[ home ] [ site / arch ] [ pony / oat / ef ] [ rp / fan ]

/rp/ - Roleplay

The place for, well, roleplaying. Feel free to jump in.
Name
?

This field is optional. You can choose any name you want, or you can post anonymously by leaving this field empty.

Tripcodes are a way to identify yourself between posts without having to register with the site. To use a tripcode, enter your name as ‹name›#‹key›.You can choose anything you want as the key—it is private and will never be shown to other posters or stored on the server. For example:

Rarity#bestpony → Rarity!.4PK7yxdII

If you want a tripcode containing specific words, you can download a program designed to search for tripcodes, such as Tripcode Explorer.

Email?

Entering an e-mail is optional.

There are also code words you can enter here which perform certain actions when you submit your post.

  • sage — lets you post without bumping a thread.
  • nonoko — uses the original post behavior to redirect to the board index.

These can be used at the same time as an e-mail address by typing ‹email›#‹action›.

You can also use Skype names in place of an e-mail. The notation is the same as a link to a username on skype itself, which is skype:‹username›

Subject
Comment?
Giving emphasis
[b] Bold [/b] Ctrl + B
[i] Italic [/i] Ctrl + I
[u] Underlined [/u] Ctrl + U
[s] Strikethrough [/s] Ctrl + R
Hiding text
[?] Spoiler text [/?] Ctrl + S
[h] Hide block of text [/h] Ctrl + H
Special
[rcv] Royal Canterlot voice [/rcv] Ctrl + K
[shy] Fluttershy voice [/shy]
[cs] Comic Sans [/cs]
[tt] Monospaced [/tt]
[d20], [4d6] — Dice rolls
URLs and linking
Link to a post on the current board
>>1234
Link to another board
>>>/pony/
Link to a post on another board
>>>/pony/1234
Hypertext links
[url=https://www.ponychan.net/] Ponychan [/url]
File
Options
Password?

This field is for editing and deletions.

File: 1547952172782.jpg (Spoiler Image, 26.47 KB, 249x384, 1044750965_turesDream.jpg)

Shining Light: A Time of Heroes Thread 2 - Hopes and Dreams The Prince of Stories!pinkie78OsCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41552420[View All]

#Ask/Invite #Canon: Lost Light Universe #Era: Shining Light #Superheroes #IC

>it is a realm beyond rational knowledge, beyond any mortal concept of space or time
>it is a place with only the vaguest concept of form, ever-changing as if on the whims of an artist
>it is the home to all manner of creatures, great and small, innocent and frightening, all as random and incoherent as the land itself
>it is a place none can reach of their own free will, and yet all have been there
>from the mightiest of overlords, to the most inconsequential of paupers
>from the kindest, to the cruelest, and all in-between
>from the most complicated of beings whose thoughts concern whole galaxies, to the most simple who can just barely form a thought
>and even you have been there before
>you would not recall it very well, for it hangs just on the edges of your memory, but when you fell into a deep sleep, you were there
>for it is the Land of the Dreaming

>like all lands, this one has a creator, and a ruler
>this ruler lives in a castle of his own making, all at once crystalline and stone, spectacular and inviting, while cold and haunting
>in this castle, the ruler governs his land and his people - which includes all those who enter it
>he is a quiet, reclusive ruler - respected, but feared
>for few can understand what goes through his eternal, ageless mind, as his desires are simple, while his dedication to his work is unprecedented
>but what would a being such as him do when there is no work to be done?

>often, he reflects on what he has done, for a being as eternal as he has done very much
>he reflects on love lost, on acts both selfish and selfless, on what it means to engage with mortals whose lives end so quickly, on his presence in their lives and their views of him
>and he often ponders on what his future holds, for even a being as old as he will one day reach his end, and what meaning his actions will have when that time comes
>but for today, he decides to pursue one of his favourite hobbies
>he reads

>in his castle is a most special library
>within its endless halls are every book ever written, from the most popular and largely known, to the most obscure and rarely-seen, and even those forever lost to the sands of time
>it also contains the tomes that will be written, whether as early as tomorrow, or as far away as the end of all things
>and it contains the stories that have never been written, that will never come to be, and remain in the minds of their creators, with pen never having been put to page
>for what is a story but an idea someone first created in their mind?
>and what is an idea but a dream that simply took form?

>in this library, he idly picks up a single book
>it is the second volume of an ongoing tale, its end not yet come to pass
>it is both a simple and complicated story
>it is a tale of heroes and villains, and their opposing ideologies clashing in a never-ending struggle
>it is a tale of love, of life, of growth and learning
>it is a tale of happiness, sorrow, anger, and fear
>it is a tale that has been told many times before, and will be told many times since
>and yet, he reads it all the same, and takes no less enjoyment out of it
>for all stories are precious, and are worth telling and reading, as they all mean something special to someone

>he is the Prince of Stories and Ideas
>he is the ruler of the Land of the Dreaming
>he has gone by many names, but you may know him simply as the Sandman
>and like you, he enjoys a good story
>perhaps you will enjoy this one too

---------------------

Wiki: the-lost-light-rebellion-rp.wikia.com/wiki
OOC: https://www.ponychan.net/rp/res/41515894+50.html
Lost Light IC: https://www.ponychan.net/rp/res/41541214+50.html
Lost Light Tales: https://www.ponychan.net/rp/res/41515262+50.html
Morning Light IC: https://www.ponychan.net/rp/res/41550358+50.html
2607 posts and 2199 image replies omitted. Click View to see all.

???!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560345

>>41560344
>of course, as was often the case with police work, if peaceful moments came about then they didn't last for too long
>even on nights like this, and in times like this when activity had dwindled, there was always something waiting around the corner, ready to spring out and take someone by surprise
>and on this January eve, Arkham was about to get...well, some kind of surprise, that was for sure

>it started as incidents like this usually would for the Chief of Police
>with her own police radio suddenly coming to life, the voice of one of her officers crackling through the speaker

Chief, this is Officer 344, do you copy?

Bonnie Voyage!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560346

File: 1579469894924.jpg (54.39 KB, 640x480, Im listening.jpg)

>>41560345
>with a slow breath to steel herself, Bonnie got her mind back into work mode
>spinning her chair around, she raised one leg into the air
>and brought it down over the custom-made radio, using her ankle to press the big button on top
What's the situation, Krendell.
>Bonnie made it her business to know the names of every single person working under her
>helped with morale and for extra threat-points when she busted out the "calling you by your Full-Ass Name" technique

???!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560347

>>41560346
>there was, surprisingly, a slight - almost hesitant - pause after Bonnie replied
>Krendell could then be heard saying something to his partner Fenri, somehow forgetting to turn the comms off

Should we really tell her about this?

If we just bring him in she's not gonna believe a word of it. She's gotta come see this.

OK, but I warned you...

>afterwards, Krendell could be heard clearing his throat, before answering in a professional manner
>or, as professional as he could, but with a bit of unease mixed in

Chief, we've got something of a...public disturbance that we're, uh...ill-equipped to handle...

Do you think you could come and provide back-up?

Bonnie Voyage!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560348

File: 1579470597135.jpg (48.96 KB, 640x480, are you serious.jpg)

>>41560347
>Bonnie raised an eyebrow at this, the uncertain whispering of the two officers not escaping her ears
>she wondered what they could possible mean by "ill-equipped" to handle, when Fenri was built like a goddamn fridge joined together with two smaller fridges for arms
>and sure, it would've been easy to just ask for clarification, but she recognize this tone of voice
>this wasn't a life-or-death call; this was just Arkham Weirdness rearing its head, and taking them by surprise
>and as much as she was enjoying the downtime, this was a kind of downtime
>for her, anyway; she couldn't help but enjoy a good schadenfreude at the expense of some wackjob claiming himself to be Jesus Christ returning from his vacation in Pluto Bahamas
Understood. Just name the place, and I'll be over in...
>she looked out the window, noticing the state of the street
>not a lot of snow, but it looked pretty frozen
...five minutes.
<"I've still got lives to spare. Pretty sure."

???!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560349

>>41560348

We're over at the Walter Gilman Park. Drive safe, Chief.

>he said, knowing it was a waste of time to even suggest that

----------------

>Walter Gilman Park was named after a rather innocuous person who somehow became famous overnight
>just a few steps away from the border to Old Arkham, Walter Gilman came to this spot with the intent to just get away from the main town for a while
>a noted mathematician at Miskatonic, aside from an unusual skin condition, Walter didn't stand out too much at the university
>his colleagues knew him, of course, but they couldn't claim to "know" him, so it was said
>on a cool night, he could be seen sitting on a tree stump just outside of the university grounds, apparently just wanting some peace and quiet
>then, he wandered deeper into the then-untouched wilderness that would become New Arkham
>and then simply never returned
>no one was sure how or why, and he had few family members to attest to his whereabouts
>he just vanished into nothing
>of course stories circulated around for ages about what had happened to him, ranging from the simple to the fantastical
>whatever the case, in memory of his mysterious disappearance, they formed a park around where he was last seen
>his remaining family moved to Innsmouth shortly thereafter

>when Bonnie skidded her way to the scene, she'd see another police car already there, just outside of the park's borders
>both Krendell and Fenri were waiting somewhat nervously as she approached, with Krendell going first when she got close enough

Sorry to bother you, ma'am, but this is...

>he looked to Fenri, who only offered a half-hearted shrug, before back to Bonnie

...it's something alright.

beatCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560350

>>41560336
>>41560339

geh

>Janice was suddenly jarred out of her internal crisis by the feeling of something shoving up against Winnie and, by extension, her
>and was immediately jarred right back into that crisis by the sight of Lita, or more specifically some very particular parts of Lita, pressed up against Winnie’s face
>...which, come to think of it, was pretty close to some particular parts of Winn-
>GOD DAMN IT LIFE WAS A LOT EASIER A FEW YEARS AGO WHEN ALL SHE HAD TO VIOLENTLY LUST OVER WAS ANIME BOYS, AT LEAST THOSE GAVE HER THE SECURITY OF KNOWING THEY WEREN’T REAL FOR HER TO MAKE AN ASS OF HERSELF IN REAL LIFE OVER THEM
>she tried to pry her thoughts back over to the situation in front of her, but it was only when Winnie started, to put it delicately, spilling her spaghetti all over the god dang place that Janice’s focus was back on track
>and was immediately jarred back off track by that “not-so-Raven” comment, bringing another layer of blush to her face both from being compared to Hero Idol #2, and also the fact that it brought her eyes back over to Lita and GOD FUCKING DAMN IT SHE WAS STILL DOING THE THING WITH HER STUPID COW TITS WHY DIDN’T THIS PLACE HAVE A FUCKING SMOKING SECTION WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY

>COUGH!
>”Ya need us t' do anythin'?”

>and in that instant, something snapped in Janice’s mind
>well, maybe that was the wrong word - “snap” implies that something that was stable had broken into frenzied chaos, whereas in the present moment, Janice’s frayed, anxious nerves had suddenly frozen back into an eerie calm
>it was probably something to do with the combination of “hot girl near me” + “friend in discomfort” + “HIM addressing said friend” all adding up to a perfect microcosm of the situation thus far that had brought Janice where she was now, with the hate she currently had in her heart
>and that Raven comparison put it back into context; just a scant few hours ago, she was in class to learn how to be a superhero – to protect people
>screw the hot scantily-clad skank with a very Sandy-esque fashion sense, Janice was here to protect her friend
>in an instant, the pink drained away from her face back to its typical gothly pallor, and her voice dropped back to the standard Torres Monotone

>she gently but firmly placed her non-fleshy hand on Winnie’s shoulder, unaware of the small blood stains that her fingers were tracking onto Winnie’s shirt
>side note, she was also unaware that there was blood on her hand now for some reason

Dr Pepper, please.
>she briefly noted to Lita, before quietly murmuring in Winnie’s ear
Deep breaths, Winnie. In the nose, out the mouth. Like they told us in PE, okay?
>she briefly shot another cold glance at Albert, a “I have it handled so stay out of it” kind of expression
>hopefully he would get the point
>but if not, Janice was more than happy to teach him how to shove his home-wrecking Timbits up his own OBNOXIOUSLY ACCENTED still going to stay calm

Bonnie Voyage!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560351

File: 1579474749224.jpg (71.33 KB, 640x360, is this going to be on the tes…)

>>41560339
>>41560350
>at her friends' concerns, Winnie quickly put on a brave face
>a very shaky one, but a brave face nonetheless!
Y-Yeah! I-I'm all better now! R-Really!
>she still took Janice's advice, taking in a deep slow breath
>it was strange though; why did her throat get so scratchy all of a sudden?
>it wasn't dry or anything, and it sure wasn't brought about by a mild panic attack
>she was nervous, sure, but not that nervous
>remembering Lita was still waiting, whoever
I-I'll have a... uhh... D-Diet Co-ough! Cough!
>and quickly grabbed at her throat again, the scratchy returning just as quickly as it had came
Geugh-! Just-...Just water, please... cough!

Rrrright then! One sissy Coke; one fake Coke; and tap juice.
>another snap of her fingers, Lita standing up onto the seat
>in order to jump onto the adjacent booth and make her way over to the kitchen without needing to crawl under the table again

>Winnie let out a couple of coughs, but these seemed to be a bit softer
S-...sorry... m-must be coming down with something...
>that was the only explanation that made sense in her head, at least
>still, she kept breathing in and out, feeling like it might have been helping her throat get better
>but now she was wondering if there was something wrong with her ears
>she could swear she was hearing her breathing in stereo, or something...

>as more people started to enter the restaurant, the regular clientele stretched the spectrum of what one would expect to see in that restaurant
>a small group of bikers were the first to walk in; then there was a middle-aged couple who definitely looked a bit out of place among all of the barbarian decoration; two young woman in track suits, talking something about "formations" and chants; an aging but still quite healthy-looking man in a long trench coat and hat (and if one were to look closely, a gun holster beneath that coat)
>the restaurant was quite small, so even though there were still a handful of unoccupied seats, it already felt quite lively with the relatively few customers that had arrived for dinner

>when Lita came back with all of their drinks, she couldn't really stick around as much as she'd like to
>taking their orders, she then went about taking up a few more orders before the crowd got a bit hard to manage

S-So!
>Winnie put on another nervous smile
>she had to make small talk, right?
>she did invite them (well, one of them, but she liked being on good terms with Janice again!)
I-I never really properly introduced you guys, r-right?
>she looked between Janice and Albert
I... I guess Janice already knows something about you, b-but Albert, th-this is Janice! obviously... Sh-She's my roommate a-and a... really good friend of mine and-!
<"And... oh! Abby!"
>so wrapped up was she in slowly dying, she'd almost forgot!
>Albert was interested in Abby, wasn't he?
>and Abby was interested in him (she was pretty sure)!
>she couldn't exactly come out and say she was Abby's friend; that would just make things awkward!
And...anotherfriend!
>she blurted out
<"Nailed it!"
>OK, Winnie; think!
>last time he met Abby, things got kinda awkward there, right?
>maybe she could help Abby out for once!
>if she was going to try and talk to Albert again, she could maybe make it a smoother process by explaining to Albert she was just shy!
>the perfect plan!
S-S-S-So, Albert! U-Uhm... h-how's life in America! Y-You said you were from C-Canada, r-right?
>of course he did; why are you asking that!?
U-Uhhm... s-settling down O-OK, I mean? I-I know what it's like to be th-the new kid, i-in a new place... [shy]n-not necessarily a new country, but...[/i] I know how awkward it can be f-for a good while!

Bonnie Voyage!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560352

File: 1579475272958.jpg (63.53 KB, 640x480, is that so.jpg)

>>41560349
>Bonnie did not make a very subtle entrance, with the loud squealing of the tires as they approach the scene
>and yet, as always, her parallel parking was utterly impeccable even in the Winter
>she wasted little time in making her way out of her car, scarf wrapped tightly around her neck, and her mug of coffee replaced with a thermos filled with coffee

>Gilman Park
>easily her favorite park
>it never got the acclaim its older brother Randolph Carter Park did, but she considered it a way better place
>it was much smaller, of course, but its flower arrangement was a sight to behold; Carter Park seems a bit patchwork in that regard
>its benches were way more comfortable too, and she had no idea why they weren't the standard throughout the town

>when Officer Krendell approach, Bonnie faced him with her usual sleepy face
Not a problem; what kind of chief would I be if I didn't take the time of the day to help my own men.
>she took a sip from her beverage, already starting to walk
So, what've we got this time?

Albert Patterson!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560353

File: 1579476917519.png (2.95 MB, 1920x1080, Izuku's_new_braces.png)

>>41560351
>Albert still looked uneasy despite Winnie's reassurances, but ultimately settled back into his seat, figuring she'd tell them if they needed to hurry out for whatever reason
>>41560350
>though this time, it was pretty hard not to miss the cold stare aimed his way on Janice's part, which just prompted a confused look back at her

<"What did I do?"

>he wanted to come right out and ask that, but that'd probably just spark some kind of argument, and it was better for everyone if he just didn't
>he still couldn't get a feel for Janice right now - one minute she seemed oddly interested in him, the next she looked at him like he was intruding on something
>the connection to Sandy was still up in the air, but there wasn't any sense in dwelling on that anymore

>though as time passed and they got their drinks, there wasn't much else to focus on
>sure, there were the odd assortment of characters coming into the establishment, which prompted momentary curiosity that he wanted to ask Winnie about
>but he still felt uneasy about all of this
>it wasn't just the conflicting feelings from Janice, or Winnie spontaneously feeling ill, or Lita being...well, Lita
>it was a combination of all of the above, adding to a tense atmosphere he wasn't shaking any time soon

>he took Winnie's introduction as a deciding moment
>he considered making some sort of veiled remark about how she was acting, her unclear connection to Sandy still hanging over him like the Sword of Damocles ready to swing at a moment's notice

<"No, if there is something screwy here, it's better to take the high road."

>so he gave her a small-but-slightly-forced smile and a nod

Nice t' meet ya properly, Janice.

>he left it at that, not thinking about Winnie's obvious aversion to mentioning Abigail
>thankfully, Winnie then changed the subject, giving him a reason to turn to her and answer with a sheepish expression

Well...truth be told I haven't been outside th' campus much since comin' here!

Joanne an' I went t' th' Superman Museum before th' holidays though, an' that was...

>he paused for a second to think of a good way to describe that and his feelings on being in the city as a whole

...crowded.

>seemed like a good start

???!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560354

>>41560352
>the two officers did start following Bonnie after she started into the snow-covered park, with Krendell starting off in the same uneasy tone he had throughout this discussion

Well, we got a call about someone making a lot of noise in the park earlier, and apparently harassing passersby with a...sermon, of sorts. So we figured it was just some radical Jehovah's Witness or something, simple enough.

But then we actually saw the guy doing the preaching, and...

>he again shared a look with Fenri, who shrugged again and added:

Words fail us.

Yeah I'll fucking say...

>cont.

Clarence Gregori!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560355

File: 1579478336186.jpg (123.99 KB, 794x1007, fan_art___megumin_by_zzzjjack-…)

>>41560352
>>41560354
>as they headed into the center of the park, they'd soon find their guilty culprit
>aside the flower arrangements and the open space making up the park, the main landmark was an odd statue in the shape of a fish
>the citizens called it "Gilman" somewhat jokingly, but really it was just a fish statue
>maybe
>in reality the project was handed off to a somewhat snobby artist who said the curved and twisted metal was meant to represent something significant
>but most people ignored that and said it was a fish

>in front of said statue was the culprit, standing on an old wooden box as he could be heard loudly speaking to anyone nearby
>which, aside the three cops, were a couple of kids out later than they should be, and an older fellow who was trying to take a nap on one of the benches

People of Arkham, please heed me!

Oh, good, he's starting up again...

Ages ago, this city suffered a great tragedy! Our population was cut in half nearly overnight! Our collective will was sapped away, as we lost hope for our home! Even when we expanded into New Arkham, our true home fell into ruin, a sign of our changed ways!

>the young lad (?) then suddenly struck a pose, touching the brim of his hat while sweeping his arm out in front of him

But fear not! Your worries are at an end! For out of the ruins of Old Arkham, I have come! The last witch of Arkham, Clarence Gregori! A practitioner of true magic the likes of which have not been seen in an age!

Place your faith in me, for I shall restore Arkham to its glory days! Nay, I shall build upon them, and bring it to new heights! All you need do is follow my will, and this, I shall-

>FWUMP!

GAH!

>he was cut off by one of the kids suddenly beaning him in the face with a snowball, nearly knocking him off the box in the process
>he wobbled on one leg for a moment, before stabilizing and turning his attention to them, who were too busy laughing to care about what he was saying

DIDN'T I TELL YOU GUYS TO CUT THAT OUT?! THAT'S REALLY COLD!

beatCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560356

>>41560351
>>41560353

>Janice kept her hand on Winnie’s shoulder and gave her a few more Reassuring Friendly Pats through her sudden unexplained coughing fit
>she was going to say something, but Winnie seemed desperate to change the subject, so she went along with it
>not that that meant that Janice was really going to speak up as Winnie went about her introductions, but whatever

>she only bothered to look over to Albert when he directly addressed her;
>”Nice t' meet ya properly, Janice.”

Mm. Pleasure’s all mine.

>she said in a dry tone that Albert would likely be very familiar with from a certain other J-named goth-esque girl with weirdly identical facial structure
>...and then, something shifted in her expression in a strange way
>maybe it was just something in the air, or, like, one of those things where someone yawns and that makes you yawn too, but Janice suddenly felt an odd scratching in the back of her throat, and couldn’t help but stifle a few small coughs

>...god damn it, she lived with Winnie. if she was coming down with something, that probably meant it was able to spread to Janice too. this really wasn’t the kind of wrench she needed thrown into her busy schedule of superhero training and quiet seething jealousy.

Winnie & Bonnie!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560358

File: 1579556028849.jpg (78.85 KB, 640x360, fight on.jpg)

>>41560356
>>41560353
>Winnie's eyes lit up slightly when Albert mentioned the Superman Museum
Oh! Isn't it just great!?
>she excitedly asked
I-I've been going there for as long as I can remember! My mom's a big Superman fan; who isn't, right; s-s-so ever since I was a baby we've made all kinds of trips to Metropolis just to visit the museum! I-It's always so exciting, no matter how many times I see it!
>she giggled a bit, a light blush crossing her cheeks at her own excitement
O-Of course, I-I am a Central City girl th-through and through, s-s-so the Flash museum will always be my favorite... b-but it is still Superman! I-It's a v-very close race! N-No pun intended...
<"...oh, right! I was trying to talk about Abby!"
U-Uhh... y-y'know! If you're-...If you're looking for someone to... I dunno... sh-show you around Metropolis... I-I have a friend who I'm sure would love t-to show you around!
>her elbow reached next to her, a lot less subtly than she intended, very gently poking Janice's arm in the hopes she'd get the signal
Sh-She's very nice, a-and s-super fun! I-I'm sure you two w-would get along j-just great! Sh-She's the sweetest thing a-around, a-and just a little bit shy around people sh-she hasn't met, b-but she opens up really easily!
>surely Janice would realize she was talking about Abby from that oh-so-accurate description!

Winnie & Bonnie!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560359

File: 1579557275698.jpg (62.81 KB, 640x480, Im just that good.jpg)

>>41560354
>>41560355
>Bonnie was left staring at the theater before her, but her expression hadn't shifted throughout
>she just stared at the patchwork wizard going on about his election speech
>and get clocked in the face with a snowball for all his troubles
...so what's the problem here, exactly?
>she dryly commented to her officers
>but mixed in, there was a very rare element
>Chief Voyage actually sounding amused with a joke
Your rounds are almost done, right? You boys go ahead; I'm pretty sure I can handle this just fine.
>she ordered the officers, not actually waiting for confirmation before she walked closer to the "Last Witch of Arkham"
Y'know, in the "glory days" of Arkham, that would've been a bunch of burning coal being tossed your way. I wouldn't complain too much about it.
>she glanced aside at the kids
But you; it's way too late for you to be out here. Go home, and stop throwing snowballs at strangers.

Albert Patterson!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560361

File: 1579560487930.png (2.03 MB, 1920x1080, Izuku_uses_All_Might's_smile.p…)

>>41560356
>Albert only briefly noticed the small coughs coming from Janice, wondering for a second if she was getting sick too
>and if he was next on the list
>>41560358
>but for the most part he just let himself get swept up in Winnie's enthusiasm, his earlier unease about how busy it was soon fading away
>of course the museum itself was still awesome, it'd be impossible to not see it as anything else
>but hearing Winnie go on about it and how important it was to her just made him grin in turn, remembering how in awe he was when he first stepped into it himself
>he was about to ask her more about the Flash Museum when she mentioned it, only for her to shift gears to talk about something else

...?

>Winnie mentioning having a friend who'd be willing to show him around more was a bit surprising, but not unwelcome of course
>though again, he had to wonder just who she meant, given she mentioned before having only a handful of friends
>and while Janice was right there, there was one other choice...

Oh?

>he took a second to think about it, then just asked flat out

Is it Abigail?

Clarence Gregori!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560362

File: 1579561020564.jpg (121.57 KB, 1600x1637, megumin__with_video__by_rinine…)

>>41560359
>despite Bonnie's suggestion, the two officers didn't leave just yet, but they did share another uneasy look
>clearly there was more to this than they were letting on

>the trio of kids didn't seem too keen to do as Bonnie asked, making disappointed "awwws" when she told them to go
>although they glanced at the officers nearby and quickly figured out it wasn't just a suggestion, and started to leave
>but one of them - a boy almost as pale as the snow itself - looked back and blew a raspberry at Bonnie as they left

>Clarence was too busy patting the snow off of his face to answer right away, but when the kids had left, he looked up to see Bonnie there, and quickly gave a huff with a smug grin

Even if they had done such a thing, a master witch such as myself would easily take care of them!

Why...

>he reached down behind the box he was standing on, only to pull out a long staff that was taller than even himself
>which wasn't saying a lot but there it was

I could turn those lumps of coal into diamonds before their very eyes! They would be so amazed that they would immediately worship the ground I walked on!

But of course, I would deny such worship! I am simply here to help!

Winnie & Bonnie!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560363

File: 1579561664385.jpg (54.39 KB, 640x480, Im listening.jpg)

>>41560362
>Bonnie didn't react to the raspberry beyond a very slight amused scoff
>then focused back at Clarence, hearing him continue to talk in that self-aggrandizing fashion
Mm-hmm, how very impressive.
>she flatly stated
If only all those other witches had thought about that, maybe you'd only be the sixth-to-last witch of Arkham.
>she raised her hand, motioning slightly for him to step down from the box
Alright, get down from there. A public park isn't a place to make a fool out of yourself. Try to get an interview spot in a late show or something; you'll have plenty of people willing to listen, I'm sure.

Clarence Gregori!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560364

File: 1579562771824.jpg (160.94 KB, 1552x873, Megumin_pouting.jpg)

>>41560363
>Clarence clearly pouted at Bonnie's dismissal of his claim, but hopped off the box regardless
>still, after he landed, he gave his staff a quick twirl over his head, then pointed it up at her

I see that you doubt my abilities! Well, allow me to show you just what I am capable of!

All I need do is will it, and with the right words, a bouquet of flowers will appear at the tip of my staff! Watch!

>he then closed his eyes and waved a hand around the tip of his staff, which was pointing right at Bonnie's face

Boufafou fafofar...boufafou fafofar...Boulalou LALOLAR!

>for a moment or two, nothing happened
>then, indeed, something popped out of the tip of Clarence's staff

>POOF!

>instead, it was a short puff of flour that arose from it, to fly right into Bonnie's face

Winnie & Bonnie!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560365

File: 1579563441820.jpg (58.57 KB, 640x480, not amused.jpg)

>>41560364
>POOF!
>as if stubbornly committed to her own bit, Bonnie didn't even flinch
>getting all that flour out of her fur was going to be hell though, so she could feel her good mood dwindling by the second
...
>taking out her glasses to show the rather un-amused eyes lying beneath, Bonnie very simply used her scarf to clean the flour off their lenses
I'm sure that happens to lots of witches.
>another flat remark dripping with sarcasm
>and while she tried to hold it in, she had to try and spit some of the flour off her lips, because that just tasted nasty
>wiping at her mouth, Bonnie wasn't able to hold back the instinctive, cat-like shake of her head to get rid of most of the flour on her head
>she then brushed her hair back into place and slipped her glasses back on, continuing as if nothing had happened
Alright kid, pack it up and go home. If you want to do your little fifth-grade magic show, get a permit like all the other street performers.

And don't think I'm bluffing; if I can arrest a mime, I won't have any problem taking you to the nearest station.

Clarence Gregori!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560366

File: 1579563938928.gif (1.33 MB, 540x540, megumin-explosion-gif-18.gif)

>>41560365
>undeterred, Clarence instead looked at his staff with a displeased expression, shaking it off at his side

Stupid lousy staff! Can't ever do what I want it to!

>he turned his attention back to Bonnie when she insisted he go home, only to answer with a more stubborn reply

But I can't do that! I have a mission I have to get started on!

The people of Arkham are counting on me, and I - as the Last Witch - am honor-bound and duty-bound and...some other kind of bound to do what is needed!

>he pointed his staff at her again

Just wait, this time I'll get it!

>he then resumed waving his hand around the staff, going for a second attempt

Boulalou laloular...boufalou fafol-no, wait, what was it again...

Winnie & Bonnie!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560367

File: 1579564630867.jpg (50.43 KB, 640x480, get that away from me.jpg)

>>41560366
>Bonnie wasn't going to humor him this time
>so her hand immediately reached out to grab the staff, and try to yank it off his hands
Kid, this isn't a joke.

If you really are magic, then you should be made aware Arkham takes magic regulation very seriously.

Especially when it comes to someone so clearly inexperienced as you. I'm willing to let you off with a warning, so stop it with the chanting before you accidentally blow something up.

Clarence Gregori!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560368

File: 1579565397346.jpg (82.17 KB, 1280x720, maxresdefault (1).jpg)

>>41560367
>Clarence's eyes shot wide open when Bonnie grabbed his staff, but somehow he still wasn't cowed enough to listen to her
>although he was quick to refute her warning, looking quite shocked at the mere suggestion that he might do that

I would never blow up Arkham! That goes against the entire point of trying to rebuild it, obviously!

Besides, a little mishap with some flowers doesn't mean I'm going to do that! It was...just an accident!

>he didn't remove the staff from Bonnie's grasp, however
>he looked at her hand on the tip, then back to her, as if expecting her to just let go herself

Winnie & Bonnie!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560375

File: 1579657786598.jpg (72 KB, 640x480, I dont have the patience.jpg)

>>41560368
>it seemed clear that, if Clarence expected Bonnie to let go of his staff, he was going to be waiting a while
That's the thing about accidents: they tend to go unexpectedly against your plans.

So I'll say this again. Get off your box, and go home.

>but she then paused, eyes narrowing slightly as she studied him
...where do you live anyway?
>while Bonnie knew she couldn't possibly recognize every single person living in Arkham, the town was still small enough she was pretty certain she'd have stumbled across someone like this much sooner
>the name Gregori didn't ring many bells either

Clarence Gregori!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560376

File: 1579658711684.png (1.3 MB, 1268x1802, KonoSuba_Vol9-5.png)

>>41560375
>Clarence could see he wasn't about to win this makeshift tug-of-war, so he relented and withdrew his staff from Bonnie's hand
>well, not right away
>he had to struggle a little bit just to pull it back, glaring at the staff and grunting as he tried to pry it away
>though he did manage to after a few seconds, swaying back and wobbling after getting the tip free
>he righted himself soon after, before answering Bonnie with a bewildered look

Oh, in Old Arkham.

>he then quickly added with a panicked expression and voice

But I can't go back! Not until my mission is complete! So do not hinder me any further!

Winnie & Bonnie!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560378

File: 1579659747772.jpg (50.43 KB, 640x480, get that away from me.jpg)

>>41560376
>Bonnie just kept her flat glare on Clarence
<"Of course it was Old Arkham. What crazy doesn't."
>her eyes narrowed again, her voice gaining a harsher tone
Trust me, this is as far from hindering as I can manage right now.

You're heading straight back home even if I have to drag you there myself.

It's the easy way or the highway; make your choice.

Clarence Gregori!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560379

File: 1579660289758.png (226.41 KB, 420x480, default_Megumin.png)

>>41560378
>Clarence again huffed at Bonnie's refusal to cooperate, ready to make a more loud bluster at her stern stance
>but suddenly, his eyes lit up, as an idea came to him
>and with that came a sudden low laugh

I choose a third way!

For I have just realized a method in which you could aid me instead of impede me! And as you would be helping to restore Arkham, you would be received as a hero for it!

>having hopped off of his box moments ago, he went back on top of it and struck another grandiose pose

I have many duties in my efforts to restore Arkham, and one is to address the event that happened over a century prior! And it is with this that I say to you...

>he then pointed at Bonnie, a confident smile on his face

Bear my children!

Winnie & Bonnie!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560380

File: 1579660777307.jpg (51.53 KB, 640x480, Id like to see you try.jpg)

>>41560379
>God, he's still going on about this
>Bonnie was really starting to lose her patience, and was just about ready to-
>"Bear my children!"
...

...

...

>that was probably grounds for an arrest
>she was pretty sure, and that would probably be the smart thing to do
>but Bonnibel Voyage was well known for thinking outside the box
>and she was an excellent poker player
>mix those up, and you get someone perfectly willing to call anyone out on their bluff
>no matter how ridiculous it may be
...OK, sure.
>she bluntly stated, eyes locked on firmly with Clarence's

Clarence Gregori!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560381

File: 1579661607381.jpg (84.59 KB, 1280x720, Megumin_embarrassed.jpg)

>>41560380

What?!

>Bonnie would hear both of her officers - who hadn't left just yet because they wanted to see how this would play out - suddenly shout in surprise at her response to Clarence
>the witch himself, however, simply kept speaking as if nothing was wrong

I assure you, our children will bring prosperity to this fair town! With your status as the police chief and my magical talent, they-

.....

>he then stopped, her response actually sinking into his feeble mind
>and then he reacted rather appropriately, all things considered

W-W-W-WHAAAAAT?!

>he again wobbled in place out of pure shock, before his face burnt a bright red as he sputtered more at Bonnie

Y-Y-You can't just s-say "yes" like that! Th-That's not how th-this all works!

W-We're s-supposed to go back and forth over many different encounters! Both of us s-slowly understanding and agreeing to this, s-so we could both be emotionally prepared for the task at hand!

I-It's a delicate game of cat-and-mouse and y-y-you're disrupting that!

>there would be a very noticeable hissing sound coming from behind Bonnie at Clarence's last comment, as if the air was being sucked out of the immediate area
>both Krendell and Fenri were now looking at Clarence and Bonnie as if they were about to witness a murder take place

You ready to leave yet?

...yeah, we should probably hurry.

>then, rather hurriedly, Krendell could be heard calling to Bonnie

Well, we gotta go Chief! See you tomorrow! Don't be out too long!

>and with that, they quite literally turned and ran for their car
>and as soon as they got inside, whatever Bonnie had to say to them, they were driving off at a speed that was definitely above the limit
>well, who was going to pull over a police car?

beatCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560384

>>41560358
>>41560361

>Janice maintained her silence as Winnie went on her sales pitch, only slightly narrowing her eyes when she praised the Flash museum over the Superman one
>and for the slimmest fraction of a second, it almost looked like the tiniest bit of a pout crossed her face at the thought
>i mean the flash is cool and all but ain’t nothin’ flash better than nothin’

>and she definitely caught on to the elbow to her side, but she wasn’t about to play along
>Winnie was Winnie of course, she always wanted to see the best in everyone and always trust a new friendly face
>but Janice knew better; she knew what evil lurked in the hearts of man and Canadian alike
>and she wasn’t gonna make it that easy for him

>”Is it Abigail?”

She meant me.
>hopefully, that would get through his caveman skull as sarcasm, but if it didn’t, hey, maybe it’d keep him away from Abby for a little longer




...koff

Winnie D. Woah!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560390

File: 1579706971975.jpg (60.55 KB, 640x360, shock.jpg)

>>41560361
>"Is it Abigail?"
Squeak-!?!?
>a very frantic squeak left Winnie's throat
>HOW DID HE FIGURE IT OUT!?
>can he read her mind!?
>what's she supposed to do now-
>>41560384
>"She meant me."
Eh...?
>Winnie jolted a bit, blinking as she looked at Janice
>and quickly felt a great relief, as Janice clearly picked up on her subtle hints!
>figures Janice was smart enough to so quickly divert the conversation away from Abby!
>all they needed to do was keep this going, and whenever they end up having some day to themselves, they just figure out some excuse to replace Janice with Abby!
>genius!
Y-Y-Yeah! I-I actually-- cough! A-actually meant Janice! cough... cough...

I-I was tryyying to be s-s-- cough --subtle about-- cough! COUGH!

Ghack-!!

COUGH! COUGH! COUGH!
>Winnie nearly collapsed onto the table for the sudden coughing fit
>quickly reaching for her water, she took a lengthy sip to try and soothe her aching throat
S-S-Sorry... g-golly... I-I must really be coming down with something...

A-Anyway, a-as I was saying! I-I was just trying not to be t-too obvious about- COUGH!
>and just like that, the coughing fit returned just as quickly as it went away
>and it was very clearly only growing more and more harsh, Winnie gasping and gagging for air on a few occasions
>her usually healthy complexion was growing increasingly blue the longer she was prevented from breathing, but even when she could finally get some oxygen in her lungs, there was no mistaking it
>she was starting to look way more pale and sickly than when they first arrived

>and throughout Winnie's coughing fit, there was another undeniable fact
>somehow, as if directly in their ears, Janice and Albert probably couldn't help but notice someone, or something, breathing...

Albert Patterson!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560391

File: 1579726490912.png (1.68 MB, 1920x1080, Izuku's_coming_out_party.png)

>>41560384

-?

>Albert looked to Janice after she made her brief, blunt response, and had to actually process it for a moment
>it sounded very...strange, at least when put up against how Janice had been acting up until now
>she didn't exactly seem keen on the idea of showing Albert around town, to say the least
>he almost wondered if it was a joke, but it was such a short statement it was hard to pick up any sort of hidden intent behind it

>>41560390
>Winnie's panicked squeak only confirmed in his mind that something was definitely up about all of this
>for whatever reason, they didn't want him to talk to Abigail
>the question was, why?

>he was actually about to ask about that, opening his mouth to say so, when Winnie had another coughing fit, this one a lot more harsh than the last
>which shut him up quickly and prompted a worried look sent her way, but she did eventually seem to calm down

.....

>he then went to speak again, only to jolt as she started coughing even worse
>and once she started actually gasping for air, that was enough to get Albert to make a decision

OK, just hang on Winnie, I'm gonna get help!

>he was already fishing through his backpack as he said this, soon emerging with his phone and already dialing 9-1-1
>and because of the growing panic he was dealing with, the odd breathing around him went mostly unnoticed, Albert just chalking it up to needless noise as he focused on getting an ambulance down to them
>whatever Winnie had it definitely wasn't just a bug, that was for certain

Bonnie Voyage!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560394

File: 1579803148740.jpg (64.65 KB, 640x480, moment of anger.jpg)

>>41560381
>watching Clarence squirm beneath her rock-solid glare was exactly what she wanted to see
>she was initially worried she was losing her touch, but in hindsight, she wasn't surprised it had taken him about ten seconds before the information properly reached his brain
>she hadn't tried something like this in years; Bianca had to learn it from someone, after all
>she'd almost forgotten how fun the teasing game could be
>maybe she could stand to dust off her skills a bit more oft-
>"It's a delicate game of cat-and-mouse..."
...

...

...

>well, she was having fun
>was
...

"Cat-and-mouse", huh...?
>Bonnie's eyes narrowed further
>but not just her eyelids; her pupils had thinned down into rather threatening slits
If you want to learn what a cornered mouse feels like before a rather playful cat, I assure you, I'll be quite happy to let you experience that.

This is your last warning.

Clarence Gregori!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560395

File: 1579804434723.jpg (87.98 KB, 1074x1050, ni8s8mez6b211.jpg)

>>41560394
>in the midst of Clarence's panic, he did end up seeing the sheer fury coming off of Bonnie even while dealing with his embarrassment
>but her threat sank into his brain in a very different way

<"...is that her means of seduction? Is she into that sort of thing?! Oh, this is going to be a really rough first encounter..."

>despite that, Clarence would soon give a reply, though laced with far more nervousness than confidence this time

I-I w-will not relent! I-If you asked me a th-thousand times my answer w-would not change! I-It is my solemn duty to aid Arkham in what it needs m-most!

>he had hopped off of the box earlier, but he was seemingly not about to leave yet
>but even as he aimed his staff up at her again, his hands were clearly shaking, and his knees were trembling in turn

S-So t-try your w-worst with me, y-you...v-vivacious vixen, you!

But if I am to d-die at your hands, it w-will be for my duty!

Bonnie Voyage!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560396

File: 1579804906690.jpg (72 KB, 640x480, I dont have the patience.jpg)

>>41560395
...
>this was starting to be more sad than frustrating
>starting to; Bonnie was still very much frustrated
>which is why her hand launched out as fast as it did to grab Clarence's wrist
>and should it find its mark, Bonnie would force Clarence to spin and face his back to her
>handcuffs already in hand, she'd then try to trap one of Clarence's wrists with them, quickly followed by the other

Clarence Gregori!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560397

File: 1579805983508.png (479.37 KB, 600x665, 1b2.png)

>>41560396

Yipe!

>not expecting that to be Bonnie's course of action, Clarence was unable to provide any resistance of any sort when he was spun around, his wrists locked behind his back
>but luckily for him, he hadn't let go of his staff in the movement, looking over his shoulder at Bonnie with a more confident grin, now sure that this was the extent of the threat he'd have to contend with

Hah! You think this alone will be able to stop me? Escaping from bonds is mere child's play for a true witch!

>his hands gripped down on his staff, as he resumed chanting

Lalalulo...Lakulako...Lakohako!

>there was a pause for a moment, and then...

>POOF!

>a bouquet of flowers appeared at the tip of the staff

OH NOW YOU COOPERATE?!

Bonnie Voyage!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560398

File: 1579806349199.jpg (84.68 KB, 720x540, one chance.jpg)

>>41560397
>unfazed by this, Bonnie simply set about her original plan
>grabbing hold of Clarence's cape, she simply started dragging him back towards where her car was parked
Right, we're going for a little joyride.

The "joy" being mine, when I get you out of my sight.
>opening the door, she simply shoved the witch into the backseat
>then walked around to the front seat, getting inside without really being worried about any of Clarence's escape attempts
>his magic sure wasn't going to help him, it seemed, and her car had highly temperamental locks
>she could barely figure them out, let alone an idiot like him
I'll drive around Old Arkham all night if I have to, but I'm taking you back home.

Clarence Gregori!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560399

File: 1579807044215.png (150.82 KB, 1024x1024, 6a326ve11g811.png)

>>41560398

Wagh!

>Clarence flopped on the backseat of the police car after being shoved in, and with his arms behind his back, he couldn't do much but flail uselessly on the backseat
>though that didn't stop him from shouting defiantly at Bonnie as she got into the car

This is only delaying me a little, you know!

Even if you could find the old apothecary on 47 Grand Avenue, I won't be there for long! I'll be back out here in no time!

Now staff, get me out of this bind!

>unaware that he just told her where he lived, he started chanting to his staff that was pinned against his back again

Lolalila...Lulolila...Labola...no, wait...

beatCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560410

>>41560390
>>41560391


>even as Winnie started awkwardly panicking, Janice stayed perfectly still, staring Albert down with that same emotionless stare
>but then it went beyond panicking
>as soon as Winnie started the worst coughing fit yet, Janice snapped to face her with the most obvious emotion she’d shown on this whole outing: absolute terror

<Oh god oh christ how did that CPR class mom made us take go again

>for a moment, some dim part of her mind was actually thankful that Albert was calling for help, rather than finding some reason to tie this back to him being a literal satan once again
>maybe he was actually good for something
>...nah she was still gonna find reasons to hate him after this
>still, first thing’s first; Winnie was in trouble, and Janice was desperately searching her brain to try to remember the instructions she’d been given

Okay, okay, okay, uh. Winnie, lay down flat on your back, I’m gonna go-

>suddenly, something snapped into place in her mind
>maybe it was because she was just coming here off the high of getting to do real superhero things, or her hate-on for Albert had her a little jumpy towards anything that could be perceived as a threat, or maybe it was the 16 straight years of horror movie exposure; whatever the case, Janice noticed something
>at first, Janice had sort of unconsciously assumed that she’d started breathing heavily out of panic
>it was only now, as she finally inhaled for the first time in 30 seconds, that Janice realized she’d actually been holding her breath in panic
>and considering that Albert was too far away to hear him breathing straight in her ear like that, and breathing heavily was the exact opposite of what Winnie was doing right now…

Something’s wrong.

>the words slipped out of her mouth on instinct as she scrambled to her feet, eyes darting around desperately scanning the room for… she didn’t know what yet, but something

Everyone!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560415

File: 1579965916333.jpg (123.72 KB, 460x690, I am here.jpg)

>>41560410
>Winnie's explosive burst of coughing had gathered the attention of pretty much everyone in the small diner
>which is why Janice was probably the first person to see it
>in a hidden corner of the restaurant, tactically covered by the collection of battered shields
>there was a figure there; someone hidden and visible only through the odd ripples of the cloaking device keeping him invisible
>but what wasn't invisible, appearing from beneath the cloak, was the thing that might've caught Janice's eye
>the gleaming, silver barrel of a gun
>and it was aiming straight at-
>>41560391
>KBLAMM!!
>there wasn't much anyone there could've done
>"faster than a speeding bullet" was a title reserved only to one element in the room, and its handler was currently lying face-first on the table after a misunderstanding on Janice's instructions
>and so, with a simple pull of the trigger, Albert...'s trusty phone at been shot right out of his hand
>its screen completely shattered, the brave trooper had died in the line of duty

>but before any morning could be done:
Tisk, tisk, tisk~!
>the hidden figure made his voice known
>a voice all too familiar for a masked hero
>a voice last heard in the Canadian wilderness
>but now here, in the concrete jungle of Metropolis
I hoped I could wait a while longa 'fore I could call this little experiment off today-
>as the figure stood up from his hiding spot, he'd throw off the invisible mantle that he had been covering himself with
>adjusting the black shades on his face, the man was quick to wave his gun around the room
-but as they say! Why keep a captive audience waitin'~!
>he spun the revolver in his hand, purely for the style points-
>KBLAMM!
>before another perfectly-aimed bullet flew across the restaurant
>its target this time was the trenchcoat-wearing man on the opposite end of the diner, his own gun being shot cleanly off of his hands (as clean as one could make it with the shrapnel leaving his arm bloodied, at least)
Sweet Johnny Appleseed; when ya gonna learn your lesson, old man!
>he quickly aimed the gun aside at Lita, already trying to worm her way beneath the tables, without so much as looking at her
Now don't nobody try and play the hero~! Not quite yet, anyway. Just play along, and we can all go home nice and safe, and do this dance again all ova tomorrow!

Albert Patterson!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560417

File: 1579972853737.png (1.47 MB, 1920x1080, Izuku_Midoriya_finds_out_he_pa…)

>Albert had just gotten through to emergency services as the gun was drawn

9-1-1, what's your emergency?

It's my friend, she's-

>>41560415

>KBLAMM!

-!!!

>Albert jolted when the shot went through his phone, just narrowly avoiding his ear in the process
>although not without sending him to the floor, his ear now ringing from the impact to the phone, and making his equilibrium very distorted

>he couldn't quite hear what was going on, of course, but he heard some sort of muffled shouting above him
>which was followed by another gunshot, so it was already clear enough that something major was going on
>so, with some difficulty, he used the table as a crutch to help himself move back up, grunting in pain as his ear trickled blood down the side of his neck
>and as he looked up, he saw the guilty party

-!!!

<"Shit!

>oh he was indeed familiar with this individual, and a dozen questions flooded his mind when he saw them
>most of them being variations of "how is he here"
>but all of that had to wait for the moment

>>41560410
>without wasting any more time, he slipped back under the table, crawling across to its opposite side
>he grabbed Winnie by the wrist as hurriedly as he could, with his other hand reaching up to grab her shoulder and lead her underneath with him
>and while he did this, he saw Janice standing in the middle of the aisle, in plain shooting sight for this would-be assassin, he anxiously hissed at her

Janice, get down!

beatCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560418

>>41560415
>>41560417

>boy, part of Janice was kinda glad that there actually was something afoot, otherwise she would’ve looked real silly if she had jumped up over nothing like that!
>the other part of Janice was kinda OH MY FUCKING GOD WHAT THE FUCK
>sure, the prideful wannabe superhero in her would’ve been ashamed of herself for freezing up like this, but also that dude had a fucking gun and-
>AND HE JUST FUCKING SHOT ALBERT JESUS CHRIST SHE HATED HIM AND ALL BUT SHE DIDN’T WANT HIM TO Doh wait he’s ok.
>slooowly, she turned back to face the mysterious assailant, who… honestly kind of looked like a dork but he was a dork with a gun so, completely ignoring Albert’s advice for a number of reasons

>partly out of stubbornness and refusal to do what he told her, partly out of paralyzing fear, and partly because of that little voice in the back of her head
>the voice that, just this morning, had been freaking out over her first real hero class
>the voice that said
<this is your chance

>...this was a terrible idea.
>but the gears still started turning in Janice’s head anyways
>sure, Bram was probably the better strategist of their little crew, but she could still think on her feet
>she just needed a little time

>okay, facts as they are: you’re being held at gunpoint by a possible supervillain, your friend is suffocating next to you, the other guy is cowering under the table, a lot of civilians in the area, call to the cops has been interrupted
>now to break down the finer details
>having grown up around the police, Janice knew a few things: when a 911 call was interrupted, it was standard policy to attempt to trace the call and send an officer ASAP
>depending on how long that took and how close the nearest car was, that could take anywhere from, like, 20 minutes to an hour for the cops to show up – not good
>but, judging by how much he was taunting, this dude seemed like the monologuing type
>if she could get him to keep talking, then that meant the longer he would spend not shooting people, which meant more time for her to try to think of a plan while the police were en route

>so, in what would be the first in a long and storied lifetime career of probably-regrettable decisions made in the presence of violent criminals, Janice raised her hands placatingly into the air and addressed the guy with the gun

Who are you, and what do you want.

Youth Bluegrass!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560419

File: 1579988074709.jpg (93.46 KB, 512x512, you look stupid.jpg)

>>41560418
>the gunman casually looked over to the girl so defiantly looking towards him
>he let out a sigh, demonstrating a rather carefree interpretation of "gun safety" as he scratched his own head with the barrel
I'm startin' to get kinda tired of answerin' that...
>then grinned with a light snicker
Aaah, who'm I kiddin'! Who could evah get tired of hearin' 'bout me~!
>he kicked a chair back from under a table, placing his boot on top
Ladies and germs; da name's Youth Bluegrass! Da wildest, boldest, most courageous an' all 'round mag-ni-fique hunter in the universe!
>he aimed a finger forward
I've traveled all the way from da Great White North, back to good ol' Red-White-And-Blue Country, in search of my greatest prize yet!

A lil' kitty-cat goin' by da name Cryptid, who I've tracked down to your neck of da woods!
>taking a seat on the chair, he casually placed both his feet up on the table, spinning the revolver around on his finger
And dat's about all I want! If all of ya's will just cooperate for once, then we can make it through da night easy-peasy~!

...so! Now dat I answered your question...
>he reached up, tilting his glasses down slightly while still looking towards Janice
Do you know where I can find the elusive Cryptid, lil' lady~?

>as Youth Bluegrass spoke, one thing might have quickly become clear
>the unidentified breathing was not coming from him
>and was still very close to where Janice and Albert were standing...

Albert Patterson!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560420

File: 1579988933053.png (1.75 MB, 1920x1080, Izuku_yells_at_Katsuki.png)

>>41560418

Janice fer fuck's sake!

>Albert had managed to get Winnie under the table after some effort, but was still hissing at Janice to move so as to not get the man's attention

>>41560419
>but, sadly, it was too late for that
>Youth Bluegrass
>Albert was all too familiar with him, this was far from their first encounter
>he'd come across the big-game hunter early on in his superheroing career, when he had found a giant ape creature just outside of Douglastown, that Bluegrass quickly made a target out of
>ever since then, the hunter had become focused entirely on him, viewing him as far more worthy prey, much to his chagrin
>this meant Albert knew for sure what he was capable of, and that Janice seriously needed to move

Janice, he'll definitely kill you! Get down!

>even with his frequent protests, he was trying to think of a solution to this
>he had to transform and fast, otherwise who knew what could happen to the people in here?
>but a) he was in an enclosed space, which would make the transformation difficult, especially with Winnie right there
>b) Bluegrass was way too close to him right now, meaning if he transformed, he'd know his identity, and that was not something he could afford
>and c) now he could hear that unclear breathing
>and Albert was trying to find out where exactly it was coming from, scanning his eyes around as much as he could from his position under the table

beatCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560427

>>41560419
>>41560420

>”Yout Bluegrass”? seriously?
>that sounded like the name she would read on some D-list country rock album that barely scraped the bottom of the top 40s, which… was still kind of hard to make fun of when he was pointing a gun at her.
>a fact which Albert helpfully decided to remind her of, much to her displeasure
>she had the bare beginnings of a plan; not a good one, of course, but a plan

>Janice was by no means a gun expert, but, again, you picked up a few things living with a cop – especially one that insisted on drilling you on firearms safety from a young age
>if this guy was considering himself a hunter, that meant he was expecting to go against an unarmored target – which probably meant hollowpoints, which in turn meant that as long as she could put something solid between her and the bullet, it would split apart on impact and lose all its energy pretty quick, hopefully inside something that wasn’t her chest cavity

>fortunately, in the weeks of training she and J had undertaken since signing up for the hero course, they’d stumbled upon a handy little trick
>slowly, that little self-inflicted trickle of blood down her thigh started to curve back upwards, disappearing under her skirt and trailing up to under her hoodie
>there, the baggy sweater did a pretty good job concealing the way that the blood collected on the front of her shirt and started to practically freeze, rapidly hardening into a glassy red crystalline layer
>the army did something like this, right? they had ceramic armor or something, so that if it got shot all the energy would be wasted shattering the plate before it could hit flesh, right?
>god, Janice really should’ve spent more time reading those Wikipedia articles. if only she’d known her life would kind of literally depend on it one day

>that aside, though:
>”Janice, he'll definitely kill you! Get down!”
<YOU’RE THE ONE WHO’S ALREADY SUPPOSED TO BE THE PRO HERO HERE, ASSHOLE. HE’S HERE FOR YOU ANYWAYS, I’M TRYING TO BUY YOU SOME TIME SO ANY MOMENT YOU FEEL LIKE HOPPING IN FEEL FUCKING FREE!!
>not that she said any of that out loud, of course
>instead, she just grit her teeth and readied herself for the question:

>”Do you know where I can find the elusive Cryptid, lil' lady~?”

Never heard of h-kkhk!

>Janice stifled another cough, coming out as a harsh, uncomfortable choking sound
>god, this was not the time to be getting sick – that one was way worse than the last
>and what the fuck was that thing breathing down her-



>oh god.
>it just hit her.
>the same way that the breathing tipped her off that something was wrong with Winnie, some switch flipped in her brain
>there was a pattern
>Winnie started coughing when she wouldn’t admit to her order, and then again when she lied about Abby
>Janice started when she told Albert she was glad to meet him, and then that little sarcastic jab, and now when she claimed not to know Cryptid
>her eyes slowly drifted back to Bluegrass’s smug-ass face with a troubled glare, and a chill ran down her spine

Youth Bluegrass!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560429

File: 1580135723200.jpg (68.76 KB, 717x540, I dont care.jpg)

>>41560420
>>41560427
>that smug-ass face had only increased in its smugness as soon as Janice felt her throat clog up
>raising a finger, Youth wagged it in her direction with another condescending:
Tisk, tisk, tisk~!
>taking his boots off the table, he leaned forward slightly
>grinning very widely towards Janice
Ain't ya evah heard da sayin', lil' lady?
>in a quick motion, Bluegrass grabbed something off his vest's pocket
>a very small and thin flute-like instrument
Liar, liar... eaten by a giant spider~
>he brought the whistle to his lips, a quiet yet pretty shrill sound leaving from it

>and at that moment, if it wasn't obvious before, then it most certainly was now
>all eyes in the restaurant turned towards Janice... or rather, the dinosaur skull behind her
>the skull that had seemingly just sprouted eight legs, slowly and methodically looming over the table, and focusing on Janice

Allow me to in-tro-duce my lil' pet~!
>Bluegrass swiftly got off his seat
>with a grandiose swing of his arm, motioning towards the moving skull
Meet the Echelonian Mind-Eater! Or as I like to call it: The Psyder!
>he aimed a finger straight at the Psyder
This bad girl finds brainwaves to be its most delectable dinner experience; preferably with a hearty dose of lies~!
>placing his boot on the chair, he leaned forward, holding his chin in mocking thought
Dat sudden dryness of da throat? You can thank her~! But dat raises the question... why would you lie about such a simple question, I wondah~! There ain't nothin' to be ashamed of fer knowin' Cryptid, aftah all! Unless, is this a teenage crush kinda deal? Can't have yer lil' buddies know ya got posters of da guy all ovah yer walls, maybe~?
>he snickered
Or maybe... ya might just know somethin' helpful fer--

SHE'S JUST A KID, FOR GOD'S SAKES!
>Bluegrass turned, the older man lying on the floor with a bloody hand yelling out to him
Leave her alone, you bastard! I'll tell you everything you need to-hkkhKAFFKAFF!!

>Bluegrass sighed
Seriously man; da first time ya tried dat? Pretty ballsy, hats off to ya. But by now, it's gettin' kinda sad...

Wh-...kaff... what do you mean "first"-...

HELL-OOOO~!
>Bluegrass quickly shouted
Do I gotta spell it out for ya? PSY! CHIC! SPI! DER! Ya really think I'd come to Superman's home turf and not have some way of coverin' my tracks?
>he reached up, pushing his sunglasses up
I've been scoutin' this place fer two whole weeks. Every now and then, someone comes along and figures out da scheme, but...
>he shrugged his shoulder
A quick mindwipe, and it's back t' business as usual~

Albert Patterson!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560430

File: 1580155300092.png (1.47 MB, 1920x1080, Izuku_sees_Dark_Shadow.png)

>>41560429
>Albert flinched when he heard Janice start coughing up a lung, seemingly
>even with only one good ear he could catch that, which just made his growing panic get even worse
>what were the chances that both Winnie and Janice would suddenly get violently ill with no prior warnings?
>...pretty slim, actually

>>41560429
>he couldn't see very well from his position, but he could hear at least most of what was happening
>though he had to strain to hear properly, given the ringing in one ear

>finding out that the coughing was a result of outright lying was something that should probably be further explored later
>but right now Albert had a far bigger issue to deal with
>namely the creature responsible for Janice and Winnie's predicament, which was absolutely not an ordinary creature
>meaning...

<"NOAH! That motherfucker!"

>he had to be responsible for this somehow, had to
>and with Bluegrass having already made it clear he was after Cryptid, NOAH had to know he was there too
>or rather, suspect

>realistically speaking, he could just not do anything
>if he just stayed put, didn't get involved, then his identity would be safe, along with his family
>it just meant that he had to let Janice and possibly other people get shot and killed, because Bluegrass would absolutely do that to lure Cryptid out
>obviously, as Albert had already unzipped his backpack, that wasn't going to happen

>he pulled the mask out as fast as he could, pausing only to whisper to Winnie

Sorry, I'll try t' move as fast as I can...

>he didn't have time to worry about the damage to his clothes, or the damage to his surroundings
>though, for a moment, he did worry about something else

Sorry Ma...Pa...

>there was a chance Bluegrass would put two and two together and figure out who he was, but a bigger chance Janice would die
>not something he could afford

<"Then...time for the main event!"

>and with no other thought given, he put the spotted cougar mask on

>cont.

Cryptid!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560431

File: 1580155743452.jpg (167.14 KB, 827x1600, 12_sfxtekken13.jpg)

>>41560427
>>41560429
>>41560430
>there was a brief glow from beneath the table, followed by the sound of cloth being torn open
>as this happened, Bluegrass would see the glowing figure suddenly dive out from under the table, rolling behind Janice as the transformation finished
>he reached up and tore off the remains of his shirt, then stood up to his full height

You wanted me, Bluegrass. So call your pet off, and let's head outside and settle this.

>probably not gonna happen, but he had to at least try
This post was edited by its author on .

beatCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560433

>>41560429
>>41560431

>y’know, on any other day, Janice would consider a giant psychic monster spider disguised as a skull to be the coolest shit she saw all day
>but today, when it was bearing down on her back while she was in a potentially life-or-death confrontation with a super criminal…
>okay, it was still pretty cool, but she didn’t really have the time to properly appreciate it at the moment
>especially since she was busy trying to choke back vomit at Youth’s implication that she was crushing on that gross little Canadian cockroach
>sure, the whole part where he’d been scouting the place for weeks and wiping the memories of everyone involved each time was troubling too, but, like
>he implied she was into that bastard
>the priorities were clear

>despite that, she was just a bit thankful when Albert finally stepped into the situation
>not because she was happy to see him helping her, of course
>more because he made a prime distraction slash meat-shield (a very, very large meat shield at that – some dim part of Janice’s mind was actually kind of floored by how much he suddenly towered over her)
>which gave her the opening to start on the hastily-conceived part 2 of her poorly-conceived plan
>the spider was going to be a problem – there was no way to close in on Bluegrass with this thing breathing down her neck. seriously, look at that thing, it probably eats people
>she wasn’t fast enough to spin around and take the thing on face to face, especially since that would be exposing her unarmored back to Bluegrass
>so, any counterattack she made would have to be the sneaky kind

>with her crude bulletproof(?) vest of her own blood complete, the trickle of blood reverted back towards the floor, slowly starting to pool
>she hated using her own blood for this – for obvious reasons, it tended to leave her pretty worn out before long, but the old man was too far away to reach inconspicuously, and Albert hadn’t really bled enough from the graze for her to use
>so, begrudgingly, the little puddle of Janice’s blood started to ooze under the table, inch by inch, until it stopped… somewhere
>she cursed internally; J was the one who could sense blood, she couldn’t (god damn it why didn’t she bring him along for this?) meaning that she had no idea where the puddle was
>meaning she was about to be firing blind

>well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
>Janice took a deep breath and concentrated on the puddle of blood that was (hopefully) directly beneath the spider on the table, the blood starting to collect and rise and twist on command
>and suddenly, exploding upwards in a sharp, crystalline needle straight through the table, and hopefully into the underside of the spider

Youth Bluegrass!E2Vbn7o74sCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560434

File: 1580204913096.jpg (87.04 KB, 600x600, defeated.jpg)

>>41560430
>>41560431
>as the glowing figure emerged, transforming into the impressive and intimidating figure of Cryptid
>the calm, cool, and collected Youth Bluegrass... nearly slipped and fell right on his butt
WH--TH--BUH--!?!? WHERE TH' HECK DID YOU COME FROM!?
>wait a second!
>the kid with the phone had been under the table
>Cryptid leapt from under the table
>he tore off some kind of fabric off of him that looked like the kid's shirt
>could this mean that--
>>41560433
>then there was an ear-piercing screech coming from the giant spider
>Bluegrass could only let out a confused choking noise as he noticed the red needle that had pierced the monster's underbelly
>that wasn't Cryptid; he'd never pulled off anything like that
What th' heck's goin' on-!?
>Bluegrass aimed his revolver in the split second it took him to jump backwards, closer to the shields he had been hiding behind before
>he knew the pitfalls of the heroic types all too well, and the best way to strike them isn't to aim at them
>instead, the gun was aimed farther away from Cryptid, towards the middle-aged couple by the counter
>from Cryptid's current location, Bluegrass knew he could easily leap the comparatively-short length to save them
>but if his calculations were accurate (and he had no reason to believe they weren't, of course) he'd have no time to throw them off the bullets' trajectories
>instead, he'd have to block them with his own body, and put himself at an immediate disadvantage!
<"Sometimes my brains scare even myse--"
>were it not for Bluegrass's finely tuned senses, he probably wouldn't have spotted it in time
>a quick twist of his ankle was all it really took for the experienced hunter to change his midair trajectory just enough to dodge the incoming projectile
>that projectile just happening to be his own Psyder hurled in his direction along with the table
>needless to say, that probably would've hurt him more than it would've hurt it

>and seeing what had so casually hurled the Psyder his way, and sent it crashing into the shield display, only further confused Youth Bluegrass
>a shimmering giant, standing over even the Cryptid, that had emerged from seemingly nowhere just as his target had
>a giant that seemed to be protecting someone behind him wearing the same-colored clothes as the kid whose phone he shot
>what the hell was going on!?

>the whole event had taken only a small handful of seconds, just before Bluegrass actually hit the ground
>but while his landing was rougher than he had intended it to be, thinking on his feet was his specialty
>very quickly rolling to get on said feet, grabbed hold of one of the smaller shield that had scattered along the ground
>and in a move that would make Captain America feel rather conflicted, Bluegrass would perfectly toss said shield like a discus, sending it flying through the air in Cryptid and Janice's direction
>the fact the shield was remarkably spiky and sharp-looking adding a bit more of a bite to the attack than it normally would have

Cryptid!CrONAHEG2cCountry code: ponychan.png, country type: customflag, valid: 41560436

File: 1580221683163.png (1.2 MB, 870x1400, King_-_Full-body_CG_Art_Image_…)

>>41560433
>>41560434
>Albert/Cryptid was naturally completely unaware of Janice's loathing fueling her actions, just focusing on Bluegrass ahead of him
>for a moment, he was hesitant, worry going through his mind
>had he given himself away?
>was Bluegrass connecting the dots, even now?
>were his parents in danger?

-?!

>the screech coming from the Psyder jarred him from his thought process, seeing the red needle now jabbed into its underside
>he already knew what Winnie's power was, so that had to have been Janice, which...honestly, fit her pretty well, if that red stuff was what he thought it was
>it was unfortunate what happened to the Psyder, but he wasn't going to hold that against Janice
>(he probably could, along with the fact that he might've just exposed his identity to one of his archenemies because she couldn't just get out of the line of fire, but no, not dwelling on that!)
>either way, the table suddenly being thrown at Bluegrass, along with the Psyder, again dislodged his line of thinking, and he looked behind him to see what could've done that
>which led to him seeing the giant visage of All Of Me, Winnie conscious but kneeling behind it, much to his relief
>hell, Winnie would even see Cryptid's massive frame relax a little, a louder-than-normal exhale leaving the wide-open mouth of the mask in the process

>so, with that, Cryptid turned back to Bluegrass, and saw the spiky and sharp-y shield flying right at them
>acting with surprising agility, he reached out and suddenly swatted the shield right out of the air, smacking it down onto the floor right in front of them
>though he did end up pricking his hand on a spike in doing so, but that wasn't about to stop him
>because right after - possibly because of the sudden pain in his hand - Cryptid let out a loud roar identical to that of a massive grizzly bear
>and then promptly charged right at Bluegrass, looking to hit him and pin him to the nearest wall before he could do any more damage
This post was edited by its author on .

Delete Post [ ]
Edit Post
[Return] [Catalog] [Top]
[ home ] [ site / arch ] [ pony / oat / ef ] [ rp / fan ]