FunnyGuy

Young Justice

-

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Late Morning
Location: Castle Gardens
Attire: Alexander and Lianna
Interaction: Mina @Tae
Mention: Violet @Tpartywithzombi, Anastasia @princess

---

“Alexander. Though I can't see you, I-” Lianna was cut off as she heard King Danrose announce his presence. She was wise to keep quiet for the regal host, especially as he seemed to show off his presence as if it were a dazzling outfit. Meanwhile, Alexander was only trying to silently calm his nerves after his wife's instigation on the matter of Violet Damien. He knew she meant well as she attempted to minimize what he felt for the afflicted Violet Damien. These feelings would do Alexander no good if he ever did have a face-to-face with the young woman. Lianna simply lacked empathy toward him, which Alexander could forgive due to her inability to see what he saw this morning. To see what he had seen a decade ago.

There was only a brief break from focus when he realized the Prince of Onions was Prince Callum Danrose. Really? Him? The man was a bit taken aback as he did not imagine him being this dysfunctional.

“I will be fine. I think I'd feel better meeting and greeting more of the guests.” Alexander's expression still appeared pensive, even when Lianna slightly squeezed his hand.

“Then that is what I would love for you to do. And…” She was going to apologize but held it back. She didn't want to reinforce his ill reaction to Violet. That child will not be his ruin. “Enjoy yourself.”

“Will do.” He kissed her hand once more before standing up. “I won't be long.” His winning smile returned before he departed from the table with a person of interest in mind.

Anastasia Danrose.

Caesonian Princess and someone Marek made mention of. Alone with an air of openness. Perfect. He was half of the way to her when he stepped on a rather plump cherry that conveniently rolled into his path. Abruptly stopping, he accidentally stood in the way of another.

“Ugh… Oof!” He felt her bump into him. “I-” Alexander's eyes were met with the face of the red-haired woman who had previously captured his attention. He was completely still for a moment as he took in her presence while she was up so close. “I humbly apologize for my clumsiness. I… I got distracted.” He held a dreamy gaze as he locked eyes with her, admiring the vibrant blue belonging to them.

“Alexander Deacon, vice president of the Black Rose Trading Company. A pleasure bumping into you.”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Late Morning
Location: Castle Gardens
Attire: Alexander and Lianna
Interaction: Mention: Violet [@Tpartywithzombitea], Sadie @Potter, Drake @Lava Alckon

---

Nearly in haste, Alexander returned to the table with his wife, this time taking the seat right beside her. He not only wanted to have a better view of tea party attendants, but he also wanted to sit closer to Lianna who now turned her head to face him. Even if she couldn't see him, she knew her husband and waited to hear what he had to say. She found him to be rather quiet as his words usually announce his presence.

“Violet Damien is here,” He finally spoke, his expression neutral as he stared at the woman that appeared to have fallen ill with some manner of plague. The deep disgust he felt for her continued to rise as he took in the sight of her from afar.

“Violet Damien… You speak of her as if you have a crush.” Lianna cracked a smirk that made her troubled husband cease his tenseness. “Why does she trouble you?” Lianna's hand shortly searched for his as he accepted her delicate touch into his grasp.

“She looks like the only person I ever despised. I don't want to look at her but I-”

“You can't help it. I know… Nostalgia is captivating.” She caressed his hand with her own. “Give me your gaze, Alexander…” And that he did, his expression calm as he admired her. “...and tell me how things went with the princess.”

He raised Lianna's hand and planted a soft kiss against it.

“Of course. It was rather lovely. Princess Sadie Camila is not what you would expect from royalty. Polite. Exuberant. Beautiful in so many ways. Yet, she's… there's something more.”

“Too perfect.”

“She's unlike the others in demeanor but all the same. Some nobles forget they're people. And most royals forget they can cry, sweat, and bleed like everyone else.” Alexander took a humble sip of his tea.

“Then there's Drake. He's quite good at mirroring. A great skill for a man of his years and his tact is almost flawless. That man will be quite something in the years to come, even if he fails to keep the princess' heart.”

“So he's not like his father. I mean on the surface, his father is quite respectable. A duke fitting of his title and his charge over Sorian.”

“Yes, Drake is like him in that regard but I didn't sense any inklings of him sharing his peculiar affiliation. Then again, he could just be putting his best foot forward.” Alexander smirked at the possibility.

“True. What else?”

“I spoke of the love of my life of course. And in my telling of how amazing she is, Princess Camila offered to serve her cake.” Lianna looked rather surprised while Alexander chuckled. “Imagine it. A princess serving you cake. You'd be at the top of the food chain.” Now they were both giggling.

“Alexander! You can't be serious.”

“She did. I told you, she's beautiful in many ways. Her humbleness is something most aren't deserving of. Anyway, she is looking to attend the masquerade party this evening. Her and Sir Drake.”

“Hm… Violet will likely be there as well. It's her father's event after all.” Alexander's expression shifted as he glared from his wife to the woman now seated with Prince Wulfric Danrose.

“Yes. She might very well be.”

“And what will you do?”

“What I must. I will do what I must.” Alexander muttered under his breath before sipping his tea to hide the contempt that had returned to him once more.

Young Justice

Location: City Harbor
Interactions: @Zoey Boey Pei and the Team

---

Ever since the mission briefing, Viktor found himself internally questioning its purpose. He found himself slightly conflicted due to the briefer being the Batman as he remembered the last time the two were in a conflict of opinions. Though he had chosen to back down at that time, he still disagreed with his senior’s opinions on some of the actions he took during the mission in Taos, New Mexico. The mission was simple, yet Viktor didn’t quite see its value. We could be accomplishing more. This mission could have been performed by a single commercial off-the-shelf drone.

Viktor briefly sneered beneath the visor of a subdued variation of his suit, watching the exchange between the rival gangs while he lay prone atop a stack of four shipping containers beside Pei whom he had been paired with. Of the newcomers, he spent the least amount of time with her. Despite the lack of contact, Viktor didnt have any serious issues with her but there was something about her he couldn’t comfortably absorb. Her exuberance. It was unlike anyone else’s on the team and quite polar to his own demeanor. If Viktor was a dull stone sitting at the bottom of the sea, Pei was a brilliant firework that sored and ignited the sky. Differences aside, Viktor felt positive about their working together, even if it was during a mission he had negative feelings toward. He hadn’t spoken much during the stakeout, only answering Pei whenever she spoke to him so he didn’t come across as rude. Well, that was the case until something caught his keen eyes. A change in the body language of the rival gang members.

“There’s a problem.” Viktor uttered steadily just before the first firearm was fired. He remained unmoving as a cacophony of gunfire enveloped the previous quiet harbor. His team was already moving and adjusting their positions as he expected, yet he remained, finding his and Pei’s position to be as he would say “superior” due to its height and his favoritism for the prone position in avoiding gunfire when cover was lacking. In essence, he and Pei was both difficult to see and hit Even with such confidence, he shifted his body several inches back. “Recon only.” He elevated the volume of his voice, mocking the order, something he had seldom done. His contempt toward the League had grown during his time on the team, something he had oddly never experienced when he was an agent of H.I.V.E.

It was a time he wasn’t particularly proud of, but he also didn’t completely regret it. It was during that same he might have been assigned to dispatch the very people he was now watching attempting to kill each other. Not acting would surely accomplish the mission as briefed, but it felt wrong. It was against everything they had done since the formation of this team and that was made even more apparent when Vincent swooped in to engage the gang members.

“Iceburn. Let’s- Wait.” His words might have come off as confusing, but the faint sound of groaning halted his initial intentions. The sound had only reached his ears due to a pause in the firefight due to Vincent’s sudden appearance. Viktor’s head moved on a swivel as he attempted to seek out the sound over the continued gunfire that ensued during Vincent’s offensive. “Someone’s in pain. Possibly hit by a stray bullet.” Viktor raised from his position and turned from the gunfire. He made glances toward where he guessed some of his team might be, noticing a lack of reaction to the sound he heard. “On me. Your abilities might be the closest thing to providing treatment to a gunshot wound.” Viktor quickly jumped off of the stack of containers and to the ground to quicken his descent before looking up toward Pei who could use the surrounding smaller stacks of containers to reach or she could…

I doubt anyone on this team would expect me to catch them.

“Team, me and Iceburn are going to address a possible casualty. Talos needs backup… Forget the mission objective.” Those last words were not easy for Viktor to say, especially for the first time in his life living by the notion of unquestionably “completing the objective.”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Late Morning
Location: Castle Gardens
Attire: Alexander and Lianna
Interaction: Sadie @Potter, Drake @Lava Alckon
Mention: Mina @Tae, Callum @Helo, Wulfric @SilverPaw, Anastasia @princess, Violet [@Tpartywithzombitea]

---

“My goodness! I understand her response now. I do apologize for startling her so bad. Let me know if I can get her any cakes or tea please to help make up for it.”

Alexander had been ready to speak again when the abrupt sound of a poorly played trumpet filled the air encompassing the tea party. Now, this most certainly drew his gaze away from the table. His face sharply flung toward the awful sound, breaking his warm composure as he briefly sneered at Callum who had announced the arrival of additional treats. Prince of Onions… I’ll- refrain. Yes, I will refrain. He had nearly meditated the thought as he mentally struggled to return his attention to the princess. However, this momentary distraction did bear fruit. So many had arrived since the start of his conversation with Sadie and Drake. So many opportunities to meet and greet others. And with this in mind, he willed his smile to return, continuing on as if he didn’t just skip several beats.

“She would almost die if the Varian Princess served her cake and tea.” Alexander couldn't help but laugh at the offer. However, he was quick to contain his fit of humor so he could speak more plainly to do well in showing Sadie respect. “She would absolutely love it if you performed such a gesture but… that would mean getting closer to a particular group and I wouldn't want that for you.” He referred to the table of women that had pestered her after she had tripped on one of their dresses. “Not when you're being so generous to us. But perhaps I'll surprise her by bringing her to meet you both. Perhaps later.” Alexander was sure it would make Lianna's day. She wasn't a people person like he was but who could beat meeting and joining a princess for tea?

When his attendance at Count Calbert Damien's masquerade party was brought up, he visibly became ecstatic. His eyebrows rose and his smile nearly grew twofold.

“Yes, that is the plan. My wife and I would like to get familiar with some of the notables in Sorian and besides this tea party, that might be the gathering to do so. We'll be in the city for a while so I figured we should make acquaintances. You two potentially being the first of many.”

"Well I do appreciate your company, Sir. I do not wish to keep you any longer than you'd like, but if there is anything else you'd like to discuss before you take your leave I am more than happy to share some more words." Alexander caught the hint, seeing his time with the two reaching its expiration.

“No, no. We’ve spoken plenty, which is far more than I deserve in the presence of you both. It was indeed a pleasure… and something to brag to my wife about too.” He gave Drake a curt nod before facing Sadie to perform a customary bow. “Your grace, and perhaps my favorite princess so far.” Alexander remarked before standing straight and departing from the table but not without flashing a warm smile to Genevieve, Sadie’s bodyguard.

Now free from the conversation, Alexander’s eyes were able to wander from face to face. Though he attempted to take note of only newer arrivals, he couldn’t help but return his gaze to the mysterious redheaded maiden. He’d have to ask Lianna about her before he engaged.

Among the newcomers was Prince Wulfric Danrose. A rung he needed to squint at to see clearly on the tower of a ladder. This tea party could grant him the chance to approach him but it was a risk to speak with him now. Alexander had to bide his time before their eventual confrontation. One he was looking rather forward to.

Then there was the obnoxiously boisterous Prince of Onions who he couldn’t quite make out, unable to recognize him as Prince Callum Danrose, though he did match the description.

The beautiful Princess Anastasia Danrose also graced the event with her arrival while looking quite stunning. Incredible. He was nearly entranced with the opportunity to speak to her. Everything seemed so perfect until his eyes landed on the form of someone that caused him to instinctively lose his smile and clench his well-defined jaw. Fear appeared to have gripped him as he stared intensely at the familiar figure. A woman.

Skin as pale as the moon, covered by a stark black gown. Raven hair that only accentuated the lack of color in her ghastly visage. A frail appearance about was weakness personified. Alexander’s look of shock morphed into one of disgust that would have made the sneer he shot Callum seem pleasant. Her… He nearly spat but instead regained his composure as well as his footing as he continued toward his wife. The two had much to discuss.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Late Morning
Location: Sorian Beach
Interaction: @princess Charlotte, @Potter Olivia, @Lava Alckon Hafiz Jr.

Lorenzo was closing his eyes tightly after they were assaulted by the direct light of the sun. The pain was more than enough to keep him from opening his eyes while he lay down to soak in the rays. Answering Farim’s reply, he simply answered. “You would love it.” His voice was slightly strained as he endured momentary pain. Despite the misery of it, the moment reminded Lorenzo that he needed to turn over to let the sun kiss the other half of his body.

The youth spoke amongst each other with Lorenzo not finding a place in their conversation. He only listened as he rolled over onto his stomach without making much of a disturbance. “Ahhhh!” The warmth of the sun embraced his moderately hairy back covered in beads of sweat. The duke felt fortunate to not have to rely on his “medicine” this morning as his time at the beach set him at ease. Perhaps he could make this a daily exercise. His back was to John Williamson, so he had failed to see the man who he would have definitely noticed due to his wear. But what if I left to take half a dose? He didn’t believe it would hurt. If anything, it should make his time at the beach even more wonderful.

. . .

Lorenzo’s stomach growled. Perhaps he was hungry. Perhaps it was something else.

. . .

Without warning, flatulence escaped him.

. . .

Without a word, he ignored that it happened.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Southwest of Roshmi
Interaction: Brigitte @Tae, Bardulf @Lava Alckon, Rue @Potter, Bowyn @Helo, and Zeva @Pink Khione
Mention: Malachi @princess
Equipment: Fancy Ring, Cold Ring, Oak Wood Staff!, Brown Leather Fingerless Channeling Gloves (not worn), Transmission Bracelet, 560 Amas. Oh! And Owlbear loot that he hasn't shared

---

“Good. I'm glad I could not only avert a crisis but also recruit a new brave warrior to our growing little army.” Mister Luum gave a nod in the direction of Roshmi walking forward. Take that Lochee! I am a natural-born leader. He wore a confident smile while ensuring he took the lead again, finding what he felt was his rightful place amongst the youngsters.

The pace was definitely a lot quicker, mostly due to the group wanting to get away from the scene as quickly as possible. That and the fact that Roshmi was a gem of a city to get to. It had everything. Towering buildings, an assortment of races even if its people were predominantly demihuman, there was any kind of shop you could hope for, seedy bars, lovely nightclubs, and too many eateries to decide lunch on. Roshmi can be considered a prime waystation for every manner of travel as it not only contained countless establishments but it held the largest amora and Helius port in Avalia while also having the most well-known boat port renamed “Landfall Port.” It was no wonder Malthemoor struck here first.

To King Zanithel, the grand city was the proving ground for his forces, and taking Roshmi inspired his soldiers to fight on toward the other kingdoms confidently. To believe no other armies could resist their might. And even then, the king chose not to completely ravage the city. It and its people had its uses after all… and enough that the city's populace was grateful for it.

It was no surprise that the peculiar group was greeted by the sight of a 20-foot marble statue depicting King Zanithel at the west entrance of the city. He was facing stoically to the west while raising his long sword upward and out. The statue's right foot was planted forward on a large stone. On the front of the stones was inscribed:

“Welcome to Roshmi City”

“I think this might have been his best power move after the big win… There used to be a turtle or lion or something there.” Mister Luum almost sounded impressed as the group moved toward the entrance and past demihuman guards that didn't seem to have any words for the members of the group. It would be a relief to know that Bardulf's sudden bolt of lightning did not draw suspicion onto those perceived as the everyday group of travelers. Though it was a strange occurrence it was not completely outside of the realm of norm. It also helped that there were others eager to come and go as the day for those in Roshmi got underway. The first steps into the city gave a chance for newcomers to take in the sight of the most demihumans they had seen in one setting. The citizens moved about with purpose that any fast-paced environment bore. The multilevel metropolis as spacious as it appeared was packed with many yet the crowd moved with an impressive fluidness.

“Absolutely grand!” Mister Luum took in the sight as a regular tourist might just before performing a quick about-face toward the others. “Okay kids, we can split up and hit some shops and then meet at the port on the east end of the city at dusk. I think we should at least enjoy what Roshmi has to offer. Yay, or nay?”

---

Welcome to Roshmi City

Wiki Link

Roshmi City is known for its stunning architecture, lively culture, and amazing nightlife. With a population of around one million, the city is mostly inhabited by demi-humans, but there are folks from other species who call this place home too.

The city's Political Center serves as the heart, housing the residence of the dark elf warden Ravus Solsta. Located in the upper-class district, the City Plaza is a central hub for shopping and leisure. It features upscale restaurants and luxury hotels.
Roshmi boasts three main transport centers, facilitating travel and providing a range of transportation options. The largest center, located in the upper-class area, offers a variety of vehicles and mounts for sale. The city also boasts numerous universities, schools, and hospitals.

Deep within the underused tunnels of Roshmi, accessible through entrances in lower-class sectors, lies an infamous black market. Dark elves turn a blind eye to the illicit activities taking place there, including slavery and underground fights. Venturing here is dangerous.
Roshmi City offers a wide array of entertainment options. The Leaky Tap Tavern and Inn, a middle-class establishment, is a popular spot where working-class individuals gather. The Nest, located in the lower-class district, is a smaller bar but unfortunately notorious for its criminal activities. Magnifica, an upper-class bar and dance room, hosts professional musicians. The city also boasts charming restaurants like Baelde's, which is known for its friendly chef, and Night Lounge and Dining, an exquisite upper-class restaurant.

Additional attractions include Mida's Sweet Smokes, an upper-class hookah lounge offering fair prices, and Kalaza Arena, where official battling sports take place during the day and occasional concerts and dance performances occur at night. The grand Roshmi Hall, an upper-class music venue, hosts ballets, plays, musical performances, and the highly anticipated quarterly Roshmi Grand Ball celebrating each of the four seasons.

For those seeking more romantic pursuits, Roshmi City has two known brothels: Love Rooms in the lower-class district and Love Lounge in the upper-class district.

Shops

Gadgets and Conveniences

Please ask specifically for pictures of these items if you want to see them. There are too many for me to put all at once. I will post pictures of what you purchase.

Hoverboards - 500 amas
Jumping shoes - 200 amas
Zoomies - 300 amas
Pedaler - 600 amas
Portable Fira - 200 amas
Portable Cold Box (Think cooler) - 400 amas
Cooking pot - 5 amas
Location Senders - 400 amas
Portable Solar Box (Think PSP version) - 900 amas
Transmission Bracelet - 100 amas
Cast Spheres - One black and one white combo for 100 amas, each additional white sphere is 30 amas.
Memory Glass - Mirror 50 amas, 3D shape versions 130 amas
Teeth Cleanser - 5 amas
Hair Cleanser - 20 amas
Hair Softener(Think conditioner) - 20 amas
Body Cleanser(soap) - 2 amas
Hair Brush - 3 amas
Shower Tube - 30 amas
Armpit Fragrance - 5 amas
Birth Preventers - 2 amas
Eye Color Changer - 500 amas
Hair Color Changer - 500 amas
Timeteller (a watch) - 10 amas
Palm Warmers(put in gloves) - 5 amas
Darksight Glasses - 40 amas
Eye Protectors (sunglasses) - 2 amas
Water Purifier - 3 amas
Travel Shelter (Think tent, but square) - 100 amas
Portable bed (Like a sleeping bag, but thicker bottom to lay on) - 50 amas
Pillow -3 amas each
Blanket - 10 amas
Wayfinder (compass) - 10 amas
Fire starter kit - 20 amas
Light maker - 5 amas
First Aid Kit - 10 amas - Comes with bandages, disinfectant, cream
Lantern - 3 amas
Umbrella - 3 amas
Fishing pole - 10 amas
Net - 10 amas
Animal trap - 20 amas
Standard Backpack - 25 amas
Flask - 5 amas
Rope - 1 ama by the meter, 15 meters/50 feet for 15 amas

Potion Shop

Small Red Potions - Heal minor wounds - 1 Ama per potion
Small Blue Potions - Regain a 1/4 of mana - 1 Ama per potion
Medium Red Potions - Heal one or two shallow open wounds, cure headaches and ease aches/ pains, aid colds and minor illnesses - 3 Amas per potion
Medium Blue Potions - Regain 1/2 of mana - 3 Amas per potion
Large Red Potions - Heal one deep wound, heal concussions, double the speed of broken bone healing (8 weeks to 4 weeks) - 6 Amas per potion
Large Blue Potions - Regain 3/4 of mana 6 Amas per potion
Purple Potions - Heal minor wounds/illness & 1/4 of mana - 5 Amas per potion
Yellow Potions - Gain night vision for 12 hours -8 Amas per potion
Pink Potions - Double your stamina for 2 hours but half it after the period - 5 Amas per potion
Black Potions - Magic Resistance doubled for 3 hours - 5 Amas per potion
Green Potion - Heals diseases and poisons - 14 Amas per potion

Blacksmith

Blacksmith Selection

Sturdy Stables

Enchantment Shop

Enchantment Shop

A person can only hold/use three enchanted items, Trying to use a fourth or higher amount will not work as it will act as a regular item.

Weapon Enchantments

Shift - 150 amas - The symbol of a different melee Weapon is etched into the grip of this weapon. This causes the weapon to instantaneously change from its current form to the type of weapon etched onto the grip or back again.

Returning - 200 amas - If the item drops to the ground or you lose it, you speak the command word and it will return to the user's hand.

Dancing - 800 amas - This allows the user to speak a command word and the weapon lifts from the user's hand and magically moves around attacking whatever it's users tells it. You have to be in a 10 feet range of the weapon and you can only do it for three attacks in a row.

Lighting - 50 amas - The weapon emits light in a 15ft radius; comes in different colors

Shockwave - 1200 amas - (Two-Handed weapons) The weapon will release a small shockwave on impact of 10 ft

Unbreaking - 600 amas - The weapon is enchanted and cannot break or become dull.

Barrier - 400 amas - (Shield) When you hit the shield on the ground it creates a 10 by 10 ft magical wall in front of you for 5 seconds 2 uses a day.

Aesthetic - 100 amas - Your weapon can be enchanted to showcase ability, be fluorescent, or sparkle, etc by request. Just describe the cosmetic look you would like to achieve. (Does not stack onto your number of 3 enchantments as it is only for looks.)

Armor Enchantments

Channeling Gloves - 100 amas - This enchantment is also cosmetic for the user's magic with fire/water/wind/light it will change the color of the energy and element the user produces. For earth it will put a colored aura around the rocks, dirt or sand. (Does not stack onto your number of 3 enchantments as it is only for looks.)

Strength Gloves - 300 amas - These gloves will allow you to pick up heavier items without feeling any muscular strain. Can go up to 100 lbs before strain becomes noticeable.

Catching Gloves - 300 amas - Higher chance of catching an object flying toward you and of having a better grip on your weapon.

Armor of Absorption - 1000 amas - This will make a piece of armor absorb 3 magical attacks per day without harm to the wearer.

Armor of Deflection - 1000 amas - This will make a piece of armor deflect 3 physical attacks per day without harm to the wearer.

Ring Enchantments

Heat or Cold(Pick 1) Resistance(Temperature) - 800 amas - You can endure a temperature extreme without damage.

Breathe Underwater - 800 amas - Breathe underwater without issue for an unlimited amount of time.

Beauty - 300 amas - The wearer will become more attractive in appearance to those who lay their eyes on them.

Disguise - 600 amas - The wearer’s face will look different than reality to those who lay their eyes upon them.

Animal Charm - 300 amas - Animals will be more likely to be drawn toward you and enjoy your presence.

Levitation - 300 amas - Wearers can hover over the ground and levitate. However, you will not be able to move faster than walking speed while levitating.

Odds n’ Ends

Odds n’ Ends shops are merchant stalls that can be found in almost every major city in Avalia. The shop has a random assortment of lower priced goods that have been found or donated. At times, these items may be set at lower prices due to a lower quality in the particular ware but it may also be a chance to score on a good deal. Items sold at the Odds n’ Ends shops vary and change with the day, while on occasion having rare items that cannot be purchased at other established shops.

Roshmi Clothing

Hanami Designs

Young Justice

---

It was quite early in the morning when Viktor found himself between a bench and a fully loaded barbell within the Mount Justice gym, listening to the classical music of Johann Sebastian Bach through his black earbuds. His form was as precise as a machine. No wobbling, no deviation, feet planted, and his breathing kept to a steady rhythm as the bar continuously made contact with his black sleeveless compression shirt. His face was stoic as ever until the music cut out to the sound of a message notification. His expression read displeasure as he racked the barbell and sat up to remove his phone from his canary-yellow gym shorts.

Despite not wanting to interrupt his set, Viktor felt the need to be prompt whenever he was messaged. With as early as it was, he figured it could be a noise complaint, even if he didn't think he was being loud but it wouldn't be the first time. Instead, he found a message from Black Canary.

“Morning, Viktor. I have a task for you to complete, seeing as I might not be able to make it to HH this morning. Vincent is nearly complete with his pilot training on the team jet and I want you to fill in for his final test flight at 1000. He only needs to fly the bird to one of our refueling points and make it back without issue which includes his performance in navigation, takeoff, landing, and the standard safety procedures. I expect a brief on his performance and your opinion of him taking on the responsibility. With Alisa still getting used to her reassembled body, we can't have you being the only pilot.”

Viktor sighed before quickly replying with Affirmative 😠.

Meanwhile somewhere and sometimes else within the headquarters…

”Alright, come on…Just gotta do that…then…Are you kidding me, I pressed the button, I should’ve dodged that! Dammit, I was so close, too!”

Vincent let out a groan and set his controller down as he slumped on the couch. As always, he had woken up early to get in his workout and make breakfast for the rest of the time, so now he was “relaxing” with a game known for its difficulty. As his character respawned, he sighed and picked his controller back up to try again, only for the alarm on his phone to suddenly start going off. He picked it up and saw the note he wrote on the alarm: “Pilot Test!”

”Shit, where’d the time go?” he muttered as he saved and quit his game. He stretched his arms over his head as the console powered down. On the one hand, he was excited to finally finish his training, to officially be one of the team’s pilots. Ever since he got his wings, he had always loved flying and flying in the jet was just a bit better because of how fast it was. On the other hand, he knew he wouldn’t be flying with Black Canary, this time. As he made his way to the hangar, he remembered a message he had received from her earlier that morning, saying that she most likely wouldn’t be able to make it and she’d try to find a replacement to fly with him.

”Well, the test hasn’t been canceled, so I guess she found someone. Wonder who it is?” he wondered aloud as he stepped through the door into the hangar.

“You can quit wondering, Vincent. I'll be administering your test flight this morning…” Viktor was standing beside the jet, suited up excluding his hemet with his arms folded. “And don't think I'll take things easy on you because we're teammates.” Unbeknownst to Vincent, Viktor had already conducted a pre-inspection of the jet, a procedure he always practiced.

When he saw Viktor, Vincent grinned and waved. “Well, if it isn’t Mr. Ray-of-Sunshine, himself,” he teased as he approached the jet and began his own pre-flight check. Viktor simply shook his head at the nickname. Between Vincent and Pei, he wasn't sure who had the most energy. “You know, one of these days, I’ll get you to crack a smile.”

“You can try…” Viktor uttered under his breath. He didn't mean to be rough around the edges with Vincent but being compared to him since his arrival irritated him. Vincent potentially being the other pilot of the team jet would only make things more problematic. On the other hand, it could provide the two of them an opportunity to understand one another, whether it be through their simalrities or their differences.

The thought that Viktor might have done his own checks by then didn’t cross Vincent's mind. Thanks to the lessons he had had up until then, he had fallen into a habit of doing it himself.

He took his time doing his inspection and, when he was satisfied, he took a step back and said, “Alright, she looks good. Let’s load up, do the interior checks, and get this bird in the air.”

“Agreed.” followed Vincent into the jet and positioned himself a few feet away from the control panel. He looked over the buttons and switches that were all too familiar to him and spoke without breaking his eye contact from them. “You were found by a member of the Bat Family, correct?” Viktor already knew the answer but his small talk needed some practice. “Do find our team to your liking, or would you have rather be kept under the tutelage of the Batman?”

Vincent paused his checks and sat back in his seat with a sigh as he thought about Viktor’s question. “Well…it wasn’t exactly that simple of a choice,” he finally said as he scratched the side of his head. ”If I’d have said no, I’d probably be in jail right now. I guess he wanted to show me that I could use my skills for more than myself and get you guys another set of hands to help out.”

He looked over the fuel levels and flipped a few switches before he added, “I do like it here, though. You guys are an alright group, though…” He sat back and looked over at Viktor as he asked, “That thing with KJ at the bank…that happen often?”

The question snatched Viktor away from staring at the control panel. He figured the matter would come up eventually, especially amongst the new additions to the team but he had yet to figure out what really happened himself. All Viktor had was a theory. One that he formulated through his own observations of his peculiar teammate and friend.

“Yes and no,” he started toward one of the passenger seats closest to Vincent. “But I will clarify what that means. What it means to me,” Viktor secured himself with the three-point seatbelt as he continued.

“Metamorph normally has two identities. Personas might better describe it. I'm sure you've noticed it. How his demeanor changes from time to time. Like a switch, he can be the cheerful animal in tuned Ja or the cool-headed nigh-militant Kila. Unfortunately, there may be a third. Perhaps more than that, I can't be certain but there is definitely a third. A persona that makes use of Ja's power over the Red, except unlike him, he's far more brutal and appears to be even more animalistic. More than anything, he's a threat.” Viktor lowered his eyes and tightly balled one of his fists. “I only had to witness it once to discern that much.”

“Yeah, I’d say. You don’t break a guy’s arms because you’re friendly,” Vincent muttered as he finished up his pre-flight checks. Part of him wanted to ask what the “Red” was, but he decided that was probably a conversation for another time. Likely, Kila. “Alright, buckle up. I’m gonna taxi out onto the runway.”

As the jet crawled out of the hangar and began to move toward the runway, Vincent then asked, “By the way, I heard something about Kassy being from Atlantis? Is that, like, the Atlantis?” A bit more warily, he added, ”The…one underwater…?”

“Intelligent of you to ask about her as we leave the vicinity.” Viktor smirked at the thought of Vincent incurring Kassy's wrath with a wrong question or assumption. “But to answer your question, yes… and no.” Viktor answered once more.

“I only sat it this way because most think of Poseidonis and think 'Atlantis' without stopping to consider the other parts that make up the kingdom. I believe Kass is from a minor region or district of Atlantis that most aren't familiar with but it is beneath the ocean all the same,” Viktor leaned his body in Vincent's direction so he could closely observe his actions with the jet's controls. “I assume you haven't spoken to her much… Do you find her to be unapproachable ?”

”Who, Kassy?” Vincent responded, followed by a dismissive noise. ”No, nothing like that! It’s just…the ocean…” He visibly shuddered as he added, ”Nothing against her, I just…don’t like the deep sea, is all. The weight of all that water above and all around you…the darkness…never really knowing just what’s lurking out there…” Viktor cocked his head to the side while raising an eyebrow, but simply listened.

He shuddered again and continued as he readied the jet for takeoff, ”Same reason I don’t like caves or other tight spaces. Being able to fly’s given me a lot more appreciation for being…free, I guess. Being confined like that just sets me on edge, is all.”

He primed the engines and turned to Viktor as he asked, suddenly aware that he had just shared one of his deepest fears with someone who, for all intents and purposes, he hardly knew, ”Just…don’t tell anyone, alright? Don’t need anyone thinking that a badass like me is afraid of little rooms.”

“Your secret and fears are safe.” Viktor replied plainly. “However, it could do you some good to be open about such things. We're a team. Individual parts of a greater whole. It serves all of us to have humility as painful as it is. To know each other's strengths and weaknesses. If it makes you feel better, I'll tell you one of my fears once you get us in the sky.” Viktor managed to say just before the engines became too loud.

”You got it, boss. And I’ll think on it,” Vincent said as the jet began to move. It picked up speed quickly and Vincent couldn’t resist grinning as he felt the g-forces push him back against his seat. What I wouldn’t give to feel the wind at this speed! he thought as he pulled back on the control stick and the jet began to rise.

Vincent retracted the landing gear and climbed up to cruising altitude before he leveled the jet, speeding along to the refueling station. He made a few small adjustments, double-checked their heading and the various gauges, before he relaxed in his seat with a sigh. ”Never thought I’d be behind the stick of one of these babies,” he said with a chuckle.

“Impressive isn't it? Only you, myself, Alisa, and… another have gotten the opportunity to fly the jet. Though Alisa doesn't fly often, she was considered the best of us. She might not admit that, especially not after her reassembly…” Viktor's tone noticeably lowered as he was reminded of how Alisa has felt since her return. It was partly why Talos was commandeering the jet now.

Vincent noticed the change in Viktor’s tone and raised an eyebrow. All he had been told when he was asked if he wanted to learn to fly the jet was that they were short on pilots. He was never given a reason why, though he never thought to ask. He turned his gaze forward again, made another minor adjustment on the console, and asked, his mouth working before he gave himself time to think, as usual, ”What do you mean by that, ‘reassembly?’ Did something happen to her?”

“...” Viktor looked away from the console. He could have simply avoided the question, but he was rarely one to spare feelings, even his own. He let out a breath before starting. “In a way, she died. I mean if she was anyone else, that would surely be the case. Approximately two months before you and the other recruits arrived, her body was burned and torn apart. Cyborg along with others in the league rebuilt but… she hasn't grown fully accustomed to her new body yet,” Viktor explained. He unbuckled himself from his seat and stood up. “That was the second time I felt fear while operating with our team.” Viktor admitted as he walked toward Talon, taking a place where he could casually look over his shoulder.

Vincent, for once, wasn’t sure how to respond. He wasn’t sure what answer he had expected, but it definitely wasn’t what Viktor told him. He felt an instinctive urge to crack a bad joke but stamped it down. Alisa may not be “alive” in the traditional sense, but in the few moments he had interacted with her, she seemed more human than some people he had known in the past. He could only imagine what dying could do to a person’s head. He adjusted their heading and said, “Well, it’s good that I’m here, now. Haven’t met anyone who could crack my armor, yet. So, let me take the hits and I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen, again. To anyone.”

“That job's taken, Vincent. I will ensure nothing like that occurs again. You can… assist.” Viktor had a bit of a smug look on his face for a moment before going back to serious. “The team is strong and capable. We just a leader and I'm the most suitable.” Viktor's eyes were staring out into the open sky through the jet's windshield.

Vincent let out a bark of laughter and replied, ”Hey, if you wanna be leader, you can have it. Even I know I’m not cut out for that kinda responsibility.” He checked over everything one more time, then flipped on the autopilot before he stood. He stretched his arms over his head and smirked at Viktor before he added, ”I’m just saying I’m better at taking a hit. Unless you’re bulletproof, too?”

“Can't say I can argue with you much there. The way you shielded the team from gunfire was… and I don't say this often… It was perfect.” Viktor's spirit lifted some as they both found more and more common ground. “You know, I thought I wouldn't like you. I even thought I'd have a legitimate reason not to while talking to you today. The jokes about us being the same are starting to get tiresome. No offense, but we couldn't be any different,” he admitted.

“I’ll say. You’re dark and brooding enough to give the big bat, himself, a run for his money and I’ve got a killer sense of humor,” Vincent joked. He finished stretching and took his place back in the pilot’s seat. “Joking aside, you’re a good guy, Vik. At first, I wasn’t sure about joining a team, but as long as I’ve got people like you and the rest of the crew at my back, then I don’t have any complaints.”

“Likewise. I think we've reached an adequate level of synergy as a team. We've gotten past the growing pains as Black Canary calls it.” Viktor moved back to his seat, knowing they'd be reaching the refueling station soon. Though, he still had something to ask. It was off-topic but the privacy the two currently had was the best it could ever be. “I have a question. I may pose it to KJ as well but you seem suitable enough to have a valuable opinion on the matter…” He took a moment to ask as he affixed his seatbelt. “If there was someone you liked on the team, how would you engage?” Viktor averted his eyes after asking the question, looking to the rear of the jet.

Vincent’s brow furrowed as he buckled into his seat. ”What do you mean?” he asked, only to find his answer in the way Viktor suddenly seemed interested in the rear of the jet. ”Ohh, that’s what you mean,” he realized as he faced forward again with a chuckle. ”Honestly, I’m probably not the best person to ask about that kinda thing. I’ve never felt that way toward anyone, before, but if I did…I’d probably just straight up ask her out.”

He pushed the controls forward and the jet began to descend. ”Way I figure, it’s best to cut the bullshit and be upfront about how I feel, you know? Besides, if you take too long, worrying about how they might feel about you or what might happen if they reject you, someone else might come along, shoot their shot, and you might be out of luck.”

“Shoot their shot? Kill them?” Viktor pondered this. She could die…

”Wait, what? No!” Vincent responded quickly. ”I meant, take the chance!” Viktor looked skeptically toward Vincent.

“So go in without complete preparation? No strategy? Just… Shoot the shot?” And then it finally hit Viktor. “Shoot the shot… Hmm, I think I understand what you mean. Don't hesitate or the opportunity might slip. It gives the chance for someone else to take it. Like an assassination mission where two or more parties want the target eliminated but each party has their own ends in confirming the kill… But… Hmm.. who would be my competition anyway. KIla or Ja is preoccupied. Zach is inclined toward men. I don't think Cora... Wait. You.” Again Viktor was struck. “You're the other assassin. At least, you could be.”

Vincent pulled back on the controls, bringing the nose of the jet up slightly as they came in to land. ”Uh…Honestly, I’m not a hundred percent sure what we’re talking about, anymore,” he admitted, the talk of assassination having thrown him for a loop. “If we’re still talking about dating, then I don’t think you have anything to worry about from me. I haven’t been here long enough to start thinking about anyone like that and I’m not really interested in that right now, anyway. Besides, I doubt she’d be interested in someone like me,” his words initially relaxed Viktor's tenseness, allowing him to relax back into his seat. It was only a second or so later when he received a mental double tap to the skull

“Wait- I mean keep landing. Apologies.” Viktor followed up with a curse under his breath before watching Vincent engage the landing gear. Wanting to speak before the wheels touched the ground, Viktor came right out with it. “Though, I am grateful for your disposition, there is a problem. If everyone on the team believes us to be so much alike, then won't-”

Viktor's next words were muffled by the sound of the wheels hitting the asphalt surface of the runway just before he uttered her name.

The wheels screeched as the jet landed on them, bouncing once before it began coasting on the landing gear. It quickly decelerated as Vincent eased up on the throttle and began to taxi the jet toward the refueling station. ”Sorry, I didn’t catch that,” he said. “What’d you say?”

“Uh…” Viktor couldn't believe he had blurted out what he had. To lose his composure in such a low-stress setting like this one. Get a hold of yourself! You're being weird! He stared intensely at the floor in front of him before properly answering Vincent. “Nevermind. Let's just refuel the bird.” Viktor unbuckled himself from his seat and stood up. “We can do it together. No need to prolong the mystery of whether or not you're capable of operating the jet,” He shrugged with his stoic expression returned.

Vincent watched Viktor rise from his seat and head toward the exit. He wasn’t sure what he had said to make him return to what seemed to be his trademark stoicism, but he decided with a shrug not to worry about it as he stood to follow his teammate out of the jet.

Avalia

Darius by@FunnyGuy and Dante by @Alivefalling

Time: Morning
Location: Gaurav Village
Interactions: Menzai @samreaper, Cyrus @Helo, Ophelia @princess and Viola [13org]
Equipment: 2 shot glasses, 300 Amas total, Flowers from Phia, Dante’s cellphone, and Dante’s knife

---

“Fuck.” Darius couldn’t help but utter as he witnessed Dante collapse after everything that had occurred. Avalia was really something and Darius was getting intimately familiar with it. To see a gargantuan bird was enough, but to fight it as they did was well beyond what he expected to experience. The altercation seemed to punch him with a potent dose of reality. For the most part, Darius found his time in Avalia to be like a continuation of the vacation he and Dante had planned.

The dust was still settling but Darius knew the fight had met its conclusion. The roc was completely devastated but not before it managed to get Menzai. Darius was reluctant to move from his spot. Sure, he had only known Menzai for a short time but they had spent every day with the stoic wolf-man. And to think Darius and Dante weren't quite considerate to him. They trained as he instructed but they also made it a daily headache most of the time and tested his patience.

With so much to take in, Darius kind of just stood there for a moment.

“You gotta move.” He whispered to himself, talking through his actions as he typically did whenever he felt stuck. He trudged to Dante lying face-first in the dirt. He didn't even have words for him at the moment. Dante helped kill the roc but Darius was oblivious to what the hell his brother was doing afterward. With an unenthusiastic sigh, Darius rolled Dante onto his back. The unconscious twin was heavy but he was confident he could lift him. He sat Dante up and proceeded to lift him from underneath his arms. This was the hard part since Dante ensured he was almost built like a margarita glass, so he made sure to quickly get his shoulders under Dante's right arm before bending down to reach for his right leg so he could hoist him into a fireman's carry. Another sigh escaped him. “What the fuck were you even thinking? Like how do you fuck up a W like that?” Darius complained as he trudged through the dust-filled air.

He rambled and cursed on and on until he heard a quick gust of wind. Then and there, he noticed Jin right beside him. Darius recognized him from the village but simply forgot his name since they hardly had many interactions. Jim wasn't alone either as several other members of the Gaurav Village were accompanying him.

“Huh?” Darius wasn't sure of what else to say as he continued walking while carrying Dante.

“Darius, allow us to relieve you and safely take your brother to receive medical attention.” Jin spoke firmly, though it still came across as a request. Darius stopped in his tracks and stared at Jim for about a second as if weighing the option… literally.

“What's good with you, is good with me. Take him.” Darius kept still as two wolves of Gaurav took Dante off his back while the other set up a litter to place him onto. “Before you ask. He's not too banged up. I think he broke his brain… though I'm pretty sure that happened way before we got to Avalia.” Jin gave Darius an inquisitive look before nodding in the direction of the others through the dust. They all made haste, lightly jogging in the direction of the others

Things should have gotten easier. It was supposed to be that way, right? Yet upon clearing the dust he found the two unfamiliar fairies having a bit of a stare-down with Ulyses. There was also- Darius wouldn't look toward Menzai and Phia. He couldn't.

“Hey Ulyses, Thing 1 and Thing 2! Let's get off of ten and take it down to a… a two. Okay?” Darius shouted before anything more could be said between them. Darius wasn't his usual cheery self, looking a tad bit annoyed by the whole situation unfolding. He faced the towering Ulyses as he was sure he could reason with the person he knew. “Hey listen! They helped us. A lot.” Darius stressed. “I don't know them but… I don't know, take my word for it. This could have been a whole lot worse and I trust them.” Darius turned around toward the two peculiar fairies. “We're not fighting, right?”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Late Morning
Location: Sorian Beach
Interaction: @princess Charlotte, @Potter Olivia, @Lava Alckon Hafiz Jr.

Lorenzo couldn't say he didn't enjoy Farim's company despite dreading the mere presence of his father. He did not know how a man like that could raise someone so unlike himself but Farim was a shining example of the possibility. The duke chuckled at Farim's reply about the sun tanning his skin as dark as his own. That is the goal! The thought only intensified how humourous Lorenzo found the idea. Learning that his family wasn't accompanying Farim helped as well, allowing Lorenzo to return to his state of peace once more.

“I have a feeling only the friendliest of Caesonians are coming to the beach today. So, yes, more of me will be here to pretend they're in Vermillion.” Lorenzo said almost pompously. “Farim, if you'd like, maybe you can accompany us to Veirmont Beach. If you enjoy Sorian Beach, you won't want to live anywhere else if you visit ours. The white sand is like fine powder! Coconut trees are plenty… and there may or may not be a freer section of the beach that a rare few know of.” Made the effort to open his eyes so he could shoot Farim a sly yet painful wink as the sun assaulted his eyes. “Gods that's bright!”