Going for this Nurse Spider is a healer so probably the best of the 3 spiders as cool as the Hydra and Insidious are they are pretty damn big to use regularly so going for the Hideous variations because they are small enough to see more use street level going for B and C on the first vote for a long and short range one. Though I wouldn't mind grabbing all three to get them out of the way so I'll put that in as well.
I like the idea that idea entire little Demon Squad just pops up in Alex's Soulspace; these Lads will be Ready to Work! The Bonus is just gravy on top.
Nurse Spider can heal groups of spiders in a decently wide area, would make a great combo with Taylors bugs so there's that as well as for people. Hideous C has a shotgun, enough said, but considering the vote tally...
I like the idea that idea entire little Demon Squad just pops up in Alex's Soulspace; these Lads will be Ready to Work! The Bonus is just gravy on top.
I haven't found the occasion to use 234 yet. Super eavesdropping hasn't come up. I haven't forgotten about it, it's just that the scenario didn't present itself. I may end up giving it to someone to create a new "parahuman", super hearing isn't the greatest power alone but it could make for a Thinker 3(?). Or even better I could give it to an existing Parahuman that could make good use of 234 but I haven't found yet a power that would synergize well with it. If you have ideas I'm all ears.
I haven't found the occasion to use 234 yet. Super eavesdropping hasn't come up. I haven't forgotten about it, it's just that the scenario didn't present itself. I may end up giving it to someone to create a new "parahuman", super hearing isn't the greatest power alone but it could make for a Thinker 3(?). Or even better I could give it to an existing Parahuman that could make good use of 234 but I haven't found yet a power that would synergize well with it. If you have ideas I'm all ears.
"You said you needed to speak to me Director?" Alex couldn't shake the feeling that this was going to be a tongue-lashing. But for the life of him he had no idea what he could have done wrong. "Yes, I just received some concerning reports regarding the personnel you transferred partners to. There appears to be side effects to the process. A process you proclaimed was safe and that I vetted for." Director Piggot scowled at the hero. "What?" Alex asked as his minds began racing. "I don't understand. I was sure there were no consequences to the recipient. What happened?"
"Well let's start with Penseur and Brook."
The hero Tarrasque looked to where his friend Penseur was 'talking' to their department's visitor. Apparently, the Thinker had met Brook some time ago and offered to be his tour guide. No one saw anything wrong with the idea at the time, but now he and the rest of the team were getting worried. "Uh, Pens? You OK buddy?" piped Annie. Immediately Penseur turned to scowl at the hated nickname. "Really Lionne? In front of company?"
"She's just concerned Penseur. I mean you two have been standing there making crab-claw gestures at each other for over five minutes." Interjected Tarrasque. The two capes blinked before Brook answered. "We were showing off our skill with crustacean language."
"…crustacean language."
"Yeah! Ulrich here has a pet lobster and I have this little crab guy. We picked up a lot of their body language and wouldn't you know it turns out it's the same for both species!"
"Ok, that's just them spending time around their partners. It isn't a side effect or parahuman power. Cat people pick-up behaviors from their pets too." Piggot failed to look convinced. "I would not know being as I live alone. Regardless that does not explain this next report from PRT Utah."
Dario (well, Moa now) still wasn't used to the spotlight. He never thought he would Trigger and given the stories he heard at work didn't want to. Yet here he was, a cape on patrol. It felt so weird going from identity-concealing trooper armor to the bright, eye-grabbing costume of bird Changer Moa. "You doing good Rookie?" asked his patrol partner Madonis. It was an in-joke among the local Protectorate to label him, a veteran PRT trooper with numerous missions under his belt, 'Rookie'. He appreciated the camaraderie. "Fine." Dario grunted. "Still getting used to PR." "Ah, gotcha. I remember when I was starting out. I'd rather fight the Black Chip cartel alone than give a speech." Madonis looked into the distance, their face painted with nostalgia. "Maybe you'll get lucky, Rookie. Something might explode, give you a chance to ditch patrol." They joked. And because Madonis was the most jinxed human being Dario had ever met, that was when the storefront down the street blasted outwards.
The heroes immediately raced for the store as civilians screamed. Climbing out the ruined front was Salt & Pepper, local minor villains and thieves. "Call it in, I'll keep them busy!" Dario shouted as his body shifted to hybrid mode. Madonis nodded; Moa was the faster of the two and tough enough to keep Salt and Pepper preoccupied. Dario was almost on top of Salt before the latter noticed him. The Shaker threw up a wall of her namesake just as Moa attacked. "Cuchillo de Pollo!" The taloned leg of Dario's hybrid form lashed out in a textbook horizontal strike, the sheer force knocking the villain prone even through her shield.
However, Pepper was not idle during the assault. Black particles swirled in front of Dario before exploding. The moa zoan took the hit without significant injury but the light and noise stunned him briefly. The villains might have been able to escape in that moment had Madonis not joined the fight, muscles bulging as they maximized their Brute abilities. Neither Salt nor Pepper possessed the firepower needed to take down the Protectorate heroes, but they didn't need to. The pair were proficient escape artists. Even as they fought a fighting retreat they moved towards the alleys, if they could get out of the main street they would disappear as usual. Dario would not let that happen. "Cuchillo de Pollo!" this time the talons came for Pepper, slipping between clouds of explosive particulates. The man responded with a sharp gesture as the clouds surged in before exploding. "Bu-cawk?!" Dario shouted as he was thrown almost fifteen feet into the air. Quickly the duo knocked Madonis back before fleeing to the nearby alleyway. Dario, seeing how they would pass beneath him, flapped his arm-wings with all his might, trying to buy just a little more hangtime. Then just as he began to fall, he unleashed his attack. "Hacha de Gallo!" The impact of Dario's leg hitting the ground knocked the villains off their feet, sending them flying into the alley walls with a resounding crash.
Dario stood above the groaning forms of Salt & Pepper, charred but unbroken. Madonis jogged over and began cuffing the criminals. "Good job Rookie. But are the theatrics necessary?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well it's a bit campy going around calling your attacks like you're in a cartoon or something."
Dario frowned as he scratched his head. "Don't really get what you mean. It just feels right." Madonis grinned. "Oh? Is mister gruff and stoic secretly a theater kid?" Dario smirked back. "Yeah, didn't you know? I was Big Bird on Seasame Street." The two heroes looked at each other for a second before bursting into laughter.
"Hahaha-!"
"Clu-cluck-cluck-!"
"Ok, I admit the laugh is weird but that might just be changed vocal cords affecting what he sounds like in his Changer form." Alex said.
"Apparently not. Mister Merlo has been recorded making the same sound laughing in his human form as well." Piggot leaned forward. "Furthermore, I am much more concerned about why a trained PRT trooper, one known for his stoicism no less, is shouting attack names 'like a shonen protagonist' as the report puts it. I did not appreciate having to look up what a 'shonen' is Compendium. And I appreciate troopers having their minds altered even less." "There is no proof of mental effects." Alex defended. "Merlo could just have a whimsical side to him. The psych evaluation wasn't that comprehensive."
"Perhaps, but what about Miss Militia's case?"
Hannah wished she could say that Compendium had torn out the Bay's nazi problem root and stem. Unfortunately, while the Empire's capes and the majority of non-powered members had been taken into custody others remained at large. It was not nearly as bad as it used to be. Most rank and file began to quietly ditch their gang signs now that their backers were gone. However, the true believers, the ones who bought into the party line in its entirety, continued to serve as the dying unlamented embers of the Empire. Which lead to her current situation, dodging wildly inaccurate potshots from a trio of skinheads.
"You bitches ruined everything! We could have made this town great again!"
"It's all because of you damn immigrants! America is for Americans only!"
"Yeah. Down with the non-whites. You suck."
The last one seemed less enthusiastic than the others, Hannah thought. Her patrol had just been ambushed by these clowns not two minutes ago. All things considered, she wasn't particularly threatened; they lacked the proper training, equipment, and aim to actually harm her. The real issue was the possibility of them hitting bystanders, an all too real possibility as their guns swung around wildly. Luckily natural selection had ensured that the average Brocktonite could duck most lethal projectiles with an 80% success rate and so far no one had been hit. Still, just a little further and she would be in the perfect position to dispatch them.
"Ha, look at this Mexican whore run! Can't take a real Aryan man can you!"
"Wait I thought she was Iranian?"
"Shut up Steven! Who cares what desert she's from? Shoot her!"
Finally Hannah reached her destination. The parking lot was surrounded by concrete walls and empty of anything other than a few yellow weeds poking out of cracks, the company in charge having gone bankrupt two years ago. "Gonna stop running 'chica'." Mocked the ugliest skinhead. "Er-" "Shove it Steven."
Miss Militia sighed as she tightened her bandanna with one hand. "Good grief, you boys really don't know the situation you are in." "Pfft, we have you cornered like a rat. One move and you're full of holes." The fattest skinhead boasted. The man attempted what was probably supposed to be a smug grin but really just made him look confused. "Maybe, if we feel like it, we'll leave your face alone so everyone can see how scared you were." The uncertain skinhead just nodded, not agreeing with anything in particular but reflexively showing support. Hannah sighed once again before sliding her left foot backwards. She twisted her torso, maintaining eye contact by looking to her side as her free hand came up in a finger pistol aimed at her pursuers. Her other arm was bent at a ninety-degree angle, upper arm extended horizontally and gun pointed to the ground. "Let me teach you boys a lesson, free of charge."
Hannah fired a single round from her weapon, a seemingly pointless act given her aim. However, unseen by the nazis five copies of Manhattan Transfer had taken position in the parking lot during their dialogue. The bullet bounced off a low flying Stand before ricochetting between two others. Each gun was knocked out of the nazis' hands and fingers were scrapped by a bullet passing by.
"What the hell!?"
"Ow, Fuck!"
"T-the bullet bounced off thin air!"
The instant they were disarmed Miss Militia switched to beanbag rounds, downing all three of the men with well-aimed shots to the gut. As she approached the most uncertain, and apparently most athletic, goon staggered up. Upon realizing he was cornered between a wall and a heroine he started babbling. "L-look I wasn't really a part of the Empire. I was just there for my cousin! J-just let me go and I'll tell you about our hideout alright?" Hannah shook her head at the sight. "You really are scum you know?" Her weapon morphed into camo boxing gloves as she strode up to the coward. "Did you really think you could buy off your crimes!?" With a shout she drove a gloved fist into the man's sternum. "Bang! Bang! Bang!" Each 'bang' punctuated a vicious punch from the woman. "Bang Bang Bang!!" Up, left, down, right, a storm of strikes slammed into the unfortunate skinhead. "BANG!!" One final blow saw the tenderized neo-nazi crash into the wall, cratering the cheap cement and driving him unconscious. Hannah took a final look at her defeated foes before turning on her radio.
"Miss Militia to Console. I left behind some trash on Andrew Parkway. Send someone to pick it up." So said, Miss Militia casually swaggered back to find her bike.
"…"
"…"
"Yeah, ok. I'll see what I can do about this." Alex muttered.
@Feather_Up That was hilarious thank you.
I may steal Salt & Peper, those are good powers and good themes for minor villains. my favorite part was MM's bouncing bullet trick and Dario called Attacks.
I will threadmark it shortly.
This one does not have any existing bounty. Any idea what you want as reward?
@Feather_Up That was hilarious thank you.
I may steal Salt & Peper, those are good powers and good themes for minor villains. my favorite part was MM's bouncing bullet trick and Dario called Attacks.
I will threadmark it shortly.
This one does not have any existing bounty. Any idea what you want as reward?
Glad you liked it. How about I take a look through the 100 - 50 point entries and get back to you? I will most likely choose a 50 point creature anyway.
Glad you liked it. How about I take a look through the 100 - 50 point entries and get back to you? I will most likely choose a 50 point creature anyway.
[X] Creature
Creature Roll: (680 points)
Category Roll D50=21 Modded Minecraft/Don't Starve; Entry Roll D228=212
100 Cave Spider, 100 Nurse Spider, 100 Sea Strider
Category Roll D50=8 Devil May Cry/Bayonetta; Entry Roll D96=73
200 Hideous, 400 Hydra, 500 Insidious
Sub-vote results: 200Hideous A + 200Hideous B + 200Hideous C + Micro Bonus*3
Banked: 80
I'm trying something new in this chapter. Let me know what you think.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Saturday, 05/14/2011 (12:30 AM)
The aftermath of what would later be called the Elisburg's Riot took a while to be handled. My trio of robotic partners explored the tunnel as far as they could until they reached the edge of the Harvest's unit they were Relayed on, nearly reaching the opposite side of the town. They didn't find anything of note inside the tunnel itself. Clank recorded the whole thing for later analysis.
Another cape that I didn't know, a woman called Radiant Maiden, who in addition to the ability to throw lasers around possesses some sort of X-ray vision. She easily found the exit of the tunnel, nearly a kilometer away from the wall hidden by a thicket of trees. There were traces of a group passing through there but nobody in sight and no clear tracks.
Whoever kidnapped Nilbog was long gone.
It took nearly two hours before the last of the monsters died. A few stragglers may remain, and cleaning up the entirety of Elisburg would probably take months, but it was over. While I was still in perfect shape, not even physically tired, mentally it was another story. I wasn't prepared to witness, let alone participate, in what could only be called a massacre. I shudder to think about what my kill count would now show me.
At the moment I was slumped into a chair in a cramped meeting room, with all the other heroes who participated and a few PRT and Military officers. The mood in the room was somber, better fitting for a funeral than for a victory party. Yes, we removed an obvious threat from the region but in exchange, we gained a hidden threat. That wasn't the sort of trade that anyone would be happy with.
My Minds were struggling to contain my raging emotions, for now, I needed to remain calm.
In front of the whiteboard, an agitated Alexandria was pacing back and forth. I've never seen her so agitated, granted I haven't met her often but the few times I did she was perfectly composed, even after we beat Leviathan. Finally, she stopped pacing and slammed, gently, her hand on the table. "Who?" Her gaze panned through the whole room, fixing us all one by one. "Who would abduct Nilbog? Who has both the capability and the motive to do so?"
The first to respond was Narwhal. "The list can't be that long, the resources to pull it off undetected, even briefly, and to get away are not negligible."
Chevalier shaked his head. "Don't be so sure. Considering what recently happened." At those words, he glanced my way. "There's plenty of groups that are scrambling for anything that could increase their powers. And a powerful biotinker like Nilbog is one hell of an asset if you can get it under control."
I grimaced at the thought. We managed to get rid of Leviathan, and what do people do? Celebrate? Of course not, they panicked because they thought they might be next.
Miss Militia asked the obvious question. "Who are the most obvious candidates?"
While everyone talked about the possible options I discussed with my Minds, the partners and powers I gained during the battle, it would make for a good distraction. Both from the meeting itself and from my emotional turmoil.
So the Liopleurodon is an aquatic reptile. But a sort of magical one?/Yeah, it's weird he looks perfectly normal, for a prehistoric creature anyway. If you told me that he was resurrected from a fossil found on Earth I would believe you. And yet he can teleport if it's in danger. It also produces something called Mystic Skin Oil and anyone who touches it gains a weird sort of magical boost for a few hours afterward./If anything the boost itself is just random. It has two effects, the first one is straightforward, it allows you to hold your breath for much longer. It's with the second effect that things start to get complicated. If you open a container that you don't know, the content of the boost may improve the quality of the items inside. And it only works once per container./I think it may be useful for the chests inside Nimue's Dungeon because they regenerate each time the Dungeon is restored./Maybe the Treasure Bags too./We'll need to test it./Oh, and the oil cannot be stored for later use, it only took effect when taken straight from the skin of Liopleurodon.
Next, we can talk about the Hideous Trio. For the first time, we got three identical but distinct creatures./Well identical in body shape but not in abilities. They all wield different weapons./Besides that peculiarity, Hideous are bloodthirsty demons from the same world as Sapientia. So I wouldn't trust them with children. In fact, I wouldn't trust them with hardened veteran soldiers./If we need street-level firepower to battle things that we don't mind killing, that may be useful, but that's pretty much all.
Internally, I winced, yes that wasn't ideal.
On a happier note, we also gained three small and cute creatures./Glaucus Atlanticus, also called Sea Dragon, is despite its appearance a perfectly normal earth animal, a sea slug./It's hard to believe that a slug could be this beautiful./Then we have a mechanical fish, it's quite pretty and it's designed to clean up aquariums or ponds. There's not much to say about it./And lastly, we have the Lantern Mouse. A rodent with bioluminescent skin. It likes to hang up from the ceiling with its long tail./I could see some use for it with Equip Trait.
All three were indeed quite good, and a good contrast from the previous demons.
A quick word on the Fur Theme. As you saw when we used it on Olky, it gave him a thick coat of fur./But it can also give more leathery skin like that of a cow or even hide. Basically, it made the target look like a mammal./As for the benefit, it's quite minor. Some resistance to heat and cold. It's not useless but Environmental Adaptation does it better.
Yes, the bonus wasn't that great. Still transforming a robot or a monster into a cute furry creature could have some PR benefits.
And of course that only left the elephant in the room, Dimensional Travel./I don't think we need to go into the details of it yet. We're in no position to go visit other Dimensions at the moment./The only relevant information that we may need right now, is that we can only travel to the Dimensions our partners came from. And we'll land right next to a member of the same species./That immediately removes several partners from consideration. I don't want to visit any kind of hell dimension that the Hideous originate from./Yes, taking some time to choose our first destination carefully is important.
It was something to think about for the future.
When I returned my attention to the present it was to see a list of candidates that could have abducted Nilbog. It was worryingly long for my taste. The Fallen, all three branches separately or together, were at the top of the list. The reasoning was sound. We just killed one of their gods, they'll be wanting to take revenge.
The Yàngbǎn was next, while it was unlikely to see them active in the middle of the USA, they might just be crazy enough to try. It was terrifying to even think about the idea of even a diluted version of Nilbog's powers being available to all the members of the Yàngbǎn.
Gesellschaft was another foreign entity that was high on the list. They just lost their main foothold in the States after all, so it wasn't too outlandish to consider it.
The S9 was by far the most worrying candidate on the list. What Bonesaw could do while cooperating with Nilbog under Jack's direction was nightmare-inducing.
We had the Elite too. One of the most violent cells could have done it but it was unlikely, it didn't fit with their usual methods.
Then at the bottom of the list, there were a number of organizations that I didn't recognize and were even more unlikely to have done it.
The very last entry was simply labeled Unknown. Because we couldn't exclude the possibility of an insane new trigger or something else altogether.
The Thinktank of the Protectorate and PRT would be put to the task of shining some light on this mystery.
With this list completed, and with no way to do anything about it at the moment, the subject turned toward what we should do with Elisburg. The operation to clean it up methodically would take months or even years to be put into effect. Dragon would head that project, and now I knew how she could handle so many things, mainly using drones to sterilize the whole area.
Legend also gave a brief after-action report. In total seven soldiers died both before and after our arrival, the wounded could be counted by the dozen including seventeen crippled to various degrees, and while no parahuman died in the assault four were wounded. Without my healing team, it would have been much worse but they couldn't be everywhere. On a more material level, the wall was battered in a number of places but not breached anywhere. However, now the goal of the wall was more about preventing people from entering than the opposite.
The meeting didn't last long after that. The mood inside Bruce's car was far from upbeat as I ferried everyone back to Brockton. By now the ceremony was long over so we landed on the Rig. Legend would have to handle the multiple PR issues generated by our hasty exit. For my part, I hurried to my office to collapse in my chair. I didn't want to deal with anyone right now. Only then did I allow myself to give free rein to my overwhelming emotions. The room seemed to shrink, closing in on me as I experienced some sort of meltdown, memories of the battle from multiple points of view flooded my head. My palms were clammy with anxiety. Every breath felt shallow as if the air itself had turned thin and suffocating.
I don't know how long I stayed curled in a ball in my seat. The only thing allowing me to keep any semblance of control was the reassuring presence of my partners all around me.
Gradually control returned to me. I wiped the tears from my eyes and returned to a more comfortable seating position. Without prompting Olky brought me a cup of tea that I accepted gratefully.
Taking a deep breath I refocused on the present. I was a little ashamed to have let myself go like that. But I was no trained soldier and I didn't have years of experience as a hero. The only thing I had were my partners, the artificial knowledge granted by the Menagerie, and scattered memories of my training as a Beastmaster.
The events of this morning shook me deeply, in my short career as a hero it was the first time I was faced with violence on such a scale. Yes, the Empire assaults and my kidnapping were bad but they were more spread out, and our victory was more absolute. Yes, Leviathan was more terrifying but it didn't last as long, we managed to limit the damage to nearly nothing, and we destroyed the monster in the end. This was different, it was an unending assault against foes that would stop at nothing to kill us all despite having no hope of winning. It was a bloodbath from start to finish. And to top things off our victory was hollow. There was a very good chance that today's events would repeat themselves.
Briefly, I considered calling on Hug. I could certainly use their help to soothe my still tumultuous feelings. Ultimately I decided against it, I need to learn to deal with such things. I couldn't rely on Hug like a crutch.
I picked up my phone and selected a number among my contacts before putting it to my ear.
Half an hour later I was in Doctor Yamada's office recounting haltingly my experience in Elisburg. The woman listened patiently as I talked. I didn't prevaricate or elude any details. With her help, I poured out my feelings as the battle progressed. How I was nauseated by the smell of blood and offal. How I was disgusted by my own satisfaction I felt when I killed a particularly elusive monster. And how this senseless massacre makes me want to scream at the unfairness of it all.
Seeing all those creatures racing to their death in a misguided attempt to protect their creator drew uncomfortable comparisons with the unwavering loyalty of my own partners.
When I finally fell silent, Doctor Yamada spoke up.
"Feeling better?"
I took a moment before answering. Then I nodded. "Yes, actually." And it was true I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I wasn't over it, I would still need some time to digest what happened today but at least now I felt ready to try.
"That's good. Then I don't think we need to discuss the matter further. However, feel free to bring it up again at a later date if you feel the need."
I nodded respectfully.
"Now, I do have some concerns. Tell me when was the last time you took a full day off?"
That drew me short and I hesitated, the answer didn't come to me. A whole day off? It couldn't have been that long ago? Could it?
"Well, there was the party just after the battle against Leviathan?" My interrogative tone didn't appear to please the good doctor.
"I hardly think that counts as rest considering the way you spoke of such events. And it was two weeks ago."
I frowned. Then before that when was it? I was still trying to remember when Doctor Yamada interrupted my train of thought.
"Don't bother, I have access to your schedule. Let's just say that it's been far too long. You need some rest and relaxation, soon."
I remained silent, stunned by the realization that along the way I've become a workaholic. Dumbly I nodded.
"And it needs to be real rest and relaxation. You could go out with friends, take a breath of fresh air, spend time doing things unrelated to being a hero, hell you could even try to find yourself a girlfriend."
Later in the evening while I was back in my office those words were still resonating in my head. Friends? I didn't have any of those. I had a few acquaintances while in High School but nothing more than that, and I lost contact with them anyway. Going out? I've always been an introvert. When I was with Akemi we did go out a little but not much. Both because neither of us could afford it and because we were both content to be curled up together on the couch while reading a good book.
As for the last thing…
I kept telling myself that now was not the right time and that I was too busy. But when would it be the right time? Would it ever come?
The idea keeps bouncing in my head. Maybe it was time to move on. With the quiet confidence of my partners behind me my resolve firm up. Why not? What does it cost me to try?
Picking up my phone once again. I selected a contact that I saved just a few days ago. After three rings someone picks up.
"Hello, Compendium."
"Good evening, Crystal."
"I didn't expect your call. Is there a problem?" Her voice was hesitant, she was audibly confused.
I hurried to reassure her. "Nothing wrong, no, don't worry. I just need to ask you a quick question."
"Okay, I'm listening." Now there was an undercurrent of curiosity in her tone.
I licked my lips and took a deep breath. No time like the present. "Maybe I'm being a little too forward. We don't know each other that well but…" Despite my resolve, I hesitate.
"Yes…?"
No, I need to push forward. I rushed out my next words. "Would you allow me to take you on a date?" There I said it.
Silence hung on the line. I cringed internally, she was going to say no. Just as I was about to apologize she spoke up.
"A date? You're serious?"
I tried to keep my voice steady. "Dead serious."
"Wow, I'm just, I can't believe it! Yes, I'd love to go on a date with you!" I let out a breath that I didn't know I was holding.
"Great, great. I'm looking forward to it."
Then she asked a question that sent me into a panic. "So, what do you have in mind?"
I forgot that part!!! All my Minds scrambled to find something to say, calling on all my limited experience with Akemi and what I saw on TV. Where should I take her?
[] Dinner and a Movie, classics are classics for a reason.
[] Dance Club, it was not my scene but it could be a nice change of pace.
[] Art Museum, a little stuffy but original.
[] Bowling, relaxing and fun.
[] Arcade, we both like games, we can bond over that.
I was lounging on my bed, bored out of my mind while halfway listening to the latest pop song that I've forgotten the name of when my phone started vibrating. I cut the music, picked it up, and looked at the name on the screen. "What Crystal could want at this hour?"
I accepted the call but before I could say a word Crystal's voice screeched out of the phone. "VICKY! Get your fat ass here right now! I need help!"
Taken aback by such vehemence it took me a second to formulate an appropriate response. "First of all my ass isn't fat. It's pleasantly plump. It's you that got a fat ass in the family."
I heard her muttering to herself. "Keep telling yourself that." Which I ignored royally.
"Second of all, what's the emergency?"
The screeching was back. "I have a date! I need your help to choose what to wear."
Insult forgotten I jumped from bed in excitement. "A date, that's fantastic! You haven't dated anyone since Adrian!"
"Don't remind me of that asshole." The sound of rustling fabric was audible through the phone.
"Sorry." I put the phone on my bed with the speaker on as I put on my shoes. "I'll be right there. I'll bring Amy. That'll take her out of the house."
"Good idea. I could use more sensible fashion advices to counterbalance yours anyway."
My fashion advices were perfectly reasonable, thank you very much. Then a question occurred to me.
"Who's the lucky guy, anyway?"
There was a pause. "Promise you won't tell anyone?"
Now I was intrigued. "Why the secrecy?"
"Just promise me."
Begrudgingly I did. "Very well. I promise."
"Okay." She lowered her voice so much that I was forced to pick up the phone again to hear her. "It's Compendium."
I was so stunned that I let the phone drop back onto my bed. What the fuck?
Wordcount: 3183
Excess words: 917
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here we go for my first try at romance. It will be awkward, both for my characters and for me but I decided to take the plunge and I'll do my best. When I started this quest, more than two years ago, I considered integrating some romance, with Crystal as the main candidate but I didn't know if I wanted to go through with it. I think that now is the right time.
And for those who don't like romance, don't worry it won't suddenly become the focus of the quest. I'm not writing a romcom or a soap opera.
For the roll, 80 (Banked) + 360 (Chapter) + 0 (Excess words) = 440 points.
Need thread marking.
A new chapter! Good way to start my morning!
First Choice
[X] Bowling, relaxing and fun.
Second choice
[X] Arcade, we both like games, we can bond over that.
Always!
[X] Creature
VICKY! Get your fat ass here right now! I need help!"
Taken aback by such vehemence it took me a second to formulate an appropriate response. "First of all my ass isn't fat. It's pleasantly plump. It's you that got a fat ass in the family."
