BCTheEntity

Into The Dark: Tales of Maroleth

Well, Sett had a feeling a conversation with Aeryn now would be... rather unfruitful. She was clearly unused to drinking so heavily, and she was already starting to get tipsy as a result of her mead-chugging, even if her innate grace prevented her from showing it too clearly. Though, it seemed she teetered between giggling and melancholy with ease as a result - a susceptibility which might make it simpler to get straight answers from her. He'd learned ways of persuading people to talk in the past, more effective on some than on others, and there was a reason they said alcohol loosened lips. Though he'd only had the one glass of mead himself, he'd have to make sure he avoided the same pitfalls.

Even so, as he, she, and the Monk stepped outside to ponder the ever-poignant question of their immediate future, Beren inexplicably felt the need to show "a few things he liked to do". Complete with a wink in his direction...? And then...

It suddenly became clear what was happening as Beren began his routine, and Sett had to hold himself back from smacking himself for not realising it sooner. Beren had a thing for Aeryn, or at least for her figure, and he wouldn't be surprised if vice versa was true too. And good for them, he supposed. Sett did enjoy the female physique, mind, but nine times out of ten, there was naught to be gained save the internal discord that let him sneak past their guard and filch their valuables. With those he'd been sent out with, and those the group had gained during their journey, he hadn't even had an opportunity to do that much, certainly not without marking himself as against them, and at this point, he wondered if anybody would be so gullible as to-

The sudden ethereal pang of anxiousness emanating from his amulet, squeezing his chest with invisible arms, instantly put him on edge. It seemed that Fineki had sent him a warning sign through the very symbol hanging from his neck - and he had no idea what it meant. Was the Monk about to fall and wound himself? Were Dark Elves about to strike the village? There was simply no way of knowing... nor any reasonable way to convey that sudden concern to the duo without giving them too many hints.

Unreasonable it was, then. As if struck by a thunderbolt, Sett gasped loudly and stumbled back dramatically, almost but not quite falling on his rear, eyes wide and apparently unseeing for a half-second before refocusing on the world around him, eventually refocusing on Aeryn and Beren with great worry.

'I- I- the- the gods- they have sent-' He stammered, his frenzied words intentionally scrambled for a moment, before he scrunched his eyes, grit his teeth with a grunt, and held a hand to his temple, as if extracting the pain of an aching skull from himself in whatever ways he could. 'They have sent me a- a sign! We must be ready for... for something terrible!' A perfect setup, he considered as he slowly and awkwardly got to his feet, eyes still wide with falsified revelation. Who would question a vision from the gods, after all? The average layperson certainly wouldn't... but if these two did, they were probably going to have a bit of an issue in the very near future.

@POOHEAD189@Gardevoiran@The Fated Fallen@Fetzen@Stormflyx@Mortarion

Capes of Denver: A Worm RP

Alessa Heather: PRT HQ

Honestly, even if it was feigned, it was nice to see Elliot so on-board with the idea of going on a hike. Honestly, it was nice to see everybody getting in on it, especially Evelyn coming up with the notion of playing hooky to do it and Kendall charging off to run some errands first. Certainly better than the grim tension that came with what had preceded the issue.

And then came the order to close the trap. It was just a matter of chattering to the others about how glad she was that everybody was as keen about the notion of going out as her, at least until Evelyn’s job was done, indicated by a slight twisting of her smile, and another text confirming Alessa’s suspicions.

And now for Alessa to do her part as team leader. Tilting her head to indicate for everyone present to follow, she began to walk on toward Collin’s room with a smile, Lillian preceding her just slightly. Jogging a touch in order to catch up, she took her partner’s hand, squeezing it gently so as to ensure she remained in touch, right up until they reached the door to Collin’s room. Only then did she let go of Lily’s hand, to open the door and make her entrance.

‘Collin?’ Alessa asked as she moved into the room, looking around to try and spot what exactly was restraining him. She didn’t see much, but... well, the null field was definitely active, she couldn’t feel her power functioning at all, so she imagined all was well. But, on to business. ‘Sonar, I’m sorry I have to say this, but you’re being taken into custody for colluding with and feeding information to a major villainous organisation, and thus compromising the PRT and Protectorate alike.’ Disappointment was ripe in her voice, and in a way, she rather hoped that guilt plagued Collin, too. It was... well, it was sad that things had come to this, she as the Wards’ leader confronting their former leader. Then again, of the Wards present during Collin’s original leadership...

Best not to think about that right now.

---

Raymond Haywood: The Airport

It looked like the rest of the team had caught up with the target in question. Which was good, because Raymond was starting to get very frustrated.

Aim for head, induce unconsciousness, avoid causing permanent-

Dammit! He’d realised by now that his power was, essentially, flickering on and off at random, and never staying active for long enough that he realised, got a good bead on the target, and managed to pull off a shot. It was a tiny thing that, combined with the target phasing in and out, prevented him from taking a decent shot, and since they’d figured out who was probably the cause... he felt rather like he would do better wandering around, seeking more information. Perhaps a hint of how the target’s powers worked, or maybe he’d find some other parahumans assisting him. Oh, if there was a Trump here expanding the radius of his ability somehow...

‘My power’s on the fritz,’ he informed the rest of the team with a low growl. ‘I’m going to try and figure out why.’ Confident they’d be able to handle it, he reholstered his weapon, and began to climb down from his position, with the goal of seeking out some hint of what might be screwing with him and everybody else.

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Verum Autem Ex

@ProPro
‘Uh, yeah, a ride would be nice,’ he agreed, smiling half-cocked and taking the business card. ‘I don’t know much about all this, this, “Stand” stuff, so learning a bit more about it would be pretty helpful. Hey, thanks again, Blue! You’re awesome, and stuff!’ he called as he was led away to Leonard’s motorcycle. Aside from a much rowdier biker couple going on a fairly reckless joyride past them partway through, the ride back to HQ wouldn’t be too eventful by any means.

@Old Amsterdam
In the meantime, the first thing Laurie’s boss would utter was ‘I’m well aware. You understand, I hope, the concept of over-specialisation? Perfecting one skill or set of skills at the expense of other roles?’ His voice was level, calm, but fairly kindly. ‘Frankly speaking, your ability to kill is as good as it’s going to get, and if not, regular missions will suffice to improve it. If you want to improve your ability to assassinate, you have to start working on other skills than sheer murder. The ability to integrate into social situations, or at least pretend to, is next on your list. To blend in, to make yourself seem friendly, if only for long enough to get to a target who you’re otherwise incapable of reaching. That is sensible, would you not say?’

Monster Girl Mecha Academy

A.L.M.A. Unit "Roxanne"

Cahreli did not sound calm. Otherwise, there was nothing Roxanne needed to intervene in, and she was willing to wait until everybody was calm and quiet. Until Doctor Osborne possessed Ray's body and began the introductions for her. Very well, then. Even if Jenny was consuming a large metal girder at the moment, it wouldn't keep her from being heard.

'Your mission will take you to the planet of Triad 5,' she began, moving to the front of the hall so that everybody could see her, 'a feral planet with generally low seas and high humidity. The stranded operatives in question include Maia Reater, Azai Cislacen, and Kaselith Goto; to our best knowledge, all are currently in possession of their mechs, but lack a means to exit Triad 5's atmosphere, and are likely beginning to run low on power for their respective mechs.

'No infection risk is known to exist, but nevertheless, this is not a mission to take lightly, as the local monstergirls are often stubborn about allowing others into their territory, and at worst can become highly aggressive. That being said, they are also sapient beings, and therefore non-lethal takedowns will be rewarded, whilst intentional killing without due cause will be strongly punished. I will be present to assist the mission, as will Ray in her mech, Squiddy.

'Once you have all fed yourselves, you will prepare for departure from the hangar at precisely 1200 hours. You will not participate in this mission if you are late. Enjoy your meals.' With that said, Roxanne stepped away from the front of the hall again, and after some thought, decided to seat herself next to Eileen. She didn't often eat with other monstergirls, and Roxanne imagined she would appreciate the company even if she herself did not eat. One might consider that a machine with the capacity to imagine ought to be impossible, and yet, Roxanne could do it, visualising scenarios as they arose.

'Greetings. Is your meal satisfactory?' she asked. There were elements to Eileen's meal that would allow her to generate thrust from her wings, of course, as there would be in a non-humanised Valstrax's standard environment. That thrust may well see little use whilst Eileen was piloting her mech, but it was nonetheless a notable feature of her species.

Into The Dark: Tales of Maroleth

Truly, we are the quietest people around.

Capes of Denver: A Worm RP

Chad Belton: On the Move

It was a couple of minutes after he left the house that Chad received Sheila’s text: We have visitors. Don’t know how long they’re planning on staying, but I could use some help if you think you have the time. Let me know? “Help”, the code red phrase, not to mention the other coded messages. The base was under attack, then, and what good planning he’d engaged in: he had his Cape outfit on him, all folded up in his backpack. Why wouldn’t he? But, at this sort of time... was he truly needed? Maybe, maybe not... ah, but he couldn’t really. The teachers might be upset if he didn’t-

...no they wouldn’t. They barely noticed him to begin with, if at all. He was a good enough student, and that was all they cared about. Not teaching him anything new, not helping protect him from the bullying he’d suffered, not fucking giving him any sort of helping hand, but maybe he’d bite it off anyway of they did, then start shredding the arm connected to it, let their blood pour out and the muscle and cartilage fly all over the ground-

‘Yeah, I’ve got time,’ he murmured to himself, sending back a text to Sheila specifically: I can make it. He always tended to leave a little early... a lot early anyway, so if he went at a moderate jog the whole way there, and back afterwards, he could probably make it into his first class in good time, even if he had to change. And he would, of course. Could just put the firefighter stuff over his school uniform... yeah, yeah that’d work out.

Moderate jog, then. He trained, he was fit enough to handle that. He recalled the building, figured out the route from where he was in his mind, and began to move toward the HQ. He’d stop off a few minutes away just to change into costume, and then... whatever needed helping with, he'd help with.

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Verum Autem Ex

@Old Amsterdam@ProPro
Though he at first nodded along agreeably with Leonard’s statements, the eyes of the not-quite-confidence-empowered Stand user widened with realisation of what Leonard implied, his Stand fading entirely in the process. After a moment of thought, consideration if you would about his possible future paths in life, Bugsy’s nodding intensified, though it was more of an awkward head-lolling.

‘Well, yes- I mean, you know, no- I mean, uh... I won’t be, you know, that sort of guy, right?’ Bugsy over-clarified rapidly, that false confidence clearly balking once faced with a contentious challenge, at least for now. ‘The sort of guy who uh, you know, doesn’t do bad things. I’m going down the straight and narrow from now on, is what I’m saying. I’ll become the cliff like Blue said, or at least stick to being a regular old square even if doing what I love doesn’t go the way it ought to! The squarest square who ever squared, because you know what? It’s hip to be square!’ This last statement was punctuated with a light gasp, and the muttered phrase ‘Ohh, that’s actually a really good name for him...’ with no further context.

‘Uhh. Okay, so that’s settled,’ Bugsy concluded. ‘So are you just gonna leave now, or do I go with you wherever? Because if not, I mean...’ It took him another couple of moments to consider whether he really ought to say what he was going to say next, but eventually head-lolled assuredly and asked ‘I wanna get your numbers. You two know what you’re talking about, obviously, and I reckon you might want updates on how things go for me, right?’

Monster Girl Mecha Academy

A.L.M.A. Unit "Roxanne"

It seemed Jenny was alright. And so was Eileen. In that case, it appeared Roxanne didn't need to intervene. Of course, it quickly became evident that this wasn't the case, as Jenny first drew Cahreli's ire, and then Cahreli in turn drew Fellicia's; Ray's intervention made Roxanne's own intervention unnecessary, though, so she left the situation be, simply staying put for the time being.

And then the Hive arrived. As they took stock of the situation, Rose directed her workers to assist - Hyacinth comforted Ray, who seemed to be saddened by the argument; Tulip and Daffodil greeted Jenny cheerily; and Lavender, rather than helping, simply wandered around the room. Rose, meanwhile, approached Roxanne, asking what exactly was going on, to which Roxanne responded as follows:

'Ray and I have a mission to deliver to all students. This will be better elaborated upon once the entire student body is present to listen. Jenny's movement through the mess hall has disrupted the layout of the tables. Cahreli has confronted Jenny about the table disruption. Fellicia has confronted Cahreli about her behaviour, climbing Jenny's frame and using her quills to silence her and draw her attention. Ray is attempting to settle the situation, and seems to be on the verge of crying as a result. You and the rest of the Hive have arrived, and you have directed your drones to help settle the situation. I would elaborate on how, but you are already aware of what each is doing. How are you all feeling today?'

It could be extremely boring, listening to Roxanne talk for long periods of time with as little inflection as she did. She had, however, addressed Rose's question, relaying the situation as exactly as it was plausible to.

Into The Dark: Tales of Maroleth

@POOHEAD189
*reads January 5th*

*looks at date*

oh

@Gardevoiran

Capes of Denver: A Worm RP

Alessa Heather: Little Owl Cafe --> PRT HQ

Alessa wasn’t sure how much of her speech had been heard by whom, and she did hope Elliot would agree, but it was nice to see that at least Evelyn and Lily were in agreement: they needed to meld more, and with that in mind, they should probably focus on their mission first. Collin and his contact needed to be dealt with.

...actually, it occurred to her as she received the response text back from Decoy, maybe the two ideas can work together.

Her back and forth with Decoy was fairly solid, and sorted out a framework for the actual plan. Once that was sorted out, she sent a group text to the other Wards, informing everybody of the actual plan, and reminding them how tantamount silence on the matter was now that they were starting to draw back toward the HQ. Entering through the back entrance was a simple enough affair, and sensible given the circumstances; once they were all in, they made their way to the Wards HQ, Alessa in particular making small talk with Lillian about their relationship, and making a more concerted effort to say some stuff to Elliot in order to try and approach him emotionally, rather than leaving him feeling like he was unapproachable.

‘Okay, guys, I’ve been thinking,’ she uttered pleasantly as they began to enter their section of the building. Faking genuine emotion was simple enough, when one had practiced disguising their voice for an alternate identity for a year and a bit - and, of course, when that emotion was already present to some extent anyway. ‘We had our discussion about how we need to be more cohesive as a team, and I thought it’d take longer to come up with a starting point, but I’ve had an idea already. Ladies and gentlemen,’ she announced with quite a bit of excitement, ‘I think it might be high-time we took a hike around Red Rocks Park. Just us five, no costumes or missions or anything, as soon as we're all ready to go today. What do you guys think? Because I think we need a break from that stress, you know, it can't be helping how we interact with one another.’