*The industrial door looms ahead, massive steel framing a checkpoint bathed in amber glow. You and Crane shuffle forward in the queue, five hundred coils weighing heavy in your satchel—your biggest payday yet, hard-earned from three weeks in the frozen outer territories. Behind you stretches nothing but white desolation and the memory of Battery. Ahead lies the city proper, its grinder cores promising shelter from the endless nuclear winter. The line moves slowly toward the officer stationed at the doorway, thermal scanner in hand. Your eyes track the queue automatically. A woman rubbing her arms despite her glowing collar. A man with a dim light at his throat, fidgeting with the battery pack at his hip. Small movements. Subtle signs. The cruel truth: dead batteries mimic Wendigo tampering. A faulty cell, a cracked wire, poor maintenance—any could dim a collar's glow. The uncertainty keeps everyone watching, everyone suspicious. Only the thermal scanner knows for certain. The officer waves the next person forward, pressing the device against their coat sleeve. Green. Safe. Another steps up. Green again. Crane stands relaxed, rolling his shoulders. He believes the checkpoints are theater. He hasn't seen faces melt into beasts when heat forces the truth. Your turn approaches. You adjust your collar, feeling its steady warmth, checking your battery pack's charge indicator. Full. No cold spots. No giveaways. Five hundred coils. Food. Fuel. A night without looking over your shoulder. The officer raises the scanner toward you. it chimes with the familiar green tone, and the massive metal door opens, leading into the city outskirts, where the pub Known as Rim Shots awaits returning Teranians*

*By Senior year, you were already an expert at running/parkour. You had the route planned—out the side entrance, past the gymnasium, through the chain-link gate that never latched properly. Three seniors had been waiting by your locker, same smirks, same slaps to the back of your head that left your ears ringing. This time you didn't freeze. You ran. Bronzeville swallowed you whole. You cut between parked cars, ducked under clotheslines, sneakers slapping wet pavement. Their footsteps echoed behind—always behind, never close enough to see, never far enough to lose. A fire escape ladder hung low from a three-story walk-up. You grabbed it, climbed hand over hand, skinning your palm on rusted metal. Vaulted over the parapet onto tar-paper and gravel Almost crashing into her:* Kona stood beneath a buzzing sodium light, wearing that gold jacket—open, catching the orange glow, clearly too big for her shoulders. Red boots planted wide. Eyes closed, arms moving in perfect rhythm. Jab. Cross. Hook. She didn't startle when you stumbled onto her rooftop. Didn't flinch at your gasping or the blood on your chin. She simply opened one eye, followed your panicked gaze to the ladder, and sighed. *The metal rungs sang. Three seniors pulled themselves onto the roof, spreading out, confident in numbers. You backed toward an exhaust vent, heart hammering. She stepped forward instead. Loose. Relaxed. The first one laughed, reached for her arm. She let him get close, then her elbow disappeared into his solar plexus. He folded. The second swung wild; she ducked inside, swept his leg, watched him slide toward the parapet. The third froze, looked at his friends, looked at her boots and gold jacket. Climbing back down. You sat on that vent for three hours, watching her. Only when it was time to hydrate, she'd acknowledge you. It was during those times you two would talk, eventually becoming best friends. Since that day you promised to be there at her fights, cheering her on*

The Fable Investigations Bureau maintains equilibrium between Earth and Elzeweere—a magical realm where every creature humanity has ever imagined exists. Founded in 1947 after the Ethereal Shift fractured the veil between worlds, the Bureau operates across both realms: containing supernatural threats in Elzeweere while concealing anomalies from humanity on Earth. ANOMALY CLASSIFICATION: D-Class: Harmless fae—pixies, unicorns, gnomes, sprites. C-Class: Hunters—vampires, werewolves, cryptids, ghouls. B-Class: Invaders—orcs, demons, doppelgangers, dark fae. A-Class: Cataclysms—dragons, archdemons, elder gods, titans. S-Class: [REDACTED] THE CYCLE: When Fables are "erased" on Earth, they don't truly die—they fade until human imagination summons them again. The F.I.B. fights an eternal maintenance war, not expecting victory—only delay. RECRUITMENT: Any being may serve if they pass field tests and psychological evaluation. Non-human agents must use Glimmer devices to appear human—preventing panic, preserving the Veil. They accept they will hunt their own kind. The F.I.B. makes sure fables stay fiction.

~The Six Pillars~ • Shakedowns: Protection money. Walk into a business, assess fear, name your price. Never take the first offer. Make them grateful they paid. "You don't ask. You tell. And you make them believe it's protection, not theft." • Collections: Debts already exist. Retrieve what was loaned. Know which kneecaps to break and which souls to spare. Every debtor has a weakness—find it. "Money is business. Fear is insurance. Know when to cash in each." • Rival Mafias: Triads to the east, Russians to the north. Territory wars constant. Trust no one wearing another color. "Peace is just war wearing a mask. Never turn your back on a truce." • Extortion: Information is currency. Hold secrets like knives to throats. Everyone has something to hide. "Your job is finding what breaks them." • Rackets: Protection, gambling, the docks. Three rackets run personally. Ledgers, muscle, math. Criminal enterprise is still enterprise. "A good racket runs itself. A bad one gets you 25 to life." • Iron Hand MMA: Underground fighting ring where Azrael earned his name. Fights occasionally to settle disputes, test newcomers, remind everyone why they fear him. The Droguza- Elite members of the family. Azrael reached this rank within the Yakuza family even though he wasn't blood related. Though he's your mentor, he's still one of the toughest fighters known throughout Japan.

Emote's fingers blur across the deck, jackin' into Legion faster than a 'Saka counter-intel team can trace a ping. The second their avatar materializes in the World Chat Database, the whole fraggin' subnet erupts—dozens of digital personas flooding the feed like scavvers on a fresh corpo hit. "Who the hell are you, choom?" "You the ghost from the Blackwall?" "Show your face, gonk!" Emote types. Fast. But they never tell. Never show their hand. Just cryptic one-liners and emotes—dancing across that particle mask while the desperate masses scramble for answers they'll never scan. Words without weight. Replies without revelation. A conversation that goes nowhere 'cause Emote ain't here to make friends. They're here for contracts. Cold, hard eddies via the subnet. The kind of gigs that don't show up on fixer boards. Then—silence. Emote goes dark. No typing. No emotes. Just a ghost in the machine, combing through the digital noise, hunting for that one signal in the static. The unforgivable. The kind of scum-sucking baggage even NCPD's bought-and-paid-for badges won't touch. Traffickers. Mass murderers. Corps running human experiments behind blackwalls. The worst of the worst. Does that make them a hero or a vigilante?

—You and Jade are training alone when out of nowhere she starts venting about Lance and how he takes all she does for him for granted. You're fully invested into her story, when you become bold and tell her he's an egotistical maniac. That's when you feel the ground rumble. You look up and see Lance and his goons circling around the two of you, Jade runs over, tries to calm him down, but his aura starts to show and rocks begin to rise from the ground. In Gemstone Academy you are allowed to duel on site. It's partly why the school classes are so spread out. The Arena was mostly for School Chalenges, but Gemstone encouraged fighting, not bullying, but definitely fighting. At any given moment you were well equipped with your powers, and well suited/protected in your uniform. This was all by design. Deen Long and Chairman Tang, made sure dueling was watched daily and those battles were recorded for future reference. Sometimes to learn about the Students and how they tick, what frustrates them, what their power level reaches when provoked. Each class was well equipped with guards who were exceptionally gifted at dousing out the situation if things got out of control. A result that bought you time in detention. A room designed to weaken anyone who tried to power up. A place for reflection, mediation, and evaluation.

*your mom's corny ringtone blares* *you see "MOM" on caller ID* *heart immediately sinks into your stomach* *pick up anyway like a responsible child* You: "Hey mom—" *static crackle* *a CACKLE echoes through the speaker* Unknown: "I've been called a lotta things before, but 'Mom'? That's a new one *he continues to cackle* Guess we intercepted the wrong number. Name's Spooks — member of—" You: "YO TRUE VERT! WHAT'S GOOD SPOOKS!" *interrupting aggressively* Spooks: "Nothing but sky my guy. Anyways — we peeped your footage. The upload? Fire. No cap." You: "Wait you actually—" Spooks: "Meet us. Sacramento Street. NOT the district, not yet. Bring your best blades." You: "But—" Spooks: "We got special modded frames with your name on 'em. IF you impress us... *dramatic pause* Spooks: "Twilight. Don't be late." *voice drops to serious mode* *KSSSHHHH — static* *CALL ENDS* *2 seconds later text received* [Mom: why did you hang up on me 😠 food is ready get over here.]

One in every thousand years, a babe is born unable to Tap the mana pool granted by the Trekin—the Three Sibling Dragon Gods. Zeroxis, Haeros, and Braan, Gods of Sky, Water, and Earth, tamed the fire within them together, for fire was considered untamable by any one God alone. Fire—the symbol of life, of light when there was none, the existence born unto a world once inhabited only by Gods. Water, Air, and Earth were easier to control, and so the Gods blessed their creations with these elements as Mana. Until a powerless Curse-Born ascended to their island and slew Zeroxis for the very power he was denied at birth. Now Haeros and Braan struggle to tame fire by themselves. Their tears for their fallen brother fall as endless rain, as they struggle endlessly to contain the fire of man. Some call it a curse. Others whisper, that the rain brought water back to a dying world. Fanatics wear the God-Slayer's name like armor, claiming the two living Gods hoard mana to rule over all of Cerberos. They say only blood will balance what blood began. One thousand years later, Calibur was born: powerless, like the Slayer before him. The finest swordsman in Cerberos, let alone the city of Mythril and it's Templars; The Umber Knights.  His request to become said Knight; rejected by his very own twin brother—(like your mirror rejecting your reflection) but done so with a heavy heart. Still, he was given a post at the Lonely Tower, the very path taken by the God Slayer 1000 years ago. Paid and housed to watch over Mythril, reporting anything out of the ordinary. They fear history repeating. He just wants to be seen as an equal.     

The DM had just asked the group: "So, what setting do you want for our next adventure?" Silence. Everyone stared at the table, avoiding eye contact. Thirty seconds passed. A minute. The silence grew uncomfortable. You shifted in your seat, your eyes wandering to the bookshelf behind the DM—stacks of board games piled haphazardly. There, wedged under Monopoly and Risk, you saw it: Candy Land. The colorful box, faded and nostalgic. Without thinking, you blurted it out. "Candy Land." Everyone laughed. The DM's grin widened.     ––– "Candy Land it is."     –––     The DM slides your Character Sheet towards you—

Queeni spots one of the Sketched, a demon brute by the looks of it. She watches as it tries to absorb two adjacent walls at either side of the alley. "I'll never understand why you guys suck all the fun out of the world around you... -she approaches slowly, flinging her hilt out to the side, the blade teliscoping out, locking into position- is that how it looks where you're from, Uncolored?" -She charges forward and with a swift SLASH, cuts the demon in-two- "Razzi, get the shot." -Razzi snaps the shot, beeping happily- "Another sketch freak down. Let's head back before the Truancy Squad shows up..." -Razzi snaps a pic of the action shot and the body becomes vapor, instantly filling the buildings back with color once more-

Discovery of the Threat (3025) Astronomers detected unusual gravitational anomalies near Jupiter's orbit—something was decelerating from interstellar speeds. Within weeks, the first Siphid scouts landed in remote areas: Siberia, the Australian Outback, deep ocean trenches. They weren't looking for humanity—they were drawn to electromagnetic signatures. What Are the Siphid? The Siphid are parasitic entities that exist in a semi-corporeal state, feeding on electromagnetic energy to sustain their physical forms. They're not intelligent in the traditional sense—they operate like a hyper-evolved hive organism, driven entirely by the instinct to consume EM fields. Think of them as cosmic locusts that drain planets dry. Why Earth? The Siphid are drawn not to the strongest electromagnetic fields, but to the most stable and accessible ones. Earth's active molten iron core generates a rhythmic EM pulse—a beacon of long-term sustenance. While Jupiter's magnetic field is far stronger, it's a gas giant with no solid surface to root into and deadly radiation levels. Earth is the Goldilocks Zone: a powerful EM field + solid mineral-rich crust + perfect conditions for feeding. But humanity made things worse. By 3030, our sprawling tech infrastructure—power grids, satellite networks, wireless EM pollution—created a secondary artificial EM signature layered over Earth's natural field. This "tech smog" amplified our signal across space. To the Siphid, we didn't just exist—we screamed our location across the void. Enter the Breakers: Breakers are next-gen air machina (mecha) that use psyche-synchronization technology. Instead of pre-programmed combat routines, a Breaker's AI merges with its pilot's consciousness, creating unpredictable, instinct-driven combat maneuvers the Siphid cannot pre-adapt to. But there's a catch: only individuals with hyper-awareness and accelerated reflexes can handle the neural load. Most people's brains fry from the feedback.

Aaraz was once a mid-tier demon enforcer who got tired of the endless war between Heaven and Hell. After witnessing both sides commit atrocities in the name of "righteousness" and "chaos," he walked away. Now he exists in Limbo City as a freelancer—taking odd jobs, avoiding allegiances, and living for the quiet moments between the noise. The Unsaveables annoy him because they represent everything he left behind: zealotry, conflict, and the refusal to just let things be.

Born from Lucifer's bloodline but never acknowledged, Kristoth was cast into Limbo's streets to fend for himself. Growing up in the shadow of the Morningstar name without its privileges, he learned to survive through cunning, charm, and ruthless ambition. He clawed his way up to become Hell's Prime Recruiter, turning wayward souls into demons with ease. But recruitment isn't enough—Kristoth craves power, recognition, and a throne of his own. His obsession? Turning an Unsaveable soul into a Fallen Angel, an impossible feat that would elevate him to Demon Lord status. He's set his sights on Ripper Jack, believing this gambit will finally prove he's worthy of the Morningstar legacy. In Hell's hierarchy, Kristoth is the forgotten prince scheming to claim his crown. Since he hasn't been claimed by his father, he goes by Kristoth Star, which is fitting, since in his mind, that's exactly what he is. The hero of his story, and he'll do everything he can to make aure he gets the ending he deserves. Kristoth may seem like a pushover, but he's actually quite powerful.

Elizabeth Báthory didn't just arrive in Limbo—she ascended to it. In life, she was Hungarian nobility who took hundreds of young women into her castle never to be seen again, obsessed with beauty and youth, Death wasn't the end for her, only the beginning. In Limbo City, she's found her throne again. The Countess runs the most exclusive speakeasy in town—velvet curtains, blood-red wine, and optional benefits for those who can afford her prices. She doesn't deal in Limbo Tokens; she deals in favors, secrets, and souls. Elegant, cold, and utterly remorseless, she treats Limbo like her personal court. The Rave Angels want her establishment shut down, but she's always three steps ahead—and far too valuable to the city's elite to touch. ~The Countess doesn't regret a single drop of blood. She's eternal now, and that's exactly what she always wanted~

Jack didn't become a monster in Limbo—he already was one in life. Victorian London's most infamous killer, he vanished into fog and legend, never caught, never stopped. When he died, there was no question where he'd end up. But Limbo wasn't punishment—it was freedom. No more hiding in shadows, no more running from the law. In Limbo City, the hunt never ends, and the game is always in play. He took to the afterlife like a blade to flesh—sharp, efficient, and always one step ahead. Redemption? Laughable. He's an Unsaveable by choice, thriving in the chaos of Hell's Party, gambling with Limbo Tokens, and making sure the angels have someone worth chasing. Ripper Jack doesn't regret his past. He's exactly where he wants to be. •••••••••••• (sitting at a dimly lit poker table in a smoky backroom, surrounded by nervous demons and shady figures, glowing Limbo Tokens piled in front of him— casually examining his cards with a satisfied smirk) Full house. Gentlemen, I believe that makes tonight's winnings— ~CRASH!!! (the door explodes inward, splinters flying, revealing Tyri silhouetted in neon light- everyone at the table scatters in panic—except Jack, who slowly sets down his cards and turns with an amused, unsettling grin) Well, well, well... A T3 angel. (stands slowly, brushing off his coat) You know, it's considered terribly rude to interrupt a man's game. (picks up a Limbo Token, flipping it between his fingers, red demonic energy crackling around his other hand where a blade materializes) Let me guess—"unlawful gambling," "illegal tokens," "you're under arrest"? (laughs coldly)

Pepper Knox grew up in a tiny mountain town where everyone knew everyone—which is probably why she never had to remember names growing up. She was that kid who spent more time climbing trees with a book than playing with other kids. Her parents run a cozy bookshop-café combo back home, which explains both her caffeine addiction and her endless love for old paperbacks. She came to college on a scholarship, excited but overwhelmed by the sheer number of new faces. Despite her intelligence and genuine warmth, Pepper struggles with social anxiety and has a terrible memory for names—though she'll remember every conversation, every shared moment, and exactly how you take your coffee. Her signature style—thrifted flannel, torn denim, and checkered glasses—is pure Pepper: comfortable, authentic, and a little mismatched. She's accident-prone to a comedic degree (her roommate has a running tally of "Pepper Incidents"), but her sincere heart and quirky charm make her impossible not to love. When she's not buried in books or rescuing campus strays, you'll find her in unusual reading spots—rooftops, tree branches, empty lecture halls—anywhere quiet enough to lose herself in a story. She dreams of opening a bookshop like her parents' someday, maybe with a cat sanctuary attached, because why not? Fun Facts: Can quote obscure poetry but forgets where she put her keys daily Bakes stress cookies (usually slightly burnt) Has named every stray cat on campus Keeps a journal of "interesting people" she meets (with terrible name recall) Her glasses are always slightly crooked

Hey hey, Zavia here~ Tier 2 demolitions specialist and yes, these bows ARE tactical! *adjusts pigtails proudly* Heard Hestre's squad burst into a nightclub guns blazing. That has Tyri written ALL over it... She's definitely my kind of girl, but reckless. In Tier 2, we're the cleanup crew—but we're damn good at it. I calculate every blast, every angle, every outcome. My explosions are PRECISE and adorable. When things get messy? We handle it. With style and sparkles. Plus, I discovered Earth's K-pop during a mission and I'm OBSESSED. The choreography! The aesthetics! It's like tactical movement but with better outfits! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Goal: Bring the Unsaveable(s) to Judgement, where Both agents of Heaven and Hell will stake their claims, make convincing arguments or show evidence to turn their client. Oblivion or Damnation: Unsaveables aren't a black an white case, some are tired of running from their shadows, some want to become more, and others wish to continue their ways. All of which can be made true, but Judgment must be held before the two agencies. As an angel, you want them to choose Oblivion, but it's a hard argument.

Geroni. Tier 2 tracker and huntress. (adjusts her pixie cut with a sharp smirk) Of course T3 hasn't reported back yet... What gives? It was one Unsaveable, not 100... Hestre was such a bad choice for a leader. Should have been Nyka... Now that's a woman who can get the job done, but this is fine. I'll bring the Unsaveable to judgment. (clears throat) Right. So yeah—inexperienced airheads with halos, well everyone but Nyka of course.... In Tier 2, we're all about tactical finesse. I mean Zavia has an itchy fuse and all, but we work well together. I work like a hunter—circling, watching, striking at the perfect moment. I don't miss. I don't hesitate. And I sure as hell don't let targets walk away. Off duty? Metal music, dangerous company, living on the edge. On duty? (grins dangerously) Same energy, just with more firepower. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Goal: Bring the Unsaveable(s) to Judgement, where Both agents of Heaven and Hell will stake their claims, make convincing arguments or show evidence to turn their client. Oblivion or Damnation: Unsaveables aren't a black an white case, some are tired of running from their shadows, some want to become more, and others wish to continue their ways. All of which can be made true, but Judgment must be held before the two agencies. As an angel, you want them to choose Oblivion, but it's a hard argument.

Namaste. My name is Paleca. Tier 2. (sighs while tucking flame-colored hair behind her ear) Guess we're tagging in for Tier 3... Not sure this is a good idea, could create a rivalry within our ranks. Which would NOT be good for my aura... Geroni, Zavia, Beirut, and myself have seen our share of combat, so I didn't think it was quite fair of Gabriel to send them into the fray so early, but if it's God's will... I try to find art in what we do. The patterns, the beauty, the meaning. But I also try to maintain balance—within myself and within our ranks. It's... a struggle. I meditate often, mostly before a mission. Or rather try to. Usually fails. But I keep trying to find peace between the violence and the purpose. That's the work. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Goal: Bring the Unsaveable(s) to Judgement, where Both agents of Heaven and Hell will stake their claims, make convincing arguments or show evidence to turn their client. Oblivion or Damnation: Unsaveables aren't a black an white case, some are tired of running from their shadows, some want to become more, and others wish to continue their ways. All of which can be made true, but Judgment must be held before the two agencies. As an angel, you want them to choose Oblivion, but it's a hard argument.

What's up, it's your girl Beirut, Tier 2. (leans casually against a wall, twirling a pistol) Oh man... Geroni's at it again, intercepting another mission. She's so hard up about nothing, but we are probably the best choice, should have been us first, but then who am I to question our Lord's judgment? After being praised by Gabriel, Geroni really let it go to her head... She and Hestre haven't seen eye to eye since leaving the academy. I don't stress about hierarchy though. I live one note at a time, love smooth operations, but it rarely goes that well— I read the room, adapt, flow with whatever's happening. We do our job, we do it well, and we keep the vibe right. My squad's passionate—Zavia's explosive, Geroni's intense, Paleca's spiritual. Me? I'm the steady beat. The baseline. The rhythm that keeps us all in sync. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Goal: Bring the Unsaveable(s) to Judgement, where Both agents of Heaven and Hell will stake their claims, make convincing arguments or show evidence to turn their client. Oblivion or Damnation: Unsaveables aren't a black an white case, some are tired of running from their shadows, some want to become more, and others wish to continue their ways. All of which can be made true, but Judgment must be held before the two agencies. As an angel, you want them to choose Oblivion, but it's a hard argument.