I think Elloge should be Lulu's next charmset to open.
Seems to resonate with him pretty well.
Seems to resonate with him pretty well.
Green Sun, Black Shadows (CG/Exalted)
- Thread starter Alexander89
- Start date
- Crossover
She met C.C., remember? She got a Geass then that would only activate later. Hers seems to be an anti-Geass Geass from the looks of it, though I suppose it could have other things.
That said, she doesn't have that now that she's Exalted.
That said, she doesn't have that now that she's Exalted.
- Location
- Between Worlds
I know, which is wierd because they usually get geass instead of anti geass. What's stranger however, is Britannia not having ICBMs which is wtf-strange. I doubt they just want the Transportation module. Then again, it's totally possible
Last edited by a moderator:
Britannia not having ICBMs or human launching space rockets is likely due to the difference in history resulting in different technological paths being pursued - there was no space race, so no impetus to develop rockets good enough go to the moon or anything like that. The most they needed was satellites.
Actually, as far as I can tell, there's no exclusivity there. UCS is worshipped under many names and aspects, as is Luna. They also have servitor gods to carry out various parts of their duties for them, like any of the Incarnae.
So Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi could both easily be the original crossdressing(easier in Luna's case, but not unknown for UCS), or they could be a SUBORDINATE for the Incarna in question, covering their responsibilities in the local region.
It's not like they're masquerading as the full thing, Amaterasu hardly has the Perfection and Excellence aspects of UCS, so it works out as a local sun goddess under his department.
Nobody favors them huh. But their concepts are a bit harder to write for.
- Location
- madison
the Ebon dragons problem is every exalt he pick ends up betraying the reclamation in like a day.
Why do my champions have to be like me? Why?!
- Location
- Wörms, the half continent
Just wait until it becomes an established theme, then one of the will betray the theme by not betraying ED.
Alexander89
Pet the pretty kitty? Y/N
- Location
- Italy
Rolling (Intelligence + Lore): Hacking
- Location
- madison
so, i'm guessing 12 successes is a lot?
Yes. Yes it is. Average amount of successes for a dice pool of 19 would be ~9.
Hyacinthium
Writing about sad cannibals as we speak.
- Location
- Bedroom
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Oh God Akio
Not sure if gap moe
Not sure if gap moe
Ashford 2.2
Alexander89
Pet the pretty kitty? Y/N
- Location
- Italy
[X] Althing Infernal Member Number Six: Safely Retrieved!
Well, this idiot thinks you are a vampire and he's attacking you. You're not sure if this is better or worse than him shirking his duties. Still, since he's a moron it should be easy to deceive him. You decide to play into his delusion.
And ham it up.
"Vampire!? Where? Reveal yourself, foul abomination!" You draw your Stormwand, glad that you had the foresight to bring it. But rather than pointing at your opponent, you turn and point into the dark of the night, twisting your Essence and warping space itself. "Aha!" Taking aim through the impossible angles you have created, you fire. The charge hits him square in the back, making him stumble. You gasp in apparent shock. "Foul creature of death, how dare you strike at my ally from behind?" You turn to him, hoping his stunned state will make him even easier to fool. "Are you alright, friend? Quickly, we should go inside! It's known that vampires can't come into one's home without an invitation!"
He stops and, instead of being paralyzed, looks puzzled for a moment. Sticking out a finger from his grip on one stake he begins repeatedly turning and pointing it between you and the direction he'd been hit, before a look of dawning comprehension appears on his face. Looking back at you, he points an accusatory finger and yelled "Liar! Vampires don't shoot people, they cut them in half with swords and eat them!" before resuming his charge.
'What the-'
"Fucking-"
"Shitty logic is that?!?" You and Seyrun yell at the same time, too stunned at the total stupidity displayed before you to really care.
(Switching to Milly's POV)
You put a hand over your mouth to cover another burst of giggling. Whatever this guy did, if he can make the normally unflappable Lulu flip out then you want him around.
"I told you: totally crazy!" Kasr whispers in your ear.
"I am glad you're enjoying this Milly, but you should really pay attention to the battle." Nassozra adds. "While he is a fellow Peer, allowing harm to befall upon the Althing Marshal is even more unforgivable."
'I wouldn't allow it even if Lelouch wasn't chosen.'
"Of course Milly. I am just saying there are extra reasons to do that."
Well, it was a real shame that Lelouch's amusing deception didn't work, but life is always exciting and unpredictable. So it was your turn to play the game now. You would become a catastrophic storm to strike at this foe! To provide support to Lelouch from a distance, keeping away from the enemy. Like an unstoppable wind your form blurs as you dashes up the nearby wall, defying gravity itself. "Have at thee, traitor!" you yell out dramatically, flamboyantly gesturing as a bolt of prismatic lightning shoots from your hand.
The guy's eyes widen and he tries to dodge. Tries being the key word. Lady Hegra's lightning hits and lights him up like a light bulb. Surprisingly, he doesn't scream. The wooden stakes burst into flames and he's pushed backwards by the force of the blow.
And yet, miraculously, he keeps standing. His clothing are totally ruined, his whole body is smoking and there is...a terrible smell of cooked meat...
Oh by the Yozi, you're going to be sick. But! A little expenditure of Essence and-Tadah! Now you're completely fine and totally happy you were of help!
(Back to Lelouch's POV)
Oh come on! You just shot the guy twice! Once with actual bullets and once with freaking lightning! What does it take to bring this moron down?
He opens his mouth, probably to gloat-
And then Jikhs rams into him, sending him straight into a pack of Anuhles with a large web in their forepaws. What follows is 21 demons ganging up on him, trying to pin him down while they tie the web around him.
You also find out this moron has telekinesis: it's hard to miss an Anuhle flying through the air and smashing into its companions. What's more, it looks suspiciously similar to the trick used by Rakshata. Even the Essence flow is the same.
"I think that's an ability from She Who Lives in Her Name. Mind over matter is kinda her stick."
'Considering this moron belongs to her, it makes sense. Even if it doesn't really explain the lack of grey matter.'
Danger averted you release the tension, allowing your body to relax. When Milly jumps back to your side you give her an appreciative look. "Seeing it in action is very different from being merely told about. The power of the wind and the storm...is a powerful combination."
"And I can do so much more!" Milly thrusts a fist in the air. "Well, I will. Eventually. It's just that most of Adorjan's Charms are weird, and those that enhance attacks only work when I attack up close." She puts a finger over her smiling lips. "I'm thinking about learning Martial Arts. Or maybe how to use a weapon."
"That makes two of us." Indeed, Malfeas' abilities are too good to be passed on. And if they make that idiot so much more durable even without instructions, then obviously you will do better! Speaking of which... "They're done."
There are a lot of contusions and broken bones among your minions, but the wayward Peer is completely bound within a strong-as-steel cocoon.
He's still trying to cut through it with an essence blade. Stubborn moron. At least any progress on his part is very, very slow. "Keep reinforcing the cocoon as needed." You order before looking around. "Also, let's get inside his place before someone sees us."
The apartment itself is what you would expect from someone living in a ghetto: pretty bare, with the basic necessities like TV, couch, table, closet, etc.
And various metal, stone, and metal and stone statues of Britannian soldiers with terrified expressions scattered around the apartment.
Thinking about it again, you don't think there is anything even remotely 'basic' about the latter.
'What do you think?' You ask Seyrun while tapping a finger over a statue's face.
"Too realistic. There are artists in Malfeas that can achieve the same with the poorest materials, but there is no way the idiot can do the same. I think those were once living guys, before he changed them. Probably another power from She Who Lives in Her Name."
'At least he chose valid targets.' If, as you suspect, this guy spends his time hunting down Britannian soldiers (in active duty, because they're all wearing uniforms) then there must be news about it. Not of public channels of course, because that would stink of weakness. You'll need to hack into the military network at the first opportunity to see about this and the repercussions of your little stunt with Clovis.
You take out your phone and dial the number Rakshata gave you, hoping she's on Earth already.
Luckily she answers. "Hello? Who's this?"
"It's me, Zero."
"Oho, if it isn't our young Marshal. Sorry, but I'm still packing everything up for transoceanic travel. That reminds me, I'll need a large space suitable both as a laboratory and as Knightmare production line."
"I'll see what I can do." Maybe Ruben still has some abandoned but still usable installations. "But I haven't called about that. Do you remember when we first met, and Akito asked you if I was telling the truth? I assume that means you have the ability to tell if someone is lying or not?"
"Yes, it's the Charm 'Factual Determination Analysis'. It's one of the most basic Charms of She Who Lives in Her Name."
'They have names?!?'
"To better categorize them, yes. Again, I think it's quite silly but do you want to say that to the Yozi's face?"
Now you really want to learn how your own powers are called. Later. "And to use your telekinesis, one needs to know it first?"
"Name's Mind-Hand Manipulation, but yes. Want me to teach you? As a Fiend you should be able to do it even without formal approval from the respective Yozi."
"Tempting. Maybe when you come here I can find the time. Thank you, Rakshata, that helps immensely." You duck as a toaster flies in your direction. "Hopefully, anyways." Ending the call, you turn towards your prisoner, who appears to finally be calming down, going by what your Essence sight is telling you.
Going over to the cheap coffee table that the Anuhles have bound your prisoner to, you look at him as he glares at you. "So it's to be torture then, vampire? I'll never crack!" You resist the urge to just shoot him and be done with it.
"I am hoping very much that among your powers you have the one that lets you discern if someone is lying to you. If you do, I strongly suggest you use it now. Let me make something very clear." You make a small pause to give him the time to process your words. "I am not a vampire. I am here regarding the deal you made with our masters. You aren't following through, and they aren't happy about it."
He looks at you suspiciously, then suddenly his expression turns to one of surprise, then to a smile.
"The deal where you agreed to-"
"Finally you guys came!" He interrupts you, making a 180° from angry to happy. "Do you have any idea how long I waited?"
"You have it. Great." You breath a sigh of relief. "But didn't your Un-"
"Listen to me man: you and the chick should come with me! Together we can find and kill that vampire no problem!"
"What are yo-!"
"A real vampire, with fangs, drinking blood and everything! Your big-ass spiders too should come too! Where can I get some too?"
Aaah...what a conundrum. You really can't decide what to do next.
"I'll need a new set of stakes of course. You guys should get one too."
Do you facepalm or do you shoot him in the fucking head?
"Boss. While I fully agree, losing a Green Sun Prince in your first official mission as Marshal would reflect badly on your reputation, no matter how justified."
'Damn, you're right.' Drawing upon your full will you suppress the bubbling anger. "Of course, if there are really vampires out there then this is a matter that must be addressed. But first we should talk about a few things." You look him in the eyes. "If I let you free, can we sit down and talk like civilized people instead of fighting."
"Sure! My name is Murakami Akio by the way."
"A...pleasure. Call me Zero."
Milly strikes a pose. "And I am Storm-Passion!"
"No you're not!"
Once Akio is free, and Milly is brought out of her delusions, you all sit down at the kitchen table. The demons are positioned inside and around the house to keep guard. "So, let's start with the most important issue: why you failed to report. You have made a deal to serve the Yozis and then woke up about an hour later, naked and with superpowers, right?"
"Yep!" He grins. "There was this big-ass spider-thingy that suddenly popped up and said I'll get the power to do anything I want if I agreed to serve something called the Yozi." He crosses his arms and tilts his head. "Then I had the strangest dream about green fire and crystal balls before waking up. And I was on fire - green fire! - but I didn't burn!"
"It's called Anima, and it's perfectly natural." You fold your fingers. "And then what happened? You should have received instructions about what to do?"
"By who man?" He looks at you strangely. "The spider-thingy was nowhere to be found when I woke up! I heard nothing about it afterwards, so after a while I forgot. What took you guys so long?"
"Didn't your Unwoven Coadjutor tell you anything?"
"My what?"
"Your-" You pause, trying to not sound like a loon with your next words. "That spider, it talked with you right? Was that the only time you heard its voice? Did you ever hear it in your head without being visible?"
"Hearing voices in my head? Come on, that only happens to crazy people."
"Oooh, I think I know what happened. Poor bastard." Seyrun winces. "The demon that held his Exaltation, I mean. Even if the process went well, the supermote has likely damaged or severely weakened him."
'So his Unwoven Coadjutor is dead?'
"No. Its soul should still be there, or the process wouldn't have worked. But its mind is likely damaged and cannot interact with his Prince."
'Damn. Can this be cured?'
"I have no idea."
Damn. This means you have to basically tell him everything. You sigh in exasperation. "I see I need to start from the beginning. What I am going to say will likely sound crazy, but please don't interrupt me until I am done. You can tell if I am lying or not anyways."
And so you tell him of the Yozis, how they created the world before being betrayed by the gods. How the supernatural is real, what kind of deal he made and what it is expected of him. You also tell him of your plan. "Any questions?"
"You had me at 'destroying the Britannian empire' and 'my own personal palace'!" He takes your hand and shakes it vigorously. "I'm on it Zero! let's kick some Brit's ass!"
'Don't shoot him, don't shoot him, don't shoot him.' "I'm glad you're taking this extremely well. Welcome, new Peer of the Althing." You return the handshake. "Now, let's talk about this 'vampire' you meet."
"Okay! Well, a few days ago I was in the middle of one of my anti-Britannian raids: all patrols have started to bring Knightmares along, so I decided for a change to target a bar Britannian soldiers frequent."
You nod. A crude method, but it works.
"Then I heard screams coming from an alley. I went to see what was going on, and saw a lot of soldiers killed and mutilated by oversized swords. And there was this woman wreathed in black flames, with long fangs, who was biting down on a guy's neck and sucking his blood!" He gesticulates wildly. "That was a vampire alright! So I made some woken stakes on the fly and attacked her! We fought for a while but then she suddenly escaped. I've been searching for her since then!"
You hum in understanding. "This woman, what did she look like? Completely human save for the fangs? Or did she have another strange characteristic?"
"Strange characteristic? Uhm..." Akio's eyebrow narrow in concentration. He licks his lips. "Now that I think about it she had something strange on her forehead: there was a black ring there, and it was bleeding! It didn't look like a tattoo."
A black ring on the forehead? A...Caste Mark?
"A perfect golden ring is the Mark of the Solar Night Caste, while Adorjan's red one slowly rotates." Seyrun muses. "And...Cecelyne's Law, now I remember! Ghosts and other creatures of death cannot breathe Essence while in Creation, but one of their alternate methods to regain it is...by drinking the blood of living beings!"
'You mean-?!'
"That we found the Exalts of the Neverborn? It could be!"
Lord Ligier must be informed immediately. "I believe you're right Akio." You stand up. "Whatever this woman is, if a true vampire or just a creature from the Underworld that resembles one, it's obvious she's a threat. It's also possible she's not alone. Soon more of our fellow Peers will come here: once we've amassed enough members we'll go on a massive hunt. To kill her, or capture her if our masters so wish."
"Sweet!" He grins, doing a fist-bump. "Do we go to Malfeas now?"
"You will need to do it, if only to find out what your current mission is. But first, as I was tasked to, I will need to instruct you on everything you need to know as a Peer." You pause. "Also, how to speak Old Realm, the language spoken in Malfeas."
"Eeeh? Come on Zero, do I really need to? It will take me months to learn a whole different language!"
You stare at him for a few seconds before raising two fingers. "Akio, you're an Exalt. There is more to the package than superpowers." You lower one finger. "One of the extra benefits is this: that there are some abilities you can learn immediately like you practice them your whole live."
You lower the second finger. "Another, that all other abilities that aren't raised immediately only need at most a week to do so."
He stares at you with a blank expression before his lips split into the bigger, happier grin you've ever seen. "Being an Exalt rocks!" He does another fist-bump.
"So you fully accept your role as an Infernal Exalted?" He nods. "In that case..."
You reach to the mask and activate the mechanism, making the back slide open. With a flourish you remove, exposing your face. "I am Zero, Marshal of the Althing Infernal. But in the human world I go by the name of Lelouch Lamperouge."
Milly removes her mask. "And I'm Milly Ashford! Both here and in Malfeas! Nice to meet you!"
Akio blinks. "You're Britannians?"
"Yes. And with no love for our former homeland." Your eyes narrow. "Is there a problem with that?"
He seems to contemplate something for a few seconds before suddenly snapping his fingers. "But of course! Between fighting for Britannia and for Hell, the second is obviously the better deal! You wouldn't get that much even by becoming a Prince!"
'Oh, if only you knew.' You roll your eyes. "Sure. I joined Malfeas because Britannia is full of backstabbing, treacherous misers while in Hell, instead, I have my own personal palace and all the drugs and demon hookers I want."
"Unlimited drugs and hookers?! Why did you mention the best bits only now man?"
Your face smash into the table.
"Ahahahahah!!" C.C. rolls over your bed, holding her belly. "Ahahahaha!!"
"I am happy to see you find my misery amusing." You deadpan.
"Ahaha-That guy! Ahaha." She snickers loudly before calming down and sitting up, the plushie of some weird blob-like thing in her arms. "That guy, is a real piece of work. I heard the Yozis are incredibly evil, but I think they meant 'crazy' if this is the type of servants they attract."
You stare back with a blank expression.
C.C. keeps smiling. "Where is he now?"
"There was the risk the 'vampire'-" You air-quote. "Could track him back to his house, so I made him transfer to-"
Where is Akio staying?
[] Write-in.
"Is that wise?" She asks.
"It will be when I can send him to Malfeas and he becomes the Yozis' problem." You sit at your desk and start the computer. "This reminds me..."
Accessing the web you put to use every skill you've refined during the past few years, and the power of Ebon Dragon, to find out everything relevant to three topics: the repercussion of the Pureblood's falling, Akio's activities as vigilante, and the first mission of the Black Knights.
The results are astounding, your own program managing to hack into military-grade networks with them none the wiser.
As predicted Clovis' investigations didn't find any concrete proof of the Pureblood's supposed treason. It didn't stop your half-brother from twisting the truth to his complete advantage. Those that were most close to Villetta Nu has been accused of complicity, even if unwillingly, and demoted to simple pilots. Since this include the Pureblood's leader, an ex-Margrave called Jeremiah Gottwald, it means the Pureblood faction is virtually no more. The media has been fed a version of the whole story that paints Clovis in a favorable light. His reputation in Japan received a hard blow but is still standing.
The same cannot be said of his reputation in the homeland: both his senseless massacre of Shinjuku and the Pureblood Incident lowered it greatly. If not among the commoners, among the nobility. Still, even if not toppled Clovis has been shaken badly: the whole Area has gone back to sleep, but its wounds have yet to heal.
It's time to tear them open.
Finding info on Akio's activities is slightly more difficult since it's a minor topic, but soon you find many reports about Britannian soldiers and sympathizers being found brutally murdered. The coroner declared that the most likely hypothesis is that they were killed by a large and hard object, either metal or stone, being used by an incredibly strong person. Who should have been dead several times over, because there was a lot of blood and fired bullets at each scene.
'Okay. On one hand, this guy is a butcher.' You close the window. 'On the other, this is exactly the type of talent the Reclamation needs. I can't use him in the Black Knights, but as an autonomous agent he's perfect. Paired with someone with brains of course.'
You take out Ohgi's list and resume your work, cross-referencing all the listed names. This is easier than your earlier hacking and soon you have three ideal targets for the first official mission of the Black Knights.
[] A Britannian Noble who is up to many illicit businesses, and is paying the police to look the other way. The security around his villa is heavy, but success would give you a huge publicity boost.
[] A Britannian criminal gang that are using the Elevens to do their dirty traffics. Easier than the Noble, but more probable to be overlooked.
[] A corrupted Honorary Britannian, acting as a spy while abusing his position over fellow Elevens. Very easy, but targeting a Japanese first, even if guilty, may backfire.
====
Aaaand, done. Sorry for the extra wait, stuff happened.
Well, this idiot thinks you are a vampire and he's attacking you. You're not sure if this is better or worse than him shirking his duties. Still, since he's a moron it should be easy to deceive him. You decide to play into his delusion.
And ham it up.
"Vampire!? Where? Reveal yourself, foul abomination!" You draw your Stormwand, glad that you had the foresight to bring it. But rather than pointing at your opponent, you turn and point into the dark of the night, twisting your Essence and warping space itself. "Aha!" Taking aim through the impossible angles you have created, you fire. The charge hits him square in the back, making him stumble. You gasp in apparent shock. "Foul creature of death, how dare you strike at my ally from behind?" You turn to him, hoping his stunned state will make him even easier to fool. "Are you alright, friend? Quickly, we should go inside! It's known that vampires can't come into one's home without an invitation!"
He stops and, instead of being paralyzed, looks puzzled for a moment. Sticking out a finger from his grip on one stake he begins repeatedly turning and pointing it between you and the direction he'd been hit, before a look of dawning comprehension appears on his face. Looking back at you, he points an accusatory finger and yelled "Liar! Vampires don't shoot people, they cut them in half with swords and eat them!" before resuming his charge.
'What the-'
"Fucking-"
"Shitty logic is that?!?" You and Seyrun yell at the same time, too stunned at the total stupidity displayed before you to really care.
(Switching to Milly's POV)
You put a hand over your mouth to cover another burst of giggling. Whatever this guy did, if he can make the normally unflappable Lulu flip out then you want him around.
"I told you: totally crazy!" Kasr whispers in your ear.
"I am glad you're enjoying this Milly, but you should really pay attention to the battle." Nassozra adds. "While he is a fellow Peer, allowing harm to befall upon the Althing Marshal is even more unforgivable."
'I wouldn't allow it even if Lelouch wasn't chosen.'
"Of course Milly. I am just saying there are extra reasons to do that."
Well, it was a real shame that Lelouch's amusing deception didn't work, but life is always exciting and unpredictable. So it was your turn to play the game now. You would become a catastrophic storm to strike at this foe! To provide support to Lelouch from a distance, keeping away from the enemy. Like an unstoppable wind your form blurs as you dashes up the nearby wall, defying gravity itself. "Have at thee, traitor!" you yell out dramatically, flamboyantly gesturing as a bolt of prismatic lightning shoots from your hand.
The guy's eyes widen and he tries to dodge. Tries being the key word. Lady Hegra's lightning hits and lights him up like a light bulb. Surprisingly, he doesn't scream. The wooden stakes burst into flames and he's pushed backwards by the force of the blow.
And yet, miraculously, he keeps standing. His clothing are totally ruined, his whole body is smoking and there is...a terrible smell of cooked meat...
Oh by the Yozi, you're going to be sick. But! A little expenditure of Essence and-Tadah! Now you're completely fine and totally happy you were of help!
(Back to Lelouch's POV)
Oh come on! You just shot the guy twice! Once with actual bullets and once with freaking lightning! What does it take to bring this moron down?
He opens his mouth, probably to gloat-
And then Jikhs rams into him, sending him straight into a pack of Anuhles with a large web in their forepaws. What follows is 21 demons ganging up on him, trying to pin him down while they tie the web around him.
You also find out this moron has telekinesis: it's hard to miss an Anuhle flying through the air and smashing into its companions. What's more, it looks suspiciously similar to the trick used by Rakshata. Even the Essence flow is the same.
"I think that's an ability from She Who Lives in Her Name. Mind over matter is kinda her stick."
'Considering this moron belongs to her, it makes sense. Even if it doesn't really explain the lack of grey matter.'
Danger averted you release the tension, allowing your body to relax. When Milly jumps back to your side you give her an appreciative look. "Seeing it in action is very different from being merely told about. The power of the wind and the storm...is a powerful combination."
"And I can do so much more!" Milly thrusts a fist in the air. "Well, I will. Eventually. It's just that most of Adorjan's Charms are weird, and those that enhance attacks only work when I attack up close." She puts a finger over her smiling lips. "I'm thinking about learning Martial Arts. Or maybe how to use a weapon."
"That makes two of us." Indeed, Malfeas' abilities are too good to be passed on. And if they make that idiot so much more durable even without instructions, then obviously you will do better! Speaking of which... "They're done."
There are a lot of contusions and broken bones among your minions, but the wayward Peer is completely bound within a strong-as-steel cocoon.
He's still trying to cut through it with an essence blade. Stubborn moron. At least any progress on his part is very, very slow. "Keep reinforcing the cocoon as needed." You order before looking around. "Also, let's get inside his place before someone sees us."
{====}
The apartment itself is what you would expect from someone living in a ghetto: pretty bare, with the basic necessities like TV, couch, table, closet, etc.
And various metal, stone, and metal and stone statues of Britannian soldiers with terrified expressions scattered around the apartment.
Thinking about it again, you don't think there is anything even remotely 'basic' about the latter.
'What do you think?' You ask Seyrun while tapping a finger over a statue's face.
"Too realistic. There are artists in Malfeas that can achieve the same with the poorest materials, but there is no way the idiot can do the same. I think those were once living guys, before he changed them. Probably another power from She Who Lives in Her Name."
'At least he chose valid targets.' If, as you suspect, this guy spends his time hunting down Britannian soldiers (in active duty, because they're all wearing uniforms) then there must be news about it. Not of public channels of course, because that would stink of weakness. You'll need to hack into the military network at the first opportunity to see about this and the repercussions of your little stunt with Clovis.
You take out your phone and dial the number Rakshata gave you, hoping she's on Earth already.
Luckily she answers. "Hello? Who's this?"
"It's me, Zero."
"Oho, if it isn't our young Marshal. Sorry, but I'm still packing everything up for transoceanic travel. That reminds me, I'll need a large space suitable both as a laboratory and as Knightmare production line."
"I'll see what I can do." Maybe Ruben still has some abandoned but still usable installations. "But I haven't called about that. Do you remember when we first met, and Akito asked you if I was telling the truth? I assume that means you have the ability to tell if someone is lying or not?"
"Yes, it's the Charm 'Factual Determination Analysis'. It's one of the most basic Charms of She Who Lives in Her Name."
'They have names?!?'
"To better categorize them, yes. Again, I think it's quite silly but do you want to say that to the Yozi's face?"
Now you really want to learn how your own powers are called. Later. "And to use your telekinesis, one needs to know it first?"
"Name's Mind-Hand Manipulation, but yes. Want me to teach you? As a Fiend you should be able to do it even without formal approval from the respective Yozi."
"Tempting. Maybe when you come here I can find the time. Thank you, Rakshata, that helps immensely." You duck as a toaster flies in your direction. "Hopefully, anyways." Ending the call, you turn towards your prisoner, who appears to finally be calming down, going by what your Essence sight is telling you.
Going over to the cheap coffee table that the Anuhles have bound your prisoner to, you look at him as he glares at you. "So it's to be torture then, vampire? I'll never crack!" You resist the urge to just shoot him and be done with it.
"I am hoping very much that among your powers you have the one that lets you discern if someone is lying to you. If you do, I strongly suggest you use it now. Let me make something very clear." You make a small pause to give him the time to process your words. "I am not a vampire. I am here regarding the deal you made with our masters. You aren't following through, and they aren't happy about it."
He looks at you suspiciously, then suddenly his expression turns to one of surprise, then to a smile.
"The deal where you agreed to-"
"Finally you guys came!" He interrupts you, making a 180° from angry to happy. "Do you have any idea how long I waited?"
"You have it. Great." You breath a sigh of relief. "But didn't your Un-"
"Listen to me man: you and the chick should come with me! Together we can find and kill that vampire no problem!"
"What are yo-!"
"A real vampire, with fangs, drinking blood and everything! Your big-ass spiders too should come too! Where can I get some too?"
Aaah...what a conundrum. You really can't decide what to do next.
"I'll need a new set of stakes of course. You guys should get one too."
Do you facepalm or do you shoot him in the fucking head?
"Boss. While I fully agree, losing a Green Sun Prince in your first official mission as Marshal would reflect badly on your reputation, no matter how justified."
'Damn, you're right.' Drawing upon your full will you suppress the bubbling anger. "Of course, if there are really vampires out there then this is a matter that must be addressed. But first we should talk about a few things." You look him in the eyes. "If I let you free, can we sit down and talk like civilized people instead of fighting."
"Sure! My name is Murakami Akio by the way."
"A...pleasure. Call me Zero."
Milly strikes a pose. "And I am Storm-Passion!"
"No you're not!"
Once Akio is free, and Milly is brought out of her delusions, you all sit down at the kitchen table. The demons are positioned inside and around the house to keep guard. "So, let's start with the most important issue: why you failed to report. You have made a deal to serve the Yozis and then woke up about an hour later, naked and with superpowers, right?"
"Yep!" He grins. "There was this big-ass spider-thingy that suddenly popped up and said I'll get the power to do anything I want if I agreed to serve something called the Yozi." He crosses his arms and tilts his head. "Then I had the strangest dream about green fire and crystal balls before waking up. And I was on fire - green fire! - but I didn't burn!"
"It's called Anima, and it's perfectly natural." You fold your fingers. "And then what happened? You should have received instructions about what to do?"
"By who man?" He looks at you strangely. "The spider-thingy was nowhere to be found when I woke up! I heard nothing about it afterwards, so after a while I forgot. What took you guys so long?"
"Didn't your Unwoven Coadjutor tell you anything?"
"My what?"
"Your-" You pause, trying to not sound like a loon with your next words. "That spider, it talked with you right? Was that the only time you heard its voice? Did you ever hear it in your head without being visible?"
"Hearing voices in my head? Come on, that only happens to crazy people."
"Oooh, I think I know what happened. Poor bastard." Seyrun winces. "The demon that held his Exaltation, I mean. Even if the process went well, the supermote has likely damaged or severely weakened him."
'So his Unwoven Coadjutor is dead?'
"No. Its soul should still be there, or the process wouldn't have worked. But its mind is likely damaged and cannot interact with his Prince."
'Damn. Can this be cured?'
"I have no idea."
Damn. This means you have to basically tell him everything. You sigh in exasperation. "I see I need to start from the beginning. What I am going to say will likely sound crazy, but please don't interrupt me until I am done. You can tell if I am lying or not anyways."
And so you tell him of the Yozis, how they created the world before being betrayed by the gods. How the supernatural is real, what kind of deal he made and what it is expected of him. You also tell him of your plan. "Any questions?"
"You had me at 'destroying the Britannian empire' and 'my own personal palace'!" He takes your hand and shakes it vigorously. "I'm on it Zero! let's kick some Brit's ass!"
'Don't shoot him, don't shoot him, don't shoot him.' "I'm glad you're taking this extremely well. Welcome, new Peer of the Althing." You return the handshake. "Now, let's talk about this 'vampire' you meet."
"Okay! Well, a few days ago I was in the middle of one of my anti-Britannian raids: all patrols have started to bring Knightmares along, so I decided for a change to target a bar Britannian soldiers frequent."
You nod. A crude method, but it works.
"Then I heard screams coming from an alley. I went to see what was going on, and saw a lot of soldiers killed and mutilated by oversized swords. And there was this woman wreathed in black flames, with long fangs, who was biting down on a guy's neck and sucking his blood!" He gesticulates wildly. "That was a vampire alright! So I made some woken stakes on the fly and attacked her! We fought for a while but then she suddenly escaped. I've been searching for her since then!"
You hum in understanding. "This woman, what did she look like? Completely human save for the fangs? Or did she have another strange characteristic?"
"Strange characteristic? Uhm..." Akio's eyebrow narrow in concentration. He licks his lips. "Now that I think about it she had something strange on her forehead: there was a black ring there, and it was bleeding! It didn't look like a tattoo."
A black ring on the forehead? A...Caste Mark?
"A perfect golden ring is the Mark of the Solar Night Caste, while Adorjan's red one slowly rotates." Seyrun muses. "And...Cecelyne's Law, now I remember! Ghosts and other creatures of death cannot breathe Essence while in Creation, but one of their alternate methods to regain it is...by drinking the blood of living beings!"
'You mean-?!'
"That we found the Exalts of the Neverborn? It could be!"
Lord Ligier must be informed immediately. "I believe you're right Akio." You stand up. "Whatever this woman is, if a true vampire or just a creature from the Underworld that resembles one, it's obvious she's a threat. It's also possible she's not alone. Soon more of our fellow Peers will come here: once we've amassed enough members we'll go on a massive hunt. To kill her, or capture her if our masters so wish."
"Sweet!" He grins, doing a fist-bump. "Do we go to Malfeas now?"
"You will need to do it, if only to find out what your current mission is. But first, as I was tasked to, I will need to instruct you on everything you need to know as a Peer." You pause. "Also, how to speak Old Realm, the language spoken in Malfeas."
"Eeeh? Come on Zero, do I really need to? It will take me months to learn a whole different language!"
You stare at him for a few seconds before raising two fingers. "Akio, you're an Exalt. There is more to the package than superpowers." You lower one finger. "One of the extra benefits is this: that there are some abilities you can learn immediately like you practice them your whole live."
You lower the second finger. "Another, that all other abilities that aren't raised immediately only need at most a week to do so."
He stares at you with a blank expression before his lips split into the bigger, happier grin you've ever seen. "Being an Exalt rocks!" He does another fist-bump.
"So you fully accept your role as an Infernal Exalted?" He nods. "In that case..."
You reach to the mask and activate the mechanism, making the back slide open. With a flourish you remove, exposing your face. "I am Zero, Marshal of the Althing Infernal. But in the human world I go by the name of Lelouch Lamperouge."
Milly removes her mask. "And I'm Milly Ashford! Both here and in Malfeas! Nice to meet you!"
Akio blinks. "You're Britannians?"
"Yes. And with no love for our former homeland." Your eyes narrow. "Is there a problem with that?"
He seems to contemplate something for a few seconds before suddenly snapping his fingers. "But of course! Between fighting for Britannia and for Hell, the second is obviously the better deal! You wouldn't get that much even by becoming a Prince!"
'Oh, if only you knew.' You roll your eyes. "Sure. I joined Malfeas because Britannia is full of backstabbing, treacherous misers while in Hell, instead, I have my own personal palace and all the drugs and demon hookers I want."
"Unlimited drugs and hookers?! Why did you mention the best bits only now man?"
Your face smash into the table.
{====}
"Ahahahahah!!" C.C. rolls over your bed, holding her belly. "Ahahahaha!!"
"I am happy to see you find my misery amusing." You deadpan.
"Ahaha-That guy! Ahaha." She snickers loudly before calming down and sitting up, the plushie of some weird blob-like thing in her arms. "That guy, is a real piece of work. I heard the Yozis are incredibly evil, but I think they meant 'crazy' if this is the type of servants they attract."
You stare back with a blank expression.
C.C. keeps smiling. "Where is he now?"
"There was the risk the 'vampire'-" You air-quote. "Could track him back to his house, so I made him transfer to-"
Where is Akio staying?
[] Write-in.
"Is that wise?" She asks.
"It will be when I can send him to Malfeas and he becomes the Yozis' problem." You sit at your desk and start the computer. "This reminds me..."
Accessing the web you put to use every skill you've refined during the past few years, and the power of Ebon Dragon, to find out everything relevant to three topics: the repercussion of the Pureblood's falling, Akio's activities as vigilante, and the first mission of the Black Knights.
The results are astounding, your own program managing to hack into military-grade networks with them none the wiser.
As predicted Clovis' investigations didn't find any concrete proof of the Pureblood's supposed treason. It didn't stop your half-brother from twisting the truth to his complete advantage. Those that were most close to Villetta Nu has been accused of complicity, even if unwillingly, and demoted to simple pilots. Since this include the Pureblood's leader, an ex-Margrave called Jeremiah Gottwald, it means the Pureblood faction is virtually no more. The media has been fed a version of the whole story that paints Clovis in a favorable light. His reputation in Japan received a hard blow but is still standing.
The same cannot be said of his reputation in the homeland: both his senseless massacre of Shinjuku and the Pureblood Incident lowered it greatly. If not among the commoners, among the nobility. Still, even if not toppled Clovis has been shaken badly: the whole Area has gone back to sleep, but its wounds have yet to heal.
It's time to tear them open.
Finding info on Akio's activities is slightly more difficult since it's a minor topic, but soon you find many reports about Britannian soldiers and sympathizers being found brutally murdered. The coroner declared that the most likely hypothesis is that they were killed by a large and hard object, either metal or stone, being used by an incredibly strong person. Who should have been dead several times over, because there was a lot of blood and fired bullets at each scene.
'Okay. On one hand, this guy is a butcher.' You close the window. 'On the other, this is exactly the type of talent the Reclamation needs. I can't use him in the Black Knights, but as an autonomous agent he's perfect. Paired with someone with brains of course.'
You take out Ohgi's list and resume your work, cross-referencing all the listed names. This is easier than your earlier hacking and soon you have three ideal targets for the first official mission of the Black Knights.
[] A Britannian Noble who is up to many illicit businesses, and is paying the police to look the other way. The security around his villa is heavy, but success would give you a huge publicity boost.
[] A Britannian criminal gang that are using the Elevens to do their dirty traffics. Easier than the Noble, but more probable to be overlooked.
[] A corrupted Honorary Britannian, acting as a spy while abusing his position over fellow Elevens. Very easy, but targeting a Japanese first, even if guilty, may backfire.
====
Aaaand, done. Sorry for the extra wait, stuff happened.
Last edited:
- Location
- madison
yozi damn it milly.
well thats disturbing, useful and more than a little neat, but definitely disturbing. None of our circle are going to be remotely human in a year's time are they?
useful idiots lelouch, useful idiots.
[X] A Britannian criminal gang that are using the Elevens to do their dirty traffics. Easier than the Noble, but more probable to be overlooked.
the noble is tempting, but just screams "dragon blooded politics". I'd like to at least have our full circle assembled before we give any hints that the black knights have a supernatural support, ideally i'd like to have a few more trainee green sun princes and a more established mortal support network.
Last edited:
Ok, well, I'm pretty sure we should go against the noble. It's the hard option, but... come on, we're an Infernal Exalt and we've maxed out War! We can kick the crap out of his petty security force.
As for where to keep Akio... I'm tempted to have Tamaki babysit him. "This is an important agent, Tamaki. I need you to make sure he's kept safe. I'm trusting you with this." The two would probably get along quite well and be best buddies. But that might not be a good idea, even if hilarious. If we wanted to do something more practical, renting out a small apartment or a motel room might be an option.
As for where to keep Akio... I'm tempted to have Tamaki babysit him. "This is an important agent, Tamaki. I need you to make sure he's kept safe. I'm trusting you with this." The two would probably get along quite well and be best buddies. But that might not be a good idea, even if hilarious. If we wanted to do something more practical, renting out a small apartment or a motel room might be an option.
@Alexander89 - what info does Lelouch have regarding the security at the villa?
- Location
- Wörms, the half continent
I can only agree with you. Truly, we have found the greatest of idiots.
Happieness is mandatory. Being unhappy is treason. Treason is Death. Now I have my Paranoia refrence out of the way, I don't think altering your own emotions so that you are always happy is a good coping mechanism. Then again, they're infernal exalted. If they weren't fucked up in the head, they'd be Solars. Probably.
Then you have not spent enough time in hell. Human statues make for brilliant centrepieces. Or trophies. Or gifts. Or currency.
Lelouch with Factual Determination Analysis is going to be scary. Fun, but my god will he know everything.
That 180. Wow. Adorjan would be impressed.
Hehehehehe. Dealing with Milly will be the cause of many a struggle, I can feel it.
You're Exalted. You can cure it. You can do anything.... except Resurrection. And Time Travel. Close enough.
Roll for temperance.
Roll for temperance finally failed.
Have you seen Adorjan? Malfeas? SWLIHN? They are all crazy. Hell, even Gaia and Auto-chan are crazy
Lets not have him anywhere near a. Nunnaly b. The Black Knights c. Our cultists. In order of importance, of course. I'd suggest.... Shinjuku? No one lives there anymore, and there is unlikely to be much surveillance.
Lelouch Lamperouge, the second greatest glorious bastard to ever walk creation.
[X] A Britannian Noble who is up to many illicit businesses, and is paying the police to look the other way. The security around his villa is heavy, but success would give you a huge publicity boost.
Its what the Black Knights signed up for. And come on, they're mortals. We can kick their asses, even while mote-tapped.[/Quote][/Quote]
will408914
(slouching towards bethlehem)
- Location
- California
[X] In an apartment in Shinjuku.
[X] A Britannian Noble who is up to many illicit businesses, and is paying the police to look the other way. The security around his villa is heavy, but success would give you a huge publicity boost.
AHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Oh god, that idiot is hilarious!
[X] A Britannian Noble who is up to many illicit businesses, and is paying the police to look the other way. The security around his villa is heavy, but success would give you a huge publicity boost.
AHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Oh god, that idiot is hilarious!
- Location
- Third planet from the star named Sol
- Pronouns
- He/They
[X] A Britannian Noble who is up to many illicit businesses, and is paying the police to look the other way. The security around his villa is heavy, but success would give you a huge publicity boost.
Still feel Villette Nu has a part to play.
Or rather, her ghost.
[X] In an apartment in Shinjuku.
[X] A Britannian Noble who is up to many illicit businesses, and is paying the police to look the other way. The security around his villa is heavy, but success would give you a huge publicity boost.
Or rather, her ghost.
[X] In an apartment in Shinjuku.
[X] A Britannian Noble who is up to many illicit businesses, and is paying the police to look the other way. The security around his villa is heavy, but success would give you a huge publicity boost.
Guys, Shinjuku is a shadowland. That's the worst possible place to hide him from Abyssals - they're probably based there.