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    1. VATROU 10 yrs ago

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8 yrs ago
Current I OVERTHINK THINGS!!
8 yrs ago
A Coke thief stole my last Ice Cold Coca Cola.
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8 yrs ago
I wonder how many people sit at their desk facepalming in silence at my jokes.
8 yrs ago
On his way to Corvega Assembly plant for a settlement mission, gets distracted by a new settlement site and spends the day building it up. I'll get there I swear!!
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9 yrs ago
Check out my Fallout Fan Fiction roleplayerguild.com/topics/8..
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Bio

I got into Roleplaying, er more specifically Post by Post Roleplaying around, I think it was four years ago? It feels much longer than that. My good friend whose now far too busy in college introduced me. He wanted by make a Mass Effect RP for his younger brother, or Cousin, something along those line. The games series was far to mature for someone of his age but he felt he could make a family friendly RP. And while that never panned out, I was hooked. Fast forward to the present day and I'm an avid RP and casual writer. I mainly prefer Fallout RPs, and am working on my own which will take place in the fictional Lore of Alaska. But it's far from ready. Between my laziness and my workload of various RPs and Videogames I am often rather busy. Yet I always find myself exceptionally bored. So I like contemplating Philosophical Conundrums.

Most Recent Posts

Let's try to get posts out at least once a week. I know I'm not the best example of this but I'm gonna try and be more productive.
Hey there, Lord Deadpool hear, quick little question: Can a character have more then one power if they are powered?


Depends on the powers, as long as it's not any of the banned powers, like mind control or reality manipulation you can pretty much have anything as long as the GM accepts it. Though giving good reasons for infinite powers would be a difficult one, but yeah. We got guys with quite a few powers to play with, even got a Shazam type guy, Pantheon.
Alaskan Federation @2sky11 @Andronicus23 @Tiberius67 @Wampower

Once Mr. House had greeted them and allowed anyone to take the floor and propose ideas Titus Crassus addressed the delegates asking them to denounce the New California Republic for their actions during these supposed peace talks.

"While their actions were certainly wrong it highlights the short sightedness of their president who clearly lacks a strategic mind to comprehend when he should strike. If his attack upon the Legion had actually accomplished something we'd be having a different atmosphere in this room, striking the head of your enemy while he attends a peace summit would be an effective and unforeseeable action. However instead of assassinating anyone, Kimball made a fool out of himself where he could have garnered support by letting peace talks fall through and propping himself as the victim." North spoke as the other delegates listened in.

"Now." He said sipping a leather flask. "He has extinguished all support he could have garnered from this meeting, had he sat back and played the victim Alaska might have come to his aid as would others who view your culture negatively. As for Alaska, this is your problem. The west is logistically of no concern to us and even if you requested supplies I sincerely doubt we could accommodate you in any meaningful way given our great distance. Not that I personally have any interest in stepping in save only to act as a mediator which given the Republics' current actions seems unlikely to bear fruit."

Shortly after the Governor of New Houston inquired as to how the nations gathered would deal with the Cult of Ug-Qualoth to which Titus responded.

"I would like to add too," He continued, "That I cannot speak to the atrocities of The Cult, as their actions in the east are unfamiliar to us. Which is why Caesar has ordered that a representative from The Legion be sent east to ascertain the full story of what dangers they might pose to us all. Furthermore, I would say that while you may calls us heathens, know that Caesar has done much to protect your faith in his lands, offering sanctuary in the Zion Valley and allowing missionaries to travel in absolute safety throughout Legion territory. Where previously there was tribal war parties and raiders roving the land, now there is order and stability. Sometimes, bringing order to uncivilized peoples requires brute force and an uncompromising position. Our methods may be harsh to someone of your sensibilities, but they are necessary. Perhaps, in time, they will no longer be needed. It is the hope and goal for Caesar to bring a great many changes to his Legion, transforming it from the nomadic band of warriors that it was, to a well organized, stable, and modernized nation, dependent not on conquest but on economic and political ties with its neighbors. It is unfortunate that you would be quick to condemn us to fiery damnation, before allowing Caesar's vision to come to fruition. After all, do not all nations go through periods of trial and tribulation? Is there any nation here which can honestly say they are bloodless in their actions at all times? That they have never brought misery or fear to anyone? If not, then we ask for time, nothing more."

"I too have no information on what the Cult may or may not have done. It will be a matter we will look into and could change our perspective of them and our prospective relationship. For now things stand Ms. Ashur."


And




In


The Birdcage and the Canary


Leading down into the depths of the sewers Sewer Gator had shown Eva to the entrance of the Hero Diner, a place owned by Rosie the Riveter. Taking off to meet up with another hero Sewer Gator bid his farewell as he debriefed Rosie in his usual if eccentric way. “The Legions of villainy have been laid low this day under the mighty weight of justice and her hammer of virtue! For I am the chip at the bottom of the bag that is still crispy, the leafy greens your parents tell you to eat that make you stronger! For no matter where evil rests the sandwich of justice will be there to serve a heaping of tuna!”

Eva stared he made no sense, a man who could easily be mistaken for someone right out of Street Fighter with the outrageous costume choice to match. Sewer Gator’s pose and subsequent departure happened faster than she could process with a wide smile and simultaneous salute.

“So. Covering the basics you’re a would be hero. Who is not as helpless as we were led to believe.” Rosie spoke up as she sat down a glass jar full of coffee on top the wooden tables lining the rather pleasant underground diner. “According to Gator might have had a hand in the Pacific Point event that was all over the news.”

Stick-It note kid who had until now been washing plates spoke up himself. “From what we got maybe the caller just didn’t know too much of the details. But maybe you should lay low for now, we aren’t a target we’ll see about collecting info from the caller. Maybe trace the call bring in the Blue Beagle for that if he’ll stop trying to eat the scraps on the tables.”

”Look, I can handle myself. It’d be nice to find out why someone tried to kill me though.” Eva said as she took a seat.

“Well miss, what was it. Pendragon. I know asking personal information is difficult in our line of work.” Rosie said gruffly her age showing through her voice and mannerisms. “But since you do have abilities of sorts we can rule out regular revenge schemes, as the assassin was for normal humans.”

“So.” Stick-It note kid said. “You must be someone important to somebody, pissed off regular folks with money. And I doubt it was for texting and driving.”

”I’m not important no more, just someone trying to make sense of this world.”

“But it sounds like you were, so. If I may ask can we start from the top?” Rosie said as she set down a plate of appetizers.

Eva sighed as she eyed the old clock on the wall then began to reveal as little about herself as she could. Things she hoped would help but still keep some privacy, after an hour or two their questions had stopped and all that remained was what to do now.

“Even if you don’t bleed bullets hurt. These are trained assassins, and it seems more will come. Stick-It note is correct, laying low or getting out of town would be better.” Stick-it Note Kid spoke as he munched on a cold fry.

Merlin watched, carefully planning when to butt in. It was about time Eva met Salamander and his protege and this was a perfect excuse to do it. Perhaps I have something.” Merlin said floating down from the ceiling as if she could pass through walls.

”Merlin. Course you’d show up now.”

”I am Merlin, well one of them, that is more complicated than I wish to fully explain, but her getting out of town is what I want right now. I have some people I want you to meet.”

Rosie was not thrilled to have this half naked street walker enter her diner, but she and Pendragon knew each other. And had some degree of trust. “Your manner of dress is highly inappropriate.”

”And I find this establishment lacking. If one could call this dingy place a restaurant.”

“If you have the means to leave the city it might be best to spend a few days away while the rest of us look into this matter, Pendragon you’re young. Fighting alongside Icon and the playboy knight although impressive hasn’t prepared you yet. Come back after a few days. We’ll give you some pointers.”

”I. Yea might do that. But Merlin you had something.”

”After me.” Merlin said as the doors to the hidden diner opened to reveal an expansive library.

“Does anyone understand what’s going on?” Stick-it Note Kid said. “When did doors to libraries open up down here, or ever?”

“You see odd things, teleporting is often the strangest kid.” Rosie said lighting a cigarette.

---

Berenice made a corkscrew turn in the air, causing Sunheart to scream yet again, they had been doing this a good hour already, and while the siren was having her usual fun, she could tell her new friend was not enjoying the flight time.

Are you not used to being off of the ground so far?” she asked, aiming her mouth somewhere near her waist.

Her response was to feel a warm spot growing along her thigh. Sunheart had let go of the contents of her stomach. So she swooped down as fast as she could(something her tiny compatriot did not approve of) and landed on the beach below her nest, carefully washing herself without drowning the girl.

You know, you are going to have to get used to this if you are going to accompany me any length of time.

”I know!” said the girl, scrubbing her chin with the water beading on Berenice’s thigh feathers. “But perhaps the lessons can be slowed a bit> I have never been away from the ground at all except for climbing walls!

Berenice grinned at her little friend. “Maybe think of this as a very high wall that moves around?

She was rewarded with only a grunt of disapproval, so she decided to sit and wait for Sunheart’s stomach to settle before taking off into the evening sky again.

---

”Welcome to the ass end of nowhere. Where biting insects are the least of your worries. We’ll be going up a bit farther.

”Great. And me without my bloody bug spray.”

The two entered the forest where Salamander and the unknown Siren waited up ahead soon spotting a clearing where the sea breeze struck Eva in the face and the sight of the run down and nearly destroyed shack remained as the only reminder anyone had once lived here. Trees thinned out as few toppled over while the wild grasses grew unchecked by even nature herself.

”So who lives here that we have to meet?”

”Some interesting folk. Ah.” Merlin said as she spotted Salamander leaned against a tree. ”Here is one now. Meet Salamander. A acquaintance of sorts.”

Salamander grinned as the two moved up near him. “Seriously? This is the one the blade chose?”

The clearing echoed with laughter. And in the human’s ears, the laughter echoed off of itself, so that it became an endlessly repeating and building crescendo, bouncing off of the edge of perception and back until it was so loud her teeth vibrated. At the same time, Salamander's body split into a thousand crows, who flew so low and fast past her face that she probably couldn’t see anything but black shiny feathers. And then suddenly, without warning or transition, everything was back exactly the way it had been, and he was laughing normally, though now, instead of his old travelling clothes, he was wearing a torn denim vest, ripped up jeans, and sporting a mohawk of violently iridescent purple. He was still laughing, although it sounded normal now.

“This is going to be fun,” he said, in between chuckles. “If the bird says it’s fine, she can camp here. It’ll probably be safer than anywhere else for the moment.”

”NO, nope, no. Bloody hell and god save the queen and that fucking jazz.” As Eva snapped out of whatever Salamander had done to her.

Meanwhile Merlin sat floating above the ground simply relaxing.”Yes yes, it was just a few seconds. You’re fine. Now yes Excalibur chose her. She’s not even used to such parlor tricks barely wet behind the ears I'm afraid. Now where is your girl? I don’t suppose she’s more house trained than this one.”

”Standing right here.”

Salamander stuck two fingers in his mouth and blew what should have been a shrill but normal whistle. What came out was a hawk’s hunting cry, and it had that same echoing quality, though this time it rang about the clearing as if it had a mind of its own and it was looking for something. Out of the evening sky came an answering call, though clearer, and out of the gloom came a fast-flying feathered menace that would make most furred mammals run for cover.

As Berenice came in to land, she wondered half-heartedly why she had answered so readily to that call, but that thought immediately left her mind as she landed on a nearby tree stump, talons gouging out chunks of bark to reveal bright white wood beneath. She shifted a bit to fold her wings behind her, then folded her arms to try and look authoritative. After all, this was her nest. The overall effect, however, was more like a five year old trying to assert dominance in a room full of adults. She might have been serious about it, but no one else was buying it.

”That. I. Um, Bollocks, big bloody bollocks. On one hand I’d like to say, Birb lady. SHE’S A FREAKING BIRB! On the other. You are um. God you smell like you took a bath in the Hudson. Soap, lady it’s a thing.”

”She is more pungent than I imagined.” Merlin said erecting a barrier to mitigate the smell between herself and Berry one the Siren would likely fail to notice.

”Well this is all fine and good but why are we meeting?” Eva said as she held her nose.

”Perhaps we thought you could use some practical experience. And help this, speci, um. Lovely creature here explore what she is truly capable of.”

Berenice stared at the two newcomers. While her eyes were mostly human shaped, they were still the great golden-black orbs of an eagle, and had somewhat more intensity than most would expect from a human head. Then again, the rest of her body detracted from ‘expectations’ to begin with.

I know what soap is! What is a Hudson, though?”

Salamander put his palm to his face and shook his head before glancing over at Merlin. “Shall we put that at one for yours, then? I’m afraid mine is a bit younger than normal. You can feel the power, though, yes? My old apprentice may have overdone himself.”

”Throbbing with power. She does have potential. More so than what I am currently working with.”

”Have you considered a nice bubble bath, or I could just have Dickens lick you clean. He won’t eat you promise.” Eva looked towards Merlin and said. ”You plan on tossing us into trouble aren’t you?”

”Not trouble, heroics, a test. A trial of your abilities, honor and likelihood of dea, defeat. A guideline and Berry needs a good influence. And the Hounds need stopping.”

”She plans on giving us trouble, first time she dropped an alien on my ass. Um big creature. Yeah. And the Hounds are bad people, killing good people and destroying lives, mages, sirens like yourself and anyone we like.”

Salamander looked at Berry. “It will also give me a good idea of where I need to start with you, and where your capabilities lie, so that I can teach you more effectively.”

Berenice nodded throughout all of these statements, though she gave off the sneaking suspicion that she might be nodding more because she thought that’s what you were supposed to do rather than because of any sort of actual understanding. And then she bent low, folding one wing over herself, looking like she was after an elusive itch somewhere. After several moments, she came back up. She smiled at Eva, displaying her unusual mouth of teeth.

”Okay, We will do this...whatever it is you are talking about. And you can get me some soap, maybe.”

”I skipped out of tracking my own assassin for this. Fine. Just. Can we get you washed up first? You smell like someone threw up on rotting meat.

”I do have a bath, although that is not the smell of rotting meat.”

”I will regret asking won’t I?” Eva said as the four of them stood in the middle of the clearing as Berry perched herself on the stump with the cabin behind her. Eva held her face with her right palm before swaying to her side back and forth. ”Gah! Weird things keep coming, why can’t this world be normal. Take out meals and tv dinners with games on the weekend. But fine. Fine. I’ll play your dumb game, take your tests.”

”For a legendary hero in training you while about the simplest things. And this is what I get for dealing with children always wanting to be pampered.”
Right. Gonna try and work on something here. North has a bit to say on the current political climate.
@Alternax Pfft. Don't go uncovering plot ideas about Eva now. She's not a guy. I mean. This is not the post you are looking for.
WIP

Best Hero: Rune
Best Hero without Powers: Lyger
Best Walking-the-Line: Walker Nicole "Nicky" MacNamara
Best Walking-the-Line without Powers:
Best Villain: NMS eerr. I mean Umbraxis
Best Villain without Powers: The Cowl
Best NPC'd hero: Likely Indy's Western Hero group.
Best NPC'd villain: Dilpodoc
Best New Character: Bernice

Best (most original) Origin: Tiamat - Darya Anat Kamaliazad mostly as she has to navigate cultural norms and gain approval from her family in a way I have yet to see.
Best Shipped Couple: Kat and Ben
Most Interesting Use of Powers: Equilibrium, because Pepperidge Farms remembers. He dropped a news-copter on War-Pulse
Most Angry Character: Nicky
Most Property Damage: Game Genie
Best Team-up: Urksis and Terra-Firma Mole Money Mole Problems
Most Unexpected Team-up Bernice and Terra-Firma

Best Fight: The Fight between War Pulse, Evergreen and Equilibrium.
Best Post: Anything with Byrd Man. I just, I just can't decide between them
Best Comedic Post: Bernice in Wally World.
Best Story Arc:
Most Fun Story Arc: Game Genie
Best Story Arc with a Tear Jerking moment

MVP: Pixie Trix for putting up with soo many colabs and my constant badgering with new ideas that may or may not be me tossing out the most random shit.
Most Improved:
Best Newbie: Indy Cooper

And


In

Ain't that a kick in the head


Surrounded by jars of varying substances and scented candles a circle lay chalked on the floor as Carol read words of great power speaking in an unknown tongue and lost language as Barron stood off to the side going over various reports of magically inclined individuals of interest.

As the circle reached the ceiling and soon a form began to appear Carol spoke first welcoming her guest. “Ah. Mrs. Valis there are things we’d like to speak about, myself and my husband. Roman Adessi’s death is a tragedy, but one wholly brought upon himself. The Five Families or is it four now? No matter. They’re actively dismissing our armed escorts in favor of their own inadequate security details. We cannot defend them if they set us out on the streets and give us false addresses.”

Hekate’s face was grim. As the smoke which conjured her presence cleared, it was apparent to the Vanderbilt’s that she had been in mourning for some time, and her expression was dark and unyielding. This wasn’t the time for such discussion, but Hekate had put herself at their mercy. She answered to their call because she had to, because keeping herself distant would only hurt their already strained relationship.

”Mrs. Vanderbilt,” Hekate greeted Carol with a heavy sigh. She straightened herself, trying to hold back her grief and rage. ”These are trying times for the Fi . . . Four Families. It is only recently that they have been brought together in peace, and so soon after, one of their own was taken.” Hekate held back a sob.

”They are stubborn, I must admit. Traditionalists, all of them. In their eyes, they are the only ones fit to look out for their own, and given what has just transpired, I would say that they are understandably cautious of giving out the location of their strongholds to just anyone.”

Barron slipped his arms to his sides with his left holding a tablet. ”Forgive me if I seem callous, death was more common than shit in my last world, but we should use this tragedy to galvanize the rest of the families. Bring them to action and while terrible use this event to strengthen their alliance. Because I don’t intend to sit idly by, if someone lights a fire I find them and burn them with their own flames. I’ve been thinking it’s about time we get on the offensive. I’ve been gathering reports, various Champions are rising again, Excalibur has returned. And since Broker is also a concern one I no longer have a viable option to deal with.” Barron said while a scroll laid on his desk.

”You knew that. I know that, I may not have the magic nor the wisdom. But I know god complex when I see it. You aren’t the first to play this game with me, Robert House tried this too thinking I wasn’t capable of pulling a stunt to outsmart him. But I’m big enough to put this behind me, we have more pressing matters to deal with.”

Hekate perked up at the sight of the scroll. She wondered how long it would take for Barron to get past her rouse.

”I’ll not deny that I deceived you, used your ignorance of magic to give you false hope. But while we’re on the subject, allow me to explain. This isn’t something that needs to be looked over.”

Hekate positioned herself between Carol and Barron, speaking to both but more so to Barron. She crossed her arms and spoke sternly.

”This attitude you seem to have, the idea that you can ‘outsmart’ or ‘one-up’ myself or any like me, that is what I’m trying to circumvent. You, Mr. Vanderbilt, suffer from the same affliction as Mr. Adessi . . . hubris, blinding hubris. You think yourself superior, that given you stature and ambition you have power enough to turn the tide ever in your favor, and this simply isn’t true.

“I offered you a false cure for Broker because there is no cure, there is no way of dealing with him in the manner you wish, and that you believe so shows how little you know. This world is so full of monsters and horrors, older and greater than yourself, with powers that should make you shudder. They care not for you for to them, you, even an Elder Vampire, are a grain of sand. You said that there were no gods in your world, but there are billions here. Beings of power that will use you to their own ends. It is to your benefit, Mr. Vanderbilt, to learn this quickly. A time may come when you do not have someone like myself to remind you of it, and then where will you be?”


Hekate came off as harsh, but it was necessary. She wished to ensure that Barron knew just how unpredictable this portion of the world was, how the unseen world would be his undoing lest he heeded her warning.

Barron smiled, it was malevolent, filled with a sense of excitement and bloodlust.”See, see. That’s what makes it exciting. My world had no gods, no masters, only man. It was flesh and teeth, bullets and disease. You could fire a gun and someone surely would die. As much as I enjoy living I love being tested against what would inevitably kill me. I am aware that yes, I lack a lot of power compared to gods and sure I’m far too cocky for my own good. But I also know I don’t have to do this alone, nor do I intend to. If Broker becomes a problem I will have an answer, if you fail to see one that is your shortsightedness. There is always an answer. And I will find it. Even if I have to use others to obtain my ends. I will use everything at my disposal.”

Shuffling back over to his desk he placed his hands atop the corners and smiled as he looked back. ”And where will I be then. Thrilled. Should death take me I’ll give everyone a good thrashing, should I stand victorious I toast to my enemies. But I will win in the end. That is the Vanderbilt way.” Turning back to face Hekate. ”And what will you do? The Hounds of Humanity are closing in, this may be the darkest hour facing many supernaturals who cannot defend themselves. I plan to have a counter measure. A team. Champions who will defend us, question is where do you stand? I have no intention of taking a seat on the sidelines. My home lies in flames, the Fae are riled up. And the Families can’t turtle up hoping this passes quietly.”

”Do not be fooled, Mr. Vanderbilt,” Hekate replied, lowering her arms to her sides and calming her posture. ”Neither myself nor the remaining families intend to sit idly by while this city burns. I have a plan in mind, not unlike your own. And despite my single transgression, we have a standing contract. My small betrayal was no betrayal at all, only a warning, a test. You and I shall yet work towards a common goal, and I welcome any measures you plan to implement in dealing with these Hound filth.”

Hekate sighed. She wasn’t sure what it meant, if it were a sign of defeat or compromise, but it was heavy with feelings she couldn’t put to words.

”To that end, I shall speak with the families on your behalf and remind them that you are to be trusted, as are your men.”

With pause Carol spoke. “And I think I’ll take your offer as well. Deepen my studies in magic.”

Barron placed his hands on her shoulders.”Really!? That’s great news. Would you kindly Mrs. Valis?”

Hekate looked uneasy. Carol did interest her as a potential student. She had all the makings of a powerful witch . . . but she and her husband’s ideas on magic were less than traditional.

”Tell me, Mrs. Vanderbilt, do you intend to fill the void left by Roman and his family by taking up witchcraft?”

“It is tempting. But I don’t think they’d accept me just yet. I’d need a few years to be close I think. For now we’re just the Vanderbilts. Your Swords, your Shields.”

”Very well,” Hekate replied with a wide grin. ”I shall ignite that vital spark within you, grant you the witch-fire and instruct you in the craft of the wise. But know this, to the other families, witchery is their life, it is their legacy. They trace their roots back to the colonists of the 17th century, some further into the Old World. Magic is a tool, yes, but in order to one day be seen as a member of the Five Families, you will need to treat witchcraft with the respect it deserves and demands. It is not a frivolous art. Well . . . sometimes.”

Hekate smiled. It had been some time since she oversaw another witch’s instruction. This would be fun. Quickly, she turned to Barron as an aside.

”That does not mean, however, that you can’t have your associates dabbling in other arts. Though your wife and her subsequent students must uphold a proper witching tradition, you and those you know may do as they wish, as I’m sure you were already aware.”
MERLIN

In

Salty Sallymans


There was a puff of rising duct from a book Merlin pulled from her shelf a title illegible to the human eye long lost and forgotten by mere mortals. She had been observing with the Eye of Gideon an orb which saw anything she chose that was unshielded by unconventional means and the siren that lived in Lost Haven was of great interest bending the natural flow of leylines and being fed directly from them to sustain her lifeforce likely Merlin mused unknowingly as the creature who began calling itself Bernice was ignorant of her own ability. But more interesting than that was the people who gathered around her as she tore chaotically through the daily lives of innocent bystanders.

The Young Alchemist who scavenged buildings was unimportant a useless side character in Merlin’s eyes, but the bearded man. He was someone she had met in another life and the reason she herself had yet to swoop down and swipe this creature for her own personal studies. Salamander, what a quaint title he chose. But it was time to say hello and see how this version differs from his otherworldly doppleganger.

A door opened on the edge of Lost Haven it was an unassuming apartment just next to a chinese restaurant wearing a little more than a thin robe covering the essentials she floated above the masses and past the forests would soon catch Salamander’s eye.

The old man didn’t bother opening his eyes, leaning against a tree and looking for all the world like he was just taking a nap. One eyebrow quirked underneath his hat, however, and he mumbled under his breath, though perfectly audible to his new visitor.

“This is becoming quite the popular spot for something most know as the ‘quiet’ countryside. What, precisely, are you doing here?” His eyes opened slightly, and he fingered the pommel of the sword at his hip idly. “Mind you, of course, the siren is under my protection, not a loose player.”

”I didn’t come for a serenade. I came because you were wanting people to see you, and I was keeping watch for who would come for this interesting specimen. Lo and behold the Crow of all beings. I called you friend for lack of a better world in an alternate universe. Surely you have begun to notice things are changing in this new age. Magic is beginning to awaken like it was once long ago, oh and the Fae are in a tizzy thanks to foolish humans.”

The Salamander chuckled. “Go figure, you’re the first of all the spectacularities in this town to notice I showed up. Well, it’s not like I was planning on throwing a party, really.” He struggled up out of his prone position and glanced up. “You certainly know how to make an entrance, I’ll grant you that. What’s this business about the Fae, though? This humble joke I’m stuck in doesn’t let me have too much of an awareness these days.”

Stepping on the soft earth with her bare feet.”I should, I’m almost as old as you are though I keep my youthful appearance. As for the Fae it’s not too significant to beings like us humans calling themselves the Hounds of Humanity burned down a Fae nightclub a dance tavern I suppose would be more familiar a term. They’ve been killing those they deem unnatural. As if they have that right to decide when we have been on this earth far longer. I suppose though I’ve yet to introduce myself forgive me I nearly forgot. I am Merlin one who has seen other worlds and ascended from magics practiced by mortals. Speaking of which, have you seen Solomon’s Ring?”

The old man peered at her, eyes flicking back to their bird state. “Mighty high up there on your chair, mortal. However powerful you might be, you haven’t really gotten past being one of them yet.” He waved his hand dismissively. “Nevermind, didn’t mean to insult. No, I haven’t seen that ring, nor would I let go of it if I had. I suppose you already know who I am, then, seeing as what you called me earlier, though I’d prefer if you didn’t call me that in front of anyone else. Salamander will do just fine until I can wring Coyote’s neck myself.”

“As for threats from those...what did you call them? Dogs? Anyway, them. If they’re good enough to piss off the Fae instead of being amusing, you may very well have to step in yourself. Not exactly easy to raise them up. I know. I’ve tried. But they do sound like the same stupid bastards who have been around as long as humans have, always the ones in a crowd who can’t stand to see people as miserable as they are. Nasty bits of work, usually. I still remember the Forties vividly.”

“And,” he added, “You still haven’t answered my question. Can’t trick a trickster, madam.”

”Very well. I have knowledge to transcend mortal magics, but not the ability. Bobbles filled with magic are always within reach and I often switch between sources to best ensure victory. I have the training but lack the pool with to draw magic from. While not an issue for mortals if I wish to entertain beings who have called themselves gods I need to properly ascend. Solomon’s Ring would go a long way to achieving that. And you. I’ve had little interest though with these Hounds I felt that’s not something I should concern myself with at the moment. Tis why I keep Arthur’s heir by my side. She’s the one who’ll deal with this and the Fae and if she fails perhaps I will step in.” Merlin noticed Crow raise a brow, and realized he had yet to notice Excalibur’s return. ”You don’t know do you? Excalibur has chosen again. A young girl of Arthur’s bloodline is to be the next Champion. Perhaps I will introduce her to you soon.”

Salamander stood there for a second, sorting through that information. His eyes glazed momentarily over the thought of having the sword, though he knew better than to try and take it directly. And then he laughed, long and loud, bending over almost double for a moment. Once he had calmed down, he said, “You white people and your damned ‘bloodline’ this and ‘heir’ that. Man, you guys crack me up. But,” his expression sobered. “If you want her to meet me, I’d be fine with that. Blood or no, the blade picking a person is pretty impressive. So sure, bring her by. I’ll be here.” He gestured expansively at the hill behind him, upon which rested the cottage ruins.

“And if you want her taught a few tricks, that could be arranged too, though it’ll cost you, of course.”

Merlin smirked. ”And you’re love of shiny things shines once again. Maybe I’ll dangle a quarter next time I visit. And your, what do you call her, protoge? Can meet the girl, Evangeline or Eva as she prefers. We could do well to test their potential against these Hounds. However, you’re ties with other gods. If you learn something about the ring I’d quite like to know.”

“Yes, tempering them in the fires of battle could be good. A way to see how far yours has come along and where I need to start with mine. As for the Ring, I’ll keep my eyes open, but no promises. You’ve probably got a better means of finding it than I do at present.” He gestured at himself. “Fucking Coyote has a few centuries to pay for with this one.”

”I wouldn’t mind helping with that, I could find a spell in the Arcanium Magisterium.”

“Ha! If you can find a spell in your book to undo one of his pranks, you’ll be the talk of the town, missy. Up top and down below. Now if you’ll excuse me,” he said, getting back into his former position, “I have napping to catch up on. These old bones, you understand.”

In

POW!


I’ve always felt odd. As Eva’s mind ran the thought through her head. I should be more broken inside right, I mean tragedy has struck me and my friends are dead. I met Mrs Sloan shortly after Julius died in that fire set by the villains who robbed the Natural History Museum, and amidst the emotions from the funeral goers I felt calm. I know I’ve been taking some medicine and the doctors say that it’s been helping me with my therapy, that and Dickens who they think is just a dog. The busy sidewalk street overflowed with people getting out of work, suits flooded the crosswalks and briefcases sat by their owners laps as they relaxed in the park, the day wasn’t bad as Eva mused what her mind could be thinking.

Eva had not made herself that publically known, of course there was the fight against Game Genie which was broadcasted on the news and talks of the sword girl had become more common in Pacific Point. None of which seemed to impact her life here in New York, Abraham had given her his number and set of to discover where the soul stone was taken. And Eva felt left out. Abe was more versed in the supernatural than her able to hunt and deal with just about any magical creature that lay before him or so he claimed. She did believe to an extent however and knew she had much to learn about all this new world for now she was boots to the ground trying to dig up info on Shock Jockey, whom had all but vanished. Perhaps it was her lack of skill gathering clues or just pure bad luck and timing that lead her with no leads.

Eva turned a corner and walked down an alley way the start of every bad end for most civilians. As cliche as it was a gunman was stalking Eva Walsh from the shadows a masked man who for all intents and purposes is a hired gun. His arm pulled back a gun from his back and set his arm into firing position all within a few seconds of Eva recognizing the threat. His moves were well practiced and he delivered a line on the off chance someone was listening. “Hand over your purse.” His finger was already poised to pull the trigger setting off Eva’s own flight or fight response as she herself summon Excalibur to her side something that spooked the hired hitman the Sewer lid behind him popped off and an arm lunged out from the darkness.

“WHERE THERE IS INJUSTICE I AM THERE. For like the enveloping night nothing is beyond the reach of the Law! Like a can of beans sitting in your pantry I am a comfort to all who need aid for the Grocers of Justice are open twenty four hours a day! Seven days a week!” He said yanking the gunman's hand towards himself and setting up a right hook to his jaw. With a POW!. His fist sent him into the wall of the nearest building he turned to Eva. “I would say you are safe! But you are no damsel. Do your parents know you’re running around with a dangerous weapon? Young fangirl I met some months ago.”

”Uhh” Eva said as she was unsure how to respond to his entrance. ”My guardian does.”

“Fair enough, say haven’t I seen that sword elsewhere?” Sewer Gator pondered with his bloody fist rubbing his gruff chin. “I have! You were on the news some time back, with that Genie business. I recognize the hoodie and sword combo. Well done fledgling hero.”

Eva was astounded, as clueless as he appeared he was not as dumb as she thought he was. Or perhaps she needed a proper costume.”Well. Yea, that was me.” Out of the corner of Eva’s eye she saw the gunman try to raise his gun again only for Sewer Gator to swiftly kick if from his hand without turning back.

“THE EYES OF JUSTICE CANNOT BE MUDDIED BY VILLAINY!” Sewer Gator beckoned to Eva to follow. “Come, we must go. The United Hero Front has been tracking this man ever since he entered this city. A tip from an Anonymous caller tipped us off. We have been searching for him for a while I need to alert the authorities to his capture.”

”Why? Is he a known killer.”

“That he is, a hitman hired to assassinate a young girl, that is all we know. I assume you were his target have any clues as to why?”

”Maybe, but nothing current springs to mind.”

“TO THE HERO DINER! We shall see if we can’t discover who hired this man but first. I MUST SEEK THE THRONE OF GODS. I think there’s a place around here with a bathroom.”
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