AtomicNut

Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

I added an NPC. What was a joke is now real.

Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

Sakura

@Ponn@Card Captor@Ariamis@FamishedPants@Vocab

Sakura's resolve was great, but even she was caught off guard by the other lightning girl suddenly grabbing her. She even let a most unmanly, but rather adorable squeak."W-wait? Sparky-chan! Put me down, you idiot! Gack!" Sakura said, surprised at the ease she could be manhandled and that she narrowly dodged a certain attack, but most important how she had been torn from Emily's grasp. Her hand reached for Emily once more, but it was in awkward position to help. She did not bother replying Alexander. What was there the use of it if she was just being carried like a toddler?

It was pretty embarassing in itself, but she supposed being carried by a lightning girl... again was not the worst thing it could have happened in the chaotic situation. "If I have to leave Emily behind because you wanted to rescue me, I am so done with you." She almost snarled to Lily, exasperated.

And on that subject of people rubbing her the wrong way...

"Where's that damn shifty rat when one needs him??"

---

@Ariamis
It was then when a certain fluffy creature materialized at Rachel's feet, and began to lick his paw to arrange his head fur. "Hello Inquisitor. I trust the operation goes well?"Umukamui said. "I sincerely hope I am not imposing much as an ally..."

Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

Reaver

Wildfires were a curious thing. All in all their components and different timings were rather harmless. Dry vegetation, winds... a spark somewhere. But when all of them were at the right time at the right place, it would erupt into an inferno. Despite others...attempts to quell the incoming conflict, Reaver witnessed firsthand how the first blows with Ishtar were exchanged, so sudden as to put her reeling in the ground.

Good, it was a matter of time before the battle would be over. Maybe even before everyone else came in. Reaver frowned upon the sudden appearance of reinforcements on Ishtar's side. Had it been Chloe? Was there a sellout among Cindy's forces? It did not matter. He had to think quick, and act even faster. He could ride on this momentum, and given the hostility of the newcomers, stoke the fire even further.

Spreading his barriers in front of Cindy and the assembled others, Reaver snarled as he yelled at the top of his lungs. "For the Queen! Death to Ishtar!" mirroring Cindy's passion, and hoping that what he had been told that Reinforcement types actually encouraging others to action were not just empty words. "After me!" He continued, as he began running towards the source of fire, barriers being deployed and regeneration taking care of the rips and tears in his face.

This... is... what it feels to be alive. This is all for Odin. But it's not enough. I crave more. More flesh. More fear. More blood. I hate your holier than thou types. I hate the mental attack you just did. Reaver thought mentally as he reached with a hand to his face. The mental reinforcement was holding. He could do this. Let's play. Let us appear as if to run wild. If there's pure white, a black stain will stand out even more! His heart thrummed, as his emotions overtake him. Flesh changed shape. Hand sharpened into claws, that gouged deep marks on his own face as he ran towards Sylvia.

A wet rag. Bloody, landed at the feet of the Beacons soldiers.

On closer inspection it was not a wet rag... but the mangled remains of Reaver's face.

An otherwordly guttural roar was heard.

The creature once known as Reaver pressed on, faster and deadlier than ever, ready to tackle the Beacon assailants and cut and bite their flesh.

Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

??????????

_{Somewhere away from the eyes of mortals...}

Sometimes, means to an end were fickle and subtle. Every now and then, it was asked for a creature to put aside customs and goals in order to make ends meet. Such was the law of the universe, as imperfect as its vast cosmos. The puchuu known as Umukamui scorned altruism, and saw emotions as a nuisance rather than a boon. His soldiers were means to an end, that was what it all was about.

Even though, it was vexing that due to unforeseen circumstances, he was at risk of having his last card perish not in a battlefield of his own choosing. Such was the upheaval of chaos within Penrose, and such was his intention to rectify the situation. Even if it meant talking with those he once scorned for treading upon him and his allies.

The small creature teleported to an unknown, astral location. It brought… memories, not altogether, pleasant, if one could use such a label.

“Greetings… Beckoners.”

Far above Earth, beyond the conflicts of mortals and the threats plaguing a singular city, there were the Beckoners. They stood apart, a guiding force that sought to lead all mankind to its better nature. For all conflict, for all tribulations, they had endured and looked to the future.

Arriving where they dwelt, Umukamui would find a council assembled to meet with him. Where normally it would have been the Puchuu who oversaw Penrose, it had been expanded to account for the presence of the Ascendancy in the city.

The place shone, as close an approximation to the archetype of ‘Heaven’ as one could imagine. Yet not all of the Puchuus looked like angels. Some bore armor, looked like canines and felines and avians, Yet all shone with an inner radiance given form in this place. They stood nearby to his arrival, formed in a semi-circle around where he was.

“Umukamui, our fallen brother. It has been a long time since we last interacted,” the angel sitting at the head of the council noted. Next to it was a Puchuu in a military outfit, or as close an approximation as could be made for their smaller forms. “What brings about this return? Still seeking to maintain a misguided balance?”

“An interesting way to put it...brother.” Umukamui relented, his neutral tone wavering for the slightest moment. “Your information might be dated. Libra is no longer operable. Whatever Adjudicators existed are long gone, either as free agents or the beacon. I am simply, as I always have tried, to seek means to an end.” The puchuu talked. “Due to ...special circumstances, our paths realign. Opportunity or conflict. I am seeking the answer to that.”

“Libra may be gone, but that does not tell whether you have abandoned the ideals that formed it in the first place,” Colonel Cuddles charged with a frown.

Ignoring the comment from the one at his side, Justice Cinnamon focused on the latter half of what Umukamui had said. “By that I assume you mean the imminent conflict in Penrose between Beacon and the self proclaimed Queen that resides within the city? What is your interest in this coming struggle?”

“My last active agent is right now sandwiched between the forces of the two. For rather painfully obvious reasons, I seek not to lose it in this game of thrones you are plotting.” Umukamui said. “Personally, I am against it. Queens can be bargained with. Ravenous beasts can only be exterminated. However, I am in no position of ever influencing or rallying anyone else.” Umukamui admitted. “Even if i were to scrap the bottom of the barrel and talk with the black ones.”

”That is most regrettable, though not unexpected,” Justice Cinnamon replied with a sigh. Many have found themselves caught in the middle of this conflict, a thoroughly needless situation.”

A Puchuu that looked similar to a chinese dragon spoke up from off to the side. “The hand of dark forces has been divined to be at work in these events. Even if you turned to those of the night, they would likely be of no aid to you or those you guide.”

Glancing over at the others on the Council, Colonel Cuddles then spoke up. “That may be the case, but what is it you want from us specifically? Being caught in the middle of a struggle that you are unable to cope with is not something we can prevent, at least not for your sake alone.”

“Safe passage for my agent. And I would agree to rally forces for the time being. I would also extend the offer to those in middle ground. As you know, my network, even if it is dregs of what it used to be it is quite extensive.” Umukamui added. “Conflict and occupation need a campaign of recruitment to avoid… backslash. The emergence of a queen seems to my opinion, that someone has left middle ground untreaded.”

”Beacon has suffered many setbacks in recent months, at least in Penrose….” Justice CInnamon admitted with a frown.

That in turn earned a firm response from the Colonel. “It is difficult to recruit when a majority of the magical girls in the city vanish for months on end, the reason we were sent here to restore order in the first place. Though it seems many magical girls have forgotten that fact.”

A Puchuu with the head of a lion and glowing wings leaned forward. “This agent of yours, has she been tainted by corruption? If not, then I see no reason to prevent her having safe passage from the oncoming action.” There was some muttered conversation between the gathered Puchuu, but it seemed to be a general consensus among them.

“This new recruit used to be… what one would call a criminal, a misfit of society. In less than a month she has assisted in the cleansing of a horror without faltering, and rescued a magical girl with someone named Penny Asimov, without even wavering the slightest. I even doubt she can be corrupted at all easily, having built a resistance to strife all over her past life.” Umukamui said. Sakura was a nasty puchuu kicker, but she was no stranger to violence. His only doubt about her complying would be if she was ordered to slay someone who appeared to be innocent on sight. But even those cases were far and few between.

”All are capable of redemption, her past as a criminal is no issue so long as she continues trying to move beyond that to become a better person,” Justice Cinnamon noted with a nod. ”It is very noble of you, particularly considering your previous reputation.

Chinese Dragon, also known as Light Heart, nodded in agreement. “We had been informed of the encounter the pure form of Penny Asimov had had with a magical girl named Sakura, but we were unaware that she was one of yours. This is interesting.”

Colonel Cuddles returned to the more important matter at hand, examining Umukamui through a skeptical eye. “When you say ‘rally forces’, what would that entail in your mind? I assume you will forsake your previous method of double dealing in every situation, at the very least? You were lucky to escape proper punishment the last time around, and the Ascendancy will not abide interference in its operations for the sake of a false status quo.”

“Different times require different methods. The world of humans was in chaos when Libra was at its zenith. Now, the world is light, there is no need to … control the few shades that still exist. Humans do it themselves quite admirably, if I must say. Using the power of the sun to slaughter kin like cattle. Dealing with the Mint was only my last resort this time around.” Umukamui shrugged. “And Colonel… if I am struck down, Libra´s prized boon, Unity, and the method that is behind it, will be lost to oblivion alongside me.” His eyes met the Colonel with a piercing gaze.

“There are others. Like my comrade Jonald. Others who have been also watching with paternalistic eyes ever since apes became men, such as gods... Half of them roughly, would understand the need of this kind of campaign. The other half, I foresee rallying them to the Mint, the Horrors, and the Lesser Forces stupid enough to think they can take the whole weight of this world upon their shoulders. Even we puchuus are a lousy clout at the best of days, but I can sway some , hopefully.” He paused.

“Every right hand needs a left hand.” He concluded. “I aim to avoid unnecessary and inefficient fighting.”

There was silence amongst those gathered as Umukamui went about his plea, his beliefs, and his assurances. Time would tell whether he was correct, how many Puchuus would be swayed to stand on their side in this coming crisis, while how many would be seduced by deceit and destructive lies. But Beacon held out hope that their wayward brothers would heed the call, and choose the path of the righteous.

”You speak with wisdom,” Justice Cinnamon noted after a few moments. ” Perhaps your time of hardship has done you some good. Rest assured, now more than ever we need to look to those willing to stand and resist the forces of evil. Whether that be through direct confrontation, or the guidance of those who can direct the ones who can to the threats that we now face.”

Huffing, Colonel Cuddles looked about. “Let us deliberate then. We shall provide you an answer shortly.”

With that they turned to each other, debating the merits and overall strategy to employ when it came to Penrose. Whether they needed help, how far to go, and the like. Umukamui would be forced to wait as they sought to reach a consensus.

“mmm.” Umukamui added, as he peeked on the lower world. He always kept tabs of his agents. And mid deliberation was no exemption.

After several minutes the discussion came to an end, the Council turning back to Umukamui. ”Very well,’ Justice Cinnamon said aloud. ” We accept your proposal. Your agents shall have safe passage, and our people shall provide you with aid when it is needed. In return your magical girls shall work with ours, and you shall work to recruit other Puchuus to the side of the light. Does that sound correct?

“As straightforward as it could be.” Umukamui said as he addressed the council. “Now if you will excuse me, there is...no rest for the wicked. As it has been said.”

”Of course. May the light guide your path. Justice Cinnamon agreed, the council watching as Umukamui departed. Now, to address the next item that required their attention….

Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

Reaver

@Ariamis@Rune_Alchemist@PlatinumSkink@BrokenPromise@twave

Not enough. Not good enough. But It could not be helped. At least things were going Reaver's way for a change. Cindy seemed to have been spurred by the samurai's dedication of all things. Call it serenpidity. More people, more unknowns to deal with it. Reaver just stoically followed after the wake of Cindy and what it seemed a small retinue following her. Prying her from followers, sycophants or masters of courtly intrigue was going to be fairly difficult, in a sense. There was always the "helpful idiot" or the "smug knowitall" who wanted to put the finger in everyone´s pies. Still, it wasn´t a mission killer. Yet.

He began chanting while running. "Awaken, my blade!" He said, as his sword and assorted body armor materialized as he followed through the corridor chasing Cindy, his semblance full of determination for the fight to come. There would be more chances. The time deadline was crucial, but the mission was even more so. It was better than failing both and exposing himself altogether, he thought while chanting a mind reinforcement.

Mind fuckery was a staple of Beacon, and he did not want to become a love freak serving one of those thots like a lobotomized servant. So he reinforced his mind the first time he had a chance when chasing the Lightning Queen. Afterwards, he grabbed his phone, with the pretext of taking a look at the navigation maps, and sent back a quick string of characters to his last sender. "2 $ pp". Two- money- people. Too Many People. Hopefully the other hunt would get the hint and don´t be surprised by it. "Is this this way?" He added. "God, I hate navigating Penrose." He added out loud, with the nav application open now, before pocketing his phone again.

Plan B and C were forming on his mind. Retreat wasn´t even considered at this point, not with Viper having followed through her part of the help. Odin, why these thots must make things so difficult? Too many playwrights and too little actresses. Still, no plan does survive contact with the enemy. He just needed to rouse more enemies if need be, and wait for the chaos to unfold.

---

Sakura

@Ponn@Card Captor@Ariamis@FamishedPants

Good, just a little more. He could see Alexander trying to rein in that Sparky-chan and save her from her own giddiness... And then the rave exploded. "Fuck." She muttered to Connie. "Change of plans. Bunbun-chan, let´s Haul Emily's shapely ass out of here." She said as she redoubled her efforts, and then made a point to make Alexander notice him by giving him a good kick in the foot.

"OI! Stop zoning out! It´s too late. You don´t wanna be monster gal chow, do ya, buddie? So make a riot shield like the pigs have with your barriers, secure a path for the exit, and let´s get the fuck out of here, bud! You can´t afford to worry about these crazy bitches anymore!" Sakura said to Alexander. "Lily! We´re leaving! Stop staring at the pretty bitch and let´s go!" She finished as she gritted her teeth. If only she could find a respite to transform...

Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

Reaver

@Ariamis@Rune_Alchemist@PlatinumSkink@BrokenPromise

Well, this was getting good enough. Privacy meant less unknowns, and less security. It was a pity really, Cindy was also his kind of girl. Then the "assassin" had struck, creating chaos amidst the group, and sparking the flames of battle and discord. As if a staged script were, now it was Reaver´s turn.

Except someone butted in before. Well, no matter, such a thing was to be expected to a degree. But it concerned Reaver how truly rotten the magical girl society was to double doubt everything. Even the tiny samurai kid was having second thoughts about this. On second thought, who wouldn´t? The magical jamming, whoever was doing that, was pretty ludicruous.

He took the napkin, and cleaned himself from the acid, still getting a couple of stings.

"Yes, such a contrived coincidence. Half assed assasination attempt. During some magical blockage." Reaver said, looking at everyone. "Smells quite funny. Even the timely appearance of such a good samaritan telling you to hold your horses and start an investigation here... where the ambience could not be more chaotic. My mind wanders... and It makes me think that It might be a trap too to keep your Highness here, cooped up, numb and occupied, where torches and pitchforks pool outside." He gave some pause.

"Your Highness permit, I am confident that outdoors is a place suited for thine wrath to rain upon thy enemies." He then dropped to one knee. "I Reaver, shall follow your Highness no matter the decision you choose, into the din of battle if must be. After all... I am a berserker."

He then eyed the tiny samurai, who seemed to have gone through a set of incongruous expressions just now. Interesting, possible Cradle plant? Looked like some serious thought change there. "Is everything right, dame samurai? Surely we can speak with your highness of the brunt of the combat if you seem...so conflicted. It´s not like we're forcing you to participate against your will, is it?"

The message buzzed on his pocket, but he chose to ignore it for now. No need to raise more suspicion.

Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

Sakura

@Ariamis@Card Captor@Vocab

The younger magical girl winced, but relented with a pout to Sparkly-chan´s clingy habits. It would´ve been rude to push her off just because she was squeeing at her cuteness. As vexing as it was, it was not okay to push the fluster on her, so she allowed herself to be manhandled like a doll. Just because it was Lily. Alexander would have been kicked in the nether regions.

After she was dragged in, Sakura winced as she saw the whole noise, lights, and dancing bodies on the cages. It was a pity she could not appreciate them fully... most of these girls looked too...underveloped to her liking, and the whole sensation of the party was too noisy and chaotic for his tastes. For a brawl? This level would be acceptable... but for a party? How was she supposed to have fun? She frowned at the bundle of energy that was Sparkly-chan. Were all lightning girls like that? Would she become one eventually? And there she went...

There was another girl named Thalia, an acquaintance of Lily, but she didn´t really pay much attention to her. Lily was a legit busybee, and she needed to pace herself out. Red coins? The hell were those? She would need to ask the rat later about it. Still, Alexander´s question rose her from her thoughts as she looked at the barrier bud.

"Ah, less lolis, more crusty old men, same amount of booze, probably more violence and less epileptic flashes, bud" said Sakura to Alexander before frowning. Was she seeing things? She thought she had spotted someone familiar at the rave.

Is that Emily? She said, trying to rush to her first acquaintance in the magic world.

@FamishedPants

Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

Reaver

@BrokenPromise@Rune_Alchemist@BrokenPromise@PlatinumSkink

Reaver smirked, rubbing his chin as the jolt had partially numbed it. Good so far, I like. He chided to himself as he followed. "Much appreciated...your highness." He relented with a small courtly bow, before following her into the stage. Stares were upon him, and his behaviour would be no doubt under scrutiny. He felt uncomfortable, as if swimming through a thick haze. Someone was carelessly leaking magical power, and scrambling most detection abilities. Little he could do about it, and in fact he did not need to rely on detection for this kind of game. All he was doing was drinks and wooing. Maturing things to make them ripe. Ah, it was such a drag he couldn´t rush faster. He had noticed someone already looking him with eyes of lust. Had he seen that girl before? Well, he wouldn´t mind being stepped on by that lovely thing, he would not. But Cindy was the task at hand now.

"Mayhaps I met them, but your Highness would belittle the beauty of a stormy sea." Reaver said, laying thick on the flattery as he gazed at her, while drawing close to the mixing implements. His eyes darted to the car battery, afterwards. "I shall have what the highness is having." He said. The bartended looked a bit jostled, but due to his experience he seemed to recover quickly. Stranger shit he had seen, that one.

"Your funeral, bud." He mumbled as he poured the caustic drink on Reaver´s glass, as he kept looking at Cindy and her retinue.

"I seek challenges. My patron despises cowardice. And I..." It was at this moment when he tapped his phone on his pocked with his hand. "...odd, I thought I had a call. Nevermind, as I was saying..." Reaver added nonchalantly,as with that deft movement he had pressed the quick call button to someone he had saved in his contact list as "Lady dom bum bums".

"He is not fond... of excessively *pure* holier than thou types. I must say, there´s taste in variety, isn´t it? But for people like those... makes your Highness an appetizing target. Thus, with this arrangement, I could sate both my thirst for battle and serve someone...august." It was then when he lifted the glass full of battery acid.

"My name is Reaver, berserker of Odin... pleased to make your acquaintance." He finished, and downed the thing in one go, forsaking the agonizing yet sweet pain of having the flesh of his mouth and throat melted, only to begin scabbing and regenerate immediatedly afterwards. He finished by throwing a smile through his now bloody mouth.

Royal Rumble!

Requiem

An strategy had been made at last. Afterwards, she had excused herself hastily from the shelter of the Vigilantes Headquarters. The young witch collapsed on the bed of a motel, her silver hair undone and dishevelled. She had been moving strings, crunching numbers, even calling her parents to tell them everything was going to be alright. They had... returned to their normal selves. That was nice. Things were at least showing a hint of mercy towards the situation.

"Stupid Cel." Diana balled one of her tiny fists, and like an invisible foe, she struck the matress to discharge her rage. She needn't not to crumble down. Not yet, when there was someone bent on exacting divine retribution. It pained her, as much as it had pained her to sever what was a toxic relationship. Still... none like him would ever understand what it felt like. To be a mind trapped in a body that did not make sense, in a world that made very little to help. She eyed her reflection on the mirror.

And saw Death.

"Gah!" She squealed, before doing a second glance. Instead of her reflection, she found someone else. "Moira... you nearly gave me a heart attack!" The witch said, agitated.

"Even your yelps are cute, my little witch." The figure said from the reflection of the mirror. She had relented in abandoning Melanie for the time being, after some rounds of negotiation. "I bring good tidings. He's dead. Both of them are."

"Don't joke with that." Diana snarled, being insulted with the levity that the grim reaper had declared people dead. It took her a few seconds to realize... That was no joke."...you're not joking."

"Afraid not. We reapers got a good grasp on whose souls are about to kick the bucket. Also, it's amazing that perp managed to recruit his little brother... " The Moira trailed off, but Diana wasn't listening anymore, she had shuffled herself out of the bed, and went to the toilet, a knot forming in her throat and chest. She gasped for air.

"I never...just...what..." She said, obviously being overwhelmed. "Oh god, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." She crumpled into sniffles, as she clutched the basin of the toilet, the paltry food she had ingested hours earlier menacing to make a fast exit. Unsurprisingly, she reigned her willpower, even if she looked tired beyond measure. "What happened?"

"Massive explosion. Think some scion of War...was involved?" Moira answered. "But hey, you know... if you really want I...uh... I should not be doing this but I guess...exceptions." The lesser goddess fumbled, trying to console the silver-haired girl.

"It was Luigi, wasn't he?" Diana said, as she slammed the basin so hard she nicked and bruised her hand. "...Well, at least...No one else got hurt." Diana relented, as she eyed Moira. Resurrection. The forbidden art. She could try it... After all, it was her fault that Celestine had once been overwhelmed with power, and if she had to break a few divine rules more... what would it matter?

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?" Said Moira, eyeing her D-phone, the fancy phone the servants of the Death God equipped themselves with. "...His soul is nowhere to be found. I can't...uh...what the hell? Who the hell misplaces a soul?" The Reaper grumbled.

It was at this point Diana's tears flowed, among a loud, maniacal laugh.

---

"...tard" The words echoed in the distance. The landscape was barren. Soulless. It felt not of this world, and It was sure it wasn't. His body... Well. Right now... he lacked one. It was some sort of whispy sloshy ectoplasm, like if someone had distilled the flesh amoeba. The man once known as Celestine was trying to make sense out of what seemed some sort of afterlife limbo.

He shuffled and suffled, until a tall, imposing mismatched structure. welcomed him. The large, grotesque gates swung open to the horror underneath. It was then when he understood. It was then when he saw.

"Why so many pictures of cats... Melanie?" Lightbringer smiled in the empty halls.

Darkest Before the Dawn: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

Sakura

@Ariamis@Card Captor

"...stupid rat..." The young magical girl grumbled as she stomped towards the party. "He told me this was a costume party." Sakura said as she stomped towards the warehouse from parking her motorbike. Her choice of attire... was kinda unconventional. She had heard things about this rave, but being the kind... of shady party it could mean it was gonna be a great thing or an awful thing. She decided thus to act as an scout for Emily. Even if she was a newcomer to the magical world, she was no stranger about the underworld.

Upon entering the grounds of the party, the hairs of her neck stood out. Stakeout is in place. Her gut feeling told her, honed not only from years of experience, but because her senses seemed more vivid these days. Upon advancing towards the entrance he found a couple of people she recognized. Sparky broad and Barrier bud.

"Oi, couple." Sakura said, with a broad gesture. "You seem a bit out of depth in this? Also, who set up the lookout? They're frigging amateurs... are those your friends?" Sakura blurted out without a care of the world.

---

Reaver

Thirsty...So damn...thirsty. The magical boy clutched his hastily ordered drink drink in a row and gulped it down. It was going to get busy. He checked his tools of trade. His carefully combed hair. His elegant three-piece. The mark was there, wasn't she? No sign of Chloe or the Ascendancy yet. It was good. Well, it was easy to spot. Other girls didn't glow neon blue nor crackled with electricity. Reaver coughed, as he stood in Cindy's way with a firmly executed curtsy.

"Please allow me to introduce myself. I am a man of wealth... and taste."