TheWendil

Tower of Fable

“Are you calling me fat?” Itsuko glared at the foxy thief, not at all amused with the words. She’d have been even less happy if she noted her ID being pawned back and forth so easily. Her expression dipped to some confusion as Clair made her bet known but the prospect of a challenge saw her hands shaking the fox’s. “Sure, you’re on. But you should know, you’re just going to lose. When I win, I’ll make sure I have something in mind for you to do for me,” she said with a toothy grin as if baring her fangs. The Student President ignored this.

Iona would deal with the delinquent later. The others seemed on par with agreeing to participate in the Umbral Games, some more excited than others. Whether or not Caprice counted as one of them was up to her though Iona would keep an eye on her all the same. The rest were in due process of being registered into the school’s system and once that was done, the Student President pointed them in the direction of the school dorms. Rest would be needed since, as it turned out, the Umbral Games were to take place the very next day.

Seeing no need to inform them of that knowledge, it would have been up to each girl to make sure they weren’t late to the event, though perhaps being late counted as a crime? Such loopholes would have needed to be discussed with Iona. Before long, students of varying shapes and sizes were gathered into the heart of the city eternally cast in shadow. Given the range of species and physical qualities, it was difficult to tell the years between each person despite the similar uniforms, as well as what counted as a Serei Card for fair gain.

All the same, the competition was quick to begin. After a few parted words from Iona herself, the time limit of two hours was delegated before the Umbral Games officially began. Needless to say, there were cops everywhere, the robotic enforcers clearly present to inhibit the students and act as a barrier towards their grades and passing marks. They wasted no time in firing police sirens and screeching their cars towards offenders the moment the games began, sending the area into rampant chaos abode.

---

Monster Federation Force (Monster Girl RP)

While Utena’s orders made sense for containment, there was no need. The ground beneath Yeshua split apart as docking bays and other mechanisms did well in containing her on their own. Pressing on all sides, metal, electrified mesh, and more metal became Yeshua’s new home. Whatever surprise the MFF had before was now replaced by a rampant jubilation that was buzzing in the air almost like an invisible infection. As soldier and scientist moved about, Yeshua would remain where she was until some idea of transport was given.

There was talk of putting the big bird to sleep for moving her going around as well as some speaking about keeping the city on lockdown instead. They’d simply rule it as a “quarantine” if Yeshua proved to be too much of a hassle to move to the MFF HQ. At the same time, Utena and Akari were being searched for, several troops passing orders one by one through the chain of command. Before long, their presence was required on the ground field until both were assembled.

The both of them were given control of the operation to move Yeshua to the MFF base in whatever fashion they deemed fit. Naturally, this was in assumption they were to work together in doing this, being the senior officers around in comparison to the ground troops. The docking bay beneath Yeshua slowly lowered even more, able to go beneath the ground further and house Yeshua beneath the very roadside itself if need be, at least until a consensus was reached. Indeed, this was quite the victory for the MFF on this day.

Deepest Abyss (Conquer the World)

Bump.

Deepest Abyss (Conquer the World)

With preparations being drawn out and the group dividing themselves into their appropriate roles, there was almost a buzz of activity in the abyssal depths. But as with all procedures, it took time and time was something that could be leisured upon. As the others went to it, Lord Ignis flitted about, almost aimlessly, like a passing shadow. Having left Pandora to her own devices, some new creature caught his attention. A glance revealed it to be the cat he noticed earlier and upon closer inspection, his interest grew revamped, despite his expressionless skull. "You are something different, cat. Something not quite natural with your surroundings."

">.>" Noire looked on at this lord without much interest. No meat on their bones, and she wasn't even sure if she could make them squeal; if it was able to squeal. But if people were starting to disperse, then there was no reason for her to hang around here either. Perhaps she'd go off on her own and try to catch a slacker later that wandered off on their own. Giving them a head start by talking to this man should be adequate. "Could say the same about you, nya? But given this area we're all holed up in, I'd think that be the obvious. Unless your empty sockets see more than they let on, hmm?" Noire padded her way up to Ignis, brushing past anyone in her way without even giving them a glance of acknowledgement.

"....." Lord Ignis did not respond; rather, he did but not with words. As if he hadn't heard a word the cat spoke, he raised his gloved hand to the approaching cat, before lowering it, scratching just beneath her chin when she was close enough. "Fascinating. You are neither human nor cat, at least in appearance. Calling you a grimalkin would almost be a disservice." Lord Ignis continued to scratch beneath Noire's chin before moving his hand upwards, glossing it above her hair and nudging just between her ears. "There's something inherently horrible about you but I can't quite put my finger on it." He said this completely even as he continued rubbing. It was impossible to tell if he was more focused on that or his words.

Noire appreciated the hands on praise. Many have tried to pet her in her time, but that was before she was wrongfully sent down into this pit. Instinctively, her tail casually wrapped around Lord Ignis and his neck. Brushing in circles as he continued to pet. "Sure sure, nya~ Call me what you want, but I doubt you'll find anyone as cuddly as me." Noire simply let the man be. She was content with his actions thus far, and had yet to see what he actually wanted from her. Letting out a quaint purr, only audiable between them and those with hightened hearing, Noire gave herself to his hands. Bumping back in waves to guide his hand back and forth. "If you're going to start playing 20 questions with me until you find out what I am, I'm going to demand something from you first. Though you can continue as you are elsewise."

"I don't expect to actually discover what you are. Even who you are does not concern me." If Lord Ignis was bothered by the tail that had strangled dozens of other prey before now coiled around his neck, he didn't show it. It was doubtful the skull-faced man even needed to breathe. All the same, he didn't pause in his stroking, now directing his hand to stroke from the top of Noire's head down her spine. "It might not look like it, but I've had some experience with cats before. In fact, I'd like to think black cats are some of my favorites. It's human superstition that they bring bad luck or are harbingers of doom." He idly nudged against one of Noire's ears. "You're not a harbinger of doom, are you? Well, perhaps you are in a way. I would appreciate having your assistance. I assume you're already happy with your payment?" Lord Ignis turned his skull, eyes glinted towards Rafiq.

The cat's ear's perked up a bit being called a harbinger of doom. A glare of interest in her eyes as she brought them to face the man. A look that quickly changed and glanced to follow a look to the rat she had trapped earlier. "Hmph. I suppose for now. It's not like I don't have any interest in seeing this group make it all the way." Noire stood, sending away the hand at her ears with a paw of her own. "But I'm taking this whole company as my payment. Yourself included, for now. But don't worry. I won't take anyone you still have plans for. Just tell me when I can collect." The cat tightend her tail briefly before letting it slump down off Lord Ignis. Turning to take stock of her inventory with happy satisfaction.

"Oh, I'm sure something can be arranged of that." As usual, Lord Ignis displayed little emotion, if any at all to the cat's underlying threats. However, his hand, for the briefest of moments, clenched hard around Noire's ear even as her paw held his hand. The instant passed as all things did but the wave of negativity wasn't ignored. Something overtaking like a great wave of heat and fury had surfaced but it too was gone before anything could come up of it. "Ah, you must forgive me. You see, I've had experience with cats as I said. But I don't quite remember if that time was spent pampering their ears or cutting them off." His voice was frank, as neutral as before, like nothing happened. "Yes, I will take stock of your words Noire. I do look forward to considering you an ally rather than an enemy." With her tail loosening its hold, Lord Ignis slowly stood up from his position, ready to wander off and see if the others came to a conclusion yet.

"<.<" A turn back and the cat half glared at the man. Though shrugging it off as too much effort as she found another rock to lay against and watch from afar. Always watching. Claws out. Eyes piercing. ">.>" Such effort was indeed not worth it when the group had other priorities to handle. The low, guttural buzzing that shook the Lagoon might have been chief among them.

Deepest Abyss (Conquer the World)

Bump.

Monster Federation Force (Monster Girl RP)

Despite their earlier rally of support and encouragement, HART’s staff were unnerved at how swiftly the situation continued to worsen. Their attempts to give Yeshua backup and supporting fire were outmaneuvered unknowingly by the MFF. Not one to shoot down their fellow humans, the jets circling Yeshua backed off when Utena and Akari came too close; unfortunately, this meant their capture was all but successful, cabling down the birdlike GMG. At the same time, the world became cold and frosted from Seika’s self-produced mist, blanketing vision from all sides.

Some jets were able to make it through though, hovering out of the MFF’s sight and near Seika’s head. “Goomie’s retreating and so are we to avoid any more damage. Transform and we’ll catch you.” As soon as Seika did so, any cables tethered to her would drop from the drastic size difference. The jet would swoop down with open cockpits to secure the GMG before swiftly returning upwards to where the SS Silencia remained. With one personnel extracted, all that remained was Yeshua, though MFF agents still lingered around her form.

Around the time HART’s staff were drawing up strategies to draw the two away from her, a great yowl split the air itself and rocked the ship into a careening groan. Evidently, nobody was paying attention to where Eris had wandered off to. GMG, MFF, and any lingering HART personnel would have no doubt heard the call, let alone be affected by its booming voice. Buildings cracked slightly as their foundations rumbled while an air storm that almost rivaled Yeshua’s shook the sky.

From where Eris’ voice emanated, an invisible cyclone had formed; short but just short enough to cause any HART units to spiral out of control. “Pull up, pull up!” In this line of distraction and frantic need for survival, the MFF struck. Piercing through Seika’s fog came the cavalry of missiles meant to further knock Yeshua down, uncaring for surrender by any GMG. Of course, none were so brazen as to cause lethal damage, but it was more than enough to leave her reeling.

More agents eventually appeared, casting their cables in further restraining the captured GMG. By the time HART’s forces were stabilized once again, it was already too late. The MFF now swarmed all around Yeshua, some still tracking Goomie down. But why waste their efforts in following the slime when the one that had proved elusive to them earlier was right here? By the time the MFF were completely in control of the situation, all HART jets had departed, though the SS Silencia remained with a careful eye observing the situation.

Deepest Abyss (Conquer the World)

Lord Ignis gave no answer to Jukati’s sentiment apart from a slight nod of acknowledgement and a tilt of his head. Indeed, perhaps his name could relate to the element of fire; he never bothered to consider its diction. All the same, the wolf was well underway into its interrogation, those given a command following suit in their orders by choice or chance. Leaving the interrogation team up to their own devices, the walking mass of shadow and skull turned his sights to the other portion of their numbers. Without sound, he approached the experimenting Willow and Velo.

“Why would a human assist in the presence of monsters? Well, I suppose you are no more human than any of us if you’re stuck down here,” Lord Ignis said. He made no motion to halt the pair in their actions. Rather, he watched in blank fascination, or as much as could be interpreted on his skull visage. “Your life was full of ruling, was it not? These wolves must remind you of the legions you once commanded. In ruler and ruled, there really must be no difference in species,” he said knowingly. A pause then, as if considering Willowa’s presence.

“Funny you two work so well together. All you want is to sate a thirst for the curious. That’s almost human to say, Willowa. Is that why you came to this place willingly?” Before he could continue, the loud sounds of threats and hisses marked the end of Azrael’s interrogation. Needless to say, the wolf wasn’t completely useless; although he didn’t reveal where his pack was, he did offer much about their stratagem and movement plans. This alone brought Ignis to the interrogation team’s side, waiting for Azrael to say his piece.

There was something the fallen angel said that caught his attention and once the wolf was finished giving all that he promised, Lord Ignis raised his hand. It was a simple, almost universal gesture, as the skull-faced being motioned for the wolf to flee, flee where he came and return to the shadows that was his home. No sooner was the Abyss guard finally out of earshot did Ignis say, “Follow him. He will lead us to his pack. Patrols are of value, but what I seek is the greater prize.” There was uncanny urgency in his tone.

Indeed, the wolf’s trail would have been easy to catch, rancid with the stink of fear and the putrid guilt of leaving his packmates behind to be collared. “We will need a place to call our base of operations and what fitting locale than the prison that once housed us. Yes, these walls will become ours to take, and these creatures who remain will become our legion. Split amongst yourselves; one group will conquer the wolf pack guards. The rest will begin the foundations of taking this prison over. The latter may use our newfound mutts to better navigate.”

Monster Federation Force (Monster Girl RP)

@Darkmoon Angel

It's not your fault. Events are just moving around too quickly for Eris' action to have an effect when other stuff is happening.

Tower of Fable

“Hey, what are you doing-ahahah, stop that!” Itsuko didn’t much care for the politics of the newbies. The paperwork was always a drag of course but really, that was any school worth their salt. With the conversation no longer being about her, she took her time in trying to slip away from the room. She didn’t get too far when Clair made her move, the fox pressing into the tiger and having her rupture with laughter. She fidgeted for a few seconds before the foxy thief backed away. “What was that for?” Itsuko huffed, unaware her student ID card was just pickpocketed without notice.

But much like the other girls, Clair was more interested in the offer to join Umbra Academy. The Student President nodded and even gave Iona a handwave to prepare for the girls their student uniforms, especially when Clair’s reason for joining was one of them. Others, like Rose, Kanbaru, and Akiko, pondered about the validity of the school but, more importantly, the Umbral Games. Iona was allowed to handle such doubts; after all, if they were still questioning the school now, they could walk away and be deemed as delinquents as they wanted.

Thankfully it didn’t immediately come to that. “The Umbral Games are our way of moving from one level to the next, eventually graduating out of the school. Think of it as final exams,” the Student President explained. “In essence, you are set loose into the city for one night with free reign over the crimes you can commit. These crimes are judged and competed by a point-based system. The higher your score, the more likely you are to move on and the greater your treasured reward by the semester’s end; it’s that simple. But just looking at you, I can tell you girls have some experience under your belts, so I recommend the Umbral Games would be perfect for you to try out.”

He may have spoken of looking at them all, but it was Akiko who’s sight he met. Cool and collected as he was, the bard would see flickering images of someone who was distinctively not the Student President or his assistant. Dark corners pressed around Akiko’s vision as if she was given the sense of a confined space, before the images died away and brought her back into the present.

“The games also serve as a way of punishment for delinquents.” This time the Student President addressed Caprice. “Well, more so a bartering tool. We’re still teachers of youth after all, and we give our students the option of participating to avoid further punishment. It’s that or detention. Speaking of which, I believe you two are in due time for it if you’ve decided to be delinquents. Or, you can place your efforts into something more constructive such as the Umbral Games instead,” he said to Caprice and Itsuko.

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Deepest Abyss (Conquer the World)

Bump.