Blazing Buildings and Fulminous Fury
As the priest droned on with his anti-human drivel, threatening to drown Iona's mind in it, smoldering sparks stirred in her, and the flames around the center of town only grew in intensity, a roaring inferno swelled up like a cork had just been pulled off a bottle containing them.
"The people here may have been superstitious and abusers, but this?! Burning the whole place to the ground? Slaughtering them like animals?! They didn't deserve this!"
The clouds overhead darkened, a storm forming, black as the smoke that once contrasted it so starkly. Lightning flashed, and the roar of the winds whipping debris and hair up in its wild frenzy. A rumble of thunder punctuated the scene, electric arcs beginning to shoot out of Iona's finger tips, wisps of flame fading in and out around her. Elemental Energy flowed through her, attracted like moths to the flame of her rampant emotion, gripping her in its intoxicating power.
"And it's not like metahumans are the only ones they abused! I'm a normal human they snubbed and cast out simply for having an interest in the Elemental Planes, taboo to them! Remove all mentions of metahumans from your speech, replace them with ordinary humans worried about metas ruling over them with power, and you sound just like Gaea! And I HATE GAEA!"
A gale lifted her into the air, the flames of the burning place she had once called home flowing to her and forming a swirling firestorm around her. She raised one hand into the air, and the heavens answered with a crack of war. With the other, she held out towards the borderline cult.
"Whoever 'He' is, that you speak of like some false god, pray to him for mercy and salvation!"
Tears of anger, sadness and fear intermingled as one as she forced the next words out without breaking into incoherent screaming, only to fail to anyways at the end.
"Because I will give you NO SUCH-RRRRRRRRRAAAAAAH!"
A single, wild cleave with her hand unleashed hell. Flames gathered at the center of the group, a sphere of scarlet flame bubbling and broiling growing large. The skies shone white, and lightning and vermilion blaze broke loose, the air lit up for a couple of miles as the sphere burst into full, deadly bloom. Searing flames and bolts from above rocked the earth, scorching it to charcoal as the asphalt and concrete were sent broken and flying in the wake of the Elements' rage, brought on by the grief, fury and conflict of one young woman who had been scorned as a young girl by the very place she was now trying to avenge.
Edited by UndyingPhoenix on Sep 2nd 2019 at 11:08:58 AM
Surrounded by weirdoes
Squad 1
"Well, one less moron to deal with" Sam said out loud, getting his own clothes back. "Huh, found the box" He said, handing it to the others "I am sorry about the condition, but at least something to raise the mood, and maybe make some tea or coffee" Man, I sound like a grandpa
IW
Ryuu moved out to change as quick as he could. The outfit got itchy, and he wanted to be back to normal.
"So... does anyone have that feeling where you are left without knowing just what happened?"
Wake me up at your own risk.
AKA Nixer
The True Wonderland
“It is of no problem at all. I view it in the same manner of disposing of trash. No worth in thanking someone for what should be an unspoken thing,” Alice responded, smiling to herself as she patted the lid of the sentient teacup before gently nudging it forward on its merry way. “And I won't lie that a morbid curiosity motivates me to say ‘yes’ to your offer. Who knows? Perhaps I can fashion it into something presentable. As much as a disgusting prune as Hatter is, I admit he does have a rather dashing sense of attire.”
This remark seemed to send the Hatter into a confused mess of swooning and scoffing, as he couldn't quite figure out whether to take Alice's comment as pure flattery or pure insult. So he swoffed and scooned for the next few minutes, while the March Hare began to discuss the disgraceful nature of double-edged remarks.
“Regardless, it's always lovely to see you, Wilma. If you're ever in a spot of trouble with that imp then be sure to call on me again. Maybe try and teach him some manners though. I'd rather not have guests tracking mud in.”
She turned to her primly, straightening her back as well as her dress before clasping her hands in front of her politely.
“Will that be all?”
bork
Squad 4-Vivian-The Sleeper Has Awakened
Vivian's head shook involuntarily as all of her systems came back online. What the hell was that? Everything went black. I swear I heard some kind of weird voice, but my memory is blank. It's like I just shut down.She glanced around at her comrades. And everyone looks very frazzled. I'll have to question someone later to see exactly what we just experienced. I don't think anyone died or else we'd all be worse.
The Robotic Rescuer did her version of a scowl as several notifications and headlines popped up.
YOU MAY ALREADY BE A WINNER!
'''ASTEROID REPORTED TO HAVE "SWERVED", SAY ASTRONOMERS"
ANCIENT CROWN STOLEN FROM MUSEUM DISCOVERED AT GRISLY CRIME SCENE
NEW SPECIES OF MOTH DISCOVERED IN CHILE
She stored most of them away in her memory to be perused later. (As with her earlier headlines, a closer read might have saved many lives down the line.) Vivian stomped away to her workshop for a full diagnostic, wondering if the day was going to get weird again and if she would have a chance to touch base with Armada anytime soon. Avoiding the veteran heroine was just childish at this point. Maybe she'd have suggestions for some upgrades.
An Ordinary Oddball
Wilma (1)
"Yes, and thank you again regardless!" Wilma said cheerfully. "I'll have to remember to show you around my mindscape sometime too. Good luck with the outfit if or when you get it, Alice!"
Wilma got up, bowed slightly to her gracious host, amd exited the same way she came in—through the door. Then, once she was "outside," the air of the Dreamscape boiled and frothed, whirling merrily around the mark of Gillianos. Wilma's body folded and twisted, being pulled into a blank white space on the back of her own hand.
The same heart-shaped mark appeared in midair near her Squad, and soon afterwards, Wilma unfolded and tumbled out of it, parts rotating and rearranging like a demented Picasso portrait before finally settling into the "right" configuration. Reality snapped back to full consciousness and the "imprint" of Wilma in Wonderland faded and she was now back in the city. She had always been in the city.
"See, I took care of it," Wilma said with a chipper tone. "Nothing to worry about, guys. You can always count on me to deal with idiots like Raggum."
Edited by JumpingFruit on Sep 2nd 2019 at 4:09:43 AM
I wear the skin of the Elder Things, having come unto my own.
Deranged X-Mas Figure
Talk Shock and Roll With Adrian Andrews
"Good morning, dear viewers! And have we got a treat for you! It took us a bit to convince our oh so special guest to sit down and talk with us, but I think it'll be an eye-opener. Introducing the world's number one hero, the Saint!"
Sure enough, in walked Saint from the other side of the stage. He was dressed in a white suit and gold tie, and his thick beard was trimmed for the occasion. He sat in a chair opposite Adrian, smiling at the cameras while never taking his eyes off him.
"So glad you could be with us, Saint! In fact, I wasn't sure you were ever going to agree to come on our show."
"Well, I guess I was just a bit nervous. I mean, I've only been back for, what, a month? Sure, I've done the occasional interview here and there, but it's never been anything extensive. I suppose I just wanted some time to myself. Time to figure out who I am and who I want to be."
"And who do you want to be? After all, you're already the Saint, aren't you? That's enough for most anyone."
The Saint chuckled. "Fair point. I guess I really wanted to figure out who the Saint is. And if he's what the world really needs."
"Isn't he? Mr.Saint, I don't know if bothered to look at a newspaper from, say, the last two or years, but some would say the world has gone squarely into the gutter. Of course, I prefer to look at things in a more rose coloured lense, but regardless, most would tell you that you're needed more than ever."
"Oh, I'm not denying that! But I still think it's a valid statement to make. Do you know why I became the Saint all those years ago? It wasn't just to help, though it was certainly that. I wanted to make a difference. To set an example. That maybe if I gave everyone something to aspire to, maybe they'd follow suit. And for the longest time, I really thought it was working."
Adrian stifled a small yawn before taking a drink of water, almost as if bored. "Well, I hate to break it to you, Saint, but I don't think it was working as well as you thought it was. In fact, there are those who believe you made things worse. Just how many Supervillains popped up specifically because they wanted to give the Saint what for? Certainly more than I can count."
"There is that. But I was talking more about the people. Because I thought if I did my best, then everyone else would do the same. But all these years later, all those years of keeping the peace, and things are barely any better than when I was starting out. Maybe it seemed that way, but as soon as I was gone, it was like tearing off a bandaid. And all that baggage, all that hatred and dissatisfaction that's festered over the years came shooting back to the surface like a tidal wave. All I did was create an illusion of peace. Because if it all it takes is the loss of one person to bring it all crashing down, then at the very least, it's not very lasting."
Adrian seemed impressed. Which for him was a rarity. "Sounds like you've given this a lot of thought. Which for you is quite the accomplishment."
"All I'm saying is that maybe I need to start taking a different approach. Why, maybe if I tried changing things earlier, took a different tack, we wouldn't be in this mess to begin with."
"Well, I can't say I disagree. I don't know about you, but I've always thought that our so-called heroes needed some extra supervision. Or at the very least should have done a better job of cleaning up their mess. God knows the Foundation still doesn't have a good answer for why their HQ was assaulted by zombies a couple months back. And only their HQ. I'm not saying it was an inside job, but I do think there was more to it then what they've been telling us. Wouldn't you agree, Saint?"
Saint took a deep breath as he listened to Andrews, listenting carefully before delivering his rebuttal. "Not particularly. Strange as it may seem, these sorts of things do happen. I still remember when the Menagerie dropped a walrus the size on HQ on us back in the '50s. No-one was sure why it happened at first, but we still didn't have anything to do with it."
"If you say so. Heaven forbid I start making inquiries into old news."
"Well, the point is, sometimes to get things done, you need to take a firmer hand. Because God knows I've tried to do things the easy way." Suddenly he looked straight at the camera. For the briefest of moments, his eyes were hard and cold. Almost like peircing coals that threatened to bore into your soul if you stared at them for too long. "But maybe it's time I started taking off the kid's gloves."
Adrian let out a whistle before looking down at his watch. "Well, I'm afraid we're just about out of time. Anything you wish to say before we're done?"
By then the Saint's gaze had lessened in intensity, though it still gave off the slightest feeling of unease. "Well, I think I've said all that needs to be said! I'm just glad I was able to get it all out there."
"Indeed. Well, I think that about wraps it up. Remember dear viewers! Be safe, be alert, and be vigilant! It's all anyone can ask for."
June 1st, 2021
In the month since the Foundation's trip into storybook land, not that much had changed. Though there was the slightest bit of unease, largely due to the Saint's latest interview a few weeks back. It was harmless enough, but there was something ever so slightly... off. Maybe it was the Saint being so open and honest about his failures? Or perhaps it was his comments about taking a different tact? Either way, it got people talking. Particularly about the use of lethal force. While the Superhuman community had largely been kept in check since Saint's reappearance, his latest remarks were making them wonder if the Saint had a point. For now it wasn't something they would act on, but depending on how things played out, things could get ugly fast.
But for now, life went on. Ever since Raggum's extradimensional incursion, there hadn't been much of note. There was the odd Supervillain attack and all sorts of assaults and robberies, but nothing on that scale. Some had even begun wishing someone would come along to liven things up.
Though perhaps they should have been careful what they wished for.
Edited by kkhohoho on Sep 2nd 2019 at 9:03:32 AM
Doctor Who — Long Way Around: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13536044/1/Doctor-Who-Long-Way-Around
June 1st
That morning, Cole got up and stretched, groaning, last night was kinda rough with how hot it was. He'd spent a good five hours tossing and turning before he finally got to sleep. He fumbled around in the room for the light switch to get dressed, couldn't well leave the room in his boxers. He remembered having a series of really weird dreams - like hearing weird noises, being surrounded by clouds...he couldn't place what happened in all, but it was rather sinister.
After getting dressed in his typical outfit for the day with the heat in mind he scavenged around trying to find his phone on the floor. After three minutes of this, he shrugged and just went out to fix up his coffee and head out for the day. He thought he saw his phone on the table, which made him wonder when he put that there, but he guessed it was better than nothing.
He pocketed it and sat down to do his coffee.
Elsewhere, Vivian would be contacted on her cellphone.
It was a text from Cole;
Hey Viv! Would you be up for a spar by the lake out near the woods? I've heard its lovely out there especially on a hot day.
"Can't believe mom would freak like that. How the hell are amps any different than, like, piercings?" Cooper Landry was a teen from San Jose - Super City was a far off curiosity to him, less of a part of everyday life and more a reminder that this world was a strange one. He'd barely met any metahumans himself, he just knew they had great powers and abilities Cooper could not understand.
And he had no problem with that...well, just that he couldn't have such powers.
Which was what brought him into the new circle of friends. His dad said they didn't seem upstanding...and mom had freaked out when he admitted he got "amps" from them. Said he didn't know what he was putting into his body.
Cooper looked down at his arms and legs. Ever since they gave him strength amps, he could punch and lift heavier than most of the jocks at school. And he wasn't about to give that up for "upstanding".
Was it a sin to want to be outstanding rather than mundane?
Edited by NickTheSwing on Sep 2nd 2019 at 7:34:15 AM
Sign on for this After The End Fantasy RP.
Ultimate Hope, Absolute Insanity
I.W. — Saint Foundation HQ
Things had returned to normal since that sixth-dimensional imp had dragged them into some fictional worlds.
The summer was also drawing near. That fact wouldn't normally be noteworthy for the jester prince, but, as he woke up, an abnormal event occurred: after the morning shower, some teethwashing and doing a few adjustments to his image, so that he could look presentable to the public, he abruptly felt a crawling presence on his scalp. He, on instinct, instantly removed his cap 'n bells, his eyes slightly widened at what they saw inside the hat: a small purplish-black spider, who got a teeny crown on its head and a stiched smile on its face.
"Buongiorno, figlio mio...", the spider greeted Dante, making a humorous yet courteous bownote .
"Long time no see, father...", Dante politely replied, "It seems you're comunicating with me through a vessel...", he noted to the Carnival King.
"Heheh. How perspicacious of you, Dante.", the little spider let out a heartly giggle, "It is one of various benefits I got by absorbing that heinous fool's magic force...", the King jovially explained.
"All's well what ends well, I suppose.", Dante gently put his hat on the nearby bedside table, giving the King's vessel a chance to crawl out safely, and to also present a display of formality...
Well, after Dementius' execution, everything around him devolved gradually, month after month, until its climax was reached...so he can't exactly say things ended well for him. B-But he calmed down. He...he's different now.
"So anyway...what have you come here for?", Dante calmly asked.
The King let out a polite chuckle, "Well, why don't you come back to the mansion for a while, my young man. Your friends and family have been missing you since you doing some real deal hero missions, which resulted in your eventual recruitment by the Foundation!", he began his proposition.
"We could also do father-and-son bonding and training with Chibuzo! He's been such a good boy during these last month, and thanks to him, I've started to get the hang of my powers, if we don't include 'forme-shifting'. Don't get me wrong, though. Chibi has also been improving. He's got the life goal of becoming a deity! Such an ambitious little lad...", he then cleared his throat, "With that said, do you consider going or not?", he asked him, crossing his first pair of limbs.
Dante didn't instantly reply, "Hmmm...give me some time to think about this...", he went towards his dorm room's door before stopping and turning his head towards Raffaello's vessel, "I'll possibly give you a response after the others and I complete the mission of the week..."
The King nodded with comprehension, "If that's case, then I understand...", the spider then spat out a strange purple button, before waving at Dante.
"I guess it's time for me to leave you alone then. You can use that quirky button to let me know you need to talk to me. With no further ado, I shall say good luck to you, Dante...", the vessel disappeared with a puff of purple smoke that dissolved into nothingness.
Dante looked at button his dad left for him, before silently exiting his dorm room to meet up with the others.
Squad 4 — Saint Foundation HQ
A month has passed since the last noteworthy event. It definitely was a weird occurrence, but Iuvem's glad they didn't have to further put with that "storybook play" farce with that idiot...
Iuvem has just woken up. He started following his normal daily routine. He washed his teeth and dressed himself up.
He also noticed that Pandora and company stopped being chatty since his first day at the Foundation. Should he be worried?
...maybe? Pandora was kinda fine, but Zalah and Teroras were pretty annoying, so...good riddance? He'll have to talk to them later, but for now he'll check his squadmates.
The golem obviously decided to first check what Mr. Bridges and Tyulla are doing. It might be the usual stuff, but being around them is pretty fun! He's also pretty peckish so he thought he could go there to also eat some Bridges-brand candies. Other than being delightful to his taste buds, they also do wonders to his regen abilities...
Edited by Theyja on Sep 4th 2019 at 1:45:31 PM
You might know everything I'm going to do...but that's not going to help you, since I KNOW EVERYTHING YOU'RE GOING TO DO! STRANGE, ISN'T IT?
Up on Melancholy hill.
Zach - Squad 1
The events of last month sure...did...happen. That much was true. But to be totally honest? Being sucked into a fairy tale world where he was forced into a rabbit and...well, general insanity like that?
He’d be a liar if he said he didn’t miss it. Shit, random crap like that happening did tend to bring a smile to his face every once in a while. Because only in this world could you get the attention of a chaos god in the middle of the week.
It didn’t help he was married to a being of seemingly uncontrolled chaos and mischief but that was neither here nor there. It was time to start another day as he walked into the Saint Foundation headquarters, wondering what breed of insanity they’d hit today.
Mason - Squad 4
Infinity candy? A success and yet a bust at the same time.
Flavor foam? Potential but the kinks needed to be worked out. Staining the mouth was proving to be difficult dealing with it.
Exploding balls of hell wrath? No flavor. (Hey Tyulla suggested the name that time).
“Right...maybe...this.” He mumbled and stared at the little orb in his hand, brightly colored and shifting depending on what angle the light hit it at. “If all goes well, the flavour should change over time...based on the current time. Time is...” he rolled up his sleeve. “8:23...should be banana flavor and then shift to cherry in seven minutes...”
Iuvem was easy to please. Tyulla was tricky. Either way he was happy that there were people who appreciated his candy making efforts.
Is it selfish that I'm happy as we pass the setting sun?
King among Xanas
Supercity
Various television and computer screens around the city, including those within the Saint Foundation headquarters suddenly flickered on, a well groomed newscaster reading out a breaking news alert.
"This just in, a recent terrorist attack downtown has put traffic into a gridlock. Sources say a group of individuals have taken over a skyscraper owned by known philanthropist Clay Cole and his recently married wife Evelyn have been taken hostage, along with a number of workers throughout the buil-" static quickly cut through the news report, discoloring the picture until it was overtaken by a biohazard symbol.
"We interrupt this interruption to bring you a more breaking news report." the screen cut to four individuals standing in the middle of a ruined office, sitting behind in clear view were Clay and Evelyn, former Squad 4 University students. The first was dressed head to toe in a plague doctor outfit, a long beaked white mask and heavy black clothes making it impossible to make out any details. The second was outfitted rather flamboyantly, a mix of purples and oranges harshly bright, a pair of headphones resting lazily over their ears. The third was a woman covered head to toe in black markings, a vicious grin across her face. The last was a humanoid machine with multiple wires digging through the room.
"We apologize for the chaos, trust us we want you all to get back to your lives, but we are at the end of our ropes," the plague doctor moved forward, a feminine voice ringing out. "You see, as doctors its our duty to ensure our patients receive proper care," she nodded toward the machine, and a list of names appeared across the screen, the collective names of Squads 1 and 2 of the Saint Foundation.
"They are currently undergoing treatment for serious breaks from reality, believing themselves to be 'heroes'. To ensure their cooperation we are holding their friends here with a disease that will keep them nice a docile," each of the villains pulled forth a different colored syringe from their person. "The cure is half a dose of the four chemicals we are keeping on our person. Any attempt to 'skip out' on their appointment will result in a...messy situation," a small cartoon played of a body expanding before exploding, a frowny face coming over the screen.
"Now then, to finalize our appointment,"
- Floor 4- Dr. Trauma-Snow Leopard, Avajax, Green Dragon, Visionary
Floor 7- D.J.Pitch- Mecha-Girl, Saint Lad, Vortex, Paragon
Floor 12- Pact- Canvas, Holiday, Wilma, Mahvash
Floor 20- Terror Drome- Carnival Prince, Salamander, Dynami
"We hope to see our patients here soon, oh, and to ensure they don't skip treatment,"
The feed cut from inside of the room to a tracking shot of the building from outside, which suddenly began to bellow green smoke out from around it. While seemingly having no effect, it was a potent neutralizer for anything trying to enter or exit through anything but the front door. It would also make pulling Clay and Evelyn out anyway but through the building damn near impossible even if whatever they had been injected with wouldn't kill them first.
Be better, because what is the harm in trying?
AKA Nixer
Lily – Saint Foundation HQ (Squad 1)
This was not the type of day she'd wanted.
“We gotta help them,” Lily said almost immediately, standing up as she glared at the screen. “And that probably means playing along... until we get close enough, I mean...”
They have this pretty figured out. They're not stupid. That makes this more annoying. I hope I've done enough to train... I don't wanna fall behind...
“It kinda looks like they're mixing up our squads,” she noted. “Well we should be able to work together okay, right?”
...Right?
In whatever case, she couldn't help but feel worried for the pair held captive. She hadn't talked to either of them much while they were there, but the fact they were still part of this borderline ridiculous extended family meant she felt a natural spark of indignation on their behalf. This group would pay.
And a part of her felt a morbid sense of anticipation for it.
Holiday – Saint Foundation HQ (Squad 2)
“Classic hostage situation. Unoriginal, barring the usage of drugs and the doctor getup,” Holiday commented, beginning to run a quick diagnostic in preparation to take action. “I'll notify local ACPs to evacuate the area around the subject building. If it hasn't been evacuated already. If I could get a sample, we could possibly synthesize an antitoxin. Possibly. May be better to just beat it out of them.”
I doubt that syringes would ‘help’ much with me. Or Sally, for that matter. Probably what that existential crisis of a robot is for.
“Mahvash, I'll go ahead and assume you've already constructed fifty-nine plans while I was speaking and so I'll respectfully ask your opinion.”
I'd work on one myself, but the penchant she has for the bizarre might just be the unpredictable edge we need.
bork
Where am I? What's going on?
Renée - Squad 1
Well. This was bad. That was a bit of an understatement, in all honesty, but Renée really had nothing to compare it with. She didn't know the hostages in question, but the fact remained that this was the first hostage situation she'd ever dealt with.
Apparently she was supposed to be grouped with the succubus and... Carnival Prince? Was that the weirdo with the masks?
"I... um... do we really just go along with what they say? I've only been doing this for a few months, I'm not really sure what we're supposed to do here."
Iris - Squad 2
"I only need to get close to the building to do recon, but..."
Iris certainly didn't like the idea of being trapped in a room with her opponent, even if she had backup. She'd much rather be outside the room, using her eyes and Children to fight from a distance...
"But I'm not certain how well I can hold up in a fight... As much as hate to admit it I can't really... take a hit."
Tell Me, Have You Seen the Yellow Sign?
Iridium Wonders – Saint Foundation HQ
They couldn't just tell them that Darkheart had a tantrum... Would have done wonders to the Gaea successors.' note No, she didn't listen to Adrian Andrews show. She had time but it still had meaning. And yet the Super City Gazetteer saw it fit to plaster him and Saint on the front page and haven't they known this guy for years? 'Saint talks' news at 9...
In any case, it just meant getting to her actual task faster. In turn, Mahvash gave her IW a shallow bow and an apology. Compromised patrons are bad for everyone yes, but it shouldn't happen in the first place. She imagined spewing that interloping sorcery was what Flu felt like. Though her IW did come up with an answer. Kudos.
Hm. At least the broadcast didn't have the 'interview' on the front page. But she still preferred to read the news. I wonder what got past Evelyn's third eye and Clay's come to think of it and... oh, Clay is a good friend of Martin's...
"Is that how you see me now?" Mahvash started leaning her cheek on her closed hand. "Well, first of all, they decided to do a broadcast instead of trying to abduct everyone during their sleep so they're confident at least." I can already hear Jahi laughing over the Insane Clown Posse feeling comfortable calling me and the house out. And I'm not even a member of Saint's thing. They had to reach for that one.
"You can make some calls. With the number of people who can shapeshift or throw illusions, that may not even be Clay and Evelyn. And this can be handled by a SWAT team sniping those guys and shimmying in through the top floor. Simply, the wisest thing to do would be to go to lunch and show up around the perimeter at our leisure. If they kill the hostages there's nothing stopping them from being nuked from outside their trap. We don't have to give them anything." She tilted her head and did not have to feel over the group to figure they wanted to lead the charge.
"But I assume you want to rescue them by hand... Iris, you're on a team with about all of the stellar defenders. Renee, no. Never. But that was a long speech I gave to the Wonders before, so I'll explain later." Hm... As usual, they'd ignored underground. And the possibility of say, Sam, encasing everyone in airtight ice and just dropping in. Or Ryuu clearing the way. And those syringes, they only had the clown posse's word on what those were so Holiday needed to get her sample. And once the group's inside following the route, the opposition had the advantage of setting it up. Don't think I've ever had the IW deliberately break a fortified line.
She put a finger to her lip and finally shook her head, smiling. "No plan, Holiday. Its on you." Her eyes flickered over Ryuu and Iris, Lily, and ...Ellie. "And you and you and you. They'll try to keep everyone separated in this, so take a moment to meet with each other and how you fight. Iris, for example, should not be expected to charge a den of monsters. You also have to find ways to infiltrate past whatever defenses they've set up. If you can just smash them fine but that's more likely to hurt you."
"Example: We do in fact go in through the front door in time. The instinct is to rush but deny that. Holiday's probes and at least on of Iris's children can infiltrate from underground. Outside, we'll have the local police observe the top floor as per hostage rescue. And, as importantly be ready to cut the power if we need to bug out. If the Insane Clown Posse have 4 neurons between them, they're not just sitting there where we saw them in the news broadcast and where Ellie can strike them with lightning. Or where Sam could drop all of you in with ice pods. We're to keep the posse attention until Holiday or Iris find our people."
After a beat, she gave the others a look. "That's an outline. If others can contribute? Best to brainstorm how you're going to find your way around now. Inside you'll be under pressure and based on the broadcast, being gaslit. I wouldn't consider the floors below your assigned one safe."
"Lastly, this is voluntary. Because a face on the screen called you out, you don't need to appear. If you want to drop out, we'll adjust."
Edited by CenturyEye on Sep 3rd 2019 at 3:56:40 PM
Look with century eyes... With our backs to the arch And the wreck of our kind We will stare straight ahead For the rest of our lives
AKA Nixer
Holiday – Saint Foundation HQ (Squad 2)
“I'm in favour of an indirect attack via drones and decoys. Perhaps we can even find confidence in acting relaxed and pretend to play along for a while. Although I will note: in case our spies are discovered, we'll need a backup strategy.”
She deployed some of her weaponry and opened up a few flaps; though not letting anything slip out of their housings and simply displaying her collection of items to the rest of her squadmates. And the temporary, unofficial kind-of squadmates that she may be working with for now.
“Barring brute strength and durability, I'm relatively mundane in terms of offense. However, given the opportunity I could have my drones interfere with the building's electronic systems. I could also provide medical attention in the field, and other such necessities. I personally would suggest a remote disabling of all background systems in the building, followed by major systems as we need them. Sprinklers, lights, etcetera. In case we need to fight immediately, we should probably figure out possible roles for us to play.”
“Also, I will instruct any reserve ACP units to spy on the upper floors as Mahvash suggested. Since we share a scrambled communications channel I could transmit their reports directly to the rest of you. My personal primary objective is to gain a sample without them necessarily knowing. If it comes to it, I'll snatch it in the act. If I can create an antitoxin and apply it to our hostages then we can figure out an escape plan.”
She paused for a moment, before shaking her head tiredly.
“Also also, an escape plan. Lest I overheat, I give that to you.”
Edited by Enirboreh on Sep 3rd 2019 at 9:49:58 AM
bork
Ultimate Hope, Absolute Insanity
I.W. – Saint Foundation HQ
Dear fricking god, from his dad's offer to this sudden message from this quartet of deranged terrorists.
After those "mundane" missions of theirs, the "monthly greater-scale event of villainous origin" had to happen.
Anyway, these self-proclaimed doctors basically put Mr. and Mrs. Cole, who were apparently part of Mr. Snow and Mavvie's really ambitious hero force, in a hostage situation.
So they now have to go to their hideout for their "appointment", try to take the components of the cure of the disease — which they infected the two heroes with — from them.
Oh, if they don't comply with their appointment, they esplode.
"How...how convolutedly gruesome!", Dante commented at the broadcast, shuddering a bit.
He then went to meet up with assigned comrades, who were Ellie and the other Raleigh, who gave him the vibes of the "former" Ms. Courthope (even though their suits had different weapons for the most part).
"Hmm...I'll have to admit I'm also a bit lost here...", Dante replied to Renée, looking a bit agitated.
Edited by Theyja on Sep 3rd 2019 at 6:14:39 PM
You might know everything I'm going to do...but that's not going to help you, since I KNOW EVERYTHING YOU'RE GOING TO DO! STRANGE, ISN'T IT?
Up on Melancholy hill.
Zach - Squad 1
Splitting up was pretty much inevitable. What I'm surprised by is the fact someone, apparently, wants to fight someone like Me, Mahvash, Holiday and Wilma. I mean, I'm against someone throwing their life away, but... He frowned a bit. Hm, probably got some weird, wild trick up their sleeve. Either way, I'm as ready as I can be for this sorta thing.
Another pause.
Though given how incredibly rusty I am, I will continue to fork over the entire planning process to Mahvash. He said, pointing over to his previous room mate and current "team"? partner. I think it'll be exciting to fight alongside other people from other squads. but then again this isn't about fun this is about saving two of our friends lives isn't it. He added the last part quickly.
Like he was back in the academy it was.
Is it selfish that I'm happy as we pass the setting sun?
Surrounded by weirdoes
Squad 1
Sam had been dealing with his own thing this whole time, managing things, doing a few rescues and trying to make some friends on the job.
Of course, his sharp tongue caused some trouble, as he left a little message through the media after that stupid second rate guy, he simply messed with the stuff and left a message. Uploaded to internet and all.
"Want to talk to me? I don't know, maybe after you recover contact with the real world instead of drowning in your delusions and inflated ego, you glorified tabloid"
But now, there is some punk threatening an entire building, so he simply got up.
"One way or another, we'll find out what there is going on, but breaking things seems a bad idea" He said "Good luck"
IW
Ryuu himself has enjoyed the time of silence. Training and meditating is easier when they weren't reeling from the latest big disaster or waiting for a big plot against them.
And he liked spending time to the people of the Foundation, whenever they weren't on duty. It was nice to relax with them and his old friends.
But now, they have a crisis on hand, and looked at the others for a plan.
"Let's save people!"
Wake me up at your own risk.
Vivian
She'd gotten the text from Cole just before opening the door to Armada's office, and for that alone she felt she could buy him a pony. or a motorcycle, or something like that. She didn't know what he liked. In fact, she didn't really know Cole at all very much, which made this request a little puzzling. Also, being a robot meant that nature had (sadly) lost a lot of its luster, which was doubly annoying when you considered the fact that she was functionally immortal now and so might see a lot of it.
All the same, she hadn't really had a good fight in a while. She'd told Laurie in her last session that she was coming more to grips with her new circumstances, and that was 'mostly' true. Tinkering did help calm her and feel as if she had more control, but you couldn't spend your life in the garage if you were gonna be a hero. And being labeled as "the angry one" or "the Mad Mech" or somesuch wouldn't help matters. Not that she truly cared, but why start trouble?
As she approached the designated area, Vivian did a quick check of her systems. Chassis-check. Joints and motors-check. Weapons-check. CQC-programs-double check. And I don't even have to warm up.
Edited by Booky on Sep 3rd 2019 at 6:15:39 AM
Cole
As Vivian arrived, if she was a mortal she would've felt a cool wind blow through, some of the leaves falling off of one of the trees in the area. Initially at least, Cole was not in sight...until he stepped out from the shadow of one of the trees, walking out into the clearing from under the shadows. His hands were behind his back, and he was smiling.
Unlike usual, it looked like he dressed up for the occasion;
He now wore a somewhat silvery button up shirt, with a light vest over that with light brown fur at the neckline. He wore a rather nice looking tanned leather pair of pants, along with scaled boots with a set of buttons up the front, opened up.
"Hey..." He looked to the side, "Vivian. So glad you could make it. You know, I've been wanting for a playful scrap ever since that dodgy Raggum thing. And I knew you were the best person to call for that."
Squad 4
Cole reported in just in time for (most of) Squad 4 to be brought in to the main building on call for a job. Supposedly, there was something going on outside of the Super City grounds - and Squad 4 was chosen to handle what was going on.
One of the other heroes was doing the Debrief today, Pyroblaze, a stern looking older man in a red and blue outfit, large and imposing, with a downright leonine mane of a red beard.
"...Alright, everyone here?" He looked around, "Alright, fine, if anyone's missing out that's on them. Sorry, but this merits full attention."
He gestured at the main computer in the building and it activated, showing a large number of tweets, blog posts, and other such things. Social media firestorm.
"Young people, teens...are getting mixed up in some kind of amplifying nonsense. They're calling em amps. And what's worrying us is we don't know who the group responsible for obtaining them really is, or where the amps really come from!" Pyroblaze visibly clenched a fist, "...we've got no goddamned clue, outside the name; the Human-Machine Front. Kids are being real hush about all this - 'pparently, whatever's going on got a lot of parents real worried. Me included. We have to find out what's going on before someone in the more paranoid element of society makes a stupid mistake."
All that remained after this and fielding questions was to send for Squad 3 for their part in this.
Pyroblaze sent out a notice to Squad 3 for them to start heading for the main building - that they had their own mission during this. One significantly more combat based.
Edited by NickTheSwing on Sep 3rd 2019 at 7:34:54 AM
Sign on for this After The End Fantasy RP.
Vivian
What was he talking about? Who was Raggum? And why was he talking so oddly? The confusion only lasted a moment, however, as she proceeded towards him, taking a quick photo in order to savor his weird outfit later. "So, Cole? What are the rules here? First fall is a point? Three-match winner? No eye-gouges or kicks in the balls?" She also double-checked her recording program. Still working properly. She'd have to do a file dump later. It had been a long week. Though it seems a lot larger than it should be. Did I record something accidentally...? As she spoke, Viv prepared to throw a punch at half-speed. No matter what he said, she did so want a "scrap."
Edited by Booky on Sep 4th 2019 at 5:41:22 AM
Cole
"Oh yes, the rules! Getting knocked down and staying down for ten seconds is a point, first to...oh, four points wins. No eye gouging strikes, no strikes to the genitalia" He started visibly stretching, getting ready for the scrap to come. Yet he never stopped smiling. He seemed to not mind the heat even in his odd outfit, perhaps owing to using his powers to cool himself off.
"If you'd like to start, that would be quite fine with me."
He seemed to gesture to the sides with both arms as if welcoming any attack to come.
Sign on for this After The End Fantasy RP.
Vivian
Even as Cole finished his little speech, a heavy metal arm whooshed toward his face. At a lowered rate of speed it would give him a nasty smack, but no more. She'd decided to play it slow and strong. People seemed to assume that her increased bulk meant decreased agility. Let's see if he would believe likewise. Telekinetic, isn't he? I should try and get close.
Edited by Booky on Sep 4th 2019 at 5:46:40 AM
Cole
Crack!
Even with the use of power in order to lessen the impact, Cole still visible lurched backward from the force of the impact. However his response was not obvious pain, but a somewhat crooked smile as he felt the impact site with one hand. He then chuckled outloud, "...Ohh my, you caught me monologuing you utter cad!"
Dusting himself off, Cole then stated, "My turn." He brought one hand forward and snapped his fingers. This had the effect of sending a tremendously powerful burst of telekinetic force right at the middle of Vivian's body, barely visible.
Cooper
Cooper crossed his arms as he listened to the litany of cautions and concerns his Amp Source spoke of, knowing full well of the so called risks. Coincidentally on the same day his parents basically threw him out after that argument, he was due to acquire some new Amps.
After that incident at home, he'd gone out and pounded some stone laying around an old abandoned construction site to dust. He saw his veins and felt the thrumming of his Amps by the time he was done.
He'd heard this one was kinda risky (something called an AP-S4-202 Procedure), but he was good to go especially after his parents voiced their disapproval of his Amps.
The provider produced a needle full of blue liquid, "Non-addictive painkiller. You're gonna need it, boy. No birthdays recently, so you're still 17?"
"Yup. Lay it on me, Doc." The provider seemed to look at his arm for a moment, his eyes lighting up a bit, and then jabbed a certain area - the same as last time Cooper came in.
"Ow fucking ow...mm..." The pain of being jabbed faded and Cooper settled down, "Thuh...Thuh...there's the painkiller..." He was vaguely aware of two guys in white labcoats coming in.
Cooper wavered on his feet and the provider helped the barely lucid teen out of his shirt. The provider said something Cooper couldn't understand, and before long he fell into the waiting arms of the guys in labcoats.
Just as soon as he fell unconscious, it seemed, Cooper woke up. He found himself with a new black shirt on, his back ached, and he was looking up at the provider. Who promptly told him, "Easy, easy, give it a moment."
Cooper wasn't eager to mess something up with his Amps, so he did as the provider said. The ache in his back slowly faded away and he was able to get back up.
The provider as usual gave an explanation of what this latest Amp did, "By conducting the 202, all musculo-skeletal structures connected to and making use of the functions of the vertebral column are reinforced through direct implantation of replacement columnal structure. Capacity for transmitting body weight and standing capability are drastically improved. The spinal cord is improved in protection. Pain / Temperature Transportation can be adjusted as needed, motor nuclei functions and signals are dramatically enhanced in capability of attainder, granting greater reflexes..."
Cooper tuned out, only tuning back in when he just by reflex crushed a fly that was buzzing around by his ear in one quick motion.
"Woah..."
"Woah indeed." The provider stated, "I'll see you next time."
Cooper got up, and asked, "And...these Amps...I've still not gotten the ones that require like...payment?"
The provider adjusted his glasses, "Correct, Mr. Landry. I'll see you next time."
Cooper stared for a moment, then got up and headed out of the office, looking around and seeing he was not far from the meeting spot with the provider. He grinned, "This...is...awesome!"
Edited by NickTheSwing on Sep 4th 2019 at 8:04:45 AM
Sign on for this After The End Fantasy RP.
King among Xanas
I.W.-Paragon
Martin looked around toward his friends and smiled. "Well, it all just boils down to 'beat the bad guys and save our friends', hard to turn down an open invitation like that." he cracked his knuckled and nodded to everyone. "Play it safe, they are probably waiting for us."
Supercity
The large skyscrapper where Clay and Evelyn were currently being held hostage was surrounded by crowds of darkly dressed members of the Super Lawmen Armed Militia, or SLAM for short. Once the heroes arrived they were given a brief rundown of the situation. The green mist that surrounded the building was cutting off any potential ways in, reflecting anything physical thrown at it and blocking the abilities of the few minor talents in magic and psychic abilities they had on staff. The only way in was the front door, and all of the drones sent in were destroyed after making it past the door.
The more magically inclined of the unified members of Squads 1 and 2 would encounter the same issues if they tried to project their wills toward it. The mist couldn't be seen through by Iris, and any attempt to project oneself in would just result in being bounced off like a fly against a windshield.
With the only option put forward being the door, the squads would enter to find two rows of tables with a number of well dressed workers for the building standing behind them, offering complimentary snacks and small flutes of wine. At the other side of the wall were four elevators, each one labeled with the name of one of the villains from the t.v. broadcast.
After entering they would be delivered to their 'appointments' with soft jazz playing over the worlds most uncomfortable elevator ride.
- Dr. Trauma vs Sam, Aster, Ryu ,Iris
The four heroes would have their elevator open out into a ruined office floor, pale red emergency lights filling the area, illuminating a small squad of what appeared to be SWAT officers with tubes running out from an odd tank on their backs into their arms and necks. Sitting on a small pile of rubble was the woman dressed in the plague doctor outfit. "Ah, my test subjects have finally arrived," she stood up and spread her arms, revealing a number of metallic syringes at the end of each finger, dripping a acidic fluid that ate into the carpeted floor.
"Test subjects!" the officers snapped to attention at her words. "Activate your P.A.C.K. to full duty mode." the officers reached behind them and turned a knob on the devices on their backs, letting a bright purple fluid free into the tubes, their bodies shaking as their muscle mass suddenly expanded under their fully covering black body armor. "Get them," with a wave of Dr. Trauma's hand the now enhanced SWAT members attacked the heroes with batons and fists.
Enemies: Dr. Trauma and squad of enhanced SWAT members
- D.J. Pitch vs Sally, Saint Lad, Lily, Martin
The first thing that would hit the heroes upon exiting their elevator would be the smell of smoke machine fog and body sweat, along with music loud enough to give most a splitting headache upon listening for too long. This floor had been utterly renovated to look like a rave spot, along with a large number of shoddily dressed punks waving around boards, pipes, chains, and one person an authentic samurai sword. Sitting at a raised platform was the offensive dressed D.J. Pitch, scratching away at his disks with a set of goggles blocking his eyes. "Bout time you heroes showed up, now the party can begin!"
The music turned from 'offensively loud' to 'sickening' as he applied his powers to the various speakers in the room, making it harder to move and properly think as the 'ravers' marched closer, noise cancelling headphones clear to see in their ears.
Enemies: D.J. Pitch and group of ravers.
- Pact vs. Zach, Holiday, Wilma, Matten
The four would walk into what appeared to be a large cave system, which was odd considering they had just exited a modern and sleek elevator. Standing in its center was a young woman dressed in a style that screamed punk from the black vest to the sunglasses covering her eyes. Not to mention the near hundreds of overlapping black marks against her otherwise pale skin. "Ah a buncha pups, been a bit since I had to crush some heroes, but I promise you I'm not rusty enough to show you guys a bad time." the symbols across her skin began to glow.
"Break pacts, Mab, Titania, Cain, Faust," a number of hellish portals appeared around the room, letting spill out odd half human/half animal abominations wielding medieval weaponry and carrying the stench of dark magic. As for Pact her body glowed with both radiant and chilling power at the same time, twin weapons of fire and ice appearing in both hands. "Now don't tell me I broke four strong favors and you aren't planning to show a girl a good time."
Enemies: Pact and Abominations
- Terror Drome vs. Dante, Renee, Ellie
The final heroes to arrive would step out to immediate turret fire, blazing red lasers set to stun and disable instantly blasting away the moment they were free of the elevator. Their room was a slick steel make, a humanoid machine sitting in its center with various wires and tubes plunging themselves into the building itself, more turrets, miniature tanks, and robotic murder dolls coming to life.
"You will be exterminated, organics." the voice from the A.I. Terror Drome was fully robotic, but all the same did nothing to hold back its murderous intent. There was no playing, and as the room span to life to attack the former students of the university and academy would probably feel intense flashbacks to their school days even while fighting for their lives.
Enemies: Terror Drome and defenses
Be better, because what is the harm in trying?
Wilma (1)
"He didn't even drink the tea," Wilma noted, taking a delicate sip out of her own teacup while she watched Raggum have a minor mental breakdown and then promptly vanish. Her own cup now emptied, she poured what would have been Raggum's serving into her cup, and then downed that too. She absentmindedly patted a teacup with stubby legs as it clattered past to pour tea for the Hatter. "And the book is better by far," she muttered darkly, as if trying to prove a point to some invisible listener.
"Do you want me to send this abomination of an outfit to you using your new postal service? If it gets lost on the way, then it's good riddance anyhow. If it does get here, it means the postal service is up and working properly. And you can dispose of it however you like," she offered. "Helping you test the delivery quality is the least I can do after that debacle. Oh, and a million thanks, by the way."
I wear the skin of the Elder Things, having come unto my own.