FunnyGuy

Young Justice

Iceburn | Rain

OPERATION SLEET

---

Iceburn smiled as Mirage appeared. Her smile faded when she heard the big roar in the distance.

“Uh oh. That wasn’t..? I told him that-! Whatever.” She shook her head, pushing past her frustration and her incomplete thoughts.

“Iceburn, can you see him to safety and return?” Kassy requested.

Iceburn nodded. "We’ve got this." She said confidently as Kassy departed. "Good luck with that."
—

“Well, I’m happy to hear that, sir.” Iceburn said with a smile and a little laugh at the hardiness of the bystander. Most people don’t handle being shot so well, in her limited experience with it.

“Um,” She was briefly taken aback when he elected to, at that moment, partake in a vape.

“M’kay, that’s fine, I guess. At least it’s not a cigarette. That’d really be throwing my life-saving attempting in my face.” Iceburn joked.

“Metamorph is compromised.” Quiver informed over comms. There were sounds that were similar to the shuffling and feedback of a mic being dropped to the ground, it seemed someone's earpiece was knocked out.

She realized with growing annoyance that a vast majority of their team was being sidetracked by…yup. The message came through: Metamoprh had been compromised.

“Guess it’s just you and me, Rain. Operation Sleet is a go. First things first, I’m getting this guy to safety. Then we gotta reduce casualties in the gang war. Hopefully, our teammate comes to his senses soon.” Iceburn said.

“...Again.”

“Negative. Place him into a different container.” Viktor's voice was tenser than usual, and that was saying something. Again KJ had lost himself, and again Viktor found himself responsible for addressing a completely different objective. To believe it was a one-time occurrence made him feel naive, foolish even.

“Found them. They’re by the water. Quiver’s down. I’m going to lend a hand.” Vincent suddenly announced over comms while a sort of howl could be heard in the background of his transmission.

“Is someone with Quiver? I’m close to the water’s edge but it might take me a bit.” Daphne's voice followed.

Am I losing my sharpness? He gripped his rifle tightly before focusing his mind on what he should be doing rather than what he desired. No. We can do this. He lowered the weapon and half turned toward Pei.

“But if you believe it's not safe enough. I will respect your decision. I'll press forward with or without you, Iceburn. Cybergirl should be able to back me up during your absence.”

“No no no, that’s a good idea, I didn’t think of that!” Iceburn said, taking her powers to the container they were hiding behind. She froze and cracked open the lock. She glanced around inside to see what was in there. Inside was a bunch of boxes, but enough room to fit a dude or two.

“Nothing evil going on in here. Excuse me, sir, I know it’s not exactly ideal,” She opened the door with an apologetic grimace.

“But hey, you won’t get shot again! Don’t worry, I won’t lock you in.” She made a block of ice in the shape of a door stopper and used it to stop the crate from closing all the way.

Once he was safely inside, she returned to Viktor’s side. At this point, she gave a probably noticeable frown towards his rifle. “That’s not a real gun, is it?”

He made a glance at her before walking forward, raising the rifle as they proceeded through the corridor of stacked containers.

“No. It's… safe?” He tried to keep the description simple. Using guns with hollow point bullets may have been his answer to this situation over a year ago but that's not who he was anymore.

“I’m gonna pretend you stated that instead of asked it.” Iceburn said, pushing past her reservations about gun-adjacent weapons for the mission at hand.

A thunderclap echoes across the entire harbor, likely from Cora with the night sky being as clear as it was. The sound pulled their attention toward the sky for brief moment before Viktor made the mental call to maintain focus on Iceburn and himself.

“You'll just have to see it in action.” Viktor replied before he pressed a button on his helmet to speak over comms. “Cybergirl. You, me, and Iceburn are going to take on the gangs. Go after stragglers. That is our objective. The rest of the team has the other situation under control. Over and out.”

There was no sign of a ceasefire ahead of the pair, which meant the situation was still at its worst despite what the others were able to accomplish.

“I'll get their attention. You do what you do best.” He gave a nod before running forward and jumping left onto a parallel container. Running along it he aimed his weapon slightly upwards before using its tube attachment to fire a canister from a that covered two gunmen with a gray foam on impact. In seconds, the foam began to harden over parts of their body. Here we go.

“Cool!” Iceburn shouted out, seeing the true function of the gun. Now they just needed to work on making it less gun shaped… but that could wait!

Iceburn increased her speed by creating a layer of ice beneath her feet, and attached ice skates beneath her shoes. Leaning forward she skated into the open. Opening up her palms, she began to spray a cone of mist and snow shards. She was aiming for upper bodies, trying to strike guns and hands to disable the usage of the dangerous weapons. Then she skated behind cover to prevent her exposure to gunfire herself. Rain was coming from above, and snow was building up from below.

Awesome!
Exceptional...

Viktor found their rhythm quite synchronized as when either of them put attention on themselves, the other took the chance to strike. Perhaps if it was just one gang, the enemies could accomplish the same thing but their cooperation was simply a necessity for survival. Right now the gang members were taking cover against the two young heroes while firing when they could. The shooters were being oddly reserved with their ammunition while others were grabbing whatever they could swing to engage Pei directly.

“I think they're running low!” Viktor called, both to be informative and demoralizing.

“I noticed!” Iceburn said with wide eyes as a six-foot bruiser charged at her with a heavy metal pipe. Can’t freeze the inner mechanisms of that bad boy. She ducked it and was forced to melt her skates lest she lose her balance from the crouch. The swing clanged loudly into the container she was hiding behind, denting it. She blasted the bruiser away with some forcefully generated snow, but he was heavy and sturdy enough to not fall over. Iceburn looked wistfully at the short but infinite distance between her and the ocean. From its cold water, she could draw a huge amount of power.

Another one rushed up to grab her while she was crouched, but she generated a puddle beneath her and fell onto it, rocketing away with some snow power, sliding to take cover behind a big yellow forklift. Iceburn retreated from the bullets, her heart pounding. Thankfully the melee goons were reluctant to charge into the line of fire to chase after her, so she had a moment to think. The gunman that was keeping her suppressed was standing on a container himself, twenty feet in the air. He even had a retractable ladder up there that he had pulled up so no one could follow him.

Frowning, Iceburn froze and snapped off the two prongs on the front of the forklift. She flung them, and they launched like icy missiles. The gunman took cover by crouching low, but they weren’t aimed at him, she knew she’d miss. Instead, they stuck into his containers, creating two ‘stepping stones’ for a particularly athletic person to use. “Perfect.” Viktor commented after he had finished firing a taser round into a gang member running after Pei. Folding the rifle, he holstered onto his back, something he had spent hours practicing.

In a dead sprint, Viktor leaped toward the first prong, using it and his momentum to swing to the other. Executing a precise landing on the second prong, Viktor launched himself up, ascending to the top of the containers while drawing his sword. The gunman turned around to fire but Viktor had already closed the distance. All it took was one precise slash. One precise slash to neutralize his enemy…

“It's over for you,” Viktor said as the upper receiver of his weapon was split in two by the vanadium alloy blade. The gunman stared at his hand only holding the lower receiver and faithfully squeezed the trigger to no effect. With a swift step forward Viktor knocked him out with be hilt of his sword.

Meanwhile, down below Iceburn was having to deal with the goons that were free to assault her now that bullets were no longer flying. Gotta take the good with the bad. Two approached her quickly with a third on the way. She wished it was like the TV shows where the bad guys all took turns attacking, but that wasn’t the case. They were practically falling over themselves to grab her at the same time. Speaking of which- with a mischievous little “Heh” she fired a blast of ice to create a frozen puddle beneath their feet, causing both to eat shit.

“Fuck!” One swore. Before they could get up, Iceburn harshly kicked the top, bigger guy in the ribs. Her technique was basic but she could still generate enough force on a distracted target.

After that she blasted them both with a gust of mist that froze into a blanket of cold ice, locking them in place on the ground. “I think you guys can keep each other warm.” Iceburn said, dusting off her hands and taking a breath.

Hearing a heavy set of footsteps, she whirled around to see a young woman in civilian clothes approaching. She had short black hair and a pair of glasses, and a scowl on her face.

“Don’t worry, ma’am,” Iceburn began. “It’s all under control-” She was cut off as the woman grabbed a nearby crate, cracked into the wood with her fingers, and flung it at Iceburn at high speed.

“Oogh!” Iceburn’s eyes bulged as the box broke against her, scattering packing beads and electronics everywhere- as well as sending the young heroine sprawling. Thankfully the mist that surrounded her in combat also acted as a cushion. That stopped her ribs from cracking but it didn’t stop her from needing a moment to stand, gasping loudly for breath.

“Get up, you idiots.” The woman said, stomping on the ice and freeing the two henchwoman.

“Get off me!” The littler guy on the bottom shouted as the bruiser got to his feet.

“Alright, fuck! Let’s just get the scrawny bitch.” He said, hefting his heavy metal pipe.

THUD!

THUD!

Viktor jumped down from one container to another before dropping down to the ground level adjacent to the three remaining enemies. He sheathed his sword before charging forward and performing a flying kick into the smaller guy's side. The smaller man crashed into the bruiser beside him, leaving them toppled and open for Iceburn's next attack. Viktor kept himself moving, only stopping to square up with the woman who had enhanced strength.

“Tch.” Unlike Iceburn, the meta wasn’t impressed. She stepped forward and did a massive push kick toward Viktor.

Iceburn meanwhile got to her feet, recovering. As the two bad guys tried to recover their balance, Iceburn once again created a puddle beneath their boots causing them to slip and fall. Short of creating ice spikes, which she never did against humans, Iceburn didn’t have much in the way of causing immediate harm to someone. Instead, she grabbed up the heavy metal pipe and froze it, before breaking it over the shoulders of the bigger man. With another swear word, he dropped onto the ice puddle, leaving Iceburn to toss the shattered weapon aside.

She raised her hands towards them. “Give up!” Then she once again sprayed them with mist and ice that froze them to the puddle underneath. Thanks to Viktor she had managed to recapture them. Now they just had to keep that strong lady from freeing them. Or, uh, breaking their bones.

Ahead of her Viktor and the woman were engaged in combat, the woman being a much more adept fighter than the rest of her goons.

“Heh.” Viktor let out as the two found themselves circling each other after a brief exchange of blows.

“Funny?!”

“Mildly. Facing off against women is just becoming quite a pattern.”

The woman taking advantage of Viktor addressing her used her strength to chuck a crate at Viktor to screen her next move of running for her allies. Viktor ducked. “Iceburn!” He alerted as he grabbed and threw his equipped bolas at the legs of the woman in mid-stride.

“Now don’t get up again, or-” She was lecturing the thugs when she glanced up at Viktor’s warning. The crate slammed into Iceburn’s upper body and she was sent ass over teakettle onto the ground.

“Uhhuggh….ohoh, fucking- man…” Iceburn wheezed and pushed herself onto all fours.

She used a nearby box to support her as she got to her feet. “You Donkey Kong-ass bitch…quit throwin’ shit!” She began to move over to assist Viktor as he kept the meta engaged.

As the strong person steadied herself and reached down to rip the bolas right off, Iceburn went with old reliable- she got low herself and made a motion like she was skipping a rock across a pond. With a misty crackle, a puddle appeared beneath her opponent’s boots, and with a grunt, Viktor ran in to throw a powerful haymaker while the meta's hands were still down. His fist connected with her jaw with a brain-rattling punch.

With the ice beneath her boots, the woman went sliding until she crashed into the same types of crates she had been throwing at the duo.

Iceburn created a snowball of ice above her head and like a caveman committing the first murder, chucked it at the woman and the crates. It smacked into her and caused the crates to topple all on top of her until she was basically buried in them.

Iceburn spat onto the ground and sat her hands on her knees, bending over. “Woo….woo hoo! Woo hoo?” She glanced around to see if there was any more danger.

Viktor crouched down next to her, giving her a thumbs up. “You did well. I just hope the others are fairing just the same…” He said as he looked toward the faint sounds of battle in the distance he was able to pick up with his hearing.
Iceburn gave a somewhat breathless thumbs up, standing and setting a hand on Viktor’s shoulder, leaning into him a little bit.

He gave a nod before he stood back up and briefly looked at the broken contents from the crates, taking note.

The sound of tremendous roar sounded across the harbor where Viktor guess the rest of the team was located.

“We should regroup with the oth- Shit. The homeless man. I guess we should… go to him, yes?” He almost fought with his better judgment but following up with the casualty was the right call. And that's exactly what the two did next.

When they walked to the crate, Iceburn knocked first. “Knock knock, sir. It’s me, Iceburn. How you doin’? The coast should be clear-” When she opened it up, her jaw dropped. The man was nowhere to be seen.

Panicking, Iceburn turned her head inside the container like she somehow missed him. She picked up a box inside and lifted it like he might be underneath. “He- he’s gone!?”

There were no signs of a struggle or anything like that, but that didn’t stop Iceburn from freaking out, rushing to Viktor’s side and whirling her upper body around the docks. “Hello?! Sir?! Where are you?!”

“Iceburn, stay calm but vigilant. I don't think he was taken by anyone. No struggle, no blood… and there was no reason for anyone to come looking for him… Something's not right.” Viktor said as looked around the area for any more clues or indicators of a nearby threat.

Iceburn calmed down, still glancing around. “S-sorry, I was just- that woulda been stupid to lose him like that. I wonder where he went off too? And what’s been going on with our teammates?”

“Likewise… Likewise.”

Avalia

Thraash & Mari

Time: Several hours ago. Night.
Location: Middle fort between the cities of Illuminata and Myriamor

---

This night at the fort had been like any other for the dark elf troops manning it. Their job was simple; maintain the fort, inspect passing travelers, and deter dangerous wildlife in the area. The responsibility that weighed on those currently stationed for the time being was soon reaching its end as they waited for their relief to arrive and pass the torch to them until the following evening. A mixture of both complacency and anxiousness filled them in their wait, a normal thing. You know the feeling. When you’re impatiently ready to punch out because the last couple of hours of your shift feel abnormally too long. All you can think about is packing up and the first thing you’ll do once you’ve returned to your living quarters. Maybe it’s rest or indulging in your favorite recreation. Whatever it is, it’s all you can think about as the clock winds down to that final minute. No, that final second! That inevitability!

And it was that inevitability that never arrived.

The relief meant to arrive was absent. Perhaps they were running late. Unusual but not an impossibility. It only took one minute for the first soldier to express his irritation at the relief’s failure to arrive.

“They’re supposed to be here already! Any of you up in the towers see them?” The dark elf captain was gruffly pacing as he awaited news from his archers.

“Sir we don’t see anything from the- Do you hear that?” One of the archers on one of the four towers said to another beside him. He stepped closer to the tower’s edge as he heard none other than what he could only describe as the misplaced riff of a guitar beyond the treeline to the west.

“Y-yeah. They’re… here. It's them! THEY’RE HEEEERE!” His cry caused the dark elves stationed at the fort to position themselves on the western side of the fort, and if they couldn't, they certainly had their attention in that direction.

“Do you have eyes on them?!”

“Still scanning! It's getting too loud to make out where it's coming from!” The captain cursed under his breath before shooting a fierce look at the several men on the ground with him.

“Don't just stand there! FIND THEM!” If the music was coming from who the captain was given intelligence on, he felt that he had more than enough troops to end the reign of these terrorists. There were only two of them!

Five of the dark elves hurried from the fort, exiting through the west entrance, vanishing into the brush of the woods. “They chose the wrong night for an attack! We'll execute them as soon… as we…” His voice trailed off as he watched the forest his men disappeared into suddenly alight in violent flames as the music continued. “What the fuck.”

Pressed against the fort's stone wall, hidden in the shadows, a young elf was unleashing a performance on her invisible air guitar, synchronizing her movements with the pulsating music. She bit her lip as she got lost in it for a moment, banging her head subtly. The elf paused what she was doing as everything suddenly lit up, the dark night, suddenly a brilliant glow that overtook her vision and briefly illuminated her form.

She raised her head, the heat washing over her skin as the once quiet landscape became a blazing hellscape. The flames eagerly consumed the woodland before them, the vibrant display of fiery hues dancing wildly in the breeze as smoke billowed up into the sky. The air distorted in the intense heat and the crackling of the fire seemed to intermingle with the music.

The blonde stood transfixed, her face aglow with both awe and exhilaration. A huge grin was plastered on her face at the sight of the bright scorching inferno before her. She marveled at the intensity of the flames, feeling a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins.

“Thatta boy…” She uttered under her breath with admiration. Then she opened her palm to reveal a disguise ring. Sliding it onto her finger with practiced ease, she invoked its magic, causing her fair complexion to morph into a shade of purple. Her golden locks underwent a transformative shift, darkening into a raven hue that blended seamlessly with the shadows.

With a smirk, she enjoyed the view for just a moment longer before retreating deeper into the shadows. As she moved along the wall, she found the entry point she had prior knowledge of. With nimble fingers, she manipulated the mechanism, allowing her seamless passage through the unguarded entrance. She then slipped in unnoticed.

And the music and flames raged on in opposition to the fort. The dark elves had advanced, attempting to smother the dancing flames with their power over the darkness. Together they managed to forge a safe path through the flames and…

They were supposed to march forward. They intended to do so yet they stopped at the sight of a slumped charred body wearing the armor of their people. The sight wasn't enough as the subtle smell of oil and burning flesh struck their nostrils as if their sense betrayed them. This is why the relief never arrived.

Still, they couldn't remain unmoving as the gap they created between the towering flames began to shut. With vengeance added to the stakes, the group pushed on to reach their adversary. It was unfortunate to have that chance snatched from them.

Through one of the towering columns of flame, a large clawed hand covered in green scales pulled one of the dark elves into the fire. The elf's hollers did little for his companions, only managing to alert them to the sudden flank with his screams.

Lunging through flames wielding a double-bitted battle ax, a towering skull-faced dragonborn let loose his ferocity. His eyes were glowing amber orbs streaking through the dark as he maneuvered swiftly with every swing before unleashing a breath of flame. “Raaaaaaagh!” And still the music and fire raged.

Meanwhile, the rhythmic click of black boots echoed as the raven-haired elf confidently strode, dressed in a standard uniform. The corridors of this place were like old friends to her now, and she navigated them with ease. As she passed guards, she smiled at them and made passing comments to keep up the charade.

The first was an elven woman with a peculiar hairstyle that looked straight out of the depths of a history textbook. She looked up from her post and raised a brow as the unfamiliar female walking down the hall caught her eye. However, the raven-haired young elf was first to speak, passing her casually. “Love the haircut, Elerra. Really brings me back to two centuries ago.”

She smiled and touched her hair, distracted momentarily.

Not a compliment, Elerra, not a compliment.

“...Belgos, how’s that bitch of a wife of yours? … Still a bitch?”

“Still a bitch.” A long-haired dark elf pressed up against the wall confirmed without looking up as he flipped to a new page of his book.

“...Well you know where to find me if you finally get bored of the cunt.” The intruder winked at Belgos with a cheeky grin, even giving him finger guns as she had finally enticed the male into looking up from his book.

Belgo’s eyes narrowed, taking an extra moment to process. “Wait… What?” All he could do was watch her back as she rounded a corner. As she swung the keys pilfered from the Belgos’ belt out of his view, the cool metal glinted in the dim light, and her mischievous grin widened.

“A left and then a right… Then.” She uttered under her breath until she came to a pause before a staircase. “Then we go down.” Descending the steps in haste, she moved down and came to the door. She had a knack for this sort of thing, and her nimble fingers easily navigated the ring of keys until she found the one that fit the lock of the door. As soon as she opened it, she found an obstruction in her path. Someone’s back had been up against the door.

The figure turned around, revealing himself to be a burly guard, his face twisted in anger as he looked down at her from above, “What are you doing here? No one is supposed to come down here, you should know the rules-”

Before the guard could finish his sentence, the raven-haired elf sprang into action, her instincts taking over. With fast reflexes, she lunged forward, aiming her dagger at the guard's neck. The element of surprise was on her side, catching him off guard as he stumbled back, trying to draw his weapon in response.

"Sorry, big guy."

The guard's eyes widened in shock and fury as he tried to defend himself, but the elf was already one step ahead. She danced around his clumsy attempts to strike back. In a swift and fluid motion, she closed the distance between them, exploiting a momentary opening in his defenses. The blade of her dagger found its mark, sinking into the soft flesh of his neck. The guard gasped in pain and disbelief, clutching at the wound as blood began to flow. She swiftly withdrew the dagger and stepped back to shut the door.

“You know,” she began with a cocky grin, “they say curiosity killed the cat, but in your case, it's more like stupidity got you stabbed."

She turned her gaze to the rows of cells on each side of the room, each housing numerous prisoners. A quick mental count gave her a good estimate of twenty. Most of them were demihumans but she did see some other species mixed in. Their eyes fell on her with apprehension. “So… First time, guys?” She asked. It was no surprise that she didn’t get an answer, but she still shrugged and commented, “Tough crowd.” After a moment, she moved forward and grabbed another key ring from the male bleeding out on the ground, and held them up. She jingled them.

“I’m here to break you out.” She spoke a little slower to make sure it sunk in. There was a collective ooh and she grinned at them as she spotted a few smiles. The relief and joy in the eyes of prisoners was something when they realized they were going to be okay was a sight she’d never get tired of. “There’s those pearly whites!” They were to bide their time for approximately ten minutes before making their escape through the back door.

It wasn’t long before the disguised elf was in the main hall of the fort with a crossbow in hand. Though she had to go outside again to retrieve the weapon, it had been hidden strategically. Taking her position atop a balcony, she observed a group of dark elves engaged in a panicked discussion around a table. While she couldn't catch every word, it was clear that their agitation stemmed from the raging fire attack at their perimeter. A sudden thunderous boom from outside added to their tension, making those gathered either lock up or jump in their respective panic. They were in shambles. So fearful of the threat beyond them and completely oblivious to the threat so close.

With a smirk, she lit a match and then lit the tip of her arrow on fire. “Yooohooo!” she called out, her voice ringing through the room, taunting the dark elves below. Their heads all turned toward her in bewilderment. Without waiting for a response, she released the flaming arrow from her crossbow, and it soared through the air, leaving a trail of bright orange behind it. As the flaming arrow struck the table where the dark elves had been gathered, it landed amidst stacks of papers. They caught on fire immediately, and flames began to dance across the surface. Shouts filled the room and they were quick to move for their weapons.

A dark orb flew at her and she side-stepped. She did not relent even as they made a beeline for the stairs to approach her. Swiftly, she notched another arrow, lighting it. This time, she aimed for the heavy curtains that adorned the walls of the chamber. The flaming arrow soared through the air once more, and upon impact, the curtains caught fire. One after another, she ignited and shot her arrows, targeting anything that could fuel the blaze. Drapes, and even the tapestries hanging from the walls all succumbed to the inferno she unleashed. Some of the room's occupants made the wise decision to abandon the room as smoke began to consume it.

The sound of crackling flames was music to her ears.

“You insolent girl!’ A hand gripped her wrist as someone came up from behind her and ripped the ring off her finger. Her dark ponytail transformed into a golden blonde while her skin shifted into a light tone.

“The name’s Mari actually.” She told him softly before dropping her crossbow. She twisted quickly in their grip, a dagger in hand ready to plunge into his chest. He quickly yanked at her hair, causing her to stumble back just before the blade sunk in. Her hands lit up with orange light essence as well as her eyes as she shot a mellow blast of light at him. However, it was enough to cause him to let go of her and push him back. “You do not touch the hair!”

But Mari's triumph was short-lived as another enemy seized the opportunity to strike. From behind, a firm hand wrapped around her throat, cutting off her air supply as he picked up the woman in the air.

“Enough.”

Another thunderous boom sounded, this one shaking the fort accompanied by the despairing verberation of crumbling stone…

And the music. The screams.

A crying flailing soldier burst through the doors of the main hall with flames licking at both skin and armor. He scurried forward and fell into the large table, spreading flames onto it as an ominous horned shadow stalked his path. Flames jutted through where he had entered ushering in the horned skull-faced ravager riffing on his battle ax.

Mari was up above, gasping for breath as the world around her seemed to blur. The burly guard's grip tightened, and her attempts to break free were futile as he held her up and whipped his attention to the commotion at hand. Upon the sight of the being that had entered the room, he stared for only a moment before letting go of the blonde. Mari hit the floor with a groan as he bolted down the stairs for the door.

She scrambled to her feet and then rammed her body into the railing of the balcony to call down to the horned being,

“Thraash! That was totally WICKED!”

Without hesitation, Mari gripped the railing firmly, and with a swift, graceful movement, she vaulted her body over it. Dropping down on the fronts of her feet, she dispersed the shock from the landing and maintained her composure. Then, waving smoke out of her face, she informed him, “The prisoners should be on their way out.”

The strumming of the weapon came to a halt upon receiving the information. Thraash's grip on the ax adjusted as the dark elf ran in his direction. He raised the weapon high over his head to perform a powerful downward swing the dark elf was prepared for. A quick grunt escaped the dragonborn before he spat flames at his final target, disorienting him before swinging down with all of his draconic might. The ax buried through metal, flesh, and bone before the dark elf's body was kicked into the burning table to join his fellow guardsman.

“Heh… Fucking solid! We should get our tails out of here ourselves.” Thraash turned from Mari and started for where he had entered. “We can watch the fire eat this bitch up from where I left the Muse Box.”

The two menaces of King Zanithel's Avalia strolled out of the burning structure and were met with the sight of spreading flames and two crumbled guard towers caused by black powder explosions.

This middle fort between Illuminata and Myriamor had been razed.

---

Time: Late Morning
Location: The Nest, Roshmi

The Nest, the most dysfunctional bar in all Avalia thrived with all manner of lowlifes, smelling of the strong brew the establishment provided to anyone who could pay the price. Sometimes the currency was amas and other times it was a good beating for having light pockets. It served as a pitstop for all manner of drunks, thieves, bandits, bounty hunters, and even the most daring adventurers.

The lovely squirrel demi-human bartender Floopa was all smiles as she served her patrons their usual while giving some new blood something special to put them out of sorts. Just like a guild or club, patrons earned their keep. They had to either have a strong stomach or be as vicious as a mother owlbear when others tried to take advantage of their drunkenness. Holding your own and having your wits about you was a requirement, not a suggestion.

For Thraash and Mari, it served as the perfect spot for them to lay low after they caused some serious havoc elsewhere. As the two entered the bar, much of the chattering within the Nest ceased. All eyes were on the pair that entered as if they owned the place.

“The way that chump screamed and hit the table. Solid. Second best kill of the night.”

“He got what he had coming to him! It was so fucking awesome.” Mari replied with a laugh. The two were in the midst of telling each other about the highlights of last night's raid when Thraash noticed he was the only one speaking in the establishment. Mari had taken noticed a bit sooner than him that all eyes had fallen upon them, but she had figured it was because they were immensely attractive individuals.

Looking around the place, the dragonborn walked past the tables and bar stools, his tail whipping about with each step. “Don't worry my fellow degenerates. We come in peace.” He let loose a boisterous cackle as he took a seat on one of the larger stools at the bar.

Before she took a seat at the bar as well, she had spun on her heels and gave the room a pose, hand on her hip. She smiled and winked as if she were a beloved celebrity, gracing them with her presence. “Love my fans!”

Nonchalantly, she climbed up on the stool beside her friend and hit her fists excitedly against the wood of the bar as she called out to the bartender, “Hey fluffy! Maaamaa’s hungry!”

“Heya Mari! And hello to you too Thraash.” Floopa greeted without asking what either of them wanted. She was well-versed in what the duo wanted, which was simple enough. “One 'Normous Yornis Burger with everything with added fried harpy egg, two tankards of mead, and a side of fresh alaberries to-go for the green scales.”

“Solid.”

“And some fowlkin wings and cheesy potatoes for the hungry mama.”

“While I'm preparin' your stuff, you both oughta take a look at the bounty board. Just got updated a couple of hours ago.” She gave the two a knowing look before they looked at one another in unison, grinning.

“Ladies, first.” Thraash teased as he tilted his head toward the board littered with postings.

Mari grinned and hopped off the stool. She hurried over to the board. Immediately, she removed a wanted poster with her and Thraash’s faces and began to crumble it up. Whistling, she craned her neck as she looked it up and down. After maybe fifteen seconds at most, she snatched a paper at random and bounded up to Thraash. She slammed it on the table in front of him and expectantly looked up at him as she gestured to it, “Yeah?”

“Hmmmm…” Thraash studied the bounty poster with narrowed eyes. “We haven't wasted a creature in a while. Why not? There's no price listed but a manticore head'll fetch us a good score of amas.” He traced a clawed finger over the part that references the point of contact for the bounty. “They're here, so no reason to leave it a mystery.” He whipped his head around, spotting a rabbit demihuman leaning on a tabletop with their head buried in her arms. Empty pitchers littered around her. With a low growl from his throat, he got up from his bar stool and marched over with Mari trailing just a step behind him.

“Hey, long-ears!” Despite Thraash's call to her during their approach, the rabbit demi-human didn't budge. Small billows of smoke seeped through his teeth as he towered in front of her table with Mari standing at his side, eyeing the demi-human.

Pounding his fist down on the tabletop a few times in rapid succession, he addressed her again. The pitchers wobbled with one falling over on the table. “Wake the fuck up, long-ears!”

“Easy you’ll break the table.. Again..” Mari advised him lightly but Thraash was already pissed.

“Fuck this. Mari, grab another one! The bitch is piss drunk.” Another guttural growl sounded.

“There’s an easy solution.” With a smirk, she stepped away and then returned with a pitcher of water. Unceremoniously as onlookers stared on, she began to pour it over the girl’s head.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Late Morning
Location: Castle Gardens
Attire: Alexander and Lianna
Interaction: @Tae Mina @Helo Callum
Mention:

---

Alexander was finding this game between Mina and himself quite the fun venture. It didn't take much from her to reel him once he had snapped at the hook. It was all without a struggle or a loss of interest. This was the kind of interaction Alexander desired. He wore a smug look when Mina spoke on his lasting impression.

“As is yours.” He had replied genuinely. He was rather impressed with her ability to keep up with him while maintaining her composure. Her reason for being here was not anything of note. Even so, her uncle garnered his eyes as she spoke of him. Count Sebastian Blackwood. The name was absorbed into his mind's eye, uncovering the mystery of who the man was in relation to her as well as the Varian Kingdom.

“He does indeed look particularly strong this morning. To juggle so many women at once is quite the feat.” He jested before Callum Danrose approached with cake to serve. Keeping his smile, Alexander allowed Mina the pleasure of doing the introductions while letting his hand slip from her own.

“A pleasure in meeting Prince Callum Danrose in the flesh, your highness.” He bowed. The ladder came into view once more, the rungs zipping down as found the opportunity to elevate his station. It was the black sheep of the family but he was still even at his lowest, a prince of Caesonia.

After his bow, he extended a hand to take the plate of cake.

“I may not be much of a cake eater but my wife has a love for sweet treats.” He briefly turned toward his wife who was still quietly enjoying her tea by herself.

“And did I hear, best parties in Sorian? I guess this charity event I faintly heard you and the king speaking about will be the best one yet then?” Alexander hadn't enjoyed his trumpet playing but he was quite interested in the hand Callum would be playing this season.

Make your next move, Callum Danrose.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Roshmi City
Interaction:Brigitte @Tae, Bardulf @Lava Alckon, Rue @Potter, Bowyn @Helo, Zeva @Pink Khione, Brigitte @Tae (optional)
Mention: A strange What If scenario.
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

---

To Mister Luum's pleasure, he found the winter fairies slinking together once more. He assumed the two were discussing how they would run away together and build a delightful home in Yenworth. There they would start their family with over a dozen children flying about, throwing snowballs at one another, and making splendid snow fairy imprints in the freshly fallen snow.

And on the porch watching their children play would be the couple that now whispered and schemed in front of Mister Luum. They'd smile warmly despite their affinity to the cold hand-in-hand as they sat on a rocking bench meant for two. Starfire gliding across the sky would bark fervently as she now found herself free but amongst so many that loved and cared for her. But deep within the home, past the light blue accented living room, through the tidy kitchen, and down the descending staircase was a sight that no one but Mister Luum could imagine.

Bardulf holding a mop with a bucket of gray dirt-filled water sobbed as he heard the delight of his masters. As loud and cheerful as they were, his shackles jangled over their cheers to remind him of what he had become. He can't remember a day he didn't sob or collapse as his body had been reduced to the epitome of malnourishment. The mop seemed to help him stand but the splinters from the poorly built cleaning tool had scarred his palms. He could barely remember what he was mopping on these floorboards since no one ever came but to feed or humiliate him. Perhaps it was to pass the time or maybe the movement just kept him warm since he had been subjected to torn ragged clothing. Hope was beyond him, a dim white light miles away. Barely there, but he was unsure if it would fade away as it escaped his grasp with each passing moment.

After so many hard years, he wished to let go but he knew he had to hang on. For one day, Mister Luum would come to save him.

The perfect escape plan. Mister Luum thought just before Bardulf approached him about being recognized.

“Really? You? No one even knows what you look like, my friend. In fact, most don't even know what your type looks like.” Mister Luum took a brief pause to look at his surroundings for any watchful eyes before continuing. “You don't need a disguise just yet. There's no sense in it. Why burn a bridge the enemy doesn't know of? Just keep using it until they catch on. Then blow the thing sky high, I say. Then they have to find a new one, right? Yes.” He answered for Bardulf before pointing at him and pointing at Zeva who had just discovered a place for the group to fill their bellies.

“Before dashing for food, I pick these two. Sorry, Brigitte.” Mister Luum didn't catch the girl's frown but probably wouldn't have changed his mind either way. “So that leaves the lovebirds, the pegasus, and Brigitte. Perfect, let's fill the bellies shall we.”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Late Morning
Location: Sorian Beach
Interaction: @Tpartywithzombi Ariella @princess Charlotte

Lorenzo and Ariella had fortunately left the blanket a while before the dysfunction that had occurred with Layla. Walking with Ariella, he continued to shake the canteen so he could have an even mixture of the herbs. Ariella had warned him that the concoction wouldn't taste well but the young woman had no idea how disgusting his “medicine” tasted. It was always so bitter and strong. Luckily it always worked as intended. The two took their seats by the water once more, finding their spot easily due to the imprints in slightly damper sand.

“The way it tastes won't bother me if it helps. I'd ra-” Lorenzo winced before farting once more. “Sorry!” He said before opening the canteen and chugging its contents. He gulped it down like a champion before he gagged. “Ugh! Ugh! Gods! Ariella, this is horrible!” He stuck his tongue out as if the sea's breeze would rid it of the bitter taste of the herbs. “Oooh that is the worst thing I have tasted in my life… and I'm 46. That's a decade and a half of tasting things.” Lorenzo shook his head in disbelief at how awful the drink was.

“Thank you for that. I hope it helps. I wish I could repay you, especially after you had to endure that dinner the other night. I needed a whole day to recover from that mess.” He sighed and traced a finger into the sand. “At least one of them is gone, and soon enough all of them will be gone. Back to the wasteland.” He said looking out toward the sea as if he could see the desert homeland of the royal family he spoke of.

At some point while seated Charlotte treated the two with strawberry smoothies, which he was happy to take. He gave his thanks and let Charlotte enjoy her time with her company. It was rare for her to be around so many of her peers, which was quite better than her adopting any and everything off the streets. Stray cats, unusually large roosters, the homeless, and even fugitives. Lorenzo couldn't quite understand it but figured that his daughter was just lonely. Unlike himself, she needed company. She needed friends.

His eyes fell on Ariella as he thought this, wondering if this girl was alienated as well.

Is she like Charlotte… or is she more like myself?

“Your mother is wrong, you know? I think she's wrong about most things. But gardening is something every noble should at least practice. Dirt under your nails is a common thing. Hard work doesn't come without some dirt or blemishes. And tending to your people is awful like tending to your garden. You have to be delicate but deliberate.”

“Stubborn weeds are like the problems you'll face. You must thoroughly remove them, even knowing more will always arrive in a matter of days. Some things will take longer to flourish than others. And sometimes they don't grow the way you hoped they would. Patience and care are needed. And I think that's why Vermillion might be the best region in Caesonia. My people are as happy as I am. I don't have to show up to balls or disgustingly formal events. I just tend to them the way I tend to my garden.”

Lorenzo spoke with homesickness in his tone. He yearned to return, but his presence was required here, in this den of vipers and vicious beasts.

“Have you ever been to Veirmont? It's beautiful.” Lorenzo sighed, the tracing in the sand now an ugly mess. I hate this place. I wish it would burn.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Late Morning
Location: Castle Gardens
Attire: Alexander and Lianna
Interaction: @Tae Mina
Mention:

---

Alexander would be a liar if he didn't admit to enjoying Mina's playfulness. Unlike the others he had spoken to, Mina seemed to have a love for conversation and flattery. Not in the sense of simply enjoying a social interaction but treating it as an art. These types were no strangers to the man, and he knew just how useful and dangerous their tongues could be. A weapon of wit, deception, and I'm some cases seduction.

The closing of space between them, the subtle touch, the change in her tone… She drew him in as she bobbed her lure. One made perfect for someone like himself.

“What lies beyond?” Alexander took her hand which had gotten so comfortable with him. The warmth of her touch in his hand teased what he could truly have if he persisted. How much of you would you give me? He wondered lustfully as his thumb ever so slowly stroked her hand.

“Well as much of a pleasure it is to burst cherries…” His voice was just as hushed as hers. “My wife and I just recently moved to Sorian. So business brings me, yes… but that doesn't mean I cannot also enjoy the pleasures that cross my path.” He raised her hand, planting a soft kiss on it.

“You see, I'm looking to make all sorts of acquaintances here. Some rich, some influential, some… breathtaking.” His eyes remained on her, not averting his gaze to even the commotion between the king and his princes. “What brings you, Mina? It would be quite rude if I didn't ask.”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Late Morning
Location: Castle Gardens
Attire: Alexander and Lianna
Interaction: @Tae Mina
Mention:

---

“Future Countess…” Alexander let words trail off his lips. He knew she was special but this was… interesting. Kolonivka was an area in the Varian Kingdom he knew little about, so it was no surprise he hadn't her. This lapse in information made him wonder if the gentleman accompanying her was the current count of Kolonivka. “No need to apologize…” He moved his foot from where he stepped on the rogue cherry. “Blame the pesky cherry.” He chuckled smoothly, though her comment on him seeming familiar to her caught him off guard. He didn't let it show, but mentally he knew had to take advantage of this situation.

“To be honest, I think I would remember a woman like you. Your appearance alone is something to commit to memory… blissfully.” He remarked, his smile gleaming. Alexander found his mental place of comfort, and that's where he would remain if Mina let him. “Perhaps it isn't familiarity that you're feeling. It could simply be fate giving you something you desire.” He jested with a shrug.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Late Morning
Location: Sorian Beach
Interaction: @Tpartywithzombi Ariella, @princess Charlotte, @Lava Alckon Farim, @conscripts John, @ReusableSword Roman, @Potter Olivia, @Apex Sunburn Sjan-dehk

Lorenzo ensured that he walked carefully with Ariella. He was confident he could hold everything in but he wanted to play things safe until he ingested the herbal water his new unlikely companion suggested. He'd make a side-eyes glance at her every few steps as he was still in disbelief at how kind the young woman was compared to her mother. Perhaps she is like Farim and Crystal. Good kids bred by the worst parents. What was the harm in letting his guard down?

She initiated the small talk, breaking him away from his idle thoughts. It was an innocent question, which only confirmed his new bias toward Ariella.

“Well, yes and no,” he answered unsurely, recognizing that the answer was quite confusing without context. “You see, in Veirmont, going to the beach is at least a weekly activity for me. It only comes second to gardening since I can do the latter without so many people around. Though with the beach, even if there are plenty of people, they all seem happy and at peace.”

With a quick hand gesture, Lorenzo pulled Ariella's attention toward those around his blanket. “See. Everyone is happy,” he commented as he made sure to move around those huddled and went straight for the ice box where the water and a reserve of sandwiches were kept. He grabbed a small water-filled canteen, opened it, and then clumsily filled it with the contents of the herb-filled satchel. Lorenzo managed to get most of it inside but there was a considerable amount that flew off with the wind. “Oops! Sorry if that hit anyone.” He smiled nervously before capping the canteen and shaking it up with both hands.

Looking at Ariella, he waited for her to grab any snacks or beverages available before she was ready to return to the water's edge.

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, 1036 Amas total, Flowers from Phia, Dante’s cellphone, and Dante’s knife

---

Dante stopped for a moment as Menzai had spoken up to cease the quarreling. He looked down at his brother who was supporting his body from collapsing due to his dazed condition. “You will not tell me what to do, bro. I am older and you know what that means. I am wiser. I’m fin..” His words trailed off, slurred by the impact of his condition, and he leaned heavily on his brother before finally sinking to his knees.

“Jeez, come on.” Darius complained. He looked down at Dante who was in such a sorry state, and decided to shift his attention from the conversation between the others. He sighed before crouching down and helping Dante up by getting his shoulder under his arm while supporting Dante's back. “Let's get up, my wise old brother,” Darius joked, yet his expression remained unamused.

Once up, Darius watched as the confrontation died down. It made Darius realize just how much weight Menzai's words carried in Gaurav Village.

“So we avoided a second fight. Good.” Darius was glad he could at least find relief in this, however, he very much avoided looking directly at Menzai. He just couldn't bring himself to do it. Instead, he looked at the three fairies. “I'm taking Dante back to the village. Name's Darius by the way. I guess you're welcome to come see the village… if you want.” He managed a smile just before his eyes centered on Phia. He couldn't mask his concern for her after what happened to Menzai. Even she almost wound up in an even predicament. Darius just hoped she didn't blame herself for what happened.

“You coming with or…?” He wasn't sure if Phia wanted to stay back with Menzai or head back to the village. Either way, he'd respect her desires.

Young Justice

Location: City Harbor
Interactions: @Zoey Boey Pei

---

Viktor raised his brows behind his visor when Pei told him to catch her. Though he was ready for such an assist, he didn't quite expect her to actually go through with it. To Viktor's liking, the execution of their actions was seamless, quickly transitioning to making their way to the person needing their aid.

Viktor led the way, keying into the groans and labored breathing in the midst of shouting and gunfire. It helped that the closer they moved toward the injured, the fainter the sounds of battle became.

Once upon the wounded man, the two would notice that the man had been living in the abandoned empty shipping container he was now sitting up in while clenching his leg. Even with his enhancement, Viktor was a beat slower in engaging him. Pei sprung into action and began treating the leg wounds with efficiency. “Impressive.” The words more so slipped from Viktor's mouth before he took a defensive position. Reaching over his right shoulder, he retrieved his holstered newly equipped gun-metal-gray folded rifle. Unfolding the weapon, Viktor hugged the nearest corner of the container with the barrel aimed down the uneven corridor of containers leading to the shootout. The weapon was a creation he was proud of and wouldn't have been as effectively possible without Cora's knack for ingenuity.

He seemed completely focused on his vector of fire but in truth, he diverted some of his attention on Pei's performance of giving medical aid. It was a skill he had mostly discarded due to his healing factor and overlooking the need to treat others. He had to keep adapting, and it was a moment like this when he identified an area he needed to improve upon.

No longer was Rain simply behind a swift blade in the shadows or a lethal far-reaching bullet. With this team, he was able to be so much more. Viktor would continue to grow until he could look into the mirror and finally see himself as a hero.

...♫He's gotta be strong, and he's gotta be fast, and he's gotta be fresh from the fight~♫…

Viktor narrowed his eyes slightly in irritation.

She got it stuck in my head.