Spandex II REDUX

Eternity can be contained in-between the ticks of a second.

It was certainly true in Obsidian City, where the CEOs of Aquavect still sit, high up in their gilded towers, laughing as they feast for what feels like forever. The members of the NJI still stand in the streets after their confrontation with the Black King and his Pawns—muttering, murmuring—"What does this mean? Who did this? What about our mission? What will we do now?"

One girl saves another from Guilt and Madness, while a planet spins below their feet. It is not Earth. They speak to each other, and giggle like children their age. They are still speaking. If you listen closely, you can hear them. Hush, now—and listen closer: Here are the sounds of a people who have never known the night; here are the sounds of beasts who hide in eternal darkness. They are below you. Watch your step.

A cruel god, a mad god, sits on high, conversing with his servants. They do not mean well. They do not mean well—but look closer, and still they face each other, plotting. Look further away, and the heroes at Mt. Etna are still there. How long have both parties been like this? Why have they not moved yet? There is no answer, save for the reasoning of the gods.

When will they act again? When will they begin changing once more?

I suppose "when" is a very subjective word—"when" can mean "in a few minutes," or even "in a year-and-a-half."

But the true answer is—

—NOW.

Rooftop Rumble, No Longer Rumbling

Koda looks up, and raises her scissorblades in a weak attempt to block the arcing blasts of lightning heading for her and Axel Adams. She braces—

—Then, nothing.

The Hozuki were gone.

It was just her and Axel Adams on the high-rise rooftop.

She feels a chill run down her back as her Quest Log informs her that whatever cosmic fuckery brought those things to Easton suddenly saw fit to bring them back to wherever they belonged. Koda suddenly wanted to vomit. How long had she been fighting these things? How long had she watched the lightning arc towards her? How long was she unable to move? How long...?

She politely took her leave, only barely managing to mask her panic, and left the AxelCorp Tower.

Edited by JumpingFruit on Jul 9th 2020 at 8:50:18 AM

At that moment, around the city, the large mechanical billboards that usually displayed various advertisements all of a sudden went completely dark. And then went back on, but instead of displaying advertisements, they displayed a group of people interposed over an American Flag green screen effect.

In the background, a few people can be heard momentarily arguing;

“But we have no legal jurisdiction to use those for that purpose!”

“Then pass a law through the city council after the fact. Are you gonna be the one to tell Captain Patriot that he can’t have his splendor?”

“Hell nah!”

Then someone one among the group steps forward and swings his hand up to the right, lighting up a curved line, followed by throwing his hand to the left for a similar display. The camera focused on him.

He was a superhero by all appearances, with a blue head covering mask with fifty stars on it, only his jaw being visible. His outfit was otherwise made of sleek red and white Spandex, with an eagle emblem on his chest spreading its wings and clutching an ornate S logo, commonly used among people who supported President Sutler.

“Good evening, Sad, Chaotic, and Mob-Scarred Obsidian City. I’m your new superheroic defender, Captain Patriot!” Rick gestured at himself and then at the camera to pan out a bit. This showed his new group of seven heroes by his side.

“Let me just say as I get this speech underway that things have been very, very bad for too many of you law abiding citizens out there too long now. Disorderly, hateful mobs who despise our way of life and those so called “heroes” who sympathize with THEM against US…” Rick said with a knowing look at the camera as if he knew who was watching, “They have been given a free ride for too long, and the city council refused too many common sense, strong solutions by Aquavect.”

Grinning, Rick leaned in a bit, “Well, today the free ride ends, the free ride comes to a close. Because from here on out, this city is under my personal...protection. And I will make sure each and every person who seems to step outta line from peaceful protest discovers we have no patience for their ilk here.”

Finishing his speech with a wink, Rick said, “Now I know our very fine people are hard at work out there, and I want everyone to know we’ll be working our hardest to help them as best we can. You’ll see that Obsidian City will be clean, safe and sparkling going forward. The protests will just go away.”

Ryan was just about feeling done with one crisis and dealing with the Zugzwang Pawns when he was surrounded by the voice of the one man he hoped he wouldn't be seeing out here. Rick Cannelle on every single mechanical billboard and advertisement around the city. It was obviously him. His voice, his stylings, and his snide, sneering delivery. It was congealed smarm.

Ryan's fist connected with a wall, and he swore to himself, "Of all people...him being put in charge of security here, and that orange shitstain sanctioned him!"

At that moment Arc-Shot and Star Girl arrived with news. Hans looking a little shaken from the experience of seeing The Adversary up close. Hans dropped down from his levitating and said, "Bad news und worse news. I confirmed...with my own eyes, that the Adversary, from Holy Ring, is in charge of the forces of the private military corp Aquavect hired."

Hans remembered his empowering incident, and the Adversary's sheer cruelty. He clenched his fists, he knew he should not hate. He knew hate too well, knew what it did. But by Gott, he hated The Adversary.

A plain, average looking man in his 20s suddenly appeared in the roof of a building.

"OOOH that was an- unusually rough landing" he inadvertently said aloud. "Uh, where am I now? This city looks... familiar..."

[Note: in case it is not obvious, its The Traveler]

Then he saw Captain Patriot's broadcast message. Said like a true fascist he thought. I bet before long I'm going to have to 'deal' with you.

Edited by Sijo on Jul 10th 2020 at 5:12:00 AM

Alexander paused to watch the billboards as they flashed their propaganda, a foul man acting as a figurehead. He pulled his coat tighter around himself, listening to the lies that he was spouting. He had only recently arrived, but it was clear that things were very wrong, and whoever Captain Patriot was- what kind of name was that, anyway?- he was clearly there to make it worse. The whispers agreed with him, urged him to find those who felt the same, urged him to learn more of the city and what was wrong with it. It was one of the few times they saw eye to eye, when he chose to listen. "I will not allow this," he says to no-one in particular, the burned man flexing a scarred hand. The electronic screen in front of him shatters into a million pieces and glass rains down from above as he walks on, falling around him like sparking rain.

Edited by Cwest5538 on Jul 9th 2020 at 4:23:59 AM

Klöe Kinber – Obsidian City

Klöe couldn't help but glare up at the obnoxious mug upon the billboard. It certainly took the cake for the most immediately hateful person she'd ever seen. Her affixed gaze lingered on it even once the message had ended, before she sighed through her nostrils and trudged onwards. She was just getting sick of billboards at this point.

...Apparently, she wasn't the only one. She heard the crash even from a distance, and promptly ran towards it. She skidded to a halt upon seeing the shattered billboard, and her eyes fell on the man who was walking away from it. Her jaw set and she drew in a preparatory breath. Making sure her X400 was hidden from view, she began walking after him. She was clad in a baggy hoodie to help disguise her form. Only the fingers of her prosthetic were visible.

She wasn't sure how exactly to approach this. But this was why she was here. Scouting. After consideration she picked up her pace and aimed to tap him on the shoulder. Only to inwardly curse as she realised she'd used her prosthetic to do this with.

She really wished she wasn't a lefty sometimes.

“...Excuse me. You okay? You look kinda lost.”

The concerned passerby act would hopefully be calming, at least. She didn't want to upset his nerves if he was indeed the one to shatter that billboard. And said act was partially genuine anyway.

Alexander - Obsidian City

Alexander turns, jerking a bit at the touch, looking down at her. The most immediately striking thing is that he's clearly half-blind, the right half of his face burned, and the eye milky white. The second thing is that he is tall, very tall, but not particularly strong looking- it gives the impression of a scarecrow more than a bodybuilder.

"I... suppose I am," he says carefully, brushing shattered glass from his coat. He's not necessarily broadcasting vandalism vibes but he's not exactly hiding the evidence, either.

"I find myself looking for those who would protest the things that have been occurring here. And perhaps those who would do... more," he says slowly, watching for her reaction. He barely glances at her prosthetic- indeed, he doesn't seem to care at all. Perhaps he simply hasn't noticed. If he has, he doesn't mention it. "I do thank you for your concern," he adds after a moment.

"With all that is going on here, I would not think that our fellow humans would have it in them to think of their peers." The man casts a look of disgust at the wreckage of the once broadcasting screen.

Klöe Kinber – Obsidian City

“...Yeah. I get what you mean,” Klöe sighed, briefly taking in his form for a moment and noting the glass (definitely the culprit, then) before she relaxed her stance somewhat and pursed her lips into something resembling a smile. “Getting sick of these... damn billboards in general. Makes you wanna do something about it, y'know?” she added—an inflection in her tone indicating she agreed to his sentiment. Yes, she seemed to say. I hear you.

“But... look. I walked up, 'cause I saw you were... thinking,” she decided after a moment, considering that ‘troubled’ was a bit too presumptive for her to say. “That's something, right? So there's something worth fighting for. Even if it's small.”

She shook her head as if shaking it off, though she was still deeply thinking about this. Even as she smiled at him again and extended her hand to shake. Her artificial one. She was left-handed. But that wasn't the only reason.

“Name's Klöe. Klöe Kinber. I didn't think I'd meet someone who thought the same just out on the streets like this.”

I mean I was banking on that, but sure. Why not.

Alexander - Obsidian City

".... I am Alexander. Alexander Markov," he says. If the name didn't indicate he was Russian, his accent certainly would. He grasps her hand firmly with his own left hand- the non-gloved one, charred and covered in burn scars. "There is always something worth fighting for, even in the darkest of times. And there will always be those to oppose those who would take advantage of the common man, as long as there are men and women of sufficient will. Axel Corp, TALOS, the WCR... they all oppress us, and those who oppose them are branded radicals, terrorists, criminals. But they cannot keep us all down."

He lets go of her hand and puts both of his into his pockets. He seems a bit... twitchy, but he looks her in the eyes as he speaks. "I had hoped I would find someone who agreed with my views, but I had admittedly assumed I would have to search longer." He also smiles a bit. It looks like he hasn't had much practice in a while.

"If it is not too presumptuous, may I ask why you are out, if you were not seeking like minded individuals? It is dangerous, being out here alone." He examines her and glances around, seemingly satisfied at the lack of potential looters or worse, authorities. "Especially with those fools that the president has hired. I suspect they would harm even non-metahumans with reckless abandon."

Edited by Cwest5538 on Jul 9th 2020 at 6:53:20 AM

Ryan Brady and Co. -NJI

"Well this is just fucking great," Ryan commented as he looked at the situation on his phone. On top of everything they knew about Rick, the United States government under President Sutler had made him and that group of loons up there state sanctioned superheroes. Rick Cannelle! A state sanctioned hero! My bet is they shouted fake news over and over when what he threatened to do to Layla came up.

Hans asked, "So...what can we do? We're UN Sanctioned, they're US Sanctioned. This seems like its heading to a really nasty conclusion."

"Well, for now at least..." Ryan responded, looking at the info just a page down, "The state governor has denounced this sudden deployment and says that the Americorps are here unlawfully, and recognizes our investigation into Aquavect. I guess we can take care of this while the big wigs sort out their fucked politics. Let's take Aquavect's CEO down, and beat ten shades of tar outta Rick and his reactionaries if they get in the way."

He then remembered something, "Trickster...that's right. Do we have any news from the "getting dirt on Aquavect" front?"

Roland Brancher - vs. Eldritch

Not far away from Kloe and Alexander, the sounds of a battle breaking out would echo through the dismal streets, several more of the billboard signs shattering from the released pressure from blows in this encounter. A young hero in vaguely futuristic spandex and cybernetic armor, with red hair stained black and blue in certain places, fighting against a stream of energy emitted from a floating book.

A floating book wielded by a decidedly pale figure, dead eyed with dark hair, wearing a long coat, a dress shirt, dress pants and tight shoes. The figure is barely uttering a word, and it seems the fight was begun by him simply attacking out of nowhere.

The young hero Ultra Lad aka Roland Brancher commented, "I don't even—-why are you doing this? I recognize you from the TV. You were a superhero from Easton and—-"

"Do not un-underestimate the power of Eld-Eld-Eldtrich." It sounded so rehearsed, so mechanical. Ultra Lad wondered if there might be some sort of brainwashing involved.

Roland blocked another blast with his Hardlight Aura, and wryly looked to the side, "But probably not one of the better ones."

Figuring he might need to punch some sense back into this guy, Roland took off!

Flying around and dodging a continuous stream of blasts from the odd, floating book, seeing it being coordinated by Eldritch's hands, Roland shaped his Hardlight into a stream of concentrated, razor sharp light, aiming it at that book.

Eldritch's left arm jerked up and the book matched the shot with another blast of force. "My p-power is that of ancient, unknowable entities." Again sounding so...lifeless.

Grinning a bit, Roland poured a bit more willpower into the blast of Hardlight. When it came to Nohmans, Hardlight was influenced by your willpower behind the effort. And nobody - nobody! - had the kind of willpower Roland had to save the city that had become his home!

The energy clash began to build up, and then resulted in a huge explosion that blew all three - Roland, the book and Eldritch - backwards.

Roland took advantage of the momentary smoke cover, barely even noticing a glow in the figure's eyes. Advancing on him and blasting out of the smoke cover, Roland threw a powerful punch, his enormous physical force carrying his blow right through an attempt at a last ditch barrier.

Roland's punch - to his horror - outright ripped Eldritch's head clean off his body and sent it careening down about ten feet on to the ground. The head rolled around a bit and emitted a few more words, "R-R-Ravishingly dirty woman...Ravishingly dirty woman..RRRRAAAAAVIIIIISHINNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGLLLLLYYYY——"

Ultra Lad looked at the neck, and saw that what he had been fighting was no real human being at all. Protruding from the neck was circuitry and fluid and cables. He landed on the ground and spat, "Robots...Aquavect is going as far as sending robots against me." But the question was, how were they now sending robots based on heroes like this?

He was an Anok Warrior Class...no, he was also a hero. He was going to fight as long as he could for this home he knew. That was just what a Hero did. That's...what Ultra Lad, the original Ultra Lad, would do.

Edited by NickTheSwing on Jul 9th 2020 at 7:21:05 AM

Klöe Kinber – Obsidian City

Klöe's smile outright grew into a grin as he continued his impassioned speech, and silently ticked a box off in her head. He already seemed willing to be a part of something bigger, so now it was just a case of extending a proverbial hand. Her prosthetic rattled a moment at the mention of WCR before she clutched it in her other hand and held it still. She'd need another shot soon.

“Got no doubt about that. I'm not from Obsidian either. Eastonite,” she clarified, slipping her hands into her hoodie pockets in a casual manner. “I'm... scouting out. You weren't wrong about me looking out for others. Guess I just got lucky.”

She peered at him carefully, bright blue eyes seeming to pierce straight through him as she considered him in full.

“...You're right about danger. What say we uh... stick together or something? Least for a while? It'll be bad for both of us if we think like this. More the merrier, right?”

Alexander - Obsidian City

He nods. "I would be happy to accompany you, if you wish. It is not wise to be alone in these trying times." Alexander straightens his collar, suddenly glancing around, eyes narrowing as he tilts his head ever so slightly, listening. "Do you hear that?" He asks, casting his gaze around curiously. "The sounds of a clash," he clarifies, glancing at his new 'friend.' "Shall we investigate?"

On one hand, he's acutely aware that there's a high chance she isn't a metahuman, or otherwise enhanced- it is far more likely she is a normal, if intelligent, woman. And that if there is an actual fight going down, it might be a bad idea to take her along. But if she is normal, and if there is a fight, surely leaving her there would be a bad idea as well?

After a moment of deliberation, he briskly starts walking towards the sound of battle, the air wavering around him for a second as he moves- the telekinetic summoning an almost invisible shield around himself just in case. You never could be too careful. "Stay behind me."

Obsidian City, Trickster

Just as Ryan radioed Trickster, they picked up right away, shouting something breathlessly. The sounds of a serious fight happened in the background.

"Ryan—Ryan, someone is being attacked by a robot calling itself Eldtrich, he's fighting really hard, but he seems to be a hero like us!" they reported, breathing hard. "Can you please come over here—oh, he beat it! I'm going to try and talk with him now, to see if I can recruit him."

Trickster appeared in a puff of smoke next to Roland, still huffing and puffing because of the panic induced by the robotic invader. "Excuse me, I'm Trickster from the NJI. Are you here to defeat Aquavect too?" they offered simply, never being one to mince words.

Obsidian City, Magpie, Makquer'el, Shelly

Magpie had stomped her foot and started to steam slightly when the broadcasts came on, but she had calmed down quickly enough and was now making sure that all her firearms were in order. "They'll pay for this. Oh, they'll pay alright..." she whispered darkly.

Makquer'el said, "No doubt you shall need mine and Shelly's aid in the near future. I will travel with you now, so that I may better discern the source of these poor Drowned Souls." He bowed shallowly and wound some rope around his harpoon.

Edited by JumpingFruit on Jul 9th 2020 at 8:51:40 AM

Ryan Brady

"...Eld...Eldtrich? Don't you mean, uh, Eldritch? Like in that one racist sourpuss from New England's stories?" Ryan responded. It sounded like Trickster had found...something. It did not seem like whoever this was was part of Rick's outfit, and Eldtrich being a robot of some kind...? "Oh wow, he beat that thing already..."

Ryan crossed his arms and looked around at the others for a moment before saying to Trickster across the radio, "Alright go ahead."

If they were gonna bring down Aquavect AND deal with Lieutenant Force...Captain Patriot...whatever the fuck Rick was calling himself, they were gonna need some big time reinforcements. But it seemed like even if Obsidian didn't have as many heroes flying around as Easton, it was indeed still close enough to have some who weren't compromised by Rick.

Roland Brancher

Seeing this girl coming over - and asking him about whether he was fighting against Aquavect - Roland quickly nodded and stated, "I've been fighting against Aquavect since they started their totalitarian campaign out here. Them and the supervillains who've been taking advantage of the situation, but it seems the regular villains have gone pretty much underground."

Roland looked around. Obsidian used to be such a lovely city. A bit rustic, certainly, but that was part of its charm. It had character, and it was a place Roland was proud to call his home after he ended up stuck on this Earth in particular.

"I go by Ultra Lad. Obsidian City has been my home for a long time, since the Parasite Invasion. Aquavect has poisoned my home and oppressed its citizens. I'll fight them till they're gone." He said, punching his open palm in front of him.

Klöe Kinber – Obsidian City

Klöe paused at Alexander's mention of a fight, before straining her ears similarly to see if she could pick up on it. Regardless she followed after him, removing her hands from her pockets and continuing to appear more neutral than unnerved. But there was still a cautious air about her anyhow. She felt a dull tremor in her arm again. Hmm. She couldn't address it yet.

She did shrug off her jacket though; tying it instead around her waist. Her cobbled-together prosthetic was now fully visible, apparently extending right up over her shoulder. Presumably for the sake of how intrusive the thing was, she only wore a light tanktop beneath it. Additionally, if one caught sight of her back they might've seen straps secured across her back and further bumps running down her spine.

“Oh I'll stay behind. I wanna see how you fight,” she nonchalantly agreed, glancing about a moment before fixing her gaze ahead. “I'll be fine, though. Promise. I've handled things this far.”

Though the offer of hiding behind a walking shield was tempting.

Alexander- Obsidian City

The man in the black coat rounds the corner, about to raise a hand to summon chunks of the scenery to use as weapons... when he blinks once, twice, and stares at Roland, Trickster, and the sparking robotic corpse. "... Are you alright?" He finally asks, glancing down at the destroyed mechanical thing and at these oddly dressed people.

He couldn't quite tell who they were or what they were doing here, but the destruction of a robot was... probably a good sign. Wasn't it? It would be just like TALOS and the rest to use robots to hunt down sympathizers or those who would work against them.

"We came to investigate the noise," the scarred man finally finishes after a few seconds of silence. "It appears neither of you needed our aid." The already smoking wreck of the robot flickers as Alexander takes a step closer and it bursts into flames, although they quickly die out without a true fuel source and he barely spares it a glance. He is very used to things being set on fire in his presence by now.

Roland / Ultra Lad

"We're fine, I destroyed this...this robot." Roland looked at the robot one final time as it seemed to burst up a bit into flames and then die down. He shrugged his shoulders and looked at the newcomer. He looked around, realizing that if this thing was sent out by someone allied with the Aquavect higher ups and those fascists in Americorps, then most likely this was just the beginning.

"Going by that robot, I think they're probably gonna be out in force soon. Do you and any of your friends need somewhere safe to hide out?" Roland on the other hand was already planning to launch his own offensive against any attempt to oppress the city that day or night.

Klöe Kinber – Obsidian City

“...I wouldn't mind a place to stay. Beats going back to Easton every night,” Klöe said slowly, glancing over at Alexander a moment before peering at Roland. “I uh... I'm not too good in... money terms, right now. If it's not an issue, I'll... take you up on that.”

This much was true—as close as Easton was to Obsidian there was still the fact that she was next to broke. She needed every cent she could get. For the fluid if not for the rent. She could always squat somewhere if she needed to but she couldn't exactly deny an offer like this...

“You seem pretty tough. Worth hanging around,” she noted, scanning the destroyed robot's remains with her eyes before flicking her gaze back to Roland again. “You're a super, right? Pretty cool.”

She honestly didn't care, but it gave her insight at least. Assuming he was the passionate sort, and not the... ‘Patriot’ sort. Or so to speak. Her X400 shuddered again, and she grimaced. She needed fluid now... she had some on her, but... bad first impression.

Edited by Enirboreh on Jul 10th 2020 at 11:19:02 AM

Alexander – Obsidian City

"A place to stay would be most welcome," he says gratefully. "I am very capable of defending myself, but I figured I would have trouble finding lodgings or even shelter in this city in its current state." He glances at Klöe as her arm shutters, but doesn't say anything. If she isn't drawing attention to it, then he doesn't need to bring it up.

"If you would endeavor to destroy more of these beings, I would like to offer my help," Alexander continues. He raises a hand and with a flex of his fingers the destroyed remains crumple into a ball- another flex, and they compress together with a sharp crunch, until all that is left is a floating ball of scrap. "You are clearly not one of the cronies that the president has ordered to oppress the people of this city. To do battle against their forces is a worthy goal, and one I will back wholeheartedly if allowed to do so."

He figures he's showing his hand a little bit early with the display, but this man is clearly superhuman as well, and Klöe seemed fine with that. And he doubted the man would accept the help of unaugmented civilians.

Edited by Cwest5538 on Jul 10th 2020 at 5:17:08 AM

In the shadows a woman walked and there the shadows welcomed her.

The Traveler decided to worry about this 'Captain Patriot' later. First, he checked out what powers, if any, he had gained in this universe, as usual.

He closed his eyes. This allowed him to access his inner 'mind's eye.' Sometimes.

You can now adapt without an external stimulus a voice said in his head.

"WHAT? Scribe is that you??"

Yes

"Why are you talking to me directly? You never do that."

There are universes where things are different. This is one of them. The Narrative Titans have messed its reality to the point of weakening it.

"The Narrative Titans? I'm back in Easton City's universe?"

Yes. Although you landed in a place called Obsidian City.

"Why did you bring me here?"

The usual. I want a report on its events.

Jones swore under his breath. "Fine. What's this about, my not needing to adapt this time?"

"That's because you are already adapted to the released chaotic energies. Keep in mind however, you can only have one power at a time."

"Very well. But Scribe? Next time, do NOT contact my mind without my permission."

Silence was his only answer.

Jones sighed, then looked for a way off the building. Preferably a normal one.

Obsidian City, Trickster

"I am called Trickster—and I only just met this fine fellow here, who completely wrecked that robot-thing. Good job on that, by the way," Trickster said with an encouraging nod. "If you join the NJI, there's no doubt that they'll be able to help you with housing and such. We're also here to try and solve this pernicious Aquavect problem."

"In case you haven't noticed already, something is gravely wrong with Aquavect. My team is here to investigate the allegations of them poisoning the water supply to Obsidian City," they explained, chewing thoughtfully on the piece of straw in their mouth. "We've met some resistance from the Order of Zugzwang already, and I have no doubt that this 'Americorps' might be our next enemy. But we'll have a better chance defeating them together. If you would be so kind as to follow me back to the rest of the team, of course."

They gathered their patchwork shawl around themselves. "Frankly speaking, a cold wind is blowing through the world. It seems the fat cats expected us, though they might not be expecting reinforcements in the form of—well—you," Trickster muttered. "And I don't sense any fear on their end. This does not bode terribly well, I find."

Edited by JumpingFruit on Jul 10th 2020 at 9:42:52 AM

Nariko and Kimiko - Obsidian City

Setting up shop in a new city was always somewhat of a chore. Though fortunately, both Obsidian and Easton were big enough hotspots that earlier members of the Nezumi clan had come and gone in both places, leaving old hideouts for the twins to use.

Kimiko wished the old hideouts weren't hidden in the sewers, but as Nariko reminded her, secrecy was more important than comfort.

They'd chosen to stay in Obsidian for the time being, given recent political events. A man announcing himself as the defender of the city, before giving a passive-aggressive speech in which he all but said he'd crush anyone who opposed him.

Geez, I heard things were getting bad, but this is ridiculous. Nariko mused.

Yeah. He sounded like Hitler trying not to say the word 'Jews'. Kimiko thought back.

Kimi.

Oh c'mon sis, I know you were thinking it too. Guy's obviously a fascist. Kimi grinned, leaping from one rooftop to another with ease. Which means we're gonna take him down.

Slow and steady, sis. Nariko replied. She was across the street from her sister, also making her way across the rooftops. Getting the lay of the land, preparing for future chases.

As much as it annoyed Kimiko, it was a good thing for them that Night-Tail was not yet well-known. They'd robbed a few jewelry stores thus far, but never been caught in the act. This meant they weren't wanted criminals.

So they could freely move about, watching for potential trouble. Like the fight that just broke out between a young man and a warlock-looking villain. Nariko moved to the edge of the building, preparing to jump down and assist, only for him to punch the villain's head off, revealing it to be a robot.

Huh. Guess he's got it handled. Nari jumped down nonetheless, but rather than approach Ultra Lad directly, she stayed hidden, getting as close as she thought she could without getting seen. Her ears twitched as she listened in on the conversation.

Well shit. She thought. First that Patriot guy, and now someone's poisoning the water? We picked a hell of a city. Can't believe corporations can get away with stuff like that.

I mean, big corporations are pretty much evil by default. Kimi said, mentally shrugging. A board of directors is just another group of bad guys to take down.

Hm. Nari bit her lip. Should I talk to them, or...

NJI seems to have genuine good guys, at least. I mean, they still work for some corporate guy, but this Trickster clearly isn't a bad guy. Girl? Huh. Can't really tell. Kimi replied.

Fair. I'll tail them a bit, see where NJI is set up. Pretending to join them might be worthwhile.

Especially if it gets us out of that fuckin' sewer.

It's not that bad, Kimi.

Is too.

The sisters fell into silent, teasing bickering as Nari continued to listen in.

Ultra Lad

"Thank you!" He said to Kloe, noticing she seemed to be in kind of a bad sort right now. She did mention the money situation, and he hoped he'd be able to help give her some sanctuary right now. "...And if you need any help, I'm willing to chip in."

Crossing his arms and smiling a bit, Ultra Lad actually considered this. He hadn't really been involved in any explicit teams before. He mostly just stayed on his own out here, dealing with any supervillains who insisted on still causing trouble in Obsidian and the Aquavect situation. "That...does sound rather appealing. My old home has been enduring a lot of damage over the course of my stay, and I don't want to contribute to more such deterioration."

"To tell the truth, I was barely listening to that pompous Kehlfige do his speech, way too focused on beating down that weird robot." Now that Ultra Lad mentioned it he was starting to wonder where that thing came from. Something really uncanny about it. "You seem to me to be upstanding people, on my honor as a Nohman warrior I'll assist you as best I can."

Alexander - Obsidian City

"Then this Zugzwang is the enemy," he nods. "As are the Americorps. I did not think for a second that they were anything less than fascists when I laid eyes upon them." He scowls, the air shimmering around him for a moment, a few rocks rising slightly into the air before clattering to the ground. "The thought of them having been allowed to form on our soil makes me sick. Aquavect is likely guilty of what they have been accused of, but I believe it is that fool who heads the Americorps that will hunt us most viciously."

He paces, hands behind his back as he walks too and from for a moment. 'I, admittedly, do not know what the NJI actually is. But if you oppose the men and women that would threaten the people of this city, I would lend my own aid freely and without restraint or conditions." He examines the strange gathering of people here, cautiously. "You have no reason to trust us. But if it is a risk your people are willing to take, I think that you will find me- and the rest of us, I imagine- valuable allies."

As if on cue Alexander reaches out a hand and a nearby parked car effortlessly rises into the air, hovering maybe teen feet off of the ground. His arm glowed a dark purple as he held it from afar, and it stopped glowing when he set it down again (thankfully ently). While that wasn't quite the true extent of his powers, it should be enough of a show to convince them of his abilities. He's aware it likely wasn't necessary, but an open demonstration feels... good. The recruiter was clearly empowered. The young man who had offered him a place to stay had scrapped with and destroyed a deadly robot. Klöe's arm was clearly wired and strong- not insignificant. Now they knew he also had powers, that he wasn't simply a burned man that wished to hand out flyers. That he was an equal.

Edited by Cwest5538 on Jul 11th 2020 at 9:51:30 AM

Klöe Kinber – Obsidian City

“...Y'know, I got pals in The Grimes,” Klöe said with a click of her tongue, drumming her fingers against the metal of her upper arm and looking off to the side thoughtfully. “Some of 'em got spinal braces. Stabilizers; mechanical legs 'n' stuff. They could crush cars and lift trucks if they wanted to. If this bastard and whatever cronies he has decides Easton needs ‘cleaning up’ too then that'll be a whole neighborhood of desperate, needy folk on the line. Just 'cause they're a little beyond human.”

She watched Alexander's display with an impassive expression, idly noting the purplish glow and wondering about its significance. Upper limits, maybe? Or something else? She wasn't sure. She wasn't too well-versed in powers.

“If those Aquavect clowns are poisoning folk then I'll take it right to their doors with you; trust me. I got a different target in mind though. But I'll fill you in later,” she decided, nodding to herself absently as she briefly looked over her prosthetic for any stiffening joints. It needed a few tweaks in places, given how cobbled-together it was. “I'll just be happy to get moving. I ain't comfortable out on the streets like this. I don't know it like I do home.”

She felt the odd sensation of being watched, and began a cautious glance around their general area. Just in case. She was starting to feel more of the chill air brushing against her skin, as well as the throbbing ache from her cybernetic arm hanging off from her shoulder—so the hyperfluid was most likely starting to wear off. Maybe that was why she felt tense. Simple goosebumps and sudden pain, startling her.

But she didn't like to forego her instincts so easily.

Edited by Enirboreh on Jul 12th 2020 at 10:56:55 AM