It has been purchased and is downloading. Godspeed nerds
3
likes
2 mos ago
So show of hands, do I buy Dragon's Dogma 2? Keeping in mind idgaf about the microtransactions as I don't intend to purchase them anyway
4
likes
2 mos ago
I don't know about you all, but I kinda wanna join these Cricket RPs sprouting up. They say trusted, after all.
2
likes
3 mos ago
Whoever names the wars dropped the ball on that one
6
likes
Bio
Well now that I got the customary "post once" requirement out of the way....
HELLO
Welcome to my safe space. Well, about as safe as one space can be, I guess. If you are here looking for something, I am very sorry to disappoint you, but I made fresh cookies! Come sit a spell.
I guess I'll do some more in-depth stuff about myself. My name is Nick and I am 33 years old living in Illinois. I am a therapist and clinical responder (which is a fancy way of saying I go out on police calls to provide mental health assistance). Been doing therapy for a few years now and I absolutely love it!
I am a gay, cisgender man. I came out last year in January (smack dab in the middle of a pandemic. Timing was always my downfall). There is still much I am learning, but I am proud and happy to be who I really am and not have to hide it anymore!
I am an avid gamer, especially roleplaying games (cue surprised and shock noises). I also enjoy writing and reading, especially mysteries. I am not new to roleplay, I promise. I have been doing it for years now in different formats. I am experienced, even if it doesn't seem like it.
I use humor as a coping mechanism for sure, but I also like laughing and enjoying myself. Life can be pretty sad and upsetting for the most part and I don't want to add to it.
Whew! That got deep!
I will be poking my nose around in spaces and hoping to jump headfirst into this. Some interests I have in terms of roleplay settings include superheroes, DnD, science fiction/fantasy, mysteries, thrillers, horror stuffs, apocolypse, and espionage. And I am a fan of most things pop culture. If you have any suggestions or possible roleplays you think I would love, please let me know.
Truth be told, Calliope hadn't expected this entire social interaction to work out for anyone. Not today, at least. Everyone's body language was going wild. It kind of gave Calliope a headache, but she pushed it down. She needed to work through it. Lorcán was first.
“Thanks for saying so, Cali, but the lady dude and I are just friends, ya feel? I wouldn't want to do anything to jeopardize that or upset Rora.”
Followed swiftly by Gil. Or rather, one of the Gil's as Calliope caught another Gil making his way over to Katja and Amma and another off o probably console Aurora and/or Mei. Considering how awkward things had just been made, it was probably a good idea.
“I’m not sure, dude. Situation is pretty gnarly, Rora didn’t exactly seem stoked to be asked by Rory. Whole sitch has kinda been an epic bomb. Total wipeout if you catch me.” "Because she likes you, you idiot..." Calli thought to herself. It was glaringly obvious to anyone with a pulse, but for some reason the two of them had yet to bite the bullet and at least ask the other out for coffee or for a walk. Simple. Calli bit her tongue though. Lorcán wasn't in a state to receive advice or help.
SO Calli turned her sights on Rory.
As the Golden Retriever got to work making her a martini, she eyed him, hoping to transfer her thoughts to his. What the hell had he been thinking?
"I... I was just trying to give Lorcán a little push, and see if Ro was interested in going to the dance at all. Now Mei is making fun of me, Rora and bro seem upset... I really fucked this one, didn't I?" God it was like watching someone kick 20 puppies. Calliope accepted her drink with grace. "You really did." Harsh words, perhaps, but fair. Not only had Rory unintentionally hurt Lorcán, but Aurora and Mei as well. Calliope sighed, continuing so Rory wouldn't feel like she was putting him down. "Look, I can kind of see where you were coming from, but that was probably the worst way to go about it. I mean you put Aurora on the spot in front of the guy she obviously likes and then shot down Mei who, by the way, was not making fun of you, but rather trying to fix the awkward tension and you shot her down. No one is recovering nicely from this. So lick your wounds and, maybe, talk to Lorcán after and apologize."
Calliope gave Rory a quick hug before she returned to Banjo.
Calliope settled into the moment as everyone else did their own thing. She sipped her martini (wasn't bad) as she enjoyed this moment. She felt her phone buzz in her pocket and she took it out and read the message.
Hi, its me. If you could remind him that he helped me get this bloody boat in the water, and I'm gonna need him to get it back ashore again, that'd be greatly appreciated.
Calliope patted Banjo's thigh and showed him the message. "'Scuse I, ladies and gents. Gotta go save a bloke from his mid-life crisis."
Calliope wanted to change before night happened and they finished the bonfire. What better way than to go with Banjo on her way to the dorm. "I might come with you. I should change out of this if we're staying here through the evening anyway."
He offered his hand and she wrapped hers in his before they made their way to the other side of the beach. As they walked, Banjo had picked up the conversation.
"Thanks for comin' out, Snow Bunny. I know this ain't exactly your location or event of choice."
"It's all right. Even a crummy beach is better when you're there."
Despite her hatred of the beach, she did enjoy herself. Even though tensions rose a bit, she was sure they would be quickly fixed.
"Everything really all good? That wasn't for their sake, yeah? I know they stuck you on the pointy end with 'Mock' lately. How'd that go?"
God he would pick up on that. And she was supposed to be the expert on body language. She really didn't want to get into it. "It was hard and I hated every word I used in my argument, but I won." To his credit, Banjo knew there was more, but he squeezed her hand in response. She squeezed back. Thankful in the moment she didn't need to let it out. Having similar activities made things easier and harder. It was why she didn't end up doing Model U.N. She wanted to have one thing for herself. So she opted to play Tennis. She had played before in high school back in Arizona when her father all but forced her to participate in a school sport. She hated it because her autonomy was taken away. And now she was enjoying it, because she chose to do it. And it gave her something to do without Banjo.
And damn if she didn't hate thinking that. She loved Banjo. Deeply. Truly. But he was with her in debate and Mock Trial and they spent a lot of time outside of classes. Being in separate dorms was both easy and hard. But she also needed to be her own person. She didn't want to be "Banjo's girlfriend" she wanted to be "Calliope" who happened to be dating this amazing man.
She shook those thoughts from her mind as they got to their breaking off point. "Right-o, see you back here when we're both done, Hun?"
"Of course. See you in a bit, love." She let go and made her way to her dorm room. Upon entering it, she noted her roommate was not in. She quickly got changed. She opted for a hoodie as it was going to get chilly, even with a bonfire, but put on some shorts instead. She didn't want sand to end up in a good pair of jeans. She kept her sandals before she put her hat and sunglasses away, fixing her hair. Once she was satisfied with the person she saw in the mirror (getting easier every day) she made her way back.
At the bonfire, her and Banjo made their way to an empty seat. Calliope sat next to Gil and Banjo had scooted himself in between them. Banjo also started to stare at Gil for an awkward length of time. Calliope tapped his shoulder and gave Banjo a "what are you doing?" look.
Thankfully the conversations got started. “Alright gentle-dudes and lady-brahs, where does everyone see themselves once they graduate?”
Calliope gave this some thought as the others, one by one, began speaking up.
“I think I just want to take things slow, on my own time after graduation, y’know? Been tossed around by wave after wave, it’d be nice to just float and see where the current takes me.”
"I'm hoping to volunteer for the U.S. Forest Service this summer, before I start my career. It depends on how friendly they are with hypes, but there has to be at least one Ranger out there that will accept me. If I go, feel free to visit me in the states, Lorcán. The American National Parks are gorgeous."
“I’m still trying to figure out my plan for after graduation. My guess is I’ll-” Followed by a yawn. “Sorry. I was going to say that I’m guessing I’ll live in the Alumni Village for a while, at least until I figure out my next move, I’m in no rush.”
"If I keep my grades up, I’m aiming for a spot in a diagnostic radiology residency program. It’s not as fancy as it sounds, though."
"I... there's a lot of kids who are like us out there trying to make sense of everything. Powers, Hyperion, the backlash, watchlists.... this place isn't the solution for all of them. And even if it is, they need help and the tools to get through it. They need someone in their corner, cause not everyone has that."
Banjo spoke up next and Calliope would be lying if she didn't say she was more invested in this.
"I mean, I intend to move into criminal defense law when I'm done here. Who's to say where? Good thing about that, can do criminal defense law anywhere and everywhere. I figure head-shrinkin' is no different. Can do that anywhere."
Calliope had to admit, she was happy to hear that Banjo wanted to continue with law, but she noted he didn't mention if she was in his future. It wasn't like she expected him to have every moment planned out, but no word on marriage? The two had talked about it before and it wasn't an easy conversation considering their families, or lack thereof.
She supposed she would go next.
"Well, once I graduate, taking the bar exam is next. Once that is passed and done I want to pursue civil law. Specifically around Hyperhumans and their treatment. I want to make policy changes and be at the forefront of doing so, starting in the U.S. but I would love to be a part of a task force to help worldwide. I don't expect that to happen immediately, so I will probably start working somewhere and eventually grow to operate my own firm." It all sounded so....cold when she played it back. "I love being able to help others, so I feel you Rory. Being able to make a difference in someone's life when they are at their lowest, there's no feeling like it." Not that she would know, for the most part.
She looked at Banjo, wondering how he would take the next statement. "I would also like to have a family. One day, obviously. I would love to set up my career first before even thinking about bringing in another life. Especially as they might be Hyperhuman also. I would like to make the world a bit safer before they enter into it."
A chunk of time had passed since their mission (if one could call it that) on the Asteroid that blew up. Peregrine didn't want to think on it. She had done very little on the Asteroid and, instead, had caused more havoc due to her powers going out of control. Granted, she couldn't help it, but still it weighed on her.
She also felt she didn't get to know the others well enough yet. They were too busy trying to not be exploded to do some ice breakers. She still felt like a fish out of water. A few people were cool with her, though it still felt like the Mansion was not her home yet.
So Perr took it upon herself to be the Mood Booster (tm) of X-Mansion! She hosted game nights, movie nights, make ice cream sundaes with anything you can find in the kitchen nights, and so on. She invited everyone who wanted to come. If she felt like someone was in a low mood, she tried to find their interests and plan an event for them. Whether or not they attended was on them, but the thought was there.
Now she found herself out of ideas. So she was moving through the halls, "I'm boooooooooored."
As the others began milling and drinking, Calliope relaxed on the towel she had set up. She glanced over and saw a figure approach. He began to frame her with his hands like a photographer and Calliope couldn't help but smile. Banjo never ceased to make her feel better. What others often felt was an annoyingly goofy persona Calliope knew better. Inside the Class Clown was a kind heart. He never stopped making her feel special.
Once safely beside her, she leaned over and kissed him quickly. "Hello love. Things are good." Calliope wanted to begin speaking on her debate progress as well as her moving within Mock Trial, but now was not the time. They were on the beach, which on a normal day she would detest and stay far away from, but she was amongst friends and others, as well as her love, so she would suffer through it.
Calliope was content to sit there leaning into Banjo's warmth when she began listening into the other's conversation. It wasn't difficult due to their relative location. Lorcán was standing there after being whiffed by a ball thrown by Rory. Haven and Harper were there. Harper seemed authoritative, more so than was usual given her new work as a lifeguard. Good on her. She also noticed some art supplies and had to admit she was curious. Across the way, Amma was standing there and looked to be conversing with Katja. Calliope had to admit, the two of them didn't seem like a likely friendship. Amma was concerning, but Calliope knew from personal experience that looks were often deceiving. And if Katja liked her, then that was enough.
Pallyx also made an appearance. The girl seemed out of place on the beach also and Calliope had to give her credit there. Going out of your comfort zone was not easy. Though perhaps she was assuming facts not in evidence.
Get out of lawyer mode Calli. Enjoy the dang beach!"
Her attention was drawn back to Lorcán and Aurora. God the two of them had it bad. It didn't take an expert in body language to see, though why neither bit the bullet was beyond her.
“Catch any good waves this morning? And what about Ripley, is she here yet? I can’t wait to meet her.”
Ok the conversation was going well.
"I don't understand... pandas are easier to get together."
Calliope nearly giggled but held it in. It was easy to lose herself when Banjo was nearby. She'd have to address that at some point.
"Not everyone is as loud and open about their feelings as you"
That got some silence from Banjo (a rare occurrence) so she assumed he conceded on her point. Banjo had secrets, sure. She did too. But he often wore his heart on his sleeve for those he cared for. Her's was a little more hidden. Hidden underneath layers of scars.
"..." "...I guess. Well, Rory's going to say som-- BAA HA HA HA HA HA!"
Spoken at the same time that Rory, the Golden Retriever Good Boy (tm) that he was, interjected himself. "Hey Red, Hot Shot over here just reminded me... there's this senior dance after the Homecoming Trials. You want to go?"
""Oh shush. He's trying at least. Though that was bold, even by my standards."
Callipe nearly facepalmed. She got Rory's intention: he was hoping Auoroa would say no because she obviously wanted to go with Lorcán or Lorcán would speak up in defense and ask her out also, leaving Aurora with choices, one of which was obvious. This plan had clearly not been approved or thought through given Lorcán's reaction. Calliope saw the tenseness in his neck, the holding back of a frown or a scowl. Lorcán didn't seem like the type to ever get angry or upset. Despite his powers, he was no hot-head. Still, Lorcán clearly was not a happy camper.
“And like totally save me a dance, dude!.” Calliope couldn't hear everything, but Lorcán had spoken softly to Rory before making a break for it to the cooler, in which time he had toppled over it and fell to the sand.
Calliope saw Banjo was trying and failing to contain his obnoxious laughter. "I'm gonna need a minute or five..." "Oh shit, there he goes! In the drinks!"
Calliope couldn't let this go on further. No one was enjoying this (despite Banjo). She stood up. "Okay, I need to step in. Lorcan is...not doing great. Save my spot, won't you love? And try to hold in your laughter until he's in a better mood to reciprocate it?" "For you, I'll put it on ice. Speaking of.." He held his warm, half-finished bottle out, for Calli to add a chill to, with a pleading wide grin. Calliope rolled her eyes and touched the bottle, sending a chill through it enough to ice it up.
"Ta, love."
Calliope walked over to Lorcán and offered her hand. "Hey, are you okay?" Calliope would help Lorcán to his feet before helping brush off the sand. "Hey, I couldn't help but overhear, but it also didn't take much to see what Rory did got to you. You and I both know he meant well. You're smart, you're attractive, and you are one of the sweetest guys I know. Whether or not Aurora sees through this thinly veiled attempt to get the two of you together, she likes you too. It's a girl thing, trust me." She patted his shoulder before turning to the group. "All good. Let me fix this." Calliope reached for the cooler, sending a chill through it with noticeable ice on the inside. "All right, that should keep it cool for a good bit. Rory, can you come over here and mix me up a martini, please? We can perhaps talk and catch up." She'd have a conversation with the good-meaning bonehead. She waved at Aurora also, hoping the girl could see what was happening.
Location: The Gym - Simulation Fit of the Day: Gym Outfit Skills: N/A
Once everyone had gotten in the simulation booted up. Soon there were bright pixels forming in front of her. Sabine even felt some tingliness on her person and looked to see herself transforming. Her outfit was changed into some light blue dress. She noticed her hai move into a more flowy look. And a gentle crown placed on top of her head.
Before she could say anything, Percy shouted at Ed, or Arcade as he asked to be called. Sabine hadn't played too many video games growing up, but she was familiar with the Mario Bros. She had played Mario Kart with her step-siblings on occasion, usually after being begged. She glanced down again, figuring out who she was. She was Rosalina, or at least a rough estimation. She looked to see who everyone else was. April was like her, though she looked to be a mix of Rosalina and Princess Peach.
Leah however.....
Leah was killing it in her outfit. "Oh Leah, you need to think about wearing that all the time." Sabine's attention was briefly scattered as people began asking questions and wondering what to do. Apparently one of them was not here, but before she could think on that more, Goombas appeared. The others began to fight. Sabine looked around and saw a Koopa meandering. Recalling her time in Mario Kart, she knew Koopa shells were ideal weapons. Sabine ran over and hopped up, hitting the turtle and spooking it back into its shell. She picked it up, "Sorry little guy," and threw it towards the Goombas. It moved a bit, but then stood still. This was probably easier to do while driving. So Sabine ran up and kicked the shell and it was ent flyng towards them, running through two and knocking them away.
There were still some left, but she was proud of her adaptability.
Verity checked herself in her phone's camera as she made her way down to meet the tow truck people. As she maneuvered, she noticed a few interns watching a video. She would have to chastise them later for being on their phone when they should be working, but she also remembered that this was their generation. Everyone was connected now with their phones. It was a way to spread information easily and was almost as vital as water to live in today's society.
The video itself garnered attention. A man who looked like he was literally falling apart was shot by a cop, but the man still went after him. She shook her head. We were living in crazy times.
Once she got on the ground floor, she saw the men, who greeted her. "Yes, thank you so much for coming so quickly and so early! I do not believe I need anything, so feel free to take it in. I'll sign whatever I have to. And again, thank you both." She gave them the award-winning smile she was known for. Once this was done she had about 100 other things to take care of, but at least she had a minute to breathe.
"And that is why Hyperhumans should be free from observation."
The debate judge stood at her podium, nodding at the third year as they finished their side of the argument. The topic: Should Hyperhumans be allowed free reign allowed to standard humans or should they be monitored and kept tabs on? The opponent was against and Calliope was given for.
"And now we will hear the opposing side by Ms. de León, who will be arguing that Hyperhumans should be monitored by the government." The judge gestured for Calliope to begin.
Calliope looked down briefly at the notecards she painstakingly wrote for the past two weeks, editing each detail to a fine point. She glanced over her handwriting and noted an increased heart rate. It wasn't on the level of a panic attack as she was prepared for this. She knew social situations. She knew how to get her points across. Even if she was arguing for a side she had no faith in, she knew she could still win.
But no one liked a robot. To read from her cards like she was some high schooler phoning it in on a PowerPoint presentation would not cinch this. So she put down the notecards, took a deep breath. And began speaking.
"If you were to believe my opponent then life seems pretty good. We can all walk around freely, not worrying about if crossing the street will result in getting hit by a car or if a plane were to crash as you relaxed on the beach. Extreme examples, sure. But statistically unlikely to happen. You are more likely to have a vending machine fall on you than be attacked by a shark while swimming in the ocean."
"But yet, people are more afraid of sharks than they are vending machines? Why?"
"Because a shark poses a threat due to their nature. A shark might not attack every swimmer it meets, but the results of a shark attack are gruesome. They can be dangerous creatures if you do not know what to do when you meet one. The same can be said for Hyperhumans."
"Right now people are walking amongst you have abilities that are unprecedented. We've seen movies of people with unlikely abilities and how they use them to save the world, help their fellow man, but what is not presented is when those same people decide they know what's best. When they feel they can step in without anyone to question them. When they feel they know what's best for you."
"And you might be thinking, 'Well if I am in a life-threatening situation, I rely on the experts. Police. Firefighters. Paramedics. People with experience to handle those situations. And you are right. But tell me, what experience do Hyperhumans possess that make them a better fit to handle those situations? Because they are able to control the elements? Because they cannot be hurt with bullets? Because they can fly?"
"You have a human with abilities beyond comprehension at the most basic level and, yet, no training. No guidebook to ensure they know what to do when those powers manifest. Instead we see catastrophic events occur on the news of a fountain in an otherwise peaceful town get obliterated into nothing more than ice and rubble. Imagine if there were people there."
Calli took a glance at her opponent and saw the simple frown and the muscle tension. She knew one of his points during the next round was going to bring up her past and when her powers got out of control. She hated when debaters used personal attacks, but points for effort. She essentially took a killing blow from him and put it on her side.
"People are dangerous normally. We need only look at history to see the many atrocities we have done as humankind to see our potential for danger. Now imagine those same people, but with god-like abilities shaping the course of time. Sometimes literally. This is why they need to be monitored. Recorded. Have systems set up to ensure they and all of us around them are safe and well-mannered. This is why Hyperhumans need to be observed. Safety: it's a valuable commodity."
Calliope wrapped up and started packing her things into her bag when she felt someone walk up. She turned to see her Debate Team advisor, Dr. Emily Prophet sidle up to her. "Very well argued Calliope. I'll admit I was worried having you on the pro side, but I see my fears were unwarranted. I should have known you would smash it, as you have done countless times before."
Calliope smiled lightly at the professor's words. "Thank you ma'am."
Dr. Prophet waved a hand away. "Oh none of that. You are one of my most favored students. I see great things. As you know, the spirit of debate is to argue your side to the best of your abilities, even if you do not fully believe it yourself. I believe you are on the law track if I remember correctly. That skill will prove paramount to your success. A lawyer fights for their side, even if said side is something or someone they strongly oppose. I have cautioned many a student to not let it blind them to what is really going on in the world. You can fight for your side while strongly opposing it to see justice is done. Words are powerful, Calliope. I would go so far as to say you could use words that are more powerful than any Hyperhuman ability known to man. Now if you'll excuse me, my wife is texting me given the amount of buzzing I feel in my pocket so I imagine I am in for a lecture of my own. Good day."
Dr. Prophet walked off, leaving Calliope to feel her words. It was true, Calliope wanted to pursue law. She wanted to be the figure on the side of helping Hyperhumans or whoever felt downtrodden or disrespected just for things they couldn't control. She clenched her fist, remembering her father, but the thorny memory was pushed aside. She didn't need that right now.
The beach was cooler than she expected. Normally she hated the beach. Even on a good day it reminded her of home and those memories were best served in therapy than on a sandy, sweaty beach. But at least she didn't need to keep herself cool and comfortable.
Wearing a beach outfit she put together herself in the hopes of making a certain blond-haired Aussie have a heart attack, she made her way to where she expected to see the rest of Team Blackjack. She carried with her a tote bag filled with snacks she was willing to share (a nice assortment of salty and sweet treats). As she made the trek through the sand, her mind wandered.
She was in her final year here at P.R.C.U. She was on her way out to her next thing. Never would she have imagined she'd be where she was. The mental and emotional scars were not healed and, in all likelihood, would never disappear. She had made her peace with that. If for no other reason than finding a home amongst some of the people she met here. Katja. Rory. Mei. Haven.
And Banjo.
Calliope brought herself back to reality as she neared voices. She heard someone yelling about littering and knew she found them. She scanned those in attendance and noted Banjo was not among them. "Hello everyone." She put her tote bag down as she got within range of them. She pulled out a towel and laid it on the sand nearby. "Lovely day for it. How's everyone?" She attempted to meet her words with warmth, but some things were hard to break. The Ice Queen had arrived.
C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y
_________________________________________________________ Calliope Esmerelda De León _________________________________________________________ February 3rd, 2006 | 22 | Mixed (Caucasian and Hispanic) _________________________________________________________ In A Relationship With Banjo | Female | Pansexual _________________________________________________________ Santa Fe | New Mexico | United States _________________________________________________________ Ursus | Team 21 - Blackjack
C H A R A C T E R S T A T S C H A R A C T E R S T A T S
◼ B U I L D || Slim ◼ H A I R C O L O U R || Dirty Blonde ◼ E Y E C O L O U R || Hazel ◼ H E I G H T || 5'7'' ◼ W E I G H T || 132 lbs ◼ S C A R S || Light scar on right wrist ◼ T A T T O O S || None ◼ P I E R C I N G S || Three piercings in left ear (1 on bottom, two on top) and one on left ear ◼ O T H E R || N/A
C H A R A C T E R C O N C E P T C H A R A C T E R C O N C E P T
Senator Garcia De León did not expect his youngest daughter to demonstrate hyperhuman abilities. To his public, he was the tough-as-nails senator that promised protection from the growing hyperhuman threat. Until this point, his family was seen as "perfect". Each member did their duty, ensuring they looked good whenever they were out, and abided by the rules set in place. Then Calliope's powers manifested. And the family that was rock solid suddenly experienced turmoil.
Try as he might, Senator Garcia had to accept the fact his daughter was hyperhuman. Calliope was forced into hiding, told to lie about her powers and expected to maintain the air of perfection they worked so hard to maintain. Calliope couldn't handle the pressure and, in an unexpected turn, demonstrated her powers in public, lending to an outcry of Garcia's supporters to call for him to step down. Senator Garcia decided to do one better. PCRU, a school dedicated to helping Hyperhumans control their abilities, seemed right up his alley. So Calliope was sent off to school and told to get it together or be out of the family.
Unbeknownst to him, Calliope had her own plans, and PCRU was the best place to do it.
D E T A I L E D A P P E A R A N C E & A E S T H E T I C D E T A I L E D A P P E A R A N C E & A E S T H E T I C
If Calliope's style could be summarized in one word it would be "Preppy". Calliope's regulation uniform us tidy and kempt and she usually wears her dirty blonde hair down or in a high ponytail. When not in her uniform, Calliope dresses in clothing arguably seen as fashionable. Not one to look out of place, she tends to dress 'girly'.
Color preferences range greatly. Despite this, her clothes are usually clean and orderly, never a string or thread out of place. She will accentuate her attire with jewelry, mainly her earrings and a necklace. Her nails are not painted but are manicured and maintained thoroughly. Make-up is nothing more than foundation, eye liner, some light blush, and lip gloss.
Though her normal attire is prim, she does have clothing that could be seen as "out there" and sometimes (albeit rarely) will 'let her hair down' and act out. Though that is very rarely seen by those she knows personally.
M A N N E R I S M S & P E R S O N A L I T Y M A N N E R I S M S & P E R S O N A L I T Y
Ice Queen in name and demeanor, Calliope tends to put a front when meeting new people. She can easily be seen as frigid or 'bitchy' by those who do not know her well enough. She does not open up easily to others, but once the ice has cracked, Calliope is a warm-hearted individual who cares a great deal for others, especially those who have been hurt.
Calliope can be seen using humor and wit and is never without some strong remark against those who feel they can put others down. Calliope does not wear her heart on her sleeve and it can be tough to get a sense for how she is feeling, though the icy facade does break occasionally.
▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅
▅▅▅▅▅
A B I L I T I E S, L I M I T A T I O N S, & W E A K N E S S E S A B I L I T I E S, L I M I T A T I O N S, & W E A K N E S S E S
H Y P E R H U M A N A B I L I T Y || C R Y O K I N E S I S __PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION || Exoteric __SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION || Elemental __POWER SCALE || TBD __THREAT CLASSIFICATION || TBD
Calliope has the power of Cryokinesis or Ice Manipulation. This is done by using water molecules in the air around her, forming ice, and using it at her disposal. Calliope cannot generate ice from nowhere, however. Calliope can shape and form ice in various ways including ice shards, ice shields, ice walls, ice armor, etc. Calliope can use this both offensively and defensively. Calliope can maneuver ice almost telepathically, allowing her to move the ice formed at will. Calliope can apply freezing temperatures to objects and people, leading to potential ice damage and frostbite. Calliope, through her use of this power, does not get cold as easily as an average person, allowing her to withstand freezing temperatures. An extra bit of her power allows her to formulate snow.
L I M I T A T I O N S || S U P P L Y
As mentioned, Calliope cannot just generate ice from out of nowhere. To be able to form and use ice, Calliope requires there to be water molecules in the air or an actual source of water. This can limit her power use and prevent her from using her powers
W E A K N E S S E S || H E A T
Common knowledge dictates that the weakness of ice is fire. This is still true in Calliope's case. As her power requires there to be water molecules or actual water to be near, the hotter and more arid the environment is, the less likely she will be to form ice and control it. Fire melts ice and Calliope would not fair well against fire or any of its forms. She can essentially be rendered powerless in environments where there are no water molecules to be had.
Her powers, especially her ability to withstand colder temperatures, makes Calliope extremely sensitive to heat. As such, in hotter temperatures, Calliope can feel weak and may eventually pass out if not provided a cooler environment.
P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S ) P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )
I would love to see her father involved in something, most likely bad, and would enjoy seeing their relationship expanded upon, especially as it is darker than what I put on the sheet. I would like to explore her family dynamics with her brother as well. Since she is interested in pursuing law as a career, perhaps something along those lines as well. And her relationship with Banjo.
S K I L L S & T A L E N T S S K I L L S & T A L E N T S
◼ k I N E S I C S || Calliope has a way of reading people using their body movements and facial tics. While others can listen to what people say to determine motives, Calliope can see what a person is saying with their nonverbal voice. Is someone lying? Is someone angry or upset? One's body tends to give it away and Calliope, determined to be the best, has gained this insight, allowing her a leg up.
◼ I N V E S T I G A T I O N || Having studied the criminal justice procedure, Calliope is able to look for information. A loose piece of paper, a fingerprint, a discarded piece of trash. All can hold valuable information. This will be handy or her career as a lawyer, showing determination in finding all the necessary pieces of information to build a case.
T A L E N T S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
◼ P E R S U A S I O N || Calliope enjoys taking command of social situations. Having been the daughter of a prominent senator, she learned early on how to say the right thing at the right moment to get what you want. She also knows this will serve her well in her future goal of becoming a lawyer. Calliope excels at knowing what to do to get others on her side: whether it is promising a favor, twisting an arm, or applying her good looks and charm. Either way, getting into an argument or debate with her is best reconsidered.
C H A R A C T E R A R S E N A L C H A R A C T E R A R S E N A L
◼ C H A R M B R A C E L E T || A silver charm bracelet with various charms on it. As of this moment, there is a sapphire gemstone, a silver heart, the letter B, a briefcase, and a penguin
I T E M ( S ) ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
◼ T A R O T C A R D S || For a bit of fun and levity, Calliope has a pack of Tarot Cards. Partly because she thinks it's enjoyable and partly because her uber Conservative, Christian father would hate it.
T O O L ( S ) ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
◼ T A S E R || Calliope carries a small taser with her for protection. It is light and can fit easily in her pocket or purse.
A D D I T I O N A L N O T E S A D D I T I O N A L N O T E S
M I S C E L L A N E O U S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ◼ While it is not extremely evident, Calliope's family sucks. She does not openly admit to being abused, both physically and emotionally, as well as all but neglected due to her hyperhuman abilities, the signs are present. Her father does the most of it, but her mother ignores it, preferring to remain aloof.
Calliope has panic attacks that typically manifest in extremely stressful situations that Calliope is not prepared for. She has been seeing a therapist, but her attacks still occur. The only time they do not in unknown situations is if Banjo is there and he actively ensures she is okay. -
E N T E R I N G I N T O Y O U R F I N A L Y E A R, W H A T A D V I C E D O Y O U H A V E T O A N E W S T U D E N T?
Do not be afraid to partake in new things. Whether it is a class you are circling your interest in, a club that sounds fun, or even other people who you may not ordinarily be a part of, you may be surprised how your life changes for the better after the experience. Not everything is going to be a positive and you may not stick with it, but opening yourself up to trying allows you the experiences needed to be the best you.
W H A T W E R E Y O U R A S P I R A T I O N S W H E N Y O U S T A R T E D H E R E? W H A T C H A N G E D, W H A T S T A Y E D T H E S A M E?
I intended to be a part of the legal system and that has remained the same, though the results have changed. Instead of being a player in the back, I want to be on the front lines, making active changes to not just the country, but the world, especially for hyperhumans, though I would go so far as to help anyone in need, especially if the system has a habit of putting them down.
I F Y O U C O U L D M A K E O N E C H A N G E T O Y O U R T I M E A T P . R . C . U ., W H A T W O U L D I T B E?
Open up at the beginning and allow others in, even if it hurts initially. Scars can heal, but only if you allow the medicine to help. Actively refusing aid doesn't benefit anyone, certainly not yourself. I was often stubborn and naive in my beliefs and I had to take several hard looks at myself in the mirror. I can at least do so with my head level, this time around.
Garcia De León was born in Tijuana, Mexico before his family moved to the United States and became American citizens. He experienced firsthand what it was like to be treated like an immigrant despite going through the process correctly. He heard every name in the book hurled at his family and he made it his mission to push himself to be the change needed. Eventually, he worked his way through government and was elected the Senator for New Mexico, partly due to his stance on hyperhumans. Behind close doors, Garcia is manipulative and abusive, whatever must be done to control his family.▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅
Alexandria was born into wealth and grew up expected to do continue her family legacy. What her family had not counted on was her doing away with all that and falling for Garcia. Alexandria started her own business, selling custom beauty products and toiletries, and was happy to support her husband in his endeavors to get elected. What most do not know is that she is a Hyperhuman also. And ever since her daughter demonstrated abilities and was basically run out of the house to go to the academy, she has been feeling guilty ever since. Now she is having an affair and tends to enjoy alcohol too much▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ Use as many or few of the above symbols as needed to balance this cell with the cell containing the image.
Leonardo is Calliope's older brother. He experienced first hand the drive his father had in ensuring the family was picturesque. He got out of there as soon as he was college age and did not look back. He got married during college and graduated, eventually starting a family. He rarely talks to his mother and father but still connects with his sister. It is unclear what his views on hyperhumans are, but he knows his sister is one and continues to interact with her. He is a Trans Man.▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ Use as many or few of the above symbols as needed to balance this cell with the cell containing the image.
Desiree came from a family who expected great things from her. Having been the first member of her family to go to college, she was expected to put her nose to the grindstone and graduate, becoming a doctor or lawyer or something else of status. What her family did not count on was her falling in love with Leonardo and getting married before she saw Senior year. Her family did not approve of the union, but Desiree, knowing very well what it was like to be judged without knowing the person, went through with it anyway. Now, she is a wife and mother and works as a TV news anchor.▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ ▅ Use as many or few of the above symbols as needed to balance this cell with the cell containing the image.
R E L A T I O N S H I P S H E E T R E L A T I O N S H I P S H E E T
☯ Baxter, Harper ☯ "She seems all right. Banjo suggests I open myself up more. Hard to do when strangers are still worrisome, but she seems nice."
☮ Galahad, Gil ☮ "Apparently he's some big celebrity? I've never seen what he's in, but it doesn't seem like the popularity has gone to his head....much."
☯ Mitchell, Aurora ☯ "It seems the both of us have our guards up around each other. I don't dislike her, but maybe I don't fully trust her yet?"
☮ Roth, Lorcán ☮ "Fire and Ice huh? Who knew we'd hit it off? I'll admit, I was concerned at first, but he grw on me."
______________________________________
☯ Cahors, Amma ☯ "I hate judging a book by the cover, but she lowkey scares me. I doubt she has any ill intentions, but some part of me says to give her a wide berth."
☮ Hisamatsu, Mei ☮ "What a cutie patootie, and I don't use that endearment loosely. She is so nice and it is hard to be in a low mood in her presence." ▅
♥ Olyphant, Banjo ♥ "We've been together for roughly five years now, yet I still remember that first night. Others see him as his regular, goofy self, but I know deep down a man is willing to be there for others. It's inspirational." ▅
☮ Tyler, Rory ☮ "We hit a snag initially, but now I trust him implicitly. He's a man I want in my corner, every time."
______________________________________
☮ Barnes, Haven ☮ "A little hard to read and know where I stand with her, but I like her. She's kind to those she cares for."
♫ Kruger, Katja ♫ "We compliment each other well. She comes to me when she needs to be more "girly" and I go to her when I need to know how to kick ass. I'd be lost without her."
☯ Penada, Pallyx ☯ "We haven't interacted too much, but I don't know yet."
The last few days were... Heavy. Leah had managed to put Marrok out of her mind, but the haunting postcard she found on her door weighed on her mind ever since. When she sat down to rest, her thoughts drifted towards her dad sneaking in during the dead of night. It pissed her off, and made her a bit more skittish than she usually was. And that was saying something, since Leah was always on guard in some capacity or another, to an extent where it seemed as if that was her natural state of being.
The fact that he was coming for her, the fact that he had done things to her that she was only learning about years later. She needed to do something about it, and Leah was almost nervous to talk about it with her girlfriends. It was irrational, she knew. But it still plagued her.
Earthbender: Hey. You two wanna hang and talk about stuff? I'm in mine and Bines dorm rn.
Sabine had taken some time to herself over the past few weeks. Shopping and spa days were called for. What she didn't do was invite April or Leah. It weighed on her, but she needed to be alone to process things. She knew they had to have a conversation and to have it soon. So when her phone chimed with a message from Leah, she took it as a sign. She shot off a reply.
Sounds good. Meet you there in a bit. I'll bring treats!"
Sabine passed by a bakery and bought some cookies before she made her way back to the school and dorm. She would need the energy. Her stomach rumbled the reminder of how out of it she was at the dance when she almost passed out. She played it off as being exhausted from the fight in the maze, but she knew better. And she figured April and Leah did too.
Ever since the Monster Mash, April had re-dedicated herself to her training. She kept her thoughts out of her mind but a relentless regiment, studying, exercising, practicing - she woke up early to review footage of previous Contest of Champions fights, and she went to bed late, her muscles aching from laps she'd done in the school's pool. Unlike a fictional demigod, the water wasn't rejuvenating - but it was still welcome. But above all else, she didn't think about what she'd seen in Nimue's maze - those thoughts haunted her nightmares, so she pushed them aside with more coffee, with more work. The Contest was getting ever closer - everything would be over before they went home for Christmas Break.
She had just finished a session in the pool - her first of three for the day - when her phone buzzed in the locker room.
Omw!!!! 🏊🏊🏊
Quickly finishing drying off her hair from the shower, April got back into her school uniform and then hurried to the dorms, her heart bursting with anxiety. It was probably fine. Right?
Leah wasn’t in her school uniform. Instead, she was in some comfy sweatpants and an old Firewind t-shirt due to the fact that she was too damn lazy to put anything fancy on right now. There were a lot of things they had to talk about. The dance, the way Leah handle it, the way she reacted to April’s situation… God, they weren’t going to leave this bedroom for hours, were they?
When someone finally came through the door, Leah was sitting on her bed with that ominous postcard in hand. The sword she got from the dance was leaning against a wall, since it didn’t come with a scabbard or a set of nails to hang it up. Why was she nervous? It was just her girlfriends.
”Hey.”
Sabine had entered her room, carrying the bright pink box, and saw Leah sitting there. Sabine was not dressed in her school uniform either. Instead she wore lavender-colored skinny jeans and a light blue crop top. She wanted to get the most out of the day and the weather. Sabine walked in and set the cookies down on her desk. "Hey.'
Well this was sufficiently awkward. "I brought cookies. Got all our favorites. April should be here soon." Sabine said that like she knew exactly where April was, but she didn't.
April's hair was still damp when she made it to the dorm, knocking on the door to Sabine's and Leah's suite. She didn't have a key - the academy didn't issue extra ones, and making copies was strictly against the rules. So instead, she had to hover outside, waiting for one of her girlfriends - Leah, maybe? - to let her on in. She didn't know if Sabine was back yet from wherever she had been just yet. Or maybe she was the last one to arrive.
"Leah, Sabine, it's me!" April added, shifting slightly from side to side as she waited.
Leah looked at the door, then back at Sabine. She grinned a little, happy that April came but also a little amused that she was waiting on tne door to be opened. Leah stood up and walked over to open door.
”We’re both here,” she said, standing aside to let her in.
”Get in here, c’mon.”
Sabine allowed April to be let in as she took a seat on her own bed. Once they were all in the room, Sabine spoke. "Okay, we are all here. What's up Leah?" Although truth be told, Sabine had a feeling she knew what Leah wanted to say. She assumed April wouldn't be comfortable bringing up the dance first. Better to get her acclimated first.
April entered the room quickly, doing her best to keep a smile on her face even as the anxiety started to eat away at her insides. She wished she already knew what Leah wanted to talk to them about - the suspense, even brief, was killing her. And the space was only giving her time to come up with a billion different ways for Leah to be about to bring up something terrible - to explain that she actually hated both of them, that she was dumping them and going to make sure everyone knew what horrible people they were, that Leah was dying, that she was moving to Mars and never coming back, that she -- April blinked. She tried to catch the thought, to force herself to just breathe and be present in this moment.
"Yeah, what's up?" April asked, taking a seat on Sabine's desk chair.
Closing the door and sitting down on her bed, Leah inhaled, and thought about her words. They had to start somewhere. ”Before we get into anything else… I made the dance way worse that it had to be for anybody. And… I’m sorry for that,” She finally said, genuinely. She exploded and didn’t stop to think about the ramifications. Hell, Leah could’ve turned the entire dance floor into a bear trap and devoured Nimue whole if it weren’t for the fact that she wasn’t completely unhinged.
”I’m sorry for making that worse, April.”
Sabine stood up after Leah apologized and confessed. "You are not solely to blame. I didn't help matters. Nimue deserved some repercussion, but we could have saved it for after the dance and ensured you were okay, April. So I am also sorry." Sabine felt like a sucky girlfriend.
This couldn't be all Leah wanted to say though. Plus there was the whole werewolf scene too. But April took priority. She had been traumatized and if it was anything like the scene she got when she entered the haunted house, it was mental wreckage.
April loosened up, not because she had been waiting for an apology, but because her fears that everything was about to go disastrously wrong were abated ever so slightly. If she was being honest though, she hadn't needed all of that fuss - hadn't needed people to draw more attention to her breakdown, and while her girlfriends had been sweet to go righteously dismantle an unjust system... She also would have preferred them to... well, to be with her. Or maybe that was wrong of her too - maybe the right answer was that she should have insisted Sabine and Leah go have fun without her. The more she thought about it, the more confused she felt - the more a blush of potential shame rose in her cheeks. "Oh, it's totally okay!" Did she mean it? She didn't know. No, she did know. She did mean it. It was okay.
"I, uh, kinda lost it... And it's not on either of you to, like, pick me back up when something happens - which it won't happen again, it was just a stressful night and... yeah! So no apologies needed. Plus, you two were heroes - you stopped it from happening to anyone else!" April then paused, biting her lip. "I'm sorry I ruined our night - you didn't ruin it at all, Leah, I just... I didn't do so great with the thing it showed me."
"I didn't either. I got my ass kicked, and I didn't even recognize who it was. Bigger than me, stronger than me, I punched them in the back of the head and it flayed my hand..." Leah thought for a second. "They knew my birth name, for some reason. Didn't look like anyone I would recognize. Grey skin, a bunch of magic runes on their arms... It was weird. And they just talked in riddles, saying I'd "understand eventually," or something."
"Speaking of that... I've got some pretty fucked up news. When I went by our dorm that day, I found this stuck to the door." Leah grabbed the menacing postcard, and tossed onto the desk April was sat at. It had her birth name on it, and a hole from the knife it was impaled with.
She inhaled slowly, and exhaled quickly. "There's only two people alive on the planet who knew me by that name. Sabine's one of them, after she saw through my memories by accident once, and the other is my dad." Her voice dropped half a step. "I'm pretty sure he left that to scare the shit out of me. Or to prove a point- I don't know. But... He knows I'm here, now. He found me. So... Now it's official, he'll be here one day. I don't know when, and I know know how, but he'll show up. Probably when he's expected the least." She was putting on a brave face, but Leah felt nothing but dread every time she thought about it. The girls had to know sooner rather than later, though.
"I meant to say something sooner but- Well- Everything happened and... Yeah."
"I faced an older version of myself. One significantly more skilled than I currently am. One whose powers advanced. She nearly controlled me. How I got the better of her, I do not know. But I don't think I won. I think she let me." Sabine's memory shifted to her fortune from the fair.
Sabine listened intently as Leah spoke about her father. She remembered vividly the images shown when she accidentally saw Leah's memories. Her father was a beast. And now he knew where she was.
Before, Sabine would have said that the school was a safe place. It had faculty with powers and students training to be the next Avenger. But given what happened at the dance, could she trust the school to protect their own?
"Well when he shows up, he's going to have to go through me. And I am prepared to blow his brain up from the inside if it comes to that." Sabine hoped this provided some comfort to Leah, but she couldn't imagine what Leah was thinking or feeling. Her own father wasn't the best, but she didn't doubt he cared about her in some way.
April bit down on her lip, and sat on her hands to keep herself from shredding the skin near her nails as Leah and Sabine explained everything that had happened to them - Leah in particular. She couldn't help but be horrified. This was a real problem - it wasn't something silly or stupid, it wasn't anything like what April had faced in Nimue's haunted house. It was real and pressing and terrifying. It made her feel ashamed for how she had reacted, when Leah was so strong - so strong as to be carrying the weight of the knowledge that her villainous father was hunting her down, and that she took the time to care for others over herself... Trauma wasn't a competition, something that April had yet to learn, so she couldn't help but feel wretched.
"Can we... We should tell someone, like SHIELD or - or someone on staff here," April said. "They can protect you, Leah. I mean, not that we can't also protect you but, like, they can do a better job of it. Is there... is there a reason we can't tell someone and get help? I... I don't want to lose you or see you get hurt, and if he's found you..." She bit her lip again.
”He’s better than that,” Leah said, quickly. ”He’s too smart, if he’s announcing himself now, that means he’s been watching long enough that he knows what to expect. He- He waits and spies on people before he makes a move, he could’ve stalked the teachers- Learned their weaknesses and where their families are- or he might know where you two go when school is out…” And Leah didn’t go anywhere during the summer.
”He has ways of getting through security systems, getting past people and dealing with mutants. You could throw the Avengers at him and he won’t give them a fight unless he’s already planned ahead.” The longer Leah talked about him, the harder it was for her to ignore the slight shaking she felt. ”He could show up in the dead if night, trick everyone who can see the future into thinking there was a problem somewhere else, then kill everybody else who gets in his way. Tha- That’s what he does. He uses his mutant powers to make it possible, he finds a way.”
There it was again, that feeling of being so unfathomably small that she was powerless against everything.
Sabine could feel the tenseness coming off of Leah. Understandably so. "Even if he wasn't as dangerous as Leah said, I doubt any of the faculty here could be of some help. Look how they handled the dance." Sabine also didn't know if SHIELD would be someone to let in on this information.
"No one is beyond weakness. Surely there must be something that could turn it in our favor. I'm not letting him get to you."
Maybe if she had been older, less impressionable, April would have argued back - would have pointed out the numerous different foes that superhero groups around the galaxy had managed to take down - would have even stressed how her parents were both SHIELD agents who had done the impossible, that no matter how powerful someone was, they had a weakness. But she was young and she accepted Leah's assertion at face value - accepted that her father was beyond powerful, that there was no one they could talk to to help, that it was them and that was it. It was the same helplessness she had felt in Nimue's maze, the same inevitability - that one day April would wake up and no longer recognize herself, that Magneto's helmet would be on her head, that she would become a monster. That Leah would die, or worse, suffer whatever twisted fate her father had in store for her.
"How can we know he's not listening now then?" April whispered. "Like, should we even be talking about this here? Maybe..." April got an idea. It would be hard, but something she could try. "Maybe we should go to the beach - and take a swim," she didn't say it outright - that she wanted to bring her girlfriends to the ocean floor, using her powers over water to create a bubble, the ultimate spot of privacy where no listening ears could be found. But if Leah's dad was listening right now, she didn't want to give the plan away here.
Leah mentally winced at that. ”I’m probably about to sound weird for saying this, but I’ve been asking myself that a lot. And by a lot, I mean for years,” she admitted. ”Since I first showed up to this place, every little sound would keep me up all night, because I’d get in my head about it.” And as she said that out loud, she considered burying herself under a mountain just to feel safer. ”And… Sometimes that’s still a thing. If he was watching right now, I don’t think we’d know. I used to tear my dorm upside down looking for bugs or hidden cameras because he’s a total psychopath.”
”But a beach day sounds nice, when we have time. Just the three of us. If you want.”
Whispers infected Sabine's mind. They weren't loud enough to cause notice, but they were still lingering. You can't protect them. Sabine shook her head. She could. She will.
"No one trusts you. You can make people forget or remember. Their deepest fears are yours to capitalize on. No one trusts you. Not your family. Not your friends. The school probably has systems in place should you go on a rampage."
Sabine closed her eyes and took some deep breaths. This was just her anxiety peaking from everything going on.
"Leah's father will take you out first. Or use you to get to her. Is Leah really safe with you nearby?"
Sabine clenched her fist and unclenched. "A beach day sounds amazing. Much needed with everything going on. And Leah, we will figure this out. His brain will be goo by the time I am done with him. And if he can hear me, I hope he knows that I will go to every length to see you safe."
Was she convincing Leah or herself?
April's face fell slightly. Neither of them had caught onto her suggestion. Or maybe they had and had already dismissed it - the listening devices could be on them, after all. Maybe it was embedded into their skin. "We should go to the beach now," April insisted. Sabine was being brave after all, speaking directly to the specter. Leah was being brave, dealing with all of this alone, not asking for help. So it was the very least that April could do was to try - to try to bring Leah to a safe space, a space where her father wouldn't anticipate to hear them. "Did you all ever read Percy Jackson - the kiss they had?" she then added, referencing Annabeth and Percy's Underwater kiss, done in that location as to give them privacy.
Holy shit, her girls were cool. For a moment, Leah silently felt as if she were dating a literal goddess due to how fucking brazen it was of Sabine to speak like that as if he were hearing them now.
"I- Uh... Did I read that..." Gears turned in her mind for a moment. Back home, she didn't even have a TV. "Nah, don't think I have. Waaaaait. Beach- Water... You want to go the bottom of the ocean? April... You can do that?" Fuck yeah, let's fucking go to the beach right the hell now. That sounds cool as shit." Leah didn't have to read the books, but she knew how April's gay little mind worked. She could read April like a book. "Let's do it."
It was real cute how excited Leah was to go to the beach. One could almost miss how her life was in danger. Still, it was important to make time for them. Plus, if Leah calmed down enough, perhaps they could think of a plan on how to deal with her father. "Beach day it is. Bought a new swimsuit for it and everything." Sabine's mind flashed, albeit briefly, to her own family. She should consider herself lucky despite how horrendous her step-mother and her spawn were. "Let's get ready then."
***
A little while later, the girls had made it to the beach. April was standing at the shore, curling her toes into the sand - she knew a lot of people tended to hate sand, hate the way that it clung to them, that it scratched, but there was something comforting about it to her. It was like clay that she could mold, but could be returned to its original state by the waves - something that would always be there, unchangeable, no matter what happened. She then took a deep breath, feeling the rhythm of the ocean in her gut, before holding out her hands to Sabine and Leah. She hadn't tried this before, not with other people.
"Do you trust me?"
Leah liked sand, personally. One could imagine she wouldn’t, given that she was raised in a desert, but the warmth and the familiarity made her feel like she was at peace. Leah came in a loose tank top and gray sweatpants. It was about as much skin as she was showing at the dance. She took April’s hand and held it close.
”I trust you two more than literally anyone else I know,” she said.
This was needed. Sabine with her two girls. A bright day, a warm beach. There is nowhere she'd rather be. So when April offered her hand and asked if she trusted her, Sabine's response was almost instantaneous. "Without question." Sabine took Aprils hand and reached for Leah's.
This was hers.
April nodded, giving both of her girlfriends' hands a squeeze. She took a breath and slowly waded out into the water, concentrating on her surroundings, on the movement - feeling the push and pull of the waves as if they were a part of her. And strangely, despite being in contact with the water, neither Leah or Sabine would feel wet - the water touched them, yes, but it parted so easily - like an invisible membrane had been constructed around them.
April glanced back over her shoulder, searching their eyes for a moment, before her mouth split open into a wide grin - and they plunged to the ocean floor, her control over the water propelling them forward and down, a bubble forming around Sabine and Leah - April didn't need one. Her hair fluttered behind her in the water like a mermaid's. "No one can hear you down here. He can't hear you down here. It's completely safe and private - just us and the fish," April promised, breathing the water like it was air.
”Holy hell…” Leah was, in no uncertain terms, mesmerized by what she saw as they walked deeper and deeper down into the sea. How long has April been able to do things like this? It was incredible, and Leah couldn’t help but admire her all the more intensely for it. Her hand didn’t leave April’s, or Sabine’s. She didn’t like being touched very often, but she made an exception for them. Especially now.
”Just us… And the fish… Would- Would either of you two believe me if I’ve never been in a place as safe as this before? I lived in a desert before we met. It was just me and him for hundreds of miles, and I didn’t feel safe then, even after I thought he was dead,” she admitted.
”And then the school. There are so many ways you could slip in and not be noticed. I mean- Shit, the teachers can’t even tell what we’re up to half the time, not unless they’re on our asses. Dad definitely doesn’t have a submarine or anything- I think- But this feels… Not like a lot. It’s- This is the opposite of a lot…” She stopped and looked at the ground- Magmatic basalt from the lithosphere. ”Sorry, I’m talking nonsense now.”
It was a brilliant idea of April's. As they stood there with the aquatic life swirling around them, Sabine was reminded of how lucky she was. And how strong a drive she held in wanting to protect this. "You aren't talking nonsense. This is a lot to take in, but think of it like this: when you need it, this is your space. Where you can say what you want without fear. And I will stop at nothing to ensure that you are able to do so out there as well."
She squeezed both of their hands. "This is amazing April. You're amazing."
It made April want to cry, both from sorrow that Leah had never felt such safety before, but also from happiness at how much her girlfriends were both moved by this gesture. She drew strength from them, from their bonds, as she maintained the bubble - as she kept them safe at the ocean floor. It should have been incredibly draining, her hands should have been shaking, but it felt... almost effortless. Because they were here with her - because they were her anchor. "Thank you," April blushed, accepting Sabine's compliment. "Any time you need to come here, Leah, just say that we need a beach day - same thing for you, Sabine. This space will always be here for us - and no one else."
Location: The Gym - Simulation Fit of the Day: Gym Outfit Skills: N/A
Sabine greeted April as she entered as the rest of their lot slowly trickled in. Sabine knew of the others outside of her team, if for no other reason than to know the competition. It was an interesting dynamic as friends and family were split in the teams. Diana and her brother were on opposite teams. Her and her girlfriends. She wasn't sure of the other friend groups but they had to be there. Awkward.
Sabine did some warm-up stretches as people filed in.
The whole thing felt very Matrix, which was kind of cool. "No time like the present. Good luck everyone." Sabine said to the others, though she was more concerned with her posse. Sabine stepped up into the tank and closed her eyes.
Once she was safely sure she was in, she opened them and saw she was in the Contest of Champions arena. She looked at herself, checking to see if her limbs all processed correctly. "All right, I'm in. Do we start or....?"
Location: The Sanctum Sanctorum Skills: Curse Magic/Hexing Spells: Bewitched
Prudence, having completed her task, set to help eradicate the remaining demons. She ignored the mysterious man who emerged. Runa was already conversing with him. Instead, she focused on the situation before her. With Ananym taken care of and the veil restored, each of them set out to destroy the remaining trouble.
Prudence strode forward, allowing her cloak to billow behind her. The demons saw her, of course, and went after her. Prudence summoned her magic, allowing it to cascade around her and outward, hitting the demons who all stopped. They looked at her with wonder, or about as much as a demon could muster. This would suffice.
"You all have one task and one chance to earn my love. Kill each other. Last one standing wins."
That was all the demons needed before they turned to face one another and unleash literal hell. Tearing flesh, cracking bones, and ripping off limbs in a quest for true love was someone's sick game. Prudence merely watched with a smirk as the demons decimated each other. Some used their own weapons and abilities, some used what was happening around them (one demon in particular held his brethren in a nearby fire until it burned to ashes). It filled Prudence with pride. This was her ability. This was her power.
She walked amongst them as some crawled for help before having their skull smashed. Some were tossed in the air and impaled. Prudence thought she heard cries, but do demons cry?
Eventually, one was remaining. It looked pitiful and destroyed, having killed its brothers and sisters. It looked at her. She caressed it;s head. "You have won, my love." She held its head to her bosom, "To the victor goes the spoils. We shall be with each other in the afterlife." She said this before she snapped its neck, tossing it to the ground.
She turned and made her way back into the Sanctum. A job well done.
Well now that I got the customary "post once" requirement out of the way....
[b][u]HELLO[/u][/b]
Welcome to my safe space. Well, about as safe as one space can be, I guess. If you are here looking for something, I am very sorry to disappoint you, but I made fresh cookies! Come sit a spell.
I guess I'll do some more in-depth stuff about myself. My name is Nick and I am 33 years old living in Illinois. I am a therapist and clinical responder (which is a fancy way of saying I go out on police calls to provide mental health assistance). Been doing therapy for a few years now and I absolutely love it!
I am a gay, cisgender man. I came out last year in January (smack dab in the middle of a pandemic. Timing was always my downfall). There is still much I am learning, but I am proud and happy to be who I really am and not have to hide it anymore!
I am an avid gamer, especially roleplaying games (cue surprised and shock noises). I also enjoy writing and reading, especially mysteries. I am not new to roleplay, I promise. I have been doing it for years now in different formats. I am experienced, even if it doesn't seem like it.
I use humor as a coping mechanism for sure, but I also like laughing and enjoying myself. Life can be pretty sad and upsetting for the most part and I don't want to add to it.
Whew! That got deep!
I will be poking my nose around in spaces and hoping to jump headfirst into this. Some interests I have in terms of roleplay settings include superheroes, DnD, science fiction/fantasy, mysteries, thrillers, horror stuffs, apocolypse, and espionage. And I am a fan of most things pop culture. If you have any suggestions or possible roleplays you think I would love, please let me know.
Otherwise, stick around! This is gonna get wild!
[center][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd9bXTECK1E&ab_channel=Alt%C3%A9goMusic[/youtube][/center]
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Well now that I got the customary "post once" requirement out of the way....<br><br><span class="bb-b"><span class="bb-u">HELLO</span></span><br><br>Welcome to my safe space. Well, about as safe as one space can be, I guess. If you are here looking for something, I am very sorry to disappoint you, but I made fresh cookies! Come sit a spell.<br><br>I guess I'll do some more in-depth stuff about myself. My name is Nick and I am 33 years old living in Illinois. I am a therapist and clinical responder (which is a fancy way of saying I go out on police calls to provide mental health assistance). Been doing therapy for a few years now and I absolutely love it!<br><br>I am a gay, cisgender man. I came out last year in January (smack dab in the middle of a pandemic. Timing was always my downfall). There is still much I am learning, but I am proud and happy to be who I really am and not have to hide it anymore!<br><br>I am an avid gamer, especially roleplaying games (cue surprised and shock noises). I also enjoy writing and reading, especially mysteries. I am not new to roleplay, I promise. I have been doing it for years now in different formats. I am experienced, even if it doesn't seem like it. <br><br>I use humor as a coping mechanism for sure, but I also like laughing and enjoying myself. Life can be pretty sad and upsetting for the most part and I don't want to add to it.<br><br>Whew! That got deep!<br><br>I will be poking my nose around in spaces and hoping to jump headfirst into this. Some interests I have in terms of roleplay settings include superheroes, DnD, science fiction/fantasy, mysteries, thrillers, horror stuffs, apocolypse, and espionage. And I am a fan of most things pop culture. If you have any suggestions or possible roleplays you think I would love, please let me know.<br><br>Otherwise, stick around! This is gonna get wild!<br><br><div class="bb-center"><iframe src="//youtube.com/embed/cd9bXTECK1E?theme=dark" frameborder="0" width="496" height="279" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>
Member
Qia
Izurich
Kuro
Hound55
Fetzen
Lexisheeps
Crimson Flame
Melissa
Jerkchicken
Divorarel
