OwO

SPIRITUM

Justice

The crash was sickening. Approaching it only made the sensations worse. Like hundreds of little needles gliding across her skin, she felt the pockets of mist wax and wane. The soft tarp did little to block the flow of mist. Really, if she didn't some level of duty, she would have simply notified the military and left it up to them. Unfortunately for her, she was the military. She needed--or at least told herself--that she had to investigate. Well, at least she could take solace in the fact that Silje would have the time of her life in the middle of the reactor-based fiesta. Though, it was hardly comforting.

She left the truck alongside everyone else. The corpses were bad news. Of course, for a different reason than the most obvious one. She didn't need Gerard to identify them, though his confirmation at least made it hard for her to deny it. She could feel the presence of mist coming from the bodies. Whether they were alive or mere vestiges was something she couldn't confirm.

"Sabo's more likely." She responded to Gerard. "Whether it was us, them, or some third party? Who knows."

Morden ran off with Silje. Well, he was probably looking for a fight under the guise of searching for survivors. Fights often found him, as was nature for someone built like a brick wall. Not that Justice really cared. A long leash meant that she didn't have to micromanage. As long as he didn't run into a pocket of mist and go through a flower's lifespan in a moment, he'd probably be fine.

Of course, Val didn't need to point of Justice's newfound ability to manifest situations. Though, she did shoot Val a glare when her theory was called wild.

"Sometimes I wish I was more like you lot." Justice said with a sigh. "You know--wrong about things."

It also didn't help that one of the honorguard wasn't actually dead. Justice watched as Kalina approached one of them men deeper in the wreckage. Of course, that also meant that she watch someone who should have been a corpse grasp her like some sort of undead. Silently, she was hoping--silently manifesting--that he'd confirm the opposite of what they were thinking.

When Kalina returned and gave the news, Justice could only give a frown. It was every ounce of confirmation that she didn't want. Unfortunately, Justice's powers of foresight and manifestation only worked against her. She held her head in her hands and did her best to not immediately explode.

Still, she wasn't about to be an awful leader. "Thanks for checking," she told Kalina.

Of course, Morden's warning came. There were automatons. It was certainly new. An ill omen of the future of combat? Maybe the theory of a third party wasn't just a throwaway joke. Still, Justice couldn't dwell on it. No point in speculating a sprout when you were dealing with a forest. Though, perhaps she should have used sand and rocks in her analogy instead.

"I'm going to check if we have to deliver a princess-sized casket." She announced to the remaining Barghests. "Lord knows we let the kitten and hound find a sparrow. Regroup with them. Val, you have command until I return."

Manifesting a breaching hammer from her pocket thanks to Morden's warning, she dashed away to look for survivors. She carefully avoided the pockets of mist. They were really sickening, especially this close. It wasn't enough that they aggrieved her skin. They also blocked her from sensing anything behind them. It was like traversing a field filled with obelisks. She could only feel what was behind them as she moved past them.

That's when it hit her. A massive presence. It was far greater than Silje's. No, it burnt her skin.

There's someone or something with a massive signature at me, she communicated to the group. I'm going to check it out.

She approached it in a sprinting caution. Whether it was something she had to save or something she had to fight was a mystery.

Scion: The Prophecy of Anani

Hollyhock

---

^{@Hero@Obscene Symphony@Abstract Proxy}

Unlike Jannick, Hollyhock's experience as they travelled to Croia was quite pleasant. The fog was certainly something fierce, but she didn't let it bother her. Though, the cold weather would from the new year and fogged out sun did. Hollyhock's outfit was considerably more bundled up this time around. A big ol' white wool coat, a windbreaker above that, and multiple sets of pants.

She did have a nice talk with Sara and Dom with Jannick piping in to make some small talk. Though, the piety of everything felt a little stilted. While Hollyhock was devout, she was also much more insular than the other two about her faith. Of course, being 1/8th of Incepta's chosen whilst not being raised by the church afforded her that privilege.

Of course, she had brought gifts for the spirits. Any diplomacy required some gifts! While not as heavy as a gift ham--both physically and in a type of meal sense--she brought two mason jars filled with candy. One was filled with honey drops while the other was filled with candied fruit.

After all, spirits should have a sweet tooth! Or at least, that's what general media would tell her. Who actually knew--maybe the spirits were like butterflies and the sweet illusions were soon to be replaced by the grim reality of biology textbooks.

Arriving at Croia left Hollyhock stretching and hungry. While she did munch on a few meals on the train, she could still go for another. Still, there wasn't much time to rest. She had immediately been ushered to follow the old man. She couldn't blame the mayor for his panic; there was no telling what the fog meant. Well, there was telling. It just required the Scions to speak with the spirits.

The argument they approached was something new. Hollyhock couldn't describe it as anything but odd; the innate human sense of self preservation specifically screamed out "do not go into foggy, forested woods."

"An old friend of yours, Jan?" Hollyhock inquired. Though, his belittling words made it a bit obvious that she seemed more like a recurring nuisance than an old friend.

Revue of Annihilation

🎕 Talia of Roses 🎕

//O11 - Deserted Backstreets

While Talia's options were vast on paper, they were actually deceptively slim. Predictably, each of her zero-cost hideaway options had downsides.

The warehouse of the rats was free from human pests, but the natural guards had no qualms about the new self-proclaimed owners. Not only that, but the rats would eat any stowed away ration or leather goods. Not only that, but if the rats began to covet shinies for their lustre then she would have to constantly fight for her spoils. To die from a rat bite would be a pathetic way for a thief to go; the best death that a thief could have was one that was fake.

While the outskirts had an awful smell, the sewers were even worse. Talia simply couldn't bear to exist down there for long periods of times. Not only that, but the sewers offered little protection beyond the smell.

The abandoned watchtower was moments from collapse. At any time, their coffers could be buried. Not to mention, if they were inside it, they would join their riches in the afterlife.

The offer from a slumlord was the final option. It was a ball and chain, but one made of gold. While they had aligned themselves with a gang, it was as equal an opportunity as it was a risk. It was a great connection to more thieves. With silver tongue and perhaps a more earthly glib, she could convince the gang to be under her instead. Though that would come in time. If things went wrong, the local nature of the gang would make cutting and running to the other side of the city a simple option.

As such, Talia and her remaining two men had begun their renovations to make their suite a base worthy of a thieving divine. She'd continue this until either something interesting happened, her pickpocketing merry men came back, or they finished their renovations.

Qlippoth Shift: A Supernatural Action RP About Combating Otherworldy Anomalies

Mae Ah-ryeon

@Rune_Alchemist@Eisenhorn@Izurich@VitaVitaAR@Raineh Daze@PKMNB0Y@Psyker Landshark

With the return the rear team, Mae did not have to do much. It was good, considering that she had nearly ran out of incense. The perimeter of spears were an annoyance. As she had not charged like Numako, she was not at risk at suddenly skewering herself She always hated it when beasts and ghoulies did such things. Being corralled was a definite annoyance.

Of course, as the team's doctor, she wasn't about to woefully charge in to combat. No, that'd be quite daft of her. Not to mention, she didn't carry much ammunition with her. While she could take down a few ashigaru, it would be better if she saved her very limited ammunition for dire circumstances. Not to mention, she couldn't get occupied with something drastic; if someone got injured, she would need to tend to them.

Though, she did suppose that she could prepare a larger ritual. Of course, those took time. In the brief respite that the change in numbers gave her, she had quickly burnt plain white papers and threw them in the air to scatter. It was an act of purification to both herself and the surrounding area. Without much delay, she ignited a small firebomb and threw it above the ooze. With a fierce crack as its fuse ran out, streams of embers and flaming char began to repel the ooze.

Mae, however, was not done. With her thumb placed on the opening to a small flask, she swung towards the flames. The small stream of water met the flames of the firebomb, crackling and bursting as the two collided into a sanctified smoke.

"This should weaken them," she unceremoniously said.

Poor Numako, really. They really were complete opposites.

SPIRITUM

Justice

Thankfully, the matter with the marshal ended simply. Of course, when Morden opened his gob in front of the marshal, the air became palpable. Justice had slowly turned to face him, eyes filled with annoyance and a vein nearly bursting from her head.

Justice ate slowly. Peculiarly slowly, in fact. She didn't listen to Gerard's story, either. Not like she needed to; she was there. She had a bad feeling. Of course, she couldn't figure out what it was. It was a creeping sensation on her skin; a distant wind that carried ill omens.

Then the wave came. Like an ocean of disaster washing over her. She shot up to her feet, fists clenched as it came. Something was definitely wrong.

Such feelings of mystery were quickly lost when fire lights and smoke plumes blotted out the stars above. Screams permeated the air. It was the end of their relaxation.

The earth shook as the airship crashed down and shook once more as its engine erupted.

Kalina's observation gave Justice pause. There was no reason for a non-military ship to be crossing over here. Airspaces were heavily restricted. The only thing that came to her mind was the broadcast. They really were going to get in over their head with this, weren't they?

"Some midnight peace," Justice commented. "If that princess is on that ship, I'm going to explode."

And Val was right. As much as Justice wanted to simply ignore the troublesome prospect of a crashed airship--especially on this date, they still had their duties as WARDENs. Plus, it wasn't like the itinerary was a must-experience trip. They could cut the last leg of their journey and have the same experience, really.

"Fire up the truck. We're going to check it out."

Scion: The Prophecy of Anani

Hollyhock

---

^{@Hero@Obscene Symphony@Abstract Proxy}

Hollyhock had mixed feelings about Princess Rosemary assuming the responsibilities of the prophecy. Hollyhock knew first hand how much someone's life was controlled by their status and how different her childhood was. However, Rosemary was already a princess and scion. No matter what, she would be forever tied to these statuses. The only thing Hollyhock could do for her was be there for her. As such, she nodded alongside Jannick's words.

Dom grabbing a bit of gift ham was also appreciated. Hollyhock gave her a smile and nod as she spoke and looked towards her. She could agree with her words.

The options made her choice simple. While Jannick and her had been practicing for a fight, she would prefer not to fight all manner of beasts. Frankly, she still considered herself a liability. She was more likely to scoop other Scions up in a storm than deal with the monsters they were sent to deal with. Going to Doumerc was also risky. Of course, not because she was a liability in investigating. Moreso, it was the people that had already declared their intention. Jannick's distrust of Renault had rubbed off on her. Not to mention, she didn't think her heart could take being beside Maya. Even though they had to form connections and bond, that didn't mean immediately. In true Hollyhock fashion, she'd push off that responsibility for later--preferably when Maya and Renault weren't together.

That left the final option being to converse with spirits. That option was much more reasonable and played more towards Hollyhock's talents.

With a nod to Jannick, she declared her intention.

"I'll speak to the spirits," Hollyhock said before adding a little joke, "I'm a little something of a gift specialist, you know."

Revue of Annihilation

🎕 Talia of Roses 🎕

//O11 - Deserted Backstreets

Of course, Talia responded to the halfling with her impeccable wit! Her penchant for theatrics was certain to help her escape the sticky situation she was in! She gave her strange reason for following her. In fact, Talia ended up spilling out her entire ethos for why she so strangely chased him down!

The halfling was having nothing of it. With each flowery flèche, the halfling gave a brutalist parry and riposte. It was rather deflating, in all honesty. Talia had began to boringly reply to the halfling by the end of their conversation.

Her conman-like speech didn't really have an effect on him either. In an effort to prove herself as more than a charlatan, she had utilized a drop of her divine power to bring forth a miracle. With a little hum and dance suitable for a woman of a bordello, Talia had invoked a miracle in the deserted backstreets: she had caused coins to glow. While the halfling wasn't too enthralled about it, his companions were more entertained by the glowing coins that had once belonged to the white-haired merchant.

Still, such an ability merited a modicum of respect from the halfling. Rather than be absolutely opposed to Talia's words, he at least saw some value in her. She was likely someone who was going to be found as a ditch-corpse, but she also might have a job for him in the future. They ended up introducing themselves in the end, Talia somehow slinking her way through a sticky situation.

With just as much gusto as before, Talia jumped back through the halfling hole. The grease made it easy--head, shoulders, chest, hips, and all. Her two men outside were surprised to some degree, but also not extraordinarily surprised. She had poisoned their minds with her words already, after all.

Once the halfling plugged the hole back up, Talia realized something. She actually forgot about the coins halfway through. Well, it wasn't like she could glib such an amount from a thief. If anything, she'd have to fight them on their own turf for it. Oh well, she thought. At least she made friends.

---

"Well, I suppose we should aim to fill our coffers." Talia hohummed to her remaining merrymen as they walked through the alleys.

"So let's find someone on the street and hammer them." The beefcake who seemed to have difficulty wearing a shirt replied.

"Or we can look for a job." Added the chubby one.

"We're thieves. We do thievey things. Though I suppose beating someone up for their coin pouch is also thievery. And not doing our job but collecting pay is also thievery. Marty, Mork, and Glimsby are all out picking pockets. That's good for living expenses. What we need is to start safely raisin' capital."

"By hammering someone?"

"That comes later. Right now, we're doing things danger-like. What we need to do is establish a hideout. Somewhere to stash our goods and prep for bigger plans." Talia posited. Though, how much time she had to ruminate on this idea wasn't certain. After all, who was to say that she wasn't just blindly inspired by the halfling's hobbit hole.

"But that ain't coins?"

"It's property. That's a type o' capital. A place to store our ill-gotten gains. It beats carrying it around in our pockets for another thief to slash and grab."

Silently, the beefy man and the chubby man nodded as if they had learned a valuable lesson courtesy of the white-haired merchant.
@ERode

SPIRITUM

Justice

"If you're a big fan of that one, I'll make sure to ask if you can go first." Justice snarked back to Gerard.

As much as she wanted to say something about it, she didn't really care that much about the sniper that had posted himself up on the radio tower. He'd sooner fall off than get a meaningful shot off, especially on herself.

Well, Gerard ignored her command. Thankfully, he didn't make the situation worse meaning that Justice didn't care enough to make it an issue. It was a welcome change from the interactions at the store.

"Tourism." She said plainly. "Just passing through this town."

While entirely the truth, it sounded like a complete lie. Tourism was often slang for special operations. If someone just openly stated that they were a tourist while at war, they were almost definitely up to something for the government.

With a brief flick of her hand, a thin paper folder materialized from her pocket. It was the papers she received when she had graduated. It had everything she needed on them. Most importantly, it stated her active deployment date as not right now. Thankfully, the marshal only needed one set. The thought of dealing with what could have happened to Silje's papers would have given her a conniption. They were probably half burnt and covered in grape soda.

Revue of Annihilation

🎕 Talia of Roses 🎕

//O11 - Deserted Backstreets

"Well, it's your coins--not mine." Talia said with a shrug. Nonchalantly, she backed away from the merchant, old man, and dragonkin trio. She wasn't going to gain anything from sticking around nor did she care too much about restitution. After all, he didn't want to pay for her services.

She found him a bit daft, in all honesty. The world they lived in was not one of niceties and selfless action. Even the churches functioned off transactional relationships. To ignore this fact of the world was to be a hopeless optimist. Someone who was much too good for this world.

"I'll spare you the lectures about walking in the backstreets alone with pockets full of coins," Talia said, "but I do suggest you run after them now. A halfling with a bruised posterior is quite easy to chase, especially if two of you have double his stride.

Without much care, Talia went to rejoin her merry men and leave the trio to hunt down the man's missing coins.

Of course, she wasn't actually going to drop the matter immediately. A handful of coins was a handful of coins. She'd go looking for them herself, even if it was just to have a conversation. A conversation with thieves meant the chance of making three more merry men. Plus, maybe she'd take all of the coins for herself if absolutely everything went right.

^{@ERode@Izurich@Theyra}

Scion: The Prophecy of Anani

Hollyhock

---

^{@Hero@Obscene Symphony}
Unfortunately for Ionna, the time and place for snagging a cookie had passed. The dream of a ham and cookie sandwich was killed by the awful mood in the room. Only Rosemary was brave enough to take one. Of course, Hollyhock was tided over by constantly snacking throughout her trip here, so she didn't feel the need to scarf cookies down her throat this time.

As much as she wanted to plug her ears and hide in the corner of the room, Hollyhock was forced to bear witness to her fellow scions. She did not possess the nature of a child that allowed one to simply let discussion fly over her head. The words of her fellows were something that Hollyhock didn't want to exchange. Hawkish words, allegorical rebuttals, and serpentine insults were thrown around like nothing.

While she didn't want to participate in such a dour meeting, that didn't mean she was daft about matters. . She also had the mental fortitude to see Jannick shuffle over to place himself between her and the new Scion. She could easily guess that he was someone that Jannick didn't trust. That lack of trust quickly extended to Hollyhock. She wasn't going to interact with him unless he directly sought her out. Though, even if Jannick trusted him, Hollyhock probably wouldn't interact with him unless she saw him eating a parfait.

While her ham gift mostly failed, it was nice of Sara to partake and offer some ham to others. Hollyhock wasn't going to cut into the room's mood like she was. Though, only one of them was guaranteed to try the ham.

"I'm glad to hear you like it," she told Rosemary with a smile, "I could get you something even better for your birthday!"

Then came Lucas' recital of the prophecy.

While Hollyhock was pious, she didn't raise an objection to Lucas' actions. If what he said was true, then she couldn't personally blame him for wishing to accelerate Incepta's will. Or, given that the first verse was what they were familiar with, had the remainder not been transcribed and subsequently forgotten.

Her reaction to the prophecy was significantly less pious than Sara's. Rather, it was pensive. She was deeply thinking about its meanings. Being red of blood could have denoted the state of Terminus, but it could have just as easily denoted a metaphorical meaning. The red moon was another clue. While Hollyhock wasn't an astronomer, she still knew about the concept of a lunar eclipse. That checked all the boxes--namely, shadows and red.

Though, Hollyhock was a coward. Or perhaps she did not want to participate in a serious and intensive discussion about meanings. She had whispered to Jannick her thoughts about the eclipse and and pushed forward another topic to the others.

"If the prophecy is about forming connections with each other," she said as she stood from her seat, "the best time to start is ten minutes ago. Which can only mean one thing."

Hollyhock placed her hand on the plate that held her gift and pushed it forwards towards the centre of the table. She wasn't about to bond over conversations about war, insults, or overt violence.

"Gift ham."