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 Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2022 2:21 pm
General Painite crouched on the roof of the old theater, looking out over the quieting edges of town. This area had mostly been abandoned in favor of the more popular shopping areas and entertainment hubs, so most of the mom-and-pop run shops that were left had already locked their doors for the evening. The theater itself was closed, though reopening it was on her list of things to do.
Now that she was getting her life together, in one way, just to watch it unravel in another.
Moving house had helped, a little. Getting a new start with her strange new roommate, who was more a son she had not been looking for than anything else. She had not ever anticipated taking care of someone, but after everything that had happened to the kid, she felt like he needed someone looking out for him. She was the one to corrupt him, after all.
Even when she was not sure Chaos was where she wanted to be anymore. Or rather, if there was a place for her inside it, like she used to so wholly believe. It seemed like an entire lifetime ago, hiding away behind the darkness, allowing it to be everything she was, to consume all her choices and chase away any hint of guilt or trouble. In a way, it had been a much more carefree and fulfilling time for her, but only because she had never put too much thought into it.
Once she started caring, that was when s**t hit the fan.
She hated it. Hated Chaos. Hated Order. Hated herself, most of all. Once again she was powered up, vaguely keeping tabs on Ekanite's power signature while he patrolled some distance away, but also trying to find a way to gather her own energy. Convince herself, through doing something that used to be so easy and should be familiar enough to make her feel better, that she was still who she was.
Her attention was drawn to a darker corner of the street when she thought she heard an animal-like growl. Following the sound, hopping from the theater roof to a lower one and crossing it to peer down an alley, Painite spotted the source. A youma, rather large looking, though she could not make out its details, was standing at one end of the alley. Another, she realized, was crouched at the other end, waiting. Between them, it seemed, was a senshi.
Great.
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Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2022 7:22 am
It had been not quite four years since Botein was shockingly, and violently, introduced to the ‘secret’ world of Destiny City. It had been a bit over three years since she had left the ‘secret’ world of Destiny City. It had only been a few short months before she got yanked out of school and moved across the country. A few short months… One could almost write away those months as a fantasy created by a child that wanted to help the world. A child that loved to help and so mentally crafted a tale where she became powerful, like a superhero. Like Wonder Woman, Supergirl, or Storm. But she knew better. She was not like the comic book heroes. She couldn’t fly, or control the weather, or have a lasso of truth. Botein was very, very, limited in what powers she had. That more than anything kept the belief that those few months were not a figment of her imagination. That she really was a fighter for good. And do good is what she wanted to do. It was what she strived to do for the years she was away, and what she would strive to do now that she was back. She just forgot to do something while she was away. Something she was truely regretting right now as she was stuck in an alleyway with two youma squeezing her between them like the toasted marshmallow in a S’more, one from each end of the alley. The one in front let out another growl, a ‘I’m going to tease the trapped mouse’ growl while the one in the back remained silent. Honestly if she hadn’t spotted the eyes she never would have known they were there. The strawberry blond absently chewed on her bottom lip as she tried to spot something, anything that would help her out of this situation. A situation she had kind of caused herself by going out without one major piece of information. A skill that she was truly lacking at just that moment. You see, Botein had never really, not quite, gotten around to learning anything more than some self defense and now it looked like that was going to come back around to bite her in the backside. Literally. “Good youma…. Goooood boy…. “ She did her best to calm the creature in front by using the same firm but kind voice she used on dogs. “Now if you could just scootch that way I’ll just -” Botein let out a squeak of shock and fear when the growling youma launched itself towards her.
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Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2022 2:41 pm
The General sighed, watching the girl as she was surrounded by the youma. It was not hard, in a space like that. She was definitely in trouble, but that was a good thing. One less White Moon do-gooder out there to get in the way of their plans.
Not that Painite had any plans. Or cared about the ones around her. There were very few things she cared about, in fact. Frown deepening, she found herself heaving a put upon sigh as she saw one of the youma charge while the other reared back in anticipation.
Fine, she thought, though no one had said anything to her. It was as if she was speaking to these new, unwelcomed instincts. Instincts to protect. Help. It was gross.
Teleporting down to the alley, she appeared in front of the girl, long, wicked looking spear already in hand. The youma was charging and Painite managed to appear just beneath it as it lunged, driving her spear upwards and into the underside of its jaw. That snapped those angry teeth together, impaling the monster for a moment before she teleported again. She reappeared behind Botein this time, as the youma fell forward and toward what might have been its snack.
The other youma let out a screech of anger, Painite sighing at the trouble of it all.
"I don't suppose you know how to do anything in a fight, eh?" She asked, summoning her spear to her hand once more.
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Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2022 6:05 pm
Botein ‘ducked’, aka tried to make herself as small as physically possible, when the front youma jumped towards her. How did she get herself into this mess? Why did she get herself in the mess? This was bad. This was so so bad! She squeezed her eyes shut and just, kind of prayed. To who and for what, it was anyone’s guess. She just wanted the monsters to go away. And then… they did! Kind of. When a slobbering creature of darkness didn’t slam into her, instead a voice asked her about fighting, Botein opened her eyes to see a woman in a uniform fending off the youma that had been behind her. The lady had a large spear in her hand and seemed to know how to handle it considering the youma’s yowl of anger at being denied its meal. “What?” She was gobsmacked. Botein had honestly not expected anyone to show up so seeing someone rescue her just left her speechless, and still in a crouch on the ground. A garbled hiss had dark blue eyes turn away from the lady with the spear to see the youma from in front stalking closer, a gaping hole in its jaw. It didn’t look happy at all. It sprang forward once more but this time Botein shouted out a warning even as she reflexively struck out with one arm while covering her head with the other. It wasn’t a particularly good ‘attack’, more like a ‘go away’ swat one would make when a nerf ball was accidently thrown at their head, but it did, by some miracle, smack the youma on its nose. The nose that was sensitive. The nose that was part of the face that had just had a sharp implement inserted without consent just moments ago. The pain must have had it back off once again, that or the shock that the scared little senshi had hit it. “Bad youma! Bad!” Botein took advantage of the creature backing off to throw trash at it. It wasn’t very good trash, mostly empty bottles and cans, but it was all that she could find right around her. “Bad! Bad Boy!”
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Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2022 6:26 pm
Oh boy.
Painite watched the way the pathetic girl defended herself, and realized she most certainly would have been ripped limb from limb by these youma before having her starseed crunched. It was a very innocent display, in its way, befitting someone who had never been in a fight before.
But someone in the White Moon probably needed more training than this, if they expected to survive. After all, what if Painite had been doing her actual job, and acting like the powerful, experienced General she really was?
The idea made her angry, but somehow even more protective. Maybe this girl reminded her of someone.
"You know, I don't think they really care if you think they're bad or not," Painite said, sighing as she put her hand on the senshi's shoulder to calm her a little. Her own hand shook a bit, as she was not very good at this sort of thing. all her instincts told her to crush the girl's shoulder, which was most certainly counter intuitive. "Look, just let me take care of them before you pull a muscle or something."
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Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2022 4:34 pm
She was scared. She had no idea what she could do in order to fight the monsters but honestly the words of her rescuer had Botein straighten some. “No. I can help, I know I can. I want to help.” With that she stood up and nodded. Botein didn’t have a lot going for her in many departments. She was fairly average in intelligence. She was short, only about two inches then average but still, short was short. But what she lacked she made up for in her determination, focus, and down right stubbornness. She truly disliked being told that she couldn’t do something for some stupid arbitrary reason like being a girl or being short or being too young. It infuriated her to no end! Now the nice lady wasn’t saying anything like that but it was close enough to make Botein at least attempt to assist in saving her own tush. Her bravery and courage took a blow when the youma that was at the back of the alley jumped forward, “look out!” She shouted even as she tried to pull the nice lady out of the way of the creature. Those monsters really did give her the Heebie-jeebies.
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Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2022 9:22 am
Painite had to give it to the White Moon. Even their weakest always seemed to have that same stubborn determination to do some good. It was admirable, in its way, as it often gave them a small boost of strength, be it imagined or literal, to get them through a fight.
She could recall countless times when she saw it happen first hand, when Senshi or Knights forced themselves to rise up against her in an effort to fight back. To protect someone, or themselves. Sometimes it was successful. Other times...
Thinking about that would do nothing to help her mood.
She was surprised when the younger woman tugged on her, almost finding her smirking at the attempted heroism, and allowing herself to be moved out of the way. She nodded her head in thanks, though she was sure she would have been fine either way, deciding it was probably time to finish the job. And maybe she wanted to look a little cool in the eyes of these fairly sweet White Moon soldier.
Not that she would ever admit that.
Grinning, she teleported, but did not go far. It took only moments, and a few flashes of her spear, before dust filled the area. The General could have made easy work of the youma whenever she wanted, but for some reason she had been on the fence about being truly helpful. That little effort Botein made to save her, though, was enough to solidify her decision. Sighing, she reappeared in front of Botein, looking her over subtly for any injuries.
"Guess they tried to bite of more than they could chew. Are you okay?"
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Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2022 1:41 pm
One moment the monsters were attacking and Botein was pulling the nice lady out of the direct line of attack and the next the youma were dust. They were just gone. Both of them. The petite woman couldn’t help but gape. “Wow,” she practically breathed out when the other fighter just popped right back in front of her. Now that was cool! Unsure of what to say, if anything, the strawberry blonde just shook her head no. She hadn’t been hurt, other than her ego which thankfully was already bouncing back. “Are you-“ she was about to return the concerned question when she noticed blood. “Oh no! Let me get that for you.” She didn’t even hesitate, she pulled out one of her standard bandanas and quickly wrapped the clean cloth around the other’s bicep where she must have gotten cut by something. It wasn’t a big cut but infection was the main worry. “You will need to clean that once you get home. Soap and water and everything. Keep an eye on it in case it gets infected because, well,” she waved a hand at the alleyway, “this place isn’t exactly a sterile environment.” She paused for a second before adding, “and I don’t know what the dust is ultimately made out of but I am guessing it’s not good for your body either way.” She realized that she was in the other’s personal bubble, and Botein forgot to get permission to perform the basic first aid, so she quickly backed away, an embarrassed flush on her face. “Sorry about that. Thank you for saving my neck there. I’m Botein, Botein of Amulets.” She got an ‘oops’ look on her face before she bopped herself on the forehead with the palm of her hand. “Of course! Duh, Botein! You can just do the thing and heal her!” She scowled herself, annoyed that she had forgotten the only skill she had. “Ok, ok, ok, I got this. Just give me a moment!” Botein backed up just a bit and cupped her hands together, like she was gathering water with her hands or something, and murmured, “Amulet of Mending.” When the ghostly silver amulet materialized she grinned, oddly proud of herself for the magic, and ‘offered’ it to the other woman. That gesture of giving was all it took for the magic to fade from her hands and appear on the person who had saved her. “Cool right?” ((Sailor Scout Attack: Amulet of Mending
When the attack is called out an ethereal silver amulet on a thin chain necklace appears above her cupped palms. Botein can either use the amulet herself or choosing a target within 8 feet of herself to use it on. The necklace then disappears then reappears around the target's neck inactive for the next 30 seconds. When the person wearing the amulet sustains any sort of damage the piece of jewelry it will begin to glow with a soft warm radiance then disappear.
The amulet instantly heals minor bumps, scrapes, and bruises. Nothing worse than a scraped knee or a pulled muscle. It can be used three times in a battle and if not used within 30 seconds of first calling the attack the amulet fades away and counts as one of the three uses. In the event the target has already sustained an injury the necklace glows then disappears immediately.))
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Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2022 9:11 pm
Painite took a deep breath. She thought she had been at least keeping up with her training, working with Ekanite and doing her own version of patrols, but it occurred to her that she had fallen out of practice in actual battles. Had she really been spending so much time avoiding them?
It was a little pathetic, when she thought about it.
"I'm fine don't..."
She blinked, watching the strange White Moon soldier as she tended to the small injury as if it were the most important task ever presented to her. Just what was it about the white moon, always so eager to help someone? Even someone who was a powerful enemy. Despite how absurd it all felt, Painite found herself smirking, and she nodded at the warning.
"I'll make sure to give it a good scrub when I'm home," she sighed. She probably would, too. Maybe. "Botein, huh? I'm Painite. General Painite. What heal thing? You mean senshi magic? I'm not really the biggest fan of-"
Once again, she was cut off as the younger woman dove in to help mode. It was exhausting, but it was... strangely charming. It reminded her a lot of Ekanite, in how innocent it all was. Her hand went to the strange magical pendant that glowed around her neck for a very short moment, and she found the cut she'd gotten from the youma was gone with nothing more than a warm tingle remaining.
"Very cool. You'll be very useful to your faction, you know, with healing like that. And what, you're base level? You've got an interesting career ahead of you. Just... try not to get killed. I can't promise I'll be there the next time you fight some youma. Or that I won't be on their side."
But then again, she couldn't guarantee the opposite, either way.
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Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 4:35 pm
Lithiasaur And thats a close for Botein! Botein squinted at the nice lady, Painite apparently, trying to see any real change in her as the magic took effect… sadly she didn’t see anything since the cut was still covered by the bandanna. Oh well. It did seem to work though if Painite’s comments were anything to go off of. The young woman beamed with pride and happiness. She was glad to have helped her benefactor, even if it was just helping with a scratch. Her smile dimmed though when she was reminded of the dire straits that Painite had found her in to begin with. She had to remember that she was facing real danger… danger that truly wanted her dead. “I know,” Botein murmured sadly before taking a breath and straightening her spine. “I will get better at it! I totally will!” She was determined. One couldn’t just not do something, so she would learn. She would get better at protecting herself. “I’ll show those youma a thing or two the next time I see them.” She struck a pose like she was stronger and more competent then she actually was. What she didn’t know she made up for in bravo. The sound of a passing car reminded Botein that while the alleyway was tucked away from sight it wasn’t exactly inconceivable that they might be spotted. Just unlikely. Besides, she really did need to get going since she had a few jobs in the morning. None of them made much but every little bit helped, especially since she wouldn’t have as much time once school started in the fall. “I guess I should go, I’ve got work in the morning. Thank you again Painite.” She bowed and with a wave she made her way out of the alley and turned right. She had slipped away into the darkness… only to pop her head back around the corner a second later. “Oh and you should still clean that cut just in case since one never quite knows. Germs can really send a person for a loop. Night!” And with that she was gone once again. Truly gone as the senshi picked up speed and rapidly gained distance. That lady really was quite nice. Even if ‘General’ was a strange name for a place. Never considering just how lucky she had just been… Never connecting ‘Faction’, ‘General’, or other hints that the woman who saved her was actually one of the biggest threats to her life. A negaverse officer… a Negaverse General. Botein never connected the dots. To her Painite was just a nice person who had just saved her from a rather unfortunate fate and that was how it was going to stay. At least not until she was informed otherwise.
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Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2022 6:41 pm
Fiction1119 Fin from me, too, thought it might need one on my side just in case.
She had changed a lot, over the years. Even the thoughts of that now did not bring any glimmer of happiness or excitement to her. Actually, things that used to annoy her or elicit mockery from her now made her happier than anything else. Which, in itself, was super annoying.
As she got older, life just got more complicated and confusing.
"Stay safe out there, kid," Painite said softly, offering a wave to the other and immediately disregarding the warning about germs. She was sure she could handle herself by now, but it was still a nice thought. The world would likely eat that poor girl alive at some point, but at least it was not Painite doing it. Not this time.
It did make her wonder, though, what had become of many of the people she had terrorized in the past. How many lights, like this one, she had put out instead of aided. The ones that survived had better odds, of course, but sometimes not by much. She knew she had done some terrible things in her long history, and her list of victims was endless.
Sighing, the beleaguered General moved to head off in a different direction. She felt like she had enough excitement for one evening, but doubted her luck would be so kind.
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