LuckyBlackCat

The Zephyr Extinct

Yeesh, sorry to hear that Drew, take your time. Glad you got a laugh though.

Alt-Earth: To Find a Haven in Hell

Yup, enjoying reading the posts so far, and looking forward to what happens next!

And I love the irony of how Cara, who's on the side of light, is technically going to be an antagonist since Jane is dark aligned. That or these two will be clashing allies.

Be my Sanctuary

Jessamyn "Jess" Bailey

Jess nodded in acknowledgement. "Then if it's ok, I'll join you." She looked down at the changing room tiles, the warmth of a blush spreading over her face. Would Roxy be uncomfortable having someone see her in a swimsuit? Maybe she was overthinking again, Jess decided. If there were any unease, it would already have become obvious.

Even so, she shuffled into the cubicle as Roxy left the changing room. She quickly changed into the bathing suit and headed out, sitting on the edge of the pool and dangling her legs in. The cool of the water would have been pleasant, if not for the knowledge of whose pool and whose house this was. Gripping the side, she hoisted herself in and propelled her body forward to warm up. Once the initial shock of chill had passed, she lay on her back, slow strokes with her arms and legs keeping her afloat. Relaxing really wasn't the right word, considering everything, but it was the closest to unwinding the two would get.

The Zephyr Extinct

✾ Steel Rose ✾

Steel Rose gave Iris the thumbs up. "Seems like we've got this!" she said, trying to sound as certain as possible as she dug a sheath from the chest, attached it to her belt and put the bladed gun into it. "Alright, let's get going!"

She followed Listener into the crowd. As important as this mission was, she couldn't help looking over her shoulder at Ruskali, catching some of of the conversation between him and a shopper. She bit her lip, unease growing as his zeal burned out and he sank to the stairs. Despite her joking about his ramblings earlier, she wondered what his story was. Grief changed people. He was like her in a way, motivated by it to protect society, even if it meant slipping into its margins.

For all she knew, he could have lost someone, just as she had. And now, she thought as her stomach sank, he was about to lose his pet. Grimacing, she looked away, her focus once again on Listener and the task ahead. As tough as things would be, she and the other new Zephyrs would ultimately help people... right?

Cedar's voice in the earpiece snapped her back to the present. "If you need us," she reassured him in her usual chirp, "we're not far behind, just let us know!"

Alt-Earth: To Find a Haven in Hell

Cara Bryant

Name: Cara Bryant
Age: 35
Gender: Female
Sexuality: Straight (but not looking, nobody can replace her husband and she's more focused on helping fellow survivors than romance)

Personality: Solemn yet kind is the best way to describe Cara. She doesn't talk much, meaning that when she does, her words carry impact. Even rarer is her tendency to smile. This, combined with her cynicism towards the hypocrisy she saw in the medical profession and towards the state of the world now, can make her seem cold. However, beneath that jaded exterior is someone who's held on to her principles even throughout the crisis. It's when she's helping others that her compassion shines through.

Appearance:

Despite her soft features, her height of 5'9" and her usually stoic expression make her appear imposing to some. She has a decent level of physical fitness, which was needed for her former career, and still is for her travels as well as to defend herself or others when necessary. One sign of such struggle is a burn scar on her right forearm from wrist to elbow, inflicted by a survivor who lashed out in anger.

Equipment and other items the character carries; ie. food, tools, weapons etc: Basic first aid supplies, gloves, water flask, non-perishable foods she salvages where she can

Alignment: +2, putting her on the side of light. While she's no saint, and has had to make plenty of tough decisions, she's always had a strong sense of duty. This alignment grants her the ability to slightly boost people's physical skills and functions with a touch. She mostly uses this to accelerate the healing process of the injured, although increasing strength and endurance also come in useful for survival situations. Of course, she has to be careful not to overdo it, as this will exhaust her. The affinity doesn't affect her appearance except for when she uses her powers; her veins light up with a faint white glow.

Backstory: Before the crisis, life was pretty good for Cara. Raised to be practical, she learned first aid skills from a young age, which she refined through studies and put into practice by taking a career as a paramedic. As stressful a job as rescuing and treating people was, between her work and her marriage, she'd gotten to where she wanted.

The storm turned all this upside down. After her husband died in the cataclysm, few would have blamed Cara if she'd given up there and then. Instead, she turned her skills towards saving those who still could be saved. It was near impossible at first, as given the sheer number of casualties, she and other rescuers had to decide who lived and who died on a daily basis. This kind of stress and desire to do more, though, was what awakened something within her. While treating a child who seemed close to death from his injuries, her veins began to glow. The patient's wounds lessened right away, and slowly but surely his physical state kept improving.

Many others manifested superhuman abilities just as she had, but some turned out more harmful than helpful. One survivor, beside himself with anger and paranoia, unleashed energy bursts on some of Cara's fellow rescue workers. She intervened, getting injured herself in the process. This was just the beginning of the darkness she witnessed spreading through the world. Since then, she's had to treat many people caught up in attacks by the darkmen on the gatherings of light, and watched several of them die. Although it takes its toll on her, she still staunchly believes in holding on to kindness and ethics, the things that make the world worth rebuilding.

Pokemon Spiral

Sophia Danvers

Mesalon Town -> Route 2

Sophia headed straight to the Pokemon centre, fuming the whole time she gathered up her belongings. She hurriedly checked out, the nurse giving her a rather bemused look as she stormed from the building and down the path. "I should have known," she muttered to her Pokemon. "I should have known he'd pull something like this. Again."

When she reached the trail downwards, she glowered out at the view, at the sprawling fields leading to forest, town rooftops just visible on the horizon. Starting along the route, she channeled what energy she could into a mental yell. "Oscar, you jerk! So much for sticking together! Don't you dare land yourself in trouble!"

Despite the downhill walk, her posture sagged. With a groan, she held onto a rock. Dang, there was no way Oscar could have heard her message. How early had he set out? How far away was he? If only she'd gotten his phone number... Not that she had any reason to, of course! Right now, though, it'd certainly be convenient.

Notes

Pokemon Party: Gothita "Lacey" lv14, Purrloin "Grimalkin" lv13, Staryu "Arcturus" lv13, Darumaka "Lumas" lv11, Shuppet "Fantoccino" lv11, Bronzor "Clarus" lv11
Pokemon in PC:
Inventory: Pokeball x1, TM33 (Reflect), Oran Berry x3

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Amber Pine

Mesalon Gym

@Typical

Once again, the monastery was quiet as Amber watched, waiting for the next trainer to battle Lan. She shifted in her seat, unusually restless, before sighing and turning to Aedre. She didn't want to bring up the subject, but there was no avoiding it.

"Speaking of plans changing, do you think we should go with her?" she asked. "You know, considering everything, it seems like it's best to travel in groups." While Sophia and Oscar were capable trainers, between the strangely-behaved wild Pokemon and the criminal activity, that comment about chaos breaking loose hadn't been an exaggeration.

"We'll also have to tell Lan," she continued. "About yesterday." Aedre had wanted a distraction from the previous day's events, not a reminder, but they'd have to inform the gym leader - sooner rather than later, if her friend agreed on leaving early.

Notes

Pokemon Party: Kabuto "Chalcedony" lv11, Yanma "Aeshna" lv9, Rockruff "Kyra" lv13, Rowlet "Tacita" lv11, Anorith "Larimar" lv13, Sableye "Almandine" lv12
Pokemon in PC:
Inventory: Pokeball x1, Potion x2, Dusk Ball x1

Faces In The Shadows

Magical girls? Count me in!

Be my Sanctuary

Jessamyn "Jess" Bailey

Jess gave a joyless laugh. "I suppose relaxing is too strong a word... But still." She hesitated outside the changing room. Would asking to swim be asking too much herself, after that screw-up? Pushing the thought aside, she followed. If they were going to strengthen the shield, they needed to share activities instead of keep their lives separate. Not that the latter would have been an option even if they'd wanted to.

Just as Roxy had said, several bathing suits were spread out. A few comfortable looking ones... And a few that Maxwell or other creeps must have liked seeing Roxy in. Jess shuddered, picking out a plain blue tankini swimsuit and heading towards a cubicle. Stopping just outside it, she looked over her shoulder, holding up the swimwear. "You sure it's ok?"

For all the encouragements to spend time together, it was best to confirm it truly was ok. Not only was she a guest here, Roxy might not want a living reminder of how this mess had happened, not while trying to unwind. If the anchor wanted to be alone right now, Jess would wait here, in the changing room.

Be my Sanctuary

Jessamyn "Jess" Bailey

"Shit, I'm sorry..." Jess muttered once the two of them were out of the room. Oddly enough, that burn of anger hadn't been directed at her, even though Roxy had every right to get mad over the mistake. Instead, along with the astonished look, there'd been confusion and a hint of awkwardness, as if she could barely believe anyone would stand up for her.

A twinge, deep in Jess' belly, accompanied Roxy's question about letting her swim. Guilt, mixing with her own. Was the anchor worried about imposing? Asking too much? There was nothing unreasonable about the request, and it was only fair, Jess had gotten her to follow her around plenty. "It's ok, I don't mind," she replied, recalling what Roxy had said earlier, that it helped her let out frustration. "Best to do something relaxing." Maybe she'd take a swim too. They both needed to wind down, not just to sleep better, but to figure out ways around Mr Black's scheme. Easing stress would help them think.

My Hero Academia: Another Story

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Team 3 (Renard, Kerianne, Chisato)

------- vs -------

Team 4 (Dawn, Steven, Thomas)

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Part 1

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Dawn pulled back a little when the guy's hand started spinning. Oh that...made her a little queasy. He continued explaining and mentioned how any part of his body could spin she looked away and closed her eyes and taking deep breaths. After he was done she quickly added, "ok ok ok dont do that infront of me... I'm grossed out by that." waving her hand infront of her to him. once it passed she sighed and added, "I cant make tigers they are too much at the moment, I can do bobcats though. or any other small animals to get up in their faces."

"Bobcats should work! Anything that can help me keep their attention off Steven," Thomas replied, his decision not to focus on her insensitive reaction to his quirk not helping him regain the smile he lost.

Squeezed tight in the group hug, Kerianne lapsed into silence, her cheeks as warm as the arms surrounding her and Chi. Knowing Renard, he probably wanted that exact reaction, just so he could tease her. At Martenell's announcement, however, she regained her composure as she headed with the others to section B.

Chi on the other hand let out a surprised laugh, his eyes squeezed shut and his nose scrunched up in amusement. He's never gotten a big hug like this, let alone a group hug that felt so warm. It was just the push he needed to follow Keri to their designated sector once they were set free from the taller blonde.

Renard was grinning ear to ear when he let Kerianne and Chi go. His goal complete he was in a really good mood. And with the team matchup he was very confident in their situation. Dawn wasn't much of a fighter, Steven he had an upper hand on with his own quirk. Though he didn't know the third guy.

"Well, there's no getting out of training with me this time," she said, with a pointed look at Dawn. Her knowledge of Dawn's strengths and weaknesses could be helpful here, but one opponent, the boy dressed like a construction worker, wasn't one she knew. She sized up the opposing team, glancing around to note the shadows every so often.

"Any training I get to shoot you in the face is not worth missing!" Giving Keri a large smug smile. While patting both her guns. Though... she was annoyed slightly, she would have to watch her quirk. Keri has used her babies glow to help her quirk before. She didn 't know about Renard...he was always such a nice guy. maybe she could use her womanly charm to distract him... Her smug smile turned into a smirk as her cheeks reddened at thought of him giving up with out a fight, claiming his undying love her for her. As she watched him from the corner of her eyes.

Renard followed, rotating his arms like a crank to get that little extra charge. It would seem their original plan wouldn't work as it seemed like they were just being plopped together at the start of it. He quickly said to Chi "Let me take on the other two, perhaps you could use us to sneak around to get a better spot to attack from behind?"

"Un, I'll look for a way around." Said healer whispered back in response, sizing up their opponents with a slight frown. While Steven and Dawn were formidable from what he could remember, the new guy worried Chisato. He'd need to be extra careful, like always.

The whistle trilled. Kerianne wasted no time, sprinting to a nearby building's shadow, fixing her stare on Steven. At the last split second, she shifted her attention to Thomas instead, vanishing and popping up next to him. A risky move, since she didn't know his Quirk, but hopefully it would throw off Steven enough for Renard to deal with him - and from here, she could keep an eye on her teammates, to carry out the plan when necessary.

Springing up from her crouch, she threw a punch.

Renard sprang into action as well, rushing towards the group, hoping to keep their eyes on him enough to help both Chi and Kerianne.

Dawn was stuck in her daydream and let out a little yelp as the whistle trilled. Her eyes wide as she saw Renard charging at them. She raised a hand and her glow grew more inense in the palm of it. Sudden a couple birds sprung forth and flew over to Renard trying to peck at his face and flap their wings to block his view. She knew he was the more dangerous one...though he might not hit her, him and stripper boy wouldn't be a good match. She decided to make a few more birds to go and bother both Kerianne and Chi.

At first, Chi had been following behind Keri, up until she disappeared, continuing on until he reached the coner of the building itself. Planting himself there for now, the pinkette watched as everyone moved, silver blue eyes darting to and fro. Kerianne went after the new guy, while Renard aimed for their opposing classmates. While that should've been enough for Chi to give the slip and possibly get behind them to act as a distraction, a familiar glow came his way in the form of some birds. He wasted no time sprinting along the perimeter of the wall out of sight in hopes of getting away and ultimately take the long way around the central fighting going on to get behind it all.

Tomka had started the fight much like Keri and Renard, running toward the opposite team. What he didn't expect was that one of them would suddenly teleport next to him. He whipped around in an attempt to strike first, but she cut him off with an uppercut thrown from crouching position. Tom was clocked in the underside of his jaw, his sandals leaving the ground as he was knocked backward into the air. He'd taken some blows like that before, though, so he knew how to hit the ground in a way that didn't leave him breathless. His hardhat absorbed the damage of his head hitting the pavement, too. From his position on the ground, he rotated his shoulder segment and hip segment in opposite directions, turning himself perpendicular to Keri, then rolled toward her, hoping to catch her by surprise and take her legs out from under her while she thought she had a moment.

Lack of knowledge of each other's Quirks may have worked in Kerianne's favour, but now it worked against her. Thomas' rotation and roll caught her off guard, bowling her over. Her reflexes from scuffles kicking in, she buckled her knees and twisted her body to land with minimal injury. Just as she made to stand up, several large, glowing birds flapped at her face.

Having successfully tripped Keri, Tomka stopped rolling just behind where she'd been standing and sprang into a crouching position facing her now prone body. He attempted to wrap his arms around her ankles and trap her legs under his arms. If Kerianne didn't struggle free, he'd be able to proceed with his plan.

Kerianne kicked about, trying to loosen Tom's grip. With a sweep of her arm, she pushed the birds from her face just long enough to glimpse a sign stand ahead. Pressing a hand to the ground, she plunged into Tom's shadow and reappeared by the board. As the birds closed in, she picked up the stand and knocked them away.

Across the arena, she spotted Chi disappearing behind a building, similarly pursued. Gritting her teeth, she rushed to a nearby lamppost. The glow of Dawn's creations extended its shadow, which she wasted no time teleporting through to the building's side, the board still gripped in her other hand. She straightened her posture with a slight stumble, a reminder that she'd have to pace her Quirk uses better. Hoping nobody had noticed the side effect setting in, she ran at the birds, raising the board with both hands and whacking them aside. If she held them off, it would buy Chi enough time to go through with his plan.

Chi didn't seem all that surprised when Kerianne suddenly appeared with a board to smack down the pesky birds coming his way. Before he completely blitzed away from the scene however, the boy gave her a hard look, one of warning. He gave her that vial for a reason, she needed to use it, even if she didn't feel it necessary.

Tomka gritted his teeth, a bit frustrated with this teleporting quirk he had to deal with. But he was pretty sure he knew part of how it worked at least, having watched Kerianne reach for his shadow and seem to get sucked into it, pulling her right out of his grip. She used shadows of object and people as warp points, it seemed. Maybe if one of Dawn's light animals stayed near him, it would make it harder for her to use her quirk to escape him next time, since all the shadows would be cast away from where he was fighting her?

Putting that idea into the back of his mind, he stood up and took stock of everyone else's position. The shadow warper had moved to grab a weapon and take out some of Dawn's birds, then moved somewhere else. He couldn't see either of them now. They were probably hiding in or behind one of the buildings, he guessed, not looking behind to his own team. That left Renard, who had rushed forward like Tom did at the beginning and was engaged by Steven from a distance using his chains. Tomka didn't see what happened, but Steven appeared to be down and out, at least for the time being. Was Renard that dangerous? Regardless, with Steven down, Renard would have a straight shot at Dawn, who didn't seem like she'd be great in close quarters. Best to intercept before this 3-on-3 became a 3-on-1.

Tomka reached behind him and grabbed one of his drills. He spun his right wrist and bent his knees while swinging his arm in a low arc from back to front, drilling through the pavement beside him at an angle and breaking chunks of the stone-hard substance away. He then swung his arm up, flinging a fistful of head-sized stones toward Renard with little precision, hoping the buckshot would do some damage.

By this time, the pinkette had reached the other side of the building, and thus was behind the other team. He took a moment to calm his breathing, glancing from Tomka, to Steven, and lastly Dawn. Chi knew his strengths and out of other team, Dawn was only one he had some chance at holding back, if only for a few minutes. So, he ended up going for it. Quick, almost soundless steps approached Dawn from behind, Chi bounding towards her swiftly and quietly.

"Boo!" As soon as he found himself close enough, the boy clad in white wrapped his arms around the girl's body, almost emulating the bear hug Renard gave him and Keri earlier. Having no intent of letting go, Chi locked his hands together, gripping his own wrists in hopes to keep Dawn from potentially struggling out of his grasp while also stepping backwards, wanting to create some distance between not only Dawn's teammates, but his own as well.

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Araraki Kaori ~ Noxious

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@Nyahahameha @Stern Algorithm @KaijuBaragon @pkken @Riegal @Pirouette

For all the banter around her, Noxious entered with her usual purposeful silence. She cast her icy stare around the room, at the familiar faces and her new recruits alike. Some of the League members, she hadn't seen or heard from in a while, and sure enough they still hadn't shown up. With the task ahead, though, she had no time for flakes, and he certainly didn't either.

She only spoke once she took her place at the back of the room. "You may be wondering about the choice of arena," she said, the device in her mask amplifying her voice. In truth, the location hadn't been her decision, but she wasn't letting that on. "Since we caught a fair amount of attention, the authorities will be on our trail for quite some time. Luckily, we have a network of hideouts to move between, so we can keep throwing them off, with the appropriate precautions of course." She swept a gloved hand at the people around the hall, including the one she'd tasked with keeping all sound to the inside. "And such carelessness had better not happen again." Her glare fell on Sana.

It all made sense, she supposed. If anyone who'd turned out not to have the stomach for this got caught and betrayed the league's whereabouts, they had options besides Alcatraz, which admittedly would remain their main base of operation. "Anyway," she continued, "our mission still stands, which is the other reason why we're here." Her eyes flicked around the spacious area. "The perfect place for me to see what all of you are capable of. If we're to bring down UJ, and the top three heroes with it, we'll need to be prepared. And alive, may I add, so don't any of you get too carried away."

She'd join in with the training, if she could, but that wasn't to be her task for today. Not because of the lethal nature of her Quirk - she could fight with purely her physical skills while covered up in heavy clothing - but because somebody needed to assess the others. "You'll be fighting one on one. Marionetta versus Ushi-Oni, Corvus versus Hades, Animus versus Dealer..."

Once she'd called out each match-up, she moved back to give them more space, although her poise and tone remained just as commanding. "Take your places and start."