dreamingflowers

Code Vein (Closed)

_{C H A P T E R O N E : A NEW DAY}

THE RUINED CITY

AMBIENCE

CITY OUTSKIRTS

---

^{February 23rd, 2057 | 11:06a.m.}

The Ruined City. Named as such after succumbing to a scale nine earthquake. It severely damaged and collapsed most structures and caused permanent changes in ground topography. The earth turned it into a death trap. Buildings that were still standing could crumble when put under too much pressure. Gaping pits and cracked asphalt streets made for rough terrain. There was something unnatural about the remnants of the quake. In some places the ground had shaped itself into thick spires, piercing the sky. They seemed to be growing into a designated direction, like a claw reaching from underneath.

The members of the Commune were following a trail meticulously mapped out by Lysandra. It prepared them for the terrain and more importantly gave them a heads up on the likely presence of Lost. They were approaching a hot zone. According to Lysandra's careful calculations, a horde of Lost would be passing this area in about half an hour. Erik, Poppy, Cerise, and Akaia were up front and suddenly stopped dead in their tracks. The horde arrived much earlier than they accounted for and included a type of Lost that could cause them some serious trouble. Infernals. Humanoid lost with glowing eyes and mouths, some had antler like horns and the female variety a feathery type of fur covering. They were especially dangerous as some were reported to retain a fraction of their Revenant blood powers.

"I’ll go in first with my bombs, they’ll be easier to fight if they’re disoriented”

Poppy didn’t take her eyes off of the horde while she was talking. She turned to Cerise, meeting her multi-colored eyes. Eyes which rarely missed their mark.
"Cerise I need you to cover me”

With a wordless glance at Erik and Akaia Poppy stretched out her wings and quietly lifted herself into the air. She flew to one of the stone spires and hovered right behind it. The soft buzzing of her wings was nearly impossible to pick up. The horde was moving and exploring the area, looking for new prey. There were more of them than Lysandra’s drone was able to pick up. Poppy readied one of her bombs.

She swooped down with practiced precision, and dropped the first bomb. It exploded after a short delay. An opium mist spread throughout the infernals. Some dropped to the ground, others staggered away from the area clumsily. They realized what the powder was doing and screeched. Unbeknownst to Poppy one of them had spotted her, wielding a chain and sickle.. She readied her second assault and took aim. The sickle launched with incredible speed and wrapped around her leg.

Before she could react a forceful pull yanked her downwards. Poppy immediately resisted, using increasingly more energy to stay afloat. When her wings began to falter under the pressure she looked around for something to hold onto. She was too far away from the spire or buildings.

The Sidhe's strength was severely outmatched by the infernal’s blood power. It eventually pulled her into a freefall and crashed her into a car. It knocked the air out of her. She coughed and turned onto her back. The adrenaline kicked in and she looked up to see the infernal approaching, he was reeling her in. She winched, feeling the gravel dig into areas where her skin was exposed.

Poppy pushed herself upright by flapping her wings. She breathed hard and attempted to quickly free her leg. She glanced up at one of the buildings.
“Cerise!, take this one down!”

Young Justice

Location: Poseidonis, Conference room
Interactions: Team

---

One minute they were watching Dr Bingley speak about his plans to distribute samples and the next Kassy snapped in a way Daphne had never seen before. Revelations about Dr Bingley's research and Kassy's origins had her mind reeling. Everything was happening in rapid succession, Daphne got up from her seat, ready to act but not sure what to do. This was awful. With a pained look on her face she watched Kassy lose control of her abilities. It caused a surge of panic in the crowd.

Daphne looked to her Team, Zach was struggling with his magic and Viktor attempted to take out Kassy but missed her.The strength of Kassy's illusions distorted her senses. Her vision was blurred and her body felt incredibly heave one minute and light as a feather the next. They needed to help Kassy regain control over her powers, calm her down somehow.

Daphne tried to block out some of the distortion by closing her eyes.
"Guys! What do we do?"

Code Vein (Closed)

Location: Medical area --> Storage room
Interactions: Akaia, Erik, everyone who is packing

---

Poppy ignored most of the smiles aimed her way. Cerise merely received a nod and she let the two close friends catch up. She rolled her eyes at Erik and the smile he complimented her about turned back into a stern line, lips pressed tightly together. He was gone before she could admonish him about the loud use of his voice.

She moved to the distilling area. There was a large barrel filled with boiling hot water. It was constructed by Lysandra and Erik and in essence functioned like a thermos. Unlike before she only needed to boil water once a day to have it on hand whenever she needed it. She filled up a wooden basin to about tree quarters, adding some cold water to adjust the temperature. Once she was satisfied she hoisted it up by the rope handles and huffed. She adjusted her grip and moved it to a side table next to one of the empty beds. The water slushed and some spilled onto the floor.

To the water she added a cut up lemon, and a few drops off various vials of essential oil. Unlike the soup from before, the bathwater smelled pleasant. Hints of several flowers and a fresh citrus smell, neither overruling the other, combining into a scent many associated with bathing and washing. Something Poppy was very adamant about. No one was allowed to sleep on the clean sheets Dallas so diligently washed if they hadn't bathed.

Poppy went to fetch Akaia. She swatted her hand away from Cerise. Akaia had this habit of copying many things she did, but there wasn't time for that nonsense now. Erik had returned and enquired if they were ready. Poppy was quick to reply.
"She's not, she needs a bath and a fresh set off clothes."

She took Akaia's hand and directed her to one of the beds, sitting her down. Poppy closed the curtains around her and went to fetch a set of clean clothes from Akaia's shared room. Without warning she opened the curtains back up and set down the clothes wordlessly.
"Don't take too long and wash your hair. If Cerise doesn't have time to braid it I'll do it for you later"

Poppy left the medical area, retreating back to her room to change. Before she left the room she stopped in front of a small box. The Sidhe opened it carefully and unlocked a secret compartment. There was a portrait drawing inside. She looked at it. The simple stare drew her into a whirlwind of emotions. She let it pass one by one, love, longing, gratitude, hopelessness. No specific memory came to the surface, just the general sense of happiness she felt when they were together. She kissed her hand and pressed it on the portrait.
You always said I looked grumpy, but those were the happiest days of my life.

When she arrived at the vans she was pleased to see they were almost finished packing. Poppy held the medical supplies in two large boxes, stacked on top of each other. She weaved in between the other Commune members and inspected the list on the inside of the door. Everything was marked off, except for the medical supplies she was carrying.
"I see we got everything, we should be leaving in about half an hour." She said to everyone present.

Young Justice

Location: Poseidonis, Conference room
Interactions: Metamorph

---

Before she could catch on to what was happening Ja swooped in for an impressive rescue, preventing her from getting hit by the Deluge agent. The woman managed to free herself from the vines and attempted to shoot her. Daphne nodded at Ja, giving him a thumbs up. The Team always had her back, they were amazing. She stopped moving her body to stay afloat and slowly descended onto the Aquarium floor, rejoining Alisa, Zach and Ja.

A little while later

The Team reunited in the conference room after having successfully repelled the Deluge agents. Professor Bingley was standing in the exact same spot as before. Almost like nothing had happened. He didn't seem to be bothered much by the attacks.
"Thanks to the combined efforts of the brave Atlanteans and the Young Justice Team I'm standing here safe and sound and more importantly able to share the next step of my research plan"

He opened another suitcase. This one was heavily locked by multiple security systems, including a finger print and retina scanner. It was the amalgamation of his entire research all worked into a single modified gene. A invaluable and precious sample.
"I worked tirelessly to develop this formula, it is the pinnacle of five years of research. And I want to offer this to you, my colleagues in the field, my fellow pioneers"

One of the researcher took one of the samples, holding it in the palm of his hand. There was so much potential in such a small object.
"So we can start trials right away?"

"Absolutely. Test trials, synthesis, and then mass distribution to all medical facilities offering prenatal care."

Code Vein (Closed)

Location: Medical area
Interactions: Akaia, Cerise

---

Poppy felt Akaia's slender arms creep around her waist. She endured the hug and managed a rare smile her friend could not see. It quickly disappeared when she resorted to scolding Akaia for her lack of constraint.
"Akaia keep your voice down!, Amelia is still resting"

Akaia had replied to the name of the girl with an understanding nod, realizing in that moment that they were passing her room. She held her hand over her right eye and repeated the name in a whispered voice the sounded exactly like Desmond's.

"Amelia."

Poppy freed herself from Akaia's weak hold with a frown on her face. Sometimes she felt like she was caring for a bunch of children. Ever since Desmond arrived with his sister she made it very clear that the medical area should be an oasis of rest and calm, even more so than usual.

It wasn't long after they both arrived in the medical bay that Akaia found herself seated in front of a familiar bowl of soup. The soup was thick with a very unappealing muddy color. The strong scent of several herbs was overpowering any of the sweetness of the pumpkin that was somewhere in there. Steam rose from the bowl, which was nearly the size of Akaia's head. The steam wafted around the girl effortlessly, trapping her in a heat that stuck to her skin and tasted... funny.

"Eat up..."

Poppy went on to busy herself with readying the medical supplies for the mission to the Ruined City. By the time Poppy would return to her ward, she would find an emptied bowl, a waiting girl and a peculiar looking plastic box with a red marking that looked like a cross.

Meanwhile Cerise also joined them. She looked at the always cheerful young woman.
"You can make sure Akaia finishes all of her soup and at least half of that jug of water." A second bowl of the nauseating soup sat on the table next to both girls, looming at them.

Poppy spotted something else on the table. A box with a red cross on the top, a toy first aid kit. She picked it up. The outside looked worse for wear. There was also something inside. The clasps still worked and after some prying she managed to open it. The contents were not what she expected. A deep red crystal drew her immediate attention. She took it out of the box and held it in the palm of her hand. It was unevenly shaped, with jagged edges. A vestige.

Poppy's eyes shifted to Cerise and back to the vestige in her palm, seemingly contemplating something. She went on the study the remaining items. There was a crayon drawing of a peacock butterfly along with a torn up bandage roll, glass shards, a sewing needle with a bundle of thread which looked like hair. The box was likely used to keep actual medical supplies along with personal affects. After she'd put everything back Poppy looked at Akaia with a hint of a smile.

"Thank you Akaia, I'll fill up the box with new supplies. We can still use it."

Young Justice

Meanwhile on the sub....

It was uncomfortably silent inside the submarine. As soon as they reached the safety of the underwater vehicle both Talon and the professor went their separate ways. Professor Bingley sat at the back. His research materials were spread out on a table and he seemed to be organizing everything. These reports were some of his finest work, a milestone in his career. He could not let anything happen to it, or let it fall into the wrong hands.

He worked diligently, occasionally looking over at Talon discreetly. The Professor wasn’t sure what to think about the quiet teen. He seemed capable enough and he let him work in peace, two major plusses in his book.

“I don’t think we’ll be safe for long here, we should be heading back to the surface sooner rather than later.” He said, not taking his eyes off his work for one second and failing to catch Talon's look of skepticism.

Is he suggesting we abandon the team and leave his briefing unfinished? Talon wrote it off as Dr. Bingley being worried about his own well being. The team's confrontation with squid had been shaky and disjointed, tarnishing the confidence the scientist had in his security detail. From his perspective, he had saved himself.

From Talon's, he failed to do anything. It bothered him to feel he was worse than anyone else in that situation. Everyone in that situation demonstrated initiative in the heat of the moment. [Color=red][I]Alisa arrived to support me when I wagered under Rain's scrutiny… Viktor stepped forward to take the blame and responsibility for firing the weapon that I was meant to have positive control over… And him[/color] Talon eyes were affixed on the scientist and his notes now. He took the decision away from me. I wasn't focused. Because of… I want to blame that prick, but… Talon wanted to punch something, his hand balled into tight fists. Maybe talking would take his mind off things. It wasn't his strong suit so perhaps it served as a good distraction.

“I think you will be able to finish your briefing once the terrorists are repelled.”

Professor Bingley scoffed slightly and finally looked up from his papers to stare at Talon. He pushed his glasses back up his nose and leaned on the table with his right hand.
“There wasn’t a whole lot more to say. I could bore them with the negligible side effects. Those are barely worth mentioning, chances of that occurring are below 0.5 percent.”

He went to stand in front of the table, like he was giving another presentation and Talon was his audience. He was trying to convince him of his point of view.

“Also the importance of stopping this gene greatly outweighs the side effects compared to the damage these powers can cause. This cure is justified.”

Talon sincerely questioned if this was true and started asking the Professor pointed questions. His answers to those questions slowly revealed his plans. Piece by piece he was starting to understand what exactly Professor Bingley was trying to do.

“You know what kid? The Atlanteans should be grateful I’m doing this.”

“Grateful?” Talon’s criticism was displayed on his furrowed brows, and Dr. Bingley wasn’t a fan.

“Yes! Grateful.” Dr. Bingley scoffed once more. “I don't expect you to understand. Wasn't it you who couldn't do what was necessary against that tentacled monster? You see, you and I are not cut from the same cloth. I'm willing to eliminate the threat to the many... I don't care if that threat has a pulse, I'll end it.” There was brief silence between the two before Dr. Bingley continued.

“By any means necessary.” His jaw was tight and his mouth was set in a firm line. He barely blinked, staring down at Talon who had no idea what to do. The mission was to protect Dr. Bingley and allow him to successfully liaise with the Atlanteans, but how could Talon follow that protocol knowing what the scientist’s true intentions were. His former self might have just shrugged and kept with the objective but that’s not what a hero would do. That’s not what Nightwing, his mentor, would do. He’d have to inform Kass and the rest of the team, but he needed more. He needed to get Dr. Bingley to really spill as much information as possible. Interrogation was within his skillset, and he knew exactly how to play someone like Dr. Bingley. The prideful were always looking to prove themselves.

“So you’re aborting the children with unwanted genes? Couldn't the Atlanteans have figured that out themselves?” Dr. Bigley shook his head. He couldn’t believe how wrong Talon was.

“No! You think that I’m so lowly to settle on just abortions?! Atlanteans would not agree to the execution of fetuses. I will make sure every single Atlantean child is allowed to be born… Some may not experience a proper life, but that’s better than them becoming sociopathic members of their society.”

“Proper life. I don’t… understand.” Talon’s face was that of a curious skeptic. Dr. Bingley shook his head as he would have to simplify his explanation moreso.

“They’d all live but they would succumb to the side effects. They would be mentally inhibited BUT they would not be a threat to those around them. Drones are better than predators. Don’t you think?”

“I-”

“It’s the best course of action... To rid this world of the dangerous. They’ll have lower brain functionality, but be harmless. They won’t be scolded or locked away for being a danger to their society. In fact, they’ll be harmless.” Dr. Bingley wore a grand smile upon his face as if he was fulfilling a dream.

Code Vein (Closed)

Location: The Telescope & Strategy room
Interactions: Dallas, Vincent, Ionna, Akaia

---

Poppy calmly assessed the group's reaction to the assignment. Lysandra wanted to join them. She had been cooped up inside for the past couple of months so this didn't come as a surprise. It would require more planning, different tactics and overall better coordination. Lysandra was undoubtedly going to take care of most of these adjustments herself, case in point she was already at the telescope, checking out the coordinates Erik gave her. The medic wanted the scientist's genius with them out in the field, especially if they needed to study a dying mistle.

She didn't acknowledge the questions on when they would be leaving or the threat of the Miasma. Instead she retrieved a piece of paper from the table next to Erik. She started on a list of supplies, writing it all down in neat handwriting. They were taking the van which meant there was more room to pack ammunition, weapons and medical supplies. While the conversations between the Commune members were happening around her Poppy continued writing undisturbed.

It was the surprise arrival of Akaia that made her drop her pencil and list. She was not supposed to be back yet. Poppy scrutinized her fellow Sidhe from a distance. Even from across the room she could tell Akaia looked more gaunt than usual. Something like this did deserve her immediate attention. With her list in hand she made a beeline for Dallas, the resident custodian.

"Dallas, I need you to get the van ready with supplies after the meeting is over." She looked up at his statuesque face, set in its usual stern expression. Poppy handed him the list. The medic didn't wait around for a confirmative yes, it wasn't a question.

While on her way to Akaia she issued some orders to the others.
"Vincent, Ionna one or both of you can help Dallas. Leave the medical supplies to me. I'll set them ready and let you know if I need help moving them."

The medic was standing face to face with the Sidhe scout, being slightly taller. Up close she affirmed her earlier suspicion of malnourishment.
"Welcome back Akaia."

Akaia was staring at the pet crow of Ionna, who was perched on Cerise. Introductions could wait for later. Poppy took Akaia's hands and lifted them up, spreading her arms to the side. The ill fitting robes and wraps concealed most of her body, but Poppy knew where to look. She pulled softly on the skin of Akaia's arm, the fold of skin stayed up for too long.

"You need to eat and drink..."
"Come with me to the medical area, I have some squash soup with lentils. I want you to eat at least two bowls of it before we leave"

There wasn't much room to argue. While she didn't carry the same physical presence as Erik and Ajax, Poppy was intimidating in a different way. It often caught people off guard, especially ones who didn't know her well.

Code Vein (Closed)

_{C H A P T E R O N E : A NEW DAY}

MISTLE RESEARCH

AMBIENCE

T H E C R O W 'S NEST

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^{February 23rd, 2057 | 09:21a.m. | Strategy Room}

Ajax, Erik and Poppy were standing on the bridge leading to their hideout. The three of them watched the retreating backs of the Provisional Government agents. The redhead quietly followed her allies back to the entrance, while Erik and Ajax discussed the merits of the offer they just received. The medic didn't have much to add to their talk. It was a job, they would get a good amount of blood beads. They were increasingly difficult to come by these days. An unknown amount of mistles were dying. The Provisional Government was looking into the cause of this phenomenon. The distribution of blood beads was largely their affair.

They gathered the remaining members of the group inside the Telescope & Strategy Room. In the center of the room the namesake telescope towered over them. It was still in use, mainly to spot threats at great distances, or to explore areas without the need to travel there. This allowed the Sidhe to travel uncharted territories in relative safety, as they were otherwise limited by their oxygen tanks.

Erik stood close to the large stone table holding the map of the surrounding area. He was waiting for everyone to arrive with an excited smile on his face.

"Good morning guys, Ajax, Pops and I just got back from a quick meet up with the Provisional government. They have a potential job for us. There's a dying mistle located in the Ruined City." He pointed to one of the few remaining cities on the map. Next to the marker of the Ruined City, "LOST" was spelled out in somewhat clumsy handwriting.

"The government asked us to retrieve a sample of this mistle once we locate it. When we get the job done they'll pay us a good amount of blood beads, more than we could manage to scrape together ourselves. Pops said we're running short." The revenant's eyes scanned the room at the many faces in attendance. "Thoughts?"

Code Vein (Closed)

Hi everyone ^.^
Quick update. I posted a relationships sheet you can use to keep track of the relationships between our characters. You can use it if you like, but it's not mandatory.
The IC will also be up in the next couple of days!

Code Vein (Closed)

List of members

- Erik (founding member)
- Dallas (one month)
- Ionna (a couple of days)
- Ajax (founding member)
- Akaia (seven years)
- Lysandra (two years)
- Vincent (one or two days)
- Desmond (a few weeks)
- Cerise (about nine years)
- Poppy (Seven years)