Majoraa

Symphony of Espers

"And here. We. Go."
Current Location: The Great Escape

On the roof of the Great Escape sat a young boy. Once again he had snuck away from his family, and once again he wandered the city on his own. It felt like a week had passed since Fable found his grimore, his reason to explore farther without fear. As it turns out the owner of the abandoned clock shop the boy stumbled upon was murdered. By who or what, he'd have to look into it further, but something told him the shade that attempted to kill him had a hand in it.

He'll admit, practicing his powers was a bit hard. The more brutal monsters tend to be out of sight if he couldn't makeshift a training dummy on the spot, then there's the risk of overexertion, area damage and unnecessary casualties. But it was really interesting. The little aspects fueled his curiosity. He wanted to know more, about the big leads of the esper community, about monsters, about everything!

So, why did Fable feel so sluggish today? The boy laid back to think. He made sure to go home before curfew, sure he sometimes stayed up late, but he woke up around the same time regardless. He wasn't sure if his Esper form had anything to do with it, maybe he was burnt out?

"Hmm....coffee." He came to a conclusion. He hadn't had his coffee yet. Fable climbed down from the roof and went inside.

Huh. Kinda loud in here. He slightly wished he had brought his own music player to drown out the current performance. Not meaning to offend anyone, he just doesn't like loud noises in general. Adjusting his hoodie, Fable walked up to the counter to order his drink.

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

"Damn, does this place even have a phone signal??" Finn mutter to himself, having grabbed his phone out of his hammerspace. Well, tried to, with Oliver hitching a piggyback ride at this point. Idly walking to somewhere with less people, he attempted to call someone. "... Hey, Riona! Is there a chance you know a town called Penrose?"

Dina's aspect had degraded considerably ever since she had set foot in the Christmas party. While her regal cat-girl self was still present, she was frazzled and nervous, and the usual stoic demeanor had been replaced by deep frown. Furthermore, her tail was showing signs of being pretty on edge, as it curled against one of her legs.

"May I have a moment of your time?" She said, corteusly as she approached Finn from a safe distance.

The two looked back to Dina, though Oliver appeared slightly worried for the regent.

"I'm gonna have to call you back, Rio." Finn said to the phone, then hung up. "Do you require the both of us, or myself alone?" He simply asked her.

"It matters not." Dina sighed."It would have been good if Maura was here as well." Dina did say.

"Hmm..." Finn hummed in thought, looking behind himself, and to his shadow. "Give me a moment." He told Dina, calling Maura through their mental link. A couple of seconds passed when the witch in question appeared from behind him, albeit appearing shaken. Maura glanced up to Dina.

"Miss Denisova?" She tilted her head, then frowned. "...How are you holding up?"

"I have had better days." Dina would then say, offering a tired smile. "We all have had better days."

Maura managed a crooked smile. "Happens to the best of us." Though the empty feeling of failure didn't fade easily, she had to carry on. "Now, you required our audience for...?" She asked next.

Meanwhile Oliver had climbed off Finn's back to stand next to him. "I think we might already know."

"That makes this a bit...faster. Sanngridr has informed me of your intentions." Dina would then say. "Therefore I must ask. Is it really necessary to do it? Regardless of how bad the situation is, something like that must not be taken lightly. Is there no other way to solve it?"

Oliver blinked. "That quick? Geez."

Though Finn didn't react as strongly, instead folding his hands behind his back. "Lady Denisova. Has Asimov ever planned a retaliation against the Ascendancy? Or the Mint? Has she tried to find the whereabouts of the latter, or done anything that could lessen their grip on Penrose? Whatever this sanctuary is, does she expect to just...hide everyone away until either one's persistence fades off and they screw off the ruin the next town over? He asked. Then frowned. "Do you really believe she's fit to make things right? For heaven's sake, I'm not sure what this branch's stance on Cradle is-"

"As far as I know, Alicia and I have settled on neutral terms." Maura spoke up.

"Still though, there's gotta be more people can do besides sit on their asses for the next wave of God-Knows-What. Do you even have a plan, at all?" Finn asked. "Does anyone...?"

"The Sanctuary is a haven. What would a haven have to do with proactively rooting out threats? That is not our goal. It never was. However, lording up a lot of people has made both Queens...lose focus. And people have lost focus." Dina would then reply."It's not that she is fit, but who else can dissuade those who look for a quick stab and brownie points at monster girls? You seem to be unaware that most girls who get turned into this... become fragile in their minds, and they do need guidance. They're easy prey."

"Penny is still nominally Beacon, and she won't retaliate against the Ascendancy. But that also means that Rachel has to excommunicate her before making a move. It's not straightforward." Dian would then say. "And as you say, Alicia is a moderate."

Dina would then say. "Also, the Mint strength is that it operates in subtle ways. Rooting them out would be a task only someone in the level of the Ascendancy can undertake." She then elaborated. "I'm not even sure what's left of this city can handle that." She paused. "I do have an inkling that if we keep Sanctuary up and running, despite the last Mint raid, we will eventually get someone to turn the coat and talk."

"What I have been told is that Penny is willing to forfeit her claim on the whole mirror and tournament if you're willing to compromise." Dina would then add. "Even if that means I lose this dimension and my patron's favour if we end up with so few people on it."

Finn's brows furrowed, though he remained silent. "...As far as I know, we've both lived as this for a very, very long time. And yet you act as if I don't understand." He crossed his arms, an act to keep himself calm. He didn't want to argue with her. He didn't... "Friends, both humane and monster, slaughtered and used, and I couldn't do a damn thing about it but try and get stronger. Even I had close calls for getting corrupted." Finn moved the bandages that covered his other eye out of the way. It appeared to be a burn scar, but looking closely it appeared magic in origin. More notably, it turns out he was half blind. His other eye nearly whited out completely.

He quickly covered it back up. "I know what I'm getting into. I've been here long enough to know. I'd think you of all people would get that. He refused to elaborate further into his title of Sinner, lest he'd be made an enemy by the corrupted magicals as well. The mention of a compromise regained his attention for a second. However, the mentions of possible costs, possible lives to be lost soured his mood.

Finn scowled coldly. "If you two only wish to speak just so you can disway me, then forget it." He turned to walk away.

"It's never worth it, sir Finn." Dina would then elaborate. "I understand what you are getting at, but I cannot abide by it."

"How do you think the Ascendancy was born? What makes you better than Rachel, if you begin to think that all the suffering that might happen now is worth a sense of security which we may never have?"Dina would then answer back.

"..." His expression broke for a moment, a moment that he didn't wish for anyone to see. He won't be dissuaded. He can't be. The comparisons of him to Rachel pissed him off enough to bounce back though. He sarcastically laughed. "Hah! You really think an enemy of Beacon would follow the same whims as they? And here I thought them seeing me as naught but a brute was bad enough, but you guys are too??" Finn sounded slightly hurt. Nevertheless, he walked off, Oliver following behind in a worry.

That left Maura, who admittedly didn't know what to say.

"I lost my family to the Bolsheviks, sir Finn. Zealots are never good!" Dina would then say. "Please, come back! I'll give you anything!" It was Dina's turn to break... as she fell to her knees in a slump. "...anything."

"The Russian Revolution..." Maura whispered. She quietly stepped over to comfort Dina.

"Please... stop this. It's bad enough for me to lose my patron and fight the Ascendancy for the dimension. It's bad enough that there's people hurt. I never wanted any of this, but they overrided my whims." She curled up to her knees, her grace gone. "Don't make me witness a revolutionary war in Penrose all over again."

It felt nauseating trying to figure out what to. At this rate, Maura might as well join Dina in her despair. She didn't know who's side to choose. Hell, being accused of choosing sides was what kickstarted this fresh hell in the first place. Whatever happens in the future, she wholeheartedly dreaded it. "I'll...see what I can do." The witch hesitantly said, going off to follow the other two.

"Guess negotiations have failed. I'm just a joke of a diplomat, aren't I? What use are these powers of friendship to begin with..." Dina would then sob for a moment, before standing up. "I guess it can't be avoided, It'll be a long conflict then." Dina would then say.

Dina would then feel another presence nearby. Rowena, having overheard the attempted negotiation, walked up next to her, ever silent. Though in this case it was a comforting silence. The witch of Life gently patted Dina on the head, hoping to reassure her.

...

..

Believe it or not, the boy overheard her pleas. Guilt struck Finn dead in the heart, but he kept going. He had to keep going. He had to. He won't be dissuaded, he won't be dissuaded, even if he's trembling he won't be-

"Finn! Finn!!" Oliver snapped him out of his stupor, jogging up next to him. The ghost's eyes widened at the other's expression, one Finn didn't even know he had. "Hey, are you okay?"

"We're leaving."

"Weren't we already heading out-"

Then Maura appeared again by them. "Hey, I don't mean to question your crusade on it's planning phase, but I reeeeally suggest you go find Penny before Dina has a mental breakdown." She told Finn.

"...Are you kidding me? Do they really believe I'd automatically resort to violence with this?! How much of a brute do they think I am?!" Finn was trembling in place through a mix of emotions.

"Well you did charge into the stadium like guns akimbo." Oliver spoke up.

"Shut it. Oli." The other boy said through gritted teeth.

Maura sighed. "Look, both you and Dina been through Hell, but you gotta throw her a bone here. Please, don't make me order you to do so."

At this rate Finn gave up on thinking straight. On one hand, his guilt told him to go ahead and negotiate and be reasonable. On another, the risk of innocent lives lost told him it wasn't worth it. On another, something told him that all of this wasn't worth it. To just grab Oliver and go home and forget about all of this if people won't trust him.

He stood frozen, trying to decide which emotion to follow.

"... Goddamnit, you both owe me for this. Finn conceded, heading back to look for Penny. He grabbed a cigar from his hammerspace and lit it up. "Let's go, Oliver! Gonna need someone to keep me from wringing throats..." He groaned. The ghost in question followed behind, as tired as he is.

Dina's ears would perk up, as she would rise up, approaching Finn. She eyed the rest of the people. "I thank you for your mercy...This shall not be forgotten." She said, her voice almost choking.

"Before you do, there's something I must tell you in private." She added.

Finn's eye darted back to Dina. He could only muster a nod through the emotions he was sorting through. Though when she asked to tell only him something, one of his brows rose. What now? Taking a puff away from Dina's direction, the boy nodded to Oliver for him to go ahead of him.

Dina would then approach Finn, from one side. Her usual demeanor was present, with one subtle difference. Her tail was now standing upright, but it wasn't precisely due to fear. It was something else cat owners could identify.

"I don't really do this in public, you know." She said, as she gave Finn a kiss in the cheek, before nuzzling her cheek against his neck. "Once this is over...you could use a dinner, sir Finn."

Finn flinched at, once again, the sudden affection given to him. "Er, I-I'll consider it..." He muttered, flustered.

"Now, if you would excuse me..." Dina then said, doing a curtsy before taking her leave.

The boy took a second to watch her go, then placed his cigarette back into his mouth. "..." He grazed a hand over his cheek, then shook his head. "Man." With that, he finally hurried off to catch up with Oliver.

Symphony of Espers

@ERode

The boi in question: *F e a r*

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

"Welp, that's it. Time to go Amanda Waller on your asses. ...And I still don't have a proper header god dAMNIT-"
- Finn

The enraged young man kicked open the doors to the stadium, marching quickly back to where everyone else was. Where those two were. Anyone who tried to get his attention would be ignored, his mind focused, determined. Finn knew Oliver would catch up to him soon, hopefully he'll let him say his piece.

Dan The Dolphin appeared in a puff of blue smoke right before Finn, looking concerned.
"Hey, is something the mat-" He managed to say before Finn is walked past the Lesser Force, causing Dan to raise an eyebrow. He teleported to Finn's path again.
"Hey, it's rude to ignore someone when they tal-"
Again, Dan was brushed off, and the squeaky Patron looked nonplussed.

With all what was going on, It was not difficult for Sann to become aware of the situation. She pondered what was going on, albeit briefly. She did not want to stick around to babysit when strife was bubbling.

She probably could leave the healing to others, she thought as she flapped her wings and glided to catch with the infuriated person, letting out a giggle as she went by.

"Aw, I guess you are not playing nurses and doctors with Sann and Veronica Two. Where are you going?"

Finn snapped his head towards Sann with a vicious scowl, half of it being irritation from Dan's attempted intervention. He didn't have time for this, damnit! Though he wasn't around for alot of the rounds, who knows where his targets are now? His scowl loosened into a glare, only asking her: "Asimov and Rachel, where are they?"

"Well, Penny's being treated with first aid over at the ambulance," Dan answered as he arrived in a puff, "but she is not allowed any visitors until she's gotten better. And Rachel is in the audience...Wait, is she coming here?"

In the distance, Finn saw as Rachel slowly walked towards them, her glasses reflecting the light of the arena floodlights with a menacing sheen. "Is there a problem?" She asked, sounding irritated.

Finn turned around, giving Rachel an annoyed glare. "And of course you'd overhear." He crossed his arms.

Sann hovered around Finn, feeling his anger despite not having any kind of emotional mumbo jumbo whatsoever as she took the chance of the distraction to envelop Finn with her wings and body.

"People nearly died and we need to beat up someone to feel better. Can we spank your butt until the stick comes out of your ass, Glasses?"

One of Finn's brows rose at Sann's answer. "We'll...burn that bridge down once it annoys us." He told the Valkyrie, then turned his attention back to the inquisitor.

"Let me just cut to the chase. I've learned alot about the town you're doing your dirty dealings in, and most of it I don't like. There's no rhyme or reason, everyone's at each other's fucking heads trying to reach a crown that's leagues ahead of them. So as much as I don't take kindly to your ilk, I gotta ask." He explained.

"Who has yet to overthrow the Queen?"

Rachel did not answer at first as she silently looked Finn over, and adjusted her glasses using the palm of her hand.
"...There is something about you that is familiar. Who are you, and why would you care about such matters?"

Finn's red eye seemed to show a glimmer of amusement, his expression easing up slightly. "About damn time..." He whispered. The boy straghtened up, to instead of shaking Rachel's hand, he formally bowed. "My name is Finnegan Vanhorn, and I've to believe the incompetence of our...current leaders is reason why your town is on the highway to Hell. Something like that?" He rose back up, covering his mouth to hide a malicious smirk. "...It makes me angry. Very angry."

Sann was feeling a little warm and fuzzy, seeing this violent man spit out barbs. She moved her cheek against his and nuzzled him. "Angry cute."

The boy's eyes widened at the affection Sann was giving him. Eh, he was too pissed to be anxious. He casually patted the girl on her head.

"So, can you please stay here so Finn can break all your bones? Apparently he wants to commit regicide and that takes effort."

Rachel's condescending gaze sharpened when Finn gave his name, and her posture tightened.
"So it is you!" She summoned her weapon. "The Sinner of Wrath!"
Dan intervened, flailing his tiny fins in a panic.
"Whoa whoa whoah! Let's not get too hasty here! I'm sure we can talk this out-"
Rachel slapped the dolphin away with the back of her hand.
"I would like to see you try! Or will you run away like last time, Vanhorn?" She asked, an evil smile on her lips...And then scowled; she realized that what was supposed to be her hammer had turned into a squeaky toy hammer one would see at any fair or carnival. "Dan, change my weapon back to normal!"

Dan shook his head. "No! Fighting is not allowed in here. And if you two are going to cause trouble, I will be forced to take necessary countermeasures."

"Oh? Run away?" Finnegan "innocently" tilted his head. "Like having you lot hunting me down for sport is fun, and now this?" He sarcastically quipped. His eye darted to their weapons. Oh right, pacifist magic.

However before he reached for his cane (foam sword??), Dan's voice drew his ire away from Rachel. His head slowly glanced to the dolphin. "...Trouble? Trouble? As if forcing a blatantly rigged and drawn out tournament for some tincan that could just easily knock this bitch into tomorrow and be done with it isn't trouble enough!" He called him out. "People have ditched town cause the ones who claim to try and fix things have their heads shoved so far up their rears, they can see their bleeding hearts! Remember, you're not as innocent here either!!"

Sann just purred slightly at being patted, before reaching out to grab the Dolphin.

"Waah!" Dan squeaked in surprise.

"Imma eat you."

The wrathful man grimaced. "I'd rather not do that, Sann. He probably tastes like rubber and blubber, among other things."

"That's right! I taste like a car tire! You wouldn't like eating something like that!" Dan agreed as he wriggled in Sann's hold like a fish.
"But if I heard correctly, you're upset about the tournament me and Penny are holding, correct?" He asked Finn.

Sann did ignore Dan's pleas, and moved to get just a little nibble out of Dan's dorsal fin... before stopping in her tracks.

"If you don't wanna be eaten... be useful." She smirked. "Angry cute has spoken, you are either with him or against him".

When asked about his complaints, Finn's eyebrow rose. "Yes?? No??? Ugh!!" He roughed up his hair a bit out of stress. "There are many factors you had to concider in this! The fact alone that this is to cater to the whims of one person is enough to leave a sour taste in my mouth, but what's the point??? What's the point of anyone else attending if the outcome is going to be the same?! To tire Miss Four-Eyes here out?!" He asked, then snapping his head towards Rachel. "And YOU. If only you kept your trap shut and behaved until we left, we couldn't be running the risk of, oh I don't know, pissing off a goddamn horror enough for them to try and tear down the place before you apparently can do????" He took his turn to tell her off. "How much do you know about that damn mirror anyways??"

Rachel eye twitched, and she slammed her weapon down.
"None of your business, blackguard!"
Dan winced as he was bit, and teleported out of Sann's hold to now hold his fins to his sides between Finn and Rachel.
"The point is that Rachel agreed to a duel, and Penny thought it would be fun to make it a tournament of sorts, with the winner getting to challenge her. There's nothing rigged about it!"

At Dan's insistance, Finn's glare broke for a moment. Into...almost a hurt expression, no less.

"Someone almost died. How could you still insist everything is okay...?"

Rachel scowled. "Really now? I noticed that Penny was performing much better than usual during that match...until the end, at the very least. I suspect some magical enhancements were involved."
Dan shook his head. "Players can have help before a match. It's fair!"
Rachel scoffed. "Pah. You're a nuisance as well."

Dan then turned back to Finn.
"Well, okay, things may have gone just the teeniest bit overboard. But it doesn't mean you can come in and taunt people into fighting! Now, if you have any other concerns, let's hear them." The dolphin crossed his fins with a pout.

"...Tch." His glare returned, if not weaker than before. "You're the least of my concern anyways. Your pacifist nature is admirable, but sometimes people can't be reasoned with words alone." Finn turned to the side. "All I'll say is, if the Queen, nor the Beacon, or anyone else can't be damned enough to set things right..." Without moving, his eye glance back to the others. "Then I'll be taking over this city."

Rachel laughed mockingly. "Such a bold claim. Go on then, try and claim this city! It will be my pleasure to see you grovel at my feet once I've broken every bone In your body."

The boy's head turned to glance at Rachel. Then, he smiled. A sarcastic, malicious smile. "Oh my dear girl, you seem to still underestimate us. Although I'd much like to see you try~"

"I don't need to try, for it is a foregone conclusion." Rachel turned away, flipping her hair. "But enough. I have more important things to do than idle banter. Come, Violette," she spoke to the purple-haired girl who had just arrived, and walked away, cool and composed.

Dan sighed. "Well, that's that I guess."

It was then Finn felt a light pressure on top of his head. It wasn't Sann, but Oliver had floated over and rest his head on top of his. His colors seemed to have returned to normal, did his duplication power have something to do with it? "Hey, you two done insulting each other yet? You kinda ditched me back there." The ghost boredly asked, puffing a cheek out.

Like a flip of a switch, Finn completely calmed down at his partner's presence. "...Yeah. I got it out of my system
Sorry, Oli. And, er, Dan. I suppose."

Oliver did give Sann a side eye, but if she hadn't hurt Finn, then he guessed she was okay. For now. "You wanna go ahead and go?" The ghost gently wrapped his arms around the other's neck.

"Yeah. We have a lot of work to do."

Sann all this time had been eyeing Dan as a snack, but perked up at the words of conquest being thrown,before she positively began to smile, even chuckle a bit.

She then threw a raspberry at Rachel and her righteousness. The holier than thou types were fun to tease but remarkable sore losers.

It was then when she skipped a couple of wingbeats and levelled her sight with Finn.

"Hey hey, you are going to take this city? That means Sann will have to fight you!" She said all giddy, before levelling her stare at Finn and giving him... a glomp.

"That means as a retainer of Penny Sann will have to fight you. Don't worry, you are sort of cute anyway, if a little daft. I won't kill you..."

"I will just cut your limbs off and keep you as my hug pillow when that happens... It will be super fun!"

Finn, though startled, managed to stay standing from Sann's glomp. Oliver on the other hand wasn't amused. Eh, stuff can easily phase through him anyways, he is incorporeal after all. Sure, perhaps they might have to fight Sann eventually, but the other outcome she suggested caused Finn to shudder. Something like that? He'd rather get killed.

But that wasn't the worst of it. Despite what people would believe of the Sinner of Wrath, Finnegan Vanhorn...didn't like killing people. It could have been a side effect of trauma, but he'd rather not resort to it. No, he just needed time. Time to prepare. "Hm. Perhaps we will fight. But not so soon. Not when there's much to do, many things to settle before kickstarting such a revolution." He said, patting Sann on the back. "It'd be too risky to run in blind like many would."

"Don't take too long, coz I am going to tell Granny kitty. She will love it, being a survivor of the Russian Empire..." Sann trailed off. "...Also someone else might beat you to the punch..."

Dan was floating by the sidelines, and sighed in relief. "Seems like everyone's calmed down now. But if you still want to talk, I'll be over at the first-aid corner. Bye!" Having said that, he disappeared in a puff of blue smoke.

The duo's eyes widened. Either from the implications of how old Dina truely is, or that someone else already had their idea. Well, whoever it is probably screwed off too, so that's one less thing to worry about. Right?

Finn's eyebrows furrowed. "If that must be, then very well. Come on, Oli. We have some calls to make." With that, the two walked away.

Sann just eyed at Odin, smiling somewhat... as she left to help tending the wounded and probably make another call.

Odin...smiled back.

...

..

"No luck?"

"Unfortunately, he's either that persistent or that stupid. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I overheard everything. Are...you sure you know what you're doing? Letting that inquisitor discover your identity was a risky move, but taking over the city??"

"Trust me Maura, something has to happen sooner or later. It's about time we take initiative."

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

"..."
- Maura

Maura would tense up when Sann and Tenebra appeared to help her. But regardless, she would nod as thanks, before continuing to mend Sam with the extra help. She couldn't afford to loose one of her best agents...right?

Before she knew it, the witch had frozen in place appearing lost. It wasn't the same painful feeling as one of her magicals outright dying, yet her mind felt blank, out of bounds. Or was it that her heart felt more...empty?

What had happened?

Maura blinked out of her daze. Was Sam getting better? She couldn't tell. Or perhaps she was panicing too much to see.

Or perhaps, she was too late.

She would hold the girl close to her with a regretful frown. And in a way, she didn't want to let go. "I'm so sorry..."

Someone. Someone from their group had to know. Eliza, Oliver, anyone. Maura didn't like the thought of proding through their thoughts, but she had to know. She had to know if everything else was okay.

...

..

.

Of course the departure of the Lord of Change's group didn't go unnoticed. Elizabeth didn't care for the tournament, or the rest of the event. So she boredly spied on anyone outside of things. She was almost back to her normal self again. She still had some inner turmoil to sort through, but hopefully this'll be a step towards improvement. She can even go check on her family, her brothers!

And yet, things went wrong.

Again. Again. Again.

People were driven away. Because of some bullshit set up. Sam was probably killed during Keijo. Because of Penny, someone she thought of as one of her best friend! "Damnit...Damnit!!!" The profanity slipped out from her lips, as she kicked down a nearby chair. There was no point in delay, she had to inform everyone else. She called every agent that wasn't busy or currently dying, telling them to meet up at the dining hall, then shadow hopped back there herself.

...

..

.

As expected, most of the reactions were...not so pleasant.

"I knew this party was fucked." The android shook her head, a look of disdain paired with crossed arms.

The magician's anger dispated. There was no point in it now, if Oros had left. But it didn't feel right when it came to the implied favoritism for Penny. MDP, no, Violet was dating her. Yes a part of her did feel jealous, but if she was happy, it's all that matter. But now? She felt a bit nauseous.

"I...I'm gonna go find Connie. A-And Mia..." Amanda walked off without another word.

Elizabeth herself understood their reasoning, if only a little. Penrose was becoming a cursed place, bound to drive people mad in time. She knew that well. And she was tired. Tired of things becoming worse. If she didn't know better, it would be easy to steal her soul jar back and-!

She turned away to breathe. Don't think about it. Don't think.

Oliver didn't really know what to say or do. His partner and him had just got there, and things were spiraling into a goddamn domino effect. There wasn't much he could do beside comfort them the best he could.

Finnegan, on the other hand...

Finn had stepped outside to smoke, strangely calm. Atleast that's what it looked like to others. Inhale. Exhale. A scarlet colored smoke left his lips. He took a few steps to the side, the nearest wall at his reach. Inhale. Exhale. He was still for a moment, taking the cigar out of his mouth with one hand. Then without warning a fist colided with the wall, a boost of strength from his Beast magic leaving visible cracks. Furrowed, enraged brows broke into a regretful frown.

"Damnit, Bets. Couldn't even wait to say goodbye...?"

He swallowed down the urge to break down. He had to stay calm. Inhale. Exhale.

But was there any point? Inhale. Exhale.

Incompitence, chaos, conflict, arrogance, pride, wrath.

Wrath...

Penrose was a shitty town. That he knew by now. But were the people any better? A cycle of conflict, a cycle that people weren't even trying to stop. Were they bloody masochists?? Was there something there that drew people to it?? And what about their dear so called "royalty"? Pah! A rightful monarch wouldn't let their people live in fear! A rightful monarch wouldn't cave into the enemy's whims despite claims saying otherwise! A rightful monarch wouldn't let their power go to their fucking head to where they weren't actively keeping their kingdom safe!

In fact, it seems most factions are looking after themselves! Where's the logic?? The reasoning?? The Mint he could understand, but who the hell is the hero here? Nobody!

Finn could feel it. A familiar burning rage that started as a small flame, then grew. Grew and threatened to engulph him. Something had to be done. He dropped his cigarette and put it out with a single stomp. He began marching back to the other island.

"Maura? Can you hear me?!"

"Finn? Is everything okay?"

"Okay? OKAY?! No shit everything isn't okay, everything is fabulously fucked in fact, and it has been for awhile, AND NOBODY DID JACKSHIT ABOUT IT!"

"I know, I know, we've been trying to keep things in order, but it hasn't been easy-"

"No shit, you think!? I know how bad the Mint and Beacon are, Maura!"

"Things were progressing slowly before I ended up becoming the Cradle Mother. I don't know the full extent of Veronica's plan, but our goals aligned. But it seems pointless now. Christmas got ruined, most of the old agents are gone...I might never see Ronnie again..."

Finn frowned in remorse, then sighed. "Maura. Just say the word. I can end this, here and now!"

On the other side Maura allowed her eyes to close, setting Samantha down. Once she opened them again, her eyes shone an ominous red. If she had to lend Finn a bit more of her power to override Dan's magic, she was more than willing.

"Do it."

At that moment, Finn's eye mirrored Maura's with a pure red. He sprinted off, whether to find the accursed dolphin, or to face the queen herself.

Video Games: The General Discussion & Community Thread Number Two

Hehe sentient google translate go egg

Anyways planning on getting Nier Replicant remake. Maybe the Saints Row 3 remaster, but idk how good it is exactly. Besides the fact that idk if the from-scratch remake will be on PS4 or not. Unlike many, I'm willing to give it a benefit of a doubt.

Symphony of Espers

Fable, the Timekeeper

NAME:

Finnegan Vanhorn, though he'd never disclose his real name easily. He usually goes by Fable, or his alias as the Timekeeper. (...Or TK if it's too complicated. He won't mind.)

AGE:

13

SEX:

Male

APPEARANCE:

Leaning more towards the short side, Fable's usual appearance is nothing remarkable. Brown fluffy hair paired with matching brown eyes, he comes off as stoic. Though that could be cause he's usually quiet. Despite that, he surprisingly dresses well for someone who prioritizes comfort.

+

Transformed, Fable's appearance takes on a more steampunkish aesthetic. A red jacked paired with a corset, accented with different metals shaped like gears make him look like a mechanic. Though that's not the kicker. As an Esper, part of his body turn mechanical, though it's hard to tell at first glance. His eyes also take on a more golden color in this form.

+

GRIMIORE:

A silver pocketwatch. Appears to be antique.

INSTRUMENT: Aeterna

Fable's rapier. Nothing too noteworthy about it, but it gets work done.

GRADE: Silver
KEYWORD: Sword
DAMAGE TYPE: Physical
DAMAGE: C
SPEED: C
SENTINEL: D
SPECIAL: Swift and Keen: If Fable has successfully attacked someone this round and has avoided taking damage as well, he gets a six second speed buff on the next round.

STYLE: Clocksmith's Jacket

It's a nice one isn't it? As mentioned above, Fable dons the fancy jacket in his Esper form.

GRADE: Silver
PHYSICAL: D
ARCANE: C
CHAOS: D
SPECIAL: Industrial: Arcane defense increases +1 Rank against lightning based attacks.

GENRE: Chronosphere

Fable's magic, though leaning a bit away from offensive movesets, revolves around the concept of time.

GRADE: Silver
ELEMENT: Lightning
NOTES: [Paralysis (4), Speedster (4)] Damage (2), Damage X (6), Slow (4), Blink (4), Restrain (4), Minor Heal (4), Heal (16), Quicken (0), AoE (2)
SPECIAL: Overclock: Of course being part machine temporarily does have some perks. Casting Speedster on himself increases Damage by +1 Rank.

LEITMOTIF: Clockwork Soldier

Given the nature of his transformed state, Fable is essentially turned into a clockwork cyborg.

GRADE: Bronze
SPECIAL: The interior of Fable's transformed body is made up of gears.

BACKUP: Eddy

For a bit of good luck, Mary has given Fable their other puppet to help him in combat.

[Bronze Beam][Summon][Enhance][Powerful]
SPECIAL: Eddy seems rather fond of the boy, wonder where he gets it from.

PR: Pistol, Medical Supplies

Sometimes you can't rely on your esper form alone.

GRADE: Bronze
SPECIAL: Fable's PR equipment carries the same theme as the rest of his transformed self. Kind of charming.

FACTION:

Gemini Agents

TRIVIA:

He doesn't really talk about himself much. But word on the grapevine is that Fable is the youngest member of one of the more wealthy families in Pax Septimus. His family was often busy, sometimes he was too. The only one of them he usually clung to was his older sister. And even then she'd have more important matters to attend to. Sure, such a life could be concidered lucky, but to Fable, it felt...unsatisfying. Not to mention frustrating at times.

He eventually developed a habit of slipping away unnoticed, going out to wander through the city and do what he wanted for a change. Of course the crime rate was something Fable kept in mind, he learned to be careful with wandering off too far. Though the one thing he didn't learn about? What to do about a monster attack.

Apparently, finding himself lost one day, Fable was unfortunate enough to stumble onto one such monster. A shadowy apparition-like being, indecipherable. Frightened, he tried to quietly get away before the monster noticed him. Sadly, something had to happen. The littlest of sounds were able to attract it's attention. He had to run.

Fable ended up hiding in an abandoned clock shop, taking a moment of respite. He just had to wait until the shade gave up and left, or chose a different target to kill. It managed to follow him inside, but the ticking of the remaining clocks distracted it enough to buy Fable some time. Though what could he do? There was nothing to fight it off with, and running again could alert it too.

Then something caught the boy's eye. A silver sheen near the corner of the store.

He snuck over and grabbed it. A silver pocketwatch. Though antique, it appeared to be in mint condition. Before Fable knew it, the unassuming trinket had given him just the power he needed to rid himself of his little stalker. Flashes of light could be seen from outside the shop like a contained storm; though there was no rain or thunder, and Fable walked away without a scratch and with a goal in mind. He had to learn more about espers and monsters.

Even if he eventually joined G.E.M.I.N.I., his neutral stance on Maverick Alternate hasn't changed. But he's aware that they're his occupation's enemy, and he won't let them stop him or his allies from getting their job done. Hopefully his new job will be a big help in his own investigations.

But still, what of his family? Whether they're entrepreneurs to important buisnesses, or one of the mafia factions that taint the city, they'll have to catch onto his dissapearing act at some point. Right?

Post Banner

13 | Male | Gemini | Clockwork Soldier
Aeterna | Sword | Physical | Swift and Keen
Clocksmith's Jacket | Industrial
Chronosphere | Lightning | Overclock
[Paralysis (4), Speedster (4)] Damage (2), Damage X (6), Slow (4), Blink (4), Restrain (4), Minor Heal (4), Heal (16), Quicken (0), AoE (2)

DAMAGE: C | SPEED: C | SENTINEL: D | 750

PHYSICAL: D | ARCANE: C | CHAOS: D | 750

Symphony of Espers

@ERode

Bleh. Right, updated again!

Symphony of Espers

Whatcha mean by 'you can swap'?

The concept of any Silver special is that it's situationally useful. For a Silver Genre Special, you can imagine that it's something that grants a Rank up for either a certain type of spell or in certain circumstances.

As some examples...
Access the power grid and use Bend to increase the damage of spells by one rank.
Self-cast Speedster increases Damage by one rank as well, because robot overclock.

@ERode

I meant like you can choose between bronze and silver. And now I realize how dumb that question is.

ALTHOUGH, the second example does sound good!

Edit Boiii: Updates have been made!

Symphony of Espers

Do you still want the Genre special to be Silver? Or it be a Bronze Genre?

If Bronze, then just think of anything that seems aesthetic to your steampunk theme. Like, idk, his lightning is just electricity-infused copper wiring.

@ERode

You can swap?? I'd probably stick with Silver tho.