Paint it Black (Queen Chelle)

by **Humanity** November 5th 2019, 6:32 pm

Spoiler:

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The flashing lights weren’t much of a distraction, though his mind was otherwise preoccupied. His mind was clearing, but not as fast as he wished. He tried to focus on the details around him. He could feel the breath escaping his mask. Hearing the footsteps of his thick boots leaving quiet little thumps on the floor as he walked. The footsteps of others as they walked on the floor above him, and as people walked to catch up to him. He could feel the oxygen entering his nose and his own heartbeat pulsing as he could swear he felt the blood radiating through his body with every muscle relaxing. Then he extended his field.

Walls that appeared to be like stone, but floors that had an accommodating texture, the presence of red carpets with golden lace were laid upon the hallway, dictating his movements as he walked through the hollow halls, people rushing past him to get to the desired location. The halls were lit with what appeared to be rather ornate and glorious chandeliers that shined so bright. He followed the carpet until he came to a wall of stone, and as he approached the stones seemed to part like the red sea, opening and allowing the man in. To the uninitiated it would appear as though this area was almost alien in technology compared to the rest of the facility, though everyone here knew better. The carpets were a leading device to bring you to the points of your announcements, he made more than one too many “quest compass” jokes about them. The floors and walls were all beyond state of the art tech-smart walls that could shift to the way anyone with enough clearance or access would desire. In the middle of this room was a terminal that appeared to have three screens facing three separate directions. In the center there was a sphere that projected light up to the ceiling and then refracted it all around in the enclosed area to produce several holographic images.

“California Satellite Facility connected. Humanity present.” He said as he looked to the projections, seeing each of the members as if they were actually there. He noticed that the Queen hadn’t been present yet, causing him an immediate sense of worry. It was true enough that she was not required to be present for every little protocol or alarm that went, but it was still a sense of worry, of dread. Was all of this for nothing, had he not pushed the scientists enough? He shifted in his tattered duster-trench coat and began to eye everyone else in the room. Identifying those he respected and those he did not, then noticing that the one who alerted the protocol was one of his own field agents. Quickly he muted his mask and sent a message to his own crew.

“Can somebody please tell me how the fuck San Diego just had a mass tradgedy and no one has alerted me!?”
“Probably because it’s JUST happening.”
“Citizen Zero, lock down any info you can. Communicate with Stoic and see about how he can keep this under wraps and OFF the media.”
“Doesn’t that inhibit freedom of the Press?”
“If what I’m seeing is correct then we can inhibit their freedom of the press, or this can inhibit their freedom of volition. Which is the greater violation to allow?”
“Riiight...I’ll get Orwell to help him.”

He sighed as he unmuted his modulator, allowing himself to look around and observe the area. With a snap of his fingers the lights were dimmed, allowing the holographic projections to be more sharply pronounced and properly colored. The image stuck on the debriefing sphere was what appeared to be fires in the streets, bodies lying scattered about but not in mass quantities. Most people were grabbing their heads and it appeared as if they were screaming, or in pain. Then there were a bunch of scientific jargon that even he didn’t understand perfectly. He just knew what the readings meant, rather than the actual measurements themselves were quantified by. A sense of dread filled his heart as he cleared his throat.

“Override. Begin debriefing.” He said, eager to try and get this under reigns before the Queen needed to intervene. He knew that there were some things he simply shouldn’t do, no matter how much he wanted to take care of every problem for her. Part of him also knew he had something to prove here, but he never let that be his ultimate goal. He was there to protect the Queen and make her life as easy as possible. Which is why the response he got shocked him to his core.

“Override Denied. Queen Takeiro shall be with us momentarily and has instructed me not to allow you to undertake the responsibility for this mission.” The computer responded. As if sensing his reaction as his muscles tensed up, the machine then added to their statement. “My apologies. Would you like me to play-”

“No!” he cut the A.I off. His continual dismissive demeanor towards those who constantly didn’t get their way and whining or making excuses always prompted him to say “How unfortunate. A.I play Despacito.” and then he’d walk away from the whining subordinate. The A.I seems to have taken to the idea that anytime there is rejection of any kind that it should ask to play that song. He was stuck waiting here until the Queen arrived in the hologram or somehow joined in on the discussion. He wouldn’t dare make an action that wasn’t authorized, especially after having just been told he wasn’t allowed to take responsibility for the mission. Hopefully he wouldn’t have to wait too long.

by **Chellizard** December 10th 2019, 2:27 pm

The world has a really funny way of telling us we're worthless. Especially when we're at our wits end, and everything is weighing down on you. Soft sighs followed up with grunts of pain would whisper against satin sheets as pain raced from her head to her toes. She would lay there, contemplating the trials and tribulations of life, and how it chose to challenge her so deeply. Was it because she had been selfish? Was this the universe punishing her for wanting to take things and keep them safe? Was it because she was saving too many lives? Was she passing judgement too lightly? Were the karmic muses upset?

It was hard to tell, but seeing as she was dying, it wouldn't be unheard of.

Slender fingers with long, pointed nails painted a deep crimson would glide across the satin sheets and flatten out the empty side of the bed. Lonely.

Closing her eyes, she opened them again to reveal dull, almost lifeless orbs that welled with tears. The pain had sent her into a full depression. Her brain was processing all of the outcomes, but as she lay there, she felt life grabbing her by the shoulders and shaking her awake.

A kick right into her bladder, and a punch to her ribs made her grab her lower abdomen with a very angry, 'Cut that out, little one...' gritting through her teeth, a growl following her grunt of discomfort.

She sat herself up and cleared her throat. Dry. She felt like her whole insides were on fire, while also simultaneously being ripped apart, cell by cell, atom by atom. The Red energy should have killed her already, but a lot of experimental tries later, and she was still hanging on. And she had made it a secret, but one she kept as well as she could. But she could only avoid Matthew for so long before he would worry.

She had to tell him. It was only fair.

Rolling her tongue around in her mouth, she would swing her legs around over the edge of the bed and pull her night robe around of her, securing a sash as she stood up slowly. She was noticeably more thin, the hollows of her cheeks more pronounced. Dark circles were now a permanent part of her expression, and her olive skin had an almost gray undertone.

"Anna..." she muttered, a finger pressing into the intercom button on her nightstand. Without skipping a beat, the doors to her chamber opened and a woman with fox ears and tail bounced into the room.

"Yes, madam?" she asked, rushing to Chelle's side.

"Any word on new experiments we can try that won't harm the babe?" she asked, her palms caressing her belly, a soft smile crossing her face as another flutter rolled across her abdomen. This little creature was the reason to live, even if it was only until they would breathe their very first breath. She wouldn't give up on the child, not until she was sure life was going to be great for them.

"We are almost ready for you... please, don't get up unless you have to. Let me get the chair!" Anna would never yell, but she did have a sort of firmness to her usual soft voice. Chelle would chuckle and oblige to the demands, sinking herself into the wheelchair. Anna tucked a blanket around of her Queen and she scurried to get behind of the chair to guide them to the healing room.

--

It was bright, sterile, and smelled hospital clean. It had a double set of doors that had a small room that was pressurized. As the two came into the smaller room, a vent above would hiss and let out a mist. Chelle closed her eyes, Anna following suit. The mist smelled wonderful, and it would destroy any surface germs that were on either woman. Medical equipment was tucked behind of drawers, cabinets, and two private doctors had been hired to monitor and examine Chelle as experimental drugs would be used on her to combat the red energy Lucius had bestowed upon her.

She was still mad at herself. He smelled so wonderful - just one bite, she had told herself. Just one. Nothing more. But, it was her ultimate downfall.

Reflecting back, she knew that it was the selfishness that had ultimately destroyed her. She was sure of it. She was so high on her own triumphs, she had not even realized she was setting herself up for self sabotage. She was the reason. She had done this to herself. "How can I be so foolish..." she muttered to herself, Anna's sense of hearing definitely picking it up without any straining. Her eyes closed and she could see the office she had approached Lucius in. She watched him tense up in her memory, his facial expression almost never changing, a smug look across it, but she could smell his lingering fear welling in his stomach. She knew that if she had just killed him there, she would have never been where she is today. If she had let her greed go, and just stick with wrath. Wrath was the best sin to hone in on, especially when facing an enemy. And now here she was, strapped to a chair, seconds from being injected with a highly experimental drug that could ultimately cause her to die much faster.

"Let it be on record," she said, an A.I. responding with a soft ping to note it was recording her voice. The pressurized room released and the doors would open to the med room.

"My name is Rochelle Felicity DiMartino-Takeiro. I am the Queen of Thrones. And I am not done fighting yet." another ping resonated within the small room. The message would be recorded and stored for later. She spoke as she was wheeled into the room, three people helping her out of the chair and onto the bed. She would feel the start of an IV, and then taste copper as fresh O negative started rushing into her veins.

Today would be the experimental use of a drug named 'Spark.' It was not approved by anyone, but it had proven to do great things. Amplifying powers that metahumans had. She had no idea if it would work on her, but she was certainly going to try. She had tried this much, why not this?

As soon as the blood transfusion had finished, the bags would be swapped for the drug. As the drug was being set up, an alarm locked down the facility, the emergency lights turning on as the whole med room turned red, the alarm blaring.

******
An alert? At this time?

The medical staff would stop what they are doing, lifting their hands as if to say they were respecting the alert, and knew that the Queen should leave. She should go right now. It's what the alert usually meant. But she was not done yet. She needed the drug. She was so desperate to try anything, she was ready. She was done fighting death, the Reaper always knocking on her door, asking if she were ready yet or not. And the answer was always no. She had so many more things she needed to do before she gave up. She would not give up. She would fight.

Determination welled up in her chest as a small foot kicked into her bladder again, sending a wave of pain across her lower back. She sighed and looked at the doctor.

"If you do not inject me with this drug, I will eat your heart. I am not in the mood. Do it. Now." her voice was commanding, her eyes flooding with red, the golden amber melting away as anger rose within her. There it was. Wrath. That lovely little sin that just had to come into play lately. It was the only thing that got her results. She was so sick and tired of being sick and tired. She wanted to run on roof tops, fly in the rain, and swim under a water fall. She was done being cooped up in her bed chamber, only able to attend small conferences, and meetings. She was a very active person in society, and it felt so wrong to be stuck here, helpless.

The wouldn't move.

"Are you all imbeciles? DO IT NOW!" the alarm sounding would add more to her angry voice, the red lights add deep crimson shadows to the hollows of her cheeks as she flashed a frowning scowl, her fangs bare. Shaking hands would rise, the doctor stammering as he stepped forward.

"Yes, my Queen." he would attach the syringe to the port and slowly push the medication into the IV.

The effects weren't instant. But as soon as it hit her heart. Oh boy. She felt it. It was like Heaven's gates being opened and she was stepping onto clouds. She felt fine. No more pain. No more weight on her shoulders. As she lay there, the people in the room with her would witness her muscles gaining mass again, the hollows of her cheeks filling out, and the dark circles beneath her eyes seemingly fading away. Her lips regained color, her bony fingers finally looking much less fragile.

Even pregnant, she looked back to normal. Her eye's finally snapped open and she sat up. No grunts of pain, no groans. Something told her this was only temporary, though. But she had to go now. She couldn't stay here any longer. The alarms would beckon her.

--

She was out of the med room, into a gown, and on her way to the holographic call.

As Matthew stood, waiting for her arrival, her hologram would flicker into view, showing her back to her old self. He had seen her just a few days ago, but she was always wrapped up in many blankets, and had pillows and other comfortable things surrounding her to divert from her very pregnant belly. But now, as she stood, the gown she wore hid the pregnancy even more. A smile cracked across her face as she tuned in.

"Greetings everyone. It is with my pleasure to say that we're going to have to stop this small apocalypse before the world crumbles at our very feet, and we have to do it with as little casualties as we can. Of course I will not condone any misbehavior's, but if we happen to see any pedophiles, rapists, or etc, feel free to use them as a meat shield. We do not condone it, and neither should society. Humanity, my King. It is good to see you. Italy has been lonely without you, but I believe it's time I come see you." she said, looking away from the holograms and down to her hands. She felt a surge of power move through her. Her eyes would flash cerulean, purple runes crawling across her skin as she clapped her hands together.

The hologram displaying Chelle to Humanity's quarters would fizzle out of existence. As it disappeared, a purple portal opened up in the floor of the room, a rip in reality. As it did, a throne would rise from the portal, the Queen placed upon it, life having returned to her face. She felt like there was nothing eating at her insides. She felt... fine.

It was a weird sensation, but she was so happy to be in the room with him. As soon as she was, his scent overwhelmed her and she gasped, more flutters crossing over her abdomen as she took in a deep breath. Her wings would erupt from her back as she stood from the throne, her horns curling to the top of her head, her crown placed betwixt the large appendages.

"Hello my love. Brief me." she said, making sure Xian the God Blade was secured to her left wing as she almost floated over to him. To Matthew, she looked the same as the day he had met her. Beautifully breathtaking, but beneath it all, the red energy was still present, and it was definitely...

the calm before the storm.

by **Silus** February 14th 2020, 8:50 pm

Do you know what it means, to wait? You see to many people waiting and patience are considered to be the same thing. Those people are fools or mentally inept. But every now and again there is always someone who sees the difference between the two. Someone who can pierce the veil with their mind rather than their hands. He stood there waiting, feeling his jaw clench behind the mask. He rarely had ever felt like this, a rat in a cage. There was a situation going on in LA, and while it may have been Matthew's LEAST favorite place in the world, he also knew that there were innocent lives at stake. He folded hia arms, his fingersclosing one at a time, the long needles from the gauntlet grating and scratching against the armored bicep, everyone looking to him with traces of concern outlining their features.

You see, Patience is your ability to accept trouble, or suffering and even delay for things without outrage or outlash of emotional or even intellectual response. Despite what Luke may say Matthew was a PATIENT person. You see Patience is so akin to his beloved Stoicism, yet it soon becomes clear where the two split paths. Stoicism is a game of endurance that teaches one to WAIT out the pain and sufferings under a nihilistic trationale that in the end virtue is the highest good, born of knowledge and that your suffering ultimately is part of nature and is indiscriminitory. He began to chuckle, pacing back and forth as the ratted and fettered fleshy look of the mask had been peeled away by countless battles. He began to feel them all inside, the entierty of his wars accumulating. He felt his eyes close for a momewnt as he relied on his ears. Whisperes where there were none. Mutters where he thought he should hear them.

...waiting. To DELAY or STAY until a particular time until something else happens. You see where the line divides between the Stoic and the Patient is here at this junction. Waiting. Stoics will wait and act where they can, and if they cannot act they simply wait until they can. In the end it doesn't matter, they die anyway right? A patient man is willing to accept the delay, but eventually patience runs thin. A stoic finds virtue in knowledge while a patient man finds virtue in the acts of patience, and the choice to be patient. Patience is an action, many times multiple. Waiting is a lack thereof. There had been a series of voices as Chelle's holographic image manifested. She spoke and while he heard her he honestly realized that as he looekd at her part of him wasn't even listening. With a slight grumble he realized how pathetic he was beneath this flesh-flayed mask. ...and for you...I will be patient.

"The world is emptier in this forsaken place, but I trust you recieved my words-Wait come see me?" He had asked her though quickly realized that she had in fact just stated she was coming to see him. She had flashed with different colors before a rip in the ground appeared a harrowing feeling took his heart as he assumed she would now be using the realm of shadows to pass through reality. Immediately he goraned internally, knowing full well he would have to explain this breech in reality to a nigh-omnipotent friend that seemed to watch him like a hawk. The woman arrived within a throne, her horns adorning her head as the crown was steeled between them. She truly looked the part of a queen, as she should. Humanity on the other hand was far too savage and horrific to be a contemporary or even victorian King. He was a monster that stood on two legs and spoke like a man of culture.

"As you wish." He said in response to the command to brief her. He tried his best to keep himself professional whenever he wore his face before the queen, despite the stirring underneath it. He began to walk, holding his arm out for her to take the lead, or at least to walk with him towards the safehouse's vehicle storage. He wanted to tell her how wonderful she looked, and how he hoped she rested well...but that wasn't a Humanity thing. He wanted to comment on her smile, and how good it was to have her here...but he wasn't Matthew. He cleared his throat and began. "At 2232 tonight, Thirteen miniutes ago, San Francisco had a surge of unknown energy, accompanied by many frightening types of energies. Thermal energy which vanished then nuclear energies in burst which then collapsed in upon itself to dark energy. Gravity was compromised in the entire city and items at random began to float away. 2235 this strange symbol appears in the sky in a burning green color of what appears to be energy. It lasts for 30 seconds before dispersing. It's large enough to have been seen all throughout the city. The energy source doesn't show on any scanners and doesn't even emit an EM signature...which means for all practical purposes...it is either an illusion, or does not actually exist. I would believe illusion however...2236 everyone who saw this massive symbol entered a frenzy state of panic, putting them all into a chronic state of terror and adrenalin high. Even those with advanced intellect and immunity to telepathy have been affected thus far. Secondary exposure to the emblem has no consequences." He concluded while he held up a tablet. Images appeared on the screen, showing the chaos that San-Fran had endured in the past 20 minutes. He knew that the Queen would have an idea of what to do, but he wasn't sure if she had a plan for him or not.

"Due to the nature of dark energy and the EMF distorting technology at Ground Zero, I'm going on reconnaissance to identify the anomaly... With your permission, of course." He said, adding the last part to the end of it once he recalled that this was not a Vigilante operation. It was true that his Vigilantes were on this case too, but this operation was mostly something beyond their paygrade. He wasn't calling the shots here, this was the Queen's decision. He looked her over for a moment, despite the horrifying features of the mask he couldn't help but sigh a little. "You look wonderful...but for someone who perhaps lived in the Victorian Era you seem to miss the point of Azalea and Apple Blossoms. I know you're not frail, and I could never see you as weak. I simply don't wish you to be burdened."

Check your concern, Matthew. She doesn't need toxic masculinity, but she does need rest. Christ I've been living in California too long. Being a gentleman is now toxic, and being an asshole is desirable. I would say I was born in the wrong time period but I'm pretty sure I've said that in ALL of them. Humanity let out an apologetic nod. He could take a verbal lashing if needed, but he would never apologize for caring or feeling concerned for a woman he had come to care so deeply for. Especially not in a moment where she was considered the most vulnerable. She didn't see the way some of these people looked at her, it was appalling.

I just want to protect you. You don't see it, the way these people look at me, look down at me. I can take it, I can accept that because I can prove them wrong. But you....you don't even see it. How that level of cancer grows amongst their ranks, how they look at you and look down on you, BECAUSE of me and because of THIS. I won't let them hurt you, I won't let them look at you this way. His mind was rattling with several voices in that moment, so many of them arguing and being juxtaposed. He took in a deep breath and exhaled with a long sigh, inside he was shaking his head, outside he was trying to remain even relatively sane as he tried to navigate himself and his words to being as perfect as possible. His mind flashed to a moment where they were simply lying down and laughing about the dumbest little thing, a moment of actual happiness before he froze. That wasn't a memory for now. That was not a Humanity memory it was a Matthew memory. He cleared his throat nervously tugging at the Kevlar metaweave duster.

by **Chellizard** July 19th 2020, 5:15 pm

People always say that you are capable of great things when you are at your most vulnerable, especially when all eyes are on you. It was no mystery that Chelle had been dying for a while now, the Red Energy eating away at her entirety. She could feel her teeth ache, her skin crawl, her hair lose luster. But with that new drug racing through her, Spark, she felt a burst of life again. Color had returned to her cheeks, the hollows looking full. The last time she had shown her face, she looked moments from death's door. Dark circles were replaced with a soft glow to her skin.

Descending from the throne, her gown would billow as the energy sent pulsing waves of hot air into the room. Glowing purple would illuminate the Queen, basting everyone in the eerie wash of colorful light. The people surrounding Humanity would gasp and step back, horrified and impressed simultaneously. Brushing her hands down the length of her dress, she adjusted the corset bustier she wore, silk fabric cascading and adding a large pouf of skirts to hide her figure. Bare shoulders shrugged gently as her wings made their appearance, ruffling gently before settling folded neatly behind of her.

She fell right into step with Humanity, moving with him as her hand found it's way onto his forearm. The click of her stiletto heels resonated on the cold, stone floor as she matched her gait with his. The smell of sweat and determination filled her nose. A hint of nervousness washed over her, but that had to be from someone else in the room.

"Then it only makes sense that you be my feet on the ground, and I be your eyes in the sky. I will not let you go there alone, but I also cannot stay idly by. You know this. You knew I would be here." her voice was solemn, soft, but filled with nothing but the truth.

Melting amber orbs would sweep the room once more, a hushed conversation no louder than a whisper finding it's way to her ears. She could feel them flex slightly, tilting toward the sound, a chill running down her spine as her grip tightened around of Humanity's forearm. Not intentionally, mind you, but definitely out of reflex for what she heard.

How does she even manage...

I'm not sure, but this is impossible! She was bed ridden no less than three hours ago.

I mean, she did just come out of the floor using a literal portal from Hell...

Yeah, but, there's nothing we can do. We've tried everything.

A second wind, perhaps?

Let us pray to God that he shows mercy.

It's embarrassing...

Her eyes flashed a deep crimson, her head turning to lock eyes with the few having a conversation about her. "I can hear you. I can smell your fear, and your curiosities. Do not make me regret employing you idiots." a growl escaped her throat, the metal plating on Humanity's arm guards succumbing to her grip, an indent of her fingers being left in the curve of the metal.

She let a huff escape her in annoyance, and instructed the scientists to go home for the day, pending further orders. There was no need for them anymore. Fate had knocked on her door, and it was time. She just had a few things left to do before she let the reaper take her away.

---

The room cleared, save for a few operatives that likely were allied with Humanity. He was at his own discretion to hire and use any personnel he trusted and deemed necessary for their mission. It was his operation, after all. She was just along for one more exciting adventure.

Especially considering this had to be dear old dad making an appearance. Who else would put on such an atrocious gaudy display?

It had to be Lucifer.
***

He stood with his arms crossed, scorched earth beneath his bare, smoldering feet. Lines of fire curled across his brimstone flesh, ash falling as he walked from the epicenter of the destruction. The energy that he brought with him had sent buildings shaking, windows crashing, and people screaming for their lives. It was music to his ears. A sigh of happiness escaped him, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Ah... yes. It feels good to be back."

Demons would screech and crawl from behind of him. Some had wings, some had talons, some had fangs. But they were all ugly abominations. Any free soul was theirs for the taking, and it was time for him to rule again.

by **Humanity** July 27th 2020, 10:32 pm

Humanity hadn’t said anything. He suffered in silence as his wife’s strength had pressed into his plating, pushing to his flesh. He knew she suffered far worse, and he would refuse to make any sound of pain in her presence. It was not out of showmanship, but of solidarity. Refusal to acknowledge his own pain when what was his world, at this time, was faltering. Not dying, no he refused to believe that. He refused to, he had so many people working on this, he put so much of his own time into this. He was making plans to visit Lucius Alba himself shortly. He had finally found someone who made being Humanity worth while. True it was living toxin to the man behind the mask, but he would rather die in a euphoric bliss than tread on without cause. His mind shifted to the events of New York, and he recalled exactly what he had said to the woman, the one he identified as Damien’s sister.

The greatest of irony was calling out someone else for being exactly like you. Hw sighed as everyone clear the room. There were a few common foot soldiers from Thrones remaining, though there was also Chelle and himself. He broke away from her for but a moment, stepping to a side room, a small armory that contained some equipment from his own hideout. He took a look at the old Nightmare suit and looked it over for a moment. He reached out, pressing the button as the thing let out a loud metallic groan, the suit opening. He armored up with everything he had. His Nightmare suit, which could stand against Atlas, his fear toxins which would work at least on the lesser demons, and he armed himself with Sacrimony, The Jester’s bite and his angelic ballistic knives. He made a point to leave the facial covering for the Nightmare suit away, as he wished to remain as least disturbing as possible.

He stepped out in the horrifying suit, blood stains of small and larger handprints, tattered duster, metallic parts showing everywhere like faux-exposures to weak points. Bones and teeth on strings adorning it, flesh seeming to flay off in areas as conglomerations of demonic, human and creature-like body parts seemed to be sickly used to create this suit of durable power-armor. He seemed to cloak himself over with an oversized black cloak, hiding the disturbing visage from his graceful queen. His clawed hands seemed to extend as he took Chelle in his arm and they made their way towards their method of transportation.

A small jet would take them to where they needed to be, it wasn’t far out with this level of technology. Matthew was too paranoid to make use of anything such as teleportation, so it made such speedy transit quite appreciated when it was available. Despite only have a 15 minute transit time, Matthew had to take use of the time to check in on her. She was a thought constantly on his mind, and her sickness was something he worked desperately to heal. Part of him, the human part wondered if he had been truly doing all he could. The other part of him worried that it wouldn’t be enough, even though he was doing all he could. To have someone for such a short period of time…

“Your father is likely behind this...We could call in Asmodeus. He secretly fought for you before. He might be able to help, if we run into him.” Matthew said immediately after removing his mask. It was the first time anyone in the organization, other than Chelle or his own Scientist had seen the face of the man who wore the mask. In his mind he was already running through a list of allies they had. Though sadly enough, Zodiac and Asmodeus were the only ones likely to be able to get here in any semblance of time. He shifted as he looked over the woman he loved, his wife for all intents and purposes. He knew that when she died, it was true….they would be over. But he refused to let it end. He’d told too many people he loved “goodbye”. His mind drifted for a moment to his father, and the unnatural power he held. He knew that if his father knew Chelle, what she was...he would never see her for WHO she was. What she was doing for this world. He would never agree to heal her. Just as he never accepted Matthew’s transformation into Humanity.

”We’ve got this. I promise you, I’ll keep trying.” He said quietly, as he waited for the time to pass. When they finally arrived, the back of the jet seemed to drop a ramp, as their flying speed slowed exponentially. Matthew stood up and put his mask back on, looking to the soldier. ”The Queen’s directives take priority, as always. My directives stand. Use standard procedure. Identify, Contain then Eliminate or Extract. Radios on at all times. Make sure your Faraday shields are in use, we spent money on that for a reason. Don’t do anything stupid and I’ll see you all at the end of this.” He said to the foot troops as he walked towards the ramp. He looked down below at the ground, seeing a small tear off in the distance as a faint glow. With a deep gulp he remembered about just how much he hated using his wingsuit. He reached to his belt and pressed a small button, letting out a couple beeps as it sent a message out to all that needed to know his location.

With a deep breath in, he dove head first off the ramp, perfectly cutting through the air as his heart seemed to flutter rapidly, only catching it’s pace as he spread his arms out, the webbing between the metaflex catching and allowing him to control his diving speed into a means of controlled descent, akin to flying. The intense speed eventually subsided into a very gentle glide. It wasn't until his kicked his feet up that he seemed to genuinely slow. He tucked his head, bouncing from the concrete and tumbling, minimizing the damage to his joints, but certainly leaving him a bit sore as he seemed to jump up and draw out Yamm's dagger, looking off about 200 yards, where the glow and the smell of sulfur seemed to originate from.

"Pretty skilled at killing demons and outsmarting the Princes. Let's see how I do meeting my In-Law." He grumbled a little as he took off in that direction. He tried to keep in mind that this was a reconnaissance mission, and nothing more. But if he could take care of this now...he could prioritize her condition again...

by **Chellizard** May 27th 2022, 4:22 pm

Disassociating was easy, especially when your mind was splitting into multiple pathways, this new drug Spark rushing through her every fiber. She felt like she could taste color and see sound. Everything she laid her eyes upon had its own aura. It was as if she could see the energy field that each electron was emanating in every atom of the objects she observed. Humanity stepping away felt like half a heartbeat. She felt as if everything was sped up and slowed down at the same time, her every motion as if water was crushing down on her every point, but she felt light at the same time. It was a conundrum for sure.

Her eyes swept over Humanity, and as she did, the aura field surrounding his armor was dark, almost an inverted glow overtaking the appearance. She wasn’t sure how this was possible, but she accepted it in silence, her voice lost in this moment. She was trapped inside of her head, running scenarios over and over, thinking of possible outcomes for this evening. But one thing was for certain, she was not going to leave Humanity alone. Not him, and not the world she called home.

Earth deserved better.

But she was willing to play the part. Sacrifice was never an easy option, and not one that any individual would willingly volunteer for, but Chelle was sure sacrifices would be made today. Be it her own, or another’s. It would be so.

Her silhouette was shrouded in deep teal skirts cascading down, swallowing her legs and preventing anyone from seeing her figure. A long cape was fastened to her shoulders, wrapped around her and trailing down behind her. It brushed the floor, trimmed in feathers matching the pair of wings tucked and folded beneath the cape. Ebony and crimson feathers, matching the dark velvet crimson cape with black embellishments in a mock French motif, almost symbolizing roses and vines. Her torso was tucked into a custom bustier made of a metallic alloy that not even she could tear through. It encircled her waist, and cupped her bosom, adding a layer of protection to her vital organs.

Settling into a seat across from him on the jet, she felt the whir of energy come off of the jet as the engine revved to take them to the runway.

As Matthew removed his mask, Chelle felt a wave crash over her as she caught his gaze of her own. She found that everything else washed away, and all that was left was him. His words fell on her ears, but it was muted, and muffled by the hum of energy she felt coursing through her veins. The name Asmodeus echoed in her mind, several voices agreeing that he was an asset, and a good one at that.

”Call him in, mi amor,” she purred, her hand moving to cup his face in her palm. She did not have a single care in regard to their audience at this moment. The few people on the jet were some of the most trusted confidants they had in Thrones, some having been by Chelle’s side for more than one hundred years. The majority of her enclave had always been loyal, so she had no doubt they would keep Matthew’s identity under wraps as well.

She felt his worry, the aura surrounding his face brighter as she let his face burn into her memory forever. She breathed him in, leaning across the short gap between their seats to get closer to him, her nose brushing his as her lips stole a kiss. The moment was so short it could have been imaginary, her eyes following him as he stood up, his mask replaced upon his face as he did. Had she imagined it? She sighed, rising as well. Her feet were dressed in boots, strong soled, with ankle support as they ran up her calves to her knees. She slipped her hand up to the clasp keeping her cape in place, a simple silver claw hooked into an eye.

As the garment dropped, the wind from the downed ramp would send it billowing backward, her wings unfurling as she rolled her neck and cracked her knuckles. A soldier grabbed the cape, tucking it away and producing a visor to pass toward his Queen.

”Let’s fly,” she pulled the visor down over her eyes, it securing into place with a strap behind of her head.

She stepped off of the ramp, the wind taking her as her wings spread out to her sides. She took a deep breath of night air, a sense of joy pulsing through her.

It had been weeks since her last flight. She let out a genuine laugh, her wings pumping as she pushed herself forward, soaring past Humanity’s point of descent. She was going to make sure she was the one to take down dear old dad.

The Spark that coursed through her was at its full potential at this point, it finally having made it through her system completely. The flying helped, of course, each pump of her wings sending the drug through her system. She felt her mouth begin to water, her stomach turning slightly as an ache ran down her spine. Was it the drug? Or was it the impending death she had knocking on her door?

As she neared the source of the glow, the smell of fire, brimstone, and sulfur hung heavily in the air. It made her nauseated. She gagged a bit, despite how nostalgic it all felt. She tucked her wings to her sides and dove, unfurling them just before she landed, catching herself with grace as she landed on both feet, crouching slightly.

---

Lucifer had begun his destruction by throwing away as many cars as he could, crushing them with telekinetic power, and tossing them into the nearest building. The bigger buses were the most fun to toss, especially when it was full of passengers. Their screams would fill him with joy, their souls satisfying his appetite as the passengers met the reaper.

His steps left molten asphalt in his wake, each step holding the fires of Hell. He looked at his nails for a moment, almost bored that no one had bothered to confront him. Local law enforcement had tried. Oh, they had definitely tried. But, to no avail. Police spent their resources evacuating the people of Palo Alto instead. It was the best option at this point.

Chelle would scan the area, screams filling the streets as she assessed the damage. Crushed cars were wedged into buildings and mangled bodies lay lifeless on the streets.

Horror filled this city, and Chelle’s heart ached with sorrow. She had no idea what to do, other than find the source and stop it. It was the only way. She rushed forward, following the destruction. It was the most obvious way to find her father.

by **Humanity** January 4th 2023, 8:06 pm

Humanity looked down to his wrist, tapping a few buttons on the touchscreen. He looked at the map that was pulled up, a slight tinge of anticipation hitting him. He had been looking to see if any of "Matthew's" reinforcements would be coming. It quickly became apparent that only one of the four beings had heeded his warnings and began on their way. Of course he was fast, very fast, but even with his speed. To cross from Pennsylvania to California at such short notice was not an easy feat. But to think that out of the whole squad, they only sent one? He already knew how that went. It wasn’t a delegated task, it was that nobody except the one took him seriously.

”Fine. I’ll do this myself.” He said as he looked to the glow, seeing his betrothed and beloved flying off before him. He started off, following her on foot, wondering why she would fly on without him. It was reckless, it was stupid, it was exactly what he had planned to do to her before he thought otherwise. He wanted to take care of the threat, not even involve her. He wanted to rectify the problem before she even caught wind of it, so she never had to even lift her hand. Yet there she way, diving through the air to take care of it herself.

Landing not far from him, Citizen Zero and Khaos both pulled their signature weapons and started to move in formation. All hell had truly broken lose, creatures from the depths of the burning lake had risen. Their traditional depiction fo red skin had revealed to be more akin to molten flesh with eerie glowing maws with as much fire within them as what surrounded them. Tails, burned and charred wings, twisted and grotesque monstrosities walked the earth as they began to pave the way, inciting chaos.

“Citizen Zero engaging the target at twenty-three.” Came a voice through their communications. He looked to the hooded man with the arm braces said as he pulled out two black pistols, each one with engraven glyphs that seemed to flash as the opened fire. The bullets themselves seemed to have a faint glow as they bloomed forth and crashed against the molten flesh of a large, four-legged monstrosity. Humanity carried on forward.

“Khaos, engaging the two at one and one-thirty. Back me up, Ankh!” He said as the sleek-suited hero ran off. The two demonic beings that he seemed to go off and engage simply looked more manageable than what Cameron, Citizen Zero, was up against. Sending the guy with glass-bones after a behemoth was not a great idea.

“Damnit. Humanity breaking off course. Reinforcing C-Z. I need a top-down. What’s the eyes in the sky? Need a fast track to The Queen.” He said as he pulled out The jester’s bite the arms of the bow whipping out and sending a strange hum through the air as the metal cord began to vibrate. Quickly knocking an arrow and pulling back he aimed at the large creature as it reared up, letting an arrow fly as it pierced right into its forefoot, causing it to force the arrow even farther in when it returned to a quadrupedal stance. Citizen Zero continued to assail the creature with the magically imbued ammunition, but it seemed to do no good.

The creature’s attention fell to Humanity as it let out a snort. Its body looked like a twisted mass of sinew, like flesh mangled in a blender. Where blood would fall from the creature, there was instead a dripping substance of black, which hit the ground and immediately let out a hiss as it began to combust and melt all it touched. Humanity knocked another arrow and let it fly. The creature seemed to drop down and crawl upon the ground, forelegs out reached with large talons digging into the pavement, the arrow that had pierced it was ignited in flame, the wound already seared shut. It lashed out in retaliation, pushing from its hind legs and sailing through the air. Humanity didn’t have much time to think, and out of instinct he dove to his left, wanting to ensure the creature didn’t even catch sight of Khaos as he took his bo-staff to the two, smaller and more humanoid threats.

”Arcane don’t do shit!” He shouted as he seemed to fall back a little, holstering the sidearms before pulling out a pair of golden knuckles that he slipped over his hand plates. The creature landed and spun, almost on foot as it lunged forward its claws raking against Humanity’s metaflex and tearing the webbing of the armor. With a grunt he was sent onto his ass, the sheer force of the creature was a lot.

”I got an idea.” Humanity said as he picked himself up, looking to the creature as it hissed, a strange lipless maw of the monster twisting and curling in a horrible, disfigured smile. Citizen Zero ran up, trying to flank the monster as Humanity stuck a fist forward, releasing his grappler cord, seeming to aim right for the beast.
-----------

A German Shepard wandered the streets, it's tail wagging with a perpetual look of focus upon it's face. It seemed to ignore the people screaming and running all around it, happily jaunting down the sidewalk and in the direction of where everyone had been fleeing. It seemed to sniff the air for a moment, before turning down and alleyway, then turning into another one, using the back alleyways to navigate the small city.

It paused, looked around as it's ears fell, it began to step back before scampering forward then leaping as a vehicle crashed through the brick wall, barely missing the dog. It quickly turned and barked, running up to the car and then putting it's paws up on the driver's door, looking in to witness the poor young woman, a bone protruding from her neck in the most macabre way. The dog began to whine as it looked over, seeing the source of the destruction through the newly made window in the alley.

The dog quietly whimpered as it left the girl, and carefully began to tread towards the wreckage.

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