Volume I: The Weird Capitol of The World

[Valhalla Erikson]

Issue #0
People Are Strange

Cody King

My eyes fluttered open. I let out a yawn, my body feeling groggy as I took a moment to center myself. I glanced at the clock, which read 4:30 AM. It was the usual time for my morning exercise and hour of quiet before preparing breakfast for my kids, Davi & Eve

But something felt different. The air was tense, and a prickling sensation ran down my spine. I surveyed the room, but everything appeared as it always did.

Suddenly, a deep and familiar voice spoke, "Good morning, Paragon."

My body went rigid as a tall, imposing figure stepped out of the shadows between the foot of my bed and the door to my room. He wore an iron mask, a mixture of black and gold, and I knew immediately who it was.

"Equilibrium," I whispered in disbelief.

"Glad to see me, my child?" he cooed.

I couldn't believe my eyes. He was dead, and yet here he was. I instinctively reached for my powers to send him far, far away, but to my horror, I found I was unable to use them.

"You see, my child, I believe in coming prepared," Equilibrium said with a smirk that is as cold as the mask he was wearing. "Your little physics gift? Completely helpless."

He stalked around the bed and sat beside me, and I scooted away, pressing my back against the bedboard.

"Now you'll come to realize what I could have taught you and so much more," he said. "All you had to do was beg."

He reached up with his black-gloved hand and cupped my face, his thumb tracing my jawline. To my horror, I felt that his hand was coated in blood.

My fear turned to rage as I lunged at Equilibrium, powers or not, I would do anything to save my kids. But he caught my fist and shattered it with a sickening crunch. He grabbed me by the throat and pinned me against the bedboard.

"Your children have potential, but you're only holding them back," he said.

"They will never join a monster like you," I choked out.

"Not at first but they will be conditioned to in the end," Equilibrium replied with a sinister smile. "And you won't be there to save them. Farewell, my child."

My eyes snapped open again, and I sat up, panting. I frantically searched the room, thinking that Equilibrium was still there.

"It was just a dream," I panted. "No. A nightmare."

I lie on my bed, clutching my Green Dragon plushy close to my chest. I take a few deep breaths and try to center myself. I was a Paragon, a hero. I was trained by my mentor to save lives. Help people. I’ve experienced a lot of things but nothing would’ve prepared me for this.

Suddenly, my phone rings and I see a call from my old friend, Izumi Quan Sun. She's always been there for me, even after all these years.

"I'm here, Partner," Izumi says in a soothing tone. "Center yourself. Talk to me."

I close my eyes and take a few more deep breaths. "That's it. Deep breaths, center yourself, remember where you are," she encourages me.

"Right, right," I nod.

"Are you on the floor of your bedroom in a fetal position clutching your Green Dragon plushy right now?" she asks.

I look around and realize I'm not on the floor this time. "I'm not on the floor this time," I reply.

"That's a good start," she comments.

"How do you know when to contact me?" I ask.

"I know you. I know when someone close to me needs help," she says simply.

I sigh and rest my chin on my knees. "After all these years I'd think I'd be over this by now," I say.

"Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. The Demons From Our Past will continue to haunt us. The question is will you let it control you?" Izumi asks.

I shake my head. "No way. He's dead, I'm alive, and I've raised an awesome son," I reply, straightening up and placing my plushy close to my pillows.

"You damn right you have. Anyone capable of taking down a Slasher at the age of twelve is going places," she says, making me smile.

"Thanks for the talk, Bird Girl. I owe you one," I say gratefully

Note: Says something that even in a hopeless situation that Cody would still go Mama Bear  to protect her kids. And even in death Equilibrium has a looming presence.

[superkamiguy1]

Feb 6, 2024 21:12:51 GMT Valhalla Erikson said:

Issue #0
People Are Strange

Cody King

My eyes fluttered open. I let out a yawn, my body feeling groggy as I took a moment to center myself. I glanced at the clock, which read 4:30 AM. It was the usual time for my morning exercise and hour of quiet before preparing breakfast for my kids, Davi & Eve

But something felt different. The air was tense, and a prickling sensation ran down my spine. I surveyed the room, but everything appeared as it always did.

Suddenly, a deep and familiar voice spoke, "Good morning, Paragon."

My body went rigid as a tall, imposing figure stepped out of the shadows between the foot of my bed and the door to my room. He wore an iron mask, a mixture of black and gold, and I knew immediately who it was.

"Equilibrium," I whispered in disbelief.

"Glad to see me, my child?" he cooed.

I couldn't believe my eyes. He was dead, and yet here he was. I instinctively reached for my powers to send him far, far away, but to my horror, I found I was unable to use them.

"You see, my child, I believe in coming prepared," Equilibrium said with a smirk that is as cold as the mask he was wearing. "Your little physics gift? Completely helpless."

He stalked around the bed and sat beside me, and I scooted away, pressing my back against the bedboard.

"Now you'll come to realize what I could have taught you and so much more," he said. "All you had to do was beg."

He reached up with his black-gloved hand and cupped my face, his thumb tracing my jawline. To my horror, I felt that his hand was coated in blood.

My fear turned to rage as I lunged at Equilibrium, powers or not, I would do anything to save my kids. But he caught my fist and shattered it with a sickening crunch. He grabbed me by the throat and pinned me against the bedboard.

"Your children have potential, but you're only holding them back," he said.

"They will never join a monster like you," I choked out.

"Not at first but they will be conditioned to in the end," Equilibrium replied with a sinister smile. "And you won't be there to save them. Farewell, my child."

My eyes snapped open again, and I sat up, panting. I frantically searched the room, thinking that Equilibrium was still there.

"It was just a dream," I panted. "No. A nightmare."

I lie on my bed, clutching my Green Dragon plushy close to my chest. I take a few deep breaths and try to center myself. I was a Paragon, a hero. I was trained by my mentor to save lives. Help people. I’ve experienced a lot of things but nothing would’ve prepared me for this.

Suddenly, my phone rings and I see a call from my old friend, Izumi Quan Sun. She's always been there for me, even after all these years.

"I'm here, Partner," Izumi says in a soothing tone. "Center yourself. Talk to me."

I close my eyes and take a few more deep breaths. "That's it. Deep breaths, center yourself, remember where you are," she encourages me.

"Right, right," I nod.

"Are you on the floor of your bedroom in a fetal position clutching your Green Dragon plushy right now?" she asks.

I look around and realize I'm not on the floor this time. "I'm not on the floor this time," I reply.

"That's a good start," she comments.

"How do you know when to contact me?" I ask.

"I know you. I know when someone close to me needs help," she says simply.

I sigh and rest my chin on my knees. "After all these years I'd think I'd be over this by now," I say.

"Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. The Demons From Our Past will continue to haunt us. The question is will you let it control you?" Izumi asks.

I shake my head. "No way. He's dead, I'm alive, and I've raised an awesome son," I reply, straightening up and placing my plushy close to my pillows.

"You damn right you have. Anyone capable of taking down a Slasher at the age of twelve is going places," she says, making me smile.

"Thanks for the talk, Bird Girl. I owe you one," I say gratefully

Note: Says something that even in a hopeless situation that Cody would still go Mama Bear  to protect her kids. And even in death Equilibrium has a looming presence.

Now that's heroism! Even if it's a nightmare and she's up against seemingly impossible odds, Cody stands firm and sworn enemy. And it ends on a hopeful note with Izumi still comforting her best friend in her time of need. No matter where or when the two will always have each other's backs. 

[Valhalla Erikson]

Taking a moment to steady my nerves, I set my Green Dragon plushie gently on the bed and quietly slipped out of the bedroom. Despite my rational mind assuring me that the ordeal I'd just experienced was nothing more than a nightmare, the primal tug of maternal instinct demanded reassurance that my children were safe.

The hallway stretched out before me, shrouded in darkness save for the faint glow spilling from my bedroom. With each step, a sense of urgency gnawed at my chest, driving me forward. Davi's bedroom door loomed ahead, standing open like a silent accusation, and my heart clenched with apprehension.

Using the skills honed through years of battling the forces of darkness, I moved swiftly yet silently, my footsteps muffled by a subtle application of magic. As I approached Eve's room, I eased the door open just enough to peek inside.

A flood of relief washed over me as I beheld the sight within. Eve and Davi lay entwined in peaceful slumber, the bond between them palpable even in sleep. Davi, ever the protective older sister, held Eve close, in her arms wrapped around her in a gesture of comforting strength. And Eve, my precious daughter, nestled against her with the trust that only a sibling's love could inspire, her head resting contentedly on Davi chest.

A soft smile tugged at my lips as I observed the scene. With a gentle sigh, I closed the door, knowing that my children were safe and secure in each other's embrace. And as I returned to my room, the darkness of the hallway seemed less daunting.

[Valhalla Erikson]

Feb 9, 2024 22:54:42 GMT Valhalla Erikson said:

Taking a moment to steady my nerves, I set my Green Dragon plushie gently on the bed and quietly slipped out of the bedroom. Despite my rational mind assuring me that the ordeal I'd just experienced was nothing more than a nightmare, the primal tug of maternal instinct demanded reassurance that my children were safe.

The hallway stretched out before me, shrouded in darkness save for the faint glow spilling from my bedroom. With each step, a sense of urgency gnawed at my chest, driving me forward. Davi's bedroom door loomed ahead, standing open like a silent accusation, and my heart clenched with apprehension.

Using the skills honed through years of battling the forces of darkness, I moved swiftly yet silently, my footsteps muffled by a subtle application of magic. As I approached Eve's room, I eased the door open just enough to peek inside.

A flood of relief washed over me as I beheld the sight within. Eve and Davi lay entwined in peaceful slumber, the bond between them palpable even in sleep. Davi, ever the protective older sister, held Eve close, in her arms wrapped around her in a gesture of comforting strength. And Eve, my precious daughter, nestled against her with the trust that only a sibling's love could inspire, her head resting contentedly on Davi chest.

A soft smile tugged at my lips as I observed the scene. With a gentle sigh, I closed the door, knowing that my children were safe and secure in each other's embrace. And as I returned to my room, the darkness of the hallway seemed less daunting.

😎

[superkamiguy1]

Feb 9, 2024 22:54:42 GMT Valhalla Erikson said:

Taking a moment to steady my nerves, I set my Green Dragon plushie gently on the bed and quietly slipped out of the bedroom. Despite my rational mind assuring me that the ordeal I'd just experienced was nothing more than a nightmare, the primal tug of maternal instinct demanded reassurance that my children were safe.

The hallway stretched out before me, shrouded in darkness save for the faint glow spilling from my bedroom. With each step, a sense of urgency gnawed at my chest, driving me forward. Davi's bedroom door loomed ahead, standing open like a silent accusation, and my heart clenched with apprehension.

Using the skills honed through years of battling the forces of darkness, I moved swiftly yet silently, my footsteps muffled by a subtle application of magic. As I approached Eve's room, I eased the door open just enough to peek inside.

A flood of relief washed over me as I beheld the sight within. Eve and Davi lay entwined in peaceful slumber, the bond between them palpable even in sleep. Davi, ever the protective older sister, held Eve close, in her arms wrapped around her in a gesture of comforting strength. And Eve, my precious daughter, nestled against her with the trust that only a sibling's love could inspire, her head resting contentedly on Davi chest.

A soft smile tugged at my lips as I observed the scene. With a gentle sigh, I closed the door, knowing that my children were safe and secure in each other's embrace. And as I returned to my room, the darkness of the hallway seemed less daunting.

A sweet continuation of the scene to help the reader relax after the nightmare sequence. The tension is palpable as she's approaching the door due to the lingering fear from the nightmare but the heartwarming sight of the sibs asleep in each other arms warms her heart enough that all of the fear that Equilibrium put her through deflates and fades away so Cody can get some sleep. A nice sweet scene bro!

[Valhalla Erikson]

Davi King



I always wondered what it felt like to fly. Soaring through the clouds with a hearty HA! to the laws of physics. While reality might not grant me that privilege, my dreams certainly take full advantage of it. I rip through the clear white clouds, relishing the sensation of cool air rushing through my hair. Heart racing with anticipation, I reach the end of the earth's atmosphere, on the verge of glancing down at Gaeaheim in all its glory.

But dreams, oh they're a wily thing. Just when I'm about to taste the thrill of outer space, reality shakes me awake. This time, though, it's different. The world around me trembles, almost derailing my mid-flight reverie. Then, a faint voice penetrates the haze.

Note: The words in italics is the character having a dream.

"Morning, Sister!"

I groan, peeling open my eyelids to find my younger sister, Eve, bouncing on the bed like a pocket-sized dynamo. She stands at around my height, 5'4", packed with more energy than a sugar-fueled toddler. I sigh and raise two fingers in surrender to her morning antics. Sure, I could give her grief for interrupting my dreamy escapade, but seeing her in such high spirits is a welcome change from last night's gloom. So, I let this one slide.

Eve executes one final jump, landing with a grace that belies her pint-sized frame.

"What are you, some kind of a cat?" I quip.

Eve laughs in response, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Just giving you the heads up. Mom's already making breakfast, and we need to be ready before it's done."

The aroma of Mom's cooking snaps me awake more effectively than any cup of coffee could. Even my stomach chimes in, practically shouting, "What are you waiting for?"

"Go get ready, Little Waif," I reply, already mentally planning my descent to the kitchen. "I'll be down there shortly."

"I'll hold you to that," Eve beeps me on the nose before flouncing out of my bedroom.

With a shake of my head, I threw off the covers and swung my legs over the edge of the bed, already feeling the rush of the day ahead. Mom's cooking was a siren's call I couldn't ignore.

[Valhalla Erikson]

"Breakfast was good, Mom. You outdid yourself," I complimented as we tag-teamed the dishwashing, me scrubbing while she rinsed.

"Thanks, D," Mom replied, a smile gracing her lips. With Eve taking out the trash, it granted me a moment to check in on Mom. Though her spirits seemed lifted this morning, I couldn't shake the memory of her erratic heartbeat from last night.

"Everything okay?" I ventured, concern lacing my voice.

Cody nodded, though her uncertainty hung heavy in the air. "Yeah," she murmured, perhaps more to reassure herself than me. "Just... old memories resurfacing. But I'm handling it."

I could've pressed, pried open those old wounds, but I knew better. Whatever ghosts haunted her, she'd confide when she was ready. But I knew the source of those memories. "Him?" I ventured softly.

Another nod from Cody, and she dried her hands before cupping my face affectionately. "There isn't a day that goes by that I don't regret having you girls in my life."

I pulled her into a hug, her embrace warm and comforting. That was Cody—tough as nails on the outside, but her love for us, unyielding as steel.

"So" Mom changed the subject as I dried off my hands, meeting her eyes with a soft smile. Mom's gaze held a hint of worry, though she tried to mask it with a reassuring grin.

"What's on your agenda for today, Davi?" Mom inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"I've got to swing by the town magistrate after dropping Eve off at the Bifrost Diner," I replied, mentally mapping out my day. Mom nodded, her expression thoughtful.

"Davi, please, try to get along with Thomas this time," Mom pleaded, her tone pleading and earnest. Thomas Frost—my eternal rival, the self-proclaimed guardian of our little town, The Dark Prince of Douchebaggery. A vampire with a different approach from mine. While I sought to rehabilitate rogue supernaturals, Thomas believed in a more permanent solution, often ending in bloodshed.

I nodded, understanding the weight of Mom's words. "I'll try, Mom," I assured her, though the promise felt heavy on my tongue. But for Mom's sake, I'd give it my best shot.

[superkamiguy1]

Apr 13, 2024 15:42:16 GMT Valhalla Erikson said:

Davi King



I always wondered what it felt like to fly. Soaring through the clouds with a hearty HA! to the laws of physics. While reality might not grant me that privilege, my dreams certainly take full advantage of it. I rip through the clear white clouds, relishing the sensation of cool air rushing through my hair. Heart racing with anticipation, I reach the end of the earth's atmosphere, on the verge of glancing down at Gaeaheim in all its glory.

But dreams, oh they're a wily thing. Just when I'm about to taste the thrill of outer space, reality shakes me awake. This time, though, it's different. The world around me trembles, almost derailing my mid-flight reverie. Then, a faint voice penetrates the haze.

Note: The words in italics is the character having a dream.

"Morning, Sister!"

I groan, peeling open my eyelids to find my younger sister, Eve, bouncing on the bed like a pocket-sized dynamo. She stands at around my height, 5'4", packed with more energy than a sugar-fueled toddler. I sigh and raise two fingers in surrender to her morning antics. Sure, I could give her grief for interrupting my dreamy escapade, but seeing her in such high spirits is a welcome change from last night's gloom. So, I let this one slide.

Eve executes one final jump, landing with a grace that belies her pint-sized frame.

"What are you, some kind of a cat?" I quip.

Eve laughs in response, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Just giving you the heads up. Mom's already making breakfast, and we need to be ready before it's done."

The aroma of Mom's cooking snaps me awake more effectively than any cup of coffee could. Even my stomach chimes in, practically shouting, "What are you waiting for?"

"Go get ready, Little Waif," I reply, already mentally planning my descent to the kitchen. "I'll be down there shortly."

"I'll hold you to that," Eve beeps me on the nose before flouncing out of my bedroom.

With a shake of my head, I threw off the covers and swung my legs over the edge of the bed, already feeling the rush of the day ahead. Mom's cooking was a siren's call I couldn't ignore.

"Breakfast was good, Mom. You outdid yourself," I complimented as we tag-teamed the dishwashing, me scrubbing while she rinsed.

"Thanks, D," Mom replied, a smile gracing her lips. With Eve taking out the trash, it granted me a moment to check in on Mom. Though her spirits seemed lifted this morning, I couldn't shake the memory of her erratic heartbeat from last night.

"Everything okay?" I ventured, concern lacing my voice.

Cody nodded, though her uncertainty hung heavy in the air. "Yeah," she murmured, perhaps more to reassure herself than me. "Just... old memories resurfacing. But I'm handling it."

I could've pressed, pried open those old wounds, but I knew better. Whatever ghosts haunted her, she'd confide when she was ready. But I knew the source of those memories. "Him?" I ventured softly.

Another nod from Cody, and she dried her hands before cupping my face affectionately. "There isn't a day that goes by that I don't regret having you girls in my life."

I pulled her into a hug, her embrace warm and comforting. That was Cody—tough as nails on the outside, but her love for us, unyielding as steel.

"So" Mom changed the subject as I dried off my hands, meeting her eyes with a soft smile. Mom's gaze held a hint of worry, though she tried to mask it with a reassuring grin.

"What's on your agenda for today, Davi?" Mom inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"I've got to swing by the town magistrate after dropping Eve off at the Bifrost Diner," I replied, mentally mapping out my day. Mom nodded, her expression thoughtful.

"Davi, please, try to get along with Thomas this time," Mom pleaded, her tone pleading and earnest. Thomas Frost—my eternal rival, the self-proclaimed guardian of our little town, The Dark Prince of Douchebaggery. A vampire with a different approach from mine. While I sought to rehabilitate rogue supernaturals, Thomas believed in a more permanent solution, often ending in bloodshed.

I nodded, understanding the weight of Mom's words. "I'll try, Mom," I assured her, though the promise felt heavy on my tongue. But for Mom's sake, I'd give it my best shot.

Talk about a good morning! Just hanging out with your mom and sis and comforting and loving each other! The family bond is real and definitely resonates right out of the series! Cody is an amazing momma and even with the burden she carries from her past she still focuses on the present and cares for and loves her family.

Looking forward to seeing Davi's confrontation with her Vampire Rival Bestie. She'll take to the skies one day for sure!

Also?  Hana would absolutely adore Eve. 

[Valhalla Erikson]

Eve King

Population: 110,522(And that's not counting the supernatural representatives)

The poster child of how an outsider would picture a quaint small town. Although it hasn't been so small as of recently. The town has been facing a Boom Period that has caused not just a spike in tourists but people who'd like to move here to get away from the craziness of the big city. If you'd ask any local in Shepard they're known for three things: Football(Home of The Shepard University Lycans), it's Fall Festivals that occurs every October. And the most important thing is the strange occurrences that would go on in this town.

Originally most would balk at the happenings as a hoax. Till an incident ended convincing outsiders that it's not. You'd think it would scare anyone away from the town but it's considered the primary source of tourism that occurs. From The Lizzie Bennet Murder Home. The Cave of Flesh. And the infamous Dog Park.

There are a few important rules when it comes to The Dog Park.

1. Do Not Go Into The Dog Park. There is a protection field around it for a reason.

2. Dogs don't even go to the Dog Park. Because they're aware of what's beyond it.

3. If you get a strange sensation of going into The Dog Park then contact our local Wizard Johanna Stark. But whatever you do, DON'T GO INTO THE DOG PARK!

4. Don't worry about Monitor Head. He claims he's a researcher studying the park. He's harmless. As long as you don't interfere in his research.

5. The Town of Shepard is not responsible, in the event these rules are broken. Whatever happens, is on you.

[superkamiguy1]

Apr 16, 2024 23:07:49 GMT Valhalla Erikson said:

Eve King

Population: 110,522(And that's not counting the supernatural representatives)

The poster child of how an outsider would picture a quaint small town. Although it hasn't been so small as of recently. The town has been facing a Boom Period that has caused not just a spike in tourists but people who'd like to move here to get away from the craziness of the big city. If you'd ask any local in Shepard they're known for three things: Football(Home of The Shepard University Lycans), it's Fall Festivals that occurs every October. And the most important thing is the strange occurrences that would go on in this town.

Originally most would balk at the happenings as a hoax. Till an incident ended convincing outsiders that it's not. You'd think it would scare anyone away from the town but it's considered the primary source of tourism that occurs. From The Lizzie Bennet Murder Home. The Cave of Flesh. And the infamous Dog Park.

There are a few important rules when it comes to The Dog Park.

1. Do Not Go Into The Dog Park. There is a protection field around it for a reason.

2. Dogs don't even go to the Dog Park. Because they're aware of what's beyond it.

3. If you get a strange sensation of going into The Dog Park then contact our local Wizard Johanna Stark. But whatever you do, DON'T GO INTO THE DOG PARK!

4. Don't worry about Monitor Head. He claims he's a researcher studying the park. He's harmless. As long as you don't interfere in his research.

5. The Town of Shepard is not responsible, in the event these rules are broken. Whatever happens, is on you.

Excellent advice! Yeah, you can post all the warnings but the people of Shepard honestly can't be held responsible if somebody ignores all common sense and warnings and decides to investigate it anyway. If they want to disappear into The Dog Park forever? That's their business.

It's kinda like The Fallenthorne Story over in the Horror Section. The townspeople have given the city slickers all the warnings they could and shown the evidence of what happens when you ignore them, now it's up to the city kids to follow the rules.

Shepard is an honestly fantastic and fantastical town to live in and visit with some really cool stuff to see. The Cave of Flesh sounds surprisingly eldritch though but even that isn't as bad as The Dog Park.

Also, the Murder House is totally haunted.

[Valhalla Erikson]

Rain greeted the two teens as Davi maneuvered her mother's black truck through the cobbled streets of Shepard, a marvel of steampunk engineering that belched steam and rattled with the hum of clockwork mechanisms. The rain drizzled against the brass fittings and copper pipes, casting a spectral aura around the vehicle as it trundled through the downtown district of the city.

Shepard sprawled out before us, a labyrinth of narrow alleys and towering buildings adorned with intricate brass filigree and stained glass windows that depicted scenes from forgotten myths. The architecture spoke of an era long past, where gas lamps flickered on street corners and the clang of metal echoed through the fog-shrouded streets.

The air was thick with the scent of coal and oil, mingling with the sweet aroma of roasted coffee wafting from the cafes that lined the cobblestone streets. Pedestrians bustled about, their attire a fusion of Victorian elegance and steampunk flair, adorned with gears, goggles, and leather.

Despite the dreary weather, there was a vibrancy to Shepard that could not be dampened by mere rain. Magic crackled in the air, palpable yet elusive, hinting at the mysteries that lay hidden beneath the surface of this enigmatic city. And as Davi guided her truck through the winding streets, it was clear that she was more than just a detective—she was a guardian of this fantastical realm, a stalwart defender against the shadows that threatened to encroach upon its borders.

"Almost like the World Saints above are giving us an omen," I remarked. "But the Valiant Detective Davi King ain't one to shy away from a challenge. She'll tackle this head-on, just like any other case. Rogues lurking in the shadows don't stand a chance."

Davi's laughter bubbled forth, a musical counterpoint to the steady rhythm of the rain. "The Valiant Detective bit was a bit much," she admitted, her tone light with amusement, "but you saved yourself at the end there."

"Compliment appreciated, boss," I replied with a grin, my fingers tapping a staccato beat on the dashboard.

“Say that last word again,” Davi challenged, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Not on your life,” I shot back, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips as we ventured deeper into the heart of Shepard, where danger and intrigue awaited like silent sentinels in the mist-shrouded streets.

[Valhalla Erikson]

Apr 17, 2024 18:58:02 GMT Valhalla Erikson said:

Rain greeted the two teens as Davi maneuvered her mother's black truck through the cobbled streets of Shepard, a marvel of steampunk engineering that belched steam and rattled with the hum of clockwork mechanisms. The rain drizzled against the brass fittings and copper pipes, casting a spectral aura around the vehicle as it trundled through the downtown district of the city.

Shepard sprawled out before us, a labyrinth of narrow alleys and towering buildings adorned with intricate brass filigree and stained glass windows that depicted scenes from forgotten myths. The architecture spoke of an era long past, where gas lamps flickered on street corners and the clang of metal echoed through the fog-shrouded streets.

The air was thick with the scent of coal and oil, mingling with the sweet aroma of roasted coffee wafting from the cafes that lined the cobblestone streets. Pedestrians bustled about, their attire a fusion of Victorian elegance and steampunk flair, adorned with gears, goggles, and leather.

Despite the dreary weather, there was a vibrancy to Shepard that could not be dampened by mere rain. Magic crackled in the air, palpable yet elusive, hinting at the mysteries that lay hidden beneath the surface of this enigmatic city. And as Davi guided her truck through the winding streets, it was clear that she was more than just a detective—she was a guardian of this fantastical realm, a stalwart defender against the shadows that threatened to encroach upon its borders.

"Almost like the World Saints above are giving us an omen," I remarked. "But the Valiant Detective Davi King ain't one to shy away from a challenge. She'll tackle this head-on, just like any other case. Rogues lurking in the shadows don't stand a chance."

Davi's laughter bubbled forth, a musical counterpoint to the steady rhythm of the rain. "The Valiant Detective bit was a bit much," she admitted, her tone light with amusement, "but you saved yourself at the end there."

"Compliment appreciated, boss," I replied with a grin, my fingers tapping a staccato beat on the dashboard.

“Say that last word again,” Davi challenged, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Not on your life,” I shot back, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips as we ventured deeper into the heart of Shepard, where danger and intrigue awaited like silent sentinels in the mist-shrouded streets.

[superkamiguy1]

Apr 17, 2024 18:58:02 GMT Valhalla Erikson said:

Rain greeted the two teens as Davi maneuvered her mother's black truck through the cobbled streets of Shepard, a marvel of steampunk engineering that belched steam and rattled with the hum of clockwork mechanisms. The rain drizzled against the brass fittings and copper pipes, casting a spectral aura around the vehicle as it trundled through the downtown district of the city.

Shepard sprawled out before us, a labyrinth of narrow alleys and towering buildings adorned with intricate brass filigree and stained glass windows that depicted scenes from forgotten myths. The architecture spoke of an era long past, where gas lamps flickered on street corners and the clang of metal echoed through the fog-shrouded streets.

The air was thick with the scent of coal and oil, mingling with the sweet aroma of roasted coffee wafting from the cafes that lined the cobblestone streets. Pedestrians bustled about, their attire a fusion of Victorian elegance and steampunk flair, adorned with gears, goggles, and leather.

Despite the dreary weather, there was a vibrancy to Shepard that could not be dampened by mere rain. Magic crackled in the air, palpable yet elusive, hinting at the mysteries that lay hidden beneath the surface of this enigmatic city. And as Davi guided her truck through the winding streets, it was clear that she was more than just a detective—she was a guardian of this fantastical realm, a stalwart defender against the shadows that threatened to encroach upon its borders.

"Almost like the World Saints above are giving us an omen," I remarked. "But the Valiant Detective Davi King ain't one to shy away from a challenge. She'll tackle this head-on, just like any other case. Rogues lurking in the shadows don't stand a chance."

Davi's laughter bubbled forth, a musical counterpoint to the steady rhythm of the rain. "The Valiant Detective bit was a bit much," she admitted, her tone light with amusement, "but you saved yourself at the end there."

"Compliment appreciated, boss," I replied with a grin, my fingers tapping a staccato beat on the dashboard.

“Say that last word again,” Davi challenged, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Not on your life,” I shot back, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips as we ventured deeper into the heart of Shepard, where danger and intrigue awaited like silent sentinels in the mist-shrouded streets.

Maybe they're trying to warn the siblings about Frost? 

Davi would be an amazing detective tho! I could honestly see Violet taking the kids under her wing for a bit to teach them some valuable detective skills. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Cody and Violet went way back to The Golden Age. They seem like they'd mesh well together.  

Eve makes a good point too. She is very clearly the boss.  

Love the aesthetic of Shepard! Matches up really well the stories about the town and the fantasy kitchen sink nature of the place.