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Post by lvsphinx on Oct 1, 2024 2:11:49 GMT
After the destruction of the Iceberg Lounge, Alejandra had immediately returned to her hotel room to check on the lamp. Once she confirmed that it was still in her possession, she immediately went to check out of the hotel, and took her private jet directly back to Juarez, Mexico, her home city. She was quiet during the entire flight, clutching the designer bag containing the lamp at all times. When asked if anything was wrong, she'd snap that she was sick of Gotham, and leave it at that. As for her keeping that bag on her, she'd simply say it was a souvenir. The trip back home was an uneventful one, giving Alejandra plenty of time to dwell on her failures, on what she did to get in her own way, on what she could have done better. Moreso, her mind dwelled on her remaining wishes, the recent setback shaking her and impacting her mental state, even affecting her desires. Her men didn't disturb her, giving her a wide berth when they could. Once she got home to her lavish estate, she immediately barked at everyone to get out. Her men and the help quickly vacated, leaving her all alone in her empty and expansive mansion. She took several moments to take deep breaths, putting on gentle, relaxing meditation music. The woman then went over to the nearby bar and grabbed a bottle of tequila, taking a deep swig before taking the lamp out of the bag, placing it on the living room table. Alejandra just stared at the lamp for several long moments, scrutinizing it, as though all the doubt and skepticism of her first encounter returned. Then, after another swig of tequila and a huff, she reached over and grabbed the lamp once more, rubbing the spot vigorously. |
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Post by DornKoon on Oct 1, 2024 7:12:57 GMT
"Well, I imagine that could have gone slightly better..." Aladdin said, sitting on one of the large couches. He was dressed similarly from before, but now he was wearing a black jacket and a crimson shirt. "You've made quite the splash, Mistress," he snapped his fingers, and the TV turned on, showing the destruction of the Lounge and the horror that had been Alejandra earlier. Aladdin did not seem upset about it; if anything, he sounded slightly amused.
Mortals had the funniest ways of doing things sometimes, such as just waltzing inside to murder a guy without any plan.
"They'll be after you now, the heroes." He stood up from the couch, cracking his neck, before walking around the table. "You might not have been well known before, but this... yeah, you just got yourself a supervillain stamp." He was confident that was not her intention; no, Alejandra had fallen victim to the mortal flaw of acting on impulse; kingdoms had fallen because of it; he had seen it countless times in the past. Still, it had made for entertaining news for most of the world. A new villain appearing did tend to make the masses gossip. It would be interesting to see what the news would call her...
"So, you seem ready to make that second wish."
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Post by lvsphinx on Oct 1, 2024 18:45:16 GMT
Seamlessly, Aladdin had appeared on one of her couches, without a show or a sound. Alejandra liked that. Discreet and efficient. It was what her assassination attempt was supposed to be. Or could have been, if she had more of a plan than "walk in and melt him". It was clear to Alejandra now that her natural strength had also made her complacent, and that if she wanted to rise further in the world, she would be meeting more forces that not only could keep up with her, but rebuff her.
A flash of irritation appeared on her face at Aladdin's words, the woman almost wincing at the reminders, but it was quickly replaced by a more melancholy look. There was no point in snapping at anyone right now, especially not at a being like Aladdin. Her gaze lingered on the TV as the news report continued, the reporter's clear and concise Spanish cutting through the soft meditation music. She hadn't expected the Iceberg Lounge's destruction to make international headlines...
Alejandra set down her bottle of tequila and walked over to the bar again, sighing to herself as she inspected her collection, taking a few quiet moments to center herself. "Want a drink?" she offered Aladdin with a somewhat tired expression, but eyeing him with a certain glint in her eye. "So, I have a question. How would you kill me?" She let the question linger in the air before continuing. "Let's say I were after your life, and in this hypothetical scenario, could actually kill you. How would you stop me? Or kill me, if you wanted."
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Post by DornKoon on Oct 1, 2024 19:11:03 GMT
"Yes, please," Aladdin replied, "I'm not one to say no to a drink."
He tilted his head curiously to one side at his Master's inquiry. He did not recall being asked that before and had a perfect memory. He would accept whatever drink she decided to give him and take a moment to swirl it around, followed by a sip. He was treating the question with the utmost care.
"Well, seeing as we are speaking in theories. Suffocation is a simple enough way to take someone out; you more than most could fall victim to that." He raised his hand, and in one hand, he conjured a flame, after which he summoned a bubble of magic energy around it. "You're magma, and magma is fire; even if you were to go into your powerful form, you would instantly devour all available air and suffocate." As he finished, the flame inside filled the air and went out. "Did that answer your question?"
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Post by lvsphinx on Oct 2, 2024 0:48:48 GMT
Alejandra listened intently as she selected a bottle of wine from the back of her private collection, a Château Lafite-Rothschild 1982, one of her first personal purchases after taking the position of La Jefa de la Juarez Cartel. The woman inspected the bottle for a few moments before shrugging and opening it with a soft *pop*, soon pouring two glasses, one for Aladdin and one for herself.
"Yes, that answered my question," she replied, a thoughtful expression on her face. She raised a glass. "To experience, the best teacher," she toasted before taking a deep sip, savoring the vintage "Mmmm..." Alejandra had considered someone trying to suffocate her before, so Aladdin's answer wasn't something new, but it did keep her weaknesses on the forefront of her mind.
She knew she wanted to cover her weaknesses, but still wasn't sure about the best way to go about it. She could always try to melt or smash most barriers created to cut her off from air, but magic wasn't something she knew how to interact with. She could always wish for magical talent, but would that very be the best way to spend a wish?
"I wish...I could burn without air," she eventually said aloud, after a long moment of thought and another sip of wine. She wasn't even certain if her wish would be granted; it felt like she were playing with physics, but then again, she had little experience with magic.
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Post by DornKoon on Oct 3, 2024 17:30:33 GMT
Aladdin was about to take another sip from his glass when she made her wish, causing the djinn to spit out his drink. What did she ask for?! "I wish...I could burn without air." Her words rang into his mind, and as it was a wish, the moment it left her lips, there was nothing which could stop Aladdin from having to grant it. "Your wish," he downed the drink in one go. "Is my command..."
He raised his hand, and it began to glow and burn, but it was not regular fire; it was smokeless, primordial, and dangerous, something like a mix between fire and lava, fluid like blood, glowing and bubbling. Aladdin's eyes were shining, two small stars, and in the blink of an eye, he was standing with his hand against Alejandra's chest.
The primordial ooze would burn its way into her flesh; how she would handle the pain Aladdin could not know, and it would burn its way to her heart. The moment it reached, it would change her from the inside out, and the process would be... extreme, not instant, but gradual. "I'd advise you to go somewhere safe" His words note more than a whisper. His tone was not unkind as he stepped back to look at her, the light fading from his eyes. " Or you will destroy this house and everything around it."
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Post by lvsphinx on Oct 17, 2024 20:36:03 GMT
Alejandra set her wine glass aside as she watched Aladdin conjure something like fire and plasma in his hand, but not quite either. She had about a moment to appreciate how enchanting his lava looked before he pressed his hand against her chest. For Alejandra, the searing pain was immediate. "Ay, carajo! What, what did you-fuck!" cried Alejandra out in severe pain. Alejandra recoiled away from Aladdin, but the damage was done, the djinn having already imparted whatever he held in his hand into Alejandra's chest.
The inside of her chest felt like a roaring furnace, and she could see faint vapors of steam in her breaths. It had been a very long time since burning had been a painful feeling for Alejandra, and today was an very unpleasant reminder. She collapsed onto the floor, crumpling into herself, clutching at her arms as she endured the agony in her chest, saliva dripping from her mouth as she panted, eyes going bloodshot.
For a moment, she attempted to shift into her magma form to see if that would alleviate the pain, but-"AUGH!"-another anguished cry left her as she burst into flame for a moment before immediately reverting back. Excruciating pain shot from the top of her skull all the way through the tips of her toes when she tried to shift form. Animal-like yowls left her as she writhed on the floor, her bones audibly snapping and cracking as they broke down and reformed simultaneously. Her body was changing. Did that mean her mutation was changing? How much so? Would she still look the same afterwards?
Alejandra could hardly entertain these questions as she slowly dragged herself back up onto her feet, her eyes burning brightly, lava dripping down from her eyes as searing tears, a thick haze of heat emanating from her body. She knew one way she could immediately end this pain, but she wouldn't dare take it. It would be such a waste of a wish. No, this pain was a necessity.
Without a word to Aladdin, she sprinted out of the back of her house and immediately dove into the deep end of her very large infinity pool. An explosion followed by a loud hissing noise came from the pool shortly after, steam issuing up from the center of the pool as Alejandra momentarily shifted form underwater. Once again, the sheer pain of the attempting the transformation was still too much pain on her bones for her to maintain it.
For a few long moments, Alejandra merely floated underwater, eyes closed, trying to let the coolness of the pool water soothe her frayed nerves. Eventually, she surfaced, facing upwards towards the sky, floating along as steam occasionally issued from her body, her limbs half shifting occasionally in response to the agony she was holding inside of her. "This...better be worth it," she grumbled to no one in particular, wincing and groaning as she stared up at the sky.
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Post by DornKoon on Oct 18, 2024 9:13:04 GMT
"The Universe is cruel," Aladdin's voice came as the djinn was levitating above her in the air, clothes moving unaffected by gravity. "Your magma is not only a mutation now; it is alchemy, the primordial flames. Whether you like it or not, you're connected to something... primal, original, ancient. More importantly, it will not respond to water, air, and other physics like typical magma. Still, you can't get something for nothing, so the fuel for your power is you." Aladdin paused; she would need some time to take this in, and this pool of water would not be a solution. "You're going to have to relearn everything again; it's going to be painful. But, for all intents and purposes, you just gained access to powers no mutant could dream of, so it's up to you if the tradeoff is worth it."
The djinn levitated over to the side of the pool, gently landing on the ground again, taking a moment to stretch himself.
"Still, have solace in the fact you still have one wish left; I would keep a hold on it, just in case you find it's not worth it."
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Post by lvsphinx on Oct 18, 2024 16:43:13 GMT
As she floated in the pool, Alejandra's gaze flicked over to Aladdin as he spoke, the woman listening attentively as the djinn explained the changes to her. So her magma form didn't follow normal physics anymore... Did that mean she would still burn in a vacuum? Wanting to see for herself, Alejandra winced as she shifted only her hand into its magma state, watching her hand vaporize the water and create steam when submerged, but still glowing brightly, not getting extinguished. "It feels like my bones are hot irons... They feel like they're burning and tender at the same time... Transforming entirely feels too excruciating to complete..."
The water did nothing for the searing pain in her chest and bones, but provided some psychological comfort as she floated. This, floating uselessly in the pool, was better than staying inside and potentially risking burning her home down. At least being a halfway-magical creature connected to "primordial flame" sounded cool. She wondered about how much exactly she'd have to relearn, the woman not looking forward to the painful practice needed to get back to her former level of control.
At the mention of her last wish, Alejandra swam over to the edge of the pool where Aladdin sat, a resolute expression on her features. "Have you ever built an empire? Or run something like it?" she asked, betraying her ambition. "I can easily imagine you as an advisor to some of the world's greatest leaders..." commented Alejandra honestly. How else would one employ someone with lifetimes of experience?
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Post by DornKoon on Oct 18, 2024 18:48:17 GMT
Aladdin looked genuinely surprised at her question, and for a moment, a shadow of melancholy washed over his face, but it was gone soon after. "I shall treat it as a small indulgence," he said, voice morose. He raised his hand, and a circle of flames appeared in the air, images appearing as he continued to talk. Flashes of his life, for Alejandra to see. "I was the advisor to Aladdin after he became king of his kingdom upon his father-in-law's death." The vision of a young man, finding a lamp in a treasure vault, followed by a stolen princess, and an evil wizard. "I worked for Napoleon Bonapart, and he was one of the few with one wish left upon his death." Napoleon flashed into the circle, standing at the head of his army, Aladdin visible at his side. "I've seen empires, kingdoms, guilds, and syndicates rise and fall. I was there when Atlantis was sunk into the ocean by the bolts of Zeus, in an age when gods walked amongst mortals, and the world was ruled by magic." An island realm, assaulted by lightning, people feeling, and ocean raging. He did not mention being partly to blame for that, but he was such a different creature in those days that it might not have been him. "I was there at the first Necropolis at my aunt's funeral, the first among the Endless to die. Due to their arrogance, my uncle ended the city with a few words alone." The flames revealed the shape of a towering humanoid in a robe, chained to a massive tome. The figure spoke in a booming voice that would make the most powerful people shiver in fear. "This is no longer a city. It is over. It is ended." He lowered his hand, and the figure vanished, "A great wind came down, and the first Necropolis was destroyed, not one of its stones left laying on another." Aladdin laughed, lowering his hand, causing the fire to fade before turning to look at Alejandra. "Suppose the simple answers to your questions are: partly, yes, and yes." |
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Post by lvsphinx on Oct 20, 2024 0:26:37 GMT
Alejandra's gaze followed the flaming images, watching curiously as Aladdin spoke. She nodded at the mention of Aladdin the human, and arched a brow when Aladdin said that he worked for Napoleon, also surprised that Napoleon didn't use all three wishes. For a moment, Alejandra was almost childlike in her interest with the images of Aladdin's history.
Then, when that deep and powerful voice spoke, Alejandra shivered, and shrunk in onto herself on reflex, as though trying to make herself as small as possible. The voice was almost enough to completely distract her from the pain. Was this God? No, but whatever it was, it seemed close.
"Your aunt's death? Who, or what, was she? What could have possibly killed her?" asked Alejandra curiously. She didn't mind Aladdin's long answers.
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Post by DornKoon on Oct 20, 2024 10:32:57 GMT
"My aunt, Despair," Aladdin replied with the faintest hint of a smile.
"I've got a new one. The Endless always has to exist, so a new one will take their place when one dies. Despair is who she was, and despair is what she was; whenever you feel it, she is there." He splashed a little in the water with one hand, absentmindedly reminiscing. "She was a lot more talkative and did some... unpleasant things. But, such is the nature of despair."
Aladdin paused, somewhat surprised at his words; he had not discussed the first Despair in ages. Still, it seemed to help distract Alejandra from the pain, so he did not mind sharing if it could help her.
"Still, Auntie's death was not motivated out of hate. But family is family. The Man who was responsible for the death of the first Despair will take the rest of eternity to die. Only then will his pain cease..."
Aladdin examined Alejandra before chuckling.
"I'm sorry if I went on something of a tangent. It's been a few millennia since I last got to talk about my aunt. She was my mother's twin, and as surprising as it may sound, I was close to her in those days, when I was still young... compared to now anyway." He sighed, "I was always her favourite among my mother's children. I strove to make her proud, and did myself some horrible things."
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Post by lvsphinx on Oct 20, 2024 20:30:33 GMT
As Alejandra listened, and looked up at the sky, she started feeling very small, and very fortunate. All the doubt from her first encounter had been burned away. Aladdin really was who he said he was, a powerful djinn of legend, related to forces incarnate that she could only barely fathom. Just playing around with this mystic being had already made her half-magical herself. She let out an amused chuckle. Aladdin was definitely no metahuman. There was no science for Alejandra here. Only sheer luck and ancient magic.
Alejandra, however, was very aware right now that she was just a mortal woman. A powerful mutant, yes. A successful businessperson, yes. But still so temporary and small compared to beings like Aladdin, like the Endless, like gods. It made a lot of sense to Alejandra that Napoleon let one wish remain while he was still alive. To Alejandra, having a knowledgeable, experienced, and powerful ally like Aladdin was well worth a wish in itself.
"Aladdin, child of Desire, nephew of Death and Despair. How many Endless are there? How does one meet one?" Trying to focus now on recuperating and talking, Alejandra slowly swam to one edge of the pool before swimming back, finding it painful to merely move. Aladdin was right; this painful transformation was a gradual process. She could feel it deep within her aching and burning bones. "I don't mind the tangents. Please, speak as long as you need."
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Post by DornKoon on Oct 20, 2024 21:19:20 GMT
"They are seven," Aladdin replied, "So, I've got six aunts and uncles. There is Destiny; he's the oldest, and he is...serious. I only meet him at official family gatherings as he rarely leaves his garden. I would never dream of disturbing him." The oldest of the endless had never been cruel or mean, but he was rarely present. "After that, we have Death; she's my favourite Aunt; you might be familiar with the whole Grim Reaper. That's her; she comes to collect those who die. You'll meet her when you die, which is not so bad, she's very nice. No bones or anything; she does have a goth thing going for her these days."
Aladdin watched as Alejandra swam to the pool's edge.
"After that, we have my favourite Uncle, Dream; his domain is where you mortals go when you sleep, the Dreaming. He is the lord of dreams and reality; you may know him as Sandman or Morpheus." It must be a lot to take in, but maybe it was what she needed right now. Just to put things into perspective. "You could meet Uncle Morpheus when you sleep. You'd have to dream lucidly, but mortals have visited him before. He can seem a little humourless, but I think that's because he doesn't get out much, which Death likes to tease him about."
The djinn cleared his throat, making an active choice, not to mention the string of romances that was left in the wake of Dream and how these made him prone to prolonged periods of depression. Maybe that was a little too private?
"After Uncle Morpheus, we have Olethros, as the ancient Greeks called him, or Destruction. The personification of destruction and creation. He is...." Aladdin's voice died, and he seemed to look out into space. "Gone. When mortals turned their eyes to science, he foresaw the destruction that would bring to the world; he did not want to be a part of it, so he left." Aladdin sighed, sitting down at the edge of the pool. "I've not seen him since, and none in the family know where he is."
He was silent for a while before pushing the thought to one side.
"Where was I?"
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Post by lvsphinx on Oct 20, 2024 21:40:27 GMT
So there was such a thing as Destiny. At least, a powerful being that called itself Destiny. Alejandra preferred the idea of being the author of her own fate, but still wondered what this Destiny might possibly know. She nodded at the mention of death, realizing that she wasn't afraid of it. She found that was much more afraid of things like losing her freedom.
Dream sounded accessible, literally, especially if he could be found within the dreams themselves. Alejandra didn't know how much use or knowledge she could get out of Dream, the woman preferring to deal with concrete things, but couldn't deny that almost everything she owned came because of a dream of hers.
Destruction, gone? That seemed hard to believe. The world seemed to have plenty of destruction, much of it senseless. Was it really okay for a deity-like being to leave and for things to continue on? This was out of Alejandra's domain, so she couldn't answer. If Destruction had died, there'd be a replacement, right? Missing seemed like the best conclusion.
"You were describing Destruction, the fourth one. So after Despair and Desire, who is the seventh?" asked Alejandra curiously, making gentle waves in the pool.
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