The Price of What Comes After (Zuqetta/Ise)

Zerori and Zriracha
The Nova Corps

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PL: 140,000
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Minion PL: 11,000
Minion Forms: Darkness Controlled I (x5)

The Price of What Comes After (Zuqetta/Ise) Jan 11, 2022 2:11:00 GMT -5

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Post by Zerori and Zriracha on Jan 11, 2022 2:11:00 GMT -5

Zerori's Thread PL: 43,500
Zriracha's Thread PL: 140,000

From behind her, Zerori had sensed that Zuqetta had floated away with hardly any emotion left to feel besides the negativity that she knew her people were so sensitive to. Even her mother, whom had looked to Zerori with a gaze full of pity, had seemed to feel the same emotions she had. Yet, the sliver of hope that came with Ise following her was enough for Zerori to hold out that they weren’t done yet. The war, yes, but trying to find a place among this chaos…? The words of her offer echoed back at Zerori as she floated up into the air with her mother following suit and led all three of them back to safety.

Safety in the form of her home that she’d come back to time and time again, even if she’d come back to it alone. Landing on the ground and beckoning Zuqetta and Ise in, Zerori would glance at her mother to see an expression she wasn’t used to seeing. Guilt, maybe? Well… good. Better to be alive and guilty than dead and… I don’t know… She was still scared that she was about to lose everything in an instant back there. Her mother, her best friends, the promise she made-

Losing the war, in comparison, was worth more than trying to win it thanklessly.

“So, uhm… I’m hungry. Don’t look at me and say you guys aren’t, either,” She looked back at her friends, forcing a tired grin, “We’re all Saiyans, even if I’m part Demon. We can talk over food and then, I guess…” She hesitated, knowing that there would be things even they probably couldn’t fix in a day. “-We can go our separate ways, if that's what ya'll want...” It was hard to say, let alone admit to herself.

Her mother, trying to be helpful, was the next to chime in, “Charbroiled Screaminies?” She asked, earning a look of excited surprise from Zerori before she realized that Hellacasies may not be familiar to her mortal friends.

“They’re like… uhm… rabbits? I don’t know if you guys saw those on Earth, but they’re pretty good! NOT like Saiba-dogs,” She pointedly teased Zuqetta, hoping to at least get the ghost of a smile from her. To Ise, she’d add on, “It’s better than that cake I made for you, trust me. Mom is actually a pretty good cook.”

“It’s still magic, Zerori,” Zriracha piped in, preparing the spell.

“And it’s better than mine - shut up and take the compliment,” Zerori groaned in response, approaching the large table that they shared and making sure the other two chairs were offered to her friends. They, of course, were placed on either side of her and her mother - tactly separating Zuqetta and Ise in case things were… still tense. Upon the table, three reddish looking creatures that looked like a cross between a pig and a rabbit materialized on separate plates - blackened to perfection just the way Zriracha and Zerori liked it.

WC: 516
TWC: 516

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The Price of What Comes After (Zuqetta/Ise) Jan 12, 2022 15:32:02 GMT -5 via mobile Zerori and Zriracha likes this

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Post by Empress Ise on Jan 12, 2022 15:32:02 GMT -5

| Ise | 67,100 PL | Base Form |
| 6/6 KP | 0/6 MP | 0%/270% |

The flight to Zerori and Zriracha’s home was a tense and mostly silent affair, plenty of time for Ise to finally let go of her power boost that the sheer agitation of everything had kept going for much longer than Ise would usually maintain out of combat. It also meant Ise had time to actively reflect on the battle and in doing so her mood rapidly went from worried to somewhat stormy.

She WAS still worried about things with Zerori but without the tension of active battle and arguments it was now a lot easier to feel she had made several other very crucial potential mistakes. Choosing to focus on figuring out things with Zerori and Zuqetta had left Kayfor ALONE against Azoth, she was equally frustrated with herself for not backing him up, and with the others for distracting her from doing so.

Perhaps Kayfor would have… Ise scowled as she pushed away the thought, she was NOT certain that Kayfor was gone yet.

Ise made no move to leave at Zerori’s suggestion that they could part ways, mostly because in spite of her silence she DID want to figure out where everything stood now, and if she left Ise was fairly certain she would simply return to the battlefield as quickly as possible.

Ise was somewhat lost at the description of what they would apparently be eating but from the sound of it the food was apparently likely to be good so Ise voiced no issue with it. “That sounds fine.”

She was still quite distracted by her thoughts as Zriracha magicked up the meal, primarily Ise wondered what had happened to Azoth. He had just sort of been GONE. Not even dead as far as she could tell, were the attack that hit him a killing shot it likely would have both needed to be FAR stronger AND likely would not have been instant, she would have had a chance to feel his lifeforce ebb away. It was something she had wanted to accomplish herself but at least FEELING it would have been something.

She DID have options for discerning if he was still active though.

Ise would take a look at the seating setup, even half distracted she could spot the active effort to keep herself and Zuqetta separated which was ultimately fine by her, it DID however inadvertently present a choice of where to sit, years of learning what such things were intended to mean made it such that Ise had to carefully decide all the while not entirely recognizing that it was wildly unlikely Zerori or Zuqetta would even be aware.

With a small nod to herself Ise moved to take the sear on Zerori’s left hand side.

WC: 454
TWC: 454

Last Edit: Feb 6, 2022 7:14:22 GMT -5 by Empress Ise

Zuqetta
Dreadspawn

Saiyan Monarch

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The Price of What Comes After (Zuqetta/Ise) Jan 12, 2022 20:05:43 GMT -5

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Post by Zuqetta on Jan 12, 2022 20:05:43 GMT -5

Form: Base
PL: 64,000(--)
Trait: Anti-Sense = Active

Apathy.

From the constant swell of emotion she had once felt; now existed nothing but a void. Zuqetta had felt drain, even more so than usual. While the injuries she suffered were nothing serious, her body felt heavier than it ever did before. She followed Zerori through the skies from the battlefield, feeling less and less as they went further away. She kept her hood upon her head and remained silent as they traveled; thinking little of anything that had occurred. Only a single focus lingered in her mind; that of her failures.

She'd failed once before when she opted to do nothing while a demon took the throne of Sadala; what she felt back then was nothing like how she felt now however. Back then she'd felt aggression, regret, frustration, and even sorrow. The thoughts of what Azoth or Vennel might have thought about her had plagued her; the feeling of having betrayed them had weighed on her. This was in the past however, and she had believed she'd recovered from such a state. She'd promised Azoth that she wouldn't run away and do nothing ever again; and yet, here she was now, running away... but it was after doing something...

When she had done nothing, bad things happened; yet when she did something, bad things still happened. If this wasn't a sign, then she didn't know what one was; she was a destined failure, and that was the end of the story as far as she was concerned.

Zuqetta's nose would twitch as she caught the scent of the nearby acid lakes; an unexpected, painful reminder of the time she and Rensou had parted ways for the last time. The group had made their way to Zerori and Zriracha's home; a house, awkwardly and tightly placed deep within a cave. She'd remembered Zerori telling her about this place, but didn't think she literally lived in a cave. It was a bit funny, and yet Zuqetta couldn't bring herself to even crack a false smile. She felt nothing, she wasn't hungry, she only wanted to sleep...

Landing before the house, Zerori was quick to make her way inside; gesturing for Zuqetta and Ise to join her as Zriracha prepared a meal. It was strangely painful to hear the positivity in Zerori's voice, but Ise showed no hesitation as she walked inside to take her seat. Taking a step forward, Zuqetta would hesitate as she questioned why she was even here. She'd placed Zerori and Zriracha in danger, she'd failed to stop Taori from conquering Hatchi City, she'd abandoned Azoth to fight alone. Her personal failures piled more and more; and the more she thought of the recent failures, the more her past failures would creep into her mind. As far as she was concerned, she had no place by Zerori's side; Ise was the reason Zerori had even taken them to her home. Ise had been willing to talk, while all Zuqetta had done was fight; she had no place with the two of them, and yet she'd come anyways.

With a sigh, Zuqetta would move towards the door, before promptly sitting herself down outside said door. With her back firmly against the wall, Zuqetta would pull her legs in tightly and rest her head; closing her eyes as she thought merely of... nothing.

KP: 6/6(--)
MP: 0/6(--)
DMG: 0% / 270%(--%)
Status: --

Passive Effects:
    Antisense: +20% Boost to Escape Techniques & Immunity to all forms of Sensing
    Noble Blood: Total DMG +20%, Critical DMG +30%
    Saiyan Pride: +10% Technique Boost when at or above 100% DMG (Inactive)
    Restrained Might: +10% Technique Boost while below Final Transformation (Active)
Resources:
    Antisense: First Escape attempt costs 0 Kp (One Use)
    Burning Ki: Spend Momentum to regain Ki at 2:1 Ratio (One Use)
Items: --

Post - 1

WC - 561

TWC - 561

Zerori and Zriracha
The Nova Corps

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PL: 140,000
XP: 398
Dark Potential (x5)
Super Demon (x17)

Tag: @zerori
Posts: 662 Female

Minion PL: 11,000
Minion Forms: Darkness Controlled I (x5)

The Price of What Comes After (Zuqetta/Ise) Jan 14, 2022 16:39:28 GMT -5

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Post by Zerori and Zriracha on Jan 14, 2022 16:39:28 GMT -5

The moment Zerori had sat down and looked up from the food on the table, she knew something was immediately wrong. For one, Ise was… hesitating? Maybe she was lost in thought or was uncertain where to sit between the two separated chairs. The second was the most jarring and it made Zerori’s heart drop straight into her stomach. Zuqetta wasn’t here and trying to reach out with her senses didn’t give her anything to go off of. Her shoulders fell, even as she watched Ise make her way over to the table on the left side of her. Briefly, she offered the girl a smile before she looked back at her mother.

Once more, though it was different this time, her mother could be seen looking at Ise as if she’d done something of interest. It made the question on the tip of Zerori’s tongue fizzle away in a sudden rush of envy before she swallowed down the hurt and stood up from the table. “I’m going to go check on Zuqetta,” She stated firmly, walking away from the food as she made her way back outside to look for her friend.

Zriracha, however, would continue to appraise Ise with a discerning eye, hyper fixated on something that had caught her attention. Well aware of her having been raised by an Arcosian from a Noble House, Zriracha was certain that Ise was well-learned when it came to the intricacies of finer table manners. However, as she glanced down at the seat chosen, the Satyr woman would wonder if there was more to the girl than merely being trained by her Father to behave. She picked up her utensils and began to eat, utilizing her own manners accordingly before speaking, “If it’s not too imposing, I’d like to understand you a bit more,” She began, a smile on her face even as she cut into the animal and took a bite. Once she was finished eating, she elaborated further.

“You’re quite taken by my daughter, as I’m sure it’s aware that she feels the same. That you’d risk your goals in capacity speaks volumes of your desires,” And Zriracha knew much about deciphering ones’ desires. She cocked her head to the side, finishing, “What was your father like? From your own perspective, of course - not what Arcose saw from him.”

—

Away from the table, Zerori only just opened the door when she spotted the familiar figure sitting on the ground just outside. What envy and aggression she felt from her mother casting her attention elsewhere melting immediately into concern before she knelt down on the ground and tentatively brought a hand up - thinking about for only a moment - before laying it down on Zuqetta’s head to ruffle her hair gently.

“What are you doin’ out here, Zuq? This ain’t a table and it ain’t even the inside of my house,” She softly teased, knowing that she was treading on unknown and possibly dangerous territory. This was a side of her friend she’d never seen before and even worse - felt like she was on the precipice of not even knowing what to DO in this situation. Should she be kinder? Was this a bad time to drop a terrible joke? What was okay to say and what wasn’t? She hated to feel so indecisive and inhibited - that wasn’t the DEMON way of doing things… but Zuqetta and Ise were important to her and she cared enough to be careful for their sake.

She let out a sigh and moved to try and pull Zuqetta back into a hug against her, "Talk t'me."

WC: 619
TWC: 1135

Last Edit: Jan 15, 2022 18:56:25 GMT -5 by Zerori and Zriracha

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Empress Ise
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The Price of What Comes After (Zuqetta/Ise) Jan 18, 2022 13:41:35 GMT -5 via mobile

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Post by Empress Ise on Jan 18, 2022 13:41:35 GMT -5

| Ise | 67,100 PL | Base Form |
| 6/6 KP | 0/6 MP | 0%/270% |

Ise realized shortly after taking her seat that she had lost track of Zuqetta, she had presumed that she had simply joined them upon entering but now that she was actively paying mind to it the scent of the dried blood had never actually moved past the entrance, apparently Zerori had not immediately realized Zuqetta had gone missing either as she mentioned going to look for her.

Ise tilted her head slightly and was half prepared to follow along when Zriracha cut off that thought by taking her own seat and drawing Ise into a conversation, simply leaving now to follow Zerori would be rather rude even if it WAS tempting.

“That sounds fine to me” Ise said with a nod not quite sure if she ought to also start eating or wait for the others, the fact Zriracha had and that she WAS hungry though made waiting a difficult choice… perhaps she could just have a bit and THEN wait?

Ise nearly choked as Zriracha started off her attempt to understand her, something about how Zriracha had phrased her being ‘taken with’ Zerori just completely threw off Ise. Ise had half expected Zriracha to ask something about that or about Ise’s desires but instead Zriracha somehow made a smooth shift into simply asking about her Father.

“My Father? He was… Pretty much everything I had, at least before I met you and Zerori… Polarus has always been rather busy with his own work so it was mostly just Father, the crew, and I. He saved me when I was very young, I only vaguely sort of remember it.” Ise shifted slightly as the old memories and the intense emotions associated with them “I wasn’t able to sense things like I can now, I was.. well.. properly blind. As far as we can tell I was probably sent off to die, it was amazing luck that I lasted until the full moon and because of it drew his attention”

“He could have very easily just left me there. But he didn't, he saved me, raised me as his own. He didn’t need to even, he already had Polarus. He was the only person that cared enough to want me” Ise’s voice grew very quiet near the end as she brushed away a few tears and took a breath to regain her composure.

WC: 392 
TWC: 846

Last Edit: Feb 6, 2022 7:15:54 GMT -5 by Empress Ise

Zerori and Zriracha
The Nova Corps

STATS
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PL: 140,000
XP: 398
Dark Potential (x5)
Super Demon (x17)

Tag: @zerori
Posts: 662 Female

Minion PL: 11,000
Minion Forms: Darkness Controlled I (x5)

The Price of What Comes After (Zuqetta/Ise) Jan 24, 2022 4:04:40 GMT -5

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Post by Zerori and Zriracha on Jan 24, 2022 4:04:40 GMT -5

Quietly, Zriracha listened, chewing slowly as she took in the details of Ise’s answer. It was as she expected, but still there was a note of… yearning? Was it the desperation of wanting to be everything her Father wanted? The desire to do whatever it took to be of use to him? The longer she listened, taking in the emotions that rolled off of the girl in waves like a broiling storm - the more Zriracha realized that Hibernal was quite a driven man with his only weakness… being the girl before her. However, weakness was a harsh term as the love between a parent and child went far beyond weakness. Beyond ambition and even beyond the concept of self preservation.

Zriracha wondered if she might ever know, for certain, why he decided to take in a stray and claim it as his own. She smiled comfortingly, moving her hand from the table and offering it to Ise in the hopes she would take it - leaving it there, if she’d remained still and squeezing firmly if she had taken her offered hand. “I am certain he believed his decision was worthwhile. That means that you, Young Lady, are also worthwhile. I thank you for sharing that with me,” She returned to her meal, adding in a beat later, “Just between us, young one… it is my hope that you make your feelings clear to my daughter. It is clear that coming to the conclusion you did was no easy task. Whatever you decide - you will always have my gratitude.”

She offered one last smile, one she hoped would convey the truth she wanted Ise to see, before the door opened to her home. Zerori would walk in, but by the look of dejected sadness it would be clear the talk did not fare well. Zuqetta did not follow suit, either, eliciting a painful tug on the Satyr’s heart.

As Zerori approached the table, taking up the seat she’d abandoned with an expression that was more akin to what a puppy looked like when it was kicked, the only words that came out of her mouth to indicate how anything had went was simply, “She… wants to figure things out. Alone.” Zerori swallowed, jaw tense before she looked over at Ise - forcing a smile through her melancholy. “Sorry for leaving. I’m-... ‘m sure she’s gonna be fine.” Zerori tried to play it off better, nodding as if she weren’t trying to convince herself.

Zriracha cocked her head at her daughter before looking back at Ise and then - pointedly - returning her gaze to Zerori to twitch her eyebrow. With a confused look, having caught the gesture, Zerori would mouth a ‘what’ before Zriracha cleared her throat and returned her attention to Ise.

“It would appear that Zuqetta has decided to take matters of the heart in her own hands. With hope-” She would get up from the table, excusing herself as she clip-clopped away, “-you two will do the same.” Leaving an emotionally-drained and confused daughter to fend for herself as she watched her mother disappear into an adjacent room. Alone. With Ise. Right after the most intense conflict they’d ever faced.

I hate you so much right now, Mom, Zerori thought with a guilty grimace.

Continuing without Zuqetta from here on.

WC: 551
TWC: 1646

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Zuqetta
Dreadspawn

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PL: 160,160
XP: 3,018
Raging Spirit (x5)
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Item Malus: 5,000

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The Price of What Comes After (Zuqetta/Ise) Jan 25, 2022 4:06:18 GMT -5 Zerori and Zriracha likes this

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Post by Zuqetta on Jan 25, 2022 4:06:18 GMT -5

Form: Base
PL: 64,000(--)
Trait: Anti-Sense = Active

Her conversation with Zerori would be brief, with the lack of care for anything at all being plainly apparent in her words. Zuqetta found it hard to care about anything as she thought more and more about the events that had led to now. She thought about her abusive father she'd run away from; remembering the scene of her burning manor in the distance as she questioned his chances of survival. She thought about her beloved older sister, Vennel, and of Vennel's foolishness to continue with the 'Saiyan Way' until it inevitably took her to her grave. She thought about the mentors that had used and abandoned her, and of how foolish and naive she had been both times.

There was too much for her to think about; too much heart break and unfortunate circumstance. From the disappearance of her friends in the wake of the everlasting war; to the abandonment she had just recently suffered from Azoth and Blizzard. While it may have been no more than mere self-depreciation, to Zuqetta, it had become abundantly clear that relations weren't something she was ever meant to have. Not with friends, not with family; she had nothing and no one any longer, and felt no reason to remain in any place in particular.

Her conversation with Zerori had concluded, and Zuqetta had made for the entrance of the cave while Zerori returned inside to remain with Ise. Where once she felt jealousy over how Zerori fawned over Ise; now, she felt nothing at all. She wanted only to leave, to journey and experience the adventure she always dreamt about when she was small. She would do it alone, it was the only thing that made sense to do at this point; however, as she readied herself to exit the cave and take flight... she would hesitate...

Once more, in a painful display that wreaked a sharp pain upon her heart; Zuqetta remembered all those she had lost or been abandoned by. As she did, she would look back towards the house; thinking of the one person who had remained by her side through all of it.

"Zerori..." Zuqetta would mumble as she turned back towards the house, "But..."

Zerori had Ise, and unlike Zuqetta, Ise was far more capable of handling her own personal problems in a much more responsible manner. The self-depreciation began to weigh on her once more, but as she attempted to leave once again, Zuqetta couldn't help but feel a comparison of her actions to that of those who had abandoned or betrayed her. Zerori belonged with Ise, this is what Zuqetta believed; there was no place for her within that group... and yet...

Without even realizing it, Zuqetta soon found her hand upon the handle of the front door; frozen in place as a myriad of thoughts played out in her mind. She'd just told Zerori that she was leaving alone on a journey; yet dared to come back mere moments after!? She didn't belong here! Zerori had Ise, and it was obvious how they felt about each other! And yet...

And yet...!!

"...hey-" Zuqetta would announce in a rather low, emotionless tone as she entered the house, "Heh, smells good..." She would continued, mustering up faux emotion as she looked over towards the burnt food upon the table, "Hope you guys didn't start without me..." She'd finished, offering up a force, weak smile; though, refraining from approaching any nearer.

KP: 6/6(--)
MP: 0/6(--)
DMG: 0% / 270%(--%)
Status: --

Passive Effects:
    Antisense: +20% Boost to Escape Techniques & Immunity to all forms of Sensing
    Noble Blood: Total DMG +20%, Critical DMG +30%
    Saiyan Pride: +10% Technique Boost when at or above 100% DMG (Inactive)
    Restrained Might: +10% Technique Boost while below Final Transformation (Active)
Resources:
    Antisense: First Escape attempt costs 0 Kp (One Use)
    Burning Ki: Spend Momentum to regain Ki at 2:1 Ratio (One Use)
Items: --

Post - 2

WC - 581

TWC - 1,142

Empress Ise
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Tag: @ise
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The Price of What Comes After (Zuqetta/Ise) Jan 27, 2022 15:15:30 GMT -5 via mobile Zerori and Zriracha likes this

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Post by Empress Ise on Jan 27, 2022 15:15:30 GMT -5

| Ise | 67,100 PL | Base Form |
| 6/6 KP | 0/6 MP | 0%/270% |

Ise would, tentatively at first extend her hand to Zriraca’s after a moment, hoping that she had in fact picked up on what the Demoness had wanted, the fact she was met by Zriracha holding her hand and clearly not reacting with confusion was a relief and the action itself was surprisingly calming for her.

The words that followed left Ise very visibly thoughtful, it was very similar though phrased differently to what Kayfor had tried to tell her though Ise still had some trouble properly accepting that it was GOOD that her Father had chosen to not involve her in his ‘fight’ with Azoth.

Ise was briefly debating how to respond when Zriracha continued and Ise’s entire thought process was brought to a screeching halt. She was not even entirely certain WHY the suggestion garnered such a reaction from herself, she could feel that her face was warm and she felt a strange sort of nervous energy. “I..er.. I..” it was such a dramatic emotional shift and one Ise was entirely unprepared for.

Made all the more pronounced as Zerori returned as Ise desperately tried to calm herself “No its fine, it makes sense, she is your friend of course you would be concerned for her” Ise opted to power through the confusing emotions with the calm logic she had been raised on.

Ise let out confused noise as Zriracha took her leave while prompting them to ‘take matters of the heart into their own hands’ which of course only served to bring back all of what Ise was entirely unsure of how to process.

“I..am.. er” Ise took a breath to try and steady herself just bit “I am sorry for how angrily I reacted back during the fight. I.. I don’t know why I did, I.. just got so mad because I thought you were just picking Zuqetta over me. I was.. I don't know how to explain it, I don't think I would have reacted like that if it had been anyone other than you?” Ise struggled to find the correct words to describe it while being entirely unfamiliar with exactly WHAT she was trying to describe.

Shortly thereafter Zuqetta made her return, initially catching Ise off guard with how focused she was on trying to explain… whatever it was she was feeling to Zerori

Ise decided she would make a MUCH better effort to improve her ability to pick up on people without discernible power signatures, she was unsure now exactly if she ought to continue.

WC: 421
TWC: 1,267

Last Edit: Feb 6, 2022 7:17:23 GMT -5 by Empress Ise

Zerori and Zriracha
The Nova Corps

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PL: 140,000
XP: 398
Dark Potential (x5)
Super Demon (x17)

Tag: @zerori
Posts: 662 Female

Minion PL: 11,000
Minion Forms: Darkness Controlled I (x5)

The Price of What Comes After (Zuqetta/Ise) Jan 29, 2022 2:18:31 GMT -5

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Post by Zerori and Zriracha on Jan 29, 2022 2:18:31 GMT -5

The moment her mother took her leave, Zerori was left to basically flounder around with hardly anything on the tip of her tongue to say Technically, she had a LOT to say but given that most of it was stupid and didn’t make sense and in the middle of yelling and crying - would anyone blame her for keeping that shit to herself? Whatever god that had forsaken her, however, seems to have mercy when it was Ise who was the first to speak up. Looking over at her from across the table, Zerori listened, her expression going from the ever-present guilty frown to realization as she was starting to put the pieces back together. It was hard to imagine her friend being jealous, but… that was only because she didn’t really understand why she was jealous?

Choosing sides wasn’t very far off but between Zuqetta and Ise… it’s not that there WASN’T a choice there, Zerori just refused to actually choose between them. She cared for both of them, but the way she cared was just different.

“Ise, I-” She’d started, feeling courage swell in her chest as she vaguely recalled what Erebos had threatened her with last time if she didn’t make her feelings known. Her face burned with a combination of embarrassment and shame as she forced out the words, “I could never choose between either of you. Fuck, that never even crossed my mind, but, Ise - what I feel for Zuqetta isn’t the same as what I feel for y-”

The creak of a door opening to home, however, had Zerori’s attention diverted.

To Zuqetta. Who had come back. Zerori’s eyes widened, standing up from the table suddenly with hope clear in her eyes before she found her voice again and forced out a scoff, smiling the whole time. “Well, don’t just stand there! You almost left yours fuckin’ cold!” Zerori barked, sitting back down with a side-long smile sent Zuqetta’s way - relieved that she’d changed her mind and feeling at peace for the first time since the war had been on the forefront of her mind. While she’d hoped Zuqetta would come back to eat, Zerori would bring her gaze back up to Ise and wonder if the interruption was timely or not.

Ise deserved to know, didn’t she? Her mother was basically forcing her to make it clear but now that Zuqetta was back, was that something she should start talking about again?! Indecision made Zerori clam up and she ran a hand through her hair before deciding that food needed to take priority and grabbed her screaminy. Without thinking, Zerori did what she usually did when eating one of her favorite foods - forgetting for a critical second about the company around her.

Taking the burnt thing in hand, Zerori grinned while giving it a sudden squeeze to elicit the harrowing screech of response that should NEVER belong to something that was dead. It was her favorite part of the meal before eating, taking visceral pleasure in what sounded like a blood-curdling scream before she blinked and looked up at her table mates. “Uh… sorry, that’s… that’s why they’re called screaminies…”

WC: 544
TWC: 2190

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Zuqetta
Dreadspawn

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PL: 160,160
XP: 3,018
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Tag: @zuqetta
Posts: 1,413 Female

Item Malus: 5,000

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The Price of What Comes After (Zuqetta/Ise) Jan 29, 2022 3:12:49 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Zuqetta on Jan 29, 2022 3:12:49 GMT -5

Form: Base
PL: 64,000(--)
Trait: Anti-Sense = Active

Coming in at the tail end of Zerori and Ise's conversation, Zuqetta chose to pay it no mind. While it wasn't plainly obvious that what they were talking about was private, Zuqetta saw no reason to stick her nose into their business. Luckily, Zerori's sudden excitability made for a quick distraction from it all; and in spite of the lack of response from Ise, Zuqetta would make her way to the empty seat offered to her without hesitation. "Heh, wouldn't that be a shame?" Zuqetta would respond somewhat teasingly as she sat down and examined the charred creatures on the plates presented before the trio.

The air felt tense; possibly from the burnt mystery creature, but more likely due to the events that had led up to now. Zuqetta would choose to ignore it; the loss, the war, the feeling in the air, she hated it all. It was clear Zerori was attempting to lighten the mood and distract them all from what had occurred, and Zuqetta was more than willingly to indulge her. She would poke at the creature on her plate; an oddly squishy sensation considering just how burnt it was.

"Uhh, what is this exa-"

Just as Zuqetta would begin to ask her question of the food, the sudden scream would ring out from Zerori's hand; presenting Zuqetta with even further questions, none of which she felt like asking any longer.

"Heh, on second thought, I'm not THAT hungry right now." Zuqetta would remark as she pushed her plate away; glancing at Ise in the process.

She felt a throb come to her still somewhat fresh scratch upon her face; a feeling that elicited the memories of the most recent failure she'd rather forget. Her failures were the last thing she wanted to think about, and she had no intention on burdening Zerori with any of it either. Instead, Zuqetta would simply cross her arms upon the table and rest her head; giving one final glance between Ise and Zerori before closing her eyes and scooting her chair closer to where Zriracha would have sat.

"Heh, you two are perfect for each other." Zuqetta would remark a bit slyly, feeling just a tinge more emotion in her voice than she had been displaying up to this point. Her tail would twitch about playfully as she did so; wrapping itself around the leg of Zriracha's chair and pulling the empty seat closer as she awaited the goat mom's return.

She wondered if she should explain herself properly, but chose instead to leave the comment as is; enjoying the bit of mischievousness she felt could stem from the remark. It might have been a bit silly and immature, but it was also technically Zerori's whole thing as a demon, as well; stirring up chaos. There was no reason Zuqetta couldn't indulge in a bit of that same mischief as well; it wasn't as though there was anything better to do anymore.

KP: 6/6(--)
MP: 0/6(--)
DMG: 0% / 270%(--%)
Status: --

Passive Effects:
    Antisense: +20% Boost to Escape Techniques & Immunity to all forms of Sensing
    Noble Blood: Total DMG +20%, Critical DMG +30%
    Saiyan Pride: +10% Technique Boost when at or above 100% DMG (Inactive)
    Restrained Might: +10% Technique Boost while below Final Transformation (Active)
Resources:
    Antisense: First Escape attempt costs 0 Kp (One Use)
    Burning Ki: Spend Momentum to regain Ki at 2:1 Ratio (One Use)
Items: --

Post - 3

WC - 499

TWC - 1,641

Empress Ise
Renowned Power

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PL: 90,480
XP: 5,760
Brute Form (x5)

Tag: @ise
Posts: 405 Male

The Price of What Comes After (Zuqetta/Ise) Feb 1, 2022 9:13:40 GMT -5 via mobile Zerori and Zriracha likes this

Quote

Post by Empress Ise on Feb 1, 2022 9:13:40 GMT -5

| Ise | 67,100 PL | Base Form |
| 6/6 KP | 0/6 MP | 0%/270% |

Ise was more than a little nervous after she finished what she had to say, mostly because she was not strictly certain a lot of it had made much sense she was vaguely aware she had started to ramble a bit at the end in an effort to try and explain the situation that had thus far proven very difficult for her to parse.

It was somewhat heartening to know that Zerori had not been trying to choose between them even if everything that happened still made it difficult to quite feel sure of that. Ise listened intently as Zerori began to elaborate, to explain the difference between what she felt for Zuqetta and herself, something that captured Ise’s full attention…

Only for Zerori to be cut off as the aforementioned wayward Saiyan made her return leaving Ise with a slight frown as Zerori welcomed her back. It took all of Ise’s composure not to let out a frustrated groan, she had no real issue with Zuqetta’s return itself, and the fact she was seemingly doing better was a positive thing. But Ise had VERY much wanted to know what else Zerori was going to say, some sort of confirmation that she would not be left alone again.

“Welcome back.” Ise’s own effort to welcome Zuq back almost certainly came out more flat than she had strictly intended or wanted but things were all so confusing.

Ise tilted her head a Zerori lifted the entire ‘screaminie’ and then proceeded to squeeze the cooked creature eliciting a screech from it that were Ise not VERY sure it was dead she would have otherwise assumed to be its dying gasp. It was ALMOST enough to distract her entirely as Ise found herself idly poking at hers with a knife with a mix of caution and curiosity.

After that shift in the tone of things Ise wondered how or if they would return to the previous discussion, it felt a bit strange to do so now wit Zuqetta here but then Zuqetta seemed to turn to her at least Ise was pretty sure she had, and made a comment that only served to confuse her further. Ise opened her mouth to respond only to find herself entirely devoid of words with which to respond with, she made several more attempts but for the first time in a while Ise was genuinely and completely without an idea of how to respond.

WC: 407
TWC: 1,674

Last Edit: Feb 6, 2022 7:18:10 GMT -5 by Empress Ise

Zerori and Zriracha
The Nova Corps

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PL: 140,000
XP: 398
Dark Potential (x5)
Super Demon (x17)

Tag: @zerori
Posts: 662 Female

Minion PL: 11,000
Minion Forms: Darkness Controlled I (x5)

The Price of What Comes After (Zuqetta/Ise) Feb 3, 2022 1:20:54 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Zerori and Zriracha on Feb 3, 2022 1:20:54 GMT -5

A bit embarrassed but still hungry, Zerori tentatively raised the little beast to her mouth before taking a bite - noticing that both Ise and Zuqetta had politely declined the Hellion delicacy. She’d hoped they would have enjoyed the little surprise but perhaps there were some things that mortals and Demons just didn’t have in common. She’d glanced at Ise as she welcomed Zuqetta back but there was tension there that Zerori was a little worried about. Is she… upset that Zuq came back? Zerori thought with a concerned frown, even as she chewed her food. It wasn’t until Zuqetta had laid her head on the table, her mother’s chair beside her scooching a little closer. The action had Zerori leaning down to look at the tail with an expression of confusion, but it was then that the words Zuqetta had said seemed to come out of nowhere and smack her in the face.

She choked on the bite she’d JUST taken, quickly pounding on her chest to dislodge the piece of food before Zerori looked over at Zuqetta with a bewildered expression, “Perfect for WHAT?” It wasn’t that she didn’t have an idea what she meant - she just didn’t expect ZUQETTA to say it! Nervously, Zerori looked back at Ise - her face no doubt on fire - before she cleared her throat and thought about… how she would try to continue the conversation.

She really needed to tell Ise, even if it felt weird to do so in front of her friend, but… something about the way she’d said ‘they were perfect for each other’ felt like she was trying to encourage her or something. With her nerve gradually failing, Zerori would stand from the table suddenly, the words at the tip of her tongue, “Ise! What I'm trying to tell you is-!”

“I have returned with dessert!” Came the jovial call of Zriracha’s mother, the door having swung open to reveal the satyr woman with both hands precariously balancing plates of some kind of cake.

“ARE YOU SERIOUS, MOM?!” Zerori raged, throwing her hands up at being interrupted once more before she slumped back into her seat with a snarl.

Amused but not dissuaded, Zriracha approached, “My apologies for the wait, but I-” She paused, noticing Zuqetta and giving a soft gasp of shock before she smirked knowingly, “I see you’ve decided against your solo journey, then? Good. Consider this a reward for choosing to continue with friends as opposed to being alone, little spark.” As she placed the plates down, all warmth and smiles, Zriracha would be unaware of the effect her words had on Zerori as she sat down in her seat beside Zuqetta, an arm coming around the young girl - even as Zerori watched her with an intense expression on her face of confusion and hurt.

Whatever she was going to say to Ise seemed to melt away into disappointment, Zerori’s expression darkening in that moment as the gnarled grip of envy took hold of her. That-... she doesn’t call me that anymore and now Zuqetta is ‘Little Spark’?! Without realizing it, Zerori could be seen looking over at Zuqetta with her lips twitching upward in a barely concealed snarl. Her anger was quickly getting away from her, blood boiling in her veins, before Zerori jerked her face to look at the cake on the plate - wishing it would burn into a crisp right then.

She knew it wasn't Zuq's fault. She knew it was simply a term of endearment. Yet even as she tried to ignore the sudden hatred in her soul, Zerori would find herself locked in a staring contest with the slice of cake of such intensity that she didn't even notice the hot, angry tears that were running down her face.

WC: 624
TWC: 2814

Last Edit: Feb 3, 2022 12:20:12 GMT -5 by Zerori and Zriracha

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Zuqetta
Dreadspawn

Saiyan Monarch

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PL: 160,160
XP: 3,018
Raging Spirit (x5)
Super Saiyan (x18)

Tag: @zuqetta
Posts: 1,413 Female

Item Malus: 5,000

Minion PL: 48,048
Minion Forms: Super Saiyan (x18)

The Price of What Comes After (Zuqetta/Ise) Feb 3, 2022 14:21:08 GMT -5 Zerori and Zriracha likes this

Quote

Post by Zuqetta on Feb 3, 2022 14:21:08 GMT -5

Form: Base
PL: 64,000(--)
Trait: Anti-Sense = Active

Zuqetta couldn't help but snicker to herself a tad at the light bit of chaos caused by her remark; Ise's reaction was far more interesting, considering how stoic the girl seemed in comparison to either she or Zerori. Just then however, it seemed that said remark had sparked something in Zerori, prompting her friend to turn to Ise and ready something that should have come so much sooner. As luck, good or bad, would have it however, Zriracha was quick to continue the chaos by interrupting the moment before Zerori could continue; prompting yet another brief laugh from Zuqetta, one which she muffled behind her hand.

"Heh, is she ever serious?" Zuqetta would retort to Zerori sarcastically as she sat up slightly; displaying a bit more of a smile on her otherwise tired expression.

Things always felt more fun rather than serious whenever she was with both Zriracha and Zerori; while it wasn't enough to make her forget all the bad that had transpired, it was enough to at least somewhat alleviate her otherwise dreary mood.

"Hehe, yeah, tried the whole 'solo' thing already, and it wasn't that much fun..." Zuqetta would say in response as she glance up towards Zriracha, "But I'll gladly accept some cake." She'd continue with a slight grin, "So long as it's not also gonna scream at me, hehe."

As Zriracha sat, wrapping her arm around Zuqetta's shoulder; Zuqetta couldn't help but to snuggle into Zriracha's embrace. Nuzzling her head into Zriracha playfully before promptly turning her attention to the cake set before her; beginning by poking it with a fork to ensure it wasn't another potentially still living creature. The situation was rather casual and wholly light-hearted; it was the type of atmosphere Zuqetta wished she could have always had. Sadly, growing up on such a militaristic world like Plant left such experiences far and few between. Even sadder however, was the fact that such reason had caused Zuqetta to be far too heavily distracted to notice the anguish that had suddenly beset Zerori.

KP: 6/6(--)
MP: 0/6(--)
DMG: 0% / 270%(--%)
Status: --

Passive Effects:
    Antisense: +20% Boost to Escape Techniques & Immunity to all forms of Sensing
    Noble Blood: Total DMG +20%, Critical DMG +30%
    Saiyan Pride: +10% Technique Boost when at or above 100% DMG (Inactive)
    Restrained Might: +10% Technique Boost while below Final Transformation (Active)
Resources:
    Antisense: First Escape attempt costs 0 Kp (One Use)
    Burning Ki: Spend Momentum to regain Ki at 2:1 Ratio (One Use)
Items: --

Post - 4

WC - 347

TWC - 1,988

Empress Ise
Renowned Power

STATS
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SIDES

PL: 90,480
XP: 5,760
Brute Form (x5)

Tag: @ise
Posts: 405 Male

The Price of What Comes After (Zuqetta/Ise) Feb 6, 2022 9:41:29 GMT -5 Zerori and Zriracha likes this

Quote

Post by Empress Ise on Feb 6, 2022 9:41:29 GMT -5

| Ise | 67,100 PL | Base Form |
| 6/6 KP | 0/6 MP | 0%/270% |

Where Ise was rendered speechless Zerori most certainly was not as she yelped a response to Zuqetta’s comment, Ise was still trying her best to actually parse HOW to respond to it and frankly part of her was trying to also understand the intent behind it. Ise shook her head after a moment trying to clear her completely befuddled thoughts, she was usually FAR better in social situations than this, something about this particular event and perhaps all the oddities that had preceded it was serving to throw her entirely off her ‘game’.

Ise snapped back to attention eager to finally have things start to clear up as Zerori seemed intent on actually getting out what she had to say… only for Zriracha to arrive with some admittedly pleasant-smelling deserts, Ise wondered though if perhaps it was a bit early for such things considering they had only just begun actually eating.

Zerori was not entirely pleased by ANOTHER distraction and frankly, Ise had to agree, what followed however was Zriracha proceeding forward, she paused briefly in what Ise assumed to be her taking a moment to notice Zuqetta’s return before commenting on it, nothing she said seemed particularly ‘important’ or out of the ordinary for the woman and yet Ise felt a sharp spark of tense energy from Zerori, Ise frowned slightly and cursed her inability to actually read expressions as that likely would have made figuring things out somewhat easier.

“It smells quite nice, though I may wait to have a piece until I have had a bit more of the previous dish.” Ise HAD planned on actually eating the screaminie and the well.. Screaming… was not exactly a deal breaker for her provided it did not do so with every bite or cut it.

Clearly, though something beyond just the interruption was bothering Zerori, the only thing Ise could see that was particularly ‘new’ though was the more overt fondness on display between Zriracha and Zuqetta. Ise was fairly certain outright asking was… perhaps a BAD idea if she was either misinterpreting Zerori’s reaction or Zerori was actively trying to hide it.

Subtlety however was something Ise was entirely capable of and so she would uncurl her tail from her waist and beneath its hiding place among her armor and reach out with it to pat Zerori on her side in hopes of getting her attention, with luck Zerori would look her way and see Ise adopt a tilt of her head, the most common way for her to express without just stating outright her confusion.

WC: 428
TWC: 2,102

Zerori and Zriracha
The Nova Corps

STATS
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SIDES

PL: 140,000
XP: 398
Dark Potential (x5)
Super Demon (x17)

Tag: @zerori
Posts: 662 Female

Minion PL: 11,000
Minion Forms: Darkness Controlled I (x5)

The Price of What Comes After (Zuqetta/Ise) Feb 9, 2022 15:08:43 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Zerori and Zriracha on Feb 9, 2022 15:08:43 GMT -5

Zerori didn’t need to look up to witness the weirdly affectionate scene between her mother and her friend, unwilling to make it known that she was so strongly affected by it. Even as she stared at the cake in front of her with hatred in her eyes, Zerori knew that feeling would go away just as quickly as it had come. Zuqetta was her best friend and her mother was… well, she was her mother. She always did this kind of stuff for whatever reason, even if Zerori still didn’t understand it. Swallowing, Zerori reached for the fork next to her plate and attempted to take a bite, hoping the taste of it would help to alleviate the pain of her feelings.

The first bite was good. She didn’t expect it to be bad, but when the taste of it bloomed on her tongue, it just reminded her that her mother liked Zuqetta more than her. And it was that thought that had her suck in a breath, shaking with visible strain to not sob audibly. Don’t cry. Stop… fucking crying already! She yelled at herself inwardly, swallowing the bite and trying to go for another. It was then that she felt a nudge in her side, flinching from the suddenness of it before looking at the culprit from under the table. For the first time in… what, forever, Zerori was greeted with a tail that wasn’t Zuqetta’s and certainly wasn’t her Mothers. Following it along, she looked up to see that Ise was looking at her, head cocked to the side in what she could only guess was confusion of concern.

For a long moment, Zerori didn’t say anything or even react outwardly before all the emotions she’d been holding back seemed to explode outward from her at once and she released a choked sob before looking back down at her plate. “I-I’m… I’ll be okay,” Zerori bit out, her own tail coming up from behind her to sway toward Ise’s and, very loosely, attempt to hold onto the other tail in a quiet and subtle request for comfort. It was enough to help her say the words she’d been trying to say all afternoon. No. For weeks - months even. “Ise…”

She looked back up, trying to come with a way to express what she was feeling to someone who couldn’t see. She had a feeling Ise would understand, being the only person to have noticed her state in spite of being blind, but was that enough? No… no, it was time to stop bullshitting around.

As if it were just her and Ise in the room, Zerori almost imperceptibly pulsed her energy - not enough for any physical change to the area or even a significant jump - but in a form of code that Zerori had learned while she was messing around in the Tuffle cities. She opened her mouth, hesitating for a moment or two before she finally spoke the words she felt in a hushed tone.

“I really… really like you. More than anyone else.”

When I’m with you… Zerori’s energy would stutter in a series of pauses and stretched out notes, it feels like I’m home.
----

Beside Zuqetta and aware of more than what met the eye, Zriracha would glance over at Zerori as she noticed the pained look on her face. She knew she was hurting her daughter, and it pained her to do so, but the time and time again and given the two young warriors too many opportunities to ignore their feelings. The war, their ambitions and goals, even she had been in the way but it was what had given her the idea to strain her daughter's patience.

She knew she needed to let go of her daughter, sooner rather than later. As for Zuqetta, she would turn and look back at her to smile. There is more than meets the eye to you... isn't there? One could call it intuition or a sixth sense... but there had to be reason she felt so protective and doting over the young prodigy.

And she was starting to finally get an idea of what that was.

WC: 709
TWC: 3523

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