Time passes much more quickly in Rohandor and many long and happy years have gone by since the characters retired to enjoy their respective 'happily ever afters,' their greatest foes were imprisoned in the Forever Stone, bound in an eternal sleep. Until Now.
Happily Ever Afters takes place in Rohandor, a mystical realm on another plane of existence from our own. Here our favorite Disney heroes and villains live in a world all their own; Alive, but far from well. Heroes and heroines fight to keep peace while newly freed villains seek their revenge. Come join us in an epic adventure as the characters you love clash in a struggle that will determine the fate of Rohandor!
HEA is an AU canon-only animated crossover Disney Play-By-Post Role Play with minimal word count.
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4/24/21: We've been on hiatus for a number of years now. I don't know that I'm entirely ready to return BUT I have been cleaning up the site and working to update everything since a number of movies have released. There is still A LOT of work to do but if you see this update and were an active member of the site prior to the hiatus, please send the Yen Sid account a DM to let me know you're still interested in playing and if you wish to retain your current roster. I hope you've all been doing well and staying safe!
Happily Ever Afters is a play-by-post forum role playing game based on the movies and television series of Disney and Pixar. It was created for recreational and entertainment purposes only and not intended to step on any toes, offend, or infringe. We did not create nor do we own the content from the Disney and Pixar stories and movies. None of the threads and writing on this forum is associated or affiliated with Disney/Pixar in any way. We do not make any money off of this site or its content. The icons used in the Forum Information & Statistics and those like it throughout the board as well as the BBC buttons and smileys were taken from a layout called Absolute Madness made by PookyTart from Userbar Depot. All of the other graphics used on this board were found, created, or otherwise edited by Yen Sid or Te Fiti. Please don't steal or use any graphic from this board without explicit permission. All storylines and plots used in the threads/topics were created by the staff and members of HEA and should not be copied or used on another board without permission.
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Post by Fox on Jul 15, 2014 12:18:37 GMT -5
"I'm disappointed."
Fox stood on the poop deck of perhaps the most beautiful ship she'd ever seen - though she'd never admit as much outright. Near at hand was the captain of the vessel that Xanatos Enterprises had chartered, manning the helm and calling out orders to his largely inhuman crew. Fox wore her hair down that day, leaving the ginger locks to dance in the wind sweeping over the ship. Her red, gold-accented coat fit in with the atmosphere of the ship with its rows of buttons up the front, cream-colored interior and flaring coattails just as much as her form-fitting white linen breeches and the black high-heeled boots that came up to mid-thigh. Alexander was held comfortably in Fox's arms, staring in wonderment at the organized chaos that happened around him. Fox was grateful. The distraction was welcome because it finally dissuaded Alexander from trying to gnaw on her coat buttons.
"Why haven't you already designed something like this?" Fox asked her husband silkily.
The situation was... bizarre, to put it lightly. Not an unwelcome bizarre, either. Just one that Fox was having trouble wrapping her head around. She had lead the Pack, starred on a television show, watched gargoyles come to life and even shot the King of the Fey in the face when he was trying to take her newborn son away from her. Fox would have thought that with all of that in mind the inclusion of New York Town into Rohandor wouldn't be so hard to contend with. And then, every time that she felt she had settled into the new norm for things, something like this would happen. Fox was very good at not staring - or not getting caught staring - but she couldn't help but marvel at the broad array of alien species swarming the quarterdeck and rigging in preparation of casting off.
Just as much as Fox was in awe (well-disguised and concealed beneath a heavy layer of condescension and dry sarcasm), she was analyzing the members of the crew. How useful the extra appendages of this one would be in a fight, or the insectoid wings that allowed that one to flutter for brief stints, which would render any kind of parachute unnecessary. Altogether Fox's intelligence, which was difficult to challenge at the best of time, was positively brimming with clever contemplation and as close to glee as she ever came. David had done very well, organizing this for their little family. Which just meant that Fox had to make him think she was unimpressed that much more; even if he could see right through it, like as not.
Fox turned to David with her previous question and smirked at him. Her eyes glimmered with cunning, betraying just how much she was teasing him.
Post by David Xanatos on Jul 16, 2014 14:15:16 GMT -5
Apparently New York wasn't at the highest level of technology in Rohandor. Well, it was still debatable if the Floating Isle was definitively on top if you counted the breakthroughs of Xanatos and Renard science. The ship David stood on with his wife and child was truly a marvel. Built in the style of the late 1600s to the early 1700s but able to soar through the air and into outer space whilst still keeping the occupants safe with a surrounding atmosphere and artificial gravity. Fox stood beside him holding Alexander, the two had decided to bring the infant on this particular trip rather than bundle him on Lexington or Puck. Davids wife expressed what she claimed was disapointment, though the two knew each other well enough to pull back any masks they wore in front of others (at least all but their best masks).
"I could ask you the same question Fox. You are in control of all the Renard airship resources after all."
An insectoid swab passed behind the two mopping the decks, two buckets and two mops in his four arms making his progress twice as quick. Anticipating the wind Xanatos was wearing a heavier, dark blue coat and turtleneck compared to his usual business suits, his collar catching with the next gust.
"I did consider such projects a few years back. But the military wanted it to be big enough to land planes on, there were cheaper alternatives for transport and we have more agile aerial defenses in the tower so it would be nothing but a vanity project."
Fox likely already knew his reasons for not having his own flying yacht or galleon, plus she could come up with many more cons of her own. The billionaire took a step to the side and wrapped his arms around his wife and son, feeling the childs grip on his sleeve.
"Of course there is more of a market for such luxuries and less buildings to crowd them. I've already sent Owen to contact a shipbuilders on this Isle to design something special. I thought it would go great for that party we were planning."
Another vanity project Xanatos had in the works. With so many kingdoms not too familiar of their new neighbours Xanatos was intending to organise a get-together for them all, plus room to invite a few friends like Goliath and Detective Maza. A luxury airship would be the perfect setting.
"Of course I'd be disappointed if you didn't have any agenda for coming with me on this trip." Xanatos teased in return.
Last Edit: Jul 16, 2014 14:16:20 GMT -5 by David Xanatos
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Post by Fox on Jul 17, 2014 10:37:41 GMT -5
Fox's smugness had been concealed beneath a very formidable veil of seemingly genuine derision. Of course she knew that David could see right through it, just as she had a tendency to pierce through his tricks or attempted misdirections. They could still catch one another up in some scheme or another - Fox knew that David was the love of her life not in small part thanks to the fact that he was ever enthralling and intriguing her - but it took quite a bit of effort and guile to manage that anymore. Particularly considering that since Alexander's birth both had become markedly more tame, and less focused on tampering with others affairs just for the fun of it. Even two people so intelligent were softened by the infant now clutched in Fox's arms, and made too busy for much besides, keeping up with him.
When David countered her question with one of his own toward her, Fox's hidden amusement became more visible, twisting her lips and touching her eyes. "These aren't Daddy's style," Fox sighed, forlorn feigned. "Too conceited, and inexpedient compared to his standards." Smirk aside, her tone was airy with a touch of condescension. The heavy-handed implication that such a boastful project was in line with David's taste wouldn't be missed. Fox's joking expression was turned more intrigued when her husband went on to admit that the idea for such a contraption had already been contemplated by him some years before. This more contemplative turn of Fox's features quickly reverted to clever amusement when David mentioned that such a device would be nothing more than a "vanity project."
"Since when has that stopped you?" David casually moved closer to Fox and Alexander and extended both arms out to encompass them. She did not hesitate to press herself snugly against him, her eyes down-turned to Alexander, who brought a thoughtful smile - sincere, not tinged by cunning or guile, for once - to his mother's lips as he gripped his father's arm contentedly. Fox quirked a brow in consideration as David spoke next, turning her now-kinder and less orchestrated gaze upon him. The fact that what had originally been a joke on Fox's part was closer to truth than she anticipated was curious. Owen's endeavoring to enlist a shipwright was news to Fox, but it brought satisfaction back to her eyes. Looking back down to Alexander, she replied, "Oh, that will work splendidly."
The party of which David spoke had been on the couple's minds for quite some time. It made sense, was tactful, and could prove to be immensely beneficial not only to the Xanatos family, but the company that it owned at that. A veritable melting pot of rich-beyond-measure nobles who ruled their respective slices of Rohandor? Fox nearly chuckled just thinking of it. In fact, she did chuckle shortly thereafter, when David mentioned her hidden agenda. "A woman never tells her secrets, my love," she tutted at him through her grin. "You'll just have to wait and see what comes of this little expedition." Fox's "agenda" was mostly the spending of time with her husband and child, which was a worthy one in her opinion. Still... She wouldn't have felt comfortable if she didn't have a little something extra up her sleeve. She had to keep David on his toes, after all, lest he get complacent.
Post by David Xanatos on Jul 19, 2014 16:46:28 GMT -5
"and there I was thinking that we only did vanity projects involving miracles."
Miracles might be a strong term, but Fox and Xanatos vanity projects always involved something spectacular. A castle topping a skyscraper, igniting the sky to break a curse over New York and even a time travelling wedding. David had amassed a collection of artifacts that most sorcerors, mages and wizards would balk at while Fox had conquered her fathers company because it was more of a challenge than inheriting it. Not to mention their son was being tutored by Puck, the most chaotic of Oberons children bound by an honour pact.
A swarm (or would that be school given the ocean/sky mixture the Floating Isle had going) of manta ray like creatures swam/flew alongside the ship, causing Alex to react with excitement. Given how much time he spent with Lexington the sight may have stirred some kind of connection or familiarity.
"Would she even keep secrets from her loving husband? I thought I knew you better." He did know her better than to think she'd tell him everything. All part of the game.
Davids agenda was simple. Aside from the dealings with the local shipbuilders, trying out one of the local ships and spending time with the family, Xanatos had heard rumor of a unique item that might prove useful in the future, or at least make a nice addition to his collection. Said item was apparently well used in the shipping lanes of this Isle, so hopefully it would turn up or at least give some kind of sign as to it's location. Ever prepared David had both his chequebook and a small personal weapon handy.
"So how have your travels gone so far? Find anything interesting?"
Davids work was a mixed bag so far. The Dragon Isle had been a bust, but meeting with Nancy of Andalasia could go either way in the future. Fox tended to be more subtle in her methods.
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Post by Fox on Jul 22, 2014 11:13:57 GMT -5
Fox pressed her lips together in a bid a terseness that did not quite vanquish the amusement painted on them. Were any of their hired crew foolish enough to be eavesdropping on the couple's conversation, there was no doubt that they'd be greatly flummoxed. Out of context, and delivered by different people, the exchange that Mr and Mrs Xanatos were sharing in might have sounded almost cruel. Tart words spoken by embittered people stuck with one another over the course of far too many years. David and Fox weren't the average couple, though. In fact, she didn't think that either of them would be content with the other if being so made them that: "average." Hard as it may have been to believe, the current conversation was the pair's flirting and foreplay at its finest.
Alexander used his father's arm as a brace and levered himself forward to gain a better view. Majestically a school of sky-bound mantas glided around the ship and outward, toward the spacial rifts and asteroid-filled skies that surrounded the Floating Isle; a micro-cosmos spinning with the isle at its heart. Alexander giggled gleefully and bounced in Fox's arms at the sight of the indigenous fauna. The woman raised a single ginger brow with indifference flavored with dry question as she looked at David; whose proximity meant that only his whiskered jaw was rightly visible to her. "Contrary to your belief, you don't know everything, David." Fox returned her attention to the bundle of joy in her arms, negotiating him to a more secure position within her grasp.
"That title is entirely for my boasting," she said, tone distant and not as teasing as it would have been had she not been addressing Alexander fondly. David's next question brought Fox from the thoughtful spell that watching her son had a knack for casting. Her eyes sparkled unnervingly. "Nothing that I would call worthwhile," Fox said dismissively. Then, more smugly, but still beneath a veneer of nonchalance, "Not quite anything as grand - or violent - as your recent excursions." It was not as if David were trying to keep his visit to the Isle of the Dragon a secret from Fox: he knew better than that. She tended to find things that weren't meant for her finding long before those factoids that were free for her to know.
Just then the captain turned from his bellowing orders - a man that looked like an anthropomorphized rhinoceros; a towering, wide-set build in contrast to the high-end uniform he wore that declared his status - and inquired of them in his tone as rough as his grey hide: "Excuse me, Mr Xanatos, but we're ready to shove off, when you give the order." Fox turned toward the captain at his voice and stared at him thoughtfully. She knew he was just being polite: their ship had a predetermined time table when they were approved to depart from the port. Were any vessel to "shove off" at their own convenience there would be collisions left, right and center. Still, she approved of the captain's deference of authority to his current employer.
Post by David Xanatos on Jul 24, 2014 17:42:38 GMT -5
"Such boasts and titles are an invitation for people to challenge and ursurp them darling."
David smirked in reply to Fox claim of superior knowledge. Not that he was one to talk with the number of times he had been questioned about his security teams acting like an occupying army or invasion force. The excursion Fox referenced involved the ressurection of an ice dragon, who turned out to be a human hating warmonger not too keen on showing appreciation for his freedom. Fortunatly a local hero had aided in resealing the creature and minimising damage. Chi Fu, the emperors aide who had fast tracked permissions for the project, was trying to smooth things over but for now the Dragon Isle had little need of Xanatos Enterprises.
"I'm wondering if the same could be said of your excursion to the Lantern Kingdom. You are very tight lipped about it."
The Lantern kingdom, home to Rapunzel, another one of the many fairytale characters now occupying the world. Fox had taken a trip there recently and managed to hide the details from everyone so far, despite the best efforts of Davids computer experts. A little mutual espionage was another part of the game between the two. Either it went bad, or she wanted to keep her profits hidden until she added them to another plot she had in mind.
The captain of the ship approached the family, looking for permission from his financial backers. Xanatos saw no need to delay any further than necessary.
"Proceed when ready Captain."
The ship lurched slightly as it left port. Sails expanding an a slight vibration from below deck as the gravity field, artificial atmosphere and other necessities charged up. Alexander seemed excited by the display and the crew rushing about their assigned tasks. Xanatos let his son grip onto his gloved hand, partially to keep him from bounding out of his mothers arms.
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Post by Fox on Jul 25, 2014 9:36:56 GMT -5
"Perhaps," Fox said after a soft laugh. David was right, of course. Claims of power or capability, in their world, rarely went unchallenged. If only those challengers were ever an actual challenge to the woman. That would have been a welcome change of pace. As it was the only person that had ever truly tested Fox's intellect and ability was standing alongside her, his strong arms encompassing her and their child that she held. So much the better, really. Fox didn't think that David would have deserved her, had he been anything less than what he was. In all honesty, Fox and David did hold genuine and deep love for one another. Even if things between them had started out on a peculiar note, given each their character and personality, much had grown from that unconventional seed.
Still they played their games with one another - trading blows verbally as often as on the training mats - but there was never real malice behind either of their actions. The desire to trip the other up, to come out deliciously on top, but nothing more. Fox trusted that David would ever and always provide that challenge that she constantly sought (perhaps less fervently now that her time was mostly dedicated to Alexander, but they had both come out the softer for the bundle held in her arms). His casual prodding of her assignment to the Topaz Kingdom of the Lantern brought smugness to her face anew. Oh, he could not stand to be left in the dark, could he? Fox didn't blame him. She'd be positively livid were she unable to negotiate the details of a promising venture from him - or otherwise sneak the information herself if he was silly enough to "refuse" to spill.
Fox wasn't sure how much David truly knew about her little trip through the Topaz Kingdom. It would be very like him to feign greater ignorance than was actually his to tote to make her underestimate his knowledge and use that against her. For all Fox knew, he had already unearthed every minute detail of her time on that Isle and was pretending to be in the dark to humor her. That was a possibility always, but if Fox was made to guess, she would suppose that David really didn't know much of her time away from him. Not only was Fox very careful about her discretion, but she was better at reading her husband than he thought. Then again, she would guess that David could read her, in kind, much more clearly than even she imagined. "Rest assured: my little jaunt was in no way grand - and it was sorely lacking in violence."
That last bit was tacked on almost with forlorn wistfulness. She could have done with a little more action than her quest turned up. Then again, Fox's goal had been to pass through with as little sign of her being there as possible. Her brush with - of all people - the Princess of Corona had been unintentional, but Fox hoped that she had twisted the happenstance to her greatest benefit. Time would tell. Presently, Fox's eyes glimmered with dully and deeply satisfied light as David gave clearance to depart. The world was not right if Mr Xanatos was not the most authoritative and influential person present, and it pleased Fox greatly whenever he flexed that power. Even having spent her years watching the miraculous technological strives and contraptions, small and vast, of her father's company, then David's - even tallying in the myriad magical adventures that the two had had since becoming a couple - and Fox was still impressed by at the ship's departure.
David may have been paying more heed to the devices below deck as they hummed to life to conjure artificial atmospheric and gravitational environments, but Fox's eyes were lifted up. The sails fanned open beautifully, and as the ship slowly rose, sunlight leaped over the strange fabric. Fox watched as solar energy was gathered in beads of golden light that ran in rivulets to the various masts, powering the vessel and readying it for its quest. David's comment brought Fox's eyes back down to Alexander, whose excitement was obvious in every facet of his being. She tousled his small tuft of ginger hair and the babe turned to look at his father and mother gleefully. Alexander cooed, then laughed outright and bouncing in her arms turned back to watch the proceedings.
Post by David Xanatos on Jul 29, 2014 15:18:01 GMT -5
"If you want action you could always consider getting the Pack back together?" David suggested, hiding his lack of seriousness to see if he could rattle Fox.
The Pack, initially a band of mercenaries David liked to keep handy, soon turning into a televised action series to keep them close at hand. After a few bouts with Goliaths clan the Pack was reorganised under the leadership of the android Coyote (a secondary plan to gaining Fox some good favour with the parole board). After that the team had taken advantage of the fruits of various projects of Xanatos Enterprises, cybernetic enhancements, bio engineering or high tech weapons. The team had splintered somewhat after that, Dingo leaving to find redemption, Jackal and Hyena at tense odds after Jackals temporary binding with Anubis and Wolf last seen pairing with his viking ancestor via a magical weapon. Money would probably bring a few of them back if necessary (or Hyenas twisted crush on Coyote) but for now David required a few less loose cannons on his ship.
"I'm joking of course. I actually wonder how you put up with them in the field for so long."
Turning his gaze to follow his wife's attentions, David looked up at the sails. Solar panels flexible enough to catch the wind and aid the motion of the ship, he might have to look into the technology for application back home. The Castle might look good flying banners that provided power as well as morale.
"I'll be right back dear. I'd like to see if I can get a closer look at the machinery."
David made an educated guess that Fox wouldn't mind the privacy, especially if she had her own plans. Pausing to watch the manta shoal/swarm again Xanatos stepped below decks, pulling a small scanner from his coat pocket. His science teams had calibrated it to pick up certain signals, sounds, energy and other emissions that he'd been curious about since he'd read the initial reports about the Floating Isle from his scouts. Currently the readings were still sketchy. His target could be anywhere inside the ship, or even in the nearby skies.
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Post by Fox on Aug 6, 2014 9:02:28 GMT -5
Fox's gaze turned more brittle, but not so in offense or frustration. David was jesting, and she knew it. If not for how plainly she could read him when he wasn't trying to throw her off his scent, because logically the suggested idea was ludicrous. The Pack was, in several ways, Fox's origin. She had a considerable amount of life experience and interesting - in no small amount sinister - stories to tell before that point in her life, but it was the Pack that really began her life with David, and the world of the gargoyles and the fey. The time would have been that the idea of gathering the Pack back together would have sounded appealing, and even her brand of "fun", but that was far removed from the present.
Much had changed with Alexander's birth. More than either Mr or Mrs Xanatos rightly knew. The Fox from the past would have looked on herself as a mother with cruel apathetic disappointment. She had become a more thoughtful and less manipulative woman, after all, if only just a shade. Her tolerance of the gargoyles had turned into genuine fondness, particularly of Lexington, who treated Alexander so well. David, too, was a different man than he was before becoming a father. Willing to reschedule meetings that would put him on top of a deal just to continue reading nursery rhymes to his son. Before Alexander, Fox and David may have entertained the notion of reforming the Pack with actual seriousness. Not so now. Fox would rather personally take down ever former member of the Pack than have them in a position where they could harm her baby.
That was how she knew David was joking. Because where it came to their son, both were of a like mind.
Fox continued watching the proceedings of the vessel's departure, somewhat humoring David in not giving a comment to the contrary. He spoke soon enough stating the obvious, that he had been joking. The question that came after returned to Fox a measure of the contentedness that the original jest had veiled in dry amusement. "Well," she said with a smirk she could not contain, "the money was so good." Then Fox turned to look up at David with a smolder in her jade eyes. "Besides. I kind of had a thing for my employer." With a deep melodious chuckle she pressed a kiss on David's jaw.
Presently, David excused himself to get a closer look at the machinery. Or, so he claimed. "Go, play with the big boy toys," Fox said with a slight smile and sigh. David was descending the stairs from the poop deck to the quarterdeck, out of sight when Fox's demeanor shifted subtly. Mischief sparked in her irises and kindled to full-blown guile. She knew that David likely had layer upon layer of ulterior motive for all of this, but so much the better. Fox addressed Alexander, shifting him in her arms and praising him quietly. She placed a kiss on his brow, eliciting a giggle, and used the rocking of the babe on her hip as a mask to bring her to the rail of the forefront of the poop deck, overlooking the quarterdeck down below.
Nonchalantly, Fox slipped a hand into her coat pocket, then out along the railing so smoothly had someone even been paying her attention - which they weren't - they would not have noticed. In the wake of her passing palm, a small device lay plastered along the underside of the wooden railing, perfectly concealed. Fox continued speaking softly to Alexander, and strolled along, drifting around the poop deck, stopping apparently to admire the view of the port sliding away below them in several key points.
Post by David Xanatos on Aug 12, 2014 17:16:49 GMT -5
In the lower decks, David paced around inspecting the machinery and occasionally checked the readings on his scanner. Despite the amazingly advanced technology, the layout left something to be desired. A web of pipes ran along the ceiling and walls, occasionally venting steam at various points, along with a dim red glow from the overheated metals. The whole effect was reminiscent of a Ridley Scott movie, just missing the monster hiding among the pipes. Xanatos drummed his fingers along a row of pipes, raising an eyebrow when the last one clicked instead of clanged.
"You mind keepin them hands to yourself ver-ter-brate?" and that must be the Ridley Scott monster. The voice was deep, raspy and had a grizzled accent to it.
The owner of the voice lowered himself down, a blue shelled crab/spider like engineer who had raised himself upwards on his spindly legs to work higher up. The crewman tucked his tools back into his belt (with surprising dexterity given his pincers) and lowered down to glare and David, clicking his mandibles in a mix of frustration and curiosity. The CEO responded with a slight smirk.
"Hope you aren't my new assistant. Too squishy." He prodded David in the chest. "Fancy clothes aren't going to last after a few hours workin on the fuel tanks."
Xanatos gripped the claw and applied an approximation of a wrist lock. Despite the species difference the move had the intended result as the engineer flinched back and nursed his arm.
"Firstly, I'm the man funding this expedition. Secondly, I'm anything but soft."
"Mister Xanatos. Excuse me." The engineer clicked out a reluctant apology. "Kirrg, chief engineer on this vessel. Can I help you with somethin?"
"Just inspecting the equipment." David waved his scanner around, trying to lock down the trail he was following. "Hoping to find a good application back home."
"It's a fine technology to be applyin." Kirrg drew a wrench and battered a shaking pipe until it quieted down, afterwards glancing back and narrowing his orange eyes at the suspicious actions of the human. His attention was then drawn to a small panel that had begun making pinging noises. "Plenty of mantabirds out today. Shouldn't affect the sailing of course."
"Of course." David tried not to show too much interest, heading further into the ship while following the readings. "Carry on Mister Kirrg."
Last Edit: Aug 12, 2014 17:18:53 GMT -5 by David Xanatos
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Post by Fox on Aug 13, 2014 9:10:39 GMT -5
The bustling space port that the ship had been moored at was a twinkling in the distance, illuminated by distant rays of a foreign sun. Meanwhile, the ship had moved into the deep space atmosphere that surrounded the floating isle to better marry it to the science fiction/fantasy world that it originated from. Stars constellations and nebula glittered and swirled around the ship. Fox's eyes were narrowed as she inspected the passing marvels while the ship swept forward under its solar-powered sails. There were so many reasons that none of this should be working. That passing comet was much too close. They should have been harmed by its presence and proximity. And so on and so forth. Fox scowled as her knowledge of physics strove to apply to the situation, then fell utterly short.
Though, Fox shouldn't have been surprised, she supposed. She now lived in a world beyond the relative strangeness that her own had been. There weren't just gargoyles and fairies, there were long-lost civilizations, deep-sea-dwelling mutants and ships that careened as easily through the vacuum of a space tethered to a floating isle more easily than they would through the surf. Fox had Alexander poised on one hip, and with the other arm she had reached out to place her hand on one of the railings. She drummed her fingers across the wooden surface as a sign of her intermingled admiration and frustration at the environment that sprawled and floated around her.
David was still below deck. While Fox really would have liked to be prowling after him, shifting between the shadows to figure out just what kind of game the love of her life was playing, she had a child to attend to. Besides, she always found that with Alexander near at hand, her less sterling qualities took a backseat to him. Fox looked down on the quarterdeck, and though she appeared to be lost to thoughtfulness, her eyes were peeled. The sailors continued to mill below, no less busy than when they had been preparing to shove off. Fox's ears were attentive, her senses primed, her drumming fingers just barely concealing the small device that was pressed between her palm and the railing.
The captain turned over his shoulder to shout something at one of his crewman and Fox used the chance. With a swift flick of her wrist the item flew through the air, hit the central mast and sunk teeth into the wood to adhere to it. Fox looked at it pointedly, waiting for an expensive technology to kick in. Fortunately for the inventor of that technology, it did. There was a dull flash of red light on the triangular device, then it wavered and cloaked itself, vanishing from sight just in time for the captain to turn forward again.
Post by David Xanatos on Aug 27, 2014 16:28:17 GMT -5
As amazing as the Floating Isle's technology was, it seemed to disagree with Xanatos scanning device. Everytime something in the machinery steamed, shuddered or clanked it would send up a false signal on his screen. For now David resolved to plant a few discreet relay beacons and head back up on deck. He paused on the stairs to let one of the crewmen pass, a four armed robot who had converted his upper two arms into mops and carried buckets in his lower arms as he scrubbed the decks. The machine was shaky and ramshackle compared to anything produced by Scarab Robotics, but it still had it's (or his) own charm as it worked with a jolly whistle. The CEO wondered how long they had managed to achieve sentient robotic life, or what Coyote would think on the subject. Fox was just further down, throwing her own device onto the mast.
"Hope that isn't explosive dear." He whispered as he approached, not wanting to alert the crew or spoil her plans unless they conflicted with his own. "A broken mast is bad enough on the ocean, never mind in orbit."
Of course he knew her better than to suspect her of trying to demolish their transport, especially with herself and their son on board. Plus terrorists tactics were so many levels beneath Fox and David, even the decoy villains they hired were trained better than that.
"I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that both of us have our interests in this ship and the route it's taking. This particular route has a higher concentration of mantabirds and other ships have trouble with it. So what would your theory be on the matter?" He let a sly smirk creep up. "I'll tell you if you're close."
On cue a massive shoal/swarm of said Mantabirds flew by the ship. Evasive as expected but one small group were unnaturally evasive, taking sharper turns and a more linear flight path. David gave them a closer look and noticed figures clinging to the underside, hard to make out from a distance. Ever prepared though, Xanatos checked the weapon in his pocket, ready for trouble. Aside from the wildlife damage several ships had actually gone missing in this area, with the cause apparently presenting itself.
"and now I'm thinking it wasn't just the mantabirds that gave the other ships trouble."
ooc: Tell me if this needs changed. All I could think of was 'repel boarders'
Posts: 38 Likes: 22 Health Points: 132 Courage Points: 200 Played By: Grim
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Post by Fox on Sept 10, 2014 11:15:35 GMT -5
David returned at the least opportune time for Fox. Which, of course, was so like him.
His whispered comment was heard plainly by her sensitive ears as he closed the distance between them at the last. Fox's eyes glittered dangerously, but the slight twitch at the edge of her lips let David know that what came next was not nearly as serious as she made it sound. "Careful, husband, dear," she warned. "You almost sounded like a fool just now." She knew he knew better than to assume that Fox would do anything whatsoever that could possibly put Alexander in jeopardy. Even so, the slightest indication that he was hinting at that, even just to get her riled, singed away Fox's tolerance.
Fox's cool exterior turned noticeably back toward smug when David came to rest beside her, and began speaking quietly to her. She gave one deep chuckle as her husband cut right to the quick and discarded all of the smoke and mirrors portions of their little dance. David began speaking of the natural fauna and Fox's grin became less content. She had done her bit of investigating about the Floating Isle and everything that would pertain to this excursion, of course. The knowledge that ships went missing periodically as they passed through the exact route that David was intent on taking had not gone unnoticed by her. The involvement of the Mantabirds, however, was a new angle she hadn't thought of. At least connecting the creatures to the missing vessels.
"My theory," she said, "is that - much as I hate to say it - both of us are about to be surprised in one way or another." Fox and David were alike in that they wanted to be informed. Each put incredible effort into ensuring that they were four steps ahead of everyone else. The Mantabirds provided a hole in Fox's omnipotence, and she knew that there was something now that she had anticipated which David was as yet unaware. As if speaking of them called them forth, Mantabirds began swarming gracefully past their ship. Fox and David's eyes both followed the unnatural formation that zipped more expediently by, noting the shapes clutching like spiders to their stomachs.
"Do make sure you don't focus too much on one direction, love." Fox's warning came just as a small commotion stirred at their backs. She turned to see that several of the crew had turned suddenly on the captain and knocked him quickly unconscious. Before Fox could take another breath they were upon them, just as fighting broke out below between the unsuspecting crewmen and those that were traitors in disguise. Fox clutched Alexander closer to her chest and moved fluidly to put David between her child and their opponents. Except one of the robotic sailors who had crept up behind the pair did something she did not anticipate. He extended both arms to ten feet in length. One claw pinched Fox's shoulder and sent out an electric current. Reflexively, her arms threw themselves open and Alexander fell from her grasp... Directly into the waiting palm of the robot's other arm.
"Alexander!" Fox wailed. She tried to intercept the arm as it retreated, but was not quick enough. Faster than she could keep up, the robot was holding her son over the edge of the boat. The Mantabirds swooped down lower again, and more joined them in their premeditated flight. The rest of the attackers were about to board. "Surrender, or the child will be terminated," the robot said in his electronic voice. Fox's eyes were wide with desperation. She was the perfect picture of total and entire dismay. Then a metamorphosis happened in the woman that chilled the blood to behold. Her eyes shone with primal satisfaction. Her lips spread in an unabashed display of cunning.
Alexander, in the robot's claw, looked at its captor and giggled. He started to glow, and shimmer, and soon enough he disappeared entirely. The robot was stunned by this unexpected turn. "Does not compute-" he began. Then Fox's flying kick connected with the panel that served as his face. She pushed off of the robot into a backwards flip and landed in a crouch. The robot stumbled backwards, losing its balance, and Fox exploited that by sweeping her leg beneath one of his at just the right time so that he hit the railing of the ship and fell over it and into oblivion. Fox whipped her head around to smile much too arrogantly at her husband. She offered a small shrug somewhat lacking in repentance.
Post by David Xanatos on Sept 18, 2014 16:55:06 GMT -5
"Now this is why we background check our employees."
As half the crew mutinied to join the attackers, clearly a pre-planned stratagem on their part, Xanatos stepped aside to let Fox take cover behind him with Alexander. The loyal crew had their hands full as an assorted mix of robots, humans and miscellaneous species closed in on the family. Reaching into his jacket David pulled out his sidearm, one of the handgun variants on his company's particle beam weapons. He fired a short, sweeping arc across the deck, creating a small blast trail to hold back the attackers. Then he was alerted to the commotion behind him, turning to take aim at the robot that had grabbed Alex and attacked Fox.
Before he could fire however, Alexander had apparently taken the initiative and made use of his own talents (either by reflex or from Puck's tutoring) and vanished from the robots grasp. The automaton stuttered in confusion up until Fox went on the attack and hurled him overboard after a quick but brutal beating before she turned back to David and gave one of her slyly superior expressions. David smiled back, both he and his wife were formidable opponents and Alexander was learning from them quickly.
"He did that while playing with Bronx last week."
Taking advantage of his distraction, one of the larger crab like pirates grabbed David from behind and tried to crush him. David in turn forced his free hand under part of the pirate's shell and started feeling around. Since meeting Demona the CEO had put a lot of time and effort into researching combat against non human foes. Just like most of his martial arts training the best method usually involved exploiting pressure points, balance or over reliance on their natural talents (in this case the crabs brute strength). As he pressed two fingers into a soft spot the pirate dropped him and nursed his claw, leaving him open to a solid punch in the face and sending his head retreating into his shell. Another flash got his attention as a sword wielding robot charged him, the light engulfing it and leaving behind a similar looking wind up toy. The toy hovered in the air before darting across the ship into the waiting hands of Alexander, having just reappeared on top of a crate. David laughed as he retrieved a pair of swords from the deck, throwing one to Fox.
"He did that while playing with Bronx too. It's reversible, as long as he wants to reverse it."
As the next batch of pirates charged David put his own considerable sword talents to work, parrying and deflecting their blows, throwing them off balance and leaving them in a heap as they crashed into each other. Afterwards he gave Fox a similar arrogant look and a shrug.
Posts: 38 Likes: 22 Health Points: 132 Courage Points: 200 Played By: Grim
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Post by Fox on Oct 27, 2014 9:43:08 GMT -5
David's casual comment - as though they were seated in the Atrium of the Eyrie Building, speaking pleasantly over a game of chess - that Alexander had done the teleportation trick before enticed a snicker from Fox. She saw the crustacean-like crewman lumbering up behind David, but neglected to forewarn him. Fox knew that it would take much more than a humanoid lobster to create a threat to her husband; even with David unawares. No, Fox saw the alien and instead cast a sharp glance over her shoulder. Her suspicions were correct. Another crew member was trying to exploit Fox's distraction as well. This time a thin, lanky thing that was wrapped like a mummy, with one bloodshot eye protruding from its wrappings.
Fox crouched low as two strips of bandage cracked like twin whips through the air above her head, trailing from the creature's wrists. She stood smoothly up and backed away but the bandages had a mind of their own. One of them dove from its place, defying physics and Fox's assumptions and began winding rapidly around one of her forearms. The woman's look of surprise turned to irritation. With a powerful motion Fox pulled the crewman - now looking the more shocked - toward her, connecting his abdomen with her boot. Apparently the creature had lungs, because she heard her kick drive the air from them.
The cloth binding her arm went loose and fell away. Fox completed a fluid Judo throw, barely feeling the meager weight of a being who was probably quite literally skin and bone. Another turncoat tumbled over the edge of the ship. With that settled, Fox turned to check on David again just in time to see his next opponent transfigured into a windup toy. Her eyes followed its path and fell - relieved - on Alexander, who sat giggling on a crate nearer to David than her. She smiled again at his words. The sword that came gleaming through the air was snatched effortlessly by Fox, who twirled it experimentally, testing out its weight. "Let's hope he doesn't."
Watching David best two more pirates without struggle brought a look that was almost lustful in Fox. "David Xanatos," she said airily, "I do believe I love you." More pirates continued to land on the deck from the mantas. Fox looked slowly around herself; she was surrounded. She smirked. "Come on, boys. A few dozen more, and we may have a fair fight." Then she launched into the air, dancing between limb and cutlass as her own weapon sang, turning into a whirling dervish with brutal intent.
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Welcome to Happily Ever Afters!
Tony Dracon: Responded to your PM, Kat/Ratigan, incidentally.
Jun 27, 2018 20:25:02 GMT -5
David Xanatos: Kat's back. Hope the vacation was fun.
Jul 21, 2018 21:00:05 GMT -5
Professor Ratigan: 'Twas a good trip! I'm sad it's over, but at the same time I'm glad to be back home so I can finish up my cosplays for a con next month and hang out with my cats
Jul 26, 2018 12:34:56 GMT -5
Basil of Baker Street: Hope the cosplay goes well. I'm putting away a little extra for a con in a few weeks. and yay cats, they're always good company. Except for that one who slaps me unprovoked XD. So what cosplays do you have in mind unless they're secret?
Jul 26, 2018 17:07:41 GMT -5
Professor Ratigan: I'm cosplaying Pearl from Steven Universe and Joseph Joestar from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure!
Jul 26, 2018 23:16:41 GMT -5
Professor Ratigan: I'm almost done both of them, I just have to finish styling Pearl's wig and fix up Joseph's gloves and wristbands
Jul 26, 2018 23:17:31 GMT -5
Basil of Baker Street: Awesome. Had to look up Jojo because I'm not hip with the modern pop culture but I hope they turn out well.
Jul 30, 2018 15:33:15 GMT -5
Professor Ratigan: I only just started watching the anime last year and I haven't even touched the manga, so I'm barely hip with it lol. fortunately I have my cosplay buddy guiding me through the whole experience
Jul 30, 2018 22:29:38 GMT -5
Professor Ratigan: also I finally finished the gloves! They were more of a pain to work with than I expected, but they'll hold together... I hope...
Jul 30, 2018 22:30:13 GMT -5
Basil of Baker Street: Niceness. Hoping they hold also. Got the Dublin comic con next Saturday here. Hoping to meet Karl Urban.
Aug 1, 2018 19:05:32 GMT -5
Professor Ratigan: Cool! I think he's coming to my city in the fall, if I remember correctly. Hope you enjoy the con, Daryl!
Aug 2, 2018 19:10:23 GMT -5
Basil of Baker Street: I spoke too soon. Karl Urban had to cancel for schedule conflicts. They got Nick Frost though, I'm gonna ask him if he'll sign my Hot Fuzz.
Aug 3, 2018 18:08:47 GMT -5
Professor Ratigan: Dang! Nick Frost is great though, I love his character in Into the Badlands
Aug 4, 2018 22:54:36 GMT -5
Basil of Baker Street: Enjoy your weekend Kat, hope the costumes came out as you wanted.
Aug 10, 2018 16:49:31 GMT -5
Basil of Baker Street: Met Nick Frost and Michael Dorn at the weekend. Both very nice blokes.
Aug 13, 2018 15:22:59 GMT -5
Dodger: Happy 2019 everyone
Jan 1, 2019 10:54:04 GMT -5
Yen Sid: If anyone is passing by I posted a Hiatus update. Hope everyone is doing well!
Apr 18, 2021 11:31:09 GMT -5
Yen Sid: I've temporarily disabled account creation while I update the site. Sorry for the inconvenience and thanks for your patience!
May 9, 2021 18:31:45 GMT -5
Owen Burnett/Puck: Checked the site again and saw the update! Here's hoping to a revitalized 2022.
Dec 15, 2021 14:41:27 GMT -5