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Synergy Storage Facility @vietmyke & @Theyra Jin wasn't being subtle and Vyska was quick to notice. However, the look in her eyes wasn't one of judgment or ridicule. She well was aware it was impossible to know what people in positions of power wanted. On top of it, to find yourself suddenly surrounded by not one but two of these individuals had to be setting off some kind of alarm. Vyska had lived with similar scrutiny all her life, and not just from those in the Lower Ring. Those in the Upper Ring often approached her in much the same way, they were just better equipped to express it. They were also usually wrong about her. Jin was not completely off. As Reman approached the group, Vyska peeled her eyes away from the Pipe Runner and turned to give the newest face a nod. "Right on time." She said, flashing him a smile just as a lighter finally found the end of the cigarette in her mouth. She leaned forward a bit and helped coax the flame onto the end. Once it was lit, she took a drag and then pulled it from her mouth between two fingers before gesturing with it at Jin. "Mr. Xuoshi. This is Jin Wei. We will be riding with him today." She then motioned toward the girl between them, smoke now billowing from her mouth. "The energetic one is Sumire." "Hello!" There was another salute. "And you've met Jack." She finished, pointing at the man standing next to her who was replacing the lighter in the folds of his jacket. "Mr. Xuoshi." Jack stated, simply. He reached for a handshake as Vyska took another pull on her cigarette. "It's nice to see you again. "I do believe that is everyone." At this point, Jack was handing her the jacket she was to wear, as she was already beginning to remove her cloak. "So... I know the visit is sudden and some of you may be wondering why we're here. I want to take this moment right now to assure you that no one is in trouble." A folded cloak was deposited into one of the larger pockets of the jacket. Surprisingly, the fabric, although appearing to be rather thick, folded well and didn't take up too much space. "A large part of my taking over the company from my father is getting a feel for every aspect of the job and seeing where things can be improved. This includes Pipe Running." In a quick, fluid motion, the jacket was opened and pulled over one arm and then the other. It sat comfortably around her and looked plenty adequate to weather the harsher environment beyond the walls. "Just like every part of SynEn, you do important work. Work that could cripple the company if done improperly or not at all. For that reason, I'm grateful. For what you do and again for taking the time, even if it wasn't your decision." She took another drag from the cigarette. "Mr. Xuoshi is here to discuss the possibility of expanding their operation. More than just security or a tool that is easily lost. We know there are often gaps in the coverage of the pipe and when spread too thin, many of you are left to defend your stretch of the pipe by yourself. We're hoping to change that and seeing what you do in person, experiencing it first hand, will give us a better idea of how to do it. Even more so if our guide is the 'most senior' and 'safest' of the Pipe Runners working for me." She smiled again at Jin. "We'll be in your hands." "Did you have any questions for me before we head out?"

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Soup Kitchen @KillamriX88 Prompt. Weiyuan and Chua-won enter the soup kitchen to find a large room filled to the brim with energy and conversation. While the outside is currently and is expected to remain cast in shadow, the interior is well lit by stark white fluorescent tubing in the ceiling. The lack of windows creates a space that feels crowded and claustrophobic but a part of that can also be blamed on the unusually large crowd that's been drawn to the dining hall due to the anniversary. The air is a little warmer than some may like and the smell is unpleasant one moment and the next, tastes of the food that's being served at the other end. It's confusing and at times too noisy, but compared to the world just beyond the doors of the kitchen, this is a temporary slice of a better life for most. Stretching around the tables that have been situated in the center of the room is a rather long line that is moving somewhat briskly, thankfully. Anyone who isn't able to stand and wait in the line is seated and served by volunteers. Everyone else is or was crowded around a particularly important looking figure with a stethoscope around her neck who is currently engaged in conversation. As the two enter, no one seems to take notice, save a girl who's sucking the juice out of a bottle in her hand. A short child of around 11 years of age with messy red hair that's pouring down either side of her dirty face from a hat. Her clothing, a sleeveless red jacket over a stained blue shirt and blue jean shorts, is ragged but still holding up. She pulls the bottle from her lips and looks them both up and down but says nothing. @Abstract Proxy Sonam by this point had already expelled all the relieved air from her lungs. Although arriving only a little later than expected, to see Vasra in the kitchen and already in her work was a weight off her chest. There was very little Sonam could control outside, even when considering she was a lot of the reason why the nights outside were so dark. But here, whatever light the doctor brought with her could be preserved. In here, there was a safety to being surrounded by the people that needed you most and in the Lower Ring, it was never more true for the Doctor than when she was in the soup kitchen. Already she was being absconded by those whose lives she touched. Families held together by an uncompromising determination. Bodies held together by her more honest touch. Broken minds found purchase in her warm eyes and genuine smile, a smile that would fade for the briefest of moments before finding its way back to her lips again as another would come to greet her. She was as a boat without a sail in an ocean that was eager to swallow her and yet, she continued to paddle forward. By the time Vasra had made her request, Sonam had already stepped to the side of the serving station with an extra bowl in hand. She thread herself through a small crowd still waiting for their food and found the Doctor near a table with a few empty seats. Already the doctor was considering those afflicted who were expecting to see her. "I haven't had a bite to eat today, and it would seem that I have new patients waiting for me here." "There's always new patients." Sonam replied. "I mean look at the crowd now. Remember when it was just a handful?" Sonam knew tending to them all was not an easy task and it was any wonder how the woman still had the energy left or the determination to continue to work in such conditions. Sonam was doubtful the single bowl of soup she'd brought would be of any help, but she'd set it down at a table and made a show of guiding the doctor to an empty chair before picking up her bag and moving it a little closer. She then sat opposite her, and while she was happy to see a benevolent face, hers was a mixture of vigilance and apprehension. Her eyes continued to shift over the crowd, reading as best she could the intentions of a sea of strangers. She noted a small bubble of space between the pair and the next set of ears and took advantage of the small isolation. "They've doubled the price." She began, holding up a hand as if to stop any thoughts on the matter from reaching her. "Don't worry. It's been handled and there's no change for you but... you gotta be careful. Things are looking a little dangerous, Vasra. People know. More people than should and I get that it's important, believe you me. This means a lot to you and to them and it's the easiest money I've made, but there are walls closing in. As much as I love pretending to help here to get this stuff to you, I'd hate to see yo-..." Eyes of exhaustion were regarding her words carefully. An exhaustion that had been battered into submission by a will trying to find the right in all the wrong. Things like this weren't meant to last and Sonam could only chew on her lie for so long. "You need to get some rest, Doc."

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Synergy Storage Facility @vietmyke "You can all stop saluting me." Vyska began with a smile. She gave the Pipe Runner a greeting nod. "I know interrupting your day isn't ideal but I want to thank you for your willingness to take us along with you." She then gestured to the man standing a little behind her. "You already know who I am. This is Jack. Head of security, here to further complicate matters. He'll be following me around whether or not I dismiss him." "That's not true." The introduced man stepped around Vyska and reached for a handshake. Although his sharper features and flat stare came off as imposing or too serious, the small smile on his lips softened his features just enough to be approachable, at least in that instant. "I do hope you don't mind but I will be tagging along. And before you ask, she has come prepared." In the crook of his left arm was a cognac leather jacket that didn't look like it would fit. He himself was wrapped in a tailored dark gray suit and tie while Vyska wore something as dressed up if not more. A dark cloak obscured most of her attire but underneath was a thin golden tinged shirt that was flexible and breathed quite well. Her black pants were flared slightly at the top and tapered toward her boots where they were tucked in. They were of a light but durable material that provided protection against the elements without sacrificing her freedom of movement, or the impression of her wealth. "Jin's got some helmets for you too!" Sumire, who was standing a little off to the side, was tapping her head with her knuckles when suddenly, the light in her eyes changed. "Not that it's dangerous!" There was a nervous laugh as she continued. "'Cause he is such a safe driver. We take safety very seriously here." She was nodding now, her eyebrows made to look as serious as she could manage and was giving Jin a reassuring thumbs-up from under the tablet in her arms. Eyebrow raised, Vyska looked over at the glass panorama that was still populated with information on her ride. Just under the logged patches to the pipe was another number representing logged repairs to the vehicle registered to him, along with the total cost. It was not small. "'Safe' huh?" She said with a smile, giving Jin a knowing look. Her hand slipped under the cloak and fished a small rectangular shaped object from an invisible pocket. With careful fingers, she opened one end and pulled from it a cigarette that was placed between her lips. "Not to worry Mr. Wei. We're not here to talk about that." She replaced the packet as her eyes fell expectantly on Jack, who was busy searching his person for something he could not find.

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Badgermole Stadium @canaryrose The girl nodded at Chu, her eyes bouncing from the star, to the box and then to the opposing team. It was obvious despite her efforts to hide it that nerves were trying to get the best of her and for reasons that were clearer to some. The season had been rough on her. The first few games saw Li mostly on the bench and when she did get some time in the light, she'd fumbled some of the plays. An earlier game that ended in a tie would have been an easy win if only she had been more focused but she found herself struggling. And it wasn't like the team wasn't supportive of her. They'd reassured her plenty that many started much the same way but like them, they could see in her potential. The improvements she made and how much better she was now than when she started. However, all Li could think about was how she relied so much on the woman next to her to carry. Chu had been a hero to many, not least of all to Li and so when she joined, she'd promise to prove herself an asset and not a liability. It had been a fight every time she was on the field but this time it was different. He was actually here and she could feel the weight of his presence on her shoulders like the heat of the afternoon sun. She shook her head in an attempt to rid herself of instrusive thoughts and focused on Chu's rallying. "You're right." She began, her eyes focused now on the woman who had entered the field and was making her way to the center between both teams. Jie Xiao, a renowned singer, was to sing the nation's anthem at the start of the game. A tall and lithe woman with pale skin and long flowing brunette hair that cascaded down to her mid back. The sun glinted against striking green eyes and golden flecks tied to her neck and wrists and drew deep shadows in the folds of her gown that danced around her thin frame. A black and white striped fabric that seemed to encircle her like a wave leaving just enough to the imagination. She strode to her spot in front of a waiting mic. "It's just you know... the King. And the crowd. And the anniversary. And the other team and their trophies and for spirit's sake everyone in the Wolfbats is so hot and so damn good. They've got Kanna too." Jie took in a deep breath, parted her lips and sang a note that sounded like velvet on silk wind. A soft, pleasurable sound that felt as though she were whispering something sweet in the ear. A secret for every person in attendance. The beginning of the song of the Republic. "How are you so calm?" Li turned to look at the star stickball player, her neck craned up ever so slightly. There was an ounce of awe in her eyes behind a well of nervous determination.

Code Vein (Closed)

A K A I A

A K A I A

_{The Crow's Nest · Early Morning
@FunnyGuy & @khosmik
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Akaia had been ready to return to her room to make preparations to leave when Erik stopped her. She'd already dismissed whoever it was outside and with Vincent having jumped through the window to greet the strange individual, she felt the issue handled. Besides, there was little she could offer if there was a fight, especially now.

"And what are you growing in the pot? A brand new staff?"

She shook her head. "Share tree." She said, finally looking up at him. Whatever excitement had found her only moments before was already drained from her face, replaced by the same distant look in her eyes she was carrying around before. She sniffled. "I grow with no magic. Like Share." Her eyes then snapped to the door and she nodded toward it. "Stranger outside is tall and smelly. Not Share." The information was relayed flatly with the tiniest hint of disappointment.

She remained there as her eyes returned to look up at him, as if she were waiting for instructions.

ᵗʰᵉ Last Avatar.

Book One: Control.
_{347 AG. Ba Sing Se. Midday.}
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Lower Ring @KillamriX88 The day's light struggled to reach the narrow paths cut between towering structures. Every building cast a shadow impossibly wide that seldom left the streets and for many districts, entire lives were left in perpetual dark just out of reach of the sun. Warmth was not freely given, especially in the lower levels and with a haze in the air suffocating the oxygen that lingered too long in the city's depth, every unfiltered breath was an ice knife that tasted of sewage. It was bearable for some but unpleasant for most and a constant reminder that the maze of steel and concrete surrounding them all was the only home they had left. This was as good as it was going to get. Celebrations of the anniversary had begun mostly muted, isolated to the privacy of homes or the dive bars on every street corner, but eventually, the festivities, if one could call it that, spilled out into the streets. Some took advantage of the added commotion, pilfering what they could off unsuspecting or drunk individuals. Others kept to themselves, content with continuing on their way to a destination known only to them, sinking into the background noise of the city and refusing to partake in a day they took no pleasure from. Some didn't move at all and instead chose to remain huddled or wedged into the black space they could find. Folding themselves into an edifice where they could suffer in silence. A pile of trash or needles or waste marked the small patch of dirt or concrete they couldn't even call their own. Still some looked beyond their cage. A group of those more in tune to the happenings of the wider City had found themselves gathered around the cracked and stained glass that marked the front of a Zen den. Neon lights illuminated their faces, each one expressing a delight as they studied the monitor on the other side. Shinobi News was broadcasting a game from the Middle Ring. Their Airship was currently hovering above the stadium and their cameras trained on the crowds gathered just outside. A familiar name to some was being shouted in unison while those in the picture had hoisted a portrait of a star high enough for all to see. Those who weren't watching were whispering. The soup kitchen was open and there had been talk in some circles that a very practiced doctor of some renown frequented the place. But if a party or a bowl of soup or a high was not worth chasing in the now, there was also talk of something else brewing in the Underground.

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Synergy Storage Facility @Theyra & @vietmyke "Miss Moon!" An excitable voice called out to the pair from across the control room. Turning around, a golden haired woman and her shadow eyed the smaller figure approaching them both. Her white locks danced gleefully around her bobbing frame as she cleared the distance between herself and the visitors. "Welcome! Welcome! I do hope the flight over was pleasant and the air here isn't too much of a nuisance." She said with a smile. "It's not at all..." The woman began, looking over the rest of the room and panorama beyond. "This is not my first time in the Lower Ring and truth be told, I've become quite accustomed to the smell." There beside the trio was a 180 degree lookout with an uninterrupted view of the dry landscape just beyond the walls of the city. Large pipes jutted out from the walls below them and stretched into the distance, disappearing as they curved around mountains in the far distance. On the glass panel was a digital readout with squares hovering over seemingly insignificant sections of the vista. Although slightly lined up, one was painting the side of the mountain and another seemed to be riding the horizon. Each one had a name attached, a status and a distance from the storage facility and every now and again, each of them would move slightly, tracking whatever it was that no one else could see. However, One of these highlighted areas was significantly closer than the rest and judging by how quickly its position on the panorama changed, it was closing in fast. "It's Sumire, correct?" "Yes ma'am, it is!" The girl replied, saluting. "Pleasure!" "Pleasure." The woman smiled and then nodded toward the approaching dot. A miniscule thing in a sea of sand kicking up an angry cloud of dust behind it. "Is that our ride?" "That is correct! Jin Wei is his name." Sumire began tapping the pad in her hand and then swiped across the screen toward the glass of the window. An image of a man with ashen air appeared alongside a plethora of information that began populating the space next to his face: Time of service, infractions against him of which there were none, a tally of survivors apprehended and threats subdued and a much larger number of patches to the pipe's infrastructure logged. "One of your most senior Pipe Runners and the absolute best at what he does, ma'am. That's a Sumire guarantee!" There was another smile from the woman as she checked the time readout that seemed printed on the skin of her wrist. "I'm looking forward to meeting him then. As I'm sure our business partner is as well. He should be arriving shortly."

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Soup Kitchen @Abstract Proxy The more she visited, the more difficult it was for her to pretend she didn't want to be here. It was even harder considering she was no longer on the other side, and the difference that simple distinction made was not an insignificant one, especially to her. Back when the roles were reversed, the simple gesture of giving meant the world to her. So much so that to this day, she could still vividly remember the details of her first bowl of soup, especially considering she wasn't there to receive any. An act of kindness so small and yet so heavy a thing she felt it in her chest. And the warmth, pouring off the woman like a calm breeze off desert sand. Then there was that twisting feeling in her gut eating away at her subconscious. A warning or a reminder that things like this weren't meant to last. Not anymore at least. But she could still remember, and that had to mean something. She handed a bowl to another pair of outstretched hands and her efforts were rewarded with a smile and a look of gratitude from a tired set of eyes. "Thank you." The old woman managed to say. Sonam flashed a return smile. "Let me know if you need another." She replied before straightening up and turning around. She could feel that warm pressure building in her chest again and a sensation that was becoming less and less unfamiliar but pleasant all the same. Maybe she's not so dumb after all.. The kitchen was rather busy today. Most of the tables had been filled fairly early and she had to assume it had something to do with the celebration. Luckily for the volunteers, preparations had been made for the extra mouths. Bowls of hot soup were being handed out at a steady pace while empty stomachs were being filled just as quickly. As people left the hall, more entered and for a while it remained at capacity. Despite this, the atmosphere remained jovial. Hunger turned to laughter and desperate faces became a genuine smile. Stories were shared of lives lived and pieces of themselves were passed to one another as if an invitation to share in the weight of their burdens. It was always a wonder to Sonam how a place like this continued to exist under the muck of the city. Just outside those doors, all the rules changed. You could never be sure of anything. Every person you passed became a question and every building a place to hide. Around every corner was a threat or an opportunity and if you weren't watching where you stepped, the City itself could swallow you up. But in the tiniest corner of the Lower Ring, a bubble existed where everyone lived for one another. A taste of a time long past, she was sure. Yet, even when inside that bubble, old habits died hard. Amongst the sea of familiar faces were a myriad of new ones. Although hardly a cause for alarm for most, especially here, for the overly cautious it was a change that was impossible to ignore. Rumors had begun to spread of a kind heart in the Lower Ring who was particularly skilled at healing, and if things kept up, it wouldn't take long for those rumors to reach the wrong people. Sonam checked the time on her watch. "She should be here soon." She said to herself, looking around. A little pouch around her waist hidden under the folds of her outerwear began to feel a little heavier.

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Badgermole Stadium @canaryrose Although celebration of the anniversary end of the Great War was taking place in all rings, the events of the Middle were without a doubt the most anticipated. A large scale parade had been planned that was to encircle the entire ring, followed by a concert and afterparty that was to last long into the night. The excitement could be felt by all and was dwarfed only by the excitement of the Pro Stickball match that was to precede everything else. Crowds had gathered outside Badgermole stadium, all of them eager to spectate a most anticipated match between the Middle Ring's finest and that of the undefeated Wolfbats of the Upper Ring. The rivalry between the two had been heated for years, but while the two always went head to head in the Nationals, the Wolfbats always seemed to take the trophy, beating out their competition handily. It wasn't until Chu Hua Yuan had joined the underdogs that things began to change. The gap between the two teams had begun to close until at long last, the Badgermoles lost to the Wolfbats by only a single point in last year's game. Although a loss, to the runner-ups, it felt like a win. Everyone expected them to overtake the champions and finally bring the trophy to the Middle Ring, and everyone expected that Chu Hua Yuan was going to be the one to do it. Throngs were outside cheering her name, wearing her face and hoisting posters of the star into the air. Everyone else was already headed inside and finding their seats.

C O N C E P T S ᵇʸ ᴱˣᴵᵗ

post1

Code Vein (Closed)

A K A I A

A K A I A

_{The Crow's Nest · Early Morning
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She'd heard everything Erik had said. Understood the mission as well as she possibly could and had even taken a moment or two to study the... drawing. But it wasn't until the alarm went off that her mind became truly anchored in the present. Everything before then had been a haze. What replaced that haze now was an unknown that was all too quickly turning into a hope. Light suddenly returned to her eyes and as she straightened out and turned toward the front door, her lungs pulled in its first full breath of air for that day, eliciting a gasp from the Sidhe.

She was out the door of the strategy room and sprinting after Vincent in the blink of an eye, following him down the hall and stopping only when the man had jumped through the window after having already tried the door.

Oh...

She refused to follow, not willing to risk her life at the hands of what was soon to be a very angry Poppy. Instead, she tried the latch on the door herself and after only a moment of fiddling with the mechanism, and with one hand still cradling the pot, she undid the latch and bolt and pulled the front door open. The disheveled and unfamiliar sight of Indigo immediately killed whatever burning hope had blossomed within her and already, a well was opening up in her gut. Her tired eyes regarded the stranger coldly, as if to blame her for the absence.

"No Share, Win-sent." She said, shutting the door.

What Are You Listening To?

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	O N A F L Y 2022 _____________________ scottymays _____________________ where tf am i _________

^idk.

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Thank you again for everyone who submitted a sheet. At this time, you should have received a DM from me letting you know if your character was selected or not. If you haven't received a message, let me know and I'll resend it again.

Otherwise, we have our team!

EDIT: If you character was selected, you may move your CS into the 'Characters' tab.

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Time to check RPG every five minutes for the next 12 hours I guess? Good luck to everyone!

@canaryrose

No no lol. You can come back at 6pm. I have to look over everything while at work so I can't properly sit down and get messages out until after I'm off.