Forging of Justice (AU Modern Setting + Meta-Arc)
- Thread starter Kkutlord
- Start date
- Original Sci-Fi Fantasy Superhero
[x] Superheroes... You're in no rush to find out if you can double die.
[x] Can we talk with Maggie & Celly first? You need some not-insane adults.
[x] Belladonna "Bell" Nexus, wannabe 'Spirit Protector'
[x] Can we talk with Maggie & Celly first? You need some not-insane adults.
[x] Belladonna "Bell" Nexus, wannabe 'Spirit Protector'
Kkutlord
Prince of Breath
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
Hmm, probably should of explained why Lucifel is currently relevant: She's in the shop right now, having noticed Valerie & Justin before they'll notice her. Still, I'll wait a little longer regarding the FP, given the tie.
Regarding the leading vote, I'm unsurprised Maggie & Celly are winning. Yet for "Don't wanna double die", I will point out it'll disappoint Valerie some- Before explaining it is much worse than double dying.
Regarding the leading vote, I'm unsurprised Maggie & Celly are winning. Yet for "Don't wanna double die", I will point out it'll disappoint Valerie some- Before explaining it is much worse than double dying.
Fragmentary Passage - Belladonna "Bell" Nexus
Kkutlord
Prince of Breath
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
Clearly, the RNG must be my one true love! That or I just wanna avoid blatantly picking the option I want more.
I should point out Bell's FP takes place six years in the past. So as a four year old, she legitimately hadn't been properly coherent mentally all that long. Still, she's weirdly language-developed because that's something Maggie & Celly cheated at for all of them.
For future FP votes though, I think I'll better explain what each one would be about.
Rubbing your hand back and forth on the counter, you just can't help fixating on how smooth it is. Like, out of everything, this is just the smoothest!
"Bell? Have you... Have you been out here this entire time?" Pulling your gaze away from your hand, you blink casually at Sylvia. Uh... You know she's one of the oldest, but honestly you don't know if she's your sister or your cousin.
You 'hmph' as the older girl shakes her head. Hmm... You keep expecting dirt to pile up on the floor, her hair is just... too brown. Hmm? She's fiddling with her dress' collar and her right glove.
The older girl sighing, she slowly yet quickly approaches- To pick you up! "Hey, put me down!" Sylvia just ignoring your ineffectual little fists, you quickly find yourself standing upright on the floor.
Pouting at her back as Sylvia begins spraying where you sat, you try to climb back onto the counter- Only for her to stop you. Sylvia looking you in the eyes with those... Weird yellow eyes not like mom(?)/aunt(?) Celly, she holds out a finger scoldingly.
"No, Bell, the store is gonna open soon. If you don't behave, you won't get to meet aunt Valerie." Blinking in confusion, you tug on Sylvia's brown dress. Looking back at you, she's waiting for you to speak. Okay...
"Uh, who... who is aunty Valley?" Sylvia raising one of her eyebrows, you can't help pouting annoyedly. Still, she decides to smile at you, and answer the question.
"One of Maggie and Celly's sisters, they're trying to reach out to her. She's suppose to make her first visit today." Wait... You have other aunts!? That's so cool!
Trying to grab at Sylvia's spray bottle, she looks at you confused for a second- Before handling you another, and pointing at a different counter. Smiling up at her, you dart off to the other counter.
----
Ever since Aunties(?)/Mommies(?) Maggie & Celly left half an hour ago, you've been anxiously waiting for their return. You just can't sit, you're too excited to meet your first new aunt.
Ooh, maybe she'll be a big and powerful sorceress! With lots and lots of golem-beasts! Eeeeee, maybe she'll even let you have one! You're gonna name them Gomez and-
The front door swinging open, you still as you focus on the three before you- Maggie, Celly, and... a little girl? She barely looks older than Sylvia, who is, uh... twelve or something?
The older-little girl flinches as she notices you, and she turns to Celly- asking in a, subdued manner? "S-so, is she one of yours Celly?" That causes apparently-aunt Celly to shake her head, and apparently-mom Maggie to chime in.
"I'm the one who gave birth to her. Belladonna, this is your aunt Valerie, come say hi." Wait, that's aunt Valley? But she's too young! Uh, maybe, maybe they're just pretending? But why pretend your sister or cousin is your aunt?
Both you and Valley end up fidgeting in place, then both of you get annoyed seeing the other fidget as well. Geez, fine... Reluctantly stepping up to your dark-haired aunt, you puff out your chest and try to speak proudly.
"I'mma the great Bell Nexus, master of arcane secrets!" Pouting as aunt Valley doesn't seem to know how to react, she finally just squeaks out simply. "Uh, I'm Valerie Nexus, s-simple witch I guess..."
What, really...? Hmph, you're starting to think Sylvia tricked you into helping clean up the counters... No way is Valley that cool, she probably can't even do magic.
----
Wow what!? Y-you decided to test auntie Valley once momma Maggie and auntie Celly went off to open the store, b-but you weren't expecting this! Books flying all around you, dancing all around you... You couldn't hope to do this!
~"Dance, and dance, and dance... Now finally, stop, and return."~ At her decree, the books briefly stop in mid-air before placing themselves back on the shelves. Wow...
Looking at auntie Valley with starry eyes, you can't help speaking excitedly. "Simple witch!? That was such skillful telekinetic magic, w-why would you downplay yourself like that!?"
That causes auntie Valley to startle, before nervously rubbing her left arm and glancing downwards. "N-no, it isn't anything special. I, I'm not dumb enough to think that..."
Eh? You, you don't understand... She's momma and auntie's sister, right!? S-so how could she think like this? Uh... Fidgeting awkwardly yourself, you look over the railing and an idea passes through your mind as you notice her.
Leaning over the railing and waving excitedly, you call out loudly "Hey, Waninu, over here! There's someone you gotta meet!" Auntie Valley steps besides you, and you glance over to see her looking.
Hmm, you think Waninu is looking at grandmama Lili, but- Wow! You and auntie Valley pulling away from the railing, Waninu looks pained for a moment before composing herself.
The doggy-eared six year old looking at auntie Valley and sniffing her for a few seconds, she 'hmms' before turning to you. Fuzzy white Shiba tail wagging minutely, she speaks rather seriously for someone young like you.
"Okay, what's her deal? Please, please let her be easier to reign in than mom." That causes auntie Valley to look at Waninu in confusion, so you decide to chime in.
"She's super good at magic but weirdly denies it! So, that's like, way easier than grandmama Lili!" Noticing auntie Valley looks somewhat uncomfortable, you gaze flickers to Waninu as her features show some confusion.
"Wait, you thought Goddess Lilith was your grandmother? No, she's your great-grandmother. I... Geez, why do I have to put up with this family..." Pouting and clenching your little fists annoyed, you stop as auntie Valley speaks up.
"I... I have a great-grandmother?" Fidgeting your fingers nervously, you've never heard anyone sound like auntie Valley before. You don't really know anything about Maggie & Celly's own mom, but...
Eh? Waninu sighing as she runs a hand down her face, her throat-clearing cough sounds more like a woof. Stretching her arms out above her head, her focus on auntie Valley seems kind of lazy.
"For you, she would be grandmother, thus making me your aunt. Alright, so, I don't really have time to solve your life problems. But..." Gesturing at you whilst still looking on auntie Valley, she continues.
"Just spend more time around people who, like, actually respect you? I gotta go stop my mom from harassing some poor dude." At that, Waninu sprints away, before either of you could keep talking.
Looking over at auntie Valley, she's rubbing her left arm... Yet she's looking back, and asks in a subdued yet curious tone. "So... Was it just me, or did her leg shape seem weird? I'm pretty sure those were paws instead of feet."
Really, she noticed too!? "I know! I'm only, like, four and that seems weird! I, uh, I think she's a werewolf! But, like, permanently half-transformed? That's a thing right?"
That causes Valerie to raise an eyebrow at you, studying your features, before nodding gently. "S-sure, pretty much anything is possible if you try hard enough."
Hmm... Oh! "Then teach me your, uh, magic auntie Valley!" Blinking in confusion as she flinches at that, she rubs her hands together before focusing on you again.
"I, I don't know how to. I'm, I'm kind of weird for a mage... H-honestly, I think I should go home soon. It... It has been pretty weird being here." What, no! She's so awesome, and cool, and-and-and...
Making your best attempt at a serious face and holding your clenched fists just below your head, auntie Valley looks at you confused. "Please come back! You're really, really cool a-and I wanna hang out! I, I didn't even know Maggie was my mom, I barely understand who anyone is... B-but you're my awesome new auntie Valley! Please come back again!"
Her eyes searching you for a few moments, auntie Valley finally sighs and gives a wary little smile. "A-alright, I guess I can t-try to visit again. There's, uh, lots of cool stuff here."
Yes! Smiling giddily as you basically-dance happily, you don't really notice auntie Valley's reaction. You're gonna be the bestest niece, and she's gonna teach you magic, and be your best friend!
"Bell? Have you... Have you been out here this entire time?" Pulling your gaze away from your hand, you blink casually at Sylvia. Uh... You know she's one of the oldest, but honestly you don't know if she's your sister or your cousin.
You 'hmph' as the older girl shakes her head. Hmm... You keep expecting dirt to pile up on the floor, her hair is just... too brown. Hmm? She's fiddling with her dress' collar and her right glove.
The older girl sighing, she slowly yet quickly approaches- To pick you up! "Hey, put me down!" Sylvia just ignoring your ineffectual little fists, you quickly find yourself standing upright on the floor.
Pouting at her back as Sylvia begins spraying where you sat, you try to climb back onto the counter- Only for her to stop you. Sylvia looking you in the eyes with those... Weird yellow eyes not like mom(?)/aunt(?) Celly, she holds out a finger scoldingly.
"No, Bell, the store is gonna open soon. If you don't behave, you won't get to meet aunt Valerie." Blinking in confusion, you tug on Sylvia's brown dress. Looking back at you, she's waiting for you to speak. Okay...
"Uh, who... who is aunty Valley?" Sylvia raising one of her eyebrows, you can't help pouting annoyedly. Still, she decides to smile at you, and answer the question.
"One of Maggie and Celly's sisters, they're trying to reach out to her. She's suppose to make her first visit today." Wait... You have other aunts!? That's so cool!
Trying to grab at Sylvia's spray bottle, she looks at you confused for a second- Before handling you another, and pointing at a different counter. Smiling up at her, you dart off to the other counter.
----
Ever since Aunties(?)/Mommies(?) Maggie & Celly left half an hour ago, you've been anxiously waiting for their return. You just can't sit, you're too excited to meet your first new aunt.
Ooh, maybe she'll be a big and powerful sorceress! With lots and lots of golem-beasts! Eeeeee, maybe she'll even let you have one! You're gonna name them Gomez and-
The front door swinging open, you still as you focus on the three before you- Maggie, Celly, and... a little girl? She barely looks older than Sylvia, who is, uh... twelve or something?
The older-little girl flinches as she notices you, and she turns to Celly- asking in a, subdued manner? "S-so, is she one of yours Celly?" That causes apparently-aunt Celly to shake her head, and apparently-mom Maggie to chime in.
"I'm the one who gave birth to her. Belladonna, this is your aunt Valerie, come say hi." Wait, that's aunt Valley? But she's too young! Uh, maybe, maybe they're just pretending? But why pretend your sister or cousin is your aunt?
Both you and Valley end up fidgeting in place, then both of you get annoyed seeing the other fidget as well. Geez, fine... Reluctantly stepping up to your dark-haired aunt, you puff out your chest and try to speak proudly.
"I'mma the great Bell Nexus, master of arcane secrets!" Pouting as aunt Valley doesn't seem to know how to react, she finally just squeaks out simply. "Uh, I'm Valerie Nexus, s-simple witch I guess..."
What, really...? Hmph, you're starting to think Sylvia tricked you into helping clean up the counters... No way is Valley that cool, she probably can't even do magic.
----
Wow what!? Y-you decided to test auntie Valley once momma Maggie and auntie Celly went off to open the store, b-but you weren't expecting this! Books flying all around you, dancing all around you... You couldn't hope to do this!
~"Dance, and dance, and dance... Now finally, stop, and return."~ At her decree, the books briefly stop in mid-air before placing themselves back on the shelves. Wow...
Looking at auntie Valley with starry eyes, you can't help speaking excitedly. "Simple witch!? That was such skillful telekinetic magic, w-why would you downplay yourself like that!?"
That causes auntie Valley to startle, before nervously rubbing her left arm and glancing downwards. "N-no, it isn't anything special. I, I'm not dumb enough to think that..."
Eh? You, you don't understand... She's momma and auntie's sister, right!? S-so how could she think like this? Uh... Fidgeting awkwardly yourself, you look over the railing and an idea passes through your mind as you notice her.
Leaning over the railing and waving excitedly, you call out loudly "Hey, Waninu, over here! There's someone you gotta meet!" Auntie Valley steps besides you, and you glance over to see her looking.
Hmm, you think Waninu is looking at grandmama Lili, but- Wow! You and auntie Valley pulling away from the railing, Waninu looks pained for a moment before composing herself.
The doggy-eared six year old looking at auntie Valley and sniffing her for a few seconds, she 'hmms' before turning to you. Fuzzy white Shiba tail wagging minutely, she speaks rather seriously for someone young like you.
"Okay, what's her deal? Please, please let her be easier to reign in than mom." That causes auntie Valley to look at Waninu in confusion, so you decide to chime in.
"She's super good at magic but weirdly denies it! So, that's like, way easier than grandmama Lili!" Noticing auntie Valley looks somewhat uncomfortable, you gaze flickers to Waninu as her features show some confusion.
"Wait, you thought Goddess Lilith was your grandmother? No, she's your great-grandmother. I... Geez, why do I have to put up with this family..." Pouting and clenching your little fists annoyed, you stop as auntie Valley speaks up.
"I... I have a great-grandmother?" Fidgeting your fingers nervously, you've never heard anyone sound like auntie Valley before. You don't really know anything about Maggie & Celly's own mom, but...
Eh? Waninu sighing as she runs a hand down her face, her throat-clearing cough sounds more like a woof. Stretching her arms out above her head, her focus on auntie Valley seems kind of lazy.
"For you, she would be grandmother, thus making me your aunt. Alright, so, I don't really have time to solve your life problems. But..." Gesturing at you whilst still looking on auntie Valley, she continues.
"Just spend more time around people who, like, actually respect you? I gotta go stop my mom from harassing some poor dude." At that, Waninu sprints away, before either of you could keep talking.
Looking over at auntie Valley, she's rubbing her left arm... Yet she's looking back, and asks in a subdued yet curious tone. "So... Was it just me, or did her leg shape seem weird? I'm pretty sure those were paws instead of feet."
Really, she noticed too!? "I know! I'm only, like, four and that seems weird! I, uh, I think she's a werewolf! But, like, permanently half-transformed? That's a thing right?"
That causes Valerie to raise an eyebrow at you, studying your features, before nodding gently. "S-sure, pretty much anything is possible if you try hard enough."
Hmm... Oh! "Then teach me your, uh, magic auntie Valley!" Blinking in confusion as she flinches at that, she rubs her hands together before focusing on you again.
"I, I don't know how to. I'm, I'm kind of weird for a mage... H-honestly, I think I should go home soon. It... It has been pretty weird being here." What, no! She's so awesome, and cool, and-and-and...
Making your best attempt at a serious face and holding your clenched fists just below your head, auntie Valley looks at you confused. "Please come back! You're really, really cool a-and I wanna hang out! I, I didn't even know Maggie was my mom, I barely understand who anyone is... B-but you're my awesome new auntie Valley! Please come back again!"
Her eyes searching you for a few moments, auntie Valley finally sighs and gives a wary little smile. "A-alright, I guess I can t-try to visit again. There's, uh, lots of cool stuff here."
Yes! Smiling giddily as you basically-dance happily, you don't really notice auntie Valley's reaction. You're gonna be the bestest niece, and she's gonna teach you magic, and be your best friend!
I should point out Bell's FP takes place six years in the past. So as a four year old, she legitimately hadn't been properly coherent mentally all that long. Still, she's weirdly language-developed because that's something Maggie & Celly cheated at for all of them.
For future FP votes though, I think I'll better explain what each one would be about.
First Steps (pt.4)
Kkutlord
Prince of Breath
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
A/N: The World Ends With You Final Remix recently came out, so I was playing that yesterday. Still feel awkward about triple posting...
----
Superheroes... You feel like there was someone you knew, who wanted to be one. Just that alone and your purposelessness, you almost want to be one too. Yet, you really aren't in a rush to find out if you can double die.
Huh? Oh... that look of hope and curiosity is fading from Valerie's eyes, and... And you think she's struggling to hide something? Uh, come on, think of something reassuring...
!! Oh right! "Can we talk with Maggie & Celly first? I need some not-insane adults after, you know, all that." Valerie looks up at you, and for a few seconds that dying hope lingers-
Before she smiles and looks all happy, playfully teasing you "Yeah, I was gonna take you to meet them anyways! Just, ya know, talking with bestest niece here! Right, Bell!?"
Even as the, ten? Ten year old girl agrees excitedly... You can't help feeling like Valerie really is acting like someone you knew. If only you could remember them already, maybe then you could better help Valerie.
"-And then Waninu was all 'I'm half her age', and the poor guy got super awkward! Kinda wish I was that serious, I don't get how else Waninu tricks people."
Wait, huh? There's so many questions, and you're not sure you wanna ask any of them. Uh... "Um, Bell, right? Who, who is Waninu? One of your sisters?"
Outright ignoring you again, you're starting to get a little angry being blatantly disregarded like that. Then, Valerie tugs on your arm, causing you to look at her.
She has this kind of look on her face, like she's not quite sure how to reveal something. Finally, with Bell looking on in curiosity, Valerie explains with some awkwardness.
"Okay, like... You're a ghost, so you have no body. I guess you didn't notice before, but... You haven't been speaking-speaking, ya know? You need to, like, materialize to speak properly. Uh..."
… You want to say she's wrong, but every time you stop yourself. Finally you rest your forehead on your knuckles, and start quietly chuckling. Composing and straightening yourself, Valerie doesn't seem particularly concerned by your behavior.
Still, rubbing your throat and coughing to clear it, you linger for a few moments... Waiting for the right feel. Hmm, now? "Did I get it righ- Cough, cough." Gently pounding on your chest, you feel kind of embarrassed seeing Valerie & Bell look at you oddly.
"What, I'm fine right?" Valerie fidgeting with her fingers, you don't need feeling-sense to doubt her. "...Yes?" Thankfully, Bell decides to chime in with something much more reassuring.
"Yeah, just really rare to see a ghost cough. Did ya, like, eat something?" Uh... Shaking your head with uncertainty, in hindsight you don't think you were very reassuring.
"Probably not? Would of remembered eating someone." Understandably, you get why Bell would find that weird. Still, the fact Valerie has a thoughtful expression yet her feelings unreadable...
Right, changing the topic! "Soooo, since I can speak again, where exactly are Maggie and Celly? I'm still unsure what to say, but I do find it important I talk to them. Even if its just to be reassured not every adult is gonna, like, murder me."
… Wait, you just did something wrong, and you're not sure what. Oh, maybe it was the part about being murdered? Bell looks kind of freaked out, and all kinds of random passersby grimace.
Hmm, weird, is that white-haired twelve year old staring at you? Fancy outfit, probably super rich... No, focus! Valerie is patting Bell on her shoulders, and Valerie's voice sounds... surprisingly reassuring.
"Hey, hey, Justin is fine now! He's family! I can't explain yet, but when we're done talking with Maggie & Celly you'll be the first to know. Okay?" Huh, guess Bell means a lot to her, didn't think she'd seem so genuinely confidant.
Valerie grabbing you by the hand and pulling you away, Valerie & Bell exchanges waves. Hmm... Waving after Bell as well, you call back "It was nice to meet you!"
You're not really sure how Valerie is feeling right now, not even as a guess. Maybe... you should consider your actions more? She got attacked too by that crazy, fundamentally wrong woman.
Wait, is that some giant blue pad? Huh, now you notice, people seem to appear from it and sometimes disappear passing it. Dedicated teleportation for travel...
"Hey, Justin, you can't double die- You're a ghost, after all." Wait, so immort- "You'd just... Cease, to be. No, you, in the future. Nobody is that monstrous, though..."
… Cease? B-but... Flinching as Valerie turns towards you with a smile and her tongue playfully sticking out, you notice you both stopped just before the pad.
"Okay, so, normally others couldn't go through but you're with me! So just hold on tight, and you'll get to meet them!" Composing yourself, you nod and smile in agreement.
Honestly, Valerie does seem kind of happy, even if her life must of been a mess. Of... Being trapped, in the same place, with few people who actually cared. Wait, isn't that... your life?
Not much time for reflection, as Valerie starts pulling you along at speed, before jumping and shouting "Here we go!"
----
Blinking in confusion, for a moment you think it didn't work for you- Before realizing there's drastically fewer people milling about, and that in front of you lies a path to a... rock garden?
Noticing the sound of water and television further away, Valerie looks relieved to see you're still together... Holding her hand. Huh, weird, for a moment you could of swore her hand changed.
Valerie dragging you forward into the rock garden, you glance back to see the second blue pad has nothing past it. Hmm, there is a symbol or emblem of two featureless women embracing into a heart shape.
Glancing around the area, it seems to keep the same color aesthetic, though you're unsure if that's the real sky. Wasn't it evening outside? Looks more like morning here...
"Valerie! What brings you here?" Your and Valerie's slow walk stopping, it doesn't take long to notice- Stepping out from the other end is a blonde woman, with peculiar yellow eyes.
Hmm... Oh! She must be Bell's mother. Then... Oh. Next, next is a woman who looks a lot like big sis, Sarah. Sarah... Sarah! Gah, how did you forget her name!? Stupid, stupid Justin!
"Valerie, who is that? … No, what is he?" The woman who must be Sarah's mom, Celly, doesn't look at you nearly as suspicious as her tone implied. Huh, maybe she already knows the answer?
Valerie doesn't seem to, given how confused she seems to be. Glancing at you and then closing her eyes in thought, the blonde woman who must be Maggie looks at you curiously.
Like... she knows you? Even with all you've forgotten, there's no way your memory wouldn't be reaching out to you if that was the case. Huh, actually... She looks more like big sis Sarah than Celly does. Weird.
Finally, you see Valerie click her fingers in realization, calling out cheerfully "He's a Magicyst! Mom called him that!" Wait, that was her mom!? "Though..."
Looking at Valerie with some confusion as she focuses on you, your hand squeezes at the center of your chest. Like... Like something is missing, and you're only just now noticing.
"Something seems wrong, he doesn't really feel like one. There's... Bits of magic, kind of like what you'd see in a Shell. But, Justin is a ghost, he can't be a Shell!"
Doesn't... feel like one. Something, something seems wrong... Your very self, missing, stolen...
--What does Justin remember?
[] His true ending
[] His first day with ____, ____, and Sarah
[] His first awakening
--What does Valerie do? (Multiple options allowed if not mutually exclusive)
[] Wait, did you just say mom?
[] Better make sure Justin doesn't mix-up Maggie and Celly.
[] Request Maggie & Celly for help restoring Justin.
[] … Need to tell them you can't ever go home.
[] Write-In
----
Superheroes... You feel like there was someone you knew, who wanted to be one. Just that alone and your purposelessness, you almost want to be one too. Yet, you really aren't in a rush to find out if you can double die.
Huh? Oh... that look of hope and curiosity is fading from Valerie's eyes, and... And you think she's struggling to hide something? Uh, come on, think of something reassuring...
!! Oh right! "Can we talk with Maggie & Celly first? I need some not-insane adults after, you know, all that." Valerie looks up at you, and for a few seconds that dying hope lingers-
Before she smiles and looks all happy, playfully teasing you "Yeah, I was gonna take you to meet them anyways! Just, ya know, talking with bestest niece here! Right, Bell!?"
Even as the, ten? Ten year old girl agrees excitedly... You can't help feeling like Valerie really is acting like someone you knew. If only you could remember them already, maybe then you could better help Valerie.
"-And then Waninu was all 'I'm half her age', and the poor guy got super awkward! Kinda wish I was that serious, I don't get how else Waninu tricks people."
Wait, huh? There's so many questions, and you're not sure you wanna ask any of them. Uh... "Um, Bell, right? Who, who is Waninu? One of your sisters?"
Outright ignoring you again, you're starting to get a little angry being blatantly disregarded like that. Then, Valerie tugs on your arm, causing you to look at her.
She has this kind of look on her face, like she's not quite sure how to reveal something. Finally, with Bell looking on in curiosity, Valerie explains with some awkwardness.
"Okay, like... You're a ghost, so you have no body. I guess you didn't notice before, but... You haven't been speaking-speaking, ya know? You need to, like, materialize to speak properly. Uh..."
… You want to say she's wrong, but every time you stop yourself. Finally you rest your forehead on your knuckles, and start quietly chuckling. Composing and straightening yourself, Valerie doesn't seem particularly concerned by your behavior.
Still, rubbing your throat and coughing to clear it, you linger for a few moments... Waiting for the right feel. Hmm, now? "Did I get it righ- Cough, cough." Gently pounding on your chest, you feel kind of embarrassed seeing Valerie & Bell look at you oddly.
"What, I'm fine right?" Valerie fidgeting with her fingers, you don't need feeling-sense to doubt her. "...Yes?" Thankfully, Bell decides to chime in with something much more reassuring.
"Yeah, just really rare to see a ghost cough. Did ya, like, eat something?" Uh... Shaking your head with uncertainty, in hindsight you don't think you were very reassuring.
"Probably not? Would of remembered eating someone." Understandably, you get why Bell would find that weird. Still, the fact Valerie has a thoughtful expression yet her feelings unreadable...
Right, changing the topic! "Soooo, since I can speak again, where exactly are Maggie and Celly? I'm still unsure what to say, but I do find it important I talk to them. Even if its just to be reassured not every adult is gonna, like, murder me."
… Wait, you just did something wrong, and you're not sure what. Oh, maybe it was the part about being murdered? Bell looks kind of freaked out, and all kinds of random passersby grimace.
Hmm, weird, is that white-haired twelve year old staring at you? Fancy outfit, probably super rich... No, focus! Valerie is patting Bell on her shoulders, and Valerie's voice sounds... surprisingly reassuring.
"Hey, hey, Justin is fine now! He's family! I can't explain yet, but when we're done talking with Maggie & Celly you'll be the first to know. Okay?" Huh, guess Bell means a lot to her, didn't think she'd seem so genuinely confidant.
Valerie grabbing you by the hand and pulling you away, Valerie & Bell exchanges waves. Hmm... Waving after Bell as well, you call back "It was nice to meet you!"
You're not really sure how Valerie is feeling right now, not even as a guess. Maybe... you should consider your actions more? She got attacked too by that crazy, fundamentally wrong woman.
Wait, is that some giant blue pad? Huh, now you notice, people seem to appear from it and sometimes disappear passing it. Dedicated teleportation for travel...
"Hey, Justin, you can't double die- You're a ghost, after all." Wait, so immort- "You'd just... Cease, to be. No, you, in the future. Nobody is that monstrous, though..."
… Cease? B-but... Flinching as Valerie turns towards you with a smile and her tongue playfully sticking out, you notice you both stopped just before the pad.
"Okay, so, normally others couldn't go through but you're with me! So just hold on tight, and you'll get to meet them!" Composing yourself, you nod and smile in agreement.
Honestly, Valerie does seem kind of happy, even if her life must of been a mess. Of... Being trapped, in the same place, with few people who actually cared. Wait, isn't that... your life?
Not much time for reflection, as Valerie starts pulling you along at speed, before jumping and shouting "Here we go!"
----
Blinking in confusion, for a moment you think it didn't work for you- Before realizing there's drastically fewer people milling about, and that in front of you lies a path to a... rock garden?
Noticing the sound of water and television further away, Valerie looks relieved to see you're still together... Holding her hand. Huh, weird, for a moment you could of swore her hand changed.
Valerie dragging you forward into the rock garden, you glance back to see the second blue pad has nothing past it. Hmm, there is a symbol or emblem of two featureless women embracing into a heart shape.
Glancing around the area, it seems to keep the same color aesthetic, though you're unsure if that's the real sky. Wasn't it evening outside? Looks more like morning here...
"Valerie! What brings you here?" Your and Valerie's slow walk stopping, it doesn't take long to notice- Stepping out from the other end is a blonde woman, with peculiar yellow eyes.
Hmm... Oh! She must be Bell's mother. Then... Oh. Next, next is a woman who looks a lot like big sis, Sarah. Sarah... Sarah! Gah, how did you forget her name!? Stupid, stupid Justin!
"Valerie, who is that? … No, what is he?" The woman who must be Sarah's mom, Celly, doesn't look at you nearly as suspicious as her tone implied. Huh, maybe she already knows the answer?
Valerie doesn't seem to, given how confused she seems to be. Glancing at you and then closing her eyes in thought, the blonde woman who must be Maggie looks at you curiously.
Like... she knows you? Even with all you've forgotten, there's no way your memory wouldn't be reaching out to you if that was the case. Huh, actually... She looks more like big sis Sarah than Celly does. Weird.
Finally, you see Valerie click her fingers in realization, calling out cheerfully "He's a Magicyst! Mom called him that!" Wait, that was her mom!? "Though..."
Looking at Valerie with some confusion as she focuses on you, your hand squeezes at the center of your chest. Like... Like something is missing, and you're only just now noticing.
"Something seems wrong, he doesn't really feel like one. There's... Bits of magic, kind of like what you'd see in a Shell. But, Justin is a ghost, he can't be a Shell!"
Doesn't... feel like one. Something, something seems wrong... Your very self, missing, stolen...
--What does Justin remember?
[] His true ending
[] His first day with ____, ____, and Sarah
[] His first awakening
--What does Valerie do? (Multiple options allowed if not mutually exclusive)
[] Wait, did you just say mom?
[] Better make sure Justin doesn't mix-up Maggie and Celly.
[] Request Maggie & Celly for help restoring Justin.
[] … Need to tell them you can't ever go home.
[] Write-In
- Location
- Wouldn't you like to know?
- Pronouns
- He/They/She
[x] His true ending
[x] Request Maggie & Celly for help restoring Justin.
[x] … Need to tell them you can't ever go home.
[x] Request Maggie & Celly for help restoring Justin.
[x] … Need to tell them you can't ever go home.
Basically this
[x] His first day with ____, ____, and Sarah
[x] Request Maggie & Celly for help restoring Justin.
[x] … Need to tell them you can't ever go home.
[x] Request Maggie & Celly for help restoring Justin.
[x] … Need to tell them you can't ever go home.
First Steps (pt.5)
Kkutlord
Prince of Breath
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
A/N: Not much to say, I resorted to RNG which I dislike, and that I'm sorry for taking so long.
----
You remember now...
Looking around fearfully, y-you don't like this place... Momma said they're going to help you, but everyone you've seen have been either scary or dressed like doctors. Y-you're scared, you wanna go home, b-but...
Softly whining as you avoid outright crying, only one of the scary people escorting you glances back. H-he, looks a little less scary, b-but he looks away again... You just wanna go home already...
The two scary people eventually stop at a door, and you glance down the hallway you came. It all l-looks the same to you, h-how are you supposed to l-leave? Focusing on the door as you hear it open, one of the scary people calls out.
"Sarah, ____, and ____, meet ____. The doctors will explain more later, but you better take care of him." In response, three young voices reply "Yeah!" "Very well." "O-okay..."
Being pushed in the room and hearing the door shut behind you, a boy a lot like you approaches all excited. His smiling face inches away from yours, you squeak as he wraps an arm around your shoulders.
"Sarah, ____, look! We're practically brothers! Ooh, maybe we are brothers! I wouldn't know, what about you ____!?" Y-y-you don't know what to do... Whimpering and crying, the other boy lets go of you.
Sitting on the floor and curling up, you just wanna cry and cry. Is Momma mad at you? Is t-that why she sent you away? Bawling your little eyes out, you startle as someone touches you.
Looking up with teary eyes and a runny nose, y-you see a girl with brown hair and blue eyes. She, she's rubbing your shoulder gently, smiling a smile like Momma does whenever you cry.
"I'm Sarah, I'm the oldest. You don't have to do anything ____, we can wait." At that, the girl, S-Sarah turns towards the other boy and speaks like Momma does when you did something wrong.
"Right, ____?" The other boy looking upset, he ends up pouting and looking away, his cheery tone gone. "Yeah, yeah, whatever... N-not like I wanted a little brother..."
For a while you just sit there, Sarah calmly rubbing your shoulder and only your sobs filling the room. Finally, as you've calmed down, you look up at Sarah again and start looking arou-
Falling over in startle, your eyes fixate on the icy chair that the blonde boy is sitting on. T-that wasn't there before, r-right? T-the boy himself just, just looks at you like this is normal- is that a snowball in his hand? Where did he get that?
Bouncing the snowball in his hand, you tighten your arms around yourself. H-he won't throw that at you, r-right? Shifting your attention to Sarah as she touches you, as you blink the other boy seems to disappear. H-huh?
"Hey, I wasn't gonna do anything! He's being weird, looking at me dumbly! P-probably can't do anything cool..." Looking around, you stop as you process. You, you somehow moved pass him without noticing?
"____, when did you realize you're different?" Huh? O-oh... looking down at the floor, you mutter. "T-today I think... Bad people were running around, and my momma... s-so I, I just kept screaming and it... it happened."
Nobody says anything, yet as you sit in silence... the other girl finally speaks up. "I, I-I ran away... really, really fast. It, it was really scary... my momma and papa told me to r-run, so I did... I-I only stopped when I hit a wall, and fell a-asleep."
Looking over at the other girl, she sort of looks like Sarah, like her eyes are green instead. She's also a lot more fidgety, and now you think about it... Sarah is dressed more like a boy, whereas the other girl is wearing a simple white dress.
"Um, I-I'm ____, b-by the way... I-I'm sorry for interrupting." Interrupting what? Hmm... Oh, her name is really long, that's pretty weird. Hearing a whine from the other boy, you glance at him- yet he's focused on the other girl.
"Ah come on, ____ is way cuter! He didn't know your name before!" Glancing back at, um, ____? She avoids making eye contact with anyone as she mutters meekly. "Um, w-well, t-the g-guard man told h-him... r-remember?"
The other boy has this confused look on his face, before all of a sudden his weird ice-chair unfolds into an ice bed. Flailing about a bit too dramatically even for you, he moans "Gah, stupid jerks! They're always ruining everything!"
Wait, w-what does he mean? Sarah however, draws your attention and speaks reassuringly. "Don't worry, ____ just exaggerates. The researchers here are just interested in our powers. They're, well... not normal magic, most people can't do what we do. So the researchers just want to find out how others can do it too by studying us."
Oh, really? You... you don't see why anyone would wanna do what you do. Momma almost... did, get hurt b-because of you. S-she never looked so scared, so confused before... What you do is bad, its bad and angry and hates.
Yet... the other boy seems to like what he does, S-Sarah doesn't seem upset, a-and ____ got to safety because of hers... Maybe, maybe it isn't so bad? You... you could become a superhero, like that fancy angel guy or t-that little girl with white hair.
Standing up and rubbing at your face, you sniff before finally speaking. "I, I'm ____ Justin Parker, its n-nice to meet you. We, we can be friends, r-right?" That causes Sarah to smile at you, whereas the boy cheerfully cries "We'll be brothers!"
The other girl, ____, smiles faintly at you and nods. This... this isn't so bad. You'll probably get to go home before too long, b-but at least you have others here... others like you.
----
Panting, you look over at Justin's curled form. You... you haven't seen him remember so much at once. That, that must of been Celly's Sarah... Who was the boy and the other girl though?
Hmm... Focusing on your older sisters, the moment you do their expressions are clear- Maggie's blue eyes are narrowed in analysis, whilst Celly's yellow eyes sparkle with concern.
Okay, they're older and more skilled than you, so... clenching your fists, you bow and speak without looking. "Maggie, Celly, I ask of you... please help me restore Justin."
While you wait for a response, you focus a little on Justin. Hmm... he's still processing his recovered memories, and sorting through his recent memories. You're not fully sure why, though...
Unsurprisingly, it is Maggie who answers first. "We would like to help you, but Valerie... we never needed to focus on such things before. We couldn't help you restore his memories, or recreate his body."
Oh, oh... Next, it is Celly, her tone more filled with concern. "We could assist in reincarnation, but I doubt your friend wants that. So long as you remain his anchor though, all his memories should return in time."
That... that isn't really good enough. Justin protected you, actually held back mother so you could- Right, that. It, it isn't like you were particularly close with any of your sisters... Still, not like you'll ever get a chance to apologize to Nene now.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out, you slowly look up at Maggie & Celly- you don't need magic to tell the affection they hold for you. Letting your hands relax, you take a few seconds longer than intended before speaking.
"... I, I can't ever go home. Mom was incensed I summoned Justin without her permission, then he attacked to protect us. I... I would get a 'timeout' if I went back, and Justin... Mom would make him one of her, her things."
Surprisingly, Maggie looks unnerved by what you said, while Celly… Celly looks oddly serious. Finally, Celly is the first to speak, her tone a forced calm. "It seems mother has forgotten our demands."
… Demands? Does, does that have anything to do with why Mother doesn't punish them? Glancing at Maggie, she looks like she wants to shout or hit something. Visibly trying to calm herself, Maggie does a poor job acting like her normal calm self.
"Valerie, you... You're safe here, you're safe now. She won't dare come after you, because we..." Looking away from you, Maggie soon turns around and tries to hide her shaking.
Celly lets her unusual serious slide away, as she places a reassuring hand on Maggie's shoulder. Your blonde older sister looking back at you, her smile is a bit strained and her friendly tone struggling a little.
"You're welcome to stay here as long as you like, both of you. Just let us go prepare a room first, okay? I suggest talking with one of the girls, or examining our supplies."
Rubbing your left arm somewhat awkwardly, it is so... weird seeing Maggie upset and Celly being all emotionlessly calm. Hmm? Oh, Justin seems to have- "We just passed a superhero! That fancy white-haired girl, that was, uh..."
Rapidly tapping his fingers against the side of his head, Justin seems annoyed as he struggles to recall the name. Celly, however, seems intrigued by Justin's outburst and asks simply.
"Do you mean Lucifel, the Eternal Light, Mistress of Magic, one of the founding Justice Forgers?" Pointing at Celly dramatically, Justin's smile is wide and excited as he cheerfully responds back.
"Yes, that's right! If we just tell her what's going on, she can stop that crazy lady who... is... your mom..." Scratching his head in calmer confusion, you feel a flash of realization and a pinch of sadness.
Sarah, right... Celly doesn't seem to notice Justin thinking about her daughter, yet it is Maggie who speaks first- her tone calm, yet hiding anger and regret.
"If we could, we would of already done that. Yet... 'Mother', threatened our sisters' continued existence if we tried. Even telling them about it, or checking with Charon our 'Mother' forbid."
… W-what? That, surely she... S-she's just harsh, she would never... Looking at Justin, you don't do that to see his confused yet troubled expression. No, you look at him, a ghost your mother had no shame or hesitation in wanting distorted.
… You can't allow her to keep doing what she does. Yet she's one of the strongest beings you know of, and she'll have addressed how Justin overpowered her. Facing her now is beyond suicidal, you need time.
You need... to get stronger, to be better. Maybe, that superhero Justin and Celly brought up? Perhaps she could help the two of you figure things out. Then again, even broken Justin's status as a Magicyst gives him power like an Absolute. Hmm...
--What does Valerie do? (Multiple actions allowed if not mutually exclusive)
[] Locate "Lucifiel", maybe she's still in the shop?
-[] What do you say to her?
[] Examine Justin's Magicyst ability
-[] Test it in any specific way?
[] Inquire more information from Maggie & Celly
-[] What exactly?
[] Explain why you and Justin are bonded
-[] How truthfully?
[] Go exploring with Justin
-[] In the shop or the living area?
--[] Anything or anyone in specific?
[] Write-In
A/N: I'm not entirely sure how much longer First Steps will last. Samson would of had a similarly early Boss Fight and then depending on who he sided with the rest of his version of First Steps would of introduced more of the setting to him.
Victoria, on the other hand, would probably had her Boss Fight at the midpoint- with the last third dependent on how the fight with Breaker of Wills went.
For Valerie & Justin, the idea was always to escape her mother (Lilith Junior because Major Spoilers) and then an encounter to help set them down a heroic path. If Justin had grabbed her and ran, the mysterious beast they would of encountered would of been that encounter.
Overall, I'd be surprised if First Steps goes past 10 parts. Future plans depend a lot on what the audience votes for, but I will say Valerie & Justin are currently the only ones slated to encounter a World King in a future "episode".
----
You remember now...
Looking around fearfully, y-you don't like this place... Momma said they're going to help you, but everyone you've seen have been either scary or dressed like doctors. Y-you're scared, you wanna go home, b-but...
Softly whining as you avoid outright crying, only one of the scary people escorting you glances back. H-he, looks a little less scary, b-but he looks away again... You just wanna go home already...
The two scary people eventually stop at a door, and you glance down the hallway you came. It all l-looks the same to you, h-how are you supposed to l-leave? Focusing on the door as you hear it open, one of the scary people calls out.
"Sarah, ____, and ____, meet ____. The doctors will explain more later, but you better take care of him." In response, three young voices reply "Yeah!" "Very well." "O-okay..."
Being pushed in the room and hearing the door shut behind you, a boy a lot like you approaches all excited. His smiling face inches away from yours, you squeak as he wraps an arm around your shoulders.
"Sarah, ____, look! We're practically brothers! Ooh, maybe we are brothers! I wouldn't know, what about you ____!?" Y-y-you don't know what to do... Whimpering and crying, the other boy lets go of you.
Sitting on the floor and curling up, you just wanna cry and cry. Is Momma mad at you? Is t-that why she sent you away? Bawling your little eyes out, you startle as someone touches you.
Looking up with teary eyes and a runny nose, y-you see a girl with brown hair and blue eyes. She, she's rubbing your shoulder gently, smiling a smile like Momma does whenever you cry.
"I'm Sarah, I'm the oldest. You don't have to do anything ____, we can wait." At that, the girl, S-Sarah turns towards the other boy and speaks like Momma does when you did something wrong.
"Right, ____?" The other boy looking upset, he ends up pouting and looking away, his cheery tone gone. "Yeah, yeah, whatever... N-not like I wanted a little brother..."
For a while you just sit there, Sarah calmly rubbing your shoulder and only your sobs filling the room. Finally, as you've calmed down, you look up at Sarah again and start looking arou-
Falling over in startle, your eyes fixate on the icy chair that the blonde boy is sitting on. T-that wasn't there before, r-right? T-the boy himself just, just looks at you like this is normal- is that a snowball in his hand? Where did he get that?
Bouncing the snowball in his hand, you tighten your arms around yourself. H-he won't throw that at you, r-right? Shifting your attention to Sarah as she touches you, as you blink the other boy seems to disappear. H-huh?
"Hey, I wasn't gonna do anything! He's being weird, looking at me dumbly! P-probably can't do anything cool..." Looking around, you stop as you process. You, you somehow moved pass him without noticing?
"____, when did you realize you're different?" Huh? O-oh... looking down at the floor, you mutter. "T-today I think... Bad people were running around, and my momma... s-so I, I just kept screaming and it... it happened."
Nobody says anything, yet as you sit in silence... the other girl finally speaks up. "I, I-I ran away... really, really fast. It, it was really scary... my momma and papa told me to r-run, so I did... I-I only stopped when I hit a wall, and fell a-asleep."
Looking over at the other girl, she sort of looks like Sarah, like her eyes are green instead. She's also a lot more fidgety, and now you think about it... Sarah is dressed more like a boy, whereas the other girl is wearing a simple white dress.
"Um, I-I'm ____, b-by the way... I-I'm sorry for interrupting." Interrupting what? Hmm... Oh, her name is really long, that's pretty weird. Hearing a whine from the other boy, you glance at him- yet he's focused on the other girl.
"Ah come on, ____ is way cuter! He didn't know your name before!" Glancing back at, um, ____? She avoids making eye contact with anyone as she mutters meekly. "Um, w-well, t-the g-guard man told h-him... r-remember?"
The other boy has this confused look on his face, before all of a sudden his weird ice-chair unfolds into an ice bed. Flailing about a bit too dramatically even for you, he moans "Gah, stupid jerks! They're always ruining everything!"
Wait, w-what does he mean? Sarah however, draws your attention and speaks reassuringly. "Don't worry, ____ just exaggerates. The researchers here are just interested in our powers. They're, well... not normal magic, most people can't do what we do. So the researchers just want to find out how others can do it too by studying us."
Oh, really? You... you don't see why anyone would wanna do what you do. Momma almost... did, get hurt b-because of you. S-she never looked so scared, so confused before... What you do is bad, its bad and angry and hates.
Yet... the other boy seems to like what he does, S-Sarah doesn't seem upset, a-and ____ got to safety because of hers... Maybe, maybe it isn't so bad? You... you could become a superhero, like that fancy angel guy or t-that little girl with white hair.
Standing up and rubbing at your face, you sniff before finally speaking. "I, I'm ____ Justin Parker, its n-nice to meet you. We, we can be friends, r-right?" That causes Sarah to smile at you, whereas the boy cheerfully cries "We'll be brothers!"
The other girl, ____, smiles faintly at you and nods. This... this isn't so bad. You'll probably get to go home before too long, b-but at least you have others here... others like you.
----
Panting, you look over at Justin's curled form. You... you haven't seen him remember so much at once. That, that must of been Celly's Sarah... Who was the boy and the other girl though?
Hmm... Focusing on your older sisters, the moment you do their expressions are clear- Maggie's blue eyes are narrowed in analysis, whilst Celly's yellow eyes sparkle with concern.
Okay, they're older and more skilled than you, so... clenching your fists, you bow and speak without looking. "Maggie, Celly, I ask of you... please help me restore Justin."
While you wait for a response, you focus a little on Justin. Hmm... he's still processing his recovered memories, and sorting through his recent memories. You're not fully sure why, though...
Unsurprisingly, it is Maggie who answers first. "We would like to help you, but Valerie... we never needed to focus on such things before. We couldn't help you restore his memories, or recreate his body."
Oh, oh... Next, it is Celly, her tone more filled with concern. "We could assist in reincarnation, but I doubt your friend wants that. So long as you remain his anchor though, all his memories should return in time."
That... that isn't really good enough. Justin protected you, actually held back mother so you could- Right, that. It, it isn't like you were particularly close with any of your sisters... Still, not like you'll ever get a chance to apologize to Nene now.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out, you slowly look up at Maggie & Celly- you don't need magic to tell the affection they hold for you. Letting your hands relax, you take a few seconds longer than intended before speaking.
"... I, I can't ever go home. Mom was incensed I summoned Justin without her permission, then he attacked to protect us. I... I would get a 'timeout' if I went back, and Justin... Mom would make him one of her, her things."
Surprisingly, Maggie looks unnerved by what you said, while Celly… Celly looks oddly serious. Finally, Celly is the first to speak, her tone a forced calm. "It seems mother has forgotten our demands."
… Demands? Does, does that have anything to do with why Mother doesn't punish them? Glancing at Maggie, she looks like she wants to shout or hit something. Visibly trying to calm herself, Maggie does a poor job acting like her normal calm self.
"Valerie, you... You're safe here, you're safe now. She won't dare come after you, because we..." Looking away from you, Maggie soon turns around and tries to hide her shaking.
Celly lets her unusual serious slide away, as she places a reassuring hand on Maggie's shoulder. Your blonde older sister looking back at you, her smile is a bit strained and her friendly tone struggling a little.
"You're welcome to stay here as long as you like, both of you. Just let us go prepare a room first, okay? I suggest talking with one of the girls, or examining our supplies."
Rubbing your left arm somewhat awkwardly, it is so... weird seeing Maggie upset and Celly being all emotionlessly calm. Hmm? Oh, Justin seems to have- "We just passed a superhero! That fancy white-haired girl, that was, uh..."
Rapidly tapping his fingers against the side of his head, Justin seems annoyed as he struggles to recall the name. Celly, however, seems intrigued by Justin's outburst and asks simply.
"Do you mean Lucifel, the Eternal Light, Mistress of Magic, one of the founding Justice Forgers?" Pointing at Celly dramatically, Justin's smile is wide and excited as he cheerfully responds back.
"Yes, that's right! If we just tell her what's going on, she can stop that crazy lady who... is... your mom..." Scratching his head in calmer confusion, you feel a flash of realization and a pinch of sadness.
Sarah, right... Celly doesn't seem to notice Justin thinking about her daughter, yet it is Maggie who speaks first- her tone calm, yet hiding anger and regret.
"If we could, we would of already done that. Yet... 'Mother', threatened our sisters' continued existence if we tried. Even telling them about it, or checking with Charon our 'Mother' forbid."
… W-what? That, surely she... S-she's just harsh, she would never... Looking at Justin, you don't do that to see his confused yet troubled expression. No, you look at him, a ghost your mother had no shame or hesitation in wanting distorted.
… You can't allow her to keep doing what she does. Yet she's one of the strongest beings you know of, and she'll have addressed how Justin overpowered her. Facing her now is beyond suicidal, you need time.
You need... to get stronger, to be better. Maybe, that superhero Justin and Celly brought up? Perhaps she could help the two of you figure things out. Then again, even broken Justin's status as a Magicyst gives him power like an Absolute. Hmm...
--What does Valerie do? (Multiple actions allowed if not mutually exclusive)
[] Locate "Lucifiel", maybe she's still in the shop?
-[] What do you say to her?
[] Examine Justin's Magicyst ability
-[] Test it in any specific way?
[] Inquire more information from Maggie & Celly
-[] What exactly?
[] Explain why you and Justin are bonded
-[] How truthfully?
[] Go exploring with Justin
-[] In the shop or the living area?
--[] Anything or anyone in specific?
[] Write-In
A/N: I'm not entirely sure how much longer First Steps will last. Samson would of had a similarly early Boss Fight and then depending on who he sided with the rest of his version of First Steps would of introduced more of the setting to him.
Victoria, on the other hand, would probably had her Boss Fight at the midpoint- with the last third dependent on how the fight with Breaker of Wills went.
For Valerie & Justin, the idea was always to escape her mother (Lilith Junior because Major Spoilers) and then an encounter to help set them down a heroic path. If Justin had grabbed her and ran, the mysterious beast they would of encountered would of been that encounter.
Overall, I'd be surprised if First Steps goes past 10 parts. Future plans depend a lot on what the audience votes for, but I will say Valerie & Justin are currently the only ones slated to encounter a World King in a future "episode".
- Location
- St. Petersburg
Substituting names with ___ does not help narration in the slightest. When ___ talks to ___ while looking at ___, instead of the mental picture you just get white noise. Might be acceptaple in dialogues, since they would say the names aloud, but not in the narration. If Justin can't recall who they are, make them indistinct or something, but not interchangable with each other.
Why do we want to stop the crazy mom, again? We are safe here, she has an agreement of some kind with the sisters/daughters. What do we want out of the conflict, and why do we want it?
She didn't seem to have a problem living with her mom until today! Certainly not to this extent.
[X] Explain why you and Justin are bonded
-[X] Fully
Why do we want to stop the crazy mom, again? We are safe here, she has an agreement of some kind with the sisters/daughters. What do we want out of the conflict, and why do we want it?
Why is this Valerie's problem? Does she have a personal stake in any of this?
She didn't seem to have a problem living with her mom until today! Certainly not to this extent.
[X] Explain why you and Justin are bonded
-[X] Fully
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Valerie's Motivation
Kkutlord
Prince of Breath
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
Honestly, Valerie has had issues with her mother for a long time. She was only "okay" with her because she didn't know anything else. If Justin hadn't been able to hold off her mother, Valerie would of been too scared to do any meaningful resistance.
Even when she was allowed to visit Maggie & Celly's shop, it was explicitly just visits- their 'Mother' made that very clear to Maggie & Celly (aka reminded them of her threat and how they wouldn't be fast enough to save all their sisters). While Valerie may of been oblivious as a child, Valerie was in a mixed state of denial and fearful obedience ever since her demi-golem features were forcibly removed.
The main reason she shunned Nene so much was because her sister's help unintentionally introduced Valerie to their mother's malevolent behavior. Ultimately, Valerie was always going to hate her mother once free from her oppression.
For why Valerie cares about stopping her, the main reason she wasn't very close with her sisters was because of the Nene incident- she didn't want to get close, only for her to be punished again by her mother for "going outside your design" (which was likely just as much an attack on Nene).
Now that she's had any delusion of her mother's sanity and love shattered, learning she threatened to destroy the souls of Valerie and all her sisters? Of realizing her mother has no shame in corrupting innocent souls like Justin into malevolent demons?
Valerie couldn't live with herself, trying to ignore all her sisters trapped with 'Mother'. She regrets not having reconciled with Nene (unaware she's secretly a Justice Forger), and she has other sisters she wanted to be closer with.
Maggie & Celly themselves are going to be working on preparations and ways to handle their mother as well- only reason they didn't do more before was because letting even one sister be destroyed would of been too many for Maggie & Celly. Ultimately though, they are afraid of messing up and provoking their mother.
----
Regarding Justin, that's partially because I didn't know a better way. If it was a drawing, his "Big Bro" and "Little Sis" would be blurry or the like- You could tell their colorations, but would look 'incomplete' compared to Sarah.
I would say he's on the cusp of remembering Little Sis' name, whereas Big Bro's name will likely elude him for a while longer. Other than that, he probably won't have such a coherent memory sequence again for a while.
Even when she was allowed to visit Maggie & Celly's shop, it was explicitly just visits- their 'Mother' made that very clear to Maggie & Celly (aka reminded them of her threat and how they wouldn't be fast enough to save all their sisters). While Valerie may of been oblivious as a child, Valerie was in a mixed state of denial and fearful obedience ever since her demi-golem features were forcibly removed.
The main reason she shunned Nene so much was because her sister's help unintentionally introduced Valerie to their mother's malevolent behavior. Ultimately, Valerie was always going to hate her mother once free from her oppression.
For why Valerie cares about stopping her, the main reason she wasn't very close with her sisters was because of the Nene incident- she didn't want to get close, only for her to be punished again by her mother for "going outside your design" (which was likely just as much an attack on Nene).
Now that she's had any delusion of her mother's sanity and love shattered, learning she threatened to destroy the souls of Valerie and all her sisters? Of realizing her mother has no shame in corrupting innocent souls like Justin into malevolent demons?
Valerie couldn't live with herself, trying to ignore all her sisters trapped with 'Mother'. She regrets not having reconciled with Nene (unaware she's secretly a Justice Forger), and she has other sisters she wanted to be closer with.
Maggie & Celly themselves are going to be working on preparations and ways to handle their mother as well- only reason they didn't do more before was because letting even one sister be destroyed would of been too many for Maggie & Celly. Ultimately though, they are afraid of messing up and provoking their mother.
----
Regarding Justin, that's partially because I didn't know a better way. If it was a drawing, his "Big Bro" and "Little Sis" would be blurry or the like- You could tell their colorations, but would look 'incomplete' compared to Sarah.
I would say he's on the cusp of remembering Little Sis' name, whereas Big Bro's name will likely elude him for a while longer. Other than that, he probably won't have such a coherent memory sequence again for a while.
[X] Explain why you and Justin are bonded
-[X] Fully
-[X] Fully
First Steps (pt.6)
Kkutlord
Prince of Breath
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
First things first, you've gotten distracted from explaining about Justin and your bond, so... Taking a small breath, you try your best to remain calm and cheerful.
Gesturing a hand at Justin, and keeping the other daintily against your chest, you do a... decent job of keeping awkwardness out of your innocent tone. "Okay, so, the reason I summoned Justin..."
Trying to avoid shifting your eyes nervously as Maggie & Celly focus on you, Justin himself seems interested- albeit muted by the things he just heard. Letting out a small breath, you focus for a moment.
By the surprise coming off Justin, looking just confirms that you were successful in making the conceptual bond visible. Hmm, primarily a combination of blue and white as well as gold...
Yet there's faint traces of purple. Blue and white you get, representing the peaceful & pure nature of the bond. Gold obviously reflects the fact the bond is between two souls. Yet purple...
Whatever, you'll figure it out later, you can't put this explanation off forever. Focusing on Maggie & Celly, only Celly glances back at you. "I, I guess it must of been a few days ago, but when I last saw you Celly…"
Wincing as you see Celly freeze up, you glance at Justin for a moment- he doesn't seem to fully put together how long, but he realizes he hasn't been... dead, for very long.
"I may have, kind of sort of... Did exactly what you told me not to do and rushed head-first into trying to summon your firstborn to anchor them!" Bowing apologetically, you then start hastily waving reassuringly at Justin.
This time you stop your panicking sooner, partially because you know him better now and partially because your little freak-out is distracting- such as only barely noticing Maggie before she speaks.
"He is not Celine's child, Valerie." Pouting and throwing your arms out to the side, you nearly shout indignantly before stopping yourself. Tilting your head so your hat's brim obscures your vision, there's a wince from Celly before you respond.
"I... I know now, but Celly didn't say they were a girl and my spell picked up Justin... because they were raised together, like siblings. S-so, I got carried away, thinking he was my first ever male relative that I didn't question it."
Hearing footsteps approach, your eyes widen slightly as Celly crouches before you and looks up at your hat-hidden face. Smiling sadly at you, she lets out a small breath.
"I know you had a rough day, but I'm... I've never been so happy someone disobeyed me. You're free from mom now, and you saved someone my... my daughter called family. I, thank you."
Seeing her rub away tears, it feels so... so weird being thanked by someone crying. Tilting up your head as Celly stands upright, your gaze follows as she walks over to Justin.
Seeing her delicately place a hand against her chest and the other across her torso, her tone is sweet yet sad. "She... my d-daughter, was she happy? I always wanted to be with her, but mother... was adamant I wasn't allowed to."
You can sense Justin racking his memories, and there's even little flare-ups as he remembers new bits. Ultimately though, he doesn't seem to recall anything notable, yet his tone... even unsure, it is upbeat.
"I honestly still have a lot to remember, but... Yeah, for the most part, she was happy. Besides me there were two others, and overall... we were like family. Big sis Sarah was, was my best friend. I'm positive that she never held a grudge."
Seeing Celly smile at Justin, you unintentionally tense as Celly suddenly hugs Justin tightly. The ghost-boy in turn seeming confused by the embrace, you sense a flash of realization before he inelegantly calls out.
"Wait, your daughter? Aren't you Maggie? Y-you blonde and B-bell, b-but Sarah-" Celly pulling away and bringing a hand daintily to her lips, she blinks perplexed at Justin then you.
Thankfully, Maggie decides to explain for you. "Celly and I have a habit of choosing fathers with the other's hair color. Makes it easier to have our daughters view both of us as their parents."
You sense a bit of confusion from Justin for a moment, before he shrugs it off as a 'twin thing'. Hmm, upon reflection, none of your other known sisters tried being an extra maternal figure.
Mary definitely would of reacted poorly, but then again you're not entirely see if she views her daughter as a precious doll or beloved pet. Then there's the stories you've heard about Kelly, but her possessiveness seems at odds with her reported loathing.
Stretching your arms and yawning, you freeze for a moment to process- now that you're not so focused on getting something done, you can feel yourself being somewhat tired.
Dismissing the, albeit simple, effect to reveal your & Justin's bond the tiredness slows a little. You're pretty sure you could stay awake for several more hours, but getting down on a bed now would see you asleep in half of one.
Hmm... on one hand, there's that Lucifiel girl to meet and you promised to explain Justin to Bell, but you honestly don't know how long you were awake preparing the ritual. Then, despite being awesome, you did form a powerful connection with a Magicyst's ghost and teleport across continents with him.
There's so much you could do, either reveling in your freedom and or working towards your mother's defeat. Of course, there's helping out Justin, since Maggie & Celly wouldn't be able to instantly solve things.
Gah, you never had to do much before beyond obeying mom or passively interacting with one of your many sisters. All this freedom and responsibility... Hmm, maybe that's why you're so tired?
--What does Valerie do? (Multiple actions allowed if not mutually exclusive)
[] Stay awake
-[] Locate someone (Lucifel? Bell? Another?)
-[] Get permission to look around either of the shop's forbidden rooms.
-[] Go somewhere safe and examine Justin's Magicyst ability, his memories made it sound destructive.
-[] Ask Maggie & Celly for some information (what about?)
[] Go to bed
-[] Look with just you and Justin
-[] Ask Maggie & Celly where you could go
-[] Just a little magic, and you could sleep comfortably out here
[] Write-In
----
A/N: I kind of put this off a bit, because I try to aim for at least 1k words per update. So I took a little regarding what all to do, given the only one action voted for. That, and I got introduced to Xander Quest, which is stupid long at 95 pages for the Story-only thread.
Gesturing a hand at Justin, and keeping the other daintily against your chest, you do a... decent job of keeping awkwardness out of your innocent tone. "Okay, so, the reason I summoned Justin..."
Trying to avoid shifting your eyes nervously as Maggie & Celly focus on you, Justin himself seems interested- albeit muted by the things he just heard. Letting out a small breath, you focus for a moment.
By the surprise coming off Justin, looking just confirms that you were successful in making the conceptual bond visible. Hmm, primarily a combination of blue and white as well as gold...
Yet there's faint traces of purple. Blue and white you get, representing the peaceful & pure nature of the bond. Gold obviously reflects the fact the bond is between two souls. Yet purple...
Whatever, you'll figure it out later, you can't put this explanation off forever. Focusing on Maggie & Celly, only Celly glances back at you. "I, I guess it must of been a few days ago, but when I last saw you Celly…"
Wincing as you see Celly freeze up, you glance at Justin for a moment- he doesn't seem to fully put together how long, but he realizes he hasn't been... dead, for very long.
"I may have, kind of sort of... Did exactly what you told me not to do and rushed head-first into trying to summon your firstborn to anchor them!" Bowing apologetically, you then start hastily waving reassuringly at Justin.
This time you stop your panicking sooner, partially because you know him better now and partially because your little freak-out is distracting- such as only barely noticing Maggie before she speaks.
"He is not Celine's child, Valerie." Pouting and throwing your arms out to the side, you nearly shout indignantly before stopping yourself. Tilting your head so your hat's brim obscures your vision, there's a wince from Celly before you respond.
"I... I know now, but Celly didn't say they were a girl and my spell picked up Justin... because they were raised together, like siblings. S-so, I got carried away, thinking he was my first ever male relative that I didn't question it."
Hearing footsteps approach, your eyes widen slightly as Celly crouches before you and looks up at your hat-hidden face. Smiling sadly at you, she lets out a small breath.
"I know you had a rough day, but I'm... I've never been so happy someone disobeyed me. You're free from mom now, and you saved someone my... my daughter called family. I, thank you."
Seeing her rub away tears, it feels so... so weird being thanked by someone crying. Tilting up your head as Celly stands upright, your gaze follows as she walks over to Justin.
Seeing her delicately place a hand against her chest and the other across her torso, her tone is sweet yet sad. "She... my d-daughter, was she happy? I always wanted to be with her, but mother... was adamant I wasn't allowed to."
You can sense Justin racking his memories, and there's even little flare-ups as he remembers new bits. Ultimately though, he doesn't seem to recall anything notable, yet his tone... even unsure, it is upbeat.
"I honestly still have a lot to remember, but... Yeah, for the most part, she was happy. Besides me there were two others, and overall... we were like family. Big sis Sarah was, was my best friend. I'm positive that she never held a grudge."
Seeing Celly smile at Justin, you unintentionally tense as Celly suddenly hugs Justin tightly. The ghost-boy in turn seeming confused by the embrace, you sense a flash of realization before he inelegantly calls out.
"Wait, your daughter? Aren't you Maggie? Y-you blonde and B-bell, b-but Sarah-" Celly pulling away and bringing a hand daintily to her lips, she blinks perplexed at Justin then you.
Thankfully, Maggie decides to explain for you. "Celly and I have a habit of choosing fathers with the other's hair color. Makes it easier to have our daughters view both of us as their parents."
You sense a bit of confusion from Justin for a moment, before he shrugs it off as a 'twin thing'. Hmm, upon reflection, none of your other known sisters tried being an extra maternal figure.
Mary definitely would of reacted poorly, but then again you're not entirely see if she views her daughter as a precious doll or beloved pet. Then there's the stories you've heard about Kelly, but her possessiveness seems at odds with her reported loathing.
Stretching your arms and yawning, you freeze for a moment to process- now that you're not so focused on getting something done, you can feel yourself being somewhat tired.
Dismissing the, albeit simple, effect to reveal your & Justin's bond the tiredness slows a little. You're pretty sure you could stay awake for several more hours, but getting down on a bed now would see you asleep in half of one.
Hmm... on one hand, there's that Lucifiel girl to meet and you promised to explain Justin to Bell, but you honestly don't know how long you were awake preparing the ritual. Then, despite being awesome, you did form a powerful connection with a Magicyst's ghost and teleport across continents with him.
There's so much you could do, either reveling in your freedom and or working towards your mother's defeat. Of course, there's helping out Justin, since Maggie & Celly wouldn't be able to instantly solve things.
Gah, you never had to do much before beyond obeying mom or passively interacting with one of your many sisters. All this freedom and responsibility... Hmm, maybe that's why you're so tired?
--What does Valerie do? (Multiple actions allowed if not mutually exclusive)
[] Stay awake
-[] Locate someone (Lucifel? Bell? Another?)
-[] Get permission to look around either of the shop's forbidden rooms.
-[] Go somewhere safe and examine Justin's Magicyst ability, his memories made it sound destructive.
-[] Ask Maggie & Celly for some information (what about?)
[] Go to bed
-[] Look with just you and Justin
-[] Ask Maggie & Celly where you could go
-[] Just a little magic, and you could sleep comfortably out here
[] Write-In
----
A/N: I kind of put this off a bit, because I try to aim for at least 1k words per update. So I took a little regarding what all to do, given the only one action voted for. That, and I got introduced to Xander Quest, which is stupid long at 95 pages for the Story-only thread.
2nd Fragmentary Passage Choice
Kkutlord
Prince of Breath
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
I get this is a purely original setting, and I need to progress further if I want people to be interested. I'll also admit I probably should of made it clearer how crazy things are for Valerie & Justin.
Still, I really do want to tell this story. So, figured I'd put up another option for a Fragmentary Passage, so that you guys can get a better idea of things at large. Thus, the following three:
[] Lucifel the Eternal Light
One of the original Justice Forgers, who has taken an interest in Valerie & Justin after noticing them.
[] Jessica Parker, Once-Aspiring Heroine
Justin's biological mother, upset and heartbroken after losing contact with him.
[] Waninu Lilim, Spirit Goddess' Minder
One of the wiser children of Soul Goddess Lilith, she puts up with a lot regarding her family- especially siblings like Lilith Junior, Valerie's mother.
I'll probably update tomorrow if no one else votes regarding Valerie & Justin. The FP... I could probably manage today, since I'm mainly doing it to provide more information regarding what to do for Valerie & Justin's vote.
Still, I really do want to tell this story. So, figured I'd put up another option for a Fragmentary Passage, so that you guys can get a better idea of things at large. Thus, the following three:
[] Lucifel the Eternal Light
One of the original Justice Forgers, who has taken an interest in Valerie & Justin after noticing them.
[] Jessica Parker, Once-Aspiring Heroine
Justin's biological mother, upset and heartbroken after losing contact with him.
[] Waninu Lilim, Spirit Goddess' Minder
One of the wiser children of Soul Goddess Lilith, she puts up with a lot regarding her family- especially siblings like Lilith Junior, Valerie's mother.
I'll probably update tomorrow if no one else votes regarding Valerie & Justin. The FP... I could probably manage today, since I'm mainly doing it to provide more information regarding what to do for Valerie & Justin's vote.
Fragmentary Passage - Waninu Lilim (1)
Kkutlord
Prince of Breath
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
If there's no tiebreaker today, I'll probably resort to RNG regarding the main vote. Anyways, RNG said my favorite (out of two) doggo girl won. I will say the Lucifiel one would of been enlightening regarding near-future events, and the one for Justin's mom would prove she's not a crazy psycho.
You loathe her, you absolutely do. S-she's a sick parody of everything that mother is! Mother gained her incredible power by nurturing life, she gets it by oppressing and destroying life.
Yet unfortunately, no one wants to deal with her save mother, and letting her go alone against that... that thing daring to call itself your sister? No, mother is far too sweet and naïve to recognize that thing for the abomination that it is.
Still... At least it has some value, you really don't know how nieces like Maggie & Celly would of existed otherwise. That, that is the only reason you ever willingly get close to that human-shaped black hole.
Taking a moment to breath, you finally knock on the gold-accented black door- and it opens, revealing one of that thing's enslaved & corrupted souls. Those beady red eyes staring forth from that billowy shadow body...
Who was that man? Did she really learn how to make Dark Hearts? Is his Mind still intact, screaming inside, unable to resist all the evil things making up half his soul? Doesn't really matter, when all he is now is a hollowed creature filled with malice.
Flashing you a small, predatory smile, you can't help shuddering. Stepping through the doorway and letting him... it lead you, you sniff at the air. Hmm, seems you've gotten a new grand-niece recently.
Wait, where's Valerie? Maggie & Celly's scents aren't here, yet you're not detecting Valerie anywhere. Did that thing really...? No, why destroy a perfectly good 'assistant'? It hasn't gone that far into madness.
Speaking of things... the corroded man 'smiles' at you, as he holds open the door for you to meet with your 'sister'. Too bad he's just a soul, if he had a body he could survive having that Dark Heart ripped away.
Stepping through the doorway and taking a seat, you just look annoyed- again, a simple chair and your side of the table being plain, whereas she has a small throne and elegant table side.
Argh, then there's the three other corroded souls, being made to fawn over her- one massaging her back, one holding a cup of tea, and the other clinging to her right side all... sensually, like she's some freaking goddess.
"Oh, have I finally made you envious?" Snarling disgustedly at her, your 'sister' playfully pouts as she crosses her left leg over her right.
"You're no fun Woofdog! I'm just trying to be a cool big sis here." Flattening your ears against your head, you snarl out. "That still isn't my name, you worthless parody."
Bringing a finger to her chin thoughtfully, you valiantly resist groaning as she draws it out. "So, the internet is too difficult for you? Ah, poor Woofdog, that makes me so sad for you~"
You will kill her one day, and forge that piece-of-trash soul into a garbage bin. Just, just why won't mom understand she's beyond salvation!? You hate being here, you hate being the freaking reasonable one. You're twelve, why can't you just be a normal child!?
Sigh... "Our mother wanted me to tell you that she won't interfere with that, job, you'll be performing for the Authority Breakers. In exchange, she hopes you finally 'stop playing around' and 'go back to normal', turning in your co-conspirators in the process."
That causes her to smile all excitedly, issuing for the tea-holding corrosion to tilt the cup for her. Holding up a finger to tell you 'wait', she quietly drinks the tea. Honestly, if you didn't know better, you would think she was royalty for naturally this comes to her.
"Hmm... I got bored with that job." Wait, what? Snarling minutely as she smiles smugly at you, that worthless thing continues. "Oh yes, earlier today I met a fascinating creature- something that could beat me!"
!! Her looking pouty all of a sudden, you barely stop yourself from viciously smirking in return. "Unfortunately the assistant who summoned him decided to be a rebellious little brat. I mean really, I let her parasite off my insides, and this is how I'm repaid? My superior soul managing skills ignored! I was just trying to be helpful to the poor thing, she'll corrupt him with all kinds of horrible ideas."
Right, because you're a saint... Wait. Other than Portia & Valerie, everyone else is here. Mean, Mata clearly doesn't want to be here, but... "I mean really, the only thing more disrespectful would of been her trying to hurt me! Really, I don't know where I went wrong... You've got proper manners, like me, my little Woofdog!"
Slamming the table violently, you act faster than you can think. "I will bite out your throat you worthless hag!" That... that just causes her to squee, like you just said something adorable.
"Oh, you're simply too precious! I should really think about having one of, whatever you are! I have a Nekomata assistant and a Kitsune assistant, but they're just not good enough for their assigned roles! Ooh, maybe Woofdog Junior can be my first pet! I've never had one before!"
… Why you have to be a Shiba? Why couldn't mom have patterned you after, oh you don't know, Cerberuses or Orthruses!? No, you had to be an adorable little Shiba! Worthless Suppression Gods, none of this would be happening if...
No, that way lies madness and self-loathing. "Well then, I wouldn't want to ruin the... fun, by just telling you the answer." That causes her to squeal again, looking all playfully amused.
"You're too much, what did I do to get such a fun little sister? Well, I'm pretty much done, nothing more to say on my end. Oh! Do tell my runaway assistant to come home soon, or else I'm gonna have to really punish her when I retrieve her. That poor ghost boy seriously needs me, he's like a little lamb stuck with a senseless wolf."
Just... staring, at her for a few moments, you finally get up and sigh. "Yeah, I'll definitely do that, promise. Just... stop, letting mom think you care about her."
Smiling at you, you can't even muster up enough energy to flash a snarl. Turning around and walking away, you stop as that thing calls out. "Wait, Woofdog…"
Taking a deep breath and glancing back, you see the three corroded souls have backed away from their 'queen'. Focusing on her, she still seems her cheerfully psychotic self.
"You really are my favorite little sister. Please, no need to use mother as an excuse to come visit me." Wait, did...?
No, if she was ever a human, she stopped being one a long time ago. Everything about her soul is malice, no Dark Heart could corrode the Mind like that. Just... no, you won't let her trick you into thinking there's some hidden nugget to redeem.
So, you just remain quiet, and leave. Need to explain things to everyone, you won't let her harm Valerie and whatever ghost she summoned.
Yet unfortunately, no one wants to deal with her save mother, and letting her go alone against that... that thing daring to call itself your sister? No, mother is far too sweet and naïve to recognize that thing for the abomination that it is.
Still... At least it has some value, you really don't know how nieces like Maggie & Celly would of existed otherwise. That, that is the only reason you ever willingly get close to that human-shaped black hole.
Taking a moment to breath, you finally knock on the gold-accented black door- and it opens, revealing one of that thing's enslaved & corrupted souls. Those beady red eyes staring forth from that billowy shadow body...
Who was that man? Did she really learn how to make Dark Hearts? Is his Mind still intact, screaming inside, unable to resist all the evil things making up half his soul? Doesn't really matter, when all he is now is a hollowed creature filled with malice.
Flashing you a small, predatory smile, you can't help shuddering. Stepping through the doorway and letting him... it lead you, you sniff at the air. Hmm, seems you've gotten a new grand-niece recently.
Wait, where's Valerie? Maggie & Celly's scents aren't here, yet you're not detecting Valerie anywhere. Did that thing really...? No, why destroy a perfectly good 'assistant'? It hasn't gone that far into madness.
Speaking of things... the corroded man 'smiles' at you, as he holds open the door for you to meet with your 'sister'. Too bad he's just a soul, if he had a body he could survive having that Dark Heart ripped away.
Stepping through the doorway and taking a seat, you just look annoyed- again, a simple chair and your side of the table being plain, whereas she has a small throne and elegant table side.
Argh, then there's the three other corroded souls, being made to fawn over her- one massaging her back, one holding a cup of tea, and the other clinging to her right side all... sensually, like she's some freaking goddess.
"Oh, have I finally made you envious?" Snarling disgustedly at her, your 'sister' playfully pouts as she crosses her left leg over her right.
"You're no fun Woofdog! I'm just trying to be a cool big sis here." Flattening your ears against your head, you snarl out. "That still isn't my name, you worthless parody."
Bringing a finger to her chin thoughtfully, you valiantly resist groaning as she draws it out. "So, the internet is too difficult for you? Ah, poor Woofdog, that makes me so sad for you~"
You will kill her one day, and forge that piece-of-trash soul into a garbage bin. Just, just why won't mom understand she's beyond salvation!? You hate being here, you hate being the freaking reasonable one. You're twelve, why can't you just be a normal child!?
Sigh... "Our mother wanted me to tell you that she won't interfere with that, job, you'll be performing for the Authority Breakers. In exchange, she hopes you finally 'stop playing around' and 'go back to normal', turning in your co-conspirators in the process."
That causes her to smile all excitedly, issuing for the tea-holding corrosion to tilt the cup for her. Holding up a finger to tell you 'wait', she quietly drinks the tea. Honestly, if you didn't know better, you would think she was royalty for naturally this comes to her.
"Hmm... I got bored with that job." Wait, what? Snarling minutely as she smiles smugly at you, that worthless thing continues. "Oh yes, earlier today I met a fascinating creature- something that could beat me!"
!! Her looking pouty all of a sudden, you barely stop yourself from viciously smirking in return. "Unfortunately the assistant who summoned him decided to be a rebellious little brat. I mean really, I let her parasite off my insides, and this is how I'm repaid? My superior soul managing skills ignored! I was just trying to be helpful to the poor thing, she'll corrupt him with all kinds of horrible ideas."
Right, because you're a saint... Wait. Other than Portia & Valerie, everyone else is here. Mean, Mata clearly doesn't want to be here, but... "I mean really, the only thing more disrespectful would of been her trying to hurt me! Really, I don't know where I went wrong... You've got proper manners, like me, my little Woofdog!"
Slamming the table violently, you act faster than you can think. "I will bite out your throat you worthless hag!" That... that just causes her to squee, like you just said something adorable.
"Oh, you're simply too precious! I should really think about having one of, whatever you are! I have a Nekomata assistant and a Kitsune assistant, but they're just not good enough for their assigned roles! Ooh, maybe Woofdog Junior can be my first pet! I've never had one before!"
… Why you have to be a Shiba? Why couldn't mom have patterned you after, oh you don't know, Cerberuses or Orthruses!? No, you had to be an adorable little Shiba! Worthless Suppression Gods, none of this would be happening if...
No, that way lies madness and self-loathing. "Well then, I wouldn't want to ruin the... fun, by just telling you the answer." That causes her to squeal again, looking all playfully amused.
"You're too much, what did I do to get such a fun little sister? Well, I'm pretty much done, nothing more to say on my end. Oh! Do tell my runaway assistant to come home soon, or else I'm gonna have to really punish her when I retrieve her. That poor ghost boy seriously needs me, he's like a little lamb stuck with a senseless wolf."
Just... staring, at her for a few moments, you finally get up and sigh. "Yeah, I'll definitely do that, promise. Just... stop, letting mom think you care about her."
Smiling at you, you can't even muster up enough energy to flash a snarl. Turning around and walking away, you stop as that thing calls out. "Wait, Woofdog…"
Taking a deep breath and glancing back, you see the three corroded souls have backed away from their 'queen'. Focusing on her, she still seems her cheerfully psychotic self.
"You really are my favorite little sister. Please, no need to use mother as an excuse to come visit me." Wait, did...?
No, if she was ever a human, she stopped being one a long time ago. Everything about her soul is malice, no Dark Heart could corrode the Mind like that. Just... no, you won't let her trick you into thinking there's some hidden nugget to redeem.
So, you just remain quiet, and leave. Need to explain things to everyone, you won't let her harm Valerie and whatever ghost she summoned.