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STATUS: Looking forward to Nerves In Carbonox based on how the interest check was received. 1 yr ago
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1 yr ago
Current Looking forward to Nerves In Carbonox based on how the interest check was received.
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7 yrs ago
For some reason Discord is acting up.
8 yrs ago
Ended up sick, trying to respond once I get better.

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In Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay → 3 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
@Ariamis



Your suggestion will be delivered to Ritsu's desk for review.





What a condescending ass, love it. Accepted.
In Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay → 3 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
Lorenzo, as promised, held an introductory lecture on Cruxi in a classroom of the fortress ship. Standing before a podium, he was surprisingly analog in his teaching methods, utilizing videos and screenshots on a projector instead of holograms like most academic institutions have normalized. He gave reasons for why there is still very little that is known about them even after centuries of warfare: the Cruxi employ communication-hindering technology and catch planets isolated by jumping in through hyperspace, and only in rare cases have victims escaped their relentless invasions. They are also very protective of their secrets, and employ self-destruction mechanisms for both their equipment, and disturbingly, even their own troops. However, in more recent times, humanity has been able to predict their invasion patterns based on collected data. At one point, he held a pop quiz to startle any pilots who may have snoozed during class. He was strict when teaching, and did not tolerate any distractions in his class, which resulted in Griff getting sent to the brig for one too many comments about how boring the class was.

"To begin with," Lorenzo spoke as he continued the lecture after Griff was sent away, "You must understand that there is no single Cruxian species. Rather, the term Cruxi refers to a force of various alien species that seemingly serve in a caste system." He showed a picture.
"For example, this servitor species is among their most numerous, tasked with various labor positions. Based on autopsies that humanity has performed, some of them are cybernetically modified for piloting their various vehicles, including the Cruxi War Machines, their main weapons in an invasion."

He showed a video of a wide alien knocking over a car with a shoulder tackle.
"They also have front-line shock infantry equipped with energy shields and plasma rifles, and tasked with assaulting key defensive locations in tandem with an armored assault. Study has revealed their genetic material to be near-identical, which lends credence to the theory that these soldier-types are genetically engineered and mass-produced in cloning facilities."

Then he showed a picture of a rather nasty alien.
"Another type we have recognized are designated as a hunter-assassin caste that infiltrate enemy facilities, eliminate key targets and infect the corpses of their victims with their eggs, spawning more of their species behind enemy lines.
Recent reports have mentioned more advanced members of this species even being able to shapeshift and mimic humans, so take caution whenever you spot suspicious behavior, and remember to use rotating pass phrases when encountering one another on the field outside of your Frames."

Finally, he started talking more about the opposition the pilots themselves would fight.

"First of all, they employ various troop ships. They are a low priority, but if you happen to have the opportunity, shoot them down. However, these won't be your main opponents in the field," Lorenzo said while pointing at a new picture during his lecture.
"While planetary defenses are, by this point, prepared for holding out against an infantry invasion, they struggle against the war machines they utilize, with the Cruxi War Machines, or CWMs for short, previously shown being their main units. They stand about half a regular Framewerk's height, but where they lose in size they more than make up for in their numbers. You can expect to see yourselves outnumbered by these units while out there in the field. While the type I'm showing you is dedicated to fighting at range with a pair of plasma cannons, there have also been documented cases of CWMs equipped with rending claws as well as building-sized bioweapons strong enough to immobilize a Framewerk with their tentacles as they bite and claw through armor using acidic spit. Sometimes more advanced models accompany them such as these long range sniper-type Cruxi mechs."

He sighed, and then gave a final picture.
"As an aside note, I would like to mention that, despite our attempts, we have yet to capture a member of what we believe to be their ruling caste: the following picture has been formed using artificial intelligence based on reports and illustrations scrawled by eyewitnesses on the field, and escaped prisoners of theirs. Therefore, it is possible it may not match the actual appearance for them, so keep an eye out. For the most part they only seem to be located on their battleships that escape into hyperspace at any documented case where their invasion was thwarted, but I know that they must also be present during the later stages of the invasion directing their troops. All in all, while these are the types of Cruxi and their weapons we know about, there may be more unidentified and dangerous weapons currently built by them to counter our use of Framewerks. Be extremely cautious when engaging them. Now then, class is dismissed." Lorenzo then went back to organizing the pile of papers he had with him.
In Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay → 3 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
“Remember, Cadets: take care of your body, and it will take care of you. The moment you forget that…you are already dead.”

Sergeant Ken was a stern man while holding the first physical training for the pilots in the morning, his first lesson having been instructions for each pilot, one at a time, to attack him with all that they got until they landed a single solid blow.
Of the pilots, only Minerva, Griffith and Rhylaen were able to succeed at the task thanks to their combat prowess, while Arrish and Serah managed a glancing hit. The others failed, including Ava, who was very close to succeeding but faltered at the last second, and Elora, who seemed to still be a bit shaken after the unfortunate locker room mishap from the previous day.



I know I wore the same clothes back at the academy for physical education, but the classes were girls only. This is embarrassing… she thought, and felt self-conscious about now having to train while in the company of men.
Well, the guys are only ogling Minerva or Ava, so I guess that’s better than being mocked for being so small and weak…But not much better…

The first few days were spent with a variety of activities after the initial martial arts test: strength and endurance training, learning the basics of Star Fist, a few matches of basketball, floorball, and soccer, and even some meditation. Despite being strict, the sergeant was also an insightful coach, and adjusted the training for each pilot according to the level of skill and physical prowess they exhibited, having seemingly gotten a perfect understanding of each pilot’s abilities from fighting them. The more advanced pilots were pushed past their already formidable limits, while the more novice pilots were quickly brought to a competitive level: a sign of a skilled teacher.

Elora started learning proper weightlifting techniques thanks to Griff’s instructions.
Of course, when he suggested moving up to heavier weights, the shy pilot had to decline.
The training sessions did not entirely go without mishap. Lieutenant Ritsu also joined the sessions:



However, she was not a regular, and appeared once in a while when she was not swamped with paperwork, and sometimes certain pilots ended up causing even more work for her.

Despite Elora’s initial difficulties, she had made real progress by the time the fourth session began, which was when Ken instructed the pilots to begin free-form sparring, one-on-one.

“Cade Liu’un, your opponent will be…Cadet Duval,” he announced after reading from a personal device, causing Elora to quietly gasp with a hand held before her mouth.

“Arrish? But…” She frowned, but Ken simply smiled. “I know you got what it takes, Cadet. Just remember to fight from the heart, and let your spirit soar.”She sighed, and walked over to the sparring corner, where a mat was placed to soften potential falls. She then took an uneasy fighting pose, as she waited for Arrish to take his position.

My sparring partner can’t possibly be this cute. His eyes were all over her as he took his position opposite her and mentally prepared himself for a sparring match. The young noble didn’t really think of himself as much of a challenge for some of the other squad mates, I mean, Griff practically dumpstered him so bad that he might as well have given up, found a nice corner to crawl into and cry. That didn’t mean he was going to give up or anything, he just didn’t expect much from himself.

But then, his opponent was Elora. She was cute, and man did he mean cute. The way she fidgeted around and blushed. He wondered if she compared herself to the other girls, I mean, there were some serious tough customers within their group and that wasn’t to mention the advantage in uhm… curvature.

But Arrish loved all women. She had some advantages where the other girls didn’t and he wasn’t just talking about that cute face, or the way she stared at him. She was shorter than some of the others, and that meant… it meant that she could really put the pain on his knees, and while she didn’t have the reach she could dance around him and take the advantage of having a smaller graceful frame. He couldn’t just underestimate her skill in hand to hand.

“Come on princess, put your game face on.” he spoke with cool charm, or at least he thought himself charming. ”From the heart? Spirit soar? Bunch of rubbish if you ask me. You wanna win a real fight then don’t fight fair!”
He charged at her, lunging a fist with an underhanded uppercut aimed straight for her stomach.

“Ah!” Elora dodged to the side with a bit of a stumble, but managed to correct herself.
“Remember your footwork!” Ken instructed over the crowd that soon formed, and Elora gave a silent nod. She gave a frown, attempting to look more intimidating even if it came out as kind of strange, and then delivered a kick in Arrish’ direction.
“Hiyah!”

Arrish had over thrown himself with his own punch, stumbling forward as Elora dodged out of the way. He managed to catch himself and turn around to face the young woman only for a flying kick to come swinging in his direction. He acted quickly and lunged to grab her leg and push her toward him with a harsh yank. He would smirk at her and say.
“You know I didn’t realize what a real gem you were, so cute~”

“C-cute?!” Elora blushed, and punched forward at his chin once she was pulled close: it was more like a close-fisted slap, but it was enough for her to jump back and gain some distance. “You’re…You’re not taking this seriously, right? S-stop playing!”

He rubbed the side of his face, the one where she had made his mark against him. Arrish smirked. Oh, he was enjoying this a bit too much. It fed the ego to see a girl like Elora blush at a little comment like that, but there was a purpose, though perhaps more of an excuse, to his method.
“Sure I am. Do you really think a Cruxi isn’t going to use everything at his advantage to defeat you? Ask yourself, Elora. Are you using everything you’ve got to your own advantage? You’re not a helpless little girl you know.” He let that settle in as he started to walk circles around her while plotting his next attack.

Rhylaen agreed with Arrish’s assessment of fighting. “No distractions! Focus; use everything,” she agreed. “Use whatever you must for winning!”

Elora grit her teeth, a droplet of sweat on her brow as Arrish started stalking her like a wolf. But she was no Little Red Riding Hood, she decided. Encouraged by Rhylaen, she also started walking in a circle, matching Arrish’ pace, trying to keep her composure even as the taller man came closer.

Then, she suddenly lunged: she went for what seemed like a sweeping kick, only to quickly push herself up and hit Arrish in the joint of his arm and shoulder…Which turned out to be a meridian point that numbed his arm muscles.

“There! I learned that from the lesson yesterday,” she spoke, managing a little bit of confidence.

”What the hell.”
Arrish had been about to leap into the air when she had caught him in the arm. Now his arm was numb and had gone unexpectedly slack. Once again his remarks had cost him, just like when he was sparring with Griff and made an offhand remark about sleeping with one of his relatives. Just like that, it was like a switch had turned on inside Griff and Arrish found himself face first onto the floor with Griff standing on his back like a conqueror.

”Alright, so you know some tricks.”
He switched from playful flirting to using his reach as an advantage, keeping a distance away from Elora and swinging wide with his arms and legs to try and keep her off balance.”Come on, you can’t touch me Elora. What are you gonna do, just stand there and let me ‘haa!’ Hit you!”

Elora stepped back, flustered by the wide-reaching punches and kicks that started coming her way. As she mistepped, she ended up getting a punch to her stomach, and she winced hard with a gasp.
“Ngh…” It wasn’t looking good: even if Arrish was temporarily at a disadvantage, he still managed to hold enough power and speed to keep her on the backpedal. If she took another blow like that, she would fall. So, as a last ditch effort, Elora quickly performed a slide under Arrish, grabbed him by the ankle, and twisted as strong as her weak, noodly arms could to slam him down into the mat in a leg lock.
“I’m not…giving…up!”

He felt himself go off balance as she slid beneath him to try and twist his ankle into making him fall, but Arrish had a good center of balance. There was no way he would simply fall over from that sort of action….

Arrish was a man of culture.

He let himself fall over onto the mat with a thud, making a groaning sound as she put him into a leg lock.
“What? What are you…” He sputtered aloud, failing and trying to get himself free. He met her eyes briefly then and gave her a cheeky wink and a grin.

“Don’t let him get away! Keep going!” Griff yelled out and cheered Elora on, then threw a glance to Minerva and he gave her an expression which read ‘what?’. “Keep your eyes on his hands! You never know where they might land!” Griff added finally.

Elora thought, for a fleeting moment, that she actually managed to grapple Arrish into submission, until his dastardly smile dashed those hopes away, causing her to wince. She let go of the leg, rolled to the side, and jumped up, aiming for a more decisive kick to his ribs, following it up with another jab at a meridian point. But, as much as she tried, she was starting to reach the end of her stamina, as she sweated buckets and breathed shallowly, trying to squeeze what strength she had left to her attacks.

“Luvey Duvey! Look over there! The lieutenant has some really short shorts on!” Griff said in a teasing tone towards Arrish, hoping that would distract him long enough for Elora to gain the upper hand. Then after using his ploy, he looked to see if Ken was deceived as well by his cunning plan. The sergeant, however, did not even flinch, his attention entirely focused on the bout with a stony face of observation, as the match started to come to a head.

Arrish winced and groaned in pain as she hit him in the ribs and for a moment he thought he was going to actually lose this sparring fight. Part of him actually wanted to see Elora win, but he wasn’t going to just make it easy for her. As she came in with another jab to his meridian point he would grab her by the collar and shove her down to the mat directly beneath him. Fierce eyes looked down at hers as he pinned her down with his remaining strength and caught his breath.

“Ahh!” Elora yelped as she hit the mat, and vainly tried to struggle from the hold she was put in. But having spent the last of her energy on that last attack, she could no longer break free…And she tapped the mat with her hand.

“Bweeh…” She quietly exhaled, as she realized she lost. The sergeant, however, gave a slow clap as he walked over.

“Cadet Duval has won the spar,” he announced dryly, and with a single arm lifted Elora off the mat like a ragdoll.
“But, Cadet Liu’un…You performed better than I expected. You still have much to learn, especially in conserving your strength, but you showed your ability to act under pressure, and use what you’ve learned. In time, and with proper practice, I know you will improve.” Elora was then placed standing back on the floor, and she held her head down, breathing heavily.
“Th-thank you, sir.”

“With all due respect, Sergeant.” Arrish spoke but was staring at Elora.
“Cadet Liu’un is a capable fighter, but what she lacks isn’t skill but self worth. She underestimates herself, and her knowledge. She was met with adversity when I changed tactics on her and instead of using her strengths she went for a last ditch attack to my ankles.”
He shook his head and crossed his arms.

“Nothing that a bit of training from yours truly cannot fix! We’ll do just like they do in the kung-fu movies! Stand shirtless under a waterfall and gather our fighting spirits!” Griff spoke to Elora and gave her a thumbs up followed by an arm-pumping motion. “Though… I am not sure where we can find a waterfall here.” Griff scratched his cheek as this dilemma presented itself.
Ritsu was in the sidelines, giving an incredulous look at him. “I don’t think that’s the problem with your suggestion…”

“There’s a problem with it…?” The blond blinked once, twice and then spotted some poster depicting a martial artist which he had to go check out.

“Elora, what you really need isn’t just practice, but you need to have confidence in yourself. You need to be aware of your strengths, and not just your limitations. You were chosen among this squad because you were seen as a valuable asset. You should remind yourself of that when you start to doubt yourself.”

Arrish was really, really, really, really trying to ignore Griff right now. He wanted to pummel him for calling him Luvey Duvey and trying to distract him with Lieutenant Ritsu’s thighs.

Elora slowly lifted her eyes up to Arrish, and with a morose look she nodded.
“Y-Yes…I’ll keep that in mind. Um…”
She averted her eyes…And lifted her hand up in Arrish’ direction: a hesitant offer for a handshake.
“Th-thank you for the spar, Arrish…I learned a lot from it. Maybe…I could try again…Some other day?”

Arrish gave her a smile and took her hand.
“I did mean it when I said you were cute by the way.” He let off a single little laugh.

“And yeah, its a date.”

Elora quickly let go once Arrish responded, blushing with a confused look as she turned and headed to sit at a bench near the wall.
D-Date? Is he serious? After he beat me in a sparring match, he’s just calling it a date? In some strange way…The idea annoyed her. Yet…

…

Well…I guess it could be…

Her last thoughts that morning, as she watched whatever sparring happened to come next, were on how to improve her fighting skills, and how to get over her indecisiveness.
In Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay → 3 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
Ammokkx the best

WHY DOES IT SPELLCHECK MY NAME, AND THEN SPELLCHECK IT WRONG

because your name isn’t a word.

THEN WHY SPELLCHECK ITTTT
spellcheck is dumb.
as the saying goes, “spellcheck, I’m getting real tired of your shirt.”

(OOC kept in because it's funny)
~~~~~~~~~~~~

An Unexpected Meeting

collab between @Ariamis, @shylarah, @Ammokkx, @Shifter_Master @Ravion The Red


As Elora placed the last of the few belongings she had with her into the closet and closed the door, she took a look at the reflection of herself on the mounted mirror. She looked tired, with small bags under her eyes. She also felt a bit damp from sweat. She decided she needed to go and clean up. Grabbing her towel, she headed for the women´’s locker room.

The locker rooms were an unassuming facility, with rows upon rows of identical containers, and small wooden benches between them. The only highlight of the dreary space were the larger cabinets in the corners where one could set wet clothes to dry.

Elora quickly undressed, and walked into the showers, hoping she would be the only one inside: holding her blue and white towel, she briskly located the nearest shower stall, an opaque glass door at chest height providing some modicum of little modesty that could be had, and hit the switch. She sighed as the warm water flowed on her and she closed her eyes, letting her have that one moment of solitude, when she could forget all the stress and fear of this entire trip…

Unfortunately for Elora, the door to the locker room soon opened, and Rhylaen stepped inside. The Tevranian quickly stripped out of her pilot suit, folding it neatly and setting it in a locker. She took a moment to flare her wings to their fullest after. She hung her green towel on one of the hooks near the shower area, and then padded over to the stall opposite Elora’s, but paused as she saw who was in the other stall.
“Hey,” she ventured gently. “Earlier...you seem upset. Is all okay?”

Elora nearly screamed from surprise, and covered herself with her hands. Blushing in embarrassment, she turned towards the back wall of the stall.
“I-I’m fine! I’m okay…Well, maybe not all okay.” She sighed, and had to accept the fact that she had to start getting used to being naked in the company of other people: even if they were women, it still felt a bit too intimate for her delicate heart.
“It’s just…I’m afraid I’ll hold everyone back on this team. I’m not like the rest of you, so cool, so beautiful, so talented…I’m already this nervous, and it’s only my first day.”

"You think so?" a third voice suddenly cuts in. Serah’s voice, who’d happened to have the same idea as the two already in the showers. She came in a little later, just happening to overhear Elora’s worries.
"I’m surprised I was picked at all," she’d say, nonchalantly walking past and occupying a shower stall for herself.
"They drafted me just a few weeks ago. I got some basic training, but that’s all. You were wearing a uniform, right? If you went to a school for this stuff, I’d say you’re at least better than I am!"

Serah giggled as she berated herself, her tone implying she didn’t mind it at all. She seemed at ease, breaking into the conversation like a hurricane.
"These showers are so nice though… back where I’m from, it was just one big open room. Boys and girls had to shower in shifts. And the water’s nicer, too!"

“Where from?” Rhylaen asked, shifting her attention to the newcomer.
“I from Tevran, but go to school on Earth. Alfea College.”

“I’m from Toivonhuippu,” Elora answered shyly, glancing at Serah as she entered.
“Toivo for short. It’s supposed to be this prestigious school where many heroes of the war had studied, and where various tactics against Cruxi were developed…But from what I saw of the place, it’s just a place for people of high status to put a fancy name on their resume. I mean, I worked hard to graduate, but…I sometimes feel like I didn’t earn it myself. That I just got lucky…” She pondered about what Serah mentioned earlier: of her living in squalor, of being grateful for clean, warm water…Things she took for granted.

"I’m from Taivar myself. I grew up in an orphanage in district 30," Serah would casually share. "Well, I wasn’t born there. But I did end up there. Me and the other kids got all our schooling done in-house. I missed a bunch of classes due to being sick all the time though, ahaha…"

“Toivonhuippu,” Rhylaen stumbled a little over the name.
“Heard of! Said is good school. Taivar...make frames there, yes?”

"Yeah! They make lots there," Serah cheerily replied.
"Sometimes I’d get a defective part to tinker with, since we were close to one of the factories. My frame was built there, too!"

Elora picked up the courage to turn towards the other stalls, and gave a little smile as Rhylaen complimented the academy.
“I-I’ve also heard about Taivar,” she chimed in.
“But I didn’t know they had residential districts that close to the production facilities. It must have been rough living there…”

Ava entered the shower to find herself hearing the tail end of a conversation between three other girls who were in her new unit.

…

She hated finding herself in this sort of awkward circumstance. The sort where it would be odd to suddenly join in on the conversation, but she could also be seen as dismissive if she simply ignored them.

Truly, the bane of all introverts: hard to navigate social situations.

Well, she also believed that just as some less academically gifted people still need to study to pass basic education, introverts, too, need to make an effort to be functional in social situations.

That was just part of living as a human.

So it was not as if she were helpless, but it was still somewhat frustrating.

“I see almost everyone is here. I suppose we all have the same idea,” Ava finally said with a small chuckle as she entered the unoccupied shower stall.

“I know that the Lieutenant mentioned my name earlier, but since we haven’t been properly introduced yet…my name is Ava Lane. I’m looking forward to working with all of you.”

Rhylaen immediately smiled.
“Ah! Hello. I name Rhylaen.”

Elora, still thinking about Serah’s origins on Taivar, turned her eyes without thinking in Ava’s direction.
“Oh, uh, he-” her words froze, as she saw a glimpse of the older pilot, and she turned red in the face: the glass door was barely tall enough to properly cover her, and the shy pilot ended up averting her eyes from embarrassment.
“Elora!” She ended up half-yelling at that moment.
“Elora Liu’un. N-Nice to meet you.”
Geez…And I thought nobody could win against the lieutenant…

Aurora also drifted in shortly after Introductions had started. But contrary to the others it took her a notably longer amount of time to disrobe. Her pants suit was quickly and efficiently stored, it was her pilot suit that gave her trouble.

The reason was quite clear if anyone glanced in her direction as she entered her own stall. Across her back were large black splotches, the largest just between her shoulder blades. But there were half a dozen more all up and down her spine.

Aurora herself didn’t seem to have any problems with modesty however. Though in another oddity she did turn up the heat on her spray nearly as high as it would go.

“Oh, Aurora. Aurora Briars” She would add in the lull that she herself might have been the cause of.

"Oh yeah! I only introduced myself to Elora, huh?" Serah would chime in, unbothered by two new voices suddenly having joined the gathering.
"I’m Serah Gene! It’s kind of funny we’re all meeting here for the first time."

“I don’t think it’s funny at all”, Elora said. “I can’t believe how casual everyone is about all this…” It was then that she happened to spot the strange markings on Aurora’s back, and she blinked.
“Um, Aurora…Can I ask you something?”

It took Aurora a moment to react, but she would turn towards Elora “Yes? You wanted to ask me something?”

“Um, uh…” Elora hesitated in her words, before she finally gathered her courage.
“T-Those marks on your back…Are they tattoos? I-I don’t mean to be nosy, so you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to…”

“No.” Aurora replied. Her tone veered towards seriousness.
“They are a parting gift from the…” She takes a breath and her tone eases again.
“Scars from the Cruxi. And proof that Sleepy did everything they could to keep me alive.”

Elora’s eyes widened. She was so shocked she lifted a hand up to her mouth, having forgotten her embarrassment.
“I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.” She trembled.
“I didn’t know…That the Cruxi could scar people like that. But, if Sleepy did protect you…That’s amazing. I hope Diver can keep me safe too…” Her words drifted off.

Rhylaen blinked, and said a couple words in Tevranian, then shook her head.
“Ah...ice-eating?” she said softly.
“Looks like....” She shook her head again, and continued in a normal voice.
“Is good you have good frame, protect you good.”

“Sleeping Thunder is the best” Aurora would agree with a nod.
“But all of the Frames I saw were brilliant as well. I’m looking forward to getting to know them better.”
“Sleeping Thunder…that’s the really old model, correct?” Ava remarked.

She remembered seeing the humongous Framewerk being loaded off the transport ship earlier. The design was unconventional, but a non-humanoid looking Framewerk was not unheard of. Albion had several models like that.

What was curious was the fact that the design philosophy itself was definitely not the latest generation, just outfitted with modern equipment. Even for a very heavy Framewerk, the Sleeping Thunder seemed like it would be sluggish even compared to its contemporaries.

It’s how many early generations Framewerk was designed, more as a ‘portable’ heavy artillery in the same sense as the railway guns of ancient times than mobile platforms inspired by tanks and fighter jets.
“Is there a particular reason you are using an old model like that? It seems like it will perform well enough, but I’m just curious as to why.”

“Sleeping Thunder will perform perfectly!” Aurora said sharply, nearly glaring as she looked over at Ava. Before she seemed to recall herself and wilted. “Sorry. I’m… I’m only alive because of Sleepy, as I said, and they are the only remainder I have of… Of my family. They belonged to my brother originally, but he never got a chance to pilot them.”

“Oh…” Ava started, somewhat taken aback by the agitated response. She then continued, “My apologies. I didn’t mean to drag up painful memories.”
Memento, was it? She thought pensively.
She did not have any of him. At least not things she could bring to the battlefield. But if she had one, then Ava supposed she, too, would be very attached to it.

“A lot of pilots—well, a lot of people in general—have lost loved ones in this war, so I understand the sentiment. I’m sure Sleeping Thunder will perform splendidly. If you need to outfit your frame with parts manufactured by Albion, do tell. I probably could arrange some things. Same for the rest as well.”

Elora, having finished washing herself on the front, had realized that there were only small sponges for scrubbing. She could have simply left and requisitioned proper tools to be added to the shower inventory to save herself some face. But there was someone she felt comfortable enough to ask: “Um, Rhylaen, could you help? I can’t reach my back with this…” She quietly asked, in order to not interrupt the conversation the shapelier women had.

“Yes,” was the immediate answer. Rhylaen, still covered in soap, quickly turned off the water in her stall and crossed the aisle to Elora’s. The Tevranian took the sponge from her, and used it to wash the human’s back. It didn’t take her long. “I finish!” she said cheerfully, turning the sponge back over to Elora. Then it was back to her own shower stall. She was flexible enough to wash her own back and wings.

“No need to apologize, I was the one out of line. The professor’s words are the one that exposed the nerve, not your questions.” Aurora would say, as she soaked her hair and began to lather it.
“Nevertheless, I will accept your offer of parts should I find the need. I return with the offer of more personalized mechanical work, to everyone as well.”

Elora smiled as Rhylaen assisted her, grateful for the help. “Thank you! I can-oh,” Elora’s words quietly drifted off as the fairy-like pilot went off, amazed by her independentness. “Rhylaen, is it odd for you? I mean, being here with us humans? Do you miss your home?” She asked, trying to show her appreciation by starting up a little conversation as she was drying herself, unsure of the social customs that Tevranians had.

Rhylaen went still for a moment, then slowly started moving again.
“Tevran...Tevran gone. Cruxi capture. So yes, I miss lots. And humans, they no have same speaking way. Not just language -- also telepathy. Just talk feel...empty.” She’d learned that word specifically to explain the nonverbal component of Tevranian communication. “So yes. Can be difficult, can be lonely. But also is good things.”

Elora nodded, having pushed her towel up to her chin. “I see…I bet most people here have lost someone…” She mused to herself as she left the shower, and returned back to the locker room, passing by Ava and Aurora with a subdued blush.
I guess this will become part of my daily life from here on out… She thought, feeling dejected.

Serah’d been staying quiet to listen to everyone. She’d finished her shower a while ago, but didn’t feel right leaving in the middle of what all was said.
"Tevran’s not gone," she’d chime in, in a softer tone than usual. "Just out of reach. We’ll work together, kick the Cruxi’s butt and bam! It’ll be back in your hands before you know it. That’s what we’re here for, right?" she’d try and reassure Rhylaen, before finally exiting herself.
"As long as we all work together, we’ll get back the things we lost and then some!"

And on that final note, Serah went off to dry herself off, storming out as soon as she could to find the next thing to do with her free time.

In the next stall Aurora couldn’t help but stop at Serah’s parting words.
“Not gone?” She murmured to herself, a bitter smile on her lips for a moment before she ducked back under the near scalding water.
‘If only I could be so lucky as that,’ she thought.

…

“Hmm hm hmm…”

Gosh, Arrish was just having the best day of his life. First of all, lunch had been one of his favorite meals of all time, and he actually got to sit down and talk with one of the beauties that roamed the ship. Oh man, and the way Lieutenant Ritsu was smoldering at him earlier had just made his heart rush in delight. It had put him in such a good mood he began humming one of his favorite songs, an ancient but classic song back from old earth called L-O-V-E. He was so distracted in his good mood that he didn’t notice Elora pass him quickly with a flush across her face muttering to herself about something, nor did he thinking about where Serah had come from when he walked past her and into the locker room.

He just quickly undressed himself, careful to place his sunglasses gently into the locker atop his clothes and threw the towel he brought over his shoulder. He marched right into the shower room with a big stupid grin on his with his eyes clothes when he heard voices speaking in a hushed tone. Maybe even a gasp. Maybe even giggling.

Something wasn’t right. He froze midstep, the smile on his face now gone flat and looked into the room.

Girls.

There were girls in the shower.

He felt the red on his face crawl up from his neck until he was beat red. He couldn’t move. He couldn’t breathe. Had there been some mistake? His thoughts slowly trailed back to Elora, and then to Serah.
“Oh. Oh no. I’ve made a horrible mistake.”

“I’m glad you have realized that…Cadet Duval.”

Arrish knew the moment he heard the voice who was speaking, and turned to see the lieutenant glaring at him with the most disappointed expression one can imagine. She violently showed a mop into his hands.

“Here. I expect both showers to be sparkling clean by tomorrow. Maybe you’ll then learn to differentiate between them.”
In Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay → 3 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
Sparks was the first to ask a question out of the group of pilots, and Ritsu answered promptly: "Yes, documentation has been sent to you via your personal devices regarding Solaire and the Project. This includes maps of the ship, manuals regarding the facilities, the training schedule, and miscellaneous files. I recommend everyone reads through them carefully," she noted, her eyes sharply drawn to Griffith as he was the next to open his mouth, causing her usually professional demeanor to slightly crack into a scowl.

Lorenzo smiled as the brash young man suggested a direct competition between the pilots, and chuckled mockingly as he then brought up weightlifting. "As amusing as it might be to see, a simple test of strength is not adequate," he answered. Ritsu then followed up: "However, I will forward your suggestion to Sergeant Ken, and ask if he can accommodate more strength training to the program." Elora audibly sighed in reaction. I'll probably get crushed under the first weight lifting machine I try...

Next came a question of living spaces from the blonde pilot, which was followed by responses from both Rhylaen and Arrish, the former having seemed to slightly surprise Lorenzo with her grasp on the language. Ritsu rolled her eyes as Griffith then proceeded to reply in what she considered an uncivilized manner, with Arrish being dragged further into the argument. Lorenzo took another sip of his medicine offered by the Lilim, seemingly enjoying the show.

"ENOUGH!" Ritsu raised an authoritative voice as her arms were crossed before her, her patience having been worn thin.
"You are pilots of the Galactic Federation, and brought here to fight against the Cruxi menace, not argue and bicker among yourselves like children!" She furrowed her brows, and her glasses glinted menacingly off the ceiling lights: her glare on Griffith was like stinging daggers.
"Whether you like it or not, you need to work together and learn to fight as a cohesive squad if you are to be victorious on the battlefield, each and every one of you: man or woman, human or Tevranian, it matters not. We are all equal in our mission to see this galaxy liberated from the invaders. And to that end, I will do what I must to see this project through. If I see or hear any more discriminating or otherwise unruly behavior, I will not hesitate to initiate immediate disciplinary action." She walked right up to Griffith.

"Do I make myself clear, Cadet Burnhardt?"

She stared at him for a moment, and Lorenzo took a moment to write a note on his own device. Regardless of if or how he would respond, she would continue: "Now, to answer your question: the pilot cabins are private, so by default you won't be sharing rooms. However, if you desire more conventional accommodations, there is an empty room in the barracks with several free cots and lockers."

She then moved on to answer more questions, the next one having come from Aurora. Lorenzo stroked his beard, his single eye having noticed the enmity emanating from the pilot's gaze. However, she couldn't tell if his previous scathing remark was done to purposefully rile her up or not. The old man was an enigma. "Mmm, yes, we could spare time on hands-on activity with the Framewerks. Whether it is maintenance work or test runs in Solaire's proximity. VR can't fully replace real experience, after all. Who knows, maybe you could use asteroids for target practice, haha!" Ritsu nodded. "Very well. We will take this suggestion into mind with the schedule, Cadet Briars."

Meanwhile, Elora gasped in surprise as Serah greeted her in a familiar manner, only to afterwards blink as she clarified that there was a strange familiarity, which startled her: she had, in fact, felt the very same feeling inexplicably. She then realized she forgot to answer the jubilant girl.
"Oh, my name i-is...Elora. Elora Liu'un. Um, n-nice to meet you," she added afterward, and managed a weak smile despite her trepidation. "I hope we'll get along."

Deep inside, Elora was terrified. After all, that face...She had seen it in her nightmare.

A final question to the lieutenant came from Ava, which actually caused Ritsu to look uncomfortable by the question before her usually stoic expression formed, and she adjusted her glasses. However, it elicited an amused cough from Lorenzo. "Young lady...Didn't I mention it before? My work here, including the very Project you young souls are enlisted on, is classified, and does not fit into the conventional structure of the Galactic Fleet." He then stepped closer to Ava, slightly craning his neck up to look at her face.
"But I can tell you this much: if you devote yourselves to this fight, overcome your doubts and fears, and face the Cruxi with all that you got...Then there is a chance you can do it. You can win this war." He turned around. "...I need to get back to work. Ritsu, you handle the rest." And with that, the old man started slowly walking away on his shaky walking stick as he was led by the hand by the Lilim.

Ritsu glanced back at Lorenzo, closed her eyes, and then opened them once more as she faced the group. "Now then, you may have the rest of today off to unpack your belongings and settle down, but training will start in the morning at 8 AM sharp." She saluted the pilots, her eyes particularly tough on Arrish, as if wordlessly reminding him to look back at her eyes.

"Dismissed!"

Elora saluted back with a shaky arm but a slightly hopeful smile, and then proceeded to bring her luggage to her private cabin. She pondered about whether she would want to go and take a shower immediately: she felt sweaty, and she hoped she could make the trip before the other women.

In Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay → 3 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
Blood.

Elora saw the red liquid flow across her palm as she touched the wound. Some kind of knife had struck her in the stomach, and pain shone like a great heat. Though her vision was all red, she could make out a black shape holding the hilt: a...girl? And she was...crying?

The young pilot jolted awake, a trickle of sweat running down her cheek.

"A...nightmare? But...Why did it feel so...real?" She quietly whispered to herself. After a moment of calming down, she took a look at the other passengers of the shuttle she was in, having set off some time ago from the spaceport on planet Chronos.

The shuttle contained a curious shipment of passengers. Various soldiers, engineers and other crew sat in the crammed vessel; some were sleeping, others were playing cards or quietly whispering to one another. In the corner, a gathering of short, svelte silhouettes could be seen, having taken distance from the rest: anyone could recognize them as Tevranians by their delicate, translucent wings. While largely integrated into the Galactic Federation, and now living among humans, there was still a degree of separation between the two species.

An eclectic group of pilots had also been gathered, breaking up the monotonous crowd. A grumpy young man leaned against the back wall with crossed arms. A couple of stoic women sat at the front on opposite sides of the walkway. A charming young man occasionally took glimpses at them. A Tevranian pilot conversed with fellow members of her species. A glasses-wearing young woman tinkered with a small device in the middle seats. A young-looking girl, strangely cheerful, hummto herself in the corner. One couldn't have imagined this congregation to not only be pilots, but to have a shared destiny ahead of them in the near future.

In that tight space, holding her palms against the window and peering apprehensively into the depths of space was a young girl with short brown hair and bright blue eyes wearing a fancy silver-embroidered green-and white dress jacket and skirt, complete with an insignia on the left chest: a sign of her being a graduate of the military academy Toivonhuippu, or how it's better known, Toivo. It was an establishment once known as a place where the initial research into Cruxi tactics and the ways to counter them were taught began in earnest, and where many veterans started their careers. However, nowadays the school's reputation has taken a dive, as rumors of corruption and the prevalence of upper class wealthy elites, especially those whose parents had bought their way into the place rather than through any merit of their own, had become increasingly common.

Still, even if the rumors were true, Elora didn't seem like the standard, snobbish spoiled brat that one would expect to graduate from such an academy at first glance, seeming more like a middle-class worker's daughter. In fact, she didn't seem to fit in the gaudy clothes.
She looked nervous, and flinched as a passenger walked past her to retrieve something from the luggage in the back. For the rest of the trip, she held her hands on her knees, looking down and trying to remain composed despite her anxiety.

It didn't take long before the shuttle reached it's destination. Beyond the windows, a colossal ship could be seen: Fortress Ship Solaire.



A great feat of engineering, Solaire was a reminder of the Galactic Federation's resolve in the face of the war against the Cruxi. The common colonist could only imagine the size of the shipyards and number of workers required to build such a behemoth: it is to Framewerks what battleships are to humans in terms of sheer scale. And based on the rumors, more were in production: a sign of desperation.

Soon enough, a a rectangular hatch opened, exposing the airlock that was reserved for smaller spacecraft. The shuttle landed into the hangar as the airlock shifted into place with a groan of metal. The shuttle's landing ramp descended, and the passengers walked out, the soldiers in file, and the engineers and civil workers in a chaotic formation behind. The pilots were the last to arrive: a rag-tag bunch of both younger and older individuals. While the initial grouping of pilots seemed normal enough, soon the strangeness became apparent in the arrivals, including such visible oddities as an artificial human who was wearing the symbol for the Olympus Project, and even a representative of the fey-like Tevranian species who fluttered out quickly, seemingly relieved to escape the confined space.

Elora was one of the last ones out of the shuttle, not daring to stand in anyone's way lest she incur someone's wrath for being an obstacle or moving too slowly. Thus, she peered her head out from the shuttle's entrance before sighing and stepping down the ramp. As the crowds dispersed, the pilots were met with the sight of the side hangar of the Fortress Ship: engineers and other crewmembers paced back and forth as cargo was delivered back and forth into and out of larger military ships, leaving a lasting impression on the young pilot.

"This place...is massive..." she whispered to herself.

"Attention, pilots!" The sharp gaze of a young woman wearing the Solaire Framewerk pilot uniform accompanied the clearing of the throat, her posture perfect and her movements practiced and controlled, with an air of authority about her. Based on the insignia she wore on the left shoulder, the pilots with a military background recognized her rank as lieutenant. Elora blinked, and a blush grew on her cheeks; not only was she taken aback by the officer's harsh tone of voice, she was also beautiful, with a stunning figure that was only emphasized by the uniform.

"On behalf of the Galactic Federation Fleet, welcome to Fortress Ship Solaire; home of the Framewerk Project XJ9." The woman spoke to the group as Elora looked down, glancing down at herself in depressed contemplation. The officer took out a personal device resembling a tablet from a pocket. "I am Lieutenant Ritsu Kaname, and as of this moment you will be taking orders directly from both myself and-"

"Well, well, well..." The voice of an old man could be heard in the distance. Soon, a gray-haired, frail-looking scientist with a hunched back practically shoved her aside, leaning on a shaky walking stick, startling Elora.
The pilots saw how the old professor was accompanied by a Lilim resembling a young girl with green hair, seemingly designated as a personal assistant. She stood next to Lorenzo with her hands held before her like a diligent maid, her expression uncannily emotionless.
"So this is the fresh meat? Hah! What a miserable group of misfits!" He spoke mockingly. His single eye immediately singled out Rhylaen.
"A Tevranian, huh...How curious. I never expected one to end up on the project. Haven't seen their kind outside of children's entertainment networks...or brothels."

"A-hem!" The lieutenant scoffed at the inappropriate remark with a hint of a blush on her cheeks. The Lilim, on the other hand, was seemingly unaffected by Lorenzo's crudeness. "With all due respect, Executive Officer, I am conducting the introduction to the Framewerk Project to the pilots, sir! Please leave any inappropriate remarks out of it!" She was visibly holding back the urge to ball up her hands into fists.

However, the old man didn't seem too bothered as he blinked and glanced aside at her interruption.
"Huh? Oh, I didn't mean to interrupt, Ritsu. I was so excited to see the new recruits that I couldn't help but pop in for a quick look at them, ho ho! Well, I look forward to seeing if the little woodlander proves herself capable, hah!"

The lieutenant sighed. "Anyway, Executive Officer, shouldn't you have more pressing matters than to welcome the new pilots?" The old man smiled. "I do...But I can spare a moment to see what we got to work with. Besides, I'm interested to see what they can do already." As he spoke, the professor began to walk in the direction of the main hangar. Ritsu began to follow him, and gestured with her hands for the pilots to join them.

"Very well then. Pilots, this is Professor Lorenzo, your superior in Solaire, and Executive Officer for the Framewerk Project as a whole." Lorenzo nodded. "Most of my work is classified, so don't bother asking about it. However, I'll be observing your progress periodically from time to time, and see how you're doing. I look forward to seeing how you'll fare...If you'll fare at all! Bwah-hah! Now then, let's see..." The group entered the main hangar, where an incredible sight met them: rows upon rows of Framewerks, each of them unique, stood on a lower level like statues depicting gods. Walkways on the higher level, where the group was located currently, passed by the upper chassis of these gargantuan constructs.

"Looks like all the Frames are accounted for, good," the professor mused, stroking his beard. The lieutenant turned to the pilots to continue once they were finished reacting to the sight. "You have all officially completed your pilot training in separate facilities with your Framewerks, and thus have earned the rank of Cadet." She glanced at her handheld device's screen.

"Some have a previous record of military experience, such as Pilot Lane, from the distinguished Albion Armaments Group, who has previously earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant," she noted, and gave a respectful nod to the red-haired woman. Lorenzo nodded as he reminisced, stroking his beard.
"Yes, AAG...I remember the days I worked in R&D there under your father, young lady," he spoke to Ava. "Those were the days..."

Ritsu continued reading through her notes.
"Some facilities seemed to have a comprehensive curriculum, like the one held by Project Olympus," she spoke, having let a slight approving smile towards Minerva. Lorenzo, however, sneered at Minerva. "Disgusting..." He whispered, as if he had witnessed something appalling.
Ritsu briskly continued.
"Pilot Arrish Duval also has an excellent resume," she added.
Lorenzo then chimed in, also eager to move on. "Pilot Quinn seems promising, if a bit unfocused based on testing," he noted, glancing at the cheerful young man. "You've got your heads in the clouds already when inside a Frame, lad."

"Others had a more...hands-off approach to their education," Lorenzo then noted, his single eye having turned towards Elora, who froze with fright, and then Griffith, his gaze stern as he matched the fire in the boisterous pilot's eyes.
"And then we have the more interesting cases, such as Pilot Aurora." Ritsu spoke:
"She has discovered a Framework that possesses a vast amount of data dating back to before the beginning of the Cruxi invasion, as well as a keen mind for mechanics like Pilot Quinn."
"And what an old model it was...I had to really work my knuckles to the bone to get that hunk of junk up to date," Lorenzo muttered...and then noticed Serah in the crowd. He stroked his beard absentmindedly as he thought back to something. "And you...You possessed the highest aptitude out of all the pilots." He slowly grinned. "Yes...I can see you have the potential for greatness, lassie. You have the eyes..."

Ritsu coughed into her fist.
"Regardless of one's individual background, you have been individually chosen for the promising talent you have shown thus far, and for the potential to fully realize the goals of the Framewerk Project." She briefly looked down at her device.
"However, from now on here at Solaire, you will focus on developing advanced skills and training required not only to operate as a single cohesive unit, but also to realize your latent potential. Therefore, your training program will encompass more than the usual pilot training."

She began listing the schedule.
"From morning till noon will be physical training. You are to report to Sergeant Ken in the gym sector after breakfast. The training will include sports, martial arts and meditation, if I remember correctly," Ritsu said as she looked over the details on her device. "He will primarily train you in the use of the Star Fist style, which he has reported to contribute to our goals of developing your spiritual side in addition to physical."

She continued.
"After lunch you are to report to me for virtual training. I will first hold a recapitulation test of the skills you've developed as part of basic training, followed by advanced simulations including leapfrogging, orbital deployment and strike maneuvers. Once a week, presumably on Wednesdays though there may be changes, you will report to Executive Officer Lorenzo in the briefing hall for lectures on more technical subjects, such as Framewerk systems and Cruxi." Lorenzo nodded silently. During this time, when he started having a coughing fit, the Lilim offered him a small flask, which he took and began to sip from: it seemed to be medicine of some sort.

"Free time will be from 6 PM to 10 PM, during which you are authorized to use the gym and recreational areas. For example, the recreational areas includes a multi-hobby table that has settings for pool, billiards, and ping pong among others, a darts board, a game console installed with various games, a library section and a silent room. Your accommodations will be in the pilot barracks, separate from the rest of the soldiers. There you can find manuals detailing the training program and the available facilities, such as gender-exclusive changing rooms, showers and saunas. There is also a simulated hot spring over at the biological sector. Note that peeping will be punished severely," she added, as if anticipating Arrish' reaction upon hearing those words.

Lorenzo, seemingly bored with the explanation, cut in. "The virtual reality pods will perfectly replicate your Framewerks and the effects of damage they can incur. A pilot's virtual link will be remotely disabled once it has taken a certain threshold of damage, to avoid causing any brain damage, haha!" The professor grinned. "That's right, boys and girls, this is not like the VR games you played back at home: it's the cutting-edge in sense-immersion technology. What you experience in there will be about as close to reality as you can find in the galaxy, hah!"

Ritsu nodded. "At the end of the week, we will hold a test to determine who will be designated the squad leader for your unit. Admiral Cain deemed a simulated combat mission against the Cruzi to be an ample enough test to determine the most suitable candidate, a suggestion I concur with. However..." Here eyes rolled toward Lorenzo, who seemed quite peppy for a crotchety old geezer.

"I think it best to hear straight from the pilots themselves. Therefore, you may hereby submit suggestions to Lieutenant Ritsu regarding your training program using your personal devices for review. Who knows, if we get enough votes, maybe we'll hold more unconventional simulated battles, or even battles between the pilots. Now that would be exciting, wouldn't it?" He slightly cackled. "After all, you know someone best after fighting them tooth and nail, haha!"

Elora seemed to be out of her element as she desperately attempted to open her mouth and say something, but was unable to. She was like a lost puppy as she looked around her with a trembling lower lip, seemingly holding back the urge to cry.
I...I'm scared...I don't know if I can do this... She thought to herself...And she happened to glance in Serah's direction. There was something about her that, somehow, seemed familiar to Elora. She ended up staring at her with sorrowful eyes.
Huh? That girl...Have I...Seen her before?

Ritsu finally concluded: "Now then, are there any questions?"
In Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay → 4 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
I'm planning to write the first IC post this weekend: the pilots will be taken via shuttle to fortress ship Solaire to meet with Ritsu and Lorenzo, and given the basics for the experimental unit they are to be enlisted in. If there's any questions or suggestions feel free to let me know.
In Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay → 4 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
The people have spoken. Went with the crowd favorite, since it was my favorite as well.

Below is more or less the final sheet. Just need to add some polish to the Primary weapons. And figure out a suitable ID number for Sleeping Thunder. But otherwise it's ready for a final check.

Also, unrelated but I have no idea how [Randomguy] did their wizardry with the BBcode even after spending a sold hour on trying to reverse engineering it. It was a fair bit of trial and error to get what I did, and I still don't fully understand how it is held together. But I think it looks cooler to have the Pic off to the side for the pilot so I stuck with it.





Accepted. You can post the sheets to the CHAR tab.
In Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay → 4 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
@Shifter_Master is it deliberate that one of the first planets lost would have been lost a couple hundred years ago, yet Aurora is from there?


I think it could be interpreted as one of the first planets lost since she was born and remembered.
In March of the White Rabbit: A Roll-Your-Own Magical Girl Roleplay → 4 mos ago Forum: Advanced Roleplay


The Cheshire Cat smiled a cat smile with her eyes closed as Alex recounted his encounter with the Baroness. “Oh, she is nyanderful indeed, to rescue a gallant prince-to-be…”

As Lily listened to her friends’ opinions, she started to relax a bit: she had come to realize the magical girl before them, while strange, had common interests with their group.
”Uh, thank you for being willing to help us, miss…”

“Cheshire Cat. I am a cat,” she said with a most pleased look as she struck a paw pose with her hands, as if she had uttered a most poignant and meaningful sentence. Branch Nose nodded.
“Oh yes, I’ve heard about this book. Natsume Soseki, 1906. “Quite a fascinating piece of literature.”

The Cheshire Cat’s eyes beamed. “So you also love books. Nyanderrific!”

However, as her fellow companions expressed a desire to return back home, Lily joined the fray.

”We’re kind of in a hurry, well actually really in a big hurry, so can you tell us how you can help?”

The Cheshire Cat turned to look at the globe. She noticed little dots gathering around the front gates of the castle.

“Of course! But I see that the Gryphon has been knocked off its roost. Let’s go meet with the victors~”
She walked towards the bookcase, took a book out, and then pressed a switch hidden inside the bookcase: the window nearby opened, and with a low rumble, a slide extended down from the window aisle: it precariously spiraled around the castle tower, even making a vertical loop, before it ended at the courtyard.

Lily blinked in surprise, and then gasped as Cheshire Cat jumped out the window to traverse the slide on her feet, as if she was skating.

“See you at the bottom!”

Lily sighed, and followed suit, her dexterity enabling her to also slide on her feet.
”Alex, might wanna put barrier railings!” She yelled as she got to the loop.

At the end of the thrilling ride, the Cheshire Cat and Lily ended up at the very bottom, where the other Mahou had gathered.



“Greetings, everynyan!” The whimsical magical girl spoke to the group as Lily stood up and moved aside, letting any others who are also using the slide to reach the end undisturbed. Rachel lifted an eyebrow.

“Are you surrendering?” She asked, not expecting a straight answer. The Cheshire Cat smiled cutely.

“Actually, I would like to make a peace agreement on behalf of my mistress, the Baroness. Though she has little love for the Red Queen and her malice, she wishes for peace to return to Wonderland, with Princess Alice on the throne and my mistress granted the mercy of acting as her chancellor. Oh, and I would like to stay as a maid for the adorable princess~. In return, we are willing to do what we can to assist you, including working towards ending this cruel war, and getting you to where the wicked queen is~”

“So, where is this Baroness then?” Rachel asked. “Shouldn't she be negotiating herself?”

The Cheshire Cat’s ears drooped, as she held a sad expression.

“She is currently hiding until the Queen is dealt with. You know her kind, always dropping heads from shoulders.”

“Tch. Coward,” Rachel spoke with a scoff, and casually walked over to give healing magic to Violet, waking her from her slumber.

Justine chimed in.
”That may be so, but I wouldn’t be opposed to the conditions of this truce, especially since we have far more important matters to deal with.”

”Penny! Justine! Mermaids? MAYRA? Whaat?”

Lily was too distracted by seeing the return of Penny, Justine and Caroline, the Mermaid Princess, the sight of a giant dragon, and other casual insanity at the site to really pay attention to the discussion.



The Queen of Hearts had heard Mariette speak as she headed through the portal, but for the moment simply assumed it was to help round up the newest freed servants that once obeyed their dark master without question. Her strange command delivered, she smiled as Mikayla responded.

She was about to speak up when Mariette interrupted her, insisting on a diplomatic approach. The mad queen sighed, and drew forth a biscuit from a small portal.
“Very well, Alice. I suppose you are right, as often has been the case. Go, then. We shall take this biscuit…AND EAT IT!” Her words were followed by a mighty chomp, the biscuit held as if she pretended to bite off Mikayla’s head.


Tsuki was not amused by Chloe’s haughty words. “Bold words for a cutting board!” She snapped back, only for Hudie to sigh and shake her head slowly.
“Tsuki, you shouldn’t use insults that apply to yourself as well. It makes you look foolish before our foes.”
Tsuki realized her mistake, and lowered the brim of her witch hat to hide her embarrassment.
“Th-That was just…”
Hudie promptly ignored whatever retort the mage girl was about to say, and turned her attention back to the coin broker.

“We were investigating strange reports of undead roaming amok and battling plant monsters, as well as the appearance of the mirrors.”

“No to mention the draining of ambient mana all over Penrose,” Tsuki finally chimed in after having regained her composure.
“Our readings indicate that the mana draining keeps accelerating. At this rate, even the Masquerade might start to fail.”

“That won’t be an issue if Asengav gains enough power to manifest. Then the world will end.”

As if on cue, Pennybots descended from an aperture, causing the Ascendancy girls to grit their teeth and point their weapons.
“So Penny really is going to do it…” Hudie muttered. Tsuki nodded, and addressed the robots. “Still in progress. We could use more surveillance coverage. Spread out and keep a look out for any signs of Mariette or her cronies. And you,” she turned to point at Chloe. “If you want a reduced sentence for your crimes, you’ll start assisting too.”
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