Sorah

Renowned
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  1. Quote:
    Originally Posted by Mellissandria View Post
    Well, I think we spoke a few times in game, in the ski chalet. (I believe you were there for Mellissandria's infamous observation upon seeing quite a few men in tights..."Well, I believe there is an good use for spandex". Or something like that.)

    Would a link to my reference folder for Mellie help? (http://mellissandria.deviantart.com/gallery/24921031 ) That's where my best screenies are...
    I don't say this often...but I have no idea who you are
  2. Quote:
    Originally Posted by IndyStruck View Post
    Sounds ambitious... but, your art is awesome. All it'd take is time. ... of course with that list, a lotta time.
    Well honestly? I'll prolly end up just doing pencils and let someone else ink and color it. Just gotta talk to some fellow CoX artists who'd willing to.

    Once I have my complete list, layout should only take me an hour at most and detailing will be most tedious. If I had nothing else going on I could really knock it out quick but alas I will be fitting this during any down time (hence me knowing I wouldn't be able to post here since boards will probs be gone by the time I finish.
  3. Grae Knight added!

    Hey you all can help me out with this A LOT by emailing me screenies of ANY of the listed toons!!!! <3 sorahsuhng@gmail.com <3
  4. Quote:
    Originally Posted by youknowwho View Post
    i might give co a look. I haven't played it since shortly after beta.

    But, as i shared with sorah...

    I just got back to work after 2 ½ years of unemployment. When i first got laid off i started to cancel my sub because i didn’t think we could afford it (this was before ftp), but my wife made me keep it. She said i’d need it. And she was right. Coh helped keep me sane. It kept me from feeling like a loser because no matter how down i got about my real-life situation, when i logged on to the game, my friends were always happy to see me. I felt like i had a place where i was still valuable, where people still respected me and liked me.

    Coh was so much more than a game. I'm not sure it can be replaced.
    qft
  5. YOU HAVE BEEN ADDED TA! totally blanked on ya. DUDE, do me a favor and email me? sorahsuhng@gmail.com <3
  6. Quote:
    Originally Posted by Flea_Mark_Evil View Post
    Want me to send you the new revamp for Flea that took place and only finally got sorted recently? Along with my ideas for concept and everything...just to get derped on.

    God I'm gonna miss you. Even if we did fall out a while back, you Sorah, as well as Ara and Void were the people who kept me sane when my world fell apart properly. And that means something.
    I'd suggest to pick your most well known look TBH and email it to me

    And I feel ya <3
  7. Given that we are only board friends - I'd need a pic of your toon email me: sorahsuhng@gmail.com

    Oh and of course you'd be on the pic
  8. I'm emo, I'm sad, I'm angry and holy **** am I nostalgic.

    In between me doing some of my projects, I have decided as a thank you, I am going to hound VirtueVerse and the boards in the remaining days and do a massive splash piece with all the homies I've made over the years on this game. It'll just be a massive piece with cameos of all of you who have touched my life and my creativity. I'll post it on my DeviantArt page but I gotta figure out how many figures are going to be in this.

    And yes, even those mofos who have lost touch, even those mofos who we've had falling outs over the years - you're getting drawn!!! I DON'T CARE. Actually, I do care, hence me wanting to do this.

    My list as it stands in no particular order
    (PLEASE ADD TO MY LIST IF YOU HAVE HAD ANY SIGNIFICANT INTERACTION WITH ME BUT I AM FAILING AT REMEMBERING!!! Six years is a long time to remember through the masses. And btw, even if I never REALLY interacted with you in game, if you are a board buddy, that's kosher as well <3):

    Xanatos
    Chimera II
    Overseer
    Machina Shard
    Slaphappy
    Misnomer?
    Heroid
    Angry Angel
    Kichi
    Fey Duex
    Rakescar
    Roll of the Dice
    Skewerstrike
    Paladin
    Ascendant
    Luficia
    Five Star Sodom
    Ghost Widow
    Scirroco
    Frost Sampson
    Geiger One
    President SK
    Dione
    DJ Larke
    Reiraku
    Nachtoberst Reiter
    Inertial
    Stan Walker
    Sovereign Fist
    Killer Whale
    Flea Mark Evil
    Fearghas
    Captain Starfall
    Liquidus
    Plasmastream
    Dark Faith
    Mika Jaeden
    Lord Paragon
    Autosaurus Wrecks
    Nine-Ball
    Imperial
    Fatal Frame
    Grinning Guillotine
    SoulTrain
    Comrade Hero
    Planet Girl
    Dragonberry
    Rowr
    Modern Samurai
    Pogoman
    Thor's Assassin
    Galactoman
    Charon
    Johnny Turbo
    Bane Spider Tau
    Grae Knight
    Arbiter Fabulous

    That list so far is huge LOL. You're all going to be tiny little heads hahahaha <3
  9. Chapter 6: The Revelation
    Dominion Stronghold

    “What the hell is that?” Karnal pointed at the computer screen with her gloved finger, standing a distance from the medical machinery and Machina Shard.

    She held the teleporter in hand, ready to jump if her comrades tried to bury her back inside of her host body.

    The Dominion had deduced the pattern to her behavior. Physical contact was the catalyst, touching her would change her. Something was definitely not right with the pattern though, it had started as cyclical, but as they pressed on in their testing, Karnal Sin was showing up more and more frequently.

    “I don’t know…” Machina stared at the computer screen in confusion with her. “I don’t know what any of this means…”

    “Simpletons! Do not worry yourselves with the details. Nothing is broken!” Neutron One proudly exclaimed from the other side of the scanning equipment.

    Chimera sighed, “Sir, no offense, but how can NOTHING be broken? This isn’t normal.”

    The armored man was gruff in response, “Well, I don’t know what’s going on with her, but as said, my toys are not broken.”

    The entire room groaned in unified frustration.


    * * * *

    Giza, St. Martial


    There was some party going on at the Giza and despite the Dominion’s wishes, Karnal had decided to go. A sea of people gathered celebrating something or another and she deftly dodged them before making her landing at the edges of the crowd. She grinned at Chimera as she passed by him, spotting Machina Shard at the party.

    She glided her body over to him, landing on the stone ground with a click of her heels, “Machina, didn’t expect to see you here.”

    He looked at her warily, "I didn’t expect to see you here either, Karnal…"

    And before she could respond, fate got in the way.

    “Karnal...”

    The voice was eerie, unearthly, and tantalizing; she turned around, face to face with Ghost Widow.

    Karnal immediately bowed her head, curtsying low to the ground, “Madame.”

    The ethereal woman nodded to her, signaling her to rise, “I didn't expect to see you here...”

    Karnal rose to her feet, sensing the silence that was spreading, focusing on them, flashing her a grin, “I heard there was a party…I had to at least stop by to see what the commotion was about…”

    The pale woman didn’t answer, simply looked at her, as if peering into her, though Karnal’s eyes were averted. She knew to act with deference, “I am genuinely surprised to see you here, my Lady.”

    “Indeed...”

    If ever there was an opportunity for her, this was it, “Madame...might I ask you a...delicate question?”

    “I suppose…”

    “I was wondering if you could grant me an audience with you in the future...”

    She kept her head tilted down at an angle, listening intently.

    “You may find me in the Tower…” It was always difficult to tell if Ghost Widow was finished with her statement, her words, much like Karnal’s, tended to trail off into silence, as if promising something more.

    "And I can seek your guidance then, Lady?" smiling sweetly, though her eyes seemed calculating, staring at the ground before Ghost Widow’s feet.

    “Unless there is something you wish to ask now.”

    She smiled to herself internally, though her face was well trained and emotionless, “Well…” Karnal began, “Nothing that could necessarily be spoken in such a public forum, you understand.”

    That got her attention, and Ghost Widow tilted her head, her lips forming the words, the air taking them, “I see…”

    Karnal steered her words to the lady’s leisure, “I am at your disposal, should you have the time, that is,” lowering herself lower to the ground in a bow.

    “Very well...”

    Before she knew what was going on, Arachnos’ highest ranking female flew into the air, her waist cape billowing in the wind, that same wind seemingly enveloping her into nothing.

    Karnal Sin stood there in silence, unsure of what just happened. And then she was gone as well.

    “We are alone...”

    Karnal Sin was not entirely sure of all of the woman’s powers, but she did contain some form of teleportation, as so evident by her ripping Karnal from her location down on the promenade and bringing her to second tier floor of the Giza. It was decisively less painful than dimensional teleportation.

    “Thank you, my Lady...”

    Karnal immediately dropped to one of her knees, ensuring no eye contact, though she could feel the Lady’s eyes on her.

    She knew Ghost Widow’s time was limited, she would have to act quickly, “It would seem that I have stumbled upon an out of body experience...”

    “Indeed…” Ghost Widow teasingly let the word linger in the air, before adding, “Out of body…”

    “I am...not myself, so to speak. You are the only person that I know of that has any experience with it,” she tried not to rush the words, a little thrilled at the fact that fate had been so kind to her.

    “You have maintained your conscious-self whilst being....well...” Karnal trailed off into silence, not knowing exactly how to describe the Lady’s state of being.

    “Yes... and no,” the Lady began, “…but the cost has been…high.”

    Karnal furrowed her brows a bit, "Understandably, anything you could suggest to me would be greatly appreciated,” she hesitated before finishing her sentence, not knowing what it would entail, “and I would be forever in your debt.”

    It was then that Karnal explained the vast majority of what had happened, as far as she was concerned – ending on her want of full control over the body she was housed in. Ghost Widow listened patiently, adding her opinion when needed, though even in her silence, Karnal could feel the woman’s thoughts, she could sense them.

    “Being of two minds in one body is not something I would-...” her words stopped suddenly.

    “…Have experience with, my Lady?” Karnal finished for her cautiously.

    “Shut up, Purple!” Both of the women heard the hushed whisper from behind one of the walls of the balcony they stood on.

    “I fear we may no longer be alone,” Ghost Widow did not want to be disturbed. She flew up, yet again disappearing into thin air and taking Karnal with her.

    Alone again, Ghost Widow reached out and touched Karnal’s face lightly with her hand, her white, pupiless eyes glowing dimly.

    Karnal had instinctually flinched from her – not wanting to switch to another persona – but the Lady’s touch had no such effect on her.

    Moments passed slowly and Karnal idly listened to the quiet hum of the party below them – whatever the Lady was doing, she didn’t want to interrupt her.

    Finally, Ghost Widow pulled away, “For what you are going through – Arachnos cannot help you.”

    It wasn’t the response the Vixen wanted to hear, “May I ask why not, my Lady?”

    “Because it has already happened...”

    Karnal opened her mouth to question her further, but the Lady was not finished, “I would suggest you do not attempt to stop it either. It cannot be changed.”

    “Enjoy your existence, Karnal Sin – it is better than my own...mine is not a state to aspire to.”


    * * * *


    "Shut up, Purple!" Noctis Umbra spat out at the purple-clad mentalist who had just spoken to him and alerted Ghost Widow to his presence. He was not certain how the magenta punk had managed to see him, and he was not entertained by it. As the Widow and Karnal disappeared, Umbra cast an angry glare at the intruding man before slipping off to relocate the two (five?) women.

    Nimbly he scaled the smooth brick surface of the Giza, muted voices beckoning to him from above. Reaching the outside of one of the pyramid's four small spires, he leaned back silently to listen to the conversation in progress behind him.

    Noctis Umbra learned more as he listened in, more information not only about his patron the Ghost Widow, but also about the mysterious Karnal Sin. But he didn’t really understand anything that either of them said – he could hear them fine, but none of it seemed to make any sense. How could it have already happened? And what exactly was ‘it’?
  10. Chapter 5: The Reason
    Pocket D - July 20006

    Karnal Sin appeared suddenly at the Paragonian side of the bar in Pocket D, momentarily blinding some of the patrons there, inadvertently knocking into the bartender.

    Wincing, her eyes fluttered for a moment before the voice of the child returned, “Oh god, not here again…” Frantically, Katie turned to the bartender, “Lady, I need to get home to King’s Row. How do I get out of here?”

    The justifiably confused barkeep pointed down the stairs, “There’s an elevator down there…but…” without waiting for further explanation, Katie raced down the corridor.

    “Heroes only.” The guard at the door didn’t even look at her.

    “Listen mister! I need to get home! Let me through!” Katie struggled against the guard posted at the Pocket D’s Paragon side entrance. With his one arm wrapped around her waist, he barked the words, “Heroes only!” and, “No villains past this point!”

    A man in a white top and black slacks approached them then, casually, “Is there a problem here?” His eyes passed over her as if he recognized the girl, but he didn’t say anything of it.

    “Yes!” She immediately answered, flinging off the guard and taking a step back from the doors, “This ‘guard’ won’t let me go home!” She nearly whined with that, crossing her arms and glaring.

    It wasn’t until this moment that she realized the man who was now talking to her was blue. And that he had two females with him at the time. The second of those facts bothered her to some degree she didn’t quite understand.

    The blue man regarded her briefly before motioning to the bartender who had since followed her down, “Take her back upstairs, I will be along shortly.”

    “What? No! I want to go home. Who are you?” Katie glared at the well-over-six-feet-tall blue man.

    “Xanatos,” he said simply as the bartender now ushered her upstairs with frantic hand motions.

    Completely confused, Katie shot an icy glare at the guard once more before doing as she was told and sulked back upstairs.

    “Let me get you a drink, little one…”

    “My name’s Katie.” The young-minded girl plopped onto a barstool, crossing her arms defensively.

    The woman smiled at her sweetly, “I’m Regina, or Fallen Rose, what do you want to drink, hun?”

    Pursing her lips, she mumbled, “Chocolate milk.” Her mind wandering as she peered around the room, Regina busy, making her drink.

    “Who is Xanatos, Ms. Regina?” Katie sucked on the straw of her drink hard, the chocolate milk traveling up the plastic and into her mouth quickly.

    Fallen Rose started to speak, but paused for a moment, “He’s a man who is trying to help us all.”

    This kind of statement was far too vague for Katie to really wrap her mind around, she shrugged it off, leaning on the bar.

    Of all the people around her, Regina was the only one who hadn’t known her name, or assumed to know her. She felt comfortable around the somewhat lady-like bartender, being that she met her as ‘herself’.

    “Red wine…” a voice came from behind Katie’s left shoulder.

    Without looking up, Regina grabbed a bottle of wine, adeptly pouring the liquid into a glass. She looked up and began to hand it to the customer, “Here you g-…” but she stopped herself, staring at the man before her.

    Katie, idly took a sip of her chocolate milk, looked behind her, and then up. If the blue man had startled her, the red man scared her.

    Some people began whispering, “Emperor Xanatos,” around him. She felt like she knew him, but couldn’t quite put a finger to it.

    He claimed to her know her father, said he was a hero and he was there to help her. Some others felt otherwise. Several people had gathered around Katie, one in particular, a short statured brunette called Luficia.

    “Get out of here, now, Katie!” Luficia glared furiously at the red man, though Katie didn’t know why.

    “Uhhh, I need to uhh, go to…the bathroom!” Katie exclaimed.

    One of the many people around her, leaned over, whispering to the ‘young girl’, “I’ll escort you.”

    Katie had no idea what was going on, but she did as she was told, looking to Regina for guidance. The bartender nodded at her reassuringly, and with that, Katie, and her escort, took down past the ramp.

    “Run.”

    She stopped, looking around, “Wha?”

    “RUN!”

    Her escort began to sprint across the club, motioning for Katie to follow suit. She had no idea why she was running, or where she was running, but the escort was leading her around corners, through the sea of dancing people.

    “Oomph!”

    The door to the restroom was slammed behind her, and she was alone.

    What was transpiring at the bar was a slew of threats from both sides – the people who were defensively around Katie and ushering her away from Emperor Xanatos kept their verbal onslaught peaked. The praetorian was nothing but calm and collected, swirling his red wine in his glass, sipping periodically between insults.

    Twenty minutes passed as Katie stayed in the bathroom alone until finally Regina knocked, “Hey you can come out now. I think he’s too busy to bother...”

    “What happened? Who are those people?” Katie hopped off the vanity in the restroom and carefully walked towards the door.

    “Bad people. Look, you need to get out of here, if he-…”

    As if on cue, he appeared directly outside of the restrooms.

    “Kat! You need to hurry up! They are trying to kill me!” Emperor Xanatos exclaimed at her suddenly.

    Luficia, Regina, and company surrounded him, their eyes narrowed, their stances firm.

    “Stay away from her,” Luficia nearly hissed out.

    He reached for Katie, grabbing her bare arm, “Come on!”

    Katie tensed at his touch.

    “We haven't much time...I can explain everything later...they are trying to kill us both,” Emperor Xanatos and company continued on, as if still speaking to the child.

    Karnal gained her footing, looking around idly before resting her gaze upon the hulking red figure.

    Luficia pressed on, “You must trust me! He is a bad man!”

    None of them noticed. Yet.

    “Please, Katie!”

    "Emperor…" the title rolled of her tongue in a sultry fashion, nearly moaning his moniker. And while the others didn’t catch the change, he most certainly did.

    “Miss Sin, a pleasure as always,” a smile inched its way across his mouth.

    Karnal Sin smiled deviously in return, "Mmmm, no darling, the pleasure is mine."

    He relaxed a bit, obviously feeling a little more at ease with the villainess in her own mind, “I must say I'm disappointed...hiding behind the heroes you cut down in Recluse's Victory.”

    Luficia rested a hand on Seiken's hilt, the heroes around them ready for anything.

    Karnal bowed in deference to Emperor Xanatos, “Why don’t we continue our discussion elsewhere,” he said to the kneeling blonde, “You lead, I’ll follow.”

    And with that the two villains walked calmly away from the battle-ready heroes, leaving them confused and staring at each other dumbfounded.


    * * * *

    Karnal Sin’s Apartment, Cap Au Diable


    Emperor Xanatos grabbed her throat, her eyes fluttering back, like the shutters of a camera, spasming, her body jerking on the bed.

    “No, please, don’t!”

    Karnal Sin had taken them to her apartment, as it was the only private place she could think of that wasn’t in the Dominion Stronghold. She had wanted to converse with the Emperor about her predicament in length as she had gotten a better idea of what was going on and wanted his help. She didn’t want the other consciousness she shared to catch on, so time was of the essence.

    But as soon as they made it to the foyer of her apartment, Emperor Xanatos, knowing of her familiarity with his Prime Earth double Xanatos, and seeing an opportunity to torment him more, had other ideas. He had grabbed her throat, Star of America coming to the forefront, begging him to release her as he dragged her across the apartment and slammed her onto the bed.

    He hesitated, gripping her throat tighter, choking her, and not allowing her to speak, nor breathe as he stood by the bed. “I won’t…just know I could have.”

    He let her go as soon as the relief hit her, letting her relax for a moment, “Bring Karnal back,” he commanded her.

    “I don’t know how.”

    He growled, his patience running thin, lunging at her throat a second time with his hand, gripping her tighter than before.

    A smirk came across her face, though she couldn’t breathe or speak; the woman had changed, and she seemed to be enjoying the situation.

    :: Decided to join me then?::

    He understood now; understood the change. Or at least how it worked. And with that in mind, decided it had been a while since he had some form of fun and release.

    ::Emperor?::

    Karnal lifted a single brow at him, still not able to breathe, but completely at ease.

    Oh yes. It had been a while.


    * * * *

    Pocket D


    She grinned at her comrades.

    “Kathryn?”

    Chimera, Machina Shard, and Fearghas all exchanged worried looks. “Katie?”

    The grin widened, and she nodded pleasantly to them, “Karnal.”

    “You know what's going on, right?” Chimera immediately began to question her.

    “Of course I know what's going on, Chimera” his name rolled off her tongue languidly.

    He looked a little relieved. "Good."

    “We're stuck in here.” She stated matter-of-factly.

    Chimera quickly followed her on that, “So, how do we get you unstuck?”

    Her grin faded for a second, “I don’t want to get unstuck, pet.”

    “Why?” They all asked in unison.

    She smirked at them, “Because there is something He needs me to do.”
  11. ((Oh and please feel free to write more dude! I enjoyed reading through it and was pleasantly surprised when I saw you had written Bring more UU too - will be fun prose RP to accent our in-game RP! ))
  12. Karnal Sin watched in silence as the remaining members of the United Underworld left the Judex Base of Operations, or the "Courthouse" as the Judges called it. She kept her composure until the last had exited their grand foyer.

    "They are gone," came the simple statement from Judge Album.

    She turned on her heel to look at the amassed Judges, specifically those who she knew had been part of Judex far longer than her new association. Reaching to her belt, she unhooked her Judex mask with its interface, "Your technology is LAUGHABLE." She flung the mask at Vigilant Orison, or Malak, as she called him.

    She watched as the man caught the piece of tech, his jaw clenching, but saying nothing.

    The irritated Vixen ran a slender hand through her hair, her blood pumping from the battle they had just won, her adrenaline levels inordinately high. She sneered some, "How am I suppose to engage anyone if they are able to tell who I am?" She was, of course, referencing to the fact that Autosaurus Wrecks had no problem in identifying her once he was physically close enough.

    Still no response from the other Judges as they watched the emotional woman seethe in her frustration, their silence and composure only fueling her internal fire, "The Dominion tech would have neve-"

    "The Dominion is GONE, Karnal Sin."

    She narrowed her eyes at Sebastian Kain for a moment, the tall and overbearing man having now stood from his relaxed repose, his designer shoes, that he had so refused to mar in the battle with his comrades, now quietly thudding on the floor as she approached her.

    The years Karnal Sin had spent submissive to Overseer still shaped her behavior, she bowed her head slightly, instinctively showing deference to her friend and colleague - his commanding presence enough to elicit the response from her.

    "And have you forgotten?" The smooth, overconfident words of Sebastian's lingered in the air for a moment before he answered his own question, "We are the Sword of Vengeance. We're not suppose to be hidden." He had reached her at that point, a large, leather gloved hand tucking under her chin and tilting her head to look at him, "And you're not the most inconspicuous spy like you used to be, Miss Sin..." He corrected himself, much like the leader of the United Underworld had, "Or should I say, Mrs. Xanatos."

    She had regained her composure a bit, taking a deep breath through her nose and exhaling it slowly.

    Malak smirked at the two, finally speaking up, "Indeed. Your dalliances into Paragon make you hard to hide."

    Jerking her head away, she stood tall, or at least as tall as she could, her stilettos clicking loudly against the marble flooring of the Courthouse.

    "Sin, Karnal. Relax." The monotone, stilted order came from Judge Album. "Sebastian was never in uniform. Revealed."

    She nodded, turning back to her fellow Judges. She shouldn't have reacted so badly, considering Sebastian's public revealing, as well as Erik's. Erik, or Nachtoberst Reiter, had been at least vaguely identified by Autosaurus, as well. The masked, timeless man that she had helped recruit into the ranks of the Judges had no expression, had no objections.

    Malak, surprisingly not making a grandiose speech simply stated, "The plan is in motion now. We will either see United Underworld pulling itself apart or binding together."

    He tilted his head to the side ever so slightly, addressing the blonde woman who stood a few feet from him, her arms crossed defensively. He pulled off his own mask, revealing his darker skin and mechanically glowing amber-yellow eyes. Dropping the plurality of the Judex anonymity, "I do believe you have some questions to ask of your little Shivan bodyguard, though. His timing was..." he paused, "less than efficient."

    One of the female Judges, unknown to anyone being the infamous Roll of the Dice outside of Judex, having kept silent this whole time spat out, "And keep your legs closed on this one," followed by a haughty laugh.
  13. Sorah

    Pet Peeves 2.0!

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Alicia Jewel View Post
    People who use canon characters as a huge part of their background. You are not Lord Recluse's secret lover. You're not Statesman's long-lost daughter. I could honestly go on and on with this. If every Sue and Mary that claimed to be one of these guys was true, there'd be a lot of tabloid scandals and giant family trees that nobody wants to catalog.
    I used GMs/canon characters as part of Karnal Sin's background (not origin) and story, but that's because I actually RPed with them in game were legit parts of my story. BOOYA! :P *tips hat to now gone Ghost Widow + Co.*
  14. Dude, it was super fun for us! The RP was great, the PvP was good (with the new builds we throw your way, it will be better next time!). And the potensh RP is endless
  15. Chapter 4: The Gathering
    Dominion Stronghold - July 2006

    Karnal Sin was once again kneeling in silence in The Gauntlet of the Dominion Stronghold, her eyes gently closed with the light from the Initiation Circle flaring up on occasion, casting shadows sporadically around the empty Throne Room.

    It had been weeks since Overseer had left to an undisclosed location without either of his Consuls, leaving Machina Shard in command of the legions on Prime Earth. With Karnal’s public breakdown, whispers had been circulating amongst the supers as to the reason and Machina was having none of it, wanting only to get to the bottom of the mishap. He was sick of Kathryn’s procrastination and didn’t fully believe the rumors he had been hearing. He called together the ranks.

    All she heard were heavy footsteps on the cold, hardened floor of The Gauntlet, a multitude of them – her training kicked in and she was able to discern the distinctness of sixteen people.

    Machina Shard led the group – Fearghas, Chimera II, Kichi, Reiraku, Chronicler, Yuvie, Neutron One, Exotic Faith, Imperial Reign, Erotica, Atrox, Seven, Flea Mark Evil, Fey Deux, and Captain X. Gathering around Kathryn in a circle, Machina was first to break the silence.

    “Kathryn, I’ve been hearing some disturbing rumors of you making a spectacle of yourself.”

    The woman in question looked up at him, “I…I…” she couldn’t possibly come up with a reason that would sate his irritation and explain as she had no idea what was going on with herself.

    Chimera stepped forward, “Sir, if I may…” his voice was firm but tentative. Machina wasn’t Overseer, but in his absence he was to treat the man as he would their leader, “With no psychic currently in the ranks of the Dominion on Prime Earth, Fearghas and I have employed the help of an outside source in an attempt to stabilize her.”

    “I can see your efforts are not producing results, Chimera.”

    The assassin narrowed his one good eye, continuing, “We’ve had but one opportunity…”

    “I do hope you weren’t tampering with my toys,” Neutron’s digitized voice was perky and highly inappropriate, as was his manner, “Perhaps as the resident scientist, I’d have better luck.”

    Chimera attempted to keep his cool and patience, “This isn’t a scientific problem.”

    “What you may call magic, I call science. Come!” Neutron stalked out of the room with pep in his step.

    Machina looked to the legions, “Atrox, Faith – until further notice, you two are to stay with her and make sure she does NOT leave the Stronghold, is that understood?”

    Stepping forward at the call of their names, the two responded in unison, “Affirmative, sir.”

    “In the meantime, Neutron, Chronicler and I will be going through the Dominion database to see if we can’t fix your little problem – yet again.” He sneered at her momentarily before nodding to the rest to exit with him.

    Kathryn was given her orders and hung her head, demoralized into submission. She knew that the Dominion was capable, but it didn’t change the fact that she felt she was slowly rotting away from the inside.

    Days would pass and she still hadn’t heard anything from the Consuls or Chronicler in their efforts and she began to question whether or not they were even really working on finding a solution or simply waiting for Overseer’s return – whenever that would be.

    The days wore on and her mind began to feel like it was unraveling, and the voices in her head were all but driving her into further madness.

    She was thankful when her thoughts were interrupted as Exotic Faith knocked on her door, “Kathryn? I have your dinner.”

    The blonde stood up, unsteadily, “Have you heard anything, Faith?”

    “No,” The vixen smirked at her former leader.

    The ex-Consort looked like a broken woman, the worry written all over her face. Faith put a hand on her shoulder in an act of faux comfort, “Trust me, when I hear something, you’ll be the first to know…Mistress.”

    Kathryn stood tall quickly, grabbing Faith’s arm and flipping her over her shoulder, the plate of food shattering on the floor as she loomed over her defenseless comrade, her steel heeled boot on the dark-haired woman’s throat, “Do not mock me, child.”

    Exotic Faith looked up at her with bewildered eyes, the change in her demeanor jarring and frightening as the eyes of the ‘prisoner’ glowed unstably with energy, a sick smile on her face.

    “I will not wait around for them to eliminate me.”

    Faith tried to yell at her partner, “A..atro-,” but was unable to, due to the weight of the boot on her throat. She tried to watch, in vain, as Karnal leaned down and snatched her Dominion teleporter off her belt, punched in coordinates and in an instant teleported out of the Stronghold.

    “ATROX!”
  16. Chapter 3: The Minds
    Pocket D – July 2006

    Chimera II, a dark-haired, one-eyed praetorian assassin, had joined the ranks of the Dominion after his group had been absorbed by his now-girlfriend’s organization. He and Kathryn had been dating for a weeks now, and while he knew she was involved with the hero Xanatos, he somehow let her convince him it was purely for work. It was often that he ran into her at the Pocket D when they didn’t have formal plans together – it usually ended up in some heated argument over him being cryptic about himself and her being overly flirtatious – their relationship was full of conflict.

    But tonight, instead of the usual seductive drawl she would casually throw his way, he was met with something else entirely. He turned towards Noctis Phasma, a psychic villainess he knew only vaguely, “There’s something wrong with her mind. Go in there and find out what the trouble is, but if you screw anything up, I’ll end you.”

    Chimera’s face was serious and worried, but Phasma just smirked and assured him she’d be careful. Somehow it didn’t calm him down. He’d been through a lot during his short lifetime, but he couldn’t remember anything more surreal than encountering a younger version of Karnal Sin. Kathryn had told him about her past, but she’d always been closed off about it. There was something awe-inspiring about actually meeting her past self. ‘If it weren’t the symptom of a shattered mind, this might even be exciting,’ Chimera thought scornfully.

    ::Talk to her:: Phasma’s voice rang in his mind. ::Keep her distracted::

    “So, uh,” Chimera began awkwardly, dozens of intimate questions plagued him, questions about who she was, questions that might shed more light on the woman she’d grown into. “Where do you work?”

    “TGI Friday’s,” Katie said simply, “I wash dishes.”

    Chimera nodded slowly, feeling as awkward as ever, “I see…and how old are you?” he asked dubiously.

    “Fourteen,” Katie responded matter-of-factly, pressing herself against the railing, “How old are you?”

    Instinctually, Kathryn had fled to the Pocket D after shattering through the Arachnos hospital – to her it was a safe haven. But right now, she didn’t know where she was, and the safe haven of the familiar faces was a sea full of strangers. She was not herself.

    “Twenty.” He smirked, but the look of concern in his eye unnerved her.

    Chimera felt ungodly uncomfortable, he tried to give her a reassuring smile, only to have it come out twisted.

    ::You cannot help her::

    A genderless voice spoke to Chimera in his mind. Relatively used to communicating with Kathryn telepathically, he responded in kind.

    ::I can try.::

    He saw Phasma get closer to the distracted ex-Consort and watched as the psychic reached a tentative hand out to her.

    “So what kind of name’s-AHHHHHHH!” Katie collapsed to the floor, clutching her head, her mouth opened in a mock cry, but after the initial outburst, no sound escaped her lips.

    Chimera rushed forward, kneeling down and wrapped his arms around her, holding her up, “Kathryn!” He shot a fiery look up at Phasma. With his hand cradling Karnal’s face on the side, he spat harshly at the psychic, “What the hell did you do?!”

    But Phasma was already in a trance.

    Kathryn’s body began to jerk and spasm on the ground, her eyes rolling randomly in all directions. She suddenly stopped her movements, whispering to him, “Not again.”

    ::You cannot help her::

    The same genderless voice spoke, but this time to Phasma.

    ::Why?::

    ::Because it has already happened::

    ::What?::

    Noctis Phasma was inside of Kathryn’s mind, frantically trying to navigate the maze of thoughts and misdirection. She started to sweat a little, as the woman’s mind worked against her, putting up mental barriers, and more walls. Something was blocking her and whatever it or they were, it was powerful.

    Stepping into the mind of this woman, Phasma was taken aback. This was something she had never seen before. This place was a black abyss. Far below her, Phasma could see a 14-year-old girl. The girl was holding onto two strings, one in each hand. They rose up, up far above Phasma, where each was wrapped around the ankle of a woman. The two women were joined at the hip, like Siamese twins. They spoke to Phasma as one, their voice an eerie cacophony, but the voice was not theirs, "You cannot help her."

    Phasma could not pull the two women apart without killing them both. When she tried to pull the strings out of the little girl's hands, all three entities faded, and forced her to quickly restore them. She tried reasoning with the women, but they would not hear it. Her trance was broken and the abyss of the mind gave way to the lights and noise of the Pocket D.

    Phasma looked at Chimera, who looked back expectantly. She shook her head, this was not so simple.

    The blonde began to mumble while in Chimera’s hold, “Quinn,” she said, “Xanatos?”

    “Kathryn…?” Chimera’s voice came out quietly, desperately, “Kathryn, it’s me, Chimera.” He saw what looked like a glint of recognition in her eyes.

    “Chimera…”

    Katie shifted in her daze, rising off the floor of the club to her feet, unsteadily. Her lashes fluttered, looking around awkwardly, not fully aware of what was going inside of her mind, “Uh…is…there…a bathroom around here?”

    Chimera had worry stricken all over his face, but pointed to the far end of the main dance floor, “Down there.”

    Katie nodded, “Thanks, mister.”

    A few minutes passed by, the silence thickening around Chimera and Phasma, “I’m going to go check on her,” he said gruffly, turning on his heel and stalking towards the double doors of the restrooms.

    “AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! ” Katie burst out of the bathroom doors, her eyes wide with horror, screaming.

    Chimera jumped back, startled for a moment, but quickly regained his place again, “What’s wrong?”

    Her hands were clutched to her chest, cupping her buxom breasts, “What did you do to me?!”

    Chimera winced, “Uhh…puberty?”

    Her hands flew to her backside, grabbing her rear, her face awash with bewilderment.

    All the commotion and yelling was starting to form a crowd around the three – some familiar faces like Fearghas, Rakescar, Yuvie, and others.

    Phasma quickly joined the couple, taking another opportunity to peer into the woman’s thoughts.

    Kathryn’s body burst into a brilliant raging shield of energy, swirling around her entire form, the eerie red glow spiking off in several directions as she lost control.

    “Get out of my MIND!” She snarled at Phasma.

    “No, I’m going to fix you.” The telepath set her jaw stubbornly.

    Rakescar, Fearghas, Phasma, Yuvie, Chimera and a few others crowded her, backing her farther into the railing. The faint sound of a man throwing up dwarfed at the deafening shot of energy emanating from her.

    Her eyes opened, staring at the telepath, unblinking, the blinding light of energy peering into her threateningly, “You’ll ruin everything.”

    She had gone through several manifestations of herself, but the red took control. Not the Kathryn that everyone knew, the socialite that got along with nearly everyone, the woman who would seamlessly move in and out of groups of people, skillfully talking everyone up.

    No. Karnal Sin took over - muting out Kathryn, Katie, and Kat.

    Bracing her leg, she shot over them, leaping her body over the sea of people trying to ‘help’ her.

    “Katie, stop this!” Rakescar’s voice boomed at her as she exited the club, Chimera close behind him.

    Kathryn stopped to address her friend, the golem rockstar she had helped only weeks before, “Mmmm, feels good to let go sometimes doesn’t it, Tyler?”

    He reached for her, but she was already in the air, not looking back. And then she was gone.

    Chimera stood with the others in silence, trying to focus and digest everything that had just transpired.

    ‘This is not my area of expertise,’ Chimera thought, feeling a slight hint of panic welling in his stomach. It was true; he knew nothing of this world of telepathy and possession. He longed to do something to make things right, but he knew he was out of his league – a sword couldn’t fix this.

    ‘Out of my league,’ he thought, silently cursing the entire concept of telepathy.
  17. ((written by Karnal Sin - contributions via RP from: Judge Croceum, Judge Canum, Vigilant Orison, Nachtoberst Reiter, Roll of the Dice, President SK, Judge Album, Dominatriea, Nine-Ball, Becky Beatdown, Hammer Shark, Seismecca, Spectre, Agent Double-Take, Shogun of Sorrow, Horror-Frost, Kamen Hotep, Madame Machina, Super Rikti, Autosaurus Wrecks, and I think I may be missing two people ))

    The summer had been abnormally hot in Paragon City this year, sending waves of rolling blackouts throughout the boroughs. Moonlight bathed the rooftops of the buildings as four black and white clad figures traversed the multilayered buildings. Brickstown was surprisingly quiet in the late evenings – despite housing hundreds of rowdy and barely controllable villains in the very heart of it in the Zig.
    Landing in unison, the four Judges of Judex stood tall at the entrance of the prison.

    Their informants employed by Paragon had told them that since their last venture into breaking inmates out the Zig, much had been changed in security and too many questions were being asked of their incognito allies. This time, Judex would have to pull this off with a bit more finesse, especially if they were going to attain their target in one piece – and quietly. The informants had done their part and kept their shift change exactly to schedule – the rest was up to Judex.

    A Judge signaled into his communicator quickly, causing the power grid surrounding the fortified building to flicker, flame like, for but a brief moment. All they needed was that moment as the four of them deftly slipped past the security shield. No words were shared as they leapt, flew, and ran up the façade of the prison. They all stopped in silence as they came to a shielded window of their target.

    One of the Judges nodded to his comrade, who signaled into his communicator again, this time the flicker was met with a flash of light from the four figures as they were teleported directly outside of the cell’s control panel, the quick burst of luminance causing Dominatriea to lift her gaze to peer outside of the unaffected forcefield. She had wondered why these two ‘black outs’ hadn’t effected anything in the Zig as the others had and the four uniformed people in front of her was enough of a reason.

    Their target, the former leader of the United Underworld sat on the raggity cot of her cell, eyeing the strangers in lieu of staring at the walls, their appearance a brief reprieve from the sheer boredom and endless interrogations she had been enduring throughout her stay in Paragon’s prison.

    As if on cue, all the Judges lined up in front of the cell, in silence, their hands resting behind their back, their legs slightly spread.

    “What…more interrogation crap?” The petite woman’s inquiry rolled off her tongue nonchalantly.

    One of the Judges stepped forward, his modulated voice sounding emotionless, “Subject Phillips, this is no interrogation.”

    Dominatriea's eye narrowed slightly, ".... its Dominatriea to you."

    They offered her no acknowledgement, the silence thickening around them before the same Judge spoke up again, "Phillips, Lucille, you have already admitted to your crimes. We shall give you the chance to stand of your own accord."

    The villainess smirked, “Really….” a hint of amusement on her voice, “Who the hell are you freaks?” She eyed them, “…and I judge myself. I don’t give a **** about you or the other people that ‘judge’ me.”
    One of the Judges, who Dominatriea observed to be the only female among them, stepped forward slightly, her voice, too, was changed, “Your opinions are irrelevant.”

    Another chimed in, “Your judgments are irrelevant.”

    The female Judge fulfilled her steps forward, lifting a hand to the control panel, punching in a handful of codes into the interface, causing the forcefield to drop.

    Dominatriea got to her feet, standing confidently, narrowing her one good eye at the four of them as one of the faceless, masked men commanded her deceptively politely, “Do come of your volition, Miss Phillips.”

    The former United Underworld leader paused for a long moment, though it didn’t seem to bother the four in the slightest. She couldn’t help but wonder idly if they were from Paragon, but she knew better – if they truly were heroes, they wouldn’t have needed to create power fluctuations to gain access to her. Thinking it was better to be out of the cell she shrugged, “Fine. I could stand for a good laugh.”

    Before she could finish her statement, she watched as one of the black and white men simply turned and walked off, the guards waving them through like it was some routine checkup.

    The female Judge placed a hand on the target’s elbow, one of the males was on her other, “Give us a moment.”

    One of the Judges took a swatch of cloth over Dominatriea’s eyes, she snickered, “You do realize that I’m blind in one eye?”

    There was another pause before one of them responded, “That is but one eye, villain,” and on cue, they were unceremoniously transported out of the Zig.

    * * * *
    Dominatriea could hear the distinct footsteps of the other three Judges and became aware of when they were joined by another, presumably the one that had walked off before. She was clueless as to where she had been taken, but the familiar smells of the Isles greeted her and gave her a sense of direction. Wanting to break the silence, she spoke to the female, “We’re all villains, miss.”

    She answered, “We are above titles.”

    “We are in the Isles, are we not?”

    None of them responded before they came to a complete stop and the blindfold was taken off of the escapees face.

    The courtroom was large, with galleys surrounding all sides of an overbearing judicial bench, which was raised incredibly high, allowing the center platform, surrounded by spires to look up at those accusing and judging any defendant.

    The defendant today, Dominatriea, was directed to take stand in the center platform while the Judges of Judex filed up the many steps, “If you would please,” the female Judge motioned to the villainess, who amused them by doing as she was told.

    “This will be ‘fun’,” she said quietly in the silent courtroom, though it boomed and echoed off the chamber, taking her a bit off guard; the only response to her statement was the crackling of the torches adorning the stone walls.

    One of the Judges, again, turned, and left the courtroom without saying a word.

    The female Judge stood tall on the main platform of the Judge’s Bench, looking down at the accused, her modulated voice spoke firmly and emotionlessly, “Dominatriea, you have your choice in choosing counsel from those you see before you.”

    The petite brunette woman, using her one good eye, looked across the bench at the many masked faces of Judex, the original four had been joined by others in their ranks – some men, some women. None of them really sticking out against any others except for the one who had been there the whole time who had not said a word – the larger framed man.

    “…really?” She said mockingly, “Any of them?”

    Dominatriea had made her decision, looking to the aforementioned silent Judge, lifting a delicate a hand and pointing at him on the far right of the judicial bench, “I choose him.”

    Unphased, the chosen defense counsel stood from his seat, his heavy boots softly thumping against the chamber’s hard, cold floors as he descended the steps and took his place by Dominatriea’s side.

    The female, who seemed to be presiding over the proceedings nodded, “It would please this court if you could share with us the reasons for your incarceration - in your own words."

    Dominatriea closed her eye as she recalled the story, “Alright. I have a jacket that allows me to manipulate time itself. With it, I could perform a ritual to do whatever I wished... but I needed three enchanted tarot cards. With some backstabbing of a group called the Diva Sisters. We got the cards... and I did my ritual with one, true purpose: Erase all heroes in Paragon City and take it over. There were complications, of course, but it was going on... slowly.... but word got out and that godd*mn ninja and many others realized what was happening. They defeated the United Underworld and destroyed the tarot cards but so long as I held my jacket, the ritual would remain. I was hunted down and.... defeated. That is-....”

    The villainess went quiet as she saw a familiar face ascend the steps of the judicial bench – Sebastian Kain.

    The female judge had only subtly nodded to him as he had entered and the accused hadn’t even noticed until he turned to look at her.

    Sebastian Kain locked eyes with Dominatriea, his former employee when he was running ERA, the tension in the room now palpable, causing the other Judges to shift in their seats.

    The Defense Counsel looked to client, “If you wish to…reconsider your choice of counsel?”

    The accused shook her head, regaining her composure in that moment and gazed back at the center, female Judge, who now spoke, “Judge, are there any opening statements?”

    Defense straightened his shoulders, “Only one,” he swallowed gently, preparing to engage in the verbal battle. Judex’s philosophy would not allow for mistakes – if there was any chance of them wrongly accusing or targeting an individual it would all fall apart. Allowing a Judex member to act as the defense counsel allowed them to negate that possibility – for their philosophy, was all they had.

    “I shall take this moment to reiterate if it hasn't been realized at this time…That the 'crime' in which my client is standing trial for, is not very different in our own mission. Merely on a grander scale.”

    The Judges nodded in a wave at his statement, except for Sebastian Kain, who was sprawled lazily in his chair on the Judicial Bench, not in his Judex uniform – as was the choice of the Nemesis Branch of the organization, “Hmmm…if I may speak a few words.”

    Not out of the ordinary, but worth paying attention to, Judex, en masse, turned to watch Sebastian as he descended from his lofty perch, “My dear Lucille…Quite the web you have woven yourself into. Aren't you the least bit curious to what your fate is tonight?”

    He stalked the room, like an animal stalking its prey, but with a casualness that would belie his efforts, “Considering we were ‘once’ allies…you’d think you’d at least choose to hear me out, no?”

    Dominatriea held her tongue, much like the other Judges, watching and waiting for whatever the presumed Nemesis Branch leader was going to say.

    He stood, staring directly at the woman who had betrayed him those months before.

    Finally she responded, “I’m listening, but in the end, I came far closer than you’ll ever achieve.”

    As she spoke, he had run his gloved hand across the face of the judicial bench below the other Judges, practically out of their sight.

    Another one of the female judges, on the right side of the bench murmured, "An oddly chosen boast given the situation."

    The center judge threw her head back laughing, an eerie sound through whatever voice modulation device the Judges used – it sounded more like a robotic cackle.

    Dominatriea continued, “I think that speaks more than whatever ******** you can pull out of your ***.”
    “You're welcome to believe that,” was Sebastian’s simple retort, before elaborating, “But know this, despite our less than glamorous past…I can choose to help you. But if you want to continue down this path solo…” he had taken slow and methodical steps towards her. Sebastian was a suave and intimidating man – not inherently by looks, though he was a formidable figure – but by his attitude. The amount of justified confidence the man exuded gave most people pause.

    “What’s the catch?”

    He smirked ever so slightly, “You know ‘me’ well enough, my catches…reveal themselves over time. The main point is, are you willing to accept it for the sake of your own future?”

    His offer did cause her to pause for a brief moment before she responded – the moment filled with the voice of another Judge, “Dominatriea. Inadequate.”

    Sebastian looked back up towards the Judge who had spoken.

    The words fueled the villainess, “I control my own future and, either way, I always carry a full deck. ***** off, Sebastian. You’re less of a man. Nine Ball and the Maestro will always perform better then whatever **** you try. My loyalty is with the United Underworld. No more. No LESS.”

    Sebastian’s smirk blossomed fully with her words, “Very well. I’ve washed my hands of you, foolish girl.” And with that, he did not take his seat back on the judicial bench, but instead sat down in the galley, kicking his legs to rest of the wooden would-be juror’s box, his arm spread across the back of the comfortable seat.

    One of the female judges chimed in, “Nine-Ball and Maestro have never succeeded in a plan involving the heroes of Paragon.”

    This caused the villainess to snap back, “They at least TRIED.”

    The original female judge, still standing tall at the center of the judicial bench continued in the proceedings as if nothing had happened since when the Defense had made his opening statement, “Dominatriea, your counsel has made the argument that your endeavors are similar to others, including ours...however, we are curious to know WHY you wish to remove all the heroes.”

    “Why?” the villainess responded quietly, as if turning the word over in both her mind and mouth.

    “Motive is half the law, Miss Phillips.”

    “You want to know why?”

    The calm that had once encapsulated the center Judge was broken as she leaned forward on the podium, yelling at the defendant, “ASKED AND ANSWERED, LUCILLE!”

    The sudden objection jarred Dominatriea enough to allow her to lose a bit of her cool, as she began ranting at the judicial bench, monologuing with the best of them, “Because there isn’t a difference! Don’t you even realize it?!” She seemed to almost be somewhere else with a sick grin on her face as she continued on, “Heroes aren’t heroes to begin with! They pick and choose who they save, they lurk in Paragon City and allow everyone to go to waste. Where are the heroes in the Rogue Isles?”

    Sebastian idly chimed in, his fingers slowly tapping on his blackberry as if he couldn’t be bothered to fully pay attention to the proceedings, “Hey that’s something I can agree with.”

    The villainess wasn’t done, “Where are the heroes in other parts of the world?! It’s all one big joke. I set to take away Paragon City’s comforting blanket. They sinned in their own g*ddamn way! I wouldn’t BE here if they gave a ****! So I planned to turn the city into the Rogue Isles! Then those spoiled little brats could see what it truly means to live!”

    The Judges watched the petite brunette during her tirade, waiting for her final word before questioning, “So it IS a grudge?”

    “OBJECTION!” The Defense stopped the line of questioning, “All comments made by my client are to be considered circumstantial, and off the record of the actual case’s evidence.”

    But his client had fully lost her cool, the passion in which she incited in herself, no doubt the same passion that had driven her to attempt to eradicate the innocents in Paragon City in which she now stood trial for washing over her violently, “WHO GIVES A DAMN?! In the end, it really doesn’t matter!” She punctuated her words by slamming the palm of her hands along the wooden spikes, her twisted grin growing across her face, “In the end…all of you are flawed. Sebastian alone is a testament to that. Here you stand only proving what I did was right. Hell, even the Challengers attempted mass genocide of the Rogue Isles….”

    The presiding Judge tilted her head, paying close attention to the seemingly psychotic ramblings of the defendant.

    “SO TELL ME! What difference will it make to ANY of you? We’re the same…and in the end…my visions, MY WILL shall dominate EVERYTHING!” Dominatriea’s final statements trickled off into a cackle, the sick pleasure in her voice bouncing off the walls of the courtroom, echoing them for all to hear.

    The head of the judge returned forward, “Control your CLIENT, Judge,” she commanded the Defense Counsel.

    Nodding, the Defense asked, “If this Judge could make a request to have a small word with the client…OFF the stand?”

    The benched Judges were about to respond when a menacing, bloodthirsty roar echoed across every corner of the Judex base of operations. The roar sounded inhuman, animalistic in a nature beyond humanity’s comprehension – it dripped with the trappings a controlled rage.

    At once, everyone turned and looked to the doors of the court room, Dominatriea included.

    A Judge smirked, “Company? So soon.”

    “We’re in Recess.”

    And without missing a beat, the Defense Counsel, no longer protecting the accused, quickly reached a hand for Dominatriea’s arm, gripping it harshly.

    The Judge from the main podium dove down to them, grabbing at the defendant’s other arm.

    All of other judges descended, in kind, to the galley floor of the courtroom, calmly, surrounding the stand in which the two judges and defendant stood.

    Sebastian Kain hadn’t moved, but he did put his blackberry away.

    And without ceremony, a large mass of the United Underworld ranks barged into the courtroom: Nine-Ball, Becky Beatdown, Hammer Shark, Seismecca, Spectre, Agent Double-Take, Shogun of Sorrow, Horror-Frost, Kamen Hotep, Madame Machina, Super Rikti, Autosaurus Wrecks, and others.
    Their current leader, Autosaurus Wrecks, stood tall above the rest of the mortals he commanded, his robitic, ghastly visage overbearing and towering, casting a dark an eerie shadow.

    “Wrecks, Seismecca, Becky, Nine…” Dominatriea greeted her fellow villains.

    Becky Beatdown was a young, blonde woman, clad in a pleated skirt, eye mask and playful, billowing cape, flying above the rest of her teammates. She spoke like a valley girl with a violent streak, “Oh hey Domi, and the dork patrol.”

    Nine-Ball, a man covered head-to-toe in yellow tights, his white and black number nine logo the only variation on his look, addressed the captive casually, “Oh, hi, Dom.” He walked over to one of the galley openings and took a seat, resting back and rivaling the relaxed nature of Sebastian.

    Agent Double-Take hopped over the counter, joining his teammate, though not sitting.

    The robotic monstrosity spoke up, as well, “Dominatriea. Acknowledged.”

    A woman wrapped in strategically placed brown leather and fishnet, Seismecca, cocked her hip to the side, “Hey Dom! What’s up? Get a parking ticket?”

    A purplish flowing energy seethed out of the individual clad in black, Spectre, “Dom! We’re here to retrieve you.”

    The one known as Hammer Shark, a sizeable beast of a man simply growled; another teammate, Kamen Hotep unsheathed his sword, the distinct sound of metal sliding against metal menacing.

    A Judge spoke dismissively, “Underworld, United. Uninvited.”

    The female Judge holding onto the defendant wrapped her arm around Dominatriea’s neck, her hand glowing with raw, red energy as her nails threatened to dig into the woman’s throat, “BACK. UP.”

    Seismecca sneered, her confrontational attitude beginning to rise, “Back up? You mean get closer? Sure.”

    The current leader of United Underworld responded with authority, “Do not issue commands in your attempt to control me, woman.”

    The once palpable tension was now at an all-time high and so thick it was almost tangible, “They are not commands. They are ultimatums,” a Judge countered.

    Horror-Frost took the scene in for a few brief seconds, racking his mind before recognizing Judex, “Hey! I’ve seen you guys before. You're the ******* with the clipboards!”

    “Tone. Not tolerated.” Another judge responded.

    “Yeah? We'll see how your face tolerates my fists in a minute,” the flying young blonde snarked out.
    United Underworld was not taking Judex seriously, only punctuated by Agent Double-Takes retort, “Awww... Look at dere wittle matching outfits... SO Cute! HA!”

    The woman holding Dominatriea tilted her head down to the short statured captive, whispering into the defendant’s ear, “I know you no longer are in control of them, but if you wish to prove your previously stated lack of care, then by all means, allow them to come closer. Otherwise we will handle this."

    The captive, still clad in her prisoner orange jump suit listened quietly to the whisper as her gaze went on over to the others.

    “Misnomer was more than willing to betray all of you,” Autosaurus Wrecks said, as if trying to elicit some kind of response from those threatening his former leader. All he got was a wave of smirks from the Judges.

    The smirks were followed by a simple, toneless, modulated declaration, “You have interrupted due process. We suggest you take your seats for the proceedings.”

    Two from the United Underworld ranks who had at this point remained silent strongly voiced themselves – Shogun of Sorrow stated matter-of-factly, “You took one of ours from us. We intend to have her back.” Followed quickly with Madame Machina’s, “Return our member.”

    Never the one to be outclassed, Seismecca punctuated her comrades’ words, “We want our b*tch back.”
    Off to the side, away from the main confrontational circle, Sebastian was starting his own dialogue with yet another ex-employee, Hammer Shark and another Judge who was twisting her mouth at the villain in disdain, “I don’t know you, so you should move away from my personal space. I’m all out of fish, Sharky.”

    “I don’t need fish,” the beast Hammer Shark countered, “I want your blood.”

    Sebastian Kain dismissively waved him off, “I’m bad for your health, Rook.”

    A Judge stepped forward, the same one who had spoken previously, and seemed to dominate the dialogue thus far, pulling a rifle from his Judges ‘robes’, “This can escalate if you desire, but your ally is useless without her artifact.”

    The Nictus sneered, "Irrelevant. We're here to take her back; we can fix her in time."

    Nine-BaII, still casually seated in the galley cleared his throat, as if wanting to speak, “You…Judex…people, I’m not sure what you’re planning to do to Dominatriea there, but are you willing to DIE over it?”
    Chiming in to back up Nine-Ball’s threat, Horror-Frost adds, “Cause’s there seven of you, and double of us…”

    The Judge, still gripping at Dominatriea’s throat keeps her composure, “Your numbers do not matter, United Underworld.

    The ranks of the Underworld seemed to fray as Sebastian kept taunting one of their own, causing a series of conversations at once.

    The blonde was the first to lash out at her comrade, “SHUT UP SHARK!” with others joining, “Heel, Hammer,” and “Shark, get the ***** over here!”

    Sebastian smiled as he watched Hammer Shark work himself up.

    Remaining focused as she should, given, that her life was in direct threat with the claws of a Judge on her trachea, Dominatriea quietly asked, “What was the point in bringing me here?”

    The Judge holding her answered monotonely, “As far as you are concerned, you were brought here under the charges of attempted genocide of innocents.”

    Something about the woman’s usage of the world innocents triggered recognition in Autosaurus Wrecks, and he realized who she was, “Miss Sin…or should I say Mrs. Xanatos.”

    The eyes of Shogun of Sorrow widened at the mention of the name, “Playing dress-up, Miss Sin? That looks is hardly becoming of you.”

    The Judge holding Dominatriea ripped off her mask, her long blonde hair cascading out of the mess that it had taken under the tights uniform, her eyes narrowed as she snarled at Autosaurus Wrecks.

    Karnal Sin and Autosaurus Wrecks had only one previous encounter when she acted as liason to her friend Misnomer in his botched plan to take out a wayward villain, Devilfish, on his own personal vendetta. Auto would do the deed while Misnomer would deliver him technology from Paragon’s hero Gadgix. The plan didn’t work out, “Devilfish taught me to never trust one who mates with a being of nobler intents…and you have confirmed this. There are too many…emotions…that get in the way.”

    The blonde Judge tightened her grip on Dominatriea. She had long gotten over the frustrations of being relegated to her husband’s project – no her irritation was spawning from something else the giant war machine had said, “You leave my husband out of this conversation, pet. Now, I genuinely suggest you all leave here lest this is escalated further.”

    “We will not be removing ourselves without Dominatriea,” Autosaurus bellowed out defiantly.

    Shogun of Sorrow couldn’t believe what he was hearing from Judex, “Don’t speak to US of escalation when you break into the Zig to take one of our own.

    Karnal tilted her head to the side, looking down the straight of her nose at Shogun of Sorrow, “Not everything has to be accomplished via violence. We quietly literally strolled in, you brutish miscreant.”

    “Indeed. Entered and exited without challenge.”

    “Disguising yourselves as security guards was a clever trick,” Shogun continued to talk making it abundabtly clear that he was grasping at straws for an explanation as to the course of events.

    “You have no idea what you are talking about, little one,” Karnal smiled sweetly at him – there was pity in her voice.

    Becky didn’t like her tone, “I am like, so going to beat your stupid bimbo skull into a red mush! And the rest of you, too, if you don’t back the hell off,” her eyes began to glow a violent red – Karnal matched in kind, her own eyes flickering with energy, crackling the air around her.

    An unnatural twisting and jerking movement from Auto’s head caused gears to grind.

    “Shouldn’t you be oiling up your hubby and attaching some car batteries to his chest or something, Karnal?” Seismecca spat the word at the vixen.

    Nine-Ball scoffed at Seismecca’s comment, causing Karnal to turn her gaze towards him, a singular brow raised. She turned back towards Dominatriea, taking a long sniff of her and whispering again, “You know, he propositioned me, that yellow boy of yours,” her captive’s eye to twitch.

    A Judge stated the obvious, “Conflict: Inevitable.”

    Super Rikti followed in the Judge’s fashion, “Battle: RELISHED.”

    “I hope you understand the levels of power you are arrayed against. It is truly in your best interest if you back away before you are EXTERMINATED?” Madame Machina seemed to choose her words wisely, only speaking when something pertinent to say, causing her words to probably carry more weight – except this time – except with Judex.

    Judex, outnumbered and outgunned, say their final piece, “We’ll give you one ultimatum. We’ll offer you your prize and her equipment, if you offer us your hand in our plans with Paragon.”

    Their offer was refused.

    * * * *

    The ensuing battle between the two groups was quick and powerful like the short but incredibly bright flame of an overcharged explosive. And while Judex was indeed outnumbered and outgunned, they had what the United Underworld didn’t have – ironically enough, unity. Judex conditioning had trained all the Judges to work in unison, to properly engage like the weapon the Metas were suppose to be – The Nemesis Sword of Justice.

    The United Underworld put up an admirable fight, but it was clear that their infighting kept them from their full potential, something that Judex had been hoping to help them with, but it was that same infighting that kept them from joining in arms.

    Dominatriea’s Trial, while still necessary and would be continued at some later occasion, served its purpose in bringing the United Underworld under the watchfulness of Judex, as well as giving them a brutal warning. Time would only tell whether or not the ploy would work in the long run.

    Judex, still with hopes of attaining their cooperation, showed mercy, reissued their offer and gave them back their teammate.

    “T'was a pleasure defending you whilst the mock trial lasted, Miss Dominatriea,” said the previous Defense Counsel as the United Underworld exited the Judex Base of Operations with their wounded.

    One of their rank’s eyes, Spectre, narrowed slowly, jaw dropped, “Mock…trial?”

    Until next time Underworld."

    “Farewell, Judex,” It was answered with the ominous threat from the leader, “This has not ended. It has only begun.”
  18. Chapter 2: The Malfunction
    July 2006
    :: Dark…::

    ::So dark…::

    “Kathryn…”

    She blinked her eyes open, hearing a gentle voice coming from the shadows.

    “Kathryn…”

    “Are you okay?”

    She couldn’t move, she just fell – faster, deeper, into the brightness.

    ::Bright…::

    ::So bright…::



    * * * *

    Port Oakes, Arachnos Hospital



    “How long has she been in this condition?” A brunette, white-coated man stood at the foot of the bed where Kathryn was resting. Her eyes were closed, peacefully, her mouth a thin line as a slow, methodical, but purposeful breath was entering and exiting her body.

    “She was brought in three hours ago, doctor.”

    Dr. Yulis nodded slowly, looking over the patient’s chart, “Metahuman, definitely. Who brought her in?”

    “She was found in front of the E.R. entrance,” the nurse’s voice was submissive and quiet, knowing to answer just what she was asked lest she receive a hearty reprimand from the physician.

    He grunted at that, half expecting that answer, “Alright, run the usuals, I’ll come back after lunch and look it over.”

    “Understood,” the nurse turned on her heel quickly and began the testing procedures in a vain attempt at finding out what was wrong with the Jane Doe patient. Metas were always the worst and the hardest to figure out what was wrong with them – she was thankful that this one was unconscious.


    * * * *

    Port Oakes Arachnos Hospital – Later that day


    “What’s wrong with her?!” Yulis had just taken a bite of his lunch when he was paged, forcing him to rush back to the E.R. to see what was causing such a ruckus. Reaching forward he placed both of his hands on either of Kathryn’s shoulders, pushing her back down on the hospital bed.

    “AUUUGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

    “I don’t know! She just started screaming!” The nurse was desperately putting her weight against the woman’s, trying to hold her still, scrambling for the bindings attached to the bed that she hadn’t thought was necessary before.

    Kathryn thrashed violently, clutching her head, her face contorted into a painful sneer, “AAAAHHHHHHH! STOP IT! STOP!”

    The nurse looked at the doctor in bewilderment.

    “Did you try th-” he started.

    “YES!” The nurse nearly barked at him, all sense of professional decorum gone, “NO EFFECT!”

    Gripping her firmly, he started to shake the patient, “LADY! CALM DOWN!”

    “STOP IT!” Kathryn cried out once more.

    “Doctor! I don’t even think she’s awake!”

    He matched the nurse’s look this time.


    * * * *

    ::I just want to go home::

    ::And where is home?::

    ::With him::

    ::It won’t change anything::

    ::I know::



    * * * *

    Port Oakes Arachnos Hospital – Same Day


    “STOP IT! PLEASE!”

    Yulis shook his head, tightening the last restraints on the bed.

    Kathryn’s eyes were still clenched shut, her golden hair whipping around with each turn of her head as she battled both the bed and whatever was going on inside of her.

    “Let’s move her down to the psychiatric wing, Donna.”

    The nurse nodded her head quickly, moving to take the strolling hospital bed towards the doorway of the room.

    “I’ll see if I can’t call someone in to check her out. Not sure if any Seer is going to want to take a look inside of there, though.”

    “PLEASE STOP!” Kathryn began to cry.

    Nurse Donna smirked, “I wouldn’t…” she looked irritated at the woman’s cries of help, “Can we do anything to shut her up at least?”

    He shook his head again, “Not really, save we risk the chance of her choking on her tongue.”

    Grunting, the nurse wheeled the patient out, the woman’s sobbing and screaming bouncing off the plain walls, traveling rapidly down the empty halls.


    * * * *


    ::Are you sure you can do this?::

    :: Do I have a choice?::

    ::No::



    * * * *

    Port Oakes Arachnos Hospital – Same Day


    Kathryn shot off the bed, breaking the restraints that the nurse had finally managed to get on her. Flying down the hallway in nothing but a flimsy hospital gown, she knocked everything down in her path. She crashed into cabinets, doors, carts, clutching her head with her eyes shut – she’d fly through a wall if it would just stop.

    “SECURITY!”

    She didn’t know where she was going. All she knew was she wanted to be someplace safe. She ripped around a corner, upon seeing a window, she charged more energy behind her, bolted towards the metal frame, knowing it would hurt, but not particularly caring.
  19. Sorah

    Pet Peeves 2.0!

    Personally, and I know I'm in the minority here, I find detailed bios incredibly pet-peevey. I shouldn't know your whole history or what you are about when meeting your toon. Within that, I can't stand 20 questions when being met or meeting other toons. I like to genuinely get to know a character and discover facts or lies about a character. It helps eliminate godmoding in my experience. Xan gives me hell about this ALL the time that I don't research a character I RP with. :P my approach helps me with immersion. It is why I keep Karnal Sin's description an actual DESCRIPTION and if people are curious they can visit my VirtueVerse page which I link but don't paraphrase in my "bio".
  20. ((Contributions/written by Karnal Sin, Chimera II, Noctis Phasma/Umbra, Rakescar, Chronicler, Xanatos, Fearghas, Machina Shard, Ghost Widow))


    Chapter 1: The Choice
    Dark Dominion Stronghold – June 2006

    “Kathryn.”

    “Yes, sir?” With her head lowered, her eyes burned holes into the ground. Any attempt Kathryn had at keeping her composure was quickly losing to her nerves. Her knees, unpadded, ached against the cold and rocky surface that was the initiation circle on the Dominion Stronghold on Earth Prime.

    The Gauntlet, a large hallway leading to the throne room, was truly massive – the stone arches loomed, in a crescendo casting blackened shadows that flickered in unison with the firelight that emanated from the walls. It was designed to make whoever was coming down the hall feel progressively smaller. It was working.

    A large, black-clad hand extended, a single finger tucking under her chin, lifting her face, forcing her gaze onto the man known as Overseer to many, Quinn to her. So much had changed since her assignment to Prime Earth.

    The Dominion, also called The Dark Dominion by Hero Corps, was an inter-dimensional organization spanning hundreds of “planets” – all different realities of Earth. Kathryn’s home, Theta-Seven, had been taken over by the Dominion years ago and in Overseer’s conquest of her planet he had plucked her from the masses with the single-minded agenda of turning her into a weapon. While not the strongest, the smartest, or even the most skilled, Kathryn had created a special niche for herself in the ranks – with the inception of the Vixen Branch, designed for gathering intelligence and compromising security in their targets.

    The Dominion’s agenda itself was somewhat noble – they purged the different realities, forcefully when necessary, of the sicknesses and undesirable elements: crime, poverty, illness, immoral vexes, ethical ambiguity. Each planet was allowed autonomy after the purge, but they swore oaths of faith to the Dominion and to Overseer. It was an absolution of each realm, and after, the Dominion would transform the planet into an oasis free of conflict, establish a calm harmony, and vastly improve the lives of their subjects.

    When Overseer set his sights on Prime Earth, he knew he was in for a long and complicated struggle – so he brought his, at the time, single Consul, Neutron One with him to assist in breaking down the intricate threads of supers located en masse in this reality. He also called in Kathryn from assignment and tasked her with blurring the lines with her Vixens – he wanted her to foster psychological warfare. He wasn’t expecting his most loyal and trained, now called Karnal Sin by heroes and villains alike, to have stumbled so badly, forcing him to call together the ranks located on Prime Earth for an audience.

    Keeping her lashes lowered, and her eyes unfocused away from him, she cursed to herself when he commanded her, “Look at me.”

    She did as she was told.

    “Have you forgotten your task so soon?” the voice held both authority and purpose and Kathryn looked away. Overseer’s words were always chosen and groomed before spoken and while she had grown accustomed to it; his usual affectionate trappings were removed.

    She knew it was intentional. She knew that he was, in his own personal way, punishing her for her mistake. It wasn’t a mistake that compromised their agenda, but it was a mistake that affected him – the both of them.

    “No, sir,” Kathryn offered meekly.

    “He seems so predictable. I’m surprised this became an issue for you, Vixen,” he paused for just a moment, “Predictability? Is that what you want?”

    “No.” All the eyes of the Dominion were locked onto her form, though many of the Vixens kept their gaze on Overseer, vying for his attention and approval since Kathryn’s fall from grace.

    “Dear, I need more than single word answers,” he said with a sneer in his voice – mockingly expelling the affectionate term.

    “You’ll have to choose, you know,” the sneer was gone, replaced by a casualness that unnerved her, as he leaned back onto his throne with his legs spread apart, knees bent, in a wide, comfortable position. The oversized seat was befitting of a man of his status as a ruler of many dimensions, allowing him to relax back into it as he awaited her response.

    Kathryn knew she was going to have to choose, and she knew that either choice came with its own set of consequences, “Yes.” The pressure was getting to her and she hadn’t worked through her own thoughts to be able to answer him any further.

    Machina Shard stood from his seat to the right of Overseer, an emotionless expression on his perpetually war-painted face. He was an overbearing individual who had earned his status within the Dominion by brute force – he was Overseer’s right hand man, one of his Consuls, and his personal bodyguard. His boots were heavy against the floor, and in the silence following her answer it was all anyone could hear as he sauntered in his full Dominion regalia to the kneeling ex-Consort. He looked down his nose at her, his heavy cape creating a cast shadow that covered her tiny frame, “What’s it going to be, Kathryn?”

    And while she didn’t want to admit it to herself, she already knew the answer to their question.
  21. ((Sorry for delay. Projects and what not keeping me from writing ))

    [Contributions/written by Karnal Sin, Chimera II, Noctis Phasma/Umbra, Rakescar, Chronicler, Xanatos, Fearghas, Machina Shard, Ghost Widow, Judex]

    Prologue
    Judex Base of Operations
    Karnal Sin sat in silence, an uncommon occurrence, as those around her spoke indistinctly in the hushed voices of the room. It had taken weeks, nearly two months, for her and Judas to accomplish their assignment. She didn't know what exactly Judex were holding out in front of Judas's face to entice him into cooperation beyond some vague platitudes, but with finally bringing them Sebastian Kain, it was all she could do but demand that they hold up their end of the bargain. She wanted this body to herself and Kathryn wanted out.

    The passing two months was a flurry of activity. She had developed interesting and aimless contacts in her drunken daze spent in the Pocket D, participating in some would-be end-all plan of Baron Blitzman's, with her new bizarrely placed bodyguard - Misnomer.

    The man both intrigued and infuriated her as she had been unable to get any significant information out of him at all. There was no agenda she had in discovering his ambitions and motivations, more sheer habit and years of training of intel gathering, but he was a skilled dancer in the waltz of misinformation. The thought of him got her mind turning once again as the black and white clad individuals gathered around her.

    "Lay back," one of the indistinguishable individuals said.

    Blinking, she did as she was told, unsure if it was a good or a bad thing that she had become accustomed to lying back on medical tables to be tampered with. It had all started with Neutron One and the Dominion's enhancements of her skills nearly a decade ago, Noctis Phasma and Sister Psyche’s vain attempt in fixing her multi-consciousness problem six years ago, only to be followed with the removal of one of those technological implants years later by the K'Tar. She hoped that the current meddlers would be gentler in their ministrations.

    One of the Judges spoke up, the soft, lyrical voice of Judge Niveum, "Do not worry yourself, Sin. Removal of the persona shouldn’t take any time at all."

    "I'd appreciate you not reading my mind, darling," Karnal spoke up towards the blinding light that was the only significant illumination in the room.

    "Such feelings will be eliminated once your conditioning is complete," the petite Judge said with the tone of reassurance, but the words were anything but comforting.

    Judas had already started his conditioning within Judex and while he had maintained much of himself through the process – he had definitely changed. She wondered if she was even able to be conditioned to their system, or if the three years of Dominion training would hold stubborn and true within her.

    A musky odor wafted over to her and she felt the presence of Judge Album. He was the most unnerving of the Judges she had met and the most she feared of becoming when she was to go through the conditioning. Soulless, charmless, nearly robotic. The hulking form of Album loomed over her and much to her surprise he placed one of his large, gloved hands on her shoulder - not pinning her to the table, but resting, "This is what you wanted." His words were soft, but firm, as if warning her, "And this is what we need."

    Murmurs filled the room and then quickly dissipated as the Judges filed out, leaving only Niveum, Album, herself, and the blanketed form of a body on the operating table next to her.

    With her head turned, she peered at the shapely form of the soulless body next to her, a wave of thoughts pounding into the shoreline of her mind. She didn't know what was coming next - would the psychological construct that was Kathryn Moore, the fake persona created by the K'Tar thrive in a hollow shell? Would they remove all of her? Some of her? Will she really be free of her and the lies?

    "We are ready. Prepare yourself."

    Niveum had moved to stand next to Album, her hands cupping Karnal's flushed cheeks. The female Judge's masked face seemed calm as ever, her mouth slightly open as she began to breathe slowly and methodically. A few short moments passed before she felt the pang of her psychic connection jar her mind to stillness, all of her thoughts abruptly stopping. Her eyes, locked onto the white light of the room, blurred their vision until all she saw was a canvas of white, like snow blindness, but instead of a searing coldness, the heat of psychic energy transferring between the two women burned hotly in her mind's eye. A distant memory echoed in her thoughts…

    ::Bright::
    ::So bright…::


    Her body was still, completely numb, with only the slight pressure from Album's hand fading into a flimsy memory as she felt, almost mentally watched, Niveum categorize, organize, and shuffle through her mind, unwinding the threads of the lies the K'Tar had woven, separating Karnal Sin from the false persona.

    Images and memories of the last six years began to move away from her as she began to no longer share her consciousness. An emptiness was forming in the crevices of her mind, some of the bonds of her personal interactions and recent battles losing their edge in the process.

    Without breaking a sweat, Niveum skillfully traversed the tapestry that was Karnal Sin’s psyche, her hands deftly untwisting and re-anchoring the necessary threads of consciousness in the blonde woman. Everything was going smoothly until she encountered a unique thread – a dim, golden glow making it stand out from the rest of them. She reached a tentative hand out to it only for a bright shockwave pulse from it with a deep, resonating psychic sound reminiscent of a howl.

    ::What the hell is that?::

    Furrowing her brow slightly, Niveum clenched her jaw and grabbed a hold of some other memorial elements in Karnal’s consciousness before reattempting contact with the thread which had now begun to eerily glow in the maze-like abyss of Karnal’s consciousness.

    She was rebuffed yet again, this time more forcefully, causing her physical body to lurch backwards as the psychic wave ventured outside of both of the women’s minds. Album took a step away from them, “Judge, is there an issue?”

    ::No, just give us a moment::

    Niveum got as close as she could to the thread, examining it through the now blinding brightness of its defenses. The thread was thick, strong, and taut like a strained tendon – on both of its ends it was attached to a multitude of other lines knotted haphazardly in a mess.

    ::Maybe if we detach those first…::

    Moving her mind to the lower end of the thread in question, her mental projection of her body floated through Karnal Sin’s consciousness like a sinking rock. She landed in front of a rather rambunctious knotting and reached a cautious hand out towards it.

    No amount of bracing could have saved her from the onslaught of a power and force that ripped through her, knocking her violently despite her grip on the threads of Karnal’s mind.

    ::Get out::

    The voice was neither that of Karnal nor her own and she opened her mind’s eye in a frantic and defensive search of who had joined them. As she saw the path in which she had created in her efforts of organizing the Vixen’s mind, she saw the neatly categorized and straightened threads slam into each other once again, binding and twisting around one another, knotting and winding like they had volition of their own.

    She suddenly heard a heartbeat – it was not her own – and looked up at the golden thread to see it pulsing with each thump. A hushed howl, not that of an animal but a human, grew in intensity and she stood, defenseless in the abyss – terrified. Whispers of broken phrases taunted her from the shadows of Karnal’s mind, “happened before….cannot…nothing changes…” she was attacked by such a massive wave of psychic energy that her body screamed, her hands flying to her temples while was painfully knocked out Karnal Sin’s mind, her corporeal form being flung quickly back away from the operating table and into the nearby wall.

    Blinking, Karnal Sin turned her head towards Niveum, “What happened?”

    The Judge stood, dusting herself off. Breaking Judex protocol, she ripped off her mask and looked Karnal in the eyes, barking at her, “You tell me!” As far as Niveum was concerned, she had not signed up for this, and whatever it was that she had encountered in the dark crevices of the recruit’s mind scared the hell out of her.

    Karnal narrowed both of her eyes, lifting her upper body so that she was seated, her head hanging a bit, speaking through her teeth as her irritation was now fully blossomed, “You said you could help me.”

    Album had since walked to Niveum, lifting her off the ground onto her feet, “What’s the problem, Judge?”

    Niveum looked up at him, her hair flying against her quick movements, “She has something IN there that we were not given any information on. And it is powerful.” She shot an accusatory look at Karnal, her mind awash with fragmented thoughts, memories, and images that did not belong to her.

    Judge Album straightened, nodding to Niveum for her to regain her composure, then slowly approached the patient, “Why don’t you start from the beginning, Sin?”

    Sighing, Karnal shook her head even though she began to tell them what she knew – information that no one had been privy to in full – only snippets ever making it to any sense of public knowledge.

    “As I am sure you aware, you are the not the first to think they could help me – and neither were the K’Tar. Before my husband ever got involved in trying to ‘fix’ me there were a bevy of others…”
  22. ((What is purple prose, you ask?

    Purple prose is a term of literary criticism used to describe passages, or sometimes entire literary works, written in prose so extravagant, ornate, or flowery as to break the flow and draw attention to itself. Purple prose is sensually evocative beyond the requirements of its context. It also refers to writing that employs certain rhetorical effects such as exaggerated sentiment or pathos in an attempt to manipulate a reader's response.

    Why did we do this? For the lulz! <3 to everyone who participated. I cut out some of the smaller stuff just so it wasn't 109851284 pages long. So please enjoy, this was by far some of the most fun I've had doing random crap in game and I vote we all do it again in a few weeks! The content of the following is really not important - though there are nuggets in there - it's the literary exercise where the joy is found))


    Misnomer takes a step, a step in forward motion, he idly adjusts his hat made of animal flesh and regret. He speaks softly and somberly with some dread bit of seriousness to his tone, "Hey Kat."

    Karnal Sin runs a soft, delicate hand through her golden, shimmering hair - hair that would make the goddesses of yore green with envy - as she stands idly in the Pocket D. She hears the familiar tenor of her friend Misnomer and turns around, smiling.

    Misnomer offers her some informal salute; the silence is all consuming it grows about him like a petulant wound. Is that where they stand now? He mumbles with a soft-spoken silence, "So I saw Nine-Ball made a few more friends."

    Karnal Sin's smile spreads along her full and supple lips, her coral green eyes sparkling in the dim lighting of the shabby club, "M, darling, you always seem to sneak up on me." Her voice is gentle, like a breeze blowing across a sleepy Hawaiian beach.

    Karnal Sin smirks at the mention of the yellow-clad, overly fit and obviously attracted-to-her villain, "Yes, well, I enjoy watching the puppets dance." A devious smile tickles the corners of her pursed mouth, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes, although hidden by her long, luscious lashes.

    Misnomer He intricately reaches to his side adjusting his golden-rod sidepiece. He tilts his head some in the vaguest notion of curiosity. "I sneak up on people a bit."

    Misnomer’s mask does what it does best as his face offers no expression; it was as unreadable as the chalk build up on a dirty old chalkboard. He suited himself to that, "I think we should elope."

    Karnal Sin shifts her lithe and slender body as she speaks, the timbre in her voice raising slightly as she inquires to the masked man she has come to see as her friend and ally, and not lover despite popular rumor.

    Karnal Sin raises a slender, perfectly manicured eyebrow, as she had recently visited a very posh beauty salon in the Isles. Her face, so often appearing sweet and innocent, subtly shifts to that of sick pleasure, much like a succubus from the depths of h*ll below, "Elope?" She wasn’t sure if he was using the term correctly – or was he?

    Misnomer shrugs some with a weight that could hold the world. He doesn’t shift like her he has no delicate features. His hands are covered in scar tissue and blood. The rest of his flesh might not be as gorgeous. "Yes, Elope. I think we should talk-?"

    Karnal Sin tilts her beautifully sculpted face to the side, a bemused demeanor washing over her entire being, much like a cat playing with a mouse, a very sexy cat, playing with a scarred up mouse, "Alright, lovely, where would you prefer to talk?"

    Misnomer tips his hat some, then jerks his thumb back to the dim light bar behind the group, the metaphorical closet filled with scary monsters and cat girls. He offers a slick "Tsks" Ever the gentleman. "Probably somewhere with a dramatic view. I know a place in the Etoile we could sit around at."

    Karnal Sin extends her hand towards the open doorway, regally, like a queen would present subjects to her court, "If you could lead the way, darling." Her arm remains raised, her chin raised just as regally as her hand, an attitude and action befitting someone much higher than her station.

    Misnomer had to play the game. His mask hid his contemptuous gaze as he glanced over at his seemingly oblivious foe. He thinks of a thousand insults and responds with just one. "Hey buddy."

    Skewerstrike carefully and diligently considered the weight of the words and their implications. Everyone had to dance the precarious dance to navigate the social web and now was his turn to deliver.

    Skewerstrike: Oh, hey, M.

    Misnomer steps forward to Karnal cupping her delicate hand in his. As if the slightest lash of wind could harm the girl. "I'll lead just a short walk. How do you feel about Bahamas Breeze?"

    Karnal Sin turns quickly, and dramatically, her hair swaying slowly with her sudden movements, but still maintaining the grace of a dancer. Her colorful eyes falling upon Shrike, "Hello, darling."

    Skewerstrike: How's uh... how's it goin'?

    Misnomer nods, a well-played move by Skewerstrike, he regards his adversary with the patience of a circling predator. "Doing pretty good."

    Skewerstrike remains on his guard, vigilant to not be taken by the pace of his foe. "Keen! And h'lo to you too, Kathryn."

    Karnal Sin turns yet again, just as dramatically, towards Misnomer, her hair, once again, swaying gracefully in the air, as if a wind itself were at her command, "Let us go."

    Karnal Sin ever-so-slightly tightens her own grip on Misnomer's hand. She isn't bothered by the blood, a dark part of her even comforted by the familiar chalky residue, the coppery smell filling her senses, causing her body to respond excitedly, "No?"

    Misnomer had to regard the man as a threat. He had no way of seeing into his heart of hearts. Who was he? What did he want? Maybe, just maybe? "We'll head off. I'll save you some drinks."


    ------St. Martial Outdoor Bar------


    Misnomer had changed on the journey. Perhaps he was a butterfly free of his cocoon, or just didn't want to be recognized in his regular garb. He offers her a scaly hand. He was as cold as a corpse. "So, you want a drink?"

    Misnomer tilts his head some. The obnoxious pulse of lime colored light leaps from his form. It's an obtrusion. Whatever he was or will be was a question in and of itself. But maybe he had more than one reason to wear that mask. "I like the weather here."

    Karnal Sin notices the 'subtle' shift in his demeanor, as well as his appearance, as she was a super-spy-omg-awesome-femme-fatale, she was keen like that, "Why yes, if you could get me a mimosa, that would be lovely, delicious."

    Misnomer was swept over by a dread terror. She must have known? But how? His fears came to light. It was best to just admit it. "The f*ck’s a mimosa?"

    Karnal Sin takes her soft padded fingers, belying her occupational hazards as the most amazing assassin
    EVER, her hand interlaced with his, using her thumb to reassuringly rub along his scales, unbothered by the texture, "It's orange juice and champagne."

    Misnomer smiles some at the touch of the golden maiden. He leans forward. His gaze turns to the bartender. He offers the man a somber a nod. As the bartender goes to work, he turns back to the shimmering women, his own hair a silvery sheen in the pale light.

    Misnomer runs his hand along her arm; the closer they got the better. She doesn’t know his anatomy, but she could guess. If they fought it would come down to a single strike. But he didn't want that. It disgusted him. They wanted the same things. Aside from her love of the frozen rod of justice that is. He didn't swing that way. OR DID HE THE MAN WAS A MISNOMER?!

    Karnal Sin notices the fact that he is relaxing around her, not his normal on-alert state, his sinewy muscles, hidden beneath his garments, are for once languid in their repose.

    Karnal Sin leans her shapely body against the bar, inherently positioning herself so that her full, gravity-defying breasts jut against the cool air of the Isles defiantly, her firm posterior pressed against the bar's railing, any woman in Paragon or the Isles would kill to look like her, "So what did you want to talk about?"

    Misnomer turns his gaze skyward for a moment as if contemplating how this situation arose between them. He quickly erases those thoughts from his mind, the dust of the chalkboard lingers. He pauses and tilts his head some. Pondering how exactly her breasts work. He decides not to push the matter. He coughs, an informal gesture. "So I wanted to talk about your plans with the Challengers."

    Karnal Sin raises both of her brows at him, her soft pink tongue slipping past her darkened, painted lips, moistening them like a summer, sun-shine shower, leaving them glistening in the daylight of the outdoors, "And I should tell you why, hero?"

    Misnomer contemplated deeply - Maybe that’s how boobies work? He goes to open his mouth going as if to offer an elaborate response. He pauses, he can't think of a single reason. "Because, I've given up on them. They desire the same thing a child would. All they want is unlimited power without the responsibility that comes with it." Did he really feel that way? It didn't matter. What mattered is she thought he felt that way. "I'd like to see your agenda with Xanatos come to fruition."

    Karnal Sin regards him for a moment, her shimmery, golden locks falling forward as she peers through the long lashes she was blessed with from birth. She had always been a beautiful woman, but she was burning with beauty right now as her mind worked to decipher the enigma that was her friend Misnomer, "You assume to know my agenda, pet."

    Misnomer shrugs some bringing his free hand up to run along her golden locks. His lips curl into the semblance of a smile, but you could never be sure. "I wouldn't have to assume if you would just trust me."

    Karnal Sin is not taken aback at his overt familiarity with her, though she is intrigued by his sudden change of behavior, "I have trouble trusting men, especially those whose own agendas have not been shared with me."

    Misnomer was aware – Just a little snap. A sudden twinge of motion and this affair would be over. But what would that save? Who would that scorn? Everyone has a purpose to serve even in death. "I asked first."

    Karnal Sin takes her coral gaze and stares into the would-be eyes of the mask her friend dons, both of her hands clasping his casually, as if they had always been so physically close and affectionate, like lovers from another life having lived through a torrid, affair in some passionate city of yesteryear, "My agendas are completely self-serving, so I am not entirely sure why you would think that you'd benefit from any of them save for your own sick satisfaction...if you swing that way."

    Misnomer’s expression sours as if he had tasted the salt of a thousand ripe lemons. He wonder if he was out maneuvered, was the game really necessary? Everyone had warned him of this eventuality. He settles on swaying forward and pulling her to him. As if the pair were rekindling a lost moment that never existed except in the dreamscape of their minds. He mumbles softly. The hurt evident in his tone. "I'm not sure of my reasons anymore."

    Karnal Sin slips one of her hands out of his, lifting the noodly-appendage to his covered face, her silk-like skin rubbing along his cheek as her voice drops to a whisper, like a child admitting to some errant mishap in their day, "I mean to test Xanatos.” She takes a little breath, holding it, her beckoning lips parted for just a moment before continuing in a shallow breath, "and by that, he must bring to me what he holds dear - in this case, the Challengers." Her hand has reached under his chin by this point and she lowers his face to her shorter stature so that she can peer at him more closely in their proximity, the heat of their bodies comingling the space between them.

    Misnomer mumbles his response as their bodies are pressed together in the dying spring air. He could reach out and touch this spring peach take the metaphorical fruit from the Garden of Eden but he catches himself before his hubris can ruin him. He falls into silence for a few moments. "What result do you expect?"

    Karnal Sin keeps herself unmoved, her refusal to back down an open challenge to the curious gentleman she had just met a few weeks ago but who had worked his way into her life in a way she was both uncomfortable and excited about. Her eyes narrow closer to slits as her lips perk up in each corner, like a flower welcoming the morning sun after a long and cold night, "Details are unnecessary, but I expect to watch them tear apart as their egos ravage any vestiges of dignity they have left."

    Misnomer parts his lips ever-so-much, it was an invitation that was never formally given. This would mean nothing in the long run. Even less if the ruse was truly a ruse. He mumbles out a response, if he could blush the man would be a tomato. But he couldn't. He appeared as cool and collected as usual. He mumbles a response. "And you see that working? You don't see them putting their differences aside to fight the greater foe."

    Misnomer frowns some at the implication. "That would leave you vulnerable you realize?"

    Karnal Sin idly moves her hand back up along his cheek, brushing some stray silver hair that is glinting in the afternoon light, tucking the lock behind his ear as her next words slink out of her mouth, "What makes you think they will even know it's me?"

    Karnal Sin: Xanatos will be doing all the heavy lifting.

    Misnomer cants his head to the side, his hands slithering up her form idly keeping her in their feigned embrace. "That’s a good girl. What will you do with the floating man?"

    The Bartender groans and places the drinks down on the counter, rolling his eyes at the two flirtatious, over-dressed patrons.

    Karnal Sin’s right side of her lip tips up in a smirk, a dangerous glow emanating from her eyes - not the crimson blood-lust red that her husband had become accustomed to in the passing fortnight, but the excited and thrilled haze of raw adrenaline coursing through her petite and powerful body, "You don't think it'd be fun to watch those two groups, claw at each other?"

    Karnal Sin leans her head closer to him, but moves from his gaze so that her chin is nearly resting on the chorded muscles of his neck and shoulders. She takes a long breath through her nose as she smells him, like a hungry lion reveling in the scent of prey.

    Misnomer would turn with her if he could; a low smile spreads across his face punctuated by his neon green light that are burrowed into his flesh. "I'd rather do the damage personally. But consider me attached to your plans. I'd prefer to keep it discreet.

    Karnal Sin turns her face towards him, her lips grazing against his jaw line before pulling back to look at him, a mocking expression a fixture on her face, a face that would make angels cry from the highest lofts in heaven's glorious real estate.

    Karnal Sin shifts her weight so that she is leaning back into his hand that rests casually on her, her hand still trailing along the back of his hand, tickling at his scales, "We are both children of the shadows – I only let people see what they want to see and only when I want them to see it."

    Misnomer falls forward with her as if he is swept up in their dance. He lowers his gaze to keep up with the divine. "Grandiose. Keep me informed, if things fall back around. I'll do my best to." He pauses some, gazing over her form from behind his mask.

    Karnal Sin catches both of them with a firm heel to the ground behind her, the metal tipped stiletto clanging against the ceramic, rocky surface with a deafening boom that causes all other patrons to look over at the two friends holding each other precariously, "I appreciate the support, and what do I have to pay in return?"

    Karnal Sin's back is arched, still holding both of their weights up, her right hand reaching over to the bar, slipping her fingers around the dewed slender glass of her champagne, stroking up the length stem of the glass, her eyes curiously examining him.

    Misnomer watches her demonstrate, if it was something conscious or unconscious he wouldn't press the matter. The smirk spreads across his face and he bears his immaculate, glistening teeth something that could be confused for a grin. "I can think of a few things. But, we are of the same mind in this affair. In equal parts. No favors besides those..." He lets the silence sink in. "Willingly given."

    Karnal Sin flutters her dark, painted lashes at him, the tapered tips brushing against her cheeks that have begun to tint with a blush - was she really blushing? Or simply playing into his ego? Her own mouth opens, her own pearly whites flashing in a dazzling smile, her eyes sparkling like a vampire in some other purple-prose writing for teenagers, "I have a feeling your words are making a charge that you cannot pay credit upon, my dear."

    Misnomer shakes his head, his silver hair blowing blissfully in the wind. He would wink, she might catch the hint of motion. He lets out a low growl, a half done snarl in their conversation. "It takes a while for a check to bounce. We could have some fun before the bank catches on."

    Karnal Sin places her half full glass onto the countertop of the bar, the glass sliding from all the built up moisture on the shaft and base of it. She dips a slender finger into the cool liquid delicately, much like Achilles mother took care in dipping her son into the river Styx. She brings the moistened finger to her mouth sucking on its surface contents, her eyes boldly staring at him, "We'll see." She pulls from his grasp in a singular, smooth motion, like a feather floating in the wind.

    Misnomer reaches over with his hands free; he has room to maneuver he grabs what remains of her drink. Pressing the rim of the glass to his lips, he consumes the contents. He slams the drink on the table, pondering why the bartender is flipping him off. He adopts a cool smirk, adjusts his tie some and moves to follow Karnal out.


    ------Pocket D; Red Side------


    Skewerstrike: H'lo, Single-M. Meet Triple-M.

    Karnal Sin looks over at Misnomer, winking at him, sharing a knowing smile - a smile that is both sweet and alluring, a welcoming expression to any man other than the enigma that was her friend.

    Miss Mao: You have other Ms? Should I be jealous?

    Skewerstrike: Worry not, you got th'majority share.

    Misnomer glances over to his right offering the group a shrug that was as blank as a slate. He offers Mao the usual greeting lifting his chin up and down in the semblance of a nod. He judges the girl precariously. "So why three M's."

    Miss Mao: I'm May Mao. Tack on the Miss and you have three Ms.

    Misnomer cants his head to the side. He brings nothing to the conversation that wasn't already present, in a low mutter. "So you know Strike?"

    Miss Mao: Shrike? Yes.

    Karnal Sin eyes the newcomer, a subtle curiosity washing over her as she regards him casually from her place on the railing, the walkway bizarrely separating the sexes of the gathered supers, like the line drawn in the sand for the battle that would never come like the Cold War.

    Skewerstrike: Hey there, Ivan.

    Shadow Construct: Hey.

    Misnomer knew the Cold War was still going on. It had just fallen off the radar. The impending doom was something always present. He watches Karnal in mixed anticipation. A moment of surprise washes over the man at the mention of Ivan, but he doesn’t let it show.

    Karnal Sin ponders the simplicity of the newcomer's words, the confidence in which he spoke them, like a self-assured man at the peak of his prowess in both life, love, and occupation. She nods to him, her chin lowering for a moment before lifting again just beyond that moment.

    Misnomer pretends to be the statue as best he can. "So how did you two meet?"

    Miss Mao stares wistfully at her coffee. “We met over the field of battle in Warburg, the blood, the carnage, we barely escaped with our lives and the nuclear weapons. I still have nightmares of that day.” She then deadpans, “We actually met here in the D.”

    Skewerstrike: That we did!

    Karnal Sin chuckles, although really it's more of a chortle, as she thinks back to the days she, herself was battling the raging bloody bays and siren's calls, dipping in an out of recluse's victory like a fickle teenager falling in and out of love.

    Miss Mao: I'm actually stunned Shrike got me coffee tonight He's never done that before.

    Skewerstrike: A little voice in my head told me I oughta.

    Miss Mao: I like that voice. Give that voice my love.

    Karnal Sin smiles at Mao, "I've been trying to teach him some manners, though I was surprised myself. Guess your pout sold him on it." She winks at Mao knowingly, sharing in a brief moment of women's knowledge like the ageless wisdom passed down from generation to generation.

    Shadow Construct bends at the knees, ruffling the dark, coarse hair on his dog’s head. His eyes scan the crowd, looking, dissecting, the larger than life gathering. He was amazed to see the amount of astronomical individuals standing before him

    Misnomer adjusts himself, his arms settling into a simple cross. As if he was anticipating a blow. He taps his iron heeled boot on the ground setting the pace to the moment. "Oh-tap-I meant-tap-how you and Ivan -tap- met."

    Shadow Construct: I don't remember how we met.

    Misnomer looks at Shadow Construct, boiling over with rage, he clenches his fists into a ball. Venom rolls off his tongue. "That’s my dog."

    Karnal Sin raises a slender brow at Misnomer as he gets seemingly angry about the dog that rested at Shadow's feet, submissive in all forms to its master as she had once been to her master in the days of the Dominion those many years ago.

    Miss Mao hopes Misnomer has a plastic bag of pathos to clean up after the poop of the pooch from purgatory. Pungent poop of pathos from the pooch purported to be from Purgatory.

    Shadow Construct opens his mouth, both shocked and appalled by his antics! "How dare you accuse me of stealing!" The tone of his voice is a thundering low sound of angst and anger. "This temple dog was given to me by the one known as Vec's mother."

    Skewerstrike felt the aftershock of the animosity wash over him like a wave of ennui, drowning him in the imaginary social cage. Of the group, he alone had no railing behind him - yet, free to go, he remained. "Well, as long as he's takin' good care of it."

    Karnal Sin walks herself towards Misnomer, temporarily breaking the bonds of the sexes as she crosses the line and threshold of the platform. She glides almost ethereally to her friend, ghost-like, as if trapped in this mortal plane by a power much greater than any of those gathered could ever fathom, "I could always just buy you dog, my sweet."

    Misnomer looks to the h*llhound. For a few moments their eyes meet. He can see himself in those eyes. What was he becoming? Not a man who swept up dog poop. That’s what. He shudders some upon the realization that Ivan wasn't the kind of man to clean his own messes much less the ones left in the wake of his pet monster. "Yeah you can keep the dog."

    Shadow Construct gingerly, yet sternly, plunges his hand the pocket of his jeans. Tussling for a moment he expels an ivory white bone. It glistens with the lights pouring down from the rafters, as if the techno gods had imbued it with some mystical power.

    Shadow Construct hands it to his dog.

    Miss Mao decides to lighten up the conversation a bit, 'So did I tell you I have two cats? Quite the darlings.' If by darlings you mean sociopathic autocrats, as all cats are.

    Karnal Sin tilts her head at Misnomer, an inquiring demeanor projecting itself from her to
    him, "No?" Her singular word tickled the air between them, as if her offer was insinuating of something else entirely.

    Misnomer watches as the dog takes the bone and plunges forward its bark, double edged. It spits a dreaded h*ll echo as it leaps into the portal behind the group, leaving only the scent of brimstone and cabbage.

    Misnomer sniffs, then coughs awkwardly. "No, I'm not really a dog person."

    Karnal Sin raises both of her brows at Misnomer, "There are so many directions that I could take that statement, darling, either way, I'm sure I could figure something out to accommodate your preferences..." Her words trail off, a mocking tone in her voice.

    Shadow Construct smells the noxious cabbage gas being expelled from the bowls of his beasts innards. He would turn to leave the group, face red with proper embarrassment, the hue radiates a glow of disapproval, "I must go find my dog."

    Misnomer doesn’t drop a beat. He nods and offers the token answer any man would. Well any man besides the man who pretended to be a little girl. He doesn’t know much about that man. He hops to the next verse. His confidence as loud as a boom box in a crowded New York street. "Only dogs I like are ******* you know what I mean?" He wants Ivan there, he reaches over for the bro-fist but he is gone. A ghost in the bar. He looks down for a moment. "Oh looking for his dog."

    Hecktick is just a little girl, a dainty little thing, and I know you all want to be, a little white girl just like me. SHAMON

    Miss Mao: My, it's getting crowded.

    Skewerstrike discarded a casual glance over his shoulder, which instantly turns into a glance forward, back over his shoulder, rationing his easygoing confidence for the day. "Hello, Kichi."

    Misnomer follows the man's gaze, eyeing the tanned Asian as she springs up the railing. Was it from a tanning salon? Most likely. Most likely. "Hi."

    Karnal Sin turns herself towards Mao, a curious glance much like a kitten discovering a new toy, "Are you uncomfortable with crowds? I've only really ever seen you with one or two other people."

    Miss Mao: I tend to lose track of the conversation in crowds, turn into quite the wallflower then.

    Skewerstrike: Whatever th'case may be, it'll be tested now. I'm gonna make tracks!

    Miss Mao: Nice seeing you again Shrike, don't be a stranger.

    Kichi’s long day, at last, has come to a restful drink at the D, her eyes blink seductively at Skewer even if honestly she didn't f*cking mean to. Her lips move with words, words that come out of her mouth…that sound like words.

    Kichi: Hey.

    Karnal Sin chuckles, again, turning more into a chortle, "If you'd prefer, we could divert all of our attention on you, but you may blush with some of their intense focus," motions over to Misnomer jokingly.

    Kichi's player wonders why her enter key is sticking. She ponders why, could it have been the beer she accidentally spilled on it from the other night? Maybe. These thoughts she ponders while listening to someone type loudly over Skype – SORAH.

    Skewerstrike glanced once more between his companions a gentle gaze landing to rest at his far right, at his 'Triple-M' - a woman with many names, no doubt, and that was his name for her, even if not a strictly legal one.

    Skewerstrike: You good for coffee?

    Hecktick looks down at the small section of tiles on the floor, 119. 119 dreams of every hero and villain that has no doubt be crushed by the weight of reality. Would she be any different? Would she ever truly understand her destiny "Sup b*tches?"

    Karnal Sin nods to Shrike, "I'm sure I'll see you later, darling." She let the last word of her statement linger in the air amongst the group, like a pungent smell that no one wants to talk about (like a fart).

    Miss Mao: I could never have enough coffee. But I'm making sure this cup's savored.

    Skewerstrike nods once more in a final acknowledgement of May, and then to Kathryn's intonation, ultimate but silent... silent but deadly.

    Skewerstrike: Cool, be seein' ya then.

    Kichi - her eyes take a long time to find Skewer as so many things to her head happens. Like turning it, and of course the eye movement. She didn't know if she was going to make it in time to even SAY goodbye.

    Kichi: BYE.

    Kichi made it.

    Skewerstrike: Seeya!

    Karnal Sin flashes a dazzling smile at Hecktick, her smile genuine as she recalls the entertaining conversation she had received last time from the petite side-kick to Misnomer, "Always a welcome to have you, sweetie."

    Misnomer knew that curiosity killed the cat. He was thankful that no one had pushed the notion of Hecktick's presence. She was like looking into a little tiny mirror with a bloody bow tie. "So. Whats new Heck?"

    Karnal Sin notices the shift in genders in the gathering, she looks to Kichi, winking at her as she knows that Kichi has noticed this as well, a familiar bond shared between the two women as their years have
    been spent intermitted befriended much like the knowing relationship between the sun and moon, a constant twas forever thus.

    Hecktick repeated the question in her mind, for a moment its implications seemed to shake the very walls of her reality. Was this the small tear that would unmake the canvas of her life? "Oh you know....the usual"

    Hecktick: So who are these guys?

    Miss Mao: Hello, I'm May Mao. Nice to meet you.

    Karnal Sin: Did I not introduce myself before when we met? I do apologize...

    Misnomer motions to his left. The spontaneously glowing blonde woman with a heart of putrid blackness. "This is Kat. You met her before." A lifetime ago.

    Kichi turns to look at Karnal, another long turn. She notices the look, the almost wink, that Karnal had implied. Is this chick a rug muncher now? Is she the light to Kichi's...light? She speaks, as if her world depends on it. "Is it just me or is everyone taking a very long time to talk?

    Karnal Sin lowers herself into a bow at the small statured super-woman/girl, regality and dignity encompassing her every move, before she lifts herself to meet the woman's gaze, "My name is Kathryn, a pleasure to meet you."

    Hecktick and she had introduced before, had she forgotten? Was this the first sign of Alzheimer’s that plagued her family? Hundreds of miles away an old man sat hunched in his chair, a pathetic shell of his former self, without the capacity to remember his own daughter that now stood before this group "Oh whoops sorry I forgot.”

    Misnomer looks over to Kichi, the girl was aflame in more ways than one. He cants his head to the side if it could tilt any more it would fall off his neck. "So this is Kichi. The other girl is triple M."

    Kichi’s eyes find Misnomer, the curiosity of his mask almost leaving her at the edge of a gasp…but Kichi doesn't gasp. In fact, she doesn't really do anything but stand there and talk honestly. "... triple M?"

    Miss Mao: It's a nickname Shrike has for me. I'm May Mao. Or Miss May Mao. Hence the 'triple M'.

    Misnomer motions to the secondary Asian. It wasn't quite racist because it was in his mind. "Exactly."

    Karnal Sin turns her attention to Hecktick momentarily, her eyes peering into her with an intensity akin to a blind mind seeing the for the first time thanks to the wonders of modern technology (what?), "So how goes your apprenticeship?"

    Kichi’s brow arches, so far arching it almost fell of. Crimson eyes, full of fury! Or…red coloring! Stare directly into Mao's soul. "Oh. Racism." She spats, so normally. In a normal tone. Looking normal.

    Miss Mao: I beg your pardon?

    Hecktick hears another question, so simply asked that anyone might answer it without due consideration. Not this time, not ever again. She felt like the whole world was watching "oh pretty good, M only grabs my bum, in private now"

    Misnomer knew his nickname was just M. It stood for something. Not Mellissa or Miles or Mercury. He was Misnomer both in meaning and name. He mutters as much a response he can muster which is a response, in and of itself. "She's doing pretty good…God*mnit heck."

    Miss Mao: I wasn't aware they had formal apprenticeships for that sort of thing.

    Misnomer offers a low snarl in response. She was clearly speaking in jest, but it cut him deeper than he ever wanted the group to know. "What did I tell you about telling people about our special instruction time?"

    Karnal Sin looks at Misnomer as he gets a little frustrated before turning back to Hecktick, the smoothness in her gaze like the soft, silky like the fabric softener bear in all those commercials , "That's so interesting since he seems to otherwise rebuff most of others."

    Teneebraeyus strolls amongst them, a rumble builds up, and then bubbles out of his mouth. "mmmmmmrrRRowrll."

    Karnal Sin looks back at Miss Mao, "Apparently, they do. I'm not entirely sure about it..." motions towards Hecktick and Misnomer, indicating to what she is speaking to, like Vanna White on Wheel of Fortune, except she lacks the badly made prom-dress like garments. Karnal twinkles vampire-like, not with the cheap obsession of sequins that plagued the 80s and 90s like the Black Death in Europe how many centuries ago.

    Hecktick sometimes forgot about the special instruction that he spoke of. Only sometimes certain things would bring the memories flooding back. The smell of leather, the pinch of metal on flesh, the smell of musk "Sorry boss, I'll be good"

    Miss Mao: Hey kittybeardog.

    Misnomer looks down at Teneebraeyus with a hateful glare. Thankfully hidden by his mask. He had sworn to find a way to cast that thing aside. Arrange for it to be sent into the burning orb in the sky. "Thanks, Heck."

    Teneebraeyus looks up at Misnomer. Since he has no supernatural sense, he does not feel the wrath burning a hole where he sits.

    Teneebraeyus: Mrowrl.

    Karnal Sin narrows her eyes a bit, cocking her head cat like at Hecktick, "As said...he seems to rebuff any OTHERS advances...." the word others very obviously referring to herself. She felt on blast, and suddenly threatened slightly to her newly forged friendship with Misnomer.

    Misnomer wanted to bury a knife, sliding into the back of things neck. It would offer one last gurgle squawk than die along and cold and unloved. Soon. But not too soon. He's too obsessed with killing the aberration that he cannot be bothered with the rest of this-fragile reality.

    Teneebraeyus is truly hated by one man. This is one person that hates him. His unknown enemy will seal his doom... or will he? Time will tell.

    Hecktick grins behind her mask that hides far more than just her face and something she never considered enter her mind, she has been warned but rules were made to be broken. "Have you seen my *ss? Nobody can say no."

    Kichi never actually wandered off to change her clothing, no. She always stood her in Karnal-Like sl*t-gear. That…looked a lot like Karnal's old style clothing, apparently. Maybe it was to bring back memories of the days of Karnal, spreading new STDs around the D she contracted from Chimera. Or maybe only in her imagination. Either way, her breasts look awesome.

    Miss Mao looks down at her empty cup, her frown a pout of pitifulness, much like Doctor Horrible's PHD in Horribleness. 'I must go home...to my Keurig.' It called her, like a siren song on the rocks of loneliness. Coffee, her bitter, cruel mistress.

    Misnomer awaked from his pleasant murderous day dream by the words. He shakes his head some as he comes back to reality. A cardinal rule was broken and justice needed to be delivered. "Heck you said *ss that’s a penny in the jar."

    Karnal Sin's eyes rake up and down Hecktick's body like a lustful old man at a strip club, rationalizing every flaw in the person they pay to watch to rationalize why they are not with said individual, "I think that for competition sake in that regard...I would win.”

    Teneebraeyus stalks over to Karnal, growing as he swells, his fur rippling.

    Teneebraeyus stares flatly at the two with the jagged masks. His fur bristles as motes of color float from beneath his fur. He can sense the tension, just by the tones of voices.

    Karnal Sin turns on her heel, looking down at Tenee's new large form, "I prefer you small, darling...." her request is more of an order, as she crinkles her nose at the sight of the overly large, crouched creature, "How am I to carry you in this state?"

    Hecktick knew a penny in the jar is far less an affront to her than the comments made. She would win? Perhaps Hecktick was cursed by her own hubris and unable to see her own flaws...no...never, it's this woman who has come to tread on her dreams. "Ehhh debatable, sides M likes me best.”

    Kichi’s eyes shift to Hecktick, darting quickly like a cat's eyes on a prey. Her chin raises with a question, a question she will always ask. "Who's M again?"

    Teneebraeyus looks between the feuding females, having little understanding. He was going to protect her...and she told him not to. He is unsure, but complies.

    Karnal Sin looks over her toned shoulder, shooting a quick look at Hecktick before staring at Misnomer as she spoke the words to slink out of her mouth, her full lips pursing and pausing in all the right places, like a poet on open-mic night, "I think...he would beg to differ...."

    Misnomer admires the view for a moment, watching the tip of golden hair hang over the blondes bottom. He ponders along with Kichi the existence of so many STDS that may perhaps have been birthed there. Or perhaps not. Maybe. "I'm M. It's pretty easy to remember."

    Karnal Sin looks back down to Tenee, smiling sweetly at him, she coos quietly, "I can take care of myself, little one, come now..." as she bends on her knees, still maintaining her dignity like that of a properly chastised royal blooded woman, she picks him up and carries him in her arms affectionately like a mother holding her babe. Perhaps she longed for her own child? Could she even have a child? With all those potential STDs running around in her, it was unlikely.

    Teneebraeyus meeps, looking more satiated, but his fur waves about in some invisible breeze. He has no idea what is going on, but the tones of voices are still scaring him.

    Kichi’s brow raises, chin raising higher. Maybe she can't see, maybe it's too dark. Or that portal beside them casting a weird light to go into her eye, either way. Her chin was raised. Like a queen on a throne, like a Goddess…doing goddess things with their chin being raised or whatever. "Oh."

    Misnomer glances over to Hecktick for a moment. The echo of her screams playing in his mind. Sennpaaaii. He shakes his head some. His hatred shifts to the dog, always that d*mn dog. "I like you both. I just train Heck. It's not a similar relationship."

    Karnal Sin reassuringly pets Tenee, her slender hand familiarly running down the length of his spine, her newly manicured nails tickling at his furry exterior as she stares, ice like, at Hecktick over her new found possessiveness of Misnomer.

    Teneebraeyus relaxes slowly, his fur settling.

    Hecktick looks at the woman before her and her own jealously boils to the surface. She knew she might be playing with fire, but she was a hot blooded student with a passion for trouble "She's kinda old looking though, M"

    Karnal Sin smirks to herself, thinking but not saying how Misnomer's taste for women were more refined than the fawning of a delusional student, that he sought an equal to play with, not a pet.

    Karnal Sin: While I am sure I am older than you, darling...there are skills that come with age - skills, techniques, and general know-how that would be lost on someone as ill-equipped as yourself.

    Kichi looks back and forth between the cat fight, on the edge of her seat. Her bottom lip quivers, just slightly…what's going to happen next? A jello wrestling competition? Whose top will fall off first? Why did Kichi have to pick today to wear granny panties?

    Misnomer is thankful that finally, the helbeast is gone. He breathes a relieved sigh of contemplative relief the breath escaping him like a whoopee cushion being sat on. But it returns in moments. And he swears to himself in solemn silence. Finally he turns to the two. "Wait wha? What are you talking about?"

    Hecktick internally reacted. Now she'd done it. The word's pierced her heart; they were cold like steel and the sickening feeling Heck felt was that they just might be true. No she must move that from her mind. "Yeah well you look like you get around I guess"

    Teneebraeyus snorts. And pronounces so blandly, mimicking someone who had a much deeper voice
    than him.

    Karnal Sin walks to Hecktick slowly, tossing her cocktail aside melodramatically, her eyes locked onto the diminutive girl with a single-mindedness like a cheetah on the Discovery Channel, slow motion, body shifting methodically. While Karnal is clearly inebriated, she seems SOMEWHAT in control. She puts Tenee down, not as gingerly as she normally does, but not roughly either. She towers over Hecktick, her jaw clenched.

    Teneebraeyus ... mrowls.

    Karnal Sin: I think there would be an easy solution, little one...since the man in question seems to be keeping mum on this.

    Misnomer heard the aberration speak as if it was a war cry, he steps forward. At the same time Karnal does. But instead of actually doing anything he settles on stepping away from the showdown. Being the man he is he wants the best view.

    Karnal Sin shoots an accusatory look at Misnomer, her eyes narrowed, brows raised.

    Hecktick lowers her hand to her waist, no, she wouldn't draw her weapon, she won't declare war here and now, civilizations have risen and fell in the time it took her heart to start beating again, calming herself. But what to do next, what was this woman's power, she must have some, nobody just enters this dimensions defenseless. "well, yeah what do you think M?"

    Misnomer knew the solution was simple. He couldn't help but wipe the satisfaction off his hidden face. Things would need to be arranged. "I'll go get the mud. Kichi do you have a slip and slide?"

    Misnomer?: "I think I need to find a slip and slide."

    Misnomer retorts, it wasn't much of one typical avoidance behavior. He needed to stay neutral otherwise he wouldn't be able to approach this situation like so many male bioware leads that everyone always wanted to be. "How would you like to settle your dispute?"

    Karnal Sin's left hand's fingers begin to flex and stretch, spheres of energy forming and dissipating irregularly, licks of raw power crackling in the air like the atoms of existence were colliding in her control - Hiroshima in her hands and at her beck and call.

    Skewerstrike is measured in his approach, and as he advances, in a cruel irony, counts backwards - from relative safety to social exposure and risk. To just be himself, he puts it all on the line, risking everything.... "H'lo, folks, I'm back."

    Karnal Sin addresses Misnomer's questions even though she knew it wasn't directed at her, "You know how I want to end this conversation, delicious."

    Misnomer saw the bold move. This was the game his foe was going to play. He offers his own response dripping with hidden venom. He could tolerate the man but not the man and the dog. "Hey buddy. What’s new?"

    Skewerstrike reached a venturing hand backwards to scratch at the beast's ears. Over fifty gestures were recognized by humanity, across language, across cultural barriers - but just how did they weather the storm of those beyond earth? Beyond dimensions?

    Hecktick’s hidden eyes dart to the display of energy. So that's what it was. She unclicks a small cylinder from her belt and it elongates to her staff, this weapon always manifests her desires, now with a sickeningly gnarled blade on the tip. It was as if her very heart were the weapon she would wield "Best step off."

    Karnal Sin: Or what, little one?

    Karnal Sin sneers at her, her unrefined and uncontrolled emotions taking over, all sense of decorum gone out the window like a ****** on parole.

    Misnomer saw the tool he had helped the girl find. This was his ace in the hole. The weapon was no dues ex machina of an old man. There was no kindred spirit trapped in that weapon. It would only feed on the blood of its foes. He tilts his head at Hecktick some, it was too soon for this. "I'd watch the staff Heck. We didn't really get that thing worked in yet."

    Hecktick, in this verbal game of chicken, had to win, or this was all for nothing. She has come so far can she really take that last step? She could win, or be swallowed up in this woman's hatred "Or I’ll wrap you up in carpet and toss you over a bridge"


    ------Outside of Pocket D; Arena------


    Misnomer had the cameras set, the fight was ready. He looked to Skewer for a moment and patted him on the shoulder. "Remember to take the best shots bud."

    Kichi noticed somehow the fight ended up in the street. A real cat fight. Alley cats, even. Kichi, disappointed she wasn't able to join in on the jello fight---cat fight, I mean!---stands idly by with the others, watching carefully. Thoroughly. Even if she's not moving because the player is typing.

    Skewerstrike: Oh, I'm, uh…I only do that stuff alone. My infiltratin's a trick of the trade. You ain't allowed to see it.

    Kichi: *insert long paragraph about Kichi looking at her nails*

    [EPIC PVP-FIGHTING OF AWESOMENESS – Karnal is clearly winning.]

    Karnal Sin: So…had enough?

    Karnal Sin: Or should I really show you how much I can get what I want?

    Reiraku: *insert long paragraph about Rei looking at Kichi's nails* Have those done recently?

    Kichi: Actually yes. *Long paragraph about her looking at Rei and showing some sort of detailed emotion*

    Reiraku: They look good. Proper nail care is a luxury in our field. *long paragraph of emotion, nature,
    and the universe*

    Kichi: That was racist. *She states, blah blah faskljflkawjhiofhanfskalnflkasf*

    Misnomer: Remember, none of what she says is true. Uhh power of friendship. I'm talking to whichever one of you wants to hear it.

    [EPIC PVP-FIGHTING OF FABULOUSNESS – Karnal wins.]


    ------Pocket D; Red Side------


    Karnal Sin breathes heavily, looking down at Hecktick. Karnal catches her breath, her body still reeling with the adrenaline in her body from the fight, a glow of red still lingering in her eyes

    Karnal Sin smirks down at Hecktick, "My ability to best you in combat has little to do with how much M prefers me....however, it will potentially keep your tongue checked."

    Misnomer watches the credits flash across the metaphorical screen. He slinks over to help Hecktick up. It also happens to make him seem more manly than ever. "Yeah you kinda did diss her up first."

    Misnomer?: Thats how they say it on the streets.

    Misnomer didn’t know if that is how they say it on the streets. He remembers the streets like Yancy Street. Stupid dirty oft remembered Yancy Street. "Well it's whatever. You’re still learning how to use your staff. Kat's pretty aware of what she's capable of."

    Karnal Sin raises a brow at La Fantoma, "Unless someone is willing to fight me face
    to face, I will do what needs to be done to accomplish my goals...."

    Hecktick remembers Yancy street, and mentions it whenever possible. Memories long ago of hot summers cooled by fire hydrates, games of stick ball, and the ice-cream truck plodding along delivering summertime innocence to the neighborhood youth "My *ss hurts"

    Karnal Sin reaches down a hand at Hecktick, her slender fingers spread in camaraderie, "Need help up, lovely?"

    Karnal Sin smiles, a kind smile, a feeling of affection, despite the battle, wafting from Karnal to Hecktick, "Sometimes I just see red, my dear...you can blame M." Karnal looks over at Misnomer, before turning her attentions back to her.

    Misnomer nods some, content for the moment, as if the boiling tension won't turn sour. He can smell the scent even now. Or was it the cabbage hound? He shrugs some and places his hand on Karnal's shoulder in some passive gesture. Wait. Putting hands on shoulders was a bad idea he should have known that from the other night, and the violence that ensued. It lingers for a moment. "Yeah, blaming me is the best."

    Karnal Sin runs a hand through her hair, the golden locks tousling at her ministrations.

    Kichi grabs Karnal by the shoulders, thrusting her forward at Misnomer. "YOUR PRIZE, MADAME."

    Karnal Sin wraps her arms around Misnomer's chorded neck accordingly, her body all but gracefully tripping against the ground as she falls into her friend, a giggle, coming from her mouth that had so recently been expelling the vile taunts and verbal toxin in the heat of the battle like the crazed gypsy she resembled…yeah.

    Misnomer turns in mixed anticipation and raw fear of getting knocked through the portal into the natural realm of the cat girl. He turns dramatically catching the woman in his arms in the most dramatic sense. She hits him with such force his hat-is knocked sideways, striking an awkward pose. He stumbles back for a little bit. A low tsk escaping from his mask. "

    Karnal Sin looks up at Misnomer, a playful grin tickling the corner of her lips, "Oh, darling, am I imposing?"

    Misnomer shrugs. "Only in the slightest of senses!"

    Karnal Sin extends her right arm towards Fey, beckoning her to come closer to her in her proximity toMisnomer. She was drunk and high off of liquor and adrenalin. These days she was uncontrollable when the mood of revelry would strike her. Who was that God? Dionysus? He should’ve been a woman. A hot one. Like Karnal.

    Misnomer scoffs, secretly relieved Fey didn't come over. "Sooo. "

    Misnomer takes advantage like the horrible lecher he is. Pressing his masked face to hers, the alcohol on her breath bothered him. He wraps his arms around her. "I'm terrible at conversation with you in this mood."

    Karnal Sin looks up at her friend, a devious glint in her eyes, "This would be news to me, darling!"