[u]Location: Unknown, Tenebrae[/u] [i][color=lightgray]Time: Late Morning[/color][/i] [@Lady Seraphina] [i]"I suppose this is one of those times when I'm supposed to let the subject drop? Yeah well, I've never been very good at that. So who's this queen and why isn't she on the throne anymore? Where'd this 'new king' of yours come from?"[/i] Myriad smiled teasingly. “What, you mean they don't teach this in Valkyrie class anymore?” Arc gave her a warning look, and she shrugged nonchalantly. “What? She has a right to know. Besides, you explain it better than me.” Arc rubbed his temples. “You're a constant pain in my side, you know?” He turned his silver eyes to Phantasm, leaning forward. “Alright. Phantasm, you'll like this story. The queen, Chronos and I were causing some problems for you people. Many clashes led up to a fateful day. Against the black of night, Hel and the queen with their small armies faced off in a battle that caused the city a year’s worth of construction. I'm not sure how, but we withdrew as the dawn broke, and she told us ‘If you see a Valkyrie, consider them as family.' “King Astra changed that when he took charge, but, Chronos, well,“ Arc glanced at his second-in-command, wording his words carefully. “He has always been most dutiful towards her.” Chronos cleared his throat again, closing his eyes and turning away. Arc and Myriad shared a worried glance before Myriad’s eyes darted around desperately, and she found the sparklers. When Chronos took them from her, the only noticeable change she saw was the mist in his eyes as he stabbed the cake. The click of a zippo, and a fizzle of party lights filled the room. Arc folded his arms as he stood beside Phantasm, watching the sparks fall like comets. His voice was hushed, eyeing Chronos. “As for the king, he stepped up because he needed to when she was no longer fit for duty. Where he came from before that is anyone's guess.” Myriad was standing beside Chronos as he put the zippo away, giving him her best smile before peering at Phantasm. “You're right, Mr. Chronos. We're here to celebrate our new collaborator, not make her cry.” When the conversation shifted to Phantasm's 'snorkel device', Arc explained it, and Phantasm added, [i]"Easy for you to say, you aren't the one that has to wear it."[/i] “Actually, you'd be surprised,” Arc said. "There have been many devices that have blown up in my face, and it's always from misuse." At the offer to go back home, Phantasm paused, facing Arc with hard eyes. [i]"A question before I go Arc, what was that stuff you let loose at Haven? Two of my girls breathed it in. Do I need to be worried about them, is there something that need be done for them, or is it too late for them and I should skip to the vengeance fuelled making you dead now?"[/i] Arc stared at Phantasm for a moment before lifting a gloved hand. The weave around his fingertips came undone as dust rose, spinning off until it dissolved the whole finger of the glove. In his cupped hand, he held out a small pile of what looked like ash, or dust. “This is what they breathed in, and it's processed like any foreign contaminant in the body. It will be flushed from their system after twenty-four hours.” He gave the dust a small shuffle in his hand. “In short, yes, they’re fine.” Phantasm glanced at Myriad. [i]"Would you mind stepping out with me? There's something I'd like to ask you."[/i] Myriad chortled. “Of course I'm going with you. What kind of host would I be if it were otherwise?” She hummed as she stepped through the gateway, "Though I don't know who's the host today. Is the one who serves cake the actual host? Or is the friend the host?" Phantasm followed her, and as the portal closed, Phantasm turned back to smirk as Arc. [i]"I'd try some alovera on that stuff. Works wonders."[/i] Arc simply narrowed his eyes, arms folding over his chest. Myriad could be heard giggling as the gateway shrunk and disappeared, and Arc's eyes flickered to Chronos. “I swear, I'll kill them both.” He said, throwing his hands up and walking away. — [u][url=https://goo.gl/maps/rCVuusY6QE7jrdXt7]Cloud Gate[/url][/u] [i]Loop, Tenebrae[/i] [@Lady Seraphina] Standing under the mirrored bean, Phantasm turned to Myriad. [i]"What's your group, the [i]Shadow Knights[/i]', relation to the Valkyries? Chronos spoke like they're friends but I've never heard anyone back home mention you before. These people, they're like family to me. I appreciate the money but I'd like to know that this isn't going to blow back on them."[/i] “Ah, so they really did cancel that class,” Myriad said, fingers tapping her chin. She skipped down the steps of the Gate. “You're my friend, I know that. As for us and the Valkyries, there’s old history." She turned back, shrugging. "But I wasn't a Knight then. Nowadays, it's doubtful the two interact much. You may well be the first interaction we’ve had in, um.” Myriad counted on her fingers, eyebrows raising. “Wow, in five years.” [hr] [b]BREAKING NEWS[/b] [i]Location: All media outlets, Tenebrae [color=lightgray]Time: Late Morning[/color][/i] [@Lady Seraphina], [@Shu], [@Blizz] "We should ship them off to the asylum," he said grudgingly. "Every last one of them." A live broadcast in Love Street, and across all of Tenebrae. On the news channel, the host sat poised in a black suit. Beside him, a harrowed man, the spokesperson of the humanists. "What is it that you dislike about people with special abilities so much?" the host said. "They're just not all right in the head, you know? It's like a disease. It's why most of the criminals you see nowadays are—" The screen flickered, displaying sharp stripes of a lost signal and a terrible sound, before snapping into focus again. The host and his guest were gone, replaced by a man dressed in black garb and a cloak, lounging in a chair with his hand rested against his chin. He smiled. "Terribly grateful, aren't they?" he said, light-catching the edges of his silver mask as he turned his head. "It's like this city has forgotten all the good those with superpowers have given it." He held up a gloved hand as he counted. "Dissolution of cancer, illnesses, and poor health. There are metas in this city devoting their lives to healing what is considered unhealable. Many others, those with super-intellect, are at the forefront of technology, pushing for cleaner sources of energy and a sustainable future." "But, I have to give credit where it's due. To you people, I mean. Your gratitude has made it so metas with visible traits struggle to find jobs, and harassment is a factor that deters many from even stepping outside of their homes." His hands gave a slow, mocking clap. The man leaned forward. "Now, if you were to tell me they'd be fine with that kind of gratitude, I'd call them an idiot. We both know there are only two ways forward." A pointer finger was raised. "All of the metas leave. Or—" He paused, fingers held up as the humour left his face. "—We stay. And we push back. This city will witness a breaking point. And you'd be best to side with the people you've 'been grateful to' for so long." "On that note, I'd keep an eye on [url=https://goo.gl/maps/eRPNBpqBsBHCBgGg9]City Hall[/url] tonight. Past midnight and our symbol of peace'll fly higher than a kalepsian kite." At that, the signal went dead. — [i][color=lightgray]Time: Daytime[/color][/i] After showing the clip for the fifth time that day, the news anchor, a thin-framed lady, turned to her co-host. "Never a dull moment, huh?" "Especially for our police department," said the co-host, "Here's what Sergent Jones said over Twitter, 'A terrorist threat on City Hall is not something we take lightly. I want to stress that we are doing everything we can to prioritize citizens' safety, and ask that everyone stay home, and evacuate the area around City Hall.'" The lady nodded her head. "Wise words from the TDP. Let's just hope we can see the sun rise on City Hall tomorrow." [hr] [u]Oakstreet[/u] [i]Near North Side, Tenebrae [color=lightgray]Time: Daytime[/color][/i] [@Shu] “Sweetheart, as much as I'd love for you to”—he coughed, careful to not jostle the knife’s edge against his throat—“put me out of my misery, Hell’s not gonna run itself.” His eyes glanced at the hand holding the blade. “All these years and you held back, huh? Sweetheart, I'm touched.” He chuckled hoarsely, “How about a bribe, then?” The man took a few shallow breaths, gritting his teeth. He appeared to still be somewhat winded. “Listen. I know what you're up to tonight, and I also know who your competition is.” He paused, certain his little Shadow would need more of a nudge. “Your employer never told you what the heart is, did they? Failed to mention it could power an entire city for a year. A new power source greatly coveted by the elite around the world. And its actual worth to the right buyer, easily adding a few zeroes to your cut, someone”—a cold grin crept on his face—“that only Triad knows.” A little shrug in his shoulder. “Such a shame, isn't it?” From what his intel had gathered, Kara chased after the dollar harder than he did. Surely, the prospect of earning more for the same work would appeal to her as it did to him. There was a reason they had discovered her, yet held back until this moment. “Come on, Kara. There will be plenty of time to kill each other after we talk.” He said, voice a little too casual. “In my back pocket, you'll find a tablet with three GPS trackers. All three want the heart that you're after.” “The heart," he said, "that you'll hand over to me.” [hr] [u][url=https://goo.gl/maps/V85Be3Khw4wtFCvC7]Seward (William) Park[/url][/u] [i]Near North Side, Tenebrae [color=lightgray]Time: Daytime[/color][/i] [h3][u]Dream[/u][/h3] She could see them lurking over her car, the people responsible for her business being shut down and her home boarded up. The people that wanted her for her ability, those who thought of metas as nothing more than an object of money. In a hurried shuffle of boots, Dream moved to the back door and snuck out. That's when she heard the cock of a large gun. Silhouetted on the roof, blocking out the clouded sun was an eight-foot cyborg, punk vest hanging over a scarred body and metal prosthetics. A part of the forearm was unhinged, Tommy gun sticking out the side. The cyborg lined up his shot on her forehead, and Dream dove into the bushes as the area behind her exploded. When the smoke cleared, she was halfway across the street. "After her!" was the cry behind her. Using light to increase the length of her strides, she bounded from one alley to the next, zig-zagging her way into the neighbouring field. Perhaps, if she was lucky, she could lose them here. Tucking herself into a ball, she rolled into a group of bushes and lay still, holding her breath. Emerging from the alley, her pursuers slowed as they strutted across the street, cars screeching on their breaks and horns blaring. Dream could see them better now, two pursuers in total, both with cybernetic enhancements. Pink, punk-style hair seemed to be popular among Hunters. The eight-foot giant on the left, and a fierce lady with a short mohawk and shock bracers on the right, eyes trained on her. Dream gritted her teeth, cursing. Did cyborgs have heat vision? Those cheats. She burst from the bushes and ran full-tilt into the field, caught off-guard and making a fatal mistake. In the wide space, she had no cover, and with the screams of frightened picnic-goers, she was running into an empty dead-end without any eyewitnesses. She felt a wire snag her feet, wrapping tightly as she plummeted face-first into the grass. Her pursuers stood over her, smiling as she spat out dirt. "There's only two ways this is gonna go, kid." said the lady. "You choose the difficulty level." "I don't bargain with criminals like you," she said hoarsely, rolling up off the ground. "Shame. If you were a little more cooperative we would have let you say goodbye to that pretty motorcyclist." "And lead you right to her?" Behind her back, traces of light left her fingertips, soaring in an arc across the field, slowly solidifying into something she could use. The giant noticed, Tommy gun lowered at her, "Oi, no funny business, short stuff." Dream raised her hands in mock surrender, "Or what, fill me with pebbles? Trust me, I do that just [i]fine[/i]." She tightened her hands into fists, cutting the arc short. The hard light struck their targets, the temples and pressure points of the throat, leaving gash marks from the high spin. The lady fell instantly, but the man was knocked to the side and snapped his head back at Dream, hissing. Her feet pounded the grass. She could see the train overhead and hear the clicking of metal, and looked back as the giant cyborg stomped after her, his lady draped over his shoulder. Dream swung her hand up, a hasty light barrier catching the short burst of bullets from the man's gun. She cursed as it shattered with the second burst, knocking her back. By the time she was on her feet again, the train was long gone. The man slowed his pace, certain he had her cornered for good, arm reloading for a third round. She cursed again, eyes shifting for another exit. Something metal tapped under her retreating feet, and she looked down. Another way out. Tearing desperately with her fingers, she pulled aside a grate. To the cyborg's dismay, he watched her leap feet first into the city's sewer system. As much as the disgust on his face was apparent, he circled back toward the seawater channel, where he knew a larger gate for his size would be. The hunt was on. [hr] [u]North Side Apartments[/u][sup]™[/sup] [i]Near North Side, Tenebrae [color=lightgray]Time: Daytime[/color][/i] [@Blizz] The doctor noticed when Ellie slipped a gun into her bag, and he felt his skin prickle. No one brought a gun unless they were ready to kill or be killed. Where was she going? Was it his fault? As she leapt from the balcony, the doctor’s eyes trailed after her guiltily. Madame watched his eyes, purring serenely. “You know nothing stops her when she makes up her mind." The doctor was quiet, words lost as his throat clenched up. Madame tilted her head. “There's a long history between the two of them. It wouldn't have mattered if you said something or not.” Akihiro shook his head. “No, no you don't— I mean, this is my fault. She panicked and left and I didn't [i]think[/i].” The doctor sank on the couch. “Dream's in trouble, Ellie's looking for trouble, and I…” Madame tutted, “Doctor, you have a habit of carrying the world on your shoulders. Stop it.” She smiled mischievously. “Listen to me. There's a drone following ole’ Rainsinger around. If you hack into it, we can find out where he is, and you'll be a hero.” The doctor mutters behind his hands, sagging into the couch. “I'm no hero." There was a loud explosion as Dream could be seen through the window, dodging gunfire and taking off across the street. The doctor's lips parted as if to shout something but instead turned hastily to the cat. “W-w-we gotta help her.” The doctor said, anxiety tightening his voice. “Trust me, she's fine," she said. The doctor's lips twisted, his silence expressing his unease. Madame Fauxpaw brushed him off. "Doctor, I have watched her deal with worse. She's fine.” “Then what about Ellie?” “She's seeking answers. We just need Rainsinger’s location.” The doctor shook his head, standing up. “No. I, I can't. I have to stop her.” “Can't what, doctor?" Madame Fauxpaw said flatly. "There's no telling what will happen if Rainsinger sees her, or, or if she sees him. I'm afraid of what she'll do, and what he could easily do. 'Not our friend', is what Ellie said. A-a-and I thought, I thought I was helping. I can't sit by while she goes off with the knowledge I gave her. I shouldn't have said anything, I should have, I, I—" He grabbed his shoes by the laces as he ran out the door, choking on his words. “I'm g-going after her.” On the side of the building, he untied his pedal bike, almost falling over as he gripped the handles. Ellie and her motorcycle were long gone, but the doctor ignored his lack of a lead, and he pedalled as hard as he could. He knew the direction Ellie was headed when she left, some he kept his eyes open for any tell-tale light or commotion. Minutes passed. His muscles began to burn and he drew ragged breaths, desperate. “You're going the wrong way, doctor.” Said a croaking voice above him. Startled, Akihiro nearly drove into oncoming traffic. His eyes shot up. A small crow glided on the air a few feet over his head, taking point. “M-madame?” He said. Beady yellow eyes stared at him. “While you were floundering about, I found the drone and our ‘missing person’. Rainsinger has been given the message, but—“ “You, but why?” The doctor huffed as he pedalled. “He is, I mean, he’s, dangerous. Ellie could die. We could all die.” “There are many things that can kill us, yes.” Madame Fauxpaw said, dipping her wing down to glide around a corner. “But many more things that make us stronger.” Up ahead, Ellie could be seen. Madame Fauxpaw spun one large circle in the air, dipping down to be eye-level with Takeda. “Here's your chance to talk her out of it, doctor. If not, you'll tell her where he is.” She brushed past him, whispering, and took off down the other street. “Where are you going?” The doctor asked. “Business, doctor. I'll be around.” She called back after him, disappearing as she turned down another street. The doctor pursed his lips, watching her go, before turning his head, cupping a hand around his mouth. “Ellie! It's me. I have what you're looking for.”