Reckoners RP: What Happened In Buffalo

[Lord Spirit he/him]

From his rooftop position near the docks, John spotted Plastique approaching. He was waiting for an opportunity to sneak onto a boat so he could find Sundews hideout. It seemed that Fish considered Sundew to be pretty important if he was sending Plastique herself to deal with her. What else would such an important epic be doing near the edge of the city?

He should probably report this to his leader. He made sure nobody was watching, then he covertly pulled out his mobile. ”Andrew, come in.”

@Lunamor@TheFrugalWizard

[TheFrugalWizard he/him]

33 minutes ago, Lord Spirit said:

From his rooftop position near the docks, John spotted Plastique approaching. He was waiting for an opportunity to sneak onto a boat so he could find Sundews hideout. It seemed that Fish considered Sundew to be pretty important if he was sending Plastique herself to deal with her. What else would such an important epic be doing near the edge of the city?

He should probably report this to his leader. He made sure nobody was watching, then he covertly pulled out his mobile. ”Andrew, come in.”

@Lunamor@TheFrugalWizard

"What's your status?"

[Aeternum]

On 3/8/2024 at 8:46 AM, xariori said:

Swordfish stopped in front of the desk that sat before the door to Fish’s office. There were still the nondescript wooden chairs laid opposite of the desk. A suitably uncomfortable setting to wait for the boss.

At the desk sat the secretary. Swordfish looked at her. He didn’t keep track of Fish’s servants, there were far too many and most beneath his notice. But this one seemed particularly stressed, shaking and trembling as she attempted to do her work. 

Fish must be in a bad mood. And he knew not to knock on that door when he was in a bad mood. At least, not directly.

He approached the desk and she looked up, and took a breath.

“Fish isn’t seeing any visitors sir. He has important matters to attend to. I could pencil you in for tomorrow.”

One of his arms turned into a blade, and her breathing got quicker, but she shakily shook her head.

“N-no visitors. No exceptions…” 

Her voice was almost a whisper but she said it. Clearly a newer secretary. Either that or something really big was going down, if she was daring to turn him away. 

But Swordfish held his tongue. He wanted to have some fun with this one. And it would also put him out of the direct line of Fish’s fire, just in case.

“Alright. Yeah pencil that in.”

She seemed surprised, blinking, but nodded.

“Of course sir. Have a good day.”

He turned as if to leave, then turned back, “By the way, how’s the family?”

“Excuse me s-sir?” 

“Oh nothing. I figure since I had the time anyways, I’d make a visit.”

He looked back, as her face blanched, “Wh-what was that sir?”

Of course Swordfish didn’t know who she was. He didn’t even know if she had a family. But her reaction was what he’d hoped for. He’d hooked her.

“Oh, just what I said. Have to do something to fill my free time. Though of course if there was something…say a meeting with Fish…then I might forget to pay that visit. I’m a busy person you know.”

She was pale as a ghost, and trembling much more than earlier. Time for the finisher. 

“Well then. See you around.”

He headed down the hall and was about to turn the corner when he heard her call.

“S-sir wait.  I’ll…I’ll check with Mr. Fish and h-he might be able to squeeze you in.” 

He turned and walked back, proceeding to lean against the wall. He gestured his head towards to the door.

The secretary shakily stood up, breathing in and out deeply, trembling as she leant against the desk for support for a few seconds. She gathered herself enough to finally stand up straight, and hesitantly knocked at the door, three soft knocks.

Knock, knock, knock.

Swordfish watched, a hint of a smile on his face, as he waited leaning against the wall. He should really stop playing with his food, he thought.

It’s her first day as Fish’s new secretary. Her family had urged her to take her name off the hiring list – “He kills all his secretaries!” Her mother insisted. But there weren’t many other jobs that paid as well as being the secretary to the ruler of the city himself. She’s lucky that she hasn’t seen the terrifying Epic yet, and she’s not about to go knock on his door and check if he’s there. That is, until Fish’s murderous little protégé had strolled in, and now she finds herself standing in front of Fish’s door, furiously hoping that the High Epic is away from his office as she had suspected. Behind her, she knows that Swordfish is watching closely, ready to pounce the second that she shows any further signs of weakness.

One second ticks by. Then another. She’s sweating now, knees shaking as she stares at the door. Time keeps passing, and now she’s not sure what to do. Does she turn around and apologize to Swordfish that Fish isn’t in right now? Or does she knock again?

Her mother was right. She should’ve never accepted this job.

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

Half a city away, Fish is swimming. It’s one of his favorite hobbies, because no one can bother him here. He’s all alone, surrounded by kilometers of water. He dives down, all the way to the bottom of the lake. Air is of no consequence to him, and he enjoys staying underwater for extended periods of time, where no one can definitely find him. Running a city does require a lot of effort, and sometimes even Fish needs a break.

>>>>

Fifteen minutes later, Fish is back at the outskirts of his city. There’s not too many people out here, but the citizens he comes across generally flee at the sight of him. They know that he could kill any of them with half a thought. Not that Fish is going to right now. Swimming has left him calmer than usual, and he tells himself that it’s hard to rule when there’s no one to rule over. Unless, of course, you’re Sundew. Fish doesn’t think she has a single living person in her territory. If she wasn’t so powerful, he would have never let her take a single inch of this city.

He checks his watch as he walks. Sparks, he still has two more hours to kill? Fish really doesn’t want to go back to his office, but Swordfish is probably back by now, and Fish needs to make sure that his protégé hasn’t murdered all of his staff. He’s not sure why he ever agreed to mentor Swordfish. The AHE had been insistent, though. The only way to keep them off his back was to agree to mentor a younger Epic, and so now Fish is stuck with Swordfish. But at least it’s gained him an alliance with the AHE.

He arrives at his headquarters a short while later, having taken a boat through one of the many water roads his city has. Perks of it floating on a lake, he supposes. Fish would sooner swim back to his office, but he’s worried it would seem weak. Instead, he takes boats, which also ensures that everyone in his city remembers who he is. Maybe it boosts morale to see their leader amongst them? Unlikely, given how frightened everyone seems around him.

It turns out that taking the boat was a good idea, because when he strides into his headquarters, there’s Swordfish, with a giant smirk on his face as he leans against the wall. Fish assumes that’s his new secretary standing by his office door. “What’s going on, Swordfish?”

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

All this walking has started to tire Parry out. A while ago, he asked a group of workers if there were any other Epic factions in the city (they vehemently denied that there were), and after stopping a couple more people, Parry has learned that there is a fire Epic who lives somewhere around here.

“Just walk that way,” the man told Parry, pointing in the direction he was going, “until you find a massive fortress. Can’t miss it.”

Now, he has been walking for about half an hour. He has seen glimpses of the giant building the man had told him about, but Parry is still surprised when he turns the corner and stops. In front of him stretches a monstrosity of black stone bricks. The door seems to have been recently destroyed, which is a bit worrying.

Should I enter? Parry doesn’t want to seem hostile to the Epic that lives here. He waits for a moment outside, before stepping up to the entrance, pen in hand in case anyone tries to shoot him.

“Hello? Anyone there?”

[Lord Spirit he/him]

4 hours ago, TheFrugalWizard said:

"What's your status?"

“I’m at the docks, but there’s a slight complication; Plastique is here. She hasn’t seen me, but I thought you might be interested.”

[xariori]

3 hours ago, Aeternum said:

It’s her first day as Fish’s new secretary. Her family had urged her to take her name off the hiring list – “He kills all his secretaries!” Her mother insisted. But there weren’t many other jobs that paid as well as being the secretary to the ruler of the city himself. She’s lucky that she hasn’t seen the terrifying Epic yet, and she’s not about to go knock on his door and check if he’s there. That is, until Fish’s murderous little protégé had strolled in, and now she finds herself standing in front of Fish’s door, furiously hoping that the High Epic is away from his office as she had suspected. Behind her, she knows that Swordfish is watching closely, ready to pounce the second that she shows any further signs of weakness.

One second ticks by. Then another. She’s sweating now, knees shaking as she stares at the door. Time keeps passing, and now she’s not sure what to do. Does she turn around and apologize to Swordfish that Fish isn’t in right now? Or does she knock again?

Her mother was right. She should’ve never accepted this job.

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

Half a city away, Fish is swimming. It’s one of his favorite hobbies, because no one can bother him here. He’s all alone, surrounded by kilometers of water. He dives down, all the way to the bottom of the lake. Air is of no consequence to him, and he enjoys staying underwater for extended periods of time, where no one can definitely find him. Running a city does require a lot of effort, and sometimes even Fish needs a break.

>>>>

Fifteen minutes later, Fish is back at the outskirts of his city. There’s not too many people out here, but the citizens he comes across generally flee at the sight of him. They know that he could kill any of them with half a thought. Not that Fish is going to right now. Swimming has left him calmer than usual, and he tells himself that it’s hard to rule when there’s no one to rule over. Unless, of course, you’re Sundew. Fish doesn’t think she has a single living person in her territory. If she wasn’t so powerful, he would have never let her take a single inch of this city.

He checks his watch as he walks. Sparks, he still has two more hours to kill? Fish really doesn’t want to go back to his office, but Swordfish is probably back by now, and Fish needs to make sure that his protégé hasn’t murdered all of his staff. He’s not sure why he ever agreed to mentor Swordfish. The AHE had been insistent, though. The only way to keep them off his back was to agree to mentor a younger Epic, and so now Fish is stuck with Swordfish. But at least it’s gained him an alliance with the AHE.

He arrives at his headquarters a short while later, having taken a boat through one of the many water roads his city has. Perks of it floating on a lake, he supposes. Fish would sooner swim back to his office, but he’s worried it would seem weak. Instead, he takes boats, which also ensures that everyone in his city remembers who he is. Maybe it boosts morale to see their leader amongst them? Unlikely, given how frightened everyone seems around him.

It turns out that taking the boat was a good idea, because when he strides into his headquarters, there’s Swordfish, with a giant smirk on his face as he leans against the wall. Fish assumes that’s his new secretary standing by his office door. “What’s going on, Swordfish?”

Swordfish looked over at Fish, his smirk gone, and he straightened up. He hadn't figured the Fish was out of the office. Damn that secretary. His arms itched to turn to blades and skewer her, but he knew better than to do that with Fish watching him. He would deal with her later. If there was one thing he knew, it was that Fish didn't like to be kept waiting.

"Reporting in, boss. Minor Illusionist Mesmerize went missing, not responding on comms. Was on a job and just vanished. Didn't report back. Think he went AWOL, or something got him. Maybe defected to Ignis's faction or something."

He paused, considering if he should push his luck. But the secretary had still been given orders to turn him away. Something big had to be going down, otherwise Fish wouldn't turn away his top brass, after all.

"Something big's going down, right boss? Let me in on it. I can help out. Backup, you know?"

And you need all the help you can get old man, he thought to himself.

@Aeternum

Quote

Ha, I love that Fish took him on as an obligation, while Swordfish feels he earned his spot. Great dynamic.

 

Edited March 9, 2024 by xariori

[RoyalBeeMage he/him]

8 hours ago, TwinSouls said:

“With… Fish? I know I can do the other stuff, but scheduling a meeting with Fish may be beyond my abilities.”

"umm. could you at least try? i have been trying to get incontact with her secutary for several months now to no luck."

[Through the living jeff he/him(straight)]

24 minutes ago, RoyalBeeMage said:

"umm. could you at least try? i have been trying to get incontact with her secutary for several months now to no luck."

“All right.” 

Not very firm is he?

“What’s your name, Epic?

Edited March 10, 2024 by TwinSouls

[RoyalBeeMage he/him]

20 minutes ago, TwinSouls said:

“All right.” 

Not very firm is he?

“What’s your name, Epic?

"ignis! what is yours?"

5 hours ago, Aeternum said:

It’s her first day as Fish’s new secretary. Her family had urged her to take her name off the hiring list – “He kills all his secretaries!” Her mother insisted. But there weren’t many other jobs that paid as well as being the secretary to the ruler of the city himself. She’s lucky that she hasn’t seen the terrifying Epic yet, and she’s not about to go knock on his door and check if he’s there. That is, until Fish’s murderous little protégé had strolled in, and now she finds herself standing in front of Fish’s door, furiously hoping that the High Epic is away from his office as she had suspected. Behind her, she knows that Swordfish is watching closely, ready to pounce the second that she shows any further signs of weakness.

One second ticks by. Then another. She’s sweating now, knees shaking as she stares at the door. Time keeps passing, and now she’s not sure what to do. Does she turn around and apologize to Swordfish that Fish isn’t in right now? Or does she knock again?

Her mother was right. She should’ve never accepted this job.

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

Half a city away, Fish is swimming. It’s one of his favorite hobbies, because no one can bother him here. He’s all alone, surrounded by kilometers of water. He dives down, all the way to the bottom of the lake. Air is of no consequence to him, and he enjoys staying underwater for extended periods of time, where no one can definitely find him. Running a city does require a lot of effort, and sometimes even Fish needs a break.

>>>>

Fifteen minutes later, Fish is back at the outskirts of his city. There’s not too many people out here, but the citizens he comes across generally flee at the sight of him. They know that he could kill any of them with half a thought. Not that Fish is going to right now. Swimming has left him calmer than usual, and he tells himself that it’s hard to rule when there’s no one to rule over. Unless, of course, you’re Sundew. Fish doesn’t think she has a single living person in her territory. If she wasn’t so powerful, he would have never let her take a single inch of this city.

He checks his watch as he walks. Sparks, he still has two more hours to kill? Fish really doesn’t want to go back to his office, but Swordfish is probably back by now, and Fish needs to make sure that his protégé hasn’t murdered all of his staff. He’s not sure why he ever agreed to mentor Swordfish. The AHE had been insistent, though. The only way to keep them off his back was to agree to mentor a younger Epic, and so now Fish is stuck with Swordfish. But at least it’s gained him an alliance with the AHE.

He arrives at his headquarters a short while later, having taken a boat through one of the many water roads his city has. Perks of it floating on a lake, he supposes. Fish would sooner swim back to his office, but he’s worried it would seem weak. Instead, he takes boats, which also ensures that everyone in his city remembers who he is. Maybe it boosts morale to see their leader amongst them? Unlikely, given how frightened everyone seems around him.

It turns out that taking the boat was a good idea, because when he strides into his headquarters, there’s Swordfish, with a giant smirk on his face as he leans against the wall. Fish assumes that’s his new secretary standing by his office door. “What’s going on, Swordfish?”

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

All this walking has started to tire Parry out. A while ago, he asked a group of workers if there were any other Epic factions in the city (they vehemently denied that there were), and after stopping a couple more people, Parry has learned that there is a fire Epic who lives somewhere around here.

“Just walk that way,” the man told Parry, pointing in the direction he was going, “until you find a massive fortress. Can’t miss it.”

Now, he has been walking for about half an hour. He has seen glimpses of the giant building the man had told him about, but Parry is still surprised when he turns the corner and stops. In front of him stretches a monstrosity of black stone bricks. The door seems to have been recently destroyed, which is a bit worrying.

Should I enter? Parry doesn’t want to seem hostile to the Epic that lives here. He waits for a moment outside, before stepping up to the entrance, pen in hand in case anyone tries to shoot him.

“Hello? Anyone there?”

"who are you?"

[Aeternum]

There’s two Epics talking just in the entrance when Parry steps up to the doorway.

“Who are you?” One of them asks. He looks to be the fire Epic, judging by the flames around him. Parry doesn’t really like fire, or any other elemental abilities, because his power doesn't work well against them.

Coming here might’ve been a bad idea, Parry reflects.

“I’m Parry, new to the city,” He says cautiously, trying to look non-threatening.

[RoyalBeeMage he/him]

Just now, Aeternum said:

There’s two Epics talking just in the entrance when Parry steps up to the doorway.

“Who are you?” One of them asks. He looks to be the fire Epic, judging by the flames around him. Parry doesn’t really like fire, or any other elemental abilities, because his power doesn't work well against them.

Coming here might’ve been a bad idea, Parry reflects.

“I’m Parry, new to the city,” He says cautiously, trying to look non-threatening.

"and i should care because?"

[Aeternum]

10 minutes ago, RoyalBeeMage said:

"and i should care because?"

Parry flinches at the Epic’s words, taking half a step back. He holds his hands against his chest, gripping his pen tightly. Coming here was a bad, bad idea.

“I’m sorry sir, I was just hoping to find a faction here that I could be part of.”

[RoyalBeeMage he/him]

10 minutes ago, Aeternum said:

Parry flinches at the Epic’s words, taking half a step back. He holds his hands against his chest, gripping his pen tightly. Coming here was a bad, bad idea.

“I’m sorry sir, I was just hoping to find a faction here that I could be part of.”

"are you an epic? if not i could find a use for you."

[Through the living jeff he/him(straight)]

12 hours ago, RoyalBeeMage said:

"ignis! what is yours?"

"who are you?"

“Phalanx.”

[Scars of Hathsin he/him]

Aries walks towards Fish's headquarters. Need to tell him about Sundew he thinks, as he runs along the road, people being flung out of the way on a whim. Hurt, probably, but that was just another day in their miserable lives, of being powerless. 

He turns a corner, and passes the street, in which one of the new epics have begun situating. "I will probably need to check that one out as well." He mutters to himself, need to be cordial with all sides. The smell of the charred place wafts over to him, and he turns his nose up. "Fire Epic" he mutters in disgust. 

Running past he heads once again to Fish's Headquarters.

...

Aries runs into the aquarium. Seeing both Fish and his ... brother? With the secretary huddled up against one wall. Coward he thinks, looking away. "Fish!" he tries to catch his attention. 

[Aeternum]

23 hours ago, xariori said:

Swordfish looked over at Fish, his smirk gone, and he straightened up. He hadn't figured the Fish was out of the office. Damn that secretary. His arms itched to turn to blades and skewer her, but he knew better than to do that with Fish watching him. He would deal with her later. If there was one thing he knew, it was that Fish didn't like to be kept waiting.

"Reporting in, boss. Minor Illusionist Mesmerize went missing, not responding on comms. Was on a job and just vanished. Didn't report back. Think he went AWOL, or something got him. Maybe defected to Ignis's faction or something."

He paused, considering if he should push his luck. But the secretary had still been given orders to turn him away. Something big had to be going down, otherwise Fish wouldn't turn away his top brass, after all.

"Something big's going down, right boss? Let me in on it. I can help out. Backup, you know?"

And you need all the help you can get old man, he thought to himself.

@Aeternum

 

Fish can’t decide is Swordfish or Plastique has been more annoying today. First Plastique wanted in, and now Swordfish? It’s probably not worth it to bring Swordfish along, but with AHE this AHE that, Fish definitely has to bring Swordfish along. Sparks. Now he’ll have two half-wits who will inevitably screw things over with Sundew.

“If Mesmerize is missing then why aren’t you on it already?” Fish asks. “Weren’t you on a job together?”

Hopefully Swordfish will just leave and deal with Mesmerize, giving Fish a convenient excuse to not bring him along. Fish will simply “forget” to tell him. A good solution.

Suddenly, there's a shout behind him. “Fish!”

He turns to see who it is, more exasperated than startled. Why does everyone have to bother him today? Sparking people.

It’s that gravity Epic that Fish never remembers the name of, looking like he just sprinted here. If that Epic tries to join in on Fish’s meeting with Sundew, Fish will probably kill him and throw his body into the lake.

He crosses his arms. “This better be important.”

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

20 hours ago, RoyalBeeMage said:

"are you an epic? if not i could find a use for you."

He isn’t sure if it’s a good idea to disclose his status as an Epic, but he’s worried the fire Epic will just kill him if he says he isn’t. Parry has met many Epics that are like that, and he's hoping to avoid them.

“I am an Epic,” He says, taking another half-step back.

[Scars of Hathsin he/him]

Aries, Fish's Headquarters

He sounds angry he thinks to himself Maybe this was not the best time, with his brother probably pushing him over the edge. "Um, Sir" Some plants have been spotted by myself and others, at the fringes of the island, and seem to be growing onto the island. I have gotten rid of some, but they may have already infiltrated the place." He says, being wary of any ... emotional outpouring.

His body kicks into gear, some adrenaline pumping through his body as he awaits Fish's response.

 

[RoyalBeeMage he/him]

11 hours ago, TwinSouls said:

“Phalanx.”

"nice to meet you phalanx."

1 hour ago, Aeternum said:

Fish can’t decide is Swordfish or Plastique has been more annoying today. First Plastique wanted in, and now Swordfish? It’s probably not worth it to bring Swordfish along, but with AHE this AHE that, Fish definitely has to bring Swordfish along. Sparks. Now he’ll have two half-wits who will inevitably screw things over with Sundew.

“If Mesmerize is missing then why aren’t you on it already?” Fish asks. “Weren’t you on a job together?”

Hopefully Swordfish will just leave and deal with Mesmerize, giving Fish a convenient excuse to not bring him along. Fish will simply “forget” to tell him. A good solution.

Suddenly, there's a shout behind him. “Fish!”

He turns to see who it is, more exasperated than startled. Why does everyone have to bother him today? Sparking people.

It’s that gravity Epic that Fish never remembers the name of, looking like he just sprinted here. If that Epic tries to join in on Fish’s meeting with Sundew, Fish will probably kill him and throw his body into the lake.

He crosses his arms. “This better be important.”

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

He isn’t sure if it’s a good idea to disclose his status as an Epic, but he’s worried the fire Epic will just kill him if he says he isn’t. Parry has met many Epics that are like that, and he's hoping to avoid them.

“I am an Epic,” He says, taking another half-step back.

"whats your name epic?"

[xariori]

2 hours ago, Aeternum said:

Fish can’t decide is Swordfish or Plastique has been more annoying today. First Plastique wanted in, and now Swordfish? It’s probably not worth it to bring Swordfish along, but with AHE this AHE that, Fish definitely has to bring Swordfish along. Sparks. Now he’ll have two half-wits who will inevitably screw things over with Sundew.

“If Mesmerize is missing then why aren’t you on it already?” Fish asks. “Weren’t you on a job together?”

Hopefully Swordfish will just leave and deal with Mesmerize, giving Fish a convenient excuse to not bring him along. Fish will simply “forget” to tell him. A good solution.

Suddenly, there's a shout behind him. “Fish!”

He turns to see who it is, more exasperated than startled. Why does everyone have to bother him today? Sparking people.

It’s that gravity Epic that Fish never remembers the name of, looking like he just sprinted here. If that Epic tries to join in on Fish’s meeting with Sundew, Fish will probably kill him and throw his body into the lake.

He crosses his arms. “This better be important.”

 

2 hours ago, Scars of Hathsin said:

Aries, Fish's Headquarters

He sounds angry he thinks to himself Maybe this was not the best time, with his brother probably pushing him over the edge. "Um, Sir" Some plants have been spotted by myself and others, at the fringes of the island, and seem to be growing onto the island. I have gotten rid of some, but they may have already infiltrated the place." He says, being wary of any ... emotional outpouring.

His body kicks into gear, some adrenaline pumping through his body as he awaits Fish's response.

 

Swordfish hesitated for a second. He probably should have given the scene of the job a better look around in retrospect. But Mesmerize was an illusionist for Calamity's sake. It's not like he'd have found anything. Now he'd have to go back and investigate.

Sparks. He'd wanted to join Fish on whatever he had planned, not go back on clean up duty.

Before he's able to respond, another of Fish's lackeys - a gravity Epic named Mars or something like that - came over and started blabbering something about plants growing on the island...

Wait that was it! Plants! That reeked of Sundew, the other major high Epic in the city. That had to be the big thing that was going on - or at least it'd turn into one now. He had to get in on this action, battling THE Sundew and possibly even getting a hit on her would skyrocket his rep.

He could imagine it now - he blasted through plants left and right, and then skewered Sundew herself in the heart. Old Fish to the side would nod approvingly, knowing he'd made the right choice for his protege, as all of Buffalo came under their control...and eventually, Swordfish's control.

He needed to get in on this, and fast. He thought quickly and came up with a ploy.

He snapped his fingers, "Boss, that's it! Plants has gotta mean Sundew's back in town. Mesmerize probably defected over to her side, no way he'd just up and vanish like that knowing what would happen to him if he went AWOL on us unless he had some serious muscle backing him up. You gotta let me help you versus Sundew and Mesmerize. If she's recruited him that means she's got an illusionist on her side too. We can deal with them together!"

He gave a sidelong glance over at the other gravity Epic. He'd probably want in on the action too, and it wouldn't hurt to have a meatshield to toss at the plant Epic while Swordfish and Fish took her out, "Oh, and uh...I guess we can have Mars here tag along too. Three against two and all."

Edited March 11, 2024 by xariori

[Aeternum]

1 hour ago, xariori said:

Swordfish hesitated for a second. He probably should have given the scene of the job a better look around in retrospect. But Mesmerize was an illusionist for Calamity's sake. It's not like he'd have found anything. Now he'd have to go back and investigate.

Sparks. He'd wanted to join Fish on whatever he had planned, not go back on clean up duty.

Before he's able to respond, another of Fish's lackeys - a gravity Epic named Mars or something like that - came over and started blabbering something about plants growing on the island...

Wait that was it! Plants! That reeked of Sundew, the other major high Epic in the city. That had to be the big thing that was going on - or at least it'd turn into one now. He had to get in on this action, battling THE Sundew and possibly even getting a hit on her would skyrocket his rep.

He could imagine it now - he blasted through plants left and right, and then skewered Sundew herself in the heart. Old Fish to the side would nod approvingly, knowing he'd made the right choice for his protege, as all of Buffalo came under their control...and eventually, Swordfish's control.

He needed to get in on this, and fast. He thought quickly and came up with a ploy.

He snapped his fingers, "Boss, that's it! Plants has gotta mean Sundew's back in town. Mesmerize probably defected over to her side, no way he'd just up and vanish like that knowing what would happen to him if he went AWOL on us unless he had some serious muscle backing him up. You gotta let me help you versus Sundew and Mesmerize. If she's recruited him that means she's got an illusionist on her side too. We can deal with them together!"

He gave a sidelong glance over at the other gravity Epic. He'd probably want in on the action too, and it wouldn't hurt to have a meatshield to toss at the plant Epic while Swordfish and Fish took her out, "Oh, and uh...I guess we can have Mars here tag along too. Three against two and all."

The gravity Epic (Fish thinks his name is Aries, but he’s not completely sure) seems very tense. Not much confidence with that one. Fish is half-listening to them both ramble about plants and Sundew. He’s more concerned about the fact that Swordfish wants in on a dangerous assignment. Fish would live if Sundew attacked them, but the others definitely wouldn’t. Actually… that could be one way to get rid of his sparking protégé. Fish has almost taken a liking to the younger Epic, though. It would be a shame to waste such potential. He had figured that Swordfish would later on become in charge of the security perimeter around the floating city, which would also satisfy the AHE and keep Swordfish away from Fish.

Swordfish had also mentioned that he thinks the illusionist ran off to Sundew’s side. Unlikely, in Fish’s opinion. Sundew would never team up with a weakling like Mesmerize. Plus, Fish doubts he’d have any trouble killing Mesmerize if it came to fighting. The illusionist’s power doesn’t match up well against Fish.

Now, about that gravity Epic. A potentially useful person to bring along to a meeting with Sundew. Fish just doesn’t think he should because he’ll seem weak if he brings more than one or two others. He’s already pushing it with bringing Plastique along, but he’s got a plan for why she’ll be there. All her talking may as well be put to use. Fish decides that the best course of action is to send Swordfish and the gravity Epic off to deal with any of the plants left in his territory currently, and go with just Plastique. Swordfish will be disappointed. Fish doesn’t care.

Decision made. He snaps his fingers. “You. Gravity Epic. Aries, right?” He doesn’t give the Epic time to respond. “You and Swordfish will go find all these plants and remove them.”

@xariori @Scars of Hathsin

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

2 hours ago, RoyalBeeMage said:

"whats your name epic?"

Is it too late to just walk away? Parry doesn’t want to be here anymore. He has a bad feeling about these two.

“I’m Parry,” Parry says, not surprised that they didn’t pick up on it the first time he said it – powerful Epics often don’t care about minor details until they want to know. “Are you in charge here?”

A risky question to ask, but Parry would prefer to know if this is who he would have to work for. After the last city… he would rather know now than later. Even if it backfires.

Edited March 11, 2024 by Aeternum
forgot to quote

[RoyalBeeMage he/him]

43 minutes ago, Aeternum said:

The gravity Epic (Fish thinks his name is Aries, but he’s not completely sure) seems very tense. Not much confidence with that one. Fish is half-listening to them both ramble about plants and Sundew. He’s more concerned about the fact that Swordfish wants in on a dangerous assignment. Fish would live if Sundew attacked them, but the others definitely wouldn’t. Actually… that could be one way to get rid of his sparking protégé. Fish has almost taken a liking to the younger Epic, though. It would be a shame to waste such potential. He had figured that Swordfish would later on become in charge of the security perimeter around the floating city, which would also satisfy the AHE and keep Swordfish away from Fish.

Swordfish had also mentioned that he thinks the illusionist ran off to Sundew’s side. Unlikely, in Fish’s opinion. Sundew would never team up with a weakling like Mesmerize. Plus, Fish doubts he’d have any trouble killing Mesmerize if it came to fighting. The illusionist’s power doesn’t match up well against Fish.

Now, about that gravity Epic. A potentially useful person to bring along to a meeting with Sundew. Fish just doesn’t think he should because he’ll seem weak if he brings more than one or two others. He’s already pushing it with bringing Plastique along, but he’s got a plan for why she’ll be there. All her talking may as well be put to use. Fish decides that the best course of action is to send Swordfish and the gravity Epic off to deal with any of the plants left in his territory currently, and go with just Plastique. Swordfish will be disappointed. Fish doesn’t care.

Decision made. He snaps his fingers. “You. Gravity Epic. Aries, right?” He doesn’t give the Epic time to respond. “You and Swordfish will go find all these plants and remove them.”

@xariori @Scars of Hathsin

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

Is it too late to just walk away? Parry doesn’t want to be here anymore. He has a bad feeling about these two.

“I’m Parry,” Parry says, not surprised that they didn’t pick up on it the first time he said it – powerful Epics often don’t care about minor details until they want to know. “Are you in charge here?”

A risky question to ask, but Parry would prefer to know if this is who he would have to work for. After the last city… he would rather know now than later. Even if it backfires.

"parry? thats your epic name. yes i am in charge. i am the fire epic ignis as you proberbly arledy know. whats your epic powers?"

[xariori]

50 minutes ago, Aeternum said:

The gravity Epic (Fish thinks his name is Aries, but he’s not completely sure) seems very tense. Not much confidence with that one. Fish is half-listening to them both ramble about plants and Sundew. He’s more concerned about the fact that Swordfish wants in on a dangerous assignment. Fish would live if Sundew attacked them, but the others definitely wouldn’t. Actually… that could be one way to get rid of his sparking protégé. Fish has almost taken a liking to the younger Epic, though. It would be a shame to waste such potential. He had figured that Swordfish would later on become in charge of the security perimeter around the floating city, which would also satisfy the AHE and keep Swordfish away from Fish.

Swordfish had also mentioned that he thinks the illusionist ran off to Sundew’s side. Unlikely, in Fish’s opinion. Sundew would never team up with a weakling like Mesmerize. Plus, Fish doubts he’d have any trouble killing Mesmerize if it came to fighting. The illusionist’s power doesn’t match up well against Fish.

Now, about that gravity Epic. A potentially useful person to bring along to a meeting with Sundew. Fish just doesn’t think he should because he’ll seem weak if he brings more than one or two others. He’s already pushing it with bringing Plastique along, but he’s got a plan for why she’ll be there. All her talking may as well be put to use. Fish decides that the best course of action is to send Swordfish and the gravity Epic off to deal with any of the plants left in his territory currently, and go with just Plastique. Swordfish will be disappointed. Fish doesn’t care.

Decision made. He snaps his fingers. “You. Gravity Epic. Aries, right?” He doesn’t give the Epic time to respond. “You and Swordfish will go find all these plants and remove them.”

Sparks. This was the worst possible turn of events. Now Swordfish was stuck on plant duty of all things. And that too with one of Fish's lackeys.

Nothing more than a glorified weed whacker.

But there was something bigger going on. Mesmerize had gone missing just when these plants came onto the scene. They had to be connected somehow. Maybe if he investigated the location where Mesmerize had vanished and took a closer look around the plants where Aries had seen them, he could figure out exactly how they were connected.

But he kept that to himself. He knew better than to argue with Fish, especially when he gave an order.

"Yes, sir."

He gestured for Aries to follow as he let Fish be. But he wouldn't take this lying down. He wasn't going to be relegated to gardening. Not by a long shot.

@Aeternum @Scars of Hathsin

[Through the living jeff he/him(straight)]

18 hours ago, RoyalBeeMage said:

"nice to meet you phalanx."

"whats your name epic?"

Phalanx nods. “I’ll try to arrange that meeting for you.”

[Scars of Hathsin he/him]

17 hours ago, xariori said:

Sparks. This was the worst possible turn of events. Now Swordfish was stuck on plant duty of all things. And that too with one of Fish's lackeys.

Nothing more than a glorified weed whacker.

But there was something bigger going on. Mesmerize had gone missing just when these plants came onto the scene. They had to be connected somehow. Maybe if he investigated the location where Mesmerize had vanished and took a closer look around the plants where Aries had seen them, he could figure out exactly how they were connected.

But he kept that to himself. He knew better than to argue with Fish, especially when he gave an order.

"Yes, sir."

He gestured for Aries to follow as he let Fish be. But he wouldn't take this lying down. He wasn't going to be relegated to gardening. Not by a long shot.

@Aeternum @Scars of Hathsin

 

19 hours ago, Aeternum said:

The gravity Epic (Fish thinks his name is Aries, but he’s not completely sure) seems very tense. Not much confidence with that one. Fish is half-listening to them both ramble about plants and Sundew. He’s more concerned about the fact that Swordfish wants in on a dangerous assignment. Fish would live if Sundew attacked them, but the others definitely wouldn’t. Actually… that could be one way to get rid of his sparking protégé. Fish has almost taken a liking to the younger Epic, though. It would be a shame to waste such potential. He had figured that Swordfish would later on become in charge of the security perimeter around the floating city, which would also satisfy the AHE and keep Swordfish away from Fish.

Swordfish had also mentioned that he thinks the illusionist ran off to Sundew’s side. Unlikely, in Fish’s opinion. Sundew would never team up with a weakling like Mesmerize. Plus, Fish doubts he’d have any trouble killing Mesmerize if it came to fighting. The illusionist’s power doesn’t match up well against Fish.

Now, about that gravity Epic. A potentially useful person to bring along to a meeting with Sundew. Fish just doesn’t think he should because he’ll seem weak if he brings more than one or two others. He’s already pushing it with bringing Plastique along, but he’s got a plan for why she’ll be there. All her talking may as well be put to use. Fish decides that the best course of action is to send Swordfish and the gravity Epic off to deal with any of the plants left in his territory currently, and go with just Plastique. Swordfish will be disappointed. Fish doesn’t care.

Decision made. He snaps his fingers. “You. Gravity Epic. Aries, right?” He doesn’t give the Epic time to respond. “You and Swordfish will go find all these plants and remove them.”

@xariori @Scars of Hathsin

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

Is it too late to just walk away? Parry doesn’t want to be here anymore. He has a bad feeling about these two.

“I’m Parry,” Parry says, not surprised that they didn’t pick up on it the first time he said it – powerful Epics often don’t care about minor details until they want to know. “Are you in charge here?”

A risky question to ask, but Parry would prefer to know if this is who he would have to work for. After the last city… he would rather know now than later. Even if it backfires.

Aries, Fish's Office

"Ok" he drawls'. Dang it, I wanted to meet this other epic. He silently curses. And now I am stuck with babysitting duty. Other Epics, maned having sharing duty with swordfish that, as it was mostly to keep him out of trouble, and out of Fish's way. He sighs once again, taking another quick look around the aquarium. I wonder if Sundew's power works on water plants, like the ones in the tanks. "Oh well" he mutters

Following Swordfish, out onto the streets he jogs back towards the edges of the floating island.  

[Lord Spirit he/him]

On 3/7/2024 at 9:26 PM, Lord Spirit said:

Shakespeare was getting worried. Tom was not one to be late. He was one of Shakespeare’s best informants, and it had been an hour. Since he was suppose to arrive at their meeting place. Nothing suspicious, just two old men talking at a restaurant. Something was wrong. He decided to investigate  

It wasn’t long before he found the pool of blood. 

Sundew must be behind this. He thought as he examined the pristine crime seen. There was no chance this was a random murder, Tom was a careful man who was respected by the people.  Fish was not without enemies, but the Reckoners didn’t kill civilians and very few epics would have recognized Tom as an informant. The other local faction leader, Ignis, had been there for a while and he had certainly hasn’t realized. Sundew was the only person who would have dared insult Fish by killing his followers. One more thing to report when I get back. He’s really not going to be happy. Probably best to stay away for a while. Besides, he still needed to discover Sundews motive. He quickly left the scene, continuing towards Sundew and her plants. 

[RoyalBeeMage he/him]

3 hours ago, TwinSouls said:

Phalanx nods. “I’ll try to arrange that meeting for you.”

“Thank you. Do you want to take some cookies with you?”