Lord Wraith

Ultimate One Universe: Emergence

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_{Location: Undisclosed - Classified Information}

Shoot to Thrill #1.09: Compensating

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_{Interaction(s): None}

Previously: Hot Rod Red

Anatoli Knyazev was having a very, very good day.

Not only had he successfully killed the thief known as Tony Stark, but he had captured not one, but two of the prototype suits he was instructed to procure. The only thing left to do was open the can and pry the sardines from inside.

“<Good shot>,” His comrade complimented him as Anatoli turned to look at the larger blonde man. Arkady Gregorivich, a failed member of the Red Guardian program, turned Winter Solider much like the legendary KGBeast himself. The mutant cracked his neck before extending his Carbonadium tentacles towards one of the downed suits and lifting it so that the visor came to his eye level.

“<What do we do with pilots?>” A cruel smile accented the rhetorical question before Omega Red began to slowly reposition the suit’s limbs into one that would break those of the human inside.

“D…nv…s” Cara took a deep breath as her suit slowly came back to life, her comms crackling with Rhodes’ voice. The HUD suddenly flashed a message of recalibration before the whirl of servos and actuators sounded like a triumphant orchestra in her ears. Fighting back against the metallic tentacles, Captain Danvers, tucked her knees to her chest before igniting her thrusters and breaking free of Omega Red.

“Danvers, Jordan, do you copy?”

“Little busy right now, Colonel,” Danvers replied moving to Jordan’s side, “Brainy, I need countermeasures, what do you have for me.”

“Might I suggest these?” Brainy replied, flashing an image of the suit’s schematic onto the HUD and highlighting the shoulder missiles. “Stark Hummingbird missiles, armour piercing, full spread.”

“Make it so,” Danvers ordered as the two assailants were forced to beat a small retreat as Brainy pelted them with the missiles.

“<Return fire, we can not lose target.>” Omega Red growled as the KGBeast steadied his cybernetic arm, targeting the pair of War Machine suits before loosing another shot. Danvers didn’t have time to react, still unfamiliar with the suit, she braced for impact before the projectile was deflected from its intended target by a repulsor blast.

Standing up, Jordan let out a whoop as his suit had power returned.

“Alright Spectre,” Highball smiled, “Who’s ready to send these Cold War relics back into the icy wasteland they came from?” Opening his comm channel, Jordan turned towards Danvers, “Do you want the big guy or the ‘borg?”

Instinctively cracking her knuckles in the suit, Cara smiled behind her helmet while answering Highball.

“Dibs on the big guy,”

“Alright Maiden of Might, he’s all yours,” Jordan smirked before rocketing forward and tackling KGBeast. Omega Red let out a roar before sending forth a tentacle. Wrapping it around one of her gauntlets, Cara smiled before speaking to her integrated A.I.

“Hey, Brainy, can I get a material analysis?” She asked.

“Affirmative, the tentacle appears to be made of Carbonadium, an Adamantium alloy.”

“That’s conductive right?” Danvers asked with a smile.

“Affirmative.”

“Light him up then,” Cara ordered as Brainy rerouted power from the suit’s reactor and opened a circuit on the gauntlet. The large mutant suddenly went rigid as the electrical shock shot through his body, paralyzing him before he slumped to his knees, the metal tentacle going limp.

“One down,”

“<Filthy American, get your metal hands off me,>” KGBeast muttered as Jordan maneuvered the suit into the air, taking his assailant off the ground. Managing to free his cybernetic arm, KGBeast rammed the nozzle of his weapon into the cuirass of the armour and opened fire, lighting up Jordan’s HUD like a Christmas tree.

“Fine, if you don’t enjoy the trip,” Jordan muttered before suddenly releasing the Winter Soldier, “Then I’ll see you next fall!”

“<Then we die together,>”

The Agent of the Red Room suddenly fired again, striking the suit in the chest and penetrating the armour.

“Catastrophic damage detected. The rector has been decoupled, rerouting power from the emergency cells to sustain flight.” Spectre relayed as Major deployed his brake flaps.

“Flamebird, I need an assist.” Major relayed before looking towards the ground as Danvers moved to intercept him.

“Wait, Danvers, watch out!” Jordan tried to warn her before Omega Red lept to his feet around, the Carbonadium tentacles wrapping around the neck of the suit and its torso.

“<No one said the suit had to be undamaged.>”

“Brainy-” Cara choked out, “I’m open to options.”

“Engaging thrusters, overclocked, 241%.”

The suit struggled to move against the grip of the tentacles, but Omega Red let out a screech of agony as the thrusters burned his skin, his healing factor unable to keep up. Fighting the pain, he tightened his grip before he was eventually forced to break. Cara rocketed forward, careening wildly as the overclocked thrusters launched her through the air toward Jordan.

“Brainy, I need inertia dampeners online,”

“Compensating.”

“Hang on, Jordan,” Danvers yelled before the two suits collided midair. Wrapping her arms around his, Danvers steered the pair back towards the base.

“We need to regroup, if those guys aren’t beating a retreat by now, we can’t continue to take them on our own.”

“No arguments here, girl of steel.” Highball retorted.

“Danvers, Jordan, do you copy?”

“We copy, Colonel, what’s your status?”

“I’m in the tower, looking for survivors. The whole place is coming down.” Rhodes’ voice was frantic.

“We could use some suppressive fire,” Danvers replied, “Might have a tail,”

“Kari, get them off us,” Jordan added as a streak of purple appeared above them.

“We’re clear, but so much for an undisclosed location.”

Ultimate One Universe: Emergence

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_{Location: Undisclosed - Classified Information}

Shoot to Thrill #1.08: Engage

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_{Interaction(s): None}

Previously: Hot Rod Red

“J.A.R.V.I.S,” Stark’s voice echoed over the tarmac as the four test pilots were fitted into the suits. Helmets closed, momentarily leaving each pilot in the dark before the interior was illuminated with a cutting-edge heads-up display.

“Begin A.I. integration, sync to each pilot and ramp up the interface, I don’t want a pilot so much as blinking without the A.I. compensating.” He snapped as the H.U.D.s in each suit changed from a pale blue to a glowing green while the upload occurred.

“I’m integrating a Virtual Integrated Rapidly Evolving Grid-based Intelligent Lifeform, or V.I.R.G.I.L., but you’ll each have your own instance so you can give them nicknames. V.I.R.G.I.L. is the brains of the suit, translating your movements and intents to the suit.” Stark explained, “If you thought the suit handled well under just your skills, Highball, wait until you fly with power steering.”

“The brains of the suit, huh?” Captain Danvers replied, looking around the helmet before speaking again. “Do you mind if I just call you ‘Brainy’ ‘then?”

“Not at all, Ma’am,” Came the disembodied response.

“‘Nuff of that ‘Ma’am’ nonsense, Flamebird or Cara will do.”

“Understood,” Brainy replied.

“Each instance of V.I.R.G.I.L. will grow and adapt to you, so y’know treat the kids right and they’ll grow up to respect you,” Stark added over the shared channel, “That goes double for you, Major.”

“Hey, don’t pick on me!” Jordan laughed, “I’m a sensitive soul.”

“Based on the data from Mr. Stark, I find that unlikely, if anything you’re a boisterous blo-”

“Geez Louise, cheese on crackers, you scared the living daylights out of me, Cowgirl.” Highball practically smashed his head on the inside of the helmet as the A.I. spoke. “Freakin’ ghost in the shell up in here.”

“Apologies Mr. Jordan,”

“Nah, don’t like that, Major or Highball will you, Spectre.” Major replied, “Actually, yeah I like that, you’ll be Spectre.”

“Copy that, Major.”

“Look at that, the kids are all getting along,” Stark replied, “Go on Shellshock, give yours a name.”

“I’m okay with Virgil,” Rhodey replied.
“Alright, what do you got Star Sapphire?”

“I’m going to kill Jordan,” Karoline replied, “It’s Spitfire,”

“That’s what I said,” Stark replied, Karoline could practically see him smirking from the tower.

“Alright, Virgil, how do you want to be addressed?” She asked the A.I. as a faint glow illuminated the helmet.

“I was doing some research just now and I’m rather fond of the name ‘Krystal’.”

“Works for me.” Karoline smiled, “Welcome aboard, Krystal.”

“A.I. integration complete, removing locks and there-” Stark exclaimed, “The suits should be-”

He didn’t even have the words out of his mouth before Highball had left the ground, rocketing into the air. A scowl appeared over Tony’s face before slowly giving way to a smile as he watched his invention soar through the air, seemingly effortlessly as the pilot and A.I. readings began to light up on the screen green. The integration had been a success, Jordan and Spectre were perfectly in sync.

“This is unreal,” Came Jordan’s voice over the comms, “Kari, you’ve got to get up here.”

“Don’t jizz your pants just yet, Jordan,” Stark snarked, “Unlocking defensive and offensive systems.” He relayed over the open channel. “Deploying targets, try not to get hit.”

Behind Jordan, the other three pilots shot into the air, following the course that lay before them. Drone emerged onto the course and began targeting the four personal aviation suits before opening fire as the War Machines were forced to engage in evasive actions.

“I have to admit, Tony,” Rhodes’ voice came over the comms, “It truly does handle like a dream.”

“You’re missing out not being out here, Stark,” Danvers’ voice echoed followed by Spitefire.

“I’ll give you props, Mr. Stark, you made a good pro-”

Her words were cut short as an explosion rocked the tower overlooking the testing grounds. The building began to crumble as smoke and flame engulfed the room where Tony had stood seconds earlier.

“Stark!”

“Tony!” Rhodes roared before turning around and flying towards the tower. Another missile flew through the air, striking the blue and white suit.

“Shellshock!” Danvers roared as she and Highball turned towards the source of the missiles, evading another attack.

“Do… not…” Rhodes’ voice crackled in the comms too late as both Jordan and Danvers were hit with an electromagnetic pulse. Their H.U.D.s suddenly went black before the pair of suits plummeted towards the ground, landing in front of a pair of feet.

“Engage. Do not engage.”

“Too late, comrade.”

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

“I know things can be confusing, but you can’t ever assume a girl feels the same as you do. And you’re never entitled to her feeling such.” Aiden explained, “There’s this myth about being ‘friend-zoned’ that’s built entirely on the idea of being owed a relationship. You’re never owed anything and so you need to learn to either take the initiative to move to the next step or be content in being friends.” He put a reassuring hand on Lorcán’s shoulder.

“You’re getting to an age now where you’re going to start having new feelings about people, and those feelings come with some powerful urges, urges you need to keep in check because they’re tied to your powers.”

“So, if I like a girl,” Lorcán asked, “The best thing I can do is be friends with her?”

“The best thing you can do to anyone in life is be their friend.” Aiden replied, “And when it’s time for you to be something else, you’ll know, life has a funny way of telling you.”

“How’d you know with Mom?”

“I learned to be honest,” Aiden replied,

“And by that, he learned that he honestly wanted to kiss me,” Came Tori’s voice as she interjected, “He just got lucky that I kissed him back.”

“This is all still very confusing,”

“How about next time you like a girl,” Tori started, taking a seat on the other side of Lorcán, “You get to know her first like your dad said, be a friend and most importantly, be intentional about it. Girls like that.”

“But I thought Ryan was my friend,” Lorcán replied.

“She may very well be, but you’re thirteen and she’s seventeen. Plus, did you ever ask Ryan if she had a boyfriend or was interested in dating at all? These are things a friend would have known.”

“Huh, I guess I didn’t,”

“Your time will come, Lion Lungs, you don’t always have to rush into everything. Learn to ride the waves and wait until the right swell comes along.” Aiden interjected, reassuring the boy before speaking again.

“Now then, I think you owe Ryan an apology.”

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_{Location: The Office of Dr. Miranda Rivers - Pacific Royal Collegiate & University, Dundas Island, Pacific Ocean}

Dance Monkey #4.028: Far Too Young to Die

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_{Interaction(s): None}

Previously: But It's Better If You Do

“We’ll have to find him, but I think you’re the answer,” Miranda started to explain as Aurora’s memory followed behind her. The pair moved through a corridor of memories, before bursting into an open space of discombobulated thoughts and feelings circling around an orb encased in red tendrils and silver crackles. Suddenly from above, the Apparition pounced, intent on absorbing the orb only to be deflected by its powers. Genuine power, not a shadowy imitation, a figment of someone much stronger, left behind for Lorcán.

“It belongs to me!” The Apparition shrieked before lunging for Miranda and Aurora. Taking hold of Miranda, Aurora teleported the pair across the void at the last minute, dodging the attack by the Apparition. Its twisted imitation of Amma shrieked again, giving chase as the pair ran.

Ducking into another memory, waves of hope and love washed over the pair deflecting the Apparition from its mission before Aurora took Miranda by the hand and teleported her projected form back to the figment.

“I don’t like it, but we need this.” Aurora yelled, placing her hands on it. The raw energy resisted her touch, fighting against her as Miranda too joined her hands while voicing her agreement.

“If that thing wants it, yeah I think we need it.” She stated, “Where is he?”

“Where he always is.” Aurora smiled, teleporting the pair again before they landed on a sandy beach. A lone figure sat on the water atop a surfboard, staring up at the stars. Taking a step forward, Miranda found the water supported her and Aurora as they carried the figment towards him. It resisted them every step of the way like someone or something was calling it back.

The closer they got to Lorcán the darker it got, until suddenly they were plugged into the blackness as Lorcán sat before them, no older than seven, knees gripped to his chest as he rocked back and forth.

“She’s coming for me,”

“Not if you fight back, this is your mind,” Miranda explained kneeling beside Lorcán, “You can’t give up, you have to fight. Roths are fighters.”

“Please, do it for me,” Aurora urged, “Do it for the redhead,” She added playfully.

A shriek alerted the trio that they had been discovered as Lorcán’s eyes went wide.

“She’s coming for me!”

“Then take this,” Miranda motioned towards the figment that crackled with the same energy the Apparition sought to imitate.

“That’s from her, I can’t, people will get hurt. She hurts people, I hurt people.”

“You need to,” Miranda urged, followed by Aurora.

“No one will get hurt,” She smiled,

“Please Lorcán, you have to take it.”

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The path towards campus was long and Lorcán did not doubt that Ryan probably had a fairly sizable head start. His Dad had no doubt been disappointed in the events of the afternoon but had remained surprisingly calm. Not that Aiden Roth was a man quick to anger, but his abilities, much like Lorcán’s own, didn’t allow either of the Roth men that luxury. A flash of the setting sun reflecting off a head of scarlet hair gave him hope he had caught up as Lorcán pushed himself over the next hill coming face to face with Ryan along with Lance and a stranger.

“What?” Lorcán started but the words were barely out of his mouth before Lance struck him. The blow caused Lorcán to tumble backwards, his wound from early striking against a large stone protruding from the path. The impact rendered him immediately unconscious.

“Lance!”[color=#ead1dc] [/color]Ryan screamed before the young man suddenly retaliated and slapped her across the face.

“Shut up, don’t tell me you actually care for that punk-” Lance’s own words were interrupted by a blow to the jaw as Sullivan staggered the younger man backwards.

“Don’t you dare touch my daughter,”

“Oh,” Lance smiled with reddened teeth as a trail of blood dripped from his bottom lip. “I’ve done so much more than touch her.”

“Shut your mouth, or I’ll shut it for you,” Sullivan replied, moving towards Lorcán, “I didn’t sign up to be hurting kids.” He muttered, turning his back to Lance who suddenly jumped forward and wrapped an arm around Ryan’s throat, quickly squeezing.

“That kid is our meal ticket, and trust me, he’s better like that.”

“Dad-” Ryan choked out, “I can’t breathe…”

“Aw, she calls me ‘Daddy’ too.”

“You take your hands on my little girl, now!” Sullivan bellowed.

“Oh no,” Lance chided maliciously, “The minute I let the girl go, you have everything you want, no, grab the boy and let’s go old man.”

“I’m warning you, boy, you’re messing with the wrong man.”

“Give me a break old timer, you’re nothing but a washed-up con,” Lance sneered, tightening his grip on Ryan.

“Daddy!”

“Ahhhh!” Sullivan roared as he extended his hands and Lance’s clothes burst into flame. The young man screamed as he flailed to no avail, Ryan falling from his grasp before she was caught by her father. She rubbed a hand to her neck, tears filling her eyes as she looked from Lance back to her Dad.

“You need to run,” She sobbed, “You need to get out of here now, you were never here”

“But princess,”

“I’ll be fine, but they’ll arrest you, go!” Ryan pleaded. Sullivan looked at the unconscious boy, to Lance, and back to his daughter again before standing and running for the tree line. Ryan was right, if he stayed he’d end up in H.E.L.P.’s custody, or worse. He couldn’t be found on the island, and he couldn’t go back to prison.

Standing while rubbing her neck, Ryan removed her jacket and ran to Lance, smothering the lingering flames before the sight and smell of the boy caused her to gag and throw up.

“Help!” She screamed, “I need help over here!”

“Help!”

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Miranda and Aurora extended the crackling figment to the boy. Timidly taking hold, Lorcán suddenly grew before their eyes from the meek boy into the man he was today. Long locks of caramel and gold spilling over his shoulders as deep pools of ocean blue became molten and flame. A scar parting his right eyebrow and extending down his face like a lightning strike. Bulging biceps and a toned abdomen stretched his t-shirt to its limits as he took hold of the swirling essence.

His feet spread, steadying his balance as Lorcán stood, his hands holding the powerful figment between them while crackles of red and silver pulsed around his arms. The raw power, the essence of someone else but given freely to him to have and to hold. He could feel her turmoil, he could feel her trauma but most importantly, in that moment he felt her affection.

Amma Cahors cared for Lorcán Roth.

He held it to his chest, tendrils of red and silver bursting forth and covering Lorcán as they moved to shape jagged plates along his spine and wings that erupted from either shoulder blade. Horns curled around his head before smoke billowed from both nostrils as Lorcán threw his head back and breathed fire into the darkness surrounding him.

Lorcán Roth cared for Amma Cahors.

The dragon raged and thrashed. Miranda moved Aurora to a safe distance before the mighty beast crashed against the Apparition. The shade wearing Amma’s face clawed at the dragon while Lorcán roared and bore forth flame from his snarling maw. At first, it seemed like the molten-eyed boy was winning but then, for the briefest of moments his hair turned jet black while his eyes glowed a pale, icy blue. The raw power rippled through him, threatening to blind him as he began to feel lost to the abyss.

The Apparition laughed, pushing its advantage while Lorcán thrashed about wildly, its tail nearly striking Aurora and Miranda. The latter nodded to the young woman and Aurora knew what she had to do. Moving into action, Aurora teleported across the room, blinking in and out of view. She struck the Apparition, creating a gap only to watch as Lorcán was engulfed by the darkness he sought to destroy.

But then the light illuminated the darkness and Lorcán felt her hand pulling him back from the edge. Draped in white, and crimson hair flowing around her marble-like skin, Aurora was illuminated in his mind’s eye, radiant and glowing as she pulled him upwards. She smiled before she began to pour more and more of herself into Lorcán, the feeling of the two of them becoming one.

“It was always supposed to be you and me.”

A silhouette in a tent, a tumble on the beach, a hand gripping his own while he laid in bed.

“I love you. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, I’m sorry it took me until now to realize it.”

Aurora Mitchell loved Lorcán Roth

The scales fell away from his body, the red tendrils about him glowing violet at first before pulsing blue and then a vibrant orange as the daunting silver turned to a brilliant gold. His raven hair and icy eyes suddenly reverted as his mane turned gold again and eyes like molten.

Lorcán Roth loved Aurora Mitchell.

A roar came from his mouth before he looked to Aurora, his heart pounding in his chest. Lorcán threw back his arms again, the Apparition laughing defiantly before flame erupted in the form of the king of the pride lands from with the young man. The lion bursting forth before flames devoured the Apparition, mauling it with both fire and fury.

Jolting with start, Lorcán found himself back in Dr. Rivers’ office as he looked around wide-eyed while his heart raced inside his chest.

“Quite the mind you have,” Miranda commented, holding a hand to her own head. “Thankfully, I think you’ll be free now.”

“Rad,” Lorcán responded with a smile and a small shaka, “Already feelin’ way more myself,”

“I’m glad, Lorcán, I really am,” Miranda replied, “But I think you should come back again next week. There’s probably some more you could talk through.”

“Uh sure, yeah I can do that,” Lorcán answered before standing, “But I need to go and change, my shorts are waterlogged and I need some fresh air before something goes bogus.”

“I understand,” Miranda nodded with a forced smile, “Enjoy yourself tonight and I’ll see you next week.”

She watched the young boy go before allowing her brow to furrow in frustration. She was glad the presence had been purged by Lorcán’s own strength from his mind, but something still was bothering Miranda.

Who put the mental blocks in the boy’s mind, and why?

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“Lorcán, this is Summer Carlyle, she’s here to help with your memory of the event.”

Jonas sat down beside the young boy while gesturing for Summer to take a seat opposite his grandson.

“I didn’t ask your parents here today, because I think this is something better taken care of without their knowledge.” Jonas added, “When we’re done here today, I think you’re going to feel a whole lot better.” He paused, removing his glasses before massaging the bridge of his nose.

“I know your father doesn’t believe it was possible, but I can’t deny the testimonies of both Mr. Patterson and Miss Clarke. However, I’ve already taken care of Mr. Patterson and his family, they won’t remember a thing.”

“What do you mean?” Lorcán asked, uncertain eyes looking at Jonas.

“Summer specializes in the management of memories, what happened to Lance, while unfortunate, can’t be your defining memory. Miss Clarke had no interest in your getting in trouble and even tried to blame her own abilities. As for your folks, I’ll have to visit them next but otherwise, I think this incident will be contained. I built this island to bring about a better future for our people and I don’t want you going through life carrying this guilt and letting it hold you back.” Jonas explained.

“Jonas, I don’t understand.”

“Shh, shh relax,” Jonas gently soothed, “Everything is going to be just fine.” He motioned for Summer to take a seat beside him before speaking again.

“Now I need to know everything about what happened with Lance Patterson.”

Post Deletion Request

Hello,

Could I please have the following three posts deleted?

1
2
3

Thank you in advance.

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

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_{Location: Pacific Royal Campus - Dundas Islands, Pacific Ocean}

Dance Monkey #4.026: Dancing On My Own

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_{Interaction(s): None}

Previously: A Change Is Gonna Come

The helicopter kicked up quite the stir of wind as Jim kept a firm hand on his hat. From within, Teresa Torres emerged, stepping down onto the platform and walking away before the chopper lifted off again and disappeared over the horizon.

“How was y’alls trip out to San Fransciso?” Jim asked, walking beside the Foundation representative as the pair made their way towards campus proper.

“Exhausting and ultimately unproductive.” Torres replied, “I was hoping you could escort me to the H.E.L.P. base at a later time, I’d like to requisition some of their agents to aid the Foundation. Even we can admit when we’ve hit a dead end and some fresh eyes on Triton’s murder may go a long way.”

“I mean, it’s in the name, I’m sure they’d be willing to lend a hand if it goes towards a better coexistence.” Jim replied, “You’re back just in time to see the A.R.C. set up for the senior’s formal dance tonight.”

“Ah, so you managed to pull one together after all, I’m glad,” Torres responded, “Some of my fondest memories were at similar events while attending school, I’m glad you’re willing to provide an opportunity for the students to have the same.” She continued, “Though I understand there has been some security issues on campus as of late.”

“Yes, we had a visit from one of yours, which led to several abductions, thankfully the last of which we were able to end without bloodshed. Beyond that, we found an exploit in our student identification system that may have allowed several persons to travel to the island without proper permissions.” Jim explained, “We’ve begun reparations, the exploit has been isolated, now we’re just working to ensure our systems can’t be so easily fooled again.”

“As for your other issue, I’d like to offer the Foundation’s Foot soldiers to better defend the campus grounds. I can have them installed before this evening. They’re very discreet, you won’t even notice them, and they won’t put a damper on the mood.”

“I’d appreciate that after everything that’s happened in the last couple of weeks, it’d be nice for the kids to go through an evening and the worst thing that happens is a bad hangover the next day.”

“Agreed, now then, let’s see this A.R.C.,” Torres insisted, “I would like to congratulate the students who went through such an effort to put this together.”

*Baxter and Galahad are here, unfortunately Miss de Léon won't be able to see her work. She was recently called home on account of an attempt on her father's life. Her brother was caught in the crossfire and is currently clinging to his life.” Jim replied, explaining Calliope’s absence.

“Reminds me of why it's so important that we do succeed with these students, we’re trying to make the world a better place.” Torres replied as Jim enthusiastically nodded.

“I couldn’t agree more.”

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

“Mr. Patterson,”

Lance's eyes strained to open, the steady beep of the infirmary equipment was like a defeating drum on his skull. He felt cold everywhere and simultaneously numb.

“I’ve asked your family to wait outside in the hallway. The nurse is administering something that will make you more lucid.” Jonas stated, taking a seat on the edge of the bed before motioning towards another woman beside him. Outside the soundproof window, Lance’s mother and father look inside, along with his younger brother. Jonas locked eyes with the boy, roughly the same age as Lorcán and much like the young Roth, Chadwick was slated to be starting at Pacific Royal the following fall.

“I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me?”

Lance only groaned as his eyes rolled between the bandages from Jonas to Summer. Jonas nodded before reaching into his jacket and producing a couple images of different young men.

“Is one of these the boy who attacked you?”

Lance grunted, tears streaming out of his eyes and staining the bandages as he tried to nod. A finger slowly lifted before tapping directly on the image of Lorcán Roth. Jonas nodded solemnly, putting the images away before gesturing towards the blonde woman at his side.

“I need you to tell Miss Carlyle everything you remember about the night you were attacked.”

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_{Location: The Office of Dr. Miranda Rivers - Pacific Royal Collegiate & University, Dundas Island, Pacific Ocean}

Dance Monkey #4.025: But It's Better If You Do

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_{Interaction(s): None}

Previously: Viva Las Vengeance

“Aiden, this isn’t the first time this has happened,” Jonas pinched the bridge of his nose, massaging it before replacing his glasses. “There was the boy two years ago, even with some of our healers, he still bears the scars of the incident with Lorcán. And now the young Mr. Patterson will be lucky to survive.”

“This wasn’t Lorcán,” Aiden argued, “The first incident was the manifestation of his Hyperhuman abilities, we’ve had him doing practical ability training since the age of eleven, no other Hyperhuman has had the privilege of having their abilities that closely trained from such a young age. Lorcán hasn’t lost control again.”

“He’s a boy of intense emotions, how can you be so sure his infatuation with Ryan didn’t emotionally compromise him?”

Aiden’s head hung slightly at Jonas’ challenge, a reluctant sigh escaped his chest, hanging in the open air before he replied.

“I don’t,” He admitted, “I didn’t expect Lorcán to grow so attached to Ryan, not in that way. I figured the age gap would be enough of a deterrent.”

Jonas suddenly laughed, a long hearty laugh that started in his belly before bellowing out into the air.

“Do you not have eyes, my son?” Jonas asked, wiping mirthful tears from the corner of his own eyes while Aiden looked at him with confusion. “Miss Clarke is a young, attractive woman while your son is a boy going through puberty. She has been nothing but kind to him, friendly and goes out of her way to ensure he feels like he belongs. Of course our boy wasn’t deterred by the age gap.”

Jonas smiled sadly, patting Aiden on the shoulder.

“And the boy does love a redhead.”

^{_{__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}}

Lorcán’s mind was like a maze as Miranda chased after the Apparition. Walls were erected around so many memories, that it was almost terrifying to think of the consequences breaking them down would have. Whoever had placed these here had engineered a nostalgia fueled childhood within the boy, one free of most hardships, only ignoring defining moments from his youth.

The Apparition continued to feed, breaking down the artificial barriers and unlocking more memories while simultaneously changing some of those Miranda had already ventured through. She watched as memory after memory played out before her, only to disappear and reveal a meek boy who would then scurry away to hide again as the Apparition continued to devour.

If Miranda couldn’t get Lorcán’s psyche to stand up and fight back, she was on the receiving end of a losing battle. There was no way of knowing what could happen if she lost, could the Apparition truly take Lorcán’s mind and body for its own? And where did the creature come from?

The fate of Lance Patterson weighed heavily on Lorcán and now the illusion was shattering. What had originally been simply guilt derived from his affections for two young women, was multiplying rapidly to the boy taking the rap for a murder Miranda couldn’t be sure he had committed.

Without answers, there was no way to make the boy fight back. There was no one who could make the boy fight back. It had become so dark inside Lorcán’s mind, it was no wonder the boy’s psyche had been lost and forced to hide in the shadows. In his despair, he had lost sight of his guiding light.

Miranda was falling through the memories again, they were a jumbled mess of non-linear events, each taken out of context to scramble his perception. But if the Apparition fed on guilt and angst, then hope and love would be its undoing.

Planting herself on firm ground, Miranda thrust a hand into a memory, forcing herself through the barrier before tapping the smaller figure on the shoulder.

“Come with me,” Miranda smiled, watching the flash of recognition from the figure’s blue eyes before they turned to Miranda.

“Lorcán needs you.” The older woman stated, extending a hand. It was immediately accepted before the pair were plunged back into the dark labyrinth of Lorcán’s fractured mind.

“Where is he?”

^{_{__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}}

“Hey!” Ryan froze as she walked the path back towards the campus. She immediately recognized that voice as he stepped out from behind the tree.

“Dad, I don’t have your money,” Ryan replied, a scruffy, graying man stepped out of the shadowy treeline and onto the path. “It’s just not like that here,”

“There has to be something of worth here, I know you’re holding out on me.”

Ryan let out an exasperated sigh.

“No, Dad, no I’m not.” Ryan responded, “Look, these are genuinely good people, they aren’t after money or wealth, just a place where we can be,” She pleaded, “There are people here who can help you, just please stop asking me to steal from them. I’m not going to do it.”

“What about your tutor gig, aren’t they paying you?”

“No, Dad, they’re not.”

“She’s lying.” Another voice interjected and Ryan turned to see Lance smugly approaching. “In fact, Mr. Clarke, ” He smiled, “I know she’s getting paid and she’s working for the richest family on the island. And I happen to know where they live and exactly how to get anything you want out of them.”

“And just who is this charming young man?” Ryan’s father asked while putting an arm around his daughter and squeezing her tightly.

“I’m her boy-”

“He’s not,” Ryan interrupted, “He was just leaving.”

“No, babe,” Lance smiled, extending a hand to the older man, “I don’t think I am.”

“Sullivan,” Ryan’s father smiled.

“Lance Patterson.”

Wraith's Little Workshop of Horrors

^{_{__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}}

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

Lorcán sat outside the infirmary, his hands between his knees while his head hung low. Lance had been rushed inside, his injuries deemed life-threatening. On either side of Lorcán sat his parents, his father, Aiden was completely stoic, his expression grim while his mother gave Lorcán a reassuring squeeze before reapplying the ice pack to the back of his head.

The Pattersons had been notified the minute Lance’s injuries had been discovered. Third-degree burns covered his body, inflicting mass trauma that left him incohesive and desperately clinging to life. He was found nearly naked, any residual clothing burned and tattered, melded with the melted skin that barely covered the sinew and tissue beneath.

“I came as fast as I could,” The grandfatherly voice of Dr. Jonas Lehrer broke the tense silence as Lorcán lifted his reddened eyes towards the bald man.

“It’s not good, Jonas,” Aiden replied, “It’s worse than last time,”

“And our boy has no recollection of what happened?”

“No,” Lorcán managed to croak out before his mother leaned over to put a hand on his back reassuringly.

“He took a nasty blow to the head, Lorcán stated he blacked out and woke up to find Lance in the condition he was in. The doctors have already looked at le petit prince and found that he has a minor concussion.”

“Talk me through the events that led to this moment,” Jonas replied as Aiden stood and put an arm on his mentor’s back, leading the older man away from his wife and child.

“Why don’t we take a walk?”

^{________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

_{Location: The Office of Dr. Miranda Rivers - Pacific Royal Collegiate & University, Dundas Island, Pacific Ocean}

Dance Monkey #4.022: Viva Las Vengeance

^{_{____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}}

_{Interaction(s): None}

Previously: House of Memories

Miranda’s mental projection sized up the Apparition. Whatever it was, it had grown powerful, feeding on Lorcán’s guilt and self-pity, indulging those emotions to the boy and then siphoning those feelings back into itself and taking further root within the younger Roth’s mind.

But any guilt that Lorcán felt for how he looked at Amma was trite compared to that which leached out from behind the mental barriers. The Apparition leaned on the projected walls of Lorcán’s mind, the emulated tendrils of red and silver coming from its hands injecting themselves into every crack and fracture before shattering the artificial blockage and freeing the guilt inside.

Miranda watched it grow, feeding as Lorcán further retreated into his own mind. Everytime it became stronger, Miranda could feel herself having to fight harder to stay within the boy’s mind, let alone preventing Lorcán from losing himself to whatever entity had claimed him as its own.

“What are you?” She asked. It looked like Amma, but it wasn’t her, more like a version of the girl viewed through a mirror darkly. The eyes were uncanny, almost inhuman, and there was an insatiable hunger radiating from the visitant.

“So many repressed memories,” The Apparition spoke, “Each filled with more guilt than the last, who knew the golden boy, the prince of P.R.C.U. could hold so many secrets.” It smiled wickedly.

“Could have such a pronounced darkside!” It suddenly shouted as the Apparition disappeared, Miranda finding herself falling through glimpses of memories before landing on a hard surface. Fractures spread beneath her before suddenly it gave way and she found herself back at a moment she already knew.

“Yeah,” Lance interrupted, “I’m her boyfriend you little punk.” He winced while opening and closing his hands. “C’mon, Ryan, let's get out of here, the twerp is putting me off.”

“I didn’t think we put a label on it yet,” Ryan muttered, her eyes shooting daggers at Lance. It was in that moment that Lorcán saw his opportunity, ducking under Ryan’s arm and kicking Lance straight in the groan.

The older boy dropped to his knees, his face twisting into a snarl before lunging forward. Lorcán suddenly found himself gripped by the shirt before his feet left the ground and he was tossed into another corner of the woodshed. A small whimper came out of Lorcán's mouth before his fingers touched the back of his skull. Something warm and moist stained his fingertips but before Lorcán had a chance to react, he felt the wind go out of his lungs courtesy of a boot to his gut.

“Lance! Enough!” Ryan yelled, trying to restrain the older boy before he stretched his hand out and pushed her back with a pulse of his abilities.

“He started this fight, I’m finishing it.” He warned before approaching Lorcán further. “You’re a persistent pintsized punk, but you’re out of your league, and Ryan is out of yours,” Lance cracked his knuckles before balling his hand into a fist.

“And I’ll make sure you remember it-” His words were interrupted by an agonized yowl. His wide eyes looked down to his foot where Lorcán had stomped on it before superheating the air around himself and pushing the older teen back.

“Lance!” Ryan shouted, moving forward to stop him before Lance simply turned and sent Ryan flying out of the shed.

“No!” Lorcán cried, frantically flicking his hands open trying to ignite a plasma blade just like Ryan had shown him.

“Heh,” Lance sneered, “Watch how a real man uses his abilities.”

A pulse of vibrations erupted in all directions, spreading outwards from Lance as the woodshed was reduced to splinters. Debris was scattered in every direction before Lorcán was tossed alongside it. Tools impaled the grass on all sides, narrowly missing the small boy while Lance stood triumphantly among the wreckage.

“Did you really think you could win?” He boasted. Taking a step forward, Lance rolled up his sleeves before reaching towards the fallen boy. Suddenly a blazing beam of red burned a line across the ground, halting Lance in his tracks.

“Ryan, Lorcán, inside the house now,” The voice of none other than Aiden Roth bellowed before the papa wolf turned on Lance with a guttural snarl, “You! Get out of here, I don’t want to see you around my son or Ryan again,”

“Your son’s a real piece of work,” Lance shot back, spitting on the ground. Aiden’s eyes glowed red as he reared himself up, his gaze unwavering as he watched Lance suddenly back and slink backwards.

“I’m going, I’m going,” He raised his hands, motioning towards Ryan, “C’mon, babe, let’s let the baby go wth his daddy.”

“No,” Ryan replied shrilly, barely masking the horror in her voice. “One, I’m not your babe, two I’m not going anywhere with you, and three, I, most importantly,” She stopped, helping Lorcán to his feet before putting an arm protectively around the young boy.

“I decide what league I play in,” She retorted, “And it certainly isn’t whatever that display was.”

“House, now.” Aiden interjected, his tone made it clear he wouldn’t repeat himself again as Ryan quickly obliged.

“This isn’t over, babe!” Lance yelled before disappearing into the distance. Aiden watched the older student, his eyes continuing to glow red while Tori helped Ryan and Lorcán into the house.

He had no doubt about one thing, that boy was the worst kind of trouble.

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

E P I S O D E T H R E E A W A R D S:

Best Post (Solo): GM's Choice 3 . 0 1 6 @Zoldyck Player's Choice 3 . 0 6 9 @Roman 3 . 0 7 0 @Zoldyck __________________________	GM's Choice: 3.016 Mirror Mirror - @Zoldyck Player's Choice: 3.069 It's So Hard To Be - @Roman Player's Choice: Every Rose Has Its Thorn - @Zoldyck The 'Best Post' is given to the player and post that was found to be overall the pinnacle of the current episode. Did it break the tension with its humourous antics at the right time? Did it bring the characters closer together? Was it full of insightful reflection or did it extrapolate on previously unknown elements of that character's backstory and how it ties to the greater overarching narrative? Katja has been through it the last two episodes and this post really drives home the amount of inner turmoil that the usually cheery woman is dealing with. Mirror Mirror is a real treat into the inner workings of Katja's mind, her struggles, her personal philosophies and general outlook on the hand that she's been dealt. Zoldyck has done an excellent job of rolling with the punches as Katja has been put in a predicament that no one else can relate with and we're all looking forward to seeing how this particular plot thread continues to unravel. Honorable Mentions: Wraith's Choice: 3.048 sugar - @Rockette If it's not apparent by now, I really enjoy Amma's character and her fleeting grasp on her humanity. Episode 3 in particular has been a lot of fun to watch as Amma comes to terms with feelings she previously thought banished to the deepest recesses of her mind. Amma Cahors cares about people. In 'sugar' we get the wonderful, and detailed inner workings of Amma's mind with Rockette reminding us why she's a consistent winner in these awards. Her grasp on prose and use of imagery leads to posts you can't help but re-read and seeing the budding romance with Gil constructed with fleeting feelings for Lorcán is a lot of fun. Roman's Choice: 3.035 Know Your Enemy - @webboysurf Rory's got a lot on his plate in Episode 3. Still reeling from the Trials and the revelation that there are malicious forces with odorous designs upon him, he's tasked by the Chancellor himself to root out the suspected Orcinus agent within Blackjack's midst, pushing him into a leadership position he's not quite comfortable with in Lorcán and Tad's shared absence, and then Haven gets abducted. 3.035 shows the weight of these troubles and the new responsibilities on Rory, as he begins his investigation in earnest, and traumatizes himself by proxy through willing exposure to the Trials footage. It's a strong emotional pivot for Rory, and locks him into a darker path for the rest of the episode to come. Rockette's Choice: 3.009 Welcome to the Jungle - @Lord Wraith This being my first, official, award, it only felt right to decide on a post that started a chain of many heartfelt responses through the entire episode. Some that are not limited to just Aurora and Lorcán, or even my own character that is caught up in the very end of it. It also provides a glimpse into a world that I have been excitedly ready for ever since Wraith first brought it about to my attention. To read about the potential creatures such as a Wendigo was exciting, only for the post to end on a cliff hanger as Lorcán collapses.
Best Post (Collaborative): GM's Choice 3 . 0 2 1 @Melissa & @Qia Player's Choice 3 . 0 2 1 @Melissa & @Qia 3 . 0 5 0 @Melissa & @Rockette __________________________	GM's Choice: 3.021 Daylight - @Melissa & @Qia Player's Choice: 3.021 Daylight - @Melissa & @Qia Player's Choice: 3.050 Blue - @Melissa & @Rockette The 'Best Collaboration Award' is given to the post and players involved in crafting a collaborative narrative that goes beyond the regular back-and-forth posting of forum RPing. A well-crafted collaborative post should read as though it has a single author but artfully capture the interaction between two player characters and enhance both of their direct narratives, developments and the long-term relationships between those involved in the collaboration. Whenever you have two strong writers opt to work together, you know you're in for a treat. Melissa and Qia both have exemplary mastery over the voices of their characters and seeing Aurora and Harper come together in this very emotional and heartfelt post was a treat. Both characters get an opportunity to shine, with the weight of the situation bearing down on them. Harper has proven over and over to be a cornerstone for the Team and Episode 3 really gave her a few chances to shine in that regard. She was Aurora's shoulder to cry on, she was the one to lead the charge to save Haven, all while dealing with her own struggles. Aurora brings the emotional aspect and Melissa is no stranger to wonderful weaving words in such a way to pull at heartstrings and warm cockles. A beautiful post build on the foundation and characterization established thus far through the RP. Honorable Mentions: Wraith's Choice: 3.050 Blue - @Melissa & @Rockette 'Blue' was probably the most unexpected collaboration for me, but by far one of the most impactful both how it connected into the plots and themes I was working with but also the intimate relations to my own character. As a stand-alone post, you can't get any better than 'Blue', both Melissa and Rockette are stellar writers that I've gotten to know throughout the game and can't imagine not going on to do other RPs with. The post itself is full of character nuances as you see the two women come together and compare perspectives while also challenging the other. It's rich and content and characterization that makes me look forward to the next interaction, or better confrontation between Amma and Aurora. Roman's Choice: 3.011 No Expectations, No Pretenses // 3.014 Beneath The Surface - @Qia & @PatientBean Harper and Calliope both are in a strange spot post-Trials, haunted by their experiences and some core relationships shaken at their foundations; Harper struggling with her feelings about her family and notably her estranged sister, and Calliope's previously-stable relationship with Banjo buffeted against rocky shores. This two-parter collab features a pairing we haven't seen before, both girls coming together to try and retake some sense of control against the storms they're currently being swallowed by. It's an extraordinary exploration of both characters individually and their dynamic as a duo, showcasing that while both women are (were? will be again?) stoic, determined, and emotionally unflappable, that energy comes from very different places for the pair, and means very different things for them. Rockette's Choice: 3.037 When Doves Cry - @Skai & @webboysurf It's more so the ending that really captured this for me, the promise that Rory makes, only for the very next post to be Haven's kidnapping. It was a heartfelt moment that is the epitome of Raven as a whole that established the disbelief in following the next series of posts as everyone struggles to find and save her. When Doves Cry paves the way of desperation as they run against the clock unknown, with the establishment of Rory and Haven opening up to one another to further develop their unwavering trust, entirely captured in the chemistry that Skai and webboysurf have as writers.
Best Character Dynamic/Ship: GM's Choice H A V E N x R O R Y @Skai & @webboysurf Player's Choice A M M A x G I L @Rockette & @Roman __________________________	GM's Choice: Character Name - @Username Player's Choice: Amma Cahors x Gil Galahad - @Rockette & @Roman The 'Best Character Dynamic/Ship Award' is given to a pair or group of characters who display exceptional chemistry, and compatibility. They are who you genuinely sit there and cheer whenever they're on the page together. These two characters are each other's endgame, they're ride or die and you can't get enough of their highs, lows and otherwise cutesy antics. This is not limited exclusively to romance but extends to rivalries, platonic friendships and even a sibling-like relationship. Haven and Rory have officially defined their relationship and taken the lead as the roleplay's current alpha couple. Still a relatively new couple, they're exploring what that means and it has been fun to watch the pair face trauma after trauma and successfully bond themselves to overcome the adversity they're facing. It'll be interesting to see how that dynamic affects both the team moving forward as well as they're friendships with the other characters and if Haven and Rory growing closer puts any distance between them and the others. Honorable Mentions: Wraith's Choice: 'Gamma' Gil Galahad x Amma Cahors - @Roman & @Rockette Shipping is a lot of fun and as much fun as it is to start an RP with a pre-established dynamic, those often fall flat because there's no chemistry. Watching a dynamic develop out of a single small interaction is a lot like watching a fire grow from a spark. That's 'Gamma' for me, the emerging relationship between Gil and Amma as expertly depicted by Roman and Rockette. In a world of 'Lorora' and 'Raven', Gamma is notably different and since it contains one of the most sought-after romance partners, I don't expect this ship to have an easy time getting out to sea, but smooth sailing rarely makes for a good story and we're all here for the drama. Roman's Choice: Aurora Mitchell and the Roth Family - @Melissa & @Lord Wraith I'm just simply in love with the sheer purity of love portrayed in the found-family dynamic between Aurora and Lorcán's extended family, showcased throughout this episode as 'Rora grapples with Lorcán's volatile mortality and grieves alongside Aiden, Tori, Cassander and Ripley. It's something that continues into Episode 4 through the wholesome and heartbreaking surrogate mother/daughter moment between Tori and Aurora, but this is a payoff that wouldn't have felt so organic or emotionally resonant if it weren't for the work put in during Episode 3. Rockette's Choice: Harper Baxter & Haven Barnes - @Qia & @Skai A dynamic I believe that has been named before, but where I acknowledge it is in the easy friendship found between the two characters, where Haven reaches out to Harper who, struggling with her own trauma, doesn't hesitate to help her find out more about her past and the mysterious girl that Haven wants to find. For it all to end with an emotional embrace as Harper continues to struggle with control over her own emotions. With an episode that had plenty of collaborations and plenty of developments, this one stuck out to me the most and that I kept thinking back to for this award, and I eagerly await the result to find out who Anabel is.
Took A Level in Badass: GM's Choice H A R P E R @Qia Player's Choice A M M A @Rockette __________________________	GM's Choice: Harper Baxter - @Qia Player's Choice: Amma Cahors - @Rockette The 'Took A Level in Badass Award' is given to the character who has displayed the most development in this episode and bonus points if they had a particular scene that put that growth on display. This doesn't mean the most improved, nor does it have to be positive changes in the slightest, this is the character journey you're enjoying the most whether it's a slippery slope or an uphill battle. Harper really stepped up in Episode 3 putting aside her own personal struggles coming fresh off the trials and immediately jumping to the rescue of her friend. I feel like Harper often gets overlooked due to having less flashy abilities, but she's arguably one of the smartest characters on the team and often acts as the Team Heart. In Episode 3 alone you saw Haven, Aurora and Rory all confide in Harper which puts her in a much better position as a leader moving forward. Will be very interested in watching Harper's continued growth. Honorable Mentions: Wraith's Choice: Haven Barnes - @Skai While I still don't personally know where I actually sit on Miss Haven 'Questions' Barnes, reading how Skai had Haven handle and navigate her torture at the hands of Daedalus cinches this category for me. I think Haven proved herself to be a very resilient young woman and I look forward to seeing how this experience continues to grow her moving forward and the effects it has on her both good and bad. Even while spending half the episode chained to a gurney, Haven proved she's no slouch earning her 'Level in Badass'. Roman's Choice: Katja Kruger - @Zoldyck Following the Trials and the fallout of House Orcinus' exposure, Katja's been understandably torn, her previous well-intentioned (if extreme) membership with the so-called 'traitor house' now thrown into new light as she re-evaluates her beliefs and principles, and the ways she might have accidentally betrayed not only her teammates and friends, but also herself and the memories of those she fights for. Naturally, it's probably something she wants to keep under wraps - but then Haven's life is in danger, and Katja has a choice to make: keep quiet, keep her secret, but risk Haven's death, or give up what she knows, potentially expose herself, but help rescue her friend? Katja doesn't think twice. A character like Katja, we can expect a hundred 'holding up a collapsing building' moments - it's a different kind of strength you've got to look for, and Katja showed she can step up. Rockette's Choice: Gil Galahad - @Roman Really, maybe I'm biased, but Gil is an enigma through episodes 1 and 2, the ending of the latter revealing more layers to his character than initially given. Through episode 3 we witness more and more of that mask crumble away into nothing, the fallen star, as it were, that realizes that he doesn't want to be Mr. Hollywood and sheds the persona that he puts forth every day just to get by. From his abrasive visits with Calli and Harper, to the developing tension with Amma, to the back and forth with Banjo during physical therapy. I'll admit, I'm a sucker for Gil and with the beginning of episode 4, I'm waiting for the next post to drop even more.
Love Triangle: GM's Choice R O R Y x H A V E N x A N D R E W @webboysurf x @Skai x @Hound55 Player's Choice A M M A x L O R C Á N x A U R O R A @Rockette x @Lord Wraith x @Melissa __________________________	GM's Choice: Rory Tyler / Haven Barnes \ Andrew Olyphant - @webboysurf, @Skai & @Hound55 Player's Choice: Amma Cahors / Lorcán Roth \ Aurora Mitchell - @Rockette, @Lord Wraith & @Melissa The 'Love Triangle Award' is given to the players and characters who are entangled in romantic tension with multiple people and whose relationship could be redefined in a single post. This is the classic Archie Andrews with both a Betty and a Veronica. Bonus points if the love triangle is actually a love pentagon or even a dodecahedron. Multiple sides, multiple ships, all with their own fans and supporters. Probably one of the most memed on love triangles, the dynamics between Rory, Haven and Andrew are rather bizarre in and of themselves with Rory and Haven being a clearly established ship, while Andrew despite belonging to another ship has shown far more emotion over Haven than he has his own partner. Their somewhat established closeness and the way they've interacted leave the relationship just ambiguous enough to argue there's more than meets the eye and it will be interesting to see if any of that changes moving forward. Honorable Mentions: Wraith's Choice: Katja Kruger / Amma Cahors \ Gil Galahad - @Zoldyck, @Rockette & @Roman Keeping with my best ship, this is the next evolution with another leg added to make up an Eiffel Tower. However, if Gil starts using his powers again, it's all over. That said, this triangle has everything from two damaged people who naturally gravitate towards one another, to another who wants so desperately to find a kindred soul she's willing to bear hers to an unconscious body. The tragedy of this triple pairing is what keeps you invested and while there are numerous outcomes to cheer for her, I'm still cheering on Gamma to win out in the end. Roman's Choice: Katja Kruger / Amma Cahors \ Rory Tyler - @Zoldyck, @Rockette & @webboysurf Looking at romantic connections between the members of Blackjack right now has me ending up feeling like Always Sunny's Charlie Day mapping out Pepe Silvia, but Rory and Katja's combined optimism and warm-heartedness are such a powerful tonic to Amma's volatile nature that it's a compelling criss-cross of threads when the three weave paths around each other - whether that's Rory and Katja's lingering 'what-if', or Katja's struggles to express herself to Amma. Rockette's Choice: Katja Kruger / Rory Tyler \ Haven Barnes - @Zoldyck, @webboysurf & @Skai This has arguably been a hook for me long before this episode, which we see a glimpse of throughout the scattering of posts as Rory leads an investigation that has him on the edge of who he can trust. You have your Raven moments with small glimpses of once upon a time feelings for Katja and the implications that she could be the traitor, to where Rory can't even look at her and Katja hesitating to approach him, her own feelings a chaotic mess. Though it has been made clear where the ship lies, and Katja is supportive of Haven, there are still so many 'what-ifs' and 'could-have-beens' that linger between them that I eagerly read every time.
Friends Who Never Hang: GM's Choice A N D R E W & R O R Y @Hound55 & @webboysurf Player's Choice G I L L O R C Á N & R O R Y @Roman, @Lord Wraith & @webboysurf __________________________	GM's Choice: Andrew Olyphant & Rory Tyler - @Hound55 & @webboysurf Player's Choice: Gil Galahad, Lorcán Roth & Rory Tyler - @Roman, @Lord Wraith &@webboysurf The 'Friends Who Never Hang' is given to the players and characters whose characters' friendship is an informed attribute but who have never actually spent a lot of time together in the IC, or perhaps have not interacted even once but in their own posts have referred to the other as a friend. This is the award where you finally get to voice who you want to see more IC interaction between. Despite being established as having shared a team for five years now, we haven't seen any true interaction between Rory and Andrew in the IC, which given Haven's connections to both, is somewhat odd and really fuels the above love triangle theory. Andrew plays for his House's intramural league as does Rory and yet we've not seen any semblance of the rivalry displayed akin to that between Rory and Katja, nor the fleeting displays of camaraderie as displayed between Rory and the other boys. It will be interesting to see if this dynamic is explored moving forward. Honorable Mentions: Wraith's Choice: Gil Galahad & Rory Tyler - @Roman & @webboysurf Outside of an early post where I had Lorcán simultaneously smack both of their butts, I don't think I've seen Gil and Rory come even close to interacting. While Lorcán has a relationship with both, perhaps slightly strained after the events of the last two episodes, Gil and Rory have yet to have any semblance of a relationship with one another and given Gil's growing closeness with Amma, I can't see that changing anytime soon as Amma is quite the polarizing point for most of Blackjack. Roman's Choice: Amma Cahors, Aurora Mitchell, Calliope de Léon, Harper Baxter & Haven Barnes - @Rockette, @Melissa, @PatientBean, @Qia &@Skai Episode 3 has had a lot of pairings and even a couple trio collabs between the women of Blackjack, but the elusive Girl's Night has evaded us thusfar, initial plans for some retail therapy ahead of the dance interrupted by Haven's unfortunately-timed abduction. What we've seen between duos and trios so far has been promising and compelling - here's hoping Episode 4 and the dance gives us the opportunity for the full squad to gather and gossip. Rockette's Choice: Gil Galahad, Lorcán Roth & Rory Tyler - @Roman, @Lord Wraith & @webboysurf The three are supposed to be close friends, but you don't witness any of that, other than a tense argument between Lorcán and Rory before the Trials when the former is accused of abandoning his friend with all the work. Given the recent developments with each character mentioned, I look forward to a potential exchange of 'guy talk', so to speak, about how they've each been dealing with the recent events with the school year just having started. Each have changed gradually in their own ways and the friendship established in the last year may not be the same as certain things comes to light.
Deadpan Snarker: GM's Choice A N D R E W @Hound55 Player's Choice A N D R E W @Hound55 C A S S A N D E R @Lord Wraith G I L @Roman __________________________	GM's Choice: Andrew Olyphant - @Hound55 Player's Choice: Andrew Olyphant - @Hound55 Player's Choice: Cassander Charon - @Lord Wraith Player's Choice: Gil Galahad - @Roman The 'Deadpan Snarker Award' is given to the players and characters who has the most sass, the snappiest comebacks, the wittiest dialogue. The Deadpan Snarker is someone whose dialogue gives you a visceral reaction with how clever or cutting they are. A character prone to gnomic, sarcastic, sometimes bitter, occasionally whimsical asides. Alternatively, they may also play the straight man to the more zany antics of the other cast members. Of the true main cast, there's little argument when it comes to the character who is the most sarcastic, bitter and insufferable bastard. That honour is awarded solely to Andrew Olyphant as written by the talented Hound55 who pours as much of himself as he possibly can into Banjo to bring the colourful and divisive character to life. Banjo almost is never without a comment and when you can understand what he's actually saying, the content is generally quite snark-laden and we don't foresee that changing anytime soon. Honorable Mentions: Wraith's Choice: Gil Galahad - @Roman Of the player characters, Gil is easily one of the snarkiest and certainly so post his experiences in the trial. This is best on display whenever he's paired with Andrew as you can see Roman having Gil play off of Andrew's own cynical nature. It's fun seeing Gil with a chip on his shoulder and his teeth bared, so I look forward to more of him playing the straight man against the likes of Lorcán or even Amma in their blossoming relationship. Roman's Choice: Cassander Charon - @Lord Wraith It feels a bit cheeky submitting an obstensibly NPC character for my mention, but Wraith's not writing these characters in a bubble and Cass' dialogue - the patter, the back-and-forth, flirting with Qia, his sharp critiques of Lorcán - deserves its recognition. Definitely one of the driest members of the extended cast, his sardonic witticisms continue to entertain, and I'm personally particularly looking forward to some more snark-to-snark combat between him and Harper. Rockette's Choice: Cassander Charon - @Lord Wraith This one was difficult, but easy, as I eat it up every time he refers to Amma as Elvira or some other outlandish nickname. Call him an NPC, sure, but he's established enough into the IC from the talent Wraith possesses in seamlessly blending the character into the cast. Of which could be said for all of the non-player characters within his roster that help Blackjack through their own developments through the narrative.
Out of Character is Serious: GM's Choice 3 . 0 7 0 @Zoldyck Player's Choice 3 . 0 3 5 @webboysurf __________________________	GM's Choice: 3.070 Every Rose Has Its Thorn - @Zoldyck Player's Choice: 3.035 Know Your Enemy - @webboysurf The 'Out of Character is Serious Award' is given to the players and characters whose character had a moment that while it seems out of character for them, it was critical in the instance and was a serious moment. Many the zany character was suddenly the straight man, maybe the stoic had an emotional outburst? Whatever it was, this moment caught your attention at first because it was different from that character's usual depiction. Katja's declaration of her feelings towards Amma caught us GMs off guard and while many interpreted the moment as sweet, the three of us had a very different interpretation of the moment and took it as more of an admission of an obsession that is building within Katja. She's now without a mission, without an objection due to the dissolution of House Orcinus and so Amma has seemingly become that goal. What this means for Amma's fledgling relationship with Gil has yet to be seen, but it'll be very interesting to see what happens as more layers of Katja's facade are peeled away and Rory's investigation closes in on her. Honorable Mentions: Wraith's Choice: Harper Baxter - @Qia Seeing the usually in control and on top of things Harper trying to work through her issues on her own was one of the best examples of 'OOC is Serious'. You had her missing classes, having to swallow some humble pie, lie about hating her hair all while trying to work through what happened to her in the trials and the best way forward after that. Sometimes I worry I'm sleeping on Qia as a talented writer, but I'm grateful for moments like this where I do get to draw attention to the expertise she has in depicting her character and the slow-burn narrative she's telling with Harper. I suspect by the end of the RP Harper will be a character that is referenced for years to come. Roman's Choice: 3.055 Anger Management - @Hound55 3.055 gave me what I've been desperate to see: Banjo finally peeling back the layers. With such a carefully constructed anti-authority persona, Banjo's brand of blasé deflection and trouble-making has been consistent since the start of the game, but this comes to Banjo's own detriment as much as it does his protection. Therapy then is the perfect setting to show how ridiculous his default 'fuck you just because you're in a position of seniority and no other reason' stance can really be, as Lillian really is just trying to help him, and rebuffing her is as frustrating for Lillian as it is deleterious for Banjo. How refreshing then, and important, that something finally breaks through to Banjo, and he takes someone else's advice on board. Here's hoping that we get more of this Banjo, who maybe begins to consider that some authority figures are actually qualified professionals with nothing but good intentions, and might actually be able to help him when he needs it. Rockette's Choice: 3.052 Say Your Prayers - @webboysurf Rory has been through it with this episode, being handed reigns to an investigation that he is arguably not prepared to undertake, to having to deal with his own doubts as he struggles with the aftermath with the Trials. When we see Haven kidnapped, Rory suddenly goes from the boy who asked Amma if she was a literal dragon, to a man that steps up to rally the team to save the girl he loves. In Say Your Prayer, we see Rory attempt to step up to Amma, threatening the same woman who left scars on his arms, and though (sorry man, stay your lane) she brings him down, the two mutually agree to save Haven in their own ways. Rory is often seen as the 'golden retriever' character who cannot take anything seriously, so to see him adapt and overcome - as well as he can - in this episode was a side to him that I enjoyed reading.

Commencement: A Foundation Institute RP

A handful of flowers were tightly grasped in the young man’s hands as the thirteen year-old Lorcán Roth returned from the meadows that dotted the inner of Dunira Island. It was his two-year anniversary with Ryan Clarke and he wanted to bring her something special. He had overheard his Mom and Ryan talking at one point and the young redheaded woman had alluded to wildflowers being her favourite.

So naturally, Lorcán went and picked her a whole bouquet.

He had spent most of the morning finding as many purple wildflowers as he could. Ryan always wore a lot of purple when she wasn’t in her Gulo uniform, it really brought out her hair. She had always been kind to Lorcán, helping to hone his abilities and more importantly, she didn’t treat him like some little boy or a nuisance.

She laughed at his jokes, she liked his family. Lorcán really thought there was something between them. How could he not after all? She was the first girl to show him any sort of affection who wasn’t his mother.

Ryan always met Lorcán out by the woodshed before they started their training and today was no different as Lorcán happily made his way behind the house, a bounce in his step and a look of pride upon his face. He had never made a bouquet before, but he had looked some images up online and was pretty proud of his handy work.

A giggle caught Lorcán’s attention upon entering the backyard. He could hear it come from within the woodshed and a smile suddenly lit up his face. Was Ryan waiting inside with a surprise for him as well? Did she remember today was exactly two years to the date they had met?

Excitedly, hurrying over to the woodshed, the young boy took hold of the doors and threw them wide open. Shoving the bouquet forward, he threw his other hand towards the sky before shouting.

“Surprise!”

The word died in his mouth as Lorcán felt the repulse of embarrassment. A wave of heat suddenly radiated out from him as his eyes began to register exactly what was happening.He could see Ryan in front of him, her jeans undone, hands belonging to an older boy intertwined with the thin red satin strap riding above her well-defined hip bones. Black lace peeked out from a shirt nearly completely discarded as Ryan’s tongue darted in and out from between the older boy’s lips, her hands firmly clenched around his jaw while their hips gyrated together.

Lorcán looked down at the wilted bouquet in his hand, before tossing it aside and lunging for the older teen. His molten-eyes practically engulfed by flames as the rage filled boy tackled the larger male to the ground of the woodshed.

“Get off her!” The younger boy roared, pulling back a fist and slugging Ryan’s suitor in the face. He pulled a fist back to strike again before the older teen managed to block the onslaught. Pushing Lorcán off him, he pinned the boy against a nearby shelf before trying to speak to him.

“Calm down little man,”

“She’s not yours!” Lorcán shot back, suddenly superheating his hands. The older teen cried out in agony, releasing Lorcán before stumbling backwards and looking down at the freshly reddened skin of his palms. There was a small rumble before a vibration filled the air that sent Lorcán backward, slamming the back of his head hard against the shelf as the older teen retaliated.

He lifted his hand to strike only for Ryan’s hand to land on his chest.

“Lor, my little man,” Ryan interjected, pulling her shirt back up over her bra and hastily fastening her pants, “Look, it’s sweet you want to protect me, but it’s fine, he’s not hurting me.” She tried to coax Lorcán down, bringing herself down to his height as she kneeled beside him.

“This is Lance,” She said, introducing the older teen formally, “He and I have been seeing each other for a bit.”

“Yeah,” Lance interrupted, “I’m her boyfriend you little punk.” He winced while opening and closing his hands. “C’mon, Ryan, let's get out of here, the twerp is putting me off.”

“I didn’t think we put a label on it yet,” Ryan muttered, her eyes shooting daggers at Lance.

She turned to Lorcán, patting him on the head. “Why don’t you head inside, my little man. We’ll talk about this later.”

Lorcán nodded agreeably, standing up and dusting himself off.

“Sure, thanks Ryan.” He replied before walking out of the woodshed. The faint smell of smoke behind him.

^{________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}

_{Location: The Office of Dr. Miranda Rivers - Pacific Royal Collegiate & University, Dundas Island, Pacific Ocean}

Dance Monkey #4.020: House of Memories

^{_{____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________}}

_{Interaction(s): None}

Previously: Ready to Go (Get Me Out of My Mind)

“No.”

Miranda suddenly pulled back, reeling at the intense emotion surrounding the memory only for it to end nearly void of any. It was as though she had hit a wall. A barrier blocking not only her, but also Lorcán from experiencing the fullness of the event.

She had felt mental blocks like this before, especially during her time with the Hyperhuman Investigative Tactical Unit. Most recently, she had found them in Hyperion’s followers. A mental block, put in place primarily to protect the affected by the trauma of their own mind.

So what was Lorcán’s hiding?

“Lorcán, what can you tell me about Ryan Clarke?” Miranda asked, sitting back in her chair while Lorcán gave her a confused look.

“Uh, I don’t really mean to question you, brah, but like my dreams haven’t been about Ryan,” He offered as Miranda first nodded before shaking his head.

“I realize that, but the intensity of your emotions, they link back to a particular event with Ryan.”

Lorcán rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, his eyes trying to avoid Miranda’s before he finally spoke again.

“I guess you say she was like my first crush. Ryan was my first friend who wasn’t related to me somehow and I thought she was hot. She was kind to me, she laughed with me, it was easy for a young boy to confuse that for some sort of mutual connection. But she had a boyfriend and I was too young for her to be interested anyways.” He finally spat out,

“Y’know puppy love, kid stuff.” Lorcán added dismissively.

“Would you say you’ve buried those feelings,” Miranda asked, “Or have you projected them onto… someone else?”

“There’s only one Ryan,” Lorcán replied, “She’s a totally just friend, and she was a mentor, but my feelings for her are like strictly platonic these days, kinda like an older sister.”

“Is the person you’re dreaming of also just a friend?”

“Yes,” Lorcán answered, “At least, that’s what I want but there’s also like some sort of tension I don’t understand.”

“Are you really going to lie like that? I see the way you look at me,” Amma suddenly interrupted, slinging an arm around Lorcán’s neck before wiggling her way into his lap. “Tell the doc, I was your first and you’re crazy about me.”

“Get off of me,” Lorcán blurted out. He attempted to remove Amma from his lap, but the girl only held on tighter, nuzzling her face into the crook of his neck. He felt her cold tongue against his throat while teeth playful grazed his skin.

“Is your friend in the room with us right now?” Miranda asked, her eyes looking straight at Lorcán, exactly where Amma would have been had she been real. Lorcán froze, the words failing to come out of his mouth.

A pale hand wrapped around his chin, pulling his face to look into her own as Amma held a finger to her lips and shook her head. Crackles of red and silver danced across the fingers holding Lorcán’s face and the scar running the length of the right side burned suddenly.

“Lorcán, if you don’t answer, I can’t help you.” Miranda insisted.

“Yes.” A feeble response came before searing pain rippled through Lorcán scar causing him to cry out. Miranda stood, reaching out as she re-entered Lorcán’s mind coming face to face with a twisted echo of Amma haunting the recesses of the boy’s psyche.

“What are you?” Miranda asked the apparition, the two women facing off in the void.

“Something stronger.” It replied, “And soon, this vessel will be mine.”