Dramatically speeds up how fast they go to anima flare, and thus subtlety out of the window. We'd probably notice such an Alchemical before it's our turn.
Green Sun, Black Shadows (CG/Exalted)
- Thread starter Alexander89
- Start date
- Crossover
Alexander89
Pet the pretty kitty? Y/N
- Location
- Italy
Roll (Detect Lie):
Hmm. 2 successes on 5 dice is just a little below average. If that 10 had been a 6 or lower though, *winces* botch time.
Judging by the pool, it looks like Perception + Investigation was rolled.
Better raise Investigation soon then.
Or we could take Witness to Darkness and get (Essence) automatic successes at lie detection added to the results for detecting lies. The Earthscorpion version is a lot easier to deal with than the vanilla version, and we can use Excellencies to enhance actions where we need to be honest as well as upping attributes and abilities related to that. We can also get other Exalts on our side like Kaguya or Milly to help us in efforts to tell people the truth.
NSMS
Probably evil, unfortunately.
- Location
- A rapidly widening tear in the fabric of reality
Worst comes to the worst, we can invent a Heretical Charm to remove the penalties.
We could only do that if we took on some other penalty/weirdness with the Heretical Charm, and we'd likely lose part of the benefits as well.
NSMS
Probably evil, unfortunately.
- Location
- A rapidly widening tear in the fabric of reality
Hence 'worst comes to the worst' rather than 'we should definitely do this'. Still, if it was me the downside would probably be limit gain for temporary suppression or permanent/semi-permanent limit for knowing the Charm (as you're betraying your own nature in suppressing the negative effects), which isn't too bad for an Infernal thanks to acts of villainy.
chocolote12
A Penguin Flailing Against The Keyboard Of Life.
At the cost of having no shadow? So that we can shine an intensely bright light behind us and let the paradoxical glare blind the eye of their souls? Ooh, I just had an idea for an Oramus-T.E.D heretical charm! Too bad I don't know how to stat it.
It goes something along the lines of "By blurring the lines between honesty and lies, the Ebon Dragon briefly touches on the realm of paradox. Oramus knows he can do better. blablabla Permanently enhancing the base charm, the Infernal gains the ability to apply this paradox more effectively when speaking, blahblahblahmechanics reduces the penalty by (Essence). Blahblahblah Changing your mind with this charm also changes your body as the mental warping you acquire leaves you yet another step from reality. Blahblahblah as such, any light that you'd block with your body instead shines into the person who would otherwise see the light's mind, so things like blinding flashes instead cause people to not be able to think or something."
I know it's incredibly rough (Hah, it's not even a full idea, but you get the point), but it could be interesting. And you can't say that not having a shadow wouldn't be obvious if you were checking.
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chocolote12
A Penguin Flailing Against The Keyboard Of Life.
Well yeah, but I really want an excuse to find out what happens when somebody looks at a person with no shadow who's standing in front of a floodlight. Do they go blind? Is the light blocked? Does the paradox drive them into temporary insanity so that the universe can do a quick patch/bugfix without them noticing?
- Location
- Brazil
why don't you try loking for descriptions of Ligier to find out ? As I understand his like doesn't cast shadowns unless he alows it
They'll notice there's no shadow and possibly be confused as to why there isn't or the Arcane Fate might just keep them from really noticing, caring, or thinking about it. Essence users would probably think it has something to do with Essence and might investigate with whatever magic they have. Nothing really special should happen aside from that.
Besides, not having a shadow might make Loom-Snarling Deception not work, what with it using the person's shadow and all that.
chocolote12
A Penguin Flailing Against The Keyboard Of Life.
It's just... there's no shadow, so how could he block the light? Shouldn't your eyes be burning? That really seems like the kind of petty paradox that both Oramus and TED might endorse; one because it's a logical paradox, and the other because of the "You think you're safe, with that guy standing in front of the sun? Nope! Your eyes have now just burned out. Mwuahahaha" trolling that he indulges in.
I'm fairly certain a Charm that makes you lack a shadow won't make your impermeable to light - you'd be like any number of mythical creatures that don't have shadows and there just wouldn't be a relative patch of darkness on any surfaces that are caused by your presence. Yes, it would seem weird and maybe confusing if anyone actually noticed, but they're not going to shut down and go crazy. People aren't robots whose minds explode and shut down at the notion of a paradox.
Also, TED would certainly not endorse something that eliminates a person's shadow because he is The Shadow of All Things.
chocolote12
A Penguin Flailing Against The Keyboard Of Life.
Okay, but what happens when they stand in front of the sun? If the light doesn't pass through them then there should be a physical shadow. If there isn't a shadow, then light is passing through them.
I never said that, although I can see how you got there from that stupid charm idea. It's not the No-shadow thing that would cause them to shut down, it's the whole "Why am I being blinded? There's no bright light I'm looking at" that would confuse them, and then glorious Infernal cheating turns that paradox into a mental blindness, rather than a physical one; a charm induced confusion, not a natural one.
This is a good point.
You're applying real-world physics to a miniature god-monster. Your statement is not necessarily true. Perhaps he is devouring his shadow before it can be cast? Or maybe it's being cast in the Beyond or Elsewhere?
A charm that drives people mad from just looking at you is pretty neat, though. Probably build off of Words Like Daggers and Beautiful In My Way. I can't say that it would be very useful, though, since being seen is an important part of being a relevant actor.
chocolote12
A Penguin Flailing Against The Keyboard Of Life.
Okay, my question has been answered, and my mind is at relative ease; the shadow just gets eaten. That makes sense. Thank you for your logic.
Maybe make it an activate-able thing that inflicts a derangement instead? Or is that too much like WLD, except you can do it just by being seen instead of having to make a social attack? Could we make it transmit through videos, like that other charm that lets us hit people with insanity who look at any of our art?
Horror and Beauty as One sort of does that, though it's just a fear/awe effect and not a real derangement. Really, being able to drive people mad with our words alone is pretty good. Simply by sight might be too much, though we can certainly appear unnerving.
For your second idea, the charm you refer to is Soul-Eroding Production. It only works on unique pieces of art, since that's Oramus' shtick. We might be able to attack anyone viewing our art through electronic media.
Alexander89
Pet the pretty kitty? Y/N
- Location
- Italy
(Finishing the post now)
Rolling (Temperance):
Rolling (Temperance):
Kanata.EXE
Programmer
- Location
- Indonesia
// Man, we got a bad roll.
Not necessarily. We got a success. If the difficulty was 1, then we succeeded. Since it was a Temperance roll, it was probably something like "partake of alcohol at the party with the cultists?" or something like that. The core rulebook states 1 is the standard difficulty, so any rather normal activity has that level of difficulty.
Hell 1.2
Alexander89
Pet the pretty kitty? Y/N
- Location
- Italy
[X] Yes
-[X] What sections of the army are chasing her, and how aware are they about magic? Are any of them Dragonblooded?
-[X] You presume Clovis is likely aware of her given his swift response to her capsule being stolen. Does she know if he's an Exalt or not? Does she know who any of the other Exalts in the Royal Family are?
"A small unit backed by the Viceroy, it's called the 'Code R - Research Team' or something." She shrugs. "They're mostly scientists, Clovis is too much of a coward to involve people he can't unless he can be sure they're absolutely loyal to him. Like his Royal Guard, but they're dead now." A sadistic smile graces her lips. "That's why I assume he is going to keep things as discrete as possible, but it will also limit his options."
That fits your half-brother's profile. Even as a teenager he was arrogant and prideful to those beneath him, but fearful and cautious of those above him. Human experiments aside, there are so many way for this news to ruin him if it was overheard by the wrong people.
"All the researchers were also thaumaturges. General Asprius, the head researcher, I think he's a God-blooded or something similar." She shrugs again. "The only Dragonblooded was Clovis."
"So Clovis is an Exalt." You muse. "Do you know for certain? Because I think he may wears an artifact to conceal his nature."
She blinks in faint surprise. "It could be. I've never seen his Anima flaring, but once he hit a guard during a temper tantrum and poisoned him. That's how I deduced he is a Wood Aspect."
"That's correct. Wood Dragonblooded can make themselves immune to plant-based poisons, but at the same time that power makes them toxic to others as well. Clovis must be wearing an Artifact that cloaks his Essence and his Anima, but doesn't stop the latter's effects."
'Note to self: if it becomes necessary, kill Clovis from a distance.' "Do you know if there are other Exalts in the Royal Family, and who?"
"Everyone that have some kind of reputation I suppose. You Exalts can't help standing out." C.C. deadpans. "I haven't been to court since Marianne's death, but I know with certainty Schneizel and Cornelia are Dragonblooded."
But of course: the only two that pose a real threat, and they're Exalts. You're also sure, with Cornelia at least, that they are making a subordinate of any other Dragonblooded they could sink their fangs into. "Only those two?"
"I wasn't interested, so I didn't look too deeply beyond listening to gossip...oh." She puts a finger over her lips. "I think I recall Marianne commenting than a certain Marrybell showed great promise, and was likely to Exalt."
"Marrybell?" Now that's a name you haven't heard in awhile. The Ninth Princess, you met her only once or twice and always at formal events. For what you remember she was similar to Euphemia, which alone made her stand out. You also remember reading a few years ago that her mother and sister died in a terrorist attack. Honestly, you know too little to gauge her threat level, so you change topic. "What of the Emperor?"
"I don't know." She shakes her head. "He was the last person I looked forward to meeting."
Understandable.
-[X] How many other Geass users is she aware of? Are there any in particular you need to watch out for, like members of the Royal Family? If so, what are their abilities?
"Not many: I give my gift scarcely, and only to people that really need it. Haven't see any of them in a while." She closes her eyes. "I don't know if any member who isn't Exalted has a Geass, or what their abilities are."
She's lying. Part of it is just omission, but the rest is a full lie. You narrow your eyes, debating forcing her to say the truth with an oath...
You click your tongue, and decide against it. She will likely refuse, plus with her immortality she may decide she can withstand any kind of misfortune that can befall her. If you want the truth, force is not the solution.
Subtle manipulation is it.
"Now I see why you are a Fiend Boss."
-[X] Do the powers granted by Geass work on Exalts, demons, spirits, gods, or any other magical creatures? Also, can non-human magical beings be given Geass, or only non-Exalt humans?
"It works on them all. But it can be resisted by special powers that protect against other mind tempering effects. Only non-Exalt humans can be given a Geass. I don't know if God-blooded and other half-breeds qualify."
-[X] Does she have any powers other than granting Geasses, and do they work on Exalts, demons, etc?
"Now, now Lulu." She replies with a mocking tone. "Leave a girl some of her secrets."
How do you hate that nickname.
-[X] Does anyone other than her have the power to grant Geass? If so, how many others are there and who are they?
"There are eight of us." She looks away with an huff. "I only met two other immortals like myself, and they're both assholes. Damn midget..."
-[X] Can someone who has a Geass Exalt? If so, do they lose their Geass? Also, what happens if she tries to give Geass to an Exalt aside from it just not working?
"Someone with a Geass can Exalt, but they would lose their Geass." She nods. "Trying to give Geass to an Exalt doesn't work. That's all. The Exaltation interferes on the soul's level, I know no way to bypass that."
-[X] She says she was your mother's friend. Does she know, or at least suspect, who arranged your mother's assassination? If so, who, and what are their likely motives?
"Anyone with a grudge against her boya." She deadpans. "Marianne was the type of person that made friends as easily as enemies." She shakes her head. "I was in Europe at the time, and learned about her death only later. Sorry."
-[X] Does she personally know the Ashfords, Ruben specifically?
Milly perks up at that.
"I met Ruben Ashford at one of his parties. We greeted each other. That's all. He was Marianne's friend, not mine."
"Alright!" You clap your hands to get the two wrestling girls' attention. "C.C., I can't introduce you yet to the members of my organization because they wouldn't trust you as a foreigner. So until I have earned enough of their loyalty you can stay here in my house. You don't have to do anything...of course, keeping Nunnally company while I am in Malfeas would net you positive points."
"What I am, a babysitter?" She rolls her eyes before pushing away Milly and leans down on your bed. "Fine. But I want your credit card."
"I am going to keep track of all transactions." You deadpan.
"If that's how you amuse yourself." She deadpans back. Witch.
"Your cover story is that you knew Marianne - student, daughter of friends, whatever works - and are currently in hiding much like we are for your own reasons. Do no talk with the members of the Student Council, but if you end up being found by one of them just say you're a friend of Milly." You smirk at her. "Or her pet fox. Whatever amuses yourself more."
She squints her eyes at you, as if to say 'this isn't over'.
"You know." Milly muses, sitting next to C.C. "We could enroll you in the school!"
"One full of teenagers? Eeew." She makes a disgusted face. "Spare me the melodrama."
"I agree with C.C. here. That would expose her too much." You look at your watch and sigh. "It's already late. Milly, procure C.C. clothes that don't scream 'runaway'. In the meantime I will explain the cover story to Sayoko and Nunnally. Oh, and learn Old Realm: we will need it."
"Okay Lelouch! Follow me minion most faithful number two!" Dragging a reluctant C.C. Milly leaves in tandem with her demon.
"..." You grab the door's pommel and close it. "Raimobon. Cuabuhm."
The two Anuhles skitters to attention.
"While I am away, if C.C. tries to even hurt a single hair on Nunnally's head you are to kill her, cut her into many pieces, and then bury each one in different parts of the city."
"Will do Boss!"
You don't think she would do it, but you aren't going to risk Nunnally's safety.
While C.C. is with Milly you meet with your sister and explain the situation, a task made more difficult by the fact you can't lie, but you somehow manage. Strangely Nunnally easily accepts the story you prepared, though for some strange reason she asks if C.C. is your girlfriend (which you deny) and makes a comment about Shirley being sad.
What the energetic orangette has anything to do with it, you have no idea.
Explaining why you need to leave for two weeks and maybe more was totally more complicated. Luckily at that moment Milly came back with a better clothed C.C. and, after presenting the greenette, together you spin a vague tale about needing to prepare for when you and Nunnally will graduate from Ashford and will therefore need to find an occupation in society without risking your secret identity.
It's painfully obvious the biggest reason for her objecting is the thought you two will be separated for so long, but it's necessary: the alternative is bringing her with you, and there are so many reasons about that you don't even bother counting them.
"Do you really have to go Big Brother?"
"I do." You squeeze her hand just a little. "We can't be students forever."
"No, I suppose we can't." She hums, playing with your fingers like the first times after the incident where she lost her sight. "I thought about that. About career choices. I think I would like to become a teacher. Do you think it's possible, Big Brother?"
"That's a wonderful dream Nunnally." You smile. "You should pursue it. And if things become difficult I will help you in any way I can."
Anything to see her smile.
"Sayoko? Can I talk with you for a second?"
"Of course, My Lord." She bows. "What do you need?"
"It's about the other day." You begin without preambles. "Why did you think I was wearing a mask?"
"My Lord, I was just making sure you weren't an impostor trying to take Master Lelouch's place." She replies as if it is the most natural thing in the world.
"Yeah. My spinneret it is." Seyrun grumbles. "That's the first thing that a trained bodyguard thinks, not a maidservant. Boss, I said and repeat it: this one isn't what she appears to be. She's trained."
Sayoko is...on second thought, how much do you really know about her? Previously she was under the service of Ruben before she assigned her to you, and since then became so much like family you and Nunnally shared the truth about your origins, and she accepted it with a smile.
"Sayoko." You begin, catching her attention. "You don't need to answer me if you don't want to, but I would like to know: before becoming a maid for the Ashford, what did you do?"
"...Ara, it has finally come to this?" She sighs in resignation, resting her cheek on one hand, before straightening up and bowing again. "I didn't wish to keep this hidden Lord Lelouch, I just thought it was not appropriate to touch on. The answer is that I became a maid only after the war. Before that, I was the Head of the Shinozaki School of ninjutsu and martial arts."
"Called it!" Seyrun exclaims in triumph.
"Shinozaki School of ninjutsu and martial arts?" You repeat, not quite sure what to make of it.
"I was a ninja." She replies while smiling.
"A ninja."
"Yes." So fast you almost couldn't see it she makes a jab to the side, knuckles stopping just a millimeter before hitting a glass. The glass is unmarred, but the sponge inside it is tossed into the air and lands into the sink.
"...One moment." You close your eyes, pinch your nose's bridge and take a series of deep breaths. "Alright, so you're a warrior. A martial artists. A ninja, whatever they do in modern times. I...accept it, even if I don't know how that's supposed to work. That begets the question." You gesture at her dress. "Why...a maid?"
"That...is a long story." She begins slowly, as if in the middle of a reminiscence. "I am an orphan Lord Lelouch, I don't remember my birth parents. I grew up in an orphanage most of my life until one day I was accosted by my mentor, the 36th Successor of the Shinozaki School, who for reason he never explained took me as his pupil. He trained me, teaching me everything I know, and then when he judged me ready he gave me the surname Shinozaki, the title of 37th Successor and a legal identity. After that he left, whistling merrily with his inseparable bamboo cane."
She chuckles. "He was an odd man, but I respected him as a father. His first lesson was 'Do whatever you feel is right: only you control your destiny'. The second was 'your skills are made to protect, not to harm'. That's why when Britannia invaded...instead of fighting, I found myself helping the people around me." She smiles sadly. "I guess I just find the smiles of others to be more important than just fighting. I still do. After that I met Master Ruben Ashford during one of his organized relief efforts to help the victims of war: he didn't know about my past, but after seeing how good I was at taking care of others he offered me a job at the school he was building. I thought it was a respectable life, so I accepted. You know the rest."
...Wow. This...how the hell were you ignorant of this?
"What's important in a servant are skills and loyalty, not their past. Maybe th-"
'Maybe, but it's still wrong because it's Sayoko!' You interrupt him. "I thank you for telling me this Sayoko. I am glad you decided to trust me and Nunnally, even after our former country did horrible things to Japan." You pause. "Do you despise Britannia?"
"No." At your shocked look she elaborates. "It's more like I pity it. I look at their valued ideology of superiority, and all I see is just a twisted mechanism that breeds only hate and suffering: for others, and for themselves." She smiles. "That's why I am glad to have met you, My Lord, and Lady Nunnally. You are not only someone I greatly respect, but also wish to serve because you are worthy."
"...You want to know something Sayoko?" You say after regaining the control your mental faculties. "I've heard many people talking so much about the concept of chivalry, but you are the first person I have met that I can honestly say embodies the best qualities of what chivalry should really be."
"You honor me with your words Lord Lelouch." She bows again. You almost tell her it isn't necessary to be so formal, but you notice the smile on her lips and decide to let it go today.
Maybe in the future she may be an useful asset. But for now, you are content with being among family.
"Black Knights?" Ohgi asks.
"Yes." You reply while inspecting one of the stored Sutherland. "That will be the name of our organization."
"But, shouldn't we choose something more-"
"Japanese?" You interrupt him before jumping down from the cockpit and landing in front of him, marveling at how your Exalt body can do many things you thought impossible with your previous weak constitution. "That would be counterproductive. Ohgi, you may not see it now but one day this organization will be filled with more than just Japanese people. Every nation we'll free from the yoke of Britannia will become one more ally to our cause. If we don't prepare to become an international force from the beginning it would only bring future problems."
You pat him over his shoulder. "It's okay. I understand it may be a concept difficult to grasp, but I have faith that you and the rest have what it takes."
"Thanks. I also have faith in you Zero. I believe you know what you're doing." He smiles and nods. "Still, why 'Black Knights'?"
"It's for the concept behind the figure." You explain. "The 'White Knight' is a stereotype of literature, the knight-errant who wander the land in search of adventures suiting his chivalric virtues: dueling strong opponents, slaying monsters, courting princesses. He gains great fame for them, but it's glory more centered around himself than the good he does, which often is limited and marginal. Plus he puts respect for the authorities above all else, such that when the two come into conflict he must either let evil go, or disgrace himself in the eyes of everyone to follow what his morals tell him."
"When you put it that way, it doesn't sound so great."
"Because it isn't." You shrug. "There is certainly nothing wrong with personal glory, as someone without even a bit of selfishness cannot be called human." You raise an hand in the air. "However, for the sake of helping as many people as possible we must behave differently. The 'Black Knight' is the opposite of the White Knight: he is an outcast, working anonymously for a greater purpose and is known to go against authorities should his mission necessitate it." You point at him. "That's what we need to do: putting the wellbeing of others above ours. It may be thankless at times, but such is the price for the greater good. Do you understand my reasons now, Ohgi?"
"V-Vaguely." He stammers before chuckling. "Zero, you speak like one of my old school's professors. Do you have a doctorate or something?"
"Nothing official." You reply offhandedly. "You can say I have an...appreciation for the classics."
"And the symbol?"
"Just something catchy and easy to replicate." Actually it was C.C.' suggestion. And by suggestion you mean she scribbled it, rolled the paper into a ball and tossed it at you from behind. Repeatedly.
"Zero! This uniform is amazing!" An excited exclamation catches your attention. You turn around just in time to see Kallen running towards you, a big grin on her face, wearing the uniform you had made for her. "It's so soft, and yet I can't even stretch it! What is it made of?"
"A special material that's similar to silk." More specifically, magic silk from demonic spiders. "But much stronger and also bulletproof. My costume is the same. While I wish to equip all of you with them, making them requires a lot of time and resources." You snap your fingers. "That's one of the reasons for my soon-to-be absence."
"You're going to meet possible backers, right?"
"Yes. They're people who already helped me in the past and can do so again now. But I need to meet them directly, and that requires I leave the country." And the whole dimension. "That's why I have prepared something for all of you. Follow me."
You lead Ohgi and Kallen to a table, under which you left two heavy briefcases. You pick up one and put it on the table before opening it. Your followers gasp at the sight of the many stacks of bills within. "This is part of my personal resources. I'll entrust it to you. In my absence you will need to work on our logistics: food, medicines, clothing, etc."
"And weapons?" Kallen questions.
"That, as I am sure you know, is harder to get." You close the briefcase and bend to take the other. "My backers can help me with it. Beyond that, I want to have a firm base covering and supporting us because, once we start making waves on the public scene, we can't stop." You put the second case on the table. "Also they're not only for us, but also for the local populace. We will need new recruits, both soldiers and support personnel, so working to earn the goodwill of people will be fundamental."
"I see. So what's inside the other case?"
You open it, revealing various books on war, strategy, and tactics. "You, Ohgi, are the second in command. Kallen, you're our best Knightmare pilot. You two and anyone else who might be a good officer will study those books. It's not only necessary knowledge to lead men in battle, but within them are described the tactics and strategies of Britannia. You will learn how our enemy thinks, and in doing so learn how to best counter them."
You produce a list and hand it to Ohgi. "For this purpose I compiled a list of jobs and those suited for them, based your performances during Shinjuku and other general impressions."
"Cool." Ohgi begins, before he raises one eyebrow in confusion. "Why is Tamaki not on the list?"
Oh yes, the redhead buffoon. "Is that a problem?"
"He's one of the senior members, and an old friend."
You resist the urge to facepalm. "I see. Then, what would you put him in charge of?"
"Uhm...finances?"
Oh hell no. "The cafeteria is better."
"The cafe-"
"Food is important." You interrupt him. "Without food a human being dies in five days. If we have money but no food, what will you eat? Bills?"
"Uh..."
"I'm glad we agree on the same point."
'Seyrun, what goods from Earth - I mean Creation are sought-after in Malfeas?' You suddenly ask your advisor while at school.
"Why do you ask Boss?"
'If there is really a cult, and they respect me, one possible source of income might be to expand the cult's business with Malfeas. I could even invest some of my own money. I am sure genuine magical goods that don't exist here would be useful some way or another.'
"Ambitious. Well, trading is not my field, so I can't offer advice. But by Yozi's decree all cults must support the Green Sun Princes, so you can just request their collaboration. Before that check who's the Cult Patron: if it's a Second Circle or higher, it may be best to work on an agreement where you both benefit from it. And for goods, the most sought after ones are seashells that hold the laughter of a mortal child. With it you can make amulets that repels Adorjan. Other commodities includes moleskins, feathers from albino peacocks, tears of pity, the dropped teeth of children, lost coins, the blood of a maiden's deflowering and the likes. Even if a demon cannot use these goods he can trade them to other demons."
You stop and rest your forehead against the wall. 'The blood of a maiden's deflowering?'
"I don't decide those things. Buuut, if you want to set up an organization of assassins instead I can help you a lot more. Everyone need a dagger in the dark, and if you have more than one even better!"
'I...will think about it.' You sigh before resuming your walk.
*flash*
"Uh? Did you hear that?"
'Hear what?'
"...No, nevermind."
'Whatever.'
You see a wallet on the ground. There is no one else around, so it must be a lost item. You bend to pick it up.
*flash* *giggle~*
You stand up and whip your head around. 'What was that?'
"I knew it was something strange!"
You search around the area, but even with Seyrun's inhuman senses added to yours you find nothing out of the ordinary. You even interrogate your Anuhle guards, but they didn't see anyone doing something out of the ordinary. Even the wallet is empty. In the end you just decide it was a coincidence and move on, since you have an appointment and don't want to miss it.
More exactly, you can't miss it because those maniacs would probably hunt you down through the whole school.
Entering the Survival Club building you open the drawer with your name and retrieve your personal weapon, a Beretta M92F. Checking it's in good conditions you remove the old cartridge and insert a new one.
"Now."
Then with one fluid movement you bend your arm backward above your shoulder and point the airsoft gun behind you. "Not today Miss Glass."
The violet-haired girl laughs in genuine amusement, her two Desert Eagles still pointed at your back. "Marvelous Lelouch! I knew you belong here! That you kept coming back is proof of that!"
Only because this is the only place where you can train your firearm skills hard enough to qualify for actual training. "Survival Games have their own appeal, I suppose." You say instead, turning around as both of you put back your guns. "You do realize this is the last day?"
"Not if I can help it!" She shamelessly declares.
"Yes, yes." You roll your eyes. The usual banter done, you go to prepare the other members' weapons and equipment, so that they can change faster. It is during said task that you make a horrifying discovery. "Miss Glass?"
"Yes?"
You show her one gun, an image of you printed on the grip. "What...is this?"
"A Glock 26C. The semi-auto Glock 26 is a real firearm, while the 26C is a full auto, airsoft exclusive va-"
"That's not what I mean!" You point to the grip, eyebrow twitching. "Why there is a photo of me there?"
"Oh, that?" She says dismissively. "The girls from your Fan Club asked for permission to customize their weapons. It wasn't a big deal so I authorized it."
A pin could be heard dropping in the ensuing silence. "I don't have a Fan Club." You finally say, more to convince yourself than her.
"No, you do." She replies with a smirk, taking out her phone and fiddling with it. "It started gaining popularity in the last week, but already it has a large number of followers. They even have an official web page. Oh look, there is new content available!"
She shows you the screen. On it there are numerous shots of you taken from different angles and at different times.
The last chronological one is taken from behind, the maker having zoomed almost obsessively on your butt while you bend to pick up something.
Breath. In out. In out. In out.
You smile beatifically. "Is that so? Why, I'm honored!"
'Notes so self. First thing to do once school is over: resume your old hacker lessons. Second thing to do: nuke the hell out of this abomination against nature!!!'
The day finally comes. With everything you need for a five days trip through an otherworldly desert in another realm of existence you kiss Nunnally goodbye and take the train to a small town outside the Tokyo Settlement. Milly, who had taken the previous train, is waiting for you at the station and together you reach the cultists' supposed 'hideout'. She is wearing a white and purple dress, while you have your Zero costume under the shadow illusion, which you drop before entering.
Now, you are ready to admit your mental image of a 'cult' is shaped by stereotypes.
"My Brothers and Sisters! Our fervent prayers have been heard! Not one, but two Chosen of our Gods have magnanimously allowed us to bask in their holy presence!"
It appears those stereotypes are correct. What greet you is a congregation of chanting cultists all wearing matching brass, green, and black colored robes. They are an even mix of Japanese and Britannians, mostly adults with some kids. Any other time the sight of people freely mingling together without any sort of racial hatred would make you happy.
It still does. You're just a little crept out by the whole 'worshiping' thing. Thankfully you don't think you see much fanaticism in their eyes. There is a stage hastily put together, and the walls are decorated with curtains matching the cultists' robes. The building is clear and shows signs of being used. It's less clandestine meeting and more festival for an important holiday.
Milly just takes to it like a fish takes to water. "Oyah everyone! Missed me?" She greets them cheerfully, to which they respond with loud cheering. "I brought a new friend today! Zenész, please play some music."
The Angyalka appears and begins to play a cheerful music. Meanwhile Milly leads you to the stage. "That's your moment Lulu." She whispers to you before stepping to your side, leaving the front stage all to you.
What seems to be the leader steps forward and drops on one knee, the others soon following suit. "Please Green Sun Prince, tell us by what name we may call you so that we may properly celebrate your magnificence."
"That's your cue Boss. Cultists love dramatic and flamboyant shit. Just say some important-sounding words and you will have them eating from your hand."
You hope not. You like your subordinates to have more backbone than that.
[] Speech for the cultists (write-in).
[] No
[] Yes
-[] Write-in.
(OOC: I am leaving details deliberately vague. With a good Stunt you can set the Cult's circumstances and abilities, making your goals easier to reach.
Fair warning: the current Black Knights may not react positively to any religious talk, so you may want to instruct the cultists about it.)
How to describe stepping into the portal? There is a sense of...freedom, as if you shell over a comfortable dress to remain naked, the temperature just right to the skin.
You breath in. The air is clear and crisp, free of smells and particles.
You open your eyes to a blank black sky, a breathtaking desert of silver sand stretching for what you know is forever.
This is Cecelyne. A place. A Goddess. A World. A Primeval Reality.
"Woah..." Even Milly is without words, taking in the scenario with wide eyes.
"And here we are. Home, bittersweet home. Well not quite, but close. Creation is great but I missed the familiar sights. Oh: look, our escorts is there."
Advancing towards yours and Milly's position is a contingent of demons. Many are armed and form serrated ranks on both sides. Between them are two palanquins carried by hulking red apes, while behind them are two strange crosses between a spider and an horse. Flying above them are two great, beautiful wasp-like beings.
When in reach they stop and bow deeply, the flying ones landing before doing so. You have to praise their discipline, which wouldn't look out of place at Pendragon...except for the whole 'non-human' thing.
After you acknowledge them with a nod of your head they stand up, and an hunchbacked demon with the head of a praying mantis and wearing simple yellow clothes approaches you. "Ugh, a Naneke. I hate those guys." Seyrun complains.
'Why?'
"They never shut up. Never."
"Welcome great Green Sun Prince, great Green Sun Princess. Peers of the City. Chosen of Hell. Welcome." He claps his hands together and bows deeply. "May I ask for your names?"
"My name is Milly! Nice to meet you."
"I am Zero."
"Peer Milly, Peer Zero: my name is Lemmun, and I am here to answer any questions you will ask of me. Now please hurry and come." Lemmun gestures to the escort. "For the Unquestionables desires your presence, and we must make them wait not."
He points to the palanquins. "The palanquins are at your service, provided with every comfort."
Next he points to the spider-horse hybrids. "You may also choose the Peghedu, their movements so smooth it's like you're not moving at all."
Finally he points to the wasp-like beings. "Or, if it so please you, the Agatae are ready to bring you whenever you wish on their wings."
Milly is already running by the time Lemmun started speaking, hugging an Agata before riding it. The demon responds with an happy bell-like cry and rose in the air.
Which method of travel do you choose?
[] Palanquin
[] Peghedu
[] Agata
You have begun the five-days travel across Cecelyne! What do you do during it?
[] Write-in. (You can use this time to train all traits save physical Attributes, Non-Caste/Non-Favored Abilities, Sorcery Spells and Martial Arts Charms)
====
And, finished. Man, this took awhile.
-[X] What sections of the army are chasing her, and how aware are they about magic? Are any of them Dragonblooded?
-[X] You presume Clovis is likely aware of her given his swift response to her capsule being stolen. Does she know if he's an Exalt or not? Does she know who any of the other Exalts in the Royal Family are?
"A small unit backed by the Viceroy, it's called the 'Code R - Research Team' or something." She shrugs. "They're mostly scientists, Clovis is too much of a coward to involve people he can't unless he can be sure they're absolutely loyal to him. Like his Royal Guard, but they're dead now." A sadistic smile graces her lips. "That's why I assume he is going to keep things as discrete as possible, but it will also limit his options."
That fits your half-brother's profile. Even as a teenager he was arrogant and prideful to those beneath him, but fearful and cautious of those above him. Human experiments aside, there are so many way for this news to ruin him if it was overheard by the wrong people.
"All the researchers were also thaumaturges. General Asprius, the head researcher, I think he's a God-blooded or something similar." She shrugs again. "The only Dragonblooded was Clovis."
"So Clovis is an Exalt." You muse. "Do you know for certain? Because I think he may wears an artifact to conceal his nature."
She blinks in faint surprise. "It could be. I've never seen his Anima flaring, but once he hit a guard during a temper tantrum and poisoned him. That's how I deduced he is a Wood Aspect."
"That's correct. Wood Dragonblooded can make themselves immune to plant-based poisons, but at the same time that power makes them toxic to others as well. Clovis must be wearing an Artifact that cloaks his Essence and his Anima, but doesn't stop the latter's effects."
'Note to self: if it becomes necessary, kill Clovis from a distance.' "Do you know if there are other Exalts in the Royal Family, and who?"
"Everyone that have some kind of reputation I suppose. You Exalts can't help standing out." C.C. deadpans. "I haven't been to court since Marianne's death, but I know with certainty Schneizel and Cornelia are Dragonblooded."
But of course: the only two that pose a real threat, and they're Exalts. You're also sure, with Cornelia at least, that they are making a subordinate of any other Dragonblooded they could sink their fangs into. "Only those two?"
"I wasn't interested, so I didn't look too deeply beyond listening to gossip...oh." She puts a finger over her lips. "I think I recall Marianne commenting than a certain Marrybell showed great promise, and was likely to Exalt."
"Marrybell?" Now that's a name you haven't heard in awhile. The Ninth Princess, you met her only once or twice and always at formal events. For what you remember she was similar to Euphemia, which alone made her stand out. You also remember reading a few years ago that her mother and sister died in a terrorist attack. Honestly, you know too little to gauge her threat level, so you change topic. "What of the Emperor?"
"I don't know." She shakes her head. "He was the last person I looked forward to meeting."
Understandable.
-[X] How many other Geass users is she aware of? Are there any in particular you need to watch out for, like members of the Royal Family? If so, what are their abilities?
"Not many: I give my gift scarcely, and only to people that really need it. Haven't see any of them in a while." She closes her eyes. "I don't know if any member who isn't Exalted has a Geass, or what their abilities are."
She's lying. Part of it is just omission, but the rest is a full lie. You narrow your eyes, debating forcing her to say the truth with an oath...
You click your tongue, and decide against it. She will likely refuse, plus with her immortality she may decide she can withstand any kind of misfortune that can befall her. If you want the truth, force is not the solution.
Subtle manipulation is it.
"Now I see why you are a Fiend Boss."
-[X] Do the powers granted by Geass work on Exalts, demons, spirits, gods, or any other magical creatures? Also, can non-human magical beings be given Geass, or only non-Exalt humans?
"It works on them all. But it can be resisted by special powers that protect against other mind tempering effects. Only non-Exalt humans can be given a Geass. I don't know if God-blooded and other half-breeds qualify."
-[X] Does she have any powers other than granting Geasses, and do they work on Exalts, demons, etc?
"Now, now Lulu." She replies with a mocking tone. "Leave a girl some of her secrets."
How do you hate that nickname.
-[X] Does anyone other than her have the power to grant Geass? If so, how many others are there and who are they?
"There are eight of us." She looks away with an huff. "I only met two other immortals like myself, and they're both assholes. Damn midget..."
-[X] Can someone who has a Geass Exalt? If so, do they lose their Geass? Also, what happens if she tries to give Geass to an Exalt aside from it just not working?
"Someone with a Geass can Exalt, but they would lose their Geass." She nods. "Trying to give Geass to an Exalt doesn't work. That's all. The Exaltation interferes on the soul's level, I know no way to bypass that."
-[X] She says she was your mother's friend. Does she know, or at least suspect, who arranged your mother's assassination? If so, who, and what are their likely motives?
"Anyone with a grudge against her boya." She deadpans. "Marianne was the type of person that made friends as easily as enemies." She shakes her head. "I was in Europe at the time, and learned about her death only later. Sorry."
-[X] Does she personally know the Ashfords, Ruben specifically?
Milly perks up at that.
"I met Ruben Ashford at one of his parties. We greeted each other. That's all. He was Marianne's friend, not mine."
{====}
"Alright!" You clap your hands to get the two wrestling girls' attention. "C.C., I can't introduce you yet to the members of my organization because they wouldn't trust you as a foreigner. So until I have earned enough of their loyalty you can stay here in my house. You don't have to do anything...of course, keeping Nunnally company while I am in Malfeas would net you positive points."
"What I am, a babysitter?" She rolls her eyes before pushing away Milly and leans down on your bed. "Fine. But I want your credit card."
"I am going to keep track of all transactions." You deadpan.
"If that's how you amuse yourself." She deadpans back. Witch.
"Your cover story is that you knew Marianne - student, daughter of friends, whatever works - and are currently in hiding much like we are for your own reasons. Do no talk with the members of the Student Council, but if you end up being found by one of them just say you're a friend of Milly." You smirk at her. "Or her pet fox. Whatever amuses yourself more."
She squints her eyes at you, as if to say 'this isn't over'.
"You know." Milly muses, sitting next to C.C. "We could enroll you in the school!"
"One full of teenagers? Eeew." She makes a disgusted face. "Spare me the melodrama."
"I agree with C.C. here. That would expose her too much." You look at your watch and sigh. "It's already late. Milly, procure C.C. clothes that don't scream 'runaway'. In the meantime I will explain the cover story to Sayoko and Nunnally. Oh, and learn Old Realm: we will need it."
"Okay Lelouch! Follow me minion most faithful number two!" Dragging a reluctant C.C. Milly leaves in tandem with her demon.
"..." You grab the door's pommel and close it. "Raimobon. Cuabuhm."
The two Anuhles skitters to attention.
"While I am away, if C.C. tries to even hurt a single hair on Nunnally's head you are to kill her, cut her into many pieces, and then bury each one in different parts of the city."
"Will do Boss!"
You don't think she would do it, but you aren't going to risk Nunnally's safety.
While C.C. is with Milly you meet with your sister and explain the situation, a task made more difficult by the fact you can't lie, but you somehow manage. Strangely Nunnally easily accepts the story you prepared, though for some strange reason she asks if C.C. is your girlfriend (which you deny) and makes a comment about Shirley being sad.
What the energetic orangette has anything to do with it, you have no idea.
Explaining why you need to leave for two weeks and maybe more was totally more complicated. Luckily at that moment Milly came back with a better clothed C.C. and, after presenting the greenette, together you spin a vague tale about needing to prepare for when you and Nunnally will graduate from Ashford and will therefore need to find an occupation in society without risking your secret identity.
It's painfully obvious the biggest reason for her objecting is the thought you two will be separated for so long, but it's necessary: the alternative is bringing her with you, and there are so many reasons about that you don't even bother counting them.
"Do you really have to go Big Brother?"
"I do." You squeeze her hand just a little. "We can't be students forever."
"No, I suppose we can't." She hums, playing with your fingers like the first times after the incident where she lost her sight. "I thought about that. About career choices. I think I would like to become a teacher. Do you think it's possible, Big Brother?"
"That's a wonderful dream Nunnally." You smile. "You should pursue it. And if things become difficult I will help you in any way I can."
Anything to see her smile.
{====}
"Sayoko? Can I talk with you for a second?"
"Of course, My Lord." She bows. "What do you need?"
"It's about the other day." You begin without preambles. "Why did you think I was wearing a mask?"
"My Lord, I was just making sure you weren't an impostor trying to take Master Lelouch's place." She replies as if it is the most natural thing in the world.
"Yeah. My spinneret it is." Seyrun grumbles. "That's the first thing that a trained bodyguard thinks, not a maidservant. Boss, I said and repeat it: this one isn't what she appears to be. She's trained."
Sayoko is...on second thought, how much do you really know about her? Previously she was under the service of Ruben before she assigned her to you, and since then became so much like family you and Nunnally shared the truth about your origins, and she accepted it with a smile.
"Sayoko." You begin, catching her attention. "You don't need to answer me if you don't want to, but I would like to know: before becoming a maid for the Ashford, what did you do?"
"...Ara, it has finally come to this?" She sighs in resignation, resting her cheek on one hand, before straightening up and bowing again. "I didn't wish to keep this hidden Lord Lelouch, I just thought it was not appropriate to touch on. The answer is that I became a maid only after the war. Before that, I was the Head of the Shinozaki School of ninjutsu and martial arts."
"Called it!" Seyrun exclaims in triumph.
"Shinozaki School of ninjutsu and martial arts?" You repeat, not quite sure what to make of it.
"I was a ninja." She replies while smiling.
"A ninja."
"Yes." So fast you almost couldn't see it she makes a jab to the side, knuckles stopping just a millimeter before hitting a glass. The glass is unmarred, but the sponge inside it is tossed into the air and lands into the sink.
"...One moment." You close your eyes, pinch your nose's bridge and take a series of deep breaths. "Alright, so you're a warrior. A martial artists. A ninja, whatever they do in modern times. I...accept it, even if I don't know how that's supposed to work. That begets the question." You gesture at her dress. "Why...a maid?"
"That...is a long story." She begins slowly, as if in the middle of a reminiscence. "I am an orphan Lord Lelouch, I don't remember my birth parents. I grew up in an orphanage most of my life until one day I was accosted by my mentor, the 36th Successor of the Shinozaki School, who for reason he never explained took me as his pupil. He trained me, teaching me everything I know, and then when he judged me ready he gave me the surname Shinozaki, the title of 37th Successor and a legal identity. After that he left, whistling merrily with his inseparable bamboo cane."
She chuckles. "He was an odd man, but I respected him as a father. His first lesson was 'Do whatever you feel is right: only you control your destiny'. The second was 'your skills are made to protect, not to harm'. That's why when Britannia invaded...instead of fighting, I found myself helping the people around me." She smiles sadly. "I guess I just find the smiles of others to be more important than just fighting. I still do. After that I met Master Ruben Ashford during one of his organized relief efforts to help the victims of war: he didn't know about my past, but after seeing how good I was at taking care of others he offered me a job at the school he was building. I thought it was a respectable life, so I accepted. You know the rest."
...Wow. This...how the hell were you ignorant of this?
"What's important in a servant are skills and loyalty, not their past. Maybe th-"
'Maybe, but it's still wrong because it's Sayoko!' You interrupt him. "I thank you for telling me this Sayoko. I am glad you decided to trust me and Nunnally, even after our former country did horrible things to Japan." You pause. "Do you despise Britannia?"
"No." At your shocked look she elaborates. "It's more like I pity it. I look at their valued ideology of superiority, and all I see is just a twisted mechanism that breeds only hate and suffering: for others, and for themselves." She smiles. "That's why I am glad to have met you, My Lord, and Lady Nunnally. You are not only someone I greatly respect, but also wish to serve because you are worthy."
"...You want to know something Sayoko?" You say after regaining the control your mental faculties. "I've heard many people talking so much about the concept of chivalry, but you are the first person I have met that I can honestly say embodies the best qualities of what chivalry should really be."
"You honor me with your words Lord Lelouch." She bows again. You almost tell her it isn't necessary to be so formal, but you notice the smile on her lips and decide to let it go today.
Maybe in the future she may be an useful asset. But for now, you are content with being among family.
{====}
"Black Knights?" Ohgi asks.
"Yes." You reply while inspecting one of the stored Sutherland. "That will be the name of our organization."
"But, shouldn't we choose something more-"
"Japanese?" You interrupt him before jumping down from the cockpit and landing in front of him, marveling at how your Exalt body can do many things you thought impossible with your previous weak constitution. "That would be counterproductive. Ohgi, you may not see it now but one day this organization will be filled with more than just Japanese people. Every nation we'll free from the yoke of Britannia will become one more ally to our cause. If we don't prepare to become an international force from the beginning it would only bring future problems."
You pat him over his shoulder. "It's okay. I understand it may be a concept difficult to grasp, but I have faith that you and the rest have what it takes."
"Thanks. I also have faith in you Zero. I believe you know what you're doing." He smiles and nods. "Still, why 'Black Knights'?"
"It's for the concept behind the figure." You explain. "The 'White Knight' is a stereotype of literature, the knight-errant who wander the land in search of adventures suiting his chivalric virtues: dueling strong opponents, slaying monsters, courting princesses. He gains great fame for them, but it's glory more centered around himself than the good he does, which often is limited and marginal. Plus he puts respect for the authorities above all else, such that when the two come into conflict he must either let evil go, or disgrace himself in the eyes of everyone to follow what his morals tell him."
"When you put it that way, it doesn't sound so great."
"Because it isn't." You shrug. "There is certainly nothing wrong with personal glory, as someone without even a bit of selfishness cannot be called human." You raise an hand in the air. "However, for the sake of helping as many people as possible we must behave differently. The 'Black Knight' is the opposite of the White Knight: he is an outcast, working anonymously for a greater purpose and is known to go against authorities should his mission necessitate it." You point at him. "That's what we need to do: putting the wellbeing of others above ours. It may be thankless at times, but such is the price for the greater good. Do you understand my reasons now, Ohgi?"
"V-Vaguely." He stammers before chuckling. "Zero, you speak like one of my old school's professors. Do you have a doctorate or something?"
"Nothing official." You reply offhandedly. "You can say I have an...appreciation for the classics."
"And the symbol?"
"Just something catchy and easy to replicate." Actually it was C.C.' suggestion. And by suggestion you mean she scribbled it, rolled the paper into a ball and tossed it at you from behind. Repeatedly.
"Zero! This uniform is amazing!" An excited exclamation catches your attention. You turn around just in time to see Kallen running towards you, a big grin on her face, wearing the uniform you had made for her. "It's so soft, and yet I can't even stretch it! What is it made of?"
"A special material that's similar to silk." More specifically, magic silk from demonic spiders. "But much stronger and also bulletproof. My costume is the same. While I wish to equip all of you with them, making them requires a lot of time and resources." You snap your fingers. "That's one of the reasons for my soon-to-be absence."
"You're going to meet possible backers, right?"
"Yes. They're people who already helped me in the past and can do so again now. But I need to meet them directly, and that requires I leave the country." And the whole dimension. "That's why I have prepared something for all of you. Follow me."
You lead Ohgi and Kallen to a table, under which you left two heavy briefcases. You pick up one and put it on the table before opening it. Your followers gasp at the sight of the many stacks of bills within. "This is part of my personal resources. I'll entrust it to you. In my absence you will need to work on our logistics: food, medicines, clothing, etc."
"And weapons?" Kallen questions.
"That, as I am sure you know, is harder to get." You close the briefcase and bend to take the other. "My backers can help me with it. Beyond that, I want to have a firm base covering and supporting us because, once we start making waves on the public scene, we can't stop." You put the second case on the table. "Also they're not only for us, but also for the local populace. We will need new recruits, both soldiers and support personnel, so working to earn the goodwill of people will be fundamental."
"I see. So what's inside the other case?"
You open it, revealing various books on war, strategy, and tactics. "You, Ohgi, are the second in command. Kallen, you're our best Knightmare pilot. You two and anyone else who might be a good officer will study those books. It's not only necessary knowledge to lead men in battle, but within them are described the tactics and strategies of Britannia. You will learn how our enemy thinks, and in doing so learn how to best counter them."
You produce a list and hand it to Ohgi. "For this purpose I compiled a list of jobs and those suited for them, based your performances during Shinjuku and other general impressions."
"Cool." Ohgi begins, before he raises one eyebrow in confusion. "Why is Tamaki not on the list?"
Oh yes, the redhead buffoon. "Is that a problem?"
"He's one of the senior members, and an old friend."
You resist the urge to facepalm. "I see. Then, what would you put him in charge of?"
"Uhm...finances?"
Oh hell no. "The cafeteria is better."
"The cafe-"
"Food is important." You interrupt him. "Without food a human being dies in five days. If we have money but no food, what will you eat? Bills?"
"Uh..."
"I'm glad we agree on the same point."
{====}
'Seyrun, what goods from Earth - I mean Creation are sought-after in Malfeas?' You suddenly ask your advisor while at school.
"Why do you ask Boss?"
'If there is really a cult, and they respect me, one possible source of income might be to expand the cult's business with Malfeas. I could even invest some of my own money. I am sure genuine magical goods that don't exist here would be useful some way or another.'
"Ambitious. Well, trading is not my field, so I can't offer advice. But by Yozi's decree all cults must support the Green Sun Princes, so you can just request their collaboration. Before that check who's the Cult Patron: if it's a Second Circle or higher, it may be best to work on an agreement where you both benefit from it. And for goods, the most sought after ones are seashells that hold the laughter of a mortal child. With it you can make amulets that repels Adorjan. Other commodities includes moleskins, feathers from albino peacocks, tears of pity, the dropped teeth of children, lost coins, the blood of a maiden's deflowering and the likes. Even if a demon cannot use these goods he can trade them to other demons."
You stop and rest your forehead against the wall. 'The blood of a maiden's deflowering?'
"I don't decide those things. Buuut, if you want to set up an organization of assassins instead I can help you a lot more. Everyone need a dagger in the dark, and if you have more than one even better!"
'I...will think about it.' You sigh before resuming your walk.
*flash*
"Uh? Did you hear that?"
'Hear what?'
"...No, nevermind."
'Whatever.'
You see a wallet on the ground. There is no one else around, so it must be a lost item. You bend to pick it up.
*flash* *giggle~*
You stand up and whip your head around. 'What was that?'
"I knew it was something strange!"
You search around the area, but even with Seyrun's inhuman senses added to yours you find nothing out of the ordinary. You even interrogate your Anuhle guards, but they didn't see anyone doing something out of the ordinary. Even the wallet is empty. In the end you just decide it was a coincidence and move on, since you have an appointment and don't want to miss it.
More exactly, you can't miss it because those maniacs would probably hunt you down through the whole school.
Entering the Survival Club building you open the drawer with your name and retrieve your personal weapon, a Beretta M92F. Checking it's in good conditions you remove the old cartridge and insert a new one.
"Now."
Then with one fluid movement you bend your arm backward above your shoulder and point the airsoft gun behind you. "Not today Miss Glass."
The violet-haired girl laughs in genuine amusement, her two Desert Eagles still pointed at your back. "Marvelous Lelouch! I knew you belong here! That you kept coming back is proof of that!"
Only because this is the only place where you can train your firearm skills hard enough to qualify for actual training. "Survival Games have their own appeal, I suppose." You say instead, turning around as both of you put back your guns. "You do realize this is the last day?"
"Not if I can help it!" She shamelessly declares.
"Yes, yes." You roll your eyes. The usual banter done, you go to prepare the other members' weapons and equipment, so that they can change faster. It is during said task that you make a horrifying discovery. "Miss Glass?"
"Yes?"
You show her one gun, an image of you printed on the grip. "What...is this?"
"A Glock 26C. The semi-auto Glock 26 is a real firearm, while the 26C is a full auto, airsoft exclusive va-"
"That's not what I mean!" You point to the grip, eyebrow twitching. "Why there is a photo of me there?"
"Oh, that?" She says dismissively. "The girls from your Fan Club asked for permission to customize their weapons. It wasn't a big deal so I authorized it."
A pin could be heard dropping in the ensuing silence. "I don't have a Fan Club." You finally say, more to convince yourself than her.
"No, you do." She replies with a smirk, taking out her phone and fiddling with it. "It started gaining popularity in the last week, but already it has a large number of followers. They even have an official web page. Oh look, there is new content available!"
She shows you the screen. On it there are numerous shots of you taken from different angles and at different times.
The last chronological one is taken from behind, the maker having zoomed almost obsessively on your butt while you bend to pick up something.
Breath. In out. In out. In out.
You smile beatifically. "Is that so? Why, I'm honored!"
'Notes so self. First thing to do once school is over: resume your old hacker lessons. Second thing to do: nuke the hell out of this abomination against nature!!!'
{====}
The day finally comes. With everything you need for a five days trip through an otherworldly desert in another realm of existence you kiss Nunnally goodbye and take the train to a small town outside the Tokyo Settlement. Milly, who had taken the previous train, is waiting for you at the station and together you reach the cultists' supposed 'hideout'. She is wearing a white and purple dress, while you have your Zero costume under the shadow illusion, which you drop before entering.
Now, you are ready to admit your mental image of a 'cult' is shaped by stereotypes.
"My Brothers and Sisters! Our fervent prayers have been heard! Not one, but two Chosen of our Gods have magnanimously allowed us to bask in their holy presence!"
It appears those stereotypes are correct. What greet you is a congregation of chanting cultists all wearing matching brass, green, and black colored robes. They are an even mix of Japanese and Britannians, mostly adults with some kids. Any other time the sight of people freely mingling together without any sort of racial hatred would make you happy.
It still does. You're just a little crept out by the whole 'worshiping' thing. Thankfully you don't think you see much fanaticism in their eyes. There is a stage hastily put together, and the walls are decorated with curtains matching the cultists' robes. The building is clear and shows signs of being used. It's less clandestine meeting and more festival for an important holiday.
Milly just takes to it like a fish takes to water. "Oyah everyone! Missed me?" She greets them cheerfully, to which they respond with loud cheering. "I brought a new friend today! Zenész, please play some music."
The Angyalka appears and begins to play a cheerful music. Meanwhile Milly leads you to the stage. "That's your moment Lulu." She whispers to you before stepping to your side, leaving the front stage all to you.
What seems to be the leader steps forward and drops on one knee, the others soon following suit. "Please Green Sun Prince, tell us by what name we may call you so that we may properly celebrate your magnificence."
"That's your cue Boss. Cultists love dramatic and flamboyant shit. Just say some important-sounding words and you will have them eating from your hand."
You hope not. You like your subordinates to have more backbone than that.
[] Speech for the cultists (write-in).
Do you talk with the cultists about those possibilities?Enjou said:
[] No
[] Yes
-[] Write-in.
(OOC: I am leaving details deliberately vague. With a good Stunt you can set the Cult's circumstances and abilities, making your goals easier to reach.
Fair warning: the current Black Knights may not react positively to any religious talk, so you may want to instruct the cultists about it.)
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How to describe stepping into the portal? There is a sense of...freedom, as if you shell over a comfortable dress to remain naked, the temperature just right to the skin.
You breath in. The air is clear and crisp, free of smells and particles.
You open your eyes to a blank black sky, a breathtaking desert of silver sand stretching for what you know is forever.
This is Cecelyne. A place. A Goddess. A World. A Primeval Reality.
"Woah..." Even Milly is without words, taking in the scenario with wide eyes.
"And here we are. Home, bittersweet home. Well not quite, but close. Creation is great but I missed the familiar sights. Oh: look, our escorts is there."
Advancing towards yours and Milly's position is a contingent of demons. Many are armed and form serrated ranks on both sides. Between them are two palanquins carried by hulking red apes, while behind them are two strange crosses between a spider and an horse. Flying above them are two great, beautiful wasp-like beings.
When in reach they stop and bow deeply, the flying ones landing before doing so. You have to praise their discipline, which wouldn't look out of place at Pendragon...except for the whole 'non-human' thing.
After you acknowledge them with a nod of your head they stand up, and an hunchbacked demon with the head of a praying mantis and wearing simple yellow clothes approaches you. "Ugh, a Naneke. I hate those guys." Seyrun complains.
'Why?'
"They never shut up. Never."
"Welcome great Green Sun Prince, great Green Sun Princess. Peers of the City. Chosen of Hell. Welcome." He claps his hands together and bows deeply. "May I ask for your names?"
"My name is Milly! Nice to meet you."
"I am Zero."
"Peer Milly, Peer Zero: my name is Lemmun, and I am here to answer any questions you will ask of me. Now please hurry and come." Lemmun gestures to the escort. "For the Unquestionables desires your presence, and we must make them wait not."
He points to the palanquins. "The palanquins are at your service, provided with every comfort."
Next he points to the spider-horse hybrids. "You may also choose the Peghedu, their movements so smooth it's like you're not moving at all."
Finally he points to the wasp-like beings. "Or, if it so please you, the Agatae are ready to bring you whenever you wish on their wings."
Milly is already running by the time Lemmun started speaking, hugging an Agata before riding it. The demon responds with an happy bell-like cry and rose in the air.
Which method of travel do you choose?
[] Palanquin
[] Peghedu
[] Agata
You have begun the five-days travel across Cecelyne! What do you do during it?
[] Write-in. (You can use this time to train all traits save physical Attributes, Non-Caste/Non-Favored Abilities, Sorcery Spells and Martial Arts Charms)
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And, finished. Man, this took awhile.
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