Staring at mara, eyes widening ever so slightly, at the mention of their grandmother. She women was really his great grandmother, the same as she was for Mara, but it was simply easier to refer to as grandmother. Adding great infront was just annoying especially when you had to do that for lots of family members, it became tedious, so he avoided it. "You can't tell her." Responding in French as well. "She doesn't know about this, she can't." No one could, he still worried each time someone in his family got pulled in. He didn't plan to bring anyone in, he never had, and yet it kept happening especially as of late.
If she were to find out everyone in the family would find out...and that wouldn't go well, though he also had a feeling several more officers and corrupt senshi would be brought in. This wasn't something she'd agree with, he was certain of it, even if she might understand things once he explained it all; which he'd have to do.
Looking to Diaboliete, who was older than he was, he was hoping the man would side with him in this. He had to see reason, right? Never mind that Melody was right here with them, listening to everything, she wouldn't say anything and he didn't have it in him to worry about what she heard right now. There were other thigns to worry about, his grandmother and a monster in space being at the top of the list.
Digging the bottom of his weapon into the ground, to brace himself, he kept himself grounded as the wind picked up and pulled at him in an attempt to knock him off his feet. He held tight to his weapon and planted his boots int othe ground. "It's ok Mara." He had his hands full but he still managed to lean towards his younger cousin. Dismissing his weapon, despite how it was aiding him in keeping steady on his feet, he took the velvet bag from the air as it hung there, the note was gone over quickly and a smile tugged at his lips. "it's safe Mara, use the pin and the bracelet found it's way to his right wrist since he had a bracer on his left under his sleeve.
"As Jet said, Almadel is neutral in things but he gains a lot by having Earth remain intact. He is a merchant Mara, and a collector of things, an alien who offers good in trade for things he asks for that we find and bring him. He comes nearly every summer, like clock work." Giving both of his cousins a look, assuming both would be interested in this information. "I've already promissed to host him for dinner once all this is over." Already assuming they'd win, because there wasn't any other choice. "If he's alright with it I can invite you both as well." If his cousins wanted and if Almadel was agreeable to the idea of course, he wouldn't force anyone upon their gracious merchant who was assisting them here.
To Jet then he nodded his head, to catch his attention, before speaking. "I think Almadel wants us to win because he's planning on getting a home here, or so he told me, a vacation home of sorts. It would ruin his plans if we let Earth be devoured. He likes this planet very much." Enough to get a home here. Maybe he'd set up a more stable trade shop for those who lived in Destiny City.
Fiction1119
Sunshine Alouette
Guine
Jet
Kaefaux
Seraphinite, Rigel, Spectrolite
Sara Draconia
Aoede
Noir Songbird
Ashanite, Diaboliete
(If I missed anyone for Beni let me know, but I think this is everyone in the little group.)
Princess Cybele Action: Going Princess, talking to the squad and looking through her bag Roll: 90
Cybele swallowed as the pressure around them shifted. The air crackled. Whatever they were facing, there would be no retreat from it. She could tell that much easily. There would be no licking their wounds in the morning. There would be victory, or there would be death.
There was something of a comfort in that thought. For all that the sky was awful, there was no Chaos in it. No corruption. If she died here, it would be as herself.
Well, assuming the General-Kings had enough self preservation not to play dirty. She counted five of them on the field, their silhouettes as striking as their twisted auras. There was the one who had corrupted her. The one who had stolen her sister. The one who had half-ruined her feet and then killed her. Two others, presumably just as awful.
There were a few Order Princesses around, but they were outnumbered. Cybele swallowed. If everyone else was showing their true power, she supposed there was no reason for her to try to be subtle about it. She shifted into her Princess form, a bit of a wild glint coming to her eyes as she felt the static in her wings.
"I'll admit I'm not much of a scholar," she told the now familiar group of knights that had gathered around her, even as she spread her wings behind her to try to protect them a bit. "If anyone knows of any weak points this thing may have, let me know. Otherwise, let's try to stick together."
They'd come to her, even in the danger of this kind of situation. She'd do whatever she could to protect them.
The bag appeared inside of her, and she fished inside of it, glancing at the note. Almadel. She slipped the bracelet onto her wrist.
"Wear it," she said to Celadon. "He's," she considered the phrasing, "Trustworthy enough."
Lisse, Knight of Lysithea Action: With Halle, Mechelen, Almere and newcomers, looking around for Dering, just because. Roll: 52
Lisse hadn't rejected coming out tonight, and he was glad that he had. This...was a lot. More than he really could stomach. The sheer amount of chaos that was in the air...so much for him being such a rebel for taking on a General on his own...there were those who were stronger than Generals and that...
Was worrisome.
"Love you too, Halle. And hi to those of you I don't know, I'm Lisse and it's good to meet you...let's all just stick together, yeah? My magic is offensive and isn't bad in a pinch..."
He took hold of the bag, raising his eyebrows. "...And in this moment of world ending catastrophe...we get gifts. Okay cool."
Nectaris considered what Emain Ablach said, admittedly slightly distracted, but she nodded anyway. "I mean, yeah. That makes sense," she said. "Let's see if we can kill it."
Yeah, she tried to play nice, but that didn't mean that she was a pacifist if something was trying to eat their world. The sky somehow managed to get even weirder. Nikki's hair, always puffy, was almost standing on end. Whatever was about to happen with this thing was about to happen now.
And Cryolite was over there, looking at her. Looking at her, but not coming any closer. She could hear her heart thumping in her chest, looking at him. She bit her lip.
Then she pulled out her paper, and her pen. A bag showed up in the air halfway though her writing her note, but she just tucked it under her elbow, still looking at Cryolite.
Quote:
Please come here. If this is gonna be the end, I don't wanna be away from you. ❤︎
She glanced back to Emain Ablach. "Don't freak out," she told him. "I'm trying to get my boyfriend to come over here."
Page 14 Standing near the General Sovereigns, getting glitter bombed.
Taenite clicked his tongue to the roof of his mouth when the sky started melting and the winds picked up. He remained where he stood near the General Sovereigns. It seemed like the safest place for him to be, so he was content not wandering around.
The gift bag that appeared in front of him made him let out a short laugh in amusement.
“How sweet. Good to know someone is playing all sides,” he observed, watching as other bags appeared in front of Knights, Senshi, and even the Vanguard.
“Here, make sure you get one too-- ah!” Taenite made a startled yelp as the bag he was reaching to grab for Axinite burst with glitter. Ah… well, he was already covered in rhinestones, so he supposed glitter was fine. Annoying. He wiped his hand on his sash, although it didn’t do much.
That was fine. He would have to find a way to repay Almadel for that amusing little trick.
Amarynthos is standing with Ephesus, Reims, and Dering; they have received the giftbags and are talking together
Amarynthos’ stomach was churning. He had a good poker face and he was determined to keep it up for as long as possible. His heart was pounding in his chest and his stomach twisted uncomfortably. He almost couldn’t take his eyes off the sky as it stretched closer to them.
His hand felt empty without Ephesus’, and he was glad that he was there to give Dering some comfort–even if he’d seen Reims look like he could have used some too.
Well, this might be the last moment they had to breathe. There was a strange pull in the air and he wasn’t sure if it was just in his mind but he felt like he had somewhere to be.
“Well, I think leaving them together was a good idea,” Amarynthos said, and it sounded as conversational as it might have been if spoken over dinner or any other world-ending situation. “They’ll probably be so distracted that they don’t have time to worry.”
He wanted to talk enough to distract them from worrying, too.
Dering nodded after Amarynthos spoke because, while he probably agreed, he was just being agreeable, too. He managed a little smile as he embraced Ephesus, but after he’d gotten a good hug out of him, he moved closer to Reims. He just took Ephesus with him as he did so.
Dering hadn’t missed the way Reims’ arm had shifted and he’d gotten too used to his little gestures of affection. He wanted one more hug before the sky caved in. His lute made it a bit awkward, but he kept one arm around Ephesus and wrapped his other around Reims.
Amarynthos watched this and mused, “Can’t wait to hear what gossip they dig up when we get back,” but then decided he didn’t want to be left out so he moved closer and wrapped his arm around his waist, too. It was only when a few bags appeared in front of them that his nose wrinkled and he looked up. His first instinct was suspicion but curiosity won over and he reached out to grab the one in front of him before it could fall. Dering saw one in front of him and panicked somewhat; he didn’t want to release either Effie or Reims so lifted his knee to catch the bag before it fell.
Soleiyu and Malus are standing by Michel, who is talking to Lysithea
Malus caught Reims’ eye and it was just as hard not to go over and play helicopter mom. He wasn’t delusional enough to think he could protect him from a world-eating monster but he was going to try. His stomach was in knots and he was glad he had a light dinner. When Lysithea approached, he offered her a brief smile. He was standing on the other side of Michel but didn’t say much.
Neither did Soleiyu, who had come through the crowd as a cat but shifted into his humanoid form once he joined the other three. He’d been finishing up the last shield he was working on but was determined to be here on time.
He arrived just in time to snag the strange giftbag, though he examined it with great scrutiny. Malus didn’t seem to know what to make of his but with everyone else sifting through theirs, he did the same and tried to ignore the apocalyptic terror hailing from the sky.
Michel is talking to Lysithea, Soleiyu and Malus are nearby
As Lysithea’s hand slid into his own, Michel squeezed gently to acknowledge she was there. He didn’t spend much time looking at the sky; it was like staring down a tornado. What could you do? If it came to you, it came to you.
“I think it’s up to you,” he answered. There were pros and cons to whatever she chose. “I mean, if I were you, I’d bust out those wings. I wouldn’t want to give them the satisfaction of thinking there’s more of them than us.”
He’d want to give them a reason to keep their distance.
“I’d want to be as strong as possible to deal with,” he nodded to the sky, “this. I don’t think they’ll be looking at anyone here too closely. At least, not until the bigger issue is dealt with.”
He almost didn’t grab the bag that appeared in front of him, but it seemed wasteful when everyone got one, and he knew of the merchant. Why would he try to sabotage them? Michel took the bag without much enthusiasm.
Sailor Mönch Action: being upset and then distracted by fun! magic
It too a few minutes for Monch to be able to answer her friend, she was feeling SO MUCH right now. In a wobbly voice she answered, "I feel horrible! This is the worst!"
And then, in a small voice, "Your pumpkin got super cool."
And then things started getting even scarier up in the sky. It really was an unimaginably huge space monster! And they didn't have anything like lasers or space ships to fight it. All they had were popcorn and pumpkin lanterns!!
"I HATE this!!!!!"
Monch looked ready to start crying where she stood right up until magical bags showed up in the air, including one just for her!
Commander Vyn With the larger Vanguard group, trying to steady whoever might need it. Page 2
The Commodore spoke—reassuring, fearless. Vyn wished he could be heartened by it. Instead he felt no better prepared and no less worried. The Commodore believed they would return; Vyn hoped for it, but he feared they may not, or, if they did, that they might not do so together.
Again, he looked from face to face. Naeria looked nervous. Lysanna less so but maybe not fully at ease. Itztenoch and Nessaela stood together, supporting one another. Daesva was there, and Cypher. Rhysi. Vysynnia. Caelyna should be the worst off, given what she’d lost already, but she proved herself ready and willing to do what she could for the Vanguard.
Vyn frowned sadly. There were faces missing.
The sky roiled. A great gust of wind blew over the hill. Aliez pulled Vyn closer to the Commodore. Vyn wanted to hide against Lyndin, who loomed broad and sturdy. He wanted to turn his face into the Commodore’s chest to protect himself from flying debris, but he knew he couldn’t. Not because the Commodore wouldn’t protect him (of course he would), but because in becoming a Commander he had made it his mission to protect the Vanguard.
Vyn allowed himself to briefly touch the Commodore’s arm for reassurance, like a talisman for strength and good luck. He made sure Aliez and Andreiya were as steady as they could be. Then he planted his feet and stood against the wind. Vyn checked on Naeria first, who to him had seemed the most nervous; he laid a gentle touch on her arm, too, like he could pass some of what he’d gained from the Commodore to her.
He startled only a little when the bags appeared. Vyn examined the contents and studied the short message.
“He seemed alright when we helped him with his museum,” Vyn called back to Aliez over the wind. “Maybe a little cagey, but ultimately well-meaning?”
Corrupt Eternal Meissa Roll: 44 Action: Nodding back at Chrysocolla, listening to Beatrix and scanning the field
Of course it would always be the Orchid Princess that drew Beatrix's ire. At least in that regard her fellow corrupt senshi was consistent. Meissa would have to wonder what would happen the day that Beatrix chose a new target to single out. Catching sight of Chrysocolla did Meissa return the slight inclination of a nod with her own before she considered the sky above them. Pity for the constant storms that had been plaguing the city. The only benefit was that it had been much easier to gather energy for whatever was coming.
And it had strangely, mostly, only been electrical storms, which was weird in itself. But whatever, made the job easier so she wasn't going to complain at all.
The conditions on the field broke suddenly and Meissa's gaze was drawn back to the ceiling of clouds as the balls of lightning grew and the feeling of immense pressure grew to almost unbearable levels.
"Well I think our guest is arriving. Anything think it wants refreshments?"
The bags that appeared in a shower of glitter had Meissa jumping back before she reached up to the one nearest to her in order to inspect the contents. The gift tag was scanned albeit very briefly. Almadel. Hmm. He sort of used people as exterminators for his museum's pest problem...didn't he? Oh well, gifts before a battle either meant being helpful or laying a trap. Probably the latter but whatever. The bracelet was slipped onto her wrist and the pin secured to her chest.
Page 8 Pulling Solaris between himself and Alastor so she doesn't fly away. Near Ganymede, Oberon, Valhalla, and Lucien.
As the winds picked up, Sessrumnir reached around behind Alastor and held out a hand to Solaris in case he needed to catch her from getting blown away. He had no doubt in his mind that Alastor would keep her from flying away, but he also had a giant cat on his shoulder blocking his view--...
Just to be on the safe side, he gently took hold of her wrist and tugged her between them.
Even if he wanted to make sure they were prepared for whatever the Negaverse had in store for them after all of this was over, they needed to get through this in the first place.
He cast a glance over at Alastor when the little bags appeared in front of them. The note from Almadel was simple, and the items seemed basic enough.
“At least he knows how to invest in his own interests,” Sessrumnir scoffed as he tucked the berry away, but attached the pin to his shirt, and then slid the bracelet over his wrist. It made him wonder just how much Almadel had. What was he keeping hidden? It was clear that the man could get into places that weren’t supposed to be accessed by most, but it seemed like the majority of people were willing to overlook it.
It still bothered him that he’d somehow gotten access to the necklace he now wore, but in the end was grateful to have it.
"Wait," said Mystras, kind of giving Abzu a sideways glance. "Are you gonna be like Pendour? Peace and love and hippie stuff?"
As if on cue, the sky decided to get even weirder, and it almost felt like Mystras was getting pulled in about five different directions at once. She rolled her shoulders back and wrinkled her nose against the sudden change in sensation. "Sorry, bruh. I don't think this monster up here's feeling the whole kumbaya s**t."
Was Pendour gonna have a breakdown about that reality? Probably. They could deal with her mental health after they kept the world from getting destroyed.
At least Stromboli and his new hot alien friend were talking about how they could fight. Was a spatula going to do a lot of good here? Maybe not, but they had to try.
"I got this," she said, pulling out her Squire hammer and showing them.
A bag showed up in front of her, and she grabbed it eagerly. "Ooh. Goodies!"
“Narcissus,” Markeb accepted his hand with a warm smile. For as intimidating as Rakovanite was, it did ease the awkwardness she felt when her fellow Dark Mirror Senshi approached, making her feel less out of place in the group of agents and corrupts.
Calaverite was… something. Brazen would probably be the best description she could think of for him. Elbowing his way past members of his team and clinking on to their group leader in the form of an unrealized public display of affection. A shameful scene especially with Rakovanite’s boyfriend present, but if he was unbothered then there was nothing for her to say.
“I’m glad to finally meet you as well.” Remarque would be proud that she was at least engaging with other members of their Court, even if it was under extenuating circumstances.
“I do think it’s worth mentioning what my magic can do so you’re not caught surprised mid-fight.” Fortunately she had an answer to how it functioned and could explain it properly. “If you find yourself in possession of a translucent star, you need to make a wish. It can’t just be any wish but at it’s core a means to continue fighting. For agents, you may feel a boost in energy… While senshi,” she looked from Narcissus to Calaverite before settling her golden eyes on Diesel. “You will be able to use your basic attack one more time.”
“The wish can be for you or someone near you. Just please, don’t allow the star to disappear.” She wasn’t able to use her magic on herself otherwise that would create an infinite loop which would be too much power for a basic senshi as she was.
Vauxite hadn’t spoken to many people in the Negavers. Rakovanite, being his General, had been one of the few… and that had been a mess. He’d tested boundaries too soon, bent rules he didn’t yet understand, and perhaps made a reputation for himself without meaning to. So no, it wasn’t shocking to him that Narcissus greeted Diesel and Dia more warmly than him.
There were, understandably, reasons.
Diasporite was still as animated as ever. There was a sort of chaotic charm to him that Vauxite wasn’t sure was admirable or exhausting. Probably both. The other two Lieutenants? Total strangers. He didn’t bother pretending to recognize them. Maybe if more than 30% of the team survived, as Gremlin grimly predicted, then he’d make an effort to take Markeb’s advice and start building bridges.
Or… at least try to be a functioning teammate. The idea sounded laughably simple, almost child like, but maybe it was overdue.
Markeb’s explanation was cut short but a sudden gust of wind that tore through the group. Vauxite glanced skyward, noticing how the clouds appeared to be sinking, as if they were pressing down like the entire storm wanted to crash straight into Destiny City.
And then… glitter. A burst of sparkling magic erupted in front of him, enough to make his instincts flare and both weapons appear in his hands. But no enemy followed what he thought was an attack. Just a small velvet pouch that rested at his feet.
His sister was already picking hers up, unfazed, fingers moving confidently through the contents after reading the tag in a hushed voice to herself. From it she pulled out a piece of jewelry and without asking permission took her hand and slid a silver bracelet around his wrist.
Vauxite blinked, staring down at the piece which hummed with stored energy that invoked a feeling he couldn’t quite place. A summoning, maybe. Duty… probably. It didn’t bring courage like a call to arms, not exactly, but it did bring focus that was likely necessary for their survival.
Pendour didn't seem startled by her sister's enthusiasm for violence, or for the other's, although she did narrow her eyes a little sadly at it. She didn't think that there was much way to get around this being a battle.
She didn't know how she felt about that, one way or another. This thing that was twisting the sky, did it have a heart? Did it have a mind? Was it something lashing out in its brokenness, or was it just a manifestation of anger and hunger, something like Metallia?
She'd decided a long time ago that given half a chance she'd destroy Metallia.
This, though? This, she didn't have enough information about.
"There was a prison, wasn't there?" she asked. She thought Encke had said something about that. "Maybe there's a way to trap it again."
And then, once it was contained, they could learn more of its nature.
She grabbed Almadel's bag with her free hand as it appeared, noticing how Abzu seemed to get a little wistful, looking at the note. She continued to lean into him as she contended with her thoughts.
With Adria, getting their gift bags. Looking for their friends.
Varuna had wanted to convince Adria to stay with her on Ganymede. To help out with the children. To make sure everyone was taken care of while they waited out whatever storm came for Earth. She fought with her own guilt of staying behind, because what could her magic do that others more powerful than her couldn’t? What would happen if everyone was so injured in the end that they needed help? Who would help them? She had some medical knowledge, at least in terms of helping people, but it was all the same concept, usually.
In the end, she stood briefly with her hand on Adria’s back, giving him a gentle reminder of her presence. She could feel the auras of Chaos around them, but also bright lights of their own. She hoped being there wouldn’t cause Ganymede grief, or make her auntie worry unnecessarily.
The sky was falling. She felt like a great weight was coming down on them. The gift bag was grabbed from the air as it fell, and she cast a worrisome glance over at Adria to make sure he got one as well. The items seemed like they were likely magic, and therefore useful.
The next order of business was to find their friends.
