LuckyBlackCat

Be my Sanctuary

Jessamyn "Jess" Bailey

Shadowing Roxy, Jess fell silent for a few seconds. Of course her words hadn't helped. Right now, nothing truly would. Still, she had to comment on something. "You haven't given up hope." Maybe, just maybe, her barely audible whisper would resonate with Roxy. "Not completely. Part of you is still trying. Or at least, wants to try." That fleeting glimmer seemed out of reach much of the time, but was all they had to hold on to.

And both of them would have to hold on even tighter over dinner with Mr Black.

With an inward squirm, Jess drew in her breath as the scolding showed the man's true colours. "It's ok, Roxy was just showing me as much of the place as possible," she said, again making a point of using the name the anchor preferred. Putting on a little smile, she added, "And the food smells good."

It did, but as she followed Roxy into the kitchen, she knew the meal would be far from enjoyable.

My Hero Academia: Another Story

@Metastability Same, that gives him room for development over time. I'm happy to accept him now, so feel free to move him to the characters section once you get SimpleWriter's approval :)

Project Zasshu

Even so, since the join status is still "apply", I hope more people do join!

My Hero Academia: Another Story

@Metastability Yeah, 90mph sounds a bit much, that's more than anyone can reasonably dodge.

Also, I think Heart meant that if he used all nine chains at once, the length of each would be just under 3m - otherwise he'd only be able to use eight, if the length decreased by three each time. Going with Heart's suggestion, or decreasing by 2m each time, would be fine though!

Project Zasshu

Yay!! Let's just hope we get the other five Zasshu soon!

Project Zasshu

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Lindy Carlson ~ Project Medusa

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@PsyBlade @Metatrooper @Yankee

As Akane beckoned, Lindy shuffled forward. It would be a cold and wet journey, but thankfully a short one, with warm food and lodgings at the end of it. Just what everyone would need after their travels, especially those who'd journeyed further than she had, and maybe what she needed to help calm her nerves. At least, she hoped it would. She froze up as Wei Lai flew back over, brimming with energy despite the weather and asking for everyone's names. Not out of dislike, but a lack of knowledge of what to do in these situations. It was only when Wei Lai nudged her and the boy that Lindy started moving again.

"Eheh... I'm Lindy," she murmured, with another little strained smile at both fellow teens. She glanced from Wei Lai to the torrent of rain, then back. Some Zasshu, it seemed, were just as ill-suited for this kind of weather as she was - waterlogged wings and fur couldn't be comfortable. As such, she didn't mind when the moth girl huddled closer. "And at least we'll be somewhere warm and dry soon." She kept the thought in mind as she stepped out into the downpour, taking care to stay close by the other two. Despite the chill making her muscles ache from shivering, she let her snakes peek out from her hood so she wouldn't trample on any more feet.

At the mention of another Zasshu, she paid attention to the signals she'd been trying to ignore. It's just us, she told herself as unease crept back in. No Tenshi, just Zasshu. One such sensation did indeed seem to emanate from the base. She nodded to Wei Lai. "That's what it feels like... And it makes sense."

With the eight of them on their way, soon the entire Zasshu team would be brought together. A thought that, having known almost nobody around her age, Lindy wasn't sure what to make of.

My Hero Academia: Another Story

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Freya Leander ~ Cait Sith

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@Tenma Tendo @Heartfillia @Nyahahameha

As much as Freya appreciated the morale boost and hug from Chi, the word "hero" still didn't seem apt enough to resonate with her. Even so, she gave a weak smile back at him, blinking away the remaining bleariness. Since Chi had a reason to be tired, evidenced by the container on his back, she'd probably do best not to moan too much. At least Keri's arrival meant one less reason to worry. "Whew, speak of the devil, we were wondering where you were," she said, once Kerianne asked about Dawn. "As for Dawn..." She glanced from Breeze to Chi. "Ehh, I can't say I have, but we've still got a good few minutes before the test. And yeah, maybe she's just hanging out with guys."

She looked this way and that, spinning round at a thud. "Ah! Both of you alright there?" She ran towards Renard and a girl in crystalline armour, the latter kneeling on the ground and wearing a mortified look. As Renard helped the girl up, giving that kindly smile, Freya cast her eyes down as her cheeks warmed. Relieved as she was to see him acting like himself again, why did she suddenly feel even more out of place?

Nonetheless, she smiled over at both him and the girl who'd introduced herself as Clara. "Good to see you both are." Her attention settled on Renard, on that hero costume she'd seen for the first time... or not. Something about the form-fitting outfit struck her as familiar. She thought over the heroes she knew of, but the connection still evaded her... Where had she seen it, then?

Her face heated again as she realised she was staring. Pulling her gaze away, she cringed and turned her head - only to spot a glowing blur rushing at the group. Eyes widening, she watched Dawn tackle Kerianne to the ground. Despite her less than enthusiastic state, Freya couldn't help but give a little chuckle.

"Well, that's the second mystery solved," she commented as Gabby made her heroic entrance, lifting Dawn off of Kerianne.
"And someone had to liven things up." She couldn't help but yawn as Gabby did. "Considering they just had to schedule this for stupid o'clock. Oh well, I guess the earlier it is, the sooner it'll be over."

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Kerianne Morley ~ Nightwatch

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@Tenma Tendo @Heartfillia @Nyahahameha

With a furrowed brow and another look around, Kerianne sighed. "Nothing to do but keep searching, the-" Right then, someone slammed into her back with an all too familiar yell. Both toppled forward with a thud, Kerianne pulling one arm free from the grip and reaching through the dust. Not that she could warp away, the cloud stinging her eyes and obscuring her vision, forcing her to endure the Dawn Gibbs version of All Might's line.

Luckily, as expected in a hero school, somebody ran to Kerianne's aid. The weight lessened, allowing her to stand and see Dawn in Gabby's ample arms. "Just as I should have expected," she grumbled at Dawn once she'd stopped spluttering. "And somehow I don't think this is what the teachers meant by combat training, so don't count that as a win."

Dusting off her costume, she raised her head to face Gabby. As the other girl yawned, Kerianne fought the urge to do the same. "Thanks," she said, before frowning a little. "Hey, are you ok?" She could relate, given the gruelling past week. Alexander and Elaine had even had to ban her from the training room one evening, after she'd almost overdone it again. Still, this kind of lethargy wasn't typical of Gabby. "And are you?" She cast a concerned glance towards Breeze, noting that particularly subdued air. "Just a busy week? If so, it'll all be worth it."

"Yep! Let's hope so!" someone called, bounding over and doing a full pirouette. Rather appropriate, considering her elaborate tutu-like costume. Kerianne stepped back from the whirl of energy that was Momo, who grinned up at Gabby. "In any case, all that training sure was fun! Just like this will be, no matter what the scores!"

Another girl sprinted over in a whirl of yellow and black stripes, dabbing her costume with a tissue. A bee themed outfit, featuring translucent fabric wings and gold-toned armlets. "Heyyyy! If anyone needs a little pick-me-up..." Warm brown eyes glittered behind goggles as they shifted from Gabby, to Freya, to Chisato, and everyone else who appeared even remotely fatigued. "How about a few warm-up exercises? Best way to shake off sleepiness!" Kerianne backed away further, raising an eyebrow as the girl launched into a series of star jumps.

It was only noticing the container on Chisato's back that stopped her. "Ohh! A substance-producing Quirk, that explains it. Not that we'll want to let on our exact Quirks before the team-ups, but whatever the fine details, once you've finished your beverage I've got others that are perfect for replacing fluids and nutrients! Same goes for anyone who needs a boost!" She pulled several bottles from her bag, filled with liquids that looked like something a mad scientist had brewed up. "Oh, and on the subject, it's ok," she reassured Momo. "That was just fortified lemonade earlier, nothing that'll stain too badly."

Out of sheer morbid curiosity, Kerianne had to ask. "Fortified?"

The bee girl held up a murky yellow-green bottle. "With cayenne pepper and coffee for energy, pureed spinach for iron, protein shake powder to get the most out of the training, and salt to retain fluid. I've got another one here if anyone wants to try, as well as several other types of homemade sports drinks, gotta be prepared after all! But I recommend this one to you." Picking up an identical beverage, she held it out to Chi and removed the lid. The soda, shaken from the star jumps, fizzed everywhere like a fountain. "Oops! Oh well, it'll taste the same, and be just as good for you. And feel free to take something else once it's all settled." She swept her arm towards the concoctions. "I'm Melissa, by the way."

All Kerianne could do was give a blank stare. "Uhh... I think I'm all good, thanks. And I'm Kerianne." At least somebody was taking this test seriously, that much couldn't be denied.

London By Lamplight: A Victorian Magical Girl's Story !

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Lucilla Crawford ~ Ignis Fatuus

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Close by the stairs, Lucilla hung back from the others as she studied them. While some eased into the conversation with no problem, some seemed as tense and awkward as she felt, although probably for different reasons. They'd never replace the friends she'd lost, but it couldn't hurt to mingle with them - as long nobody let slip her whereabouts to the wrong people, that was.

In a flash of purple, Wisp turned back into a tiny, flying humanoid. "Come on! Enough waiting around!" she called, darting towards the gathering. "I'll race you there!"

Running after the pixie, Lucilla couldn't help but laugh. "Don't you consider that a win," she said, shaking her head at Wisp. "Not with a head start like that." She sat, helping herself right away to tea and biscuits, past caring if she looked greedy or improper as she munched on a shortbread. Food, something she'd never take for granted again. Like warmth. Gripping a teacup, she revelled in the heat radiating from it.

A smile pulled at her lips as she listened to the others' introductions. "That's quite some experience," she commented. "I'm Lucilla, and I've been doing this for... eh, about four months now." As that reflexive wince of caution about showing weakness kicked in, she shrugged and added, "Good thing it's fairly easy once you get used to it."

A thud from the door halted the conversation. Right away, Wisp changed back into a ring on Lucilla's finger as children spilled out of the doorway, Sophia in the centre trying to calm the chaos. Lucilla chuckled. Pixies, like transformed magical girls and like Hydes, usually went unnoticed by the general public. However, glimpses in the corner of one's eye did happen, children being particularly receptive, hence the inconspicuous trinket forms pixies spent most of their time in. Fortunately, the children in Sophia's care didn't seem to have spotted anything unusual as they followed the butlers out of the room.

"It's ok, I don't blame you," she said, with a grin and a quick glance at the door. At least that had been a distraction from the question weighing on her mind, but Sophia's announcement meant she couldn't put it off any more - especially after Alicia spoke up.

"Good question." Her smile faded as she faced Veronica. "I mean I've noticed we've been cleaning up more scum than usual lately, but surely things can't be that bad?" She clenched her fists in her lap. There hadn't been a rise in those kinds of cases, had there?

---

Veronica Edwards ~ The Portraitist

---

Setting down her tea with a clink, Veronica headed to Sophia's side and bowed to the group. She even gave the smallest hint of a smile. Even with the inevitable tension and uncertainty she noticed in some of the girls, it was still early days. Best to make them as comfortable as possible, although getting to the point was her main priority. "I, too, thank you all for your arrival," she said, before her face turned neutral again as she listened to the following questions.

"Miss Sherman. Many if not all of you must be wondering the same thing," she replied to the detective. "As well as Miss Wright here having her resources, word spreads among the community of pixies as well as that of witches, and as you'll know, they're excellent scouts."

Claria glowed with pride, quite literally as she changed into fairy form in a burst of light. "And considering all that experience, it's safe to say we chose well!" she said, hopping into Veronica's shoulder. "I don't want to be the voice of doom in the middle of a meeting, but yes, strong witches will be very much needed tonight, and in future." Once more, she brightened in more than one sense of the word. "Not that we'll have any trouble as a team!"

A solemn look shadowed Veronica's face. "That brings me to answering your first question, Miss Ferdinand. As Miss Crawford pointed out, our enemies have indeed been growing more numerous lately. Demons, doppelgangers, or as the commonly used term is now, Hydes. Even though most of them are easy to defeat, I'm sure many of you will be familar with what happens when one slips past us and continues to grow."

Visibly shuddering, Lucilla nodded.

"Rather like Miss Sherman here, I too am an investigator, although my domain is that of the occult," Veronica explained. "Based on information gathered so far, it appears we're dealing with not just one such developed Hyde, but at least five, leading a pack of lesser ones no less. The reason for our gathering is to look into cases such as this one, and eliminate the threats before they return to their creators and reach their final stage."

Lucilla clenched her eyelids shut as if reliving a painful memory. "Can't argue that they need to be dealt with as quickly as possible," she replied, "for that very reason. Why, though? Why so many, despite everything we do?"

"That," Veronica answered, "is exactly what we're to find out. And Miss Ferdinand, as for your second question, no need to let on everything until you're more settled in, although it would help if we knew the basics about each other's skils before we start."

She shifted her attention from witch to witch. "Also if anyone has any tracking abilities, that would be most useful."

My Hero Academia: Another Story

Yup, what Simple Writer said! My post is up too, and just gonna tag those of you writing villains here, as the Discord is still in the process of moving over: @KaijuBaragon @Nyahahameha @Aviaire @Riegal @OwO

My Hero Academia: Another Story

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@SimpleWriter @Heartfillia @Aerandir @Nyahahameha @Tenma Tendo @Pudding @Aviaire @pkken @OwO @Zaphander @Ryonara

Thankfully for the students, the week went by with no further event, allowing them to prepare for the task awaiting them the following Monday.

Chatter rose through the cool morning air as students gathered outside the training arena, lively banter mixed with moans and groans. The wide variety of participants, from all hero classes rather than just one, meant a range of attitudes towards the exam. One girl in particular bounced and whirled through the crowd.

"Rise and shine!" Momo squealed to Freya, who lay draped over a wall as she dozed. "Don't want to miss out on some REAL combat training, do you?" Dancing past her, Momo hurried towards the arena, bumping into a girl and making her spill soda on her bee costume. "Oops! Sorry there!"

The mishap didn't deter her from bounding on until she spotted a familiar pair of horns. "Omigosh can you believe it? Finally, team competitions!" She twirled in front of Erika, spotting Alex not far behind. "And if it's really three on three, this'll be the perfect opportunity for us to work together! It'll be like we're a hero team already! I wonder who we'll be up against?"

The time to put the skills Gabby had taught her to good use was almost here. For all the other girl's concerns about falling in with the wrong crowd, those training sessions had been fun, only resulting in a few wrecked items.

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Freya Leander ~ Cait Sith

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"Mrrrowwwrrr..." Freya grumbled, stirring awake and climbing down from the wall. How did some people have so much energy in the mornings? Traipsing over towards the others, she slouched and yawned. "Ugh, why do we have to do this so damn early?"

A shadow fell over her. She raised her head to see someone in the air, jumping much higher than she could. "Heh, nice enthusiasm there, bed head!" the guy jeered, smirking down at her before landing. He wasn't even wearing a hero costume, just a leather jacket and jeans combo with several punk style accessories, but he exuded cool confidence like victory was guaranteed. "Just try and catch up with me. Remember, you snooze, you lose!" A pair of springstilts extended from his feet, through slots in his boots, launching him into the air once again.

Freya sighed. Just when she thought she couldn't look forward to this exam any less. She really should have faked illness like she'd had a good mind to do. Oh well, too late to back out now. All she could do was try to make sure this challenge went better than the last one. Pulling up her hood and hunching her shoulders, she trudged into the crowd, hoping she wouldn't let anyone down.

She glanced around the gathering with a slight frown. It wasn't just the upcoming task that unsettled her... something was off. It took her a few moments to realise what it was. Someone who'd seemed sure to turn up on time was nowhere to be seen.

"That's weird..." she muttered. "Where's Keri?" There hadn't been another accident, had there? Kerianne hadn't pushed herself too much again?

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Kerianne Morley ~ Nightwatch

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Striding around the school grounds, Kerianne glared this way and that. "Dawn! The exam's about to start any moment now!" Still no sign of her. With a heavy sigh, Kerianne took her phone and typed yet another text message, not that Dawn was likely to take any notice.

She cast a glance towards the training hall in the distance, down at her hero costume, then back around the courtyard. It would look terrible if she missed the exam because of this, but Dawn had been moved into Class A for a reason - that reason being the scrutiny of her sister. An adopted sister, but family nonetheless. And right now, Kerianne had to fulfill that duty.

After another quick search brought no success, Kerianne headed back. For all she knew, Dawn could be out of grounds entirely, despite the important test - or because of it. After all, she couldn't claim not to understand that kind of behaviour...

"Excuse me." Heading over to some of her own class, she looked from student to student. "You wouldn't happen to have seen where Dawn went, would you? I took my eyes off her for a few moments, and well... Someone who glows really should be easier to find."