The Escapist Avatar Adventure: An Open RP (Now Re-Opened!)

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

Spoiler: Omega Rugal

[hr]

Right to Rule

[i][s]Rugal's story[/s] [color=red]"It's my story now, bee-atch!"[/color][/i]

[hr]

"Murder?...Oh, don't worry about him. He's pretty good at shrugging off the icy grip of death. I've not known him for long but I do expect him to be waiting for us in Rome." Omega said as he stood up, watching as Livia both accepted his "Contract" as well as dart off into the distance, giving him some time to gloat.
...wow...I didn't think she'd be that stupid. I mean, I knew you were but I thought she had a head on her shoulders. All it took was some big words and a smile...
...
Nothing insightful to add? Alright, you can just watch. Hey, maybe Julia will still take us up for that offer to fuck? I mean, once I break her arms and legs, like she'll be much state to say no...
...
...Really? Usually comments like that get you fired up...alright fine, Sulk if you want. You're the reason this is happening after all. No one to blame but yourself. Now then...

While Livia might be able to sprint all the way to Rome, Omega had a better idea as all of a sudden, Livia saw a blur dart past her before the man himself stood next to a signpost along her path.
He was travelling fast enough to not only beat her there but to also do so without barely being seen.
"Good form, I must say. But I think we'd want to be going a bit faster then that. Luckily, I can provide that for you. May I?" He remarked before offering her his hand.
In a cheeky manner, he then decided to suddenly pick her up bridal style before adding "I call this one the "Vanishing Rush" [https://youtu.be/ouX7-Ud92rw?t=8s][footnote]Video Link. Notice how he manages to move fast enough to not be visible to the human eye.[/footnote]. Now, hold still and try to keep the contents of your stomach inside it."
With little more warning, Livia saw the world around her blur for a moment as Omega used that technique several dozen times, it was almost akin to teleporting as every instant she seemed to be in a new location.
Omega was never a humble type so he gleefully leap and dived between movements, landing on walls and signposts like the Ninjutsu practitioners he turned into "Works of Art" over the years.
It must have been some fright to any travelers along the path, walking along minding their own business when a massive German man suddenly appeared holding a fair maiden in his arms before "popping" out of reality again.

Sure, it would use a lot of energy but this was about getting Livia's trust and besides, not like there would be a shortage of people to "Recharge" with once they finally got to Rome.

Power Remaining: 60% (-5% from passive burn, -30% from Vanishing Rush Spam.)

 

[Zepherus14]

The Rising Dawn: Armoury [https://orig00.deviantart.net/1cc6/f/2012/168/d/1/contact___armory_by_shimmering_sword-d53uu2p.jpg]
Hillary the Slime | David West | Jenny | Violet​

Hillary held her unnecessary breath as she waited for the group of skeletons to accept their surrender and apologize for their misdeeds. "Ya, you tell your friends Mister Bones." Hillary encouraged her boney friend as he chattered to his compatriots. "Maybe tell them they can put their- LOOK OUT!" Hillary exclaimed as the volley rocketed towards her and Mr Bones, turning around to try and block as much as she could from the helpless skeleton.

Most of the arrows peppered Hillary's back, but Johany's arrows still found purchase and crush Kenny's skull into dust. "Aaah! Mr Bones!" Hillary exclaimed as her skeleton started to crumble in her hands. She wouldn't have long as David's gun made her jump followed by the skeleton screaming, figuratively of course! Preoccupied with her fallen acquaintance, Hillary wouldn't have enough time to get up much less escape the oncoming blast of electricity. "Aaah!" Hillary yelled in shock and surprise, cowering as the encroaching sparks charged her way.

As Hillary took the impact, she stood there for a short time more, stunned as she electricity passed through her. Or perhaps it was confusion, as she looked down at herself, then over at the electricity that continued on. Unlike everyone else, Hillary seemed unfazed by the current, and considering her material it wouldn't be hard to see why. Platinum is in the same group of metals as copper, perfect for transferring electrons and with Hillary's size, doing so without melting her at the same time.

So as Violet shouted to Hillary to explain the terror that was that energy surge, she just glared at that mean ol' nasty skeleton that'd hurt Mr Bones. [https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/367284741130682378/492518763799773220/gRm3m.png] "Hillary's not gonna let you hurt anyone else! You're going on a time out, and... and... she's gonna take that plinky thing away!" She proclaimed, clearly not used to battle banter. She would start to approach the crowd of skeletons, holding onto the mace's striking implement in one hand while cradling Mr. Bone's crumbling remains with the other. She used the mace to block some of the arrows that came towards her, oddly pretty accurate at this!

 

[BlackHarte]

Spoiler: Omega

[hr]

King and Country

[i]omega's story[/i]

[hr]

The journey to Rome was rendered quick by way of Omega's abilities. The mountains and valleys bowed to his speed. Yet when they arrived, Rome was not the city that either Omega or Rugal had remembered learning about in the textbooks. Where there ought to have been a city built around five hills, a series of palaces surrounded by a sprawling metropolis of stone apartment buildings, fortified walls, and open plazas, was instead a citadel.

Towers of marble lined a white-brick wall that ran as high as the hills that the city was built on. The sprawling capital had swallowed the Tiber river in a veil of stone and mortar. Statues of the Gods stood tall on the parapets and colossal bridges carried both aqueducts and carriages from wall to wall. The rest of this world had some similarities to the ancient world of Rugal and Omega's Earth... but this city, this Rome, was absolutely out of place.

The Senate Building on the Palatine Hill stood high above the city center, it's grand arches and proud columns consumed the skyline.

"You can stop now!" Livia said suddenly. She struggled free of Omega's hold and dropped onto the floor. Looked uneasy, almost sick. "Most people aren't going to be okay with travelling that quickly..."

She stood up and straightened out her dress. "I don't think Julia's in the city yet. I don't feel her soul gem. She must be taking a more round-about route to try and throw us off. For now, I think it would be good enough if we searched for the Aurelius man with the box. If we find him, we are going to find Julia for sure."

She jumped and hopped over the sloped wall of the city and gracefully eluded the two guards that were lazily milling around on the wall.

Omega followed. But as soon as he crossed the boundary of the wall into the city, he felt something he had not felt in a long time.

It was a crushing sensation, a sudden onset of utter dread. It was a feeling of real danger, not the banal type of danger that the heroes of the Rising Dawn often found themselves in, but a definite, logical, commandeering, and malevolent presence that permeated the city.

An aura of magic... no, ki... no... It was similar and different to too many things at the same time. It was a chaotic multitude, a cacophony of united wills. As if a countless myriad of souls had all been aligned together toward a single, destructive, goal.

This thing would kill. It would kill without warning, without fanfare. It would kill without gloating or hatred. It would kill because something was in between it and it's goal. It was familiar. So very familiar. There was this same insidious scent on the Rising Dawn for the past five years.

The danger was real. One wrong move, and it might as well be game over.

"Rugal, are you okay?" Livia said as she tugged on his coat lapel. "It looked like you were spacing out of a little bit."

They were in one of the larger back roads in a residential district. Dim firelight flickered in the shuttered windows of the apartments and low fires burned in ash-filled sconces along the street. Some distance away a young guard was making his nightly rounds.

They were on the south side of Rome and he could feel the flowing of the Tiber some distance away. From what he could remember, the important people would always be either in the Palatine Hill, the Forum, or the Grand Circus, but that was back in normal sane-person Rome. He wasn't entirely sure that everything still applied the same way here. There was some chance that starting the search in the Aurelius-owned district to the North East would be good, but there was a good amount of distance to cover to reach that area. Or maybe Julius Caesar would be receptive to the child of his one-time body guard. His residence was not so far away from the Palatine, a modest estate at the base of the hill where he could make easy trips to the Senate building each morning. Or perhaps it was more prudent to visit the Jovian Temple and hope that the priests there were more welcoming that that of his heavenly children.

 

[Silence]

Spoiler: Anjali

[hr]

Reason to Rise
Anjali's Story​

[hr]

"Umm ..." Anjali stared, slightly confused about what had just transpired, and why Freya was talking in such a different accent. "No ... " she answered. "Well, not personally ... There was a woman who got attacked by a madman, and I stopped him from killing her. And then this guy showed up and boasted all kinds of things while bringing me here. And I'm still confused, I don't know what this badge is for ..."

She looked at Freya. "You look pretty in that. I think it fits you. ... But why were you talking in such a weird accent? And why were you so meek towards this guy? I thought you would get mad again. What are you playing ... ? Where should we go now?"

[hr]

The Rising Dawn: Server Farm
Mio​

[hr]

"Sweet." Mio said shortly. "Now, my first order, first mate, is that you announce that I am the new captain. And that I will head to the canteen to welcome the crew! I will also keelhaul anyone who does not agree with me being captain. Off I go!" She gave a small wave to Viscus, then picked up her things and left the room.

Mio headed straight to the canteen, though occasionally she stopped and asked a terminal for the right direction. If she came across any skeletons, she walked past them, asking them if they were part of the crew. If they said yes, she offered them drinks at the canteen, if not, she demanded they leave the ship at once. However, she did not start a fight, instead making continuing her way.

There, she kicked open the door, and gestured towards the room before doing a bow. Loudly, she spoke: "I have rightly taken over this ship! I am your new captain! You can decide to follow me, and dispose of these skeletons, at least the hostile ones, or you can leave! This is a crisis situation, there are no third options! Get to work!"

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

Spoiler: Omega

[hr]

King and Country

[i]Omega's story[/i]

[hr]

"Ah, but we are not mot people, are we Mistress? Don't worry, your senses get used to the speed, least once you break them in." Omega playfully said as he rubbed her back slightly, just in case she did need to throw up.
Thankfully that was not the case and soon they were both inside the city's limits an-

...Whoa-....okay...Who's there? What the hell is that?...Hello?! He yammered somewhat cravenly in his mind once he sensed the-...the-..."thing" that was protecting(?) the city.
It felt familiar, he could even feel bits and pieces of past rivals in the air.
Tomoya, Kazuya, Tiberius, never in all his days did he feel anything loom over him like now.
It was one of the most enraging things Omega had ever dealt with, finally being in control only to find that there was another jackass standing between him and what would soon be his-

"Rugal, are you okay?" Livia said as she tugged on his coat lapel. "It looked like you were spacing out of a little bit."

But that was one of Omega's greatest powers, even above all his strength and might: Adapting to the situation.
"Y-yeah, just fine...I'm fine..." He clearly lied as he leaned against a nearby wall and took a few deep breaths, seeming to be much more exhausted now then he was even a few minutes ago.
His hair began to turn back to normal, least before he grit his teeth, straining to keep control before the wheat blonde was once more made sliver.
Once his episode was over, he turned back to Livia before attempting to give a reassuring smile, stating "Ah, I am so sorry about that. My-...Time might be more limited then I realize. You see, my body is in a higher state of being then most mortals but I can only maintain it for so long. The Ki energy inside me, it burns out far faster in exchange for my power. Once it's all gone, I'll become that Old Fool once more. Fear not, I don't plan to break my word, just-...."

He put his back against the wall before catching his breath a little, mournfully saying "...I do wish I could end this inane balancing act. Allow me to live my life and the Old Fool to waste his. I have about-..."
Omega raised his hand before igniting a smaller plume of Ki from his hand, finishing his statement by adding "About half of my energy stores left. Provided I don't exert myself too much Mistress, I can make it last a number of hours but at some point, I will run out and the Old Fool will be in control. Thankfully, I might be able to help you with that second part. My flame dims but it can be reignited whenever you wish. I would need some time to prepare the ritual needed to revive my strength however. Do we have any lodgings or safe havens in the city, Mistress? It's not exactly something that can be done in public..."

Energy Remaining: 54% (-5% from passive burn, -1% from his "Episode"

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

[hr]

The Rising Dawn: Canteen
Mio​

[hr]

Despite the state of crisis, the ship was still pretty peaceful.
Leoric's mad minions were still around every corner, sure but Mio didn't have too many issues getting to the canteen.
Once she got there, that's when the trouble began.
Rather then the rest of the ship's crew, she was greeted with more Skeletons, this time sparing in a turf war with the Imp culinary staff.
This would have been a dangerous conflict...if anyone involved knew even a single thing about fighting.

I mean, sure they were taking turns to throw pots and knives at each other but their aim wasn't amazing (And they always scrambled to pick up "Ammo" after each volley).
They barely even noticed Mio as she walked towards the bar, too busy fighting for the passage to the kitchen and "Mount Condiments".
Even Viscus's announcement over the intercoms did little to halt the intense battle.

*Bing Bong* [Attention all crew: There has been a change in command. User: Mio is now the acting captain of the Rising Dawn. Effective right now, You report to her. She is currently in the Canteen area to provide drinks to the crew and to quote "Keelhaul" anyone who might have a problem with her new position...]

The dull tone in Viscus's voice managed to get the message across the entire ship: Mio was the new captain.
And because she had asked for her position to be relayed to the crew (Least that's how her request was worded), Everyone on board knew.
Including-

"Captain..." A raspy dead voice barked as a sickly green glow filled the room, followed by the specter of Leoric emerging from the floor nearby.
He towered over her in his wraith form, eyeless sockets glaring down at her as his minions quickly dropped what they were doing and bowed near him.
"I heard you achieved a promotion. Congratulations. My forces control this flying vessel. They think I've lost my mind but I know what's REALLY going on here. The question is: What do you know? And do I need to "Keelhaul" you to find out. You have an audience with the Skeleton King. Make the most of it..." He threatened, right before his spectral form suddenly became very real while his minions backed him up I.E. Attempted to look as threatening as possible.

...One of them did seem to want a glass of Milk if she was serving any.

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

The Rising Dawn: Armoury [https://orig00.deviantart.net/1cc6/f/2012/168/d/1/contact___armory_by_shimmering_sword-d53uu2p.jpg]
Hillary the Slime | David West | Jenny | Violet​

It's well known that Skeletons aren't really able to emote too well, they were skeletons with no skin or facial organs to emote with.
That being said, Hillary could have sworn that she saw Johanys show a large amount of fear once he realized his King-given enchantment didn't seem to matter to her, along with most of his crew.
{RUN FOR YOUR UNDEATH!}
{EVERYTHING IS JUST BOUNCING OFF HER!}
Johanys did try and stand his ground, leaping off the table he was standing on before charging back at Hillary with a rusted sword, locking blades with her Mace.

"Alright, Rush them! Don't let up!" David shouted as he followed Hillary into the room guns blazing, trying his best to make this operation seem legit if for no other reason then to help him forget he was basically charging into battle right after getting out of the Medical Wing.
Violet was a little more reluctant, seeing how he didn't have a weapon but thankfully once he was inside the armory that was less of a problem.
"Come on, come on, come on-AHA!" He fretted before finally picking up a rather large Light-Machine Gun.
I mean, sure, the black steel finish and the green ammo mag totally clashed with his outfit but hey, so long as it worked.
"SUPPRESSING FIREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" He then shouted before popping out of cover and managing to hit everything he aimed at. Least if he was aiming. Which he wasn't. Honestly? He was just shooting in their general direction and hoping for the best.

Jenny was the last to get in but at least she was able to make the most of it, groaning with exertion before using her Psychic powers to disable several of the remaining skeletons.
In some cases, she literally tore their heads and limbs apart, least before she realized that wasn't really stopping them.
"D-damn. You need to crush their bones! I think that's the only way to stop them!"
"Wait-You think or you know?" David cut in between his fire, prompting Jenny to suddenly lift one up before slowly grinding it into dust in full view of everyone in the room, especially David.
"...Noted! Thanks for the intel!...Love you!" The Irishman nervously remarked, quickly getting the hint while the Gardevoir went back to cover, still rather drained from the amount of energy she was using.

Back with Johanys, he was a bit more adept at fighting then Hillary was for sure.
The static discharges his enchantment put out were starting to intensify slightly, keeping the others from assisting Hillary too much in her little scrap.
Parrying her attacks, he attempted to strike at her midsection but his sword didn't seem to do much against her Platinum body.
Roaring in anger, he then leapt up before attempting to drive his sword right down into her forehead, causing a rather amusing situation where Johanys stood on her shoulders trying to pull the blade back out again, kicking her face for good measure.
{WHY! WON'T! YOU! JUST! DIE!?} He barked at her right as she felt him break a few of his own toes trying to kick her nose.

 

[BlackHarte]

Spoiler: Anjali

[hr]

Reason to Rise

[i]anjali's story[/i]

[hr]

"I'm not acting meek," Freya said under her breath as she turned around. Her transparent dress fluttered from the motion. "It's just really embarrassing wearing something this revealing. And... it's hard to focus on my words when all I can think about is the leering gaze of menfolk."

Vil chuckled and put an arm around Freya. "The people from Terenith have a very peculiar accent. To many in the North, it is not considered very sophisticated. Freya spent no small amount of time learning to lose the speech pattern of her birth city."

"It's not that it takes effort, but when my mind is all spinning and my mouth moves faster than I can think it's really hard not to accidentally fall back to old habits."

"I am however glad to here that Master Garrote has taken a liking to your acts of heroism. It will be a very useful asset to have when your examination begins." Vil pointed to the document that Anjali was holding. "An adventurer's license is a card that details everything from a person's name to their class to the company that belong to. The rank determines how deep they can go into an Roil zone. Bronze is the lowest rank and Grand Master is the highest. You can find a rank for nearly every metal between iron and mythril between them. Silver class adventurers are allowed to pass judgement on emergency situations even in non-Roil zones. So in essence, what you are doing is akin to applying for a military officership."

Freya nodded, "But mostly for our purposes, it is necessary for us to have proper diving clearance before we venture into the Roil. As the level of danger in the Roil increases, the higher the necessary ranking is for an adventurer to gain official access to the zone. Without the proper level of clearance, there won't be any rescue parties or tracking parties deployed to keep tabs on any persons that venture into the zone. But most importantly, whatever artifacts they may recover will be considered property of the government instead of property of the adventurer."

"It is a measure designed to prevent headstrong youngsters from marching to their dooms in search of fame and fortune." Vil finished. "Now that the matter is sufficiently clear, would you like to go get some food before it becomes time for you to undertake your examination? I have heard that there are restaurants that cater to all sorts of people on the upper floors. I am sure that we can find an establishment that will serve live game to your tastes."

Flashes of blue light in the distance signaled the return of several investigations unit squadrons. They appeared out of the black monoliths that littered the inside of the Guild Hall like information stands. The white-coated unit had several groups of civilians with them, one of which included the woman that Anjali had saved some time before.

Astarte turned around and glared at a man passing behind them. Chimes rang gently from his white cloak as he walked. It was difficult to make out his face, but for some reason he stood out even among the crowds of peculiar looking people.

"Once you get a silver-class license we will be able to make for Noltell, where it is rumored that the Deep Braves have made their forward operating base. From there it will be a matter of finding their leader and asking for help locating Nightshade. Then we will be able to send you home to your Rising Dawn."

"And with any luck we will be able to find where Leland stashed Controller before the old man kicked the bucket."

 

[BlackHarte]

Spoiler: Omega

[hr]

King and Country

omega's story

​

[hr]

"I have an apartment at the foot of the palatine," Livia said quietly, "follow me and don't make a scene. We should be able to arrive shortly."

Livia started to make her way down the winding streets of this alternate Rome. Omega could hear the rushing waters of the Tiber river as they traveled down corridors of stone carved deep into the foothills of the land and down paths worn smooth by decades of foot traffic. The guards were not too involved in their patrols as they milled around in armor of polished bronze.

It took some time but they reached the building shortly after they crossed the gold-laden bridge of ages.

Livia's apartment building was one unit of a four-unit structure built near a secluded grove. The district was well lit by tall and bright sconces. The guards here wore red linens instead of white. The golden letters of S.P.Q.R. was embossed on as many surfaces as they could fit it on.

As they approached the marble-and-brick building, Livia stopped and stiffened. The sconces near the door held no light. The lock on the door was twisted apart. The metal was blackened and scarred, as if threshed upon a molten loom. There were several sets of dirt-tracked footprints on the marble floor.

Livia was visibly furious, her voice shuddered with rage, "Who dares desecrate my father's home." Her hands moved to her hips but slipped against the empty sheathes. She growled and stalked forward.

Omega couldn't sense anything in the apartment building. The area was cold, long vacated by any intruders. There was nothing here that felt dangerous.

Then something sent a chill down his spine. The flow of ki in the earth had suddenly shifted, sending a small shock through his body. The sky crackled and settled and he could hear some people murmuring about the weather as they walked pass Omega at the front of the apartment. The ominous presence that had followed him insufferably since they arrived in Rome lightened, as if whatever happened had attracted it's attention.

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

Spoiler: Omega

[hr]

King and Country

Omega's story

​

[hr]

"Save your breath, Mistress. Doubt they lingered long enough for us to catch them. It's the basics of Breaking and Entering. They must have been after something..." Omega said, ushering his "Owner" behind him as he began to walk into the crime-scene first.
"Several sets of tracks, this was a group effort. Bet they were watching the place for sometime. Mistress if you can think of anything of value that might reside here, now would be the time to share such knowledge..." He said before he pulled over a (somewhat damaged) chair to rest on.
Once he sat down, he rolled up his sleeves as he began to prepare this "Ritual" of his.
It was a fairly simple one, just "Packaging" his energy like a sandwich for lunch so he could consume it later.

Storing it would be a bit more challenging as he looked around for a suitable conduit to take in his power.
It was a lovely home, even with the evidence of a crime all around them, so that search didn't take too long.
Picking up a wince chalice that had been chipped from the break in, he fretted "Not the most suitable vessel for my power, but it will do..."
With something to focus his energy into, he could begin.
Placing it on the table before him, he gripped it firmly with both hands as his energy "Filled" the cup from the bottom, taking the form of a thick crimson wine with several skull-shaped rifts swirling around.
It's scent was just as hefty, a potent smell of blood, sweat and tears rising from it that would make Livia's eyes water.
"Alright Mistress, I'm filling this with a faction of my power. Keep this on your person, pour it onto the Old Food and it should be enough for me to regain control. Be sure to use it when you feel the Old Fool is about to make a royal mess of things again. Just do try and keep this hidden from him. The second he finds out about this, he'll just start begging like a common pauper for you not to use it. Oh, and don't mind it's appearance. It might seem imposing but that's just what the raw essence of combat looks like." He explained before making a very crude "Lid" for the chalice, namely from a broken piece of furniture he broke even further.

Omega seemed a bit more drained from the ritual but there was a notable look of relief on his face as he pushed the chalice into Livia's hands and said "I-...I don't recall ever being able to trust someone with this. Either they fear me or the Old Fool ensures it's not possible...I know I'm still the one who has wronged you but...Thank you, Mistress Livia. For giving me this chance..."
Now that matter had been dealt with, he turned his attention to more pressing matters.
"Right, I have some time life...So whom do you suspect for this crime, Mistress? My coin is on the guards. I bet Aurelius's coin is on them as well. They could have given themselves an excuse for entry, no need to explain their actions to any witnesses and they have the manpower to make this happen..."

Standing up with a slight sigh of exertion, he began to take a closer look around the crime-scene, hoping to use his extensive history of assassinations/intimidation/kidnapping to get a better idea of who was here and what they were looking for.

29% Energy Remaining: -5% Passive Burn, -20 Energy Storage.

Livia has been given a cup of Omega's energy Chalice of a King's Will. Use to instantly restore 20 energy to Omega or use on Rugal to spawn Omega.

 

[BlackHarte]

Spoiler: Omega

[hr]

King and Country

omega's story

​

[hr]

Omega stood up in the dead homestead and looked around. He could see some evidence of tampering in the room around him, but his ritual had disrupted the fragile sleep of the desecrated room. The dust that had been pooled into footprints by the intruders had taken into the air as silver motes in the firelight. Fingerprints on the furniture was disturbed, if not overlapped with his own when he had touched them.

He looked for physical left over clues, but could find none. In fact, so disturbed was the scene that he could not see where the footsteps were headed to. But what he knew was that there were many valuable looking things still remaining, and while many of the containers in the house were open, none were truly emptied. It was as if someone had quickly taken a glance at what was inside and then left it alone.

Livia took the cup in her hands and frowned, "You believe that the Aurelius family raided my late father's home?" She drummed her fingers on the lid of the chalice. "However, I do not believe that the Praetorian Guard would have the wherewithal to have been able to break into this home. My father was a shrewd man, Rugal, not only was this apartment unregistered, the lock here was crafted by the Ennian. To have broken such a device would have taken more prowess than a person would have, not even considering the taboo nature of defacing one of Ennian's own works."

She sat down on a small couch near the doorway. The orange light of the fires outside cast long shadows along the marble walls. "And for what reason would they be here. To steal my mother's knives? If the Aurelius had truly made there way to Etruria as Kleo had said, then I do not believe that they would have made such a scene at this place. It wouldn't have been to loot, since all of the valuables are still here."

Livia closed her eyes, "It has been a great many years since I have come to this place. I do not remember what contents it would contain. This home was used exclusively by my father as a safe house that he could retreat to in times of duress. With how much dust is here, I'd think that it had to be some months since the intruders were here." Livia growled in frustration. "If this was truly a raid conducted by Aurelius and his group, then we must confirm with the magistrate if one of his legions has moved into the area in the past year. If they acted without the approval of the Senate, then it could be enough grounds to declare hostilities between my province and his. But I only have access to one legion, of which my own leadership is being called into question... against the Aurelius family's seven legions... it would be impossible without using magic."

The gemstone in Livia's hair decorations grew dull in the shadows.

"Maybe we visit the Aurelius family mansion and see what they have to say about the actions of their oldest son."

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

Spoiler: Omega

[hr]

King and Country

Omega's story

​

[hr]

"Hm...You know, where I hail, Mistress, I could not imagine anyone losing much sleep over a broken lock, no matter how ornate. Especially if it's between them and what they want. Taboos are for the tame and civilized, not so much for those who feel themselves above both. The Old Fool can tell you all about that..."

Omega stood nearby as Livia rattled on about her father, the Senate and other matters he had to pretend to care about.
He gazed over the city, a silent confidence around him as he could imagine statues of him flexing and tributes to his glory everywhere he went that would make even Nero envious. (Not a high bar considering the man's legendary ego but still.)
When the topic of Roman Legions came up, he was already doing the math on how many possible bodies he'd have to deal with afterwards, something he was sure to share with Livia.
"You know, my understanding of your Roman Legions is that it's about, what, 5 thousand men? So that would be about 35 thousand Aurelius Soldiers, give or take?...Me and the Old Fool? We've seen war on levels your people have yet to comprehend. Should the need arise, Your legion will find victory hand delivered, Mistress. Hell, even my weaker side can manage that. It's all about how you strike, not many hands strike with you..." He reassured her, wondering how many roman legions would be used to the tactics of modern terrorist and insurgent groups.
And how much easier it'd be when only one side had firearms but that wasn't here or now...yet.

"I'd look into the magistrate first, Mistress. Whatever move we make to, we'll want know where their forces are before we make it. If we're lucky, we might be able to convince him to reveal all 7. With that knowledge, I can quickly see to undermining their strength while bolstering our own numbers. Perhaps I might even be able to handle that loyalty issue you spoke as well when the time comes. For now, I'd see him first before we confront their eldest son." He then said, double checking both the time of day and how much time he had left.

"...I shall see to getting your father's property back in order, Mistress, unless your will demands my talents elsewhere..." He then said, deciding to put some of his remaining energy into endearing himself with his Mistress.
He set about going a quick repair and dust down of the residence, his bulk and size making him appear rather ill-fitting handling a half broken broom and picking up what their foes had pulled down.
Still, he labored on, using his "Vast Overwhelming Power" in mundane ways as he quickly pulled the house back into order faster then an entire team of servants could.

He never was one to clean up his own or anyone's mess but it was an action he could see himself benefiting from at some point and that all that mattered.
Doubt she'll let me in the Master Bedroom...Well, I mean, she cou-....Hmmm....No, she doesn't seem like the type to use slaves like that...Real shame that, she would have enjoyed herself...
...
...Really? Still not a peep out of you? Because if you are trying right now, I ain't hearing any threats, warnings, nothing really. Maybe that's another thing I'm better then you at...
...
...You know, I could get really used to this silence. Heh ~And no one dared...
~disturb the sound...
of silence~... He smirked to himself, knowing the "Old Fool" was listening somewhere, silently screaming at such thoughts.

24% Energy Remaining: -5% Passive Burn, -5% Professional Cleaning Servant

 

[BlackHarte]

Spoiler: Omega

[hr]

King and Country

omega's story

​

[hr]

Omega finished cleaning Livius' safe house in little time, wiping away all traces of the intruder's presence. In contrast to the well decorated living room, the rest of the apartment was quite sparse. Simple ceramic pots lay overturned here and there and the wooden tables and drawers were rifled through. There were a good amount of empty scroll racks in the study room, directly adjacent to the living room and the kitchen, and a simple futon was laid against a bare wall. Some red blankets were still laying in an undisturbed heap at the end of the bed. Several empty oil lamps lay strewn across the floor covered in a thick layer of dust.

Now all of that detritus had been either moved outside or obliterated by Omega's ki energies, the home looked pristine, if slightly sterile. While he was cleaning up the debris from "Ennian's Lock" Omega noticed something. The metal radiated an energy not unlike what he had experienced during the Angel War. Yet, that seemed off. After all, Christianity had not yet even begun. It wasn't that the metal was enchanted, the material itself was light to the touch, airy, but strong. He could barely get the material to bend in his hand, but found that it grew softer in the presence of concentrated ki energy.

"Let us go see what the magistrate's office has to say about this then," Livia finally said.

With that she swept out into the streets in dramatic fashion, pushing pass some drunken patricians as she did.

---​

The magistrate's office was only several blocks away from Livius' safehouse, but so were many of the things at the foot of the Palatine hill. The hill was not as large as the others in Rome, yet it had to fit not only the many administrative and religious centers of the state into the small pieces of land left over after the wealthy senatorial families had claimed their estates, but also the public forum.

The magistrate was a small building crammed between the Temple of Venus and the courthouse, across the river Tiber from the Circus Maxima and it's horse tracks. Even at this time of night, there were still some people loitering near the marble steps engaging in quiet conversation as the moon drifted overhead.

Of the crowed of colorfully robed men and women, there was a grim looking man standing by the entrance to the magistrate. He was tall, thin, and robed from head to toe in a matte black. There was not a single thread of gold in his robes. His skin was pale and his fingers bone thin and painted with scars. By all means, he looked more dead than alive. Livia eyed the man with warily.

"Be careful of that one," Livia said as she began the ascent, "His name is Publius. He's one of the scribes here and older the Republic by some accounts. He's odd, but... probably means no harm."

When Livia and Omega passed he put a hand gently on Livia's head.

"Good to see you again," he said. His voice was stilted and raspy. Listening to him made Omega feel thirsty. "You have grown."

"It has been scarcely two months," Livia said under her breath. She was rigid. "I could not have grown much in that time."

"Not on the outside, no," the man said as he took several steps forward while gently guiding Livia into the magistrate, "but on the inside."

The magistrate interior was a cramped series of marble columns punctuated with small jars on tables filled with scrolls. The center of the building was an open space with four tables placed facing each other where a single man sat writing by firelight. Stacks of papers and tablets lay in neat piles from left to right. His face was scrunched down in effort at his current endeavor.

"Valerius," Publius whispered as he put a bony hand on the paper the man was writing on.

"Absolutely intolerable!" the man suddenly shouted as he sat up. He was shorter, Omega supposed, than the already short Roman people and quite rotund. Omega could see where the jewelry he wore had begun to wear into the fat on his neck and fingers. The man had a scraggly brown beard that melted into a scraggly brown mess of a head of hair. His robes were a complex layering of three different colored sheets. "It is unacceptable that so many of these forms are filled by illiterate masses because the Head of Household refuses to retain a scholar! The letters are copied haphazardly, reversed, and impossible to read. I cannot begin to fathom how we are supposed to determine the number of tax evaders by write-in alone!"

Publius smiled. "Livia is here to see you." Publius motioned toward Livia. "Look how she's grown."

"Grown!?" Valerius cried in surprise, "Have you lost your mind Publius? She looks the same as she did at Livius' vigil! You're losing your vision in your old age, I swear, I swear." Valerius let out two herumphs as he struggled to his feet. Then he walked around his table toward Livia with his arms outstretched.

"Oh, oh, oh, my poor girl. Have you been quite alright?" Valerius said as he hugged Livia tenderly around her shoulders.

Livia returned the gesture with less enthusiasm. "I have been surviving."

"Well, I am glad that you have been able to respond to my summons. It was not easy trying to track you down after you disappeared you know. You've inherited your father's elusiveness you have." He leaned back and cracked his back. "And who is this mighty German fellow you have with you?" Valerius said as he looked Omega once over, "Sticks out a bit like a sore thumb doesn't he?"

"His name is Rugal," Livia answered.

"Rugal!" Valerius said as we walked over to Omega. He hugged Omega warmly around his waist, for that was as high as the thickset man could reach. "Oh, I hope you have been taking care of Livia in Livius' stead. She is a handful at times, but I promise you that she is a fine woman in every regard."

"Patrue!" Livia said shrilly.

Publius put his hands on Livia's shoulders. "Quiet, child. This is a sacred space."

"Sorry..." Livia said softly, "Patrue, that is enough talking of such things. I am not here about your summons. I am here investigating the desecration of my father's home!"

Valerius turned around and looked at Livia. He wrinkled his mustache and his shoulders slumped. "I can't say I'm surprised." He walked back over to the other side of the desk and sat down. "You have inherited all of your father's resolve with none of his good humor. Truly, however, I ache for the passing of both Livius and Gaius in such short a time. Before you ask me the things you must ask me, and I know that the only reason you are here are for the things that you must ask, I must tell you that the Senate has summoned you to trial."

Livia balked, "To trial?"

"I am afraid so," Valerius answered, "Caesar and Aurelius has motioned for you to stand trial for patricide."

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

Sorry for the delay, hope your Halloween as was fun as mine!

Spoiler: Omega

[hr]

King and Country

Omega's story

​

[hr]

Omega Rugal Bernstein.

Legendary Weapons Merchant.

Slayer of Tomoya (Least if anyone asked him if he did).

The Mortal God in his own eyes.

...Professional Cleaning Servant.

Wasn't his finest moment but not like there would be any witnesses to speak of this by the time he was done in this world.
During his chores, he did pause a little as he noticed one of those "Magic Locks" Livia spoke of.
Huh....Angelic Metal, here?... He mused to himself, recalling the stores of the stuff his Cartel stole during the Angel War and re-purposed into advanced weapon systems both during and after the conflict. (Fun fact: France was the biggest market for such weapons!)
He decided to hang onto it, stuffing the remains of the lock into his pocket as he finished his labor.
When Livia finally decided to head off, he merely bowed before following suit and instinctively knocking the drunks out of their path, a mere shoulder check being enough to bring down one of them with the force of a gladiatorial body slam.
"Ahhh, the folly of liquor. Sometimes Mistress, I muse about attempting to restrict the sale of liquor in my own homeland. More trouble then it's worth. Wines would be safe, just tire of the riff raff downing whatever pig swill they bring from oversees before spewing their guts everywhere..."

His thoughts on Prohibition out of the way, he enjoyed his tour of the city for the most part.
It was nice to see Rome without the overweight tourists messing up the place, distracted too much from watching the overweight Roman elites waddle around as if their civilization would last forever.
As they passed the Circus Maxima, he smirked as he recalled fond memories of him using this exact spot for night-time meetings with local organised crime (Perhaps he might be able to again once this is all over).
Finally, once their walk lead them to the magistrate's office, he went about posturing as if he was Livia's personal guard (An accurate description if you asked him) whist she went about her business.
He was stoic for most of the meeting, barring a dismissive and annoyed looking eyeroll once Valerius attempted to hug him.
"Rest assured, there is no place in the world safer then in my care. Mistress-..."Traded well" for my employ." He smiling, his eyes wandering to his "Owner" slightly as admired how "Fine" she really was.

But the mood of the meeting quickly took a turn for the worse the second Valerius brought up trial, Omega's expression soured slightly before he stepped between Livia and the men before quickly saying "Hmmm...See, we could have a bit of a disagreement there. I understand what your Senate is and the importance of her summons but part of the reason I was employed was due to the actions of the Aurelius clan. One of their people have stolen something of great value from my Mistress, a gift from her mother no less. We already know one of their ranks is a lowly thief so I doubt such a trial would be fair and impartial, especially if Aurelius himself has Caeser's ear. Now, I myself could be judging them prematurely but I swore an oath to serve and protect the young Mistress until her property is rightfully returned. Therefore, I'm going to ask you politely to-...how can I put this...."
Omega cracked his neck slightly and flexed a little to let his mass and strength be fully appreciated, lest they think some mere guards would be enough to haul him and Livia away.
"How about we discuss other matters at this time? The Senate shall still be there in a few minutes and we traveled, oh such a great distance to be right here. If for no other reason then to review some of the facts before the Senate begins it's persecution of Mistress. Valerius...friend...

A slightly imposing smile appeared on Omega's face as he laid his hand on Valerius's shoulder, followed by him saying to the far smaller and rounder man "...Surely you can spare a few minutes for my Mistress. You've known her longer then I have, have you not? Please, I implore you. I'm sworn to her service by Roman law, not doing everything I can to protect her from those who would seek to harm her would be a crime in of itself, no?"
As he made his case, he also made other plans as Livia noticed her servant palming a small orange orb of Ki in his hand...Just in case...

14% Energy Remaining: -5% Passive Burn, -5% Prepared Attack

 

[BlackHarte]

Spoiler: Omega

[hr]

King and Country

omega's story

​

[hr]

Omega felt a small tap against his shoulder.

"Please refrain from such activities," Publius said softly. His black robes moved is soft waves around him.

"Publius!" Valerius said in shock as the tall skeleton of a man pulled Rugal away from him.

Livia hopped back, wary of the shadow-cloaked magister. "Rugal!"

Publius brought Rugal toward an empty space near the entrance of the magistrate, away from the scrolls and tablets near the center. Publius hit a lever as he moved and two chains fell loose causing the doors to the magistrate to close. The flames along the sconces flickered and dimmed.

At the end of the moment, Rugal found himself standing in the middle of the entrance hall. Publius stood between him and the entrance. Behind him, Valerius stood at center of the magistrate. Livia had moved toward the near wall, hidden beneath the fluttering banner of the Roman Republic.

Publius stood up and smiled kindly. His bony hands outstretched. "It is dangerous to use sorcery in the public eye. You will attract unwanted attention. Very unwanted attention. I trust even an outworlder like you understands."

"Publius, what are you talking about? What is this man, and how dare he threaten me!" Valerius screamed as he scrambled to get behind his desk.

"Don't do anything rash Rugal!" Livia screamed, "If someone dies, we won't be able to avoid the Invocation of Heaven here!"

"No one is dying," Publius said. "Nothing will begin the Invocation of Heaven tonight. I am agent to no family nor government, but I will not allow such unruly behavior in the city."

Livia took a step out from under the banner. "So what are your true colors, Publius?"

Publius looked to Livia, "I could ask you the same thing. Are you truly the daughter of Livius Lucretius? Does the highborn daughter of such an esteemed hero consort with such twisted and potent forms of witchcraft?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You have two amulets on you at this moment, one is a covenant stone binding this outworlder to your whims. The second, I dare say, is some sort of fluid essence captured in a sealed vessel."

Livia took a step back.

"And before you say 'how do you know these things!?'" Publius said softly, "Remember who I am. I am a Latin first, a Roman second. Do not confuse me with those Romans who have lost themselves in their wealth. This land is not the same as it used to be. This city has been bathed in the shadow of an outworlder of such incredible strength that it has altered the very course of our development. It is such that I cannot allow any further violence to take place in this city, since strife draws the attention of that most abhorrent entity." Publius put his hands back into his robes and he walked over to the lever to open the doors. "Ask Valerius what you must. I will not stop you. But do it with civility please. I do not need another outworlder strongarming their way into the city."

Valerius popped his head over his table and made a noise of protest, "Is this insufferable show of barbarism over? Is it safe to come out?"

"That depends," Publius answered, "on the master and her dog."

Livia bit her lip. "Rugal, I command you to stand down in all circumstances. Do not threaten anyone without my express permission. Do you understand?"

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

Spoiler: Omega/Rugal

[hr]

King and Country

Omega's story

​

[hr]

"[sub]Oh for the love of-It's not even sorcery...[/sub]" Omega grumbled, about as pleased as one would imagine with this turn of events.
Even as Publius explained the rules of his city, he bore an expression more akin to a bored child being scolded as he waited for him to finish.
"Rugal, I command you to stand down in all circumstances. Do not threaten anyone without my express permission. Do you understand?"
"..."

After a brief sigh, he knelt down before Publius before offering an apology, something that frankly hurt more then anything else that had happened to Omega thus far.
"...I violated your customs out of fear. I've seen this story before: Powerful families perverting the course of justice to bring ruin to their enemies. For many I've traveled with, the courts have rarely been fair and impartial, especially when politics are involved. For all I know, you could have ordered our arrest were we stand. I...I've failed Mistress Livia once before, I don't intend to do so again. It's no excuse, but I feel you are due an explanation for my actions. I apologize for the disturbance I caused, I was only seeking to protect my Master."

Urg, the taste of those words felt like rotted sawdust and rancid soap but it was it clear he didn't have much of a choice in the matter.
Standing slowly back up, he then added "So what now? They drag her before the Senate and they'll find some way to prove she's guilty. The Government and the State. In the lands I hail if they want to find you guilty, they'll always find something, real or invented. Of course, if you try to argue against their narrative, they brand you a liar and act outraged that you would slander their "Noble and Just Court". Oh, And Aurelius? I'm meant to just take it in faith that he isn't gleefully awaiting an excuse to imprison her? Or worse? Call me cynical but for the wealthy like him, Lawyers and Judges are just more expensive assassins. After all, you can slay who you want if you claim it's for the sake of Justice..."

He then made his way to the side of room, folding his arms and letting the others conduct their business as he silently fumed.
This place is seriously starting to piss me off. Sooner I find those daggers, sooner I can go "Ises of March" on these weaklings...He did mention another being from beyond this world, guess I already met that one. *Sigh* ...Leave it to the old fool to strand us in the one fucking realm where violence is outlawed and they actually mean it...
While the others conversed, he quickly did a check of his remaining energy reserves, frowning as he found himself with barely 10% left.
"Grrr....I must leave. I shall return. My time is short Mistress. The Old Fool will awaken soon..." He excused himself, figuring he had caused enough damage.

He then sought out a nice quiet corner of either the office or even an alleyway, just somewhere private enough for him to wait out his weaker side's return. (If they considered his previous antic's "Witchcraft", he wasn't even going to try to explain Ki's Transformation powers.)
Settling for a nearby public toilet, he ensured it was empty before be began to "let go".
"Alright, guess it's your turn now. Heh, can't wait to see how you fuck this one up...." He spoke to himself before taking a few deep breaths, closing his eyes as Omega soon began to fade an-

0% Energy Remaining: -5% passive burn, -4% Here, take the wheel.

[hr]

Right to Rule

[i]Rugal's story[/i]

[hr]

"-YOU FUCKING SON OF A BI-....."

Rugal awoke with a shock in the middle of the rest room, panting and frantic as the gravity of his failing became clear.
A force he spent most of his (reformed) career trying to contain had broken loose, for all he knew there could be an entire burning city of corpses out there!
His hands were shaking as he ran one though his sweaty blonde hair, trying to recollect what happened while he was "out".
"Okay-....okay....okay...Julia took off-...I lost control-....Then we-....went to Rome...Okay....You can do this..." He spat as he attempted to clean himself up and pretend he wasn't someone with some kind of split personality disorder.
As control sank back in, so did his memory of events, namely how the woman "He" "Volunteered" to serve was right about to be arrested for killing her father!
"Ah, shit!" He cursed before quickly doubling back to Livia.
Once he returned, they would notice a different man standing before them, one that seemed much more akin to a confused traveler then the imposing guard that used to stand there.
It was almost as noticable as the fact his hair was a completely different color.

"...So.....uhh-...About those charges they levy. What is their proof that Li-...Mistress Livia committed such a crime?"

 

[BlackHarte]

Spoiler: Rugal

[hr]

Right to Rule

rugal's story

​

[hr]

"That is something that we do not know," Publius replied. He moved slowly to the column nearest to him and leaned against it for support. "This is not a civilian-type lawsuit that you expect it to be. From what I remember of the events, Sextus Furius called for a motion of acceptance on the Lucretia household leadership. Sextus was very adamant about ceding the entirety of Livius' estate to you, as is the ancient right of primogeniture. Yet, Sergius Lucius denied the ability of a lowborn savage woman to take the household rights. They spoke at length on the nature of passing Livius' titles and lands to the closest living male relative, and so on. At some point in the shouting match, the senators began to take sides. They continued to bicker over if they would recognize your legitimacy until Marcus Tullius brought up the nature and circumstances of Livius' and Gaius' sudden demises."

Publius looked up at the high dome of the magistrate and frowned. "Livius was well liked. He was a socialite, humble, and generous. There was no family in Rome that wouldn't welcome him into their home with gracious hearts. That being said, this was before he took a wife from the Old World and sired two children of mixed blood."

"The matter would have been little more than tabloid news in most circumstances, but it soon came to light after Caesar's battle with Antony that his wife was no normal barbarian. Rumors of witchcraft destroyed Livius' reputation in Rome. Fears ran abound that the Lucretia hexed and cursed their way into power under the strong arm of the barbarian witch."

Livia screamed. She was red as a beet. "Don't call my mother a witch!"

Publius held up his hands, "I apologize. It is... far too easy of me to forget my manners in my old age." He cleared his throat. "Serra then was no older than you are now, I believe. And while she was no witch, but she was not a shaman either. Serra was a violent, hard-to-please, and proud. Everything that Livius was not. Allegations of witchcraft aside, I believe that her presence in Rome would have destroyed your family's reputation in other ways."

"I ramble. The point is, many in the Senate have old friendships with Livius. Marcus Tullius Cicero is one of those people. He believed that Serra is the cause of the deaths of your father and older brother. One thing led to another, and now they suspect that you orchestrated the entire ordeal. At that point Aurelius motioned to have you brought to court to determine the truth of Livius' passing."

"As such, the entire mess is under the predication of Livius' senatorial seat and a state-level case." Publius crossed his arms. "It is an incredibly difficult situation. I do not believe that there will be any degree of civility or proof. This is a Senatorial witch hunt, outworlder."

Livia screamed in frustration. "I don't have time for such stupid things! I have to figure out who broke into my father's house, beat up the entirety of the Aurelius Gens, and retrieve my mother's relics from the stupid little ***** Julia!"

"Livius' safe house was broken into?" Valerius asked, popping up from behind his wooden table. "How is that possible?"

"That's what we came here to ask! Did the Aurelius family station a Legion here in the past month?"

"No, the entirety of the Aurelius' legions have been occupied in the Rhineland campaign. The agents registered with us are their housekeepers. Marcus Aurelius himself has been in Thrace since Livius' wake. His sons have not returned from their stewardship in Antioch, and his wife has taken her servants on a tour of Carthage." Valerius shook his head, "But that hardly matters, there's no way to break that special lock he has on his door. No one can get into his house even if they could find it."

The gears in Livia's head started to turn slowly. Then her eyes widened. "Publius!"

"Yes, that is my name."

"You said there was another outworlder other than Rugal, right!?"

"I indeed did say something to that effect, yes." Publius smiled.

"What was that outworlder here for!?"

"Ah, she was here looking for your father. She was devastated when I told her that he had died not one month prior to her arrival." Publius shrugged, "She caused no end of troubles for me with the way she was dressed. The woman looked like she was a Monster, wielding a toothed scythe and a star-touched cloak. I had to make up some ridiculous excuse as to who this person was before people started to ask too many questions."

"So who was this outworlder?"

"Who knows," Publius started to walk toward the back of the magistrate office, "I'm losing my memory in my old age, Livia. Good luck, I wish you the best."

"Publius!" Livia cried out. But the man did not respond. He kept walking forward until he vanished behind a maze of marble columns. "Did she break into my father's home!? Publius answer me! Publius!" Livia groaned. "I don't think this day could get any worse."

Valerius cast a side-long glance at Rugal before walking over to hug Livia. Livia pushed him away.

"No, not now Patrue," Livia sighed, "I need help, not reassurance. This feels like a nightmare from which I cannot wake. It is terrible in so many ways."

"Come now Livia," Valerius said kindly, "all storms pass and all nights end. Though bad dreams may feel suffocating, they will always pass in time."

"If this is a dream, I wish someone would wake me up."

Valerius handed her a silken handkerchief. "There, there Livia. Why don't I close up the magistrate and take you down to the market for some sweets? I hear that there is a honeycomb-and-apple tart that has all the high ladies tearing out each other's throats for near the Pantheon."

 

[Zepherus14]

[hr]

Table for Two

Nina's story

​

[hr]

Spoiler

Phillip stayed silent as the group conversed keeping an eye on Nina as she wondered below, Mnemosyne feeling Phillip's presence briefly weigh down on her as she beat around the bush about Paris. "Miriam is also unclaimed, and you watched her do just that." Phillip retorted back to Crown, finding his prattle utterly unnecessary. "Unless you were suggesting Nina broke through?" He suggests, knowing full well that's not correct.

"If Nocturne is retrieving Nina, retrieving Reign would save Nina needing to waste time doing that. He is the station manager however, he is abourd?" Phillip said as he slowly scuttled across the hardwood heading in the direction Nina was going to keep an eye on her.

[hr]

"Erika, Teresa, Syl, Vil, Balance, Balance?, Venia." Nina read out the names as they appeared, pausing on Balance as the name seemed to stick out to her more than the rest. Back and forth she went, trying to make heads and tails of the mess set before her, and slowly that understanding revealed itself. It was a book of contradictions, like someone had tried making a story with a guide to patchwork quilt making, or perhaps somebodies.

It took Nina very little time to realize what this meant to her, and in response her hand started to tremble. "Don't fucking tell me..?" She cursed under her breath as she pulled the book closer to her chest, almost hugging it as she leaned her chin on its edge, bringing a hand up to keep her hat on her head. "Why her?!" Staying there for what seemed like ages for her, she'd eventually wipe her yes, looking at the floor. "I can't let her make that mistake. I can't!"

Eventually seeing the pulses of Miriam and Nemesis's footsteps, Nina made her way back to the duo. "Miriam! Please! Wait!" She called out to her, looking rather upset and trying to get the young one's attention. "I-I'm sorry! I was wrong to yell at you. But... Nemesis won't help you solve what's going on with you! What's going on in here!" Nina exclaimed producing the diary. "You know somethings happening, but you don't know what. You're scared, confused and you don't know where to turn, but... You can't just put your head in the sand and expect it to fix itself!" A pulse of azure rang out as Nina took another step towards them.

"No amount of running's going to change that, not even running to the bloody edge of the universe. Please Miriam, let me help you, and if not me, someone who's actually going to give a fucking damn about you! These books are your memories of times before and like hell should you be taking advice from someone who'd throw them on the ground haphazardly! You're better than that, and deserve better!" Nina glared at Nemesis, only to look back at the little one. "You wanted to stop all this nonsense too, that's why you came here, why you appeared when all that red stuff outside showed up? I want this to be fixed too, not just for me or you, but the people on this train and the people we left all the way back there on the mainland. I'm not asking you to help me, if we work together separately or me helping you I don't care. We just need this dealt with now, no more running, we face this head on." Nina pleaded with her stooping down to Miriam's level as her beaded hair clattered against the glassy floor. The pulses that sprang up from those beads hopefully carried along Nina words, appealing not to Miriam's humanity, but that sense of wanting to know why she was broken, to end this crumbling world they were still racing through, because deep down Nina's gut told her Miriam, all the Miriam's, had a colossal hand to play in this whole mess.

 

[Zepherus14]

The Rising Dawn: Armoury [https://orig00.deviantart.net/1cc6/f/2012/168/d/1/contact___armory_by_shimmering_sword-d53uu2p.jpg]
Hillary the Slime | David West | Jenny | Violet​

Practically immune to Johany's attacks, Hillary simply let go of her mace once the skeleton tried to reenact the jump stab from Wind Waker, reaching up to grab the sword once it'd attacked her, bending the blade almost effortlessly in her grip. Mr Bone's remains had throughly crumbled by this point, so with Hillary now freed hand she reached up to Johany's pelvis and grabbed hold. With one fluid motion she pulled the sword out of the skeleton's grip casting it aside like a toy and then readjusting her grip so now she held the skeleton by the pelvis and back ribs. Effectively neutered of any real means of attacking anyone, Hillary looked around and eventually settled on throwing him into one of the waste disposal bins.

There would likely be sparks and skeleton cries as Hillary shoved him in there, but once inside there wasn't much room to move, which meant little to no impact, which meant no electricity to worry about for the others. Sealing the lid, Hillary lifted the bin and walked over to the rest of them, checking to see if anyone else needed any help, but unlike David looking largely concerned about his image, Violet freaking out about trying not to die, and Jenny just being plain tired, Hillary just looked sad. "Hillary made sure to put that skeleton man in this box, and he's not zapping any more, is everyone else okay?" She called out over the gunfire.

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

Spoiler: Rugal

[hr]

Right to Rule

Rugal's story

​

[hr]

"*Sigh* Of course the Senate is marred with in-fighting and politics..." Rugal grumbled as he listened to Publius's ramblings.
Still, they had a lead: The woman with the toothed Scythe and the star touched cloak, Can't imagine she'd be hard to spot in a crowd.
When Valerius suggested getting "Sweets from the market", Rugal rolled his eyes before saying "My Mistress is about to tried for murder. I doubt satisfying some sugar cravings is going to help with that! No, our best bet is to find this woman."

Glancing around the office, he ran his hand though his hair from stress before stating "Publius, as I-...*I* said before, we can't have anyone reporting our presence in the city. Not if the Senate seeks Mistress Livia's arrest. If anyone asks about us, make sure you lose all memory of this encounter before you answer. And trust I shall know if you don't."
With that, he decided it was time to leave, taking Livia with him.
But much to her surprise, the second they were out of view of prying eyes, he pulled on her arm before dragging her into a back alley

Kneeling down to her level, he then grabbed her by the shoulders before barking "What did he ask of you? I know the man you spoke to before, I need to know what he's planning!"
Glancing around for any witnesses, he pressed his case by adding "That was no man you traveled with. He is little more then an unchecked ego with equally unchecked power. He cares neither for you or anyone else but himself and the second you have what he wants, he will break you and everyone you ever cared about for Sport! I've sparred with him several times, he's tried to kill my family and countless others."
Gazing directly into her eyes, he pleaded "I lost control of that-..."Side" of me a long time ago. Together, we ravaged an entire world with crime and misery. Lived in excess while dooming all those below us. Fanned the flames of war for profit. You have no idea how dangerous he truly is. Please..."
Moving his hands to the sides of her head, he kept staring right at her before frantically begging "I am begging you, I cannot let that happen again. Not here, not anywhere else. Please, tell me anything you can about what Omega is planning."