"Excuse me," she says, grabbing something out of his hand. It's a palm-sized screen with a small wand on the back.

"What's that—?" you ask.

"A scanner of some sort," she says in a flat voice, "He was using it on you when he thought you were distracted."
He was trying to scan her to create a device to counter her powers most likely. She is the most powerful of the group after all.
 
Phantom Modules: Guardian and Popstar — SolarGemX New
Author notes:
Thanks to TheTrueRealmWalker for suggesting this, Hopefully it looks good. Told ya I was writing something as the update dropped.

Phantom Modules: Guardian and Popstar
By SolarGemX

Soundtrack: N/A (for now)

It was a new day in the Apiary, people were mingling, workers were working and most of the Heroes were doing various activities throughout the base. After the successful ceremony honoring the fallen heroes that fell in the QZ, even with a "noticeable" interruption that was easily handled by Valiant Gold and Doctor Silver, many of the members of Justice Unlimited have been slowly using their free time before the next mission or event. Lady Leizi has been screening the new candidates obtained during the ceremony, Menagerie Witch was taking care of her animals, Handyman was currently practicing in the Gymnasium, Chatelet was currently contemplating murder due to paperwork, Doctor Silver was practicing with his forcefields, testing just how far he could push them, The Iblise's were doing some kind of Technological Mumbo Jumbo and Chauncer was preparing files for the upcoming interview with Takanashi Chihiro.

As for Black Swan and Valiant Gold?

Well the former was currently checking a bunch of Nora Kim's manuals about some of her weirder inventions, while on occasion "accidentally" looking at Valiant Silver's… *ahem* "work." Ellie on the other hand was actually reading about some of Nora's Notes on the Exceed Beyond armor. While some of the ramblings of the now… "dead" (?) Member of the original JU where just that "ramblings" (Rebound is a bitch and a half), there where some interesting notes relating to the creation process of VS magnum opus. The more interesting of them being the fact that Nora contemplated having or even adding new modules to the suit outside the Original "Rock," "Paper" and "Scissors." While some of the theological modules did not pass the planning stages, apparently Nora Managed to complete 1 additional Module before the "Leviathan Incident", something call Module: "Guardian".


Ellie: Wait… did she actually make this? This… could change things.

Mona: *Taring her eyes of Noras "Work"* Huzze What? *Ahem* What you looking at?

Ellie: -_- Having fun, are we? *Mona Sputters* Anyway, look at this. It seems like Valiant Silver was planning on adding more modules to Exceed. Apparently, this one was meant as a more defensive based module, concentrating on defense over offence. It looks like she may have completed it, but there's no telling if its true or not considering how her mind was at the time. It looks interesting and maybe we should inform Ladi Leizi abou-

Mona: … wait, I think I've seen this actually.

Ellie: WHAT!? WHERE!?

Mona: OW! Tone it down please? But yeah, it was during one of the times Lady Leizi went into Valiant Silver's lab. She wanted to see if there was anything usable in there, but she was called for a meeting with Chauncer and Dr. Iblis, so she left in a hurry. I stayed behind for a bit longer and I'm pretty sure I saw something that looks just like that schematic you have in a corner of the room, near one of the Shelves. Couldn't really tell what it was at the time obviously, but yeah.

Ellie: Ok, first sorry for that. Second, understandable. Third, If you are right… we need to talk with Lady Leizi, NOW. C'mon we are burning daylight!

Mona: Your welco- whoa hey, I Can Walk, wait, Why is your grip so strong!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*1 Hour Later*
Inside one of the Apiary's Training rooms.

*Lady Leizi's P.O.V*

When Ellie came barreling into my office with Mona in tow, I mentally prepared myself, thinking that something had happened. Maybe Crusade was causing trouble or something worse, but I could have never been capable of preparing myself for what they had discovered. An entirely new module for the Exceed armor, and it was possibly inside of Nora's Lab? I basically flung myself towards it as the girls told me the finer details of their discovery, the fact that it was actually there and with some instructions on how to install it? I honestly didn't know how to feel. It was a boon, but it was also another testament to how much Rebound had affected Nora in the days leading to the Leviathans awakening. Once we confirmed that what we where looking at was in fact real, I called an emergency meeting with all other members of Justice Unlimited and after some deliberation, and some of Ellie's insistence, we had Dr. Iblis (Both Actually) install the module.

After the installation we read up more on Nora's notes, Apparently the Armor was meant to work as a way for Nora to defend her allies when they were in a semi-enclosed space. Creating a variety of forcefields in a noticeable area of effect, although nowhere near the amount or range in comparison to John's, and without the nigh-omniscient view of anything within his range. In exchange for the smaller range it seems the shields were meant to be far stronger than most energy-based shielding, not only apparently did the damn thing have the ability to absorb some of the damage dealt to the shields and launch it a form of counterattack, it seem to have a some form of Regeneration attached to it, while nowhere as fast as Handyman's, it seemed like it could mend things like minor wounds, bruises and with time, bone. After having Ellie be subjected to a variety of test including a pitching machine, punches, Menagerie Witch's animals attacking it and Black Swan slowly escalating the amount of power she launched, we were able to test the limits of the shielding, including its ability to convert the excess energy from attacks into a potent Laser Cannon that basically tared through anything it touch, although it forces the armor to enter a slight cooldown period depending on the potency of the counterstrike.

Lady Leizi: That was an impressive amount of testing, but I believe this might be a great boon for future confrontations, good job everyone.

---

Module "Guardian": Energy Manipulation, Regeneration, Force Fields, Escutcheon

Design Notes: Module Guardian allows Valiant Gold to generate and amount of potent energy-based shields that are capable of absorbing dispersed energy from incoming attacks, Valiant's forcefield's trade massive range and numbers for far greater resistance towards attacks. While doctor Silver's forcefields would be far greater for battlefield control or large-scale combat, Valiant Golds Forcefields work better on close range confrontations or places with limited movement, slowly charging in power until the time is ripe for a potent counterattack. Escutcheon's power will vary on how much energy (kinetic or otherwise) is absorbed, with estimates of the potency of a fully charged attacked being absolutely devastating. While usable it would be recommended to find a more abandoned area to test the shields maximum before throwing Valiant Gold into more dangerous situations.

Ellie: Well that was informative, one more tool for the toolbox.

Mona: That was totally wicked! Its great you got yourself an upgrade! Now you just need to be careful once we go on some missions, and everything will be golden!

Ellie: Oh? What's that supposed to mean? I feel I'm more than capable of handling myself. So you can go and-

Soundtrack: ♫BITE ME♫ [Nightcore] à AJ DiSprrito Ft. Zephyrianna

~as she waits at dawn, looking for a way to escape her lonely heart~

LET THEM SWALLOW YOU!

~I won't fall down, you need me. We don't follow Crowds; we mold them new~

~I'm not Done Believe Me, we won't settle down we'll make them move.

Make the mine [I WONT LET THEM X2]

*Swallow You*

Make them Miiiiiiiinnnnnnneeeee!


Everyone: ……………………………………….

Ellie
: What… the FU-
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



Module "Popstar" aka. Nora Silver's Mix Tape: Energy Manipulation, Ally Empowerment, Enhanced Hearing, Voice modulation, Anechoic

Design Notes:
After quite an unexpected surprise, we found out That Nora had actually installed a 5th​ Module (Although I guees its now 6th​ ) into Exceed Beyond, but had not actually made a concrete set of instructions, making everyone scatter in order to read her haphazard notes in different parts of her lab. (Leviathans Blood 7 different notebooks). Module "Popstar" was a little pet project Nora made as a way to serenade her paramour with a variety of songs ranging from Anime, Classical, Salsa, Rock, and many others. It seems that in one of her moments of "brilliance" she managed to add an ability that make it that as she sang, she would empower herself and her allies, increasing things like strength, reflexes and even defenses. Additionally, after her personal soundtrack had switch towards different songs like "Radiant Force," "Climax Jump," "Moonlight Densetsu," "Fly me to the Moon," "Let's Dance Boys," "Holding Out for a Hero," "KDA: Popstars;" among others Ellie finally found an off switch. Noelle aka Valiant Gold was screaming in Embarrassment as the chorus of "Symphony feat. Zara Larsson" was playing, as she tried to grab a smiling Black Swan, she eventually managed to turn it off; just after launching a potent blast of sound that destroyed a cube of reinforced metal into scrap. After the entire event, we managed to document the different affects of the module alongside the potency of the suits sound manipulation. On lower settings Valiant Gold can emit a frequency that can hit a living creatures inner ear, disorienting them. On Higher levels she is capable of punching trough solid metal with her voice alone or from the speakers in her hands. The final ability of the module: Anechoic, creates a zone of pure silence in a 50-yard radius, in which only Valiant Gold is capable of creating noise. As the people say, "He who has a voice in a land of silence, is God." Due to a complete lack of sound capable of interfering with her own, all sound Based attacks she emits are Exponentially far stronger, hitting with a much greater force than normal, she is also capable of launching sound-based attacks anywhere within her area of influence, even if she is incapable of seeing her opponents. Some potential test that can be conducted in the future include echo location, close range sound-based combat, and more.
 
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"I am a big fan," you say, "La Máscara de la Locura, Yo Golpeo, Tú Mueres, Guerreros Bodyslam de Júpiter, El Zapatero Triste . . . it is a crime you did not win the award for Yo Golpeo, Tú Mueres 2: Pero Doctor, Soy Pagliacci! I was moved to tears by your performance!"
For those who don't speak Spanish, these are: "The Mask of Madness", "I Hit, You Die", "Bodyslam Warriors From Jupiter", "The Sad Shoemaker", and "I Hit, You Die 2: But Doctor, I Am Pagliacci!".

"Uhh, right, right. Umm. Cool. That's cool. I'm cool. Coooool."

Your comm disconnects and you bury your face in your hands and groan.

"Wow," the voice from your nightmares rumbles, "That was . . . astoundingly pathetic. Almost impressive."

"Shut it you!" you shout at Scarlet Maturity, who is way closer than you thought he was. You were, uh, a little distracted you guess. "Why are you even here?! Do I need to kick your butt again?!"
Oh my god even he recognizes what's going on here.

"Oh, what is it then? Something diabolical, I bet!"

He lets out a massive sigh. "Did you say 'diabolical' because I look like the traditional depiction of Satan? My, haven't heard that one before."

"Oh. Umm, sorry?" you say nonplussed.
My bad, dude, I've made the same remarks before. But in fairness, you did ally up with a guy called Faust who makes deals between you and hapless people who aren't aware.

"Leviathan's Blood . . . it's not just that her charisma fails when she talks to someone she's romantically interested in . . . it attracts people she hates! It's pointing in the wrong direction!"
Maddie is so good for this.

"The universe is neither hateful nor benevolent. It simply is. If there is kindness in this life, it comes from the people who choose to put it there. Even then, there's no guarantee it will be returned. Bad things will happen, it's unavoidable. A monster could kill someone you love and not face a day of punishment for it."
Yeah, we don't get what we deserve, or deserve what we get. We only get what we get. Good speech.


He looks down. "It breaks my heart, but the Valiant Silver who caused the Movement was not the same Valiant Silver who battled The Defiance Unit. Her power . . . destroyed her."

He looks away.

"Like it will destroy me."

He grabs both your hands in his and leans forward with shining determination in his eyes. "But power hasn't destroyed you. It won't corrupt you!"

"Umm," you say, feeling your face heating up, "Thanks but—"

"You won't age or die. You can be the hero that leads us into the future! Black Swan, please—"
Yeugh. Way to hit her on the anxiety regarding possibly living forever and ever.

"You—!" Stockpile snarls. He approaches Ellie, but she catches him off guard by shoving him with both her arms. He falls backwards, windmilling his arms before landing on his bottom.

"Black Swan isn't interested in any offers from a little boy dressed in stolen valor," Ellie spits, "Do not let me catch you using any more devices on any more people here. Finish paying your respects, and then get lost."

Ellie's expression doesn't change during her speech, but her tone is ice cold. Before Stockpile can reply, she grabs your hand and begins to pull you away.

"Wait!" Stockpile barks, "Who are you? What is your name?"

Ellie stops and turns around.

"Valiant Gold."

You see Stockpile's eyes widen in shock. Then Ellie pulls you through the crowd and the faker disappears from view.
Basedbasedbased.

It stops.

And then the earth erupts. A plastic-looking drill painted an eye-searing pink and purple color bursts out of the ground and then unfurls like a flower. A ramp smashes onto the ground creating a stairway to a metal pillar contained in the center of the machine.

There's something odd about the pillar that gives you a headache just looking at it. It's like reality itself has been folded in half, the space occupied by the pillar extending forever into the horizon and leading to a dark room where a woman lounges on a throne.

Then she stands up.

The pale woman wears black, metal armor with wickedly sharp pauldrons and a seven-pointed crown of dark obsidian sits on her head. Behind her, a smaller, hooded figure carries a banner depicting a black butterfly on an orange background. She walks from her throne, moves into the distorted space, and then steps onto the drill.

Monarch has arrived.
Well, shit. What an asshole. Also, a (monarch) butterfly flag? I can't help but feel that Socailite Butterfly might not approve.

Everything slows down for you. There's liquid ice in your veins. The figure rushing toward Monarch is wearing blue armor with red highlights. It looks like your armor. Around his arm is a gathering glow of power.

It's that idiot-thief, Stockpile. You have less than a second to make a call. He's about to attack Monarch and turn this into a brawl. There are still people nearby, let alone everyone in the gardens behind you. Any kind of fighting is going to lead to people dying. Not that he cares—they're not his people.

Well, that makes it an easy decision, doesn't it?

You feel the watch you never take off—that you can't take off—start to glow. You race forward and leap as the golden shine covers your body.

"It's showtime."

You feel a tingle of energy as your clothes are dissolved and pulled away into a pocket dimension. Simultaneously, a dark blue bodysuit spreads from your watch and covers you completely from the neck down. As soon as it's done, plates of golden armor materialize and fuse together over your chest, arms and shoulders. Smaller plates of armor form around your head before coming together into a helmet with a face plate and glowing eyes that envelopes your head. Your vision goes dark for a split second as the HUD activates, displaying Nora's last message to you:

ACT IN THE NAME OF GOOD, YE WHO BEARS THE CONSEQUENCES OF THY ACTIONS.

FIND THY LIMITS.

EXCEED BEYOND.​
Finally, a green hologram of a scarf dotted with stars wraps itself around your neck and drifts behind you. You're embraced by the legacy of the two women who loved you.
Basedbasedbased

---

...This doesn't seem like a situation with any perfect answer, but I'm inclined to go with Talk purely on how it'd give us more time to evacuate, and given how we passed that Hit check to prevent Stockpile from jumping the gun. The check is not super hard, either. Worst case scenario, a fight starts anyway but the civilians are mostly out of the way.
 
"Abs, you were a hero. Ophie, you were a hero. Everyone who was at the QZ was a hero. And I'll be a hero until I join you. But—I'm sorry—that won't be anytime soon. There's too much yet to do, too many people who still need help, and too much life yet to live. I love you both, and I miss you everyday."

It should be raining, but there isn't a cloud in the sky.

"But a hero's work is never done."
:cry:
Damn, Opale.
"My brother, Caesar," Victor says, "He was not the most powerful, or the bravest, but he wanted to be a hero more than anything. He idolized Justice Unlimited—wanted to join them so badly, but felt he couldn't just ask."

He turns to you. "So, thank you Gentleman James, I can feel the spirit of my brother screaming at me from the other side for saying this, but, for now, I must decline. There are things a man must do in this life."
I wonder if we're going to meet this guy again. He sounds cool.

Also, some more info about Apiary !
"Can you get off me?!" a woman shouts from beneath Echidna, who sits atop her, "This is so Slytherin! All I said is that he is unnatural and we shouldn't let kids be exposed to him!"

"The only unnatural thing is you not shutting up!" the witch shouts, "Now, quiet! I have a best friend to save . . ."

"How Gryffindor!"

"Liking a children's book series is not a personality!"

Get squashed loser
"It's not something that comes naturally. No one is born 'heroic'. It's a choice that must be renewed, consciously, everyday. And it's not a choice limited to a special few. The people I knew were some of the greatest, bravest people in this world, but they were also just that: people. Some were jokers."
That was a good speech. Scarlet Maturity shouldn't have distracted the people that were supposed to be listening to it.
"Quite the opposite, I'm very comfortable here," he says, "No, I just feel my usefulness is at its end. My studio is gone, all my students have left me, and even my prized pupil, Keith, is onto bigger and better things in the OID."
Keith mentioned !
"Double L . . .? Oh, Lady Leizi! I understand the nickname now."

"She loves it!"
LL will never be free of being LL.
"I suppose the memorial is only for those who feel during the Looming God's awakening. I'll have to content myself with her statue on the other side."
Okay, there's shit going on here. We need that Fill-In Issue.
"Because while there was no one to save a younger me, there should have been. And next time, there will be, because I will be that person. I will be the justice lacking from the universe."
:cry::cry:
That was a very very good speech ngl.
He looks away.

"Like it will destroy me."
Damn Silvio is all messed up.
"Huh! He was k kinda cute when he was getting all worked up!" you muse.

Ellie's eyes widen in some emotion you can't place before her expression snaps back to her usual impassive mask. "I see. Just be careful next, Black Swan."
Oh no, a love triangle. Nooooooo.
And then the earth erupts. A plastic-looking drill painted an eye-searing pink and purple color bursts out of the ground and then unfurls like a flower. A ramp smashes onto the ground creating a stairway to a metal pillar contained in the center of the machine.

There's something odd about the pillar that gives you a headache just looking at it. It's like reality itself has been folded in half, the space occupied by the pillar extending forever into the horizon and leading to a dark room where a woman lounges on a throne.

Then she stands up.

The pale woman wears black, metal armor with wickedly sharp pauldrons and a seven-pointed crown of dark obsidian sits on her head. Behind her, a smaller, hooded figure carries a banner depicting a black butterfly on an orange background. She walks from her throne, moves into the distorted space, and then steps onto the drill.

Monarch has arrived.
That was one hell of an entrance. Monarch is truly a worthy villain.

Also, I was right about the butterfly connection !
YoU gOt It bOsS—uHh, I mEaN, mY lEeGe," he says in a fractured voice.

"AlSo A tAcKy NaMe, HiStOrIcAlLy," Warpstar adds, "JuSt SaYiN'."
I kind of like Warpstar. He's funny ?
Heracles. Super strength and durability. Unremarkable except for the fact that he can only be hurt by short range physical attacks. It's how he nearly killed your mom—he ignored her power over inertia. You grit your teeth. Sounds like a perfect way to test Module Rock.

Warpstar. Can instantly teleport any part of his body anywhere he can see, not limited by distance and not requiring direct sight. Also super strong, and can teleport other things back to him when he recalls his limbs.

Acid Rain. Algernon-type specializing in acids, bases, and dispersal methods. A walking mass casualty event.

Marie Marionette. Hydrokinetic with a tendency to control the bodily fluids, including blood, of other people.

Monarch. Can link two points in space that allow for instant transportation and preservation of momentum.
Well at least we know their powers now ?

She probably left a number of her lieutenants in the NID though. Stitches isn't there.
Since when did she spontaneously resurrect.
 
A booming voice cuts through the noise and one man shakes in terror as another woman . . . swoons? Ugh, no taste.
You just don't understand it Mona.
I've not sparred with a peer in nearly a decade . . .
Annnnd this is Apiary, isn't it.
You swipe a lemonade and put it on Andre's—now Juan's tab
If only he could pay for things in spiders...
 
Thanks to TheTrueRealmWalker for suggesting this, Hopefully it looks good. Told ya I was writing something as the update dropped.
Oh thank you! and such a nice Omake- it's nice to see some more attempts at making modules for Ellie!

Also for the chapter... it was just... wow. I don't think I can say anything to match what everyone else has already said but... Hey if you all want a suggestion: Read it while listening to Undella Town from Pokemon black and white. I think it fits here hehe

And as for out options... if we talk... can we just... blurt out what she's trying to do? Say out loud that she's trying to buy or earn some sort of legitimacy? Plus... I honestly feel like we need to see her, Monarchs, reaction to a single question.

Why are you still here?

No like... think about it. She has the ability to teleport, to jump around the world without a care. Sure there might be a range issue, but I don't think it would be hard for her to get boat and get close enough to a main land to start hoping around.

I... don't get why she isn't just leaving, when the population of heroes around the world took a hit, where it would be so much easier for her to survive and thrive if she just... left. Go somewhere else, build up something, maybe come back when she had more resources and could set up a way for them to get to Horizon or something.

Why is she staying in a place like this when it would be easier, even easier for someone with her power, to just... leave.

I want to ask her that, cause... it's bugging me
 
"I am Châtelet, but my legal name is Opale Houdin-Reyes. I used to be Hiver of Les Quatre Saisons, but, uh, I don't blame you if you don't recognize me. I got a new haircut."

There's a smattering of polite laughter in the crowd among those in the know. Others are confused as to how this woman could have been Hiver and—oohhhhh. Good for her! A very small minority is outraged and offended, but they're very quickly told to fuck off by a small witch atop a shadowy steed before they can bring their bigatory to bear.
Nice! Looks like that went well.
Châtelet's REPUTATION increases by 1!
You love to see it.
"I, um, I was engaged, if you can believe it. To Abigail—The Giant Slayer that is. We kept our relationship private for obvious reasons, but were going to make an announcement before . . . y'know. The Movement."
Scandalous! And somehow a bit sad as well.
"That was enough for Abs, that was enough for Ophélie, and—someone help me—that's enough for me. The reward for being a hero is that you get to be a hero."

Châtelet puts a hand over her heart and looks at a specific place she's memorized on the monument.

"Abs, you were a hero. Ophie, you were a hero. Everyone who was at the QZ was a hero. And I'll be a hero until I join you. But—I'm sorry—that won't be anytime soon. There's too much yet to do, too many people who still need help, and too much life yet to live. I love you both, and I miss you everyday."

It should be raining, but there isn't a cloud in the sky.

"But a hero's work is never done."
Peak.
You had to take a moment to yourself after Châtelet's speech. My, such powerful words! Such a beautiful speech from such a beautiful lady! And you're not the only one who seems to think so. Châtelet's name is what's on everyone's lips as you walk around the Apiary's garden.

Some person with greater wisdom than your own had the foresight to space the speeches out from one another. Gabriel is next, and he's currently backstage desperately going over his notes. Your stalwart leader did not wish to make a fool of himself or embarrass New Dawn, but you privately believed he was just as invested in impressing the lovely Lady Leizi.
He's doing his best, guys! LeiLong someday!!!
Ah, there was something alluring about a woman with a car, wasn't there . . . ?
Bro, are you gonna get a mechanic girlfriend, or what…?
Andre, please keep an eye out for people of a suitably . . . heroic disposition while you mind the crowd today. It's a request from Lady Leizi."

"Seeking new heroes? Is Justice Unlimited looking to continue to expand still? I can't fault their ambition, I suppose. But wouldn't Lady Leizi be better suited for sussing out private metahumans?"

"Not metahumans, Andre, regular people. I can't disclose why just yet, but we're looking for those without powers with a heroic disposition
."

You adjust your tie. You're not a fool—you know something is going on. Gabriel has been a new man in the last month, and it's not just because of his attraction to Lady Leizi. Something has reignited a fire in him, one that's contiguous. Virginia said Lady Leizi all but confirmed something is in the works, but wouldn't say what.
Everyone in New Dawn knows, but not specifics. Interesting.
l. You then use your power, connecting his wrists and ankles together with your chains and slowly, slowly retracting them. His wrists are brought totally together as you leave him enough space between his ankles that he can still stand.

"He's open," a small voice shrieks, "GET HIM!"

The man is knocked to the ground by a hoard of vigilante youth who pound on him with tiny fists.

"Noooo! Noooo! La Máscara de la Locura is bested! Curse you Gentleman James! And curse you childreeeeen!"

You chuckle at the sight. He's actually doing an excellent job selling the impact of the blows—a few times you nearly leapt in before you realized he was just playing along.
Agh. I feel bad for that one guy, Daedalus— there's an awful lot of overlap there. Wrestler theming and all that.
"Truly?" he asks, eyes full of wonder, "It sounds like an incredible opportunity . . . but, alas, I cannot."

His expression darkens.

"There is something first I must do. Debts to be settled."

"My friend," you ask, wary at his expression, "It sounds like you're going to do something . . . dangerous."
Noooo… not another revenge thing! We already have two!
"My brother, Caesar," Victor says, "He was not the most powerful, or the bravest, but he wanted to be a hero more than anything. He idolized Justice Unlimited—wanted to join them so badly, but felt he couldn't just ask."

He turns to you. "So, thank you Gentleman James, I can feel the spirit of my brother screaming at me from the other side for saying this, but, for now, I must decline. There are things a man must do in this life."

"I understand," you say, "I wish you luck."

"Thank you. Now, shall we go ensure those children are all worn out for their ride home?"

You nod. "Of course!"
Hm. Can't wait to see him after a bit of missions done.
You are Black Swan.

"Ohmigod, what's he doing here?!"

"Uhhh. Uhhhhhh. Should we bail? Is a fight about to break out?"

"He's hot!"
Wait, who? Silvio?
"He's like thirteen feet tall and can punch a hole in the planet. Adjust your standards!"
Scarlet Maturity???
You stop in the air and try to hide your shiver. You . . . you don't want to go see him. You don't want to fight him again. You don't want to have to be "the strongest".

"Black Swan, I have a visual on you. Are you okay?" Ellie's—uh, you mean Valiant Gold's voice crackles over your comm, "Are you going to confront Scarlet Maturity."

"Y-yeah," you stutter, "I . . . I got it."
I feel like that last sentence from Ellie should have been a question, but it's arguably funnier if she just deadpanned.
"Uhh, right, right. Umm. Cool. That's cool. I'm cool. Coooool."

Your comm disconnects and you bury your face in your hands and groan.

"Wow," the voice from your nightmares rumbles, "That was . . . astoundingly pathetic. Almost impressive."
Even SM recognizes it! Goddamn.
"Yes you are! You're still on suspension with Powers, so you can't do whatever evil stuff you're usually up to! You have nothing to do, so you came here!"

"You think—"

"Maaaan, you came to a memorial? Where no one likes you? Can't you watch something on TV at least?!"

". . . the Winter Meetings are over for baseball, the Yankees didn't make any trades, and the Lakers and Patriots are terrible this year," he says, looking down and frowning, "I've tried, but I just can't get into hockey or football."
He's a sports fan! A disappointed one, it seems.
In the distance, a witch sits atop her chimeric mount, watching through binoculars.

"Leviathan's Blood . . . it's not just that her charisma fails when she talks to someone she's romantically interested in . . . it attracts people she hates! It's pointing in the wrong direction!"

"Can you get off me?!" a woman shouts from beneath Echidna, who sits atop her, "This is so Slytherin! All I said is that he is unnatural and we shouldn't let kids be exposed to him!"

"The only unnatural thing is you not shutting up!" the witch shouts, "Now, quiet! I have a best friend to save . . ."

"How Gryffindor!"

"Liking a children's book series is not a personality!"
How the fuck is JK Rowling still a pain in the ass. Shouldn't she be dead by now, along with the fandom?
Besides, he wanted to speak. He owed it to everyone. He could give the dead that much, at least.

"It's not something that comes naturally. No one is born 'heroic'. It's a choice that must be renewed, consciously, everyday. And it's not a choice limited to a special few. The people I knew were some of the greatest, bravest people in this world, but they were also just that: people. Some were jokers."

Lloyd never met a situation he couldn't quip at. It was maddening, but, when things were at their darkest, it was he who made sure you could still laugh.

"Some were poets."

Ami had a number of books of poetry in her office that she wrote and published under a pseudonym. She thought no one knew, but the members of Denial were always first in line when she released a new collection.

"And some were mothers."
Wolong's doing his best… but.
You are Miss Naught.

Ah, poor Gabe. Guy worked day and night on his speech, only to have it be ignored like the veggie plate at Ollie's last birthday party. You son and his bratty friends were just too young to appreciate the nuanced flavor of hummus, dammit!
Damn. Also, feeding five year olds hummus? Questionable parenting move there, Virginia.
You swipe a lemonade and put it on Andre's—now Juan's tab—and sit down next to an older man with graying hair.
That must be Song!
"Woah," you say, "That's so deep! Are you some sort of secret expert or something? Meditating under a waterfall? Practicing kung-fu until you reach enlightenment? The sort filled with ancient wisdom—aaaaand you were just fucking with me, weren't you?"

"I don't know, I was just ad libbing, but I think I got somewhere pretty profound at the end there," he says as his eyes crinkle in amusement, "Forgive an old man for his fun. I am Song Yu-Jin."

"Miss Naught!" you say sticking out your hand, "Pleased to meetcha!"
Cool. Funny to see how they both interact.
". . . the mandatory sensitivity we all attended tells me to say no."

He does that thing where he smiles with his eyes again. "Oh, really? I was going to say you were right. I operated a martial arts studio before it was destroyed during the riots after the Movement."

"I knew it! You totally have a Mr. Miyagi vibe!"

"He is Japanese; that is different."
Naught! Avoid the stereotypining!
Huh. Maybe you can get away with slacking off after all!

"Y'know," you say slyly, "I remember Double L complaining the other day that none of the newbies knew how to throw a punch. Instructors that are willing to work with metahumans are pretty rare and in demand . . ."
Ohhhh. Big brain play there.
For years, I truly believed that to be the nature of the world. Mercy is a sin, compassion a weakness. Take and hurt as you please, because you will be taken from and hurt no matter how you act. When I escaped from my father and the Triad, I was ready to enforce my will on this world. To hurt others as I had been hurt. But, then . . . I met the most wonderful people in the world."

Her voice cracks at that last statement, but the Lady of Lighting pushes forward.

"They accepted me without question. They gave to me without hesitation. They loved me freely even though I didn't deserve it and may never will. They gave me space, time, patience, and told me over and over again that I was better than I dared dream. They believed in a better version of me so strongly, that they willed her into existence."
Those are… some incredible words. Wow.
tears roll down her cheeks, but her expression is defiant. As if challenging why you aren't crying.

"I didn't—I just couldn't—understand why. So, one day, I asked. And Yazmin—Uiara—told me something that I still remember to this day: 'The only good in this world is what we put into it.'"

Her eyes burn with a passion most did not expect to find in such a cold woman.
…how is this so evocative? I can't even— it's so peak.
"The universe is neither hateful nor benevolent. It simply is. If there is kindness in this life, it comes from the people who choose to put it there. Even then, there's no guarantee it will be returned. Bad things will happen, it's unavoidable. A monster could kill someone you love and not face a day of punishment for it."
That's some incredible wording. Holy fuck.
Lady Leizi's REPUTATION increases by 1!
Hell yeah!!!
Lady Leizi's words would be repeated a thousand times over after her speech. It was the kind of landmark moment where everyone who was there could recall it with perfect clarity. Her words would prove popular quotations, so popular that a local tattoo artist would get so tired of people requesting it that she would make a stencil that could be filled in.
"You can be more" tattoo when.

Also, is that tattoo artist gonna be a candidate? Seems likely.
You gain +3 to your roll counteracting Crusades attack on your REPUTATION next turn!
Yadda yadda, expected but you love to see it.
You're flying around, keeping an eye out for more people who might be good for Project Prometheus, when you spot Mr. Chaucer talking to two women.

Well, "talking" might be putting it mildly. They have him cornered—literally. They're by a fountain and have him surrounded on either side. One has a shock of bright red hair, while the other looks a little older with black hair pulled into a bun. You fly a little closer, and you can hear the lady with black hair talking.
(Gasp) is that—
"Think about it!" the redhead says, "The Apiary is gigantic. We could build a school, a library, a stadium! Just look at how these gardens have brought everyone together. The food court is a good start, but we could take things so much further!"

"Shelley is exactly right! You just adopted a young girl," Soraira points out, "Don't you want her growing up in a place she can be proud of?"

Mr. Chaucer puts up his hands and sighs. "Madeline is a special case . . . however, I take your point. Honestly, your proposals sound lovely. It's just that we haven't the budget for it at the moment—"
Shelley!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh hey, and @StarSingerBlue's person is here too. Makes sense— they're both community liaisons for the WM.

Anyways, I'm now going to scream about how good the characterization was for the next few quotes.
"No, Joelle, I'm afraid," Soraia interrupts, "I've seen this happen too many times. Justice Unlimited has the best of intentions—of that I have no doubt—but you're ignoring the people who live here. If you're going to let people stay here—people who don't work for you—then you have to give them a voice in how things are run. Or else, one day we'll all wake up and realize we're at the mercy of superpowered overlords."

"You don't have to tell us everything," Shelley says, playing the good cop, "But you can't have it both ways. Either you care about the opinions of the people who live here, or you don't.. Don't pretend to be better and then act the way Dominion or English-McLeod does."

Mr. Chaucer takes out a handkerchief and mops off his face. Dang, they're really giving it to him! And, you kinda see where they're coming from? Opale's been talking about how you've blown through all your money for a week now.
Nice. Also, Shelley takes one look at those funds and she'll wither up and die inside.
DC 10.

Stat Check: REPUTATION 5. Black Swan has REPUTATION 10.

You rolled: 20.

20 + 4 = 24. Critical Success!
Natural Crit!
Thank god for Black Swan.
Shelley starts, "Black Swan—"

"You can call me Mona! You live here—we're neighbors!"

". . . Mona," she starts again, "Where is all the money going?"

"I can't tell you!" you say brightly. You look side to side conspiratorially. "Secret."

"Mona," Shelley says patiently, "You can understand how that doesn't engender confidence, right?"
The classic "why are you like this???" thing from Shelley strikes again. It's been like, a week or two since she talked to Addie— she's probably trying her best not to scream inside, LMAO.
Shelley gives a little smile. "Could Châtelet use some help in an official capacity then? Perhaps she could hire people from the community to help organize Justice Unlimited financials?"

"Wow!" you say putting your hands to your face, "That would be awesome."

"And if they just so happened to see where the money was going . . ."

"Then they better keep it a secret!" you say, "'cuz lots of bad guys have been trying to find out too! Just ask Scarlet Maturity!"

Shelley pales a little and nods her head. Soraia narrows her eyes and opens her mouth, but the stops herself and nods.
"This is the same girl who punched a hole in Scarlet Maturity! I better keep my butt in the accounting room or im cooked!"
They start talking specifics and you get kind of bored and fly off. You really like them both! Shelley initially just seems kind of nice, but she's a little sneaky. And Soraia really cares about doing the right thing. You could probably use someone like her to keep you honest before you guys get all like Powers or, bleh, Crusade.
Hm, nice. Two candidates in the bag.
Chaucer's Notes: Ms. Marie originally hails from the Worker's Mitt, where she worked as a music teacher. She gained a reputation for her advocacy for strong unions and fair pay for those employed in the music industry in the Mitt. She eventually found her way to us with the refugees after her home was destroyed, and she was one of the people sheltering from Floating Venom Morpheme when we retook the Apiary. She is by all means pleasant and charming, but she has a habit of finding herself in places she doesn't belong. She claims she is merely "unlucky", but I believe Ms. Marie may have more of a nose for trouble than she lets on.
Lady Leizi: I've heard of Shelley before— she used to occasionally make large donations to reconstruction efforts in the Mitt wherever it was damaged by metahuman combat. I know she's involved in multiple unions, and is a fixture at town hall meetings. I would say she's unremarkable, except for uncanny knack of being at the right place at the right time to do the most good. I've not been able to find hard proof, but I'm fairly certain she was the one to agitate the protests against DeLeon after we rescued Menagerie Witch. Useful to have on our side, though I'd keep a close eye on her.
!!! I love it!

It's really cool how since Soraria had the pure REP specialty, Shelley got REP-ESP— two stats which are really nice for us right now!

Also, I have an Omake to cook up soon. Just give me a bit of time…
You zoom over and see where he was looking: "Lamar Thompson—Steadfast".

He takes a breath, sniffs the bottle, and then takes a sip from the drink. He swallows it for a half second before immediately sputtering and coughing. He doubles over as he desperately spits to get the taste out of his mouth.

"Ugh, Leviathan's Blood, that's awful," he coughs, "Why . . . why did the First Lieutenant like this stuff?!"

"What are you doing?" you ask, bewildered, floating next to him.

"It's the First Lieutenant's favorite drink. Or was," he says, wiping his mouth, "I . . . this is something you do for people who have died, right? That's what they do in movies at least . . ."
He's trying so hard guys. He's a poor little meow meow (who is also probably gonna commit a war crime or three soon but that's negotiable)
looks down. "It breaks my heart, but the Valiant Silver who caused the Movement was not the same Valiant Silver who battled The Defiance Unit. Her power . . . destroyed her."

He looks away.

"Like it will destroy me."

He grabs both your hands in his and leans forward with shining determination in his eyes. "But power hasn't destroyed you. It won't corrupt you!"

"Umm," you say, feeling your face heating up, "Thanks but—"

"You won't age or die. You can be the hero that leads us into the future! Black Swan, please—"

You start to panic a little bit when someone grabs your shoulder and pulls you away from Stockpile. He stumbles before catching himself and whips his head up to confront who just interrupted when your savior steps in front of you and roughly grabs his arm.

It's Ellie.
Ok. Silvio, you're kinda… freaky. Not even in the memeable way.
"Excuse me," she says, grabbing something out of his hand. It's a palm-sized screen with a small wand on the back.

"What's that—?" you ask.

"A scanner of some sort," she says in a flat voice, "He was using it on you when he thought you were distracted."

Ellie snaps the antenna in her hand, throws the device to the ground, and then crushes it with her foot.

"Now, he's not."

"You—!" Stockpile snarls. He approaches Ellie, but she catches him off guard by shoving him with both her arms. He falls backwards, windmilling his arms before landing on his bottom.

"Black Swan isn't interested in any offers from a little boy dressed in stolen valor," Ellie spits, "Do not let me catch you using any more devices on any more people here. Finish paying your respects, and then get lost."
Hell. Yes.

Also, good thing we stopped that in its tracks.
Ellie stops and turns around.

"Valiant Gold."

You see Stockpile's eyes widen in shock. Then Ellie pulls you through the crowd and the faker disappears from view.
"They have a Valiant of their own now? What the fuck???" -Silvio I-forgot-his-last-name
Ellie stays still for a second before pulling back and sniffling. "Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Thank you, Mona."

You grin at her. "No problem. And . . . thank you for protecting me."

Ellie rolls her eyes. "I wasn't sure if that was what I was doing, to be honest. You seemed to enjoy his attention enough."

You tilt your head in confusion. "Huh?"

Ellie pinches the bridge of her nose. "Mona . . . he was attracted to you. Yes, he was scanning you, but I think his offer for you to join Crusade was spontaneous."
Oh no. Not the fabled reverse rizz!!!

Never quote me on saying that, guys.
Ellie's eyes widen in some emotion you can't place before her expression snaps back to her usual impassive mask. "I see. Just be careful next, Black Swan."

She quickly pulls away and disappears into the crowd.

"Ellie, wait!" you stutter as you lose sight of her, "He's cute for a poo-head! A poo-head! His head is poo! Come back! Please! Fuuuuunnel caaaaaakes!
Once again, THE FUMBLERRRRRRR🗣️🗣️🗣️

Everyone, please vote for Shelley or Soraria next turn. Hopefully, one of them can help out this girlfail extraordinaire.
"VG, it's Doctor Silver. We got a situation."

Adrenaline spikes in your blood as your comm crackles to life. Suddenly, the confused feelings fade away as the world takes on a sharper clarity.
Yup. Checks out.
"There's something underground, Valiant Gold. Something big. And it's coming toward the surface."

"Where?" you demand.

"Just outside the gardens on the south side. I'm heading there now."

"Good, bring Palisade with you. Have Menagerie Witch put her summons on standby and get Handyman in disguise in the area," Your thoughts whirl. "Dreamcatcher manage to manifest anything new?"

"Still spiders," Doctor Silver replies, "Apparently it's a recurring nightmare. Especially bad for him."
A drill? Also, damn, Maddie did a number on Dreamcatcher.
"It's my fault," he admits, "It's at the very edge of my range. I'm not used to distinguishing regular versus irregular seismic activity, so I didn't think anything of it. I would have missed it altogether if it weren't for Cain tipping me off."

"Cain?" You can't hide the surprise in your voice.

"Yeah, some guys he didn't recognize approached him and asked him to help them put some things in the ground. He turned them down, but came to me right away. Guess they found some other stoolie to take up their offer."

You frown. You remember the briefing on Simão Cruzes da Silva Neto, a.k.a "Cain". He was a notorious, non-powered killer from Brazil that had found his way to the Apiary with the refugees. You had thought the meeting was about having him removed, but to your surprise, he was being considered for Project Prometheus.
Damn, him? From BrainInAJar? Didn't expect him.
There's something odd about the pillar that gives you a headache just looking at it. It's like reality itself has been folded in half, the space occupied by the pillar extending forever into the horizon and leading to a dark room where a woman lounges on a throne.

Then she stands up.

The pale woman wears black, metal armor with wickedly sharp pauldrons and a seven-pointed crown of dark obsidian sits on her head. Behind her, a smaller, hooded figure carries a banner depicting a black butterfly on an orange background. She walks from her throne, moves into the distorted space, and then steps onto the drill.

Monarch has arrived.
(Insert One Winged Angel chords here)
DC 15.

Stat Check: HIT 25. The Security Team has a collective HIT 34.

You rolled: 20.

20 + 3 (Reach Heaven Through Violence) + 4 = 27. Critical Success! Natural Crit!
Yup. Saw them easily.
Everything slows down for you. There's liquid ice in your veins. The figure rushing toward Monarch is wearing blue armor with red highlights. It looks like your armor. Around his arm is a gathering glow of power.

It's that idiot-thief, Stockpile. You have less than a second to make a call. He's about to attack Monarch and turn this into a brawl. There are still people nearby, let alone everyone in the gardens behind you. Any kind of fighting is going to lead to people dying. Not that he cares—they're not his people.

Well, that makes it an easy decision, doesn't it?

You feel the watch you never take off—that you can't take off—start to glow. You race forward and leap as the golden shine covers your body.

"It's showtime."

You feel a tingle of energy as your clothes are dissolved and pulled away into a pocket dimension. Simultaneously, a dark blue bodysuit spreads from your watch and covers you completely from the neck down. As soon as it's done, plates of golden armor materialize and fuse together over your chest, arms and shoulders. Smaller plates of armor form around your head before coming together into a helmet with a face plate and glowing eyes that envelopes your head. Your vision goes dark for a split second as the HUD activates, displaying Nora's last message to you:

ACT IN THE NAME OF GOOD, YE WHO BEARS THE CONSEQUENCES OF THY ACTIONS.

FIND THY LIMITS.

EXCEED BEYOND.​
It's peak!!!
You are Valiant Gold.

You catch Stockplie's arm before he can swing and drag him from the sky. The energy discharges, carving a deep furrow into the ground, but not hitting anyone. He jerks around at you, as a pulse of blue light bursts out of his armor.

Psychic Interference Detected. Counteracting.

That's . . . a deeply worrying message from your HUD. Stockpile snarls through his helmet.

"Who are—you. What are you doing?! Monarch is right there."

"Use your head," you growl back, "You start a fight here and it's going to turn into a bloodbath. Monarch could have emerged from underground in the middle of the gardens if she wanted a fight. Actually—she could have just fired projectiles at us through her portal. There is no reason for her to come in person unless she has other plans."
???

The PREVAIL suit needs to be kept far away from Mona now. And maybe John. Than again, John shouldn't even be on the front line.

And blue energy? Nuclear power? Concentrated Algernon energy???
"Then what do you want?" you ask again. You signal Handyman to move closer. This could go hot at any second.

"Have you taken leave of your hearing? I told you. I am here with the members of my court to make amends and pay our respects. The Movement may have been our liberation, but it very well may have also been the destruction of this world. We wish to honor the fallen."

". . . that's it?" you say, not bothering to hide your skepticism.
PR Coup. Classic move. Unfortunately, we still rolled that Nat 20 earlier.
And in an instant, Warpstar's arm is back on his body. In his grasp is Marie Marionette's arm from the elbow down.

Marie Marionette collapses to the ground, blood flowing from her stump. Monarch holds out her arms and proclaims, "Marie Marionette has paid the blood price for her crimes! Her victims and their families will be compensated and made whole. Let this be the end of all grudges against her! The people of my domain reject the notion of eternal punishment to which we were subject!"
Mmm. Definitely some trauma from Monarch.
Monarch surveys the scene through Doctor Silver's barrires. "I must say, I'm disappointed. I thought Justice Unlimited had pride. You reject use, but you permit the attendance of this boy here—"

She points at Stockpile.

"—after he slanders your beloved former leader and steals her name? For shame. He and his wretched 'Crusade' are ones sowing discord and starving a borough."

"AlSo A tAcKy NaMe, HiStOrIcAlLy," Warpstar adds, "JuSt SaYiN'."
Warpstar is speaking facts, weirdly enough. If he wasn't a serial killer, I'd like him a lot.
Heracles. Super strength and durability. Unremarkable except for the fact that he can only be hurt by short range physical attacks. It's how he nearly killed your mom—he ignored her power over inertia. You grit your teeth. Sounds like a perfect way to test Module Rock.

Warpstar. Can instantly teleport any part of his body anywhere he can see, not limited by distance and not requiring direct sight. Also super strong, and can teleport other things back to him when he recalls his limbs.

Acid Rain. Algernon-type specializing in acids, bases, and dispersal methods. A walking mass casualty event.

Marie Marionette. Hydrokinetic with a tendency to control the bodily fluids, including blood, of other people.

Monarch. Can link two points in space that allow for instant transportation and preservation of momentum.
Hm. A terrible fight, if only because of the Acid Rain/Heracles combo. We'd be locked into Rock, which might not be ideal.

Let's try talking. Just to see what happens.
 
ACT IN THE NAME OF GOOD, YE WHO BEARS THE CONSEQUENCES OF THY ACTIONS.

FIND THY LIMITS.

EXCEED BEYOND.​
Finally, a green hologram of a scarf dotted with stars wraps itself around your neck and drifts behind you. You're embraced by the legacy of the two women who loved you.

<img src="
View: https://i.imgur.com/aS5wPfY.png" data-url="https://i.imgur.com/aS5wPfY.png" class="bbImage lazyload" style="" width="" height="" />

You are Valiant Gold.


Wait. Magic watch. Transformation sequence. Was the enemy/rival/secretly good guy to a bunch of magical girls.

Is Ellie a Kamen Rider?!?
 
Bad things will happen, it's unavoidable. A monster could kill someone you love and not face a day of punishment for it."

Scarlet Maturity shifts in place. He raises Lady Leizi a notch in his estimation.

Forgive me if I misinterpreted. Is this news to SM, that LL knows he killed Apiary? Feels like it would be pretty clear to both of them. What is worthy of respect raising here?
 
Phantom Modules: Guardian and Popstar
By SolarGemX
Neat ideas! +1
Quick question, looking at the Security pool what hit bonii do the Ibis' and Mendicant provide, if any, and double checking what Dreamcatcher's is.
The Ibises and Medicant provide nothing as they're not combatants. Dreamcatcher is at 3 now.
We'd be locked into Rock, which might not be ideal
You can change the module if you elect to fight.
Forgive me if I misinterpreted. Is this news to SM, that LL knows he killed Apiary? Feels like it would be pretty clear to both of them. What is worthy of respect raising here?
Her calling him out in a public space, which most people are too afraid to do.
 
Oh thank you! and such a nice Omake- it's nice to see some more attempts at making modules for Ellie!

Also for the chapter... it was just... wow. I don't think I can say anything to match what everyone else has already said but... Hey if you all want a suggestion: Read it while listening to Undella Town from Pokemon black and white. I think it fits here hehe

And as for out options... if we talk... can we just... blurt out what she's trying to do? Say out loud that she's trying to buy or earn some sort of legitimacy? Plus... I honestly feel like we need to see her, Monarchs, reaction to a single question.

Why are you still here?

No like... think about it. She has the ability to teleport, to jump around the world without a care. Sure there might be a range issue, but I don't think it would be hard for her to get boat and get close enough to a main land to start hoping around.

I... don't get why she isn't just leaving, when the population of heroes around the world took a hit, where it would be so much easier for her to survive and thrive if she just... left. Go somewhere else, build up something, maybe come back when she had more resources and could set up a way for them to get to Horizon or something.

Why is she staying in a place like this when it would be easier, even easier for someone with her power, to just... leave.

I want to ask her that, cause... it's bugging me
The reason she doesn't leave is that something she wants is here, after all. Plus, I think she's still understandably mad at New Dawn given her actions so far.
How the fuck is JK Rowling still a pain in the ass. Shouldn't she be dead by now, along with the fandom?
The mold is keeping her alive.
Wait. Magic watch. Transformation sequence. Was the enemy/rival/secretly good guy to a bunch of magical girls.

Is Ellie a Kamen Rider?!?
 
Agh. I feel bad for that one guy, Daedalus— there's an awful lot of overlap there. Wrestler theming and all that.
This is him I cannot tell you how much I regret that 3
Some people like tall monster men
He's doing his best, guys! LeiLong someday!!!
Someday someday
Bro, are you gonna get a mechanic girlfriend, or what…?
Or a lady that turns into a car
Oh no. Not the fabled reverse rizz!!!

Never quote me on saying that, guys.
To late you have named it
 
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Damn. Also, feeding five year olds hummus? Questionable parenting move there, Virginia.

"Hey," she says, "I got a kid. He's eight. If anything—"
He's eight actually.
Is Ellie a Kamen Rider?!?
She is Legally Distinct, as are all the other Valiants.

Speaking of Ellie, I'm not sure to feel about her final look. I was expecting less gold to be in there.

Also there's a limit to how much we can increase someone's Tolerance, right ? Isn't it +3 ?
 
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In celebration of her making it in, here's the two plans I've got for Shelley. One if she gets a few Spoonfuls/Fast Pass and one if she doesn't.

Plan [COPYRIGHT PROTECTED] Princess
Solferina
Eastwood
Wild Speaker

Potency: 9
Keywords: Mental Manipulation x3, Energy Manipulation x2, Ally Empowerment x2, Construct Creation


Yeah, this one just allows Shelley to buff up and talk to animals. Eastwood might allow her to create instruments, like say, trumpets! (Reference to the weapon she used in Space Oddity) This would allow her to focus Solferina's AoE effects, or perhaps boost them to reach all the animals in an area.

I'm willing to also swap out wild speaker for a Steadfast+Mr. Hunch combo, to make her tankier and get a telepathy synergy. [Clarivoyance]+[MMx3]+[Ally Empowerment]. Of course, that might not work since there's only one Clarivoyance instance, so it's a backup plan.

Plan Courageous Carmilla
Nox Esurientem
Eastwood
Daggermaw
Multiplex

Optional:
Millions Minefield
Steadfast

Potency: 10-13
Keywords: Mental Manipulation x2, Transformation x3, Energy Manipulation x3, Enhanced Strength x2, Construct Creation, Invulnerability, all those other ones from Nox (Hopefully Regeneration)


I'm making Shelley into a Kamen Rider and none of you can stop me. Here's how.

Nox allows for the consumption of emotions. The hope is that the Millions/Eastwood combo allows said emotions to be stored in the form of consumable transformation items— think like Gotchizos from Kamen Rider Gavv.

Daggermaw and Multiplex are where I'm hoping to get the Kamen Rider influence from. Crocodile scales for armor, and Multiplex to allow for size based shapeshifting. Which combos weirdly well with Nox, since his Transformation tag comes from him growing in size. Steadfast is there to do the obvious Invuln.

The name comes from the famous lesbian vampire novel (see what I did there? ;) ) and a synonym for "Valiant". (Only Ellie has a right to that title, but I feel Nora and Takeda would be ok with something close.) I'm willing to cut one of Daggermaw or Multiplex to account for Tolerance restrictions, but I'm insistent on the Nox/Eastwood/Millions core. (It was another 9 Tolerance plan of mine, you see).

I'm willing to downscale for Tolerance, but the goal of the build is a bruiser that can also take advantage of the Mental Manipulation tag and Transformation's inherent stealth options, for a Shelley specializing in HIT, ESP, and a sub-specialty in REP.
 
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