Cross Effects 3.0 - June 23, 2016—April 02, 2018

[SINIB]

Rider

Rider, still slowly eating her delicious meal, could tell that Sakura was concerned by what she had said, and it did not surprise her. As a result of her past, Sakura was very sensitive to the thought of someone being abused or controlled, and the way the man spoke made it sound like his girlfriend was rather too controlling for Sakura's liking.

As soon as the man made a suggestion of perhaps moving into a bigger place, Rider could tell that Sakura was considering something, perhaps planning how she could help the man. Soon enough, she had come to a decision, and she leaned back in her chair with a smile, before offering him a place to stay as a reduced rent.

A smile came over Rider's face too as she realised Sakura's plan. With him living in one of her houses, Sakura would be able to keep an eye on him and ensure his "girlfriend" was not acting abusively.

Good plan, Rider said over their mental link. If he lives with you, you can keep an eye on him and make sure his girlfriend doesn't do anything bad.

Then, she turned to the man.

"I'm sure she would have a place that would suit you", she added.

Ron

He could practically smell the scheming from the young ladies. At least, he thought they were young; having had sex with a couple of vampires an hour ago left him a bit leery of just assuming. So when Ron actually heard the offer on the table his eyes rose up to his brow a bit. "Really? Well, that's... quite an offer. You weren't kidding about having a lot money."

The werewolf let out a whistle as he thought it over. During that time the second order that Sakura wanted arrived.

"Well, I might be able to rustle up a security deposit... it's not like there's any contract about where I'm staying now."

Sakura Matou

Mhm! Pretty clever if I do say so myself

"Oh, there's no need for that. One of the benefits of being a mage. You can make contracts actually binding, hehe." Sakura giggled before realizing how that could be taken the wrong way. "But don't worry, I'm not gonna make you sign some ridiculous convoluted thing. It'll just be simple and straightforward, no catch! I promise!"

[Aiden]

Neptune

She leaned in closer to him, showing her approval a smile she couldn't quite keep from her face. Only a little more and she'd win this, there was no way she could lose now after all. "What do you want your cute pet to do master? it could be anything you want, anything , even those things. I'm awesome in a lot of ways~"

Gadreel

There was only one thing malignant enough for him to make his new "pet" do if he wanted to live up to the exacting standards this encounter had been held to thus far. Gadreel's warm breath brushed against Neptune's face, and his hand slid ominously lower down her back. Slowly. "Then, I shall break you in with the most diabolical of activities right from the start. Know that this is what you have surrendered yourself to, oh divine Neptune."

He held up the hand used to feed her pizza, and then grabbed one of her's. And held it. "You... will hold hands with me."

[Aiden]

Sakura Matou

Mhm! Pretty clever if I do say so myself

"Oh, there's no need for that. One of the benefits of being a mage. You can make contracts actually binding, hehe." Sakura giggled before realizing how that could be taken the wrong way. "But don't worry, I'm not gonna make you sign some ridiculous convoluted thing. It'll just be simple and straightforward, no catch! I promise!"

Ron

She was a mage? Well, that changed a few things. Nothing relevant to him renting a place and doing some work to lower his rent, but it meant he didn't have to be overly skittish about what he was around her. Not that he was going to advertise it in a restaurant. Ron had more discretion than that, and well people had good reason to fear his kind. What with his first few weeks meaning he had to avoid going out during full moons before he got a handle on that.

After a moment he nodded. "Well since I don't have any intention of going back on it I have nothing to lose, then."

[Kotomine_Rin]

Vanguard

Damn, he could feel the whole building creak and groan as he climbed up the burning elevator's path, and the constant booming of explosives and gunfire. He grit his teeth and cursed, this entire operation had been an utter failure. Perhaps next time he should try a subtler approach, but on second thought it wasn't as awful as he thought. Even if his plans were in flames along with the building, he could still put a pile of rubble to use. It wasn't the end of the world, assuming he'd find what he was looking for.

By the time Michael finished his speech, he had managed to reach the floor they were in. Finding them wasn't all that difficult, considering their souls and aura were radiating as brightly as a warrior's beacon. Well, that and the fact they were quite loud. For an old dog's ear like his, it isn't that hard to hear a voice drowned by explosions and fires.

He held his entire body in place before leaping at the door with a mighty lightning kick and blow it out of the way, making his entrance in the communication room while blowing dust and rubble all over the place. He wiped the soot and dirt off his shoulder, readying his axe with his other hand.

"Did someone call?"


A.P.A.C.H.E

The helicopter stood above the burning prison ominously, scoping the area for its targets. The pilot was silent the whole way, gripping at the helicopter's controls with cold firm hands. If it wasn't for the thick leather uniform and gas mask, one might notice the horrifying burnt body underneath. But that sight was normal compared to the girl  dangling her leg, sitting next to him. Her purple hair was short and cropped back, her skin as pale as a ghost, and yet even with the violet eye open in the middle of her forehead, one might say she was beautiful.

She glared down at the prison and gave the pilot coordinates, which he followed. Soon, he would press the button, the helicopter would fire its hellfire missiles, and the three intruders would die before they realized it.

[Elf]

Forest

"I guess you didn't see the 'Now Hiring' signs on the door.  I'm trying to hire staff, but the ones I've interviewed have kind of been lacking," Forest said.  "That's why there's no date on the 'Opening Soon!' signs because I need bloody staff before I can officially open."

The girl kept calling this place a "tavern" despite Forest clearly telling her earlier that it was a nightclub, and Forest had a gut feeling that she wouldn't know what the concept of a "food truck" was.  She knew she sounded defensive, but it was the truth and if they didn't like it they could leave.  After all, she didn't have to let them in.  She clearly wasn't open.  If she wanted to get nasty she could call the cops for trespassing or just force them out herself.

She did blink at the little guy's reaction to the wine cooler.  And stifled the urge to snicker.

[Kat]

Anastasia

"You know, if you will take too much time then people might lose interest. Maybe the Manager could help out? If you just try to hire people who come to you, you won't get results fast. He hires workers for extra shifts through some middleman. He did try to get few people more when I tried to work overtime more, he said that I'm pushing myself too much. I don't see why, freezing those werewolf robbers wasn't really that much." Anastasia wasn't bragging. In fact, she was more puzzled why her manager considered that she was overworking herself. A mage raised for battle didn't need comforts  regular sleep to carry out their duties. "I could ask my Manager about this when I see again."

[SINIB]

Super-William

And here he found himself being pulled away this girl who had a suprisingly strong grip. If only he hadn't been so distracted by the girl with the killing intent. Focus, do not lose awareness, that's a quick way of dying. "When I said drink I was referring to something a bit stronger than a milkshake." The sudden pull had brought him off balance in more than one way. Let's see how they intend to follow up on this.

IRON=SAKURA

"Ah, I see." She said in response to William's request for alcohol. Inwardly, she breathed a sigh of relief. She was really sure they had been about to start a fight in her favorite restaurant! Unacceptable!

She didn't want this place getting wrecked.

"They have some decent mixed drinks here too, but none that will blow your socks off." Sakura again answered truthfully. "You'd be better served going to an actual bar than this place."

[Kotomine_Rin]

Malcolm

Malcolm chuckled and couldn't help but laugh at the silly woman.

"Pfft, hahahaha! S-sorry, that's just... wow! You know, the city's full of people looking for hiring. Have you been here for more than a week? Just a little poster and a few pamphlets aren't gonna get this place noticed. You're supposed to advertise yourself!"

He shook his head pitifully and sipped at the rest of his drink before sliding the glass at the blondie.

"This is the part where you get me a re-fill. Oh, and a bigger glass."

[Thedoctor]

Neptune

The hand sliding down her back didn't even register, for he had done something far more sinister. He had claimed her....hand.

So it had come down to this, there was no turning back, she would have to make one last attempt to save the world."You don't have to be evil to hold my hands, just ask. Whenever and wherever and I will come and save you Gaddy, I promise on my absolutely totally not breakable word and all." She grasped his hand with both of hers as she made her passionate declaration.

[SINIB]

Sakura Matou

Mhm! Pretty clever if I do say so myself

"Oh, there's no need for that. One of the benefits of being a mage. You can make contracts actually binding, hehe." Sakura giggled before realizing how that could be taken the wrong way. "But don't worry, I'm not gonna make you sign some ridiculous convoluted thing. It'll just be simple and straightforward, no catch! I promise!"

Ron

She was a mage? Well, that changed a few things. Nothing relevant to him renting a place and doing some work to lower his rent, but it meant he didn't have to be overly skittish about what he was around her. Not that he was going to advertise it in a restaurant. Ron had more discretion than that, and well people had good reason to fear his kind. What with his first few weeks meaning he had to avoid going out during full moons before he got a handle on that.

After a moment he nodded. "Well since I don't have any intention of going back on it I have nothing to lose, then."

Sakura Matou

"Mhm. That's what the trustworthy people say. Usually when they refuse it's because they know they have financial problems and wouldn't be good tenants anyway." Sakura said cheerfully. "That's what I was taught by my mentor, anyway."

"Anyway, if you'd like to come to my house, we could draft up a contract. We could also go see the apartment in question, of course."

[Elf]

Forest

Forest resisted the urge to sigh and smack her forehead with her palm.

Instead she said, "I really think your 'manager' doesn't have time to help some other business."   She felt her eyebrow twitch as that bloody peck decided to give his two cents in and pushed his empty glass towards her.  "This is the part where you get me a re-fill. Oh, and a bigger glass," he said.

Forest sighed, shook her head and retrieved two bright blue Calypso Colota wine coolers and poured them into a very large glass.  "I've also had advertisements in three local newspapers and listings on every job site and even Craig's List," Forest said eying the annoying little troll.  "So yes, I have a lot more going on than a poster and some pamphlets."  She slid the glass over to him.

[Aiden]

Neptune

The hand sliding down her back didn't even register, for he had done something far more sinister. He had claimed her....hand.

So it had come down to this, there was no turning back, she would have to make one last attempt to save the world."You don't have to be evil to hold my hands, just ask. Whenever and wherever and I will come and save you Gaddy, I promise on my absolutely totally not breakable word and all." She grasped his hand with both of hers as she made her passionate declaration.

Gadreel

The fallen one could not restrain the smile that cracked its way across her face, nor fully restrain the snort of amusement that escaped. "T-The words... of one who is desperate to avoid their true fate." His eyes went to their joined hands.

Okay, no, he was going to start laughing. He would not allow it to be Gadreel alone who cracked beneath the weight of this defeat, however, and the hand on her back began to poke at her sides. "But... p-perhaps..."

[Kat]

Anastasia

"I don't know who this Craig is, but that doesn't seem to work. I don't know, maybe you should try something different if there's no progress. I'd go and leave some food in front of the entrance for good luck spirits. Maybe that would help and it's not as costly as hiring one of Godsworn to bless the place." Anastasia explained in a good will. If such methods worked in her land, why they wouldn't work here? Spirits looked favorably on people who would feed them. Of course, some people here tried to convince her that she was just feeding cats, but they were speaking nonsense. After all spirits of fortune liked to take form of cats or magpies.

[Umbra of Chaos]

Paladin

With a groan the armored man arose from the pile of wood splinters and wall fragments as the creature was knocked off balance by the well aimed strike and wailed in pain as the fabric burned at the whip. It was beginning to get noticeably bulkier as its form grew darker. Rapid soul consumption- they were running out of time.

With a battle cry that was sure to get the creature's attention he burst out of the pile and threw himself at the demon. While Paladin may not have been a master of the martial arts he could still throw a good punch, and with his strength it was enough to catch his enemy's attention once more.

His armored fist made a nice sound as it smashed against the creature's body, and he quickly used the his sword as leverage to try and wrestle the beast. It was a fight that he was clearly losing as the demon bulked up and the folds of its form began to constrict around him. "Quickly now! We don't have much-" And then his helmet was under the blanket.


Meti

Huh. She guessed they were all together now. But then where was the helicopter? Meti looked over Michael and Vanguard, noticing how for the most part they were all fine for the most part. "This building doesn't really have any support structures left. The ones that are still standing have some... cuts in them. Let's go finish off the rest?"

While she looked as calm as ever her blade seemed antsy. Hungry.


Oren

"Yep! We're definitely still friends! We broke into someone's house and ate their food together, after all." Was she setting a bad example? Maaaayyyybbbbeeeee. But on the other hand Oren was sure that alternative learning was necessary for some people.

A bunch of other jars came flying out of the pantry as Oren really got into it. Then she found what she was looking for. Triumphantly, the Fae raised a pack of cookies. She opened it up and held it out. "I'll prove it. We can share these cookies together!"

[Kotomine_Rin]

Malcolm

Malcolm sighed and smacked his forehead with his palm, completely exasperated. How could she survive so long in here, even dumb luck only goes so far. Then again, he wasn't one to talk.

"Look, I don't know how things worked back in tu casa, but whatever you're blabbering about doesn't apply here. Only spirit I know of is capitalism, and the one thing that pleases it is cold hard cash."

He gulped a good sip of his drink and wiped his mouth with his sleeve, damn this stuff was good. He could feel the heat rising through his cheeks and ears, whatever she gave him it was STRONG.

"And newspaper? You kidding, aren't you? This is the Nexus for Pete's sake. Chances are, if you've got access to television or internet, you already got a job. This isn't sunshine and rainbows god blessed America, princess. Sure, newspapers are a good idea on paper, but not everyone's gonna sit down and read or buy one when they have their own little problems to deal with. You might as well be stapling pamphlets all over town."


Lorenzo and bird who actually wasn't in the box after all

“Now, quickly. Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?” The voice asked the kid. When he answered, there was an ominous answer, and suddenly hysterical laughter.

“Haha ha ha ha ha! Oh wow, you actually did it! I’ve got you, it was a prank! I gotcha good, eh? Eh!? Well, just the whole spongebob thing. I’m still going to blow you up if you don’t listen. So look, just don’t tattle and no one gets hurt, got it? Oh, and get some scuba gear, someone somewhere might need-”

Suddenly, the skeleton pirate snatched the walkie talkie away, feeling his patience run out. “Not funny, threatening a kid like that.” He panted a little and the words came out difficulty, but that familiar of his went too far. He just switched the equipment to get some intel and moderate the communications, but even this was a little rude. He reached for his pants pocket and handed the kid a walkie talkie, the old, original one he did not replace.

“Here, sorry kiddo. Couldn’t let potential witnesses snitch in case they found out bout the ship… not that one just so you know.” He said nonchalantly, pointing back to the boat on the other side.”

Realizing he forgot something, he reached for his pocket again and tossed him a gold goin.

“For yer troubles.”