#apricus tag tba

[auraunbound]

@apricusnights liked

Skuld was not the type of individual to give up easily once she had set her mind on a goal. Even less so when it came to her duties. It was up to her to keep her people safe from any threats, and as such, she considered her studies to be an extension on these duties.

It was no secret that Völsung was a bit behind when it came to their technology, especially after that little history lesson her sister had greenlit. Before where she felt a certain leisure in taking classes, there was now a pressure to ensure she could provide the best findings possible. This was where the frustrations began to mount.

She'd made the decision to pay her professor a visit outside of class, hoping to clear up some of her confusions. Her entrance was prefaced with a gentle knock, and her posture was nothing short of rigid as she stepped into the room.

"Professor, I hope I am not taking up too much of your time, but I am experiencing some difficulties with the material that I was wondering if you could assist me in clearing up." As always, her tone was even and measured, doing her best to not betray her hesitation.

[auraunbound]

Taupe was pouring over all of the data recovered from the warehouse. Project Flannery. Awakener research. And how did Chimera fit into all of this? What did she know? He removed his hat and ran his hand through his hair in exasperation.

“The one thing we still don’t know is why. What are they researching, and for what purpose?” The possibilities were numerous, there was a lot that wasn’t certain about these abilities. But why kidnap people to run tests against their will? And why do it in such a brutish, ham-fisted manner? They seem to have been remaining covert for some time, and then Lazuli happened. In one fell swoop, they had the eyes of the entire city upon them. There was more going on here, almost like they wanted the ADN to find them.

He placed his hand back atop his head and stood, straightening his tie.

“I ought to have a word with Ms. Constantine, as well as Ms. Hamelin. Perhaps there’s a missing piece they can provide.”

[auraunbound]

Taupe was doing his best to keep pushing forward. The instant his wounds were tended to, he had immediately taken to the streets again. Things were getting out of hand, and he didn’t have time to rest on his laurels. He made sure to stock up on ammunition seeing as he wasn’t fit for a close quarters fight at the moment. The streets of Solis Heights were unusually devoid of the typical pedestrians, but that didn’t stop him from getting caught anyway.

“Hey, civilian.” The boy didn’t look much older than he did, and he sported a Bureau uniform. “This area’s not safe. I’m going to have to ask you to head to a shelter immediately.”

“I wish I could officer, I really do, but I’m afraid I have business to attend to. I’m with the ADN, and it’s absolutely vital that I get to the University as soon as possible.”

“Sir, I can tell from the way you’re walking that you’re injured. Besides, the University is classified as a dark zone. It’d be suicide to walk in there alone in your condition.”

“Time is of the essence here, the danger is of no import. If you’re so concerned about my safety, then how about you accompany me? I assume you can handle yourself if the uniform is anything to go by.”

“And what could possibly be so important that you’d want to get in there right now?”

“If I had the time to explain, we wouldn’t be here discussing this. Now either come with me or stand aside.”

As if on cue, a blonde girl decked out in advanced tech came running down the street, skidding to a stop next to the boys.

“Somethin’ goin’ on here? Why’re ya’ just standin’ around?”

“This is really not the time for more interruptions. I’m trying to tell this officer that I need to get to the University.”

“And I’m telling him that he’s injured and that it’s a death sentence.”

“Then I’ll come with. If one’a those Checkmate bastards are holed up there, then I wanna take ‘em head on. ‘sides, reports’re sayin’ there’s a shitload of Chimera up there too. We can’t just let ‘em get to the students.”

“You see? She understands. Now politely move, or earn your stripes officer.”

The boy grit his teeth in frustration at first. His hands gripped his weapon even tighter, and his whole body seemed to tense as if wanting to lash out. After a moment though, his body relaxed, and a strange grin spread across his lips.

“Well, if there’s Chimera there, what kind of soldier would I be if I said no? Private Yarrow Penke, reporting for duty.”

“Hell yeah, that’s what I like to hear. Lily White. Let’s smash some heads, yeah?”

“Ugh. Detective Taupe Columbine. Now, if we are quite finished with introductions, we are losing daylight.” Taupe set off without waiting for a response for the other two, though they quickly fell into step behind him. This was going to be their hero moment after all.

[auraunbound]

Alright, I have to admit, the outfits you picked out this time around are actually pretty good.

“See ‘Lesh? Told ya’ I got an eye for fashion!” The two were wearing white dresses adorned with a complex blue pattern weaving up the left side. Each of their accents was different however, one occupying the negative space of the other’s. Likewise, their masks were a sapphire blue, Alesha’s covering the left side of her face, and Shamra’s covering the right.

Don’t let it go to your head. So what should we do first?

“I don’t know about you, but those hors d'oeuvres are calling my name, and I can’t dance on an empty stomach.”

[auraunbound]

@prismaticmuses​ Blind date for Lily and Rosie!

It was pretty rare that Lily got down to Smokey Gardens at all. She never really had a reason to be there unless she was pursuing a bounty, but this was definitely not one of those times. She couldn’t say she was thrilled with the idea of going on a blind date, and she was definitely not happy that she was signed up without her knowledge, but hey, maybe things would work out.

And so it was that she arrived at the farm with an open mind and relatively pleasant demeanor. Horse riding also wasn’t her first choice, but it was also something she’d had a mind to try for some time now, so at least she could cross that off her list of things to do now that she had money. Before they got to the riding however, formalities had to be exchanged.

Lily had arrived pretty early, adorned in nicer clothes than usual, but of course keeping it simple and practical despite her boss’s advice. A light, sleeveless sweater paired with slim fit jeans and durable boots was the ensemble for the day, and she leaned up against a fence post patiently awaiting her date.

[auraunbound]

@apricusdays​ for Lapis and Gael’s blind date!

Out of all of her friends, Gael was probably the least interested in this whole blind date nonsense. She knew what she was about, and romance wasn’t it. Still, it was too late to back out now. She was already here, and it’d be rude to just stand the poor guy up.

“Hey,” she greeted casually. “Yer Lapis right? Name’s Gael. Full disclosure by the way, I’d be thrilled if we could possibly keep our hands to ourselves today, not even hand holdin’. Nothin’ personal, just really don’t like bein’ touched. Hope that ain’t a dealbreaker for ya’.”

[auraunbound]

“Alright, Gigantus is going the heck down!”

“And I have to be here why?”

“You didn’t. We said we were going, and you said, ‘Well ya’ ain’t effin leavin’ me behind.’“

“And I do have to be here?”

“You’re like, basically my mom. Look, I don’t have any other emergency contacts, and I hear that Gigantus is even more brutal this year.”

“Agh, just try not to get fuckin’ blasted off yer arse this time.”

[auraunbound]

“Hey guys, great news! You know that blind date thing?”

“Yeah, that sounds about right fer ya’. Have fun I guess.”

“Well, you guys might be interested to know that I dropped all of our names in!”

“Cait. Please tell me you aren’t serious.”

“Ya’ can’t make me go. I refuse.”

“Come on, you gotta admit, it wouldn’t kill us to meet new people. Even if the dates don’t work out, it could be nice to just expand our friend group.”

“Ya’ better’ve at least put down that I’m only into girls. If I’m goin’ on a date, it ain’t gonna be with a dude.”

“Oh don’t worry, I triple checked to make sure everything was looking good!”

“I can already tell I’m gonna hate this.”

[auraunbound]

“I must say, it feels nice to be back in Apricus again.”

“I would have preferred you stayed at home this time around, but I suppose you are right. This city does have certain... novelties.”

“Oh do not be like that. After all, we both represent the next generation of leadership. You are not the only one with things to learn.”

“I am unsure if the politics of this city will be relevant back home. I fear this council may be too displaced from their citizens. Learning about their technology however can only be useful.”

“Yes, well I am still rather impressed that you convinced father to go along with this plan. You know how he is, and what with everything that happened last year.... Oh, I have also been meaning to ask, how do you plan on studying this technology? I do not suppose you understand how it functions already.”

“Hm? Surely sister, you did not forget about this city’s educational institution. I plan on enrolling myself. Perhaps if I am feeling indulgent, I may even try out for their sports team. It evokes a familiar sense of hard-fought competition.”

“My my, it seems you did come prepared. In that case, perhaps I will look at the courses offered myself. I am certain there is something that would aid me as well.”

[auraunbound]

“Phew! That shit’s hot!” They really weren’t lying, these Knockout Nachos really did pack a punch. Only two bites in and she was already feeling it. “How’re you guys holdin’ up?”

“T-Too hot! I can’t believe you convinced me to try this, this is not how I wanted to spend my break.” The poor girl was already sweating, and she’d only had a single chip.

“Creation above,” Alecto muttered with a cough. “Lily, it’s nice of you to come back and visit, but your specialty meal really is too much.”

“What’s wrong? Can’t take the heat~?” she taunted, taking another bite. It was a little hotter than she typically preferred, but she still liked it plenty.

“Lil, I can’t feel my tongue. Don’t think I can finish this.”

“Ah well, more fer me then.”

[auraunbound]

“How many times must I tell you no? Honestly, I swear you are more stubborn than I sometimes.” Lumera was rarely found out of her armor, though she’d elected to wear a more casual sleeveless shirt and shorts as she assisted with the cleanup after the excitement had died down. She hefted chunks of rubble over her shoulders, moving them aside so they could be collected and hauled away, setting them down with a grunt.

“Come on Lumi, pleeeeeease?” The young girl sat on a nearby ledge, kicking her feet and pouting. She wished she could help with this job, but she unfortunately lacked the physique of the Templar at work. The most she could collect were pebbles.

“Mabel, you know as well as I that to join the Order, you must have a blessing of your own. Besides, you are still much too young. My answer is no.”

“You don’t know that I won’t get a blessing! And even if I don’t, I can still fight! I wanna be able to protect people, this is my home too. And I’m sixteen now Lumi, I’m not a kid anymore.”

“Yes, you very much still are a child.” She let out a sigh. As much as her sister’s incessant pestering grated on her nerves, perhaps she did have a point. She’d grown a lot in the past years, maybe she was ready.

“Very well. I see that you are set in your ways, so I will consider it.”

“Really?!” Mabel gasped in surprise, jumping up off her seat. “Oh, thank you thank you!”

“This agreement is not without it’s conditions, mind you. We will not begin your training until after we have sufficiently recovered from this insurrection. Rebuilding should be our focus at this time. Additionally, you will be receiving the same kind of training I did. It will be difficult, and I will not hold back simply because you are blood. I expect you to take this training seriously, and do not shirk your duties at the church simply because I’ve taken you on as my squire. The road ahead of you will give little time for recreation.”

“You don’t have to worry about that! I’ve been serious about this for years! I promise I won’t let you down Lumi!”

[auraunbound]

“....”

“Well dang, I guess they got me there.”

[auraunbound]

“’Ciar Industries has always been about innovation.’”

“How’s about ya’ ‘innovate’ me a raise first?”

[auraunbound]

“Hey, is it just me, or was the flag girl like, super cute?”

I thought we came to watch the race, not gawk at the staff.

“I mean, of course we are! Just an observation, you know?”

[auraunbound]

“My, that was quite fun! I ought to get my head checked out after some of those collisions however.”

[auraunbound]

“Thank you for meeting me on such short notice. May I ask who this is that you’ve brought along?”

“This is my friend, Gael. I asked her to come just in case things go bottoms-up.”

“I ain’t much of a detective, but if shit needs smashin’, just point me at it.”

“How quaint. Regardless, hopefully your... brawn, won’t be necessary. I have a lead on the missing girl from Smokey gardens. Our old friend Chimera claims she’s not involved, but she decided to help us out by leaving bits of a map to her. Of course they’ll only work in the right places.”

“Sounds like you’re all being walked into a trap.”

“Indubitably so, though it’s a risk we must take. This particular clue is pointing us toward facilities associated with the Cheshire Financial group in Delta Town. As my experience navigating the area is limited, I was hoping you could help move the investigation along.”

“Sounds like it’s time to hit up a bank then.”

“Spot on. The nearest one shouldn’t be far. Let’s head there first.”