Yankee

Brilliant Fake Kaleidoscopic Prism

A Kirin...?

Name: Umiko Satsuma (薩摩海子)

Age: 16

Appearance: Outside of her magical girl form, Umiko is fairly average in looks - which is why she tends to dye her hair, wear nice clothing and trendy accessories, and perfects her make-up routine. She is short, slender, and has an average bust. She's always well groomed and is particularly proud of her luscious locks of hair (which are currently purple, her original hair color is black). When transformed, Umiko's hair fluffs up and turns a varying shade of colors - it's actually so long that she keeps it in a ponytail after the first transformation, and is happy it's stayed that way since. She also gains some visual traits from her Patron: a matching fluffy tail, an extra set of pointed ears, and a horn that looks like it's made of gemstone. Her battle outfit is European in style, giving off the impression of a military official.

Personality: First impressions paint Umiko as "perfect." She is kind and helpful, smart and athletic, and of course she is modest too. However, the longer one spends with her the more that impression starts to feel less than genuine. The perfect and proper class president persona is one Umiko has carefully crafted. In reality she is a normal teenage girl. She has strong emotions though she tries not to let the bad ones show through. She gets irritated and passive-aggressive. She cries when she's stressed. She hates getting flustered. She does like doting on underclassmen, and she is truthfully the kind that would go out of their way to help people, but she tends to take on more responsibility than she can handle and rather than admit she is overwhelmed, she will put on a painful smile and stubbornly trudge through. In that way, she is a bit hard-headed as well.

Background: Umiko is currently going through her 2nd year in an all-girls high school. Her family moved her to an apartment closer to the school in Tokyo's central ward of Bunkyō just before Umiko's high school debut, and though it was initially a struggle to make friends Umiko has since risen to the level of class president with hard work and by tailoring her demeanor to those around her. She's very proud of herself, and she knows her parents would be proud too if they came around at all. As of now both of her parents work extremely demanding jobs and seldom visit, although at least one of them tries to schedule a phone call once a week or so.

But that's alright! Umiko has become an expert in taking care of the home with her parents' absence. It's also taught her a lot about time management... and responsibility. That's why when her Patron reached out to her, Umiko knew the right thing to do was accept and use the power she was granted to help people. In return for spreading her Patron's influence (which she does by comparing herself to a Kirin) she received the ability to transform her body into that of a heroine. Balancing her school work, student council work, and magical work is no easy feat but Umiko certainly makes it look like it is - but perhaps it's only a matter of time before the balancing act topples over.

Magical Powers

Patron: Amalthea

She-Goat Nymph, Foster Mother of Zeus

Patron Tool: A shimmering shawl, when transformed it takes the form of Umiko's cape and shoulder guards.

Patron Weapon: A sturdy yet stylish spear.

Patron Aspect: Aegis

Aspect Magic: The power of the Aegis is the epitome of defense. Nothing can pierce the ancient hide. For Umiko, this means that she has the ability to make things extremely tough. She can harden her own skin and make her body an impenetrable barrier, and she can apply the hardening to objects and other people. Making impromptu shields with unlikely items is well within her ability. It's also possible to change the density of an object, if only to make it heavier or return it to it's normal density. Using her Aspect Magic on herself changes her battle style to be slow and forceful, but she really prefers the faster pace of her spear.

Other skills: Cooking, sewing, cleaning, passive-aggressiveness, compromising, track-and-field, calling up obscure facts.

Other Mentions: n/a for now!

What Does The Word 'Greetings' Mean To You?

Welcome definitely not the basketball player Kyrie Irving. Don't worry, your secret is safe with us

Persona - Soldiers of Fortune

Harriette Moore

^{? ? ? : ? ? hours}
People were talking. She could hear their muffled, discordant voices around her. She heard fear, anger, worry. Mostly she was hearing disbelief and panic, though. That did not bode well. Harriette was slow to rouse, unwilling to face... whatever was going on. Whatever had happened to them. She remembered a gathering at the gazebo, the realization that all of them could see those cracks in reality, and then—

After that... that couldn't have been real.

The cracks widening, completely breaking open, and the warm wind enveloping them and putting them to sleep. A falling sensation before total darkness, followed by waking with a soreness in her side where it felt like she'd landed on solid ground.

This can't really be happening... can it?

Harriette's thoughts were echoing what the others were saying aloud. Finally, she opened her eyes and sat up. The view brought cold dread seeping into her bones. It was like some horror film, twisted surreal imagery everywhere around them. Harriette dragged her gaze along the horizon, but everything looked... bad. Cursed and terrible. A mockery of the city they were just in. She looked to the building ahead of them, a large prison complex. It stood where the university would have been.

Despite everything, a quick burst of laughter bubbled out of Harriette. It was gone as quickly as it'd come. She pinched herself a couple of times, thinking it must be a dream. When she took that tumble on the staircase she must have been knocked unconscious. What else could explain this? But she didn't awaken.

Harriette stood up, dusting off her skirt. She was noting all the little details now, every little thing about whatever place they were all in. The more she considered it, the more she was convinced that this wasn't a dream, and the pit in her stomach grew all the colder.

"Mass hysteria..." she murmured in response to some of the students wondering about delusions and hallucinations. Even as she said it she shook her head though, then cleared her throat and spoke up a little louder. "...it wouldn't be like this. This is... something else."

She couldn't bring herself to say 'this is real' aloud. It felt real though. Sounded and looked real, even if her brain was fighting to find some evidence that it wasn't. Logically, it was impossible to fall through a crack in reality into a hellscape silhouette of your city. And yet.

Thinking about it that way though, that this was something actually happening to them right now that they needed to get out of, it brought some sick sense of comfort to Harriette. She could still feel that dread within her, but she could try and focus on getting them out of this situation. After all, most of the people gathered were students. Some dealing with this much worse than others. She turned to give these students her attention, gaze softening, but of course another curve ball came flying at them. Light, alarms, and men dressed in all black uniforms. It might have been a relief to see other people, but these men were faceless and aggressive. Were they even humans at all? They didn't look like the others that had been pulled in. Regardless of how they looked, Harriette raised her hands. In vain she tried reasoning with them.

"Right, we're - we're not inmates. We're lost and we need help," she said as she moved with the group, following the beings' instruction. Of course the faceless officers didn't acknowledge her words, just pressed her to keep walking. That was okay, maybe they could explain to the judge when they got there so long as they didn't stir up any trouble, like someone trying to make a break for it—

"Wait, stop!" Harriette had slowed to call out to the breakaway, a man she didn't recognize at all. He might be in danger for that move - or worse, endanger the rest of them. The guards he'd toppled were quickly getting to their feet and ushering the rest of them to keep going, a baton nudging Harriette in the back to pick up the pace. She bit her lip and ultimately complied.

'Ello everyone!

Welcome! There's always a good handful of RPs looking for players, either new "Interest Checks" or ongoing RPs with the "apply" tag. Hopefully you can find one you like!

World of Light

Word Count: 1471 (+3 exp)
Level: 5 - Total EXP: 32/50
Location: Sandswept Sky - Al Mamoon Northwest: Obelisk Temple
𝙱𝙿 ●●●●●
D34C25

In a way it was fortunate that all the other combatants were engaged, so that Primrose could devote her full attention to keeping Earthquake at bay without worrying about anyone else attacking while her focus was occupied. At this distance, the chain sickle Earthquake threw was easy enough to see coming, even with it's speed. She could see how he was moving his arm, and the path of the chain, so before the sharp end reached her she would evade, knowing it was possible. A step to the left, to the right, back. Ducking when he swung high, jumping when he went low. Deliberate movement of her feet and concentration painted on her face. A sharp eye might notice that the dancer was slowly setting up, doing what she did best, but Earthquake was more interested in flinging his weapon around, thinking he had Primrose pinned down and that it was only a matter of time before he sliced her.

"Heh heh, that's it! C'mon, dance!" The massive man cackled, swinging his arm in a wide horizontal arc and watching the chain he held fly along the path, dragging the sickle behind it. With one final step Primrose moved out of the way of it's path and completed her Panther Dance, feeling the benefit spread through her limbs. That weapon was fast, but now she was even faster - more than enough to deal with her oversized opponent.

"If that's what you want then watch closely," she said, and with a twirling flourish she had another spell swirling in her hand, "I'll give you a show."

With newfound speed she hurled the coiled dark magic at Earthquake, who realized a moment too late that he should probably be the one evading now. The Moonlight Waltz struck him head on and he reeled backwards - but with a stubborn stomp of his foot he righted himself, grimacing.

"You—" he was swiftly interrupted by another blast of magic. Roaring with indignation Earthquake swung his sickle back and forth, but the dancer shimmied out of the way much more easily than she had been moments before. The lilt of Primrose's laughter as she danced around the blade and cast her spells irritated the man more and more, until he was wildly swinging both ends of the chain.

"Rrrraaaghh!" The clattering of metal resounded through the cavern, adding to the chaotic cacophony already going on. The sickle carved gouges in the stone floor, followed by the weight on the chain's other end smashing pieces out of it. With double the reckless movements Primrose kept an eye on her footwork, the pace of her casting slowed to compensate - and though she was beginning to tire she was doing well, not a wound to show.

Until suddenly her left arm was wrenched down hard. She felt her shoulder pull painfully and the spell dissipated in her palm. She looked down to see the chain looped around her wrist, with the weight resting on the ground below it. Here eyes followed along the length of the chain until she met Earthquake's own eyes. He seemed just as surprised as Primrose was to see she'd been caught. A menacing smile began spreading on Earthquake's face soon enough though.

"Gotcha now, geheheh! C'mere!" He kept a tight hold on the chain and with both hands yanked it violently, dragging Primrose towards him. With his strength it was all to easy to haul the dancer, and she found herself flying towards him too quickly for her to think up a plan. The closer she got the wider Earthquake's smile grew. He opened his arms to welcome her with a bone crushing hold, and in a mild panic Primrose reached instinctively to the thing she'd always relied on.

The dagger glinted briefly, just long enough for Earthquake to recognize that there was a weapon in the dancer's hand before the momentum of being pulled in sank the short blade into the bandit's gut. He yowled in pain, pawing at Primrose but she was already free, standing a few paces back she slashed at his arms until he retreated. The two were standing only a few feet from each other, glaring. Unfortunately for Primrose it seemed that despite the punishment Earthquake had taken so far, he still had more to give.

"Yer just full of tricks ain't ya?" he growled out, to which Primrose couldn't help but smirk and reply, "A lady must have her secrets..."

"Well I got a few secrets of my own!"

Earthquake inhaled so deeply that he threw his head back before slinging it forward again, a shower of flame spewing from his mouth. If it weren't for her speed boost, Primrose would not have countered in time. She summoned her pyromancy, and fighting fire with fire she used the Flame Fan to blow his attack away. Afterwards she was left singed and completely caught off guard when Earthquake himself appeared in front of her, rushing through the last of the flames. His own speed was far greater than the dancer expected from a man his size, and he crashed into her belly first despite the open wound. She went flying, landing on her back against the stone. The rattle of a chain warned her that pain was soon to follow, and though she scrambled to stand the weighted end of Earthquake's weapon came in to knock her back down. Her dagger flew from her hand as she was thrown to the ground again. With a laugh the bandit raised his arm and brought the weight down again and again, battering Primrose until she was still and bruised, but breathing.

He sauntered over to where her weapon had fallen, picking the dagger up and turning it over in his hand. "Nice piece of work here, might fetch a pretty penny. 'R maybe I keep it as a souvenir, eh?"

He laughed, taunting Primrose, but when he looked over to where he left her she was gone. "What?!" He stomped over to the area, but there was nothing but a bit of the dancer's blood on the stone. Gripping his chain sickle tightly Earthquake whipped his head from side to side, trying to spot the dancer in red but not finding her among the other battles going on. Sweating, he called out, "ran off to hide, did ya?!"

"Hey, eyes up here."

Earthquake's gaze shot up toward the ceiling, where Primrose floated thanks to the magic of her scarf. The fabric glowed while in use, but it was hardly noticeable when compared to the great fireball the dancer held above her head. Her whole body pulsed with light as she expended a battle point, making the Fire Orb swell with even more power. Wisely, Earthquake judged that taking the full brunt of this spell would not be a smart idea. He backpedaled, intending to retreat, but Primrose threw the orb down at him. The impact torched his body and exploded, and Earthquake fell to the ground with a great crash.

Still he wasn't quite done. Terribly injured the ninja stubbornly pushed himself onto his elbows, blinking rapidly to clear the bleariness from his eyes. Directly above him, Primrose stopped her flight and fell right onto his stomach, knocking the air out of Earthquake with a sound much like a deflating balloon. He glared at her, opening his mouth to spout some nonsense no doubt. Instead he was silenced when Primrose brought her leg up and stamped her foot down hard on his face, effectively knocking his lights out.

"Hope you enjoyed the show," she sighed through gritted teeth, and hopped down off of the man's stomach. She wobbled slightly before taking a moment to compose herself, and was quick to pluck her family's heirloom from Earthquake's hand. A sweep with her eyes over the battlefield gave her a brief, if incomplete look into how the others were faring. She also saw some new combatants that definitely hadn't been present beforehand. Finally, she looked back to where Poppi and Tora had been fighting, and found only those two there. She made her way over, noting the softly glowing spirits of the Resistance members.

"Are you both alright?" she asked quietly, unsure if she should be treading on their moment of down time. "If needed, I think I can use my dance to spread Warmth healing to everyone, but it may take the last of my magic."

She'd used quite a lot in dealing with Earthquake, while having to sit back, focus on supporting dances and recharge was something she wouldn't necessarily be opposed to, the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the battle at hand made her wary to take any of her cards off the table. But if the duo would be alright for now then the three of them could jump back in where they were needed and assess from there.

What Are You Listening To?

Pokémon: New Horizons

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✦ Botan Naito ✦	-

---

Everyone was very eager to disembark, Botan included, so after Arlo confirmed that the blue haired woman was his sister and then challenged a race to shore the young woman smiled brightly and dashed off after him. She wasn't as quick as him, shorter legs and much less experience and all, but maybe she could use her smaller size to her advantage in weaving through the rest of the people on board! Botan descended the stairs to the lower deck quickly, but just before enacting her plan of squeezing right through the crowd a very familiar Pokémon's voice reached her ears.

"Champ." Jarvis was a few steps behind Botan, having spotted her running and being quick to catch up with her. Slowly Botan came to a stop, turning to smile sheepishly at the Machamp. Each of his four arms were laden with bags. There was a large red duffel with a few charms attached to it's zippers, a second nearly identical bag with contents that seemed bulkier than whatever was in the first one, a big rectangular canvas bag that clearly had to have been some kind of pop-up tent, and a slightly smaller gray bag that was unremarkable compared to the others.

"Looks like you've got everything! Thank you Jarvis." The Pokémon grunted happily in response. Together the two made their way more slowly off of the ship, the small crowd parting ahead of Jarvis to give him and his ward space. Once on land, Botan breathed in deeply and spread her arms wide.

"We made it! Panmia Island... islands? Well, we're here! It's that real start of our adventure!"

The island was beautiful, even just the small fraction of it they were seeing. The foliage was lush and green, and even where the small makeshift buildings were situated there were swaths of plants untouched - the land carefully combed and cleaned just enough to make space for the humans living there now. It felt much more wild than the fields of Kanto. The gardens of Celadon were much more colorful, but they were arranged that way - and the plant size didn't even hold a candle to the ones on this island. The only thing that could compare in Botan's home region was the Safari Zone, but even that was a planned jungle, sculpted by humans. Botan looked off into the distance toward the treeline, looking for any sign of wild Pokémon. At the moment she didn't see any besides the birds high overhead, which she could barely make out. Most likely they were more Wingull, if their cries were any indication.

"Alright!" Botan turned to Jarvis and held out a hand. "A bag, please! Since this is a proper adventure with a whole group, I want to start carrying my weight! ... or some of it, at least!"

Jarvis looked skeptical, but he held out the smallest bag - "Jarvis! One of my own bags!" - at first before switching to one of the red duffels. He gave her the lighter of the two, and though Botan struggled initially with holding it once she got the strap over her head and the bag balanced on her hip, she felt quite proud of herself. "Thank you! Now, let's meet up with the others."

Like the rest of them Botan made a detour to group sign-ups, but was pleased that one of them had already gone to the trouble of registering their group. She made a quick correcting to the spelling of her name and then joined the group where they all waited a little ways off. It seemed that she met up with them at just the right time, as Isla kicked off the discussion about planning before heading into the wilderness proper.

"Oh! For supplies, I brought everything I could think of!" Botan said, gesturing to Jarvis with both hands. She wasn't exaggerating in the slightest. "I got a tent, clothes, blankets, boots, canteens, a small stove, a flashlight, escape ropes, repels..." She counted the items she remembered off, ending with, "...a punching bag, and food!"

Jarvis nodded along with every item listed, confirming that it was indeed among those he carried. She might have gone overboard with her packing, but it was a (mostly) uninhabited island. Better safe that sorry, right?

"Plus, Jarvis can take care of anything we need in the strength department. You'll find that he is very capable. As for me..." she trailed off, growing quiet. A dust of pink brushed her face, realizing that compared to Arlo and Isla, and probably everyone else too, she didn't have any skills relevant to surviving outdoors. "Um... well, I brought my credit card. I'm not sure what we can obtain with money here on the island, but rest assured I have that covered."

It was all she could offer at the moment, besides the supplies she'd brought. Hopefully that would change though, she was planning to make the most of this expedition and learn as much as she could.

She also meant to correct Felix once he'd arrived that she was actually the last one off the boat, but the next thing she said piqued her interest so much that it pushed every other thought from her brain.

"Oh! Yes! Thank you Felix, I'm so excited to get a Pokédex of my own! I'm going to go get in line now!" And so she went, the big bag she held bouncing off of her with every step she took as she hurried over.

Persona - Soldiers of Fortune

Harriette Moore

^{Barclay Waterfront University Campus : between 1100-1600 hours}
Glad that Mila wasn't upset about the delay in getting her sleep, Harriette focused on finishing up everything she needed to do at the moment. First she took the time to seal her make-up, letting the face paint set before she made any other moves. She turned her head back and forth, studying her reflection in the small compact mirror, and once satisfied she put pen back to paper. After hearing Barney's brief story, her grading noticeably leaned more on the forgiving side. The rest of the work wasn't quick, but it was smooth, thankfully.

After a while, more students were poking their heads in. Some claimed the little space left, spreading things out and doing some work themselves. Harriette was quick to complete her own task once that started happening. She collected the essays and tucked them safely in her bag. As she stood moved to the door, Harriette glanced back at Mila. She considered waking the girl, but the blonde hadn't so much as stirred even with the clamor of people dumping the contents of their backpacks on the table. If she was so deeply asleep, then she probably needed the rest. Harriette left her where she was and went out into the hall, considering if there was time to go out and grab something quick for lunch. She shuffled down the hallway until she found a clock mounted on the wall.

She frowned. It was later than she'd expected. There wasn't time enough to leave the campus and get back before her next class - instead she pivoted and changed direction, heading toward the cafeteria. The line there was particularly long. Harriette couldn't help but roll her eyes. Alright, I guess we'll skip lunch today. Another direction change saw her heading toward the next class she'd be assisting. With hardly any time to spare she entered the classroom.

It had gone much like the first. Harriette was in a funk, making little stupid mistakes and wishing she was anywhere else. The professor for that class wasn't as sympathetic, and his mounting irritation was just making things worse. Harriette had to excuse herself to get composed halfway through, and worked extra hard to make up for the first half of class. It was mentally tiring, and she was glad when it was over.

At this point Harriette was really wishing the day would end already. Unfortunately she still had an evening class to prepare for. While her mornings and afternoons were filled with work as teaching assistants, helping the college's professors with their lessons, she ended her days with classes in which she was the student, getting the last of her degree learning done. Usually it was a way to unwind, but today? She would rather go straight home then sit in the room spacing out while her mind wandered, as she knew it would.

She sighed, climbing the stairwell to the next floor where Rowen's office was located. She didn't expect the professor to be there at the moment, so she thought to drop off the essays and leave before anything else went wrong. Who knew, next the ceiling might collapse or something.

When she reached the dark wooden door Harriette paused, her hand frozen centimeters from the handle. There were voices inside the room. She stood there, staring at the clouded glass window, but it did it's job of completely obscuring everything inside. She hesitated, thoughts tumbling around her head. A few people passing by gave her odd looks, as she was standing still outside the door making no move. She should go, just leave and come back later. Or tomorrow even, that was the deadline the older woman had given her. If she left she could avoid any other contact with Rowen that day with luck... but luck hadn't exactly been on her side this accursed Monday.

And if there was someone else in there, what if...?

Harriette's hand finally met the metal door handle, her fingers closing around it and turning. The door was unlocked and it opened easily, revealing Rowen and a young brunette woman. The professor looked surprised that anyone interrupt her, but seeing it was Harriette her face melted into a wide smile. A bit too wide for the red head's liking. The girl on the other hand, her expression was almost wild with relief. She stood up so quickly that her chair nearly clattered to the ground.

"Since you're busy I'll just - I'll talk to you another time, Professor Rowen," the girl said. She made to dart out of the room, but was stopped by a hand on her shoulder. Rowen smiled at the brunette, having stood and leaned over her desk, and for what seemed like a long time no one in the room breathed. Rowen tightened her grip, squeezing, but after a moment she let go.

"That would be fine. Come by later this week, alright? It's very important that you and I talk."

The girl nodded to zipped away, her eye's meeting Harriette's as she left. Behind Harriette the door clicked shut, and then she was alone with the professor. The two women looked at each other, and Rowen raised a brow when Harriette went right to fishing the graded essays from her bag. She placed the papers on the desk, and tried putting on a polite, placating smile. Apparently this was the wrong thing to do, because when Rowen returned the smile hers had a vicious edge to it.

"Thank you dear!" The professor said, her voice light. She came around the side of her desk, crossing her arms and casually putting herself between Harriette the door. "I didn't think you'd get them done so quickly. You have a lot of time on your hands I see."

No response.

"I'll have to give you some more things to do. Youth, so much energy. It would be a shame not to put it to use."

No response.

"...what's the matter, Harriette? You aren't very talkative today."

Harriette had taken to staring at the older woman's desk, working her jaw in frustration. At the inquiry she glanced up, noting that it wasn't a rhetorical question. Rowen expected any answer of some kind. Likely, she really did just want to talk, knowing how much it irritated Harriette to play pretend and act like everything was okay. Harriette clenched her fist, then loosened it. She continued meeting he professor's gaze.

"...what was with that girl?"

The question didn't catch Rowen off guard at all, and she answered swiftly with a practiced, neutral tone. "A county commissioner's daughter. Here at our little shcool! I was just having a chat about appropriate conduct before you interrupted us."

She's pissed, Harriette thought, drawing in a breath and closing her eyes.

There was a peculiar sound then, like water being poured, and Harriette's opened her eyes to find she wasn't far off. Professor Rowen was dumping the remaining contents of her mug over the essays Harriette had just placed on her desk.

"What are you doing?!" For once the absurdity of the situation didn't give Harriette paused - the red head moved, arms outstretched to try and save the papers before they were too damaged.

Crack.

Another sound startled Harriette, stopping her in her tracks. The harsh smack of a palm against her cheek was more surprising than the slap itself, and the pain didn't start blooming until seconds later. Her eyes were focused on a bookcase in the office's corner, in the direction where her head at snapped to. Slowly, Harriette came back to her senses, lifting a hand to her face and turning to stare at Rowen, aghast. She had never hit Harriette before. Even on the worst of days, when Rowen crowed that she would tell everyone about what Harriette had done, what she was, until satisfied with Harriette's begging that she not - she had never struck her. It was so shocking that Harriette just looked at the other woman with wide eyes, the essays melting away in the liquid.

"I can't believe what my clumsy assistant just did," Rowen said. Her voice was completely monotone, devoid of any of the false cheer it had previously. "Now my poor students will have to resubmit. I noticed a couple of those were hand written too... what a shame. Though I suppose if they didn't have a computer at home they should have found another way, then they wouldn't have to write the whole thing over again."

"You can't do that..." Harriette whispered. Rowen smiled again, stepping close to the younger woman and taking her face in both hands, despite Harriette attempting to flinch away.

"Come now, I can do whatever I want! You know that, you're not that stupid." Her smile widened, turning into a malicious grin. Her fingers curled, and the press of her nails against Harriette's face made the red head flinch again. "You've got a lot of work ahead of you, dear. First will be making an apology to our class for your spill."

Rowen released Harriette, going back over to her desk. She pushed the wad of wet papers into the trash bin nearby, then reached out to tug the teacher's assistant closer by the hem of her skirt. She pulled the garment up and used it as a makeshift cloth, wiping away the last traces of the liquid. Harriette barely reacted, still stunned - though now there was confusion too, which shown plainly on her face. Our? Harriette didn't help out in any of the professors classes, and hadn't for a little while now. Seeing that the other woman was perplexed, Rowen was happy to clarify.

"I told the scheduling office you wanted to come back to working with me. The change should go through soon, so I hope you'll make this up to our students."

"..."

There was nothing left to say. From today on, life was going to get even more miserable again. Harriette bit her lip, and gingerly thumbed over the wet spots on the bottom of her skirt. She'd learned not to argue with Rowen, because it just led to the same scene: herself on her hands and knees pleading the older woman not get her kicked from the college, not when she was so close to getting her degree. She nodded once, a quick motion, then ducked her head submissively. Pleased, Rowen made a shooing movement with her hand towards the office door.

"Great! I look forward to having you close by again. Go enjoy the rest of your day, okay?"

Rowen's voice was back to that sickeningly false cheer. Harriette wasted no time leaving, practically running out of the office and back down the hall where she came. She needed some air. Her feet carried her quickly through the school, and she barely took note of the dark cracks lining the walls. She was so rattled that her vision must be blurry, she reasoned. Why else would the whole school look like it was splintering?

Harriette burst out of the front doors for the second time that day. She ran down the steps—

Crack.

Suddenly she was on the ground, her arms a little scraped up from subconsciously catching herself. She looked over her shoulder to see what had possibly tripped her, and spotted the snapped off portion of her shoe a little ways away. A broken heel? Now? Of all times?! This was just the icing on the worst cake ever. A few people stopped to try and help her up, but Harriette barked at them all to stay away.

"Fuck!" She growled. It was uncharacteristic of her, but right now life sucked and that was the only way to sum it up. "I'm fine! Thanks, but I'm fine."

She pushed herself up and kicked off both of her heels. She scooped them up and shoved them into her bag, stalking away in a random direction. Just how many wardrobe malfunctions can someone have in one day, on top of everything else?

Her feet took her near the waterfront. The area was beautiful and normally Harriette could appreciate it. Often times she found herself walking along the water, thinking. Right now she had the urge to jump in, wash off the horrible feeling of the day - and then, clean, emerge like the subject of one of Jean-Léon Gérôme's paintings. Of course, she didn't. All she did was keep walking, barefoot, until she arrived at a pier. Most days she walked the waterfront Harriette avoided the pier, as it was a popular area for people and couples, especially with the gazebo at the end. Today, though, she walked along the wooden planks that stretched into the water. Here, there were several more of those cracks running along the pier toward the end of it. The fact that the pier itself didn't break apart was proof that the cracks weren't real, just in her mind. She recalled that morning thinking that the Psych department would have a field day with her, and the thought crossed her mind again. She found herself following the cracks, though when she reached the gazebo she stopped, finding a whole group of people already there. They were all fairly young, and some she even recognized. Others looked distinctly out of place, collapsed on the ground. What kind of gathering had she stumbled into? Initially Harriette had the mind to turn around and leave, but something was telling her not to.

Cacophony Concord

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_{HP: 860/860 - MP: 660/660 - SP: 710/710}
^{_________________} _[]

Inspect User

I want a space here.

CHARACTER

Avatar Appearance
Username: Ames
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Height: 176cm | Weight: 69kg

Classes:
Warrior lvl 50 (+10% HP | +10% STR | +10% END)
Animist lvl 0 (+10% HP | +10% MP | +10% SP)
_{Weapon Proficiency: LVL 3}

Attributes:
HP – 55 (810)
MP – 60 (660)
SP – 60 (690)
STR – 65 (98)
AGI – 52 (74)
END – 50 (65)
DEX – 65 (80)
LUC – 70 (78)

Abilities:
▶ Power Attack _{Actively consume SP while preparing for an attack; unleash for increased damage on attack.}
▶ Combat Stance _{Passive. Increase STR, END, or DEX by 10% at will. Five second cooldown.}
▶ Double Strike _{Active. 25% SP cost. Attack twice with your weapon, dealing incremental bonus damage based off SP consumed. Can be combo'd into from Power Attack.}
▶ Sundering Blow _{Active. 40% SP cost. Strike downwards, causing a burst of energy around you and dealing damage to all enemies. May inflict Stun. Range increases by 5 meters for every 100 SP consumed, starting from a radius of 10 meters. Can be combo'd into from Power Attack.}
▶ Reinvigorate _{Active. 100 MP. Regain 100 SP. Can be used in tandem with Power Attack.}
▶ Fluid Power _{Passive. Power Attack can combo into any offensive skill.}
▶ Harmonic Cycles _{Passive. 5% of HP/SP/MP can be converted into HP/SP/MP. Can be used once per round.}
▶ Art of the Split Soul _{Active. 5% SP and 5% MP per round. Imbue a Weapon or Shield with a portion of your soul, enabling it to float within a 20m radius of you, attacking or defending at your command. This bypasses Equipment slot restrictions. Imbued Weapons or Shields do not grant stats or effects.}

INVENTORY

Funds: 15883 Rishi

Item Pouch (Common):

• Ankle Bells (dented)
• Common Health Potion x4
• Common Antidote x2

Equipment

• Main Hand: Water Tiger Hook Sword UC +7 STR +3 DEX
  • Weapon can be used to Grapple while attacking, at 80% efficacy.
• Off Hand: Adventurer's Buckler C
  • No extra effect.
• Head: Battlerider's Cowl R +50 HP +10 AGI
  • Increase [Charge] attack damage by 20%. Increase [Riding] proficiency by 10%.
• Armor: Lacquered Woodplate UC +30 HP, +20 SP, +5 END
  • Reduce damage taken by wind and water attacks by 50. Increase damage taken by fire attacks by 15.
• Arms: Phantom Flame Bangles R +100 HP +3 AGI +5 END
  • Reduce fire damage by 35. Consume 100 HP to enhance your equipped weapons with magical flames.
• Legs: Barbarian Leg Paddings UC +20 HP, +4 STR, +4 AGI
  • 10% resistance to Restraint effects.
• Shoes: Sturdy Sandals UC +5 AGI, +2 DEX
  • 5% resistance to Knockback effects. Mitigates difficulties of movement on slippery terrain.
• Accessory: Divining Rattlebones C +8 LCK
  • No extra effect.
• Accessory: Banner of the Raid Chief R +30 SP +15 STR +10 DEX
  • x% chance of increasing ally’s damage by 10% when they attack. X equals 5 x the amount of party members. This effect does not stack.
• Accessory: Deep Red Cloak C
  • No extra effect.
• Accessory:

Current User Experience

Perception: Fantastic
Gore: Pixelated
Pain Setting: 40%
Clothing Damage: On
Nudity Censor: Personal
Profanity Censor: Off
Combat Action: Stylish
Spell Incantations: Stylish

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^{_________________}
Currently, Ames was fuming.

She was sitting on the ground with her back pressed against the rotting wood of their cover, her arms crossed over her chest and a distinct, girlish pout on her bishounen avatar's boyish face. The initial relief of leaving the ruin housing the lamia and seeing her party members leave along with her was intense. Like a window being opened and a breeze pushing away stale air, that horrible feeling she'd had while in the room with the snake people lessened.

She'd expected after that the group would leave the area. Go into the next cavern while taking care of some of the undead Raime had mentioned on their way out. Or maybe she thought they would try and leave the cave all together, and get their PvP training done or something.

But, no. Instead they were still in the ruins of some underground civilization, doing the exact thing Sarasa had asked them to do. FOR FREE, Ames noted, something the guys had been arguing against while talking with the snake woman.

What. The. Fuck.

So now, the party's warrior-animist was sitting there unhelpfully quiet while the others came up with a game plan. She would have left to go check out the last cavern herself if she didn't think she would die pretty quickly on her own in this awful place. Hell, she might still try anyway. The only thing presently holding her back was the thought of her friends fighting that horde of goat men and getting massacred. The least she could do was try and help them out. Besides, she would be a hypocrite if she separated from the party now, given how annoyed she'd been when Lugh and Ari had gone off on their own.

^{"This is so stupid..."} Ames sighed under her breath. If nothing else she could probably work out her frustration by fighting, but given their track record she didn't think it would go that smoothly. Not to mention there were a ton of goat monsters, and they all looked pretty strong.

Fate/Profane Covenant

Berserker

BERSERKER

True Name: Yomotsu-shikome

Appearance: A wretched creature. Berserker is a denizen of the underworld; her skin is taunt, dusty and pale. Her hair is wild and unkempt, and sprouting from it are two dark, thick horns denoting her species. On her face Berserker wears a simple mask, as beneath it her visage is horribly rotten. Sagging skin, sharp gnashing teeth, and large bright eyes adorn the face of one that among all beings living in the underworld, is the one most described as "ugly." She is short and thin, but despite her appearance she radiates demonic strength.

Sex: Female

Alignment: Chaotic Evil

Attribute: Earth

History: A resident of the Japanese underworld, Yomi, Berserker (known as Yomotsu-shikome or simply "Shikome") spent most of her days indulging herself - terrorizing spirits and lesser monsters, dressing herself in stolen trinkets in a parody of those living above, and devouring anything she could get her hands on. When satisfied, she'd spend the rest of the time lounging. Her existence was a lonesome one. However, it came that one day the Goddess Izanami died and came to Yomi. Naturally, many inhabitants were curious about her. Berserker was no exception, and she struck up many conversations with the sullen Goddess. Berserker was a disgusting creature even for an oni, yet Izanami showed no loathing for her. Similarly, as Izanami's appearance degraded and her body decomposed, Berserker felt even closer to her. One might even say that the two of them, Goddess and demon, became friends.

When Izanami's husband, the God Izanagi, ventured into the underworld to rescue his wife, Berserker for the first time in her life felt conflicted. Because she had come to befriend Izanami, Berserker hoped that the Goddess could return to what made her happy, her life and husband. Yet, Berserker would be lonely should that happen. Berserker didn't have to consider her conflicting feelings long - Izanagi offended his wife by seeking a peek at her decaying form against her wishes and tried to flee Yomi. Distraught, Izanami bade Berserker to chase him down - and that she did.

Her mission to chase after Izanagi and drag him down into the depths of the underworld was in retribution was the only order Berserker had ever been given in her life. It was also the first time anyone relied on her. So she gave it her all. The chase itself was savage fun, but the want to tear Izanagi's head from his shoulders really spurred her on. She was zealous in her pursuit, destroying everything in her path to get to Izanagi. As she gained on him, there was one thing that held her back: her appetite. Despite her want to rip the God apart for betraying her friend, whenever he threw food over his shoulder, Berserker had to stop and eat it. She burned so much energy during the chase that to not eat it would mean she would never catch him. In the end, she didn't end up capturing Izanagi. The God lastly threw a peach at her, something she hated with all her heart, and when she hesitated Izanagi took the opportunity to seal off the entrance to Yomi, separating the world of the living and the dead forever.

Having failed her mission, Berserker returned to Izanami's side and vowed to make it up to her someday.

Personality: Though the concept doesn't exist for her, Berserker embodies sin. Prideful, greedy, gluttonous and even slothful. And as an oni, she enjoys destruction and has a temper. At her core, Berserker is a being that looks after herself. She does what is best for herself, and rarely takes others' opinions into consideration. She just isn't used to being with anyone besides her self. She is technically capable of working within a team, but can't be trusted not to go off alone or sacrifice others to save her own life. She is brash, crude; says and does whatever she pleases whenever she pleases. A selfish existence through and through.

It is nearly impossible to get through to her on a personal level - the only other person to do so was a literal divine being.

The defining aspect of Berserker is her appetite. She loves to eat and drink like most oni, but Berserker considers herself a connoisseur in all things edible. Of course, this includes things like human beings. Though she can appreciate the rich foods and exquisite cuisine of Earth, she will eat anything... well, except for a certain fruit.

Parameters:
STR: B
AGI: A+
END: B+
MAN: C
LCK: C

Class Skills

• MAD ENHANCEMENT B

A skill that raises a servant's basic parameters and strengthens their physical abilities in exchange for their sense of reason and the hindering of their mental capacity. At this rank all parameters are ranked up. Of course, because of Berserker's nature as an oni and underworld creature, her mentality is already incompatible with human beings so she doesn't really suffer any demerit.

Personal Skills

• DEMONIC NATURE OF ONI (SPIRIT) A

A skill that represents the power and true nature of oni. Normally this skill would power Berserker up substantially in a way similar to the skills Monstrous Strength or Mana Burst. While her strength is still beyond what a human is capable of, her nature as a spirit being residing in the underworld informs this version of the skill. Quicker movements, moving through objects while in her corporeal form, and a cold, dread presence manifests from this skill.

• HUNGER B

Equal parts curse and skill, it reinforces the ravenous nature of Berserker and makes it extremely hard to resist going after food sources in sight. Hunger also converts more energy from eating into mana, making it possible to replenish or sustain her mana reserves so long as she is fed. In function it is similar to Independent Action, with some stipulations. She is not above eating humans and other servants - in fact, eating pieces of creatures high in magical ability such as these work especially well to rejuvenate her and 'fill her mana tank,' so to speak.

• BLESSING OF THE GODDESS D

Tasked with chasing down the God Izanagi by his wife, Berserker's agility and endurance increase whenever she is in pursuit of a target. This skill is a little touch of the divine, spurring Berserker on to catch her prey. It imbues her with the hunting instincts of a predator, making her even more deadly and tenacious as she constantly pursues her target, becoming more proficient the longer the chase goes on. Her blood really starts pumping during a chase.

Noble Phantasms:

Name: Yomotsu-hisame
Title: Ring Out, Thunder of Yomi
Rank: B
Type: Anti-Army
Range: -
Targets: 8
Description: Berserker's Noble Phantasm draws not only from the myth of her pursuit, but also encapsulates a popular reading of her tale that describes her not as a single being, but a group of demons. With a crack of lightning and loud clap of thunder, she splits herself into eight. Each eight is identical in appearance and personality, but they are not a hivemind. Each operate separately, able to pursue different targets or employ strategies as complex as an oni can come up with. Although individually each Berserker is weaker than the servant as a whole, their numbers and vicious dogging of their prey more than make up for the loss of strength.

...of course, this alone does not a complete, chilling tale make. Berserker's mission was to capture Izanagi and drag him back to Yomi. The claws of all eight Berserkers are filled with that promise. If they were to seize someone with their claws, their prey would "fall into the underworld." Every wound, every touch, drains the force of their life until the victim succumbs to "death" and is dragged to Yomi for a permanent stay.