"Don't worry. As far as I'm concerned, the bags are weightless." As a demonstration, she lifted up one of the bags with a single finger. Its momentum let it continue flying up after Miruko stopped pulling, with only the slightest effects of gravity being applied. Miruko let gravity take a hold of it once more for a brief second, just so that the contents wouldn't go flying out of her reach. "Weight isn't a problem for me. Anyway, let's head over to your place.
Ahh f*ck. Shouldn't have said anything and just accepted her offer. I'm an idiot.
"So, which way do you live?"
"Oh, but I'm right here. Can't you see me?" A voice echoed out from nowhere. Eric whipped around, trying to find the source. But there was no one. No one at all.
"Awww, still can't find me? Here." It was then that a five-fingered set of thin claws pressed up against Eric's cheek, the edges caressing the skin without cutting it. A voice whispered in his ear, and he could feel the hot breath. "Is this better?"
I've got new mythological machinery, and very handsome supernatural scenery. Goodfae: a mafia web serialEric clenched his teeth, shaking with hate and a more tangible fear. She (he determined it was a woman. Teens, maybe early twenties) was toying with him.
He spun, careless to the five slashes that appeared on his face, and punched. It was a perfect straight, and would have knocked the opponent out cold at the very least. But she was already gone.
"Another magician?" he said as he wiped the blood dripping down his cheek with his sleeve. "Tell me your name, and I'll give you mine. Its only right."
Read all of my fanfics!"Names, names, names. It's always names with you people." The voice called out from behind Eric. "You place too much faith in the power of a name."
"You think that because you name something, you understand it? You think because you learn someone's name that you know them?" Now the voice came from in front of him. "Let me tell you something. Names mean nothing. Names do not define, nor do they enlighten. Don't believe me? You've given God a name. It's YHWH. And yet despite this label you've placed on Him, do you understand God any better? Do you think you know Him? No, you don't. That name means nothing. It tells you nothing."
The voice started echoing out from below him, like he was standing over a gaping hole, hovering in place. "So why should I tell you my name, when you've already seen fit to name me yourself in your arrogance? Call me what you want. Monster, demon, boogeyman. It doesn't matter. Because just like God," the voice said, whispering from mere inches away, "naming me won't save you from me."
A strike came from behind, a solid blow to the back. Eric was flung forwards, hitting the ground rolling. He quickly got to his feet, trying to find someone, something to hit. But there was nothing. Another straight hit, this time to the side. A rib cracked. Eric quickly got to his feet, clutching his side, hurriedly looking around, still clinging to the hope of hitting something he couldn't seem to see. He recited a quick incantation, activating a spell he'd prepared earlier. Never thought he'd have to use it.
He didn't bother calling out. He knew that if his foe could only find him by sound, it would give him away. If they could see in the dark, well... he'd like not to think about that. A wispy, echoey giggling bounced off the buildings, which surrounded him on all sides. A voice called out from behind. "I'm right heeere."
Eric swung his fist with enough force to bring down a wall, and made contact. He'd finally hit her. His arm sunk up to the elbow into her chest, right where her heart should be. A fatal wound.
"What? Is that it?" His silver haired attacker said, remarkably nonplussed by the hand stuck through her chest. "I honestly expected something with a little more oomph from a magician. Some hellfire, or maybe lightning. A curse, at least. All you've done is made me mildly embarrassed."
Against all sanity or reason, she started walking towards him, the hole in her chest widening with a sickening wet snapping sound. She held out her arms, slowly wrapping them around him as she grew closer. "Honestly, I really should kill you for ruining my clothes like this. But I won't. Not yet." She lapped at the blood on his cheek, dragging her tongue slowly just to taste the sweat. She whispered in his ear. "After all, what's the use of a good meal if you don't savor it?"
She released him, only to kick him off with a well placed heel to the gut. He flew back, his arm ripping out of her chest cavity. Eric blacked out.
Yes, I had Augustine's permission to do this.
edited 16th Mar '12 10:04:40 PM by KSPAM
I've got new mythological machinery, and very handsome supernatural scenery. Goodfae: a mafia web serial"Ohhh!"
Kyou looked with interest at Miruko as she showed off her power, getting a pretty good idea of what it might be from the two demonstrations so far.
But then, Miruko asked her which way did she live and the girl was snapped out of her contemplations to reach for her tablet in a panic.
"Ah, lets see... map... map... map... Ah, here it is..." Looking at the map Kyou studied intensely... turning around a few times to right herself in relation to the map as she plotted the course to her home with her finger on the screen.
"Right... it should be... that way!" The Electromaster indicated, pointing forward with her finger.
And thus, the two teenagers made their way through Academy city. One feeling quite awkward and the other feeling incredibly happy just walking with company.
Their end destination was a dorm the likes of which housed most of the students of the Academic City. Kyou's unit was in the seventh floor. The name plate read "Kaori - Sakai" and Kyou opened the door to reveal an apartment with big contrasts in the small details of the decoration. Some details were very feminine and cute while others were decidedly more cool and modern looking.
"Ah, will you like to step inside?" said Kyou as she removed her shoes on the entrance "I can make some tea or coffee if you would like some"
edited 16th Mar '12 11:14:34 PM by daltar
"Ahh, sure. Thanks a lot. Sorry to impose on you." Miruko stepped inside the apartment with Kyou, then-
WHAAAAAT AMMMMMMMMMMMM IIIIIIII DOOOOINGGGGGGGG
she took a seat. The room wasn't quite like anything else she'd seen, though to be fair, she had been in like 3 people's rooms other than her own during her time in Academy City. she wasn't quite comfortable in such a contrasting room. Come to think of it, her own room was pretty bland, not much furniture, though she did have a giant couch just to relax on.
"So, you go to Sakuraoka? I guess it's pretty close to here. You should stay away from gangs and such. Doing that's just asking for trouble. People could get worried you know.
edited 16th Mar '12 11:24:54 PM by neobowman
"Ah, yeah it is kind of close to here" says Sakai as she puts on some slippers and move to the small kitchenette to prepare both coffee and tea at the same time.
"Ehehe... thank you for your worry... but unfortunately I can't comply with that. Gangs are one of my best bets to find the information I need to find"
Miruko's curiosity was piqued. She felt that she should try to pry some more info out of her, but she also wanted to leave soon. Maybe just talk a bit about it for now and figure out everything else as she went along. Not like she actually had anything to do at home.
"What kind of information do you need? Something worth risking your safety for?"
Considering that she herself went out and actively hunted gangs, this seemed rather hypocritical, but she was a level 5. Maybe not one of the higher level 5s but still one of the most powerful forces in the city. Seeing as Kyou had trouble controlling her power, it was hard to imagine her as someone who could take care of herself in a fight.
"Y-Yes... definitely" Kyou said, her cheery tone dropping a little as she became a bit more serious. She served both the tea and coffee in a wooden tray and then walked over to serve it in the little table of the living room.
"It is about my roommate. She has been gone for about about a week now... and I fear that she has been kidnapped"
Kyou was looking down at her own cup of coffee as she said this, however now she lifted her eyes to meet with those of Miruko "After searching for her, I found her cellphone thrown in the trash in an alley. I informed Judgement but they haven't been able to find anything. That's why I need to go into the dark side of the city. Only someone from there might know where she is right now"
Kumiko nodded and said "I have high hopes for this place." as she looked at the options "...hmm quite the wide range, that's good but it also means that it ill be quite expensive for me... Well I guess I can come back later, and the prices are not all that high..."
Then she turned back the the trap across the table "And you, you gonna buy another one?"
Michelle opened the door to a recovery room, after confirming the room number. Inside, sitting upright on a bed was a rather sleepy, as well as positively bored, looking woman. "Excuse me," Michelle began.
It took a good five seconds for the woman in the bed to acknowledge her presence, and in the following five the patient gave Michelle a looking over. After an awkward moment the woman in the bed asked, "Are you lost?"
"Umm, no..."
"Hmmmm? I wasn't expecting anyone on my last day here, and you don't look like hospital staff. So I figured you must be lost; wandered in here lost in thought. That happens to me sometimes."
"You wander into hospital rooms lost in thought?" Michelle thought, before shaking it off. "Um, no. I'm here for business, I'm here representing someone who wants your cooperation with a project."
"Not interested."
Michelle's face formed into a nervous smile, both impressed and disappointed in the quick rejection. "Umm, what was it I was supposed to say after this.. right." Michelle cleared her throat before continuing, "We're asking you primarily not for your technical skills, but because of your ethical record. My superior believes you to be one of the few people in Academy City that would understand what he is trying to accomplish."
The woman in the bed raised an eyebrow, somewhat accentuating the bags under her eyes.
"Please," Michelle continued, no longer reciting pre-prepared lines, and now down on one knee, "Just here the Professor out."
"Okay," was the only response. Michelle smiled with relief, and took the laptop out of the bag, setting it up on a table next to the hospital bed. A moment later, the professor's voice could be heard through the speakers.
"Good afternoon, Kiyama Harumi. I am relieved that you are willing to hear me out."
Fear the Gothilolions! | Anime list1:13 PM, District 15
Eric Greylain didn't return to his accommodation that night. The risk of pursuit was too high. After waking up in the middle of the street, covered in blood, he stumbled into a back alley to treat his injuries. All things considered, he wasn't hurt that bad. The broken rib would trouble him, but that was nothing compared to the injury the opponent simply shrugged off.
Now he was in District 15, a massive shopping area. He chewed on a hotdog quietly as he walked. Today was the day to gather information about Academy City. He needed to spend time learning what weaknesses SYLPH would exploit. He clutched the briefcase in his right hand. He doubted the handgun inside measured up at all with the weapons Anti-Skill carried. Would it even pierce their body armor? He had never seen its like before.
He was more concerned with the woman he had encountered the night before. Such abilities were only reserved to special ops soldiers and magicians, and that fear he felt wasn't natural. It seemed to be some sort of latent magic, one that he could not counter.
He turned a corner as he saw a group of students wearing the green armbands that signified their Judgement status. Observing them wasn't worth getting questioned. For the same reason, he had kept his distance of most Anti-Skill officers.
Dominating the skyline was the infamous Windowless Building. For a moment, Greylain stared at it before walking on.
He decided to head east, across the City. He would examine some of the larger schools and then return to his hotel in District 3.
Read all of my fanfics!This got Miruko's full attention at this point. She forgot about getting back home and decided to dedicate herself (at least for the moment) on this little topic. It was a bad habit of hers to get single-mindedly focused on a single thing.
"A missing student. Seems like a pretty major incident. Alright, I'll help you. Let's get going."
Without listening to what Kyou was or was going to say, she stood up, tea still on the table, and headed to the door. "You coming or you want me to take care of this?"
"I don't think so, just one is more than enough.. not that they ever run out of my favorite anyway. If it weren't for me they wouldn't even carry it," Touka answered, glancing down at his mint-green tea-caramel confection, then back up to the apparently pretty boy, "Sundays are always really busy here, but if you have time during the week it's not so bad."
He then held out his ice cream and offered, "If you want to try some, have a little of mine. I don't mind."
Avatar from: http://x0whitelily0x.livejournal.com/5953.html N: 5 F, 0/40 S— District 7, A Certain Hospital, 2:00 pm —
"To sum it up," Kiyama Harumi replied after the Professor finished, "You want someone who both knows how to hunt, and has experience hunting, for information within Academy City's databases." Harumi didn't look much interested, well, as much as she looked much of anything most of the time. "I wouldn't doubt that there's plenty of incidents to find that you could use, but," Harumi turned and looked out of the window. On several of the skyscrapers, as well as a passing blimp, there were advertisements praising the power curriculum program, one featuring the Level 5 Misaka Mikoto.
Harumi turned back to the laptop. "They're one of the best when it comes to the kind of fight you're planning."
"You managed what amounts to 90% of my plan by yourself, did you not?" The Professor replied, "They are strong, but not invincible in this regard. Please, Ms. Kiyama Harumi."
Harumi laid back onto the bed, considering everything she heard so far. Michelle, who had been listening inventively towards the beginning of the dialogue was alternating between reminding herself to pay attention and sizing the room in her head, trying to figure how much of a running start she would need if she needed to jump out the window onto the roof of the next building.
After a few moments, Harumi sat up again, seemingly, "Mr. Professor, I can certainly sympathize with your situation and goals, however, I'm afraid that right now, I'm... tired. And I have my own children to attend to."
Michelle, who had zoned in at this seemingly important moment, looked immediately downcast, her fists clenched a bit in frustration, drawing Harumi's attention briefly.
From a distance away, somewhere, the Professor thought, "I had hoped it would not have to come to this."
"Ms. Kiyama Harumi," he began his reply, "I just wish to ask, can you really face those children whom you hold so dear, and tell them that you did not do everything in your power to stop something like that from happening again? That you would prioritize those few so much that you would allow their risk their friends undergoing the same fate?" Each word was laced with a spell of persuasion. Weakened, yes, through the transmission, but it would hopefully be effective, nonetheless.
edited 17th Mar '12 6:46:18 PM by zzzdragon
Fear the Gothilolions! | Anime list1:20 PM, District 15
Marz watched from overhead, still clinging to Eric's mind. She smiled, still sampling the leftovers of last night's feast. Mm mm mmm. Finger licking good.
She floated over his head, invisible, out of sight. Just watching. Waiting. For nightfall, or her next opportunity to screw with him. Didn't matter which. Her stomach rumbled. Okay, maybe it did.
She spotted an older, run-down establishment, currently closed for renovations. While her powers over the human mind didn't reach much farther than fear, she could... nudge him in the right direction.
Over there.
I've got new mythological machinery, and very handsome supernatural scenery. Goodfae: a mafia web serial1:20 PM, District 7
"E-Eh...?" Kyou was taken by surprise by Miruko's sudden resolution to help her. Was her story that touching...? It was certainly alarming but she really didn't expect this reaction.
"A-Ah! W-Wait, of course I'm coming!" said Kyou, standing up in a hurry to catch up with the Level 5 esper. She kicked off her slippers and instead of her orange raincoat she picked a cream colored jacket as she hopped in one leg to fit one of her shoes in in a hurry.
"Umm... do you know who we are looking for...?"
1:00 pm, District 17
Touka perked up when the pretty boy claimed to actually like his favorite mix of flavors. Seemed like everyone else detested it. He smiled happily at that reaction and wondered where, or if, this guy went to school (still being under the illusion that Kumiko was a man).
"It's green tea with mint chips and caramel, my favorite! Even if everyone else thinks it's weird. And I'm Touka," he responded, then blushed at giving only his first name, "Jaakson Touka. Jaakson's my family name.. of course, you probably got that.. ehe.." He looked nervous suddenly, now with somebody who looked like that talking to him.
Avatar from: http://x0whitelily0x.livejournal.com/5953.html N: 5 F, 0/40 S1:00 pm District 17
"Kumiko Yamauchi. Jaakson, that sounds like a foreigners name, curious." The person who if infront of Touka had turned her attention back to the menu, contemplating what to order. The she glanced at the crossdressing boy and turned back "Is there something wrong? Do you want me to leave?"
1:23 District 15
The headache was only getting worse. Maybe it was the crowds, Eric thought. Students were wandering all over this place. Damn kids, shouldn't they still be in class? After watching a loud argument between a blue haired boy and his blond friend, he decided to vacate the area. Besides, he was getting some weird looks.
After taking a few turns, the area was mostly deserted. Only a few students could be seen around. After a few more minutes of walking, even the were gone.
Suddenly, Eric remembered that he didn't have his spell prepared. If he got mugged, or worse, attacked by SYLPH, he would have to rely on his boxing skills and natural abilities. He opened the briefcase and removed the handgun from inside. A Beretta 92fs, 15 rounds 9mm parabellum. This would stop anything in its tracks. Well, maybe not that woman.
He put the gun inside one of his vest pockets and continued on.
Read all of my fanfics!1:21 PM, District 7
"I'm going to beat the shit out of everyone who looks at me funny, see if they have info. She's been gone for a week, we need to find her fast, not lay around doing nothing."
Miruko slipped on her shoes and jacket, and stepped outside. Inadvertantly, she had escaped Kyou's house, though she was still stuck with her for a while. This didn't even register in her brain at this point though. She was in full hot-blooded hunting mode and there wasn't much that could stop her.
"Let's head north. North is always a good direction to head."
District 17, 1:02 pm
Kumiko? That couldn't be right, Touka had probably just heard the biker wrong. The more Touka stared at the person the more clear it was becoming that this was maybe not a pretty boy at all. More like a tomboy? Suddenly Touka felt strangely more at ease, having maybe something of a kindred spirit.
"N-no, I really would prefer that you stay! It's fine, really," he answered, still looking flustered though no longer quite as embarrassed, "Jaakson is Estonian.. um.. I'm part Estonian."
He then tried to change the subject a little, "So, do you go to school anywhere around here?"
Avatar from: http://x0whitelily0x.livejournal.com/5953.html N: 5 F, 0/40 S

The darkness enveloped him, and with it came a fear that was unknown to him. Why? He had no fear of darkness, nor what lay within it. But now he felt a distinct terror rumbling within him.
His feet were frozen in place, his breathing ragged. Eric tried to speak, tried to say the words that would end this in a second. If he could just voice his thoughts, whatever was causing this dreadful phenomena would be dead. But no voice came. The words would not leave his throat and Greylain only managed to sputter nonsense.
He furrowed his brow and spun, searching for the attacker. He thought about opening the briefcase, but it would take too much time. The only choice he had was to stomach the fear. Easier said than done. His hands were shaking and his body felt like rubber.
"Where are you scum?" he shouted. "Show yourself!"
Read all of my fanfics!