Fluff-Meme-PSL for Nita-mun!

[my_belfry_of_fun]

Per the Fluff-Meme Prompt--Cheering up!



Meta: Welcome to the Dragon World (aka Earth), in the Year 784. It's not a pretty place anymore. Here's a map--.


Major cities exist in the North, South, East, and West, as well as a Central as the Capital. The other major city would be Satan City, as well as several other smaller towns and villages. Sadly, most of the major metropolises are partially (or wholly in some cases) in ruins, as are some of the major paths from them to surrounding towns and villages.

This is due to the reign of terror perpetuated by 2 beings known as "Androids". Number 17 and Number 18; psychopathic and out for their own amusement, they started their reign 18 years ago, and have been the dominant force on the planet since. Normal military powers have been helpless or destroyed, unable to stand up to them.

There are small pockets of resistance and relief groups, mostly to help the remaining population survive their day to day life. One such effort coordinates with Bulma Briefs, former head of Capsule Corps--the remains of which are in West City. She and her son, Trunks, have put up the most successful and organized efforts.

Comments

[PLACEHOLDER COMMENT] So I can remember this post. Will add more as needed!

[unfavorableinstigation]

And the Powers had taken note of that.

Which was why one Nita Callahan, out of all the wizards on Earth (an Earth, at any rate), had been given Active status and a worldgate to report to. Knowing how bad some errantries had gotten in terms of time, she'd made sure to pack a lot of clothes, toiletries, and snacks, and warned her Dad that she was On Call again.

At least it was the weekend.

[light_of_willpower]

The worldgate held an open portal, and beyond the swirl of colors and light of the rift, she could vaguely make out a large platform with a small temple like structure and some greenery in the form of shrubs and palm trees along the tiled ground. Seeming to just float against and within the sky, which remained pristine.

Stepping through proved to show that the platform itself was circular, and was indeed floating in the sky. There didn't seem to be anyone around or present on it.

[unfavorableinstigation]

Someone was certainly eager for her to get over; maybe this was supposed to be flagged as an emergency? But then, the Manual was rarely outright wrong - not without the Lone Power being involved, at least.

She stepped through, keeping an eye on that platform. What was holding it? Some sort of anti-grav, tech or otherwise?

Her shield had come up as soon as she'd arrived, but the air was breathable and no immediate threats were apparent. Things felt... quiet.

[light_of_willpower]

Quiet was an understatement. The air was perfectly breathable, and it was all rather peaceful actually. The environment seemed good and in decent shape and health. Checking her Manual would provide a World Map, along with confirming this is "Earth". Humans were indeed well known, and magic existed in this world, with fortune telling and basic spells being given as examples.

The architecture is also more advanced, in general, as Nita'd read in her manual. The buildings are usually rounded, often employing spherical or ovoid sections held aloft by a cylindrical stem. Certain elements of magic also coexist with the advanced science. Earth is divided into 43 sectors, and was a constitutional Monarchy. It used to possess a large and dedicated military force, but that has been whittled down over the years dealing with a constant enemy. (No details are given about this enemy however, nor about what calamities and troubles Nita might be facing here.)

Looking around the platform and inside the building revealed several doors that were locked, and a fine layer of dust over everything as if no one had been here for several years. While there is a ladder leading down one side of the platform, there is...nothing. But sky. Underneath. It quite literally is floating in the air.

The manual will list a set of coordinates however FS 199644 CC. "You will find aid and the information you need there, as you give aid in turn."

Getting to that location will have her standing on the outskirts of a palace partly in ruins. Parts of the bridge to get to other sections are missing, and it's clear there's been attempts and signs of life trying to take refuge in the in-tact parts. Southwest lies a large forest.

[unfavorableinstigation]

Okay, so this was a go-between spot. Nita could deal with that.

You'd think they would be less vague about their enemies, Nita mused. But then, the last time information had been that redacted, the Lone One had been at the bottom of things. Not a pleasant thought, there.

The next step was the palace, and she was relieved to notice that this place looked a bit more lived-in. Next, to find out who she was reporting to...

[light_of_willpower]

Lived in...maybe. It's definitely been looted, and left in a worse shape, aside from the parts that showed obvious signs of abandonment and disrepair. This place has a definite aura, that a former magic-user of some type lived here. Complete with a few stereotypical touches--maybe a witch? There seem to be a secret door and/or passage or two.

There is a definite noise of rustling though. And muffled sounds that become more distinct as Nita approaches. "Watch it, you'll break it!"

"It's a crystal Ball, not a toy!"

"Yeah, right, do you even know how to use it?"

"I don't see you coming up with any ideas."

The first two appear to be masculine, and young. The next voice comes from a slightly older sounding female. "Quiet. Matt go check the store-rooms again. Try to find anything you didn't before. Rya, sit down and concentrate okay? Unless we can find a radio, this is probably our best chance."

"But we don't even know if it'll WORK!" came the protest, but it was half-hearted at best.

If Nita follows the voices, she'll find 2 boys both younger than 12 but older than 7, and a slightly older girl about 12-14 years of age. All wearing clothing that has seen better days, and all kind of furtive once they realize they're being watched.

AU LIBRARY STUFFS!

[my_belfry_of_fun]

This part'll just be AU-central Library shenanigans and adventure and bonding. Might feature more chars as NPCs :D

Re: AU LIBRARY STUFFS!

[my_belfry_of_fun]

The Library was quieter--the debacle with Cupid's arrows had been resolved, with most of the rules and requests given to them followed. It had gone about as expected in some ways, as far as Trunks was concerned given what he'd learned about the Greek gods and things involving them. Between that, and his orientation with Sunset and the book that took them to some cursed village, he wasn't sure what to think of what he'd found himself in.

At least he had allies he could trust, and could work with? Nita, Sunset Shimmer, Cosmo, Rose--oh god he felt like he needed to keep a beeper or something on Rose. She'd be a magnet for trouble. Will... It was also oddly nice to not have to be on his guard all the time quite so much.

Bookmarks made for convenient communication devices too, as a notice was sent out to all patrons early in what would be a morning equivalent for most. A new portal would be opening soon--a market place. If you were interested in visiting, meet at the main reception desk, as the Portal would stay open for one week. Supplies would be provided, as this time it was planned to be a festival and market in a scandinavian region. Ice and snow, and while the market itself was safe for families--the surrounding areas might not be.

HOORAY!

[unfavorableinstigation]

Between Rose, and the multiple versions of the actual Doctor that had been brought to the Library, Nita could second the thought of adding bells to certain residents.

As it was, Nita had begun to settle into her own routine despite herself. Further conversations with the Library's Department Heads and sub-department heads gave her ideas for how to fill her schedule when she wasn't out on Assignment - or just normal assignments, with the books. Getting the message about the newest portal opening soon was enough to jolt her out of her thoughts - she still had a brief moment of confusion between checking her Manual and her bookmark - and she headed over to the main reception desk to wait with everyone else.

She spotted someone in the crowd she hadn't talked to the night before, and decided to say hi.

"Hey, Trunks," she said, waving. "Ready for the cold?"

^____________^

[light_of_willpower]

Some basic weather appropriate clothing had been supplied, much like for the cupid-mission, if Patrons wanted to take advantage. A request system, but easy enough for the Librarians to fulfill. Sunset was talking to Will, not far from Amaterasu, and the colorful girl was decked out in a long coat with bright accents, Will in a plainer one and hat. The Goddess-Wolf simply looked as she always did.

Trunks looked up when his name was called, a small smile on his face as he spotted Nita. Nodding in return greeting, and stepping towards her. He didn't look that different--except he had gloves on, and traded in the tank-top he usually wore under his jacket for a higher necked shirt. Neither Doctor looked all that different from how they usually were either, although Cosmo had been pleased to find a good hat, long scarf, and long wool coat that were the height of 1920's fashion. The piano-man and Flynn had had some misadventures during the Greek adventure, so were hoping the market place would be simpler.

"I suppose as ready as I'll ever be. You, Nita?"

=D Everyone is Cute.

[unfavorableinstigation]

Nita had herself a fluffy coat, though that didn't mean she wouldn't necessarily be putting on a shield once she was through the portal. Even in relatively mundane settings like this next one, it paid to put safety first.

"Yup," she answered, fighting the urge to pull her sleeves up - donning the coat early might not have been the brightest idea, but she didn't want to draw attention by having to put it on once she got there.

"Got the currency, and a shopping list. Might try and walk around a little when I'm done, take in the sights."

Re: =D Everyone is Cute.

[light_of_willpower]

"I hadn't thought about a list yet, but I do have money. The Market area itself is right by a village, so that and the village should be safe, but we don't know about the surrounding areas, right?" Which would be part of why Trunks had his sword buckled on, and was making sure it was secure. "Do we know if there are any restrictions, like in Greece, if there's trouble?"

Because that was his concern--that was usually his concern. A brief 'woof' had his head turning, as Sunset and Will also watched as Ammy padded over to the pair. Tail wagging, and characters appeared in the air, easily read by patrons regardless of language concerns.

Discretion is always preferred, but I believe it is not quite as strict as on the mission. There should not be any trouble that should require anything flashy, while in the market and village.

Sunset grinned, pulling on a pink and orange hat with a pompom of yellow over her hair. "So, like drunks and potential pick-pockets--but hopefully nothing requiring laser blasts from our hands or similar?" A brief wink at Trunks, even if she wasn't referring just to him. Given Rarity's conjurations of diamond type shields, even if her friend wasn't in the library with them.

A canine-chuckle greeted this, and Amaterasu's tail wagged. One would hope not, but if trouble happens--we do of course expect you all to be able to defend yourselves. We are not limiting abilities, only asking for discretion and best judgement.

Well, that was reassuring. Not that Trunks would go looking for trouble. He was fairly sure that no one in their group except maybe the Doctor(s) and/or Rose was going to actively look for trouble.

Cocoa, stories, and adventuring

[my_belfry_of_fun]

The Winter Market Place was enjoyable, if cold--and the excitement from an avalanche hadn't put TOO much of a damper on things. Still, while others ventured out to the market, still others had come back and were ready for a break. A different librarian had gone this time, as Amaterasu had been the last of the first group to return, but she was all smiles as she shook herself out and headed off for a nap.

In his room, Trunks had un-capsuled the crate with all the stuff he'd bought and Nita's stuff as well. Leaving his own stuff for later, and his jacket and gloves in his room, he's headed to find her with her basket full of things. Still in the long-sleeved high neck shirt, and his usual pants and boots besides that. Not too hard to home in on her ki signature now, given the adventure they'd had.

Re: Cocoa, stories, and adventuring

[unfavorableinstigation]

Trunks wouldn't have far to go, since she wanted to make sure those groceries got settled herself.

She greeted the half-saiyan with a grateful grin.

"Thanks, Trunks," she said.

"D'you want any hot chocolate before turning in for the night or anything?" There were some pretty useful spells to heat up water in a pinch - though sometimes the water itself could just be talked into it, which was more useful in places like the Library, where spells themselves could be too dangerous to be properly implemented.

[light_of_willpower]

Oh good, he hadn't had to go too far. Not that it would've been a problem if she was far, except that his range was a lot more limited in the Library. "Hey, thank you. You helped hide my pulling the capsule out--least I can do in turn is store stuff, right?" No problem carrying her basket either.

His mom took advantage of him for help with groceries and moving things too. Something he could do and didn't mind. That reminded him... "Oh, don't know if you knew. Cosmo does, and is taking advantage of it. I have a small fridge. It's one of the other capsules. So long as there's space, I'm willing to let you store stuff too."

Moving to follow her lead, and the grin returned with her offer. "If you have a way, I would not turn it down. Just don't ask me to make it. I'm...well...I can campfire cook, but it's not very good."

[unfavorableinstigation]

Nita blushed, though it was less intense than the last time.

"I guess that is fair," she said.

"Oh! That's... thanks! Again, I mean. Think I might take you up on that."

When in doubt, go with the mundane solution.

"Alright, then. Might not want to make a campfire in a library, though, let alone this one!"

Nita winked.

[light_of_willpower]

That brought a small chuckle. "Not sure I could, actually. Can't blast anything while in here for the Library's safety. So I'd be stuck the old fashioned way of matches or a lighter." Who knew he could tease back?

It was a sign he was comfortable with Nita though. At ease around her, and trusted her--that she got to see less serious and quiet sides.

"So where would you like the basket?"

Post-Market-place Patrol

[my_belfry_of_fun]

The Cat had been lounging on the circulation desk, amused to see the pair of them (even if he feigned otherwise and being woken from a 'nap'). Aware of their routines, and after some grooming of a paw, he nodded. It turns out their timing was actually rather fortunate if they were feeling restless.

There was a section that was on the edges of fiction and fantasy that was growing darker, and darker. A strange 'sludge' had been found on the floor and seeping into cracks between the shelves. But Cat didn't want them on clean-up; not of the sludge anyways. It would seem that the sludge was also taking on physical manifestations of various characters from the books in that section. Roaming the halls and making it harder to tell what was really going on. If the pair were up for it, he'd like them to stop and round these manifestations up.

Both of them were asked for their bookmarks, and--with a tap from the Cat's paw--the items made a small 'ping' noise and a shimmer. This is how they would keep track of the perimeters of the section, what they're targets were, and how they could round them up. Point their bookmarks at the inky things--although, not unlike many creatures, they likely wouldn't be docile about being scanned. (It was the closest explanation Cat would give them.)

"If you both really need it, contact myself or the head, and we'll aid you." He'd commented with a stretch, then eyed them both. "But I don't think you'll need it."

The section itself was easy enough for them to get to... Heading through Non-fiction, and deeper past stacks before through a great archway and sitting area, past another great archway. Bookshelves were laid out more at random here, along with furniture and tables for planning and relaxing. It was like an old manor's reading-room, with doorways spiraling off and leading further into corridors. It was high as well--with two stories and a spiraling stair-case that dominated their view, smaller ones laid out at intervals.

A fitting area for fantasy and fiction on the border of non-fiction.

[unfavorableinstigation]

Nita had nodded when the Cat had given that last remark, taking things seriously.

She couldn't help but give a nostalgic sigh when they'd found the room; the Fiction section in general was one of her favorites - even if she'd found her Manual in the Non-Fiction section of her own childhood library. Her mood was also a regretful one, since this place was in real trouble.

She really wished she could make one of her shield spells within the Library, but it would have been too diminshed to be any real help. As it was, she held her bookmark ready at her side, and outright pocketed her Manual this time (rather than leave it in her room or in a backpack - which she had gone back for anyway, just in case).

"Splitting up's not a real option for us this time," Nita said. It wasn't a question to her; they were each other's backup, after all.

[light_of_willpower]

Blue-eyes looked at her with the sigh, before nodding with her remark. Trunks' bookmark was in his jacket pocket along with the capsule case. Easier for him to move and defend, and easier for him to grab if needed. "I wouldn't recommend it unless you have a way to track me."

[unfavorableinstigation]

"Yeah," Nita replied.

"Alternatively, we could hold on to each other... but that's probably overkill, come to think of it."

She wasn't entirely focusing on her words, though - there was something in the shadows ahead, and that was probably one of the creatures that looked to make their lives very interesting over the next half hour.

Her eyes narrowed.

"What do you think the priorities should be for this? Fight them first, or protect the books?"

Not that they couldn't multitask, but still.

Ice-Festival Market-Place; Sledding and Exploring

[light_of_willpower]

The patrons were able to get themselves back to the main circulation desk with no more trouble from shadows. Trunks had kept himself on alert, and he knew even with the fatigue in her steps that Nita was doing the same. Just in case. But Cat, while napping, was waiting for them. Tail lazily swaying, he complimented them on their job well-done, and told them that--if they needed to, a scan of each other would also help rid the worst of the sludge from their clothes and tools.

Testing it out revealed interesting info. The basic 'stats' for lack of a better word, of the person scanned. Nothing terribly confidential or earth-shattering, but it was interesting to know and similar enough to the 'vitals' taken by doctors to be useful.

From there it was to the Bath area (after a quick stop at their rooms for clean stuff), because while it had large pools for soaking in, it also had some smaller locker-room-esque areas. With individual showers. Being clean felt good again, and Trunks had (despite a hint of pink) insisted on waiting to make sure Nita wasn't so tired she fell asleep in the shower or anything. Once they separated again (with vague plans for the next day for sledding), it was food and/or bed with the satisfaction of a job well done and an exciting day.

Despite he being an early-riser, Trunks waited until it was at least properly morning (although not too late) to meet Nita at the portal again. Clothed pretty much the same as he'd been the day before (and with empty cargo Capsule in his case in his pocket), he had something with him besides the sword slung over his shoulder. Held carefully under one arm was a metal and wood sled designed for--at most--two people if they didn't mind being close. A small folded up case was also tucked under his arm, which bore an inflatable snow tube as well.

Clearly ready for some exploring and some sledding, and once again Amaterasu was near the portal. Napping this time however, not far from the entrance. Close enough to go if any trouble where she was needed happened.

Re: Ice-Festival Market-Place; Sledding and Exploring

[unfavorableinstigation]

Nita had indeed been alert - which meant she was also aware enough to take note of the scan's results. Very interesting results, but Nita knew enough about Trunks to not just ask - let alone assume! - about them right away.

She'd been touched by his concern, but said she'd be running the shower cold to keep her awake anyway. And it'd worked, even if she'd wanted the warm water.

The next morning, Nita, too, was ready with winter wear, her Manual and bookmark.

She waved for a moment at Amaterasu - before realizing she was asleep!

"Morning, Trunks. You definitely look ready to sled!"

Re: Ice-Festival Market-Place; Sledding and Exploring

[light_of_willpower]

Likewise, he'd ask Nita later (if it was necessary) about the scan results. If nothing else, it was a good to know what information the Library (and Librarians) had on each of the patrons, that they considered relevant and impersonal enough to share. Personally, he had no issues with any of what was likely being shown, but others might not have. Considering his hybrid status--while that wasn't an issue in the Library, elsewhere it might've been cause for concern.

Even with the cold-water, he'd still waited. They were friends, besides just that you took care of your partner. Trunks had already lost too many friends (besides not making them very easily in the first place) to not be a bit protective.

Amaterasu didn't even stir, although her ears twitched at the sound of the voices. So even if she was napping, she was at least partly aware of what was going.

"That's what we agreed on right?" It is a big grin, as he is so ready for exploring and sledding. "Or are you still too tired from the patrol?" Teasing her a bit too, maybe.

Re: Ice-Festival Market-Place; Sledding and Exploring

[unfavorableinstigation]

Nita could understand that - both concern over species status, and being protective of friends.

She snorted, straightening her back some.

"Not any more than you are, I'll bet."

Which was probably true. Probably; half-saiyan strength and all.

In any case, the anticipation of the wind off the slopes was already giving her more energy.