Round 1 || Backdated to the Vindess Liberation Log

[supersmashbrother]

[Backdated some time after the Vindess Raid.]


[It's the sound of breathing — like someone's trying to catch their breath, like they're trying to swallow pain. The angle is skewed for a few seconds, slowly righting itself before the visual becomes jarring.

And then a frustrated groan is heard, suddenly ringing out, punctuated by a loud CRUNCH.

When Raph's face finally comes into view, his attention is elsewhere. New creases are seen among the old lining his features, around his eyes, an emphasis on how clenched his jaw is now that his teeth are set as he mutters to himself. Black feathers lazily drift around him, a few clinging to his plastron, his arms, his sai.]


—Gotta get 'em back...can't run now. I can't do this again...


[There's a sizable fist-shaped hole in the wall behind him, smaller chunks of brick and stone quietly falling away from its foundations. But that doesn't matter.

Despite how conflicted he looks, the turtle finally speaks up, trying his best to rein in his desperation.]


Backup. I need backup.

Comments

[heaven_rooted]

Status?

[supersmashbrother]

Alive an' still in one piece.

[heaven_rooted]

That conveniently leaves out so many details, but I'll take the fact that you're talking a good sign.

Breathe.

[supersmashbrother]

[Squeezing his eyes shut, he sucks a breath in, holding it for a few beats before exhaling.]

I lost them.

Aira called Donnie for help, so we headed over to her coordinates. Things on her end got chaotic. We were tryin' to get her away from the flock of black birds that were chasin' her...

[He trails off, forcing himself to level out, to breathe evenly.]

...Do you know anything about a horned woman in black?

[heaven_rooted]

[Tau's expression darkens.]

Maleficent. One of the Empire's more favored nobles. Didn't know she was going to be hanging around here, not usually like her to poke into battles, but all the same, I've not heard good things about her.

[blessmefather]

[ Matt has been helping with the injured for several hours now and was just about to take a breather when the message comes in. He answers, slightly frazzled himself, but ready to push through another round if needed. ]

Where are you located? How many are with you?

[supersmashbrother]

[Taking several breaths, he refocuses.]

Hang on, Raph remembers the coordinates...there were three of us. Now there's just me.

[blessmefather]

Any enemies in the area? What happened to the two with you?

[supersmashbrother]

No, I was able to smash through the last of 'em. Donnie an' Aira, though— that horned lady, Maleficent, got them before I could do anything else.

[blessmefather]

Tell me the coordinates. I'll be there shortly.

[ He has follow up questions, but it will be easier to talk it out in person. He hasn't tried the teleportation thing with a mortal yet, but now is as good a time as ever to see if the gateway will let one of the living inside temporarily. ]

[straykitty]

[Renne is quite capable of instantly tracing the signal, so she is fortunate not to have to ask as she immediately takes off at a run, using her Ether to boost her speed]

I'm on my way. What's going on?

[supersmashbrother]

[Raph has calmed down a bit, but his voice is still taut.]

Donnie an' Aira got captured. We went in to help Aira, but it suddenly flipped when this horned lady showed up an' drew Donnie in. We gotta go after her!

[straykitty]

They captured Aira.

[This statement is no longer delivered over the comms, but by a young woman who strides confidently into the light. Her voice is calm, dangerously so.]

And Donnie as well, is it?

[She raises her glove and coats Raph in gentle water Ether to heal what wounds he has]

Well then. A woman with horns, was it? Did she give a name?

[supersmashbrother]

[Raph glances up from his comm, brow set as he nods.]

Yeah. Both of them, gone in an instant.

I was told her name was Maleficent. She seems to really have a thing for cursed magic an' crows.

[straykitty]

[Renne turns this information over in her mind.]

A name I'm not immediately familiar with, but no matter. I will find out. When are we to stage a rescue?

[theriflespiral]

[A rare voice post from Natalia.]
I've seen enough. I'm in, once my own injuries heal.

[supersmashbrother]

Good. We may need a few more people an' a plan, but I see how that can also affect performance. You okay?

[theriflespiral]

Stubborn bastard tried to give me a fever so bad you could pour my intestines out the bottom. My condition saved me from that, but handed me internal lesions. I'll be fine soon enough to help.

[supersmashbrother]

Eugh. None of that sounds like a fun time. What kind of condition does that? Maybe rest would do us both some good.

[theriflespiral]

Frozen heart.

Long story.

[singlemilletgrain]

Steady yourself, Raphael.

[Though her expression is creased with worry, her tones are as calm and even as ever. Perhaps it will ease his rushing adrenaline somewhat.]

Your actions will serve your team best if you are calm. Where do you need backup and what is the matter?

[supersmashbrother]

[It does help, releasing some of the tension in his brow.]

I— [Another breath, in and out, reveals more of his weariness. His worry.] I'm trying.

Donnie an' Aira — they got captured. We were trying to get Aira out first, but it all went sideways with the horned lady, an' all of the crows—

[singlemilletgrain]

[Her expression hardens, though it is obvious that any strong emotion she may hold is not directed at Raph. Her voice, though much quieter, rings out clearly.]

I see.

Please provide your location as accurately as you can, and we will be there immediately. ...And do not go back in, Raphael. We need you safe to direct us.

[supersmashbrother]

[Although he's not the target, he still feels responsible for the mess. He acquiesces with a simple:]

Yes, ma'am.

[The coordinates are on their way.]

[singlemilletgrain]

[Shu arrives as quickly as she can, appearing in a whirl of robes and flowing garments. She touches Raph gently on the arm when she approaches.]

Are you hurt? You did well to escape, as difficult as it must feel.