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 Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2025 10:33 am
Pacing in her home, if this really was her home, Portia had thrown aside many of the books to pour over her own. How many days had passed? She couldn't tell. Everything felt so delicately held together by the hope that this place was real, that Desiree and the few that she had brought were real. A hope that the mention of more people coming, ones that would help fix things and make it easier to be here, was real. Breathing heavily, she could smell that ink on the pages, how it smelled of that same miasma that covered the planet where her prison remained. There had to be a way, there just had to, maybe... she could tell Desiree. If none of this were real, what harm would it do? And if it was, and the woman could help, then it was all the better. She had seen things, creatures cloaked in shadow, roaming ever closer. People had started staying further away from her home, which would normally not bother her, but she needed someone to show up. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Desiree sat quietly on Liam's desk, staring at the blonde as they finished up work for the evening. Tonight, Aloysius was out working on something at the shop, so she knew he wouldn't be home for a while. "I would like you to meet someone tonight, Liam, to vet them before I introduce them to Aloysius. As civilians, though, you do need to trust me on this." Hopping down lightly into their lap, she brushed her tail against his chest. "This will go very well for him if we can manage this." Giving them a look, she purred and settled into his lap more before continuing. "He knows I've been heading out, Sakura went with me last time, so I need to perhaps move the timetable up. Before he decides to follow me himself while powered up. This is a... delicate sort of proposition I've been working on for his benefit."
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Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2025 10:57 am
Work really wasn't that bad, even if it was long and somewhat tedious, it was nice to work from home so he could manage other things around the house. He kept the place clean, when the cleaning service wasn't coming to do so, and food was cooked in the kitchen on a regular basis. Things were well maintained if you asked the blond, and he figured part of it was due to his own court not being as involved in the war as the other two factions, so when Desiree started talking the blond nodded his head. He had time, a lot of it in fact, he could do what she needed.
"That sounds fine, is there anything I should know before we get there...how to approach whoever this is? Anything to bring?" Since he would be a guest wherever he was going to see this person, it would be polite that he bring something right?
"Is this by chance where you've been going to lately?" She had been going out, a lot, lately and neither he nor Aloysius knew where she'd been going. They both trusted her, obviously, but that didn't mean neither wondered or worried - they did. She was a part of the family, she'd been there long before he'd been there, and so there was good reason for the worry and curiosity. "I can get ready to go, I just need to change into something more presentable." Since lounge pants and a loose shirt were not liekly to best things to go out in, not when meeting someone for the first time.
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Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2025 10:17 pm
Smiling as she bumped her head into his hand, Desiree nodded. "Yes, a pet project of mine. An outsider who would do well on the proper side of things."
Hopping down, she padded toward the door and turned back to look at him. "She's cautious, untrusting of those who are powered of all types from what I can tell, and a ravenous reader. She also... is taller than our dear musician."Following Liam down the hall, she took a seat on the couch and waited for them to change into something better. Everything else was already settled into a bag tucked into the coat closet. More books, some other academic things, and a few more odds and ends. When they finally came down, she stared up at him for a moment. "I have everything that needs to be brought, she knows I have friends who help me due to my lack of vision, and I did mention you as of my last visit, at least in part."
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Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 2:55 pm
"An outsider...how outside of things are we talking?" Because how much more outside could you get from his own faction. "An alien....if it were a dark mirror you've leave them be." Outside of it all as his court might be. So the only option which made sense was one of those alien senshi.
Well, he could certainly deal with someone who liked to read, that was a good thing, it made sense if she were new to this planet to want to read anything she could get her hands on. "What sort of books does she like best? I'd imagine it would be history or something modern which would help her fit in on this planet." That would make sense at least, in his mind anyway, and that would be the big hurdle for her - fitting in.
It wasn't a very formal meeting but that didn't mean he didn't need to be presentable, to look good, for this meeting. Thati n mind he'd gone with slacks, rather than jeans, and picked out a rather casual though nice shirt which was well tailored - it fit well without being too snug on his frame. "Sounds good, let's get going. I'll text Aloysius on the way so he won't worry if he comes home and we're still out." He wasn't about to go worrying the other, especially after that huge battle, it wouldn't look good for him to throw the other into a panic of sorts.
"On the way why don't you fill me in on how you met them and what's happen so far? That way I'm not too far behind on things and it'll seem to them like you've been telling me about them this whole time."
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Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 7:22 pm
Keeping up with Liam as they moved to the car, she hopped up into the passenger seat and curled up on it while watching the other. "Yes, one of those. I know Aloysius has found a few and has been interested in convincing one to join the Negaverse." Stretching slightly, it didn't take long for her to designate where the best place to park would be before the rest of the walk occurred. It would be nicer than her usual method of travel, trotting as close as she could get before switching into her civilian glamour. Every moment with it matters, so she didn't dare waste it when around anyone she didn't fully trust. "I happened upon her while looking around some of those abandoned old Victorian homes. I was looking for good places to settle more safe houses or dead drop caches for the team, but she was there. Given my blind eye, she assumed I was in need of assistance, and I sought no reason to dissuade that assumption. "
Looking down at the bag she had ready, the volumes upon volumes of new books and things for the witch, she was certain this would go well. Liam was getting better at following orders; his eagerness to help was a given. "During this most recent visit, I noticed a smashed senshi device outside. I believe she seeks to cut ties with the others. It would be quite the opportunity if that's the case. Other than that, she seems very intelligent and one who would be good to have on our side instead of our enemy's side."Another taken from the side of order to balance the scales, something that was always worth doing if possible. It was the preferred method, one that Aloysius also agreed with. Even if things worked differently for Liam's group, she knew he wouldn't interfere unless actual harm might come to any of them. "We need to park in that lot here, then we can walk through the park and the trees past it before we get to the home. You're a friend of mine, one I live with and who helps take care of me. Short and simple, Sakura has already brought up how delightful you are, so there are two preceding impressions for you which I know you'll live up to just fine."
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Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 8:54 pm
From where he sat in the driver's seat Liam glanced over to Desiree. “Should I know she’s an alien or should I think she’s human or explain this to me a bit more. I mean you said she doesn’t know about you….but should you be knowing she’s an alien?” If she looked alien it would be hard to play dumb, and act like he wasn’t involved in senshi things. Humans, normal ones, had no clue about aliens being real and on this planet. His father certainly hadn’t a clue and would remain clueless about everything if he had his say in the matter, he wasn’t going to drag his father into things. The poor man had been through more than enough; if you asked Liam.
“If she looks human then I can work with that easily enough.” But if she was an alien, or rather if she looked like one, how was he to explain handling it so easily and not starting or making a scene over it? Turning his focus back onto the road, in time to make a nice stop for a stop sign, and after a moment he was back off again towards the location Desiree had given him. “A smashed senshi phone is a good sign, for us anyway, not a good sign for order. I am curious over the reason for it. Whatever mistake someone made, whatever upset her, so we can avoid it and not also upset her.” It would be bad if they did whatever the other side had done, it would set them back from the goal Dessire had. There was simply no way to ask about that though…none at all and he knew it.
When they got to the lot, which Dessire pointed out, he pulled in and parked. Cutting the engine as he waited for the other to get out of the car before he climbed out as well. Walking with Dessire he changed topics, going back to something she’d mentioned at the beginning of this little trip of theirs, as they headed to the park they needed to cut through. “So you were looking at old victorian homes…does Aloysius know you’re looking at them and what for? We could, if you want, see about purchasing a few abandoned ones and restoring them and some can become safe houses while others could become homes for those on the team who may need a home. If there are remaining homes…I’m sure no one would say no to renting them and making money off of them.” Since victorian’s were worth a pretty penny, as far as he could tell, they stood out for their appearance and while they weren’t to his taste he knew plenty of people who did like them…and would pay rent to live in one.
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Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:09 pm
“She looks for the most part human, aside from her eyes and skin tone, but from my understanding, she keeps away from others and prefers not to be bothered.” Rubbing her paw over her blinded eye, she trilled softly.
“Well, given my poor vision, she assumes that I mistook her for someone normal. I saw no need to correct her, and since I only meet her as a civilian, she has no idea what I really am. With the books I’ve given her, including ones that talk about cosplayers and those who paint their skin grey for certain characters, it’s led to a level of suspension of disbelief. If you don’t draw attention to it, then she has no reason to think you know more about what she is until she provides the information herself.”
Stretching to look up and out of the passenger side window, she bapped at the glass. “I wanted to look into additional places we could leave things for the team. I have my bag down here with all the books and things I wanted to bring her this time, so no need to grab anything else. But in the future, we could always bring more for caches or places they can rest…” Thinking on things a bit mor,e she looked over the other’s lack of height, even compared to herself, and thought to empasize things.
“I will say again, she is taller than Aloysius, so keep that in mind. It seems her aggression is left for those powered, not us civilians.”
With that, she clicked at her keychain and pulled the passenger side sunvisor down to look herself over in the small mirror. Adjusting a few hairs here and there, she made sure she looked presentable before pulling one of Aloysius’s scarves out of her bag. It was better to wear the real thing instead of what she programmed, at least for that.
“Portia may already be halfway to where we need her. I saw her senshi phone smashed and scattered near the porch recently. Now, if we can figure out the motivation for that, then Aloysius will have what he needs to get the final pieces settled into place.” Sure, she had done all the legwork, but it was all for his sake; she wanted him to succeed and have more reliable people on his team. The more that could manage themselves, the less work he would have to do while keeping that reputation of his on the up and up.
The gravel crunched beneath her heels as she walked with them, but otherwise it was a quiet night. With her bag of books, gifts, and notes now hanging over her shoulder, she smiled back at Liam.
“This one seems much more motivated than the frenchman does.” The smallest tease as she moved over to his side of the car in order to lead the way. Hedwig was getting just the slightest bit better, but she still preferred ones that had more self-motivation.
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Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:09 pm
“Ok, so I’m to treat her like any normal person and pretend she is. Don’t bring up space, aliens, or anything else. Got it.” So at least he knew how to act and what he could and couldn’t say, it would be terrible if he’d stumbled on that and misspoke, he might scare her off or cause any number of other issues. “I don’t want to mess this up for you.” As he she was talking about how close things may be, how easy she might be to sway. He couldn’t mess this up.
“Should we worry than that once you let her know about yourself, and Aloyisus, that she might turn aggressive? If she doesn’t like powered people…would she consider it a betrayal of trust when she finds out?” Something to consider, to be prepared for, if nothing else. It was best to be safe rather than find out they’d assumed things wrong and were hurt for it.
“Mm, yes but fighting isn’t for everyone. I think it’s harder for those who are older, to adjust to it.” Shrugging a bit as he spoke, letting Desiree lead the way to the house, to the front door. “If people join younger they build their lives around it. But as an adult trying to fit it in, to get adults to believe sudden injuries and stories, when they already know you. It’s a whole lot harder to work into your life and have it fit in nicely. Not that I like the idea of bringing children into things either.” Because children should be just that- children.
“I’ll let you guide things with her and I’ll follow along. You know her better.” And he would just be the support in all this, it was easy enough to do, he was getting good at it really. Wasn’t it something he really was made for? Supporting others…helping others? It seemed like it really, and that was ok.
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Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:26 pm
"Perfect, this should go smoothly then." With a soft laugh, she took the lead and walked up to the home. It still looked like it was run down, and she could still see the glint of shards of shattered glass in the grass just near the porch. That crushed senshi phone was a good sign, a sign of finality in a way she thought, and it was rather fitting.
Knocking on the door, she spoke up softly. "Portia, I'm here with Liam. We brought some new things for you. Are you home?"
Though the response came quicker than she imagined, as the door opened and she saw the woman before her, powered up but looking out of sorts in a way she just barely recognized. Something she'd only seen once before, with Aloysius.
---------------------------------------------
The creak on the porch alerted her, had her moving towards the door before the knock and voice came. Reaching out to the woman, she paused and noticed the blonde with them. The name had come up before, so she retracted her hand and smoothed out the ascot of her outfit.
"Come in, come in." Her voice wavered for a moment, then she ducked back inside, making sure the candles were lit before sitting down at the table covered in books, ink, and notes.
She knew they'd be polite and close the door behind them, keeping the weather out as best as they could. But even now, she couldn't help but focus on Desiree instead of this new one. One of the meetings couldn't prove her theory, but perhaps repeated meetings meant this wasn't fake. It had to be real, but it was harder and harder to tell.
Pulling her book out, the one that had haunted her for more years than she could even accurately fathom, she set it on the table.
"Are either of you good with riddles?"
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Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:34 pm
Smiling at the female, taking in her appearence, he nodded his head once politely. She looked a bit out of sorts, maybe tired? Or stressed perhaps? Following behind Desiree he closed the door behind himself, moving to remove his shoes as well, the blond took a seat last and glanced about.
He would have asked if she wanted tea, if there was anything to make some for her with, because it was simply polite and she looked like she might appreciate a cup. Maybe it was just that Liam was well trained, big on offering thigns and giving to others, but seeing someone in need had him wanting to provide and give and help. He didn't know her, not yet, but she meant something to Desiree and by extention his spouse as well. He wanted to help.
"Yes...and no. I'd say it depends. Why don't we hear it and maybe we can assist." He still wished he could offer her a drink, or anything, as he watched her closely. It really wasn't a chore of fighting the urge to do something, anything, to help someone who clearly needed a bit of help. When he saw Aloysius next he'd be offering him tea and some pastries, he'd stop by the bakers before he got home.
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Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:48 pm
Taking the hint as the open book lay on the table, Desiree leaned over it and looked at the black scrawl that seemed to be creeping towards the blank center of the pages. It wasn't familiar, not even remotely, but more than that, she could tell this was directly from where they had come. It was ancient, and the tone and feel of the paper left her hesitant to handle it much. "I don't recognize it, but it must be bothering you greatly, dear." Sitting down, she pulled things from her bag and set them on the table, the new books alongside the food and stationery she brought. "I want to help you get on well here, truly I do, please let us know how we can help?" Reaching across the table, she carefully rested her hand over the top of Portia's. ------------------------------------------------- Looking down, she was glad Desiree seemed to catch on, even if they weren't able to solve it. It wasn't a surprise; she'd been trying for centuries, perhaps even longer than that. It all blended together anymore.
"I.." Feeling a hand on hers, hearing how gentle Desiree was being, she froze. It was far kinder than anyone she had experienced in the efficient and secluded world that she'd been raised in. "I need a fresh start, perhaps a bit of help with that... I have many who bother me, and I wish to cut ties." If she could somehow pull away from it all, without being called to aid with whatever useless and pathetic mission someone wanted to try having on their dead or dying worlds. It wasn't something she wanted to do, and that cat had tried to make it her problem by making that other device. She'd gotten rid of it recently, good riddance, but it didn't feel like a permanent solution. Humans seemed to be so connected and from what she could tell, truly hiding wasn't easy.
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Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 10:07 pm
Seeing what Desiree did, where the riddle was, Liam took a moment to look over it himself. He was just as clueless, and leaned back, as he said as much aloud. "Though maybe google, or the internet, might be of some help in figuring some of it out? I mean you could even post it somewhere and see if people respond with answers, or ideas, on it?" Venturing, making an offer, he could even post it somewhere and see if anyone could help her with this riddle. It was the least he could do, right?
"A fresh start....those are always nice." He hadn't had one of thsoe himself, not really, he'd worked had for everything he had. But he had found Aloysius and slowly, over time, life had gotten easier and better for himself. He hadn't been able to leave his past behind, to forget about it, but what he'd built from there...it was far more than he'd ever thought he'd manage on his own. He had less stress and worryh in his life, unlike Londonite and their spouse. He knew cutting ties, starting all over agaion, wasn't always easy but between himself, Desiree, and Aloysius they could give her a fresh start and with little to no stress as well. He just couldn't say all that now.
"I think we could help with that, with helping you escape whatever, or whoever, is bothering you. Cutting ties...that can be done." He wouldn't say how, wouldn't let on about who she was or who anyone else was. But he'd let her know help was there...just not the nature of that help. He would give the softly spoken words and kind, soft, smiles because they were needed he felt. They went a long way, or so he found.
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Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 11:56 pm
"Yes, a fresh start, we can help you, dearie. You just have to trust us a little bit." Rubbing their hand gently, she looked over at Liam as they brought up Google and the more mundane things, even if she figured it might not help. "Liam and I have a large home, his husband is there, and he knows a lot about helping people who need to escape." Leaning back, she looked around the house. It needed work, and she'd see to it getting fixed in the future. But it would be best for the other to stay in the manor at first. "But first, have some of the baked goods I brought, dearest Aloysius made them just this past evening. He always makes far too many, so I sneak some away while I can." Pulling the box of cannoli out, she pulled one out for herself and munched on it as delicately as she could while she held a hand beneath it to keep crumbs from getting on her clothing. Nodding to the box, letting the other two know they could eat them as well, she was more than alright letting things fall to casual conversation for now. It seemed to be easing the woman, something that would be key to things working out. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pulling the book shut with her free hand, she wasn't quite sure about the other methods they mentioned, but at least they were offering ideas. Something she wasn't sure would help, but there were more methods in this world than she had access to. Blinking, she kept quiet at their offering of assistance in escaping. It sounded too good to be true, like something that could only happen in a dream. Which it could honestly be, she couldn't shake it but could it hurt to see what they thought? At the mention of trust, she exhaled and looked down at Desiree's hand. The woman hadn't done anything just yet to betray the little trust she'd had. They'd been helpful at least and someone to talk to as well as the others that had been brought over. "Yes... perhaps." Reaching for one of the odd sweets the woman ate, she needed to find out more about this... Aloysius and, apparently, the blonde named Liam was connected to them. Even if this wasn't real, it was something besides the encryption to try and untangle or understand.
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