Kumiho [Mission]

i used to dream in the dark of palisades park

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played by

Tsukistar

They/Them
23
May 14th
Ecruteak City
Pansexual
Rocket Grunt
Illusory Thief
5'11" / 180.3cm height
5'11" / 180.3cm height
Fox tails hidden under wedding dresses
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871 posts
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TAG WITH @makotokurumi
Makoto Kurumi
Kumiho [Mission]
POSTED ON Dec 11, 2023 7:32:38 GMT
Makoto Kurumi Avatar
Shadow pokemon... Even if they had talked to about shadow pokemon a couple of times by now, it was safe to say that they still had much to learn about them. Especially in the control department - though they were no stranger to willful pokemon in the form of those like Haguru the Klinklang or Ryuu the Kingdra, Tamamo was certainly something else, and she seemed actively disdainful of listening to what they had to say.

Which was what led them here, to a certain lab belonging to a certain .

Normally, they wouldn't be actively seeking out the attention of the underboss - being more content to keep their head down and just keep an ear out for assignments. But in having talked to Temp, and having learned a bit about Cillian thru osmosis as a result, it seemed that he'd be interested in their shadow pokemon anyhow. And if letting him study Tamamo also gave them an opportunity to better understand her, then well... All the better for everyone, right?

Hopefully, this visit would not involve a certain Sandslash trying to tear something's throat out. The memory from that fight in Dewford still made them shudder.
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played by

thorn

the Harbinger
he/him
37
october 28th
circhester, galar
demisexual
underboss
the harbinger
I want corruption, I think I'm the devil in disguise.
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8,683 posts
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Cillian Quinn
Kumiho [Mission]
POSTED ON Dec 13, 2023 19:45:53 GMT
Cillian Quinn Avatar
[nospaces]
[attr="class","twtgm"]
[attr="class","main"]

As the labs were within (an albeit lengthy) walking distance of his home, Cillian takes to the snow-dusted streets of Sootopolis in a surprisingly favourable mood. Though his fond memories of Galar were few, Circhester's eternal winterscape was among them, especially after a decade spent in a memory of old. While most of the city struggled and suffered with the climate change, the underboss was thriving.
[break][break]

Passing under streetlamps hung with holiday WREATHS, his boots crunch in the snow to announce his presence before he speaks.
[break][break]

"I hope I've not kept you waiting long."
[break][break]

He was early, and so were they, but the biting cold lends a genuine touch of remorse for whatever time they've spent trapped in its embrace.
[break][break]

He gestures toward the lab, pulling the door open and holding it so they could both slip inside. Another few doors are bypassed with a keycard, and an elevator takes them into the bowels of Blackstone to his personal lab space.
[break][break]

"Tell me more about your Pokemon," he requests, as the flick of a switch illuminates the space. It looks like any other laboratory, save perhaps for the skeletons of fossil Pokémon that decorate it. "What changes have you observed?"

[break][break]
[attr="class","tag"]


[attr="class","pkmn"][break]




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played by

Tsukistar

They/Them
23
May 14th
Ecruteak City
Pansexual
Rocket Grunt
Illusory Thief
5'11" / 180.3cm height
5'11" / 180.3cm height
Fox tails hidden under wedding dresses
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871 posts
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TAG WITH @makotokurumi
Makoto Kurumi
Kumiho [Mission]
POSTED ON Dec 13, 2023 21:43:28 GMT
Makoto Kurumi Avatar
It felt almost automatic, the way Makoto straightened as Cillian approached, heralded with the crunch of underfoot snow. "It's alright, Underboss." Makoto responded respectfully, "I'm quite used to the cold." Which was true - between the time they used to spend on the streets, and having an ice-type that liked to cause snowfall, they were used to the colder side of the elements.

It helped, too, that they made sure to be well bundled.

Following Cillian's lead, they enter the lab with him - walking through a number of doors, and taking an elevator. All the while, they can't help but find their gaze drifting to their surroundings - taking in just how impressive everything here feels to be. And at the heart of the laboratory, there is plenty more to be found in the displays of pokemon fossils here.

But as Cillian prompts them, they speak. "I... Didn't have my Kantonian Ninetales for very long before they became a shadow. But it happened towards the end of a series of... Strange, vivid, almost lucid dreams that I had been having." Them and a number of other people, it sounded like. "The characteristic aggression is there - but whereas Beast Quinn described it as usually being more animalistic... Her aggression feels more like..."

They pause, considering how to best word it. "... A clever cruelty, I suppose?" There is still intelligence there, Makoto had recognized. She did not become some raving berserk beast. But Tamamo took a particular interest in toying with enemies. With her prey. Though, she could certainly become vindictive and driven by anger if slighted enough.

They pull out Tamamo's pokeball, but they do not let her out yet - not unless Cillian asked it. "Trying to direct her is difficult; while I have a few pokemon who are willful in different ways, I have been able to get them to listen to me. But she is much more keen to spite me, than to follow directions, more often than not."
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played by

thorn

the Harbinger
he/him
37
october 28th
circhester, galar
demisexual
underboss
the harbinger
I want corruption, I think I'm the devil in disguise.
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8,683 posts
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Cillian Quinn
Kumiho [Mission]
POSTED ON Dec 15, 2023 15:15:18 GMT
Cillian Quinn Avatar
[nospaces]
[attr="class","twtgm"]
[attr="class","main"]

"You too, hm?"[break][break]

A simple response, yet a revealing one. He's never thought Sootopolis so beautiful, save perhaps when they'd been under the canopy of the Tree of Life. Shelving thoughts of snowboarding down Mt. Pyre, he enters the lab.[break][break]

He listens carefully to their recounting of dreams.[break][break]

Beast Quinn sees his lip twitch, fond.[break][break]

"I've had the same dreams," he affirms. "Others have, also."[break][break]

He'd naturally discussed them immediately upon waking with , and later with others who'd sought his insight in dealing with their newborn shadows. He wasn't sure they could even be considered dreams.[break][break]

"Your intuition of her behaviour could well prove correct. My Delphox harbours a similar... mm, malicious intelligence. And my Dhelmise, though I suspect it simply hates anything that breathes." He and Lugia were the exceptions, and the colony of Skrelp it kept. "Many seem to forget that I handled shadows even before Lugia's blessing; they were not always so docile in my presence. My Sandslash tried to kill me, more than once."[break][break]

He lifts his shirt, exposing his ribs and the nasty, deep scars that marked them.[break][break]

"They need to understand you're in charge. And if they hate you for it, you must know where to direct that hatred."

[break][break]
[attr="class","tag"]


[attr="class","pkmn"][break]




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played by

Tsukistar

They/Them
23
May 14th
Ecruteak City
Pansexual
Rocket Grunt
Illusory Thief
5'11" / 180.3cm height
5'11" / 180.3cm height
Fox tails hidden under wedding dresses
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871 posts
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TAG WITH @makotokurumi
Makoto Kurumi
Kumiho [Mission]
POSTED ON Dec 17, 2023 8:48:27 GMT
Makoto Kurumi Avatar
Makoto nods - though they were aware of others having had similar such dreams, hearing it from the Underboss still eases some part of their mind. Though, at the same time, there is another part that finds it concerning - cause does that mean that they were not the only one to get a Shadow Pokemon from all of this?

They did not linger on it for very long though, as talks shifted to the aforementioned Shadow pokemon. To Cillian's experiences with his own. Seeing the scars under his shirt sends a spark of anxiety through their chest and spine - their mind unable to help wondering of the wounds that led to it. Unlike last time - where they had Kuro's Illusions to help hide their expression - their face flickers with unease.

It'd be too easy, for Tamamo to just turn on them outright, wouldn't it...? If it weren't for the fact that Kuro often kept to their shadow rather than his ball, they'd be more or less defenseless if she attacked...

But they try to force it down - to instead focus on the advice that Cillian gives. And as he speaks of taking charge and redirection... "... How did you do it, back then?" They ask - wondering what they could learn from him. "And... How does Lugia's blessing help you now?" From what they understood, she was more or less the alpha - so it stood to reason that Cillian had more control... But what was the exact nature of it, a small and inquisitive part of their mind wondered?
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played by

thorn

the Harbinger
he/him
37
october 28th
circhester, galar
demisexual
underboss
the harbinger
I want corruption, I think I'm the devil in disguise.
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8,683 posts
part of
TAG WITH @gavin
Cillian Quinn
Kumiho [Mission]
POSTED ON Dec 20, 2023 11:37:16 GMT
Cillian Quinn Avatar
[nospaces]
[attr="class","twtgm"]
[attr="class","main"]

Cillian does not miss their unease, but neither does he comment on it. Shadow Pokémon were oft feared and reviled. To react in kind with anger or confrontation might only drive that point further, and he wished to foster within others an understanding of their unique nature. Their strengths. How many shadows had been denied their potential in dreams because of fear?[break][break]

They ask after his methods, and he offers a humourless smile.[break][break]

"Mm. My methods are... not something you'd likely pursue." But he does not leave it on that cryptic note, admitting, "It took a different approach with each individual, but with the Sandslash, I would wear it out until it could barely fight, then set my Pokémon against it."[break][break]

Abuse. That's how many saw it. But Cillian had seen results.[break][break]

"Once it learned that I was to be obeyed should it wish to survive, it begrudgingly took my orders. And in learning that I would provide an outlet for its aggression that was not my own disembowelment... we forged an understanding."[break][break]

His cold stoicism melts, if slightly, when the subject shifts to his patron.[break][break]

"None of my previous methods are required, now. My own shadows listen without question, and others will do so if Lugia is present. I would demonstrate, but I'm afraid she's not to be disturbed right now."[break][break]

The Guardian was sleeping, and Cillian wouldn't dare disturb her for this.

[break][break]
[attr="class","tag"]


[attr="class","pkmn"][break]




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[newclass=.twtgm .pkmn img] margin-top: -10px; padding-bottom: 5px; [/newclass]
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played by

Tsukistar

They/Them
23
May 14th
Ecruteak City
Pansexual
Rocket Grunt
Illusory Thief
5'11" / 180.3cm height
5'11" / 180.3cm height
Fox tails hidden under wedding dresses
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871 posts
part of
TAG WITH @makotokurumi
Makoto Kurumi
Kumiho [Mission]
POSTED ON Dec 21, 2023 10:06:42 GMT
Makoto Kurumi Avatar
Indeed, Makoto can't entirely hold back a wince as Cillian describes his methods with the Sandslash. The idea of just, beating a pokemon until it realized it had no other option, made their stomach curdle unpleasantly.

"That's... certainly not my first method." They agree with that initial cryptic remark, as diplomatically as they could manage. The idea of raising a hand against something that more or less relied on them, given the usual relationship of pokemon and trainer, practically that of family...

... No, it didn't sit well with them at all. But what would the alternative be, then, for a less-than-usual pokemon like Tamamo?

The mention of Lugia's effects on handling shadow pokemon was curious - and it lent some credence to their initial thought of her essentially being the 'alpha'. Perhaps it was a good thing that she was preoccupied though, when their nerves were already growing a bit iffy internally.

"Mm... Did you get your Delphox or Delmise, before Lugia came along?" They questioned, thinking to how he compared them to their description of Tamamo. "What's handling them like..?" Since he said that it took a different approach... Perhaps one that he used with a pokemon more like Tamamo would be a good starting point?

They at least hoped it wasn't something that came across as cruel, like the method for the Sandslash did.
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played by

thorn

the Harbinger
he/him
37
october 28th
circhester, galar
demisexual
underboss
the harbinger
I want corruption, I think I'm the devil in disguise.
awards
8,683 posts
part of
TAG WITH @gavin
Cillian Quinn
Kumiho [Mission]
POSTED ON Dec 24, 2023 16:38:21 GMT
Cillian Quinn Avatar
[nospaces]
[attr="class","twtgm"]
[attr="class","main"]

Cillian's smile is grim.[break][break]

"I thought not."[break][break]

Once, he might've seen it as a weakness, to think of another approach. Now, he frowns as he considers an alternative for Makoto's benefit. At their question, he shakes his head.[break][break]

"Afraid not. Don't worry," he adds, after a pause, "I'm not suggesting violence is the only method. Indeed, it might prove to have the opposite effect on a creature as clever as yours. Cailleach was a vicious thing before we ran her through the Shadow Machine."[break][break]

In truth, it hadn't been the wisest idea to force a Pokémon he barely knew through such an awful process as that and expect it to come out obedient, but reflection brings Cillian no regrets. Each step had taken him closer to where he stood now: master of shadows.[break][break]

"It may be better to, mm, outfox her." His lip twitches with the wordplay. "Or else give her an outlet for what she's after. If she enjoys clever cruelty, indulge that pleasure freely. Embrace her potential." His eyes gleam. "You were given a choice, were you not? In the dream?"[break][break]

He wouldn't have expected Makoto to choose shadow over purity. It fascinated him.

[break][break]
[attr="class","tag"]


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played by

Tsukistar

They/Them
23
May 14th
Ecruteak City
Pansexual
Rocket Grunt
Illusory Thief
5'11" / 180.3cm height
5'11" / 180.3cm height
Fox tails hidden under wedding dresses
awards
871 posts
part of
TAG WITH @makotokurumi
Makoto Kurumi
Kumiho [Mission]
POSTED ON Dec 28, 2023 11:48:19 GMT
Makoto Kurumi Avatar
Violence was most definitely not on the table for them morally...

... But even if it was, they couldn't help but nod in agreement with Cillian's comment about it potentially having an opposite effect. Tamamo didn't strike them as someone who answered to brute force all that easily. Rather, she struck them as a more vindictive and spiteful sort, from their attempts to try and get her under control (or otherwise when their other pokemon had to step in.)

Thus came the alternatives - to outfox her, or to otherwise let her indulge in her desires and embrace it. This was something that'd probably take some consideration; if only because as far as Makoto could see, unless there was a fight at hand, Tamamo often wanted to mess with them - even if it (usually) wasn't at the same level of aggression.

It was, perhaps, only in those dreams and when they tested her patience that she became truly dangerous.

They couldn't help the faintest wince as he questioned their choice, though. Cause he was right. They could've purified her, and perhaps then they wouldn't be running into this issue, but...

"... With... How much attention I've been getting in Rocket, and me working with Head Scientist Rose, I..." They pause briefly, considering their words. "I wanted to get stronger, to meet the expectations that came with it..." They were working to study Legendary pokemon and their weaknesses. They were being noticed by their peers. Just drifting along - doing the minimum expected - wasn't going to pass anymore, was it?

But there was the silver lining - namely, in belonging. They were forming bonds with people. People who, in turn, seemed to see something great about them, in one way or another. Being acknowledged by , getting an exuberant pat on the back from ... These little bits of positive attention stroked at a long-neglected part of their heart.

Power was a necessity, one way or another. Or at the very least, that's how it felt.
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played by

thorn

the Harbinger
he/him
37
october 28th
circhester, galar
demisexual
underboss
the harbinger
I want corruption, I think I'm the devil in disguise.
awards
8,683 posts
part of
TAG WITH @gavin
Cillian Quinn
Kumiho [Mission]
POSTED ON Dec 28, 2023 23:57:06 GMT
Cillian Quinn Avatar
[nospaces]
[attr="class","twtgm"]
[attr="class","main"]

Amber eyes pierce as Makoto shifts uncomfortably beneath their pressure. It would likely reassure them if Cillian were to look away.[break][break]

Naturally, he does not.[break][break]

A slight smile is their reward when they admit to an uncomfortable truth; they seek strength, for Rocket's sake. And though he recognizes their discomfort in the admission, Cillian finds he can relate. He, too, has made many a difficult choice on the path to power.[break][break]

"Then the choice you've made is the right one." He speaks with unerring conviction, never breaking eye contact. "Shadow Pokemon are magnificent creatures, and not half as mindless as some claim them to be."[break][break]

He tilts his head, an undisguised hunger in his eyes of gold.[break][break]

"Introduce me."

[break][break]
[attr="class","tag"]


[attr="class","pkmn"][break]




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[newclass=.twtgm .pkmn img] margin-top: -10px; padding-bottom: 5px; [/newclass]
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played by

Tsukistar

They/Them
23
May 14th
Ecruteak City
Pansexual
Rocket Grunt
Illusory Thief
5'11" / 180.3cm height
5'11" / 180.3cm height
Fox tails hidden under wedding dresses
awards
871 posts
part of
TAG WITH @makotokurumi
Makoto Kurumi
Kumiho [Mission]
POSTED ON Dec 29, 2023 5:49:33 GMT
Makoto Kurumi Avatar
In truth, there's more to their desire for strength. A desire for safety, for one. But that doesn't mean what they said was a lie - they did, indeed, want to match the expectations that were being put on them the best they could.

They didn't want to think about what could happen, if they ended up falling behind. If they ended up no longer being up to snuff.

As Cillian insists that they made the right choice, they'd nod in turn - even if they still have vague doubts about it. They take a bit of comfort in the smile, if only because it meant that they were potentially on his good side.

But then he told them to introduce him - no doubt to their Shadow Pokemon. And for a moment, there's that briefest hesitance as they aren't sure what sort of mood Tamamo is going to be in when they send her out. But, obeying, they'd toss out her ball...

... And out came the Shadow Kantonian Ninetales, her deep violet fur sleek and shining amidst her Drought, red eyes immediately scanning her surroundings. Tamamo carried herself with confidence upon confidence, the belief - the knowledge - that she was the one who called the shots, rather than Makoto.

But, this situation was different from what Tamamo was accustomed to. Usually, when they brought her out, it was either for a fight, or to try and 'understand' her. Which, the latter possibility she often scoffed at; what else was there to understand? They were weak. She was strong. That was all that mattered, as far as she cared.

This was different from either possibiity, though - the building she found herself in unfamiliar, and the man that the two shared the room with equally unfamiliar. Her initial thought was to 'prod' him a little, and see how he'd tick in response - though she refrained. There was... Something, about him, that piqued her curiosity - though she couldn't quite put her paw on what.

So for now, red eyes easily met his gold - Tamamo readily maintaining eye contact as she studied him from where she stood.

Makoto, all the while, made sure Tsukiko's ball was close at hand... Just in case. Though she was ice-type, she had a bit of an edge over Tamamo - if they played their cards right - if they needed her to intervene.
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played by

thorn

the Harbinger
he/him
37
october 28th
circhester, galar
demisexual
underboss
the harbinger
I want corruption, I think I'm the devil in disguise.
awards
8,683 posts
part of
TAG WITH @gavin
Cillian Quinn
Kumiho [Mission]
POSTED ON Dec 31, 2023 17:02:58 GMT
Cillian Quinn Avatar
[nospaces]
[attr="class","twtgm"]
[attr="class","main"]

Cillian notes their hesitation, but doesn't retract his request.[break][break]

As promised, there's a distinct air of intelligence about the nine-tailed fox who emerges from containment, red eyes boring into his own with no hint of the fear that ordinary Pokémon sometimes displayed. If she senses his predatory nature, she does not shy from it, and neither does Cillian balk at hers. He smiles, instead. A brief, cruel curve of his lips.[break][break]

"Well, aren't you bold?"[break][break]

There's warmth in his tone, a lilt of amusement. Fondness, one he so often lacked for others, offered so easily to this demon of destruction.[break][break]

Without Lugia's presence, he cannot command her as he would his own. Still he lets his SHADOW MIASMA spread throughout the room, shadows curling around corners and settling like a low blanket of fog.[break][break]

"What is it that you want?" he probes, never breaking eye contact with that ruby gaze. "What need have they not fulfilled?"[break][break]

He's not sure she can understand; not all Pokémon could, after all, but Cillian speaks clearly just in case. His tone does much of the speaking, suggesting to the fox that they are kindred spirits. She could not speak, but perhaps she could show him.

[break][break]
[attr="class","tag"]


[attr="class","pkmn"][break]




[newclass=.twtgm] --accent: #765d75; [/newclass]
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[newclass=.twtgm .pkmn img] margin-top: -10px; padding-bottom: 5px; [/newclass]
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played by

Tsukistar

They/Them
23
May 14th
Ecruteak City
Pansexual
Rocket Grunt
Illusory Thief
5'11" / 180.3cm height
5'11" / 180.3cm height
Fox tails hidden under wedding dresses
awards
871 posts
part of
TAG WITH @makotokurumi
Makoto Kurumi
Kumiho [Mission]
POSTED ON Jan 1, 2024 4:55:13 GMT
Makoto Kurumi Avatar
In being called bold, Tamamo holds her head that slightest bit higher, clearly preening under the attention. He is clearly different from these other fragile humans she's seen thus far; and the Shadow Miasma that soon settles in the room proves it. Though she may not be under his sway, it's clear he's won some points from her - both in the flattery department, and the intrigue department.

But then comes the question of what Tamamo wants. Of whatever need that may be unmet. And the ninetales is visibly mulling this over, tails swishing slightly...

... Before suddenly, she's casting a toothy 'grin' back in Makoto's direction, and makes to leap at them!

Makoto stumbles back with a bitten-off sound of surprise, eyes widening in alarm. Almost on reflex, they press the button on Tsukiko's ball - sending out the Alolan Ninetales.

Tsukiko pushes Tamamo back with a Springtide Storm - mostly to repel, rather than truly fight. The icy fox stands before Makoto protectively - appearing quite different from the last time Cillian may have met her, with the Illumina markings that grace her fur. In her presence, Snow Warning causes snowfall to materialize in the room, snowflakes glittering in the air.

On one hand, Tamamo finds a hue of satisfaction in this - in getting a reaction out of Makoto, and in seeing that shock in their face when she turned on them so quickly. On the other hand, there is frustration in being interrupted by Tsukiko - because of course that walking lightbulb has to intervene!

Curling her lip in what might be equal parts a sneer and a snarl, Tamamo's shadow stretches out to strike at Tsukiko in a Shadow Sneak - but the Alolan Ninetales is quick to put up an Aurora Veil in response, the light of her aurora borealis weakening the shadowy strike!

Makoto, meanwhile, has to take a second to steady their heart, which is hammering in their chest. They aren't sure what Tamamo would do if she had been allowed to reach them, but... Considering how she's behaved in those distant dreams, they aren't sure if they want to know.
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played by

thorn

the Harbinger
he/him
37
october 28th
circhester, galar
demisexual
underboss
the harbinger
I want corruption, I think I'm the devil in disguise.
awards
8,683 posts
part of
TAG WITH @gavin
Cillian Quinn
Kumiho [Mission]
POSTED ON Jan 3, 2024 18:28:07 GMT
Cillian Quinn Avatar
[nospaces]
[attr="class","twtgm"]
[attr="class","main"]

Cillian could intervene. Some might argue he should.[break][break]

He doesn't. He only watches, enraptured, as Tamamo lunges toward her trainer. Had Makoto not acted quick enough, the fox might've torn out their throat. Or perhaps the chase was all Tamamo wanted. They'll never know, on account of the icy kin who drives her back.[break][break]

Leaning against the lab's counter, Cillian observes the spar between the two with clear interest.[break][break]

"You have special abilities now, don't you?" There is hunger in his eyes. "Would you care to demonstrate?"[break][break]

He phrases it as a request, not an order, hoping to appeal to Tamamo's ego.

[break][break]
[attr="class","tag"]


[attr="class","pkmn"][break]




[newclass=.twtgm] --accent: #765d75; [/newclass]
[newclass=.twtgm] width: 420px; margin: 0 auto; color: #aaa; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: .5px; text-align:justify; padding-top: 20px; padding-bottom: 20px; line-height: 15px; [/newclass]
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[newclass=.twtgm .pkmn] text-align: center; margin: 0 auto; background: var(--accent); padding: 5px; width: 410px; margin-left: -40px; margin-bottom: -40px; margin-top: 10px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.twtgm .pkmn img] margin-top: -10px; padding-bottom: 5px; [/newclass]
close tab

played by

Tsukistar

They/Them
23
May 14th
Ecruteak City
Pansexual
Rocket Grunt
Illusory Thief
5'11" / 180.3cm height
5'11" / 180.3cm height
Fox tails hidden under wedding dresses
awards
871 posts
part of
TAG WITH @makotokurumi
Makoto Kurumi
Kumiho [Mission]
POSTED ON Jan 13, 2024 0:09:20 GMT
Makoto Kurumi Avatar
Cillian spoke once more - and though Tamamo's eyes do not leave her opponent, the twitch of her ears is enough to indicate that she's listening. And at the suggestion of showing off her particular abilities, a toothy 'grin' crosses her face. Oh, she certainly could - and she would love to demonstrate.

Throwing back her head, Tamamo lets out a foxlike cackle, shrill and delighted in her own cruelty, as the shadows in the room seem to come to life. Stirring up a Shadow Panic, dark apparitions began to dance throughout the room - taking on a number of forms. Some are to frighten - the shapes of terrifying monsters and beasts. Some are to provoke - taunting false-Tamamos dancing about amidst the dark. And other yet are simply to bewilder - shapes of people, of pokemon, of attacks that are ever to come.

It is a dizzying and disorienting sight, and Tsukiko and Makoto both have to take a few steps back as they are equally wrapped up in the delusions that Tamamo has conjured.

Makoto is able to keep a straight enough head - even if they have to force themself to ignore some of the shapes, that look awfully like things burning alive... Turning their gaze to Tsukiko instead, they make a call. "Spotlight - don't lose track of her!"

Tsukiko, though, cannot make sense of the shadows around her - too distracted to obey Makoto's call. When a false Tamamo comes forth to 'attack' - too close for comfort - she instead yelps and uses Dragon Hammer  striking it with blazing tails. Which certainly dispels the illusion...

... But it brings them no closer to getting a handle on the true Tamamo, who has hidden herself amongst the shadows. She stalks at the edges of the chaos, clearly taking glee in watching the two's futile attempts to sort through the madness.
img
The Shula Region
Hogwarts AU
RPG Unlimited
MR
The Enroi Region
N:FB
Vyrehaven
Celestial Guardians, AU Sailor Moon RP
EO GENESIS
Code and Crown: An advanced literate warriors cats RP, set in medieval times
Swords Clashing