Shin Ghost Note

Recollections: Under The Sycamore Tree Part. 1

@Shin Ghost Note

Todd Dancing River

"There's a secret garden inside of you just waiting to bloom. It just needs a bit of nurturing."

_______________________________________________ Todd Dancing River He/Him | 29 | Native-American (Cheyenne) | 5'10" | 156 lbs _______________________________________________ Earthy. _______________________________________________ Skills & Talents "I do not fear hardwork, I welcome it." ___________________________________ [+] Green-Thumb ⫻ Todd has what some might call a green-thumb. He's always had a knack for growing plants abd gardening thanks to his upbringing and was the most effecient at it in his family. He would find little unassuming patches in his family's orchard and grow other plants that he found beautiful or beneficial. Kenpo ⫻ He trained in the art of Kenpo from age 9 to 20, so he can go toe-to-toe if he needs to. Also, he just always spent most of his time outside, and was never one to watch t.v. or play videogames. He was either playing or working outdoors in some capacity. Horseback Riding ⫻ They had horses on their farm, so he learned how to ride them as a kid. Also, horses are important animals in his Cheyenne culture, so it was invetible that he would be taught to ride from a young age. Athletic ⫻ Due to his upbringing, Todd is generally very atheletic, probably moreso than the average individual. He's particularly good at running and swimming. Nurturing ⫻ Beind the second eldest of his siblings, Todd adopted a somewhat fatherly kind of personality. He's got a quiet wisdom about him, a great listener who likes to nurture others to be their best selves. Because of this, Todd's a beloved individual who can bring out the best in those around him. People always come to him for advice. Cooking ⫻ As the oldest brother in the family and the second eldest overall, a lot of the patronly duties fell to him while he mother and father were working. He would cook for his siblings and now cooking is second nature to him. He would often combine his cooking and gardening skills to cook tasty, but healthy foods for his younger siblings.

Appearance ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ "For the things I care about, beauty is a non-factor. Anyways..." At first glance, people might describe Todd was earthy and modest. Of course he's attractive by conventional standards, but not in a way that is obnoxious or unrealistic. He's of average height with an athletic build, but his handsome facial features are approachable and mild, nothing too out-of-the-ordinary worth mentioning. Todd's most notable feature is his long thick wavy hair, which he often keeps in a single or double braids. His hair is VERY sacred to his Cheyenne heritage and culture. He'll never cut it short. His clothes seem to match his personality. Having lived on a farm and orchard most of his life, his style seems to reflect his upbringing. Todd wears jackets, flannels, and boots. He's often adorned with some kind of accessory related to his Cheyenne heritage, like a necklace, earring, bracelet, or ring. His glasses are large and round, giving him a somewhat nerdy appearance. Overall his style seems a bit vintage and grounded. Todd is one of eight brothers and sisters, so he's had very little time to worry himself about his appearance from a vanity standpoint. They were always too busy helping around the house, so everything he wore to the way he styled his hair was about comfort and effeciency in getting things done. As such, he is not very materialistic and teaches those same values to his own children.

_{Psychology
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"I like to plant things and watch them grow."

MAIN GOAL ⫻ To keep his children safe. This is why he cameback to the coven. After the attack and hearing that other ex-coven members are being killed, he's staying away from his children so he doesn't put them in harms way. Of course, his main main goal is so stop whatever is trying to kill them all so he can get back to his kids.

PHILOSOPHY ⫻ To Todd, everything is like a garden. You plant the seeds you want to cultivate into something magnificent and beautiful. As such, he's got a nurturing, paternal, calm and cool big-brother sensibility about him. And the way he moves in the world reflects that. He doesn't believe in barriers or having regrets or inaction. For Todd, you cultivate and nourish the kind of life you want for yourself and everything else becomes inconsequential. While he is not naieve to the unfortunate and downright terrible conditions that life can throw at us, he stands firm in never letting the world limit our growth. We are always blooming so long as we continue pushing forward despite the adversities we may face. Todd's wisdom makes him seem older than he really is. But this is a man who fears stagnation and stillness. He always needs to be doing something.

SECRETS ⫻ To be honest, he has no real secrets. He's always been an open-book. Suppose that's why he's so approachable and magnetic.

SEXUALITY ⫻ Openly pansexual, though he's monogamous with whomever he's with. Prefers women though.

FEARS ⫻ His children being hurt and dying. Dying before seeing children grow up. Literally most of his fears revolve around his kids. He's a parent after all.

REPUTATION IN OLD COVEN ⫻ In the old coven, Todd was a beloved figure whose calm, cool, and wise nature made him a source of comfort and counseling to everyone else. He was also one of the oldest members and often acted as the Coven's paternal father or big-brother figure that others came to. He was reliable, unproblematic, and his amazing cooking skills were enough to solidify his place in the fold. Todd would often cook for the coven members or invite them over to his family farm, so most of the coven members are familiar with his own family. At 19, he left the coven to raise his newborn with his high school sweetheart. His departure was a major loss to the morale of the group. He was like a guiding light. A lighthouse.

ROLE IN THE BATTLE AGAINST THE STYGIAN SNAKE ⫻ During the battle against the Stygian Snake, Todd was one of Britney's unassuming "victims". He just so happened to be nearby when she forcibly sealed an apparition named Catherine, inside of him. This simple act opened up his eyes to a whole new world and he truly saw it for what it is. Seeing the battle unfold, his protective "big-brother" instincts took over and he used his newfound gift tosave many lives by phasing people through the stygian snake's various attacks and using his gift to help people escape from under debris and rubble, things like that.

FLAWS ⫻ Todd's a bit of a busy body. He hates doing nothing and always feels like he's needs to be doing something. When he's not being active or engaged in something, Todd can become restless and irritable.

_{Backstory
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"Nothing is more important to me than my kids."

Todd's early life on the family farm and orchard in St. Portwell was defined by responsibility and hard work. As the second oldest of eight siblings and the eldest brother, he took on a paternal role from a young age, ensuring his younger brothers and sisters were cared for while his parents were working. Todd's days were filled with tending to the land, managing the household, mentoring his siblings, studying for his own academics, you name it. He was never truly able to be a kid. The farm was not just a place of labor but also a space where he learned the values of diligence, resilience, and family loyalty. His love for Kenpo, which he practiced after school, provided him with both discipline and a sense of personal achievement away from his neverending family duties. He made a lot of sacrifices for his family's well-being and cohesion. He kept everything together, even when his parents, at one point, spoke of divorce. His father said to him one night, "Todd, thank you. You're the reason your mother and I are still together. Hell, you're the reason our family is still together. We would have fallen apart without you."

At 18, Todd's life took an extraordinary turn when he encountered Britney on his way home from Kenpo practice. While fighting the Stygian Snake, she sealed an apparition named Catherine inside him, allowing him to use Cather's power of intangibility. While this newfound gift was a heavy burden, it proved to be useful as he was able to use his power to save many lives during the fight. Despite the danger and the sudden shift in his life, Todd rose to the challenge, driven by the same sense of duty that had defined his upbringing. And truthfully, he could have resented Britney for what she did to him, but, in life, Todd believes every new experience is something to grow from—a new seed to cultivate until it blooms.

Following the victory, Todd remained with the coven for a while longer to help nurture his new gift and learn all about this new world he had been forcibly brought into. The camaraderie and the sense of purpose he found within the coven was like being at home. It was, familiar, uncannily so. At the age of 19, he would leave the coven to raise his newborn daughter with his high school sweetheart who was also in the Sycamore Coven with him. His departure was a big deal, as he had become a beloved, reliable, and stable figure within the group. But he had new and old responsibilities that awaited him back home, and he just couldn't continue with the Coven, which had become a burden for him, unfortunately. Frankly, it had become a burden for them both.

Tragically, the mother of Todd's two children was killed by Father Wolf (though Todd does not know who the killer is). Still in mourning and fearing for the safety of his children, Todd returned to the coven once again to lend his support, to uncover who the killer is, and put an end to their new adversary's murderous spree, if only for the sake of his own kids. They've already lost their mother; he'll be damned if they lose him too.

_{Abstraction
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"Take my hand. We'll escape this place together."

TYPE ⫻ Aberration (Adjoined)

ABSTRACTION ⫻ Catherine's Gift: Catherine was an American witch from the 1600s who escaped the Salem Witch trials, though not before witnessing all of her sisters burned at the stake. Catherine swore to live on forever, even in the afterlife. Before her death, Catherine would cast a powerful spell, turning her essence into an apparition. This bound her to the world of the living so she could eternally seek out revenge on the descendants of her sisters' murderers. Eventually, Catherine's spree of retribution came to a halt when Britney sealed her inside of Todd, allowing him to utilize the magical gifts Catherine possessed.

ABSTRACTION DESCRIPTION ⫻

Incorporeal Form
Todd possesses the gift to become incorporeal (intangible). While in this form, he can phase through matter on a molecular level, passing his atoms through the spaces between the atoms of the object through which he is moving. In this way, he and the object through which he is passing can temporarily merge without interacting, and each is unharmed when he has finished phasing through the object. He can share his intangibility with other objects and people by maintaining physical contact with them throughout the duration. Todd can also selectively make different parts of his body incorporeal at will without having to make his entire body intangible.

Incorporeal Distortion
While in his incorporeal form, Todd can alter his atoms, making them volatile. In this state, his body disables the binding forces that hold solid matter together. This causes the matter to crumble or break down around him as he passes through it.

Incorporeal Flight
While in his incorporeal form, Todd's body is not affected by the forces of gravity, allowing him to float, hover, and fly by passing through air molecules. As he describes it, the experience is like swimming through the air. While flying, there is a visible watery-esque ripple effect around him.

Psychic Immunity
While incorporeal, Todd is functionally immune to psychic abilities, as there is no corporeal mind to influence, read, or manipulate.

LIMITS ⫻

Todd is unable to breathe while fully incorporeal, so he can only continuously phase through matter for as long as he can hold his breath (it's like being underwater). This also means he can only fly for as long as he can hold his breath, with the duration even shorter if he is extending his gift to someone else mid-flight (i.e. carrying them). Solidifying while in an object could cause serious injury, if not death. As it is an active power, if he can't see, anticipate, or react to an attack coming, he can't phase through it.

WEAKNESSES ⫻ (DO NOT FILL THIS OUT, I WILL PROVIDE IT FOR YOU)

^{Other
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"All along you were blooming."

Todd has two kids, a daughter (11) and son (10). Their mother, who was also a member of Sycamore, was killed by Father Wolf. Todd doesn't know the identity of the killer, only that they're connected to the killing of other Sycamore Tree members.

@Aeolian

Officially accepted.

WEAKNESSES ⫻ Certain elements can disrupt Todd’s incorporeal form. High electricity, intense heat, or extreme cold can interfere with his ability to phase through matter and cause injury. A powerful enough instance of these elements can even force him back into his human form, and he cannot pass through these elements. Black Lux and other magic dealing with Apparitions can affect Todd in ways such as warding, binding, etc. Since Todd's incorporeal form is tied to Catherine's essence, strong emotional disturbances or psychic attacks from Pink-Lux, for example, can cause him to lose control over his Abstraction, forcing him back into his physical form unexpectedly. If Todd holds heavy objects or people while trying to phase through matter, the strain on him increases exponentially. The more mass he tries to phase with, the shorter his duration becomes and the higher the chance of prematurely returning to his physical form. The moments when Todd transitions between his corporeal and incorporeal states are particularly vulnerable. If attacked or disrupted during this brief window, he could be caught in a partially phased state, causing him extra damage from these attacks.

Paragraphs: Agents of Death [FernStone & Shin Ghost Note]

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---

Lisa came charging out of the arcade with an oversized cyan-blue teddy-bear with a giddy facial expression on.

”... I WOOOOOOOOOOOON!”

She laughed as she bounced up and down. She walked out with the others and spoke to Ella.

”Shut up, Ella, I beat you!”

"You didn't! We were tied and then you cheated by throwing spiders in my eyes!"

”Nope! I beat you!”

"NOOOO YOU DIDN’T YOU CHEATER!"

”I WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!”

”BUT YOU LOST MORALLY!" Ella huffed, stamping her feet like a grumpy child.

"Anywhere in here I can buy noise canceling headphones? Saskia muttered, pressing a hand to their forehead. While they'd been soundly beaten by Lupe they weren't bothered, because they just weren't that competitive.

"I want a teddy bear too!" Ella shouted, completely ignoring Saskia as she continued in her strop.

“C’mon, mami,” Lupe laughed as she touched her hip and gave Saskia a warming smile. “We’re in a mall. Go find some tech store!”

”... Then maaaaaybe you should have got good!” Lisa teased Ella back.

“... And what’s wrong with this, mami?” Lupe chuckled a little bit, before her expression went flat. “You should… enjoy them, while you got them. You lost each other before, right, mami?”

"I am good! I just follow the rules!" Ella huffed, folding her arms and pouting.

”We did… but Lisa was the one that really lost us both. I died before her,” Saskia said quietly, looking at Ella and Lisa without much change in expression. She did appreciate being alive again, with them, she just… wished they weren’t so goddamn loud. They couldn’t stop it getting on their nerves. "Just getting a headache with all the bright lights and shouting.”

They looked around and spotted a bench a bit away - close enough they could still see (and probably hear) their friends. They pointed to it. "I’m going to go sit over there a moment. Don’t kill anyone.”

“Ah, I understand, mami,” Lupe laughed before playfully sticking her tongue out. “You just need your alone time! To me, mami, alone time involves some tequila, a bath, and loud music! You got my number!”

”... If you’re not cheating, you’re not winning!” Lisa shouted to Ella

Lupe gave Saskia a playful wave goodbye as she followed after the girls, and they disappeared into the mall’s halls.

Saskia let out a slight sigh of relief, rubbing her head. It wasn’t actually a headache, more a mental tension. The arcade had been fun but… too much. They made their way over to the bench they’d pointed out, slumping down on it and closing their eyes for a moment.

A few moments later, someone sat down next to her, and when Saskia opened her eyes, she saw Shayton sitting there. Except for wearing sweatpants, a hoodie, and black Air Force 1’s… he still had his sunglasses on. He had a black cane on his lap that he rested both of his hands on, and he just sat there for a moment.

“... Don’t make a scene,” Shayton commanded, his voice a low near-whisper. He pointed at the floor above him, and Shaquita could be seen leaning against the guard rail, wearing a green hoodie. Once noticed, she went in the direction Lupe, and the other Agents of death went in. Shayton stared forward as he spoke, “So, you caused a scene at the Morgenstern Manor last night, I heard?”

”... can’t I just catch a break?” Saskia quietly groaned, gaze moving from where Shaquita had been to Shayton. They were tempted to just close them again and ignore him in the hope he’d go away… but that was unlikely, and would just be more annoying. ”I did. It’s a shame I didn’t kill more of them, I think.”

“Hmph,” Shayton began, before he paused for a moment and then asked, “... Where is the Orange Stone?”

”Morgenstern Manor.” Saskia didn’t even bother trying to lie, shrugging one shoulder. ”Oh, are you going to cut me up into pieces for losing it?”
“Hmph,”

Shayton cracked a wry grin.

“... We’ll cut you a break this time,” Shayton began, “We put a tracking device on it, anyway. So we know exactly it is. And it’s not in the Morgenstern Manor anymore. Take a guess where it is?”

”PRA Headquarters?” Saskia suggested. ”Ah, we should’ve picked it up when we visited…”

“Nah,” Shayton shook his head. “It’s in the Devil’s Fortune… that casino where you and your friends caused a scene...” He trailed off.

“Deep underground. It has to be in a vault where Morningstar keeps the rest of his artifacts,” Shayton explained. “So… you’re going to go get it back for us, right?”

”Do I have a choice?” Saskia raised an eyebrow. Sounded like an absolute pain, but if it was with Morningstar’s artifacts… maybe they could take them all to. ”Obviously, so my friends can keep their limbs.”

“No, you do not,” Shayton shook his head, before he stood straight up. Not even looking in Saskia’s direction, Shayton said, “We got our eyes on you, Saskia Otten....”

He disappeared in a blinding burst of speed; the only sign that he didn’t teleport was the gust of wind that accompanied him.

”So much for relaxing,” Saskia muttered, standing up. As much as they wanted to actually get a bit of time alone, they also needed to make sure Ella and Lisa were okay… especially if Shaquita had gone after them. They pulled out their phone, and quickly called Lupe, rather than just trying to find them in the mall.

“... Hey mami!” Lupe laughed. “That alone-time was quick? Did you get what I really meant?!“

”No?” Saskia hadn’t even realised there was another meaning behind Lupe’s words. Well, that didn’t matter. ”Something came up. Are Ella and Lisa safe?”

“Well, not safe from each other!” Lupe laughed. “... What’s up?”

Saskia looked around to make sure no one was nearby before she continued. "Dollhouse. They found me as soon as sat down… one followed you all."

“Shit, um, fuck, fuck, fuck!” Lupe panicked. “Um, mami, shit. Get outside. Now. We’ll get out of here in my car!”

"They're not going to kill us, they need us to do something for them." Saskia said bluntly, sounding a lot calmer than she felt. If it was just her at risk? Fine. But Ella, Lisa and Lupe? She didn't like that. "But yes, let's leave. I'm heading out now."

Saskia didn't actually hang up, pushing herself to her feet and starting to quickly walk out of the mall and towards the car park, where they roughly remembered Lupe's car being. They'd… had their fun at the Arcade, and they didn't want to risk the Dollhouse getting touchy about them wasting more time rather than getting the stupid stone back.

Lupe’s car sped in front of Saskia, and Lisa threw the door open as Lupe shouted.

“Get in, mami!”

Saskia jumped in, flat ass hitting the seats and offering no padding.

The very moment that Saskia was in the car - not even giving Saskia a chance to close it - Lupe floored it and sped out of the parking lot.

---

Back at the hotel, the three walked up to Kimberly and Jordan’s room, and Lisa knocked on the door… violently. Jordan came and threw the door open, a face of anger turning flat upon seeing the three.

“... Oh, it’s you three,” Jordan shrugged. “What’s up?”

"We’re going to get chopped into pieces and sent to our families bit by bit if we don’t raid a casino!" Ella wailed before anyone else could say anything.

"... It’s not as dramatic as that, but yes. We’re at risk of being killed by the Dollhouse if we don’t get something back for them," Saskia explained.

”... If they cut your head off, you probably wouldn’t notice it, Ella,” Lisa chuckled.

“Okay, okay, okay,” Jordan stuck her hands up. “Slow down here. What do you mean ‘back for them’? That implies they gave you something…”

Ella’s eyes widened, looking like she’d been caught by her mom stealing a shit ton of candy. Saskia wasn’t so bothered about being caught. They’d only hidden it because they knew Kimberley and Jordan would take it off them.

"They gave us an abstraction boosting stone. I used it to kill three of the Endless Seven, then Lisa threw it in a hole," Saskia explained with a shrug. "But they want it back."

Jordan facepalmed.

“... Girl-”

”Hey! They are nonbinary you scum!” Lisa shouted.

"Yeah, don’t misgender them!" Ella shouted too.

“... Whatever! Why in the world would you three accept it from them of all people?!” Jordan asked.

”Well, technically, they only gave it to Saskia,”” Lisa shrugged. ”When did they tell you this?”

"I was tied up, I had no say in it!" Ella said.

"Look, it helped," Saskia shrugged one shoulder. "I only got slightly destructive with it. Everything would’ve been fine if Lisa didn’t throw it away."

”Hey! It was making you crazy!” Lisa shouted, throwing her hands into the air.

“... Look,” Kimberly finally butt in, sticking her head onto Jordan’s shoulder, “Pointing fingers isn’t going to get anything done.”

Kimberly groaned, “Do you know where it's at? Then we can go get it.”

"Devil's Fortune casino, in some vault under it," Saskia said. "We can steal all of his artifacts while we're in there."

“So,” Kimberly shrugged, pausing for a second before she continued. “Let’s make a plan and go get it. Alright?”

“You’re making it sound easy, girl…” Jordan rolled her eyes.

”I mean…” Lisa began, before looking over everyone here. ”We clapped the cheeks of everyone we fought so far!” She shrugged.

“... So far.” Jordan rolled her eyes again.

”Oh!” Lisa turned towards Saskia. ”Do you think he has a love potion in there!? Maybe something that will give me big tiddies?!”

Saskia looked down at Lisa’s chest, then back up with a grim smile. "No potion can make something out of nothing."

"Can’t you just use green lux for that?!" Ella shouted. "But then more people will grab them, Lisa!"

"I don’t think the size matters when it comes to that," Saskia shrugged.

Lisa deviously grinned, tilting her head.

”... I’ll just have to deter them, won’t I?”

"Ohhh… yeah, torture anyone who comes near with spiders," Saskia’s lips twitched up into an evil smile. "Maybe put some poisonous spiders on your tiddies just in case."

”But what if they move and bite me while we’re spooning at night?!" Ella shouted.

”... That is a sacrifice you’re willing to make,” Lisa calmly nodded her head.

“No, no, no! We are not doing this right now!” Jordan shouted, before pointing back into her hotel room. “Come in here so we can make a plan!”

Whatever Ella had been about to say was cut off by Jordan, her mouth slamming shut into a pout and glare at Lisa. She let out a small huff and went into their hotel room. Saskia followed with a dry laugh, immediately flopping down on the sofa.

"I say we just break in like we did before, get the stone, steal his artifacts, done." they said.

“... If it was that simple we would have defeated Morningstar by now,” Kimberly shook her head.

“Know what? Let them do it their way,” Jordan laughed. “See how that works out for them.”

”It’s worked out great so far! We’ve killed so many of them," Ella said confidently.

"Yeah… easy," Saskia yawned, feeling a bit bored since they agreed so easily. "Can we go tonight then?"

Jordan sighed.

“... Knock yourselves out.”

Paragraphs: Agents of Death [FernStone & Shin Ghost Note]

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Song playing in Lupe’s Car: Pensamientos Intrusivos · Kali Uchis

---

The song played loudly in the car.

“... Alright, girls, repeat after me!” Lupe loudly said. “♫ La voz de mi mente te extraña, siempre habla de ti, cómo te amo, pensamientos intrusivos, hoy, ayer, ahorita y mañana, oh, oh, la voz de mi mente cuando despierto! ♫”

Lisa tried singing along, even though it just came out a jumble of mispronounced Spanish.

"COO-ANDO DES-PERTO!" Ella very loudly sang, completely incorrectly, and completely missing the other half of the lyrics. It was just… so different from English! And she didn’t know any other languages… aside from a little bit of Japanese.

Saskia, on the other hand, didn’t sing. They intoned the words, perfectly pronounced, but without a single variation in tone.

"Why can we listen to Spanish songs but not my anime ones?!" Ella asked.

”Because Lupe’s not a weeb.” Lupe deviously said.

“C’mon, mami! We can!” Lupe laughed. “Don’t be like that!”

"We can?!" Ella shouted excitedly. "Can we put on the Sailor Moon opening! Oh-oh- there’s so many songs I want to listen to!"

"If you’re taking requests, how about some heavy metal?" Saskia asked.

“Oh, God no,” Lupe stuck her tongue out in a fake disgust towards Saskia. “That’s for them…” She caught herself, and ended up trailing off

She looked at Saskia for a moment.

She was silent.

Lupe pulled out her phone, and as requested, she started playing the Sailor Moon themesong.

”... Awwwwwwwwww!” Lisa whined, head slumping to the side.

"♫Gomen ne sunao janakute, Yume no naka nara ieru, Shikou kairo wa shooto sunzen,♫" Ella started to sing in surprisingly well pronounced Japanese, practically bouncing up and down in her seat.

"It’ll be over in a minute," Saskia said quietly to Lisa, reaching over and patting her shoulder.

"TSUKO NO HIKARI NI MICHIBIKARE, NANDO MO MEGURIAU!” Ella was now absolutely belting out the lyrics, so loud it was hard to hear the actual music.

Saskia groaned, and held their head. "... how long till we get to the mall?"

Lupe looked down at her phone.

“My GPS says it’ll be like two minutes if we get off at the exit, mami,” Lupe responded.

She drove past the exit.

“... Now it’s fifteen!”

Lisa grabbed both sides of her face and screamed.

"... you did that on purpose," Saskia muttered, covering their eyes.

"Anata ni… kubittake… Deatta toki… no natsukashii” Ella was starting to get breathless singing so loudly, chest heaving up and down as she continued to sing. But they were over halfway through, she had to sing the rest!

"Maybe I can take a nap,” Saskia said, closing their eyes.

In the meanwhile, Ella sang the rest of the Sailor Moon song as best she could, regaining her energy for the very last lines. "Thank you… Lupe… Oh, I’m happy to play anything now! I need a break…"

“Let’s go back to Kali Uchis!” Lupe laughing, as she changed the song back to the old one as she kept driving.

Soon enough, they made it to the mall! The Desert Oasis, it was somewhat busy, but Lupe parked her car, hopped out and walked towards the mall as she gestured for them to come along.

“C’mon, mami!” Lupe said as she led them inside, and she looked around, before pivoting on her heel and she excitedly said, “... You three ready for an arrrrrrrrrrrrrrcaaaaaaaaaaaade?!” She laughed.

”WOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Lisa shouted, throwing her hands up into the air.

"ARCADE, ARCADE, ARCADE!” Ella shouted like a little kid.

“Wait, do ya’ll got any money?” Lupe asked.

Ella paused midstep, dramatically turning around to stare at Lisa. They’d spent all their totally legally acquired money on phones and clothes and the like! "We don’t but we can… probably get some, right, Lisa?”

Lisa looked at the ATM by the entrance.

”... We can,” Lisa deviously said, as she looked at every camera.

"I have a dollar,” Saskia said, pulling a dollar bill out of the pocket of her jeans.

“Maaaaaaaami!” Lupe laughed, “Put that dollar away! If you flash that, they gon’ laugh you out the mall!” She threw her hands in the air, laughing.

”... Hold on,” Lisa walked over to that ATM, and a swarm of spiders came out of the cracks and crevices of the ceiling and covered every camera that was in sight. Then, when she reached the ATM, more spiders appeared, wrapped in glowing cocoons. They burst out with ant-mandibles before they crawled through the mechanics of the machine, and after some banging and clicking - they came out with dozens of twenty-dollar bills. Lisa grabbed them and walked back to the group.

”... How’s this?” Lisa grinned, presenting the cash to Lupe.

“Oooooooooooooh, maaaaaaaaami!” Lupe stuck out her tongue. “You’re bad.”

"You’re the best, Lisa!” Ella shouted, jumping forward and sweeping Lisa up in a bone crushing hug. "Let’s go!”

”... My spleen!” Lisa shouted.

She put Lisa down, but grabbed her hand, and Saskia’s. She then looked at Lupe, frowning thoughtfully. How was she supposed to drag all three of them in if she could only hold onto two of them?

"I don’t have enough hands!”

"What are we, children?” Saskia mumbled.

“I’ll just hold mami's hand!” Lupe shouted as she grabbed Saskia’s hand and skipped alongside them before pointing towards a neon-lit place known as the Neon Oasis. “This way, mami! Don’t you want to go to the arcade?!”

She turned them inside…

---

Arcade Blues - Neon Indian

---

Lupe led them into the neon-lit arcade, and the neon lights immediately assaulted them, sounds of games being played, and other sounds of games being played. Lupe let go of Saskia’s hand, walked in front of them, put her hands on her hips, and had a wide grin on her face as she said,

“Mamis!” Lupe shouted. “What do you thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiink?!” She said in a sing-song, waving her hands as her accent deepened. Then she leaned forward and said,

“... This is the best arcade in Mirage Springs!” Lupe began. “Oh! Let’s grab some snacks!”

"It’s amazing! Whooooaaaa!!” Ella shouted as she looked around with wide, excited eyes, squeezing Saskia and Lisa’s hands. "It’s way better than the Arcade back at St Portwell! I haven’t been to once since-”

She awkwardly cut herself as she realised when she’d last been to an arcade. When she’d kindled, when her two other friends had been controlled by the Stygian Snake and died. It wasn’t pleasant to think about.

"Right, last time I beat you at every game and you started crying,” Saskia intoned, squeezing Ella’s hand comfortingly. "Snacks sound good… ”

"Right, snacks! Let’s goooooooo!” Ella bounced right back, dragging Lisa and Saskia over to the concessions booth. "Oh- oh- do they do hot food?! That’s not really snacks, but I want fries!”

Lisa looked up at the menu. They had pizza, chicken wings, chicken tenders, nachos, burgers, hot dogs, and what have you. Lisa gave Lupe a devious grin as she said, ”No Everclear?” She began. ”Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!?”

“Mami, you actin’ up!” Lupe laughed. “You gon’ be tryna’ to shake ass on top of one of the arcade machines!”

”I don’t know how to!” Lisa laughed.

"You won’t learn if you don’t try,” Saskia murmured.

“I’ll show you next time!” Lupe said. “For now, let’s grab some snacks, mami, and then we can play Nomadic Odyssey or something!”

Lisa looked between everyone present, ”... What do you all want?”

"Oh, oh, oh, I want a hot dog, chicken wings, fries and a coke! As large as I can get!” Ella shouted, bouncing from heel to toe excitedly.

"I’ll just have some nachos, and water,” Saskia intoned. They then looked at Lupe. "What’s Nomadic Odyssey? Some new game?”

Lisa walked up to order it.

“Oooooh, mami!” Lupe shouted. “It's a new fighting game! It's all the rage! You, uh, probably were dead when it came out…”

She clapped her hands together, “You gotta try it!”

”Ohhh… like against each other? I want to play against you, Ella and Lisa are bad losers,” Saskia said.

"Hey, no I’m not! I only cried that one time!” Ella shouted.

Upon hearing her name, Lisa craned her head backward.

”... Think I wouldn’t hear you talkin’ shit?” Lisa groaned.

“Oooooh, mami is spicy!” Lupe laughed. “But I’ll play you, mami! Don’t cry when you lose!”

Saskia gave Lupe a slight, evil smile. "I never cry."

Recollections: The Compendium

THE.ALCHEMIST.RING
| The Legacy of Alchemy | "Capable of crafting the elixir of dreams." ORIGINS & CREATIONS: | It's unknown who or what created the Alchemist Ring. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, where it was revered as a symbol of wisdom. | TYPE: | Ring of Alchemy | LOCATION: | The Alchemist Ring is currently in the possession of Greta, having been passed down from her grandmother. It remains on her finger. | NOTABLE OWNERS: | Greta's Grandmother A skilled alchemist who wielded the ring to protect her community until her death. She knew of the danger that it possessed, and she told her granddaughter to hide the ring on her deathbed. Her dying was ignored. | ABSTRACTION-GRANTING: | Yes | .............................................................................	The Alchemist Ring bears a legacy woven with the threads of countless adventures and quests across the annals of history. It's unknown who or what crafted the Alchemist Ring. However, it has an incredibly rich history dating to different ages. Throughout its journey, the Alchemist Ring has passed through the hands of remarkable individuals, each leaving its mark upon them. Greta's grandmother, a revered alchemist of her time, wielded the ring with a steady hand and a keen mind, using its power to safeguard her community from Paranormal threats from her youth to her death. Despite its potential for good, the Alchemist Ring is not without its dangers. Its power to create potions is a double-edged sword, capable of saving lives or wreaking havoc. For every healing elixer the Ring has brewed, it has helped many create monsters. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between creation and destruction.

Recollections: The Compendium

THE.TRINITY.RINGS
| The Power of Three | "The Trinity Ring binds three women in an unbreakable bond, granting them the power of goddesses when united.." ORIGINS & CREATIONS: | The Trinity Rings were crafted by the Amazons of the ancient island of Themyscira. Intended to protect their homeland from external threats, these rings were imbued with unity and strength. | TYPE: | Rings of Empowerment | LOCATION: | Two of the Trinity Rings were previously owned by Sloane Faris but were stolen from her. Adora Phoenix-Prescott possesses one of the Trinity Rings, but the location of the other two is a mystery. | NOTABLE OWNERS: | Guardians of Themyscira: Several different trios of warriors over the generations that defended Themyscira from external threats. "The Trinity": The nickname for the trio of Adora Phoenix-Prescott, Clementine, and Vannessa Washington in the Old Coven. Adora Phoenix-Prescott: The current wielder of the sole known Trinity Ring. | ABSTRACTION-GRANTING: | Yes. |	The Trinity Rings are a set of three powerful artifacts, each symbolizing a crucial aspect of unity and strength. Crafted by the skilled artisans of Themyscira, these rings were designed to forge a paranormal bond between three of the Amazons, granting them extraordinary abilities when they are near each other. When worn by three individuals simultaneously, the Trinity Rings unleash their full potential, granting their wearers unparalleled physical prowess. They can fly at incredible speeds, exhibit superhuman strength, and withstand even the most powerful paranormal attacks. Though it's possible to go against their intended purpose and have one person put on all three rings, there will be side effects, and this sole wearer can only access a fragment of their true potential. Originally intended to protect the island of Themyscira from external threats, the Trinity Rings were entrusted to the guardianship of the Amazons. However, they were eventually stolen from the island and scattered across the All-Verse, and much like many Artifacts, they have changed hands more times than they can count. Throughout history, champions and guardians have sought the Trinity Rings to harness their power for noble causes. These individuals have used the rings to defend the innocent, uphold justice, and stand against tyranny. At the same time, they have been used to oppress, slaughter, and rule. .............................................................................

Recollections: The Compendium

THE.GARDEN.STONE
| The Seed of Nature | "The wisdom of nature and the power to shape it." ORIGINS & CREATIONS: | Created by the ancient Adepts who were the first to be deemed worthy enough to enter the Grove, a magical location that only lets in those worthy. These Adepts formed a cult known as the Verdent Circle out of different magical materials within The Grove and imbued it with their knowledge and the ancient knowledge that the Grove wielded. | TYPE: | Empowerment Artifact | LOCATION: | It's located in St. Portwell, in the possession of the Temple of Charming and Graceful Individuals. | NOTABLE OWNERS: | The Verdant Circle: The mysterious cult that created it, not much is known about them. The Temple of Charming and Graceful Individuals: One of the tools in their arsenal. | ABSTRACTION-GRANTING: | No. | .............................................................................	The Garden Stone is a beautiful necklace featuring a glass pendant with a miniature tree inside. The tree appears alive, with tiny leaves that change color depending on the season and sway like a gentle breeze. When worn by an Adept, the Garden Stone’s power activates, granting them nature-based spells corresponding to their Lux. The Garden Stone grants Adepts plant/flora/nature-based spells tailored to their specific Lux. These spells vary depending on the nature of the wielder’s Lux, offering a diverse range of abilities. The Stone is not abstraction-granting but instead amplifies the natural connection between the Adept and the elemental forces of nature. Effects on each Adept Red Lux: Red Lux Adepts gain spells centered on the aggressive manipulation of nature. They can summon vines to entangle foes, create explosive pollen bursts, and channel nature's fiery aspect to incinerate obstacles. Green Lux: Green Lux Adepts receive spells focusing on nature's nurturing and healing aspects. They can accelerate plant growth, heal wounds with herbal energy, and even transform into flora-based creatures. Yellow Lux: Yellow Lux Adepts gain spells that utilize nature for stealth and defense. They can create barriers of branches and leaves, use foliage to blend into their surroundings, and summon dense fog or pollen clouds to obscure vision. Pink Lux: Pink Lux Adepts receive spells that manipulate nature's emotional and mental aspects. They can use floral scents to influence emotions, create illusions of overgrown forests, confuse enemies, and communicate telepathically with plants. Gold Lux: Gold Lux Adepts gain spells that summon and create plant-based minions. They can animate trees and vines as guardians and summon flora elementals. Purple Lux: Purple Lux Adepts receive spells that manipulate nature's movement and time aspects. They can accelerate the growth cycle of plants, create portals through trees, and slow down time within a specific area of nature. Orange Lux: Orange Lux Adepts gain spells that infuse objects with the properties of nature. They can enchant weapons to grow thorns, armor to sprout defensive vines, and apply Abstraction-enhancing effects on nature. Blue Lux: Blue Lux Adepts receive spells that revolve around nature's darker aspects. They can cast curses that cause a constant plant overgrowth wherever their target goes, curse a target to be hunted by floral monsters, and command flora to drain the life force from their enemies. White (Nostalgia) Lux: White Lux Adepts gain spells that provide information through nature. They can communicate with plants to gain knowledge of an area’s history, use trees to observe distant locations and read the life force of flora to understand the environment. Black (Apathy) Lux: Black Lux Adepts receive spells that involve necromancy within nature. They can reanimate dead plants, create plant-based zombies, and summon spectral flora to do their bidding. When the Garden Stone is taken off, the Adept immediately loses access to these spells. However, if an Adept uses the spells granted by the Garden Stone extensively, they will become a permanent part of the Adept's spellbook. The Garden Stone is semi-sentient, possessing a subtle awareness of its surroundings. It chooses its wielders based on their affinity for nature and their intentions. Those who seek to use the Stone for selfish or destructive purposes find its power elusive and unresponsive. Conversely, those with a deep respect for nature and a desire to protect and nurture it are granted its full array of abilities. Despite its versatility and power, the Garden Stone does not affect Aberrations and Apparitions.

Recollections: The Compendium

THE.ELEMENTAL.BANGLES
| Ornaments of Elemental Mastery | "Within The Elemental Bangles lies the promise of mastery over the primordial forces." ORIGINS & CREATIONS: | Forged by a team of Adepts and entrusted to the Accordance. | TYPE: | Golden Elemental Bangles | LOCATION: | Unknown. The last to have the Bangles were the Accordance; however, after their destruction, they were lost to the All-Verse. It's believed that some of the surviving Peacekeepers possess them but nothing can be confirmed. | NOTABLE OWNERS: | The Accordance: A revered organization dedicated to maintaining order across the All-Verse, the Accordance entrusted the Elemental Bangles to their most skilled operatives. Various Peacekeepers: Operatives of the Accordance who bore the Elemental Bangles in service to their cause, each wielding the power of a different element to uphold the organization's mission across the multiverse. | ABSTRACTION-GRANTING: | Yes | .............................................................................	The Elemental Bangles, crafted in an age when the harmony of the All-Verse was paramount, each bangle possesses a distinct power corresponding to one of the four elements: fire, earth, water, and air. These artifacts were revered by the Accordance, who recognized their potential to maintain the delicate balance between order and chaos within the All-Verse. The Bangles bore witness to countless pivotal moments in the All-Verse's history, from saving Brilliance from the Apparition Necron to fighting back the League of Luminesence for the battle of Radiance to defeating the Apparition Morningstar. The Elemental Bangles became instruments of creation and destruction in the hands of the Accordance's Peacekeepers. Yet, despite their formidable power, the Elemental Bangles' true potential is veiled behind layers of mysteries. Each bangle possessed a dormant abstraction, a power waiting to be unlocked by a worthy wielder. Only those who demonstrated unwavering resolve and attunement to the elements could access the bangles' full potential. Being semi-sentient artifacts, the Elemental Bangles craft symbiotic bonds with their chosen wielders, their vague consciousness intertwined with the fabric of the All-Verse. Moreover, the Elemental Bangles possessed a unique ability when worn together. While each bangle can be used separately to wield its respective element, when worn together by one person, they bestowed upon them the ability to command all four elements simultaneously. Despite the Accordance's fall and the dispersal of the Elemental Bangles across the All-Verse, their legacy lives on as a beacon of justice and power. Whether lost in the depths of the Pit, added to a Collection, or used to fight the good fight, the Elemental Bangles patiently wait for a new generation of heroes, destined to rise and wield their elemental might once more.

Recollections: The Compendium

THE.ABERRATION.KILLER
| The Legacy of Hope. | "A sword that cuts through darkness and shields against despair." ORIGINS & CREATIONS: | The Aberration Killer was born from the same legendary craftsmanship as its sister weapon, the Apparition Killer. Forged by the Hatanaka Family, a lineage of skilled Orange Lux users in ancient Japan, The Aberration Killer (Known as Murakumo in Japan) was created to combat a different threat. During the Shogunate Era of Japan, a massive war between humanity and the Onis spawned from hell. This war threatened to consume Japan and the entire world, as the Oni tide seemed unbeatable. Until a warrior named Hatanaka Takashi. | TYPE: | Aberration-Bane Weapon | LOCATION: | The Aberration Killer’s current whereabouts are unknown. After Takashi’s heroic battle with the Oni Emperor Daisuke, the weapon passed through many hands, each wielder facing their trials against the Aberrations. It was last in the possession of Takashi's descendent, Goro Hatanaka, who fell into The Pit... | NOTABLE OWNERS: | Hatanaka Takashi: The original creator and first wielder who used it to defeat the Oni Emperor Daisuke. James Blackmore: A knight who wielded it to save his kingdom from The Maw. Adanna Okafor: An African sorceress who used its power to defend her tribe from the Abominable that terrorized it. Hatanaka Goro: The modern-day successor to Takashi, who recovered the blade from an Adept crime family in New York. However, Goro fell into The Pit and has not been seen since... | ABSTRACTION-GRANTING: | No |	Known as the legendary blade, Murakumo, in Japan. Hatanaka Takashi created the Aberration Killer during the heated Oni Wars, where he and several other Adept-Bloodlines participated. The Hatanakas, however, took all the fame for ending the Oni Wars with a duel with the Oni leader, Daisuke, whom he cut down with the Aberration Killer. The Aberration Killer was used to turn the tide against the Onis and the other yokai for Japan. Afterward, the Aberration Killer was kept in the Hatanaka Compound and revered by the family, and it was only wielded by those deemed worthy of them. However, the Aberration Killer was stolen from the Hatanaka family and changed hands repeatedly, sometimes ending up on the other side of the planet. One famous wielder was James Blackmore, an English Knight who used the blade to defeat the mighty dragon known as The Maw. Another was Adanna Okafor, a girl who found the Aberration Killer and used it to defend it from Abominable experiments that were sicced on her village. Many of Takashi's descendants, the Hatanakas, ventured out to recover the sword but had no success. However, one of them, Goro, fought his way through an Italian Mafia of Adepts in New York and recovered it - after besting them, he fell into The Pit. Like its sister weapon, the Aberration Killer adapts its form to suit its wielder's fighting style and needs. It may take the shape of a sword, spear, axe, or any other weapon (By default, the Aberration Killer takes the shape of a katana). This physical and magical transformation aligns with the wielder's soul to maximize their effectiveness against Aberrations. Upon striking an Aberration, the Aberration Killer inflicts wounds that defy healing, and these wounds will take three times as long to heal as normal. Even with magic, this effect trumps it and requires far more effort and energy to heal. The Aberration Killer will also weaken an Aberration's abstraction, as with each strike, they will lose a portion of their power until they are next to powerless. Much like the Apparition Killer, the Aberration Killer ignores any natural defenses and durabilities of Aberrations and can cut them as if they were paper mache. The Aberration Killer is imbued with a unique enchantment that resonates with the wielder's determination and moral resolve. When wielded with righteous intent, the blade amplifies the user's Emotional-Field and attunes it to the Aberration's Abstraction. This allows the wielder to resist the specific Abstractions of the Aberrations they are facing, allowing them to power through any of the Aberration's attacks. Also, a strike from the Aberration Killer can weaken an Aberration's Emotional-Field, making them more vulnerable to external magic. Merely touching the blade will sap the Aberration's strength, making it near-impossible for Aberrations to use it. The Aberration Killer is not merely a tool of destruction; it possesses a subtle intelligence and moral sentience that sets it apart from ordinary weapons. The blade senses the wielder's heart and intent, only granting its full power to those who fight with a true and just purpose. Those with malevolent or selfish intent cannot wield it, as The Aberration Killer’s magic will make the blade thousands of pounds, impossible to pick up. This ensures that the weapon remains a force for good, protecting its legacy and purpose. While the Aberration Killer can cleave through Aberrations like nothing, it cannot be used on anything else. If used to slash through a human or Apparition, the blade will harmlessly phase through them. .................................................................................................................................

Recollections: The Compendium

THE.APPARITION.KILLER
| The Blade to Vanquish Evil Apparitions | "The Apparition Killer is more than a weapon; it is a beacon of hope against the darkness that no Apparition can withstand." ORIGINS & CREATIONS: | The Apparition Killer was forged in ancient Japan by the esteemed Hatanaka family, a lineage of Orange Lux users. It was created at the behest of Reiner Stiller, a warrior seeking a means to combat the powerful Apparition known as Specter Malgathar, which had been terrorizing Europe. Reiner traveled to the Hatanaka family, presenting them with his sword, and they transformed it into the legendary Apparition Killer. | TYPE: | Apparition-Killing Weapon. | LOCATION: | After Reiner's death, the Apparition Killer changed hands over the centuries, eventually finding its way into a different universe. It resurfaced in St. Portwell, which weakened the Stygian Snake and enabled the Sycamore Tree Coven to seal it away. The blade remained with Ashley Stone until her death and is currently missing. | NOTABLE OWNERS: | Reiner Stiller: The original warrior who commissioned the weapon to defeat Specter Malgathar. Sycamore Tree Coven: Utilized the blade to weaken the Stygian Snake. Ashley Stone: The last known wielder before its disappearance. | ABSTRACTION-GRANTING: | No. |	As its name implies, the Apparition Killer possesses formidable magical properties designed specifically to wound and weaken Apparitions. While it primarily manifests as a sword, it is known to adapt its form according to the wielder’s fighting style and personality, transforming into a spear, axe, hammer, or any other weapon they prefer. Upon striking an Apparition, the blade ignites with a searing energy that bypasses all defenses, inflicting wounds that burn away their magical essence and weaken their Abstractions. For lesser Apparitions, a single slash can be fatal; however, more formidable Apparitions - like the Stygian Snake - may require multiple strikes to be brought low. It's important to note, however, that while the Apparition Killer can incapacitate these beings temporarily, it cannot permanently kill them; they will always respawn after destruction. The Apparition Killer is infused with a powerful enchantment that resonates with the wielder’s determination and moral integrity. When drawn with noble intent, the blade amplifies the user’s Emotional-Field and aligns itself with the specific Abstraction of the Apparitions they face. This connection allows the wielder to resist the powers of the Apparitions, allowing them to endure and counteract attacks. Each strike from the Apparition Killer weakens the Apparition’s Emotional-Field, making them more vulnerable to outside magical influences. Yet, the Apparition Killer transcends mere destruction; it possesses an inherent intelligence and moral awareness that set it apart from conventional weapons. The blade perceives the wielder’s heart and intentions, granting its full might only to those who champion a just cause. If someone with evil or selfish intentions attempts to wield it, they will find the weapon unmanageable, its magic rendering it too heavy to lift. One of the critical features of the Apparition Killer is its interaction with Apparitions and their manifestations. The blade sears them on contact, making it impossible for them to touch it without suffering burns. Notably, it can phase through the physical forms of Adjoined or Abscised, directly harming the Apparition residing within. Conversely, it does not affect Agents, as their Apparitions are already sealed, rendering the blade harmless to them. Despite several replicas modeled after the original Apparition Killer, these inferior copies lack the true potency and capabilities of the original blade......................................................................................................................

Recollections: Under The Sycamore Tree Part. 1

Preeeeeeeeeeeeeeseeeeeeeeeenting The Compendium, basically a fancy thread to store all of the artifacts. On the thread is a format for creating your artifacts, and you're free to create and post your artifacts here. This is meant to be for multiple RPs set in the Recollections universe, so you all are free to just make whatever.


I also added links to all the current side stories to the first post