*Ad starts playing on the dead of night on the least watched channel*
*Vague shadowed silhouettes of heroes stand over a gleaming city while epic orchestral plays in the background*
"In our greatest time of need, when the world needed them most, they came back-"
*Wild tone shift to overly excited Youtuber Voice*
"To save YOU from your boredom!"
*Background shift to mishappen action figures being displayed on skyscraper like podiums*
"Lawfulness Neverending is back, now with all your new favorite heroes!"
"Dark Heron, the flier that hits as hard as a shooting star;
Zoologist Magician, the cute Commander of beasts;
All in One, the hero of a thousand uses;
Littlest Castle, the second in command shielder;
Professor Lustrous, the tech assistant;
Golden Courageous, the heroic sucessor."
*Screen changes to a rotating box with all heroes on it, alongside a black silhouette with a white question mark in It*
"And last but not least, Miss Xing, the mysterious leader of the team."
"Are you good enough to find her?"
*Fades to black and cuts to 10x speed warnings and disclaimers lasting 5 whole seconds before ad break ends and a re-run starts playing*
Authors note: I'm pretty sure this is considered a s**t post. You have been warned.
…Are we horrible people?
By Solar Gem X
It was a beautiful day in Horizon, the birds were singing, the flowers were blooming… and several key districts were probably on fire. Honestly, nothing new, let us turn the channel from this proverbial dumpster fire and show something more… calm? I Don't know if calm is the right word here…Distraction? Pass time? And Then X3? The mad ramblings of an individual that should not have been given so much power/ liberty to write stuff in the proverbial 4th wall? Hopefully, it loses its passport…ANYWAY!
Lets go take a detour several miles to the right as we see an individual who Is about to make a very, very, very dumb idea. (Did I mention this is bad?) Anyway, here we have an individual 18 something male adolescent, he is pretty much average, all things considered. Normal grades in his online courses, a splash of friends here and there, an interest in game design believe it or not, and an internet channel by the name Stardust TCG, a videogame and superhero speculation channel where the titular STCG plays games, talks about heroes, Power Interactions and all that jazz. He has a somewhat niche audience in the proverbial sea of hero channels in the world, and he is ok with that, so let's see what's he doing.
Stardust: Ok… mic check, camera check, images check. Ok we are all clear! 3, 2, 1 aaaaaand… Welcome back Starbrights, my name is Stardust TCG, and I welcome you back to a somewhat different episode to my usual content. You see dear viewers, Remember how I said I was going to show you some Tech picks for the Apiary Deck in Omega Heroes? Well… about that…I got banned from the game.
Don't worry! It's only temporary, Ill have my account back by next week and everything should go back to normal. Now you may be asking yourself, Stardust why did you get banned? And that dear viewer… well I basically got caught in the crossfire of some Admin bans when spectating an Omega Heroes match. The two players Earth Lord and Best Ant, who I'm pretty sure were Earthen Owl (Powers) and Bullant (Entomon's) were having a serious back and fort in the game, and from what I managed to piece together from their comments? This was like the third game they were playing in a series of video game rounds including the popular game Meta Chasers, among others. As the game continued, we were joined by Red Light and Star Rose Crusader, who began commenting the play by play, you know like those sport commentors we see in the TV sometimes. A couple of turns in they both began making jokes and taken some subtle potshots at the players, who took pot shots in return and at each other. After 30 minutes of potshots, innuendos (RL and SRC), yo mama jokes and the weirdest game of would you ever (Why did they but the timer to unlimited?) I Think Earth Lord figure out who Best Ant was? And proceeded to site copyright infringement or something among those lines, with Best Ant basically going no you back at him, this continued like for an additional 20 minutes as they completely forgot of the 3 spectators, and then an admin came in, took one look at the Circus going on and basically gave everyone a 1-week ban, no questions asked. Sooooo yeah that was my weekend, so as I scrambled to make a new video idea, I got contacted by Red Light and they gave me an idea.
Welcome to Cards against Humanity- Hero Edition!
If you an innocent civilian, run while you still can. If not?
Welcome To HELL! *Danger*
Stardust: …Well isn't that just comforting… so yeah CaH video. I will be drawing a set cards, lets say 10? Yes, 10 cards This cards will have a prompt with a [BLANK] in it and we need to fill that blank with words or sentences from a different deck, lets say 4 for every prompt, so 40 in total. I will show you the cards and the prompt and will leave a poll down in the description below where you, yes YOU will fill in the answer, afterwards I will try my best to make a skit about the answers. Got all that? Great! Let's begin with…
1. I've done it! I have discovered Scarlet Maturity's weakness, it's [BLANK].
A. Fabulous Men in tight shorts.
B. Grandpa's Ashes
C. An Overpowered Anime Protagonist
D. Totally Not Godzilla
Stardust: Oh Leviathans Blood, why….?
2. Oh No, Valiant Silver has been Arrested! Her crime was [BLANK].
A. Stealing the entirety of Uiara's secret Money vault!
B. Uploading 10 Terabytes of "Peak Fiction" on government Servers
C. A Blown-Up University
D. Tax Evasion
Stardust: …I think the first two count as foreplay in some circles… if anything I have read of the hero is true anyway… all of these are like really appropriate. Ok Next!
3. Lady Leizi is the most famously known hero for [BLANK].
A. Gang Murder
B. BDSM
C. Bad Life Decisions
D. Ranking among the top 10 " Nicest people in Horizon".
STCG: Well…some of these are a thing…
4. In the popular Written series " My Mom is the Demon Lord, and my Dad is a Lawyer," the secret Finale twist is [BLANK].
A. Everything was a Dream…
B. Two midgets reading "Silver Water" fic's in a Box
C. A windmill filled with singing goats.
D. A mime having a Stroke.
STCG: Ehh… *shrugs*
5. Horizon, 'tis of the sweet land of [Blank].
A. Obesity
B. Eldritch Horrors
C. Soft, wet Muppets doing the Cha Cha.
D. Plot
STCG: Why do 2 of these feel strangely targeted?
6. With enough Time and Pressure, Even [BLANK] can be made [BLANK].
A. An Egg
B. Rainbow Bright GAAAAAAAYYY! *YAY*
C. Technicolor Ponies
D. The Fear of naked Mole Rats
E. An Angry Woman
F. An Erotic Writer
STCG: Something, something, Rainbows.
7. Earthen Owl stands before you, You defend yourself with [Blank].
A. A mechanical Super Fighting Bettle
B. A Shonen Harem Protagonist
C. Apiary Playing "Ride of the Valkyries"
D. Crab Rave
STCG: The Irony is palpable.
8. Uiara is planning on investing! You convince her to invest in [Blank].
A. A bad Education System.
B. A Hockey Ring.
C. A Lesbian Powered Death Ray.
D. The Ball Crusher 8000! TM, now in Gold and Silver colors!
STCG: ~2 of these are not like the others~
9. A Named Behemoth Stands between you and a Cookie Jar, you use [BLANK] the Greatest of Weapons!
A. Radiant Silver Girl
B. So-So RNG (Added this one mid rolls)
C. Dr. Iblis' Mad Science!
D. Crippling Debt
STCG: This one was kind of weak ngl…
10. Oh? You're comparing yourself to me, [BLANK]? HA! Your not even worthy to be my [BLANK]!
A. Alcoholism
B. God
C. White Hawk Privilege.
D. Power Point Presentation
E. My Worthless Son
F. Secret Pleasure
STCG: And that should be it. Make sure to leave your votes in the poll, below and I will see you guys again next Time. Stardust out!
Authors Note 2: I have no idea what I am doing. Also wrote this as Bitterman finished the voting period sooo, oh boy *Sees two omake points heading into the field of battle alongside two other allies*
O7 Lightspeed you wonderful bastards…
Edit: Man... those rolls were a thing huh?
Last edited:
In Which a Prayer is Answered — spiderhellian (canon)
All those years, Xavier swore he could still hear It singing. But you weren't sure you believed him.
You still stuck by him, of course. This was Wonderland. No place to be by yourself, and not even safe as part of a larger group. The Supplicants were more loyal to each other than most -- a product of having One to be loyal to, who loomed above all else -- and you weren't going to risk your place with a little doubt.
But there were nights where the World did feel very far away. Where it was as if you had fallen down a rabbithole, and into some strange underworld. Where no matter how much you prayed, that infinitely powerful God you worshipped felt infinitely far away.
Then your prayers were answered, and you realized in an instant It was not far away at all.
It was a moment of shock. And confusion. And pain, that ever-present accompaniment to life in Wonderland.
Even as the sudden impact of being returned to the world faded, your bewilderment grew and grew.
You knew not what had happened. You knew not what would come next. All you knew was that you had been saved, and all you could do was pray.
Eventually, you rose, to help your comrades with what had to be done. You weren't going to be left behind now. The world was messier than when you left it, the deeds a little darker, but for all that every breath seemed easier. It was a real air you were breathing, and you could still feel the Looming God's touch each time you did.
Until word came that what happened was The Movement, and your breath was stolen, and you fell to your knees once more.
Days passed. And then weeks. Months.
You wondered, sometimes, if this was what Ọsanyìn felt like. Many compared themself to that first and foremost of heroes, but usually to brag about their power, or intelligence, or wealth. You felt a different connection to him now. Had he once reached out, seeking something more? How had he felt when he grasped it, and embraced it? And been embraced by it in turn?
Not that the Looming God had embraced you yet. Alas. But you now knew, incontrovertibly, that the hallowed form beyond you, beyond your city, beyond your Planet... it could. And it would.
Oh, you had always believed. But now you knew.
The world felt firmer for it. The work was easier, and the days blurred by. You felt yourself settling into a new routine, strange as it was. A routine that consisted of patrols, and tasks, and the occasional afternoon propped up on a couch watching the television.
(Television! A wonder so many took for granted. But you never would again.)
You flipped the channel, and paused at a stream of Ọsanyìn's Christmas festivities. You didn't really want to watch it, but it was decent enough to have on in the background as you checked your phone, and responded to Xavier's latest message.
Some of those blind fools' more elaborate theatrics caught your attention. Valiant Red, White, and Blue? Looming God take us all, did they have any taste? Which meant when the performance continued to a crescendo, you were fully gripped.
"The Movement was her doing."
And the world dropped out beneath you again.
Now you found yourself looking at the Apiary. It took a few favours and a few lies to find the time and the security to get here. But you needed to. You needed to.
This place was her doing, as well. If not the structure, at least what it meant.
You remembered hating her, for a time. For quite a long time, actually. But that felt so far distant now. The part of your brain that had burned with that fire felt cleansed, much as your God had and would cleanse the world. Fitting.
Now, you weren't sure how you felt. Was it envy, that for all your supplications only hers had been answered? Delight, that your foe had seen the truth? Sorrow, that you might never know what made a prayer work?
It was that confusion that suffused you, and paused your approach to the Apiary. Now you stood, and looked at it, as tears leaked from your eyes.
Until a strong arm patted you on the shoulder, and a rough voice spoke in a kindly manner. "Sir, are you okay? Are you looking for a ref-- a resident?"
You opened your mouth to respond, but your words were choked with a sob.
The man at your side seemed to smile -- as best as you could make out with your vision blurred -- and gestured to the building as he said, "Do you want to come inside?"
You took a deep, shuddering breath, before you replied, "No. I just-- I just wanted to say thank you. For giving me hope."
You weren't sure why Rhys was whistling a jaunty tune as he took his seat in the afternoon meeting, but he was actually pretty good. Not that you'd encourage him by saying that.
He stopped it as he sat -- thankfully -- but he was still beaming. Looking at you, he exclaimed, "Y'know, I think we're really making a difference here! Bringing back people's faith! I just had the most inspiring conversation..."
TO DO:
- Steal a funnel cake from Scarlet Maturity
- Photobomb Stockpile
- Destroy Justice Unlimited's budget
You may have been a horrible goose, but it was still a memorial to the fallen. To disrupt the speakers wouldn't just be horrible, it would probably be the thing that got you cooked. An individual aware of your doings was one thing, but so far your ability to influence others to treat you like a regular goose was limited to one individual aware of your shenanigans at a time.
You began walking through the Apiary and noticed Scarlet Maturity, all thirteen feet of him, arms laden with stuffed animals and a funnel cake in one hand. He would periodically go to play a game, put down his toys, and then go between the cake and the games.
DC 10.
Stat Check: ESPIONAGE 6. Horrible Goose has ESPIONAGE 4
You rolled: 8.
8 - 1 + 5 (Just A Goose) = 13 Success!
Scarlet Maturity didn't just want to be the best, he wanted everybody to know it. The proof, as they say, was in the plushies. You dragged the bag behind the counter out of his sight and at the end of the game he started looking for them and you grabbed the funnel cake!
Scarlet Maturity didn't understand why his funnel cake was gone, but then realized he could just get another funnel cake.
Age: HONK Keywords: Only A Goose, Flight, Mental Manipulation Stats: Hit 1, Espionage 4, Reputation 2, Operations 8 Chaucer's Notes: We initially believed a stray goose had gotten into the Apiary during the Memorial, but further review of the security footage revealed a cunning intellect and an appetite for mischief. Lady Leizi's Notes: I've heard of this creature. I'd believed she preferred the English countryside, but if she's here...
Candidate "Adherent"
Name: Peace Jackson Age: 20 Stats:
HIT 2 (Got in a few too many fights as a kid...)
ESPIONAGE 4 (It took months for people to realize she'd been in a cult.)
REPUTATION 1 (...And then they were pretty worried about her.)
OPERATIONS 2 (Had to grow up sooner than most. ) Tolerance: 8 (No clue how to math this one out, let me know if it should be changed) Chaucer's Notes: Peace was taller and quieter than most of the residents who came to the Apiary after the Movement, but other than that was fairly unremarkable. She was one of the most frequent attendees of the interfaith group that sprung up a few weeks in, but it wasn't until the group grew to the point that others actually heard what prayers she was intoning that she came to our attention.
The other members of the group were quite alarmed -- she was praying to the Leviathan. I had thought that cult disappeared after Justice Unlimited defeated the Supplicants! Lady Leizi: When your Mom was raised in the aftermath of the Blooming and your very name is a prayer, I imagine it's hard to escape. But the Movement -- and the wreckage it left of her home and life -- seems to have made a considerable impact on her. To the point she wants to act, and not merely wait for the Looming God to "cleanse the evil of this world". I do know what it's like to think you understand the world and your place in it, and then see it upended in a single day. We should not reject her out of turn. Dr. Ibis: Bah, you're both missing the most important part: her Ambrosia tolerance is remarkably high! Think about what this could mean -- If prayer to the Leviathan can grant one a better tolerance to Goldnine, we must have all our candidates convert at once!
I love characters who have a genuine faith, especially when their religion is one some would find peculiar. I also wanted to play more with some of the ideas from my earlier Apocrypha. Hope this works as a candidate, and happy to adjust potency to fit.
It's also made me quite curious what religion looks like in Horizon/the world in general, really...
Today was a very big day! I snuck into Mom's throne room out of curiosity and got swept up in her big plan to make a showing at this monument. She had to scramble at the last minute to hide me and give me a flag.
Still, I tried to keep my cool as things went on. Mom gave her speech, and this girl in gold armor talked to her until things went chaotic. She was kind of cool but also kind of mean.
Uncle Warp, Herc, Miss Marie, and Mr. Rain had to fight a bunch of guys, while I stayed close to mom in case something went bad. There was this big silver guy who looked like he was made of clay who Uncle Herc grappled with, and the gold girl, that Palisade lady that Marie had fought before.
And that Valiant Justice guy was there, too. He sounds so… angry. Like he thinks Mom is everything evil in the world at once. I don't like him.
But I like the guy who grabbed me and tried to fly away even less. Valiant Justice is mad. But White Hawk…
A book that Mr. Dollman got for me a bit back that I keep rereading stuck with me. Danny, The Champion of the World. It's apparently almost a hundred years old. There's a bit when it's talking about Danny's father, and how he never smiles with his mouth, but with his eyes, and how that's warmer.
Hawk's smile never reaches his eyes. It's all mouth. It's scary. It's like he was grown in some lab and given instructions on feelings written by a robot. He was trying to be reassuring and polite but… it's hollow.
But, the best part is, I got to meet BLACK SWAN! She's so cool and nice! She even saved me and gave me back to mom! I wish I had some paper so I could get her autograph…
I saw that Scarlet Maturity guy too. He was so tall and scary, but… he vouched for me? Kind of?
It was weird.
When we got back to our spot, Mom told me to go visit Mr. Dollman's lab while she worked some things out.
I think I heard Herc yelling at her as I left.
At least Mr. Dollman was nice. He values my 'aesthetic contributions'.
Had to look that up in a dictionary. It means I'm good with colors and art.
I stayed in my corner, and read some more books. I don't want a repeat of the Rubiks-Cube-Bomb scenario, so I only touch things with Mr. Dollman's permission.
(I still don't like that idea. A bomb disguised as a puzzle, that explodes when solved, that was going to be left in some remote park to cause chaos?)
I'll probably get scolded a little later. But right now, I'm just glad to be alive.
I love Mom. I know she loves me.
-Princess
Project Pandora: Tome #0.0, Pandora — ThaTrueRealmWalk
Horizon, City of Leviathan's Rest – Location Unknown – September 8, 2067
Upon a single bed did an oldened soul slumber, their body shifting as awareness returned to them shard by little shard.
Stirring out of the sleeping realm, Dr. Mammoth Ibis was pleased to see he still lived.
Many a morning- or whatever time it was in this unknown place- such a worry would never cross the doctor's mind. His days followed a schedule he rarely strayed from: upon waking, he would hurriedly sterilize himself, scarf down a nutrient bar, and see how his latest children fared within their growth chambers. It was a clam life, one in which the fair doctor found solace within. Just himself, the incubators' humming song, and endless pursuit for something new.
Ah, but he was attempting to avoid the subject at hand, the reason behind the break in his mundane.
The demonic god was stirring, escaping the slumber it had slept within for so long. How callous we humans were, to build this glorious capital near such a being. From its flesh spawned beings seeking to spread the monster's corruption, marching from the QZ. A cry was sounded into the air for all to hear- and if it were not for the young Uiara, doubtless any would have answered. Yet it was that soul, so to arms every mage within the city charged, to protect their homeland from the Leviathan. The doctor saw when the spellweaver Steadfast melted by the abhorrent god's blood, regardless of the strength of his barriers, only to become more of the foul substance.
What had caused the awakening? It had sat unmoving for fifty years, right beside Horizon, without even a twitch. Yet now even his children could hear the impossible calls within their minds. Four voices. One grand, of a beast of impossible size, one who could without fail crush them all into nothing. Another, voice as if it was a fairy, tainted in sickly rage. A third, dreaming and scheming, calling for what was hidden revealed. A fourth, disoriented and pained and trying to put a mirror back together the way you would with building blocks.
Ah, and a fifth, rising to meet the four. The psi-craft mirrored of someone opening their window to scream for their neighbors to quiet. Valiant Silver, endless arrogance seeping from her, even in the most trying of times.
The disharmonized orchestra sang and crashed and yelled and then- Mammoth Ibis knew silence.
Rising to his feet, mind shaken, Ibis knew this was unlike him. To dwell on the past, a thing not even a brilliant mind such as he could change. He was a champion of discovery, a beacon of light against the storms of the unknown, a soul who knew only to gaze at the future. However, also of this size within the world. Ibis felt melancholia wrap itself around his heart for the first time in years.
Ah, that. His serotonin implant was damaged. Well, at least he knew the cause! A simple fix and the back to his laboratory- incubator #3348 looked quite promising!
"Excuse me, doctor, but it is upsetting to see how quickly your face changed just now."
"It can't be helped!" Ibis responded, his gaze focusing upon the figure who had just entered the room, "Early on, I realized that I could work more if I was always in a good mood! I've trained myself to not get too caught up with sentiment."
"I see." The man replied, his tone for a moment carrying disappointment, "Well, may I impose upon you to hold onto your feelings until after we have had a chance to speak?"
"Of course not!" the doctor snapped, " Much too much to do! I've wasted enough time today playing the hero as is."
Ibis attempted to bypass the man, but the spherical lad practically danced his way into barring the doctor's path. With a frown, Ibis attempted to use strength to charge through, but his opponent carried hidden strength. With a small scuffle later, the doctor was forced to concede that he might have to actually further delay getting back to work. Annoying.
With a grand sigh, Dr. Ibis let himself spend time to actually focus on where he stood.
The room he was in appeared to be some kind of infirmary. There was a Gatch bed behind him and some basic equipment used to monitor vitals. Aside from that, the room was bare. In fact, it was unusually small for a recovery ward- a medical professional would be tripping over themselves just trying to observe the patient. Also, the air had an odd, stale quality to it. It was clearly being fed through carbon scrubbers, which would indicate-.
"Aha! I see that I am within the Construct. I appreciate the medical attention, but I insist you book me a shuttle to the surface immediately."
Ibis allowed a droplet of satisfaction. The Construct, of course! The large tower was equipped with state of the art magi-tech facilities, including a medbay, and was located near the Leviathan's Rest. A perfectly logical place to treat the injured.
But despite Dr. Mammoth Ibis's command, the man refused to part from blocking his way. Instead, the man refused with a strong shake of his head.
"I'm afraid that's not possible at the moment, doctor."
Ibis strengthened his stare and grimaced his teeth. Distractions! Must he spend time to chart this face in his mind's eye? Fine, if it must be so!
Thankfully, the man was immediately recognizable. Joelle Chaucer, also known as the mage titled "The Famine Slayer".
Joelle's title was ironic in nature, for the man has not been active in over several decades. The mage before Ibis first appeared, part of the court "SLAYERS", first given the title of "Thunder Slayer". The man had barely any ability with his magic, only able to cast spells like creating sparks with his hands. Seemingly doomed to fall into the shadows, until upon retirement he ventured into the realm of business. Now, he was one of Horizon's most beloved philanthropists. His title of "The Famine Slayer" was more marketing than any achievement or skill, but it didn't stop him from wandering into other people's affairs.
Ibis sneered at the man with the kindly face and nice suit. How dare he take up space in Ibis' brain with such triviality!
The target for Ibis's scorn remained grave, "You are correct, doctor. We are within the Construct. Somehow, Lady Leizi secured her court an entire base within the structure and kept it secret. You're in their medical ward."
"Playing messenger then? Valiant Silver or Uiara were too busy, hmm?"
Chaucer gave no reply. Instead, he commanded a viewscreen upon a nearby wall to awaken, placed as if it were a window. It displayed a view of Horizon from above, the lights of the megapolis built within the grand cavern like an ocean of stars. It was a glorious view. The doctor could even make out the patch of icy wasteland in the middle of the city that marked The Frozen Throne.
But most intriguing, directly across the large tower the doctor stood within, surrounded by the fence of the Quarantine Zone and forever patrolled by the R-Train, was the Leviathan's body. Its ossified corpse towered over the city like a mountain, dwarfed only by the Construct itself.
It was several meters closer to the city than it had been the dawn before. Its "head" was tilted slightly skyward. Ibis hated how the sight made him shiver.
Chaucer sat upon the only chair in the room, as if a great weight pressed him down. Ibis considered attempting an escape but he had already spent minutes upon this, so he may as well hear Chaucer's point.
However, the Famine Slayer didn't speak. He seemed content to sit within silence for minutes, burning more of Ibis's time. His eyes carried a darkness, his face lost of color. Had Ibis cared enough to have an opinion, he would have thought the mage looked horrid.
At the moment before patience snapped within Ibis, Chaucer spoke again. He didn't even grant Ibis his gaze; his eyes only focused on the city below.
"She . . . had a contingency plan. I supposed she always did."
"Who?" Ibis asked, "Valiant Silver?"
"Yes," Chaucer answered. "If she were to die or become indefinitely incapacitated, all of Justice Unlimited's assets and resources would automatically pass to Uiara. If Uiara were similarly indisposed, it would go to Adamant, then Lady Leizi, and then every other member in order of seniority."
Ibis was tapping his foot. "Yes, yes, she's always been so brilliant. As if inventing a toaster you can control with your mind makes you some sort of genius. What of it?"
Chaucer finally moved his sight towards Ibis. "If every member of Justice Unlimited were to die, then control of their assets were to pass to me."
Ah.
"Unfortunate."
Ibis spoke from the heart. While the court's actions of heroism were baffling at best, sanctimonious at worst, Justice Unlimited's skill at keeping the more chaotic elements of the city restrained.
"Wait, even Radiant Silvergirl? Shame. I actually liked her."
The glare Chaucer gave Ibis was a well wanted change from his previous haunted gaze.
"Oh, stop that. I'm certain Novalight will be thrilled to fill in the gap with New Dawn. She's just been aching to move back into the spotlight."
Chaucer glace hardened, and Ibis felt something within his spine tingle.
"Oh. New Dawn as well? All of them? All of them? My word."
"Every hero who could fight was there, doctor. Even you."
"Do not lump in with the rest of those infants play-acting psychodramas with superpowers! I am a man of science."
"And yet," Chaucer said, unfolding, "You were there."
Ibis grew annoyed, his timetables were scrap at this point.
"Well, I suppose Global Justice will rule the city now!" he sneered, "All hail our lord and master, Justiciar! The Americans will be thrilled, I'm certain."
"Justiciar is dead. The Base of the Construct is in chaos."
Ibis glazed back at the digital screen. Thinking upon it, a few of those looked like fire instead of the electric illumination other parts of the city had. Hmm.
"The Four Seasons?"
"Little Automne is gone. I don't know about the rest."
"SLAYERS?"
"Gone." Chaucer's eyes somehow grew even more darkened. "Abigail just got engaged, did you know? She even asked me to be in her wedding party, man or no. . ."
Ibis hid the way his eyes rolled, having little care for the now-defunct, personal life of The Giant Slayer.
"Powers?"
Awareness returned to Chaucer, bearing a grimace, "Scarlet Maturity is still alive, but . . ."
"It would probably be better if he was dead. Of course that brute would outlive us all. And King has disappeared as usual?"
Chaucer sighed. "Yes, just when we need him most."
No wonder the man looked like he wished to leap from the Construct. The situation was as black as the night. Still, this had few ties to Dr. Mammoth Ibis himself.
"Well, I appreciate your warning. It was almost worth the delay. Now, my shuttle . . . ?"
Chaucer only granted Ibis a fractured look before swiftly exiting the room. Did. . . did he assume that Ibis would follow his footsteps? The arrogance and disrespect! That he was right was besides the point!
As Ibis quickened to match The Famine Slayer's marching steps, the burdened man began to speak.
"Doctor, you don't understand. Everyone came to stop the Leviathan from waking up. Every heroic mage. The more dark inclined did not," he said, "Now they rampage across the city! If it were not for The R-Train still patrolling the QZ, there would be total anarchy."
"So those were fires . . . Perhaps I'll let the more martial of my children stretch their legs when I return home."
"I'll thank you very much to not pour accelerant all over the city, doctor!" Chaucer barked, "The reason you must stay up here is that with Cisma and Steelheart both dead, Wonderland has failed. The prisoners inside have escaped. Including—"
"Le Petit Prince." A cold flame ignited within Ibis's chest, invigorating his mind. Maybe he had been overusing his implant. "You're mistaken, Famine Slayer. Now, I must return more than ever. I have unfinished business with that twisted lilliputian."
"Not when you're vulnerable to him! And not when you're the only person who can help solve this mess!" Chaucer pleaded. With a thunderous movement, he placed a hand on a panel and opened a door in a previously featureless wall. With a strengthened pull, he tore Ibis within and pulled him to a contraption in the middle of the room. It was there that Ibis could see a golden liquid suspended in several layers of glass, floating in a magnetic field.
Ibis' jaw dropped. Leviathan's Blood. Goldnine. One of the most dangerous substances in existence. An ounce of it could destroy a continent. This much could end the planet.
". . . I'm listening."
- - - - -
Glorious! Amazing! Mystical, even! Ibis was so joyous that he was making playful exclamations! This dawn had seemed like it had been squandered, but this… this alone proved that naught but lies.
He had never been this close to raw goldnine before. It was one of the few laws that were sacrosanct in Horizon: do not deal in the Leviathan's Blood. And that name was literal! Goldnine was an amber liquid that constantly seeped from the body of the Leviathan. It was the strange matter of biological material- any organic compound that made contact with goldnine would instantly be converted into more of it. When the Leviathan first manifested, its blood had eaten past a kilometer into the earth's crust. It was only dumb luck and swift action that prevented it from skinning any deeper.
That was the true purpose of the QZ. Most people assumed it was to protect the city from the demons that occasionally emerged near the Leviathan, but it was truly to prevent any smuggling of a substance that could end the world. How Ibis despised his failure to ever analyze the substance.
Imagine! Real biological matter from a demonic being! He drooled at the things one could learn from the substance. Rightly feared, a certainly a wonderful idea to keep it from lesser minds, but from him? It was only sinful!
"—Adamant's metallic body protected him from contamination long enough to get you and a sample of goldnine out of the QZ. His last act was to send a message to me—"
Oh for stars sake, is the Famine Slayer still speaking?
"Yes, yes, yes Chaucer. I'm certain Adamant was appropriately heroic. Heroic enough to risk transporting Levithan's Blood through the city."
Chaucer's gaze pointed at Ibis like knives, "He saved your life."
"I haven't the faintest idea why. I hardly knew the man. Good on him, I suppose."
The Famine Slayer rubbed a hand across his face, massaging his temple. He looked like sleep had evaded him for several nights.
"I see rumors of your . . . disposition were true. Very well, doctor, I will get to the point. In front of you is one of the only samples of goldnine in the world. One of the greatest heroes in the city brought it here at the cost of his life for one simple reason: it is the key ingredient in this."
Chaucer pulled out a glowing slate, biting his thumb and granting the object his blood. Its glow brightened as it began to fade away, Chaucer quickly dropping the now revealed notebook within Ibis' hands.
The doctor parted his longing gaze to look down at the worn book.
Physical media? Ibis frowned. He hadn't seen something like this in years. As he began to read its contents, eyes wide and mouth open, he immediately realized why:
This was an early formula to waken a mage.
Ibis's heart filled with angelic admiration and devilish jealousy. It was crass and primitive, requiring countless hours to refine into something workable, but the theory was sound. Valiant Silver had begun to discover something that had eluded mages across the world for over five decades- how to seed magic into a normal soul.
Whether you were a mage was determined upon your birth, when the Glyph upon your heart formed. The ability to draw upon its power many times did not come until childhood, with only rare cases of young ones able to use magic in their diapers rising now and again. Depending on the strength of their rune, or perhaps even its element, one could even go their entire life without learning of their gifts.
It was no aid that a heart bearing a Glyph seemed random. Two mages having a child had no greater luck in their offspring inheriting their magic then a magicless couple had in birthing an aspiring mage. Millions had been spent by every corporation within Horizon to tease out the secret that determined who was born a mage…
And in Ibis's hand now sat the beginning of that desired truth.
"Valiant Silver was holding out on us! 'Mystic fields' . . . 'backstage' . . . 'sympathetic links' . . . goldnine was the key! I knew it!" Ibis roared.
"Then you can finish it?" Chaucer leaned forward, a ravenous desire lurking in his eyes.
"Can I finish it? Can I finish it? I can finish anything that upstart power-armor jockey started! She wishes she had an ounce of the brilliance that I have in one pinky finger!"
Chaucer began pacing, his eyes filled with an agonizing kind of hope.
"Then . . . then we can rebuild! This was their final contingency. The plan if all hope was lost." Chaucer captured Ibis' arm in a firm grasp. "Doctor. I will provide you with resources, a safe haven, goldnine, anything. Anything if you can complete this formula."
"I'll need test subjects . . ." Ibis said, realizing he should have tempered his reactions, "And equipment from my home lab. Non-negotiable."
"Of course." Chaucer bobbed his head. "And I know people. Good people who would volunteer if it meant saving this city—no. Saving this world."
Ibis greedily rubbed his hands together. "I'll give you an army to lead, Famine Slayer. Just give me what I need."
"Me? No." Chaucer shook his head. "I am no leader. It will not be I who is in charge of Justice Unlimited." Chaucer beckoned with one hand for Ibis to follow him, which he reluctantly did. Again.
They walked back down the hall to the medical wing. They stopped in front of a room labeled "ICU", but did not enter. Instead, Chaucer activated a pane of polarized glass that let them view the room inside. On the other side of the glass, nearly totally hidden by all of the machines keeping them alive, was someone Ibis recognized.
"Oh. Oh. I see."
"Yes, doctor," Chaucer said, "There was one other survivor."
- - - - -
At first, all you are aware of is the ache of your body and the hum of machines. Your head feels like someone tried to kick their way out of it from the inside. You need to use the bathroom, but you don't know where it is and if you also still have legs. You spend a moment annoyed and in pain. That moment is bliss, because, in the next, you remember that your team is dead.
And yet, you persist. That is what a hero does after all. For good or ill, you are…
Lei Zixuan,
Bearer of the Title "Lady Leizi"
A blackened soul, one who would have been lost in the darkness if not for a fated encounter.
You who know of secrets laid undiscovered, whose ear stretched to encompass the entirety of Horizon, the lady who let no whisper wander past her notice.
You who upon your heart is inscribed Lightning. Where the power of godly judgment obeys your command.
You who sat within the shadows, who now must face being brought under the light.
Awaken, and face thy destiny.
For you shall be the one to open Pandora's Box.
- - - - -
PROJECT PANDORA
A reflection in the Mirror, an AU of Project Prometheus.
Realm's Note: This idea has been sitting in my mind for a bit, and now it's done! A fantasy spin on this quest, where instead of superheroes, we have Mages and those who wield the magic arts.
If you have questions, feel free to ask! I've been thinking up stuff for this AU for a while, and I'd be happy to answer!
I tried my best to both keep the spirit of Issue 0.0 while also keeping much of the text, except for the dialogue, unique compared to the original. It striked me that a good AU would no doubt start similarly to its source, and only change more as time moved onward. I hope that's okay with you Bitter.
It's moments like this, you think back to your original team. What would Nora do in a situation like this? Wait, no, that's a terrible example to follow. She would just get angry and start swearing at everyone.
What about Yazmin? She was the most socially-able of all of you. Could you . . no . . . that she's also a poor person to imitate. Yazmin would give a rousing speech to inspire everyone to hold hands and work for the common good.
Not your forte.
Rakeem? No. Just no. Leviathan's Blood, absolutely not.
Who else then? Who would know—
Harper. What would Harper do in a situation like this?
DC 15.
Stat Check: REPUTATION 15. Lady Leizi, Valiant Gold, and Handyman have a combined REPUTATION 16.
The Audience has granted you +4 on this roll.
You rolled: 11.
11 + 0 + 4 = 15. Success!
She would rip and tear, until it was done. But be cute about it.
You smile back at White Hawk. It's a hateful thing, sickly sweet like poisoned honey. And then you speak past him.
"Why, Stockpile, don't you have anything to add?" You tilt your head questioningly at the thief.
He stiffens up as Handyman and Valiant Gold look at you in surprise. But they trust you enough to follow your lead. You all look to the "leader" of Crusade, expectantly.
". . . it's 'Valiant Justice'," he finally says.
"Actually, ain't it 'Valiant Red, White, and Blue'?" Handyman askes, "Doesn't matter, we ain't callin' ya either, Stockpile."
"Stockpile, darlingly, be a dear and verify Valiant Gold's claims, would you?" you ask.
Stockpile tenses. White Hawk's smile slips ever so slightly.
"Why would he do that?" he replies, pleasantly.
"Excuse me, I was talking to Stockpile. Leader to leader, you understand," you say dismissively, "Now, Stockpile, I know Nora put psychic protections in all of her armors. You've butchered her work, but surely you kept those in place, yes?"
He bristles, but stiffly nods. ". . . I did."
"Well, then," you say, clapping your hands together, "The solution is simple. You'll check the logs on Valiant Gold's armor and verify that her armor detected psychic interference right before she discovered Seraph. If the logs don't match, then, of course, we'll give a full apology. But, if they do match . . ."
You look down at Seraph and widen your smile, displaying your teeth.
"Valiant Gold, if you would?"
Valiant Gold holds up her right palm and activates her armor's holographic display. A series of data and charts springs to life, waiting to be examined.
Stockpile steels himself and walks forward. As he does White Hawk turns his gaze to Joules, he slowly leans over and whispers something in his ear. Joules looks confused for a second before his eyes widen and he quickly looks back and forth between White Hawk and Stockpile. Then he races over and grabs the armored boy by the shoulder.
"Hey, VJ, what are you doing? C-come on, man, you ain't fallin' for this shit are you?"
"Language! We're still live after all," Chihiro says, mockingly imitating Juan Bonfim's voice.
"Uhh, sorry? A-anyway, VJ, you can't trust these guys! They're the enemy, remember!"
"Oh?" you say coolly, "We're enemies? I had no idea."
"See!" Joules says eagerly, "That's what I'm talking about! Just look at her! That vixen has a devious mind! She's the one who does all the sneaky shit. Remember? She's a criminal. You can't trust a thing those logs will say! They're obviously faked!"
He sweeps his arm across the set. "This whole thing's a set up! Look, they even have a hostess who's in the tank for them. They're trying to launder their bullshit with a pretty face!"
DC 15.
Stat Check: REPUTATION 10. Lady Leizi, Valiant Gold, and Handyman have a combined REPUTATION 16.
Chihiro uses her skill: You Little Shit!
You rolled: 5.
AUTO-PASS!
You Little Shit!
Chihiro has maintained her journalistic integrity in an industry that demands she abandon it, but she's still got hands. Once per mission, if Chihiro is present in a scene, or reasonably reachable by remote means, you may automatically pass any REPUTATION check where you attempt to damage a foe's credibility or reputation in the eyes of the public, so long as your negative claims are factually accurate.
"Y'know," Chihiro says looking and tapping her chin, "If Justice Unlimited was well-informed enough to know that Seraph was going to be up there and devious enough to come up with a scheme to frame her for using her powers on them. . . then why weren't they smart enough to come up with a way to prove it? Surely there would be better ways than to rely on someone who hates them?"
Joules sputters. "Well, uhhh, that's—"
"Also! I'm surprised to see a former member of Global Justice be so quick to dismiss Justice Unlimited's complaints! Global Justice used to take such a harsh stance against metahuman-based mental manipulation. They had too, with the damage rogue mind-controllers could do to the trust the public had in Justiciar!"
"This is different—!"
"I mean, think about it! Someone like Le Petit Prince starts taking control of people's minds and, suddenly, everyone begins to worry that Justiciar's doing the same thing! That's why she came down so hard on things like this. It was one of her most consistent Edicts!"
"That's—"
"I mean, when you think about it, if what Justice Unlimited says is true, is there really much difference between what Le Petit Prince did to Menagerie Witch and what Seraph tried to do? What would Justiciar think, to see her old subordinates potentially help cover something like this up?"
Stockpile reels like he's been slapped. Joules grabs his other shoulder and pulls him back, and then leans over to talk to Chihiro.
"Listen, sweetcheeks, you don't understand what things were like with the Captain. Maybe I can explain it to you after this over dinner—"
"Oh, I understand plenty," Chihiro interrupts, "And I mostly date girls, but, if I were to make an exception and date a guy, it wouldn't be for a misogynist coward who calls me things like 'sweetcheeks'."
"Uhh—"
"Turn around and get away from me," Chihiro says pleasantly, "Or I will identify your greatest insecurity and use it to destroy you utterly."
"Y-you can't threaten me—!"
"You have that shitty goatee because you're embarrassed by your weak chin."
Joules' hand flies to his chin as his lip quivers. Tears immediately fill his eyes.
"W-what's wrong with my goatee?!"
Meanwhile, Stockpile walks over to Valiant Gold, his posture rigid. You can't see his face through his helmet, but you can just imagine the set of his jaw. Valiant Gold stiffly holds out her display and Stockpile swipes his hand through it and copies the data. He pulls it up on his own screen and begins scrolling through it.
"Valiant Red, White, and Blue, is now truly the time—?" White Hawk begins.
"Quiet," Stockpile barks. He scrolls for a few more seconds and then dismisses the hologram. It's easy to see his hands tremble with rage.
"Seraph," he says, his voice deceptively calm, "You're on indefinite suspension. Get out of here, now. You are confined to your quarters until I return and we discuss the rest of your punishment detail."
He turns to you, his words halting. It seems like he would rather chew glass than say what next comes out of his mouth, but, to his credit, he says it all the same.
"I apologize for my teammate's actions. They are inexcusable." You can see your face reflected in his visor. "She will be disciplined."
Handyman snorts. "Yeah, sure. A slap on the wrist, more like."
Valiant Gold is perfectly still. In your short time with her, you've learned this is a sign that Ellie is moments away from violence.
"I look forward to you sharing the details," you say. You gesture for him to leave the set. "Now, if you would excuse us?"
Stockpile grabs Seraph's arm and pulls her up off the ground. He moves to drag her away, but White Hawk steps in his path.
"Now, there's no need for this, "White Hawk says, "We'll still need to verify the logs are unaltered—"
"They're real," Stockpile interrupts.
"Given Lady Leizi's . . . talents, I'd still like Anansi to check to be sure—"
"You will not undermine my authority," Stockpile growls, leaning close to White Hawk. "I don't care if she's also part of your precious Horae Guard. Down here, this isn't how we operate. If you don't like it, you can fly back to Elysium."
His face is inches from White Hawks. "Do you understand me?"
White Hawk's face goes blank for a moment before he rearranges his expression to something sympathetic. "Of course, we all follow your lead, Valiant Red, White, and Blue. But you can't lose sight of the bigger picture. Think about what you've discovered. Justice Unlimited is dangerous. If your findings are correct, their 'Project Prometheus' threatens the safety of the very world."
Stockpile tenses again.
"We cannot give up this opportunity," White Hawk says, soothingly, "Do not allow them to use Seraph's indiscretions to distract from the threat they pose."
"Yeah, uh, excuse me. Question!" Handyman calls with his hand raised, "What the hell is 'Project Prometheus'?"
DC 13.
Stat Check: ESPIONAGE 10. Lady Leizi, Valiant Gold, and Handyman have a combined ESPIONAGE 21.
You rolled: 12.
12 + 5 = 17. Success!
That throws them for a loop.
"What are you talking about?" Stockpile demands, "It's your initiative."
"Uhhh, no it ain't?" Handyman says, looking genuinely bewildered, "I've never heard of it, and I've been with JU since the Movement. Lady Leizi, you been holding out on me?"
"Of course not, darling," you say, suppressing your smile. Rhys truly is a treasure, isn't he?
"See! She don't know either," Handyman says, "And she'd tell me if she did. We're tight like that. That's why I can call her 'Double L'."
You hide your internal wince. Oh, you will make Handyman pay for that one.
White Hawk gives another of his customary smiles. "Handyman—"
"Mister Handyman."
White Hawk's smile becomes a trifle fixed. "Very well, Mr. Handyman—"
"Mr. Handyman, sir."
You hear Chihiro snicker behind you.
". . . Handyman," White Hawk says, ignoring him, "I'm not certain what you're playing at. Black Swan confirmed the existence of Project Prometheus on live TV, during Crusade's debut."
"No, she didn't," Valiant Gold cuts in immediately, "She said this Project Prometheus is 'what you really care about'."
"Indeed," you agree, "A fictional boogeyman you could use as a pretext to take whatever action you wished against Justice Unlimited, including. . .
You give Seraph a meaningful look.
". . . this."
Stockpile looks away, and you can just imagine his scowl. White Hawk's expression remains the same except for his eyes, which open slightly. They're cold as ice and sharp as daggers.
"Tell me," you say, adjusting your sunglasses and matching his gaze, "Where did you even get this name, 'Project Prometheus'? Do you have a source? Or did you just pull it whole-cloth from out of the ether?"
"The information came from the Brass," Stockpile admits.
"And where did they get it?" Valiant Gold shoots back. You see the way she and Stockpile look at each other. The genuine hatred in the air is so thick you could cut it with a knife.
"Classified."
"Bullshit," Handyman snorts, "I bet it was Faust. He was spouting crap about 'Project Prometheus' when he was threatening us with Scarlet Maturity. And you see how that worked out for him."
"Christopher Mason is no longer the CEO of Dominion Security Concerns, and has no involvement with Crusade," White Hawk says smoothly.
"Ha!" Chihiro laughs. She covers her mouth and blushes when everyone looks at her.
White Hawk's face remains pleasantly aloof. "Of course, you cannot expect us to reveal the names of confidential sources live on television, can you? It could put their lives at risk."
"How convenient," you say, with a put-upon sigh, "You're able to make representations about their information without subjecting them to questioning, is it?"
Some of your annoyance is feigned. You didn't expect them to actually reveal their source. Honestly, Handyman was probably correct; their informant was most likely Faust. He didn't call it by name, but he knew of the existence of something like Project Prometheus. As for how he did . . .
Black Swan's description of the creature spying on you comes to mind. It was the best explanation. Did Faust have some connection with that thousand-eyed creature?
"All of this could be cleared up if you would submit to an audit!" Stockpile snaps, jolting you from your thoughts, "If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear."
"My, an 'audit'? And just who would conduct that audit? You?" you ask, acidly.
"No," Valiant Gold says, rejecting the idea immediately, "Lady Leizi, he's a thief. He's already stolen Valiant Silver's work; he's just going to take whatever else he sees."
"I am trying to stop her madness, not perpetuate it!" Stockpile shouts, "I've seen the proof—what she's done. Do you have any idea what you're doing by continuing to wear that armor she's made? Do you know what powers it?"
"Yes," Valiant Gold snaps. She holds up her hand and points at herself with her thumb, "Me."
Valiant Gold's helmet retracts, leaving her head uncovered. A domino mask on her face preserves her identity.
"I'm a metahuman only in a very technical sense. My mind constantly produces a low amount of psychic energy. It's an entirely useless power, except it's able to power the EXCEED-BEYOND armor I wear."
Valiant Gold's helmet reforms around her head. The eyes on her helmet narrow.
"Now, tell us what powers your armor."
DC 18.
Stat Check: REPUTATION 10. Lady Leizi, Valiant Gold, and Handyman have a combined REPUTATION 16.
You rolled: 6.
6 + 3 = 9. Failure!
"Don't try and turn this around!" he snarls, "I'm not the one threatening humanity!"
Valiant Gold continues glaring at him, but then she tilts her head ever-so-slightly, as if she's listening to something.
Minor Success: DC 5. Moderate Success: DC 10. Major Success: DC 15.
Stat Check: OPERATIONS 10. Valiant Gold has OPERATIONS 9.
"Wait . . ." she says, almost absently, "When we clashed at the memorial, you kept pinging my psychic protections . . ."
She stops talking and stares out into space long enough that Handyman shifts uneasily and puts his hand on her shoulder.
"Uhh, VG . . .?"
"He can't power it the same way I do, he's not using his power like Valiant Silver did, so it has to be an external psychic field, so that means . . ."
Valiant Gold's eyes snap to Stockpile in realization.
". . . so you power it with other people's psychic fields. That's what your armor was doing to trigger my defenses at the memorial."
Stockpiles flinch is all the confirmation anyone needs.
"But that's not it, is it?" Valiant Gold says in the same dreamy tone, "Because, then, how would your armor operate normally? You have to have another external energy source, and it has to be big—"
"As fascinating as this digression is," White Hawk interrupts, "We've strayed far from our original purpose here. Crusade, and the public at large, has grave concerns about Justice Unlimited's conduct, and we hope you can alleviate them here and now."
Valiant Gold snaps out of her fugue and grabs her head while shaking it. You look over in concern, but she quickly waves you off.
"Such altruism," you drawl in response, "And are those concerns real, or about phantoms like 'Project Prometheus'?"
White Hawk nods his head. "Our concerns that you're tampering with the Looming God aside, there is also the matter of your conduct with regard to Monarch and her forces. Justice Unlimited has essentially taken no action against the tyrant in the NID. And when she forced the issue and attacked your memorial, you capitulated to her demands instead of standing your ground."
"Funny, I remember punching that Heracles guy a lot," Handyman replies, "Did they go and change the definition of 'capitulate' and not tell me?"
"I am, of course, talking about the innocent girl Justice Unlimited returned to Monarch's clutches," White Hawk says, "Why, you went so far as to strike myself in order to hand her back over to a gang of the most depraved metahumans in the world. The charitable interpretation of this is 'capitulation'."
There's an angelic malice in his eyes, the judgment of the divine on mortals.
"The uncharitable interpretation would be 'collusion'."
"Again, did you miss the part where we threw down with those guys?!" Handyman shouts, "I nearly got an acid bath there!"
"My team ably repelled Monarch," you say coldly, "Substantiate your claims or withdraw them."
"Ah, no offense intended, of course," he lies, "My compliments to your team. Six metahumans who held the line, was it? And the four representatives from Justice Unlimited were all so inexperienced. One must wonder where you found all of these burgeoning talents."
DC 15.
Stat Check: ESPIONAGE 10. Lady Leizi, Valiant Gold, and Handyman have a combined ESPIONAGE 21.
You rolled: 12.
12 + 5 = 17. Success!
"I believe we just spent the better part of two hours answering that question," you say dryly, "Were you not paying attention? You missed a wonderful program."
"Yes, such neat explanations," the Crusader answers, "Justice Unlimited has truly been blessed with an assortment of powerful metahumans. Why, even well-known heroes such as Châtelet are displaying power and competence not seen before!"
He looks over your shoulder to where the rest of your team watches off-set.
"Menagerie Witch, so young, yet already so powerful. Handyman, a shapeshifting powerhouse, capable in both combat and espionage. And Black Swan, a rookie heroine who happens to have the power to defeat Scarlet Maturity. The very person whom Justice Unlimited swore to destroy. Truly, it is all a sign of great fortune."
His gaze turns sharp, like a bird of prey.
"Or, perhaps Justice Unlimited made their own luck."
You keep your face perfectly neutral, even as your heart pounds in your chest. You feign annoyance and give him an unimpressed look.
"Darling, just say what you mean. We're well past the point of trading veiled barbs."
White Hawk smiles at you. "Reports abound of the metahumans in Monarch's employ displaying previously-undisplayed abilities. Her forces also seem to be enhanced. Perhaps she's discovered some method of strengthening metahumans? And chosen to share it with Justice Unlimited in exchange for . . . leniency."
"Again punching," Handyman shouts, exasperated.
"Or," Stockpiles follows up, "It's something more dire. The footage of your confrontation with Powers proved that they were using Scarlet Maturity's true abilities to enhance the powers of their members. It also showed that Faust was seeking to extract information from Justice Unlimited. We believe that was because Justice Unlimited has a similar metahuman enhancement program."
Minor Success: DC 5. Moderate Success: DC 10. Major Success: DC 15.
Stat Check: REPUTATION 13. Lady Leizi, Valiant Gold, and Handyman have a combined REPUTATION 16.
You rolled: 8.
The Audience has granted you +1 on this roll.
8 + 1 + 1 = 10. Moderate Success!
"Almost" only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades.
That accusation is so close to the mark that it makes your heart skip a beat. However, it's also so close that it's the perfect cover. You can hear a susurration coming from the crew around the set, one that you have to imagine is mirrored by the viewing audience at home.
"That can't be right. Justice Unlimited can't enhance the powers of metahumans . . . right? They can't be dealing with Monarch."
You maintain your cool demeanor and give a dismissive laugh. "I'm flattered by your belief in us, but no such 'metahuman enhancement project' exists. Châtelet has rediscovered her confidence having escaped from under the thumb of her abusive cousin, Menagerie Witch was forced to develop her power to save herself from Le Petit Prince, and Black Swan was trained by Uiara because of the power she wields, not the other way around."
"Even if something like that did exist," Valiant Gold spits, "What right does that give you to demand an audit? How does that justify attacking us with a telepath?"
"Because," Stockpile growls at his mirror, "Justice Unlimited is enhancing its members by taking power from the Leviathan!"
You could hear a pin drop in the stunned silence that follows that proclamation.
". . . fuckin' what?" Handyman says, bewildered.
"We know Valiant Silver was experimenting on the Leviathan, because Uiara saw fit to warn her father of her madness," Stockpile says, "I refuse to believe that you, Lady Leizi, were ignorant of what she was doing. But why? Why tamper with something so dangerous? To make Justice Unlimited even more powerful."
". . . is that even possible?" you ask, nonplussed. You're so baffled by his assertion that you're not even offended by his accusation.
DC 15.
Stat Check: OPERATIONS 10. Valiant Gold has OPERATIONS 9.
You rolled: 11.
11 + 0 + 5 (???????-????) = 17. Success!
"Yes . . . it is," Valiant Gold says, her voice far away, "It would be incredibly fucking dangerous however. You need one hell of a psychic-siphon; something stupidly huge. And it would be inefficient as shit. You would need to practically live in it for years for it to have any noticeable effect."
"Dang, really?" Handyman says, genuinely surprised, "Wow. You really know your stuff, VG."
You also blink at Valiant Gold's insight. You knew she had been meticulously studying Nora's work, but you had no idea she had mastered it to this extent. But something else also tickles you about her words . . .
Since when did Ellie swear that much?
Valiant Gold shakes her head again and rubs her forehead. "If we had something that big, there would be no way to hide it. You can plainly see we don't."
"Again," White Hawk says, his voice perfectly reasonable, "Simply allowing Valiant Red, White, and Blue to inspect the Apiary would alleviate these concerns—"
"Concerns you're inventing," you say, tartly.
Minor Success: DC 5. Moderate Success: DC 10. Major Success: DC 15.
Stat Check: REPUTATION 15. Lady Leizi, Valiant Gold, and Handyman have a combined REPUTATION 16.
You rolled: 14.
14 + 5 (Seraph was Caught Red-Handed) = 19. Major Success!
"I assure you—"
"I care nothing for your assurances," you snarl. You've finally had enough. "Just as I do not care for the Elysium Station's transparent attempts to take control of Horizon-proper!"
You feel something hot and angry welling up in your chest, something you usually push down. "Control" has always been the word that has defined your life; being able to control your emotions was the reason you survived into adulthood. However, it has also inhibited you. Stopped you expressing yourself, from letting people see the real you. And what you need now is authenticity in order to smack down this smug child and his smiles that don't reach his eyes.
"You may not care about the bodies you must climb over in your bid for power, but I do," you continue, "I have lived in Horizon my whole life. I am one it's people. And I am the only person here who fought the Leviathan and held my ground."
That last line is directed with a withering glare at Joules, who still has a hand protectively over his horrid goatee.
"Justice Unlimited has always stood for the idea that heroism is a form of solidarity. We protect others, not for profit, but simply because they are fellow humans and therefore entitled to their dignity. We are guardians, not custodians."
The feelings that you were taught by your team bubble on your tongue and coalesce into the words you could never find before now.
"Justice Unlimited is mighty because we care for others and are cared for in turn."
You jab an angry finger at White Hawk. "Heroes should help people, not starve a borough and attack other metahumans live on TV! How rich it is that Crusade feels entitled to invade the minds of those who disagree with it! Especially when it is little more than an opportunistic grab for power by three megacorporations in a trench coat!"
"Oh, snap," Handyman whispers, putting his hands over his nonexistent mouth.
"But you cannot control the world. Just as you cannot control fate," you say, "The most you can do is help the person next to you and ask that they help the person next to them. That is the only true way to change the world around you."
You stare down White Hawk, whose smile is now nearly completely gone.
"That is a lesson you will have to learn if you truly want to call yourself a 'hero'. Though, I suspect you are indifferent to the term." You shake your head. "I do not respect Crusade. I do not submit to your moral authority to 'audit' us and look for misdeeds. Leave. And if you ever harm a member of my team—no, of my family again, I will destroy you in one moment and forget you ever existed in the next.
You look at Seraph, cowering behind White Hawk. "Oh, and Shiloh Stetson?"
Her head whips over to face you, her mouth open in shock. You give the telepath the same smile you gave Foxglove.
"You may wish to consider returning to Elysium."
She shivers in terror. White Hawk narrows his eyes at you. Yes, you say back, silently, Even his precious Horae Guard cannot completely escape your web.
Stockpile steps forward. "Is that a threat—?"
"You should be ashamed," you growl, "I did not know Justiciar well enough to guess how she would feel, but I knew Steadfast. Do you know what Lamar Thompson told me the night we met? 'Do not end up like me.' A weapon. A tool for others. Lamar knew he was being used by Global Justice, and he loathed himself enough to think he deserved it. Do you think he would be proud of you, becoming just like the person hated most?"
"You didn't know him!" Stockpile roars.
"I knew him all too well; I was engaged to his son!"
The unearthly, delighted gasp Chihiro lets out nearly derails your train of thought. Valiant Gold's eyes widen, while Handyman contorts his face into a cartoonish caricature of surprise.
. . . it's technically true. Rakeem had bought you the ring after all; he simply hadn't gotten around to giving it to you yet.
Stockpile crumples in on himself. "He . . . he wouldn't . . . the First Lieutenant . . ."
He can't bring himself to say the words. He knows the truth.
He should be ashamed.
"I think we're done here." You turn to Chihiro and bow slightly in apology. "I think this has been enough excitement for everyone. Justice Unlimited will be taking our leave. Thank you, Ms. Takanashi, for your time."
You move to leave, but White Hawk rushes forward. "I don't believe we're quite finished. Crusade still has a few more questions on behalf of the public—"
The sound of your palm hitting flesh rings across the set, followed by a gentle discharge of lightning. Not enough to be considered an attack, but enough to make sure White Hawk feels the slap.
And that you don't break your hand.
His eyes bulge as his head turns and you inadvertently scrape off the make-up that was covering the bruise on his cheek. My, it seems Valiant Gold's attack had more of an effect than he first let on. White Hawk himself is stunned, like he can't comprehend what just happened.
"Begone, little bird," you whisper, "Fly back to your roost in the sky."
You pivot in place and march out with Valiant Gold and Handyman. You see the rest of your team waiting, ready for this long day to be over.
But as you leave, the final look White Hawk gave you stays vivid in your memory. A face as still as untouched snow, housing eyes burning with a grudge deep enough to drown the world.
Lady Leizi gains +1 to her REPUTATION.
* * *
Horizon, City of Leviathan's Rest–The Apiary– January 18, 2068
Later that day, you sit in the conference room with your much-subdued team.
Opale is seated, staring into the mug of tea in her hands. Rhys lounges next to her, while John Henry sits with Sandra glued to his side. Maddie looks the worst of all, her face pale and eyes hooded. Chaucer is next to her, guarding her like an irritable hound.
"Madeline," Chaucer says, "Are you certain you wouldn't rather be at home—?"
"No," Maddie says quickly, "Those fucksticks aren't going to make me go hide in bed. I'm not even sensitive to psychic attacks like Mona."
"But—"
"I. Am. Not. Running."
". . . of course."
The room falls into morose silence until—
"Hey, question," Rhys says. He's back in his human form. "Why are we actin' all mopey? We won! Fuck those guys!"
Opale looks up at him. "What do you mean?"
"Whaddya mean, 'what do I mean'? We won! Everyone saw Crusade look like a bunch of assholes, no one knows about Project Prometheus, and Double L got to slap the most slappable face in the city. We won!"
"He's right, you know," you say, smiling at Rhys, "Crusade is doing their best to limit the fallout, but they have enough uncomfortable questions to answer that their 'concerns' about us are no longer in front of public consciousness."
You gain +5 to your roll counteracting Crusade's next attack on your REPUTATION next turn! Justice Unlimited has garnered enough public support that Crusade's next attack on your REPUTATION will automatically fail!
Opale gives a small smile. "Huh . . . I guess we did win."
"I'll say!" Sandra whoops, "Everyone on Hero for Hire is talking about how badass Lady Leizi is and how Crusade is creepy. Justice Unlimited stocks are going up, baby!"
". . . they're also lusting over White Hawk," John Henry rumbles, "It seems pretty-boy has gained himself a number of fans. And that thief is being praised for 'doing the right thing' and calling out Seraph. It seems she's the one getting thrown under the bus in all this."
"Surely there will be other consequences!" Chaucer says, outraged, "People cannot seriously believe she was acting of her own initiative."
"People will believe whatever they're told, because people are damn fools," John Henry spits.
Sandra pokes him in the side. "Sugarboots, I told you already: you're handsome when you're filled with righteous anger, but, if you don't calm down, I'm not wearing that thing you like after the kids go to bed tonight."
"P-pookie!"
"Don't 'pookie' me, Mr. Superhero!" Sandra says, pulling back from him, "You're the old man on this team. Start acting like a damn example!"
Everyone laughs as John Henry's face colors and he ducks his head. Sandra laughs too and then leans over to peck him on the lips.
You feel very pleased with yourself for inviting her to join you. The mood in the room has lightened. Sandra leans around John Henry and speaks to Opale.
"Say, Opale, are you back on the market yet? 'Cuz my cousin just got divorced and she's a doctor . . ."
"Uhhhh," Opale says, turning bright red, "Umm, thanks? But I'm so not ready for that right now. W-what about . . . Rhys!"
Rhys looks at her in disbelief. "Opie, I'm gay."
"I know, I panicked!"
"Y'know, my sister's husband's brother just got out of jail . . ." Sandra says, tapping her chin.
"Hell no."
"He was in jail for running a pirated-media site."
"Oh no," Handyman whispers, "Nerds are my weakness."
"Oho, I'll give him a text! And don't worry everyone else, we will absorb you into this family. One way or another!"
"Resistance is futile," John Henry says, nodding sagely.
Sandra looks over at Maddie, who crosses her arms. She shakes her head slowly. "Don't even think about it, lady. My sexuality is one big question mark."
That makes everyone laugh again, and a pleasant chatter breaks out. It seems like things are winding down until the frivolity is interrupted by a knock on the door.
Ah, you were expecting this. You go to answer it while Rhys looks around.
"Where the hell are Mona and Ellie anyway?"
"Mona was still out of it when we got back. It seemed like a better idea to just let her go home," Opale explains, "Ellie said she'd walk her back."
"So we all agree those two are in love, right?" Chihiro says, walking from the door where you let her in, "Because they're totally in love."
"Ms. Takanashi! What an expected surprise!" Chaucer exclaims. His shock is mirrored by everyone else.
"Oh, don't be like that. I had to come here after seeing the two of them," Chihiro says, taking a seat, "I mean, did you hear Valiant Gold? 'What did you do to Black Swan?!' When the rest of her team got whammied too? And she and Black Swan supposedly don't get along? Yeah, that's a pair of frenesbians if I ever saw one."
"Whammied?" Rhys asks.
". . . frenesbians?" Opale inquires.
"Yeah! Whammied! Bamboozled! Borked! Zonked! Y'know, messing with your head but shy of mind control?" Chihiro says, waving her arms, "And they're friendly-enemy-lesbians: frenesbians! Try to keep up!"
You do nothing to hide the twitch of your lips. Chaucer clears his throat.
"Ah, I . . . see. Pardon my directness, Ms. Takanashi, but why is it that you're here?"
"I need two favors," she says immediately.
"Ah, yes, of course. Name them."
"Well, I punched Juan Bonfim in his stupid, perfect face before handing in my letter of resignation at the station so . . . I need a new job and somewhere to lay low in case I'm wanted for assault."
"And I've already agreed," you chime in, "Everyone welcome our new Director of Communications!"
"Ah, bully then!" Chaucer says, nonplussed.
"Hell yeah, welcome aboard!"
"Oh wow. This is . . . going to affect our budget even more, isn't it? I mean, I'm glad to have you! {But where is the money gonna come from . . .?!"}"
"I need my own line of marketable plushies for my menagerie, yesterday."
"So my sister's husband's brother just got out of jail and—"
"Pookie, no."
"Pookie, yes!"
"One at a time, one at a time!" Chihiro says, grinning broadly, "But first, a question. Project Prometheus is totally a thing and you were fucking with Crusade, right?"
Everyone in the room shares a glance. You put a hand on the shoulder of the newest member of your staff.
"Darling, you have no idea . . ."
Takanashi Chihiro joins as an affiliate member! You gain access to her skills, The No Spin Zone (Now with Spin) and You Little Shit!
+1 Global Action! New Global Actions unlocked!
* * *
You are Noelle "Ellie" Han.
You're exhausted and emotionally drained, but sleep eludes you. You lay in your bed, staring at the ceiling. Your feelings are a tangled snarl in your breast.
Black Swan was so disoriented that she didn't fully grasp what Crusade had done to her. She was in no state to do anything but go home and rest, and Châtelet agreed when you told her. You could have let her find Black Swan own way home, but the idea of letting her out of your sight filled your heart with dread. So, you walked her home.
The whole time, she was in a daze. She babbled about her favorite television shows, her superhero memorabilia collection . . . and then she started talking about you.
". . . I don't want her to hate me! But I can't stop putting my stupid foot in my mouth wherever I talk to her! It's like, she's so pretty and, whenever I see her, my brain just starts going 'beep-boop, time to self-destruct'. What am I going to dooooooooo?"
You tried to ignore the way your heart flipped in your chest. Black Swan had no idea what she was saying—she . . . she may as well have been drunk. She was just rambling.
". . . I don't hate you," you muttered.
"Huh?" She looked at you like she just realized you were there for the first time. "Ellie! Oh, Ellie, hiiiiiii! You should leave before I accidentally say something that makes you hate me again."
"I don't hate you," you repeated, louder, "You're an amazing hero. You're powerful, you're kind, you . . . you make people believe things can be better. You're the reason no one died at the memorial. I . . . I was useless without you."
You look down.
"You what a hero should be. I admire you. I just wish I knew why you hated me."
"I don't hate you! I have a curse! The turbo-fumble! I'm cursed with the turbo-fuuuuuuuuumble!"
"Right."
"Noooooo, believe me, please! It's that I . . . I don't feel so good. Where am I? Why . . . my head hurts."
Your heart started racing for a different reason. "Black Swan . . . Mona, stay with me, please. We're almost home where you can rest."
You desperately tried to remember everything Nora ever wrote about psychic interference. Could this be permanent? Was Mona in danger—
She'll be fine. Just needs a nap
—before you realized Seraph wasn't powerful enough, and wasn't with Mona long enough, to possibly damage her in any significant capacity. Psychic manipulation with long-term, lasting effects was nearly impossible without a dedicated power. If Mona wasn't a vegetable now, she would be fine.
". . . don't go," Mona said, clinging to you.
"I—"
"Don't go."
"Yeah . . . of course. I'm not going anywhere."
Mona wouldn't release you until you brought her home, and even then she petulantly refused to let you leave. She made you come with her into her room, only allowing you out of sight to change, and begged you to stay while she climbed in bed. She clung to your hand like a life-preserver as she drifted off to sleep.
". . . don't go," she mumbled sleepily.
"Okay," you whispered back. She closed her eyes, and, in seconds, her chest began moving with the steady rhythm of sleep.
You could have left then, but you found yourself strangely reluctant to. You watched her face as she slept, an expression of innocence. You tucked a stray hair behind her ear and felt a sense of peace you didn't even realize you were craving.
Ever since Mom died, you've been running. With your girls, with Lady Leizi, even after meeting Nora. Nowhere felt permanent. You were . . . unmoored. Adrift.
Now, you felt like you were home.
Okay, but why?
You started at Mona, trying to find the answer to that question, before finally giving up and letting yourself out of her room.
Where her mother was waiting for you.
Marisa Morales-Merola was a formidable woman who did not so much as ask you to stay for dinner as insisted. The next hour was a grueling examination of who you were, your past, and your connection to Mona. You explained the current situation to her, and profusely apologized for Mona's condition.
At the end of it, you felt like you had gone another round with Warpstar. You worried there would be more, but Marisa had just clapped you on the shoulder and said she "approved". She then gave you enough leftovers to eat for a week and sent you home.
. . . how in the world did Mona have any friends if her mother was this meticulous about screening them?
You stare at your spartan room as you replay the memories in your head. Mona's room had been filled with all kinds of decorations and personal touches. You have . . . a desk.
Maybe you do need a hobby.
You huff and resolve to get a motorcycle while you turn over in bed. But your jumbled mind still won't let you sleep. Stupid feelings. Stupid Crusade. Stupid bastard-thief Stockpile. How did he power his armor when not in combat? The answer had seemed so obvious for a moment, but it had slipped away like water cupped in your hands. What was it?!
DC 15.
Stat Check: OPERATIONS 15. Valiant Gold has OPERATIONS 9.
You rolled: 11.
11 - 3 + 5 (???????-????) = 13. Failure!
. . . the answer eludes you.
Great, now you're annoyed too. Everything Crusade said tonight was odd. They picked up on the fact that the number of new, powerful metahumans Justice Unlimited found was unusual, but then they devolved into a conspiracy theory about using the Leviathan to enhance metahuman powers. It's like the idea of creating metahumans never occurred to them.
Why were they so hung up on the Leviathan?
You finally feel yourself drifting off. Stupid White Hawk. He spoke like he was making a grand proclamation, as if he had deduced what Project Prometheus truly was. Why would he think anyone would even try to use the Leviathan that way?
Luck Check: 13! Lucky!
As sleep claims you, a familiar voice rings in your ears.
Because maybe someone else already has.
You bolt up in bed, adrenaline surging in your veins. Your head is pounding but the pain is muted. Like you've been struck in the head by a mallet wrapped in cotton. But, try as you might and as desperately as you want to, you can't hear the voice anymore.
"N-nora . . . ?"
In the next few days, Lady Leizi has a lunch arranged with Yara and Belle Sabreuse. It will be at Yara's residence in the Foot. All members of Justice Unlimited will be in attendance. Please detail what equipment you wish to give each member. You have 4 shield generators and 1 healing symbiote.
[ ] Equipment Plan [Write-in]
Next, how are you approaching this meeting? Lady Leizi does not know much at all about Yara, aside from what was in Yazmin's video. Yazmin never talked about her sister.
[ ] Approach like this is an extraction operation.
Yara is in grave danger from a rogue power-copier who has operated for years, undetected. Socialite Butterfly has already attempted to abduct her, and Belle Sabreuse can't keep her safe forever. Impress upon her the danger she is in and convince her to come with you to Apiary.
[ ] Approach like a recruitment pitch.
Yazmin wanted you to protect her sister. Well, you have on way to make sure she will always have the power to protect herself. Invite her to participate in Project Prometheus and join Justice Unlimited. Give her the chance to be just like her sister.
[ ] Approach this like a lunch.
You have your ulterior motives, but you're dealing with a socially-isolated girl who has no one she can trust. You don't know anything about her, and she doesn't know anything about you. If you are to convince her of anything—especially the sincerity of your desire to protect her—you need trust first. Get to know her.
♦Topic: Justice Unlimited Team Interviews (Edit: ft. Crusade Fuckery)
In: Boards ► Horizon Groups
►Hyperbola (Original Poster)
Posted on January 16, 2068:
In case anyone is not aware, Justice Unlimited got itself a series of interviews in Takanashi Chihiro's show in Ọsanyìn Centralized News; they're slated to be interviewed the day after tomorrow (the day after the memorial). Frankly, it's about time. I guess they've been very busy, but knowing what the current team is like would reassure people that Justice Unlimited is back.
Edit: It appears the interviews are still on at the same time as they were scheduled, despite Monarch interrupting the memorial; thankfully there were no casualties.
Edit 2: Holy shit.
Edit 3: For newcomers to the thread: The full video of the interviews and Crusade's appearance can be found [here] (with a mirror [here] in case that first video gets taken down).
(Showing page 10 of 93)
►King Suzaku
Posted on January 18, 2068:
Bro what the hell is with these questions? The Printemps one seemed to make Chatelet upset, and the Valiant Silver one got a rise out of Doctor Silver, but seeing Menagerie Witch shutting down like that made my heart fall a bit. That's just… No. Awful.
►Legf202
Posted on January 18, 2068:
Awful is the right word to describe what happened to Menagerie Witch. No wonder she was saying she'd be coming after Le Petit Prince. And yikes, Black Swan really popped off. I guess anyone would be angry at that being said to their friend.
►ReiOfSunshine
Posted on January 18, 2068:
That definitely wasn't the usual Mona. I've never seen her so angry before…
►REALEarthenOwl (Powers) (Verified User)
Posted on January 18, 2068:
I have mixed feelings about Black Swan, but that angry outburst definitely felt weird. She was very restrained and peppy when we dueled.
►An Apple
Posted on January 18, 2068:
Mixed feelings? Didn't her kicking SM in the balls lead to the suspension of the Powers-Faust contracts? Don't you technically owe her your freedom?
►REALEarthenOwl (Powers) (Verified User)
Posted on January 18, 2068:
Well, yes, but I could have been the one to die from her doing that in the first place!
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 9, 10, 11 … 93
Notice: Additional messages have been posted. Please go to a more recent page to view them.
(Showing page 19 of 93)
►Hyperbola (Original Poster)
Posted on January 18, 2068:
yo what the fuck
►ReiOfSunshine
Posted on January 18, 2068:
Is that fucking Seraph from Crusade???
►An Apple
Posted on January 18, 2068:
Crusade is here?!?
►Legf202
Bruh is Valiant Gold right? Did Seraph seriously mind-whammy Justice Unlimited in the middle of their interviews???
►Centientpede
Posted on January 18, 2068:
Wait, White Hawk and Stockpile and Joules are there too???
►Sweetwoman
Posted on January 18, 2068:
Anyone else notice how Valiant Gold immediately jumped to get angry on Black Swan's behalf even though presumably the entire team got a bit whammied? Is anyone else seeing something here?
►Hyperbola (Original Poster)
Posted on January 18, 2068: This is not the moment, but yes!
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 18, 19, 20 … 93
Notice: Additional messages have been posted. Please go to a more recent page to view them.
(Showing page 22 of 93)
►MsPiggy
Posted on January 18, 2068:
…did they seriously try to sneak Crusade into Chihiro's own segment without her knowing? That's fucked up from the Osanyin execs.
►WaRpStAr
Posted on January 18, 2068:
ThAt JuAn BoNfIm SuCkS aSs. My OsHi DoEs NoT dEsErVe ThIs TrEaTmEnT.
►MsPiggy
Posted on January 18, 2068:
…Are you the actual Warpstar or just someone pretending to be him?
►WaRpStAr
Posted on January 18, 2068:
OnE oF tHoSe, FoR sUrE.
►MsPiggy
Posted on January 18, 2068:
My head is starting to hurt from all these revelations.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 21, 22, 23 … 93
Notice: Additional messages have been posted. Please go to a more recent page to view them.
(Showing page 26 of 93)
►King Suzaku
Posted on January 18, 2068:
Jesus fuck, LightningRod was real.
►Sweetwoman
Posted on January 18, 2068:
I KNEW IT HOLY SHIT
►TSIU_Buy
Posted on January 19, 2068:
I AM DRAWING AS I TYPE THIS
►LL_Fanclub
Posted on January 18, 2068:
NOOOOO IT WAS TRUEEEEE
THE SHIP SUNK BEFORE IT REACHED ITS DESTINATION
►SanityMeasurer
Posted on January 18, 2068:
Between what Chihiro said about Justiciar and what LL said about Steadfast, I really wouldn't wanna be in Stockpile's position.
►MsPiggy
Posted on January 18, 2068:
Yeah, it's gonna get overshadowed by the LightningRod reveal but goddamn Stockpile got verbally destroyed.
►Centientpede
Posted on January 18, 2068:
I'm jealous, I wanna be verbally destroyed like that too by Lady Leizi.
►Narrowheaded
Posted on January 18, 2068:
Let's move right along, shall we?
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 25, 26, 27 … 93
Notice: Additional messages have been posted. Please go to a more recent page to view them.
(Showing page 30 of 93)
►SanityMeasurer
Posted on January 18, 2068:
Goddamn. That was one hell of an exit. She's totally right, too. It's a joke to think that the megacorps care about the little people. Why should anyone trust Crusade after this awful display?
►ReiOfSunshine
Posted on January 18, 2068:
God, she's so elegant and dignified.
►LL_Fanclub
Posted on January 18, 2068:
She's SO hot.
►Centientpede
Posted on January 18, 2068:
I'm jealous. I wish she'd slap me like that.
►Narrowheaded
Posted on January 18, 2068:
Can you guys stop for like ten seconds?
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 29, 30, 31 … 93
Notice: Additional messages have been posted. Please go to a more recent page to view them.
(Showing page 50 of 93)
►What? (Moderator)
Posted on January 19, 2068:
For the record, his name is Valiant Red, White, and Blue.
►LunarCrystalY
Posted on January 19, 2068:
No it is not.
►TaurusKiss
Posted on January 19, 2068:
No it isn't.
►Sweetwoman
Posted on January 19, 2068:
It really isn't.
►AmbiguousHinderance
Posted on January 19, 2068:
You can't force me to call him that.
►MsPiggy
Posted on January 19, 2068:
Or me.
►WaRpStAr
Posted on January 19, 2068:
He DiDnT eVeN sEeM tO lIkE bEiNg CaLleD tHaT, tBh.
►TSIU_Buy
Posted on January 19, 2068:
I've not been given a single fanart commission for him in his armor yet, honestly.
►Hyperbola (Original Poster)
Posted on January 19, 2068:
If a name does not stick to you, that is simply not your name.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 49, 50, 51 … 93
Notice: Additional messages have been posted. Please go to a more recent page to view them.
(Showing page 93 of 93)
►BChain
Posted on January 19, 2068:
Look, I'm just saying, if Stockpile hadn't confirmed it, it would probably have become another run-of-the-mill he-said she-said sort of awful situation where people just can't make enough of a judgment call based on evidence and it becomes a contest of who the public likes more. He did the bare minimum, at least.
►Hyperbola (Original Poster)
Posted on January 19, 2068:
The bare minimum shouldn't be celebrated, though. Why should we have to settle for just that?
►EffaciousAnteater
Posted on January 19, 2068:
Holy shit. I go to bed early for one day because worked overtime and this happens. Wow. Maybe someone's made an in-depth analysis video by now, maybe? Woof. I'm gonna be thinking about this all week.
►DrFartDFA
Posted on January 19, 2068:
cursade is still in the right, it's just Serph that fuced up. White Hawk did literally nothing wrong!!
►TaurusKiss
Posted on January 19, 2068:
I keep watching the part where Valiant Gold says you'd need something stupidly big to have a working psychic siphon. I keep feeling like there's something there but I don't know what. Something obvious. But what?
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 92, 93
I was working on this omake before the update dropped, which is how I got it out so quickly. It's not as good as I was hoping it'd come out, but I feel like it touches upon the important bits. Forum-style interludes are hard to do, though - I don't think I'll put out another.
