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 Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2021 10:13 am
Takes place Nov 27, 2021 after The Second Hand Will Catch Us
It had been less than a day since Aquamarine had been attacked by the Knight Sessrumnir. And while Lovely was sleeping at home, Jet took the time to finish the paperwork he had for Cymophane’s promotion, as well as write up a report for the Queen and other General Sovereigns about the attack Aquamarine had suffered. If there was a Knight going around targeting officers with these strange smoke bombs that could temporarily stop them from teleporting, then they should know. Especially if the magic was strong enough to stop them from teleporting.
“I have a mission for you,” he explained as he gestured to Cymophane to follow him from the office. He shut the door behind them as he waited for Cymophane to follow. “But first, I’ve submitted for your promotion.”
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Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2021 1:40 pm
Cymophane was immediately intrigued.
It wasn’t every day that Jet summoned him to his office. Not so suddenly, at least. Cymophane usually got some warning in the form of a message. Jet having a mission for him was even rarer — at least one that didn’t have to do with an increased quota.
Given the intensity of the moment, Cymophane assumed this one had nothing to do with energy.
“Wait, really?” he said, brightening at the prospect of a promotion.
He’d been involved with the Negaverse for less than a year. Nine months, to be more precise. While he was aware that some senshi and agents made their way up the ranks relatively quickly, he knew better than to assume he would be able to accomplish the feat.
Cymophane followed Jet, wandering after him with a spring in his step.
Jet, for his part, was much more subdued.
“Are you okay?” Cymophane asked. “You seem a little tense. Sort of wound up. Did something happen?”
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Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2021 10:19 am
He was glad that Cymophane didn’t seem too upset about suddenly being summoned from wherever he’d been and whatever he’d been doing. But this was important.
He stiffened a little more when Cymophane asked if something happened, but he didn’t think there was any point in hiding it from him when he was about to discuss his already submitted report with the Queen.
“Aquamarine was attacked by a Jupiter Knight that answers to Sessrumnir. He used some kind of magical item that kept him from being able to teleport or summon his weapons. But my mission for you is to find out as much information as possible about Ganymede’s wearabouts. I want to have her captured and brought in to see justice for her crimes,” he explained as he led the way down the halls to an office he knew existed but had never entered before.
He knocked on the Queen’s office door, and waited for her response before opening it to enter and closed it behind them.
“Your Majesty,” he greeted with a respectful bow of his head, not yet allowing himself to look around the office. “This is Cymophane," he introduced, but by now the Queen should have received his report and request for help with Cymophane's promotion, as well as the report concerning Aquamarine.
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Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2021 6:12 am
Laurelite appeared to be comfortably seated at her desk today. She had a few papers, and what looked like a broken tablet in front of her. The device seemed like an afterthought; her desk was otherwise clean and she looked like she was busy going through a few reports. She was already looking up when they entered; her smile was in place, partly for professionalism, and partly because a promotion was something to celebrate. Jet’s report was not so pleasant, but she wasn’t going to scare Cymophane with such grimness right off the bat. “Cymophane,” she greeted. “General Jet has told me quite a bit about you. I’m glad to have this opportunity to meet you.” To promote him. “Especially in these dire times. Come, you can take a seat if you like. Or, we can discuss the future, first. I’ve cleared my schedule for this, I have time.”
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Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2021 5:34 pm
Cymophane’s eyebrows almost crawled up his forehead, but he managed to maintain control over himself and smiled instead.
There was a lot to unpack. Aquamarine suffering an attack was unfortunate, but expected given Aquamarine’s attitude. Someone was going to smack him down at some point; Cymophane couldn’t feel much sympathy, except for Jet, who seemed a bit distressed by it.
And then, the Queen.
A meeting with the Queen was unexpected at the best of times. That Jet would take him to her instead of one of the General Sovereigns… Why not Axinite again, like his recruitment? Cymophane could only assume it had something to do with what happened to Aquamarine, or this new mission.
Cymophane returned the Queen’s smile and bowed his head like Jet.
“It’s an honor, Your Majesty. Honestly.”
He took a seat since it was offered. An offer from a Queen was basically an order, wasn’t it? Then he glanced at Jet, curious, but unsure how his General meant to proceed.
“This promotion thing… Does it work the same as when I was…” Not corrupted. Kamacite hated that word. “You know, when you and Axinite helped me awaken?”
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Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2021 10:54 am
Jet was a bit distressed by it, but there was a plan. Or at least the makings of one. One that needed to be worked out.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” he said and took a seat as well, hoping that he didn’t seem as stiff as he felt sitting in front of the Queen while he wanted nothing more than to go out and murder a Knight.
“I apologize for repeating things from my report. I didn’t want to discuss everything in detail with Cymophane until I knew we were somewhere private,” he explained, and then turned to look at Cymophane and assess how he was doing. He seemed to be curious, of course. And he was able to keep himself calm and collected, but still cheerful, which was exactly why he’d picked Cymophane for this task.
“Yes, it should be the same as when you were first awakened. With Her Majesty’s help, I will channel enough energy into your starseed to give it a boost, so to speak. With your permission, of course,” he said, turning to the Queen for a moment to make sure she didn’t want to do it all herself. It might have been easier for her to cut out the middle man, so to speak.
“I told you I have a mission I would like to discuss with you,” he said once more to Cymophane. “I want you to find information from the Senshi and Knights by making them think you want to defect. Get them to tell you how to contact Ganymede, and we’ll work out a way to capture her.
“The Knight that attacked Aquamarine suggested that they might have more of those items that could stop teleportation and put us at a serious disadvantage. And even in danger, if caught off guard, even if it only lasts maybe a minute. I don’t think it would be wise to raise the alarm with everyone. I don’t want there to be panic. But we need to find out more information and I think you would be the best choice. Once you’ve received your promotion, I’ll train with you so you know how to properly teleport. We’ll find out what your new magic is as well,” he explained, and then turned back to the Queen with another polite nod.
“I apologize for causing new problems with my actions during the hilltop battle. But I swear I will make things right.”
He felt ashamed for possibly making things more difficult, or even more dangerous for the Queen and the rest of the Negaverse if the Knight intended revenge. He felt anger for what the Knight did to Aquamarine, and that perhaps fueled his determination more than anything.
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Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2021 9:19 pm
Laurelite shook her head dismissively. “You don’t need to apologize for that, General. I would see to it that you did everything you felt was necessary. Circumstances demanded it.” She rose from her desk and smoothed out her dress as she walked around it. She stood before the two of them and leaned against her desk as she gave Cymophane time to process the information and the task that was being asked of him. She supported Jet’s mission plan, dangerous as it may be, but she doubted there was any other way to go about it. Jet wouldn’t let him fall into harm’s way, at least not deliberately, and she had no doubt that he would be nearby to withdraw Cymophane from any close calls. “I think it’s the best option we have. You have a gentle face,” she mused, eyes tracing the Senshi’s features. “And they are so eager to think that they hold the key to all salvation. Of course, I wouldn’t dream of putting you in a situation you didn’t think you could handle. But, this is an important mission. I don’t know if there’s anyone else I could trust. Especially not if Jet is vouching for you.”
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Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2021 10:14 am
Fortunately for Cymophane, he was very good at controlling his expressions when he put his mind to it. Nothing about the set of his features gave his racing thoughts away; his eyes were open, honest, and earnest, and his smile was harmless and welcoming.
Naturally, he was pleased to have earned the opportunity to assist with such an important mission. He liked Jet, even if Jet had questionable taste in partners, and a mission backed by the Queen was a pretty big deal, wasn’t it? Capturing a Princess?
“I’m honored by your trust in me,” he said, because he thought it was the right thing to say, and because he meant it, too. Out of all of Jet’s recruits, out of everyone in the Negaverse, Jet chose him.
And the Queen clearly thought very highly of Jet.
How intriguing. Cymophane looked between them, concealing interest and curiosity behind an appreciative smile.
Confidently, he said, “I can start right away. Or after my training, once you think I’m ready. I understand the inherent risk, but…” He shrugged, not careless so much as accepting. “I wouldn’t have joined if I were afraid of that. I can get you the information you need. I don’t know how long it’ll take, but I know I can get people talking.”
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Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2021 8:44 pm
“It shouldn’t take long to train you,” Jet said, just as confidently as Cymophane had announced that he would be ready to start right away. How he wouldn’t have joined if he’d been afraid. “You’re a fast learner,” he explained, just in case that wasn’t obvious. He didn’t notice the look Cymophane took between the Queen and himself. He figured Cymophane was just curious about the Queen.
And it turned out that Jet felt a lot more confident around the Queen when someone else was around. At least he wasn’t stumbling over his words. Yet.
“If you’re ready, I think we can go ahead and see what your powers are,” Jet said after a moment, and then stood from his chair. “With your permission of course,” he glanced at the Queen with another polite nod.
He would wait until Cymophane stood as well, wait until he was comfortable and ready, before pressing his hand against Cymophane’s chest. He waited until the Queen was prepared to offer the boost of energy he would need, and her guidance, as he helped with Cymophane’s promotion.
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Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2021 9:54 pm
“Of course,” Laurelite agreed; she pushed herself from the desk and laid a gentle hand over Jet’s arm. The power that came from her was sudden and immense, controlled with absolute precision. She wasn’t like Axinite, who started with a gentle flow of energy and eased into something more when he was certain it could be easily controlled. Laurelite simply trusted Jet in all of this. She knew he was experienced. She knew he could do this. And, she was more certain now than ever that Cymophane could handle it. “It will only take a moment,” she reassured, but she didn’t think she needed to coddle either of them. Cymophane was honored by her trust. He was ready to get started on a mission regardless of the danger. Oh, she was proud. Her smile was in no way fabricated; she liked to see a good plan in motion.
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Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2021 10:11 am
The smile remained on Cymophane’s face as he stood. From his awakening, he had a general idea of what to expect, and was more prepared for pain than last time. Jet’s hand sinking into his chest was much less of a strange idea. It made sense now, even if it wasn’t completely natural yet.
At least with Jet and the Queen, there was no need for fear, no need to guard the small crater in his chest that led to his starseed.
Pleased and prepared as he might be, withstanding that sort of pain was still a task in and of itself. Cymophane didn’t have anyone’s hand to hold this time. He didn’t have a comforting presence at his back, reassuring him that all would be well. He had his General and the Queen, and all the expectations they both had for him.
They were kind. They were careful. The pain grew and Cymophane grit his teeth, but cried out despite that. He could feel his power flourishing, expanding, searing through his limbs, into the tips of his fingers and toes.
And then, just when he thought he might collapse from the strength of it, the process was over.
Cymophane stood before them, breathless and sore, but still grateful.
“Ow,” he said, though he managed to work another smile onto his face as he quickly lowered himself into the chair for support. The motion drew his attention to the large bow at his back. Cymophane glanced behind himself to get a look at it, laughing weakly, “I think that’s the most amazing bow I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”
He looked up at Jet and the Queen again, maintaining as much of his bright bubbliness as he could while he recovered. “Thank you for this opportunity. I won’t let it go to waste.”
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Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2021 6:38 pm
While Jet appreciated the way Axinite eased into the power he shared, he hadn’t expected the same soft handed approach from the Queen. It momentarily took his breath away, but he stood straighter and took a breath and let it wash over him, through him. The energy was not his own. Not all of it. He was just a conduit for it, and the best thing he could do was make sure it was properly channeled into Cymophane.
He held the starseed in Cymophane’s chest with care, his fingers caging it gently instead of clutching it tightly and forcing the energy into it. He didn’t need to force the starseed to awaken to more power because he knew that Cymophane was ready for it.
Sure enough, Cymophane transformed and stood before them in a new outfit and with the aura of his power to match the promotion.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” he said politely as he withdrew his hand from Cymophane’s chest and proceeded to pull a bottle of water and an energy bar from subspace. He wondered if it was obvious to the Queen that he’d picked up some habits from General King Axinite. At least they weren’t bad habits.
He offered them both to Cymophane, nodding to him as well, and eyeing the ridiculously large bow on his back. “That… uh… will at least help with wrapping wounds on the field,” he suggested, but it sounded a little silly. Then again, what was sillier than an impractical bow?
“We’ll check your new magic in one of the training rooms once you’re ready. And we’ll do some test teleporting so you know what you’re capable of,” he explained, hoping that at least with the Queen knowing exactly what was going to happen, no one would confuse Cymophane for an actual traitor.
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Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2021 8:52 pm
The uniqueness of each Corrupted Senshi always seemed to impress Laurelite; there was a consistency, a control, over each new Officer but the Senshi were a random batch. She wouldn’t have imagined Cymophane’s attire in any world, but she took it in stride and nodded approvingly. “You’ve both done very well.” Cymophane had taken that upgrade better than most she’d seen, and Jet was prepared to take care of him afterwards. Amusement twitched into her smile because of course she was reminded of Axinite, but Jet had his own brand of care and concern that seemed so vastly different. He was professional and prepared, and dutiful and compassionate. A good mix, she thought–every bit as much as Cymophane’s enthusiasm and bravery and willingness to support their cause. He could have refused the mission but instead he seemed like he was already raring to go–and a good sport about the discomfort of his promotion. Oh, yes. She had high hopes for the both of them. “It sounds like you’ve got this all worked out. I expect that you’ll keep me updated on how things are coming along. I’ll make sure you have all the support necessary to ensure your success. If you require anything, you need only ask.”
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Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2021 10:17 am
Cymophane did his best to appear composed. Even if General Jet and the Queen both likely knew from experience what a promotion entailed, and what effects the extra boost in power tended to have, it wasn’t in Cymophane’s nature to be so transparent. He was cheerful and friendly, but guarded, too. He simply guarded himself with bright smiles and an amiable disposition.
Gratefully, he took the water and the energy bar from Jet. Cymophane drank. He ate. He regained his breath and let the initial effects run their course from his comfortable perch in the chair. Again, he looked between Jet and the Queen, but there was nothing in his expression to expose his swirling thoughts.
“There’s actually one more thing,” he said, once he was recovered enough to give his mission more serious consideration.
The mission didn’t scare him. He was excited for it, already had some ideas as to how he might get the Senshi and Knights talking, and feeling sympathy for him. But his involvement in it would likely cause concern among those closest to him, if they were to get wind that something was amiss.
“I know we’ll have to keep this pretty hush-hush, just from the nature of the mission,” he said, “but is it alright if I discuss it with Kamacite, and Lieutenant Reidite. Kamacite is my friend, and I know he has your trust already,” Cymophane explained, offering the Queen another smile. “Reidite’s my brother. He tends to worry, but I trust him with my life and I know he can be discreet. I don’t need to give them all the details if there’s any concerns about information leaking, but I’d hate for them to hear something through the grapevine and draw the wrong conclusions.”
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Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2021 10:50 am
Jet straightened a little more at the Queen’s praise, if that was even possible. Making her proud and knowing that she could trust him to do whatever was necessary was important to him.
It was also important that he make sure those under him have all the resources they need to succeed. Which included time to rest and do things they enjoyed.
“Reidite reports to Aquamarine,” Jet confirmed, just in case the Queen needed a quick reminder when all of these names were being thrown around. “He’ll probably be helping with picking up some of the slack while Aqua is recovering. It’ll probably be good for him to know that his brother isn’t doing anything questionable.”
As for Kamacite, Jet didn’t think he had a problem with the Eternal Senshi knowing. But to him, he was pretty forgettable, despite the bright colors. He was glad that Cymophane had friends that helped him with his transition into the Negaverse, and he knew that Kamacite was apparently friends with Faustite and had helped lead their mission to the Rift, but it was difficult for Jet to think of the things that Kamacite actually did other than exist.
Then again, it wasn’t as though he bothered spending much time around the Eternal.
But as Cymophane said-- the Queen already trusted Kamacite, apparently. He was the only Senshi invited to their secret mission and informed about the Velencians ahead of everything happening. But since Jet had dealt with so many traitors recently, specifically Eternal Senshi, he thought it was best to hold his tongue on the subject of the shy, potentially questionable friend of Cymophane.
At least he knew his recruits were loyal and wouldn’t be tricked into defecting. He couldn’t say much for the others.
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