Kintsugi Plays Fallen Hero: Rebirth

Discussion in 'It's Galley's Turn' started by keltena, Dec 31, 2022.

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  1. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    We do seem to be a lot braver with the armor. Why not play to our newfound strengths and end this fast?

    (Some brief gore in this one.)

    > I'll press my advantage, moving in fast and hard.

    You might as well get this over with fast and flashy. Not all the photographers have made a run for it, and you are very conscious of the cameras rolling.

    And she is slowing down….

    Moving in fast, you launch into a series of attacks that Ortega is only barely able to deflect. The frustration you can feel in the way she fights is palpable, and you know that there can't be much left in her. With one arm down, she's struggling to avoid your blows, and with her electrical powers nearly useless, she's in trouble.

    A lot of trouble.

    In the old days, this is when you'd arrive to pull her fat out of the fryer, but it doesn't look like the rest of her team has your impeccable timing.

    Funny how that works.

    "You haven't even told me why you're doing this…." The words are gasped out. Ortega is out of breath now, and you have no plans to let her get it back.

    "That's right," you say almost casually, as your running kick hits home, sending her tumbling to the ground once more. "Maybe if you beg enough, I'll tell you."

    "Trust me, I'm not the begging type." Ortega's smirk hits you right in the stomach, sending you back in time to another fight.

    One where you were on the same side.

    Ortega had been on her knees, hands pressed against her stomach, trying to keep her guts from leaking all over the dusty factory floor.

    The Catastrofiend had been looming over her, sharp blades wet with blood, one of them gently lifting Ortega's chin so it could look her in the eyes.

    "..Be.g fo.r…me.rcy…" it had hissed in that weird, guttural growl.

    Ortega had laughed and the blades had pulled back to strike, and you had shot it in the back of its head with your stolen energy discharger.


    This time, you won't be there to save her. This time, you're the one she is too stupid to be afraid of, the one that breaks her nose and drives the air from her lungs with a well-placed knee.

    And still, she won't fall down. Once upon a time, you really admired that tenacity, but now it is starting to get irritating.

     ‣ Why won't she fall down?
     ‣ Time to end this.
     ‣ I feel bad that I have to do this, but…

    Well, our armor's holding up beautifully. How about our morale?

    CLASSIFIED

    Subject: Anathema


    Secret Identity: Josie Jacobs
    Gender: Non-binary
    Description: An average mixed person in their thirties with brown eyes and short, neat curly dark brown hair.

    Josie Jacobs is a seasoned, tech-savvy tactician.

    Physical Status
    Stamina: You are rested.
    Willpower: You feel calm.
    Injuries: You are fine, with no significant wounds.

    Telepathy

    Strength of Mind: 50%
    ████████████████████
    Subtle Manipulations: 74%
    ██████████████▒█████

    Armored Suit

    Anathema's suit is a shadow with a mirror for a face, revealing nothing.
    In its left hand, the suit has a neutered colony of nanovores that are functionally similar to having a disintegration touch. It is also equipped with telepathic boosters and enhanced speed, as well as jump-jets.

    Armor Status

    Need Repair: 0% / Fine: 100%
    ████████████████████

    Standard of Living: You are comfortable.

    Psychological Profile

    Infamy: 47% / Obscurity: 53%
    █████████▒██████████
    Arrogance: 27% / Anonymity: 73%
    █████▒██████████████
    Ruthlessness: 39% / Empathy: 61%
    ███████▒████████████
    Daring: 64% / Caution: 36%
    ████████████▒███████

    Main Puppet

    Name: Barbara
    Puppet Status: Unknown, left in Mortum's care.
    Description: A tall white woman in her twenties, with blue eyes and long straight blond hair.

    Allies and Enemies

    Josie's relationship with Ortega: friend.
    Ortega and Josie: 81%
    ████████████████▒███

    Barbara's relationship with Ortega: flirting.
    Ortega and Barbara: 65%
    ████████████████████

    Barbara's relationship with Dr. Mortum: flirting.
    Mortum and Barbara: 71%
    ██████████████▒█████

    Josie's relationship with Lady Argent: distant.
    Lady Argent and Josie: 0%
    ████████████████████

    Josie's relationship with Marshal Steel: former ally.
    Marshal Steel and Josie: 24%
    ████▒███████████████

    Josie's relationship with Herald: distant.
    Herald and Josie: 20%
    ████████████████████
     
  2. chaoticArbiter

    chaoticArbiter an actual shiny eevee (destroyer of worlds)

    brb crying over how we used to have Ortega's back so hard and now we're enemies

    I honestly kinda vibe with all the responses though so I don't have an answer other than "I, personally, am Wounded Emotionally"
     
    • Like x 2
  3. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    Debating whether to count "I don't know but my emotions hurt" as a vote for RNG or a vote for the third option… :|a
     
  4. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    This seems like the best reflection of the emotional turmoil I see above:

    > I feel bad that I have to do this, but…

    Maybe you have been going about this the wrong way. Maybe the issue here isn't that Ortega is too stubborn for her own good; maybe this is all you.

    Maybe part of you doesn't want to win this fight. Maybe part of you is already considering what would happen if you lose. If you give up. If you could stop.

    It would be so easy.

    But…

    If you wanted easy, you could have stayed hidden. Under the radar. You are doing this for a reason, and if Ortega stands in your way, so be it. It had to happen sooner or later, so maybe it's better that it happens now. So you can leave it behind.

    Leave her behind.

    The next time Ortega moves in for a feint, you take a moment to read the expression on her face, trying to figure out what is going on inside her head. Trying to see what she's planning.

    You know her. You know her well. You can see the labored breath, the eyes focused directly on you, the way she reacts to every single move you make. She…

    …She is trying to figure out who you are.

    One you've recognized the look in her eyes, you curse yourself for not spotting it sooner. The way she moves, the way she tries out attacks as if she's more interested in seeing your reaction than her own results.

    Fuck. Can't have that.

    You feel your insides go cold. The next time Ortega moves in for an attack, you counter hard. Kicking her squarely in the chest, you send her flying backwards, skidding across the asphalt until she comes to a stop, crumpled body resting against a piece of broken concrete.

    There's a moment when you're almost waiting for her to get up again to continue the fight. But thankfully, there's no movement.

    No, that's not true. There's the smallest twitch of her hand. Looks like Ortega is still conscious.

    > So, She's Not Out Yet

    You take a moment to brush some of the less-than-imaginary dust from your armor. It gives you a moment to collect yourself and check the status of your suit. Mostly green, some orange warning indicators, but nothing that impacts the main functions. You can still fight—which, at this point, is all that really matters.

    The camera flashes have stopped now, the reporters having backed away once they realized the battle was going badly for their hero. The bright circles of light from the hovering choppers are still tracing you, following you like spotlights as you walk over to Ortega's prone body.

    Still alive. You can see her struggling for breath, probably with a few cracked ribs. You can relate.

    "Who are you?" Ortega's question is hardly louder than a whisper, but to your ears it might as well be a shout. That's the question, isn't it?

     ‣ I launch into an angry monologue about that, true villain style.
     ‣ I need to end this fast.
     ‣ I find myself hesitating for the first time.

    Now what?

    Do we knock her out and be done with it? Do we take this chance to tell her—and the world—what kind of new villain they're dealing with (or, at least, what we want them to hear)? …We're not getting cold feet now, right?

    CLASSIFIED

    Subject: Anathema


    Secret Identity: Josie Jacobs
    Gender: Non-binary
    Description: An average mixed person in their thirties with brown eyes and short, neat curly dark brown hair.

    Josie Jacobs is a seasoned, tech-savvy tactician.

    Physical Status
    Stamina: You are rested.
    Willpower: You feel calm.
    Injuries: You are fine, with no significant wounds.

    Telepathy

    Strength of Mind: 50%
    ████████████████████
    Subtle Manipulations: 74%
    ██████████████▒█████

    Armored Suit

    Anathema's suit is a shadow with a mirror for a face, revealing nothing.
    In its left hand, the suit has a neutered colony of nanovores that are functionally similar to having a disintegration touch. It is also equipped with telepathic boosters and enhanced speed, as well as jump-jets.

    Armor Status

    Need Repair: 0% / Fine: 100%
    ████████████████████

    Standard of Living: You are comfortable.

    Psychological Profile

    Infamy: 47% / Obscurity: 53%
    █████████▒██████████
    Arrogance: 27% / Anonymity: 73%
    █████▒██████████████
    Ruthlessness: 39% / Empathy: 61%
    ███████▒████████████
    Daring: 64% / Caution: 36%
    ████████████▒███████

    Main Puppet

    Name: Barbara
    Puppet Status: Unknown, left in Mortum's care.
    Description: A tall white woman in her twenties, with blue eyes and long straight blond hair.

    Allies and Enemies

    Josie's relationship with Ortega: friend.
    Ortega and Josie: 82% (+1)
    ████████████████▒███

    Barbara's relationship with Ortega: flirting.
    Ortega and Barbara: 65%
    ████████████████████

    Barbara's relationship with Dr. Mortum: flirting.
    Mortum and Barbara: 71%
    ██████████████▒█████

    Josie's relationship with Lady Argent: distant.
    Lady Argent and Josie: 0%
    ████████████████████

    Josie's relationship with Marshal Steel: former ally.
    Marshal Steel and Josie: 24%
    ████▒███████████████

    Josie's relationship with Herald: distant.
    Herald and Josie: 20%
    ████████████████████
     
    Last edited: May 18, 2023
  5. swirlingflight

    swirlingflight inane analysis and story spinning is my passion

    I love that this feeling bad and realization adds 1% to our relationship with Ortega.
     
    • Agree x 2
  6. chaoticArbiter

    chaoticArbiter an actual shiny eevee (destroyer of worlds)

    tfw you beat someone up and it strengthens your friendship feelings for them oops

    I know monologuing is the doom of all villains....I KNOW this....and yet my heart yearns for the monologue. true villain style. tell our dear friend (and the whole world I guess) who we are and why we're doing this. or lie about who we are and why we're doing this, who knows
     
    • Agree x 1
  7. swirlingflight

    swirlingflight inane analysis and story spinning is my passion

    She was already trying to figure out who we are, Josie already expressed a lot of frustration and resentment in Ortega's direction, and yet

    Spoiler request: does the villain monologue necessarily have to admit who we are? I would kinda like to kick off this whole introduction of our villain with a why we're doing this, but leave our face behind the mask a mystery, something something we're reflecting society back on themselves, y'know
     
    • Like x 1
  8. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    It absolutely does not admit who we are! Apologies for phrasing that so confusingly. It does give you a choice of whether or not to talk about your real motive, though.
     
    • Useful x 1
  9. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    Look, what did we even become a villain to do? Not monologue?

    > I launch into an angry monologue about that, true villain style.

    "I've taken the name Anathema," you say quietly, watching the emotions that flicker across her face.

    "Híjole…" Ortega has to break off for a cough, the physical pain mixing with the emotional. "Anathema? Why…" She shakes her head in disbelief.

    "You've gotten enough people killed—are you surprised they are coming back to haunt you?" You straighten your back, looking down at her face. "You buried Anathema. Now I have taken their name."

    "How dare you." Ortega spits out the words, but they are mixed with blood. "You can't steal someone else's name."

    "I will do more than steal it," you say, smiling inside your helmet. Good. Just like you thought, she won't connect the dots. The truth is far too painful and unlikely.

    "I'll stop you," she vows with a pained cough, barely able to lift her head off the ground. Empty bravado.

    "Somehow, I don't think so." You take another step forward, planting your foot on her chest so you are sure to have her undivided attention.

    And then you…

     ‣ …threaten her.
     ‣ …act mysterious.
     ‣ …act bombastic!
     ‣ …speak from the heart.

    What's our aim with this monologue—make her properly fear us, deepen our aura of mystery, do some grandstanding? Tell her why we're doing this?

    CLASSIFIED

    Subject: Anathema


    Secret Identity: Josie Jacobs
    Gender: Non-binary
    Description: An average mixed person in their thirties with brown eyes and short, neat curly dark brown hair.

    Josie Jacobs is a seasoned, tech-savvy tactician.

    Physical Status
    Stamina: You are rested.
    Willpower: You feel calm.
    Injuries: You are fine, with no significant wounds.

    Telepathy

    Strength of Mind: 50%
    ████████████████████
    Subtle Manipulations: 74%
    ██████████████▒█████

    Armored Suit

    Anathema's suit is a shadow with a mirror for a face, revealing nothing.
    In its left hand, the suit has a neutered colony of nanovores that are functionally similar to having a disintegration touch. It is also equipped with telepathic boosters and enhanced speed, as well as jump-jets.

    Armor Status

    Need Repair: 0% / Fine: 100%
    ████████████████████

    Standard of Living: You are comfortable.

    Psychological Profile

    Infamy: 47% / Obscurity: 53%
    █████████▒██████████
    Arrogance: 27% / Anonymity: 73%
    █████▒██████████████
    Ruthlessness: 39% / Empathy: 61%
    ███████▒████████████
    Daring: 64% / Caution: 36%
    ████████████▒███████

    Main Puppet

    Name: Barbara
    Puppet Status: Unknown, left in Mortum's care.
    Description: A tall white woman in her twenties, with blue eyes and long straight blond hair.

    Allies and Enemies

    Josie's relationship with Ortega: friend.
    Ortega and Josie: 82%
    ████████████████▒███

    Barbara's relationship with Ortega: flirting.
    Ortega and Barbara: 65%
    ████████████████████

    Barbara's relationship with Dr. Mortum: flirting.
    Mortum and Barbara: 71%
    ██████████████▒█████

    Josie's relationship with Lady Argent: distant.
    Lady Argent and Josie: 0%
    ████████████████████

    Josie's relationship with Marshal Steel: former ally.
    Marshal Steel and Josie: 24%
    ████▒███████████████

    Josie's relationship with Herald: distant.
    Herald and Josie: 20%
    ████████████████████
     
  10. chaoticArbiter

    chaoticArbiter an actual shiny eevee (destroyer of worlds)

    aw man, I'm so torn between speaking from the heart and sharing our genuine motivations and Being Mysterious(tm)

    we are leaning more towards anonymity at the moment...so maybe being mysterious would fit better with how we've acted previously?
     
  11. swirlingflight

    swirlingflight inane analysis and story spinning is my passion

    Mysteriously honest
     
    • Like x 2
  12. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    To be honest, it's a mystery to me if this is a vote for something or just a joke :'D
     
  13. swirlingflight

    swirlingflight inane analysis and story spinning is my passion

    Half-joke: I was summarizing the above indecision.


    If I'm tiebreaking, then... I think I'm actually leaning towards speak from the heart.

    Some of the narration through the story up to the point has given me the impression that our protag here considers their identities as Josie, as Sidestep, to have been lies in various ways. Secrets and hiding things. That part of the appeal of the villain route is the strength to back up their words. Taking on the name Anathema while wearing attire that reflects the world around them... Bets that we've got a monologue that's been bubbling up for years re: the state of this world?
     
    • Informative x 2
    • Like x 1
  14. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    All right, let's go for it. It's about time we told her what we really think.

    > …speak from the heart.

    "I always wondered what you would look like on your back like this," you muse, looking down at the woman who at one time used to be your inspiration. "I have to say, it's a good look on you."

    It's only once the words are out that you realize what your subconscious dragged out of you, but oh well. You're still the one on top.

    "Hey, I was voted best-dressed hero…." Ortega actually manages to crack a smile, which is a bit impressive considering the circumstances.

    "Ten years ago," you point out, turning her smile into a pained gasp as you increase the weight on your foot, grinding aching ribs together. "You're getting old."

    "Do I…know you?" The frown on her face is more confusion than pain right now, and it's obvious she's getting mixed enough signals that she's onto something.

    You're playing with fire here, but if she already suspects that you might be someone from her past, there's no use denying it. Sidestep would still be one of the last choices, as she's made too many enemies over the years.

    "I doubt it," are the words you finally choose to say, punctuated by an amused chuckle. It's not even a lie, because Ortega really doesn't know you anymore. "But I do know you."

    "Wish we…" Another pained breath. "…Could have met under better circumstances, then."

    "See, this right here is your problem." You gesture towards Ortega with one hand, looking down at this wreck of a woman, still struggling with false bravado.

    "The bleeding?" This time, the laugh turns into a choking gasp. "That's your fault, you know."

    >

    "No," you say, bringing the weight of the vocal distorter down on every word. "The bleeding is very much intentional. I was talking about the fact that you don't understand the stakes here."

    "Wh…" The confusion is written all over her face. "Who are you—"

    "Shut up." You increase the pressure on your foot again, cutting her off. "I am talking now. Don't you realize that you are nothing more than a disposable tool?"

    "That's not—"

    "Shut up." Ortega's good hand is gripping your ankle now, trying to ease the pressure, but to no avail. "You and the rest of your so-called heroes have kept this city under your protection for decades. Decades! And you know what the worst part is?"

    This time, she holds her tongue. You reward her by lightening the pressure on her aching chest.

    "You don't even realize that you're working for the bad guys. The proper villains. You think that it's on the straight and narrow just because it's dressed up in fancy words by politicians. Get a medal. Shake the president's hand."

    You grimace a little, but your helmet hides it well. "Well, I've got news for you. Your bosses are going down."

    "My bosses…?" Ortega looks at you with involuntary fascination.

    "Shut up! You know who I am talking about. The people who pay your bills. Pay your bribes. They don't get to walk away from this mess they have made. I will bring it back right to their doorstep, and then I will spit in their faces."

    "Who…?"

     ‣ "Silence!"
     ‣ I let the woman say what she has to say.

    Are we accepting audience questions at this time?

    CLASSIFIED

    Subject: Anathema


    Secret Identity: Josie Jacobs
    Gender: Non-binary
    Description: An average mixed person in their thirties with brown eyes and short, neat curly dark brown hair.

    Josie Jacobs is a seasoned, tech-savvy tactician.

    Physical Status
    Stamina: You are rested.
    Willpower: You feel calm.
    Injuries: You are fine, with no significant wounds.

    Telepathy

    Strength of Mind: 50%
    ████████████████████
    Subtle Manipulations: 74%
    ██████████████▒█████

    Armored Suit

    Anathema's suit is a shadow with a mirror for a face, revealing nothing.
    In its left hand, the suit has a neutered colony of nanovores that are functionally similar to having a disintegration touch. It is also equipped with telepathic boosters and enhanced speed, as well as jump-jets.

    Armor Status

    Need Repair: 0% / Fine: 100%
    ████████████████████

    Standard of Living: You are comfortable.

    Psychological Profile

    Infamy: 47% / Obscurity: 53%
    █████████▒██████████
    Arrogance: 27% / Anonymity: 73%
    █████▒██████████████
    Ruthlessness: 39% / Empathy: 61%
    ███████▒████████████
    Daring: 64% / Caution: 36%
    ████████████▒███████

    Main Puppet

    Name: Barbara
    Puppet Status: Unknown, left in Mortum's care.
    Description: A tall white woman in her twenties, with blue eyes and long straight blond hair.

    Allies and Enemies

    Josie's relationship with Ortega: friend.
    Ortega and Josie: 82%
    ████████████████▒███

    Barbara's relationship with Ortega: flirting.
    Ortega and Barbara: 65%
    ████████████████████

    Barbara's relationship with Dr. Mortum: flirting.
    Mortum and Barbara: 71%
    ██████████████▒█████

    Josie's relationship with Lady Argent: distant.
    Lady Argent and Josie: 0%
    ████████████████████

    Josie's relationship with Marshal Steel: former ally.
    Marshal Steel and Josie: 24%
    ████▒███████████████

    Josie's relationship with Herald: distant.
    Herald and Josie: 20%
    ████████████████████
     
  15. KarrinBlue

    KarrinBlue Magical Girl Intern

    JOSIE.

    Also I want to hear what she has to say!
     
    • Agree x 1
  16. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    Fun fact: for the longest time I'd just assumed those lines only appeared if your character had a crush on Ortega?

    Discovering that no, they lead this speech with "I've always wanted to step on you" no matter what was… something.
     
    • Informative x 1
    • Witnessed x 1
  17. KarrinBlue

    KarrinBlue Magical Girl Intern

    Josie is having such a normal one, in all timelines
     
    • Agree x 3
  18. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    some people cope with trauma by getting into BDSM

    others do the normal thing and become supervillains
     
    • Like x 2
  19. swirlingflight

    swirlingflight inane analysis and story spinning is my passion

    Why not both dot meme
     
    • Like x 2
  20. keltena

    keltena putting the fun in executive dysfunction

    Very well, this monologue is now a dialogue.

    > I let the woman say what she has to say.

    "You just don't know when to shut up, do you?" You can't help the chuckle, but luckily the vocal distorter turns it into a guttural cackle.

    "That's fair." Ortega braces for the pain, but this time you remove your foot and hunch down over her prone form.

    "Listen to me," you say, voice a low, intimate growl. "I know your style. I know you are trying to laugh this off. But it won't change a thing."

    "Can I…do anything?" The question is equally quiet, interrupted only by her shallow, painful breaths.

    "No." You don't even have to ponder that—if you thought she could be turned, you would already have tried. Besides, this is about her as well. "You just happen to be first on my list. It won't stop with you. It won't stop with the Rangers. You'd do well to stay out of my way in the future."

    "Sorry." Another cough as she tries to get up on her elbows. "I can't do that."

    "I know." You bring your fist down in a blow that knocks Ortega back to the ground. More blood. More damage. You know she won't quit. Your mind keeps screaming warnings that you're still in danger.

    Will you have to kill her? The thought is a sharp blow to your gut, prompting the question of exactly how far you are willing to go for revenge. You had thought it was all the way but…is that really true?

    And is that…? No!

    Too late, you realize you have let yourself get far too engrossed in beating Ortega up. You're not alone. Argent is here—but where, fuck, where…

    "Argh!"

    The sudden pain is a gashing, searing rip of red across your back that tears a scream from your throat, sending you into a reflexive roll over and away from Ortega. Fuck. That was sloppy.

    "Get away from her." The growl almost matches yours, and you regain your feet in time to see Lady Argent now crouched over Ortega, silver dagger fingers curled menacingly.

    You shouldn't have let yourself be distracted by Ortega—that was a stupid, rookie mistake that you will never make again.

    Focus on the fight. Not on your own emotions.

    You won't make the mistake a second time. At least Ortega seems to have collapsed now that backup has arrived.

    > Lady Argent Has Arrived

    "You're late." It takes you a moment to collect yourself, but the advantage of wearing a helmet with vocal distorters is that what you project doesn't have to be the truth.

    Not that you are intimidated. Or, well, maybe you are a little intimidated.

    Lady Argent is still in her dress, looking like she is ready to hit the dance floor at any moment. Apparently, she had not stormed off far enough so she couldn't come back, but she had gone far enough so that she wasn't willing to take the time to change. If she even had her suit with her…

    Maybe Herald is the only one who lives the true hero life. You always used to keep your suit under your clothes, if you could. Safer. A lot safer.

    "I was in a cab," she huffs, answering your question. "On my way home. You'll pay for ruining my evening." She flexes her fingers a little, the sharp edges gleaming in the floodlights.

    You'll be lying if you said you weren't feeling the previous fights, but the suit is still running smoothly. If she wants a fight, she'll get one.

    Finally.

    Ortega might be a personal challenge, but Lady Argent is a true test of your skills.

    She moves like liquid lightning, the blue dress clinging to her form as she makes a rush for you. No shoes—her feet are bare on the asphalt, and you know that has to be uncomfortable for her.

    What did she do with them? Leave them in the cab? Step out of them once she saw there was a fight going on?

    You're curious because it is information, and the more you have, the better you can play these heroes. The better you can win.

    "Ruining your evening?" You give her your best swagger. "If you were leaving in a cab, it sounds like you had already called it a night."

    "Great, you're a talker." She rolls her eyes and starts walking towards you, gait purposeful yet strangely sensual. More snake than cat. "Just my luck."

    "Oh, I do more than talk." You beckon her with one hand, biting back a curse as she shifts gears almost too fast for you to keep up.

    Almost, but not quite. Leaping back to gain some distance, you parry her blows, launching into a counterattack that has her back up in turn. Her silver skin gleams in the bright glow of the floodlights.

    "They were waiting for you, you know." You drop the words like poisonous little barbs, parrying a blow hard enough to jar. "Even when I was picking them apart."

    She doesn't answer, but you can feel the spike of annoyance from her mind, letting you know you hit a sore spot.

    "You didn't even check if they were alive. That's a bit cold, don't you think?" You land a blow that makes her grunt and pivot, trying for a throw. But you leap back in time to keep to your feet.

    "Blather, blather…I thought we were fighting?" Lady Argent flexes her hands and the claws gain an extra inch, turning into blades. Interesting. You didn't know she could do that. How? You have no idea.

    You have to have a talk with Dr. Mortum about that. With any luck, you might get a bit of skin residue that she can analyze. Whatever it is that's coating her skin…is something more than just durable. It's also dangerous.

    You don't like unknown variables. So, despite the fun you're having weaving this dance of blows and counterblows with her, you have to start wrapping things up. You have places to be, after all, victories to gloat over.

    "If you want to end this, by all means, let's." You beckon her closer, eyes narrowing as you go over the various means to bring her down.

     ‣ I left an ace in the hole when I inhabited her mind—I'll use that.
     ‣ I've studied her; I know how to take her down.
     ‣ This is taking too much time—let's end this fast.
     ‣ I wait for my moment.

    Two Rangers down and we're still in one piece, but this one is dangerous. Since Josie hasn't spent their spare time dreaming up the perfect way to crush Argent beneath their heel, our options are simple: offense or defense?

    CLASSIFIED

    Subject: Anathema


    Secret Identity: Josie Jacobs
    Gender: Non-binary
    Description: An average mixed person in their thirties with brown eyes and short, neat curly dark brown hair.

    Josie Jacobs is a seasoned, tech-savvy tactician.

    Physical Status
    Stamina: You are rested.
    Willpower: You feel calm.
    Injuries: You are hurt, with no significant wounds.

    Telepathy

    Strength of Mind: 50%
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    Subtle Manipulations: 74%
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    Armored Suit

    Anathema's suit is a shadow with a mirror for a face, revealing nothing.
    In its left hand, the suit has a neutered colony of nanovores that are functionally similar to having a disintegration touch. It is also equipped with telepathic boosters and enhanced speed, as well as jump-jets.

    Armor Status

    Need Repair: 5% (+5) / Fine: 95%
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    Standard of Living: You are comfortable.

    Psychological Profile

    Infamy: 47% / Obscurity: 53%
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    Arrogance: 27% / Anonymity: 73%
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    Ruthlessness: 39% / Empathy: 61%
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    Daring: 64% / Caution: 36%
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    Main Puppet

    Name: Barbara
    Puppet Status: Unknown, left in Mortum's care.
    Description: A tall white woman in her twenties, with blue eyes and long straight blond hair.

    Allies and Enemies

    Josie's relationship with Ortega: friend.
    Ortega and Josie: 82%
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    Barbara's relationship with Ortega: flirting.
    Ortega and Barbara: 65%
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    Barbara's relationship with Dr. Mortum: flirting.
    Mortum and Barbara: 71%
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    Josie's relationship with Lady Argent: distant.
    Lady Argent and Josie: 0%
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    Josie's relationship with Marshal Steel: former ally.
    Marshal Steel and Josie: 24%
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    Josie's relationship with Herald: distant.
    Herald and Josie: 20%
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