FunnyGuy

Avalia

Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: River Port Spa -> River Port Beach -> Leaving the River Port Beach
Interactions: Kharnold Schwartzeneggar @Kazemitsu, Peeping Arn @Omni5876, Saoirse, the Main Character @potter, and Slime Slayer Ismael @Th3King0fChaos, Eris Bae & “Valerie” @Tae, Princess "On-ya" @princess, Inori @Shard
Mentions:

Equipment:

Male Outfit
Backpack (top right)
Bow and quiver of arrows

---

About a moment ago…“when Kharne had just saved that Saiorse girl from getting thoroughly scorched.”

"No one here is a main character...this isn't a story or a show, this is real life leading up to combat and war. Do not treat this as a game or you will die or get someone else killed."

Kaleb had nodded his head in agreement as if what the Kharne said didn’t apply to him. I like this guy. A little too preachy, but he can be added to the roster. He can be the pep talk guy or the P.R. guy. Kaleb was still nodding despite Kharne addressing his very specific comments and mentioning the idea of hiding. Even if he had clearly comprehended what was said, Kaleb would have just brushed the issue off. It didn't matter if it was Liam Neeson in dragon form, Kaleb felt he could take care of himself in the face of anything Av.alia could throw at him. The guy had just slain 67 monsters today and the clock hadn’t even struck noon yet! It wasn’t until Kharne started to go over what Kaleb anticipated to be a tragic backstory, that he actually tuned in.

"I'm a mercenary and have been for a little over forty years… Annya Annya Annya Annya…” Kaleb raised an eyebrow with his mouth agape, completely disappointed in the sentence long origin story.

What the fuck? He couldn’t even look to the others considering their status as supporting. Big L in that Liam but we’ll work with it since he’s a killing machine. And though he had been too distracted to listen to the rest of what Kharne had to say yet again, Kaleb could at least make out that Annya was a decent woman from Kharne's perspective.

When the broadcast played… Let’s just say it was quite the wake-up call for the young movie star. The sight of the unneeded mutilation of a human shook him to the core, leaving him almost catatonic. He looked down towards the water, thinking if that had been him, and it easily could have. In fact, if it weren’t for Eris, he would have been gobbled up by one of those giant snakes. Shit… that was… That was something. Kaleb was so absorbed in his thoughts, that he missed Kharne’s first few words shouted in addressing the sudden strong winds currently howling. Kaleb snapped out of his stupor to find the others jumping out of the water and dressing. Kaleb looked from person to person while he got out of the pool. One after the other, they left the spa, only for him simply poke his head out and watch the four of them run towards… a tornado? Again, he raised an eyebrow before shaking his head.

“Nope. Not doing that shit.” Even if the tornado was where the others had been, what the hell could he do about it?

“Sir, is your party finished?” An attendant asked from outside.

“Give your boy a few minutes and I’ll be out in a few.” He shot her a grin before going back inside and dipping right back into the water. “Ahhh all to myself… To myself? Heh.” He held a hand out, watching lines of steam rising from it due to the heat he was beginning to produce.

---

Currently…

Thick steam escaped the spa tent like a dramatic entrance that Kaleb felt was only fitting for a man like himself. He stepped out confidently, first noticing the tornado or whatever he saw had vanished. People were murmuring in the streets while looking over in the direction of the beach. There were too many conversations to follow but there were several keywords that stuck out. Beach. Tornado. Magic. Human. He sighed as he was his delight of being in a beachfront town would surely come to an end.

“Sir, is your-”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’m done.”

Kaleb made his way toward the beach. He’d get there much later than the others but he was sure a few would recognize him casually walking towards the scene. Upon arriving, of course, he had to speak. “Who was it that fucked things up for us here?!” He pointed over his shoulder towards the greater part of town. “People are talking and… Wait, what happened to Eris?! Kaleb approached his elven companion, noticing how exhausted she appeared. He put an arm around her while looking around at the others, appearing to want answers for a brief moment before guiding her away. “Come on, let’s get the hell away from here. And what even happened? I mean... you’re okay, right?”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Duke Lorenzo Vikena
&
Count Calbert Damien

Location: Balcony
Time: Dancie Time

---

Lorenzo had attempted to seek out Charlotte in the sea of people but the initiation of the first dance caused the duke to step aside and watch his stepdaughter drift further away from him.

“Such poor timing.” He grumbled as he stopped advancing, so he wouldn't cause a mess equivalent to the one that occurred during his arrival. He took a few steps away while taking the moment to look around before he found something… until he found someone. Lorenzo's eyes again were locked onto Count Calbert Damien. His brow furrowed before he stepped off towards the man he considered a menace.

“Count Damien! May I have a word?” Lorenzo didn't even bother to stop in front of Calbert and instead continued to the nearest vacant balcony. Like Calbert, Lorenzo had much to discuss. Calbert had met his eyes and smiled.

“Duke Vikena. Of course, you may.” He replied pleasantly and followed him out to the balcony. The night air was cool as he shut the doors behind them, the sound of the music dulling quickly. The bright light from the ball lit up the stone floor as he came to stand parallel to Lorenzo. His posture was very relaxed as he spoke first.

“I hope you are faring well after all that transpired.” His long black hair billowed in the breeze as he took out a pipe and began to light it.

“I- I am.” His simple and stuttered answer gave away his lack of confidence. “You seem to be doing so…” he saw this as his chance to steer the conversation. “...making your rounds, talking to many as a good count should… I saw you…” the duke cleared his throat as he faltered in his speech. It was pathetic. With a deep gulp, he wished were rich with wine, he continued. “I caught- I mean, I saw you speaking to Lady Vikena earlier… What was that about?”
Count Calbert had allowed the amusement he felt to cross his expression as he smirked at the fumbling Duke.

“Did you now? Are you certain?” He put the pipe to his lips and then exhaled smoke straight into Lorenzo’s face a moment later which caused the man to waft it from his face. Calbert's feet began to move as he began to pace around the nervous duke slowly, much the way a shark would its prey. Calbert set the pipe in Lorenzo’s palm firmly and suddenly as he was rounding towards his initial position. Lorenzo attempted to not look nervous but Calbert always gave him the feeling he could do anything to him. Eerily unpredictable. “You… aren’t mistaking someone else for me, are you?”

“I-” Lorenzo averted his gaze as he tried to think. “I am sure it was you. No one carries a presence like yours.” He gave a nod as he unconsciously fiddled with the pipe in his hands. It surprisingly eased his nerves.
Count Calbert nodded, accepting Lorenzo’s answer.

“Yes. You’re quite right.” He watched him fiddle with the pipe and suddenly snatched it back, looming over Lorenzo and glaring into his eyes. “It was indeed I who spoke to her.” He finally confirmed. “I’m pleased you were sure. Men of our status should carry certainty with our thoughts and words, don’t you concede?” Lorenzo gulped and nodded. Not because he actually agreed. The duke hadn't even digested his words due to how menacing Calbert was. Nodding just made him feel safe from any wrath that could be inflicted upon him.

“I am also very sure about something, Lorenzo.” Calbert continued, his eyes narrowing. “I thought I told you that you’d only be attending events with my permission….I was very thorough in our prior conversations.” Lorenzo flinched as Calbert tapped him on the forehead with the pipe. “And you must recall I said something like this might happen. You could have been killed. Or worse… With all this in mind…” He stepped closer menacingly as his tone grew cold, “Why did you attend this ball?”

Where there should have been an answer was silence. The question that was so unreasonable, wasn’t. There had been an agreement. Informal, but an agreement with the devil need not be formal.

“I did it f-” He took a quick step back. “I was just tired of being cooped up. A year… It’s been far too long.” His tone was almost a whine.

“You did it… for who?” The black-haired count leaned his face close to his, “For Charlotte? For yourself?” He emitted a soft yet hollow chuckle, “Either one is an unfavorable answer. Considering both would mean you’re a self-absorbed imbecile. Charlotte was offered up like a lamb for slaughter, either because you forgot you came here for her sake and made an embarrassment of yourself… or … because you were bored.”

Calbert let his words sink in, giving him some space finally as he stepped back, “And what suitors will she now ever have now that she’s volunteered herself as essentially a concubine to the Sultan and his sons? The girl had no idea of what she was saying undoubtedly due to a lack of guidance on your part…We all know how it must have been interpreted.” Lorenzo couldn't look the count in the eyes as felt the immense shame weigh down on him. Lorenzo could take it if it was done to him, but anyone else…

“And Violet did better? Is that what you're inferring?” Lorenzo's timidness almost masked the insult. “I was… I was so sure Charlotte getting the attention of one of the Sultan's oldest sons might be a good sign.” He shook his head solemnly. “But I guess not…” His eyes finally met the counts with a tinge of fire in them. “Who was that man she was with? Was he a prince? Maybe one that just simply escapes my memory, hm?”

With a sigh, Calbert began shaking his head at the bold man. Did he truly dare to try and challenge him? Fool.

“Lorenzo, I do not mean my words to be cruel. I merely say them so that you think. Charlotte is in danger. Her reputation is tarnished… All because she is willing to do anything to protect you.” He placed a hand on Lorenzo’s shoulder, face now displaying concern. He let go of the man and turned to look back at the dancing couples, silent for only a moment. Calbert finally gestured to his daughter once he caught sight of her dancing with Prince Callum. ”Look at my Violet. She is dancing with a prince.”

“Charlotte is a beautiful girl with a beautiful soul; she could easily win the heart of a prince.” He finally turned back to face Lorenzo. “How can she do that if you continue to be a black spot on her reputation?” Oddly enough his voice held a gentle tone to it. The man was a master at his craft and he secretly took pride in it.

“I’ll tell you what, I can help rebuild Charlotte’s reputation. I’ll take her under my wing, help her find a suitable match that will provide her with security and safety. King Edin respects me and he’ll listen to what I have to say on behalf of Charlotte. In order to ensure this, however, I need something in return from you.” He studied the man for a moment, trying to discern if he would be agreeable. From what he could tell, the duke was on the fence. Perhaps he shouldn’t have started off the way he had. Sugar after the salt wasn’t always the best approach.

“I don’t know… She… She will be fine if I settle myself. I am not yearning for Charlotte to win the heart of a prince. I’m… I’m not like that. I just want her to do better than I did. I want someone who makes her look good. I want someone who will make Lottie happy.” His eyes watered as he spoke. “I don’t know if you, the king, or even myself can find such a thing. Something that is truly beautiful… Love.” Count Calbert smiled at him, continuing softly.

“One day she may be very well on her own without you. She needs a chance to find someone who can love her the way she deserves and I can very well provide that opportunity, set her up for dates with only the finest of men so they get a chance to know your little Lottie the way you do.” He then asked, “Don’t you think it’s what Emina would have wanted? To know her daughter is well looked out for?” Lorenzo stood there, silent now and looking down and away.

“I-I… I don't know. Only if she desires it. Just…” He took a deep breath. “Allow me to speak with my daughter, first.”

Calbert took a step back to allow him to go back inside, gesturing his arm to give him the right of way back inside, “Of course, my dear friend.”

Code Vein (Closed)

---

Location: Ruined City
Interactions: Poppy @dreamingflowers, Dallas @pantothenic, and Desmond @Theyra, Akaia @Exit

---

Mentions: Lys @Force and Fury, Cerise @Medili

“Erik, why the fuck is there a Tsar out here!? Shit, I mean, listen! We found the mistle.” The mistle would have been quite a sight given different circumstances. Safer circumstances. "Look boss, if there’s a Tsar in this city then delivering this mistle is the last of our worries. What’s our plan for not getting turned into ash!?”

Erik could hear the familiar boom of Lariat and could now see Princess firing upon the greater Lost. The other had its attention, but that wasn’t enough if he planned to get everyone out and safe.

“We’re go-”

"RUN!!!" Poppy’s shout was not just a warning but an answer to his previous question concerning how close the Tsar Bomba was to their position. “You heard her! MOVE!” Erik called for their group to retreat back. The Tsar Bomba was too powerful for his team to engage. And without the proper preparation, putting the thing down was nothing but a dream. With the greater Lost reacting to the several attacks, The infrastructure of some of the lower ruined buildings began to compromise. Erik kept himself at the rear just as he had done before. “Don’t stop for anything!” Part of a wall began to topple into their path, but it was stopped by a gold barrier summoned by Erik. Due to it only being a brief remedy, the wall toppled before Erik could clear it. “I’ll be right there!” He glanced upon hearing a massive explosion. Did it go off? No that’s not it. They hit it good. Yeah!

The Tsar Bomba’s body wriggled and wobbled from the powerful impact before it crashed into a larger building. It roared, not in pain, but in defiance. Its urge to pursue was being thwarted by the poor proportions of its body after its recoil from being struck. Part of the towering building it ran into fell upon the Lost causing it to flail tentacles at it as if blinding assaulting an enemy. Now was the time to choose. Continue to strike the greater Lost that had become somewhat vulnerable and distracted or flee while they had this window of opportunity to getaway.

Erik jumped up, summoned a platform, and landed on it, jumped again to a second platform that appeared as the first vanished. He continued this until he navigated over the debris so he could catch up to Akaia, Dallas, and Desmond.

Young Justice

Location: Mission Briefing Room -> Viktor’s Room
Interactions: The Team

---

“Little to go on as usual,” Viktor commented dryly. With five hours to play with, he was sure he could take a second look at the briefing. It was obvious Martian Manhunter was distracted with Daphne’s condition after his long minute and a half pause before answering him. If not for the respect he had for the Justice League member, he might have walked away after the first thirty seconds.

Besides giving the mission a second look, he figured he could put some thought into what Daphne's condition was. Thoughts swam through his mind as he left the briefing room and headed to his room.

100% plant? Not likely, but she might be close. If her plant form is relative to being 50% plant… Then what was that? 90? More? I need to review more data… But I need everything… Only five hours… There’s a mission… It’s not my problem… But it matters… His eyes looked upon a spot on his desk where a petri dish containing a leaf sample of Daphne used to be. The one taken after the conclusion of the first obstacle course run. The detached piece of her was not a true leaf, yet it behaved and was affected like one. He took a seat at his desk, and the idea of contacting Daphne’s father came to mind.

He shook his head with a sigh, opened his laptop, and got to work.

Avalia

Time: Late Morning
Location: Maximus Estate
Interactions: Yuka @princess, Orias @Helo, Aiko @CitrusArms, Xavier @potter
Mentions:

Equipment:

Cloth armor reinforced with mithral (armor in the picture)
Sin of the Father is a spear crafted from the wyvern’s tail that killed Augus’ father. The spear has a Return and Shift enchantment that allows it to become a sword
2000 amas

---

There was a brief raising of the eyebrow when observing the words and the actions of the feline in the arms of the man who matched the description of the reported human amongst the group.
They were an odd group to begin with, so hearing the details of each member was troubling. It was like a bad joke. A human, dead prince, fashion designer, and a… His eyes shifted toward Aiko for a moment. They had not divulged anything about themselves, and had gotten this far? He didn't know whether or not to be impressed or insulted. The general did lean towards the latter with his slight scowl giving it away.

First, it was Xavier who stepped forward. The young man appeared as lost as he was confident, which made for an interesting sight. If you waste my time… His eyes were locked on him, like a predator that had chosen its prey. Then the wisps of electricity danced across his hands. The calm before the storm. The electricity began to crackle violently before shooting out into the carpet on either side of him.

Xavier had looked up at him but Augus’ eyes lingered on the two holes burned through the carpet. He would have been more excited if the human hadn’t destroyed his furniture with a smile on his face.

Orias stepping forward when he did helped him stop staring at the eyesores on the carpet that his wife would ask a thousand questions about. Having so many of his Sky Guard present within his home had been one of the most difficult negotiations he’d ever dealt with.
Where Xavier used action, Orias’s proof was in his words. He admitted to facts he hadn’t even been privy to, but the explanation did allow the general to see the bigger picture. There were still some questions about how his other two allies aided him, and there was no tangible evidence. Still, Orias’ humility was not something that could be easily performed. And there was the case of the human. The fourth member of their company had commented like that of a bard or muse but his personal cast sphere had begun to broadcast something.

A demon, the rare and foreign race within Avalia, brutally executed a human in the presence of Malthemoor soldiers. If anyone thought Augus looked angry before, the man was downright furious now. As the broadcast ended, Augus slammed his fist into his desk.

“Do you think I do not realize this? He shot back at Aiko. “The only kingdom that has agreed to aid the Sun Elf Kingdom is Ironhold. The rest are either weak or foolish. Allowing this to happen.” Augus finally stood up from his seat and moved around his table to face his guests without a table between them. “I already harbored a disgust for the lesser elves and orcs, but now we must deal with something just as vile that was never meant to exist here in the first place. We will not leave our enemies' lives in the hands of the cold and wilderness this time. I’ll purge them from this world myself if I must.” If he weren’t indoors he might have spit at the ground.

“Prince Orias Biren, as you claim to be. I will help you… but there are a few things I will make clear.” he stepped to Orias. “No more lies…” His eyes darted to Aiko “...or secrets.” His eyes returned to Orias’. “And we Avian City do not need praise for our actions. We’ve always had a higher calling compared to the rest of you terrestrials, for flight is in our nature. Lastly, what destination do you have in mind, prince?” Augus had always scoffed at such titles, finding them archaic.

Code Vein (Closed)

---

Location: Ruined City
Interactions: Poppy [@dreamingflowers, Dallas @pantothenic, Akaia @Exit, and Desmond @Theyra
Mentions: Lys being right @Force and Fury

---

Erik kept by the entryway but kept out of the way for whenever Dallas and Akaia came rushing out of the building. “Come on, you two. I know you can make it out.” Erik thought out loud. He hadn’t always been the best at remembering the Lost by subtype but the Tsar Bomba was one of the few he didn’t believe he could ever forget. Despite its oblong appearance as that of a gargantuan grime, the thing reminded him of some kind of machine. He grabbed his bow and gave Desmond a few assists as they both tried to keep the immediate path out of the area clear.

“Des, just to keep things simple! That thing is a really big grime that will take all of us out if it explodes. We won’t let that happen! We keep this place clear and…” He looked into the building. “Dallas, the tour is over! Mistle sample or not, you both need to get out of there!” He hoped there wasn’t any more trouble inside. He didn’t like the fact that the very building he stood beside was blocking his sight of the powerful Lost sending vibrations through this area of the city. Now Erik knew why the Provisional Government was so quick to toss them a bone. And then he remembered Lys…

"How 'bout you, Gramps? Notice anything?"

“Just saw most of the regulars. The Provisional Government is giving us a freebie for once.”

"Almost sounds too good to be true,"

“Oh crap…” He winced and groaned. “She was asking me to 'look again' without being pushy.” He sighed, but knew it couldn’t be helped now. “Pops! How close is that thing?!” He just needed to focus on the exit. He was taking deep steadied breaths that were unnaturally loud due to his respirator. The man was ready.

Avalia

Time: Late Morning
Location: River Port
Interactions: Dante @Alivefalling
Mentions: Raven @Tae and her weird friends.

---

Naruto and Sasuke? I forgot how much of a weeb the dude was on the downlow. Not like anyone would ever say shit to him dude since he’d just break your face. Darius had thought after hearing the comment. It was good to know they were both in agreement for once. That’s usually how the serious things played out. The brothers would be at odds concerning everything until shit hit the fan. It was surprising to see, like imagining oil easily mixing with water.

When Dante asked for the Slime Day special, Darius raised his right eyebrow. Dante, forever the pathfinder between the two. Grabbing a menu he listened to Dante continue commenting on the public execution.

“The boom ting?” Darius chuckled. “We gotta figure out what type of damage we can do first. I mean- Oh shit, the lobster’s cheap here! I might-” Darius’ attention jumped again, but this time to something that appeared to be more pressing. As the wind outside of the restaurant began to whistle, people left their seats to crowd the windows. Unlike Dante, Darius stared at those plastered by the window. He wondered if it was odd for the wind to blow so strongly and if it was a sign of something more terrifying. “Dante…” He observed as concerned expressions and exchanged whispers transitioned to people grabbing their possessions and beelining out of the restaurant without finishing their food..

“Looks like a nasty storm.” A fairy commented, shaking her head as she left.

“First Slime Day and now this?! We’re moving to the capital next season!” Another complained. Darius sighed. On a good note, not everyone made the decision to leave. His interest was piqued.

“Order me the lobster tail. I’m going to check whatever’s going on out there.” Darius got up out of his seat and took an unoccupied space at one of the windows towards the front of the restaurant. It was hard to see but he could see the column of air begin to form where the tide met the beach. A tornado? It’s starting from the ground though. Interestingly enough, there appeared to be a cluster of people out there. “Hey Dante, I think I might have found our Kakashi! Look close!”

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: In the vicinity of the Dreaded Isles
Interactions: Lizzie @Tae, Helio @princess, Nym @Helo, Tigerlily @potter, Barboda @Alivefalling, and Tesoro @Infinite Cosmos
Mentions:

---

With Rellen’s focus on Helio, especially after the quick save he made for himself, he failed to notice the lurking shark onboard. He and Helio clashed both blade and magic, with Rellen’s heart racing. This is what he wanted from the start. Fighting and bloodshed!

Helio had satisfied the first desire… and Nym satisfied the other as he suddenly gripped him. Teeth to flesh! No! He attempted to stuggle against the surprise attack, but there was no way Nym was letting go. He tried to flare his darkness magic out, but the sun and his limited versatility in its use were to his detriment. Bite after bite, he screamed in pain. Bite after bite, he found himself ever more compromised. Bite after bite… the elf found his end.

Only one elf remained beneath the deck. The silver-tongued Vellen. If Nym could get past the scent of Rellen’s flesh and blood caking his face, he’d notice the thick scent of blood seeping up from below…

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Aldrakh
Interactions: Myra @13org, Maeryn @princess, Alaia @Alivefalling
Mentions:

Equipment:

Outfit (left)

---

Vrexen gave a single nod toward Maeryn who introduced himself before just walking away from the group.

“I cannot say the same. I have only a single pleasure.” The red-faced demon replied as he wandered the market alone. He was away, but not very far, seemingly musing the other stalls for something he might desire.

“Trust me, it doesn’t get better.” Astra commented before crouching down and wrapping an arm around Myra. “This is Myra. The strong and quiet type this one.” She gave Myra a firm squeeze before letting her go and standing back up. “Saving the best for last…” Her expression was sultry before she shot the fellow dark elf a wink. “I’m Astra. And yes it’s short for Halastra. My mother was very devout. If only she was creative enough to come up with a pretty name like yours, Alaia.”

She might have but the market’s cast sphere started to broadcast something that grabbed the attention of everyone around. The sight and knowledge of a captured human caused all manner of orcs and dark elven troops to cheer for Pride as he spoke and delivered a chilling message to their enemies.

“We got one!”

“Make him suffer, Pride!

“A victory for Malthemoor!”

“We want blood!”

And then it happened. The man was torn in four, and those in the market roared in victory. They even went as far as to chant the name of the victorious demon.

“Pride!”
“Pride!”
“Pride!” Astra shamelessly cheered with a smile.
“Pride!”
“Pride!”
“Pride!”

“Pride?! Priiiiiiiiiiiide?!"

Vrexen’s roar overtook the chant drawing all eyes on him panting maniacally next to a blacksmith’s stall.

“What is Pride?! That?! The slaying of one feeble creature! Pride will only make you foolish! FOOLS!” Vrexen snapped but his words were not very well received.

“Lord Vrexen is absolutely right! Pride’s execution was an incredible sight, but is that all? Hmm?” Astra briefly questioned from on top of a sealed crate. She wasn’t exactly sure why she was backing up Vrexen except maybe to avoid being lynched by a crowd for being the rude demon’s associate. And so, she used her best weapon. Not magic or blade. Not bow or firearm. Astra simply spoke.

“Pride! A fitting name for such a demon that has spread such a powerful vigor amongst us… but it is not a feeling to hold onto. No! Because it will make us foolish!” She strategically added a slight change to Vrexen’s words before she nodded at the many faces she managed to attract. “We cannot allow this display to steal our hearts so easily or we might dare spoil ourselves with the flavor of victory before being force-fed defeat! One human is not enough! This war will not end until all are slain! Until we have the heads of all of our enemies on spikes! Brothers, sisters, orcs! The answer is not pride! We should be chanting something with much more conviction! To show the enemy we are capable of much more than what we just witnessed! The answer my friends, is violence!” She said with a lively ferocity she didn’t know she could conjure up. It caused the market to burst into passionate roars.

“Violence toward the humans!”

“VIOLENCE!”
“VIOLENCE!”
“Yesss!”
“VIOLENCE!”
“Violence toward the light elves and their pathetic Sun Elf Kingdom!
“VIOLENCE!”
“VIOLENCE!”

“Violence toward the dwarves as we plunder their advancements!”
“VIOLENCE!”
“VIOLENCE!”
“VIOLENCE!”

“Yes! Violence! To all who dare oppose Malthemoor, Aldrakh, and of course Lord Vrexen and his demon brethren!” Vrexen watched in amazement.
“VIOLENCE!”
“VIOLENCE!”
“VIOLENCE!”
“VIOLENCE!”

₅₃

Code Vein (Closed)

---

Location: Ruined City
Interactions: Poppy @dreamingflowers, Dallas @pantothenic, and Desmond @Theyra
Mentions: Akaia @Exit

---

"I suggest we turn left after we cross through this street. The others are going into the opposite direction. We'll cover more ground that way"

The sudden sound of Poppy’s voice caused Erik to quickly whip his head up towards her. It was always a surprise for him whenever the scarlet-haired sidhe approached him. It was usually the other way around and the conversations were often one-sided. Should those factors have deterred him from interacting with her? Yes, but Erik is stubbornly optimistic.

“Pops!” He greeted before his eyes looked back down the path ahead. He almost echoed her suggestion out of habit but remembered where he was. “Great suggestion Pops, but you know I’m not leading the pack. I mean everyone says I am, but I’m not trying to. I just say stuff and people follow and then y’know… It just um… Anyway, I think Akaia will make that left turn. It’s what I’d do too.” He shrugged. “I can’t imagine us splitting too far. We have to be close. I can feel it!” The revenant said as he trailed behind Dallas and Desmond. The former commented on his lost memories, while the latter focused on the potential post-mission storytime.

“Just your family? Hm, you know some people in the commune might say their family is their whole life. But hey, if you’re good, I’m better.” He gave his reliable teammate a single nod. On the topic of family… “And Des you can tell any story you want. The funny ones are the best in my opinion, but sharing a piece of you is always good for the group.” It was Desmond began to mention karaoke that Erik’s focus shifted again.

Akaia vanished from view. He squinted his eyes, but nothing.

“All right boys, let’s move up. We need eyes on Akaia. She might have ducked into a building, I don’t see her ‘sparkles’. Pops, you get up high to get a better look and so you’re prepared to notify the others if we run into anything crazy.” Erik planned to jog forward with Dallas naturally upfront and center. Erik remained several steps behind Dallas’ right shoulder, while Desmond would then fall into place almost parallel on Dallas’ left. Tip of the spear! Erik hadn’t been too worried as the three moved in a wedge formation. Sure, he seemed hasty, but he just wanted to keep everyone in his sight after what happened to Poppy.

Erik let loose a sigh of relief as they came upon the abandoned one-story building, and were just able to watch Akaia enter.

“It was just a turn. Good. Let’s slow it down. We don’t want to give away her position. The girl is stealthy as heck, so I thi-” He witnessed the rapid dance of shadows inside followed by the clanging of Akaia’s staff, a hard thud, and the frightening sound of crumbling infrastructure. Erik’s eyes widened before he darted forth.

A sudden faint familiar vibration that might have caused pause in a seasoned explorer like him meant nothing against the sound of Licorice’s cry. “Dallas, grab Akaia! Desmond, cover us from outside, there’ll be more drawn here!” And he wasn’t wrong as a few thralls and grimes in the area perked up from their mulling around, drawn to the sudden commotion at the abandoned house. There was also something else but Erik was hoping it was just the crumbling building. Even as his instincts screamed at him, his stubbornness screamed back a whole lot louder.