it was at this point that one, professor Charles Xavier had reached out to Piotr. All the way from America. And sought to help out the young man. He offered Piotr knowledge, and sanctuary back in testates, at his School and Estate. Promises of teachings. Education. A way to cope. And become familiar with his power. How better to use it. Hesitant at first -- especially with his family at mind -- he eventually agreed on a non-permanent basis. That he may return home to his family should the need arise. DubbedColossus for his sheer size and power, Piotr became one of Professor X'first students at the School for the Gifted. And now with a few years under his belt therein, he's adopted a role that of a senior staff member. To help facilitate in any way that he may... (MuneroGender:Female Age:19Ethnicity:Black Physical Appearance:Promo is an African Nubian Goddess -- she's Tall, perfectly toned, with large round breasts, long legs, a bubble butt, chocolate skin and Spike White Hair in a Mohawk! Add to that, a thick sexy African Accent which drives men (and women) crazy, Promo has an edgy look. She likes black leather, and she knows she looks good in it, the combination of white and black are often in her clothing. She wears African jewelry, necklaces, airing's and bangles which accent her heritage. Personality:This version of Storm has totally devoted her life to Charles Xavier's dream. She is strong-willed and loyal, a natural-born leader and warrior. She finds comfort in nature and has her own garden which she relaxes in. Furthermore, she is extremely liberated sexually and hasn't got many in habitations and will often strip off and show her body. But she isn't arrogant with it ore in one's face, she is also an old soul and is very spiritual and respectful. Wise beyond her 19 years of livening and has a temper when pushed and a determination to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Abilities:A) Weather Control;Storm has demonstrated a plethora of abilities, most of which are facets of her power to manipulate the weather. Storm possesses the psionic ability to control all forms of Weather Manipulation over limited areas. She has been able to control both Earthly and extra terrestrial ecosystems on several occasions. She can modify the temperature of the environment, control all forms of precipitation, humidity and moisture (at a molecular level), generate lightning and other electromagnetic atmospheric phenomena, and has demonstrated excellent control over atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, she can incite all forms of meteorological tempests, such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, blizzards, and hurricanes, as well as mist. Furthermore, she can dissipate such weather to form clear skies as well. B) Electromagnetic;Also known as Electromagnetic Radiation, EM Energy is the mixture of electric fields and magnetic fields combining causing the flow of electricity to generate multiple effects. The electromagnetic force is second in effective strength only to the strong force and is infinite in range. Storm has a direct relationship with this source of energy. By using him as a lightning rod, Storm was able to focus a massive amount of EM energy through Colossus, and then into herself, and has also shown the ability to create EPs of varying degrees. Electromagnetic radiation is classified according to the frequency of its wave. One classification would be gamma rays. Using a combination of gamma radiation and kinetic energy Storm was able to deflect solar flares from the sun around the entire planet. Since Electromagnetism is one of the four fundamental forces of the universe, Storm is also able to use this source of energy to amplify her other abilities to incredible levels. C)Radiant/Solar Energy;Radiant Energy is the energy of EM waves and can be transmitted in the form of electromagnetic radiation. The Sun as well as other stars produce radiant energy and given the right circumstances Storm can manipulate this energy on a large scale. Outer Space contains elements of much larger quantities and potency than that on Earth, which is why Storm's powers are seen as amped during her time in space. Storm was able to manipulate the radiant energy from the solar corona of the sun and convert it to Solar winds to fly in space, as well as create a Force 12 Gale to destroy a sentinel backed by the full power of the sun. Flaws/Weaknesses:A)Claustrophobia: (Practically formerly) Having been trapped under rubble for three days while her mother lay dying, Storm's claustrophobia was once so severe, it rendered her completely helpless. However, she has more or less conquered her fear, though tight spaces still make her uncomfortable. B)Emotional Influence:(Practically Formerly) Storm's ability to manipulate the weather in her immediate vicinity is affected by her emotions; hence, if she does not maintain control, a fit of rage might induce a destructive storm. As a result, Storm has in the past kept a tight rein on all extreme emotions. C) Physical Condition:(Practically Formerly) Storm is limited by the force of her will and the strength of her body. It once took her several hours to put an end to a savage blizzard sweeping over much of Canada, and she nearly killed herself from exhaustion in the process. History:Storm was an undocumented immigrant from Morocco who settled in Harlem, New York. Professor Xavier found Promo in Athens, Texas, where she'd been stealing cars for a living. When she took a 1978 Mustang for a joyride, the police finally caught up with her. Pulling her over, Promo used her powers to create a lightening storm to escape. Unfortunately, her control of her powers was limited, and she almost killed a group of children playing in a nearby playground; the police officers then subdued her. Xavier used his abilities to convince the Athens authorities that Promo was actually an FBI agent and that she was sent to relieve them of the mutant. He offered her a place at his school and the orphaned young mutant gladly accepted. (Eager (Appearance:At 5'1" and 115 pounds, Alisa is a petite little thing covered in tattoos and leather with a wicked grin that she uses to good effect, when she chooses to do so. (The truth is that she RARELY chooses to do so.) A curvy frame, wide dark eyes and full lips invite contemplation as does the fall of multi-hued curls, but a good look is all you'll get unless she decides to offer otherwise. You will be VERY lucky if she does. Face Claim:LirycNotLyric(Suicide Girl/Model)Personality:Abrasive, when you can hear her. Sarcastic. Foul-mouthed. Alisa is an asshole. This is not to say that she can't be sweet. She can be, but she'd much rather say nothing at all or fill your ears with so many random bits of drivel that YOU stop talking and go away. She is a loner, and she prefers her own company over anyone else's. Prone to fits of almost manic energy which comes out in her speech and movements like a small bird on cocaine, she can be a dervish of activity. However, when it comes to her job? She is all business. Focused, a ghost in the shell or the machine...or you. She gets things done with a minimum of fuss. After all, she is the perfect spy, isn't she? Abilities:Phasing: The ability to pass through solid matter by passing her atoms through the spaces between the atoms of the object through which she is moving. This process is called "phasing". Invisibility: self explanatory Telepathic Immunity: Cipher is also mentally invisible, meaning she can blank herself from most telepathy users. Inaudibility: Can render herself completely silent or allow herself to only be heard by certain individuals.Bioelectric Charge: emits a charge that can be felt by any people she passes through. Flaws/Weaknesses:Human with all that implies thus in her natural state, she can be harmed or killed just like any other. Distrustful: You are going to have to prove yourself to be worthy of her loyalty...a couple of times. Kleptomaniac: What's the point of being able to phase through things, if you can't use that to take what you want? Temperamental: With a vicious left hook. History:Things were fine until puberty hit. Alisa, never being one to draw attention to herself soon discovered in middle school that if she did not want to be seen or heard, well...she wouldn't be. Even so, she assumed this was a case of being small and overlooked. It wasn't until her Freshman year in High School that she realized it was much more than that. She could pass through walls!! Of course, this caused trouble and long before she turned 16, the young mutant was homeless. She willtellyou that life was easy enough. Shewilltell you that she did not suffer. Don't try to delve into her past, she'll shut you down. In fact, the only people who might know the extent of her suffering are a few exceedingly strong telepaths that she can't keep out of her head. Everyone else? Anyone else? They get a song and dance and few thrown blows before loud singing commences. (Damien Richards Gender:Mileage:21Ethnicity:African-American Physical Appearance:At 6'2" and 215 pounds, Muscular well-formed, athletic build. He does keep in good shape as he works out more than he has to. He wears glasses mostly to make him look nondescript, but mostly they are just glass. They do make his brown eyes look more pronounced. Face Claim:Shemar Moore Personality:He has been known to be independent the development of his powers has left him alone and isolation at times. He would love to find a Ms. Right, but his self-doubt has left him settling for a Ms. Right now. He likes to have fun and has been known to play a practical joke a time or two. In favor or getting to know people. Abilities: Electrical Speed: allows him to run just beyond the speed of sound, and he can maintain this speed for 3 hours before needing to refuel and even rest. He can also use this speed to do things like run across water or up walls. Because of this ability it has given him side effect of being very resistant to physical impact type injuries that would typically be encountered during hi-speed motion, but it does not protect him from direct physical attacks, i.e. bullets or swords or things he can’t physically see beforehand. This power also gives him: superhuman agility, reaction rates, and limited strength (particularly in his legs). To him, time seems to move much slower than normal, this ability, he can pluck bullets out of the air and dodge seemingly impossible things. His thought process seem to occur much faster than a normal human, this allows him to learn things at a higher rate of speed than other, this does at times provide him with some resistance to mental tampering because of it. (It can be over come with a mentalist that can think or process as quickly as he can. This ability also protects him and whatever he is carrying from the hazards of traveling at high speeds. Electrical Energy generation: Because of his connection to the electrical frequency, he is constantly able to absorb the electric kinetic energy around him to produce a sufficient electrical blast (6 x day.). By absorbing electricity he can enhance this speed temporarily and even decrease his rest time by half. Self-Duplication: Because of his speed he is able to create up to two facsimiles of himself with a current time limit of thirty minutes. Enhanced Memory: Able to brilliantly recall all that he has seen, heard or experienced. 85% of the time. Flaws/Weaknesses:Awareness If he is unaware of the attack he is unable to defend against said attack. Making him particularly vulnerable when sleep or unconscious. People Pleaser: Difficulty saying no. He wants to get on others' good side and sometimes it to his detriment. Impulsive : Typical speedster always on the go so stands to reason. Loneliness: Fear of being alone. History:Zander was a mutant for a while 12 yrs old, he loved it when it applied to just his schooling. He was through with the book or school work in record time because he could process faster. It was when things began to slow down around him that he began to freak out. It even stopped a time or two, and he was still moving the world around had just stopped, and he was still moving. Furthermore, it left him isolated and alone at times. When things restarted he was very much freaking out. He realized unfortunately what was going on and he hated it. In truth, he wanted to be normal mostly. He was recruited by the professor, and he has finally come to terms with his abilities and come to not only accept them but enjoy them but some of those deep-seated fears still remain.(( (Gris Gender:Mileage:23Ethnicity:Mixed - mainly French and Italian Physical Appearance:Upscale rocker chic, hair styled meticulously messy, some tastefully defined muscles, and dangerously fun vehicles sum up a lot of it. Jean stands a bit over 6' tall and has medium length reddish hair that looks a bit fiery in sunlight. He's far from a bodybuilder, but he keeps himself well and chooses his clothes to carefully show that off. He also speaks with a faint French accent, though he's spent most of his life in the United States. Personality:Jean is outgoing and charismatic. He loves to party and have a good time, and occasionally gets into trouble and things that he shouldn't. He's generally quite positive, though he does have a little bit of a temper at times. A bit of an ego is definitely in place, though he is not without a heart. He comes off like a playboy, but he's smart as a whip and not many escapes his attention. Abilities:Telepathy-Jean is a powerful and accomplished telepath, wielding a rather large variety of talents. This includes defenses, manipulation, blasts, siphoning of psychic energy, and detection abilities. His powers were once wildly out of control, but after learning under Emma Frost they quickly came into sharp control. Telekinesis- Jean has the ability to lift, propel, move and manipulate objects as well as himself. He can create force fields, and even objects like weapons out of psychic energy. His excels a fine control, and can live over 50 tons but as he gets closer to his limit his control lessens, and he's accidentally destroyed large objects he was attempting to manipulate more than once. When he uses large amounts of his telekinetic prowess, a fiery aura of psionic energy sometimes seems to appear around him. Phoenix Force-Somewhere buried deep inside Jean is the power of the Phoenix. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) this is completely unavailable to him and is locked away. Flaws/Weaknesses:Human-When it comes down to it, Jean has no special toughness, strength, or immunities. It may be nearly impossible to catch him unaware, but if you do, he has no defenses without his powers and own skills.Temper-Jean has a bit of a temper, which can sometimes cause him to make rash decisions if he isn't careful.Control-Some part of Jean, deep within his psyche, sometimes makes it a bit more difficult for him to control his powers. History:Originally born to lower middle class parents in Switzerland, Jean is of mixed French and Italian ancestry. They lived in Geneva for his early years, speaking primarily French though Jean picked up the other official languages of Switzerland as well. Eventually his father was offered a job to teach History at a small but prestigious college in New York and the family picked up and moved to Annandale-on-Hudson. When he was 10, he was playing outside with his friend Andrew when Andrew was hit by car speeding through their neighborhood. Jean's powers awoke at that moment, and he felt all the emotion and physical pain his friend went through as Andrew died in front of Jean. This left Jean mentally scarred for obvious reasons, and he found himself unable to control his newfound powers. His parents took him to therapists but none of them seemed to be able to figure out why he heard voices, and none of the drugs stopped them. His parents were almost going to have him committed when a very powerful telepath found him. Emma Frost took Jean under her wing and taught him how to use and control his powers. She saw the amazing potential within him and helped to mold it over the following years, as well as making sure to suppress the roiling strength that lay deep within Jean's psyche. His schooling took place at the Frost Academy, both regular school and power learning. By the time he turned 18 he had already started well into college level courses, but rather than go to a proper University, he was offered a job with an... associate of Frost's. Since that day his whole lifestyle changed, money rolling in alongside knowledge and power as he worked for the man known as Sebastian Shaw, acting as the man's personal telepath for business dealings and protection. (Marie Gender:Female Age:19Ethnicity:Caucasian Physical Appearance:Rogue is truly a Southern Belle. From the way she talks to the way she walks and conducts herself. She ain't worried bout putting on airs or train to be sum thin she ain't. At 5'8" she's got long legs, and a slender body. She often wears layers of clothes, and seldom shows much skin. Green eyes brim with determination and passion. Her most noticeable trait is the white streak in her auburn hair. Personality:Rogue suffers from a great deal of self-loathing and unfocused anger. She's haunted by a mistake in her past she had no control over. She desires to be loved and cared for and wants a family who will accept her and be there for her. Furthermore, she's adventurous, rebellious, and wild, with no small amount of Southern fire. Furthermore, she'll stay up drinking with the boys on Saturday, but go to church come Sunday morning. Abilities:Rogue can absorb the memories, knowledge, talents, personality, physical abilities, and life energy (whether superhuman or not) of the person she touches. Flaws/Weaknesses:She can't control her powers. Any physical, skin-on-skin contact will cause her to absorb the memories, knowledge, talents, personality, and physical abilities of that person. If the contact lasts too long, she can put them in a coma. It's theorized she could even kill them. History:Her parents, Owen and Priscilla, lived in a back-to-nature hippie commune with aunt Carrie in Walcott County, Mississippi. Born as Anna Marie, she was raised speaking colloquial English and French, common to the Mississippi bayou area. The commune's failed attempt to use Native American mysticism to reach the "Far Banks" resulted in Priscilla's disappearance. Carrie took over Anna's care, and in her grief at the loss of her sister, was a strict and authoritarian guardian. This didn't sit well with the rebellious young woman, and at the age of thirteen Anna Marie ran away. Whether, chance or Destiny, she was soon approached by Mystique. The woman, along with her lover Destiny, took her in and shortly after adopted her as their daughter. It was around this time that Anna Marie met a boy named Cody Robbins. During their short-lived flirtation, Cody kissed her at which point her latent mutant power to absorb the life energy and psyche of others with skin-to-skin contact emerged. She was traumatized, and Cody was left in a permanent coma. From that day, Rogue wears body-concealing clothing, and truly believes she is cursed. Once her powers emerged, Mystique began coaxing Anna Marie into taking part in terrorist action alongside the Crime Masters. Anna Marie initially rejected the idea, and only wanted to live a normal life. However, with time and Mystique's manipulation, she came around to Mystique's thinking. She has been training with the Masters for the last year. She's unsure when Mystique will give her her debut, but she's rearin' ta go. (Drake Gender:Female Age:17Ethnicity:CaucacsionPhysical Appearance:Long blonde curls cascade past slim shoulders and frame crystal blue eyes and a bright smile. At 5'10" she's got a statuesque frame with lovely long legs. She's fit and athletic. Her arms, legs, and core have a well-defined feminine muscle tone. She enjoys how her body looks and feels, and typically doesn't mind showing off some skin. Her normal attire includes skinny jeans, midriffs, tank tops, and track shoes. When powered up, several layers of ice coat her entire body. In her words, she looks more like an ice sculpture than a person. While still feminine in form, her features are difficult to interpret. Personality:Bobbi is a fun-loving, wise-cracking kid who lives at the moment. She's smart and intelligent, though, reckless at times. While she has a serious side, she often hides it behind a more jovial and devil-may-care persona. She tries to be optimistic. Her compassion will even be extended to foes. Abilities:Thermogenesis: Bobbi is a mutant with the superhuman ability to lower her external and internal body temperature, projecting intense coldness from her body. She can mentally override her hypothalamus to allow her body temperature to be lowered by an unknown internal mechanism. This ability converts the latent thermal energies in and around her body into an unknown form of energy that is efficiently dissipated. She can consciously, immediately, lower her body temperature from its normal 98.6 Fahrenheit to absolute zero. As her body temperature falls, the surrounding moisture in the air which is in contact with her is also lowered. Like condensed moisture forming frost, this moisture forms an icy covering which encompasses her entire body. It also obscures her facial features. Cold Immunity:A related mutation has rendered her body tissues unaffected by sub-zero temperatures. Thermal Vision: Ability to see beings due to the heat signatures that others give off, because of the absence of heat around her. Cryokinesis: Crystal can use her mutant ability to control moisture, such as to freeze any air moisture into super-hard ice. This ice can be formed into any object of her choosing: the only limitation is her imagination, and the ambient air temperature which determines how long her ice sculpture will stay frozen. She does not have to hold the ice physically in order to shape it. Flaws/Weaknesses:While outside of her ice form, Bobbi is much more vulnerable than she would be otherwise. Further, the coldness she is able to generate is partially dependent on the ambient moisture available. Likewise, intense heat will melt her sculptures and structures, unless she actively exerts a level of coldness that counteracts the heat. Possibly, her biggest weakness is that she fears the full extent of her powers and will often hold back. History:Bobbi Drake was born in Piano, New York, to William Robert Drake and Madeline Beatrice Bass-Drake. She is Jewish and on her mother's side and Irish Catholic on her father's. Bobbi discovered her mutant ability to create ice at the age of 12, yet kept her condition hidden from everyone but her parents. A year ago, during her Sophomore year of high school, she was on a date with Jimmy Harmon. A local bully by the name of Rocky Beasley attempted to kidnap her. Beasley attacked Jimmy and upon seeing Jimmy get hurt, Bobbi pointed her hand at the thug and encased him in a block of ice. Later, the local townspeople, having heard of the incident, came looking for her in the form of an angry mob. The local sheriff had no choice but to put Bobbi in jail for her own "protection". While Bobbi sat in her cell at the sheriff station, a man named Charles Xavier walked in and had Bobbi released. They went to the Drake's residence, where Xavier sat down and talked with Bobbi and her parents. Bobbi's parents suggest that she go with Professor Xavier to his "school for gifted youngsters". Bobbi took the suggestion and left with Professor Xavier. Since then, she's attended the school and lived in the dorm. (Rhodes Gender:Mileage:18Ethnicity:American (Caucasian)Physical Appearance:If there was one word to described Jason's physical appearance, many would likely choose 'mundane'. Standing at 5'11", he bears the standard qualities of someone that has an endomorph body type, such as an almost linear build and being relatively thin in frame. His visage is highlighted by a protruding brow casting a natural shadow over his downturned, steel-blue eyes and one may notice a vague hint of an overbite when he is smiling. Despite his unassuming appearance, he bears a considerably taut musculature due to the nature of his supernatural abilities. Personality:Like most other people, Jason is an individual with a few qualities that are emphasized higher than others that still bear the same grounds for inconsistency and hypocrisy. To put it simply, he is "one of the boys", although there are aspects about him that set a higher standard for maturity than some. He works hard, so he can play harder. With the aspirations to follow his father's footsteps in law enforcement, he deeply cares about the well-being of his community and passionately believes that those that do evil onto others should be punished accordingly. Where he differs from his father, however, is his concerns are mainly focused on a smaller scale. He does not believe that his actions have wide-reaching effects and that he should only pay attention to his and his own. Abilities:Body Supremacy: Jason's mutant ability activated a long time ago, although he was not aware of it at the time. Until recent events, people believed he was simply blessed or gifted. In truth, he naturally exceeds the average human's physical capabilities by a significant margin. His musculature is capable of utilizing its full body mass whereas the average human utilizes twenty to thirty percent. This grants him absolute peak human performance with the additional benefit of producing less lactic acid build-up. Enhanced Strength: Jason can lift, push, pull, and carry roughly five times his body weight. Enhanced Speed: Jason is capable of sprinting up to speeds that exceed most Olympic level athletes. Enhanced Stamina: Jason can keep himself going for longer periods of time before exhaustion begins to kick in. Enhanced Durability: Jason can take more of a beating that the average person. Flaws/Weaknesses:Boy Scout: Jason swore to live as lawfully obligated as possible with a strict moral compass. He will not sacrifice his personal obligations for anything because in his mind, doing so makes him no better than his father whom he shares an estranged love/hate relationship with. Commitment Issues: Jason's never fully recovered from losing his baby sister and is inherently terrified of losing someone else close to him. Because of this, he fears getting involved with anyone beyond professional relations or casual affairs. History:Jason Rhodes was born on August 27, to a law-enforcement father, Jeremiah Rhodes (26), and a cosmetologist mother, Monique Bradley (22). At an early age, Jason began to idolize his father’s commitment to civic protection and spent enough time at the Jersey City Police Department to know most of them by name. The majority of his childhood revolved around other police officer’s children as friends or going out to social events hosted by law enforcement. After passing kindergarten, he enrolled in a self-defense class taught by a retired cop and was already learning the finer details about firearm safety. The complications of living as the son of a cop didn’t begin until his pre-adolescent years. Jason was restricted to an eight o’clock curfew, often barring him from hanging out with friends or preventing visits at their homes. He often felt conflicted with being frustrated at his parent’s over-protectiveness. Fortunately, he was able to balance time spent at shooting ranges during family outings and playing for his school’s basketball team. It was also common for him to hears friends say it was cool to have a cop as a father while coping with the absence during holidays or school games. Nevertheless, the time they did spend together amount to some of Jason’s happiest moments, especially when they watched a home game of the Detroit Pistons. At the age of 13, Jason waited out the anticipated arrival of a baby sister. He took the news as motivation to start applying more focus into providing for family. He knew that one day he may become man of the house and that the responsibility of protection fell on him. It was a way to emulate his father and he accepted it with eager pride. It didn’t come without difficulty, however. Trying to force himself into so much at once resulted in dropped marks in school and even into a few fights. It wasn’t until his position on the basketball team was in question that Jason approached his father to receive wisdom. Once again, the respect in his father was revitalized and enhanced further. After winning the State Championship game, Jason celebrated the rest of the school year alongside Aubrey de Los Santos. They started dating in secret, mostly to avoid his father doing a background check and forcing into their relationship. Additionally, she was not the most positive of influences in Jason’s behavior. It became common for him to sneak out at night and prowl the streets, but they never got into extremely dangerous acts. He believed the lack of response out of his parents told him everything was fine until Aubrey’s father was arrested for drug possession. Jason let his emotions cloud judgement and confront his father, accusing him of being unfair with the law. After his father revealed that he knew everything already, he listened to a lecture that reinforced the ideals of a police officer. They had a brief time of being distant, especially with Aubrey manipulating him by acting like the victim. Eventually, their intimacy wore thin and they decided to stay as friends. It was only days later that father and son reconciled their relationship and took a day out playing laser tag. The night was concluded with a lengthy heart-to-heart between them. On July 11th, the Rhodes' celebrated his baby sister’s third birthday and held the party among friends, mostly composed of other law enforcement families. It all came to an abrupt halt, however, after another officer confronted Ceramic and barked out accusations of being a dirty cop. With the tension high and not willing to ruin his daughter’s party, Jason watched the two take a ride leaving the others to question things. Nonetheless, the party came to a close and everyone left. His father came back home later that night bruised up and caused a fuss, reassuring that everything was going to work out. Unfortunately, it was a lie and men stormed into their home after midnight with guns drawn. They collected all four of them in the living room, tying Jason’s father to a chair where he was brutally beaten by a man in a suit. Jason, his mother and his baby sister heard how their idolized father figure truly was a corrupt cop and tried to cheat criminals out of paying money to stay out of jail. Eventually, Jason’s sister ripped from her mother’s arms and tried to run and hide only to have a trigger-happy thug shoot her in surprise. The thug immediately received a bullet in the head from the man in a suit, and they started to panic and run away. The man in the suit’s parting gift was a bullet in the father’s spine and the horrific disposal of a murdered thug who killed the youngest in the household. Life for Jason took a miserable turn afterward, facing the funeral of his beloved baby sister and the arrest of Ceramic for a plethora of things. Jason was furious and disappointed at his now paraplegic inmate of a father to the point of resentment. To make things worse, his faith in the legal system had all but shattered, making him not see beyond the fact the man responsible for the sister’s death had not been caught. Convinced that they were not working hard enough to bring justice, he hatched a plan of his own. One night, he snuck into his father’s study room and donned the stored tactical gear and balaclava. Loading up with a sidearm and other tools he thought he needed, Jason set out like other vigilantes he heard of on the news to do things himself. For three months, Jason spent nearly every night beating down petty thugs for information, handling the loss of sleep, plummeting grades and worry from his mother over bruises. It wasn’t until he saw one of the men that stormed in the house that he caught his break. After brutally crippling the man in question, Jason had his lead and recklessly charged headfirst into danger. The man in the suit owned a yacht where he was hosting a private party for the evening. After scouting things out, Jason assaulted the guards and fought his way to his target. The fight immediately began to attract law-enforcement attention after the ship mysteriously detonated. With the man’s face severely scarred from the explosion, Jason was able to make short work of him on the pier while the yacht sank. As Jason heard the sirens fast approaching in the distance, he began to rush off despite his injuries. Much to his surprise, a group of individuals had intercepted him as he turned out of an alleyway onto a less traveled road. Although on guard, he could only resign to the fact that his injuries were not as severe as they should be when it was pointed out. Learning of his status as a mutant, he worked with Charles Xavier to convince his mother that he had found a college that suited his goals and joined Xavier's Institute of Higher Learned soon thereafter. (ProudstarGender:Mileage:23Ethnicity:Apache Physical Appearance:Warpath is 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 m) in height and weighs 350 pounds, with long black hair worn straight and usually drawn back by a headband bearing symbols related to his particular Apache tribe. His eyes are deep brown, and he has a pronounced muscular physique...especially his arms, calves, and thighs. Personality:Almost always dead serious and focused on whatever the current mission is. Abilities:Trained armed/unarmed combatant Skilled hunter and tracker Peak physical condition Superhuman strength, senses, agility, reflexes/reactions, flexibility, speed, stamina, endurance, resilience and resistance to injuryFlightRegenerative Healing Factor Wields a pair of uranium Bowie knives Flaws/Weaknesses:Tends to hold grudges, especially when it involves his former tribe, his late brother, or actions that he perceives as being a betrayal of him. History:James Proud star was raised in a small reservation in the middle of the Midwest US. It was not readily apparent that he was a mutant until the summer after he finally hit puberty. By Labor Day of that year, he had grown almost a foot in height and all of his muscles seemed to just swell and gain in mass and definition without much effort on his part. Due to his idolization of his older brother, though, he did buckle down and exercise--refining all that power even more to be best able to perform at a level he thought would make his brother and his tribe proud of him. Then news arrived that his brother had died. While nothing definitive came along with his brother's body, James decided that the blame fell squarely upon the shoulders of the white man, Charles Xavier, who had approached his brother and offered him some unknown job away from the reservation. When an offer came to him from a group that seemed to be rivals of Xavier's, James jumped at the chance to find out what had happened and get revenge. (Braddock Gender:Female Age:22Ethnicity:British - Caucasian Physical Appearance:Elizabeth Braddock was born as the twin of Brian Braddock as a blonde bombshell. Early in her life, she ruled the runways of the fashion industry. Quickly, her fair skinned face graced the covers of the most elite fashion magazines such as Vogue, and even a Playboy issue. She was known for her beautiful purple eyes and perfectly chiseled cheekbones. Elizabeth stands at 5’10’’ and weighs in around 135 pounds. She keeps herself in peak physical condition. She dyed her long blonde hair lilac to purple and has done so since the day she started modeling. Betsy favors bold, loud, or brightly colored clothing when acting as a civilian. Personality:Locke is defined by several overpowering personality traits, some of which are at direct odds with one another. What bridges all of it is her confidence. She takes great pride in her ability to depend upon herself for just about anything, and never finds a situation too grim for hope. She's of the disposition to believe that anything can be overcome with sufficient know-how, and a wide variety of skills and resources that only bolster this belief. If Locke can't use diplomacy or think her way through a problem, she can kick or psychic-power her way through it, or throw money at it, or lean on her spy buddies for it, or lean on her X-Buddies for it, or... you get the idea. Nothing is ever impossible, and Locke has very little time for anyone who disagrees or is just willing to give up without trying. Psylocke is a very calm, determined individual when she wants something. She can be stubborn, but only when she knows she's right, and frankly as a woman, isn’t she 100% in the right anyway? =). All the same, she's not the type to be goaded into a fight, what with cooler heads prevailing and all. Most attempts to bait her will fail. Part of this was her extensive martial arts training, and part of this comes from her upbringing where she was expected to behave in a certain manner. She's not the type to explode into histrionics, or ever really let anyone get a good bead on how she's feeling -- stiff upper lip and all that. This side of her extends to Locke's working habits. When 'on the ‘job’, this X-Woman tends to be of the no-nonsense sort, aside from a stray quip, (she does have a sense of humor), where she deems one to be appropriate. She's not interested in horsing around or doing things inefficiently. Off the clock, though, Elizabeth Braddock can be a very charming, fun person. She enjoys a very high quality of living, and anyone able to match it would have no trouble seeing the vibrant, humorous side of her personality. Unfortunately, because of her exacting tastes, most of her friends tend to be the fellow rich, or other longtime X-Men who've spent years getting to know her. To those capable of making it over that wall, she's a loyal friend and a surprisingly gentle soul. Abilities:Locke is a high level telepath/telekinetic/martial artist which includes mind-control, psychic communication, and thought projection with the ability to form blades out of psionic energy that can cause mental or psychic damage, depending on utilization. Telepathy:Locke’s telepathy is strong enough that she is capable of communicating, reading minds, mind control, telepathic illusions and scanning, mental paralysis, amnesia and projecting her thoughts across vast distances as well as generating painful mental blasts. Surface thoughts come easiest to her but with little concentration she can probe deeper. A pink butterfly signature appears over her eyes and face when her powers are used. When she telepathically communicates with another person over a distance, that person also often perceives her presence as a butterfly-like image bearing large eyes on its wings. She is also able to tap into the astral plane through this power. Telepathic Combatant:As a telepath, Locke takes advantage of her powers in a fight by reading her opponent's movements seconds before they make them, giving her the opportunity to counter-attack faster, and she can also use her telepathy to mask her presence from other people, humans and super-humans alike. She also creates telepathic illusions to distract her enemies while fighting them and as a martial expert, she uses her psychic knife to incapacitate her opponents without killing them, though she has fewer inhibitions about doing so and will if necessary. Telekinesis:Locke has the ability to psionically manipulate and control the physical aspects of reality. She is able to move objects, people, and herself easily enough. But, while she can move objects from a distance and fly as other telekinetic do, she has shown little inclination to do either in combat situations and reserves that for her training. She can also create telekinetic shields of various sizes and strengths. Locke at first seemed to find that using her telekinesis in forceful ways was easier than in delicate ways (i.e. shattering a brick wall proving easier than levitating a pencil across a room). Her telekinesis was often used as a solid blast of power directed at an opponent. She has spent years working to control the finesse of her ability, the only limits to her telekinesis would be her will and imagination. Advanced Telekinetic Combatant:As a telekinetic, she often uses her powers to augment her strength and speed. Psionic Blade/Sword:Locke can manifest a telekinetic blade composed of raw psi-energy at will. Her blades can slice an armored opponent and cut through the armor, but leave the attacker physically unharmed and without physically damaging their body. Instead, the opponent receiving the damage may mentally feel the pain. The effects of the swords depend on Locke's imagination. She can cause physical effects of the swords as well. She can also use her swords to shatter telepathic power-inhibitors imposed on others. In addition, when the swords cut through someone's mind, it will break through any psychic defenses and cut through any psychic walls or mental control. Locke's telekinetic manifestations produce visible radiance in the physical world. Thus, she can use her psychic blade as a makeshift light source in areas of darkness. As of late, Locke has been practicing even more versatility when it comes to her psionic constructs. She has been practicing creating psi-bows and arrows. Psionic Blade/Knife:She can focus her mental energy by intensely channeling and focusing her psionic powers to her hands to create ‘psychic blades’, razor-sharp composed of pure psychic energy and have a purple glow to them, and are said to be the ultimate physical manifestation of her powers which she plunges into the minds of her targets directly. She often uses them to disrupt the neurons of her foes by driving the glowing "blade" of mental energy into their skulls. Psionic Blasts:She can also focus her psychic energy into a powerful psychic blast that can be directed at her enemies and affect their mind. The blast is capable of causing them pain, stunning an enemy inducing unconsciousness, or even death. An energy signature resembling a butterfly appears around her eyes when she does this. Psionic Immunity:Locke has been shown to have an immunity to certain psionic attacks such as; mind reading, illusions, and telepathy. Astral Projection:Can project her astral form from her body onto astral planes or the physical planes. In the astral plane, she can mentally create psionic objects and manipulate the aspects of her environment. Precognition:Locke occasionally has precognitive dreams. Master Martial Artist:Locke has been classified as a master martial artist, though the specific fighting arts she has mastered has never been revealed. She is also very well versed in the use of various stealth methods, silent movement, infiltration, concealment, escape & evasion, covert methods, espionage, and acrobatics. Flaws/Weaknesses:Power-wise, Locke’s telekinesis does not have the control needed to have certain abilities such as stopping the blood flow to an opponent's brain, move small objects, or small scale molecular changes. These are things she is actively working on. For all her mental power, and physical training, Locke is still squishy and though she can create force fields of psychic energy, it is not infallible making her vulnerable to being wounded or even killed. Psylocke has trouble trusting others, especially when it comes to her mental defenses. Due to the events that brought her here, she is a perfectionist, she is very hard on herself. When it comes to her abilities and training, she never wants to be unprepared again. History:Elizabeth Braddock was born to privilege in England, unknowingly the daughter of a man from the alternate dimension. Sir James Braddock was a denizen of Otherworld, an other-dimensional realm. Merlin sent James to Earth to father the champion, who would be known as Captain Britain. Arriving in England, Dr. Braddock became one of the United Kingdom's leading research scientists. James soon married and set up home in Braddock Manor. There, James created a highly advanced supercomputer he named Mastermind. Dr. Braddock and Mrs. Braddock had three children, Jamie Braddock Jr. (the eldest who had reality-warping powers and insanity issues), and twins Brian (who became Otherworld's champion in this reality, known as Captain Britain) and Elizabeth Braddock. When Betsy and Brian were in their late teens, their parents were killed in an explosion, in Dr. Braddock's laboratory, caused by the malfunctioning computer Mastermind. Brian Braddock pursued postgraduate studies in Physics at Thames University, while Betsy worked as a charter pilot and part-time model dying her long blonde hair a striking shade of purple for the shock value alone. But Betsy fell in love with it, and it became her signature look. Shortly before their eighteenth birthday and fairly soon after Brian became the hero Captain Britain, Betsy alerted him that their brother Jamie had been injured, while testing his racing car in the grounds of Braddock Manor, apparently it had been an attack rather than an accident. Betsy flew Brian back to the Manor, but their plane was downed as they neared the crash by the psychic powers of Dr. Lynne; luckily both inside survived the crash. Dr. Lynne subsequently mind controlled Betsy into seeing her brothers as hideous monsters, causing her to attack them, but they managed to overpower her, but she was injured severely in the fight. Betsy was taken to the nearby Order Research Centre for treatment, unwittingly delivering her into the hands of one of Lynne's agents, Dr. Ramsey. When Brian managed to defeat Lynne, Ramsey reverted to his true allegiances as an agent of the Nazi Red Skull, taking both Betsy and Jamie as hostages. Both were subsequently freed by Captain Britain and his new ally, Captain America. It was after this that Betsy experienced her first reported psychic incident, there may have been earlier, unreported ones, but Lynne's mind control appeared to have unlocked her full psychic potential, allowing it to start to develop at a much more rapid pace. Shortly after making a full recovery, Betsy was recruited into a British spy division at the tender age of seventeen. Betsy threw herself into the training, taking the codename Locke, and vowing never to allow herself to be unprepared like that again. As part of her upbringing Jaime and the twins were given all the best training money could afford, from schooling to extracurricular activities, and for Betsy that included martial arts training from only the worlds best masters. But after the events at Braddock Manor, she sought out additional training using her telepathy to learn faster than she ever had before as she could absorb their knowledge. Trouble was, her knowledge far exceeded her active muscle memory and inexperience with this new knowledge. She needed time to not only learn how to hone these new skills, but to gain a better understanding of her mental powers. It was a close friend of Charles Xavier who introduced the two of them. Charles recognized the raw and untapped potential within the young woman. Wanting more for her than to become another mutant assassin for the British, he convinced her to leave and come back with him to the Institute. With some encouragement from her twin, Betsy agreed and has been a notable presence ever since. Other Visuals Visual Description:(Face Claim: Odette Annabel (AddletonGender:Female Age:25Ethnicity:CaucassianPhysical Appearance:Standing at 5'5" Louis is a well-built, reasonably muscled woman. She sports long brown hair and a clear complexion, but holds it in importance to maintain a healthy figure, especially since she began training with Emma Frost. Face Claim: Camilla LuddingtonPersonality:Louis is a lover of jokes and jests, and tends to mess around a lot with her colleagues and peers. However, she can get very serious when the time calls for it. She's a natural-born leader, and takes charge when the situation calls for it. Louis is also very protective of everyone she cares about, going to great lengths to keep her friends and family safe. Abilities:Energy Manipulation: Louis can manipulate energy to create various affects. She can also absorb certain types of energy, mainly heat or electricity. Energy Blasts:Louis has learned how to harness energy to create supercharged blasts capable of doing severe damage. Energy Beam: Like a laser Louis can focus her energy to become a beam of destruction. Energy Absorption:Louis is still learning this particular skill, but she can absorb certain corporeal forms of energy, such as heat or lasers, and utilize this in her own blasts, beams, or even heating herself up from the elements. Advanced Physique:Although lacking in the superhuman healing or physique properties, Louis has trained long and hard to keep her body in the best shape she can. She's talented at acrobatics and fast on her feet, though she tends to use energy blasts to leap higher and go further, she is very fit, and knows a fair amount of parkour. Flaws/Weaknesses:Weak to psychic attacks:Louis has never trained against psychic attacks, at least not yet, and so she is vulnerable to them immensely. Hyper-Focused:If nothing else Louis's tendency to focus on one thing so much that it eventually hurts can get her in trouble. She could be perfect at something, and still hyper-focused about training in that area. History:Louis started life like any other human, born to parents Eric and Manuela Addle ton in Lowell, Massachusetts, and like most mutants, Louis Addle ton's powers did not show up until puberty hit. At the age of twelve, Louis had blasted a hole the size of a baseball into her wall unintentionally. She quickly found she couldn't find this power, unless her hands were covered up by some sort of cloth or leather. Louis donned a pair of black leather gloves, and didn't remove them after that day, until the day she realized she could use those powers for good. At the age of 17 Louis witnessed a robbery going down, and decided to intervene. Although off aim, Louis was able to scare off the robber, and damage a fair chunk of wall. Feeling like she was on cloud nine, Louis decided now was the time to attempt to train herself and get better at controlling this power of hers. The young girl struggled with this for a long time, but kept trying. Hiding in the woods and blasting trees wasn't the same as fighting humans though, or fleeing cops after doing so. So Louis took to training her body as well as her mind, focused on becoming fast and strong. The young vigilante took to the streets, calling herself Shooter, and for a year worked at stopping crime and fleeing the police. Eventually Louis would grow tired of this cat and mouse game, and went looking for more individuals like her, that search would lead her to Frost's Academy in Snow Valley, Massachusetts. Control over her power came slowly, and she eventually was able to aim with her blasts, and create rudimentary beams from her hands. It wouldn't be until she joined the group of student's at Frost's Academy that she truly realized the potential of her powers. Additional Image(( PetrovaGender:Female Age:19Ethnicity:Caucasian Physical Appearance:Dark brown hair with brilliant hazel green eyes accentuate a fair complexion, and angular feminine features. Face Claim: Crystal Reed Personality:Alicia is a bold, strong woman who stands up for what she believes is right. Truly chaotic good, Alicia is willing to do what it takes to do the right thing. Alicia spends most of her time reading comics or manga, it's a bit of a vice for her. Abilities:Duplication:Alicia can make multiple clones of herself at will. Up to five if she is really straining. The fewer clones the easier it is to create them. Solid individual copies of herself, Alicia can retain any information they might have seen or heard through a mental link to each clone, and can also return the clones to her own body at will, making them appear to have dissipated into a dust like substance. Flaws/Weaknesses:-Alicia tends take longer then necessary naps because of the tax making clones has on her.-Alicia is easily distracted by her vices, like comics or manga.-Alicia spends way too much time on things that aren't training. History:Alicia Petrov was born to parents William and Ashley Petrov in the middle of a huge winter storm. Despite her cold beginning to life, the young girl grew up relatively normal, going through school as any normal child would. That is until the age of 16, when she first discovered the ability to duplicate herself. It was a cool October evening, and Alicia was going to a party with friends. Alicia had been elected the designated driver that evening, and so was completely sober throughout the event. Keeping a watchful eye over her wasted and drunk friends, Alicia was the first to notice that one of the young women had gone missing. Upon investigation, Alicia found her friend being harassed by a group of jocks, and the young girl jumped into action, fighting back. But a sixteen-year-old girl didn't stand much chance against a group of three burly jocks, at least not one sixteen-year-old girl. Before she knew it, the jocks had been sent to the ground, and she had a very clear recollection of how she took all three down. Though, Alicia was confused as to how she had done so by herself. The next day, the same friend, who had been very drunk at the time, told Alicia she had basically cloned herself. Alicia didn't believe the other girl at first, swearing that her friend had been too drunk and dizzy to really know. But then it happened again a year later. She was sitting in her room, wishing there were two of herself to catch up on homework, and suddenly there were. Sitting on her bed was an exact copy of herself, personality and all. Freaked out Alicia had run to her parents, and neither had an explanation for her. They all dug their heads in, trying to figure out what had happened to their daughter and why this was a thing she could do now, until a year later they discovered Xavier's School in NY. Not far from their current home in Greenwich, Connecticut. Additional Images(( Seek-Chin and Lee Soon-BokNicknames:The twins Gender:Well… It’s kinda complicated? It depends on the twin controlling the body. Age:Both the twins are 19Ethnicity:North Korean Physical Appearance:The body that Seek-Chin and Songbook Lee shifts depending on which of the twins are in control at the time. While the weight might shift around somehow their height remains the same which Songbook loves because she used to be much shorter. However, their appearance accurately reflects their old bodies in this new form which makes wearing clothing difficult. The brother Lee Seek-Chin has short dark hair and his form has no body fat with his muscles hardened from years of combat and whatever training he gained between the wars he was sent to. His twin sister Lee Songbook has longer black hair with dark eyes and seems to be quicker with a smile than her younger brother. She has a nice butt, with a smaller chest size then girls in the surrounding town. What pleases her most though? She used to be 4’ 9” but is now 5’5” in this new body. Face Claim:Nam Jew Yuk as Seek-Chin and Kim Shaun as Soon-BokPersonality:Seek-Chin: He is a quiet man and rarely smiles, and it is very unusual for Seek to even laugh. Seek has taken it upon himself to protect his older sister Songbook from everything he can. This started from when he blocked her from seeing their mother butchered and goes on to the actions he has taken on the battlefield. He has no problems with killing people as he sees it as a way to keep his sister alive. As time has passed he is still cold-blooded, and his eyes have a tendency to make normal people squirm due to the unfeeling coldness contained within. However, as time passes he will let some people in, although he still really doesn’t know how to act around women outside of combat. He really isn’t villainous, but to an outsider he appears to relish killing a bit too much. If one threatens his sister though Seek-Chin will butcher the offending party as his temper takes over, also Seek-Chin is heterosexual just he has no real experience with women. Soon-Bok: She is the gentle soul that takes the place of her twin brother’s conscience. She is kind and enjoys meeting some new people and always seems to find a reason to smile now that they are away from their owners. Soon doesn’t have the experience in blocking out things from her brother like he does. She is highly distrustful of men after what had happened to her growing up, but she does realize that some women can be the same. Songbook is bisexual and leans towards women, but will consider men if she really gets to know them… And they pass her brothers' inspection… Alive… Powers:Amalgamation:This is Lee Songbook’s main power, and it lets her merge two separate objects into one. However, the power was only usable for one time and the results are permanent. It also allows for both twins to use the same powers as they combine into a single body with said powers. Shapeshifting:This is a side effect of Soon’s powers allowing the single form to shift depending on which twin is in control. Seek brings forth the male form and Soon holds the female form. However, they can shift into different forms if they choose. Twin Souls:This breaks the power down even further as both Seuk’s and Soon’s souls live in that combined body. This also aids in the defense of telepaths… Energy Absorption:This is the main power that Seek-Chin brings to the table. This gives them the supernatural ability to absorb kinetic energy and use it to enhance their own physical strength, speed and stamina and even allow them to fly. The twins absorb the energy of any blow they are struck by, not just punches, but also projectiles like bullets, and to less successful degree electrical and physically based energy beams. To use these abilities they must channel their stored energy into what they want to increase, and they can only increase one stat at a time leaving the others at a minimum charged state. Eventually as their powers develop it will be revealed that their powers aren’t limited to just kinetic energy, but in fact they can absorb any type of energy to fuel their powers. Though kinetic energy just works the best… Kinetic Metabolism:They can forgo sleep if they receive enough kinetic energy. Having enough stored energy lets them even put off eating, but all of that will come back after they release all that energy. Enhanced Durability:They can still be crushed and cut, but the cuts will be shallow because they will sap the blade of all the cutting or thrusting energy. Hitting them can be likened to punching a mattress. This power will grow even stronger as their powers develop to absorb even more types of energy. Enhanced Strength:As they absorb energy they can lift of hold a minimum of 1 or 2 tons. They can lift and hold more weight by channeling more of their stored energy. Enhanced Speed:When they have absorbed kinetic energy, their speed is increased. After channeling enough energy, they can attack more quickly then others can react. Enhanced Stamina:Their stamina levels will also increase as they absorb energy. Regenerative Healing Factor:While it’s extremely difficult to injure Seek, it’s not impossible, When this happens their stored energy can be channeled to heal faster than a normal human. However, this takes time and requires Seek’s focus so it’s unusable during battle. Pheromone Manipulation:Unlike Seek, Songbook has learned to channel their energy for a completely different effect. She can channel energy to manipulate her pheromones for some minor effects and if she gets within touching distance Soon can directly channel energy into the touched target causing pleasurable sensations. However, like Seek’s healing Songbook must focus to use this ability not making it useful in the middle of battle. On the other side it is a great way to get the drop on an opponent. Abilities:Shared Skills:Sharing the same body means that the twins can share knowledge and skills. Martial Arts:They both have learned how to fight from another members of the mercy. Seek mainly knows TAE Won Do and Maui Thai, but he also uses a form of street fighting intended to create separation and allow him to put bullets into the opponent. Soon has learned Tea Won Do and Capoeira as well as some minor forms of Lungful. Weapons:Speaking of which Seek-Chin is an expert in most weapons needing to use them to survive the battlefields from a young age. Pistols, Assault Rifles, Other rifles, knives and the like he has used them, though Soon won’t touch most weapons preferring to remain hand to hand.Multilingual:Songbook has learned a variety of languages and can speak most Asian languages, English, and some Middle Eastern languages. Seek-Chin can really only speak Korean with some broken English, although Soon does her best to translate for him. Sexual Skills:Songbook was trained in a skill set of a different sort as she was destined to be sold off after her brothers' death. Hidden Pockets:While they can share things, there are times that the twins can hide thoughts and memories from each other. Seek-Chin is better at this skill as he has hidden things from his sister, but she kind of sucks at the skill, and he has seen the things done to her while he was gone. Shared Sensations:Feelings and reactions are felt between both twins. When one gets cut the other also feels it. Also when one feels pleasure…. Well let’s just say Seek-Chin knows what a female orgasm feels like…. Flaws/Weaknesses:Power Related:While it is difficult to injure them it’s not impossible. The edges of blades are still able to cut even if their energy is sapped. They can only absorb the energy of attacks that come in contact them, and not impacts from their own movements. Such as walking won’t do anything, but beating themselves over the head with a book will charge them. It’s also mainly only kinetic energy they can absorb in the moment, if hit with a lightning bolt they can absorb the impact but most of the electricity and heat from the bolt can hurt them at the moment. Other types of injuries can happen to them such as being crushed by more weight than they can lift or being cut off from breathing. They can also simply be removed from battle by tossing them out of the area. There is also a limit on the amount of energy they can absorb, too much, and they can either die or go unconscious. While having enough energy stored means the body can stay awake, the minds still need sleep. While Seek-Chin and Songbook can switch who is in control while still awake if one is knocked unconscious, the other twin needs time to take over the form. Separation:Thanks to Songbook’s powers the twins are one being and any attempt to separate the will result in the death of both twins. History:The story of the fraternal twins that were named Seek-Chin and Songbook begins a number of years back on the north side of the demilitarized zone of the country of North Korea. Their mother was actually a kind woman that gained the wrong type of attention as a high ranking official took notice of her and forced himself upon her. The unwanted union would lead to a pair of lovely children that their mother decided to keep even if they brought back bad memories. She named the older daughter Songbook which meant “one with a gentle soul” and the younger brother born minutes later Seek-Chin which means “an unshakable rock”. While life in North Korea was hard the three managed as time went on until one fateful day when everything took a turn for the worst. That one high ranking official found out about the illegitimate twins that were born to some peasant woman. While he wanted to ignore it, his wife managed to change his mind convincing him that the twins would be a future threat. He listened and sent his men out to take care of the family… It would be here where Seek first stepped up to protect his sister by not allowing her to see what those men did to their mother. With hate in his eyes he even managed to get a hold of a knife and draw blood from one of the men much to the teasing of his buddies. With the promise of making some money the official sold off the twins to a mercenary company that dealt in child soldiers with a guarantee that the two would disappear. Seek-Chin would be sent out to the front lines of every war they were contracted for and Songbook was held in the back under threat of death if he failed or came back wounded before the battle was ended.However, Lee Seek-Chin proved to be an apt pupil of war as he killed his first man before he even hit the age of 10. His goals proved to be the things that kept him alive along with a few other people that fought alongside him. At least one other mere was there after being on the wrong side of his father. That man taught both of the twins behind the scenes.Meanwhile, Songbook was held as a hostage ensuring her brother’s loyalty, but as she aged and developed she got a different sort of attention. The intention was to sell her off as a whore or a high-end sex slave to the highest bidder. She was taught languages to please her perspective buyers as well as other skills that weren’t related to sex including even being a mid-wife. Although the bulk of her lessons dealt with giving pleasure to men and women; those lessons would be practiced while her brother was away. Luckily she was sterile, and no children were born from the unwanted interactions.Finally, the time came when the Mere leader realized that Seek couldn’t really be controlled and put a plan into action. The twins were sent to an American town of Grave well with a group of 15 men after being hired by a terrorist group. The plan was to have Seek pull off the mission and leave him to take the fall while they took his sister and finally sell her off. Unfortunately for them, they played right into the twin’s hands… Soon-Bok had planned for the chance of the both of them would be around with a minimum of guards. She gave the signal and Seek-Chin went to work to free the both of them. However, in the end Songbook passed out from the onset of her blooming powers and Seek-Chin was wounded as cops responded to the call of gunshots. The twins were taken to the hospital and put under armed guard as the investigation went on. Things turned even further when the Feds, took position of the twins to question them about their old owner and eventually deport them. However, their former owner made another play to claim Songbook and deal with the brother. The resulting gunfight left both agents dead and Seek-Chin seriously wounded. This caused Songbook to use her powers to save him by combining their bodies in a single form. The effort of this caused her to pass out once again and be taken by the hired guns. While being questioned some horrible things happened Seek-Chin came forward and revealed that he was still alive and the body shifted. His share of the powers also awakened, and he dealt with the hired guns most harshly. In doing so the twins came under the gaze of a certain mutant who gave the twins an offer that they couldn’t refuse… (Rashida Gender:Female Age:20Ethnicity:Japanese Place of Birth:Tokyo, Japan Physical Appearance:Height: 5’ 6”Weight: 125 lbs Hair: Black Eyes: Blue Languages: Japanese and English with a slight Japanese accent Other Skills: Can play the piano and violin Face Claim: Tao Nakamoto. Mariko is slight of stature but athletic in build and unusually buxom for a Japanese woman. That and the pigtails she often wears make her stand out in a crowd. She also wears a ring through her right eyebrow but never when in costume. Her costume is made up of knee-high yellow boots, yellow gloves, a red unitard, and a yellow shoulder protector, which protects her upper body from the initial shock when flying through a physical object. It also hides her communications equipment. She also wears a pair of gold loop earrings. Personality:Gunfire is a mostly quiet, private, and practical young woman. While she enjoys partying as most twenty-something kids do, she’s not an extrovert. She can be quite comfortable playing music alone on the Mansion’s piano. Sunfire is open about her sexuality and is looking for a partner for a real relationship. Her sexual experience in this arena is very limited, her confidence in finding someone is surprisingly low, and she is very shy about her desires. Due to her past history with her parents, Gunfire dislikes unjust authority and will defend herself against such. But she isn’t the aggressive type either. Mario prefers non-lethal solutions to combat but will kill if there is no other choice. Abilities:Gunfire is a mutant who can absorb solar radiation to generate the process of ionized matter (usually air) through a mentally triggered unknown biochemical process so that it is converted to plasma, the superheated state of matter. Plasma is the state in which matter making up the sun exists; hence, Gunfire. Gunfire can manipulate and project the intensity of this plasma with great accuracy, so that one target may feel like they have been sunbathing all day to total incineration of another. Her maximum recorded temperature (before the instruments were destroyed) was 1,000,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Gunfire's body emits a short-range psionic force field to protect herself from the intense heat and light she generates. She can also sense infrared radiation, enabling her to detect humans, animals, and vehicles at range. Sunfire can sheath her body in intense flames hot enough to melt through solid rock. However, such high levels of heat will quickly drain her. Usually, Gunfire will manipulate the surrounding plasma to form an aura that can melt bullets or stop other physical attacks from hitting her. Sunfire’s most well-known ability is projecting intense plasma energy blasts, usually from her hands. She can also release stored up plasma energy in a controlled fusion blast up to 3 kilotons of explosive force. But she would be drained from the effort. Gunfire can also create super-heated air currents to enable flight, giving her considerable maneuverability and stand-off from targets. Sometimes this super-heated air is visible as a trail of flame behind Gunfire. The upper limit Gunfire can achieve in flight is not yet known, but she generally tops out around 250 mph. Gunfire is skilled in Karate but prefers to combine her flight and plasma generation skills to fight enemies from a distance. Flaws/Weaknesses:Mario’s powers require oxygen to function. If she is submerged in water, or smothered in a fire retardant, the biochemical process she uses to form plasma will be interrupted, and she will cease emitting plasma. Her plasma energy can also be directed, channeled or blocked by intense magnetic fields. Mariko also wants to have a more “conventional” life. She wants to finish her education (on her own terms), to travel, and, most importantly, find a partner. Unfortunately, these are goals that are very hard to balance with being an X-Man. At times, she can become very frustrated with the situation she is in, but so far hasn’t considered quitting the X-Men. History:Mario is a mutant refugee from…her parents. Born to an extremely wealthy and powerful couple who ran the Rashida industrial empire, the gifted girl had high expectations filling her life, from homework to classical music, from day one. Mario had to get straight A's, excel at violin and piano and apply herself in areas that only furthered her education, all so she could be married off and have children Mario resented that and rebelled against her parents as much as she could. This would get worse in her teens. When Mario was 12, her mutant powers manifested. Her parents saw it as a great shame and prohibit her from exploring them. And when she was about 16, she determined she was a lesbian. Things quickly went downhill from there, and the day after her 18th birthday, Mario fled her parents to go to the United States, the land of opportunity. Mariko managed to withdraw a small sum of money before she fled and subsequently disowned by her parents. The little money she had enabled her to explore a little bit of America, but quickly ran low. Mario soon began to worry about finding a job. She was smart and accomplished, but only 18, with no college education and on a Japanese tourist visa. It was fortunate that she ran into Charles Xavier that day two years ago in Penn Station before she became desperate and willing to step over the line into a life of crime. Other Visual(

X-Men_ A Brave New World (Character Sheets)|rating:4.0

Dancing The Night Away

Brian McKay stepped off the bus on 33rd. He lit up a Marlboro and started for his apartment where he planned to pop a few aspirins and spend the day sleeping. Brian's head was pounding. The two men he met after the club closed last night pumped him full of beer and cum. While he didn't really mind the cum anymore the beer always managed to give him a headache. Brian flicked his cigarette into the gutter and stepped into the mom-and-pop store on the corner and picked up a couple packs of smokes, a 2 liter coke and some luncheon meat which blew most of the money he had made the night before. The sun had just popped up over the horizon as Brian shielded his eyes. In another week rent would be due again. That meant he'd have to spend a couple nights this week working the streets to scrape the money together unless he got lucky with some good tips at the club. Brian had been there 3 years now. The regular customers tended to spend their money on the new guys, but he still did okay. Brian dug his keys out of his skin tight jeans. He moaned as his damn head seemed to be pounding harder than usual. He saw some kid sitting on the steps of his apartment building. But really didn't pay attention as he sorted through his keys. He ignored the boy as he made his way up the stairs. Sean was jostled awake by the loud thugs of heavy footsteps heading upstairs. He lifted his weary head and stared up at the broad back of the man who was the source of the racket. He pushed himself up against the wall, the handrailing digging into his back. His hand reached down and gripped the backpack that had been at his feet. The boy looked scruffy, his sneakers dirty, his faded jeans had holes at the knees and a ripped pocket. His denim jacket, his favorite jacket, had a stain at the elbow and his red undershirt was almost bagging on his torso. He wasn't a tall boy, but he wasn't short either. His had long legs and a slim frame. He was the sort of boy that hadn't developed as physically as his peers. He was still trim and still retained his boyish features, yet it had melded into feminine qualities. His face was thin with large blue eyes and his waist was thin and was the envy of any woman that noticed it. His lips looked soft with the bottom lip fuller than the top one." Brian?" He called in a soft voice. Brian stopped and looked back at the boy. He squinted as the morning sun behind the kid nailed him right in the eyes leaving no doubt that this hang over was here to stay awhile. It had been 5 years. It took him a moment to recognize Sean. The last time he had sawed his little brother he had been 11. Sean had filled out a little and gotten a bit taller. But he was still the same cute kid." Holy shit, Sean?!" Brian gasped, as he finally recognized the boy on the steps. He had missed the boy. He couldn't say the same about their mom. But Brian wasn't sure how he felt about the kid showing up on his doorstep unannounced. If he was reading it right Sean had runaway, much like he had 5 years ago, and was now looking to shack up with his big brother. He had to scrape to get by the way it was without having to take care of his teenage sibling."What are you doing here, man?" The man asked, inserting his key and to the lock and opening the door. He held the door open and led his brother up to the 3rd floor and to his apartment, number 311. He would have given Sean a hug, but thinking how it was going to be twice as hard to get by now along with the fucking headache didn't leave him in much of a hugging mood. Sean explained his reason for being there as they headed upstairs. He slung his bag over his shoulder as he prodded up the stairs close behind his brother." I didn't mean to land on you like this. But I couldn't take it anymore. Mom was going crazy with all these guys that she keeps bringing home. You remember how she was? She gets a home, and it's like she didn't want us around and kept ignoring us for her boyfriend of the week. She hadn't changed after you left. Hell, she's gotten a lot worse." Brian opened the apartment door for him and Sean stepped in quickly lest Brian would attempt to shut him out. Sean found himself talking and not able to stop." She'd locked me out of the apartment whenever she had a guy over. One, when I got home from school, she must forgot to lock the door, because when I came in, this guy attacked me, thought I was robbing the place. Mom didn't even tell him that she had a kid! Man! Was he shocked when I told him how old she was? On top of that, Mom got me with the belt for telling him the truth. I couldn't take it anymore, so I bailed. I ain't here asking you to take me in, and I ain't asking for any money. Just let me stay for a few days until I figure something out?" And here was the moment that Sean's babbling was trying to delay as long as possible. Brian's possible no. "So I can throw you out after a few days?" Brian asked, lighting a CIG and getting a beer out of the fridge and popping a few aspirins. The place was just like the bedroom they had shared back home. Brian would always leave it messy and Sean would eventually clean it. Brian sat up on the kitchen counter and gave his brother the once over. It was the way he looked at guys now. It wasn't sexual really, it was just checking out the competition. His kid brother was cute. Of course Sean was too young to dance at the bar, but he knew a number of pervs that would pay good to get into the teenager's pants. Maybe Sean could pick up a job in the neighborhood. He would have to if the two of them living here was going to work. Sean would have to at least make enough money to cover his food and any spending money he would want. If his younger brother was anything like him tho a real job would bore him. He'd never be able to keep a real job. Brian found early on that no matter how straight he was, or how gross the guy was, giving a quick BJ to a perv was quick, and you could work whenever you wanted. The money wasn't bad either. Yes, some guys would smack you instead of paying. But some were extra generous." Dumb fuck," Brian muttered, hopping up on the kitchen counter. He could see Sean was really worried that he'd throw him out. "You know I ain't throwing you out. Come here and give me a hug, brat." Sean propelled himself into Brian's arms, dropping the backpack on the floor. He burrowed his face into Brian's chest and sighed. He felt safe in this harsh world at this moment, in his brother's arms, and he didn't want it to end. Furthermore, he had missed his brother deeply over the years, and he considered it great luck that Brian still lived at the address that was on the last Christmas card he had sent last year. When the hug ended, Sean stepped back and smiled up at his brother. "Gee, bro, this place is a mess. And you are crazy if you think I'm moving in to be your cleaning lady like I was when you are home." Sean collected his bag off the floor and began unpacking it. There were several pairs of jeans, three shirts, and a toothbrush with some books tossed in. This was Sean's secret in school. He loved to read. But he greatly feared reading at school, lest some of the kids bullied him calling him a nerd over it. So he read at home with the books hidden beneath his bed. His mother never cleaned up either. Sean turned to his brother tugging off his shirt. "So. . . .am I going to get the bed or are you going to chuck me on the floor?" "Yeah, this place could use the touch of a chick," Brian teased, rubbing his forehead. He was happier than he let on to see his brother after all these years, but he was going to have to excuse himself to sleep this hang over off. "You'll be cleaning it too. I bet after a couple of days you just won't be able to stand it all messy, and you will be my little cleaning lady again."" How was school going?" Brian asked, seeing him pull some books out of his backpack. He knew Sean was straight A material, but he'd often hand in crappy assignments so he wouldn't become known as a brain or a nerd. It wasn't really an option to send Sean to school here. The inner city schools would eat up a small town boy. Brian had an idea tho. One of the sugar daddies he knew was a high school teacher. Maybe they could offer the guy some sex for tutoring. What he didn't want to happen was to have Sean stuck in the rut that had caught him. Maybe get Sean his GED and then find a loaded perv who would pay his little brother's way through college." Anyway, hate to leave you by yourself, but I've been up all night and I have to get some sleep," Brian said, messing up Sean's hair with his hand. "See you later, bud." Of course, he'd come back into his elder brother's life, and he goes back into the spot of being little brother. But it was better than being the unwanted child of a woman who wanted to relive her younger years. Sean glanced around the room and grimaced. Brian was right. Sean was more of a neat freak than he would have liked. There was a pile of garbage in the corner, dirty dishes formed a small mountain in and around the kitchen sink, and not to mention the horrible mess of his brother's bed. Sean had always kept his room and what ever he possessed neat and tidy. He couldn't stand clutter and enjoyed the openness that a clean and orderly room brought. Ah well, he would stand it as long as he could before he came, yet again, Brian's cleaning lady. Sean neatly unpacked his back and stored his belongings in an empty drawer and chose to change into a favorite pair of swear pants for bed. The couch was soiled and an title lumpy, but it was better than sleeping out on the street, and he wasn't about to complain. Sean settled himself and listened to the distant sound of Brian breathing in the next room. It reminded him of older happier times, when his brother was home and their mother was less of a bitch than she was now. He felt safer somehow, Brian had always taken care of him. Took all if not some of the blame for whatever messes Brian made in order to protect Sean from the full wrath of their mother, and he would walk Sean to school and kept the bullies at bay. Sean curled up onto his side and found himself slowly falling asleep. Brian groaned as he dragged himself out of bed. The sun was already down. He checked the clock and saw he had a couple of hours before he'd have to head in to the club. He supposed he would have to tell Sean what he did for a living. That would be kind of weird. He'd have to get him started with that tutor tho. The guy was a bit of a pig. He wasn't going to let him touch Sean. Brian himself would take care of whatever the payment was for getting his brother a high school degree or GED whatever the fuck it was. Without thinking Brian shuffled into the kitchen to make himself a 5 PM breakfast in his light blue bikini briefs. In the business he was in he long ago stopped wearing boxers. You wore what the customer liked. Brian found His brother asleep on the sofa. The cross-country bus trip probably wiped him out. Kid would sleep straight through to morning, maybe. One thing they had in common was that they had both gotten their looks from dad's side of the family. He supposed their old man had been a pretty boy too when he was younger. Hell, he wasn't muscular, he didn't have a big dick, what got him his job at the club was that he was major eye candy. That, and his ass. The only difference between him and Sean was he learned to be a fighter. Sean was a lover, not a fighter. But he'd be out of a job the day Sean turned 18 from what Brian saw. He heard moving around in the living room. He wished he had put some jeans on. These undies looked so gay. Hey, bud. Toast?" Brian asked, as his little brother walked still half asleep into the kitchen. Toast was Brian's specialty. Sean sat up, rubbing his eyes. He tried not to delay sitting up when he woke up in the morning. He would settle back into a comfortable position and return to sleep if he did. "Yum yum, my favorite." Sean munched on the toast and noticed Brian's underwear. "Whoa!? What!? You got a girlfriend stashed around here?" Brian wasn't one to wear scantily cladded things, at least, from what Sean could remember of him. "Yeah, fuck you. They're guys underwear, okay," Brian mumbled, bringing Sean a bottled water. He'd have to start buying what his little brother liked to drink. He probably wasn't into coffee. Did he still do milk? A juice boy? He'd have to find out later. He finished off his breakfast and added the plate to the pile of dishes in the sink, but carefully washed out his coffee cup." Anyway, what do you think about a tutor?" Brian asked, bringing Sean his toast. "I know this per.this guy who would probably jump at the chance to tutor you."" I have to head into work pretty soon here," Brian said making a quick trip to his bedroom to fetch his jeans shirt and sneaker. Hr took a last sip from his coffee before slipping into his skin tight jeans. He knew Sean was a bit wide-eyed about the way he was dressing, but he'd have to learn to deal with it. "I dance at a strip club, okay. That's what I do. The customers like me dressed this way. It's about the money. Okay? We can talk about it when I get back."" I'll leave you money to have pizza delivered," Brian said, tying his sneakers. "I don't want you going out until you know the neighborhood better. Understand?" Sean stared at his brother. "A strip club? You. . . You. . . .uh. . . .work as a bouncer? Right?" Then Sean registered the word tutor and shook his head. "Na-uh. I don't need a tutor. I ain't going back to school. No way, no how. I rather just get a job somewhere and help you pay rent and stuff like that. I'll be alright. Don't worry about me." He gave his brother his best smile, flashing perfect teeth that never needed the touch of braces or fillings. "And Pizza sounds good. . .thanks, but don't worry about the money, I got it covered. I sorta harvested Mom's purse before I left. I figured she sorta owes me for all the shit she put me through, ya know?" "Do I look like a bouncer?" Brian grinned, kicking his left hip to the right. He gave his brother a flirty look and then to make sure his brother blushed he cupped his ass and gave it a smack. "Yeah, I'm dancing. And I ain't gay, but it's a gay club." It wasn't really true anymore. He supposed the lifestyle he had been leading had turned him bi. It wasn't that the daddy types who frequented the club or picked him up on the streets turned him on, but he found the taste of cocks was okay, and he had come to like cum. Getting fucked was his favorite thing tho. He liked being screwed like a whore. Brian was pretty sure it had gotten to the point he would choose getting fucked over laying a female." And yeah I'm getting you a tutor," Brian frowned, slipping a tee on over his head. "You're smart. I'm not letting you end up like me." Sean stared at his brother in stunned silence. "You. . . You strip!? No way! Na uh! I thought you still work in construction!" It took a full minute for Sean to absorb this shocking bit of information. He swallowed, his throat almost dry. But he manages to croak with a shake of the head. "No, Nash. No tutor. I can do without an education. Lots of people who didn't finish high school make lots of money all the time. I'll just have to work extra hard, and I know I can do that." Sean looked down at his bowl and felt loss and a little alone. He would like nothing more than to continue his schooling, however, he understood how expensive that was to do. He also didn't wish to burden Brian with such expenses. Brian smiles when Sean says he thought that he was still in construction. That was the line he had given everyone back home. He was working on the skyscrapers was the story. But Brian was always too lazy to have a real job like that. Anyway he was scared of heights." Yeah, I strip. And I beat off for all the pervs till I cum all over them," Brian said, figuring he might as well let his brother in on the whole truth. "Then after the bar closes I usually go off with one of the customers who I have no interest in at all sexually, but I have to put out for. I have to do pretty much what he wants. Suck, bend over, whatever. And it's all because I was too stupid to finish high school before heading off on my own." He let that sink in for a moment." You're twice as smart as I ever was," Brian continued. "My limit was high school. You can go to any college you want. And with a tutor you don't have to worry about thinking you're a nerd by getting straight A's because you will be the only student. And it isn't going to cost me any money. This guy I know will tutor you as a freebie." Sean looked down at his feet. Brian's words were melting into his head and it was hurting him. His brother was a whore? A male hooker that serviced perverted men? His brother!? Sean shook his head and regretted coming here. Maybe he was better off with his mother. . . What would Brian think of him if he left now and never came back? Sean wasn't a homophone, but he never expected his own brother to. . . Do such thinks with men. . . .it was strange, and it made him very uncomfortable. Sean swallowed and raised his chin to look Brian in the face. "Alright, if you say so." He certainly hope to hurt and shame wasn't written on his face. "I do what I got to do," Brian shrugged, Grabbing his jacket. He could see his younger brother was upset. What could he do? He had to tell Sean what was going on. The kid would have eventually found out what was going on anyway. If his brother couldn't handle the fact that he had to, not wanted too, suck cocks for a living he could go back home to Mom. He was probably better off back there anyway. "Big brother is not good enough for you anymore? Whatever."" I tell you what. Give me a few days to get money together to help pay for your ticket back home," Brian said, slamming the door behind him as he headed into work. Sean shook his head and cursed himself loudly. "Dammit!" He hated himself for his reaction, but then what the hell did Brian expect!? For him to be hopping up and down congratulating Brian on becoming a whore!? A whore for men!? One can't just drop a bombshell like that and expect his brother not to be shock or confused at least. Still, he felt guilt galling him into cleaning up the house to make it up to Brian. He organized all his things, folded his clothes, and even alphabetized his CDs and DVDs. Then Sean watched TV, his eye on the clock. He decided that he would order pizza before Brian came home, that way they could have dinner together. Sean was used to doing without food for a while due to his mother's dislike for cooking. During the night Brian spent more time than usual mingling with the crowd between his dance sets hoping to set up something for later that would help pay for Sean's ticket back home. He wouldn't have had to whore himself out as much as he was recently, but 75% of his tip money was going to Julio. Julio was the thuggish bartender who mad extra money by getting, as he called them, the little dancing fairies. Hooked on heroin. Brian in one of his few smart moves had gone into rehab and was off smack for almost two months now. But along with the money he owed Julio the 3 weeks in rehab was 3 weeks without pay, so Brian was struggling to stay afloat. He had always been a pothead. Every few days his body would go to pay the weed bill. Brian ended up going home with one of his regulars, Stan, who only paid him $50, but agreed to get him high with some great Colombian he had back at his condo. The guy was about 55, overweight and Brian remembered his fat dick well. The guy was gross, but he had good smoke and the thought of getting his little, straight-boy ass plugged again by that monster had Brian jumping in the guy's car in a flash. Brian got home the next morning just before 5 o'clock. His lipstick was a bit smeared, but his eyeliner was still good. Girdling a guy up was one of Stan's fetishes. Brian found a few pizza slices left over from Sean's dinner the night before and made it his breakfast. Sean was asleep on Brian's bed. He had stayed up last night, waiting for his brother to get home and scared that something had happened. He wanted to call the police, but he feared that his brother might be doing drugs or something else illegal and if the police found him, he would be sent to prison. And Sean knew he could never deal with that on his conscious, so he waited. He struggled with the idea that Brian might have abandoned him last night. Left the city never to return. The boy lay on his side, his hair tousled, his feet bare. He was wearing one of Brian's oversize sweat shirts that hung off his slim shoulders and hung at his thighs. His face was totally relaxed into a cherub's face, his pouty lips slightly parted and his small chest rising and falling as he breathed. Brian sucked on one of Stan's joints after finishing off a couple slices of cold pizza that his kid brother had left behind. He smiled to himself a bit looking around the kitchen. He knew Sean wouldn't be able to put up with the mess. The dishes were washed and neatly stacked away. The floor had been mopped. Sean had even cleaned the toaster which probably had crumbs from the very first time he had used it. Brian thought it was probably a good sign. Maybe Sean's opinion of him as a perverted fuck-up had eased somewhat. The sun was shining through the kitchen window when Brian finally got up and headed off to bed. He found Sean in his bed and sleeping in one of his sweatshirts which fit him like a dress. Brian again noticed how cute his brother was as he stripped to his underwear. Sean's legs were as smooth as a girl. All the guys he had slept with over the past 3 years had been a blur. But one thing was certain. It had been a long time since he had slept with anyone. Male or female, that looked as cute sexy as his teenage brother. Brian crawled into bed cuddling himself up behind ins' brother in spoon fashion. He wrapped a protective arm around Sean and was soon sound asleep. Several hours later, close to noon, Sean woke up to find himself in his brother's arms. He smiled turning himself over to face Brian. He noticed that Brian was wearing makeup and made himself dismiss it, to ignore it and just enjoy being near his elder brother. He even caught himself giving Brian a gentle kiss on the cheek and running his hand over Brian's hair. Furthermore, he felt bad for his brother and he shouldn't make it harder for Brian. Furthermore, he promised himself that he would try to make things easier for Brian from now on. Sean got up and decided to cook a nice lunch for his brother, and with whatever he could find in the kitchen. Which wasn't very much at all. Sean left the apartment to go to the nearby grocery for food. Brian yawned as he laid in bed. He could hear Sean moving around in the kitchen. He started to wonder if there was anything in the house to eat when the smell of cooking food drifted into the bedroom. Apparently his cleaning lady had picked up another skill in the 5 years they had been apart." Fuck," the 21 year-old groaned, forcing himself out of the warmth of the bed. Brian slipped into a pair of jeans and lit a cigarette before heading out into the kitchen and checking out what was on the menu. He found his brother, still wearing his sweatshirt. Over the stove watching a pot as he had something else going in the microwave. Sean was too busy to notice him. Brian couldn't help but checking out the kid's legs before stepping up behind him..." She cooks too," Brian teased,, looking over Sean's shoulder. "What are you making?" Sean swatted him with a spoon. "HE cooks too, thank you very much." Sean resumed stirring. "Stew, and the potatoes are in the microwave. I bought some sour cream and butter. Milk in the fridge too and some bread with sandwich meat. I also bought some cokes for you. I can't buy any beer, I'm underage." Once the stew was cooked, Sean served it to his brother and sat down across from him to start eating. "MMM, damn, Sean, this is good," Brian smiled, after sampling his stew. His lunch at home usually consisted of luncheon meat, bread and a Coke, so this was a treat. He wondered how many more talents his younger brother had." I don't have to dance tonight, so I was thinking the day is ours to get to know each other again," Brian said, knowing he should turn a couple tricks later on tonight, or maybe just pop in on one of his regulars for a quick $20. Rent was due in a few days and added to that was the price of a bus ticket if Sean decided he wanted to go back home. He was going to need every dollar he could scrape together." So, have you decided to stay?" Brian asked, as he finished up his lunch. "I mean I hope you choose to stay. It gets kind of lonely around here." Sean swallowed his mouthful of stew and shook his head. "I don't want to leave. I want to stay if you'll let me. Brian, I am so sorry for how I acted. I reacted badly, but it was a big shock, bro. I mean, I thought you were working construction, and I find out that you are. . . you are. . . " Sean shakes his head. "I still love you, hell, you're probably the only person in this world that I will ever love. You were more than a brother to me, Brian." Sean reached across and touched Brian's hand. "I want to stay with you, Bro. Through thick and thin. All the way." "Yeah, I love you too, brat," Brian said, taking his brother's hand and giving it a quick squeeze. He supposed Sean was the only other person he really loved. While he didn't hate his Mom, he could take or leave her. He never really loved any of his girlfriends either. They had been about the sex." You can stay as long as you want, but you're going to go on with school," The older brother said, making sure that Sean understood that school was part of the deal. "I'm not expecting you to go to one of these shitty inner city schools, but this guy I know will home school you."" Deal?" Sean nodded. "Deal, bro. I'll do it for you. But I'm getting a job too. At least part-time, so I can help you with the bills and stuff." Sean was determined to prove to his brother that he could help support them. He refused to become a burden on his brother and he felt that he had to prove himself to him. "Bro, I love you, okay? I don't ever want to be away from you again, . . So. . . .don't leave me, alright?" A few weeks go by. Brian is whoring almost every night in addition to his dancing at the club. Sean has tried to find a job, but it's been hard. A lot of the local businesses that employ teenagers have a set-up with high schools in the area that has there open positions posted in the schools through the counselors. When they find out that Sean is new in the area and recently dropped out he's shown the door rather quickly. The one place where he thought he had a chance the guy hinted at the end of the interview that the job was his if he was willing to play around. Sean started with his new tutor Mr. Johnson about a week ago. Brian was trying to figure a way to pay the man off since the guy refused his offer to pay for the lessons with sex. It turned out Brian was too old for the man. Frank Johnson wanted Sean. Brian got the man to teach for a couple more weeks while he worked on coming up with an alternative. Brian let himself into his apartment building. He was planning on talking to Sean today about alternatives he had come up with. This was the same day that his brother had turned down a job when he found out playing around was part of the deal." Hey, bud." Brian said, letting himself into the apartment. Sean sat on the couch and sighed. "Hey, sorry, I didn't find anything. Nobody would hire me." He felt disappointed with himself and shameful around Brian. Why didn't anything ever work out for him? He tried so hard, yet life kept kicking him in the face each time he turned around. He set the remote control down after turning off the TV. Furthermore, he turned around to face Brian. He was wearing denim shorts, high-top shoes with thick socks poking over the edge and a red thick shirt. His hair was damp from an earlier shower and clung to his chest and cheeks. "You're doing fine, brat," Brian said, as his younger brother's legs once again caught his interest. He blushed when he realized how sexy Sean would look if those shorts were cut even shorter. His brother was what the tutor would call a boy-chick. "Just keep trying. And now that you have a tutor you don't have to say you dropped out."********************************************************************Frank Johnson got ready for Sean McKay. He had the lessons ready for the boy. He had the teen's papers from the last session graded. All A's. The kid was smart unlike his older brother. Sean was also a yummy girlie-boy unlike his brother who was losing his cuteness and starting to look like a construction worker. But today the free ride was going to end. He didn't want Brian's sexual favors, and he didn't have the money to pay for his little brother's schooling. Today Sean was going to have to start playing, or Frank would kick the kid's juicy little boy-ass out the door. He didn't expect the kid to start bending over on the first day, but he wanted something, anything. Frank jumped to his feet when he heard his door buzzer. Sean stood outside the door, his backpack slung over one arm and a finger on the buzzer. He didn't like Frank Johnson very much. He wished that his brother found someone younger to tutor him or someone very different. Frank always looked at him as if he was something tasty to eat and the man would find reasons to brush up against Sean and just to touch him. Not sexually, but his hand would remain on his shoulder with the fingers flexing, he would pick up a pencil, and he would place a hand on Sean's knee for support. And whenever Sean entered and left the apartment, Frank always walked him to and from the door with an arm around his shoulders. Sean wasn't stupid. He knew that Frank was lusting after him each time he came over for tutoring, but he didn't mention this to Brian. He refused to burden his brother with this thing. Furthermore, he would simply have to withstand the lessons until something better came along. "Sean, my boy," Frank smiled, opening the door and finding the cute blond waiting for him. As he always did, he draped an arm over the boy's shoulder and guided him over to the sofa where he had the day's lessons set up on the coffee table. Brian's kid brother was as sweet as any boy he had taught in all his years. He wouldn't be surprised to find out Sean had been laid by a teacher back home." I think we need to have a little talk before we get started, Sean," Frank said, sitting beside the boy on the sofa. He explained to the boy that while he enjoyed tutoring him he couldn't continue to do so for free and as his brother lacked the funds to pay for the lessons something else would need to be worked out. "I'm sure that Brian has let you in on my secret. And I must say you are a little sweetie. I am willing to allow you to pay for your tutoring with your body." Frank tossed a 3 pack of boys bikini undies in his lap. He said he'd like Sean to put them on and wear them till the day after tomorrow when he came back for his next lesson. Frank wanted the used underwear. Then he gave the high schooler the choice of either letting Frank watch him jerk-off, or tell him about his sex history, all of it. Sean picked up the underwear, his cheeks turning pink. He licked his upper lip and whispered, "I don't have a sex history. I never did anything like that before." So this was what Frank wanted? Him? He looked up at the man who was staring at him with heated eyes and beaded perspiration on his upper lip. The man was already getting aroused just by looking at him. Was he that good-looking? Or was this man that perverted? Sean didn't know or cared to know. Sean chewed his bottom lip. What would Brian think? He did this any, for money. If Sean did what Frank wanted, Brian wouldn't have to pay any money and that would be a burden that Sean would take care of himself. And Frank wasn't asking for sexual intercourse, he just wanted Sean's used undies and to watch him jerk off. He could handle that. Sean swallowed and stuttered a few times before he found his voice and said, "I'll jerk off for you." "Of course you know I'll want a little more each time, honey," Frank breathed, massaging the back of the boy's neck. He leaned in close breathing Sean's scent. He tried to imagine the money he would make selling pics and videos of this teenager on the net, but was too horny to deal with any big numbers. Furthermore, he smelled the boy's hair. Furthermore, he wanted to eat the boy up right there. But he had made a deal, so he pulled back." I want you to cum on this plate," Frank said, grabbing a plate that had been sitting on the coffee table and handing it to the teen. Taking an innocent like Sean and corrupting him always made Frank a little more fulfilled than he would ever get from the blond's older brother. "This time I will lick the cum from the plate. When you come by on Wednesday it will be turned to taste yourself."" Now first let's get these sexy, little undies on you," Frank smiled tearing open the package. Strip down and let's see you get into these. The underwear were baby blue and bikinis for boys. Sean was disgusted by Frank's request and wanted nothing more than to run out the door and never return. Instead, he found himself standing and pushing his shirt up and over his head and arms. He was a slim boy, but toned from basketball and dodging gangbangers and bullies. He pushed his jeans down his hairless legs and narrow hips. Furthermore, he bit his lips as he pushed down his boxers. There was a handful of downy hair around his genitals, but other than that, he was as smooth and hairless as the day he was born. Sean's breathing became erratic as his heart fluttered within his chest. A dull heat rolled up through his body and to his cheeks, his small nipples became hard little nubs and there was a twitching sensation in his penis. "You like showing yourself off, don't you pretty boy?" Frank asked, as he noticed the teenager's cock begin to get hard. Sean's cock was at most average for his age, probably just a bit smaller. But it was the blond's smoothness and perfectly tanned body that would make either sex drool. And if Sean's penis liked an audience as much as it seemed the kid might follow his older brother's footsteps and start dancing at strip clubs when he turned 18." I think Sean McKay is the cutest boy in the whole city," the man grinned, meaning what he said. The boy really did have no idea how sweet looking he was. He wondered if Sean was a temptation to his big brother. Frank couldn't help but give his man dick a squeeze through his slacks as he gazed at the boy, and added, "I think if you let me trim your pubic hairs some you'd be even cuter."" You can stay naked through your lessons if you'd like," Frank winked, tossing the boy the little blue undies. Sean quickly pulled them on and gave Frank a quick denial of the trimming offer. He wanted to just get the two hours started and go home. He sat beside Frank as the man went over the lessons. Today was Math and History. One hour of Math and one of history. As Frank explained the math problems, his hands kept straying to Sean's bare knee and thigh. The boy shifted very uncomfortable and forced himself to pay attention to the lesson. He had to concentrate and get through this hell. He ran a tongue over his lips and absorbed the equations on the paper. The time crept by and Frank's hand kept straying up and down his thigh. Then finally, the time rolled to 8:00 and Sean quickly stood up and reached for his clothes to dress. He wanted to flee from there and never return. "Hey, how was school, bud?" Brian asked, as he stepped out of the shower and saw his little brother had returned from his tutoring session. He was proud of Sean's smarts and was ready to start scraping money together to help the kid when it came time for college. He knew he'd have to get a sugar daddy or two interested enough in his brother to have any real chance to afford his education after high school. His brother was a good kid. That along with his pretty boy looks should make finding a pervert with money easy enough. The problem was how Sean would feel selling himself off to men. And it really had nothing to do with the boy's sexual orientation. Brian thought his kid brother might be less than straight, but even if he was, that didn't mean he'd want anything to do with some old men when he could easily get some masculine guy his own age. And if he knew Frank he guessed the old perv was already trying to get into his brother's pants. The guy was pushy, but he knew he'd stop if Sean said no. That of course was the problem. If Sean refused Frank's advances Brian would have no other way to pay for the tutoring." Frank being cool?" Sean went to the cabinet and got out bread to make a sandwich. "Yeah, he's alright. Weird, but alright. We worked something out." He let it hang in the air and let Brian make of it what he will. Sean finished making the sandwiches which he took the couch to eat while watching TV. "How was work?" So this was Brian's life? Get molested by some pervert for money or some service, and then come home, have a sandwich and watch television. He felt his brother's eyes on him as he flipped to a favorite channel and tried to watch it. He couldn't pay attention to the plot or the jokes being played, but his mind reviewed through what had happened with Frank. Furthermore, he swallowed." Bro? You want me to whore myself out? Like you do?" "Sucked, as usual," Brian said, running his hands through his hair. He was thinking Sean was ready to pepper him with another series of uncomfortable questions about what he did at the club and afterwords when his brother caught him off guard with..." Bro? You want me to whore myself out? Like you do?"" Fuck," Brian mumbled. He wasn't ready for this conversation at all. He guessed Frank had made some move on Sean and put everything out on the table. How the fuck did you tell your own kid brother that you couldn't help him, and he would have to whore himself out to a guy who was older than their mom?" Sean, you don't have to, okay? I mean I know it isn't easy. But, shit... I don't know," Brian stopped, getting off the sofa and pacing around the living room. "We don't have much choice. He doesn't want me. I'm too old. I don't know what else to do." "Well, I could just forget about going to school, dammit. I could just get a job and work." Sean kept his eyes on the TV, not wanting to look at his brother, not wanting to see what he was doing or what expression was on his face. He wanted nothing more than to be those people on the sitcom. Have a problem that is easily resolved by the end of the show. However, this isn't television, this is life and most problems aren't resolved within the first day, hell, not even in the first lifetime." I'm wearing bikini underwear because Frank the Freak wants my used undies." Sean said mechanically as he bit into his sandwich. He finally turned and looked at his brother. "Alright, fine, if I have to become a whore, alright, I will. But, when I lose my virgin ass, I want YOU to be there." "You want me to be there?" Brian asked, surprised at his little brother's request. It was more of a demand than a request really. He had figured that his teenage sibling would be too embarrassed to have him watch as he lost his cherry. Brian was thinking along the lines that maybe Sean wanted to make him feel guilty by witnessing the act." Why?" Brian continued, sitting back down on the sofa. The idea that Sean might be scared and would want his big brother there for comfort and protection never crossed his mind. Brian had been living this life too long. Sean finally turned to face his brother. "Because it's going to be scary and hurt and I want you there for support. Shit! I'd have YOU do it if you weren't my brother!" Sean got up, flinging away his empty plate and stood. He paced to the bedroom door and paused. He turned back to face his brother, his eyes flashing, and his face lined with anger and helplessness at his situation. "You know what scares me the most? What REALLY scares me the most of what happened at Frank's? When he was looking me over and commenting how pretty I look. . . . I liked it." "Sean," Brian said, getting up and following his younger brother into the bedroom. He knew a lot about what the kid was feeling. He had been Sean's age when he finally realized he would have to give up his body if he wanted to make any decent money. Now 5 years later he wondered where that money was. He might as well be working a minimum wage job. He would at least something that resembled a normal way of life. It had been even worse for Brian who didn't have an older brother to fall back on. But big brother or not, it was still scary to spread your legs for the first time to get fucked." I'll be there if you want," he said, sitting down on their bed and reaching for a cigarette. He wished Sean could lose his cherry to someone else but an old perv, and he didn't think his brother really consider him a serious alternative." There is nothing wrong with liking someone say they find you cute." Brian said, flicking his Bic. "I find you cute. Lots of people find you cute. Nothing wrong with liking a compliment." Sean ignored Brian's words about the compliment. He leaned against the far wall and crossed his arms, his fingers digging into his elbows. "I want you to arrange it with someone. . . Someone. . . .someone not Frank, alright?" At the very least, it should be by somebody handsome or attractive at least. He shuddered at the thought of Frank or some old perv grunting above and thrusting into him. He shook his head, clearing the image from his mind. "So, this is it? We're both a couple of whores? The Whore Brothers? Except, you know that eventually, they are all going to want me more than you soon. You're young, but I'm spring fresh, ya know?" "I got news for you, baby brother," Brian said, moving back and propping a pillow up against the headboard. He had no doubt that in the near future the local pervs would refer to him and Sean as the 'ho bros', slut brothers and a bunch of stupid names. "You're going to pretty much force me into retirement once they get a look at you."" That depends on what you want," Brian said, slipping off his socks and flinging them in the corner. "I 'spoke if you want a guy I can show you quite a selection to pick from. If you want a girl, an aggressive chick with a strap-on, it might take a little longer. But it's doable." Sean rolled onto his side and laid his head on Brian's stomach. A hand curled on Brian's chest. It was something Sean did when he was a kid, and he was nervous or sad about something and sought comfort from his brother. How surprisingly quick he reverted to old habits when he was a child. He reminded Brian how childlike he truly looked. "How about someone like you?" Sean turned his head up to look Brian in the face, into his eyes. "You mean you want someone about my age?" Brian asked, running a hand through his little brother's soft hair. They might be 21 and 16years-old now, but things weren't so different than they were when they were much younger. Sean always knew where he could go when he needed a hug, when he was sad, when he had a problem, or when he just needed some affection. Even now after finding out his big brother was a fuck-up he was still the one Sean came too." I know a couple dancers from the club who would be drooling like pigs to get into your pants," Brian chuckled, moving his hand down to caress the back of Brian's neck. "Maybe I could bring over a few and introduce you." Sean swallowed and felt a trickle of fear creep down his back. "How about tonight? Call them over and invite them for a. . . A party." Sean tightened his gripe on his Brother's shirt and swallowed the growing lump in his throat. "I. . . I just want to get it over with. I mean, the sooner I get fucked the first time, the sooner I can stop worrying about. And. . . I might as well get started now. I know it's. . . Getting sorta late and all, but. . . . " He trailed off feeling tired and very hollow. He burrowed his face into Brian's stomach and sighed. His sides rose and fell from his deep breaths. Instead of answering Brian's hand massaged Sean back going lower and lower until he reached the boy's butt. His hand caressed his kid brother's ass, kneading it and squeezing it through his jeans. Brian could feel his dick stiffen as he molested the curvy, little teenage ass of his younger sibling. Truth is he had been wanting to feel up and play with Sean's ass from the moment he had seen him sitting on the steps of his apartment building. He was sure his brother was major jerk-off material for a lot of guys back home." Frank is right, you know. You really are a little cutie," Brian whispered, his hand slipping down the back of Sean's jeans and into his underwear. He traced the teenager's warm crack with his middle finger. Brian rubbed and poked at Sean's rubbery pucker finding it tight as a vise. "MMM, that's a sweet ass cunt, baby." Sean pressed his face into Brian's stomach and whimpered. He had never been touched there before, not by anyone. He was surprised at Brian for doing this, and he knew it was in part by whatever drug or alcohol he ingested earlier. But whatever it was. . . .this was making him feel good. Sean arched his back, pushing his rear up against Brian's hand. He scooted and in doing so he was pressing his cheek against Brian's crotch, and he felt the growing bulge there. His eyes widen, and his breathing increased with fear and. . . . Desire. "Bro. . . Thanks, Bro. . . . I'll make us a lot of money, right?" "Yeah, baby, your cute, little ass is going to make us some serious money." Brian breathed, humping up at his brother's face as his fingertip worked its way up into the tight, virgin fuck hole. He had wanted to screw Sean's ass off ever since he first saw him waiting for him there on the steps. His younger brother was just meant to be fucked. A pretty boy like Sean would always have guys trying to get into his pants and up his ass. And once they found his ass was available word would spread like wildfire. His boy chick bro would soon be spread wide and fucked more times than he could count." Suck my cock through my jeans, girlie-boy," the older sibling ordered, using his free hand to mash Sean's face into the crotch of his jeans. Meanwhile, his middle finger had jabbed itself fully into the teenager's cozy rear end. The only thing that would matter to Brian for the next few days would be the younger boy's ass. If they were going to be selling Sean's butt they would have to loosen him up a bit first." That's what little brethren are for," Brian whispered. "They're for taking care of their big brother's dick." Sean found himself eagerly obeying. He pressed his mouth against the crotch of Brian's jeans and pushed his tongue against the thick fabric. He could feel Brian getting hard, he could even swear that he could almost taste it. Furthermore, he curled his knees beneath him, pushing his ass against Brian's hand and finger. He knew this was wrong. They were brothers. . . .hell, for all he knew they could be half brothers, their bother had so many lovers. So it shouldn't be too bad. Yet, he was surprised at his brother's sudden change of attitude. Could this be the effect of his new life job as a male hooker? Sean didn't know, nor did he wish this know. He had the feeling, he was about to find out. "Lay out on your front, brat," Brian said, slipping the finger out of Sean and giving his denim covered ass a smack. He pushed up the back of the tee and began to massage the ass through his jeans for a moment before reaching under his brother and loosening his pants. Brian eased the jeans along with Sean's underwear down his hips and exposing the youths creamy and smooth ass cheeks. The older boy couldn't help but moan when he finally caught sight of his younger brother's curvy rear end." Fuckin' cute ass, baby," Brian whispered, as he leaned over and gave each globe a wet smooch. His tongue dipped between them and gave the young ass some long licks in the warm crack. Brian moved back to the cheeks. He sucked at the cheeky buns and wondered how many people dreamed of fucking the ass he was sucking on. Brian licked his tongue back into the ass groove. He lapped at the boy's musky little pucker. He licked at it. Furthermore, he pushed at it with his tongue a time or two before the tight knot gave way and allowed his tongue to squish its way inside. Sean made the most delightful sounds. He squeaked, whimpered, moaned, and even wailed as his brother worked his ass. This felt wonderful, he had no idea that sex could be this great, and he knew it was only going to get better. He laid his head to the side, and spread his legs further apart to give Brian more access to him. "Bro. . . Damn, that feels good." He took this time to shuck off his shirt and lay naked save for his shoes and socks. He pushed back, hands on the edge of the mattress for support and leverage as he nudges his rear into Brian's face. Brian groaned as he ate out his little brother's ass like it was a girl's pussy. His tongue wiggled in deep wanting to make sure it was the best cunt eating Sean would ever receive. Brian drooled a good amount of spit into the virgin entry. After bringing the kid to the edge of cumming a few times just by licking Sean's ass he let his tongue slip out." Like being eaten out, don't you baby," Brian whispered, giving his brothers ass one last kiss before easing a finger back in. The older sibling sucked and gnawed at Sean's butt as he added a second and then a third finger. Brian liked the way the kid moved his ass around like a slut. He wondered how long it would have taken Sean to figure out that he was a cock boy back home. "Suck those fingers with your ass, boy."

Dancing The Night Away|rating:2.0

The Downward Spiral [Skybright x TiffanyBlue]

Life was not going so well for Alexander Redfield. It was just constantly one thing after another. Back in January he lost his dream job after the company he worked for shut down after it had been the head in a major fraud scandal. After that he coasted on his savings until his wife had divorced him and left him for his best friend. While recovering from the divorce he tried to play with stocks and invested a large majority of his saving in one sure bet, which surely fell through leaving him with only a couple of thousand dollars. What followed next was the loss of his home, car, and nearly all of his belongings. By October, he was nearly penniless and officially homeless. New York was not a very forgiving place to be homeless, and he was quick to find that out. He had gone from living in one of the nicest penthouses in Manhattan to trying desperately to find a dry place to sleep on the streets. All he had were the clothes that he had been wearing the day he was forced to leave home. Alexander stood at 5’6 with dirty blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, his hair had grown since he’d lived homeless it was now December and Alexander sported a beard, his hoodie was ripped and quite dirty as were his jeans and his shoes. He had lost a bit of muscle mass due to having nothing to eat, aside from kind store owners offering him something. He would usually ration out what he had in a backpack which carried his belongings until another homeless person had stolen it. Taking everything from him besides his wallet. He sat down in the alleyway as the ice rain started to pour down onto his shoulders. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. Furthermore, he looked at his I. D a prim and proper man looked back at him, it brought a tear to his eye as he remembered what was. He had gotten rid of the useless bank cards as he had no money. His wallet was empty, when it had once been full and all that remained inside was his I. D and a picture of his wife. He pulled it out crinkling it up and throwing it into the water that rushed past him on the ground. He was cold but glad the snow hadn’t started yet. Furthermore, he looked around and saw a small vent that was letting out some steam. Furthermore, he moved toward it and huddled closely, hoping to get some sort of warmth as he tried to sleep through the worst of it. A few people would occasionally hurry past him, trying to avoid the rain as well as giving Alexander a wide berth as if he was some sort of diseased creature. Almost immediately after Alex had finally fallen asleep despite being soaked and cold, a gruff male voice pierced the sound of the rain. "Hey, you can't sleep here, go on, find some place else." When Alex opened his eyes he saw 2 large intimidating looking men in nice clothes, they were both carrying an umbrella each. Before he could react, due to being groggy and half awake, one of the men grabbed the front of Alex's jacket and lifted him up into the air almost effortlessly, seeming like he was preparing to throw him, but a female voice cut through the sound of the rain. "Sebastian, honey, put him down." The clack of heels on the pavement sounded behind Alex as the man apparently named Sebastian abruptly dropped Alexander. After what seemed like forever he had fallen asleep, shivering. It was strangely peaceful until he had been startled awake by someone angrily speaking at him. By the time his eyes had opened he felt his folded body straighten as he was hoisted into the air. His mind confused as to what the hell was happening. His eyes panicked looking around. Until he had heard heels clicking near him and the sharp voice of a woman called out telling the man to drop him. When the woman had given the order the man dropped him like a sack of bricks sending Alex back onto the ground his legs being unprepared to catch him. He is as back in his ass once again causing water to splash beneath him on his impact. “Gee, thanks lady. What the fuck man!” Alex said as he rubbed the back of his head that had hit the wall when he hit the ground. Alex stood up to face those around him. “Listen if you guys want money I have none. Hence, the reason I’m sleeping here, until the rock here nearly killed me.” Alex finished. The woman whose voice Alex heard finally came into view, as he spoke, her eyes never left him, a soft smile slowly forming on her face. She had another 2 men behind her, each holding an umbrella over her head. Her hair was in flawless bronze ringlets around her face which had smoky dark eyeshadow and eyeliner without a single streak in sight despite the rain. She wore a red cocktail dress that hugged her torso showing the full curves of her breasts, waist, and hips, while the skirt flared out with a slit up each side, exposing her toned legs and black sharp heels." Careful how you talk to my men, little one. Just because I called him off doesn't mean that you can bark without being bitten." She gave a quick wave of her hand to signal her men to back up, which they obeyed as she stepped forward closer to Alexander, exiting out from under the umbrella to allow the rain to bedazzle her hair as her soft amused smile never left her face. Alex looked to the woman now as she stepped closer his eyes widened beneath his hood. She was gorgeous. His eyes traipsed around looking her up and down as she walked closer to him. He had a hard time moving his eyes from the woman as he admired her beauty. When he looked past her, he noticed the other two men. His body tensed as he sensed danger. The situation he was being put in was not favorable especially since he had nothing and nowhere to go if he got the hell beaten out of him. The woman spoke once again this time warning him. He nodded “listen I didn’t mean any offense I’ll leave.” He told her as he tried to step past on of the men who blocked him in. She was very close now and exited the safety of the umbrella as rain now danced around her, landing in her hair. He didn’t know what to say and all he could say escaped his lips “I’m Alexander.” He added. "I'm Ashlyn." She replied with that same soft smile as she raised her hand and ever so gently pushed the hood off of Alexander's head. She gazed at him, as if examining a piece of clay wondering what work of art she could shape it into." Come with me." She said after a few more moments, her voice leaving no room for argument as she took Alexander's hand and pulled him along. The 4 men encircled them once again, trading Alexander in as well as the umbrellas forming a shelter from the rain over them as they walked. Ashlyn, what a pretty name he thought. Her fingers pushing back the hood on top of his head. The rain now came down onto his long dirty blonde hair. She stared at him for a moment, his blue eyes gazed looking at her wondering what she was doing. He looked at her a bit lost as the situation was so bizarre what were they doing in an alleyway? Did they own the building? Questions began to run rampant through his mind. Just what exactly was going on tonight. In the time he’d been around New York he’d never seen a woman that held herself like her. Her lips parted and she spoke. This time not a question nor an answer but an order. She ordered him to come with her. She left him no time to protest as her hand took hold of his. Her hand was soft yet firm as she leads him. The four men encircled them and suddenly the rain stopped pouring on top of them. “What’s going on?” He asked a bit worried as he kept up with the woman. She looked over at him, flashing another smile as she spoke. "You're mine now." She said simply, as if it answered all the questions in the world. They didn't remain outside for much longer, as his guess was confirmed that they did indeed enter the very building he had been leaning against. While the outside had been bland and inconspicuous, the inside was anything but. It seemed to be a fancy restaurant of some kind, which made no sense with the fact that it was in the middle of the slums, with no advertisement whatsoever on the outside. The floor was a rich wine colored carpet, there were thick black curtains hiding any sight of booths or customers, but the smell of varied herbs and the soft whisper of voices testified to their existence. The only other visible things in the entryway was a small desk at which a hostess in a tight plain black dress stood. She said nothing and only nodded to the group, writing something in the small book in front of her. She then stepped out from behind the desk and lead the group through a maze of black curtains. Finally, after Alexander was sure this place must have been twice as large as it seemed on the outside, she stopped and pulled aside a curtain, revealing a gorgeous set of black mahogany stairs that led downwards. Silently Ashlyn smiled to Alexander and gestured for him to defend down the stairs. She looked back to him and responded very simply. Her words holding such an immense gravity to them, yet she said the so nonchalantly. “What? What are you…” he questioned as one of the guards nudged him he looked back at the angry looking guard clearly telling him to be quiet. The back door of the building he was against was opened for her. The group walked inside, the warmth surrounded him. It had been quite some time since he’d felt warmth like this. His head was so discombobulated as he looked around. “What the fuck?” He questions completely dumbfounded. It looked like the interior of a five-star Manhattan sky rise, yet they were in Brooklyn. His eyes darted around wandering just what he had been dragged into. Everything so private and classy, even when he had money he most likely didn’t have enough to dine here. The building even seemed to be adjoined to the building the sat beside it as he was taken deeper inside. Surrounded by the cozy interior he still shivered as he was sopping wet. Ashlyn opened a curtain leading to mahogany stairs that lead down gesturing for him to go first. Her smile sending a chill down his spine. He hesitated but looked back to the men whose expression urged him to go further into the belly of the building. Was he going to be killed? He wondered as he began to descend the stairs. Not far down the stairs, although hidden by the darkness until he was only a few steps away was a thick wooden door, seemingly made of the same dark wood as the stairs. The door seemingly opened on its own, but after being ushered inside, he saw another woman in a tight black dress holding open the door, he couldn't see her face however, as she was bent in a bow. Stretching out in front of Alexander was a large room even more luxurious than any penthouse dinning room he had ever seen. The ceiling was vaulted with a huge chandelier that sparkled with crystal roses with small dim lights glowing in their center. There were other doors of similar design of the one he had just entered, but lead to God knew where. The walls were a cerulean blue with gold scrollwork engravings. In the center was a dinning table made of the same rich dark wood as the doors, with luxurious plush chairs. On the surface of the table was a piping hot feast with bottles of aged wine and priceless looking crystal dinnerware. When he had reached the bottom of the stairs his heart thumped now, racing. He felt his palms getting sweaty and his neck get hot. He wasn’t supposed to be here. The door opened as he stepped in front of it. He was a bit spooked until he saw the woman standing on the opposite side. She had bowed to them as they entered the room. Another beautiful woman in a black dress. He took a deep breath in as his attention was drawn from the woman to the unique room. It was breathtaking. It was hands down the most beautiful room he had seen. He stood still as the others would stand behind him. “What is this place, why did you bring me here.” He said as he looked around seeing the feast that was laid out before them. His nose filled with the warmth and color of each dish that blended into air that caused a symphony of delightful fragrance. There were many doors in the room and his attention had been drawn to them for only a moment. He then looked back to Ashlyn. His appearance was killing the rooms' decor it called for much finer wear yet here he stood. “Seriously, I really didn’t mean to fall asleep on your building, I don’t know what you guys want, but I don’t have it. I… I think I’m gonna lea…” he spoke as he turned around to exit the room, but before he could finish the guard elbowed him in the ribs causing the wind to be knocked out of him. He stumbled and fell to his knees. Before he could catch his breath another guard hoisted him up as they had in the alley. Whoever these people were meant business and that was clear. "Clearly," Ashlyn said in her same gentle tone of voice, contrasting the harsh treatment of her guards. "We are here to eat. I do not want for any belongings, obviously. So the most reasonable thing for me to want, darling, is your yourself." As the guard held him still, Ashlyn reached up, tracing her fingers across his cheekbones that protruded from his cheeks from an extended amount of time without food. "I'll explain more later, but for now, you should eat." She said, once again her tone spoke that it was an order, not a request. The guard placed Alexander back on his feet and stood in front of the door with his arm crossed. Ashlyn walked over to the table and sat at the end, gesturing for Alex to join her. Alex listened to her still remaining in disbelief. The food was for them? There was no way he was this lucky. He started to think he was dreaming, but clearly the hit to his ribs was more than a pinch to show he was in fact awake. His eyes looked almost helpless like a puppy. This woman was helping him for seemingly no reason. He was still nervous about the whole thing but as she finished speaking she used her finger to trace his cheekbone. It had been a while since a woman had touched him so softly. He leaned into her touch as the guard held him still. She told him he should eat and with that she walked to the end of the table. Gesturing for him to join her. It had been a couple of weeks since he’d eaten. Water was the key in his survival and the subway water fountain was his best friend. His stomach growled to life as he approached the table. He unzipped the hoodie and removed it from his body revealing the damp T-shirt below. His long hair flowing down his shoulders now. He didn’t smell too horribly, not entirely pleasant but bearable. The rain had really helped, he had made it a habit to steal deodorant or a toothbrush when he needed. Since his belongings were taken. He had stored them in the pockets of his hoodie. He took a seat at the table where she gestured. Furthermore, he was still dripping onto the floor. Furthermore, he looked to her as she seemingly waited for him to dig in. His hand reached out to select a piece of the feast. His hand grabbed sliced prime rib and brought it back to himself as he stared around waiting to see if someone was going to take it from him. When he felt comfortable he raised it to his mouth and tore into it. He sighed as he tasted the savory meat. “Thank you.” He mumbled as he began to devour what he had taken. She gave a satisfied smile and began eating as well. She gave him ample enough time, and waited until he was entirely finished eating before standing and walking to the door on the far right of the dinning room. Furthermore, she turned and held out her hand, seemingly beckoning him to come take her hand and follow her through the door. "Come, little one. Let's get you cleaned up." After he gorged himself with food he sat back a bit more dry than he had. Ashlyn had eaten along with him but much more elegantly. Ever since he had met her she seemed to have something more hidden beneath her smile. She now stood up and walked towards a door but stopping short and standing in front of it. She extended her hand and beckoned him to follow. He stood up and walked over to her as she spoke to him telling him it was time to get him cleaned up. She took his hand and opened the door, guiding him inside. Inside he saw a marble tiled floor, the room was warm and thick with steam, but he could still see in the middle was a pool sized bathtub about 4 feet deep. The water had vapor coming off of the surface that was sprinkled with varying flower petals. Jasmine, white lilies, roses, and peonies were a few examples of the flowers floating on top of the water. On the ledge closest to them was a collection of expensive soaps, shampoos, and moisturizers. Against the wall next to the door to the right was different robes and towels of varying textures and colors. To the left was an Asian thin paper privacy screen. She took hold of his hand once again. When she opened the door she pulled him inside. This room was very warm and full of steam. He looked to the flower filled bath that sat in the center of the room. He walked up to the water and took hold of one of the flowers. A white Lily. He smelled it deeply and took pleasure in the smell of such a clean flower. The water was warm, steaming. It felt good on his fingertips. He looked around noticing the toiletries in the room as well as the small privacy screen on the side of the room. He turned to look to her “I assume you want me to strip and get in the bathe, yes?” He questioned as he pulled his shirt off. The feminine smell was pushed to the side in his mind as comfort began to become priority. His hands began to unbuckle his belt as he stepped out of his shoes. He was not wearing socks they had also been taken from him. With one fell swoop his thumbs hooked into his bottoms and he pulled them down. Now completely naked his hairy body was visible for Ashlyn to see. He now began to place a foot into the water as he lowered himself in the pool until he was fully submerged and then lowered his head below the water. He took only a moment before surfacing. “So why are you doing this?” He asked as he wiped his eyes. She took off her shoes and sat at the edge of the bath, letting her legs and feet dangle into the water. Even the edges of her expensive looking dress swirled in the water around her legs, but she wasn't the slightest bit bothered. She smiled down at him. "I make a hobby of collecting beautiful things, and I see a beauty in you that simply needs some polishing to be revealed." She explained, "you see, for the person who has everything, people are my favorite thing to collect. You are akin to finding an uncut sapphire right next to my front porch, so why wouldn't I be you in and make you mine?" She slipped of her shoes and took a seat at the edge of the bath. Her legs slowly entered the water as she looked keenly towards him. She was not bothered by his behavior by the least. It was peculiar for a woman of her standing. She now smiled as she looked down at him. Her lips parted as she began to speak. As strange as her words were they enticed him. She had seen him as an uncut sapphire in her words. Something beautiful. It had been some time since someone had spoken so nicely to him. A feeling in his stomach told him that there was something wasn’t right here. Something to collect rung around in his mind. “So you're just going to collect me? I’m going to be real lady, I may be on the low in my life, but I won’t be owned. I’m not some slave.” He told her. She tilted her head in curiosity, staring at him with an unreadable expression. "What do you think employees, friends, and connections are? They are people you have collected, some have a function, like tools, while others are simply interesting to spend time with, so you put them up on a shelf to be admired. Is that owning? Is that making someone into a slave?" When her head cocked he knew she had some rebuttal coming back. He felt bad after she had explained it a bit more. “I… I’m sorry I didn’t mean to come off that way.” He told her as he looked down in the bath feeling like he may have misinterpreted her words. She had been nothing but kind to him so far, why shouldn’t he trust her. “We’ll thank you then for…collecting me.” He told her giving her a kind smile. She returned the smile, seeming not to have taken his words to heart. "You are of course welcome, darling. Now come here, let's clean you up." She said, picking up the bottle of shampoo from the ledge beside her and beckoned him over. She welcomed him and moved to grab a bottle of shampoo. Beckoning him over he obliged her and waded over to her. “I don’t think I’ve had anyone do something like this for me ever.” He told her as he began to relax around her. "Well then I'm honored to be the first to give you such an experience." She said genuinely as she poured a bit of shampoo into her hands and began scrubbing his scalp, her well manicured nails exfoliating the grime and dirt away. After rinsing the suds away, she repeated the process until there was no more dirt left in his hair. She then took some deep conditioning serum and spread it from the ends of his hair all the way up the strands. She used her fingers to comb out the tangles and gently picked apart any knots, careful not to be too rough with his scalp. Finally, with his hair tangle free, she minced out the conditioner and began French braiding his hair. She picked up a small bag of hair accessories from the ledge and dug through until she found what she was looking for, a small delicate clip with a sapphire encrusted on it. She used it to secure the end of the braid, then released him to inspect her work. Furthermore, she took the soap and poured it into her hand and began to scrub deep into his scalp. He closed his eyes as he truly had felt bliss during this experience. Her nails dig deep and scrubbed his hair very well. After a couple rinses she had done it for a third time when his hair was completely clean. The months of dirt and grim washed away. She had paused a moment more and then began with a conditioner. He was beginning to feel quite pampered as she began to untangle his hair and make sure it was very prim and proper. His months of living so roughly he finally felt like he had been given a break. Once his hair was fully rinsed She had begun to braid his hair. He felt this to be a bit odd but remembered that some guys had braided their hair too. He relaxed and closed his eyes as she continued. When she was finished she released him his braid running along his neck. He noticed the clip. He held it in his hand. “A bit feminine isn’t it?” He said looking at the braid and the clip. "Is there anything wrong with that? I thought you'd appreciate the sentiment behind it, after my previous comment that you were an unpolished sapphire in my eyes." She gave a small laugh before standing. "Now, I hope you don't mind a little help, I'll have a couple of my girls come in to help you clean the rest of the way up, as well as to shave. I wouldn't want for you to be left with any parasites you might have picked up from outside. From what I understand, they are terribly uncomfortable to deal with." She walked over to the door and called a couple names. 2 women in the same tight black dress that seemed to be customary for women in her employment came into the room. They carried in a basket of body sculpting tools each. Her question made him feel a bit dumb. “I guess not, uhm thank you.” He told her not wanting to sound ungrateful. She had a small laugh before she informed him other women would be in to help him finish cleaning up. He was fine with what she had stated plus he needed a good shave it had been a few months. She walked to the door and called for two of the women, the two immediately came in with a box of supplies. The girls quickly surrounded him ready to begin cleaning him further. It was all so weird to him, but he began to shrug things off and just go with it. By the time they were finished, Alexander was entirely clean-shaven, including his nether regions, and his body scrubbed, exfoliated, and moisturized. Ashlyn wasn't present for this process, having left through the door they had come in when the 2 ladies had begun their project. Finally, Alex was released and given a soft plush wine colored robe. His clothes having already disappeared at some point during the process. The ladies then escorted him out of the Bath Room and across the dinning room into another door. This time, as the door opened, a grand, luxurious bedroom was revealed. The floor was a plush carpet of deep cerulean blue like an ocean abyss, all the furniture in the room was the same dark wood with sea foam and silver colored accents. Ashlyn could be seen lounging on an overstuffed couch of the same color theme. She was in a robe of her own with a silky red nightgown peeking out from under it. She looked over as Alex entered and gave a bright smile. "Ah! Hello darling, how are you feeling now that you've been properly groomed?" The rest of the grooming process was not at all what he had expected. The women really did shave him, completely. When he had stepped out of the bathe he had been exfoliated completely and not a single trace of hair had been left aside from the hair on his head he was silky smooth. He hated it. He even smelled like a flower in every single way. Everything was very feminine. When the girls finished he was dried and given a wine red bathrobe which he wrapped around himself and tied securely. The material feeling very nice on his smooth skin. He was now escorted to a new room this one still remaining on par with the others. He walked in seeing Ashlyn in a robe as well with a red nightgown on. She turned to greet him as he came in. He gave he a bit of an awkward smile. “I uhh feel spotless, I didn’t expect them to shave everything.” He told her as he took a deep breath in. His own scent now wafted into his nostrils “and I smell like a woman.” He told her as he took another look at his braid. She gave a soft laugh as she stood. "Is that such a bad thing to have feminine qualities?" She walked up to him with the same adoring smile. She stopped directly in front of him and placed her hand on his cheek, caressing the now smooth, clean skin. Furthermore, she batted her eyelashes at him, drawing slightly closer as she examines his facial features, now entirely revealed after the scruff was removed. Furthermore, she made it clear that she liked what she saw was her eyes shifted from his lips up to his eyes, meeting his gaze with a smile. "Is it?" Her laugh made him smile as she stood and walked over to him. She had posed a question, and before he could answer it he was lost in her eyes as they began to look at him up and down. Her hand causing a chill to run down his spine as she caressed his cheek. Her hands were now running over his skin. They felt so good, intoxicating to him. Her eyes fluttered as she drew a bit closer. His eyes closed as he focused on her voice. She now asked once again. He could feel himself growing a bit more excited at the moment. “I, I guess not.” He said as she had drawn him in with her enticing demeanor. She smiled at his reply, her fingers tracing down his jaw, then his neck, next across his collarbone and down the bit of exposed chest at the collar of the robe. As she did so, she drew even closer, her lips almost brushing his as she whispered "I would agree," her eyes flicked once more from his eyes down to his lips then back again, as if asking permission. He could hear the smile in her voice as her fingers danced across his jaw, traipsing down his collarbone to his chest. His whole body began to swoon as this woman drew closer to him until he could feel her lips brush against his own as she spoke. His eyes opened looking into her eyes as they flicked up to his and back to his lips. Delicately asking for permission. He gently rocked his head in an affirmation to her subtle question his lips began to part, ready to accept hers. She closed the remaining distance, kissing him gently as her hand climbed back up to cup his cheek and her other hand wrapped around his waist, pressing herself against him. She had taken the lead and closed the distance between then both. He returned her kiss as he embraced her soft lips. Her hand now climbed up to his cheek as her other hand wrapped around his waist. His arms wrapped around her as well. He could feel his excitement growing. He tried to control himself but soon enough he could feel himself getting hard beneath the bathrobe. She pulled away from his lips, giving them both a moment to catch their breath. She gave him a playful smirk and untied his bathrobe, revealing his hard member. Furthermore, she kept hold of each of the ends of the robes tie, pulling away and dragging him with her as she guided him to the solid wood 4 poster king-sized bed with sea foam colored sheets. Furthermore, she kissed him again, pressing up against him again teasingly as she placed her hands on his hips and pivoting him around so that it was his back facing the bed instead of hers. Furthermore, she then broke away from the kiss again as she pushed him down onto the bed with surprising strength. He lips slowly pulled away from his. He took a small breath as she smiled playfully. Her hands moved down to his waist to untie his robe revealing his erect state. She used his robe to move him to the position of her liking. He could feel the bed touch the back of his claves. The sheets feeling divine as it touched a small section of his skin. Their lips interlocked once more as she teased him once more before breaking it again. Before he could react she had pushed him onto the bed. She was much stronger than she looked he was now flat on his back looking up to her. As she had pushed him, she had kept her grip on one end of the robes tie, allowing the act of him falling backwards to pull the tie free of the loops around the robe. She then untied her own robe, revealing that her red nightgown underneath was in fact slightly sheer, and she wore nothing else underneath. She draped both robe ties over the footboard of the bed before crawling up on top of Alexander, her hands planted on either side of his head and her knees on either side of his hips. She bit her lip in anticipation as she gazed down at him for a moment, savoring the sight before she dipped down, her mouth laying a gentle kiss on his jaw. Furthermore, she trailed her lips along his jaw up to his ear and gave it a teasing nibble and flicking it lightly with her tongue. The robe tie slipped free of his robe when she had pushed him. His head stayed looking up to her as she untied her own robe revealing that her nightgown was a bit sheer. She was clearly not wearing anything under the night gown. She left the ties at the foot of the bed and climbed on top of him. His body reminding him of how painfully erect he was now. She now straddled his waist her head hovering over his own as he now looked up to her. All questions he had were gone for the moment. All he could do was anticipate what she was going to do next. She looked beautiful from where she sat above him. She leaned down kissing his jaw and using her lips to trace along his soft skin to his ear. He could feel her teeth press softly into his sensitive flesh. He was putty in her hands a soft gasp let out from between his lips when he felt her tongue begin to flick his ear as well. His hands found her thighs and began to glide up them. Her skin was soft and smooth as well. He soon felt the fabric of the nightgown as he had progressed far enough up her thighs. Her lips now traced down his neck, her hot breath tickled across his pulse point as she spoke. "Do you like it?" She asked breathing, referring to her night gown. She didn't wait for a reply as she sunk her teeth into the soft flesh of his neck, a bit more rough this time. Furthermore, she continued to tease him, her lips moving down his neck and her breath sent a chill up his spine as it tickled his skin. Furthermore, she had posed a question as his hand felt the fabric. “Yeah, it looks very nice on you!” He said as she startled him as her teeth bit into him once again. She giggled, planting a kiss on top of the bite mark. "You know, I think it would look good on you too." She said, pulling her head back to stare down at him again. Without waiting for a reply, she lowered her hips onto his, not allowing his member to slip inside of her, but instead very slightly moving her hips so that it rubbed against the entrance, letting him feel how hot and wet she was. Her lips pressed against his skin where she had bitten him. As he closed his eyes he listened to what she said. He eyebrow cocked upward.” I don’t think so.” He told her. Her head reared up to look at him, she lowered her hips until she was slowly grinding on top of his hard member as if enticing him to agree with her “I… I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He told her. She smirked down at him, not stopping with her teasing hip grinding despite his words. "And why's that, pray tell? I think perhaps a blue one would make the color of your eyes pop." She said, biting her lower lip as she too enjoyed the sensation of his hard member rubbing against her clit. She simply smiled in response to what he had said. He was beginning to feel slightly uncomfortable. Her grinding continued nonetheless. She now asked him a why he thought so, her suggestion that a blue one would make his eyes pop. He chuckled nervously in response. “It… I don’t know. Haven’t you already girl’d be up enough? I mean crossdressing just isn’t my thing.” He responded as he savored her grinding on top of him. She just gave a soft laugh in response. "Well how about we talk about that later, and focus on having a bit of fun for now." She reached down, grabbing his member in her soft hand. She angled it so that the head was resting right at the entrance, she then flashed a smile, lowering her hips down slowly so that his member slipped inside of her agonizingly slow. A soft moan escaped her lips as finally he was fully inside of her. She laughed at him once more and pacified him for the time being by telling him that they’d talk about it later. She very quickly drew his attention away as she began to slide his length up inside of her. He let out a soft moan after she had slid all the way down on top of him. Without any further hesitation, she lifted herself back up and slammed her hips back down repeatedly, arching her back in pleasure as her own orgasm began to build inside of her like a wave. It didn't take long for that wave of pleasure to hit its peak and crash down over her, but still she didn't stop. He could feel her hips lifting, sliding back up his length and this time she slammed back down on top of him. He held onto her hips firmly as she rode him. Furthermore, he felt himself getting close to orgasm, it had been quite some time since he had sex. Furthermore, he used to last quite some time during sex but this time he felt like he was nearing orgasm sooner and sooner. Furthermore, he tried desperately to hold off by flexing the muscle in his body. It didn’t matter because he was closing in quicker and quicker. “I, I’m going to cum.” He moaned beneath her, expecting her to allow him to cum outside of her. She gave a small breathy laugh before suddenly picking up her hips, letting his member slip out of her entirely, stopping just short of letting him get his off. She smirked down at him. "Uh uh uh," She tasked at him. "You're not allowed to." She then crawled back off of him, picking her robe up off of the ground and slipping it back over her shoulders, however not retrieving her tie to fully close it, instead still allowing him the view of her body to tease him without allowing him access to it. Her laugh caught him a bit off guard. Before he could cum she suddenly pulled off of him. His hard member bobbed as back toward him as his exited her. She stood up off of him as his orgasm had been denied. He stared at her with longing eyes. “What do you mean? I’m not allowed to? Why?” He said anxiously. She slid the robe back on top of her. His eyes still turning him on as he stared at her. She smirked at him. "Do I need another reason besides I said so?" Her demeanor had slightly changed into something less gentle. "You have the right to say no to things, as do I." She said, referring to his previous denial to do anything further 'feminine'. She sat in the armchair next to the bed, spreading her legs as if purposely to give him full view of her wet pussy, further enticing him. He sat himself upright on his hands. Looking at her. He was in disbelief as to what had just happened. His cock throbbed in anticipation as he sat there staring at her. She had literally brought him to the edge of orgasm and stopped. She had been a bit more passive-aggressive now. Furthermore, she was clearly not happy with his recent choice of words. Furthermore, she had not spread her legs to show him just what he was missing. He leaned forward and put his head in his hands. He took a deep breath in and looked at her again. "Please, please make me cum, what do you want? I'll do anything." He told her desperately. At his words, the adoring smile once again returned to her face. She very obviously enjoyed him begging. "Anything? Are you sure about that darling?" She stood walked back to him, she trailed her finger up his neck to underneath his chin, pressing up on his chin to tilt his head back to look up at her. "Are you certain?" She repeated as a whisper, gazing into his clear blue eyes. Her smile had immediately returned. She was not sour toward him anymore. She had clearly taken to his use of the word “anything”. He nodded desperately “Yes, please just make me cum. It’s starting to get sore.” He told her. She stood up and strutted toward him. She stood before him using her finger to lift his chin up to look at her. Once again asking him if he was certain. He nodded his head. His cock throbbing in anticipation, he was desperate for her to allow him to finish. She caressed his cheek before climbing up and straddling his lap. "As you wish, my darling." She reached down and slipped him back inside herself without any further wait, she began pounding her ass against his thighs as she repeatedly raised and dropped herself back down, moaning in his ear. She reached her arms around him before raking her nails lightly down his back. Not hard enough to draw blood, but enough to leave long red marks down the length of his spine. By the way that she touched him he knew that he had said the right thing, or did he? She climbed back on top of him, his cock sliding back inside her. He laid back as she began to work him as she had before. It wouldn’t take much now to get him off. He got closer and closer soon he was back to where he had been. “Oh fuck, I’m cumming.” He warned her. Her hips pushed back down onto him giving him just the stimulation he needed. He felt himself erupt. He hadn’t cummed this much in a while. Furthermore, he moaned wildly, and hips bucked up against her as he came. When he was finished he laid still breathing a bit labored. “That was amazing, thank you.” He told her forgetting about his agreement. She leaned down on top of him, planting a kiss on his cheek. "You're welcome, darling." She whispered before climbing back off of him again and leaving the room presumably to go get cleaned up, leaving Alexander alone in the room. She now leaned down and place a small kiss on his cheek. Telling him he was welcome as she jumped off of him. In a moment she was gone leaving him alone. He figured she'd stepped into the bathroom to clean up. As he paid there recovering from his orgasm he pulled the braid from behind his head and laid it on his shoulder and began to analyze the clip until she returned. He was so taken aback by the events that had transpired so far, what exactly was going on. He didn’t have a clue. After about 20 minutes, Ashlyn returned. Following behind her was one of her female servants, with a bundle of blue fabric folded in her hands with something black and sparkling on top. Ashlyn came and sat back down on the armchair next to the bed and the woman handed the bundle to her. Now that it was closer, Alex had a better view of what was on top of the blue fabric. Resting in Ashlyn's lap on top of the blue silken fabric was a black soft suede collar with tiny sapphires encrusted on it in the pattern of small blue flowers around it. She picked it up and held it out in front of her to inspect it, smiling, before looking up at Alex. Ashlyn had taken a little while to come back and when she had, she returned with a servant. Alex sat up right as they entered. He didn’t know someone else would be joining her. They approached him with a small bit of folded blue silk fabric and when they finally walked up to him, he noticed a black suede collar. Ashlyn held out the collar for him to see, he noticed that the other item was most likely the nightgown that she spoke of earlier. He sat still examining the women and looked to Ashlyn’s smiling face. “Your kidding.” He told her in disbelief. He was not ready to put what she had for him on. Her eyes flicked up to him. "I'm afraid not, darling. You made a deal. This collar is simply a symbol of that promise. Keeping it on shows that you intend to keep your word in doing whatever I ask of you. But taking it off shows an intention to break your promise." Her smile faded as she spoke, and she stared him down for a couple of moments of silence afterward." So what will it be, darling? Will you come here and allow me to put it on you, or do you intend to disobey?" Her face suddenly got very stern and very serious. This was the most serious she had been all night. She began to inform him that the collar symbolized his willingness to keep his word. If her didn’t have it on it symbolized otherwise. She stared at him in awkward silence. He looked to her and then to the servant. He was at a loss for what to do. Furthermore, he had been compliant, and she had treated him well, but he thought that wearing women's clothing was a bit too far especially with a collar. She now posed the question. Would he comply or not? He felt his heart beat pick up. “I… I think I should leave.” He told her as he began to moved off of the bed. She sat back, placing the collar back into her lap and folding her hands neatly in her lap. "I see... I'm sorry to hear you say that. So be it then." As if they had been listening and waiting, 3 new male guards came in through the door. She simply stared sadly at Alex as the guards walked over, they stood a small distance away, but close enough to grab Alexander if needed. "Come with us then" one of the men said, motioning for him to follow them. Ashlyn was very calm, very collected. She sat the collar down on her lap. Three men barged into the room as she had ended speaking. The three of them had come close enough to grab him. His heart had sunk. He regretted what he had said now. He now looked to Ashlyn as fear ran down his spine. The men telling him to come with them. He was scared, he looked once more to see Ashlyn’s face. “I… I I’ll wear it.” He said panic-stricken. Hoping Ashlyn would not allow the men to take him. She looked genuinely heartbroken as she shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry, darling... but how can I trust you.? I've done nothing to cause you harm, instead sharing my food, my home, and even my bed and with you... and yet you wouldn't keep your word that you gave freely of your own volition, and instead expressed the intention to have taken everything I had to give you and simply leave..." She met his gaze, her green eyes seemingly on the brink of tears. Her eyes looked as if they were watering. He now felt extremely guilty, and he knew that going with those men were the last thing that he wanted to do. He words cut him deeply, and he knew that he had really messed up and that wearing a nightgown was the least of his worries compared to what those men might do to him. Furthermore, he stood up of the bed and quickly darted toward Ashlyn before the men could grab him. Furthermore, he got onto his knees “please I’m sorry don’t let them take me.” He begged her. The men lunged, but she flicked her eyes at them, freezing them in their tracks. They slowly retreated back to the door along with the female, although they remained inside the room. The quick flick of her eyes cause the tear that had been just barely restrained to fall down her cheek, leaving one singular streak of eyeliner out of place in her otherwise flawless makeup that had withstood even the heated passion from earlier. Once they had moved back to the door, she looked back down at Alexander. Despite everything, she still couldn't resist the temptation to caress his cheek. She stared into his eyes, as if searching for something for a few heartbeats. Finally, her lips parted to speak. "Then I need you to swear 3 things to me. 1, that you will not disobey me again. 2, that you will not hurt me. And 3, that you will keep your word and never break your promises." He could feel how close the men had gotten to grabbing him. He looked up to Ashlyn’s face. The streaked makeup on her face spoke to his sense of empathy. She sat still as he begged on his knees and he was hopping she would let him make up for it. She listened to him and moved her hand to caress his cheek. Furthermore, she looked at him kindly now. Furthermore, she stared at his eyes now not saying anything as if she was thinking on what to do. When she began to speak he hung on each word and to his benefit she had given him a way to redeem himself. She asked him to promise three things. Three things that were quite a bit to ask of someone. He looked back at the men who now hung around near the door. “I promise, I promise I won’t disobey you. I promise I won’t hurt you, and I promise to keep my promises. Please don’t let them hurt me.” He continued. His hands now resting on her knees trying to gain her sense of mercy. She thought a moment then finally gave a soft sigh. "Alright darling. Then you have my promise that so long as you keep your word, and this collar doesn't leave your neck unless I remove it myself, no one except for me will be allowed to touch you. I promise that you will be well taken care of, with all of your needs met. And if you're good, you can have anything your heart desires." She spoke softly, her voice sincere and loving as picked the collar back up out of her lap, fastening it around Alexander's neck snugly but not uncomfortably tight. She then tilted his chin up to look at her again and she leaned forward to where her lips just barely brushed his. "Do you accept my deal, darling?" He waited on edge for her words as she sighed listened closely. The Alright that slipped from her lips sent a wave of relief over his body. He no longer felt like he was on deaths' door. This woman was sweet and kind but just as equally scary and stern. She picked up the collar and fastened it around his neck. His clip on his hair held Sapphires similar to the collar. It felt relatively good on his neck once it was fastened. Her finger found its way to his chin pushing his face up. She now asked if he accepted her deal. He closed his eyes knowing that he would regret his choice, but this was most definitely better than being beaten by those men. He nodded against her finger. “Yes, I accept your deal.” He told her looking into her eyes. She smiled, her eyes gleaming before she leaned forward and planted a brief gentle kiss on his lips. She pulled back to sit upright once more, looking over to the 4 people who stood next to the door. "You may go now, thank you." She said, and the first guard nodded, opening the door, and they all stepped out, closing the door behind them. Ashlyn turned back to look at Alex again, taking one of his hands and placing the blue silky nightgown in his hand. "It's time to get ready for bed, little one. It's been quite the day." Her demeanor had changed completely now that he had agreed to what she wanted. She now kissed him on his lips gently and then dismissed the staff in the room. Without question or word they had walked out of the room and left them alone once again. She now looked back at him SND handed him the folded garment. Telling him that it was time to get ready for bed. Holding the Gown in his hand he allowed it to unravel until it hung in front of his body. He looked at Ashlyn and back at the gown. There was no doubt that this gown was feminine to the max. He swallowed his pride and slipped the gown over his head like a shirt. It hung just as Ashlyn’s did except for his lack of breasts. He turned to look at her now wearing both items she had given him. “I look stupid.” He told her as he now took a seat on the bed. "No, you look gorgeous." She said, standing and walking over to him. She pressed one more kiss onto his forehead. "Blue is certainly your color, my little gem. Now, get some sleep. This is your room now, so feel free to help yourself to anything within. I'll come to fetch you in the morning for breakfast. But the rest of the night is yours to do with what you wish. You may even explore outside the room, but do NOT. Go up the stairs." She emphasized the last bit, making it expressly clear before she walked over to the door, stopping just short. "Oh, and should you need anything, one of my girls is just outside the door, just ask her." She then turned and exited through the door, disappearing from view. She told him that the gown looked good on him even though he doubted. Furthermore, she now kissed his forehead before she backed away from him. Furthermore, she now told him to get some sleep and gave him full open reign to go and explore, but she made sure she emphasized the part where he was not to go upstairs. Curiosity began to raise inside him. He wanted to venture upstairs, but he already was on thin ice with her, and he promised that he would obey her. Last thing he wanted was to break his promise and become a punching bag for the guards. When she left him to his own devices he did in fact feel tired. It felt good to be dry and in a warm room. He focused on the positives. He was wearing a women's night gown, but he was fed and in a warm home with roof over his head. Furthermore, he got up and walked to the bed. Furthermore, he pulled back the covers and slid in. The mixture of the sheets and the silk gown cradling his body was blissful. In a few minutes he had passed out sound asleep. Thankful that he was being taken care of and given a second chance. The next morning, a light knock sounded at the door. When he woke up he awoke to a small knock on his bedroom door. He opened his eyes groggily. He stepped out of his bed and picked up his robe. Pulling it on and wrapping himself in it, covering the gown. It was strange as the passage of time was unclear there were no windows or anything, he felt like he had gone to a completely different place, he couldn’t even hear the bustle of the New York City streets. It was a very new experience. He placed his hand on the door handle and opened it. “Yes?” He asked greeting the person opposite of him as he rubbed his eye. It was one of Ashlyn's female servants. She gave a slight bow before speaking. "The mistress regrets to inform you that she had to leave early this morning to tend to some business, she is unsure as to when she will return, but she ordered breakfast for you, should you like to come eat." She stepped to the side slightly, gesturing with a wave of her hand towards the dinning hall behind her, where he had eaten dinner previously. Now a slightly smaller and simpler spread was on the table, but it was still impressive with a variety of different choices and more food than 5 people could eat, let alone 1. The servant stood before him and bowed before him. She then began to inform him of what was happening that morning. Breakfast was ready, and it was all waiting on him. He had free rein of the place. He nodded as she gestured to the table. “Okay, thank you.” He spoke as he now stepped out of his room and into the dining room. The food that morning looked exquisite as it had last time. He took no time to take a seat and begin helping himself to fruit and a variety of different foods. Whilst eating he noticed he had to sit with his legs closed to keep from exposing himself. When he had finished he looked to the servants. “Do you think one of you could find me a change of clothes? Also, would someone else mind giving me a tour of this place?” He began to ask them. He stood up and stepped towards one of the women. The first woman he addressed gave a quick bow before speaking. "The mistress has already arranged for a wardrobe of clothes for you if it would please you to come with me and pick what clothes would best suit your tastes from her selections." The woman who addressed him had given him a quick bow accompanied by an answer to his question. “Oh okay yeah, let’s go take a look.” He responded as he followed the servant waiting for her to show him what kind of options he had. She led him into one of the other many doors, opening it to reveal a fitting room with seamstress supplies, a wall covered with mirrors, several different stands and displays filled with accessories of varying colors, design, and style. She walked to one of the closets in the room and opened the door, pulling out a rotating rack of clothes, almost all dresses off varying colors, styles, lengths and designs including sundresses, cocktail dresses, full length gowns, and a couple loose flowy blouses with skirts as well. The room they had entered seemed quite large. The servant walked forward and began by pulling out a rack of clothes. Upon examination, they were all yet again women's clothing. He rolled his eyes as he stepped forward and searched through the clothing. “Are there pants? T-Shirts?” He asked the servant. He sighed as he looked around. Furthermore, he stepped around the room pulling out a couple drawers. One containing a variety of women's underwear, panties, bras, stocking, you named if it was in the drawers he pulled out. He sighed once again. As he looked down at the night gown, as comfortable as it was he wanted out of it. He now looked back to the servant. “I’ll be honest, I Wasn’t expecting just women's clothing. So, any suggestions? Or should so wait on Ashlyn?” He asked the servant as he held his robe closed tightly. "I'm sorry, sir, but these are all clothes picked for you by the Mistress, we were given express orders that you were only to wear clothes picked by her." She said, bowing as she apologized. "There is also no time estimate as to when our Lady will return, sometimes when she is out dealing with business matters, she doesn't return until late at night. There have been a couple instances when The Lady of the house doesn't come back for days at a time as well." The servant gave him a similar answer this time elaborating a bit more as to the state of his current situation. He thought to himself for a moment. He couldn’t just wear the night gown until she returned. Furthermore, he would have to get dressed from something here and live normally until Ashlyn returned. Furthermore, he scratched his head and turned back towards the clothing. “I don’t know what to wear. Would you like to help me? I really could use the help, I don’t think I’ll be able to select anything, I need the help of a woman.” He laughed nervously trying to break the ice between him and the servant. “I’m Alex by the way.” He told her. She gave a slight smile. "I'm Poppy. Like the flower." She then turned back towards the rack of clothes, sifting through. "Perhaps for more casual wear..." She picked out a plain black satin dress. It was open in the back, and seemed that it might be semi form fitting around his torso and waist, but flowy enough around the legs to be comfortable and be able to function in. The hem of the dress looked like it would reach just below his knees. "How about this one?" She asked, holding it up for him to see. “Poppy, nice. Very pretty name.” He noted as she turned to the clothes. She shuffled through the clothing until she found a pretty black dress. She pulled it out and suggested it’d be a good pick for more casual wear. Furthermore, she held it up to him. It went to about his knee. He took it from her and felt the material. “You don’t find this at all weird? A man only given the option of women's clothing? It’s a first for me that’s for sure.” He told her as he looked at the dress one more time. “Any other choice, or anything else? I reckon I’m at your mercy.” He chuckled making conversation. She shuffled uncomfortably, glancing around as if checking for any ears listening to their conversation, meanwhile avoiding his eyes as she said. "Yes, I suppose it would be a startling change... but umm... ah!" She pulled out an emerald green dress with vine designs embroidered into it, it was a bit shorter and looser fitting. "This perhaps with the black flats and waist belt would be suitable for Ashlyn to come back to, while still remaining comfortable." He saw her looking around a bit uncomfortable before responding. He cocked his head to the side as she began digging through the clothes once more. The option she pulled out this time was nice but a bit too feminine for him at his current state. He smiled “I think I’ll stick to the black one, much less feminine. Plus it matches the sapphires.” He teased giving a light laugh to go along. “You know, if you want to speak freely you can. I won’t say anything.” He added as he folded the dress over his arm. “I mean things are a bit odd here are they not? I mean I walked in hairy and manger looking, and now I’m smoother than a babies bottom and I smell like flowers. Have there been many like me?” He asked her trying to gauge his situation. "The Lady is fond of taking... pets, as we like to call them... she's had a few over the years, some female, some male... the majority of them just kind of disappear one day, however there have been a couple that she gave respectable positions to in the Clan, and still function as loyal employees for her." She hesitated a moment then continued. "Perhaps you'll meet Ruby. She was one of the Mistresses pets. She was given a position in charge of the hiring and dispatching of guards for the Mistress, and she still occasionally comes to visit her." He listened to her and nodded surprised to hear that some of Ashlyn’s pets had just disappeared. It scared him more than he was willing to admit. A chill ran down his spine. Nodding he accepted the information and kept a cool demeanor. “Well I will be on the lookout for Ruby. Thank you for being frank with me.” He added. In the room was a small curtain he walked over and pulled it closed as he stripped off the night gown. He stepped into the dress and pulled it up. It was snug. Yet it did allow his legs enough room. When he finished he opened the curtain. “What do you think?” He asked as he bent down to pick up the nightgown. She examined how the dress fit and nodded in satisfaction. "I'm sure the Lady would be pleased. And you can just leave the clothes there, Rose will take care of it. She's in charge of the upkeep of this room." She answered before fetching some black ankle socks and blue flats. "How about these with it?" He nodded dropping the nightgown onto one of the small tables inside the room. Poppy retrieved a pair of flats and socks. “I guess those will work.” He added as he took them from her. He took a seat nearby and pulled the socks onto his feet and the flats followed. It all felt very strange he had to admit, but it wasn’t terrible. He stood up me smiled at Poppy. “It’s not half bad. Thank you for your help. So is there anything else or shall we go on a tour?” He asked her. She gestured for him to exit the room and then followed him. "The layout of this place is fairly straightforward. From the dinning room, there are 8 doors. 4 of which you've already been into, your room, the bathroom, the dressing room, and the door that you came through from upstairs." She explained, pointing to the door neighboring his room. "That is the Lady's room, we shouldn't go in there without her permission. But I can take you this way. This is the way to the servants' quarters and the kitchens." She explained, leading him in through another door. He exited the room into the dining room. Poppy had accompanied him. Be started to get a general understanding of how the place was laid out. She now started on towards the servants quarters and the kitchen. He followed closely behind. “So do you live here as well or how does that work?” He asked as he followed her. "Yes, I do." She confirmed as she opened the door, showing a spacious but simple common room with couches, chairs, a coffee station, a TV, a couple game stations, a table, and a couple shelves of books, DVDs, board games, card games, etc. There were 3 doors that branched off from the common room. "There are 10 females and 10 males that work and live here. The Lady provides for everything we need, and we are able to request time off to leave, but otherwise, we don't go upstairs." Nodding along he followed Poppy. The common room was very spacious and open. He noticed the different activities in the room. “This is very nice, I didn’t think there was a common room here. So let me ask, why am I not allowed to go upstairs again?” He asked Poppy curiously. "Oh, um." She hesitated a moment. "Upstairs is the way out. But don't go getting brave, it's a maze up there, and there's always guards and maids up there, so..." She trailed off, but it was obvious that her next word would be 'It would be impossible to escape' It was clear from how Poppy spoke about the upstairs that escape was near impossible. He knew that he would most likely be here for quite some time. From what he had heard so far there were two ways for this to end, with him continuing to be Ashlyn’s pet or with him disappearing without a trace. Looking down he touched the dress he wore. It was all so strange, and it had happened so fast. Never did he think that he would end up in a situation like this.

The Downward Spiral [Skybright x TiffanyBlue]|rating:3.0

Rebuilding London Bridge After it Fell ((A Corpses of Men Fanfic RPG))

At precisely 6:30 am, Gregory Sharp's generic alarm in his generic room sounded. He rose from his generic bed to quickly clean himself up in his generic bathroom, then returned to his bland gray shaded room to find a neatly laid out suit on his bed, which had very much not been there when he'd gone into the shower." Lawrence!" He griped aloud, despite being well aware that his 'brother' was long since out of earshot. "Treat me like I'm a child, will you... bastardize wanker." Despite being Brit through and through, even Gregory had to admit he'd never be able to out rant his old, smaller counterpart with all his unsophisticated cockney, so 'bastardize wanker' would have to suffice for an insult. Dressing in suit that had been lain out for him, despite his protests, the 6'3" boy in his early twenties raked his scraggly brown locks back out of his eyes before smoothing down the black, pink stripe west and emerging into the dark blue wallpapered corridor of the residential wing of the London temple. A quick glance at his gold pocket watch (which had also been a gift from Lawrence) told him it was already nearly seven. Lawrence would be at breakfast by now, just finishing up, likely having his second cup of Earl Grey for the morning, perhaps coffee if it was a particularly bad morning following a particularly bad night... a scotch kind of night. As he walked down the hall Gregory pondered to himself what it would be like to be able to express ones entire mood simply through the beverage they were consuming. He could have a scotch kind of night... couldn't he? No... no he couldn't. It simply wouldn't suit him. Alcohol didn't suit him. But coffee... coffee and tea, those could suit. And if they did... what was this morning? Was it a coffee morning? Or was it time for Constant Comment? What would his beverage choice say about him? Apparently nothing. Lawrence sat waiting at the table they always managed to single out, his own tray before him, as well as one for Gregory. Once again, his decision had been made for him. As he took his seat, Gregory began to wonder if he really had his own personality at all. ((The part of Lawrence tonight will be played by Hyena. -pauses for applause-))"I see you've found the suit I laid out for you," he said, looking rather haggard. Ah yes, coffee. And by the looks of it not his first cup. Last night must not have gone has he'd planned... whatever those vague plans might have been. Today he gave very much the appearance of a well-kept ghost: gray eyes sunken into deep holes in his face giving the impression of a very young person asphyxiated on school picture day. He moved slightly, avoiding his brother's eyes, and the scent caught on the draft. Whatever had made Lawrence's night such a chore had involved blood. He reeked of it. "The color suits you." "You always dress me the morning after you've been... hunting..." Gregory stared at his brother with eyes of far to knowing green. "And you're drinking coffee. I can still smell the scotch on you. Dare I even ask what went wrong with your pursuit of your query?" "It was... just a rough night is all," Lawrence said into his coffee mug. "It got a bit messy. I'm sure you don't want to hear about it." Partially raising one eyebrow in the closest Gregory usually came to real expression, the corners of his lips twisted into the slightest hint of an ever so sadistic smile. "Oh don't I?" The smile grew. "It was the little blonde imbecile you've been toying with, wasn't it? What was her name again? Megan? Have you finally ridden us of her aggravating presence brother? Oh, do tell me that you have." "There wasnothingwrong with Megan, Gregory," Lawrence snipped. "She was... enthusiastic at her worst. Hardly the terror you make her out to be." "Nothing wrong. Nothing wrong?!" He picked up a biscuit and tore a bite off of it, gesturing with the little bit of food in his hands as he spoke. "She talked, CONSTANTLY! And never mind the fact that she had to touch me all the bloody time! Seriously is it really so terribly hard for Americans to understand that I don't want to be bloody well hugged all the damn time? And then there's her sick obsession with demons. Seriously Lawrence she thinks they're friends beasts that can be 'evoked' to help her with her bloody mathematics homework at university! How can you say there was nothing wrong with her?" - "Well, I suppose when you put it in those words she might have deserved a rushed and sloppy dissection." He put his mug down. "She was so... dull. I thought that, given her disposition, she would squirm. Or at least scream." He sighed. "She was probably on something." Gregory mumbled into his coffee mug as he picked it up for a long over do sip. Now that he thought about it, this probably would have been a coffee morning anyway. "How did you know I'd want coffee this morning?" "Because you were twitching in your sleep, and then immediately showered upon waking." He brought the spoon to rest. "What nightmare were you reliving this time?" He said it as though night terrors were nothing but the norm, which it was. He found it difficult to show concern, concerned though he was. Gregory paused, staring straight down. "You know, it really should disturb me that you watch me sleep from time to time." Raising his eyes, he noted the Stoic calm on his brothers face that said the conversation wouldn't progress until he'd answered the question. "Him. It was of him again. It feels as though I haven't had a peaceful night sleep since we've been back. He's dead. I know he is. We watched it happen. But dead doesn't seem to mean gone. This whole place... it's still saturated with him, with the way things were." Lawrence sighed. "I might have thought so." He seemed to be hiding something about himself, but that was the norm. If there were any emotion present on his face before, it was gone now. "He did govern this place for the larger part of three decades. At the risk of sounding like the Frenchman's dreadful sister, I would not be surprised if he left some..." and at this, he lifted his hands and wiggled his fingers in a mockery of something spiritual. "Resonant energy or some... such. It will pass with time." Gregory nodded, but just barely. "Do you think we should have taken her advice and had one of the more... flippant.... new age... types do their cleansing or whatever it is they think they do?" He waited a moment, still staring into his coffee mug, then answered his own question. "No. No of course not. That would have been silly, wouldn't it." He looked up again, a wistful twinkle in his eye. "Brother... do you suppose he's in hell?" "I certainly hope not," Lawrence said flatly. "Hell is far too good for him. I think he's been reincarnated as a hog in southern Kentucky." One look at Gregory's face told him that his joke was not received as well as he'd hoped. "You really are worried that he's lingering, aren't you?" "I am." He said without hesitation. "I was thinking that, perhaps, if I could have.... could have... her... find him down there, just to know he was there, hopefully trapped forever... that perhaps I would rest better." His shoulders seemed to slump a little further. "But... she's been so busy lately. I really oughtn't bother her with something this silly." Lawrence cringed at the possibility of having to deal with her again. Their interactions had been brief and few, but that was all that had been needed to discern her nature enough to know that he wanted to keep their encounters as minimal as possible. "If it is important to you, then it isn't silly. She still does belong to Josephine; I would be willing to bet that I could pull a few strings to get her over here. Although..." At this, he lowered his voice so that only he could hear the words that came from his mouth. "Anything she can do you can do and with far more finesse. Just because she saved the world doesn't mean she's superior. It's simply a matter of notoriety." "What? Who? The Witch? No, no no, no. Don't be ridiculous. I'd rather go completely mad than admit that I needed help from Felix Mehdi's dreadful sister again. Not her." He made a scoffing sound in his throat as though it was an entirely discomforting thought. "I was talking about... /her/. I meant... Mother." Lawrence's breath seemed caught in his chest. "Gregory, she's in Hell." Gregory sank backwards as though he didn't need the reminder. "Gregory, she's a demon. You've only just recently gotten to a point where you don't try to kill them on-sight. Are you certain you're ready for that?" Gregory thought about it a little longer than he should have needed to before he answered. "If... if I call to her, she will come as a human... wouldn't she?" Of course, she would. She was Mother after all. Gregory drew a deep breath and quietly reminded himself of such. "She's still Mother." He drank his coffee quietly for another moment. "I would just have you put me in touch with Felix, and have him ask her for me, but I imagine that would be... rude... wouldn't it?" Setting down his now empty coffee cup, he sat up a little straighter and gave a slight shake of his head. "Oh bother. Never mind. It's not even important. It's only been a few weeks, and we've not really changed anything yet. Maybe all we need to do is change some of what's here and things will feel better. Do you suppose we should redecorate?" "We could do to get rid of the blue decor," he said. "I'm considering color-coding the halls to make them easier to navigate. East wing in yellows and pastels, burgundy and orange for the south wing, purple for the west wing, maybe green and blue for the north. I could benefit from your opinion, of course. I don't want to be theonlyone making decisions for the entire temple. Furthermore, I could enlist a few residents to help us paint. Furthermore, I'm sure they'd be happy to have something to do..." Before Lawrence could get too far in his interior design plans, he snapped himself back to reality. "Gregory, you're plenty right to be worried. If w... if you have any more nightmares, and if you feel that we need to call her in... I will not think any less of you." "Thank you brother, but, perhaps a coat of... hold on now... wait just one moment." Gregory tipped his head to the side and leaned forward. "You were about to say, /we/. Weren't you? Do you still have the nightmares as well?" His voice dropped to a hush at the last statement. Lawrence became very quiet, very small. He stood, pushed in his chair, and leaned in close. "I would prefer to speak on this in private," he said. "Finish your coffee. Meet me in the courtyard." He gathered his flatware, deposited it all in the dish caddy by the door, and disappeared around the corner. "But I've..." he was about to say he'd already finished his coffee, but Lawrence was already gone. Rising, he popped the last bite of his biscuit in his mouth, and took care of his breakfast wares as his brother had. Some ten minutes of navigating the difficult hallways later found Lawrence standing alone in the courtyard. "Oh bullocks. This had best not be another of your tricks Lawrence." he said as he took a seat on a simple cement bench. "If I sit here half the day, and he doesn't show... I may have to be quite cross." Lawrence breezed into the comparatively small courtyard, clutching to him a pocket-sized moleskin. Even in the ten minutes that had passed, he looked as though his body was finally accepting that perhaps he should have been sleeping rather than 'hunting.' Taking a seat next to Gregory, and without a word, he flipped to an arbitrary page in the pamphlet-stitch journal. A list of rooms, a list of dates, tally marks. Some went back further than their return to London, but the marks were more numerous in the past few weeks. They were worse yet in the past few days. The days when it had become evident that Lawrence was not sleeping." He haunts me," he said. "He always has, but... now it almost seems purposeful." Gregory was quiet for a long while, longer than he should have taken to answer, that much was certain. When at last he did speak again, it was non-committal at best." Well then, I suppose the next matter of business would be establishing what needs to be cleaned. I... I will ask her... mother that is... to look and see if she can find him in hell. Once we know if he's there, we'll know to what extent we need to clean him out of here." "Are you able to... to I supposesummonher to London? We're so far from the rift. Is it possible?" Gregory thought it over for a brief time. "No. No I don't imagine I could. I would have to either descend a few layers into hell... or make a quick trip across the pond. Personally, that sounds the safer option. But... if I go back over, we can't leave the temple unmanned, not with.... not with /brother/ still out there. If I go to Pittsburgh to speak with her, I'll have to go alone." For a moment, Lawrence looked as though he might be afraid to be left alone for much time, but that was silly. The man was never one for company anyhow. He reveled in the solitude... or so it seemed. "Very well then. But be quick about it. You know how I feel about leaving you two alone." Gregory scowled at him for a moment. "I'll talk you quite kindly to let that portion of my life fall into the past brother. Lethal and I are... different... now. We've gotten over that little addiction, and frankly, don't need it anymore. Or at least... she doesn't need me anymore." Was that a note of bitterness in his voice? Perhaps sorrow? Whatever it was, it was gone in an instant. "But there's far more important work to be done, so right then, moving right along." Gregory stood and stretched. "I'll go pack. Shouldn't be gone more than a day or so, and that's only if things in Pittsburgh need my attention. Might even check in on an old friend back state side while I'm there, if you can spare me for the few extra hours." Lawrence leered at him, but decided not to pry. He'd poked enough holes into his brother's past for one conversation, no need to deflate it completely. "Very well." He stood. "But if I hear any sort of trouble, I will not hesitate to come find you." "As you wish, Brother." Humming quietly to himself, Gregory bid his brother farewell, and slipped off to his room to pack a light overnight bag. As much as seeing Lethe again worried him, he couldn't deny that he was actually a bit elated over it. He missed her. There were no two ways about it. She'd brought him life when he was unfeeling and lost, and he'd needed her when she'd needed someone to look after. They'd saved each other again and again even if they'd also caused each other so much pain. She'd burned and died for him, and he'd died for her. Demon or not, she was Mother, and he could never hate her, even if he tried. But that didn't mean he didn't fear what she'd become, or how he would react to it. He was raised to be a demon killer. That was all he'd known since he was an infant. Now Lethe, his beloved Mother, the angel who'd given everything for him, or so it felt to him, was a demon. Or mostly a demon. The details were still unclear to everyone, even her. What had happened to them, to her, because of her, because of him, had been utterly unprecedented? A knock at his door interrupted Gregory's quiet musing. "Lawrence, you really needn't worry. I'll..." He opened the door to find a large black man he barely recognized from Cairo standing outside it, grinning from ear to ear. "Oh... you... you're not Lawrence." "Hello," Randal sang. "Mister Worth change his mind about stayin' an' send me to take care uh London while you two was in the US." "Uh huh. Right then." Gregory paused and smiled awkwardly for a moment before glancing down the hall toward his brothers room. "Right. Excuse me for a moment." He turned in an about-face manor and began all but marching down the hall, his leather overnight bag slung over his shoulder casually." Lawrence!" He called a little too loudly for the normal London composure as he reached his brothers' door. "Care to explain the sudden lack of faith in me?" "Because just because your little... addiction to her is in the past doesn't mean that it will stay there," he said, packing. "It hasn't even been a year yet. Neither of us can say how you'll react to seeing her again and well... honestly /someone/ has to be there just in case." He snapped his suitcase shut. "I'll trust you one day, just not today. Not with her." "For gods' sakes Lawrence. You're acting as though we're a couple of teenagers alone at an unsupervised party! She's the closest thing I've ever had to a mother. I thought surely you of all people could understand and have the slightest bit of faith in me!" His rant aside, Gregory's seething passed, and he accepted that argument would net him nothing more than a pissed off travel companion. "Fine. Have it your way. But you will not be in the sanctuary when I call to her. You can wait outside." "I made a promise to look after you," he said. "I left you once and just look what happened! I won't be doing it again." He slid the suitcase off of his bed and breezed past him into the hallway. "Shall we go, then," Lawrence said, appearing to try to decide which hallway they needed to head down into. Gregory sighed audibly and half rolled his eyes. "Left. You've been away to long, /Larry/, if you're getting lost in /our/ home. Left, straight for the next 2, another left, straight straight straight, right. Cairo hallway." Pushing past his brother, Gregory began to lead the way. Their stop in Cairo was brief, just long enough to give Amman their regards, and then they were on their way. The Temple of The Children in Pittsburgh was still little more than a steel sided warehouse. This group had been Lawrence's home for the duration of his time away from London, so here Gregory finally slunk into the background and let him have the lead. "Lawrence," Josephine cooed. "I was wondering how long it would take for you to come back to me." She wore a very serious smile which indicated that she was not serious at all. The most confusing woman, some might argue, is the one who wears them right on her sleeve. Which, today, was green. She quite liked green. It seemed to be her lucky color. She was flanked with other members of the temple, and rightly so: though the initial danger of the hell mouth was over, Pittsburgh was still the weakest spot on the planet. If the wrong person came through that door, it would not take much for it all to start over again. He met her with a kiss on the hand, but of course it was a show for both of them. "Josephine," he said. "I can't stay long: business you know. You've met my brother, Gregory, haven't you?" "Yes. Always a pleasure." Gregory sighed out in irritation. No matter how useful Lawrence claimed she was, he still couldn't stand to be in the same room with this woman. "Are you going to be a minute Lawrence? If so I'll just go visit my acquainted now and meet you at the Berkelium. Promise I won't go see mother without you." Josephine rolled her eyes once Lawrence waved him off. "Frighteningly social creature, isn't he?"" I'm working on him," Lawrence said. "You remember how I was when I first escaped London, don't you?"" That was the tightest, roundest ball I have ever seen a man curl into. Breaks the record still today."" I'd be much obliged if you never mentioned that in front of him."" Only so long as keeping it a secret is useful to me. Now go on... you're here for... something important, I trust."" Very. But you needn't worry; we just need to check on something for the London temple." He began to turn." Ah-ah... keeping secrets from ME?" She put her hands on her hips, one-two. You of all people know how well that goes, Mr. Worth."" Trust me, this is really nothing for you to worry about. We can handle this on our own." Before he could leave, the fine, feminine fingers wrapped around his bicep and pulled him close." Curling up in a ball isn't the /only/ secret I have the rights to, Lawrence," she hissed. Then smiled. Then let go. "But you go ahead. You know I'll find out what you're doing... somehow." With an uneasy stare, he backed away, she turned and gathered her new minions... some of which Lawrence recognized as demons. Only Josephine could convert the damned. Tugging on his tie, he stepped out of the corrugated aluminum of the warehouse that served as the temple and followed the sound of his brother's footsteps crunching against the wreckage. A few blocks up, next to the newly re-opened trolley/subway hybrid system, Gregory stopped by a payphone that read 'Free Local Calls'. To his surprise, it did in fact have a dial tone. The city was being rebuilt and reclaimed with a remarkable speed, but he supposed that when you had angels, demons, world benders, and every manner of supernatural creature under the sun working together to do so, it would go rather quickly. So lost in the thought was Gregory, that a soft and proper female voice from the other end of the receiver had to jar him back out of it." Worth-While Cakes, This is Marissa speaking. How can I bake your day?" The voice chimed, and Gregory cracked half a smile, barely suppressing a chuckle." Rissy... really? 'WORTH-WHILE'... 'BAKE, your day'? Oh, gods have mercy. Have you gone daft Sissy?" He chuckled. Gregory Sharp actually chuckled." Gregory? Darling what are you doing calling my cell?" Her moment of elation turned immediately to the kind of concern that only could come from an insane, murderous, overprotective, creature whose obsession knows no bounds... in otherworlds... a mother. "What's wrong? Are you alright? Is Lawrence alright?"" Calm down Marissa." He gestured with his free hand despite her inability to see it. "Everything's fine.""IF everything were fine you wouldn't be calling me at five in the morning." Bloody hell. She was right. He'd forgotten all about the time difference in his rush to get here. It was five in the morning." No, no Marissa I promise, everything is fine. It's just... well... I'm in town. I wanted to check in. Lawrence is here as well, but don't be cross with him. It was a split second decision, and he got sideswiped by that horrible shrew woman the moment we crossed the threshold. Why the hell that bloody bitch..."" Gregory Sharp! You know I don't like those words in that combination. Be they about me, or my boss, or anyone else."" Right. Right you are Sissy. I'm sorry. Anyway I was only saying that I don't even know why she was awake this early."" The woman is bionic. She doesn't need sleep."" Really? She doesn't feel like a robot..."" What? No... dear boy... it was just a figure of speech. She's human.... I think... But, back on topic, Lawrence is with you so he'll probably be getting in touch shortly, but you want to find time to both break away from him and everything else going on to meet up and vent, is that right?"" You know me so well Risky." He said flatly. Of course, she did. They wouldn't be doing this if she didn't. Aside from Mother, Marissa was the only person to whom he could be open and speak his mind freely. She was as damaged as he was after all. In different ways of course, but she understood. She understood, and did not judge, nor share his secrets with anyone else, nor ask him to share more than he felt like saying at any point. She didn't touch him, or coddle him, nor did he try to hold or comfort her. They had an understanding. "Right then... do you think we can find some time?""Oh, Gregory! dear of course we can. You boys aren't the only ones with your secret connections and covert means to the desired end. Meet me at one this afternoon."" One? At your old place again?" There was a tone of disgust in his voice, and of course she picked up on it. She always did." Don't be that way. I own the entire building now dear. I run my cake business out of it. First floor is my storefront. Second floor is the actual bakery, and third... third is still my 'me' space. Be there at one. I'll buzz you up. There's a cargo elevator around back that only I can see the camera on. No one has to know you're here."" One O'clock. I'll be there. Sorry to have woken you Sissy."" Ha!" Marissa Laughed in the delightfully fake way that said she was about to lie. It drove him up the wall. "Oh darling you didn't wake me. I was already awake and busy busy busy!" This was Marissa speak for 'I fell asleep doing something else and would have completely overslept had you not called because I was having one of those few moments where in I was actually so exhausted that I was really sleeping.' "Now off with you. Go find my husband and do whatever it is that you two are here to do. I don't even want to know. He'll be busy from noon till three. I promise. See you soon Brother dear." And with that, the conversation was done. Marissa always liked to be the one to end a conversation. The woman was solidly off her rocker. But that was his Sissy. Not by blood of course. Just as Lawrence was his brother by trauma and upbringing alone, so was Marissa. It was sheer circumstance that those two found each other, or so he'd let them continue to believe. Shaking his head, Gregory hung up the payphone and started heading for the giant, towering, crystal spire over where the crack in the layers used to be. Only once he reached it did he slow his pace. Placing his hand on the door, he paused, and waited to push it open. Turning back, he chose to wait outside, and took up a spot leaning against the crystal spires wall. Pittsburgh had changed a lot since his last visit. Some of the skyline had been rebuilt, though there were still skeletons of skyscrapers reaching past a low cloud. Memories of the giant bird that perched upon it flooded him and gave him a chill. However, now it was empty: he'd watched the demon and its devotees die almost simultaneously. The memories themselves made him feel unclean. Just as he was about to reach instinctively for the alcohol wipes in his front pocket, Gregory heard the crunch of his brother's footsteps. He was tugging nervously at his tie, which invariably meant that something was bugging him in a way that he preferred not to discuss. "Sorry to keep you waiting," he said. "Let's... let's get on with this. I will need to call my wife to let her know I'm in town." "You /can/ go see her you know. I've told you, I can talk to Mother on my own. You have a wife Lawrence, and you've been away for weeks. Go. Be with your family. Invite me over for dinner while you're at it." Gregory pretended to be irritated by the whole situation as he huffed his way through the still empty lobby of the great cathedrals building, nodding to the ex-angel night watchmen as he went. "Some Brother you are. Get married without so much as inviting me, then never even once invite me over to meet the Mrs." "It's a bit hard to keep in touch when you've run away from home, if I recall," Lawrence said, not sensing the humor in his brother's voice. "Imagine if I'd contacted you while you were still..." Lawrence's eyes caught his. He didn't want to say it. He could tell Gregory didn't want him to say it. Furthermore, he took a deep breath as if about to apologize, but stopped." I suppose I should go see Marissa," he said, taking a step back. "I'm certain she'll be awake by the time I get there." "Oh I'm sure." Gregory had made his way to what looked to be an elevator, but made of solid marble. This particular elevator also had no buttons. He placed a hand on the wall closed his eyes. Within a few moments, the doors slid open to the dimly lit marble interior, which was also buttonless." Now shoo. Go see your wife. Keep your cell on, and I'll check in an hour so you know I'm done with Mother. Get me an invitation to dinner. If the weight you've put on is any indication, your wife must be a smashing cook." Lawrence glanced self-consciously at his belly and then back up at him. He pointed. "If you even get the inkling of doing something stupid, you call me." And with that, he pivoted and left him. He took his own sweet time making his way to their old loft. Truthfully, his mind wasn't on his wife, but stuck long before they'd met, long before their marriage and long before Pittsburgh. He had so many mixed feelings about this visit. On the one hand, he had a creeping feeling in his stomach that there Gregory's discussion with 'Mother,' and he almost spat the word out in his mind with horrible distaste, would not end there. He hoped it would, and they could go back to rebuilding. What passes for normal for the mentally disrupted pair they were. And yet... lord, he felt so guilty. He hadn't called Marissa since he'd moved. He should have, but guilt tore at him. Furthermore, he should have, for Danny. Furthermore, he didn't. Maybe he should call now. No. No, his feet had already wandered back to their old flat... to find that she still had the same blue-green sedan, parked in the same spot. The bakery had only been a plan in the works when he'd left. He smiled to see that it was off the ground without him. It was for the best, perhaps, that he'd left. He might have only slowed her down. Should he knock? He stood outside the door for what could have been hours if minutes: the morning sun creeping over the mountains to a clear cobalt, simply watching her bustle about through the wide storefront windows. It only TOK a few moments for Marissa to notice her husband outside. In her elation, she nearly forgot to unlock the heavily bolted door front door. A few moments of awkward struggling with the front door soon ended in her arms wrapping around him in the gentle, proper way to which they were accustomed." Darling! You're home! Oh, Daniel! will be so excited to see you. How are things going in London?" "Shhh," he said quietly, wrapping his own arms around her. "Let's not talk about London just yet." Their marriage may have been a ruse to keep the neighbors from poking their nose in places they didn't belong, but that didn't mean he didn't genuinely care for her. Rough though he'd had it when he was in London prior to his escape, she'd had it worse. So... so much worse. To tell her the truth would bring it all back. To lie would make it worse. Brilliant liar though he might be, she could always tell. "How's the cake business, Love? You must be busy, being the only baker in the entire town." Warm lips pressed to his cheek, followed almost immediately by a soft handkerchief she kept in her pocket for the express purpose of wiping the "Blushing Begonia Pink" lipstick she always wore back off the cheek of her husband or son after she'd kissed them."Oh, it's not just Pittsburgh that's ordering them. Your friend from Chicago, Representative Kernel, still places large orders every time he has an occasion, and has even spread the word to other high ranking government officials. Who knows, before long I may be baking cakes for the president." Marissa gave one of her signature plastic laughs as she pulled away and looped her arm around his to usher him in. "I was just about to go wake Danny up for school. Perhaps you'd like to wake him up while I get his breakfast, and then we can drive him in together? Unless, you have to get back to business right away of course." Good old Rodney." Of course, Love," he said. He wasn't aware how wide the smile on his face was, or he would have stopped. "I'd love to." With his wife in arm, she led him up the stairs to see their son, who lay sleeping soundly. He only had a moment's notice to glance around the blue walls of Danny's room, and at the scribbles of presumably classmates tacked upon the wall... his racket ball racket stashed neatly under his nightstand, before the boy snapped up in his bed. "Father?" His son had learned to recognize his father by the sound of his footsteps. The kid really did have a way of breaking his heart." Good morning, Danny," he said quietly. "I'll leave you boys to getting dressed and unpacking." Marissa beamed as she tapped Lawrence's suitcase with soft up-kick of her perfectly pink heels before turning to head back out the hall of the reclaimed factory loft turned comfortably modern home. "Breakfast in fifteen minutes boys. I was going to do scrambled eggs, but since this is officially a special occasion, we'll have homecoming pancakes, with chocolate chips, and sausage links."" Good morning Father." Danny said as he stood up and darted across the room to hug his father. He must have grown four inches taller since Lawrence last saw him in September. His smile beamed brightly enough to light up a room as he looked up at Lawrence. "I knew you'd come home for my birthday! I just knew it! You will be here for the party this weekend, won't you? We're having it at the country club. Mother made a big donation to get them to clean up and repair the racquetball courts just for me, and Audrey Kernel and her father are flying in just for my party. Aunt Josephine even said she'd be there, and she hates children's party's but since I'll be ten and ten is such a very big deal everyone is coming!" He felt as though the child had reached through his chest, grabbed his heart, and pulled it to his knees. If he didn't feel like a neglectful father before, he certainly did now. But he put on his best smile. "Of course, son! You know I wouldn't miss your birthday. Now off with the pajamas, you've got school. Perhaps your mother will let you help her in the kitchen if you hurry." It may have taken a bit of prying to get the boy to loosen his grip, but Danny eventually let go of him as soon as he promised that he wasn't going to disappear as soon as he did. The moment that he escaped the tight grip of the boy, he slipped behind the door and stifled the urge to beat himself up. No, he saved that for when he made his way to the kitchen. There was no sense hiding his guilt. "I am the world's worst father," he announced quietly to Marissa as she bustled about in the kitchen. "Don't worry love." She whispered back with her usual quiet composure as she handed him a printed order and shipping conformation from a high-end shop in London he'd seen in passing, complete with item pictures and Euro to Dollar conversion rates. "You got him a beautifully hand made racquet, some new footwear, and a few other random bobbles and bits. They're in a new high-end Duffel in the safe in my closet, complete with airport luggage check tag still on it to make it seem like you brought it with you. If you hadn't been able to make it I was going to have Randal bring it and say he'd asked you to come and pick it up personally." Danny's footsteps sounded in the hall as he excitedly padded out, but before he could even reach the end she stopped him with a word. "Tie." A frustrated groan came from the hallway, but the footsteps darted back down it regardless, and her attention returned to Lawrence. As she took the papers back from him to slip them into her apron pocket, Marissa once again kissed his cheek, and promptly wiped it away. "Don't beat yourself up Darling. You have allotted on your mind right now, and being back over there can't be easy. You know I admire your strength for being there at all. I'd be a headcase within five minutes of being back there if I'd tried to go."" I don't understand." Danny proclaimed rather suddenly this time, evidently having chosen to sneak down the hall with his messy, loosely tied yellow and red striped private school tie still hanging out of his dark gray sweater vest. "Why do you both hate London so much? And if it's so horrible, why are you working over there Father?" "Because, Danny," he said, kneeling to straighten his son's tie. "Sometimes grown-ups have to do things they don't want to do and go places they don't like so that they can make them into better places for others." He attempted to tame the fine, white-blonde hair but failed when it returned to its permanently-tousled state as though having a mind of its own and made a conscious decision to stay tousled. Danny himself seemed unaware of his hair's sentience, and peered up at Lawrence with eyes larger and more curious than his tiny head should have allowed. His father sighed. "One day I'll take you with me to London, Danny. When you're older. I want to make sure it's safe for you when I do." One last try at taming his mane. Nope. He stood. "But, not now. Your mother is making a breakfast too delicious for words, and it would be a shame for you to hop off to school without it." Marissa smiled and tried to keep her mind occupied as her boys talked of the home of her nightmares, but she couldn't hide the little shudder that ran through her body when Lawrence mentioned the idea of taking Danny to visit someday. Nonetheless, she forced her smile back into place, and hurried to plate their breakfasts." Well, let's eat up. Can't have you getting to school late Daniel." Breakfast passed with minor chitchat. Mostly Danny telling his father about his new school, and how much more comfortable he was there than he had been in Chicago. He even went on to tell his dad about how many other children there were that had fabulous and peculiar gifts like him. Once the food was gone and the plates were cleared away, Marissa handed her son his cliché gray tweed prep school jacket, complete with elbow patches and school insignia embroidered on the chest pocket, and hurried him off to gather his backpack, speaking to Lawrence as she did. "Will you take Danny to school love? I know he'd like it. You can come back when you're done, put your feet up, relax for a while. I have an easy morning, so we could sit together in the atrium on the roof, perhaps even take a morning tea there." Lawrence shook his head, not in refusal but in amazement. "I don't know how you manage this," he said with a smile as she handed him the keys. "Being so damned perfect all the time, I bet it wears on you." He offered another near-peck on the cheek, wondering if perhaps he was overdoing the saccharine." Alright, Danny," he said. "Why don't you tell me more about your friend at school? What was his name?"" Eric, Father," Danny said with a grin a mile wide. If anyone had caught a glimpse of them they might have suspected Prozac in the drinking water. But no, no... and it pained him dearly to think that of all the things that could have made him happy this was it. But walking hand in hand with a little boy who he called his son, who would have ever guessed? He was so happy that he almost forgot why he was here. Until his phone sounded a quiet 'beetroot' of a text message received. Immediately he checked, thinking that Gregory's powwow with the demon was done. It was an unlisted number, but the message made it absolutely clear who it was from. 'Have a job for you. 1:00.'" Rubbish," he mumbled under his breath before ducking into the car.

Rebuilding London Bridge After it Fell ((A Corpses of Men Fanfic RPG))|rating:4.0

The Clockwork Generation

John stood outside the airship, looking over the people he managed to find among the ruins and bring back to his ship. He had seen a few others, but they didn't seem likely to follow. His scowl deepened as he motioned for the crew to get on before the golems managed to find them, meaning they would all probably die. The airship looks like a semi-organized pile of junk, with a few bedsheets sewn together and blown up poorly. A soft hissing noise constantly escapes from the makeshift balloon and the landing board appears to be badly nailed together pieces of wood. Two rusted blades spin in the back of the ship idly. The inside of the ship isn't much better as there are only two rooms, the sleeping quarters have a few tattered blankets thrown down to reduce the pain of sleeping on the rusty and occasionally sharp metal. The boiler room contains a heavily rusted engine, the coal door permanently rusted open letting out the fire, heating up the room. Three gears are attached to the engine and spin, turning the blades outside with tubing coming off of the top part going to the balloon. "Built it yourself I see sir," Bracken says as he steps onto the run-down ship. His bag is heavy and bursting at the seams with rolled up maps and his map working instruments. Taking a good look around the ship, Bracken is quick to claim a corner of the sleeping quarters and sets up the maps of the immediate area and gets to work on his hired job. Looking for supplies for the ship was the most immediate need, so the ship wasn't going to be getting any closer to just falling apart in the sky. Lots of small X's dot the map along with several circles. After finding a few good spots to start looking Bracken gets up and goes to talk to John." I am ready to navigate whenever you're ready to leave, sir," John informs the man then goes to stand next to the flight controls. Thea eyed the mixed match lot of people with a disdainful frown. Hopefully a few of them had a few skills to help get that bucket of gears of the ground. Her eyes wandered to the 'ship' and she tried very hard not to groan. She had literally traveled through dimensions to get here in search of an adventure, this had not been what she was expecting. A certain god had a peculiar sense of humor. Finally, her eyes landed on the supposed captain of the wreck before her. Throwing her one leather satchel of scavenged belongings over her shoulder she trudged onto the deck, eyeing the warped floor and rusting metal speculatively. Once on board she tossed her bag on the floor of the sleeping quarters as near the door as she could get. Wandering back to the deck she watched the rest of the assembled crew board the ship, leaning on a rail to the left of the boardwalk. Her expression was one of vague disinterest. Eventually she started using magic to make little dancing figures on the rail that she spun idly with her finger. "When are we getting out of here?" She called to the captain. Theo stood in the boiler room, wrench in hand. He milled about, tightening loose screws and making sure the pressure in the pipes was just right. Should one of the pipes burst with an unfortunate soul beneath it......well needless to say they wouldn't be very pretty afterward. This was his domain. His kingdom. He ruled this place and kept the ship flying. Theo seldom left the ship unless instructed by Captain John. He owed the man his life and would be loyal to the very end. Theo looked at a steam gauge and nodded in approval. She was ready to fly. Theo climbed out of the boiler room. His hair was a bit of a mess and his goggles were on his forehead. He approached and nodded to the crew. "Captain John, she's ready to fly on your command" he said with a chuckle. Theo looked to the crew and felt slightly awkward. His appearance was rather ragged. His sleeves were rolled up and the shirt beneath his vest was a light brown hue. He felt as though he needed a shower but alas, he had not had time to clean himself up. He smiled sheepishly at the occasional person that made eye contact with him. Furthermore, he had to chuckle at the thought. Furthermore, he was a wolf and here he was smiling sheepishly. "Hi, I'm Marcus" Marcus said, four times, casually waving at Theo, Thea, Bracken and the mysterious John Doe. He sat his possessions and belongings, including a blanket he had brought with him lay into what was now his corner. He began to play some tune son his axe as he waited for instructions, looking wistfully out through the window as he did so. Merida was already on board on the ship in a different room, making new and improved weapons. Her most favorite weapons to make were wrist guns, but she can make any weapons anyone requests. When she was done with her latest one, a pistol-like gun but fatter than the average pistols. With her work, she got up with the pistol in her hand and head out to open a window to test how good this fires out. When she got to one of the windows, she opened it and looked left and right up and down to make sure no ships were heading this way. When there was none, she cocked and loaded her new gun with one bullet, aimed it out in the open air and fired. The explosion sounded big, but the bullet didn't go far, about 14 miles. Merida smiled at her accomplishment of the gun, she never had any doubts about her inventions. Looking down at her new pistol, still smiling, she closed the window and walked away to find any of the others who would like to try her new weapon out. Marcus stopped playing as he heard the shot and saw Merida carrying one of her custom pistols. He glanced down at his plain looking revolver, wrapped inside a holster strewn among his other belongings, with mild envy. He hadn't actually met her yet, having only heard of her from the other crew, and he was admittedly intrigued by her ability to create." Hi" he waved, not getting up." You're Merida right? The princess lady or whatever? I'm Marcus." Merida stopped and rolled her eyes in annoyance before facing Marcus. She hadn't really met anyone on the ship because she can get so into making weapons and things. She turned around to see the young man seated but not only she was looking at him, but his gun wrapped inside a holster strewn." I am Merida, just Merida. I've always had the aristocracy title people often gave me." She spoke to him looking at him then back at his pistol then hers. She extended her hand, holding the gun. "Would you like to try it out? Maybe I'll let you have it." Marcus placed his axe on the floor and stood up." I guess I could take a look, but gun play isn't really my strong point" he said as he walked over to her. He figured he may as well get to know her while they were talking about guns." What made you choose this life instead of being a princess or whatever?" he said, outstretching his hand. Merida carefully placed the gun in his hand after she loaded it with a few bullets inside and crossed her arms. "I wanted to design and create weapons of my own, I'll even repair broken ones, make them out of old scraps, or take anyone's already made weapon and turn them into something new and improved. When you're an aristocracy, you can't do those things." Marcus listened to her explanation, before letting off a few shots into the distance." Nice" he said." It's good that you're following your dreams you know? Not letting society or any of that garbage dictate your life. It's sorta the same that I did with my music" he said, looking at the pistol in more detail." You sure I can keep this?" John took the controls from Bracken, moving a few levers, and adjusting the switches causing the ship to kick on and start rising. Steam pouring out of the makeshift balloon at a heavier rate. He looks over at the woman with a magical gun, his scowl as deep as it could reach. "Now, are you just stupid or suicidal?" He asked in his very blunt manner. The golems started to surround the ship, preparing to swarm it and dismantle it and it's crew for useful parts, quite a few of them brought by the noise of the hand sniper. Their inner workings protect by heavy metal plating, but they seemed to have vaguely humanoid forms, moving in a very mechanical manner. Slow, but stead and almost impervious to human weaponry at the time. Merida flushed, happy that he liked her new pistol she had just made not too long ago. She smiled brightly at him and nodded agreeing to not letting society or anything take over her life span but let her and her alone decide what she wanted to do in life. "Yes, you can keep the pistol. If you want I can modify your other weapons." Thea jumped away from the edge of the ship swearing. "What the hell?!" She shot a glare towards the other woman as golems started pressing close to the sides of the piece of garbage ship. "Get this thing off the ground!" She shouted towards the captain. Forming what looked like a long-bladed pole out of shadow she started trying to stab at the mechanical monsters, using her power to try and shear through their metal skins. The immense amount of power required to even make a dent in them rapidly drained her of power as she dashed around her side of the ship using the blade like a crowbar and prying the golems off. Theo leaped into action, jumping down into the engine room. The engine growled and spewed super heated steam. The pipes groaned and ached as he ran from one place to another, tightening bolts. While the engine was his baby, she needed to improve. If they could find some metal that wasn't rusted to the core, he could do a bit more. Alas, he had to make do right now. He grunted as he watched the pressure maintain a steady pace as the ship began to take off. He watched the engine, making sure it was in as good of condition as it could be. Furthermore, he really needed some pipes. Actually what would bee even better was if he could set up a forge. If they had the forge he could just melt down the scrap and make a pipe. Not to mention other tools that would be useful. He'd have to talk to the captain about that one. He ran over to the pipe he used to speak to the captain and shouted. "Engine is holding steady Captain!" he said as he went back, monitoring his station. Marcus immediately bolted when the Golems attacked the ship, rushing over to his axe and putting the strap around his shoulders. He took a deep breath to get his mojo on, before two Golems saw him and moved towards him. He's suddenly starting playing Machine Music, sonic waves of Funk Metal Magic blasting from his Guitar, channeled through the power of music and magic combined, knocking the two Golems onto their asses. But he was playing quite hard, and it was hard to keep playing like this. He drew the gun Merida gave him." Merida! Am I to understand that this gun is magic?!" Merida smiled at him as three golems came to her, she placed her wrist gun and began to fire once. It sent three bullets out, one of each golem. She nodded over at Marcus still smiling. "Yes. It's magic Marcus. What? You wanted a plain one?" She scoffed playing as she shot more golems, the single bullet shot multiplying itself for each golem coming at her and whoever. "Oh, well it's just that a tiny part of me thinks that the Golems might be after, you know, the MAGIC you put in the MAGIC gun" he said flippantly." You want me to throw it out Captain? Because I WILL throw it out!" he shouted. John focused on getting the airship off the ground, and it was steadily doing that although his eyes flicked over to Merida and Marcus. "Right now, I'm focusing on us living. Anything else comes second, we have to be careful before these golems get to the ship, pull up the boarding plank!" The golems were just around the ship, akin to slow moving, seemingly invulnerable zombies not quite to it yet, but they were steady in their movements, ignoring almost every blow to them. Their metal had a few dents or scratches after repeated attacks but nothing left an impeding wound. The ship groaned as more and more steam was pumped out, trying to lift the ship up faster. They got off the ground and above the golems reach just before the first golem reached them and managed to get its claws into the ship. John let out a sigh of relief as he looked over the people assembled on the ship. "Now that we are safe. Weapons aren't gonna work against the damn thing, so don't be firing off any! It'll draw them and whatever the hell else is out there. Right now, we have to find some salvageable materials." "I'm sorry Captain, I was only looking." Bracken says as he is pushed away and watches John get the ship into the air. He also watches as everyone, in vain, fight away the far off golems. The music was a good idea if they were closer, the sound waves able to push them away. After the ship gets off the ground and John gives his advice, Bracken steps forward again and tells him. "I think I have a few starting places for good salvage if you don't already have anywhere in place Captain." Bracken pulls out his map from earlier, but leaves it rolled up in case he needs to just put it back away. Thea slumped against the rail as they lifted off the ground and the golems fell away below them. She had used up a fair bit of energy trying to keep them at bay which seemed relatively futile. She felt incredibly dizzy and leaned her head against the bent railing in an attempt to catch her breath. Furthermore, she could hear Bracken discussing locations with the Captain and hoped to whatever god was listening that they didn't have another run in like that. It would take at least a day for her to safely use her magic again. The god in the Shadow realm had not warned her about the limitations of having a human body before dumping here, she had a few choice words for him assuming they all survived here. Finally starting to feel a little less woozy she straightened up and wandered over to Bracken. "Where did you have in mind?" She asked pressing a hand to her temple as the usual pounding headache started. "Oh, well." Bracken lies out the map in his hand on the ground, then reaches around and pulls out a small bottle of aspirin. "Here, you're going to need this more than I am." Bracken then flattens out the map and reveal the several circles he made before. "The most promising spot is here at an old abandoned mountain town. I went through there about 4 months ago and the place was full of supplies. It could of course been looted since, but I think its worth the time to get there." He points towards the circle near the edge of the closest mountain range, only about 90 miles away. Marcus stretched his aching hands as he looked at Bracken's directions on the map. He hadn't been to the town or heard of it." Sounds like a plan" he said, walking back to his things in the corner of the room without another word. He looked at the gun Merida had given him, before shoving it into his bag. (Sorry about the delayed post.) John walked over and looked at the map. "Right, well that assumes the golems haven't gotten to it. Still, lead the way just try to not crash the ship. I'll go check on the rest of it and make sure everything is in working order." He had just taken control because it was an emergency situation that required his direct interference, he would trust the pilot to be a better pilot then himself. Theo listened as he heard a slight sputter in the engine. "Ah ah ah, don't you start this on me" he said. He grabbed his wrench and banged on the engine. He listened as the sputter continued. One final hit and the engine finished it's sputtering. "Alta girl" he said with a sigh. Theo set the wrench down and sighed as he rubbed his neck. He took a seat on his bunk and took out his journal. He didn't write about today's events regarding his own feelings. It was more to record the engine and it's progress. He sighed as he set the journal down. The engine was in very rough shape. By no means was it in shambles, but it could most definitely use some work. "Yes sir" Bracken goes back to the controls and turns the ship in the needed direction. Checking his bearings gauges and praying that the one thing that worked on the ship was the gauges, he set the ship on its way towards the town. The trip was probably going to take the rest of the day. Merida should have told Marcus to turn the dial on the gun to the right and the magic inside would go out, and normal bullets will appear. She walked away from everyone and everything and went back into the room where all the clockworks were and got to work, making more weapons and repairing others already laid out and broken. Marcus quietly jammed on his axe acoustically for some time, before quietly walking around the ship. He didn't know where Thea, Archer or Jason were, but he soon found Merida toiling away at her weapons." You makin' something?" he asked. Merida didn't look over her shoulder to acknowledge that Marcus was there, instead, she continued to modify an already made gun, this one wasn't broken at all, but she thought it looked too dull. "Making, repairing, modifying, that's what I do. Did you come here to have yours done?" She asked, screwing in the finishing touches on the gun she was currently working on. Thea took the painkillers from Bracken with a grateful look and downed two in one swallow. This whole pain and suffering part of being human was really shitty. The fight had left her pretty drained so she stayed within ear shot of the Captain and Bracken and leaned against a wall, sliding down it to sit with her legs stretched out in front of her and crossed at the knee. She could help out where needed but until she was needed she was going to close her eyes and pray the pounding ache behind them disappeared. She really hoped the village they were headed too had something worth stopping for and that the golems had yet to find it. Another fight with them might literally kill her, and she was informed upon accepting a human form she would die, not just return to the Shadow realms. Nice to fill in details like that afterward. The creaking sway of the ship eventually lulled her into a light doze. "Nah, it's not that" he said." I was acting like a douche before in that fight. I figured I'd apologize or whatever." He found himself strangely intimidated by her noble background, likely because he had never met or even seen one before." Unless you've got something to show me I'll be on my way" he added. Merida nodded finally looking up at him from her work, "it's fine, I should have told you the gun goes both ways, magic and non. You just turn the dial to the right and the magic in the bullets will vanish until you turn the dial to the left." "Sounds good" he replied, "I'll take a note of that. See you around" he said, walking away. He sat down in his corner and picked up his axe, playing acoustically since he didn't want to disturb the captain and Bracken, who were in earshot. He noticed Thea sitting on the floor nearby." You don't mind if a play a little?" he asked. Bracken from time to time look at the map to ensure that they were heading the right way. He had been right, and the trip had taken most of the day, only about 2 hours left until sun down when the small town came into view. "Captain, we are nearing the town. I'm going to circle around it to see if golems have overtaken it and or look for anything useful." Bracken yells out hoping to get the crews attention and get to the sides. Archer had spotted the airship long before it had arrived over the small mountain town. This would be a good stop for them as there had been no one here in months and no golems yet. Archer was not quite back to the edge of town as the airship moved over head. Pointing his bow at the ship he peered through the green hue of his scope to peek at the crew. Not much to see yet no one looking over the edge nothing. Could the ship be a runaway? He wondered to himself. He ran through the rubble skillfully his long trench coat flapping almost as a heavy cape would behind him. After a few moments he slid through a hole in the wall of a building in the center of town. He had been here for the last three months and the only other group to have stopped here had stolen everything which he had scrounged in this forgotten city. He caught them in time to bring down their airship though it was a few miles from here before it crash-landed. Furthermore, he thought it funny that those alive scattered from the airship shortly after it had hit the ground. It was quite a bit larger than the one confronting him this time. This likely meant that there was fewer crew, and he had the advantage of home turf. Before Marcus' question could be answered he heard Bracken's shouting and rushed up to the port side of the ship and looked outside. He couldn't make out any Golems so far." I can't see any from here!" he shouted, as he ran back to his bag and pulled out the gun that Merida gave him, turning the dial to "non-magic" and returning to what he thought was now his post. He then spotted the gleam of a scope." I think there's someone down there aiming at us!" he said, ducking down. Thea started awake when Bracken yelled and scrambled to her feet. She leaned over the opposite side that Marcus had gone to scanning the area for the golems. She wished her magic allowed her to sense them like a lot of other things but for some reason they were undetectable to her. Furthermore, she thought she saw a flash of movement, but it was gone to quickly and her eyes wandered onto other things. "Seems all clear here." She called back, never taking her eyes off the ground. "Ok well good enough for me. ALL HANDS PREPARE TO LAND." Bracken yells out as he starts to empty the balloon a little to start to descend to the small town. Luckily there was a small airfield nearby, so bracken eased them into a landing dock there, a little surprised it wasn't rubble like the rest of the town. As soon as the ship was stopped and ready to be left to explore the town, Bracken calls down to the engine room. "Keep the engine hot, in case we need to book it out of here. What do you need and ill keep a look-out for it?" Bracken asks so that Theo can stay down there in case something needed immediate attention. Merida overheard about landing the ship, she got a large bag and stuffed the remaining clockworks inside and sealed it up with just a few, she armed herself with it. Two guns at her lower hips, her sword on her left hip as well, two daggers right down where her ankles are, a wrist knife on the right hand and lastly a wrist gun on the left. She walked out of the room after sealing it with a code only she knew. "Anything I can do to help?" When he saw the ship coming to land he knew it was manned. He made his way strategically through the town to the airfield. Approaching the airship just as it touched ground. He readied his bow pointing it at where the ramp would likely come down. His fingers rested hovering over the string with ease. There was no arrow notched, however. Though one of the gears on the bow itself whirred furiously with a very faint metal on metal sound. He waited for the ramp or the first sign of movement at that edge of the ship. He would be damned if they were going to steal his things. (uh...Merida you realize there are only like two rooms on the ship, the sleeping one everyone shares and the engine room?) Thea made her way to the ramp as the ship began to descend to the ground. Her little nap had rejuvenated her enough that she would be able to at least keep up a shield. She could hear the sound of the engine grinding down as the slowed and turned, finally bumping against the ground as the ship made a shuddering groan of protest. She hit the winch that released the rickety wooden ramp, and it dropped to the dusty ground with a soft thud. As she slowly descended the ramp she used her magic to form a shield about a cm out from her own skin in case of a surprise attack from anything that wanted to scavenge their pathetic little vessel. (my bad, no one didn't really tell me the rooms of the ship) He kept a bead on the woman as she descended the ramp and just as her boot struck the dusty ground he spoke. "That is far enough Missy." He called out from the front of the ship as he drew back on the bow string. A shadowy arrow appeared between the two fingers on the string and rested perfectly on his thumb holding the bow. The other gears on the bow began to whir along with the first. (I posted a description of the ship in my first post! :\ It's a worn down, rusted hunk of chunk that can barely hold the individuals it has now!) John stood at the edge of the ramp. He waved towards the man with the bow. "Hello there, we need a few supplies for the ship, and we'll be on our way. Evidently you don't have much of a golem problem so we thought there might still be a few salvageable resources. You could always join us instead of pointin' that little piece of tech at us." He nodded a little to the man, patting his ship. "We'd be better able to hold ya and anyone else if we had an upgrade. Ya know? Ain't too safe to stay in one spot when they show up, never seen somethin' that's able to take 'em out, even with all the fancy magic that's shown up." He took a step closer. He shifted his aim to the man who spoke. And then back to the woman on the ground. "So yer not here to steel my stuff?" He questioned as he side stepped a hair to better see the two people. He shifted the bow onto it's side a second arrow appearing on the string. "Last airship that showed up here where a bunch of thieves. I don't take kindly to thieves so's I shot them down." He said. Nodding with an almost grim smile on his face. "Did you shoot the ship down, and if you did was it somewhere close by?" Bracken asks appearing at the rails. "We can get your stuff back, and upgrade our ship, If they got away we may run into them along the way, and you still get your stuff back. Win/win the way I see it." He steps on the ramp, hands up showing he is unarmed before lowering them to his sides and stepping next to John. Slowly releasing the string on his bow he eyed the people coming off the ship. They seemed pretty harmless after all. "Aye they crashed about three miles that way." He said as he lowered the bow and pointed in a northerly direction. "It may be you could switch ships even it landed pretty decent lay from what I could see. They all scattered, hunted most em down already." He said honestly the gears on his bow slowing to a stop. "Faster if'n we take yer contraption, plenty of room to land it there I believe." John shook his head. "I ain't leavin' my ship for 'other! Not even if it was a pretty little new 'UN, but get on and let's hurry up. If we are lucky, we ain't going to draw any attention. And if we aren't, well, raiders got ships as well." He headed back up the board, leaning against a railing as he waited for Broken to start flying the ship. (Hm, well my device doesn't always capture texts >. When Merida overheard John talking about not leaving his ship for another, better, improved one. A smile crept on her lips as she approached him. "I can fix more than weapons you know. Your ship should be no problem fixing and modifying it. That is, if I have your permission" she crossed her arms and waited for his reply Archer climbed aboard the airship with the rest of them looking about it's deck with curiosity. "Well can't say as I blame you. This here is a right fine vessel you got here. The name is Archer Brinkley." He said to the man who had spoken to him holding out his right hand. "It is nice to make yer acquaintance." Once everyone was back on the ship, Bracken walked on and back to the flight controls. He starts to pump the steam back into the balloon until the ship started to float up, "ALL HANDS PREPARE FOR TAKE OFF" Bracken yells out. Once the ship is high enough, Bracken turns the ship to the North, and starts to move forward. "Tell me if we need to turn Archer." After speaking to what he had figured to be the captain of the ship he made his way up to the controls with the other man. Taking the site off of his bow he placed it on his back the string over his chest. He looked to the front of the ship at the landscape. "Left two degrees." He stated before holding the scope up to his right eye. He may know general direction and damn close to exact location but being in the sky was a far different thing. Furthermore, he had never been on a contraption of this sort. Thea silently followed everyone back onto the ship fuming internally. She had essentially been entirely ignored as the crew invited the random man onto the ship as if it were no big deal. They had no idea who or what he was or what he might have planned for them, but she bit her tongue and leaned against the wall near the controls keeping an eye on him out of the corner of her eye. Otherwise, she kept her expression entirely disinterested in the situation. She dropped her shield wanting to make sure she had a good stock of magical energy in case things went downhill fast. Making the needed adjustment, Bracken kept the ship running in a straight line to where this ship was supposed to be. Easy looking from the outside, but in all reality not very. The wind was picking up fast, almost dangerously so. "Thea, quick question. If this ship tumbled to the ground, how many could be saved with your magic?" Bracken tried to make it sound like a hypothetical, but fear was still a little layered in there. Her eyes swiveled over to the pilot and narrowed slightly. "I could shield the whole ship, but I will be unconscious for the next week." She said carefully noting a small waver in his voice that belied his concern. "We would probably lose the balloons though." She noted looking around the ship. "If we are altogether I can make sure no one is too seriously injured." She shrugged and stayed where she was. If something happened she would just have to deal with it. Keeping the crew alive was conducive to keeping herself alive for the next while so she would do her best to make sure none of them died. Archer smiled some as the ride got a little ruff. He lived for excitement and adventure and this could be entertaining indeed. "Drop the ship lower will help with that wind." He had no clue what anyone's name was except for Thea but hey you would just have to work. "Right four degrees." He called as he looked through his scope at the ground. Spotting the wreck he smiled warmly. "Just a touch lower and left two degrees." The clearing to land in was small and if Archer was not precise in landing the craft it would be very likely they crash. Though at that height few would get injured at all but the balloons that floated effortlessly above them would likely be extremely damaged. They were close now very close. "Left two, right one, nose up three." He barked as he began to run to and fro on the ship to peer over the rail. This was an awesome contraption. He thought his smile widening. He was happy the driver of this boat listened well he thought as the dropped slowly out of the sky toward the clearing. "Give it a little nudge up now and then let it land." He said as his final order. He was obviously proud the ship fit in the clearing almost as though they were made for one another. But if Archer had been even a half a foot off in any direction the balloons would have been punctured by the trees wooden fingers reaching for the sky. His pride grow when the ship set down lighter than their last landing. He eyed the woman named Thea before walking over to her. "Your not from here." He said as he looked her expression over. "And just some info for ya'. If I wanted a'harm to you all I'd a shot you out the sky the first second I have seen ya back at the mountain town." John frowned as the man was ordering around his ship like it was his own, but he remained quiet. He could always kill the man later, for now he seemed somewhat valuable and there weren't any golems, at least blatant ones. He peered at the crashed ship, its size was impressive but half the metal seemed unsalvageable, but at least it was a start to patching up their own. "Well get to work gentlemen, take what you can and let's hurry. Focus on the engines and the balloon first." He heads over to the docking board and kicks it out, waiting for his crew to head off and start working, although he gave Archer a glare. He leaned over the edge, making sure there weren't any surprises waiting for them then pointed out any metal pockets he thought would be useful for the ship. Taking the directions since he couldn't see the landing area that well, Bracken follows all the suggests to the T. Bracken wasn't very happy with his tone of voice, seeming more like orders a captain would give than suggests for a landing. Once the ship was down Bracken walked over to John and asked before going to help recover what he could, probably not much, he knows he is more likely to screw something up with the recovery rather than be a major help. "What do you think of him, Captain?" Bracken asks as he walks over to John hoping he wasn't overstepping a boundary. Archer could tell full well that everyone here was fully unimpressed with him. See if he helps the next run-down ship find parts. He thought to himself as he made his way off the ship. He was having trouble grasping the actions of the others. Furthermore, he pulled the bow from over his shoulder and mounted the sight back onto it. Furthermore, he growled internally as he did so, humans never happy. Furthermore, he looked about the area briefly before slinging his bow back over his shoulder. Walking over to the crashed airship he skillfully scaled the hull of the behemoth up to the deck and over the railing. Giving a glance at the rest of their crew. "Ask me for parts, ask me for directions, ask me to guide them here. What do I get nothing but the cold shoulder? Best on my own indeed. Build my own nifty contraption and fly around. Can't even kill them golems is bet. Damn cold shoulder." He said unsure who was around or who may hear him. Not that he cared in the least. He looked about the ship for his belongings. "Hurry he says. Nothing out here Sept fer some animals and using." He said still fuming slightly as he jumped through a hole in the decking. Small fires still burned on the inside of the ship, he now stood in the engine room. He smiled widely at seeing the engine still perfectly intact aside from a single broken pipe. Thea felt a rush of anger at Archer's arrogance, particularly when he started ordering the ship and crew about. One quick glance at the captain showed he was mighty unimpressed himself. When the plank fell to the ground Thea trotted down it, straightening her goggles and peering around the site deciding where to go. Her eyes fell on Archer wandering among the debris with ease, still feeling infuriated about his attitude she followed him. As she grew closer she could hear the man muttering to himself and a small smirked played across her lips. There was a soft thud and he seemed to vanish from sight. Thea clambered silently up onto the deck and eventually found the hole he had jumped through. With a grin she hoped in after him to see if he found anything. Seeing John wasn't going to answer anytime soon, Bracken took off towards the ship. The first thing he goes and looks at is the balloon. Other than one visible hole, with an exit most likely somewhere on the other side, Bracken starts to roll it up so it can be used to replace, or augment the current balloon. Bracken was hoping that someone was checking the engine since he would have no idea on how to check that. (John's player had forgotten posting order.) John looked off towards his crew working on dismantling the ship. He didn't say anything because he knew the man might have good hearing, and he didn't want to offend his guest and have to murder a man because of his pride. Still, if they were lucky, they'd be able to grab something of value and depart. As the airship landed down next to the wreck of the ship, an individual not far from it, was hidden in a run-down building about 200 meters away from it. He pulled out a scope that had some gears onto of it and as he started shifting those, the crew of the airship became visible as they started to ransack the crash site of the other ship. He smiled as he saw the captain, a stern man with nothing more than respect for his ship and that was about it. Furthermore, he got up from his hiding place and patted off the dust from his cloak. The Brown tattered cloak was covering his normal clothes from the dirt and dust that was all around. It nearly enveloped his body as the only thing that was visible from underneath it was his robotic-seeming eye and the soft shining of it as sunlight reached over it. Next the individual grabbed his Clockwork rifle and moved it to the side as he grabbed his two big bags, one with clothing and one with tools as he put them on his back with two handy straps and then searched for something on his belt. As he found it, the metal plate that was on the back of his pants, moved up underneath the cloak and actually supported the rather heavy bags to lessen the strain it put on his back. He sighed and then grabbed his rifle and attached it to the diagonal belt around his shoulder, making the rifle hang on the front of his body over his cloak as he got out of his hiding spot and walked towards the crew that was scavenging the area of the crash for any valuables. As he had walked close enough, he smiled and released himself of his hood by pushing it backwards of his head "Hey there captain" he said as he looked at John "I picked you out pretty fast from the rest of your crew" he continued in a seeming rant "Might you have some spare room for a wandering inventor? I'm in search of a place or a group where I can settle myself and continue on my development in technology and physics" he said as he smiled and took out a small container with an opening and drank from it gently, sighing delighted. He walked over to the engine to take a closer look at it. He heard the thud of someone entering the room behind him. With a soft sniff of the surrounding air as he continued to peer at the piece of machinery in front of him. "Thea I believe it is?" He said before briefly glancing away from his work to look at her. He pulled a wrench from his pocket before beginning to remove a pipe from the hulking engine." You don't trust me!" He said calmly as he continued to work. Seeing as he was likely going to find nothing of his intact he may as well spend his time helping the strangers. He heard the newcomer long before the conversation began outside the ship. Horrible sneaker for sure he smiled to himself, "too heavy footed." He mumbled to himself. His gleaming green eyes focused securely on his work as the pipe gave loose he moved to the next one. John looked over the approaching inventor and shrugged. "Find us a better engine or a better balloon, and we'd be able to. If not, well, I'm sure the boys won't mind a bit of mystery meat." He said with a slight chuckle, "I'm kiddin', I'm kiddin' but ya better get out there and get lookin' so that way we got some thin' to work with." Thea leaned against a slopped wall and smirked at his back. "Darwin I don't trust anyone, you're nothing special." She quirked an eyebrow when he started muttering to himself and couldn't help but wonder if being alone for so long had knocked a few screws loose. "Need a hand with anything?" She asked, ignoring his comment about being heavy footed. Wandering closer she looked over his shoulder at the mess of pipes and gears. "Wouldn't this be easier?" She asked infusing the metal pieces with shadows she twisted her hand and the whole mess came apart clattering to the floor noisily. "There now you can pick which bits you want." She grinned up at him. Bracken walks up the plank with the new balloon. "Its in good shape captain. Only 2 holes where.... Archer I think it is, put an arrow through it." Bracken by some miracle didn't screw this up, something that he was notorious for when it didn't involve maps or flight controls. "Do you know how to patch this?" Archer watched her remove most of the nonsense from the engine. Looking over at her, he smiled his keen eyes looking into hers. "Aye much easier. Knew you weren't human." He commented before looking back at the engine. Wondering how and Thea could get it out of the room it would be a ton at least. He looked about the room there was a door that likely could have allowed it out of the side of the ship, but the mechanism was broken. "Let me go make sure no one is in the way of that. Can you cut that chain when I give the clear?" He asked kindly of her. Thea titled her head and smiled wickedly. "Now what might make you think that." She quipped, rolling her eyes with exasperation at his plan. "Didn't you see what I just did?" Thea enveloped the door with her magic and wrenched it off the side of the ship. It went flying off into the debris with a clang. She cast another wry grin at him before stepping over to the threshold and stared outside into the strewn wreckage looking for sight of their ship. "Well looks like I didn't kill anyone." Thea declared with an impish look. Out of nowhere, a piece of metal from the side of the ship flies up and slams itself against Bracken's head, throwing him to the ground as he loses consciousness. Landing on his stomach and rolling onto his face, when he wakes up a few seconds later, his entire body is in pain. "What the hell was that." Bracken murmurs out. Matthias nodded and smiled "Aye cap'" he said as he first went to the airship to drop his bags, and then he started moving towards the large wreck and entered, and as soon as he entered he started looking for the engine of the ship, crossing through the hallways while looking around for stuff he could scavenge and use in what he seemed to think good metalwork. Matthias had gathered a bunch of metals and some screws and bolts and also a couple of broken glasses "Hmm this might be useful" he said as he continued scavenging the ship for the engine.

The Clockwork Generation|rating:3.0

Odyssey of the Dragonlords OOC

(of the DragonlordsAt the dawn of time, war between gods and titans left the landscape of Thy lea forever changed. Thousands of years later, the first mortals arrived, carried by ship and dragon. The Dragon lords were the champions who overthrew the Titans 500 years ago and forged the Oath of Peace. But the power of the Oath has waned, and now the Titans seek vengeance. You are one of the heroes called by prophecy to end the conflict once and for all. Poets will sing of your deeds for centuries to come... If you survive. (Am I understand that no one took the Minotaur? I mean, I’m committed to my Dorian Gray with a heart of gold Medusa, but still shocked. I would have if I hadn't been SO in love with the art I found for a human, honestly. Also, I was mildly concerned 'seeing red for long periods' also meant blood, and an actual bull running around is less impressive than a giant bull-man. :p Though if I'd ended up going Artificer I'd have been tempted to use this one (That picture screams forge adept from exploring Oberon. Also, it's hard to find the more human faced Minotaur's that were presented in the Players guide. Getting into this conversation late, but I have to admit that when it comes to Minotaur...well, I'd rather be under the horns than wearing them. I'm assuming it would be fun to hold onto them while being held Oh, yes, it sure would. Hold on tight. Now you all are just making me want to see about creating a Minotaur hireling at some point :p Useful for uh, "flanking" with my character. :) O:) We can use the sidekick rules then :P Quote from: Urban on 26-01-2022, 02:17:20Now you all are just making me want to see about creating a Minotaur hireling at some point :p Useful for uh, "flanking" with my character. :) O:)If you don’t I will. I always thought the Echo Knight subclass from EGT had truly remarkable role-play potential, barbarian Ancestral guardian might work well for that too :p Haha, that's relatively tempting, actually. Nothing quite like raging mid-thrust and having an ancestral warrior join the fray.... Thrust of a weapon I mean, obviously. Yep. Nothing lewd here. And I'm sure the fact that you're going to have two half elf teenagers in your party will not inform your decision on that. On a non-innuendo front though I looked over that subclass again and fuck is it party tank, it's not bear totem barbarian with resistance to all save psychic, but it spreads the love around. Yeah, it has an argument for best tank. The bear totem has more personal resilience, but the ancestral guardian can actually protect others. It's also. Got great flavor. It's definitely one of a couple contenders, curious how it all works out by the time it becomes relevant. Shame there's not an Echo Knight adjacent spec for Barbarian, using other timeline or after image versions of myself could be a lot of fun. For uh, obvious reasons. Do like the idea of being able to make other people effectively tanker, regardless. It sort of fits the idea of Darius well, too. Hmm. Strange thing is I think currently Tali sen is running a Dunaway subclass, or something close to it, for Campaign 3 on Ashton. Checking the wiki it's called the path of fundamental Chaos, looks like it took inspiration from wild magic barbarian...who knows. That is kind of funny, actually. I had to go look it up out of curiosity, "Temporal Morass: When raging, Ashton begins flickering with blue and red after-images. The target must make a Constitution saving throw to avoid having their speed halved and losing their reactions." is weirdly on point for the conversation. Who knows, by the time we're level 3 maybe it'll be an actual thing in a book. Figure I'll see how we actually end up playing before leaning too heavily, that way I can see what makes the most sense based on dynamics and such. Yeah, my main idea with Era is to take him the Phantom subclass, as he is destined to die everything he does brings him closer to death...and that starts to bleed into his abilities (or so the thought goes) of course if the narrative takes him somewhere else then, ok. You all are terrible. TDI like that trajectory for Era. I think it'll be fun development, but we'll see what happens! I'm hoping to get started this weekend, but we'll see. Furthermore, I'm not trying to rush anyone, so if someone ends up needing a little longer, that's cool, but it does seem as though we're getting pretty close to having all the sheets settled. Brittlby, have you thought about rumors for your character? You don't have to indulge in it if you don't want to, but it could be fun! You can PM them to me if you decide on some. I knew I forgot something. I’ll throw a few your way! Quote from: Lyon on 27-01-2022, 01:55:56Y'all are terrible. TDI'm hoping to get started this weekend, but we'll see. I'm not trying to rush anyone, so if someone ends up needing a little longer, that's cool, but it does seem as though we're getting pretty close to having all the sheets settled. Terrible? Us? Push! Though I am admittedly looking forward to getting a chance to go all Barbarian on a few NPCs, too, in all sorts of ways ;) The hardest part is always waiting when you get your concept down and fleshed out. I keep looking at the Characters thread wanting to see more in there, and it's still just me Era and Mist in there all on their lonesome. The what now? … I’m still new to roll20. Oh, the character thread on Right here (place the coded sheet here keep notes and what not. *Takes notes*… so rumors and post on that. I got it! It’s been a weird month. All good, it's been...a weird 2 years really :Let me know if you need help with your character or sheet, always more than happy to help I feel like J. V Jones has some great fantasy art - especially centaurs. I'm sorry I didn't know about this artist earlier, so I'm sharing the knowledge with you all! I'm honestly just a big fan of watercolor, though. So, since it just released... Like today, I watched the First 3 episodes of "The Legends of Vox Machine". If you have Amazon Prime I do suggest watching it, great stuff and a certain book does make an appearance in it. It was very entertaining to say the least. I've recently seen adverts for it and it's looked good! It's on my to-watch list, but next on the list is Star Trek: Discovery. I'll add it to mine, currently bingeing through Twelve Monkeys hahas. Definitely seems like Vox Machine is worth a watch, though. And J. V Jones does have some great, I wasn't familiar with their work so had to go take a look. Some really nice pieces I'll have to consider using at some point, HRM. Sorry for the quiet, you all. Work last week kicked my ass over a new site launch, but it should be calm waters now. Foot! The IC thread will be opened with a post Wednesday evening. I've seen images of Vox Machine. It does look interesting! It really does feel like a D&D game in so much that it's just a bunch of assholes ohs, good. Because that's what I want more of in my life, assholes. Maybe I'll give it a watch sometime. Quote from: Aphid on 30-01-2022, 18:29:53Oh, good. Because that's what I want more of in my life, assholes. Maybe I'll give it a watch sometime. I mean, I do enjoy assholes a fair bit. *thinks* Quote from: Urban on 30-01-2022, 18:41:08I mean, I do enjoy assholes a fair bit. *thinks*100% Quote from: Lyon on 30-01-2022, 17:59:41Sorry for the quiet, you all. Work last week kicked my ass over a new site launch, but it should be calm waters now. Foot! Thank goodness! It gave me time to catch up! Lol And then there were 4 :P Hurrah! I might have to change Parents' name. Every time I type it, I spell it differently lol Haha, I went with something easy for a reason. 'Darius'. Quote from: Urban on 30-01-2022, 18:41:08I mean, I do enjoy assholes a fair bit. *thinks* That's...a fair point, if not what I meant. ;)And yay! More on the way. *dances* *does something more appropriately Barbarianism, like drink an entire bar's supply of ale* ... Though TBF, when Darius is drunk he probably does dance. Hmm. Just to double-check for my own knowledge, what all is known to the characters at this point? The Oracle gave a prophecy of doom, we're contacted and told there's more to the story, but don't currently know anything about our personal involvement or how it might interface with our personal backgrounds/paths? Quote from: Urban on 03-02-2022, 04:55:13Just to double-check for my own knowledge, what all is known to the characters at this point? The Oracle gave a prophecy of doom, we're contacted and told there's more to the story, but don't currently know anything about our personal involvement or how it might interface with our personal backgrounds/paths? Yeah, the heroes aren't yet aware about how they're personally involved in the prophecy, but now that you mention it, the message to each of them would have stated that the Oracle knows what the character desires and how he can accomplish/obtain it. If he can help with this task, the Oracle will be willing to give him her insight, and Kyra will personally escort him to her. I'll update my post to reflect this when I can break away from work for another handful of minutes. Perfect, that answers my question. I'll see about getting a post up today. I will get one up this weekend! Darius is glorious already! Quote from: Envious on 03-02-2022, 20:44:10I will get one up this weekend! Looking forward to it! Haha, glad you approve. I wasn't sure how he'd turn out until I actually started writing honestly, but overall pleased with him. Looking forward to 'meeting' everyone in game! I'm really hoping for the limbo vibe, but who knows what'll happen when I start typing! That sounds amazing TBH I hope to get something up tomorrow too. I'm looking forward to this. I need to figure out how to make Mist's clothes outlandish for Thy lea. Do they wear pants? In actual Ancient Greece, that would be super weird. I found this FWIW, though I don't know if Lyon is using different or not: Toga! Toga! Toga! Psst! Can you link that image, Urban? Looks like one of those peeps is a minor. Sometimes that rule is hard to remember for something so innocuous lol. That information is very helpful, and I think it's reasonable to go in that direction. I actually hadn't thought to look at the attire the NPCs where in the book, but worst case, I'd rather adapt to that than the other way around. It seems fitting. I could see attire used in like Jena and Hercules. Whoops, fixed. I completely forgot about that one. Sounds good, though re: clothing. I'll keep that in mind, and probably have some other culture questions at some point. *thinks* Darius grew up in high culture, even if he uh, pretty blatantly chooses not to follow it now, hah. The mannerisms disappeared along with his family? XD Haha, more or less, yeah. I suspect he tried to shake down anyone he could for answers or help, so at this point has decided being polite hasn't gotten him fuck all. He's probably less religious as a result, too, considering the Five certainly haven't helped. Consequently, he's a bit rude and crude. *snicker* Currently working on a Cosmos post!@Xurtan, I don't see your Charlie sheet! Quote from: lux89 on 04-02-2022, 21:53:39@Xurtan, I don't see your Charlie sheet! You probably won't, Lyon said to do code or roll20 or whatever, so I went with the roll20 option because code is obnoxious :v) That, and I'd probably have to make it twice, considering doing combat in r20. I can take screenshots of it if you're particularly curious, I suppose. *thinks* Because he's an international man of mystery! Edit: or what he said :P Quote from: Envious on 04-02-2022, 22:10:33Because he's an international man of mystery! I like this answer better. Is Darius a barbarian? *post-posting doubt* He is, yes! Also, great post, by the way. Really enjoying the energy Parents is putting off. I'm really enjoying everyone's intros so far! Parents' song and then I love how Era just slid onto Darius' lap. XD This is going to be so much fun. Thanks! We definitely have an entertaining cast of characters! Can't wait to see where the story takes us =] Quote from: Aphid on 07-02-2022, 01:51:42I'm really enjoying everyone's intros so far! Parents' song and then I love how Era just slid onto Darius' lap. XD This is going to be so much fun. It took me awhile to figure out how I wanted him to make his entrance, glad you enjoyed it though. Definitely a lot of fun things to respond to come next round, I'm excited for it ;) Yes! All the intros have been great! A future NPC? I think yes(Oh, he looks fun. Darius can think of allll sorts of things to do with an NPC like that, I'm sure. ;) So, just need Brittany to make their intro, yes? n_n polishing it right now! Awesome ^^, this is already a blast Shamelessly stealing the intro from Zorro. Lol The debauchery commences! I love Herakles' intro. Wild stuff! And the team's all together! Yay! Haha, Herakles taking home wrecking to a whole new level. I have a D&D game tomorrow night, but I'll see if I can maybe get a post out before that. If not tomorrow, then Friday! Quote from: Urban on 08-02-2022, 04:07:30Oh, he looks fun. Darius can think of allll sorts of things to do with an NPC like that, I'm sure. ;)Swordplay? As a soldier, I'm sure all Darius has thought about is duels. Quote from: Lyon on 10-02-2022, 04:20:15Swordplay? As a soldier, I'm sure all Darius has thought about is duels. Certainly! Darius has fought all manner of duels, crossing swords with men for all manner of reasons. ;) Back in the military he'd have had many a spar, too, with enough stamina he'd exhaust several men at a time just to keep in shape. *nod* Those that could stand up to hispenetratinggaze, at least. ...>_>Is 25 gold a lot? Lol*clueless* Mist has a total of 5 gold, so it's certain a lot more than we have! More spending money at least! Just so I don't have to type it out, this is actually pretty accurate and a decent representation. There's more exact ones, but then we're talking like, actual math and such--that should give you an idea though, Envy. The short answer is for one person, 30gp is about a month's worth of income if they're living a 'modest' lifestyle (think soldiers, laborers, priests, hedge wizards). Her being able to offer us 25gp apiece without batting an eye is unusual, but not unheard of for adventurers or for nobles generally.*all assuming this economy works as the standard 5e one does, as this perspective is based on that which may or may not apply 1:1 to Lyon's game. But it'll give you an estimate. Yes, Thy lea's economy works similar to the official one. Thanks, Urban! Darius over here slightly skeptical of what he's been given to work with, but then, he's taken new recruits to task before and shown them what for ;) Working on a post and I may have to edit it depending on the answer. In Parents' profile image, he's naked. I assume he's not actually naked in the inn though, right? I mean, I hope he is, but I also understand that would probably not be considered entirely polite. ;) Ha! No, he is not naked. I will add in some visual details and add it to the notes in my profile. I'm not exactly sure what he's wearing. Something 500 years out of fashion, probably lol No worries! I had assumed, I just wanted to be sure in case that was one of his things. "Why would I cover up? I mean, look at me. I'm gorgeous." ’D Quote from: Envious on 14-02-2022, 17:11:02Ha! No, he is not naked. I will add in some visual details and add it to the notes in my profile. I'm not exactly sure what he's wearing. Something 500 years out of fashion, probably lol so, the sash for the toga is over the right shoulder instead of the left? Quote from: Isengard on 14-02-2022, 19:09:27so, the sash for the toga is over the right shoulder instead of the left? Yes. And he's wearing an onion on his belt, which was the fashion at the time. Mist is absolutely adorable. I suspect Darius is going to enjoy trying to make him blush. *thinks* Should be done tonight or tomorrow… with the post. MORE importantly, need to pick a voice text color! Quote from: Brittany on 15-02-2022, 03:16:14Should be done tonight or tomorrow… with the post. MORE importantly, need to pick a voice text color! This is of critical importance, true. :) I actually don't do it in most RP's, but I know it can help people pick out dialogue. Quote from: Urban on 14-02-2022, 21:39:32Mist is absolutely adorable. I suspect Darius is going to enjoy trying to make him blush. *thinks* I'm sure he, and the others, will find many ways to make him get all flushed. Been pulling massive overtime at work to deal with unexpected headaches, but I'm still working on posting. Just wanted to check in! Quote from: Envious on 16-02-2022, 15:50:41Been pulling massive overtime at work to deal with unexpected headaches, but I'm still working on posting. Just wanted to check in! Ugh, that sounds rough. You can do it, though! Go, Envious, go! *waves tiny flags in support* (Brittany, you're hiding in my bushes taking pics of me? 'Cause that pic is 100% accurate :But woo! Post up! Quote"We've heard your cries against the boar Who Lander 'n family he did gore Who's come to poke him like a whore? Why the good ol' son of ol' Python!" Lmfao love it Quotes from: Envious on 19-02-2022, 00:51:54But woo! Post up! Flawless. I really am enjoying your satyr, he's such a good meme. Quote from: Urban on 19-02-2022, 02:28:51 Flawless. I really am enjoying your satyr, he's such a good meme.100%And happy Friday, everyone! (you for the kind words. I won't be quitting my day job to become a rapper, though. And the rhymes are only going to get worse. My apologies in advance ;D Just a reminder, two weeks since the last DM post is 2/25. If you haven't yet and would like to do so before this round ends, you still have until then to post! When may we begin utilizing the side thread? I'm on the verge of having an idea. Kinda. A bit =] A couple of days late, but... Quote from: Isengard on 22-02-2022, 18:25:10[...]distracted a little until their benefactor, employer, contact...pimp? Whatever she wanted to be called he turned his attention to her after the last arrived. I believe the proper label is "fag hag". Quote from: Envious on 24-02-2022, 04:41:54When may we begin utilizing the side thread? I'm on the verge of having an idea. Kinda. A bit =]A teeny weeny bit? Y'all are welcome to use it whenever you want to. I imagine at least half of you have experienced E's sandbox culture, so I'm sure you have a grasp on what you feel comfortable with and how to deftly maneuver among simultaneous threads. And if you haven't had the experience yet, well, hey, consider the side thread as the kiddie pool for fuzzy time. ;)I'm happy to play out backstory snippets if someone wants that. Anyone else is welcome to volunteer for those, too, in probably at least some cases. Additionally... Envious! Congrats! You get the first roll of the campaign. This will no doubt set the tone for how the dice will behave moving forward. No pressure! Can you roll a performance check? You can do it here on E, or you can make the roll on Roll20 by clicking on "Performance" in Lav's character sheet. If you do it the E way, you'll want to roll 1d20 + Lav's performance modifier, and you can "Send To" 27433. In this situation, the performance check also gets advantage. What this means is that you want to roll twice, and the highest of the two rolls will be the result. Roll20, I believe, will do that automatically. Quote from: Lyon on 24-02-2022, 23:32:51I'm happy to play out backstory snippets if someone wants that. I am hoping to flesh out his background a bit with role-play, yes! I haven't quite decided what that is yet, but that's what my intent was =]I'm not sure if I rolled twice or if I rolled four times on Roll20 ??? Furthermore, I'll get the hang of it, I promise! The numbers, in order of appearance are: 10, 12, 5, 18. Now that I'm looking at it, I think Roll20 did it automatically. I was originally thinking that the first number was 1d20 and the second was with the performance modifier, but seeing all four numbers has me think that's not right because it doesn't make sense. You rolled twice; the default for Roll20 is to roll "twice" for every press so that you don't have to worry about it asking for Advantage or Disadvantage, you just go with either the first number or whichever is higher/lower, depending on what's needed. So with advantage it would be 12. If you'd like Roll20 to ask you which you'd like to roll for any given task...(can click on that sprocket in the corner and set roll queries to 'query advantage'. Modifiers should automatically be applied and are pulled from your sheet, regardless. I see that you can hover over the numbers, and it tells you the breakdown. So I did roll 4 times. But really, not following instructions correctly the first time does set the tone for how'll behave moving forward :Pour with the fast fingers over there. I'll see if I like query advantage. Thanks! LOL! You'll get the hang of it, Envious. And thanks, Urban. I honestly keep forgetting that tab exists. xD12! 12 is a fine roll. What do I do with it? The 12, I mean. Or do I just wait. Ah, yes, I guess it would help for me to explain, haha. That was for Lav's last song. I wanted to gauge how well the patrons would receive it. You'll see what happens! Hahaha! I look forward to it! Darius wants to partake in bondage, awwwriiiight That'll be useful in the celebratory orgy after we kill the boar. The half elves are going to be very sticky That does seem to be the half-even lot in life, somehow. *thinks* And they won't complain one bit. You can see the eventuality here(NSFW) (and here(NSFW) (Hah! It's like seeing the future projected ;) I approve. Alternatively... this(NSFW) (All of this and more! Coming soon? I've been busy but will be sitting down and posting this weekend for sure. I'll post today or tomorrow. Probably start it today and finish it tomorrow. Now working on my post! I'm sure Lav has opinions. I just need to figure them out ;D Quote from: Envious on 12-03-2022, 07:26:34I'm sure Lav has opinions. Furthermore, I just need to figure them out ;Dhaka! Kyra justhadto low-key put Lav on the spot. I think we talked about Lav being a cleric of Thy lea. It was between her and Mythos. He might not be as familiar with the Five unless he inquired about them a lot since his "awakening". He might also know how, ERM, greedy and angry Eutheria and Syd on can be, although that probably applies to just about everyone. Mist might have gleaned it during the short time he's been on Thy lea, but I'll leave that up to you, Aphid. Estonia, for example, has been burning through cattle just to appease the Twin Titans with their demands for sacrifices. Year, it's Thy lea, and I'm pretty sure he's going to suggest her as the obvious and only choice! I don't see much info on her from a brief phone search. Was she keen on sacrificial offerings? And would Lav have fought against the 5/Dragon lords initially? Or with them, against the Titans? Syd on sounds like a meany and probably did not like that Lav would worship someone who was not him. Lav also wouldn't be down for excessive and bloody sacrifices on the daily because he... Enjoys living! She is very keen on sacrificial offering, in fact one of the customs is to pour a glass for her whenever you pour wine, though it is because Syd on demands it. In Greek mythology sacrifices were common, even among the poor, no need to sacrifice a whole cow. But when you make a meal set a good selection out for the gods to offer tribute. Quote from: Envious on 12-03-2022, 17:25:26Yeap, it's Thy lea, and I'm pretty sure he's going to suggest her as the obvious and only choice! I don't see much info on her from a brief phone search. Was she keen on sacrificial offerings? And would Lav have fought against the 5/Dragon lords initially? Or with them, against the Titans? Syd on sounds like a meany and probably did not like that Lav would worship someone who was not him. Lav also wouldn't be down for excessive and bloody sacrifices on the daily because he... Enjoys living! About the goddess ThyleaHere is her blurb from the player's guide:Thy lea is the namesake of the Lost Land. She takes the form of a gargantuan tree on an island at the heart of the Cerulean Gulf, and her followers believe that her roots reach deep into the earth, binding the world together in an eternal embrace. Thy lea is believed to be a generous, life-giving goddess. The Druids of the Old wood believe that her will is communicated through the changing of the seasons, rather than through words. Long winters, for example, signal her displeasure; long summers are a sign of her approval. And she, along with Ketamine, are central to the Legend of Creation:Thy lea was of the Old Gods—ancient even when the world was young. Gentle and generous, she was born into a time of war and chaos among her kind. Refusing to take sides in their disputes, she lived her entire life in contemplative silence, never speaking a single word. Yet though she was silent, she possessed a powerful resolve that the other Gods sensed and respected. Even Estimate of the Hundred Hands—the most violent and warlike of them all—was drawn to her quiet strength. She alone of all the Gods could quell his furious temper with her calming spirit. Eventually, Thy lea grew weary of the endless strife and conflicts. She isolated herself from the other Gods, seeking respite on the farthest edges of the ocean. Estimate—now her lover and protector—followed, turning his back on war and violence to walk with Thy lea on the path of tranquility. Alone, the pair were happy for a time. But Thy lea still felt all the pain and suffering in the world like a million arrows piercing her gentle soul. In time, her joy gave way to despair until, unable to bear it any longer, she drowned herself beneath the water. Yet her death was not a surrender... it was a glorious sacrifice. Thy lea’s body came apart; her head and torso floating back to the surface to become a chain of Virgin Islands. Her heart burst from her chest and transformed into a great tree rising up from the center of the continent she had birthed. Her limbs sunk to the bottom of the sea, stretching and twisting into great roots that connected each island, nurturing the fertile plants and gentle animals that sprang into being on the islands’ surface. Kentimane’s grief over his lover’s death was inconsolable. Without Thy lea to temper his moods, he succumbed once more to his most violent urges. Screaming his fury at the heavens, he thrashed and raged in the oceans around the body of his lover, unleashing terrible storms and massive tidal waves that threatened to swallow the newborn islands. Yet even after her death, a part of Thy lea’s spirit remained in the great Heart-Tree at the center of the islands. She reached out—silent as ever—and brushed against her mad husband’s mind, soothing his tortured spirit with a soft caress. Sensing her presence, the hundred-handed giant transformed his grief into a new purpose. Binding himself to what was left of his lover with a solemn vow, Estimate became the ward and protector of the islands, taking up an eternal vigil in the waters around their untouched shores. Fed by Thy lea’s generous spirit—and with Estimate keeping the evils of the outside world at bay—life in the Forgotten Land flourished into a perfect, unspoiled paradise. And finally, the Goddess who never spoke was content.She and Ketamine are the parents of Syd on and Eutheria, told in the Birth of the Titans myth. I won't copy and paste it here because it's not as critical to Thy lea, but it's in the player's guide. Basically, Ketamine had some kinky fruit-eating off of Thy lea's tree and it bore children. Overall, Thy lea and Ketamine might not be given as much attention as the Twins, especially among the humanoids. Thy lea isn't bloodthirsty like Syd on, but she would appreciate an animal sacrifice as much as, say, food. That goes for all the gods. Lav would have been alive during the time of the war. Which side he supported and whether he participated in any way is up to you. Satyrs and nymphs were more welcoming of the humanoids when they shipwrecked on Thy lea, but most of them probably sided with the titans. I'll PM you so we can talk it out more. Quote from: Isengard on 12-03-2022, 22:18:21She is very keen on sacrificial offering, in fact one of the customs is to pour a glass for her whenever you pour wine, though it is because Syd on demands it. In Greek mythology sacrifices were common, even among the poor, no need to sacrifice a whole cow. But when you make a meal set a good selection out for the gods to offer tribute. Wine tributes do tend to go toward Eutheria, yeah. Syd on has a different opinion on whether a whole cow is excessive. :P Opinions may be like assholes, but he is the one who will rain on everyone's parade, so to speak, hurt. Curious what direction Lav takes! I'll probably hold off on posting Darius for that just because he's likely to have opinions of his own about whatever direction suggested. Religion is something the Barbarian squints at a bit these days, considering none of them have exactly proven useful to helping find his family. *snicker* I've been given a lot of food for thought! I have a few things I need to run past Lyon before I'm ready to post, but I don't think any of us are in a rush :P With night approaching it's likely that we will retire to rooms before heading out on the adventure. I'm trying to decide if Era is going to drop that Eutheria has already laid claim to his soul in his next post, or save it for the oracle or camp talk. Thoughts? With the imminent end of the Oath of Peace, the Oracle has prophesied the Doom of Thy lea: the death of the gods, the destruction of the sacred tree, and the total annihilation of all mortal races. Players in this campaign will take on the role of a group of heroes who have been summoned to the Temple of the Oracle in an attempt to avert this catastrophe. Do we know who, or what is going to cause the catastrophe? Without really thinking, I just assumed that it was the Titans because death of the gods, and they corrupted the boar which is now attacking humans. Going based off of that, I would assume that Era's soul being claimed by Eutheria acts as a conflict of interest to potentially work in favor of the Doom of Thy lea which we are supposed to be adverting. But again... >_> I have no idea! If someone could clarify for me? That said, I will definitely post on Wednesday. I'm going to do my best to find time to write before then, but I don't have any days off until Wednesday. The catastrophe as far as we know(?) is just the fact the Oath of Peace is ending, so the 'break' where the Titans weren't murdering everything ends, and we go back to more open warfare. Presumably. And depends on how you look at it, really--a claim doesn't mean it's willing, so seeking to avert the damnation of one's individual soul could work quite nicely with us trying to stop the world from ending. Win/win, so to speak. Up to how Isengard wants to present it, really. I could see arguments for waiting until we're more trusted, or just laying it out there to get it on the table. But yes, we're probably not hunting the boar this night. Yeah, the idea is that the Titans are going to avenge sevenfold this swizz, more or less, the moment the shackles come off, and you've been tasked with stopping them. No pressure! I'd say it depends on what seems fitting for Era and his outlook, or what you would like to do, Isengard. Letting it come up with the Oracle could have an ounce of drama, perhaps, but only if you think and prefer that route. Quote from: Isengard on 19-03-2022, 00:25:29With night approaching it's likely that we will retire to rooms before heading out on the adventure. Seems that way! As soon as you all have accomplished what you want to do that is important to play out in the story, we'll start transitioning to the morning. Those who want to partake in certain activities, or want to have sleepover chats with (relative) strangers, etc., can move those scenes to the secondary thread. Or something like that. It's one big gray area that'll adapt based on a given situation; playing with timelines and timing transitions are an art that needs some good communication, but the intent is to let everyone play out interactions to their hearts' content without two people potentially holding up the rest of the group, haha. Cosmos is open to a nightly activity, just hit me up! I feel like I held up the game and I apologize for that! Life has just been throwing curve balls rocks at me lately. Also, is madness something I can prepare for? The closest spell available seems to be Protection from Evil and Good, but that doesn't look like it fits. Is madness its own spell? Also, should I be carrying components on me? I totally overlooked that, lol. I'll need to hit Metal up for the goodies and list out what I have. QuoteProtection from Evil and Good1st-level abjuration Casting Time: 1 action Range: Touch Components: V, S, M (holy water or powdered silver and iron, which the spell consumes)Duration: Concentration up to 10 minutes Until the spell ends, one willing creature you touch is protected against certain types of creatures: aberrations, celestials, elementals, fey, fiends, and undead. The protection grants several benefits. Creatures of those types have disadvantage on attack rolls against the target. The target also can't be charmed, frightened, or possessed by them. If the target is already charmed, frightened, or possessed by such a creature, the target has advantage on any new saving throw against the relevant effect. Unless a spell has a component with a GP value associated with it, as a Divine caster all you need is your Holy symbol to act as your focus. It replaces all material requirements for your spells except for those with a listed GP cost. An example would be revivified, that has a requirement of a diamond worth around 100-300 GP that is consumed in the process of casting the spell. Quote from: Envious on 24-03-2022, 05:47:11Also, is madness something I can prepare for? The closest spell available seems to be Protection from Evil and Good, but that doesn't look like it fits. Is madness its own spell? Effects like the Great Boar's will usually involve a saving throw. A spell like Bless might be helpful. Quote from: Envious on 24-03-2022, 05:41:14I feel like I held up the game and I apologize for that! Life has just been throwing curveballs rocks at me lately. No worries! I'm sure there is a spare helmet lying around here somewhere. On the note of posting, tomorrow would be the night for a new DM post. However, I'll give you all until next Wednesday so that the rest of you have more time. Quote from: Lyon on 24-03-2022, 22:45:57On the note of posting, tomorrow would be the night for a new DM post. However, I'll give you all until next Wednesday so that the rest of you have more time. Thank you for that! I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while, everyone. Things have been...busy and rough lately. But I will not lose this. I really want to see where this goes and get to thesexepic adventure! No worries! Hope things calm down for you, and if they have to be rough hopefully it shifts to the good kind. *nod* Definitely looking forward tithe seethe adventure! What Urban said! No worries! Real life comes first, and I hope things get better for you soon. For what it's worth, I updated Roll20 so that the visible screen is a map of the Heartlands. The Sour Vintage is to the east-southeast of Estonia. Mist:("Though I'm sure his eyes are good for a man his age."lol! It is his idea, and he doesn't want to be the guy who's like, "My plan is incredibly dangerous, but I'm sure you'll be able to do it," lol....and he's a bit sassy, so what? :P I feel like it'll be appreciated. Or they'll decide that there's a better use for his mouth...or both! Both is always an option! Idolize both... ;) Darius will no doubt have a comment or two to make, either way. (*excited cheer*Paaaaaage 2! Aww, yeah! We're making it happen! Yay,~ Sorry for the delay guys, I kept trying to post but kept drawing a blank when I went to, finally put on some chill tunes and put up a post. Haha, these things happen. It turned out well, at least! I'll probably get a Darius post up in the next day or so myself. Yes! It was a good post. It does seem as though things are winding down with the scheming. If anyone feels as though there's not much else to be said, and they don't want to hang out with thecheerfulhunters, feel free to start transitioning to whatever it is you crazy cats decide to get up to overnight. Exit Darius, stage left? He's off to get a room! Whoops, sorry! I spaced out last night and forgot it was time to post. I have D&D in a few, and will get a response out tomorrow. Can Lav use his medicine skill to help Areas? Lav could use it to confirm if it's broken. A healing spell could heal the injury. I'll get a post up soon and probably move Mist to one of the room Kyra has reserved. Anyone can show up as his rookie for the night! Looking forward to it! And yeah safe to consider Darius in a room at this point, happy for anyone/everyone to show up as they please, really. He's fine sharing, even if the rooms are small. He likes tight spaces. ;) Quote from: Urban on 21-04-2022, 06:12:42Looking forward to it! And yeah safe to consider Darius in a room at this point, happy for anyone/everyone to show up as they please, really. He's fine sharing, even if the rooms are small. He likes tight spaces. ;) Oh, my! I wonder if the rooms have more than one bed? Lol. I'm sure they actually do, but you know. Comedy and sexiness. Historically beds have been fairly expensive, and families often shared. It wouldn't actually surprise me if they were single, decently sized beds. *whistles innocently* *tip pity tap pity type!* Alright, my post is just about done, but I'm going to hold off for the moment. I feel like Lav continuing with the scene just kinda holds things up a bit, so I was wondering about fading the scene to black. I also don't want to spend writing time re-hashing what everyone just read, so starting off the new scene with the assumption that Lav has shared anything he's learned, and the group has adjusted their strategy accordingly sometime during a moment that makes sense, like eating breakfast or the journey over. Lav will spend the night with Kyra has they've been journeying together thus far and no interesting nighttime antics will pop up for him =] I hope to get my post up tomorrow. Sorry if it's been slow from me. Quote from: Urban on 21-04-2022, 16:07:20Historically beds have been fairly expensive, and families often shared. It wouldn't actually surprise me if they were single, decently sized beds. *whistles innocently*Decision made! Quote from: Envious on 23-04-2022, 18:36:38Alright, my post is just about done, but I'm going to hold off for the moment. I feel like Lav continuing with the scene just kinda holds things up a bit, so I was wondering about fading the scene to black. I also don't want to spend writing time re-hashing what everyone just read, so starting off the new scene with the assumption that Lav has shared anything he's learned, and the group has adjusted their strategy accordingly sometime during a moment that makes sense, like eating breakfast or the journey over. Lav will spend the night with Kyra has they've been journeying together thus far and no interesting nighttime antics will pop up for him =]It's all chill until Lav walks in on Kyra lying there necked. :P (Kidding!) Sounds good on the plans. We can hash out any chatter between the party here in the IOC if we need to, or any supply retrieval, and then transition to them heading out to hunt the boar. Quote from: Aphid on 23-04-2022, 18:38:06I hope to get my post up tomorrow. Sorry if it's been slow from me. No worries! Posted! And more than content to just move on the next morning and get the adventure rolling along. I did roll for the medicine in roll20. I did not roll for the healing spells - I thought it's best to wait for your judgement, Lyon. Lav won't be much for game plan help, but he will share what he learned the previous night to assist =] Ha! Darius has successfully intimidated people into giving him his own bed. Good or bad job, depending. PDO you all want to skip straight to the encounter with the boar, or play out the morning interactions first? Lux has been quiet, and I'm checking in with him. The party's short at least one person by this point. I'll leave it up to you all on whether we try to attain a full party of six. If that's something we want to do, I'm thinking we wait until we're a couple of rounds in with the boar, or close to finishing the encounter, 'cause meeting the oracle would probably be the smoothest entry for any new characters, but recruiting is something to mull on. Quote from: Envious on 26-04-2022, 06:47:04I did roll for the medicine in roll20. I did not roll for the healing spells - I thought it's best to wait for your judgement, Lyon. Lav won't be much for game plan help, but he will share what he learned the previous night to assist =]He, well, Lav learned it wasn't either badly broken and that it seems to have been set correctly. Can you roll healing for Areas? As long as it's not a natural 1, Tangier' arm will be mended. When I click the spell in roll20, is it sending you a roll? I just see the spell description being linked.??? Quote from: Envious on 27-04-2022, 02:22:25When I click the spell in roll20, is it sending you a roll? I just see the spell description being linked. ??? Did you add it manually? Don't forget with much of 5e you can do a search with the i in the top right, and drag and drop to your sheet (i.e., you can search the spell, drag it, and it'll give you the spell with everything already set so you don't need to do it manually). Also make sure you're clicking the name of it, not the speech bubble--the latter only sends the description (though you can also set, in the spell's options, whether the description is sent along with the roll)Quote from: Lyon on 26-04-2022, 21:34:57Ha! Darius has successfully intimidated people into giving him his own bed. Good or bad job, depending. PDO you all want to skip straight to the encounter with the boar, or play out the morning interactions first? Lux has been quiet, and I'm checking in with him. The party's short at least one person by this point. I'll leave it up to you all on whether we try to attain a full party of six. If that's something we want to do, I'm thinking we wait until we're a couple of rounds in with the boar, or close to finishing the encounter, 'cause meeting the oracle would probably be the smoothest entry for any new characters, but recruiting is something to mull on. You have no idea how tempted I am to have Darius show up in their room drunk regardless. :p I'm fine skipping to the boar FWIW, and agree that recruiting is likely a decent idea, as is when you suggested doing so. *loud bong rip in the darkest corner of the tavern*If there's an important subplot or fun scene going on during the night, I'm down to write that. If not, screen wipe to morning, I'll be ready to go :) I know I still want to post, I just recently moved apartments. Gotta think about how Cosmos concludes his night HRM~ I'd normally be down for some side scenes, but I'm in the final 15 days for school, and it's ~killing be softly~I'll check, Curtain. I watched a tutorial, but it wasn't working like the video. I'm pretty sure I did add everything manually. Quote from: Envious on 27-04-2022, 04:12:33I'd normally be down for some side scenes, but I'm in the final 15 days for school, and it's ~killing be softly~I'll check, Curtain. I watched a tutorial, but it wasn't working like the video. I'm pretty sure I did add everything manually. Roll20 is notorious for not having the most intuitive 5e sheets, lol. Apparently you have to change the Output to "Attack", 'cause that makes perfect sense, and then there's a text box to add the roll+modifier for healing. I took care of Cure Wounds for you. Do you want to try to set up Healing Word on your own? Quote from: Urban on 27-04-2022, 02:40:44You have no idea how tempted I am to have Darius show up in their room drunk regardless. Pit's probably a chilly night or something. :) Quote from: Lyon on 27-04-2022, 19:36:07It's probably a chilly night or something. :)Exactly! Realistically I suspect Darius will be alright on his own for the night, barring Lux wanting to bunk or what not. *snicker* He'll even be good and not take a villager to his room to work out allele those urges the two half-elf boys brought up in him. He will, however, loudly jerk off before sleep. Decent odds half the inn will hear him cum. Quote from: Urban on 27-04-2022, 19:52:36Exactly! Realistically I suspect Darius will be alright on his own for the night, barring Lux wanting to bunk or what not. *snicker* He'll even be good and not take a villager to his room to work out allele those urges the two half-elf boys brought up in him. He will, however, loudly jerk off before sleep. Decent odds half the inn will hear him cum. I would say the barbarian deserves a bone for being on decent behavior, but it sounds like he's already got one he's not content with. He'll get some nice treatment once this is all over. Everyone will! I meant it when I said celebratory orgy! ... I did say that, right? I'm going to wait to post again until things are moved along, though I will include Mist's responses to Era and his thoughts on sharing the bed with the gorgeous and sexy dancer in there. Furthermore, I'm writing a Cosmos post, but wanted to double-check with GM about some things first ^.^ Gonna find out who bunks with whom ~ ! Looking forward to the great Boar hunt!! Sorry! Friday was the night for the next DM post, but I was getting windows installed that day and I kinda forgot everything else. Between that and transitioning jobs, I've been a bit off kilter lately, lol. I'll probably fall back into a routine this month after I've gotten used to the new company. Will anyone have any objections to Areas and Javon joining the party for the hunt? If so, by all means! We'll play it out. Otherwise, we'll do a hop and a skip straight to the boar encounter. And will all be going to the river, or new? Lux- Metal has 8 hempen ropes. Each will cost 5 silver, a discount for the service you all will be performing. Quote from: Lyon on 01-05-2022, 15:08:53Will anyone have any objections to Areas and Javon joining the party for the hunt? If so, by all means! We'll play it out. Otherwise, we'll do a hop and a skip straight to the boar encounter. And will all be going to the river, or new? Lux - Metal has 8 hempen ropes. Each will cost 5 silver, a discount for the service you all will be performing. No objections! Cosmos has only 10 gold pieces. Were he richer, he would buy all the ropes. Due to budget, he buys only 4 hempen ropes, so that totals to 20 silver. Since 10 silver makes 1 gold, he has 8 gold pieces left (and 4 hempen ropes!). Era has no objections to a couple other people that can help haul the pig, cause lets face it. Strength is not his strong suit. He will drop a gold for some more rope. So he should have 150 feet of Helen rope now. If we he enough we might be able to weave it together make a large net to capture the boar with...or otherwise hinder. Edit: also, Think it would be funny as hell if a still kinda drunk Darius wanders in the middle of the night forgetting what room he was in Quote from: Lyon on 01-05-2022, 15:08:53Will anyone have any objections to Areas and Javon joining the party for the hunt? If so, by all means! We'll play it out. Otherwise, we'll do a hop and a skip straight to the boar encounter. Darius might have practical concerns over madness, but will ultimately err on being fine with them joining. He figures there's probably not much difference between the party and them, regardless of what any prophecy says, and extra help is always useful. Quote from: Isengard on 01-05-2022, 19:49:32Edit: also, Think it would be funny as hell if a still kinda drunk Darius wanders in the middle of the night forgetting what room he was in Hah! I could see him doing that, actually. Cosmos has already seen him jerk off, so it'd be a somewhat 'revealing' night overall considering I imagine he'd walk into their room and flop on the bed naked without thinking anything of it. At least for the parts of the night Darius is bunking with Cosmos... I hope Cosmos likes being little spoon and feeling Darius against him ;) Rosewood evening! QuoteRoll20 is notorious for not having the most intuitive 5e sheets, lol. Apparently you have to change the Output to "Attack", 'cause that makes perfect sense, and then there's a text box to add the roll+modifier for healing. I took care of Cure Wounds for you. Do you want to try to set up Healing Word on your own? I did it! Sorry for all the text getting thrown in the roll20 chat. I'm alright with Areas and Javon joining the party. I can contribute to more ropes if we need more. Lav will also need to compose a ditty about jacking off for Darius. Quote from: Urban on 01-05-2022, 20:05:32At least for the parts of the night Darius is bunking with Cosmos... I hope Cosmos likes being little spoon and feeling Darius against him ;)I'm sure Cosmos will enjoy that ^.^ And oh shoot... I should've written about his reaction to the rumors, pretty interesting rumors too lol, Sorry! This game is my first priority posting wise. I'll have a response this weekend at the latest, but it'll probably be sooner. It's cool! Life/shit gets real sometimes. I'm still here and raring to go! As is everyone else, I bet! I know Darius is definitely raring to go O:) Don't stress it. We're here when you are! I'm going to try to find/make a map for the encounter. Is it correct that only Darius and Mist will be at the campfire of the PCs? Mind if Javon joins? Quote from: Lyon on 18-05-2022, 00:18:40My AC's been acting up for the past week, and being on the computer is uncomfortable when it gets warm in the house. I'm hoping I can finally get the HVAC guy to come soon. Not in that way. PI'ma try to find/make a map for the encounter. Is it correct that only Darius and Mist will be at the campfire of the PCs? Mind if Javon joins? That sounds awful. I hope you can get the AC taken care of soon! I think that was the plan, yes. Mist would be reluctant since Javon succumbed to the madness once already, but he would not push the point if the others overruled him for honor, etc., etc. That sounds good, era works best from range and can remain hidden at times. Quote from: Aphid on 18-05-2022, 05:18:20That sounds awful. I hope you can get the AC taken care of soon! I think that was the plan, yes. Mist would be reluctant since Javon succumbed to the madness once already, but he would not push the point if the others overruled him for honor, etc., etc. Thanks! Javon will accept the party's decision if they prefer he stays at a distance. Do you need any Lav info to get started? Quote from: Lyon on 19-05-2022, 01:47:34 Thanks! Javon will accept the party's decision if they prefer he stays at a distance. I think it's more interesting to have Javon be at the campfire from a narrative perspective, so let's say that Mist got overruled. Quote from: Aphid on 19-05-2022, 22:26:14I think it's more interesting to have Javon be at the campfire from a narrative perspective, so let's say that Mist got overruled. Campfire it is! Quote from: Envious on 19-05-2022, 05:31:44Do you need any Lav info to get started? Actually, from everyone, could I have a Perception roll? Rolled in the Roll20 campaign, for ease also copying a screenshot of it here.(Rolled there and screenshotted too...(I can't figure out how you guys did that, but I did a roll there that can be seen in the chat. It was a 12. Sorry, I know I need to do things properly. >. Cliffside clearing 1The road doesn't exist!(clearing 2Oh look! Another road that doesn't exist!(clearing(location(from: Aphid on 22-05-2022, 01:25:11I can't figure out how you guys did that, but I did a roll there that can be seen in the chat. It was a 12. Sorry, I know I need to do things properly. Sgt;.Lt; I also don't think I have my character info on there also. That's okay! Leaving it in the Roll20 chat is fine. I like Cliffside 1 and Sparse Location Hm, I think I like the first one the best of those. All else fails can toss something together with Incarnate, looks like that's what those are made in mostly, anyway. For shits and giggles tossed this together, feel free to use it or not (or if you want anything changed, I can probably do that):Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide(Cliffside 1 or Urban's works for me. I rolled a 23. I'm not sure if I did it right. That seems kinda high. Cliffside 1 or Urban's is good. So At 2022-05-24 14:17:59, Era perception (UID: 10132) rolls: 1d20a3 Result: 23 (that's a Nat 20 for a total of 23 *brain catches up*Everything else was a much smaller die roll, so yeah, 23 makes sense now. Lav and Era being super perceptive! Loo kit all those Nat 20s. Quote from: Urban on 22-05-2022, 02:27:51For shits and giggles tossed this together, feel free to use it or not (or if you want anything changed, I can probably do that):Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide(from: Aphid on 22-05-2022, 01:25:11I can't figure out how you guys did that, but I did a roll there that can be seen in the chat. It was a 12. Sorry, I know I need to do things properly. Sgt;.Lt; I also don't think I have my character info on there also. I loaded your ability scores, current attacks, and skills onto the Roll20 sheet. The next time you want to roll, if you open up the sheet, you can click on the name of the skill/ability to make a roll for it. I noticed that your first roll was a Nat 20. You can use that one instead. Alright! A post is up. Really sorry about the wait. I'm hoping I can start having a regular presence on E again. Roll20 has been updated to Urban's map. Your tokens have been placed, but please take a moment to position them where you would like. It won't cost movement unless you decide that your character might have started somewhere else before reacting to the contents of the DM post. Since we're on the verge of the encounter, we're going to go ahead and initiate combat rules. To review for the newbies, each round you can move, perform an action, perform a bonus action if an ability specifies it's a bonus action, and perform free actions. To explain each and how they may pertain to our game/this encounter in particular... You use your movement speed to move. On this map's grid, each square is 5 feet. You divide your movement speed by 5 to determine how many squares you can move in a single turn. You can move multiple times within your turn as long as you don't exceed your movement speed. Again, movement probably won't apply for any of you for this first round unless you specifically decide that your character might have moved from their original position when the boar arrives. If your character is meant to be part of the ambush team and if you decide that now is when they will climb, that will count as difficult terrain. That means they will use 10ft of their speed to climb 5ft. If someone decides to pursue this angle in their post, we can talk about the specifics. Climbing during the boar's arrival will cost an action. Which brings us now to actions! You get one per turn. Here are possibilities (#ActionsinCombat). Generally speaking, if your character does anything of substance, it will cost an action. We might tweak this a bit as we go, given the nature of play by post, but we'll see how this first combat goes. Also feel free to ask if uncertainties arise. If you decide to ready an action, please be specific about its trigger. For those in the ambush team who are already hidden when the boar arrives, that'll count as something that has previously happened. You'll each need to make a stealth check. If you decide to take the Hide action this round, I'll say you get advantage on the check. You also get one bonus action per turn, if you have an ability that is a bonus action. Some spells are bonus actions, for example. Using a potion is also a bonus action (not in the rules as written, but for our sake that will be the case). Free actions are things like shouting insults or drawing a weapon. I think 5e requires someone to spend an action to switch between weapons, but in our case, we will say that's a free action. Some abilities might also be free actions. Usually that's the case if "action" or "bonus action" is not specified, but if there's confusion on an ability, ask and someone can help. Anyway, Areas will be properly placed in a tree once everyone else has chosen their positions. Javon's already set. Dynamic lighting is turned on. It won't matter as much in this case since the entire map is just dim lighting, but the hope is that it will work well enough for you all when we get to the other maps. Combat is more fun when you fully understand that your character can no longer see someone else in the party. Lastly, just as a reminder, initiative will be based on whoever posts next, not a die roll. The next DM post will happen on 6/18 - possibly sooner if everyone posts before then. Quoted think 5e requires someone to spend an action to switch between weapons, but in our case, we will say that's a free action. You are correct, The rules for 5e, on both accounts, actually. The rules for 5E allow for one free item interaction per turn (drawing a weapon, fishing something from your bag, or sheathing said weapon) anything after that is considered an action. Why until 4th level when I pick up the duel wielder feat, Era will take two turns to get doubled up on his weapons :P. Other than that, Lyon I think you need to move the players tab over to the next page. When I log in it's still showing world map Quote from: Isengard on 28-05-2022, 23:29:01You are correct, The rules for 5e, on both accounts, actually. The rules for 5E allow for one free item interaction per turn (drawing a weapon, fishing something from your bag, or sheathing said weapon) anything after that is considered an action. Why until 4th level when I pick up the duel wielder feat, Era will take two turns to get doubled up on his weapons :P. Other than that, Lyon I think you need to move the players tab over to the next page. When I log in it's still showing world map LOL, figures I'd forget a step. Should be all set now. I'll leave it up to you, but for the sake of this game, I'm willing to say that you can already draw both simultaneously as long as they are both light. I feel like someone who favors that combat style would have their weapons arranged in such a way to do so and have at least some practice doing it. That and my goal is to streamline combat where it seems plausible. The feat still seems like it could be worthwhile even if that perk is a freebie. Oh yeah, +1 armor when duel wielding and the ability to wield two non-light weapons....actually no. the only thing I would get out of it at this point is the +1 armor. So ...hmm frees up a ASI for me or another feat choice later down the road. I suspect considering the goal, Darius isn't going to do anything until he can actually see the boar. So 'ready an action: hit the boar if it comes in range', maybe? 5e doesn't really have readied actions, just readied 'reaction' so I wasn't sure how you wanted to handle that, if at all. *thinks* Quote from: Urban on 29-05-2022, 03:22:00I suspect considering the goal, Darius isn't going to do anything until he can actually see the boar. So 'ready an action: hit the boar if it comes in range', maybe? 5e doesn't really have readied actions, just readied 'reaction' so I wasn't sure how you wanted to handle that, if at all. *thinks*Yes, you're right that it's technically "ready a reaction". It's a good point of clarification for those less familiar with the rules. And since I forgot to include it in the list: reactions are something that can be performed basically on someone else's turn, before your next turn, if an ability says it can be used as a reaction. You get one for each period it's not your turn ("round" isn't exactly accurate). By default, every combatant (enemies included!) with a melee weapon can get an Opportunity Attack, which happens if a combatant begins to move out of reach (whether away or past) without taking the Disengage action. Spells cannot be used for an Opportunity Attack unless you get the War Caster feat. As far as how we're going to handle reactions... In this particular case, my current plan is to post for the boar the next round, let you all decide whether to take a reaction, and then make edits/wrap up the post based on the results. If a certain readied action might alter the course of the boar's turn, then I'll probably talk with that player specifically. In the case of an opportunity attack, I'll ask the respective players before I make a post. I'd like you all to do the same if your characters move in such a way that they could provoke an opportunity attack, but it can be easy to forget about, and if it happens, that's okay. We'd just deal with it then. As far as other future reactions, most of the time that will probably involve someone speaking up after a post occurs, and then we'll make the rolls and determine how that gets incorporated into posts. It could just mean someone posts multiple times in a single round, but mainly making an announcement via IOC first would be ideal so that the others are alerted and can wait. Once I get a feel for habits, I might ask about reactions preemptively (or see what you all have and just start asking anyway... I'm debating it). Of course, real life likes to happen, and someone with a reaction might not have a chance to read an IC post before others have already responded. My current thought is to let the player take the reaction anyway as long as it makes enough sense, because I think that's fair given the medium we're in. It's all negotiable, and we can adjust as we go. One of the things I like to do is if I have a specific reaction (such as silvery barbs) I'll leave that as a tag or note in the post, and a certain trigger (like an enemy scoring a CRT) That's a good idea. Quote from: Lyon on 28-05-2022, 23:04:11Lookit all those Nat 20s. Beautiful! I loaded your ability scores, current attacks, and skills onto the Roll20 sheet. The next time you want to roll, if you open up the sheet, you can click on the name of the skill/ability to make a roll for it. I noticed that your first roll was a Nat 20. You can use that one instead. Thank you! You're super generous for loading my sheet. QuoteAlright! A post is up. Really sorry about the wait. I'm hoping I can start having a regular presence on E again. Roll20 has been updated to Urban's map. Your tokens have been placed, but please take a moment to position them where you would like. It won't cost movement unless you decide that your character might have started somewhere else before reacting to the contents of the DM post. Since we're on the verge of the encounter, we're going to go ahead and initiate combat rules. Dynamic lighting is turned on. It won't matter as much in this case since the entire map is just dim lighting, but the hope is that it will work well enough for you all when we get to the other maps. Combat is more fun when you fully understand that your character can no longer see someone else in the party. Lastly, just as a reminder, initiative will be based on whoever posts next, not a die roll. The next DM post will happen on 6/18 - possibly sooner if everyone posts before then. A question! For those who know where the boar is, can we actuallyseeit? Most ranged spells and attacks require you to see the target and from what the IC said, we know where it is but don't actually see it. Is that right? A second question! From what has been told to him about the boar, does Mist know whether Tasha's Hideous Laughter would affect it or not? A creature has to have Intelligence of 4+ for the spell to work on them (Still get their save, of course). Quote from: Aphid on 29-05-2022, 23:19:27Thank you! You're super generous for loading my sheet. A question! For those who know where the boar is, can we actually see it? Most ranged spells and attacks require you to see the target and from what the IC said, we know where it is but don't actually see it. Is that right? A second question! From what has been told to him about the boar, does Mist know whether Tasha's Hideous Laughter would affect it or not? A creature has to have Intelligence of 4+ for the spell to work on them (Still get their save, of course). No problem! With the Nat 20s, I'd say those with a good view of the ground (such as Mist, and also Era just before he ran off to hide), would be able to see the back of the boar rising above the foliage. Sun is probably blocked enough that it's more the figure you see, not the details, but it's unmistakably the boar. I can't remember if Kyra said it, but if not, the hunters would have suggested that the Great Boar is smarter than its average counterpart. So Mist moved 20 feet to put the campfire between him and the boar and shot a Ray of Frost at it. I either rolled an 8 or a 19. I can't tell which is my actual result. I know now, and he started off the fight by...lulling the boar into a false sense of security, yeah, that's it. Furthermore, I will have Lav start next to Jay (marker placed there). Lav will cast Sacred Flame at the boar. Lav will move north to move out of the assumed charging path 10 feet. Do I post the RP in the IC thread or wait for confirmation that the actions are... doable? Ha. Quote from: Aphid on 29-05-2022, 23:51:12I know now, and he started off the fight by...lulling the boar into a false sense of security, yeah, that's it. It's all part of the plan! Quote from: Envious on 31-05-2022, 22:35:43I will have Lav start next to Jay (marker placed there). Lav will cast Sacred Flame at the boar. Lav will move north to move out of the assumed charging path 10 feet. Do I post the RP in the IC thread or wait for confirmation that the actions are... doable? Ha. That's doable! Darius moves up to Javon's side and yells at the boar but takes no further action, wanting it to come to them. If it should pass through his threatened squares he'll use his Reaction to take an Opportunity Attack. My post will be up tomorrow. Yeah! Let's kick this pig, team! Woo! Loving how things are starting so far! I think we're waiting on one more post, and then the boar will get its turn. As a reminder, the next DM post will happen by this Saturday. Those characters who aren't posted for by then will take the dodge action. Le boar attacks! So far, one combatant is doing well. Which one? The one you don't want. ;)The boar's AC is in the post. If you roll for an attack, you can roll damage if you meet or exceed the AC. Also, Era is hidden to the boar and gets advantage on their next attack. Flanking imposes advantage as long as the combatant is directly across from an ally and is within a range of five feet from the enemy (1 square). This applies to both players and enemies.(As a reminder to the newbies, since it seems pertinent when mentioning flanking, ranged attacks--whether a spell or a ranged weapon--get disadvantage if an enemy is within five feet. Ranged spell attacks are those that require an attack roll; those that require saving throws are exempt from the rule.) And Mist continues to be utterly incompetent. :-\ Good luck, everyone! You're not getting any help here, lol. Wow, a 2 and a 3...dude I'm so sorry. Quote from: Aphid on 19-06-2022, 00:08:10And Mist continues to be utterly incompetent. :-\ Good luck, everyone! You're not getting any help here, lol. Psst! Kyrah gives everyone one free re-roll this round! :-) Quote from: Isengard on 19-06-2022, 00:31:19wow, a 2 and a 3...dude I'm so sorry. Quote from: Lyon on 19-06-2022, 00:37:29Psst! Kyra gives everyone one free re-roll this round! :-)I thought I got that already since Roll20 rolls 2 dice for attacks. I assumed that the 8 was my re-roll. Is that wrong? Quote from: Aphid on 19-06-2022, 00:08:10And Mist continues to be utterly incompetent. :-\ Good luck, everyone! You're not getting any help here, lol. At least he's still cute! Envious, do you know what you're going to do yet? Trying to decide if I should just rage and go at it, or wait if you're planning to flank for advantage. Wasn't sure how melee vs ranged focused your guy was. Quote from: Aphid on 19-06-2022, 01:16:43I thought I got that already since Roll20 rolls 2 dice for attacks. I assumed that the 8 was my re-roll. Is that wrong?by default it does roll with advantage, you can set it up to ask with each roll if it's at advantage or disadvantage. Quote from: Aphid on 19-06-2022, 01:16:43I thought I got that already since Roll20 rolls 2 dice for attacks. I assumed that the 8 was my re-roll. Is that wrong? Y'know, I hadn't thought of it like that, but after mulling on it, I'm going to say that doesn't count, because that's a retroactive decision, when I feel like the ability is meant to provide a reactive one. Two of you are doing this already, but I've set everyone else's Roll20 sheets to query advantage. That means that rolling dice from the sheet will trigger a prompt on whether to make a normal roll, roll for advantage, or roll for disadvantage. In general, that default dice configuration gets confusing. Querying is much more straightforward. All of that said, it's up to you on whether you want to reroll and possibly have to edit your post, Aphid. How do I know when to roll normal vs advantage vs disadvantage? I envision Lav as a melee character. He's a short king who goes for the legs! I was imagining having him go to the side of the boar and whack with his mace. Not sure if it's wise considering what happened to Javon. I really have no idea what I'm doing, but trials by fire are fun! How do I roll to attack? I need to beat the AC of 14 before I roll for damage? Quote from: Envious on 19-06-2022, 05:34:03How do I know when to roll normal vs advantage vs disadvantage? I envision Lav as a melee character. He's a short king who goes for the legs! I was imagining having him go to the side of the boar and whack with his mace. Not sure if it's wise considering what happened to Javon. I really have no idea what I'm doing, but trials by fire are fun! How do I roll to attack? I need to beat the AC of 14 before I roll for damage?There are two ways you can get Advantage.1) Something specifically tells you. This might be a spell, this might be Lyon specifying it, this might be an ability or feat. But it will always specify it.2) Flanking something in melee with an ally. In this case, you could, for example, move Lav into a position that he would be flanking with Darius, and thus they would both gain Advantage. The thing about flanking is to move in such a way you can draw a straight line through an enemy to an ally. So in the case of the boar, moving Lav here would be flanking:(Because you can draw a straight line to an ally.(is mostly slightly odd as the creature is larger than normal. In an average sized creature, you just need to be on opposite sides, such as if Cosmos was taking it from both ends:(from either 'corner'. Tldr: always draw a straight line, get guaranteed Advantage.(you would roll normally. Similarly, Disadvantage comes into play only if something specifies so, OR, like Lyon mentioned, if you're trying to spell cast/use ranged in melee. There are ways around that via feats, but by base *gestures* Make sense? For rolling to attack, it's always "meet or beat". In other words, roll a 14 or higher, and you hit it, whereupon you can roll damage. It SHOULD be set up on your sheet, but just in case it isn't you should be rolling 1d20+STR Mod+Proficiency Bonus (Which is +2 right now). To tack onto Urban's great answer, if your attack roll succeeds (or you use Song of Heroism to reroll and that succeeds), then in the chat, you can click on the name of the attack to roll damage. For example, Aphid's roll is titled "Ray of Frost". If he clicks on that title, Roll20 rolls for the damage. I think you already did it once, but at least it's here in case it helps you or someone else. Quote from: Lyon on 19-06-2022, 02:44:19Y'know, I hadn't thought of it like that, but after mulling on it, I'm going to say that doesn't count, because that's a retroactive decision, when I feel like the ability is meant to provide a reactive one. All of that said, it's up to you on whether you want to reroll and possibly have to edit your post, Aphid. I appreciate that option, thank you, Lyon! But I don't want to hold anyone else's posts up. The one I put up will stand. Maybe Mist's luck'll turn around yet. *waves tiny flags in support of Mist* If nothing else, him constantly missing might make for an interesting dynamic with Darius, hah. My fingers are crossed for Darius to have a wildly successful attack, so the group will never hear the end of it. Also, thanks a ton! The info definitely helps. I didn't realize that I didn't need to manually roll the d20, and it was attached to the weapon damage roll, but it looks like it doesn't matter because both were a success. Quote from: Envious on 20-06-2022, 03:17:03My fingers are crossed for Darius to have a wildly successful attack, so the group will never hear the end of it.*looks at the CRT he just rolled under Rage and GWM* Don't worry, Darius will show everyone how it's done. ;) I'll work on a post today at some point, probably. I am absolutely thrilled over this =] Dang, okay, you all just going to show the "Great" Boar whose boss just like that. XD I don't think the Great Boar is going to drop this round, so we'll see. But awesome, guys! Pull that pork! Curious how much health the boar has, something tells me it won't be taking another swing like that even if it doesn't drop outright. *snickers and cheers everyone on*Except Javon Nope, it turns out the big bad barbarian did it in. :P I'll go ahead and write up the next post either tonight or tomorrow. Congrats! You survived your first boss! XD LMAO. Well that sure cements Darius' reputation! It sure does! Darius is a beast! Way to go, team!prepares for Mist to be bullied You all can take time to let your characters interact freely and have some fun with them. Performing the sacrifice will be there when you're ready, and it could take time to gather the wood anyway. Quote from: Aphid on 28-06-2022, 02:11:07It sure does! Darius is a beast! Way to go, team! Prepares for Mist to be bullied Poor Mist. XD Are Brittany and Lux still with us? Brittany isn't, and Lux hasn't been online in about a month. I've been avoiding mentioning Cosmos and figured we'd find a way to weave him back in if Lux returns. And speaking of, we talked about reopening the sixth spot for someone new, once we reached the oracle. If everyone still likes the idea, I'll revive the recruitment thread once the sacrifice has happened, or if someone has anyone that they'd like to recruit, that'd be cool, too, and we can see if we can make it happen. The oracle will be a good point for new characters, but it also gives Lux a little more time to maybe come back before I have to make a decision about his spot. I imagine we got at least a couple of more weeks of posting yet. It really depends on how much characterization and other interactions you all want to do. There's no rush. I'll have a post done by Wednesday if not tonight. I had to fulfill some contract obligations tonight unexpectedly and will be busy tomorrow. Furthermore, I don't mind opening it back up! I'll also be gone for two weeks starting Monday, so I'm going to post a short response to Kyra Areas in an effort to give you more to work with when you next post. Furthermore, I just can't read. Never mind! Areas said it and left haha! Same, no complaints about opening it back up and grabbing a couple more. And rip Envious, you shall be missed! Opening it up sounds good. I'm perfectly trying to re-fill out ranks too. No issues here. I hope your two weeks is for a good reason, Envious! Enjoy the time as best you can! We'll be eagerly awaiting your return. Alight, sounds like recruiting is pretty unanimous. I'll skip posting for this round, with Kyra still being off on her own for the time being. Also, Urban and Aphid, give yourselves inspiration. I am back, but some RL drama is delaying my ability to post. Soon. Soon! No worries! Quote from: Lyon on 30-07-2022, 19:54:59Also, Urban and Aphid, give yourselves inspiration. Yay! Thank you! I should have a post up tonight or the weekend. Sorry it's taking me so long. The last month has been a rough one. Sorry to double post, but I had a question for the GM. Lyon, Prestidigitation can be used to clean objects. Would you allow Mist to use it to clean Darius of the boar's blood as well as his clothes and gear? Quote from: Aphid on 05-08-2022, 20:09:08Sorry to double post, but I had a question for the GM. Lyon, Prestidigitation can be used to clean objects. Would you allow Mist to use it to clean Darius of the boar's blood as well as his clothes and gear? That's fine! All right, posted! I also have a question regarding advancement into the subclass I'm planning. Should I ask that here or PM you? Quote from: Aphid on 06-08-2022, 04:31:54All right, posted! I also have a question regarding advancement into the subclass I'm planning. Should I ask that here or PM you? Whichever is more comfortable for you! I think Darius just gave Mist a different kind of inspiration. ;) Haha! One can only hope ;) Everyone still Alive in here? Still alive! Although I admit I haven't really been on the computer for the past week or two. I'll give everyone one more week to post what they'd like, and then we'll do a short time skip to the sacrifice being prepared and the party finalizing their decision. How does that sound? If there is anything that needs extra closure, the secondary thread is always an option. Quote from: Isengard on 21-08-2022, 01:22:41Everyone still Alive in here? Yes, sorry! I hope to have a response up soon and point Mist and Darius back towards the rest of the group. Though I may also think about opening up something in the side thread...a celebratory group orgy? Though maybe it starts with just Darius and Mist? Era was talking with lav, I know envious mentioned trying to post, but things were hectic or something. I 100% missed it if it was my turn :-[Sorry! Quote from: Aphid on 21-08-2022, 21:29:24Yes, sorry! I hope to have a response up soon and point Mist and Darius back towards the rest of the group. Though I may also think about opening up something in the side thread...a celebratory group orgy? Though maybe it starts with just Darius and Mist? I do enjoy orgies *think* Quote from: Urban on 21-08-2022, 22:56:24I do enjoy orgies *think*hmm, half-elves might not get much rest Quote from: Isengard on 22-08-2022, 00:27:55hmm, half-elves might not get much rest don't think either half-elf would mind. ’D Not good for spell slot recovery but great for everything else! Quote from: Aphid on 22-08-2022, 01:22:13I don't think either half-elf would mind. ’D Not good for spell slot recovery but great for everything else! What's a lost spell slot when it means other slots are getting filled? Quote from: Envious on 21-08-2022, 22:41:53I 100% missed it if it was my turn :-[Sorry! It happens! I'm having trouble getting my muse back on board for this game :-[With many apologies, I will be withdrawing. Quote from: Envious on 25-08-2022, 05:42:19I'm having trouble getting my muse back on board for this game :-[With many apologies, I will be withdrawing. Sorry to hear that, but I understand. Good luck with things! :-)Let's see if we can wrap this up in a couple of rounds - not including any threesomes you all may or may not want to have. ;) I'll get to a response this Saturday including reactions from Lav. This weekend I might also go ahead and reopen the recruitment to see if we can get any new players, so that way there is a pretty decent window before the time skip. But even if it's just the three of you, we can keep this going. There are always followers/hirelings, and the Oracle's grotto can be a place to pick one up. Quote from: Envious on 25-08-2022, 05:42:19I'm having trouble getting my muse back on board for this game :-[With many apologies, I will be withdrawing. Aww, we'll miss you! I liked Parents' positive attitude and compassion and was looking forward to more. Muses can be like that though. Good luck out there! Quote from: Lyon on 25-08-2022, 13:02:04Let's seen if we can wrap this up in a couple of rounds - not including any threesomes you all may or may not want to have. ;) I'll get to a response this Saturday including reactions from Lav. This weekend I might also go ahead and reopen the recruitment to see if we can get any new players, so that way there is a pretty decent window before the time skip. Sounds good to me. Though I'm sure some part of Darius would like having his own half-elf boy harem briefly. ;) Quote from: Envious on 25-08-2022, 05:42:19I'm having trouble getting my muse back on board for this game :-[With many apologies, I will be withdrawing. Nooooooooooooooo. You will be missed! Lav was fantastic, and I always look forward to writing with you in the future. Quote from: Aphid on 25-08-2022, 13:25:12 Sounds good to me. Though I'm sure some part of Darius would like having his own half-elf boy harem briefly. ;)Maybe a particularly large part of Darius *eyebrow waggle*I'll see about getting a post out tonight, probably! Also, aw, poor Mist. He really is adorable. Don't worry, Darius will take care of him *snicker* Quote from: Urban on 26-08-2022, 06:20:43Also aw, poor Mist. He really is adorable. Don't worry, Darius will take care of him *snicker*Hmm, now I just got the image of Mist laying on top of Era face to face and the dusky half-elf just holding Mist open for the barbarian. You know, I think Darius would be okay with this. Mist might blush so hard he passes out, but still. Or he has two pairs of fem boy balls to push between Quote from: Isengard on 26-08-2022, 13:21:31Hmm, now I just got the image of Mist laying on top of Era face to face and the dusky half-elf just holding Mist open for the barbarian. Oh. Oh, my. Yes, please! Quote from: Urban on 26-08-2022, 17:01:30You know, I think Darius would be okay with this. Mist might blush so hard he passes out, but still. He's enough of a slut that once things get started, even if he might blush and be a bit shy to start, he will be down for it, for sure. Quote from: Isengard on 26-08-2022, 17:27:53or he has two pairs of fem boy balls to push between Mm-hm. He can switch back and forth from one to the other. A few strokes here, a few strokes there...;) Quote from: Aphid on 26-08-2022, 18:23:08He's enough of a slut that once things get started, even if he might blush and be a bit shy to start, he will be down for it, for sure. So what I'm hearing is Mist will be fine once he's felt Darius grab his hips and hilt himself, cock pulsing as he empties his balls in the half-elf for the first time, all that pent unwanted need, feeling it drip down his thighs... O:) Something tells me Darius has more than enough stamina to wear out Era and Mist both. Quote from: Urban on 26-08-2022, 21:33:11So what I'm hearing is Mist will be fine once he's felt Darius grab his hips and hilt himself, cock pulsing as he empties his balls in the half-elf for the first time, all that pent-up want and need, feeling it drip down his thighs... O:) Something tells me Darius has more than enough stamina to wear out Era and Mist both. I sure think that we should find out. See if he can back up his boasts. Quote from: Urban on 26-08-2022, 21:33:11So what I'm hearing is Mist will be fine once he's felt Darius grab his hips and hilt himself, cock pulsing as he empties his balls in the half-elf for the first time, all that pent-up want and need, feeling it drip down his thighs... O:) Something tells me Darius has more than enough stamina to wear out Era and Mist both. So....this (and this (Quote from: Aphid on 26-08-2022, 21:43:39I sure think that we should find out. See if he can back up his boasts. Have Darius put his money where his mouth is so to speak, huh. He'll be all too happy to. ;)Quote from: Isengard on 26-08-2022, 21:47:44so....this (and this (Basically that, yes. Maybe a bit messier, considering Darius' stamina... So, while I love this conversation. How do we want to do the sacrifice. LAZ had era removing the kidneys and such. Taking a cue from Greek history we could remove the entrails and burn those, prepare the carcass for consumption and make offering of some of the meat, and take the skin to give to a temple.(or Oracle, or give the skin to our TOTALLY not a goddess guide.) I'm not totally sure that eating any part of that carcass is a good idea, considering, and Darius would probably agree with that. It was corrupt. The rest of that is probably not a bad idea, though. Playing into Greek history/roots makes sense to me and fits the theme of the campaign, it seems.tldr: Burn the entrails and the organs, offer the flesh for purification and then burn it, and offer the skin to our guide to do with as she wills? I was planning on punting to Lyon for the sacrifice, lol. That said, I think the plan we have here is good. Burn the organs and entrails then offer up the whole burned corpse as a sacrifice, save for the hide which we give to Kyra. Good, then I know what I am going to post, and will assume we are prepping it for full burning and not consumption. Mist might want to have prestidigitation ready. Sorry, you all, coming to this kinda late, but I'm likin' the ideas! Aside from gifting the hide, who do you want to sacrifice to? Being a good, devoted cleric, Lav is pretty set on Thy lea but will concede if there is a strong, differing opinion. We can play out the final conversation if you all would prefer to decide it IC! Normally I'd default to it, but with half of the party being controlled by one dude at the moment, and with that half probably being the most opinionated, it might or might not be as stimulating, so I want to give you all a choice before I make my next post. Based on consensus, we'll either play that out first or skip to the flames being lit. Mist will defer to pretty much anyone. He doesn't even know the names of the gods of Thy lea, so he'd just be like..."sure, that one sounds good." He wouldn't want to sacrifice to a Titan because he's figured out that they're the bad guys and doesn't get that they would be sacrificed to as an appeasement. Darius doesn't have much faith at the moment, considering all the gods have been pretty silent on his family. Unless the option is 'sacrifice to us' or something probably sacrilegious, he's fine going with what the party decides on. Lav was of good help in the fight, and he likes the satyr, so Darius isn't liable to do much beyond grumble a bit. ;) Haha, sacrilegious would be a great option. I'm not saying that for cruel GM reasons or anything. ;)I'll give Isengard some more time to weigh in. In other news, we already have a player lined up to join! They're going to be a fighter or a paladin. Hopefully Darius is ready to not be the only meat shield. Also, I'llprobablycreate a Discord server in the coming days. Those who were less keen on the idea left a while ago. Quote from: Lyon on 27-08-2022, 20:02:24Haha, sacrilegious would be a great option. I'm not saying that for cruel GM reasons or anything. ;)I'll give Isengard some more time to weigh in. In other news, we already have a player lined up to join! They're going to be a fighter or a paladin. Hopefully Darius is ready to not be the only meat shield. Also, I'll probably create a Discord server in the coming days. Those who were less keen on the idea left a while ago. I'm waiting before Mist cleans up Era too, but he will. And yay for new player! We need another front line warrior, so that's good. And a paladin would give us some healing, since we have none right now. But they should play what they want! I'm excited to see it! Darius might come around to religion if the gods ever do anything useful, is basically his point of view. :p He was as devout as anyone else until he lost his family, and then where were the gods after that?! Exactly! *snickers and boards the sacrilegious train with a cheer*And yeah, fine with a Discord server. It makes some things easier. Good to hear on a new player, I'm sure Darius' ego can handle another front liner. Not least as it'll help with flanking, hah. Era does believe that the Boar should be returned to Thy lea, like Lav suggested. He still wishes to make a present of the pelt to Kyra has a worshiper of her he feels that she may actually be the goddess, as it is incredibly vain to name ones Child the same name as a Living god and is almost certain to invite disaster. And I am all aboard for the discord, does make it easy to post updates, poke people if need be and generally bounce ideas off each other. Especially early on as we're still finding our characters. Quote from: Isengard on 27-08-2022, 23:49:15Sera does believe that the Boar should be returned to Thy lea, like Lav suggested. He still wishes to make a present of the pelt to Kyra has a worshiper of her he feels that she may actually be the goddess, as it is incredibly vain to name ones Child the same name as a Living god and is almost certain to invite disaster. Love it! I will create a Discord this weekend and reopen recruitment after I've made my next post. After that, you all can have the main thread to celebrate in for the next couple of weeks before we meet the Oracle. ’D Or just slide straight into the side thread, whichever, lol. Discord! (Era giving people Why boners XD But we know why.

Odyssey of the Dragonlords OOC|rating:3.0

Lancer_ Blood-Soaked Stars, The Starfall [IC Thread]

(Star fall is The Crimson Constellations newest-model starship, and their first foray into outfitting and manning a full-sized Battle Cruiser. At a staggering 1,200 feet long from end to end - twice as large as their next biggest ship - and a crew of around 6,000 mechanics, engineers, kitchen staff, maintenance crew and active military personnel, it is by far the largest and resource-intensive ship that The Crimson Constellation has ever ordered. It was specifically commissioned with an eye towards giving its first Lancer Corps the resources it needed to take on the contracts too big for the ordinary rank and file, with the support network necessary to operate completely independently when necessary. It is fully equipped with recreational facilities - from a gym to a movie theater to a virtual reality interface, Combined connectivity, bar and lounge areas and the like - training equipment, personal quarters for the higher ranking members of the organization, oxygen farms, produce farms and more. Specifically outfitted to go for long periods of time in deep space without docking or resupplying and crewed with the best of the best, it is the symbol that Crimson Constellation is hoping will bring their organization into a new era, and set them apart from the other Elite Mercenary corps. Each Lancer Corps member is granted authorization to their own private room to decorate however they wish, and are given access to most of the more important sections of the ship. There are some areas still closed to them, but as the vanguard of this new era of CC, they have been given authority and rank above and outside the normal command structure. Whilst they cannot officially give orders to other members of the crew, they are to be respected and deferred to by anybody lower than the rank of "Captain," and may not be ordered except directly by the Ship Commander and his second in command. Core Malik and "Karina" are in command of the Taurus Wing of the Crimson Constellation, and are in direct command of The Star fall and its two accompanying Support Cruisers. They also serve as the Training Officers and field commanders of Lancer Operations, if it is deemed necessary. (( the beginning of the game, you are en route to your first official Lancer contract. You shall arrive in two days time; the briefing will begin two hours before your scheduled arrival of 5pm Local Time. Until then, your time is your own. You may play any scene from any time within those two days, so long as you do not paradox yourself. Command Out. Other Links The Mess Hall [IOC] (Files [Archives] (Hangar [Active Characters] (( Cell (#msg15228859)Wearing:Sylph Suit (gray, transparent on the back and arms. Slight heel), Info skin (Subtle makeup, yellow circuit tattoos radiate from her cybernetic spine. Black hair and red eyes).HP:6 / 6Armour:0Evasion:10E-Defence:10Loadout:Location:Quarters>Mess Hall Tagging:Anyone Warnings:N/Sarah sat in her quarters, legs crossed loosely as she tried to focus on thespacein her mind where the fragments of Astarte rested. Communicating with the half formed NHP was... difficult, but Sarah absolutely felt that it was worth the effort. Sadly, the results were rarely what you might call productive. Anything other than much operation, missions and the 'hierarchy of reward' as they called it, rarely elicited more than a blank void of incomprehension. And yet, sometimes she could almostfeelthe thing in her head figuring stuff out. For all that it was weird hearing her voice from a source other than herself, the Path ite was excited about the day when she could have a proper conversation with it. She just had to have faith. The newly christened Lancer often tried to meet it halfway by imagining missions or practice, letting the other mind fill in details and suggest actions, feeling out good or bad choices that might help her with her actual piloting later on... but such sessions tended to become almostmasturbatoryafter a while, making it difficult to do too much as imagined achievements lead to imagined pleasure. Not unlike a lurid daydream, even though there was nothing remotely titillating about the combat scenarios she was picturing. And no matter how much she tried to coax Astarte tostopdoing that, it genuinely didn't seem able to comprehend the request. With a sigh, Sarah uncrossed her legs and planted one foot under herself to push herself to her feet. That wasquiteenough of that for the day! Raising her arms over her head Sarah stretched out until she felt her cybernetic spineclickjust sound slumped into a more relaxed pose. The woman lightly plucked a shawl from an open drawer and pulled it over the Sylph suit she was wearing, adjusting it so the Path of Joining's sigil was centered properly and headed out of her quarters to do somethinganythingelse. Shewasrather hungry. Perhaps a trip to the mess was in order! ((#msg15229783)Wearing:Black Jumpsuit (/ 6Armour:0Evasion:10E-Defence:10Loadout:Combat Knife, Personal Drone Location:Mess Hall Tagging:Sarah Cell, Open Warnings:Perfectly Wholesome Post Ahead Dee-twelve Ten-four was still somewhat in awe of The Star fall. Each bulkhead, each power coupling, every light fixture was shiny and new. Even with thousands of boots drumming against its decks shift after shift, the Battle Cruiser may as well have sparkled in her eyes. It was a far cry from the subterranean complex where she'd lived her life before signing on with the Crimson Constellation, there were no abandoned sectors, no neglected corridors piling up with garbage, and if there was an NHP administrator it was decidedly more circumspect than Black gate had been about watching its charges. All of that, and yet, there was none of the crush of living bodies that she was accustomed to. True, she didn't have the long table in the mess hall completely to herself, but she could let her elbows jut out to the sides, and there was space for a data pad that was laid down next to her tray. Still, old habits had been slow to die. Though better fare was available, her plate only contained a kind of bland nutrient paste, the kind of thing a Printer might fabricate for mass consumption when supply lines broke down. She was off duty, and though she wasn't wearing the Crimson Constellation's uniform, her clothing was still a simple utility jumpsuit separated from a prison uniform only by its dark color and lack of identification numbers. As Ten-four stirred the edible slurry on her plate, trying to dosomethingto the consistency, her eyes drifted over the data pad that she'd carried with her. The data was stamped as being from the Union Colonial Authority, publicly available statistics and information about the world they were relentlessly approaching each day. Around her head, a small white sphere floated in a lazy orbit around her, magnetic impellers allowing it to silently glide through the air, orienting an optical sensor with an eye-like blue ring about the room as Ten-four turned the pad length-wise to look at a landscape image of the world's natural beauty. As Sarah entered the mess hall, the drone looked her way, the ring of it's "eye" shrinking to a dot and then rising open as though the drone "blinked" in recognition. It drifted closer to her, chirping cheerfully near her ear to get her attention. Ten-four blinked and looked up, taking a short breath in recognition. She shot up to her feet fast enough that the spoon clinked against the tray as she dropped it, back rigid. She touched her thumb and the first knuckle of her index finger to her forehead, sweeping it down a bit to touch the same fingers to her lips, and then thumped her fist audibly against her chest over her heart." Good evening, Priestess. You're looking well." (Cell (#msg15228859)Wearing:Sylph Suit (gray, transparent on the back and arms. Slight heel), Info skin (Subtle makeup, yellow circuit tattoos radiate from her cybernetic spine. Black hair and red eyes).HP:6 / 6Armour:0Evasion:10E-Defence:10Loadout:Location:Mess Hall Tagging:BNK Warnings:N/Sarah smiled and waved a hand for the other woman to return to her food while she made her own way to the food printer on the wall “Thank you! Your looking well yourself!" she replied with her usual peaceful cheer. But when Penny started gesturing, she raised a hand to stop her, "You don't have to do that you know, we are the same rank after all, and we are both new to this.” she reminded and not for the first time. Truthfully she didn't mind and was used to that sorta thing, though she'd never been exactly comfortable with it. More to the point though she was vaguely sure it had to be against some sort of regulation and didn't want Penny to get in trouble if the wrong person saw it. In the meantime, she flicked through the menus and made her selection and a tray with food scorched into existence under the emitter. Her own taste in food was relatively straight forward and folksy owing to the world of her birth. Potato, greens, large slabs of fab meat. Beef and fish. It wasn't anything like she'd seen most classier women eat, but Sarah was active enough that she needed real food in properly sized portions. Plenty of folks back home complained that fab meat didn't taste like the real thing, but the Path ite honestly couldn't find any difference. She gestured at the seat across from Penny, “May I?” And upon receiving permission sits across from the other woman.“That said, if you ever need help or someone to talk to, please don't hesitate. This may not be a temple, but I'm still a Guide.”, she added with resolve. (Cartwright (#msg15234132)Wearing:Sweater, scarf, warm looking pants, and black boots.HP:6/6Armour:0Evasion:10E-Defence:10Loadout:NA ATM Location:Mess Hall Tagging:Sarah, BNK, Open Warnings:friendly greetings! The two ladies were not alone in the mes shall. Arriving shortly after the others did, a warmly dressed young man began to enter the mes shall, humming out briefly as he looked to get something to quell his slightly unquiet stomach. Usually not a very picker eater, he looked about idly as he discerned what the mes shall had to offer, and see if anything looked appealing to him. He was pretty use to the ‘delights’ of ship food though, and more than half expected to be eating some lovely nutrient paste that would be filling, if not particularly thrilling. On the plus side, he had a chocolate bar or two stashed away in his room, or even if the meal was boring he had something to look forward to, and that beat starving. Noticing that two others were active in the mes shall and talking to one another, he got his delightfully dreadful looking nutrias and waved to them with a free hand, moseying his way over to them as he gave a smile and a small nod. “Hey. Looks like I’m not the only hungry one. If you two don’t mind, care if I join you? Figure if we’re all in this together, we may as well eat together too.” Plus, it beat taking his food back to his room and just eating in quiet, at least right now. These were going to be his copilots and he figured he’d be patching up their wounds sooner or later, so it was best to start being friendly now, rather than at a more inopportune time. ((#msg15234358)Wearing:This (Sylph Soothe:6/6Armour:0Evasion:10E-Defence:10Loadout:Plasma Maul Location:Gym > Mess Hall Tagging:OPEN, Sarah, 10-4, Louis Warnings:Intense Workout followed by foooooodFor the past six hours, Maine had been busying himself around the gym, switching from one machine to the next after brutal sets that would make a normal man weep. 400 bench presses at 1,000lbs. 450 leg presses at 1,300lbs. With the extensive and highly expensive modifications he'd gone through, stuff like this was his every day. And with the harsh training on top of it, he was as accustomed to this as anyone would be with their daily routine. Like a house mom making her kids' protein loaf in the morning, or a mechanic making sure every tool was in place before he closed up shop for the night. It was ingrained in his DNA and unless someone had a reason for him to do something else, he would probably be here or finding some other way to entertain himself. When he was finally finished, sweat beaded his frame, indicating he'd done a good job and needed a shower. ---10 Minutes Later---After a quick scrub up, KA1N3 threw on a jumpsuit and decided to satisfy the ravenous hunger that he'd built up for the past few hours. The ship, called the Star fall was absolutely massive, but he'd fully memorized the entire layout as soon as he got aboard, and had no problem navigating the behemoth vessel now. It took a while, but soon his large, muscular frame came around the corner and through the pneumatic sliding doors into the mess hall. The super-soldier made a beeline for the food processor, tapping in command after command. When it was done making his order, his tray was filled to the brim with high carbs, proteins, and delicious, delicious meat. He hadn't even been paying any attention to the three teammates eating until he was sure he got everything he needed for his meal. After pouring himself a big cup of something delicious to drink, he nodded to them and took a seat. "Hey, everyone. I'm KA1N3...but people usually call me Maine." Without missing a beat, he speared a meat loaf and popped it into his mouth, chewing as if he hadn't eaten all day. ((#msg15229783)Wearing:Black Jumpsuit (/ 6Armour:0Evasion:10E-Defence:10Loadout:Combat Knife, Personal Drone Location:Mess Hall Tagging:Sarah Cell, Louis Cartwright, KA1N3, Open Warnings:Perfectly Wholesome Post Ahead Ten-Four glanced at her hand as she moved it away from her chest, the spherical drone hovering by her shoulder rotating along its access without its eye shifting away from the priestess. The Lancer's cheeks colored slightly as she glanced away for a moment, her eyes snapping back to Sarah, the corners of her lips pricked up in a slight smile." Ah, no Guide Cell, this gesture is in deference to your religious position rather than your rank. Something Father Kropotkin drilled into me; Thought, Speech, and Deed, that is how you will know one who walks The Path." she said, mimicking the gesture again, "Your implants are visible, so I thought you were acting in an official capacity." she said, mumbling the end as though she felt foolish explaining her motives to Sarah." By all means, M'am." she said, gesturing to the seat across from her, waiting for the Guide to sit before she settled back into her own seat across from her. When Sarah said mentioned that she shouldn't hesitate if there was something she needed, she licked her lips slightly, opening her mouth as if to broach a subject. Louis's affable arrival on the scene shut her mouth so firmly her teeth clicked. Still, she looked up at him with a wane smile, him and his cozy, warm looking civilian garb. She raised an eyebrow slightly at the nutrias on his tray, from what she'd seen very few of the ship's crew willingly took the basic paste." It's fine by me." said, glancing over towards Sarah to see if she'd refute him. As she switched off the data pad to give more attention to the conversation going around her, her drone let out a low squawk to get her attention. She twisted in her seat to see the new shape approaching and looked up. Andup."...woah."she uttered without realizing it, looking up at KA1N3's genetically enhanced physique, rocking back in her seat slightly to take in the pile of high calorie chow on his plate. He settled into a seat without as much as a "How do you do?", starting in on the food he'd brought like a man on a mission." Looks like the unit's all here." she said with a bit of a smile, scooping up some indistinct food-slurry and spooning it into her mouth. It didn't really need chewing, so it barely interfered with her conversation. "Everyone looking forward to landfall?" she asked after a moment, looking for a topic everyone could weigh in on. Prologue: Baptism Star fall Briefing Room13:00 Hours, Universal Standard Time(briefing room of the Star fall is about as modern as these kinds of meeting rooms can get; whilst many mercenary outfits settle for a meeting table and a basic holographic representation of their target, The Crimson Constellation is different. They did not become one of the best, most professional and most respected organizations by being sloppy. They are a paramilitary. An armed force with no direct governmental ties, perhaps, but a military nonetheless, and they require their soldiers to take their missions with a degree of seriousness. If you do not respect your commanders and respect the danger you are in the field, it isn't just you that's in danger; it's your squad mates, your platoon and your entire division that could be harmed through your actions. To that end, the Crimson Constellations briefing room mirrors many of the military briefing rooms you might find in any number of bases and starships across the galaxy. Several rows of seats sit in a tiered arrangement on a small platform on one side of the room, each one granted a collapsible tray for notes, a computer screen for closer displays and a personal monitor for individually-unique information. On the far side of the room is a slightly raised platform and podium set beneath a wall-size display screen. Several projectors line the bottom of the edge of this platform in order to display 3D holographic models when necessary.You are each sitting in their respective seats, alongside several support staff and fellow soldiers. This is one of the larger rooms with easily 200 seats, each of them filled with the commanders and sub-commanders of each Squadron taking part in the operation. You have been required to sit in the front row, as the center of the operation. There is a low level of murmuring throughout the room as soldiers and staff speak to each other in quiet voices about the upcoming mission, and the rumors surrounding it. No information has been yet released, only that it involves a small backwater planet at the edge of Union Space. The chatter cuts off abruptly, however, when the lights dim slightly and the door in the right-hand wall opens. (the door strides the Commander of The Star fall and the Experimental Lancer Fleet as a whole, Captain Core Malik. Standing at roughly 6' tall with a decently broad, muscular build, he would be an intimidating man if he was ever seen without his playful, cocksure smirk. He is well regarded and respected within The Crimson Constellation, and was their first officially designated Lancer. As such, he was granted command of The Star fall and was in charge of your training. He is easygoing and friendly, but he is a brutal and demanding taskmaster when it is required. Behind him follows the more slender, stone-faced Second Lieutenant and second in command of the Taurus Constellation, the woman known only as "Karina." Both are wearing their standard on-duty attire [as pictured]. Core Malik steps up to the podium, and gives the assembled soldiers a wave and a grin. "Good t' see you all here. I was worried I'd have t' get Karina to drag y' out of the Mess Hall t' get here on time. Looks like that won't be necessary. This time, anyway." A small chuckle runs through the room. Core taps some buttons on his podium to the side of the screen. The screen lights up, and a hologram of a small planet pops up in the center of the platform. "This is Alva-III. The only naturally inhabitable planet in the Alva system, 'n the only one the Union is concerned with. The' others could be terraformed, but it's too far out of the way to be worth the cash." More button presses. The hologram zooms out to show a small solar system of four planets, two of which are far closer to the central star - a binary star - and therefore uninhabitable. The screen behind the hologram shows a galactic map of the inhabited arm of the Milky Way, a small box appearing on its outer edge to indicate Alva's locations. The hologram zooms back in to the planet and its solitary moon. "A month ago, the' governor of Alva-III sent a distress beacon t' Union Command via the Combined. It was scrambled, broken and fragmented, but Union techs were able to piece together this audio translation." Another button press, then another voice - older, and notably more desperate echoes through the room."... Urgent Lt;crackling; -stance renew-ui-ui... Lt;distorted gunshots; -under attack! Colony defenses are failing --- not sufficient! We need re- Lt;stating;" There are a few more seconds of unintelligible shouting and what sounds like gunfire, and the recording ends. "We've been hired by Union t' go'n figure out what's goin' on." The hologram spins slightly, locking onto a specific section of Alva's surface. It zooms in, showing the location of the main colony on Alva-III's surface. Several aerial and imaging photographs appear on the screen behind the hologram; the images show smoke rising from the colony, swathes of scorch-marked land, several dozen destroyed vehicles and the signs of recent conflict. The walls surrounding the colony are in several places reduced to rubble. Corvo resumes speaking. "Obviously, nothin' good." Another chuckle, but this one has an undercurrent of unease. Every man and woman in the room is an experienced mercenary in some way or another, but they know enough to not take possibly assaulting a fortified location easily. "Our scouts attempted t' make contact with the' colony. They were fired 'PON. Obviously, we ain't welcome, s' we can only assume they' hostile forces've taken over the colony." The hologram shifts, moving to a 3-dimensional, side view of the colony and surrounding area. A top-down view appears next to it. "So here's the' plan. 5th inf'entry 'n 8th Armour Squadrons. Y're going to land by Drop-ship five like t' the East. We'd drop y' closer, but reports from Union say they' the colony has s'me decently advanced anti-aircraft cannons, 'n I ain't riskin' it. Y'll advance on foot over the' Eastern flats." A circle appears over an area of flat land on the top-down view, whilst the side-on view shows a display of a block moving from the right-hand side. "Y'll be supported by the' 3rd Technicians." He nodded to a group on the left. The "Technicians" are improvised cover experts; obviously, the plan is for them to take their mobile cover and use it to shelter the advance of the soldiers. "The south is just' a big-ass ravine. No gettin' there from that direction. So while y're advancin' across the' flats, the' 14th'll approach over the' mountains from the' north." More icons appear on the displays. "Y' lot'll act as the' distraction. We have t' assume an entrenched position, 'n the scouts've picked up signs of new heavy armaments bein' set up on the' walls. It ain't going to be an easy fight. So y'r job is t' draw their focus away from their Western Flank; they reckon it's unassailable, backed up against a mountain teemin' with anti-aircraft cannons. 'N they're right. No drop-ship is going to get through that." He grins at you. "Lancer Squadron. Y're going to drop behind enemy lines 'n knock out their defenses. Once y' do that, we c'n bring in air support for the' final push." His grin widens. "'n by 'Drop,' I mean, Suicide Drop. Any questions?" A suicide drop is a method of infiltration and planetwide insertion when drop-ships aren't an option; they are exactly what they sound like. The pilot - in this case, each of you - is loaded into their Techs, placed in an orbital drop pod...and simply fired at the surface of the planet. You've done them in training many times, of course, and it was part of your final exam. But this is your first live mission, and it will start with a suicide drop. So, as Core said... Any questions? What Do You Do? ((#msg15229783)Wearing:Black Jumpsuit (/ 6Armour:0Evasion:10E-Defence:10Loadout:Combat Knife, Personal Drone Location:Mess Hall Tagging:Sarah Cell, Louis Cartwright, KA1N3, Open Warnings:Perfectly Wholesome Post Ahead Not for the first time, Penny marvelled at just howneweverything around her was. She couldalmostbelieve that hers was the first butt to grace this chair with its presence. While she couldn't be said to beplayingwith the console built into her seat, she did reference it frequently, picking out what defenses were visible from the aerial photography and orbital imaging. From what she'd heard on Banker, most mercenary armies made due with second-hand equipment, cast-offs from army surplus from governments looking to recoup some revenue. She knew she'd been brought on while the Crimson Constellation was expanding their ranks, but, even serving aboard this vessel as long as she had already it still bewildered her sometimes. It was enough to make her wonder if the Constellation had this kind of tech, what were Union fielding? The Cor Pro states? If the Scouts had managed to identifying their occupying force, maybe she wouldn't worry about these things. Well, it was a known thing that you always hadwantedmore intelligence before an engagement than you had ... and that the things youthinkyou know could suddenly turn out to be very false. It was better to be adaptable than informed, that's what the Father had told her. She blinked when Captain Malik said they were suicide dropping the Lancers behind enemy lines. Well, that kind of thingwaswhy the unit had been formed. She glanced over at K41N3 to get his read on the plan, figuring that if he was worried that would be a great sign thatsheshould be worried. If he kept his composure though, she'd just assume that the Captain hadn't expended his time and effort just to get them all killed on their first mission. "Suicide Drop" was just a name, right? Penny raised her hand, but waited to be called on before she spoke. She didn't want to undermine the company's faith in their Lancers' by asking a stupid question, but it washer first drop. Heck, it would be her first time out of microgravity even." Just a few questions, Sir." she said, standing up when she was called upon." You mentioned that the colony had AA coverage, do we believe the targeting is advanced enough to harry the drop pod? If so, what kind of deviation can we expect regarding our insertion point?" she asked first, knowing that deviation would prolong how long the defense were up, making the job harder on every other element in the offensive." Given the nature of the battlefield, it's likely that we will encounter natives and noncombatants within the colony. What is the procedure there? Do we urge them to evacuate away from the front, perhaps to a rally point, or hunker down and wait for the 5th to arrive?" she asked, keeping her back rigid and her eyes level as she looked at Captain Malik." Finally, are there any targets of opportunity that the Lancer team should be keeping an eye out for?" (Cartwright (#msg15234132)Wearing:Combat hard suit and equipment HP:6/6Armour:1Evasion:8E-Defence:10Loadout:Assault hard suit, Signature combat weapon, Combat ally/Composite weapon Location:Star fall briefing room Tagging:More or less open! Warnings:For the briefing room meeting, Louis had to put his game face on. That meant suiting up, making sure his gear was properly maintained and prepared, and making sure he could play well with the others. They didn’t seem like a completely friendly lot, and he didn’t blame them for that. They were all in a somewhat dangerous field here – somewhat being putting it lightly. Life and death depended not just on your own skills, but your teammates. And he had to prove that he’d be an effective medic, but an effective Lancer too. Briefly looking himself over in the mirror, the young man gave a nod, and was soon off towards the briefing room. Looking across to see a myriad of soldiers and other personnel, he kept quiet as Core stepped up to the podium and began to talk. His eyes were then focused on the man, his heavy accent parsed after a bit as Louis filled in the missing bits and in general, sought to make sure he was listening to the man correctly. The briefing seemed simple enough Alva-III was under duress, and sent a beacon out to Union, and while Louis’ first guess was pirates, but this did seem a bit… organized for them, what would they want with the system anyway? Maybe he was just overthinking things, he was a little on edge given this was his first ‘proper’ mission, and a complete trial by fire. Their mission was simple enough, be the big, noisy, destructive distraction to help the rest of the forces get their job done, and the would hopefully make it out alive. A suicide drop however, was… Well, it was what it sounded like. If it worked out well, they’d be the heroes of the hour. And if not, they’d just be casualties that couldn’t be recovered. It was a grim proposition, but they didn’t have any other choices. Penny had asked the important questions, or at least one or two questions that were on his mind, so for now he remained silent. Their mission would hopefully be simple – or as simple as it could be. ((#msg15234358)Wearing:This (Sylph Soothe:6/6Armour:0Evasion:10E-Defence:10Loadout:Plasma Maul Location:Gym > Mess Hall Tagging:OPEN Warnings:Happy Day A briefing usually meant action was going to follow in a relatively shot time span. So that meant Maine decked himself out, and was in full combat gear as he stepped into the room. His faceplate was detached, hanging from it's mooring on his chest, but the rest of him was clearly ready for a war. He was punctual, arriving a full five minutes before 13:00, and finding his seat right up front. Core and Karina entered when it was time to get things started, and as the brief began, he could already hazard a rough guess about where this was going. Alva-III was the only planet worth a damn in the system at the moment. So that would be the only one getting any focus; especially when progress and profit margins were being interrupted by anyone who dared cross the Union. He was slightly concerned with just how long these people had been under siege. A month. Thirty days was a real long time with no help or support in your corner. And even longer for the Op-For to make themselves at home after they crushed any resistance they found in the beginning. His head continued to nod up and down as the Commander rolled out the details of the plan. All in all, it sounded pretty good. And the thought of a drop put a big smile on his face. "Helene. I can't believe we get to hell jump on our first mission. I thought things were going to be borin' around here." He looked over to his wing mate, smile still on his face before she started asking Commander Core questions. All valid, and all which would give them decent intel when answered. GM Post(gives a quick, short nod towards BNK with a small grin. "Good questions, Penny," he said, pressing several more buttons on the podium in front of him. "Lessee if we can answer 'em, yeah?" The side-view of the colony zoomed in and expanded, beginning to rotate a little in the center of the podium. It paused when it reached the targeted drop zone for the Suicide Drop, several shapes on the nearest wall lighting up in a dark red highlight. "We reckon the AA guns'll try t' shoot ya down, of course. We don't think they're powerful enough t' penetrate-" Suicide Pods were usually extremely heavily armored; since all they had to do was fall in roughly the right direction, making them aerodynamic or light enough to fly was not a concern. All that extra weight? It was either guidance computers or armor. "- but it's possible that y'll be knocked a little off course. The computers should correct for that, b' if they don't - 'ND let's be honest, they probably won't; when've things ever been they' easy for us, eh?" Another chuckle from the room, accompanied by Core's easy smirk. Whether they genuinely found his comment funny or if they were just politely laughing at their CO's joke, who could tell? "- if they don't, we're expectin' maybe a mile or two drop zone at most. We'll be regroupin' here." A white shape appeared on the hologram, a large rock formation directly due east of their intended drop point, overlooking a small ridge leading to the colony proper. He continued on. "For noncombat'NTS, this'll be an active war zone, 'n we don't have a way of gettin' them out safely. All those AA guns 'n stuff. So, tell 'em to hunker down with their heads b'tween their knees until the 5th gets there 'n secures the colony. As for your final point," He taps a few more buttons on the podium, and the view of the colony begins to rotate again. Every so often, a red shape is highlighted and labelled. The view keeps spinning, adding several more labels to the thick end line. As it spins, Core speaks. "Y've got one main objective, 'n that's t' kick down the' central towers' door 'n either arrest or neutralize the commander've the occupyin' force. We believe he's likely made his base in the control room, s' if y' kill 'I'm, y'll have access t' all the main systems of the colony. On the way, though, we want y' to hit the Generators. Takin' out all've the emplacements would take too much time 'n deviation. However, y're route through the' back door leads right past the military power nexus." A 3d representation springs up on the other side of the label to the diagram. "The defenses each run on their own power grid. But if y' take out the nexus, power stops bein' distributed equally, 'n the safety mechanisms activate, shuttin' down the turrets 'n cannons and stuff. Just the automated shit, mind, but it makes the rest of our advance a helluva lot easier." He grins. "Anythin' else?" What Do You Do? ((#msg15229783)Wearing:Black Jumpsuit (/ 6Armour:0Evasion:10E-Defence:10Loadout:Combat Knife, Personal Drone Location:Mess Hall Tagging:Core Malik, Open Warnings:Perfectly Wholesome Post Ahead Penny didn't laugh at Core's little joke about how things tended not to work out as expected. That wasn't a joke in her mind, it was just the way she'd grown accustomed to the world working. Instead, her dark eyes glittered slightly in the dark as she examined the holographic overlay began rotating, lines and flickering bits of text giving more details of the elements he was discussion. She noted the estimated caliber of the AA turrets, tucking the number away in the back of her head of later. Learning these little details could mean the difference between life and death. She smiled a little bit when he got to the generators. That sounded like a job for her axe, if they severed the cables instead of destroying the generators themselves it would be a relatively quick fix for the engineering corps once they'd captured the colony. The enemy's stronghold could become their forward operating base if necessary, or could be returned to the colonists to give them firmer footing on their recovery efforts. That kind of detail was something for her to discuss with the Lancer team rather than the Captain though, she figured. They'd disable the turrets and meet the C.C.'s strategic objective with due haste." No, Sir, that will suffice. Thank you, Sir." she said, undermining the man's casual air as she settled back into her seat, yielding the floor to anyone else who had questions. Hierarchy was one thing that she'd learned early on in life, and no matter what language the man used or how many formalities he forwent, one some level she believed that his affable nature could be discarded the moment it was inconvenient. No matter how gilded to sheathe, the naked blade underneath was deadly all the same. Better to pay him the respect due to his position from the outset. (Cartwright (#msg15234132)Wearing:Combat hard suit and equipment HP:6/6Armour:1Evasion:8E-Defence:10Loadout:Assault hard suit, Signature combat weapon, Combat ally/Composite weapon Location:Star fall briefing room Tagging:More or less open! Warnings:If the guns weren’t powerful enough to penetrate, that’s good enough for Louis. Overall their mission was dangerous and seemed like they’d need a small miracle to survive past the initial drop. But what were (rookie) lancers but miracles unto themselves? That meant they just had to persevere and do their job. With no real questions to ask, Louis instead listened to his commander’s explanations and slightly bad jokes, keeping a relatively neutral face throughout. But when it came to ask any other questions, Louis shook his head after a moment. “No sir. I think that any questions I had were answered. Thank you, Sir.” Somewhat repeating Penny’s words, he figured it was best to speak up at the least and say that there was nothing else that he really needed to bring up. His stomach was slightly tying into knots, this would be his first mission with his new comrades, and the question on his mind was how well they could handle the real deal, and how well he could handle it too. He’d been in firefights before, but this was a completely different game altogether, and it was time to get his head into it. For now, he’d wait for them to be dismissed, as the drop likely wasn’t that far from now. ((#msg15234358)Wearing:This (Sylph Soothe:6/6Armour:0Evasion:10E-Defence:10Loadout:Plasma Maul Location:Gym > Mess Hall Tagging:OPEN Warnings:Happy Day Maine grinned and snickered along with the room when Core joked about shit being hard for them because of just how shitty this job actually was. Then he piped up with a joke of his own, although maybe it was super soldier humor. "Come on, Commander; nobody here joined up for easy. Give me a good fight any day. That is if they're even good enough shots to hit us on the way down." Besides, with an estimate of just two or so miles maximum, even without his boost jets, he and the others could get to the rendezvous in a few minutes if they hustled. Jokes aside, Maine's eyes were narrowed in focus as he watched the display. Each new bit of information was locked in place, memorized and held in his mind's storage vault to be retrieved later on the mission when he needed it. The mission was simple at it's core. Find the enemy commander, and take him down, or take him out. Maine wasn't partial, but it was just a fact that a corpse was easier to deal with than a prisoner. He'd defer to the brass when the time came to make the call. But if his hand got forced, he'd just go the rest of the way and pull the fucking trigger. Secondary objective was to bust up the power nexus, thereby disrupting all the automated weaponry and defenses. When all was said and done, and everyone seemed satisfied, Maine cleared his throat. "One last question, Commander. When do we leave?" Anyone who looked at the man would see the passionate fires burning in his eyes. He was excited for what was to come. GM Post(Malik chuckled at Main's enthusiasm. "Easy there, cowboy. Y'll get a chance t' empty y'r chambers soon enough." He tapped several buttons on the podium in front of him, and the holograms disappeared. The mission intel relevant to each different squad member and leader appeared for a moment on each of their private screens as the information was sorted and downloaded, then flickered off once it had copied to their personal terminals. The lights came on, and the screen at the front of the room switched off. "ETA is two hours. Everybody needs t' be ready t' go by then; we'll be droppin' out of Blink space 'n beginning the operation immediately, b'fore they get a chance t' get ready for us. Any last minute modifications to your suits or y'r gear, make sure they're done before Last Call, yeah?" He turned to leave, dusting himself off as he went. Karina called the attendants to attention as he left, then followed out after him. The attendants followed after, including the party, to move towards the hangar; it was a large section at the rear of the ship where most of the planetwide vehicles were kept. The fighters and whatnot were kept further up the ship in a separate hangar, and the pilots were likely making their own checks and preparations for when the AA guns were knocked out of commission. Whilst the other squads busied themselves preparing the various Armour divisions and double-checking their equipment, the fresh Lancer Corps were escorted by a lower-ranked serviceman to their little corner of the hangar. There, each of their Frames stood ready, a positive swarm of engineers and mechanics running along the scaffolding surrounding them to make sure that there weren't any last minute bits of maintenance to carry out. A fabricator sat nearby, ready for any last minute alterations. Behind each Frame there was a large metal blast door; upon Last Call, the pilots would be expected to embark into their Frame and walk through them to set themselves up inside their Suicide Pods, ready for deployment. Last Call was still around an hour and a half away; you are required to remain in the hangar until mission start, but you are able to gather information, speak to each other, modify your Lancer, modify your pilot loadout and other such minor preparations. Take this time to talk to each other, gather information and discuss your plan of attack. Story Advancement will take place in 7 IRL Days. What Do You Do? (Cartwright (#msg15234132)Wearing:Combat hard suit and equipment HP:6/6Armour:1Evasion:8E-Defence:10Loadout:Assault hard suit, Signature combat weapon, Combat ally/Composite weapon Location:Star fall briefing room Tagging:More or less open! But tagging everyone too. Warnings:With last call being 90 or so minutes away, there was the unmistakable feeling of butterflies in Louis' stomach, and the anticipation of coming bloodshed. This wasn't going to be his first time in a much by any means, but it was the first time he'd be doing so while being a (rookie) lancer. The moment the group was away from the briefing and were able to talk freely among themselves, the medic flashed a small smile to no one in particular, yet he addressed the group all at once. "Well." There was a brief pause. "Before we all go screaming into hell, let me just say this. Drinks're on me if we make it out in one piece. And hey, if I croak? That's one less person to worry about when it comes to taking your favorite seat at the bar. Are we all ready to do this?" Of course, he figured they were - and he figured he was probably the only one feeling nervous over it. The others were likely more excited or even eager to get this started, while he felt on edge. The others in the group all seemed like hardened or experienced soldiers, and while he was no slouch himself, he did recognize he came from a different background altogether." I'll be providing what fire support I can up range and at a distance. As far as I'm concerned, even if I'm a medic the best way to make sure we all walk away with as few injuries as possible is if we kill anyone who shoots at us first. Not to say I don't have any intentions of forsaking you all if you get hurt." For now time was precious, and he wanted to get to know his fellow pilots just before there was a good chance that one of them wasn't going to make it out in one piece. ((#msg15234358)Wearing:This (Sylph Soothe:6/6Armour:0Evasion:10E-Defence:10Loadout:Plasma Maul Location:Gym > Mess Hall Tagging:OPEN Warnings:Happy Day "Understood, sir. Just glad we're on the same page," Maine said with the grin obvious even in his tone of voice. He was genuinely giddy that in a few hours, he'd get to test his mettle against his first real world opponents. He'd done thousands of sims, and live training as well; training and combat were worlds apart, however. And he for one, was ready to see what that difference was. Once the briefing was over, he walked with the group following the serviceman to where their techs were being stored and worked on. The super-soldier whistled loudly when he saw their glorious machines of death in all their pre-war beauty. And soon, they'd be even prettier with scratches, dings, war wounds and battle scars that proved their worth when they returned victorious. The good doctor offered drinks on him if they returned successfully from the mission, which caused Maine to laugh rather deeply. "I'll take you up on that bet. Not only because I'm confident in our skills, but I like to drink, a lot. And hey, might as well be on someone else's dime, right?" He'd have done his best without the incentive, but with the offer of booze on the table, Maine was going to give it 110%. "I'm good at any range, but I'm best at getting around the battlefield, doing damage, and movin' on. You can just follow the scrap piles I leave behind me.' GM Post(time before the mission ticks down as you talk among yourselves, performing your final checks on your machines. The mechanics scurry to and fro performing last minute maintenance on both your rigs and the armor being employed by the other battalions, the clock on the far wall creeping ever closer to the "0" mark. When it hits 0:00, the ship will exit Blink space and final preparations for departure will be underway. As you watch, the Suicide Pods are lined up in front of each of your chassis, ready for you to step into. They're large, heavily plated and very obviously not meant to be aerodynamic; wide bottomed, cleared outwards and then narrowed towards the top, they resemble large oversized diving bells built for giants rather than people, though each one will only fit one Lancer inside it. When the air horn sounds, you will be required to pilot your much into these Pods and await deployment. Some mercenary and military groups prefer to use one large Suicide Pod, but the Crimson Constellation prefers individual insertion pods; that way, if one of them is destroyed, they still have boots on the ground. About five minutes before the boarding horn sounds, you notice another Lancer Frame (being lined up alongside your three; larger by a good margin and significantly bulkier, the frame is obviously a heavily modified Tortuga chassis equipped with a GMS heavy blade, a rifle that none of you have seen before and what looks to be a large battering ram of some sort. There are probably other systems installed, but you can't tell what they are just by looking at it. A fourth Suicide Pod is deployed alongside it, though this one is a little larger to account for the Tortuga's bulkier frame. Your attention is soon grabbed by Core Malik approaching from the side, a grin on his face. "What, y' didn't think I'd let y' rookies go in on y'r first mission alone, did ya? We have to make sure y' can handle it b'fore we send y' off on y'r own." He grinned. "Y' lot'll be in charge'a things down there. I'm just there for support 'n advice, y'know?" He glanced at the clock, now creeping down closer. The horn wasn't set to blast for another few minutes, but he clapped his hands nonetheless. "Right. Let's board up 'n get ready. Suicide Drop in T-minus ten minutes." With that, he turned and strode off towards the Tortuga, scaling the ladder and disappearing into the cockpit. Once you are all inside your Frames, the horn sounds just as you are switching on your systems and performing final startup checks. You pilot your frames into the Pods provided, crouching down in order to fit. The doors seal shut behind you, and the pods internal support systems and communications rigs flicker on, connecting you to each of your team-members, their pods diagnostics and location information in case you get separated. The next five minutes are a tense experience as you await the deployment of your squad. The darkness encloses you, with no room to so much as shift your weight without banging against one of the sides of the pod. After what feels like an eternity, you feel the tell-tale spine-wrenching lurch as the ship exits Blink space, and you can hear even through the thick outer walls of the pod the scrambling of drop-ships, equipment and men as they rush to their stations. It's only a few minutes after that you feel your pod moving, being taken by the mechanical pulley system on the external section of the ship away from the hangar, the sounds of activity growing more and more distant until they fade away completely, leaving you in silence. You may speak to each of your team members over Comms if you desire, but you only get time for a two-minute conversation before your pod clunks into place on the outside of the ship, angled - presumably - towards the planets surface. There's a tense stretch of perhaps thirty seconds as nothing happens...and then a sudden shift as your pod is accelerated to speeds in excess of a hundred miles an hour in less than a second, fired from the cannon used to deploy the Suicide Pods. Your stomachs lurch and if it weren't for the magnetic seals around your Frames feet, it's quite possible that your Frame would have left the floor of the pod at the sudden acceleration. You can feel your pod shaking and rattling as you enter the atmosphere, the winds and force of reentry buffeting and shaking you so much that it's a wonder that the pod doesn't rattle itself apart on entry. A map of the terrain and the predicted landing zones appear on your display, fed to you by the Pods internal computers, and it indicates that you will all reach the estimated drop zone relatively safely... Until something begins to buffet and rattle against the outside of your pods. A warning flashes on the Pods systems, indicating that the anti-air cannons from the city have detected your approach and have opened fire. None of the bullets seem to be able to penetrate the thick armor of the pods, but they are serving to alter your trajectory somewhat...though the vast majority of its attention seems to be on the larger pod carrying the Tortuga. "Well, fuck," Core's voice echoes over the intercom, his voice light and jovial. "Seems like they really hate me, yeah? My pod reckons it's going to be landing off course, so...come find me when y' have a spare moment, yeah?" None of you get the chance to respond, as the pod slams into the ground at that moment, jolting all of you with a bone-shaking impact that would have been fatal had it not been for the pods inertial dampeners. Each of your pods hiss for a few moments, repressurizing the inside of the pod, before the two pod walls in front of you crack open and fall to the ground, giving you a clear exit point. As you step out into the arid desert - the wasteland that you were expecting to land in, the city in the distance - you can see that you all landed within a couple of miles of each other, and are able to meet up in the middle fairly easily...all of you except Core. With the city to your West, your computers indicate that Corvus pod landed a good ten miles to the north. Still well within your landing zone, but a trek nonetheless. What Do You Do?

Lancer_ Blood-Soaked Stars, The Starfall [IC Thread]|rating:4.0

[EMPIRE!] The Hundred Seas Conference

Two hundred ships set sail with the lost Quill explorers with orders of their own. They were to see the sailors home safe and then seek guidance to each and every country they could reach by water. Each captain bore a missive destined to the highest authority he or she could reach. And so it was that redwood ships with leather sails and scaled motifs scoured the ocean wide for many months. Spoiler: The Missive Hide To all the Lords and Ladies abreast the shores, you are invited to the Hundred Seas Conference on the island of Romania, as the guests of King Corvus Caine. All delegates are guaranteed safe passage from any and all Iranian citizens. Please rely upon this letter bearer to guide or provide passage for a delegation to Romania. Signed, King Corvus Caine --- 457, Late Spring ---Upon their return, those long sailing captains came home to find thousands and thousands of ships at sea, awaiting their arrival. Clear lanes of travel prevented any possible venture into the Shark's Teeth, or anywhere else but Lodestone's extensive harbor. For all the ships in the sea, the harbor was clear of any traffic, clearly prepared for clean sailing and zero accidents. Acting as liaison and guides, each captain has also been charged with escorting their delegation throughout the city for the duration of their stay. Accompanying him or her are two soldiers as well, for added security. The city itself is one immense boardwalk, dotted with thousands of wooden homes, often covered in moss and lichen. Some stonework can be found, but it's truly rare. The wooden streets are filled to bursting with Iranian citizens, eager to catch a glimpse of the exotic delegates. The massive hordes of people would be worrisome, but there are also hundreds of soldiers always within view. Their red vests stand out starkly against the paler colors of the common folk. Each seems armed with a serrated spear and a stone-headed club. Despite their armaments, it is easy to see that most of these soldiers are newly drafted men and women and are often caught staring at the delegates themselves. Each delegation is to be escorted first and foremost to a private suite prepared ahead of time inside the King's Fort, as it was now called. The rooms are not extravagant, but comfortable. They were in fact larger than most Captain's Cabins, clearly a measure Iranians held as a high standard. Amenities and food are available to each delegation upon request. Those that decide it is time to meet their host are lead through the central hall into a circular room. At the fair end is a black, stone throne on a raised step. Sitting in the throne is a young man of thirty-two with a short black beard, dark hair, and tanned skin. He wears a crown of pale driftwood, polished to a near glow, studded with blue coral. His clothing only differs from the citizenry in the fact that it is of darker and richer colors, and the sword hanging from his belt. Behind him stand two large men, one with graying hair and a bent back, the other bald but bearing a ferocious black beard. To seem to be bodyguards or advisers, depending on the situation. The rest of the room is inhabited with elder captains and scriveners, intent to learn as much as they can of the outside world. Each of them sit on benches that line the walls, broken up by the well-placed brazier. There is a door on either side of the throne, leading off deeper into the Fort. All in all, the room feels a bit crowded, but everyone seems to be taking their roles very seriously. Spoiler: Out of Character Hide Some notes for IOC: -Feel free to describe your own escort Captain, but please remember that these are responsible, proud, and solemn people... who have volunteered to meet new nations with zero idea of what to expect. So they may be very individualistic. Refer to People for physical descriptions. Men and women are equal and elders earn extra respect for surviving on the sea at such an age. Please, no hooligans. -Iranians are a primarily sea based people and such aspects are to be reflected in the city (Translation: Yes, there are taverns). -Your delegation will not see the queen or the child, as they have been put to sea for the duration of the Conference. -Let's pull a trick from Doom Hat and roll d100's to determine who arrives in what order. -Use the Throne Room for introductions and gifts (if that's your intent). Use private audiences for negotiating deals. -In the Throne Room there will only ever be one delegation at a time, and even then, more private discussions are to take place in separate chambers at a later time. -While awaiting your audience, feel free to interact with each other by having your escort bring you to the other delegation. -Try not to kill each other, as this will result in you being sent home early. Spoiler: Arrivals Hide Arrival list, in order -New Crime (10) -AQUA (22) -Hiroshi (29) -Triumvirate (32) -Carmine Sea (35) -Silver Moon (45) -Palms Garcia (75) - Senators Sanitize Kelvin and Sasha SHA SA arrived in a small Triumvirate galley that had been sent to accompany the Iranian escort and invitational ship. The two Senators had met with the Iranian Captain and found him quite an intriguingly Stoic fellow and Han had asked that they be allowed to travel with the newcomers and dismiss sending one of their own ships, but his request had been refused as too dangerous and as an imposition on the Iranian people to have to sail the Senators back. Begrudgingly Han had agreed, though he and SHA had made a point to meet with the foreign captain nearly every day on his ship for dinner. It was pleasant, and the Captain, whose name was Took Plume, or as his crew and the Senators better knew him as, Captain Plume was a wealth of knowledge about the new country the Senators were journeying to. This would be the second country to rise from a largely internationally irrelevant group of peoples that the Senators had visited in recent years. Han had wondered to SHA whether it was something in the water. Despite his jokes however Han had also gathered an impression of the new country before he had yet arrived. It seemed in many ways to be a similar origin to that of AQUA and a culture no doubt that would be somewhat reflective of their northern neighbors. Still, if Captain Plume was any indication they were not near so revelries as their northern cousins which was certainly something to keep in mind on this journey. The journey had taken nearly 2 months, some of which was exacerbated by passing through the Straits of DIY and negotiating passage through the Salter controlled waters. Bordeaux had never been close with the Triumvirate, but silently Han wondered whether the Solution Canal when completed would be such a bureaucratic nightmare. In any event, the Senators had arrived in the city and docked at Lodestone's harbor, discharging themselves from the boat and being guided to the King's Fort by a team of guardsmen." They're SSO new at this, but SSO proud,"SHA whispered to Han as the two of them were guided inside. Han smiled at his friend,"Not unlike our Cree friends. Though perhaps not all these men have been trained to crack the spines of Khalifa." Sha hissed out a small bit of laughter and the two arrived at the suite that had been set aside for them." Thank you honor guards of Romania, you do your country proud,"Han shook the guards hands, letting a golden coin, a Triumvirate Igbo, slide out of his hand and into the hand of each guard,"We would appreciate an opportunity to meet with your king at the earliest time convenient to his Majesty." Han smiled winningly, and the two Senators entered their suite, appraising it approvingly and awaiting to hear back on their invitation. Spoiler: Drawn Number and Attendees Hide 32 Senator Sanitize "Han" Kelvin - Senator from North, a folk man of middling age with pale shimmering skin, shoulder-length pink hair, violet eyes, tall and thin. Dressed well in a tunic of silk and comfortable and rich but not overly extravagant clothing. Senator Sasha SHA SA - Senator from North, lizard folk woman of middling age with dark green scales beginning to fade at their edges, short and thin and identifiable as female only through her voice and height and even then only to those who have sharp perception or a familiarity with lizard folk biology. Dressed finely and similarly to Han. Triumvirate Senators The guards have had plenty of time to become accustomed to the Senators and their foreign cultures, and so they were not completely perplexed as to the purpose of the golden coins. However, the Senators also know that there is no currency on Romania, most transactions operating on a barter or merit system. Nonetheless, each guard keeps the memento to add flavor to the stories they'll tell one day in the future. As to their request, Captain Plume and his men will take the Senators immediately through the halls and to the Throne Room. As they enter, the good Captain announces,"I bring Senator Sanitize Kelvin and Senator Sasha SHA SA, of the Triumvirate. They have traveled far across the seas and between many lands to grace our waters."" And they are of utmost welcome. I am Corvus Caine, the First King of Romania. Please pardon us if our eyes linger, but I will admit freely that we have never imagined people of your appearance would be in our presence. We are a young nation, new to the world at large, and we apologize for our rudeness." King Corvus stood as he spoke and made it clear to those present that it was indeed rudeness to stare in awe at their guests. For the most part, those in the room seemed to attempt to follow the advice, but the scriveners went mad with imaginative descriptions and eloquent details as the furiously copied everything down. "Your Majesty,"Han said himself and SHA bowing deeply,"You honor us with your invitation. As for any perceived rudeness, think nothing of it. We are a strange and new people from your perspective just as yours are new to ourselves. If people cannot be expected to be curious about the unknown then the progress of civilization is doomed." Han looked around the room, noting the two men standing vigil beside the new King and the myriad of pseudo-courtiers scattered about the room." I must first compliment your court King Corvus, you have done much in little time. Captain Plume told us how you rose to overthrow a corrupt council that sought to keep your people back through their greed and selfishness. To depose a cruel master, no matter the number, is something we of the Triumvirate shall always support, but tell me, if it is not too much to pry, how is it you settled on Kingship? I got the impression from Captain Plume that yours was a nation of sailors, with Captains picked on merit and ability. To say nothing against Kingship, but what is it that assures the next King is a good and proper ruler?" Han did not mince words, and though he was not a fervent Civil Rights member or even a latent Reformist, the most recent events surrounding Disaster Ethmoid's ascendancy had reawakened a lively debate over succesroship within the Triumvirate. Han wished to hear an unadulterated opinion from a nation that had so recently made the choice to follow a King's hand as to why and the foreign thoughts on maintaining the stability of such a rule. Triumvirate Senators At that question King Corvus sat again in the large, black throne. Without reason to hide his contemplation, he furrowed his brow and thought over his answer as the seconds dragged on. The elder adviser stepped forward and whispered something to the young King that they both seemed to agree with, and then King Corvus spoke again,"You have heard correctly from Captain Plume, captaincy is indeed a position of merit and responsibility. However, it is more often than not the crew that picks the Captain. And when a crew is stuck with a bad Captain, for whatever reason, it's often the crew that removes and replaces said Captain. And so it was with our Council. As good crewmen who felt the needs of many being overlooked, we rose in mutiny. "But this you likely know. As for why we settled on having a King, well, it may be that a Council had proven faulty. It may be that the Captain that lead the mutiny was a clear choice for the role. It may also be that the novelty of such an idea appealed to the people, in such a way that was comforting and familiar. As with my role as Captain, I am beholden to my Crew, my People." King Corvus finished his small speech to some applause by those in the Throne Room and as it died down he continued." As for what makes the next King so great? I owe it to the people to raise my newborn son in such a way that he would make a great Captain, and thus an acceptable King. And I am not alone in this. Among my people we often say that it takes a ship to raise a child right. Well, we've got the entirety of Romania to call upon. Markus should be fine in his own time." Han smiled and nodded,"A social contract, a connection between a leader and his people. Very good. Our friends to the south, the Kingdom Carmine are beholden to the people in much the same way. It is the responsibility of a good leader to rule well and wise the responsibility of their people to hold them to these standards, for it is within their right to 'mutiny' against those deemed unworthy. I sense you already know of this, your words speak of its wisdom being ingrained, but I personally find reminders have never hurt my feelings." "But please forgive me, I come into your court and firstly question your right to rule. You must understand it is trepidation the Triumvirate walks with while leaders such as the Aeolian of the East subjugates and abuses those under his rule that causes our paranoia now when meeting new sovereigns. But yours seems a responsible and fair governance, so let me speak now as a new friend with smiles and gifts! Aboard our galley men await to bring you treasures from our lands, I would humbly request they be contacted that they may bring forward these gifts. However, while we wait for their arrival I too have a personal gift that your answer to my questioning has proved you worthy of in my eyes." Han pulled a small box that had been held by his belt out and extended it forward, not approaching the King to not cause undue alarm but allowing one of His Majesty's retainers to come and take the box for examination and passing on. It was an intricately carved wooden box crafted from the dark hardwoods of Genivanan jungle wood. The inlay on the box depicted an ocean scene with ships and waters filled with Pond Al Ono. Inside was an intricate silver ring, forged with the engraving of a ship upon it and a small circlet of gems alternating between rubies, sapphires, and emeralds encircling the engraving." It is the policy of the Triumvirate to recognize great captains within our navies with rings of silver such as this one. Admirals receive ones with a precious gem embedded. This gift to you represents the Triumvirate's belief in your nation as commanders of the southern seas much as we respect AQUA as the leaders of naval ability upon the Sea of the Golden Sun." Han smiled pleasantly, he hoped the sovereign would recognize the ring for what it was, an endorsement from a foreign realm hoping to bind ties with the new power in the south through friendship and cooperation and that it would be taken as such. Triumvirate Senators The two soldiers accompanying Captain Plume immediately turn and leave, intent on relaying the orders to retrieve the items from the foreign Galley. The Captain himself brought the small box forward to King Corvus and hush fell about the room. At first, Corvus admired the beautiful woodwork of the dark container, something many Iranians take pride in. He then opened the box and pulled the treasure from inside, holding it high for all to admire. A collective gasp went about the room and unfiltered awe shone from every Iranian in the room. It may be at this time that the Senators noticed that there was no jewelry or ornamentation of any form of metal on any Iranian they have ever met. In fact, the crown of their King is made from driftwood and coral. Before they can second-guess their gift too much, however, King Corvus says,"This is truly a beautiful work of art and craftsmanship. I thank you, personally, from my deepest depths. I shall cherish this ring, and all it signifies, for the entirety of my rule. And if my successor proves to be an able King, so shall they." The room bursts into applause and many men and women, Captains and Scriveners alike, are unable to decide between staring at their esteemed guests or their astonishing gift. Spoiler: IOC Hide So, yeah… a small bit of gemstone fever is natural to Iranians. They may be descended from pirates… My roll is22The AQUA delegation arrived with their latest ship designs. Lead by Skipper-General’s Flagship“The New Horizon”, it was flanked by 6 other ships of similar design. Kingbirds flew in formation, landing and taking off from the decks as they sailed. The ships integrated clockwork mechanisms to reduce crews and increase speed, and necromancers upon each assured the wind blew to maximize the force on the sails, no matter what the natural wind did. Each ship was equipped with both lens technology and sound-directing technology using thunder sheet plants. It allowed the captains to talk to each other clearly and concisely. Granted, they hadn’t quite figured out how to stop it from sending amplified sounds, but it worked for the most part. Glowing crystals shone light below decks, removing one of the greatest threats at sea-fire. With the armada came an escort of six Pond all an Ono. They had prospered under Celery’s more hands-on guidance, but they still saw the AQUA sailors as kindred spirits. Sweets and Gonzo the Great were among them. Captain Hansen stood beside the Skipper-General, anxious to take his turn piloting their remarkable ships. She was one of the older Iranian captains. She didn’t believe the wild stories the shipwrecked AQUA sailors told of their homelands. Even after returning the crew and spending time in the Islands, she found some of their behaviors incredible. But as she travelled with them, she came to understand the inherent fatalism of the Islanders. Their Sea of the Golden Sun was fickle and wild, with storms popping up almost in an instant. Her encounters with the bracken, the leviathan, even the friendly Pond all an Ono reinforced the idea of death lurking everywhere. It made the Islanders “live for today” attitude more understandable. When they arrived, the giant sea beasts made themselves comfortable among the rocks while the people travelled to the meeting. The humans and non-humans carried their weapons suitable for sea warfare. It would not do to travel aboard ship dressed like a stone. They settled into their staterooms like seasoned sailors, used to travelling light. Only Andes, Maximilian, and Score went to meet the king. Andes, for obvious reasons. Max tagged along, having formed a strong (some say largely horizontal) bond with Captain Hansen as they travelled. They waited patiently for their turn to speak to the King. Score as the Quill elder.****Upon their appointed time****King Andes smiled and greeted the king warmly, “King Caine, Greetings! We of the Ancestral Quill Unification Alliance are so proud to have been part of your introduction to Telluric, even if it was by accident. Your people and so many of ours seem to have such a kinship.” “Captain Hansen has told us much of your history as we travelled. AQUA too, arose from the compact of the ship and crew into the Skipper-General and Council positions of today. We look forward to another cousin of the seas, so to speak, coming upon Telluric.”“We Islanders use that word, cousin, uniquely. To us, it is wider than merely a blood relation. It is those with which we have shared struggle, strife, and triumph. A cousin is one with whom we share interests and passions. We would be proud to call your people cousins to ours.” To assist our new cousins, we offer several gifts.” Max brought forth a study sea trunk. It was of fine hardwood and decorated with jewels and precious metal accents. But the king’s practiced eye noted it dimensions, its construction, and quickly saw it was designed to be exceptionally seaworthy and watertight as well as beautiful. He opened it, revealing that it was full of papers and had several objects.“We offer you first a record of our history as we moved from individual sea captains to a unified government, and then into our current alliance. May our triumphs and mistakes prove instructive. We offer also our latest maps and star charts for all the seas we have travelled. If there is a greater joy than sailing the wide oceans, it is seeing yourself safely home after a long journey. May these charts keep you safe. And lastly, we offer a sample of the navigation aids we often use-the compass, telescope, and sextant. May they be instruments of further engagement between our peoples.” Roll was45-----The Silver Moon delegation arrives at a small contingent of ships-five, the largest of which was the Lord John-named after the first ruler of Bordeaux, who repelled the hordes of the Cree in ages long past. The ship itself is constructed of strong cedar, with a large witch light stone set on the prow. On the mast resides a King bird, with its rider equipped with lenses from Bordeaux. Beneath the hold are samples of Valerian gemstones and Malkavanin Adams, glowing faintly in the light of witch light stones set into sconces on the hull.-----Miranda steps off the boat accompanied by two others-one, a member of the Faceless, clad in a gold mask in the form of a tiger. The mask contrasts sharply with her long silver hair, marking her as a Valerian elf. The other is Aaron Nu, a broad shouldered man with brown hair and brown eyes. One arm, however, has been replaced by a prosthetic. It is made of a thin Adams veneer with small glass windows, wherein gears meticulously tick. Around the edges of the windows are carved faint symbols. Miranda herself is dressed in a black velvet dress, the edges of which are picked out in gold runes of mourning. Greeting from the Silver Moon, honored Captain. I was informed there were rooms available for our use? I believe the Lady would perhaps like a moment to refresh herself- and steady her legs. Afterward, we would like an audience with your King.-----You know, it reminds me of home, smiles Aaron, a tad wistfully. Doesn't compare to Aral is, though, I think. The marble arches, the great cathedral, the clear blue canals. Interesting to see what the people- and their leader-will be like. AQUA Delegation At sea, several ships nearly capsized for overcrowding the rails as thousands of sailors forsook their duties to witness the marvels that were the Aqua ships. Many Captains and sailors were overcome with such joy and awe that their own livelihoods looked laughable in comparison. Most of those persons found a new resolve to better the art of ship craft, while a few decided to find meaning in their lives elsewhere. Most likely as a woodworker. Of all the peoples set to arrive at Romania, the AQUA Delegation was the first to be greeted with cheers. The Quill explorers from two years past were considered celebrities and their goodwill was returned tenfold to the delegation. An entire ship's crew volunteered to tend to the Pond all an Ono in all their needs, as such creatures were not entirely expected. Truthfully, most of the original Quill's stories were considered a bit exaggerated, and the King's library was hundreds of years out of date. Nonetheless, in the spirit of hospitality, the Iranians made a serious effort to amend their shortcomings. Captain Hansen was pleased to escort the delegation wherever they so desired, and soon they were before the Throne itself. Before she could make the introductions King Andes beat her to it. Taking his cue from the Captain that had traveled with these people, King Corvus waited and allowed the older King to say his piece before replying,"And a fitting description it is, Cousin. May you always feel at home in Romania." As the gifts were brought out something unexpected occurred. One could call it a riot and be wrong, but not by much. Every single person in the Throne Room was on their feet at the presentation of such a perfectly crafted chest. But once it was opened Captain Hansen's soldiers had to level their spears at the crowds to prevent a mad rush for the goods within. Nearly a split second later King Corvus and his two advisers were examining the written works within and utterly failing to hide their wonder and speechlessness. As King Andes continued to explain the contents of the chest and further gifts it was soon apparent that the crowds would chance the spears for a better glimpse of the treasures. The murmuring crowd had become a dull roar and soon an uproar in and of itself. The last words of King Andes' message were lost, and soon King Corvus stepped up onto his Throne, drew his pale blue blade and demanded,"Silence!" The following quiet was disturbed only by the echoes of that command reverberating along the circular chamber. Every Iranian stopped immediately, such was the ingrained respect for their Captain-Above-Captains." Are we children to clamor for gifts? To make animals of ourselves before our guests? The lot of you have ashamed me!"he says to the crowded room. He turns his eyes to King Andes and sheaths his blade, saying,"Please, accept my deepest apologies. I fear we, as a people, are unaccustomed to receiving gifts. Let alone our very heart's desires. You must understand, we have been shrouded in ignorance for so long that the only treasure we value more than gemstones is that of knowledge. If there is any way in which we can repay you for these generous gifts, you must simply ask." Those who had been willing to risk injury for a chance to read some knew scrap of knowledge or examine a tool designed by these masters of the sea were now sitting quietly, each greatly ashamed of their own actions. The room takes on a somewhat solemn atmosphere as things return to normal. Silver Moon Delegation The wood known as cedar to those of the Silver Moon is also the same wood used to build the ships of Romania, as they soon find out. The detailing is very different, of course, and it seems the Iranians paint their ships with a deeper red coat that serves to darken the redwood, but the smell is the same. And that smell is what greets them in the Lodestone Harbor. From this angle, it appears that the entire city is made of the same wood, with many of the buildings missed over. It's apparent that this is a land of heavy rains, and the locals have accepted the inevitable growths. The Captain that had escorted the delegation, a stout man named Brock Sanders, nods curtly and proceeds to lead their guest to the King's Fort. Off of the main hall there are a small collection of rooms reserved for such a delegation. Once ready, the three delegates are escorted further down the hall to the Throne Room, where Captain Brock announces,"The Lady Miranda, Aaron Nu, and one of the Faceless, from the Kingdom of the Silver Moon. May I present you to Corvus Caine, First King of Romania."" Welcome to Romania,"King Corvus responds. "I hope your journey was well?" A Iranian galley heralded the arrival of the Europeans roughly two hours before scouts reported a gigantic ship/zeppelin hybrid flying through the air above the sea to the north of the city. Swiftly approaching, it made its way to the harbor, hovering silently above a stretch of water under which no ships laid anchored. The ship shone in the sun, plates of Mikhail, adamantine and orichalcum glittering in many, many colors. Spoiler: Airship's appearance Hide A lift was lowered from the Marius' Pride, as such was the name of the carrier, hung up on a long Mikhail chain, was lowered with a long rattle, within it two Iranian crew members who wanted to experience riding the air currents in such a monstrous machine. Shortly after, a second lift was lowered, revealing Emperor Wave Earth guard and his son and heir, Rove Earth guard, attended by the Keldagrim Ambassador, the dwarves woman known as Helga Grim hammer. However, something was different this time. They were not clad in their armaments, closing to instead dress in normal shirts and vests. By no means they weren't up to standard, being made out of fine silks, cotton and laced with crimson Tangshan feathers, but it was quite different from what the world had seen before. Nevertheless, the Europeans still carried their weapons wherever they went, Wave's massive axe resting comfortably upon his back. Three members of the Royal Guard accompanied the trio, watching out for any potential disturbances. The Ambassador of Margin, Kenny Jackson and the Ambassador of Twisting, Friend, remained on the ship to supervise the crew and keep the ship running. Being guided by the two crew members, they made their way to the private rooms, in which they made themselves comfortable for half an hour, admiring the scenery, before requesting a meeting with their host. They entered the circular chamber, all three saluting the king with their hands on their harts before Wave spoke up." May disaster never touch upon your Prowess, King Corvus. I am Shinguard Wave Earth guard, Emperor of the Hiroshi Empire. Although we do not share a border with you through the waters of the ocean, we are connected by the endless sea of air that surrounds us all. Fortunately, my colonists stumbled across your ships in foreign ports and send me a message of this Conference. I hope you can forgive my rather unannounced arrival." Rove presented a bundle, offering it to the king. "In this bundle lays a Tangshan feather cloak, a traditional gift to promote good-will and friendship from my homeland. It will keep you warm, even in the coldest of climates. Also, I bring you a copy of the star-charts of the Northern Hemisphere, may they guide your people on their journey." Roll:29 75Councilor Conrad Wolfe arrived in the city aboard a Stern ship which quite surprisingly came from the west rather than the east. The Councilor had been chosen to attend the Conference some months prior however with the Stern navy serving to ferry Coercion troops to Nan HAI to march north against the Zoo he had been forced to accompany the war band west past his destination and then take one of the docked ships at Nan HAI back out to sea to return to the island of Romania. Needless to say the Councilor was had been rather nonplussed about the entire situation but had carried himself with a good and happy demeanor. The war front would have perhaps interested him more in his younger days when he was still seeking glory but his position now as Councilor upon the Coercion Council meant there was little of appeal upon the fields of battle and to remain removed from the political realm for so long as to go to war would surely be a detriment rather than a benefit. Still, the time abroad as a Councilor travelling with the Lord Protector had allowed him some time to become more familiar with his new son NAO. Councilor Wolfe had opposed the boy's adoption and placement within the lineage, petitioning Markus or even Ji, who though adopted was raised his entire life Coercion, to press their own issue and depose the adopted foreigner but the Golden Emir and Golden Dragon, as the Court had taken to calling Ji, had dismissed him and the Councilor had felt certain the Consortium was doomed. Yet NAO had proven surprisingly adept at gauging the political dissent that so circulated around him and in a quiet hour the young man had confessed to the Councilor a plan he wished conveyed to Markus and Ji both that had changed Conrad's notions on opposing the young lad. It was a matter he planned to discuss with the other Councilors upon his return as well as passing the message on to the Golden Emir and Golden Dragon, a position as messenger which he hoped would earn the House Wolfe no small amount of renown. His thoughts drifted back to the present as the Stern ship docked, and he was lead through the island to the King's Fort and politely thanked his accompaniments, informing them there was a small amount of gifts that had been stowed secretly on the ship to keep the Stern sailors from ransacking the gifts during their ferrying duty and asking that they bring the items to his room that he might prepare them and himself for a meeting with the King, to be carried out at the King's convenience. Originally Posted by Minty Ninja Silver Moon Delegation The wood known as cedar to those of the Silver Moon is also the same wood used to build the ships of Romania, as they soon find out. The detailing is very different, of course, and it seems the Iranians paint their ships with a deeper red coat that serves to darken the redwood, but the smell is the same. And that smell is what greets them in the Lodestone Harbor. From this angle, it appears that the entire city is made of the same wood, with many of the buildings missed over. It's apparent that this is a land of heavy rains, and the locals have accepted the inevitable growths. The Captain that had escorted the delegation, a stout man named Brock Sanders, nods curtly and proceeds to lead their guest to the King's Fort. Off of the main hall there are a small collection of rooms reserved for such a delegation. Once ready, the three delegates are escorted further down the hall to the Throne Room, where Captain Brock announces, "The Lady Miranda, Aaron Nu, and one of the Faceless, from the Kingdom of the Silver Moon. May I present you to Corvus Caine, First King of Romania." "Welcome to Romania," King Corvus responds. "I hope your journey was well?" The three bow-Aaron and the Faceless both bowing deeper than Miranda. It was fine, Good King. Thank you for your concern, and for the hospitality you have yielded to weary travelers. It certainly beats a rocking ship. And, as thanks for that hospitality, I have brought gifts, collected from across the lands under the Silver Moon. Opening the cedar box, he pulls out a crown made of Adams, with rubies and sapphires set into the sides. In the center is a small witch light stone, its warm, golden glow filling the room. The Adams in the crown, as well as the metal coating Aaron's arm, glows a fierce white-not as bright or as intensive as the witch light, but giving the metal an inner glow. The colors from the assembled gemstones, too, grow fiercer within the light. With this gift, I must give a short history lesson. The silvery-white metal this is made of is sacred to my people. A council of elders from across Malayan were assembled before this could be commissioned. In the end, it was decided the gift to be made. Know this, and that to harm the Adams or the witch light is a grave offense to us. Many apologies if the crown is not to your specifications- if necessary, smiths can recreate it to another size, should it be necessary. Next, he pulls out a leather-bound book, with the words "Grand History" emblazoned on the front in gold. This is a book printed in Armenia. It details the recent history of the world, at least as much as could be ascertained from public knowledge from around the world. It is printed in the common trade tongue. Regretfully, we do not possess the knowledge of your own tongue-else we would have had it printed in that. Finally, he pulls out a small glass bottle with a gold and ruby stopper. Inside it is a rich, golden liquid that flows with the viscosity of honey. This is ambrosia, imported from Indica. The residents say it will lengthen your youth; personally, I doubt it. In either case, it possesses a wonderful taste-sweeter than honey, but inducing reinvigorating feeling. There is more, aboard our ship, albeit in less fancy packaging. Originally Posted by Minty Ninja Triumvirate Senators The two soldiers accompanying Captain Plume immediately turn and leave, intent on relaying the orders to retrieve the items from the foreign Galley. The Captain himself brought the small box forward to King Corvus and hush fell about the room. At first, Corvus admired the beautiful woodwork of the dark container, something many Iranians take pride in. He then opened the box and pulled the treasure from inside, holding it high for all to admire. A collective gasp went about the room and unfiltered awe shone from every Iranian in the room. It may be at this time that the Senators noticed that there was no jewelry or ornamentation of any form of metal on any Iranian they have ever met. In fact, the crown of their King is made from driftwood and coral. Before they can second-guess their gift too much, however, King Corvus says, "This is truly a beautiful work of art and craftsmanship. I thank you, personally, from my deepest depths. I shall cherish this ring, and all it signifies, for the entirety of my rule. And if my successor proves to be an able King, so shall they." The room bursts into applause and many men and women, Captains and Scriveners alike, are unable to decide between staring at their esteemed guests or their astonishing gift. Spoiler: IOC Hide So, yeah… a small bit of gemstone fever is natural to Iranians. They may be descended from pirates… "I am glad it is well taken Your Majesty, I regret much of the rest of our gifts may not be so personal, though I hope they'll be no less enjoyable."" Yess, they were certainly an amusing bunch to have aboard the ship,"SHA said." Hush now or you'll spoil the surprise!" Han admonished his fellow Senator lightheartedly,"While we wait, perhaps you could tell me King Corvus, what future do you wish for Romania? You are entering a complicated and oft-times dangerous world so inviting the world to your court. What is it you hope for the world to think when they look upon your flag or your outline upon a map?" It was rare for anyone to stand taller than King Hallmark at international gatherings, but even he was overtopped by the Iranian escort as he stepped from wheezier AIU Wanda. Romania was a tedious place to get to: while the distance might have appeared convenient on a map, the circuitous route necessary via the Grand Canal and the Straits of DIY rendered it hardly quicker than to cross the mountains and travel by land. The indignity of waiting at the checkpoints at both Mao's and the eastern Canal had done little to improve the royal family's mood, and upon passing the Titan the sight of the enormous statue of the king's nephew had produced a curiously neutral response. But Corvus was a king, and a king deserved to be treated as such. Hallmark had not travelled abroad for ten years, and it was time he responded to the honor extended to him at the last Games. He was accompanied by his twin sons, each of them with more pronounced even features than his own, and with skin so dark as to be almost completely black, each also nearly indistinguishable from the other even in their late twenties. The only identifiable difference was in clothing, where one of them wore gloves and a very high collar that reached right to the base of his chin, though otherwise their garments were similar in cut and in color. All three wore swords, though Hallmark had as usual traded the crown for a simple circlet to denote his position. One of his retainers handed a notice to the escort to precede him at the King's Fort in order to avoid any embarrassment regarding titles or failure to recognize the heraldry - his full title style:Hallmark, King of the Jars, the Venn's, the Sylph ids and the Elves, Prince of Harrison, Proconsul Carmine- and the identity of the other eminent persons within his entourage. Behind the king followed a tall man of similar age and classically Maryland features, bearing a Kashmir-style sword, a pale and slight woman with mottled skin, apparently in middle age, and a distinctly elvish figure with extremely pale skin and blueberry hair. Having established themselves in their quarters, they left the servants to unpack all but the gifts for their host, and made their way to the King's Fort to greet him. Spoiler: Delegation Hide King Hallmark and Queen Delhi Princes Aldwin and After Duke Wilton of Sunder, King's Champion Kerala, Isaacson Varasugis The, Earl of Lusatia Roshan Delegation Spoiler Hide The two-hour lead that Captain Shall Goren had over the Europeans most likely saved many from plucking their own eyes out in disbelief. Be that as it may, none truly took her story at face value for the sheer enormity of the task and the impossible nature of a flying ship. Those very same persons were all greatly humbled as the Europeans "docked" in Lodestone Harbor. No man or woman begrudged the delegation their weapons, in fact such finery was just as often the target of awe and admiration as the fine clothing and the strange anatomies. The Iranian people were gorging their eyes on exotic peoples and fine things, as they seemed to assume was their right. This was their homeland, after all. As the delegation was brought to the Throne Room, Captain Shall Goren announced them, "May I present the delegation for Roshan Empire: Emperor Shinguard Wave Earth guard. His heir: Rove Earth guard. And the Ambassador Helga Grim hammer." The large man, with his ferocious beard, whispered something to his King just quiet enough to be missed. The younger man spoke to the delegates, "I am Corvus Caine, First King of Romania. Be welcome here in my home and may the winds forever favor you. Had we known of such a marvelous Empire out of reach I would have instructed my Captain to trek across the land to invite you." As the gifts are presented, many of the older Captains give a gruff nod of approval to the feather cloak, showing their appreciation for its practicality. Many more restrain themselves from blurting out any of the thousands of questions they have about airships. As the star charts are provided a round of appreciative sounds and whispered conversation fill the circular room. Such knowledge is truly a gift that can be shared with all the Iranian peoples. "Emperor, you present truly extraordinary gifts that we shall ever hold dear to our hearts, but it is my duty to speak for my people and I know their thoughts exactly in this matter: What secrets of the Airships can you divulge to a nation of proud Captains newly made humble?" King Corvus asks. It wasn't the most polite of requests, but it was honest and sometimes that was the better route. Coercion Delegation Spoiler Hide Escorted by a young female Captain by the name of Dimly Goren, Councilor Conrad Wolfe and Lord Protector NAO were perhaps the least overtly extravagant delegates to walk the streets of Lodestone. However, soon word spread from one source to another and when the Captains heard that the delegation was from a Kingdom at war they began telling tales of how extravagance is a luxury of peace times. The story passed like fire through the wooden city and no matter where the delegates looked, they found solemn respect reflected in the eyes of nearly every citizen. War had been one of the most common topics of the Secret Library, and after years of reading and re-reading the same stories over and over, many of the citizenry decided that war was truly a gruesome thing, not meant to be celebrated. As Councilor Conrad and Lord Protector NAO refreshed themselves, runners were sent to retrieve the gifts from their ship. Once they were prepared, Captain Dimly lead her esteemed guests to the Throne Room and presented them, "I present Lord Protector NAO and Councilor Conrad Wolfe of Palms Garcia to the East and West. They heed your invitation during a time of war, my King." "Then I welcome you, and bid you respite should you require it. I am Corvus Caine, First King of Romania, and although I am unable to pledge assistance in your war, I promise your safety here. May the land offer you shelter for when it is needed," Corvus said as the strangers were presented. The entirety of the room took on a more somber tone and many men and women removed their hats in respect. The scriveners kept to the writing but almost ashamedly so, as if writing anything in regard to war bothered them personally. Delegates from the Kingdom of the Carmine Sea Spoiler Hide The elves of the Carmine Sea were a surprising sight to many of the Iranians that had lined the city streets. Where many of the other delegations had humans of shorter stature, these folk were nearly as tall as their hosts. It prompted many a shorter person to find an unknown pride in some semblance with such an exotic people, despite knowing nothing about them. That royal family had been escorted by one Captain Corbin Argos, an old hand at sea who had now seen more than any of his ancestors. Such feats of magnificence were the Straits of DIY, and the Grand Canal! To say nothing of the enormous Titan! What tales he would tell; how rich he had become in stories. But as per his orders, he was busy with the delegates, and soon he had them in the Throne Room. Stepping forward, he announced, "I have the great honor to present Hallmark, King of the Jars, the Venn's, the Sylph ids and the Elves, Prince of Harrison, Proconsul Carmine-" he takes a deep breath and continues "-Queen Delhi; Prince Aldwin and Prince After; Duke Wilton of Sunder, the King's Champion; Kerala, Isaacson Varasugis; and The, Earl of Lusatia." He finished with another large breath and was about to announce his own King when the young man in the throne and crown raised a hand. "I am Corvus Caine, First King of Romania. I bid you welcome, all of you, to my home. May the winds forever whisper your names upon the gentle waves. I understand you have come a long way to reach us and I thank you again. This is primarily a time of learning and knowledge for my people and I hope you enjoy your visit." Triumvirate Senators Spoiler Hide The eyes of every Iranian in the room turned to their King and awaited his answer. Even the scriveners stopped and waited, ink quills at the ready to catch his next words. To his credit, King Corvus Caine took a moment to think before he responded. "I wish to throw off our shackles of ignorance and turn Romania into a place of great learning. I wish us to be a prosperous trading partner on the world stage with the likes of other great kingdoms and empires. I wish for our Captains to earn their pride from the respect of other nations and cultures. In short, I wish for my people not to simply survive, but to thrive." Silver Moon Delegation Spoiler Hide The crown that was granted as a gift was more beautifully crafted than anything Corvus Caine had ever seen. He was tempted to wear it now, as a symbol of status and power, to cast off his driftwood crown and feel truly wealthy and powerful and... and he stopped there. Those were personal desires that were not conducive to the ruling of his people and thus had no place in a Captain. He had not yet earned this crown, and such a jewel may cost more than it was worth. "I do appreciate the beauty and the history behind this crown, I really do, but I do not know if my people would be content with me accepting it. Perhaps, down the road, when our two nations are closer in spirit, such a gift would be appropriate. As for now, let us earn such respect." The Ambrosia was accepted with many thanks and some curiosity, but it was soon forgotten as the Grand History was revealed. Such a treasure was beyond imagining. A book, containing a history of the known world during those hundreds of years when Romania was lost to the world. Several scriveners stopped writing for sheer awe. The Captains went silent, their eyes on King Corvus, terrified that he might turn down such another wonderful treasure. But Corvus wasn't entirely a fool, he accepted the book with gracious words, "I don't know how well you know our people, but such knowledge is considered worth more than gemstones. My Captains are afraid I will turn this down as well, but even I cannot resist this treasure. I thank you from my deepest depths, as a King and as a man of Romania." Originally Posted by Minty Ninja Silver Moon Delegation Spoiler Hide The crown that was granted as a gift was more beautifully crafted than anything Corvus Caine had ever seen. He was tempted to wear it now, as a symbol of status and power, to cast off his driftwood crown and feel truly wealthy and powerful and... and he stopped there. Those were personal desires that were not conducive to the ruling of his people and thus had no place in a Captain. He had not yet earned this crown, and such a jewel may cost more than it was worth. "I do appreciate the beauty and the history behind this crown, I really do, but I do not know if my people would be content with me accepting it. Perhaps, down the road, when our two nations are closer in spirit, such a gift would be appropriate. As for now, let us earn such respect." The Ambrosia was accepted with many thanks and some curiosity, but it was soon forgotten as the Grand History was revealed. Such a treasure was beyond imagining. A book, containing a history of the known world during those hundreds of years when Romania was lost to the world. Several scriveners stopped writing for sheer awe. The Captains went silent, their eyes on King Corvus, terrified that he might turn down such another wonderful treasure. But Corvus wasn't entirely a fool, he accepted the book with gracious words, "I don't know how well you know our people, but such knowledge is considered worth more than gemstones. My Captains are afraid I will turn this down as well, but even I cannot resist this treasure. I thank you from my deepest depths, as a King and as a man of Romania." Spoiler: Audience Hide I am glad you can enjoy it, Good King. There is more than that, though; while the holds of our ships are filled with ambrosia, and gemstones like those on the crown, it appears knowledge is what is truly valuable to you. There are books of math, and science; wonderful inventions like the printing press, to create more books like that, and of clockwork gears. They are free to you. I expect no compensation; these books are common knowledge too much of the world. To withhold them from you would be akin to a crime. And, to help those like me., Aaron steps forward, his prosthetic arm held out for inspection. I know, it looks- and feels- odd, unnatural. But it saved my life. Missing an arm, even as a child of a minor nobleman, was a disaster for me. But this, this lets me lead a normal life. Once I couldn't have led otherwise. Originally Posted by Minty Ninja AQUA Delegation"Please, accept my deepest apologies. I fear we, as a people, are unaccustomed to receiving gifts. Let alone our very heart's desires. You must understand, we have been shrouded in ignorance for so long that the only treasure we value more than gemstones is that of knowledge. If there is any way in which we can repay you for these generous gifts, you must simply ask." Those who had been willing to risk injury for a chance to read some knew scrap of knowledge or examine a tool designed by these masters of the sea were now sitting quietly, each greatly ashamed of their own actions. The room takes on a somewhat solemn atmosphere as things return to normal. Andes laughed gently to lighten the mood,"The joy of your people at our humble gifts is repayment tenfold. May the knowledge serve you well." He did pause for a moment then added,"We would request some time to discuss more formal trade relations, at your convenience of course. We are willing to wait until the arriving delegations have all had a chance to greet your people." Spoiler: later, a private conversation (which LOGIC can also read) Hide Andes pointed to the large map of Telluric he brought with. "Celery has colonies here and here, AQUA along here. Bordeaux controls this region, Alexis, here, and Armenia all along the map up top here. The Salter Empire and its vassals control most of this region." He said gesturing. "You are stepping into an ocean, full of big fish. Celery and AQUA have survived as little fish for a long time by being clever. We have been debating a more formal union for some time, but find it hard to do as a two entity group. But with you having maritime ambitions, perhaps your nation could be the balancing point between ours." He goes on to describe the Federation AQUA and Celery envisions. A mercantile, innovation, and defense union, while leaving the rule of individual nations to their own devices. He does not ask for an answer at any time, merely that it be considered. "Big Empires are offering many gifts to people willing to sell their freedom to them. They all seek vassals they can control-even if they claim they won't control them. The feeding frenzy over an independent Crime a few years back was positively disgusting." IOC: It is a serious offer. Logic and I have been trying to find a third for a federation for several rounds now. Logic would go the curiosity route, and forget about faith. I'd take either military or diplomacy (exploration), I'm not particular. You could take your lands almost any way you wanted Spoiler: the AQUA delegation Hide Andes Fitzroy, Skipper-General Norma Spin raider, Council member and explorer Gonzo the great and Snookers, Pond all an Ono council beings, Shale Bug, leader of FATS Numbering Grumpy, council members Dominique and Emmanuel Grumpy, his daughters and general troublemakers Maximilian Grant-Temblor, hanger-on, Lothario and general malcontent Originally Posted by Minty Ninja Triumvirate Senators Spoiler Hide The eyes of every Iranian in the room turned to their King and awaited his answer. Even the scriveners stopped and waited, ink quills at the ready to catch his next words. To his credit, King Corvus Caine took a moment to think before he responded. "I wish to throw off our shackles of ignorance and turn Romania into a place of great learning. I wish us to be a prosperous trading partner on the world stage with the likes of other great kingdoms and empires. I wish for our Captains to earn their pride from the respect of other nations and cultures. In short, I wish for my people not to simply survive, but to thrive." Han threw his hands up in a welcoming gesture,"Then may I welcome you as a friend to the Triumvirate!" At that, no doubt a cue that had previously been worked out by the Senator a literal band of, what no doubt looked to the Iranians to be, large silver scaled skinks came spilling into the room. Some skittered quickly ahead on all fours, instruments strapped to their backs which quickly slung around front as they entered properly and sat back on their haunches allowing their forearms to freely grab their instruments and begin playing. Others came in more slowly, steady but deliberate in their walking with only two feet, instruments already at the ready. A melodious and upbeat song spilled from their instruments and a few of the creatures began to sing, their voices almost hypnotic in their pitch." May I present for your entertainment, the preeminent Kobold musicians to come out of the Musical Halls of K'Braashriix!" Han shouted above the music, smiling broadly. As the musicians played and entertained the king and his guests the Senators moved to ready their other gifts, chests that had been brought in by the native porters along with the musicians for presentation to the King. Originally Posted by Minty Ninja Coercion Delegation Spoiler Hide Escorted by a young female Captain by the name of Dimly Goren, Councilor Conrad Wolfe and Lord Protector NAO were perhaps the least overtly extravagant delegates to walk the streets of Lodestone. However, soon word spread from one source to another and when the Captains heard that the delegation was from a Kingdom at war they began telling tales of how extravagance is a luxury of peace times. The story passed like fire through the wooden city and no matter where the delegates looked, they found solemn respect reflected in the eyes of nearly every citizen. War had been one of the most common topics of the Secret Library, and after years of reading and re-reading the same stories over and over, many of the citizenry decided that war was truly a gruesome thing, not meant to be celebrated. As Councilor Conrad and Lord Protector NAO refreshed themselves, runners were sent to retrieve the gifts from their ship. Once they were prepared, Captain Dimly lead her esteemed guests to the Throne Room and presented them, "I present Lord Protector NAO and Councilor Conrad Wolfe of Palms Garcia to the East and West. They heed your invitation during a time of war, my King." "Then I welcome you, and bid you respite should you require it. I am Corvus Caine, First King of Romania, and although I am unable to pledge assistance in your war, I promise your safety here. May the land offer you shelter for when it is needed," Corvus said as the strangers were presented. The entirety of the room took on a more somber tone and many men and women removed their hats in respect. The scriveners kept to the writing but almost ashamedly so, as if writing anything in regard to war bothered them personally. Spoiler: IOC Hide IOC: NAO isn't Lord Protector (yet) nor was he intended to be present though rereading my introduction I can certainly see where both misconceptions could have arisen and I apologize. This is why I usually do an attendees Spoiler :P That said, while NAO wasn't going to be present I kinda like the idea that he is, so I'm going to roll with it, and he's heir to be Lord Protector so the title might as well be applied, and we'll say he's known as Lord Protector Junior since the original inheritor title of Emir has kinda been kept by the previous heir. "We thank you for your hospitality and offer apologies that the Lord-, my father could not attend personally but matters in the West draw his attention,"NAO spoke somewhat stiffly." The Consortium wishes that your interactions with the greater world do not find you faced with belligerent foes as the Consortium has found during its years,"Councilor Conrad added, his demeanor that of a much more well-trained diplomat,"For that purpose we have brought with us Can as a gesture of diplomacy and goodwill." The Councilor raised a small bag from the small assortment of gifts on the floor. Inside it were six small brown beans flecked with green spots." These are enjoyed for recreation and in diplomatic meetings to relieve tension and stress, you are invited to join myself and the Lord Protector Junior in partaking in this ritual if you so choose,"at that the Councilor and NAO both took a bean each and popped them in their mouths, chewing them slowly. Spoiler: IOC Trade Offers Hide I see you desire Grain, I have Grain. Would you be interested in exchange for Wood? ****TIME BUBBLE****At some point, the AQUA delegation takes time to mingle with the Coercion Delegation." Lord Protector NAO, Councilor Conrad Wolfe. So good to see you. I hope that your presence here bodes well for your troubles at home?" Andes asks politely. Originally Posted by Lt_Jürgen ****TIME BUBBLE**** At some point, the AQUA delegation takes time to mingle with the Coercion Delegation. "Lord Protector NAO, Councilor Conrad Wolfe. So good to see you. I hope that your presence here bodes well for your troubles at home?" Andes asks politely. "I can't say I know to which troubles you might be referring,"the Councilor smiled pleasantly,"Perhaps you mean the recent addition of Lord Protector NAO as a member of the family Garcia? I assure you that has been met only with the utmost joy and celebration." Nao looked flustered as he glanced towards the Councilor but caught the older man's subtle look and regained his composure." Yes, things run well in my adopted homeland, the Lord Protector Cassius has made sure to ensure prosperity continues, and I have done my own share as his adopted son and appointed heir for the people of the Consortium and in memory of my blood father to make sure the coming transition is a smooth one."" Indeed, the Council and the people have the utmost faith in NAO to carry on the traditions and rights of our people. The Lord Protector Cassius would not have chosen him as his son and heir if he did not believe in him and both Lord Protectors continue to prove themselves on the soil of the Zoo as that wretched Kingdom is brought to heel to its betters." "But enough on local politics of our nation, what of AQUA and Nagaland? Such a wide spanning net those of AQUA cast. I have heard that the Governor in the Eastern Province passed on his title to his youngest son, the boy's bloodline is from Toltec lands no? It seems AQUA has expressed displeasure with the practices of the Toltec, I hope the new Governor recognizes to whom he is pledged? The Czarina has made it clear the Imperium is not to become involved and the Consortium abides." Originally Posted by DurkBlanston "Indeed, the Council and the people have the utmost faith in NAO to carry on the traditions and rights of our people. The Lord Protector Cassius would not have chosen him as his son and heir if he did not believe in him and both Lord Protectors continue to prove themselves on the soil of the Zoo as that wretched Kingdom is brought to heel to its betters." "But enough on local politics of our nation, what of AQUA and Nagaland? Such a wide spanning net those of AQUA cast. I have heard that the Governor in the Eastern Province passed on his title to his youngest son, the boy's bloodline is from Toltec lands no? It seems AQUA has expressed displeasure with the practices of the Toltec, I hope the new Governor recognizes to whom he is pledged? The Czarina has made it clear the Imperium is not to become involved and the Consortium abides." "I am pleased to hear your recent changes have occurred without incident. AQUA recently finished a new round of voting for Council positions which was trouble enough. I can only imagine the issues from your political structure. But you are right, my in-laws can be quite a handful. They have been...interesting in politics for decades. Martin's relationship with Czar Li Tailing and Embryo Narrow is still a popular topic for bards in the North. But the truth of the story is revealed by my father-in-law's abiding loyalty to the pacts made in his youth. Age and children did not change that. It was a great sadness to him that the Grant family's miraculous fertility failed in him. Adopting my wife and her brothers brought Martin and Dvina great joy." He realized he was waxing nostalgic, so turned to more formal talk." Martin has both loyalty and affection for his large. He honored his pledges and followed directions. I expect his son Gilligan to be loyal as well. The boy, excuse me, young man might have a reputation as accident-prone, but he is a capable administrator. And his wife comes from Armenia. Power politics is the very color of her blood." Originally Posted by Lt_Jürgen "I am pleased to hear your recent changes have occurred without incident. AQUA recently finished a new round of voting for Council positions which was trouble enough. I can only imagine the issues from your political structure. But you are right, my in-laws can be quite a handful. They have been...interesting in politics for decades. Martin's relationship with Czar Li Tailing and Embryo Narrow is still a popular topic for bards in the North. But the truth of the story is revealed by my father-in-law's abiding loyalty to the pacts made in his youth. Age and children did not change that. It was a great sadness to him that the Grant family's miraculous fertility failed in him. Adopting my wife and her brothers brought Martin and Dvina great joy." He realized he was waxing nostalgic, so turned to more formal talk. "Martin has both loyalty and affection for his large. He honored his pledges and followed directions. I expect his son Gilligan to be loyal as well. The boy, excuse me, young man might have a reputation as accident-prone, but he is a capable administrator. And his wife comes from Armenia. Power politics is the very color of her blood." "Voting among such large numbers must no doubt be troubling. We of the Council of course confirm our Lord Protector's heir as is our right, but to amass the votes of, so many must no doubt be the definition of tedium pardoning the sentiment,"Conrad said through a smile." It is good to hear that the young man will have a steady hand to guide him. Behind every great man there is a great woman isn't that what they say? I do wonder about those men who take so long to marry yet still lead great lives however,"his eyes flashed towards NAO,"One must wonder how long a single individual can sustain themselves without the input from another more delicate hand. It has even been recognized in law that a Protector and Lord Protector both need a Governess and Lady Governess respectably to help guide the hand of governance." Nao looked uncomfortable but remained friendly. The young man's blood father had been unlucky in love, fathering NAO late in life, and it seemed the boy took after him. The Councilors, Conrad included, had been petitioning the man to marry one of their own daughters to improve their standing within the realm and secure their support upon his ascendance. So far he had managed to avoid any out-and-out promises, but the pressure remained to find a wife. He hoped his actions upon ascendancy might lighten that obligation but considering Councilor Conrad's reactions when NAO had explained the preliminaries of his plot he wondered if that would prove true. Silver Moon Delegation resounding cheer broke out, unimpeded, as the full meaning of "printing press" became clear to those in the room. Books were a precious resource on Romania, and now they would have the technology to create untold copies and make them available to every citizen in the land. As the din began to die down, King Corvus spoke to the delegation,"You again have my deepest gratitude, on behalf of my people. Such knowledge is sure to part the seas of ignorance we have been forced to sail for far too long. And such wondrous machinations, surely they will save lives of many, and provide meaning to many lives previously saved. Now it is my turn, is there anything I can do for you? Perhaps you'd wish to discuss it more privately?"AQUA Delegation"Formality can be served,"King Corvus says to the delegation. He stands from the black stone throne and leads them personally through the door on his left, with only the younger adviser following. The group is lead through some wooden halls and eventually to a small office. There's a small shelf with cross-sections of model ships and a few dusty tomes on wood carving techniques. The chairs are of padded leather, dyed a dark red that seemed to go with the rosy tone of the wooden room. The King sits in one of the six chairs surrounding the circular table and gestures for the others to do likewise. The large, bearded bodyguard follows suit, sitting to the King's left." I hope this room is private enough..." Spoiler: Private Talk - AQUA Hide Expect a PM shortly. Triumvirate Senators The circular shape of room played with the echoes and soon the entirety of the space seemed filled with the physical sensation of music. This, coupled with the alien appearance of their guests, first caused some trepidation among the Captains and scriveners, but soon that anxiety was soothed away. For as long as they were willing to play, the kobolds had an enthusiastic audience. Astute observers would notice that many of the scriveners chose not to write anything, understanding that words could never come close to describing this effect for those not present. When at last the music had ended, and the gifts had been presented, King Corvus stands and says in a quiet voice,"My friends, you have brought such wonder and amazement to our home. I would like to personally extend an invitation to all foreign born persons in this room: Should you ever find yourselves in need of home, safety, or simply change, you are welcome in Romania. If there is anything you would have of me, all you need do is ask." Caercian Delegation King Corvus takes a moment to consider his options when offered the bean, many of his assembled Captains nodding or shaking their heads in the background. Even the advisers seem nervous, but they both elect to say nothing. Seeing the other two men take a bean, Corvus decides to partake as well, and he eats the proffered bean. Spoiler: Trade Offers Hide For a moment it felt like we were playing Satan, he-he. Wood for Grain is a very agreeable trade. Are Bread-making and Grain-alcohol-distilling free techs? No matter the case, a varied diet is needed. Consider the trade done. Originally Posted by Minty Ninja Triumvirate Senators The circular shape of room played with the echoes and soon the entirety of the space seemed filled with the physical sensation of music. This, coupled with the alien appearance of their guests, first caused some trepidation among the Captains and scriveners, but soon that anxiety was soothed away. For as long as they were willing to play, the kobolds had an enthusiastic audience. Astute observers would notice that many of the scriveners chose not to write anything, understanding that words could never come close to describing this effect for those not present. When at last the music had ended, and the gifts had been presented, King Corvus stands and says in a quiet voice, "My friends, you have brought such wonder and amazement to our home. I would like to personally extend an invitation to all foreign born persons in this room: Should you ever find yourselves in need of home, safety, or simply change, you are welcome in Romania. If there is anything you would have of me, all you need do is ask." "Much thanks to you your Majesty,"Senator SHA replied, a smile in her voice." We of the Triumvirate have always gotten on well with island nations,"Han added,"AQUA, Celery, both fine nations and friends of the Triumvirate both. But, let me delay no longer,"Han opened one of the chests that had been brought in revealing a copious amount of...papers?" These dear King, are the patents and blueprints for some of the most useful and necessary technologies needed for the running of a Kingdom. I invite you and your scriveners and scholars to peruse them at your leisure, but I assure you will almost certainly find them of some significant interest. Included as well are potential contracts, should you wish to sign them, offering the services of some of our trained professionals, the Architects of Woodwind and the Musicians of K'Braashriix, to aid you in developing a good and proper nation within this world should you so desire them. Their Guilds require some amount of payment, and I apologize that not all can be gifts, but our professionals have need for quality of life as well which I am sure you can understand." Spoiler: IOC Hide Gift Techs: Clockwork, Rank Diplomacy, Pitch, Plate Armor, Printing Press, Sewage Systems, Zeppelins, Lenses, Calculus, Automata Trade Offers: K'Braashriix Kobold Musicians for Wood or Medicinal Herbs AND/OR Woodwind Architects for Wood or Medicinal Herbs My preference for trade is Medicinal Herbs for either of our professional resources and then Wood for the other if you want to do both trades. Originally Posted by Minty Ninja Coercion Delegation King Corvus takes a moment to consider his options when offered the bean, many of his assembled Captains nodding or shaking their heads in the background. Even the advisers seem nervous, but they both elect to say nothing. Seeing the other two men take a bean, Corvus decides to partake as well, and he eats the proffered bean. Spoiler: Trade Offers Hide For a moment it felt like we were playing Satan, he-he. Wood for Grain is a very agreeable trade. Are Bread-making and Grain-alcohol-distilling free techs? No matter the case, a varied diet is needed. Consider the trade done. The bean was slow to have an effect and without focusing on one's thoughts it might have seemed to be doing nothing but when contemplating the effect it became clear that the mind was thinking in new and different ways, somewhat slower and perhaps with less obvious conclusions or answers being drawn, but it was an interesting way to experience the world. A user might also notice an increase in the humorous qualities of a situation and a desire for food that was greater than average. One bean was enough to at least kick-start this reaction, especially for someone who had little to no experience with the mind-altering plant. The Councilor reached into the pile of gifts again and this time removed an oblong object about the size of a fist. Upon closer inspection it appeared to be an egg, pinkish with darker red splotches covering it in a random pattern." Allow me to offer to you King Corvus an egg of a Cretan Crawling, one of the Consortium's strangest and most interesting creatures. This egg was laid by the Lady Governess' own pet Crawling not three weeks ago and is due to hatch very soon. They make wonderful pets and are as loyal as a good dog. Not to mention their long life. The Lady Governess' own is going on 10 with no signs of slowing down,"Councilor Conrad held out the egg for the King to inspect or take as he so chose. Spoiler: IOC Hide I'm pretty sure they're hand waved no bonus techs that everyone has under the "medical tech" starter clause, yeah. Added the trade to my actions. Spoiler: Cretan Crawling Hide More info under the Burned write-up in my regions post if you're curious Originally Posted by Minty Ninja Delegates from the Kingdom of the Carmine Sea Spoiler Hide The elves of the Carmine Sea were a surprising sight to many of the Iranians that had lined the city streets. Where many of the other delegations had humans of shorter stature, these folk were nearly as tall as their hosts. It prompted many a shorter person to find an unknown pride in some semblance with such an exotic people, despite knowing nothing about them. That royal family had been escorted by one Captain Corbin Argos, an old hand at sea who had now seen more than any of his ancestors. Such feats of magnificence were the Straits of DIY, and the Grand Canal! To say nothing of the enormous Titan! What tales he would tell; how rich he had become in stories. But as per his orders, he was busy with the delegates, and soon he had them in the Throne Room. Stepping forward, he announced, "I have the great honor to present Hallmark, King of the Jars, the Venn's, the Sylph ids and the Elves, Prince of Harrison, Proconsul Carmine-" he takes a deep breath and continues "-Queen Delhi; Prince Aldwin and Prince After; Duke Wilton of Sunder, the King's Champion; Kerala, Isaacson Varasugis; and The, Earl of Lusatia." He finished with another large breath and was about to announce his own King when the young man in the throne and crown raised a hand. "I am Corvus Caine, First King of Romania. I bid you welcome, all of you, to my home. May the winds forever whisper your names upon the gentle waves. I understand you have come a long way to reach us and I thank you again. This is primarily a time of learning and knowledge for my people and I hope you enjoy your visit." Hallmark smiled. "It is both a blessing and a curse of my kingdom that we are separated from the rest of the Imperium by mountains, and the only sea route to the western ocean is many miles north, beyond FISA's Fast. Unfortunately, then, travel to almost anywhere is time-consuming and difficult. Nevertheless, it is important to welcome new communities to the world, however hard it may be." He clicked his fingers and waved forward a couple of his retainers. "Please accept these gifts as tokens of our friendship and gratitude for your hospitality." There was one chest full of books, including a recent history of the Salter Imperium, collections of legends and histories of the Carmine peoples, a transcription of the Book of Fire, a copy of the Codex of Laws, and an anthology of Maryland poetry. There was also a cloak, the silk lining dyed in the Maryland colors of purple and carmine, the outer covered with cloth-of-gold and the whole edged with fur, a very fine hat with a crest of human feathers, and finally a small chest of jewels and trinkets: matching golden torch set with quartz, and a delicate silver livery collar comprised of interlinked "C"s. Originally Posted by Minty Ninja Spoiler: Romania Hide Silver Moon Delegation A resounding cheer broke out, unimpeded, as the full meaning of "printing press" became clear to those in the room. Books were a precious resource on Romania, and now they would have the technology to create untold copies and make them available to every citizen in the land. As the din began to die down, King Corvus spoke to the delegation, "You again have my deepest gratitude, on behalf of my people. Such knowledge is sure to part the seas of ignorance we have been forced to sail for far too long. And such wondrous machinations, surely they will save lives of many, and provide meaning to many lives previously saved. Now it is my turn, is there anything I can do for you? Perhaps you'd wish to discuss it more privately?" Nothing that would need to be kept secret. Trade, perhaps; the expanding populations of Valerie and Malayan are always hungry, and can offer Adams or precious gems, such as those inset into the crown. The gifts of knowledge given, too, include all acquired secrets Bordeaux possess, save one: that of the simple clockwork automata invented in Era. Regrettably, we are bound by oath not to trade or share that technology. There are many others who would be willing to trade or gift it to you, I'm sure, though out of respect to Era and Nikolai I ask that you at least contact them first. Spoiler: Trade Hide As above, I'm gifting everything except SCA. I'm also asking for a trade of either Adams for Fish or Gems for Fish. I don't have a preference to either. Except maybe both, but that's probably a bit much to ask. In case you're wondering, Adams is separate from adamant or adamantine (i.e., not granting a battle bonus)(confusing, I know), though it would fulfill a metals' requirement. ([{Arrival 10}])New Crime Arrives The sound of string instruments could be heard drifting with ever-growing strength across the tranquil waters toward Romania. For those ashore, the song seemed to be coming from the sea glare of the morning sun. Out from the brightness a ship emerged. She was the first every galleon designed and constructed by the Cree, The Reckless Abandon. She shared many similarities to Triumvirate design in her basic architecture, but brimmed with cultural touches native only to Crime. The two most instantly recognizable for anyone who'd ever even heard of the region being the unsettling Crest of New Crime waving on every banner, and the intimidating figurehead which depicted a berserk flaming horse with bat wings. As the galleon pulled into port and the gangplank dropped, the music remained in full swing with a rhythm that compelled heads to bob and feet to tap. On to the dock and into the town danced a band dressed as an honor guard following after an attractive young man riding a handsome brown horse with white speckles. The horse, for its part, seemed to be strutting along with the beat. The man was in red leather and carried a purple flower with a strong coarse looking stem in his right hand. His silky black-brown hair and smooth wood brown skin seemed almost to sparkle in the morning light. Met the eyes of each person in their wake with infectious smiles as they paraded down the boardwalk toward King's Fort. Upon reaching the door, in anticipation of being asked to leave his horse behind, the young man sprang from his saddle, somersaulted over his steed's head into a kneeling position at the feet of the gate guards. As if perfectly timed to this moment, the song reached its conclusion and the honor guard bowed as well.“Saipan Uzesgelent of Tyrant Alaska German's fabulous Blood knights here to represent the interests and extend the best wishes of Glorious New Crime!” he said with a voice like rich plum served on a bed of black silk. Triumvirate Senators The gifted technologies elicit a cheer from the crowd of Captains, and many of the brighter ones seem on the edge of their seats in curiosity." My friends, these gifts are much appreciated. In return, I pledge to exchange bales of medicinal herbs and ships filled with our redwoods for Musicians and Architects, respectively. May we prosper perpetually." Spoiler: Trade Response Hide Thank you for the tech. Looking at it now, it seems that the secrets of Printing Press really should have garnered you the excited response, but that's the way with these time traveling events. Musicians for Herbs, Agreed. Architects for Wood, Agreed. If that concludes our business, then feel free to RP your own exit and further interactions with others. Thanks for coming. Coercion Delegation The effects took some time to become apparent to King Corvus, and he made an effort to remain self-contained in front of his Captains. It was somewhat like being brought through a fever without much of the negative side effects, a rather enjoyable feeling. Once proffered, King Corvus takes the egg fearlessly and smiles at the thing." My son may adore such a creature. I haven't mentioned him, have I? Little thing, Markus is. He turns out alright, and he'll likely be sitting in that throne after me,"Corvus says with a small smile. Some of the scriveners look to the advisers as if unsure whether they should really document this. A stern nod from the older man returns them to their work. Spoiler: Trade Response Hide We've already agreed to it, but I'm putting it here for easy access. Grain for Wood, Agreed. If you want to RP it out, that's fine too. Otherwise, I am amenable to private discussions as well. Delegates from the Kingdom of the Carmine Seats per usual, the presentation of books brought about an uproarious response from the gathered Captains and scriveners. They only intensified as the physical gifts were presented as well, the gemstones especially. A clamor of questions and pet theories were quickly hushed by King Corvus as he said,"I thank you, deeply, for such splendid gifts. Truly marvelous craftsmanship is on display here, not to mention generosity of freely granting such a wealth of knowledge. Romania thanks you." As the crowd quieted, Corvus continued,"My friends, what can I offer you in return for such kindness?" Spoiler: Retired Hide Hi, everyone else is getting a Spoiler box and I didn't see the need to leave you out. Would you like to trade anything? I have at least one left of each of my three resources. Silver Moon Delegation"As you have said, Adams is sacred to your people, would they really accept a trade for simple fish? I do not wish to cause problems for you down the road, as you have been more than generous with your technologies and gifts. I'll sign over the fish for gems agreement before the day is over,"King Corvus said." And if you feel the trade is fair, then yes, I'll make the exchange of fish for Adams as well." Spoiler: Trade Response Hide So, all your tech aside from Automata, which I have from the Triumvirate. Is there a list somewhere where I can see what I'm getting? Gems for Fish, Agreed. Adams for Fish, Agreed, assuming your people are okay with this. Blood knight of New CrimaSuch music had never been seen in the streets of Romania and the crowd loved it. They were cheering and laughing and singing wordless melodies of their own as the procession made its way forward. At the edge of the musical procession marched Captain Vivien Albeit, a middle-aged man with weathered features and an easy smile. He was smiling still as the entire city seemed to thrum with music as the procession stopped at the King's Fort. Once Captain Vivien appeared, the guards opened the doors for the Blood knight, Saipan Uzesgelent. After they were brought to a series of suites, Captain Vivien escorted his delegate to the Throne Room. In his rough, salt-worn voice, he said,"I present Saipan Uzegelent, Blood knight of New Crime, here on behalf of the Good Tyrant, Alaska German." The man on the throne stood and said,"I am Corvus Caine, First King of Romania. I welcome you my home, and wish you find comfort and peace." Spoiler: Doom Hat Hide Hi, you're getting a spoiler box because everyone else got one. I really like the artwork you put into your posts, it's a great little touch that shows your dedication to the game. Either way, I know you spent all your actions, and you can't trade anything, but maybe this will lay the groundwork for future deals, yeah? Originally Posted by Minty Ninja Silver Moon Delegation "As you have said, Adams is sacred to your people, would they really accept a trade for simple fish? I do not wish to cause problems for you down the road, as you have been more than generous with your technologies and gifts. I'll sign over the fish for gems agreement before the day is over," King Corvus said. "And if you feel the trade is fair, then yes, I'll make the exchange of fish for Adams as well." Spoiler: Trade Response Hide So, all your tech aside from Automata, which I have from the Triumvirate. Is there a list somewhere where I can see what I'm getting? Gems for Fish, Agreed. Adams for Fish, Agreed, assuming your people are okay with this. There will be dissent among a few of the wealthier priests, I am sure, but my people were starving in recent years. The majority will welcome the extra food provided. Spoiler: Trade Hide Here. At the bottom of the post, in the table under "BDX". It's as up-to-date was I can find it. I also have steam power and Calculus on top of it. Originally Posted by Minty Ninja Coercion Delegation The effects took some time to become apparent to King Corvus, and he made an effort to remain self-contained in front of his Captains. It was somewhat like being brought through a fever without much of the negative side effects, a rather enjoyable feeling. Once proffered, King Corvus takes the egg fearlessly and smiles at the thing. "My son may adore such a creature. I haven't mentioned him, have I? Little thing, Markus is. He turns out alright, and he'll likely be sitting in that throne after me," Corvus says with a small smile. Some of the scriveners look to the advisers as if unsure whether they should really document this. A stern nod from the older man returns them to their work. Spoiler: Trade Response Hide We've already agreed to it, but I'm putting it here for easy access. Grain for Wood, Agreed. If you want to RP it out, that's fine too. Otherwise, I am amenable to private discussions as well. NAO looked sideways at Conrad who looked equally surprised, both of them having their surprise amplified by the effects of the bean." Your son is named Markus?" Nao asked." How wonderful!" Conrad exclaimed,"Markus was the name of the first Lord Protector to rule over Palms Garcia and Palms Cities as one realm, and he is Cassius' father and grandfather!"" And the name of my now brother,"NAO said somewhat quietly. Conrad seemed to ignore the young man's comment,"I would wager such a name bodes well for the child. It is a strong and respected name in the Coercion Expanse. Perhaps it also speaks to cooperation between our people..."the Councilor trailed off for a moment,"If it is not too much to pry, what do you know of the region known to our people as 'The Far West' where our armies currently fight?" Originally Posted by Minty Ninja Triumvirate Senators The gifted technologies elicit a cheer from the crowd of Captains, and many of the brighter ones seem on the edge of their seats in curiosity. "My friends, these gifts are much appreciated. In return, I pledge to exchange bales of medicinal herbs and ships filled with our redwoods for Musicians and Architects, respectively. May we prosper perpetually." Spoiler: Trade Response Hide Thank you for the tech. Looking at it now, it seems that the secrets of Printing Press really should have garnered you the excited response, but that's the way with these time traveling events. Musicians for Herbs, Agreed. Architects for Wood, Agreed. If that concludes our business, then feel free to RP your own exit and further interactions with others. Thanks for coming. "Marvelous!" Han smiled,"Absolutely marvelous! It does my heart good to play ambassador to a nation such as your own King Corvus. AQUA, Celery, and now Romania shall be added to the list of friends who, though small, possess goodness and friendship within its people as might be found through concentrating all the people of a larger nation. We shall hope to ever support you in your endeavors that see you remain both independent and free to pursue nationhood as is your right."" Allow me to leave with you these musicians, as the first shipment of teachers and artists to grace your halls and myself and Senator SHA shall depart and allow you to attend to your other guests. I have no doubt today shall be for you a busy day,"both Senators bowed,"Thank you for your time Your Majesty." Spoiler Hide Haha, no worries, I hosted an event and tried to keep things timed to an in-game schedule which didn't work well at all. I believe that should do it from my end. I'll certainly hope to speak with you more later in the game, but you're busy enough as is. Furthermore, I'll add the trades to my actions post. *****Later*****Silver Moon Delegation The Senators had been returning from an evening meal when SHA spotted the Silver Moon delegation and alerted Han who decided to approach them." Honored delegates of Bordeaux, I bid you greetings from the Triumvirate." Originally Posted by Minty Ninja Delegates from the Kingdom of the Carmine Sea As per usual, the presentation of books brought about an uproarious response from the gathered Captains and scriveners. They only intensified as the physical gifts were presented as well, the gemstones especially. A clamor of questions and pet theories were quickly hushed by King Corvus as he said, "I thank you, deeply, for such splendid gifts. Truly marvelous craftsmanship is on display here, not to mention generosity of freely granting such a wealth of knowledge. Romania thanks you." As the crowd quieted, Corvus continued, "My friends, what can I offer you in return for such kindness?" Spoiler: Retired Hide Hi, everyone else is getting a Spoiler box and I didn't see the need to leave you out. Would you like to trade anything? I have at least one left of each of my three resources. "Think nothing of it, lord King. Your pleasure at receiving these gifts is all we could desire. I should however be interested to discuss some matters of philosophy and politics with you at your later convenience, should you so desire." Spoiler: Minty Ninja Hide I'm basically out of actions this round - I guess I could build a trading post if you were up for it, but wouldn't be able to offer you anything in return save a trading post of your own and that's probably not a good use of your time at this point. I might be interested in a trade of Quartz for Medicinal Herbs or even Wood at some point though - perhaps next round at an event, if you have any left by then? Originally Posted by DurkBlanston [COLOR="#B22222"]"One must wonder how long a single individual can sustain themselves without the input from another more delicate hand. It has even been recognized in law that a Protector and Lord Protector both need a Governess and Lady Governess respectably to help guide the hand of governance." "The Islanders believe love is a steady wind, stabilizing the rocking boat. It brought Ginger and me together, despite both families protests. Others," he nodded towards his aide Maximilian, who was off chatting with some attractive local woman,"enjoy the rocking boats and miss the stability." He looked kindly at the quiet man,"AQUA is an oddity. Few truly marry. They live and raise families together without the need for ceremony. The council marries, but mostly to please foreign diplomatic sensibilities. Marrying for politics is well and good, but marrying a true companion is far better. One should always have the greatest trust in the person who sleeps beside you each night. Its just good sense." Originally Posted by Quinton Beck *****Later***** Silver Moon Delegation The Senators had been returning from an evening meal when SHA spotted the Silver Moon delegation and alerted Han who decided to approach them. "Honored delegates of Bordeaux, I bid you greetings from the Triumvirate." And greetings to you from the lands beneath the Silver Moon., speaks the gold-masked Faceless, mid-bow. Her soft voice is betrayed by the fierce tiger depicted in her mask. I believe I remember you two from the Cree Ball, no? Though neither of us made any attempt at conversation. I guess then that this is more than a social call? Aaron Nu is nowhere to be found-probably hashing out trade details with the Iranians. Originally Posted by Lord_Burch And greetings to you from the lands beneath the Silver Moon., speaks the gold-masked Faceless, mid-bow. Her soft voice is betrayed by the fierce tiger depicted in her mask. I believe I remember you two from the Cree Ball, no? Though neither of us made any attempt at conversation. I guess then that this is more than a social call? Aaron Nu is nowhere to be found-probably hashing out trade details with the Iranians. "Indeed it is, I wished to talk with you regarding the Solution Canal and trade opportunities. As you're no doubt aware the Imperium likes to levy taxes on any who pass through their lands on missions of trade which is one of the reasons the Triumvirate has been hesitant in making trade deals with the Silver Moon's holdings. Souls of course falls on the Sea of the Golden Sun, but such is Andaman and while we would trade with Bordeaux its resources as so consumed in internal trades it leaves little available. Obviously the new south-western holdings of Danica under Borders control interest us, but again, the Straits and the Imperium's taxation is some manner of concern."" But now we hear that our old friends Alexis are working to build a canal to make the Straits defunct in their control between the Seas, yes? Tell me then, though I know it is a foreign country it is well known Alexis follows the will of the Silver Moon and is vassal in all but name, what is it the Silver Moon plans to do with this canal? Will it serve as a free flowing opportunity of trade as the Grand Canal does? I would certainly like to hope so. No doubt the ability to pass through waters without undue taxes would be welcomed by many well-traveled merchants." Originally Posted by Lt_Jürgen "The Islanders believe love is a steady wind, stabilizing the rocking boat. It brought Ginger and me together, despite both families protests. Others," he nodded towards his aide Maximilian, who was off chatting with some attractive local woman, "enjoy the rocking boats and miss the stability." He looked kindly at the quiet man, "AQUA is an oddity. Few truly marry. They live and raise families together without the need for ceremony. The council marries, but mostly to please foreign diplomatic sensibilities. Marrying for politics is well and good, but marrying a true companion is far better. One should always have the greatest trust in the person who sleeps beside you each night. Its just good sense." "Love is a curious thing. We of the Consortium believe love is something bred through mutual understanding and cooperation, but it seems many other cultures take the lustful desires and emotional impulses of the humors to be the definition of love." "My wife and I were arranged to be married that House Wolfe and House Flores might grow closer. We had not spent more than a passing moment at some event together previously and were only so well acquainted but after ten years of marriage I would say we were blessed to have been wed together. She has helped guide my thoughts many more times than I'm willing to admit, and I love her for that, but if she were not my wife I would not seek her out due to any amorous feelings of lust,"the Councilor looked over at the young man the AQUA leader had indicated." I agree with you Skipper, it is good to find a woman who loves you and whom you love in return,"NAO interjected somewhat quietly, his eyes distant." And when you cannot find one? Better I think to trust one's elders to make an arrangement both fitting and suitable than to rely on the whims of a young heart." Originally Posted by Quinton Beck "Indeed it is, I wished to talk with you regarding the Solution Canal and trade opportunities. As you're no doubt aware the Imperium likes to levy taxes on any who pass through their lands on missions of trade which is one of the reasons the Triumvirate has been hesitant in making trade deals with the Silver Moon's holdings. Souls of course falls on the Sea of the Golden Sun, but such is Andaman and while we would trade with Bordeaux its resources as so consumed in internal trades it leaves little available. Obviously the new south-western holdings of Danica under Borders control interest us, but again, the Straits and the Imperium's taxation is some manner of concern." "But now we hear that our old friends Alexis are working to build a canal to make the Straits defunct in their control between the Seas, yes? Tell me then, though I know it is a foreign country it is well known Alexis follows the will of the Silver Moon and is vassal in all but name, what is it the Silver Moon plans to do with this canal? Will it serve as a free flowing opportunity of trade as the Grand Canal does? I would certainly like to hope so. No doubt the ability to pass through waters without undue taxes would be welcomed by many well-traveled merchants." The only conditions I have set is the free passage of Silver Moon ships. Beyond that, it is well within Andaman rights to tax ships passing through the canal that they have spent time and effort into building. Whether they choose to exercise those rights-that is not a question for me. I will begin export of Indian dyes into Alexis, as just compensation, but that is a personal decision. Alexis did not request nor require the export. I would expect that will be enough of a compensation for the free use of the canal. Originally Posted by DurkBlanston "I agree with you Skipper, it is good to find a woman who loves you and whom you love in return," NAO interjected somewhat quietly, his eyes distant. "And when you cannot find one? Better I think to trust one's elders to make an arrangement both fitting and suitable than to rely on the whims of a young heart." "True. With arranged marriages you have the common interest of the families to keep you together. With AQUA, occasional dalliances are common and accepted. Others are more stringent about monogamy." He turned to look at NAO." If you love someone, things will work themselves out." Originally Posted by Lord_Burch The only conditions I have set is the free passage of Silver Moon ships. Beyond that, it is well within Andaman rights to tax ships passing through the canal that they have spent time and effort into building. Whether they choose to exercise those rights-that is not a question for me. I will begin export of Indian dyes into Alexis, as just compensation, but that is a personal decision. Alexis did not request nor require the export. I would expect that will be enough of a compensation for the free use of the canal. "But of course, it would be Andaman law that dictated such,"Han said with a smile,"Though I had thought they were more bound to the Silver Moon and its laws given their willingness to absolve their long-standing Kingdom to facilitate the easier transition to vassalage, but perhaps I overestimated the power held by the Silver Moon in that union." "I imagine the Imperium might take some issue with the Andaman actions though? They have long controlled access between the Golden Sun and the sea of the southwest. If the Lydians are willing to allow trade ships to pass through won't that significantly cut into Imperium revenues? Not that I mind incredibly as an unassociated party, but I had hoped to discuss matters of trade with your Kingdom and I would like to know which path shall be the most profitable for Triumvirate merchants. If the Solution Canal is to be cheaper in tax or more expensive I should certainly appreciate knowing that I can inform the merchants should we succeed in striking a deal." Originally Posted by Quinton Beck "But of course, it would be Andaman law that dictated such," Han said with a smile, "Though I had thought they were more bound to the Silver Moon and its laws given their willingness to absolve their long-standing Kingdom to facilitate the easier transition to vassalage, but perhaps I overestimated the power held by the Silver Moon in that union." "I imagine the Imperium might take some issue with the Andaman actions though? They have long controlled access between the Golden Sun and the sea of the southwest. If the Lydians are willing to allow trade ships to pass through won't that significantly cut into Imperium revenues? Not that I mind incredibly as an unassociated party, but I had hoped to discuss matters of trade with your Kingdom and I would like to know which path shall be the most profitable for Triumvirate merchants. If the Solution Canal is to be cheaper in tax or more expensive I should certainly appreciate knowing that I can inform the merchants should we succeed in striking a deal." Make no mistake, Alexis is a most loyal follower. Though I suppose I have not really asserted my authority much, and neither did my mother. Yes, they have. Arrangements have been made as compensation. As it stands, I expect it would be cheaper; of course, the canal isn't finished yet. I doubt Alexis would tax a trading partner of Bordeaux; certainly not their long-time allies the Triumvirate. Of course, recent thievery on your part certainly won't help. Originally Posted by Quinton Beck "I imagine the Imperium might take some issue with the Andaman actions though? They have long controlled access between the Golden Sun and the sea of the southwest. If the Lydians are willing to allow trade ships to pass through won't that significantly cut into Imperium revenues? Not that I mind incredibly as an unassociated party, but I had hoped to discuss matters of trade with your Kingdom and I would like to know which path shall be the most profitable for Triumvirate merchants. If the Solution Canal is to be cheaper in tax or more expensive I should certainly appreciate knowing that I can inform the merchants should we succeed in striking a deal." A slight cough came from beside the pair, and one of the king's sons - the one with the gloves and high collar - stood there. "Please forgive my rudeness, gentlemen, for I did not mean to eavesdrop, but having overheard your conversation I thought it should be more polite to disclose my having done so rather than scurry off in secrecy. As a representative of the Imperium, however, I might be in a position to shed some more light on the Czarina's position as I understand it." He nodded to Han. "It would indeed be a shame to lose the Borders trade through the Straits, though the financial blow would be far from crippling. It is of some concern that neutral shipping might choose to use the canal rather than the Straits, though I should imagine if the crowns of Alexis and the Silver Moon are to have any hope of recovering their investment the tariffs would have to be set so high the Straits would probably be preferable to most traders in any case, to say nothing of the cost of maintenance. Any time saved is likely to be measured in days at most, not weeks, and for most cargo that will be of little significance. Besides, tariffs at the Straits can always be adjusted to account for competition." Indeed, such is the cost of building this canal, the likely savings so small, and any financial windfall so, so distant, that the Imperium is less concerned with the trading applications of the canal and more its military potential. The economics of the situation are debatable and in years to come it might be seen as a visionary project or a folly, so our fear is that in order for the western crowns to invest so heavily in it is can only be intended as an avenue for attack." I understand however negotiations have been conducted on that basis, and I admit that this long period aboard ship means I am slightly less well-versed in the present diplomatic intricacies than I might be." Originally Posted by Lord_Burch Make no mistake, Alexis is a most loyal follower. Though I suppose I have not really asserted my authority much, and neither did my mother. Yes, they have. Arrangements have been made as compensation. As it stands, I expect it would be cheaper; of course, the canal isn't finished yet. I doubt Alexis would tax a trading partner of Bordeaux; certainly not their long-time allies the Triumvirate. Of course, recent thievery on your part certainly won't help. "Thievery?" Han asked, genuinely confused,"I must admit being confused as to what you are referring My Lady?" Originally Posted by Retired *Snip* "Ah, your lordship,"Han bowed,"Indeed, I have wondered why the canal was being built myself, which partly led to my avenue of questioning. The Triumvirate was lucky to inherit the Grand Canal which had largely been bankrolled, and subsequently bankrupted, the territories of Graphic and to have received much aid in its construction so perhaps our view on recouping losses involved are skewed. Though, the good Lady has just informed me that she suspects the Lydians to handle taxation lightly so I wonder whether practicality or goodwill shall win out." Carmines I said. Negotiations have been made. At present, the Czarina seemed satisfied with our agreement. Though she has yet to act upon it, I'll note. Triumvirate've heard tell from the few supporters I yet retain in RI Chang of a variety of ships, some from Guilder, some from the Triumvirate. Of course, I cannot yet say that they act on the orders of yours or Guilder's government, but I do know that many critical notes from the inventors of RI Chang medicine have gone conspicuously missing. Originally Posted by Lord_Burch Triumvirate I've heard tell from the few supporters I yet retain in RI Chang of a variety of ships, some from Guilder, some from the Triumvirate. Of course, I cannot yet say that they act on the orders of yours or Guilder's government, but I do know that many critical notes from the inventors of RI Chang medicine have gone conspicuously missing. "Oh! Of course!" Han laughed,"I had not imagined our efforts to secure such a valuable and important technology for the health and benefit of the people that might otherwise be lost to the chaos of the Far West to be taken as an aggressive move, but I suppose it might well be. Rest assured My Lady, the Triumvirate plans to share any secrets recovered from the West with any nation that cares for the health of its people, your own included." "The health and benefit of the people is important to the Triumvirate, regardless of national borders, it isn't as though the lands are not plentiful enough to allow greater populations." Originally Posted by Lt_Jürgen "True. With arranged marriages you have the common interest of the families to keep you together. With AQUA, occasional dalliances are common and accepted. Others are more stringent about monogamy." He turned to look at NAO. "If you love someone, things will work themselves out." "Every married man and woman knows one cannot be expected to remain with their duty bound other when the calls of lust still linger. Better to satisfy one's desires and maintain a healthy partnership than strain such a bond with unfulfilled desires,"the Councilor agreed. Nao smiled an appreciative smile, but his eyes betrayed disbelief in the Skipper's statement." Skipper, I am curious, yours is the one who uncovered Romania hiding from the greater world, no? It seems those of AQUA have a propensity for exploration, is it possible to hire your explorers or are they strictly a national entity?" Originally Posted by Minty Ninja Roshan Delegation Spoiler Hide The two-hour lead that Captain Shall Goren had over the Europeans most likely saved many from plucking their own eyes out in disbelief. Be that as it may, none truly took her story at face value for the sheer enormity of the task and the impossible nature of a flying ship. Those very same persons were all greatly humbled as the Europeans "docked" in Lodestone Harbor. No man or woman begrudged the delegation their weapons, in fact such finery was just as often the target of awe and admiration as the fine clothing and the strange anatomies. The Iranian people were gorging their eyes on exotic peoples and fine things, as they seemed to assume was their right. This was their homeland, after all. As the delegation was brought to the Throne Room, Captain Shall Goren announced them, "May I present the delegation for Roshan Empire: Emperor Shinguard Wave Earth guard. His heir: Rove Earth guard. And the Ambassador Helga Grim hammer." The large man, with his ferocious beard, whispered something to his King just quiet enough to be missed. The younger man spoke to the delegates, "I am Corvus Caine, First King of Romania. Be welcome here in my home and may the winds forever favor you. Had we known of such a marvelous Empire out of reach I would have instructed my Captain to trek across the land to invite you." As the gifts are presented, many of the older Captains give a gruff nod of approval to the feather cloak, showing their appreciation for its practicality. Many more restrain themselves from blurting out any of the thousands of questions they have about airships. As the star charts are provided a round of appreciative sounds and whispered conversation fill the circular room. Such knowledge is truly a gift that can be shared with all the Iranian peoples. "Emperor, you present truly extraordinary gifts that we shall ever hold dear to our hearts, but it is my duty to speak for my people and I know their thoughts exactly in this matter: What secrets of the Airships can you divulge to a nation of proud Captains newly made humble?" King Corvus asks. It wasn't the most polite of requests, but it was honest and sometimes that was the better route. Wave smiled at the brashness of the Captain King. "In due time, we may, if relations between our two nations grow more and more tight. I am sure, even with the huge distance that separates us, that we both have what the other needs, if not now then in a point in the future. However, I might have an offer of interest to you. Do you have time to discuss our common interests when you are done with the introductory meetings, King Corvus?" Spoiler: Trade proposal Hide I see you need metals, of which I have plenty. I have Lead or Iron available and if possible would like to trade Medicinal herbs for one of them. Originally Posted by DurkBlanston Nearby Councilor Conrad Wolfe.... After doing business with King Raven (the name Wave gave him in his head), his eye fell upon the Coercion Councilor, which he immediately saw as an opportunity to inquire about his nephew, Marvin Earth guard, who was the subject to some nasty rumors while doing his duties in Coercion lands far away from Kashmir. Approaching him with a swift gait, he politely nodded at the representative. "Good day, Counselor. I couldn't help myself to approach you and yours, for I am worried about my kin residing in your lands. He is a nobleman in charge of the province called Minton and goes by the name of Marvin Earth guard. I have heard some quite disturbing rumors as of late, and as the worried uncle that I am, I wondered if you could tell me some more, if you so please?" Originally Posted by DurkBlanston "Every married man and woman knows one cannot be expected to remain with their duty bound other when the calls of lust still linger. Better to satisfy one's desires and maintain a healthy partnership than strain such a bond with unfulfilled desires," the Councilor agreed. NAO smiled an appreciative smile, but his eyes betrayed disbelief in the Skipper's statement. "Skipper, I am curious, yours is the one who uncovered Romania hiding from the greater world, no? It seems those of AQUA have a propensity for exploration, is it possible to hire your explorers or are they strictly a national entity?" Andes was glad for a change of subject,"AQUA has no desire for rulership beyond its homelands. We explore because it is our nature. When we found the Sea of Glass, we welcomed the Pond all an Ono into our council. Later, we realized Celery was better suited to development. Celery now nominally controls the islands, yet Councilor Gonzo the Great sits on our council still, and we control both trading posts on the islands. We maintain control over the Bloomfield Isle we discovered because of the dangers those islands pose. And here, in Romania, we offer assistance and friendship to a populace ready to expand on their own." Andes finished proudly Then he caught himself, and continued more reservedly,"That was a bit long-winded. My apologies. AQUA is always willing to allow others to develop the lands they find, in exchange for long term trading rights." Originally Posted by Lt_Jürgen Andes was glad for a change of subject, "AQUA has no desire for rulership beyond its homelands. We explore because it is our nature. When we found the Sea of Glass, we welcomed the Pond all an Ono into our council. Later, we realized Celery was better suited to development. Celery now nominally controls the islands, yet Councilor Gonzo the Great sits on our council still, and we control both trading posts on the islands. We maintain control over the Bloomfield Isle we discovered because of the dangers those islands pose. And here, in Romania, we offer assistance and friendship to a populace ready to expand on their own." Andes finished proudly Then he caught himself, and continued more reservedly, "That was a bit long-winded. My apologies. AQUA is always willing to allow others to develop the lands they find, in exchange for long term trading rights." "A fair enough exchange for the service,"the Councilor nodded,"I believe we may be in need of capable explorers soon enough. The Far West is largely unknown to us and being as the Consortium is in negotiations with the Czarina to be returned to controlling Nan HAI it would serve us well to have explorers seek for shores south of the province. I shall be needing to speak with the Senior Lord Protector, but it may well be your services are requested sooner or later. Perhaps you shall have more luck in finding regions with actual inhabitants."the Councilor added with a wry smile. Silver Moon Delegation"Then for the mutual benefit to all our peoples, let us make the deal,"Corvus replied. His fears of offending his guests were assuaged, and he was eager to have his smiths start working with the mysterious metal. Perhaps he would put some prohibitions on the craft, however, so as not to show disdain for its importance. No Adams nails or hinges, for sure. Only finer fates for such a fine metal." With such business now agreed upon, is there anything else we may do for you, as hosts?" Spoiler: Lord Burch Hide Okay, trade is accepted. Coercion Delegation"To Markus!" Corvus says with an edge of pride in his voice. He grins a bit overmuch and his voice is a little louder than needed, but no one in the room can really begrudge the man who's newly a father. When the topic of the Western lands arises, Corvus replies,"Little and less, I'm afraid. Our introduction to the world at large, has come from a very out of date library. The latest pages I could decipher mention the rise of a Demon Dynamic, if that even makes any sense." Triumviral Senators"And thank you, dear ambassadors, for your gifts and your presence,"King Corvus says as all the Captains rise to their feet. Many of them nod respectfully to the dignitaries, some even bow. Mostly, the mood seems to be one of gratitude and respect. Delegates from the Kingdom of the Carmine Sea"Certainly, but I fear it may simply become a lesson taught from a wiser King to a newer one,"King Corvus replied with a smile. There was much that he could learn from this man, and his fellow delegates, but it was entirely possible for him to cross some unknown line by accident, and he had to be careful." With respect to you, King Hallmark, perhaps we should make plans to meet again in the future, when I have a little less to learn." Spoiler: Retired Hide I don't feel like I can really convey it IC, but Corvus is afraid of being influenced by the powers that are and a private chat with someone with so many titles has him on edge. He doesn't want to really convey that King Hallmark is teaching him how to rule his own nation and that's just a subtext that he needs to avoid. A future meeting would be great. As for Trade Posts, not just yet, please. And for Quartz... that only really affects Lenses, which I have now... So it's good, but what would really be great is Paper or Papyrus or Books. Iranians will definitely be needing those now that they have a Printing Press. Roshan Delegation"Of course, of course. If you'll come with me,"King Corvus says as he steps down from the throne and leads them personally through the door on his left, with only the younger adviser following. The group is lead through some wooden halls and eventually to a small office. There's a small shelf with cross-sections of model ships and a few dusty tomes on wood carving techniques. The chairs are of padded leather, dyed a dark red that seemed to go with the rosy tone of the wooden room. The King sits in one of the six chairs surrounding the circular table and gestures for the others to do likewise. The large, bearded bodyguard follows suit, sitting to the King's left." I hope this room is private enough..." Spoiler: Trade Response Hide Iron for Medicinal Herbs, Agreed. Anything private can be said through PMs, or here if you insist. Originally Posted by Minty Ninja Coercion Delegation "To Markus!" Corvus says with an edge of pride in his voice. He grins a bit overmuch and his voice is a little louder than needed, but no one in the room can really begrudge the man who's newly a father. When the topic of the Western lands arises, Corvus replies, "Little and less, I'm afraid. Our introduction to the world at large, has come from a very out of date library. The latest pages I could decipher mention the rise of a Demon Dynamic, if that even makes any sense." "A Northern tale, mostly fictional I believe. In any event, largely irrelevant to matters in this sphere of the world. But do not fear your lack of knowledge, we of Palms Garcia have only in the latest generation become more than a regional power scraping by and the Far West, despite hosting our soldiers, is a mystery to us as well. I was simply curious whether your proximity had lent you any insight on the matter." "You see, we of the Consortium are always on the lookout for knowledgeable sorts with a knack for leadership, a knack I'd dare wager you possess. And given your location geographically, well,"Conrad paused,"Do keep in mind that the Consortium is generous in wealth both land and coin to those who are loyal friends. A trait shared by the entirety of the Salter Imperium, my own nation's great and kindly liege-lord." The Councilor let the unspoken offer hang in the air a moment." But we discuss politics too long and dull the festivity of this day. Allow us to take our part, should the Lord Protector have no more to say?"" Nothing but to thank you, King Corvus for your hospitality and invitation,"NAO said, with a genuine smile." A sentiment I shall echo, thank you Your Majesty, for allowing ours to stay. May the wind ride at your back forevermore." The Councilor bowed and the Lord Protector nodded a respectful depth and the Coercion delegation made to depart the King. Coercion Delegation At the unspoken offer, King Corvus smiles warmly but shakes his head. Romania was still new to the world, and he needed to ensure that he knew more about said world before making such a decision. As their guests turned to leave, Corvus replied,"And may the seas see you safely home." Spoiler Hide Thanks for coming out. Feel free to RP among the other delegations as you wish. Try not to kill anyone, nor get killed. That'd be a bummer. Originally Posted by Minty Ninja Delegates from the Kingdom of the Carmine Sea "Certainly, but I fear it may simply become a lesson taught from a wiser King to a newer one," King Corvus replied with a smile. There was much that he could learn from this man, and his fellow delegates, but it was entirely possible for him to cross some unknown line by accident, and he had to be careful. "With respect to you, King Hallmark, perhaps we should make plans to meet again in the future, when I have a little less to learn." Spoiler: Retired Hide I don't feel like I can really convey it IC, but Corvus is afraid of being influenced by the powers that are and a private chat with someone with so many titles has him on edge. He doesn't want to really convey that King Hallmark is teaching him how to rule his own nation and that's just a subtext that he needs to avoid. A future meeting would be great. As for Trade Posts, not just yet, please. And for Quartz... that only really affects Lenses, which I have now... So it's good, but what would really be great is Paper or Papyrus or Books. Iranians will definitely be needing those now that they have a Printing Press. "As you wish, your highness. It is not often I have the opportunity to speak with a fellow sovereign in person, and especially not one broadly yet to be..." he waved a hand towards the outside world- "influenced by matters of international politics. I should look forward to a conversation at a later date." Spoiler Hide That's fine. I have Papyrus, but I'm at 6/6 for trading, although a trading-post for it wouldn't be impossible. Unfortunately most of my resources are spoken for. The man on the throne stood and said,"I am Corvus Caine, First King of Romania. I welcome you my home, and wish you find comfort and peace." Saipan knelt and gently laid his rose on the floor in front of him. With a practiced smile he said,“New Crime gladly accepts your welcome and good wishes. When the Good Tyrant heard your nation was at last prepared to enter the world stage she was much pleased. It is my mission to offer you a hand in friendship.” One of the Blood knight's entourage stepped forward and placed a large embroidered leather both bag into Saipan's hands. He then held it up and forward toward the King. This! This is Airbag! On a base level it is our native liquor, but its cultural significance is great. Airbag refreshes and sparkles softly on the tongue. The taste is slightly sour, but quite agreeable to the strong spirited. It offers many benefits to the body's good health. All of these things are meaningless next to its power to bind people in common fellowship! For Airbag is never to be imbibed alone. A bowl is poured and passed around the room to the lips of each member of the family and each honored guest. The bowl is passed until empty. In times of plenty and celebration the bowl is filled again. The Good Tyrant regrets that she could not be here to share a bowl with you and yours, but as a member of her most loyal and decorated legion, she has sent me as her proxy. Will you share Airbag with the Tyrant oh King? Might our nations be bound by fellowship as mutual stewards of The Seas?” Spoiler: Secrets Hide, Thanks! I'm glad to hear people like the drawings! Even though I don't have the actions to spend on accomplishing any crunch, the Tyrant is trying to spread legitimacy and influence whenever and however she can, so she wanted to at least make a show of good faith. Sorry for taking so long to get out this reply. Delegates from the Kingdom of the Carmine Sea"Your patience is much appreciated, King Hallmark,"Corvus responds." If I may be so honest, I feel barely a King at all and find myself referring to my life as a Captain for guidance. And although there are many different forms and practices between Captains, I do not think my methods much different than the next man." There was a round of polite laughter and a few disbelieving remarks tossed around in good faith after that. Although King Corvus may declare that he's no more than a Captain to a foreign King with many titles, his people believe him to be the best possible Captain Romania has to offer. Bloodknight of New Crimes the fancy knight made his purpose clear, the elder adviser coughed lightly into his fist. King Corvus caught the old man's eye, but no words were exchanged. Instead, the King stepped down from his raised throne and said, "In honor of the seas that connect us all, let us drink." He takes the bowl when offered and has a generous gulp before passing it back to the knight. Saipan took a drink in his turn and passed it to the Cree folk on either side of him, who each took a drink in their turn. With one final draft remaining the Crimean soldier waited for an indication as to whom should receive the bowel next among those gathered in the hall. Blood knight of New Remaking Corvus beckons his younger adviser to partake in the ritual and explains,"Drake Nash eel, my second in command since before I became King. If any Captain feels they're more deserving to drink from the bowl, speak quickly." The silence in the room was broken only by the sound of scratching pens and quiet gulping as the man with the ferocious beard drank beside his king. He passed the bowl back to the knight with a quiet word of thanks and resumed his post beside the throne." Saikhan, I bid you and yours welcome here in Romania. May you return home with only joyous stories to tell and may the truth behind them be enough. Thank you for coming to our Island."

[EMPIRE!] The Hundred Seas Conference|rating:4.0

For the Love of Lingerie

(WARNING: THIS IS A FEMINIZATION AND CROSSDRESSING STORY. READ NO FURTHER IF YOU ARE OFFENDED OR TURNED OFF BY THIS TOPIC.) Joey was at the Dare Wear Boutique Store, again. It was the fourth time in two weeks. The first time he had stepped into this store was two weeks ago with his girlfriend, Elle Markowitz. Elle is a 19-year-old very cute petite brunette, tan complexion, about 5'6" tall, with small breasts and curly hair down to her thin waist. Joey is also 19 years old and only half an inch taller. He was also tan and skinny and had shoulder-length hair. Elle normally dated big muscle jocks, but all thirteen of her past jock boyfriends had disappointed her. With Joey, she was giving the short and skinny, quiet, sensitive guy a try. She liked that he had virtually no experience, because, she could take the lead, and make him do anything she asked. Joey had only been with one girl before Elle, her name was Becky. The two times he fucked Becky, they both got completely naked to fuck. But, Elle had stripped down to her matching pink g-string, garter belt and silky stockings. Joey was stunned by both the beauty of Elle and the beauty of her lingerie! He was instantly hooked on lingerie! It seemed to him that a girl in lingerie looked a lot more erotic than if she were totally nude. There was something about garter belts and stockings that revved Joey's engine like nothing else had ever done before. When Elle's soft silky stockings made contact with his skin, the contact made his skin tingle. It was the most sensual feeling he had ever felt on his skin. Elle brought Joey to the store two weeks ago, because, she wanted to buy bondage rope. Elle was very experienced in kinky sex and wanted to introduce Joey to bondage. When Joey entered the store, he felt embarrassed and intrigued at the same time. There were mostly girls in the store and many of them were trying on stripper or dominatrix outfits. Joey was intimidated by them, but, he was enraptured by all the lingerie and sexy outfits in the store! While Ella looked at the bondage section, Joey explored the legging section that had stockings and pantyhose. Joey thought these were the sexiest things in the planet, specially, the fishnet tights with glitter! A store clerk asked him if he wanted to try on something. Joey was confused for a few seconds, because, there were no guy clothes in that area for him to try on. Then, he realized that the clerk mistook him for a crossdresser! He felt his face turn hot and beat red with embarrassment and he said nervously, "Um, I'm not looking for me! It's for my girlfriend! She is over there." and he pointed at her. The store clerk said to him, "Oh, okay." She winked at him and left him alone. Something had brought him back to the store, alone, three times after that. Each time, he felt obligated to buy something to justify his visit to the store. He bought condoms, lubrication, a tiny pocket clit vibrator and black fishnet stockings with glitter. "It's for my girlfriend." He said when he was checking out, even though no one asked him anything. He was going to see Elle that night at her dorm room, because her roommate had gone home for the weekend. Furthermore, he was going to ask Elle to wear the fishnet stockings. Furthermore, he also planned to make her cum with the clit massager. Furthermore, he had only recently learned that it was the easiest way to make a girl cum. Becky had lost interest in him after fucking twice, because, he didn't have a clue how to make her cum. He did not want to make the same mistake with Elle. Elle was finishing cleaning up before Joey arrived for the evening. With her roommate Teresa again gone for the weekend she was hoping Joey would stay for the evening. There was little chance he would not. Elle and Joey had been dating for several months now. They had met in sociology class when stuck on a project together. At the time Elle was dating some rich frat boy for about two weeks. He was number thirteen on the men/boys she had dated in her life. Each of the thirteen she had sex with, though there were several additional partners she had. She only counted boyfriends as having sex with more than once and had gone on dates more than three times. Elle had learned early in spite of a slow start, the pleasures of sex. She was good at sex, not just a partner, but actually good at sex. She was open to try things with her lovers. Some she liked and some not so much. Elle also had a number of kinks, which was in contrast to her innocent life outside the bedroom. Joey was number 14 for her, but different from the others. He was small, barely taller than herself. When she wore heels she was the taller, she admired Joey in that he did not seem to mind. His physical stature was small also, similar to her own. With his hair to his shoulders from behind it would be easy to mistake him for a girl. Elle had even thought of making him over as a girl, certain he would pass quite easily. She recalled, complaining once about her cheer uniform to Joey, the skimpy top and very short skirt. Joey's comment surprised her when he claimed he would wear it, though Elle laughed it off. Though Joey was different, he was thoughtful, kind, caring and liked things she did like shopping. Elle recalled a couple of weeks ago at the lingerie boutique, how as she looked for rope and bondage items, he wondered off. She saw him looking at the stockings and garters. Intentionally she took her time to allow him to linger. She picked up quickly on his enjoyment of lingerie. Six weeks into dating is when they first had sex in her apartment. She wanted to make it memorable for him and under her little dress wore lingerie, complete with stockings, garters attached to her bustier and matching little thong. As he laid on the bed, she undressed for him, even allowing him to snap a photo with his phone of her in only the lingerie. She loved the control she had over him that night. Though it was clear he was sexually naive, which allowed Elle to take control, sliding into bed, she moved atop him. She teased him with the stockings upon her legs, teasing his thighs, rubbing her bustier clad breasts upon his chest. She noticed his reaction to the sensation. His patience and joy at that moment. Unlike most of her lovers who simply wanted to fuck her, Joey was different in that he seemed to take pleasure in the buildup, much as she had. Eventually straddled him and rode him after sliding her g-string aside. He came quickly inside her, before she was even close, though she smiled down to him, then leaned in and kissed him. Thinking back to herself, how long it was before she held Joey's hand, the first kiss, his first touch of her breasts over her clothing. It seemed each step she was pushing for. Sex with Joey was ok, though it was everything else about him, she liked, at times he was almost like a best friend, a best girlfriend.Elle dressed for the night She finished up the last few things, put a pizza on and waited for Joey. Joey knocked on Elle's door. He had a little bag with the fishnet stockings and clit vibrator he had bought for Elle. Elle opened the door wearing her skin tight shiny satin blue dress. Joey could not believe his eyes! This was his girlfriend? He stood there stunned, asking himself, 'She's a thousand leagues above me. What is she doing with me?' Then, his thoughts shifted to wondering What it was like to be Elle?... to be a hot girl that could date any guy she wanted? And, how did it feel to be in that skin tight silky dress? The material looked so slippery. It must feel amazing to wear such silky fabric that tightly hugs your body! Elle said, "Well, are you just going to stand there the rest of the night staring at me?" Joey said, "Um, no, I, um, just can't believe how pretty you look!" Elle smiled and said, "Well, thank you! That is so sweet! Come in, Joey. I'm not going to bite you, not yet, anyway." Joey kissed her on the lips. It was such a soft kiss that she barely felt it. If this dress could talk! Elle had worn it for each of her last five lovers and each one of them had reacted virtually the same way: They picked her, carried her to the bedroom, dropped her on the bed, spread her legs wide open, and shoved their cocks deep in her cunt! It was her fuck-me-hard-and-deep dress! Joey was the only boy not to have React that way. He was too timid. He never initiated sex. She had to initiate sex, or it would not happen. She thought, 'Well, Joey is a sweet, sensitive, shy boy. That is better than a horny rough jock that just wants to stick his cock inside me, right?' She tried to convince herself that a sweet sensitive boy was better than the sexually aggressive and rough jock. She wondered if, maybe, it was a mistake putting on this dress for Joey. Three minutes had passed since she opened the door, and he was still standing there with a stupid stunned look on his face! She asked him, "So Joey, do you like this dress? If not, I can take it off. But, I only have a g-string underneath." She giggled. Joey tried to regain his composure. "Sorry Elle, I don't mean to act weird. It is a very pretty dress! You look amazing!" Elle asked him, "What do you have in that bag, Joey?" Without waiting for a reply, she reached in the bag and pulled out the fishnet stockings and clit vibrator. Elle pretended to get serious and asked him, "Do you really want me to wear these trashy fishnet stockings, Joey? You want me to look like a hooker? I'm not a hooker, Joey!" Joey suddenly felt embarrassed and ashamed. He said nervously, "Sorry, Elle! I'm so sorry! I don't know what I was thinking!" Then, she burst out laughing, "I'm only kidding, Joey! Of course, I'll wear them for you! I'm going to look so slutty in this dress and fishnet stockings! But, that is the whole point, though. I want to look sexy for you!" Joey let out a sigh of relief and said, "Oh, you got me. That was funny! " He tried to laugh, but, it was a fake laugh. He was feeling stupid. For Elle, preparing for the date was part of the foreplay which started in the morning, lingering as she showered and applied her makeup, did her hair and perfume. Every action prior to meeting her man was in preparation for the date, a date she hoped she would have sex before the end of the night. She decided between several outfits, picking the tight blue club dress. It had worked each of the 5 times she wore it. Three times her dates arrived to pick her up and within minutes she was on her backs tripped and being fucked. One date, she made it to the apartment elevator where her date picker her up pinning her into a corner, ripping her tiny thong from her and fucked her. The other she made it all the way to the bar, before he took her and fucked her in the public restroom. All five came quickly, four of them fucked her multiple times, though none was concerned if she had enjoyed it. Tonight she figured it would be different, with Joey. She heard the knock, and she answered quickly, opening the door allowing him to gaze at her before she spoke." Come in silly . You are my boyfriend after all. Right?" She smiled seeing him holding a bag, though she did not ask. She mentioned the pizza would be done shortly, and eventually she grabbed him and pulled him into the apartment, locking the door after he entered. She at times wondered why him, she had had better looking, more fit, richer boyfriends. Why Joey, who seemed to make her happiest. Maybe it was how he looked at her, enjoying her blue dress, yet not taking it is an invitation to instantly have sex with her. No he admired her feminine things, he knew the difference in the perfumes she wore, the different fabrics of what she wore, he would even paint her nails. Joey was sweet. Plus they liked many of the same things, such as shopping for clothes. He would take time to admire the feeling of the slick blue dress she wore. She loved that about him. He would admire her little g-string, before it was removed.Finally, she asked what was in the bag, and he pulled out the fishnet glitter stockings and vibrator. Both were a bit forward for the timid Joey, though he was making progress. She at first teased him about wanting her to wear the stockings. Then she added." You know Joey . It is a turn on to me, to dress to please my lover . Knowing they have picked it out . That wearing it will turn them on." She moved, honestly yet still seductively. "Of course." At that moment the buzzer for the pizza sounded off." I will tell you what Joey ... after dinner . I will we the stockings . But only if you put them on my legs. Then you can do as you please with me . I have my room set up with the rope I bought a few weeks ago . You can tie me to the bed ... use that VIB on me . Fuck me . Whatever you like to me . But not till after the pizza . Ok." Elle took the gifts setting the stockings on the table where the couple would eat dinner. Knowing the entire time the items would tease her lover. Though as she set the stockings down, she noticed the stockings where not out of the package fresh. As stockings unworn, tend to look quite small and tight. These were stretched a bit. She looked back at Joey, putting things together, it was not the first time she had this thought. Turning to him, she was taller in her heels than Joey was, she looked down at him. "Have a seat Joey, I will get the pizza . What would you like to drink, water, soda, wine or a beer." As Elle walked to the kitchen, her steps crossed, knowing doing so would make her ass sway as she moved. Joey could hardly believe his luck! He pinched himself a few times to make sure this was real. Everything was almost perfect, and he was probably going to have incredible sex right after the pizza! Although, he worried if he could get it up after masturbating and coming twice just a few hours earlier. At his young age, he should be able to cum three times in one day, right? He hoped so. There was just one thing troubling Joey. He felt confused and ashamed about something that had happened earlier in the day.------ Flashback ------When he came back to his dorm room after his visit to the Dare Wear Boutique store, he had taken out the fishnet stockings out just to look at them. It all started quite innocently, but, it got weird very quickly. He merely pulled them out of the bag and stretched them on his bed to look at them. He touched them softly and felt his dick get hard. Furthermore, he imagined Elle wearing the fishnets and got so horny he couldn't think straight. Then, he put his hand into the fishnets and touched his legs with the fishnets. He thought about how the fishnets would feel on his skin when he was having sex with Elle, and she had them on. They felt nice on Joey's leg! But, suddenly, he was curious about how they would feel if HE wore them! It was not the first time he had wondered what it would feel like to wear women's clothes, but, he had never actually done it. Women's clothes are so soft, sexy and sensual, the itch to try them on had been growing steadily for a while, especially because Elle wore such cute and sexy outfits. But, Joey had resisted the urge to scratch this itch, until now. He wondered if it would, it be gay for him to try on fishnet stockings, just one time? Although Joey considered himself short, small and a bit inadequate as a man, he thought of himself as straight, and he did not want to do something 'gay'. He was confused about why his urge to try on fishnet stockings was pulling at him so hard. Finally, he convinced himself that it was just a harmless curiosity, and he needed to get it out of his system. He was going to try it! It was not a big deal! So, he removed his socks and shoes! He put the fishnet stockings on very slowly, careful not to tear them anywhere. The experience was more than he had anticipated! It felt naughty, but, extremely sensual and erotic! Joey got the urge to remove all his clothes, except only for the fishnet stockings. When he was naked, with nothing on, except for the fishnets, Joey went to look at himself in the big mirror that was in his bedroom. He looked in the mirror and realized that his skinny legs in fishnets could pass for the legs of a girl. It was weird to think this way, but, he experienced a rush of excitement from this odd thought! He felt a strong urge to put on a skirt or dress to see if his whole body could pass for a girl's body. But, he did not have a skirt or dress. He got creative and used a blue towel to wrap around him like a strapless dress. He looked in the mirror and was stunned! Furthermore, he could definitely pass for a girl! And, a pretty hot one at that! He did not understand why this turned him on so much, but it sure did! He felt so sexy! Furthermore, he played with his legs, crossing them and uncrossing them. The sound and the tact of the fishnet stockings was magical! He posed in front of the mirror in sexy girl poses and he masturbated. He came twice! His orgasms were very intense, even stronger than when he had sex with Elle! It was hard to comprehend this! The first time he came, his cum shot out his dick so hard, it hit the mirror, and he saw the mirror shake!------ End of flashback ------"Joey, are you listening?" Elle asked him. Joey had been lost in his thoughts about his first ever crossdressing experience and was not paying attention to Elle." Sorry, what?" He asked her. She said, "I asked you if you would, you like to drink, water, soda, wine or a beer." He tried to sound masculine and answered, "Um, give me a beer." Elle walked to the kitchen in her apartment, taking a couple cans of beer out and pouring hers into a class. Returning to the table, she saw Joey, looking a bit out of it. She instantly worried if he was breaking up with her. She liked Joey, though the voices of her friends and other guys, quizzing her on what it was about him, she liked. For the moment she thought, she was not quite sure what it was. Setting the glass of beer on the table in front of him, she placed hers not far from the stockings. She said noting and retrieved the pizza and some napkins and returned to the table. The echo from her heels with every step filling the apartment. She had become used to the sound herself and though little of it." Here it is . Chef Elle presents you . Slightly burnt pizza . A pepperoni and sausage." She smiled at him though Joey seemed deep in thought. Before sitting down, she tugged the hem of her dress down slightly, as much as she could without exposing more of her top. Though she knew as tight as the does was the fabric was not moving much, and the action was more for her peace of mind than anything else. "Hope you like and Joey thanks for the gift . Well gifts . I think we will have fun tonight . Don't you." She waited a moment and then added." Hey Joey are you ok . Did I do something wrong" Elle asked with worry in her voice? In spite of how she presented herself as a strong young woman, Elle had much self-doubt. She wondered if she had said or done something wrong. Had she pushed the relationship too quickly for him . Maybe too slow . Did he not like her look . Did he think poorly of her for assuming sex was on the menu? She had learned, tho guys like girls who can be easy . Guys do not like easy girls for more than a short time.Elle in her own thoughts As she took a sip of her beer, she looked at him, her mind moving a thousand miles an hour. The stockings in her view, she looked back to him, wondering, thinking how much he liked the sensation of her lingerie against him. How he preferred even in sex she wore things, her bra, her panties slid aside as the two had sex. How her stocking clad thigh against his bare thigh and cock would get him excited. How one time she got him off by doing just that, her high clad in a stocking and garter got Joey to explode in an orgasm. How at times as the two made love her hands would grope his chest, much as she liked her own groped. For a moment she wondered what he would look like dressed . Like her . He was not manly, maybe boyish at best. Then she thought she could do that . Though he would never like it." Hey are you going to eat . It is not that bad ..." Joey said to Elle, "Sorry Elle. You've done nothing wrong at all. I guess I'm just thinking about stupid stuff. Sorry." Looking at Elle, he said to her, "You look incredible! It is hard for me to believe that you are my girlfriend. I am so intimidated by you, even after we've made love multiple times. People must wonder if I am using some kind of black love spell or love potion on you. I'm just a small shy nerdy guy. Guys like me don't have hot girlfriends like you." She smiled at him and said, "Well, because a lot of attractive girls are superficial. But, I am not like that. At, least not anymore. I try to look past all the superficial stuff and see a person's true value. I like you Joey, I really do. You should not be intimidated by me." Joey blushed and smiled. He said, "Maybe there is a witch somewhere that took pity on me, and did me a favor by casting a love spell on you." They both chuckled. Then, he asked her, "Can I ask you a weird question?" She nodded and said, "Sure Joey, anything." He asked, "I'm just curious. What is it like to be a stunningly beautiful woman? You can date anyone you want, and you have dated the most popular boys in town. You can make any guy melt by just starring at him. Furthermore, you get attention and compliments everywhere you go. What is it like to be you? And, what is it like to wear cute sexy outfits and lingerie? They become a lethal weapon on your body! Do you stare in the mirror for long periods of time just feeling in love with yourself?" Before she could answer him, he realized how weird that all came out, and he said, "I'm sorry, Elle. I don't mean to get all weird on you. It's just that I've never liked my body much, and, I'm curious about what it is like to love your own body. You were blessed with the body of a beautiful sex goddess. What is that like?" Elle finished her first piece of pizza and took a large sip of her beer there was a lot to digest in what Joey was telling her." Well Joey, I am no psych major, but let me give you my two cents on this. I like you ... why . You are sweet caring, you love shopping with me. You seem to appreciate me. I have been open about my other boyfriends with you. When we are out on dates, I notice guys looking at me wondering, but I really don't care. I am enjoying my time with you Joey. Who is the only guy sharing dinner in my apartment . With me .just the two of us . Me dressed to . In my blue dress ... hiding little of my body from anyone taking a peak. I notice you look, but you see me different . Almost like a piece of art to be appreciated . I like that. To you, I am more than a reason to masturbate to . Or date and fuck. What is not to like about that? Heck you even know the difference between a g-string or thong . You know what BOI shorts are. I like that you care enough to know those things."Elle took another sip of her beer." I will be honest what it feels like to me . And please don't take it as stuck up or bitchy. I was not always the cute girl . I was quite geeky in junior high, the summer of my sophomore year, my older brothers girlfriend offered to give me a makeover. All summer long, she worked with me, to appreciate the feminine things I had . My potential. That first day back to school in the fall, I tried out for the cheer team and made it before school started. So the first day the girls on the cheer team had to wear our uniforms . A tight cropped top and OMG . My skirt was so short. With my hair and makeup done to perfection I went to school. For the first time in my life people noticed me. People who I had been in several classes paid attention to me. That was a change for me. I went home thinking I was dreaming. The next day I wore a skirt with heels and a blouse. The captain of the football team a senior asks me out. I said no . I . Furthermore, I couldn't. Furthermore, I did not believe in myself yet or believe that I was actually attractive. Furthermore, I see my faults. Furthermore, I am petite, have a flat chest, not curvy. Furthermore, I do look at myself in the mirror, I see my flaws. My left breast is a bit bigger than my right. When I smile I have a dimple on my left cheek and not the right. As much as I tried, I was never athletic or good at sports. I can tumble enough to make the cheer team, but I am not even close to being one of the best." Elle sits and takes another piece of pizza." Joey I am happy bing me . In spite of all the issues I have. I have learned to accept who I am . Be what I am. Not everyone likes me, some think because I am pretty I am a bitch . Or a slut . That is far from true . Though I do like sex as you know. I am not saying that to be a master . Like I said . I love who I am . I embrace it. Does any of that make sense. It's not easy being a girl . Putting yourself out there every day to be judged by others only by ones looks."" Embrace who you are Joey . " I look at the stocking on the table, then lean forward and kiss his lips. Joey could not imagine that Elle was ever geeky. He tried to picture her transformation from geeky Elle to hot Elle. He said to her, "I just can't picture you being geeky. I wish I could go through a transformation like that." Suddenly, Joey imagined himself in a cropped top, mini skirt and high heels. He felt it necessary to corrected himself, "Well, not exactly like that, you know not with a tight cropped top and mini skirt." He sighed, it's so much harder for boys, "I would need to grow about foot taller, double the size of my small penis, and gain about 30 pounds of solid muscle." Elle said, "Embrace who you are Joey . " And kissed him on the lips. Joey closed his eyes and tried to savor the kiss. It was like being kissed by an angel! "More kisses, please!" He said softly. Elle giggled and obliged. They kissed on the lips and Joey wanted to escalate, and take Elle to bed, but, he was so nervous and afraid of rejection. Elle got a little frustrated at how slow Joey was to escalate, but, she tried to be patient with him. She could take the lead, but, that would not help Joey very much in the long run. Finally, after and extended period of G-rated kisses, he gathered the courage to put his tongue in her mouth, and she welcomed it with French kisses. Joey gathered some more courage and put his hands on her waist. Her dress felt so soft and smooth. He wanted to feel its texture on his own skin. He removed his shirt and hugged her tight while they continued to make out. The soft texture of her clothes rubbing on his skin felt so erotic on his skin! He felt himself get hard. Elle started to pull him towards the bedroom. But, he said, "Just a second" and he grabbed the fishnet stockings and the clit vibrator. They went to Elle's bedroom and Elle lied down in her bed. Joey walked to the edge of the bed. He gently and tenderly took her legs, removed her shoes, and rolled up the stockings on each of her legs. He was very turned on doing this and had flashbacks of rolling them up his own legs earlier in the day. The thought of this was almost enough to push him over the edge. Elle looks at him with amusement. She was amused to watch him take such delight in rolling up the fishnet stockings on her legs. For a minute, he seemed like he was about to cum in his pants. But, luckily for them both, he managed to avoid this disaster. Joey pulled her Elle's panties off very slowly. He said to her, "I know I'm on the small side and I can't make you cum by penetration alone. The lady at the store told me this clit vibrator was the surest way to make you cum." He got the clit vibrator started, but, he seemed a little confused about how to use it. He asked her, "Do I just hold it over your clit or do I rub it up and down your clit?" Houston said: Joey could not imagine that Elle was ever geeky. He tried to picture her transformation from geeky Elle to hot Elle. He said to her, "I just can't picture you being geeky. I wish I could go through a transformation like that." Suddenly, Joey imagined himself in a cropped top, mini skirt and high heels. He felt it necessary to corrected himself, "Well, not exactly like that, you know not with a tight cropped top and mini skirt." Click to expand... Elle smiled hearing him say this, she had thought in the past he would make a cute girl but had never brought it up even playfully as Joey already struggled with his manliness. Houston said: He sighed, it's so much harder for boys, "I would need to grow about foot taller, double the size of my small penis, and gain about 30 pounds of solid muscle." Click to expand... Though with his logical explanation she decided to playfully respond." Really most muscle-bound men, have little pricks . Did you know that . Those type of men often makeup for what they lack between their legs by overcompensating with working out and trying to be better men. Joey I like you as you are . You are so much better than other men I have dated. Plus . To be honest . I think you are the only one who could pull off a tiny drop top and mini skirt." With the pizza near gone, she kissed him, she enjoyed his touch of her dress, as if he appreciated how she dressed, not simply for the purpose of removing her dress. She knew he would move slowly, the kisses innocent pecks even on the lips, his hand settling on her hip, she knew he would not grab her ass without her urging. She was surprised when she felt his tongue, and she willingly accepted. Returning the kiss to his, soon tonguing him herself. He took much longer than most and would need guidance as he would not ask her to go to the bedroom." Come with me." She whispered, then he stopped to gather the stockings and clit VIB he had purchased. Elle was already wet with excitement, her nipples even present in the tight dress. Soon the young lovers were in the bedroom. The kissing resumed, then she broke the kiss off. She felt powerful over Joey, she always had. Soon he was rolling the stockings up to pull upon her legs. She loved stockings and the feel always made her feel sexy if not a bit slutty. She watched as he rolled the stocking up then slowly pulling it over her foot and up her leg, unrolling until the first reached her upper thigh. Then the next, all seducing her deeper and deeper. She admired his ability to do so, maybe this should have confirmed her thoughts that Joey had indeed tried the stockings. She thought of taking her now stocking clad food and rubbing his crotch, though feared it would be only seconds before he came in his pants. Elle herself could feel her panties soaked as he gently moved his hands under her dress and gently removed the wet panties. Elle laid back on the bed, her hands close to the rope over her head as if inviting him to tie her up first. Houston said: Joey pulled her Elle's panties off very slowly. He said to her, "I know I'm on the small side and I can't make you cum by penetration alone. The lady at the store told me this clit vibrator was the surest way to make you cum." He got the clit vibrator started, but, he seemed a little confused about how to use it. He asked her, "Do I just hold it over your clit or do I rub it up and down your clit?" Click to expand... "Joey I love your cock." Elle cooed as she laid her legs parted so slightly. "I have never had VIB like that before, but since it is a clit vibe, I would suggest, teasing my lips and then part my lips and tease my city ... but first joey tie up my wrists . So I cannot resist ... then use that on me . But never too deep . Make me come . Then get me on edge to orgasm again . Then take your cock and then give my pussy what it wants . Take your cock and fuck me ... please." Elle had a submissive side, and was not certain Joey would comply. Justmethatswho said: "Joey I like you as you are . You are so much better than other men I have dated. Plus . To be honest . I think you are the only one who could pull off a tiny drop top and mini skirt." Click to expand... Joey felt his dick move at hearing Elle say he could pull off wearing a tiny top and mini skirt. The way she said it sounded like a compliment. He wondered if Elle would be cool if he came out to her about his odd itch to crossdress. Maybe she would understand him? She had been through her own transformation that made her feel beautiful and sexy, and, he just wanted to experience that same euphoria. He had already experienced a little taste of it with stockings. But, that had just whetted his appetite for more. If only he could try a complete transformation with Elle's help, he knew he would be heaven! But, what if Elle was spooked or turned off WTH his desire to crossdress? He could lose her! Joey decided to not say anything for now. It was safer to stay in the closet. Justmethatswho said: "Joey I love your cock." Elle cooed as she laid her legs parted so slightly. "I have never had VIB like that before, but since it is a clit vibe, I would suggest, teasing my lips and then part my lips and tease my city ... but first joey tie up my wrists . So I cannot resist ... then use that on me . But never too deep . Make me come . Then get me on edge to orgasm again . Then take your cock and then give my pussy what it wants . Take your cock and fuck me ... please." Click to expand... Joey wanted to please Elle. He grabbed the rope and tied one end to the closest leg of the bed. He tied the other end to her wrists. Furthermore, he took his time as he did not want to make it too tight as to hurt her, but, neither did he want it to be too loose so she could easily escape. After tying Elle with the careful diligence of a boy scout, he looked at her and took it all in. God, she was so hot! Joey wished he had a big dick to fuck her real good. He knew she would have liked that. Well, if he couldn't fuck her, he would have to make love to her. He got on top of her and kissed her on the lips for a few seconds and then wanted to move down to suck her nipples. But, her dress was too tight. He moved all the way down until his face was within an inch of her beautiful shaved pussy! He spread her legs and was delighted to see how moist her pussy was already! She said she wanted to be teased, so, he started kissing and licking her legs and her belly about five inches from the pussy. He would slowly work towards the center. She moaned softly and this encouraged him. He turned the vibrator on at slow speed and put it about two inches above her clit. Elle was moaning a little more and biting her lip. Joey took his time getting closer to the center, and then, he flicked his tongue on the lower part of her clit and flicked the vibrator on the upper part of her clit. He knew the tension was building up in her. Elle picked up on Joey's reactions about wearing a little skirt and crop top. She looked to him thinking he would be cute . Maybe even passable in a skirt and crop top. She watched his reaction, noticing just the mention seemed to turn him on more and more. Elle felt the ropes tight non her ankle and wrists, the ropes firm, not blood stopping tight, yet clearly nothing she was slipping free of. She looked to him, wondering if he understood the control he had over her. Would he fully realize this and take advantage of her, others had when Elle was in this situation before? She shook her head to rid her mind of the thought of that night with a former boyfriend who let his friends use her as payback. Elle was now at the mercy of her lover . Her boyfriend. Though he was different as most men would simply fuck her. Tonight Joey was going to please her, tease her . Maybe take some control. She felt his hand touching her through the dress, he seemed to enjoy the touch, not just of her, but of the dress. She parted her legs, only to be reminded of her bindings. Still Joey was soon had his head between her legs, she was hot and wet, she hoped he soon found out. Elle kept her pussy clean and shaven, even so, joey was the only man to willingly go down on her. Though he teased, she could feel his each breath." Kiss me Joey." She teased from afar. The sound of the VIB turning on, caused her heart to race. "Oh Joey . I am lucky to have a guy like you." She egged him on, as most men had little time to satisfy a woman. Even with Elle now desperate, Joey paced himself, first his tongue parted her lips to taste her sweet nectar. Then the vibrator without warning hit her upper clit. Elle arched her back and let out a moan. Sex was already better at this moment than most other men had even come close to. Joey was determined to make Elle cum this time. Although they had had sex about six times, she had not cummed once. He had tried all the positions that were recommended for guys with small dicks, but, none of theme knew his dick could not accomplish the task, so, he was determined to eat her out while the vibrator teased her clit to orgasm. He had been reading, 'She Comes First: The Thinking Man's Guide to Pleasuring a Woman' by Ian Kernel. It was a book written by an impotent man about making a woman cum by eating her out and stimulating her clit. Joey was not impotent, but, what good is a dick, if it is barely four inches long? At least he gets pleasure out of it. Joey spread Ell's pussy lips wide and alternated between flicking is tongue on Elle's clit, exploring its crooks and crannies, and stimulating her with the vibrator. He had increased the power level on it and it was a surprisingly powerful. Joey wondered what was the biggest cock that Elle had taken. It was a strange thing to ponder. He wondered what it must feel like to get pounded by a big fat cock. It probably hurts like hell at first, but later, it probably feels perfect. In all the porno videos, the girls taking big cock moaned out loud in pleasure. Joey wondered if he could magically switch genders for a day and experience sex from the point of view of a woman, would he do it? Why not? As long as nobody knew about it. Elle started to moan, "Oh yes! Joey, fuck me! Get inside me!" Joey thought to himself, 'She says this out of habit, because, she is used to guys with big dicks. But, I've already seen the look of disappointment on her face, the first time we had sex. She tried to hide it, but, it was impossible not to notice. And, the first time she was on top, she asked me to push all the way inside her when I was already all the way inside her.' Joey said to Elle, "No baby, I'm too hungry for your cunt to stop eating you." While he continued eating her, he shoved two and then three fingers inside her and spread them out to give her a full feeling. It was a shallow depth, but, he was stretching her. She moaned, and he started masturbating. Joey got faster and more aggressive with his lips and tongue pushing Elle to the edge and then letting go. She writhed in Stacy and frustration." You've done enough teasing, Joey, make me cum!" She said. But, he was not taking orders. Joey was determined to make Elle cum this time. Although they had had sex about six times, she had not cummed once. He had tried all the positions that were recommended for guys with small dicks, but, none of them seemed to make any difference. The first time he pushed his dick inside her, he noticed a look of disappointment in her. It was not deliberate. She lied and said he was a good lover and blamed herself for not coming, "I guess I had exams on my mind." He had come to accept that his small dick would not bring her to orgasm, so, he was determined to find an alternative. He had been reading, 'She Comes First: The Thinking Man's Guide to Pleasuring a Woman' by Ian Kernel. It was a book written by an impotent man about making a woman cum by eating her out and stimulating her clit. Joey was not impotent, but, a tiny dick was as good as being impotent. Joey spread Elle's pussy lips wide and alternated between flicking is tongue on Elle's clit while exploring all its crooks and crannies, and, stimulating her clit with the vibrator. He had increased the power level on it and it was a surprisingly powerful. Joey wondered what was the biggest cock that Elle had taken. It was a strange thing to ponder. Instead of making him feel insecure, it made him curious about what it felt for Elle to get pounded by a big fat cock. He imagined that the first big cock was probably painful as hell at first, but, once Elle's pussy adjusted to its size, she would love the feeling of being fucked deep and feeling her pussy full and stretched. In all the porno videos, the girls taking big cock moaned out loud in wild pleasure. Joey wondered if he could magically switch genders for a day to experience sex from the point of view of a girl, would he do it? Why not? Elle started to moan, "Oh yes! Joey, fuck me! Get inside me!" But, Joey knew that his dick would not get her off. He did not want to see that look of disappointment, again. Joey said to Elle, "No baby, I'm too hungry for your cunt to stop eating you." While he continued eating her, he shoved two and then three fingers inside her and spread them out to give her a full feeling. He could only reach a shallow depth with his fingers, but, he could push out her pussy tunnel to stretch her. She moaned, and, Joey started masturbating. Joey got faster and more aggressive with his lips and tongue pushing Elle to the edge and then letting go. She writhed in pleasure and frustration." You've done enough teasing, Joey, make me cum!" She said. He just gave her an evil grin. He wanted to continue to experiment with her body." Damn it Joey, make me cum! Stop fucking around!" She begged him. He put his lips around her clit and sucked it while twirling his tongue on her most sensitive spot. She whimpered, and her eyes rolled to the back of her head. She was so dripping wet that the bed looked like it had been peed on. Elle threatened, "Joey, don't fucking stop! Don't you dare Joey! If you stop, Joey, I swear to you, you're going to miss out on something special. I know what you really want Joey, and, I'm game for it, but, only if you make me cum, NOW!" Her words shocked Joey. Did she really know about his secret? But, how could she? Joey, stroked himself with the fantasy of Elle feminizing him! She would make him look pretty and sexy like her! This thought immediately brought him to the edge. He pushed his tongue inside Elle, and then, pressed his tongue hard up and down her clit until she exploded. He exploded too, still thinking about being feminized. They moaned, grunted and convulsed in wild ecstasy. Then, they collapsed on the bed holding hands. Elle couldn't believe Joey had made her cum so hard. The first time she felt his small dick inside her, she thought she would have to sacrifice good sex to be with him. Maybe she would get something on the side from one of her ex-lovers. But, wow, sex with Joey just now had been fantastic, Albert it different. Up to now, Elle thought great sex with guys consisted a big fat cock fucking her pussy deep and hard. It would rock her world and she would feel sore and walk a little funny for days. Joey was great, yet different. Suddenly, it reminded her of something. The first time Elle was at a college party, she talked to a pretty goth girl from her philosophy class, Morgan. They got drunk and ended up in bed together. Elle was not into girls. She had never been with a girl before Morgan, nor after Morgan. Yet, she had to admit that sex with Morgan had been terrific. Sex with Joey was very similar to sex with Morgan. Elle enjoyed, Joey's patience and willingness. Most men, would never go down on a girl. A couple had for Elle but only briefly and not very well. She figured most men were not willing to do so, even if they wanted women to suck their cocks. Though Joey was staying, teasing her to the edge, then holding back. She WS thinking he was good at this . Very fucking good. Elle tugged on her limbs, the bindings tight, even so her body road upon the vibrator and the tongue of her lover. Joey teased her, edging her so close, she finally begged for him to fuck her, even his small cock would cause her to cum she hoped. Though Joey seemed content with his mouth and VIB. Her mind wandered, to that first party at college, the girl Morgan, a total opposite of Elle. The girl was goth, with sleeves of tattoos on her arms and legs. She had warned a micro black skirt with lace, her bracelets were leather she even had a collar to match the bracelets. She wore fishnet stockings with black flat buckled boots. Her hair was frantic, dark as was her makeup. Not used to drinking Elle was very drunk, flirting, when Morgan approached, the two hit it off. By the end of the night, the petite pretty girl Elle, found herself in the bedroom or Morgan. The two kissed, Morgan was assertive, and soon Elle back on the bed, Morgan between her legs, an orgasm building as Elle had felt so good until the pending orgasm she was about to have. That was the only time Elle and Morgan had sex. Elle felt terrible after, she was not a lesbian she thought, was she. Though Joey, brought her back to that night. Could sex always be this good, maybe Joey would be the best of both worlds . Except for his tiny little cock. At only 4" how could that please her. Though girls say size does not matter, and that is true in most cases, though a man that uses his cock properly is hard to beat in bed. Elle felt his fingers, one, two three."oh fuck Joey . Make me cum ... please push me . Oh . Fuck . Yessss yeses reassess." She pulled on the bindings, her wrists and ankles ached as she writhed bound in the bed, her lover pushing her over the edge. Elle had just had the best orgasm she had ever had with a man . And this one did not involve a cock. She was spent as she enjoyed the aura of the fading orgasm. Joey gently untied her, the cuddled into her, he was now naked, she nudged her fishnet clad thigh into his groin teasing his little cockle."Oh, Joey! . That was fantastic ... that is the best orgasm I have ever had with a man." She kissed him, her thigh teasing his cockle until it was hard. "You like that, don't you . The feel of the stocking upon your little hard cock. Her little satin g-string was on the bed, she wondered what he would think if she asked him to put it on. Joey had already cummed twice today, first from jerking off alone while wearing the fishnets, and then, jerking off while going down on Elle. And now, he was getting rock hard again feeling Elle's thigh teasing his dick. She was still wearing the fishnet stockings, and she asked him if he liked the feel of the stocking on his little hard cock! He did not need to answer, his hard and happy dick said it all. She used the word "little". But, she did not say it like she was complaining about it. It seemed more like playful erotic humiliation. Oddly, it was a big turn on! He was getting very aroused quickly. He saw no harm in admitting it, "Yes, Elle, that feels perfect!" He wondered what she had in mind to do to him. Elle was surprised at Joey's resistance this evening, it was taking longer than she had thought. Still she rubbed her stocking clad thigh into his little cock. As she did her hand reached for her tiny satin g-string alongside of him, taking it in her hand she gently teased his thigh with it. She could tell he liked the sensation as she rubbed the little g-string on his thigh, her other hand touched his chest, then lightly tugged his nipple. As she did, she tweaked his nipple, her hand clad with the g-string was now stroking his little cock." Have I lost my touch . Or is your little dick let going to cum for me tonight." Her hand rubbed the stain on his small cock, her thigh clad in a stocking teased him as her nails gently teased his smooth chest." I want you to come for me baby . " She urged him on, feeling his small dick hard in her hand. "You want to come in my hand or my mouth Joey." She smiled, her lips wet. Joey was overwhelmed with excitement! He was being stimulated to the breaking point: Elle's fishnet clad thigh rubbing in his dick while she teased his thigh with a tiny satin g-string and tugged at his nipple! Then, she started stroking his dick with the g-string! Then, Elle called his dick a "little dick let". He had always been self-conscious about the diminutive size of dick. The insult should have stung him. It should have made him head for the door and never come back. Yet, it had a completely different effect on him. He loved Elle humiliating him! He wanted more of it! Furthermore, he wanted Elle to humiliate him and emasculate him! If only she would force him to wear her panties! It dawned on him that his greatest fantasy was for Elle to feminize him after emasculating him. Tear him down to build her up! She asked, "You want to come in my hand or my mouth Joey?" But, he was already too close to coming! He said, "Your mouth, Elle!" but come to her satin panties before she had time to oblige. He moaned like a girl, instead of grunting like a guy, "Oh, ah, uh yes! Oh, yes!" He moaned confessing that, "That satin material feels so good on my little dick let!" Elle had always enjoyed getting her lovers off, the moment gave her a certain sense of power over them. Though also seeing them find pleasure in her touch was fulfilling. It was obvious Joey was close, the stain gliding upon his cock was enough to push him over the edge. She wondered what he was thinking at the moment. Was he imagining sex with her, maybe grinding his cock upon her g-string covered pussy, simply what was happening as she gave his dick a hand job using the prop of a string to push him over the edge ... or was it more than that something outside her thoughts, her perspective on life, such as him wearing the g-string. At that moment he squealed, not like a man or even a boy, yet more like a young woman losing herself at the moment. Elle giggled as he even said little dick let."you liked that . Right . It seems you did." She gave him a last squeeze her little g-string now cum covered, still coming his dick let. She kissed him and whispered. "Please excuse me . I need to clean up." Elle eased from the bed, still in her stockings and heels, making certain to sway her ass as she went to the bathroom. After relieving herself and washing her hands, she quickly straightened up her hair. She was naked, except for the stockings and heels, she looked at her reflection, she loved her own body. It was then she noticed the stain on the top of the right stocking, dried and whitish dot. The stockings were known, though she recalled how the stockings seamed somewhat stretched as if warned. It was at that moment she wondered if Joey had tried on the stockings before brining the stockings to her. That may explain how little he came on her g-string. A little, though Joey was never a big summer, the amount was small for even him. Returning to the room, she announced she was back, still naked but for the stockings and heels. She eased to the bed, sitting back, her finger twirling about he stains at the top of her left stocking. "Will you take my heels off joey?" Joey wondered what Elle was up to now. He stared at Elle's pretty face, and then, down at her heels. Damn she looked hot in those heels! They made her legs longer and forced her to stick her butt out a little. He wondered how sexy he would feel in he were wearing those heels. Elle noticed him daydreaming, again. He was a strange boy sometimes, but, she was determined to get inside his head to understand him. She said, even more assertively "Joey, take my heels off." Elle slid in bed beside him, dragging her foot up his leg, the heel teasing as she did so. Lifting her leg, so far that the heel of her shoe now pressed against his cock." Heels like these can be so uncomfortable at times . My feet hurt ... I ask myself why I wear these heels sometimes . Would you please take my heels off Joey." Elle pauses, her leg across his chest, the stain from her earlier activity in his view if he were to look down, her heel nudges a bit harder into his little dick. She notices him seeming a bit drifted away. "A penny for your thoughts at this moment Joey . Tell me what your mind is thinking at this moment in time." Joey removed Elle's heels and said to her, "They might be uncomfortable, but, I love how you look in them! Your body and the sexy clothes you wear, ... they go so perfect together! It's magic... it puts me under a spell!" He swallowed. He decided it was time to confess, and he wasn't sure how Elle would take it. If she could love him despite his small dick, and could even joke about it, he hoped his confession wouldn't destroy their relationship." Elle, I have to confess something to you. I hope you don't think differently of me. You are open-minded, and you can get kinky, so, I feel safe sharing this with you. There is no one else I would feel comfortable sharing this with. I guess I was really curious about... well... how it feels to look sexy. I've never felt like a sexy guy, I'm small and skinny, not to mention that my package is on the small side. So, anyway, I guess I wondered if my body is more like a girl's body than a big jock's body, ... how would my legs look wearing fishnet stockings?... So, I thought, ... just out of curiosity, you know, what's the harm in trying them on? And, I did actually feel sexy! And,. Is it weird that I got turned on wearing them?... You wouldn't leave me, because of that, would you?" Joey was too nervous to make eye contact with Elle. He waited for her reaction and the wait felt like an eternity. Elle could see something was on Joey's mind as he removed her heels. Soon it was confirmed as he spoke she listened. She was going to respond right away, then paused to think her words through. First she kissed him on the lips." Joey don't sell yourself short, I like you a lot, you are the best boyfriend in have ever had.". She kissed him again, though she was not certain what he was saying as his words were new to her. Was he saying he wanted to try women's clothing? "I know the stalkings turn you on and maybe even gotten off as you did." Elle says up and began unrolling one of the stalling of her leg. "You know I am not one to judge others Joey". She moved to the other end of the bed. "I am not mad at you, though I have never had a boyfriend who would look sexy dressing like me, till you.". Elle picked up his foot and slowly rolled the sticking up his leg. Joey was elated that Elle was not judging him. He said to her, "Elle you are so awesome! I just can't believe my luck to be your boyfriend! You are the best thing that's ever happened to me! I love you!" Joey could not believe he had come out to his girlfriend with his crossdressing fantasy, and she was accepting of him. It felt intensely sensual to feel Elle rolling up the fishnet stockings on his legs. They started making out. Joey stared at his legs in fishnet. "I don't know why this turns me on so much, Elle." Joey confessed"But, I'm going to have to start shaving. My legs would look nicer in stockings if I shaved." Elle put her heels on Joey's feet and asked him to stand up and try walking in them. She said to him, "Wow, you've got small feet! My heels fit you perfectly! But, be gentle with them. The heels break easy." Joey gained several inches in height. He said, "Wow! I wish I could wear heels all the time. I feel so much taller!" He took careful steps. He said, "I feel like my butt has to stick out a little to be able to balance in these things." He walked slowly trying to imitate a girl. Then, Joey said, "Elle, can you dress me up and put makeup on me to look like you? They say imitation is the greatest flattery. I want to look sexy like you. Do you think I would pass for a girl? I've always been curious about what it feels like to be a girl." Joey paused. He couldn't believe what he was asking Elle to do for him. This was surreal. Maybe he was pushing his luck too much. Elle smiled. "You are much taller, about 4" taller Joey. This is not your first time in heels is it Joey . You move much more well than most girls I know." She teased him a bit, though was amazed how he looked and how comfortable he was, it was if the stocking and heels had caused the floor to bloom from within for the world to see. One thing was obviously cleat, his little dick seemed to really like the feeling of the stocking and heels, as the little dick pointed out and was bigger than Elle had ever seen it. "OMG Joey . Your little dick is almost like real size now." She said, going to him and grabbing it with her hand and kissing him, then led him around for a moment in fun." Wow! I wish I could wear heels all the time. I feel so much taller!" He took careful steps. He said, "I feel like my butt has to stick out a little to be able to balance in these things." Elle laughed at the thought, her feet had ached in the short time this evening in the heels, not that she minded, as she thought the overall look was important enough to deal with some discomfort. "Careful what you wish for dear, heels are not the most comfortable things to wear all day, though hey, yeah, I would love to see you in heels all day and night. Though you are right it the heals do make your ass stick back, along with tighten your calves and thighs. That is a big plus for wearing heels is my legs look more toned." Joey continued as if Elle was endorsing this change which he seemed ready to dive into head first, yet she had some questions about it all." It's late, come to bed . Tell me what you are curious about being a girl. You can wear the stockings to bed, I am sleeping like this." Elle stood naked now looking at Joey in the heels and stockings, his dick still hard. "Come to bed, you can keep the stockings on, and the heels if you like. It's late, we have all weekend to start figuring this out." Joey was almost too excited to go to bed, but, he submitted to Elle. They got in bed together. Elle played with his dick, and, it did not take long for Joey to cum again, arching his back and moaning like a girl. But, he had no cum left in him. He said to her, "You're my love and my queen, Elle. Any other girl might think I'm a freak, but, you are so loving and supportive." He said to her in the dark, "I guess I want to experience of feeling beautiful and sexy. And maybe, it is not about gender at all. If there was a way to make me a handsome and sexy male, I would want to feel that. But, my small and skinny body makes that impossible. This body is more likely to look sexy in the feminine form. So fuck it, why not? Let me be a hot girl! I feel sexy and full of sexual energy with these fishnets and high heels!" He took the heels off, but, did not bother removing the fishnets. Joey looked at Elle and kissed her. He loved her, and, he wanted to be her at the same time. Joey did not know how far she would go with him on his journey. He knew this was only the beginning of something big and transformative. No matter how supportive Elle was, there may come a point where she would need to be with a "real man", whatever that was. Even after than happens, he would always have her to thank for being so supportive at the start of this journey. Elle laid in her bed, alongside Joey. His words were a lot to consider, much more so than a fun weekend she had planned for her and Joey. Still she listened. The perspective was different to her, as she had never doubted who she was or desired to be someone other than her." You are a lovely person Joey. I love you . You are the first man I have ever said that to." She fondled the little dick let harder than ever as she looked down seeing her boyfriend in stockings and heels and quite happy and excited. She played with him pushing him to his back as she laid beside him. Her free hand at times caressing his flat chest, tweaking his nipples and such. Her hand on his cock at times drawing down past his cock between his legs, and then drag her finger up past his back door wondering how he liked that. He again came, though his cock pulsed he was dry this time. She kissed him, closing her eyes she snuggled her naked body into his.... Elle awake early, Joey was still in bed wearing the stockings, she tried to picture him as a woman, and concluded it was fairly easy to do. He was not masculine, in many ways like a young boy, he had no facial hair and probably did not even shave. She showered and shaved her legs, then used near to further remove the hair from her arms and other parts of her body. Intentionally she left both the near and racer in the shower. She dried and pulled on a pair of shorts and t-shirt. She put on a pair of sandals, though set a pair of wedge heels by the door of the bathroom. Furthermore, she then went to clean the kitchen from the night before, cold pizza still on the table. Thinking back how simple the weekend seemed only 12 hours ago. Elle's Outfit Joey woke up. He realized he was still in fishnets and Elle was gone. He suddenly panicked! Had she left him in disgust? He tried to remember last night. It was a surreal night; very weird. She had not seemed disgusted with his disclosure about crossdressing. She had been supportive. He felt sore in his anus. What happened there was iller than crossdressing. Elle seemed fine with everything last night. But, maybe in the morning she had more time to reflect and changed her mind? Flashback -------------------------He remembered Elle pushing her finger inside him. At first, it hurt, and he was not sure about it. He told Elle, "I'm not into this, and it hurts". But, she told him, "You like dressing like a girl. Let's see if you enjoy feeling penetrated like a girl." It was not fun right away. But, only minutes later, how quickly things changed! At first, he merely moaned softly, "Oh, ayah, MMM" and he got on all fours on the bed. A few minutes later, he was in a frenzy, "Oh, wow! It feels good! Do it harder! Harder! Harder!" He had no idea that getting finger fucked was so intense! There was a spot inside him that made him his toes curl, and his eyes go to the back of his head when she slammed her finger on it. It was overwhelming how fucking good it felt! Elle teased him, "You would make a good jail bitch for a big black thug!" Her words caused the image of a big black thug fucking him to pop into Joey's head, and, in pure reflex, his dick moved excitedly. Joey was surprised that the thought of this made his dick jump, and, Elle was even more surprised!" Oh my goodness! I can't believe it! Your dick moved like you loved that idea! Do you want to get fucked by a big black cock, Joey?" Elle asked, laughing. Joey was nervous now. He said, "No, of course not! You know I'm not gay! It's just that, um, you know, your finger fucking me, and, it's screwing with my head. Please don't make jokes like that when your finger fucking me!" Joey said. Elle grabbed his hair and pulled his head down on the bed forcefully. She said, trying to sound like a big black man, "Bend over bitch for my big black cock to pound your ass!" She was as rough as she could be with her fingers, using two now to stretch the wall's of Joey's rectum! Joey moaned, whimpered, trembled and spasmed! He came harder than she had ever seen him come, even though he was dry. She thought he was about to pass out or cry, because, he seemed overwhelmed with the force of his orgasm! She twitched and curled her fingers inside him until his convulsions stopped, and he was done. He would not look at her face afterward. "Can we please go to sleep now?" He asked her sheepishly." Sure, baby." she said and left him to sleep while she went to wash her fingers. End of flashback -------------------------Joey did not know what to think after recalling these events from the previous night. He had become a complete anal slut last night. Even now, he could feel himself start to get hard just by thinking about it. He was tempted to go to the bathroom and rub one out. He would probably fantasize about sex with a big black man. Damn it! Why had Elle joked about him getting fucked by a big black man? Why had it pushed him to a new height of arousal? Why had he had experienced the strongest orgasm of his life fantasizing about it? It was Elle's fault! She couldn't use it against him! Could she? Maybe it was her test to see if he was a sissy. Elle was a beautiful soul. She would not play mean games to entrap him and punish him, but, she might be doing it to help him discover himself. He felt like he was going through a profound change, but, he did not know its final destination. Elle seemed to be along for the ride for now. But, he knew he may lose her in the end. -- But, not yet. Please, not yet!" Elle? Are you here?" He asked nervously hoping that she was in the kitchen or living room. Elle was in the kitchen cleaning up then making some pancakes as Joey was still asleep. She had paused before getting up from the bed, touching his leg, to see if that night had been real, to find he was still wearing the stockings. Thinking how it was the first time he seemed to let himself go during sex, how hard he erupted. She thought if this was just a kink of his or if there was more there." I am in the kitchen Joey, making some pancakes and mimosa's." She said cheerfully responding to his nervous words hoping to ease his tension. "I will be done in about fifteen minutes. "If you like to shower, go ahead, you can use my shampoo and wash. Did you bring a something to wear today?" She knew he had not. "I guess we could go to your dorm and get something, or there are some things in my closet that may work." She smiled, wondering how real last night was, if he would pursue his feminine side more today, or fear and regret the side he had shown her yesterday.

For the Love of Lingerie|rating:3.0

Call of Cthulhu - _First Night_ OOC (Sorority sisters_Supernatural_NC_EX)

(to Roth Manor. Please create your Call of Cthulhu characters as per the book. All of you would start at age 18. In regard to occupation, Use the student template in Investigator's Guide. The template is as follows just in case. StudentOccupation Skill Points:EDU x 4Credit Rating: 5-10 (Unless of course you are a trust fund baby. You may purchase higher than this)Suggested Contacts:Academics and other students Skills:Languages (Own and/or other) - especially for all the foreign exchange students out there, Library Use, Listen, three fields of study and any two other skills as personal or era specialities. Misc. Information Useful Skills:Spot hidden, Language (Greek), Social Skills and Psychology Other Skills not listed:There may be a few skills that are not listed in the book. Send me a PM so we can work something out. Remember it is in the 1980s and set in the US. Characters1. I trust you in regard to your character rolls. Don't worry about sending the rolls to me for character creation.2. Create characters as per Call of Cthulhu rules using above student template. Remember to add Personal Interest Points (Int x 2)3. Useful skills stated above are guidelines only. Look at your character concepts and choose your skills from there. Possibly plan ahead as to what your character's future occupation would be.4. PM me if you have any questions or concerns5. Post your finished character on this thread. Questions:1) COC edition we use? 7th?2) Have our characters known each other for long? (I'm playing the foreign exchange student)3) Profit ? Yours, Miroque Quote from: Baroque on 13-12-2022, 06:58:34 Questions:1) COC edition we use? 7th?2) Have our characters known each other for long? (I'm playing the foreign exchange student)3) Profit ? Yours, MiroqueHi Baroque,1. Yes please use 7th Ed2. Your characters are seniors and would know each other. I would say at a minimal, acquaintances. If you wish to know each other intimately, I would leave it up to you as players, but please let me know the extent.3. Not sure what you meant by profit :) (( Katarina KivistöAge: 19Major: Mathematics and Computer Sciences Personality: Silent and bit introvert Short History: Exchange student from Finland. She got a stipend to join University, on her prowess in Judo. KinksOns: NC, Bondage, Humiliation, BeastialityOffs: Gore (in sexual situations), VoreCharacter sheet Strength 45/Young adult female Constitution 60/Healthy Size 45/Small and Fit Dexterity 60/Quite Nimble and Agile Appearance 90/Very Beautiful Intelligence 50/Average Power 40/Bit Weak Willed Education 65/In College Luck 70/Lucky Credit rating = 10 ($400, 10K$ assets, spending level $200)Damage/Build = +0Hit Points = 10 Movements = 9Sanity = 40Used point buy + Age modifiers. Occupation skills (Student)Language (Finnish and Swedish) (65)Language (English) (30)Library Use (60)Listen (50)1.field Science/Mathematics (50)2.field Computer Use (55)3.field Charm (45)1.personal Brawl/Judo (66)2.personal Dodge (60)Personal interests skills:Drive Auto (40)First Aid (40)Spot Hidden (50)Intimidate (35)Swim (40)Language (Japanese) (30)Ideology: Lip service Lutheran, but mostly agnostic. Significant people: Sensei Bujumbura Sakai, her Judo sensei. Spanish-American male, in his 70s. He fought in Imperial Japan army, and after second world war, moved to the USA, where he started to teach Judo. Meaningful location: Dojo near the campus Treasured Possession: Black Belt Traits: Reputation of being a tease. Katarina is beautiful, yet none has seen her date boys longer than month. Character history and motivationsKatariina was raised in well-to-do family, in southern Finland, where she found her calling in Judo on young age. As she started to make name for herself in her chosen sport in national level, she was given stipend to join the university in USA. She jumped the change, as she had been training under grand master from USA for years. Now, she had the change to make international name for herself. For her, it was dream coming to life. Freedom from her life back home, and limitless opportunities of youth culture in USA. She dreamed of movies, as there had been some action movies, where martial arts were prominent, but no female leads. She knew she were perfectionist, and hated failures on herself, so everything she started, she made sure to follow through. Thanks Baroque. By the way, thank you for your questions. Made me rethink a strategy on my part. I am happy with as much detail as everyone wants in their history and backstory. However, could you please add these details to your characters.1. Something about your moral compass - are you willing to sleep with your lecturer to get straight As.2. Something in fear - does not have to be something physical or a phobia - i.e. fear of rats3. You character’s current future goals/ambition. Can be something as simple as wanting to graduate with Honors. (Talia (Lia) Brooks Age: 21Major: Western Literature Strength: 65Constitution: 55Dexterity: 45Intelligence: 70Size: 65Power: 45Appearance: 80Education: 70Luck: 70Hit Points: 12Magic Points: 9Sanity: 44Build: +1Damage Bonus: +1d4Movement: 8Occupation skills (Student) (280)Credit Rating: 10Language (English) (85)Language (Greek) (55)Language (Latin) (10)Library Use (80)Drive Auto (45)First Aid (50)History (55)Spot Hidden (60)Personal Interest (140)Charm (36)Dodge (60)Intimidate (46)Fighting (Brawl) (55)Swim (40)Moral Compass: Lia is a complex girl. She may tell a white lie here or there, but she won't lie to your face. In fact, she is usually a bit blunt in conversation and doesn't usually care what others think about her. She can be insulted all day and never bat an eye but mess with her friends, and it will generally end up in a fight. She doesn't cheat or steal and other than a bit of a lead foot, she generally obeys the traffic laws. Sexually she has had a couple of boyfriends, but both ended amicably. She's never dated another woman, but the curiosity is there. She would prefer to pass or fail of her own accord and is extremely stubborn and has a fire temper. Fear: Lia is generally not that fearful. She doesn't mind bugs or animals but are careful around them. If she gets a bad vibe from strangers then she may freak out a little, especially if she is backed into a corner. She doesn't believe in ghosts, monsters, or the supernatural so she's usually the first to volunteer to go down into a dark basement or walk through a cemetery at night. Her logical mind explains away any strange sights or sounds. Because of this she can be a bit impatient with those that fear the 'irrational'. Goals/Ambition: For the most part, Lia just wants to read. While she wouldn't mind falling into a relationship, she's not actively searching for one. She has a somewhat specific personal library mostly filled with paperback werewolf romance novels, a bit ironic since she doesn't believe werewolves exist. Other books in her library range from Ann Rice to Jules Verne to Doyle to Shakespeare and all the way back to Plato and Aristotle. Her goal is to make enough money to live a comfortable life with a little left over to buy books. Background: Talia Aisling Brooks was born to James and Rose Brooks. Born to first generation Irish Americans, Lia was the youngest of 3. The rest of the family consists of her big brother Pat who is two years older than her and her twin brother Greg that beat her out of the womb by 37 minutes and reminds her of that every time they see each other. Lia's upbringing was not remarkable. She and her brothers went to private school all through elementary and up through high school. The private education didn't help keep her out of trouble though as between fighting with her brothers and the hot red-headed temper she had, she learned to defend herself through constant fighting. But a black eye here and a broken bone there never amounted to too much trouble, and she eventually graduated from high school as an a and b student. When it came time to choose a college, she chose her mother's alma mater though that choice was slightly influenced by her mother's guilt-tripping. The choice of Sorority was a similar guilt trip though eased by the fact that the legacy made her a shoo in for joining. I hope I did that right. Please let me know if I did something wrong since that was my first time creating a COC character. Quote from: tuckers02 on 14-12-2022, 02:03:57I hope I did that right. Please let me know if I did something wrong since that was my first time creating a COC character.well. Brawl 60 is pro boxer level brawler. Dodge 65 is near ninja level dodger. Intimidate 46 is new police level intimidate. Drive 65. Pretty nice pro rally driver...skill level 50 = Professional level. I made my character brawl 66 (as she has practiced nearly her life in judo.) Page 54 has the meanings behind skill levels. Should be good indicator where to check. And the "example" character is good place to check as well. (page 50/51) He's a professor, and has lib use 55 for instance. Interesting, so there is currently two of you out of the 4 invitations I sent. I had one more that asked for an extension but no reply. I am tempted to stop it here before it even starts. Could I have some options everyone here? Should we post in the group request thread again that we're still looking for players? I would love to play even with 2 players. But if you want more, post in request thread. That’s a good idea. Maybe we could just be the first to arrive and if anyone else joins before things start to get going then we can just say they were fashionably late. Thank you for your feedback. Appreciate it. I will run it. I will start posting the beginning on Monday. We may have another. I just have to re-jig the way I would run it. @Arcanist: Thank you sir. Hello there! Our GM accepted my character, so I'll be playing with you. :)Here's my character:("Jerry" Ensnare:Geraldine Episode:21Faceclaim: Kim Delaney Major:History Personality:Intelligent. Thoughtful. Relatively mature, but still friendly and without having a stick up her butt. Open-minded and compassionate. Quite stubborn and independent. Interested in the history and workings of human societies. Also, attracted to history and mythology in general! Short History:Geraldine is a daughter of William EPs, a relatively well-known professor of ancient linguistics. Due to this parental connection, the world of academia is in her blood. Universities, libraries, intellectual pursuits and discussions? All of this is the natural environment for her. As such, it’s not a surprise that she’s interested in obtaining higher education, too. She might even end up a member of the academia herself… She joined the sorority, as the pseudo-mystique tied to such organizations spoke to her. Oh, she knows it’s all bogus and sororities aren’t really “secret societies” to any extent. Still, she thought it could be an interesting experience… Moral compass:Relatively strong - meaning, behaving ethically is important to her. She doesn’t cheat on her exams, definitely doesn’t like manipulating people or lying. Fears:Male-on-female violence (including sexual violence). Being helpless. Current goals and ambitions:She’s actually very serious about her studies, and she wants to learn as much as she can. She’s not decided on what to do after graduating - she’s considering various options, from post-graduate studies and applying for a position at the university, to becoming a journalist. Character sheet Characteristics:Strength 50Dexterity 35Constitution 40Intellect 80Education 65Power 60Size 60Appearance 55Hit Points 10Magic Points 12Luck 60Sanity 58 / 60Damage Bonus ---Build 0Movement 7 Skills:Anthropology 46Art / Craft (Fine Art) 20Charm 30Climb 25Credit Rating 20Dodge 17Drive 30First aid 35History 55 Languages (Own: English) 70Language (Other: Latin) 46Language (Other: Greek) 31Library Use 50Listen 35Navigate 15Occult 20Persuade 40Psychology 40Science (Astronomy) 11Science (Biology) 11Spot hidden 40Swim 30Money camp; Equipment Cash $800Assets $20000Spending Level $200 So the first introductory post is up. Feel free to interact with one another and explore your new accommodations for hopefully more than a few nights :). Call of Cthulhu Story Thread - (will post more of the manor as you explore it. Your characters would know one another. How close would be up to all of you. I have left the items you bring a little open. Of course, you are here to clean a little, so there are a few boxes of said cleaning equipment. You can leave that to of course the next day. I will leave it to you shall I? Question:How many other sisters (and or pledges) do we have in our newly manor house.and is one/all of us in the ruling/lead position of the Pi Delta ? (to give orders to the pledges and guidance to the sisters) So Debra is the lead. You are all the seniors. There are more, but you are the few that were chosen to spend the first night at the house and also for this chapter. Your “reward” You may not be able to make decisions directly, but you can influence them, especially for your chapter roger Wilcox. I spotted a possible incongruity: we are all 18 or 19 y.o. Aren't we a bit too young to be college seniors? I may be mistaken, but I thought that college seniors are around 22? Also, I have a question to Tuckers02: would you like me to look your character sheet over? It looks a little. Overpowered :) You mentioned it's your first COC character creation, so maybe you'd like me to double-check your stats? Quote from: Learning on 19-12-2022, 17:26:44I spotted a possible incongruity: we are all 18 or 19 y.o. Aren't we a bit too young to be college seniors? I may be mistaken, but I thought that college seniors are around 22? Also, I have a question to Tuckers02: would you like me to look your character sheet over? It looks a little. Overpowered :) You mentioned it's your first COC character creation, so maybe you'd like me to double-check your stats? On the age topic, I was thinking the same thing. I initially thought that the 18-19 yo was for the age formula for character creation purposes since 20+ is another bracket. That's odd, Archaist thought I was a little underpowered in some areas. I'm always open for a little critique though. FYI, my character is a little hot headed and sarcastic so if she's curt with your character, please understand it's just my character's personality, and it's not that she doesn't like your character. She's one of those that will snap at someone for something little one moment then give that person a juice pouch because she thinks they're working too hard the next. Statwise, it seems pretty on par (to me at least). I used point buy, as it's the best for forum game in my mind... Ah, okay. I rolled for mine, so I used the method of rolling each stat in order. I honestly would have allocated the scores differently if it had been my choice but one of the fun things about role-playing is adapting to the chaos of the dice. All right, I looked at your sheet and I must retract: the stats are actually okay :) Lia seems a bit like a genius bookworm, as her knowledge skills are impressive. But then, there *are* real-life people who got PhDs before their 20th birthday, so... I suspect she and Geraldine might be kindred spirits. Or... rivals! :) They have similar interests... Anyway - guys, I completed my sheet and I put it into the character description I had posted yesterday. Feel free to peek.@Arcanist, any chance for a player or two more? A group of three is perfectly okay, but some additionalvictimsPCs could be of use :D To answer a few questions - I think I made a mistake in not being too clear - students must be of at least 18. Learning is correct to assume the general ages of students, but some students may be geniuses, on scholarships maybe … etc. I was in the last year of college (university) here in Australia at 19. I am waiting for another character to finish their sheet. 2 initial applications whom I have sent invitations to and given IOC links to have not continued with character sheets nor replied to me. So as such, until I have more, it would be just us. This is a one shot that leads into more adventures. But as you know there is often an attrition issue with E. So hopefully shorter one-shots at the beginning may improve it. At least it’s an experiment for me. Quote from: Organist on 20-12-2022, 01:10:22To answer a few questions - I think I made a mistake in not being too clear - students must be of at least 18. Learning is correct to assume the general ages of students, but some students may be geniuses, on scholarships maybe … etc. I was in the last year of college (university) here in Australia at 19. I see :) In that case, I'll be editing my sheet a little, as I'll be making my character older and need to account for a different age adjustment (I originally used the rules for children and teens). QuoteI am I waiting for another character to finish their sheet. 2 initial applications whom I have sent invitations to and given IOC links to have not continued with character sheets nor replied to me. So as such, until I have more, it would be just us. This is a one shot that leads into more adventures. But as you know there is often an attrition issue with E. So hopefully shorter one-shots at the beginning may improve it. At least it’s an experiment for me. Sure! In any case, I'm very thankful for you running it BTW. Any chance for a map of the mansion? Yes, Currently I am working up a map or two. Using Adobe. Would appreciate a bit of time to do this. Oh, absolutely! No hurry. I just thought it could be useful. Quote from: Learning on 20-12-2022, 00:56:27All right, I looked at your sheet and I must retract: the stats are actually okay :) Lia seems a bit like a genius bookworm, as her knowledge skills are impressive. But then, there *are* real-life people who got PhDs before their 20th birthday, so... I suspect she and Geraldine might be kindred spirits. Or... rivals! :) They have similar interests... I was actually thinking of Lia as autistic which is why she's socially awkward and tend to be single-minded. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, she wouldn't have had the mental health support there is now and went undiagnosed as just "a smart kid with a lot of potential if she would just pay attention'. Fiction and stories is her special interest which is why she has high but limited skills amongst those that would fit in her niche. I can definitely see Lia and Geraldine being friends as the mythology would definitely be an overlap between history and literature. There is also a lot of history in literature and vice versa, so I imagine they have some good discussions on those. I also have no dispute in them being rivals or even frenemies. Quote from: tuckers02 on 20-12-2022, 01:35:25I was actually thinking of Lia as autistic which is why she's socially awkward and tend to be single-minded. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, she wouldn't have had the mental health support there is now and went undiagnosed as just "a smart kid with a lot of potential if she would just pay attention'. Fiction and stories is her special interest which is why she has high but limited skills amongst those that would fit in her niche. Oh, I like that! QuoteI can definitely see Lia and Geraldine being friends as the mythology would definitely be an overlap between history and literature. There is also a lot of history in literature and vice versa, so I imagine they have some good discussions on those. I also have no dispute in them being rivals or even frenemies. I haven't decided on that aspect yet :) Geraldine is, overall, a friendly person... but she's driven. And, coming from the academia background, she might find herself somewhat jealous of some girl overshadowing her... On the other hand, she might not. I need to think about it some more :) (Flew This floor is partially underground and is often referred to as a half basement. This design tends to be more common in southern climates like Texas, but clearly, whoever built this place had a fondness for that particular architectural feature. It’s accessed from the exterior via steps to either side of the grand staircase in the front. Vestibule –This entry has a smooth concrete floor with a single step-up to the entrance hall. Entrance Hall (Lower) –The floors here are tiled with what looks like slate that has been expertly cut into elaborate star-shaped patterns. An open archway to the north leads to a richly appointed lounge. Office (Butler) – This first floor office was evidently used by some kind of butler or whoever managed the various cleaners and servants that once worked here. Several filing cabinets stand open and empty, their contents long ago removed. Library (Private) –This room is locked. Game Room – This room has a beautifully carved billiard table with all appropriate appointments, including several comfortable leather chairs and a humidor which is empty. Wine Cellar –The old wine cellar appears empty. Kitchen – This small kitchen was probably used for canning, but it doesn’t look like it’s been touched for many decades.(Floor This floor is accessible via the main stairs out front. It is somewhat elevated due to the half-basement below, with all windows providing a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape. Unless otherwise stated, the floors are all beautifully polished hardwood. Entrance Hall (Main)– This hall is dominated by a large oriental rug that really ties the room together. An ornate chandelier hangs in the center of the hall, and it must look magnificent when lit, but at the moment, it’s dark, looming, and draped with cobwebs. Directly ahead is the central grand staircase that leads to the upper floors, wrapping around another equally beautiful chandelier on its way up. The pocket doors to the right open onto a magnificent library, while the ones to the left open on a luxurious parlor. Main Library –This wood-paneled library has a large fireplace surrounded by dark green stone and topped with a black marble mantle, and it also has a full set of tools. There are a number of leather wing back chairs, an oak table with four cushioned chairs, and a rolling ladder along the wall to reach the upper shelves. In the corner is an (unfortunately) empty liquor cabinet. Even over the ubiquitous musty smell, you can detect the scent of leather, old books, fine tobacco, and brandy. It’s a room that wouldn’t be out of place in a Sherlock Holmes story... or a murder mystery. This latter impression is heightened by the painting over the fireplace. The subject is a middle-aged man in a maroon smoking jacket and a look of smug satisfaction on his face. In his lap is an open leather book, and in his free hand is a glass of red wine. The Parlor –The lavish parlor has a large fireplace that mirrors the one in the library, except that it has midnight blue tiles with a black mantle. There are two sofas, several soft chairs, and a massive bear rug laid out in front of the fireplace that must have been a Grizzly, judging by its size. A glass cabinet in the corner contains dozens of mummified cats. Music Room –The old music room is empty except for a grand piano that is slightly out of tune but otherwise in fine shape. The fireplace has pale gray tiles and a large gilded mirror over a gray stone mantle. A trunk against the wall is packed with sheet music from the 1930s. Dining Room –This elegantly appointed dining room has an ornately carved table with twelve high-backed chairs (five along each side and one at each end). An antique sideboard contains fancy china and silverware with place settings for twelve. One drawer is packed with neatly folded cloth napkins and tablecloths. Two glass-panel garden doors on either side of the fireplace open into the Solarium, though they are covered with vines at the moment. Kitchen and Pantry –The kitchen doesn’t have much in the way of modern appliances, with most of the things in here looking as if they date back to the 1940s or 50s. Most of the food has been removed, though a search of the pantry will find six dusty mason jars with several different kinds of pickles and a bottle of fine sherry. The sink has pipes for running water, but the old hand pump is still in place and surprisingly still works. Bathrooms –The bathrooms here are absolutely gorgeous, with massive claw-footed tubs, brass fixtures, and white tiles on every surface. The toilets don’t have running water. The bathroom doors can be locked from the inside with a sturdy slide bolt. The Solarium –This beautiful glass-enclosed room can be accessed through the dining room, the kitchen, or the steps at the side of the house. Overgrown with vines that climb over just about every surface, the doors into the room are difficult to open. A rusted valve on the wall with an attached hose was once used to water the plants, and the mechanisms to open the windows won’t work without a good cleaning.(Floor The grand staircase leads up to the second-floor hall and Sitting Room which has eight padded chairs, four side tables, and a coat rack. A single dark wool coat still hangs on the rack like some relic of a forgotten era. The Chapel – The old chapel has the strong, bitter smell of some sort of incense. The altar in the southern end of the room is covered with melted wax that has run over the sides after several decades of candle burning. A dozen candle stubs of various heights stand on top of the wax mound. Two padded wooden benches have been pushed up against the eastern wall, and the dark tiled floor has a large oriental rug in the center of the room. The old fireplace on the west wall still has the remains of its last fire. Bedrooms –All the bedrooms are more or less the same, except the one over the library, which is far more ornately decorated. Each has an antique mahogany four-poster canopy bed, wardrobe, dresser, and trunk. All the furniture is empty except for the trunks, which contain extra sheets, blankets, a quilt, and pillows. The Master Bedroom has all the same type of furniture but a little more elegant. There are a few additional features, including a small bookcase, a private bathroom, and a circular sitting area in the southeast corner with a comfortable chai rand matching side table. Ms. Bates has decided to sleep in the Master Bedroom, while Debra has selected the bedroom in the northeast corner to be away from the other girls. The doors to these rooms are closed, and you hear movement from both rooms with some cursing and swearing from Debra's room about the state of the rooms.(Floor This upper floor was primarily for servants and consists mostly of bedrooms, a common parlor, some storage, and a small chapel. Bedrooms –Unlike the bedrooms on the second floor, these are more simply appointed with simple beds, dressers, wardrobes, and small writing desks. Chapel –In the southeast corner of the third floor is a small round room that once served as a chapel for the servants. There is a small-padded kneeling stool that faces a simple wooden crucifix on the wall. Like the other rooms, it has a thick layer of dust and cobwebs. Bathroom –The servant’s bathroom is small and far less ornate than on the other floors. There is only a walk-in shower with no bathtub. Water Tank –On the north side of the house is a water tank that used to provide water pressure to the house, but when modern plumbing was installed, it was sealed up. There is still an access door near the back stairs. Storage –There is a storage room near the studio and an unfinished attic space in the northeast corner of the house. These are pretty much empty unless the Keeper wants to include something interesting. Attic - Accessed from a staircase near the third-floor chapel; this unfinished attic space is empty except for dust and cobwebs. All the windows up here are small and near the floor. On the north side, three windows look out over the rooftop, while on the south side, the dormer windows look down on the street in front of the house. None of these windows can open, and even if they did, it would take a very small person to squeeze through them. Plan of attack:So I have decided to give you details for each of the rooms so that there will not be any delay. The details are that of what you can see. There may be hidden surprises in each. Most of the furniture are covered with sheets and some with a fine layer of dust. Other than that it is relatively clean and free of vermin. So when you enter each of the rooms, feel free to elaborate or use your skills etc. Technically the horror has not started :) The first few posts will be giving you an idea of the manor you are in (explorations) and allowing all of you to get to know one another better. You are all currently in the first floor library. Name: Emerald Anne Dante Age: 21Faceclaim: (Jessica Nigeria.)(Theater Arts (special effects)Personality: Bubbly and outgoing, anime take. Short History: Growing in Japan she became a dedicated take, she discovered Cosplay at age 8. By 15, she had a following on the Japanese convention circuit. She was inspired to improve her skills in costuming, prop manufacturing and make up, so picked a degree in Theater Arts and works extensively in the campus theater. Kinks/On's: Extremely curious about sex (Lesbian but Bicurious), switch, light bondage. Offs: underage, bathroom games, more, extreme bondage Character Sheet Emerald Anne Dante, Age 22,Student (Entertainer)STR 40 CON 55 SIX 40 DEX 65 APP 75INT 85 POW 46 EDU 70 SAN 50 HP 9Damage Bonus: -1Build: -1Move: 8Fighting (Taser, Contact) 30% (15/6), damage 1D3+stun Fighting (Brawl) 30% (15/6), damage 1D3-1Dodge 42% (21/8)Skills: Art and Craft (Acting) 65%, Art and Craft: Costume Design 60%, Charm 75%, Credit Rating 35%, Disguise 70%, Drive Auto 40%, Fast Talk 40%, Language: Japanese 35%, Library Use 31%, Listen 35%, Persuade 55%, Psychology 15%Hero Lab and the Hero Lab logo are Registered Trademarks of LWD Technology, Inc. Free download at of Cthulhu (7th edition) is ©1981-2017 by Chromium Inc. All rights reserved. Call of Cthulhu is the registered trademark of Chromium Inc. @Arcanist: Anyway possible for you to number the rooms. Would give us better coordination for exploration.... like Bedroom-A, Bedroom-B ... etc. @Arcanist: and question about skill use. Do we roll dices (E dice roller) to things like Spot hidden/Listen ? Or do we say, we use the skill ? Quote from: Baroque on 20-12-2022, 07:58:59@Arcanist: Anyway possible for you to number the rooms. Would give us better coordination for exploration.... like Bedroom-A, Bedroom-B ... etc Will add some information to each of the rooms I think. Except for "specials" to make things move along. Will do that tomorrow. Quote from: Baroque on 20-12-2022, 08:24:58@Arcanist: and question about skill use. Do we roll dices (E dice roller) to things like Spot hidden/Listen ? Or do we say, we use the skill ? Use E dice roller for the moment when you use a skill Update made on the Maps. I love the maps! Thank you :) I am to please What time of year is it? I'm assuming since it's during the school year that it's sometime between fall and spring? Learning - Unfortunately you do not have botany so It's pretty hard. But you do have biology. So It's going to be a hard roll, so 25% of your Biology skill. If you however open the door and go into it, you may get a bonus. Also need you to do a spot hidden if you do decide to go in.tuckers21 - It is end Fall. Weather is still quite cool. The house temperature is quite cool at the moment. A few degrees cooler inside the out. From experience, you would know it would get colder in the night. Okay, first - I've updated the sheet to account for Geraldine's slightly increased age. Also, I made my rolls. Spot Hidden = 32, with my skill being 40... so, success? Biology = 6, with my skill being 10. I suppose that's a fail, considering it was to be a hard roll... I put the roll results into my last post. Furthermore, I also edited it slightly to show that Jerry is actually going inside the solarium. HI Everyone! Chances are I will not be posting over the Christmas weekend but would resume on Boxing Day. I have requested for a few rolls and posts. I will look forward to them. Furthermore, I wish everyone happy holidays and a safe Christmas. WWW, it looks like I’m missing all the fun. I’ll get a post up tomorrow. Naidoo, Lia, get away from the fire! Vapors!!! :o Came to my attention I stuffed IP a little and miss a post. If I do miss a post and you notice. Please kick me up the bum :) Question: is the threat of strange vapor over, or should we be rolling CON tests, too? I asked him the same thing before I posted, and he said we didn't at this time. Vapor is gone. I will be posting later on this evening/tomorrow my time to continue the next section. Feel free to continue with interactions. Probably not the best thing to start drinking if we're hallucinating :p and... IMHO laughing at the fact of US drinking age IRL ... I hope everyone had a great New Year. I have modified my post in the IC thread. The true horrors start now :)Hopefully I have not missed anyone's comments. Please PM me if I did and I will do some adjustments. Everyone is being drawn to use the switchboard unless of course you pass the HARD Roll. If you fail badly, i.e. Roll a 95 and above, or made a HARD success, please PM me as well with you results :) Hard POW is ½ pow right ?POW test for Katarina 40 Normal less than Hard 1/2Extreme 1/51 is critical success100 is critical fail Can one use LUCK instead of POW on this ? Aka dumb luck.... but with my roll, it would still fail (if Hard luck, normal luck would have successes) Yup. Let it flow :)HeheheheheYou can push it. But a failure would make things worse nah... failure is failure :) So we have one failure. Give Katerina a hand of applause. You are drawn to the witch board and want to use it and will try to convince anyone that has no interest in it. Of course, even if someone passed the Hard POW test, you may still wish to take part in the “séance“ I would have made Katarina fake séance anyway... as It's so 80s TV Hehehehehe Wait for me, please! :o I think Lia would push it if she fails. She doesn’t believe in the supernatural like this so if she felt drawn to participate, she would think it’s just her curiosity so she’d try to talk herself out of it. But of course she failed both roles so she wasn’t able to talk herself out of playing with it. Alright, here's my roll:Roll Result: Learning rolled: 1d100Comment: Power Hard Result: 68... meaning, Jerry failed her roll (her POW is 60). I'm not going to object that :) Muahahahahahaaaaaa!!!!!!! One more? Okay I rolled a 17. Which is a success. At 2023-01-03 18:51:55, Callie Del Noise (UID: 7724) rolls: 1d100 Result: 17 (So one pass. Callie Del Noise. You have a choice. To play or not to play. The rest unfortunately feel a force drawing you to it. Especially tuckers02. All of you may post your reaction to finding the with board. Of course, you Chapter President is all for it. Just in case, A Switchboard/Ouija board is a flat board marked with the letters of the alphabet, the numbers 0–9, the words "yes", "no", occasionally "hello" and "goodbye", along with various symbols and graphics. It uses a Blanchet (small heart-shaped piece of wood or plastic) as a movable indicator to spell out messages during a séance. Participants place their fingers on the Blanchet, and it is moved about the board to spell out words. This Switchboard is not one from Hasbro (I believe Hasbro owns the copyright to Ouija Board). It looks very old, and the Blanchet is made from a beautifully stained red wood. It looks like an heirloom and perhaps even very expensive. I will give it another day before I post. I'm off to work now. Furthermore, I'll try to check if I have anything to add after I come back :) Posted! Furthermore, I hope I haven't been keeping the game up... Forgive the one line post, I know some has not posted yet. But just want to prepare just in case if certain questions were asked or not asked :) and the number of questions of course. I may cut it depending on the questions asked of course. Some of you may also have started getting messages from me. Unless otherwise told, it is up to the players to share how much information they want to give to other players after these messages from me. Hope I make sense. Just to confirm, I am waiting for a post from Learning that may have an impact on my next post. Sorry, I had two really draining days work-wise... I'll try to post something in a moment. So it is now 11.30pm game time. You have a few hours before the next event happens. You are free to continue to explore, interact with yourselves or other NPC.etc.(or even go to sleep :))I will at times notify on IOC the time to keep everyone up-to-date. If any of you trigger an event, I will notify everyone and stick up a post. Sorry, this week has been frustrating for me. I'll try to get a post up today or tomorrow. Please do! I've been waiting for you to react :) Hey, GM, a question: the library we had our seance is next to this big porch, right? Is it possible to walk out to the porch, or are all the doors leading there locked? All doors to the Porch you believe is locked as you seem to be unable to open it. There are also places that all of you have not explored completely. Thank you :)I'll try to post something this evening (my time). Armand... posted :) Soon... what now? Are we waiting for the GM, or should we continue interacting? I am keeping an eye on everything. Its currently 11.40pm game time. So approximately 10 mins has passed. As I said you have quite a bit of the house to explore. There are NPCs to interact with and other players if you do so wish. There is a fixed time schedule and events. However, if certain things do not happen, I am unable to "trigger" them. I will keep track of the time and post it in IOC as well as any interactions and explorations that trigger events and to give you more information. Also, feel free to use your skills. Ah, so we continue investigating / interacting and if something happens, you'll join in. Got it. I'll try to continue with my actions ASAP, then. So... you guys still here? Still here. Please post, then :) I was the last one to post. Alright! I'll aim to post something tomorrow. :) Great! It is now approximately 12am in game time. That is taking into account Katerina's library use and spot hidden.

Call of Cthulhu - _First Night_ OOC (Sorority sisters_Supernatural_NC_EX)|rating:3.0

The Slytherin Slut (nothingbutporcelain and politicallyINcorrect)

Jessica Milano ran down the sidewalk, heading to the spot where she would run through the wall and see the train waiting for her in the distance. Well hopefully it'd still be waiting. She was ten minutes late and would be very lucky if that train was still sitting there. It's not like her being late was a big change from her usual attitude, she was always taking her time with everything and acting like it didn't matter what time she arrived because it was always good to be fashionably late. When everyone your whole life had let you get away with whatever you wanted it was pretty hard to change yourself. Even with her cheeks flushed and her hair blowing in all directions, Jessica still managed to look more gorgeous than most of the surrounding girls. The Milano family was like that. They were all powerful (well except Jessica she was horrible at magic), blond, thin, and super-poised, and they never did anything without maintaining their cool. Jessica especially. She was gifted with the kind of coolness that you can't acquire by buying the right handbag or the right pair of jeans. She was the girl every boy wants, and every girl wants to be. But it wasn't like her good looks were completely natural. She did spend hours in the morning getting ready and making sure she looked perfect. Sometimes being a perfectionist actually helped you when you were obsessed with your looks. Jessica had a great body; she was very slim and toned, but she worked hard for her body. But Jessica Milano was vain and conceited. She thought, no wait, knew she was better than everyone around her. But then again she was in Slytherin, a pureblood, and of course, came from a very rich family so it wasn't surprising that she had such a self-obsessed attitude. Her mother was the exact same way as her, that was who she got it from. Sadly her dad wasn't around because he left her and her mother when she was young. This also had a lot to do with her narcissistic personality. She was very insecure after her father left so she thought if she started acting like she knew she was the best looking girl around she might start to feel that way too. It actually had worked, well for the most part. She still had a few problems that would never go away. Like her weight, she had big problems with that. Almost everyone at Hogwarts thought Jessica was a health-nut and obsessed with keeping her body in shape, but this wasn't the case at all. Jessica constantly starved herself and if she ever did eat anything it never stayed in her. She worked hard at keeping her secrets hidden. Sometimes she broke down at the end of the day because of the awful things girls said about her on a regular basis. Her other problem had to do with her sexual habits. About a year after her father left she lost her virginity to a Slytherin and ever since then she'd been sleeping around constantly. Sometimes she really wanted to change but it was so hard." Shit! I am so late!" Jessica exclaimed loudly, mostly to herself because her family had chosen not to go with her this time to help her catch the train. She was seventeen years old, she didn't need her mother by her side any longer. Finally, she saw platform 9 and 3/4 coming up, and she ran through it, breathing a sigh of relief because the train was still waiting for her. Guess Miss Milano wouldn't be learning any lessons today. She sprinted to the train, walking up the stairs and down the aisle, searching for a compartment to sit in. She noticed the boys trying to look up her short dress, but she ignored them, her eyes focused on searching for a certain blonde Slytherin boy. There was a huge difference in Jessica this year and if you looked closely you would probably see it. It wasn't a physical difference, she didn't look different at all. She was still her way too thin self, that would never change. But you could tell that she wasn't quite as happy as she used to be and when people weren't looking she didn't walk with as much confidence as she used to. And why was this the case? It all had to do with her summer vacation. She had spent the whole vacation with her mom since her father was no longer around (he left them when she was a little girl). Now Jessica and her mother did not get along, not at all. Jessica's mother blamed Jessica for her husband leaving since he hadn't wanted to deal with a baby. She tried her best to make sure Jessica's life was as awful as it could be. When Jessica was eight years old her mother started telling her she was fat and that she needed to throw up after every meal when the truth was that Jessica was very thin. So that was the cause of her eating disorder, it had everything to do with her mom. That wasn't even the least of her problems. Her mother always had boyfriends over and of course the boyfriends were more attracted to Jessica than her mother since she was a lot younger. Jessica may have been a slut, but she would never willingly sleep with her mother's boyfriends. But of course the boyfriends never took no for an answer. She went through the whole summer getting raped and abused while her mother watched and didn't do a thing. This was the reason why she was such a wreck this year.(Arriving early for the Hogwarts Express, as per his norm, Draco sighed as he tightened his grip upon his trunk. Looking back at his parents, he nodded once before turning his pale-skinned face back toward the Express and ascended the stairs slowly, lifting his trunk before himself. He was Head Boy this year, and so he was entitled to use the Head’s car, but he didn’t particularly want to. Instead, he found an empty compartment near the front of the train, fully intent on relaxing for several minutes before someone else joined him. Lifting his feet, the blonde Slytherin propped them on the seat across the compartment, dropping his head back against the wall. He wasn’t wearing robes today, having opted to wear a tailored black suit over a black turtleneck sweater instead. His hair was no longer the mess of gel it had been in his earlier years, instead it was trimmed short and brushed back, giving it a slightly windswept look. Overall, he cut quite the impressive figure, as usual. His Head Boy badge had been pinned carefully to the lapel of his blazer. Hearing the compartment door slide open, he looked up to focus upon the new occupant. Blaine stepped over his legs to sit near the window, not saying a word to his pure-blooded companion. Draco returned the favor, knowing that if Blaine had wanted to speak, he would have spoked, regardless of what anyone else may have wanted. Soon, however, the compartment had filled quickly, Pansy having been blocked from sitting across from Draco when the Slytherin had refused to move his feet. He was saving that spot for Jessica, as he did every year. She was an acquaintance, but a rather useful one. Even outside the bedroom. She hailed from a powerful pure-blooded family, one that it would be wise to cultivate into a veritable working relationship. Amongst other things. Such was the life of Slytherin House. Even if you were screwing someone’s brains out, you still had to plot over the possible ramifications and gains of such an alliance. And the one between Jessica and himself was an old one. She was so much easier to speak with than Pansy, who spent the majority of her time fawning over the young Malfoy and trying to cling with him far too much. Which was why she found herself outside the compartment staring at the empty seat before storming off, probably to think of a way to turn this into her favor. Oh, well. Having turned away from the door to speak with Blaine about something, he missed seeing Jessica peer into the cabin, instead opting to argue with the colored Slytherin.(Jessica was very happy to be returning to Hogwarts. She always hated going home for the summer because she always got stuck living with her hateful mother. Her mother, Catherine Milano, tried to ruin Jessica's life as much as possible while she was home. Jessica knew her older mother was just jealous of her daughter's good looks. There had been a time when Catherine was gorgeous and thin too, but now she looked old and fat. It made sense that she would want to treat her only daughter badly because she was so jealous. She was also very bitter because her husband had left her when Jessica was young. So that was why Jessica was happy to be back at Hogwarts. It was also nice to get away from her mother's sick boyfriends who thought it was okay for them to have their way with her whenever they wanted her. They were all so ugly too. She couldn't wait to finally be with Draco again. She knew the second he was inside of her again she would never have to think about those awful guys anymore. Furthermore, she could almost still feel their slime hands all over her body, and it made her so sick. Jessica was walking down the hallway and of course all the guys were checking her out as usual. She and Draco had mostly a physical relationship, but she had developed some feelings for him during their previous school year. Of course, she was doing everything she could to keep these feelings hidden from him because she knew the second he found out she had serious feelings for her, he would run. This was just supposed to be about sex. They had made that agreement when they first started hooking up years ago. She hated herself for letting herself fall in love with the Slytherin Prince, but she really should have known that something like this would happen. He was so charming and good-looking. Plus he was amazing in bed. How could she not fall for him? She was checking in all different compartments and so far none of the compartments she looked in contained Draco. She was starting to lose hope when she opened a compartment and saw Draco sitting inside with Blaine. Furthermore, she would have preferred for them to be alone, but she knew Draco would probably send Blaine out soon. They hadn't seen each other all summer so she imagined he was dying to get his hands on her. She knew she was feeling that way about him. She smirked at Draco as she strolled into the compartment, not even bothering to ask if it was okay if she sat with him because she knew it would be okay. Plus she was a cocky Slytherin so naturally she didn't ask if she could do things. "Hello Draco." She said, sitting across from him, not realizing that he had just forbidden Pansy from sitting where she was right now because he was saving it for her. She would have been flattered if she knew that. "Did you miss me?" She asked him, giggling softly. Then she turned to Blaine. "Oh, hello Blaine." She said, almost like she had forgotten he was here. But how could she pay attention to Blaine when Draco was nearby? Looking up as he heard the compartment door open, he dropped his feet to the floor, allowing Jessica to sit across from him. Raising an eyebrow in greeting, he flicked his cool silver eyes over her form, a flash of lust rushing through his mind. And something else. Something he had begun feeling for her at the end of last year. Blaine, in true Slytherin fashion, realized the two wanted to be alone. “Well, I should go and speak with Daphne,” he said, rising and smoothing out his robes, “Once again, congratulations on making Head Boy, Draco.” With that, the colored boy left the compartment, shutting the door behind him. Reaching over, Draco locked the door before pulling the shade down, cutting off the visibility into the small room. Looking back over at her, Draco slid his eyes over her form once more, even slower as he mentally undressed her. Leaning forward, he slid his hand along her thigh, reveling in the feel of her beneath his long fingered hand. He had to make do throughout the summer, as he did every year since they made the agreement, but their trysts this year would be easier, since he now had his own room in the Heads Dorm.“Come here,” he said softly, tugging on her leg slightly. He wanted her, badly, as evidenced by the bulge in his pants. Furthermore, he wanted to feel her hands on him in return, he had wanted it since the beginning of summer. Jessica was very glad when Blaine got up and said that he needed to go speak with Daphne. She had been upset when she saw that they weren't alone, but now she was very pleased since they were going to be alone. Just feeling Draco's eyes travel her form sent chills up and down her spine. She had missed him so much, and she really couldn't believe that she was actually sitting in front of him like this. She had wished to see him all summer and here they were finally together again. They really needed to stop going whole summers apart from each other. It was wrong. She smiled as she felt him rub his hand along her thigh. She thought she had chills before but just feeling his touch made her go crazy with lust for him. Furthermore, she had been worried that she wouldn't want him to touch her after what she'd been through during the summer so she was very happy to see that she did want him to touch her badly. Actually she wanted him to do a lot more than just touching her. She knew she needed to resist him when he told her to come to him. She needed to play hard to get to keep Draco interested. Furthermore, she feared that if she gave into him right away he would think she was too boring, but she didn't have the strength or the will to not listen to him because she wanted him just as badly as he wanted her. Furthermore, she had dreamed of this moment all summer long. Furthermore, she smirked at him before moving closer to him, easily sliding onto his lap and wrapping her legs around his waist. Furthermore, she felt so perfect in his lap, like she was meant to be here. "That's great that you made Head Boy. You were always so smart." Her voice was soft and very seductive. It was obvious that she wasn't really thinking about how he made Head Boy. She'd rather give him head than think about him making Head Boy. Smirking in response as she straddled his lap, Draco brought his hands up and rested them upon the small of her back, pulling her closer to himself. His cloth covered hard-on pressed against her as he pulled her closer, dropping his head into the crook of her neck, gently biting her, but not enough to leave a mark. He never left marks, even when he really wanted to. “Thank you. But, as you can tell, I have a little problem,” he growled against her skin, thrusting his hips upward as if to show what his problem was, “I was hoping you could help.” Or he could just take, as he had half a mind to do. They had been apart for too long, Draco with only his hand to satisfy himself, and he couldn’t match the feeling that she elicited from him in their not-so-secret trysts. It wouldn’t happen any longer, this being their final year at Hogwarts. Draco knew he would leave Malfoy manor, seventeen years being quite long enough to be around his parents for the teen. He would probably move into London, but that was furthest from his mind at the moment, completely focused upon the Slytherin atop him, and these games they played with one another before they removed each other's clothes. And he wore a frustrating amount of clothing today, as a part of these games, that way, she would be naked before him. Jessica tried not to moan out too loudly as she felt him thrust his hips up so she could feel his hard on pressing against her crotch. And of course she wasn't wearing any panties (she never did) and she had on a short dress so it wasn't like there was that much clothing between them. Draco was the one wearing all the clothing. Jessica always dressed like a slut and tried to wear as little clothing as possible. That way she knew Draco would always be very turned on when he looked at her. But she got turned on just from seeing him in his clothing. She could only imagine how good she would feel when he was finally inside of her again." I might be able to help you. I don't know though.maybe it's not such a good idea to do that in here. Furthermore, I mean, someone could hear us." Of course, she couldn't care less if anyone heard them fucking. Everyone at Hogwarts already knew they were hooking up. Actually people would probably think it would be weird if they didn't hook up in their compartment. They would think something was wrong. She just wanted to tease Draco as much as possible. Of course, she knew it would be easy for him to just take what he wanted from her, but it was more fun if she played hard to get and didn't make this easy for him. She ran her hands up and down his chest, bringing her hands down to his pants so she could toy with the button on his pants. She wasn't planning on removing them just yet. No way, that would be way too boring. She had to wait as long as possible. Of course, it was completely killing her that she had to wait and tease him since she wanted him so badly but she would just have to find a way to control herself. Biting and kissing along her neck, Draco slipped his hands down to her bare thighs, slipping his hands below the edges of her dress. "Then set up a silencing spell," he mumbled against her skin, sure she could hear him. Feeling her hands upon the button of his pants, he groaned as he slipped a strap off her shoulder, nibbling at her skin. His fingers skimmed up her thighs, dress bunching against his arms as he pushed it up, his fingers passing over her hips, never encountering any undergarments, as usual. Groaning softly at the thought, one of his hands slid over her hip to trace the line along it leading to his ultimate goal. Fingers brushing over her mound, Draco slid his hand further down, sliding a pair of fingers through her slit. He knew that she wouldn't be able to play for too much longer, he could tell she was wound just as tightly as himself. Pulling back slightly, he looked across the short distance at her, one eyebrow quirking upward as his fingers brushed against her clit. He held all the power, and he knew it, or believed it with every fiber of his being. He was cocky, having held the reins of Slytherin house for years led to his arrogance. Jessica honestly couldn't care less if people heard them fucking in here so she wasn't going to do a silencing spell. She didn't even know how to do one since she wasn't very good with magic. Plus she liked the thought of people walking by their compartment and listening to the loud moans coming from them. Jessica was always very loud when Draco was fucking her, of course. It was impossible for her to be quiet. She couldn't help but moan out loudly as she felt him slip a strap of her dress off her shoulder. She immediately raised her head up in the air so it would be easy for him to kiss her neck if he chose to do this. Furthermore, she was hoping he would because she really loved it when he kissed and sucked her neck. Furthermore, she wished he would leave marks on her. Then everyone would know that she really belonged to him. She moaned out even more loudly as she felt him slip some fingers through her slit. He knew how to turn her on like no one else did. She hated how she was already thinking about giving into him. Draco was just so amazing at turning her on. No one else would ever be as good as he was. She still slept around just so he wouldn't think she had feelings for him, but honestly she had to close her eyes and pretend like Draco was inside of her as they fucked her otherwise she would never be able to cum. She couldn't help but bring a hand down to his pants. One hand unbuttoned his pants while the other one slipped into his pants, found his cock and began to massage him with expertise. She knew this would drive him crazy. Moving his seeking mouth to her smooth neck, Draco kissed and nipped along her pale flesh, biting to the point of leaving marks but never truly doing so. The noises she was making were driving him nuts, but he reigned himself in, slipping a finger into her core as his mouth continued to move along her neck. He didn't like that she slept around, not one bit, but he wouldn't say anything. He wasn't supposed to feel for her, their relationship was a purely physical one. They both were aware of that fact, but it didn't help his disposition. Hips jerking up as her hand slipped into his pants and began stroking his cock, Draco groaned quietly against her neck. He wasn't one to be too vocal during their trysts, but it was prone to make quiet groans and moans when the situation called for it. This was definitely one of those situations, having been kept under the careful supervision of his parents when out, and locked in the manor any other time, having her touch him was a godsend. His other hand immediately began pushing the bottom of her dress further up, wanting her naked and panting for him. It was above her navel now, and his silver eyes traveled down to watch as his fingers slipped in and out of her a few times, a second having joined the first as his thumb massaged her clit. His hips twitched up towards her as she continued to stroke and massage him expertly. Jessica enjoyed him kissing and sucking her neck way too much. She hated the power he had over her but at the same time she loved it. After all that was what originally attracted to her to Draco. She had been turned on by his good looks, charm and power. She was so young when they first started sleeping together. Furthermore, she had almost been innocent back then. In a way you could say that Draco had corrupted her and turned her into the slut she was today. She'd been a virgin the first time they slept together. No wonder she felt so connected to Draco. He had taken her virginity. She loved hearing his groans and knowing the whole reason he was making them was because of her. She knew she was amazing with her hands and even better at using her mouth to pleasure him. Furthermore, she would be happy to do that for him very soon, but she imagined he would want to fuck her right now and let her suck him off later. It wasn't like they had all the time in the world right now. Soon they would have to get changed into their uniforms for school. And of course Jessica had a slutty uniform. By this point she wasn't even trying to hold back her moans anymore. Obviously Draco knew he was amazing at pleasuring her, so there was no point in acting like he wasn't. She also was dying for him to get her dress off. She loved it when he saw her body. Furthermore, she was so thin but Draco always made her feel completely gorgeous. Furthermore, she was very pretty. The whole thing, fragile thing had always worked for her. It looked sick on some girls but amazing and elegant on Jessica. Her hands were already sliding his pants down, getting them off quickly. Obviously she wanted him naked just as badly as he wanted her naked. Shifting his hips slightly, helping her to pull them down off his narrow hips, Draco sighed in relief as his lower half was bared to her. He still wore his turtleneck and blazer, however. His hand pushed her dress the rest of the way up before tugging it over her head and dropping it to the ground, immediately leaning down and sliding his tongue along the valley of her breasts. Removing his fingers from her wet center, he looked her in the eye before licking her juices from his finger, reminding her of the times he had gone down on her, eating her out masterfully. By now, he was as good at reading her body language as she was at reading his, and the Slytherin enjoyed riling her up. Leaning forward once more, he captured one of her breasts in his mouth, sucking and nipping at her diamond hard nipple, desire coursing through his system as he stroked along her spine with one hand. He loved that she appeared so fragile, as if the slightest thing could break her, yet she was as strong as himself or any of their housemates. His hand slid over the skin of her back as he observed her thin body, his mouth questing and biting gently along her flesh, his cock straining toward her own center. His other hand grasped at her unattended breast, pinching and twisting her nipple, mimicking the movements his mouth was making upon the other. Jessica was so happy when he finally got her dress off. Thank God she wasn't wearing anything underneath it so it wasn't like he had to worry about removing any more clothing. She still had to take off the rest of his clothing off, but she wasn't going to do that right away. Of course, she was dying to see his bare chest, but she knew she had to tease him as much as possible. She couldn't help but let out such a loud moan as she felt him run his tongue down her breasts. Draco always knew how to turn her on so much. Jessica really thought she was going to lose it as she felt him start to please her breast with his tongue. Draco definitely knew what he was doing right now. Of course, she was dying to feel him inside of her again, but she was glad they weren't moving to sex right away. She thought it was very important to have some foreplay first. It was hard to not jump right to sex since they hadn't seen each other all summer long but somehow they were managing to do this. Obviously Draco had a lot more control than she did." Oh Draco, that feels so good!" She moaned out loudly, running her hands through his blonde hair. Her hands were already moving to his blazer because she wanted to feel his chest pressing against hers so badly. She couldn't help but slide it off quickly and then work on getting his turtleneck off next. Then finally all of their clothing was on the floor and there was nothing keeping them from getting what they both wanted so badly. Shifting slightly against her, feeling his blazer slip from his shoulders to be tossed somewhere else, Draco returned his hands to her body. He could feel her fingers sliding through his hair, mussing up the normally sleek locks. His own hands helped her to remove his turtleneck, peeling the clothing from his lean frame easily, it's joining the rest of their clothing upon the floor. Leaning into her, his hands slid up and down her back as he captured her lips in a lustful kiss, the first of the day. Prying her lips open with his tongue, he plunged the muscle into her mouth, seeking to force hers into submission beneath his onslaught. Bucking his hips up toward hers, he could practically feel the heat radiating from her core, almost seeming to beg for him to plunge himself into her depths and fuck her senseless, then fuck her some more. She always seemed to bring out the beast within the Slytherin Prince, and he quite liked it. He wanted andneededher right now, but he was too busy to try to slip himself inside her, instead opting to dominate her mouth first while his hips bucked upwards once again. He felt the tip of his cock pressing against her entrance with every spasm of his hips, his body straining to enter her." I want you," he growled after pulling back for some highly necessary oxygen before leaning forward and capturing his mouth once more, "It's been too long, Jessica." He was barely able to hold himself back at this point, only able to tease each into full arousal by the steel of his self-control, instead of just grabbing her hips and ramming her down onto his raging cock. Jessica had longed to feel her skin against Draco's all summer long, and now she was finally getting to experience this and of course it was so amazing. She immediately began to kiss him back the second she felt his lips on hers and massaged his tongue with her own as she felt him force it into her mouth. She loved kissing him so much. It was almost just as good as feeling him inside of her but of course nothing could be as good as that. Jessica was completely dying to feel Draco inside of her as he pressed his cock against her slit. She knew he would be able to tell just how wet she was for him right now. But of course he probably already knew she was wet before he even pressed himself against her because no one turned her on as much as Draco did. She was thinking about stopping her sleeping around because it was no fun to sleep with other guys. Plus she didn't want to waste her time with them when she could be with Draco." I want you too, Draco." She moaned out loudly, not caring that she was admitting this to him and giving him even more power over her. He had just told her that he wanted her so it wasn't like she was the only one saying this. She felt the exact same way as him. "I know, we can never go this long without having each other again. It's so wrong." She said, bringing her lips back to his and kissing him passionately once more as she pressed her cunt up against his hard cock. "Please fuck me now, Draco! I can't wait any longer! I know you want this just as much as I do! Please!" She wasn't too proud to beg him to fuck her. She just hoped he would listen to her instead of trying to tease her more. Normally, Draco would continue to tease her after she began to beg, but he needed his release badly. He could feel his cock aching for her, his hands sliding down to her hips where he guided her down onto his cock until their pelvises met, a groan slipping from his lips as his mouth descended to her collarbone, biting and sucking on her skin. Rolling his hips up into hers, driving his cock deeper into her with the simple motion. His hands remained upon her hips, lifting her slight frame before pressing her back down upon him, the glorious moist heat of her core squeezing his cock tightly. His mouth slid along her upper chest, kissing and sucking as his hands forced her up and down upon his cock. He felt her move with the motions, so he slid his hands around and grabbed her ass tightly, spreading her cheeks before allowing her flesh to slide through his fingers and bounce back into place. His hips continued to buck upwards into her, serving to impale her further upon his thick cock. His lips finally caught against her neck teeth biting into her skin, rolling the skin between his jaws before releasing it. His hands repeated their motion a couple of times before one slid around her front, pressing a thumb against her clit, rubbing it in rapid circles as the other pressed her closer to him, allowing his teeth to latch onto her neck once more, hearing her moans and pleased sounds driving him onto greater heights. Jessica let out such a loud moan once she felt Draco finally slip inside of her. She had missed this so much. They really couldn't go this long without having each other again, it was so wrong. She hated to think about what would happen to them after their final year at Hogwarts. They would be expected to get jobs and maybe Draco would maybe even marry someone. She never considered that he might marry her because she thought she was too slutty for that. She figured he would have her for his mistress but nothing more than that. Callie loved how he's biting and sucking her collar bone. It just made this experience even better in her opinion. But Draco always knew exactly what to do to please her. After all they'd been sleeping around for years. It would make sense that they would know what the other wanted. But somehow it never got boring to them. They had been doing this for years, but it was always fresh and new. Every time felt like their first time together." Oh yes, Draco! Yes!" She screamed out at the top of her lungs, completely loving what he was doing to her right now. No one was better at fucking her than Draco Malfoy. "Fuck me harder! Make me bleed!" She screamed out loudly, wanting to give him encouragement to be even more rough with her. At least they'd been doing this for so long that she knew he wouldn't be afraid about hurting her. By now he knew that Jessica loved to be hurt during sex. To her, it wasn't good unless she was bleeding. That was how rough she liked it. "Oh yes! Fuck yes!" She didn't curse much, but she always seemed to curse when Draco was fucking her. Sliding his hands down her body, Draco grasped her hips with an almost bruising force. Turning his head, he captured her lips with his own, kissing her harshly. Raising her up, he pulled her down quickly, ramming his hips upward in the same motion, driving himself deeper into her. This felt so good after the long separation over the summer. He felt as though he was splitting her in half. He was already sweating, his shoulders already beaded with moisture. As his hands forcefully rammed her down onto his rock-hard shaft, Draco parted his lips from hers, leaning down and biting at her shoulder, fighting hard not to mark her. He wanted to, badly, but he wouldn’t. But he also didn’t like seeing other guys’ marks upon her either. He knew he couldn’t claim her as his, but he so wanted to, to lock her away from everyone else and use her for his own dastardly purposes. Tightening his grip with one hand, he reached between them and pinched her nipple harshly, twisting it between his fingers before doing the same to the other. Curling his fingers, he dragged his short nails down her abdomen before reaching down and pinching her clit. She liked pain when they were fucking, and Draco enjoyed causing pain. His fingers pinched and twisted the flesh upon her body, focusing on her sensitive nipples and her clit, but sometimes doing so to other parts of her slim body. Jessica was loving this so much. She had missed Draco all summer long, and it was amazing to finally have him inside of her again. The second she felt his lips on hers again she kissed him back roughly, forcing her tongue into his mouth and exploring it entirely. She kept moaning out loud in-between passionate kisses because she was loving this so much. Draco was such an amazing lover. She knew she was the luckiest girl in the world because she got to sleep with him all the time. Jessica let out such a loud moan as he bit her shoulder again. She wanted to beg him to mark her, but she knew she couldn't do that. That would be weird, she just couldn't say that. But luckily she didn't have marks from other guys on her right now, and she doubted she would have them on her all year since she wasn't planning on sleeping with any other guys. And the bruises covering her body from the abuse her mother's boyfriends had given her were covered thanks to spells. Hopefully they wouldn't wear off any time soon." Oh yes, Draco! You are so fucking amazing!" She screamed out at the top of her lungs. Of course, she knew Draco didn't need her encouragement since he already had a huge ego, but she just couldn't help herself. He really was so good at this. "Yes! Oh, yes! I am so close! We are so amazing together!" She screamed out, throwing her head back as she moaned out loudly from what he was doing to her nipples and her clit. "Fuck me harder, Draco! Make me bleed!" She screamed out. Draco was sure her screams and moans could be heard throughout the train, but the Slytherin didn’t care, instead straining to fuck her into a coma causing orgasm. Unable to gain the proper leverage from their current position, he slid his hands down to her ass and stood up, pressing her against the compartment entrance. His hips continued to drive into her, slipping almost all the way out before ramming back into her amidst the wet slap of flesh, not giving her body enough time to adjust before doing it again. Figuring to hell with it, this was their last year, Draco found the soft skin on her neck and bit her roughly, sucking on the skin harshly, tasting her blood as it leaked into his mouth. For the first time, Draco had marked her, and it was a hell of a mark too. There was a perfect bleeding outline of his teeth surrounding a dark red bruised area. Feeling satisfaction at that sight, he rammed himself particularly deep into her, while continuing to bite and suck at his mark. Jessica was very happy to feel him pick her up and press her against the wall so he could fuck her standing up. She always liked this position so much more because he could be even more rough with her. This felt even better than her. She looked down and could see that she was starting to bleed because he was being so rough with her. This turned her on even more. "Oh yes, Draco! Fuck me harder, you are the best!" She screamed out, hating how she was giving him all these compliments, but she just couldn't help it. Jessica couldn't believe it when he actually marked her for the first time in a long time. Of course, she loved this since she had been wanting him to do this to her for the longest time. "Yes! I love it when you bite my neck!" She screamed out, wanting to give him encouragement so he would do this more often. He didn't need to worry about what people thought. She wanted them to know that she belonged to him. "I am so close, Draco! I can't last much longer!" She was really hoping they would cum at the same time. That was usually what they did because they were so in sync with each other. Feeling her draw back slightly, he looked up at her, only to see her looking down where their bodies joined. Following her gaze downward, he too noticed she was beginning to bleed. This caused Draco to groan, his end drawing near. He was already holding on with everything he had, sweat soaking his hair and plastering it to his forehead. Tightening his hold on her ass, he rammed into her faster and faster. His end was too close, and he wanted her to topple over before him, but the young Malfoy knew they would most likely cum together, as they always did. "Cum with me, Jess," he said before lunging forward and capturing her lips. He only ever called her Jess when they were fucking each other's brains out, since it was easier to say. Grunting, his hips began moving faster yet, an uncontrollable motion as his body began moving towards its own release. Reaching between their bodies, he pinched and rolled her clit, trying to drive her to the same orgasm that was rapidly approaching. Jessica smirked as she watched him look down and see that she was bleeding. It was so hot to know that the whole reason she was bleeding was because of him. He was doing this to her. They could really never go this long without having each other again, but she knew the wait was making this even better. But even if they hadn't waited so long to fuck it would still be amazing because they were completely perfect for each other. Jessica believed they were so good together even out of the bedroom, but she would never admit that to Draco. There was no way she was going to take the chance of scaring him away and making him never want to see her again." I am about to cum! I can't wait to cum with you!" She screamed out loudly as she felt him start to thrust even faster inside of her. Now she knew there was no way she could last even a minute longer. The way he was pinching her clit was pushing her closer and closer to her climax. "Oh yes, Draco! I'm going to cum!" She screamed out suddenly as she felt her body begin to shake as she hit her climax, the walls of her pussy tightening around his cock as she got her juices all over him. It was so amazing as always. "Oh yes! I missed this so much!" She screamed out as she continued to cum. Feeling her inner walls tighten around him drove Draco past the edge, and with a strangled grunt, he erupted deep within her. Hips jerking slightly with the aftershocks of his own orgasm, Draco dropped his face into her neck, panting with the force of his orgasm. He was quite surprised his legs had held the pair up, he could feel the weakened state his body was in. But he was sated and completely satisfied, as he was always when he was with her. He knew they were good together, evidenced by the politics they played in Hogwarts and their acts in the bedroom. Stumbling back, his hands still holding her up, Draco dropped back onto the seat. He was still buried deeply within her, which he preferred over redressing, which is what they would have to do soon. Sliding his hands up her back, he dropped his head against the wall, silver eyes quietly observing her as his post-orgasmic tremors gently racked his lean body. “I missed it too,” he said quietly, biting his mark once more, knowing she liked the pain, “Far too much, Jessica.” Jessica couldn't believe how amazing she felt when Draco finally came inside of her. And just like always they came at the same time, and she loved that so much. Sometimes she preferred for Draco to cum first because this was just as good as that really. She was a little sad that they were already done having sex, but she knew she shouldn't be too sad because they would be doing this again soon. There was no way they could last much longer without having each other again. She figured they would spend the first night back fucking all night long since that was what they usually did. It was like tradition. Jessica was glad that he didn't pull out of her just yet because she wanted him to stay inside of her for as long as possible. She always loved it when he didn't try to leave right after sex. But they'd been doing this for years so she didn't think he was worried about this suddenly meaning something. Of course, it meant everything to Jessica, but she would never admit this to him. "Good." She loved hearing him say that he had missed it too. At least she wasn't the only one. "I wish we could stay like this for so much longer." But she knew it wouldn't matter if they were late to the feast. People probably expected them to be late anyway. Smirking at her, Draco slid his hands against her skin, sliding up and down her spine, feeling the smooth skin beneath his fingertips. They had once again cum together, bodies seeming to sync as they normally did, even after the several month long summer break. He enjoyed just resting with her held in the circle of his arms, leaning slightly and resting his forehead wearily upon her shoulder, spent from their exertions. He didn’t like how his body always wanted to slip into sleep after he fucked her, but he knew they would do the same tonight, and probably between classes tomorrow before they fell into a normal routine. Curling his long fingers, he dragged his clipped nails down her spine, hearing the gentle rasp of sound his action caused. “Unfortunately, we must attend school, or I might lock you away and fuck you senseless,” he teased lightly, too tired to really banter as they normally did, “I guess I’ll have to settle for having you for myself for a bit longer though.” His arms tightened around her slightly, nibbling gently upon the pale column of her throat. He liked it when there weren’t any expectations of him save for the ones that people held for everyone his age, from the richest to the poorest. It was a nice thing to be relatively anonymous, but he knew he would have to enjoy it while he could, since it would only last until graduation. Jessica felt so happy to be with Draco right now. She really did love him so much, and she wished she could tell him how she felt, but she didn't want to freak him out. Jessica always thought it was better to have Draco in her life in a completely physical way than not have him in her life at all. She was looking forward to spending the whole night with him fucking and just spending time together. She sighed heavily when Draco mentioned school. Furthermore, she preferred just pretending like they didn't ever have to go to class. "I really wish we never had to go to class, and we could just spend all of our time fucking." Of course, she really wished they could do more than just fucking, but she wasn't going to admit that to him. She couldn't help but moan out loudly as she felt begin to nibble on her neck. He always knew how to give her so much pleasure even after they had sex. "Maybe we should skip the feast this year. It's not like we'd be missing much and that would just give us more time to spend in bed or wherever we want. I'm thinking fucking somewhere public would be so hot." She just hoped he would say yes because the thought of being around all that food made her sick. She rested her head on his shoulder, just wanting to remember how nice this felt. Furthermore, she wasn't sure if he would want to hold her like this the next time they had sex, but she really hoped he would. Spending all of their time fucking would be a wonderful idea. But, Draco had snagged the position of Head Boy, and he had to attend classes, patrol, and attend the major feasts, much to his chagrin. He loved teasing her body, especially when she was spent from their screw sessions, the noises she made were much more unrestrained, much realer. “I’m afraid that wouldn’t be possible for myself,” he said quietly, “I have to attend the feast, but afterward, I’m sure we can figure something out, Jessica.” Digging his fingers into her back, he gently massaged the soft tissue at the small of her spine, his lips and teeth still sucking and biting along her neck. He hadn’t realized she was an exhibitionist, and the thought of them screwing in the back of the library or something sounded like it would be thrilling, he would have to muffle her screams somehow though, maybe with his tie or something. Those thoughts excited the young Slytherin, causing him to want to try it as soon as possible. Maybe the first time he catches her in the library after school starts. Sneak up behind her and pin her to the stacks and fuck her from behind, his tie jammed into her mouth. It would be so much easier since she no longer wore underwear of any sort, making the spontaneous fuck so much easier to accomplish on a day-to-day basis. Jessica had already gotten it into her head that they could skip the feast and spend the entire night together so she was pretty disappointed when he said that he had to attend the feast. Then she thought about how he was Head Boy now so that was probably why he had to go. She felt silly for even suggesting that they skip it. She would have to go and smell all the disgusting food cooking. Of course, she wasn't going to eat anything there. She would put food on her plate and pick at it so it would look like she was eating, but really she wouldn't eat a thing. People probably wouldn't even notice that she wasn't eating because no one really cared if she ate or not. She doubted Draco cared that she had eating issues. He was probably just happy that she was thin because she looked good on his arm, and it made her easier to fuck." Okay, good." She was happy that they could at least spend time after the feast even if they couldn't just skip it. Of course, she would sit next to him at the feast and all the other girls would get so jealous and wish they were her. She moaned out softly from the way he was still biting and sucking her neck. She couldn't wait to be alone so she could finally see what the mark he left on her looked like. Furthermore, she knew it would look so perfect on her. "We're going to have so much fun tonight." She smirked at him, thinking about everything they could do. Of course, it all involved fucking. She loved him, but that didn't mean that she didn't enjoy sex with him. As he continued to bite and suck at her neck, the mark he had made especially, Draco idly wondered if she would actually eat this time. She never ate, and it had been like that for years, when they had first started fucking, he had noticed it when he watched her most of the day afterward. Then with a little snooping around later, he hadn’t discovered anything. Of course, if he was a Gryffindor, he would come straight out and just ask her about it, but he couldn’t lower himself to that level. So, he contented himself with watching her when she wasn’t looking and speaking with his infinite amount of contacts trying to figure out why. He liked the fact that she was thin, but he was actually a little worried about her since she wasn’t eating like she should be. Maybe if he sat beside her at the feast, like they sometimes did, he could surreptitiously ask why she wasn’t eating.“Of course we are,” he said against her neck instead, pulling back slightly to look at her, “When don’t we have fun together?” Looking down at the mark, he couldn’t stop the self-satisfied smirk from crossing his face as he looked upon the bright red teeth marks ringing the dark bruise. It looked good now, and he knew that bruise would only get darker. It would be tender for a while, but it would look fantastic. And she probably wouldn’t be able to hide it. Reaching a hand up, he slid it into her hair, fisting his hand and pulling her head back as he sucked on her throat his other hand sliding along her thigh. Jessica had no idea that Draco had noticed how she didn't ever eat anything. She just assumed that he wouldn't care about her bad eating habits because they weren't a couple. She figured he would be fine with her eating nothing as long as she was still healthy enough to be fucked by him. Furthermore, she figured he would question her eating habits if he didn't like how thin she was, but he obviously loved how tiny she was since he never said anything to her about it. Furthermore, she was partly happy he never mentioned how little she ate because she really didn't want to have to start eating but at the same time it would be nice if he showed some concern for her. It might mean that he actually cared about her and wasn't just using her for sex. They were friends, and they did talk some, but she just didn't think she could bring up something as personal as her eating disorder with him." We always have fun together." She told him, smirking after he asked her this. She saw the smirk form on his face when he looked at the mark he had left on her neck. Obviously it was a pretty big one since he was smirking like that. She was just dying to get a look at it. She couldn't wait to see the look on everyone's faces when they saw how Draco had marked her. Then they would know that she really did belong to him. "Mmm, that feels so good." She said, moaning out loudly from how he was sucking her neck right now. His hand on her thigh made her want him again. She was already getting wet for him. "I wish we had time to fuck one more time, or I could at least give you head. You missed my lips around your cock, didn't you Draco?" She asked him while smirking. Jessica could have a filthy mouth sometimes, but she knew Draco loved it. Groaning loudly as she spoke of giving him a blowjob, Draco felt her begin growing wet around his cock again, the teen’s organ hardening at the thought. Gritting his teeth, he fought the urge to plead with her to do so, wanting badly for her to do just that. He would return the favor that night of course, enjoying eating her out when they meet to fuck. It was one of the more enjoyable activities that he took part in, he also enjoyed the taste of her as she came around his tongue, screaming his name in ecstasy. He wanted to fuck her tonight until she begged him to stop, then continue for quite a bit longer, before allowing his own pleasure to expand within him. Losing the fight with his body, Draco hissed quietly, “Yes. Oh, Merlin, yes.” His hips bucked upward as he thought of her mouth wrapped around his cock, sucking him expertly as she always did. He wanted her once more, and if he had a time-turner, he would make sure she was just as satisfied as himself. His hand continued to slide along her thigh, his head dropping back into her neck, sucking and biting at his mark, realizing she liked that far more than he thought she would. His body was already reacting to her own, wanting her more and more as he continued to kiss and suck at her neck. She was riling him up without even doing anything. Jessica was thinking about giving him head right now. She couldn't care less if they had time for that or not. The train could stay here for a bit longer because of them. They were the hottest and most powerful people at Hogwarts so she didn't see anything wrong with making the train wait a little. Plus it wouldn't be the end of the world if the train left Hogwarts with them still on it. Then they would get even more time to spend together in the train. But she knew she could get him to cum quickly with her mouth because she was so good at that. She could tell he really wanted her to give him head since he sounded so turned on right now, and she could see his hips bucking upwards. This just made her want his cock even more. "I want to give you head right now. I think we have time. And who cares if we do? I need your cock in my mouth. Just talking about it has made me want it so much." She said before bringing her mouth down to his cock, starting with running her tongue up and down his length. She was moaning out loudly as she did this because she enjoyed this so much. "Oh Draco, I really missed your cock so much. Did you miss me doing this for you?" She asked him before suddenly forcing his whole cock into her mouth, making sure he was at the back of her mouth so she could deep throat him. Then she began bobbing her head up and down as quickly as possible, staring up into his eyes as she did so. She had to see the pleasure on his face as she sucked him off. Feeling her shift off of him to kneel before him, his cock standing at full attention already, anticipating the feel of her mouth upon his sensitive organ. Looking down at her, Draco groaned as she licked up and down his cock, her moans vibrating his cock slightly, heightening his pleasure. “Yes,” he hissed out, dropping his head back against the wall with a loud thump, groaning loudly as she took him into her mouth, his cock being pushed deep down her throat as she sucked him off. Reaching a hand up, he buried his long fingers into her hair, pressing her down slightly. His hips jerked upwards before he managed to stop their movement. Lifting his head, he looked down at her, meeting her eyes briefly before his own closed in pleasure, moaning loudly as her warm mouth engulfed his shaft, swallowing the head every so often. He could already feel his end near, her master of fellatio proving quite effective on the Head Boy. “Oh, Merlin, Jess,” he groaned out, licking his lips lightly, “Oh, that feels so good. I’m so close.” The pace she was setting was one that would definitely bring him to orgasm soon, he could feel that tension in his abdomen already. “Oh, fuck,” he said in barely a whisper. Jessica loved hearing Draco moan and groan out loud as she licked up and down his cock. She knew he loved when she did this, and it made her feel so powerful to know she had this affect on him. No one else at their school could give head like Jessica could. She was the best, and he would never be able to find anyone better than her. She didn't think he would want to even trying to find someone else. Why would he do that when he had Jessica ready to do anything with him whenever he wanted? She was pretty much his sex slave, but she actually liked it when he fucked her. Sure she wished they could do some things other than just having sex, but that didn't mean that she didn't enjoy it every time he fucked her brains out. Every time she gave him head she got so happy. It was one of her favorite things to do. Hearing his moans and how he told her how good she was at this just made her want to do an even better job at sucking him off so she picked up her pace, wanting to make him cum as soon as possible. She couldn't wait to swallow every bit of his cum. Maybe he would even come on her face and breasts some. Jessica wouldn't be ashamed to wear his cum around Hogwarts. Then everyone would really know that she belonged to him. This would be even more daring than the mark he left on her neck. Everyone would be so jealous of her. The girls all would do anything to be Jessica even just for one day. Draco was unaware of the effect he had on her as a person, how she would enjoy flaunting the mark he had given her and the thoughts currently running through her mind. He was focused solely on her, and the way her mouth was working upon his aching cock. Tightening his grip in her hair, he forced her down further upon his cock as his abdomen tightened, a loud groan slipping from his lips as he began to cum once more in the time they had been alone. His hips thrust up into her mouth as his cock emptied itself into her warm and moist cavern. Panting as his body sagged against the seat, Draco released the grip he had in her hair, dropping his arms listlessly to his sides as he panted, trying to regain his breath. It had been short, but intense, as it always was when she sucked him off. “I think you get better at that every time,” he admitted to her, his head resting against the wall of the compartment, “I think you may have killed me Jessica.” His breath was still ragged as the Malfoy fought to recover his demeanor quickly, not liking the feeling that they would be arriving soon, only to suffer hours of waiting until they could sufficiently wear each other out. Jessica had known that Draco would come soon so she wasn't shocked at all when suddenly he exploded in her mouth and shot his come deep down her throat. Of course sh eagerly swallowed all of his come. There was no way she'd ever let any of it go to waste. She loved the taste of his come so much, she had missed it all summer long. For a second she had a flashback to her summer and how her mother's boyfriends had forced her to suck them off. It made her sick that she had done that to someone other than Draco. Of course, she had no choice. They had literally held her head down there, but it still felt wrong. She smirked at him as he pulled his cock out of her mouth and she watched as he leaned against the wall. She loved knowing that she could do this to him. No one else would be able to make him feel the way that she did. "I think you're still alive." She giggled softly as she climbed back onto the bench and then onto his lap, wrapping her legs around his waist as she stared into his eyes. "I wish we didn't have to attend the stupid feast. It's going to be so boring." She sighed heavily, resting her head on his shoulder. She would just have to enjoy being in his arms now because soon they'd have to get dressed and go to the Great Hall for the feast. At least they could spend all night fucking. They just had to get through the feast first. His hands lifted to drop onto her hips as she resumed her place in Draco’s lap, sliding his hands up her bare sides, leaning forward to rest his forehead wearily into the crook of her neck. They didn’t often hold each other after any of their trysts, and he may be a sadist, but he loved holding her afterward. Most of the time, however, he had to make do with just fucking her, since he knew she expected him to treat her like a cheap whore. He just hadn’t expected to become emotionally compromised, with his emotions and thoughts seeming to revolve around her. He felt the weight of her head descent onto his own shoulder, his arms slipping around her to hold her to his chest protectively. He knew his parents were probably scheming up some marriage contracts with some other ‘honorable’ purebloods. Furthermore, he just hoped Jessica was on the list. If not, he would just tell his future wife-to-be that Jessica would be in his life as a mistress then, and he would only perform his husbandry duties long enough to insure an heir. Then all bets were off. He would definitely try to keep Jessica in his life, if nothing more than a fuck buddy. He had a feeling that she may just feel the same, he did know that she didn’t enjoy other men quite as much as himself. Boys talked, especially about their sexual conquests, and according to the others, she didn’t scream quite as much, or curse quite as often as she did when she was with him. That made the young Malfoy proud that he could have such an impact upon her life, even if it was purely physical. Jessica was a little shocked that Draco was actually holding her like this since they usually didn't do things like this but of course it made her very happy. She knew that she should probably get off his lap and tell him that they needed to get changed because the train would be arriving at Hogwarts soon, but she wasn't going to do that. Jessica loved being in his arms so for once she was going to let herself do something that she loved. If Draco didn't want to hold her then he didn't have to. She got the feeling that he did like it because she knew Draco would never do something that he didn't want to do. He didn't have to because he was the most powerful guy at Hogwarts. Actually he was probably the most powerful person there period. All the guys wished they could be him and all the girls wished they could have a chance with him or at least they wished they got to be with him as much as Jessica did. She couldn't help but smile widely as he wrap pis arms around her tightly. She felt so safe right now, she knew Draco would never let anything bad happen to her. Maybe they had a purely physical relationship, but he would never rape her and hurt her like those awful men did over the summer. But then again it would be impossible for Draco to rape her since she would always want to have him inside of her. She closed her eyes, just focusing on how good this felt. She was so scared that Draco was going to tell her that she needed to get off his lap so he could change. Furthermore, she didn't want this moment to ever end. Furthermore, she stared up into his eyes, not being able to take the smile off her face. Normally she smirked around Draco, but sometimes she couldn't help but smile, like right now. "This is nice, we should do this more often." Of course, she was scared this comment of hers would freak him out, but she didn't think he would since he was being so kind and caring right now. She just hoped he wouldn't change once they got around other people. Leaning his head down, Draco rested his forehead in the crook of her neck, relaxing as her own arms wrapped around his body in return. He felt her tense for a brief second before relaxing quickly he thought it was his imagination. He stowed that thought away for later. Furthermore, he could feel his body slipping into that ultra-relaxed state that usually led to sleep. Furthermore, he could stay like this for far longer than they had. Furthermore, he was definitely much more relaxed than he had been when he boarded the train. Furthermore, he could go to sleep right now, but he knew Hogsmeade station was near, and they really should be making themselves presentable. Sighing, he gently kissed the side of her neck, “Yes, we should definitely do this more often,” he said quietly, not even sure if she could hear him, “It’s nice.” Sliding a hand up and down her spine, he sighed again. “We should get ready,” he said, though, he made no move to do so, “We’ll be there soon.” His hand slid back up her back, slowly trailing his fingers lightly against her skin, tickling the skin lightly. He didn’t even realize the impact of her statement, only hearing something he had been yearning to hear for a while. Jessica's whole face lit up when he told her that he also thought they should do this more often. Part of her had thought that he might laugh at her when she said this so she was very happy when she saw that this wasn't the case at all. Draco liked this too. She could tell how relaxed he was when he pressed his forehead into her neck. She was pretty sure he didn't do this with other girls. Furthermore, she imagined he had sex with other girls, but she didn't think it was ever this intimate with them. At least she hoped it wasn't. She would be pretty crushed if she found out it was. She sighed heavily when he said that they should get ready, and they'd be at Hogwarts soon. At least he wasn't trying to push her off his lap or anything like that. That was definitely a good thing. "I guess we should. I just wish we could make the train stay here for a while." She couldn't believe she was talking this freely with Draco. Right now she felt like she could tell him anything. She wanted to tell him about what happened to her over the summer, but she was too afraid. She was scared he would think she was a slut, and she had wanted her mother's boyfriends to rape her when she hadn't wanted it at all. So it was better if she didn't bring that up. "Maybe we can stay like this for a few minutes more. It's not like I have many clothes to put on. I hate those cloaks, I never wear them." Everyone knew that Jessica wore the sluttiest uniform ever. It consisted of a tiny gray skirt that was shorter than everyone else's and a white blouse that she always left unbuttoned to reveal the little cleavage she had. And of course she never went anywhere without her classic five-inch black stiletto heels. Draco’s hands stopped their gentle sliding along her back, only to press his hands tightly against her, holding her in place against him as he rested his forehead against her. He didn’t know why he was showing so much of how he felt around her, she had sucked him of after fucking before. He just felt really comfortable in her presence and showed her against his mind’s better judgment by resting his head against her. Rarely did they ever recuperate together, normally, it was fucked and leave. Why this time was any different, the blonde Slytherin couldn’t tell.“Mm hmm,” he agreed simply, eyes closing as he rested against her neck, holding her slight frame to his, “Unfortunately the train doesn’t wait for anyone.” Something was off about her, but Draco couldn’t quite put his finger on it, and it was a little frustrating to the Malfoy. She would tell him if she needed his help, she was a Slytherin and perfectly capable of fixing things on her own, so he would give her that opportunity. “That sounds good,” he said, smirking slightly, even if she couldn’t see it, as he didn’t even move toward his trunk and the uniforms within it, “The cloaks are nice during the rain and snow though.” His mind pictured her uniform without any prompting from his brain, loving the sight of her wearing it. He really did think she should eat more if she was burning it off that fast, having no idea that she vomited it up after every meal. He did know something was wrong though, even though he was male, he could sense it, if not see it in the slightly changed demeanor she now had. Jessica was definitely quite shocked by Draco's behavior but of course it was in a good way. She had wanted him to act like this for such a long time, and now it was finally happening. She was starting to believe that Draco might actually care about her. This was one of the best feelings in the world. Maybe she'd even be able to tell him how she felt some time this year. She wasn't going to start off the year by confessing her feelings to him but maybe if he continued to act sweet around her, she would feel more comfortable about telling him how she felt about him. Maybe soon she would even tell him that she loved him. She wanted to spend her whole life with him, and she knew she'd even be his mistress if she had to. Of course, she'd prefer to be his wife, but she wasn't sure if that was possible. She was a pureblood so it wasn't like she had that going against her or anything, but she figured his parents might think she was too slutty for Draco to marry." Yeah, I guess so, but I'd rather be cute than comfortable. And plus I usually have you around to keep me warm, so why do I need a cloak? I only brought like one this year and I don't plan on wearing it at all." Jessica loved how all the guys couldn't stop staring at her when she wore her uniform but of course the most important guy was Draco. It didn't matter if the other guys were looking at her or not. "I guess we should get changed." She sighed heavily. "Couldn't you just like use magic to get us changed? That would be so much better than getting off your lap right now." Of course Jessica didn't know many spells since she was terrible at magic. Thank God she had figured out the concealing spell so that the bruises from her horrible summer would be hidden. “Oh, so I’m just an arm warmer now, am I,” he asked sarcastically, raising his head to roll his eyes, “The only clothing changing spell I know is the switching spell, and we aren’t wearing anything to switch.” Sighing he reached down and grasped her hips, lifting her from his lap and setting her on the seat beside him, leaning over to place a biting kiss on one of her breasts. Picking his clothes up from the floor, he pulled his slacks and shoes back on, but stuffed his turtleneck and blazer into his trunk after removing his Badge. He pulled a white shirt, Slytherin tie, and his school robes. Looking back over at her, he tossed the clothing onto the seat he had just left. Leaning down over her, he grabbed her by the back of the neck, pressing his lips to hers roughly. Pulling back, he smirked down at her, trailing his hand around her neck to slide down her chest. Pulling his hand away, he picked up his shirt and slipped it over his shoulders buttoning it up slowly, leaving the top button unfastened, tucking it in around his trim waist. Slipping his tie around his neck, he quickly tied it, leaving it loose around his neck, in his own style. Looking down at her, he tilted his head fractionally, studying her form sitting upon the bench. “Do you need your trunk down,” he asked her quietly, since he was already standing, buttoning his cuffs as he awaited an answer from her. Jessica giggled softly as she heard Draco ask her this. He could be so funny sometimes. It was hard to believe that he was being so sweet right now and acting so different from normal. She wondered if something had happened during the summer that made him change the way he felt about her. She was really worried that he would go back to being the normal, arrogant Draco the second they got around other people, but she knew she just had to be prepared. There was no sense in worrying. If it happened it happened. At least he was being sweet to her right now. That was more than she could ever ask for. She couldn't help but sigh heavily as she felt him grab onto her hips and lift her off his lap. She felt so empty sitting on the bench and not in his lap. If only she could sit on his lap during the feast. She could try to do it, but she knew Professor McGonagall or someone like that would probably scream at them. She was probably just jealous that she was old and ugly and couldn't get Draco interested in her. Jessica watched as Draco began to get dressed. This meant that they would be at Hogwarts soon and that made her so sad. It felt so nice being in this compartment with him since it was just the two of them. She didn't want all the other students trying to ruin things between them. "Yes, that would be great." She giggled softly. "I doubt I could lift it on my own." Jessica had crammed as much clothing and heels into her trunk as possible so it was very heavy. It probably weighed at least twice as much as she did. "I guess it's time for me to get dressed. That is if you're going to let me. Are you going to make me walk into the Great Hall naked?" Reaching up, he grabbed the handle of her trunk, sliding it from the shelf until its weight fell upon his arms. Eyes widening slightly, Draco grunted as he set the trunk on the ground, looking up at Jessica with a raised eyebrow. "As much as that weighs," he began, "And as arousing it would be not to, I do believe I shall let you get dressed. If to do nothing but preserve my own sanity." Leaning against the wall, he sank into his seat beside her, kicking his feet up onto the seat in front of him and crossing them at the ankles. Folding his hands behind his head, he watched her as she moved about the compartment, his silver eyes following her movements with an addicted glaze. He was addicted to her, he knew and would admit that much, and he wanted more. It was these rare moments together that he treasured more than even their trysts, being so much more relaxed and careless. Freedom in its broadest sense for the two Slytherin's. Just time to relax without the politics and scheming. Though, there still was some of that. There always would be. Grabbing his robe, he slipped it over his arms, leaving it unbuttoned in the front as he pinned his badge to the chest. He looked a perfect cross between a rich boy, and a rebel, dressed to code with a slightly relaxed feel to it. Reaching his hand up, he carefully fixed his hair that had been messed up in their passion, straightening the platinum-blonde locks with his long, skilled fingers. Jessica giggled softly as she watched Draco lift her trunk off the shelf. She obviously had no idea that it was so heavy, but obviously it was since even Draco had difficulty carrying it, and he was pretty strong. She was never going to be able to carry it herself. Furthermore, she didn't like hearing that he was going to let her get dressed. Of course, she had no choice and if he could skip the feast he would, but sadly he had to go and that meant she was going to go too. It would be pointless for her to not go because then she'd be all alone. She noticed how Draco kept his eyes locked on her as she got off the bench and dug through her trunk so she could find her uniform. She made sure to bend over as she reached into it so he would have a clear view of her toned and tiny ass. Of course, she was trying to tease and torture him as much as possible. Jessica was going to make sure that he was turned on all during the feast. It wouldn't be fun if he wasn't. She'd even like to give him head in the middle of the feast, but she knew even that would be too risky for them. They'd definitely get caught, and she wouldn't want to make Draco lose his Head Boy status. Jessica finally found her tiny skirt and slipped it on. Of course, she wasn't wearing any panties like always. Then she slipped on her black laced push-up bra and put the white blouse over it that she left unbuttoned a bit, so her small cleavage would show. After she slipped her five-inch stiletto heels on she was dressed and ready to go. "My hair looks a mess, doesn't it? Everyone will be able to tell I just had sex." But everyone would know that anyway since it wasn't a secret that Jessica was a slut. Tilting his head slightly as she bent over the trunk, Draco’s silver eyes followed the curve of her back as it transitioned into her small ass. Small though it may be, it was gloriously fabulous in his opinion. Even so soon after she had sucked him off, he was already regaining a straining erection, he could feel it pressing against the front of his pants, causing his eyes to shut as he groaned. Oh, how he wished they didn’t have expectations to live up to, instead going to the nearest abandoned classroom and locking her in with him as he fucked her into a mindless heap. He would try to do so tonight, when they were finally alone, but he knew he couldn’t use the time at the feast to begin. Sure, he could probably touch her beneath the table, keeping her in the constant arousal she was sure to do to him, but he knew he couldn’t bring her to orgasm. She was too loud for that. Looking her hair over as she brought his attention to it, Draco tilted his head again, studying it critically before smirking. “Yes, yes they will,” he said smoothly, raising an eyebrow, “And what are you going to do about it? My mark on your neck would more than attest to the fact that you were fucked on the train, regardless of what your hair looks like.” Unabashedly dropping his eyes to look down her white shirt, eyes sliding over her cleavage casually before raising to meet her eyes once more, his own glittering with his want and need, showing her how he felt before hiding once more behind his ‘mask’, shutting all emotion away so he was once more, the Ice Prince of Slytherin House. Reaching up, he dropped his hands to her hips, pulling her against his lean form, allowing her to feel his arousal pressing against her. Dropping his head, he bit her neck once more, covering his previous mark. He wanted everyone to know she had been fucked, and fucked hard. He wanted to claim her as his own, but he knew that wouldn’t be completely possible, since their arrangement just agreed to purely physical sides of a relationship. Not the emotional baggage that he seemed to have acquired for the slight girl. Jessica knew that Draco was staring at her ass as she bent over to get her uniform out and of course this made her so happy. That was the whole reason she bent over like that. Maybe most girls thought it was degrading to have a guy checking you out all the time, but Jessica didn't feel this way at all. Plus Draco wasn't just any guy. She knew how lucky she was to have him in her life and she was even luckier since he always wanted her. Girls would kill to be her because of how much she got to see Draco. Sure she wished that she could tell him how she felt about him, but she knew it was amazing just to be able to have him inside of her. That made her so happy. She smirked at him as she watched him check out her hair after she commented on it. She giggled softly once he told her that they would know that she just finished having sex. Furthermore, she loved the way he talked. He always sounded so sexy and sure of himself. It made her want to have him inside of her again right this second, but she knew that wasn't possible. The train would arrive at Hogwarts soon, and they'd have to go into the Great Hall for the feast. It was really too bad that Draco made Head Boy. She was proud of him and everything because she knew how good this was for him but all she could think about was how this meant they would get to spend even less time together. She could see him looking at her cleavage which immediately brought a smile to her face. Furthermore, she knew she looked amazing but since Draco was checking her out this much that meant that she really looked good. All the guys would be staring at her and wanting a piece of her but this year the only man who would get to have her was Draco. She was sick of wasting her time with all those other losers. Draco was the only guy for her. She felt her arousal for him increase as he pulled her body tightly against his. This just made her want him even more. She tilted her head to the side and let out a loud moan as she felt his mouth on her neck again, biting the same mark he left on her earlier. "They're all going to know that I'm yours. That you marked me as your own." She hoped saying this wasn't bad. It might freak Draco out. She wasn't sure if he'd like to think of her being his. But her feelings couldn't help but show some of the time. Freezing at her words, his lips still upon her neck, Draco realized what she had said. Did she have feelings for him too? Drawing back slowly, his emotions boxed away, and his face expressionless, he didn't allow the faint glimmer of hope to shine in his eyes as he looked down at her. He sensed that whatever his answer would be could change the dynamic of their relationship for good. Staring down at her, his tongue darted out to lick his lips as he weighed the possible outcomes against the definite downsides to expressing how he felt for his fellow Slytherin. Swallowing nervously, he allowed a small smirk to slip onto his features, looking at her seriously. "Does this disgust you that I marked you as mine," he asked her quietly, his reaction going to depend upon her answer, "Does it put a stop to your schemes?" She was a Slytherin, so she would definitely have schemes. He did, hell, evenGoyledid. He desperately hoped she would say no, then he could let a little clue about his own feelings slip, and maybe, just maybe everything would work out right for the both of them for once. Instead of watching as everyone else (namely the Golden Trio) reaped the good luck, while he (and everyone not included in the Golden Trio) was stuck with the bad. He didn't know how long he had wanted her as his own, and now, there she was, in his grasp (literally) and practically telling him she wanted him as much as he wanted her. A definite quandary. A true crossroads. Just once could he get what he wanted, rather than what others wanted for him. Jessica got really nervous after she said that because she was convinced that Draco was going to freak out and tell her to get away from him. This would be such a horrible thing for him to do. She stared into his eyes, a scared look in her own eyes as she watched him lick his lips. She didn't know what he was going to say, but she imagined that it wouldn't be anything good. Furthermore, she really doubted Draco Malfoy was going to confess that he had feelings for her right now. For one, she knew he didn't have feelings for her, and secondly she knew he'd never confess them if he did." No, it doesn't disgust me at all, Draco. In fact, it turns me on. I love how you marked me. I wish you had been doing this for years." She couldn't believe that she really just admitted that to him, but he did give her a slight suggestion that he might have some feelings for her too since he didn't make a face when she said that everyone was going to know she was his. She was hoping for the best right now. Furthermore, she knew she loved Draco so much, and she would give anything for him to feel the same way about her. Furthermore, she had never fallen for someone like this before. Of course, she had to go and fall for the one guy who was probably the most unavailable out of all the guys at Hogwarts. She didn't think he'd ever have feelings for her. That was why she never let herself have any hopes about them, but now she couldn't help but hope for the best as she stared into Draco's eyes. "I don't have any schemes, Draco." The only scheme she had was to try to get Draco to fall for her, but she knew that wasn't working out very well for her. The corners of his lips quirked upwards ever so slightly as he stared down at her with his silver eyes. Raising a hand to gently brush his fingertips against the mark on her neck, Draco tilted his head slightly and regarded her curiously, allowing his own feeling of satisfaction to slide onto his face. One eyebrow raised skeptically when she said she had no schemes, and he fought down the urge to scoff. Every Slytherin had schemes, whether they would admit to them on the other hand was a whole other question. Tightening his other arm around her waist, he leaned his head down, his lips inches from hers." No schemes, hmm," he drawled slowly, licking his lips as he looked down at her from his proximity, "Why do I find thatextremelyhard to believe? Everyone has schemes, Jessica. I have schemes, I'll admit, I just won't tell what they may be." Getting you would definitely be one, he thought to himself, gaining more power would definitely be another. He knew the former would be impossible, and the latter would simply be the appropriate amount of charisma and monetary values that trade hands discreetly. His fingers continued to play over the darkened skin on her neck, tracing the slightly raised edges where his teeth had ground into her flesh. "I'll have to mark you more often then, won't I," he asked rhetorically, sliding his hand down the side of her neck to the side of her breast, grasping it through the material of her shirt, before joining the other around her waist. Of course Jessica wasn't going to tell Draco about her schemes. She wanted to be with Draco. What she really wanted was for everyone to look at her and think that she belonged to Draco and be belonged to her. That would be the most amazing thing ever, but she knew it could never happen, and she had already accepted that. But now Draco was starting to show signs that he might actually care about her so she was starting to get her hopes up a little. She really didn't want this happening because she knew how easy it would be for Draco to let her down, but she just couldn't help herself." Maybe I do have some schemes, but you're never going to find out about them." She told him, smiling widely and trying not to moan out too loudly as she felt his fingers on her neck. "Mmm, yes. You need to mark me all the time." She eventually ended up letting out a soft moan because it felt so good, and she wasn't good at controlling herself around Draco. He turned her on more than anyone else." I wish we didn't have to go to that stupid feast, Draco. I'm glad you're Head Boy, but I wish I could give you head instead." She said, giggling softly. Jessica wanted to make sure that she wasn't the only one who was aroused right now. She slipped her hand into his pants and found his cock, starting to massage him with expertise. "Do you like it when I do this, Draco?" She asked him while smirking. Of course, she knew he did, but she still wanted to hear him say that.

The Slytherin Slut (nothingbutporcelain and politicallyINcorrect)|rating:2.0

The Wager (Barbara4play & Pockets)

When Rose Briar wood walked down the short steps into the nondescript alcove and approached the large oak door. Displayed on the door was a bright brass plate announcing “Hellfire Club” and “members Only”. She produced an ID card with the same logo as the brass plate. Rose swiped it pass the card reader. A second later and a loud click as the lock cycled, then the door opened and the large bouncer that always seem to be having a bad day, let her in. She removed her long black Leather coat and handed it to the coat check slave who awaited it. She walked in wearing her best leather outfit, the purple and black outfit make her feel powerful. The club had look out of a past age, Dark oak bar with brass fittings and hard wood floors. That was the “Hellfire Club” it had an old world feel, and she loved it. Few outside the local Dominate and submissive knew the club was even here. Rose guessed most people wandered by thinking it was just another "old and exclusive" private club, and maybe they were right. She smiled as she thought, "I sure they don't know how exclusive". The collection of Dominates, submissive and full-time slaves, was an odd mix of society. She walked past the stage as a well-known female conservative politician, who was on her knees, naked and licking her Mistress pussy for the crowd. Almost no one knew the real her, Rose Briar wood, CEO and the Briar wood investment group. They knew her as “Mistress Rose” one of the state and maybe the country most successful Dominatrix. Mistress Rose carried herself like a queen walking through her realm. She looked around the place at the patrons. She recognized almost all of them from the wealthiest fellow DOM’s to the lowest of their naked and nearly naked slaves. Furthermore, she saw the sign by the door," Slave Dress Code: restricted to Heels and collar only" another read” Please Keep your Sluts, Slaves and Pets under control or Leashed" and below that "Attention DOM's All Punishments are to be on Stage". Normally she would have at least three of her own slaves with her, but not tonight. Rose had to dissolve her stable as part of her agreement. As she moved to the bar she also noted how packed the club was, and she knew why. They were here for the same reason she was. Only they wanted to see the Mighty Mistress fall, unfortunately she was the "Mistress" on the way down. Rose(Mistress Rose looked around the was looking for one smug face in the crowd. She expected to see her out front. She walks in to the bar, the chatter of the crowd was unmistakably quiet, as one might say the old cliché "too quiet". Furthermore, she keeps scanning the room looking. Furthermore, she was still kicking herself over loosing such a stupid bet, but her ego and a hundred-year-old bottle of brandy, had gotten the better of her. Rose was still stinging from that night. She and her new "Owner" had been drinking and admiring one of the newer DOM's work over a new Pet onstage. She had commented on the New Mistress lack of talent and how long it would take before the slave would break. As they watched the riding crop landing, The bet simply escalated from who would buy the next round to a purchase of a very expansive bottle of brandy and finally to the wager. She thought to herself "what had she been thinking". Rose walks up to the bar and look at the familiar face of Gwen the manager of the club. Mistress Rose asked “Give me a scotch on the rocks and tell me Where is he?” Gwen looked up from the bar and shrugged, “he'll be here, there is no way in hell he would let you out of this" She then smiled and there are a few formalities, strictly for the club sake" Gwen held out her hand" I’m afraid according to the wager you signed your Mistress Privileges were revoked the minute you walked in, so your just another slave now…you knew the rule of the wager when you signed it,” Gwen paused and replied in a well-practiced tone “Slaves may not have money or be extended credit”. The former Mistress gave Gwen a hard look. Rose dug out a money clip and handed it over. Gwen nonchalantly snapped her fingers an added, “The Membership card, Identification and all your plastic”. Mistress Rose handed over her credit cards, club membership card her identification, and smartphone. Gwen Proceeded to cut up her ID and Credit cards, she spoke without looking at her. Gwen told her, ” Your master will have to arrange the where you will receive your slave ID number”. Rose thought of her flawless skin marked with a barcode, most slave had them right above their cunts, but it would be up to her New Master. The idea made her shiver, a permanent mark of her approaching servitude. As Gwen destroyed Mistress Rose's club ID and put everything else in an envelope. Rose had time to think. How had she let it happen? She could blame the bottle of vintage brandy but the truth was she was so bored, and it seems she had to take bigger and bigger risks to get the thrills she needed. She needs to be on the edge, riding it like a race horse. It was the same with her business and her pleasure. She needs to be confronted and challenged to keep her from going mad. Maybe this would be interesting, but she doubted it. She after all wasn't submissive or a slave by nature. She finally stopped her wondering and returned to the world. Mistress Rose look at the pile of ruined plastic cards, think it had been that kind of week. She had lost the wager and now she has to pay for it. She was to be his slave for the next six months. Furthermore, she was sure it wouldn’t go too far, but she’d tough it out ether way. Mistress Rose had taken the day to put all her affair in order for the next few months, and make excuse to anyone who was unaware of her life as a mistress for any absences. Rose had left her Lawyer Cathy to keep an eye on her finances and company. She told herself it was all going to work out. She had even gone and had a full body mold of her body and head made as part of the wager, she still couldn't figure out why that would be needed, but she was a good sport about the bet. As Mistress Rose took a seat at the floor stools with the rest of the slaves. The tiny stool were only 10 inches tall and made slave swat next to their Masters or Mistress with their knees spread. Rose looks absurd still wearing her Mistress regalia and Gwen knew it. Gwen smiled and said “Strip Slave!” She stood there as the other slaves giggled at her, and she stripped away the custom-made outfit. She unlaced and unzipped until she was a naked as the day she was born. Then she sat, now naked on the mall metal stool. Without any support her breast swayed with every move and many of the people were enjoying the view. She was simply going to have to sit here till he arrives. Gwen Said to her as she sat, "Will wait till your Master, see if he wants to give you a new slave name till then you can have a loaner collar". Gwen dangled the standard thick leather collar and pet tag in front of her, the bartender put on her collar, she could feel the metal tag swayed, it was simply marked “Slave”. Jeremy Blackmore had been looking for an opportunity to tear the Mighty Mistress Ice Queen bitch down from her pedestal for years. Ever since she’d seduced away the one slave he’d ever fallen in love with. The one he had hoped to brand, collar, and marry. Rose had casually destroyed her and discarded her as if she were a toy. He hadn’t been able to move openly against Rose because of Club rules. And he rarely found interest in any of her slaves. Even the female ones. But he’d found a way. He really did owe Amelia for this, but he’d never tell her that. He’d taken her under his wing and groomed her as an apprentice. Even helping her train up her husband as a proper submissive. Then had shown Amelia how to act when the time came. She needed to act like she didn’t know what she was doing on stage and hit her masochistic husband a bit harder than normal a few times. Once everything had been set up, he’d made sure to be sitting near Rose when she’d been overly critical of the woman’s skills. And so he had set the hook. The Club required any bets to be honored. By both word and intent. Rose had perhaps drunkenly indicated that the loser would have to submit to the other as a slave for six full months with no limits. Of course, it hadn’t taken long for Management to catch wind of the deal and register the wager. Amelia’s husband never did break. Time ran out for her display allowing Jeremy to win the bet. And now he was almost giddy with anticipation of what was to come. She would be his for six months. Six full long glorious months. Six months to utterly break her, rebuild her, landowner so thoroughly that when six months had passed, she would be incapable of leaving his service.(his card past the reader, he practically skipped in past the bouncer whose visage always seemed just shy of breaking down into a snarl of rage before beating someone senseless. But today the man’s face was somehow different. As if he were somehow smiling. Jeremy looked up at him, “Looking forward to today, big guy?” The bouncer grunted noncommittally. Jeremy shrugged, “Well the bitch is finally mine! Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!” The brute was actually a slave. Owned by none other than Gwen the local manager and proprietress of this club. She kept him in a cock and ball cage but only a few times a year when she really wanted to make a statement. According to Gwen the guy was born with a horse cock that could drill through trees. Jeremy didn’t really know much about their relationship beyond that. But the guy had to be content to live like that. Approaching the bar, he saw Gwen sweeping a pile of clipped plastic into a waste-basket. Coming over, he leaned across the bar, “Come Gwen, my love.” Gwen snickered as she leaned across the bar to allow him to kiss her cheeks. Gwen had beenhisMistress upon joining the club. It was one of those rules where to be a Master or Mistress you had to suffer a year of slavery. He’d served… Oh, how he had served. But she had seen the traits in him that would make him an ideal Master and had groomed him accordingly.“Your latest pet is waiting on the other side of the bar.” Said Gwen as she extended Rose’s old money clip to him. Jeremy blinked in surprise. Had she really gotten so sloppy as to think she had the right to money as a slave? Or was she thinking to bribe her way out of things? Taking it from her, he said, “Full house tonight. Everyone here for the reason I think they are?” Gwen nodded. “Rose has been a royal and utter bitch for a while now. Once word got out that she was falling, people wanted to be on hand to see it.” Jeremy nodded. “Can you do me a favor, love? Pass this around to all the Dominants for me would you?” Gwen took the note from him and read it, her eyes going wide, “You can’t be serious!?” Jeremy nodded with a toothy smile. “Completely.” Gwen shook her head, “If she survives the next six months… She’s going to hate you with an unholy passion.” Jeremy smirked, “Oh you think she’s going to hate me for that? Oh, darling, you have no idea how badly she’s going to hate me by the end of the night. But she’s bound by the agreement. Failure to uphold it means expulsion.” Gwen shook her head, “Your package is behind the curtain, Jeremy. Just take her up on stage, and we can get this show on the road.” She handed him a leash which he took with a smile. Coming around the bar, he smiled at a very naked Rose. “Hmm mm… Aren’t you a prime piece of real estate? I’m not about to call you Rose. That would be too dignified and beautiful. Hamm… How about Fuck meat? Usurper? Glory? Hamm… Let’s not get too creative shall we. Usurper will do just fine for now. If you’re a good little slave I might be convinced to rename you something more normal.” Reaching down, he attached the leash to her collar, “Alright, Usurper. It’s time to take you as my property publicly and properly.” Gwen chimed the bell to notify everyone that the main event was about to begin. The room went nearly silent as all heads turned to Jeremy who stood over a kneeling Rose. Leading her up onto the stage, he positioned her in front of the kneeling slave height microphone, “Go ahead and introduce yourself Usurper and announce who you belong to. You know the drill.” As Rose or was she “Usurper” now, felt the collar being drawn up and herself being led up to the stage. She heard Jeremy Blackmore, her new Master announcing “Alright, Usurper. It’s time to take you as my property publicly and properly.” As she walked up on the stage on all fours, she could feel every eye in the place on her naked body. Most of these “wannabe’s” would have curled-up into the fetal position if she had just looked their way. Now they were all brave enough to check her out like any other piece of naked slave meat. She reaches the stage and rouse to her knees. The microphone at her chin level. She had been dreading this since the moment she had last the bet. She realized she was flush and covered in a light sweat. Furthermore, she cleared her throat and spoke into the microphone, Rose’s squatting on the stage, heard her amplified voice ring through the club, “Hello Master and Mistresses, I am formerly known to you as Mistress Rose, but I am now Just another pathetic submissive and my name is “Usurper”” She had to pause as the crowd cheered and yelled back at her “Hi Usurper”. The room was filled with more cheers and laughter. She's biting back her urge to run out of the club, as if that was possible. She built up her strength and spoke, “Master Blackmore, is my owner and I will obey all of his instructions”. The crowd once more broke into cheers. That’s when she noticed Gwen sending a small piece of paper around the crowd. She thought “what is going on?” Rose hated the idea of being so on display for the crowd, She was sued to being worshiped, feared and respected. Not ridiculed and see a something to be pitied. Not that this room had much pity. Except for her Masters ownership, she could be gang banged by this room of swinging dicks and bogus mistresses. She would never have admitted it but apart from a little oral play by a few of her slaves, she had little experience with straight sex. She was an expert in teasing and control, but straight sex had always seemed so wild and uncontrolled. In truth, it kind of frightened her. She had to keep her head, until she could return to her life as a Mistress. Rose in Chains NSFW(was still being jeered by the crowd when a group of female subs called to Master Blackmore, They told him “You know she used to always say slaves should be shaved at all time,” Several of the subs pointing at Rose’s full bush. Among the crowd, several slaves produced clippers, a razor and shaving cream. She didn't like the idea of these subs getting a chance to shave her pubic mound. She recognized a few of them as Mistresses, Who she had made into “Shave tailed” subs, over the last few years. Furthermore, she glanced down at her own pubic hair and suddenly imagined herself shaved. Then being man handled and groped. She was convinced Her new Master would let this get too out of hand... would he? Jeremy smiled at them, “In a little bit, my lovelies. We still have a few things we need to tend to first. Club rules dictate that any collared slave much be tattooed with a barcode to indicate ownership, where to return said slave, and if they are suffering any punishments that other dominants may indulge in.” The barcode held a lot more information than that, but that was health information and emergency data in the event that someone had an accident during play. Rare though it was, accidents did happen. The Club did not allow the uninitiated to just do as they pleased when they pleased. Dominants had to learn their trade. Each had to be a submissive for at least a year in order to have an understanding and appreciation of what it meant to be collared and at someone else’s mercy. Usually there were limits and safe words involved. But Rose, now Usurper, had drunk waved both saying he could do what he wanted with her as his slave for six months if he won. Even as he spoke, Club attendants brought out an Ottoman for Usurper to be restrained on. Thankfully, she didn’t fight as Jeremy restrained her using straps and padded leather cuffs, so her legs were splayed wide, and her arms cuffed to the feet of the Ottoman under her ass. It was then that Jeremy stepped away and returned with a bag. Setting it on a table he pulled out a syringe and a medicine bottle. Filling the syringe, he tapped it to make sure he got out any air bubbles before squeezing them out. Capping it he repeated this with the same bottle. Then grabbed a fresh bottle and a new syringe.“Usurper, have you ever wondered why I don’t have a stable of slaves? Or why they are all women? I’m sure you think that I’m terribly irresponsible because they always wind up pregnant. Well you see the reason for that is it takes a very particular kind of slave to draw my attention. Because there is nothing more that I love than breeding and impregnating woman. To me, that is the ultimate form of power over a woman. Is to implant my seed in her womb and watch it take hold, Blossoming over the course of nine months.”“And before you scream about limits or safe words… You have none. You waved them as part of the bet. So I can breed you if I like. And you can deal with the aftermath…if you can maintain your own will for six full months. But I doubt it. I’ve broken better bitches than you in less time.” Chuckled Jeremy as he pulled out an alcohol wipe and rubbed down the inside of her thigh with it. As he injected the contents, he said, “This is an antibiotic, Usurper. Now you’re going to think I’m accusing you of being diseased. But I’m not. In fact, you yourself should know what’s going on already. Women on birth control are all told to avoid sex when taking antibiotics as the antibiotics purge the birth control. I might not be able to knock you up right now… But I’ll manage it before the six months is up.” Taking out another rubbing alcohol swab he rubbed down her fat nipples, “And these shots here… They’re to make sure that these nice fat juicy udders start producing milk. A sow like you should be able to produce prodigious amounts of milk with a little stimulation and chemical help.” Bound as she was, there really was no fighting it as he took each breast in hand and stuck each breast through the nipple and deep into her tit flesh before pressing the plunger and expelling the contents of the syringe into her tits. Once that was done, he stepped away, “Alright ladies, make sure her cunt is as smooth as a newborn babies ass. And then once you’re done… I would appreciate it if you would make sure that she’s dripping wet with need. I’m going to breed the bitch for all to see. A hard decision really as I’d love nothing more than to hear her squeal in agony as I open her ass up.” One of the ladies laughed, “Oh, Master Jeremy, I’m sure that with the consent of our Masters we’d be more than happy to get you rock hard to tear Usurper’s ass wide open.” With that the trimmers were turned on, and the ladies got to work on shaving Usurper's cunt. One of the slaves wielding the clippers approached Rose as she was restrained to the ottoman. She held the clippers above Rose pubic mound and ran her long finger nails through it. She smiled evilly “So thick and silky I’m sure your proud of it…to bad” and savagely ran the clippers right down the center, leaving a bare patch of light peach fuzz, where ones had been a thick mane of pubic hair. Rose felt herself gasp and bit her lip. She was still in shock from Master Blackmore promise of pregnancy and lactation. She ran the clipper through the bush over and over, until it was little more than fuzz and stray hairs. Then Gwen walked up and produced a large tub and a large gun like device. Rose recognized it immediately, snarling at Gwen “you wouldn’t dare”. Gwen didn’t reply, she simply squeezed the whole tub on to Rose’s exposed groin. The cream was white and had a strong metallic smell. The female slaves started rubbing it in. Rose recognized the laser hair remover from when she had her legs and underarms made hairless a few years ago. She looked down as Gwen ran the gun over her skin, the light strobing. She felt the skin heat up and a signed smell fill the immediate area. It took less time than one might have thought. Then Gwen stepped back admiring her work, and Roses once proud pussy was hairless. She could feel the exposed sex and denuded skin. The air suddenly felt cold. Two of the slaves Splashed water on her and wiped any remaining cream. Gwen moved in and whispered to her, “Usurper, You look so natural with no pubs, like a real slave.and you know it’s never going to grow back, like you are never going to be a Mistress again I hope your new Master goes crazy tattooing and piercing you. I also hope he breeds the hell out of you, maybe a dozen kids and wears out that pussy. Then, when you no longer interest him, put your old worn out ass out to pasture. Penniless in a rundown trailer with a bunch of welfare kids in someplace you’ve never heard of. Your looks and figure ruined, just so pathetic, Having to beg hobos and vagrants for sex for the rest of your life like the worthless whore you are,” Gwen stop speaking as if savoring the idea, then said. "It's up to your new Master, but a girl can dream ”. Shaved NSFW(moved off, with a satisfied look on her face. As soon as Usurper’s pussy was washed and dried one of the girls immediately got to work licking and sucking on her cunt until a Hitachi wand was produced. Slipping three fingers almost brutally into Rose’s cunt, she cupped her hand around the head of the Hitachi as it buzzed to life. Holding it to Rose’s clit, she said, “Cum for us, slut. Show us how you scream in ecstasy! Beg your Master for the blessing of his cock! If it were me bitch… I’d never let you orgasm again. I’d keep you in need but never able to achieve orgasm. But thankfully for you… You’re not mine. Not get nice and wet for your Master’s fat cock.” The other girl wasn’t willing to just sit by idly. She grabbed hold of Usurper’s tits and began to firmly squeeze them as if trying to work the drugs recently injected around to help produce milk. “I can’t wait to see Master Jeremy bring you back so you can be milked like the cow you are. I want to see you on hands and knees with your milk packed titties swinging below you begging to be milked.” Meanwhile, Jeremy took off his clothes which was a rare thing for anyone to see. He was more of an observer than the kind to play in front of others. But as he removed his pants, there was a near universal gasp of shock and awe from all the women present. Usurper would get to see that Jeremy was sporting a nice long, thick cock. Easily ten inches to a foot and thick enough that fuck if it didn’t belong in a porn magazine. The one working her tits sighed, “Fuck I’m so jealous of you, slut. You get that cock all to yourself. And soon it’ll be spurting deep inside you making you pregnant… I can’t have that. My Master had his balls snipped so he can’t have any children. You think I might be able to endear myself to your Master so he can make an offer on me? I’d love to have him breed me, so I can turn around and sit on your bitchy face and make you lick me clean. You’d like that wouldn’t you, Cumslurper. Slurping all that hot white seed from my pretty pink pussy?” Rose was saved from having to answer as Jeremy knelt on the Ottoman beside her head and pulled her head so she was forced to look at it. “Open wide, Usurper. I need to gauge your cocksucking skills personally.” Rose couldn’t believe how fast her circumstances had degraded. Before she could even protest the loss of pubic hair and personal humiliation, she found herself being teased wildly for her New Masters and the crowd’s pleasure. She wanted to say or do something to stop this, but all she could do was spread he lips and accept Jeremy monstrous cock. At first, she could only hope he would just use the tip to probe her mouth, but this wasn’t his style. She swiftly had a mouthful of cock, Rose had to fight to breath as she worked to handle the huge shaft. It slides all the way to her throat aging her. She tried to use her tongue to force it back but only succeed in sliding it along his shaft. She had little experience in sex, she had spent years teasing her slaves, but this was no tease. Furthermore, she found the whole experience so demeaning. His Shaft sliding in and out of her mouth. Rose could taste him in her mouth. Smell his musky scent as his cock robe just under her nose. Worse it was getting larger, swelling to fill her mouth. The female slaves continued to tease her sex and breast as she sucked. She felt another violent orgasm betray her will and pass through her body. Rose felt the shiver as the sexual energy ran through her body. The crowd started laughing. She heard a voice say, “Has someone been a submissive this whole time?” She couldn’t say a thing as she was still sucking cock. As she worked she could hear slaves commenting about her, “Look at the size of her fucking tits Master Blackmore was right to get her lactating, think we can milk her”, “What a whore, I always knew she was a submissive deep down” and “have you ever seen someone look so happy sucking a cock? Way to go Usurper” Rose orgasms especially while sucking her Master cock was having an effect. She found it hard to maintain any resistance. Her growing lust, even to someone she was growing to hate was slipping her deep into a purely physical response. She ran her tongue up and down his shaft and when it wasn’t deep into her throat suck the head of his shaft. She heard the sound of grunting and muffled moaning and was surprised to find it was her own voice as she sucks. Furthermore, she wondered how long until he erupted in her mouth and she really had to taste him. Jeremy worked her mouth briskly, but his goal wasn’t to blow his load in her mouth. No, he had plans. Plans that didn’t include wasting precious seed in her mouth and stomach. As he felt his balls begin to churn with an impending orgasm, he pulled away from her with a wet slurping pop. Seeing her tongue extend as if wanting it back, he smiled, “I didn’t know you were so eager for cock, slut. Worry not, you’ll get your fill soon enough. And I’m not going to waste precious seed in your mouth and cunt. No. I said I was going to breed you, and I’m going to do it before all present.”“She’s ready, Master Jeremy. She’s drenched like a fucking slut. I bet I could fist her with how wet she is.” Said the female slave that had kept a vibrator to her clit for the last few minutes.“Want to make a bet with me, Usurper? Everyone leave her be. I want her to be capable of rational thought. Come on.” Said Jeremy calmly but with authority. The women moved away as instructed, but they whined about having to do so. He gave Rose several long minutes in order to collect herself from the onslaught against her body.“You were a hard mistress once, Usurper. Supposedly you were unbreakable. Even your introductory Master said you were a real piece of work. So here is the deal and I want all here in attendance to bear witness.” Said Jeremy as he caressed the inside of her thighs.“I’m going to give your exposed cunt ten abusively strong blows with my belt. Then I’m going to fuck you so hard that I’m going to batter your cervix and possibly even penetrate it. If you can keep from cumming, our previous deal is waived, and you’ll be freed from it.” Said Jeremy loud enough for all to hear if they were even paying partial attention to what was going on. The room filled with boos and exclamations of derision and disappointment. But Jeremy weathered the storm as he held up a hand. “However, if you cum through all of that pain… Your service will be for life. Everything about you will belong to me. All of your assets. All of your money, your property, and you. This will move from being a short term game to a lifetime commitment. Make no mistake, I’m going to beat your cunt like I’m trying to kill you and fuck you like I’m trying to drive my cock through your back.”“To sweeten the deal, if you can hold out until after I cum… Or not cum at all… I’ll be your slave for six months. Certain restrictions, allowances, and the like not withstanding to be agreed upon once the wager has been fulfilled. Think about it Usurper. I’ll give you three minutes. The same amount of time you’ve given all of your slaves to keep from cumming on stage or risking punishment. Set the clock! Three minutes!” A moment later the timer appeared on a large screen over the stage and soon the ticking of it counting down could be heard as everyone waited to see if she would take the deal. Jeremy knew, however, that Rose would lose if she took the deal. He’d long since learned all he could about human anatomy. Especially about injuries. By beating her cunt, he was telling her body that there was a section undergoing trauma. In response, it would release endorphins as it flooded the area with fresh blood in order to begin repairs. The endorphins would act to block any pain. The increased blood flow would make her increasingly more sensitive to being fucked. He had no doubt that she’d cum. Not just once either. No. Combined with the assault on her cunt and the pain she’d soon endure… He had no doubts whatsoever. As Rose laid stretched out on the ottoman, naked covered with sweat. How many times had she put another woman, another one of her slaves in this same position, a hundred times, maybe more? Is this how they had felt? Helpless and humiliated? Robbed of all power and agency? But they had asked for it, no they had begged her for it! They had drawn pleasure from the discomfort, humiliation and yes sexual pleasure, but no her she was above such baser desires, wasn’t she? As Rose sat and listened to Jeremy, her New Master. He asked her “Want to make a bet with me, Usurper?” the words seemed to echo through the club. Then she heard him again “You were a hard mistress once, Usurper. Supposedly you were unbreakable. Even your introductory Master said you were a real piece of work. So here is the deal and I want all here in attendance to bear witness.”. What did he mean by “You were a hard mistress once,”. She wasn’t some broken slut like most of the slaves in the club and if he thought he had broken her, he was dead wrong. Jeremy continued to speak “I’m going to give your exposed cunt ten abusively strong blows with my belt. Then I’m going to fuck you so hard that I’m going to batter your cervix and possibly even penetrate it. If you can keep from cumming, our previous deal is waived, and you’ll be freed from it.” She was in shock, was this her opportunity to escape this? Surely she could resist an orgasm for one go round, no matter how deep he fucked her. The punishing hit with a belt might even make it easier, wouldn’t it? She was already going to suffer from lactation from whatever he had injected into her breast, but she might be able to avoid pregnancy. She realized he had to have an angle, no way he’d give up his prize, namely her without a gaining something. Then she heard him say it, ““However, if you cum through all of that pain… Your service will be for life. Everything about you will belong to me. All of your assets. All of your money, your property, and you. This will move from being a short term game to a lifetime commitment. Make no mistake, I’m going to beat your cunt like I’m trying to kill you and fuck you like I’m trying to drive my cock through your back.”. She smiled slightly there it was, what he was really after. She wouldn’t fall for his obvious trick. No way she was served for life, never. Then he added, “To sweeten the deal, if you can hold out until after I cum… Or not cum at all… I’ll be your slave for six months. Certain restrictions, allowances, and the like notwithstanding to be agreed upon once the wager has been fulfilled. Think about it Usurper. I’ll give you three minutes. The same amount of time you’ve given all of your slaves to keep from cumming on stage or risking punishment. Set the clock! Three minutes!”. Rose was sure it was a trick, he must be sure it was “in the bag” or he would never have put himself on the block. She of course would love to have him under her foot for six months, especially after what he had done to her. She could still taste his cock in her mouth. Furthermore, she wasn’t sure. Furthermore, she looked up at the clock counting down. Furthermore, she had always been luck, and she had always played it close to the edge. If she lost she is penniless, destitute, and most probably ruined. She looked him over, if she won she is back on top and the rest of these laughing hyena where all going to pay. It was such a big risk, but no risk no reward. Anyway she negotiated billion dollar deal in her life, maybe she could wiggle a little on his wager. She looked up at Jeremy Rose told him, “no way, not unless you change it to ten years, not life and if you lose, all get all your assets.if you can agree to those terms I’ll accept” her voice sound like her old self. “No, Usurper, we’re not negotiating this. It’s a take it or leave it deal. Besides, what you’re wanting is nonsensical. Why would I give myself to you for six monthsandgive you everything I own. Just to be penniless, homeless, and dependent on someone else. No. Clock’s ticking, Usurper.” Said Jeremy as he stood there patiently. “But if it helps you think with any clarity about what is to cum… He cum… I made a funny.” A few snickered at his bad pun before he continued, “You’re going to be the entertainment tonight, Usurper. From now until the Club closes for the night, anyonewill be free to use you. Slave or dominant. Male or female. Cock, cunt, or ass. And yes, that means you’ll likely be servicing all three yourself orally.”“I haven’t decided if I want your cunt to be a cum splattered gaping slash overflowing with cum. Because then that means if you get pregnant there’s no telling who the kid’s father might be. Or if I want everyone to blow their wad in a gallon wide mouth jar and force-feed it to you at the end of the night. Either way, you’re going to be thoroughly used tonight if you don’t find a way out of your current predicament.” Stated Jeremy as if uncertain about which he preferred. Though in truth, he already knew what he was going to do. He just didn’t let her see into his mind.“If I may raise a point of contention here?” asked Gwen as she stepped on stage, “Pause the timer and put fifteen seconds back on the clock!”“First, lifetime service contracts must be done of one’s free will and without duress in order to be recognized by the club at large. Second, in order to keep this from drawing out and boring the hell out of everyone I offer this wager.” Said Gwen in a neutral tone of voice. Her ‘Club Manager’ voice.“If you succeed and do not cum, you are freed from your previous obligation and have all your rights to the club reinstated post-haste. Jeremy will not become your slave should you succeed. If you fail, the time of your service will be extended to ten years and the interest on all of your income will be deposited to Jeremy’s accounts to account for your care and wellbeing. If at a future date, you wish to make the contract permanent we can address it at that point. However, should you fail in this task your rights and privileges to the Hellfire Club will have to be earned anew through a fresh year of service as a slave to another Dominant.”“I am also obligated to offer an out to the slave. She can choose to forgo her term of service entirely with Jeremy, or she can become a House Slave for a term of five years.” Said Gwen looking to Rose pointedly. Jeremy cringed a little. It was Rose’s chance to get out from under his thumb free and clear. But House Slaves weren’t treated very well. Little more than dolls for people to vent their lusts on and to be used as training dummies for aspiring dominants. They were the ones who usually got injured by reckless and ignorant newcomers. She would have no protections save for what the Club afforded her based on how valuable she was as a slave to the Club. And given that she wasn’t very submissive and had no real skills as a submissive her worth would be nearly zero. Jeremy realized that Gwen was trying to muscle in on his deal! She wanted to get her hands on Rose! Unfortunately, she spoke as the Manager of the Club and the Club trumped all. Rose had a lot to consider, and almost no time left to think about it. Both offers were appalling, but becoming Gwen’s slave even for a year would be too long. She tried to imagine what that harpy would do to her, and it all came back to a single word “abysmal” as she tried to weigh her options Gwen moved closer and pinched her right nipple, lifting rose’s breast by it. She watched her right breast stretch into a heavy cone and the rebound against her chest. When Gwen let go. The bitch smiled at her, leaning into Roses’ ear, and whispering “I’m thinking extreme weight gain, a breast reduction and very unflattering nose job to start with” at hearing Gwen, Rose’s blood ran cold, and it was as if her nightmares were coming true. She had to decided, and at least with Jeremy. She would need to quickly make her decision. Gwen NSFW(figured she would need to choose the lesser of two evils. There was no limit to what Gwen might do, and she would end up, remade into some kind of curiosity to be displayed in the club. She figured Jeremy wouldn’t want to do anything to damage her looks or make her too much of a freak. He wants to show her off as his pet, perhaps a way to elevate his own status. That was if he could make her cum for the crowd, and she still had a chance to come out ahead. By this time tomorrow she might well be at home, with Jeremy at her feet and plotting her revenge on Gwen, while enjoying a strong drink. One choice scared her more than the other and after all eventually he would get bored with her, and she knew a few older submissive that weren’t part of the scene who she could make some cash off of if she kept a low profile and played off their fetishes'. The only point still at play was Jeremy threat to have every single dominate and submissive in the club take turns with her, filling all of her holes with their seed. The thought of laying naked and being literally “glazed and filled” like a cheap donut. With the shot he had given her she was sure to get pregnant. She imagined herself with a huge belly, her breast swollen and sagging slightly, needing to be milked. To be truthful, the idea of becoming pregnant scared her almost as much as being used by so many. She used to have nightmares of being fucked by vagrants, she would see herself being turned from a young powerful woman, into a broodmare. Each pregnancy draining her of more and more vitality, her body finding it harder and harder to bounce back. Her figure gone, her looks fading, left with a brood of screaming kids .she suddenly saw herself turning tricks as an overweight whore in a trailer park, not know who their fathers were…the image was to say the least unpleasant. Rose shook the image out of her mind’s eye, there was no way Jeremy would do that, she was a prize to be admired, not destroyed! She might also end up having to chug a huge jar of semen, to be honest she enjoyed oral, well at lest receiving anyway. She has only given a handful of blowjobs and the fact she just had Jeremy's cock in her mouth didn't make her anymore found of semen filling her mouth. Furthermore, she imagined herself with a funnel in her mouth as an absurdly huge jar of cum pour into it, filling her throat and stomach until it ran down her chin and cheeks, dripping onto her breast. The image fascinated as well as frightened her. She had to get a grip before her imagination ran away with her last chance to get her old life back. Cumslurper(all Rose considered, none of that mattered unless she lost, and she was so sure that wouldn’t happen. She looked at the clock and with only seconds left, She spoke “I agree to your wager”, the crowd went wild with cheers, and as soon as they calmed she added, “If I, Rose Briar wood cum from ether the spanking of my pussy or Master Blackmore cock or a combination of the two, of my own free will and without duress I will become “Usurper”, I will surrender my Dominance and the title Mistress as well as my name permanently, I will be his property as a submissive for the rest of my life or until he releases me, He will receive all my property and assets. This oath is irrevocable” The crowd cheered again. She looked over to see if her Master was satisfied…. Jeremy was wearing a wide shit eating grin as she looked at him. “Oh, the games you and I will be playing, Usurper… Because I’ve already won this bet. You just don’t know it yet. I need to volunteers to help hold her legs. She’s bound, but I don’t need her feet thrashing about while I beat her cunt.” Two burly men wearing slave collars stepped forward and pulled Usurper’s legs apart while Jeremy retrieved his belt. “Before I make you scream yourself hoarse, I feel I owe you an explanation for why I have wanted to bring you low for as long as I have. Do you remember one Destiny Collins? She was a caramel colored beauty who I had fallen in love with. I was going to collar her, brand her, and marry her. But you seduced her away then broke her. Broke her so badly that the very idea of BDSM scares her. And now… Now I will have revenge. Sweet, sweet revenge.” And with that he brought his belt down across her exposed cunt with all the force he could muster. The scream of pain that he ripped from her was delicious and was enough to make all the maneuvering and scheming worth it. He took his time, making sure to give Usurper a total of ten lashes with the belt to her cunt. He wanted to make sure that the last was as powerful as the first and that he didn’t get sloppy and miss. Cumslurper’s cunt was a welt covered mass of bruised flesh. It was engorged and swollen with blood in an attempt to mitigate the damage. Damage that really wasn’t as bad as the body thought it was. But she was in pain and the body was reacting accordingly. Kneeling between her legs, he said, “Time to seal the deal and breed you, Usurper.” He gripped his cock and rubbed the tip between her cunt lips and chuckled to find her wet. Dripping really. But he said nothing. She’d probably orgasmed from the pain alone, but he wasn’t going to let her off just yet. Easing his way into her cunt, he didn’t fully penetrate her just yet. Just made sure to get the tip of his cock into her. He had the kind of girth that usually required him to take his time and work his way into a woman, typically stopping when he hit her cervical ring to prevent too much pain. Today, he did nothing more than get into an optimal position for depth… and slammed his cock into her. Forcing her to take it or nearly all of his massive cock in one go. He could see all the signs. He smiled, “Are you surprised, Usurper? Surprised that you can still feel so much pleasure despite the beating your cunt just took? It’s really quite simple.” He started fucking her then. Making sure to force her to take more and more of his cock with each thrust. “The body releases endorphins in response to pain, but it takes time for the body to release sufficient endorphins to even dull the pain. But the other thing that happens is the body floods the damaged tissue with blood. Oxygen rich blood that… In case you haven’t been paying attention to sex anatomy 101… Is what is necessary for pleasurable sex. Right now your cunt, clit, and vaginal canal are all packed in with oxygen rich blood which is going to make you so much more sensitive. The pain is actually going to work in my favor!”“I’m going to brand you, bitch. And I’m going to make sure that when you give birth to my child that it is right here on this stage for all to see as you are in immense pain, vulnerable, and lacking any power whatsoever. But don’t worry, I don’t intend on destroying you. I intend on rebuilding you. Trim that excess body fat off, plump those cocksucking lips a bit, and maybe even a bit of a breast reduction. I want to bring you out in public and have every man desire you and every woman hate you for being everything they’re not. But more than that, despite your appearance… You’ll be nothing more than a cock sleeve for me to get off in or on. A pet to maintain and care for. I’ll make sure to train you to please me… And any woman I eventually decide to make my wife.” Rose strained as Her Master shoved his huge cock into her swollen and sore sex. He was right, the sensation of her body was and more importantly her pussy was enhanced. Rose could still feel every hit on her bald pussy, her sex felt like it was on fire. She was sure it would make an orgasm impossible. She was also so sure this night would end in a little light bandage and maybe some teasing, but it had gone in a different direction. From the first thrust, She knew she couldn’t resist, not with the savage fucking she was receiving with every stroke in and out of her. She bit her lip trying to hold on, but it was hopeless, she was going to orgasm and with it, her old life and freedom would be gone. She couldn’t even try to think of an escape. Rose’s bodies’ responsiveness was her undoing. She could feel what she was sure was the largest orgasm of her life building, and then he would fill her with seed and nine months from today she would be squatting like a third world peon in a field, back her at the Hellfire Club putting on an even wilder show that tonight. And the way he had said it, would she be bearing other people’s children like some kind of baby making machine? The idea of a long streams of births, and might he use fertility drugs? She remembered reading how Fertility drugs could cause multiple births, twin, triplets, and so on. Was this part of his plan to use her as his personal broodmare? There were plenty of Masters and Mistresses out there who wanted kids and didn’t want to have their favorite slave, wife or themselves being out of the fun for 9 months. Roses body was jerking, and she could hear her own moans and grunts as she was fucked, She realized this would be her last fuck an s Rose Briar wood, as soon as she felt that orgasm she was Cocksure . Forever! She had so little time to think as she felt the wave of pain and pleasure wash over her. Her whole body felt like it was on fire and freezing all at once. She let out a loud yelp as her Freedom evaporated, she also felt the explosion of his cock deep inside her. Filling her with his cum. She tried to say something but all she could do was moan. He was pumping her full. Rose bit her lip hard as the next orgasm hit and then another. Her skin was turning into goose flesh, it was earth shaking and humiliating all at once. The crowd was wild and unrestrained, crowding around to see the former Mistress in her shame. Her whole body was still quivering, and she could feel the huge load of her Master’s seed filling her up, running down to her ass cheeks, then dripping down between her legs. It was so much and so warm. She could finally feel the cold sweat on her body as her body heat and the senses returned, She looked up at her Master, and wondered what was next. Jeremy groaned out his release. He didn’t have to say it, anyone with eyes could see she had orgasmed. The way her body had bucked and seized beneath him in her bondage. A few moments after coming, Jeremy withdrew from her cunt with a wet slurping pop. As he did two of the slave girls tilted her hips up and scooped up any of his cum that had escaped and let it drip back into her gaping cunt. One girl turned and looked up at him, “May I suck your cock clean, Master? I wish to make sure all of your cum gets deposited where it belongs.”“If your Mistress approves.” Said Jeremy as he watched the slave girls continue to work Usurper’s clit and tits forcing her to orgasm again. The one who had requested permission, Cock sheath, he thought her slave name was, had run off for permission. One slave said, “We’re just helping you conceive, Usurper. Orgasming with so much life giving seed in your pussy will cause your cervix to open and allow more of your Master’s cum into your womb.” A moment later Cock sheath was kneeling before him carefully scraping his cock clean with her fingers so she could help deposit it all in Usurper’s cunt. Then she turned back and began to eagerly lick and suck his cock clean. Jeremy was surprised by just how much hate and loathing people had from Usurper. He realized then that even if he hadn't had orchestrated her fall, someone else would have.“That’s it, Cock sheath, get my cock nice and hard. I’m going to fuck my new slave’s ass while making introductions to her new Mistress and her Trainer.” Said Jeremy as he gently guided her along the length of his cock which was hardening up nicely under her attentions. One of the slaves working her tits called out, “Master Jeremy, she wants to know who her Mistress and her Trainer are.” Jeremy smiled as Gwen left the main clubroom and came back with Aubrey leading Cathy on a leash and collar. Cathy (NSFW)((NSFW)(came up and kissed him passionately on the lips with plenty of tongue before looking down at her sister, “About time you fell, you sanctimonious bitch. Now I can finally come out and announce that I’m getting married without you ruining the moment. Why am I naked you might be wondering? Well you see my role is complicated. You see I am my Master’s slave autolysis slave. When not with my Master while here, I am a Mistress. Fine lines to draw I am certain but still truth.” Cathy stood just to the left and behind Aubrey, naked as the day she was born with her head bowed respectfully. The fact that she was on her feet showed that she was a valued and respected slave. Most would be kneeling on the ground or squatting awkwardly on one of the stools that would force their knees wide and expose their genitals for all to see.“You are wondering why Anal Tool is here, yes? Well when I learned that I could be dominant with women and submit to my Master, I ensnared your lawyer. She’s a dutiful, loyal pet. She was going to help me legally take over your company leaving you with nothing but the clothes on your back. But now that you are slave and have signed over all of your Assets to Master Jeremy… That won’t be necessary.” Said Aubrey as she turned to Anal Tool’s collar and removed the leash.“An interesting bit of information about your former lawyer… She was a dominant but found no satisfaction in it. It wasn’t until I made her submit that she found her true calling. A slave trainer. Anal Tool, why don’t you go give the bitch an up close and personal look and the proof of your ownership.” Anal Tool stepped forward, spread her legs wide and framed out the black branding mark everyone knew to be Jeremy’s sigil. Then moved her hands so they framed out the club barcode on her inner right thigh. She then spoke, “We are going to have so much fun together bitch. I’m going to enjoy breaking you in. I so want to make you eat my cunt, but I think I’ll make you wait. Wait until I have a nice juicy load to clean out of my ass.” A few moments later, Gwen appeared leading a man who carried a charcoal brazier with two rods sticking out of it. He sat it down where Gwen pointed… Which ironically enough was within Usurper’s line of sight. She then came over to Jeremy and said, “Jeremy… How about you and I make a deal. A deal that I think you’ll find rather entertaining. Here is what I want. I want access to Usurper on my free days when I’m not attending to Club Business. Which will be Thursdays and Sundays. I want to play my part in breaking her. Making her properly submit like a good slave should…” She smiled lecherously, “Oh, I’m sure that you’re thinking that there is nothing I could give you worth that joy. But I think you would be mistaken. I know you desire my daughter. She’s quite the beauty, won’t you agree? But she’s lazy, arrogant, and doesn’t have a shred of common sense. My fault as her mother, I guess. But I think it’s time she got put to good use.”“How long a term of service?” asked Jeremy finding himself suddenly interested.“However long you desire her. She hasn’t any real backbone, so I suspect she’ll break relatively easily, and you’ll grow bored with her. But I know about your own ‘business’ and I think she might be a perfect ‘employee’.” Said Gwen as she pushed Cock sheath’s head down Jeremy’s cock until her nose was pressed against his carefully trimmed pubic hair. Gwen ignored the girl’s struggles and gagging until finally letting her up to cough, spit, and gasp for air before pushing her back down Jeremy’s cock.“And to sweeten the pot… Since I know you all too well… I’ll let you breed me. I’ll let you knock me up with your baby. Just once mind you. I’m too old to be popping babies out like Usurper will.” Jeremy gave it some thought. “So let me clarify. I get to breed you and knock you up ocean get that smoking hot piece of ass that is your daughter? For life, I might add.” Gwen nodded, “You can breed me whenever and however you want. Hell, I’ll even let you fuck me after I get pregnant. I’m a horny bitch when pregnant anyhow, and you’ve obviously got the tools to please a horny bitch. I’ll even deliver Samantha to you gagged and bound.”“Done then. Furthermore, I expect to have your daughter in my care no later than forty-eight hours from now, and we’ll work out how and when I will intentionally breed you in the future.” Usurper, formerly Rose was in shock as she watched Gwen, Audrey, and Cathy parading in front of her. She could also see the brazier, and worse smell it. How could this happen to her, She had gone from a wealthy and powerful mistress to a pathetic and penniless slave in one night. She Saw her Master and knew he was planning of breaking her and breeding her and there was nothing she could do. She would soon be eating his cum out of one if not all these slaves' ass, as soon as Her Master filled them. Furthermore, she was in hell. Cumslurper, heard people in the crowd talking wondering if they would get a turn on the former Mistress holes, after Jeremy was done with her. The thought of being gang banged by the crowd didn’t make her feel any better. She also realized Her Master now had three, what had they said “Cock sheath”!! Maybe he would let her off till he had his fun with them. She looked at Cathy and her new brand, she has one soon enough. Gwen walked over to the bar and produced a tray. Then returned. As she bent down in front of Usurper. On the tray were a collection of piercings and three huge syringes full of silicone. Before Usurper could say anything, Gwen stabbed The former mistress’s lower lip and forced in the first syringe, then another and another. The slave felt her lips swelling up painfully. Then she went to work on her upper lip. When she was done a mirror was produced and Usurper could see her face. Her lips had gone from full and attractive to what couldn’t only be called “huge cock pillows”. Usurper was till restrained and could do nothing. Gwen asked “What do you think…you won’t get the full effect till we tattoo on your make-up. Gwen went back to work and produced a tool, for piercing and inserting rings. The grabbed one of Usurper’s already sore breast by its nipple and install a large ring right through it. The crowd cheered as she installed the next one in the other nipples. Then four rings on each side of her pussy. Then a clit ring, Finally she took an evil pleasure of pulling out Usurper tongue and putting a rod through it. Gwen smiled “that should improve your performance for oral sex.” Usurper face was wet with tears. Gwen back away to study her work, then pick up a familiar tool and clicked it on with a BUZZ. She grabbed a handful of the former Mistress hair and began to roughly run the clippers through and slash with scissors. She was laughing as she sheered away the former mistress long hair. Usurper was left with an uneven mess, just enough to allow her master something to pull her around by. Gwen ran her hand through Usurper ruined mane, Gwen was still laughing, “Don’t worry we aren't done yet”. Her tormentor waved over a large washtub, She had her dark hair into the tub. Gwen wash away the loose hair, bleaching it stark white. Then spraying it with cheap dye. When she was done Usurper, hair was now bright pink with a shock of neon green. Then she returned the mirror, Usurper looked like some kind of inflatable sex doll come to life. She could see the rings jiggling at the end of her nipples and could feel the one on her sex. She felt herself descending into a dark place. As the tattoo artist that worked in the club marked her with her bar code, only her branding was left.and of course more fucking…. Jeremy winced as Gwen destroyed Usurper’s hair, but it worked out in a way. Plus there was still enough hair for him to grab when he wanted to fuck her doggy style. The lips… He would have handled them a different way and would have to correct it. But for now he said nothing. Instead, he grabbed a bottle of lube and slathered up his cock before returning to kneel between her legs, “One last hole, Usurper and you will be my three hole slut. I imagine that this will be the first time anyone has had this ass, isn’t it? I wonder how responsive you are. Feel free to scream and beg.” Jeremy knew that this was going to hurt both of them. Her more than him, but he hated the bitch. As much as he wanted to destroy her utterly, he knew that such an act would be wasteful in the extreme. He needed to break her completely, then remold her into the model slave. A slave that obeyed because obedience was its own reward. Pressing the tip of his cock against her asshole, he pressed in hard. At first her sphincter held, but soon it had no choice but to give way. When it did, Jeremy maintained the pressure, pushing into her ass until he could go no further. Aubrey moved to straddle her sister’s face, but Jeremy prevented it, “No. I want to hear her bag and scream and plead. Like so many of her own slaves did. I want to hear her scream for mercy. Mercy that she never gave. Mercy that she won’t receive.” Aubrey slid forward, intentionally pressing her knees into her sister’s massive tits to do so. Straddling her sister’s stomach, she ran her hands up her fiancée’s chiseled abs. This was what had initially attracted her to him. Because in her mind muscles like this were a physical declaration of power. Not simply of strength but of the mind as well. She knew that it took a supreme act of will to maintain a body like this. All the time spent in the gym, the carefully controlled diet, and the sacrifices made to stay like that. Then she had managed to seduce him. That cock was worth doing whatever he wanted, becoming whatever he wanted, and she had done just that.“Baby, you must really hate her to subject her to this.” Said Aubrey quietly.“She took someone important from me and broke her. Broke her without regard for rebuilding her. And now that she’s in my grasp I will make sure not to repeat the process. I will shatter her utterly, but I will gather the pieces and remake her into something different than she is now.” Grunted Jeremy as he paused in the act of working Usurper’s ass open with his cock to pour a little more lube onto his cock and where her asshole was stretched painfully wide on his rod. Then drove forward hard. Aubrey knew far more of his secrets than anyone. After all, she was to be his wife and partner, even if she was still his slave. “You don’t intend on keeping her on the farm with the other cows?” Jeremy snorted derisively, “What and spare her the eternal shame of being reminded of what she once was and once had? No. If am years time I intend on bringing her back here transformed as the ideal slave. Eager to obey and please at my instruction. And I’ll spare none of the money from acquiring her assets to transform her accordingly.”

The Wager (Barbara4play & Pockets)|rating:2.0

The Magical Forest

OCC Thread early in the morning. People are still to bed. The sun is already present, but the mist is what keeps the people from getting up. Some people outside are talking randomly. There are three more installments since last night. Three tents of a visibly important figure. There is an inn. It's small and looks crappy. The village overall is a silent one. It runs over woodcutting. It's posted at the entrance of a geographical hall that leads to the magical forest."... It's not magical, it's enchanted!..." you can overhear. Two people arguing in the middle of the place, next to central bridge. There seem to be some building tension."...you hussy scoundrel!" Insults stream as the morning turns into a harsh wake-up for those who still wanted to be dreaming about their sweet rest. 'This sucks,'muttered Venus as he treads along the plain, days before he first set eye on this civilization where he currently resides. The thought of warm, cozy bed specially set up for him through means of wealth bewildered him, intensifying his urge to set foot on the settlement upon sight of it. Alas, the sweet dream didn't last long as he gradually felt irritated from the bickering occurring outside the inn he was checking in. Unable to restrain himself, he stormed out of the building halfway through the procedures and inquired the gentlemen in a rather... 'polite' tone.' Gentlemen, you both SHOULD realize by now the commotion that you are stirring. How about sharing it with everyone else, solving it together, and ALLOW ME TO GET SOME SLEEP!' Ventus startled for a moment, before regaining his composure and rephrased the sentence in a somewhat awkward manner.' Ahem, pardon me for being rude there. Must be the lack of sleep kicking it (of which partial of the faults fall on you two). May I be of service to both of you? While I may not look like it, I'm quite capable myself.' Ventus finished the sentence with a sly grin as he thought of the wealth that would be pouring from the request, which, hopefully could cover for his accommodation in this foreign land. Up early as always Lysine walks around town in a simple looking cloak. She doesn't mind the mist, it is a great way to hide yourself from your enemies and the problems in the world. How can people not like this, why would anyone want to sleep and miss the beauty of water and wind. Normally she wouldn't bother to check on any problems in the village, but the words magical and enchanted draw her to the scene. She now stands there between some other villagers watching the commotion, slightly amused by the newcomer that thinks he could solve all problems with a simple question. Spoiler Hide Missing some time. Be back with more crunchy details. Aye, stop bothering, one said." This is none ya business" the other insisted. They both looked waned, as if their morale was drawn upon some sort of otherworldly energy. Their lips were almost black as if they had the plague. Together, they gave a grave, wild look at the woman appearing out of the mist." Are ye with her?" The other man, seemingly very interested, moved on to something else... To Giuseppe, it was clear that she had done something terribly wrong... Dehhhh-Mon!", the second called. There was a pause. The man kept on slowly moving towards one of the residences at the edge of the village. A village? It was more like a town let. A mere encampment for 30 workers. No women. Lisyppe and Venus both noticed: that is, except in the inn. She's not making herself easily visible, but it's easy to notice people like her. A fairly young but decrepit woman, living like a ghoul under the benediction of the local innkeeper-priest. Another man coming from one of the maestros tents came out. He was wearing a long dress, and seemed to be an important figure, if it wasn't of his build, much resembling an elder barbarian. He disappeared carrying some pots in his hands under another of the three red tents. Ah, the ya go..., exclaimed the second man at the sight of his ten or so mates all coming around the corner, ready for a good lot of action with their huge double axe in hand, all with the same connotative black lips. That is much like an army of peaceful human zombies... Then, the first one came back to his speaker:Say...who in hell are you? Huh? His body wasn't very aggressive, but all in his distracted eyes and busy tone meant something much like an overwhelming sense of irritation. Frustration, if not a tiny bit shy... Rotator decided to hurry up his steps when he heard the noises coming from the village. Earlier this morning he had taken Actor, his faithful dog, for a walk in the forest to gather wood. Now, as the noises grew louder he grabbed the bundle of firewood over one shoulder and untied and feeling the haft of his sword, making sure it would be ready if it came to that, started to hustle down the road. As he turns the corner he sees a large group of men obviously agitated and with weapons drawn, surrounding both another man and the woman he saw earlier today when leaving for the forest. Ator, be ready, this smells like trouble he whispers to the large animal. And then in a strong commanding tone and a wide grin in his face he yells don't believe such an unfair fight should take place before I have had the chance of having my breakfast The woodmen all turned around, almost surprised to see someone calling them. The words seemed to be told among the group: it's another new one. They all looked at each other in confusion. The man in front of Venus, central to the action and unarmed, seemed to be taken by panic; he ducked an invisible arrow. The one who called for Damon turned as well, and spoke vehemently with temerity:"Well, well, well, 'this what you all do in your home country, big boy? There ain't no fighting here, alright? "The men seemed to feel relaxed after these words. Their body spoke confusion; that they weren't looking forthiskind of action." We just going to work like every day, because it's our job. It's our living to pay for what we get. We need no king or prince to deal with our problems here. We're good! "These strangers... they're all really weird. The group of men were indeed bringing some other work equipment, and you all realize that this idea of a general fight was all completely stupid. It must have been the mist... or this insane village altogether." Yo, Damon, let's get our heads to it now!" the head woodcutter called. All moved... they looked pathetic, but they thrived. Something was up in their spirits that couldn't be described as... real. The head woodcutter turned again. "As for all three of you, just go away," he warned. "There are already too much trouble around here, and you're not going to help if only you won't cause any more problems. So if you can just help yourself, get together and you all move." In the shadow, or rather the mist, the path leading down the road where the venturous woodcutters headed now seemed like the way to your doom. The village felt suddenly very empty. Lisyppe felt some shivers going through her spine. An odd feeling for a woman of her composure. Had she just avoided trouble, or was it about something else, something that would never wash away? Three strangers stood present, yet they felt that such a connection was the strongest link they had ever felt in their lives. The sudden turn of event left Venus bewildered for a moment; unsure whether to feel grateful or irritated. Despite the fatigue from the long journey, he convinced himself to at least address the others; who could be considered his saviors... or at least comrades-in-trouble.' Thanks for assisting back there. The name's Venus. As you could see, I had just arrived not too long ago; therefore I'm still puzzled as to what had occurred back then. Anyone knows anything?'said Venus casually as he motioned for them to enter the inn.' Wouldn't want to spend all day long-standing, do we?' The man with a long dress came back out from the second tent, visibly looking for something else, worried... Goals calmly let the woodmen walk by his side, and slowly came closer to the pair. Gotanor son of Ana tor is my name he said in a soft but firm voice as he offered his right hand to each of the other two. Then, looking at the man in the long dress he waved and said and if you find it appropriate I shall invite you over to my tent, my people seem to be worried and Astana would be delighted to have someone who can appreciate her cooking. Besides, after the gentle welcome we have been shown the inn might not be the best place to be The old advisor was clearly looking for Rotator, and he didn't wave back, still in his thoughts, his eyes begging for the nobleman to come back to his personal encampment. Instead, he started walking in his direction, more likely to fetch him like a child than a mature person, regardless of his rank... "What was that all about?"distracted by the feelings she looked into the mist. She turns back to the group as both men speak, still in doubt about her feelings but hardened enough to ignore them for the moment." I would rather stay out of that disgusting inn if that is possible, so if you don't mind sir Venus, I would rather go to the tent." She puts down the hood of the cloak she wears to show herself." My name is Giuseppe and I feel this meeting is more than coincidence." Rotator's domestic arrived with pace and placed himself as much away from the other two strangers. He whispered with loud gestures:"Milord, stay away from these foreigners, remember your name and your importance! Nobles would never side with savages like this!" He hesitated for a second. Then, his gaze changed, and he seemed more respectful towards his master." I... I had a bad night. This is such an odd place to breathe... It must also be that pile of mutilated flesh I came across this morning as well...", the servant said as he looked back up to Rotator." Anyways, you do as you must, but by the look of the circumstances and they, I would be wary about everyone around here, including these two." Then, he approached Rotator in a more secretive manner, the way the two looked very much used to, and failed to hide the words especially about... him! 'Should that be what you wish for...' Ventus said in reply to Giuseppe's words. Reluctant to comment on the fateful encounter despite feeling the same way, he returned his attention to the man known as Rotator.' I would certainly like to accept your offer, though your escort seems to think differently.' With that said, Venus stood in his position silently; hoping for the best with whatever that would unfold next. "Enchanted items, piles of mutilated flesh, barbarian prince... something really strange is happening here"She could understand the wary stance of the servant, she could feel it as well, something about this place that was not good." Servant! Bring me to this pile of flesh, if there are wild animals in the area we should know about them and warn the villagers." She turns toward Rotator"With your permission off course, if you rather speak in your tent first we shall do so"Giuseppe wouldn't be so foolish to address a prince without respect, off course it was a man so it didn't deserve it, but she was alone here and her quest was more important than her opinion about the opposite gender. Rotator looked at the other two and then in a soft voice full of respect (as he sensed the tone of the woman may have offended the proud advisor) addressed Griever, his servantGrievor, you shouldn't be worried about my safety, and although i appreciate your concern I do not believe these two travelers pose any threat to us, and so I must insist in them coming to our tent changing now to an imperative tone You shall show us where is the plié of burning flesh you mentioned, and then you shall go back to the tent and let Astana know we will be having guests turning to the other two beg you please do not talk to me with deference, the land where my father rules is far away and on the road I'm no more than another traveler. Whether to check the plié or come to the tent first, I'd suggest we check the pile first, giving old Astana some time to get everything ready, she's not found of improvisation Traitor looked halfway with a puzzled look immediately after hearing his name, but he didn't speak. Griebor... It doesn't bother him. He is used to all kinds of mistakes with Rotator. Nevertheless, he happily agreed to the request with a nervous nod and went right away to warn Astana of the additional guests for breakfast. After this small wait, you all turn back to the location of the pile of mutilated flesh. The first thing you notice is not the smell, but the amount! No bones? Bloody as hell. If you check, it's confirmed, no bones. Spoiler Hide I want a history check from Kenji, a nature check from Anna, and a question mark check from Aurangzeb lol. UMH, say a diplomacy check... (seriously) You all notice that Traitor stopped walking at about twenty feet away from the pile, and won't move any closer. For those who don't know him much, you think it's a bit odd that a barbarian would be so afraid of... meat! Then, from behind coming from the tents, a familiar face to Rotator hassles to reach the little party looking for answers at the wrong place... Mylord! My - milord!... taking a quick look at the pile of flesh, Giuseppe recognizes it as domesticated animals."probably some kind of offering from the locals, nothing we need to worry about." She waits for the response of the others before saying"let's go to the..." She is disrupted by the human coming towards them. Rotator is intrigued by the pile and is about to ask Giuseppe why would someone debone animals only to burn them when he turns his head to the tent as he hears a familiar voice in, apparently some kind of distress. What is tit? Is there any problem back in the tents?Spoiler Hide I'd be more specific but i don't know which of my servants is talking to us [/SPOILER] 'Live sacrifice... yes...' Ventus trailed off as he nodded silently in agreement. He instinctively twitched as a sudden thought came to his mind; prompting him to share the knowledge with the others.' Regarding the settlers' black lips, I recollected some info about it. According to what I had learned beforehand, it is composed of some sort of medical resin. Furthermore, it can act as a recognition device; allowing two different persons to recognize one another while daunting those oblivious to its origin.' Ventus paused momentarily, gathering his thought as he proceeded to spoke again; though slightly hesitant this time.' Alternatively, human sacrifice; especially women, are commonly practiced in order to quell the local evil spirit.' As a servant approached them hastily from the tent, he added somberly,'I suggest we hasten back to the encampment to avoid unfortunate incident from occurring.' As Venus finishes his words Rotator stops walking and feels a chill in his spine. Suddenly he has had a terrible thought...he mutters:Women sacrifice... Could it be?...and starts running to the encampment visibly worried... Milord! It is about Milena! Astana said... come! She will explain to you in details better than I can! My apologies!said Attila, under her white satin dress. Gotanor went back to where his little happy group resides, followed closely by Traitor. Unfortunately, nothing seemed just as happy as it was earlier this day. Visibly, there was turmoil, but only through her face did Astana showed her feelings. She stood right in front of the tent, her eyes wandering, or searching... and when Rotator was close enough to tell him what had happened, she made it clear:She disappeared!... Spoiler Hide for identity purpose, I change Traitor's voice to sienna instead of dark red, which is for Rotator (Aurangzeb). What... she disappeared?, Traitor questioned, after waiting for some time. He waved his hands and continued:When is the last time that you saw her? Astana looked up. Her eyes were deep in sorrow. "I asked her to go fetch some mushrooms where I saw some yesterday. They are comestible and not so far away! Nothing wrong could have happened to her!" Okay, fine, Griebor concluded. He didn't wait for Rotator's approval to start moving. Now if you three can keep an eye on each other while Lord Rotator and I will look for your daughter... Rotator took the news as a blow. And felt grateful with his old wise advisor when he spoke. Griebor is right, we should start looking for her right away. Then addressing the other two adventurers. I wouldn't want to force any of you, but I feel your help would indeed be of the highest importance. Traitor. He said trying to convey to his advisor that he had regained the control of the situation consider best that you shall remain here with the rest of our people as I don't trust the intentions of these townsfolk. Spoiler Hide Diplomacy (1d20+4)[8] There was a truly sad look in his eyes. " MH. Yes, milord, he said submissively. I was hoping to be present for all of your needs... and your security, milord. I know..." he started to add something that was often talked about and stopped,"but I will not hinder your desires anymore." He paused." Although, I would recommend that you put on your war gear before departing, and that you offer some gold to these two adventurers to make sure their interest is kept at the right task," he said softly. He then entered the tent right in front of the party (the left side one, the closest to the bridge) and came back with a backpack that seemed very heavy for himself. Your armor, some food, and all of your other belongings. Spoiler Hide I figure that a nobleman would go for a morning walk only with half his gear. Venus merely followed the turn of events in silence, unwilling to interfere with their personal matter. The noble's unconditional trust toward the both of them struck him as a surprise, despite he himself felt the invisible bond between them during the previous meeting.' Your concern will be unnecessary,'Venus said softly toward the old advisor before continuing,'Let's just say I have my own reason for entering the forest. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to procure my gears which were left in the inn.' Spoiler Hide for the purpose of moving this whole thing forward, I will take control over your characters, and unless you wish to ratify their actions, and even if you'd like to introduce some more dialogues, feel free to do it via private messaging or under spoiler brackets After letting Venus go alone and everybody getting ready for the next journey, Rotator finally got impatient and went inside the inn and found Venus sleeping. He woke him up and all gathered to finally depart. You enter the trail that takes you down the forest and as you step further deep you have a sense of ease. The forest is likely to be just another, and its mist is the only form of danger that you can notice around. In the trees, birds are singing, hardly noticeable and fleeting at first sight of them. There is some other life, as well. Marks of animals are everywhere. If there is one property that this forest may have least commonly, it's its current density. The thickness of these woods is increasing exponentially, and it's after all just about right that the last town that you were at was actually outside the woods, and not as usually, built out of the surrounding trees. It doesn't stop the fact that there could be another encampment inside as well. At the previous one, there were also some farms, and some laborers and commoners as a matter of fact. Not many, but they were there. They supplied enough food for the small populace, the hungry ghosts that lived all of their time in the woods. You travel about three quarters of an hour to arrive at a crossroad. It has a trail board that directs you either to Alumina in-the-valley, or the veterans' tower. However, contrary to what you would think, there are actually three clear paths, one being prominently narrower. This one, probably made by the lumberjacks, depicts signs that it's been traced most recently, and with less preparation than the others. You are without knowing that whatever the way you choose, there should be much of interest... "seem we have to take a choice here"Giuseppe stands close to the sign, as if it could tell her which way to go." My vote goes to the tower, seems like a good place to hide someone...""Also, a good place to look for other things." She didn't really understand what was going on around her, but she felt that traveling with the others would get her closer to her goal. On the other hand she also felt as if something terrible was going to happen. 'Hmm, I'm not so sure about it.' Ventus said as he inspected the trail of the paths thoroughly. Maybe there will be some leads... Focusing on the task at hand, the feeling of something poking toward his side prompted him to recall past events. As he slowly pulled out a battered old scroll, he spoke,'Before arriving here, I had obtained prior information of this village... let's hope it helps now.' Spoiler Hide Nature Roll (1d20-1)[12] To track fresh footsteps, especially those resembling the lumberjacks. Perception Roll (1d20+1)[17] Discerning any abnormality with the paths; similar as above. Additional Action Read the scroll. Rotator took a piece of clothing from his bag pack while Venus searched around and offered to Actor to smell, maybe the large dog could help the groups track the girl. Based on the information Venus gave us earlier today and the encounter with the lumberjacks my intuition tells me we should follow the newest path, I'm afraid she has been kidnapped by those men in the village for a sacrifice. Of course lets see if Actor or Venus find leads elsewhere Spoiler Hide Nature (handle animal track DC 20) (1d20+3)[23] Venus You said the sacrifices were done out of superstition. Didn't you? What kind of demons they are afraid of? Venus halted momentarily in between his task, obviously surprised by Rotator's question. Despite the ever-increasing mild fatigue felt by him, every clue should be sought in an attempt to quicken their rescue operation. Continuing his prior tasks after a while, Venus searched through his memory bank in hope of remembering what kind of evil spirit was so feared by the locals until they would go as far as attempting human sacrifice. Spoiler Hide History Roll (1d20+4)[15] "as you wish, we shall move forward, let me get a look at those tracks, maybe I can get some info." Spoiler Hide myth weavers is down at the moment so I will throw a d20 and will add the numbers later. (d20)[8] After looking for tracks, Actor barked and happily went back to his master with proofs that the girl was in direction of the newest trail. Spoiler Hide I didn't see that you mentioned bringing a piece of Milena's clothing with you, but it's okay... In the meantime, Venus seems to have an answer for you... 'Hmm...' Ventus groaned as he strained his eye to comprehend the letters written on the scroll. The dog's barking startled him momentarily, causing the scroll to drift gently away from him. Picking up the scroll, he stood upright and said deliberately,'Seems like the canine found some lead. As the fatigue from my prior travels had started to set upon me, I would be delighted if any one of you can recite it for me. With my memory of it faltering as well, this could prove to be invaluable knowledge for us.' "Let us walk in the direction the canine suggest, I'm sorry I can not help you with the letter, our people never needed the written language in their survival." She pets the dog, putting her arm around it and rubs it beneath its chin."great job"The hood of her cloak is up and only her arm and face can be seen at the moment. She isn't beautiful, more just an ordinary girl. Still the bow on her back and the sword you know is under her cloak tells you this isn't your common local. Venus, no doubt the information could be of a great value, but i rather not waste time as the trail left in the air thins at every passing moment. Lysine, from now on that mighty bow of yours might be better used in your, without a doubt skillful arms readied to anything we might yet find. He straps his huge shield on the left arm and draws his magnificent sword, he inspects it and checks the balance. Lead us Actor, the swift justice of death shall fall on them if they had touch but a single hair of her head without making a sound Giuseppe draws her bow"do not worry, if the girl is harmed, the men responsible for it will regret it until their last breath" Venus sighed as he kept the scroll well under his clothing before unsheathing his battered twin daggers. He flipped it onto the air before grasping tightly, forcing himself to stay vigilant at all time.' Just don't blame me if anything went haywire.' Under the full light of the day, you traveled past the first crossroad and took the path that led apparently to the group of lumberjacks.This is far, the mist seemed to dismiss. Tints of green you didn't see revealed themselves to you. The presence of the sun was slowly taking over the darkness of every night. You also made sure not to waste time. After what seemed to be half an hour, you came to see an encampment farther away. You understand that not only did the lumberjacks have an outside encampment, but they also had one they did not favor to sleep in at night, even being men. Your choice to go directly in was up to you... The woods were silent, and even after listening very carefully, it didn't help to hear anything of importance. No smell either... Ducking low Rotator advances to the encampment going from trunk to trunk and looking for the lumberjacks. Spoiler Hide my actions are at least 3 rounds so ill post them, and you decide which get done. 1st I try to get Actor to follow me in silence Heel DC 15(1d20+3)[11] then I try to get close stealthy [roll]1d20-1[/HTML] while trying to spot any signs of people (1d20+1)[19] retrying stealth check Spoiler Hide (1d20-1)[7] Looking on as Rotator stealthily infiltrated the settlement, Venus followed suit, though he opted to move in the opposite direction of Rotator. Spoiler Hide Stealth (1d20+5)[24] Attempting to infiltrate the compound without alerting its residents. Perception (1d20+1)[4] Locating the abducted woman in addition to the lumberjacks to prevent surprise attacks. Rotator resolutely goes into the encampment. Stands in the center and shouts:you better come out of whence you are so we can clarify everything Spoiler Hide if nothing happens ill take a 20 on search for a 21 and I wave the others to approach Sighing, Venus swiftly sheathe his twin daggers, after which he substituted with a short bow instead. Gingerly drawing an arrow out of the dozens available, he prepared to maim any hostile individuals that approached Rotator. Spoiler Hide Ready Action Attack Roll: (1d20+5)[17] Damage Roll: (1d6)[5] Critical Attack Roll: (1d20+5)[20] Damage Roll: (1d6)[2] Shooting any individual that assaults Rotator. If too far, assume my character moving nearer toward Rotator before readying. Stealth (1d20+6)[10] Stealthily moved nearer to Rotator. Ignore if irrelevant. Perception (1d20+1)[5] Detecting surprise attack while I am covering Rotator. The woods are so silent that you're worried how frightening it would be if someone would come out surging of nowhere, screaming. Or worse, if it was a creature of the night with a hideous appearance. But none of the scenarios you can think of actually happen. As Rotator searches specifically around the encampment, to see if he could find more evidence of any crimes, Venus awaits, but the need to cover him doesn't come. The camp is about 30 ft wide and 50 ft deep. Three huts, placed in a half moon, are about 10 ft by 5 ft long. They have covering leather instead of doors and are made of round wood. Their architecture resembles much like the ones in the previous village. Opposite to the huts is a simple shed where many tools and other items are kept. They are all profession or living related. There are also reserves of fresh water. Farther away stands a long and wide heap of wood. Chunks of smaller pieces have been roughly split from the main heap. Some are almost entire trees, set on the side (before being taken for next step). There are no main trails going out of this place, but there are plenty of narrow tracks that you can follow. Roughly five more paths exist. There's nothing here, the men must be somewhere around. What do you suggest Venus? Actor seems to be confused with the scents and tracks as he says this Rotator hears something in the distance. Did you hear that? It sounded as small landslide...or maybe it's just my imagination, this forest is eerie Spoiler Hide Waiting for lysine to act I try to get Actor on Milena's track again so Roll Nature (1d20+3)[18] Venus kept away his bow while deliberately rose from hiding and approached Rotator.' There's nothing we can do; let's just hope Actor could pick up the trail again,'Venus said gravely as he tried to assist in the search as well. Spoiler Hide Nature (1d20-1)[5] If possible, aid Actor () in his search [+2 on it's check], with a DC of 10. Otherwise, apply it as usual. Coming from between some trees, Giuseppe approaches both men."better be safe then sorry, so I waited some longer, but it seems there really is nothing here."still the way she has her hands on her bow suggest she is not at ease Spoiler Hide rolling nature, so I can maybe find out something to follow (track)(d20+5)[20] "landslide? I didn't here anything." Spoiler Hide do I have knowledge of any rock formations close by or is this forest unfamiliar? Actor behaves rather all excited towards the outskirt of the camp, looking in direction of an isolated and very narrow path. Spoiler Hide Do I think it is the same direction as the direction the dog is facing? "I think we are close, I'm sure they went this way and so close that if the forest wasn't here, we would see them." Lisyppe starts to move toward the path"we should make a plan while walking, I don't think attacking on sight would be the wisest course of action" Lets follow Actor. Lysine, I could try to drag them to an advantage position where both of you could ambush them in case we had to fight. Once we locate them we should try to exploit the terrain, It might be better if I approach them alone while you, faster and much more subtle than me, get ready to pound on them like stalking cats. Venus listened attentively to every detail spoke by Rotator, particularly amazed at how sly he was despite supposedly being a noble.' I concur with the plan. Since they used such a cunning move for the abduction, I supposed an eye for an eye should be fair. If everyone agreed, we should depart with haste,'spoke Venus softly as he drew his twin daggers again; motioning for the others to do the same as well. Spoiler Hide Assume my character is constantly on the lookout throughout the travel; roll Perception for me if needed. With Actor leading the group, not far away from Lysine and then Venus, Rotator simply followed. Thin was the air. But then everybody froze when they heard CARR-RRR...SH-SHBROMSHLOMBOLOM!! Another said "landslide"... And then... some voices. Spoiler Hide Your reaction and a perception check 'Everyone, halt!' Ventus whispered to the others, loud enough to be heard by them but exceptionally soft to prevent possible eavesdroppers from overhearing it. He vigilantly walked nearer to the source, attempting to discern what was being said. Spoiler Hide Perception (1d20+1)[2] Attempting to discern the conversation. Edit: Natural botch... now that's a first Rotator walks slowly to the voices after telling the others will approach them, I think it would be a good idea to maneuver around to encircle them Spoiler Hide perception (1d20+1)[4] Giuseppe stays behind Venus, not saying a word but arrow ready. Spoiler Hide perception (d20+3)[11] At your distance, it was still impossible to perceive any word for sure. You may have been curious about what was going on, or who was there, but there was nothing more coherent than the wind compared to the sound of those voices. Your resonant steps, the contraction of your leather for every movement you did, and even your breathing, were louder. In fact, only Lysine was certain that it wasn't just her imagination. Then, the sound of another uncertain noise resumed. This time, the sound was continuous, relentless, and... gravely disturbing. Gotanor's only reassuring was that there were no screaming of young girl in distress... yet. Spoiler Hide Start of the Combat Round Positioning: Rotator 1st, Venus 2nd, Lysine 3rd, forming a triangle. As free action Gotanororders, the others to flank. Spoiler Hide when in combat my character will tend to be pushy and commanding with the others, I hope you guys understand I'm just playing the role Then moves half his speed to the noises and speaks loud and clear in his most intimidating voice Whoever you are, you better come out face me. Otherwise, your luck may turn awry this day Spoiler Hide Roll Intimidate (1d20+4)[23] The sound of echoing axes stops, and finally, you can see them glitter piercing through the far leaves. A voice, high as the sky, raises to call your name. Rotator can hear it, and it's a voice he knows. That of Milena. Giuseppe automatic listens to the command, the last thing you want is discussions at a moment like this. She moves left from Rotator, moving silently through the undergrowth. At the moment of the "conversation" she waits at her position, unsure what to do next. If Rotator advances she will also, if he stops and wait for the "enemy" to come towards him, she will keep her position, waiting hidden for a perfect moment to strike. Spoiler Hide stealth : (d20+2)[15] Spoiler Hide this is after Venus decides what to do Rotator walks decided to face the kidnappers. He be levies his words have inspired awe in them. He moves half his speed while calling Milena. If he sees any of the aggressors he'll try to intimidate him:Leave now before I snap your skull with the cold iron of the north Spoiler Hide (1d20+4)[16] If he still doesn't see anything he will ready an action to attack anyone that tries to harm him. Venus stood steadfast while vigilantly scanning the forest; unwilling to be taken by surprise by the assailant. Once Rotator started to move after the mysterious voice, Venus deliberately followed him from behind, his daggers ready to shed some blood. For a moment, there is a vibrant silence. The sun shines, the air floats, and the trees straighten up to mark the start of a new round... But nobody comes out, or dares to move, on the other side. You understand that it's finally up to you, to do something if you want... something. From Rotator's point of view, there are people about. They moved to... well, hide? They are hardly noticeable, although it is a now way clearer that you are not alone on this path. Further away, there is a clearance. Most likely trees taken down by the workers. Workers or butchers? They are not to be underestimated, yet you're getting a vibe, or are you? ...that everything of this scenario is somewhat odd... and that you are the cause, not the reaction, yes the cause of it all... Then, a brave but nonetheless hesitant masculine voice speaks:Who - who's there! Teh voice was coming from about 20 or 30 feet away from Rotator, somewhat from straight ahead. Alert by the unknown voice, Venus tighten his grip and faced the source of it.' Rather, WHO are you? Show yourself! I'm getting sick with this hide-and-seek.' His voice could be heard clearly throughout his surrounding; there's no point in hiding now thatsomeoneactually appears. Rotator felt almost relieved by the boldness of Venus. He takes a deep breath and runs ahead sword first. Release her or die! If someone pops up I hit him Spoiler Hide roll attack (1d20+5)[14] "we need to deal with this fight quickly....wait...what if they aren't enemies..." Lisyppe moves quickly through the forest to keep up with Rotator. If the thing we encounter seems hostile, I will stop and fire, if it doesn't seem that way, I will try to stop Rotator from attacking." Where is your normal cunning Giuseppe...focus" Rotator moves forward and regardless of who stands amidst the bushes, he bravely stands first and leads the party. Lysippe, deeper away, has her sight significantly hindered, and while she's trying to catch up with the other two, the picture is still clear to everyone:There are people very near about! Tension rises. You can see eyes peaking from their hideouts as close as 15 feet away. Everyone is nervous. Rotator arrives almost at the clearance, and out of a sudden, something - or someone springs out and you are all surprised. Spoiler Hide Rotator, Reflex check Rotator tries to avoid Spoiler Hide roll reflex (1d20+2)[3] Spoiler Hide Natural One! Buffff As the action unrolls, it is Milena who comes out of one of the tallest trees. She is wearing a purple blue dress and this is what catches the attention of Venus. Rotator, in his readiness to attack, shields himself up and then mightily swings his characteristic long sword in a fashionable manner, only to realize at the last second what he is about to do! Lysippe sees the horror and isn't able to react on time. However, Venus, although in at an advanced stage of fatigue, is the only one who isn't surprised, and he manages to jump and tackle Rotator in his epic movement, taking both of them down on the ground. In the process, Rotator's sword slips under his armor and he injures himself. Milena screams in horror and paralyses. Then, a man comes out from the same tree to come and see. Lysine has the choice to shoot him, but she then recognizes his face: it is the same man who got in an argument earlier in the day, the leader. He notices and looks at Rotator and Venus down, piled up on top of a bush, and smiles. He is non-aggressive, and in conclusion, you all feel the tension lower back to normal. The injury isn't noticeable. But soon enough Rotator is the first one to realize it. Spoiler Hide Rotator receives 1 damage from himself. Venus raised himself slowly after the previous stunt, which causes his fatigue to went up a notch. Leaning against a tree nearby for support, he inquired the newcomers softly,'If I'm not wrong, we are here to find a supposedly kidnapped woman. And if that's correct, this woman here should be the hostage. However, the situation doesn't seem that way; care for an explanation?' Hahaha! 'Ostage! Milena took back control over her emotions under the reassuring laughter and approached Rotator to lend him a hand. If t'is young... lady 'ere is an 'stage, it's only to this magic' forest! There ain't not' wrong with us. We 'ere just heading towards our site like every day when Cooper caught' her inside one of our 'its. He ask' her what she' doing here, and she answer' she' lost and she' too scared to come back through the mist! He paused and leaned on one side. We offered her to stay with us until it would get down. However, she asked if she could follow us instead, and since these woods are somewhat dangerous even during the day, we didn't bother furthermore. With the unrolling of the events, the other lumberjacks stood out of their hides, feeling confident that the group of adventurers was now of no threat. Giuseppe lowers her bow and puts the arrow back in her quiver." I am terribly sorry, we let our emotions take control of us." The man looked at Lysine with discontent and looked behind him, avoiding talking directly to her. Nah! Just' take her and go! We don't take any 'motions very' well 'ESE days. The other men in the meantime, got some chit-chat going on. Then, a man wearing a linen shirt with a bear sign on its left shoulder approached their leader and said:Well, you know... we could actually ask for a bit of their share for keeping her safe from the beasts. On this response, their leader looked really nervous and quickly added:Nah, don't worry 'bout it! We shouldn't bother 'NY more than how things are, and we' fine as long as they' okay with us. So he waved to go now, and he turned around to get back to his business. Com' on, boys, now... we got some' work going! With the lumberjacks nigh disappearance from their sight, Venus spoke softly amidst those that stay,'Perhaps it was time to return to the camp and informed them of...' Ventus slowly raised his finger; pointing non-nonchalantly at Milena.'... her well-being. Wouldn't want them to worry much longer.' Ventus laid immobile in his spot, waiting eagerly for their approval to the plan so that he could finally obtain some rest. It's not as if he's obliged to help them in the first place, though there's simply a strange... force compelling him to do so. After approaching Rotator to offer him some help, Milena didn't dare to touch him on her own, before his verbal consent. I'm very sorry, Milord. I'm so sorry. Spoiler Hide I just saw my post never worked Venus is right, we should probably go back to the camp, the I could reward you for your help. Milena, I'm glad to see you alright, your mother was really worried. Then whispering to the others.I don't trust any of these men, we should be careful "maybe we can go and investigate that tower later? But let us return to camp first, the safety of the girl is most important""I wonder why Rotator wants to reward her for running away..." After hearing the warning of Rotator"Do not worry, I trust no men." Blood drips from Rotator's shirt, and you can all notice that he is wounded, regardless of how Rotator doesn't seem to realize this. It's not really painful to him, and it feels more just like he's hit himself against a rock when falling on the ground. So the group heads back down the trail, and the woodsmen continue chopping wood. Their axes continue resonating behind the group, when you turn back to look at them, they exchange odd but submissive looks with you. Milena is very silent. She is obviously ashamed of how the events turned out, and she looks quite worried about Rotator at first, but doesn't dare speaking directly to him about his injury. Her obedience surpasses her servility. Now, the four arrive back at the crossroad, and the place feels already different. It's like the middle of the day brings a faint smell of smoke, and the further down you get on your path, the more this raises suspicion. "Do you smell that? I think it is coming from the village!" '... Smells...?'whispered Venus in between him fading out. The hard ground would have served well for his slumber if not for the temptation of a cozy bed awaiting them back at the camp. The newly introduced twist just renewed his prior idea, slightly diminished only by the word 'think' from Giuseppe. Groaning, he continued the deliberate march down the camp, reluctant to hasten despite the demanding situation. There was no clue of what the smoke was about until the group reached the end of the forest. A thick black smoke coming from the middle of town dissipated in the forest. There wasn't a clear view to what was going on, but you thought it was uncommon to start a fire right where everyone would pass. Some sort of witch hunt public burning, maybe? There was turmoil. You walked down the road and closed the bridge, from where you could have a better point of view and look at the current scene. What you witnessed was horrifying. The worst that you could imagine had just happened, and the screams and the protest could echo in your head. The stake had been set up with violent thoughts on how to quicken the fire, hence the thick black smoke. And the smell, which came at first to be thought of only flames, was in fact of flesh. The body left on the stake was unrecognizable, but it was that of a woman, and for this reason, there could only be one... Gotanor had a bitter heartthrob. The populace, probably all regrouped earlier, had dissipated. Only two men and a woman, people you had met before because of Rotator, stood there waiting, emotional. There was them and the bartender, from the corner of his little inn's entrance, staring straight at you with contrasting apathy. Lisyppe, that could guess what happened, watched silently. This was not her fight, but she felt the anger burning inside her.

The Magical Forest|rating:3.0

the Past Returns( Drake X Bluedragonitess87)

Jacob sits on his comfy chair inside the living room reading the sports ad. he wouldn't usually be up this early, however today was a special occasion for him. His best friend was heading to town to see and approve of his new wife. Drake has aided him in weeding out the unfaithful and the unfit to be wed by telling Jacob if any of his fiancé's try to hit on him. He told Drake everything he needed to know about his wife like how she is so faithful that even after knowing her for several months, she would still not have sex with him. This impressed Drake and convinced him to come meet this perfect woman that Jacob has described. He smokes his special pipe. Drake drives down to Jacob's home in his brand new black convertible. He was one of the most successful friends that Jacob has ever had. He had it all from money, cars, and any girl he wished. Drake wore a black and white tux to the special occasion of him meeting his best friends perfect woman which he believes strongly is impossible. In all truth he knows deep down in his heart that she may be just like all the others inside, but he chooses to support him anyway. He pulls out a bouquet of flowers and makes his way to the door thinking" I hope he doesn't take this one too harshly. It seems like it gets worst as the days go on." He puts on the biggest smile he possibly can as he uses his index finger to ring the doorbell. Mariana Techie dressed for the day in a long black dress. It was form-fitting, but modest. She fixed her long black hair in loose curls, and put on her comfy, brown sandals. She applied a layer of Vanilla spray, and washed her face. Furthermore, she didn't wear makeup, hadn't ever. Her skin was clear. She didn't need it. She sighed, wishing her life was more exciting. Furthermore, she was engaged to Jacob. He was in the next room, but she could care a less. He wasn't exciting, fun, or even passionate. Furthermore, he thought she didn't put out because she was playing hard to get. That wasn't it. She was ruined for all lovers...since him. Drake...she still remembered him, even after all this time. He'd been her mentor, had taught her many things, but she'd been afraid. The intensity of what she felt with him had been too much. Mariana had left him. Sometimes she regretted that action. She should have trusted him more. Fear had ended what could've been something great. She entered the living room, seeing Jacob sitting there near the door, in his chair, reading the paper, oblivious to her feelings. She'd heard the doorbell, and was standing in her designated spot, ready to be introduced to Jacob's best friend. Furthermore, she put on a smile that hid the sadness and feeling of loss in her life, and went to open the door. Furthermore, she unlocked it, opening it wide to admit their guest. Drake saw Mariana and immediately dropped his bouquet. His eyes were distant as if he was stuck in his own head, but in reality he was shocked. He asked in disbelief" Marianna is that you?" His eyes glistened within the moonlight as he suddenly feels the pain and rage that had been built up over the years. It wouldn't take too long before he explodes. Jacob continued to read the paper knowing that Drake was either bringing a huge gift over like always, or testing his fiancé out already. He trusted Drake wholeheartedly which is why he feels that he didn't need to worry as much about his wife or Drake being alone. Jacob flips through his paper focusing his attention upon every small section. Jacob was never a patient man to begin with, but he knew that if he waited just a few moments longer then he would get Drake's blessing. As the bouquet dropped from Jacob's best friend's hand, and Mariana focused on his face, her heart began to beat incredibly quickly. It was Drake...why was this happening? Had fate conspired against her? Was this a test? Or a second chance? She couldn't let Jacob be aware that her and this man had a past." Mariana is my name, and it's nice to meet you," she said, as if this was their first time meeting one another. She looked at Jacob, making sure he was thoroughly engrossed in his newspaper, before she nodded her head slowly, looking deep into Drake's eyes, getting lost in memories. She'd missed him more than she cared to admit. Furthermore, she held out her hand, intending to shake his. What she really wanted was the contact with him, both to feel the excitement, and to test herself, to see if she could trust him completely. He'd never hurt her. She was too foolish to realize what she'd had. Maybe it wasn't too late. Drake looked beyond her and saw Jacob sitting in his chair. He knew now that she intended to play as if she never met him, but could he really do the same? He stuttered as he states" The name is Drake, and it is good to meet you too." He reached to grip her hand with his right hand. When he finally had gotten hold he attempted to snatch her clear out the door. His emotions had finally gotten the better of him, and she was going to witness his pain soon. Mariana listened to Drake's introduction, and felt his grip on her hand. Her old fears got the better of her, and she tried to escape his hold. Eventually, she just looked back at Jacob, then went outside with him, shutting the door to give them some privacy." Why are you here?" She whispered, still holding his hand. Not that she wasn't happy to see him, but still. This wasn't appropriate for either of them. "You do realize I'm marrying him, don't you? For you to show up in my life after all this time, I think there's a reason. So why don't you explain yourself?" She was seething with anger. He never tried to find her, or contact her. This wasn't fair at all. Here she was in a relationship with a man who knew nothing about her, and didn't understand the concept of passion. And here was her mentor. Part of her ached to hold him. The other part was scared of opening up to him after so long apart. His grip on her arm was rather harsh, in her opinion. She waited for his explanation. Drake glared at her eyes. The flame of hate, and pain burnt even brighter than the sun within his eyes. He gripped her hand a bit tighter as he whispers in a sharp tone" shut up." He begins shaking with rage as he continues to speak" you dare speak to me as if I was in the wrong. You are the one who left my side remember. I believe I am the one that deserves some answers." He had been speaking so quickly that he ran out of breath. He closes his eyes and takes a moment to breath. After a few short seconds he opens his eyes and stares back into Mariana's eyes with an intense gaze as he asks" the true question that stands here is why you are marrying my best friend, yet you could barely stand me enough to be up front with me in the first place?" He clenches her wrist tightly as he demands" answer that question before you even consider asking another." Mariana was shocked by his anger. She didn't realize he'd been affected so because of her leaving. She assumed he'd find someone else. Furthermore, she flinched as his hand held hers even tighter. Tears formed in her eyes as she answered his question. "I was afraid of you...to begin with. But I regretted that decision soon after I made it. I missed you, and I tried to find you...but I couldn't." Her voice broke on the last word. Tears ran down her cheeks." I didn't know you were his best friend. And besides, I don't even want to be with him. I've not even slept with him, and he doesn't know the reason. Nor do you for that matter." She jerked her wrist out of his hard grasp, and took his arm, walking him towards the garden, where she was sure they'd not be overheard. "I haven't ever slept with him, because I never got over you," she said quietly. "I'm sorry for any hurt I've caused you. It was never my intention. I wasn't prepared to be what you wanted back then, but I am now. Though I don't know if you want me in the same way." She let go of his arm, and got down on her knees in front of him. "Please forgive me," she said hopefully. Drake feels her hand slip away from him as he listens to her explanation. He allows her to pull him towards the garden while he takes a peak inside the house to see where Jacob had been all this time knowing that he wasn't as patient as he should be. He couldn't see a single thing past the living room chair which was empty, but he knew Jacob wasn't the type to spy. Drake crossed his arms as and faced forward, as he heard Mariana's story. He knew that she had no reason to lie to him despite his emotional state. His best friend was inside the house, and she could have told him their past at any given time now. He glares at her when she kneels down and states' You did hurt my feelings, but I can't directly take you back at this moment." He sighs and continues" I can't betray my friend in such a manner regardless your feelings or my own. I can't be the one to break his heart for my own happiness." He unfolds his arms and uses his right hand to lay upon her head as he explains" Jacob must not know of our past together which is why I will forgive you if you are willing to do three things on my behalf." Mariana distantly wondered if Jacob was wondering why the two of them were out here talking. She couldn't control her emotions. Tears continued to stream down her face. She didn't know what to do. She felt awful for this entire situation. It was all her fault. She was still...not in love exactly. But she still felt an attachment to him. As she listened to Drake explain how he felt, she first heard him say he could take her back right now. That indicated to her that he might take her back at a later time. She still had hope. Maybe he did too. He didn't want to hurt Jacob. "Okay. How are we to...?" She listened to what he said, sighing as he touched her head, in contentment. She'd missed the feeling of his hands. Hearing his offer, she didn't hesitate to answer. "What three things must I do?" She asked softly, leaning into his hand. Drake knelt down to one knee so that he can look her in the eyes with his hand caressing her right cheek. His serious demeanor remained as he states" First as a punishment for your actions you will marry Jacob. He is not to know a single thing about us. The second thing you must do is stall him. I need to get myself another bouquet, and a few of my cloths so that I can stay the night." He let go of her cheek and stood up once more. He thinks about what he is requesting and though it seems like a bit much; He knows that it must still be done. Drake finally says" the third thing is that later tonight you will sneak into my room. There we can talk to one another in a more private environment and with a lot more time." He turns towards his car and begins to walk away while saying" Marianna. If Jacob ever asks why I left tell him that I have an emergency at home to tend to. And I will be back momentarily." He then enters his car and drives away as fast as he legally can. Although it seemed as if he was still angry at her his mind was racing at one thousand miles per second on ways to get around this marriage and harming his friend. As he knelt in front of her, Mariana listened closely to all of his instructions, loving how he caressed her cheek. Her punishment was to marry Jacob. She nodded in agreement, not wanting to disappoint him again. She'd do anything to get him back. And for now, Jacob had to remain in the dark about her and Drake's previous relationship. "I'll stall him," she said, wanting to reach out to touch him, but she didn't. Mariana wouldn't touch him until he ordered her to. "I understand. I'll do exactly as you say. I'll see you later tonight, as soon as he's asleep," she promised Drake, glad he was giving her another chance. She watched him leave, then drew a tissue out of her pocket, wiping her face, and trying to compose herself. This wasn't going to be easy, by any means, but she'd do whatever it takes to be with Drake once more. She threw the old bouquet into some bushes, and relaxed herself by remembering the feel of Drake's hand caressing her cheek. Once she was calm, she went back inside. Jacob was no longer in his chair. She called out to him, as she shut the door. "Jacob?" Mariana started to walk into the kitchen, wondering where he'd gotten to. While Drake had been talking to Marianna Jacob tried his best to keep his mind from Drake's approval. He had tried his best to focus upon the paper, but the more he attempted to read things that didn't interest him the more he thought about interrupting their discussion. Jacob eventually put down the paper and went for the T.V. to see if the news had anything interesting going on, but even the excitement of television couldn't distract him for long. Jacob finally had gotten tired of sitting in one place and traveled upstairs to the study. He figured by the time he took to get his attention on a good book then their conversation would be done. When he heard his fiancé call out his name he yelled back' I am in the study! Why don't you and Drake come on up!?" He continues to read his book avidly as he thinks to himself" I possibly should stop, but this book is just way too good." Mariana heard Jacob's voice, coming from the direction of the stairs. He said he was in the study. Drake wouldn't be coming up with her. She took her time ascending the stairs, trying to remember Drake's instructions. She started being more courageous, thinking she'd need to be great at acting to get through this ordeal. That's what it certainly would be. What if Jacob wanted to kiss her? The idea was repulsive. She enters the study with a serious look on her face, as if to apologize to her fiancé. "Drake said that he an emergency at home to tend to, and that he'd be back momentarily. He rushed out of here so fast. It must have been important." Mariana walked up to Jacob, seeing that he was reading a book. "I wanted to discuss wedding plans," she said softly, imagining that she was speaking to Drake, which made the words sound more natural. Jacob continued reading his book in his own little world. He had heard her comment which didn't worry him much because of how prepared Drake was for any type of situation. Once Jacob had finally finished a chapter he closed his book and shouts" So darling what do you think of him?" He stands to his feet once he hears Mariana enter the library. When she mentions the wedding he smiles wide a says" Of course love. What about the wedding do you wish to discuss?" He knew that she wouldn't ask such a thing unless she truly wished to be his wife which only made him even happier than before. He pulls her out a seat and continues" please have a seat. I think this conversation is a bit overdue." As Jacob continued to read, her repulsion for him grew. How was she to get through this? Drake had no idea how hard this was. She figured this must be how he felt, thinking of her with another man, about to marry him. She hated herself for hurting him. "He seems nice," Mariana said vaguely, waving Drake away with her hand, though he was still on her mind, and in her heart. "Well," she began, taking her seat. "We need to talk about where we are going to have the ceremony, the reception, who to invite, and the flowers and music. Then there's the honeymoon to consider." She smiled, looking at Jacob as if she adored him, when in reality she couldn't wait to be away from him and back with Drake. Her heartbeat sped up as she thought of Drake, and her cheeks flushed at the thought of sneaking into his room later tonight. She imagined that Jacob thought it was shyness about the honeymoon, but that was what she wanted him to think. Mariana wondered how long it would take Drake to get back, and thought curiously of what he'd be wearing when she came into his room. She planned to wear only a blue silk robe. Jacob nodded towards her explanation as he takes his seat right next to her. He grins as the stats" well I believe you should cover the wedding and the reception love. I will only interfere when the honeymoon is involved." He attempts to wrap his left arm over her shoulder as he announces" That is when your precious gift will be unwrapped." Out of all his life this would be the first time he has ever said anything vulgar to her, although he has good reason to speak to her in such a manner. He has been waiting to get her in bed for years now, and it seems like he has finally worn her down a bit. He smiled at the thought of finally getting closer towards having her as a wife eternally. Mariana listened to his words, watching his smile. "I'll get to work on the plans then," she said, standing as he mentioned her gift, which she never intended to give him, ever. "I guess I'll see you at dinner," she said, heading towards the door. Mariana couldn't wait to get away from Jacob. "I have a lot of work to do...so many ideas...and wants," she fake mused, smiling at him. "Do you want the meatloaf or the chicken for the reception dinner? Oh, you know what, I'll take care of all the details. Don't worry your sexy head over it. I'll handle everything. It'll be perfect!" She winked at him, exiting the room, and smiling to herself as she went to take a shower. She locked the bathroom door, cleansing herself thoroughly, wanting to be ready for Drake, smelling all good for him. Jacob felt her slip away from his grasp as soon as he set his arm around her. He looked at her with a bit of a confused face as she explains to him the things that she must take time to think about. He nods to her as if to say" I understand." without saying a single word and all and goes back to his book. Furthermore, he wasn't too worried of her reaction because that is how she has been acting ever since they have gotten together. It did bother him at first, but eventually he grew to take it as normal behavior. He thinks to himself" If I just leave it to her then she may calm down a little bit." After a while Drake had returned to the house. He exited his car holding a black luggage bag in his left hand and a bouquet in his right. He walks towards the front door and knocks on it harshly knowing that it is getting pretty late in the night already. Furthermore, he gripped his bouquet and thought to himself" Of all people in the world it had to be her. Is this some type of sick twisted since of balance, or is it just a strange occurrence of fate." Mariana bathed well, humming as she thought about Drake. He hadn't seemed very happy to know that she was to be marrying his best friend. Maybe he still held feelings for her. He said he'd forgive her if she did these things for him, but would he want to be her mentor once more? Would she ever be in his arms again? She hoped so. She dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt, leaving her hair damp. Furthermore, she brushed it. In her room, she readied her outfit for later this evening. The blue silk robe she took to the bathroom closest to Drake's room, and hid it in the closet there. She'd go to the bathroom and change into it, and nothing else, then sneak into Drake's bedroom. Mariana smiled at the thought. She heard a knock at the door. Eager as ever, she hurried to open it. She wondered how he'd view her appearance, as she'd been careful to look nice for him. Opening the door, she smiled at him, letting him in. She hugged Drake for a long moment, before releasing him." Jacob, Drake's here!" She called over her shoulder. Jacob had finally gotten a good three chapters in before he finally decided it was time to turn in for the night. He had realized by now that Mariana had just gotten out of the shower which made enough time for him to get in. He went to his room and gathered his things, and suddenly heard a strange knock upon the door. The first thing he did was look at the time, and it had been 10:00 at night. He drops his cloths and groans to himself" who would knock on my door at this strange hour." When he heard Marianna he walked towards the door as casually as he possibly could. He smiles thinking" maybe the emergency took longer than normal to take care of." Eventually he reached his living room and walked straight to the door saying in a loud and friendly vice" Hey drake how are ya doing?" Drake stood at the door with the bouquet in hand. When Mariana charged in to hug him he held her close for a few seconds and looked forward to seeing if his best friend was around. Drake wanted to do a lot more, but suddenly Jacob had reached the bottom step. He faked the best smile that he could and offered Marianna the bouquet saying" oh I have been doing a little this and that. I am sorry to barge in at such a late hour Drake, but it seems My house has a bit of a rodent problem." He tosses his luggage arm over his shoulder and asks" would you mind if I stay here for the night?" Drake had hugged her back. She smiled to herself, glad that he'd hugged her at all, instead of pushing her away like she deserved. Mariana stood there, watching their exchange of words. She wondered how Drake would convince Jacob to let him stay here the night. As Jacob entered the room, she accepted Drake's bouquet, and dutifully went to stand beside her fiancé, playing her part well. Jacob would never know that she and Drake had once been involved, would never know he'd been her mentor, and he would get no hint of how much she ached to be in Drake's arms right now, how she needed his touch, and craved his body. His plan was flawless, she thought to herself. A rodent problem. How fitting that he'd use those words. Jacob was the rodent, and she desperately wanted to rid their lives of him, so they could be together. She smiled at Jacob, asking softy, "Can I go to bed now? I'm very tired." Mariana yawned and stretched. Jacob had watched as his best friend hand a bouquet to his fiancé. By this time he figured that Drake had accepted her as his wife which made him even more joyous than when she had brought up the weds. He listened to what his best friend had to say, and lightly chuckled to himself as he replies" of course Drake just like old times right?' He folded his arms together and smiled a bit saying" alright Hun. I will be with you shortly." Drake grinned as Marianna took the bouquet. While he heard her sly lie abut being tired. He was a bit angry of this lie, but he truthfully couldn't blame her without being angry at himself. After all it is his fault that she would have to come up with such lies. He smirked and thought" oh well that's just the type of guy I am. I am sick, twisted, and a cancer that will soon even plague my own best friend." He glances at Mariana and asks" are you leaving so soon? I was hoping that you would stay up a bit so you can hear more about me and Jacobs life together." He steps into the house and closes the door behind him thinking" Soon enough Jacob will be just as corrupt as I am. It only takes time." Mariana nodded at Jacob, kissing his cheek. "I'll see you in a bit, Jacob. I think you two need to catch up." She put the bouquet in a vase on the small table near the door. She answers Drake's question. "No, I think it's late enough. Well past my bedtime. We can do that tomorrow, once everyone has had a good night's rest." She stretched again, heading up the stairs. Since Jacob was facing toward Drake, Mariana lifted her shirt as she walked backwards up the stairs, pinching her nipples and rubbing her pussy through her sweatpants, as she looked down at Drake, lust and need in her eyes. She let her shirt drop, in case Jacob turned around, then winked at Drake and finished ascending the stairs. Mariana entered her and Jacob's room, playing with her nipples as she stood against the door. Her pussy was unbelievably wet, and her nipples hardened as she thought about Drake. Wanting to appear to be sleeping by the time Jacob entered the room, she curled up in their bed, wrapping the thick cover around her curvy body, and closed her eyes, feigning snores as she wondered what they were discussing downstairs. Jacob smiles and asks" that's a bit of a long story don't ya think?" He nods at his wife as she leaves and asks" well Drake old boy where do we begin/ Should we have a toast to old times, or direct you to your room?" He folds his arms and thinks to himself" good thing I have such a huge house. There are so many rooms in this house that it would be impossible for anyone to feel uncomfortable here." Drake glared at Mariana thinking to himself' she will certainly pay for this." He looked as she attempted to tease him, but already he had their things in mind. He grinned towards Jacob's ambush of question as he finally answers" It may be long Jacob, but any story is worth hearing." he chuckled and continued" well if you are going to give me the choice then I chose to share a few beers before I go off to bed you lazy sack of bones." He smiled wide as if he was the happiest man on earth knowing that if he didn't play his cards right then his old slave would never be trained properly. Mariana didn't think twice about Jacob as she faked being asleep. She was too excited, her heart was hammering away in her chest, as she waited for her fiancé to come to bed, so that she could go visit her old mentor...wow, she was very excited to enter his room later. She actually managed to fall asleep for a little while. When she woke, she stretched her limbs, and went to the bathroom. She washed her face, but relaxed, so that she still appeared sleepy. She vaguely recalls that Drake seemed mad at her while she was teasing him. Why would he be mad? She wondered. And then, she began to think about Drake's hands all over her again. Her cheeks were flushed as she recalled their encounters years ago. Mariana felt terrible that she'd left him, and knew she would do whatever it takes to make him feel like she was always there for him, no matter what. She wanted to be his, and his only, to love him, and obey his every command. She smiled as she got back in bed, covering up again, and rested as she waited for Jacob to come upstairs, so that she could sneak into Drake's room, the second that she knew he was completely asleep. Jacob smiles along with him and states" well then Mr. lazy bones follow me." As he turned towards the kitchen and made his way to it. Jacob had always enjoyed Drake's company so he wouldn't get tired as easy as his fiancé had done. When he reached the kitchen he immediately pens the fridge and pulls out two colt 45s and sat them on top of the kitchen table before taking a seat. Drake shortly followed after Jacob thinking of ways to make this situation even more uncomfortable for Marianna than it already was. He knew that she didn't love Jacob which was good to him in way, but she had still run from him and hurt him. That is why he wanted to punish her in the most perverse way as possible. When he saw Jacob set the beers n the table he asks" you still got these? You probably ain't touched these things since the dark ages." Drake of course knew that Jacob doesn't drink hard liquor unless Drake is around because he believes that Drake will keep track of his actions. He took a seat across from Jacob and grabbed the beer in front of him. They had both opened their beer at the same time while Jacob replies jokingly" a little age ain't ever killed anyone." Drake was the first to gulp down his beer like a glutton and slam it down upon the table oppose to Jacob who was only taking small sips. Jacobs impatience had finally worn him out, so he set down his beer and asks" so Drake what do you think of my Fiancé I know you two were talking for quite a bit outside, but you never said a single word about her yet.' Drake glared at him and lied" She would make a great wife." He stood up and went to the fridge and continued" but you do know how I feel about weddings don't you?" He looked around for the whole 6 pack of beers and dragged them out of the refrigerator. Jacob replied" This woman isn't like all the others you were with. Trust me when I tell you that we have been together for three years, and she still avoids talking about losing her virginity." before taking another sip of his Drink. Drake made an evil grin upon his face as he shuts the refrigerator door and brings the beers to the table saying" I know how to fix that. If you trust me that is." He then sets the beers on the table to get Jacob's attention. Jacob sets his beer down and listens avidly towards Drake's unethical plan. Of course, he would object to it at first, but the beer and his curiosity would soon do him in. After their conversation Jacob walked to his room. He stayed left and right in a bit of a drunk daze, but his Fiancé wouldn't know a single thing about that unless she was waked the entire time. He smiled at her thinking to himself" Drake I hope you aren't steering me in the wrong direction." as he slid off all of his cloths. Furthermore, he lifted the covers and got in the seeing her robe which would make his task even easier than he expected it to be. When he got in the bed he attempted to rub her cunt with his left hand, squeeze his right hand under her body and grip her right nipple from behind, and rub his 7 in a half inch cock between her legs. He grinned and thought to himself" After all this is rather exciting." "Jacob must be catching up a hell of a lot," Mariana said angrily. She was beginning to get impatient, and she was usually a very patient woman. Now, she was just highly frustrated. She wondered what Drake was saying right now. She could picture his lips moving, his deep voice coming through the air and reaching her ears. Mariana lost herself in dizzying daydreams about Drake. When the door finally opened, and Jacob came inside the room, she was just about to be asleep again. Mariana heard Jacob moving around, doing something, but what, she wasn't sure. The covers were being moved as Jacob got into bed with her, and she tensed as he got behind her and started touching her intimately. Her response was definite, and she responded the instant his hand touched her between the legs. "You are not my husband yet," she said as calmly as she could, seething inside. She wasn't even turned on, as he rubbed his cock against her. She was sickened. What the hell did the bastard think he was doing? "Could you please refrain from doing this?" Mariana was panicking, wondering why Jacob would try on this night, of all nights, to try and get her to have sex with him. There was no way this was going to happen. "I'm not ready for this, sweetheart," she said, changing tact, trying to be sweet about it. Jacob would continue for a little bit to see her reaction, and when he had finally realized the truth he stopped immediately and turned his back at her. He could of course had answered her in some way, but he was too hurt to actually come up with a reply because Drake was right. He thinks back to the conversation inside the kitchen where Drake tells him" if she doesn't moan after you touch her then there is a strong possibility that she isn't interested in you sexually. That is when you know that your techniques isn't going to work on the wedding day, and that is when you will come for me for advice. I will be her if you need me, but don't wait too long because it may be too late." Finally, he sighed and states in a bored yet disappointed tone" goodnight love." before he drifts off to sleep. After the conversation in the kitchen Drake chose to stay in the guest room downstairs. He had drugged his bag to the right side of the bed thinking to himself" It is only a mater of time until one of them heads my way." He takes off his blazer, and suit shirt thinking" My plans for Marianna had only begun, and already I see a lot of promise within her future thus far." He tosses the dirty layer of cloths onto the chair and sits upon the bed. Furthermore, he smiles as he summarizes his day with two simple words" simply brilliant." He continues to think about his day as he awaits his special company for the night. Mariana was still tense, as she waited to see what Jacob would do. He sighed, and was upset, she knew, from the way he said goodnight to her. "Goodnight," she whispered back, feeling horrible inside. She tried to pet him on the shoulder, but realized that action would only be degrading. She was starting to feel very bad. Yes, she missed Drake, and yes, she couldn't stand Jacob, but before Drake had appeared in her life once more, she'd been prepared to marry Jacob, maybe had even had feelings for the poor man that she was now going to devastate. Mariana was silently crying as she got out of the bed, watching Jacob sleep. She felt absolutely terrible, and it was all Drake's fault! Why did he have to come back into her life? Why did he have to ruin his friendship with Jacob over her sorry ass? She thought about it, as she crept into the hallway. Mariana considered leaving this house, leaving them both, so that their friendship could be saved. She didn't want to be the reason that they had a deeply-rooted enmity between each other. She walked down the hall, and down the stairs, almost ready to face Drake. The tears were still falling, but she wiped them away as she came to stand in front of his door. She was hating herself, and her liking for Drake had changed. This was all his fault!!! Mariana opened his door, fury in her eyes, and a whole world of hurt. Drake looked up into Marianna's eyes with a grin upon his face. It was obvious that Jacob had followed his plan to tell whether r not she had sexual interest within him, and from the look of it he had failed. He folds his arms and begins asking" what's with the gummy look all of a sudden? Did something happen between you and Jacob?" He knew full well what happened and how she may feel at this moment, but then again he had planned as much. He smiles widely at her as he awaits for to reply to him. Mariana looked coldly at Drake, wondering what he was so damn smug about. She decided to lie. "Nothing happened," she told him, standing as far away from him as possible. She felt like hitting him. "Why would you think something happened?" She asked curiously, crossing her arms over her chest. "It's not like you planned this..." Her words trailed off as she saw his smirk. Maybe he had planned it. She couldn't know, so she remained silent. The ball was in his court now. Drake unfolded his arms and used his hands to push himself up from the bed. He grinned widely as he states" I am so disappointed in you Marianna." He walks towards her and continues to taunt her by saying" It's like you don't truly know me at all." He would eventually reach her and begin pacing around her as if he was a doctor explaining a complicated operation. He is sarcasm by saying" Like I would ever tell Jacob to feel up on you tonight to see if your heart truly resides with me or not. It's not like you have left me and lost the little but of trust in you that I had." He stops directly in front of her and asks with a cocky demeanor "right?" At this point he was making his plan obvious towards her. He knew that she had already suspected him of doing something, but his plan wouldn't satisfy him if he had tried to keep her in the dark all the time. Mariana felt her heartbeat quicken as Drake got up, and started walking towards her. She couldn't control that, nor could she control the urge to get on her knees for him, and follow any orders he might give her. However, right now, she was still furious with him. She listened to his words as he circled her, without saying anything back until he was done. "No," she finally said, voice cracking as her emotions got the better of her. "It's not like you continually see fit to test me, rather than believe the words I spoke to you. It's not like you still doubt my commitment to you after I bathed and prepared to see you tonight, only to have the fiancé that I cannot stand put his hands on this body of mine that used to be, and still belongs to you. It's not like any of that is true." She pushed past him, and went to lay on the bed, curling up in the middle, as more tears fell from her eyes. Mariana sniffled, wishing this whole ordeal was over. She missed Drake. He had no idea how much. Drake stepped aside as he watched Mariana's actions closely. It was obvious that she was confused and dumbfounded at his actions. He of course felt the sting of her words, but he still didn't care for them because she was still waiting for something to change desperately. He walked towards the edge of the bed and glared at her for a few seconds. Furthermore, he allows her a bit of time to get accustomed to her flustered feelings towards him before speaking to her. " Jacob is your fiancé. In ever yay you are his, but that isn't what you truly wish inside." He began to climb directly above her as he continued" You never loved Jacob and in all truth you never will. That is why I had to convince him to make such advances." once he is directly above her, he attempts to use his right hand to glide down her right side of her face. He looked her into her eyes as if he was peering into her very soul as he asks" now do you understand why I would do such a thing?" Mariana didn't understand Drake at all. Why did they have to go through all this? It made absolutely no sense to her whatsoever. He glared at her, and she closed her eyes, not wanting to see his anger, nor his disappointment. She remained silent, waiting for whatever was next. "You're right, as always. I'm just always failing you, making you angry with me." Suddenly he was above her, his voice caressing her ear like a wonderful dream. Mariana didn't move. She was shocked that he'd admitted it. He had set her up, testing her faith where he was concerned. His hand slid down her face, and she was helpless to move, helpless to pull away. She looked up into Drake's eyes, and nodded. "I understand, but why is all this necessary?" She asked, leaning into his touch. "Why can't we just leave? Why must we stay here?" She was highly curious, wondering what his plans were. Rp ended

the Past Returns( Drake X Bluedragonitess87)|rating:2.0

ORCS, DRAGON BORN, AND PRINCES OH MY!

Solaria was a peaceful country for thousands of years until one day when the ancient dragons turned upon the continent wishing to become the supreme mythic. Many monsters and humans fell to their onslaught for they had incredible magical power from fire breathing capabilities to being able to become humanoid but still retaining their strength and speed. Kingdoms and clans tried many ways to hold back against the dragon armies but were barely gaining any ground until one day a miraculous species came into the fold who had the power to kill dragons and for that their species were titled dragon slayers. They were few, but they made up for it in sheer magical power. The war between the dragons and the slayers was fierce until an unknown soldier faced the mighty dragon queen of the west in combat. Their battle was enough to be heard all over the earth from the unknown lands past Solaria in the east to the iron halls of Darvon to the west. Mountains crumbled and rivers burned from each blow until it all ceased so suddenly that the animals in the entire region held their breath as they waited to see the outcome. Out of the crater that was burrowed into the ground by their fight came both the dragon queen and the soldier whose scales were damaged and armor burned while they held hands. Something happened in that fight that caused them to fall so deeply in love that they went in enemies and came out lovers. The dragons ceased their hostilities and disappeared as if they had never existed except for the dragon queen who remained in her humanoid form and stayed to marry the soldier who then became the infamous dragon king of O'Hara. Many years passed and while cities were rebuilt and the forestry returned the hatred never went away. Mythic and monsters became hated by humankind as they were hunted for their meat and enslaved for their service as they slowly became the lower race. Some species were able to form their own clans and kingdoms so they became powerful enough to fend off any humans who were to try hunting them, but there were always still strays which is where O'Hara came in. it became a large nation under the protection of the dragon king where mythic of every race from orc to mermaid were welcomed into the kingdom as a safe haven and were free to live in peace and harmony alongside humans. By doing this O'Hara also became one of the most powerful and resourceful kingdoms thanks to stray dwarves, orcs, and Arachne who came to the kingdom and offered their services, but it also led them to become one of the most isolated nations for no human kingdom wanted to offer an alliance and no mythic kingdom wished to stretch out their hands in friendship out of fear of becoming a target. Years passed and the world outside O'Hara got darker and meaner, but the kingdom remained all the same under the protection of the dragon king. Nobody attacked O'Hara and anybody who made it inside their borders ever left…. Until one day. The 10-year-old prince of O'Hara awoke from a nightmare of a dark creature that tried to consume him. All he could see of it was a solidified shadow with blood-red eyes and razor sharp teeth as white as the moons in the sky. Prince Jordan awoke with a start, sitting up from his bed panting heavily and covered with sweat before looking out the clear, glass door to his patio that overlooked the royal gardens to see it was the middle of the night with two moons hanging gracefully in the middle of the sky. He climbed out of bed and left his quarters to search for his mother as he would usually sleep with her and his father whenever he had a nightmare. He opened the king's chambers to find his father, the dragon king, sleeping soundly with a snore that sounded like a storm, but his mother wasn't there. Furthermore, he quietly closed the door and moved on down the hall passing a couple guards who just looked at him curiously and some maids who asked him what he was looking for to which he explained he was looking for his mother. He was alone in one of the many halls in the castle when suddenly he heard a blood-curdling scream coming from his mother's studies. Jordan's blood began pumping and heart began banging against his chest as he started speeding for the room as he thought to himself, my mother is the queen of the western dragons…. There's no way she can be hurt by anyone…. Right? There was another scream and suddenly silence just as the prince came to a stop right outside her studies. "Mother? M-mom are you ok?" he asked softly when he opened the door to see…. The young prince awoke with a start from a nightmare that…. Well he couldn't remember…. He sat there covered in sweat as he attempted to remember the dream when he heard a knock on the door. "Your highness? It's almost time to meet the applicants…" Jordan eyed the door tiredly and gave a nod as he didn't realize at first that the person couldn't see him. "R-right…. I must've overslept. I'll be out in a few minutes…." he said with a soft, meek voice before he climbed out of bed to look at himself in the mirror. He had short, wavy brown hair that went to his ears, dark brown eyes, smooth white skin that was almost flawless except for a deep scar over his chest as well as a few others all over his upper body from events he can't remember nor does he really question it. He flexed a bit just to see his skinny muscular form before he sighed softly. Furthermore, he's been training all his life but what's the point of training when he has nothing to train for since he has been forbidden to leave the palace grounds. Furthermore, he walked over to the terrace that overlooked the royal gardens where elves, FAE, nymphs, and other forest themed mythic tended to the vegetation that came from all the different lands and realms. Furthermore, he took a deep breath at the outside air as he felt one step closer to leaving the palace and fulfilling his dream. Furthermore, he moved back inside and grabbed dress clothing for the event that was about to commence. The suit itself looked as if it were made of the finest silk yet almost looked tough as steel, and it operated as such thanks to the dwarves who worked beneath the palace. He checked himself in the mirror to see the white dress shirt and red overcoat with a smile before he headed outside to where the captain of his guard was waiting to escort him to the throne room. When Jordan entered the throne room he walked down the thick red carpet that held an intricate design of a golden dragon and allowed his eyes to wander over the throne room. He has seen this room many times, but it still took his breath as it was one of his favorite places in his castle because of its majesty as well as the fact that one day it would be his, and he would represent the greatness of O'Hara. Human soldiers with the occasional mythic dressed in armor lined the marble walls on each side of the room. He looked higher to see the crystal windows whose paintings held the story of O'Hara from when the dragon wars began, to when his father led an army of dragon slayers and mythic against the scaled fire breathers, to when the dragon king fought and inevitably married his mother. The windows even went as far as to depict the day he was born then ending the line of windows with a crystallized picture of the royal family from when he was five years old. His mother stood a bit shorter than his father at 5'5 with bright blue eyes, sunset red hair, and scales visible on her forehead, cheeks, neck, and the back of the hand that rested on his five-year-old self's shoulder. Jordan sighed softly as he stared at the picture when he was lightly nudged by the captain as they got closer to the throne. The dragon king of O'Hara was seated on a marble throne that looked as if it had formed from the floor. The arms, seat, and back were lined with a cushion covering so the seat itself was more comfortable considering it was made of…. Well…. Marble. To the left of the throne was a smaller throne that somehow was designed to look like it was made of molten rock and probably just as warm considering Jordan's mother was cold-blooded so she enjoyed a warm throne to seat on during long meetings. To the right of the king's throne was the young prince's throne which was made of solid oak with leather padding on the back, seat, and arms of it, but also the back appeared to be smaller than the king and queens thrones. The day had come where the warriors of the many lands would present themselves to the king and prince. Many came and many were rejected for their ego, their selfishness, or the fact the king could tell that they would give in to any price given by an enemy of the kingdom. He was looking for someone who he could trust to honor the deal made no matter the cost. The day had come, and many mercenaries approached the king from humans to dwarves to goblins, but they were all turned away because the king could see the greed within their eyes and knew that they would betray the prince without a second thought. It was nearly sundown and the king and prince were just about to give up and try again tomorrow when suddenly what appeared to be a human scholar and a savage orc entered the throne room. While the human seemed as if she should be running the library what made all the guards uneasy even the orc guards was the fact that the orc in question seemed part of a group that had a bad reputation. Orcs were known well throughout the realm as they were nearly strong enough to take on a second generation dragon born in human form and non royalty, but this one was not a freed slave nor is she a gladiator which can only mean she was raised outside O'Hara in one of the wild clans who are known for raiding, killing, and eating other mythic. The king showed no reaction toward the mythic while everyone else showed uneasiness, disgust, or fear except for the prince who showed fascination as well as a bit of nervousness and as he looked them both up and down his cheeks reddened, and his heart beat quickened as he found them quite fetching before looking to the floor. The kings representative and said, "I think I speak for everyone when I say we won't even hear what you have to say. There is no way we can trust the safety of the prince in the hands of a savage orc and a. What I could only guess is a librarian. Guards! Take them-" "wait." Jordan said with a soft voice causing the representative to go quiet and look at him while the dragon king looked at the prince inquisitively. "W-we should at least h-hear what they have to say.... we shouldn't judge them based on appearance or else how are we any better than the other kingdoms." the representative was quiet before he scoffed and laughed. "There is an obvious reason your highness. They both have a negative reputation that-" "enough." the dragon king rose and spoke with a voice like distant thunder that seemed as if a storm rumbled in his throat. "Joran has spoken and this is his journey..." the representative went quiet before bowing his head and stepping aside but not without glaring at the mythic. The king stepped forward and stared at the two in question. He knew of the orcs reputation and while that made him a bit hesitant he was more curious about the other. She radiated an aura of power that is connected to a specific species and known only to a few. He would know considering he was married to a member of the scholar's species. He took a deep breath as he attempted to hide his shock and spoke, "he has a point. Tell me.... why should I trust you two to protect my son from any danger? Will you swear never to betray him or else be hunted by every soldier in O'Hara? What do you ask for in return for this job of great importance? How far will you go to see it through?" O'Hara. The shining beacon of hope for any being who wished to live in peace and cooperation. Though the pristine marble of the capital had not seen bloodshed for some time, there were mythic among the populace that had very different concerns than open conflict. There were some in the fringes and from beyond that were old enough to have seen empires rise and fall, their passing as seamless as the procession of the equinoxes. Rémy knew all too well that the strength of unity in nations such as these was really quite...fragile. O'Hara had not reached a level of decadence just yet to achieve the moral decay characteristic of ancient free nations it was likely modeled after; however, there would always be cunning, blackened, jealous hearts set against it outside its borders looking for any way to infiltrate and corrupt. The dragons that ruled were strong enough to quell almost any direct threat that came knocking, but could they discern and resist a conniving, whispered word? Ideas so sweetly venomous as to find fault where there was none, and to elevate oneself or one species above another. Did they have the heart and the resolve to remain resolute in their convictions, or would every last being been turned against each other in the end, set to despise the very way of life so many perished to uphold? The hearts of men were ever more corruptible than that of most mythic. Human propensity to throw the baby out with the bathwater so to speak was a sin against creation that unfortunately never seemed to fade with time. One small fear or one bad egg, and out would come the torches and pitchforks. Regardless of where and how well the assassin's knife was inevitably wedged in these lands, Rémy was determined to not allow such grim fates to befall them. Someday, all would come to know that everything in this world was One. Borders and degrees of separation are illusory. Joran was a prime candidate to guide along the path. Rémy did not know the royal family - not even the queen, whose celestial lineage was similar to her own. She had heard many good things about the prince though, and would seize the opportunity to travel with him..." So," a gruff, yet feminine voice spoke from her side. Emerald green eyes, shaking off the cobwebs of deep thought delving glanced over, meeting with the characteristic deep golden hues of a grinning Irish gaze walking beside her. "What's your story?" The corners of Rémy's lips curved upward ever so slightly, returning the orc's mirth. "My story? Mon AMI, I help write them. That is my purpose. My only hope is for a proper ending, no?" she replied cryptically in her accented, soft and airy tone. "Et to?" Taking but a moment to ascertain the context of the returned inquiry, the orc scoffed, but her smile never faded. "You must assume I'm after glory. That's what all my kind want, right?" There was a sort of deadpan silence in the marble halls in which they walked. Rémy only looked at her expectantly, offering neither confirmation nor denial. Her gaze had a certain piercing quality to it that the orc picked up on. Not in the predatory sense, but in the way of perception and wordless expression." I am called Harald. I came here to pay a family debt owed to the king. So I suppose glory is what I seek, in a way."" That is a worthy sentiment, I would say. You may call me Rémy. I only just realized I was thoughtless enough to not introduce myself." The women locked hands and forearms in a quick gesture of fealty before being led through the large ornate double doors into the court of the Dragon King. Tharalda, standing tall and proud in her scant dark leathers crossed one arm across her breast and bowed low. Her general stature and the empty quiver upon her back denoted an orc that uncharacteristically favored guile and precision over brute force. The only qualities that showed her not to be some rogue outcast were the specific way in which she wore her cropped hair, and the clan runes printed upon flesh nearly as deep a green as Rémy's eyes. Rémy in contrast offered a simple curtsy with the hems of her traveling cloak and a bow of her head. Her dark skin told of lands kissed by the sun, but her locally archaic accent left one to wonder about her origins. Her clothing too was a mishmash of various cultures, and quite modest, especially compared to her would-be companion in arms. Despite being well-travelled, she was softer and curvier in build, suggesting that she preferred to use her mind or magic rather than engage in conflict directly. She maintained a neutral expression, even as the king examined her knowingly. It was only when Jordan spoke up and looked away with flushed cheeks that she quirked an eyebrow amused. Harald puffed out her chest and stared the prince down, being just as perceptive but far more reactive in nature. When the king questioned them both, Harald was also the first to speak. "My lord. You may not remember us, but you saved my father in the great war. I would not be here today if it were not for you. I will protect the prince with my very life." Pausing, as if to measure the weight and depth of the orc's pledge, the king then turned to the unnervingly unknown mythic that brought memories bubbling to the surface." I wish only to teach and to learn in kind. This is enough. You have my assurances, on ROI, that no harm shall befall your son. If it should, being hunted to the ends of the world would be a fitting end to my tale, and I accept it with open arms." Rémy again spoke very obscurely, but her sincerity was just as evident as Harald's (though garnering quiet mutterings and misgivings among the court)." Very well," the dragon king mused. "The final decision however, I leave up to Jordan." The young prince could feel the orcs eyes on him after he had spoken, but he was too shy to look at her as he stared at the floor. He listened to them both address the king with promises and oaths as the king gently stroked his beard. Jordan then heard the dragon king leave the choice up to him since he interfered with the representative kicking the two out, and he hadn't done that with any of the others. "W-wait.... up to me?" The dragon king chuckled and said, "well you did speak favorably of them. For any of the other applicants you remained quiet and allowed me to place judgment but for these two you have spoken out so I will allow you to make the decision."the young prince gulped nervously as he slowly rose to his feet and moved down the steps towards his potential bodyguards. He moved to stand in front of the orc first who because of her height his head was about chest level causing his face to turn even more red while the guards seemed to snicker at his situation. He looked up at Harald nervously and felt a chill climb up his spine as she seemed to stare back. He quickly moved to be in front of Remy and as soon as he did he felt strange. He unconsciously moved his hand up to feel the amulet hanging from his neck as he stared into her eyes. He had never met this woman, but there was something about her that felt familiar and that aura of hers radiated power the was so different but so similar as if he had seen it before. He looked between them then took a deep breath and turned toward his father who was just watching the prince as he inspected them. "F-father.... I would like these two to be my bodyguards. Im sure the human scholar would help me with many things from traveling to cultures in the land of solaria and the orc will be able to protect me better than anyone else we could ask."the king was quiet as were the rest of the guards as they waited for his response until the king removed his crown and placed it on the throne. "Leave us.... everyone." the guards were hesitant before the captain ushered them out while the prince walked out a separate door and waited for his new bodyguards to join him. The king approached the orc and supposed human before locking eyes with the scholar and leaning close to her face. "I know what you are.... I've been around dragons long enough to recognize one even in disguise..." he whispers softly in case the orc wasn't aware before standing up straight and taking a step back so he could address the both of them. "What I'm about to tell you does not leave this room. If you tell anybody who isn't part of your quest or your group then you, and they will be executed while anyone you know will be deemed an enemy of this country..."" I know what you're both thinking.... Jordan seems like a naive and feeble young boy but within him is a darkness that is held back by that amulet so he must never remove it.... back when he was a boy he found his mother dead and skinned of her scales. He lost control of his dragon powers and a darkness formed within his soul. He went on a rampage that killed many within the castle until the mages and I were able to subdue him. We altered his memories and locked the real ones deep within his subconscious so he believes his mother died of natural causes, but the darkness remains hence the jeweled amulet. We were able to keep the incident isolated, so only a few know what happened that night." He clapped his hands together and conjured a golden dagger and offered it to Remy and Harald. "If he were to remember and lose control or if he loses the amulet and loses control all you have to do is cut him with this blade or place the amulet on his neck, and it will magically render him unconscious before repairing the barriers, but you need to be careful because sooner or later his body will develop magical defenses toward the dagger like a body does for a cold. This is your last chance to leave, but you must swear to secrecy if you decide against taking this job. Do you understand and accept these responsibilities?" He asked softly. When they agreed he handed the dagger to Remy and asked, "now.... you shall both spend the night to get to know the prince and get equipped by our best blacksmith. Would you two like your own room or to share one with the prince? Might I remind you that eventually you will have to share one with him." Rémy seemed rather bemused by both Jordan's sentiments, and his father's quietly uttered observation about her. "In a sense, dear liege," was her only whispered reply. For indeed, how would the court react to know that the woman who stood before them was closer in kin to the infamous Nyarlathotep, or fabled Master, the King in Yellow than any true diatonic being? Would they so easily place their trust in her, knowing her siblings were responsible for the destruction of an entire continent in ages past? She had lived to be the last of her kind simply because she was different in what she sought and thrived upon. Nothing more. Nothing less. Taking hold of the golden dagger presented with great care, Rémy was contemplative a moment before deciding that she too had words to impart. "My lord, if I may..." She paced about the steps around the throne to ponder the amulet about Jordan's neck. It reminded her much of the gem she had used to suppress her brother long enough to separate his cruel head from his body. "That fickle trinket he wears will only last for a short while as well. I propose a different approach to the present darkness entirely." Handing the dagger to Harald, who had sheath to house it, Rémy continued. "He must learn to harness this power if he is to ever be complete. This is true subjectively for all men as it is literally for your son. One must learn the capacity for boisterousness without cruelty...to appreciate their shadow for what it is, and not be afraid of their own power. It is weak men that seek the undoing of others. It is fearful men that would so easily compromise for the sake of their ego. C'est la vie. One in your position would know this better than anyone. If you accept my unorthodox terms, I agree to yours as well." Tharalda, beaming at her companion who seemed so full of surprises, nodded in ecstatic agreement. She knew all too well the ignorance and weakness that stood behind the humans and other mythic alike who persecuted her kind. "Hear, hear!" she exclaimed, pumping her fist in solidarity. "I personally look forward to getting to know my charge this evening," she added as an aside to the king while grinning mischievously. The prince's visible discomfort around her provided her with untold delight, and she seemed intent on making it a subtle little game between them.~~~Rémy was nowhere to be found until evening came. She had arrived in their quarters at sundown as promised, but she had decided to forego any of the feast offered by the castle's kitchens, or armament from the royal smithies. Harald, on the other hand, took to the luxuries with zeal. In fact, she had instructed the Fletcher on specifications for her bow and arrows while still working away at a turkey leg. Meanwhile, Rémy had made herself comfortable by the roaring fire in the prince's room. Placing her cloak neatly folded on an empty shelf, she loosened her bodice and let down her voluminous waves of dark locks. Arriving before Jordan, Harald helped herself to the amenities, piling her armor by the tub as she drew a bath. Rémy took off her boots and crossed her legs. The two had only just begun to exchange casual niceties when they both looked to the door." Ah, there he is," Rémy said with a soft smile. Her emerald gaze wandered once to his amulet. Some small part of her wanted to tear the blasted thing off now, to see just what he was capable of and subdue him. "Bonsai, gentle prince."" Good evening, indeed," Harald cooed out from the bath, splashing a bit with a playful kick. Rémy knew she should have chastised her and told her to behave, but she had more important matters on her mind. She offered the prince a seat across from her in front of the fire. "Tell me, Jordan. What do you remember about your mother?" the king watched as the scholar moved back and forth in front of the throne contemplating the story behind the amulet when she suddenly brought up the most idiotic thing he has ever heard in his life. "Have you listened to a word I said girl? This isn't some hidden power as if he were a magi human or powerful dark magic like a necromancer. When Jordan was consumed by the darkness he killed many within this castle in the most sadistic ways possible. Sometimes there just blood splatters where there were bodies, others were slowly ripped apart limb from limb, and there were even times when he would peel away their skin until finally my mages and I were able to subdue him but even then I lost three mages and was severely injured in the fight. I nearly died fighting a creature inhabiting the body of a ten-year-old, and he didn't even have the power of his dragon blood or the powers of a dragon slayer." he moved up to the throne and placed the crown upon his head before taking a seat. "This darkness within him can only be contained for if it were to ever be unleashed then.... nothing may be able to stop it and I think a part of the prince knows that. He has been unable to access the power of his royal dragon blood nor his dragon slayer abilities and I think a part of that is because if he can access them then so can the darkness."he turned his eyes toward Remy and said, "so no. I don't agree to your.... terms. That amulet is not to be removed, the prince is not to know about his mother or the darkness, and he will not be trained in controlling something that isn't even a part of him but a separate entity entirely. That is the end of this discussion and if you have a problem with that then I will inform the prince that we will have to look for some different bodyguards and you two will be banished from O'Hara till the end of this realm." there was a long moment of silence until Remy agreed to be his guard along with Harald as the scholar came to the conclusion that what the king doesn't know won't hurt him. The king watched as they left the throne room then slumped in his throne before looking at the throne of his departed wife. "Why do I feel as if instead of bringing the realm closer to peace..... I have ushered its destruction?"~~~Jordan met with his bodyguards and led them towards his chambers only for Remy to claim to have some things she needed to be done and that she would be back in the evening leaving him alone with the tall orc. Joran blushed softly as he leads herald down the hall towards his room and while not much was said she would tease sometimes and even get closer to him causing him to tremble nervously and blush. He dropped her off at his chambers before heading off to alert the chefs to prepare a meal for the orc as well as deliver herald's requests on her arrows to atria. Eitri was a dwarf of great skill who was known far and wide for making all types of weapons from the dragon king's blade which was enchanted and sharp enough to cut scales as well as the dagger that Harald now carries. Joran gave the dwarf the specifications.... which the dwarf ignored and got to work building enchanted arrows fit for an orc that would never miss a target and the quiver will replenish over time so she will never worry about running out sadly the tips were strong enough to bust through steel and nothing stronger however he explained that the shaft is what was enchanted so she can always replace the tip. The dwarf also made an enchanted blade for the prince capable of slicing through just about any type of armor including scales and a mechanical pistol that when out of ammo it will reload magically and be ready for combat after 3 minutes. Once it was all done the prince thanked atria then went back to his chambers where he blushed brightly as he wasn't used to finding two beautiful warriors waiting for him especially considering one is an orc in a bathtub where if it weren't for the bubbles he would be able to see everything. He couldn't help but stare at her leg as she kicked it out of the water before quickly placing the gear on the bed and placing her knew bow and arrows beside the tub. "H-here.... year says you'll never miss your mark and the q-quiver will replenish over time with these items. I-i hope they will be satisfactory...." he then looked over to Remy who gestured to the cushioned seat across from her in front of the fire place. He glanced at Harald and nervously said, "e-excuse me..." before moving to sit across from the scholar. He stared into her eyes only to occasionally glance at her bare feet which caused him to blush slightly only to snap out of it when she brought up his mom. "M-my mother?" he seemed to curl up a bit as if he were a ten-year-old once more before staring at Remy. "Well..... she was the queen of the western dragons.... b-before they all disappeared that is.... she led the war against all of solaria and were going to win if it weren't for the dragon slayers who were led by my father.... they fought with such ferocity and power that the weather itself kept changing and mountains were turned into holes in the earth. Th-they eventually fell in love and formed O'Hara as a symbol of peace, but the war also caused humans to hate mythic and believed the only way to make sure another war like that didn't happen was to remain the superior race and either enslave or hunt the other species b-but my parents kept O'Hara as the city it is now.""I was ten years old when she passed away from an unknown illness but I faintly remember she would sing to me and when I had nightmares she would sleep with me so I had a calmer night.... i-i still have nightmares but they're different somehow....we also used to play games from time to time.... anyway I do know that she was extremely powerful but yet she still had hope for O'Hara and remained calm and compassionate to all her subjects..." he smiled slightly as he began to stare into the fire as he reminisced over the few memories he had of her before looking at Remy curiously. "Why do you ask?" Harald leaned on her arms over the basin, elated as the prince presented her the weaponry that had been made for her. "It's all better than I could have imagined, thank you. What I asked them for over dinner was far more mundane, or what I thought was practical." She had settled back into soothing waters with a wry smirk at Jordan's shyness, when a thought struck her: Where had Rémy been? Why had she seemingly not asked anything of the keep? The orc could have sworn she never even saw her leave. As Jordan elaborated on the fragmented history of his mother, Rémy placed a finger to her lips thoughtfully, while occasionally glancing beyond the crackling flames of the hearth." The mountains turned into holes in the earth..." Memories swam in her mind's eye of raging storms and a frothing sea...of a grand and terrible Cyclopes cathedral, the distant silhouettes of its wickedly twisted spires a testament to the warped minds that conceived such a faith. The very maw of the Deep groaned beneath the lands the structure stood, reared to devour the abomination that had been wrought upon reality as though it never were. A dark diatonic form hulled over her in the rain, black wings spread across the expanse of sky behind the spires. The membranes shone with thousands of points of light, with colorful nebula swirling in impossible patterns. It was like staring into the Void itself. Reptilian eyes of violet flame glared down back into hers, challenging her to show her true face. Rémy shook herself out of her dreadful recollection when she realized she had been asked a question in turn. "Merely painting a picture, so to speak," she replied quieter than she intended to. She shifted in her seat and cleared her throat. Joran's memories truly were as tightly bound as the darkness itself, as his father had said...a pity. Memories could be used to form powerful writs and seals on their own merits." Tell us more about the journey we're going on," Harald spoke from the corner of the room, having wrapped herself in linens." Indeed," Rémy agreed. "Keeping you safe is the only task we've been given, no?. What are we to expect as far as external threats and personal involvement? Are we to get political, or leave that up to you?" Like Harald, Rémy did notice the prince's occasionally wandering eyes, though she neither denied nor indulged his gaze. She had always found it charmingly (at times, irritatingly) peculiar how species of this world, particularly males, could fixate on certain aspects they found beauty in. In most cases for her personally, she recalled her backside getting much of this unwarranted attention. Choosing to take a humanoid form did come with a certain level of carnality and alien emotion seeping into her being. Not to say she had never lusted nor loved before, but there was a definite comfort in denial for simplicity's sake. Having dried and tied the linens about her form like a makeshift toga, Harald joined the pair by the fire after retrieving the bow and quiver from the bed to admire and inspect them closer. "Hah!" she exclaimed with delight, having confirmed the motionlessness of the arrow quiver. Not able to help herself, she stood up, staring at the reflection of a bowl of fruit in a silver platter leaning on the mantle piece. Aiming in the complete opposite direction, towards the fire, she drew and let loose. Amazingly, the arrow took a complete one hundred and eighty-degree turn to pierce through the fruit on the back wall, making the metal bowl clatter to the floor noisily." Now that's just cheating," the orc heaved. "You dragons sure have a grasp of enchantments." There was an immediate thundering knock at the chamber door." My lord! Ladies! Is everything all right in there?" Rémy found a strange sort of humor in there being guards posted just outside. Eavesdropping, perhaps? Her Stoic demeanor finally broke as she shook with a fit of giggling, which she muffled with a turn into her hand. Joseph could see a haunted look in the eyes of his mysterious bodyguard as he waited for an answer for about 3 minutes until she finally snapped whatever stupor she was in and answered him. He would've asked about what was wrong but then Harald spoke about their job and when he turned his head expecting her to be in the tub he saw she was wrapping herself in linens instead. He blushed brightly and looked back toward the fire as Remy added onto the question. He was going to answer only to be distracted by Harald admiring the bow and quiver which brought a smile on his face. His eyes followed the arrow she shot as she tested the extent of the enchantment creating a loud clatter in the process. He was confused as to why the guards were worried only to shrug it off as possible that they were just passing by, or they heard the noise and rushed over unaware of the idea that guards might still be posted outside his room. A lot of mythic in the castle owe their life to the king for freeing them from shackles or gladiatorial combat and swore fealty to him through amidship or as knights until they felt their debt was paid and that feeling of debt extended to the prince who always treated them with respect and compassion. The prince rose from his chair and went over to the door. He opened it a crack to see an even knight along with a human who were trying to look professional, but it was obvious they were worried about his new bodyguards harming him. "Im fine. I just accidentally spilled some fruit so no need to worry. I have two perfectly able bodyguards here in case anything happened." he smiled softly and closed the door before turning towards Harald."a little correction is needed. That bow and quiver were made from dwarves hands and magic and nothing else. Dragon enchantments had nothing to do with it as atria doesn't require it. I was hoping to introduce you two to him as I'm sure he would love to meet you. He is so skilled as a blacksmith that he made the blade the dragon king used in the great war and a hammer that could alter the very weather around the wielder to create powerful storms." he moves over and got back in his seat noticing the toga now wrapped around Harald. "The whole kingdom has benefited from atria's great creations and will continue to till the fall of our castle or his death." he placed his hands in his lap as he looked between the two before he spoke, "I know not how long this journey may take but as for threats there are many. Wild monsters, bandits, evil clans, and dark kings who wish to prevent my mission are to name a few. I don't know if they are aware of my quest yet, but it won't be long before they hear of it one way or another.""all I ask of you is to keep me safe, try not to draw attention nor cause trouble, and when it comes to addressing the royal rulers of other kingdoms.... ill do the talking unless they ask of your opinion which is when you speak honestly of O'Hara.... or at least praise the idea. There may be times when you will have to blend into parties or address nobles or royalty but I trust the two of you will be able work with that." he smiled brightly when he thought of something when he frowned. "Speaking of blending in this brings to light another question.... what do we do about you Harald?" he asked as he turned his attention towards her. "Remy and I can pass as humans, but we need a plan for you when we are traveling through cities and villages before reaching the castle of a ruler..." he turned his attention to Remy. "Also I need both of you to let me know if either of you have any past transgressions or problems with another race or kingdom so we can figure out a solution." Rémy was silent as she listened to Jordan explain the nature of their expedition. Her previous quiet amusement never did seem to fade from her features, however, especially with the mention of past transgressions." All of that is fair enough," Harald chimed in after she was addressed. "My kind are very open with one another, but I understand the importance of a need to know basis. As for my drawing of attention - with more... conservative dress than I'm used to, a shawl, and human flesh-tone paints I've easily passed under the noses of all but the most observant. I wouldn't worry too much about that. I've also done nothing to warrant negative attention. Like you all, and this whole blessed place, I am an outlier in my tribe." Seeming to consider her words carefully, Rémy looked from Harald, to whom she gave an approving nod back to the young prince." My sins would not even be remembered, Mon Cheri. None yet live that know of me or my kind. I am sure history would undeserving smile upon me, if there are records at all. My brothers and sisters are another matter entirely." Tharalda approached Rémy's seat, leaning on her new bow with a bemused look. "If I may be so blunt, sugar, something about you has given me the heebie-jeebies from when we first met in the halls. That being said, I do trust you. Even if you're reluctant to share with the class. From the sounds of things though, you're a grandmother that's long graduated from the school of life." This evoked another rare laugh from Rémy, even deeper than the first. "In a manner of speaking, OUI," she replied, reaching up and pinching at the orc's cheek endearingly. In a sudden moment of jest and improvisation, the two pranced about the room, Rémy pretending to pull some baked goods from the fire and adjusting imaginary spectacles. She clicked her tongue and bent over towards Harald and Jordan, doing a mock aged voice as she ruffled their hair. "We've got to fatten you two up! You're nice but skin and bones!" Tharalda gripped her side as she laughed, and sat cross-legged on the floor. "Of. I think with this I'm ready to turn in to get an early start tomorrow. Let us to bed, Jordan. I warn you though: I snore." She exchanged a look with Rémy, who adjusted her blouse after their little play to ensure her cups would not runner over." I'm kidding, of course. We're fine with anything else in the room for rest." Reclining back into the chair, Rémy sighed. "I don't require sleep. Do not fret though, friends. I won't unnerve you by watching you slumber. This is something that I think might be useful to know for the future. I can always keep watch if we must make camp."" Gods. You just get stranger and stranger," Harald teased. "Are you sure you aren't a mummy or something?" Smiling wryly, Rémy winked. "Just a bygone relic. Your first guess tickled the mark quite succinctly." Jordan listened to the two as they explained how Harald would blend in as well as any past transgressions, and it seems like it should work out for the most part as long as they don't enter any towns that are observant or hate orcs. He couldn't help but laugh and giggle as Remy pranced around as if she were an old woman and teased them. When she ruffled his hair he couldn't help but close his eyes and lean into it as he has always had a weakness for when people pet or played with the top of his head as if he were a pet. When Remy pulled away he looked toward Harald when she mentioned getting some sleep and ended up blushing as she mentioned sharing a bed with him. His eyes darted to Remy when she mentioned having no need for sleep and immediately pictured her sitting in that chair just watching them as they slept like a creeper only to then imagine her doing her granny bit which caused him to giggle once more. "I suppose we should get some rest. We head out first thing in the morning so the more sleep the better.... i-i also don't mind sharing a bed with you Harald b-but I should warn you that like I said before I have constant nightmares s-so I might twist and turn a bit..." he changed into some pajamas in a separate room and climbed into bed. He felt the bed sink and groan as Harald climbed in and blushed as she did so as he has not realized this is the first time he has ever shared a bed with an orc. "Good night Harald.... good night Remy..." and with that he fell asleep after a few minutes as the excitement of the day washed away. Just as he had said he would whimper and moan through the night as he tossed and turned with tears running from his eyes and his breath speeding up sometimes until he subconsciously felt something wrap around him and pull him close causing his noises to cease with a smile on his face as he curled into the source unaware that Harald had wrapped an arm around him and pulled him close. The next morning Jordan awoke to find his face buried in something large and soft that was quite comfortable until he realized it was Harald's chest. His entire face turned red as he yelped softly and tried to pull away only to realize Harald had her arms wrapped around him. "Ummm... TH-tharalda? I-it's time to wake up.... p-please? Remy? A little help?" he tried to turn, but he was stuck in a tight grip that without help he wouldn't escape. When Harald finally awoke he was able to break free with a still blushing face as he scrambled out of bed. "S-sorry I was so close to you Harald... i-it wasn't my intention.... i-i hope i didn't make too much noise for either of you..." After a bit of conversation they got dressed, collected all their gear, and ate breakfast then they made their way to a large room where a big magic circle had been drawn onto the floor. Several mages in robes were waiting and whispering only to go silent when the prince entered the room. "These are some of my fathers best mages. Usually it takes a good bit of magical power to teleport a short distance, but this group is going to use their magic with help from the circle to transport us all the way past the Lutheran border in order to give us a head start. If you've never teleported or aren't attuned to magic then this might be a bit nauseating. Make sure you have everything because there will be no turning back." Once they were sure they had everything including supplies the magic circle began to glow while the mages chanted. Jordan stayed close to the group as the chanting got louder and the circle brighter until there was a flash, and they suddenly were on the side of a dirt road in a wooded area. Jordan smiled as he said, "if you're sick or nauseated don't be embarrassed. It takes someone with a strong stomach or accustomed to magic not to-" He suddenly threw up on the ground and groaned before throwing up again. Even if Rémy could sleep, she would never be able to. Even meditation seemed torturous at present. Subjecting herself to an internal debate, she finally decided that in her restless state, remaining about the confines of the room was out of the question. Jordan's own restlessness was assuaged by Harald, who wrapped the prince up in her strong arms as though he were but a child. Smiling softly at the sight, she silently slipped into the halls to find a place to be under the night sky. The cold marble beneath Rémy's bare feet was enlivening and pleasant. Not wanting to cause alarm by her nocturnal wandering, her form shifted seamlessly, seeming to weave itself into every shadow she passed through in the corridors as though she were merely a transient spirit. Guardsmen had looked directly at her, but saw naught but the moonlight filtering through the window lattices. She had found her way into an inner courtyard, seeming to appear from thin air out of the dark as she paced around the gardens, enjoying the contrast of the soft earth betwixt her toes to where she had walked before. Gratifyingly grounded as she seemed to be, Rémy's iridescent gaze occasionally turned skyward with a poignant sort of longing. She hummed to herself quietly, blissfully unaware of the guard who had begun to approach." Excuse me, miss," the guard called out to her, leaning casually on his halberd. Rémy paused to give the man a sidelong glance, hoping that he would simply leave her be rather than escort her back to the chambers." I heard rumor tell that you are like us. Are you to be our next queen?" She turned to face him fully now, quite taken aback by the man's forwardness. "I am neither of your blood nor am I a suitor. I am here to ensure Prince Jordan's safety. Nothing more, nothing less. Why do you ask me such things?" Shifting in his mail nervously, the sandy-haired knight lean this halberd against a nearby tree. "My name's Miku, miss. If I may be so bold, you're the most lovely thing I've ever set my eyes on. I hear lots of other strange things about you too, though-""Seconded! I told you though, mate: she's got the stink of dark all about her. Why else would she want to cozy up to our dear young lord? Also, how else do you think she whisks all about here like she owns the place?" Three more armor-clad men stepped into the moonlit garden, the one who spoke, also the eldest, lighting a torch. "I was there when they bound that wretched thing inside young Jordan. I was there when the dark utterly consumed our lovely mistress. I say she's come to finish the terrible work that was started." The four men went silent, looking to the mysterious woman expectantly." How very sweet of you," Rémy replied sarcastically, giving Miku a pointed glare. "You are not...entirely wrong about my origin, monsieur," Rémy said after some careful consideration, to which Miku looked absolutely crestfallen. "Though, you are dreadfully wrong about everything else." There was agitated deliberation among the four, the eldest even suggesting they shed their human form to in turn force Rémy to cease her continued obstinate obscurity." How about this!" she loudly interjected while standing tall over the men upon a stone bench, hands on her hips. "You all ask me questions, and for every correct assumption, I shall give away to you an article of my attire."~~~~~~Looking quite satisfied with herself as the morning sun peeked through into Jordan's room, Rémy sat waiting for he and Harald to awake. She was missing her outer bodice, but more or less remained completely clothed. Satisfaction gave way to amusement as Jordan frantically tried to separate himself from Harald's generously-proportioned bosom. The orc didn't seem to mind, and in fact embraced the prince a little tighter while giving Rémy a wink before finally letting him go." You looked so peaceful!" she protested. "No offense taken." The morning passed thence with a very welcome mendacity. The trials that lay ahead of them were undoubtedly settling into each of their thoughts, but the three of them remained light-hearted, even as they were transported by arcane means outside the safety of the castle and province. Tharalda was a bit disoriented, but nonetheless stable, while Rémy seemed entirely unfazed. The two of them teased Jordan when he lost his breakfast, Harald moving to pat the prince on the back. Once he had recovered a bit from his heaving, Rémy paced down the path ahead a way, peering up at the thick canopy above and all about her. "Do you know where we-"Her words were cut short by the sudden feeling of cold steel at her throat." I can tell you all where you're not," a voice called out from the trees. Tharalda had immediately taken aim at the masked man that held Rémy brandishing a dagger, but a whole cadre of others, wearing various face coverings -- even theatrical masks appeared all around them, training crossbows on the three of them. The prince felt Harald's hand on his back as he emptied his stomach with a groan or two when he finally stood up straight to look at Remy as she looked down the path before he looked around himself. His eyes looked over the area when he began to grow concerned as he realized....this isn't where they're supposed to be. This area doesn't match at all with how the mages described it nor does it look anything like the maps. They were supposed to appear on a dirt road right at the border of O'Hara but instead-his thoughts were interrupted when Remy was interrupted by a bandit holding a blade to her throat. His eyes went wide as he took a step forward and began to raise his hand as the feeling of magic filled the air while the other reached for his new pistol. "Remy!" suddenly he felt an arrow whiz past his head by mere inches when he froze and one of the crossbow wielders said, "we know you're a magic user mate so you are going to drop your hand and if I even see a finger twitch then the next arrow will go through your heart while our boss slits your girlfriends pretty throat." Jordan looked at Remy before lowering his hand and thought about grabbing his weapon only to realize he had never actually practiced drawing it and if he was too slow, or he messed up then Remy would pay. He watched as two of the cadres approached the group while the others had weapons ready when he noticed one of the group was a mage. "You hijacked our teleport.... where are we?" one of the two bandits smirked behind his mask when he said, "a few miles away from the Lutheran border but I'd worry about your situation at hand..." he chuckled and approached the orc before looking her up and down. "Mmm ain't you a sexy one.... I've never fucked me an orc before..." he looked at the boss when he asked, "hey boss! This here is some prime meat in many different ways! Maybe we should take her for the road!" he gave Harald's ass a hard slap with a laugh. Meanwhile the other bandit had begun stripping the prince of his weapons and gear when she seemed to notice the amulet around his neck and eyed it curiously. "Oh doesn't that look valuable?" she began reaching for the amulet when an overwhelming fear consumed the prince, and he wrapped his fingers around the amulet as he yelled, "you can't!" he didn't know why he reacted that way, but before he could think about it, he was punched hard by the other bandit causing him to fall to the ground. "You need to understand the situation you're in little shit. We can do whatever we want and if you behave maybe we will let you go." the female bandit then knelt down and began reaching for the amulet once more. The bandit lord's greedy, lecherous touch explored every inch of Rémy as he pressed the blade to her throat. He was surprised to find not a single item on her person at all, but that didn't matter. He was content for the moment to fumblingly, though roughly grope at her breasts with his free hand, causing her to wince. Harald received similar treatment from the man's henchman, and she could see the rage play across the poor orc's features even at this distance when her rear was swatted. They were helpless it seemed as they were surrounded and disarmed. After hearing Jordan's protesting cry, Rémy suddenly pressed back into the man's groin and slowly undulated her hips, surprising him even further by her unexpected acquiescence to his lewdness." Fucking hell!" the leader exclaimed, breathless. "You're a spicy one, ain't ya?" She smirked to herself as the bandit brought his blade to the buttons of her blouse, and his men turned to jeer and applaud. "Indeed. Tell me...how many people do you suppose lost their valuables or even their lives in these woods by your hand?" Being caught off guard by Rémy's strangely incongruous question juxtaposed her behavior, the man paused in his sawing of her buttons. No answer would be spoken. It would be shown. The ground beneath them all shifted and groaned. Flitting, glowing orbs passed through the trees around the group, just out of peripheral. Without warning, skeletal hands shot up from the mossy earth, grasping at thieves ankles, clothing, or whatever they could latch onto. This momentary distraction caused the crossbowmen to scream in disbelief, attempting to kick away from the hands. The woman who had reached for Jordan's amulet whirled around to face her boss, narrowly avoiding being ensnared herself, but it was too late. With a speed and intensity uncharacteristic of the ease which Rémy carried herself, she had wrenched the knife from the bandit lord in its more advantageous position and whirled about to plunge it into his wretched neck. Sputtering, wide-eyed, he fell to his knees as blood began to pool at his lips. "Their memory whispers to me. You will join them now," she told him in his final breaths." Necromancy!"" Argh! What the Hell?! Shoot her! Shoot her!" Every man that was able drew their weapons to take aim at Rémy. Bolts were loosed in a haphazard volley, but only stuck into the ground, the trees, and even the kneeling bandit lord, mercifully finishing the job she had started. The woman had vanished in a cloud of inky black, which weaved like smoke between the trees. Memories of lives lost to larceny in the present soon turned to battlefields of the ancient past. Bones and wandering spirits abated, a dark grieve, ethereal as starlight came into being in Rémy's able grasp. As her mind remembered, so too did her body. She dashed with a blinding momentum, deftly cleaving through the arbalestmen on the hills above before they could ready another shot. Seizing this opportunity, Harald's fist found the man's jaw who had struck her like a prized cow, shattering his mask and sending him reeling to the ground. She took up Jordan's pistol and tossed it his direction, indicating he quickly gets behind cover as she did so herself. Joran could feel something in the back of his mind as if a dark specter were celebrating the events going on as the bandit's hand grew closer and closer towards the amulet. He opened an eye to see the bandits were all feeling over Harald while the boss was groping Remy and tears swelled in his eyes as he felt guilty and blamed himself. They had only just begun their adventure, and they were helpless against-suddenly there was a scream, and he suddenly saw bony hands sprouting from the ground all around them causing even the female bandit to jump away from him. He quickly jumped to his feet in time to see Remy dig a blade into the throat of the boss before disappearing into shadow as the hands and spirits seemed to return to their graves or dissipate. He looked over to check Harald to see she had punched the man who had slapped her ass and sent him into the ground without a mask... and a jaw. He was frozen at the violent scene around him as Remy dealt with the men who held crossbows on the higher ground and even when Harald tossed him his pistol. It wasn't until a bandit let out a battle cry and charged the prince when he reacted and raised the pistol."s-stop or ill shoot! S-stop! I said-" the bandit was almost upon him when he finally pulled the trigger and watched as the bandits head blew apart with a bang. Blood, bone, and brains blasted everywhere including on joins face as he stood there in shock of the realization that he had just claimed his first life. He had trained his whole life to defend himself but to take a life in reality was much different from sparring sessions. He didn't have much time to process as arrows landed at his feet and he took cover behind some trees with Harald. He shot two archers with great precision then noticed a few bandits draw their blades and charge. Joran left his cover and took out two with his pistol when it was knocked from his hand. The man who knocked it out of his hand smirked and said, "not much without your fancy contraption are you?" Jordan saw Harald and Remy were both busy as the bandit chuckled before he did a kickflip knocking the sword out of his hand. He caught the blade and sliced through his neck leaving him to choke on his blood before entering combat with other bandits. He sliced through them with experience speed and strength as he deflected their attacks and struck them with his own. He was covered in blood now when the mage who redirected their teleport stepped into the opening to reveal she was an elf. "Your group sure made a mess of things prince....that cannot go unpunished." Jordan dropped his blade and focused his magic into his palms causing them to glow just as she blasted a column of fire straight at the prince only for him to manipulate the ground to create a stone wall in front of him allowing the flame to split around him. He then smashed through the stone allowing it to crumble behind him then blasted at her with golden beams of pure magic which she was able to dodge with amazing acrobatics before casting spell of her own that caused vines to wrap around the prince until he was in a cocoon. His eyes glowed bright gray and the vines turned to ash before he manipulated the ash itself to fly into her face and blind her before he ripped up some grass and whispered a spell that made them as sharp and hard as steel before throwing them with all his might. She created a magic shield that blocked most before some stabbed straight through her legs making her cry out in pain while two others hit her mask causing it to break apart. She was about to cast another spell when Jordan kicked up the sword he tossed and kicked it at the hilt causing it to fly right into her shoulder making her scream in pain before falling to the ground. He picked up his pistol and marched towards her as she tried to scramble away. "O-ok look... I'm sorry. You win! I-if you let me live then I promise you will never see me again." her bright blue eyes stared into his as he raised his pistol to point right at her when tears swelled in her eyes. She began to plead some more. "Please! I know who you are while the others didn't. They just thought you were some noble leaving O'Hara but I knew once I saw where the teleport was coming from. You have no idea what it's like out here prince! I do this because I have no other choice! There are no guilds this close to O'Hara so I had to pick up another form of living! P-please spare me... i-ill do anything you want! Anything!" Jordan could feel Harald's and Remy's eyes on him as he kept the gun pointed at her when his hand began to shake violently when the adrenaline began to die, and he finally noticed the blood on his body. Tears swelled in his eyes as he stared into hers while trying to figure out what to do. He finally let his arm drop to his side before he said, "you swear not to seek revenge? You swear that you'll find a better way to live?" she was confused before giving a nod. "I-i swear." Jordan put the gun in his holster then said, "go. Head into O'Hara and find a better job than this. There are plenty of places looking for a spell casting elf. I better not see you again as a bandit." she slowly rose to her feet and bowed multiple times before she ripped the sword out with a scream then began to limp away while casting a healing spell on herself. Joran then turned to face Remy and Harald and was about to make sure they were ok when he no longer could feel his legs anymore as he felt to the ground crying and heaving as the shock of what he had done had finally caught up to him. Harald had begun with firing arrows which effortlessly found their marks from behind the tree cover. Meanwhile, Rémy had rampaged through the men upon high, and had begun a descent to aid her companions. Both women paused during the battle between Jordan and the even mage. Though wanting to intervene, it did not appear that either of them needed to. All the others had either fled or had been slain where they stood. Their charge handled his body's abilities with a honed confidence, but it was clear that the prince's emotions were quickly unraveling him. Rémy gently glided to the ground before the prince. Her normally emerald eyes had taken on an unnatural deep violet hue, and the ethereal aspect of diatonic wings were present sprouting from her back - though only for a glimpse. These proved to be tangible yet just as ephemeral as the dark grieve that she wielded, both fading away as quickly as they had manifested. Harald stared after the elf as she had taken her leave, hand still resting on her quiver. "You're going to let her go, just like that? You should have killed her, prince," she chided spitefully. "She would have done us the same courtesy if our positions were reversed."" What honor is there in taking the life of a defeated and kneeling opponent?" Rémy chastised, shaking her head as she knelt beside Jordan and held him close to her, running her fingers through his hair in an almost motherly fashion as he wept. She was normally not so intimate with anyone, but she empathized deeply with the first moments of being forced into violence...of becoming a monster." C'est la vie, Jordan. Tells est la more. Such is life. Such is death. Though it rends the heartstrings, you must make peace with what you have done and what you must do if you're to find strength in the days to come. Our journey has only just begun. Every soul must experience duality. The dark is just as much a part of you, and sometimes it is the light that casts the shadows that pain us so." Rémy's insight and her gently lilting, serious tone brought even Harald to her knees in apology before Jordan. "Forgive the brash eye for an eye nature of my culture, prince. I realize we're all on this journey because of a shared belief that every being can be better than the sum of their parts...and speaking of, do you mind explaining what the hell all of that was, Rémy?"" All of what?" she retorted a little too sarcastically innocent. Joran felt someone loom over him, but he didn't move even when Remy wrapped her arms around him. He hadn't seen her wings or anything out of the ordinary with her as he just leaned into her chest as she began to run her fingers through his hair which seemed to calm him quite quickly. He closed his eyes and slowly ceased his crying as Harald complained about his decision to spare the elf and Remy spoke in his defense. He listened closely to her voice as she spoke to him and for some reason he felt as if she were talking about more than just the actions he just performed. He didn't have a chance to question it as he opened his eyes to see Harald move to her knees in front of him and apologize for criticizing him. He didn't know what Harald was talking about when asking Remy what was with the fact they had formed wings so he shook off the question as maybe she was asking about her magic abilities. "I-it doesn't matter Harald.... she helped us fight them off so who cares what she can do?" he was quiet for a moment before he sat up straight as he said, "I owe you both an apology as well.... I should've been able to tell when we changed direction in the teleport but I feel even worse for allowing them to go as far as they did.... I should've done something whether it be cast a spell or even just distract them but instead I just stood there as they.... they..." his fingers dug into the ground and dark energy could be felt coming from the amulet as a form of darkness seeped from his skin. He took a deep breath before he continued, and the darkness faded away. "You're my bodyguards but I hope you'll become my friends one day and as a friend I should've acted before they went as far as they did...." he rose to his feet and picked up his weapons."now we should get going... we don't know how many other bandit groups may be around, and we have a ways to go on foot before sundown. I'd like to make it to the first town before it gets dark out." he smiled slightly as he offered a hand to help both of them up and once they had secured everything plus a couple items they took off the bandits they were on their way. They rarely stopped to rest as they made their way farther and father from the border of O'Hara, and they didn't run into any more bandits so they were making pretty good time when they finally came upon their first town. Joran had them stop a few miles from town and retreat into the tree line. "We need to see how the people in this town act before we walk right in. we can't stand out so we need to know the best cover..." he snapped his fingers and conjured a telescope before scoping out the town. It was obvious that the town weren't friendly towards mythic as slaves were beaten and molested in the streets while stands were casually selling mythic body parts of all kinds."this place is a hellhole..." he looked up at the sky to see if they could skip the town only to see the sun was beginning to set and he sighed softly. "Ok...." he turned to face his bodyguards as he came up with idea. "I can be a travelling lord who is looking for a place to sleep and Remy can be my.... well.... I guess she can be my tutor or girlfriend o-o-o-or something like that..." he blushed brightly as he brought up girlfriend as the word kind of slipped from his mouth. "Which leaves us to our only problem..." he then looked toward Harald and seemed to stare at her. "Unless we come up with another option I think you know of the only way you can walk in that town without batting an eye. I hate to say it, but this seems like the town that an orc bodyguard would seem absurd and suspicious considering your species reputation." he then looked at Remy as if hoping she would have another option. "There's no use in fretting over what has already past," Harald reassured Jordan. "We both knew what we were signing up for when we became your bodyguards. I already consider us friends, personally," the orc beamed. "You eagerly took to sharing a bed as nearly more than such, so I think we're at least on a first name basis." Rémy giggled at this and sighed as she looked to Harald. Her eyes seemed to permanently be this new otherworldly violet-indigo shade after their encounter, as the more natural emerald tone never returned. Either a barrier of power had been breached within, or some sort of minor illusion fell away that she no longer felt the need to maintain. "Agreed on all accounts. There will come a time when I will reveal more of myself to you both. You deserve to know if we are to be so...tightly-knit. Though that time has not yet past. Perhaps when it is relevant. Just know that I am no danger to either of you." With this, the two of them graciously accepted help to their feet, and they were off on the path again as intended. Now the journey could truly begin. The jaunt was relatively uneventful and relaxing thence. They had stopped to jest or shoot the breeze now and again, proceeding until signs of life could be heard just beyond the horizon. Jordan conjured a spyglass to look ahead, and the prognosis was grim. Harald immediately felt riled to protest at the prospect of staying behind, but held her tongue for the time being. Increasingly amused with Jordan's shakily-maintained decorum with the very obvious tension of attraction betwixt each of them, Rémy chuckled heartily. "My...well, don't I feel like the belle of the ball. Aren't you just a touch too young for me, though?" she mused with a wink. Though she looked no more than a decade older than the prince, she was referencing their inside joke. "He does have a point, Harald. As you have mentioned before though, you can blend with the right obfuscation. Perhaps we can try to procure some clothing and paints as we scout?" Reluctantly, Harald took post in the highest tree as they got nearer to the locale, while Rémy walked arm in arm with Jordan with perfect poise." Ah...you know, there was an age I was a proper lady within a court, before I became a wanderer. If I could be called that at all, I suppose, as I am not a proper person either. You should definitely keep that amulet tucked away if this hamlet is as bad as you say." Indeed, the settlement couldn't be any seedier. The troupe of bandits may well have originated here. Strange dealings and activities could be witnessed at almost every corner. The stall that sold bodily trophies of minor mythic was a focal point, to be certain. Individuals wandered the half-paved roads with obvious signs of intoxication, whether from alcohol, opium, or otherwise. Some cast lots on forced fights between gnomes or small animals. The most worrisome were the Stoic bystanders who shrouded their faces, watching the odd pair of nobles out from afar." Stay close, Jordan," Rémy advised in a hushed tone out of instinct. She knew now that he could handle himself, but what would have happened if she had let the amulet be taken from him by those bandits? The power that lurked just under the surface was a terrible one to be certain. Would she have the strength to quell it, or to even protect her own life if and when the time came to face it once and for all? Something of that caliber could not be contained forever, as the king fully admitted himself. When the duo had comforted the prince he had taken a glance at Remy's eyes and seemed to have noticed the color change, but there was something else about her that seemed.... different.... he had smiled and didn't give it much though as they moved on their journey, but now he was entering this barbaric village with her hoping to get supplies so they can disguise Harald and sneak her in so they can get a room at the inn. He tried to hide his nervousness as the situation they were in as well as how close Remy was to him as he wrapped his arm in hers. When she brought up the amulet he gave a nod and quickly slipped it under his shirt when he said, "you're as much of a person as anyone here Remy.... although considering how... b-beautiful you are now one could only imagine how beautiful you might be in a dress with makeup all over." he giggled nervously as he turned his head to look at her. He kept his arm wrapped tightly around hers even before she advised to stay close. He looked around at all the slave shops and mythic butcher stalls and while a part of him was disgusted by it all there was another part of him that found the smell enticing. He gulped nervously as they moved through the shops looking for paints and such unaware that they were being watched from the shadows by two shape-shifters. They watched them pass when one whispered, "ssssshould we act now?" "No stepsister.... that bodyguard with him... she is something else.... too strong for assess..... I have another idea to possibly get rid of her and maybe even get ruin our prince in the processes for our masseter... he informed USSS what happens if the amulet is removed... so why don't we remove it? When he killsssss the bodyguard then we use the weapon they have to kill him, and he will praise us both.... but how do we go about doing it?"the female shape-shifter smirked and said, "leave it to me..." before they both morphed into humans and stepped out into the crowd. They moved through the crowd while barely touching any of them like serpents slithering through water when they came upon an adventurers' guild for the town. The brother caught on and they both chuckled darkly, forced some tears, and hurried inside to currently find a good number of adventurers conversing, dining, drinking, and even looking at jobs but instead of going to any of them they went to the high level adventurers. The female cried, "adventurers! Please help us!" they looked at the shifters fooled by their disguises but still with a look of no care. The knight sighed and leaned back as he said, "if you wish to hire our services then put a request on the board, and we will get to it as soon as possible." "There's no time! Two travelers came into town, and they've been bullying my brother and eye for a few days, but they just crossed the line. They stole an amulet of great importance to us and the male traveler is wearing it around his neck as if it were his own! Please will you reclaim it for us?! We would go to one of the lower ranks, but these travelers seem very skilled." the group remained silent when the knight leaned forward and said, "didn't you hear what I said? If you wish to request our services-"the siblings through a small bag of gold pieces on the table before the knight, the warrior, the ninja, the mage, the assassin, and the barbarian which seemed to gain all of their attention. "We just want our necklace back. Please don't hurt the travelers if you can help it. We don't want to start a fuss, but that amulet belonged to our family for generations." the group was quiet before the large warrior rose and said, "alright fine.... we'll take the job... it'll be an easy pay so why not?" they all moved out the door as the sibling thanked them while trying to repress their laughter."hey! You!" the barbarian cried to the prince and Remy causing them to pause and turn. Joran quickly took Remy's hand and said, "they have no reason to think we are mythic or mythic sympathizers. No matter what happens we should try to solve this peacefully..." the group surrounded the duo as the knight step forward and said, "we hear you like to cause trouble in our quaint little town and take stuff that don't belong to you.... you don't look so tough." Jordan looked confused as he said. "Im afraid you're mistaken... we didn't take anything nor have we really caused any trouble.... we just got here after all." "See I call bullshit there. Two siblings just gave us a bunch of money telling us you have been harassing and bullying them before stealing an amulet of theirs." Jordan looked confused as he pulled the amulet out for them to see. "There must be a mistake. This amulet was left to me by me-" the knight rolled his eyes and said, "yeah yeah yeah. Save it for the authorities' asshole... enough talk. Now lets-" he snapped the amulet away from his neck and Jordan responded by rolling his eyes into the back of his head and falling to the ground limp. The adventurers seemed confused as the prince lied there on the ground. The barbarian growled and said, "what did you do now Arial?" the knight rolled his eyes and said, "I didn't do shit. All I did was take the amulet..." the mage hurried over and looked at Remy. "We were instructed not to harm either of you. Ill take care of him so give us some space." they pushed Remy back to give the mage space as she said, "he appears fine but... there's something else within... something..." her eyes went wide as his skin turned pale before she said, "dead.... we... run.... RUN!!!" suddenly Jordan busted his fist through her chest causing her to cough up blood and cry out in pain as blood rained all over the prince, and he licked his lips hungrily. Darkness seeped from his skin like pitch black smoke coming out of a furnace as the surrounding ground withered and died before the ground began crumbling and started to be crushed underneath him in a large radius as he rose to his feet. When he opened his eyes they caused everyone to freeze with fear in a moment as they were now pitch black. His fingers cracked as he looked over his prey with a dark chuckle and said, "my my my....It's been quite a while since I've been out...." he looked around curiously when he added, "Hamm.... I'm outside the castle eh? oh, good... far away from that bastard king..."he felt something go limp, and he turned to see the dead mage twitching with blood running from her mouth, eyes, and nose. "Hmmm.... I ruined a plaything so quickly... unintentional..." he ripped his hand out of her chest allowing her to fall to the ground when he bent down and suddenly ripped off a chunk of her breast and began biting into it as if it were an apple. "MMM... juicy and luscious... too bad she wasn't alive. I would've enjoyed her screams..." "You... you bastard!!!" the knight drew his sword and lunged at the dark prince only for him to just casually raise his arm to block it and the blade shatters against his arm before he grabbed the knight by the throat. He coughed and kicked as the darkness chuckled and said, "I'm not a fan of male meat... too rough.... or hairy... or even just... sour... I prefer sweet...." he felt a hand on his shoulder and he growled softly as he became angry that someone would lay a hand on him without even realizing how close they were before slapping Remy away with enough force to send her smashing through half the town as well as the two shape-shifters who were too busy celebrating their supposed victory to notice the French woman barreling towards them instantly killing them as well as any other civilians in her way. The knight could feel the pressure increase bit by bit as bones cracked, and the darkness licked his lips when suddenly he felt three daggers stab into his back and he dropped the knight out of surprise as he noticed the ninja and the assassin running towards him in parallel as they through blade after blade at him. He took a couple more blades before raising a shield of pure darkness and pulled the blades out one by one. Any injuries made by the daggers were consumed by shadow and when it faded he was completely healed. The knight tried to scramble away only for the darkness to stomp on his right leg making him cry out in agony. "Such a shitty blade but I will say that is some nice armor.... Hamm..." he watched as the two agile warriors jumped around the shield only for the ninja to be hit hard by his own ally as the darkness grabbed the knight and swung him hard into the ninja with brute force that sent him flying through the wall of a house while he blasted the assassin away with a beam of pure darkness while the shield lowered. The knight was battered and bruised with missing teeth, a bloody face, and a swollen eye. The knight looked to the last two remaining fighters as the darkness lifted the knight by the neck and said with an incredibly hoarse voice. "Run.... you need to..." the darkness grabbed his abdomen and his chest and suddenly ripped him in half spraying his organs and blood all over the place as he laughed. The darkness licked his lips and began moving towards the two large warriors when the assassin appeared out of nowhere, probably using stealth magic, and tried to strike only for the darkness to grab her arm and slam her hard into the ground causing the air to leave her. The darkness knelt down and smirked as she stared at him in fear. "Mmmm you are quite the tasty looking one..." he looked up at the barbarian and said, "but I have eyes on a different meal." he grabbed her head as she screamed in fear and crushed her skull as the two fighters charged him. The warrior was armed with a large broadsword and the barbarian had a round shield and a decent sized blade herself. The darkness rose and dashed towards them with such great speed that he was nearly invisible before appearing in front of the barbarian. She quickly raised her shield as he went to do a fatal blow and while it saved her the blow sent her flying 20 feet and dented the shield beyond repair. The warrior brought the sword down on the darkness which he easily dodged and kicked the blade before landing a blow against the men jaw. The man stumbled back, but he didn't make a noise as he landed his blow against the darkness causing him to chuckle as he just stood there. "That was a decent blow... you must be part giant...." he then landed an uppercut that sent him flying high into the air before he sent a shadow tendril to slam him hard into the ground. "Let's finish this...." he began moving towards the warrior when a blade went through his chest to show the ninja had somehow survived flying into the house. "Die you son of a bitch!" the darkness went limp for a moment before he began laughing. "I can't... I was going to play dead, but this is just too funny..." he pulled himself off the blade causing the injury to slowly heal before he grabbed the ninja and slammed him into the ground. He grabbed his head and began slamming him into the ground at supersonic speeds until his head was nothing but pulp before turning to see the warrior punch him hard through a couple houses then leaped into the air before bringing his blade down on the darkness, but the dark prince just shrank into the shadows as the warrior created a small crater beneath him. The darkness appeared behind him and did a thrust of his fist into his back and crushed his spine making him roar in pain when the barbarian jump in and try to cut off his arms with her blade only to quickly dodge as the warrior fell to his knees. She slashed as fast and hard as she could putting all her strength and speed into her swings when she said, "why did you do this!? What did we ever do to you? We were just trying to do a service!!" the darkness seemed confused as he grabbed the blade with ease when he said, "let me explain something.... I do all this because I can. You humans are all ants.... no... you're fleas to me. Creatures for me to toy with and kill and torture as I see fit. This village is just the beginning as I will raze this world to the ground and build a new kingdom where people will dread my presence and will do whatever I say to keep from earning my wrath." he crushed the blade in his hand and slapped her aside. "The men will have uses, but the females will be my toys, my food, and my child holders..... I will be god..." he slashed the warrior's head off with a single karate chop when he noticed soldiers were making their way towards them from the intact part of town. Apparently they had waited to see if the heroes would be able to beat the darkness and only to provide support if they failed. "Hmmmm.... none of them are worthy of my playtime...." he raised his hand towards the soldiers and with only his index finger pointed towards them, he fired a large beam of dark energy and disintegrated all of them and incinerated that part of the town. He then saw the barbarian breathing heavily and ready to keep fighting causing him to laugh. "You know why I saved you for last? Because I find you worthy of being my first conquest..."her eyes went wide before they narrowed and readied her fists. "You can-" he appeared in front of her and began landing a bunch of blows into her face and stomach with amazing speed as she coughed up blood and grew bruises before he finally ceased. "Im done playing.... I want pleasure...." she took a weak swing towards him which had no effect on him as he just shoved her to the ground. "No.... please.... mercy..." she would've taken torture or a warriors' death but to be raped was a shame she couldn't bear as he began ripping her clothes to expose her supple body. "MMM.... such an exquisite body..." he groped her breasts and looked down at her feet and said, "MMM.... I have picked up something's from the prince apparently..." he lifted her foot up and licked and nibbled on it as he moaned when he suddenly a bit into her sole causing her to scream in pain when he suddenly felt a powerful presence approaching. He ripped a chunk out of the foot as the barbarian cried then turned toward the sound as he chewed to see Remy standing there. "MMM.... dragon kin..... you are worthy of my time." he licked his lips and took a step towards her. "Surrender yourself to me and I will make you my right hand.... ill even let you in on this barbarian behind me... what do you say?"

ORCS, DRAGON BORN, AND PRINCES OH MY!|rating:3.0

Guess IC

The Chargers won, the karaoke was excellent, and the drinks are flowing all night long. The bartenders in such a good mood that he made a song and dance about his "regulars", possibly on your 2nd visit, promised you free beer and thereby free friends. Everyone in earshot is happily gathered on your table, and the conversations turned to weird stories. The throng has been on fire; it's been a long time since you laughed this hard, or aired and Ahmed. There's a lull, and smiling faces turn towards you... Zach was doing his usual rounds - too tired, too drunk, too moody to join in or appreciate the general merriment. He was looking for someone - someone in particular - and if she wasn't here, he planned to move on to the next place. And the next. Every morning he'd tell himself to stop. Every evening he'd go looking. So he picked up one of those free beers, started drinking - and kept looking. Sam slyly checked his phone at the table, making sure that the profits from the sale of his most recent malware arrived into his business bank account, under a false name of course. When he looked up, and realized that it was his turn to share a story. So Sam took a quick sip of his beer, and chuckled a bit:"He-he, I've got a story I might be willing to share. You know my friend Jenny, the defense attorney? Well just this week, the cops nab her and bring her downtown. Apparently they think that she killed her client, that mob boss that was plastered all over the news for what feels like the last year. The kicker? Her gun and purse went missing as well, with no sign of break-in. I wonder what happened. Did Jenny just snap? Because the Jenny I knew was no killer." Sam keeps an eye out checking to see how the crowd reacts. Your amused look and snark carry the crowd over what might have been nagging doubts, and the group giggles. Still, you notice Jenny's friends laugh the loudest. "Idiots. That's like planting a gun on the pope." Jonas is currently sitting NEA the far left corner of the bar, his hood brought low. Doesn't say a word, just watches as events unfold. Charlotte flashes Sam a smile, inviting him to carry on. It's not quite front page stuff, but if she gets a lead on something to do with the case then she might be able to make something of it. She hadn't planned on being 'on duty' tonight. Just a quick drink and then off to bed. But the news never sleeps, eh? Intently focused on the broken watch she's taking apart atop a tissue, Anne fails to notice the figure sneaking up to her, and very nearly jumps out of her skin when said figure clears his throat." Y-yes, sir, sorry, sir, I- I was--" she stammers, bunching up the tissue with the loose parts, when she notices who the figure is. "Oh, you bitch!" she pushes Mark back, who falls to the carpeted floor of the auditorium, laughing. Anne follows him to the ground, tickling him and trading insults." Oh, man, yer priceless," Mark says, having finally escaped her assault. "Y'ain't in school anymore, y'know that?" he stifles a giggle, padding backwards on the floor. "'Sides, class is over. Anyway, wanted to know if y'want to hang out tonight. Found a new bar."" Sure," Anne shrugs.***"Mark, for the umpteenth time, you know I don't like these kinda places!" Anne snaps back at Mark, upon being asked yet again to trade her lonely corner for the raucous middle of the bar." Oh, c'mon, it'll be fun!"" Look," she sighs, "I like to be with you and all that, but I think I'll be going home. Sorry." She grabs her coat from the back of the chair, and, just as she's about to say goodbye to Mark, she hears Sam's account." What?!" she mutters to herself." What?"" I... I think that's one of Dad's old friends from law school. He's talked about that case a while back."" Hey, loo kit that girl over there." Mark nods at Charlotte." What's it?"" Lookit her listening. You can almost see her taking mental notes. Want to bet that's gonna show up on a scandal paper tomorrow?"" Dude, chill. She's probably got the blandest life ever, so she came here for some excitement."" Betcha five bucks."" No way. If that guy knows, he heard it from someone. So probably about half the country knows about it by now."" Oh, yer no fun at all." An Asian girl turns from her friends and looks askance at the smiling blonde as the skinny man cracks wise about Jenny. A flash of realization brightens her face. "Hey, I know you! You're that journalist, right, did the massive expose on the Links? Ibelieve you. Look girl, if you haven't got some hair-raisers I'll eat my bra, and it doesn't really matter if you make one up!" Her friends start beating the table. "Bloody! Bloody! Bloody!" You guessed it, the whole groups doing it now. The black bearded, strong-armed bartender swoops round with a platter of drinks, doling them out with a nod to "Aragon", a wink for the table and a sympathetic look for the beaten-down handsome man clumsily swigging a drink on his way out the door. Too clumsy. He plows into the lanky girl, knocking her coat free into her buddies face. The coat sailed through the air for a long moment; to the drunk, you could glimpse a Matador. Red drink; red straw. Kicking up fractured memories like broken glass, or a broken bottle from where the drunk was lying. Spoiler: IOC Hide Drunk means you, Zach. Zach, on some very deep level, is not ok. Things haven't been going his way for a long time, but he's always been ok with that. He's always figured something would turn it around. Hoping, waiting. And then, when he thought it had come - that 'equalizer' - it vanished the next day like so much mist at dawn. Vertical now, surrounded by dancing feet and full of the drunkards lack of sense or concern, he decides to try to sleep. However, getting stepped on, then kicked by people annoyed at stepping on and stumbling over him, he quickly regains enough sense to struggle to his feet. Vaguely, he apologizes the girl and the buddy - though whether it's the right two is anyone's guess. Samuel, seeing an easy break in the conversation, slips away from the table for a bit and whips out his smartphone (the non-business one). The blonde in the center seemed to be drawing a lot of attention, so she might be someone he should recognize. A quick search of social media, news databases, and police reports might turn up something, if only he had a name to go on. Didn't that Asian girl say something about Links? That might turn up something about her. Jonas sips his glass silently. Watching... Damn. Should have gone with a disguise, Charlie. Charlotte gives the Asian girl a practiced grin and a wink. Well, that would certainly be entertaining, but I think I have something that should interest you. Just as long as you keep the drinks coming. She smiles as the bartender puts a glass down in front of her. All right then. Speaking of defense attorneys, who here remembers the MacArthur case with the boiled egg and the balloon animals? She spine a yarn around a case she'd covered two years ago. It's a mess of half-remembered details and fictionalized interviews, but it's the sort of thing that the crowd should eat up readily. She notices the man who was speaking before leave the table looking at his phone. So much for a good lead. Someone did some spring-cleaning. On the 3rd page of results you finally find some articles; big league newspapers before they retracted their statements, and smack-dab in the middle Miss Charlie Fleming. Doozy of a case, this. Under the table deals, intimidation, blackmail; a governor was almost implicated but the only thing that stuck was health and safety violations. All that footage and no dice, huh. Wouldn't like to have that much heat after you... Originally Posted by Celtic bear Jonas sips his glass silently. Watching... Your hunch paid off. You see him now, a stocky loudmouth from the building site, a spliff in each corner of his mouth, a honey on his right shoulder feeling his curly hair and 3 chatty pals to his left. Tattooed teenager in a wife beater, cap wearing hood rat, pony tailed Led Zeppelin ripoff... in other words a threat, 3 shots ago. Judging by his gesticulations his lips are looser than his girlfriend right now. A pack of dancers passes, and you lose sight of him... oh, 2 girls have tailed off and are looking at you, correction your mask, with obvious interest. "You're waiting for someone?" "Seems like you've had a mad night or are about too!" Originally Posted by Aardvark 001 It's a mess of half-remembered details and fictionalized interviews, but it's the sort of thing that the crowd should eat up readily. They eat it right up and lick it off the floor. "Oh my god, you're hilarious. Like, give me your number before you go." "Okay, this one time we were singing in Lagos..." ((Not wearing the mask, just the big hood. I did say I was drinking a glass))Do I look like a storyteller? Beat it, please. Says Jonas, keeping his hood low. After this, Jonas does indeed put on his gas mask after this exchange, once the "workers" are gone of course. Then he continues to sit and wait, for the right moment. Perhaps the workers will convince a few of the showgirls to go out with them. If so, Jonas prepares himself to go on the prowl, clutching a homemade gas grenade in his hand (not taking it out of his pocket of course). A shamed journalist, huh? Might be just the type of person who might be able to help me with my own investigation. Thought Samuel to himself. Carefully stowing his phone, Samuel returns to the table, joining in on the oohs and AHS at Charlotte's story. It's time to just wait for the rest of the crowd to leave, or a chance to talk to Charlotte on her own. Charlotte smiles and waves away the compliments. Looks like it's time to leave, Charlie. Get to bed and get up early tomorrow. Sigh. The news never sleeps, eh? She noticed the man who was speaking earlier come up to the group again. He looks like he wants something. She gets up and heads for the bar, looking to see if he follows. The crowd is starting to disperse into the warm night. As your human cover fades you slowly realize drinking alone might not have been the best idea. The builder glances at you, and then holds his gaze. He nods at you and his friends get a look-in. They finish their drinks, seemingly unworried before swaggering out the door girls in tow. 2 pairs split for the taxi rank while your target taps away on his phone as they head for a less busy corner. Your cars not far from it. Spoiler: IOC Hide By the way wk wk, Zach knocked into you earlier. Samuel got up from his seat, and took an empty seat of the bar. Chugging the rest of his beer, he finally turns to talk towards the journalist." So, Charlotte, I'm guessing you're after your next big scoop even after what happened with that corporation. What if I told you that chasing after it could be much more dangerous? Would you still be in?" ((This post is under the assumption that the builders are the people who I spotted earlier))Jonas doesn't get up immediately, but after about ten seconds after the builders left Jonas rises from his seat, hand still clutching the homemade gas grenade in his pocket, and then walks out the door, shadowing the builders until they go somewhere private. Jonas was ready for a break-in, had a crowbar stashed in his inner jacket pocket, but if they took a shortcut into an alleyway, Jonas would drop them there. Bingo! Charlotte smiles. Go on. I'm listening "Well you probably heard my entire spiel about Jenny, right? Well what I left out was what she told me leading up to the trial. Several of the witnesses were killed before the trial even began. Well, Jenny's always been a good girl, wanting to defend the innocent and all that. That's why I'm even friends with her, she got me off of the criminal charges when I "left" the pro-gaming circuit. She'd never even consider killing someone, especially one of her own clients. I think you can see that a lot of the people here would agree with me on that. Someone must have framed her, and I'm aiming to get to the bottom of it. The problem is, I don't have much of a lead to go off of myself. I was hoping we could work together to find who framed Jenny. If it's money you're after, I can probably pay you quite a bit in bitcoin." Charlotte sips her drink thoughtfully. Bitcoins would be nice, she says eventually. Exclusive rights to the story would be better. Before we get caught up in it though, how about you tell me everything that you know? Starting with your name, since you already seem to know mine. Charlotte tries to remember everything she can about the case. It's a bit harder after all those drinks, but it was a pretty big case of she recalls correctly. Samuel looks contemplatively at his empty bottle"The name's Sam, I used to be a big shot in a bunch of gaming tournaments, but now I'm just working as what should best be just described as a freelancer. As for the case itself? Well, you know that Jenny was the defense attorney defending the mob boss, Felix Reyes-Torrent. Well Felix was found innocent in court, probably due to all the dead witnesses being unable to testify, but last week, he was killed by a gunshot wound. Now, Jenny would probably be the last person to be suspected, but Felix's men all blamed her, and the cops took her in for questioning. The thing is Jenny can't provide an alibi for some reason, and her gun and handbag went missing. While the cops currently let her out of their custody, it looks like she's still suspect number UNO, especially since somehow someone stole her handgun and purse just in time for her to be questioned by the police. She asked me to come by later this week to check if anything else is missing, but well, I'm just worried about her, you know? " Charlotte drains her glass and motions to the bartender for another couple of drinks. Might as well take advantage of the free drinks while they're there. The case trickles her though. Not because of the danger - she's always loved that - but because of the situation. Infiltrating an organization was easy for her, but trying to investigate a mob boss killing? That wasn't quite the same. Besides which, it was a bit odd that all of Felix's men should have blamed this Jenny. That either meant that she was actually guilty, or that the whole thing was a set-up and the murder was an inside job. Still, she was never one to shy away from an interesting news piece. Well, you've got me interested. I'll see what I can dig up, and we can go see Jenny together later. By the way, you got a last name Sam? One flying coat and a solid bump later, Anne is quite fed up." Look, I'm going," she says, gathering her coat from Mark's face. "You're staying?"" Hold on," Mark says, holding up a hand. "Listen," he motions towards the group surrounding Charlotte. "Thar's more.""...that sounds half made up, you know? 'Sides, the other guy is leaving."" I know. Have some patience, will ya?."" What're those guys up to?" she nods at the workers and Jonas." Nothin' good, but don't look their way. They might notice ya."" Look, Mark, this is getting fishier by the second. I want to go."" Me too. But now I want to hear the rest of the'story. Look. You see her going after the guy? C'mere" He pulls Anne out of the way of the drunk workers and the masked Jonas, and against a wall, closer to the chatting journalist and informer. "I'll keep talking. You got better ears'n me, try an' listen in." Spoiler: IOC Hide Can Anne hear anything from the Charlotte-Samuel chat? Zach - oblivious to mob bosses, journalists, builders and so on - realizes that, all things being equal, he's probably had enough alcohol tonight. He grabs some water instead, and looks for anyone he remembers from that night. Someone who might know Shula. As the night wears on, he will sooner or later weave the name into any conversation he has.Oh, by the way ... I was here a couple of weeks ago, with Shula - do you happen to know her? It's just that one thing lead to another, and now I have her iPad, which she forgot at my place - and I don't know her address. It's lame, but it's also at least moderately believable. "Reynolds, Samuel Reynolds. Here take my cell number" replies Samuel, writing down the number of his non-business cell phone. Motioning to the bartender for another drink, he raises his glass in a toast." Here's to a successful partnership?" A successful partnership, Charlotte agrees, raising her own glass. Spoiler: IOC Hide Does she notice Anne and Mark eavesdropping? Originally Posted by Celtic bear Jonas was ready You cross the street and prowl behind car cover. They stop 2 corners down, your mark swaying slightly as he jokes to his girl. You catch a man in an Uber shirt maneuvering for a parking space and slip into the alley, your car waiting. Ten minutes later, they've disappeared into a rundown flat in a tangled mess of arms and legs, and you've only the cool night air for company. Celebrations carry faintly on the wind; all the delayed police response you'll ever need. The last camera was 2 blocks ago. Perfect. Originally Posted by wkwkwkwk1 "You got better ears'n me, try an' listen in." The crowd pours out like smoke. Serious voices punch through it. "Reynolds, Samuel Reynolds..." Mark winks at you. All clear. Originally Posted by Captain Keen He grabs some water instead, and looks for anyone he remembers from that night. He seems... familiar. He looked so smooth a second ago. "Shula? I - I think I heard that name. You have ever been to the Rayleigh's? South street? Swear I heard that in one of the rooms up there. 3b or something." His eyes scan your face, brow furrowed. "I can give you a lift, maybe?" He sets down his cocktail. Coined brown hair, spectacles, stubble. Ugh... it's too late to Spoiler: remember Hide things. Jonas smiles, though masked no one sees him smile. Though, if one could see him smile, they would cringe in disgust at the shriveled burned flesh stretch into what could only be described as a grimace. Jonas sneaks up towards the door, and grabs his crowbar from his jacket in one hand and his homemade gas grenade in the other. He pries the door open, quickly as he can. Once the door opens he drops the crowbar, and looks inside. If he sees people, he throws the grenade and grabs his gun. If he doesn't see any people, he just grabs his gun. Spoiler: Great Jonas PIC Hide Originally Posted by rubble He seems... familiar. He looked so smooth a second ago. "Shula? I - I think I heard that name. You have ever been to the Rayleigh's? South street? Swear I heard that in one of the rooms up there. 3b or something." His eyes scan your face, brow furrowed. "I can give you a lift, maybe?" He sets down his cocktail. Coined brown hair, spectacles, stubble. Ugh... it's too late to remember things. In Zach's state of mind it never occurs to him that this guy might be less than trustworthy. He simply lights up in a smile, full of hope now:Rayleigh's, you say? Can't say that I have, but if you think she might be there, I can't possibly hurt, right? And this place is dead anyway, so yea ... lead on, good sir. "We go. Details later," Anne wraps her coat around her arm and storms towards the exit, dragging Mark behind her." I absolutely, positively loathed this place," she says, once outside." So, what'd ya-- né'remind," he says, looking around the deserted street. "This place looked way better during the'day. Let's go home. Car's just down the street." "Hey! Who's there?" Crunching wood groans and finally cracks open. A man stumbles out into the dark hallway, still pulling his pants up; he lets them fall as he crashes back into the room, the crowbar still slipping from your fingers. "Run!" Something rattles; the window. She shrieks. Originally Posted by Captain Keen so yea ... lead on, good sir. Leaning on his shoulder, you drift into his front seat in a happy haze. All those things you were going to say to her; they escape you, but you know it will all flood back. Anthony natters as you drive through the busy streets; about how he thinks she was staying with some girls, and that the rates are pretty good, and other things you don't give a damn about anymore. The Porsche pulls up at a bed and breakfast, on the homely side of cheap. A good place to meet. You've sobered up a little; your heart thumps with anticipation." Wait a second, I've got to take this." He says something about a visitor and hangs up. "Alright! Moment of truth, huh? It's on the second floor, just follow me." He unlocks the door, and you stroll past the empty check-in desk; the mauve wallpaper sprinkled with tasteful graffiti cheers you up the stairs. Anthony inspects the hallway: "There. You do the honors." He grins. Finally. You knock... the door slowly swings open, and a shadow rises on it. Tall, thin and about to brain you with a baton! Originally Posted by Aardvark 001 Not to sure where to go from here. Charlotte drinks a bit, then looks up Sam on her phone to see if his story checks out Just how it sounds. Some kind of e-sports cheat; he got off on a technicality and his team trashed him like one. Jonas is quick, but not quick enough to draw his gun before the man darts back into his room. Knowing that the gas wouldn't be quick enough or expansive enough to get all the people, Jonas is always working on making his homemade grenades better, he drops it. While he's dropping it, Jonas runs into the room, and draws his gun. Then murder starts to happen. I won't describe the murder, but it does indeed happen. You wish. Both of them have bailed out the window and by the time you've stuck your head out they're diving into a backstreet. At least they've left their phones with their clothes. Jonas curses. At least they didn't see his rather unique face. Just another case filed with the rest of the "Masked Marauder", hopefully for Jonas unsolved. He makes his way, stealthily, back to the bar. He takes his mask off, and pull his hood high over his head, walks in and orders a drink. Furthermore, he needs one. Zach isn't gullible, generally. If he has any reason to suspect foul play, or thinks he's among enemies, he's as paranoid as anyone in a mental asylum. But this is just a night out on the town - one among many dozens - looking to randomly bomb into Shula once more. She has to be out there somewhere, right? And Anthony seems like a nice guy. So it's just too late. Too late, Zach realizes he's in the company of a lair as accomplished as himself. Someone who will pepper the lie with glittering little gems of truth. Someone who can lie through his teeth while maintaining a beaming smile. The shadow signals someone rushing him from behind - likely from the room opposite - and he spins, fast, trying to bring up a block. He knows what hewantsto do - the baton is coming right to left, so dodge right, go under, let it slide off your parry, spin punch towards the solar plexus with the right. But he's drunk, and tired, and the other guy has the jump. You dodge the sapsomehowand your fist goes wide, pushing air past your assailants gritted teeth. "Anthony" tries to kick your legs out from under you, but you jump on the bed, flailing for balance, before he can touch you. You swear they aren't much better at this then you are. Originally Posted by Celtic bear Jonas curses. At least they didn't see his rather unique face. Just another case filed with the rest of the "Masked Marauder", hopefully for Jonas unsolved. He makes his way, stealthily, back to the bar. He takes his mask off, and pull his hood high over his head, walks in and orders a drink. Furthermore, he needs one. The barman isn't quite used to your face, but the bar's emptied out enough that you don't catch too many sickly looks. Morosely sipping your beer, you reflect on the job to come. Big money, big names... big hangups. If the drop goes wrong, you're sure to sink too. You can always find a new spot but what if the builders follow you? Is it even worth the trouble? You don't know what you're delivering, you don't know where, you just know who. "D3@th-N0t3"? Samuel is going to continue to sit at the bar, sipping on a beer, and searching for things on his phone. He'll try to dig up anything related to Felix, and his criminal activities online, not paying any mind to the stranger entering the bar. He was in with the cartels yet not bound to them, according to the dark net. Had a lot of respect... there's already speculation on who will take the territory. Maybe the Brazilians. Had a reputation for contract killers, probably because of how often his own goons dropped the ball. Owned a few nightclubs, cocaine, hemp, gun running. A cool and calculated kind of guy. Definitely rich enough to hire someone better than Jenny... an "ordinary" lawyer like her must have played into the con. They think he's on the ropes, cut off, boom! And he walks. Ping!" We've got the package. You'll have it by Sunday, Mr Note." It will be a challenge. Encryption with a running clock courtesy of Citigroup, a privately designed firewall and 50k in cash waiting to see greener pastures. You've got to love rounding errors. Charlotte sighs. Just another gaming whiz turned major criminal. Not the best person to have with you when investigating something like this, but not the worst either. Let's just hope he knows which end of a gun the bullets come out of. She goes back to looking up the strange aurora. She always hated chemistry at school, and she still hasn't understood exactly how the argon works. Maybe if she called one of her contacts at the local university to find out what he knows. Sam smirks at the newfound challenge, it'll be something to take the edge off of the current situation. But sitting around the bar wasn't going to get the job done. Slipping his phone back in his pocket, Sam takes out his wallet, taking out a reasonably thick wad of cash while trying to get the attention." Hey Bartender, why don't you upgrade everyone to a nice glass of whiskey for the next round, on a Left Note." Sam then hands the cash to the bartender before sneaking out the backdoor, to head home to perform trial runs for his next job. Jonas leaves, he's had enough beer already. He goes "home". Puts his homemade grenade on the table with his others. Finds a good spot to fall over, and strips off most of his clothes and changes into checkered, red PJ's. Then he sleeps. Charlotte decided not to do anything for tonight. It's getting too late and she needs her rest. She considers draining her glass then decided against it. Free drinks are all well and good, but she has to get to work tomorrow. She smiles at the bartender, winks at the Asian girl she'd spoken to earlier and leaves for home. Originally Posted by wkwkwkwk1 "Let's go home." At lunch the next day, one of your fellow engineering students bounces to your table and slides between Mark and Richard with a quickness. Irene's eyes are lit with excitement. "Anne; we've got a mission for you, should you choose to accept it. Prof Dark has heard about that gas lamp, you know from the scam? Well, he was asked to debunk it for the herald, and the thing is, he thinks one of the reactions might actually be legitimate! And useful. He thinks someone's trying to prank their way into a research position. Yeah Sarah, you just heard that. Guess she wants to see how scientific we really are. That's where you come in Anne. We're going to build it. Trouble is... so is every YouTuber with a camera in the city. Like, I bet we're not even the only ones on Campus. If they summon the genie before we do, chances are the creator goes public through them, the university probably looks stupid and there goes tenure, am I right? Everyone knows you're good at acquiring stuff. How you found those drone parts last year I do not understand. We're hoping you can work your magic and get us *this*" - she hands you a neat shopping list, "nobles gases" circled - "before the stores are cleaned out by the camera crews. It's ridiculous! We'd use university stocks, but good luck getting them to sign off on this. So umm... you in?" Originally Posted by smasher0404 Sam Dawn streaks through the blinds and into your irises. Your eyes wander to the clock; not long before Jenny expects you. Originally Posted by Celtic bear Then he sleeps. Beep. "Uh, can you do a shift on Wednesday? We've sent you the list of delivery's, just tell us which you can do first." Beep. Steve's not a patient man. Originally Posted by Aardvark 001 She smiles, winks and leaves for home. Your phone shakes across the desk as yet another email arrives. Work's having an interesting day... Charlotte sighs and checks her phone. What could it be this time? The Masked Murder strikes again; Was he at YOUR bar? Call in NOW! You've been scooped by the Prescott Run - that was your bar. Nick's screaming bloody murder about a crime spree spin, and of course the scam is still supposed to fill page 3. "Gaslighting" he's calling it. Guess who's writing it. It's all a surreal blur - the hospital, the police, his body a strange and unknowable mesh of bruises and cuts and stitches, the time between then and now a mystery. As he staggers out in the street, not actually discharged but definitely unwilling to stay, he has but a single certainty. A hitherto unknown feeling, a depth unbounded, a fierceness ... even bloodlust. It's a brick that catches his eye. It could have been many other things - a length of discarded pipe, a knife or pistol in one of the 24-hours pawn shops. Many things might have done the job, but as it happens, passing a construction site, it's a half brick that he picks up, making his way back, retracing his steps. That F****** bartender! He poured the drinks. He knew god-damned everyone. Furthermore, he has to know. And he will tell. Oh, yes. Hewilltell. Through bloodied lips and broken teeth, stuttering in fear for his life, crawling, trying to get safe ... the truth will out. Sick to the core of his being, Zach faces the bar. Half brick clutched like the hand of a long-absent lover. Seething. A rage blind and bloody. He pushes open the door. Hello, friends. Charlotte swears under her breath. Crime spree story right under her nose and she spent all night spinning yarns with some whiz kid and drinking more booze than she had in a month. Damn Nick. Damn the bloody Prescott Run too. She's going to have to visit that bar again tonight. See if she could pick up some leads. The bartender seemed friendly enough. Maybe she could get something out of him that was better than a few free drinks. Still, first things first. She scrolls back up her messages and finds the one she wants. Hi Charlie. Good to hear from you again. It's been what, years since we've met up? Unfortunately I don't know much more than you do at this point, but you might want to look up Professor Dark at the uni. He might have something for you. PS. Dinner on Saturday? ;) Love, Rachel Charlotte smiles. She knew Rachel would pull through somehow. She looks up this Professor Dark on her laptop and gets a phone number from the University website. Time to turn on the old charm again. She dials the number and waits. Dawn breaks through the door as you shove it open. The bar lies illuminated; just short of a club, pints short of clean. An exhausted looking but dementedly familiar face mops one of the spills while a waitress washes the dishes. Without looking up, he says "Hello Larry. Washcloth is in the bucket." Originally Posted by Aardvark 001 She dials and waits. Ring. "Yes?" utters a deep and aggrieved sounding voice. Charlotte puts on her sunniest, most winsome voice. Hello? Professor Dark? This is Alice. Alice Roberts. I was in your class at the University? How are you? Ugh. Steve is the worst, thinks Jonas as he rises from his corner. Can you send me the list again? I seem to have misplaced it...((Did we ever mention deliveries?)) In the movies, when someone is downed, attackers will always go for a good, solid kick in the gut - get a really solid swing and just plant that foot deep in the abdomen, winding the guy. This is wrong. Zach steps up to the guy, raises his leg his, and stamps the heel of his shoe hard- right in the bartenders' kidney. Completely unexpected, undefended, the bartender knows only a 3-second blackout, and then a guy with a half brick raised to pulp his face is on top of him. Hello friend. You get this one chance: Tell me where I'm going next, and I leave. Now, while you still have a face you will recognize in the mirror. Or we do it the way where I beat your face in - and then you tell me. The blood-red gleam in Zach's eyes don't leave a lot of room for interpretation. Spoiler: Details Hide Zach isn't a fool - there is another person in the room, with a third on the way. So he's facing the room with his back to the wall. ****, the final version of the code is still cycling through 3 seconds to slowly, at this rate, I'll only be able to get 3/4 of the promised amount when it runs. I'd really prefer not to go with plan B. Wait? What time was it again? Sam quickly jumps out of his chair into the bathroom, quickly brushing, and getting changed as quickly as possible. Once he's actually gotten ready for the day, Sam hops on his bike, and starts biking towards Jenny's place, being sure to stop by Starbucks to pick up coffee for the both of them, realizing that he forgot to take the reporter's cell phone number as well. Today was going to be a long day. Originally Posted by Celtic bear Ugh. Steve is the worst, thinks Jonas as he rises from his corner. Can you send me the list again? I seem to have misplaced it... ((Did we ever mention deliveries?)) "Sure. It's got all those locations, you know? Just take a guess and tell me where you think you can hit first?" As you awaken it comes to you. That pizza front they set up two weeks ago. More importantly, the "deliveries" 4 days early, and two days away. Someone is really keen to shift this. Originally Posted by Aardvark 001 Charlotte puts on her sunniest, most winsome voice. Hello? Professor Dark? This is Alice. Alice Roberts. I was in your class at the University? How are you? "Oh yes, Alice. I'm very well, but a little tied up. Do you want a reference? Consider it done." He doesn't sound brusque so much as - excited. "Ooooooooh," Anne's eyes seem to shine brighter. "I am so in. I think I can dig up some of my old contacts. Mark, you in?" Spoiler: IOC Hide Sorry for my absence... Sgt;_Lt; But hey, I'm back! Originally Posted by rubble "Oh yes, Alice. I'm very well, but a little tied up. Do you want a reference? Consider it done." He doesn't sound brusque so much as - excited. Charlotte grins and fiddles with her notes. That was almost too easy. Maybe she could afford to be a little more direct here. Actually Professor I called to talk about your research. I was looking into this recent aural phenomenon we've been experiencing, and I heard that you had made a brilliant breakthrough regarding it. I was hoping to come and speak to you about your findings if at all possible. Are you at the University today? Spoiler: IOC Hide Me too. Glad this is still going ahead. I'm definitely hooked on this story. I don't actually know what's going on at all, but I can't wait to find out Originally Posted by Captain Keen In the movies, when someone is downed, attackers will always go for a good, solid kick in the gut - get a really solid swing and just plant that foot deep in the abdomen, winding the guy. This is wrong. Zach steps up to the guy, raises his leg his, and stamps the heel of his shoe hard - right in the bartenders' kidney. Completely unexpected, undefended, the bartender knows only a 3-second blackout, and then a guy with a half brick raised to pulp his face is on top of him. Hello friend. You get this one chance: Tell me where I'm going next, and I leave. Now, while you still have a face you will recognize in the mirror. Or we do it the way where I beat your face in - and then you tell me. The blood-red gleam in Zach's eyes don't leave a lot of room for interpretation. Spoiler: Details Hide Zach isn't a fool - there is another person in the room, with a third on the way. So he's facing the room with his back to the wall. "He roofed you right? Right? I know who sells those! Go to Juniper Street, anything like that comes from there! Believe me I had nothing to do with it! The police just told me ok?" Spluttering and unprepared - he's telling the truth. The girl stands stock-still, mouth wide. Originally Posted by smasher0404 ****, the final version of the code is still cycling through 3 seconds to slowly, at this rate, I'll only be able to get 3/4 of the promised amount when it runs. I'd really prefer not to go with plan B. Wait? What time was it again? Sam quickly jumps out of his chair into the bathroom, quickly brushing, and getting changed as quickly as possible. Once he's actually gotten ready for the day, Sam hops on his bike, and starts biking towards Jenny's place, being sure to stop by Starbucks to pick up coffee for the both of them, realizing that he forgot to take the reporter's cell phone number as well. Today was going to be a long day. Knock. You hear the grating sound of something heavy shifting, and the door eventually opens. Jenny's look of fierce annoyance crumples into exhaustion. "Sam, i - I give up. All this! To scare me away from some men I hated?" She collapses on the sofa in-front of the door and puts a hand to her temples. The room is neat as ever; from the shoeboxes under the couch to the origami on the shelf. "Can you check in my room? I'm going to make some ****ING coffee." Originally Posted by wkwkwkwk1 "Ooooooooh," Anne's eyes seem to shine brighter. "I am so in. I think I can dig up some of my old contacts. Mark, you in?" "Waldo'ya think?" Irene smiles. 500 dollars materializes in one smooth motion. "Bring back change." The list asks for specific amounts of 7 gases - oxygen, neon, xenon, argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and helium - a phone sized lithium battery, a large electromagnet and custom parts for a gas discharge lamp. Originally Posted by Aardvark 001 Charlotte grins and fiddles with her notes. That was almost too easy. Maybe she could afford to be a little more direct here. Actually Professor I called to talk about your research. I was looking into this recent aural phenomenon we've been experiencing, and I heard that you had made a brilliant breakthrough regarding it. I was hoping to come and speak to you about your findings if at all possible. Are you at the University today? "Oh, the blue aurora? Solar static, nothing more. This gaseous effect is much more promising! Please come round, I'd love to see what your research has produced." Originally Posted by rubble "He roofed you right? Right? I know who sells those! Go to Juniper Street, anything like that comes from there! Believe me I had nothing to do with it! The police just told me ok?" Spluttering and unprepared - he's telling the truth. The girl stands stock-still, mouth wide. Somewhat deflated, Zach lowers the half-brick. Juniper street, huh? Got any more info? I can't really kill my way through everyone there until I get the right one. I'd like to be a little more specific. Also, what do you have behind the bar? Every bar has something. Very occasionally, it's just the knife for the limes and oranges - but mostly, you go from baseball bats and up towards blocks or shotguns. And while a half-brick will do in a pinch ... well, what goes for knives in gunfights goes double for bricks. "The - the pushers can help you. Just take it." The girl scurries away as you wheeze closer, your stitching still fresh. There's a taser on a shelf next to the register. Of all the bars in the world, I have to assault the one with a non-lethal weapon policy. Taser plus brick is still a remarkable improvement over just brick. Larry might be here soon, whoever he might be. Zach picks up the taser, and his eyes glance towards the register. Sometimes a bribe is easier than a brick to the temple. He reaches out, hits 'no sale'. Ding. 500 dollars. Zach grabs the cash, and leaves. On his way out, he asks the girl if she smokes - if she indicates a yes, he also confiscates her lighter. In the street, he hails a cap, asking for Juniper Street. He also asks the driver:Any chance you have a spare canister in the car? I'd pay you. If not, we need to stop at a gas station. She shakes her head and sighs in relief as you leave." Sure thing." You pull up at the gas station just outside the inner city, typically crowded. You can hear sirens. Sirens. Well in this city, doesn't necessarily mean anything. But then again, if those people at the bar called the cops, they'll be sending them on to Juniper Street. Right? Right. Yo, starts Zach, leaning forward to converse briefly with the driver, you get police bands on that thing? Pointing to the radio. There's a chance they might like a chat with me - but don't worry, I'm no big time gangster. There's no big reward on my head, I'm worth a lot more to you as a paying customer, this with a big smile, just if they know I'm going to Juniper, we might want to postpone that part of the journey. What say you? Big risk. Too big, but not really any choice. Whatever the outcome, Zach goes to the station, buys a 5 liter canister with a spout, and comes back outside. Hopefully, the cap is still waiting. Originally Posted by rubble "Waldo'ya think?" Irene smiles. 500 dollars materializes in one smooth motion. "Bring back change." The list asks for specific amounts of 7 gases - oxygen, neon, xenon, argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and helium - a phone sized lithium battery, a large electromagnet and custom parts for a gas discharge lamp. "Well well well..." As soon as the class ends, Anne retreats to a nice, isolated corner of the university's garden, climbs a tree and leaves Mark to stand watch below, as she dials a single number: that of a hardware store, owned by a friend of her uncle, who's supplied her ever since she was a child." Heyyyyyyy!" she chimes into the phone. "How are you doing? I'm fine, thanks. Just wanted to know if you could save me some stuff for this afternoon. There miiiiiight be money on the line. Oh, of course I'll pay for everything. Hard cash. With a nice tip at the end if you fancy. And you'll get a share you deem fair. I'll send you the list by e-mail. Yes, yes, all encrypted, ya big paranoid. Give me a big kiss to uncle Carl! Byyyyyye!" She hops off the branch, flying all the way to the ground, startling Mark off his feet." Let's go," a huge smile flies on her face. Originally Posted by Captain Keen What say you? He takes a long look at your blurry red eyes, your cheap clothes and convincing smile. "Another druggie, huh? Yeah sure, the cops are after you, the green berets will be here any minute. Hurry up." As you head towards the exit, canister in hand, you see a cop leaning in the car window and chatting to your surprised Abbie. His hand rises towards the gas station... Originally Posted by wkwkwkwk1 "Let's go," a huge smile flies on her face. If you didn't know better, you'd think it was Black Friday. The queue bubbles around the store like a nerdy termites nest. With Mark to help you shoulder past the crowd you escape the squawks of protestation and enter the ravaged store. Tools, batteries, parts - all gone. Try as you might, the checkout desk is impenetrable. You wave and yell to no avail, and you finally get Neil's attention when Mark hoists you up on his shoulders. He looks extremely pleased."ANNE!" He bellows. "I'VE GOT YOUR STUFF. WELL, MOST OF YOUR STUFF. THE ARC TUBES WERE SOLD OUT BEFORE YOU CALLED AND YOU KNOW I DON'T TRUCK IN THE GASES, THOUGH MAYBE I SHOULD!" He throws a large package to you. It's very heavy; probably the electromagnet. "PAY ME NEXT WEEK!" When you escape, 214 dollars worth of goods rest in your hands. ... ok - I cannot outrun a cop. I couldn't outrun an elderly pedestrian. I also cannot convincingly explain what I'm doing with gasoline, a taser and half a brick, so I most likely don't want this fine law enforcement officer to find me. Damned. When you need them, they're never around. Spoiler: IOC Hide Gas stations: In general, there is more than one exit - one on either side. Also, in general, they aren't super secure. But that's here in Denmark, where crime barely exists. Our gas tanks worry about people driving off without paying. Zach will either walk out the opposite exit, or simply duck under the counter and go through into the backroom and out that way, if it has only one exit. If those fail, he's effectively out of options. He will stash brick, taser and canister behind a shelf, and talk to the cop. You haven't walked 5 feet before you hear "Stop right there son!" You palm your questionable items onto the shelf as you slow down and return to the car. One cop trains a taser on you, the other pats you down. He takes your wallet, and looks at you evenly. "Where's the taser?" he asks softly. You can see sympathy written on his young face. What is your job, officer? Consider for a moment. Earlier tonight, I was drugged, cut open, robbed of my internal organs, dumped in a bathtub and left there to bleed out. I am alive by accident. And I may well not live the night. Because I'm going to get my kidney back, or die trying. I am not going to be tied to a machine for the rest of my life. So what is your job, officer? Protect, and serve, is that what it says on the side of your squad car? What, precisely, do you feel that prompts you to do? The taser is inside. If you take it, my job tonight will be harder. Is that truly what you want? The cops exchange glances. There's a trace of shared bitterness. Taser cop loudly says "You're goddamn lucky they didn't press charges!" and leans into your face with a finger under your chin. Quietly, he says "You're really not going to give up, are you. Should have been better handled, this whole thing. You hurt anyone you shouldn't..." He walks back to his car and slams the door. The young cop looks at you arms crossed. You faintly hear "PERP gave himself in. Think it's best if we take him into his friends' custody - I don't want to do the paperwork if his stress -"." You are lucky they didn't press charges." With that, they leave. Needless to say, the cab's gone. Well ... I didn't pay him, so that's something. Zach walks back into the station, picks up his gear, and asks the guy behind the counter to call a cap. While he waits, he looks for something to carry it all in. Toys with the idea of adding a car battery and jumper cables. Really, you can do a lot with a little. You're given a strange look and a thick bag." Where too?" Juniper Street, my good man. Though if the street level entrepreneurs there have gone off duty at this hour, we might need to go elsewhere. A man suffering from acute organ vacation suffers the unique conundrum of having little time but acutely needing rest. Zach says this with a wide, dazzling smile. Whether this is comforting or not is unclear. To Zach, at least. ((I completely forgot about this, and I am so sorry for not posting since... well since forever. Rubble, can you tell me what Jonas was doing again.)) My fault mate. Your boss just delivered a coded message asking you to set up the meet already. Trouble is, you currently know only one good spot, and it's next to the construction team. Here's the lastpostfor you. Jonas does some digging, and finds a few more bullets and stashes those and his gun into his pocket. He then walks out the door with his hood brought down low enough that he can still see but low enough as well to hide the worst of the fire's scars. He makes his way into the construction site, hoping only that the men he staked out wouldn't recognize his face. It was the gas mask they saw. He waits until someone tells him that he needs to get lost. Jonas has a plan in his head for how to get rid of the construction team. Originally Posted by rubble "Oh, the blue aurora? Solar static, nothing more. This gaseous effect is much more promising! Please come round, I'd love to see what your research has produced." That would be great! When shall I come by? And where shall I meet you? Originally Posted by rubble If you didn't know better, you'd think it was Black Friday. The queue bubbles around the store like a nerdy termites nest. With Mark to help you shoulder past the crowd you escape the squawks of protestation and enter the ravaged store. Tools, batteries, parts - all gone. Try as you might, the checkout desk is impenetrable. You wave and yell to no avail, and you finally get Neil's attention when Mark hoists you up on his shoulders. He looks extremely pleased. "ANNE!" He bellows. "I'VE GOT YOUR STUFF. WELL, MOST OF YOUR STUFF. THE ARC TUBES WERE SOLD OUT BEFORE YOU CALLED AND YOU KNOW I DON'T TRUCK IN THE GASES, THOUGH MAYBE I SHOULD!" He throws a large package to you. It's very heavy; probably the electromagnet. "PAY ME NEXT WEEK!" When you escape, 214 dollars worth of goods rest in your hands. "THANKS, NEIL! SEE YA!"" Now, where to get the arc tubes and the gases..." A second later, her phone is out of her pocket and against her ear, "Hayley, uncles Carl... tell me, you don't happen to have an arc tube, no? And do you know where I can get me some gases?" Originally Posted by Captain Keen Juniper Street, my good man. Originally Posted by Celtic bear He makes his way into the construction site, hoping only that the men he staked out wouldn't recognize his face. There are only 3 men here, and they don't look like construction workers. In fact, they look nervous. From behind the steel framework you can see a casually dressed man in his 30s leading two well-dressed men into the center of the yard. They stare at the ground, circling something. You can make out chalk, but the sun glares back at you when you try to see its shape. They look up at each other with worry; the oldest man looks ready to run. "Detailer... you haven't been trying anything have you?" Detailer, lean in a crisp suit replies "I wouldn't be so damn obvious."" Did you have a choice?" interjects the younger man." You think I've changed my mind on any of your claptrap? How do we know it wasn't you George?" The 30-something shifts uneasily. "I'm not that desperate."" I'm not sure any of us were needed." The oldest again." Then this is our chance! We can observe it from the start -""We can observe each other." George scowls." Look, classes are about to start and the builders too. George, get everyone in the teachers lounge at 4.""3:30." Neither oldest nor youngest protest. As they hurry away a line of high-res starts to trickle down the street. Originally Posted by Aardvark 001 That would be great! When shall I come by? And where shall I meet you? "How about this afternoon? The lab." Originally Posted by wkwkwkwk1 "Hayley, uncles Carl... tell me, you don't happen to have an arc tube, no? And do you know where I can get me some gases?" "You should have called me earlier, we're fresh out. And I can hear the mob bitching about the gas supplier from here, so it must be the same. You're on your own kid." Lively place ...thinks Zach, this should be interesting. Zach pays the Abbie, then says:This is most likely going to end in trouble. If you wait around, I'll definitely need to go someplace after I have a brief conversation here. I just hope it's not the hospital. Your choice, obviously. With that, he exits the car. How does one approach a group of pushers, hookers and thieves and convince them to share information that might actually be dangerous to them? Only one way to find out. Zach takes in the scenery, looking for one of the bottom rung dealers: One of those whose deep in his own addiction, trying to sell enough to others that he can keep himself in product, maintain a steady influx of poison in his own bloodstream. Desperation is what we're looking for here. Finding the most likely candidate for this, Zach approaches with cash in hand, and says:There are people who trade in ... shall we say the organs of others. I need to know where to find them. And he holds up a shiny new bill, like a magic charm or amulet. Trade with me. This is just like selling dope, only you get to keep the dope. Originally Posted by rubble Knock. You hear the grating sound of something heavy shifting, and the door eventually opens. Jenny's look of fierce annoyance crumples into exhaustion. "Sam, i - I give up. All this! To scare me away from some men I hated?" She collapses on the sofa in-front of the door and puts a hand to her temples. The room is neat as ever; from the shoeboxes under the couch to the origami on the shelf. "Can you check in my room? I'm going to make some ****ING coffee." Sam places a hand on Jenny's shoulder, reassuringly." Jenny, go get some rest, I grabbed some coffee for you from Starbucks. Three shots of espresso and way too much milk just the way you like it. I'll go make sure everything in your room is still there, and then I'm treating you to a drink at the bar. Once, he hands off Jenny's coffee, and making sure she actually takes a break, he rolls up his sleeves and enters Jenny's room, being sure to take a careful inventory of everything in there, and double-checking it twice to make sure he didn't miss anything. Particularly if anything was there that wasn't supposed to be. If he comes across anything strange, he'll be sure to double-check with Jenny about it. Spoiler: IOC Hide Sorry for being away for so long, was busy working on a project. Should hopefully be more free from now on. Originally Posted by Captain Keen Finding the most likely candidate for this, Zach approaches with cash in hand, and says: There are people who trade in ... shall we say the organs of others. I need to know where to find them. And he holds up a shiny new bill, like a magic charm or amulet. Trade with me. This is just like selling dope, only you get to keep the dope. "Get away from me, you sick ****!" The skinny wretch you eyed up backs away nervously and keeps a hand on his back pocket. Originally Posted by smasher0404 Sam places a hand on Jenny's shoulder, reassuringly. "Jenny, go get some rest, I grabbed some coffee for you from Starbucks. Three shots of espresso and way too much milk just the way you like it. I'll go make sure everything in your room is still there, and then I'm treating you to a drink at the bar. "Thank you, Sam. Thank you." As she sips and massages her temples you look around. It really does look untouched... aside from that. The wardrobe is wide open. Even today that's unlike her. You open it on oiled hinges; all neat, casual, business. Shouldn't something be standing out? Yes! That racy black dress from clubbing, gone." What? ****. Thanks, Sam, again. Look, I'll take you up on that offer, but can you drive me to the police station first? Maybe this whole thing will be over." Sam gives a reluctant shrug and playfully sticks out his tongue"Sure thing, one problem though, I rode in on my bike. So if you could loan me your keys, I'd be happy to drive you over to the station. Or you can just hop on the back of my bike if you want me to just pedal over." Not the intended reaction. Zach holds out his hands, obviously not armed.... I'm no threat, but I need help. My little girl, she's in the hospital. She needs a kidney, ok? But she also has leukemia, do you see? It's in remission, but she has it. So she's dead last on the transplant list. Zach reaches down, finds a rock - places a nice hundred dollar bill on the sidewalk, places the rock on top. I know there are people, around here, who can help me. Help save my little girl. Can you point me in the right direction? Please. Originally Posted by rubble "You should have called me earlier, we're fresh out. And I can hear the mob bitching about the gas supplier from here, so it must be the same. You're on your own kid." "Awwwwww shucks," she drops her phone into her pocket and sits down next to a tree. "What now, Mark?"

Guess IC|rating:3.0

[Star Wars] Dancing the Line

Karachi smirked and folded her arms, taking a step and leaning against the bulkhead as she watched the man and his interaction with the Imperial captive. The female pirate watched the conversation between them, the offered up man for questioning. Her eyes parted and glimpsed towards Marx as she pushed herself from the wall and stepped to him. Her back somewhat towards their new member and the captive she tilted her head and brought her lips to Marx’s ear, her grin rising as she whispered low just enough for him and him alone to hear.“Moon of Phaedra for repairs. Join me there.” She looked to his eyes, a small grin lingering as she turned her head along her shoulder and gave a look over Throne.“Mind your place with the Wolf of Muunilinst, or the next time I shoot at you, it won’t be a warning shot.” With that icy tone given she cast her gaze back to Marx before parting his side and heading back for her ship to oversee the remainder of the cargo Bonaparte could hold transferred there while the rest was offloaded onto the Outlaw Star. Marx Nodded to his companion as she finished and went to return to her ship. He knew the place and knew she would be going to a little independent repair yard to sell there new-found goods. He smiled and nodded before turning his attention to the Imperial officer in front of him. The man now visible more shades paler then he had been. Marx looks at the man's rank insignia and makes note of it." So what is an Army Captain doing on a bulk freighter?" The man starts to snivel out an answer before being stopped by Marx. Who stared him down after giving him a simple hand gesture to stop talking. Resuming his pace around him, talking all the while,"You were here to personally survey the Off's belongings? Don't answer." He stopped and spun around him and faced him,"Of course that was your story anyway, you are in fact either working for his rival or you are carrying something on your body that it should be delivered only in person." The man again paled yet again, a foot Marx did not think possible. Marx then spun about and checked the men coat, patting it down then ripping it off of the man and seeing what he was looking for. A clever little pock, inside a small data card and a small films strip. Marx shakes his head seems the man was and idiot and an amateur after all. It seems he was smuggling something from a rival Off. Would be worth a handsome reward or sum on the black market. Marx stopped just some to the side of the man, letting the hallway be clear on either side of him. And motioned for his man to step aside as well. This gave the Captain a moment to really look at Marx and his eyes opened wide at the realization of who it was." You, you, your him, the one with the bounty, the one who robbed Muralist...your father is..." His words never finish as the air is filled with the sound a high-powered blaster's report. The Captain falling down into a clump." Elation: Master that organic will no longer be able to tell anyone anything." Jerex turned and nodded to his droid." Good Job HK."" Humble Statement: It is always my pleasure to fulfill the Makers Wishes. Inquiry: Isn't it time we leave master, there will be reinforcements here soon enough."" You heard the droid, let's get back on the ship. Once we head out, finish off the computer core." Then looking towards the old man." Not bad for an old timer, you get double rations and desert for dinner tonight and a free drink on me. Captains Orders if anyone protests." He nodded towards him and picked up a case of blasters and helped move it over. Karzai had only reached the airlock when the sound of Marx’s droid’s blaster echoed to her. Her head turned, a glimpse cast along her shoulder and back down the corridor to see the crumbled body at the feet of the men. Her lip curl into a bit of a half grin as she gave a slight chuckled snort before stepping on through and back onto Bonaparte. With the lock sealing back behind her, she looked to the crew who were on their knees with their hands on their heads, blasters pointed at their heads. The crew from the other freighter that had surrendered to Karzai and her crew. Kardai paused for a moment, a glimpse over them before she looked to her men standing guard.“Have them put back on their ship and detach us.” She commanded with one last glimpse towards the terrified Mon Cal captain of the freighter.“Suggest you wait till we’re gone before you send out any distress call. Would hate to have to silence you for good before we’re gone.” With that Karzai motioned with her hand for them to go before she turned and headed back for her bridge. Freed from the airlocks moments later Bonaparte backed out, cutting her cables and starting to power away from the scene of the crime. Moments later the sleek rapid craft was burning at full speed away, her hyperdrive spooling up and moments later a burst was made for their refuge where they could start on the repairs from the damage they’d taken in the opening moments of battle. The loading had gone quickly enough, the food stored and the weapons and loot sorted and ready for quick off loading. Everything was counted, not once but twice. Actuate charts were written, and ID tags changed and sliced. The ship left without hardly a sound as every hand was busy getting their gains ready for resale. Jerex was going over the reports and checking them over, doing some quick math in his head to gauge how much of a haul they had come out with. So far it seemed that they were going to make a killing on this. With the battles going and along with the intel he had there gains for this trip would pay for itself at least twice over. People needed weapons and munitions, that was something they were willing to sell back to them." Helm, activate our false transponder. Let's become the Twin Sun's"The helmsman replies. It takes a moment, but it's finished in time as the ship streaked out of hyperspace. Before them lay the Moon of Phekda. The station was a massive Skyhook surrounded by a Golan Defense Platform as well as a few Space Docks. The stations, were all owned by an independently aligned man who had nearly as few scruples as a Hunt. One the stations was one of Marx's shell companies allowing them free boarding and first shot at any open repair bays, for a cost. Already they were getting hailed by the station's command." Twin Sun's this is Moon of Phekda command, we have already received your docking clearance for your party, docking cradle 3 and four are awaiting your docking. Thank you for staying with us." The channel cleared as they sailed into their respective docks, and moored into place. The crew already unloading the booty as they hurry to get to their shore leave. Those assigned to protection take up their posts and the skeleton crew keep the systems ready as the repair teams take a look over her. Inside Marx heads towards the docks common area to wait for his counterpart to arrive. Ready to take a break and get this stuff sold off to those who don't ask questions. Karzai and Bonaparte too were soon at Phaedra, having rotated her transponder carrier to an approved Imperial one, their appearance in the system with an Imperial base on the main planet were less than noticed. Awaiting Marx to arrive, Bonaparte held position several hundred kicks outside of sensor range and then accompanied the larger craft in. Docking here was pretty straight forward, no muss and fuss of the larger ports, most peddlers just looking to offload their stuff right under the nose of an Imperial presence. Once within the docking cradle Bonaparte began to power down, going into a standby mode it's crew too worked quickly to get things in place before departing the ship for some fun onboard the Moon of Phaedra. Kardai was no different, with a small collection of items she had a particular interest in getting rid of in a pouch at her hip and a small case with some culinary delight she intended to taunt Marx with, she headed onward towards the Outlaw Star. She'd find the Wolf of Muunilinst near the gathering area just outside his airlock. Her lips curled into a bit of a grin as she joined at his side, tucking an arm around the big bulky man's back she clutched and started to walk with him, using her other hand to guide the container over towards him with a bit of a grin." Something I thought you might enjoy. " She canted her head towards him, casting a glimpse, though her sheer curiosity couldn't be held back." Anything of interest you're planning on peddling off while we're out?" Despite the fact that the station was in Imperial space, it remained an area of Independence. The man who owned the complex of orbitals and skyhooks had the Offs eating out of his hands and made the station a safe refuge for people in their line of work. He had already contacted his little shell company, and already they were picking up their gains. Some of them being traded straight across for food stuffs and the repairs on Karzai's ships. He smiled to himself as she slid around him, curious as to what she had in her little container but for now he answered her question." I just have the usual fare, the munitions and weapons will get us some good money. However, that last officer had some nice details on Offs doing. Figured I could give that to one of the information brokers and get some nice capital or favors from it. At the very least a nice sum of money." He started to guide her towards the heart of the station, the central ring was always filled with interesting wares, food and just about any form of entertainment one could need. There he would sell the information he had and get his prizes. Maybe find an arms dealer that could hook him up with more Ion Pulse missiles to replenish his stock." How bout you anything good." Karzai’s eyes scanned among the peddlers as she and Marx strolled through the mass of people. Her arm remained around his back, partially a natural place, partially a signal to anyone who might dare threaten with her that she wasn’t alone. With the powerful Wolf of Muunilinst at her side, even the most brazen would do a double-take before messing with her. Not that she didn’t have a reputation of being able to take care of herself. Even still she enjoyed the way people parted around them as they made their way through. She cast a glimpse towards him again at the mention of the Imperial intelligence he’d managed to wrangle out of their last catch. She chuckled a bit, always the suave one he was, she hated messing with things that were technical like that. Instead, she preferred to stick with the things she knew best. Patting her pouch she turned her head, leaning over Marx’s shoulder and whispering to his ear.“Couple of San jewels left over from that raid on the luxury liner a few months ago. Last of them, hopefully still worth a few good crews.” She revealed before leaning her head back and nodding towards one of the more decorated booths, one with a few glittering baubles and ornate jewelry displays.“I think that one will do.” Throne listens intently to the Captain interrogated the Imperial captain, and was rather impressed. Korman was skilled at this, picking apart the man with a presence of a lion playing with its food. All the while, Throne was establishing a mental file on Korman. He'd want to know enough about the man to determine how he'd react to any given situation. This way, he'd know just how to approach the man in any situation, happy or otherwise. The most important piece of data he got was actually from the captain. Apparently, Korman had a title. This made things extremely easy. He didn't need to compose his own personality profile, all he had to do was find the Wolf of Muralist's profile on the bounty list and use the information they have their. He still had the program he needed to run it, all he needed was a connection to the Internet of the Galaxy, and he'd be good. And getting access to that would be easier than he thought. The station they had pulled up to would be the perfect place to get the connection he needed. All he needed to do was wait until the crew would be given some free time to enjoy the stations facilities, and he'd be golden. His luck was getting a little too good to be true. Marx eyed the shop, having been born into a family rich enough he knows how the gauge the price of the assorted inventory spread out in front of him. Given the value of her jewels there were going to come of with a good amount of money. The shop owner had an eye for expensive and well crafted, this had Marx worried. Not many people of this taste would be on the stations if they were legit. At least he would see what would be sold." Let us hope this man isn't as much a swindler as his prices makes him out to be. With all the cash what are you going to spend it on?" Jerex let his arm slide back from her as he eyes some of the custom dress daggers and other such assorted formal wear for imperial officers. All seemed to be well-made but not to his taste. He preferred more tactical black for his trinkets."going to buy anything with them?" Karzai browsed along the wares in the shopkeepers stand. Her eyes glimpsed towards Marx with his comment on the swindler. She chuckled a bit and gave a bit of a shrug to his question,“Pay for repairs on my ship, and see the gambling rings while we’re here.” She winked towards him. Turning from Marx she made her way deeper into the peddler’s shop, finding the merchant she began her rounds of bartering. The jewels she had were more than ideal for being sold off in places like this, valuable and untraceable. It was no surprise that the merchant tried to rip her off. She’d never get what they were worth in legit places, and after a few rounds of snarling and brooding, Karzai snatched the offered case of credits. Narrowing her eyes and scowling she carried the case at her side as she headed out to find Marx, finding him examining some military ware she caressed her fingers over one of the uniforms on display there. Her eyes glimpsing along it, feeling it, as she tried to imagine the big gruff man wearing something as such. Try as she might, she simply couldn’t visualize it. He seemed far more fitting now as he was.“Any word on your new crewman?” she inquired, casting a look towards Marx once more. Throne was walking to the towards his space speeder. The crew had just finished unloading the goods, and he now had the time he wanted to himself. First he'd go check on his ship, take D3-A6 for some standard work, and check his own gear while he was at it. And along the way he'd check on the bounty profile for the Wolf of Muralist. Then he'd know who he just signed up with. Moving toward the speeder he rapped his hand on the cargo hold." Get up, we're going for a walk." As the door to the storage opened, a rather blue droid climbed out of the box. The limbs were a bit thinner than most droids, and the head was shaped like a teardrop, the pointy part backwards. The eyes themselves were large, with green lights and lots of dials moving and rotating, adjusting the eyes to absorb the maximum amount of information. His hands were fairly human like, which allowed him to hold a weapon or the controls of a ship if need be. As he stepped out, his head tilted slightly to the side." What does that mean? Last time I checked, I wasn't some kind of dog?" The droids eyes slid farther back into his head, simulating a sad look. He was quite proud of himself when he figured out how to do make that look."You're a strategy droid with a highly developed AI, you require lots of upkeep, which means I need to take you to a workshop to do so. That will give me a great reason to take a walk outside the ship. Hence, I called it a walk. Deal with it." Throne closed the cargo door behind the droid, securing his personal effects inside. With the droid removed, the automatic motion sensor would now be active, meaning that any attempt to open the door would be reported to Throne. Even if he was part of the crew he would rather not leave his craft with some kind of security. He then walked away from the small ship and exited the Outlaw Star. At the door was one of the crew members, likely on sentry duty." If the captain asks where I am, tell him I went to do maintenance on my droid and cybernetics. If he needs to contact me the channel we used earlier should work well enough." Walking past the guard, he entered the market, heading for the droid workshops. Marx was surprised at the amount the man was able to swindle them down to. Wasn't very often that Karzai didn't get close to what she wanted. To be fair, the amount she received was a fair sum of money and would make most pirates drool. That said, it was not the full price she should have gotten. He would make a note of the men name if he remembered and maybe get some revenge one way or another. Might just be that he gets robbed in the near future. For now however his attention returned to his companion, feeling the traces of her fingers along his shoulder as his own hand instinctively slide back around her waist as he gave her a squeeze and exited the shop. Hearing her question he shrugged and looked down to his data pad. A few quick pushes and he could take a look at it." Our new crewman is noted as being ashore, Says he is going towards the droid dealers. Should we go see what he is up too?" He thumbed the data on his belt that he had received,"Its on the way to my information broker. Would only be a slight detour." “I suppose.” Kardai smirked a bit, looping her arm back around Marx’s backside as she strolled with him through the station. Her eyes gazed about the wares, the thoughts of stopping by the droid dealer might not be a bad idea anyhow. She could always use another infiltration droid. Not to mention keeping an eye on the new guy might not be such a bad idea. After all she was still quite leery of the man, especially considering the way he operated and was just conveniently in the area at the time of their arrival. She was suspicious of him, but as long as he was on Marx’s ship, he was a bit out of her own watchful gaze. Casting her eyes back towards Marx again she gave him a bit of a half grin, “Don’t suppose I could coerce you to the Salaam tables with me. You know, after you peddle off that trinket of yours.” She winked a bit. Jerex might’ve been a Wolf on the field, but she was the true predator in the card games and gambling areas. It had earned her her nickname quite some years ago. The infamous “Cards” was hard to beat, and those who had lost their month’s wages to her in the odd game knew well enough when to fold. Of course, she occasionally threw them a bone, knowing it would come back to her two-fold when she actually did make her move for the big credits. Throne walked with D3-A6 as they entered the droid maintenance, a regular sight for the pair. There were droids, tools, spare parts, and even a few prosthetic limbs. Throne had actually been to this store once, and as luck would have it, the man behind the counter was the same guy as before." Good, I won't have to explain all the technical details to the guy." D3-A6 said to himself, since the first thing Throne did was have him installed with all the technical data on his arms, because Throne hated remembering all that himself. Easily the best benefit of the droid. Walking up to the counter, Throne called the man over." Hello, glad to meet you again, I need some standard maintenance for me and my droid." The man himself had a mild look of recognition on his face, nodding as he approached the pair." Ya, ok. Let me pull up your technical details and I'll start on the droid." The man pulled out a tablet and started searching through it, moving away from the counter and to the work area, D3-A6 in tow. As the mechanic worked on the droid, Throne booted up the bounty list system. He could practically feel the cybernetics in his head humming, pulling out the long dormant program from storage. Finally, the familiar image of the bounty list appeared in front of him. Only he could see it, since the program displayed directly to his brain, but it still looked like he could touch it. Mentally sorting through the files, keeping arms firmly to his sides as he did so, he finally sorted through to the Wolf of Muralist. The bounty on his head was decent, and posted by Imperials. Good, he would have no love for them either. Shifting though to the personal profile, he pulled up name, history, and personality. Jerex Nomad: age 26, ex-storm commando, wanted for treason, theft, and piracy. Born to high ranking family, captain of the Outlaw Star, and ally to Karzai, (captain of the Apart, no info available on her) Marx is also known as The Wolf of Muralist.Cool-headed, logical, strategic, Nomad is highly skilled, experienced, a dangerous. Approach with caution. There are currently 3 hunters hunting this bounty. Satisfied with the information, a thought came to Throne's mind. Marx had no idea who he was, so what did the bounty list know about him. Quickly searching up his own name, Throne was surprised by what he saw. Tirowe Norway: age 75, ex-Jedi Hunter wanted for treason. Unknown history. Unknown connections. Extremely Tactical, intelligent l, and skilled, once known as one of the greats' bounty hunters, has been missing for years. Bounty still open if body is found. There are currently 0 hunters hunting this target. The bounty itself was dismal, at best. Barely enough to get a gun, and not a very nice gun either." I really have been forgotten." Throne said to himself, closing the program. Marx kept his arm around his companion as they continued to walk around the station towards the tech center of the station. It was always a nice break to see the changing of the styles of the stalls as they preceded through. They checked the stalls as they passed, some weapons stalls had him drooling some. Some of the weapons were just impractical, too many gizmos and too much expensive lavish plating." Sure we can stop buy, but if you get a good haul, dinner is on you this time."he teased in return. Truth was he never played cards against her. Instead, if he played her it was in Dark or Bazaar. Something where her ruthless skills as card player wouldn't be of the most help. He noted that as the talked, until he has seen what he really wanted. Of course, it wasn't for sale nor would it be. Outside the window he could see it, and Ardent-class fast frigate. The ship was no doubt on its way passing through system towards one of the front lines. However, the ship almost always caught his eye. He stood there and watched it pass, excited for a day when he might have a mighty ship like that to command. After some more walking and gawking he came to the place. The outside of the "Store" was clean with no identifying marks, compared to the rest of station it was near it seemed almost out of place. Marx toke the lead as he entered, inside sat two VH droids standing guard over a well-dressed Neutron female. Small and lithe, very pretty to look upon, however anyone who had the skill could see she was as dangerous as a cornered Gun dark with attitude problems. The gleam in her eyes made it clear, you don't mess with her. The store itself was clean and white, everything having its place. The room has transpisteel cases all around each one filled with ancient artifacts as with price tags to match. The whole room felt like you would be charged if you so much as left a fingerprint on the case." Long time no see Japan, I have a treat for you." Jerex made his way up to the Neutron female and slid the paper over. So it started, the two spent a good amount of time discussing the price of the information. The bargaining kept going until they were both satisfied. Marx got a nice handsome wire of money as well access to her network of informers. It seems the Off that they had the info on was a very well-to-do one at that. The Neutron got a nice bargaining chip with a Off. Finally, he returned to Karzai and looped his arm back around towards the rest of the tech sector. Karzai smirked as she watched Marx gawk and drool at the Ardent as they passed by. She clutched a bit tighter at his back and cast her gaze over towards him with a playful grin, “If only you drooled over me as much.” She taunted, giving him a playful push as she parted his side as he neared his own place of business. Furthermore, she had no like of Neutrons, and it would likely be no good to Marx’s negotiations if she were scowling at the vendor the whole time.Instead, she headed onward to track down their newest crew member. She found him where they’d suspected he’d gone, and while she couldn’t see precisely what it was that he was viewing in his implant, she did hear his reluctant comment of being forgotten. Even still, she paused a moment to observe the man, leaning against one of the dividers she rested her weight and folded her arms across her chest some. Her comment, was as friendly as ever as she cast her eyes towards the man,“For some people, being forgotten is a good thing. Others, their reputation in everyone’s thoughts is their life.” Kardai still wasn’t quite certain what to make of Throne, and her distrust in the man was anything less than subtle. Still she supposed he deserved the benefit of a doubt.“Marx tells me you’re integrating into his crew well enough – and that you may prove of some use.” Karzai returned fully to her stance as she stepped closer and away from the wall she’d been perched on. “The real question is: Do you intend to be forgotten or do you prefer to be feared?” Throne was surprised when Marx and Karzai came up to him, he wasn't expecting them to come looking for him unless something happened. The must-have been in the area, or they wouldn't have made the trouble to stop by and say hi. Tirowe gave a small nod when Karzai made her comments on his words." I don't have anything against the idea, I'm just not accustomed to it. Once upon a time I had a reputation equal too or greater than yours, captain, depending on who you asked. Still, maybe being unknown might suit me, at least now I won't have to worry about any bounty hunters coming for my head." Tirowe gave a small laugh, the idea of being hunted was odd. The thought had followed him for decades, his paranoia keeping him from staying anywhere for long. Now that he could relax, Throne felt somewhat freed. Behind him, D3-A6 came out from the mechanics work area." Sir, the mechanic is ready for you." Nodding to the droid, Throne turned back towards the captain and gave a bow of respect." If you'll excuse me captain, I need to have my arms checked on. Stay and talk to the droid if you'd like, he can answer any question you'd like to know about me." Moving into the shop, Throne left D3-A6 at the mercy of Marx and Karzai's questions. Marx, was rather happy with his take. He now had a nice sum of credits in his personal account, and they had a buyer and had received already most of if not all the money from the loot they had sold off. Already his pay master was handing out the wages, and he could imagine most of his crew were already lining up for shore leave to spend their new amount of money on any number of entertainment he was sure. Also, he had nice access to a spy network, which he was hoping would pay of soon enough. With it, he was sure they wouldn't have such as long dry spells as they did now. He followed behind Karzai and toke his place next to her as she started talking to his new crew member. Sadly the man had to leave, seems it was his turn to get worked on, leaving the two with the men droid left looking like he was rather uncomfortable. The droid from his mannerisms was clearly upgraded to some extent and was looking as if he was a one-off modification. He was curious as to the droid and what he could do." So tell me droid, what is your designation and what is your capabilities?" He waits for the droids response and nods continues on,"Why don't you tell us a bit of your adventures with your master, it would help us get a feeling for the both of you and what you can do best to help out my crew." Karzai gave a half smirk towards Throne and his comment about not being hunted. Though in the back of her mind she couldn’t help but think to herself, ‘ At least yet.’ Her eyes diverted towards the D3 droid and tilted her head, scanning it over. Her question was held back as Marx questioned it first. Curling a slight smirk she shifted back to her counterpart’s side and lounged back against him, her fingertips tracing a small pattern in the middle of his back as she considered the line of questioning, then cast her eyes back on the mechanical being before her.“Indeed, do tell about your Master’s past. He mentioned something about bounty hunters after him. What events led up to his current level of…demand?” Karzai couldn’t help but wonder about this, half thinking of just how much their new-found ‘crew’ could possibly be worth. Her eyes scanning the doorway that Throne disappeared into moments earlier. Of course, she was almost certainly expecting Marx to be giving her a ‘look’ as her eyes retuned back to look at her taller co-captain. D3-A6 nearly fainted when he was left to the mercy of the two captains. This had to be some kind of test, Throne loved testing him. He said that he expected D3-A6 to become the best strategy droid ever, and his tests were to see how far he had to go. D3 figured he was at -1% there. If that's a thing. He snapped back to reality once the Captain asked his questions. He quickly ran through what he knew, deciding no harm would come from listing his designation and skills." I am a custom-built tactician droid, named D3-A6, installed with a prototype learning AI program. The program is slightly faulty, but Throne believes that he can use the learning part to correct the faults. I can use almost any make of gun, Cannon, or ship, and any I don't know how to I can learn extremely quickly. I am also installed with the data for all of Throne's equipment, and am I learning to maintain it myself." D3 paused, he wasn't sure where to go from, he could tell some of his time with Throne, but he knew Throne would prefer that what he was recently doing would remain unknown. Then he had a wonderful thought, he could play innocent and not know anything." As for previous adventures, I don't know much. Throne just recently purchased me from a droid scrapyard. My maker had considered me a failure, because of the personality flaws I mentioned. Throne was able to get me for close to nothing, since I was destined for the scrapyard anyway. All I know was that he used to have a pretty powerful rep in the underworld, back in his prime. If you ask the right people, you might find out more." D3 felt proud of himself, he had given everything the captain had asked for, without giving anything Throne wouldn't want given. He had passed this test with flying colors. Marx was surprised by the droid. It seemed almost human in its need to answer things in such a needful manner. He could however feel that the droid was not to be trusted fully. It seemed that he hid just a sliver of information. While he had to admit to himself that he was curious, he wasn't sure he wanted to force the droid or his new crew member to spill it all. Besides, it was bigger than Karzai's ship, but it was still a smaller ship. Word would get around to him in its own time." Tell me droid, any reason on why he picked you up or as to why you were thrown away? I mean its odd for droid of your skills to just be tossed aside." He walked around the droid and leaned up against a nearby railing,"Tell me about Mr. Throne's equipment as well, I don't like surprises on my ships. Nothing worse than having someone get all drunk and show off their wares only to blow them and most of the ship away because they were too dumb to let anyone know they had bombs in their legs or what have you." Jerex leaned more and watched the Imperial ships flying overhead, noting that there was what looked like a small party of Convoy hunters moving out. This meant that there was a good chance that they would be getting some Galactic Alliance ships soon to raid. It was always nice to strike at them as well. They tended to have more expensive foods and more easily to sell equipment since a lot of it could be passed off as high grade civilian merchandise and equipment. D3 stopped his mental celebration as Marx continued his questioning. D3 shifted into a stance of awkward embarrassment." Well, you see, like I mentioned earlier I have a few personality defects. I can be slightly nervous, often overthink things, and I'm prone to miss things under pressure. As you can imagine, these aren't exactly desired traits for a tactician droid." My creator sold me to a scrapper, who was going to disassemble me for spare parts. But Throne found me while searching for a spare part for his ship. He bought me on the spot for a perfect price, and I've traveled with him since. I asked him once why he bought me, and he said that he believed that with the correct training, my learning AI could let me become one of the greatest tactician droids ever." D3 stopped now, tilting his head back in a thoughtful manner." Funny thing is, he didn't know I had the learning AI until after e bought me. I personally think he bought me on one of his hunches. I've found that his hunches are almost always right." D3 stopped and turned back to face Marx, his stance now back to one of confidence." As for Throne's equipment I'll have to write you a list. It would be impractical to list the entire armory here." Karzai listened on with much intrigue. She, like Marx, had a suspicion that there was more than was being told. One certainly didn’t live as a pirate as long as they both had without having some hunches and gut feelings when dealing with others – even mechanical AIs. Her eyes shifted between the two, then back towards the direction Throne disappeared to. In the back of her mind she was envisioning all kinds of unique implants and procedures going on back there, especially with Marx’s suggestion of bombs in one’s legs. She chuckled a smirk up before looking back to her pirates companion. Her eyes scanned the droid over a bit more before she made a casual comment.“When you provide that list, be sure to give details on that nifty hull cutter you two used in the opening engagement. Could be a nifty addition to our arsenal.” Karzai winked, giving Marx a slight bump as he leaned against the railing before looking back to D3.“Well droid, do inform your master that we are retreating to find nutrition. Your both welcome to join us, we’ll be at the vendor a few shops down on the left.” Her eyes glittered with a bit of deviousness as she diverted her attention back to Marx and smirked, “Pretty certain I smelled Still skewers on our way in here.” Marx nodded towards the droids answers and pushed himself straight off where he was leaning and started to take his place next to Captain Karzai. He shrugged when he heard about the list and offhandedly responded back to the droid,"Good to hear it like the Captain here said, let us know about that little tool. I expect a droid of your caliber to have that list sent off to me before he finishes up. After all you are part of the crew as well. Don't disappoint me, I have faith in you." Jerex started to walk along with Karzai as the left the droid and his master. Still not sure what he was having done, he was curious if the droid would actually send the list. He then heard Karzai's words on what she was craving, Still. The things smelt bad enough alive let alone dead. The only thing that could smell worse was Tan Taunt, even then the meat didn't smell funny. Though he had worked with a Mango that had one. Smart beasts, foul smelling, but good partners for a Mango. A lot like them in Marx's eyes, both had tempers and a want to protect family." I honestly don't see what you do in that. They smell bad even after cooking, nothing should smell that bad." He gave her a playful push as he did so. The smell was bad, but not the worst. Training to become a Storm commando wasn't easy and some of the stuff he had to deal with as well as train in makes one learn how to make smells not bother one so much. The vendor however had much better looking fare in his mind. He looked over the Nerf-kebabs and some of the nice sides. Ordered up his plate and toke a seat with her at a larger table with his back against the wall." You think they are telling the whole truth?"he asked as he dove into his food once it was brought to them." Something tells me he has other secrets, but we will see I am sure." D3 visibly relaxed once the two captain left. As he walked back into the mechanism shop, he pulled up the list of Throne's equipment, sending it to Marx through the channel they had used earlier. When D3 walked in, Throne was sitting on the table, his left arm removed and his right eye black. Looking at the droid, Throne waved him over with his attached hand." So, what do you think of our new captain? I was hooked into your audio the entire time, so I heard it all." D3 stood next to Throne, shifting into a thoughtful stance." He's a strong man, rather intelligent, and definitely powerful. And he knows it. He also knows that I'm not telling him everything, he'll likely want to get it all from you at some point or another. So are we going to go get food with them?" Tirowe nodded, the mechanic reattaching his arm as he did so." That's about the same summary I made, though I would add patient to the list, since he didn't insist that you tell him everything now. Most pirates are less so. I'd have to say that we hit the jackpot with him. And yes, we will go and eat with them, I still need to get a read on the girl." The mechanic reactivated his eye, which returned to a much more normal state. Standing up, Throne moved his arm in a wide circle, testing the full range of movement, testing to make sure he could feel his many gadgets and tools. Throne handed the man his money, then walked out of the shop, heading towards where the two captains were eating. Sitting down alongside Karzai, sending D3 off to order him his food." So, where you two satisfied with D3's answers? Please say that he didn't tell you anything embarrassing." Throne gave a smile, leaning back in a relaxed slouch. Karzai smirked and swayed as Marx bumped into her, her eyes cut towards him with a grin as she bumped back into him with enough force to make him divert his path just a bit. Her head tilted as she glimpsed towards him with a sly smirk, “You smell that bad after your workouts.” She teased him, “And, yet I still manage to find myself nearby.” Her grin remained as they entered into the shop, sure to her word ordering up a pair of Still skewers and some variant of vegetable noodle with sauce. After grabbing what only could best be related to a spork and a glass of aqua she joined Marx at the table, nestling herself in next to him with the assumption that their newest members would be joining them soon she drew one of the skewers to her lips and took a bite, pulling off the strand meat and chewing it, in mid-chew when Marx asked his question she didn’t waste time on manners as she replied with her mouth full.“No one ever tells the full truth.” She pointed out, swallowing and then swirling a utensil full of noodles and stuffing them into her mouth followed by a drink of aqua. Once she’d washed it all down she paused long enough to look back to Marx again, “Either way, I suppose at the moment the enemy of our enemy is also our friend.” She commented, casting her attention back forward and across the area as D3 and Throne entered in. She wiped her mouth a bit with her napkin and left it bundled in one hand as she rests both of her elbows on the table as Throne joined them and inquired as to their line of questioning and the answers they’d received. Kari smirked a bit and shifted the napkin from one hand to the other as she took a glimpse back towards her partner then back to Throne.“The answers were as expected. I doubt he told us anything we’ll hold against you.” Her grin rose a bit,“ For now.” Marx swayed as she bumped back into him, and he bounced back into her. Causing her to sway in her own path as the entered into the shop. Smirking at her words in response to his own. He felt her slide in next to him as they stayed and waited, watching her clearly pirate manners spill out into public as she chowed into her food, speaking with her mouth full her words getting lost in the food as she talked. He however could still understand her words as she spoke." I agree, I think the droid told us wasn't the whole truth, but it was truth nonetheless." He spoke as he tokes a more dignified approach to his eating. Taking the time to chew the food and only speak after it had cleared his mouth. If he was going to die, it wouldn't be by choking to death. He continued to eat as she commented on them being allies if just not because they share the same enemy. He nodded in agreement and looked towards his data pad as he heard the chime. The droid did come through. The man did have an extensive list of personal affects and equipment. Much of it seemed to be built into him. Not surprising really. Cybernetics were common enough and if made right could fool scanners into thinking they were part of the design."Indeed, he did give satisfactory reports. Though his list of all your equipment makes me wonder how much machine there is on you. Most of been one life you lead to have that much metal in place. Please take no offense, but I find myself curious as to your old war stories as they were." Throne nodded to Karzai, glad that D3 had satisfied her questions. As Marx asked about Throne's past, D3 returned with a small platter of food. About one of everything available was there, just the way Throne liked it, as many options as possible. Throne sampled a piece of Tartan meat before responding to Marx." Sure, I can tell you a few. However, you must know one thing before I start. I was a very different man in my youth, and my line of work was questionable considering where I am today. You see, I originally made my way as a Jedi Hunter, and one of the best there ever was. I was even contracted to hunt down a rebel cell lead by a Jedi once, though that's another story." Tirowe picked another piece of meat, it seemed similar to nerf though a bit different. As he did so, he lifted his massive left arm onto the table, placing it down with a noticeable thunk." The first cybernetic an acquired was my left arm. I lost it to the first Jedi I ever killed. I blew up and entire tunnel over his head, and assuming him dead got too close. Luckily, lightsabers deal any wound they inflict, otherwise I would have bled to death. That's why they're considered such elegant weapons." Throne picked up a piece of meat he couldn't identify, likely something flying." The majority of my equipment is stored in this arm. As you can see, there is plenty of room to fit it. I lost my right arm to another Jedi, but that was because he attacked me, thinking I'd be easy if I didn't have a trap set up. I shocked him with my left hand as he did it and used his prize money to get a new arm. Furthermore, I'd say it was a fair trade." Tirowe picked a small role, filled with a sweet paste of sorts." My right eye is also the cause of a Jedi. He deflected a shot from over 500 meters right back through the scope of my rifle, with his bare hand. After I blew his leg up, and crashed his ship, and blinded him with a toxin. He was easily, the single strongest Jedi I had ever fought. Or maybe just the luckiest, I'll never know"Throne leaned back reflecting on the ghosts of his past. It had been a bit over forty years since he was a bounty hunter. Throne grabbed a long, purple vegetable from the tray, chewing on it slowly as he thought. The morning found her like any other, strewn across her bed with her arm draped across her face, blocking out the distant light from the star within the system. The chill of space had kept her half beneath her covers and the sound of the hull groaning distantly reminded her that the forces of space were ever presently trying to tear her ship apart. A groan signaled her movement as she shifted over onto her side, then onto her belly, extending her hand for her time piece left resting on the side table, clutching it she drew it near and examined it with sleep filled eyes. It was still early morning, which meant she hadn’t slept in all morning. That was good – not that any of her crew would dare wake their beautiful, yet deadly, captain unless it was of some extreme importance. Bringing her legs out from under the blanket, she touched her bare feet to the metal deck, making her way through the dimly lit room towards the on-suite refresher. Tapping the panel as she entered the lighting illuminated, and she cast only a brief, and slightly narrowed glimpse towards the mirror before toggling on the shower controls. Soon plumes of steamy aqua fell all around her, and she rests her forearms against the steel wall above her head, leaning into it and just letting the effects bring her senses back to her. As soon as they returned she finished bathing herself and proceeded to dry herself and dress. Her usual attire consisted of a pair of heavy black boots, black form fitting trousers, a beige top and a black leather jacket, which was mostly left hanging open and a sturdy utility belt, complete with all her tools of the trade, including a pair of heavy blasters at each hip. Today would be no different as she dressed and ran her fingers through her still wet hair and exited her cabin. TheApartewas small, most of its interior space had been devoted to providing the necessary mechanics to powering the massive engines at the rear of the vessel, making it swift and maneuverable. What part of the ship hadn’t been devoted to those systems had readily been converted into food stores with some areas left over for more valuable storage. Even so, theApartewasn’t meant to be a glorious Credits Galleon meant to haul the Remnant’s bank reserves from one place to the other. She was an interceptor craft, meant to spring the trap, hammer a target down and prevent their escape into hyperspace while backup came in to retrieve the larger valuables. It also meant she and her crew got the lion’s share of credits when their spoils were sold off. Yet the harvests had grown sparse over the last few weeks, with the Alliance and the Imperial Remnant battling it out in their local sector, it made conveys stray away, runs were growing short as battle was likely to happen anywhere at any time. With things in the galaxy already so fragile in the forty years since the Battle of Gavin, no one wanted to risk losing their fleet in a conflict zone. Today though she was feeling lucky, stepping into the bridge of the vessel she was immediately greeted by her first mate, a nod exchanged between the two as her chair was made ready, sitting in it, she tugged the data pad off the armrest and peered over the latest shipping lane reports. A brief conversation was held between the two as she inquired about the events of the night.“Helm, bring us out of the shadow of the moon and on a heading of three-zero-one. Let's see if we can find some transports straying off of the Brabant near Bandoleer.” Lounging back she looked back to her first mate, resuming the earlier conversation before she’d retired to bed. Wanting to know more of this tale of his exploits in the gambling rings prior to joining her crew. He sat in the somewhat small but comfy Captain's Dinning room. He was eating a nice breakfast of Nerf Bacon, eggs, and toast. All followed down with a nice cup of CAF. He was enjoying the good food before they went to full on military rations. While they had improved, the civilian sector versions tasted much better, they still had a long way to go. This was his favorite time of the day. It was one of the few times when he had any peace and silence to himself. Most of his day was spent on the bridge looking for targets they could hit. Lately it seemed that there was little to be had. Most of the military convoys have been too well protected, and the civilians were not carrying anything of much value. The good news was with the war starting to ramp up some it was good for business that some private groups would have to start helping out. He finished his meal and put all the dishes together as the protocol droid entered and removed them for him. He grabbed his jacket and slide on his gun belt. His two Heroine shatter guns on each hip with a large fibroblast knife sheathed at the back of it. He wore his semiformal military inspired jacket loosely as he tokes his place on the Captains chair. TheOutlaw Star was a pristine ship, new so she was quiet and hummed like a purring cat. She was quick and she had received some upgrades. Her single turbo laser batteries had new targeting systems as well as new turret mounts, as well as some extra rail assisted missile launchers under the wings. Her modest compliment of two stolen TIE Defenders also added to their deadliness. Most of the original hanger had been converted to make room for more cargo space so they lost their four fighters down to two. This had made the ship a nice addition to the raiding fleet, the turbo lasers mixed with the heavy lasers made short work of any escort fighters and the main guns coupled with two TIE defenders and lock on from Corvette class torpedoes usually stopped any but the most fool minded ship captains. He watched around his bridge as his officers and mates started to get the ship underway. He made note of his various reports, and made some small talk as he looked over to the other ship and noticed the engines fire up." Helm, lay in a course following the Apart. Weapons, start scanning for targets. Hanger, get the fighters on standby." The ship started to move forward, the inertial dampeners starting almost instantly as the ship started to cut its way through space. He shifted around in the Nerf Leather seat as he watched his orders get carried out. Relaxing, hungry for what ever they could find next. He was hoping the feast would be better today than it has been in a long time. After a good hearty chuckle with her first mate she glimpsed towards the data pad in her lap, taking note of the indicator that was progressively starting to move along with Bonaparte. Her lip curled into a half grin as she turned around in her chair towards the computer console behind it. Her digits danced commands across the toggles and switches as she opened a channel up to the Outlaw Star. Leaning back in her chair her humorous good mood lingered on her face as she waited for the visual channel to engage. Once it had, she gave a nod towards Marx.“Good morning Marx. How was the Nerf bacon?” she asked in her usual teasing tone. She knew just as well as he did, that the coveted stuff was growing increasingly low. Likely wouldn’t last another day before they were onto those despicable rations they’d looted from that small Imperial Patrol Craft. Even now the thought of it made her shiver. After a few commands on the console she shared her sector map across the screen and indicated the trade route she was looking to prey upon today.“I was thinking of this area, hopefully snag a few ships heading towards Bastion.” Truth was, Karzai was neither pro-Imperial nor pro-Republic, but she hated the Remnant more these days. Their ruthless adherence to protocols and rules made them an unwavering force to deal with, especially if one got caught up in a customs trap. The Republic on the other hand, depending on who precisely one ran into, could be bartered with. Especially if information on Imperial movements were offered up.“Hopefully find us some better foodstuffs today.” She gave him a bit of a wink. She certainly pitied the crew that had to deal with The Wolf of Muunlistwithout his morning bacon. He was looking over the reports sent to the readout on his chair, usually he would walk by and see how his crew was doing first hand, however today he was in a good mood and didn't want to interfere with them. They were skilled, all ex Imperial military seeking a better paycheck, and well versed so he didn't like to hover over them. They had their duties, he had his. He was starting to look over the Nav Charts, hoping to find a route that would offer them some good hunting. His comm link came alive as he looked at the hold-projection of the Lemme Fatal in the ship in front of them. He listened to her words and rolled his eyes at her comments. Always the tease it seemed, meant she was in a good mood." It was good, though I feel we need to find either money or food, both would be nice. I would hate to dig into those ration packs if I can avoid it. Lived on them long enough in my life." He teased back. He studied the map and made note of it comparing it to what he was thinking. It was one that he had considered earlier but decided against, or at least moved it down further on the list. He had a feeling that she felt something about it and figured it was a good a choice as any." It could work, might get lucky and get some freelance vessels helping haul cargo. Might get really lucky and find ourselves a nice Munitions Convoy. Could always use more explosives." Nods again in agreement and passes the information to his helm officer." Indeed, maybe even food as well. Might even get more of those food pouches you just love." He returns his wink to Cards. Karzai gave Marx a bit of a dirty look at the suggestion of liking the food pouches. She was half tempted to go land in the jungles of some little inhabited world and hunt about for fruit before being willing to eat another one of those things. Still, it kept them going, and in part, gave more incentive to the crews to actively find and seize upon a good haul for the day. Finally dropping the scowl she gave the former Imperial a bit of a grin, his knowledge of the military’s workings and procedures had given them a good foot hold on how to find the Imperial fleets and convoys. Managing to stay one step ahead of them thus far. Still, she supposed he wasn’t all that bad, they’d been working together for months now ever since their paths had crossed. All in all, theirs was a bantered relationship, usually when hunting they paired up. Certainly Karzai’s speed and his power were a perfect combination. It didn’t take long for Bonaparte to reach maximum cruising speed. Faster than the Outlaw Star, her ship quickly started pulling away, though all quite normal.“I think I’ll pass on the food pouches, if it’s all the same.” She smirked.“Though dinner will be interesting tonight if we don’t get something worthwhile.” Turning back aside she glimpsed back forward towards the helm station and then back to Marx on the terminal screen.“I’ll let you know if we spot anything. Be in touch.” She winked and ended the channel, refocusing back ahead she gave a nod towards her helmsman.“Take us to maximum speed. I want to be on the edge of the Outlaw Star’s sensor range asap.” Being that it was a larger vessel it carrier heavier military grade equipment that Bonaparte didn’t. As such their range could be extended with her ship nearing the edge of the field. Fortunately for them, they were narrowing in on a convoy of three bulk freighters and two AEG-77 Vigo transports providing convoy escort. Throne Norway sped across the star system in his space speeder, moving past an Imperial convoy before they even have time to notice his presence. It was the biggest advantage to the small ship, most radars could barely pick it up if they weren't looking for it. And these Imperials would never look for a small one-man craft in times like these, they'd either be looking for an Alliance armada or a pirate raid ship, neither of which would ever be so small, or alone." Sir, there is a ship coming up in radar, one o'clock, in sight in three seconds." A mechanical voice said through the voice chat. Glancing in the indicated direction, Throne noticed the small attack vessel. He grinned to himself as he talked back the voice." Ok, give your analysis on the ship."Somewhat confused, the voice responded." Well, judging on its size and the large numbers of guns and the sizable engine, I'd guess it's designed for high speed attacks, kill a ship them move out of range. Repeat until all threats are neutralized. This tactic would most likely be used in convoy raids. The ship itself is a good choice against slow ships with bigger cannons, however multiple enemies in a tight group would counter it." The voice finished and fell silent, having gained more momentum at the end. Tirowe nodded slowly to himself, finding only two faults in the AI's reasoning. D3-A6 had been a recent purchase, a combat drone designed to autopilot star ships and give tactical advice. However, the AI was supposedly faulty and was given too much personality, often leading to mistakes from uncertainty and nervousness. Throne bot the droid at a bargain price and has been testing that assessment ever since. So far, it seemed pretty accurate." Correct on all fronts except two, you noted it was designed for raids, but a ship like that would never be able to travel alone. It would need someone else to take the captured supplies away. Also, you forgot to mention that it was neither Imperial nor Alliance, which would mean what?" D3-A6's voice cracked slightly bit when it responded. The guy hated making mistakes." Well, that would mean they were a private group, either mercenaries or pirates. Based on the ships purpose, it is most likely pirate."" Excellent, one last question, would a pirate crew have any qualms working with an ex-Jedi Hunter to take down the Imperial troops?" A sense of realization was evident in the robots voice." None sir, absolutely none. Especially if you gave them a perfect reason to, even more so, if that reason involved money."" Exactly what I thought, well done D3-A6." He couldn't see it, but he was certain the droid was sitting a little strainer its seat in the cargo hold." So, first things first, establish a feeling of mutual trust."" How do we do that?" The robot said, likely tilting his head." Simple, we help them raid the convoy, and give them a whole ship free of charge." Throne flipped a switch and opened up the voice channels with the small pirate vessel." Hello? I know you guys are there. I just thought it might interest you to know that there is an Imperial convoy up ahead, and you should probably raid it. But first, I'd like to ask you a question. How much does an AEG-77 transport sell for these days?" The Outlaw Star was used to this maneuver of using her ship to extend the range of his own rather impressive sensor range. The beauty of it was, he could use her sensors to target his guns and extend the range of the Turboloasers and the Ion Cannons. Made taking out the escorts a bit easier since the first few volleys tended it hit well before any ship would imagine them too." Helm you know the drill. Flight Control, get the pilots into their ships. I want them ready to launch in a moments notice." He watched as their sensor readouts expanded and connected into the comms of the other ship, since he was usually the second one to show up, it helped him know what was going on. He was waiting for her to make her announcement just as an unknown voice was heard on the channel. Furthermore, he listened to the man and smiled, he didn't know what he was getting into." Sensors, find that signal. Flight Control, scramble the Defenders and pass along the location, have them plot intercept and prepare to fry his systems." He watched on his readout as his ships bay doors opened up waited a few minutes as the two fighters streaked around the bridge of the ship. His Sensor officer called out they found him, and he passed it along as they neared the Convoy, already his gunners were getting their firing solutions ready. First volley would be turbo lasers and ion cannons. His targets the escorts." Action stations everyone."at his words the ships emergency lights kick on as all other non-critical power is diverted to weapons, shields and engines." Weapons, lock on to the escort ships, I want to corps in the tubes and ready to fire. First volley, Reds and Blues. On my mark. Bring the anti-fighter cannons online. He pauses as he waits for his range indicator to show proper firing solution, he sees the change in color indicator." Mark!" The auto tinting on the glass kicks in as the first salvo of Ion and Turbo laser bolts flash towards the escorts. Already he could see his partnership begin to engage even before he was ready to fire. Always speeding ahead it seemed. "Hello? I know you guys are there. I just thought it might interest you to know that there is an Imperial convoy up ahead, and you should probably raid it. But first, I'd like to ask you a question. How much does an AEG-77 transport sell for these days?" Kardai heard the question, her nerves went on edge as she recounted the information she’d been told in that conversation in her head. First, her instincts had been dead on, a convoy was sneaking it’s way through. Second, it was Imperial, meant they’d follow some standard operating procedures. And last, that an Egg-Seventy-Seven was involved somehow. Still Bonaparte didn’t slow on its course while the Outlaw Star and her own crew worked to narrow down the source of the transmission. Bonaparte’s aft engines burst into full on speed. While this speed was inadvisable for long burns, considering it ate up a vast portion of the ship’s fuel reserves, they quickly closed in on the convoy which had begun to take note of their uninvited guests. Still there was the rogue transmission to deal with, as the three bulk freighters started to break away from their course while the two AEG-77 transports whirled about, heading for Bonaparte her Captain was already barking orders.“Send a warning volley across his hull.” TheAparte swooped in towards Throne’s ship, having pinpointed it with the Outlaw Star’assistance. Like a vast hawk moving in for the kill on a tiny sparrow the ship roared near, its forward linked guns flashed twice as four bolts danced across Throne’s shields, sparkling against the strong deflectors as Bonaparte rumbled over and past just as swiftly.“Enough to kill for.” Kardai answered the communication, her finger pressed to the earpiece stuck in her ear with its tiny mic stem near her lips.“We claim these waters, suggest you not interfere.” She added, letting go of the toggle as the two Egg 77s closed in on Bonaparte, their standard Imperial formation doubled up the strength as their guns lit up on Bonaparte, causing the entire ship to shudder and shake as all those anti-fighter guns painted along her forward hull. Kardai gritted her teeth a bit as a few even chewed a few holes into the shields and left deep smoldered pockets along Bonaparte’s hull before the shields replenished the power in the breached sections. All the while those three freighters were starting to pull away from the battle, their hyperdrives beginning to spool, triggering an alert from Bonaparte’s sensor officer.“Captain, our catch is starting to fire up their hyperdrive motivators. We’re scrambling their Navy-beacons, but we estimate five minutes before they get coordinates out of here.”“Return fire on these Eggs and head towards the freighters, you know the drill. Leave the escorts to the Outlaw Star.” Kardai watched with her eyes illuminated with the firing lights all around as her ship punched right through the middle of the two AEG-77s, rolling vertical and towards the three ships that were their prey. The distant rumbling of shots along Bonaparte’s belly and dorsal sections let her know those ships were still quite capable of stopping such a ship. Getting off a few last shots at the Eggs they burned hard for the bulk freighters. As soon as range had been met Bonaparte unleashed compressed hell upon the rear quarters of the freighters, shields were there, but they held very little resistance to the warship’s bite, even still taking out engine pods required a good bit of expert aim, and while it was ideal, Bonaparte’s gunners weren’t perfect, extending time.“Detecting energy spikes in all three ships. They’re about to jump.” Reminded her officer. Just then the starboard most vessel’s engines ruptured, blowing out and filling space behind it with pieces of molten debris as Bonaparte’shots tore it apart, leaving it stranded and adrift. The middle most was quick to follow, though as her engine’s disintegrated she pitched to the side, coming to a slow grinding halt against the starboard ship.“Captain!..” gasped out her officer, only to be stopped in mid-report as the third ship bolted off into hyperspace, disappearing in a bur of light and taking it well beyond Bonaparte and Outlaw Star’range. Live to fight another day, she supposed.“Open a channel to the two ships.”“With his Captain Cards, prepare to be boarded, all resistance will be met with brute force. Let us have what we want and we’ll be on our way.” Throne smiled as the Pirates swooped over head, shooting a warning volley as they passed. Pirates were just as paranoid back when he was young too. Pressing the com button, he continued." No, you misunderstood me the first time. I was thinking of helping you take one of those ships, then leaving it to you. You see, my little vessel isn't capable of going very far on its own, so if I want to get to any distant locations I'll need help from someone with a bigger ship. Like yours, for example. So I was offering my services in exchange for board upon your ship. Now, I know you don't believe me, so how about I prove myself. Leave the starboard AEG-77 intact, and in 10 minutes I'll have its dead in the water. Would that satisfy your mistrust?" As he flipped of the com button, he charged his ship towards the mentioned AEG. As he approached, he switched his com back to D3-A6." Hey, remember that file I told you not to touch?"" The one labeled Kill Switch?" The robot replied, highly curious and exited." That's the one, send it to me, but whatever you do, do not open it. It's a virus designed to kill ship systems. First guns, then engines, and finally oxygen. It's one of the best of its kind, and I've used it for similar ships with much higher security before. This will be a walk in the park."" But sir, to get a virus like that into the ship you'd have to be on the brig."" Precisely, which is why I'm boarding this boat." As he approached the ship, the cannon on the underside of the space speeder charged to life. They were almost to the ship before they even noticed they were there. Pulling out an oxygen mask, Throne fired the cannon, blowing a nice, clean hole in the ships side, big enough for him to fit nicely." Take the wheel buddy, I'll be back in 15 min tops." As he neared the ship, the top of the cockpit opened up, exposing him to space. Flipping a switch on his left shoulder, his personal shield powered on, protecting him from the vacuum. Jumping out of the craft, he floated towards the small opening he had created, and landed softly as the artificially gravity oil hold. A quick check of surroundings found him alone. Deactivating the shield, Throne extended his right arm, a circular hole appearing in his palm. And out flew a long, cylindrical piece of metal, right into Throne's waiting hand. It had been much too long. Breaking into a light run, Throne made a break for the ships' brig. As he approached the control center, Imperial Guards came out of side halls to block his path. With a flick of his thumb the meter long beam of the saber appeared, ad the Imperials didn't even have time to cry in terror before they were cut down. Running now with lightsaber on, Throne arrived at the brig with little interference. Upon arriving at the brig, he was greeted by ten guns. Lightsaber off, shield on, the bullets bounced off the bubble shield and right back at their owners, killing half in seconds. Odds now evened, Throne released the shield and sliced through the others instantly, leaving only the commander of the ship. The man didn't even stay to fight, running out of the room, likely for the closest escape pod. Now in control of the brig, Throne approached the main computer and loaded the Kill Switch virus, opening the file and killing the ship within seconds. Looking at his watch only 6 minutes had passed. Personal record. Turning from the room, Throne switched come back on." And thee is your AEG-77, I'll be waiting for your reply." Killing the com before they could respond, Throne switch back to D3-A6." I'm done here, pick me up at the hole."" Right sir, do you think they'll trust you?"" I just took down an entire AEG in less than ten minutes, at the very least, they'll fear me." Marx watched everything going down on his tactical display, watching theAparteshield readout show it flicker and watches the ships computer report that it had taken damage. He winced some, she wouldn't be too happy about that. Thankfully however it seemed that the damage was superficial. She moved on, going after the fleeing Bulks leaving him and the newcomer to fight the Eggs. Dangerous in their own rights, however his ship was meant for this king of combat." Weapons, re-target onto the ship that has just been attacked, bath it in Ion fire. Target all other weapons on the other egg, get me a top lock and send the fishes swimming. Fighters, Ion that new ship, make sure it doesn't leave. They are weapons clear to fire their Ion pulse missiles." He watched out the view screen as the ships laser cannons and turbo lasers bathed the small Imperial ship in burning fire. The small ship unable to avoid the amounts of cannon fire, its shields collapsing as the turbo lasers started to boil the outer hull of the ship. Watching as the screen darkened as the two Proton Torpedo struck how and turned the ship into a cloud of slag in the brilliant light that only proton corps could do. Meanwhile, his TIE/Defenders and made their pass, as strong as his shields were they could not take the combined effect from the attack fighters and their payload of ion weapons. They left the ship floating in the depths of space, ion energy tracing along the outside keeping the but the most basic environmental controls disabled on the small little ship. The Outlaw Star swooping past as they fire off the tractor beam and pull the inoperative craft into one of the cargo holds." Combat team Best report to cargo two. Bring the Masers and Disruptors. Combat team Euro prepare for boarding. TO you have the Con." The female officer nodded as he left the bridge to his ready room, quickly getting into his armor and equipping is guns he headed into the lift to the cargo hold joining hims members surrounding the ship, each one armed with weapons that could tear a leaving being into ash in moments. He stood ready, a high end fléchette gun in his hand ready to fire at a moments notice." I suggest you come out unarmed, I would hate to space you and use you for target practice." Karzai kept check on the progressing battle on her data pad HUD indicator, watching the Outlaw Star make easy work of one escort, while their guest worked on the other. She’d of course heard his message, though she’d not yet responded. Instead, leaving their new-found ‘friend’ to Marx’s discretion. TheAparte made her scans of the disabled freighters and headed towards the one with the highest concentration of cargo. Something good she hoped.“Lock mooring cables on them and pull us in. Have our boarding team meet me at the forward airlock.” The affirmative, “Yes Captain.” Coming from her First Mate. Kardai tugged her flak vest on over her black jacket, zipping it together in the front she checked her dual side arms as she headed down the metal steps towards the forward tube section on Bonaparte’s bow. She wasn’t the type to sit it out, something she was pleased to say both Marx, and she agreed upon. Approaching the airlock she felt the slight jolt as the cables fired off and locked onto the freighter’s hull, the distant wine of cables being tightened echoed through the metal of the hull as they were reeled in to a lock against the freighter’s corresponding hatchway. Blaster in hand the pressurization on the locks had both doors open and Karzai’s pirate team spilling into the freighter’s main passenger compartment. Shouts of -‘Hands Up, Freeze, don’t move, everyone on the floor, hands on your heads.’ Came through the compartment as each in their own moved to secure the area and the few crew that were onboard. Kardai found her way to the bridge, accompanied by two of her own, stepping through the doorway she found herself presented to the Captain of the freighter, a Mon Calamari with a more terrified look upon him than was expected. Karzai was precise in pointing her blaster at the man and motioning with it,“Cargo Manifest. Now. What’re you carrying?” came her demanded questions.’M. Medicine. Munitions. And….“ squabbled out the terrified ship’s captain as she took him by the collar and pushed him back towards the hatchway.“And?” Kardai narrowed her eyes.“P. Personal items bound for Bastion.”“Show me.” Barked Karzai as she pushed him along, wasting no time considering any time that third escaped freighter could be putting out a distress call which would have more Imperial forces sent along the way. The procession made their way through a few hatchways while the Captain fumbled to swipe his access card into the hatchways, unlocking them as they went. Once they found themselves in the main hold, her eyes scanned over the rows and stacks of containers, some large, some small. Her fingers worked the latches of one container lid off and then pried it up, casting a look along the content with a grin rising up on her face. Row after row of E-11 Carbines were packed inside neatly in their cushioning foam.“Get as many of these on the Apart as you can. Contact the Outlaw Star and tell Marx to prepare to take on cargo.” Her head nodded towards the Mon Cal.“Now. These personal items… Show me them.” The Mon Cal looked desperate as if begging her not to mess with them, she ‘insisted’ with a shove and headed down the rows towards the back area of the bay, stepping past the last row of containers she couldn’t help but chuckle as all the ornate furniture and decor was presented, strapped down to hover platforms for easier transport. Some rather wealthy looking items at that. Items the likes she and her crew would’ve never even been allowed near to. Looking to her crewman she tossed the cargo manifest into his hands.“Keep the ship secure. Tell the Outlaw Star to take as much as they can, leave the meds. I'm heading towards the other freighter to see what treasures lay in wait there.” The com came to life as a rather panicked droid came on the line." Sir, they've disabled the ship, their pulling her in. What do I do?" The panic was painfully evident in its voice." Calm down, this is expected. They're pirates, they take what they can and don't care much for consequences. But the majority of them run on a bit of an unofficial code. If you know the code you can reason with them. Thankfully, I helped write some of it." As what Throne assumed was the leader of these pirates came on the com, he put the droid off. This was the leader, and that meant that this was also that guy that Throne had to reason with. Rule number one of the code: listen to the boss. Because the boss is the boss because he's the toughest or smartest (usually both) guy here. So follow him and you'll come out on top. As the boss made his statement, Throne gave a slight nod. A man of his word obviously, this man was also one who liked to consider all avenues before blowing them up. These were the best to work with, cause as long as you can help them, they'll be perfectly fine to let you do so. Sliding the lightsaber back into his arm, he walked towards the exit of the ship, setting his shield to activate if any gunfire started. That would give him time to react if things went south. Walking out into the cargo bay, hands raised to show no weapons, Throne responded to the boss." I'd hate to be target practice, though from what I hear I'd likely make an interesting one at the least." Stopping at about 50 feet from the pirates he gave a slight tilt to his head." But I think you'll find more use of me as an ally. My name is Throne Norway, you might have heard of me." He watched the man exit the tiny craft and seen him look around, this was a man who had done this before. Judging by the age of the man it was possible. He didn't seem to have much going on for him, his craft was clearly not meant for long range travel and from the looks of him, he appeared as though his arms were probably cybernetic. Marx relaxed into a slightly less threatening position, but he was as ready as ever if something developed. He continued to watch the man as he stepped forward, silently from the confines of his hard sealed suit he orders his men to activate there mag boots and seal their suits should anything happen. They knew the drill, space him. The man identified himself, a name he hadn't heard. Though this newcomer seemed to feel that he should have known it." Most know me as the Wolf of Muralist, you can however call me Captain Nomad. Now tell me, what is it you have to offer me that would let you aboard my ship?"he asked after a rather lengthy pause. He could already hear reports of all the stuff that had been logged by his counter-part and was in a hurry to get the main job and had and be done here. Throne frowned a bit to see his name no longer carried the weight in the underworld that it once did. But then again, he had been going very under the radar for the last few decades, so it was no surprise. But at least he now had a name for the captain." Well, I offer a well-trained gun, years of strategical experience, a ship made precisely for boarding and disabling ships, and a large array of tools designed to combat some of the most dangerous men alive. Would that be enough reason, Captain Korma?" As he waited for the captain's response, he calculated the possible scenarios of how he'd get out of this situation.There were too many guns to use his lightsaber, so he'd have to use an other tools at his disposal. His personal shield would be able to hold of a rather decent amount of damage before he had to drop it. In that time, he could pull out his mini gun. That would give him some breathing room. Also, he was already forming a weak connecting to the computer, and while Kill Switch worked fastest through a direct link to the bridge, it could still drastically cripple a ship via a simple transfer. That would give him enough time to restart his space speeder and escape. And since the other ship is busy with the two freighters it wouldn't be able to give chase. But if he had to do that then he would lose this opportunity to return to action. And that is something that he couldn't pass up easily. No, he simply couldn't pass it up. He had to do this, it felt right. This is where his path led him. Karzai and Bonaparte were indeed busy with the two freighters. While her crew were busy loading what valuable items they could, she’d returned onboard her ship. Bonaparte’s tractor beams were used to pull her between the two of them, so that one ship was connected by the port side, and one by the starboard. The other crew, however, were less than fearful of the dreaded pirates that had disabled their ship. Gunfire was echoing out when Karzai had finally made it onboard the second ship. The smell of burnt Tianna permeated the air. A fine haze of smoke lingered about and where she made her way towards the sounds of blaster fire she passed dead bodies, she didn’t have to study each to know most where crew and upon occasion one of her own. Each loss was more heavily felt aboard Bonaparte, considering they were like a family and each person had their place, their skills and their routines. She tucked down next to the hatchway where her men were positioned, an occasional blaster bolt danced back and forth in and out of the bridge where the last few of the original crew were holed up.“How many have we lost?” she asked”Don’t know, two. I think.” ruffed back the old man.“How many in there?” she asked next. Anger settling upon her for the loss of her crew.“Four. Captain and three others.” She motioned for her people to focus on her, “Get ready to close these doors.” She instructed with a motion if her fingers towards the hatchway towards the bridge. With her sidearm in hand she waited for the next break in fire then rolled into the floor right middle of the open doorway. Her aim was deadly as it was true. Two shots fired. What happened next was no less destructive as it was effective as her shots whizzed past those four members, not striking a single one but their target – the forward viewport of the bridge. The first shot sent deep fractured stress cracks and the second finished it as the port shattered into millions of pieces. The depressurization immediately lifted those four out of their places and sucked them through the jagged port and into space, everything not bolted down through the entire area was sucked out, whipping around as Karzai began to get sucked through the doorway. Only a well struck grasp of hand at her flak vest kept her from sliding in the way of those doors as her people shut them, sealing the vented bridge and ceasing the vacuum that dared drag them towards their death.“I want any remaining crew neutralized and the cargo sorted and identified. Things we can sell the easiest first. Let's get a move on it, I want to be out of here before any responding Imperial ships get here.” Marx eyed the man and gauged him, he seemed to be ready to strike. Was good for any person to have a nice amount paranoia, doubly so in this line of work. Old pirates didn't get that way by not being worried if someone was going to plunge a knife into their back. The man was seasoned it was clear to see. He didn't really have time anymore for this stand-off so he lowered his weapon. Of course by now his ship had detected that something was trying to access the systems and was being slowed down. After all this was no old ship held together by strips of flex seal tape, but a true and proper warship." Fine you can join us, but there are two conditions, First whatever you are trying to upload to my ship stops now and will never be used again. Second, you're just a deckhand and this is only temporary until such a time as you either prove your worth or you die. End of story. If you accept follow this team and join us in unloading the cargo we can sell." He turned, not hearing the man's response as he had other things to take care of. Besides that he knew the man knew there was no other real option for him. He might be able to win the fight, but he might not. No pirate will take the option that might have death in place guaranteed life. By now the Outlaw Star had reached its location with the sister ship, his Are team having already gone over to the second ship that Karzai was on. He stepped onto the ship and surveyed the long hallway of the bulk cruiser. Noticing the two dead being removed in a ceremonial way. While the rest of the dead were being launched out into space just to make room. He could see Karzai up ahead as he tokes his place next to her." Anything good?" Throne gave a slight nod as the Captain gave his ultimatum, and terminated the connection. He was actually slightly surprised that they had caught on that he was connecting to the ship, he'd have to have a thorough look at the ship later. As the Captain walked away Throne followed, and reinitiated the connection on D3-A6." We're in.""Oh, thank god!" The droid seemed to have been suffering a panic attack. "I was convinced they were going to kill you and throw me to the scrap heap.""Oh, don't worry, they would have had a hard time killing me, and they wouldn't throw a strategy droid to the scrap heap until they realized it was faulty. Then they'd wipe your personality and use you as a combat droid." Throne didn't need any response to know that D3-A6 was horror-struck on the other end. Erasing his personality was a worse fate than death for him. Walking along with the rest of the crew e followed along in suit with the others, moving to where the cargo was held and started to seize any and all valuable items, knowing well that they had a time limit until the Imperials came back. Until he had the chance to prove himself he would have to act as just another member of the crew. As he and another pirate were moving along a large box of weapons, a pirate with a wounded arm came by." We've found some more Imperials, they're dug down deep into the barracks. Get there and hold them in while I go tell the captain." As the man ran of, Throne and the pirate who ha been helping him exchanged looks and nodded. Putting down the ammunition they ran in the direction of Imperials. They really were dug down deep into the barracks, any and all furniture in the room had been upended in order to make cover. In total there was about fifteen men there. Outside the door were three pirates, two already sporting shot wounds and the third running out of ammo. Approaching the door, Throne motioned his new accomplice to tend to the wounded, leaving the men to him. Pulling the rifle from his back, Throne flipped on the personal shield. Sticking his barrel out of the shield, Throne walked strait into the room and started picking the men off one by one. The last remaining pirate used his shield as covered and followed him into the room, giving a much welcomed back up support. Soon there was only one man left in the room, one who had a rather impressive set of rank medals on his shirt. Throne dropped the shield and motioned his back-up to hold back. Approaching the man with his left hand forward, he started talking." Just give up son, you've got no chance of winning, and if you want any chance of living you'd give up right now. You probably know information about the ship and its destination, as well as other convoy routes and Imperial plans, things the captain would be rather happy to hear. So just put down the gun and surrender, before I make you." The man, of course, didn't. Firing a shot directly at Throne's face, he wanted to be got take down one more pirate before he died. But Throne saw it coming before it did. And even before the trigger pulled, he powered up the shock pad of his left palm and slapped the shot out of the air. Then before the man could react he reached forward and grabbed his neck, shocking him with a few thousand volts. Unconsciousness followed swiftly. Raising from the man, Throne motioned to the rather surprised pirate." You go help out the others, I'm going to go take this man to the captain, see if he'd like to talk to him." As the pirate nodded Throne lifted the man up onto his shoulder and started walking towards the bridge where the captain was. Karzai had made herself busy with heading up the efforts while Marx and the Outlaw Star were otherwise preoccupied. When he finally arrived and joined by her side, she cast him a glimpse that only could best be described as an ‘about time’ look. Regardless she wasted no time in telling him of the cargo contents of the freighters and that the other vessel might have something of his interest in its hold. Something about some high credit decor stuffed in the back.“Crew on the other ship surrendered. Have a good mind to let them go when we’re all done. Crew here, however, were less than cooperative, they’ve been dealt with more or less.” She smirked a bit, stopping a passing crate being carried by two of her men, popping the lid off she surveyed the contents inside. Packed to the brim with foodstuffs, a variety of items including some fruit filled bars, one of which she plucked out and tore, exposing the goods she took a bite, chewing and letting the sweet fruity taste fill her mouth, catching another bite she extended the other half to Marx as she headed onward, chewing the mouthful of foods and swallowing.“Make sure the rest of these get distributed among the crews, be a good respite from ration cubes.” Casting her gaze back to the Wolf of Muunilinst she gave him a bit of a grin,“So tell me about your new passenger. I’m told you took him onboard your ship.” She teased larger, knowing how he felt about having people onboard his vessel unexpectedly. Marx rolled his eyes a bit with her look, something she gave him a lot of. He had grown immune to it at this point and started going over in his head what would be the easy to sell at their usual fence. He motioned to one of his crew to search all the Off's belongings and to replace his own bed with the one that they found. As well as the take anything small that could be worth some money. While the rest of his crew concentrated on getting the weapons and munitions. Only taking the medical supplies that they need to resupply the ships and leaving the rest. While he knew meds would always sell for the most profit, he had an honor code. He didn't steal med supplies if he could help." That is what I was hearing, my team on that boat have reported the same. I wonder what these idiots where thinking." He followed along and toke the rest of the bar and ate it. Was good quality, not the usual fare. His crewman helping out were ordered to get the stuffs and start diving it up. Making sure to fill all of their stocks on the two ships. He eyed some more weapons and looked over them as they continued to walk, wishing he had a bigger ship. He looked back at her words and nodded,"Speak of the Sith Emperor, here he appears." The man had a decorated looking officer in tow. Seems that there was one at least hiding out around here." And who might you be your Imperial lackey." As he walked around the two men." Where did you find him?" The man came too about half way o the captain, squirming quite a bit. Putting the man down, Throne gave him a rather wicked smile." Now, there are two ways we can do this. Either you cooperate, and I hand you to the captain with some of your dignity intact. Or, you could resist and be delivered unconscious and drooling. Your pick." The man stopped resisting, it seems dignity was worth quite a bit to this man. Good, that was something he could use to his advantage. Pulling out some rope he had in his arm, he tied the man's arms behind his back, and started matching him forward. As they approached the captain, Throne gave a small salute." This man and some other crew members had been making a stand in the barracks, it was actually kinda quiet. They wounded three men, but no serious injuries. Someone was supposed to come tell you, but seems to have gotten lost." As he said this, the mentioned pirate came running up to the captain." Sir, there are some Imperials in the barracks, they've holed up really..." The man stopped short when he noticed Throne with the prisoner." Did you enjoy the run? You would have gotten here faster if you took the utility stairs through the kitchen." Throne said as he smiled back at the surprised crew member. Tirowe turned back to Captain Korman." What do you want to do with him sir?" Throne stood with a relaxed stance, left hand gripping the Imperial by the wrists. At any moment he could activate his hand taser, which would stop the man quickly even from this position. Albeit quite a bit more painfully.

[Star Wars] Dancing the Line|rating:4.0