Lionhearted

BLEAK

Off-topic question: are you guys Discord-kind of people? I could set something up for us, if that is the majority wish.

@Prisk

I am not opposed to having a discord. But if others don't prefer it, then I'm sure we could definitely make do without it as well.

BLEAK

Holy. Shit. That post was awesome.

I probably wouldn't have Artemis drive because she doesn't really know the area that well. :p

BLEAK

A R T E M I S C H A S E

◄ HELSTON ▎ FRIDAY ▎ 26 OCTOBER ►

Being lost in a trance of memories wasn’t planned for Artemis, but her crystalline eyes were narrow and spaced. She stared into the distance, towards the booming sounds of battle that somehow called out to her—not to the baker or the caretaker that she portrayed herself to be, but the warrior within that embeds itself beneath her condemning fortitude. She took a breath in, and she tasted the metal and blood again. She furrowed her brows, and she remembered the expressions of war. She blinked her eyes, rapidly to shake her thoughts away, but still, she felt pain.

Venser crept out from the corner of her eye and Artemis gasped, jumping back lightly in surprise and shaking the daze that consumed her. She looks around in confusion, obvious that she was lost in thought. First, Artemis took in her surroundings, eying the gathered fighters and discerning the type of crowd that she’d fight alongside. It was different than what she remembered. They didn’t bear the union colors, they didn’t organize themselves in squads of uniformed militants, they didn’t have strict supervisors instructing their coming suicide. They were a diverse group of simple citizens of Helston, but they bore a bravery that bled more genuine than Artemis had seen within the Unions. A peculiar group formed and Artemis squinted in wonder from the strange aura that they released: a short girl, a masked man, a smoking militant. Beyond the three was another group that appeared incompetent, but somehow released a sense of hidden intimidation. She couldn't pinpoint how the tides of battle would flow.

Artemis looked to Venser, then to the gun in her hand. She sheathed the gun into the holster that scrunched the fabric of her pants around her right thigh. She listened closely to his spiel, becoming reminded again of the lionheart that Venser was—he spoke bluntly and straight to the point, with confidence and certainty. He was a worthy companion to Artemis, and she valued the glimpse of kindness that lied just behind his imposing and cautious demeanor.

She stood in silence, thinking, after he finished speaking. The rundown he gave her stirred her stomach with emotions. Her gut tightened at the thought of inhuman creatures since she prepared more for a union attack in which she’d have more of an upper hand. This reminded her of the difficulty that went hand in hand with every battle, but also her instincts that made her rise. The aeonic fighter within her jostled her body. Artemis swallowed hard before speaking sternly, “We’ll ride into the fray with the rest of them, but refrain from engaging on the enemy until we understand enough about it to initiate some sort of counter-attack. It doesn't look like they're giving us much time to strategize since they're already piling people into the convoys. From the sounds of it, we might be on the wrong side of victory. But maybe Helston will meet it’s saviours today.” Artemis paused, “The sun is bright.”

Artemis walked closer to Venser to truly see the determination in his eyes. She let out a sigh, almost appearing afraid to join the battle, not from the situation at hand, but from the release of restraints that she bore for so long, “Venser. I’m not sure how well you are with a gun, or how well you serve in battle, but,” she stopped herself from becoming emotional or showing weakness, “I know you’re full of surprises, so I’ll try to not picture your dead body at the foot of some alien.” Artemis let out a faint smile before proceeding past him to join the others to board the convoys. Whether he would follow behind her or not, Artemis let her mind scurry back to it’s memories for the short moment that she had left before returning to the battlefield once again. Venser’s smart. Their instincts will work together, Artemis was sure.

* * * * *

As much as Artemis tried to prepare herself mentally for combat again, she found that it still came at her as hard and fast as the red creature did towards the many fighters of Helston. One by one, they met their fate, whether it was as gruesome as being eaten alive or as fast as being thrown an absurd distance towards the concealed horizon. Artemis’ breaths were quick, not from physical exhaustion, but from her slow awakening in the midst of what felt to be a dust storm. The small aliens charged themselves towards her mercilessly and in groups. Her aim was rusty, but she steadied her shots well enough to shoot down the creatures before they got too close.

Artemis felt cowardly, leaning against the convoy for camouflage and safety. The enemy was far too unknown for Artemis to charge in confidently, so she watched from a distance and saved her ammunition. Bullets seemed to have little to no effect on the red creature and it’s speed was impeccable given how strong it was. Helston didn’t deserve to face a creature of this magnitude.

It wasn’t until the reveal of the first aeon that the morale of Helston would increase. He was strong with his abilities and he casted confidently, almost as if the range was his specialty. Artemis, on the other hand, preferred close-quarters, but her fighting techniques were geared towards humans, not aliens. The array of bullets that continued to rain upon the creature wouldn’t allow for her to engage anyway. The masked man hurdled pillars of earth towards the creature—a powerful attack, but too slow in comparison to the creatures high speed. His next attack showed a weakness of the enemy: the light from his ability caused the creature to become cautious.

Artemis saw her chance to dart into close-quarters once the creature became shrouded in a cloud of dust. The gunshots ceased from the enemy being obscured. Artemis bolted forward and unleashed blasts of aeonic power from the heels of her boots, causing her to close the gap between the cloud of uncertainty and her quickly. Within the instance, the trimming of her suit became tinted with blue and yellow as aeonic power flowed through it’s complex material. It was faint beneath her clothes and could only be seen if looking close enough. But with the speed from her blast, she could only be seen hurling herself into melee range and disappearing into the cloud.

Artemis skidded in a circle along the dusty terrain, taking in as much as she could before the creature would notice her close-presence. It was tall and mighty, humanoid looking but with menacing teeth and threatening tentacles that protruded from it’s face. She was now close enough to hear the snarls of it’s wrath and anger, eying it’s body as she skid to try and find any weakpoints, but it’s skin appeared thick and protective, especially in it’s hands and feet which implied knowledge of close-quarter combat. Her scarf barely held on from her speed as she ducked her chin into it’s thick fabric to avoid inhaling the debris, readying herself. The best way to attack in the moment would be to match the speed of the creature, so she clenched her fists as the gloves of her suit hissed with aeonic power. With a jab of her fist, a mix of electricity and extreme force jolted at the creatures stomach. She uppercut with her other fist at the same spot, causing the creature to lift up from it’s feet from the combination of her aeonic strength and her blast attack. The blast caused the the cloud of dust to disperse quickly as strings of lightning flew out with the wind of her enhanced force, revealing the two of them. Assuming that a shower of bullets would follow the reveal, Artemis blasted from her feet again to disengage fluidly. The creature was stunned by her attack, but regained his composure quickly and assumed a stance for his next attack.

Artemis tried to flee from his sight, but she noticed the lack of eyes on the creature. She found cover by the convoy as she pondered. She learned two things thus far: it probably senses the presence of them somehow since it can’t see, and it quivered at the conjured light. The fight seemed to take a hopeful turn as Artemis continued to study the creature.

Cape Córdoba University — A Slice of Life Roleplay

Interested!

BLEAK

Finally posted! Sorry it's a bit dry and kind of boring/lame. I wrote it spanning over maybe a week because I've just been a little bit drained lately. Next round I should be better!

BLEAK

A R T E M I S C H A S E

◄ HELSTON ▎ FRIDAY ▎ 26 OCTOBER ►

The sunrise was Artemis’ favorite part of the day—symbolizing a fresh start, while casting a faint, yet fervent, crescendo of warmth after a chilling night. The mornings were calming for her, savoring each glorified moment with meditative appreciation, even in the coming of the colder seasons. Her morning routine buried her past with tranquility, pacifying the darkness placed carefully in the back of her mind with the aid of habitual movements: making coffee with her breakfast, doing yoga after her workout, making sure Meredith takes her medication, etc. Artemis prefered the early start, which made it all the more easier for her to open up the bakery and welcome in the morning regulars.

Artemis’ apartment shared the same building as the bakery, being just above it, in fact, located on a corner with heavy foot traffic, thus welcoming all the employees of the neighboring businesses. Some come and go within seconds, grabbing a quick coffee while others requested their pastries heated or their sandwiches modified. Artemis catered to the public pleasantly, rather enjoying it since it beat her previous work with it’s more innocent gratifications. The rush continued smoothly, resembling a typical busy morning which was seemingly redundant, but all the while, satisfying for her. The business had large windows that allowed the sun to light up the shop, adding to it’s cozy ambiance with delicious-looking pastries and the scent of comforting coffee. As time continued, the sun’s morning glow transitioned into its afternoon rays, signaling the end of the morning rush and the start of a midday break. A familiar face walked in, the bells on the door rustling together to sound his entry.

“Jayce, how are you doing today?” Artemis spoke softly with a glimpse of a smile. She averted her eyes to him for a quick moment, remembering that same, grey long sleeve that he wore two weeks ago, paired with tan joggers that he hasn’t washed since the stain from drops of coffee he accidentally spilt days ago. He copped a very skaterish fashion, dressing up his otherwise casual outfit with silver chains and expensive jewelry.

Jayce always eyed Artemis before he would actually respond to her welcome, unaware that people could notice his eyes carefully scan over her appearance. She ignored it though. Jayce had that wide smile that he couldn’t seem to rid of in the presence of her, “I’m well! How is Ms. Artemis?”

“Oh you know,” she paused, wiping crumbs from the countertops into her hands, clearly tired of answering the same question all day, “Same thing, different day.”

Jayce chuckled, “I think the phrase goes ‘same shit, different day’.”

Artemis released the crumbs in her hand into the trash, turning quick on her heel and responding abruptly, “Well, I like to keep my language appropriate for the sake of my customers.” She mimicked his smile for a second, showing off her comeback with a little attitude.

He shook his head, “Naw. I think it’s just that you don’t get angry. You’re too sweet for your own good.”

“Being angry is a waste of time,” Artemis retorted, uninterested in his dispute. She quickly poured his usual cup of coffee and handed it over the counter to him.

Jayce reached over to take the offered coffee, “Yeah, well try saying that when someone comes at you with a knife.” After pulling her hand away, he quickly grasped it. Although it was with playful intentions, the comment attached made it darker, causing it to stir her mind with unease and irritation that was protruding from it’s shackles, yet she somehow subdued any defensive maneuvers that she would otherwise perform. Jayce chuckled, trying to lighten the moment from watching her expression fall into concern, “Relax, hun. I’m only messing with you.” He set down a large amount of cash for the small coffee.

“Watch out,” Artemis replied, coldly, “You might lose that hand next time.”

Jayce leaned in with a smirk, whispering seductively under his breath, “Feisty. I kinda like it when --.”

In that moment, the ground shook with tremors. Ones that Artemis’ combative mind could only identify as a possible sign of invasion. The luminous light shined through the bakery, tinting it’s insides with color, but Artemis saw the hues coat everything with signs of danger, but also opportunity. In seconds, she removed her apron, moving to open the door to escort Jayce out of the shop. “Will I see you to--” she interrupted his question with the slam of the door. She locked it, turning over the open/close sign, and lowered all of the blinds so that the inside was well-hidden.

Artemis rushed to shut off the appliances, running to the back to follow stairs up to the apartment. The T.V. played faintly in the background as Meredith rocked back and forth in her chair with knitting needles in hand. Rushing through to her bedroom closet, Artemis began to pull clothes out that buried a safebox with an intricate locking system. Unlocking it hastily to reveal expensive twin pistols that shined with luxury and intensity despite it’s cracks and scrapes from use. Beneath it lied a suit that had specific Devlon technology that aided in defense while being adorned with gadgets that went unnoticed by most viewers. Unfolding the incredible material, she eyed it’s thick fabrics with it’s thin, yet very protective, plating. Artemis took a moment to quickly suppress the playbacks that swarmed her mind from just the mere look of the previously used battle outfit. Artemis changed into it without dwelling on the memories, hiding the suit beneath a flexible, black turtleneck and black, cargo pants. As she looked herself over in the mirror, she only prayed that her attire wouldn’t become damaged enough that it would reveal the union colors of the suit.

“Meredith,” Artemis called out, stuffing clips of ammunition in her pockets while fast walking towards the living room, “I’m going to be heading out there.”

Meredith, calmly placed in her rocking chair and unshaken by the alert that sounded through the atmosphere, turned to Artemis with a look of concern, her hands still knitting away with ease, “You’re going to go out there? You normally decide to stay.”

The expression on Meredith’s aging face portrayed innocence and worry, but Artemis knew what she had to do. Artemis moved in closer, kneeling down to grasp her frail hands gently, stopping her from her swift knitting, “I know. I just--I need to do this. The reward could be big enough to pay everything off.”

“It’s not worth putting yourself in danger. The bakery will provide just fine,” she insisted, rubbing Artemis’ callused hands with assurement.

“I’ll be just fine, don’t you worry.” Artemis spoke with the same tone, holding a gentle smile before pressing her lips against the back of Meredith’s hand. Artemis knew that the bakery wasn’t providing enough income for Meredith’s medical bills, so she felt that she could repay a great debt by providing to Meredith what she provided for her.

“My dear,” Meredith paused, “I can see the fire that lies behind your eyes. It’s been there since the day I met you. I’m just afraid of what might happen when it surfaces. I don’t worry for your safety, I worry for your mind.”

Her words were metaphorical, but nonetheless true. She had a way of speaking with wisdom, and what she speaks is truth. The truth of it was worrying, since Artemis hadn’t faced battle since her retreat from the union. Artemis pursed her lips, taking in the statement as best she could before pressing on, “I’m going to give you this,” Artemis moved to place one of her pistols on the nightstand beside her, “I will try to be as quick as I can.”

Meredith chuckled lightly, “Don’t underestimate me dear. You know I can hear them coming from a mile away.”

Artemis returned the chuckle with a hopeful smile. Meredith did have a strange sense of knowing when anybody was coming. As if she could hear them even before their footsteps, no matter how quiet they would try to be.

Artemis took her phone out, opening a message from someone she now considers her ally: Venser. She replied.

______________________

^{2:10 pm}
I’ll be there soon.

______________________

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Artemis’ motorcycle roared as she sped through the streets. Her blonde ponytail whipped behind her with the tails of her olive green scarf that covered her face up until her crystal eyes. She felt a strange sense of home--within her union armor, rushing into the heat of battle with the enemy unknown. Although, she chose to bury that lifestyle for good reason.

Upon reaching the site, she felt an anchor in her gut, similar to the one she felt during her betrayal to the unions. Artemis ignored it. She needed to do this for the sake of the reward so she casted the apprehension away and gazed off into the horizon towards the sounds of battle. Each gunshot brought back a ounce of her shackled being, while every explosion withdrew haunting memories of her past. It was hard for Artemis to find the balance between the woman she wanted to be, and the soldier she used to be. She shook her head.

Eying the crowd, the amount of people were intimidating and it was almost guaranteed that none of them knew of Artemis since she laid low in Helston. After she reveals herself to the resistance and puts her abilities to use, she’ll potentially become recognized. Who knows what would be made of her afterwards. Her decision to participate with the resistance was quick, and she didn’t think the entire thing through--but Artemis had good instincts and everything would generally fall together in the end. Her hopes were still high.

______________________

^.
I’m ready to do this. I need some sort of game plan. Where are you at? I just parked by the facility. I’m by my motorcycle. Haven’t approached anybody yet.

______________________

She waited for Venser, hoping that he would help her in a plan to engage. Unsheathing her pistol, she held it in hand, trying to get familiar to its weight again, and trying to find comfort in using her talents again.

BLEAK

Ooooo okay. I get it now!

BLEAK

Wait, so should we be flashy in our next post or the post afterwards? Are we bringing our characters to Alice?

BLEAK

Working on my post now. Sorry about the wait! :(

BLEAK

Artemis

_{A R T E M I S C H A S E
◄ 27 ▎ FEMALE ▎ 5’10 ►}

_{P R E S E N C E}

---

Artemis is an ever-changing woman. For years, she was commanded, ordered, and trained to become a mold crafted by a system of leaders who relentlessly strived for control. Once bound by the chains of manipulation, she has broken free to become anew with bursting emotions that she can freely express without fear of consequences. The next chapter of her life unfolded into a complex chain of new beginnings, granting her the key to unlock so many doors that she never realized were available to her. Whom was once compliant and unresisting to her fearful overseers, has become a woman of fortitude while retaining the might of her zealous heart.

A soldier, a spy, a killer, an elite—they demanded it all. All in which she longs to forget, but stains her body and mind worse than the blood of her victims. Of the titles she collected, her pride remained on one—a protector. Although it came from sinister origins, the title sparked within her a hope for independence in which she now relishes in. Artemis is truly a protector, defending those that cannot defend themselves, or those that she deems worthy of protection. She rises from the ashes of the past, seeking nothing but to be greater than the woman she was yesterday, while remaining present to avoid her haunting roots. Eyes forward, she only glances back to realize the distance she’s traveled and the adversities she’s overcome.

Talented as Artemis may be, her charm doesn’t match her captivating beauty as her serious personality stays firm as steel. Her threatening blue eyes, that give both salvation and fear, glisten with ambition and pierce like a bullet. Her long, blonde hair shines even in the midst of combat and her body remains strong and toned while possessing a feminine curve. Romance has never been her strong suit, valuing her closed walls too much to protect her dignity and her new-found independence.

_{C H R O N I C L E}

---

“They called me the valkyrie.”

Soaring in various aircrafts, her escape has always been within the sky. Becoming a pilot of the Devlon Industries was always an honor, but Artemis strived to master this skill set, craving the high altitudes in times of stress or pain. The way the earth looked so small and the ability to travel far away from her troubles created the perfect outlet for a confined girl. Although she could run, she would always return, but with readiness to face her problems head-on. Artemis’ love for flying was soon noted, and what was a hobby was predictably turned into a way of killing. So she learned the controls of a much different aircraft, ones with complex components that dominated the skies and really placed the union’s name within the domain. With careful learning, they soon built her a signature war jet in which people identified as her pegasus, which made the jet adopt it’s winged aesthetics. Within it was her—Artemis, the Valkyrie.

"I did it all for him. I did everything for him."

The title made her father proud, the man that steered her life into a twisted, robotic destiny that was predetermined since her birth. While their connection was built on a foundation of fear and authority, she held onto the faint love tighter than her gun, despite its sparse existence. This caused her to obey for the sake of the bond she struggled to have, causing her to obediently become a needed weapon for the Devlon Industries. Artemis trained hard with mixed emotions that were bottled up beneath her soul, aching to unleash them, but burying them harshly.

"At times I felt like a robot, incapable of being my own person. And still, I did it for him."

Thus, Artemis proceeded with her life, doing as she was demanded, and performing her best with every task. From spying, to sending messages, to killing without reason—her life was made for her, but with only darkness to look forward to. Since the day she could remember, she had never made a choice of her own and held her opinions back, moving like a pawn in an army, utilizing her combined battle prowess with her eonic powers to become an icon of both hope and destruction for her union. She was known by many, and respected by many, yet the respect from her father was harder than wrestling a lion. Still, she fought, with strength and vigor, until her eyes could see beyond the darkness that adhered to her fate. What lied ahead was nothing but a repetitive life full of blood on her hands and knives in her back.

"Selfish as I was, I finally demanded my life back."

So Artemis opened her mind and unchained her soul, casting out her emotions and accepting the consequences of doing so. Her disobedience was accounted for, and her life was grasped tighter than what it was before, restricting her freedom in anyway that they could—but she evaded. Slipping through their fingers like water, like she was trained to do, Artemis broke free of their painful grip and attempted to lead a rebellion against the Devlon Industries. Although she wreaked havoc upon her controllers, she failed to overthrow the union and came out alone, despite the many followers she was able to muster.

"But does my fate lie at the point of his gun?"

Amidst the rebellion and behind the demolished buildings and ruthless killing, she came out with her treasured independence, but also her self-blame upon failing her loyal advocates just for the sake of, what she considered, a selfish act. So she escaped—soaring on her pegasus and through the dangerous skies, only to be shot down after a long chase through neutral terrain.

"I've accepted death long ago, but I somehow manage to flee from it's crosshairs."

Artemis, reluctantly, made it out alive, finding refuge in Helston. There, she kept her head low, and lived minimalistically thereafter. She got a job at a bakery and learned to love the art, soon taking it over from the elderly lady that opened it.

The tape continued to play among the broken and shattered parts of her pegasus, Artemis’ voice shaking with emotion.

“I remember being captivated by the colors of the field my father took me to when I was a little girl. I was so afraid to release the euphoria that encompassed my body, but he could see the shaking smile that I just couldn’t hold back. So he told me it was okay. Pink—that became my favorite color. The way the lotus petals danced around me pulled the strings of my condemned spirit, causing me to run around in a fit of joy, but I remember constantly looking over my shoulder at him to make sure that he didn’t have a change of heart. It’s a memorable moment for me, from the innocent happiness that I could finally let out. . .but also from the beauty turned evil.

He told me about the lotus flower, how it’s bloom used to be celebrated by many because they only survived for so long. Everything has meaning. Just like my purpose on this earth, the flowers, too, had a predetermined meaning. 'The shortness of life' he said. The flowers resembled the shortness of life, the lives that I would end, the insignificance of survival without purpose—all shattering the beauty I saw in the moment and turning my smile back into my frown. And yet, I remember this so vividly, even as I pressed the barrel of my gun against the head of my father, the commander of the Devlon Industries. I soon realized that he wasn’t the one that kept me aflame, but instead, he ignited the fire in my soul and I learned to nurture it.

Who knew I would be the one to send him to his grave. But still—I love him.”

_{M E M O R I E S}

---

Meredith Evans - The elderly woman that generously took in Artemis. Artemis hasn’t shared her history with her, but Meredith always said she could see people’s colors. Almost like a fortune-teller, Meredith always tells Artemis that her future is bright, and her aura is warming. The sweet woman is as sharp as a tack and still moves freely despite her aging body. Artemis has a very high respect for the woman, and would do anything for her.

Venser Sitol - Artemis owes a lot to Venser for helping her keep her identity hidden. Artemis was able to find the talented hacker after searching around Helston shortly after her arrival. After carefully explaining her situation, while leaving out details of her specific heritage, Venser agreed. She pays him with credits, yet she feels as though she owes him a lot more than just mere currency. Venser is a budding friend to Artemis, considering he knows more about her than anybody else in Helston, but she tries to keep an arms-length distance to avoid unintentionally revealing information about herself that she likes to keep confidential.

Steven - A bartender at a local pub that she visits often. Although she befriends nobody, she enjoys the company of the kind, burly man that serves her alcohol after a long day. Their conversation usually brightens her mood and helps her to forget her constant pain.

Jayce - A loyal customer to the bakery, coming in more times than he should in a week. It’s obvious that he has a crush on Artemis, but he knows that he’ll only face rejection.