#jxrmngxndr

[renascinem]

[VINGT-ET-UN]- Let’s go gambling! The best bar in Fleuve Cendre is holding a Black Jack tournament. It’s time to test your luck and see if you can make it big, or lose it all.

The easiest way to get the cut of a man was to put him in a situation where he could lose everything. Kevin had lost everything, and had pressed forward, had pushed those with him forward, the better that they too and all those around them did not lose everything.

It was not this which had made him suited for this game, but it didn't hurt.

What had made him best suited for this game was patience. And reticence.

He cocked his head, just a fraction, and watched the movements of the man across from him, equal and opposite in all measures as the game had progressed and more players had fallen, to their excitement, to their hubris.

He made no sudden movements, glancing at the cards the single time they were dealt, and keeping them facedown, hand over top of them as though to say that it was finished.

Regardless of what hand either was dealt, it would be the end.

"...Good game," was all he said, in spite of the chill.

Dan Heng's exploration of Fontaine eventually took him into the city's lower section, where a whole new world awaited. It's almost impossible not to draw the parallel between this and Belobog - the living conditions, the ways of life, the norms and traditions. It's a little unusual, though in the end, he pays it little mind.

Just as he didn't fear the Underworld back there, so too does he have no fear of this place, strolling around freely. Fleuve Cendre - that's what he heard it being called in passing - appears to be celebrating in their own ways; a lot more modest, but that doesn't make them uninteresting, and if anything, in some ways, they're much more his style than the glam and pomp on the surface.

In the end, he gets pulled into a card game tournament, and while some others appear to be in on it for the big game (at least, going by some of the cheers and wails nearby), all he wants is a moment to chill out. His opponent appears to be a somewhat enigmatic man; if Dan Heng were to guess by his clothes and general appearance, he did not seem like a local, either. But it is not as though that would ever bother a wanderer who spent years trying to just get away from home, as far as he could.

He looks at his cards one more time, and plays his hand, ending the game to the applause and joy of the onlookers.

"Good game to you, as well," he says with a respectful nod. His opponent was indeed skilled.

[avcnturine]

[MIC CHECK] - It's hard work to make sure all the equipment is good working order! Help the sound team out by singing in a few notes with a partner.

SQKREEEEEEE - !!!

The microphone would not stop screaming at him - no matter the distance of his fingers to its base, it protested shrilly to his presence in a way that had begun to appear most distressing to not merely the sound team, but passers-by.

Kevin grimaced - or rather, his lips ticked slightly downward in contemplation of the predicament. He was not the sort of man to leave a task unfinished, once he had pledged himself to it, but if this was the way that it kept behaving...

Eyes slid to the side, seeking out someone - anyone, in truth, who might have taken to the stage better than he - and finding his mark in a man whose smile seemed to wear him, rather than the other way around.

"...Perhaps you might be better suited to help with this. Would you come, lend your talents?"

Static buzzing, crackling with feedback, Kevin handed the microphone off to the young man, gaze simultaneously curious and pleading.

THE TINNY SCREECH OF MISBEHAVING TECH, the din of a hosted event venue in its preparation stages——sometime in the years since shedding rags and the ubiquitous roughness of sand for his newly-minted image, he'd gotten used to things like this.

aventurine is just passing by when the notes of shrill whining reaches its peak, every head in the room turning to glare at the unfortunate perpetrator. the young man standing on the stage looks no better off for it, nervously cognizant of the unwanted attention yet seemingly at a loss to fix it. where were the sound technicians? he can't imagine they'd left someone who had no idea what he was doing to set up the equipment.

as luck would have it, those nervous eyes scanning the room land on his, and decide to stick there. he sighs ; the meaning's clear enough. who'd he be to let this man stand up there and continue to flounder?

"i'm here today to meet with the producer about details regarding expenditures, not as an extra hand for the sound crew." measured steps bring him up abreast of the other on the stage, dimming the microphone's grating screech with a sharp tip of the instrument down toward the floor. though his words alone seem couched in admonishment——even threat——his tone is gentle and pleasant, lulling between the hypnotic serenade of honeyed tongue and auroral eyes. "i'm just letting you know: the company may end up owing for this."

he's no expert, but enough times on a variety of stage, set, radio, and otherwise, and anyone might pick up a trick or two from watching. the problem has to be with the speaker towers set up not a far distance away. but just as he positions to lift the microphone stand with both hands and move it, the instrument's shrieking suddenly stops completely. caught by surprise, he gingerly releases it. still nothing, even though it hadn't shifted an inch.

"hm. . . " he tilts the microphone back up. "testing, testing." the avgin's velvet caresses the air of the auditorium just fine, so he steps back and gestures for the other to try his luck again——but almost immediately, the stand begins to whine again as though sentient.

mm, i see how this is.

with a chuckle, he returns to his previous place ; the impending screech quiets once more to obedience as he looks to the other with something part apology, part admittance. "looks like something's gotten into this one. i'd be careful about sourcing anything from penacony if you're not accustomed to handling it. best to just find a new mic for now."

[huntersoath]

[FIGHT SCENE] - Fighting can be tough, but faking a fight and making it look real is even more difficult. How about a demonstration for these blossoming actors?

[EXT. - WOODLANDS - DAWN]

[Our duelists find themselves pacing apart in the swirling mist just before sunrise, counting the steps as though counting their heartbeats. They cannot remember what brought them here, but it is their honor at stake - and neither will let the other leave this field alive.]

ANTONY (At the tenth pace, he turns, lifts his sword in a salute) I detest that it has come to this. But needs must.

Kevin takes the final step and turns, as his script bids him, but instead of those final words, he glances across the way and assesses his opponent coolly - just, it seems, as she does he. If this were a real battle, he could not have been less interested in giving a speech, merely driving forward to test the mettle and iron of the person before him.

He nods, once, the flick of the sword light in his hand in salute.

"Come."

For being expected to act out a scene... It seems like they both share the similarity in which they'd rather let their actions do the talking. Clorinde doesn't feel the need to arrive to a battle with flowery words in tow, or any at all; her rapier will express everything necessary within the confines of the Dueling Ring. In this case, it very well may be the best way to get to know the man standing across from her. Tucking one arm behind her in the typical pose she assumes when preparing for a bout, her back remains straight and rigid as she raises her own rapier in a sword salute as means of extending courtesy. From what Clorinde remembered, their characters were meant to be bitter rivals that were once friends before drifting apart-- and part of it strikes a chord in her that she wished it wouldn't. "How polite of you. Very well," She responds in an even tone before her foot shifts ever so slightly, the only indicator of her movement before she dashes forward with lightning speed; the crackle of thunder in her wake is merely an aftereffect of her vision, the purple sparks dancing across the length of her prop sword. She doesn't have the intention of actually using it, of course. As she swings, the sparks quickly die out into nothing as she follows through with her strike-- in the last millisecond before it would connect, she halts completely to avoid making an actual hit. It's close enough to where it could easily seem that she did land the swing, but it also gives him the option to feign an injury or respond in kind with his own onslaught. "Your move, then." The ghost of a smile on her face betrays the amusement with which she treats this situation, barely a hint of enjoyment flashing in her eyes.

@jxrmngxndr

[trailblczed]

The comfort that comes from a hand giving a pat to his shoulder is minimal, but it's better than nothing. Lad's already lost somewhere in his head, a hand motioning for him to follow behind an abrasively pushed Gail does the trick to bring his mind to the surface, still mildly in shock and defeat, Caelus does his best to follow their "escort" closely into an elevator that takes them back to the floor they first entered the building on. He pointedly keeps his mouth shut until their outside the main doors, a tiny exhale of relief to at least be out of immediate danger--

The other three of you, just out of HQ’s entrance, are suddenly surrounded. The street is just before you, so impossibly close. In Mei’s grasp, Gail goes suddenly rigid. “ There’s a safehouse, it’s not far, and you’ll be safe there. I can take you, just… ” More guards now, from every side you can see. “ You have to run. ”

Until the world comes crashing down in his head, once again. Oh if only his RNG luck was better, maybe they'd stop getting all the bad outcomes in this terrible plot. Hands clench at his sides, despair slowly turning into anger- the Whispers of Nanook tickle the back of his mind 'just destroy it all, Nameless- what are you waiting for?' - but he's able to shut it up easily this time. Well.. not entirely. A calm, deep voice resonates as the lad inquires from their rescue-e.

❛ Miss Gail... Which direction is this "safehouse"? ❜

“ a mile or so north of here, ” she answers, then, more urgently: “ your trackers, take them out and throw them somewhere, anywhere. doesn’t matter. just do it. ”

A simple nod, a quiet "very well" ( who knows, maybe this stupid tracker is what was interfering with his systems- ) as the silver reaches with a ( strangely ) steady hand, digging around the spot he recalls Raiden Mei was told ( he had not looked at the time to see the specific of where, but he thankfully recalls the discussion about it to have a general idea ) to take hers from, before viciously yanking the device from his temple, uncaring of the golden blood now leaking from the torn "flesh" ( he'll deal with the consequences of his non-human nature being revealed later- much later ). No flinch, no noise of discomfort- just one swift action. The Nameless does let the Destruction's influence simmer stay long enough for him to let out one big burst of physical energy, launching himself at the wall of guards that were blocking the direction of North- a wide swing of a leg kicking several of them out of the way, with a follow up fist clothes-lining another several to the ground. Another few try to return the favor by lunging at him, but a quick backhand swipe with his bat sends those flying, adding to the collection of fools he's tossed to the ground. Caelus might not have been able to use his abilities well ( or at all ), but at least he can still throw hands, right? A blessing of The Destruction that he will, this once, be appreciative of.

❛ GO! ❜

An opening is made, and it seems his loud proclamation for action is followed as Gail and Raiden Mei zoom past him. A guard tries to stop the two, but Caelus has had enough and stomps the fool's head into the ground to make sure they cannot impede his team's escape. Caelus isn't entire sure of the Shadow's wearabouts, only being vaguely aware that the man had come down with them on the elevator and out the door ( before they were surrounded via an ambush )- so the lad will simply assume their invisible companion went through with the others. With his task completed, it was now the silver's turn to run ( and hopefully catch up ).

Roll: 1d4-1 || Result: 2 - 1 ( 1 Space Moved - Current Space: 5 )

It's likely the exhaustion catching up with him ( unsurprising ), but his body feels heavy as he struggles to get some fire under his feet, moving only about a yard before he takes a quick peak behind him to see just how close the guards are to them ( he needs to know when to take a moment to trap their chasers for a few moments ). Caelus is so tired- he already felt like the trash he so wholly treasures before this latest escapade.. maybe going all out for a big burst wasn't the smartest move ( well, he's already established he ain't a smart dude ), but desperate times call for desperate measures. Gail had looked so terrified ( as he had been ) with how fast she went stiff. Can you blame him for acting upon an Aeon's influence impulse?

❛ They aren't far behind-! Keep... moving! ❜

It is a warning directed to the others, but it could very well have been directed to himself ( do not let the low power levels stop you from getting to safety. think of how sad your family would be if you did not return- think of how sad you will be if you never get to see them again ).

Next: @jxrmngxndr or @originsrebirth

☆ who needs combat when I got legs that can run

【 program overdrive ── team chase ; week 3 】

[secondsovereign]

ABOUT: KEVIN 🥺👉👈

ABOUT: [CHARACTER] ASK MEME

"Kevin Kaslana..." a name he hasn't had to speak about in a rather long time. "What is there to say that hasn't already been spoken? Raiden Mei once informed us of his life story from her time in the Elysian Realm. His was a... unique life, to find himself without friends and a son he'd been ill-prepared to raise... perhaps that's why I feel a kinship with the Herrscher of Finality, understand him better than I'd expected to all those years ago." A glass raised in toast to the man he hoped had found a peaceful rest amidst the tides of the Sea of Quanta, buried as he was with the Might of An-Utu at the request of his descendant. "Kippis... Old Friend."

[trailblczed]

Runner Status Effect Time Remaining: 0

"Boy, deal with the others". Ignore the mental flinch, Caelus. The Shadow doesn't mean anything by it ( he hopes ). But.. how? What could he do? Were they just tossing fists? No, they both said that'd be bad. So they're using the one the other took out as the new disguise..he guesses? What to do, what to do.. What the hell is he even supposed to do? Poor lad just ends up staring dumbly at where the remaining three guards were, concern rising in his stomach- the guards were no longer tussling. The guards are no longer under his influence- Caelus quickly looks towards their Ripper, voice as quiet as possible ( who knows how well those things' hearing was ).

❛ If you're going to change, do it now- My hacks have worn off! ❜

The silver is still nervous about the entire thing, worried their escort somehow will be able to scan Mei and know she is not one of them- or notice the dismantled guard locked in a cell- He can't just follow up the snow haired man, taking out a few of the guards himself--- who knows how fast they'd set off an alarm, and how quickly their other group would be put in danger. Think, Caelus, think!!

..Well, they guards were still robotic at the end of the day- so why can't he just hack them again? Yeah it might be his last usage of his ability ( he's too tired- he knows he won't be able to even attempt another ), but it's worth a try anyway.. right? Maybe Caelus can just.. mastermind the remaining escorts.. You know, become the puppeteer that's pulling their strings? Or even rewrite their command scripts--- no. Keep it simple. Make them listen to him. Yeah- alright.

"Deal with the others" repeats in his head with a non-visible nod. The Runner raises a hand just a tad, hoping a more direct shot will help the chances of it working please please please he can't let them down now is not the time for a bug in the system that is his body please just-

Roll: d20 || Result: 11 ( Unsuccessful )

Caelus' eye watch his targets intently, noticing only the smallest stutter shake the guard's body- almost as if they were shaking off a chill breeze. ....It... it didn't work-- How? Why-- why did it not--?! DAMN IT. Wide eyed, fear slowly eating away at his soul, mouth agape in shock and disappointment, Caelus stares in silence as he watches his failure play out in front of him.

He should have said something to them-- should have said there was a high chance that he would let them down, that he would be useless to them on this mission- Hell, he wasn't useful to Wanderer either. The team is now going to suffer due to his insecurity of whatever the hell was going wrong with him. They would have been able to make up another plan if they had known. This could have been avoided, but now.. it is too late.

In his self-loathing, the silver once again can only come up with a panicked, frantic plan. Maybe Caelus can be a tad rough with the "new guard", then have her apprehend him in some way to sell her ruse. But then again.. the plan is, in fact, stupid. That would still out them as traitors and put the whole mission at risk ( and the Nameless has already fucked it up enough as it is- ). Plus the guards likely aren't going to question Mei's presence to begin with..

When he said he wasn't a smart dude, or more specifically bad at strategizing- he meant it. Especially if it's having to come up with something in such a tense, every-second-counts, situation. On top of the fact that the silver does not know these two individuals, so their fighting style, moves, and typical plans of attack ( or defense ) isn't something he knows - so it isn't as if he can even ( attempt to ) plan around that since he has no prior knowledge of the two.

All Caelus can really do is stand there, dejected, arms dropped to his sides at the weight crushing him from the inside- staring dumbfounded and terrified at the escorts before them, then ever so slowly looking down at his own hand that had malfunctioned yet again.

A soft, broken plea for forgiveness is all the boy can muster out.

❛ It.. I can't- It failed..... I'm sorry. ❜

Next: @originsrebirth

for the sins of our hand, the sins of our tongue

[huntersoath]

The scene starts with thick tension permeating the air in a dimly lit stage-- it's something that feels like it's straight from one of the scripts she's played multiple times in her experience with Tabletop Troupe, and the script that was given to her was somewhat easy to remember. Clorinde had been roped into this whole debacle with promises of generous rewards, and before she had much of a chance to protest, she had already been dragged backstage to prepare for the role of a hero's nemesis. Truthfully, she wasn't sure if she could pull off the role of an evil maniac, but... Now that she was here, she might as well give it her all. An actor across from her paints a striking figure, his snow white hair a stark contrast with the general dark aura of the room. It's not a face she recognizes, and they haven't quite slipped into character for the current filming session. As a result, the Duelist opts to bridge the distance, clearing her throat before offering a handshake to the other man. "It seems we'll be working together on this," She speaks softly, a warm smile tugging at her lips. "I'm certainly no actress. In fact, I was really forced into this against my will- I had no chance to say no. My name is Clorinde, it's a pleasure to meet you." Her gaze flickered to the bustle of the film crew hurrying to scramble to set props and checking lights. "The writers have put a lot of effort into these characters. I can only hope that I can do them justice. Shall we make this memorable?" Clorinde takes a few steps backwards before she inspects the prop weapons offered to them both, opting to take a sword that's much too light for her liking. With weight so easily off-put, it'll make it much harder to judge her movements correctly... But she assumes that the other will have the same issues, if they're even much of a fighter. "I won't take it easy on you just because this is a show." A soft chuckle follows, making it evident that her words have no ill intent. "Your move. I'll be kind enough to let the 'hero' go first." @jxrmngxndr

LARPing

nobody saw anything. w/ @jxrmngxndr

[secondsovereign]

Trying to stem the cold rage that the white-haired man evoked was a losing battle at times, a side effect of the year he'd spent trapping him within the Sea of Quanta. It's not something he tries to give into, lest the core feed on the raw emotion and awaken when he had no need for its powers to manifest so abruptly when in proximity to far too much metal to survive the instantaneous crush from extreme force pulling it inwards without a hint of discrimination.

He's about to respond to the former MOTH, only for a familiar name to appear and beckon him to leave the establishment, a hand reaching to pull the hood over his head as he steps into the downpour that fought to overwhelm the haze of industrial smoke that seemed to press against it. Time and the conversation with Kujou Sara that was about to ensue would give him a moment to collect himself at least, to get the rampant horde of thoughts under control lest he give into his mortal foil that waited inside.

(Conversation with Sara ensues that becomes a group call, not added to avoid length issues)

He's sufficiently calmed by the time the call ends, left with a sense of unknown urgency now that far too many seemed aware of Code-024's location. Loathe as he was to admit it, Kevin was right in saying she couldn't remain there any longer, not when it meant potentially leaving her to die when Syndicate inevitably realised they hadn't called her location in. "A change of plans Miss Sabine, I'm afraid I'll need you to come meet our companions yourself." something he wished wasn't necessary, yet it had become required at the moment as he feels energy akin to the spirit whispers of a certain Stelleron Hunter vibrate beneath his skin before it's dispelled in a haze of energy not unlike the Star of Eden hidden inside his cane.

her jaw goes taut, and you can see on her expression as she works through trying to object and the fact that she cannot. a cold, pointed glare, and then a gritted " fine. "

"Thank you," Better to come willingly than unwillingly, at least. The man turns to Kevin, hazel tinted red. "You can call it in, we'll need somewhere dis---." His words are interrupted by an almost urgent call from Raiden Mei, stopping him before he can finish saying what he'd planned to. "Mei? Is everything okay?" The woman's reply is inaudible, yet the relief is clear on his features, "Ah, one moment, we just got miss Sabine to agree to join us." It's almost like riding a bicycle, extending the connection to his companion. "We were just preparing to contact you in fact, we need somewhere… discrete, rather than put Sabine at greater risks." He had enough blood on his hands that he refused to put her into danger, lest she be another soul relegated to the collection of memories within him.

The reply and ensuing conversation evokes a pensive look, weighing the possibilities in his mind. " Our authorities… Kevin's abilities, as intimately tied to the Honkai as they are, worked not too long ago. So perhaps our cores are just as liable to ensure any overlookers are unable to interfere…" A query from Mei raised, and a consensus shared in an attempt to rationalise it. " For the best it seems, between the three of us we should be able to exert enough authority to… frighten, anyone away, " A click is the giveaway to the call ending, staring at the Kaslana founder with a more relaxed expression.

"The alleyway then, between the three of us we should be able to ensure anyone idiotic enough to listen in regrets their life choices," the words are a peace offering to the man before him, a sign that his temperament has resumed the calm facade. "And you, Miss Sabine, will be coming with us."

I love a little drama! Let's start a bar fight!

[trailblczed]

Caelus' vision goes fuzzy as his companions figures are covered by the overwhelming amount of guards detaining them. He feels like he can't breathe, hands twitching at his sides as the horror stays swirling around inside him. Part of him wants to give up, to fall to his knees and accept defeat ( he let this happen. If only he hadn't been a failure of a teammate- if only he didn't have some sort of malfunction then this could have been prevented-- ), mouth gaping open and closed as words are lost to him, only low whining sounds being able to come out.

K̶e̶e̵p̶ ̴m̸o̵v̴i̸n̷g̵.̸ ̷Y̴o̸u̷ ̴s̸t̵i̷l̷l̸ ̷h̶a̷v̶e̴ ̶s̸o̸m̸e̵o̴n̴e̸ ̷t̸o̴ ̴p̷r̷o̷t̷e̴c̶t̵,̴ ̴d̸o̴ ̸y̶o̵u̸ ̴n̸o̵t̷?̴

Roll: 1d4-1 || Result: 3 - 1 ( 2 Spaces Moved - Current Space: 10 )

Against his wishes ( almost as if he were a puppet on a string ) his body turns around, preventing him from witnessing the final moments of his team being captured as his feet move of their own accord, trying his best to catch up with Gail. He may or may not get caught himself, but at least he can make sure that his promise to get her out of that place was fulfilled.

❛ Go Gail, Go! Don't look back! ❜

As long as she stays safe, get out of this ( who knows what would happen to her if she got caught- possibly worse fate than them being a prior prisoner who escaped [with help] ) alive and makes it to the safehouse she mentioned, then he can say he at least did something useful..

Next: ...? You are the last player standing. Continue the mission.

☆ who needs combat when I got legs that can run

【 program overdrive ── team chase ; week 3 】

[trailblczed]

Program Overdrive's Team Chase - Final Moments

Roll: 1d4-1 || Result: 2 - 1 ( 1 Space Available To Move ) Runner Ability Used- Sacrifice 1 Space to block Guard's Movement for 1 turn ( 0 Spaces Moved - Current Space: 10 )

His pace slows, barely coming to a jog before Caelus can't help but look behind him- only with the intent to see if he himself was still being pursued by the robotic guards. Unsurprisingly, the Nameless is still being chased. He's so tired, please.. just let it end. T̷h̵e̸ ̴t̷i̴m̶e̴ ̴i̶s̵ ̵n̴o̸w̸,̷ ̵b̶o̶y̶!̴ ̶S̶e̷t̴ ̷i̷t̷ ̴a̶b̴l̵a̸z̴e̴!̶ An uncomfortable groan, and the silver manages to summon his Flame Lance, setting the ground on fire to at least give him some more distance between him and the guards. It works, as it does stop all of the pursuers- but only for a few moments.

Roll: 1d4-1 || Result: 3 - 1 ( 2 Spaces Moved - Current Space: 12 )

A raspy cough, and Caelus gets his feet moving again, managing to get a couple yards along before the guards start chasing after him again. How is someone can be so exhausted while high on adrenaline? B̴o̸o̴ ̶t̶h̸i̸s̸ ̷i̶s̷ ̶n̷o̵ ̴f̴u̴n̵ ̶a̶t̸ ̴a̴l̷l̵!̴ ̵W̵h̸y̴ ̵d̶o̴n̷'̸t̶ ̵w̸e̴ ̸s̶p̷i̴c̵e̵ ̸t̴h̴i̴n̴g̶s̶ ̶u̷p̸ ̷a̷ ̴b̷i̶t̴?̷ A faint beeping in the back of his head, a noise Caelus registers as as his body telling him that his power is almost depleted, and the panic returns under his skin.

Roll: 1d4-1 || Result: 2 - 1 ( 1 Spaces Moved - Current Space: 13 )

Feet start to drag, nearly tripping himself as he does his best to push through the way his body gets heavier with each rushed step. The beeping gets more frequent, the edges of his vision getting blurred and darker as the seconds tick on. If he was able to take more than a few seconds to think on how his energy had drained so rapidly, he might question as to whether the malfunction had a part in it. Likely, but it's not as if he'll get to know the answer. Lad comes to a slow stop, the beeping in his ears just barely unable to drown out the rapid footsteps approaching him, legs giving out as he crumples to the ground, arms played out to catch himself last second from colliding with the ground. He still makes a pathetic sight, limbs splayed out with no sense of grace or practicality.

A pitiful, guilty upturn of the ends of his lips as he gives their ally one last glance. She likely wouldn't be able to hear him from this range even if he could talk at a louder volume, as she's some eight yards away from him- but even if he speaks to himself, that's alright. Caelus is only able to get his voice barely above a whisper, but again- that's just fine.

❛ I'm sorry.. it looks.. like you will.. have to.. to go the safehouse without us. ❜

The Nameless is barely able to keep himself up, arms shaking with the strain of the effort. A few more wispy wheezing and the boy ends up flat onto the ground, face in the dirt with arms awkwardly folded against him. There's a vague feeling of cold hands grabbing at him, pulling his limbs to get him restrained ( as if he were even able to put up a fight at this point ), but he can't focus on them at all. I̵ ̶a̸m̶ ̵s̸o̸r̴r̷y̴ ̶f̸o̵r̷ ̵y̶o̷u̷r̴ ̵s̶u̴f̸f̸e̶r̶i̴n̵g̴,̴ ̴d̶e̵a̸r̴ ̸o̸n̸e̴.̵ Caelus is only just able to make out the shape of Gail- looking as if she had turned around, possibly trying to check on him ( he can dream can't he? ) or simply respond to him- then he scans that two guards had rushed past him before he collapsed and now have Gail in their custody as well.

There's nothing that he can do for her- that he could do for any of them - as bright amber eyes dim to a pale yellow, the beeping transforming into one long note before going completely silent, Caelus has finally run his reserve power dry. Time has run out.. for him, and for their group.

Loading..... Loading........... Connecting.. Connecting.... Connected. Sending message...... Sending message.......... Message to Team Program Overdrive sent. Message failed to send to Ripper. Message failed to send to Shadow K. Message sent to Shadow W successfully. Message to Angel sent successfully. Message to Whisper sent successfully. Unit Caelus, Code Name "The Runner", has gone offline. Unit has been captured by the enemy. Unit is unresponsive. S.O.S.

☆ who needs combat when I got legs that can run

【 program overdrive ── team chase ; week 3 】

[trailblczed]

Roll: 1d4-1 || Result: 1 - 1 ( 0 Spaces Moved - Current Space: 8 )

Caelus stands there, frozen in place under the weight of the overwhelming dread. This.. this wasn't supposed to happen. None of this was supposed to happen. W̷h̷a̷t̶'̸s̵ ̴w̵r̵o̴n̸g̶,̴ ̸b̶o̶y̶?̴ ̵A̵l̶l̶ ̷y̷o̸u̵ ̸h̴a̷v̵e̸ ̸t̵o̶ ̸d̴o̷ ̵i̴s̵ ̵l̶e̶t̸ ̴l̸o̸o̸s̵e̷.̴ ̵J̷u̷s̷t̴ ̸l̸e̵t̷ ̷g̵o̴,̸ ̸a̸n̵d̴ ̶y̷o̴u̶r̴ ̴c̴o̷m̴p̶a̶n̸i̵o̴n̴s̶ ̶c̵a̶n̸ ̶b̵e̴ ̶s̸a̶v̷e̶d̶.̸ W̸h̵a̴t̸?̴ ̶Y̵o̴u̵ ̷d̷o̸n̸'̵t̶ ̶l̶i̵k̵e̶ ̵t̸h̶e̷ ̵s̷h̶o̴w̶?̵ ̶I̷ ̴c̴r̸e̶a̸t̷e̴d̸ ̵i̷t̷ ̸j̷u̷s̶t̶ ̷f̸o̴r̸ ̶y̷o̴u̶!̶ H̴a̵h̴a̷!̴ What is he supposed to do? ..What can he do? The two are surrounded completely- They are outnumbered. Even if they are both more than capable fights, there's no way---- Y̶o̶u̴ ̶c̴a̴n̴'̷t̷ ̷l̵e̷a̷v̸e̴ ̷a̸n̵y̷o̴n̸e̶ ̷e̶l̵s̷e̷ ̷b̶e̸h̶i̴n̶d̴-̴ ̶y̵o̸u̷'̸v̵e̴ ̶a̸l̵r̶e̷a̵d̸y̴ ̸s̸u̸f̶f̶e̷r̵e̸d̶ ̸s̸o̶ ̶m̶u̶c̷h̴ ̷d̶e̷a̶r̵ ̷c̴h̵i̶l̷d̵.̴

A golden drop trickling down his face is felt, a tear meeting it along it's downward path. He's too far away from them to really do anything.. He'd be too late. Why... why does this always happen? I̴s̴n̴'̴t̸ ̴t̵h̴e̶ ̵t̵r̶a̸g̷e̵d̵y̵ ̴t̴h̷e̴ ̵m̶o̴s̶t̶ ̸e̵n̷t̴e̶r̶t̸a̸i̵n̵i̴n̷g̸ ̶p̶a̵r̸t̴ ̴o̵f̶ ̴y̶o̶u̷r̷ ̶s̸t̵o̶r̴y̵?̷ No- No it's not- it's horrible! T̸h̶e̷n̶ ̷w̵h̸y̷ ̵d̷o̸n̴'̸t̷ ̴w̷e̸ ̵c̶h̶a̶n̴g̷e̶ ̶t̷h̴e̵i̸r̴ ̷f̴a̷t̸e̷?̸ ̴S̵e̶t̷ ̴y̷o̷u̷r̸ ̶e̶n̶e̵m̴i̶e̸s̷ ̶a̷b̶l̷a̶z̴e̵!̷ Stop it- stop it. STOP IT!

❛ Please... pleas- please no. No... no no... Please! ❜

Next: @jxrmngxndr

☆ who needs combat when I got legs that can run

【 program overdrive ── team chase ; week 3 】

[trailblczed]

Roll: 1d4-1 || Result: 1 - 1 ( 0 Spaces Moved - Current Space: 8 )

It isn't unsurprising that after that burst of energy that Caelus' exhaustion comes back ten-fold--- leaving the lad to stop dead in his tracks to try and catch his breath, to reorient himself in time and space. Unfortunately, he can only afford to do so for a few seconds-- there is no room for error here- How are the others doing..? Gail seems to be fine, in fact she just made it passed him before he had to pause. Raiden Mei, while not as far along as he is ( yeah because you booked it and now are paying the consequences for it you dunderhead! ), is at least managing a steady pace with a few yards between herself and the guards.

If he had a heart ( a real one anyway ), Caelus is sure it'd stop beating at the sight of their last companion- the man is not too far away from the guards- they're catching up. Oh no. Oh no nononononononno-- This can't-- this can't be happening. GIVE HIM A BREAK!! Like--- he doesn't even know his teammate's name yet! He hasn't had a moment to even ask without worrying that he's going to fuck the mission up more than he had! AHA CAN YOU FUCK OFF?! THIS ISN'T FUN ANYMORE! ( IT NEVER WAS!! )

The silver barely has any strength to speak, but yet a desperate cry comes out regardless, raspy and pained.

❛ SHADOW! ❜

Next: @jxrmngxndr

☆ who needs combat when I got legs that can run

【 program overdrive ── team chase ; week 3 】

[trailblczed]

Ah- There the Shadow was. Seems he was right not to be concerned if the man had been, unintentionally, left behind ( Caelus would never forgive himself allow it ). The tingling concern about the three that were ( assuming ) still trapped in the building is ever present- but there is nothing he can do at this point. Guess he will simply have to keep his faith in his father keeping them all safe ( as he always has done for their family ).

Roll: 1d4-1 || Result: 4 - 1 ( 3 Spaces Moved - Current Space: 8 )

Apparently, the pain of possibly never seeing them again has given his enough energy regenerated to book it, managing three times what he had done in his initial burst to get some distance between himself and the guards that are on their tail. Or maybe the Nameless just wants to be out front to make sure the way is cleared ( once again ). Who knows, maybe both.

Next: @jxrmngxndr

☆ who needs combat when I got legs that can run

【 program overdrive ── team chase ; week 3 】

[trailblczed]

Lad stays quiet while he listens in, once again not feeling as if he can really add much to the conversation. Amber eyes stay fixated on the chaos that he himself had created, making sure that at least someone was making sure their escort was being kept occupied. Then his name- or more, his role- is mentioned, and Caelus' attention is taken away. The boy cannot see passed the larger presence between himself and the lass, being several inches shorter than The Shadow, head barely peaking over the top of the man's shoulder, so Caelus has to actively walk around the man to meet the woman eye to eye. He takes a few moments to process what the lady in the cell is indicating. Again, the silver ain't the best with tactics or coming up with ideas- so instead of thinking too hard on it, he asks;

❛ I would assume you have this 'log' on you..? Even if so.. ❜

He already took a risk as it was with trying to hack the guards, trying to hack such a large number of them would likely be pushing it, especially with.. whatever was wrong with him earlier ( and still possibly is ).

❛ ..If you are intending to help us out, as I would think someone of the resistance might, I see no reason to keep you here. Though, that might have to wait until a bit later.. I don't imagine we'd be able to do so without alerting the one in charge- and put our other allies in danger. So- for now, what would you think would be a good move- for both of us? A 'scratch my back I scratch yours' type situation. ❜

“ in me, ” she corrects, amused. “ your companions are speaking with someone? ” this gives her pause, furrows one pale brow. “ you must be special, syndicate prefers to remain as faceless as it can for any name that doesn’t leave this building .” she thinks a moment, then looks up at you again. “ throw one of your escorts in the cell made for 024, ” her gaze flits to ‘sabine,’ “ and use whatever it is you are using now to act like their fourth. of course you can’t get away with that forever— you wouldn’t have long before they realize their prisoner’s data is reading wrong. ” a wave of her hand. “ they’ll be alerted of something no matter what you do, so ask yourself what risk is worth taking. ”

Owlish blinking between the lady and "Sabine." Of course someone who was actually acquainted with the person would be able to tell it was an imposter. Plus, the plan offered isn't too bad an option. Or more, they don't have a whole lot of time, and that is likely their best choice given the circumstances. Though, he does get another idea that could add onto it. A tiny clench in his chest he ignores, telling himself that things will be fine if he goes with it. Caelus' hacks had already worked on the guards, so surely he could do it again without running into any.. complications. Absolutely! Yeah.. Fake it till you make it- Looking to Mei, the boy keeps his voice lowered.

❛ I might be able to blind the guards as well- I'm not sure how long their sight would be gone. Do you think that would be helpful in changing into one of them..? ❜

Status Effect Time Remaining: 3

While the Nameless isn't keen on testing fate, playing games with ( probably ) Aha THEMSELF, ultimately he accepts that it is a risk that will be necessary- should it be agreed upon as their next course of action. And they need to come to a consensus quick- time is running out. The silver watches as one guard is slowing down it's aggression, his hacking influence likely slowly wearing off.

❛ Unless anyone else has a better idea....? ❜

Next: @originsrebirth

for the sins of our hand, the sins of our tongue

[secondsovereign]

He was under no illusion that Kevin would make it easy for the woman before them to shake his almost inviolate ideals, and yet the Herrscher couldn't help but hold a glimmer of hope that death and rebirth had thawed that frozen platform atop which he stood immobile. Futile as it may be, he wasn't giving into the man's will after standing against him for it before, to do so would be to dishonour the man he'd fought inside the Sea of Quanta so long ago.

"Perhaps it would be better to hide it from Syndicate." A start to his thought, eyes opening and revealing the tempest of emotion inside his core. The man beside him may have continued to look ahead, and yet the Sovereign refused to allow his words to go unheeded. "Tell the others, perhaps, but to reveal it to Syndicate so soon would be foolhardy." A query inside his mind, sitting and waiting in silence for the consensus to be reached on the best way to attempt to reach the man.

In the meantime, his eyes trace the features of the woman before him, the way her flesh gives more and more to the metal is all too familiar to him in ways it shouldn't be, and yet he can't help but feel the ache of anger in old bones at the number carved into the chrome plate she'd used. It was abhorent, to refer to someone as little more than a number to be used and discarded when the task was complete, was it any surprise she'd gone rogue after being rebuilt, sympathised with those that strove to retain what little tied to humanity they kept?

"Would you turn her in if she were anyone else?" Name after name comes to mind, people that Welt knew that if they sat before him in the same situation as Sabine had found herself in, that Welt would be unable to betray no matter who asked. "If she were Su, or Griseo or Kiana? What then? Would you willingly hand her to monsters that want to erase the things that you, that WE, fought to protect?" Words that are rarely invoked by the consensus of souls, and yet here he was making a desperate plea to the man to change his mind of his own violation rather than the threat of force that hummed beneath their skin.

"I, we, have seen the terrible things people are willing to do in the name of the past and the name of the future. By handing her to Syndicate we're justifying their methods, endorsing methods not unlike that of Otto Apocalypse and you expect me to agree to it?" Anger rises in his voice, careful control slipping with frustration as red begins to seep into his irises, a sign that he was no longer speaking as a nameless but as the man who had sealed the white-haired sire of World Serpent away once before. "You have an opportunity that many will never see, the opportunity to prove that even the Imaginary Laws are not perfect..."

A deep breath, a heartfelt plea to the man he could have, would have, liked to call a friend, "... So please, just this once, old friend, let us try a different path."

I love a little drama! Let's start a bar fight!

[originsrebirth]

she knew it would be fine -- she figured she was going to get captured , but if she could keep those two going , it would be fine -- if at least one could make it to the safe house , it would be alright .

they're all strong , they can break free from this , as Kevin started to move forward , as Caelus screamed back at them .

the guards tackled her to the ground , her appearance glitching out , before the disguise of the guard broke in an instant , the last use of that chrome was gone -- but it had gotten them this far .

they knew they could make it out no matter what crossed their paths -- she didn't say a word as they restrained her , she didn't say a word back to Caelus and Kevin .

she was making up a plan in her head as quick as she could , if Welt and the others were still in the building -- surely .

the pieces just need to fall into place , that fire in her eyes didn't fade , her determination didn't waver , there was still a chance .

her fight wasn't done just yet .

Next ! @trailblczed .

☆ who needs combat when I got legs that can run

【 program overdrive ── team chase ; week 3 】