>First Thread:
https://archived.moe/qst/thread/2424210/#2424210

>Previous Thread(s):
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=A%20New%20Mutant%20Quest

>Character Sheet:
https://pastebin.com/r4mTphVV

>>3399876
>Almost a year
Fuck dude you do not die.

>>3399922
Been contemplating it and been existential as fuck since the new year started but I have yet to do so, yes.

I have no intent either until I'm done with whatever I have to do.

>>3399876
>>[X] "...Marcus, were you also telling me you're gay? I had suspicions but you never checked me out, which you would've if you were."
Leaning towards this, if nobody has anything better.

It's late where I'm at. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8) if I have time before my morning classes.

How are you guys? Any thoughts lingering in the back of your mind begging to spring to the surface? Questions you feel or need to ask?

>>3399985
>>3400212
Avoid following in Crusty's footsteps by dying of cancer and being wiped from the face of the earth. Please do not emulate Crusty to that extent, Afungi.

>>3399876
>[X] "...Marcus, were you also telling me you're gay? I had suspicions but you never checked me out, which you would've if you were."

>>3400253
I'm not going to be inspired by Crusty to that point.

...

...

Cancer does run in my family though so you never know

May we meet in the afterlife, if there is one.

>>3400212
>Questions you feel or need to ask?
What exactly are Kojo's power levels at the moment?
I'd gauge his fighting and agility probably as high as elite humans.
Strength, endurance, and Third Eye power seem very high, but I'm not sure who he's comparable to.
Reason and intuition seem to come and go, so I can't figure them out.

...asking for a friend.

>>3400297
Oh, you know...middling high. He's totally low cosmic level-wise. It's not like he's a threat to anything mid or high level on that scale. Universal cosmic personifications are obviously far out of his reach, seeing as two of them whisper sweet nothings into his mind from time to time.

>>3400212
>Any thoughts lingering in the back of your mind begging to spring to the surface?
Oh yeah.
Kojo needs to have sex. Probably with Alex, but not necessarily.
Not even trying to smut, honestly.

One of the several big disconnects between Kojo and Boldred is sex.
Kojo only sees it as how it used to be for him: a weakness; a failure; a shameful lack of control; an abandonment of his values.
If he can accept it as a valid pleasurable activity between consenting adults, it would be one step closer to being healthy.
Scraping the dead puppet off his soul might be more important, but accepting sex as being healthy seems easier to approach.

Just don't do it in front of Ren again, dammit.

>>3400323
>Scraping the dead puppet off his soul
Or reunifying with it and becoming a complete whole

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321 KB JPG

>>3400313
>Oh, you know...middling high
Okay, so around here abouts?

>>3400325
Didn't Boldred say it was definitely dead?
Also, of Kojo and not Boldred?
Made feel like it was like Kojo's lizard brain personality. The Mind that used to be Kojo and separate from Boldred the Soul, but now his Mind is more and Kojo. But that's kind of a crap theory/analogy.
Maybe Dead Puppet Kojo really was soulless?

>>3400339
Maybe, maybe not.

Was old Silver Surfer really that much of a pipsqueak?

>>3400373
Regarding fighting and strength, yeah, I think. It doesn't count his Power Cosmic.

Finally back from class.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "...Marcus, were you also telling me you're gay? I had suspicions but you never checked me out, which you would've if you were."

It's not exactly normal for a man to call another man a hot bitch unless said bitch was a prison bitch in drag or something. Even then, that's pretty weird in a kinky sort of way. Opens up a fantastic way for you to fuck with him, too.

You look up from your food and smile coyly at your best friend.

"...Marcus, were you also telling me you're gay? I had suspicions but you never checked me out, which you would've if you were."

The black man looks up from his dish to shoot you a look screaming 'This Nigga.'

"Have I ever told you how self-centered you are and that you're nowhere near as handsome as you think you look?"

A scoff escapes your lips.

"Bitch, I'm perfect."

Marcus groans.

"You of all fucking people have no right to accuse anyone, much less me, of being gay."

Raising an eyebrow, you let out another curious hum.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Second-in-command man narrows his eyes.

"Motherfucker, you know exactly what I mean. Everyone else might be in the dark but I've been with you since the beginning. I know you've fucked more than your share of ass, not all of them being the kind anyone would expect you to fuck."

You blink your big red on black demon eyes.

"...And?"

Marcus sighs.

"What you said about your mother, you are her."

Once again, you blink oh so innocently.

"...I don't know what you're talking about."

The man picks up his customary fork and stabs it into his dinner plate of ribs.

"Just forget it."

You suppress the urge to chuckle as you focus back on your salmon.

It's so awkward for other people to just say it for some weird reason.

>[ ] "Did you know the doc doesn't eat? He's magic enough that he's 'beyond earthly sustenance.' How do you think that works?"
>[ ] "What is love to you, Marcus, if my interpretation is so fucked up?"
>[ ] "How was your parents' relationship?"
>[ ] "No, say what you're thinking."
>[ ] Dig in, Cage is working hard to pay for this good meal.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3401960
>>[X] Dig in, Cage is working hard to pay for this good meal.

File: 1508096201796.gif (1.05 MB, 451x331)

1.05 MB GIF

>>3401960
>The black man looks up from his dish to shoot you a look screaming 'This Nigga.'
Like pic related?

>[X] Dig in, Cage is working hard to pay for this good meal.

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3402149
nah, more disbelieving

>[X] Dig in, Cage is working hard to pay for this good meal.

Just letting all this food sit and cool off is rude to Harlem's pathetic excuse for a hero. Better for you to honor his senseless sacrifice by eating it while it's hot and fresh. He might not get to enjoy it but you will. Cage is helping you out, like he does for everyone in this cultured shithole of a neighborhood.

You pick up one of the salmon bites by the stick and plop it into your mouth.

A pleased hum purrs in your throat as you roll the fried fish meat around with your tongue.

Tearing a rib out of his set, Marcus rolls his eyes.

"Why can't you ever eat without sounding like you're fucking your food?"

You chomp the salmon bite in half under one of your molars and point to your horns.

The soldier boy digs his own teeth into his rib, rips away some meat, chews, and swallows.

"Still no excuse for moaning, groaning, and growling like an animal."

Briefly flipping your best friend the finger, you bite the rest of the savory fish meat into shreds and gulp.

"I'd like to see you try having an enhanced sense of taste; oh wait, you can't....yet."

Marcus raises an eyebrow at you before shaking his head and returning his attention back to his succulent ribs.

You grab all the salmon bite sticks between your fingers and steadily consume each and every one until only the sticks remain.

Setting down the wooden stabbers in an orderly pattern, you hum a joyful tune.

They were just appetizers but they had a pleasing aesthetic with an adequate taste.

>[ ] "Did you know the doc doesn't eat? He's magic enough that he's 'beyond earthly sustenance.' How do you think that works?"
>[ ] "What is love to you, Marcus, if my interpretation is so fucked up?"
>[ ] "How was your parents' relationship?"
>[ ] "Say what you were thinking earlier."
>[ ] Move on to the main dish, you hungry for some real salmon.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3402386
>[ ] "Did you know the doc doesn't eat? He's magic enough that he's 'beyond earthly sustenance.' How do you think that works?"
>[ ] "You want me to tell you a bit about how this sigil magic works later? Learning this is supposed to take weeks, but we have time for a few hours of it."
>[ ] "Yeah, you can do all sort of things with this. For instance, I made a sigil to give Strange a headache whenever he said something stupid. Imagine what else you could do."
Because we're totally going to make that sigil and nothing will stop us.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Did you know the doc doesn't eat? He's magic enough that he's 'beyond earthly sustenance.' How do you think that works?"
>[X] "You want me to tell you a bit about how sigil magic works later? Learning it is supposed to take weeks, but we have time for a few hours."
>[X] "You can do all sort of things with sigils. For instance, I made one to give Strange a headache whenever he said something stupid. Imagine what else you could do."

>(1/2)

Strange was vague about what exactly he had to eat to gain sustenance. You didn't really ask any questions about it after he left the sandwich alone, though. It's not like you got to look at him with your third eye either to determine the effect magic has on a soul or a body. Whether or not yours will be altered by magic use remains to be seen.

"Did you know the doc doesn't eat? He's magic enough that he's 'beyond earthly sustenance.' How do you think that works?"

Marcus shoots you a look as he dabs his barbecue sauce covered lips with a napkin.

"The fuck are you asking me for?" He sets the napkin down. "You've had more experience and know way more about this supernatural shit than I do, Kojo. Hell, you've been learning under the guy; just ask him."

You groan.

"At least throw some ideas down. Just getting the answer right off the bat straight from the source is boring. I'd like to figure this kind of shit out for myself in a hands-off way. Lessons with the doc can be a bore even though I'm learning fucking magic of all things."

The rib eater slowly shakes his head.

"Just throw your own ideas down then, I've got nothing to put down in your crazy magical world." He raises a hand to his chin. "Kind of crazy what you did with Ren and her split personality, though. Convenient and simple but magic."

A smirk makes its way on to your face.

"You want me to tell you a bit about how sigil magic works later? Learning it is supposed to take weeks, but we have time for a few hours."

Marcus hums.

"...Depends, what can I do with it?"

>(2/2)

The smirk on your face turns into a grin.

"You can do all sort of things with Sigils. For instance, I made one to give Strange a headache whenever he said something stupid. Imagine what else you could do."

Lowering his hand from his chin, your best friend grins.

"So, I can make one to give you headache whenever you hum or say something you stupid?"

You blink before scoffing.

"Please, I can dispel whatever sigil you cast."

A strange ominous feeling flows over you as those words escapes your lips.

What you're saying sounds far too familiar.

Marcus laughs.

"You'll only know if you teach me."

Raising an eyebrow, you shoot the man a questioning look.

"Well, do you want me to?"

The man shrugs.

"If we have the time after this, and you don't hop off to learn anymore magic by yourself."

A hum rumbles in your throat.

You've been pushing for it but now you're not sure.

>[ ] "Say what you were thinking earlier when we were talking about you being gay."
>[ ] "What is love to you, Marcus, if my idea of it is so fucked up?"
>[ ] "How was your parents' relationship?"
>[ ] "Alright, after we're done."
>[ ] Move on to the main dish, you hungry for some real salmon.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3402741
>[ ] Nod. "Alright, after we're done."
>[ ] Move on to the main dish, you hungry for some real salmon.
Talked a bunch, now to eat a bit.

>>3402741
>[X] "Alright, after we're done."
>[X] "Say what you were thinking earlier when we were talking about you being gay."

Getting late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8) before class starts. Also, got night class so expect less updates than usual.

Any thoughts or questions?

>>3402741
>>[X] Nod. "Alright, after we're done."
>>[X] Move on to the main dish, you hungry for some real salmon

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Nod. "Alright, after we're done."
>[X] Move on to the main dish, you hungry for some real salmon.

He might use whatever magic you teach him against you for shits and giggles but it's worth the potential headache. Two magic users in your gang would be a magnificent boon. It might be worth teaching him how to enchant things, too.

You nod.

"Alright, after we're done."

Marcus nods back and returns to his food.

Picking up your customary knife and fork, you dig them into your salmon.

You cut slice after slice until the fish is split in several equal delicious pieces.

Impaling one on your silverware trident, you lift a piece into your maw.

A hum purrs in your throat as you roll the fish meat around your mouth.

The man sitting across from you, tearing into his ribs, rolls his eyes once again.

You flip him the finger in return as you stab into another piece of your delicious fish meat.

One by one, each piece meets its complete obliteration by your pearly white chompers.

Another satisfied hum escapes your lips before you pick up your glass of water and down the entire thing in one go.

Marcus sets his somewhat clean rib on his plate and wipes his mouth clean once again.

"You eat way too fast."

Shrugging, you flash him your teeth.

"Mutant strength on top of our past as foraging street rats." You close your mouth. "I'm surprised you don't eat fast considering."

The man scoffs.

"Unlike you, I like to eat with dignity."

You roll your eyes.

No greater dignity exists in eating food than with enjoying it to the fullest.

>[ ] "Say what you were thinking earlier when we were talking about you being gay."
>[ ] "What is love to you, Marcus, if my idea of it is so fucked up?"
>[ ] "Enjoying anything you eat has dignity."
>[ ] "How was your parents' relationship?"
>[ ] Wait for Marcus to finish his food, you can't help slow flat scans.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3403856
>[ ] "Enjoying anything you eat has dignity."
>[ ] Wait for Marcus to finish his food, you can't help slow flat scans.
>[ ] "How was your parents' relationship? You already know mine."

Going to go to class soon. Will close voting and update when I get back.

I'm back.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Enjoying anything you eat has dignity."
>[X] Wait for Marcus to finish his food, you can't help slow flat scans.
>[X] "How was your parents' relationship? You already know mine."

>(1/2)

The fool's heretic beliefs must be thoroughly thrashed and annihilated. Enjoying food in any way is one of dignity. Some exceptions exist when it comes to shitty foods, however, like in any rational circumstance. No one can help those with shit taste.

"Enjoying anything you eat has dignity."

Marcus slowly shakes his head.

"Not if you sound like you're fucking something when you're eating it."

You let out a groan.

"Better than making none." You point a demanding finger at your best friend. "Don't ever come to my house after I've made something and eat it without having some sort of reaction."

The second-in-commando man scoffs.

"What fucking house? I've never seen you cook either."

Clucking your tongue, you retract your finger.

"I'm going to get one after you-know-what comes through. Just because you've never seen me cook doesn't mean I can't: Kingpin made his own breakfast, you know. Besides that, I might have someone making food for me. Their cooking would be good enough to keep them around enough that I expect you to show them proper respect."

>(2/2)

Marcus shoots you a look.

"You expect me of all people to respect some cook on your payroll?"

Furrowing your brow you shoot him a look of your own.

"Uh-fucking-huh, I do. They'll probably end up being someone I keep close and have to trust handling my food. I don't have shit taste either, so their cooking will be excellent if not perfect. Hell, I don't even have to have this conversation with you: they'll prove they're worthy of your respect."

A disbelieving cry escapes your best friend's lips.

"They don't even exist."

You blink and hum.

"...Yet."

Shaking his head, the heathen returns to his ribs.

Nine minutes pass until your best man wipes his mouth of what little remains of his saucy meal.

You let out another hum as a thought strikes your mind.

"How was your parents' relationship? You already know mine."

Marcus sets down his dirty napkin and blinks.

"...I don't really know. Momma didn't talk about him much before she died. Probably wasn't as crazy and fucked up as yours but still kind of fucked up. While you are either the product of rape or strange consensual sex with a rapist, I'm probably a one night stand or prostitute baby. Knowing her, it's the latter."

You blink once again.

He's told you about his life before meeting you a few times in the past but never really mentioned anything. Sounded a lot like he was expecting to die or gave up before you saved him. In you, he probably saw himself only you knew how to kill people and could.

Maybe he wanted to save you from yourself.

>[ ] "I don't know what the big deal is of being a bastard by rape. Just goes to show someone wanted my mother that badly and thought she was that good looking. Guess that extends to rape itself."
>[ ] "Say what you were thinking earlier when we were talking about you being gay."
>[ ] "Who was your mom exactly? She didn't leave you with a last name."
>[ ] "What is love to you, Marcus, if my idea of it is so fucked up?"
>[ ] "...How did it feel like to have a mother?"
>[ ] "...Did you love her or care for her?"
>[ ] "Let's go, we're done here."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3404738
>>[X] "Who was your mom exactly? She didn't leave you with a last name."
>>[X] "...How did it feel like to have a mother?"

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Who was your mom exactly? She didn't leave you with a last name."
>[X] "...How did it feel like to have a mother?"

Marcus only ever had the name Marcus before you made him accept the name Truman in honor of Dan. Either she was a street born orphan herself like you two or couldn't think of a family name. She could've given him his father's name, not that Marcus deserved to be named after the man who abandoned him.

Another hum rumbles in your throat.

"Who was your mom exactly? She didn't leave you with a last name."

Your best friend sighs.

"Jasmin was her name and she was..." He hangs his head. "Honestly, it's hard to remember her. She was always quiet but...loving in her own way. Didn't like it whenever she hugged me, though: I knew what she was doing with all those men."

Widening your eyes ever so slightly, you raise a hand to your chin.

It's hard for you to imagine forgetting your parents but you forgot your first kill just the same over the years. Might be too painful for him to remember or he might not want to. Could be he really has trouble with remembering the time before he met you. Jasmin sounds kind of like your father from what he can recall.

You lower your hand and frown.

"...How did it feel like to have a mother?"

Marcus lifts his head up and blinks his blue eyes.

"It felt like...I was safe, like I wasn't alone and everything would be fine...Then she died and I didn't feel like anything would be okay again." A smile creeps its way on to his face. "And then I met you and, while things didn't feel quite like they were before, it was better than it was after."

Blinking your own big red-on-black eyes, you tilt your head to the side.

That safe feeling is completely foreign to you. Safety itself is something you haven't ever really felt. In spite of all your power, there are still things that can harm you in this world and dozens of unknown factors you worry about.

Real confusion your feeling is that inclusion of you at the end there when you two are talking about his mother.

>[ ] "Say what you were thinking earlier when we were talking about you being gay."
>[ ] "What is love to you, Marcus, if my idea of it is so fucked up?"
>[ ] "Does that mean I'm like your brother or something?"
>[ ] "...Did you love her or care for her?"
>[ ] "Are you saying I'm your new mom?"
>[ ] "Let's go, we're done here."
>[ ] Write In.

Going to go to my night class in a few minutes. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

Any thoughts itching from the back of your curious brainy skull or questions in your grey matter?

>>3405176
>>[X] "...Did you love her or care for her?"
>>[X] "What is love to you, Marcus, if my idea of it is so fucked up?"
And then...

>>[X] "So wait. Are you saying I'm your new mom?"
Suckled at the teat of Kojo....

>>3405176
This >>3405647

>>3405197
Marcus is eternal best bro, and if anything were to happen to him Kojo would unironically kill everyone then himself. Yes it's a meme but it's a relevant meme here.

>>3405688
Ditto

Back from my morning classes.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "...Did you love her or care for her?"
>[X] "What is love to you, Marcus, if my idea of it is so fucked up?"
>[X] "So wait. Are you saying I'm your new mom?"

It's not like tears are streaking down his cheeks from his eyes. If anything, he sounds kind of apathetic or confused about his mother. Conflicted isn't really bad but it's not exactly good either. You'd be concerned about him if he were sad much more if he was completely uncaring of the woman who brought him into this world.

You un-tilt your head.

"...Did you love her or care for her?"

Marcus' smile slowly shifts into a frown.

"I...I think I did. I mean, I kind of broke down when I found her...stiff and cold...like you were. After that, I couldn't really feel good anything until you saved me."

A hum rumbles in your throat.

He sounds like he's saying he both loves you and thinks of you as his mother. The former thought is strangely flattering but the latter is somewhat insulting: you are neither a whore or a quiet puppet like you used to be.

"What is love to you, Marcus, if my idea of it is so fucked up?"

Your best friend blinks and raises a hand to his chin before shrugging.

"It's something you feel, man. I don't know how to explain it to someone who doesn't believe in it. Love is just when you really fucking care about something above everything else: that's the best I can describe it. Not believing in it is...just fucked up and wrong."

Rolling your eyes, you shoot him a look.

"So wait. Are you saying I'm your new mom?"

Marcus blinks once again.

"...What?"

You groan.

"Dude, you mentioned feeling like shit after she died and felt better after meeting me. I make you feel safe like she did, somehow. Was I your new mother after she died or your dad?"

The man scoffs and begins to slowly shake his head.

"You are fucking unbelievable."

Blinking your big red-on-black eyes again, you tilt your head to the side.

"How?"

Marcus raises an open hand to cover his face.

"Jesus fucking Christ, how can the smartest person I know be the densest motherfucker in the room."

You let out a confused hum.

Confused and lost, you are.

>[ ] "I'm never going to know what you think I'm doing wrong if you don't tell me, man."
>[ ] "Say what you were thinking earlier when we were talking about you being gay."
>[ ] "Bitch, I'm a motherfucking genius mastermind."
>[ ] "Let's go, we're done here."
>[ ] "Well, fuck you too."
>[ ] "...What? What?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3407247
>[ ] "I'm never going to know what you think I'm doing wrong if you don't tell me, man."
>I’m a motherfucking genius

>>3407247
this >>3407399

Voting closed; writing now.

File: 1554417344877.png (367 KB, 874x547)

367 KB PNG

>>3407506
This pic is for you

>[X] "I'm never going to know what you think I'm doing wrong if you don't tell me, man."
>[X] "Bitch, I'm a motherfucking genius mastermind."

He's acting a lot like any entitled woman or flamboyant gay man acts: like you're supposed to read their fucking minds. No one can expect anyone to know of an unclear issue if they don't have it pointed out to them. You pity whatever man or tomboy gets hitched with your best friend's black ass.

You un-tilt your head.

"I'm never going to know what you think I'm doing wrong if you don't tell me, man."

Marcus slowly slides his hand off his face.

"Just goes to show how much of a dumbass you are."

Clucking your tongue, you narrow your eyes and furrow your brow.

"Bitch, I'm a motherfucking genius mastermind."

The man chuckles.

"When it comes to some things but you're a complete idiot when it comes to normal people."

You roll your eyes as you lean back on your chair.

"Then enlighten me what your issue is, normal black Bronx gangsta soldier boy."

Unusually-bitchy-guy sighs.

"I all but told you something important."

Scooting yourself closer to your dumbass friend, the chair under you screeches against the tile floor.

"Which isn't actually telling me shit, just fucking tell me already."

Marcus averts his eyes and sits silent for a moment.

"...I love you in the I-don't-want-to-fuck-you kind of way." He turns back to face you, cheeks blushing as much as dark skin could. "...Dumbass."

You blink.

...

...

...

>[ ] "Don't tell Cuda that or he'll be on your ass for being a non-gay-for-the-stay kind of nigga."
>[ ] "That is easily the gayest thing you've ever said despite not being gay at all."
>[ ] "I don't understand how that's possible: I'm easily a ten, nine at worst."
>[ ] "...Never tell Run or Ren that or I'll never hear the fucking end of it."
>[ ] "...So Alex wasn't fucking with me when she said you loved me."
>[ ] "Wow...you really are gay."
>[ ] "Like a...brother?"
>[ ] "Love isn't real."
>[ ] "...Oh."
>[ ] Laugh in his face, you don't know how to process this in a way that doesn't involve some kind of spite or rejection.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3407614
how?

>>3407662
>>[X] "I don't understand how that's possible: I'm easily a ten, nine at worst."
Wow, gay.

>>3407662
this >>3407729

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "I don't understand how that's possible: I'm easily a ten, nine at worst."

Little there is that you can think of saying to him. Better left unsaid, all of this was. Homosexual he is not yet very homo this moment is. Your mind isn't exactly blown but would be better if he just kept his feelings to himself and your relationship vaguely familial.

Best to just play the suave lord of handsomeness you happen to be.

"I don't understand how that's possible: I'm easily a ten, nine at worst."

Marcus groans.

"Oh for fuck's sake, can you be any more vain?"

You chuckle.

"Vain? That's an awfully fancy word for you, soldier boy. By what social right do you employ such elegance into your vocabulary dictionary?"

The man shoots you a look.

"Are you freaking out and just fucking with me to avoid talking about what I just said?"

You blink and laugh.

"No, fuck no! Why do you think that?"

Shaking his head, your best friend scoffs.

"Because you are?"

Laughing loudly, you vigorously shake your own head.

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! I'm just mocking you for being you, you ridiculous sonofawhore! Fine, just fine; everything's fine like some blood wine, my bro-" You stop, mouth open. "...Homie."

A smug smirks makes its way on Marcus' face.

"You feel the same way about me, don't you?"

He points an accusing finger at your increasingly anxious face.

"Kojo, you. Love. Me."

You blink.

...

...

>[ ] "...Fuck! Don't make this any gayer than it already is!"
>[ ] "Do I look like a fag to you?"
>[ ] "Wow...you really are gay."
>[ ] "Like a...brother?"
>[ ] "Love isn't real."
>[ ] "...No, I don't.
>[ ] Laugh in his face, you don't know how to process this in a way that doesn't involve some kind of spite or rejection.
>[ ] Stand up and walk away, you don't have to take these false accusations.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3407934
>gayyyyy
>laugh
>stand up and walk away

>>3407934
>>[X] "Wow...you really are gay."

Late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

Any thoughts or questions on your minds, my friends?

>>3407934
>gayyyyy
>laugh
>stand up and walk away

>>3408357
Bros before hoes, bitch

>>3407934
>>3408186
>>gayyyyy
>>laugh
>>stand up and walk away
This hits the best balance of humor, banter, and evasion.

Plus, Kojo can reveal his true feelings by accidentally dine&dashing while distracted.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Wow...you really are gay."
>[X] Laugh in his face, you don't know how to process this in a way that doesn't involve some kind of spite or rejection.
>[X] Stand up and walk away, you don't have to take these false accusations.

The gayness has gone from an eight to a ten. You're fine with gay, but this is entirely too gay. Fucking people of the same sex is one thing, and sneezing glitter is another.

You're totally not freaking the fuck out right now.

"Wow...you really are gay."

Marcus blinks back and puts down his finger.

"Are you fucking serious right now?"

Laughing, you stand up and begin to walk away.

Onlookers stare as you cackle your way to the entrance, gay soldier boy rising from his seat to follow your fine ass.

You push open the entrance and slam it shut exiting the restaurant.

A muffled disbelieving grunt of frustration emanates from the building behind you.

Glancing at your best friend from the corner of your eye, you see the greeter standing in his way.

Marcus visibly clucks his tongue.

"Put it on Luke Cage's tab!"

You laugh again as the man brushes past the woman to exit the front door and turn to continue your dashing.

An unrestrained grunt flares behind you.

"Just where the fuck do you think you're going, you unbelievable asshole!"

Spinning back around, you blink at your somewhat pissed off best friend.

This may have been a mistake.

>[ ] "Are you really doing this right here, right now?"
>[ ] "...Oh right, I'm your ride; hold on."
>[ ] "...What do you want me to say?"
>[ ] "Do I look like a fag to you?"
>[ ] "Love isn't real."
>[ ] "...What? What?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3409282
>[X] "...Oh right, I'm your ride; hold on."
i dont know what ot say so i am going to ignore it like a true mc

>>3409282
This >>3409392
Not the first time a Marvel character has done stuff like this, right?

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "...Oh right, I'm your ride; hold on."

You don't know what to say at all in this situation. He made it so gay and awkward you can't really respond appropriately. Maybe if the both of you were alone in a secluded area and one of you was unconscious, you could think of something to say.

The two of you are done here and need to go, though.

"...Oh right, I'm your ride; hold on."

Marcus shoots you a look as you hop over to him.

"Wha-"

You cut your best friend off by wrapping an arm around him and taking off into the air.

The angry man grunts and worms in your grip.

"Let me go!"

Raising an eyebrow, you glance at him.

"You'll die at this height if I do."

Not-a-gaylord furrows his brow before moving his lips by your ear.

"Set me down, you dumbass!"

Letting out a grunt of your own real non-emotional pain, you land on a nearby building and let go of your angry best man.

"Fucking hell, what is your problem?"

Marcus, disoriented, points a wobbly finger at you.

"What the fuck is yours!? I have no idea what the fuck is going on with you! If it's not magic, your past, your soul, or your parents, it's something else! We were just having a decent lunch with each other and you freak the fuck out when I say I love you?"

The man sighs and slowly shakes his head.

"I don't get you, Kojo."

You blink and swallow as a familiar pressure pushes down on your insides.

...

...

You don't understand either.

>[ ] "...I love you, by your definition of love...There, I said it! When I think of you dying or sad, I feel like I want to die...I can't stand the thought of it or the idea that I can feel this way about anyone: it's not in my nature and not how I view myself and I...I don't know how to process that. I...I thought about killing you that afternoon at the alley when you broke down... That's me but not the kind of person I want to be...not anymore." (Will Roll, +6 modifier, DC18)
>[ ] "...When I think of you, I feel warm and happy. I never had family but I had you, abuelita, and Dan... There are times when I wonder...if what I feel when I think about those times is what it feels like to have a family... And I wonder, if what I feel when I'm with you is what it's like...to have a brother." (Will Roll, +6 modifier, DC16)
>[ ] "The One Most Dearest...is what my soul calls you." (Will Roll, +6 modifier, DC14)
>[ ] "I care about you a lot, okay!? I-it's not like I love you or anything!" (Will Roll, +6 modifier, DC12)
>[ ] "Come on, don't you get it already? Don't make me say it."
>[ ] "...Just give me a minute to think."
>[ ] "Love isn't real."
>[ ] "Neither do I."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3409636
>[ ] "...Just give me a minute to think."
>[ ] "...When I think of you, I feel warm and happy. I never had family but I had you, abuelita, and Dan... There are times when I wonder...if what I feel when I think about those times is what it feels like to have a family... And I wonder, if what I feel when I'm with you is what it's like...to have a brother." (Will Roll, +6 modifier, DC16)
>[ ] "I'll be honest, I would probably go crazy or kill myself if you ever end up dying on me. I'm not sure if that's supposedly love, or if it's simply something akin to deep appreciation and respect." Shrug. "It is what it is."

>>3409636
>[ ] "Come on, don't you get it already? Don't make me say it."
>>[ ] "...I love you, by your definition of love...There, I said it! When I think of you dying or sad, I feel like I want to die...I can't stand the thought of it or the idea that I can feel this way about anyone: it's not in my nature and not how I view myself and I...I don't know how to process that. I...I thought about killing you that afternoon at the alley when you broke down... That's me but not the kind of person I want to be...not anymore." (Will Roll, +6 modifier, DC18)

>>3409716
i support this i dont want to break our mutant mc

>Will Roll
>+8 Modifier
>DC16

Best of the first three d20s please.

Rolled 10 + 8 (1d20 + 8)

>>3409796
NO LOW ROLLS

Rolled 1 + 8 (1d20 + 8)

>>3409796

Rolled 12 + 8 (1d20 + 8)

>>3409829
FUCK RIGHT OFF

Rolling closed; writing now.

>>3409829
you had one job, but you couldn't escape the hand of fate

>[X] "...Just give me a minute to think."
>[X] "...When I think of you, I feel warm and happy. I never had family but I had you, abuelita, and Dan... There are times when I wonder...if what I feel when I think about those times is what it feels like to have a family... And I wonder, if what I feel when I'm with you is what it's like...to have a brother." (Will Roll, +6 modifier, DC16)
>Will Roll
>+8 Modifier
>DC16
>Rolled 1 + 8 = 9
>Critical Failure!

Whatever you're feeling, you need to think about it before you say anything. You won't be able to say it if you don't resolve to or put it into the right words. Even then, your pride might get in the way of making things any better.

You take in a deep breath and sigh.

"...Just give me a minute to think."

Marcus falls on to his hand for support before looking up to you, eyebrow raised.

"...You have a minute."

Nodding, you walk back until you feel a firm cement wall behind yours.

You raise a hand to your chin and hum.

Every time you think of him dead, hurt, or in harm's way, you feel barely contained rage. Whenever he's around or you're together, you feel happy and relaxed. There is no one else in the world you trust, care, and value more than him.

You love him by his own definition but don't have one of your own.

Standing back up straight, you walk over to your now balanced best friend.

The man crosses him arms and stands silently, waiting for you to speak.

You take in another deep breath and sigh.

"...When I thin-... When I...when I..."

Marcus lets out a sigh as you drift off and malfunction before laughing.

Blinking, you tilt your head to the side.

"...What?"

Your best friend continues to chuckle.

"Nevermind, you don't need to try to give me an answer I already have."

A confused hum rumbles in your throat.

"How?"

Marcus stops his giggling and smiles.

"The blush on your face is all I need."

You blink yet again and avert your crimson demon eyes.

What he's saying is impossible: you don't blush.

>[ ] "Oh fuck you, what's your problem, huh?"
>[ ] "What answer did I give you...gaylord?"
>[ ] "Let's just go home already."
>[ ] "Quit lying, I don't blush."
>[ ] "Love isn't real."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3410079
>quit lyin, I don’t blush

>>3410079
>>[X] "Quit lying, I don't blush."

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Quit lying, I don't blush."

Lies, lies, lies, lies, lies, lies. This man is obviously lying to you. No way in hell you, the most badass hardass to ever grace the streets of New York, blush. It's obviously some sort of mistake. Your blood must be heating or pooling in your head from a space-time anomaly or something.

"Quit lying, I don't blush."

Marcus shakes his head.

"No, you do; you're doing it right now."

You rapidly shake your own head.

"I don't blush!"

The man holds out his open palms, lifts them up, and beats them down with his every word.

"You fucking do and are!"

Once again shaking your head, you turn and look away, crossing your arms.

"No, I'm not!"

Marcus bursts into a fit of boisterous laughter.

"Oh my god, you're somehow being adorable and an annoying little shit at the same fucking time!"

A scoff escapes your lips as you turn back to your best friend.

"Who the fuck are you calling a little shit, gay boy?"

Bald homo man clutches his sides.

"You're the only one on this rooftop who's actually fucked another man!"

Some strange warmth engulfs your face as you turn to look away again.

"...Fuck you."

The boisterous laughing emanating in the background increases in volume and annoyingness.

"Jesus, you're red!"

You grunt and growl to yourself.

For the second time, you want to kill your best friend for far less reasonable reasons.

>[ ] "Do you want me to leave you here?"
>[ ] "Let's just go home already."
>[ ] "Jesús isn't here right now."
>[ ] "Love isn't real."
>[ ] "...Please stop."
>[ ] "Oh, fuck you."
>[ ] Hop away, you don't need this shit right now.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3410645
>>[X] "Do you want me to leave you here?"
>>[X] "Let's just go home already."
Don't fret Kojo, it happens to all of us.

>>3410079
>"I don't know what kind of answer you're thinking of, but it's clearly SO important that I cannot put it into words." Nod a lot. "Yeah, that's it. I'll get it to you on paper one of these days. That should set your gay ass straight." Laugh like a madman both at your own joke and in relief.
OH SHIT I'M LATE AAAAAAAAAAA

>>3410645
This >>3410707

>>3410747
...i don't get the joke

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "I don't know what kind of answer you're thinking of, but it's clearly so important that I cannot put it into words." Nod a lot. "Yeah, that's it. I'll get it to you on paper one of these days. That should set your gay ass straight." Laugh.
>[X] "Do you want me to leave you here?"
>[X] "Let's just go home already."

Regaining your footing is exactly what you need right now. After you do that, you can move on to the threats like the big badass you are. The two of you can go home and not talk to each other for a while after that or act like this whole entire thing never happened.

Turning back to your best friend, you do your best to smile coyly.

"I don't know what kind of answer you're thinking of, but it's clearly so important that I cannot put it into words." Rapidly nodding your head, you smirk. "Yeah, that's it. I'll get it to you on paper one of these days. That should set your gay ass straight."

Forced, malevolent laughter escapes your lips.

Marcus blinks and shoots you a look.

"...Was that supposed to be a joke?"

You sigh before narrowing your eyes.

"Do you want me to leave you here?"

The second-in-command's eyes widen ever so slightly.

"...No, but I'm sure I can find my way down from here on my own."

Rolling your eyes, you shoot him a look of your own.

"Let's just go home already."

Marcus shrugs.

"Sure, if that's what you want."

A small hop takes you to the man's side and another sees you off as you wrap an arm around your friend's waist.

It takes you eight minutes to go from Harlem back to the open entrance of your neighborhood base.

You let go of Marcus' shitty inner-eared ass and sigh.

That was not the best lunch date you've ever had and quite possibly the worst.

>[ ] Go to Itsuku, you haven't had a talk with him in a while.
>[ ] Make your way to Jesús, you haven't checked up on him.
>[ ] Hop back to Strange's, you've got studies to continue.
>[ ] Call pimp bitch, she is waiting for a response.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3410965
>>[X] Make your way to Jesús, you haven't checked up on him.

>>3410965
>>[X] Call pimp bitch, she is waiting for a response.
>>[X] Make your way to Jesús, you haven't checked up on him.


>>3410645
>we be Ren now
Blushing Beast

Getting late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

Any thoughts on your grey matter or questions on your mind?

File: 007.gif (2.62 MB, 413x233)

2.62 MB GIF

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>3410965
This >>3411001

>>3411007
nice get

>>3411001
support

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Call pimp bitch, she is waiting for a response.
>[X] Make your way to Jesús, you haven't checked up on him.

She's probably still waiting for your phone call. You still haven't exactly decided what to do with her but it'd be good to let her know you're still taking her actions into consideration. Checking in on Jesús can come after. Hopefully, Marcus will be somewhat jealous.

Putting your hand in your pocket, you flip out your burner and dial what's-her-name's number.

The line dials three times before breaking.

"Yo, what up?"

A small laugh escapes your lips.

"Not much, how are things on your end."

Bitch pimp grunts.

"Oh, it's you...boss. What was that opportunity or opening you mentioned back when I agreed to handle Pineapple for you?"

Glancing from the corner of your eye, you see Marcus regaining his footing.

"Still haven't decided to tell you about it yet. Stay free for another call."

Yet another grunt fuzzes through the burner speakers.

"What?"

Hanging up, you flip the burner closed and slip it into your pocket before making your way inside the warehouse.

Numerous eyes fix themselves on your luxurious form.

You look over to Jesús' usual corner and see him sulking there yet staring back as well.

The Colombian nods his head in greeting.

Humming, you begin to make your way through the sea of sitting and standing people to your solemn enforcer.

Jesús stands silently and diligently.

"Patrón."

You nod.

"Jesús."

While somewhat concerning, his composed emotionless demeanor is deserving of respect. You can imagine he'd be an excellent example of how a powerful man should behave in Japan or China. Itsuki doesn't emote much due to his professionalism while Jesús doesn't because that's just who he is, though.

>[ ] "You and Ren both have gone through some traumatic experiences. Why don't you try talking to her sometime?"
>[ ] "Is there anything you want to do?"
>[ ] "Are you afraid of anything?"
>[ ] "How are you today?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3412492
>what do you guys want to do

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Is there anything you want to do?"

While you didn't exactly get anywhere the last few times you've spoken with Jesús, that doesn't mean you won't get anywhere now. He'll have an answer for this question eventually. Maybe the upcoming era of peace will do him some good.

A questioning hum rumbles in your throat.

"Is there anything you want to do?"

Jesús blinks.

"...¿No, por qué?" (Translation: "No, why?")

You shrug.

"Just wondering. Can you think of anything? I mean, have you not done anything you're interested in, eaten lunch or breakfast yet, or gone anywhere in town you've thought of going?"

The tracksuited teenager stands quiet.

"...No."

Clucking your tongue, you examine your enforcer.

He doesn't seem to be lying to you judging by his ever still expression but he could be out of apathy towards all those things you mentioned. It seems like he took the time to think about it though didn't display it. Either that or he really doesn't care for these check ups.

Once again, the brown-skinned man blinks.

"Is there something wrong, patrón?"

You let out another hum.

Maybe he's more understanding of emotions than you thought he was.

>[ ] "You and Ren both have gone through some traumatic experiences. Why don't you try talking to her sometime?"
>[ ] "Why were you staring at me when I said you were all free if I got locked up?"
>[ ] "Are you afraid of anything?"
>[ ] "How are you today?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3413156
>why are you staring at me

>>3413156
this >>3413168

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Why were you staring at me when I said you were all free if I got locked up?"

He is loyal and normally nonjudgmental of you and your decisions. It's odd that even he joined in on the shocked stares. Everyone else, you can understand but not him. The man's your frighteningly accurate unfeeling battering ram.

"Why were you staring at me when I said you were all free if I got locked up?"

Jesús lets out a small hum.

"It was...unlike you, patrón."

You groan.

"Do I really not show compassion as often as I think I do?"

The enforcer sits himself down on the Bratva crate behind him.

"I do not think what you view as compassion is the same as what we see it as, patrón."

Blinking, you raise an eyebrow.

Now this is a tone he's never taken before.

"Explain."

Jesús averts his eyes for a moment before looking back into yours.

"What you view to be compassion are small acts of mercy in which those you show mercy to are typically traumatized or in debt to you indefinitely, patrón. Most of us view compassion as being empathetic and forgiving while you act vengeful and demanding. You abandoned your usual sense of compassion for the common one."

You let out a thoughtful hum of your own.

He's not wrong about you there or wrong about the typical view of compassion.

>[ ] "You and Ren both have gone through some traumatic experiences. Why don't you try talking to her sometime?"
>[ ] "Compassion, is that something you feel?"
>[ ] "Are you afraid of anything?"
>[ ] "How are you today?"
>[ ] "Good talk, Jesús."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3413478
>huh, noted
>do you guys feel compassion?
>you afraid of anything?

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Huh, noted."
>[X] "Compassion, is that something you feel?"
>[X] "Are you afraid of anything?"

For someone usually unfeeling, he seems to display a great understanding of compassion, as far as you know anyway. He does hate himself for all he's done and for what he did to that family. That's a form of self-destructive compassion of sorts.

Him feeling compassion makes far too sense.

"Huh, noted."

Jesús nods.

"Is there anything else I can help you with, patrón?"

You nod.

"Compassion, is that something you feel?"

The enforcer blinks before nodding back.

"Si, patrón. I feel compassion for those with less than I have, the children who roam the streets, the women who work the corners, and for those with more yet empty lives. Their pain has no purpose and no clear source for them to stop."

Raising an eyebrow, you shoot the man a look.

"Those with more than you have no excuse for living their empty lives; don't feel for them."

Jesús sighs.

"...I can't help it."

You lower your eyebrow and let out a hum of understanding.

People with hearts like his, albeit broken and apathetic at most times, can't help but bleed for the sake of others.

It makes you wonder if there's anything he fears in that somewhat caring heart of his.

"Are you afraid of anything?"

The man pauses for a moment.

"...Hearing news of my sister, mother, or grandmother's death."

You blink before widing your eyes ever so slightly.

Of course, you forgot he still has family back home.

>[ ] "Do you want to go see them again one day? You'll have plenty of cash and time on your hands in a few months."
>[ ] "You and Ren both have gone through some traumatic experiences. Why don't you try talking to her sometime?"
>[ ] "I'm kind of surprised to hear you feel for the less fortunate. It's unlike what I've pictured you to be."
>[ ] "How are you today?"
>[ ] "Good talk, Jesús."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3414061
>[ ] "Do you want to go see them again one day? You'll have plenty of cash, time, and freedom on your hands in a few months."
>[ ] "You know, I never expected to hear these things coming from you of all people. It's... somewhat enlightening, and I appreciate that at the very least."
>[ ] "You and Ren both have gone through some traumatic experiences. Why don't you try talking to her sometime?"
Truth from the horse's mouth, eh?

>>3414121
support

Getting late where I'm at. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

Any questions or thoughts on you guys' mind?

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Do you want to go see them again one day? You'll have plenty of cash, time, and freedom on your hands in a few months."
>[X] "You know, I never expected to hear these things coming from you of all people. It's... somewhat enlightening, and I appreciate that at the very least."
>[X] "You and Ren both have gone through some traumatic experiences. Why don't you try talking to her sometime?"

Your entire crew is going to have a lot of free time after they get settled in. He could go visit his family once in a while just to get rid of that fear of his. Maybe that would start cheering him up.

"Do you want to go see them again one day? You'll have plenty of cash, time, and freedom on your hands in a few months."

Jesús blinks and pauses.

"...I don't think they'd be happy to see me again...as I am. They are probably better off thinking I'm dead and with my father in dios' embrace."

Shrugging, you lay a hand on the man's shoulder.

"Never know until you try, just go whenever you're ready."

The enforcer nods.

"I will, patrón."

A smile creeps its way on to your face.

He kind of gets it now and you kind of get him.

"You know, I never expected to hear these things coming from you of all people. It's...somewhat enlightening, and I appreciate that at the very least."

Jesús lets out a small confirming hum.

"You're welcome, patrón."

Chuckling, you glance at your third-in-commmand's direction before focusing back on the other Latino in your leadership.

"You and Ren both have gone through some traumatic experiences. Why don't you try talking to her sometime?"

Tracksuit Colombian sicario tilts his head ever so slightly to the side.

"About what and how, patrón?"

You blink and shrug.

"Come on, you know...shit you've been through? You're already talking to me about things and told me about what happened in your past. Just do that, if you want to. Might do you some good to talk with people other than me."

Jesús sits in silence.

"...I'll try, patrón."

A pleased hum rumbles in your throat.

Maybe he really will come out of his shell eventually.

>[ ] "You don't actually believe in a god, do you?"
>[ ] "Aww, even someone like you can be adorable."
>[ ] "Just take it slow: walk at your own pace."
>[ ] "How are you today?"
>[ ] "Good talk, Jesús."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3415620
>[ ] "Just take it slow: walk at your own pace."
>[ ] "Good talk, Jesús."
Jesus is 100% based. Not bro tier, but based.

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3415842
agreed

>[X] "Just take it slow: walk at your own pace."
>[X] "Good talk, Jesús."

The man's making progress but you don't want him to feel like you're pushing him to. It has to be something he does for himself. Despite the fact it'd be in your interest to make him the man you want to be, it's in your best interest for him to be the man he becomes. You'd only hate yourself for making him into your puppet and him for being weak enough to be manipulated by you to that extent.

"Just take it slow: walk at your own pace."

Jesús nods.

"I will, patrón...thank you."

You widen your eyes ever so slightly before patting the man on the head.

Feeling appreciated for being the caring insensitive bastard you are is always pleasant.

"Good talk, Jesús."

Pivoting back around, you see Marcus, eyebrow raised, staring at a distance.

A grin spreads across your face at his questioning, confused expression.

Jealousy might be detrimental to Marcus and Jesús' working relationship but it would be amazing to watch.

To Marcus' far right, Alex too observes with cat-like curiosity.

Ren is examining herself with a mirror on her side of the Bratva crates.

Might be good for you to talk and hang out with them or to get back to pimp bitch.

>[ ] Make your way to Ren, you can assure her she still looks cute with the forehead tattoo.
>[ ] Flip out your phone and call pimp bitch, you need to decide on something for her.
>[ ] Go over to Marcus, ensure him he's been replaced.
>[ ] Hop over to Alex, maybe she can relate to Jesús.
>[ ] Write In.

Forgive the wait, I finally usurped the Buddhist Tibetan Empire as a Bön war goddess that started off as a count and usurped her way to a duchy and forged a kingdom before wresting away all of Tibet from the Buddhist scum. The religious revocations took fucking forever.

it was amazing and i'm just ten percent MA away from reforming the faith

>>3416168
what a campaign, huh?

>>3416165
>[ ] Hop over to Alex, maybe she can relate to Jesús.
>[ ] Flip out your phone and call pimp bitch, you need to decide on something for her.
Handle this now before it gets any later.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Hop over to Alex, maybe she can relate to Jesús.
>[X] Flip out your phone and call pimp bitch, you need to decide on something for her.

Ren's just checking herself out in the mirror. It's not big deal really. If you had one of your own, you'd be checking yourself out in the mirror all day instead of staring at the sky. Alex is the one you should check up on: she's looking more mischievous and catty than usual. You can call bitch pimp after.

A quick hop takes you from Jesús' front to the girl's.

You let out a questioning hum as her big blue eyes blink oh so innocently.

"Why were you staring?"

Blondie giggles.

"Is there any reason why I shouldn't have watched you pet Jesus like a beaten puppy, boss?"

You shoot her a look before raising a hand to your chin.

"Huh, he is actually a lot like a beaten puppy, a Colombian attack puppy with really good eyesight who can run way too fast."

Alex raises an eyebrow.

"Is he a mutant or?"

Waving it off, you shake your head.

"Long story, you'll find out eventually."

The minx 'oohs.'

"Sounds fun and mysterious."

You scoff.

"It's something really simple that you'd never someone like him to do. As for fun, you out of everyone here might call it that. Personally, it was at an inopportune time despite being really useful." Once again, you raise your hand to your chin. "...Although, we were in that situation because of it."

A whine whimpers in Alex's throat.

"Don't spoil it."

Rolling your eyes, you dig your hand into your pocket.

"I'm not spoiling anything. Now, if you'd excuse me, I've got a bitch to call."

Ms. Not-Really-Crazy smiles.

"Tell bitch I said hello."

You nod as you dial in pimp bitch's number.

"She'll know."

The dial drones four times before the line breaks.

"Are we going to finally talk about those things you said we would, like, two calls ago?"

A hum rumbles in your throat.

The tone in her voice could use some work.

>[ ] "You get to be the pimp union leader of the Bronx. It's a formal position but it gives you a lot of leeway."
>[ ] "The pimps of the Bronx are now yours to manage. A certain Ren or Run Japanese girl will be your new boss."
>[ ] "Know anyone who'd make a good puppet for the pimp community?"
>[ ] "Do please watch the tone of your tongue, or I'll rip it out."
>[ ] "A friend wanted me to let you know she said 'Hi, bitch.'"
>[ ] Write In.

Late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8) before class.

How you guys doing? Got any thoughts on your minds? Any questions you need answered?

>>3417064
>[ ] "A friend wanted me to let you know she said 'Hi, bitch.'" Laugh.
>[ ] "You get to be the pimp union leader of the Bronx. It's a formal position but it gives you a lot of leeway. I figure someone like you appreciates that kind of freedom, given what I already know."
>[ ] "Please don't fail me twice in a fucking row. I hear zebra print used to be in fashion. Emphasis on 'used.'" Say it in a casual way, but dial up that menace.

>>3417096
I'm looking forward to the conference shit and where we go from there. I want to get some "teaching Marcus magic" shenanigans before then too. Seems Ren likes her new tattoo, and Jesus might go soul searching after Kojo is arrested. Hope Marcus can hold the fort and Cuda can hold his bullets.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "A friend wanted me to let you know she said 'Hi, bitch.'"
>[X] "You get to be the pimp union leader of the Bronx. It's a formal position but it gives you a lot of leeway. I figure someone like you appreciates that kind of freedom, given what I already know."
>[X] "Please don't fail me twice in a fucking row. I hear zebra print used to be in fashion. Emphasis on 'used.'"

Giving someone you don't really know in a personal way any power is bound to come back to bite you through way of biting Ren. Formal power is a less powerful form of it that ensures she won't be able to make any meaningful moves anytime soon. Maybe Ren can decide whether she's worth having the real deal later on down the line.

First things first, fucking around with the bitch pimp.

"A friend wanted me to let you know she said 'Hi, bitch.'"

The bitch lets out a confused grunt as Alex giggles.

"What? Did you take one of my hoes with you or have one of my ex-hoes?"

You scoff.

"Fuck no, who would want one of your disgusting crazy ass sluts?"

What's-her-name lets out a scoff of her own.

"People pay top dollar for that kind of shit, boss. Now, we gonna talk about what you gave Zebra Daddy?"

A low pitched hum rumbles in your throat.

"You get to be the pimp union leader of the Bronx. It's a formal position but it gives you a lot of leeway. I figure someone like you appreciates that kind of freedom, given what I already know."

The line lays silent for a few seconds.

"...What exactly do you know about me?"

Shrugging, you look up to the ceiling of the warehouse.

"Enough. Are you up for the position or what?"

A confirming hum fuzzes through the burner speakers.

"Down like a sad clown, jolly brown."

You briefly raise an eyebrow before shaking it off.

"Please don't fail me twice in a fucking row. I hear zebra print used to be in fashion. Emphasis on 'used.'"

Once again, the line lays silent for a moment.

"...Understood, boss."

Humming a pleased hum, you move your thumb over the hang-up button and press down.

Ren's going to need to know who the bitch pimp is if she's going to manage the Bronx.

Also, Marcus is looking at you from the corner of your eye all weird-like.

>[ ] "Jesús is my new best friend, Marcus."
>[ ] "Alex, how long has he been staring?"
>[ ] "Are you stalking me?"
>[ ] "...What? What?"
>[ ] Hop over the round-table to Ren, she needs to know these things.
>[ ] Call Phineas, it's been a while since you've checked on him.
>[ ] Write In.

Almost time for me to go to class.

Will close voting and update when I get back.

>>3417738
>[ ] "...What? What?"
>[ ] "Alex, how long has he been staring?"
>[ ] "Look, we'll have that lesson later. I have to go tell Ren about the new bitch pimp of the Bronx."
>[ ] Hop over the round-table to Ren, she needs to know these things.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "...What? What?"
>[X] "Alex, how long has he been staring?"
>[X] "Look, we'll have that lesson later. I have to go tell Ren about the new bitch pimp of the Bronx."
>[X] Hop over the round-table to Ren, she needs to know these things.

You'd tell him what was going on between you and Jesús if his silence didn't indicate whatever response he'd have would be an irritated one. At the very least, you'll courteously ask what's up with him before asking your personal minx how long he's spied on you. It'd piss him off even more but it'd be hilarious.

Slipping your burner back into your pocket, you turn to the still face of your best friend.

"...What? What?"

Marcus continues staring at you in silence.

A pivot turns you back in your favorite blonde's direction.

"Alex, how long has he been staring?"

The foxy girl smiles.

"Since he walked into the warehouse."

Sighing, you spin back around to the ebony sculpted man.

"Look, we'll have that lesson later. I have to go tell Ren about the new bitch pimp of the Bronx."

Marcus raises an eyebrow at you before widening his eyes.

"Oh yeah, magic lessons." He blinks. "Wait, what bitch pimp?"

You hop over the chatting crowds of gangsters, over the round-table, and land in front of the split personality Japanese girl.

Ren lowers her mirror to unobstruct her view of you.

"Reyes-sama?"

A pleased hum rumbles in your throat at both your rude hop away and the loyal girl's honorific.

It's the small things like this in life you have to enjoy.

>[ ] "There's some bitch pimp named Shinastra or something that's going to be the union leader of the Bronx pimps. Be careful around her. Handle her however you see fit."
>[ ] "Do you want me to do any mods to your new magic tat or give you any more? I'm not exactly a master yet but I'm getting there."
>[ ] "How are you liking the tattoo?"
>[ ] "Anything bothering you?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3418543
>[ ] "How are you liking the tattoo?"
>[ ] "Anything bothering you?"
Couldn't she just have pen and paper to help communicate with her split personality?

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "How are you liking the tattoo?"
>[X] "Anything bothering you?"

>(1/2)

Some small talk would do you both some good before you delve into business. The sigil you marked on her forehead is kind of basic for an Asian chick to have in general but weird yet aesthetic on her forehead; half-glow to it helps along with that. While she doesn't look troubled, it's possible she might be arguing with Run in her head.

"How are you liking the tattoo?"

The Japanese girl raises a finger to her forehead and traces along the swirling pattern on her tan skin.

"It's odd to see it on me and the strange glow it has, but it's fine so long as it fulfills its purpose."

You raise an eyebrow.

"What about the pattern itself? I mean, do you think it looks good on you? Is the whole yin-yang thing kind of overdoing it or too obvious?"

Ren blinks and pauses.

"...It's..it's, um...It's perfectly fine, Reyes-sama. You did a fantastic job on it. While I'm not a tattoo person, I can tell you put a lot of effort into it; I mean, you did make it out of magic itself."

A frown twists itself into being from your smile.

"...You think it's shit, don't you?"

>(2/2)

Ms. Heartbreaker jolts before rapidly shaking her head.

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no, Reyes-sama! It's...um... Well, I just... I mean... Tattoos aren't really my thing, I hate them actually. I appreciate you for making this one for me, I just don't really care for how it looks like on my forehead."

You raise a hand to your chin.

"Do you think I should move it to one of your cheeks or on the side of your neck?"

Ren grimaces.

"Oh hell no." The girl blinks and unscrunches her pretty face back into a neutral expression. "I-I mean, it's fine on my forehead, probably the best it's going to look at, I just don't care much for how it looks, Reyes-sama."

An understanding hum rumbles in your throat.

In the past, you've had thoughts of getting tattoos to commemorate certain things and even tried to before learning your white blood cells are genocidal to all foreign entities. You grew out of it overtime and got an annoying 'I told you so' from Marcus about them. They're the signs of thugs on the streets, wannabe tough guy shit heads in the city, some dipshit fuck-up in the country, criminals everywhere, and idiots who did something stupid while drunk. None of the meaning tattoos once had in their ancient past exist in this day and age.

"Anything bothering you?"

The Japanese girl blinks before shaking her head like a normal person.

"No, everything is fine, Reyes-sama."

You let out another hum.

It seems your sigil was the only problem.

>[ ] "There's some bitch pimp named Shinastra or something that's going to be the union leader of the Bronx pimps. Be careful around her and andle her however you see fit if she gets out of line."
>[ ] "Do you think all members of the inner circle should get one? I can have them act as a sort of communicator between all of us. Would be a waste of the phones, though."
>[ ] "You aren't Run pretending to be Ren, are you? I mean the yang side of the sigil is glowing. Did I fuck up?"
>[ ] "Are you sure you don't want me to move the tattoo? I can do it at any time."
>[ ] "Why don't you like tattoos?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3419061
>[ ] "Are you sure you don't want me to move the tattoo? I can do it at any time."
>[ ] "Why don't you like tattoos?"
>[ ] "There's some bitch pimp named Shinastra or something that's going to be the union leader of the Bronx pimps. Be careful around her and andle her however you see fit if she gets out of line."

Getting late where I'm at. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8) before my morning class if I can.

Any thoughts on your minds? Got any questions you want to ask?

While I'm at it.
>>3418669
>Couldn't she just have pen and paper to help communicate with her split personality?

She could. Split personalities can actually control the body while the other one is still aware.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Are you sure you don't want me to move the tattoo? I can do it at any time."
>[X] "Why don't you like tattoos?"
>[X] "There's some bitch pimp named Shinastra or something that's going to be the union leader of the Bronx pimps. Be careful around her and handle her however you see fit if she gets out of line."

There's a reason you don't like tattoos, not anymore at least. Without a doubt, like all things, there's a reason Ren doesn't like them either. Mentioning bitch pimp can wait until after. No reason you should spoil your socializing with mention of that bitch.

"Are you sure you don't want me to move the tattoo? I can do it at any time."

Ren nods.

"I don't think it would fit anywhere else, Reyes-sama. Only those of us you've told will understand its purpose. If you were to move it somewhere else on my body, say the back of my hand, my other self could conceal it and her presence from you."

You nod back in understanding.

Her dedication never seems to falter towards you and the group.

"Why don't you like tattoos?"

A frown makes its way on to the Japanese girl's pretty face.

"They can be beautiful but they are the sign of petty thugs and horrible decisions. You gave me mine with use and purpose, Reyes-sama. While I do not care for it, I appreciate that greatly."

Humming a pleased hum, you pat the girl on the head.

"There's some bitch pimp named Shinastra or something that's going to be the union leader of the Bronx pimps. Be careful around her and handle her however you see fit if she gets out of line."

Ren blinks as she blushes.

"...I ...I will, Reyes-sama."

Another pleased hum rumbles in your throat.

Sadly, you have little more to talk about.

>[ ] "By chance, you wouldn't happen to be Run pretending to be Ren, are you? I mean the yang side of the sigil is glowing and you are adorable as always. Did I fuck up?"
>[ ] "You wouldn't happen to be interesting in learning magic, would you?"
>[ ] "Who's a cute little underboss? Who's a cute little underboss?"
>[ ] Hop back over to Marcus, you've got lessons to give.
>[ ] Kiss her forehead, it'd make her even cuter.
>[ ] Write In.

Going to go to class soon. Will close voting and update when I get back.

>>3420200
>[ ] "You wouldn't happen to be interesting in learning magic, would you?"
Learn this first, then head to Marcus (alone or otherwise)

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "You wouldn't happen to be interesting in learning magic, would you?"
>[X] Hop back over to Marcus, you've got lessons to give.

It couldn't hurt to ask. The three of you could bond over some magic sessions. Hell, the more magic users in your crew the better. Your lieutenants are probably going to run into a super or two in their time. Ren and Cuda already ran into those two street capes. Not to mention, both SHIELD and Hydra are bound to have supers of their own besides the future age shit.

"You wouldn't happen to be interesting in learning magic, would you?"

Ren looks up at you, glances down, and shakes her head.

"Teaching me would also be teaching the other me, Reyes-sama. I understand you trust her not to betray you, but I do not. Maybe one day when I've been cured of my condition; I'm curious to see what else magic is capable of."

Moving your hand off the girl's head, you nod in understanding.

She's just too goddamn loyal when she has no reason to be.

"I can show you some later if you don't want to learn and just want to marvel. Those sparks I made when I first came back and that tattoo are just basic uses of magic. Would you like that?"

The Japanese girl's blush deepens as she nods back.

"Yes, I would like that very much, Reyes-sama."

Another pleased hum rumbles in your throat before you flip backward over the round-table right in the spot you left Alex and Marcus.

Your best friend raises an eyebrow at you as your minx applauds your fantastic jump.

"Are you done showing off yet and making the rounds?"

Crossing your arms, you shoot the man a look.

For once, Marcus should be taking a page from Alex's book.

>[ ] "Uh-huh, you want to do this upstairs or somewhere you can't burn to the ground?"
>[ ] "Thank you, Alex. I appreciate being appreciated."
>[ ] "Applaud thy crime king as Alelxia doth."
>[ ] "Oh come on, that jump was a ten easily."
>[ ] "Alex, do you want to be a witch?"
>[ ] Write In.

>>3420989
>[ ] Roll your eyes."Oh come on, that jump was a ten easily."
>[ ] "Uh-huh, you want to do this upstairs or somewhere you can't burn to the ground?"
>[ ] "Alex, do you want to be a witch?"
I feel a lot better about Alex after that last talk, and Marcus really needs to lighten up.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Roll your eyes."Oh come on, that jump was a ten easily."
>[X] "Uh-huh, you want to do this upstairs or somewhere you can't burn to the ground?"
>[X] "Alex, do you want to be a witch?"

As usual, Marcus doesn't know how to have fun. He used to complain you were the super serious one and now you've switched roles. Maybe learning some magic will bring back the child in him. You never really were one so magic was one of those things on your very long list of shit that probably wasn't real.

That was all before you turned into a mutant and sprouted a celestial third eye, though.

You roll all three of your eyes.

"Oh come on, that jump was easily a ten."

Marcus clucks his tongue.

"Nigga, you jump around like that all the goddamn time."

An agreeing hum rumbles in your throat.

"That's why it's a ten. I get a lot of practice."

Stone Cold Marcus Slone groans as Alex giggles.

"Whatever, are you done now?"

You nod.

"Uh-huh, you want to do this upstairs or somewhere you can't burn to the ground?"

The ebony man blinks before shooting you a look.

"Just how dangerous and volatile is magic that we need an entirely different place to practice it if we don't want to burn the place down?"

Blinking back, you wave it off.

"Not at all unless you make it that way, which your inexperienced ass might. Those sparks I made when I first came back after my magic studies could've turned the floor into pudding or been the equivalent of super fire if I wanted them to be. It's safer if we go to a different place just in case you fuck up, though."

Marcus nods his head in understanding.

"Alright, let's go somewhere else then."

You let out a hum as you turn to your resident blond observing with much interest and delight.

It would be good to get some more magic users in your inner circle.

"Alex, do you want to be a witch?"

The girl squeals and nods her head enthusiastically.

You chuckle as your personal assassin hops off her crate, Marcus groaning in annoyance.

Some part of you is bound to regret this later on but it's going to be fun until then.

Pivoting in the entrance's direction, you lead your two inner circle members out of your base.

Another thoughtful hum rumbles in your throat.

It might be good to have them study the basics with Strange while you continue studying the advanced stuff. All three of you can be learning magic that way. Though, it would probably piss Strange off and make him suspicious of you.

>[ ] "Do any of you know a place we can make into our magic playground or something? I feel like we should have a place just for that."
>[ ] Hop to a random rooftop with enough space for you three to have fun, you can teach people on your own just fine.
>[ ] Leave for Strange's alone, you can bring back tomes from his magic library to help.
>[ ] Make your way to Owl's old place, you and Cuda already wrecked it to shit.
>[ ] Go to Strange's, you are pretty close to getting sigils down.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3421531
>[ ] Make your way to Owl's old place, you and Cuda already wrecked it to shit.
Nobody will suspect. Random rooftop is begging for a Spiderman encounter, letting Strange on is a big no-no, taking his books OUT of the Sanctum is a huge fuck no, and asking for a place from them is being a dumb host. We got Owl's place, let's hope it stayed deserted after it got rekt.

Late where I'm at. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8). Tomorrow is also night class day so expect me to close up shop sooner.

Any thoughts you guy(s) have in your brains? Any questions you feel like you need to ask?

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Make your way to Owl's old place, you and Cuda already wrecked it to shit.

No one would suspect that you were teaching magic on the ass end of Manhattan. The bodies might be stinking up the place so you're going to be instructing them right outside the front gate. It'd be fun to learn under the sun.

You wrap an arm around both your new students and hop to the roof of the building opposite your warehouse.

Turning to the direction of Washington Heights, you take off into the crummy Bronx cityscape.

It takes you eight minutes of leisure hopping to cross into Harlem and make your way to Owl's run-down spot in Washington Heights.

Letting go of Marcus and Alex, you take a step forward and spin around to face their unbalanced forms before sitting yourself down.

Alex regains her balance and sits down a good twenty seconds before Marcus does the same.

You chuckle as you clap your hands together and the rushing air around them turns into rainbow sparks.

"Are you ready to learn some magic?"

Marcus nods his head much like a normal person while Alex does so vigorously.

"Uh-huh, that's what we came here to do, so how does this work exactly?"

Clucking your tongue, you hold out your hands and draw energy from the multiverse in them.

"Relax, shut all of your eyes to this earthy plane and take a deep breath."

The man raises an eyebrow before closing his two his eyes and breathing in, your minx following suit.

You will the energy in your hands to turn into flames.

"Now, throw away what you think to be plausible, real, or normal and reach out to the worlds beyond this one. Call upon the power of the multiverse and of the true gods to form in your hands."

Marcus furrows his brow as Alex hums questioningly.

"I don't feel anything."

A questioning hum of your own rumbles in your throat.

If magic were really that easy to learn, there'd be sorcerers all around running amok. The progress you made in drawing energy was mostly as a result of your third eye and awareness of otherworldly things. Maybe it'd be easier for them to draw energy from your natural surroundings. Strange said the multiverse was easier but infinite parallel worlds are hard to imagine when you haven't had a cosmic Phoenix show you a glimpse of what that really looks like.

>[ ] "Focus on this world then. Picture the grass, the trees, the soil, and the wildlife. Take it all in and breathe. You are one with the universe and the universe is one with you."
>[ ] "Just keep focusing on it and breathing. It'll happen naturally."
>[ ] Forgo this mortal coil and make yourself known to your followers, they must look upon you and know you if they are to know themselves and what they seek to learn.
>[ ] Dissipate your fire hands and draw enough multiversal energy for it to be visible to the normal eye, maybe that will help.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3422578
>[ ] "Focus on this world then. Picture the grass, the trees, the soil, and the wildlife. Take it all in and breathe. You are one with the universe and the universe is one with you."
No way we're gonna have Bold Red do stuff here that can mindbreak the only person we care about to a greater degree than ourselves

Going to go to class soon. Will close voting and update when I get back.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Focus on this world then. Picture the grass, the trees, the soil, and the wildlife. Take it all in and breathe. You are one with the universe and the universe is one with you."

Maybe Strange's teacher was on some shit when he told him that it's easier to draw from the multiverse. Either that or the first sorcerer supreme wasn't exactly human or magic and gods were more prevalent back before the Christian and Muslim faiths shoved their crucifixes, moons, and stars up everyone's asses. It would explain the general lack of magic or historical accounts of the real thing. Even before the Abrahamic faiths, the gods probably drew people's focus away from the prevalent power in the real world towards them.

"Focus on this world then. Picture the grass, the trees, the soil, and the wildlife. Take it all in and breathe. You are one with the universe and the universe is one with you."

Both your students nod their heads.

A few minutes pass before you begin to notice the slight swirl of the world's energy come off their palms.

Marcus furrows his brow once again.

"I...feel something."

Alex parts her lips ever so slightly.

"...There's an ebb and flow, just like the wind and the tides, all around us everywhere at every time."

You let out a pleased hum and nod your head.

"Both of you are feeling what I felt back when I awakened my third eye, albeit probably not as intense. Keep at it and try to draw from it. Don't move your hands, will it and it will be. "

They sit without responding to your words, focusing completely on the current of the world.

For twenty minutes, their swirling tug on the world steadily grows into a relaxed vortex.

A heavy breath escapes Alex's lips.

"I feel like...I'm on the threshold of something."

Marcus slowly nods his head in agreement.

"...Yeah, it's realer than real."

You hum a questioning hum.

Either they're getting something akin to the feeling you had when you focused on Felon's soul or they're feeling something else entirely. Strange never really mentioned any changes besides his appetite after learning magic. Maybe there's something else at play here.

>[ ] "Now, imagine an infinite amount of worlds were you do this an infinite amount of times with an infinite amount of partners and an infinite amount of possibilities. There's a thin yet firm line between them you can draw an infinite amount of power from, if you can control it."
>[ ] "Imagine something like fire, frost, or lightning and shoot it from your hands to the sky."
>[ ] "Bring the energy to your eyes and open them, see the world I see through my soul's eye."
>[ ] "Make something of it, it's formless but malleable like clay. All of existence is."
>[ ] Close your material eyes and examine them with your third, you have to know for sure.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3423473
>[ ] Close your material eyes and examine them with your third, you have to know for sure.
>[ ] "Now, imagine an infinite amount of worlds were you do this an infinite amount of times with an infinite amount of partners and an infinite amount of possibilities. There's a thin yet firm line between them you can draw an infinite amount of power from, if you can control it."
Multiverse energy is the safe starting point for them

Voting closed; writing now.

...

Just you and me, huh? DfHyCHpz?

>>3423695
Seems like it man.

>[X] Close your material eyes and examine them with your third, you have to know for sure.
>[X] "Now, imagine an infinite amount of worlds were you do this an infinite amount of times with an infinite amount of partners and an infinite amount of possibilities. There's a thin yet firm line between them you can draw an infinite amount of power from, if you can control it."

Obviously you're going to look at them with your third eye. You'd have to be an optimistic dumbass who hasn't had a single bad thing ever happen to them not to. Speaking of playing it safe, it's better for them to get in touch with the multiversal energies before really delving into the basics.

You close your physical eyes and let yourself flow out into the world through your third.

That which is you encompasses your disciples, the Petty One's perch, and the surrounding area in a globe.

Both disciples' wills twist the surrounding energies with their drawings, sending shock-waves like ripples in the aquatic abyss.

Opening your eyes again, you let out another hum.

Nothing is out of the ordinary save their manipulation of the world's energy. Whatever they're feeling is probably what you felt when you first awakened to the cosmic realm. You were more thrust into it while they're slowly walking into it.

Shaking it off, you focus back on your magic apprentices.

"Now, imagine an infinite amount of worlds were you do this an infinite amount of times with an infinite amount of partners and an infinite amount of possibilities. There's a thin yet firm line between them you can draw an infinite amount of power from, if you can control it."

The vortexes dissipate as both inner circle members shift their focus to the multiverse.

Five minutes pass before the familiar tiny voids open up by their palms, slowly seeping magical energies into their grasp in accordance with their wills.

Marcus' brow twitches.

"This energy feels alien compared to the other."

Alex hums a small hum in agreement.

"It's outside of what powers are of this world yet the same. Of this world but of different laws. Outside of existence and of space but of something else... Strange."

You raise an eyebrow at your blond haired minx.

She's pretty good at this and speaking a lot more eloquently without the purpose of fucking with someone.

Maybe this interesting enough to the point she's acting like the real her.

>[ ] "Imagine something like fire, frost, or lightning and shoot it from your hands to the sky."
>[ ] "Bring the energy to your eyes and open them, see the world I see through my soul's eye."
>[ ] "Make something of it, it's formless but malleable like clay. All of existence is."
>[ ] "Alright, stop. Rest for a minute and get your bearings."
>[ ] Write In.

Going to go to my night class. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)
before my morning class.

Any questions? Any thoughts?

>>3423850
You gotta shill harder for more players my guy. I cannot carry the quest alone, even though I totally am right now.

>>3423846
>[ ] "Alright, stop. Rest for a minute and get your bearings, because this is Channeling 101. We're not even at the real basics yet."
>[ ] "So the first thing I had you do was reach out for our planet's energy itself, individual like the energy of any other planet tends to be. Might be easier for you because it's where we are right now."
>[ ] "The second thing you tapped into is multiversal energy, power from worlds outside this one, outside our own. Similar in a lot of ways, but carrying different potential."
>[ ] "What do you two think so far? Which one do you want to try going for?"

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Alright, stop. Rest for a minute and get your bearings, because this is Channeling 101. We're not even at the real basics yet."
>[X] "So the first thing I had you do was reach out for our planet's energy itself, individual like the energy of any other planet tends to be. Might be easier for you because it's where we are right now. The second thing you tapped into is multiversal energy, power from worlds outside this one, outside our own. Similar in a lot of ways, but carrying different potential. What do you two think so far? Which one do you want to try going for?"

They're too new to this to jump straight to the basics. A little more practice channeling and manipulating magical energy would be good for them before they make the next step. Neither of them is as gifted as you are to the other world.

"Alright, stop. Rest for a minute and get your bearings, because this is Channeling 101. We're not even at the real basics yet."

Both your disciples open their eyes and relax their forms, dispelling the magic forming in their palms.

Marcus groans.

"Now the real world feels and looks fake."

Alex lets out a small hum.

"We channeled its energy and felt what it truly is. Our senses are too primitive to truly experience it in its fullness."

You and your best friend look over at the blond girl.

The minx blinks before giggling.

"It's like snorting some spiritual coke!"

Shaking your head in disapproval of her deceit, you focus on both your students.

"So the first thing I had you do was reach out for our planet's energy itself, individual like the energy of any other planet tends to be. Might be easier for you because it's where we are right now. The second thing you tapped into is multiversal energy, power from worlds outside this one, outside our own. Similar in a lot of ways, but carrying different potential. What do you two think so far? Which one do you want to try going for?"

Marcus clucks his tongue.

"This is some crazy shit and I think we should keep at the planet's energy. It's easier to draw on."

Alex nods in agreement.

"Crazy shit indeed and easier the planet's energy to channel is."

You hum.

It's easier for them but it can have some kind of unforeseen consequences. Maybe that's the reason why Strange doesn't use the natural energy of the world. You'll have to ask him later to confirm. Possible enough multiversal energy channeling can help them see what you do.

>[ ] "Focus on the multiversal energy, it's literally infinite and what most sorcerers draw on."
>[ ] "Alright, keep at it and I'll tell you when you've got it down."
>[ ] "Is it really that hard for you guys to channel energy?"
>[ ] Draw enough multiversal energy for it to be visible to the normal eye, it could help.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3424914
>[ ] "Is it really that hard for you guys to channel energy?"
>[ ] "Focus on the multiversal energy, it's literally infinite and what most sorcerers draw on. Once you get that down, it'll make everything else in the future a lot easier." Shrug. "That, and our own world's natural energy might have drawbacks to it that multiversal energy doesn't. Will have to check that with the Doc later."
>[ ] "Here, I'll draw enough for you to see normally. Seeing it for yourselves might give you some idea." Draw enough multiversal energy for it to be visible to the normal eye, it could help.
>[ ] (to Bold Red, while your two students practice channeling) Alex seems to have a more intuitive grasp of this, but I know Marcus enough to expect him to adapt sooner. What do you think so far?

Going to go to class in a while. Will close voting and update when I get back.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Is it really that hard for you guys to channel energy?"
>[X] "Focus on the multiversal energy, it's literally infinite and what most sorcerers draw on. Once you get that down, it'll make everything else in the future a lot easier. That, and our own world's natural energy might have drawbacks to it that multiversal energy doesn't. Will have to check that with the Doc later."
>[X] "Here, I'll draw enough for you to see normally. Seeing it for yourselves might give you some idea."
>[X] Alex seems to have a more intuitive grasp of this, but I know Marcus enough to expect him to adapt sooner. What do you think so far?

>(1/2)

You did do it on your first try in a couple of seconds. It's highly likely your third eye had a hand in that if meeting the cosmic embodiments of Life and Death didn't. If it's not because of any of those factors, you're probably just that goddamn willful and talented at magic.

"Is it really that hard for you guys to channel energy?"

Both of them raise an eyebrow at you.

"Are you saying you don't?" Marcus says. "I can imagine your experience makes it easier for you but it's some unbelievable shit."

Minxy blond hums.

"We're cracks in the frame of reason seeping power away from a higher, infinite existence of pure insentient energy."

You and Marcus blink and turn to stare at Alex once again.

The blond blinks back and giggles.

"Damn, I really am getting high off this shit."

Rolling your eyes, for the umpteenth time, you focus on both your clueless disciples.

"Focus on the multiversal energy, it's literally infinite and what most sorcerers draw on. Once you get that down, it'll make everything else in the future a lot easier." You shrug. "That, and our own world's natural energy might have drawbacks to it that multiversal energy doesn't. Will have to check that with the Doc later."

Marcus shoots you a look.

"You're just now telling us that?"

You tilt your head from side to side.

"Eh, I don't really use this universe's energy and I never really delved into depth about it with the man."

>(2/2)

Shaking his head, Marcus sighs.

"For someone so careful in his plans, you don't really think ahead, Kojo."

Alex tilts her own head to one side.

"There's a magical doctor teaching you magic? I thought you were learning from a grand wizard." She untilts her head and smiles. "Don't know how you got him to but good on you for turning the weapon of the cross burners against them."

Your best friend lets out a laugh as you chuckle along with him.

"Can we get back to learning magic now?"

Nodding, you hold out your hands and draw upon the ether of the multiverse.

Ten seconds pass before you gather enough energy for it to be visible.

Marcus and Alex gape at the vigorously burning and flowing wind and water-like energy storming in your hands.

Dissipating the multiversal energy, you grin at their shocked faces.

"That's what I see everywhere and engulfing everyone. It might be the energies of the multiverse but it all looks the same. Picture it and will it into your hands and it will form."

Both students nod and close their eyes, returning to their magic channeling.

You let out a thoughtful hum.

Alex seems to have a more intuitive grasp of this, but I know Marcus enough to expect him to adapt sooner. What do you think so far?

The Foxy One is most deceitful. The One Most Dearest will learn the oddity you have in time. It is better for them to be awakened but the parlor tricks the Stranger taught you will do.

You raise an eyebrow.

Awakened, that's something you kind of don't like the sound of.

>[ ] I know Alex is deceitful. Just took me a while to figure out just how fake the personality she puts on is. Don't know what the real her is like beyond sad about her past, though.
>[ ] Parlor tricks? It's magic. You've seen what Strange can do.
>[ ] Just what exactly separates you from sorcerers?
>[ ] Awaken how exactly?
>[ ] Sit and watch them channel their magic, you don't want to get into it with yourself.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3425553
>[ ] I know Alex is deceitful. Just took me a while to figure out just how fake the personality she puts on is. Don't know what the real her is like beyond sad about her past, though.
>[ ] Awaken how exactly? Developing third eyes of their own, or something else entirely?
>[ ] Sit and watch them channel their magic, you don't want to get into it with yourself.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] I know Alex is deceitful. Just took me a while to figure out just how fake the personality she puts on is. Don't know what the real her is like beyond sad about her past, though.
>[X] Awaken how exactly? Developing third eyes of their own, or something else entirely?
>[X] Sit and watch them channel their magic, you don't want to get into it with yourself.

>(1/2)

Conversing with your primal asshole self isn't exactly healthy or fun but it does give you some perspective and useful knowledge. In some cases, it somehow knows more than you do when you're technically it. He knows just as well as you do that it's unnatural and a cause of some fissure between you two.

Whatever the risks and conditions, you really want to know what he means by awaken.

I know Alex is deceitful. Just took me a while to figure out just how fake the personality she puts on is. Don't know what the real her is like beyond sad about her past, though.

The Foxy One wishes for you to ravage her all the same. Do so and perhaps you and I will truly know who she is.

A scoff escapes your lips.

Fucking hell, would you stop trying to get me to fuck her? If it happens, it happens. There's tons of other shit I could do that would be more worthwhile and there's other ways to get her to open up. I can just talk to her about it away from onlookers and she'd tell me. Why does it have to be sex?

It is in you and I's nature and hers no matter how degrading you find it. You and I are fortunate to find kindred spirits out of mortal kind of all beings on this forsaken planet. Ravaging her would put you both at ease, erratic little mind. Perhaps it can set her on the path of awakening.

>(2/2)

You breathe in and sigh out.

Whatever you say/think to him, he'll never give any ground.

Awaken how exactly? Developing third eyes of their own, or something else entirely?

Somewhat so. If they were to awaken their soul's eye, however, I would not be able to hold myself back from devouring them. By drawing the energies of the world into their meatbags' hands with their wills, they are nurturing all that they are within their vessels. It is what The Foxy One spoke of when she said as if channeling the permeating energy felt as though her vessel was on the threshold of 'something.' What The One Most Dearest said about threshold is somewhat accurate, it is 'realer than real': it is their essence stirring from their incubation in crude, mortal flesh.

Blinking, you raise a hand to your chin.

That answers one question but raises a lot of others you should probably talk with Strange about.

You're just going to sit here and observe for now, though.

Thirty or so minutes of fluctuating energy drawings and some instructing pass before Alex lets go of her grip on the budding multiversal energies in her hands followed shortly after by Marcus.

A pleased hum rumbles in your throat.

Both of them know how to draw magical energies and to what extent at their current level.

The basics are probably going to take them a while but it'll be fun watching them struggle.

>[ ] "Just so you guys know, your souls are waking up. Hopefully, they won't talk to you like mine."
>[ ] "Alright, now I'm going to teach you guys how to cast spells."
>[ ] "Draw some magical energy and focus on giving it shape."
>[ ] Are they really mortals if they have souls? Hell, is anything mortal?
>[ ] How do I awaken them?
>[ ] Write In.

>>3426105
>[ ] Are they really mortals if they have souls? Hell, is anything mortal?
>[ ] How do I awaken them?
>[ ] "Draw some magical energy and focus on giving it shape. Basic extension of holding the energy, just in a different form and structure."

Getting late where I'm at. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

Any thoughts or questions...anon(s)?

>>3426268
I got nothing right now. Spending all my big brain power on planning for my own future quest

>>3426276
Noice! Did I inspire you by any chance?

>>3426328
Not really, though I might use Marcus' characterization for someone in my quest, dunno. The ideas and stuff are more based off of Shadow Quest, Gantz DC, Necromancer Detective, Body Horror, and a couple others.

>>3426108
Support

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] Are they really mortals if they have souls? Hell, is anything mortal?
>[X] How do I awaken them?
>[X] "Draw some magical energy and focus on giving it shape. Basic extension of holding the energy, just in a different form and structure."

>(1/2)

Sure, you're a massive dick who keeps trying to influence you into doing things, but that massive dick side of you currently has the answers to your questions Strange might tip-toe around. He is an awakened soul of his own. Maybe Strange was lying to you about oblivion and was just trying to comfort you in a strange way.

Are they really mortals if they have souls? Hell, is anything mortal?

Yes, if they were to die as they are now Death would take them. They would spend the rest of eternity as infantile souls incapable of roaming this plane if Oblivion were not their fate. The same applies to every other living being.

You blink and frown.

Not exactly the traditional definition of mortal but that word was likely made by those who have no actual understanding of their true reality. Always too focused on the mechanics of the material realm and gods to ever really look inside themselves. It also means everyone in your gang that isn't you might cease to exist after their bodies' death if you don't teach them magic. Then again, your soul just might not actually know having only met Death and never witnessed the Beyond.

Couldn't hurt to be safe, though.

How do I awaken them?

Keep teaching them those parlor tricks and they will eventually. Alternatively, they can look upon me and truly know you for what you are. It will take time but it will show them the truth.

>(2/2)

A thoughtful hum rumbles in your throat.

You don't know what kind of an effect it'll have on them but you're not going to risk it just yet.

Marcus clucks his tongue as Alex raises an eyebrow at you.

"Kojo, you've been standing there for like a minute now. We gonna learn some magic or what?"

Blinking out of your thoughts, you nod.

"Draw some magical energy and focus on giving it shape. Basic extension of holding the energy, just in a different form and structure."

The two magic newbies nod and begin to channel multiversal energy.

It takes three whole hours of instructing and attempts before Alex morphs the magic in a floating dodecahedron followed after by Marcus shaping his channeled energies into a floating cube.

Both shapes dissipate as they open their eyes and fall on to their backs.

You chuckle to yourself while they groan and moan.

Now you know why Strange took such delight in your magical academic suffering, seeing others fail at something you did is fun.

>[ ] "Time for me to explain to you guys what magic actually is... We're going to be here a while."
>[ ] "Normally, the basics would take you about a week. Be happy you guys have me."
>[ ] "Alright, now I'm going to teach you guys how to cast spells."
>[ ] "Do you guys want to go home or keep going?"
[/b]>[ ] Forgo this mortal coil and make yourself known to your followers, they must look upon you and know you if they are to know themselves and avoid the possibility of Oblivion.[/b]
>[ ] Write In.

>>3427460
>[ ] "Do you guys want to go home or keep going?"
Give them the chance to leave this for later. We're a lenient demon mutant guy. If they want to keep going, we do
>[ ] "Time for me to explain to you guys what magic actually is... We're going to be here a while."

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Do you guys want to go home or keep going?"
>[X] "Time for me to explain to you guys what magic actually is... We're going to be here a while."

>(1/2)

Three hours is a pretty long time to be sitting and channeling magical energies, you know from experience. Despite that, the fact you're learning fucking magic keeps you going in spite of the boredom. Casting spells and learning how to manipulate reality is cathartic as it is boring.

"Do you guys want to go home or keep going?"

Marcus and Alex slowly raise themselves off the ground.

"I would honestly like to go back but this is too out there to just leave hanging."

The blond minx slowly nods in agreement.

"We're learning how to use an infinite resource with infinite potential with little to no actual danger to ourselves or any of our allies; there's absolutely no reason to stop now. If we learn this and teach the rest of the inner circle, there's no limit to the power we'd hold over everyone else." She raises a hand to stroke her chin. "Of course, we can't exactly trust every single one of our foot-soldiers with this kind of power: some of them are too small-minded to realize such power has its responsibilities. No moral responsibilities, those are mostly arbitrary falsehoods, but rational and efficient responsibilities that benefit everyone."

Both you and your best friend turn to stare at the only girl within ten feet once again.

Alex lowers her hand from her chin yet keeps her expression still.

"Fuck, I'm really starting to lose it, aren't I?"

You blink.

"...Really, how the fuck are you this intelligent after spending several years as a crack bitch?"

The blond chuckles to herself.

"Coke, and my father was a political science majoring business man and I'm pretty sure my mother was an actual psychopath who got a degree in ethics in an effort to try and teach herself to be a 'good' person." She shrugs. "Maybe it's in the genes or because I spent a lot of my early life hearing them talk about politics and ethics and how bullshit it all is with the closest thing being true is that might makes right so long as the one with all the power isn't a complete retard who misinterprets it as purely martial might and alienates everyone."

>(2/2)

A hum rumbles in your throat as you stare into your minx's sinister bright blue eyes.

Now you're actually thinking about fucking her.

"Time for me to explain to you guys what magic actually is... We're going to be here a while."

Both your disciples groan.

You let out a cackling laugh before beginning your long explanation.

Three hours of philosophy delving, theory explaining, lectures and explaining pass.

Marcus and Alex both sit legs criss-crossed and eyes half-lidded in absolute boredom as you finally finish.

"...So magic is just glorified praying and warping reality with our will?"

Nodding, you hum in confirmation.

"Yup."

The blond beside your best man shoots you a look.

"Then why did we have to listen to all that bullshit philosophy of giving ourselves up to a higher power and respecting the nonexistent will of the universe?"

A grin spreads across your face.

"Because I had to and that context, while boring and contradictory as fuck, helps you know what exactly magic is so you can better manipulate it."

The two apprentices groan.

You chuckle to yourself.

While Strange deserves a portion of your wrath, you really can't fault him for laughing at your suffering.

>[ ] "Relax, by the end of this, you'll be capable of taking on any super so long as they aren't too out of your league. Just wait until you guys move on to the advanced stuff, that's where the real good shit is."
>[ ] "Alright, now I'm going to teach you guys how to cast spells. After that we can start work on learning the types of spells."
>[ ] "So, Alex, how well do I fit in that might makes right so long as you aren't a retard point of view?"
>[ ] "Normally, the basics would take you about a week. Be happy you guys have me."
>[ ] "Do you guys want to go home or keep going?"
>[ ] Forgo this mortal coil and make yourself known to your followers, they must look upon you and know you if they are to know themselves and avoid the possibility of Oblivion.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3428092
>[ ] "So, Alex, how well do I fit in that might makes right so long as you aren't a retard point of view?"
>[ ] "Normally, the basics would take you about a week. Be happy you guys have me."
>[ ] "Alright, now I'm going to teach you guys how to cast spells. After that we can start work on learning the types of spells."

Going to go to a surprise family dinner, Will close voting and update when I get back.

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "So, Alex, how well do I fit in that might makes right so long as you aren't a retard point of view?"
>[X] "Normally, the basics would take you about a week. Be happy you guys have me."
>[X] "Alright, now I'm going to teach you guys how to cast spells. After that we can start work on learning the types of spells."

>(1/2)

Alex's idea, her parents' idea at least, is one you yourself somewhat align with. Hell, almost everyone in your crew would agree with them: might makes right so long as you aren't a complete fucking idiot with power. You've gone against those kind of idiots before and now they're all dead.

The future is yours to shape with your new powers, fiscal and spiritual, and you are no where near being some kill-happy retard despite how much violence gets you off.

"So, Alex, how well do I fit in that might makes right so long as you aren't a retard point of view?"

Blondie perks up and hums.

"I wasn't sure before all of this went down, but I am now: you're kind of the perfect fit, boss."

You blink and shoot her a look.

"Before and kind of?"

Alex stiffens before letting out a nervous laugh.

"I wasn't there to see you take over the Bronx, so all I know are the stories about how you tortured and killed those who resisted you instead of convincing them you were the bee's knees like you did Silvio and Itsuki-chan. While effective in intimidating people to join you, it was still pretty reliant on force, which is perfectly understandable considering the Bronx was a tension and ruthless gang filled shithole; even considering diplomacy would've been seen as weakness." She raises a hand to rub the back of her head. "I guess you are pretty much the perfect fit, boss: you use violence as a tool when necessary and not as a crutch. Kingpin wouldn't have bowed on any condition considering how long he's been in power without adequate opposition."

You let out a pleased hum.

Now that's more like it.

"I am pretty great, aren't I?"

>(2/2)

Marcus scoffs.

"The size of your ego is, yeah."

You roll all three of your eyes as Alex giggles.

"Normally, the basics would take you about a week. Be happy you guys have me."

Only resident ebony black man shoots you a look.

"To hear you beat your own dick?"

Groaning, you shoot the smug bald man and the giggling blond a look.

If you didn't need someone to occasionally bring your ego down, there would be repercussions to pay.

"Alright, now I'm going to teach you guys how to cast spells. After that we can start work on learning the types of spells."

The two inner circle members nod and stop their fucking with you.

Yet another three hours of magical theory exploring, explaining, and example castings pass by.

An orb of magical energy rages in Alex's sigil tattooed palm as Marcus holds an energy sword, arm covered with blue sigils.

Both spell castings dissipate into nothingness as they both fall back on to the hard asphalt.

Clapping your hands, you laugh oh so maliciously to yourself.

They've both gotten the basics of spellcasting down, all that remains is showing them the kind of spells they can cast besides the basic pure energy ones.

>[ ] "Alright, I'm going to show you how to make spells with attributes so you're not just holding a levitating ball of pure magic that is more likely to phase through your target than actually hit them."
>[ ] "Now that you guys know how to cast spells, I'm going to show and explain to you how to cast spells with a physical but not quite material function like Marcus is doing right now."
>[ ] "Do you guys want to stop now or keep going? It's, like, four or five or something."
>[ ] "Good job, Marcus, you advanced past Alex for once."
>[ ] Forgo this mortal coil and make yourself known to your followers, they must look upon you and know you if they are to know themselves and avoid the possibility of Oblivion.
>[ ] Write In.

>>3428976
>[ ] "Good job, Marcus, you advanced past Alex for once."
>[ ] "Alright, I'm going to show you how to make spells with attributes so you're not just holding a levitating ball of pure magic that is more likely to phase through your target than actually hit them."
This should be enough to balance out Marcus' self-esteem. I don't want best boy to take the snide remarks and jokes too seriously. That's a road I don't want to have him go on.

Late where I'm at. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

Any thoughts or questions in your grey matter, my anons?

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "Good job, Marcus, you advanced past Alex for once."
>[X] "Alright, I'm going to show you how to make spells with attributes so you're not just holding a levitating ball of pure magic that is more likely to phase through your target than actually hit them."

Your best friend's own self-esteem must be down if he's trying to bring you down. Alex has never one-upped him so fucking hard at something before. He must be feeling inadequate as both a man and your second-in-command. As a sublime specimen of the male kind, you can never understand his man pain.

"Good job, Marcus, you advanced past Alex for once."

The man punches his fist up in the air.

"Damn fucking right I did!"

Alex shifts over to her side to shoot Marcus a look.

"For now, baldly."

Mr. Shiny Head turns his to stare at hers.

"...The fuck you say?"

Blondy smirks oh so smugly.

"You heard me."

A hearty laugh of yours turns the shit-talkers' attention back on you.

It's going to be really fun to hear them bitch talk to each other every time you set up these little tutoring sessions.

"Alright, I'm going to show you how to make spells with attributes so you're not just holding a levitating ball of pure magic that is more likely to phase through your target than actually hit them."

Marcus lifts himself up, points at the resident blond, and laughs.

The girl glances at your friend from the corner of her eye and grumbles to herself.

Chuckling, you plant a hand on the top of the shiny golden head and ruffle its hair, drawing a blush from your minx.

All of this is just way too fun.

For the umpteenth time, you spend three hours explaining theories, casting spells, and supervising your apprentices.

Yellow sparks dance along Alex's arms and hands while frost swirls in a ball above Marcus' own.

Neither stops or dissipates the attributed magics in their grasps, taking the time to admire and test the extent of their new power.

Humming a pleased hum, you look up to the now auburn sky.

It's late but they're on a roll now and just another three hours or so away from getting down the basics in their entirety.


>[ ] "We're almost done. You know how to add attributes to your spells and now I'm going to teach you how to make it have a material function. Sure, you can make lightning or ice spears but it's not actually going to impale anyone if thy aren't somewhat solid."
>[ ] "Do you guys want to stop now or keep going? It's fucking late."
>[ ] "Yellow lightning? Not White Lightning?"
>[ ] "I guess you're Black Ice now, Marcus."
>[ ] Forgo this mortal coil and make yourself known to your followers, they must look upon you and know you if they are to know themselves and avoid the possibility of Oblivion.
>[ ] Write In.

Forgive the wait, I somehow completely forgot about this when I went to go make a cup of morning coffee.

>>3430295
>[ ] "I guess you're Black Ice now, Marcus." Share a laugh with your brother. Then hum like you always do. "From what Kingpin knew, 'black ice' is some anti-hacker program so strong it braindeads the poor fucker that runs into it. Not bad for a cape name." One you secretly approve of.
Because Neuromancer is a damn good cyberpunk story, and Kingpin had quality taste.
>[ ] "We're almost done. You know how to add attributes to your spells and now I'm going to teach you how to make it have a material function. Sure, you can make lightning or ice spears but it's not actually going to impale anyone if they aren't somewhat solid."
Once they learn this last stuff, they should be fine until Kojo is freed

Voting closed; writing now.

>>3430360
I honestly thought you were referencing Shadowrun for a second before I remembered how much it rips off Nueromancer.

>[X] "I guess you're Black Ice now, Marcus. From what Kingpin knew, 'black ice' is some anti-hacker program so strong it braindeads the poor fucker that runs into it. Not bad for a cape name."
>[X] "We're almost done. You know how to add attributes to your spells and now I'm going to teach you how to make it have a material function. Sure, you can make lightning or ice spears but it's not actually going to impale anyone if they aren't somewhat solid."

No fucking way in hell Marcus is going to get this or actually laugh with you. It's better than Black Lightning but you two had an entire conversation about the word Black in Black superhero names. Despite how fitting it is, he'll never call himself by it until the day he dies.

A grin spreads across your face.

"I guess you're Black Ice now, Marcus." You chuckle as the black man groans. "From what Kingpin knew, 'black ice' is some anti-hacker program so strong it braindeads the poor fucker that runs into it. Not bad for a cape name."

Your grumpy ebony apprentice shoots you a look, dissipating his frost ball.

"There's no fucking way that's a real thing: brains don't connect to the Internet."

Laughing, you shake your head.

"Some do. There's an entire virtual world beyond the internet. Only megacorps have access to it but it's going to be available to the public real soon. Mark my words, just watch."

Marcus stares at you in judgmental silence for a moment.

"...You're fucking with me, aren't you?"

Alex giggles as her sparks dissipate.

"No shit, Sherlock." She focuses back at you. "Can we get back to the magic now?"

You nod as Marcus grumbles to himself.

"We're almost done. You know how to add attributes to your spells and now I'm going to teach you how to make it have a material function. Sure, you can make lightning or ice spears but it's not actually going to impale anyone if they aren't somewhat solid."

The two disciples nod their heads and prepare themselves for another boring three hours.

One last three hours of theory explaining, example castings, and supervising pass.

A somewhat solid knife of pure magical lightning crackles in Alex's sigil covered hand as Marcus holds a spear of pure magical frost over his shoulder.

You nod your head in approval as their eyes meet yours.

Together, all three of you fall back on to the ground in exhaustion, your companions' spells dissipating in the progress.

Being the Sorcerer Supreme can only be so much fun before it becomes just as tiring as being the student.

>[ ] "Alex, why did you choose lightening? I think ice would suit you better."
>[ ] "Marcus, why did you go for ice? You could've been Black Lightning, man."
>[ ] "...Congratulations, you've finished the basics of magic. Fuck teaching."
>[ ] "...Let's go home, I'm done being a teacher for a day."
>[ ] Write In.

>>3431338
>[ ] "...Congratulations, you've finished the basics of magic in a day, something that would normally take a week or more." Strange, eat your heart out.
>[ ] "...Let's go home, I'm done being a teacher for a day."

Voting closed; writing now.

>[X] "...Congratulations, you've finished the basics of magic in a day, something that would normally take a week or more."
>[X] "...Let's go home, I'm done being a teacher for a day."

Twelve hours of sitting down your magnificent ass is twelve hours too much. You are fucking done here and will probably never return. Marcus and Alex can teach the others how to do magic because you sure as hell don't want to for a long ass time.

Groaning, you raise your upper body off the ground.

"...Congratulations, you've finished the basics of magic in a day, something that would normally take a week or more."

Marcus weakly lifts his shivering arm up into the night air.

"Damn right..."

Alex lets out a groan.

"...Hooray."

You sigh.

It's probably 12:00 AM by now which means today's the big day and two members of your inner circle are out of it.

Groaning once again, you slowly pick yourself off the ground, stretching your body out along the way.

"...Let's go home, I'm done being a teacher for a day."

Marcus turn back on to his stomach and slowly pushes himself off the ground as Alex lifts her upper body up.

"Goddamn, how late it is?"

The only woman in several feet yawns.

"Late enough to go to sleep but early enough to get one last fuck in; trust me, I know these things."

You let out a weak laugh before picking Marcus back up on his feet by his shoulder and slinging Alex over your own, drawing a pleased hum from the girl.

"Remind me to pick somewhere closer to the base or wherever my new home is going to end up the next time I tutor you guys."

Marcus lets out a yawn of his own.

"No promises."

Grumbling, you wrap your free arm around the man's waist and hop to the broken roof of Owl's warehouse before taking off into the night.

It takes you seven minutes of casual hopping to go from Washington Heights through Harlem back in front of the closed gate of the third home you've ever known.

You could go to sleep, which sounds really good right now even in spite of the risks; stay up, or go to sleep or hang with either Marcus or Alex or both of them, the more snuggly bodies in your proximity to ease the tension in your miraculous muscles the better.

>[ ] Get the gate open, get to the second floor, put Alex down somewhere she won't stab anyone in her sleep, and lay down with Marcus some other place. There's still words to be said before you two split.
>[ ] Lift open the gate, hop to the sleeping area, lay down Marcus at one side, and lay down with Alex in the other. You two need some time to talk.
>[ ] Open the gate, hop to the second floor, and lay down your magic apprentices. The night's still young.
>[ ] Get inside, hop upstairs, and lay down with your apprentices, snuggly sleep best sleep.
>[ ] Write In.

Late. Will close voting and update tomorrow morning my time (UTC-8)

Sorry for the long waits. Been really fucking out of it today.

Any thoughts or Questions?

>>3431942
>[ ] Lift open the gate, hop to the sleeping area, lay down Marcus at one side, and lay down with Alex in the other. You two need some time to talk.
We already spoke with Marcus about what his tasks are after Kojo is gone, and he's got magic to help him. Alex is the priority right now.