Snake/Eater
Myth Maker of the North
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That still isn't going to stop Chevalier from tattling to the public.
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TanaNari
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More like he's aware that other people are Lawful Asshole.
Thus: politics. The honeymoon period is *not* going to last, and everyone's aware of that. Or at least every half intelligent person at the meeting.
evildice
(emotionally stable clown posse)
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That's what everyone calls the relationship between Eidolon and Rebecca, yes.Is that what they call it these days?
Announcement: "Eidolon figured out a power which allows him to permanently control all the Endbringers. Testing that power caused the few minutes of global disruption which we all experienced. Disrupting non-Endbringers was unintentional, and he would like to apologize for the inconvenience. As an aside, there will never be another Endbringer attack and we're scheduling a party for next week. Yes, the whole week. If you run low on party supplies, just shout out DOOR BEER, and you will receive party supplies. Abuse of this will result in you receiving something other than party supplies.
"Just in case anyone is planning to attempt vigorous revenge against Eidolon, we'd like to remind you that he is Eidolon, and he has permanent control of all the Endbringers.
"Thank you and good night."
pepperjack
A Variety of Cheese
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Have a like.
Faraway-R
Know what you're doing yet?
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Ummm. Prolly late to the party, but irregardless:
http://no6.wikia.com/wiki/Elyurias
Rainbow wasp, huh.
On a different note. David is now in despair, sorta. He feels useless. Good thing Scion is not there to actually take action. Hope he doesn't all Death Seeker on the Endbringers to die, though.
And, here's a dilemma.
David now Knows that he is immune to anyone who is not Scion.
David now Knows that Scion can shut down anyone who is not David, and is capable of destroying anyone without exception.
David now Knows his powers dwindling will not matter against anyone but Scion, but even at his best he was not Scion's equal.
So, where does he go from there?
I prefer a simpler change.Should have been Gary Stu.
Marty Sue.
gatewaewanderer
Wandering Fool & Veteran Lurker
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There would be a lot of people extremely grateful that Eidolon managed to apparently permanently defeat the Endbringers, yes. There will also be many crying that the price was too great, that he should have been able to do it without killing anyone, because, duh, he's Eidolon. But there are probably also going to be a lot of screaming 'You had this power all along, didn't you?! Why the hell didn't you use it when Behemoth first showed up?!" Completely disregarding him not even knowing he had that power, of course. It's one of thing to say that the Endbringer's are Eidolon's fault, even in canon; it's only partially true. His arrogance in his power inadvertantly caused him to summon them, but nothing we see of him in canon seems to hint at him being enough of a monster that he would still have walked the path he on getting his powers if he'd gotten even a hint that his powers could grant certain wishes expressed by him in the classic Monkey's Paw manner. His canon reaction to the truth was enough to indicate the opposite, really.
Still, wouldn't stop people from blaming him, and as already said, the Yangban are likely to be out for blood. Saying that he's voluntarily allowed himself to be imprisoned will shut up a lot of the cries for his head... Except for the Yang-ban, most likely. They're assholes like that, and they probably wouldn't actually want him dead, more like enslaved if it meant even the smallest chance that they could be able to use him to control the Endbringers, even if it was just to force him to release them where they want and put them back away when they've caused a sufficient amount of destruction. Because, yeah, Yang-ban. Everything shown of them in canon paints a pretty horrible picture, and it sounds so far like that picture is true here, maybe even worse.
Still, wouldn't stop people from blaming him, and as already said, the Yangban are likely to be out for blood. Saying that he's voluntarily allowed himself to be imprisoned will shut up a lot of the cries for his head... Except for the Yang-ban, most likely. They're assholes like that, and they probably wouldn't actually want him dead, more like enslaved if it meant even the smallest chance that they could be able to use him to control the Endbringers, even if it was just to force him to release them where they want and put them back away when they've caused a sufficient amount of destruction. Because, yeah, Yang-ban. Everything shown of them in canon paints a pretty horrible picture, and it sounds so far like that picture is true here, maybe even worse.
Coruscant Knave
'Twas love that did this to you.
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Empiricist
GSV
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Exactly! Rebecca needs to take this as a first draft to Glen, and then say: "give me something that works."
I absolutely agree; generally this is why people working with strategic weapons are contemptuous of the court of public opinion, but then again they keep their heads down, instead of being glory hounds and I was forgetting David's severe psychosis about being the best, or however you phrase it.
In that light please take my first comment as shouting "you idiot" at David from my own biases and the full immersion in the story that keeps me coming back.
Rolo
Tasty Good
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Probably affected him and then he broke out of it anyway, like Gray Boy in canon.
evildice
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"Hey babe, wanna ... bone?"
Peanuckle
Versed in the lewd.
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Yeah, a lot of people will be judgmental, ungrateful and shortsighted. But bending to their demands will only encourage them to make further ones. I think the casualties ought to be explained as a necessary part of an Endbringer attack. Putting Eidolon in prison serves absolutely nothing except the public's desire for vengeance.
evildice
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Absolutely. I've found out that trying to appease some people just makes them expect more of the same. Fuck those people, and not in the fun way.
... but only the stupid part of the public which should be ignored.
The rest of the public is either already furious with Pantheon for their anti-Endbringer tactics (e.g. Moord Nag vs. Paris), or has accepted that Endbringers were a problem that merited radical, risky solutions. Either way, Eidolon should be golden.
Er, or at least silver?
TanaNari
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Ah, yes. If only that were an option. Stupid democracy.
Wait? The public KNOWS about that!?! Oh, shit, I'm gonna have to rewrite like half the cha- Oh wait, no, that's right. They covered that the fuck up so hard that Mulder jizzed in his Roswell jammies. Far as the public knows, the Endbringers are causing all this destruction, not the people fighting them.
Or they don't know about this at all.
Does it count as bending to demands if you do it before anyone even knows to ask?
Untrue. But who's talking prison? Except Eidolon himself. Who could really use a vacation right now.
evildice
(emotionally stable clown posse)
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Wait, you mean deceiving the public and ignoring their demands is NOT an option?!
(Also, since when are Cauldron and the Triumvirate subject to democracy?)
Oh, I guess it is an option after all.
Awesome.
Andrew Greaves
Wonderseeker
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Missing Threadmark
ProdigiousThunder
Know what you're doing yet?
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Missing chapter
Amelia, Ch 370- Marquis
TanaNari
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Amelia, Ch 370- Marquis
I carefully hid my surprise as a quietly attractive woman walked through the gates of my cell block, entirely without escort or fear. It was rare enough for any woman to enter the male side, or for that matter a man to go to the woman's side. Things tended to get messy, both ways. It was rarer still for anyone I didn't recognize to be here. We hadn't had a new captive in some time. For a second, I wondered if it were Valefor, but he never appeared to me as a redhead before. Maybe Teacher's trying a new variant of his power? I'll have to stay on guard.
I didn't expect this to be a betrayal, not like this. But after whatever it was that woke me from my sleep by paralyzing me and everyone else in our cell block for almost two full minutes, I wasn't willing to rule it out. And if initial rumors were true, it happened to everyone in the cage at the same time, including Teacher. We still had no answers for why.
"I am afraid you might be lost, miss." I put just a bit of threat into my voice. I did not harm women, nor did I allow my men to do so without damn good reason, but I wasn't averse to threatening them if necessary. Right now, frightening her into leaving might be the only way to save her life.
To add to matters, Cinderhands stepped up beside me. He was a good second in command and I could rely on his help. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Lung stepped out from the individual cell he was relaxing in to lean against the bars. He watched the woman while licking his lips like the dog he was. He may try to claim her, and I'm not sure I can stop him.
"I do not believe I am," a choir of voices stated with utter certainty. Cinderhands stepped back in surprise, and Lung's eyes widened in fear. So even he knows to fear her. I barely kept my composure, but now I knew who she was and how she got here unscathed. But the answer came with more questions.
Later I would have to find out if she killed any of my men. Right now I had to play good host, and maybe learn what she was up to. "My apologies, Faerie Queen, I'm afraid I did not recognize you."
She strode in with a confidence that was almost boredom. "That is understandable. After all, your vision is limited to sight alone. You cannot see that our bodies are mere garments to be changed as we see fit."
I wasn't too happy with being talked down to in front of the men like this. Amongst the other cell leaders was one thing, all of us knew to tread carefully around her. There was no shame when everyone did it. Here in my sanctum was another thing entirely. I did not control this situation, and I needed to change that, or at least create the illusion that I did. There has to be a way to do this.
I regarded the woman in front of me, what I learned of her over our years of conversations in court. She had chosen the form of a child for the last few decades, and now she's taken that of a woman. A woman with flowery delusions and no real experience with adults and their behaviors. Okay, I can work with that.
I hope.
I met her eyes, and smiled gently at her. Reaching out slowly, I cupped her hand in both of mine. One wrong move at this point and I would be dead before I even knew that I made a mistake. "And I must say that you wear it quite well, Faerie Queen." I then lifted her hand up, kissing the back of her fingers in traditional fashion.
I could still see Lung in the corner of my eye, watching. He didn't even bother to hide the look of surprise on his face. Similar scenes would be playing out on behind me. I was openly flirting with Glaistig Uaine, and by the end of the day everyone in the Cage would know it. After this, it would be a long time before anyone challenged me. Assuming, of course, that I survive. That's an important part of the plan.
She raised her other hand up to her chest and smiled warmly. "My, how forward of you. But I should warn you that I have already selected the suitor worthy of my hand. I shall forgive this behavior, so long as you do not continue it." She seemed pleased for someone who told me no. But she didn't quite sell the act. There was no blush to her face, her hand didn't squeeze mine. She was acting the role of a lady being flattered by a gentleman, but she didn't feel it.
Which suits me just fine. Her suitor is more than welcome to keep her. I released her hand, glad that my soul didn't go with it. "Such a pity." I kept my relief out of my body language, but I was glad I didn't have to follow through. I wasn't sure I could surpress my self preservation instincts long enough to successfully bed Glaistig Uaine. Her voice brought the wrong kind of chills to my spine. "Perhaps we should speak of business, then? So that I might distract myself from the temptation."
"Very well," she agreed. "I wish to use one of your televisions to view the news."
I allowed myself to look confused at that request. If you never showed any obvious tells, people could get quite good at spotting the subtle ones. "Do you not have one of your own?" Hmm, this could be interesting. The Faerie Queen didn't bother much with caring for her people, but if they were that hard up for supplies, there might be an opportunity here.
"Yes, but this concerns you as well. The abominations have been been brought to heel. And while the Royal Artisan and the Queen Administrator are not responsible for this feat, they shall share in its glory nonetheless."
Her title for Amelia. "I see," I responded with a measured calm. I did not like the idea of Glaistig Uaine taking any interest in my daughter or her fiancée. She had a history of targeting the most powerful parahumans, such as Grey Boy. One of the few world famous capes, for his supposed invulnerability and terrifying power. At least, until she claimed him as her toy. Wait. "Did you just say the Endbringers have been destroyed? All of them?"
"I did not." Glaistig walked further into my territory without concern for actually answering my question. She had apparently lost all interest in what I had to say, instead more concerned with whatever she wanted to watch. It was too early in the morning for television. Besides, like most of the Birdcage, my people were too busy trying to figure out what happened to care about television right now.
I walked to the nearest TV. It was the largest and most visible to the rest of my cell block. Here we'd get the largest audience. Whatever this was that had the Faerie Queen so riled up was bound to draw an audience. Now that she was calm and pleasant, I wanted that audience. "Is there any channel in particular?" I pressed the button and heard the familiar 'pop' and static noise of the television turning on. We'd need to wait a minute before it warmed up enough for us to see the screen.
I watched as Lung and Cinderhands approached. The former took a seat of his own, leaving a fairly wide berth between himself where Glaistig Uaine claimed her spot in the front. Cinderhands preferred to remain standing. It was, in theory, a show of loyalty and protectiveness. It was a hollow gesture, it would crumple if tested, not unlike my own actions had earlier. He was not willing to die for me. But as long as he gave the rest of the men the impression that he would, it made him valuable.
"It does not matter. Every channel will be showing it."
I wondered how she would even know all of this, but opted to say nothing. Admitting ignorance served no purpose, and attempting to draw useful information from this madwoman was more than I had the patience to attempt right now. And it turns out, she was right about it not mattering. The current channel was set to a station that usually dealt in classic movies, mainly westerns. There were a few fans of the genre in my block, and they tended to pool their viewing allotments together. Today, it showed only the news.
The notations at the bottom of the screen kindly informed me the view was of the United Nations building in Geneva. The cameras had a beautiful view of a building that vaguely reminded me of a large courthouse. In view of the shot stood the flags of dozens of countries, most of which I didn't recognize at all. It was a stage that had been calculated for the purposes of inspiration, possibly even by Thinkers, though it probably wasn't necessary. The sun was low in the sky, casting long dramatic shadows across the area.
"They like to talk a lot for people that don't know anything," Lung criticized.
"Such is the way of the world." And of my relationship with this man I tolerate roaming my halls. "Men who don't know often like to talk a great deal, and those who do know tend to stay silent on the issue. Speaking of would you care to tell us what all of this is about, Faerie Queen?"
She looked at me, her face serene as always. "Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough."
=================
A/N- Lung's only shocked because he thought Marquis was his waifu.
I carefully hid my surprise as a quietly attractive woman walked through the gates of my cell block, entirely without escort or fear. It was rare enough for any woman to enter the male side, or for that matter a man to go to the woman's side. Things tended to get messy, both ways. It was rarer still for anyone I didn't recognize to be here. We hadn't had a new captive in some time. For a second, I wondered if it were Valefor, but he never appeared to me as a redhead before. Maybe Teacher's trying a new variant of his power? I'll have to stay on guard.
I didn't expect this to be a betrayal, not like this. But after whatever it was that woke me from my sleep by paralyzing me and everyone else in our cell block for almost two full minutes, I wasn't willing to rule it out. And if initial rumors were true, it happened to everyone in the cage at the same time, including Teacher. We still had no answers for why.
"I am afraid you might be lost, miss." I put just a bit of threat into my voice. I did not harm women, nor did I allow my men to do so without damn good reason, but I wasn't averse to threatening them if necessary. Right now, frightening her into leaving might be the only way to save her life.
To add to matters, Cinderhands stepped up beside me. He was a good second in command and I could rely on his help. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Lung stepped out from the individual cell he was relaxing in to lean against the bars. He watched the woman while licking his lips like the dog he was. He may try to claim her, and I'm not sure I can stop him.
"I do not believe I am," a choir of voices stated with utter certainty. Cinderhands stepped back in surprise, and Lung's eyes widened in fear. So even he knows to fear her. I barely kept my composure, but now I knew who she was and how she got here unscathed. But the answer came with more questions.
Later I would have to find out if she killed any of my men. Right now I had to play good host, and maybe learn what she was up to. "My apologies, Faerie Queen, I'm afraid I did not recognize you."
She strode in with a confidence that was almost boredom. "That is understandable. After all, your vision is limited to sight alone. You cannot see that our bodies are mere garments to be changed as we see fit."
I wasn't too happy with being talked down to in front of the men like this. Amongst the other cell leaders was one thing, all of us knew to tread carefully around her. There was no shame when everyone did it. Here in my sanctum was another thing entirely. I did not control this situation, and I needed to change that, or at least create the illusion that I did. There has to be a way to do this.
I regarded the woman in front of me, what I learned of her over our years of conversations in court. She had chosen the form of a child for the last few decades, and now she's taken that of a woman. A woman with flowery delusions and no real experience with adults and their behaviors. Okay, I can work with that.
I hope.
I met her eyes, and smiled gently at her. Reaching out slowly, I cupped her hand in both of mine. One wrong move at this point and I would be dead before I even knew that I made a mistake. "And I must say that you wear it quite well, Faerie Queen." I then lifted her hand up, kissing the back of her fingers in traditional fashion.
I could still see Lung in the corner of my eye, watching. He didn't even bother to hide the look of surprise on his face. Similar scenes would be playing out on behind me. I was openly flirting with Glaistig Uaine, and by the end of the day everyone in the Cage would know it. After this, it would be a long time before anyone challenged me. Assuming, of course, that I survive. That's an important part of the plan.
She raised her other hand up to her chest and smiled warmly. "My, how forward of you. But I should warn you that I have already selected the suitor worthy of my hand. I shall forgive this behavior, so long as you do not continue it." She seemed pleased for someone who told me no. But she didn't quite sell the act. There was no blush to her face, her hand didn't squeeze mine. She was acting the role of a lady being flattered by a gentleman, but she didn't feel it.
Which suits me just fine. Her suitor is more than welcome to keep her. I released her hand, glad that my soul didn't go with it. "Such a pity." I kept my relief out of my body language, but I was glad I didn't have to follow through. I wasn't sure I could surpress my self preservation instincts long enough to successfully bed Glaistig Uaine. Her voice brought the wrong kind of chills to my spine. "Perhaps we should speak of business, then? So that I might distract myself from the temptation."
"Very well," she agreed. "I wish to use one of your televisions to view the news."
I allowed myself to look confused at that request. If you never showed any obvious tells, people could get quite good at spotting the subtle ones. "Do you not have one of your own?" Hmm, this could be interesting. The Faerie Queen didn't bother much with caring for her people, but if they were that hard up for supplies, there might be an opportunity here.
"Yes, but this concerns you as well. The abominations have been been brought to heel. And while the Royal Artisan and the Queen Administrator are not responsible for this feat, they shall share in its glory nonetheless."
Her title for Amelia. "I see," I responded with a measured calm. I did not like the idea of Glaistig Uaine taking any interest in my daughter or her fiancée. She had a history of targeting the most powerful parahumans, such as Grey Boy. One of the few world famous capes, for his supposed invulnerability and terrifying power. At least, until she claimed him as her toy. Wait. "Did you just say the Endbringers have been destroyed? All of them?"
"I did not." Glaistig walked further into my territory without concern for actually answering my question. She had apparently lost all interest in what I had to say, instead more concerned with whatever she wanted to watch. It was too early in the morning for television. Besides, like most of the Birdcage, my people were too busy trying to figure out what happened to care about television right now.
I walked to the nearest TV. It was the largest and most visible to the rest of my cell block. Here we'd get the largest audience. Whatever this was that had the Faerie Queen so riled up was bound to draw an audience. Now that she was calm and pleasant, I wanted that audience. "Is there any channel in particular?" I pressed the button and heard the familiar 'pop' and static noise of the television turning on. We'd need to wait a minute before it warmed up enough for us to see the screen.
I watched as Lung and Cinderhands approached. The former took a seat of his own, leaving a fairly wide berth between himself where Glaistig Uaine claimed her spot in the front. Cinderhands preferred to remain standing. It was, in theory, a show of loyalty and protectiveness. It was a hollow gesture, it would crumple if tested, not unlike my own actions had earlier. He was not willing to die for me. But as long as he gave the rest of the men the impression that he would, it made him valuable.
"It does not matter. Every channel will be showing it."
I wondered how she would even know all of this, but opted to say nothing. Admitting ignorance served no purpose, and attempting to draw useful information from this madwoman was more than I had the patience to attempt right now. And it turns out, she was right about it not mattering. The current channel was set to a station that usually dealt in classic movies, mainly westerns. There were a few fans of the genre in my block, and they tended to pool their viewing allotments together. Today, it showed only the news.
The notations at the bottom of the screen kindly informed me the view was of the United Nations building in Geneva. The cameras had a beautiful view of a building that vaguely reminded me of a large courthouse. In view of the shot stood the flags of dozens of countries, most of which I didn't recognize at all. It was a stage that had been calculated for the purposes of inspiration, possibly even by Thinkers, though it probably wasn't necessary. The sun was low in the sky, casting long dramatic shadows across the area.
"At what is already being referred to as the End of the End Proclamation," a man's voice informed us. They weren't bothering to show the faces of the anchors or reporters, instead focusing solely on the view. "There are speculations that this will also explain the sudden short term paralysis that occurred earlier today, and may be related to the newest Endbringer's powers."
"They like to talk a lot for people that don't know anything," Lung criticized.
"Such is the way of the world." And of my relationship with this man I tolerate roaming my halls. "Men who don't know often like to talk a great deal, and those who do know tend to stay silent on the issue. Speaking of would you care to tell us what all of this is about, Faerie Queen?"
She looked at me, her face serene as always. "Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough."
=================
A/N- Lung's only shocked because he thought Marquis was his waifu.
Last edited:
pepperjack
A Variety of Cheese
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Ack
(Verified Ratbag) (Unverified Great Old One)
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Oooh, courtly business. Marquis is not only playing with fire, he's dousing himself with barbecue sauce and hoping that the lion's not quite hungry enough to eat him.
(Not to mix my metaphors or anything ... )
Calling Eidolon as her suitor.
And typo:
(Not to mix my metaphors or anything ... )
Calling Eidolon as her suitor.
And typo:
berth
cosoco
Not too sore, are you?
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If the cell block leaders believe that GU has a way to leave, then this should cement that belief. (Assuming that they don't know of anyone within the Birdcage who'd be willing to check her oil.)
Amelia, Ch 371- Marquis
TanaNari
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Amelia, Ch 371- Marquis
The anchor stopped when Eidolon and others started taking the stage. Chevalier was right behind Eidolon, followed by Legend and Alexandria. Then the Empresses of Avalon, still in their living battle armor. The stuff was insane, responding to their thoughts and giving them several powers, any combination of two of which would count as a high level parahuman in its own right. It was clearly stripped down, Khepri lacking her wings and Amelia without the extra layers of living armor to use her power through.
Even without the extra equipment, my daughter and her girlfriend looked magnificent. They were the only ones on stage brave enough to bare their faces to the world, and that made them stand out in a world of masks. It was either brilliant or foolish, I wasn't sure yet which. The pair moved in perfect harmony with each other, as if they practiced marching drills in their spare time. For all I know, they do. I have no idea what my daughter's life is like when the cameras are gone.
Following them was Dragon and Narwhal. I allowed myself a smirk that this supposedly live broadcast still had censorship blurring for Narwhal. A real pity, that. Taking some film of the woman might have made for good trade amongst the men. After them came a number of European heroes whose names I didn't know. There was none of the usual showmanship of such things, and the looks of the heroes were solemn, a mood that carried quickly over the crowd. It was immediately clear this announcement would not be a celebration.
Eidolon took the podium first. Of almost everyone up there, he seemed to have the least stage presence. If you didn't know what he was capable of, you wouldn't give him a second glance in a meeting.
True to his word, he waited that minute, his head bowed in silent contemplation. There was a lot of that, though I doubted many people were focused on the dead. Most Endbringer battles cost at least than many lives. The majority took more, and the truly bad ones ones made this look trivial. The majority would be focused on the smaller number. Fifteen. That was the detail most viewers would focus on. The death toll from that could have made New Delhi look tame.
"So, how scary is Eidolon in a fight?" Cinderhands asked casually. "Y'know, beyond the part where he can freeze us all and take over the Endbringers like it's nothing."
No one was talking on screen, and they weren't using a camera angle that let me watch Amelia, so I spared a moment to talk. "Wouldn't know, never fought him. You aren't thinking of breaking out and testing your powers out on him, are you?
He laughed perhaps a little too loudly. "Nah, I'm way too fond of breathing. Besides, what happens if someone succeeds? No one wants to be the guy that sends the Endbringers on a rampage again."
"A wise decision. The High Priest is beyond the power of any other, even my own."
I had been watching the video, as they showed closeups of the faces of the various heroes. Amelia and Khepri got a bit more attention to most, in part due to their fame, but more likely because their faces were unmasked when not in combat mode. It made them more visible, more interesting, than the others. I still found myself more than a little relieved to know that the Faerie Queen wouldn't be able to kill Eidolon. I may even have said something, but then Eidolon started speaking again.
"Sounds like one hell of a threat, if you read between the lines," Cinderhands muttered.
I nodded my agreement. "Smart of him really. Now everyone's going to be asking how they deal with this. Bet you any amount of money they've already got a plan. I wouldn't be surprised to learn you already know what it is, Faerie Queen." I honestly doubted it, unless she had a precog in her collection that I didn't know about. Then again, she might have a precog. She didn't respond to my comment except to smile at the television.
Glaistig Uaine chuckled. "The High Priest is clever. He knows there shall be no more abominations, yet needs the threat to be credible even to the eyes of the oracles, so he's calling the True King an Endbringer. True in the literal sense, enough to fool those who would comb his words for deceptions."
I looked over at the woman. What is she talking about? I put together that Eidolon was lying about the Endbringers. Assuming she's right, of course. She was still insane, it was possible that all of this was simply a construct of her imagination. She isn't the local wise woman or such tripe, I reminded myself. She's a lunatic who survives only because she's too powerful for anyone to argue with. Were she a weaker parahuman, she'd have been enslaved or destroyed by this point.
Huh, interesting move. Something of a mirror of what my Amelia did. By making himself and his collection of Endbringers politically neutral, he's making himself far more inviting for alliances. A free agent, as it were. Attacking him on political grounds will be harder for most nations, since that alienates a potential ally. It wouldn't protect him from everyone, but certainly it would work on some some. Intimidation and pack mentality will take care of the rest.
Eidolon stepped back, letting Chevalier take the podium. "Thank you, Eidolon. First, let me start by saying that I am sorry to lose you. I believe the entire Protectorate agrees with that sentiment." To his right, Legend and Alexandria nodded. They stepped a little closer to their former comrade in arms.
It was striking, the difference between them. Even ignoring the solid foot of height difference Chevalier had on Eidolon, the Protectorate leader carried the mantle of command confidently, while Eidolon was merely adequate, carried by power instead of charisma. "Second, as sad as we are to lose such a fine hero, we understand the reasons. The Endbringers must be held responsibly, studied, and with any luck neutralized forever. Avalon has volunteered to provide a location to contain them and study them safely and help deploy them against any future Endbringers. We are accepting the offer, for the time being."
He turned to look toward the teenage girls commanding the the now second most powerful force in the world. The nodded in unison, but didn't step forward to add to the discussion, leaving the talking to Chevalier. "We ask for patience and optimism during this time of uncertainty and transition. The Endbringers have been stopped, hopefully forever, and with them gone we can once again truly hope for the future."
That is a question. What will the future hold now that the Endbringers are neutralized. My hope that they'd eventually be desperate enough to reach into the Birdcage for allies to fight them was dashed. I will likely never see my daughter in person again in my life.
Now that the video feed had started focusing on other people, Glaistig Uaine stood, having lost interest. "While I am here, I have a trinket to deliver to you, on behalf of the Royal Artisan and the Grand Archivist."
She held out a small box, about the size to contain a fancy necklace. Where she hid it on her person until now, I could not begin to guess, nor did I want to. I took it gently from her hand. "Thank you, Faerie Queen. You are welcome here any time. But, please, send a messenger first, so I have time to prepare better hospitality for your visit. I wouldn't want to get a reputation for taking poor care of my guests."
"Fear not, Marquis, you have been more than adequate." She left as confidently as she entered, but now the eyes that followed her were fearful instead of predatory. Some of them might have been considering something less than gentlemanly before. Hopefully they'll regard this as a lesson. And that reminds me.
"Cinderhands, take a head count of our men. I'd like to know if she hurt any of them."
"And if she has? Will there be retaliation?"
"Chances are high they provoked her. If nothing else, failure to learn who she was before starting trouble means they deserved whatever fate they got. Spread that sentiment amongst the men if you have to. Glaistig Uaine was entirely civil while here, I have no reason to believe she would have harmed my people unless they did something to provoke her."
"Okay, you're right. But you may need to tell them yourself."
I nodded. He was right, if she had caused damage and we did nothing, it made me look weak. Bad for morale. It would all depend on any damage she may have caused. Meanwhile, I had a package from my daughter. I opened it carefully, trying to look casual. Inside there was only a rolled up piece of paper. And what looked like a peach seed.
==============
A/N- Not gonna lie. I hate "speech" chapters. So. Fucking. Much.
The anchor stopped when Eidolon and others started taking the stage. Chevalier was right behind Eidolon, followed by Legend and Alexandria. Then the Empresses of Avalon, still in their living battle armor. The stuff was insane, responding to their thoughts and giving them several powers, any combination of two of which would count as a high level parahuman in its own right. It was clearly stripped down, Khepri lacking her wings and Amelia without the extra layers of living armor to use her power through.
Even without the extra equipment, my daughter and her girlfriend looked magnificent. They were the only ones on stage brave enough to bare their faces to the world, and that made them stand out in a world of masks. It was either brilliant or foolish, I wasn't sure yet which. The pair moved in perfect harmony with each other, as if they practiced marching drills in their spare time. For all I know, they do. I have no idea what my daughter's life is like when the cameras are gone.
Following them was Dragon and Narwhal. I allowed myself a smirk that this supposedly live broadcast still had censorship blurring for Narwhal. A real pity, that. Taking some film of the woman might have made for good trade amongst the men. After them came a number of European heroes whose names I didn't know. There was none of the usual showmanship of such things, and the looks of the heroes were solemn, a mood that carried quickly over the crowd. It was immediately clear this announcement would not be a celebration.
Eidolon took the podium first. Of almost everyone up there, he seemed to have the least stage presence. If you didn't know what he was capable of, you wouldn't give him a second glance in a meeting.
"To the people of the world, first let me apologize. Yes, it is true that I was responsible for the event that halted everyone. All the life lost in that event, I cannot begin to apologize for that loss. It is true, it neutralized a simultaneous attack by fifteen Endbringers. But the price was high, likely over twenty thousand died thanks to the use of this power. I'd like to take a minute to mourn the dead."
True to his word, he waited that minute, his head bowed in silent contemplation. There was a lot of that, though I doubted many people were focused on the dead. Most Endbringer battles cost at least than many lives. The majority took more, and the truly bad ones ones made this look trivial. The majority would be focused on the smaller number. Fifteen. That was the detail most viewers would focus on. The death toll from that could have made New Delhi look tame.
"So, how scary is Eidolon in a fight?" Cinderhands asked casually. "Y'know, beyond the part where he can freeze us all and take over the Endbringers like it's nothing."
No one was talking on screen, and they weren't using a camera angle that let me watch Amelia, so I spared a moment to talk. "Wouldn't know, never fought him. You aren't thinking of breaking out and testing your powers out on him, are you?
He laughed perhaps a little too loudly. "Nah, I'm way too fond of breathing. Besides, what happens if someone succeeds? No one wants to be the guy that sends the Endbringers on a rampage again."
"A wise decision. The High Priest is beyond the power of any other, even my own."
I had been watching the video, as they showed closeups of the faces of the various heroes. Amelia and Khepri got a bit more attention to most, in part due to their fame, but more likely because their faces were unmasked when not in combat mode. It made them more visible, more interesting, than the others. I still found myself more than a little relieved to know that the Faerie Queen wouldn't be able to kill Eidolon. I may even have said something, but then Eidolon started speaking again.
"The power that cost those lives was a last ditch effort, the only way to stop them all before millions were lost in the battle. I can only pray that's a comfort to those who were harmed or lost loved ones in this tragedy. To the obvious question, yes, I've always known I could use that power. I never accessed it, for reasons I believe are obvious. Up until recently I did not know it could work against the Endbringers. They had always been immune to those sorts of powers before, and I had no reason to believe mine would be any different. I only recently discovered otherwise, one of many things I've learned since announcing my semi-retirement."
"I wish the next question were so simple to answer." Eidolon continued, looking out over the crowd. I couldn't decide if his face concealing cowel added or detracted from the effect. "What happens next? The Endbringers are staggeringly powerful weapons. Any one of them as dangerous as the nuclear arsenals of the world. The mere threat of their use is an act of war. And now they are controlled by a single human being. No man should be trusted with such incredible power. Nor should any individual nation."
"Sounds like one hell of a threat, if you read between the lines," Cinderhands muttered.
I nodded my agreement. "Smart of him really. Now everyone's going to be asking how they deal with this. Bet you any amount of money they've already got a plan. I wouldn't be surprised to learn you already know what it is, Faerie Queen." I honestly doubted it, unless she had a precog in her collection that I didn't know about. Then again, she might have a precog. She didn't respond to my comment except to smile at the television.
Eidolon decided he'd given us enough time to consider the situation. "The obvious solution would be to destroy them. I believe that would be a grave error. To date, every new Endbringer has evolved to be immune to the weapons that killed their predecessors. It is certain that the next Endbringer will be immune to the power I used to control these fifteen. That is why we must keep them, they are our best hope to protect the world from future attacks."
Glaistig Uaine chuckled. "The High Priest is clever. He knows there shall be no more abominations, yet needs the threat to be credible even to the eyes of the oracles, so he's calling the True King an Endbringer. True in the literal sense, enough to fool those who would comb his words for deceptions."
I looked over at the woman. What is she talking about? I put together that Eidolon was lying about the Endbringers. Assuming she's right, of course. She was still insane, it was possible that all of this was simply a construct of her imagination. She isn't the local wise woman or such tripe, I reminded myself. She's a lunatic who survives only because she's too powerful for anyone to argue with. Were she a weaker parahuman, she'd have been enslaved or destroyed by this point.
"With that responsibility resting on my shoulders, I make an announcement." Eidolon continued his speech. "It is with a heavy heart that I am renouncing both my position in the Protectorate and my status as a citizen of the United States of America. I cannot allow the Endbringers to be attached to any single organization or nation. Instead, I offer myself as a citizen of the whole world, of every world. I will work with the United Nations, and all governments that act with the wellbeing of their people in mind. What is done with the Endbringers in the future will be a decision made by the whole world."
Huh, interesting move. Something of a mirror of what my Amelia did. By making himself and his collection of Endbringers politically neutral, he's making himself far more inviting for alliances. A free agent, as it were. Attacking him on political grounds will be harder for most nations, since that alienates a potential ally. It wouldn't protect him from everyone, but certainly it would work on some some. Intimidation and pack mentality will take care of the rest.
Eidolon stepped back, letting Chevalier take the podium. "Thank you, Eidolon. First, let me start by saying that I am sorry to lose you. I believe the entire Protectorate agrees with that sentiment." To his right, Legend and Alexandria nodded. They stepped a little closer to their former comrade in arms.
It was striking, the difference between them. Even ignoring the solid foot of height difference Chevalier had on Eidolon, the Protectorate leader carried the mantle of command confidently, while Eidolon was merely adequate, carried by power instead of charisma. "Second, as sad as we are to lose such a fine hero, we understand the reasons. The Endbringers must be held responsibly, studied, and with any luck neutralized forever. Avalon has volunteered to provide a location to contain them and study them safely and help deploy them against any future Endbringers. We are accepting the offer, for the time being."
He turned to look toward the teenage girls commanding the the now second most powerful force in the world. The nodded in unison, but didn't step forward to add to the discussion, leaving the talking to Chevalier. "We ask for patience and optimism during this time of uncertainty and transition. The Endbringers have been stopped, hopefully forever, and with them gone we can once again truly hope for the future."
That is a question. What will the future hold now that the Endbringers are neutralized. My hope that they'd eventually be desperate enough to reach into the Birdcage for allies to fight them was dashed. I will likely never see my daughter in person again in my life.
Now that the video feed had started focusing on other people, Glaistig Uaine stood, having lost interest. "While I am here, I have a trinket to deliver to you, on behalf of the Royal Artisan and the Grand Archivist."
She held out a small box, about the size to contain a fancy necklace. Where she hid it on her person until now, I could not begin to guess, nor did I want to. I took it gently from her hand. "Thank you, Faerie Queen. You are welcome here any time. But, please, send a messenger first, so I have time to prepare better hospitality for your visit. I wouldn't want to get a reputation for taking poor care of my guests."
"Fear not, Marquis, you have been more than adequate." She left as confidently as she entered, but now the eyes that followed her were fearful instead of predatory. Some of them might have been considering something less than gentlemanly before. Hopefully they'll regard this as a lesson. And that reminds me.
"Cinderhands, take a head count of our men. I'd like to know if she hurt any of them."
"And if she has? Will there be retaliation?"
"Chances are high they provoked her. If nothing else, failure to learn who she was before starting trouble means they deserved whatever fate they got. Spread that sentiment amongst the men if you have to. Glaistig Uaine was entirely civil while here, I have no reason to believe she would have harmed my people unless they did something to provoke her."
"Okay, you're right. But you may need to tell them yourself."
I nodded. He was right, if she had caused damage and we did nothing, it made me look weak. Bad for morale. It would all depend on any damage she may have caused. Meanwhile, I had a package from my daughter. I opened it carefully, trying to look casual. Inside there was only a rolled up piece of paper. And what looked like a peach seed.
==============
A/N- Not gonna lie. I hate "speech" chapters. So. Fucking. Much.
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CptTagon
Prolific Writer
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lesson
Politically speaking, I'm not sure that it's a good call for Eidolon to announce he's becoming a citizen of the world, and right after that say that he'll be keeping his WMD's on soil of a country that isn't of this world.
AyiosKat
Know what you're doing yet?
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Do you hate them because you hate writing them, or do you actually hate characters that give speeches?
evildice
(emotionally stable clown posse)
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My guess was Alexandria.
tordg
(Unverified Idiot)
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"Following".
"The Endbringers are".
Redundant "nodded".
Perfect memory... preserved body.... named after a Grand Archive... seems obvious to me.
Yeah that bugged me at first as well, but Avalon is well established as having the best Endbringer research facilities by far, and since a stated reason to send them there was research, it shouldn't be too hard a sell. I'm anticipating anti-secrecy laws to be established quickly if they haven't been since research stations started to be built though. Tonnes of UN oversight.
LuridThrone
Sitting On The
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Daww, she gave him a seed!