[X] XP Expenditure Plan "Congrats, its twins!"
During the journey back to Earth you notice your untapped potential grew a lot, probably thanks to everything that happened during your stay. Malfeas may be a crazy place, but no one can deny it tempers both body and spirit. Of those who survive, that is.
With Seyrun's help you consult the list of options available to you. The Demon City's gifts are very promising, especially those that make you more durable, but first you decide to dwell some more into what you already have, using the Primordial Essence-rich environment of Cecelyne to hasten your progress.
From Oramus you take two powers that aid in creating unique objects. While you don't have an immediate, personal use for them you can also grant the bonus to someone else, which will help Rakshata's work. Granted, they also grant a temporary mental disorder that can become permanent if you're not careful, but you are confident you will use them wisely.
From Ebon Dragon, instead, something more...
esoteric. Seyrun is confused by your choice to delve into the Dragon's gifts for dancing and playing music, something that all Yozi dearly love, but you explain to him those will be reserved for Exalted and other magical beings, their purpose to slowly put you into their good graces so that they can be better converted to your cause. You're a Fiend after all. That's the truth, and you have absolutely no ulterior motive at all, like impressing a girl or something equally asinine!
The final day, just before reaching the portal, Milly and the demon escort wake up to find you already up, standing at the top of a dune with your eyes closed, anima flaring around you. Suddenly you cross your arms, body bending down and head lowered, before abruptly straightening up, head facing the sky, and spreading your arms. A hole radiating with alien light appears above your right shoulder, while another hole of fathomless darkness appears above your left shoulder. They spread until they encompass and fuse with your anima, which grows totemic. The seven wings of unearthly kaleidoscopic light appears, but now they support two great beasts: an eastern dragon with each scale a subtly different color, a crown of small wings adorning his head, and an eastern dragon with scales of the purest black, a crown of long horns adorning his head; they constantly move and coil around one another, reminiscent of a strand of DNA.
You feel like only now you have achieved spiritual maturity.
Learned:
Oramus Charms
Flowers Bloom Like Madness (8 XP, 2 Days)
- Muse of Unearthly Delights (8 XP, 3 Days)
Ebon Dragon Charms
My Dark Lady (8 XP, 2 Days)
- Darkling Grace Complete (8 XP, 3 Days)
118 Xp -> 86 Xp
{====}
[X] Suzaku is alive! Be happy but keep up your public mask.
"Suzaku..." You resist the urge to stare in shock. It takes a great deal of your will to keep up your carefully crafted mask. Your Essence Sight doesn't show him to be someone else magically disguised, so you're pretty damn sure it's him. Of course, this begs the question of why he's here, and wearing an Ashford Academy's uniform which makes him a student!
"Friend of yours Boss?"
'Yes. I'll explain later.'
Seyrun takes the hint and quiets down. You don't know how Suzaku survived, but you can catch up with him later. For now you need to make sure neither of you reveal anything that might link him to your secret past. "Well, I have to say I'm surprised, Suzaku. I would never have expected to see you here, but it's good to see you again." You say, smiling honestly. You turn to Rivalz, pushing your internal Essence to strengthen the lie. "Rivalz, have you met Suzaku? He helped me out after that idiot driver in the truck accident drove off with me inside."
"Really? You never told me how it ended." Rivalz grins and playfully slaps Suzaku's back. "Thanks for helping my buddy. I would have followed them, but the police cordoned off the streets."
"Ah...ah..." Suzaku hesitates. He looks to the side with a nervous smile, idly scratching above his ear. "I did nothing special. It was just the right thing to do."
"Still more than those other 'spectators' did." You shrug. "It turned out the driver had an urgent delivery, and missing the timeline would have meant losing his job. They apologized and all that, but if it was not for Suzaku giving me a ride I would had to walk back from the other side of the city. My phone's battery was lost in the commotion, so I couldn't even call Sayoko."
"What a story!" Rivalz crosses his arms and nods, no trace of doubt in his expression. "And here I was afraid you ended up trapped in Shinjuku during the incident."
Suzaku freezes up. You make a dismissive gesture. "Absolutely not. The driver was in a hurry, but not so much so to ignore the warning: he changed roads and that's all."
Shirley lets out a breath of relief.
"Hold on." One of your classmates - what was his name again? Pompous Asshole-something? - stands up and stares at Suzaku with barely repressed hostility. Your own gaze hardens. "Do you really know this Ele-"
A girl slams down her heel into his foot, eliciting a yelp of pain. While she keeps grinding she looks at Suzaku and smiles. "Don't mind George, he's always grumpy in the morning. Any positive acquaintance of Lord Le-I mean Lamperouge is welcome here." She looks around. "Right?"
All the girls nod vigorously. One boy tries to say something before he is pinned down by the collective sharp glare of the class's female population. Meekly he just nods silently, soon followed by the others.
You blink in confusion.
'What just happened? I expected racism, not a complete 180° after I said I know Suzaku!'
"Suzaku Kururugi, right? I'm Rivalz Cardemonde! I'm with Lelouch on the Student Council." Your blue-haired friend grabs a stunned Suzaku's hand and shakes it.
"Shirley Fenette." The orangette greets him with a smile. "Also on the Student Council. Nice to meet you!"
You smile and nod in approval, making sure everyone sees you. From some reason the girls in your class support your opinions, so you will take advantage of it to make Suzaku's school life easier.
"Uh, Boss? Have you considered that they follow your words because they're part of your Fan Club?"
Ah well, in that case you need to use Oramus's powers until they redirect their obsession to something else, like birdwatching.
{====}
Once the lesson ends you walk out of the room, stopping briefly on the doorframe. At the edge of your vision you see Suzaku looking at you. Your hand reaches up and tugs at the collar of your uniform. Hopefully he will remember this old signal.
His eyes widen. Aha, he remembers!
Five minutes later Suzaku opens the door leading to the building's roof and steps out onto it. Movement behind makes him turns around, only to blink in confusion at the sight of Lelouch's standing on the door frame, wildly looking around. "Lelouch?"
"Sssshh!!" You hiss. After making sure no-one's around (you already checked the roof) you close the door and lock it with the key. "I need to make sure we're really alone. The last thing I want is to give my fan club
ideas."
"Your what?"
"My nothing." You reply curtly before walking up to Suzaku and hugs him. "I'm glad that you're alive."
He seems surprised before he returns the hug. "I'm glad you're okay too." You step back and smile at each other. On an unspoken agreement you both lean on the safety-rail. "And you still use the same signals from seven years ago."
"They work, don't they?" You smirk before it turns into a frown. "How did you survive? I mean I am glad, but it was a point-blank shot."
"I wore a bulletproof vest. Plus I had..." He hesitates. "A family heirloom under it. It's made of thick metal, it soaked the blow. Ah! What about that girl? The one in the capsule?"
"Oh, her." Let's see: truth or lie? Considering you want to bring Suzaku to meet Nunnally, hiding C.C. is pointless. "She's currently living in my house."
"L-Lelouch!" Suzaku shouts, cheeks reddening. Now why would he-
Oh hell no!
You slap him upside the head. "Stop whatever thought you're having! Nunnally and our maid are also living there, so nothing happened." You put your hands in your pants' pockets. "After we managed to sneak out of Shinjuku I discovered she's the daughter of minor nobility that knew my mother. I already checked, it's the truth. She's having some troubles, so I agreed to hide her until the waters calm down."
His eyes light up. "Nunnally is-?"
"Yes. We both go by the surname Lamperouge these days. The Ashfords are in the know and are helping us." You hum. "So, mind telling me how did you got enrolled in a
Britannian school?"
"I'm just as surprised! I had no idea you were here. You see..." He looks at the campus' scenery. "I met someone who helped me a lot. They said that a 17 year old should be in school."
"Suzaku..." You begin. "You haven't become the boytoy of some middle-aged noblewoman, have you?"
The sight of Suzaku's face crashing into the pavement is, truthfully, absolutely hilarious. "Lelouch!!" He shouts, his face more purple than red. "I'm not! W-What are you saying?!"
You can't help it: you laugh. "Ahahaha! Sorry Suzaku, I couldn't resist!" You smirk. "Payback's only fair."
"That was mean..." He whines, trying to salvage the tatters of his dignity. "Say, Lelouch. Can I ask you something? Did...something happen to you since we last met?"
'I have become a Prince of Hell, transcended my humanity, and now I plan to wage war on both Earth and Heaven.' "No. Why?"
He tilts his head, frowning in thought. "There is...
something different about you. I'm not sure what, but..."
"Ah, that? I just changed beauty parlor." Right index and middle finger press on your check, while the left hand keeps up the right elbow. You make a cheeky smile. "They do much better work."
Suzaku stares at you unamused.
{====}
That evening you brought Suzaku to meet with Nunnally. As expected she was as happy as you were to see him again. The three of you have dinner, enjoying each other's company like in the old times. C.C. just makes a brief appearance to take something from the fridge before going back in her room: she just greets you politely but shortly, not even batting an eye at Suzaku's presence. By how your friend follows her with his eyes, you are sure he has a lot of questions.
At the end, as you see him to the door, he finally voices them. "Lelouch, are you sure it's safe to shelter that girl?"
"Considering the alternative is risking those who put her into a capsule finding her again-" He winches. "Yes, it is. Beside, she's a family friend: this is something I have to do."
"If you're sure..."
"I am." You lean forward to whisper. "Also, the guards employed by the Ashfords to protect the students, a lot of them being nobility, are keeping this place under watch 24 hours a day."
"What?!" Suzaku looks around wildly. "Are you joking?!"
You hold out your open hand to the side. "Apple, please."
There is a rustling from a nearby tree before something is tossed at you. You catch the apple in the air and take a bite.
You resist the urge to laugh at Suzaku's shocked expression. "See you tomorrow Suzaku. Come visit again: Nunnally will like that."
He just nods and mumbles a 'sure' before walking away. You close the door, go up the stairs, walk into your room and close the door.
"That man is the Britannian soldier from Shinjuku, isn't he?" C.C. asks. "Is this wise?"
"It's alright. He's a friend." You put the apple on the desk and open the wardrobe to take out the hidden Zero costume. "Beside, things are going to be pretty hectic from now on." You look at her and frown. "I need to change."
She doesn't move a muscle.
"...I need to take off my clothes."
Nothing. You grit your teeth. "Look, can you just get out until I'm done?!"
"Now why didn't you say it from the start, boya?" She smirks before leaving the room, taking the apple with her in the process.
"She needs a lesson in respect, Boss. Cocky subordinates are bad news."
"She is not my subordinate. Not yet." Once the costume and the mask are donned you take the Hellcaster and channel your Essence, attuning it. Satisfied you put it into the holster. Shadows cover your form before retreating, leaving behind your unmasked self. "Beside, now it's the time to attend my
real subordinates."
Hellcaster: attuned
Personal Essence: 16/16
Peripheral Essence: 23/39
Committed (Personal): 0
Committed (Peripheral): 16
Committed (Total): 16
List of attunements: Mask of Zero(2m), Silken Armor of Zero(3m), Infernal Hearthstone Amulet(1m), Infernal Hearthstone Amulet(1m), Weapon Ward - Machine Guns(4m), Hellcaster(5m)
{====}
"Listen, Ohgi." Tamaki grumbles while serving the curry to his friend. "When is Zero coming back? It's been two weeks since we last saw him!"
"Why, did you miss me Tamaki?"
"HOLY SHIT!" The redhead jumps up in fright. Ohgi barely manages to dodge the ladle full of hot curry aimed at his head.
"Zero!" Kallen greets you, obviously happy to see you. "When did you get back?"
"Just now." You reply with a polite nod before taking a seat in front of Ohgi. "I had a look around. This is a good base, you did well. I trust my man was of help?"
"Yamashita-san? He had everything we needed, and provided it without strings attached. He also gave us a list of corrupt nobles and criminals, saying you requested it." Ohgi nods. "But he said he can't introduce the rest of the organization until you say so."
"That cannot be helped. They all have families who managed to get a respectable life by staying under Britannia's radar. We mustn't endanger them carelessly." The others say 'Aah' in understanding. You lean forward on the table, chin resting on your left hand. "That aside: Ohgi, I heard you sent a video of me and Kallen defeating the White Knightmare to your contact."
Ohgi has the decency to look embarrassed. "Yeah, I did. I thought everyone needed to know about it, to not be blindsided..."
"Hm, good thinking." You muse. "Still, next time please inform me beforehand."
"I will. But, where exactly did you hear that?"
"A member of Kyoto told me."
"Ah."
Silence.
"EEEEHH?!?"
You laugh. "I told you I left to find help, didn't I? Well I found it." You fold your fingers under your chin. "Let me explain from the beginning. After meeting my old backers, I found a member of the higher echelons of Kyoto was also present. They personally viewed the video, and were most impressed." You look at Kallen. "Especially at Kallen's piloting skills."
The redhead goes as red as her hair.
"As such, they have sworn to provide their personal support. Money mostly, equipment and contacts as well. But the real treasure is something else. This member of Kyoto is currently in a negotiation with a high official of the European Union." Murmurs start to come up. "I will spare the boring political reasons: if the negotiation goes well, said official will send a secret unit of the EU army here as support for us. A unit of Knightmare pilots."
"That's all well and good, but wouldn't the presence of a bunch of Europeans be suspicious?" Yoshita questions.
"No, because all the pilots are Japanese." There are gasps. "More specifically, they were recruited from the Japanese that emigrated to the EU before and during the war. Only some of the officials are Europeans, and so are the engineers: this unit makes use of Prototype Knightmares." Your tone turns deadly serious. "I hope it doesn't need to be said, but the members of this unit, both Japanese and Europeans, are taking a great risk by helping us. The smallest indiscretion, and the EU will declare they went rogue and leave them to Britannia's vengeance. The Japanese pilots were chosen exactly to make collaboration easier. I hope you will extend the same courtesy to the Europeans."
"We will." Ohgi looks at everyone, deadly serious. Even Tamaki shuts up. "We can't afford to turn away any helping hand."
You were right: Ohgi may not have the raw talent, but he's a decent leader. Exactly what you need. "Good, good. Now, let's talk about my backers. They, too, have a certain interest in seeing Britannia toppled. As such they are ready to provide help: most of all information, but also special items. Like this one."
You take out the Hellcaster and point it at Tamaki, who squeals in fright. "While it is true that Britannia was at the head of technological research worldwide, this is not so anymore." You move the gun, aiming at a Knightmare's metal plate someone left resting on the wall, and shoot.
The bullet punches straight through it.
"And this is only the beginning." You say smugly before putting away the gun. "In a matter of days a scientist from India will join us. Among other things, she has built a Frame that can stand up to the White Knightmare. Kallen: you'll pilot it."
"M-Me?" She points at herself. "But Zero, wouldn't it better if you were to use it?"
"While that would, normally, be true-" You think back to what Rakshata told you about the Guren MK-II and shrug. "That Knightmare is completely specced for close-ranged combat. While I only use guns. For me it would be more of a hindrance than an advantage. But don't worry, I'll ask her to make one more fitting for my abilities."
Sugiyama whistles. "Wow Zero! Just who are those backers of yours?"
You just look at him without saying anything. Luckily he gets the hint. "I mean, I understand Kyoto, but those guys are helping us for free?"
"Of course not." You snort. "Fighting Britannia is the first reason. They'll benefit greatly from Japan being liberated. Also..." You make a pause, choosing your next words carefully. "There is a certain 'favor' that I need to do for them. This organization tends to recruit members from all over the world: soldiers, scientists, spies and so on. If someone has talent, they take it. As such, they are going to periodically send me new recruits to help our operations, and in doing so gaining experience, before they go back to their duties." You sigh. "What I am saying is, don't be surprised if you see a new face occasionally pop up and help for a while before disappearing. Some may decide to remain though."
All Black Knights start to talk among themselves. There doesn't seem to be malcontent in the air, so hopefully your fellow Infernals will not be a problem. "Is this what you meant when you said the Black Knights will be an international organization?" Ohgi asks.
"No. This is just something I hadn't predicted. But it's not unwelcome." You stand up. "Ohgi. The list of possible targets."
"Yes." You follow him to a makeshift office, where he picks up and give you the list.
You give it a cursory glance: perfect. "For today rest. Starting tomorrow night we'll begin going after these targets. We may start with a small seed instead of a bang-" With a flourish you turn around and walk away, the cape flapping behind you. "But we will get results. In time the seed will grow to become a sturdy tree, which nobody will be able to root out." You raise a hand and make a small gesture of salute. "Stay sharp Ohgi."
You said it already, but it bears repeating: you totally
love this job!
{====}
Sadly, your plan to spend the night plotting your fan club's demise is railroaded when you return home and find Milly in your room, together with two new demons.
"So you said you have orders from the Conclave? That was fast, considering I left only five days ago." You comment, taking the time to observe the two new arrivals.
The first is a massive greyhound demon, its maw and spiky black fur showing sparks of green fire. Seyrun tells you it's a Chernobaalim, a demon renowned for its hunting prowess just like a scent hound. "That is correct Lord Marshal. My name is Jikhs." He bows his head.
"Hi!" The puddles of grey and red ooze raises a tentacle with a mouth and an eye on the top. "I'm Kasr!" Seyrun says it's a Peronelle, a demon created to serve as living, and if needed invisible, armor.
Jikhs' tail slaps the tentacle. "Show respect Kasr. We're in front of a Peer."
"What? But all I did was imitate you Jikhs!"
"You call that imita-"
"Yes, yes." You cough to catch their attention. "So, those orders?"
"They came from Unquestionable Sagarduia, who is of She Who Lives in Her Name. There is a Peer here in Japan who belongs to her Mistress, but who has thus far failed to report in and even attacked the messengers sent to fetch him."
"Totally crazy!" Kasr taps another tentacle on the eye before Jikhs slaps him again. "He even attacked me and Jikhs, yelled something about a 'tentacle monster', whatever that is."
'He totally meant you.' "And I need to make him see reason?" They nod. "Very well." You stand up and pick up your mask, but before donning it you look at your blonde friend. "Milly, do you have something to hide your identity?"
"Sure thing!" She takes out from a bag an elaborate domino mask. Of course, a leftover from a past party. Milly puts it before stopping, likely thinking of something or conversing with her Coadjutor. Eyes lighting up she turns to the Peronelle. "Listen, listen. You're a suit of living armor, right?"
"The very best!" Kasr shouts proudly.
"Can I wear you?"
Your eyebrow twitches. "Milly, I don't think it's a-"
"Sure thing!" Many more tentacles appear, all quivering in joy. "What a honor! Right now?"
"One moment." Before you can stop her Milly begins to take off her uniform. Luckily for your mental health under it she has a gym shirt and bloomers. "Now you can."
Melting back into ooze the Peronelle slides up and across Milly's body, who doesn't show any sign of discomfort. Once it has covered all important part the demon solidifies to assume the consistency of metal, many eyes spread across it surface.
Peronelle's Armor: 6L/12B Soak. Hardness: 5L/5B
"That's so cool!" Milly's smile is radiant. "What do you think Lelouch? Don't I look like a super-heroine?"
'No, you look like the wet dream of a monstergirls fetishist.'
It's what you want to say. But you also know that saying it would lead Milly to assume...
untrue things about you, so you shut up and just nod with a false smile.
Half an hour later you and your merry band of demons (plus Milly) is running across the city covered by the darkness of the almost New Moon. Milly is a literal missile, running as fast as a motorcycle with the effortless grace of the wind. You suspect she can go even faster, but she is holding back to keep the general pace. The Anuhles aren't very fast but don't let any type of terrain slow them down. Finally, you are riding on top of Jikhs.
Keeping a firm hold of the dog's collar you lean forward to speak near its ear. "How far away is the place?"
"Almost there." He grunts. Taking the lead he uses a parched car as a springboard (crushing the roof) to take a sharp turn to the left. With that you leave the Settlement and enter the ghetto of Ginza.
"There." Jikhs points with a claw. All of you are at the top of a ruined apartment complex, the Chernobaalim pointing down at a rather smaller building to the side. With only two floors, only a single window is illuminated. "We approached him a few days ago at this hour, but he ignored everything we said and attacked us with a steel bar."
"Did you say you're from Malfeas? Mentioned the Yozi?"
"Yes."
"Then I'll assume he's willingly skipping his responsibilities." You take out the Hellcaster, make sure it's fully loaded before hiding it with your mantle. "Hide around the area. If it comes to blows me and Milly will wear him down. Once he's down ambush him. Subdue, don't kill."
""We hear and obey!"" The Anuhles shouts before scattering away. You have the Chernobaalim bring you down to the street before he goes into hiding himself.
You're thinking of the best approach when the door of the apartment opens and someone comes out, a trash-bag on his shoulders. It's dark, but thanks to the Ebon Dragon's gifts you can see the target perfectly.
He's a Japanese, though his grey hair and eyes make you think he has some foreign ancestry. Or that's something he acquires from his Exaltation. Nonetheless you signal Milly and, when he reaches a trashcan to toss away the bag, you step out of your hiding place.
"Lovely night we have, don't you think so?"
To his credit he doesn't react excessively: he just pauses in his motion and turns his head to look in your direction. He blinks at the sight, but considering yours and Milly's appearance it's a natural reaction. You spread your left arm to the side, making sure to keep the right part of your mantle near your body to cover the gun. "Though, I am afraid it is not the time for pleasantries. Chosen of the Yozi, we are here to remind you of your duties!"
He doesn't reply. He keeps looking, putting down the trashbag to hold his chin as if in contemplation.
"But we have not come to fight. If you-"
"I get it!" He puts one fist on the other hand's palm, as if he just made a great discovery. "That vampire sent you! Which means you're vampires too!"
That declaration is so random it manages to give you pause. "...Pardon?"
"To by fair Lulu." Milly whispers to your ear. "You're tall, dark and broody enough to fit the pa-"
"Not now!" You hiss before trying to salvage the situation. "We're not vampires! We're fellow Infer-"
"I've prepared for this!" He shouts, interrupting you again, before turning around and running back into his apartment. He comes a few seconds later, jumping up to land in a dramatic pose.
Wielding a large wooden stake in each hand.
You resist the urge to facepalm. At Milly's giggle you fail and facepalm. "This is not possible."
"I even prepared a suitable battle-cry!" He points the stakes forward like knives before changing at you. "Prepare yourself vampire! Your un-life ends tonight!"
"Boss, I think we are dealing with a complete idiot."
Thanks for stating the obvious Seyrun!
[] Write-in.
====
Murakami Akio (by NSMS)
====
Finally done. Okay, here's how this is going to work:
This works like a classic Exalted fight. We roll for Join Battle, for attacking, for damage and such. Only, because I cannot make separate posts we are going to first make the rolls, with me describing in broad lines what happen so that you can make adjustments to the strategy. Once I have enough for a post, or the battle ends, I will take everything and put it down in narrative.
As example, now Akio has called a Join Battle action (Wits + Awareness). He made a one-die stunt, so he rolls...2? Oh yeah, he has Wits 1 and no Awareness. Whatever. The point is that Lelouch needs to rolls too, but he can Stunt too. Once both rolls are made (I made them, not you players) I calculate who act first, and from then one we keep making rolls until battle's resolution.
You can control Milly too, making Stunts for her, or you can leave her to me.
Due to the dynamic nature of this combat's style, and motes cost, you can make new Stunts every time it's appropriate, like when acting or defending: in those case I will explain in broad lines what's happening around you.
Due to the need to keep things fast enough, until battle resolution a Stunt is approved once ten people vote for it. In case of multiple stunts, the first one to reach ten votes is used.
Everything clear? Are you okay with this system or do you want to change it?
