https://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Nathan&feedformat=atomHeroes Assemble MUSH - User contributions [en]2024-03-29T05:42:49ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.32.0https://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=15663/Binding_With_Briars&diff=2552215663/Binding With Briars2024-02-20T01:05:23Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2023/08/20 |Location=Donna's Office - Themysciran Embassy |Synopsis=This is why Donna and Rae can't have nice things. Even when Mania and Misfit tr..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2023/08/20<br />
|Location=Donna's Office - Themysciran Embassy<br />
|Synopsis=This is why Donna and Rae can't have nice things. Even when Mania and Misfit try to help.<br />
|Cast of Characters=1140,368,1934,676<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is late. This is a subjective statement, of course. It is late for someone to be working in an office, because it is well past midnight. There are others to whom this is the prime hour of the day. Donna is not one of those; though she often keeps strange hours if only to ensure there is some overlap in waking time between herself and her demon lover, she is by nature a day person. A morning person, even. Nevertheless, it is late, and Donna is working.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not the exciting, glamorous night-time work that is a common part of the life of any costumed hero, but office work. As well as being a superhero of some note, Donna is also the assistant ambassador of Themyscira to the United Nations, and this involves meetings, emails, paperwork, and a certain amount of tedium.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tedium which, notably, the senior ambassador has a remarkable skill at avoiding when she's in the mood for more interesting endeavors. Donna seems to be the appointed Amazon of Bureaucracy, because she seems to do most of the paperwork for the Titans too.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna hits enter on her keyboard, then clicks the send button, sending an email through the ether to disgorge its polite refusals to an Italian trade commissioner who is requesting exactly the kind of things of Themyscira that Themyscira routinely refuses. She rubs the bridge of her nose, and gives a tired yawn.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:368|Rachel Roth (368)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Most of the time, late for Raven is around the time the rest of the world is starting to wake. On occasion, however, she has been known to overextend such that the end of her day is the same as the end of Donna's. It is a mystery when she makes this decision, yet it always seems to come at a time when Donna needs it the most; Not that the Amazon cannot handle the stress, but serendipitously, whenever life is at its most stressful, Raven simply seems to be there, in full sync with Donna.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is almost always followed by a 'refreshing, beautiful morning,' a set of descriptors Raven has, at time, debated being an oxymoron.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course, today is not exactly the most stressful kind of day. Donna did not have to lift and throw a robot through an oddly shaped hoop so that it would not awaken and crush one or more members of the Titans, one of which would certainly have been Vorpal. If it had been one of those days, Raven might not be in her partner's office. Those are the days Donna can handle effortlessly. However, today, Donna's amazonian agility has not availed her in avoiding paperwork. She did not get to throw a robot today. It is a bad day.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That is why, as Donna yawns, pinching the bridge of her nose, there is a sudden presence. There when it is needed most, the sudden, almost expectedly comforting presence of Raven. Donna's office has a small but soft couch to it. Raven is seated upon it. Neither of these things, Raven and the couch, are likely to have existed in the office mere moments ago.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You can come rest for a moment. It will still be there when you return."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna is not surprised by the sudden presence of another person in her office. Ever-alert, she was probably aware of it about as soon as the condition of being alone in her office ceased to be the state of reality, and the presence of Raven plus couch asserted itself as the new reality. She is not startled by this transition though. Such transitions are familiar to her, and it's a welcome one.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna grins over to Raven, and powers her computer down.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It'll still be there in the morning too," she observes, standing up and walking over to the couch. She leans over the back of it, resting her hands on Raven's shoulders. "Could you use a coffee, Rae? I could. I've got some of your favorite blend hidden away in my drawer for when I'm not offering coffee to visitors. No Chemex though. Could you bear a French Press?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She gives Raven's shoulders a squeeze and retreats back to her desk to pull out a cannister of beans, tilting her head questioningly in Raven's direction. "There's a little Indonesian place around the corner that stays open to 3 am, if you're hungry. I am. Or..." she glances towards the door. "Ferdinand's a night owl. I could see if he's up and if so get some snacks sent up. If you're in the mood for... staying in."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:368|Rachel Roth (368)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a question that Raven ponders. She certainly does love her coffee, perhaps as much as she loves Donna. However, she has altered her schedule such that they will be tired at the same time. To inject caffeine into the situation would mean that they'd both be more awake. More alert. For longer. Certainly it'd ruin any chances of a beautiful morning, because by the time the sun rises, they'll be tired enough again to fall asleep. That, too, is a benefit.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While she mulls this over, Donna massaging her shoulders, Raven makes a small show of it. One arm crosses over her abdomen, the other bringing her left hand to her chin, as if this was a very difficult decision to make. She did like Indonesian food. She also liked... Staying in.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hm. I do hunger... Indonesian /does/ sound appealing."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She gauges this, the tiny responses from Donna will guide her further. Does her partner want takeout more? Or does the other woman want to... Stay in.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They do a really nice karedok," Donna muses thoughtfully. "An amazing rendang. Or we could go classic and get an assortment of satay skewers. " She pours some beans into the grinder, dials in a slightly finer burr than she uses for the regular coffee, and sets it grinding, looking back at Raven with a thoughtful expression. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's a nice evening. It might be pleasant to get a little fresh air and wander out for a quick meal. That would save us bothering Ferdinand. On the other hand if we get them to deliver some food, Ferdinand remains equally free to do his own thing, we still get to eat some delicious Indonesian food, and once the coffee's made there would be no reason to leave that comfortable looking couch right until there's satay at the door..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna makes a show of thinking this through carefully, but it's obvious she has already made her choice. The coffee finishes grinding, and while the water's heating up she transfers the grounds into the French press, then pulls out her phone and pulls up the website to order in. After tapping on a selection of satay skewers, she tosses the phone over to Raven to add her own choices to the order, and pours in the water.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:368|Rachel Roth (368)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna detaching from Raven does mean that she's starting to look thoughtful for no reason. Of course, she's also made her decision. It's a simple matter, really. Order food delivered. Have it brought to the door. The lovers can handle the rest. It's a foolproof plan. Delivery makes it easy to... Stay in.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I do not think we need the fresh air." Raven states, "We are outdoors often." This is a fair statement. For a person who doesn't seem to have ever met the sun in her life, if appearances are to be believed, the life of a Titan does mean that she's out in the sun quite a bit.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is careful to catch the phone, not with her hands necessarily, but as it flies towards her, its movement is softly arrested in the air, where it glides as if its trajectory were natural towards her hand. She begins tapping away, doubling up on the skewers and making sure that the selection of sauces is rather various.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With her free hand, she makes a soft flicking motion. Beside the press, appears two cups, that would be recognizable from the tower. Not specifically that the tower has its own brand of mug, but because by this point, Raven and Donna have gifted each other one to use. Raven has one that Donna gave her, and Donna one from Raven. They are not the same mug, of course- and its anyone's guess which one is steeped in more irony than the other.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think it best if we stay in."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One advantage of the French Press over the Chemex is speed. You can argue the merits of different methods of preparation, and no Chemex fan would ever admit anything could entirely compete, but the French Press produces a cup of coffee that is, at least, acceptable. And fast. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Food is ordered, and coffee is poured into the two mugs. Donna brings the drinks over to the couch and hands Raven's over to her with a smile before seating herself next to the sorceress on the couch. She sits close, then shuffles closer, shoulder to shoulder, and tucks her legs up onto the couch beneath her. "They're quite fast," she says. "We should have food in about half an hour." Donna holds her cup between her hands, head tilted curiously to one side, studying Raven's features. A faint smile, half mystery and half mischief, dances across her lips. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And after we eat... were you planning on going back to Metropolis tonight? It's such a long distance to teleport, and I do have a room here at the embassy you know..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:368|Rachel Roth (368)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Truth be told, while Raven is able to tell the difference between the different methods of brewing coffee over one another... The differences between the French Press and Chemex in terms of quality are only really noticeable when the person preparing the coffee is experienced. Raven doesn't really care how it's made, as long as it's her coffee, and doubly when Donna is thoughtful enough to make it for her, it simply doesn't matter. She'll like it all the same.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When the mug is presented to her, she takes a quiet sip, the heat not seeming to bother her at all. One of the few perks of being half-demon. "Oh my. An entire half hour? We will need to find a way to pass that time." Raven could be the worst influence on the planet, if she wanted to- but in this case, Donna might be the bad influence. She is not a mischievous person, and yet, as she leans against her partner, they are certainly not plotting anything innocent.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With another sip, there is a moment of quiet following Donna's question. "I wasn't planning on leaving this building until you did. The couch is comfortable, and you have a room. We have... Options."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It /would/ be nice to spend a night away from the Tower," Donna says, grinning a little to herself. "It's not that I don't love the Tower. It's not that it isn't home. But it's a very... /noisy/ home." There's a perspective Raven can see all too well. "I mean not just /noise/ noise. Mental noise. Things to do, things to think about. Responsibilities."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna is always very forthright in her opinion that she is not the leader of the team, just part of the six-person leadership council. The reality is that the council of Donna and Raven sitting together and discussing things between the two of them probably has more impact on the way things happen with the Titans than the official leadership council does. Nobody knows how much that non-leadership weighs on Donna's shoulders like Raven does, with the possible exception of Diana. Donna is very duty-focused.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Normally when I sleep at the embassy I just bed down on the big sofa here in my office," Donna says, leaning her head on Raven's shoulder. "It's comfortable enough. Plenty of room for one person to lay down. I suppose I should really use that big expensive bed more often. Otherwise it would be a waste." Even the most duty-driven can find excuses to leave duty behind from time to time, when there's sufficient temptation...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1934|Charlie Gage (1934)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile outside the Embassy things are quiet as far as Charlotte, aka Charlie, Gage can tell. She has had a very busy day in New York. No classes today. An, for her, trip to New York from Gotham without even needing to use the hyper loop. So she did something she has been super keen on for a long time.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She visited the Themyscira Cultural Center. She totally has on her Wonder Woman hoodie, beat up jeans, and stompy boots.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sure it closed hours ago, but since she was here, she also went and saw The Avengers on Broadway. Had a nice dinner too!. Now she finds herself mulling heading home, the hour having grown late, but did stop by the center and embassy. "I wonder what it takes to get a tourist visa ... I mean... I should have asked." she chews her lower lip. "Closed though. I could come back tomorrow and ask." a slow tilt of her hed. "They would probably be mad if I just bounced there.... probably have laws. Definitely should have a tourist visa..."<br><br>She does tend to talk to herself, often. For the moment just staring at the gates to the embassy.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:676|Andi Benton (676)}} has posed:'''<br>The dark of night is one of the better times to patrol. People with ill intent can be anywhere at any time, but under cover of shadow and darkness it's easier for them to ply their trade in terror. Opportunities increase with fewer witnesses around.<br><br>It's a perfect time for Mania to do her thing, swinging her way between buildings by way of weblines, phone in hand as she puts in an order for food to pick up on the way back home. Assuming no trouble, of course.<br><br>First mistake, right there.<br><br>&lt;&lt;Mania&gt;&gt; Do not forget the dessert, Andi.<br>&lt;&lt;Andi&gt;&gt; Let me guess. Something with chocolate?<br>&lt;&lt;Mania&gt;&gt; Chocolate with extra chocolate!<br>&lt;&lt;Andi&gt;&gt; You're lucky we don't get cavities.<br><br>Her path brings her in view of the Themysciran Embassy. It reminds her that one of their contacts in Young Justice is a Titan with ties to the Amazon island.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:368|Rachel Roth (368)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Within the Embassy, Donna and Raven are in the middle of not-so-PDA. For a few moments, Raven seems to have been content simply leaving her suggestions as implications. It is a serene sliver of time, punctuated by Raven taking another sip of coffee.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She twists, one of her hands detaching from her mug to reach up towards Troia's face, before she stops, halfway. "Did you- Do you smell that?" There is, for Troia, nothing to notice. At least, not until it's already happened.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What hit Raven does so with astonishing speed. So fast it is that Raven is simply gone- not just missing, not just some feet away- but gone. There is a hole in the wall behind where she was.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What is the most worrying is that on the fringes of the aperture through which something seems to have just tackled Raven, there is a torn scrap of her sweater. It will occur to Donna swiftly that that shouldn't be possible.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What will also occur to Donna, perhaps just as swiftly, is that she is not alone. Where it came from is difficult to ascertain, as it is simply There. It stands at just over six feet, its humanoid shape gaunt and wiry, with evident musculature. Its maw is a grouping of sharp teeth. Its skin is blood red, even evident in the dark- especially around its four glowing, yellow eyes.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For those outside, admiring the Embassy is normally a wonderful thing. Even at this time of night, you can admire Amazonian architecture and discipline, especially if you're not afraid of a little trespassing.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What can be admired /tonight/ however is a bit of Battle Prowess, as it seems that the Embassy has been... Invaded? There are no broken windows or gates- and strangely, the gate guards are rushing towards the doors of the Embassy as if in surprise.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Either way- the Amazons aren't doing terribly, but the awkward thing is... They /should/ be doing a whole lot /better./ There certainly are a lot of these... Demons, it looks like? Yet the Amazons are legends- and they should be having little trouble with unarmed monstrosities.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is strange indeed that these beasts have not been cleaned up practically the moment they arrived...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is an office. It has office furniture, though rather casual by office standards. It has a desk, a computer, files. All that kind of thing. It is however the office of the assistant ambassador to Themyscira, which means it also has a fair few weapons in it. Not purely decorative items to impress visitors, but sharp, stabby, very functional weapons. There's a sword in Donna's hand almost as instantaneously as the disappearance of Raven and the appearance of a demon with rather Trigonic-appearing features. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You just made a very serious mistake," Donna tells her visitor coldly. "I doubt you realize this just yet, but you will. And I /am/ giving you a chance to set things right..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the halls outside, the guards are already rushing about to engage the small horde of demonic invaders, while rousing the rest of the Amazon forces present. It's late, a lot of them are asleep already. In the main foyer a trio of Amazons keep a demon at bay with long spears, forming a triangle of steel around it and fighting in silent but perfectly coordinated team work. Whichever way it faces there's always one Amazon behind it, stabbing it in the back as the other two keep it occupied and at a distance with defensive spear play.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other Amazons are in motion, guiding a few civilian workers to safety, checking the rooms off the foyer, rousing the larger force resident at the embassy and so on. A pair hammer at the door to Donna's office. "Basilea Troia? Are you safe?" The leader calls in. "The building is under attack!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Perhaps it's some sixth sense, or perhaps just the supernaturally good hearing all Amazons have, but both back rapidly away from the door just in time to avoid it crashing open in their faces as the demon that had appeared in the office is hurled through it, closely followed by an absolutely furious assistant Ambassador.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1934|Charlie Gage (1934)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Charlie's eyes slowly widen as she takes in the unfolding scene. "Oh. My. God." she whispers in awe. "Demons."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One hand reaches up slowly and taps her ear. "Oracle. Queue up my demon fighting playlist." even as she reaches up and pulls down a pair of orange lens goggles that were pushed up into her hair under her Wonder Woman hoodies hood. "Tonight I am gonna have myself a real good time. I feel alive. And the world I'll turn it inside out, yeah."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is already hum singing to herself as she reaches back down into her hoodie pockets pulling out two weighted yellow gloves and slips them on. Her stance shifting wider as she continues softly "I'm floating around in ecstasy..." and as she reaches the lyrics "So, don't stop me now..... don't stop me..." she brings her knuckles together in a smacking motion and a strong flow of magic flares on the street outside the Embassy. It pop bangs loudly to those with mystical senses as pure chaos. Not a little bit either. Runes start to glow red, invisible stitches in the working of the gloves flare to life in intricate mystical patterns. "Cause I'm having a good time, having a good time....." and the girl vanishes with a slash of purple and pink smoke.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Moments later she appears above the demon being ringed in and held at bay in the foyer with Amazonian spears, up behind it's head falling about a foot with a solid donkey punch to it. o/~ I'm a shooting star leaping through the sky like a tiger! o/~ gone a moment later in another slash of smoke just to reappear by it's legs on the other side to punch a knee. o/~ Defying the laaaaws of gravity!! o/~<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She sounds thrilled to death to be helping amazonians fight demons. Like this is Christmas morning and santa got her a pony.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also. That enchantment on her gloves fueled with a wild abandon of magic, tailor made, literally, for punching the ever loving snot out of demons. The girl has a grudge to put it mildy. Each strike banging like a mystic drum with chaos magic too and flashing red like a Ruby.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:676|Andi Benton (676)}} has posed:'''<br>Mania swears. The order she'd just placed is supposed to be left at a nondescript location, the better to swing by and pick it up later without any eyes on her, without a need to go back to her version of normal first.<br><br>The sudden commotion at the Embassy, the horde of demons, yeah, that's going to put a wrench in things.<br><br>Speaking of which, she grabs one she'd started carrying at her side from time to time. Why a wrench? The old man knew his way around fixing up the car or doing some general work around the house, and it feels so good with a little bit..extra to it.<br><br>Extra what? Well, tendrils of symbiote curl and lash around it until it doesn't just end in heavy metal, it's got some spikes to it as well. Sometimes a tool to work on things. Sometimes an impromptu mace.<br><br>As she swings her way closer, she calls out, "What are those things? Can we kill them?"<br><br>&lt;&lt;Andi&gt;&gt; Remember what I said about killing!<br>&lt;&lt;Mania&gt;&gt; Look closer, Andi. Do those look like people to you?<br><br>Sure enough, demonic appearances, four eyes - and not because of prescription glasses, either...<br><br>&lt;&lt;Andi&gt;&gt; You have a point.<br><br>Without much hesitation, a two-handed swing of the symbiote-enhanced wrench is aimed at the head of the nearest Trigon spawn, or whatever it is.<br><br>Mania does not have a playlist going, however.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:368|Rachel Roth (368)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The demon in Donna's office does not hesitate... To allow the other woman to arm herself. In fact, it only seems interested in Troia /after/ she's picked something up with which to fight it. The moment she does, it leaps at her.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This proves to be a bad move, as it likely ends up stabbed and/or cut, and then flung through a door. It recovers swiftly, rolling around and pulling itself to a low, hunched stand. When it opens its mouth, what comes from it is not a roar or shriek, but a gaggle of intense, stabbing laughter. It laughs with /intent,/ as if both amused at and by Troia herself.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The one downstairs that is encircled seems to be having a rough time of it- after all, their numbers are superior, and so it shouldn't have to deal with three Amazons at once. The sheer /audacity./ Its horribly toothy mouth curls into a look of utter disbelief. Its eyes narrow. It gets punched in the head.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This one lets out a few laughs of its own, even as the second blow drives it to one knee and its head seems to loll on its shoulders for a few seconds- before there's a crack, and as if someone pulled the cord to let the beast's joints go taut, its head snaps back up.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It then charges without fear of the spears, but with genuine, murderous intent. Its mouth opened wide- its claws viciously sharp, all things that it seems to want to catch Charlie with- and all at once.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mania, meanwhile, has a minor advantage. With a swinging, spiked mace, in combination with her symbiote enhanced strength... There is a wet crunching noise, and yet, for her trouble, Mania has her wrench lodged in the head of a demon.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That'd be great! Except it reaches for the arm holding the mace, and a low, gutteral laugh starting to come from the beast.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The demon charging Charlie may be heedless of the spears, but these are spears wielded by Amazons who have trained for thousands of years not just to develop an individual mastery of the weapon that is unsurpassed, but to fight together in perfect harmony. They don't have to spare a fraction of a second on considering the actions the other two are planning; they already know. Each Amazon moves gracefully to occupy space taken by the other as soon as they move, the symphony of martial movement ensuring that whichever direction the demon moves, there will be a sharp spear facing it. The demon has nowhere to move any great distance without impaling itself on one spear or another -- whether it cares about that is another thing.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna is not as skilled as her sisters. As hard as she trains, you simply can't catch up on millennia with just a couple of decades. It's enough though to give her a precision in her martial skill that has only a few flaws. Body and weapon move together in a harmony not just in space but time; each step she takes, each slash of the sword, each motion of her off-arm to maintain balance is done considering not just the now but several steps in advance, to earn herself an advantageous position, to get a deadlier strike in later. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those flaws in her technique that a mere two decades of hard work and dedication leave are more than compensated by a significantly larger dose of those divine gifts that make every amazon a particularly dangerous foe though. Her sisters are scarily fast, but she's significantly faster. Her sisters are strong enough to bend steel, but she's much stronger. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And these things have had the /audacity/ to attack Rae.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Troia fights with a rare fury, but it's a cold fury of intense concentration. It does not challenge her focus but rather draws out of her more of the power within her she often, largely unconsciously, holds back. Diana herself would struggle to cope with Donna in this mood, and the demon's laughter seems only to lend Donna more strength as she strikes it again and again with her sword. She seems intent on cutting it to pieces faster than it can possibly regenerate.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The hall starts to fill with more Amazons, roused from their slumber to the fight. Since before the days of the Trojan war it has been the duty of the Amazons to guard Doom's Doorway, from which the fiends of Tartarus occasionally sally to challenge the world; being roused from their beds to fight an invasion of demons is pretty much the job description of an Amazon, and there's quickly a dozen more ready to join the fray.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1934|Charlie Gage (1934)}} has posed:'''<br>To Mania "Demons!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okay. Usually the demon is destroyed with the flares of her demon ass whupping gloves. So she bounces back vanishing out of the way of the charging hellspawn wit hall the claws and fangs ever so quickly.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Appearing behind the spearwall of Amazonians. "That usually works better." she mutters. Then she takes a moment to press her gloves together once more and channels even more primal energy into it, causing them to flare brightly and reality to hummm a tiny bit around her fists. "Shew..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is gone once more teleporting as fast as she can, swinging a fist here, then gone, then a fist there, then gone. Trying to land hits and be gone before the demon can sink it's claws into her. Which is not to say it doesn't score a slash, one just has to hope that her underarmor weave of wayne-tech can take it. Well that and vanishing immediately after she is tagged and healing in the process.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Somewhere in all that the singing starts up again too. o/~ I'm a rocket ship on my way to mars on a collision course.... I am a satellite I'm out of control.... o/~<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She isn't fighting with fury or anger or rage, despite the spicy hot chaos that leaves after trails as she moves through the fight. Risking being stabbed by an Amazonian really since her movements are incredibly hard to predict as she tries to put down the foyer demon with the spear walls help... Nope. She is fighting with reckless joy and abandon.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:676|Andi Benton (676)}} has posed:'''<br>Mania's all-white, strange-looking eyes narrow. "Did you just..?"<br><br>&lt;&lt;Mania&gt;&gt; Did it just what, Andi?<br>&lt;&lt;Andi&gt;&gt; It's not letting go!<br><br>A chunky, spiky shoe plants itself against the demon that's starting to try to turn things around on her, giving a shove to create a little separation. At the sight of the creature's own claws and teeth, Mania swings the wrench again and it thunks once more into the side of the thing's head.<br><br>Still maybe not quite enough. "Fine. You want to be stubborn? We can do more than just use a wrench."<br><br>A line forms in the area of the mouth, indeed showing numerous needle-sharp fangs along with a very Venom-like tongue. The wrench is withdrawn again, let to return to its normal-looking state, and the already sharp fingertips of the black and white creature elongate a few inches, becoming even more lethal in the process.<br><br>&lt;&lt;Andi&gt;&gt; I don't think there's any bit of humanity in these things.<br>&lt;&lt;Mania&gt;&gt; Are you saying what we think you are saying?<br><br>"Yes," is said aloud, before Mania leaps into the fray with both hands seeking to do more damage than the wrench, an effort made to chomp down and tear out parts of demon as well.<br><br>No doubt, tasting terrible.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:368|Rachel Roth (368)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indeed, the demon doesn't care whether it gets impaled. Its blood is a horrid thing- and the worse they spear it, the worse it gets. Vile and hot, thick as magma and after a moment, glowing with the contact in the air. Still, though it is strong enough to drag the amazons along with it- were they not too skilled for that to work- it is not capable of keeping up with the teleporting assault from Charlie.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The worst thing of course may not be that it doesn't stop coming- that with another blow to the knee, its leg is gone. Instead of hopping, it drops to a slithering, three-limbed crawl that requires its limbs to bend at unnatural degrees.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When it is halted again- this time by spears acting as mancatchers, the blood that spills from it is making the air around where it lands... Uncomfortable. To call it 'boiling' blood would be accurate, if not for how much more intensely it seems to be /searing/ the air around it.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This time, however, it just starts laughing again, locked in place by impaling spears, as the last blow from Charlie shatters its head in a way that leaves it looking like a semi-deflated balloon of flesh. The skin is intact, yet the bones underneath have horrifically crumbled.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mania goes on a spree! The demons are tough, but they're far from invulnerable. They /do/ taste terrible, and also burning. They taste like burning. Mostly because that's what they are by now- like biting into a ripe peach, overflowing with actual magma.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No, quite seriously- they are beginning to, in a way, mutate- their veins are erupting with horrible light, and that is punctuated by the one that Charlie -definitely- killed gargling out something approaching a laugh, before the orange light spreads through its veins.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The resulting explosion is not one that will take down the building- but the heat and force are not natural- as if something is actively containing its /radius/ so as to not damage the building, but that containment does nothing to the power of an explosion that could level a building.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For Mania's part, the ones she's slashing at, and biting at, don't look to be doing to well. They weren't glowing that way a moment ago.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna is assaulting oen with swift strikes too fast for it to counter, which is odd. What hit Raven had done so with speed far surpassing Donna's own, even now in her enraged state. That makes sense. Raven has natural defenses against some of the most potent attacks the world has ever seen- set up so that she is not instantly killed or incapacitated by an attack too fast and powerful to react to. Even so, she sensed something- too bad she didn't get a chance to talk about it much.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which makes it all the more strange that this demon isn't able to keep up. It ends up in pieces- and yet the pieces are desperately trying to keep coming at Donna- so much so that eventually it's just half of a torso, with one arm, and its wings, with no lower jaw.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It gargles with a laughing cadence. The center of its chest is glowing orange.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's possible that the thought of what Diana will say if the embassy gets too badly damaged under Donna's watch is more of a worry to Donna than the demons themselves. Alternatively it may be simple practicality. Whatever the reason with the demons getting increasingly hot and explosive-looking, Donna quickly comes to the conclusion that having the demons inside the building is not a good idea. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the other hand letting them out into the streets is certainly a bad idea. Donna calls out instructions in Themysciran as she beats on her demon with a flurry of blows from the flat of her sword to keep it occupied while crushing its wings to pulp with kicks and stamps. A pair of Amazons peel away to open the double doors that lead out into the central embassy courtyard -- no roof to contain an explosion makes it far less damaging to the walls. One the doors are open, Donna punts the remnants of her demon outside. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The growing crowd of Amazon warriors switch tactics, using walls of spears to herd rather than strike, trying to force the rest of the demons out into the courtyard as well. Three Amazon archers maintain a rapid barrage of arrows too -- not just to help in the herding, but aiming for wings, to pin them to demon bodies and reduce the ability of the demons to move rapidly in unexpected directions. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A pair of Amazons advance towards Mania with spears raised uncertainly, not sure what to make of this combatant given she's got a fairly demonic appearance herself. "No Gala, Althea! That one's a friend!" Donna calls out -- switching to English to do so, so that Mania can understand. That message will be reinforced by the fact that the two Amazons do not hesitate to take Donna's word for it, and switch their attention to /actual/ demons, lessening the pressure on Mania.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna follows the battered torso of her original opponent out into the courtyard, and skewers its remaining arm to the ground with her sword. "You may think this is funny now," she snarls at it. "But we Amazons command powerful magic. If I order it, you can be taught to feel pain. And you can be kept alive to feel it... even if you explode. Tell me what has been done with her. Now."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1934|Charlie Gage (1934)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Charlie's eyes go wide, though not in glee as the demon she just crushed the head of starts to get very hot and glow a deadly orange through it's veins. "Oh crackers." she hisses before yelling "GET BACK" to the Amazonians with her. She took the time to yell a warning to the Amazons instead of just teleporting out, which means everyone loses sight of her when the thing explodes with the force to level a building. Even if it is contained in a way to not do that.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Moments later the chaosmuppet goes skiddddddding across the floor from where she teleported to. Her hoodie smoldering and the flame resistant armor underneath exposed. Not at all looking civilian issue. "ow .. ow .. ow...." as she skids skipping across the foyer floor from the force but isn't dead.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She with a whine kips back up to her feet. "Ugn." then looks down. "My favorite hoodie!" one can still make out that is was a wonder woman one too in the smolder.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taking a moment to hiss in pain and dump even more juice into her gloves she steps forward. Vanishing once more.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The girl appears in the courtyard where demon herding is happening. Still smoldering and sucker punchs one. The bounce .. proverably back in her step as teleporting seems to heal her. Just not her clothing.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The dance begins again. More serious. Less singing.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They will regret her hoody.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:676|Andi Benton (676)}} has posed:'''<br>Amid the fighting, Mania spares a glance toward Misfit and the Amazons battling to protect the place, but soon there's a hiss of distaste and something more. The bleeding from the demon is..excessive. Not in the amount, but the effects of it.<br><br>&lt;&lt;Mania&gt;&gt; Too hot, Andi!<br>&lt;&lt;Andi&gt;&gt; I can feel it too!<br><br>"Too hot, too hot.." she repeats aloud, putting some distance in place to reconsider tactics. Don't want to get any of that molten-hot blood on her, and that bite was not one she wants a second round of, the effect of it clear in her expression.<br><br>There's a moment where it looks like the Amazons will move to attack her as well, but Donna vouches for her and that does the trick for now, allowing her to return focus to their opponents. "We'll keep them off balance if you finish them off! They don't go down easy!" She sees how blobs of webbing to the faces of a few of them work, but before long she's putting her nimble quickness to better use, darting in and out of the fray to slash at demonic limbs and faces, causing them to divert attention between the Amazons and herself.<br><br>Then, the way many of them begin to glow and change, leading up to more, gives Mania /another/ reason to pause. "Hey, what's hap-" Not enough time to finish the question, and the blast of heat spreads out enough that she recoils and covers up, a ripple going over her form.<br><br>&lt;&lt;Mania&gt;&gt; *pain-hot-discomfort*<br><br>It comes out as more of a mental sense than a verbal one, and the grimace is clear with the mouth formed. There are a few areas where it looks like bare skin beneath the black, whatever it's made up of. Amazons quick enough to see it can spot things reforming, patching back over as Mania shivers.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:368|Rachel Roth (368)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taking the fight outside is a fine idea, in a way. The demons seem to have stopped flooding into the embassy, and additionally, it is impossible to take flight in these numbers without becoming a pincushion: So they are on the ground, though it takes effort. They do not fear the arrows, but the Amazonian guard is too accurate, so any of them that don't care for fighting on the ground are delivered there.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/Getting/ them out is a different story. It essentially involves the creation of a sweeping phalanx with multiple ranks- The demons impale themselves on the spears with reckless abandon. They are rabid and do not seem to feel- or care- about pain, and as a result, they have to be actively forced out by raw physical might. Thankfully, the Amazonian guard has that in spades.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the fight taken to the courtyard, more of the demons seem happy to explode rather than crowd the spear wall. Impaled as they are, they start using that tactic against the Amazons, forcing themselves forward while run through. The horrible, wet noise of them SCHLORPING down the haft of the spear echoes in symphony, every last demon at the front of their ranks deciding to take this tactic simultaneously.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the demons explode, Donna's torso skids to the ground outside. Inevitably, despite how the Amazons might handle such a thing, what is left of the demon Donna was fighting is continuing to laugh at her, now without its lower jaw. When it speaks, it does so in a way that is now anatomically impossible. Not a difficult thing to expect, considering it didn't have lips before its lower jaw was removed.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"She is being disciplined. By the other six. She forgot who she was."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Charlie suckerpunches a demon, and the punch is absolutely enough to destroy the beast- her hand goes directly through it, and its blood does not seem to burn her... Thanks to the glove. It does however become altogether difficult to remove her arm from: As if she just punched into a bag of molasses. Worse still, its chest had long since started to glow- and she has, perhaps, moments to figure out how to get out, or be rescued.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mania, of course, should not have made the dire mistake of being vulnerable to fire, or not being immune to being cut or bitten. The moment she shows that she can be hurt, more demons are upon her, sensing and smelling that, even if for but a moment, Mania was hurt in the explosion- like blood, in the water.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna decides she's not going to get anything more out of the broken demon than she's got already. She suspects the creature is too limited, a demonic construct more than it is a true demon perhaps. It certainly doesn't seem to have much imagination. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The 'other six'? Donna doesn't know, though she has some vague suspicions. "No," she tells it. "But perhaps /they/ forgot who she is." Her sword comes down hard, splitting the thing's head in two.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The rank of demons running themselves onto the spears of the Amazons soon discover that the impeccable training of Amazon warriors can be as effective at engendering unspoken simultaneous action as any magical imperatives. Amazons have fought many demons and monsters who'll think nothing of their own lives and try a tactic like this. There's are techniques for dealing with it, and the appropriate one here, according to Amazon practice, is to utilize the enormous advantage of leverage that great long spear shaft gives. Each Amazon slides their arms down to towards the ends of their spears and leaps upwards, the great power of their leaps multiplied by the arm of moment to tilt the creatures backwards, the weight used to pin the spear heads into the ground, leaving them impaled like a group of incredibly hideous butterflies pinned to the floor. Forcing yourself along the shaft of a spear when it's horizontal is merely suicide that gives you a chance to strike a final blow; when the shaft is vertical it's a whole lot harder to get anywhere. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Amazons -- with a few more latecomers still arriving -- move on to prioritize the most mobile of the remaining demons, and Mania soon finds herself surrounded by warriors fighting alongside her to even out the numbers as demons swarm in on her. She has proven herself vulnerable, but also proven herself able to dish out a lot of damage, so the Amazons closest to her act as a defensive screen for her, intercepting attacks to leave her more free to respond in kind.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Charlie struggles to pull her hand free, a sword blade suddenly protrudes out from the demon's body worryingly close to her fingers. The blade rips down and around to cut through demonic flesh and give Charlie a better opportunity to escape the gluey grasp, and at the same time the glowing yellow of Donna's lasso comes down over the creatures neck to pull it back and away from her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1934|Charlie Gage (1934)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Charlie gets stuck, which causes her to shout "Not Fair that's cheating!" and then a sword is sliding in and lasso is trying to pull the thing off her.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course it is about to blow up with hot sticky demon fire in a moment, which if Donna succeeds means it will blow up in Dona's face which may be bad. She isn't sure if that will hurt the other woman to be honest but these things seem mystically deadly.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Frack" is what she mutters and there is a warp of chaos magic as she bounces. Doing something almost no one has seen her do. Which is take the demon with her when she goes.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The world strains as her magic convinces reality that she was never there by Donna with a demon about to blow them both up. No she was always over in a clear spot of the courtyard. The catch is... while it seems to work well for her... it does not work well for her passenger.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The demon blows apart moments before it BLOWS UP... spraying hot explosive demon all around her arm.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Critically though it isn't stuck to her anymore either, so when she tries to throw herself in a bounce on the exhale of pained breath later it doesn't come with even as the explosion washes over her.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She lands in a heap back at Donna's feet. Not dead. Not even missing an arm. Though she is burned impressively across the left side of her face where she isn't wearing the armor.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also out cold.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:676|Andi Benton (676)}} has posed:'''<br>Everyone has weaknesses. For symbiotes, fire is one of them. Demonic fire? Probably a level or two worse. While Mania can handle taking a few wounds and recover from that quickly enough, the intensity of the heat is more problematic.<br><br>So is the multitude of demons now turning more of their attention toward her, seeing her as one of the weaker links here.<br><br>This could be a mistake.<br><br>"Oh, is that how it is? If you think we're easy..." she hisses, tongue flicking out as if to taste the air before it disappears back behind a dangerous grin, hands change further.<br><br>One becomes a scythe, the other looking closer to a battle axe. Sharp as expected, especially when two demons that close in on her find their heads lopped off with one swing apiece. Stay in motion, don't give them a chance to close in too much.<br><br>The spiky elements to arms and legs also flex outward, adding an extra bit of protection to her. A wordless nod is all she can spare for those who come to her aid, helping create space for her to decapitate heads and limbs. The idea is to not be close when the demons explode and things get excessively hot again. What a mess.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:368|Rachel Roth (368)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Charlie is either clever, or this demon is stupid. In the end, it doesn't matter, because she tries something tricky and... It definitely works! The demons are not immune to the horrible end that befalls anyone that happens to travel /with/ Misfit. Sadly, that amount of cleverness is more to spare others, rather than herself- as the demon has made the decision already to detonate.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Without any sentience, it is not difficult at all to get clear. The timing is difficult, but it's possible. That's all that matters. Charlie is unconscious, but she had a hand in dealing with... Well, multiple demons- including one she dropped herself- and that latter one wasn't able to hurt anyone else. Pyrrhic, perhaps, but a victory.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Amazons are tactically genius, and latching the demons to their spears on the ground is more than clever. That leaves the frontmost wave of demons trying to push and pull themselves up off of the spearshafts- but with their clocks already ticking, it's all to late. The caucophony of explosions is enough to wrack the body, but it is still the sign that most of the demons have disappeared.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For Mania's part, strike quickly and deadly is the best way about it. Dismembering demons only means that they must be revisited later- and decapitating them makes them start the detonation process immediately... But that tradeoff is acceptable in present company- as Mania, Donna, and the Amazons will have little trouble dodging the explosions of corpses, rather than sapient monstrosities.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All in all, the demons' numbers are starting to thin, and yet that doesn't seem to be deterring them. To a man, they will fight- and though the Amazons and collected heroes are going to be victorious, it may not be without casualties.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That, it seems, is all that this invasion force cares about.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna does not slow down to check on Charlie, but instead stands over her unconscious form so she can't easily be attacked while no longer able to dodge or defend herself. She returns her sword to its scabbard to concentrate on her lasso. If demons are going to start exploding, the important thing is to get them outside into the courtyard to explode there rather than worrying about finishing them off first, so she focuses on lassoing and launching demons out through the doorways rather than worrying too much about what happens to them once they're there. She's joined in this by another Amazon; her lasso doesn't glow, but this other Amazon lasooist is expertly skilled nonetheless.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Acantha!" Donna calls out to one of the Amazon warriors close at hand, who isn't currently engaging a demon. "Wounded. Get her out of the way and tend to her. Melia! Take a few guards and grab heavy tables. These things seem to want to explode. Shove them outside!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:676|Andi Benton (676)}} has posed:'''<br>Mania continues as a force all her own, leaving pieces of demons in her wake.<br><br>&lt;&lt;Mania&gt;&gt; Andi, look.<br>&lt;&lt;Andi&gt;&gt; They're getting those..things moved before they blow up.<br>&lt;&lt;Mania&gt;&gt; Yes. Should we change our strategy?<br>&lt;&lt;Andi&gt;&gt; Yeah. Let's herd them up.<br><br>Cutting instruments shift more into puncturing ones, similar to sword or spear, but as they're jabbed into and through, the ends of the blades morph so the demonic victims won't just slide off. This allows her to swing and hurl them toward the doorways, releasing them at just the right time.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:368|Rachel Roth (368)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Herding the demons is a double-edged sword.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It becomes clear that their tactics have changed, to someone as keen as Donna, as well as the rest of the Amazons. Having known war, they know when someone abandons all pretense of self-preservation.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The truth of it is exactly as sinister as it sounds; Some short moments ago, the demons could be fought, they would engage, enjoying and revelling in the chaos and violence, and not wishing it to end until they were rendered incapable of combat. That has evaporated over time- and now, the demons clatter to do naught but push past the guardians, to get within the building, to explode and injure, maim, and destroy as much as they can with their last weapon.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inevitably, when this demeanor overtakes these demons, amazons lash them together with spear and lasso- only for them to somewhat horrifically seep into each other, producing a mass of limbs and shrieking faces.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The logical conclusion isn't hard to come to, and the amazons are quick to it, even without Donna's orders. When they merge, as if their flesh were putty, the explosions resulting from them magnify exponentially. They seem not to be smart enough to do this on their own- but the writing is clear, should they come to this realization, it would not be difficult to form a Hecatoncheires of themselves. That cannot be allowed to happen within the Embassy for sure.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though the thought is likely not one to be allowed to linger, it would be /really/ great if there were a half-demon that could teleport or banish demons in large quantities.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a thought not far from Donna's mind, though it's not one she is able to do much about right now. Normally when someone is mysteriously vanished by demons with grabby hands, she'd consult Raven. When it's Raven who's been vanished then Jinx would be a useful fallback, but the pink-haired sorceress isn't to hand and there are a bunch of exploding demons to deal with. All she can really do here is to lament "Raerae? Could really do with your help here. Where are you at?" through gritted teeth.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the change in tactics from what's left of the demons, a change in tactics by the defenders is called for too. They are no longer in much of a position to fight back and are instead trying to ooze together into strange demonic agglomerations. Well, whatever the demons want to do, it seems like a good idea to do everything you can to stop them. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Where demon bits may slip out of a lasso, or ooze around a skewering spear, they may be blocked by solid objects, or obstructed by increasing the distance. The defender shift into a different gear, using heavy furnishing to bat bits of demon across the courtyard, or to box them in smaller groups to explode less destructively. As they demonic parts gather into larger heaps, there are Amazons on hand to cut them into smaller chunks and separate them again.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are other approaches being tried out too. A pair of archers comes out with flaming arrows ready, firing them into the glowing hearts of some of the smaller chunks that look ready to go off, to see if fire will trigger an explosion early. Another Amazon is trying the opposite, dousing a demon with a fire extinguisher. Even the doughty kithotaur chef Ferdinand is trying something, laying about him with a giant cleaver to try to cut the demonic bits into even smaller demonic bits.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna's going about things a slightly different way. She has her lasso around one of the larger heaps of congealed demon-stuff in the courtyard, and has taken to the air. She flies circuits, wrapping the demon-stuff in more and more loops as it grows, and drags it across the courtyard. Her reasoning -- that the demons are trying to assemble into the largest possible mass -- suggests that she might be able to use this larger mass as a kind of magnet to pick up smaller bits of demon, and by watching the intensity of the fiery glow, fly it up and out of the way when it looks like it's getting ready to blow, or feels like it might be getting dangerously large.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:676|Andi Benton (676)}} has posed:'''<br>And now the conglomeration of demon bodies and parts is..growing. Going by what the smaller ones did earlier, a larger one doing the same thing would not be very good for anyone or anything in the vicinity.<br><br>Mania hesitates, her visible expression slipping as thoughts formulate in her head and fizzle out, tongue flicking a few times in an almost snake-like manner. "A little guidance, here? Everything we're doing, they're adapting to it!"<br><br>It remains to be seen what Donna's, well, Katamari Demoncy effort is going to do, with the symbiote-bonded one adding, "Are you sure that's a good idea right now?" Anything flame-related, she's still keeping a distance from. /Maybe/ Donna can get it out of there in time?<br><br>For her part, Mania shifts focus to providing cover for anyone who needs it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:368|Rachel Roth (368)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Predictably, Donna calls out- and Raven does not answer. What is disheartening is the response from the demons. When Donna calls Raven's name- even the nickname, apparently- they all begin to cackle. It is a horrid thing in many ways. Its tone is unnatural, and gutteral- even moreso for the wounded ones. It is disgustingly simultaneous, this belly-laugh that they all utter.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is, too, almost as if they are being forced to do so. As if some/thing/ is laughing /at/ Donna, and doing so through the ever shrinking horde of demons. This laughter ends after a few moments, as the demons- including the many of whom are merely disembodied heads at this stage- speak.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The key will serve! The key will die! The key will serve! The key will die!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It persists, an echoing, horrid noise of the same phrases being spoken in an unending repetition. Worse still, as Donna executes her surely Vorpal-inspired plan (Help them do what they're trying to do! It's clearly the last thing they expect!) it grows in volume, as the mass becomes able to send its booming voice from many new mouths that sprout upon the ever-growing sphere of demon.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Luckily, Vorpal is clever in his incompetence- if Raven were to phrase it- and this plan is a kind of success. While the flaming arrows do not spark the explosions in the demons, as it is of a magical nature, what forcing them to combine does do is very slightly move the timer back.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It will still require speed, and it may even require help, but it is a plan that could /work./ Very clearly, the demons are adapting- in a way- to what is going on- and it becomes very clear that if these are disposable foot soldiers, there is no doubt about exactly why Trigon is so capable of conquering not just worlds, but realities.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite that the furnace within the orb of demon limbs and heckling maws dims very slightly with each new added lump of demon, it does not appear to be staving the timer off by /very/ long. No matter what, it is very much time to work quickly.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna's good at working quickly. Oh it would certainly be a big help if Wally was here, or Bart, or Irie. A speedster's just what you need when you're working against the clock, or the ticking of a demon-flesh timebomb. Saving that, A Kryptonian would be useful. Or Diana. And don't the X-Men have a guy? Short of those though, Donna's not a bad call if you want speed. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nor is she alone. Once it becomes clear what she's doing, the other Amazons help -- kicking, throwing and batting demon-bits into the path of Donna's growing Katamari Demoncy, an ever-growing ball of demon-bits.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's not just speed though, it's timing. Each added bit of demon may extend the countdown that little bit, but it also decreases the number of remaining demon-bits on the ground, and thus increases the time between each addition. And so the clock ticks ever on.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna chooses to err on the side of caution. The bulk of demon-matter is in her demon-ball now, but there are still a good few smaller bits left when she decides it's time to get this thing out of range. Heaving the demonic mass up on the end of her lasso, she rockets skywards.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Amazons know the scheme now though -- keep the remaining pieces small, keep them apart -- and there's quite a lot less for them to deal with. Hopefully Donna will be back before long to hoover up the remaining parts with a second Katamari Demoncy.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Up is the first and most important part of the equation. Distance from the ground is everything - distance and the inevitability of the inverse square law. Double the distance, quarter the blast. Ten times the distance, a hundredth the blast. If a few windows get broken by the shockwave of her passage through the air, it's a price worth paying to reduce the damage of the blast. At ground level, here in busy Manhattan, an explosion equivalent to a ton of TNT would kill thousands. A mile up and nobody would care. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mouthy thing aren't you," Donna snarks at the demonic mass. She's not wrong, it's got quite a few mouths now. "And wrong. She would die before she serves your master. But she won't. She's not the key. Once, maybe that's all she was, but she has become far more than that. She's Raven, and if your master knew what that meant, what that means now, he wouldn't be bringing her to him. He'd be running from her."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:676|Andi Benton (676)}} has posed:'''<br>With the bulk of the demonic blob established now, Mania understands that the explosion 'timer' has been getting dragged out with each addition. The chanting draws a scowl out of her, mouth, tongue, and teeth still visible. "What the hell do they mean by that?" She isn't exactly in the know about Raven's story.<br><br>"Oh. Yeah. Get that far away from here. Good idea," she adds, turning her attention toward what's left of the stragglers. Now, lines of webbing are sent at them, not just to make it more difficult for them to attack, but also less likely for them to come together for any sort of repeat of what Donna's dealing with.<br><br>The others here should find it easier to attack what's left and ensure the dangers from their fiery insides and explosions are minimized.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:368|Rachel Roth (368)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is starting to become clear that there are not many remaining demons. Donna is balling up the great majority of them, and the developed strategem is caught by both the Amazons and Mania alike.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By far the most helpful in this situation is Mania; The demons are not used to the webbing, and do not have the strength to break it in time. This strands the stragglers that Donna has not merged with the ball where they stand- with much less hope of adding to the incoming blast.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This frees up the amazons to essentially clean up, carving many of the demons into managable pieces that effectively create small potholes in the ground beneath them, when they do explode. The sphere that is being taken skyward has gathered enough mass to amount to... Well, it's not enough to kill a lot of people, because of the nature of the explosions: They do not have a great radius to them, just great force. They are meant as a form of living landmine, in a way. When they go off, they do so as if contained in a sphere, allowing the force to bounce around and amplify.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It would have caused incredible destruction, but the beasts must still get close. For as large as the mass is to Donna, she is qualified as 'Close.' Mania is keeping her distance. That's clever- so the symbiote and its wearer get a gold star.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It really is hard to say "It gets worse" anymore. Nonetheleast of which is because the threat is nearly if not over. Yet, for a scant couple of seconds, it does Get Worse. So far, the demons have been heckling in their own horrible voice- which, really, is bad enough. It sounds akin to someone managing to speak while choking, and is an utterly wretched thing to hear.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After Donna snarks back? The voice that comes from them is different. It appears that they can channel His voice for so very short a time.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"She WILL Serve. She WILL Die."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The voice comes from everywhere and nowhere, all at once. It rattles the very molecules from which the world is made, and hearing it is agony. The pain lasts for a while after it has finished speaking, of course, a sort of echoing sensation that is just the body reacting to pain from nowhere.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Being the recipient of His voice for any amount of time causes the demons to end their timer- surging the magic that fuels their explosions with a sudden influx.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The blast in the sky is... It's bad. It is on the scale that- well, Donna, is used to dealing with. Had it been left within the embassy, there would be no more embassy. As it is, the demons on the ground are popping like what they are, horrible blemishes upon the world. While not exactly harmless, thanks to the strategy at play, they are not exactly harmful either. The gardener is going to have a bad day, tomorrow. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The explosion high in the sky will be remarked by a fair few people on the ground, even if there's never an explanation for it. It will probably be dismissed as a small bolide meeting its final fate from atmospheric friction; rare enough to be exciting over a big city, though there are hundreds every night over the planet somewhere.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course there's always the alternative explanation: 'superhero activity'. Things seem to explode in the air quite a lot these days.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a couple of minutes after the explosion that Donna descends back into the Embassy courtyard. She looks frazzled, though it's not so much the explosion as the voice that's responsible. Her armor seems to have stood up very well to the blast. A pair of Amazon guards run over to her as she lands, but she ushers them away to tend to the injured with a wave of her hand and a few quick words of Themysciran. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her eyes quickly take in the scene in the courtyard; the danger seems to be dealt with for now. She nods her head to Mania, and flashes them a smile and a "Thank you, Mania." Yes, she recognizes the symbiote from the Young Avengers. Either that or she simply recognizes /a/ symbiote and is unaware there's more than one.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's no hanging around though. Straight away Donna rushes back into the Embassy building, and the hole in the wall where Rae had vanished. She touches the edge of the hole experimentally, and recovers the scrap of Raven's sweater that had been lodged there. That's a curious thing, and Donna isn't sure what it means. There's a possibility it's intentional. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The hole doesn't appear to /go/ anywhere. It's just a hole in the wall. Nevertheless, Donna thinks it's worth a try. Holding the scrap of Raven's sweater tightly in one hand, she calls through the hole, "Rae? Can you hear me?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:676|Andi Benton (676)}} has posed:'''<br>Mania's grin is a very toothy one as it looks like they've finally got the upper hand. Things are on the right path toward a successful end, especially with Donna putting some distance between the ticking bomb and everybody else.<br><br>Then, there's a sense of dismay, discomfort worse than what was felt earlier. It goes with those promises, those vows, coming from that voice.<br><br>Any Amazons not dealing with the effects in their own way, those who happen to look toward Mania, they may notice another round of rippling and fluctuation of form as the symbiote appears to be trying to retreat back within its host. There's a glimpse of purple hair, pale skin, hints of a goth/punk style in attire.<br><br>&lt;&lt;Mania&gt;&gt; Hurts! Andi, it hurts!<br>&lt;&lt;Andi&gt;&gt; I..know! Keep it together! We..have to!<br>&lt;&lt;Mania&gt;&gt; *wordless fear, pain, panic*<br>&lt;&lt;Andi&gt;&gt; I'm here! We can leave, together!<br>&lt;&lt;Mania&gt;&gt; Yes. Leave. Go. Now, Andi. Now!<br><br>Right about the time Donna's returning after the big boom up in the sky, Mania's getting it back together. No mouth now, just those expressive eyes as everything covers where it should once more. Still, there's something off about it all. Something that leaves her unsteady, a hand against a nearby wall for stability. "W-welcome. We need..to go." That dual voice cements the shakiness, and without any more pretense, she turns to seek the fastest way out of the embassy.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:368|Rachel Roth (368)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The way the sound of the demons disappears leaves the calm of night to its own devices is eerie. It seems for a moment like there should be more. Yet more waves of unending demons. Enough to bathe the world, such that gravity would be the death of them, that the surace of the planet was naught more than a mass of demons tearing each other apart in lieu of other targets.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet, crickets. A light blinks at the edge of the courtyard, with an audible click, clack every perhaps ten seconds or so. The sound of breath among victory.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Searching for Raven inside the embassy is, sadly, fruitless. All that is left within is the scrap of her sweater, which should not exist; Raven conjured the garment, and has enchanted it deeply, such that she can wear it throughout the year and remain warm or cool as needed. Tearing the fabric requires great force, and once pulled apart, it should simply discorporate, effectively "healing" by returning to the whole.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside, a figure has begun to cross the courtyard. It's feminine in shape, and hooded- the Amazons, at least, recognize it. One or more certainly rush to fetch Donna. Their tone is one of emergency when they call her. "She is outside!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What awaits Donna is a lot of blood. Raven isn't exactly superhuman. She cannot lift cars without the aid of magic, and she won't be dodging any bullets. Normally, she doesn't need to do either of those. Still, she is /tough./ What she can withstand in terms of punishment is inhuman, even if what it takes to injure her body certainly is.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Immediately evident is that she is not standing on her left leg properly. She is... Trailing red, behind her- a number of open gashes and claw marks are littered across her body. Listless, she shambles ever forward- her breath a ragged semi-gargle. Untended, the worst of it seems like a wound in her exposed midsection that, though not immediately obvious, runs from the front of her body to the back: As if she was run through by a very wide blade.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17049/Dockyard_Dogs_Fight&diff=2552117049/Dockyard Dogs Fight2024-02-20T01:05:13Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/17 |Location=Gotham Cargo Docks |Synopsis=The Dockyard Dogs against a Metahuman gang errupts into violence -- and it costs The Bats one of..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/17<br />
|Location=Gotham Cargo Docks<br />
|Synopsis=The Dockyard Dogs against a Metahuman gang errupts into violence -- and it costs The Bats one of their number.<br />
|Cast of Characters=690,5174,163,356,3395<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SIX HOURS AGO: A snowy Gotham day, several members of the unnamed gang of metahumans involved with the mysterious pharmacutical manufacturing ring that had loose ties to the man running against Harvey Dent for DA -- Phillip Cup,who had been discovered to be one of the abusers of one Phoebe Beacon several years ago when she was kidnapped out of Gotham. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They were loaded up onto a wagon, their hand sbound, wearing orange jumpsuits and bound for Blackgate to await their actual trials, but the transfer had quietly gone wrong. They were never checked in to Blackgate Prison. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CURRENTLY: THE DOCKYARDS -- Classically in control of the drug-and-weapon-smuggling DOCKYARD DOGS gang, a long-standing feature of Gotham City since the 1920's. This older dockyard has been somewhat condemned -- the warehouses ar eold and unsafe, OSHA violations everywhere. Some of the equipment is decripit, dangerous and rusted. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;IT's here that the Dockyard Dogs are being lit up by automatic rifle fire and yells. Equipment has been set on fire, and minor explosions of mostly-empty gas barrels rattle the streets every couple of minutes. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is pandamonium. The Dockyard Dogs are terrified of something. Some are scratching at their skin between bouts of violence, some raw and others bleeding. Recent releases from prison or jail. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Part of the vitamin pilot program. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Metahumans are firing away. A fireball screeches through the night from a tall redheaded man, and another peircing wail echoes through the night with someone's sonic emission tech. The concrete rumbles underfoot as weapons fire fills the night, and the smell of gasoline and fireballs fills the air. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Welcome to the Dockyards, Bats (and Xander). What is your next move? <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Phoebe lands from above, cutting the pink of her wings off. She had heard the explosions all the way in Burnley, and had broken off her patrol. The blue lenses of her mask take in the wreckage beneath them. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;Balm to Batfam -- this is a mess -- I'm not in the right armor for close up and personal, but I can get in there and start looking for injured to evac to a pick-up position. Scene is too hot to bring in anyone in the Police!&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5174|Xander Prescott (5174)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There aren't enough swear words in the English language to account for this level of things going wrong, which is why the thin figure darting from one tarp-covered mount to another, trying to get the hell away, has switched to French. The particulars will be left to the imagination of the reader(s).<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Xander has given up any pretense of the kinda, sorta familiar-ish looking thug he was masquerading as, back to his pale, white-haired normal self. And sans any body armor, which seems like it would have been very appropriate in this situation!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Actually, that's a really good idea. Crouched low, he presses his hands against his torso and wills the fabric of his puffy vest to be... hardier. It would really be awesome if he knew what kevlar was made of, so that he could imagine that. Instead he mentally pictures ceramic plates, and, yep, suddenly his clothes feel a lot heavier. "Ugh," he mutters to himself, and then he's up on his feet again, running *away* from the danger!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>Robin has been involved pretty heavily in the vitamin plot since the incident at Gotham U. While he doesn't know the tie here yet, when he heard of the attack in the Dockyards, he was already on his way on one of the Batcycles. As he gets closer to the scene and hears the pop-pop-pop of gunfire, and as he finds a place to ditch the bike, he takes to the skies, leaping from the motorcycle, firing off a grapple line to grab a hold of the edge of one of the warehouses and yanks himself upwards. <br><br>Once he lands, he's crossing the roof to leap off, gliding down to land on one of the cargo containers. &lt;Robin here. I am always well for up close and personal.&gt; And as he is running across the cargo container, a bolo is dropped from his utility belt. Several hard swings and it's flung out, aimed to wrap around the head of the flame thrower and hopefully knock him out of the fight. If he doesn't end up getting the bolo burned to ash. <br><br>Not that it matters, he's still closing the distance in a serpentine motion.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:356|Jason Todd (356)}} has posed:'''<br>A matte black Mustang power slides around a corner as it changes direction.<br><br>&lt;Red Hood on my way&gt; comes Jason's response. His voice is quiet and focused.<br><br>&lt;Fight smart till backup is on site. ETA under five minutes.&gt; Red Hood ends his comm as he shifts the once-vintage muscle car into another gear. "Car. Fastest route to the Old Dockyards." In moments the display projects the recommended route from his present location.<br><br>Standing on the brakes, the car whips around another corner before he accelerates onto one of the cross-town viaducts.<br><br>On arrival, Red Hood emerges from the car and makes his way to one of the warehouse rooftops to get a view of the situation.<br><br>&lt;Red Hood on site. Balm, Robin what is your current location.&gt;<br><br>Scanning the scene through his mask's optics, the situation is almost untenable. It needs to be brought under control quickly.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:3395|Austin Reese (3395)}} has posed:'''<br>Chaos and pandemonium down at the docks. Something like that tends to light up every police band and warning system Oracle has. Osprey had been out on patrol, driving around on a batcycle. It had been an otherwise rather quiet night, right up until it wasn't. He whips a quick J-turn on the bike and revs it towards the docks, starting to weave his way in and out of traffic, &lt;"This is Osprey, I'm enroute. 911 calls are going crazy right now, how bad is it?"&gt;<br><br>Another familiar voice over comms at least heading in the right direction. As he gets close to the dockyards, he makes a hard turn and brings the bike to a skidding stop in an alleyway nearby, using a grapple line to get up onto one of the warehouse roofs, while starting to try and track potential hostiles, &lt;"Do we have any idea what set this off?"&gt;<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This one's a screamer!" the dark-haired woman with the sonic emitter calls out as Xander tries to get the hell away from the violence. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She turns her sonic emitters, palm-sized technological wonders that begin to whine as the technology powers up, and aims directly at Zander as he sticks to the wall, running from the danger before a figure in the dark brings down a staff, hood pulled down over her mask comes down to arieal assualt the person in question, as she looks to Xander, and appears to press her lips together in frustration! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Forward, take a left. Ignore anyone who's slinging batterangs." she states in a low growl to the other magician, and then she springs back up, and over him, rushing further into the fight. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;Making my way up the canal, Hood. Saif Hassan is here-- I can *feel* it.&gt; she states into the comms. Saif Hassan, another Homo magi. ONe with a chip on his shoulder. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;There's a civvie in ceramic armor vest, light hair. His name is Xander Prescott -- if you see him get him up to a rooftop so he's outta the line of fire.&gt; she asks over the comms, &lt;Pretty sure the folks who were trying to make all the pills are trying to tread on Dog turf--&gt; and as another rumble rocks the dock by the canal leading to the river, Phoebe is lost in a great blast of acrid gasoline smoke! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Robin's involvement and willing to get up close and personal is always favorable. He takes to the skies, grapping towards the edge of one of the ruined warehouses and scatters some snow as he goes through. The snow is wet and heavy -- not like the lighter, crystaline stuff that had fallen before tonight. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THe bolo spins out and wraps around the Fireball-launching metahuman. He struggles for a moment, trying to tear away the cord and the heavy weights before he stumbles backwards. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On arrival, Red Hood has come into the chaos. And what chaos there is. Gunfiring Dockyard Dogs have their backs to him as another metahuman begins to charge up what looks like an electrical attack, power sparking all over their body as they bring their hands up, curling fingers and calling down the lightning. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Austin's arrival nearby to the warehouse roofs give him a good eye view of the goings on, where most people are as sparks begin to catch puddles of fuel on fire.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5174|Xander Prescott (5174)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If Xander were a Bat, or at least someone well-trained enough that his body could go through the motions of avoiding dying without needing all that much conscious thought, he might have said something like "That's really none of your business!" in response to the crude cat-call.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he isn't. So he doesn't. Instead he shouts something vulgar, still in French, possibly something about the woman's mother, and dives behind a stack of pallets.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Balm tells him where to go, he doesn't argue. His pale eyes are frantic, looking left and right as he darts forward as she's told him to, then dips left and--<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Holy shit," he says, shocked back into English. That is definitely Robin on top of a cargo container. And that car in the viaduct? Definitely belongs to a Bat, but he doesn't know enough about them to know specifically who.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Judging by the car in question, though, one of the ones he especially wouldn't want to piss off.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which means it's probably not a good idea for him to duck behind said car, right? Okay. Find cover elsewhere. Except he's currently pinned down, no option but to either run back the way he came (not ideal) or jump out into the open, as all of the convenient cover-like objects have just up and disappeared, it seems.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt;I'm moving on the matchhead! Someone got eyes on the distraction Balm mentioned?!&gt; Robin calls out as he leaps from the cargo container. As the flame user is stumbling backwards, there's another grapple line fired, this one grabbing a crane arm that was above the flame manipulating metahuman. <br><br>When Balm mentions the pills, he scowls, but he'll address that in a moment. He swung off of the crane - and comes in hard on the off-balance metahuman. <br><br>And just like a wrecking ball, he comes in feet first, slamming into the front of the metahuman as he starts to kick and push, using his legs to start to shove the guy backwards, attempting to force him further backwards and maybe towards the nice body of water. He looks like he could use a cool off. <br><br>&lt;Do we have a manifest of the prisoners versus the pill trials?&gt; he asks over the comms. It's one of the things he /did not/ check, and he's kicking himself for it. Of COURSE, IT MAKES SENSE. <br><br>They weren't just looking to make suggestions of just anyone. That was a red herring. <br><br>They want to control metahumans. That's what this WHOLE THING WAS ABOUT. <br><br>/FUCK/.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3395|Austin Reese (3395)}} has posed:'''<br>From the rooftop, Osprey gets a good look at everything unfolding down below, "Hell." He mutters to himself, picking out a group of targets. With all that smoke coming from the rapidly expanding gasoline fire, but he has the group targeted as he leaps off of the roof, firing a grapple out at the wall of another building to swing down, heading towards that gathered group. Probably more metas from everything exploding around them.<br><br>Using the smoke to his advantage he drops off the line and lands with a roll, popping back up after the roll to throw a pair of stinger grenades out into the group, which burst with a loud bang and throw dense rubber balls in every direction around them. Should be more than enough, unless they're particularly powerful metas, in which case he's going to immediately regret some life choices.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:356|Jason Todd (356)}} has posed:'''<br>Red Hood draws his pistols as he crosses the rooftop, &lt;You have interesting acquaintances, Balm.&gt; It's all he has to say about Mr. Prescott for the moment. He's reserving judgment. Probably.<br><br>Seeing the gun battle is focused away from him he grins slowly within his mask. Dropping off the warehouse rooftop into dark shadows, the large form of Red Hood rises up and begins firing at the Dockyard Dogs members to start thinning down the numbers.<br><br>The volley of taser rounds streak toward their targets. Those that hit emit blue-white electrical charges into their well deserving victims.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Robin: I CAME IN LIKE A WRECKING BALL. I ALWAYS MEANT TO KICK YOU, GUY WHO'S TALL. ALWAYS WANTED TO -- WREK-EK-CK-YOOOU <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Down goes the matchstick with the bolo around his head, down for the count. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With Phoebe having gone into the flame, the Sonic Manipulator wheels about, the sonic noise keening at painfully high pitched levels, trying to catch Robin and send him flying to a different roost. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Austin is right about more metahumans, but it appears some of them are in rough shape. One is screaming, pressing back and away from the other, who is itching painfully. His skin is beginning to break down against his cheeks and the back of his hands -- reaction to the cold maybe as he yells that the bugs are coming out of his skin. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;I punched him for being a dick, once. We made up recently.&gt; Balm replies over the coms. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thinning the numbers comes easily to The Red Hood, as each one is struck electrical impulses flash against the impacted Dockyard Dogs -- which is when the electrical using metahuman spots that she has competition. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So she slings her own round of lightning towards The Red Hood! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"HOW DARE YOU INTERRUPT OUR WORK?!" she crackles out dramatically.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5174|Xander Prescott (5174)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Being in the thick of it is pretty intense. Xander has no idea how these people do it on the regular, because there's just so much damned noise. He has no idea what direction any of it is coming for, but so far his location hasn't been discovered.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And he'd like to keep it that way. But he'd also like to avoid being riddled full of bullets or other... well, whatever sort of weaponry is being brought to bear, here. So he presses his hands flat against the newspaper box he's, let's face it, cowering behind. And then he squints his eyes shut, focusing hard.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He can't turn the entire thing into titanium. That's asking too much for too-new skills. But he can adjust the side he's resting against, transfiguring the bulk of it into a much hardier (and let's hope: more bulletproof) metal.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he collapses to the ground with a "whuff" of effort, sweat beading on his brow. Yep, that'll do it. That's all he's got.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>Once the flame dude is guy, Robin flips him over to lock him down, smacking his head against the ground a couple of times. Just because. Once he's secured, there's a few bullets that pock against the ground near him. &lt;We got the metas handled? Going to start dealing with the idiots with guns.&gt; <br><br>Coming out from under the cover, he has a couple of birdarangs, flinging them outwards towards the muzzle flashes as he starts to try to make his way along the line, partially crouched down, his expression set in angry stone as he moves.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:356|Jason Todd (356)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt;Not all of us with guns are idiots&gt; comes the dry response from Red Hood.<br><br>&lt;A lot of Dogs are down. The Metas.. probably not so much. Yet.&gt;<br><br>That's when he has to dive away from the lightning attack from one of said metas. Not completely unsinged, Red Hood grits his teeth as muscles tense. Note to self: add more insulation to armor. Soon.<br><br>Aiming his guns at the meta, he empties both clips at her as he rises up and begins to close on her. Like Robin, he has little hesitation in taking things to close range.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THUMPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMP -- The lightning-strike meta goes down, overloaded with the continuous strikes ripping across her unarmored self. Match is out like a light. The dockyard dogs are beginning to retreat, thier numbers thinned by metas and Bats, and they don't want to deal with the Bats tonight. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's when Robin and Osprey may smell something familiar, that same sour, sweet smell from the University when the students were all affected. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Including Phoebe. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sour, sweet smell fills the area around them, forming a thick, sticky mist as the aerosol containers -- ruptured by an explosion -- have finally expelled their gaseous mixture as the aerosol catalyst for the fear toxin, embedded in the fatcells of those who had taken the vitamin mixture, spreads over the dockyard. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's when the screaming begins. Dockyard dogs and barely concious metahumans alike begin to yell. Bugs crawling from their skin, distant, dead, estranged family members coming to their vision. One of them tries to gnaw at their own wrist, trying to remove it. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Balm's breathing is audiably harder over the coms. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;No... no no no...&gt; <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sound of laughter from a PA system, calling out all over the dockyard echoes. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That's right, friends. Now is the time to rid yourselves of your fears, your traumas." the voice echoes through a vocoder, deep amd rumbling. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Kill what you fear -- kill the Bats!" <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The remaining Dockyard Dogs stop chewing at their own limbs, and raise their gazes to Red Hood, to Osprey, and to Robin -- and they begin to advance. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Sonic Emitter woman screams, and there's a splashing sound. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One Dockyard Dog has rounded the corner and slings the only improvised weapon he has in hand at Xander -- <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I TOLD YOU TO STAY AWAY!" he bellows, and launches himself at Xander!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5174|Xander Prescott (5174)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Xander can't tell what's going on. He doesn't know the background details on the pills, on the fear toxin, beyond what he's heard on the news about the Scarecrow. Which is terrifying enough, really.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So maybe he's breathing a little harder than he should be, given he's been crouched down motionless for a few moments now. It's a little shakey, but he's keeping it together. At least until someone jumps out from the shadows, and Xander lets out a shrill yelp before he dives out of the way of the person who actually throws *himself*. Like, who does that?!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course this means Xander tumbles to the ground, but he's righted himself after a moment and extends a hand towards the guy. "Ventus!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A sharp gust of wind suddenly sweeps through, hopefully strong enough to knock the Dockyard Dog fully on his ass so that Xander can get up and run. Especially because there's no shot at any further magic from him tonight.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt;SOMEONE GET TO BALM, RIGHT NOW!&gt; That from Robin. He sounds angry. Panicked. &lt;Rebreathers on! It's a modified fear gas, anyone that's had the vitamins react and turn anyone that's taken them into mind-controlled...&gt; Any desire for banter with Jason over guns is gone. Instead, he's immediately domonoing his mask, pulling up his map, finding the office of the foreman - that's where the PA system will be. <br><br>That's where Sewell will be. <br><br>Once he has a bead, a grapple line is fired, yanking him out of the mists, away from the bullets - he's in a straight line towards the foreman's office. There's anger, just pure... unadultered anger. If he gets his hands on someone tonight. <br><br>Well, the less dad knows, the better.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:356|Jason Todd (356)}} has posed:'''<br>Red Hood is already in motion. He doesn't even wait to be sure that 'Lectrette the shocking meta goes down. Moving like a charging bull, he begins to shoot his way through the Dogs or Metas even as Robin uses the comms.<br><br>The voice is grim and dangerous, &lt;Already on it.&gt;<br><br>When of a singular purpose, attempting to slow down any of the Bats is a tall order. Taking one down? That's orders of magnitude harder. It can be done but are any of the Dogs or Metas up for the challenge? Are they even going to try as Red Hood closes in on Balm's pinged location in his optics?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3395|Austin Reese (3395)}} has posed:'''<br>Osprey had managed to take down the meta who was freaking out, for his own good, only for the gas to start spreading across the field. Robin's warning gets him to pop his rebreather on over his mouth. The mention of getting to Balm is the only thing on Austin's mind at the moment, though. Sure, would he love to track down that asshole and elbow him in the head until he was a few inches shorter. But Balm had to take priority.<br><br>Pulling up her location on his domino mask, pulling out his grapple and firing a line up onto a roof, quickly sprinting across the rooftop as he approaches her location, &lt;"Balm I'm on my way, just hold on a second!"&gt; He sends her via a tight-band transmission, a moment before he leaps off the warehouse roof and lands on a shipping container, sliding down the side of it to get to the same level as Phoebe. Now he just needs to get to her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;FLOOMP! The Dockyard Dog that had tackled Xander is air-lifted off the pale-haired magician lad (That's a Yugioh card, right?), and he gives a garbled, spittle-soaked cry as he's launched up into the air, and comes down hard on the ground, rattling his bones and knocking him out. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Robin makes a straight line to the foreman's office. Anger fueling him as he makes his way to Sewell, whose laughter echoes around the dockyard, repeated 'Kill the Bats' slowly being interspersed with soft drone tones and sudden hard spikes in high frequency sounds. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Robin gets to the Foreman's office, high on stilts overlooking the whole of the dockyard. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Some of the Dockyard Dogs are beginning to shoot at one another, yelling incomprehensable phrases at each other. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is a shadow in the Foreman's office. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jason and Austin are coming up on one of the tall cargo cranes, this one has been tagged with 'WARNING -- DO NOT USE -- nodes cover it at strategic, supportive points, up and down the tower. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Phoebe's location is somewhere out in the heavy, icy mist, which is beginnign to coat the dockyards around them with rhime frost. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Balm's domino, crafted for her when she first joined the Outsiders, refurbished when she mentored under Tim Drake under her return from New York, gives a warning -- Critical Biodamage. Respiration compromised. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And another massive explosion rocks the dockside. Each of those nodes explodes, ripping like clothespins ripped off a comforter on a line, the concussive force and sudden heat compromising the crane's tower, and causing it to swing out over the half-frozen canal, spiked with tiny ice floes. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Over the coms, there's just a hushed gasp, harsh air leaving someone's lungs, and a burst of static.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5174|Xander Prescott (5174)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yep, that'll do it. Xander's up on his feet and running, all of his remaining energy pouring into the single-minded need to escape. He launches himself over a parked car (not Red Hood's), slides into a turn that he nearly missed, and ducks into an alleyway.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He stops there. Finds a better place to hide, a darkened stoop of an abandoned building, and somehow, some way, he manages to pull the tiniest bit of magic left in his veins out.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Umbra," he whispers, and the alcove he's crouched in is swathed in shadows, protecting him from peeping eyes. It'll keep him safe... for now.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>There's a shadow in the shed. Robin is not going to bother with knocking. Or the door. Instead, the youngest Bat lets loose of his grapple at the apex, just as the crane crumbles, and flies into the air. Nightwing would be proud. <br><br>As he descends, a pair of Batarangs are in his hands, his body balled up to bring his knees in front of him. He slams into the glass of the window that overlooks the dock, and both batarangs fly at the shadow... <br><br>...which disappears just as they would have struck. Slamming into the chair that was occupied, Robin '''roars''' in anger and rips the recorder out of the PA system, and once it's secured... he just starts smashing the PA panel over and over again. <br><br>When he finally has a moment to breath, he grates, &lt;Who's got her?&gt; Please, someone have her. Let her be safe. He can see it in the corner of his domino. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; IN VICINITY&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>&gt; <span class="bold_fg_g bg_n ++ hg">Red Hood</span><br>&gt; <span class="bold_fg_g bg_n ++ hg">Osprey</span> <br>&gt; <span class="bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Oriole/Balm</span> <br><br>And for the moment, all he can do is wait and gather the card he sees on the floor, picking up the PSYOPS calling card and scowling.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:356|Jason Todd (356)}} has posed:'''<br>Like a gun toting running back for some twisted (American) football league, Red Hood shoots, stiff arms and shoulders his way through any resistance; To be fair between the explosion, falling flaming bits of cargo crane, and the icy fog, there weren't a lot of figures to try and resist.<br><br>&lt;Osprey watch it!&gt; calls out Red Hood as the crane collapses down over the top of them. Dodging debris, Red Hood continues his attempts to close in on Balm's location.<br><br>Tersely, Red Hood responds to Robin.<br><br>&lt;No.&gt; But he is still looking. Changing his optics to thermal, he tries to close in on the last good ping.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3395|Austin Reese (3395)}} has posed:'''<br>As that series of explosions go off across the crane, Osprey watches, "Damnit!" He is keeping an eye on the collapse, aiming to keep himself out of the way of any falling debris. He's still rushing towards it though, trying to find Balm in all of that frost and smoke. His domino switches to thermal as well, with the frost it may make it easier for him to pick her out of everything.<br><br>&lt;"I'm looking, haven't found her yet!"&gt;<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One final message, over the domino, text based: <span style="color:#B5D8FF">I'm scared</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Distant miles away in Bristol Township, in the library a duo of dogs were napping. Potato, the big, white, bully-mutt was upside-down with his legs in the air on the floor. Someone passed by outside the door and his thick tail gave a wag, thumping in time against the floor. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The other dog, the graceful sighthound Idu was on a blanket, on the couch. Idu's head snaps up suddenly. His head turns, ears going akimbo, as if trying to tune into a TV station. And then panic sets in. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He leaps off the couch, hard enough to rock it backwards, and bounds over Potato. Potato looks confused, and then thinking its a game, he bounds after the red-and-white Desher-Iwiw. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Idu then skids to a stop on the hallway, collapsing down and slamming against the wall, and gives a wail of pain -- Potato never catches up with him. Idu is gone. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Potato skids to a stop, sniffing the air, and then whines. Something was wrong. Something was very wrong, Idu just doesn't disappear... normally. Sounding the alarm, Potato backs up, and in panic runs to find one of the humans. They'd know what to do, right? <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A carriage house near the University, new construction, paid for by Myrmidon and by a private donation through a Wayne Shell company curtesy of Papa Midnite and a desire for a mask of a Death God, Caroline Beacon had been getting ready for bed. Her last appointment with the dermatologist, set up through another Wayne grant was tomorrow to finally finish the damage done by a fire years ago that had claimed the home she shared with her husband, the firefighter named Charles Beacon. She paused, lifting the covers, and found a picture of a smiling girl holding a liver-color spotted dalmatian. She picked up the picture, and the glass in the frame cracked. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh my God -- /Phoebe/ --" she whispers, and raised her hand to her forehead. She reached for her cellphone on her bedside table. She found a familiar number, and called it. In Metropolis, Nick Nottles woke up at the buzzing of his cellphone, and reached to answer with an exhausted "Yello?" <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nicky, it's Caroline -- Mrs. Beacon -- can... you tell me where Phoebe is, right now? Have you seen my daughter?" <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Xander would feel a wind. It is cold, and heavy, and whispers to him to *run*.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The thermal-enabled dominos would find Dockyard Dogs, clinging to the wreckage of the crane which is trepedaciously clinging to its twisted base, threatening to release itself as it sinks into the water further. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Saif Hassan was bat-cuffed to it. His hands are covered with blood, his fingernails having been pulled out. He's screaming in the quiet after the explosion. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's the dull flash of a set of blue lenses under the water, hood ripped off and floating slowly down the canal to the river and further on, the sea.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>'I'm scared.' <br><br>From his vantage point in the foreman's office, Robin's domino mask picks up the flicker of the mask in the water. &lt;Hood! Osprey! In the water! Marking the location!&gt; And then he's immediately on the comms. <br><br>&lt;Gotham Fire and Rescue, what's your emergency?&gt; <br><br>&lt;I need a search and rescue boat on the scene immediately in Gotham Harbor. One missing, several injured. Send metahuman containment.&gt; <br><br>And another message. &lt;Oracle, Robin. Balm's missing. I need a blimp here now, as well as the Batboat and diving gear.&gt; <br><br>His knuckles are bleeding from where he crushed the panel to stop it. He's not giving up hope. She's there. She's a ''mage'', she's going to be ''fine''. That's when the first tears appear underneath the domino. A scrub of his face. No. Not yet. She would not give up on you. Don't you dare give up on her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:356|Jason Todd (356)}} has posed:'''<br>In the icy fog, the edge of the dockyard comes up rapidly in front of Red Hood's path. <br><br>His optic HUD is showing that last ping is in the river.<br><br>&lt;Pheeb fight for us! I'm coming!&gt;<br><br>It's all Red Hood can offer before he does the illogical thing and dives head first into the river. He doesn't exactly have a diving rig on that mask but the safety features do allow for a hermetically sealed emergency air source for 90 seconds. Enough to get away from Scarecrow's gas attacks among other things. Or give him a chance to find Balm. A chance he is determined to take.<br><br>Diving down, he begins searching, the glow from his own optics show as two crimson dots disappearing deeper.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3395|Austin Reese (3395)}} has posed:'''<br>There's no thought about getting diving gear, no thoughts about anything other than getting into the water and getting to Balm. Osprey dives into the water without losing a stride, slipping into the freezing, filthy river. It's cold enough that Balm should still show up on thermals, somewhere down here. He's swimming with everything he's got towards the point marked by Robin. He's got to make it, got to find her.<br><br>He knows she can heal herself and he can't, but who cares about that. His lungs burning as he keeps searching, staying under as long as he can, until he knows if he doesn't surface, they're going to need to fish him out of there too.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jason gets to her first. Austin's domino registers Phoebe's as she's pulled up from the murk of the shallow section of the river. Above them, the steel gives a cold, metallic groan, and Saif Hassan panics further, his cries sounding distant from underwater. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Phoebe sustained 'catastrophic' damage. That's what the readout would say. It was a nice way of saying the damage was incompatable with survival. Her armor was sliced cleanly through, from below her breastbone to above her navel. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is limp, and doesn't fight as Jason extracts her, and Austin guards.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>While Jason and Austin are retrieving Phoebe, Robin glances down. And he sees Saif treading the water, held in place. Leaping down from the foreman's deck, he lands on the crane. And he starts to walk towards the man. <br><br>And he comes to where Saif is hanging, head above water. A jump creaks the metal and pushes it down, dunking Saif under the water, before he bobs back up when the crane comes back up for a moment. "I figure I can do that about three more times before it breaks and you go to the bottom." <br><br>Another jump. <br><br>"Two." he grunts. "You will tell me ''everything''. You will leave nothing out. And if I learn that you are lying... there are over 200 bones in your body, and I will take my time breaking every last one of them." <br><br>He waits for Saif to agree. And if he does, the last thing he'll see if Robin smashing his fist into his face to break his nose and knock him out, before freeing him and fishing him out of the water to drag to his cycle. He throws him over the back like a saddlebag and hops on. <br><br>There's plenty of places he can go. But there's someplace in paticular he plans to go. And perhaps someone to assist. Someone that is an expert in information gathering.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:356|Jason Todd (356)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt;I have her&gt; comes the angry, terse response.<br><br>Rising out of the water with Phoebe lifeless in his arms, Jason rightfully should be shaking with rage. The rage is there. But in the moment he is focusing it with all the skill of a cold blooded killer. Ironic since he was trying to save Phoebe.<br><br>On the dock, Red Hood does not pause to lay her down. There is no amount of CPR or first aid that is going to bring her back.<br><br>&lt;She's gone.&gt; It's all he can do to even hoarsely whisper it out.<br><br>Marching stiffly away from the river, he doesn't bother to wait for Damian or Austin. Instead he growls through his mask as filthy river water drips from his armored form.<br><br>&lt;CAR.&gt;<br><br>In moments the matte black Mustang Mach 1 speeds through the dockyard to close in on Red Hood's location before it stops perfectly in front of him.<br><br>He moves to the passenger side, calling out, "Door!" to the car as the right side door opens automatically. Laying her in the seat, he slams the door and stiffly walks around to the driver's side as he prepares to take her away.<br><br>But to where?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:3395|Austin Reese (3395)}} has posed:'''<br>When the read out from the domino comes back to him, Osprey manages to keep from yelling out because he's underwater. He gets to the surface, climbs up after Jason, though as he's walking away, Osprey's pace slows and then stops. He just stands and watches as Jason loads her into the car, he doesn't say anything. What is there to say? Jason has her. Robin has Saif. And Osprey has nothing. His fists clench tight, thoughts running through his head. Like where Phil is right now. Once Jason's door closes, Osprey finally comes in over the comms.<br><br>&lt;"Take her home."&gt;<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17080/Happy_Preparations&diff=2552017080/Happy Preparations2024-02-20T01:05:03Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/02 |Location=Kenka - Japanese Restaurant |Synopsis=Ideas for the next sorcerers' night. |Cast of Characters=319,179 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/02<br />
|Location=Kenka - Japanese Restaurant<br />
|Synopsis=Ideas for the next sorcerers' night.<br />
|Cast of Characters=319,179<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:319|Illyana Rasputina (319)}} has posed:'''<br>Every once in a while, a girl wants sushi. Is that so wrong? <br><br> Sushi date for lunch, plotting time ahoy. The restaurant isn't particularly busy despite being in Greenwich Village, and that could be due to ESU's student body finding the price too high - it is New York - or some spell warding off unwanted attention, the cold weather, or the in-between hour of rush and dinner. Hard to be sure. <br><br>The blonde Demon Queen slouches in her corner chair, watching windows and door and bubbling Zen fountain alike. The matcha in her hands is piping hot, surprisingly earthy, and intensely welcome. Rare to find her smiling into a cup, but there she is.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:179|Stephen Strange (179)}} has posed:'''<br>To answer the question, no, it is never wrong to want some sushi once in a while.<br><br>Honestly, it does Stephen good to get out of the Sanctum once in a while. Not that he would ever admit to it out loud. But...he's pretty sure that sentiment is shared.<br><br>And yes, the restaurant is particularly chill for the moment. Three of the four reasons are completely natural. The price is a bit too high for the common student. And...it is cold, certainly, though not as cold as it has in the past couple of weeks. And certainly the timing might have something to do with it. Only those in the neighborhood really know that trick, and the Sanctum is certainly in the neighborhood.<br><br>But the minor ward? That....might be a little of Stephen's doing. It is just a minor diversion spell, just subtle enough to prevent just casual onlookers and other such distractions from interrupting a nice lunch. Still, the truly determined could still walk in, which was fine for the good Doctor. It...is just one more assurance that the lunch will be a cozy affair.<br><br>The Sorcerer Supreme appears anything but for this date. Long coat, sensible footwear, jeans. Definitely more casual than tunic and cloak. He takes a seat opposite Illyana, placing his back to the door but enjoying the views of windows and fountain. If he would bother with such views. No...his attention is on the Demon Queen, smiling. No words exchanged, for the moment. Just the simple act of watching Illy enjoying her matcha prompts a smile all Strange's own.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:319|Illyana Rasputina (319)}} has posed:'''<br>The prospects of a sour-sweet rice topped in marbled slices of fish appeals to a woman whose domain rarely includes such niceties. The exceptionally sharp knives and skill to use them simply add a plus to the experience. Chances are she's already looked over the menu a few times to decide what sashimi and rolls are worth tempting herself with. Or Stephen. <br><br>"Do you want to pick several things or let it be chef's choice?" she asks, the native camber of her Russian accent flatlined for the time being. Only when she's in uncertain waters or projecting by leaning into it does she have to worry all that much. The doctor is not one of those people who needs to be Russified, so why spend the energy? The server coming by receives a request for a bowl of red miso soup and sunomono salad, the delicate shavings of translucent cucumber snappy and adjacent to her own preferences. <br><br>She pushes up the sleeve of her sweater over the round of her shoulder. Glancing at Stephen isn't an indulgence, it's a gift any day of the week. Should anyone decide to spoil the day by walking through the doors, she might incinerate them for the hell of it. He deserves a bit of peace and quiet. "Do you have ideas for what to discuss at the next meeting?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:179|Stephen Strange (179)}} has posed:'''<br>"Well, we can live in the moment and let the chef decide. It will be an adventure." For a person that usually spends a great deal of time to ensure that he is in control at any given moment, the fact that Stephen is letting go of this one small aspect is telling. He's opening himself up more, further proven by the series of meetings that he is attempting to host. The server receives a similar order from the Doctor, something appropriate and yet mundane, lost to the moment of just relaxing with his companion.<br><br>Discussion turns to the next meeting. The next gathering of mystically-minded individuals. And, apparently, Strange does have at least an idea. "The first discussion turned into more of a social mingling than a discussion. Granted, it was needed, certainly, as there were those present that had never been in the Sanctum before and truly did not know how to approach me. So, as far as discussion or offers for assistance....that was rather limited." A beat as Stephen shifts to glance to the fountain, enjoying its contribution to the ambiance, both visual and audible, before he returns to focus on Illyana. "So, I do think that perhaps the next meeting is spent giving opportunity for those that truly seek assistance to feel comfortable enough to ask for it. Meaning that perhaps it should be hosted at a more neutral location."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:319|Illyana Rasputina (319)}} has posed:'''<br>What are the chances a chef this close to the Sanctum would be a skrull or Baron Mordo's puppet? Low, though any chance of slipping Stephen fugu or a poisonous interdimensional turbot seems pretty low. <br><br>The blonde tucks her hair behind her ear, the rest of it pulled up into conical buns wrapped in moon-and-star splotched wires. Truly, the new bishoujo senshi, that's her. Everything comes around in the end, where fashion is concerned anyway. <br><br> With their initial orders in post-"chef's choice, no octopus" in, the matter turns to a more significant topic. Notably, what Sorcerers Supreme do in their office hours, like TAs suffer. <br><br>Her eyes lift thoughtfully to him and mark the response. "So not Limbo." Right. Definitely not Limbo. "No pressing or very urgent matters, da? We had the foolish people with a grimoire in a house to worry about. Maybe put out word for news of other stories. Everyone so likes to talk about what things they do. Maybe send word to the professor... Morrigan? Her school does many things. She might have something there to warn about."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:179|Stephen Strange (179)}} has posed:'''<br>The threat of an outsider influence trying to kill Strange via Asian cuisine honestly never crossed Stephen's mind. Maybe it should, given the number of enemies he has made, but in terms of audacity...it would be something, truly. Perhaps it is a good thing that villains are usually not that creative. Or that the selection of Greenwich Village chefs are of the most stringent criteria.<br><br>The orders in place, minus the calamari. It is probably for the best to not to consume any distant relations of elder gods, certainly. And, as the two mystics talk, the smile on Stephen's features grows.<br><br>"Regrettably, not Limbo. Though I would enjoy seeing that reaction from our more terrestrially-located compatriots. Could you imagine it? Hiding under a table within the Sanctum is one thing. But, in Limbo? The poor innocents would have no idea where to go." This...actually brings a chuckle to Strange's lips. "So...no. Unfortunately, Limbo is not a possibility at this time." There are more than a few demons disappointed at such a declaration, no doubt. "I was thinking more of various locations more welcoming. Perhaps a bookshop or a bar or something similar."<br><br>The suggestion of the school...Happy Harbor...does prompt a more inquisitive expression to appear. "That's a possibility. It is a more inviting scenario than the Sanctum, certainly, and it wouldn't show favoritism to a certain group or party. And certainly, Doctor MacIntyre may have need for assistance that our more unique acquaintances may be able to provide."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:319|Illyana Rasputina (319)}} has posed:'''<br>Just trust the paranoid intentions of a woman raised in the most horrible of places, a scarred trauma on her psyche she would even consider someone slips her food that's probably very bad to eat. Not just from outdated products or fish left on a block too long, either. Criminals in the world don't have half the bad nights' sleep Illyana Rasputina does. <br><br>Most of the time. <br><br>No octopus; Tako is too smart, and she does not deal well with eating things that are smarter than the average bear. <br><br>"Oblivion Bar? Bookstore?" Illyana supplies the options for Stephen, but he's more certain to have ideas than she does on that front. "Bookstores reliably do not encourage people to set things on fire. Some participants may want more adventures given to them." She shrugs. "Or not share. That's the danger. We set them loose and see what happens?" <br><br>Her shoulders rise, smoothly shrugged. "Doctor MacIntyre knows things that go on. She is usually willing to talk."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:179|Stephen Strange (179)}} has posed:'''<br>"Indeed. More adventures given to them." A nod in agreement is given as Stephen reaches to take a sip of water. "That seemed to be a going theme. That others were surprised I was hosting a meeting without having the fate of the world at stake. It was amusing, but also revealing." Revealing in the sense that most people do see him as a harbinger of doom.<br><br>Whether or not he actively supports this image is not mentioned. Though...there might be a little encouragement in that regard.<br><br>But setting the myriad of powers loose to see what happens? That might be profoundly unwise. And, yet, probably the most entertaining as well. Not that Stephen actually vocalizes that.<br><br>"Yes. Oblivion Bar was an option. There are only a few that I would be concerned with inebriation in our particular social circles. I had thought of other places, but again wanted to keep it neutral. At least for now. Perhaps we will start showcasing particular groups and pursue that route, but for now I feel that it would be more of a benefit to pull everyone together rather than highlight one team over another."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17096/Luck_Be_A_Lizard_Tonight&diff=2551917096/Luck Be A Lizard Tonight2024-02-20T01:04:54Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/19 |Location=Atlantic City Strip -- New Jersey |Synopsis=The Lizard menaces Atlantic City but is corraled thanks to some effective teamwork..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/19<br />
|Location=Atlantic City Strip -- New Jersey<br />
|Synopsis=The Lizard menaces Atlantic City but is corraled thanks to some effective teamwork.<br />
|Cast of Characters=172,3948,392,325,5124<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:172|Peter Parker (172)}} has posed:'''<br>Not quite boasting the same glitz and glamor of it's western cousin, the strip running down the oceanside boardwalk of Atlantic City never the less offers plenty of bright lights and plenty to see and do, even on a cool winter evening like this one. The brighly lit buildings -- a little more classic in nature rather then the extreme excess of Las Vegas -- almost pump out enough wattage to warm one up with all the marques boasting one attraction or another and while the cool evening breeze sweeping in from the Atlantic ocean might make it a little less desirable to walk the boardwalk, it nevertheless offers quite the view. <br><br>Even if it is better enjoyed from one's hotel room or the window of a restaurant instead of a seaside walk. <br><br>Of course not everyone out here tonight has necessarily been drawn in for a weekend getaway from the city. Not lured in by some show, or food and drink, or even gambling. Other things might drag people out and about on this particular evening. <br><br>Like, say, searching for one's professor and faculty advisor. <br><br>It's probably not an entirely outlandish possibility, not really. Tenured professors are just as likely as anyone else to be seeking a temporary escape, might be escaping a good time. They are certainly as capable as anyone of making bad choices, and certainly there are not many better places to make some bad decisions then Atlantic City. <br><br>Of course, in Peter Parker's case, he's fairly certain that Dr. Curt Connors is not, in fact, here to take in a show or lose some of his hard earned paycheck. While the garbled message left in his voice mail was hard to make out, it was clear that his professor was headed this way. And it sounded suspiciously that he was no longer fully in control of his faculties. Or at least he wouldn't be soon. <br><br>Fortunately Peter knows a few technically inclined people, which made it possible to get a triangulated position on the Doc's cellphone. Unfortunately he found it discarded at the far end of the strip, along with a significant portion of Connors' clothes. Not a particularly great sign. <br><br>Slipping into his own evening attire, Pete has taken to the rooftops, donning his arachnid alter ego as he flits from building to building, seeking out any sign of his friend and mentor -- or more likely, his reptiloid alter ego...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3948|Kaine Parker (3948)}} has posed:'''<br> Blood Spider's mind has been heavy lately. Silence from a friend, quiet from something he's entirely unsure what they are, and the Parkers still loom over his head. Atlantic City sounds different. A place he could go just to forget. Find some place really cheap to go, lay low, and maybe web up some people if he needs to let out some aggression. <br><br> That's why the evening attire is on. He'll be swinging through the city and across the rooftops. That's when a familiar blue and red motion catches his attention. He moves harder toward the colors before his own "Thwp!" and Spider-Man seems to have company. <br><br> "What the Hell are you doing out here?" he asks. Yes, it's probably pure chance that Blood Spider is here. Some might call it fate. Something forcing the duo to confront each other at some point. It's a subject Blood has been trying to avoid. <br><br> Either way Peter has an ally, and Blood Spider has an unexpected reminder, in their own plights.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan Gwynn is more here for sight seeing, maybe just enjoying a little travelling after recent events. Lately she's been feeling rather aimless and what better way to get back into things than to travel?<br><br>Which is made easier by the fact that she has her own set of wings. <br><br>But of course she has found out the hard way it's best to keep low key, so she hides them under her green wool peacoat, bright pink hair partly hidden under a black toque as she wanders down the boardwalk, enjoying the unfamiliar sights and sounds and window shopping to boot.<br><br>Professor? what professor?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Garfield Logan (325)}} has posed:'''<br>"Put your makeup on, fix your hair up pretty. And meet me tonight in Atlantic City."<br><br>It wouldn't fit if someone wasn't humming or singing the Springsteen song. After making a couple charity appearances in Wildwood and Ocean City, two beach towns on the Jersey Shore that are much more active when the weather's better, Garfield Logan headed further up the coast to see about a little entertainment before returning to Metropolis.<br><br>His method of travel? Taking to wing, a green bird of some indistinct type soaring overhead while using drafts and thermals to make the rest of the few miles from Ocean City go by easier.<br><br>Landing near the strip, he walks out into the middle of things in costume, red and white against his verdant skin tone. Hey, that's how they wanted to see him, so that's what they got.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:172|Peter Parker (172)}} has posed:'''<br>While the evening breeze might be cold, at least the weather is otherwise good with nary a cloud in the sky. Not that most can really take note of it of course, not with all the local ambient light pollution drowning out any real trace of the nighttime sky. Still, it beats tramping about the cold ocean front city in the rain and snow, so that's something. <br><br>Atlantic City isn't really all that far from New York City really, so the possibility of running into a familiar face was never that unlikely. But of all the people Pete might have expected to bump into, that certainly did not include his 'brother'. Life is already complex when you have a couple of clones running around, and it gets a little moreso when trust is occasionally hard to find. <br><br>At least with one of them. <br><br>Those oddly expressive eyelets on Spidey's mask narrow ever so slightly as Blood Spider lands on the ledge of his latest perch, just a short way down. "I could ask you the same," he counters drily. <br><br>Yes, they might have things to address. But that's not what brings Spidey out here tonight. Still, it's hard to put completely out of his mind and for a moment he takes his eyes off what has really brought him out here on this particular evening. <br><br>Which might be why he misses the shadow that detatches itself from the thicker mass of darkness in the alleyway below, the hunched shape swiftly darting out across the sidewalk, shying from the bright lights, unnoticed for a moment. <br><br>At least until the first scream sounds at any rate. <br><br>"I'm pretty sure that's what brought me out here. If you're not otherwise occupied I could probably use a hand," Pete conceeds, glancing towards Kaine for just a moment before leaping from that perch and taking to the air.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3948|Kaine Parker (3948)}} has posed:'''<br> "A needed vacation that fate has other plans for," Blood replies honestly. Then he catches that shadow moving itself. "What did the City drag out here," he says jumping from the same perch going with Peter. "Intel, Spidey. I'm out of the loop and want to know what I'm facing with you," it just feels like Peter knows, or has a vague idea, what they're hunting. He'll be here <br><br> Blood wonders about how big this thing is. How that shadowy mass moves. Honestly, that feels inhuman. With Peter involved it can be anything from something alien to a scientific experiment gone so horribly wrong. And then there's just Parker luck. So, it's why he wants the intel. "Any friends out here?" He'll ask as they move. Eventually Blood will add, "Besides me," which is a lot for him.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan Gwynn is totally minding her business, totally not noticing the two spider men up above, nor dies she notice the shadowy figure. She is that caught up in her own thoughts.<br><br>Its only when she hears the scream that she snaps to attention, peering around for the source of the chaos. Was someone just having fun? or is someone in danger..?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Garfield Logan (325)}} has posed:'''<br>"Picture? Sure! Autograph? No problem!" It doesn't take long for Beast Boy to become a focus of attention. Not /the/ focus, but one of them. He's in his element when cheesing it up with people, helping create smiles.<br><br>A sudden scream interrupts that.<br><br>He ushers a few of the people around him toward one of the buildings nearby. "Get inside and be careful. I'll see what's going on." Already, phones are out to dial emergency. Gar can't see anything obvious just yet, but he's headed in the direction of the sound.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:172|Peter Parker (172)}} has posed:'''<br>While the cold might be enough to encourage many to seek shelter inside, or at the very least to hurry from place to place, there is still no shortage of people out and about. And while the shadowy little nooks that can be found on most city streets are mostly banished by the bright lights and glowing marques that seem to front most of the buildings around the strip, they don't banish all the shadows entirely. <br><br>In this case the shadowy little nook in question is near the mouth of an alleyway leading down between two of the tightly packed buildings that front the Strip. A young couple out walking are backed up flush against the closest building walls, cowering back from the shadowy figure that looms over them, that hunched shape making it look nothing so much as a bulky, humanoid sort of shape. Though the way they recoil certainly suggests otherwise. <br><br>At the sound of the scream many curious eyes turn that way. It's still early enough in the evening that it seems too soon for some drunken fight to be spilling out one of the many local bars, but all those bright lights give people a false sense of security and they start to crowd closer to try and see what's going on. <br><br>At least until Beast Boy urges them away, at least some willing to listen to a public figure like that. When it comes to anything dangerous. <br><br>Some, but not all. <br><br>While Pete certainly has his reasons to keep things as discrete as possible given the potential ramifications to his friend if his condition should become public, it's not exactly fair to Kaine to send him in blind either. So while that initial disclosure might come a little slowly, a little grudgingly, it does come. "It's... probably the Lizard," Spidey finally says. "I have pretty good reason to suspect he's in the area," he offers up, dropping down onto one of those brightly lit signs and crawling until he can peer into those shadows at the figure menacing the pair there. "Just... try not to hurt him. Too much. This isn't really his fault..." he adds. <br><br>Whether that hunched figure hears them, or senses their approach, there is an angry hiss from it and a heavy tail suddenly lashes out, sending a trash can flying in the direction of the two Spiders, a sizable dent left in it's side. <br><br>Pete might not want his old friend hurt. The Lizard, however, would seem to have other ideas in regards to them...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5124|Kenesha (5124)}} has posed:'''<br>A Wild Kenesha Appears!<br><br>Right next to Spidey. She's crouched on the sign, awash in the neon lights, peering down over the city and at least one well-known superhero (hi Beast Boy!). "Hi there. You're pretty far from the city. What's up?" She nods to Kaine, "Other Spider I don't know yet, good to meet you." Then back to the original, "Who are we not hurting?"<br><br>For Kenesha, it's a day that ends with 'Y', so there's stuff going on! It's not giant kaiju (again), or boobytrapped tombs housing ancient evils (again)... so so far it's a pretty good day!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3948|Kaine Parker (3948)}} has posed:'''<br> Landing on a building ledge. "Powers are out of control?" Blood poses back to Spider-Man. He looks over everything. "How do we do descreet in a city this bright? I mean without taking out some of the neon signs. I don't have that kind of checkbook," he says knowing this will not only need a delicate hand, precision, but some form of a plan, too. <br><br> He'll drop down following Spiders lead. There's the hiss, followed by the tail whip. "Some friend you got Spidey," he says knowing this thing would be happy to hurt them. <br><br> Thinking on it, Blood has an idea. "You distract and I can maybe web the thing. You may not want to pull the metaphorical restraint trigger," he says knowing Peter's personal attachment might get in the way. <br><br> And then the wild Kenesha appears. "Blood Spider," he corrects. Inwardly he will curse Scarlet Spider for getting pick of the names, but what can one do? <br><br> Kenesha's appearance both helps, and complicates things. <br><br> "Any other ideas, Spidey," he presumes his idea is out the window because the new player on the field means new resources. And he presumes Peter knows what this person can do. So, Peter is more qualified to come up with an idea.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan Gwynn narrows her eyes, it's getting dark out here and people are moving towards the scream rather than away. Probably not a good idea. And something tells her that's not a squeal of joy. "Hey, someone call the police!" she shouts, trying to alert people to danger, and then she summons her glowing pink dagger, waving it in the air,trying to draw the shadowy figure away from innocents and towards her. "Hey big ugly, how about picking on someone your own size?" she yells as loudly as she can over the crowds.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Garfield Logan (325)}} has posed:'''<br>The hiss and the sound of the trash can is a great way for Beast Boy to figure out where the commotion is coming from. "Come on, guys. This could be dangerous. It's not worth getting hurt just to get a video," he complains, carefully making his way through a group of lollygaggers. Then he changes his mind and goes back to bird form so he can get above things a bit and close the distance more quickly.<br><br>Nearing the alley from above, it sure looks like a pair of Spiders are on the scene, but his familiarity with anyone else also responding is not great yet. "Hoooboy," he says, circling before calling down to said Spiders, "Any advice here?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:172|Peter Parker (172)}} has posed:'''<br>It's hard to be exactly sure of just what the creature's intentions might have been. Whether it was just going to menace the young couple. Or if it planned on chowing down on them. Either way, the sound of familiar voices above seem to serve as something of a distraction. As does the show that Megan abruptly puts on, waving that brightly glowing danger back and forth leaving bright little trails of light in the darkness as she tries to attact the attention of the beast. <br><br>And attract it she does. The hunched figure finally, slowly begins to turn and it is possible that she will wish it hadn't. While it seems to be draped in some sort of clothing, there is no way to otherwise deny the scaly, lizard-like features that turn towards Pixie, though not many lizards boast quite such a mouthful of ominous looking teeth. It snarls and snaps, starting towards her in that loping stride. <br><br>"Holy mother of heck!" Spidey exclaims as Kennesha suddenly appears right beside himself and Kaine. Clearly her arrival wasn't exactly anticipated, though there are enough other things on his plate at the moment that Pete doesn't allow himself to be distracted too terribly long. "I wasn't sure you'd get my message. <br><br>He leaves the introductions up to the others -- proper names are a little bit of a luxury right at the moment -- and instead gestures towards what is clearly a big, menacing, humanoid lizard, it's features no longer concealed. Of course, in addition to Megan's display giving everyone a good look at just what they're facing, it has the added advantage of giving the young couple a brief opening. Which they take, starting to dart away, though the sudden movement attracts the Lizard's attention and he whirls back around, hissing angrily and starting after them once more. <br><br>From his perch, Spidey gestures towards the threat. "Lizard. Big, strong and fast. Don't nececcarily count on your webbing doing much more then slowing it. Those claws are sharp enough to slice through it, though maybe if we pile enough on," he says, though there is a note of dubiousness in his voice. <br><br>"First priority, get him away from the crowds. Lead him away from the strip. He might follow me. He doesn't like me very much when he's like this, but if anyone else can attract his attention and lead him somewhere quieter, it's all good," Pete urges. "If we c an isolate him, I have something that might... calm him," he says. <br><br>And with that he fires off a webline, swinging low and striking the Lizard in the back, just enough to knock him off stride before flying deeper into the shadows of the alleyway, landing, clinging to the wall. "Hey Lizzie! I'm way more yummy then those two. Besides, you're looking a little chonky and I'll make you work for it!" Spidey calls back as those baleful eyes of the Lizard turn towards him. <br><br>The problem with this plan? Getting chased by a homicidal lizard creature.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5124|Kenesha (5124)}} has posed:'''<br>Lifting a brow at the name given by Kaine, Kenesha cants her head, "Sounds kinda villainous, you might think about something a little less... morbid. Spider-Knight? Recluse? Huntsman? Not quite furry enough to be a Tarantula or Wolf Spider." She grins, "Food for thought!"<br><br>Nudging Peter, she offers, "Language, good sir. Also... Lizard, huh? Poor guy. Alright, only as much hurting as absolutely necessary. Preferably none, but probably not likely to be none." Then Peter is off and swinging and she cringes, "That's... okay... damage control! BS, hope you can help catch cars!" That last part, sadly, to Kaine.<br><br>Leaping off the side of the sign, Kenesha teleports mid-air to get to the ground level, aviation goggles in place as she calls out to Beast Boy, "Wanna help wrangle cars and pedestrians for the Running of the Lizard 2024?" Waving a gloved hand, she speeds off to help head off any issues of oncoming traffic or pedestrians as Spider-Man leads a merry chase for the Lizard!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan Gwynn narrows her eyes as the lizard goes back to harassing the couple. "Heey, how rude! I'm over here, dummy!" no more holding back either, she pulls her wings out, popping out of a pair of conveniently cut holes in her jacket and she starts to fly low towards the lizard, still waving the glowy dagger in its face. "Hey! I said, over here! Let's play!"<br><br>Of course she knows what she us doing, and hopefully she has the lizard's attention long enough to try and lead it away from the crowds and towards that quiet playground over there. Unfortunately it means getting in close enough to not be ignored.<br><br>And that's when Spidey also snags the lizard with some webbing which might just pull him closer and faster towards Megan on the way. This might not end so well..<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Garfield Logan (325)}} has posed:'''<br>"I could turn myself into, uh, a bunch of mealworms, but my speed would be pretty limited that way," the Beast Bird points out, adding, "and I don't think I want him actually eating a bunch of me. So.."<br><br>Kenesha shows up nearby, though he's still airborne, and he says, "I was thinking something a little different." Though it looks like Megan is as well, getting a little too close for comfort. Maybe.<br><br>"Hey, you oversized kobold! Buzz off!" A swarm of green wasps replaces the bird, aligning themselves into the shape of an arrow before beginning to fly in that direction, away from the main throngs of people.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:172|Peter Parker (172)}} has posed:'''<br>Appearances can be deceiving. <br><br>While the lizard creature might look big and ungainly, he is anything but and he moves with equal ease and swiftness both on two legs and on all fours. More, he proves surprisingly agile, shifting directions faster then any creature his size has any right to do. <br><br>And of course there is that big equalizer; that tail. Not only does it help provide the balance needed to so swiftly change course on a dime, it makes an extremely good weapon for anyone unaware enough to get in too close. Which is exactly what happens when Spidey and Pixie find themselves with similar ideas, but working at cross-purposes for a moment as when the flying mutant woman gets just a little too close, she finds herself battered out of the air, knocked hard into the alleyway wall and left to slump down there. <br><br>Glancing back over his shoulder as he hears that disturbance behind him, Spidey slows just enough to take in the scene, wincing beneath that mask when he sees the winged woman go down. Not willing to leave her to the transformed professor's not so tender mercies, he sprays out a handful of his webbing and wads it up into a ball, tossing it back towards the Lizard, smacking him in the side of the head. Keep him angry. Keep him off balanced. At least long enough to lead him away. <br><br>"Hey scale-face, the party's this way. Lets get a move on!" he hollars back. <br><br>Fortunately, he is not along in those efforts to get the Lizard moving, to get him off the strip and somewhere quieter, and those buzzing green wasps make the Lizard lash out with those clawed talons, to snap with deadly jaws and to tear off in pursuit once more, darting down that darkened alley. <br><br>While there will always be a few gawkers who just refuse to see the danger in crowding closer, with Kenesha running interference it is a lot harder to follow and away from the bright lights of the strip, well, there aren't many that want to follow after when it means going down that dark alley, even with the prospect of getting more video of the strange creature. Or Beast Boy in action. <br><br>They just might keep anyone from getting hurt. Except for maybe Pete, as the Lizard starts to nip at his heels once more.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3948|Kaine Parker (3948)}} has posed:'''<br> Blood Spider tries to move in to keep peter from being hurt. Seeing Peter's technique from before, Blood will work on his own webball before tossingit at the Lizard. Just to keep that disoriented felling going. <br><br> "I have a different kind of webline, but if it hits, he'll be caccooned. You may have issues removing this guy," he says knowing it may take a bit to get Lizard out of here if that's the case. It wouldn't follow the case of descreet.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5124|Kenesha (5124)}} has posed:'''<br>With Lizard cornered in an alley (or having Peter cornered in an alley?), Kenesha gets off bystander detail and back in the game. As it closes on Spider-Man, she steps in behind the creature, almost casually, and reaches down to grab him by the tail while setting her feet to pull back against the man. "Nope. No biting my favorite Spider. He hasn't even built his first flying car yet!"<br><br>One of two things can happen, a comical farce wherein Kenesha tries to wrangle Lizard by the tail while he continues to try to eat the Spiders and wasps... or Lizard will turn on her and she'll have to face off with poor Dr. Conners.<br><br>Still, she glances towards the rest of the heroes, "Hey guys, I think we can keep him occupied if you want to work on a plan to sedate and contain him. Don't dawdle or anything, but you've got a few minutes."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Garfield Logan (325)}} has posed:'''<br>It seems the idea is still to get the big lizard out of confined space, away from more people, and to an area that will be easier to deal with him in. Picking up on the fact nobody is seriously trying to injure the guy, the swarm of wasps with their collective hive intelligence gathers that the goal is to subdue and confine first. If possible.<br><br>"This way! Come get me, Snapper!" Because those are some big lizard chompers biting at him. Ever see a swarm of bees or wasps create space and reform in tune with avoiding attacks? Now you have.<br><br>Once he's out of the alley, Beast Boy turns back into himself and gestures for the Lizard to come get some, thanks to a hand motion. "Can you guys, like, web him up more? Slow him down? That tail's like a whip!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:172|Peter Parker (172)}} has posed:'''<br>The Lizard is a pretty daunting threat, one of the most dangerous of the ones that Spidey has gone up against with any regularity. <br><br>But part of that is because he has rarely had any help. And he most certainly does on this particular occasion. <br><br>The fact that Beast Boy is there to also provide a much needed distraction, to buzz annoyingly around the snapping maw of the lizard creature keeps it from entirely focusing on Spidey. For which he is profoundly grateful. He'd rather not have a bit taken out of him. It's so hard to explain why he's missing a big chunk of flesh at class in the morning. <br><br>Not to mention that Dr. Connors would surely feel pretty bad about it. Maybe almost as bad as Peter himself! <br><br>Then the distraction proves to be almost secondary as Kenesha is abruptly there, grabbing hold of that tail, that super-strength proving up to the task of wrangling the Lizard, at least for the moment, though the way that tail flails about might give her something of a workout. <br><br>Sure enough, the Lizard doesn't much appreciate being grabbed and apparently it isn't just Spider-Man that he objects to doing the grabbing. So it can't be that much of a shocker when he whirls, those angry beastial eyes glaring with hate at the blonde archaeologist, jaws snapping at her now. <br><br>It is a mixed bag, true, Kaine's way of webbing up his foes, but in this case it could be a blessing in disguise. Yes, it's pretty conspicuous. But hey, they have a teleporter at their disposal tonight. It also will do a lot to conceal the Doc's identity. A shapeless mass wrapped up in webbing doesn't have much of an identity profile afterall so Spidey nods towards Beast Boy before hands lift, weblines *thwipping* out to latch onto the Lizard's head and jerk those jaws back away from Kenesha before they can find any purchase. <br><br>Cocoon him up Blood Spider!" Pete cals out, flipping up into the air, grabbing hold of the side of a nearby building and perching there as he discretely slips out a pair of needles filled with some unknown substance, waiting for the Lizard to be slowed enough -- and to have his features concealled enough -- to drop on down and inject the antidote into the raging beast.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3948|Kaine Parker (3948)}} has posed:'''<br> Blood Spider will want to ask questions of Beast Boy. Howevevr, that would be later. Right now there's a different beast they need to tend to. <br><br> And this is why Blood Spider deferred to PEter int he first place. The guy knows all of the pieces on the board. Now, he doesn't know everyone about, but the other Spider will take aim. "Thwnk! "Thwnk!" two orbs go spinning out aimed at the lizard, just to different body parts. If one misses, he hopes to hit the guy with the other. <br><br> Upon a hit, the Lizard would be caccooned in webbing. Each orb is one full cartridge's worth of webbing in a single shot. A risk-reward move that can go horribly right and horribly wrong. <br><br> Hopefully, they would have a caccoon lizard.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Garfield Logan (325)}} has posed:'''<br>Beast Boy moves in close now, and in a significantly different manner than before. With everyone converging on the Lizard, a distraction here, a set of webbing there, it opens the door for a large and strong green gorilla to loom over their quarry. "I was going to call up Grape Ape, but you'll have to settle for Apple Ape instead!" he practically roars, partly to get more of the Lizard's attention. Maybe not his best pun, but they aren't all winners.<br><br>Large hands grapple with the creature, intent on clamping jaws shut so those sharp teeth can't dig into him or anyone else, and with his exceptional strength he can at least slow the fight down - Kenesha's own strength with the tail coming into play as well - even if the Lizard may be stronger. It doesn't have to be very long if the Spiders also do their part, keeping distractions up.<br><br>"You..need to..play nice!" Powerful legs plant firmly in place, and as the webbing comes in he enters into a dance of twisting and avoiding while fighting to maintain his hold, then backing off when he thinks it's the right time. Even if some of that webbing catches him, he can always go small and get out of the line of fire.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5124|Kenesha (5124)}} has posed:'''<br>Kenesha keeps hold of the Lizard's tail, jerking her head back and keeping lower to avoid those jaws as she tries to keep him off-balance enough for the plan to be enacted. He's not an easy beast to wrangle, however, and she ends up struggling with him a bit more than she'd expected. "Whoa, hey! Never chomp on the first date, buddy!"<br><br>Well, at least she has a good sense of humor about the whole thing?<br><br>Shifting her grip on the tail to keep him from chasing off, or focusing on either of the Spider-People, Savant takes a battering to be certain... thankfully, she's taken worse and heals quickly.<br><br>"You guys ready with the webs? Cause I think he's really good and pissed now!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:172|Peter Parker (172)}} has posed:'''<br>Either Beast Boy or Kenesha alone might be hard pressed to keep the Lizard under control for any significant amount of time. <br><br>But then that is the advantage of working as a team -- or close to it at least. The ability to do things that one could simply not manage all by themselves. <br><br>In this case the pair -- one working at the front of the Lizard and the other grabbing him from behind manage to wrestle him into a sort of immobility, or at least close enough for the purpose required here. <br><br>And that purpose? Well, that would be Kaine trussing him up good and tight. It is a risky move really, emptying one's webshooters in an all or nothing gambit like that. Hit, and great, it can be enough to slow down -- if not entirely stop -- all but the strongest foes dead in their tracks. But miss? Miss and you're suddenly down one of the Spider's most potent weapons. <br><br>Which is why it's really, really nice that Kenesha and Beast Boy have more or less rendered the Lizard a stationary target. <br><br>Sure enough Blood Spider's web onslaught strikes home, bursting forth in a tangle of webbing that completely envelops that Lizard, leaving him little more then a squirming lump of hidden flesh, even his snarls muffled and nearly stopped. <br><br>Which means that it is time for Pete to move in. <br><br>From his perch up above, when he sees that cocoon of webbing burst around his transformed friend, he drops down, those needles gleaming in the much more dim light of the streetlights here in the back streets of Atlantic City. As he lands on the tied up Lizard, Spidey jabs downward, sending those syringes plunging through the webbing wrapped around the beast and injecting the formula into the transformed professor. <br><br>The effect is almost immediate. In mere moments the frantic struggles slow and then cease altogether and Spidey lets out a long, low sigh, shaking his head slowly. "I don't want to jinx anything, but I'm pretty sure that got him," he says as he hops off the now unmoving mass of webbing that lays sprawled out at the side of the street.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3948|Kaine Parker (3948)}} has posed:'''<br> Blood Spider looks around at everyone. Just taking in the big picture. It's the first time he's done any team excercise since his crisis of conscience. So, he's really soaking it in. <br><br> "Good job," he says, eaarnestly. "Everyone. I mean it," to him this is a major victory. Even if it's not on the grand scale. <br><br> Blood Spider holds out a clenched fist toward Spider-Man. It may hang out awkwardly for a moment, "Do we not fist bump?" he asks and even raises a brow under the mask.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5124|Kenesha (5124)}} has posed:'''<br>Kenesha will release her hold on the good-ish doctor once the sedative starts to take effect, letting him slump before reaching down to heft him up into a fireman's carry. She looks towards Spider-Man and Blood Spider, smiling faintly at the offered fistbump. "Take the win, Spidey. Also, seriously, Spider-Knight. Just sayin'. Think on it."<br><br>To Beast Boy, she grins, "That shapechanging is pretty fantastic, can you do ANY type of animal, or is it limited to like.. Earthly, real world creatures? Because I would pay money to see a bright green bronto just strolling down the street."<br><br>And finally, back to business as she looks at Spider-Man, "Let me know where you want him and I can deliver."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Garfield Logan (325)}} has posed:'''<br>Beast Boy manages to get free without needing to change back just yet, so he remains a green Garilla in the aftermath of Kaine's big cocooning and Spider-Man's jabs. "Oh, don't let the anti-vaxxers out there hear about this one," he quips, crossing his sizable arms. Yes, this ape is swole. "At least he's stopped fighting. Friend of yours? If, you know.." He shifts his arms apart so he can gesture at the needles.<br><br>"And /I/ definitely fist bump! Bring it in!" He starts on one for whoever's offering to reciprocate, only catching himself in time to go back to his normal costumed - and much smaller - self so said bump doesn't knock anyone over, adding to Kenesha, "Pretty much anything, but if I did that it might lead to some big potholes to fill."<br><br>Eyeing the more peaceful result of all that webbing and the injection, he gives Spider-Man a bit of a side glance. "I'm curious, but a part of me thinks I shouldn't ask too many questions."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:172|Peter Parker (172)}} has posed:'''<br>The shape under that mass of webbing is decidedly less bulky then it was moments before, and while that cocoon might not bind him quite so tightly, it also isn't moving so that, at least, doesn't seem to be an issue. <br><br>While Pete might still be more then a little concerned for his friend, he can't help but smile briefly under his mask at Kaine's suggestion, and while things might be a little... complicated amongst the Parker 'brothers', there's no denying that for, at least this one night, they are remarkably on the same page. <br><br>"Oh definitely, good job. This was *waaaaaaaaaay* easier then it normally is all on my own, so I definitely appreciate the assist. Go team. Woooo!" Spidey adds, offering up one of those fists for bumping about. <br><br>Even better, he might have avoided being filmed so there might not even be any stories blaming him for the disturbance in tomorrow's news. Though on the downside he is also lacking any photographs of his own to sell to the always testy JJJ. <br><br>Oh well. Win some and lose some. Helping Dr. Connors is a lot more important then yet another self-destructive payday. <br><br>Stooping down, the costumed wall-crawler scoops that mass of webbing up into his arms. "Thanks again, everyone. I mean it. Whatever it looked like, we are helping a good man," he says earnestly. <br><br>Then he leans over and whispers an address to Kenesha -- one not very far from Empire State University. From there he can get the man back to his lab and let him sleep off the lingering effects of the antidote before he goes home to his family.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Garfield Logan (325)}} has posed:'''<br>"You know what they say, teamwork makes the dream work," Beast Boy offers with a double thumbs-up after rubbing his hands together in a show of completing a job well done.<br><br>While he's got a smartphone on him, the idea to use it for something in the moment doesn't come up. He does point out, "Yo, Spidey. You kind of look like you're taking a big fly off with you, all wrapped up for later. Whoever's in there, I hope you can help him. I figured out we were holding back pretty quickly."<br><br>He also gives Kenesha a brief salute. "Good stuff there. You're a tough one. It was a good coincidence I was doing a couple things in the area and thought I'd come here before heading back home." A pause and he adds, "Which I'm gonna do after I get something to eat. That got my appetite up again." It doesn't really take much.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17156/She_Is_Not_A_Crook&diff=2551817156/She Is Not A Crook2024-02-20T01:04:44Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/11 |Location=The Black Market |Synopsis=Cain Marko offers an opportunity to earn some cash. Kiden accepts. |Cast of Characters=635,2549 |pr..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/11<br />
|Location=The Black Market<br />
|Synopsis=Cain Marko offers an opportunity to earn some cash. Kiden accepts.<br />
|Cast of Characters=635,2549<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:635|Cain Marko (635)}} has posed:'''<br>The Black Market is an ultra-exclusive joint and it's one that Cain Marko frequents from time to time. Especially when there's less-than-legal business to be conducted. Which is precisely why it's the location that Kiden Nixon receives a text instructing her to visit. A password is given to get her through the door and rather clear instructions are given after that: casual chic dress code.<br><br>When Kiden does arrive and delivers the password she is, of course. given some brow-beating at the door. She's not a regular, she's not even a known quantity within the community and here she is with an ultra-exclusive password. The brow beating comes to an end however as a couple heavy footfalls announce the present of Mr. Cain Marko. He's dressed in a pastel button-up, slacks, shined shoes, and a golden chain necklace - not a bracelet, a chain necklace - wrapped around his massive wrist. The security staff aren't typically ones to be trifled with and while surely The Juggernaut could hold his own in a tangle with him, Marko doesn't seem inclined to have his membership revoked. "She's my guest. We got business to discuss," he informs with his usual gruff manner. He's cleaned up well, but that doesn't suddenly sharpen the blunt instrument.<br><br>It doesn't take long for Kiden to be admitted under the care of Cain. Nor does it take long for the pair to be seated in a private VIP room with durable furnishing and accommodations, likely purposefully chosen for the likes of the Big Red Meanie's stature. A waitress slips into the room to take their drink orders, which leaves Kiden and Cain an opportunity to begin discussing business.<br><br>"You ain't likely to get identified or caught," Cain remarks with a dip of his chin, fixing Kiden with an appraising stare, "you sure you're up for this though? This ain't stealin' snack cakes from your local bodega. You ready for the potential heat or nah?" It seems that Cain's at least mercifully willing to offer ample opportunities for Miss Nixon to back out before they even begin.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2549|Kiden Nixon (2549)}} has posed:'''<br>When the text arrives, Kiden lifts a brow at the dress code, then shrugs. Rich people. She selects from her business casual wardrobe... a pair of very new designer darkwash jeans tucked into a pair of Jimmy Choo ankle boots, a bright pink button-down with a French collar and cuff open at the throat, and under a grey merino wool duster cardigan. Her hair fashionably tousled.<br><br>When she arrives, she gives the password as instructed. That she gets pushback isn't terribly unexpected. She's an unknown face pretty much everywhere, both a boon and drawback to her powers. Kiden is about to namedrop her host for the evening when Cain makes his appearance. She lets the two men work it out before following Cain back into the VIP room.<br><br>Taking a seat, she gives her drink order and settles into a seat that's probably far too large for her, but she makes it work. There's a glance spared for their surroundings before focusing in on Cain himself.<br><br>"I'll be fine. Are *you* having second thoughts?" She flashes a cheeky grin, teasing him just a little for his offers to let her wiggle out of the job. "I said I would help you, so I'm in. I may regret it later, but I don't break promises."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:635|Cain Marko (635)}} has posed:'''<br>"You ain't promised nothing yet," Cain rumbles back at Kiden's assurances. A large hand moves to rub at a recently shaved chin and the man's blue eyes shift toward the closed doorway, then back to Kiden before he offers a faint shake of his head, along with an unsettling smile, "I ain't got no second thoughts. My mind's set and I ain't one for changing course to often".<br><br>The big man goes quiet when there's a knock at the door. This results in a button being pressed by Marko which in turn remotely unlocks the door. In comes the waitress with their drinks. They're set down, the waitress leaves, and Cain's attention turns back to Kiden. Blindly he lifts the ice bucket that serves as a mug and the brutish man takes a long drink of the apple and cinnamon-smelling concoction that it holds.<br><br>The bucket's set aside as though it's nothing more than your average mug of beer. Then Cain carries on with the discussion after the door has been closed and remotely locked once again, "Job's real simple on your part. I'm going to knock in a wall, get people real scared and running out of the place. You're going to walk in through that big old hole in the side of the Rubin Museum of Art". Then Cain pauses. It's likely to ensure that Kiden's following along, but also to wet his whistle with another drink from his bucket. Setting it aside again he continues, "There's an item on the second floor. Ain't sure what it's for, but I'm told it's a key or somethin'. By then I'll be two or three blocks away, being a big old distraction. You get the thing, you get out with it, you disappear. We'll meet up later to exchange the loot and your cash."<br><br>The plan seems simple enough and Cain settles himself back in on the two-seat sofa making due as his arm chair. He watches Kiden during his explanation, but especially after it. It isn't just her verbal answer that he seems interested; it's her unspoken, physical cues as well.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2549|Kiden Nixon (2549)}} has posed:'''<br>"Sure I did, when I said I would help you. That was my promise." Kiden lifts a shrug like this isn't any big deal, even if it is, in fact, a VERY big deal. She did make a promise, though her father is probably rolling in his grave just about now, seeing what his daughter is getting herself into.<br><br>The waitress enters and sets the drinks down, Kiden lifts hers and takes a swallow of the seltzer water with strawberries. She's not much of a drinker and makes no bones about it, not particularly caring if she's made fun of for it. Water is life, and clean water is hard to come by in the city when you're homeless. She drinks it every chance she has!<br><br>Nodding along as he spells out the job, the only part that gives her pause is when he doesn't really define the object she's supposed to steal. Squinting at him, Kiden lifts a brow, "This 'whatever' isn't going to possess or curse or kill me, is it? I may not have the best life, but I like it, dammit." She has a good job, a good place, a good man, and good friends. And that's a damn sight better than where she was a few months ago!<br><br>That really does seem to be her big sticking piont. Making sure this object isn't going to fuck with her while she's holding it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:635|Cain Marko (635)}} has posed:'''<br>"Fair enough. You made me a promise," Cain answers with a little smile and his eyebrows seem to rise with a bit of delight.<br><br>"The number on it's 2014.102," Cain explains with a little shrug of his shoulders. It may be that even he doesn't know exactly what the number means or, at the very least, doesn't think it's important outside of the number itself. "My employer said it's about this tall," he says as he spaces his palms apart a little under a foot in length. "About the size of a milk carton. Them old," then Cain's eyes settle onto Kiden, he squints, and then he continues, "those cardboard or whatever orange juice cartons? About that size and shape. It's got a bunch of wavy lines and stuff on it. Just looks like some kind of statue, but apparently it's a key".<br><br>After the description is offered and the question of curses, magical possession, or whatever else is questioned? Cain only begins to laugh. He shakes his head once and cuts the air with one massive hand as it waves aside, "Ain't nothing like that. If the guy didn't tell me about that detail? You got my word I'll pluck his family apart before I twist him up". Brutal.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2549|Kiden Nixon (2549)}} has posed:'''<br>It's that weird area where she sticks to her word when she gives it, even if it's likely not in her best interest to do so. She doesn't break promises. Kiden gives a short nod to his response.<br><br>Lifting her glass for another sip, she listens to the details, nodding here and there. The description of it has her blinking and looking quizzical for a second, "Is your employer some giant sentient planet thing that makes you bleed from the head when it talks to you? Because that sounds like one of the stone dealies from The Fifth Element. If Chris Tucker shows up in skintight velvet, I'm outta there. Just putting that out there right now." Otherwise, the item seems banal enough. "Do you know what sort of security is on it? Like, is it in a case?"<br><br>His laughter and response has her snorting, "Not that that would matter to me if I get possessed or cursed or whatever'd. Also, ew. Super ew." She's had to deal way more with death than she would like to already.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:635|Cain Marko (635)}} has posed:'''<br>"If my employer was a giant sentient planet thing that made me bleed from the head when he talks to me? I'd fuck it up," Cain answers without hesitation or humor. Leave it to the Juggernaut to pick a fight with a planet-thing. He sucks at a tooth for a moment and listens to Kiden's own question. The mention of The Fifth Element, Chris Tucker, skintight velvet, and the rest results in a confused - and frankly unamused - expression written across the broad features of Cain. He grunts before he shrugs and grumbles out an answer, "Don't know nothing about that. He said it's a key. Or a keystone. Or something. I don't know, I don't care. He's paying a chunk of change to get it - your cut's five grand. That pays for the job and your silence after it's done. You don't go bragging, telling your friends about it, or whatever else. You build your reputation on discretion. Ya'got me?"<br><br>He doesn't answer further on the matter of curses, possessions, or whole families meticulously plucked apart. He takes another drink of his alcoholic apple bucket, sets it aside, and focuses his attention on Kiden pending further questions or comments.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2549|Kiden Nixon (2549)}} has posed:'''<br>"Hmmm, you make a compelling counterpoint. Alright. I will trust that this isn't leading to some ancient pyramid where I'm going to have to be turned into a mutant deathlaser or something." Don't ask. If he didn't get the earlier references, this one won't make any sense either. Not that it matters to Kiden one way or another. Nodding to his response, she offers, "And the security? Is it in a case? Setting off the alarm won't bother me, if it isn't already wailing from the giant hole in the wall. But I need to know if there's anything I have to get through to get to the stone." Not because she can't break it, but because she needs to know how hard she'll need to hit it to break the case, if there is one.<br><br>"Hey, I'm not going to turn up my nose at five grand. And I don't snitch. Snitches end up in ditches with bitches." She's young, he's going to have to accept a certain amount of terrible street slang.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:635|Cain Marko (635)}} has posed:'''<br>"Damn straight I do," Cain answers on the matter of his compelling argument. He's right. Of course he's right. It's not usually wise to tell him he's wrong. So he's definitely right.<br><br>The question of security earns a nod. It's one of those nods that seems to say 'oh, right'. "You might need a pair of wire cutters, just in case. I've heard conflicting things. It's either got no security or it's gone one of those little wire tethers on it," he explains with hands gesturing in circles, as though illustrating 'one of those little wire tethers' encircling an object. When his hands lower back to his knees, Cain's chin dips slightly to once again fix Kiden with an appraising stare. "There might be on-site security. Two, three, maybe even four. Might even be plain clothes. Fuck'em up if you want, but don't kill'em. They may even flee with the rest of the herd".<br><br>Cain glances toward Kiden's seltzer water and strawberries, his eyebrows shifting upward and his eyes very nearly roll. Despite that he does not comment. Instead he reaches for his alcoholic apple cinnamon bucket. He takes another long drink. He doesn't set his bucket aside this time, but instead holds it within a palm much like Joe having a mug after his shift at the mill might.<br><br>"Easy peasy. Get it, get it to me, get your five grand. I ain't going to ask you if you're sure because you made promise. We'll be making our move in a couple weeks. That time may get bumped up a week. All depends on some info I got comin' my way," he explains in his usual gruff manner. Again his scratches at his recently shaved chin, his mouth screwing up into a thoughtful scowl. When his hand drops away he asks with some sense of finality, "You got any other questions?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2549|Kiden Nixon (2549)}} has posed:'''<br>Kiden gives a chuckle at his assertion, nodding along with him. Because of course he's right! While she's certain that she could get away from him, she isn't exactly in hiding, and that is NOT a confrontation she wants to have.<br><br>She sips on her seltzer and strawberries while he talks security, nodding at the mention of wire clippers. She can do that, those fit in a pocket easy. Chewing on a slice of strawberry, she lifts a brow at him and shakes her head, "No need for me to fuck up anyone. They won't even see me. It'll be like it just fuckin' disappeared." Because that's how Kiden's power works! "I keep my head down, get in, get out, and text you when I'm away and ready for the exchange. You text back giving me location, we meet, we exchange, all is gravy."<br><br>It really is a good thing that Kiden isn't actually a villain, her power is a little terrifying, and has so many potential applications. Kiden just stares at him when his expression changes over her drink, daring him to say something. Because really, would YOU get drunk around this place if you were her? HELL no!<br><br>"No more questions. You just let me know when it's on and I'll be there, ready to roll." She flashes a quick grin and takes another swallow of her seltzer water.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17158/HUNGER:_Emissaries&diff=2551717158/HUNGER: Emissaries2024-02-20T01:04:34Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/17 |Location=Central Battery, Oa |Synopsis=Diana, Donna, and Jean bring news of the Green Lantern Massacre to the Guardians of the Universe..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/17<br />
|Location=Central Battery, Oa<br />
|Synopsis=Diana, Donna, and Jean bring news of the Green Lantern Massacre to the Guardians of the Universe on Oa.<br />
|Cast of Characters=1534,168,1140,35<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1534|Jon Kent (1534)}} has posed:'''<br> The strange vessel arriving at Oa draws the immediate attention of the Guardians, and a pair of Green Lanterns arrive to fly alongside the ship as they direct it towards what looks like a massive lantern rendered from glowing green stone. As the ship approaches, it becomes clear just how massive the lantern is - hundreds of feet high and wide, glowing from within.<br><br> The Central Battery.<br><br> The ship is directed to land on a landing pad outside, and waiting there is a third Lantern. Taller than a human and twice as broad, his flesh is a livid pink and his features have the appearance of something like a gruff bulldog. He waits outside, arms crossed over his barrel chest. The green ring at his finger glowing ominously.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:168|Diana Prince (168)}} has posed:'''<br> Once the Amazons pilot the Jet down in to the designated landing site, the gangplank smoothly deploys from its underbelly, and from within the ship, Diana first disembarks. WEaring a dark blue cloak over her armor, the Princess' hair is loose around her shoulders, with no visible weapons on her person, as she spots the waiting Lantern representitive having arrived. <br><br> Diana steps off of the cloud-hued gangplank of her vessel, her wedge heeled boots touching down upon the foreing world to her. She offers a respectful bow of her head to the pink skinned Lantern, and motions behind her with one hand coming out from within her dark robe. <br><br> "I am afraid we come with grave news." She explains. "We have just arrived from a travesty of fallen Lanterns, members of your people, presumably. We have brought one survivor with us, but they are in dire need of medical attention." She speaks with a soft voice, a voice laced with hopefully conveyed concern for the survivor, and a mournful undertone for those less fortunate. <br><br> "Our people are overseeing the location, and we are prepared to share it with you, and yours, so that recovery operations can be launched with hopeful immediacy." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna broadcasts a hail to the two Lanterns that fly out to intercept them as soon as they are in range. No great spoilers, but a basic warning of what to expect. &lt;&lt;Greetings, we are companions of Lantern Hal Jordan of sector... ah Hades, what is it, 2814 I think? Planet Earth, Sol system. We have on board an injured member of your corps. We have stabilized him but he needs urgent medical attention, please be ready to receive him. Species was... I believe Hal said Noxagian?&gt;&gt;<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once the ship has landed, she comes down the ramp shortly behind Diana and nods a greeting to each of the Lanterns. "We have readings and images of the scene of the attack we can share with you. Whoever attacked your fellow Lanterns was gone before we arrived. Jordan asked us to bring you the injured party and news, he himself has gone ahead scouting, to a location I believe he named Khaos."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The injuries we saw were consistent with attackers using a combination of energy discharge and bladed weapons. In my estimation, large axes." She eyes the pink-skinned Lantern up and down. "Something appropriate for a being of your size, or even larger, I would guess."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:35|Jean Grey (35)}} has posed:'''<br>Jean disembarks at the back of the group, leaving ample room for her charge, who floats along at her side without physical aid but encased in a light shimmering of yellow-orange energy. Her understanding of the Lanterns gives the impression that they might instinctively understand the visual language of such constructs.... although she has relatively little knowledge of their whole color-coded system of rivalries! Hopefully no one mistakes her for Much Hotter Larfleeze.<br><br>All else aside, it is as safe a method of moving him as any, and safer than many. Those telekinetic forces can keep him fixed and stable in a very literal sense, held static against the various forces invisibly in play in an always-moving universe.<br><br>At this point, she's dispensed of the space suit, wearing just the blue and yellow team jumpsuit that normally goes underneath.<br><br>Allowing Diana to do the communication (she's great at that hearts and minds stuff and she doesn't even go in your head to do it!), she lets her attention wander a bit. Space is a paradox with her, both familiar and strange simultaneously. Arguably, in the mortal sense, she's less experienced than many of her teamates given one of their biggest missions was to rescue her!<br><br>After the preliminaries, she makes a slight gesture and sends the telekinetically-suspended body floating forward, toward his own people, ready to relinquish her hold as soon as they provide whatever alternative. "We do have some medical capabilities of our own, and we're happy to do anything we can to help, but the Lantern we mentioned adivsed he'd be best handled here."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1534|Jon Kent (1534)}} has posed:'''<br> "Yeah, we know who you are," the large Lantern grumbles, a deep baritone as he regards the group, "Jordan mentioned you poozers were comin'."<br><br> A heavy sigh escapes the man, shaking his broad head as he does.<br><br> "Name's Kilowog, sector 674. Love to stay an chin-wag but They want to see you."<br><br> He doesn't make it clear who he's referring to, instead turning his broad back to march in the direction of the Central Battery and an ornate gateway built into the base. The two Lanterns who escorted the ship extend their hands, capturing Gallius Zed in a shell of green energy.<br><br> As for the wounded Lantern's care, no mention is made. He is simply carried along with them, left in a state of unconsciousness.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:168|Diana Prince (168)}} has posed:'''<br> After the injured Lantern is brought out of the jet, the two Amazon warriors who had been piloting the vessel lastly disembark, both taking up flanking positions on either side of the entryway in to the jet. Diana spares a glance to her sister, then toward Jean, before she looks back to the Lanterns receiving their injured bretheren. <br><br> "We are eager to help out, however we may be able to." She informs, before she glances to both Jean, and Donna alike. Without saying anything further verbally, Diana turns to follow the Lanterns toward those that they spoke of, tthose that are waiting to see them. <br><br> the two Amazon women left behind, both stand beside the ship in their regal attire, both of them holding silver and golden lances one in the right hand, the other in the left. Oh to be a Guard on duty, the fun they must have. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna raises an eyebrow ever so slightly at the response from Kilowog, but says nothing. Diana of course knows exactly what Donna's thinking right now, which roughly can be roughly put as 'Wasn't expecting them to throw a parade or anything, but it would be nice if people were a little friendlier, you know? Here we are travelling half way across to galaxy to help them out, and we get called poozers. What in Gaia's name is a poozer anyway?'<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She gives the two Amazon guards left a the ship the traditional bracer-clashing salute, honoring their sacrifice in standing boring guard duty, and steps her pace up to walk alongside Diana and Jean. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You had much dealings with this lot in the past?" She asks Jean, smirking slightly. "They're a bit... odd. Still, sounds like we might be going to meet some of the bosses. That'll be interesting. Never met one of /them/ before."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:35|Jean Grey (35)}} has posed:'''<br>"He seems nice." Jean declares, once Kilowog turns to march ahead. It's not sarcastic, she just has a type! 'Poozer' may as well be alien for 'bub.'<br><br>After discharging her patient into the loving care of his own comrades, she glances over toward the others, and then takes up the pace of the group in following along wherever they're led. Again, there's no shortage of curiousity in her surroundings as they go.<br><br>"It wasn't so much that I did," Jean eventually answers Donna, as they find some room for conversation on their walk. "John Stewart went with the X-Men to M'Kraan, and there was clearly some kind of Lantern connection to that world. But he wasn't terribly talkative on the details, nor was his ring. The Lanterns as a whole seem, I don't know. Obviously Hal has been with the Justice League for a long time. Diana, you must know him pretty well, at least?"<br><br>Eventually, her gaze turns back ahead. "None of the Earth Lanterns seem to have anything good to say about their bosses, though. And well, no one likes their boss, but it does feel like there might be a bit more to it than that. Secrets kept, skeletons in closets, that sort of thing."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1534|Jon Kent (1534)}} has posed:'''<br> The walk into the Central Battery is a strange one. The landscape and the architecture are alien in every respect, and even the air feels different as the chemical composition of the atmosphere is just a little different from that nitrogen-oxygen combination residents of Earth are so familiar with. Kilowog leads the way, something weighing heavy on his mind though he does his best not to make a show of it.<br><br> The inside of the battery is equally bizarre. There is clear science at work here that is so far beyond anything humanity have even dreamed of at this point. An effort to be utilitarian while, at the same time, still creating a tremendous monument to the collective ego of those who created this place. This world.<br><br> When they finally enter the central chamber, there is no council gathered. Rather, there are two blue humanoids in flowing red robes who may be the Guardians that Hal had made mention of. They are barely three feet tall in height, one appearing to be elderly with his white hair in a dramatic widow's peak while the other appears to be younger and feminine with no hair upon her broad cranium.<br><br> "Lanterns Sayre and Salaak," the male says, addressing the two helping to carry the wounded Lantern, "Take Lantern Zed to the infirmary. We will conduct this conference alone."<br><br> It is then that he finally addresses the group: "I am Ganthet, and this is my colleague Sayd. You have news."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:168|Diana Prince (168)}} has posed:'''<br> "Hal is a kind hearted man." Diana replies back to Jean and Donna, overhearing their conversation, and the question asked of her. "He has a great deal of bravado when he wishes to, but I believe it serves him well, and likely contributed to the call to duty that the ring came to him for." <br><br> As they walk onward, Diana's eyes curiously look over the alien world, its architecture, and even does note the differences in the oxygen found here. This kind of exploration is exciting to her, as she rarely leaves Earth, and in 100 years of exploring it, it can lead one to feeling as though they have 'seen it all.' Some part of her feels a smile touching her lips, coming from the spirit of the little girl she once was, dreaming of adventure and far away places. <br><br> When they reach the spot of their next greeting pair, Diana offers them too a light bow of her head, her cloak waving gently around her much taller form than that of their own. <br><br> "A pleasure to meet you both, Gamthet, and Sayd." She tells them in a pleasant tone of voice, if still reserved some in its strength. She motions to her companions. "Donna, my sister, and Jean a good friend." She introduces them, before her eyes return to the shorter ones that are seeing them. <br><br> "We answered the call of another friend, a member of your Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan. He came across the aftermath of a seemingly great battle zone in a nearby region of space. Sadly, it seems many Lanterns have lost their lives, but we hope to help your people navigate to this location to recover them. We witnessed their rings already setting off, presumably to find new hosts, but the former bearers yet remain where we found them. We have guardians looking over them, until your people can arrive, and we offer help in the retrieval process, as well." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think there's a bit of a disconnect between the mission and the people who came up with the mission," Donna says to Jean with a nod of her head. "The bosses seem to have some secrets they keep from their own. Remember how our Lantern friends were not getting the full data from their rings? It's not good to keep information you know from the people you send into battle."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is fun! A visit into the heart of the Lantern corps. Donna spends the time taking in every detail, not that there's a whole lot that can be learned from what's there to see. She's seen a lot of strange things in recent years -- possibly more lately than even her sister. She does seem to have a habit of ending up in strange places. Some of the time she's been face to face with technology similarly too far ahead of what she's used to on Earth that there's no real way of making sense of it, but that never stops it from being interesting to see. A recent visit to a thousand years in the future had contained some equally incomprehensible-looking technology, and some of it was even Terrestrial.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna gives a polite nod to the two departing lanterns before turning her attention to the bosses. She studies them a few moment before giving each of them a polite nod too.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We gathered all the bodies we could locate into a single place, and put a beacon there to ensure they won't be lost. There were quite a few of them, unfortunately. Whoever fought them must have been a dangerous enemy indeed."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Whoever it was, they were gone before we got there. From what we could tell by the bodies their attackers were armed with both some type of energy weapon, and bladed weapons. Some kind of axe-type weapon. There was a consistency to the cuts that suggests the physical attacks were done with a uniform design of bladed weapon. Or possibly a single weapon."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:35|Jean Grey (35)}} has posed:'''<br>"John ran into the same problem," Jean echoes that bit from Donna about Hal's ring. "And it only makes you wonder that much more what they could be hiding. Bit of a Streisand effect."<br><br>As they walk, the woman's wide gaze drifts side to side. If it's got the potential to impress Diana, it can definitely impress Jean. Even what ventures she has undertaken beyond Earth in recent days, they've never taken her somewhere like this. The Shi'ar are advanced, but they still have that familiar cultural texture that seems almost universal among humanoid civilizations: they do pomp and circumstance like human nobility does pomp and circumstance. Emperors and thrones.<br><br>But this place? The purity of the supersceince is something else. Grandeur not for its own sake, but out of it's impressive function. It's more akin to the Celestial tech... or to what the X-Men saw on that distant planet before the Imperial Guard collected them.<br><br>When they finally meet the Oan pair, she offers a smile and an introduction of her own. "Jean Grey. Hopefully I'm not on your Wanted list, or anything." She's only half joking! As far as her own comments on the event, again, Donna has far more experience when it comes to describing the details of the battle, but she does have one bit of assistance she can offer:<br><br>"If the Lantern we brought back doesn't return to consciousness soon, I might be able to try and retrieve some of what he saw from his mind. I hesitated to do it while his condition was critical, but it might facilitate things, if time may be a factor."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1534|Jon Kent (1534)}} has posed:'''<br> "We have means of retrieving this information for ourselves, Jean Grey," Ganthet answers, "The Phoenix entity is a concern to us, but preliminary readings do not suggest it was involved in the attack. However, the murder of Green Lanterns is an internal matter that we must discuss in council."<br><br> At this point, the two Guardians rise from the ground. They are held aloft on small floating platforms, easily making their eye-line a little higher than those of the gathered visitors. A subtle show of superiority? Who can say.<br><br> "We will take from the remains you have gathered for analysis. Our command is that you return to Earth with our thanks. We require nothing of you but the absence of your interference."<br><br> As Ganthet speaks, Sayd remains silent. There's a thoughtful expression on her face, eyes dwelling on Donna for a long moment as she speaks.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:168|Diana Prince (168)}} has posed:'''<br> Diana's eyes are on Donna, and Jean, as both of her counterparts offer information, and potential aid in researching what happened out there. The response that they get from their Oan hosts, has Diana tilting her head ever-so-slightly, as the response was a lot colder than she had anticipated. There was nothing to be done of it, however, and in the moment she internally contributes it to the sudden death of so many of their own. Afterall, were Themyscira greeted with a similar fate of their people, they may not be prone to giving out a warm welcome either. <br><br> A simple bow is offered out of respect, before the Princess then adds a warm smile for both Gamthet and Sayd, as the two now hover in the air upon their fancy platforms. <br><br> "We only wish we could have done more. Should you need further from us, I am sure that Green Lantern Jordan can help any such requests reach us back in the Sol system..." <br><br> The Princess gives a look once again to her companions, before she starts to turn to head back the way they had come from. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna looks back at Sayd, smiling slightly. No challenge in the her expression, just open friendliness. An I-see-you-looking-at-me, but also an I-don't-mind.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She joins Diana in bowing respectfully to the two Oans, but doesn't want to leave it quite there. "We will respect your desire to handle this yourselves, of course, and we share your sadness in your losses. A small request though..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She glances quickly aside to Diana and Jean before continuing. "If this is not resolved soon, please do share with us what you feel able to share. Earth is a young world, but strong. It will be no more than a few millionths of a galactic rotation before we are ready to be a force for good across the larger expanses of space, but I am sure you know that we have already proven ourselves able in the face of potent aggressors. Do not overlook us as a source for aid if you need it, Gamthet and Sayd of Oa."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Jordan has the coordinates of the beacon we left with the bodies and can guide your people there for the recovery. We found only one person who's injuries seemed to us not beyond saving, but I hope you find more. Good fortune and whatever gods you may have, if any, go with you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:35|Jean Grey (35)}} has posed:'''<br>Jean smiles along with that evaluation. No space-jail for her today! "I can assure you there's no error in your readings. For good or ill, I am always well aware of... our actions, together." No sleepwalking down to the fridge, even when the fridge is a tasty looking local nebula!<br><br>As far as the very polite, not even a thanks, please show yourselves out and never return reply that they get, it is probably somewhat to be expected. No one, as a rule, likes outsiders meddling in their business. And she's content enough to leave them to it. Not that she doesn't see how 'their' problem could quickly become Earth's problem, but it doesn't seem like the forum to debate it.<br><br>As Donna says, if Earth does end up in trouble, well, Earth can take care of itself.<br><br>So no argument is given. Diana covers how best to reach them, and starts to go. Jean moves to follow. But she too catches a bit of that glance, and can't help but poke at it a little. And so she broadcasts something at Sayd. &lt;&lt;If there's anything more you wish to relay...&gt;&gt; She has no clue what the telepathic capabilities of these folks are, but hey!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1534|Jon Kent (1534)}} has posed:'''<br> "With all due respect, Donna Troy," Ganthet says in response, his large head shaking very slightly from side to side, "Your world plays host to some of the rare few beings who might be capable of such a massacre. You will understand our reluctance to involve your Earth in these matters."<br><br> Sayd's eyes flick sidelong to Ganthet, though all she ventures to add is: "We have already located the beacon. Thank you."<br><br> The platitude draws a withering sidelong glare from Ganthet, and the two platforms begin to float away towards the upper reaches of the chamber that are largely concealed by the green light radiating from a great energy source there. When Jean reaches out, the strength of the telepathic voice that meets her is almost ludicrously powerful given the small size and timidity of Sayd.<br><br> &lt;&lt;<span style="color:xterm33">JEAN GREY OF EARTH. SEEK THE ELDER WORLDS. FORGED IN THE GENESIS OF THE UNIVERSE. THERE YOU WILL UNDERSTAND.</span>&gt;&gt;<br><br> Then the connection is cut off, and the stillness suggests that re-establishing it may be impossible. The Guardians have departed, and only Kilowog remains.<br><br> "Right, that's that. 'Preciate what you did, Earthers, but this is Lantern business."<br><br> He begins to lurch off in the direction they came.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Are they like that with you guys too?" Donna says conversationally to Kilowag as she follows him back towards the ship. "I mean the whole oh-so-mysterious act. I bet they're really old. It's always the one who've been around since forever who can't help doing the whole misterioso thing. I figure it's a lack of patience. They talk amongst themselves, they've got all these frames of reference you don't have. Like you get a couple of old people together and they do all these references to ancient shows you never watched. They just can't be bothered to explain things to people who haven't been around for thousands of years, so they just put on an act of being super mysterious and people just give up and don't ask difficult questions."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She gives a grin and aims a gentle shoulder bump at Diana. At least it's not Diana she's teasing for being ooooold this time.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Anyway wide, pink and Lanterny. Once your bosses figure out it wasn't one of our Kryptonians, which is probably what they were thinking, remind them that we're happy to help out. But we'll stay out of it until then, as we promised. At least so long as whatever it was that's responsible doesn't come our way, obviously. "<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:35|Jean Grey (35)}} has posed:'''<br>Jean's mind is very powerful! Among the most powerful, even, at least on scales where such a comparison is meaningful. It is the thing that makes her such a beacon, anchor, whatever she is, to the cosmic power that haunts her - and every one of her ancestors and descendants - across space and time.<br><br>But she is also still the young (shut up, Rogue!) protege of Charles Xavier and he might have approached this interaction with a little more care and focus. While she is, in a sense, ready against -attack- in such a potentially unwelcoming place, what she is not ready for is the communication of such psychic 'volume' and intensity, not any kind of hostile action but simple communication, perhaps overly generous.<br><br>It is not (again) unlike the 'voice' of the Celestial computer in the Savage Land.<br><br>In any case, Jean has already turned to walk back as she attempts this communication, and when it hits her, her eyes go briefly wide in surprise at the overwhelming moment. Lifting a hand to the side of her face, she stumbles a few steps, and then topples over sideways beside Diana.<br><br>It takes her a moment, before she can say anything. "Ah- I'm fine, I'll be fine. Just, let's go back to the ship." There's a slight haste and worry in her tone, as if to ward against anyone making a bigger scene out of what's just happened.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:168|Diana Prince (168)}} has posed:'''<br> Diana was not very talkative as they proceeded back toward their ship. She did look toward their Lantern escort, then to the Jet itself as it rested up ahead, with both of its Amazon guardswomen posted in the same places they had been when they were left behind. <br><br> It is Donna that rouses Diana, with that shoulder bump, and a smirk touching the Princess' lips. "I ask you to watch 'I Love Lucy' one time, and you never let it go. It is the best of that type of television show..." <br><br> Her words trail off, as she notices out of the corner of her eye the wobbling nature of Jean's pace. She reacts in a blur of motion, her arms coming out from within her dark blue robe, her golden armor still worn beneath the robe, and across each arm that is there to catch the redhead as she faulters. <br><br> A look of concern is upon Diana's face now, as she sees Jean near-instantly coming back to a normal state. A glance is spared over to her sister, then up toward the Lantern, before she regards Jean again, helping to steady her on her left side. "What was that...?" Diana asks, also giving a look back over her shoulder. <br><br> The X-Men were a dramatic bunch, but something was concerning about that all the same. <br><br> "Are you okay?" She has to ask, even if the woman seems to be balancing out again. <br><br> "We better check you out once we are aboard." She says softly. "Donna, make sure the medical configuration is still up inside?" <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1534|Jon Kent (1534)}} has posed:'''<br> "Pretty much," Kilowog answers Donna without looking back, "Got a lot goin' on when you decide the whole universe is yours to look after. Not to mention they're all almost as old as the universe ... so you're not far off with the old people thing."<br><br> Donna's follow-up does prompt him to glance over his shoulder at her, falling into stride with her as he does.<br><br> "Doubt they think it was them. You wouldn't be leavin' if they did. 'Sides, not every Kryptonian's as tough as your Superman. Don't expect 'em to come askin' for help, though. Jordan neither, army of one that poozer. That said, maybe needle him about it a little ... "<br><br> That's about as much as Kilowog seems willing to offer in terms of help and advice. He turns his head when Jean topples a little, his jutting brow creasing with concern.<br><br> "Alright, get outta here 'fore you get the vapors again."<br><br> There's a lot to discuss. A lot more to look into. But insofar as their sojourn to Oa is concerned - it's time to leave.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17194/Witches_and_Weirdos&diff=2551617194/Witches and Weirdos2024-02-20T01:04:25Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/15 |Location=Fourth Floor: Lounge and Sitting Room |Synopsis=When Johnny Blaze and Lydia Dietrich start talking writing books, their bigges..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/15<br />
|Location=Fourth Floor: Lounge and Sitting Room<br />
|Synopsis=When Johnny Blaze and Lydia Dietrich start talking writing books, their biggest fan is pouring whiskey and promising to carry them in her shop. Nettie and Lydia talk relationships.<br />
|Cast of Characters=2314,1239,2338<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Lounge and Sitting Room at the Candle Booke and Belle was decorated for Valentine's Day. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meaning there was a severed head somewheres. There's a seafood buffet of Pacific fish and shellfish, poke bowl set ups, and from somewhere 1980's Goth Rock was playing just low enough to cover the sounds of the street from the open windows overlooking the East Village. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nettie herself was in her usual grays, sitting in the sitting room on some cushions with a variety of raw fish sliced thin in front of her, Torny the crow sitting on her head up against a messy bun, and Corvax attempting to wrestle a clam out of its shell. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In front of her? A book of blue and gold with THE WIDOW'S WAIL scribed on the front. She seems to be quite absorbed in it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1239|Johnny Blaze (1239)}} has posed:'''<br>Johnny Blaze parks his bike outside and finishes his smoke. He figures Nettie probably isn't picky about that sort of thing, but sometimes mofos get sensitive and he isn't here to raise that kind of hell tonight. Allies are few and far between on the dark side of the highway and Johnny Blaze has learned not to spit in the face of help.<br><br>He makes his way in, taking off a cowboy hat and hanging it on a hook as he steps in. He has a leather longcoat, rings on most of his fingers of silver and gold and gems, notably a bit skull with ruby eyes on his right index. He pushes his sunglasses up into his dark red hair, a sketch of stubble along his strong jaw.<br><br>"Witches and weirdos, he says, cocking his head at the music playing. "Siouxsie and the Banshees. Nice."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia's been baking again. You can probably smell her before you see her, with the scent of warm cinnamon buns wafting through the house. "Hello?" she says, as she pokes her head into the sitting room. "I made you all a treat." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her eyes slide over to the raw meat and she can suddenly feel panic starting to overtake her, the memories of the time she had let Viscera into her mind bubbling up to the surface. She closes her eyes and starts to take a few deep breaths, calming herself down. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sorry," she apologizes, "I didn't... I wasn't prepared." She flashes Nettie and Johnny a grin. All better now, see? "I'll just set this down here. Help yourself to as many as you like."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah, well I brought the Witch, you must be bringing the Weirdo." Nettie Crowe, now the leader of the JLD instead of just a hostess to a dire teaparty from the last time she made acquaintence of Johnny Blaze. "Please, come in, have a seat. What are you drinking today, Mr. Blaze?" she questions to the Rider, and she pauses as she tilts her head, and gives a sniff. "-- cinnamon and vanilla? Oooh, my old heart grows weak." she comments to Lydia, and she gives a smile -- before the smile falters, catching Lydia's blood put to simmer (so to speak), and she gives a smile, motioning Lydia over and away from the raw fish and poke bowls -- Nettie takes her own and puts it down to her side and out of sight. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Lydia, good to see you. You recall Mr. Johnny Blaze, correct? Or..." she pauses "Have I not made introduction?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1239|Johnny Blaze (1239)}} has posed:'''<br>Johnny Blaze takes a seat, settling in with a kind of natural languor. For as much as he lives on the edge, Johnny himself tends to take it easy, laid back in the extreme. Maybe because he'd always had nerves of steel, even before he sold his soul to the devil. Well, a devil.<br><br>He'd gotten it back eventually, after a lot of hellraisin' and broken bones. But that's Johnny's kind or price. He just hates it when other people have to pay it for him. Which is why he's never kept a real home for more than a little while. People he cares about are usually better off without him around, by his estimation.<br><br>"I'll confess to weird and worse," he admits with a flesh of teeth, a gold one on the left side. "Anything with a splash of whiskey will do me just fine. I ain't the picky type. So, the world about to end any time soon or y'all in a quiet period?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We've met once, a while back," Lydia answers, going over to one of the couches to settle herself in. "I don't really remember the details." The pale woman flashes him a grin, "It's a pleasure to see you again." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The world is //always// about to end from one thing or another," she says with a roll of the eyes. "Fortunately for us, it's not our turn to prevent it."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I /do/ hear that there is some mayhem going awry in Metropolis recently, some sort of even-less-marketable Justice League is mucking about there. Haven't been called in with the reserve, sos I hear, but the Constantines had been having a go at some of it." Nettie states wryly "Along with the Spandex types with the whoosh-woosh capes an' all. I'll let 'em have this bit unless they have need of someone to do their skullduggery." Nettie gives a smile as she stands up. THe crow perched against her bun spreads its wings to try and stay balanced as Nettie heads to the bar. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Anything for you, Lydia?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1239|Johnny Blaze (1239)}} has posed:'''<br>Johnny Blaze makes a crinkled face, "I do hate the capes. Just ain't my scene, really - don't get me wrong, I understand the importance of costuming. You should've seen some of my daredevil outfits back in my circus days. Capes, big flared collars. Sparkles. I looked like Elvis ate a firecracker."<br><br>"Nah, I like it here in the shadows much better," he says. He nods to Lydia, "My memory ain't what it used to be. Having your brain catch on fire a couple o' times a week'll do that to ya. But you are safe from the Rider, so you've met before. Most other paranormal types, he gets his dander up the first time. Like a territorial tiger."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia can't help but snicker. "Skullduggery. I guess that's as good as any description of what we do. We've had more than one occasion where we've had a dug a skull." She gives Nettie a nod of appreciation, "I'll take a bit of whiskey as well since you've got it out." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the mention of sparkles, she runs her hand through the constellations of pinpoints of light that constantly surround her. "Yeah. Tell me about sparkles. Though, I prefer that I *twinkle.* Sparkly vampires are... a different franchise, let's say." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She shakes her head. "I never wanted to be a superhero. I mean, I have the power to be one, and there've been times where I've helped out, sure, but putting on tights and running around looking for trouble? Not for me."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh Elvis probably ate much worse than firecrackers." Nettie replies quizzically to Johnny, and she gives a small smile as she returns with a tray of shot glasses and a bottle of whiskey. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each person gets a shotglass with a skull set in front of them... appropriate for the company. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's true. She twinkles, like fireflies. Soft and poetic in a mysterious twilight. /I/ on the other hand fuckin' sparkled when I was in the 90's. So much glitter. I think I still have some of those butterfly clips." she considers, pouring a shot for each one in turn -- Lydia first, because ladies. Then Johnny, then herself. She then reaches down to the shot glass, and raises it in a toast. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"To the Spandex Set, for taking the hits to their costuming we can't." she gives a bright grin.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1239|Johnny Blaze (1239)}} has posed:'''<br>Johnny Blaze takes the skull glass and grins, "Got my aesthetic down pat," he says, then welcomes the toast, clinking glasses before he takes a long draw. He closes his eyes but there's no wince, no recoil, he's more than familiar with the burning kiss of the liquor in question. "Good whiskey," he says in relief, "Nice and smooth." he says, putting the glass back down.<br><br>"Nothing wrong with a little razzle dazzle. I was a showman, after all, even if I am mostly retired," he says. "Feels kind of a cheat now that I know I ain't gonna die if I crash. Plus I can't imagine a circus audience that didn't have a cold blooded scumbag or two in the audience. I wouldn't subject my family to the Rider unless I gotta," he says. The Quentin Circus, wherever it went, remained his home, even if he saw it rarely now.<br><br>"I've known a few real heroes here and there. Ain't got nothin' to do with superpowers though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia graciously takes the offered shot glass when handed to her, and grins at the toast. She raises her glass and toasts, "L'chaim!" and tosses it back. "Mm. That *is* good," she agrees and hands her glass over. "A bit more? For sipping." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I used to be with the Brotherhood a while back," she says. "Not quite the same as being on a superhero team, but I think it's close enough." She shakes her head, "I'm not with them any more, though. Me and Mystique had... let's just call it a 'falling out'."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nettie has a couple guesses at the Falling Out. She wasn't around for it, but she throws her whiskey back with the best of them (centuries of practice), and she pours another round. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I know a few superheroes. Batman has been here to have tea. My son Joshua's just gone to college for medicine after having a bad time of things -- skin issues." she explains without expounding, and she purses her lips. "Made friends again with a gentleman I hadn't seen in eighty years. He hadn't aged much, but wears the world on his shoulders." Poor Bucky. "He's quite heroic, doesn't wear spandex, thank gods for small favors. Three quarters of the Village would be hanging outside my door." Nettie gives a very amused sound at Bucky Barnes's expense. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I have always felt that the surest proof that I've become a Good Person is that I can drink with any of the three I've met. And not a one hurts me." she comments to Johnny's commentary, and then she raises a hand to Lydia. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"She's a hero. She's a writer. All writers are heroes."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1239|Johnny Blaze (1239)}} has posed:'''<br>Johnny Blaze sighs, "Affairs of the heart. Worse than any demon in hell," he sighs, holding up his own glass for more whiskey. "Here's to falling outs," he says, taking a long deep swallow.<br><br>"I don't think I'd ever dare claim good person. I done too much bad to too many folks, even if some of it when I wasn't in my right mind. But that's okay. Ledgers don't always have to balance. Sometimes it's okay to be in a little debt. Especially when you're also the collector," he says.<br><br>"Comes to books, I was mostly a Louis L'amour man."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia would blush if she could at the compliment. "I wouldn't go that far for my writing," she demurs. "But I'm also a teacher. Now //that// I'd gladly accept the title of 'hero' for. I would say that for any other teacher. They're overworked and underpaid. It's bad enough that I can only do two nights at Hope House. I wish I could do more, but I just don't have the time for it." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She nods at Johnny, "Yeah. I think we all have to do a bit of balancing in our ledgers, if I'm to be honest. I don't think the JLD would be the JLD without people like us. Still," she says, taking a sip of the whiskey, just enough to roll it around in her mouth. "As a friend of mine once said, evil isn't something you //are//. It's something you //do//. Nobody's beyond redemption if they want it." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She smirks at the mention of Lous L'amor. "Cowboys and Indians. I'm not entirely surprised there. Seems like the sort of thing that's right up your alley. I write lesbian supernatural romance books." She shrugs dismissively, "It's a niche market, but my books sell well, and I get a lot of positive feedback on them." She looks thoughtful, "I haven't set one in the Wild West though. That could be an interesting one."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"See, that is a frontier I never encountered -- never was in the Wild West. I headed to the East. Somehow feel like I missed out somehow -- but there I was in India, in Nepal, generally making trouble for my brother." Nettie gives a small smile, "I didn't get out to the west US coast until the... seeeventies?" she pauses, and she wrinkles her nose in thought "Maybe the nineties? All kind of blurs together, California. Lots of women on roller skates." she states quietly, and she pours another for herself and for Johnny. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Aye. Affairs of the heart are a bitter tea to take." she states quietly. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't think anyone's interested in the two books I've ever written. But I dare say Lydia authors *are* Heroes. One of my old professors was a rather famous writer."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1239|Johnny Blaze (1239)}} has posed:'''<br>Johnny Blaze smiles broadly, "I've not a thing 'gainst romance or lesbians and have enjoyed both in my time," he says with a wry grin. "I grew up in the circus, but we toured the whole Southwest mostly. California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico. Texas in the summer, going into every podunk little town and setting up tents. Still mostly the same way it's always been, goin' back a hundred years. Just better trucks to move all the junk around. But all the tumbleweeds and the desert, they got into me. Plus, old Western novels is what the ringmaster liked and most of the books I read growing up were what I could get out of his office. I didn't exactly get much formal schoolin'."<br><br>"I thought about writin' a book, but I don't think anybody'd believe it. Not even in this weird damn world."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia quirks a curious eyebrow at Nettie. "Oh? Who was that? If you say it was either Lewis or Tolkein, I'm going to throw a pillow at you." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"As for me," she says, letting dropping her neutral American accent, "I'm Brooklyn born and raised. Never lived nowhere else, though I've visited a bunch of countries." She giggles with a sip of whiskey and lets her neutral accent slip back in. "I can't tell you how hard I worked to get rid of the Brooklyn accent, though." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You should write it anyway, Johnny," she says, giving him an encouraging smile. "Even if you don't publish it. It's a good experience to have and you never know. Just because it wouldn't be believable it doesn't mean people won't enjoy it."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, I never studied under /Lewis/, but I distinctly remember a tea party in Tolkein's garden going rather awry and having to be carted out in a wheelbarrow." Nettie states, with more than a little truth as she prepares to catch a pillow. "Corvax recalls." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No I don't." the larger crow states, hopping up onto the table. "You got so /hammered/ that even my memory is fuzzy! You threw plates around and encouraged his wee ones to catch!" <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"... sounds about right." Nettie states, and provided Lydia follows through she catches a pillow to her face. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I concur with our Ms. Dietrich! I'd be happy to carry it in the shop provided I get an autographed copy!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia, in fact, tosses one of the throw pillows at Nettie. After all, what good are throw pillows if you don't actually throw them? "You're such a showoff," she teases. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Speaking of books, I've finished my next one. It's off to the editors for the first pass. Want to be a beta reader when I get that back?" She grins, "It's a supernatural cyberpunk novel. First time I've dealt with sci-fi. I ended up reading all //sorts// of books I normally wouldn't have otherwise."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's about a shooter ... a troubleshooter, it's what they call those freelancers who pick up jobs and such, who takes a job from a mysterious woman. She gets thrown into the supernatural underworld, and they fall in love, that kind of thing. You should see the notes I have coming up with this world."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NEttie gives a laugh, and she rubs the back of her neck. "Oi! It was before he was famous and all! Had come in for a wedding in Ireland and decided to stop and give an old friend an earful about the man she married!" she laughs. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Cyberpunk, eh?" Nettie considers as she settles back down. "So a shooter and a mysterious lady meet and fall in love. Don't suppose there's a measure of inspiration behind that?" she asks in amusement.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia just rolls her eyes at Nettie. "I think I'm at the point to where I'm going to throw something at you every time you namedrop someone. I can't tell half the time if you're serious or just pulling my leg." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She shrugs, taking a sip of the whiskey. "Not really? Working class girl who falls in love with mysterious vampire patron is pretty much the default template of supernatural romance. I'm trying something different here, so it's lighter on the sex and a bit more heavy on the plot." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If you're asking if I met someone, I haven't," she says with a sigh. "I've added a couple of people to the harem, but they're not anybody I really want to date, you know? I'll keep looking, though."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Heh. I've not had anyone interested 'cept Marin. Hope she's keeping well." Nettie gives a small frown, and she turns to Lydia. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So if I mention how I went on a mission with Bucky Barnes, Captain America, and DumDum Dugan, went back and did shots with Eisenhower, studied under Tolkien after nearly toasting the city of Boston, wandered about and did some very curious things with Janis Joplin, went to a Qarryman concert and said that they Beat-All the other competition that night, was flirted at by JFK an' his brother but did all my flirting with Miss Monroe, an' then later tottled off for a bit only to come back and hang with Joan Jett while Peter Jennings did an interview an' later hung around some absolutely deplorable people in New Castle..." she considers, counting on her fingers. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I won this building off Steinback."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia just //stares// at Nettie. "I don't have enough pillows," she states flatly. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"My parents are a member of the Hellfire Club so when they took me to parties, I got to meet all sorts of people," she says. "The ones I remember most was Keanu Reeves and George Clooney. I'm sure I met others, but I was, like, ten at the time so any politician or businessmen I wouldn't have recognized." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And you did //not// win this building off of Steinbeck."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Why do you think the book was called 'The Red Pony'? Lad lost a bet." Nettie states with a wry smile, and she leans back. "I Met Victoria when she was still a princess. My uncle was an Exorcist to the Crown." she states, and she wrinkles her nose "I think m'mum was Order of the Garter but it never came up." she gives a small snort. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"All right, is or is Keanu Reeves not an immortal? I love to see these conversations."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia decides to throw a pillow at Nettie as she continues to rattle off names. "Showoff," she admonishes lightheartedly. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't think he is," she says thoughtfully. "If you look at his photos he's clearly aging. Then again, it could be a superb makeup job." She shakes her head. "Immortal or not, he was one of the sweetest men I've ever met. I probably would've gotten a crush on him if I weren't into girls."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nettie catches the pillow, and she gives a small snort. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I have always retained a 'if it had to be a man' list. MOstly because the men who were on the list were also maintaining 'if it had to be a woman' list, in case things got puritanical." NEttie admits quietly, and she lays down the pillow. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Christopher Reeve was on mine -- NOT mind you someone I met." she comments with a small smile.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia nods in understanding. "Lavender marriages. I read this book about a trans couple in Victorian London, who left everything behind and lived somewhere else so they could live their authentic selves. I mean, that's not really a lavender marriage but it put me in mind of it." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Cristopher Reeve..." she says, her eyes looking skyward as she tries to remember the name. "His name sounds familiar but I can't place a face to it."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, he played a gent in a movie called Somewhere in Time, about sacrificing your present to find love in the past. Lovely soft movie, but the man had the prettiest blue eyes and a most genuine smile." Nettie gives a small grin, and she closes her eyes. "Might be a bit before your time."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hunh," Lydia says as Nettie explains who Christopher Reeves is. She pulls out her phone and taps away at it, pulling up a picture of him. "Oh, yeah. I can see what you mean. 'Somewhere in Time' you said?" She pokes around on her phone some more and grunts. "Not on a streaming service I subscribe to. I'll have to keep an eye out on that." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"My big crush was Kristen Stewart. I think I watched Twilight in the theaters a hundred times. I was eleven at the time so I didn't really understand what it was that I was feeling but reflecting back on it now, I get it." She grins, "I've got an even bigger crush on her now that she's come out as bisexual. I still don't stand a chance in hell, but you never know!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I have the videotape if you want to borrow it." Nettie pours another whiskey. "Somethin' about men with blue eyes since the 40's. Still consider myself queer and definitely a lady's ma'am." Nettie gives a bright grin, and she looks over to Lydia. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"See, Twilight, I never got it. You get old, you get old, and you still want to hang out with a highschooler? Madam I look like I'm in my mid twenties, and I do *not* want to just 'hang out' with random highschoolers let alone date them. Them and their tiktoks and instant grams. Back in MY DAY our grams weren't instant!" she jokes with a bright smile. "And you do never know, Lydia. I should hope that you find as daring a deep a love as I was fortunate enough to have."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Video tape? What's that?" Lydia asks deadpan and waits a beat or two before breaking into a grin. "In all seriousness, I don't even know where I'd get a VHS player. I don't even know if they'll hook up to my TV." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, it's a fantasy on the high schoolers end, not the vampire end, really." Lydia explains. "Something about dating a dark, mysterious, dangerous who's centuries older than you has a certain appeal. Looking back on it now, you can see how that'd be //really// creepy but for a teenager it's kinda romantic, you know?" <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But you're right. There's no way I'd ever go back to high school as a student." She snorts, "I don't even want to go back there as a //teacher//. Teenagers are such a mess."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Too many students not enough support for the staff and faculty. All well and good if you can afford private tutors, but for certain the issue becomes too many students, not enough teachers, too many requirements." Nettie states with a snort. She has strong opinions. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She leans her head back and looks up to the ceiling. "What *do* vampires fantasize about then?" She questions out loud. She's weaving a little bit.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia nods along with Nettie. "Oh, I couldn't agree more. You really have to love what you do if you want to teach in America anymore. You have to have passion and patience for it, though you can burn yourself out if you're not careful." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia considers the question thoughtfully. "Well, //I// still pine after Kristen Stewart. Outside of that, I want a woman to sweep me off my feet. Somebody who will romance me. I spend so much time pursuing others that I want to be the one pursued."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Aye. I teach magic every once in a while. My last two students weren't precisely... y'know. Between Tynan usin' the Candle as a backup mercenary drop point and Mairin becoming obsessed with me, in a bad way, I wager p'haps I"m just not cut out for teaching anymore. My only other living student passed a few months back, poor dear. Great grandmother. Damn proud of her work and her family. Was a charge nurse after she got out of the service." Nettie recounts quietly. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Heh. Here's where I usually recommend that people dash out to find their prince charming, because he's probably stuck in a tree somewheres, but in our case..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia purses her lips. "I.. that's going to be the hard thing, isn't it. Watching everybody you love grow old and die. It's a part of life, I get it. But still. It can't be easy." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The thing is," she says with a shake of her head, "is that I have no idea how to go out and find my princess charming. I mean, I go clubbing, but that's for when I'm hungry. I could try dating apps, but what would I even put in them? 'Single white female, looking for a companion. Must love the night and not be squeamish about blood.'"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It is. I... couldn't be there when my brother Albert passed. His wife was aware of my proclivities. Didn't approve -- cultural reasons. Women were meant to marry men and have children. An' that just wasn't in the cards." Nettie gives a small smile. "I lived so many lives, and let so few people in. After a while you get a better sense for it. It never isn't difficult, watching someone you love grow old without you." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nettie reaches, and she pours herself another shot of whiskey. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Why not use one of them apps? Write just that. Single white female seeks the greatest Gothic love story ever told." Nettie begins, "Sanguine nights and lazy days are a must. I shall pen for us the adventure of many lifetimes in your favorite color of lip rouge to the tune of fingers running up the back of your neck. If you seek the night and the beautiful dark, you seek me."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia takes a sip of her whisky her voice turning sad. "I'm so young," she says. "There are days when I know it. Then there are days when I feel so //old//. It seems like forever ago that I was turned, but it's only been, what, two and a half years ago?" She shakes her head, "When I sit down and think about it, it's hard for me to fathom." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her melancholy is broken by Nettie's suggested ad. "You have a flair for the poetic," she says. "'Sanguine nights and lazy days.' I'm going to have to remember that."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, if you do, remember to credit me. A nice dedication would be nice. 'To Nettie, the Biggest Pain in the Ass.'" Nettie gives a grin, and knocks back her whiskey. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So. Now with Mr. Blaze having checked in, Mr. Ketch and Mr. Reyes, I'm sure there's going to be something big coming down the line." Nettie takes up the bottle, and gives a manic sort of grin. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And isn't that terrifying?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2338|Lydia Dietrich (2338)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mm," Lydia grunts as she takes another sip of whiskey and shakes her head. "//Second// biggest pain in the ass. You haven't met my mother. She is..." she lets out a breath, puffing out her cheeks. "Whoo. She's a real piece of work. Imagine the worst kind of Jewish mother, and helicopter parent, and that's what she's like. It's amazing that I'm as functional as I am."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm just glad that they're on //our// side. I've seen what it could do to an evil ghost and I would //not// like having that turned on me." She taps her lips thoughtfully. "Does make you wonder if there are any more out there in other countries. They can't //all// be in New York at the same time."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2314|Nettie Crowe (2314)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh undoubtably there's others. They may not all be called Ghost Riders. India has a billion people, bound to be a couple of Spirits of Vengeance hanging about." Nettie comments breezily. "And Ghost Riders don't die. Their pacts aren't breakable... in general... though I suspect there are special cases, as there are in everything. Last I heard there was someone in Gotham doing research into them, but I don't track the goings-on in that city." Nettie states, and then she goes to stand, unsteadily. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You *are* young, Lydia. You deserve to find your happiness, and for you -- an' maybe for a couple of others -- I'd even be open to askin' you get it." Nettie states. She gives a small chickle, as if she's said something funny.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17196/On_Finding_and_Writing_Books&diff=2551517196/On Finding and Writing Books2024-02-20T01:04:18Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/18 |Location=Beyond the outskirts of Gotham |Synopsis=Billy, Corben, Donna, Lara, and Michael help Clara retrieve the second in a series of..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/18<br />
|Location=Beyond the outskirts of Gotham<br />
|Synopsis=Billy, Corben, Donna, Lara, and Michael help Clara retrieve the second in a series of magical books related to paper mastery. Only the book (and the woman retreiving it) had to have their stories a bit more fleshed-out before this could be done.<br />
|Cast of Characters=5100,696,5155,938,384,1140<br />
|Tinyplot=Rock, Paper, Scissors, Ink<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In a place that is only remarkable for being unremarkable, a small group shall gather. Clara, as the greeter for this little expedition, arrives first. She is waiting near a hill on which the shabby remains of forest still cling. It's a lot of moss and overgrowth that winter has slain, but not cleared. The scent of Gotham's various exhaust and exotic chemistry reaches here, but there's enough distance and presence of nature to stand out. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara is looking at the face of a wall. Or something like a wall. It is covered with a variety of strange shapes. Dials or perhaps even little clocks, gears worked into the stone, and strange writing. Some might wonder how this could be here and never get remarked upon. There is no immediate answer, but this is rather out of the way and things like this have a way of hiding themselves until the time is right.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As for everyone else? They were called, after a fashion. Strange notes, generally, that show up in places that they were not easily ignored. Some from Clara herself, some just showing up. Those who are friendly to Clara were not given any promise of payment. Others would get something in return, which might be knowledge or some obscure item of interest. All the guests would be called by a group called the Conservatory of Antiquities and given this strange location.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:696|Lara Croft (696)}} has posed:'''<br> The note that Lara received came to her post office box, and she'd almost overlooked it until she happened to be drinking a cup of coffee at her kitchen table, and found it poking out of a journal that it had gotten tucked away within. The next few minutes were spent reading, and mulling over the content of the letter, before she'd set out to research the eventual location that she found. <br><br> Her curiosity had been piqued. <br><br> Fast forward to the present, Lara's black and silver Jeep Wrangler had arrived not far away from the site. Lara had spent a few moments finalizing a few leads on her smart phone, before she popped out of her vehicle, and pulled a black leather jacket on over her shoulders, while then swirling a off-white scarf around her neck. Setting off from her Jeep, Lara uses her phone to navigate to the indicated location, the note tucked away in a side pocket of her jacket, her hair tied back and gently blowing in the cold winter wind behind her shoulders. <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5155|Corben Kelly (5155)}} has posed:'''<br>The heads up message Clara delivered was a good thing. Having advanced warning of a situation means he has time to actually prepare, and prepare he has done. Almost around the clock research and potion mixing might have left him pretty loopy with exhaustion, but it also left his coat pockets filled to capacity with potions and powders a plenty. In addition to a few of his usual fare, Corben also has a wide variety of stuff meant to open magical doors, check for magical traps, check for magical curses, find portals, open portals - preferably not to hell, he's had enough of that lately and the magical mixture equivalent of Babelfish. He's pretty sure none of them are going to accidentally blow everyone up or make it rain salamanders or turn anyone into toads. <br><br>Taking all those things into consideration, he slides one vial out his 'Use Me' pocket and slips it into his 'Good God No' pocket on the inside of the jacket. <br><br>It's a really good thing that he can carry anything that he can keep in his pockets along with him in raven form, because that's how he arrives. <br><br>Corben lets out one CAWCAW from overhead before circling in for landing, even as his feet hit the ground, he's almost immediately human again - a fully clothed human, sorry ladies (and maybe gentleman). <br><br>"Good, I'm not late. I couldn't find my boots," he comments once he's adjusted to being human again. He sniffs, his nose wrinkles and he adds, "Wow, smells like a toilet or a meth lab. Sure glad I didn't decide to settle in Gotham."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:938|Shazam (938)}} has posed:'''<br>Billy Batson finds Gotham distasteful. There is a sort of roiling spiritual ennui. the city's spirits, magic, that sort of thing, spirit if you will doesn't want to be bothered and is liable to lash out at those troubling them. this is very apparent to Shazam. Shazam he is as he comes in for a landing, turning from horizontal to vertical to drop feet first and remain hovering. Shazam nods to the others, sees the wall and ponders the shapes and sigils. Very odd.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>As the small group gathers, an unseen presence joins the group. Not ominous, but cautious. A note had shown up asking for help. And in of all places his Tea tin. Which was a bit disconcerting as it wasn't in the tea tin ten minutes prior the last time he had gone to make himself a cup of tea. Nor was it his housemate's handwriting. <br><br>So yes, he was curious.<br><br>Once the group gathered and he determined those involved already know who he is. (Assuming Clara was the note sender) Mike just pops into view with the hood of his hoodie drawn low like there's nothing at all WEIRD about that.<br><br>They're all used to this, right? <br><br>He looks over to Clara. "In the tea." He comments, head tilting curiously, "Really?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The note for Donna had caused her to grin a little when she'd found it slipped under the door of her room at Titans Tower. Who'd send a message this way, rather than just sending a message via the T-Com systems? Well, Clara of course. She's a papyromancer, after all. Of course she's going to favor a note written on paper. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The note hadn't exactly been terribly informative, but that's fine. Donna knows a good few magic-users, and in her experience they just can't help themselves when it comes to being mysterious. For her the important thing was the message that hadn't been written down but was implied instead by the very existence of the note. The newest recruit to the Titans had reached out to her for help, and therefore the newest recruit to the Titans was going to get her help.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Without any real idea of what to expect, Donna simply does what she knows best, and equips herself for potential battle. Her armor, a blend of high-tech and Amazon metallurgical expertise, is light and flexible but strong, covering from her boots to her neck in interlocking plates of black enamelled metal over a technologically advanced armorweave base layer, decorated with silvered stars, the colors she has used on more than one outfit in her superheroing career. On her back she carries a mid-sized round shield, similarly black enameled with a silver star in the middle, and a spear as tall as she is. At her belt she has a scabbarded sword on one hip, and the loops of her golden lasso on the other. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gotham is not a place Donna goes all that often, for all that it's just across the river from Titans Tower. It's the Domain of the Bat, after all, and he gets all grumpy about overt shows of superpowers on his turf. That's not enough to stop Donna from arriving at the rendezvous site by air though. It's technically just outside the city after all, he has no grounds to complain. She comes down to land shortly after Shazam, flashing him a grin as she does so before giving nods of greetings to the others. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then, down to business. "Are we waiting on anyone else?" She asks Clara. "Or is it time for a briefing?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>Clara greets everyone as they arrive. This is a lot of curtseying and introducing herself to those who do not know her and just saying hello to those who do. Lara is a new face and gets a smile. "Thank you for joining us, Ms. Croft. I have heard a great deal about you!" The young woman is holding back. She has so many questions for Lara but now is not the time for stories. "I hope we might speak in the future." A pause for Clara to do her usual over-thinking, "I mean not in the immediate future, but after this is all done. But obviously, you would need to rest after, so maybe a few days from now. Or when it is convenient for you!" Smoothly delivered, no doubt. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We need to open this door," Clara explains, once everyone is gathered. Also, with her usual talent for socializing, she adds, "Umm, and thank you all for coming here. I appreciate it." On the plus side, she is not wringing her hands yet. She is just shifting her weight from foot to foot.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As for the door, it radiates magic (to those who can sense it) and there is no sense of danger or traps. It is just locked. It also has no apparent handle.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While the door is being figured out, Clara spots something odd on the ground. It's an envelope with her name on it. Backwards. In her handwriting. She looks it over and says, "Sorry, I was told to read this." A pause to look around. "Did anyone else hear that?" To the more mystic-minded, there was a very strange whisper in the wind requesting the note to be read.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"In any case," Clara begins, then opens the envelope. "A book half-written cannot be read. Also, do not speak to yourselves," she reads aloud. She looks at the note, rather distracted. "How odd." This does help jar Clara into the script she had prepared for this.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She smiles at Mike apologetically. "Well, I know I would not miss a note in the tea," she explains. And then to Donna, a greeting made warmer by familiarity. "Thank you for coming! And oh, right. Yes. Yes of course. Briefing."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's rattled a touch. "My powers to control paper came from a book known as the Codex Papyrum Arcanum. But it is just one book of seven, each of which conveys certain powers, extracts certain costs, and will, they say, allow me to continue my story. How is not terribly clear, and where they are is never easy to work out. But the Conservatory-my organization, that is-found the second one. This is the Manuscriptum Libravellum. It is past this door. That is about all I know, honestly. The first book, I am told, was simply collecting dust in an old archive when it was found. This one, however, is a more exotic case. I am told the first expedition seeking to reclaim it never returned. That was some time ago." She frowns. She does not know why they waited to send her and others.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:696|Lara Croft (696)}} has posed:'''<br> Lara is not terribly familiar with all of the famous super heroes around the United States, there are simply too many to easily keep up with. The basics? Superman? Wonder Woman? That is easy, but all of them? Who has the time to memorize each and every one of them! That's not to say she can't spot one when she sees one, even if they weren't showing up via flight powers. Those who she finds at this place, each get a soft smile from the woman who feels a bit confused, and out of place at whatever is taking place here. <br><br> With one hand still clutching a drink cup, Lara lets her eyes wander to the runes etched upon the doorway's edges, while she listens to Clara speak. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5155|Corben Kelly (5155)}} has posed:'''<br>Will Corben ever stop feeling under dressed for these things? First Captain America, then SHIELD agents, now Shazam and an Amazon woman? People that like to throw around important sounding words like 'briefing' where he'd likely just ask, 'so what's the shit and whatcha need me to do'? Here he is, just a little potion slinging slacker raven no name shop owner. <br><br>He returns nods offered and resists the 'S'up' he wants to add with each nod. <br><br>Ahhhh! But then there's Mike, a familiar face other than Clara's. Both of them at least make him feel a little less small and insignificant, not because they're small an insignificant, but because he /knows/ both of them and likes them. Friendly faces, nothing like them to calm the butterflies.<br><br>Corben is already inspecting the door, it drew his attention almost immediately truth be told. It's the writing he hones in on first. Not one to think about consulting anyone before taking action, he reaches into his pocket for a vial. It's a fine powder, a deep shade of magenta. He dumps a little out into the palm of one hand and rubs it between his fingers until it begins to trail out in a find mist. He twirls the fingers of that hand in a circle that grows larger with each pass, faster the hand moves, larger the circle grows. For the grand finale, he blows out a breath into the growing circle of mist and it spreads out amid the group. <br><br>Don't worry people, it only tingles a little and when the tingle subsides, everyone in the party will have the ability to read anything, literally anything, readable put in front of them - no matter the time period, no matter the language, no matter the origin. Clocks ticking though, five minutes is the maximum amount of time each person will have to study the door.<br><br>Corben has to fish around in his pockets for his next trick but he does it while reading the door's story himself.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The language translates into this rather unpleasant script: <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Morrilyn, you greedy cow. I hope you realize now that it will be forever beyond your reach. This clockwork, you see? It has to be at a time you will never reach. Hah! You timeless bint with your stupid, ageless face. Everyone loves you for it. I just wish I could see you now. What's it like finally touching power and knowing you'll never progress beyond a novitiate state. Sound familiar? That'll teach you to prevent my acceptance into the high school!" A break in the writing continues below and gets, well, incredibly rude. There is no doubt that the author rather dislikes this Morrilyn person quite more than a bit. Somewhere amidst this tirade the author indicates that the clock must be set to the current time and a simple jolt of magical energy supplied. Followed by some very rude suggestions on what Morrilyn should do with all the spare moments she has. It's enough to leave Clara blushing, at least. <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:938|Shazam (938)}} has posed:'''<br>Shazam ponders the door. He's usually the hit them till they give up -in his head at least. But his efforts could bend steel, or change the course of mighty rivers. He's learned to be careful. Very magic. That is obvious -that feeling you get a moment before you walk face first into a spiderweb. He wonders if it's as simple as display of magic? <br><br>He smirks a little and asks in a timid voice, "What is the Elvish word for friend? If you can set the clock, I'll supply the jolt. Do these pictures move?" He extends a hand, a spark crackling from his finger. Careful is his watch word. Thunderbolt said Shazam was the nice one. Not quite true, he just took longer to ramp up to full power than his big sister.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>As Clara goes through a roundabout explanation for what they're doing here, Mike's eyes are also going round about. It looks to the door, to the persons gathered, and then back to the door. The runes mean little to him, which leads to him looking to the group once again. This time around he catches the s'ups going around. <br><br>While the hood is pulled down low, the mouth isn't that obscured, revealing a bit of a smile forming in response. His head tips forward in a nod of acknowledgement to the other drummer. <br><br>His attention switches back over to the door as Corben approaches it. But as he turns and blows something their way, the smile fades and he unconsciously takes a step back. <br><br>When the sensation hits, he shakes his head, before glancing back to the door. This time apparently able to understand what was written on it.<br><br>Huh.<br><br>"Well. SOMEONE was in a mood when they wrote this..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mellon," Donna tells Shazam absently. There are just too many Sci Fi and Fantasy nerds who hang around Titans Tower for her not to know that. "But I doubt that'll help. This isn't Elvish workmanship. Workelfship?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Apparently Donna is not taking things too seriously as yet, but then there's nothing here for her to punch as yet either, and that's kind of her thing. Let the wizards do the wizard stuff.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Turning the hands of a clock is something she can do though! Well, a normal clock anyway. This clock face seems to be made of stone which makes it potentially harder and raises the issue of damaging the delicate carving. She extends a finger and pushes at the hands delicately just to test it out, and when the hands move to her touch she quickly checks the precise time on her T-Com and then sets the hands.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It occurs to me to wonder which time to set it to. I mean your gang is from Britain right, Clara? Maybe we should be setting it to London time rather than Gotham time. "<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She steps back from the clock face and gives a shrug. "What do you guys think, ready for some Shazamming or should we try it on a different time zone first?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:696|Lara Croft (696)}} has posed:'''<br> For Lara's part, her eyes sweep from person to person, as they investigate the runes. Her right hand passes off her drink cup to her left, then dips inside a jacket pocket to retreive her phone. She flips it on, and raises it up to grab a few images for record keeping. She even turns her phone on to its side, to avoid being one of those heathens who does otherwise. Listening to the others investigate, the SHIELD agent simply quietly observes, sweeping her eyes between the photos she's taking, the situation playing out before her, and the other heroes gathered here-in. <br><br> "Whatever this is, I'd advise caution. Tampering with things, such as this, can often lead to grave consequences. Some situations have broken out, because these types of relics are not taken as seriously as they should be." She speaks from experience, to say the least. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5155|Corben Kelly (5155)}} has posed:'''<br>"Ya think?," Corben comments to Mike. "Chip that size, person carrying must be two inches tall under the gravity of it by now." To answer Shazam's question, he says, "Well, it sure the fuck isn't Morrilyn." Whatever Elf made this door certainly doesn't consider this Morrilyn a 'friend'. If that door required a magical password it would probably be 'Morrilyn has herpes and smells like it too' "Who in the hell /wants/ to get into high school? I was home schooled and still fought for four years to get out." <br><br>"If we stand around an yap about it too long, you'll have to change the time again," Corben points out. He somehow manages to make that sound merely helpful and not the sarcastic snark it could be construed as. <br><br>"Hey!" Corben exclaims in Lara's general direction before he brings his hand up in front of his face. "Those better not wind up on some Facebook or Twitter or TicTok somewhere!" He seems serious about that, about not wanting his image out there on social media. It's like the man doesn't want to leave a footprint that can be tracked.<br><br>"Hit it Jimmy, or I'm gonna," he tells Shazam. Corben, man of little patience and less self-control. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, local time, I think," says Clara. The time is then set, the lightning is then thrown. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a groan like an old body forced to move at last, the door opens into a vast chamber. In the middle of it is a rough dais, overgrown with moss. It is perhaps ten feet across and oval. In the middle of it is a long, flat platform, large enough for a person to lie down. At one end of this is a lectern, holding a book. To those with magic, that book radiates a strange power. To those without, it still looks beautifully made and is big enough to be at least a thousand pages in length. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not waiting for the group, Clara just rushes in, on up to the oval, slipping over to the book, and she's in a grabby mood. However, upon opening this tome she finds out that it is, indeed amazing! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's? amazingly empty," murmurs Clara. "Not so much as a letter!" <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Drat. I was so hoping this would be easy." She flips through the book and to everyone else looking that way, it is obvious that there are some things written, but one gets the impression that Clara cannot see them. She sets the book down and sighs. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are many things in this room to look at. There is some more script, which is more of the same as was on the door. Clearly, the author was very, very upset. There are creative poems and insults that must have taken a lot of time and energy to craft. Further, there are (among those who look in various alcoves) human remains. Bones, specifically, dry as can be. There are numerous bottles and decorations and very snazzy red velvet furniture. This is all lit with lanterns of the Aladdin style, their flames a myriad of colors and each somehow brightens the room far more than it should. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Everything is magical. And the dome of this room is magical, too. As soon as Clara touches the platform, that magic is immediately obvious. At least a dozen tendrils of black ink stab down around the platform on which Clara lays, and dozens more lash out at any companions who followed her inside. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:696|Lara Croft (696)}} has posed:'''<br> With the door opened, Lara watches Clara rush inside. A frown momentarily crosses her features, before she regards Corbin. she smirks softly at him. "I'm a WAND agent. All of this is going in to WAND's databases. Unless you'd like a nice social media bump, then perhaps I can tag you in at least one." She chides the man before she follows the others in to the odd chamber within. <br><br> Once inside, Lara notes the large book, the mossy altar, but does not rush toward them, like Clara does. She gave her warning about such recklessness... <br><br> Instead, Lara stays to the outside, slowly moving and recording images with her phone. She's muttering words under her breath, likely speaking what she is seeing initially, her device likely picking up her verbal notes for later research. She's aiming her phone at one of the dry bone piles when the black tendrils become visible out of the corner of her vision. <br><br> "Shit..." Lara mutters, as she glances toward the book and the altar, then to the others in the room. "There's far too much power in this place for us to simply rush in. This is obviously some kind of security measure to stop tampering." She states with a fair amount of British scorn laced upon her otherwise elegant toned voice. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:938|Shazam (938)}} has posed:'''<br>Shazam finds a tendril around his wrist. It extends and grabs his neck. The inky rope is fantastically strong. However he has two hands. His free, left hand blurs and cuts through the tendril like a sword. He untangles the rest from his wrist and finds it still animated. His eyes bulge and then lightning courses through him and the inky death dispersing it. He coughs and rubs his throat. <br><br>"Don't touch anything else without us taking a look at it!" he snaps. He sees the tendrils and looks to see who may need help.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>Mike gives pause as he listens to the question about the desire to go to high school. "...Those who had people preventing them from going." He murmurs in response. He drifts to silence watching as the others work upon the door. <br><br>As the door is opened and the group filters in, Mike lingers to the back, shoving his hands into his pockets as he quietly observes. Watching Clara bolt over, Mike's eyes widen as his hands slide out of his pockets, finding new purpose in holding his palms upwards in a 'WHY?!' motion. But Clara's mention of the book not having anything written in it causes for him to give a bit of a surprised look. Because he sure as heck can sees something. Mike narrows his eyes. "...Ah. That's how they made sure Morrilyn doesn't get th-"<br><br>The thought gets paused as a tendril shoots over, grabbing him by the ankle and flipping him upside down. The hood isn't so low as it shifts, allowing for long hair to fall out. "...I do not like this place."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5155|Corben Kelly (5155)}} has posed:'''<br>Human remains, lets not look at the human remains. They're just very realistic Halloween decorations. Halloween decorations, that's what Corben tells himself as he walks through the door. Looks like someone hired Indian Jones, Elvira and a Genie to decorate the set. What could possibly go wrong? Corben raises both hands in front of himself in a 'wellll' kind of gesture. "Full disclosure, I'm really not much a fan of doing battle with tentacle like tendrils of smoke. My last roommate had a whole collection of Hentia, disturbing that. In fact, I'm not a fan of doing battle at all." <br><br>Yet he's digging around in his pockets almost frantically. Where /is/ that bottle. He knows each and every one by feel alone, they're all different. "Yes!" he exclaims for his own benefit. "Found it." His hands are shaking and he's running his mouth more than usual. He's obviously nervous and hiding it behind snark. Clara's over /there/, everyone else is over /here/. He likes Clara, maybe more than he should after only one meeting. <br><br>It's time to man the fuck up and save the girl! Or maybe blow everyone into another dimension where Barney the Dinosaur is the evil overlord that lords over all the plushie people in the land.'<br><br>He slams the bottle onto the ground near the general area of the tendrils nearest to Clara, breaking the glass and releasing a bright green gas. If he got it right - and he might not have because this one was tossed together as an afterthought right after twenty three hours without sleep and four pots of coffee, black - but if he was right, it's a dispel magic potion or at least maybe a 'beat the magic down a little bit' potion. <br><br>Corben squeezes his eyes shut tight and then opens one just a crack to see through. He might as well have his hands over his eyes and be peeking through his fingers like a toddler watching a horror movie.<br><br>Mike's plight has him digging in his pockets again. "I fell ya man! Just try to hang in there," - he lets out a little nervous laugh at his own joke - "I'm working on it!" <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna has never worried too much about rushing in. Rushing into mysterious places full of strange and eldritch magics and then hitting those strange and eldritch magics over the head is a pretty large part of her job description, honestly. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not that there is anything to hit over the head at first. There's enough time to do a circuit of the place, taking in details, before anything untoward happens. Enough time for her to say "Those lamps are either being charged up by residual magic, or they're an inherent part of a spell. Which may be a binding spell, so don't put the lamps out. On the other hand they may be part of a summoning or enchantment ritual, in which case putting them out would be good. No magical shenanigans, leave them lit. Magical shenanigans, put them out."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However the first real sign of magical shenanigans is an attack by creepy ink tentacles, which has the effect of distracting her from lamps in the short term. As one slithers out of the shadows to grapple with Donna she draws her sword and turns in a single fluid motion, slicing the thing in two.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The main part withdraws for the moment, and Donna stamps on the still-wriggling severed section, which rather than being crushed in the way you'd expect a tentacle to be crushed, splashes into a puddle. Donna raises an eyebrow at this but doesn't slow down, coming forwards to slice a couple more times at the tentacle that had reached for her before turning her attention and her sword on the ink tentacles reaching for Clara.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara is already quite comfortably asleep as the tentacles try to essentially jail her off from the rest of the group. But Corben's magic has rather ruined that attempt. Half of the would-be 'ink cell' pools uselessly to the ground, as do two more tentacles that were attacking him. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shazam and Donna find the tendrils to be quite responsive to both a sound pummeling (and stomping!) The ink doesn't even stick to Donna's boots! The tendrils given the old lightning treatment just break up completely. Some of the ink reaches the floor, but most just evaporates. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael will find himself swung around like a weapon, aimed right at Corben. It is clear that his magic has in particular attracted the ire of whatever mind guides this ink. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While there is more resistance in the remaining ink that is now flowing its way ever closer to Clara's sleeping form, it is not able to resist Donna's blade. More cutting (and maybe more stomping!) will deal with those. This leaves a few stragglers, some of which Shazam is blasting to bits to keep Lara ink free. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:938|Shazam (938)}} has posed:'''<br>Shazam says, "Holy Moley, Ms. Croft, let me help you out!" She's the baseline human after all. He tries to remember, did Shazam ever meet Ms. Croft? Billy knows her from school. That dodge about knowing people's names as a superpower didn't really fool Mary. He throws some lightning sparks around for effect. Magic kills magic and all that. He would have brought the Wizard but someone had to watch Season 3 of The Mandalorian. Also he insists Billy handles such things himself. "You'll have Champions of your own one day, boy!" <br><br>Then he notes the meteoric musician and attempts to catch him safely!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:696|Lara Croft (696)}} has posed:'''<br> The intention of the tentacle tendrils was somewhat unclear, but when Lara was pulled to the ground by two on either of her legs, she didn't care to find out. Her phone was dropped, its case being put to the test, as it clattered toward one of the chairs within the chamber. Lara's hand had shot in to her leather jacket, retreiving a long black bladed knife that she was quick to whip down toward the tendril clasping her right ankle. With rapid strikes, and dedicated cutting motions, Lara grit her teeth, and growled with anger as she couldn't cut through the black magic. <br><br> Her right wrist was suddenly enssnared, and her knife was pulled away from her hand by another sweeping, wiggling, black streak! <br><br> She was in trouble, at least until Shazam arrived to aid her. The combined magics seemed to do the trick, and soon each of the swirling shadowy arms were dissolved in to puddle of ink upon the floor around Lara's form. "Thank you..." She says with a heavy exhale chasing her gratitude. <br><br> From her seated position, she starts glancing around the room, before she motions toward Donna, and the lamps. "I would say try taking them and extinguishing their flames, just as you'd indicated." She says as she starts to rise back up to her feet, gathering up her phone and combat knife. <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>Well, well, well. Now's a perfect time to cast a spell, right? <br><br> Right?<br><br>Well as much as it may delight Mike to quickly come up with a spur of the moment chant to resolve the current problem, there is the factor of him being upside down and the general sense of being swung. So instead other approaches must be done.<br><br>There's no telling what Corben's seeing at the moment, but if someone has the time to watch the incoming star without having a panic attack, they might notice the slightest of changes as the exposed facial features mirror themselves. <br><br> If one is a Corben, they may also notice as the Mike o none tails is flung his way, there's not even a brush of air from Mike's form as he instead swings THROUGH Corben in a rather intangible state. Landing on the other side, free of the tendril, Mike glares at the offending tendril as shadow starts wrapping around him. His nails quickly burst out into claws.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5155|Corben Kelly (5155)}} has posed:'''<br>Duck, Dodge! He's good at that. It's during a slide /under/ the tentacle and Mike that he pulls his next trick out of a pocket. His coat really must be a Kinder's Bag of Holding. The trick isn't magic at all. It's nothing but a Zippo lighter, flame placed at the thinnest point of the tendril that's the closest to Mike's ankle. Burn baby burn! Or at least he hopes the flame is enough to burn through that thin bit. "Huh, well, that was unnecessary," he offers along with a wink in Mike's direction. "Cool move." <br><br>But he's distracted like a gnat darting this way and that. Corben hadn't even noticed the book really. He hadn't noticed much outside the human remains before the tentacles struck. He was too busy praying to the Fates that he doesn't end up like them. <br><br>Now his attention's been drawn to the book and he moves toward it, following in Donna's wake. If he has to, he chooses option C in regards to the ink tendrils, he ducks and dodges - leaving out the final stage of runs. <br><br>When he makes it to the book. He reaches out a hand and pulls it back again only to reach out once more. He obviously doesn't want to do what he's about to do, but in the end, he simply trails his fingertips over the book's binding. "Show me your secrets," he murmurs under his breath even as he's silently asking the Fates to show him what needs to be known. <br><br>If he gets the answer he's seeking and doesn't have a stroke in the process, he might just get them some answers.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna intends to get to those lamps if nobody else gets to them first, but for now she's on ink-tentacle hacking duty. Rather than relating this fact to Lara she apparently has other ideas.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You're Lara Croft, the archeologist right?" Donna asks her while smashing a tentacle with her shield at the same time as keeping another at bay with her sword. "I read the pre-print of your excavation report on that Nabatean temple last year. Fascinating. My people never really had much dealings with them. I hadn't realized their influence had stretched that far. A trading mission, you think?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are those who might think such a prosaic discussion is unsuited to the occasion, but Donna is not one of those. Ancient history is her passion after all, and with two decades of extreme dedication to combat training, she doesn't necessarily need to reserve all her concentration to battle.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chopping at these tentacles with a sword is effective, but perhaps not the most effective thing. Though they are damaged by the blows, being some dark inky liquid means that the narrow edge of her blade is perhaps not the most effective weapon, so Donna considers a change of approach. When there's a lull in the battle she sheathes her sword and takes out her lasso instead, which glows golden in her hands. She lashes out with it and catches up one of the larger items of velvet-covered soft furnishing, yanking it back to smash it down onto a tentacle, where it will hopefully not just cause significant crushing damage, but the soft padded fabric will wick the liquid out from the tentacles it hits, absorbing it like a sponge.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna repeats this maneuver a few times with other items of furniture, before turning her attention on the lamps at last, flicking her lasso out whip-like to try to douse the colored flame coming from the lamps, and see if that has an impact on the magic.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is definitely a group that lives the rock star lifestyle. They are positively trashing the place! Between the variety of attacks and thrown furniture, the ink is breaking up. It falls still and lives on only in puddle form for the moment. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sense of overpowering magic is broken with the last extinguished lantern. There is a sense of disapproval from the room. It also plunges into darkness, but only until one of the many people present decide to correct that with light of their own. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara slumbers on. She's probably the only one in the group that is relaxed at this point! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the lectern, the great book opens once more, its pages fluttering. It comes to rest open on one of the many pages that is only partially completed. It does not pull away from Corben's touch, and this opening may indeed be a reaction to it. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Fill the gaps in her story," intones a raspy, unpleasant voice, "I shall record it in her mind, heart, and soul." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A pen floats down to the book and dips itself into a waiting ink well. As it does this, the ink on the floor rises and forms a ghostly image of Clara that floats above the very real version of herself. It is joined by copies of everyone here. Everyone is mirrored in inky versions of themselves. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Without a preamble, the ink-Clara speaks. "When I was very young, I was subjected to stress, intentionally pushing me to my limits and beyond. When I was five years old, this led me to have a mental breakdown. I have always been conflicted about this. It was done for a higher cause, a great purpose, and I believe in that purpose. But at times I am angry. If this had not happened, would I be able to relate to people? If I was spared, would I still ruin my relationships by making others uncomfortable? Would I be comfortable with others?" <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This form turns her attention to Corben. And the ink version of Corben turns away, covering its ears. "You must fill in what has been lost first. How did I feel about having those I love hurting me and making me cry? What did I think when they broke my spirit to give me these powers I have?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ink-Clara adds gently to Corben, "You must decide this." She turns to the others. "Be ready." It is obvious that they will all face a similar question in turn. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5155|Corben Kelly (5155)}} has posed:'''<br>In a blink, Corben's hand goes from fingers trailing over the book to palm flat on it. His head jerks back, gaze locked sightless on the ceiling. He's seeing something else now, he's totally unaware of anything going on around him. Easy target for any stray tendrils. His entire body is just rigid to the point of seeming his muscles will just snap. <br><br>His entire body jerks, his eyes roll back into his head. Corben's heart is racing and his taunt muscles turn to twitching violently. It's as if he's struggling to break his hand free from where it rests on the book. Finally he manages to break whatever bond held him there. He stumbles and falls flat on his ass, one wrist pushed back painfully as he tried to catch his fall. He's trembling, pale and all cold sweaty. <br><br>"Don't touch her, don't move the book," it comes out as a raspy whisper first. He repeats himself with a little more volume and then finally he just screams, "Don't move Clara or the book!"<br><br>Who knows, maybe all of them heard him the first time? But he's still processing everything he downloaded and still isn't overly aware of his surroundings outside of that MOST VERY IMPORTANT bit of information. <br><br>But then there's ink Clara standing beside him and he forces himself up to his feet. He shakes his head. "No, nuh-uh." He's obviously hesitant at first, but he stands a little straighter and answers, "Clara, you were hurt and betrayed, devastated, but the flickering flame of hope remained alive in your tender heart. That flame grew and grew until this very moment. It's alive in you, the hope and the pride in yourself that you've /survived/ and made it as far as you've come. You have /hope/ for your happy ending and belief that it will, one day, become a reality. That, Clara Jennings, that little spark of hope is the most important thing you held on to."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ink-Clara smiles at this answer. "Thank you, Corben. I like this part of myself very much. I will hold on to this hope." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The pen writes swiftly in the book, and as soon as it finishes, the pages again flip. They come to rest on a new part of the sttory. This time, the focus is on another person. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"My parents died a few days after I was born. I know very little about them, and I no longer know what to feel about losing them." Just like the real Clara, this inky version wrings her hands, though she does not struggle to speak plainly. Just like with Corben, so now with Donna. Donna's ink form turns away, and ink-Clara speaks to her. "Donna, how did I feel about losing my parents? How can I show those who are not lost how much I appreciate them?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:696|Lara Croft (696)}} has posed:'''<br> Lara accepted Shazam's offered hand to help her back to her booted feet. With her phone and knife back in hand, she slides them away, leaving her hands free to dust herself off. She offers Shazam a soft smile, and another lightly spoken 'Thank you' for his save and help. It is Donna who grabs her attention then, the Amazon woman recognizing her, and her work. She is silent for a moment, before she slightly nods her head a pair of times. "I would happily send you more on it all. I have a lot more than I've made public on the Nabatean. Every scratch we place upon it, we uncover more evidence that pushes back against conventional beliefs..." She explains, her voice still calm even in the oddity of this situation. "You'd likely enjoy the findings of the advanced stone work tools..." She's saying when the ink figures appear, and begin to talk. Lara listens closely, before glancing toward Donna once more. "If we survive this, give me a way to send you the information." She says with a light smirk, her right hand rising up to brush her disheveled hair out of her eyes. <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:938|Shazam (938)}} has posed:'''<br>Shazam helps Lara Croft to her feet, taking her hands in his... when did Ms. Croft get to be smokin' hot? Why didn't he ever notice that as Billy? Well she was way taller than him until his junior year for one thing and a teacher for another... <br><br>Think of Irie! IrieIrieIre! You love Irie. Wait. What?! <br><br>Mind back to business!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>With the tendrils showing their intent, the claw wielding rocker shows his displeasure with several well placed strikes, joining with the others as they deliver their response to the attacks. But as things drift to peace, the shadowy form settles. It takes a few moments of not getting attacked before the shadow and claws fade. Mike settles down, looking over to Corben as he shouts out about not touching the book or Clara. He recalls the comment he was about to say before being SO RUDELY INTERRUPTED. "I think...they made this to where companions are needed to get anywhere with this room. Probably as a middle finger meant for what's their face who pissed off the author."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna gathers up the coils of her lasso in her hands, putting on a show of paying more attention to the task than she does to the words spoken by the ink figures. She gives Lara a smile and a nod. "Don't worry, we'll survive," She says. "And you can send me a message at the Themysciran embassy. Have you ever been? You really should."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's almost as if she's intentionally ignoring the magic!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not for too long though. She finally lifts her gaze to the ink figure, and shakes her head. "I doubt anyone ever truly knows how they themselves feel about losing their parents. Nor are such feelings a static thing, but rather something that changes with the seasons. I was adopted, I know. As much as we may wish to understand our own feelings about such things, we never really can. It's not something that can be written down on the pages of a book, only experienced. Seeking to have simple answers to such a complicated question is a fiction people use to persuade themselves that there is a single path forwards for them. There never is. Peace with yourself comes from acceptance of yourself, and everything else flows from that."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'Fill the gaps in her story'? What a foolish spell you are. She /is/ her story. All you can ever be is a recording, a feeble shadow of the truth. She will fill the gaps in her story by living her life. Nobody else can do that, and anyone else who tries will fail."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ink-Clara bows her head to Donna's response. All the while, the pen writes away. No matter the nature of the answer, the recording goes on. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The inky spectre of the girl looks thoughtful. "This answer is quite difficult. But I think maybe that is the lesson to be had here. And so it is. I must think about this often, never quite sure how to feel but always considering it anew." She bows to Donna, "Thank you." And still it goes on.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I was one of 21 children who were in the program to create paper masters," says Ink-Clara. Her gaze is now focused on Lara. Once again, the ink version of the person asked is turning away. They are not being spoken to. "They were my brothers and sisters. Each of us was treated the same, but only I was provided a governess. Only I ever left the nursery to live with someone. Each of us in turn held the first book and now only three of us still live. My two remaining siblings, however, did not progress mentally. They are as innocent as little children to this day." She raises her hand to touch her face. "How I should have felt about such loss? And what should I feel about being the only one to become an adult? How can I honor their sacrifice?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5155|Corben Kelly (5155)}} has posed:'''<br>Once Corben's answer is received and Ink Clara moves on to the next in line, he stumbles a little ways from the group and heaves up the contents of his stomach - lots of coffee and stale donuts. He straightens again and wipes his mouth on the back of his hand. <br><br>Was it the aftermath of being thrown into a vision or the incredibly heavy knowledge that he just had to answer a question that will literally rewrite Clara's entire world and alter her forever. That is some seriously heavy shit. But the barfing was probably brought about by the former, as is the headache that's coming on fast and furious. <br><br>He sits on the ground, legs bent slightly at the knees and arms resting on those knees. His bows his head and might appear to be out of the moment, but in reality he's listening to every question asked and answered, praying that none of them will break her. <br><br>He looks up at Donna's answer and says, "Wait!" hopefully before Lara gives her answer. "I don't think any of you are fully understanding what this is. Or what Clara is. We are literally rewriting her life, that our answers are being written into what she will be from the time she wakes. We're responsible for /changing/ her for better or worse, it doesn't matter if we think the spell is silly, what matters is Clara and what we all want for her when it's over. Clara and that book are one in the same, she /is/ that book right now."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:696|Lara Croft (696)}} has posed:'''<br> Lara was about to respond to Donna, with regard to the Themysciran Embassy, before she was cut off by the inky figure of Donna conversing with her. Listening to the exchange, Lara fell silent, as she knew it was coming, and indeed it did come. Her own inky figure spoeaking to her in the same elusive riddle style. She tilted her head, and gave the mirror image of herself a tired expression. <br><br> "I did not come here to talk about myself with a magical guardian of a ancient tome. Spare me the psychological examination, please. I've already battled with a therapist on such things enough." <br><br> She hesitates for a moment, her eyes drifting away, before the snap back. "And my work is my honoring of those I came from. I continue the work they left behind, I continue the line. I honor my parents, and those who have helped me survive, live, and prosper. My actions are what matter, my results will speak for me forever." <br><br> The English woman turns away then, her eyes going back to scanning the room for possible solutions to ending this charade, and freeing them from this rather unusual situation. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The pen hesitates only a moment, then writes on. Ink-Clara listens carefully to Lara's response. "I see, then. I should continue the work. My actions will carry out the will of the Conservatory to which my parents and all my lost siblings were dedicated." A smile is shared. "Thank you." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Next Clara turns to Michael. She smiles and confides, "I imagine you did not expect to be writing a tale like this. Nonetheless... The most important person in my life is my Governess, but recently her dedication to the Conservatory's purpose has wavered. Mine has not. How do I feel about this change in her? She has steered my education and my life since I was four years old. She made every decision to lead me to the place I am now. I am now more dedicated than ever to the cause of my parents, after all." The inky eyes watch Mike curiously, awaiting the answer as the pen scribes away.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>Corben's warning gets a nod as he looks over to Clara and then the inky figure. From the information presented, there's no way they can avoid NOT overwriting things. When it becomes his turn to be questioned, his immediate response is silence. He glances down, frowning. <br><br>"One thing to remember is that you are two separate people. With individuality there will be some differences in opinion. Especially as you gain different sets of experiences that will help either reinforce or adjust your current thought process. If everyone thought the same way, it'd be a very boring world to be in." <br><br>Mike frowns, "Sometimes, growth means growing together. Other times it is growing apart. But...trying to restrict the growth altogether can lead to a withered remnant of what could have been."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ink-Clara pauses to fully understand Mike's response. "So you are saying, then, that over time, she has grown in a new direction, and should I pressure her or lash out in an attempt to force her to believe what she used to, I could ruin the relationship completely." This seems to satisfy her, and she nods her head. "Thank you, Mike! I remember that now." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ink-Clara turns to Shazam last. The form shows a mixture of emotions, though the ink is rather limited in expressing them. There is uncertainty at the least, perhaps even fear, or dread. "I once fell in love with someone, but they became a stranger to me. I am uncertain how I felt about this. I am very difficult to be around. In any group, I vanish into the background, unnoticed. In conversation, I am often unpleasant to speak with. I have hope now, but my question for you is what do I hope for?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:938|Shazam (938)}} has posed:'''<br>Shazam takes several moments before he answers. What should she hope for? Billy isn't even sure what he is hoping for these days! So the Champion hesitates, chooses his words carefully. What should you take more care with than a human life? <br><br>"Hope is not aimed at a specific thing. Hoping for x, y or z? No, that is a wish. Hope is an inner strength, and peace that gets you through difficult times till you can improve yourself or the world. Hope keeps you spirited so that when an opportunity does come your way you seize it. Hope that you will never lose hope, I guess. Hope you will keep striving in the bad times. Hope you will do the right thing when you can."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5155|Corben Kelly (5155)}} has posed:'''<br>Corben has been sitting there, head bowed, jaw clenched with tension and silent through the rest of the questions. He raises his gaze again and looks from Shazam to the inky Clara and back again. While that answer is a fine one, he can't bite his tongue any longer. From where he sits, feeling the weight of what's happening around him, he adds, "You hope for people to accept you for what and who you are, without judgement, without conditions. You hope for that because you know you deserve it."<br><br>The addition was quiet, he's not even certain that it'll even be heard. Will it even matter considering it wasn't his question to answer? He might have added to each and every answer considering the depth at which he understands Clara now, after the things he saw when touching that book. Maybe he should have. <br><br>But that's something he would probably like to rewrite about himself, his indecision and self-doubt, keeping his mouth shut unless he's spouting snark. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The pen scribes on quietly for some time, and Ink-Clara looks quite lost in thought. The pen hesitates for a time, then, with a quick script, finishes the very last of it. Ink-Clara smiles suddenly. A true smile, warm and pleased. "Thank you, friends and new friends. I think it is time for me to wake up now." says the ink-Clara, as she fades away once more. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The real Clara opens her eyes and sits up. Behind her, the book closes and seals. It radiates with more magical power, now that its pages are filled. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara swings her legs around and perches on the edge of the pedestal. Her gaze moves across those gathered, trying to gauge, as much as she can, what they might be thinking or feeling. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She shakes her head, trying to clear it. "I feel rather dizzy. Is everyone okay?" <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:696|Lara Croft (696)}} has posed:'''<br> With Clara waking up, Lara observes from a corner of the room where she'd been gathering a number of additional research images on her phone. She starts to slowly approach the young woman, a look of concern on her face. She knows the others here are familiar with Clare, seemingly, more than she is, and upon seeing her well enough in condition, Lara sighs. <br><br> "I'm going to step out, and place a call to some of my colleagues within WAND. I'd like to have a few associates come out here to confer with me on what... exactly this place is." She states, looking around to everyone, before she nods softly, and steps toward the entrance that they'd come from. <br><br> "Hopefully the black arms have gone away." She calls back over her shoulder as she departs. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5155|Corben Kelly (5155)}} has posed:'''<br>It takes a moment for Corben to be sure his feet are steady beneath him when he stands. He slides a hand into his pocket to pull out his sunglasses and slip them on to guard against against the light. His head's pounding. Information dumps are always difficult, but when they have to do with an the entire life of a person in 2.2 seconds? He's going to be sleeping this one off for days. <br><br>"I'll survive," he murmurs in response to Clara's question. "Be better if I could catch a ride home with someone." A beat and he asks, "How you feeling?" <br><br>He doesn't ask if she's feeling different because he's pretty sure a rewrite might mean that she doesn't remember feeling different. <br><br>If no one offers that ride, he might just be sleeping here tonight. He definitely doesn't have the juice to make that effortless shift to an easy flight back. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>Having said his part, Mike steps back as others get pulled into the questioning. He watches as Shazam speaks of hope, giving a slight nod before Corben's added thoughts lead his glance to be directed elsewhere. The musician smiles slightly for that. <br><br>The moment goes away as Clara wakes up, causing for Mike to instead look to the formerly sleeping paper wielder. <br><br>"I sincerely hope you knew what you were volunteering for when you did that." Mike comments.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:938|Shazam (938)}} has posed:'''<br>Shazam is silent. He gives a nod of farewell. This evening had given him some things to unpack. He walks out towards the magic door and distractedly mutters to Corben, "Here, I'll give you a lift. Good night all." <br><br>Irie... how did he feel about her now?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1140|Donna Troy (1140)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna shares a brief look with Lara. The archeologist seems to share her disdain for the path this particular spell has taken. She notices the way the woman's eyeing the surroundings as if looking for a way out. It's not a concern that particularly bothers Donna; between herself and Shazam it wouldn't take long to smash the place to pieces, after all.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She remains silent through the rest of the question and answer session. Only when it seems to be over and the ink Clara fades away does she finally answer Corben's warning. "Not really," she says. "Like I said, she is her own story, and nobody else can live her life but she. You think a person can be defined by a few strokes of the pen? Anything that can be written can and will be re-written. Even Gaia herself can only grant souls; it remains up to us what we do with them. I did say it was a foolish spell. "<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna offers a hand up to Clara -- the real Clara -- since she's feeling dizzy. "All good I think," she says with a smile. "Maybe a few bruises and scrapes here and there, but nothing of significance. How about you? If you don't mind I think it would be a good idea for you to come back to the Tower and get checked up. You just got magicked and we better make sure there's no curses that need dispelling."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Standard Wizard's Lair number 41!" Donna calls after Lara. "That's what this place is. There's a catalogue." It's probably not wholly healthy that Donna is quite /this/ blase about magic.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara accepts Donna's help with a smile. Her eyes shift to Mike, curious about his question. "I was sent here to get the book. I knew it would be dangerous, but I have never doubted the importance of my cause. I do not intend to start doing that today." In fact, she slips on gloves and goes to collect that book. It is carefully stowed away with all the reverence one might expect of a historical artifact. "This will be on its way to London under guard. It's reached its full potency." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is some thought, but Clara will nod to Donna's suggestion. "I think that may be best," she says honestly. "I feel healthy, though. Best to be sure. I am shaped of these powers, it seems, but I do not know how they work. Hopefully I will be free soon to check up on others." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She gives Corben a concerned look. "I will stop by your shop once I have passed my medical exam. I am sure Caitlin will be delighted to hear that I did not break anything." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5155|Corben Kelly (5155)}} has posed:'''<br>Corben doesn't reply to Donna, he just looks away. It's easy enough to read that he thinks she's wrong in this instance. But it's also easy for him to forgive all of them that folly. They don't know what he now knows, didn't see what he saw. <br><br>"Looks like my ride's leaving," he whispers softly before his gaze returns to Clara. "Anytime Origami, anytime." Open invitation. He turns to follow said ride out the door. <br><br>In a million years, he never thought he'd ever end up being able to say, 'So, there was this thing and after I hitched a ride with Shazam'. <br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17207/Stroll,_Interrupted&diff=2551417207/Stroll, Interrupted2024-02-20T01:04:08Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/17 |Location=Chelsea |Synopsis=The Juggernaut is out for a stroll. Attitudes flare up, a grenade blows up in an armored car, a police offic..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/17<br />
|Location=Chelsea<br />
|Synopsis=The Juggernaut is out for a stroll. Attitudes flare up, a grenade blows up in an armored car, a police officer briefly becomes part of the NYC timeline, and the Juggernaut escapes. Heroes are left to do what heroes do best.<br />
|Cast of Characters=635,945,31,283<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:635|Cain Marko (635)}} has posed:'''<br>The whole mess began somewhere around the intersection of West 17th Street and 7th Avenue. Reports indicate that an exceptionally large man wearing red armor and a domed helmet crossed the intersection and, upon being impeded by a motorcyle, is claimed to have called out in typical New York fashion: "I'm walkin' here"! Instead of going around the vehicle halted in the crosswalk, reports indicate that the Big Red Man had simply stepping onto the car and walked over it. The problem is that it crumpled the car as a result and thankfully the motorist was unharmed.<br><br>The man continued east down West 17th Street, stopping to lean against a couple buildings as though catching his breath after a rather strenous bout of exercise. Unfortunately for the exterior walls of those buildings: the Juggernaut isn't one for being stopped. Those walls splintered beneath his lean and crumbled inward. The alarms of a cafe and neighboring museum, along with a wellness center further down the street began to shriek their shrill cry and onward the Avatar of Cyttorak continued on with his leisurely stroll through southeastern Chelsea.<br><br>The Unstoppable brute has travel nearly four blocks and seems to be carrying on ignoring responding law enforcement and support personnel throughout his casual Big Apple afternoon walk toward the Flatiron District's historic Flatiron Building. He's half a block away from the historic site and despite police and others trying to talk to the behemoth, the towering monstrosity of unstoppable power and destruction has yet to really acknowledge attempts to communicate.<br><br>Things take a turn though when upon shoving an armored car out of his path, causing the thing to topple over like a child's toy; one of the responding officers fires a tazer the crimson clad criminal. "Hrm, we jumping right into the foreplay, huh?!" The barbs of the stun device fail to take root; in fact they seem to fail to even touch the brutish man.<br><br>Juggernaut answers the ineffective deployment of the tazer with a gruff growl that booms with the power of a god and a flick of his wrist that sends a police cruiser flying as though his own show of force. The cruiser flies through the air, crashes into the ground, and begins to tumble toward a distant crowd of bystanders...<br><br>The Juggernaut barely breaks his stride to accomplish to the titanic feat and continues on his stroll. The few responding police officers seem baffled and look among themselves, wondering wide-eyed if they should attempt more drastic measures.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:945|Domino (945)}} has posed:'''<br>Why is it that whenever Domino returns to the City, it's snowing or raining or something is trying to overrun the place and destroying everything in their wake?<br><br>Oh wait.. that last bit is usually her and Cable.<br><br>Never mind.<br><br>STILL!<br><br>So, love is in the air, or was, and Neena Thurman spent a day collecting all those little things that one can't find in tropical, balmy Madripoor for Nate. A good pizza, a proper pastrami sandwich.. after all, what does one get for a future soldier that can have anything? Good food.<br><br>So, with paper bag in hand, Domino is coming out of a deli, and approaching 'her' car that happens to be double parked. (They all are in the City!) With a *whistled* beep, the locks pop open, and she sliiiides in, setting her stuff in the back seat behind her. It's in that rear-view mirror, however, that she gets the first glance of the destruction that is Juggernaut. And the fact that PD has a 'floating' blockade that doesn't appear to be working.<br><br>"Great. I'm gonna be late getting back, I know it."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:31|Anna-Marie (31)}} has posed:'''<br> Rogue spent a lot of her down time coming in to the city to act as a local super hero celebrity. Known as 'Mighty Woman' she'd make random appearances around Manhattan, stop crimes as she found them, which were usually small level things, with the occasional much worse! Using a phone app, she could get fairly fast warning of criminal activities taking place, as people called for heroes to come to their locations in a very contemporary 'Uber Hero' kind of way. <br><br> Case in point, tonight, Mighty Woman was flying around outside of a movie theater, getting some photos taken by onlookers who asked for some action shots, when her own device sounded off with the alarm of something serious taking place. Pausing in mid-air, the southern belle hovered in the sky to check her phone, and was quick to dash off when she gathered up the gist of what was happening a few blocks over. <br><br> The people outside the movie theater were eagerly snapping pics, and taking videos, of the local celebrity heroine as she flew off around a street corner! <br><br> With her arms at her sides, her white bangs fluttering in the cool winter air, and her black hooded cape fluttering behind her back, Rogue flew rapidly over vehicles on her way to the situation, able to see a Cop car getting tossed across a street from her vantage point already! <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:283|Elektra Natchios (283)}} has posed:'''<br>Manhattan isn't the kind of place where occurrences like this go unnoticed. Not when you have friendly neighborhood spiders prowling the the city and a whole plethora of other heroes. Or anti-heroes like a certain ninja assassin (Or ex-assassin depending on the circles one runs with). Elektra drops on a rooftop not far from where it all is going on, garbed in the black and red that is her traditional outfit, mask up and covering the lower end of her face. Hair is up on a topknot and she is surveying the street where it's all going on, eyes narrowed to slits.<br><br>Why did she bother actually coming here? Was this something that she cared about? Her agenda is as mysterious as the woman itself.<br><br>Stepping to the edge of the building she's at she lets herself fall, grappling hook shooting from her wrist to secure herself as she comes to the street itself.<br><br>Sirens tell her more police isn't far off, but perhaps enough to stop without violence. Wishful thinking of course. This is the Juggernaut.<br><br>It always ends in violence.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:635|Cain Marko (635)}} has posed:'''<br>The tossed police cruiser rolls to a stop after crashing down where the crowd was standing just before he scattered away from the landing zone. "Hah! Ten points!" Juggernaut calls out to no one in particular before his shoulders shifting and direct his domed head back toward the loose corral of police officer's with a menacing grin. "I'm just out for a walk officers," he comments as he begins to walk again. Judging by his direction he's headed toward the Flatiron Building and with about half a block to go. That is until he stops, turns about, and begins to walk in the direction that he's already come from. Directly toward that toppled armored car.<br><br>The police follow like agitated little ducklings, reciting such likes as: "Freeze!" and "Lay down on the ground!" or "Stop resisting!" as they attempt to deploy yet another tazer.<br><br>The Big Red Meanie ignores it all and continues on his inexorable path toward the armored car.<br><br>As various heroes begin to swarm the area as they so often do; Cain seems oblivious to their presence. It's with a singular minded, unstoppable focus that the nearly ten foot tall behemoth marches toward that armored chariot filled with cash.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:945|Domino (945)}} has posed:'''<br>With a prolonged sigh, Domino opens her car door again in traffic, and steps out, pulling her parka tightly around her. It's cold! But, it also gives her more space and more places to hide armament. A brisk walk turns into a slow jog, and as she approaches, she calls out, "Hey, no goin' after that unless you share!"<br><br>Right now, however, as he approaches, perhaps the best way to handle him is to take away his toys? Unfortunately, that'll mean a little more destruction than she'd- who is she kidding. She's all about destruction. Fires. Explosions..<br><br>Domino's jog turns into a run as she vaults up and onto a rolled police car, clamboring all the way up before she can jump onto yet another bit; awning, and in her movement, pulls a grenade from a pocket and yells, "Get out of the truck!" before she pulls the pin to throw it into the truck to destroy it and the money it carries.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:31|Anna-Marie (31)}} has posed:'''<br> Rogue is moving at quick speed, zipping over intersections between the tall buildings, her hands at her sides, one knee pointed down while the other leg was held straight back behind her! Up ahead, she could see a familiar frame lumbering toward what looked like some kind of overturned service vehicle.. With a heavy frown settling across her visage, Rogue swept low out of the sky, moving in toward the armored truck, and diving down out of the air to land on metal boots upon pavement, getting herself in between the Juggernaut and the truck. <br><br> She's totally unaware of Domino's intentions, or presence at all yet... <br><br> "Woah, woah, woah!" Rogue calls out, her dark green gloved hands rising up to try and slow Cain down. "Big fella!" Rogue calls out. "It's been awhile... what's got ya all worked up? Can't ya see this is a traffic incident, that needs a bit of a lighter touch than what you're probably lookin' to offer?" <br><br> Reasoning with the Juggernaut? That'll work, right? <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:283|Elektra Natchios (283)}} has posed:'''<br>That's bold. Trying to take away Juggernaut's toys. Elektra notices what Domino is up to from her vantage position while still descending from that building and while it's enough to impress the assassin there's also the knowledge that it may just enrage Cain. But who knows? Still, this may turn deadly soon enough.<br><br>Feet finally touch the ground and she edges closer, away from the money truck of course because who wants to get an explosion right in their face? Not Elektra!<br><br>"Not sure you want to be between him and his prize." That's the black clad woman talking at last, over to Rogue. A low tone, watching from the side.<br><br>"But there's some truth to her words. This might be the kind of heist you may want to postpone." She suggests to the big guy.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:635|Cain Marko (635)}} has posed:'''<br>The man seated in the armored car seems to regard Domino with a tilt of his head and a quizzically raised brow. It's likely that he couldn't hear her and as luck may have it, against protocol, he opens his door to call back: "What did you say?!?" The grenade goes flying into the cab and with an alarmed expression the man leaps from the cab of the armored car, dashing away.<br><br>Rogue touches down on the pavement and Juggernaut does not stop in his march - though he does slow a touch. The question presented results in a smirk, followed by a glib answer, "Pedestrian's still got the right of way".<br><br>Behind Rogue the armored car explodes but by virtue of its design it does not turn into a shrapnel bomb. The money inside is likely toast, however!<br><br>The sight of the armored car detonating from within and the reinforced windows blowing outward. Juggy doesn't so much as flinch at the boom of the explosion or the flames that swiftly taking up from within the armored truck. Juggernaut's cold blue eyes turning first to Rogue, then around to the rest of the area as though searching for the source of the explosion. His shoulders shift, permitting his dome-covered head turning this way and that to aid his search.<br><br>"I'm out for a walk. That's it," the voice of the Juggernaut rumbles like thunder. "Now I'm annoyed," the brutish man remarks as he glances toward one of the police officers that begins to edge forward as though he's going to play the hero and take advantage of Big Red's distraction.<br><br>The presence of another - Elektra - results in Cain's attention drifting to her and his grin only seems to grow, along with the manic widening of his eyes, "You think I ain't working?" That grin turns knowing and Juggernaut's hand snaps aside, grabbing hold of the encroaching police officer as though the pudgy cop's nothing more than a stress ball waiting to be squeezed. He doesn't squeeze though because the police officer's frantic shout of alarm doesn't turn to a scream of agony or terror, nor are there there sounds of a human body squelching as it practically explodes.<br><br>"You can fly, right?" Juggernaut asks with a malicious smile toward Rogue. His hand sweeps upward and with a suddenly terrified shout the police officer is sent flying into the sky over New York City. He probably won't survive the fall without someone leaping to his rescue.<br><br>It's in that moment that the Avatar of Cyttorak surges forward, scooping the burning armored truck up like lifting a sandbag. He does not hesitate when he hurls it toward Domino or, more specifically, the building behind her. It crashes into the side of the building and through, lodging itself in the third story of the structure. The flames spewing from the truck already only serves to ignite the office building's third floor. Now a fire's broken out. Already shouts and cries of alarm and fear are erupting from within.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:945|Domino (945)}} has posed:'''<br>Perfect shot! Lands exactly how she wanted, the driver got out, and it tore up all the money within. Domino stands still briefly, allowing a single, theatric tear to be shed for all the money that is no longer in circulation before calling it a victory.<br><br>Finally, she sees at least one person that she easily recognizes, and another that she has to dig deep.. and the woman's name eludes her for a moment.<br><br>"Rogue, you on it?" The police officer, that is. Domino doesn't fly! What she can do, however, is parkour her way up, from fire hydrant plugs, to awnings, grabbing hold of brick outcroppings on the buildings, and pulling herself up to the 3rd floor damage. Coughing in the smoke and fire, the alarms are going off, she finds herself doing a quick 'search and rescue' before returning to the large hole in the wall and pulling out one of her pistols. It's a flare gun, and she's levelling it towards Cain. "You made me blow up money! I'm really not happy with that.. so you need to stop this right now."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:31|Anna-Marie (31)}} has posed:'''<br> "Look." Rogue is saying to Juggernaut. "These NYPD are getting new toys t'fight big dangerous types, like yourself. They may not be here, but they're on the w--" <br><br> The truck behind her detonates from the inside, causing the Southern Belle to look back over her left shoulder, her white bangs fluttering in the winds coming from around the armored truck. "Son of a bitch..." She mutters, before she looks toward Domino, and the arriving Elektra. She doesn't know Elektra, but she does know Domino, if not that well. <br><br> It is the Juggernaut's actions that draw Anna-marie's eyes back toward him though, as he snatches up that poor Cop, and suddenly tosses him. "Oh, come on..." Rogue says, exasperation evident upon her Mississippi Magnolia flavored voice. "yeah... I got it..." She grumbles back toward Domino... and then leaps! <br><br> Like a bullet, Rogue shoots up in to the sky, chasing after the officer as he flails, and screams his head off as anyone in his situation likely should! <br><br> It is on the downward slope that the Belle suddenly intercepts him, cradling him like a wee baby, she holds him up in the air, and smiles wearily at him. "I got ya, Sugah. No worries..." She states in a comforting manner, as she starts a flight path back down toward the line of NYPD squad cars below... <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:283|Elektra Natchios (283)}} has posed:'''<br>In a way Elektra is glad she can't fly. Means she has no moral quandaries about saving people. Or getting in the way of the unstoppable juggernaut. She knows better than to try this with brute force (nor does she elude herself that she could do anything physical to stop him).<br><br>"That's the problem. I think you are. But Manhattan is a whole other ball game." She tells him almost as if she knew him. At least there's some familiarity to her tone as she addresses him even if her eyes remain as sharp as ever.<br><br>When Juggernaut then suddenly rushes forward she backflips out of the way, elegant, one hand touching the ground behind her before she jumps up to an upright position.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:635|Cain Marko (635)}} has posed:'''<br>It's with mindboggling precision and aptitude that Domino seems to find the most optimal route up to the third floor from the outside. "Help!" a voice calls from deeper inside the burning third floor. The front of the truck has settled into the splintered doorway of a utility closet, trapping someone within the cramped space. The flare gun leveled; Domino is now faced with the predicament of aiding the trapped person or threatening the Juggernaut. Judging by the fact that the crimson armored goliath turns away is likely message enough in answer.<br><br>The police officer sails through the afternoon sky and the whole way he's shouting in outright terror. Even after the Southern Belle scoops him from his fall, the man continues to shout his lungs out. Fear and shock will do crazy things to a person. "T-thank you!" he does eventually blurt out while he soars through the sky in the cradled arms of Mighty Woman!<br><br>"Listen, toots," Juggernaut comments at Elektra even as he begins to step back. A too-slow police officer is grabbed and flung toward Elektra, necessitating her breaking the man's sudden trajectory by whatever means she's capable or distracting herself with a timely sidestep. The titan's foot stomps and - locally, at least - the Earth itself seems to tremble. Those unprepared for it lose their footing and stumble to the ground.<br><br>The Juggernaut wastes no time leaning and turning aside. It's with heavy, plodding footfalls that he finally begins to move. It's not at a leisurely stroll or an orderly march. No. Now the Unstoppable Juggernaut is moving. At first it's little more than a quick job. Within a couple second it's a sprint. Within a few more seconds the brute is a slow moving train barreling toward a building.<br><br>The first floor wall crumbles as he connects with it. The first interior wall snaps like kindling beneath his advance. Among the sound of breaking architecture, shattering furniture, and the shouts of alarm that erupt from within; there is a flash of crimson light. The thunderous, plodding steps fade away almost immediately and - somehow - a being as massive as the Juggernaut is gone.<br><br>In truth the flash of crimson light results in the Juggernaut's disappearance and the reappearance of *Mr.* Cain Marko. A respectable pedestrian wandering through the labyrinth of The Big Apple's architecture until he's nearly two blocks away, an alley later, and a crowd that the red-headed man towers over.<br><br>Those police officers beginning to recover from their unexpected tumble begin frantically calling out the outbreak of a fire near the intersection of 159 5th Avenue.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:31|Anna-Marie (31)}} has posed:'''<br> Out of the sky, Rogue brings the portley officer back to his comrades at arms. She settles him down beside a Ambulance that was parked in idle a bit of distance away from the main situation, handing him off to the EMTs who rushed over to help her. With a soft smile, Rogue left the terrified Officer to their care, shooting up in to the air once more, and performing a twisting backflip manuever that has her quickly going in the opposite direction back toward the fight, or what she assumes will become a fight... <br><br> Rogue sees no Juggernaut, however, and can see the outbreak of smoke, and flames. <br><br> She glides down out of the air once more, her metal boots touching down upon the rubble-strewn landscape. She eyes the building on fire, then looks toward Elektra and the Cop that had been hurled at her. <br><br> Where'd he go?" She asks the sultry styled assassin in black and red, as law enforcement and NYFD begin rushing in every which way around her and the building engulfed in the aftermath of the Juggernaut. <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:283|Elektra Natchios (283)}} has posed:'''<br>Toots? Really? A slim eyebrow arches up in a mix of amusement and ..., something else at that comment out of Juggy. But so he has chosen violence. Expected! Even if his particular choice of violence by sending a cop flying her way isn't what she expected out of it.<br><br>And darn it. A couple years ago she would had just sidestepped out of the way to let that man crash into a building. Probably into a pulp. Now? She catches him as he's flying over, using his momentum to twist them over so they both come to land against a trash can. She with her back towards it. Uff, that damn hurts. Curse her starting to get soft hearted. She blames a certain blind lawyer.<br><br>"Fuck..." she tosses the now unconscious man out of the way.<br><br>"I don't know." She tells Anna, getting up to her feet slowly. She didn't know, but she an idea or three on where he might be. It was time to investigate.<br><br>Because someone was going to regret calling her Toots.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17209/The_Calm_Before&diff=2551317209/The Calm Before2024-02-20T01:03:57Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/17 |Location=Apartment 3A (Phoebe's Apartment) |Synopsis=Robbie responds to a text from Phoebe |Cast of Characters=690,1365 |pretty=yes }}..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/17<br />
|Location=Apartment 3A (Phoebe's Apartment)<br />
|Synopsis=Robbie responds to a text from Phoebe<br />
|Cast of Characters=690,1365<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It had begun with a text message. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There had been radio silence from Phoebe, who usually sent dumb jokes and memes (ESPECIALLY puns) during the day while she was in class at Gotham U, or would ask for a pickup, or ask Robbie if he wanted to grab lunch, or if he wanted her to grab something and drop it off at Canelo's. She had a thing for him in his over-alls, truth be told. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There may have been times since his return that she'd gone quiet, but always she would apologize and say 'bat business'. Or 'Weird Stuff'. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This time, sometime during the early afternoon hours when a snowstorm had been brewing in Gotham City, Robbie had gotten a text from Phoebe with: <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&gt;I need you. 3A.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1365|Robbie Reyes (1365)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The snow was no match for the Hellcharger. Or its fired up driver.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blasting through snow as if it were possessed by a demon (which, really, it sort of us), the valiant steed of Robbie Reyes delivers himl to Phoebe's apartment within minutes of the text landing. Was he just nearby in case, or did he manage to get there THAT FAST?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Either way, he came knocking on the door, feet tracking snow inside.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's that fast. She was in need. That's not a text she just sends with no context. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Up the three flights of stairs to the apartment, where he knocks, and Phoebe answers the door, opening it up slowly. Her eyes are red and puffy. She lacks makeup, her hair isn't done. She's wearing one of his sweatshirts and her Yoga Baphommet pajama pants, with no slippers on showing the splotches of pale skin on her feet. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She smells like burnt blood and singed flesh and exhaustion. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And she doesn't even wear that thick bit of ribbon she usually does to hide the three scars across her throat. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't say anything, just takes a breath like she's about to start crying again, and opening the door fully, not caring about the pooling, melting snow off his shoes or the dusting on his shoulders, she throws her arms around him and pushes her face against his chest.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1365|Robbie Reyes (1365)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not used to this from Phoebe, Robbie steps inside, sliding his arms around her to lift her up abit, and using his foot to close the door behind him.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hey, hey, what's going on?" He reaches up to brush his hands along the back of her head, trying to soothe her, calm her, as he guides, or carries if needed, her over towards the couch.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Talk to me. What happened?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He would have to pick her up. She's stiff, like she hadn't slept well. She keeps her arms around him, her voice muffled and hoarse as she whispers "I don't know. I don't know anymore." against his jacket, and she sinks down with him to the overstuffed couch. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I've been having nightmares again. Being back in the Silo, in Montana. All those people hurting me again. Stuck in the dark. I'd wake up and be sick. Dreams of Eclipso --" the 'spirit of vengeance' that was more 'corrupted wrath of God'. "Facing his temptation again. Sandalphon and failing... I just -- the mission last night I got so /angry/. I keep failing. I keep chosing *wrong* -- I cut off someone's *arm* last night. I could have killed him. Oh God, what if he died after he escaped?" Phoebe whispers quietly into Robbie's chest. Her hands weren't clean -- he knew that. She didn't talk about why they weren't clean. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I can FEEL it in the air Robbie, I feel it pulling at me. I feel it all the time now. I'm *scared*."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1365|Robbie Reyes (1365)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What is there to do other than hold her? Robbie cannot speak about these forces, he barely understands his own pulls sometimes. So he does just that. Wrap his arm around her shoulders and holds her tightly to him.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If you did that, I am sure there was a reason for it. And if someone made bad choices, well, you are just aevidence of the result of bad choices." He gives her another squeeze, and lets her lean against him.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What do you think is pulling out?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't know. I don't know." Phoebe whispers quietly, held tight against Robbie as her eyes squeeze shut. "I don't know anymore. It's like pressure building all around me. Like everything is sinking onto my chest and wants me to stop breathing." she adds, and then she releases her death grip on his jacket, and she takes a deep breath. "I don't like this feeling."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1365|Robbie Reyes (1365)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With Phoebe releasing her grip a bit, Robbie uses that as an opportunity to shrug the jacket off, tossing it over to the side. "I can't imagine that you do."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He sighs, and reaches around to give her a hug again. "I'd like you keep breathing, so please don't stop." He sighs. "Does anything you do increase it, decrease it?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"... I felt pretty good for about three seconds after I cut Abra Kadabra's arm off so that he dropped a box full of stolen nuclear power and sent it to Batgirl to work with?" Phoebe offered with wan humor, and instead just leans her head against Robbie. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And I feel okay. Not... so much better as okay. Now that you're here." she admits quietly.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1365|Robbie Reyes (1365)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"See, that sounds like a guy whose arm was worth cutting off," Robbie says, reaching up with his fingers to brush against Phoebe's temple. "How else could you recover that stuff?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Turning to brush his lips against Phoebe's other temple, he gives her a squeeze. "I'm glad. Do you need me to..." He thinks for a moment. "I can stay here. Not leave. Just...if I help ward off the bad, I can be here by your side until you don't need me anymore."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah, luckily I was in Balm Mode and not Oriole. Ugh. That would be the end of me being in the Bats." Phoebe whispers, calming down. Her heartbeat stabilizes. her arms still losely around Robbie. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Would... would you mind staying here tonight? Or I could go to your place. I just... I don't want to be alone tonight." she whispers. "And you make everything okay. Like hte most dangerous thing in the room is you, and you'd never hurt me." she leans her head on his shoulder.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1365|Robbie Reyes (1365)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Robbie offers no comment about her remaining within the Bats. While he enjoys her family, and knows that she loves them, part of him wonders if it might not be too psychologically damaging being a part of that group.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'll stay. I told you, I'd stay as long as I had to." He gives her another squeeze. "There isn't anything more important to me than the people that I love, and there are only two people that I love right now." He once again gently pats the side of he rhead, encouraging her to lean against him. "I would never hurt you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She more bodily leans against Robbie, into his warmth and his embrace. She reaches up and slowly runs her fingers over his hair, and to the back of his head, and then just loops an arm over his shoulders as she calms down. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You're always so warm." she murmurs quietly. "I always feel safe with you. Nothing would hurt me 's long as you're here." she breathes out. Her muscles relax.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1365|Robbie Reyes (1365)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allowing a long sigh to slip out, Robbie nods, as if sensing the change coming over Phoebe from his mere presence. "Damn straight, nothing is going to touch you if I am around." He turns his head to brush his lips against her. "So the key is to make sure you keep me around you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ugh. That's too much. You'd have to quit your job. Move in. Come to work with me at WayneTech and hang out in my office and glower at everyone who comes in." she states quietly, with a small smile as she opens her eyes and looks up to Robbie's face. <br><br>T"And all the meetings. And to school with me and have to deal with my philosophy professor." she murmurs.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1365|Robbie Reyes (1365)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'd almost consider that, for you." RObbie laughs. "Although I cannot imagine that I would be welcome in most, if not all of those places."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He laughs again, and nudges her in the side. "But if you want me to find a way to doit, I'll do it. I could always enroll in school and join your classes."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You'll have to finish highschool 'fore you get into college." Phoebe points out gently. "Is... that something you'd be interested in doing? Going to college? I can help. I can *pay* for it if you want me to." PHoebe replies, curling her fingers a little against Robbie. "But... no. I want you to do things you want to do. It's not my life. It's yours. And I know you have more than one person already you have to make decisions for."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1365|Robbie Reyes (1365)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Robbie scoffs at that. "I could get my GCD," he says, rolling his eyes. "And I don't need you to pay for me to go to college." He shrugs. "But yeah, if it would be somethign we could do together, I'd consider it." He looks at her. "If we're going to have a life together, a long life, then I need to find a way to do something a bit more productive with mine, right?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That causes Phoebe to sit up, her lips pursing in thought. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Robbie, you already lead a heck of a life. You're a mechanic, Avenger, and Ghost Rider. Like, I know /Ketch/ is busy all the time. And on top of that you're Gabe's primary caregiver and take him to appointments and help him out. And then you have this pain in the ass girlfriend who is all 'wah I don't wanna walk in the snow come pick me up from class'." Phoebe raises her eyebrows. "Sometimes I feel like the only time you *sleep* is when you're here."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1365|Robbie Reyes (1365)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Robbie raises an eyebrow right back at her. "I don't get much /sleep/ when I 'sleep' here, either," he replies, giving her a nudge with his elbow. "And I don't mind coming here to carry you through the snow. I'm telling you, other than Gabe, there is nothing anything as important to me as you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I let you sleep at *least* six hours. And obviously I'm completely innocent and pure and have no idea to what you are referring with that elbow, *sir*." Phoebe states looking properly scandalized, and she gives a grin up at Robbie, and then her hand comes down and laces with his. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I know Robbie. I love you too." she gives a bright grin, and drawing up she kisses the tip of Robbie's nose. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then pulls a blanket off the back of the couch and lays down, her head in RObbie's lap, looking up at him.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17210/What%27s_Red_and_Blue_down_by_the_Cemetary&diff=2551217210/What's Red and Blue down by the Cemetary2024-02-20T01:03:38Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/17 |Location=Woodlawn Cemetery |Synopsis=Blue and |Cast of Characters=5182,5091 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEye..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/17<br />
|Location=Woodlawn Cemetery<br />
|Synopsis=Blue and<br />
|Cast of Characters=5182,5091<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>A soft voice can be heard in the darkness, a murmering in a foreign tongue. Or rather, a native one as a fit figure rises from the ground just in time to be splashed by an errant ray of moonlight. "Anyway, I should get going. The rare one night off on a weekend and I'm not planning on hanging around talking to myself all night in the cemetary." The native american woman pats the rather plain tombstone with one hand and then stiffens and looks around. <br><br> Was she really so lost in her thoughts she missed someone approaching? Well, stranger things have certainly happened but sheesh. It's been too long a week. Or one too many bottles of honey whiskey tonight. So friend or foe? Grinning, the woman steps onto the path. She's dressed in a pair of jeans, black tank top and is carrying a pair of cowboy boots. Either way it ought to be fun, she figures.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> Bobby is new to New York. Kind of. Sort of. Most would call him new. So, this wrong turn is not quite unepxected. His blue eyes takein the sights. Seeing all of the tombstones is a clear indicator he took a wrong turn. He was expecting an alleyway, something like that. So, Holy ground takes him back a little bit. <br><br> His gaze is mindful as he takes it all in. Being careful or where he steps. An odd tongue catches his attention. <br><br> "Sorry. Passing through," he says with both hands up. Just showing he didn't mean to interrupt a potentially private moment. <br><br> Just a young blonde with a black hoodie underneath a red winter coat. A simple pair of gray cargo pants on his person. <br><br> "Still kinda new to this city. Wrong turn," and he'll note lie about it.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>'Ah, just a kid. Well, young adult, she supposes. Of course when you're *her* age, most people are young. Though at most she looks to be in her thirties. A pair of most unusual eyes flicker in amusement at the guys words. Irises half dark brown and half palest blue. He does look lost. "No worries. I was just leaving. Usually only kids and weirdos hang around here after dark anyway. I lost track of time." <br><br> Easy to do when she'd spent half of it running around in her other form. "I like the quiet here during the day." And the often empty spaces where she can go unnocited. "How'd you take a wrong turn into here?" She laughs softly. "I reckon I must not be the only one lost in my thoughts this evening."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> "Well, good thing I'm one of those," Bobby chuckles and will lower the hands. The young man smiles at her. "It's one of the safests places to be," he says with a small chuckle. "Who are you visiting? If you don't mind my asking," his tone takes on some serious undertones because graveyards can be a very personal experience, too. He's trying to respect that.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>Her eyes are glinting with amusement now. "Oh, just someone I used to know." The name on stone if it's legible is John Pale eyes. Someone she used to be actually. She doesn't know where all her graves our of course, hell, she doesn't know more than a handful, but this is one of them and the closest and she often comes here to think or be her otherself. Hardly an explanation she can give a stranger though. <br><br> "I'm Blue. Blue Ghosteyes." The woman holds her hand out to be shaken. New to the city huh? It can take time to get used to, that's for sure. Especially if you came from somewhere smaller. I've been here a long time and I still have days where I have to take a minute and figure out where I am." Though not exactly for the same reason as a newcomer would.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> Bobby gives a nod about knowing someone. He won't pry because that's Blue's business. He doesn't want to pry unnecessarily. So, he will leave her reasoning at that. <br><br> "Bobby," he will shake her hand. "New to the city, but not new to -a- city. The vibe's just different. Kind of like a dog and a cat. On paper they sound the same, but then you get into the nuances, people see how different they all are," Bobby chuckles a little bit. "L.A. and New York, very similar situation," he gives a shake of the head. It probably sounds ridiculous. Just the two places are so similar yet so very different in his eyes.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>"Nice to meet'cha Bobby." Blue smiles then tilts her head back and thinks. "LA, man I don't remember the last time I was out there. Definitely a different vibe though, I remember that. Diffeerent weather too." Her head tilts back down and she looks Bobby over, taking in the hoodie. "Aren't you cold?" Probably a weird question from a lady in tank top with bare feet during a New York winter, which she seems to realize as she balances on one foot to put a boot on and then other. <br><br> "Heh. I am cold, just used to it I guess. And I do have a jacket but I left it with my bike." She also doesn't have much control over what clothes she shifts into either. At least it all matches this time.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> "A weird question, yes, but y'know, not my place to judge. You do you," Bobby smiles and then he gestures to the winter coat. "I'm fine." He's wearing the hoodie under the coat, but the coat is probably undone. <br><br> "When was the last time you were inLA?" for bobby it's not that long ago. Unbeknownst to him, it may have been literal ages for Blue. <br><br> "But I'm still getting used to it. I know a couple of people out here. I still gotta strike out on my own, y'know," he gives a nervous look. "Still finding my footing. That's not really helping me at the moment." Sighing at himself, he just pushes past that feeling. He tries to focus on the now.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>"Mm.. it was.. awhile ago." She temporizes. The 70s maybe? That sounds about right. Not that she can readily admit to that.. well.. maybe. This guys smells different. He's not a mutant, she doesn't think but.. something.. she thinks. Well why not? "I think it was the during the seventies." She grins a little and then shrugs. "I'm older than I look." She nods a bit when he says he's still finding his footing. <br><br> "Things like that take time is all. No need to feel in a rush about it. Just live in the moment if you gotta. Helps sometimes." Hell, if she couldn't do that, she'dve gone crazy long ago.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> "You're immortal or age slower," Bobby doesn't seem shocked by that. Not like he should be anyway. "Well, you look good for your age Disco Granny. Keep it up," he'll wink, obviously joking. However, it's clear she has a stoory and Bobby is not creeped out about it. <br><br> "I know they do. I just got comfortable is all. I'm a Foster system brat. I know all abou the cycle of comfort. I finally found something stable and part of it went to NYC. Hence being here, it's just harder kind of starting over again. Or at least, starting over in some ways," Bobby hates feeling like a vagabond in his own life. It's a bit strange.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>Oooh Bobby just got a lot more interesting. Blue snickers. "Disco Granny. Nice." Oh. The foster system. She's known a lot of those. He's likely to have a hard road no matter which way he goes. "I honestly don't know what I am aside from old. Well, I know a few other things but what I am isn't one of them. I can die. It just doesn't stick." She nods. "Stable is good. At least for most people. I kinda tend to thrive on chaos but even I need periods of peace and home, ya know?" <br><br> "You'll settle, it just takes time and if you need anything.." She fishes in her pocket then growls softly. "Damned things never have my stuff in them. I was gonna give you a card, I run a Prive eye business outta my house. I got a web thingie. Uh.." She closes her eyes and focuses "C.E. Investigations. And weekends I work as a bartender at a place in the Bronx called Amelia's Alehouse."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> "Yeah. I do," Bobby says his voice gaining a somberness. He knows about the importance of that peace. To feel like there's some kind of control. <br><br> "Maybe what you are doesn't matter. What you do matters more?" he offers out to her. His gaze on settling on Blue as he does wonder about the what for a moment. Still, he takes the card. "Investigator?" and then he pauses for a moment. "I might have been there," Bobby did stagger into a Honky Tonk lately. Kind of place that would use an investigator like this one.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>"It's possible. I don't always have time to look at faces and I'm usually only there one weekends. It's a good place. Little rowdy sometimes but I can double as one of the bouncers when I need to and its usually just boys blowing off some steam." Blue grins. She loves a good fist fight. <br><br> She looks thoughtful and then nods. "That's a good point. What you do does matter more. Mostly. Just gets a bit, I dunno, old I guess, sometimes. The not knowing why you're different. Just that you are."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> "People shouldn't question gifts?" he shrugs. "That's what I tell myself. It's kinda the only thing we can do," it's the best he can give in this moment. For him it works, but if this is an immortal Bobby knows that these words may sound childish. <br><br> "I wouldn't want to get on your bad side," he grins having no doubt she probably did that kind of gig for the enjoyment rather than the paycheck. <br><br> "So you investigate, bounce and what else do you do?" he asks just curious about this one. It adds another layer to Blue. Something about that makes him curious.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>It doesn't sound childish to her, it's just that she's often wondered if what she is more of a gift or a curse. "I guess in the end it doesn't matter much, it is what it is." Blue grins then and laughs. "No you would not. One of the good things about my whole gig.. paybacks a bitch. Least when I can remember who killed me. Doesn't always work that way. It's gotten easier since voicemails. If I have the time i just leave myself a quick message or text if I can, so I know what happened. It can take awhile to put the pieces back together and sometimes there's just no doing but.." She shrugs. It is what it is. <br><br> "Well. This." She grins again, wondering what's come over her tonight. She's rarely this open about what she is even with people she's known years. Something about this guy, he just seems to be trying so hard to find something and anyway whats the worst that can happen? She's probably already been through it. So Blue winks at Bobby and then she's suddenly gone and in her place is a wolf sized coyote with the same two toned eyes staring at him as she sits and grins.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> "So, you regenerate a lot. Does that change the outside? Or do you come back looking the same?" Bobby has those first few questions to go with. To him that's a fascinating and horrying premise. Naming your own killer with a text message. <br><br> And then she's gone. In her place is a coyote. His head tilts for a moment. That grin keeps him brom running. "And you're a furry's dream?" he asks witha raised brow. He means no disrespect byt htat. He just doesn't remember the term for changing into an animal.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>Blue changes back just as fast after Bobby's reaction only she's sitting on the ground and laughing hard. "I reckon I could be at that." Her clothes have changed though, black sweatpants and a navy colored knit sweater along with a pair of old grey tennis shoes. "I do heal faster and a lot of the time I go into a sorta coma until whatever it was heals. It's just sometimes the damage is too bad. Then I get a whole new body and wake up somewhere, not always knowing who I am. Most of comes back eventually but it can make living a bit of a challenge these days. Can't explain that kinda thing if too many people see it." <br><br> She scowls "And everyone and their damn brother's cousin's uncle's kid has a videocamera in their hand these days. I've managed not to get caught dying by anyone I know the past decade or coming back as a guy, that happens sometimes. Gotta start over again then too. Sometimes I miss the old days. It was easier to blend in in some ways, harder in others. Like no one notices an Indian here now ya know? But there were times and places that was just a total death sentence, of course it was a lot easier to hide if I did die then." At that time in her life she really had felt more cursed than gifted.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> Bobby asks the obvious question once the laughter dies down. "Does it hurt?" He imagines it does. However, he asks anyway. <br><br> "So, if some strange looking person shows up at my door claiming to be you, I should trust it?" he asks a little curiously ont his one. He's concerned there. So many weird rules to regeneration. "And how did you get your clothes to change?" Lots of questions.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>Blue nods. "Every time." She answers seriously and likely gives new meaning to her "live in the moment" advice frome earlier. "I feel everything every one else does." She blinks at the second question. "Huh. I mean, probably. I'd say we should have a code word but I might remember you and not the word and there are other beings out there that can change their looks." She puzzles over it for a moment. "Oh I know! I have birthmark like a pawprint on my..." She sighs. "Ass." She shakes her head. "No matter which of the tribes I look like I'm from or which sex I am I always have that damn mark." <br><br> She glances down at her clothes and shrugs. "I have no idea. They just.. are there. I need them and so they are, I guess. Don't really have any control over it."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> A wince comes Bobby even if the answer is expected. Honestly, he would have been more shocked if the answer was the opposite. When talk of the birthmark comes up, he does stifle a giggle. "I won't ask to see it, but I will know to use that if you ever move onto the next life," and then he nods. "So the clothes are adaptive. Maybe try working on that for funskies. Could save on the bills," he shrugs a little bit on that one. That's what he would do.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>She blinks. It seems like such obvious advice but she's always just worked around it. Tried not to wear anything important or keep a wallet or anything in clothes she might end up losing. It's why her jacket is back with her bike and her phone is in a locked box attached to the side. She'd intended on going running in the cemetary and knew she'd shift. "I.." Blue huffs in exasperation. "Never really thought about it. It always just.. was. I guess it wouldn't hurt to try. I just kinda always figured it's better than showing up naked all the time. I know other kinds of shifters have that problem but then, I've never found another one like me either." <br><br> Could she really learn to control it or at least guide it a bit? It'll be interesting to try. "I should talk to strange guys in the cemetary more often." Blue jokes.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> "I'm sure you and naked go great together, but you never know who you're going to run into. Your idea is probably a good one, but I just haven't heard of many shifters being able to do the clothes thing," Bobby does give her a look. "My expereince with them has been through movies. I'm not the goto guy, but if I were any kind of shape shifter. If I could just make the clothes, I would. We always picture things in our head so well and then most of suck bringing that image to life. So, lean into a gift and skill most would kill for," he shrugs a gain. To him it's jut that simple. <br><br> "I'm not strange. My strange sense is a fresh set of eyes on your situation. The Cemetary part is just coincidental," he grins. "Now there's the matter of my fee," he jokes back.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>Blue nods. "That's what I meant. You see things differently. When you've been around so long, you can forget how helpful that can be." She laughs. "The movies get some things right. I've often wondered how many people "in the know" have used that information for books, tv, whatever. Cause a lot of it isn't that far off." <br><br> She raises a brow and grins. "Oh yeah? What kinda fee ya got in mind?" A hint of teasing flirtation in her voice.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> "Well, happy to be of service." He grins at the laugh and shrugs. "I mean it's the perfect cover. Convince people it's fake by presenting it as entertainment. Muddle up some of the details to keep it from being a guide on how to kill you. Easy peasy," he smiles at Blue for a moment. <br><br> A grin dances on his lips, "Wouldn't you like to know," he winks and just lets that one marinate for a little bit. "Always this open to weirdos you find or just sensing a kindred spirit?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>"It's pretty much what happened. For the longest time, anything not human had an easier time blending in but that changed. Humanity grew and spread and technology advanced. It finally started to settle a bit, but the world is changing agian Now there are mutants and whatever else out there. There's still more humans than anything else though and we have to be careful, anyone that's different. So it makes sense." <br><br> She laughs. "Kindred spirit I think. I meet enough weirdos during work. Aiyaiy and I don't mean at the bar. This private eye thing, it's not all cheating spouses, peeping toms, and two bit thieves these days. It keeps me on my toes."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> Bobby grows quiet when the evolution of man and tech come up. "Yeah. I know," and his words hold a bit of weight to them. It's a subject he knows intimiately well. Her private eye training can tell her that she stumbled into something with him. Whether he's a human, or something else, remains to be seen. Smart money is on something else that has dealt with the "different" part. However, equally plausible is he's a human somehow dealing with the different part. <br><br> "And dang. Here I thought a cute private eye was tailing me. Makes me wonder what I did wrong and whose paying you to watch me beyond personal interest," he winks again. Possible a little deflection there. <br><br> "How do you stand the private eye thing? I mean don't you see the worse of people most of the time you do it. Even if it's not cheasters, but people doing frauds. You're still seeing the not-so-great side of people."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>Blue knows something about him is different but she doesn't pry yet. If he wants to tell her, he will. It isn't like she's one to judge being what she is anyway. "Heh. If I was tailing you, you'd never know it." The woman grins. She is very good at what she does afterall. <br><br> She tilts her head and just looks at Bobby for a minute, considering. "I can't say for sure how old I am but it's an age measured in centuries. I've seen the worst of it, I've *lived* through the worst of it, more times than I can count. This gig, it's letting me use my nature to help people that would otherwise be ignored. The people that come to me can't go to or count on the law or the goverment for help. If I can do a little good, make a difference for the better then.. it's worth it. It gives my life meaning and without that then I tend to lose myself. So it's kinda selfish too I guess." She's honest enough with herself to admit that. "My last life I just killed people for money. Bad people.. not innocent people. But still. This time I'm trying to find a better balance."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> Bobby doesn't argue the tailing comment. Most private eyes are good like that. He just knows things like stay sixty feet behind while in a car for a moment. <br><br> Hearing about why she does what she does, it does paint Blue in an interesting light. The fact Blue is so forward about her past tells more about the current mindset. <br><br> He'll move forward and there's a small flickered of orangish yellow in his hand, but the hand moves forward. Bobby flicks her in the nose with a finger while the power is going. It doesn't burn, but it does feel like Blue's nose got a little too close to a candle. The warmth is -very- much there. <br><br> As quick as it comes the glow is gone, "That's for being an ass last life time. But I'm sure you're making up for it in this one," he gives a warm smile and tries to take a step back.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>She blinks in startlement but doesn't move otherwise. He isn't a fire elemental she's pretty sure of that. Interesting. Something, someone *new*. Blue grins. "Thanks." For being so accepting, for showing her something new, for trusting her enough to do it in the first place. <br><br> "I'm not sure I'd say I was an ass really, just.. some people the world's better off without. These days I try to find a better way unless it's heat of the moment or there's no other choice. I mean you pop up in the middle of gang fight or something, there isn't always time to be careful of your moves. It is a lot easier to get evidence of wrong doing and deliver it anonymously to the right authorities. Or even the press these days though. I like that." <br><br> Her lips quirk. "To think I almost went running in Central Park tonight instead. I'm glad I didn't." Really glad actually. Sometimes her random instincts to do a thing turn out really well. Other times.. not so much. She's glad this wasn't one of those other times.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> "I'm not saying there isn't a time or place where that stuff can't, or shouldn't happen. you just made it sound like it -always- hapepned. Or it happneed a bit," Bobby knows that it's the frequency to that one. <br><br> "Your weirdo senses were tingling," he says about the the detour. "I'm glad I took a wrong turn, too. You can always have my number if you want to ever get together outside of a grave yard," he grins and looks about. "Might have a place to actually lean on elsewhere.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>"No, not always. Hell, there's been decades where I just ran wild as coyote, or lived a simple life doing nothing much. I am what I am though, a hunter, a predator. Can't change that. Wouldn't wanna. I don't however, want to be a monster." She's seen more than enough of those and is sure she'll all too many more. <br><br> "I'd really like that. This is place is great for a run or just some peace and quiet but as a hangout, not so much." It is a little awkward she finally realizes, just standing around in the dark talking like this. She's actually a bit embarrased that it didn't occur to her until this moment but she spent a lot of time talking to people in somewhat or downright shady places.. perhaps a little too much time. Ah well. Hindsight.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> "And there is a difference." Bobby knows that and he looks at her, "Try not to be the Monster." That's what he wants her to avoid. Why there's even a lecture in the first place. <br><br> "Well, don't be a stranger and we can meet some place a little less dark and ominous," he grins even if she can't see it.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5182|Blue GhostEyes (5182)}} has posed:'''<br>Blue can definitely see it. Her night vision is better than most. "That is the goal." She agrees, midly amused at the bit of lecture but knowing it comes from a good place. "I'd definitely like to meet again. How about sometime next week? You pick the time and place and I'll show up." She offers with a grin. <br><br> There's a slight breeze and her ears twitch at a soft sound carried by the wind. Her eyes straining in the dark and shoulder stiffening for a moment before she relaxes. Ah, nothing to worry about. "Anyway.." Blue turns her attention back to Bobby. "It was good meeting you."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17211/I_Believe_You_Have_Something_That_Belongs_To_Me&diff=2551117211/I Believe You Have Something That Belongs To Me2024-02-20T01:03:30Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/17 |Location=Little Italy |Synopsis=Flatline meets the Assassin, the daughter of the Demon's Head's child and they have a short conversatio..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/17<br />
|Location=Little Italy<br />
|Synopsis=Flatline meets the Assassin, the daughter of the Demon's Head's child and they have a short conversation.<br />
|Cast of Characters=163,5063<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>Flatline had gotten into a habit of how to communicate with Robin. Little graffiti markers all over the place. So imagine her surprise when one of them had been painted over and written in Arabic was a riddle. <br><br>Where Ceaser met Napoleon and gladiators fought, in the city that never sleeps, this area is given little thought. Where am I? <br><br>The answer was obvious, with just a little legwork needed. Waterloo Pizzeria in Little Italy. The building had burned out years ago, but the empty lot still remains.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5063|Flatline (5063)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For one, she didn't speak a whole lot of Arabic. For two -- the fact that it was in riddle form piqued her curiosity. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There was a dusting of the crunchy snow, too light to make into snowballs, slippery and dangerous as she alighted on a fire escape on an adjacent building to the lot that held the Waterloo Pizzeria. She's got her thick black hoodie on over her normal jacket, her boots scraping against frozen cast iron, kicking up some rust flakes as she watches the snow fall, lending a softer quality to the city that never sleeps. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's on her guard now. Not every day you get invited out on a 'date' by the Son of the Daughter of the Demon's Head.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>The walls are partially collapsed. The building was apparently partially razed at some point, but had yet to finish it's demolition. Probably just waiting for the moment for some sucker... we mean investor to decide this the spot he wants to develop. <br><br>"Flatline." That is said in the darkness. Above her. <br><br>Perched on the edge of a ruined wall is a figure. Dressed in dark greens, gold, and black, he looks very much the assassin he had been trained to be. A half-mask is pulled up above his nose, obscuring his face. All she can really see is those emerald-green eyes. <br><br> "I was informed by the Demon's Daughter that you have come into possession of an item that belongs to me." comes the soft growled voice. <br><br>"I applaud your skill to come into possession of it, but I believe that I have let you play with it long enough."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5063|Flatline (5063)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Flatline draws her pinkish eyes slowly up, her black lips pursing a moment as she looks up to the son of Talia al Ghul. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her head tilts a moment, and she raises her eyebrows into her pale hairline. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Finally, we meet." she states in a slightly flat toe, though she's suspicious she's met this man before. Her fingers stretch out, warming her fingers in the cold. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So I'm told I've got something that belongs to you." she states, and she gives an almost smug smile. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You've got pretty eyes." she remarks in something that might have been an honest flirt.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>One of the brows of those green eyes lift, making the emerald eye that much bigger, but it narrows back down. "There are other ways that you may have contacted me." It's clear she's met his mother, after all. <br><br>"You do." he responds. "My question to you is, now that you have it, what is your expectation?" he questions. <br><br>What does she plan to do with it? What does she want for it? And why did she say he had pretty eyes.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5063|Flatline (5063)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well I mean, I don't just look up 'Talia al Ghul's Son' on the internet and get hits that leave me, y'know. Able to TALK afterwards." Flatline states quietly, and she straightens up. She crosses her arms and leans on the railing of the fire escape, looking up at the Assassin Prince. "And who even knows where you are anyway? Here, Iran, Brazil livin' it up in Carnival --" she trails off with a shrug. "Easier to just tell people I have it now, and let you come to /me/." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And she purses her lips, considering his inquiry and she sticks her pinkie finger in her ear. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well really I was kinda expecting some sort of fight I guess. Maybe other assassins? Like a big group of assassins? Do you call yourselves a 'murder' like crows do? Or something fancy like a Cabal? A Consortium?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>She's being cute. And it's kind of adorable, but at the same time, it seems that the son of al-Ghul understands what it is that Flatline is looking for. Fine. "You wanted me to come to you. I have." comes the quiet words. <br><br>His hands flash out of the darkness and in either grip is a sharp, curved jambiya. Short, deadly. Something that he once was. That he allowed to become dull. But here, in this empty lot. With her? <br><br>He lashes out from the bricks, dust kicked up as he dives at the girl, giving her barely a moment to react as the pair of blades lash out. There's no honor there. There's no 'Ready, Set, Go' or speeches. He's just there, ready or not. <br><br>A step, a slide along the ground and as the blades cut towards the space that Flatline occupied, whether or not he connects, he's already moving away from her, taking away the advantage she may think she has with the sword by getting out of it, the swirl of the cloth of the cloak making it hard to judge from where his next attack may come from.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5063|Flatline (5063)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Good. Flatline can't stand it when they start talking at her. She usually starts humming. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This was more like it. More like what she was thinking would happen. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Assassin dives at her, and Flatline nimbly flips back and over the railing of the fire escape, catching the bottom rung support of the platform and slinging a pair of spikes up through the grating at the Son of Talia. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I knew you were going to be a fun one!" she chirps as she releases the cold cast iron, and lands in the razed lot, sliding backwards in the snow. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She narrows her eyes, taking a deep gulp of the cold air. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;Reminds me of home.&gt; she states in Russian, already drawing out another pair of knives as she regards the cloaked assassin's son.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>The spikes fly towards the Assassin and as they get close, the pair of blades deflect them off to the sides. As she tries to get high, he moves towards her, leaping at her again as she starts to come off the ladder, using that moment where she is in the air and unable to control where she lands to his advantage. <br><br>"You took a blade. Learn to use it." he offers at her flatly. <br><br>When she starts to speak Russian and she draws knives instead, there's a soft, almost familiar 'Tt' that rises from him. &lt;It should remind you of where you are headed.&gt; he comments of her speaking of home, clearly understanding Russian as well. <br><br>Another move in, a feint with his blades. Keep your eyes on the jimabiya that are up above you, Flatline - don't notice that spiked boot that comes up to strike at the inside of her thigh. She'll have just a moment to realize where the real attack is coming from. Which is probably plenty of time.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5063|Flatline (5063)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;Ah! You speak Russian? This makes things interesting!&gt; Flatline states, and she moves, light on her feet on the razed building, and she brushes aside an ice dam to try and get to the flat of the razed ground. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She turns, bringing her knives to bare, and she gives a bright grin, her eyebrows narrowed. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;Hell?&gt; she questions, and she brings one knife up to catch against the jimabiya, keeping her structure foot, her arms steady. She's wiry, but she's *strong*. And she's absorbed so many fighting techniques over the last two years. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She breathes out and brings her other knife down to bring the point against the front of the spiked boot to bring his foot to a stop. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I took the blade from a Bat. How'd he get it? I'm *dying* to know!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt;Were you planning a conversation with yourself?&gt; That is offered flatly from the Assassin as he and the Mercenary continue their battle. <br><br>The pair of jimabiya are defended against with one blade, as the other comes up to catch the blade on the boot. For a moment, they are locked into that position before he kicks off with his other foot, not aiming for her chin, but instead a hard backflip to put that distance between himself and Flatline again. And he slides to a stop in the middle of the ruined structure, his feet settled on the tiled floor. <br><br>&lt;We are not destined for Hell.&gt; that much is set simply. &lt;If anything... Niflheim may be where we end up.&gt; he says to her simply, flatly. Let her figure that one out. <br><br>And then she asks another question, this one about the blade that she has. And while she's gone back to English, he remains in Russian. <br><br>&lt;That seems a rather prophetic statement to make.&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5063|Flatline (5063)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;You make it sound like I'm not a murderer. Murderers go to Hell.&gt; she moves back, both of their feet now on the floor as she changes her stance, her eyes narrowing. She's measuring him up, shifting her weight on the slick tile, and she purses her lips. &lt;I've asked.&gt; she replies enigmatically, and she lets her breath out, still on guard. She circles around Damian. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;Every man dies. Except, apparently, an al Ghul.&gt; she comments breezily. &lt;Supposedly your family kills for noble reasons. I'm not noble. There is nothing 'good' about me.&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt;You're not asking the right questions, then.&gt; comes the response from the Assassin. As she circles him, Damian is keeping his eye on her, those emerald eyes narrowed in thought. His foot slides, keeping it at a perpendicular angle to her. <br><br>&lt;My grandfather is unique in his own way.&gt; comes the response, and she may hear something in his voice that disagrees with that idea. &lt;How did a sword of al-Ghul end up in Gotham in the first place?&gt; he asks her, to give her food for thought. <br><br>A chuff of laughter rises from him, a small cloud of white of condenscened air &lt;You claim not to be noble. Yet you rescued an actress from an bigotted mob. You claim not to be noble, yet you helped rescue trafficked humans.&gt; A pause, and he adds. <br><br>&lt;But if you assume I am here to kill you, you are mistaken.&gt; Then why is he here?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5063|Flatline (5063)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;I killed six men who interrupted me in getting a refill. I played by The Bat's rules because I was told to complete a task. I didn't know there were people in those containers. And why would I *care* if there were?&gt; Flatline questions, turning her knives in her hands as she breathes out. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;Well. I mean, I /supposed/ you might be The Bat in Question. Similar height, weight -- just not wearing the colors. And he lacked the cool cloak.&gt; Flatline gives a slight smile. &lt;But that's too coincidental yes?&gt; she asks. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her head tilts. &lt;So you're not here to kill me, why *are* you here? 'Cause a ruined pizza place is a PERFECT place for a date.&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt;Used to following orders, are you?&gt; comes the question from the Assassin. &lt;And you speak almost fondly of this Bat. Are you worried that there is another?&gt; <br><br>Another small 'tt' as she compares him to... himself. But, there is a question that she asked that he decides to address. &lt;I imagine you are the type that would find a picnic in a cemetary at midnight romantic.&gt; comes his response to her as he tilts his head. <br><br>&lt;Talia believes you have a talent. And that you could be useful. I am here to judge her thought.&gt; he responds to her. &lt;If there may be a place in the future for you.&gt; And to get to her before his grandfather finds out and really muddles things up.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5063|Flatline (5063)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;Why, looking for date ideas? Don't you have the internet, Son of the Daughter of the Demon? That's too long.&gt; she states, and she tilts her head back a moment in thought. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;Besides, you know that Park Cemetaries were meant for picnics for that reason? Maybe not at MIDNIGHT -- but we're both nightowls aren't we?&gt; Flatline grins, and her eyebrows rise up in curiosity. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;Talia thinks I have talent? Why, does she have a little bird whispering in her ear? Wouldn't /THAT/ be a *twist*.&gt; she grins.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt;You have a deep curiosity. Do not think simply because you are attractive it will not keep you from being harmed.&gt; comes the Assassin's reply. But it seems that he has gotten the answers that he wanted, between the physical dance earlier and the metaphorical one that is going on at the moment. <br><br>There's a snort of amusement as he knows that Flatline is feeling things out. &lt;I make use of the hours that are required.&gt; he offers to her as he tucks his arms in for a moment. When they come back out, he is throwing several small spheres. They strike an already weakened wall and explode, causing the bricks to crumble and fall while other pellets kick up smoke, obstructing the view. &lt;No. You have met her before.&gt; he reminds her. &lt;And we will speak again.&gt; <br><br>And when the smoke clears - he's gone, leaving no clue of which way he went.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5063|Flatline (5063)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;Psh. Me. Attractive? You hit your head on the way down? I'm a monster!&gt; Flatline protests, and she was about to charge forward, when the explosive spheres strike the wall behind her. She pauses in the snow, and looks up before she's partially entombed in the brick. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her hand is sticking out. And slowly it turns, and flips Damian off in a most friendly of manner, and she can be heard wheezing and laughing beneath the rubble as the smoke clears.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17218/Barefoot_in_the_Hall&diff=2551017218/Barefoot in the Hall2024-02-20T01:03:09Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/18 |Location=City Spire Condominiums |Synopsis=Megan comes to visit Mike. Along the way, she meets Olivia, who has locked herself out of he..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/18<br />
|Location=City Spire Condominiums<br />
|Synopsis=Megan comes to visit Mike. Along the way, she meets Olivia, who has locked herself out of her own apartment. Liv escorts Megan to Mike's place and the two have a heart to heart while the performer retreats to deal with her key issue.<br />
|Cast of Characters=5070,392,384<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:5070|Olivia Gaudin (5070)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are many things that Ms. Gaudin is good at. Singing, dancing, socializing, babysitting, especially babysitting, and knowing a whole bunch of super hero trivia! What she is not good at is... being lucky, honestly. This afternoon is no exception, as she stands outside her doorway, giving the very, very closed and unfortunately also locked door a most forlorn look. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She tries the door. Again. She even knocks, though she couldn't say why. She lives alone, after all. So very alone! But the author digresses... <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I fear I must once again make the walk of shame to the front desk," she says to the door. She looks down, noting that she's in bare feet. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, at least I'm dressed!" And she is, at that. She wears a mid-length white skirt and a one of those super soft turtlenecks. Nonetheless, she rather dislikes the idea of going to the front desk like this. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So she looks under her doormat. She has hidden a key there before! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, dang it. I forgot. I needed that key the last time I locked myself out and I forgot to put it back..." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan Gwynn hadn't visited Mike at Shaw studios in a long while, perhaps she's just been busy between working with outsiders, Xmen, JLDark and pursuing her own studies. But lately money's been right, especially as she and Thomas recently parted ways. Which means she's looking for work again.<br><br>But it's a Sunday so visiting the studio is probably not gonna happen. So here she is, showing up at his condo instead, which is a bit awkward since she doesn't know him that well and never really visited him at home before, at least not often.<br><br>"Ummm I hope this is the right place.." she bites her lip, checking her phone and pressing the buzzer, waiting to be let in.<br><br>Fortunately a resident let's her in and she makes her way down the hallway headed to Mike's room. "Ummm, which room was it again?" she bites her lip, counting doors.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5070|Olivia Gaudin (5070)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Olivia's just setting down her doormat when she hears someone approach! She had hoped she might be able to reach the front desk and return without being observed. That hope is dashed. Megan is heading right in her direction. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Embarrassed or not, Olivia is who she is. Seeing someone and not striking up a conversation is simply not something she'd entertain in this circumstance. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hi there!" A pause for though. Even out of sight, she could 'see' where Megan was and the path she saw makes Olivia suspect something. "Do you need your help finding someone?" <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus asketh the blonde woman in barefoot. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Wait a minute, I know that face." She doesn't forget easily. "You were in a movie." Obviously Olivia sees just about everything that comes out. Well, aat least most everything in which music has a major role. "I'm Olivia Gaudin," she says, holding out a hand. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan Gwynn pauses as she sees the unfamiliar yet maybe slightly familiar ish tall blonde, who stands a few spurs down from where she suspects Mike's room is.<br><br>"Oh, heey...Have we met before..?" she tries to figure that one out, maybe having met her in passing...hopefully not someone she got into trouble with...Because that would be embarrassing.<br><br>When she mentions that movie, Megan laughs. "Oh..Right! That, Soo you're an actress too? I mean to be fair, I only got in by knowing people, although I'd like to think I got some talent, really I shouldn't have stopped going for gigs but life got complicated..Ohh you're Olivia? Nice to meet you, I'm Megan..I guess you must know Mike personally, living on the same floor as him? that's cool!" <br><br>boy she can sure talk once she gets started.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5070|Olivia Gaudin (5070)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Olivia tilts her head slightly, grinning. It's always a bit amusing to her when she isn't recognized. Rather something of a relief, and way better than squeals of recognition. Which is how she reacts to super heroes. She's the only person who can make the Avengers retreat. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She considers her words carefully. "Yes, I perform on Broadway," she opts to say. That her face (admittedly in green) was all over the media and billboards is a separate issue. She hates to spoil a normal first meeting with someone! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think you did well. Did you enjoy being in the Count of Monte Cristo?" It took her a moment, but she knows faces and names on a super power level anyway. "Oh, and yes, you mean Michael Hannigan? We have crossed paths a few times, and as you can tell, I do enjoy talking to people." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She tries not to announce that she's locked herself out of her apartment. First impression and all that. This reminds her of Ghostbusters, somehow... and she does not like playing the Rick Moranis role. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>Oh the perils of not calling ahead and relying on the kindness of strangers to be let into the building. This does lead to the predicament of Mike not being aware that he should even be expecting a visitor. But there is something about the cadence of Pixie's nervous chatter nearing his door that makes the musician glance over that direction. He pauses, one arm extended, holding a towel to his hair. A few moments click by as he listens to the sound increasing in volume. Lowering his arm, he moves over to grab a shirt off of a chair and tugging it on. The towel ends up getting draped upon his shoulders as he goes back to the bathroom to at least comb out his hair. <br><br>Eh it sounds like she's talking with someone. He's got a few minutes.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan Gwynn laughs. "Oh yeah..Did I see your face on some billboards somewhere? I guess you're a pretty big deal huh.." she bites her lip, "So sorry, I've literally been in like, a cave or something the past few months. Well not literally but you know, a lot of...Stuff gas Happened.."<br><br>She laughs and tries to shrug it off but obviously something is bothering her. It doesn't seem to bug her that they're chatting outside a hallway, mostly because it'd be awkward to mention she forgets which room he's in but...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5070|Olivia Gaudin (5070)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This all gives Olivia a chance to walk towards Mike's place. She already suspected that Megan wasn't quite sure where she was going. When one can see through walls they notice things. And she can hear things in Mike's place, too. But she's trying not to 'look'. It's rude. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh please do not apologize. Big deal one moment, small fry the next. The second my vocal endurance starts to slip or my waistline changes, I'll be in the breadlines with the rest of the former stars." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Olivia grins despite this. "That all is hopefully years away, though! As for being in a cave, well. Are you okay? Maybe after you meet your friend we could talk about it. If you like. I can invite you in for tea!" After she runs off to get her keys. She wishes she knew how to pick locks... <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan Gwynn sighs, "Yeaah that's what bugs me about show biz, I mean it's exciting and all but short lived. Dunno how Mike survived this long.." she glances down the hall and grins sheepishly. "Ummm well the thing is, I didn't call ahead, I don't really know him as well as I knew his friend..And..I've never actually visited him at his home before." at least not often. "He might be busy.."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5070|Olivia Gaudin (5070)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Olivia pauses to think a moment, but that is little more than a break in her stride. "I'm sure it will be fine. He's gotten to see me in a pretty terrible position, so we're practically friends now." Everyone is her friend! As long as they are not trying to shoot her. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She will stop and rap very firmly on Michael's door. Is there a bell? She doesn't care. She's the Wicked Witch of the West seven shows a week. She might just blow this door down! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mr. Hannigan! It's Olivia bringing a VIP guest for you!" <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She gives Megan a cheeky grin. "It's all about delivery and confidence, dear. You never question if they want to see you or not. You /know/ they do." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>Hair combed, Mike just makes do with the hair being somewhat damp. Stepping out of the bathroom, he gets the general sense of the conversation coming even closer which leads to him being near the door as it is knocked upon. <br><br>"One sec." Mike calls back before udoing the locks upon his door.<br><br>Yes Locks.<br><br>Multiple.<br><br>Because he lives in New York City, that's why.<br><br>...<br><br>No that's not paranoid at all! <br><br>Either way the symphony of clunks and rattles are short-lived and the door creaks open, granting the view of the rock star sporting a general look like he just popped out of quick dive into the waters outside the Chateau d'If.<br><br>Mike looks to the same heighted performer and then the much smaller Pixie. "Thank you Olivia." Mike replies, giving a small smile, "Hey Megan. Truth be told I heard your voices through the door. But, not enough time to dry the hair I'm afraid."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan Gwynn blinks at the 'terrible position' comment, and then blinks some more at the vip statement. "Oh heh, not exactly vip but.." and then there's the sound of multiple locks being undone and she blinks even more. "Woah...I guess being a famous rockstar requires extra security. Surprised he doesn't have security guards."<br><br>The door finally opens and she grins sheepishly. "Ohh...Heey Mike, how's it going? Its been a while.." she bites her lip feeling ashamed. Really she should have kept in touch but after Thomas pretty much vanished....<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5070|Olivia Gaudin (5070)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Olivia makes no comment on the late rising nature of the star. If she didn't have the weekend off, her schedule would be its normal insanity. Well. It would be if she actually slept these days. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You're welcome, Mike!" <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She turns to smiles at Megan, "I think you have found your destination now, and all safe and sound. If he's not nice to you just let me know, I know where he lives." Comedy! She should not quit her day job. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Unfortunately, I'm in need of fixing a little problem. I'm just down the hall, if you want that tea. I have to run and check something at the front desk." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oliva will not lie, but she's not going to broadcast her stupidity, either! She's just.. going to check for any packages that may have arrived. Or maybe a message. People still leave those at the front desk, right? Like they did at hotels. A century ago. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>Mike tilts his head to the inquiry, considering the times they've run into each other while responding to something. But...technically- Ok yes. Off the clock it's been awhile. "Ah yes. It's been awhile since we've had a sit down outside of work. How are you and Thomas doing?"<br><br>As Olivia excuses herself, Mike looks over to her. "Good luck with the problem." He responds back, acknowledging the reason for her departure. "Good seeing you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan Gwynn smiles and nods to Olivia. "Of course. Thanks for your help..See you around!" she gives her a cheerful wave before turning back to Mike, smiling sheepishly. "Heh, I guess we fought alongside each other quite a few times they JLDark..But I guess we rarely have a social visit." when he mentions Thomas, her smile quickly fades. "I...Eh...Well I dunno where he is, honestly. One day I dropped by his house and it was all locked and empty.." her voice wavers a bit. "My best guess is he got arrested for illegal smuggling, or..Some other past crime caught up with him and he didn't want me caught up in the mess..Or.." she sighs, shoulders slumping. Trying hard not to cry.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>Hearing the answer, Mike frowns slightly. There's a glance down the hallway before he opens the door further, showing the studio condo as he backs away. "Come on in. I'll make you some tea or something."<br><br>Is this a City Spire Resident thing?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan Gwynn's lower lip trembles as she steps into his condo. She's never really talked about it to anyone before, never really processed it all until now. Now tears trickle down her eyes, sniffling a bit. "Last I heard from him was a text message saying he had to leave for my own safety...Then nothing..I just knew he would do this, sooner or later..I was so stupid, pretending like everything would be okay!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>When Megan decides to come inside, Mike closes the door, but leaves the door unlocked. Walking over to the wall near the kitchen table, he pulls off a piece of colorful artwork, unfolding it to reveal it to be a chair for the table. Setting it down on the floor with a thunk, he moves over to another piece to do the same. <br><br>"Would you like tea, coffee, water, beer, or whiskey?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan Gwynn blinks at the colorful artwork turned chair and bites her lip in wonder, briefly distracted from her tears before she nods and takes a seat. "Oh, this is really cool...Ummm some herbal tea please, if you have something relaxing like camomile..?" she asks.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>Mike gives a nod as he moves to the stove first, shifting the kettle to a burner and turning it on. With a turn he opens up a cabinet door. His other hand moves immediately to catch an orange bottle before setting it upright on the shelf with a rattle. Shifting the hand over, he grabs on to a tin and tugs it out.<br><br>The tin clunks upon the counter as he pops off the lid, taking a couple packets of the requested tea from the large supply. <br><br>Mike's motions are focused on the tea making leading to a bit of an awkward silence coming from his side of the condo. That is until a pair of mugs are set up with bags inside, waiting for the water to heat up.<br><br>"...I wish I could give you more information about Thomas but we decided awhile ago not to share information about certain work related things with each other." He glances over to the stove top, "But...I don't think he'd have texted that to you if there wasn't some truth to it. But, if he had the ability to text that message to you, it's probably him having to lay low." <br><br>Htere's a slight quirk of the lips. "That cat'll come back some other day."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan Gwynn just stares quietly at her hands, not paying any attention to anything else. Usually a chipper girl, this hit her hard and fast and she's only now feeling the effects of it. <br><br>"I just wish he gave me a choice instead of making my decision for me. That's not fair, it's not right." she says simply.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>"Yeah. It's not fun when people just force their decisions on you." Mike leans back against the counter, crossing his arms, "Although...there are times when waiting for a response may cause more harm than good. A life or death situation perhaps. Is it possible this would be one of those cases?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan Gwynn sighs and shakes her head. "I'm not a child, I could have helped him. He wanted to protect me but I'm not helpless.." she frowns, "I just wish he could have seen that in me."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>Mike looks over to Megan, drifting into a silence. "...This might be where our choices explain decisions. He's...got a thing about not wanting to pull people he considers to be 'good' down with him when he's doing certain things. There's the possibility you helping him with whatever he's dealing with could get you labeled a certain way. You're not the only one he's done that to."<br><br>There's a soft hiss coming from the stovetop, causing for Mike to look towards it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan Gwynn nods solemnly, he's got some wise advice of course, Mike always thought more while Thomas was more action. They balanced each other out, maybe that's why they were such good friends. She glances towards the kettle, towards the tea cups and seems to calm down. "I get it, maybe in time he'll come to his senses." she smiles quietly, "Thanks, Mike, I guess I should come visit you more often."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17222/A_Quiet_Valentine&diff=2550917222/A Quiet Valentine2024-02-20T01:03:00Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/19 |Location=Cafe Lalo |Synopsis=Romantic talk about Cats and cats over dinner ensues. |Cast of Characters=1014,1077 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/19<br />
|Location=Cafe Lalo<br />
|Synopsis=Romantic talk about Cats and cats over dinner ensues.<br />
|Cast of Characters=1014,1077<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1014|Marie-Ange Colbert (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>Valentine's Day. While derided by some as nothing more than a Hallmark Holiday, it nonetheless was a day devoted to love and the people in it... it was the bane of many singles' existence, and a harbinger of half-price chocolates in a great many stores that catered to the event.<br><br>While Marie tries to do her best to show Mary her devotion on a daily basis, she viewed the day as a moment to celebrate one another. Which, while they could have cooked, and entertained one another... it felt like the kind fo day to let someone else handle that responsibility. It started with catching a show on the grand old way, followed by a meal at one of the city's more popular after-performance spots... which also happened to be just up the street from their building, so it was a double win!<br><br>Marie was dressed up for the occasion; she wore a flowing white dress... the kind that flared out when the wearer spins too quickly -- which she had quite a bit of fun demonstrating on a couple occasions -- and her hair was tied back in a more stylized version of a french braid, with a yellow ribbon woven in between the strands to decorate just a bit more. Dinner has just been served, and Marie's babbling helplessly about the show. "...oh! And then, and then! When she was ascending to the heavens... oh, my heart /sang/ Mary. It was so touching!"<br><br>Because the show they caught was 'CATS'... and yes, she cried like a baby during 'Memory'.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1077|Mary Bromfield (1077)}} has posed:'''<br>Mary wasn't really much for Valentine's Day, aside from using it for favors when she was working at the Coffee Bean to pick up peoples' shifts. She was always a little cynical about the notion of a marketing expert's idea of love being commercialized under late-stage capitalism.<br><br>But then she met Marie, and her attitudes decidedly changed a bit. For good reason.<br><br>She smiles across the table at Marie, wearing a luxurious purple and black dress to off-set the white of her partner, with her brown hair curly and flowing free. Her ribbon is a red one, to complement Marie's yellow, as she nods, "Yeah, there's nothing quite like Cats, Marie. I'm still amazed I was able to get tickets for that." Her head tilts as she looks over at Marie, sighing happily as she says, "I've always been partial to Mister Mistoffelees. Fitting, I suppose."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1014|Marie-Ange Colbert (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>"I know! Fortune smiled greatly upon us that you were able to... some of the other musicians I worked with on the Count of Monte Cristo had mentioned just how difficult it was!" Marie gushes, her eyes bright and just... utterly besotted as she gazes upon her Mary. "...and oui! The original conjuring cat~"<br><br>Dainty fingers dip down to pluck a piece of cheese off of her plate and pop it into her mouth. Once she swallows, "I can see why he would be your favorite, oui." She can think of a /few/ different reasons for that, in fact. "If I had to choose one..." she trails off, letting her gaze turn skyward for a moment. "...I do not think I would be able to. I would worry too much about hurting the feelings of the others!" Not to mention Sharon's, if the feline mutant ever heard that Marie had picked a favorite cat which /wasn't/ Catseye.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1077|Mary Bromfield (1077)}} has posed:'''<br>Mary laughs softly, putting a slice of gruyere onto a cracker before popping it into her mouth. She smiles, much like the Cheshire Cat, then once her mouth is clear she says, "Well, I mean, I don't really have any feline folks to worry about offending, at least." Because she does know enough about Marie's friends to understand her hesitation.<br><br>Mary then tilts her head, "So hey, how about 'fictional' cats, because then you don't have to worry about offending people." She smiles, leaning in a bit with an impish expression, "And you can't count Freyja, our cat is decidedly not fictional after all."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1014|Marie-Ange Colbert (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>That much is for sure! Now whether or not she's also heard from /Billy/ about Marie's cat-friend... well, that's a different story entirely!<br><br>"Still haaaaard...!" Marie whines cutely. "...because then you add in Tomas, and Felix, and..." Then, she pauses, as if struck by inspiration. "I have it!" she boasts proudly. "My favorite fictional cat.... is Monsieur Hobbes! A fierce tiger when he needs to be, and an adorable stuffed one when he requires stealth~"<br><br>She then bursts into a brand new fit of giggles, leaning in to meet Mary half-way for a quick peck. "...and of course I cannot count her! If I called our beautiful cat fictional, she would likely never sleep on my lap again!"<br><br>...and that, ladies and gentlemen, is a fate worse than a hundred deaths.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1077|Mary Bromfield (1077)}} has posed:'''<br>Mary smiles and returns the kiss to Marie's cheek, "Worse than that, she'll do it, and then JUDGE you constantly for the rest of your days. Because cat." She laughs softly, "Hobbes is an excellent choice, and I'd be tempted to say that myself. Though, I can't pick the same one!" She hrms, and considers the question for herself.<br><br>Mary then says after a moment, "I've always been a little partial to Spot. From Star Trek. Data's cat." She smiles, "I mean, the cat-actor (cactor?) is real, but it's a character in a show so I think that counts."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1014|Marie-Ange Colbert (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>"Spot... spot.... oh! Oui!" Marie perks up when she puts two and two together. She'd never watched -- well -- any of the sci-fi epic that is Star Trek until after she started hanging out with Mary... and it was a good thing that the Philly girl educated the French one because she would've been even /more/ lost at that convention years ago without some knowledge! "Do not worry. I will not tell Freyja if you do not." she adds conspirationally, winking one of those big green eyes.<br><br>Then she pauses, and mock-gasps. "Unless... Freyja has spies within these very walls! We learned tonight about the secret lives of cats, after all. Why should we think ours would be any different?" she offers in as serious a tone as she can muster... before failing to hold character and just flashing a wide, ear to ear smile.<br><br>"...I love you so much, Mary."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1077|Mary Bromfield (1077)}} has posed:'''<br>Mary smiles, "Well, Freyja has seen me watching a lot of Star Trek, I think she's cool with Spot. I know Day9 and I have occasionally had cute-off with our respective cats on stream." She chuckles, then winks at the gasp, "I think Freyja tolerates are insignificant rebellions as beneath her concern, honestly."<br><br>Then she sighs happily, "I love you Marie, more than anything." With that, the Philly girl leans in and kisses Marie firmly on the lips, not terribly concerned who would be watching. It's Valentine's Day, after all!<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17223/Heist,_Uninterrupted&diff=2550817223/Heist, Uninterrupted2024-02-20T01:02:51Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/19 |Location=Rubin Museum of Art |Synopsis=Kiden Nixon slips into a museum that's been breached 'accidentally' by the Juggernaut. Slipping..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/19<br />
|Location=Rubin Museum of Art<br />
|Synopsis=Kiden Nixon slips into a museum that's been breached 'accidentally' by the Juggernaut. Slipping through in No Time, Kiden's able to retrieve something that will get her paid when she delivers it to her short-term partner.<br />
|Cast of Characters=635,2549<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:635|Cain Marko (635)}} has posed:'''<br>Some time ago the Juggernaut strolled on down West 17th Street, heading eastbound between 6th and 7th Avenue on an otherwise unremarkable weekday afternoon. After stomping over a small eco-friendly car after some fool dared to pay the Juggernaut insult; the Big Red Meanie had taken a moment to catch a breath. He leaned against a building for his moment of respite and in typical Juggernaut fashion the exterior wall of stone and its bay window were shattered. The wall shared between the Rubin Museum of Art and an otherwise unremarkable - but expensive - cafe next door crumbled inward. A combination of stone, wood, glass, dust, and other debris collapsed into the museum's first floor entryway and the Juggernaut ventured onward. He wasn't responsible for the structure's shoddy architecture - at least that was surely his law-abiding thinking.<br><br>The Juggernaut's nearly a couple blocks away when a young woman across the street takes a final glance up and down the length and breadth of West 17th. In that moment she commits herself to a job.<br><br>Across the street the Rubin Museum of Art has been effectively breached. While some onlookers and frantic pedestrians had only began to gather near the Juggernaut-sized hole in the wall; many others ignored it altogether in typical Big Apple fashion. From within a few shouts of alarm can be heard - the frantic, terrified wails of some art critic or three who's had the scare of their life while having never really been in any sort of tangible danger. They'll surely tell everyone about their totally legitimate and authentic brush with death for the remainder of their uneventful lives.<br><br>The road isn't clear, but when time slows to a practical stand-still - that isn't very important. A cyclist is weaving his way along the street, but like everything else in the vicinity of the young woman he is practically frozen. Astonished pedestrians remain scattered throughout the vicinity, some midway through taking pictures of the damage wrought by the Juggernaut. Many mouths hang open in awkard, strange ways that is indicative of a speaker now locked within the act of speech. The flash of a cellphone camera sparkles and blasts its way from the back of a phone cradled within the halted hand of its wielder.<br><br>The way is clear and for Kiden Nixon it is an urban landscape of colorful wonder and delight; but she has a job to do and a screen of dust hangs in the air, acting as the curtain that must be brushed aside to gain entry to the museum turned demolition site. To her eyes the young mutant can practically pick out each granule and grain of dusty debris hanging in the air, capable of manipulating them each and identify them individually as if she would ever grow so board as to name each molecule of dust hanging frozen in the air.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2549|Kiden Nixon (2549)}} has posed:'''<br>Headphones on, hoodie up, a cup of coffee in one gloved hand from that totally way too expensive coffee shop, Kiden dances to her own drummer. Or at least, to the playlist she has running on her phone just now. The world is beautiful, and so very, very quiet. She can enjoy herself as she slides around and behind and between people, looking to avoid the flashing cellphones, if only because tech is getting pretty sophisticaed and someone doing that quick flash series of pictures might accidentally catch someone they shouldn't.<br><br>She sips from her hot cocoa with extra marshmallows, draining the cup and dumping it into a perilously tilted garbage can that will surely spill out onto the street... but that's not her problem! Pulling a small pair of wire snipes from her back pocket, she slips between coffee shop and art museum, admiring the curtain of dust and gravel suspended in the air before simply pushing it out of her way, parting the curtain to slip through.<br><br>Kiden was given pretty clear directions on where to go to view the item in question, so she simply heads that way! Still dancing to her music, skipping and sliding around the frozen guards, making faces at a few of them that can't be seen. She has a rock to collect!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:635|Cain Marko (635)}} has posed:'''<br>The curtain of dust and debris parts readily beneath the gentle sweep of Kiden's hand. The crunch of glass beneath her feet will surely create a rather authentic and briefly alarming sound when her presence in this alternate stream of time corrects itself. The guards may never glimpse her - or her face - but the intense scent of Irish Spring soap will surely linger, even if they only caught a whiff of it for the most fleeting of moments.<br><br>Across the debris strewn floor she travels, stepping with a bit of dancing liveliness and passive care as she weaves among the patrons frozen midway through gathering to observe the spectacle of damage-turned-art. Already, surely, some artist among the crowd is seeking to turn the frightening event into some sort of post-modern art. That artist is probably the douchebag wearing rose-colored glasses and a scarf indoors, framing the scene with his hands.<br><br>Kiden's path takes her upstairs, carefully weaving her way through the scattering of human beings both ascending and descending the stairs. Most, if not all, of these people look like they could be lifted of a few things of value and possibly pay Kiden's rent - or share of rent - for at least a year.<br><br>The statuette is reportedly on the second floor and identified by the object identification number: 2014.102<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2549|Kiden Nixon (2549)}} has posed:'''<br>It's tempting for Kiden to mess with the patrons... especially the douchey aritst jerk with the rose-colored glasses... but she's here for a job, and the less people have to wonder about, the better. She does, however, snag up a fist-sized chunk of broken wall, just in case.<br><br>Thankfully, in No Time, Kiden has ALL the time. So she simply dances her way up the stairs (people are lazy, preferring escalators and elevators, so the stairs are usually the better bet) and towards the exhibit holding the statuette she's after. Sure, she could grab watches and necklaces, rings, expensive bits and bobs... but that would lead to questions that Kiden doesn't want people answering.<br><br>So instead, she makes her way to 2014.102 so she can better examine the item, the stand it's on, and how to remove it from the stand with the least amount of fuss.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:635|Cain Marko (635)}} has posed:'''<br>Up the spiral staircase, the second floor can be found lit by soft yellow lights and with ceiling panels that seem to glow purple. These colors combined, along with the various styles and forms of art on display upon individual plinths or clustered upon shelves, lend the small art museum an air of quiet sophistication and regality.<br><br>It doesn't take long for Kiden to slip among the few patrons still going about their business as though nothing ever happened. She finds 2014.102 tucked within a small corner within a greater display. Behind a roped section of the gallery a full display of ancient Tibetan art, furniture, and other items of cultural significance can the sought after object be found.<br><br>It rests atop an old chest, as though nothing of any true value. It is set upon the top of the cube chest in the same manner that one may place a framed picture on a desktop or shelf. The tall, rectangular cuboid shape of the stone object allows it to stand out from many gaudier objects. The designs carved along the length of the statuette seem reminiscent of the flow of water and wind, creating a rich tapestry of those elements that helped to shape the rich plateau landscape for the people of Tibet long, long ago.<br><br>Judging by all appearances it seems as though the small statue is unsecured to the chest and vice versa. While Miss Nixon may have arrived with her snips at the ready; it appears that they may be unnecessary. It's just sitting RIGHT THERE, ripe for the taking.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2549|Kiden Nixon (2549)}} has posed:'''<br>Kiden moves along the upper floor of the museum, even taking a few minutes to appreciate the art and exhibits housed here. She might have to come back sometime and really enjoy this place! But for now, there's business at hand, and she aims to be in and out before security even knows anything went down.<br><br>Approaching the appropriate exhibit, Kiden carefully steps her way over the rope that keeps people from getting to close, playing a bit with the snips as she gets closer. Leaning in over the exhibit and thinking 'snip-snip' to herself as she prepares to do just that! Finding it apparently unattached to anything has her pausing and glancing this way and that to see if she can spot any other sort of security measure.<br><br>Barring finding anything unusual, Kiden will reach out carefully to get a grip around the object before willing it into No Time with her. Should nothing catastrophic happen, she'll straighten, grin to herself while keeping her head down and face away from any cameras, then head back towards the gaping hole in the museum wall!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:635|Cain Marko (635)}} has posed:'''<br>When something doesn't appear to be of any significant value outside of the cultural? It's less likely to be secured. When surrounded by gaudier, pricier, and more flamboyant shows of Tibetan art? A simple statuette of worked stone doesn't excite the senses quite like the other displays that surround it. Yet there is allegedly a buy looking to pay thousands for it. Sometimes even the experts don't quite realize the value of the glorified knick knack that they possess.<br><br>Kiden lifts the ten inch tall statue with ease and upon taking it from its resting place atop the chest? There are no alarms, there isn't some click of an explosive trigger or some pressure plate about to blare an shrill screech of warning, or even the softest chime of notification that an object has been shifted from its proper place.<br><br>A glance toward the other patrons indicates that Kiden's mastery over the expansive period of No Time remains unchallenged and like one of the world's most accomplished thieves (who totally isn't a thief, promise) she's ready to snatch and run with her newfound prize.<br><br>The route out is accompanied by the beginnings of B Martin, Capri, and PACANI's I'm Blue beginning to play in Kiden's ear buds as she dances, bobbing and weaving her away around the patrons with her newfound loot cradled within a hand and arm.<br><br>There's not a trace of the young mutant save for the few prints of her shoes left in some of the dust and debris near the entrance. Fortunately a few steps of other patron's feet will scatter those prints and the breezes sweeping through the gaping hole left by the Juggernaut will further serve to eradicate the No Time raver's physical presence from the scene as she makes her way from within the Rubin Museum of Art.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2549|Kiden Nixon (2549)}} has posed:'''<br>Kiden bops and dances her way out of the museum, breezing past patrons and security alike, still avoiding those with phones upheld so she doesn't accidenally appear on any form of media (she's not sure it works that way, but better safe than sorry!). Once she's clear of the building, Kiden dances her way down the street to where she stashed a backpack, tucking the statuette securly inside it, surrounded by some clubbing clothes she hasn't quite managed to get into a drawer or on a hanger yet. Safely settled onto her shoulders, Kiden Nixon dances her way towards an area of town where there ISN'T a Juggernaut wreaking havoc!<br><br>Along the way she spots something... Oo, pizza! Tucking herself into a nearby alley, she drops out of No Time, still bopping along to her music as she dances up to the street vendor with a bright grin and a five dollar bill, "Cheese me, please!" Handing over the bill, she accepts the pizza slice and happily chomps on it as she dances her way down the crowded sidewalks, some blocks away from the museum, watching with the rest of the pedestrians as police sirens sound and the cop cars whizz by. Just another face in the crowd, happily munching her pizza and gawking while she plans her celebration for a job well done!<br><br>Just as she's finishing her pizza slice, dusting her hands off, cries from the crowd around her pierce through the headphones and she looks to the pointing fingers, eyes widening to see some poor dude wheeling through the air with what looks like Rogue of the X-Men flying Hellbent for leather after the guy. A last second catch has the crowd cheering while Kiden simply clucks her tongue and fades back into the sea of humanity, once more dancing to the beat of her own drummer.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17226/Mayday_in_February&diff=2550717226/Mayday in February2024-02-20T01:02:41Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/19 |Location=New York Harbor Docks |Synopsis=While pursuing Bi-Plane, Mark and Sunny meet Kitora Alua, who helps them save a plane in distr..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/19<br />
|Location=New York Harbor Docks<br />
|Synopsis=While pursuing Bi-Plane, Mark and Sunny meet Kitora Alua, who helps them save a plane in distress. Pizza and information is shared!<br />
|Cast of Characters=3159,4253,4415<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:3159|Mark Grayson (3159)}} has posed:'''<br>Air traffic over New York is not for the faint of heart. Between the commercial traffic and the superheroes that zip to and fro as well as the various supervillains, it can be a harrowing experience for the uninitated. <br><br>Let's add into the mix the size of the aircraft. An executive jet - not very large, but carrying a small group of executives from New York to a meeting in Washington DC. Unfortunately, it's path came into contact with an elderly man that is wearing a jet engine on his back with a pair of wings that are double stacked. Bi-Plane turns around and growls. "Invincible and Indestructibelle are going to catch up to me... need a... ah-ha!" Flying directly at the passenger jet, he takes out a pistol and fires several shots into one of the engine, causing it to smoke and flame. <br><br>The engine blows out and starts to fall towards the harbor, the pilot calling out a Mayday over all channels as it descends rapidly! <br><br>Off in the distance, the pair of heroes are on their way, but it's doubtful that they're going to catch up to the plane in time, even as Mark reaches a hand for Sunny. "Grab a hold! I'll try to slingshot you!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4253|Kitora Alua (4253)}} has posed:'''<br>Kitora Alua was at the harbor returning from Genosha. She helps out with the reconstruction efforts. She was just getting off the boat when a plane's engine blew and it's heading towards the water. "Oh dear..." she mutters softly. "I can't wait." She slips into an alley - and starts to glow eerily. Gone is the mostly-regular-looking girl - in her place is one with an eerie glow that almost seems to come from within her body as she zooms towards the plane. "This... might be tricky..." she states as she quickly lands on the plane. She puts her hands down on it as a red glow emanates from her to engulf the whole thing. The vermillion glow could probably be seen from a distance as the plane starts to slow. But somethng moving so fast takes a bit of time to correct - at least it's not nosediving into the water at so steep of an angle.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4415|Sunny Harlow (4415)}} has posed:'''<br> The problem with Viltrimites and their flight was that their physics defying really only counted for themselves, stop someone or something too dramatically and you'd just shatter it. Catching planes was doable, but super tricky to pull off flawlessly. <br><br> With the 'play' called, Indestructibelle nods and reaches out for the well-practiced maneuver that sends her hurtling towards the plane in trouble...although the glow that was intercepted was...unexpected! <br><br> Moments later, the blonde girl in the black and yellow bodysuit paired with a half-jacket and belt was blinking at the sight and reaching to find the stabilizing point to catch the plane properly, her blue eyes blinking once more. <br><br> "Uh...hi."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3159|Mark Grayson (3159)}} has posed:'''<br>Mark is marginally faster that Sunny, which is why he was the slingshot in this case. But as the plane starts to glow and it seems that they have help. "Indestructibelle, you got this? I'll be right back!" Once he's sure that she has the plane secured with the help of the other girl, he turns his attention to the retreating Bi-Plane. <br><br>Once upon a time, Bi-Plane would have easily outrun Mark, or at least pushed him to the limit. But with everything that Invincible has gone through as of late - he's not going to get away at all this time. But it's going to take a little time to seperate him from his machine and drop him off with the police.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4253|Kitora Alua (4253)}} has posed:'''<br>Kitora Alua blinks as suddenly, another woman shows up, rocketing in at incredible speed - there's also someone in the distance. The red aura surrounding Kitora (also known as Horizon) and the plane would probably feel strange to everyone present as gravity is going in reverse, straight up. Horizon's efforts are much easier when someone else is helping and soon enough the plane is suspended in midair, mere feet from the water's surface. The passengers might have some motion sickness from going from free-fall, to negative gravity, to zero-G, but they'll be fine. "Thanks for the help! So hard to stop something moving so fast! I'm Horizon!" She hasn't started moving the plane yet - trying to catch her breath - that was a LOT of effort expended on short notice after working all day - she's tired.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4415|Sunny Harlow (4415)}} has posed:'''<br>"Got it!" she calls back, gently supporting the vehicle as the glowy girl introduced herself. Gravity -did- feel weird, and though she didn't want to admit it until she got used to it it was probably turning Indestructibelle's stomach a little...thankfully it wasn't going to stop her from being able to fly, it was just really strange. <br><br> The young woman shifts, spreading out her contact points and trying to support the plane on her shoulders and upper back to minimise stress. This wasn't her first catch. <br><br> "Indestructibelle, or just 'Belle' if you like. I'd shake your hand but...plane," she offers, a little nervous chuckle despite herself.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3159|Mark Grayson (3159)}} has posed:'''<br>Inside the plane, air sick bags are being used liberally, as the pilots are throttling down the engines, to make it easier for Belle to guide the plane to safety. Glancing outside, the people on-board have out their camera phones, filming the two women as they work and converse. Now. Where does Sunny want to take the plane to, now that she is effectively got it under control.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4253|Kitora Alua (4253)}} has posed:'''<br>Kitora Alua nods as she shifts and starts to help Belle go towards land, and with the combined effort of Horizon's gravity-shifting and Indestructibelle's flying, they land safely on the ground. Horizon releases her hold on the plane and collapses, panting softly. She reaches into a pocket and starts to devour an energy bar, before she says anything else as she walks down the side of the plane and lands on the ground, looking a bit unsteady, and still glowing. "It's nice to... be with a team... I don't get to... flex very often..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4415|Sunny Harlow (4415)}} has posed:'''<br> The gravity shift did kind of help with the balance, Sunny bringing the plane down gently towards the land of the street. Of course, moving the plane off the street wasn't particularly handy for most people. Still, they were safe for now! <br><br> Exhaling a breath, Belle eases out from under the plane and stretches out. It wasn't heavy, but she'd still had to stoop to do it safely. <br><br> "It's nice to have a hand, that was a neat catch, and it brought us some more time."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3159|Mark Grayson (3159)}} has posed:'''<br>The wheels are lowered so that the plane can be set down upright. As it's placed gently on the ground, already there's the sounds of fire and police on their way to help those that were on-board. They'll be there in a few moments. <br><br>Arriving back on the scene, Invincible grins down towards Sunny. "Nice catch, babe." he says with a wink at her, before his attention turns to the other girl. "Hello." comes his greeting. "I'm Invincible." <br><br>He sometimes forgets to fix that greeting. But that can come later. A glance to Indestructibelle, and a question. "Want to grab a bite to eat?" he asks. "Uh. We usually get a burger or something after a successful mission. If you're interested. I can put it on my account."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4253|Kitora Alua (4253)}} has posed:'''<br>Kitora Alua nods towards Invincible. "I'm Horizon. Apparently you guys are strong - but I slowed the plane down - it's hard to stop something cold that's moving so fast but Invincibelle and I got it. I assume you two know each other." She then wears a predatory grin. "Not sure you can afford buying me lunch, but I'm game..." She glances around. "But... I'm not sure I can do much more with my powers. Getting a bit faint-headed. Tired myself in Genosha and this wore me out. Not sure I can get far..." She frowns. "Also, I know I look weird like this - I should power down to not draw attention...' She then sinks to her knees, and on its own, the glow disappears - she now looks mostly normal - a young Asian woman with bright red hair and eyes. "S-sorry..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4415|Sunny Harlow (4415)}} has posed:'''<br> Sunny would actually take the time to help people off the plane, but she grins a little at Mark's praise and gives a little blown kiss his way before stepping to the side to let the others talk for a moment. A little shift, she comes to return with a little giggle at Kitora's comment on the food before folding her arms under her bust. "It's only fair! You did half the work, you should get half the lu-" she begins before letting herself trail off as Kitora sinks (and powers) down. "Uh...are you okay?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3159|Mark Grayson (3159)}} has posed:'''<br>As Kitora slumps, Mark flies down to join the two women. There's a frown on his face as he considers his option. Part of him is tempted to let the paramedics handle it when they arrive, but no telling how thst will go. <br><br>"I think we better take her to get her some food." he offers to Sunny, bending down to pick Kitora up off the ground. "Upsy-daisy." he comments as he holds the mutant. <br><br>A few minutes later, they are away from the scene and landing on a rooftop nearby. "Want to grab us a couple of pizzas?" he asks Sunny. "Or you want me to do it and you stay here and babysit our new friend here?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4253|Kitora Alua (4253)}} has posed:'''<br>Kitora Alua just smiles faintly. "Sorry... I just got tired... and HUNGRY." She gazes at her two new friends. "I guess you can call me Kitora... Horizon is my codename." She smiles softly. "A pizza sounds good... or two." She then murmurs, "So... are you two mutants also? Or... from out of town or... something else...?" She is curious after all.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17227/Restless_Son&diff=2550617227/Restless Son2024-02-20T01:02:32Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/19 |Location=Palace - Asgard |Synopsis=Frigga encounters Loki making a 'mess' in the palace library. |Cast of Characters=275,4681 |pretty=y..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/19<br />
|Location=Palace - Asgard<br />
|Synopsis=Frigga encounters Loki making a 'mess' in the palace library.<br />
|Cast of Characters=275,4681<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:275|Loki (275)}} has posed:'''<br>The large, grand library in Asgard's palace is ... currently something of a disaster. Books are animated, flung everywhere, into piles as high as Odin. Meaning, rather tall indeed. Others are being shuffled, and the whole of the room has an air of upset and anxiety. Two books are swirling near the ceiling in a cone of wind, while animated quills quickly copy over sections of blustery, windy text.<br><br>The source isn't immediately easy to be seen, because said source, Loki, is sitting to one side in a corner, with a mix of flung books, looking up and aside into space, frowning.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4681|Frigga (4681)}} has posed:'''<br>"When books begin to complain of being mishandled, it falls to me to investigate," a familiarly warm, feminine voice crosses the room. Frigga is at the doorway, her gaze searching for the 'culprit'. As if she doesn't know?<br><br>Entering the room, she does pause to crouch to retrieve some of the injured tomes, setting them on the table.<br><br>"Is the search a desperate one? Or can you take the moment and share?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:275|Loki (275)}} has posed:'''<br>"It isn't mishandling if it is well deserved," Loki answers petulantly, drawing his knees up partially and resting forearms against them, hands hanging loose. He is in attire appropriate to both being in the palace, but also to research - fit to impress as a prince, but without pokey-bits that might be annoying to sit in for a length of time. This amounts to mostly green silks and suedes.<br><br>"No. I was looking for something to support what I wanted to design, but /these/ books seem more focused on how it /can't/ be done. And I don't take such statements as truth," Loki scoffs. He does get up, then, with a flex of body, out of the corner, and dispels some of the angry movement of books. Self conscious of Frigga seeing, probably.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4681|Frigga (4681)}} has posed:'''<br>"Then we shall find the authors and speak with them?" Frigga keeps her tones light, almost teasing. "They should be taken to task." Her own gown is of golds and blues, green shimmers in highlights. Blonde hair is plaited in the form of a crown about her head, falling in waves behind her. <br><br>With the books that she'd picked up set on the table and, for the moment, safe, she remains nearby, brows rising, lightly appraising her son. There holds that fond note in her words, "No, and well you shouldn't. Unless, of course, there is reason." Brows arch quizzically, "Is there?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:275|Loki (275)}} has posed:'''<br>"Only safety," Loki says, in a particularly low, brooding way. "For others, mind. Everything I design is perfectly safe for /me/. But if say, another person were to run afoul of a portaling magic meant only for me... well. There are some statements about how truly horrific is is to get caught between one palace and another, in sections," Loki chatters. "But that sounds more like a 'don't use someone else's portal' problem, really." He looks up, to the windy books above, where text is still being copied. Those movements and wind motions are actually related to teleporting, not wind-- using the wind currents as a magical concept, no doubt.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4681|Frigga (4681)}} has posed:'''<br>Frigga chuckles, "Of course." It's never a good idea to create a portal, only to have someone come up behind that plans ill. "Never use someone else's portal. Unless, of course, assured of its relative safety." And even them, one needs to beware.<br><br>Her own gaze moves up at the books, a smile still playing on her face. "That is cheating, you know. Copying by hand is the best way to study. Or to search for what it is you need. Perhaps a turn of phrase can send you on a path you didn't expect."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:275|Loki (275)}} has posed:'''<br>"If I were trying to study, certainly. But those are some that I picked out that I wanted some copies from. For later use. Not /this/ project, but .... fixed, abridged versions for my own library," Loki says smoothly. There's magic here that blocks direct copies, since many of these books are meant to stay put, for various reasons -- but Loki's making shorthand items to take outside for his own 'studies' and projects. Loophole Loki, of course.<br><br>"I /do/ think I've found a spell that will ignore some of the library's rules, though." Clearly Frigga will keep that to herself? "Buuuuut, I'll just fix the library's incantations to see through that. Because I'm being good." <br><br>Loki's smirking, but also looking a little bored with the idea. Perhaps being 'good' isn't going to last too much longer, in the overall scope of things. Mischief IS more fun. "But maybe add a little something if someone DOES try what I found." A little stab-stab for thieves....<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4681|Frigga (4681)}} has posed:'''<br>Well, considering this is a library that she, too, uses, and uses often? "I could find something comparable, if you wanted it for your own private collection?" She does, after all, have some free time available to her.<br><br>Frigga is looking at the books, the chapters written in such arcane hand, and the topics covered as they are rapidly copied to a new tome. "Thank you for being good." A smirk does rise, just as he adds his sly comment, and she can see that familiar gleam in those green eyes of his. "If I do not ask, you cannot tell me an incomplete truth." Loki would never lie, not to her! But, there is always the chance of omission.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:275|Loki (275)}} has posed:'''<br>Loki seems cowed for now. Or at least while Frigga is staring at him. Things sometimes go a little more haywire when there's less supervision involved. "A pity good isn't always interesting," Loki does add, with mild little shrug, and a look upwards. His quills have finished going, and the pages drift downwards.<br><br>Loki pauses, aware Frigga will notice what he's casting - a clean-up spell. Giving her that moment to step so that she doesn't end up in the middle of a flurry of books putting themselves back. Loki may have left the mess -- but not with Frigga there. There's some lines that don't get crossed, really.<br><br>"Well, I may have omitted when I'd fix it. Some other time," Loki grins. With that, though, he breezes past Frigga, with an incline of head and warm touch to her hand, taking his leave with his materials. Off to continue his mischief, some crazy idea, as always.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4681|Frigga (4681)}} has posed:'''<br>Frigga absolutely knows what Loki is casting, how long it will last, and how .. extensive the radius. Taking a side step so as to not be in the way, things are indeed tidied up. Long gone are the days of having to manage and wrangle her sons just to be sure that things are cleaned and set in their places.<br><br>"Mmmhmm.." is a soft response, and as Loki makes his way poast her, the touch of hands warms her own for that briefest of moments before he's out the door. Frigga watches as her son depart before the smile appears once more, and she begins to straighten up.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17228/If_You_Teach_A_Yeen_To_Skate...&diff=2550517228/If You Teach A Yeen To Skate...2024-02-20T01:02:24Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/19 |Location=Tricorner Island |Synopsis=Sma'shaw joins Harley's roller derby team after meeting the yeens Bud and Lou! And a mysterious shu..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/19<br />
|Location=Tricorner Island<br />
|Synopsis=Sma'shaw joins Harley's roller derby team after meeting the yeens Bud and Lou! And a mysterious shudder befalls her future opponents as he's brought aboard as the armorer for rocket skates, and maybe more!<br />
|Cast of Characters=5101,43<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:5101|Sma'shaw Ihaka (5101)}} has posed:'''<br>Making a set of skates was easy as hell. It's pretty much a shoe with wheels, not that hard of a concept, especially if you have any inkling of engineering or ah, cobbling. What IS difficult, as Sma'shaw had come to learn, was actually -using- them. Frankly, this was one of the few times that he was glad to have such a wide berth from other folks as they kept far away from him as possible, as if being in his general proximity would instantly kill them. Which it might, as he stumbled over himself and it the ground in another hard tumble. The spinning, technicolor lights and cheery 80's synth were little comfort for the soreness in his calves and the aches in...well, pretty much everywhere else he'd landed on.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:43|Harley Quinn (43)}} has posed:'''<br>The bowling alley slash skater rink was just up Harley's alley with the throwback to the 80s in all it's technicolor magnificence and glory. And even she had moved to Brooklyn over a year ago this still had a place in her heart whenever she visited.<br><br>Like tonight!<br><br>Harley walks in, or rather slides in, roller skates on her feet. Shorty shorts of yellow and red color. A top so bright with faux-diamonds that instantly throws anyone that stares too long right back to the 80s. Technicolor 'sunglasses' and of course a pair of hyenas flanking her. The hyena duo seems to have the responsibility of carrying her bowling balls, little bags on each side of them as their tongue lol out.<br><br>"Ahhhh, been a while since we been heah boys! Shall we go skate some befoouh we go toss some balls?" the two hyenas yelp, Harley grinning and releasing the bags to put them on a bench. "Go have fun!" she tells the hyenas. And so they start running, off onto the rink.<br><br>And right towards the hyena mutate present!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5101|Sma'shaw Ihaka (5101)}} has posed:'''<br>Sma'shaw had just -barely- begun to peel himself from the floor. His head was still spinning a tad, but he wasn't too banged up least. And right when he reached down to dust himself off, BAM! His whole world went horizontal as something or someone tackled him right back into the floor! "Oi!! This is a skatin' rink, not a mosh ye' DRONGO!" He hauled himself up to get a good look at the offending party...only to be met with snouts shoving into his face, snuffling with curiosity and eyes as big as his!<br><br>"...Oi must've hit me 'ead a few toimes too many..." He remarked with a completely baffled expression as he snuffled back. Thankfully, he didn't smell burnt toast, so no risk of stroke at the present. Furthermore, these actual hyenas smelled real enough...and they had someone else's scent. He scanned the rink to see if he could get a beat on the owner, or if they were approaching. And, naturally, he'd provide some ear scritchies free of charge to the snuffle buddies!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:43|Harley Quinn (43)}} has posed:'''<br>These hyenas are no pushovers and they work in tandem to bring the big hyena down, jumping and pushing with their large paws until Sma'shaw is on the ground. It helps that he's on those roller blades too which just makes him easy pickings for the duo. Maybe that's why they went full on charge against him! They sniff and move around him, yelping and getting their snouts everywhere, excited as heck!<br><br>"Holy shit! I let you guys loose a moment and you are already multiplyin'!" That's Harley with her telltale Brooklyn slash Gotham accent, rolling closer in her roller blades in that kind of manner as if she did this for a living, a natural on those skates!<br><br>The hyenas sure don't mind the ear scritches when they come their way, rolling about but once Harley is close they show their teeth at Sma. Paws atop him to keep him down. "Oh stop that, you dunces." she tells the hyenas, rolling her eyes.<br><br>The hyenas just yelp and then jump out of Sma, moving closer to Harley. "Don't mind Bud and Lou! They just like ta play." she assures the hyena mutate, reaching out with a hand to help him up.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5101|Sma'shaw Ihaka (5101)}} has posed:'''<br>A right furious duo the two were, keepin' a big fellas like Sma'shaw down...and then knocking him down AGAIN when Harley approached. "Oi'll 'afta take ye word for it, was more of a sea koinda fella than a land fella." He took up the hand as more of a gesture, barely putting much of his weight on it given his mass...as once he was back of his feet, he easily towered over her...even dwarfing her a bit in width. He was muscled up pretty good...but more importantly, he was shirtless! All that well-condition yeen fluff was on full display, catching the lights of the rink with a bit of a shimmer!<br><br>"Thanks for th' assist. Oi'm already 'aving trouble as it is troina keep on me rollahs as it is." His Australian accent was thick as ever, spilling out with plenty of warmth and energy to it. His roller-blading, however was about as graceful as a newborn calf trying to walk on grass for the first time. The yeen was having a time of it, alright. "Name's Sma'shaw, pleased as punch t'meetcha. Love y' fellas there, very cute, good choice of companions...no boias on moy pahrt, of course." He snuffled innocently, suppressing a big yeen grin from himself!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:43|Harley Quinn (43)}} has posed:'''<br>"Ooooh, that's a weird ass accent!" Says the clownette, known for her own WEIRD-ASS accent. But she seems to have said it in an appreciative manner anyway. She grins at Sma'shaw when the mutate gets up to his 'feet', her hands returning to her hips as she takes in his skating prowess. "Yea, this your first time or somethin'?" she shakes her head, "But don't worry, they are ha'mless foh the most part. I have gotten them off their human diet a good while back.." is she being serious right now? Hard to tell with that manic little grin on her expression.<br><br>"Anyways, I am Ha'ley Quinn. Former clown princess and all that." she waves her hand as if brushing that over her back. "It's all in the past. Sma'shaw, is it?" she nods and that looks thoughtful.<br><br>"Heeeey, no relation to Bebop and Rocksteady, are ya?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5101|Sma'shaw Ihaka (5101)}} has posed:'''<br>"Well it is from th' Down-Undah, tends to flip folk's brains around, can't blame 'em." He grins big and wide, giving Harley a playful wink! Which quickly shifted in a more sheepish smile. "Eh...maybe. Nevah exactly had the opportunity to go, an' since Oi'm workin' on making some SICK FAHCKIN' rocket skates, figure it ah, moight help to have some experience with regulah skatin' before Oi add the 'rocket' to the equation."<br><br>...Did she mention 'human diet'? Naaah. Must be his imagination. "Hah, formah clown princess and formah poirate prince walk int' a skatin' rink. Sounds loik a set-up to a grand fahckin' joke." He beams, his fluffy tail starting to wag a big! But he blinked as she name dropped a couple of fellas. "Mmmh...nah? Oi know a Sally Proide, though, if tha' counts? Nevah heard of th' otha two, though."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:43|Harley Quinn (43)}} has posed:'''<br>"Oh fuck, from the upside down." Harley's eyes go wide before she laughs at that, "Don't meet many of your people ovah heah." she says, and it seems she means Australians. Not hyena-mutates! Those are normal to her. Maybe. "Pirate prince?" She quirking a brow at him, "No peg leg or eyepatch." she shakes her head at him before considering Sally's name. "Uuhhhh, think I heard of her befoouh from the others. Maybe it was Raph that was talkin' about her..." she purses her lips together, silent for a while as if considering something deep until...<br><br>"Wait, did ya just say rocket skates?" for when before Sma had her curiosity now he clearly has her attention!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5101|Sma'shaw Ihaka (5101)}} has posed:'''<br>"Us Aussies are a rare breed fuh sure." He nodded sagely with a relaxed. "Oi-oi, don't see you rockin' a clown nose, we don't gotta play stereotoypes...'sides tha', Oi lost me favorite eyepatch ages ago, and Oi never really did get wounded enough to need a peg-leg. Not fuh a lack of troyin' though." He scritches his neck, slowly pushing off into a lazy coast around the ring, twitching every now and then as his body tried to correct his balance. "Cat lass, cute loike, wears a leatha' jacket an all. She's cool, pretty cool." He looked like he had more to say than that, but his thoughts were immediately overtaken by EXCITEMENT.<br><br>"YE!! See, Oi already made some dyson-propelled shoes, m' kinetic jumpahs, but Oi wanted t' make somethin' a bit more -speedy- on th' ground, you know?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:43|Harley Quinn (43)}} has posed:'''<br>"I will let ya know I can rock a great clown nose!" Harley retorts, hands to her hips and lifting her chin just so, "And I am suwah she must know my turtle buddies! Or maybe Bebop..., depends wheah she bends towards." she moves closer now, her eyes wider. "ANYWAYS...!"<br><br>"I got a proposition foh ya. So, I have this roller derby team. Out in Brooklyn." Harley skates around as she talks, a little spin here, another there, "Aaaannndddd...., sorta lookin' to find a competitive edge foh my gals. And if you think ya can explain ta me, or even get me, some of those rocket skates I will teach ya to skate. How about that?"<br><br>"Dependin' on your skills maybe I could make ya the team armorer." She grins at herself, "Yea, that's a good title."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5101|Sma'shaw Ihaka (5101)}} has posed:'''<br>His round yeen ears flick up in interest as Harley makes her proposal. And his big, wide yeen eyes almost see to sparking in their brilliant amber hue as she makes a tentative offer to have him join her TEAM! "Ooooh, rollah derby? Is that where ye' MOSH roight inta folk? That does sound appealin'- ohp- shit-..." He mutters as he's still trying to keep his feet underneath him. "...Well! Count me the FAHCK in! Oi can easily make ya some rocket skates! Just ah, don't expect them t' be terribly controllable. More tinkerin' tends to ah, sidestep a lot of the hang-ups of conventional engineerin', so they can be a touch volatoile."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:43|Harley Quinn (43)}} has posed:'''<br>"Eeexxcelllent." Harley uses her best Mr. Burns impersonation when Sma'shaw accepts joining the team as their official armorer, "And I am suwah ya can do moouh than just rockets. But all in due time!"<br><br>Bud and Lou already ran off, pursuing some other skaters who are screaming and fleeing the rink. Harley doesn't seem to care too much just yet though. No one's got bitten. "Now ..." and she points at Sma's skates, "This is gonna hurt but ..., as all things in life that's how ya learn. But I will promise that when I am done with ya you'll be skatin' like the best of them." she winking after.<br><br>"I feel this is the start of a beautiful friendship!" And painful too!<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17229/Ziti_and_Confessions&diff=2550417229/Ziti and Confessions2024-02-20T01:02:16Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/02/19 |Location=Pezzini House |Synopsis=Joshua and Sara come home from the shooting at Josie's Bar and have a heart to heart that leads to con..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/02/19<br />
|Location=Pezzini House<br />
|Synopsis=Joshua and Sara come home from the shooting at Josie's Bar and have a heart to heart that leads to confessions that had finally come to fruition.<br />
|Cast of Characters=853,918<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:853|Joshua Foley (853)}} has posed:'''<br>He'd never admit to how tired healing someone with complex wounds makes him. After the incident at Josie's, Joshua hung around after Sara made him stop healing before he burned himself out. He remained with her until she was done with the paperwork that was needed, before coming home. He agreed to leave his bike and hold onto her on the way back - they can get his later. <br><br>Once in the house, he heads into the kitchen, beelining there really as he opens the fridge and roots around. And a fond smile touches his face as he grabs a metal pan. "Well, you must have let Aunt Ruth know I was home." he comments, taking the small tray of ziti and meatballs, heading to the table after grabbing a takeout plastic spork from the drawer. <br><br>There's no want to reheat it, instead, he pulls back the foil and digs into the cold pasta and meat sauce, closing his eyes as he savors taste. "Oh my god, I missed this almost as much as I missed you!" he admits, devouring a few more bites to work on recovering his strength. He hasn't even bothered shrugging out of his jacket yet. At least he had the sense to wash the blood off his hands at the scene of the fight. With vodka.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:918|Sara Pezzini (918)}} has posed:'''<br>Paperwork was easy, took all of thirty minutes. Next was grabbign clothing from the saddle bags on her bike. Witchblade may not have destroyed her jacket and shirt, but her pants were gone.<br><br>After that is was a quick trip to McDonald's then over to Luca's apartment to let Rig's take a nightly walk and to feed him a Big Mac. Once the dog was taken care of, Sara headed home with Josh.<br><br>No, she didn't know for sure that he was overly tired from healing, she just new that any healing tired him out and made him hungry. She knew that had she not stopped him, he would have kept going until he passed out, which is why she stopped him when she did.<br><br>Once home, she hangs her oddly not destroyed jacket by the door, then heads to the kitchen with Josh to make coffee. "I called her this morning and let her know," she comments, noting that the fridge had been stocked sometimes between that phone call and now. How the woman did that she would never know, but she was glad for it.<br><br>"You need to learn when enough is enough my dear," she commented as she poured herself a cup of the fresh coffee. A dash of cream, two sugars and she was sipping at it while leaning against the counter. "You don't have to heal people completely, you merely need to get them to 'not dieing' and then let medicine take over from there."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:853|Joshua Foley (853)}} has posed:'''<br>Even at McDonald's, Josh had two Big Macs and a sugary pop. Sara's seen him pack away calories, but always seems to burn them off. Another bite of ziti is shoved into his mouth to chew on. As she comes into the kitchen, he glances over at the jacket she just hung up. His Christmas present to her. "So. That's new." <br><br>His biggest worry was that he would buy her something nice to wear and the Witchblade would shred it. The fact that it didn't has not been missed by the young mutant as he leans back and lets out a sigh of breath. The food was hitting the spot, judging by the satisfied noise that he is making. <br><br>"Love, has anyone ever asked you to do anything half-assed?" he asks her, a lift of his brow towards Sara. "I'd rather know that someone is completely out of the woods and going to be fine than try to figure out what a good 'stopping' point is. I do not have that much of a finite control over my powers." That's a lie. She's seen him wield his powers with the percision of a suregon. He just perfers to spam the heal than try to take it slow. <br><br>But now that they are talking about it, he broaches the subject. "So... the guy tonight." Luca. "I mean. Obviously know each other. But... you know..." How? Ah, not all of that self-confidence got chased off while he was overseas. But he has gotten better - he's not trying to skirt his thoughts and just accept it. "You two were close?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:918|Sara Pezzini (918)}} has posed:'''<br>"He won't tell me why he didn't destroy it," Sara says plainly, taking another sip of her coffee. "He just laughs."<br><br>Stepping away from the counter, she walks over to hook her arm around his waist and guide him into the living room to the couch. Once they are both sitting down, she sets the coffee on the table. "Yes, people have told me to things half-assed, and of course I refuse." She offers with a shrug. "But I tend to do things smarter, not harder. You on the other hand, can lie about your control all you want. You wanted that guys wrist broken, and you broke it... that's control, even in your anger. You have to find a mid-way point and stop, so you can help more people live."<br><br>Reaching over she runs her fingers tip across his cheek. "Here's a scenario. A bus crashes into an eighteen wheeler. There are fifteen wounded people on the ground, several are dying. If you use up all of your energy completely healing those with the worst wounds, you never make it to the others."<br><br>Offering a smile she continues, "However, if you heal those who are wounded the most just to the point they won't die, you can move on to the next more quickly and still have the energy to get through them all."<br><br>Once she finishes with that the coffee is picked up again for a drink, and she tilts her head. "Luca Bandoni," she says with a chuckle. "We are in fact very close, but not in the way your little brain is panicking is the case." She winks at him.<br><br>"We grew up together," she then continues after a pause. "His father and mine were partners forever, up to his father's death in fact. Partners in the force are like brother's, so we did everything together as one huge family. He's like a brother."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:853|Joshua Foley (853)}} has posed:'''<br>For a moment, when Sara hooks his waist, it almost seems like Josh is going to grab the ziti pan to bring with him into the living room. But he relents, allowing her to tug him along. "Who knows, maybe he approves of you in leather. I know I do." A small smirk at that, before they end up on the couch. <br><br>Flopping into the cushions, he immediately leans into her, desiring the close contact that they haven't had in a bit. "There's a difference between fifteen people that need tio be triaged, and one person with serious injuries, and a few others that were not so bad. Plus, it seemed that if I didn't take care of Roscoe, I was going to be in for grevious harm." There's a small sigh. She's trying to make a point, and he looks up at her. "I can't improve if I don't push myself to a breaking point and beyond, and set that bar just a little higher." he points out to her. <br><br>"If I play it safe, I can never go beyond." His hand rests on her chest, feeling her heartbeat so easily when she touches his cheek. "I want to be able to just do this someday..." A light push. "And immediatly know what's wrong and heal it." It's a big dream. But she's already seen him pull off some strange feats. <br><br>"I don't like hurting people. I know it's required. But I'd rather cause specific, quick harm to settle a situation, rather than take the time to cause further harm. Too much work." As if he's lazy. <br><br>As she touches his cheek, he leans further into the touch as she explains the relationship between herself and Luca. And he ohs softly. "I mean. Not gonna lie. I'm a guy into a very hot girlfriend, and even I thought he was attractive." That said with a smirk as he takes in the rest of the story. <br><br>"Oh. I see." It's almost offered as an apology as he blows out a breath. "I get it now." There's an understanding there, but at least it's nice that Joshua was showing just a touch of possessiveness?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:918|Sara Pezzini (918)}} has posed:'''<br>A smile threatens the corners of Sara's lips, her green eyes sparkling as it finally breaks free with a soft laugh. She wasn't used to a possessive boyfriend, most thought they were all that and more, but Josh was different. She knew he lacked confidence, that he was always in fear of someone coming along and taking her away from him. In his mind she knew he couldn't fathom that that wasn't an option, that it couldn't and wouldn't happen. To him, every attractive man was a hidden threat waiting to steal her.<br><br>"Luca is a very good looking man," she admits with that chuckle. "He could have any woman in the world based on his looks, probably any man too." Again she winks at him. "But he won't be having me. I'm in a relationship with a very charming young man with a golden hue to him, and so long as I am in a relationship with you, no other man or woman has a chance with me no matter how attractive they might me."<br><br>Wrapping her arm around him, she leans in and places a soft kiss on his lips. "I may be a person who has been poly in the past, but you never have to worry about me cheating on you, or someone else taking me away, alright?"<br><br>Snuggling in against him, she rests her head against his. "You have to push yourself to improve your abilities, I get that, but you need to not push /past/ the line as you are known to do."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:853|Joshua Foley (853)}} has posed:'''<br>"I'm not really into guys. And I'm not really into that, either." Joshua admits. "I have a relationship with a woman that makes me feel wanted. And supported. And while we may disagree on some things, she has done nothing but offered me the best of what I could ask for, of her and myself. It wouldn't be fair or right of me to remove part of myself to share with someone else when she has offered me no less than everything." <br><br>With that he retort, he leans up and presses a firm kiss to Sara's mouth, ready or not. He holds there for several seconds, deepening the kiss a few degrees before he pulls away and presses against her anew. He doesn't need to tell her how he feels. She's perfectly aware of how much she's secured him and that he's happy being around her finger. <br><br>As he rests his head against hers and meets her eyes, he considers his words, "I push past the line because I want to catch up to you and the others." he admits. "I want to be the best healer that you have ever seen, Sara. I'm pretty driven on that. So I'm going to keep pushing. Because it's the only way I can improve." <br><br>Though now, there's a small smirk offered to her as he leans back, a gentle tug on her shirt to pull her towards him. "Though if you need to drive the point of any of this conversation home, I have no complaints being shown as well as told."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:918|Sara Pezzini (918)}} has posed:'''<br>The kiss is welcomed and returned. Sara had missed him the past two weeks, more than she realized she would. In the past, when a boyfriend went wandering or off to 'work', she'd accepted the departure with the thinking they may or may not come back and she got on with her life. This time was different, this time each day that passed she felt the void inside herself that his presence filled getting larger and larger.<br><br>"It's alright that you are mine and only mine," she offers when the kiss ends. "It's one of the reasons you need to learn control, because I need you to stay around for a long, long time. You'll catch up to the rest of us, but if you push too hard you might not."<br><br>As he pulls on her shirt she leans in to him, kissing his cheek, then his neck lightly, "You need me to drive this point home?" she whispers, another kiss to his neck. "How's this then..." One more small kiss, a little nibble. "I love you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:853|Joshua Foley (853)}} has posed:'''<br>"I need to be stronger so I'm not a burden." Joshua starts to protest. This is an argument that they could go in circles around for days if they tried hard enough. And he can see Sara's side in it. He just hopes she sees his. <br><br>But whatever else he was about to say is suddenly gone when Sara leans in, kisses him and admits to three words that Joshua isn't quite sure he heard the first time. His golden cheeks warm. And his smile turns soft, his eyes darkening with his feelings for her in return. <br><br>His hand releases her shirt, moving to caress the side of her face, committing this moment to his memory. He had wondered if things would be weird if he came home. He was actually scared she'd kicked him to the curb. Because she's right, she could have pretty much her choice. <br><br>That she cements that she's picking him, he laughs softly, a soft 'Wow' escaping his lips. "I love you too, Sara." he confesses quietly. But she never needed to be a detective to know that.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=Corben_Kelly&diff=25181Corben Kelly2024-01-29T04:49:14Z<p>Nathan: </p>
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<div>{{CharacterPage<br />
|NameOnMUSH=Corben Kelly<br />
|banner name=Corben Kelly<br />
|Char_id=5155<br />
|banner image=https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/20/1200x712/4359343.jpg<br />
|Img=https://i.imgur.com/TpvAm6b.jpeg<br />
|FullName=Corben Kelly<br />
|Gender=Male<br />
|Superalias=None<br />
|Species=Metahuman<br />
|Theme=Original<br />
|Chartype=OC<br />
|Occupation=Shop Owner/Slacker<br />
|Citizenship=US/Belgium<br />
|Residence=New York<br />
|Education=Home Brewed<br />
|Groups=[[Mystic Arts]], [[Branches]]<br />
|Quote=If there's no one in your life worth dying for, you haven't found true happiness.<br />
|PAge=22<br />
|AAge=22<br />
|DOB=17 Mar 2001<br />
|Height=5'11<br />
|Weight=180lbs<br />
|Hair=White blonde<br />
|Eyes=Blue<br />
|Actor=Emillien Vekemans<br />
|Song=Love Potion Number 9 - The Searchers<br />
|Twitter=<br />
|Profile=A rock-'n'-roll, potion slinging, Fate touched raven, with a trick or two up his sleeve. Corben owns Cafe De La Magie down in the Bronx. Stop in and snag a potion and don't miss his mad drum skills with his band, Death Omen.<br />
|History=<br />
<span style="color:#009999">'''Timeline:'''</span><br />
<br>* 2011: Born in the USA to Patrick and Nadine Kelly.<br>* 2006: Nadine begins teaching her son in the fundamentals of arcane alchemy and developing his natural artistic ability. Patrick begins his son's musical education. Corben also begins speaking to an imaginary friend he calls 'Pup'. <br>* 2008: Patrick and Nadine move with Corben back to Belgium to be closer to her family. Corben's witchy education continues.<br>* 2010: The family moves back to the US.<br>* 2011: A freak explosion takes Patrick's life and leaves Corben deaf. Corben foresaw his father's death in a vision four days prior but didn't understand what he was seeing. This was the first manifestation of his gifts from his father's bloodline.<br>* 2012: Corben undergoes cochlear implant surgery.<br>* 2013: Corben transforms into a raven for the first time, much to the surprise of his mother.<br>* 2015: Still distraught over the loss of her husband and confused by her son's growing gifts, Nadine takes her son back to Belgium to be near her family.<br>* 2019: Much to the dismay of his mother, Corben strikes out on his own and returns to the US. He moves into a small flat with a cousin from on his father's side.<br>* 2023: Using money his father left him, Corben sets up a business, Cafe De La Magie, in the basement of a building in the Bronx where he sells his wares in the form of minor potions. He also starts as the drummer for the metal band, Death Omen and begins playing dive establishments on some weekends. This is the year he has a run in with Nettie Crowe better when his consciousness tries to view a hundred years in the past. It was his first lesson in the dangers of pushing his gifts too far. He has not seen Nettie since.<br />
|Personality=<br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''C'est La Vie:'''</span><br />
<br>That's life, it is what it is. Corben takes this to heart most of the time. It's done, it's over there's nothing to be done about it now so move on with life. He has a sort of devil may care way of approaching life that might make him seem a little shallow, until someone digs deeper...<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''Devoted:'''</span><br />
<br>Loyal isn't even a strong enough word for the way Corben will stick by a person's side if they're one of his 'people'. He may act like he doesn't care. He may tell you he doesn't have your back if you decide to pick a fight with the Hulk, but at the end of the day he'll be right behind you. However, you'll know it from the jabs and bitching that will take place through it all. Many people claim they would die for their friends, but if you're one of Corben's inner circle, he wouldn't even hesitate to step in front of the Devil himself and say, "Take me instead, his (or her) kind of ugly would set your minions to screaming and hiding behind your skirt."<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''The Deep End:'''</span><br />
<br>Underneath that 'it's water off a duck's back' attitude, Corben is deeper than the ocean blue. He's philosophical, compassionate, conflicted, confused, happy, sad and a little cracked in the head. The center of him is pretty squishy once you get through the hard candy shell.<br />
|Powers=<br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''Cantrips:'''</span><br />
<br>Peru de Magie, little magic. The spells Corden can utilize are simple cantrips. Nothing more than parlor tricks. The most useful one he knows is one that allows him to open simple mechanical locks.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''Potions:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben has the potential to be a master in the art of mixing potions and elixirs, little bottled spells that can achieve all manner of amazing things. Currently, however, he has no real desire to put the work in to get to that point. He pretty much sticks to what he knows well enough that a mispronunciation of a single Latin word will have his work blowing up in face. Some of his favorites include: Hey, Over here! (Voice Throwing), Not the Droid (Look away potion), Minor Healing, Fog and Smoke, Lost in the Crowd (look like someone else for a short duration), along with an array of happy drugalike potions and little things to keep the general population coming in to give him their hard earned cash. For a little extra, he'll even attempt a custom brew.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''The Raven's Gifts:'''</span><br />
<br>Centuries ago, Corben's father's bloodline included some that were granted the gifts of a raven. Through the years, these gifts went dormant. It wasn't until Patrick created a child with a woman of magic that something stirred and those gifts reappeared in Corben.<br><br>*Shape Changing - Corben has the ability to change forms into a raven. In this form he isn't deaf, a bird's cochlear hair cells regenerate. He can fly and poop on cars and all the stuff a normal raven can do along with speaking. He's also small and vulnerable to the threats any raven would.<br><br>* Visions:<br><br> Past - When Corben touches an object, sometimes the fates decide to show him a snippet of its past. This can work on people as well, but only if they (and Corben) are willing to make it so. With people, the snippets, the exchange of information, is a two way street. It is possible for Corben to expand upon his post cognitive visions. If he can find the thread of the snippet in his mind, find the tether implanted there by the Fates, he can grasp onto it and allow it to lead his consciousness further down the rabbit hole into the past. If he pushes too far, holds on to that thread too long, he could find himself with his consciousness stuck in the past while his body lays comatose in the present. <br><br> Present - Clairvoyant visions of things that are happening right now. They kind of suck. It's not like he gets much other than to know that there's probably someone about to die and it's not like he can typically get there fast enough to change the outcome. But C'est la vie, right?<br><br> Future - This is the biggie and, really, the worst. Thankfully, it doesn't happen often. To know that something bad is going to happen, but not be certain when and have no real idea how to stop it? It's a heavy load. Like the past, there are threads he could grasp to show him more. However, with the future, there are so many of them that he would quickly become overwhelmed by them and lost. The future, unlike the past, is never set in stone. Just one hair thin thread to the right or to the left could be the difference. But knowing the difference would come at too great a cost. <br><br>Medium - In addition to being 'seers' connected to the Fates, Ravenfolk also serve as messengers for the dead. Corben sees the lingering dead. It's not often that they badger him or follow him about, but when they do it's the one noise he can't just turn off by taking off his cochlear processors.<br />
|Skills=<br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Arcane Alchemy:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben's mother is a powerful witch. While Corben doesn't share her abundant affinities for the craft, his mother made sure to train him in the mixing of potions. Despite being disinclined to bother with all the effort needed to create powerful potions, he does have a rather vast knowledge of all manner of witchy type ingredients, what they do and how to mix them.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Artist:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben is a naturally gifted artist, as is his mother and mentor. If he ever got off his arse and put his mind to it, he could have pieces selling in galleries. But he can't so he doesn't. Instead he puts his talents to use in the adrenaline pumping world of street art.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Drummer:'''</span><br />
<br>Before Corben went deaf, he was well on his way to becoming at least a B level guitarist. He didn't lose his passion for music when he lost his hearing, he just turned it in a different direction, one that he could feel even if he couldn't hear it. He's a decent enough drummer to hold his own in his metal band, Death Omen.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Duck, Dodge, Run:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben isn't a fighter. That isn't to say he couldn't be, but he would rather run when it comes right down to it. He's perfected the art of ducking, dodging and running away to a dark corner where he can turn raven and fly away. When he's forced to stay and fight, he can hold his own with a slightly better than average person, but he still prefers to fight defensively until he can find an opening to duck, dodge and run.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Lip Reading:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben is an expert in reading lips. His aptitude is at a higher level than most due to the fact that he's had to figure it out with several different languages.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Multi-Lingual:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben knows several languages to different degrees. He's fluent in English, ASL, French, LSF (French Sign Language) and he has a conversational understanding of Flemish Dutch. Latin, well he knows enough of it to not have every potion blow up in his face when they need a Latin incantation to complete. Ask him about the time he spent two weeks with a purple face, he might just cuss you out in bad Latin.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Occult Knowledge:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben was homeschooled and his mother was determined that he would learn about things of the arcane nature. He's not a walking encyclopedia on the subject, but he would be a champ at Trivial Pursuit Occult Edition.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Parkour:'''</span><br />
<br>While Corben isn't up there with the masters, he knows how to use his surroundings to leap, run, flip and climb quickly and efficiently. It's just another way to duck, dodge and run from trouble. It also helps getting into those high places to display his artwork.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Pickpocket:'''</span><br />
<br>This goes hand in hand with his sleight of hand, but adds elements of subtle distraction to make a person even less aware that they are being liberated of their possessions.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Sleight of Hand:'''</span><br />
<br>Is this your card? Magic tricks, palming of objects in a way that the owner isn't immediately aware that they are being liberated of their possessions are all things that fall in his wheelhouse.<br />
|Resources=<br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Cafe De La Magie:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben's little potion shop where one can also find a cup of coffee, a soda, maybe some pastries and salty snacks. And don't forget the mystical magical hooka bar.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Mom:'''</span><br />
<br>Nadine may still be in Belgium, but it doesn't mean she wouldn't move heaven and earth to get to her boy if he needed her. Don't mess with the only child of a witch of a mother.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Occult Contacts:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben hasn't been in New York very long, but he has established a network of contacts that can help in the acquisition of components he needs for his potions.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Pup:'''</span><br />
<br>The ghost of a little old man with an Irish brogue, Pup has been following Corben around since he was a wee lad. Pup won't tell Corben his name or what he wants, he just cryptically replies, "You'll know in due time, lad." Pup can be useful. He's a great lookout. He can even momentarily manifest long enough for someone else to see him if Corben needs help. He's also a pain in the arse.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''The Weird Box:'''</span><br />
<br>It's a pretty, shiny, weird box. It's not your typical box. It's flat and thin like a laptop. Looking at it, it's easy to tell that it opens - somehow. It came into Corben's possession, well he saw it and it was shiny. He knows it's magical, he just doesn't know anything else. It's actually a very old Grimoire. For one who can use it, the pages will change with a hand wave and a murmured word, much like swiping a finger across a screen - but with way more cool swirly smoke under the 'glass' effects. <br><br>If he could get it open, it could become a resource for Corben and his mystical magical friends. Also see the Weakness entry related to this item.<br><br>Gaining access to the Grimoire itself will come as a +sheet update, as will each particular part of the Grimoire that can be used. At the moment, Corben is unable to access it.<br />
|Weaknesses=<br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Cleptomania:'''</span><br />
<br>He really can't help himself. Corben is drawn to shiny, pretty things. He doesn't steal for money, he steals because he's entranced by something shiny. Given his choice of a wallet full of cash and a sparkly piece of costume jewelry, he'll go for the latter every time.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Deaf:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben is profoundly deaf. He does have a cochlear implant but the thing isn't always a blessing. Sounds are distorted and mechanical and distinguishing individual voices in a crowd is difficult.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Potion Shelf Life:'''</span><br />
<br>The ingredients to create potions are not necessarily expensive, but they can be difficult to come by. Combined with the moderately short shelf-life of most of the potions, Corben doesn't tend to keep too many potions on hand without a purpose for doing so. While it might not be onerous to create any given one, he may need some advance notice of the need to have something specific on hand.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Pup:'''</span><br />
<br>As much as he can be a valuable resource, he's also a damned pain in the arse. Ghostly voices and anything else related to his gifts, can't be turned off by Corben removing is cochlear processors. Pup gets immense pleasure in popping in behind Corben and barking his head off like a dog. This is where the old goat got his name.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''The Weird Box:'''</span><br />
<br>It's a pretty, shiny, weird box. It's not your typical box. It's flat and thin like a laptop. Looking at it, it's easy to tell that it opens - somehow. It came into Corben's possession, well he saw it and it was shiny. He knows it's magical, he just doesn't know anything else. It's actually a very old Grimoire. For one who can use it, the pages will change with a hand wave and a murmured word, much like swiping a finger across a screen - but with way more cool swirly smoke under the 'glass' effects. <br><br>If he could get it open, it could become a resource for Corben and his mystical magical friends. Or it could be more danger than it's worth. Too bad someone way bigger and badder than Corben is out there looking for it and they're not happy that he took it. There's also the possibility that he'll blow himself up the first time he tries to read an incantation from the thing.<br><br>Gaining access to the Grimoire itself will come as a +sheet update, as will each particular part of the Grimoire that can be used. At the moment, Corben is unable to access it.<br />
}}<br />
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{{#set:<br />
Hero name = None<br />
| Actor name = Emillien Vekemans<br />
| Theme = Original<br />
| Character Type = OC<br />
}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Mystic Arts]] [[Category:Branches]]</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=16942/Injustice_For_All:_Isn%27t_It_Amazo&diff=2518016942/Injustice For All: Isn't It Amazo2024-01-29T04:21:32Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/28 |Location=Midtown - New Troy |Synopsis=The Justice League and it's allies faces down Professor Ivo's Amazo android as the Injustice Leag..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/28<br />
|Location=Midtown - New Troy<br />
|Synopsis=The Justice League and it's allies faces down Professor Ivo's Amazo android as the Injustice League tries to lure the white hats into a trap.<br />
|Cast of Characters=1819,2619,690,650,168,2262,724,32,3954,418,4247<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1819|Barry Allen (1819)}} has posed:'''<br>Metropolis in the middle of winter somehow manages to be a little more cheerful then some cities out there. It doesn't make any real sense, but that light coating of snow somehow stays just a little more pristine and the gleaming city is decked out in its winter finery on this particular evening, the temperatures hovering just below the freezing mark and a light dusting of snow falling from the skies above. <br><br>Not that it has seemingly dimmed the enthusiasm of those out and about on the Avenue of Tomorrow. Technology waits for no man, no woman, and those interested in taking in the latest and greatest technological marvels available for purchase still flock to this brightly lit strip in the heart of Metropolis, looking for the latest gadget, or simply taking in the bright lights that illuminate the strip like it is still very much day time. <br><br>Of course not everything is fine on this particular evening. Through all those bright lights and chimes of a myriad different electronic devices the flashing of police lights, the wail of sirens can be heard as MPD's finest have been deployed, squad cars crawling along towards one end of the Avenue of Tomorrow. While there are any number of hi-tech firms that are located along this particular street in the city, it quickly becomes apparent that the authorities destination is undeniably STAR Labs, one of the more notable firms that house labs and offices in this particular part of the city. <br><br>Cars are swiftly pulled into a sort of semi-circular barrier outside the Labs and officers quickly deployed, backing the crowds up and away, cordoning off the area. And while that should be a good indication that it is time to make one's self scarce, not all take the hint. Curious onlookers crowd those barriers, peering towards the seemingly tranquil glass facade beyond, mutterings rolling through the crowd questioning just what the trouble might be. <br><br>Given that when the Injustice League made it's first appearance -- at least outside of being just a collection of the Flash's Rogue's -- it was in an effort to pillage this very same STAR Labs, when the alert goes out it is naturally forwarded across all the usual law enforcement channels. Including those of the ustice League and their allies. Under the circumstances, how could they not check to see if the League is once more making trouble, after their recent assault on the Hall of Justice itself. <br><br>For one Barry Allen, he was actually out of town when the alert sounded. Actually, he was on the entirely opposite side of the country, taking a well deserved holiday. Or he was. In moments that costume is expanding from the ring he wears, superspeeding into the thing and then racing across the country far too fast for the human eye to follow. <br><br>And arriving on the Avenue of Tomorrow just in time to watch a huge desk come crashing through the glass fronting of the lobby, sending shards flying as it slams into a police cruiser, actually knocking the much heavier car back a half dozen feet from the sheer force of impact.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2619|Roxanne Spaulding (2619)}} has posed:'''<br>And what would a miss Roxanne Spaulding be doing in the middle of the Avenue of Tomorrow. There were a few leads about what was going on with the Gen13 project and what happened to others that were involved in the program. Naturally, she had to follow her nose, which led her to sneaking around S.T.A.R.<br><br>Dressed in her usual dark purple body suit with a black leather jacket, she does her best trying to go to the building rather inconspicuously. With her focus on remaining unseen, she's quite startled by the sudden crashing of the window and the desk that comes out of it that happens to be falling onto her.<br><br>And it would fall on her and probably cause grave harm if it wasn't for her powers. Putting her hands up, she squeaks, "Oh shit!"<br><br>And suddenly, the desk just floats, the force of gravity effectively nullified on it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Metropolis? Happier and Brighter than Gotham? Shocking, surprising, bamboozling! Nah we all know it's the truth. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Due to the interest of several Metaphysical enemies in Star Labs, Balm had taken it upon herself to make a swing through Metropolis every once in a while, having added a 'Bookmark' in the city that she can use to bypass the lines at the Hyperloop. This evening she was in her gray amor, hood up over her domino'd face, blue lights from her masks' eyepieces glowing dimly. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the alert went out, the young woman takes to the air in a leap. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The people sheltering from the glass shards are protected by her rose-gold shield with its lazily twisting, eight-pointed star and Egyptian motif before she lands behind it. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And here I thought it'd be a boring Saturday on the beat." she states into the comms. "Balm, on-site. Has anyone seen the cause yet?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:650|M'gann M'orzz (650)}} has posed:'''<br>M'gann is nearby when the call goes out, the alert catching her in the middle of studying, of all things. Still, this being the more immediate importance, she'll set the books aside and morph into her Miss Martian look, phasing her way out of the building and flying off towards the Labs. She'll arrive shortly after Barry (she's fast, she's not Flash fast), and just in time to see the desk crash into the police cruiser.<br><br>"Admittedly. The calls from the League are always interesting..." this as an aside to Barry before she's turning on the x-ray vision to get a look at what's going on within the labs. Looking to get a sitrep before entering. "That girl.. she's the gravitokinetic from before..."<br><br>Hovering a few feet up in the air, out of casual reach of people, her gaze sweeps through the building and down below, underneath. If M'gann had a nickel for every lab that had additional underground levels....<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:168|Diana Prince (168)}} has posed:'''<br> Even though Diana's primary residence is in Manhattan, she originally held residence here in Metropolis prior to moving to New York after becoming a public figure in the super hero world. She still had her skyrise apartment here in Metropolis, however, and this is where she is currently located when things begin to develop in a sour direction down at the Avenue. <br><br> Diana is in her apartment's kitchen, with a few house guests, seated around a table and casually bantering amongst one another on this fine winter's evening. <br><br> A television is on in the corner of the room, mounted on one of the walls, it begins to play footage coming in to a news room, featuring the situation unfolding not far away from Diana's apartment tower. Naturally the group of dinner guests all look toward the screen, then regard Diana... <br><br> The dark haired Amazon lowers her wine glass, setting it down upon the counter's corner, before she offers a soft smile to her guests, and a few parting words. <br><br> Leaving them in the kitchen to enjoy the food and drink, Diana steps out toward her office and bedroom... <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2262|Monet St. Croix (2262)}} has posed:'''<br>She's spent far too much time in Metropolis as of late these last few months. With the Injustice League. Or the Evil League of Evil depending on what supervillain is paying this week. So as she's flying along on patrol, Monet St. Croix is just a little bit too late when the truck hits the other, and then things go flying. She's about to launch her way down - but the desk seems caught on it's own. It's a bit bulky for her to catch anyways.<br><br>So, with whomever it is having managed to catch it.. Monet is going to fly over towards the impact, going to check for people that might be injured. Her first sweep is to assess anyone in the area, scanning about as best she can while going to try and look for familiar minds. She moves to pick up on M'Gann's, and quickly requests to share information.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:724|Kate Kane (724)}} has posed:'''<br>Batwoman was stalking the Avenue of Tomorrow from above, lurking as one does on the higher ledges of the buildings. While Metropolis is a bit more bright and shiny than Gotham, there /are/ shadows when one knows where to look.<br><br>And Kate definitely does, since she's learned from the best.<br><br>Seeing the desk flying out, only to be caught by Roxanne, she blinks a bit, then nods. She doesn't emerge from hiding yet, but does respond to Balm quietly, "Balm, it's Batwoman. Looking from above, didn't notice anything other than the gravity manipulator that caught the desk."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:32|Oliver Queen (32)}} has posed:'''<br>The joys of Monitor Duty. <br><br>Look, being a part of the Justice League isn't all battling the biggest and the baddest. Occasionally it involves a fair bit of boredom, sitting in a room in either the Hall of Justice or the Watchtower, monitoring the countless media feeds and channels that funnel information through a network designed to flag potential threats. <br><br>And while computers are great and all, having a good ol' fashioned set of actual, thinking eyes looking at the same is important too. Hence the fact that all Leaguers take a turn at some point or another, sitting in front of a banking of monitors watching. And waiting. And waiting. And waiting. <br><br>Then again, there are also nights like this as well, when he has barely managed to sit down with a hot cup of coffee, to put his feet up on the control panel in front of him indolently and get settled in before the alarms are sounding. Cup half-raised to his lips, Ollie grumbles and slams it down, leaning over to send out the alert across the Justice League frequencies before racing for the garage, hopping on his motorcycle and tearing off into the night. "Just a minute out from the scene. But it sounds like things are getting... rowdy." <br><br>That's cheered him up some. He's always up for sticking an arrow or ten into someone deserving. <br><br>Just so long as magic is not involved. Freakin' evil sorceresses.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3954|Belinda Gutierrez (3954)}} has posed:'''<br>It had begun as a hunch, an idea, that itching behind the ear that left Belinda Gutierrez twitching instinctively. Took the A-Train to Metropolis. Took the oppportunity to visit some electronic stores. Revel in the snow!<br><br>And to have vanilla milkshakes. Metropolis Milkshakes. Always worthy.<br><br>That the idle bliss of wandering S.T.A.R. and gushing over the lastest Deep Space Telescope images and talking the poor security guard's ear off about aliens and greenhouses on Mars and whether Mars visitation was on the short-list of things to do and /totally distracted otherwise/ ended with the flying desk-- and shortly after, by the flying wolf-woman sailing out shortly after.<br><br>Silverdane snarls with a groan as she picks herself out of the police cruiser that so thoughtfully halted her impromptu flying lesson.<br><br>"...ow," comes the wheezing, swiftly exhaled breath, standing back up shakily. "Dios, he is strong...."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:418|Johnny Storm (418)}} has posed:'''<br>Johnny Storm was on a date. It was going really well, too. "So, Doctor Jones, how about we go back to my place and you show me which one of your..." And that's when his phone chimes at him and he glances down at it. He hasn't seen /that/ alert in a while. "Sorry, babe." he offers apologeticsally. "I'll be back soon, don't get too cold without me~" <br><br>And with that, he leaves his card to pay for the check, along with the keys for the car as he leaves the restaurant they were having dinner at in Metropolis. Once he's outside, he takes a few jogging steps forward and then leaps skywards, calling out. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "<span style="color:#FF0000">F</span><span style="color:#FF1A03">L</span><span style="color:#FF3407">A</span><span style="color:#FF4E0B">M</span><span style="color:#FF690F">E</span> <span style="color:#FF9D17">O</span><span style="color:#FFB71B">N</span><span style="color:#FFD21F">!</span>"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br><br>With that, the Human Torch is streaking across Metropolis as he looks down at the JL App. "Lessee... oh, I know her. And him. And definetly her." A pause. "I'll need to stay away from her, she'll get all weak in the knees, and not in the fun way." he murmurs, making sure to keep a distance from M'gann as he approaches the scene from above and comes to a halt, floating in mid-air as the flames flick around his whole body. "I'll have you know I was in some /very important/ negotiations that were /totally/ interupted, so this /better/ be worth it."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4247|Caleb Dykstra (4247)}} has posed:'''<br>And with the intent to see some of those marvels of technology is why Caleb has come here. But it was time to get back to the dorms of Happy Harbor after some window-shopping, when he sees a gathering of people. And then...<br><br>A desk flying across the lobby of the building, and he staggers back and to the side, "HOLY SHIT!!"<br><br>It's not like the desk was in his path, but his sense of caution has wired his reflexes to dodge it at the sign of trouble.<br><br>And by the looks of it, this seems like a very big trouble...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1819|Barry Allen (1819)}} has posed:'''<br>There is no guarantee that this has anything to do with the depridations of the Injustice League of course. Though the force with which it is flung out -- and then the fuzzy furball of Silverdane shortly there after -- is proof positive that something superhuman is definitely onsite within the frequently mysterious confines of STAR Labs. <br><br>But just what it is that might be within remains a mystery, at least at first. At least to everyone but perhaps Silverdane who has already had her close encounter with it. Even the shattered glass does not give a clear, easy view of whatever lurks within the lab's lobby as a moment later all power in the building abruptly goes out as if abruptly snuffed out. It rolls up over the outside of the building, floor after floor abruptly plunged into darkness, made even more stark by the glowing mass of lights and signs and billboards that populate the street around it. <br><br>Then that darkness starts to roll out further, as if the electricity is slowly being snuffed out as the two buildings surrounding STAR labs also go dark. And that growing darkness continues to spread each way along the Avenue, the power simply drained away. <br><br>Racing up the street as that desk comes hurling out of the building, closely followed by the familiar form of Silverdane, the Flash finds that he doesn't need to intervene with the desk at least as it floats away before it can crush the familiar young woman beneath. Instead Barry zips over to crouch beside the fuzzy werewolf. "What did you see?" he asks quietly, glancing towards the blacked out lab. <br><br>Even before she has the chance to answer however, at least a partial answer is offered as a vaguely humanoid figure emerges to stand in the midst of the shattered lobby window. Though who do not see so well in the dark might have trouble making out anything more then a eight foot tall, bulky form but anyone else will see the gleam of golden metal coating that humanoid body. <br><br>"What is that?" Flash asks, squinting against the growing dark, eyes still adjusting. Then out of that dark a pair of eyes begin to glow ominously. <br><br>For Miss Martian's part, that sweep of STAR Labs will indeed prove that the building is much more then it appears on the surface, as almost twenty sub basement levels descend far beneath the street above, the sprawling complex housing some pretty impressive research facilities. Doing who knows what. Any number of them could certainly be of interest, though for the moment at least only that large, solitary figure out front seems to be onsite. While dozens of other shapes are discernable with her X-Ray vision, most of them seem to be cowering place in the pitch blackness that has fallen over the facility.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:418|Johnny Storm (418)}} has posed:'''<br>Now that he's on the scene and grasping what the situation is, Johnny's attention moves from the heroes on site, to the desk, the girl down there with it - an unknown - and then towards the entrance of the building as he hears that crunch of glass. <br><br>Oh look, someone's hiding in the dark. Oooh, gold, so sparkly. The Human Torch frowns a little as his hands snap down to the sides. "Alright gang, there's no need for the guessing games, let's find out who our mystery date is!" <br><br>And with that, he lifts both of his arms, pointing them straight at the golden figure standing in the dark and unleashes a brilliant gout of flame that streaks down to splash against it, looking to illuminate their situation. Because if it can throw a desk, it can take a little heat!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3954|Belinda Gutierrez (3954)}} has posed:'''<br>Silverdane finishes tugging her leg from the wreck of the car, rumbling cheerfully before she reaches up to reset her slightly-askew jaw with a *crunch*.<br><br>"Big man-thing," the wolf-girl returns, grimacing as he draws a swift breath. "Little scent. Tall. Golden-shiny. Red eye... sensors?" She twists, flexing as she tenses anew. "It flies. Is stronger than me." She glances back at the car, the desk, her flight path from the window across to the stopping poiont. Her frown deepens. "....very much stronger," she says more quietly, nostrils quivering as her gaze turns back towards the labs.<br><br>"Battle suit?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Batwoman, good to hear a friendly voice." Balm replies with sparks of warmth in her voice, "Gravity-manipulator is a friendly, the wolf -- Silverdane's a friendly -- watch the heavy thrown objects." Balm relates to Batwoman as she drops her magical shield, and pauses, looking at the humanoid figure that emerges. Her head tilts, the blue of her optics. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Whatever it is... it's not magical. Nothing on it really even seems alive to my senses." she comments over the comms, and she gives a look up to Kate, and over to Flash, catching the light of fire in the sky from The Human Torch. Picking up on the incoming Arrow, on M'gann and M, the Woof and Roxanne, and she prepares to throw up her shields again. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"M'gann, can you see into it?" she asks over the comms and then -- <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Or we can burn it, yeah, fire usually solves a lot of problems unless it's fire proof, let's find out --"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:32|Oliver Queen (32)}} has posed:'''<br>"That's the slowest rolling blackout that I've ever seen," Ollie says as he brings his motorcycle to a screeching halt at the end of the street, hopping off of it and starting to trot towards the scene of the disturbance on foot rather then trying to crawl through the crowd. <br><br>"Gawk on your own time!" he barks out as the Emerald Archer makes his way closer as that darkness starts to spread up along the street. And as that blackout grows, the restless murmuring of the crowd suggests that many of them wish that they had vacated the street while they still could. Giving a little growl, Green Arrow nocks an arrow and fires it off. Even before it lands he is nocking more, twisting as he aims those projectiles about the street. And where they sink into their targets they suddenly explode in a burst of bright light that fills the street, spreading illumination on the suddenly darkened street. <br><br>"Move it people!" he calls out. "Give the authorities room to work," he adds, still surging forward. Though nothing about that golden, humanoid shaped android looking figure is particularly reassuring.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:168|Diana Prince (168)}} has posed:'''<br> Diana emerges from her personal space within her apartment, a fitted crimson hooded cloak pulled on around her shoulders, as she moves toward the balcony level of her apartment's exterior facade. She's met there by a member of her Amazon guard contingent, and together they walk out on to the balcony. Sharing a few words together, Diana gives a hastey instruction, before she pulls the hood up over her dark hair, a glinting sparkle of light touching the golden tiara that adorns her hairline now as she turns away from her fellow Amazon, toward the south, the direction of the Avenue, and STAR Labs... <br><br> As a pair of the dinner guests join the Amazon guard out on the snow covered balcony, they find Diana to have already vanished... <br><br> At the Avenue of Tomorrow, the chaos is observed, when Diana comes to land atop the edge of a building overlooking the once brightly lit thoroughfare. <br><br> She stands now over the avenue, her long red cloak fluttering in the wind around her form, as flakes of snow fall around her face. She'd arrived rather quickly, but her top speed as a flyer has yet to ever actually be explored publicly, as she is one of the least flashy flyers within the League. <br><br> "Wonder Woman, on site. Can I get an update on what is happening here?" Her voice chimes in over the JLA comm network. <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2262|Monet St. Croix (2262)}} has posed:'''<br>With information being picked up, Monet St. Croix goes to pass it along the telepathic grapevine. Moving to try and extend it to each mind over within the 'bubble' that is familiar with to allow a battle meld. The strange.. Golem is identified as an outlier. Is it a robot? It doesn't seem to be like a Sentinel. Unrelated technology, or it might simply be some strange mutation.<br><br>And of course STAR Labs has a giant underground fortress glare to it. And.. Why are there open walkways over giant vats of acid with no railings? <br><br>But now the lights are going out. At Wonder WOman's query, Monet starts to relay information along. What each of them are seeing, sensing, being aware of. &lt;&lt;Is there anyone at STAR labs that seems to have an idea as to /what/ they are doing in the lower levels?&gt;&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:650|M'gann M'orzz (650)}} has posed:'''<br>"Miss Martian, on site. There is one known threat visible. Codename Amazo. Android with the ability to replicate powers." M'gann frowns faintly, staring in at the figure before letting out a breath. "Uncertain if replication can occur at range, recommend staying out of hand to hand range until ascertained."<br><br>She'll pause at Balm's question, then offer a wry smile, "If he replicates the Human Torch, that will take me out of the fight. I'll volunteer to stay at range and coordinate. Any objections to a telepathic link to loop in those not on thise frequency?"<br><br>Another pause and then, "No visible magical threats, Arrow. You should be safe to engage." Because that is NEVER getting old.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:724|Kate Kane (724)}} has posed:'''<br>When the darkness rolls over the area, Batwoman taps on the nightvision on her cowl, using the cover of the darkness to descend down the side of her building. Reaching the ground, she moves towards STAR Labs as that's where the trouble is coming from.<br><br>Though when Johnny illuminates things with fire, Batwoman winces a bit, as she appears out of the darkness near Silverdane, "Possibly, though power armor would probably have a scent. Might be a robot or cybernetic construct of some kind. But hey, how bad are you hurt?" As she gives Silverdane a once-over, she reaches into her utility belt, checking for something in particular it seems.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:4247|Caleb Dykstra (4247)}} has posed:'''<br>Caleb looks towards the area where the desk came flying from, and at the sight of the ominous glow, he blinks. Once.... Twice...<br><br>"Oh, boy..."<br><br>He quickly moves behind a car, and proceeds to unpack the gadgetry he's been developing over the course of these months, courtesy of several battles he's lived through, plus the need to prepare for any upcoming.<br><br>(Brain to Caleb. BRAIN TO CALEB!! ...What the fuck're you doing??)<br><br>Helping out, obviously!<br><br>(You're an idiot! You're way over your head, you know that... Right?)<br><br>Yeah, well... Can't stay here and do nothing!<br><br>He unpacks guns, tasers, swords, checks the status of his shurikens and throwing knives.<br><br>And he sighs. "Caleb... You really are an idiot!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2619|Roxanne Spaulding (2619)}} has posed:'''<br>The desk is gently set down, and then there's Roxie looking more than a bit confused. Watching as all the caped types start to appear, she grumbles under her breath and starts to move into the shadows. Maybe this could be the distraction she needs to find the files she's looking for in S.T.A.R.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1819|Barry Allen (1819)}} has posed:'''<br>As a rule of thumb fire does tend to be fairly effective. Especially when it can be reasonably controlled and not just unleashed to burn down entire city blocks. That doesn't tend to make one very popular. <br><br>If nothing else, leading off with a big gout of fire is pretty good way to shed some light on an otherwise murky situation and the front of the shattered facade of STAR Labs. And for a moment everything is indeed illuminated as if all the lights of the Avenue of Tomorrow still blazed. That golden android is very much apparent. Then the fire engulfs it, blazing brightly. Problem solved, right? <br><br>No, not so much. As the fire dies away leaving the street just illuminated by Green Arrow's flare arrows, the golden android still stands there seemingly unphased. It lifts it's gaze towards Johnny Storm, those eyes flaring brightly for a moment as beams of reddish light wash over the flying, flaming man as if scanning him. Then the robot is abruptly sheathed in flame as well. Lifting a hand and gesturing towards the nearest police cruiser, a line of flame flares out, washes over the car a moment before it suddenly explodes, flipping through the air in a fiery mass that threatens to rain down on the surrounding crowd that abruptly cringes back. <br><br>The League has indeede faced Ivo's creation before, though previously it did not look like this. But if there was any doubt that Miss Martian's assessment was pretty much dead on that disappears as it is suddenly sheathed in the Human Torch's flame. <br><br>Crouched beside Silverdane, tapped into the telepathic link that Monet offers those on site, Barry offers his confirmation as well. &lt;&lt; Definitely a new Amazo design I would say. Be careful, it can absorb your powers and abilities. It has even shown the ability to replicate tech spontaneously,&gt;&gt; he warns. <br><br>And then he moves, launching into superspeed mode -- in part to try and help move the crowd out of the way of the falling, flaming debris. In part to try and avoid having those sensor beams sweep across him and absorb his superspeed. They definitely don't need that. <br><br>So Barry races in amongst the crowd, moving them to the end of the street, zipping back and forth to clear as many out of the direct line of the debris as he can. <br><br>Outside, on the street, all eyes are definitely on the flaming android that hurls fire about. And behind him, that gapping hole leading into the lobby does give unrestrained entrance to the blacked out, secretive compound...<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2262|Monet St. Croix (2262)}} has posed:'''<br>Oh. This gives Monet pause. She starts to analyse it. It can imitate abilities and adapt to them.. She goes to evaluate the capabilities of the members present, and goes to look thoughtful for a few moments. Even as she tries to figure out what it might not be able to do. It can phase, use telepathy, superspeed.. But, Flash hasn't said anything about replicating memories or experiences. Just powers. Monet goes to calmly inspect the robot from her position.<br><br>And she goes to focus, drawing up memories. Memories pulled from different places. Different phases. Different eventualities. It's complicated. Drawing upon things that are not your's. But she has a few cheats in the way that she can use. She takes a few breaths, and draws upon things that she's taken from encounters with others. Not her own..<br><br>She calls upon memories of others. That have fought similar things. Cable. Rachel. Memories of the X-Men for things from beyond the stars.<br><br>They're not going to beat this thing wtih powers. They'll have to beat it by finding weak points or things to use against it.. But she's just hovering.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:724|Kate Kane (724)}} has posed:'''<br>Batwoman curses under her breath as it is an Amazo. &lt;&lt; Great, well, I think I might have a special treat for it. Depending on how well it's equipped. I thought that with all the high-tech here a mag-pulse grenade might come in handy.&gt;&gt; She pauses as Amazo then ignites, and frowns as Amazo decides to start blasting cop cars.<br><br>With that, she nimbly moves around, trying to keep a step ahead of the flames and circling around to get close enough to make the toss, since she figures if nothing else that should slow it down.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:3954|Belinda Gutierrez (3954)}} has posed:'''<br>Silverdane shakes her head to Batwoman (Batman?), rumbling throatily as she tugs her gaze away. "Am fine," she answers to Batwoman's question-- as if pulling out an arm-sized sliver of glass from her side was just casual happenstance. She chuffs, nodding as she flexes long fingers together, the jagged slice at her side simply closing, fading, healing swift as thought. "Tried to stop him when he came," she explains, glowering. "Did not... work." She glances at AntiGrav Girl, grinning cheerfully as slips aside. Good instincts-- getting away from conflict!<br><br>Her grin fades quickly as the golden droid-- Amazo -- spontaneously, startlingly ignites. Silverdane's ears slant back, eyes widening as she swallows heavily.<br><br>"....Dios," she whispers, brow fuirrowing anew as he focuses her thoughts above that jagged, instinctive spark of fear. Fire.<br><br>&lt;&lt; "It scanned me inside. Is not alive, but--" &gt;&gt; She bites her lip, exhaling with a shiver. &lt;&lt; "If can steal, copy powers--- it might be able to heal too quickly to pause long. Phosphor, acid, tear off limbs. Might slow it down." &gt;&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Phoebe ducks behind some of the wreckage, giving a disturbed expression behind her domino. &lt;&lt;Ah -- magic abilities as well? Because hitting me would give everyone a bad day.&gt;&gt; she states with a horrified feeling to the thought. &lt;That would be a Very Bad Day.&gt; she recounts as she ducks between cars. What would Batman do here? <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;&lt;Too bad it can't take on your olfactory senses!&gt;&gt; Balm replies to Belinda, and she boosts herself up to a street light, hanging for a moment and -- <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"DYKSTRA! What Are You Doing Here?! Get out! This is a Bad Place for you to eat it!" she calls out warningly.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:168|Diana Prince (168)}} has posed:'''<br> Explosions. Giant fire robots. Wonder Woman pushes the crimson fabric of the cloak around her shoulders past the shining metal of her armored bracers, and leaps from the rooftop of the building overlooking the north side of the Avenue of Tomorrow. <br><br> She rapidly descends down toward the street below, where civilians are being ushered out of the way. The poor civilians of Metropolis, always being bombarded with the burden of bombastic, and bewildering, behemoths hell bent on their lives being obliterated. For what, exactly, has this latest one come for? <br><br> Diana arrives on the street, her armored boots poking out of the long red fabric of her cloak, as she pulls sword and shield from the leather harness wrapped around her body. <br><br> She marches toward the strange robotic construct, sword in her right hand, shield in her left. "Someone find out what is happening inside the lab. This is likely a distraction." Diana states, before she flexes her powerful legs, and leaps in to action, shield up and out in front of her form, headed right for the robot's center mass! <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:650|M'gann M'orzz (650)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt;&lt; Seeking additional input and expertise, scream if assistance is needed. &gt;&gt;<br><br>And with that, M'gann goes intangible and invisible, sinking down into the ground and moving towards the huddled forms of the scientists within STAR Labs. Perhaps one of them will be able to offer a means of containing the target. The invisibility melts away as she sinks out of immediate sight, looking to skirt Amazo and his 'powers replication'.<br><br>She'll phase through the walls into one of the sub levels of the lab that had huddled forms on it, seeking out whoever might be around. &lt;&lt; On it, Wonder Woman. Will report once I have a better assessment of the situation. &lt;&lt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:32|Oliver Queen (32)}} has posed:'''<br>Well, this isn't so bad. If he has to be fighting something, a robot that duplicates powers isn't so bad for him. Somehow he doubts it will have much interest in duplicating his bow. <br><br>"You mock, but you do not know the horror of being prospective bacon," Ollie grumbles into the comm as he watches the street get lit up, by his arrows, then by those gouts of flame and finally by the exploding police car. <br><br>"Festive," he says sourly. "Move it people!" he calls out once more. "When things start exploding that's your cue to seek cover!" he adds. And it seems like at least some of those nearby are taking heed as the Emerald Archer is left to struggle through the crowd. <br><br>Lifting his bow, he fires off another of those arrows, this one flying straight over where Amazo stands before bursting. But no lights or explosions follow this particular arrow's bursting. Instead foam begins to drop down towards the flaming android below. Heavy, white, fire-suppressing foam that quickly coats the android and begins to snuff out those flames. "Like I can't deal with a little fire..." he snorts.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:418|Johnny Storm (418)}} has posed:'''<br>As Amazo scans him and starts to fling fire about, the Human Torch frowns. &lt;"He's gold-plated copycat."&gt; comes the growl from one of the elder heroes. And that's when Diana decides that she wanted to show up. "'ey, welcome to the party!" he calls out to her as he turns his attention to the android. <br><br>"As for you, you tin-plated phony, if you're gonna play with fire!" And that's when Johnny shows off a power that he doesn't really use that often. As Amazo is trying to set fires, he's actively pulling them in, snuffing them out with his thermokenesis. &lt;"We need to hit him now while he only has a couple of us, he gets a scan on all of us, hoo boy."&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:4247|Caleb Dykstra (4247)}} has posed:'''<br>Caleb looks at the events unfolding, and gasps when he notices the golden figure become enraped in a flame of its own, and shoots up a car.<br><br>Making a quick dodge from the falling debris, he just in time misses an encounter with a car door!<br><br>"Okay... that's IT!!"<br><br>He putting back his weapons in place, he starts to run, skipping through people, cars, debris... He's got a plan in the works!<br><br>Observation: golden figure copied powers when it looked at the Human Torch. Applied rule: it needs to observe and analyze to copy. Hypothesis: neutralize optical system.<br><br>Running up towards the android with no defined pattern, he jumps and produces mid-air his gun at the last second, shooting sticky pellets against its optical sensors. Pellets which blink up...<br><br>And if sticking... They'll detonate! (And hopefully its eyes along with it!)<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1819|Barry Allen (1819)}} has posed:'''<br>There are a whole lot of people to move out of the way, to carry to the far end of street out of harms way and each time Barry races back up the street, all that flaming debris is another inch or two closer to falling amingst what remains of the crowd. That red and gold streak continues to blur across the Avenue of Tomorrow rapidly before coming to a screeching stop a short distance away, the remains of the police car coming crashing down with a crash... but finding no one left beneath it. <br><br>"Unknown Balm. There's too much that we don't know about this tech. But I suggest you work with the assumption that it can. The previous incarnation never showed any particular limitations," the Flash cautions. <br><br>Just what powers it might already have at its disposal is a mystery and while they in theory slowly fade over time, again there is just too much they don't know about it's capabilities. But it shows at least a few. Even as Oliver's arrow and Johnny's mastery of flame snuff out the flaming sheath that surrounds him, that golden arm suddenly stretches out with startling speed, stretching impossibly to grasp Johnny Storm by the throat. The flames do not seem to bother Amazo at all and for a moment the android holds the flaming, flying man there, choking him in midair. <br><br>Then he slams him down with terrific force into the top of one of those nearby police cruisers, driving him right through the roof as it caves in around him, metal twisted inward as the Human Torch's unconscious body is planted in the back of that car. <br><br>That violent display probably does little to reassure anyone and the golden android whirls, turning to face the approaching Amazon. Those eyes glow, flare, but instead of scanning beams bursting forth, the holographic image of a middle aged man with grey reddish hair, a sweater vest and a bow tie appears. "Ahhh, good," the unlikely figure says with a smile. "I see that you are putting my Amazo Mark Two through it's paces. I think you'll find that it is more capable then before. If this trial results in your death, well, I can only say that you have my apologies. It is the price that my new friends have demanded of me to help me reach my ultimate goal. Know that your sacrifice will help to insure that I live... forever." <br><br>It is a good plan. Blind it, keep the android from being able to engage it's sensors to duplicate powers. And those pellets fly true, straight to the glowing red eyes of Amazo. And for a moment Caleb's shots appear to be dead on the mark. Then in a blurring streak of gold one of Amazo's hands simply lifts and catches them, letting them explode harmlessly in its hand. It's head twists, staring at the armed man emotionlessly. <br><br>Apparently Barry's worries were for naught. It would seem that Amazon already has superspeed in it's arsenal.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2619|Roxanne Spaulding (2619)}} has posed:'''<br>And once inside the lab proper, Roxie starts trying to find what it is she came for. Who knows what she'll find inside?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"-- or try to blind it -- good plan." Balm had commented to Caleb, before she sees Torch get slammed out of the sky. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"/TORCH/." she calls out, and winces, looking back to Caleb, and then making her choice, she first goes over to triage the Torch. "Everyone, back away if you're not part of the fight! Get your instagram posts from a safe distance!" she calls out, turning and with some difficulty she rolls Storm up over one shoulder, and gets him to safety out of the fight, dragging him around the corner.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1819|Barry Allen (1819)}} has posed:'''<br>There are a host of precautions, of defenses for STAR Labs, even in these subterrainian levels far beneath the surface above. Armored walls make breaching them difficult and a host of sensors stand ready to activate all manner of defenses. <br><br>Just a couple of problems. Those defenses require electricity, of which the complex is now sadly lacking. And they were never designed to deal with a Martian that can just phase through solid ground. Either way, Miss Martian has no difficult breaching the perimeter of the lab to find those terrified scientists huddling in the dark, not even the reddish glow of emergency lighting offering any reprieve from the complete darkness.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:724|Kate Kane (724)}} has posed:'''<br>Batwoman scowls at Amazo as it decides to slamdunk Johnny, then decides to take the opportunity to throw the mag-pulse grenade while it's distracted with the folks with powers, "Let's see how you like /this/." If nothing else, it can hopefully slow it down for the others to take down.<br><br>&lt;&lt; I do have one additional mag-pulse grenade, so if it evades this one, someone faster might need to get it up close and personal to make the delivery.&gt;&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2262|Monet St. Croix (2262)}} has posed:'''<br>This is tricky. Monet St. Croix goes to focus.. And she goes to link her mind over to M'Gann's while falling back, going to try and coordinate with the rest. &lt;&lt;Scan for that man. Doctor Ivo, I presume?&gt;&gt; She moves to try and look about for something, anything that might phase the robot. And.. Wait. The Jules Verne museum.<br><br>She goes to blast off in that direction, flying at high speed. &lt;&lt;If we can't stop the machine, then we can stop the man behind it&gt;&gt; Presuming that Ivo's too focused on monologuing to have taken precautions against being located. &lt;&lt;Balm, presuming he's far off if M'Gann can locate him can you teleport to him?&gt;&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:168|Diana Prince (168)}} has posed:'''<br> The giant metal robot may be the target of the ire of many of her friends here tonight, but Diana was used to an onslaught of offensive attacks while coordinating with her senses focused on her friends, so as to avoid their own attempts. <br><br> She flies right on past the nerd hologram giving his speech too, and in fact, having heard it while she collided with the 'Mark II' robot, Diana's right hand sent her sword stabbing forward to impale the very spot that the hologram was coming from, as if to say 'Shutup, nerd!' <br><br> The resulting clang of metal on metal, comes from Wonder Woman doing her part to apply the sharp edge of her sword, to the weak spots of the golden glaring robot, while her shield was used to bash and brute force her way toward even better potential weak points. <br><br> "Miss Martian, be careful. There may be more of these terrible things." Comes Diana's voice between her rapid attacks, flying back only to take a moment to regather her thoughts and observe the situation a moment more... <br><br> "These kinds of mad scientists need to be brought to justice. It is time for this reckless, and careless, creation to end!" <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:650|M'gann M'orzz (650)}} has posed:'''<br>Eventually, eventually they'll come up with something to counter Martian abilities. But today is not that day! M'gann enters the sublevels of the labs and moves through the walls as easily as a doorway, seeking out the scientists where they huddle.<br><br>Resolving back into her tangible form, M'gann offers a quick, reassuring smile. "I won't hurt you. I need to know what happened here, how many of you there are, where the emergency exit is located, and if you have any sort of containment unit capable of holding the android above. And please, quickly, if you can. The longer it fights my friends above, the stronger it's going to get."<br><br>Miss Martian, at least, is a known figure. Hopefully she can help to calm them down some and get the information needed before escorting the scientists out of the lab. Diana's warning is met with a nod and a telepathically offered reassurance.<br><br>&lt;&lt; No other threats found as yet. Seeking information from the scientists now. I will proceed with caution. &gt;&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:32|Oliver Queen (32)}} has posed:'''<br>What's a guy with a bow and arrow supposed to do? <br><br>Somehow he suspects that the usual plows aren't going to do him much good. Taser arrow? Probably not. Boxing Glove arrow? It might be amusing to watch, but probably not effective. Oil slick arrow? Take his feet out from beneath him? He can supposedly fly. <br><br>While he's not one for random destruction, aside from continuing to encourage anyone nearby to clear out there are only a few tools in his kit that might be of use and so he draws on a few of his more dangerous possibilities. Taking aim once more, he unleashes several arrows that streak towards a nearby building before exploding, sending a rain of debris toppling down towards the gold-skinned android. Ollie somehow doubts it will finish him off. But maybe it can provide a timely distraction.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:3954|Belinda Gutierrez (3954)}} has posed:'''<br>Silverdane's eyes widen at the positively brutal takedown of the Torch, turning back to the Android with a snarl.<br><br>&lt;&lt; "I will distract it," &gt;&gt; the wolfbeast growls, eyes glittering beneath her domino mask. She nods towards Batwoman, moving forward with slow, smooth, deliberate care. Looping to one side, away from Greenm Arrow's shot paths, stalking tothe Amazon's side, she prepares for the maneuver as classic, as instinctive, as old as time. Appropriately-- wolf pack tactics.<br><br>Moments, seconds-- Silverdane suddenly lunges, surges foward, down and charging on all fours. Strike low, rob balance, braced standing, even if just for heartbeats-- the entirety of her mass driving to the Amazo's knees!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:4247|Caleb Dykstra (4247)}} has posed:'''<br>Caleb takes a moment to look back after ducking and rolling out of the way.<br><br>"Got speed, golden ass?", he looks back to the android. "You wanna copy stuff, huh? Well, can't copy what you can't see..."<br><br>And a number of smoke grenades are thrown at the android, blocking its vision.<br><br>He looks at the heroes gathered. "I think it can't copy what it can't see." He adds. "Hit it with everything you got, now!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1819|Barry Allen (1819)}} has posed:'''<br>There are only so many tactics that one can employ against a threat like Amazo. And while it might be able to absorb any power, any ability, replicate any tech given time, sometimes the only option is to take that time away from it. Force it to react, keep up the relentless pressure. If nothing else it is as good a tactic as any other they could deploy against something with such a high threat level. <br><br>The hologram of Professor Ivo flickers out of existence once more, leaving just that golden android there to face the assault of the League and it's allies. And while it might be many against one, the one is holding it's own. <br><br>As Diana rushes in, those eyes flare once more, red scanning beams washing over the Amazon Princess, taking her in. Still, she runs that sword straight through the robot and for a moment there is hope that the threat has been ended. But as she draws it out, Silverdane's warning comes very much to fruition. That 'wound' almost immediately seals up, the android healing impossibly fast thanks to it's absorbtion of the werewolf's powers. <br><br>Instead Amazo starts to morph, a sword -- almost a replica for Diana's extending from it's hand, all in gold -- and a shield forms on it's other hand before lashing out in turn, taking the fight right back to her with as much skill as any Amazon warrior. <br><br>More daunting is the fact that reach is no issue for it, and those arms extend, pursuing, taking the fight to Wonder Woman and utilizing all those advantages. Advantages that are offset by Silverdane's pack tactics, by her zipping in to strike at his flank and keeping him from being able to focus on Diana alone. By the sudden cascade of rubble that rains down on the android thanks to Green Arrow's explosive projectiles. From Caleb's fog cloud and explode to enhulf him. The clanging of the swords continues, but at least no more red scanning beams shoot out suggesting that they at least have taken that ability away from him. <br><br>Batwoman's mag charge hurls through the air, it's aim true before it abruptly stops short, hovering in midair. It glows brightly for a moment before exploding, but instead of washing over the area with that EMP pulse, it is tightly contained as if in a powerful magnetic bubble. It would seem that Amazo has come loaded to bear, no doubt having purloined powers from other members of the Injustice League before being set loose. <br><br>But a good idea is a good idea and in an instant Barry is by Batwoman's side, flashing her a brief, tight grin. "You said you had more? Lets see how well he deals with them when they're up close and personal," he suggests. <br><br>For her part, Balm will find Johnny unconscious and battered in the back seat of that police cruiser. But at least he's still breathing. Still, between that and encouraging the crowd to back away -- something that is much easier now that they've gotten a taste of what the android can do -- she has plenty on her plate as well. <br><br>And Monet? Those mental scans of the area will turn up no trace of Professor Ivo. Wherever he is transmitting from through his golden creation, it is nowhere in the Metropolis confines it would seem. <br><br>As Miss Martian manifests in the darkness of those lower levels of STAR Labs, as she offers those reassuring words, the scientists who crouch in the dark seem to relax a little. "There's about a dozen of us here still working. It's hard to get bearings but... the exit should be over there," one woman offers unsteadily. "I'm not really sure what happened to the power. We registered a big surge and then an abrupt drain as if something were 'eating' the electricity. Then everything went dark. The emergency lights didn't even kick in," she admits. "I don't know anything about an android, but you might try the containment unit over in section Red Twelve. It's the strongest that we have..." she offers up. <br><br>If the scientists of STAR Labs know anything about Amazo, they're certainly doing a good job of playing dumb. Even surface telepathy will show that no one down here is aware of an an<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1819|Barry Allen (1819)}} has posed:'''<br>Even surface telepathy will show that no one down here is aware of an android attack on the surface.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:724|Kate Kane (724)}} has posed:'''<br>Batwoman nods at Barry, handing him the other mag-pulse grenade, "Here you go. Should be just the thing to at least slow it down. Considering that it kept it from getting close, I'm guessing it's vulnerable to it." She winks, "I'm going to help out the civilians and get them clear, you and Diana take this thing out, would you?" With that, she heads off to help Ollie with the civilian evacuation, leaving the grenade in good hands.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2262|Monet St. Croix (2262)}} has posed:'''<br>She's arrived over at the Jules Verne Museum. It has what she needs. There.. There, Monet is moving to grab several large things from there, having simply shoved her way past security, dropped off a large credit card linked to someone else's account.. And is grabbing up some things on display. In any case.. It's a huge, huge Tesla Coil and some superheavy magnets that are used for simulations showing how much the pressure is at the center of the Earth involving perpetual force and energy gathering (science is weird, kids).<br><br>With them in hand (or hands, it's kind of bulky) Monet is flying back over towards the group in the midst of melee with her massive cargo in tow. Then over at the ground several dozen meters away, she's looking for a power station.. There. Then it's a matter of trying to assemble the magnets while she goes to work the Tesla Coil up to the wires. It's going to need a LOT more energy than the immediate grid can give it. She goes to take a moment to focus.<br><br>&lt;&lt;Anyone, I need your assistance.&gt;&gt; SHe needs to setup, fire, and power a multi-story EMP cannon. Speed Forcers can generate lots of energy, right?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:32|Oliver Queen (32)}} has posed:'''<br>While the police are still very much on the scene, with so many heroes no in close, with the smoke drifting across the sudden battlefield that is the Avenue of Tomorrow, most holster their weapons and instead turn their attention to the matter of clearing out the civilians, to pushing that perimeter back further and further until there is an increasingly large open space around the fight. <br><br>And in order to not rain debris down on his allies, Ollie also shifts his focus, turning more towards crowd control, to helping people move out of the line of fire, further and further down the street, though always with a wary eye turned back towards Amazo and the fight he's putting up, keeping an eye open for the chance to offer a timely intervention or two.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Phoebe does have enough on her plate. She is smaller and lighter than Johnny, and wearing sixty pounds of gear as she hups him around a corner. She checks his eyes. His breath, her dominokeying in to Medical Useage before she's satisifed. She's out of the fight for a few minutes, at most, tending to the injured before she grips her hands against his shoulders, and gives a little glow. She's wary of too much attention -- she stabilizes him, cracked ribs set to heal, bruised organs to knit, and satisfied that Johnny isn't going to perish right at this moment, and might even wake up to ask what he missed, Balm turns, and speaks into the mental connection &lt;&lt; I'm on my way to your location, M.&gt;&gt; she states, and sprouting wings from her flight tattoo, she springs up into the air, following the signal -- which no, can't be stopped -- and she breathes out.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:168|Diana Prince (168)}} has posed:'''<br> Sword and Shield vs Sword and Shield. Diana is up for the dance. <br><br> Parrying attacks, she jostles with the golden robot of doom. Her own sword striking back against the robot's newly formed own. Sparks fly as their blades collide, and reverberating thuds echo out across the city as those large rounded shields are bashed together to try and destabilize the other's position. <br><br> "Arrow!" Diana calls out between actions. "Do you have any way of applying an adhesive, or a way of immobilizing, reducing its agility?" She asks, before dodging another incoming attack, and lunging forward again, the blade of Athena being swept toward the robot's wrist, to try and sever it completely from the rest of the creation's arm! <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:650|M'gann M'orzz (650)}} has posed:'''<br>"I can see the others, I'll get them gathered up and get you all out together. Just stay put for a few moments while I get the others. I can open the doors. Avoid the front of the building once we're topside and get away from the building as quickly as possible. And thank you." M'gann gives that reassuring smile once more before moving to gather up the rest of the scientists, herding them all together before moving them to the emergency exit. Doors are forced open to allow the scientists to escape into the night! Flee, science geeks! Be free!<br><br>&lt;&lt; It wasn't STAR Labs that set Amazo loose. Nor did he come from within. But if we can get power to it, there's a containment unit in section Red Twelve that might be able to hold the android until we can disassemble it safely. &gt;&gt;<br><br>Once she's certain the scientists are out and away, M'gann will float up to join the fight. If it already has Martian Manhunter's powers, then the least she can do is help to negate them.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:3954|Belinda Gutierrez (3954)}} has posed:'''<br>Worst fears realized: Amazo can heal, as surely, as swiftly. Even better that hers, as the mechanical components and nonliving structure reform and close anew....<br><br>Silverdane snarls, blinking briefly as smoke clouds and obscures-- then as swiftly gone. She leaps back from the Amazo android, quick as she grasps at the sash at her waist. A cover for the belt pouch hidden beneath, she unknots it, twirls it off with a swirl of silk. Tightening the long loop into a tight band, she times her jump-- one, two, sliced arm--<br><br>A lusty howl announces her preswesnce as she lunges back and aboard Amazo, legs wrapped tight as she clings for dear life! Up and around the golden head, she loops her sash, tightening it with savage, relentless gusto. Glittery red lights wink out-- caught beneath the silken belt, stretched taut as she heaves back.<br><br>"Keep cutting!" she barks out, straining. "Cannot hold for long!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:4247|Caleb Dykstra (4247)}} has posed:'''<br>The smoke seems to somehow be blinding Ivo's 'golden toy', so he grins. "Gotcha now, ya bastard."<br><br>From the inside of his coat, he pulls two shurikens, sliding an adjuster along a device attached to their center space.<br><br>"Wonder Woman... Everybody... Get back, /NOW/!!"<br><br>And he throws those two shurikens, one for each of the glowing lights in the middle of all that smoke.<br><br>Needless to say, the device, also lit and set to maximum, beeps... beeps...<br><br>And, on connection, they too will explode!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1819|Barry Allen (1819)}} has posed:'''<br>Could the tide be turning? It certainly starts to feel that way as the League and their allies mix and match, some confronting the android head on while others seek and search for other methods of potentially bringing it down. <br><br>The direct approach has it's charms. It is perhaps satisfying, though battling any foe that can seemingly almost instantly regenerate has certain drawbacks. Still, it is an almost elegant sight to see -- though few are left to watch and even fewer with the time to do so -- as Amazo and Wonder Woman battle in hand to hand combat, little more then shadows dancing through that cloud of mist. Lunge and parry, slash and counterattack, those swords and shields dance swiftly under those still blazing arrows that add an unreal glow to the entire affair. The loud clang of metal striking metal fills the city street with it's unaccustomed sound. <br><br>Then Silverdane is throwing herself up onto the back of Amazo, wrapping that sash over it's eyes to further hinder any effort to utilize those power absorbtion abilities. Caleb is tossing those exploding projectiles that burst in the androids face, leaving that golden fish and fearsome red glare scorched and marked. For a moment. Then that damage rapidly begins to heal once more, the benefits of werewolf physiology making the android that much more fearsome and seemingly unstoppable. <br><br>The crowd is increasingly cleared out thanks for the authories, Batwoman and Green Arrow. Which gives the Flash a chance to race in and plant that last mag bomb on the back of the battling robot before zooming away, speeding up the street towards that museum to meet with Monet and Balm as several large pieces of scientific apparatus are dragged out onto the street. <br><br>The scientist in Barry sees what M has in mind and again he casts a tight grin towards her. "I think I can manage that, though it's a little raw. Lightning's powerful, but not exact. But if Balm can whip up something with a little magic zip to channel it through your creation, I imagine it might have the effect you hope," Barry agrees, glancing towards the other woman for a moment before he starts to streak around, a whirling vortex of red and gold building, crackling, filling the air with the scent of ozone as the Flash begins to build up that electric charge. To bring the Lightning. And leave it to Balm and M to properly harness it. <br><br>In the depths STAR Labs there is undeniable relief and the scientists are only too happy to do as Miss Martian requests, taking advantage of her help to start towards the emergency exit and begin the long, slow climb towards the surface above and escape -- through the rear of the building no doubt. And while STAR Labs might not be responsible for Amazo, they might have a solution for keeping it on ice... if they can just slow him down a little.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2262|Monet St. Croix (2262)}} has posed:'''<br>It's more of a slapdash affair of hooking together a bunch of things, trying to generate enough power to overload something of Amazo's scale, accurately aim it.. Monet is desperately working her way through the calculations over for how exactly she can hold this up and stabilize it, and even -aim- it at something that can move at speeds that can keep up with Wonder Woman, or Thor preserve them, Flash. The heavy bulk alone strains her moderately enhanced strength to it's limits, actually managing to aim it will be an entirely different issue.<br><br>So she can only heft, try to anticipate which way the fight is going to go and how the golden forged target will maneuver, and try to line herself up as best she can. She's staying as still as possible and minimize her exertion. She's going to need as much energy as she can.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:32|Oliver Queen (32)}} has posed:'''<br>For his part Ollie is not entirely certain that his adhesive arrows will hold Amazo for long. But then they might not need to. Just long enough to give Diana and the others the opening, the advantage that they need. <br><br>"Coming your way Princess. Special delivery," the Emerald Archer promises glibly, turning away from herding the crowd off the Avenue of Tomorrow long enough to nock a couple of arrows and let them fly. Despite the obstructions of smoke, the battling of the android and the Amazon, even the flash of explosions and the big fearsome werewolf right up in the frey, Oliver's aim is as true as ever. <br><br>Those arrows arc through the air, landing at Amazo's feet before burst open, sending up a spray of sticky goop all over the ground and the androids legs, the mess quickly beginning to harden, to bind. <br><br>At least for however long a super strong android can be bound.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Balm lands on the rooftop, and she Gets It. She groks enough technology that she pauses for a moment, her lips pursing, and then she looks to M. She gives a nod, and hs ereaches into her backpack, and grabs a can of white spraypaint. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She wheels around, spraying the top of the building with a quick circle -- one that she used a lot in the past. Amplification, concentration, accessing the grid of the city below and the sky above in order to focus a Lot Of Power -- in her case, raw, magical power. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A snap of her fingers and the paint lights on fire to seal the paint, and Balm steps into the middle of it. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This ircle's a quick one, we'll only have one one or two shots at best if the Flash's charge doesn't knock me completely on my ass." Balm shares to M and FLash, and she lifts her left hand. The binding circle on her wrist glows as she unleashes it, and she begins to chant. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She braces herself, rising off the ground as she focuses magical power, and lines running down her face, past her cheeks, across her eyes. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;&lt;Silverdane, keep an eye out for Weird Stuff in your vicinity please.&gt;&gt; <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And Phoeb begins to overload herself with raw magic from The Source, through her Shard. Something burns even through her armor at her chest.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:168|Diana Prince (168)}} has posed:'''<br> Belinda's efforts at blinding the robot seemed to give Diana a bit of an edge, but it's soon lost as the bot's giant golden sword strikes the Princess' round shield, casting it from her arm, and causing it to clatter across the ground in to a bank of snow! <br><br> Not dismayed, Diana's free hand now reaches for her lasso, and snaps to life with a brightly glowing gold of its own! She leaps past the bot's sword, and begins darting around the metal creation, the lasso twirling outward, as Diana begins to tie the creation up, making him submit to her bondage! (shutup) <br><br> Standing off to the side of the metal monster, the Princess begins pulling on the lasso, tugging the creation down toward the adhesive that the Green Arrow had supplied via a well placed shot from his archery weapon! <br><br> Using all the strength in her arms, and throughout the rest of her, the Princess of the Amazons pulls at Amazo's form, using the unbreakable bond of her lasso to attempt to 'glue' the creation down to the ground, or at least continue to tie it up until others are given a chance to make their own moves! <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:3954|Belinda Gutierrez (3954)}} has posed:'''<br>It is like riding a mad metal bull: Silverdane clings stubbornly as the shuriken explosives detonate, wrapping the sash anew to reaffirm and tighten her grip. The Wolf nods wordlessly at Balm's telepathic directive; grimacing, she adds via thought. &lt;&lt; "Will watch!" &gt;&gt;<br><br>Diana's dance of blade and shield is a thing of glory, and one much appreciated-- or wouild be, were Silver not battling in her own part. She rides the android down, sash and splinters and adhesive sealing the band to its face with a grip even better than the Wolf's own. Silverdane tugs the end sof the scarf, tying it together in quick, dirty knots utterly unworthy of any Cub Scout badges.<br><br>"Try THAT malparido!" she snarls, heaving herself from the robotic entity's back with a kick aloft.<br><br>And then the air begins to *tighten*. Tingle. That shimmer and feel that sets every hair of Silverdane's coat stand on end! Something raw, alien and familiar, distant-- as close to the soul as the next breath.<br><br>&lt;&lt; "I--" &gt;&gt; she begins, trailing off. She can feel it, that power focusing and forming through the air, and she feels herself stealing an involuntary fraction of it, a shard of lightning and fire inside. "...Dios!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:650|M'gann M'orzz (650)}} has posed:'''<br>Pausing on her way up, M'gann glances back towards Red Twelve and the containment unit. She lets out a breath and turns around, moving back down to wrap suddenly very long arms around the containment unit. Using the super strength to haul the unit, she'll use the telekinesis to force open doors to haul the unit up to the ground level.<br><br>&lt;&lt; I have the containment unit. Moving into position. As soon as the pulse goes off, we can shove him inside, then we just need someone to generate power to it long enough to get a generator hooked up to it. &gt;&gt;<br><br>Doing a quick telepathic sweep to make sure they've gotten everyone out of the 'danger zone', she'll set the unit down near the fighting. M'gann will move around, making sure the unit is ready for it's future guest, working out how to power it once they have Amazo inside it.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:4247|Caleb Dykstra (4247)}} has posed:'''<br>As the gold-plated android begins to regenerate, Caleb is not gonna relent.<br><br>He grabs two knives out of his coat, "Oh no, you don't...!", and with a parkourish jump, he attempts to /stab/ the android in its reforming lenses, hopefully preventing it to remain unaware of its surroundings - and possibly even slow it down by damaging its internal components.<br><br>Metal, sticking out into the air - a lightning rod, perhaps?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1819|Barry Allen (1819)}} has posed:'''<br>Around and around he goes, Barry continues to build up that charge, the crackling lightning that surrounds his blurred form as he races about in that tight circle grows brighter and brighter, racing just far enough away from M and Balm to not disrupt them as they work to complete the last minute preparations. <br><br>Teeth grit as he moves faster and faster, electricity mingling with the sheer force of power drawn directly from the Speed Force itself, gathered up, hoarded until he can't possibly contain anymore. "Here it comes!" the Flash shouts, the only real warning that he can offer before he comes to an abrupt stop, channelling all that energy towards Monet's device, through Phoebe's power -- and with luck, delibering enough of a charge to overwhelm even Amazo and that formidable defense that he sports. <br><br>Meanwhile the battle to keep Amazo off balance continues apace, that smoke beginning to clear, to leave the sight of the up close battle unobscured. Despite being hampered by Silverdane riding on his back, Amazo meets each of Wonder Woman's attacks with that sword and shield, even battering her own shield away entirely. But the werewolf clings tenaciously to it's back, keeps that sash wrapped around it's head even when tied off and slows those movements laced with superspeed just enough. <br><br>Enough for what? For Diana to gain just a little big of an edge. When that shield goes flying that lasso appears in her hand like another limb, lashing out and tangling the android for the moment. Even as it's own lasso begins to form at it's side, Amazo is suddenly jerked right into that center of the puddle of adhesive that spills out from Green Arrow's arrows, again slowing his movements just a little. He struggles, strains that lasso, already threatening to break free. <br><br>Then the mag charge planted on the android explodes -- no magnetic force field to bind it this time -- and Amazo finds it's reactions, it's powers slowed, dulled. It can't react in time to stop Caleb from driving those knives into it and if they don't seem to do a tremendous amount of damage, it is one more attractor to the big burst of energy that is about to come it's way. He's vulnerable. <br><br>And there is Miss Martian, emerging from Star Labs complete with a heavy duty, air tight containment shell already close at hand, ready to lock the power absorbing robot away. Sometimes timing is everything.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2262|Monet St. Croix (2262)}} has posed:'''<br>It's very, very fortunate there's a Tesla coil involved. The point is not to channel the energy - that's not needed at all when it comes to it. Not with magic, not with the Speed Force, not with all the energy being built up and channeled over at the golden Amazo.<br><br>The point of the Tesla Coil is to make sure that the person on the other end isn't killed in the process.<br><br>So, when Amazo is blasted with enough energy to power every neon sign in Las Vegas perpetually, it means that Monet isn't among those ashes at the other end of it. So she blasts, she holds it in the general direction of Amazo and /really/ hopes no one is caught over in the blast zone of it.<br><br>Oh, and something about also making sure to angle it enough upwards she isn't disintegrating chunks of the city in the massive blast.<br><br>Probably needs a bit more focus on that spectrum.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Balm takes the lightning. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It burns. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Light and the Speedforce weren't meant to be used this way, the powers ricocheting through her body, amplified and controlled by the circle she had built. Her mouth parts, but no scream errupts, instead it's garbled, sounding like static and the bending of steel around rocks hot enough to melt glass, her muscles tweaking and fibre breaking as she burns herself to charge the M's coils and provide oomph to the blast. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anf after the power's complete, Balm falls to her knees, sizzling a bit under that armor as she can be heard whispering a plethora of colorful language to express pain.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:168|Diana Prince (168)}} has posed:'''<br> Once Diana had Amazo pulled down in to the goop that Oliver had supplied, the Princess uncoils her lasso from the golden robot. She dashes around him several more times, as she reclaims her lasso, yanking it from the adhesive before twirling it rapidly around her head several times to cast off any left-over gunk attached to the divine twine. <br><br> "Good work." She says to everyone, not out of breath, but still quite perturbed by this oddly efficient creation of a wild scientist and engineer. <br><br> "Miss Martian, you did well finding this." She says of the container, as she moves toward it. "We should hope that this will suffice, until we can find a better solution to make sure this automaton never wakes again." <br><br> "Was anything else discovered with regard to the origin of this creation?' She asks. "I have not seen a machine that could copy abilities like this one displayed... This is not something that should proliferate unchecked..." <br><br> Diana retrieves her shield, pulling it from the snowbank, and brushing a robe-covered arm across it to clean its face. <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:3954|Belinda Gutierrez (3954)}} has posed:'''<br>Silverdane barely scrambles away from the positively livid amount of emergy unleashed by Monet's device, the simple nearness of the beam enough to leave her looking akin to someone playing with power lines.<br><br>Great furry fuzzball, with static electricity leaving her frazzled, crackling, and with every hair standing on end.<br><br>"...ow," she remarks, quivering from every muscle. "*Ow*!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:650|M'gann M'orzz (650)}} has posed:'''<br>Even as M'gann has the containment unit readied and standing by, she notices a very vulnerable-looking Caleb right smack near a very electricity attracting android. Diana she knows can handle the shock. The werewolf is a good bet can survive it as well. But the very human-looking Caleb... could be in trouble.<br><br>Moving fast, a blur of motion that isn't quite up to Barry's abilities but is still much faster than the average bear, M'gann reaches out, those morphogenic genes already shifting and reforming. She wraps around him, completely, forming a sort of 'bubble' that surrounds Caleb. A green bubble.<br><br>M'gann's face appears on the inside of the bubble, smiling at Caleb, "Please stay as still as possible until the EMP has done it's job. I can keep you safe from it, but I need to focus."<br><br>When the blast hits, it stings. Okay, it hurts. Even for M'gann's unique physiology, it's not a fun time. But she's betting it's much, much worse for Amazo. And once the dust has settled, so to speak, she unwraps from around Caleb, regenerating even as she reforms into her more normal Miss Martian appearance.<br><br>Smiling at Caleb, she offers, "Well, now that you've been inside me, I suppose it's too late to ask for dinner and dancing?" There's a brief upkick from smile to grin, a wink, and then she's turning towards Diana with a nod.<br><br>"Thank you! The scientists told me about it. I would recommend that once it's contained, we make sure it's offline before attempting to disassemble it. If nothing else, remove the limbs, including the head, from the torso. Store separately. Ensure the power source is not near enough to the head to reactivate." Because if all else fails, dismemberment!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4247|Caleb Dykstra (4247)}} has posed:'''<br>Caleb closes his eyes at the sudden flash of energy, and he rolls on himself for cover. A good thing he reminded himself to insulate his coat from the inside, too, otherwise he might not be in one piece when Miss Martian comes in for the save.<br><br>It's a bit of a blur, really, but suddenly he's enveloped by a green bubble, and when he hears her warning, he keeps from moving.<br><br>Once it's clear, as she unwraps and then...<br><br>...She puns.<br><br>...<br><br>Oh, my God, she puns.<br><br>"Well, you saved my bacon from becoming extra crispy, that's gotta be worth at least one date, right?" He winks back at her.<br><br>Snappy, smooth comeback, with a shit-eating grin.<br><br>"Miss Martian, right?" He introduces himself, "I'm Caleb Dykstra, pleased to meet you."<br><br>He looks at the downed android, "So, who made this thing, so we can go kick their ass?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1819|Barry Allen (1819)}} has posed:'''<br>Trussed up, slowed, damaged and vulnerable, Amazo never really has a chance. <br><br>While Monet might not be completely sure of her aim, it is true enough and all that energy generated by Barry, flowing with Phoebe's guidance and finally contained and discharged through that makeshift technological creation leaps forth, the air positively crackling, humming with power as it lances down and strikes the golden android head on. An electronic scream comes from it as it goes stiff, locked in place with all that energy crackling through it. And when it fades, when it dies away, Amazo is left, those eyes no longer glowing, smoke seeming to still rise from it a little. And completely still. <br><br>Bending over for a moment, Barry rests hands on his knees and catches his breath. He can whip around the world a few dozen times at need, but that still took a little something something out of him. But he too recovers pretty quickly and besides, things are not quite completely wraped up yet. First however he moves to check on Phoebe, on Monet, making sure that they are okay after having to do their own bit to deal with such a potent discharge of energy. <br><br>Once he's sure that they'll be okay, he moves to check on the rest -- finding that Miss Martian has protected Caleb from the worst of it -- and that both Silverdane and Diana have come through fairly well despite being in such proximity. <br><br>Which only leaves Amazo. "If you want to get him sealed away, I think it might be best if we took the entire containment unit back to the Hall? Connect it to our own power grid there. That seems the safest place for him, unless we want to slap a portable power device on the unit and transport it up to the Watchtower. Maybe in space, no one can unleash power sucking robots on us?" he suggests mildly, glancing about the street. <br><br>"I don't know about the rest of you, but I could really go for some food right about now," he suggests mildly. <br><br>Speedsters. Always thinking with their stomach.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Balm still sounds a lottle out of it and is still steaming as she strains to say: &lt;&lt;Give me ten minutes and I can heal whoever needs it... just need a minute to... not... be crispy under the armor. Ooh that smarts.&gt;&gt; <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Balm had waved off the others, opting to sit with her forehead on her knees and her hood pulled over her head to hide her face. Even using this much magic makes her body ache.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:650|M'gann M'orzz (650)}} has posed:'''<br>"M'gann M'orzz. Pleasure's mine, Caleb.. and we can discuss your bacon, and its chewiness, on that date." She flashes a quick smile his way before reaching out towards Balm.<br><br>&lt;&lt; No injuries here, unless you count Amazo. Get yourself healed, and I believe Flash has offered to buy food for the group. &gt;&gt; Because M'gann is equal opportunity joking!<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17028/Bob_Buck_Rides_Again&diff=2517917028/Bob Buck Rides Again2024-01-29T04:21:22Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/27 |Location=The Corral |Synopsis=Bobby Lane makes the wrong (or is it right?) turn in NYC. He gets something invaluable for all foster chi..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/27<br />
|Location=The Corral<br />
|Synopsis=Bobby Lane makes the wrong (or is it right?) turn in NYC. He gets something invaluable for all foster children: stability.<br />
|Cast of Characters=2975,5091<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:2975|Opal Moirai (2975)}} has posed:'''<br>It's Friday night and The Corral just opened. Waitresses and bouncers are in their places, and the bartender is slicing limes to prepare for a night of shots and margaritas. The place is pretty quiet so far, and the jukebox is playing George Strait. The owner normally doesn't come down until much later in the evening, but the blonde cowgirl is already chatting with the bartender.<br><br>Opal is dressed for the occasion, in a denim skirt, fancy boots, a black-and-red checked shirt with the tails tied up to bare her toned abs. And, of course, a pristine, straw cowboy hat, pulled down low. Opal often wears mirrored aviators, and tonight is no exception.<br><br>While there isn't much for the owner to do to open, Opal just had feeling tonight. And she learned centuries ago to listen to those feelings...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> Bobby may stick out like a sour thumb when he wanders into the place. Somehow waived through by security with all clears instead of fumbling a dress code check. Dressed in a pair of black jeans, a dark gray heavy coat and a shirt for Ghost. The shock of blonde hair atop of his head stands out a bit. Plus, how he carries himself isn't like the usual patrons. <br><br> He'll slip to the jukebox before evening sitting down. Cycling through song after song, he goes through the list. Sighs and runs it back. "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky" is his choice and he'll pay to start that one up. Even if country isn't his usual go to music, everyone respects Cash. Well, everyone -should-. <br><br> Bobby will look about before grabbing a spot a little more toward the back. Blue eyes just sprawl over the place. "I definitely took a wrong turn," he says softly to himself. Yes, he does look like a fish out of water. However, he's still getting used to the city. So, this is him rolling with it. Seeing what the place can offer, reassess his situation then figure out the rest.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2975|Opal Moirai (2975)}} has posed:'''<br>Okay, so Bobby's entrance doesn't go unnoticed. Truth be told, he'd be noticed even if the place was full, but with just a regular or two staked out in their usual seats, all eyes turn towards him. And then they turn back.<br><br>Opal keeps her gaze more focused on Bobby once he sits down towards the back. Her hackles when up when he entered, and now she knows the reason why she got that hunch earlier. She gives one of the waitresses a knowing nod, then heads towards Bobby's table with a scrape of boots and a sway of that denim skirt.<br><br>Sliding into a seat across from him, the blonde offers a warm smile. "Evening, friend. We don't get many newcomers here." Her accent is light, more European than Southern.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> Bobby audibly gulps when the blonde with the mixed accent and cowboy hat sits across from him. People just don't do -that- with Bobby. He's not sure if it's liked, but Bobbys getting used to it. "Ummm. I think you got me confused for someone else, cutie. I'm sure there's tall, dark, handsome with a twang in the back," he gives a friendly smile. <br><br> What he doesn't see is what hits Opal's vision. First there is a young boy, standing with a bunch of other children. They're waiting on two adults. Like they're being chosen for something. The blond boy nudges someone forward a little bit. Another image flash later the nudged child is walking out of the door with the family. It's clearly some kind of orphanage. And this boy helped someone else get adopted over him. <br><br> Next, the boy is older and in some kind of facility. He's wearing a dark red and gold outfit. There's flashes of panic among the faces of two others with him. They're fleeing something. Somewhere. Lots of panicked moves before the trio suddenly hit land. They're on a beach. Tears and screams are had. They all hug close before leaving off with an older guy. <br><br> Bobby's in that same outfit again, but the colors are brighter. It's been modified. The two others from before are with him. One a girl with a pink streak in her hair. The other a bigger guy. The trio are clearly working together in some kind of heroic situation. Just images of them stopping bad guys, helping people, the typical fanfare. Out of the trio, Bobby's outfit looks the most "Superhero" like. <br><br> Bobby cants his head a little bit, not sure if the lady can hear him. "You don't need to stay, if you stay. I may think you're interested and that'll make half the bar pissed at me." He gives a friendly smile, "Do you know if this place serves food?" he will asks. Clearly, bobby is new. He just confirmed the whole "new comers" bit with that question.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2975|Opal Moirai (2975)}} has posed:'''<br>Opal Moirai's smile slowly broadens as the flashes of insight flicker past. Yes, she is somehow looking into those past scenes. Her gaze is impassive behind the mirrored aviators, and there's a momentary uncomfortable pause after he speaks.<br><br>"You have a good heart, Bobby Lane." she declares in a low voice with a thicker, German accent. Pointing a manicured finger towards his heart, her expression softens and her smile becomes more knowing. She lowers the glasses, showing a bright blue right eye. The left is a perfectly smooth, perfectly round opalescent gemstone. "You are welcome here at any time." With her other hand she passes over a business card with The Corral and the address on the front, a hand-written phone number on the back.<br><br>And right on cue, a pretty waitress steps up just then. "Hey there, sugah! Can I get y'all somethin' to drink? Somethin' to eat? We got the best burgers North of Texas."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> "How do you know my name?" his voice trails then she's showing the eyes behind those mirrored glasses. "A cowboy witch?" Bobby pauses as this seems like a combo that shouldn't work, but somehow Opal is making it work. She slides him a card, "Don't tell me that or I may never leave. I'm still new to the city. Still learning it," he says with a smile then flicks the card over to see her number. Both brows shoot up. <br><br> "Excuse me, that lady," he begins speaking to the woman with the Southern Drawl. He points at Opal, "She's your boss?" he asks and then he smirks. "I could use a burger, your boss umm. Whatever she'd recommend, or you. You recommend. Either, no tomatoes," he says just willing to trust both of them. Bobby knows when greater hands are at work. He will piocket that card just still letting his mind catch up to the oddly good fortune.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2975|Opal Moirai (2975)}} has posed:'''<br>The waitress gives a playful little laugh, then starts scribbling on an order pad. "One Texas burger, then. Topped with brisket, barbecue sauce, and a big ol' onion ring. Fries okay on the side? An' we got twelve beers on tap, plus just about anything you'd like in bottles." The redhead cocks her hip, looking from Bobby to Opal, then. "An' yeah, sugah, she's the boss. It's her place, after all."<br><br>Opal pushes the glasses back up again, although the waitress doesn't seem troubled by the artificial eye. And she doesn't seem to mind speaking with the waitress is there, either. "Then welcome to the city, Bobby. I'm Opal Moirai, and this is my place." Her accent has faded back into something almost neutral. "I don't think the term 'witch' is entirely appropriate, I just -know- about people. It is something that I've long since stopped questioning. If you ever need refuge, this is a safe place for you." The blonde shrugs lightly, then. "It is what I do."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> "If there's chipotle sauce on the side, I may have to marry someone if you keep sweet talking me with that kind of temptation," Bobby approves of the food. Who doesn't like a onion ring on a burger? <br><br> He nods at the redhead's assessment. <br><br> "Nice to meet you Cowboy Sorcereses," Boby winks, it's obviously one of the last times he'll use a term like that unless she brandishes it in a code name. <br><br> "What did I do to deserve your kindness? Most don't offer shelter to stranges and most don't offer shelter to me. What's the catch?" he asks, a litlte suspiciously, Opal may understand that someone questions his luck.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2975|Opal Moirai (2975)}} has posed:'''<br>The waitress scribbles some more, nodding. "Fries with chipotle sauce, gotcha." she replies. "An' I'll bring you out a beer, too." Then she is turning and sauntering back towards the bar.<br><br>Opal chuckles at the title, shaking her head. "I'm no sorceress." she replies, all evidence to the contrary. "I'm just gifted with a little Second Sight." Opal points towards his heart again before she continues.<br><br>"You have shown kindness to others from a very young age, Bobby, and you are a genuine hero. There is no catch. I know, which is why I have placed myself at your disposal. Don't ask so many questions. If there ever comes a time when you need me, I am here."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> A brow goes up at the redhead. "Seriously. Does someone want me to make a pass at them for this kidn of food?" Bobby starts to feel a little more at home here. The music's not quite right, but it doesn't have to be. Music has something for everyone even when the music isn't normally for you. If a person looks deep enough, they'll still find gems. <br><br> "Well, just don't second sight me too much. You may not like what you find," he gives a sad smile. <br><br> "I may confuse kindness for something else if you keep sweet talking me," Bobby tries to deflect a little. To him, it's just being a good person. Nothing worth a reward like that.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2975|Opal Moirai (2975)}} has posed:'''<br>Opal Moirai tilts her head at that, the brim of the hat dipping down a little as her cheeks color. "There's nothing to confuse about it." Opal replies in a low voice, giving the brim of her hat a light tip with manicured fingers. "It isn't my destiny to be in the front of the great conflicts, so I do what I can behind the scenes."<br><br>The waitress brings his beer, as well as one for Opal. The blonde doesn't look up as the glass is set before her.<br><br>"I meant what I said. Every word. You would -not- be reading too much into the offer and it is quite genuine, however sweet it may sound."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> Bobby blushes as he struggles with the words then takes a sip of the beer. "Aahhh." Waves a hand, "No. I am saying a guy like me. May see it as more than just a harbor in the storm. Like you have a crush, which is why I said, careful or I my read it wrong," he says just clarifying that. However, having a safe spot in tbe city is definitely a boon. That's something.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2975|Opal Moirai (2975)}} has posed:'''<br>Opal regards him with a little tilt of her head for a moment. Then she tosses her head and laughs, reaching out to press a smooth palm to his cheek. There's no explanation, only that laugh, at least not at first. The shades are lowered again and she peers over the top of the lenses. "We will see, Bobby Lane, we will see." she replies, withdrawing her hand. Lifting her glass, she takes a long, slow, deep sip of the beer and licks her lips.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5091|Bobby Lane (5091)}} has posed:'''<br> "See? Like I said, Misread, but either way, I don't know many out here. And it'd be nice to think of a place as safe," he admits softly. A brow will go up and lower to that drink, but he'll sip his own beer. Just listen to what plays on the juke box now. "What else can you see with the eye?" he asks.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2975|Opal Moirai (2975)}} has posed:'''<br>"Well now you know me." Opal declares, pushing the shades back up again. She shrugs at the question, toying with her own glass. "Glimpses, mostly. Sometimes from long ago, sometimes very recent. It all depends on the person. I get... hunches. Like the feeling that told me to be here before you arrived. I didn't know -who- would be arriving, only that they would be significant." <br><br>The knowing smile returns. "So in a way, yes, I was drawn to you. And now that we have met, I understand why. You have a safe place here, Bobby, for whatever you need and however long you need it. This is my home, and my home is yours."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17029/Defend_the_Weiners!&diff=2517817029/Defend the Weiners!2024-01-29T04:21:12Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/27 |Location=The Danger Room - Titan's Tower |Synopsis=Kara and Damian have an early training session to start to learn to work together an..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/27<br />
|Location=The Danger Room - Titan's Tower<br />
|Synopsis=Kara and Damian have an early training session to start to learn to work together and get advice from Vivian.<br />
|Cast of Characters=163,186,613<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>A flurry of early messages between Kara and Damian is quickly becoming a thing in the morning. Seeing what the other had planned for the day, light flirting, discussions of likes, and a touch upon a plan that had been discussed previously. <br><br>Damian&gt; Training room? We can have something... attack the Weiner Hut, oh no! Can we work together to save your precious weiner? Weiners. <br><br>Which has led Damian into the training room, already kitted up in his Robin gear, since they're using Metropolis, he's in the midsts of changing from the black, grey and red of the Gotham Robin outfit into the more colorful red, yellows and green of the outside one... which Kara may have opinions on, so she'll arrive just as he's starting to adjust the colors.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>Kara is hovering in the air above Metropolis, which is sort of a morning ritual for her since she came to earth, when the beeping from her phone draws out a big ol grin.. not many people text her because most people know she's not very good at texting anyways. So she's pretty well sure who it is before she even looks at the screen. <br><br>Kara&gt; Be there shortly. <br><br>Which is about as true to word as she can get. There is almost no where she can't get quickly... and shortly there after is landing in the training facility of the Tower with her arms folded across her chest. At first just watching him switch up his color scheme with a blinky grin. "That is very vibrant." She says to him, knowing full well he already knows she's there. <br><br>The Bats always know. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>Kara can't get better at texting if she doesn't get someone to practice texting with her. That's Damian's working theory, at least. As he hears her voice, a small smile blossoms on his face. It's far more warm than the smiles he usually wears in costume - since it's just the pair of them at the moment. <br><br>"It is the original colors of the Robin costume. All of us that are under Father's tutelage have the ability to switch to these colors as needed. It confuses villains if there is a different Robin in different places around Gotham." he explains as he steps closer to her. <br><br>"I was looking over the scenarios, there is precious little that will give you much of a challenge." An amused smirk crosses his features, "You're on veteran mode while I'm a filthy casual." Video game reference, something else he said he'd show Kara when she wants. "But I think I have an idea? Kind of generic, but the point is for us to find some synchronisity." <br><br>A pause, and he looks at her, his domino mask hiding his green eyes, but if she did peek, he has a thoughtful look. "What's the protocol here, Kara. Am I allowed to kiss Supergirl?" The tone's slightly teasing, but curious. This is uncharted waters, he's never dated anyone this completely.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>Kara never has any problem texting if people send her them. It's just she has a weird way of using emoji, which he probably is starting to figure out isn't nearly as unintentional as she makes out. Sure, she's only been on Earth for 4 years, but... Kryptonian's pick up on things very quickly. She probably knows a whole lot more than she's pretending to, most of the time. <br><br>WIth her her arms laid across her chest, she beams a bright smile at him when he's approaching. Big lashes fluttering over her big blue eyes, "I understand that reference." A tease about the video games. It only took her a few times hearing Damian and Babs talk about it before she didn't stand there staring at them like they were speaking Atlantian. "Yes! We should learn to work more closely together." Something she'd always wished to achieve with other Titans. <br><br>But hadn't. Not since the black kryptonite incident. <br><br>"The protocol is... whatever you are comfortable with, Damian. I am 'always' Supergirl." Her head tilts slightly, reaching out to straighten his cape where it lays across the front of his chest. "No making out in resteraunts, of course, but that is more about privacy than where you are ''allowed'' to kiss me." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>Damian is aware of the black kryptonite thing. And what happened to Kara in the aftermath. But honestly? He was a murder hobbit that people should be thankful didn't have a fraction of her powers, because back then - he may not have been able to hold back as much as she did. She'll talk about it when she wants. When she's ready. If she wants. <br><br>"Good!" Robin chuckles, an amused crinkle to the corners of his mouth, but still subdued. She can tell the slight difference between the two, while they're the same person, there are slight changes - while she is always Supergirl. <br><br>"I'm so not suggesting that we make out in the middle of an alien invasion or the like. But right now, just us?" He leans down and a light kiss to her cheek. <br><br>"Please, can you imagine the papers if we made out in a restaurant?" A roll of his eyes as he gives her hand a quick squeeze and then drifts back. "Alright." Pulling up his wrist computer, he works on programming the room, bringing up the exterior of a Weiner Hut somewhere in the United States - Kara can probably figure out which one it is easily. <br><br>And as the pair are immersed into the simulation, there's a shuddering shake that crushes the ground and rattles windows as car alarms sound and civilians panic. <br><br>Landing upon the ground, it's thrusters shorting out, the Wild Sentinel is pretty damaged. Part of it's head was blown off back in the Genosha invasion and has self-healed to the point where it was mobile again. It drags bits of armor and dried seaweed that draped across it's body as it is on it's trek back to the defunct Sentinel facility - it doesn't know that it's defunct. A large foot comes down and crushes a car. <br><br>"*tszzz*nel return protocol. O-oppose all th*zzzt*ats." it rattles as it contines to advance, it's current path will crush the restaurant where people have taken refuge unless stopped! <br><br>"This work?" Robin asks Supergirl hopefully.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>It was a very dark time for her. She very nearly killed some of her friends and... they forgave her.. but she's never really gotten over it herself. It's not like her brain turned off after she was cured. It's not like she doesn't remember every single thing she did and every single person she hurt. That stuff has a way of sticking to the spread sheet and corrupting the data... if a little rock can do that too her, can she honestly be trusted? Maybe that's what drew them together, Damian and Kara. They both understand that. <br><br>She will talk about it eventually. <br><br>RIght now she's peering around as he works on setting up the command prompts to bring the simulation to life. Brow raised, mouth open, she forms it into a grin when the Wiener Hut materializes. Because yes, she definitely knows which one it is. "I can imagine they would probably give us free food and try to subscribe to our channel..." She muses playfully, "Hit that like button young viewers!" See? She could be a content creator, she has the lingo down. <br><br>Her hand comes up to rest against his opposite cheek when he kisses hers, but the simulation begins in ernest. With the Sentinel dragging itself, damaged, out of the ground. Causing destruction and chaos in its wake. "I was not here when this happened." Musing, she knows how to take the thing apart, but that's not the point of the exercise. It would also end in civilians getting hurt if it explodes... "This will work." <br><br>Looking back to Robin with a nod, "Typically I would keep the giant robot busy while you keep the people safe. Would you like to try something else?" Since the point is them getting better as a team. A car explodes when the Sentinel steps on it, the holographic emitters flash the explosion across the side of her face, illuminating her in left cheek and eye. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:613|Vivian Vision (613)}} has posed:'''<br>When Vivian Vision is on duty at Titan's Tower it's generally in a very thorough sense. What's the point of the building having such comprehensive sensors if you don't use them? And this includes things like the Danger Room systems. <br><br> She's not listening in on the room. That'd be rude. But the data? Well that's different. And what does the data show? Another giant robot scenario getting run! <br><br> Rather than intrude directly, that could cause a distraction during training which might result in injury, she minorly edits the scenario. A sky writing plane begins spelling out "A girl could get offended at how often Organics run 'giant killer robots' for training. VV." <br><br> The Synthezoid herself is somewhere in the kitchens. Ironically following up on another Supergirls idea about making a limited edition Wiener Hut menu item. Mia having suggested a Thanksgiving special menu item, leading to the studious synthezoid attempting to create a gravy &amp; mash potato based condiment. <br><br> Which is to say rather. Especially when the creator doesn't actually eat food.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>Mutual, relatable traumas make strange bedfellows. But that is something to be discussed later, when it's time. When they're both ready. For now? <br><br>EXPLOSIONS! <br><br>Robin's eyes light up beneath the mask when Supergirl reminds herself this is about working together as a team. The Sentinel will totally explode with all the force of a 74 Pinto if hit too hard. "Would you like to assist the civilians while I keep the Sentinel at bay?" That is said with a smirk, a clear tease - and he has no plans or want to try to solo the Sentinel. <br><br>"Where do you see spots where we can work together effectively?" he asks her as he is already looking around, and realizing - there's really no tall buildings around. Grapple gunning is going to be rather ineffective in this environment. <br><br>Though there is a glance up at the airplane, and his smirk becomes a bit more flat. A quick message over the group comm. 'Work on finding scenarios that we can scale to Supergirl's abilities, Viv? I haven't had my coffee yet. - R.'<br><br>With that, his attention again rotates back to the current situation. "I have my full arsenal with me, so... use me as you see best fit, and I'll work off what I know about you. For now?" His hand reaches for hers, "Get us in close, lets see if we can get it's attention!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>The explosion creates a bit of wind that pushes Kara's cape off from her side, dust blowing over her and drawing the screams of holographic civilians. They are not, in the strictest sense, real, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be seen after... As that's the point of these training simulations. <br><br>Blue eyes glance upwards at the plane spelling out a message from Vivian somewhere else in the Tower. A grin curls the corners of her mouth, keying the tower comms, 'You are not a giant killer robot.' Because that seemed important to point out. <br><br>Don't take their side Vivian, gawd. <br><br>"I will get us closer." Arm around Damian, she waits for him to agree before rocketing forward at a speed that he'll easily be able to handle, until she has a better understanding of exactly how much that is. Landing in the path of the Sentinel, she uncoils her arm from around his waist and steps off to the side with her eyes up on the big killer robot. <br><br>That she is going to destroy. <br><br>For Training purposes. <br><br>"How far can you throw one of your batarangs?" She asks of Damian, using the team level comms systems so she need not scream it over the sound of the machines janky vocabulation and movements. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:613|Vivian Vision (613)}} has posed:'''<br>Sky writing wouldn't be a practical way to communicate with people in real time. But the plus side of simulations is they are generally customizable. So little things like the pilots ability to fly and his planes technical specifications can be enhanced until they can handle writing responses at the speed Viv needs. "Scaling for Supergirl and Robin? My analysis suggests a mystical threat would be most suitable. I could transfer my intelligence into a different form. Perhaps I will build a synthezoid kaiju to inhabit once Project SPARKY is concluded." <br><br> Yes it probably would have been easier just to edit in hovering drones with holographic systems. But it's more fun to program this way. <br><br> "A cognitive challenge such as a Sphynx perhaps. If you cannot solve my riddles three then this Weiner Hut no more shall be."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>As she slips his arm around him, Damian moves in closer to Kara, knowing that he will probably use her to help shield him from most of the windshear he's about to experience. "Go!" he announces, holding onto her tightly as she rushes forward, getting them there in a matter of moments as they land on the ground. <br><br>The Sentinel turns it's one good optic onto the pair on the ground and is scanning them intently. And it rattles, announcing, "Subject: *zt*bin. No powers det-tected. Threat: Negligible." However, as it scans Kara, it immediately raises it's arms, "Subject: Szzzupergirl. Flight. Ssspeed. Enhanced s-strength. Heat Vision. Threat: Omega. Engage. S-s-suppress!" it warns as it starts to unleash coiled metal tentacles to lash out towards Kara to attempt to wrap around the Maiden of Might and try to restrain her! It's eye is also starting to glow, apparently preparing some type of ranged attack upon her if it gets the chance. <br><br>As the tentacles lash out, Damian heard Kara's question as he drops a birdarang into his hand. "Pretty far, they're aerodynamic!" And he flings it towards the tentacle that is lashing out towards her. <br><br>Not that it, by itself can do much. There's only a small explosive charge that's build into the device, and as always, their not really set to be lethal. <br><br>However, amongst all of this, he is taking in Vivian's suggestion, and giving a solid nod, 'How large is our database on mystical threats, Vivian?' comes his querry, 'Kara and I were talking about creating more teamwork exercises outside of the social ones. I would like to hear your ideas if you have them?' <br><br>All the while, he's on the move, trying to stay in view of Supergirl while trying to find ways that the two of them can team up on the attack of the Sentinel. A small chuckle at the Sphynx/Weiner Hut joke.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>"Vivian is a great resource for buidling training exercise." Kara confirms, knowing this even before the Synthezoid teen proves her point by rattling off several excellent ideas without much prep-time. There are not, in and of themselves, a great deal of purely physical threats that really pose much of one for Supergirl. It's the nature of things... she's almost always stronger... because even when she's not, it's because she was holding back. <br><br>This isn't even a flex, it's a fact. <br><br>One that bothers her more than she feels any sense of pride. <br><br>It's hard to be this way because it sets you as different.. Even mutants. Mutants are, at the very least, still from Earth. Whereas Kara having a nightmare could destroy a city. It's a lot of weight on a very young person's shoulders. <br><br>Which she cannot really focus on during the training exercise. Damian is already throwing one of his birdarangs and Kara is tracking it with a turn of her head. The blue of her eyes grows increasingly red until a pair of focused heat vision beams hit the metal at just the right way to heat it up rather than melt it down. Where once they would have been an annoyance for the appendages being sent out towards her, they now can cut through the armored plating around them. <br><br>If not out right cutting them in half, certainly making mobility less fluid. Which in turn makes her moving out of their way even easier. A woosh of dust and Supergirl slides back into focus off to the side of those tentacles, one of them gripped in her hands, which she's pulling to drag the Sentinel off balance on it's damaged legs. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:613|Vivian Vision (613)}} has posed:'''<br>"The database has links to the Justice League," Vivian points out in sky-written text format. "Plus Titan records going back to the groups founding. Not to mention individual members links with other groups.. also I can just look online. Given the nature of the Danger Room I could also upload in characters from any fictional series." The sky writing ends as the plane loops back round. It's aerodynamics so radically different it moves more like a blip on a UFO show. "Sadly due to the technical limitations of the system even if I were to simulate a Supergirl level threat the system would likely overload." <br><br> Or they'd get trapped inside with the safety features turned off. <br><br> "The Titans have a large enough roster to make any hypothetical situation viable for training. There are non-combat situations which the team also responds to which would work to promote teamwork. Finding survivors after an Earthquake for example.."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>Robin, in the meantime, is still learning the team dynamic. It's one thing to work within the Batfamily, they are a tight-knit unit that can read each others moves and play off each other with the greatest of ease. When they all work together, it's a thing of beauty. <br><br>An elegant and sophisticated waltz. <br><br>With Kara, Damian is still learning the basic box-step slow dance. It's going to take time, and it's clunky. She is holding back, knowing her powers, trying to find her balance. He's trying to find his place, the one that is normal amongst all the super. <br><br>Dick makes it look so easy when he leads them. Damian has no learning curve and a lot to catch up and well... that's a story for another time. <br><br>Kara's overload of the birdarang as it strikes between the junction of two of the coils on the tentacle that was lashing out is very effective as it is ripped open with the explosion, causing it to flop while the Sentinel's already over-taxed repair systems try to deal with it. Kara rushes in, grabbing it and giving a mighty tug, pulling the robot down onto one knee as the weakened joint gives out. <br><br>As it hits the ground, it's own optic glows, preparing to fire. "Solar power refraction changed. Now optimized as red solar energy. Deploying." it announces. <br><br> "Kara!" Robin calls out, yanking around his grapple gun and firing it off to wrap around her waist and with a hard pull, he tugs her to him, catching her in his arms. "Ah. Hi." a quick sheepish look as he releases the grapple from around her waist as the red solar energy bathes the spot she was in just a moment ago. <br><br>'Vivian, would you be opposed to the idea if I discussed it with Caitlin and Donna about you coming up with a series of scenarios that we can upload into the BBS so that anyone can access them and run them in a group dynamic? I can also give you what information that you may need on the villains in Gotham if you wish to use them.' Without the access to the Batcomputer, of course. <br><br>'And I agree, we do need to be prepared for more situations than just an attack. This was just the first one that came to mind.' he admits as he glances towards Kara, and under his breath adds, "I hope to get many more." <br><br>Then louder, "Alright, think we can take off that thing's head and shut it down without triggering it's auto-destruct?" he asks Kara. He knows they can, he wants to see what she comes up with.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>That sounds bad. Solar energy? Yeah, Kara doesn't like that at all. <br><br>She hovers a few inches off the ground, ready to fly in closer towards the sentinel, when she hears Damian shout and feels the coil wrapping around her waist from his grapple gun. The combination of her motion and being up in the air makes it easy for her to yank to one side, right into his catching arms. A wrinkly nosed grin direct his way. "Hi." Her finger taps his nose, "Boop." <br><br>Then she's hovering beside him, turning to face the Sentinel as it tries to work it's way back up onto it's feet. The conversation about setting up BBS drives and data bases doesn't go cover her head, she follows what's being said, "I believe it is high time that I lend Kryptonian Technology to the technical wizards here at the Tower. Help set up a system that could store more elaborate constructs with less need for equally elaborate mainframes." Fists at her side. <br><br>She nods to Damian, "Yes." She could very easily punch the things head off, probably... but that's not the point of the exercise! "Do you have your sword?" Turning to look at him with a widening grin, hand on his shoulder.. "I will throw you up there at the neck junction and keep it's optic busy firing at me so you can get your sword in through the weaker plates near it's neck." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:613|Vivian Vision (613)}} has posed:'''<br>"My understanding is there are already a vast number of scenarios available," Vivian writes. Changing the texts font to something more contemplative. "I would be happy to help curate some pre-sets though." <br><br> As if to demonstrate she adjusts various in-scenario pieces of advertising. Supergirl, Troia, and Caitlin fighting a giant ape climbing up the side of a building. Robin, Gar, and Kian fighting on the roof of a Wiener delivery van. All sorts of possible team ups in although because she's manipulating the Wiener hut ads? There's an awful lot of them which feature fast food locations. <br><br> "Functionally anything you can imagine within the physical laws of our universe could be simulated. When I was much younger Kara and I used the Danger room to practise phasing explosives that'd been implanted in peoples brains before we attempted the real thing." <br><br> And with Kryptonian tech added in? Probably even the laws of physics could be temporarily be adjusted. Not that this would necessarily be a great idea. Probably best no-one brings it up with her Great Aunt Nadia.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>Kara could have probably easily avoided the attack. But Damian couldn't have been sure of that, so... he gets booped for his efforts and his nose curls cutely at her like he's trying to hold in a... <br><br>He sneezes, "Ah-choo!" <br><br>At least his hand was up to cover his mouth so he doesn't sneeze all over Kara. A quick wipe of his face from the dry sneeze, and his attention returns to the situation at hand. Standing next to Kara, when her question comes up about his sword, there's a flick of his cape and she can see the hilt of the Themysciran blade at the small of his back. "Always." he comments with a small grin, teeth pulled over his lower lip as he listens to her plan. "Let's do it!" Feet set to the sides, he waits for Kara to yeet him towards the Sentinel, which is turning to prepare to fire on Supergirl again. <br><br>Damian's eyes scan over the advertisements, 'The ability to do so is not the issue.' he points out as he considers the options. 'It's the organization. Making the time to get people together to train and what not.' He knows there's a bit that goes on behind the scenes, but still. <br><br>Nodding as he listens to the tale of implanted explosives, he ohs gently. 'That is something I had not considered.' Mainly because he's used to the more pratical of the Batcave over the hypothetical of the Danger Room. But he's making the effort.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>Maybe she could have maybe she couldn't. <br><br>Kara doesn't seem bothered to have been saved, at the very least, so in her mind.. things worked out exactly as they should have! Now they're formulating a plan, starting to find a rhythm, and a way to compliment each others abilities. <br><br>With a grin, she grabs Robin by a hard point on his costume and nods, waits for him to return it, and then hurls him with a side arm drag towards the Sentinel's upper torso. Her aim, while not exact, puts him plenty close enough to capitalize on whatever distraction she can provide. <br><br>Which, as it turns out, is a big one. <br><br>The Maiden of Might swishes over towards a toppled over light pole with electricity spewing out of the base and yanks it up with bits of concrete tearing along with it. The hologram shudders, but holds, which she bounces in her palm a few times before slamming against the side of a crushed vehicle to knock off some of the concrete to get the weight just right. <br><br><br>When she comes around with it, it hits the Sentinel right in the left knee. Like a baseball player trying to knock one out of the park. She's careful not to do anything that would dislodge Damian until his work is delt with. Swatting at any sentacles (See what I did there?) that are constructed to try and wrap her up. "Get. That. Crapola. Out. Of. Here." Eye beams, splits one sentacle in tway. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:613|Vivian Vision (613)}} has posed:'''<br>"I would say scheduling superheroes is like herding cats," Vivian types. "But that would imply Vorpal was easy to herd." <br><br> Over with her physical form she's hard at work cooking. A potato mousse with a gravy reduction? Perhaps too fancy. Putting potato in the bread and then putting stuffing and gravy on top? Probably does not look appealing. Organics really are so troublesome not just eating light. <br><br> "It was a technique the Red Room used to try manipulate and then capture my Great Aunt. Normal civilians who are being magically controlled or have some sort of mechanical system directing how they move. That's the 'optimal' combat training scenario for you and Supergirl. She must exercise extreme control to avoid hurting innocents. Or at least that's the means I would attempt to use were I a supervillain. The innocents could even be other superheroes for extra hard difficulty scaling."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>When Supergirl grabs a hold of him, Robin prepares and then nods. She winds up and flings him towards the Sentinel as he arches into the air. The sword flashes out as it is removed from it's sheath, the highly polished and sharpened blade held over his head as his body curls into itself to make him a small little cannonball of doom as he comes down towards the Sentinel. <br><br>Which has it's hands completely full of Kara. It tried to bring down one hand as a fist down onto Supergirl, just to be thrown off-balance as the light post mace slams into the metal, furthering the rending of the Sentinel's knee and that fist that was supposed to slam down on Kara is now used to brace itself. In the meantime, the tentacle from the other hand is sliced in twain by Kara's heat vision, proving exactly how easy mode this is for Kara. He'll have to work on that. <br><br>As Damian's blade cuts into the metal tendons at the Sentinel's neck, the robot's optic starts to flicker in and out as sparks fly from the neck. "Almost..." he growls between gritted teeth before it gives away and the head lulls over slightly. <br><br>"Kara!" he calls out, giving her the cue that the head is probably more than loose enough for her to be able to send into low orbit easily. <br><br>'Herding cats would be easier.' Damian responds dryly, as he falls backward, seemingly tumbling from the large robot as Kara comes rocketing in. He should be able to recover his fall, right? <br><br>He does hear Vivian's suggestion on the optimal situation for Kara and Damian to work together in and there's a small smirk. 'Future date?' he asks Kara.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>Kara moves so quickly once she unhooks the chains and stops pulling punches. She's not as fast as the Flash, but it's arguable that she's as close as anyone is ever likely going to be. That scene from Justice League where Superman is slowly turning his eyes to follow Barry? Can we agree that was, at the very least, kind of cool? <br><br>What she is is far faster than a human. <br><br>One minute she's here... the next she's catching a fist thrown at her with the swung end of a lightpole turned blugeoning weapon to knock it away with relative ease of someone swatting at a fly. These things weren't built Krypton tough. <br><br>Metallo, on the other hand. He has Kryptonite powered engines or... whatever the hell. <br><br>Sentinels have to step up their game. <br><br>The point is she keeps it busy until she hears from Damian that he has the head loosened enough for low orbit. The pole is bounced in her palm, reversed, and hurled up wards like a javaline. Right through the single optic laser mount... It might not be 'blind', but it's distracted. Distracted enough that Kara sends an flying upper cut just beneath it's big stupid purple chin with enough maximum force velocity to stop a train dead on the tracks. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:613|Vivian Vision (613)}} has posed:'''<br>"I can certainly try help get people together," Vivian offers. Somehow conveying a sense of uncertainty via font alone. "I will have my own commitments to attend to though. Which place limits on my ability to chase people for scheduling information." She does a series of dots to indicate a deliberate pause for thought. "I'm also not qualified to act as an instructor. I can provide opinions but I try resolve situations without physical altercations whenever possible." <br><br> She's a thinker not a fighter. Even if she can tear a tank apart with her bare hands. <br><br> Having done a little predictive analysis she zips the sky writing plane around with some impossible aerobatics for a normal plane to achieve. And draws a bullseye target in the sky. Giving Kara somewhere to aim with that devastating strike. Just in case she wants to make team Sentinel blast off (again).<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>She's faster. Stronger. More powerful. There's a lot of things that Kara is great at. Damian is just going to have to keep up. And he's more than happy to do so. Because, let's face it - Kara's is very cool. If a nerd. And adorkable. <br><br>The loud creak of metal and groan of breaking steel announces the piercing of the Sentinel's head. It stumbles backwards, the large robot off-balance and twisting - just to present itself to Kara for some sweet-sweet chin music. Her fist smashes the metal, bending it in, clefting the chin, smashing through, into the 'mouth' as she rips out the entire lower jaw, which coupled with Damian's damage to it's neck - dislodges the head from the robot. <br><br>It rolls back and is lifted off where it flies several blocks away, slamming right into that target Vivian set up and giving Kara all the points. <br><br>With the Sentinel downed, the simulation ends, shutting down and completing the exercise just as Damian flips around to land seemlessly onto his feet, tucking into himself to disperse the energy. <br><br>A glance aside to his girlfriend as the holograms fade and he chuckles. "I mean. It was our first dance?" he asks her with a lift of a brow. "I didn't step on your toes /too much/."<br><br>Turning his attention to Vivian as he steps closer to Kara, "I know, Vivian. And I wouldn't want to put that on you. I'll see if Caitlin and Donna are busy later on, if not we can chat on it. Not that I'm against pizza parties and the like. Just think some actual training would be good."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>Kara settles back down as the simulation begins to close. The hard light projections become the uniform gray walls and she rests there with hands on her hips watching Damian come closer with a little grin. "You did not step on my toes at all." Definitive nod. This is... probably.. the longest she has spent in the Tower in almost a year. Now that she thinks about it fully, anyways. A glance around and she's nestling herself right up against Robin's side, hands down in front of her, one around the other wrist where the long sleeves of her top ends in little gold trim. <br><br>A smile on her face. <br><br>"Vivian, I smell food. Are you attempting to cook?" Even from this distance. <br><br>Very good senses. <br><br>"We have acquired a great deal of data that Vivian can look over. See where we can improve on our teamwork." Where they can look over it too. Like watching game footage. "I think this was a very good first dance." Another smile for him, bumping her shoulder against his upper arm. <br><br>"Now we go have wieners?" <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:613|Vivian Vision (613)}} has posed:'''<br>With the simulation over Viv is free to use the intercom system. "Have you ever tried moving enough pizza for Irie or Wally?" she muses. "It's both a logistical battle and the heavy lifting involved is an impressive feat of strength." <br><br> Thankfully the speedsters usually fetch their own meals. Spreading the strain of keeping them fed over as wide an area as possible. Also it means they can usually get the pizza they like best in the world... <br><br> "Attempting?" The intercom is more than capable of conveying a pout. No need for fancy fonts now. "I am working on my own legally distinct versions of a seasonal classic." So yes then. "Which required me to learn basic butchering skills so I could make my own ground meat blend using turkey and bacon to go into natural casings." Or 'I made turkey bacon wieners' in plain English. "It's a wonder just what this kitchen has. I expect if I looked hard enough I'd find Caitlin has the right cookware to cook an entire cow on a spit."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>As Kara cleaves into him, Damian's hand moves, sliding between Kara's arms as he reaches down to caress her wrist where that gold trim meets blue, and then into her hand to hold it, pancakes for now, waffles when she's ready. <br><br>He bumps gently against her in return and chuckles. "Oh, I'm aware, I saw the bill for it. The logistics are something that Batman has had Damian working on so he understand exactly what it takes for the Titans to run efficently. <br><br>"When do you think you will have a sample ready?" comes his question to Vivian. "Though, I will probably need to request a vegan option as well." Not that he's going to push on that, he's one of the few with that dietary need. <br><br>But to answer Kara's question. "Yes, we can totally get cleaned up and go for weiners."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>Keeps the pancake for a few seconds, but then adjusts her hand to slip her fingers between Damian's as she leads them out of the simulation chamber towards wherever Vivian is cooking. He almost certainly knows that look. <br><br>She didn't ''say'' she was cooking wieners, but... Kara knows what she's cooking. <br><br>"Come come, she is making homemade wieners." This isn't the most important thing going on today, but it's certainly top five... at least in Kara's world. And she has #1 with her, so... it feels like a win win. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:613|Vivian Vision (613)}} has posed:'''<br>"I have lots of samples of lots of things ready now," Vivian says looking around her and making a hmmm noise. "I did not prepare anything specifically vegan wiener wise. But I can cut a slice of stuffing, pan fry it in a little oil, and serve it in a bun with the same condiments." There are accompanying cooking scents and sounds which suggest she's doing so as she speaks. At least for Kara's senses anyway. <br><br> Probably she had not adequately planned for the scenario where a vegan would like to engage in her experiment. The shame of not getting the odds perfect. The woe. <br><br> "And I will need to make sure I have at least some leftover to leave at Harpers place." Which is code for Kara please don't eat them all. She does have a super stomach to go with her super pretty much everything else. Do Kryptonians have a super appendix? Does it do super nothing? So many mysteries!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>Fingers captured, Damian laughs as Kara starts to tug him along. He couldn't stop her if he wanted to. He knows that look, he so knows that look. <br><br>"Vivian, we're on our way, put aside whatever you want to save for Harper!" he offers her at least a few moments of warning, since surely Kara won't just pick him up and carry him to the kitchen, right?<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17030/Recognition_from_the_King&diff=2517717030/Recognition from the King2024-01-29T04:21:02Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/27 |Location=The Strait Lace Steakhouse - Hellfire Club |Synopsis=The Black King invites one of the rising stars of the Hellfire Club to di..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/27<br />
|Location=The Strait Lace Steakhouse - Hellfire Club<br />
|Synopsis=The Black King invites one of the rising stars of the Hellfire Club to dinner, and finds out _why_ she is rising...<br />
|Cast of Characters=712,99<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:712|Sebastian Shaw (712)}} has posed:'''<br>Miss Lockwood was approaching her second month working at the Hellfire Club, and had acquired in a short time a reputation for high performance. Her dedication to her tasks were admirable, and when Sebastian Shaw asked for a list of employees that may be worth more exclusive appointments, her name had made it to the top. He did recall his initial meeting with Miss Lockwood, although he knows that she would not. It was during one of the many more clandestine parties, and he had attended masked. But she had impressed him enough that he did not move beyond her name on the list.<br><br>Lois receives an invitation in the mailbox she had obtained for the fake identity she was using to infiltrate the Hellfire Club. It was vague on details, but full on intrigue. It stated a date and a time, the Strait Lace Steakhouse within the club, and only one direction - Your choice in attire. No need for uniform. <br><br>There was no signature or name on the invite, but there was the international symbol for the King in Chess, Black, on the bottom. Her investigation so far had whispered that the title of the true master of the Hellfire Club went by the appellation of the Black King, so it was not hard for her to include that he was likely to be her unnamed host.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:99|Lois Lane (99)}} has posed:'''<br>Balancing a full time job with this part time gig in another identity is difficult. How in the world did Clark maintain this?<br><br>Still, when she got the invite, her brows raised. Much like the Hellfire Club, the invitation was cryptic. A mystery wrapped in an enigma and all that.<br><br>Pursing her lips, she decides to go for dress to impress. The evening finds her in a red gown, something that would make any Miss Universe proud to wear. Favors were asked and strings her pulled for her to be in something like this, and so she decides to find out more about this potential Black King.<br><br>So off she goes to the location of the invite!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:712|Sebastian Shaw (712)}} has posed:'''<br>Perhaps surprisingly, information about the Black King is rather hard to come by. Lois usual sources seem to be aware that such a man exists, although reports vary about what he truly does. Does he run a secret cabal? Is he at the top of a pyramid of a hedonist society? Does he simply market himself well? And no one seems willing to even speculate as to who he actually is, other than what his role means and does.<br><br>But it would appear that while Lois may have wanted to prep, the mystery will be unfolding for her in short order. Upon her arrival to the Hellfire Club, invitation in hand, she is led to the Straight Lace Steakhouse. She has visited there once or twice, often running a message to a guesst or member. And it seems like a normal steakhouse, other than of course being staffed by those in the employ of the Hellfire Club. <br><br>Upon her arrival, Lois will be led to a table in the back where there is more discrete options for guests. Seated at the table is a man wearing a well tailored black coat of the Victorian era, a purple vest beneath it, and a lacy white silk shirt whose ruffles spill out from sleeves and collar. He nods to the attendance and Lois in turn.<br><br>"Miss Lockwood," says the attendant, as a means of explanation, as he addresses the man. "Mister Shaw." And then he turns and slips away.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:99|Lois Lane (99)}} has posed:'''<br>Following along the attendant, Lois takes in the goings on of the steakhouse. Clandestine meetings and other shady deals could be happening right under her nose, so she wants to pay attention to everything.<br><br>Still, she's led to the back, and she immediately freezes in her tracks at the recognition of the man before her. Surely, she's seen him on the cover of Forbes. He's one of the richest men in the world after all, being a billionaire and all that.<br><br>With a bit of an ahem, and a nervous swallow, she forces a smile to her lips, clearly somewhat nervous and slightly intimidated in his presence. "The Black King, I presume, Mister Shaw?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:712|Sebastian Shaw (712)}} has posed:'''<br>Sebastian Shaw's lips quirk into a smile. "Sebastian," he gently corrects, as he reaches up to beckon towards her. There are no place settings on the table, the only article being a singular glass of an amber filled liquid. It is a table with room for four, two on one bench, two on the other, and Sebastian occupies the inside seat of the far bench. A variety of choices presented to Lois. <br><br>"I am the owner of the Hellfire Club, and I have heard many wonderful things about you since you joined us, Miss Lockwood. I thought perhaps it might be time to introduce myself, and get to know a bit about you." His eyes scan over her form, taking in the details of the red dress that she decided to wear. "I like to do that with our most valued employees."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:99|Lois Lane (99)}} has posed:'''<br>"Please, Laura." she says in return. If they're going by first name basis, she might as well have him call her by her nom-de-infiltrator name. Deciding this might be a good chance to see if she can get in even deeper with the club, she takes the seat next to the illustrious Shaw.<br><br>Taking her seat, she crosses her legs to get a tad bit more comfortable. "There isn't much to know. My story isn't as interesting as yours. Just a small girl from a small town."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:712|Sebastian Shaw (712)}} has posed:'''<br>There is some subtle indication that if that were an informal test, "Laura" passed. Sebastian gives her a smile as he twists a bit, opening up his posture to allow her to slide in. His arm goes up to rest along the back of the bench. His eyes drift down as she crosses her legs, but return in a respectfully brief amount of time to her face. <br><br>"Ah, but that is where you are wrong." Sebastian smiles warmly at her. "I am just a small boy from a small town." He pauses. "Well, perhaps not so much a small boy anymore, but the town has not grown any for my having let it." He ruminates on that for a moment, collecting his glass and taking another sip with his free hand. "If you are from a small town, what brought you to New York?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:99|Lois Lane (99)}} has posed:'''<br>Giving him an appraising glance, she offers a cheeky grin. "I would hope you're not small at all, Sebastian. It would be a shame if you were." Lois teases with a soft and impish chuckle, before she leans back in the seat.<br><br>"Pursuing a dream. I wanted to make it big, maybe win a Puli..." and she pauses. Is her actual identity mixing into her cover? Still, she finishes what she started. "Pulitzer."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:712|Sebastian Shaw (712)}} has posed:'''<br>With such an obvious tease thrown out there, Sebastian is forced to laugh. "Oh, rest assured, Miss Lockwood, if given the opportunity you will find that there is nothing worth being shamed about to be found there." He watches as she leans into the seat, settling in. His eyes still those of a hawk, or some other predator.<br><br>That word brings up an eyebrow. "This is an interesting path to pursue if that is your dream, Miss Lockwood." He leans over towards her, lowering his voice. "Unless you feel that my club is a stepping stone to those pursuits."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:99|Lois Lane (99)}} has posed:'''<br>Oh shit. Did she get caught already. "Why, is there something I should expose? Is that what you're intimating, Sebastian?" A warm smile curls onto her lips afterwards. It seems that on some level, she can play with such predators. She's spoken with Lex Luthor after all.<br><br>"But a girl can't just be wanting to tell a good story? One that will be remembered for generations?" Lois asks.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:712|Sebastian Shaw (712)}} has posed:'''<br>"My club is home to the world's most powerful, influential, and in many cases, private people, Miss Lockwood." Sebastian considers her for a long, long moment. "They speak here freely, knowing that what is said here, what happens here, remains here. I can assure you, what transpires here on a daily basis may be worth a lifetime of Pulitzers."<br><br>"Hmmm." Sebastian considers. "I can understand the appeal. What sort of story would you want to tell, Miss Lockwood?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:99|Lois Lane (99)}} has posed:'''<br>There was an NDA that she signed upon her employ. "I've already heard more of my fair share of potential stories, but I have not reported on them. I value someone's privacy in matters." Lois admits ruefully, flashing a toothy smile in his direction.<br><br>"And as to what story I'd want to tell? One with a lot of drama. Something truly worth a Pulitzer."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:712|Sebastian Shaw (712)}} has posed:'''<br>While she may have signed an NDA, Sebastian knows just how valuable those are. If it came to devices to compel silence, he had other far more potent ones in his arsenal. There are worse things for a reporter to face than a contractual lawsuit. He considers her words, and nods. "Privacy is at the cornerstone of everything we do here."<br><br>There is a lot of thought given to what she says. Sebastian reaches out to reclaim his glass, bringing it to his lips, taking a sip, swallowing it, and then setting the glass down before he replies. "There are many great stories hidden within these walls, Miss Lockwood." He turns a bit more fully to face her, shifting his legs such that his right briefly brushes against hers before he settles. "But the greatest of them is the true story of Sebastian Shaw."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:99|Lois Lane (99)}} has posed:'''<br>The story is supposed to be about himself? That definitely catches her attention, and she watches him, her brows raised at such a bold statement.<br><br>"Oh? Is that so, Sebastian? Well, imagine I'm a reporter. Pitch me." she challenges.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:712|Sebastian Shaw (712)}} has posed:'''<br>There is a smile that crosses over his face as he sees her interest. "Ah, Laura, do you really think that I am the sort who would give it up on our first date?"<br><br>He retrieves his glass from the table again without taking his eyes from her, bringing it to his lips for a long sip.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:99|Lois Lane (99)}} has posed:'''<br>Date? There's a bit of surprise as he catches her off guard. She ahems and regains her composure, grinning in his direction.<br><br>"Well, it all depends. I am a whore for a good story." Lois admits ruefully. In this case, somewhat literally even!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:712|Sebastian Shaw (712)}} has posed:'''<br>Something about the smug smile that Sebastian displays at her reaction indicates that it was intended as a tease to throw her off-guard. Was it a date? Probably not really. But who knows.<br><br>As far as the last goes, he arches an eyebrow. "Oh, I do not think that you are quite that, Miss Lockwood." Despite the very obvious practical matter that she might literally be. "I think you are someone willing to do whatever you have to get what you want." He smiles at her. "Much as I am."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:99|Lois Lane (99)}} has posed:'''<br>"Once I set my mind on something, I do what it takes to get what I want." she says with a sage nod, knowing that much about herself. It's one of the reasons she's a damned good reporter after all. She doesn't give up, especially once she has a bite.<br><br>"So what is it that you want then, Sebastian?" Lois wonders.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:712|Sebastian Shaw (712)}} has posed:'''<br>"I suspected that about you," replies Sebastian as he brings the glass up to his lips, and finishes the amber liquid before setting it down. He turns his gaze to regard her a bit more seriously.<br><br>"Everything."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:99|Lois Lane (99)}} has posed:'''<br>"Everything is rather ambitious, but I have to appreciate the ambition. But certainly, there has to be priorities with a wish list that long? Tell me your top three." Lois asks, leaning back, crossing her legs to get a tad bit more comfortable.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:712|Sebastian Shaw (712)}} has posed:'''<br>The act of the motion draws his eyes. Not at all unlike a predator. They linger before returning to meet her gaze.<br><br>"Priorities?" Sebastian considers for a moment. "It would be nice to find an equal so I could share in my burdens, but thus far I have not been able to find anyone suitable to the task." More thoughts. "World peace." There is not necessarily irony in his tone there. "I am not sure that I can say what a third might be. Everything else is just..." He waves his hand. "When I see something I want, I get it. And then I seek out the next thing that I want, thus on the cycle goes."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:99|Lois Lane (99)}} has posed:'''<br>"I think we all want to find a partner in life. That's one of the more difficult things, I imagine." Which would explain her lack of dates as of late. Sad.<br><br>A bit of a skeptical chuckle can be heard at the mention of world peace. Her brows raise at him, tilting her head as she gives him a 'Really? I don't believe you.' sort of look.<br><br>And then he moves to the third, simply just taking what he wants. "I can appreciate a man who knows what he wants. Most men don't know what they..." and she pauses, pursing her lips, "Change that to boys rather. Boys don't know what they want. A man does."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:712|Sebastian Shaw (712)}} has posed:'''<br>"There is much profit in war," offers Sebastian, skipping her answer to his first point and diving straight into the one she did not verbalize. "That is where people like Tony Stark and his father made their fortunes. Trask. Stane." Sebastian shrugs. "My technology and holdings have been about offering life. A better way to live. Clean power. Nuclear energy." He smiles towards Lois. "So for my interests, personal and professional? Peace is far better for everything I stand for than war."<br><br>There are implications laden in what Lois has said. "A man would _never_ fail to appreciate what he has, and would consider himself all the more fortunate if a boy had not." He leans over towards Lois, narrowing his gaze a bit a bit. "Do you want to talk about how it was with your boy?" He smiles. "Or do you want to see how it can be with a man?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:99|Lois Lane (99)}} has posed:'''<br>"Too much profit." Lois says with a bit of frown. She's covered war and it's atrocities ranging from the greed of men to the dark things that tend to happen during conflicts that escalate needlessly.<br><br>"So are you a futurist then, Sebastian?" she quips, as she continues to watch him, her gaze running over his frame before she swallows a bit as he leans in and whispers.<br><br>"There hasn't been anything with said boy." she explains. "Too confused. Not decisive enough. Why do you ask? Think you're man enough for me, Mister Shaw?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:712|Sebastian Shaw (712)}} has posed:'''<br>"On that, we both agree," replies Sebastian with a solemn expression on his face. <br><br>He laughs at that title, but nods. "One of the first. I have been fighting to rid the world of its need for coal as long as I can remember." He does not explain why. Perhaps that is part of the story he is 'offering'.<br><br>As she leans forward, he considers her words. "A shame," he murmurs. "For you. Missed opportunity for him." He continues his lean forward, and unless stopped, leans in far enough to bring his lips towards her ears to whisper. "I believe I am man enough for anyone, Miss Lockwood. But I suppose that is a question you shall have to answer for yourself, hmmm?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:99|Lois Lane (99)}} has posed:'''<br>"Definitely a missed opportunity. You'd think putting out signals would make a man act." Lois says with a bit of annoyance, but she suddenly shudders as she feels the heat of his breath upon the shell of her ear.<br><br>Her gaze washes over him, lingering here and there for a few moments before biting on her lower lip. "And you're going to show me just how much of a man you are, Mister Shaw?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:712|Sebastian Shaw (712)}} has posed:'''<br>"One would think." replies Sebastian. "One would also think that regardless of signals, a man might act, respectfully of course, simply out of desire and appreciation."<br><br>Her question earns a soft laugh. "As a respectful man, Miss Lockwood, I would say yes." A pause. "But only, of course, if you would like to see it."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:99|Lois Lane (99)}} has posed:'''<br>Clucking her tongue on the inside of her cheek, Lois gives him a lidded look before letting out an impish giggle. "Surprise me, Mister Shaw. You have my permission." Lois grins toothily and waggles her brows. "But I do think you shouldn't do it here. We're in a nice and proper restaurant after all."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:712|Sebastian Shaw (712)}} has posed:'''<br>There is moment where Sebastian regards Lois, considering her response. His lips twist into a smile. <br><br>And in a rare display, Sebastian Shaw indulges in a moment of humor. Lifting a finger, without taking his gaze from Lois, he offers a quote.<br><br>"Check, please."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17032/Encounter_whilst_shopping&diff=2517617032/Encounter whilst shopping2024-01-29T04:20:52Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/28 |Location=An upscale clothing store |Synopsis=After buying an elegant dress for Tigra, she and Betsy go to visit Betsy's club. |Cast of..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/28<br />
|Location=An upscale clothing store<br />
|Synopsis=After buying an elegant dress for Tigra, she and Betsy go to visit Betsy's club.<br />
|Cast of Characters=564,351<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:564|Greer Grant (564)}} has posed:'''<br>Early Saturday evening, and it's a good time to be out shopping. The weather's certainly on the cool side, but not bitterly so, and while the sky has darkened, it's hardly proper night time. Some families are about, enjoying time together, but errands were accomplished earlier in the day, and this is more of a time for just getting out and about. Tigra is doing just such a thing, being out and about, in her natural form, that of the feline Avenger. She wears a Star Trek t-shirt and cut off denim shorts and sandals, which might be unusual for the weather, but well, fur coat. It's also a bit at odds with the inventory of the fancy clothing store that she's in, the sort of store where there's hardly racks of clothes but rather sample items on display, all of elegant cuts and quality make. Again, though, Avenger. Also, as an Avenger, first name basis with a certain famous fashionista.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:351|Betsy Braddock (351)}} has posed:'''<br>Not that Betsy is an Avenger, per se, but Betsy Braddock is pretty well known as a fashionista herself. Wearing a very elegant dark purple silk blouse that goes with her hair, along with black slacks, she cuts a superb figure without even trying. She does notice Tigra in the store, because well, who wouldn't?<br><br>Seeing that Tigra is also doing a bit of shopping, she sidles over relatively unnoticed, at least until her voice echoes in a proper British accent, "I really think a forest green would better fit, though I must say that I admire your taste."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:564|Greer Grant (564)}} has posed:'''<br>Tigra is holding out the sleeve of an elegantly tailored poet's blouse type of garment, looking at it thoughtfully. It's made in an interesting shade of yellow and Tigra finds herself trying to picture the same cut in different colors. Her tail sweeps back and forth slowly as she lets herself get lost in thought, looking up with a bit of surprise at someone being able to approach so closely. <br><br>"Hm?" she says eloquently before brain catches up. "Oh, I think you're right, yeah," she says, letting the sleeve drop. "Yellow is...not my color." She shifts attention more fully to the other woman, now, looking her up and down quickly. "Purple is definitely yours, though," she says approviingly.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:351|Betsy Braddock (351)}} has posed:'''<br>Betsy laughs, "Yeah, ever since I was a child. Always had a fixation on the purple." She shakes her head a bit, letting her purple hair flair a bit, then she smiles and extends a hand, "Betsy Braddock, but everyone calls me Betsy, or Bets. I admit I wasn't expecting to see an Avenger here, when I was doing a little bit of shopping." She does, however, seem to make a note of the blouse that Tigra was looking at, as if thinking about picking one up for herself.<br><br>If they have it in purple anyway.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:564|Greer Grant (564)}} has posed:'''<br>"It's a nice color, one of those fun ones that's bit of this, bit of that, red and blue. Gives a lot of versatility if you can pull it off. And, of course, the imperial purple angle." Tigra takes the offer hand with a friendly grip. "Tigra," she says with a grin, "Though my fame proceeds me. Yours as well, Betsy. I've seen some of your modeling work."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:351|Betsy Braddock (351)}} has posed:'''<br>Betsy smiles, "Why thank you, it's nice to meet someone that knows me for that." She chuckles softly, "I should be a bit more active there, but I always seem to find things that occupy my time these days." She gives Tigra's hand a friendly squeeze in the handshake, before letting it go.<br><br>"I admit I've occasionally run into Janet Van Dyne, so you're not the first Avenger I've met. Probably the most eye-catching one, though." She smiles pleasantly, meaning that in a purely positive light, as she looks at Tigra. "Just a little clothes shopping before saving the world again?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:564|Greer Grant (564)}} has posed:'''<br>"There's certainly worse things to be known for," Tigra notes. She then offers a crooked grin at the mention of Janet. "I think Jan's met an order of magnitude more people than I have, and that's not just in fashion circles. I don't know how she lives a life as full as hours and pulls off being an Avenger." Grin turns to a smile at the compliment. "Very kind of you to say, as you certainly are yourself." She turns her attention back to the clothing. "Of the window shopping sort, mostly. I'm more infamous for my style when it comes to clothing, rather than famous, but I certainly enjoy looking at different possibilities."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:351|Betsy Braddock (351)}} has posed:'''<br>Betsy smiles, "Well, I wouldn't mind helping, and hey, I'm definitely flattered that you recognized /me/." She winks at Greer, and tilts her head, 'What's your normal style, I'm pretty sure we can find something here that suits your tastes. But it's always great to explore possibilities, you never know if you'll like something until you try it."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:564|Greer Grant (564)}} has posed:'''<br>Another grin from the feline, this time wry. "Tastes, almost certainly, budget, well, maybe not tonight but something I can manage in the future. As for style, well, I usually wear just a bikini. It's easier to move in, when you're covered in fur, and a definite necessity in the summer time. I -can- wear other things, of course. I have a very elegant JVD original, for example. And then there was the time I was in a speedo instead of the bikini," she winks. "Beyond that, I don't much much of a 'style' of my own."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:351|Betsy Braddock (351)}} has posed:'''<br>Betsy hrms, "Well, we should fix that, if you like." She grins, "After all, you could have something light, particularly in winter, and as far as cost..." She laughs, "Honestly, you're a friend of Janet's, which is good enough for me to cover it. After all, I made my money the old fashioned way." She pauses, then winks at Greer, "I inherited it. So..." She gives Greer a long once-over, then gestures, "I think I saw something earlier you'd love."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:564|Greer Grant (564)}} has posed:'''<br>A flick of the tail as Betsy says she'll cover it, a hint of her conflicted feelings. There's pride in not wanting a handout, but also manners in not wanting to refuse a kind offer, and Tigra definitely recognizes it as a kind offer. She smiles at it, and nods, then laughs at the inheritance joke. She takes a small step back to give Betsy a wider view of her form, resting her hands on her hips. "Oh do tell?" she asks, the tail going from conflicted to curious.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:351|Betsy Braddock (351)}} has posed:'''<br>Betsy smiles and leads the way to a different rack, where there's a very stylish green dress with red accents. Fairly daringly cut, but not so much when, as Tigra noted, one is covered in fur. But the way the dress is layered is a combination of modest enough to wear, but flexible enough to give some favorable freedom of movement. Even if one has a tail.<br><br>"What do you think of this? It's not exactly my colors, but I think it would look /fabulous/ on you, if you wanted to try it? If they had a purple and silver, though..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:564|Greer Grant (564)}} has posed:'''<br>Tigra follows Betsy with her graceful stride and looks over the rack curiously. Seeing the dress the tip of her tail curls in approval, and she smiles at it. "Oh, my, that is absolutely gorgeous," she murmurs, reaching out to finger the fabric, being careful to not snag a claw in it. "I think those colors would definitely suit me," she adds, picking it up and holding it against her front experimentally. "Just the thing for a semi-formal event I think. Mm, maybe even formal."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:351|Betsy Braddock (351)}} has posed:'''<br>Betsy looks quite pleased at Tigra's reaction, stepping away to murmur something to the woman running the store right now. She nods and vanishes in the back, presumably to maybe look for a purple version of the dress. Then she smiles at Tigra.<br><br>"Well, I think it's definitely quite flexible either way, and I'm sure you'd turn a lot of heads showing up to any sort of event wearing that." She grins cheerfully, "And the matron thought they might have a purple one in that style as well, so even better."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:564|Greer Grant (564)}} has posed:'''<br>Steps over in front of a mirror, looking at her it looks when held up to her like that. "Oh I don't doubt that," she says with a small grin at talk of turning heads. The grin broadens a bit as Betsy says they might have one in purple. "Oh, even better. Maybe we'd wind up at the same event like that. At least they'd be different colors, though, so one of us wouldn't have to go back and change."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:351|Betsy Braddock (351)}} has posed:'''<br>The matron comes back with a purple version of said dress, and then Betsy grins wryly at Greer, "Well, there's always one way to guarantee that we'd be at the same event." She gives Greer a wink as she looks at the dress, then back at Greer, "Want to be measured first, or shall I?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:564|Greer Grant (564)}} has posed:'''<br>A soft laugh when Betsy suggests a guarantee. "By all means, go ahead, if you like. I'll happily wait my turn, considering you're treating me to this." She has very carefully not looked at the price. She knows Betsy is being very generous here. "I half expect Jan might have mine on file somewhere, just because, and took them without my even knowing it."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:351|Betsy Braddock (351)}} has posed:'''<br>Betsy smiles, "Sounds like Jan." She moves over towards the mirrored area where measurements are taken, and poses accordingly, glancing over her shoulder towards Greer, "And well, should always have them retaken, you never know what might happen."<br><br>Though when Greer laughs at the mention of the guarantee, Betsy smiles, "Hey, I think it would be delightful to have you with me at one of these things. If nothing else, it'd be nice to have someone that I'd actually /want/ to talk to."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:564|Greer Grant (564)}} has posed:'''<br>"I'm part human, part cat, believe me, I know how one's body can change, and I've experienced even since then." Tigra watches the measuring process appreciatively, noting the way that Betsy moves. Another one of her quick grins. "Well, that's kind of you to say, and I certainly take it as a compliment. Consider the offer tentatively accept if it's being put forward," she says. She'll step forward for her turn with the measuring tape, definitely taking note of the results.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:351|Betsy Braddock (351)}} has posed:'''<br>Betsy smiles, "It definitely is, though if you want to hang out a bit later, I actually own a club not too far from here. We can go there and chat after this, if you like?" She grins and steps down once the measurements are done, letting Greer take her turn. "Plus, we have some great chefs there."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:564|Greer Grant (564)}} has posed:'''<br>Tigra steps back out of the way once her measuring is done, taking a copy of her measurements the attendant offers her and tucking it away. "What, really?" she asks, head tilted a bit in curiosity at that. "That's unexpected. I mean, not that you don't seem the type, or -do- seem the type, just that, well, don't think I've met someone who owns their own club." She considers a moment. "Well, Jan probably does. Probably more than one, but Jan is Jan. But I don't have anything planned, so that sounds like fun."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:351|Betsy Braddock (351)}} has posed:'''<br>Betsy laughs, "Well, it was a bit of a lark, really... and I just felt there was a certain style missing in the clubs here in New York, so I thought I'd give it a try. And it's grown on me a bit, though there's something to be said for having a bit more freedom." She grins, "And excellent, we can just head over there when we're done here."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17033/The_Moulin_Rogue&diff=2517517033/The Moulin Rogue2024-01-29T04:20:40Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/28 |Location=Montmartre, Paris - France |Synopsis=House hunting, fashion-shows, and a last minute rescue of notSatine from the Phantom of t..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/28<br />
|Location=Montmartre, Paris - France<br />
|Synopsis=House hunting, fashion-shows, and a last minute rescue of notSatine from the Phantom of the Moulin Rouge. Guest starring the Peregrine Falcon, for some reason.<br />
|Cast of Characters=35,31<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:35|Jean Grey (35)}} has posed:'''<br>Compared to the whirlwind tourist tour of the first day, the second day in Paris begins with a relatively 'free' schedule.<br><br>The whole morning is open, an opportunity to take the city at their own pace, and specifically, for Rogue to lead the way and include any more unusual options or interests they didn't manage to hit the day before. Of course, two days isn't remotely close enough for everything (Versailles is basically a day trip of its own!), but with how many of the big hits they covered and a greater willingness to taxi around after spending the prior day walking, they can surely hit a wider variety of more niche options today.<br><br>Beyond that, they only have two 'appointments' on Jean's agenda, both somewhat mysterious. (OK, one is more mysterious than the other.) For the first, she's only mentioned that they need to be back near the center of the city after lunch. This makes it logical to find a nice chic little restaurant along the Champs Elysees, a classic option and contrast to their more Bohemian outdoor lunch the prior day. After that, they're meeting someone, somewhere, but the details are all a mystery!<br><br>The second mystery item? Well, according to Jean: "We have reservations for dinner and a show." While posed as a secret, this one may be a little easier to guess at. After all, it's hard NOT to take notice of the famous Paris landmark that happens to be literally around the corner from their hotel, with its bright red facade and WINDMILL. How could Jean have gotten them a hotel here and not planned for them to stop by?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:31|Anna-Marie (31)}} has posed:'''<br> Aside from the moment of dramatic personal connections to the city that Rogue had displayed on the previous day, Jean may have noted that this trip had the Belle in a rather high mental place. She seemed happy here. Sure, Paris wasn't a true paradise, or a place of peaceful serenity like found in some kind of fantasy novel, but it was an eclectic locale, and it was fitting a lot of the imaginations Rogue had about it. Of course, she's a modern woman in a modern world, and with the internet at your fingertips you can get a pretty clear view of what to expect from a 'far away place' in life now, with much fewer surprises. Rogue seems perfectly content with what they've done, and seems to be quite happy here. <br><br> "I absolutely love that you've planned things." She had told Jean, not wanting to beg for details, but it was clear on her face, and in her sparkling green eyes that she WANTED to pester relentlessly. Instead, she just existed with a smile on her face, and a bounce in her step as they made the best of their second day. <br><br> When she'd first seen the big red windmil, she'd just let her eyes widen, and her smile with it. She'd not said anything, merely held her slim pointed chin up a little higher, and went on in to the dining locale that Jean had selected. Speaking in the local tongue to the serving staff, rogue seemed to be trying to insert herself here as a member of the local population. Jean had never seen Rogue in Mississippi before, but this might be similar to how she'd act there... though she'd been chased out of Mississippi with fiery pitchforks and sharp torches, or at least that is how she had described it once. <br><br> While eating, Rogue was going over a number of other phrases to help Jean ease in to speaking French of her own, while also talking to her about a personal 'want' she had for the day. <br><br> She had a selection of homes she wanted to visit, that were for sale. <br><br> "I promise, this isn't a real consideration." Rogue said, smirking toward the redhead. "I merely want the experience of ... what it would feel like, if it were. If that makes any sense at all." <br><br> She went on to show Jean a bunch of homes, both in the city, and just outside of it, desiring to visit a handful of them for just the experience and dream of it. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:35|Jean Grey (35)}} has posed:'''<br>While it would be hard for them to make the comparison without experiencing the alternative, it's fair to say that having a fluent speaker along with them had -definitely- changed the whole experience of the trip. After all, Paris is simultaneously the most popular tourist destination in the world... and notorious for a population that is often somewhat rude and standoffish to non French-speakers.<br><br>How true it is? Well, they never get to find out!<br><br>Even the times when Jean was going a little more awkwardly through whatever phrases Rogue was teaching her, having backup transformed the whole experience. A waitress might be annoyed at an American awkwardly working through her phrasebook, but an American with her French-speaking girlfriend talking her through every mistake and mis-step? That's downright cute!<br><br>The advantage also very much applies to Rogue's unique plan for the day's entertainment. If it's hard to be a foreign tourist in the city, one can only imagine that it would nearly impossible to do something non-touristy, like dealing with real estate companies and agents. Especially the sort that manage such elite and desirable properties as these. But between Jean's job title and vague rich-people adjacentness (one would assume Warren has some of these guys on speed-dial...), and Rogue's linguistic cunning? Well! Easy peasy.<br><br>House-shopping also proves convenient as they can do it basically anywhere in the city, blending in stops among whatever else they want to do and the mysterious appointments. They can hit a few places, eat lunch, and then stop by a classic old Parisian apartment on the way back. One building is only 24 million and change US, with four stories, marble floors and a grand stairway on the ground level, and balcony views Arc de Triomphe. "I think we can see the restaurant from here!" Meanwhile, Jean's appointment is near the Trocadero, and there's another one for sale that way. A steal compared to the last at only 13 million, although accounting for -only- the single level, five bedroom luxury apartment, again with balcony views. You pay more per foot when you can see the Eiffel Tower out your window, apparently.<br><br>The latter finds Jean looking out over said view, hair blowing a bit in the breeze. "These places might be a little out of our range, but I dunno if the idea itself is... totally unrealistic. Not right away, of course, but as something to think about." Maybe Rogue was joking, or at least mostly so. But Jean doesn't sound entirely un-serious. "As much as I love it, I can't be be Headmistress forever. One day, someone will take over - Ororo if it were sooner, or maybe Kitty or someone else way down the line..."<br><br>"And then I'll have to give up the nice bedroom." She laughs. Or maybe it could just be a little place out in the countryside for vacations. I don't know."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:31|Anna-Marie (31)}} has posed:'''<br> Rogue was a good sport about teaching the language, and that is likely in-part due to her teaching poetry, and hinting at French being a possible class to bring in to the curriculum at Xaviers School next fall... She was the kind of teacher to smile at mishaps, and make jokes to help encourage those through the lesson, even with the Headmistress herself! It undoubtedly added to the 'cute' factor for any onlookers observing the Americans, of which there was a surprising amount. <br><br> At the reaction to her idea to step in to the shoes of local home shoppers, Rogue grinned openly. "I hadn't thought of askin Warren... That's a sound idea..." She'd noted, before they'd set off from the lovely little restaurant. Rogue was dressed in her leather bomber jacket today, a plush beige scarf wrapped around her neck, and tucked in to the lapel of her jacket to keep it nice and secure. Her long hair was loose, and styled in slight curls, with the whites of her bangs drawing attention, as they ever do. <br><br> Meeting with the real-estate managers showing them the properties, Rogue had been happily chatting them up, building up a rapport with them, making them all the more encouraging to show them the best features at the locales Jean had selected. Needless to say the four story site was... a lot for Rogue to take in! She'd brushed up against Jean, half way through the tour of it, and spoken quietly to her. "This is utterly beyond me in every imaginable way possible." But she'd said it with a little grin, showing that she still liked it, and still 'wanted it' anyway. <br><br> At the second site, Rogue had joined Jean at observing the view toward the Eiffel Tower. She'd taken the other's hand, and given a little squeeze. "Even Paris has Mutants that need help." She'd said, a mischievous expression coloring her facial features. "Time t'move the school here. Maybe that big ol' place could house us all?" She asked with a little laugh. <br><br> After they'd moved on, however, Rogue was brushing aside some of her own white locks from her face, while glancing at her phone. "I think, if I were to actually ever do something like this, though, I'd prefer something with a yard, away from the city. There's somethin' about all the stuff we've gone through, that gives me an underlying anxiety about city life. Maybe it's the giant robot attack wheels, or the ... killer aliens. Call me crazy." <br><br> She showcased the house and property she'd found a little ways out of the city. "We definitely don't have time to check this one out, do we?" <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:35|Jean Grey (35)}} has posed:'''<br>"Oh the first one could definitely fit a school. Not quite Xaviers scale, but we could open a branch there or something. This one is just enough for you and me and... you know, half a dozen or so of our closest friends as occasional guests!"<br><br>Indeed, the overwhelming pattern to the Paris housing scene does seem to be that there's very little in the 'middle.' As part of the hunting trip, Jean allowed a breach of the phone rule to use the website for the agency they've been dealing with, to browse what they have available. It's more luxury oriented, but its cheapest offerings (a low-low eight hundred thousand!) whip past 'normal' and right into cozy little studios and 1 bedrooms, the places for your would-be 'starving' artists and modern-day Bohemians, the sorts with rich parents. And there's basically nothing with exterior space beyond those balconies. In this ancient city, they've just built up everywhere they possibly can.<br><br>"Yeah, I could go for more space, as luxurious as all this is. Maybe something out in wine country. That'd be beautiful. And hopefully robot-free." They're both more small-town girls at heart, so they seem to have a point of agreement there. Unfortunately, when she checks the listing Rogue's found, she quickly agrees. "No way to do it today. I dunno if maybe we could take a later train tomorrow and see some stuff outside the city first, but it's starting to push things. Speaking of... we've got an appointment to make!"<br><br>There will be time later for more browsing, but like everything, Jean has plotted out this stop so that they're not far from their destination.<br><br>---<br><br>There's a district of the city bordered by the Champes Elysee itself, and the avenues George V and Montaigne (and on a larger scale between the Arc d'Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre) called the Golden Triangle, and it's the capital of French fashion. Chloe, Dior, Christophle, Guerlain, Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent all have their main stores or design houses here, alongside many others. The building they approach is not as impressive as any of these on the outside, indeed, it could be any of the apartments they had been visiting before. Except for the well-dressed man who meets them at the door and asks for an invitation. Magically, Jean provides one, from some little envelope she produces, and he ushers them in. "Mesdemoiselles, par ici s'il-vous-plait."<br><br>Like the ground floor of the pricey apartment building, the interior here stretches the American use of that word. It's more like a tiny little palace than an 'apartment building.' There are stairs up, but also a large ground-floor parlor designed for receiving guests. And it's here that it becomes clear what Jean has snuck them in to: the main Paris Fashion Week may yet be a month off, but that just means everyone is attending these smaller shows trying to work out the trends ahead of the 'big game.'<br><br>In this smaller space, the runway fills almost half the parlor, entering through double doors into another room that has been converted as a changing area. It means the models are quite up close as they walk for a very small crowd. No photographers or press.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:31|Anna-Marie (31)}} has posed:'''<br> "Yeah, I don't wanna bring them with us, admittedly." Rogue spoke on their now-shared fantasy of moving here, living here. "They're all too mean, and too sassy t'be included in this dream." She'd said, giving a smirk toward Jean before she'd stared for a few more moments at the place out of the city limits that they would not have time to see. It did not disappoint the Belle -too much- considering all that she was being given on this trip to experience, as collectively this was more than Anna-Marie really ever thought she would get to do, especially after the past decade or so of her life that involved Mystique and the Brotherhood of Dick Mutants. <br><br> The fashion element of all of this was something that Rogue was no where near as experienced at as Jean was, though she certainly did enjoy fancy clothing, she was still far more used to a good pair of Wrangler jeans, some worn in cowboy boots, and a tied-off flannel shirt. That was Rogue's comfort attire, but what was on offer here-in, was something like out of a dream to her. "This is what Angels wear, I bet..." She'd quietly stated, while viewing some of the window shopping within the district. "And not the kind that march around on runways, an' get people all hot'n bothered debatin' about on social media." She further commented, grinning happily toward Jean. <br><br> But when the time came, and their forms arrived at the front doors of the cente rspotlight tonight, Rogue was in awe, happy happy awe. She'd smiled at the doorman, and thanked him in a flourish of her own tongue within the tunes of French, and swept inside alongside Jean, clutching on to her with an eager intensity. <br><br> Once inside, it was a matter of exploring similarly to a museum, but one that struck her heart a lot closer to the core. "Oh, this is nice..." Rogue was at a loss for words, introducing herself to those who greeted them, some of them even speaking English, as it so happened. <br><br> "Why ARE we doin' what we do for a livin' again?" Rogue whispered in to Jean's left ear then, as she leaned over, whilst observing one of the ongoing 'fashion shows' being put on. "This is what we should be doing, I say..." <br><br> It's possible that Jean is creating a new version of Rogue by immersing her in this experience, a version of her who wants to give up the green and gold tights, in exchange for these upper elite fashion trends! <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:35|Jean Grey (35)}} has posed:'''<br>In what might contrast the expectation of such an elite space, the people in the crowd are... very happy to introduce themselves. Everyone here is obviously supposed to be here, after all. You're in the club just by being in the room. And being new faces? Well, that just makes them _interesting_.<br><br>Most, if Rogue bothers to talk to them long, are predictably fashion people of one sort or another. Designers, boutique and larger store owners, fashion consultants and stylists to the elite. Unlike outside, there's some English being spoken here, although it goes back and forth. In terms of other Americans, Rogue might spot a semi-popular blonde actress watching on the other side of the runway, who also happens to be a brand ambassador for Givenchy.<br><br>Somewhere halfway through all their initial gawking and reaction, a woman emerges from the crowd with speed and purpose. She has dark hair in an angled bob cut, wears a black dress with a large bow on (around?) one shoulder, and most of all, clearly knows... "Jean! It's been forever, I'm so glad you could come." She goes in immediately for a hug and a suitably Parsian pair of cheek kisses. "This is her?" she rounds on Rogue almost as quickly. "Oh my god. Do you know anyone who isn't absolutely gorgeous? You really SHOULD quit whatever you do and do this. I love your hair."<br><br>Temptations!<br><br>"This is Elise," Jean quickly supplies. "She was working for - who was it? Pierre Cardin? - as an assistant, back when I was modeling in college, so she was backstage with me for a few shows. Elise, this is Anna-Marie, but I think I told you most of that already!"<br><br>"You did! And you two are just too cute. Well look, I'm still on the clock, you two enjoy yourselves, mingle, and I'll talk to you after the show." The woman vanishes with all the speed of her appearance, leaving another mystery to this 'after.'<br><br>The show continues. There's a mix of styles on display, with ther current collection doing a winter/spring thing of 'skimpy outfit under BIG coat.' A woman in a mix of Emma Frost worthy almost-nothing and a huge fuzzy white coat. Another in black and white verticle stripes - both on her stockings and skirt - with a black leather jacket. Purple short-shorts and a floral see-through blouse, with a big scarf over it all. A green corset dress, black thigh boots, and a big leather trenchcoat. Much of it is pretty 'out-there' as is often the case with this high-end stuff.<br><br>Near the end, several models show off Paco Rabanne dresses of rather unusual design, some featuring plastic or metal construction, or other strange materials, and often held together in fairly 'how does that stay on?' fashion. They have time to drink and mingle, before going to meet Jean's friend.<br><br>---<br><br>Later: they're backstage. And Elise is kneeling and helping a nearly entirely naked Jean, as she makes adjustments on her with one of the dresses from that last collection. It's made of chains and metal feathers, with a very risque chest piece that amounts to pair of stylized flower pasties. They did versions in gold, silver, and red - guess which Jean is in?<br><br>"How on earth is this going to stay on the rest of the night?"<br><br>"Oh it won't - she'll need to help you put it on ahead of your dinner, and I give you... about an hour moving around before it starts to disintegrate." Elise grins like she might be joking, but... she might also not be!<br><br>Elise had met them afterward and included the other half of the whole mystery: that she'd arranged for them to borrow a couple of pieces to wear later that night.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:31|Anna-Marie (31)}} has posed:'''<br>@emit <br> Naturally Rogue is flirting it up with a lot of people, be it through smiles, or little comments made both in English and French. Even with that celebrity across the way, the Belle gives her a flirtatious expression, along with even a little wave from within a black glove covering her hand. When Jean's friend finds them, the reaction that she gets out of the Belle is just a pleased look, and a few quiet words spoken in French back in return. 'Merci' being said more than once to the kind words. "I like her." is said to Jean once the bubbly friend had departed. <br><br> Settling in for the show, Rogue's eyes were wandering all across the models, not in a lecherous way, but more in a attempt to actually appraise the attires being put on display. <br><br> It is that green one, with the tall boots, and long coat that has Rogue leaning over to Jean to whisper her intrest in it, which should come as no surprise. As for the white fur coat, she gives a 'knowing look' toward Jean, considering it does look a lot like their friend back home. "Miss Boston?" Rogue had offered along with that note. <br><br> "I can't imagine doin' this kinda thing all the time... For this to become a normal event in your life." rogue was saying just after the show ended, as her eyes looked across some of the faces that clearly did live this kind of life on the regular. "It's so foreign, for lack of a better way to explain it." She'd said, following that with a light laugh. Not wanting to be an outcast though, the young Belle kept quiet, and simply followed along with Jean toward the after event in the more secluded back area. <br><br> Rogue had been ushered off by another of Elise's associates, leaving Jean to start to work in to her presented attire. When the Belle returned, she was in the green corset dress, the leather coat worn, the thigh high boots accentuating her long legs, and a glass of some unknown drink in her right gloved hand. "Wow." Rogue said upon seeing Jean. "We have /got/ to put that on your profile page on the school's website." She tells the redhead, a big smile touching her lips before she samples another sip of the drink she'd been given. <br><br> Rogue begins to move in a slow stride around where Jean is getting dressed, her eyes looking her entirely over. "Miss Elise. I need your help talkin' Jean inta lettin' us live this life rather than where we come from. Help me sway her to uprootin' and movin' here?" She asks, her accented English of Mississippian touched with that humorous undertone notorious for her being in a mischievous mood, as her own new clothing sways around her long booted legs. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:35|Jean Grey (35)}} has posed:'''<br>Earlier:<br><br>"I knew you would," Jean had said, after her old friend wandered off. "She was always fun. And smart. Knew she'd end up doing her own designs eventually. It was good luck that she's here far ahead of Fashion Week that we could catch up with her, since she bounces around between Paris, New York, London and Milan now." As the fashion people do! Maybe that's another side to the life that Rogue is looking in on - it's glamorous, but also pretty hectic.<br><br>Which informs Jean's next remark: "It was a little too much for me, you know? Fun in small bursts, to make some money doing something fun and wearing pretty stuff, but to really succeed takes a lot more."<br><br>---<br><br>Later:<br><br>"You will not," Jean almost squeaks. "No pictures of this, ever! I almost asked if she could find me a mask or something to go with it." The reaction also has her turning to see Rogue as she arrives in her own borrowed fashion. "Oh that's perfect on you-"<br><br>"-stahp movin!" Elise calls from her position, talking around a pin held in her mouth. "OK, I think I have it all adjusted. So you should be good to go. Lemme give you some double-sided tape to take with you."<br><br>As for convincing Jean to leave the heroes life behind?<br><br>"Oh, I'm behind you on that one-hundred percent. I always told Jeanie she could have easily kept going with this. But she always had a midterm or final or paper... or some kind of excuse. So she'd be studying while we were having our pretty people cocaine and sex parties." In general, Elise seems very easygoing about saying totally ridiculous things, so it's hard to tell what, if any of it, is exaggerated!<br><br>"I think you'd do better commercial than couture," she goes on to tell Rogue, which is... really just a polite industry way of talking about her boobs. The runway really looks for tall and thin over curves. "But that's not nothing. If anything, there's more money there now, with social media."<br><br>Finally, she stands up. "Alright. Let's get you two packed up." Which paves the way for the final installment of the evening, the place Rogue had to suspect it would end up.<br><br>---<br><br>"Mesdemoiselles et Messieurs! Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome, to the time of your lives! Bienvenue a la Moulin Rouge!"<br><br>Where else was it ever going to end?<br><br>Time has passed, enough for them to wander and relax, perhaps enjoy another house or two, but also to get back to the hotel with plenty of time to freshen up, get (re-)dressed and get ready for the show. It is, after all, only a short walk across the Place Blanche to the infamous and still-running world famous Cabaret.<br><br>Though no longer quite the den of sin it once was, attracting international audiences and many a tourist, it remains nonetheless a somewhat upscale and adult establishment. There is a dress code, but one that _encourages_ a number like Jean's while banning casualwear. It is still painted and lit red, the stage framed with rich velvet curtains while the floor has replaced the main dance area with table seating around an extending runway. Its decorative details include old posters from the period. And the costumes?<br><br>Well, they haven't changed all that much in spirit. High-low skirts that show off ruffled bloomers, bustiers and corsets or bikini tops, feathers, sequins... it's a heck of a show.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:31|Anna-Marie (31)}} has posed:'''<br> Rogue wasn't really sure what 'Commercial instead of Couture' was implying, but she did take it in stride, only paying a small glance to herself in that corset dress. It fit her surprisingly well, unlike Jean's, not requiring a lot of work to get her in to it, but she was still busting from it, so to speak. taking it all in stride. "I'm not allowed to post risque photos on my socials..." She quietly did reply to Elise. "Part'n parcel with havin' young students in a classroom settin', I think." She states, now grinning a little toward Jean. Whether that was true or not, was not clearly defined, though! Instagram model pictures? Maybe fine. Full on OnlyFans slummin? Probably be jobless after that point. <br><br> On the way out, Rogue had leaned over toward Jean, holding her outfit in a bag in front of her. "Do we get to keep this stuff?" <br><br> Once back in the hotel, Rogue had showered and cleaned up quite quickly, before she'd thrown the outfit back on, and instantly started snapping photos, and posting them to her social media pages anyway. She even posted a full video of about 10 minutes in length, entirely in French, which was bound to get a fair amount of attention on her Mighty Woman profiles. She'd left Jean out of it all, though, by request! She had, however, mentioned their intended entertainment locale for the evening, which had all kinds of positive comments being left, along with silly gifs, racey photos, and other internet hilarity. When in the hotel room, the 'phone rule' was even more bent, if not outright broken! <br><br> But soon there-after, the duo was off for their evening affair! Rogue was ecstatic at it all too, moving with a fluid grace that was punctuated by her fluid graceful movements, energetic and beaming with an inner light. She kept close to Jean, one arm hooked around the others, or offering the same in return, as they navigated the Moulin Rouge, and its inhabitants this evening. With her hair brushed back straight now, leaving her white bangs in a singular 'skunky' stripe down the back of her head, Rogue's makeup was smokey, alluring, with dark eyeliner and eye shadow helping her eyes pop even more at the sights she was witnessing. "Okay, this is definitely even more foreign of a life than the modeling show." She said toward her date for the evening. She noticed a pair of men in fancy penguin tuxes eyeing them both, and a quick wave, a sweet smile, and a blown kiss was sent their way from the Belle. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:35|Jean Grey (35)}} has posed:'''<br>They do not, in fact, get to keep the dresses!<br><br>The whole loaner thing is either just a simple favor for a friend... or a bit of tricksy viral marketing on Elise's part. No one expects press for a couple of low-key tourists out doing fun but very typical romantic stuff, but people do have phones and you never know what might trend. And even if she never said it out loud, the fact that one of those Mighty Woman posts gets an instantaneous like from the press account for the show they just went to... uh, it seems like she DEFINITELY knew who Rogue was. Tricksy woman!<br><br>Why get some actress to wear it down the red carpet when you can get a genuine superheroine out on a date?<br><br>So Jean and Rogue are advertising. No biggy. Heck if she really wants to throw away the hero job and model full time...<br><br>---<br><br>At the show, Jean can only laugh at how strange Rogue finds it. "Really? Don't they have a bit of this in the south, kind of? Seems like the kind of show you could see on one of those river steamboats." Probably nothing QUITE so over the top!<br><br>From there, the night plays out as one might expect. The shows has a vague storyline (something about a circus featuring various misfits and would-be lovers), although most of the focus is certainly on the performances: the dancers are exquisite, putting on complex group choreographies with elaborate sets, set to equally upbeat music, or occasionally highlighting even more involved solo dances. At one point they march down the central runway, near Rogue and Jean's table...<br><br>And suddenly leap down to surround them, bursting into a rendition of 'Bon Anniversaire' for the lucky Belle. By the end, Jean is grinning almost too wide for her face to contain it, and leans in to give Rogue a kiss - to the hoots and appluse of nearly the whole place! They've become, at least for the moment, part of the act!<br><br>"Happy birthday, you." And that, really, would be enough excitement for the night, one would think. But it's not where it stops.<br><br>The story has gone on a while, to the point where the star of the production, another redhead - gasp! - named Adele, is performing a scene pining over her misfortunes, believing herself doomed to be sold by the ringmaster to a rich patron of the show. A moving panel closes in front of her, and from behind it, there's a scream. In silhouette, she can be seen struggling with someone, and then carried away.<br><br>The audience carries on, laughing and drinking.<br><br>She keeps screaming, although the sound quickly muffles. Some of the dancers look around in confusion. "Ce n'est pas ainsi que nous l'avons repete..." murmurs one to another.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:31|Anna-Marie (31)}} has posed:'''<br> "If'n they had this kinda entertainment in Meridian, I might not have left." Rogue responded with regard to her hometown. "Maybe the closer ya get to Texas, or down near New Mexico... Most we had was a bowlin' alley that put on a few plays after the theater burned down long before I was born." She really makes Meridian sound way more podunk than it actually is! <br><br> When the show became suddenly focused upon them, Rogue was surprised by this, and some part of her felt a tingle of danger, but it wasn't her seventh sense, it was more-so her cynicism toward life itself after having lived so many crazy events. But it only took a few seconds for the Belle to see this was pre-arranged, and with it she melted right in. She melted right in to the kiss too, making it a good one for everyone watching, a clear measure of her pretty facial features working muscles along her jawline as she gave a passionate kiss to her dinner companion this evening, for setting this up. Birthdays were a big deal to Rogue, and more than a few of them had been pretty awful for her, but since coming to Xaviers, they seem to have been getting better and better... <br><br> She had a sultry smile, for Jean, when she'd parted from the kiss, and had given her hand a firm squeeze through the black glove she wore with her green corseted dress. The kiss, and the reaction it had gotten from everyone, had Rogue smiling, and even offering a little wave, before she settled back in to the entertainment. <br><br> She, like everyone else, paid no heed to the scream, not at first anyway. It was what she heard the cast member mutter that made her loft an eyebrow, and reconsider some of what had just happened. <br><br> This is when Rogue leaned in close to Jean again, shoulder to shoulder, but not for lovin this time, but to whisper. <br><br> "That guy there just said somethin' about not rehearsin that scream. Ya sense anythin strange?" She asks, lips close to Jean's ear since the noise level in the theater was a bit high in the moment. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:35|Jean Grey (35)}} has posed:'''<br>Rogue's tongue comes to the rescue - and not just with that kiss!<br><br>As soon as she mentioned the off-sounding comment, Jean's brow furrows, and she looks around. "I'd been very consciously NOT trying to sense anything at all. But-" And it really only takes her an instant to flip that switch, to ease back on the very dense layers of filtering it takes to keep the background in the background, and let it all come flooding in. Of course, that presents its own challenge: it's a crowded room with lots of people on emotional highs, so there's a lot of stray thoughts bouncing around.<br><br>But this is Jean, and she's not new at this. She can cut through all the guys (and a few gals) whose imaginations are going wild about the dancers, cut past the waitstaff's boredom and irritation and over-excited tourists, focus on the stage, on the various dancers and their growing worry, and then toward the now-missing Adele-<br><br>"Oh, it's definitely not part of the show. She's scared out of her wits. Some guy grabbed her, I can see her thoughts of him, some stalker fan, but... I can't find his mind."<br><br>Her brow etches deeply with all of this. 'Spoiling' the vacation with superheroing was something she was very much trying to avoid. But it's not like either of them could sit here and ignore it.<br><br>In the meantime, it seems like realization has slowly come to the cast up on stage at least, as their performance has paused. The Impressario has come out, "Desole... ah, apologies, we are having ze, ah, technical deeficulties."<br><br>"I'm following her, she's heading... up, somewhere. Whaddya want to do?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:31|Anna-Marie (31)}} has posed:'''<br> Rogue, with her gloved hand still interlaced fingers with Jean's own, Rogue felt her body stiffen up some at the confirmation that something was 'up'. She had her eyes laser-focused on the stage, and the people on it, watching to see if any of them were acting unusually, as Jean settled in, located at least one of the parties-involved minds' and then spoke the update. Rogue looked over to Jean then, her bottom lip tucked into her mouth as she had been anxiously chewing lightly upon it. But now, she spoke. "I'm gonna go after them. You clear everyone so they don't see me, and keep'em calm. Keep track on her mind, give me whatever updates ya got. Make sure a stampede doesn't break out in here?" She lays it out, her plan anyway, as she gave Jean's hand a light squeeze, and her cheek another peck. <br><br> The Belle stood up then, her dress far more giving to action and movement than Jean's would be, but she knows Jean can easily change in to anything else so should she desire. <br><br> A moment there-after and Rogue was up in the air, floating up and moving over the stage. She'd hoped that Jean would block people from being able to see her, but she admittedly still didn't fully grasp what Jean was, and wasn't, capable of... No matter, though, the stage was being flown over, and where that lead actress had gone, Rogue was now headed toward, with her own green dress fluttering in the wake behind her! <br><br> "You said they're going up?" Rogue's voice comes over the mind connection, a mental muscle she's all too familiar with flexing these days, much like the other mental muscle she was taught how to flex to help seal-off her skin contact effect. <br><br> "If it's some derranged lunatic fan, he might be takin' her up there to throw her off the damn roof..." Rogue further states, as she tries to navigate the back area of this legendary theater. <br><br> In fact, it's hard to even keep her focus, considering all the times she'd watched the musical namesake film that was based on this place in her life, starting with her mother first introducing her to it when she was very young! <br><br> Mighty Woman, floating and flying, was a consummate professional hero too, right?! <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:35|Jean Grey (35)}} has posed:'''<br>These two are beyond 'teamwork,' but the training still applies. Rogue calls the play, and Jean is ready to go: "Roger that. Go get her."<br><br>Also, she can't move fast right now without severe possibility of a wardrobe malfunction, so 'sit and play crowd control' sounds good to her! It would really be nice if she didn't have to scrub -that- image out of everyone's minds on top of whatever else might happen.<br><br>In any case, it's a relatively easy plan to execute. Already the crowd is pretty distracted, with attention focused toward the stage (and some of the backstage area immediately behind it), so no one is paying much attention to a patron up and moving through the seats, although flight might be a bit out of the usual. Still, it's not too hard to sell it in their minds given that it was a stage show about a circus. What's another pretty lady swinging around in the air? And Jean really prefers those 'gentle' nudges when at all possible.<br><br>As she actually lands ON the stage, one of the dancers moves up to her, but as she starts talking, it's clear Jean is 'in' there... at to some degree. Mostly because she speaks English, although even then, it feels fifty-fifty. "She said a man was always coming by her dressing room, but I don't remember ever seeing him, we told her she was imagining things- you know, she's very popular. Some of us thought she was stuck-up with the fame."<br><br>The woman's admissions are spoken in her own voice, although obviously, Jean is helping them come out easier.<br><br>&lt;&lt;It's so strange, all of them remember Adele mentioning him, but none of THEM ever saw him, or remember him at all... Weird. Anyway. Yes. I think you're right. Feels like they're going up the windmill. There's a spiral stair around the mechanical shaft, should be able to shoot right up it...&gt;&gt;<br><br>Jean can also pull the floorplan from all of their heads, so she's a useful navigational aid. All told, this makes it a quick trip for the Belle. Navigating through the elaborate setpieces backstage, she passes an unconscious man - a stagehand, maybe? Another victim? - before reaching those stairs and being able to shoot straight up the inside of the mill.<br><br>In the end, Rogue's instinct proves true. There's some kind of maintenance room at the top of the thing, with some signs of habitation, old wine bottles and plates. While the windmill wheels are normally kept turning for the tourists (now using modern motors as backup), they've halted. An open window shutter creaks with the wind, revealing the cold night beyond, and once through it, she finds them.<br><br>Two figures, the beautiful Adele and... a man? Someone so plain that it feels almost difficult to focus on him, as if he weren't even there.<br><br>Jean's voice: &lt;&lt;Did you find them? I still can't-&gt;&gt;<br><br>"Only you ever saw me... and you rejected me! But now, now they all will..." comes a voice like oil, slippery and hard to grasp.<br><br>"Please," begs Adele. "Don't hurt me. I'm grateful for the gifts, but you have to understand-"<br><br>Perhaps he makes the first move. Perhaps Rogue does by instinct. But either way, it happens. There's movement. And in an instant, from the stilled sail of the windmill, both begin to fall.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:31|Anna-Marie (31)}} has posed:'''<br> Having a random stage performer approach her and talk in a cadence similar to a girl from New York is enough for Rogue to know that Jean is a puppet master, of sorts. Some part of Rogue finds that use of her power to be unsettling, but who is she to judge? She's the 'icy hand of death' as some have described her! "Right." Rogue simply said back as she ventured further in to the bowels of the Moulin Rouge. "Birthday cake later?" She asked over her shoulder as she held her dress up enough to navigate more easily. <br><br> Once she found the downed stage hand, she frowned. "We got at least one injured guy back here. I dunno if they have medics on-site, but if they do, and you know where they are, you better get them back here as quietly as you can." Rogue further said through their shared connection. <br><br> When she reached the spiral staircase, her gloved hand ran across the curved railing, silently feeling the kinetic presence of the new place, some part of her still in awe of even being in this damn building, but she had to remain focused! <br><br> "I'm concerned that you couldn't read his mind too. That's rare, right?" She asks, as she starts to move up the stairs, her boots clinking on the steps as she advances up a few paces before she starts flying again. "Damn, this place is beautiful, in a weird way..." She mutters more distantly. "Makes me think I was predictin' the future when I told ya Paris has Mutant problems too earlier..." <br><br> Flying, but with her hands on the railings, Rogue silently spins and spins until she reaches the top, where her eyes see the signs of a bit of drunken enjoyment. She gathers up a wine bottle, tipping it over to see it empty save for a few crimson droplets. "Someone's been boozin, maybe dwellin in their own head..." She mutters, before the movement of the open window draws her eyes. <br><br> Rogue flips the bottle over, catching it by its long neck, and quickly sweeps her body over to peer out the window. She can hear voices within a matter of seconds, then, and draws in a light breath. "Got'em." She informs Jean through the link between their minds. <br><br> A few simple guiding motions with her hands, one still clutching that emptied wine bottle, Rogue manuevers out of the window on to the roof. She drops down upon it, as she starts to walk toward the pair of voices having a heated back and forth. "They're definitely not singin' about the world bein' filled with too many love songs." Rogue further states, a second before she's about to speak to them. "Shit!" She suddenly gasped, when she saw what was happening. <br><br> "He did it, the son of a bitch! They're fallin'! I'm goin---!" <br><br> Rogue went silent then, but Jean would be able to feel her through the distance between them. Rogue's heart was beating fast, her mind was racing, images of the Belle rushing across the rooftop of the red windmill, and diving over its edge! <br><br> Screams echoed out in to the night, the poor Adele forced to feel her last moments on Earth be consumed with fear, terror, and adrenaline! <br><br> The pair rushed toward the pavement outside, the sounds of Paris all around them, as their deaths were soon to become a new legend within this romantic locale! <br><br> Or, that is how it might have played out, if Rogue hadn't been here. Jean could have easily saved them, if she'd been able to be here herself, but in lieu of that telekinetic invisible hand, the two falling figures instead are clutched by the gloved hands of the Mississippi Magnolia, holding them by their armpits, just a handful of feet off of the ground. <br><br> "ya'll sure know how t'put on a show here, don't ya?" She asks them, her smokey voice the sound of an angel for one, and maybe a demon for the other. <br><br> She sets them down on the ground, releasing Adele, while holding hard still on to the man's arm. She gives Adele a small smile, before she looks to the bewildered man's face, and slowly shakes her head at him. "Not cool." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:35|Jean Grey (35)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt;&lt;I'll send one of them back there to find him,&gt;&gt; Jean quickly confirms, for the downed man. &lt;&lt;It IS very strange. But you're right. He could be a mutant. Some kind of... mental cloaking, maybe? Would explain no one remembering him.&gt;&gt;<br><br>Still, all of that? It's what we'd call a LATER problem. The more pressing one is standing right in front of her, or rather, soon plummeting toward the Boulevard de Clichy at an alarming pace.<br><br>Rogue, of course, dives after them! And at this point, two things happen.<br><br>The first, for all the drama of that terrifying fall and the high-speed dive that follows, is almost forgone. A falling damsel who just happens to be a show-stopping redheaded beauty? Rogue makes THAT save for sure. She has a record to uphold!<br><br>The second thing is that she feels a rush of air and movement beside her, as a second figure drops out of the air after the two of them, from a different angle. It's a man with wings. Who is not Warren. Though... the Worthington IP lawyers might want a crack at him, in his blue and purple suit and 90s headsock. The wings might be part of the costume, in this case, it's kind of hard to say.<br><br>As they plummet, he flies along side them, behind first but closing in. "Je vous sauverai- oh? Peut-etre pas."<br><br>Rogue has them, though, and lands without difficulty. The crowd all around (it's a busy street in front of a busy establishment) all cheers! Either Elise is a PR genius, or she's... a PR genius villain who plotted this whole thing?<br><br>Man #1: "Regarde! C'est le Faucon Pelerin! Et...qui est-ce?"<br><br>Man #2: "Idiote! C'est la Femme Puissant! Vous savez, le heros americain avec l'enorme..." He cups his hands in front of his chest.<br><br>As they wait for the 'Gendarmes,' Rogue will get to sign some autographs. Adele has fainted during the fall, but set gently wherever she is, she eventually comes back awake and blinks a few times, before shooting a look at the other hero (apparently the 'Peregrine Falcon') in exasperation "Qu'est-ce qui vous a pris tant de temps?!"<br><br>Do they... know each other? It's all very strange. Eventually, the police do show up, of course, to take the man into custody. He has no ID, and a face that can only be described as staggeringly plain. Jean comes out with the other 'normal' customers, but waits for Rogue to answer whatever questioning.<br><br>And by the time they make it back to the hotel? They'll already have forgotten his face.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17034/A_Walk_In_The_Dark&diff=2517417034/A Walk In The Dark2024-01-29T04:20:30Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/28 |Location=Upper West Side |Synopsis=Kurt encounters Felicity on the streets of New York and walks her home. |Cast of Characters=2669,437..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/28<br />
|Location=Upper West Side<br />
|Synopsis=Kurt encounters Felicity on the streets of New York and walks her home.<br />
|Cast of Characters=2669,437<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
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{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:2669|Felicity Smoak (2669)}} has posed:'''<br>Student concerts at Juilliard are amazing. There was a smattering of classical piano pieces from one of the more renown teachers and her students. Naturally, Felicity had to go since it wasn't too far from the penthouse.<br><br>And so it was now that she decided to walk back home this evening. There was a light dusting of snow, and she was wrapped up in a navy long peacoat, keeping her cozy and warm from the cold.<br><br>But for some reason, she's walking a bit faster. There's New York walking, and then there's this. Occasionally, she looks back, pursing her lips as she's somewhat of a target.<br><br>She's young. She's beautiful. And clearly, from her clothing, she has money to spare.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:437|Kurt Wagner (437)}} has posed:'''<br>While Kurt Wagner might not be a resident of New York City, he is a pretty regular visitor. For one thing, when one can teleport -- even if only about five miles at a time -- it is not a very long trip at all from Westchester to the city proper. There is also the fact that he has a number of friends outside the mutant community at that particular school on Greymalkin Lane. <br>f<br>And occasionally, not that he would ever admit to such a thing, one just needs to get away from a mansion full of hormonal teens. Even for someone as good natured as Kurt there is only so much that he can take. <br><br>So he has been wiling away the hours with friends, with wine and pleasant conversations. Far away from the threats that the X-Men are occasionally called upon to deal with. Or the responsibilities of being a teacher at an all mutant school. <br><br>Now? Now he's out for a pleasant walk, enjoying the cool, brisl whether, the collars of his coat turned up high to partially obscure his features, though no other means to disguise himself made as he pads along the Upper West Side streets.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2669|Felicity Smoak (2669)}} has posed:'''<br>Could it just be paranoia or is there something or someone going after her? Felicity isn't exactly going to risk it, so she walks a little faster, a little brisker. And that means she isn't exactly where she's going.<br><br>And oh look, there's a Kurt in the way. They just happen to be on the same sidewalk, and she continues to make her way towards him, looking back, every now and then.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:437|Kurt Wagner (437)}} has posed:'''<br>Certainly the streets of New York are better then what they once were and the Upper West Side is a fairly nice district all things considered. But New York is still a big city, and no big city is entirely devoid of crime. Of those that would prey on others. So while it might be paranoia, well, sometimes a little paranoia is a healthy thing all things considered. <br><br>With hands stuffed into the pockets of that heavy trenchcoat, Kurt strolls along, even whistles softly to himself as he enjoys the evening. The city might not sleep, but it does become quieter at a certain point. Still, spotting the woman up ahead, hurrying towards him and glancing back over her shoulder, Kurt pauses. The dark is nothing to him, those bright golden eyes piercing it readily and as she nears, he puts on his most reassuring smile, teeth gleaming against those otherwise dark, indigo furred features. "Good evening frauline. Is anything amiss?" he asks courteously.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2669|Felicity Smoak (2669)}} has posed:'''<br>Miss Smoak has made some enemies through the years, especially working for Oliver Queen. It's not exactly a secret about their relationship which makes her a viable target for anyonewanting to get at Queen Consolidated.<br><br>This evening is one of those when a PI was hired to track and trace her every movement, wanting to find something of interest that could be used against her and potentially the company. There's a man in a trenchcoat, hiding in the darkness, shadowing her the entire time.<br><br>It's then that she's startled by the German accent. Felicity practically yelps, before letting out a nervous chuckle as she runs her fingers through her blonde locks. "Just trying to get home. I thought I'd enjoy the light dusting of snow but, you ever have that feeling someone's following you?" she asks.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:437|Kurt Wagner (437)}} has posed:'''<br>It is always something of a relief when those he encounters do not instinctively recoil from those vaguely demonic features that he sports, and while he has no end of patience for those that do, it still makes for a nice change. <br><br>Either way, Kurt offers a reassuring if somewhat toothy smile, just a hint of fang flashing as he does so, dipping his head in her direction with apparent understanding. "I quite know what you mean," he assures her. As well he should, having been followed a time or two himself. Of course it is fairly easy for him to shake any tail, no matter what. Except maybe his own. <br><br>Falling in beside her as if it is the most natural thing in the world, the fuzzy blue elf in his own trenchcoat says quietly and calmly. "In this case your feeling is well founded frauline. There is indeed a man that seems to be trailing you. He is fairly good, but not used to running into those that can see quite clearly even in the dark," he says quietly. <br><br>See? It's not paranoia if they really are out to get you.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2669|Felicity Smoak (2669)}} has posed:'''<br>It's only when she feels slightly safer in the presence of Kurt does she finally notice his demonic visage. Her eyes widen, clearly surprised, but considering his demeanor, she doesn't exactly move away or scream. She's heard about mutants, mutates, and all sorts of people who might look different. Perhaps she's even met an alien or two!<br><br>"I was hoping I wasn't being followed." Felicity admits ruefully, sighing softly as she looks back for a few moments.<br><br>"Will you walk me to my building then at least. If you wouldn't mind? And I never got your name."<br><br>Extending a hand, she formally introduces herself, "Felicity."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:437|Kurt Wagner (437)}} has posed:'''<br>The surprise is hardly unexpected and doesn't phase Kurt in the least, and he walks steadily beside her, only occasionally shooting discrete glances back over his own shoulder to keep tabs on the man that follows her through those shadowy city streets. <br><br>"But of course. I would be only more then happy to play escort," Kurt says with a grin and an exuberant courtly bow, those bright golden eyes dancing merrily under the orange glow of the street lights. Apparently his own walk wasn't taking him anywhere specifically. At least nowhere that he isn't content to put off until such a time as he has got her home safe and sound. <br><br>Taking the offered hand in his own, also unique one, he gives it a firm shake before letting it go. "A pleasure Felicity. You may call me Kurt," he says, offering up his own introduction in turn.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2669|Felicity Smoak (2669)}} has posed:'''<br>And now she feels a lot better. He's friendly enough and rather chipper, which is something she didn't expect from someone who looks like him.<br><br>Felicity smiles and bows her head, again, taking a few moments to notice the structure of his hand. "So, I hope this doesn't offend, but are you... an alien?" she has to ask, as that's where she has most experience. "I've met one before, but she was green."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:2669|Felicity Smoak (2669)}} has posed:'''<br>And now she feels a lot better. He's friendly enough and rather chipper, which is something she didn't expect from someone who looks like him.<br><br>Felicity smiles and bows her head, again, taking a few moments to notice the structure of his hand. "So, I hope this doesn't offend, but are you... an alien?" she has to ask, as that's where she has most experience. "I've met one before, but she was green."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:437|Kurt Wagner (437)}} has posed:'''<br>Again, Kurt seems entirely unphased by the question though he gives an amused shake of his head. "I am afraid your streak is broken then, my fair frauline," he asserts with a quiet laugh. "My origins are much more Earthly, though not of this country as I'm certain my accent gives away," he adds lightly, winking one of those golden eyes in her direction. <br><br>"No, I am a mutant, which perhaps would have been your next guess. Nothing alien or sinister about me. I give you my word," he adds with a quiet laugh.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17035/Step_On_It,_Louie!&diff=2517317035/Step On It, Louie!2024-01-29T04:20:20Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/28 |Location=Bronx |Synopsis=Bank robbers run afoul of a number of heroes as they to flee. Juggernaut makes off with half the loot. |Cast o..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/28<br />
|Location=Bronx<br />
|Synopsis=Bank robbers run afoul of a number of heroes as they to flee. Juggernaut makes off with half the loot.<br />
|Cast of Characters=38,163,392,384,283,770,635<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
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{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:38|Steve Rogers (38)}} has posed:'''<br>The five men wearing ski masks and brandishing shotguns, submachine guns or assault rifles inside the New York City Bank have all the customers down on the ground as they begin emptying registers into duffle bags. They don't know that Wallace Smith, New York City Patrolman is there on his day off, but with a gun in his ankle holster.<br><br>He waits until they aren't looking and slowly slides his hand down towards it. Only to find another hand reach over and stay his own. Looking up, Wallace's eyes widen as he finds himself looking across at Steve Rogers. Under his breath, Steve says to the off duty cop, "Too many people here. Let them leave. I'll take care of it."<br><br>The off duty cop nods, and the bank robbers finish looting the bank and hurry outside. There are two vehicles waiting for them, an SUV and a high end sedan, both black with plates that have been concealed. Both drivers are also masked.<br><br>Outside the bank now, a woman screams as she sees the men in masks and with guns. It draws everyone's eyes to the men making for the vehicles. Someone in uniform up the street yells at them to stop. It's a meter maid, but one of the men with an assault rifle turns and fires a shot that pings off the car she was just giving a ticket to. People scatter as the robbers get into the two cars and they begin to pull away.<br><br>The door to the bank opens and Steve Rogers rushes out, wearing jeans and a leather jacket, turning to spot the cars starting to pull up the street.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>Inside the bank, Damian Wayne was with Talia, the pair of them checking on some accounts outside the Wayne family's pervue. After all, an al-Ghul needs mad money now and again. And that was when a robbery broke out. And while Damian was itching, hard, to get involved, a glance to his mother tempered him and kept him from leaping right in. <br><br>This is only proven to be the right call when he catches sight of Steve Rogers also standing down for the moment - finnne - Damian can behave for a few moments, at least. As the robbery is completed and the crooks are running out, Damian watches Steve head off in pursuit. Now, now he can get excited. And he nearly bounces on the balls of his feet as he grabs Talia's hand. "Come, mother, the chase is afoot!" he calls out, as he tugs her out the door towards the car that she brought him in. So much for a check of accounts and a nice lunch and discussion of Damian's life. AVOIDED. <br><br>As he runs for the car, he lets go of Talia's hand long enough to show her that he pick-pocketed the keys. "I'll drive!" he declares, then notices. "They shot the car! They'll pay!" And into the driver's seat, waiting for Talia. <br><br>Get in losers, we're going on a chase.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan Gwynn was just enjoying a peaceful flight over the city when she notices some activity going on down below..Technically, as an Xman, she's only interested in mutant matters and not petty crime, but as Meghan, she knows she has abilities that might help. Marroon eyes narrow as she sees them pile into two separate vehicles.<br><br>"Well gee, they're getting away! I'd better follow them.." and so she angles downwards to follow the SUV but keeping high enough to stay out of the way. Where are they headed, and are they going to get into busy traffic? Best not to make a move til she can get them alone.<br><br>Of course, dressed in her yellow and blue Xmen uniform, sooner or later they'll likely notice her tailing them if they happen to look up.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>Today was supposed to be a day off. No bookings, no training, no gym... just a quiet day to take a nice walk. Maybe grab a cup of coffee and get one's thoughts in order.<br><br>This is more or less what Mike had planned for today. Wearing Goodwill's finest, the rockstar turned actor is doing his best to go about in incognito mode. And he's doing a great job. No issues with picking up the coffee and he's just walking and sipping.<br><br>Until the screams and sounds of gunfire raise up.<br><br>Shit.<br><br>Amongst the chaos, the cup ends up in a nearby trash receptacle while Mike ends up darting into an alleyway.<br><br>Moments tick by before the body of a raven errupts from between the building, flying skywards before looping and rolling itself into a more constructive pursuit. Dark eyes fixate down upon the scenery, discerning which vehicles to focus on.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:283|Elektra Natchios (283)}} has posed:'''<br>Just her luck.<br><br>This was supposed to be a simple morning, talking to her late father's bank manager about the move of some assets. But no, bank robbers had to ruin Elektra's morning. Where's a hero when the city needs them? Somehow she will most likely be pinning the blame on this on Daredevil. Which is just par for the course. Being a bit aside from the main floor she was observing the criminals, perhaps considering whether to go for them right here and now. Unlike Steve she doesn't have the moral quandaries of saving hostages but she stays put when she notes the rather familiar figure of Steve Rogers not too far and moves when the gangsters step out to flee.<br><br>Stopping near Steve she looks his way, "Seems we meet again, Mr. Rogers." a beat, "Shall we give chase?" her exotic accent showing.<br><br>Wait, wasn't she just a host at some Hellfire Club party?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>With her not having access to her 'family' accounts, and on somewhat surer footing with the Waynes.. Talia has accepted that she can have help with some things. And not having to make educated guesses as to which of her private stashes are ones that are being monitored, and what ones her father does not care of. So having access to things from the Waynes are still a mental adjustment tier. As she waits in line over with Damian, there's the screech at vehicles. A bank robbery is something that she would ordinarily stay out of the way of..<br><br>But with her son rushing, she is honor bound to go with him. So she goes to break into a run with him as the two head towards the vehicle they came in. The car that the duo came in on is an old Model T style one, that has been lovingly restored by hand and upgraded throughout the years to be something of a classic, looking like it came off the assembly line with a fresh coat of paint. It's been upgraded to some degree so it doesn't need the hand crank to start up and with a modernized engine in.<br><br>The car was Talia's choosing. Something about an old style, a classic.. Something reassuring about something old and sturdy, that had withstood so many years of life. And she's over in the passenger seat as Damian gets it going and they're off in the chase!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:38|Steve Rogers (38)}} has posed:'''<br>Steve Rogers spots the cars pulling away as he hears Elektra as she follows out the door behind him. Steve turns, recognizing her quickly enough. "Miss Natchios, appreciate the help," he says to the woman he only knows as a hostess, and daughter of a Greek diplomat, "But I wouldn't want you to come to any harm." He looks back to the vehicles which have a head start on him. "If you'll excuse me, ma'am," he says as he takes off running, rapidly accelerating to near the speeds the vehicles are able to make.<br><br>They are weaving through traffic, having timed the robbery to take advantage of the streets being less crowded than normal. But they still find themselves slowed by other traffic, the blond-haired super soldier sprinting rapidly after them.<br><br>One of the men in the SUV looking behind them for cops quickly notices Cap, and also the pursuing Model T, the man not sure which is the odder sight. No sign of spotting Megan above them yet. The windows go down so one of the gunmen can lean out with a shotgun.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>Mother is an odd duck. Damian wanted to take the Lamborghini Spyder. But no, Talia was feeling nostalgic after watching Bonnie and Clyde, and that's where we are. In a wide body four-door sedan that could have just rolled off the assembly line, except now it has a new speed hole thanks to the bullet wound. <br><br>The V8 roars to life, and the hulking beast makes it way out of the parking spot, the parking ticket blown off the windshield wiper as Damian guns the engine into pursuit of the SUV, considering that the big car may have a better chance of keeping up with the SUV than the smaller, speedier car. <br><br>Weaving in and out of traffic, the young man wears a determined grin as he comes up behind the SUV and *BUMPS* the rear of the larger vehicle as the man leans out with the shotgun, Damian intent on causing him to drop that rifle and take it out of the equation.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>The old Model T, a classic collected by Thomas Wayne that according to old family legend used to belong to Al Capone himself, races along. As they bump into the car in front of them, Talia looks wistful. Well aware of the ironies of this exchange, which in her mind is enough justification to make an exception to her normal rules of engagement. Her hand is braced over to the side of the door. The car existing long before seat belt regulations, and thus exempted from them. They would bump hard over into the car in front of them, Talia bracing herself over and looking for something she can throw at them.<br><br>Noting that would risk throwing out the car's wheels and it overturning. She spies the daughter of the Greek ambassador and watches curiously. Then seeing the sparkly winged magical girl zooming after it. Not often one sees someone with stranger professional attire than Zatanna. She goes to pop open the glove compartment of the car, fiddling around with it in search of something to throw that's not a family thing, historical object, or that the Waynes would miss.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>As the raven shoots off after the vehicle, he takes note of the surroundings and forms a basic game plan. It seems several others have taken up the chase as well. So... might as well make things a bit easier. <br><br>In theory.<br><br>Swooping down towards the SUV roof, the raven perches upon it. The head of the bird looks to the pursuing vehicles and...<br><br>Did a bird just wave at Damian?<br><br>How odd.<br><br>The bird fades from view.<br><br>Even odder.<br><br>No longer visible, the phantasm reaches over the roof to grab the shotgun pointed out of the window, feeding his power into it to help remove that particular weapon from the equation.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Thankfully the streets aren't too busy..Yet. Better stop these bozos before things get too busy on the roads. But this could quickly go south too so she has to time this properly. When the SUV rolls down it's windows, she darts in, spying the gunman and trying to time this just right.<br><br>"Okay, here we go....!" fluttering her wings quickly, she lands atop the SUV and attempts to sprinkle the roof with faerie dust, aiming to let it spill specifically down on the gunman with the rolled down window. With any luck, should it hit him, he will start to hallucinate, maybe get all confused or giggly or oddly relaxed or sleepy. Her dust has some unpredictable but mostly calming effects Afterall.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:635|Cain Marko (635)}} has posed:'''<br>Some days can go from bad to worse. For those in the fleeing vehicles with some many of civilization's finest working to apprehend them? The worse comes when the driver in the lead vehicle takes note of a large object some distance away, in the roadway. The towering form wrapped in crimson and sporting a domed helmet marches down the center of the road. One vehicle that has edged over the center line in a bid to get around traffic is carefully lifted with one massive paw of a hand lifting beneath the front of the car's frame. As though adjusting the location of an end table, the Juggernaut gingerly sets the vehicle back into its appropriate lane. "Stay in your lane, pipsqueak," he comments to the gawking driver.<br><br>Then it's back to his inexorable, unstoppable march down the center of the street. Directly in the direction of the fleeing vehicles. It's a game of chicken and one is a sedan. The Juggernaut doesn't seem keen to stray out of oncoming traffic. Judging by the malicious grin that's visible beneath the dome of his helmet? That's exactly the plan.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:283|Elektra Natchios (283)}} has posed:'''<br>Always polite that Steve Rogers. Elektra watches run off. Or rather, *really run off* with the kind of speed that is not normal. Not one that she can hope to catch. Luckily there's a straggler, one of the bandits on a motocycle just about to take off. Taking aim at Steve's back when he is starting his run....<br><br>Right into a snapkick out of Elektra, followed by a stomping foot on his head once he falls down. Not enough to kill him of course, she made a promise to a certain blind lawyer. But he will at an hospital, "Thank you for the motobike." she tells the unconscious robber, hopping onto it.<br><br>And she even picks up the motohelmet dropped by the assailant. It wouldn't do good for people to be identifying her left and right on the news later tonight. Sliding it in she lets the motobike roar before ensuing pursuit, right after Steve.<br><br>"You need someone to watch your six, Steve." says the woman as she weaves past traffic, keeping close to the Captain for a few moments before veering her bike away to get out of the way of the Juggernaut. No one likes to be in his way!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:38|Steve Rogers (38)}} has posed:'''<br>Before the gunman can get a shot off directly at Cap, the Model T speeds past the running Avenger, thumping the back of the SUV. The gun's aim is jarred wildly and it goes off, shattering the window of a parked car that is thankfully unoccupied!<br><br>Soon after the raven lands on the roof of the car, the gun goes incoporeal, the gunman having a moment of perplexed look. But then some of that faerie dust gets on him and he reaches up and pulls off his mask. "Wheeeeew," he says, rubbing his fingers through his scalp now it out from underneath of the confining ski mask. "Really gets itchy in there, you know," he says as he reclines back in the seat and lets out a sigh.<br><br>"What the F-!!!" the man riding shotgun (but with an assualt rifle) yells at him. "Start shooting!" He leans out his window as well, having seemed to be spared the hit of pixie dust. He takes aim at the Model T, Captain America, and Elektra on the motorcycle and lets off a quick burst of bullets!<br><br>Cap sees the gun pointing his way and dodges to the side, bullets hitting the pavement behind him. He looks over to the motorcycle that suddenly appears, concern on his face as the rider deftly veers around Juggernaut.<br><br>But the sedan? It didn't do so well there when it had gotten to the towering figure. The driver hits his brakes and the car fishtails, slamming into Juggernaut sideways, then bouncing off. The font end slams into a parked car and the 3 gunmen stagger out of their doors, getting their bearings before bringing their weapons up.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>As he rams the SUV from behind, Damian notices Juggernaut stepping in front of the lead vehicle and the young man grits. "Hold on tight, Mother! And brace!" he tells her. As soon as the sedan slams into the massive man, Damian is twisting the large, older car to come in and slide against the SUV from behind to box it in and trap it in place, jotsling around both of the occupants. <br><br>"Got'em!" he exclaims, noticing the bird waving at him, and it takes a moment for the young man to run through the roster of Titans and their abilities before realizing who it is. A small upnod offered in return, just as the gunman swings around that assault rifle. <br><br>"GET DOWN!" he yells, yanking Talia down by the front of her blouse as the shots ring out. There's pok-pok-poks against the side of the vehicle, and when they stop? <br><br>Talia might feel the warmth on the back of her blouse but not notice the stain as Damian sits up, dark sweater hiding the bullet wound that passed through his shoulder. "You're alright?" he asks her in concern as he gestures to the passenger door. "Out, quickly!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>The back of the SUV gets thumped pretty hard. After focusing g so much on gunman #1, Megan is thrown off guard and she yelps, losing her grip on the vehicle. She briefly loses her balance, nearly falling completely off the rooftop, but thankfully those wings aren't just ornamental. She manages to balance and right herself up again, dark eyes narrowed on the remaining gunmen and the driver.<br><br>"Okaaay, all eyes on the pursuing superheroes, pay no mind to the sparkly faerie.." she murmurs. Time to try something a little different. Summoning her glowing pink dagger, she attempts to stab shotgun guy in the head from above, or pretty much whatever she can get ahold of. Should her aim hit true, it will either create intense pain or just knock the guy out, or maybe both.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>Shotgun acquired and the presence of a Pixie noticed. Phantasm swings the gun back to press it against the roof of the SUV. He shifts over to the front passenger side. Once over there he reaches out to grab at the rifle extending out as well to repeat his previous action. <br><br>Hey, if they're going to just STICK them out where he can grab them...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:635|Cain Marko (635)}} has posed:'''<br>The grin persists while the Juggernaut stands in the center of the roadway and the oncoming sedan grows larger. Well, not as large as THE JUGGERNAUT, but larger. The brake tap turns into a fishtail and Cain's plan to stomp the hood of the vehicle is aborted when it begins to slide. That same slide culminates in the side of the vehicle bashing into the dome-headed Avatar of Cyttorak taking the blow to the side. He begins to laugh as the sedan barely causes him to shift and even that adjustment of his footing is likely a conscious decision by the Unstoppable One. The laughter dies away however as the crimson titan spies the trio of robbers piling out of their wrecked vehicle.<br><br>"I'm here for the money," he announces with utter confidence and a step forward. One step for the Juggernaut equates to quite a few more for your standard sized adult male, which is why that single step brings him nearly standing groin-to-face with one of the robbers. The moment a shotgun begins to rise, so too does the Juggernaut's large, meaty hand.<br><br>A palm wraps a hand much like the largest of NBA players palms a basketball. Soon enough Robber A is tossed with a flick of the Juggernaut's wrist into Robber B. The shotgun goes off and another laugh erupts, harsh and biting as Ol' Jughead reaches out for the last of the three. What scratches the shotgun blaster MAY have caused seem to dissipate near-instantly. Still the Juggernaut reaches out, attempting to pluck the shotgun away like a toothpick from a child, "Give me the money or this things getting jammed straight up your scrawny ass".<br><br>He'll probably do it, too!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>And Talia goes to brace herself over upon command and Talia goes to brace even before Damian gives the command on it. The Model T swings to the side - more bullet wounds upon it to add to a long history of them. It shall wear the fresh set of scars with pride. The car goes to screech to a stop over as Talia holds herself firm over along the passender side door. The car doesn't flip, thankfully.<br><br>"I'm fine. You, however, are not." She goes to quickly assess his injury. Shoulder wound. "The others will take care of it." Damian's constitution is solid, she doesn't have to worry about infection or the necessity of fishing the bullets out immediately. She goes to take up her blouse, and moves to tear it down the middle after yanking it off. She goes to take it out and over to work at quickly going to twist it around in an impromptu torquinet to stop the bleeding as best she can. Checking Damian to see whether the bullet went through the muscle or the joint. Fussing over her son and not caring for the continuing chase.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:283|Elektra Natchios (283)}} has posed:'''<br>It's a good thing that Elektra had to veer away from JUGGERNAUT because the peppering shots on the asphalt would had hit her otherwise. Not that she comes out fully untouched from the whole thing as her bike veers off from hitting a parked car on the side, only by a stroke of luck she keeping control of the bike.<br><br>Or maybe it's all skill. Who knows?!<br><br>What Elektra knows is that her leg is hurting like a ***ch and now they have made her angry. Maybe it's a good thing her visor is down so Steve doesn't get to see the wide-eyed thrill-seeking look that the ex-assassin gets as she speeds the bike on, past Steve, bloodlust in her veins.<br><br>It's a good thing that the heroes are already handling most of the situation really. An angry Elektra isn't a good sight.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:38|Steve Rogers (38)}} has posed:'''<br>Over by the crashed sedan, seeing the shotgun blast seeming to do so very little to the Juggernaut causes the remaining gunman to point his weapon up in the air. "Take it, take it. It's in the duffle bags," he says, pointing to the sedan. There are two black duffle bags in there, both in a back seat. The one back door is open where one of the now-hurting gunmen had climbed out.<br><br>The robber moves over to help up the one who Juggernaut threw, and the one that was collided with. "Come on, we gotta get out of here!" the ski-masked robber says to the other two, pulling them to get them moving. They stagger woozily, but eventually begin to move in a jog as the three head down the block, one armed with his submachine gun, the other two having lost their main weapons, though they have pistols they have yet to draw.<br><br><br>Back at the SUV, the two visitors from Gotham have cornered the SUV, if taken a wound in doing so.<br><br>Megan plunges her dagger down through the roof and into the gunman in the backseat. He lets out a cry of excruciating pain, though thankfully it doesn't seem to actually cause the kind of headwound that an onlooker might expect. It's enough to make him pass out though, and he falls over onto the lap of the pixie-dusted gunman who is sitting there looking thoughtful. He looks down at the man's head resting on his leg and pulls off the unconscious robber's ski mask, gently petting his hair. "Azaleas. They'd look really good along the front walk, I think," he says aloud to him.<br><br>The robber in the front passenger seat finds his assault rifle disappear out of his hands much as the shotgun had. "What the F-!" he says, that seeming to be a reccuring statement for the man. He jumps out of the vehicle, pulling the duffle bag out behind him and a pistol from a holster on his belt. He starts running down the sidewalk (the opposite way as those fleeing Juggernaut), waving the gun behind him and firing blindly. <br><br>The driver hops out of the SUV. He takes one glance at the backseat where the other duffle bag is, but then sees the X-man with faerie wings on the roof. "Jesus, I hate New York!" he says, taking off running as well.<br><br>Steve Rogers darts to the sidewalk after Damian and Talia stop the SUV. He grabs the metal lid off a garbage can set out for trash collection, and wings it towards the fleeing driver. It hits him down at the ankles and knocks the man off his feet, making him tumble into the back of a parked car.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>"Mother, noone wants to see your bra." Damian tries to stop Talia's theatrics with a smirk as he glances to his shoulder. Yes, it stings. Yes, it hurts. But. It was a clean pass-through. Keep pressure on it, a few stitches, it'll be fine. "I have had worse injuries." That between the pair of them. <br><br>"We need to exit the car and reassess the situation." Again, keep her on task, don't let her fuss over him. "I can have someone look at the injury later." Probably Leslie Thompkins - though really, it's an easy wound. Any of the family with basic medical training could take care of it. <br><br>Which is the plan, once they get out of here. There's still chaos around them and he wants to get them away from it - with the injury - he's no longer fully prepared to deal with the threat appropriately.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:392|Megan Gwynn (392)}} has posed:'''<br>Okay, so there's Juggy about to take off with stolen money after stopping the sedan. She definitely does *not* want to get involved in that..And more heroes are running in to apprehend the thugs. Probably a good time to make an exit and let the authorities handle this. She grins and waves to Mike, "Good seeing you again, we should catch up soon..Bye for now!" and with that, Megan gives a little wave before flying off.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>Talia al Ghul would go to work over on Damian's shoulder. "Yes you have. That is however no reason to let you bleed out in the few minutes it will take me to do this. The others have the situation well in hand." If anything between Juggernaut and the ex-Hand ninja she was more worried for the state that the robbers would be in. "And the rest of the family is not here now, I am. So you can do as you're told and let me stop the bleeding or I can pressure point you until you pass out and then stop the bleeding, and drive you back to the Manor unconscious the entire way. It's your decision." The quick tourqinet is done, which should handle things until they can get back to the Manor and Alfred can pull the bullets out with tweezers and handle the basics.<br><br>"I will however let you drive." Damian was allowed that victory.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:635|Cain Marko (635)}} has posed:'''<br>"You made the right decision today," Juggernaut intones with a voice like thunder overhead as the trio of robbers in one state of good health or another, begin to scramble away. While others may be busy with the SUV and perhaps even chasing down some of those remaining robbers, Mr. Marko is getting his payday. Those fleeing are regarded for a moment and the one on the motorcycle - the mystery Elektra - is regarded with a grin from beneath the dome helmet of the Juggernaut. One massive finger extends and points toward the fleeing robbers, as though signaling the motorcyclist to pursue. Because everyone's a hero. Except the Juggernaut. He's a mercenary and there's stacks of cash in the back of that sedan.<br><br>A groan of metal can be heard, but also the accompanying snap of sturdy plastic on account of modern automobile engineering as the rear door of the sedan is ripped away with about as much effort as twist the cap from a gallon of milk. The Juggernaut stoops lower, peering his domed helmet into the backseat and the duffle bags there. He chuckles to himself as he reaches out, snatching the pair of bags with resting in the backseat with a single massive hand. Pulling them free of the backseat, Cain's thunderous voice issues forth upon a low mutter, "Bingo. Nothing like an honest paycheck".<br><br>He's been paid and now the Juggernaut, armed with his pair of duffle bags, turns and begins to plod his heavy-footed way in literally any direction other than his present location. Which mostly means that he's marching off, back the way that he originally came. He practically trembles the ground with his inexorable march and those stuck in their cars, peering through the windows at the unfolding chaos are each treated to a truly breathtaking sight: a mountain of unstoppable muscle and bad attitude, going wherever he pleases.<br><br>He makes it a few steps before Cain twists at the waist, permitting his domed head to peer behind himself and at the chaos still unfolding behind him. "Better not risk it," he mutters to himself like stones being ground together. He begins to pick up speed. He isn't a barreling locomotive and for the Juggernaut, that means he's doing little more than walking with a brisk, unstoppable stride. He does at least do the right thing... though it's largely self-serving. He doesn't leave a trail of destruction in his wake.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>As the SUV stops, the Phantasm's priorities adjust and yet still stay the same. <br><br>Keep people from shooting. So of the robbers, the one who is just straight up shooting at nothing gets his attention. <br><br>Target locked.<br><br>Leaping off the roof, Phantasm takes pursuit. As he's not dealing with the shock the gunman might be doing and general dream physics being a boon, catching up is a matter of a large leap and landing in front. The general strength concentrated into the crook of the unseen arm for the clothesline finishes the move.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>As Talia lays down the law, for a moment it looks like Damian is totally going to argue with her on it. He's fine, he'll be fine and there's no need to fuss over it. Then she's threatening nerve pinches and things that would probably embarass him and his cheeks puff and he blows out a breath in a /huff/. <br><br>"Fine." he grouses to allow his mother to tend to his injury for now. A slight sulk, only made better when she promises he can drive.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:283|Elektra Natchios (283)}} has posed:'''<br>There is no way in hell that Elektra will try to take on Juggernaut. Her recklessness only goes so far? Not that it stops her from turning her bike over, sharp angle as she veers towards where the fleeing men are going to. For a moment it seems as if she will ride INTO Juggernaut but turns her bike away to go around him and towards those three little morsels.<br><br>Closing in she twists the bike around, a wheelie with the back tire that hits one on the torso, sending him flying against the other two, sending them tumbling over.<br><br>"You boys going somewhere and didn't invite me?" She tells them, tires screeching as she finally brings the bike to a stop. She hops off when one of them attempts to hit her and a punch to the sternum clearly takes the will to fight out of the group who surrender.<br><br>Probably a good move, meaning they don't get beat up by the ex-assassin. Maybe she's getting soft.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:38|Steve Rogers (38)}} has posed:'''<br>The sounds of sirens indicate that New York City's finest are enroute and close at hand, no doubt alerted by the bank's alarm once the gunmen left, and by the meter maid calling in the incident.<br><br>Phantasm downs the last man from the SUV, leaving him groaning on the sidewalk after that clothesline. Cap comes by to gather the man up along with the driver who was lightly concussed by his head thumping the back of the car after the garbage can lid took him off his feet.<br><br>"Thank you for your help," Steve tells Phantasm. He also waves up to Megan as she flies off. "I can take those for you," he offers of the weaponry, slinging them over a brawny shoulder to be out of the way.<br><br>He looks about, no sign of Juggernaut by the time that is taken care of. Up the street though he can see where Elektra is standing over the other downed men. "Looks like they picked the wrong bank to rob today," he says with a grin to Phantasm before jogging over to check on Elektra and gather up the other robbers.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>Phantasm fades into view, less raven form and more a figure of shadow. The firearms collected come into view and are offered over to Steve. "It does look like that." Phantasm agrees. Once the weapons are secured and it appears that Cap has the rest of the scene in order, the figure hops up, takes the form of a raven and flies off.<br><br>Time to get more coffee.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=Corben_Kelly&diff=25172Corben Kelly2024-01-29T04:12:35Z<p>Nathan: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{CharacterPage<br />
|NameOnMUSH=Corben Kelly<br />
|banner name=Corben Kelly<br />
|Char_id=5155<br />
|banner image=https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/20/1200x712/4359343.jpg<br />
|Img=https://imgur.com/TpvAm6b<br />
|FullName=Corben Kelly<br />
|Gender=Male<br />
|Superalias=None<br />
|Species=Metahuman<br />
|Theme=Original<br />
|Chartype=OC<br />
|Occupation=Shop Owner/Slacker<br />
|Citizenship=US/Belgium<br />
|Residence=New York<br />
|Education=Home Brewed<br />
|Groups=[[Mystic Arts]], [[Branches]]<br />
|Quote=If there's no one in your life worth dying for, you haven't found true happiness.<br />
|PAge=22<br />
|AAge=22<br />
|DOB=17 Mar 2001<br />
|Height=5'11<br />
|Weight=180lbs<br />
|Hair=White blonde<br />
|Eyes=Blue<br />
|Actor=Emillien Vekemans<br />
|Song=Love Potion Number 9 - The Searchers<br />
|Twitter=<br />
|Profile=A rock-'n'-roll, potion slinging, Fate touched raven, with a trick or two up his sleeve. Corben owns Cafe De La Magie down in the Bronx. Stop in and snag a potion and don't miss his mad drum skills with his band, Death Omen.<br />
|History=<br />
<span style="color:#009999">'''Timeline:'''</span><br />
<br>* 2011: Born in the USA to Patrick and Nadine Kelly.<br>* 2006: Nadine begins teaching her son in the fundamentals of arcane alchemy and developing his natural artistic ability. Patrick begins his son's musical education. Corben also begins speaking to an imaginary friend he calls 'Pup'. <br>* 2008: Patrick and Nadine move with Corben back to Belgium to be closer to her family. Corben's witchy education continues.<br>* 2010: The family moves back to the US.<br>* 2011: A freak explosion takes Patrick's life and leaves Corben deaf. Corben foresaw his father's death in a vision four days prior but didn't understand what he was seeing. This was the first manifestation of his gifts from his father's bloodline.<br>* 2012: Corben undergoes cochlear implant surgery.<br>* 2013: Corben transforms into a raven for the first time, much to the surprise of his mother.<br>* 2015: Still distraught over the loss of her husband and confused by her son's growing gifts, Nadine takes her son back to Belgium to be near her family.<br>* 2019: Much to the dismay of his mother, Corben strikes out on his own and returns to the US. He moves into a small flat with a cousin from on his father's side.<br>* 2023: Using money his father left him, Corben sets up a business, Cafe De La Magie, in the basement of a building in the Bronx where he sells his wares in the form of minor potions. He also starts as the drummer for the metal band, Death Omen and begins playing dive establishments on some weekends. This is the year he has a run in with Nettie Crowe better when his consciousness tries to view a hundred years in the past. It was his first lesson in the dangers of pushing his gifts too far. He has not seen Nettie since.<br />
|Personality=<br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''C'est La Vie:'''</span><br />
<br>That's life, it is what it is. Corben takes this to heart most of the time. It's done, it's over there's nothing to be done about it now so move on with life. He has a sort of devil may care way of approaching life that might make him seem a little shallow, until someone digs deeper...<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''Devoted:'''</span><br />
<br>Loyal isn't even a strong enough word for the way Corben will stick by a person's side if they're one of his 'people'. He may act like he doesn't care. He may tell you he doesn't have your back if you decide to pick a fight with the Hulk, but at the end of the day he'll be right behind you. However, you'll know it from the jabs and bitching that will take place through it all. Many people claim they would die for their friends, but if you're one of Corben's inner circle, he wouldn't even hesitate to step in front of the Devil himself and say, "Take me instead, his (or her) kind of ugly would set your minions to screaming and hiding behind your skirt."<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''The Deep End:'''</span><br />
<br>Underneath that 'it's water off a duck's back' attitude, Corben is deeper than the ocean blue. He's philosophical, compassionate, conflicted, confused, happy, sad and a little cracked in the head. The center of him is pretty squishy once you get through the hard candy shell.<br />
|Powers=<br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''Cantrips:'''</span><br />
<br>Peru de Magie, little magic. The spells Corden can utilize are simple cantrips. Nothing more than parlor tricks. The most useful one he knows is one that allows him to open simple mechanical locks.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''Potions:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben has the potential to be a master in the art of mixing potions and elixirs, little bottled spells that can achieve all manner of amazing things. Currently, however, he has no real desire to put the work in to get to that point. He pretty much sticks to what he knows well enough that a mispronunciation of a single Latin word will have his work blowing up in face. Some of his favorites include: Hey, Over here! (Voice Throwing), Not the Droid (Look away potion), Minor Healing, Fog and Smoke, Lost in the Crowd (look like someone else for a short duration), along with an array of happy drugalike potions and little things to keep the general population coming in to give him their hard earned cash. For a little extra, he'll even attempt a custom brew.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''The Raven's Gifts:'''</span><br />
<br>Centuries ago, Corben's father's bloodline included some that were granted the gifts of a raven. Through the years, these gifts went dormant. It wasn't until Patrick created a child with a woman of magic that something stirred and those gifts reappeared in Corben.<br><br>*Shape Changing - Corben has the ability to change forms into a raven. In this form he isn't deaf, a bird's cochlear hair cells regenerate. He can fly and poop on cars and all the stuff a normal raven can do along with speaking. He's also small and vulnerable to the threats any raven would.<br><br>* Visions:<br><br> Past - When Corben touches an object, sometimes the fates decide to show him a snippet of its past. This can work on people as well, but only if they (and Corben) are willing to make it so. With people, the snippets, the exchange of information, is a two way street. It is possible for Corben to expand upon his post cognitive visions. If he can find the thread of the snippet in his mind, find the tether implanted there by the Fates, he can grasp onto it and allow it to lead his consciousness further down the rabbit hole into the past. If he pushes too far, holds on to that thread too long, he could find himself with his consciousness stuck in the past while his body lays comatose in the present. <br><br> Present - Clairvoyant visions of things that are happening right now. They kind of suck. It's not like he gets much other than to know that there's probably someone about to die and it's not like he can typically get there fast enough to change the outcome. But C'est la vie, right?<br><br> Future - This is the biggie and, really, the worst. Thankfully, it doesn't happen often. To know that something bad is going to happen, but not be certain when and have no real idea how to stop it? It's a heavy load. Like the past, there are threads he could grasp to show him more. However, with the future, there are so many of them that he would quickly become overwhelmed by them and lost. The future, unlike the past, is never set in stone. Just one hair thin thread to the right or to the left could be the difference. But knowing the difference would come at too great a cost. <br><br>Medium - In addition to being 'seers' connected to the Fates, Ravenfolk also serve as messengers for the dead. Corben sees the lingering dead. It's not often that they badger him or follow him about, but when they do it's the one noise he can't just turn off by taking off his cochlear processors.<br />
|Skills=<br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Arcane Alchemy:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben's mother is a powerful witch. While Corben doesn't share her abundant affinities for the craft, his mother made sure to train him in the mixing of potions. Despite being disinclined to bother with all the effort needed to create powerful potions, he does have a rather vast knowledge of all manner of witchy type ingredients, what they do and how to mix them.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Artist:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben is a naturally gifted artist, as is his mother and mentor. If he ever got off his arse and put his mind to it, he could have pieces selling in galleries. But he can't so he doesn't. Instead he puts his talents to use in the adrenaline pumping world of street art.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Drummer:'''</span><br />
<br>Before Corben went deaf, he was well on his way to becoming at least a B level guitarist. He didn't lose his passion for music when he lost his hearing, he just turned it in a different direction, one that he could feel even if he couldn't hear it. He's a decent enough drummer to hold his own in his metal band, Death Omen.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Duck, Dodge, Run:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben isn't a fighter. That isn't to say he couldn't be, but he would rather run when it comes right down to it. He's perfected the art of ducking, dodging and running away to a dark corner where he can turn raven and fly away. When he's forced to stay and fight, he can hold his own with a slightly better than average person, but he still prefers to fight defensively until he can find an opening to duck, dodge and run.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Lip Reading:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben is an expert in reading lips. His aptitude is at a higher level than most due to the fact that he's had to figure it out with several different languages.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Multi-Lingual:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben knows several languages to different degrees. He's fluent in English, ASL, French, LSF (French Sign Language) and he has a conversational understanding of Flemish Dutch. Latin, well he knows enough of it to not have every potion blow up in his face when they need a Latin incantation to complete. Ask him about the time he spent two weeks with a purple face, he might just cuss you out in bad Latin.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Occult Knowledge:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben was homeschooled and his mother was determined that he would learn about things of the arcane nature. He's not a walking encyclopedia on the subject, but he would be a champ at Trivial Pursuit Occult Edition.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Parkour:'''</span><br />
<br>While Corben isn't up there with the masters, he knows how to use his surroundings to leap, run, flip and climb quickly and efficiently. It's just another way to duck, dodge and run from trouble. It also helps getting into those high places to display his artwork.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Pickpocket:'''</span><br />
<br>This goes hand in hand with his sleight of hand, but adds elements of subtle distraction to make a person even less aware that they are being liberated of their possessions.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Sleight of Hand:'''</span><br />
<br>Is this your card? Magic tricks, palming of objects in a way that the owner isn't immediately aware that they are being liberated of their possessions are all things that fall in his wheelhouse.<br />
|Resources=<br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Cafe De La Magie:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben's little potion shop where one can also find a cup of coffee, a soda, maybe some pastries and salty snacks. And don't forget the mystical magical hooka bar.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Mom:'''</span><br />
<br>Nadine may still be in Belgium, but it doesn't mean she wouldn't move heaven and earth to get to her boy if he needed her. Don't mess with the only child of a witch of a mother.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Occult Contacts:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben hasn't been in New York very long, but he has established a network of contacts that can help in the acquisition of components he needs for his potions.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Pup:'''</span><br />
<br>The ghost of a little old man with an Irish brogue, Pup has been following Corben around since he was a wee lad. Pup won't tell Corben his name or what he wants, he just cryptically replies, "You'll know in due time, lad." Pup can be useful. He's a great lookout. He can even momentarily manifest long enough for someone else to see him if Corben needs help. He's also a pain in the arse.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''The Weird Box:'''</span><br />
<br>It's a pretty, shiny, weird box. It's not your typical box. It's flat and thin like a laptop. Looking at it, it's easy to tell that it opens - somehow. It came into Corben's possession, well he saw it and it was shiny. He knows it's magical, he just doesn't know anything else. It's actually a very old Grimoire. For one who can use it, the pages will change with a hand wave and a murmured word, much like swiping a finger across a screen - but with way more cool swirly smoke under the 'glass' effects. <br><br>If he could get it open, it could become a resource for Corben and his mystical magical friends. Also see the Weakness entry related to this item.<br><br>Gaining access to the Grimoire itself will come as a +sheet update, as will each particular part of the Grimoire that can be used. At the moment, Corben is unable to access it.<br />
|Weaknesses=<br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Cleptomania:'''</span><br />
<br>He really can't help himself. Corben is drawn to shiny, pretty things. He doesn't steal for money, he steals because he's entranced by something shiny. Given his choice of a wallet full of cash and a sparkly piece of costume jewelry, he'll go for the latter every time.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Deaf:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben is profoundly deaf. He does have a cochlear implant but the thing isn't always a blessing. Sounds are distorted and mechanical and distinguishing individual voices in a crowd is difficult.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Potion Shelf Life:'''</span><br />
<br>The ingredients to create potions are not necessarily expensive, but they can be difficult to come by. Combined with the moderately short shelf-life of most of the potions, Corben doesn't tend to keep too many potions on hand without a purpose for doing so. While it might not be onerous to create any given one, he may need some advance notice of the need to have something specific on hand.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Pup:'''</span><br />
<br>As much as he can be a valuable resource, he's also a damned pain in the arse. Ghostly voices and anything else related to his gifts, can't be turned off by Corben removing is cochlear processors. Pup gets immense pleasure in popping in behind Corben and barking his head off like a dog. This is where the old goat got his name.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''The Weird Box:'''</span><br />
<br>It's a pretty, shiny, weird box. It's not your typical box. It's flat and thin like a laptop. Looking at it, it's easy to tell that it opens - somehow. It came into Corben's possession, well he saw it and it was shiny. He knows it's magical, he just doesn't know anything else. It's actually a very old Grimoire. For one who can use it, the pages will change with a hand wave and a murmured word, much like swiping a finger across a screen - but with way more cool swirly smoke under the 'glass' effects. <br><br>If he could get it open, it could become a resource for Corben and his mystical magical friends. Or it could be more danger than it's worth. Too bad someone way bigger and badder than Corben is out there looking for it and they're not happy that he took it. There's also the possibility that he'll blow himself up the first time he tries to read an incantation from the thing.<br><br>Gaining access to the Grimoire itself will come as a +sheet update, as will each particular part of the Grimoire that can be used. At the moment, Corben is unable to access it.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
{{#set:<br />
Hero name = None<br />
| Actor name = Emillien Vekemans<br />
| Theme = Original<br />
| Character Type = OC<br />
}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Mystic Arts]] [[Category:Branches]]</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=Corben_Kelly&diff=25171Corben Kelly2024-01-29T04:11:46Z<p>Nathan: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{CharacterPage<br />
|NameOnMUSH=Corben Kelly<br />
|banner name=Corben Kelly<br />
|Char_id=5155<br />
|banner image=https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/20/1200x712/4359343.jpg<br />
|Img=https://imgur.com/TpvAm6b<br />
|FullName=Corden Kelly<br />
|Gender=Male<br />
|Superalias=None<br />
|Species=Metahuman<br />
|Theme=Original<br />
|Chartype=OC<br />
|Occupation=Shop Owner/Slacker<br />
|Citizenship=US/Belgium<br />
|Residence=New York<br />
|Education=Home Brewed<br />
|Groups=[[Mystic Arts]], [[Branches]]<br />
|Quote=If there's no one in your life worth dying for, you haven't found true happiness.<br />
|PAge=22<br />
|AAge=22<br />
|DOB=17 Mar 2001<br />
|Height=5'11<br />
|Weight=180lbs<br />
|Hair=White blonde<br />
|Eyes=Blue<br />
|Actor=Emillien Vekemans<br />
|Song=Love Potion Number 9 - The Searchers<br />
|Twitter=<br />
|Profile=A rock-'n'-roll, potion slinging, Fate touched raven, with a trick or two up his sleeve. Corben owns Cafe De La Magie down in the Bronx. Stop in and snag a potion and don't miss his mad drum skills with his band, Death Omen.<br />
|History=<br />
<span style="color:#009999">'''Timeline:'''</span><br />
<br>* 2011: Born in the USA to Patrick and Nadine Kelly.<br>* 2006: Nadine begins teaching her son in the fundamentals of arcane alchemy and developing his natural artistic ability. Patrick begins his son's musical education. Corben also begins speaking to an imaginary friend he calls 'Pup'. <br>* 2008: Patrick and Nadine move with Corben back to Belgium to be closer to her family. Corben's witchy education continues.<br>* 2010: The family moves back to the US.<br>* 2011: A freak explosion takes Patrick's life and leaves Corben deaf. Corben foresaw his father's death in a vision four days prior but didn't understand what he was seeing. This was the first manifestation of his gifts from his father's bloodline.<br>* 2012: Corben undergoes cochlear implant surgery.<br>* 2013: Corben transforms into a raven for the first time, much to the surprise of his mother.<br>* 2015: Still distraught over the loss of her husband and confused by her son's growing gifts, Nadine takes her son back to Belgium to be near her family.<br>* 2019: Much to the dismay of his mother, Corben strikes out on his own and returns to the US. He moves into a small flat with a cousin from on his father's side.<br>* 2023: Using money his father left him, Corben sets up a business, Cafe De La Magie, in the basement of a building in the Bronx where he sells his wares in the form of minor potions. He also starts as the drummer for the metal band, Death Omen and begins playing dive establishments on some weekends. This is the year he has a run in with Nettie Crowe better when his consciousness tries to view a hundred years in the past. It was his first lesson in the dangers of pushing his gifts too far. He has not seen Nettie since.<br />
|Personality=<br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''C'est La Vie:'''</span><br />
<br>That's life, it is what it is. Corben takes this to heart most of the time. It's done, it's over there's nothing to be done about it now so move on with life. He has a sort of devil may care way of approaching life that might make him seem a little shallow, until someone digs deeper...<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''Devoted:'''</span><br />
<br>Loyal isn't even a strong enough word for the way Corben will stick by a person's side if they're one of his 'people'. He may act like he doesn't care. He may tell you he doesn't have your back if you decide to pick a fight with the Hulk, but at the end of the day he'll be right behind you. However, you'll know it from the jabs and bitching that will take place through it all. Many people claim they would die for their friends, but if you're one of Corben's inner circle, he wouldn't even hesitate to step in front of the Devil himself and say, "Take me instead, his (or her) kind of ugly would set your minions to screaming and hiding behind your skirt."<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''The Deep End:'''</span><br />
<br>Underneath that 'it's water off a duck's back' attitude, Corben is deeper than the ocean blue. He's philosophical, compassionate, conflicted, confused, happy, sad and a little cracked in the head. The center of him is pretty squishy once you get through the hard candy shell.<br />
|Powers=<br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''Cantrips:'''</span><br />
<br>Peru de Magie, little magic. The spells Corden can utilize are simple cantrips. Nothing more than parlor tricks. The most useful one he knows is one that allows him to open simple mechanical locks.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''Potions:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben has the potential to be a master in the art of mixing potions and elixirs, little bottled spells that can achieve all manner of amazing things. Currently, however, he has no real desire to put the work in to get to that point. He pretty much sticks to what he knows well enough that a mispronunciation of a single Latin word will have his work blowing up in face. Some of his favorites include: Hey, Over here! (Voice Throwing), Not the Droid (Look away potion), Minor Healing, Fog and Smoke, Lost in the Crowd (look like someone else for a short duration), along with an array of happy drugalike potions and little things to keep the general population coming in to give him their hard earned cash. For a little extra, he'll even attempt a custom brew.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''The Raven's Gifts:'''</span><br />
<br>Centuries ago, Corben's father's bloodline included some that were granted the gifts of a raven. Through the years, these gifts went dormant. It wasn't until Patrick created a child with a woman of magic that something stirred and those gifts reappeared in Corben.<br><br>*Shape Changing - Corben has the ability to change forms into a raven. In this form he isn't deaf, a bird's cochlear hair cells regenerate. He can fly and poop on cars and all the stuff a normal raven can do along with speaking. He's also small and vulnerable to the threats any raven would.<br><br>* Visions:<br><br> Past - When Corben touches an object, sometimes the fates decide to show him a snippet of its past. This can work on people as well, but only if they (and Corben) are willing to make it so. With people, the snippets, the exchange of information, is a two way street. It is possible for Corben to expand upon his post cognitive visions. If he can find the thread of the snippet in his mind, find the tether implanted there by the Fates, he can grasp onto it and allow it to lead his consciousness further down the rabbit hole into the past. If he pushes too far, holds on to that thread too long, he could find himself with his consciousness stuck in the past while his body lays comatose in the present. <br><br> Present - Clairvoyant visions of things that are happening right now. They kind of suck. It's not like he gets much other than to know that there's probably someone about to die and it's not like he can typically get there fast enough to change the outcome. But C'est la vie, right?<br><br> Future - This is the biggie and, really, the worst. Thankfully, it doesn't happen often. To know that something bad is going to happen, but not be certain when and have no real idea how to stop it? It's a heavy load. Like the past, there are threads he could grasp to show him more. However, with the future, there are so many of them that he would quickly become overwhelmed by them and lost. The future, unlike the past, is never set in stone. Just one hair thin thread to the right or to the left could be the difference. But knowing the difference would come at too great a cost. <br><br>Medium - In addition to being 'seers' connected to the Fates, Ravenfolk also serve as messengers for the dead. Corben sees the lingering dead. It's not often that they badger him or follow him about, but when they do it's the one noise he can't just turn off by taking off his cochlear processors.<br />
|Skills=<br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Arcane Alchemy:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben's mother is a powerful witch. While Corben doesn't share her abundant affinities for the craft, his mother made sure to train him in the mixing of potions. Despite being disinclined to bother with all the effort needed to create powerful potions, he does have a rather vast knowledge of all manner of witchy type ingredients, what they do and how to mix them.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Artist:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben is a naturally gifted artist, as is his mother and mentor. If he ever got off his arse and put his mind to it, he could have pieces selling in galleries. But he can't so he doesn't. Instead he puts his talents to use in the adrenaline pumping world of street art.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Drummer:'''</span><br />
<br>Before Corben went deaf, he was well on his way to becoming at least a B level guitarist. He didn't lose his passion for music when he lost his hearing, he just turned it in a different direction, one that he could feel even if he couldn't hear it. He's a decent enough drummer to hold his own in his metal band, Death Omen.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Duck, Dodge, Run:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben isn't a fighter. That isn't to say he couldn't be, but he would rather run when it comes right down to it. He's perfected the art of ducking, dodging and running away to a dark corner where he can turn raven and fly away. When he's forced to stay and fight, he can hold his own with a slightly better than average person, but he still prefers to fight defensively until he can find an opening to duck, dodge and run.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Lip Reading:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben is an expert in reading lips. His aptitude is at a higher level than most due to the fact that he's had to figure it out with several different languages.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Multi-Lingual:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben knows several languages to different degrees. He's fluent in English, ASL, French, LSF (French Sign Language) and he has a conversational understanding of Flemish Dutch. Latin, well he knows enough of it to not have every potion blow up in his face when they need a Latin incantation to complete. Ask him about the time he spent two weeks with a purple face, he might just cuss you out in bad Latin.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Occult Knowledge:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben was homeschooled and his mother was determined that he would learn about things of the arcane nature. He's not a walking encyclopedia on the subject, but he would be a champ at Trivial Pursuit Occult Edition.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Parkour:'''</span><br />
<br>While Corben isn't up there with the masters, he knows how to use his surroundings to leap, run, flip and climb quickly and efficiently. It's just another way to duck, dodge and run from trouble. It also helps getting into those high places to display his artwork.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Pickpocket:'''</span><br />
<br>This goes hand in hand with his sleight of hand, but adds elements of subtle distraction to make a person even less aware that they are being liberated of their possessions.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Sleight of Hand:'''</span><br />
<br>Is this your card? Magic tricks, palming of objects in a way that the owner isn't immediately aware that they are being liberated of their possessions are all things that fall in his wheelhouse.<br />
|Resources=<br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Cafe De La Magie:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben's little potion shop where one can also find a cup of coffee, a soda, maybe some pastries and salty snacks. And don't forget the mystical magical hooka bar.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Mom:'''</span><br />
<br>Nadine may still be in Belgium, but it doesn't mean she wouldn't move heaven and earth to get to her boy if he needed her. Don't mess with the only child of a witch of a mother.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Occult Contacts:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben hasn't been in New York very long, but he has established a network of contacts that can help in the acquisition of components he needs for his potions.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Pup:'''</span><br />
<br>The ghost of a little old man with an Irish brogue, Pup has been following Corben around since he was a wee lad. Pup won't tell Corben his name or what he wants, he just cryptically replies, "You'll know in due time, lad." Pup can be useful. He's a great lookout. He can even momentarily manifest long enough for someone else to see him if Corben needs help. He's also a pain in the arse.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''The Weird Box:'''</span><br />
<br>It's a pretty, shiny, weird box. It's not your typical box. It's flat and thin like a laptop. Looking at it, it's easy to tell that it opens - somehow. It came into Corben's possession, well he saw it and it was shiny. He knows it's magical, he just doesn't know anything else. It's actually a very old Grimoire. For one who can use it, the pages will change with a hand wave and a murmured word, much like swiping a finger across a screen - but with way more cool swirly smoke under the 'glass' effects. <br><br>If he could get it open, it could become a resource for Corben and his mystical magical friends. Also see the Weakness entry related to this item.<br><br>Gaining access to the Grimoire itself will come as a +sheet update, as will each particular part of the Grimoire that can be used. At the moment, Corben is unable to access it.<br />
|Weaknesses=<br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Cleptomania:'''</span><br />
<br>He really can't help himself. Corben is drawn to shiny, pretty things. He doesn't steal for money, he steals because he's entranced by something shiny. Given his choice of a wallet full of cash and a sparkly piece of costume jewelry, he'll go for the latter every time.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Deaf:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben is profoundly deaf. He does have a cochlear implant but the thing isn't always a blessing. Sounds are distorted and mechanical and distinguishing individual voices in a crowd is difficult.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Potion Shelf Life:'''</span><br />
<br>The ingredients to create potions are not necessarily expensive, but they can be difficult to come by. Combined with the moderately short shelf-life of most of the potions, Corben doesn't tend to keep too many potions on hand without a purpose for doing so. While it might not be onerous to create any given one, he may need some advance notice of the need to have something specific on hand.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Pup:'''</span><br />
<br>As much as he can be a valuable resource, he's also a damned pain in the arse. Ghostly voices and anything else related to his gifts, can't be turned off by Corben removing is cochlear processors. Pup gets immense pleasure in popping in behind Corben and barking his head off like a dog. This is where the old goat got his name.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''The Weird Box:'''</span><br />
<br>It's a pretty, shiny, weird box. It's not your typical box. It's flat and thin like a laptop. Looking at it, it's easy to tell that it opens - somehow. It came into Corben's possession, well he saw it and it was shiny. He knows it's magical, he just doesn't know anything else. It's actually a very old Grimoire. For one who can use it, the pages will change with a hand wave and a murmured word, much like swiping a finger across a screen - but with way more cool swirly smoke under the 'glass' effects. <br><br>If he could get it open, it could become a resource for Corben and his mystical magical friends. Or it could be more danger than it's worth. Too bad someone way bigger and badder than Corben is out there looking for it and they're not happy that he took it. There's also the possibility that he'll blow himself up the first time he tries to read an incantation from the thing.<br><br>Gaining access to the Grimoire itself will come as a +sheet update, as will each particular part of the Grimoire that can be used. At the moment, Corben is unable to access it.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
{{#set:<br />
Hero name = None<br />
| Actor name = Emillien Vekemans<br />
| Theme = Original<br />
| Character Type = OC<br />
}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Mystic Arts]] [[Category:Branches]]</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=Corben_Kelly&diff=25170Corben Kelly2024-01-29T04:09:48Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{CharacterPage |NameOnMUSH=Corben Kelly |banner name=Corben Kelly |Char_id=5155 |banner image=https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/20/1200x712/4359343.jpg |Img=https..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{CharacterPage<br />
|NameOnMUSH=Corben Kelly<br />
|banner name=Corben Kelly<br />
|Char_id=5155<br />
|banner image=https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/20/1200x712/4359343.jpg<br />
<br />
|Img=https://imgur.com/TpvAm6b<br />
<br />
|FullName=Corden Kelly<br />
|Gender=Male<br />
|Superalias=None<br />
|Species=Metahuman<br />
|Theme=Original<br />
|Chartype=OC<br />
|Occupation=Shop Owner/Slacker<br />
|Citizenship=US/Belgium<br />
|Residence=New York<br />
|Education=Home Brewed<br />
|Groups=[[Mystic Arts]], [[Branches]]<br />
|Quote=If there's no one in your life worth dying for, you haven't found true happiness.<br />
|PAge=22<br />
|AAge=22<br />
|DOB=17 Mar 2001<br />
|Height=5'11<br />
|Weight=180lbs<br />
|Hair=White blonde<br />
|Eyes=Blue<br />
|Actor=Emillien Vekemans<br />
|Song=Love Potion Number 9 - The Searchers<br />
|Twitter=<br />
|Profile=A rock-'n'-roll, potion slinging, Fate touched raven, with a trick or two up his sleeve. Corben owns Cafe De La Magie down in the Bronx. Stop in and snag a potion and don't miss his mad drum skills with his band, Death Omen.<br />
|History=<br />
<span style="color:#009999">'''Timeline:'''</span><br />
<br>* 2011: Born in the USA to Patrick and Nadine Kelly.<br>* 2006: Nadine begins teaching her son in the fundamentals of arcane alchemy and developing his natural artistic ability. Patrick begins his son's musical education. Corben also begins speaking to an imaginary friend he calls 'Pup'. <br>* 2008: Patrick and Nadine move with Corben back to Belgium to be closer to her family. Corben's witchy education continues.<br>* 2010: The family moves back to the US.<br>* 2011: A freak explosion takes Patrick's life and leaves Corben deaf. Corben foresaw his father's death in a vision four days prior but didn't understand what he was seeing. This was the first manifestation of his gifts from his father's bloodline.<br>* 2012: Corben undergoes cochlear implant surgery.<br>* 2013: Corben transforms into a raven for the first time, much to the surprise of his mother.<br>* 2015: Still distraught over the loss of her husband and confused by her son's growing gifts, Nadine takes her son back to Belgium to be near her family.<br>* 2019: Much to the dismay of his mother, Corben strikes out on his own and returns to the US. He moves into a small flat with a cousin from on his father's side.<br>* 2023: Using money his father left him, Corben sets up a business, Cafe De La Magie, in the basement of a building in the Bronx where he sells his wares in the form of minor potions. He also starts as the drummer for the metal band, Death Omen and begins playing dive establishments on some weekends. This is the year he has a run in with Nettie Crowe better when his consciousness tries to view a hundred years in the past. It was his first lesson in the dangers of pushing his gifts too far. He has not seen Nettie since.<br />
|Personality=<br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''C'est La Vie:'''</span><br />
<br>That's life, it is what it is. Corben takes this to heart most of the time. It's done, it's over there's nothing to be done about it now so move on with life. He has a sort of devil may care way of approaching life that might make him seem a little shallow, until someone digs deeper...<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''Devoted:'''</span><br />
<br>Loyal isn't even a strong enough word for the way Corben will stick by a person's side if they're one of his 'people'. He may act like he doesn't care. He may tell you he doesn't have your back if you decide to pick a fight with the Hulk, but at the end of the day he'll be right behind you. However, you'll know it from the jabs and bitching that will take place through it all. Many people claim they would die for their friends, but if you're one of Corben's inner circle, he wouldn't even hesitate to step in front of the Devil himself and say, "Take me instead, his (or her) kind of ugly would set your minions to screaming and hiding behind your skirt."<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''The Deep End:'''</span><br />
<br>Underneath that 'it's water off a duck's back' attitude, Corben is deeper than the ocean blue. He's philosophical, compassionate, conflicted, confused, happy, sad and a little cracked in the head. The center of him is pretty squishy once you get through the hard candy shell.<br />
|Powers=<br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''Cantrips:'''</span><br />
<br>Peru de Magie, little magic. The spells Corden can utilize are simple cantrips. Nothing more than parlor tricks. The most useful one he knows is one that allows him to open simple mechanical locks.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''Potions:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben has the potential to be a master in the art of mixing potions and elixirs, little bottled spells that can achieve all manner of amazing things. Currently, however, he has no real desire to put the work in to get to that point. He pretty much sticks to what he knows well enough that a mispronunciation of a single Latin word will have his work blowing up in face. Some of his favorites include: Hey, Over here! (Voice Throwing), Not the Droid (Look away potion), Minor Healing, Fog and Smoke, Lost in the Crowd (look like someone else for a short duration), along with an array of happy drugalike potions and little things to keep the general population coming in to give him their hard earned cash. For a little extra, he'll even attempt a custom brew.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''The Raven's Gifts:'''</span><br />
<br>Centuries ago, Corben's father's bloodline included some that were granted the gifts of a raven. Through the years, these gifts went dormant. It wasn't until Patrick created a child with a woman of magic that something stirred and those gifts reappeared in Corben.<br><br>*Shape Changing - Corben has the ability to change forms into a raven. In this form he isn't deaf, a bird's cochlear hair cells regenerate. He can fly and poop on cars and all the stuff a normal raven can do along with speaking. He's also small and vulnerable to the threats any raven would.<br><br>* Visions:<br><br> Past - When Corben touches an object, sometimes the fates decide to show him a snippet of its past. This can work on people as well, but only if they (and Corben) are willing to make it so. With people, the snippets, the exchange of information, is a two way street. It is possible for Corben to expand upon his post cognitive visions. If he can find the thread of the snippet in his mind, find the tether implanted there by the Fates, he can grasp onto it and allow it to lead his consciousness further down the rabbit hole into the past. If he pushes too far, holds on to that thread too long, he could find himself with his consciousness stuck in the past while his body lays comatose in the present. <br><br> Present - Clairvoyant visions of things that are happening right now. They kind of suck. It's not like he gets much other than to know that there's probably someone about to die and it's not like he can typically get there fast enough to change the outcome. But C'est la vie, right?<br><br> Future - This is the biggie and, really, the worst. Thankfully, it doesn't happen often. To know that something bad is going to happen, but not be certain when and have no real idea how to stop it? It's a heavy load. Like the past, there are threads he could grasp to show him more. However, with the future, there are so many of them that he would quickly become overwhelmed by them and lost. The future, unlike the past, is never set in stone. Just one hair thin thread to the right or to the left could be the difference. But knowing the difference would come at too great a cost. <br><br>Medium - In addition to being 'seers' connected to the Fates, Ravenfolk also serve as messengers for the dead. Corben sees the lingering dead. It's not often that they badger him or follow him about, but when they do it's the one noise he can't just turn off by taking off his cochlear processors.<br />
|Skills=<br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Arcane Alchemy:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben's mother is a powerful witch. While Corben doesn't share her abundant affinities for the craft, his mother made sure to train him in the mixing of potions. Despite being disinclined to bother with all the effort needed to create powerful potions, he does have a rather vast knowledge of all manner of witchy type ingredients, what they do and how to mix them.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Artist:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben is a naturally gifted artist, as is his mother and mentor. If he ever got off his arse and put his mind to it, he could have pieces selling in galleries. But he can't so he doesn't. Instead he puts his talents to use in the adrenaline pumping world of street art.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Drummer:'''</span><br />
<br>Before Corben went deaf, he was well on his way to becoming at least a B level guitarist. He didn't lose his passion for music when he lost his hearing, he just turned it in a different direction, one that he could feel even if he couldn't hear it. He's a decent enough drummer to hold his own in his metal band, Death Omen.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Duck, Dodge, Run:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben isn't a fighter. That isn't to say he couldn't be, but he would rather run when it comes right down to it. He's perfected the art of ducking, dodging and running away to a dark corner where he can turn raven and fly away. When he's forced to stay and fight, he can hold his own with a slightly better than average person, but he still prefers to fight defensively until he can find an opening to duck, dodge and run.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Lip Reading:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben is an expert in reading lips. His aptitude is at a higher level than most due to the fact that he's had to figure it out with several different languages.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Multi-Lingual:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben knows several languages to different degrees. He's fluent in English, ASL, French, LSF (French Sign Language) and he has a conversational understanding of Flemish Dutch. Latin, well he knows enough of it to not have every potion blow up in his face when they need a Latin incantation to complete. Ask him about the time he spent two weeks with a purple face, he might just cuss you out in bad Latin.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Occult Knowledge:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben was homeschooled and his mother was determined that he would learn about things of the arcane nature. He's not a walking encyclopedia on the subject, but he would be a champ at Trivial Pursuit Occult Edition.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Parkour:'''</span><br />
<br>While Corben isn't up there with the masters, he knows how to use his surroundings to leap, run, flip and climb quickly and efficiently. It's just another way to duck, dodge and run from trouble. It also helps getting into those high places to display his artwork.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Pickpocket:'''</span><br />
<br>This goes hand in hand with his sleight of hand, but adds elements of subtle distraction to make a person even less aware that they are being liberated of their possessions.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Sleight of Hand:'''</span><br />
<br>Is this your card? Magic tricks, palming of objects in a way that the owner isn't immediately aware that they are being liberated of their possessions are all things that fall in his wheelhouse.<br />
|Resources=<br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Cafe De La Magie:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben's little potion shop where one can also find a cup of coffee, a soda, maybe some pastries and salty snacks. And don't forget the mystical magical hooka bar.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Mom:'''</span><br />
<br>Nadine may still be in Belgium, but it doesn't mean she wouldn't move heaven and earth to get to her boy if he needed her. Don't mess with the only child of a witch of a mother.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Occult Contacts:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben hasn't been in New York very long, but he has established a network of contacts that can help in the acquisition of components he needs for his potions.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Pup:'''</span><br />
<br>The ghost of a little old man with an Irish brogue, Pup has been following Corben around since he was a wee lad. Pup won't tell Corben his name or what he wants, he just cryptically replies, "You'll know in due time, lad." Pup can be useful. He's a great lookout. He can even momentarily manifest long enough for someone else to see him if Corben needs help. He's also a pain in the arse.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''The Weird Box:'''</span><br />
<br>It's a pretty, shiny, weird box. It's not your typical box. It's flat and thin like a laptop. Looking at it, it's easy to tell that it opens - somehow. It came into Corben's possession, well he saw it and it was shiny. He knows it's magical, he just doesn't know anything else. It's actually a very old Grimoire. For one who can use it, the pages will change with a hand wave and a murmured word, much like swiping a finger across a screen - but with way more cool swirly smoke under the 'glass' effects. <br><br>If he could get it open, it could become a resource for Corben and his mystical magical friends. Also see the Weakness entry related to this item.<br><br>Gaining access to the Grimoire itself will come as a +sheet update, as will each particular part of the Grimoire that can be used. At the moment, Corben is unable to access it.<br />
|Weaknesses=<br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Cleptomania:'''</span><br />
<br>He really can't help himself. Corben is drawn to shiny, pretty things. He doesn't steal for money, he steals because he's entranced by something shiny. Given his choice of a wallet full of cash and a sparkly piece of costume jewelry, he'll go for the latter every time.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Deaf:'''</span><br />
<br>Corben is profoundly deaf. He does have a cochlear implant but the thing isn't always a blessing. Sounds are distorted and mechanical and distinguishing individual voices in a crowd is difficult.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Potion Shelf Life:'''</span><br />
<br>The ingredients to create potions are not necessarily expensive, but they can be difficult to come by. Combined with the moderately short shelf-life of most of the potions, Corben doesn't tend to keep too many potions on hand without a purpose for doing so. While it might not be onerous to create any given one, he may need some advance notice of the need to have something specific on hand.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Pup:'''</span><br />
<br>As much as he can be a valuable resource, he's also a damned pain in the arse. Ghostly voices and anything else related to his gifts, can't be turned off by Corben removing is cochlear processors. Pup gets immense pleasure in popping in behind Corben and barking his head off like a dog. This is where the old goat got his name.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''The Weird Box:'''</span><br />
<br>It's a pretty, shiny, weird box. It's not your typical box. It's flat and thin like a laptop. Looking at it, it's easy to tell that it opens - somehow. It came into Corben's possession, well he saw it and it was shiny. He knows it's magical, he just doesn't know anything else. It's actually a very old Grimoire. For one who can use it, the pages will change with a hand wave and a murmured word, much like swiping a finger across a screen - but with way more cool swirly smoke under the 'glass' effects. <br><br>If he could get it open, it could become a resource for Corben and his mystical magical friends. Or it could be more danger than it's worth. Too bad someone way bigger and badder than Corben is out there looking for it and they're not happy that he took it. There's also the possibility that he'll blow himself up the first time he tries to read an incantation from the thing.<br><br>Gaining access to the Grimoire itself will come as a +sheet update, as will each particular part of the Grimoire that can be used. At the moment, Corben is unable to access it.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
{{#set:<br />
Hero name = None<br />
| Actor name = Emillien Vekemans<br />
| Theme = Original<br />
| Character Type = OC<br />
}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Mystic Arts]] [[Category:Branches]]</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=16961/Punishment_for_the_wicked&diff=2516516961/Punishment for the wicked2024-01-27T01:22:16Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/25 |Location=The Triskelion: Courtyard |Synopsis=Moving day for Frank Castle, headed to Rykers island and a group from the PMC Omega attack..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/25<br />
|Location=The Triskelion: Courtyard<br />
|Synopsis=Moving day for Frank Castle, headed to Rykers island and a group from the PMC Omega attacked the Triskelion. After an initial shock surprise attack, they SHIELD agents organize themselves and push the defenders back. Frank, however, faces off against two masked individuals who leave him wounded, but alive. Whatever happened, it's only the beginning.<br />
|Cast of Characters=359,285,696,1948,795,3010,5105,3888,3971<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:359|Frank Castle (359)}} has posed:'''<br>Two hundred and fifty Million. <br><br>That's the word on the streets. Someone in SHIELD got word that this is the bounty on Frank Castle's head. Some unknown benefactor has put together a quarter of a billion dollars to any group capable of bringing down the Punisher and it's drawn every lowlife from here to Madiapoor out of the wood works looking for a quick comeup. <br><br>Frank Castle has been held at the Triskelion for the better part of a week awaiting word to transport him to The Raft, most people assuming (with good reason) that even with that high a bounty on his head, nobody would come to collect it at the HQ of SHIELD. Today is moving day, but SHIELD isn't taking any chances. While few people would argue that Frank probably ''deserves'' the bed he's made, even fewer are willing to let him get gunned down in the street. Call it altruism or duty... it comes down to simple principle. <br><br>Frank is headed into the courtyard in SHIELD provided clothes and a bullet proof vest. Several vans are set up to transport with an expected level of security. His hair is shaggy, starting to gray at the temples, and he's sporting a pretty thick beard that is similarly peppered. Wrists and ankles cuffed. His blue eyes keep moving as she's shuffled along towards one of the various SUVs designated to transport him. "Keep it moving, Castle." Douglas, the button man that's mostly a wall of muscle says while he walks along beside the vigilante. "We've got places to be." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:285|Natasha Romanova (285)}} has posed:'''<br>Taking in the Punisher will be a nightmare. That only starts when he's incarcerated at Ryker's. But SHIELD's responsibility is just to get him there. After that, it's up to Ryker's to keep him there and prevent anything. Natasha Romanova is a pragmatist. Dealing with a high collateral nightmare like Castle with a quarter billion bounty on his head brings out her most paranoid aspects. They've done the best that they can do to get ready and Natasha has.. Incentivized the entire group gonig along to take as much weaponry as they can with them, and hopefully for whomever is in charge of the convoy to have multiple levels of communication when the worst happens. <br><br>Natasha is along on an older combat motorcycle that seems to be heavily rusted and far bulkier than the more streamlined version that agents use. The bike is heavily reinforced and has a large number of armored plates segmented over it. Natasha herself is loaded as much as she can justify for this level of escort.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:696|Lara Croft (696)}} has posed:'''<br> Considering Lara was the person who brought Frank in to SHIELD custody, she felt a obligation to be here. She'd wanted a chance to talk to Frank, after he was cleared from medical, but she'd not gotten that chance for a variety of reasons. Never the less, the British SHIELD 'acquisitions expert' was here on-site today for the transfer. It is a rare occasion for Croft to go 'full SHIELD uniform' but such is the case today, wearing a dark navy blue jumpsuit fit to her form, with a SHIELD patch on one shoulder, and a WAND patch on the other, Lara is strapped up with a side arm on her right thigh, and her dark hair tied back in a ponytail. She's been instructed to keep her distance from Frank, but is still there to help escort him, quietly keeping her thoughts to herself as she manuevers the situation. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1948|Nico Minoru (1948)}} has posed:'''<br>Training. Things keep on happening so that's what Nico is off doing. Way over yonder in the training area, she's just doing her thing. Sure, she knows that the Punisher is off getting transported today, but he rejected the offer for Stormwatch. So for now, she's just doing her thing, minding her business as she works out, doing some fisticuffs in the WAND provided uniform.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:795|Lucas Trent (795)}} has posed:'''<br>Lucas Trent works best in the shadows and that's where he is today. He has nothing against Frank Castle - man does good work as far as Midnighter's concerned. All the more reason to make sure somebody doesn't take the man's head today. He puts in his mouthguard - he'll regenerate teeth, but why not protect them? Plus it's jet black and says DIE DIE DIE in crimson on the front. He does like to have fun.<br><br>He's creeping about but he won't distract anybody. He won't be noticed unless he wants to be.<br><br>And then it's too late.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3010|Harper Row (3010)}} has posed:'''<br>A girl from Gotham is making noise within Triskelion. She's come seeking to, as she puts it, 'tap a source before he's beyond reach'. She's come in costume, one of the Birds of Prey that goes by the handle 'Bluebird'. For what its worth, she's trying at least putting in an effort to protect her identity until forced. Which might be hindering her getting the red carpet treatment or a stoney expression. This place probably is harder to impress than your local Cop Shop.<br><br>She mutters, while striving for that Visitor's badge, about how so much depends on a little cooperation. A little mutual scratching of backs. A little tickling of juridictions. She hasn't tried to bribe anyone, but she's starting to get desperate on catching a glimpse of Mr. Bounty. Heck, at that price, it might make anyone think or entertain thoughts just for a second.<br><br>Harper's mouth moves a mile a minute, and even takes the time to masticate some bubblegum. She's been kept on the periphery, not having the clearance to mosey about the place. Going up on her insteps to try and peer over towards the transfer. "Jesus, this is a lot of bubblewrap. Not taking any chances, eh?" This commented to anyone within earshot while she is finally realizing there's no way to pause this trip. She's making too little, too late of an effort to try and get to visit.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5105|Atrice Duckstein (5105)}} has posed:'''<br>Ducky was coming back from having to go do Mortician stuff. Which is what everyone wants to be doing. Thankfully there wasn't a whole lot of dirty looks from the security guards given she went in the way that was not the front of the building. She gives a look out the doors and then back. Everyone was probably stopping to watch Frank get walked out the front, lets be honest. Her mismatched gaze looks pensive for a moment, but she relaxes given the surroundings.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3888|Lucy Blaze (3888)}} has posed:'''<br>SHIELD personnel are thick on the ground. Not often they call in Wildstorm but when the superiors do, it almost surely means violence.<br><br>Like Lucas, Lucy Blaze is not visible. All those people waiting at professional attention could conceal the Coda assassin. SHIELD uniforms and hats make them rather difficult to distinguish from one another at a distance. Fashion choices as a great social leveler equally assist her as she waits opposite her teammate.<br><br>Her trademark weapons are at arm's reach if she needs them. Additional necessities too, as the government didn't exactly ask for a wetworks squad--but that's technically what they have.<br><br>Nothing to see, between the illusory veil and her uncanny skill for standing perfectly still waiting on one Mr. Frank Castle. Professionally she might smile at his count. Private opinions don't matter.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:359|Frank Castle (359)}} has posed:'''<br>Despite being cuffed and escorted by a few dozen armed SHIELD Agents, Frank manages to look like he's leading the show. It's something in the way he carries himself, maybe? For those who have never seen him in person, the pictures they show never quite do justice because he's not a small man. Muscular, intense, full of personality as he's shuffled forward with a controlled grace despite his shackles. <br><br>The Duty Chief that's incharge of this transfer calls out assignments over the SHIELD comms, lets people know their places in the convoy, what the rules of engagement are. They're passing through New York City proper to Rykers. And those rules are pretty straightforward: Don't fire until fired upon. Once fired upon, win. <br><br>It's just like Frank's dad use to say, Don't throw the first punch, throw the last one. <br><br>When he passes Lara, one of many faces, he casts a glance over at her, but doesn't say anything. Hell, he looks at a lot of people, but then he keeps sweeping. If he knows about the bounty, or how much it is, he's probably as keyed up as everyone else. He's just not inclined to show it. Just wait for the shoe to drop. <br><br>The shoe always drops. <br><br>And when it drops? <br><br>It really really drops. <br><br>See, there's all kinds of Private Military Groups. One of them has a SHIELD dossier a mile long. Called Omega, they are known terrorists for hire and they employ everything from retired military (of every country) and metahuman/mutants. If there's a skillset they need for an op, Omega's shadowy leadership will reach out with life changing amounts of money... <br><br>And that's how one of the most dangerous privately funded quick action groups comes into being. <br><br>That's how a relatively calm day becomes chaotic in the span of a few seconds. <br><br>It starts with a feeling of static running up everyone's spine... the kind someone gets right before they zap themselves touching a door knob. Then there's electricity visibly jumping across power conduits. The flood lights burning into the court yard suddenly go off, and the whole area is temporarily bathed in darkness before emergency power is restored. <br><br>Nobody would be stupid enough to attack the Triskelion, right? <br><br>Well Omega is. <br><br>Where there was nothing, now there are many someone's. All of them wearing solid black combat rigs carrying high end military hardware. The shadows literally bend around them like it's spitting them out, teleported through the darkness into the courtyard at the far sides of the courtyard. The convoy hadn't even gotten underway and already there's gunfire everywhere. <br><br>First shot hits Douglas, poor sweet Douglas, who moved up towards Frank when the lights flicker. It kills him quickly, but the shot was definitely not meant for him. While Frank is ducking down and rolling towards one of the SUVs. <br><br>The second shot hits the duty chief in the front SUV. A sniper round right through the windshield. <br><br>Destablization through taking out command. <br><br>It's what Frank would do. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:285|Natasha Romanova (285)}} has posed:'''<br>The sirens go off, announcing the Triskelion is under attack and for all personnel to get to cover and ready to engage attackers. Natasha is caught surprised for half a second. That's half a second too long. A determined frontal attack on the Triskelion was not something she had given a high probability to prepare for. Few other than Hydra have ever dared. She goes to switch to analogue communications a moment later and line of sight tightbeam, expecting everything is going to be jammed. And then it's time to pay the price in blood.<br><br>Mostly their's. Hopefully.<br><br>Natasha goes to rev up the throttle of her bike, going to charge towards the nearest group of attackers as the bike goes to accelerate to seventy, eighty, a hundred, then a hundred and twenty kilometers an hour. Machine gun fire and small micro-missiles go to blast towards her on approach. At the flick of a button along her system, the armored plates along the front of the bike extend and lock in, giving her sufficient protection from the heavy fire coming her way as she races in towards the nearest targets. As she goes to make her way into the group, heavier blasts come her way - they're setting up a small anti-vehicle cannon that will kill her from a near miss.<br><br>So she accelerates, going faster and faster. A hundred and fifty, a hundred and eighty kilometers an hour. A toggle hit along the console once more, and from the sides of the front wheel spin out a pair of sawlbades as she simply drives right through the first layer of opposition.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:696|Lara Croft (696)}} has posed:'''<br> Prior to the transfer situation, Lara had been in the WAND offices, talking to a pair of the WAND upper level management types. She'd explained to them why she'd brought him in. They'd joked that she was a relic hunter, afterall, and that Frank was a relic of his time, so it only made sense. Lara hadn't really been amused by that. <br><br> In the now, she's amongst the escorts along either sides of Frank when the proverbial shit hits the imaginary fan. Like everyone, reactions fall out like dominos. Lara ducks, shifting for cover beside one of the vehicles next to the SUV where the driver takes a round through the windshield. Her weapon is drawn out, her hands clutching the grip of the handgun, as she peers over the cover of the car's hood. Everyone is shouting now, everyone is trying to make sense of the chaos, while Lara simply looks over to Frank. <br><br> She doesn't say anything to him over the fifteen or so feet between them, but THIS is why she'd brought him in. If she'd taken him to a normal hospital... <br><br> Lara sweeps herself around behind two of the other SHIELD officers behind her, as she moves behind the car's trunk, rapidly popping the trunk open to grab a rifle out of the case that had been put in the back of the vehicle... <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1948|Nico Minoru (1948)}} has posed:'''<br>"~Cause I'm too spicy for your heart (ring the alarm!)~"<br><br>It was getting to the chorus of the song she's such a fan off when the alarm goes at the exact same time. Coincidence? Perhaps, but either way, there's a soft grumble under her breath she mutters something (most likely to her WAND superiors) to see what's going on.<br><br>After briefly getting the sit-rep, she takes in a long and deep breath. Remembering her lessons over the past month, she pulls out a small knife and slices into her fleshy palm (as opposed to the metallic prosthetic), letting blood drip to the ground.<br><br>As she blood falls down, a swirling dark purple vortex opens up, and a certain Nico Minoru jumps into the void...<br><br>Only to end up in the middle of the battle with Omega and the agents of SHIELD. Now, with the Staff of One in hand, it seems the budding WAND agent takes a quick look around and nosescrunches for a few moments.<br><br>"Always bringing guns to a magic fight..." she says, seeming to prepare a spell that would hopefully put the Konami code amongst the various SHIELD combatants.<br><br>But unlike before where she took the terrorists by surprise with her magic skills, they brought along the perfect anti-mage; another mage.<br><br>Before she could finish the spell, a dark green energy beam strikes her square in the chest, sending her back into a wall. If it wasn't for the timing of a protective shield spell (get it?), she'd probably be knocked out. Instead, she takes a few moments to regain her wits about her to look for the other magus, cause it'd be too easy if she could just magic everything, right?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:795|Lucas Trent (795)}} has posed:'''<br>Lucas Trent breaks into a sprint the second he feels the tingle in the air. His nanotech responds rapidly, shielding just enough in time to damage to his tactical core, but for a moment there, just a moment, his sprint breaks and he stumbles to the ground for a moment. If his security survival tech hadn't initiated a shield there, he might've been in very big trouble.<br><br>But he's not. He's up and he's alive and he's very fucking angry.<br><br>So he's up again, running, moving as fast as a muscle car cutting through traffic, zig-zagging around obstacles until he can take quick sprint up the hood of a fan, lowering his shoulder as he goes along the top of the van and then literally hurling himself bodily like a cannonball into the gathering horde of mercenary scum.<br><br>Midnighter gives a whoop of joy. Time to ruin some lives.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3010|Harper Row (3010)}} has posed:'''<br>Whatever Bluebird had on her Bingo card for today, this wasn't it. Bureaucratic bunkers and rigid red-tape yes, but not this. The sounds of the calibres being used enter in through ear protection of her costume, her HUD helpfully telling her how deep everyone is in it.<br><br>Her optics have a challenging time identifying the bad guys initially, which is thrilling and terrifying. There's money and tech being used that's gotta be respected. And if they're para-military, there's nothing quite so dangerous. She'd be more comfortable with crimelords.<br><br>Bluebird settles on a strobing visual pattern to cut through the muzzle flashes and shadow, making the chaos drape itself in a disco-ball techno-spazzy Matrix demo for her eyes only. Marking optimal targets while her hands go to her utility belt. Her SMG spring-pop'n-locks into one hand, and the other is selecting smoke. A duo of the metal ovals donk on past the SUV to produce a screening cloud to make at least one facet, one slice of the battle harder to sight Frank and his escort. Sort of like if Frank was about to jump in a chopper out of a DMZ from decades ago.<br><br>Harper slaps her portable railgun with her free hand after her party favours are cast in that big overhand. The weapon activates and charges coils, sounding like a cross between a dust-buster and a hedge trimmer. She doesn't wait for a full spin as a couple Omega's are advancing with the deadly confidence that speaks of a well-paid mission objective. Bluebird spatters them with a series of electric rounds, making electric-spark ricochettes before finding an uninsulated section to volt 'em up. "Get some!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5105|Atrice Duckstein (5105)}} has posed:'''<br>Ducky had a bad feeling. Most high bounty folks that go out front doors at places tend to not do well. And well Frank was a vigilante she didn't wish anyone dead. She had too much experience with that subject. The lights flicker and she frowns, "If you aren't wanting to get shot or do any shooting I suggest you get to a safer place." she tells those standing next to her. Gunshots meant paperwork.<br><br>And this was going to be A LOT of paperwork!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3888|Lucy Blaze (3888)}} has posed:'''<br>A century with her senses scraped over the magical coals and Lucy never forgets the teeth-grating sensation of space tearing for translocation spells. She does not bodily turn from her position, poised like a snow leopard waiting for her chance to ambush the prey. <br><br>Her gloved hand twitches at her side. A counterspell blunts the portal, not stopping it but forcing the spellcaster to exert much more energy to find a weak point to exploit. By then her reflexes come into play, stepping forward, sideways, darting ahead to close the difference.<br><br>Drawing the knife tucked into the top of her boot, she gets close to the black-clad figure emerging with gun already blazing. The fight should be an unfair one; nothing like a bullet to end someone's day. But she flows to the side unresisting and comes in at an angle, waiting for the arm to rise to slam the blade home under the exposed cuff of the body armour and sleeve. Putting her whole weight into the deadly embrace that wrests the human shield aside on the fulcrum of his own centre of gravity opens the first mark in a choreographed assault.<br><br>Chaos for many. For her, old and familiar steps in a dance.<br><br>The knife pulls out, blood streaming after it. Exchanged into her left hand where it gives a guard against another mercenary closing to fight with a non-descript agent, and the free grip gives her rein to draw up her pistol and take aim squarely at the chest. Bullets that leave the chamber in a halcyon chatter glow a faint, fell red if anyone bothers to trace their trajectories. The impacts that come are much more telling: hollow-point eruptions that crackle with bright plasma.<br><br>So many fireworks to dazzle those in closest proximity not expecting the sprays that glowing light bring instead of blood. Another mercenary steps in to clock her shoulder, pushing her around to face him. Zannah of Khera does not smile when she reaps. Clockwork precision in every deliberated strike.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:359|Frank Castle (359)}} has posed:'''<br>Frank is in a crouch against the cover side of the van where Lara is digging for a rifle out the back. Rather than shout at her, he lifts his hands with the palms up. It's not really a question. If he's going to die in a courtyard, he'd obviously rather it be fighting than chained up like a dog in the yard. They ''are'' here for him, afterall. <br><br>Whatever her response would have been will have to wait. <br><br>Everyone is engaged. <br><br>There's no telling exactly how much personele Omega has at their disposal, but by the looks of things in the courtyard, they're throwing it all out there. Even if $250 million isn't that large a sum of money for them (It's a lot of money), the acclaim of killing the Punisher IN SHIELD custody? Well, that's worth it's weight in gold. <br><br>Omega's organization is far too controlled and tight for them to be using standard communications. With Mages visible on the field, similarly dressed in black, it's a safe assumption that at least one or more of them are telepaths that have linked the whole group together like a honey comb. These aren't Xavier Students, though. They're not as well trained as even the basic level mutant from that school... which means they'll have to concentrate. Which means they'll be easy to spot if someone knows what they're looking for. <br><br>Nat stops an anti-vehicle from being deployed and Lucas is cannonballing into the middle of another group of mercenaries carrying some kind of compact laser weapon... kind of looks like Stark Tech... or knockoff versions there of. <br><br>Now, Frank would very much like to be free of his chains for this and who really knows what Lara would have said if she'd been given a chance to answer his silent demand to be uncuffed? From out of, literally, nowhere a trio of figures in black body armor erupts from a black portal above his SUV. There were more coming, but Lucy's counterspell closes down that portal, only for another to open up further away as the mage finds a gap in the defenses. <br><br>The first rolls off the back of the SUV towards Lara, the other two head straight for the handcuffed Castle. Leveling assault rifles, fully expecting him to be an easy target in his current situational confinement. All those stories about him have to be just that, right? Stories? They are gambling... and it doesn't pay off for them. His hands go up, in so much as they're able, "I'm worth more alive." He bluffs, one of them is too young to know better and gets close before the older of the pair can stop him. <br><br>Close enough that the chains binding his wrists are looped up and around the younger attackers throat. Frank has his head bowed forward, pressing into the man's chest so his entire body is protected by whatever body armor he's wearing from his cohort behind him. A couple seconds, enough time to snap the man's neck with a ruthless twist of his wrists, uncoil his arms, and roll over top of him, and hurl a knife from the Omega attackers belt into his compatriots chest. <br><br>And that's how Frank Castle got an assault rifle. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:285|Natasha Romanova (285)}} has posed:'''<br>They can't guarantee communications. While tightbeam may work, all it takes to break it is for someone to lose their commpiece and it be picked up and listened to. Automatic systems can only do so much to keep things rotating even if they can keep an open channel. They can't be relied on now that the fight has started. Everyone will have to fight in their own little clusters until they can manage to get a perimeter formed. There's plenty of wheat around.. Time to try and separate it from the chaff.<br><br>She'll have to improvise a scythe. Another flicked button, and the buzzsaws snap down over to the front of the bike, forming a set of ram-blades. She goes to race her way towards one of the nearest figures in power armor. Another flicked toggle has a system warming up on the bicycle.. But she's spotted in her approach, and a pulse-blaster scythes past her, through one of the nearby buildings, and through the armored wall. She can only rapidly wheel the bike around as more energy blasts would strafe at her. The armor is too heavily reinforced for the weapons she has on her to break and the middle of a firefight is not the best time to be scoping for weak points. And stealth is not an option.<br><br>Natasha keeps her bike going in circles, now at a hundred and eighty kilometers an hour, drawing fire from the powered armor unit, trying to draw it away from the fight so that it can't support the rest of the attack. With it chasing her, she switches things up. Another switch toggled.<br><br>From the motorcycle, an unseen monofilament wire is deployed. It would snap through the air like a lasso, ending along the side of the power armor. Then she's racing around it at high speed, cinching it tight as wire only a few molecules think goes to slowly splice through the armor! Hitting two hundred kilometers an hour, she goes to drive around until the wire runs out of spool, and it's dropped from the bike.<br><br>Leaving a slashed up carcass behind.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:696|Lara Croft (696)}} has posed:'''<br> First thing out of that trunk for Lara was a bit of body armor. She had it pulled around her torso, and secured around her waist when she caught Frank's pleading gesture for having his bindings removed. Two rifles were pulled from the back of the trunk as well, one slung over her shoulder, while the second... a larger cannister launcher, was held at her side. She was in the process of moving toward Frank when that figure came over the vehicle toward her. If the young woman hadn't had enough trauma in her life already, having yet another figure rushing toward her with murderous intent was surely just what her mental state needed in life, but she responded to it in kind. the cannister launcher came, up, Lara had it ready and the trigger pulled in a matter of a second. The gun 'thoomped' loudly, firing a bursting cannister of gas right in to the masked face of her attacker. Hitting him with tremendous force, she knocked him on his ass before she swept over to join Frank at his side. <br><br> "This is why I brought you in. This kind of force coming for you could not otherwise be stopped, unless it was here." She told him as she quickly worked his bindings open. "It was this, or certain death." She explained, before she saw him armed, and already doing what he does. Punishing. <br><br> Lara spins around in the opposite direction then, firing off several more cannister from her heavy rifle before she tosses it aside. <br><br> The cannister spread out, bursting with flash and smoke, bang and boom, having lobbed them at some of the Omega foes still moving in on the scattered SHIELD personnel. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3971|Tom McCarthy (3971)}} has posed:'''<br>There wasn't a day working for SHIELD when alarms did not get sounded. It was almost a running joke among some of the agents. WAND was a bit of the same, but with more odd causes for klaxons. In any case, Tom got wind of the attack during the transport of Frank Castle.<br><br>They picked a hell of a target, right?<br><br>&lt;&lt;Arriving in a breath or two.&gt;&gt; Digitabulum intones in Tom's mind. <br><br>"Thanks, drop me near the back of the attackers, yeah?" He spoke back to the entity.<br><br>Swooping in, adorned in the arcane Witchblade-esque armor, Tom crashes into one of the overly-focused Telepaths. Blasts of arcane power stun and knock the telepath into unconciousness, with Tom rolling to his feet and looking for the next target. "Do we have a plan?" He calls over SHIELD comms.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1948|Nico Minoru (1948)}} has posed:'''<br>Nico Minoru is most certainly a powerful witch, if only because of the Staff of One. However, her training demands that she doesn't rely on the powerful artifact, which for some reason, she is adhering to that restriction in the heat of battle.<br><br>That leaves the budding agent of WAND completely humbled by the more experienced magician that Omega has hired. Once more, the young Japanese girl is struck with a green energy beam seemingly from nowhere, the only indication is that there's a haughty laugh of someone taking clear pleasure in humbling the girl.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3010|Harper Row (3010)}} has posed:'''<br>The sheer amount of crazy stimuli is partially kept at bay by her tech-filters, but being in the thick of it is still a lot. She can only chew on her portion of this crap sandwich while others nibble or chomp on theirs. Stuff is happening that's defying physics, both friend and foe, pulling stuff out of their toyboxes that she can't grok. What she can't understand raises her hackles.<br><br>When the shadows disgorge another wave, repositioned or reinforcement, the crosshairs that flicker over the exterior of her goggles seem to seek those out with a bit more bias. The trigger under her finger feels less resistance. She can tell herself she's just making sure by spraying rather than doing snap shots. They might not kill, but they will hurt and will incapacitate.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:795|Lucas Trent (795)}} has posed:'''<br>Lucas Trent lets the combat engine kick into gear, going into autopilot. It's not that he's not in control, he's just not thinking. Telepathy wouldn't even predict his movements, because there is no thought, just motion, just action, cutting out the middleman from impulse to execution. It means he moves fast, faster than a human could even imagine. He drives his foot into the spine of one Omega merc, pinning him to the ground like a butterfly in the collection. Another he backhands, shattering the motorcycle helmet he wears, some sort of gimmicky virtual reality rig. Trash. Midnighter turns and curbstomps the bastard. Overpaid wannabe.<br><br>The engine can also read the patterns of all the bodies around him - it's hard, with this much chaos, even for him, but it finds the hum, the melody of the battle song. Enough that he can start to mark the likely locations of the psychics directing traffic, reading the flow of combat back to the source, vectoring in observational possibilities.<br><br>He crackles onto SHIELD comms. "Agent Lucas Trent - viable targets at the following marks," he says, offering up vector coordinates. If Frank overhears, he'll probably recognize it as old marine sniper speak. Semper Fi.<br><br>CRUNCH.<br><br>He drives his forehead hard enough to cave in the face of another merc, leaving his face coated in a crimson mask of blood. He spits some of it out of his mouth and snarls.<br><br>"All these witches taking away my fun."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5105|Atrice Duckstein (5105)}} has posed:'''<br>Ducky's moving outside now, into the thick of things, "Oh if I die just make sure the library is safe." she whispers to no one in particular. The ghost that is following her is just nodding, "Noted." he states in an unamused English accent. She just gives him a shrug, "You'll do fine out there. Someone else can bring you lots and lots of stuff to read. Probably." she states as she pulls out her SHIELD issued gun and takes a shot at one of the bad guys. It's a hit, but she is DEFINITELY not one of the best shooters here. Nor sorceror.<br><br>She's just Ducky.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3888|Lucy Blaze (3888)}} has posed:'''<br>Offal hitting a spinning blade makes short work of most plans. Training substitutes for the absence of shouted instructions or clearly communicated orders. Gestures here would be lost on most of the agents unfamiliar with Zannah's hand-signs anyway. She does not bother with it. Occasional short, quick commands given to SHIELD agents within arm's reach have to be enough. "Drop." Or "Your left." Perfunctory action verbs for them to take to get out of the way and let her squeeze off a quick shot into a mercenary's belly, another's leg when he gets to cover behind a van.<br><br>Perforations in the waves closing on their high-value target mark her advance as the woman wheels around and takes aim at her choice of targets. The closest may not be it. She ducks an extended punch and bulls through a gap between two cars, sliding along the bumper and dumped into a crouch for the needed second to calculate her next approach after one of the mages. People standing still in a melee make for excellent targets. Smoke released adds an obscuring layer she takes advantage of. The knife mired in gore sporadically sees use, slashing a path forward for her to neatly exploit into a dash. Dropping into a crouch among the thick of it.<br><br>Breathless poise unleashes the silent reaping, absent a scythe. Coordinates related from the Midnighter bring that rare smile to her mouth for a moment. She comes up, blade pulled from the cradle on her back comes free in a song, invisibility veil dissipated. Useless without enhanced vision at the speeds her iaijutsu-like draw moves. Her mark might detect the intent, but stopping the forged blade from cutting through any armour is probably next to hopeless. Slash. Withdraw. Slash again, one with the traffic.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:359|Frank Castle (359)}} has posed:'''<br>Frank, still shackled, but armed, slides backwards along the side of the SUV to Douglas laying bleeding on the ground. Kneeling beside him, he reaches down to close the mans eyes with a hand sliding over the lids and takes the tactical radio out from behind his ear and slips it over his own ear, linking him into the tightbeam SHIELD comms. Just in time to start picking up Lucas' marks. <br><br>Viable targets indeed. <br><br>First things first. "Makes sense." He says to Lara, peering up and over the top of the SUVs hood. "Would have saved everyone a lot of bullets if you took me to a street doctor." He's not going to split hairs, "I could be out there killing whoever put the bounty on me." Okay, maybe he'll split a few hairs. Regardless, anger isn't directed at her. <br><br>He is definitely charging his angry lasers though. <br><br>Pointing the beam of compact laser weapon he'd procured at the chains around his ankles. A tight beam cuts through the metal and frees him for better mobility and weakens the wrist restraints enough that twisting them at the right angle snaps the metal links binding his wrists. <br><br>That's how Frank Castle got out of his shackles. <br><br>The rifle slings into his shoulder and tracks. A hovering target above the combat caught in his crosshairs. It's one of the targets Lucas' called out and with the squeeze of the trigger, there's a hiss from SHIELD comms as one of the people jamming the electric signal fall to the courtyard like an angel with it's wings clipped. Rather than celebrate, Frank pulls open the passanger side door to the SUV and crawls in, using the driver side as cover to get behind the wheel. <br><br>Is he really considering bailing? <br><br>Would you blame him? <br><br>It isn't until the SUV swings around, "Get in." He says to Lara, pointing towards a group of SHIELD agents trying to set up some kind of a defensive position. &lt;&lt;"Concentrate defenses closer to the Triskelion. Defensive line, use your mages to create antimagic barriers to keep them from teleporting in behind us."&gt;&gt; He's not usually a team player. <br><br>Enemy of my enemy is my ally, right? <br><br>Once Lara loads up, the SUV crosses the field under fire, the bullet proof glass soaking up most of the imacts until the back end whirls around to provide a barrier. &lt;&lt;"Form those SUVs up for physical barriers and use them for cover. And someone take out the god damn fliers... that's their command."&gt;&gt; <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:285|Natasha Romanova (285)}} has posed:'''<br>Communication can get through. So as Castle gives his orders, Natasha doesn't bother to countermand them. Someone higher up on the command chain can call it. She doesn't bother to respond, even as she goes to move towards the next line of threats, energy blasts and heavy weapons fire going her way. It forces her to go evasive as she's on the approach, a bullet spiking through the reinforced armor plating of the motorcycle. Clean through and with sufficient concussive force from the impact to twist the bike and flip it over like a child's toy! It's all that Natasha can do to tuck in and twist off of it as it goes to crumble upon impact with the ground, reinforced frame shattering like a sledgehammer taken to a glass statue! She braces herself hard from the landing, twisting and curling her legs and arms up underneath her to cushion the blow as she would roll. Upon several meters, she's twisting up to her feet as another blast goes off to the side of her, missing by centimeters. Automatic weapons fire, a small micro-missile, the occasional energy burst.. Natasha can just throw down a series of smoke bombs to give herself some concealment.. And then of all things a small pod of chaff detonating in aluminum-like ribbons around her with flashing lights to throw off another pair of micro-missiles about her, as they would detonate about where she was.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:696|Lara Croft (696)}} has posed:'''<br> Lara launches her last smoke cannister, leaving the perimeter of the battle zone covered in hazey white plumes of shifting smoke. She pulls the strap of the second rifle off of her shoulder, as she drops the heavier cannister weapon off to the side. Raising up the new weapon, leaned up against the vehicle to her left, Lara starts unleashing volleys of rapid bullet fire toward those emergy from the smokey haze. What would her therapist say if he saw her like this, after having told her repeatedly to seek out non-adrenaline outlets for the benefit of her mental state! <br><br> She'd taken her eyes off Frank long enough for the man to get inside the armored SUV, and prepare it for motion. It was his words calling out to her, that drew her eyes back toward him, and with a rush back to her feet, Lara continued to lay down suppressive fire as she backed up toward the SUV. The barrel of her rifle bloomed with sparks, bullet after bullet shot out upon the Omega soldiers! <br><br> She leaped backward in to the seat of the vehicle, dropping the spent magazine from her gun before she slapped a replacement in to the ammunition well, her door slammed shut as she sent a wild eyed look toward Frank. <br><br> "And I thought I had made powerful enemies in life..." She says toward him in an exasperated tone of her British accented English. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:795|Lucas Trent (795)}} has posed:'''<br>Lucas Trent kicks a guy's leg out from his...leg. It splits at the knee, the lower half flying end over end into the air like a punted football. Three points.<br><br>A cyber-soldier with some sort of bullshit buzzsaw hand dives in to try to take a few swipes at Trent. Maybe he wants to prove himself - Midnighter's got a rep in these kind of circles, he's been a ghost picking off their young, a monster in the dark around the edges of the pridelands where they hunt.<br><br>Buzzsaw ends up getting his blade stuffed where the sun don't ever shine. It's gory and flagrant and frankly would best not be described in detail. But yikes.<br><br>He figures Punisher will probably try to escape. Lucas certainly would.<br><br>"Welcome back to the fight, brother. Make 'em bleed," he says in the comms. What're they gonna do, fine him? They're welcome to try.<br><br>In the meantime, he's got mercenary by the hair and is casually banging her skull off the side of one of the SHIELD SUVs, to the point that they're just kind of dangling where he's gripping the back of her neck.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3971|Tom McCarthy (3971)}} has posed:'''<br>Air targets - right. Tom nods to the comm, out of instinct. Leaping up into the air, he arcs towards the nearest enemy aloft. Even while on the path to his target, more arcane blasts are launched towards one of the command units. They weren't entirely unprepared, with the Omega operative dodging and flitting back and forth before taking aim at Tom.<br><br>Laser blasts are deflected, the Digitabulum armor shifting to protect it's bearer - moving smoothly over his body to do so.<br><br>"They seem to not be friendly..." He chirps over comms. "All this for Castle? They brought out some heavy guns."<br><br>Even so, he barrels into the flyer - smashing the both of them to the ground. Wicked spines and curved blades start working over the downed Omegan - tearing at him in short order.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5105|Atrice Duckstein (5105)}} has posed:'''<br>Ducky's split attention is probably not the best thing. She looks up to the armored...Tom? "Oh that's what the armor looks like." she whispers to herself. That means that luck has run out for the not getting shot part. She is wearing a vest, given the day that was going down. But they manage to shoot her in the arm and that causes her to drop down behind cover for a moment.<br><br>Her eyes go black for a moment as she curls a bloody hand into a fist and lets out a shout as she rises, aiming some horrific sounding ball of green...something? at the Omega agents. Oops. Someone pissed Ducky off.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3888|Lucy Blaze (3888)}} has posed:'''<br>Two hundred fifty million dollars. Tally up the mercenaries falling like dried corn or wheat, divide by ten. Omega still makes a handsome profit after going into the red. <br><br>SHIELD pays dearly for their advances, Kevlar vests and ceramic body armor doing their small part to pare down Omega's dividends. Bulletproof doors and reinforced glass provide the lion's share of protection, becoming the barded warhorse and the knightly shield to defenders called by their liege lord Fury's demands. Time cares for neither side who petitions its favour in the reload of automatic weapons or prayers on the balaclava-couched lips.<br><br>Muzzle flash and mute sirens flash in thick smoke that renders enemies and acquaintances mere silhouettes. Zannah surges forward to meet a heavier-armed mercenary levying his H&amp;K MP5, explosive momentum bringing round the sword around in a narrow circle that would be absolutely absurd under another condition.<br><br>Tempered metal inscribes its vindication against the snubbed muzzle, splitting metal neatly in half. His partner turns and slams the butt of the gun into Zannah's throat, or would, but fingers gripping the gun split with another back-slash on the blade. She lashes out at the other woman with a standing kick that should have none of the power behind it that she musters, opening enough space to stab. <br><br>Battle is her scripture, her instrument the sword played to a physical Beethoven sonata. A half-turn sends the man flying into one of the SUVs, hard enough for the driver to accelerate to roll over another body.<br><br>Taking stock of the scenario for "flyers" means adjusting on the run, and calling, "Target!" A shaky roll of the dice invites her wearing a bullseye or recalculating to strike the psychics.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:359|Frank Castle (359)}} has posed:'''<br>"This is why I don't leave anyone alive." Frank says to Lara about his ''powerful enemies'' as he's driving defensively, leaning down in the seat behind a windshield that's getting peppered with automatic fire. When the SUV comes to a stop near the quickly errecting defensive position nearer the building, the driver door swings open to let him drop down and out, moving towards the front side of the hood. Until SHIELD takes control of the situation, someone from command stepping up, there's a bunch of junior agents in a pitched battle against a very aggressive, very well armed, and very organized force... and they've got Frank Castle. <br><br>Say what you want about his morals, he's battle proven. <br><br>So they're listening when he speaks. "You." He points at someone coming out with a very impressive looking heavy weapon, "Set that up between those two SUVs. You-" Pointing at someone with an assault rifle, "You watch his six. Listen to comms, someone out there is giving priority targets. Kill them." Or don't, live your truth. <br><br>Frank has cast the die, himself. They're here to kill him... He follows the good advice of Malcolm Reynolds: <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If someone tries to kill you, you kill them right back <br><br>He takes up a position near some of the Agents laying down fire on the Omega attackers near where Natasha went down and gets them working together. Bringing them out of the chaos of the initial surprise attack into the SHIELD trained unit that he seems to know they can be. <br><br>Firing three round bursts, he drops one of the attackers barrelling into the screen created by Natasha's smoke grenades. They all hit center mass, knocking him off his feet.. then another. Then another. Left, right.. slightly left. He's giving Natasha cover for her retreat. <br><br>When the gun runs dry, he tosses it aside and snatches Lara's pistol out of her holster a second before sliding across the hood of the SUV to wade into the heat of shit where the fighting is. He advances behind the pistol, held up tight to his chest as he disappears into the fog created by Lara's cannister smoke. The flash of the pistol, extending it out as he nears a group of Omega attackers. One shot in the knee, one shot in the chest, his free hand grabs the man around the back of his neck and holds him against the barrel pressed into his chest armor. Advancing under cover of body towards another attacker, he kicks the man's abdomen with one foot, weight on his other leg, and sends him hurtling at his friend. <br><br>Pistol extends, shooting them both in the face, pop pop. Controlled. He hits the release on the magazine and sends it flying with a jerk of his wrist. Another mag snaps into place and he's moving, bleeding from a shoulder wound he neither remembers receiving, nor registers. <br><br>A spectre of death in the fog of war. <br><br>With every flyer taken out, comms become clearer. Moreover, the organization of the Omega soldiers starts to crumble. The telepath Tom just took down one of the primary command is clearly sending the attackers on the defensive... some of them are starting to pull back. The portals imerging to provide clear lines of retreat now that SHIELD is organizing and their own command is breaking down. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:285|Natasha Romanova (285)}} has posed:'''<br>Natasha uses the cover shots from Frank to disengage. Another series of chaff cannisters would be flipped by her, blanketing a dozen meters or so and throwing off any further micro-missiles. Now she has the opportunity to fall back and get to some cover. She's moving to fire off a grapple line at this point, launching herself up high, towards one of the battered towers of the Triskelion. Up about twenty five meters in the air, wtih a clear view of the courtyard.. Now it's time to assess the situation. up this high, she takes her vantage point and starts calling in the enemy through the comms.<br><br>She gives quick status updates, target positions, and the best she can to try and coordinate the various groups deployed. She's taking out a sniper rifle and rapidly assembling it, but rather than firing it she's using the scope to get a better optic upon the circumstance. They can all fight. What she can do to best aid is act as spotter.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:696|Lara Croft (696)}} has posed:'''<br> Once their SUV is joined with the rest creating the barricade, Lara is exiting the vehicle in the wake of Frank. She exits through his door, putting her back up to the heavily armored vehicle as she primes her rifle. She's right there astride of the Punisher, as he does what he does best. She's no soldier, she's a survivalist. Trained by a special forces veteran, sure, but Lara's experience in this sort of thing far more commonly rquires her to be much more stealthy than this situation permits... <br><br> Her own rifle is being fired in short bursts, as Frank claims her sidearm, which garners a moments glance from the British noblewoman. She smirks. <br><br> As the team advances, Lara keeps her rifle up and positioned butt-flat against her right shoulder, making sure her body is square to the weapon, as she fires upon some of the fleeing bodies. <br><br> "Let them go!" She calls out. "Let them know how much of a mistake this was..." She says, venom in the tone of her voice. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:795|Lucas Trent (795)}} has posed:'''<br>Lucas Trent can feel the tide. It never really had to turn, the wave never overcame them. Not surprising. Yeah, Omega's good, but this is SHIELD. The elite of the elite. The motherfucking professionals, not work for hire jabroni-ass mercs. Even when he was on the outside, Midnighter never considered himself a merc. He didn't fight for money, not ever. He took money when he needed it, from people who didn't deserve it. Usually over their cooling bodies. Now he got cut a e-check. Not really as satisfying sometimes. But it was worth it to be able to stop hiding, stop running. At least for a while.<br><br>Maybe then Apollo would come back.<br><br>He snarls at that thought and stomps his final opponent one last time, hearing Lara cry out. She looks in the eyes of the merc facing him down and snarls, "You heard the lady. Run."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3971|Tom McCarthy (3971)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt;&lt;Tom, there may be a complication.&gt;&gt; The entity comments, even as he's finishing off the telepath he'd dragged to the ground. One last slash across the throat of the Omega agent ends that particular scuffle.<br><br>"What's that?" He asks, getting to his feet and glancing around - seeking cover to avoid being targeted by heavy weapons.<br><br>&lt;&lt;Miss Duckenstein is present.&gt;&gt;<br><br>"Well... shit." The man looks about, trying to scan the battlefield. Aided by Digi, he quickly spots the green ball of flame splash into the agents. Digi begins almost frothing at the display - alarms ringing in her being. Keeping to cover, he starts towards where the certainly unnatural fire was tossed from. Spotting Ducky and the blood, he switches his mindset to triage and rescue. Faster than should be possible for any human, he bolts to her side - providing a body shield to cover her injured flank.<br><br>"So... you come to these things often?" He asks, firing blasts from his palm, even as he glances over to her arm to assess the damage.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5105|Atrice Duckstein (5105)}} has posed:'''<br>Ducky is crouched down behind cover, flexing her hand open and closed and a bit frustrated, "Oh how did we do that?" she whispers to herself. Apparently this is not a regular thing! And she almost jumps out of her skin when Tom apprears, his question causing confusion for a moment and then a laugh, "I mean, this was not scheduled...but probably not something that was out of the realm of possibility." she muses.<br><br>"I'll be fine. Didn't hit anything major. Just my pride." she states with a wince. "You keep doing your thing. I'm going to just have a seat." she nods to Tom.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3888|Lucy Blaze (3888)}} has posed:'''<br>Red stains speckles the torn black coat desperately clinging to one Lucy Blaze. Soot and dirt smudge the generous gash torn in the sleeve that exposes a gleam of red formed body armor that won't tolerate being besmirched by a bumper or Madripoorean bullet. She circles in on a source that sticks out amidst the chaotic tides of bodies and weapons, conducting the whole affair. <br><br>She strikes an open-handed blow to a soldier trotting backwards and shooting on the SUV barricade, targeting tyres and gaps where return fire most likely originates. There--the mage opening the portal, making space scream. Bone dents inward, a jarred note in the metallic crescendo fed steadily from an empty cartridge. Blood erupts from the soldier's broken nose under her goggles and above the mask. The smeared drip coats Zannah's palm as she leaves the body collapsing at her feet. Three fingers smear diagonal lines on her left cheek, then the right. A last dot pressed to her forehead makes up for the hallowed paint.<br><br>In a hushed patter of her booted feet scarcely making sound, her purposeful stalk goes directly into the retreating line pincered by SHIELD's coordinated assault. Cover fire kicks up concrete spray and asphalt clods to screen the retreating Omega line headed to regroup or hang up their guns somewhere secure and snug. Such a cozy image for a passel of hired killers. That simply will not do if Zannah has anything to say about it. <br><br>She draws the other sword riding her shoulder in its vivid scarlet cocoon. Nonsense design for how long it takes to remove the sheath. Coiled anticipation quickens the tempo of her run, and the leap drops her feather-light amidst the magician. The sheathed blade cuts through wrapped silk, its razor-fine edge making equal work of flesh, metal, and smoke. She might be lost in the mix, alternating between the longer blade in her left hand and the bloodied one in her right with the ferocity of a violinist hitting their solo.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:359|Frank Castle (359)}} has posed:'''<br>The attackers are pulling back, that much is clear, but they're not completely out of the fight. One last defenisve position, one more big volley. One more attempt to bring down the Punisher. There's a concentration of Omega forces meant to draw in Frank. Likely one of the fliers saw him wade into the smoke and called it out mentally... it is obviously a trap. Which means Frank knows it's a trap. <br><br>But for who? <br><br>He moves right towards it, disecting anyone who gets in his way, but for every couple feet he makes advancing, he's paying a harsh punishment. That kevlar is thick enough to stop small arms fire, the occational long range higher calibre if the gods are with you, but not blades. Blades have never been Kevlar's friend. <br><br>Whether he sees it coming or not, it doesn't matter. The knife wielder is moving fast. <br><br>Dropping down from above him, she had been running across a cat-walk. Wearing black converse sneakers, cargo pants, and a hoodie... with long pink hair (that is definitely a wig) dangling out from beneath the hood around a solid looking black mask that looks like it's been stitched together with copper wiring and spray painted to resemble something from a nightmare. Only her blue eyes are visible when she leaps from the elevated position and drops down onto the Punisher's back with every bit of her hundred and ten pounds. <br><br>They weight wont bring him to the ground, but curved blade of the kukri jutting out from the bottom of her fist certainly might. It catches him just between the collar bone and right shoulder, driving down through the junction in the vest SHIELD had provided for him. <span class="bold_fg_m bg_n ++ hm">"REEEEAAAAAH..."</span> It doesn't sound as intimidating coming from her as she probably thought it would, but it's laced with so much anger that it adds the weight fury to her otherwise depure physicality. <br><br>One big hand comes up and grabs her by the scruff of her neck and hurls her forward, Frank down on one knee.. the squirrel of a woman is already running at him again, juking left, then right, and slicing him across the thigh as she slides past on her knee pads, right back into the fog. Frank whips around, swinging a back fist that misses wildly and positions him for another sliding cut across the back of his calve. <span class="bold_fg_m bg_n ++ hm">"YOU SON OF A BITCH!"</span> She howls at him. <br><br>Down on one knee, Frank wipes a hand across his mouth and snarls as she comes in again, only this time he catches her. His arm snaps up and around, hitting her right beneath the mask with a forearm lariat that knocks her feet up in the air. Both hands close around her throat, his scream is far more fierce as he leans all of his weight down onto his palms, temporarily cutting off her oxygen. <br><br>When another of the masked figures barrels out, of nowhere like a freight train. A heavy boot catches the Punisher just under the arm in the ribs. He's easily the size of a linebacker, wearing similar clothing and mask, only designed differently. <span class="bold_fg_m bg_n ++ hm">"Get off her you fuck.."</span> His voice is deep, husky, and intense. <span class="bold_fg_b bg_n ++ hb">"Let's go..."</span> The bigger of the pair grabs the small girl and starts dragging her, kicking and screaming, towards a portal. <br><br> <span class="bold_fg_b bg_n ++ hb">"We're coming for you, Frank... the Punisher will get his punishment."</span> <br><span class="bold_fg_m bg_n ++ hm">"Yeah you fuck! I'll fuck you up!"</span><br><br>With his arm pressed up against his flank, Frank tries to get up to his feet and goes back down on his knees, blood oozing out of his open mouth. A group of SHIELD Agents rushing in after him, drawn by the screams, drawn by the desire to keep the Omega group retreating, are at his side quickly. Technically, he's still their prisoner... Frank pushes up to his feet, despite his injuries, but can't quite put weight on his right leg, and his right arm is hanging at a weird angle from the stab to the shoulder. Barrel chest heaving with deep breaths, he watches the pair of masked individuals disappear into the swirling black portal. A tiny female hand extending out to give him the middle finger as she vanishes. <br><br>Omega i<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:285|Natasha Romanova (285)}} has posed:'''<br>The attackers are retreating. Natasha Romanova goes to play spotter, even as the duo attacking Frank get out of the area before she can try and snipe at them. Whatever their thing was was personal. On top of everything else.. Natasha goes to attach a priority tag to them to run through SHIELD's extensive files, based on vocal tones, physical mannerisms, and anything else that might be able to ID them and bring up useful information. <br><br>&lt;&lt;All assets, secure perimeter. Secure prisoners and bodies&gt;&gt;. Bodies had thier own extensive information to give out. One could track background DNA, pollution, contaminants.. Anything from trace materials on them to try and get an idea of where they had come from. Natasha didn't need to give any orders to start trying to backtrack their teleportation, whether it was magical or technological in nature. <br><br>And tend to their own wounded and dead. Far, far too many wounded and dead. It was alwyas too high a number. She sweeps her sniper scope around the area a few final times.. Then goes to head down from her post, goni gto help with securing the area.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:696|Lara Croft (696)}} has posed:'''<br> Lara had fallen in to a cover pattern for another group of SHIELD agents that were retrieving a pair of injured comrades from a less than ideal point beyond the barricade of SUVs. Providing them cover, she wasn't aware of the two who had gotten in to get some licks in on Frank. After exchanging a spent magazine with a fresh one, she's returning to Frank in time to see the pair retreating. She fires off a few more shots toward them, the bullets casting up a series of explosive bursts of pavement and dirt in and around the portal that they retreat through. <br><br> With a heavy exhale, Lara's eyes look Frank over, as she sees more reinforcements coming from the insides of the Triskelion. "Looks like you're on your way back to medical." She dryly says to the injured man, as a med team arrives on-scene, with Lara waving a hand to flag them over. <br><br> "We need to be pro-active about whoever sent these people, and not sit back on our laurels and wait for this to happen again..." <br><br> She eyes some of the fallen, knowing that several lives have been lost here today, as the situation was wholely underestimated. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:795|Lucas Trent (795)}} has posed:'''<br>Lucas Trent has plenty of mercenary DNA all over him, but he'll make sure they can't pull their dead if they try. One of them gets a hard boot to the chest and sent back through the portal before it vanishes.<br><br>He charges one but doesn't make it in time, having it close up in his face. He wouldn't have minded being outnumbered. He'd have lived and fought his way back. He's frankly a little pissed he didn't try first. Probably had secured portals anyway. Especially if it was magick shit. He hated magick shit.<br><br>He cracks the bones in his neck for a moment, a sound like metal scraping metal with a sharp CLICK.<br><br>"And stay out."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3971|Tom McCarthy (3971)}} has posed:'''<br>One bit of his armor morphs into an organic metal shield, giving a bit of cover to both himself and Ducky. Tom inches closer, keeping an eye out for any errant shots from the Omegas, even as they fall back. Sore losers will always be assholes, after all. "Hold still a moment, yeah?" He offers over to Ducky.<br><br>The man reaches over, his hand moving to her shoulder to rest there carefully. A bit of a glow, and any foreign ballistics eject from her arm - the wound sealing up after.<br><br>Into his comms, he calls out. "Any wounded still about on our side? Or are they all beyond help?" He calls out, medic training taking over. "I can help triage and heal, but it's got to be quick. I'm going to be starving after this."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5105|Atrice Duckstein (5105)}} has posed:'''<br>"Oh I'm not going anywhere for the moment. Just waiting for the blood loss to kill me." Ducky jokes about her problem. Thankfully she would not be dying today. She gives a look up to Tom, "Yeah, not moving." she nods to him. The healing feels...odd. But she's not hurting anymore. "That's neat." she tells him as she picks up the dislodged bullet.<br><br>When it is clear that it is safe to start moving, the woman stands looking over things. "Looks like I've got a lot of work tonight." she frowns to that. Mainly because she's got dead coworkers.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3888|Lucy Blaze (3888)}} has posed:'''<br>Zannah executes her bloody strike against the caster holding open the portal. Stabbing the magus eradicates all traces of breathing, the bloody foam spewed from his ruined lungs a parting outro in their brief interlude. The sword superbly balanced in her hand is her dance partner, sweeping in a broadside cut to hold would-be saviors at bay. <br><br>Sadly few remain to be struck or seduced into a violent end. <br><br>"Wasteful." Brief remonstration carries in a flat tone before she stoops to pick up the shredded silk used in the first place to wrap the Kheran blade up again. Not any cloth will do for wiping splotches of organ and flesh or hair from the pair of swords or daggers, but she comes prepared. Tucked into her jacket pocket is that tidy folded square in a Ziploc bag. Maybe humanity's greatest invention after the wheel.<br><br>Is that truly something to do right that second? Yes. Yes it is.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:359|Frank Castle (359)}} has posed:'''<br>Frank shifts his weight off his leg everytime he starts to settle anyon his right foot and stands there staring after the pair of masked individuals who slipped out by portal. Still clutching Lara's pistol in his dangling right hand, he's shaken out of the stare by the owner of said pistol stepping up beside him. Turning to look at the agents on either side of him who, for good or ill, seem to have forgotten who he is in the face of him helping them during the fighting. <br><br>His hand tightens around the pistol grip, bringing it snug into the palm of his hand. <br><br>How fast do you think it could happen? <br><br>How easy would it be for him? <br><br>They're collecting wounded and prisoners and Frank is armed... he'd be a fool not to consider it, right? The exit is right there behind the wheel of an SUV and it's entirely possible only Lara is paying enough attention to be any real obstacle to his escape... <br><br>The gun rolls on his finger, then held out to Lara. "So it would seem." Going back to Medical. Whatever his thought process, right now SHIELD is the best option he has for finding out who sent such an incredible force to kill him. "I've pissed a lot of people off, but this is something else..." He motions with a weak wave of his right hand once she's reclaimed her weapon. <br><br>Now starting to register all the wounds, some of them far worse than others, but all of them nonlethal.. which is what bothers him most. That girl could have killed him, but didn't. He turns towards Lara and wraps an arm around her shoulder to take weight off his leg, "So much for retirement in prison, huh?" They can still put him in there if they want, but now he's got no reason to stay. <br><br>SHIELD did good given the circumstances. Now they've got a bunch of prisoners linked to Omega primed for interrogation to find out what actually happened. Sending a force that purposeful for JUST one man? Even if that one is Frank Castle? <br><br>Wasteful. <br><br>That is a good word. <br><br><span class="bold_fg_m bg_n ++ hm">"I fucking had him..."</span> The blonde woman yanks off her pink wig after removing her mask. <span class="bold_fg_m bg_n ++ hm">"I could have killed him right there, why'd you stop me, Tommy?"</span> Around her is another three individuals, all dressed relatively similar, but without their masks. Tommy, a burley brown haired guy with a thick stubbled jaw, <span class="bold_fg_b bg_n ++ hb">"What's the point if it doesn't hurt, Claire?</span> Claire snorts and throws her mask and knife against a table and storms out towards the back room. <span class="bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">"I'll talk to her, she'll calm down, don't worry."</span> Tommy nods his thanks to another woman, short brown hair with the sides shaved, who heads off after the girl. <br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=16971/High_Tea_at_Wayne_Manor&diff=2516416971/High Tea at Wayne Manor2024-01-27T01:22:04Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/26 |Location=Stately Wayne Manner |Synopsis=High Tea is served, which quickly devolves into shennanigans and socializing as soon as Alfred'..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/26<br />
|Location=Stately Wayne Manner<br />
|Synopsis=High Tea is served, which quickly devolves into shennanigans and socializing as soon as Alfred's back is turned!<br />
|Cast of Characters=1637,770,175,390,690,163,724,899,650,3395,5101,186,1365,165<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1637|Alfred Pennyworth (1637)}} has posed:'''<br>Alfred Pennyworth has gathered everone together in an attempt to maintain family cohesion. It can't all be about baterangs and batcomputers and batcookies and bat shark repellent. Crime is like the ocean, and while you can damn it, make power plants with it or fish in it, or even use it to harm with magic, it always has been there, and always will be. To Alfred, the thing that makes the Bat Family special is the emphasis on Family, and he feels its his job to prepare them for a life outside of a mask and fisticuffs as vitally important as that might be. <br><br>He has set a wide white table cloth with silver trays filled with small masterfully crafted sandwhiches and petifors, the kind one might find at High Tea at the Ritz Carlson or any other formal hotel. He is, himself, as usual, dressed in a tuxedo but quietly passed the word that this was a "nice casual affair" but he isnt going to sniff at anything someone wears, more pleased that they show up. Manners are expected, but this is not a stae dinner so the use of the pooper spoon, fork and such will be reserved for a future occasion. This is more about forcing the protectors to be human, to be human together and also remember that they all have coer identities, and that there is to be no talk about shop. THAT will get sniffs, eyebrows raised or the occasional wry snarkastic remark.<br><br>A schedule of formal times and a brief history on High Tea, the East India Company, the diffeence between British and American formalities of the term is placed at every setting which he benignly expects people to ignore. But one must endevor. Once most are seated, he will ring the bell indicating the ceremony/meal ha sformally stared.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>And she's still permitted in the household. And the common areas. Things have stayed rather surprisingly well for her. Talia Al Ghul is however staying near the back and away from most interactions. She's not particularly chatty - there will be perpetual issues with her presence that no amount of time or actions will ever change, in her mind. So she is quiet. Appreciative that she is permitted to be present. And taking a small sip of her tea and a deliscious cucumber sandwich.<br><br>Her own attire is rather formal as well - a more formal gown of a moderately prestige fashion line rather than something exorbidant. She looks like she's going to a nice dinner, rather than a high class charity event or to a Braodway musical. Her intent is to be present - not to take attention from anyone nor distract.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:175|Barbara Gordon (175)}} has posed:'''<br> Barbara's black ferrari had pulled up at the Wayne Manor about a half hour ago. Arriving with a friend, Babs and Cassie Sandsmark stepped out of the vehicle, leaving its AI operator to park it for its owner in a nice little place near the garage and service wing of the expansive house. There-after, Barbara had taken Cassie on a bit of a tour of the grounds, starting outside for a little walking show. The pair ended up coming in through one of the back entrances, where Babs showed Cassie off the basics of the house's historic interior. Nothing too intrusive for the secrets that lie within it, of course, but enough to give the young Justice Leaguer a bit of directional sense within the Wayne's family home. <br><br> Here and now, Babs is leading the way to Alfred's shindig. Dressed in a black denim jacket, a pair of black slacks with a form-fit grey turtle neck sweate, and black heeled boots, the redheaded Barbara smiles at the sight of the setup. "Nice spread." She announces to the room as she strides in, thumbs hooked in the side pockets of her denim light jacket. <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:390|Stephanie Brown (390)}} has posed:'''<br>Stephanie Brown walks into the hall, wearing a burgundy strapless dress, her blond hair left to fall in waves about her shoulders. She gets one of her somewhat goofy-looking smiles as she sees the spread that Alfred has set out. No matter how long she's spent at the Manor and with the family, sometimes it just kind of catches her surprise yet again when she sees the lavishness that can be a norm here.<br><br>The young woman makes her way further into the room, giving Talia a polite enough nod. "Wow, Alfred, it all looks amazing," she says as she approaches the Englishman. "Anything that I can do to help out?" she offers as Stephanie takes in the sight of it all.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1637|Alfred Pennyworth (1637)}} has posed:'''<br>Alfred Pennyworth says, "Thank you Miss Gordon and Miss Brown, I do appreciate the notice of the effort into the presentation. It took some time, but I made them myself. When it coms to tea, can one ever really not take it seriously?" He smiles bemusedly but there is a serious undercurrent to it. He takes all his duties seriously, and Tea is among the highest among ^them.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It can totally be about Bat Shark Repellant. Sharks are an important piece of the ecosystem. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Phoebe comes out on the stairs from the second story landing looking over the ballroom (where she is wont to haunt between the greenery), wearing a gray hair-wrap around the back of her kinks and coils, the front showing a gray dress with a tea-length skirt to it and an orange shrug to help hide the scars and tattoos at her shoulders and an additional white shrug in her arms, folded neatly, looking with concern at watch on the thick band on her left wrist, a pendant that looks like fire opal dangling around her neck, along with the wide, black satin collar she wears. Her matte gray T-strap heels tap against the wood floor as she pauses to check a front-facing window in passing before she makes it to the parlor where tea is being held. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's always a spread, of course." she compliments as she joins the others. And she gives a bright grin to Alfred. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Wait, is it still not okay to microwave the mug before you put the Lipton teabag in?" she questions, weight shifting from foot to foot.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>After some texting back and forth on his phone the night before that involved weiner jokes and the like, Damian had ducked outside about fifteen minutes ago. When he came back in from outside, he was not along. With him is Kara Zor-El, as Damian leads her around on a tour of the front of the house, while Barbara was around back with Cassie. There's a few minutes spent in the art area, before the pair of them arrive at the grand hall. <br><br>Dressed in a warm cashmere swearter of dark colors with a collared shirt beneath it, coupled with blue jeans and leather hiking boots, he glances aside to the blonde Kryptonian. "We should still have some light when this is done. If not, there are lanterns we can use out in the barn." he explains as the pair approach the group. <br><br>He takes in the lavish set up and he smirks slightly. "I should have realized casual should have meant formal casual." he comments with a dry tone. "I think Alfred will have everyone make introductions?" he asks curiously, a quick wave offered to Phoebe. "No. You crack open the can of Arizona and pour it into a glass." he deadpans at her.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:724|Kate Kane (724)}} has posed:'''<br>Kate Kane actually decided to drive her black Lotus up to the event. While she prefers the Ducati, a tuxedo doesn't exactly do all that well on the drive on a motorcycle. And a tuxedo is what she wears, complete with tails and a red and black cravate.<br><br>When she comes in, she smiles at Alfred, "Alfred! It's been a while! You're looking fantastic!"<br><br>She then meanders over towards Barbara and Cassie, approaching them with a grin, "Should have known you'd beat me here. Had to shake some dust off the Lotus. And figure out where I hid the keys." She pauses as she overhears Phoebe, then just shakes her head slightly, her grin growing a bit.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:899|Cassie Sandsmark (899)}} has posed:'''<br>Its with a Bird, rather than a Bat... Ok well she's also a Bat. Batbird? Whatever!<br><br>It's with one very snazzy redhead that Cassie makes her arrival, getting out of Babs' equally very snazzy wheels. The tour highlights what is something of an outsider status for her: No one would actually mistake Cassie (Ok, THIS Cassie) for 'Bat family.' She doesn't hang out at the big Wayne house. But at the same time, she does know an awful lot of them. Most notably, she got her whole crime-fighting start alongside Tim Drake and a few other young peers. In the years since, she's kept that connection, and made new ones among the Titans and Birds of Prey. So 'friend of the family' might fit.<br><br>And she knows they throw great parties, so she wasn't gonna turn this down.<br><br>No doubt with some fashion coordination with Barbara, she's also not super-dressy in her getup. It was a point of discussion, to be sure. Isn't high tea a super fancy rich person thing? Even if Barbara did her best conveying Alfred's own instructions, it was a little nerve wracking. Rich people have their own whole way of doing stuff (don't remind her she lives with a Princess and has a personal chef). So she's kind of split the difference wearing a black dress under a throw-over short red jacket. It gives her the flexibility to play it either way!<br><br>"Oooh lookit all of this!" she exclaims upon seeing the goods out on offer. She lifts a hand to wave hi as Kate approaches them, and more broadly looks around to pick out some of the others she knows better, like Phoebe and Damian, as they appear from their own angles. Still, she turns to semi-whisper to Barbara: "So is there like... etiquette?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:650|M'gann M'orzz (650)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan arrives just a *few* minutes late, blame the traffic! But she at least arrives bearing gifts! A few small white bakery-style boxes with green silk ribbons are held between her hands as she enters. Inside are cucumber sandwiches and scones (both plain and raisin), with a trio of clotted cream, lemon curd, and strawberry jam to go with them. All hand-baked and put together, though she had help with the trio of scone accessories.<br><br>Wearing a simple winter white merino wool sweater dress over charcoal gray leggings, and simple black suede ankle boots, her hair held back with a winter white headband, Megan is all peaches and cream with auburn hair and freckles and an infectious smile! She makes her way towards Alfred and murmurs, "I wasn't sure of the etiquette, but I know a guest should never arrive empty-handed, so.. I brought a few things. To have no or later, as you please!"<br><br>After the boxes are taken care of, she'll offer smiles and waves to the people she knows, and the ones she doesn't! Megan is an equal opportunity friend-maker!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:3395|Austin Reese (3395)}} has posed:'''<br>Austin is not /technically/ part of the family. He wasn't adopted as a ward of the state. He slipped through the cracks of that system and never had the chance to get adopted. But if Phoebe heard him talking about himself not being part of the family she'd whack him upside the head like a good younger sister.<br><br>He has, for his part, dressed at least kind of nicely. A polo shirt and khakis, nice shoes. White hair groomed for once. He finds himself a seat once he gets downstairs, and he is well aware of the rules about 'talking shop', "Hey folks. Hope you've been keeping warm, how about this cold snap huh?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1637|Alfred Pennyworth (1637)}} has posed:'''<br>Alfred Pennyworth says, "Thank you Miss Kane, It is exceptional to have you here." He would explain the manners he recommends, introduce the cereemony, and the like but...thts not the Alfred way. If asked, he is happy to provide guidance but in the meantime he merely ensures the tea is hot, the hood is good and even manages to perfectly not have a tick of the face at the abomination of kitchen appliances to Tea. Its an American thing, he is used to it. <br><br>Alfred takes the gifts given by M'gann graciously and bos, "Thank you Ms M'orzz" the latter pronounced perfectly (well as perfectly as one can without telepathy).<br><br>Weather being a perfectly appropriate thing to talk about when having tea, he nods, "It is indeed quite balmy Mr. Reese.""<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5101|Sma'shaw Ihaka (5101)}} has posed:'''<br>If Sma'shaw has a nickel for every time he'd gotten into a Bat-fam related fancy event...well he'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot, but it was strange that it happened twice in such a short mount of time. He'd gotten his tail coat re-fitted to actually fit him, though he still wore black cargo shorts (he wasn't a miracle worker!). He looked over to Phoebe, lifting a tea cup with his pinky out. "Thanks again for invoitin' me, Pheebs. 'Ppreciate it! Hope Oi don't break any of the foine Choina or anythin' loike that." He grins sheepishly, his tail waving back and forth, brushing against the back of the chair.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>Casual Formal. <br><br>This is what Damian said, so Kara arrives in a beige cold shoulder ruched-bustier ruffle hem dress. Try saying that five times fast... jeez, google, amirite? Anyways. She's got her hair, which is cut just below her earlobes, pinned back with a pair of silver pins with a nice even part and a pair of casual cross wrapped wedge sandals. It took her all day to pick this out which means it isn't exactly casually acquired. <br><br>That is such a misnomer <br><br>"It took me three hours to fly here from the driveway." That is a joke, obviously. She flies much faster than that, but she worked on that joke for every bit as long as it took her to come up with this 'very probably too casual' outfit. <br><br>Now walking around the art section with Damian, she makes her way towards the 'spread' as they call it with a long bright red box craddled under her right arm. Going up onto her toes to peer at the table, "I am going to go out on a tree and say there is probably going to be no wieners servered at this function?" Said to Damian with a mischievous grin and wink. <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>Well, they've let her in, so the circumstances are relaxed. Talia makes a quick look around to see if the Lord of the Manor has deigned to join them. There's a small look of disappointment on her face for those few that are good enough to read her expressions and can pick up on her displays. It's very subtle and is smoothed over rather quickly. But still, the abscence of the Lord of the Manor does have just a small moment of sadness on her face before it vanishes. no immediate move to speak with anyone, but looking tranquil still.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:175|Barbara Gordon (175)}} has posed:'''<br> Earlier: <br><br> Barbara was sitting at her computers playing an online game, while eating a cookie from a plate of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies that a friend had brought over. She was talking to Cassie via speaker phone about the event they were to attend, while shooting an automatic rifle at a bunch of noobs hold up in a old paint factory. When she was asked about the dress code for the event, she replied with a mouth full of cookie. "Probably is a dress code, yeah. But I don't careff." She said, spitting a bit of cookie out as she reacted to gunfire coming up from behind her. "Justf wearf whateverf." <br><br> Now: <br> Babs leans over to Cassie a little. "There definitely is, but I don't really care about that kind of stuff." She says with a sidelong grin cast to the young blonde beside her. She spots Kane approaching, and smiles brightly at the other's dress style. "Lovin' it." She says of the tux before she smiles toward Alfred. "Ya done good, as ever, Alfred. You spoil us, more than we spoil ourselves..." <br><br> At the others, Babs offers a wave of her right hand, as she starts toward the drinks. "Who wants what?" She asks, apparently taking orders, should any wish to employ her services as Babs the Bartender. <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:724|Kate Kane (724)}} has posed:'''<br>Kate smiles over at Barbara, "And you're looking fabulous, as usual, Barbara." She grins at Cassie, "And I remember you from the New Years Party, it's good to see you again." Her head tilts a bit towards Barbara at the offer of drinks, "Honestly, I'm thinking something light. Want to make sure my manners are quite proper for this." Her eyes dance a bit, "There's plenty of opportunity later, after all."<br><br>She does slides her gaze over towards Talia, noticing her presence, and gives her a subtle wave. If she wishes to acknowledge it, anyway, as she seems to have a bit of empathy for feeling like an outsider.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:390|Stephanie Brown (390)}} has posed:'''<br>Stephanie Brown moves across the room over to where Austin has just sat down. "Look at you. Clean up real nice!" she says with a big grin on her face. "Start going out to more of those fancy charity galas and you're going to start drawing a crowd there," she says in a touch of truthful teasing.<br><br>The Gotham U coed glances up and sees Damian and Kara Danvers come in together. "Oh god, Kara's here!" Stephanie says. "Have you met her, Austin?" she asks which along with a gesture is invitation to him if he wants to follow her over to the pair.<br><br>"Damian," Stephanie greets him. "Had no idea you were bringing Kara. Now I'm kicking myself that I didn't invite her. Wow it's been too long," she says, flashing a big smile over at Kara. Saving Stephanie's life of course went a long way towards earning her friendship.<br><br>Though truly it was the ice cream that did it.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Arizona Iced Tea does *not* count." Phoebe comments ruefully to Damian as she gives a smile to his date. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Kara, it's been a while since the Roller Derby." she jokes, since their meetings before that? Definitely business and fighting. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cassie gets a smile and a wave from Phoebe, who checks her watch again, looking more nervous, her ears beginning to darken slightly before she hears a familiar voice. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sma'shaw?" she blinks, and then gives a smile. "I'm glad you made it -- please, come in, have a seat -- you recall Babs, Cassie, and Damian from the New Year's Party?" she states, "And Kate Kane, as well. This is Kara." she motions to the blonde on Damian's arm "Kara, this is Sma'shaw Ihaka." she states, and another wave is given to Austin (who yes, she would absolutely apply a loving whap to the back of his head). "This is another one of my brothers, Austin. Austin? Sma'shaw." she introduces the two. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks perplexed a moment. "You didn't bring the Landshark did you?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>"You look lovely, by the way." Now that Damian has had a chance to take in Kara's outfit, he can properly comment on it. "Three hours? The driveway totally starts somewhere in the eastern hemisphere, so I can understand why it takes so long." comes his teasing response as he offers his arm to Kara if she wants to take use the one that is not holding that mysterious box. <br><br>"I pushed really hard for those little cocktail weiners that are usually served in sauce, I don't believe he thought it a valid idea." A grin in response to her. <br><br>And then he spies his mother being a wallflower. So. In order to deal with that, he considers - and once they have left Kara's gift with Alfred, they make their rounds over to Talia.<br><br>Only to get intercepted by Stephanie! "I did not know I was bringing her myself until I asked her to be my date over weiner jokes last night." he admits with a small smile. "But I see you already know each other, but just in case.... Kara Zor-El." Not Danvers, "This is Stephanie Brown, Dick's girlfriend... fiance?" He's not sure. "They may have run off to Atlantic City and got married for all we know." Totally teasing.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>"Stephanie! Hello! Yes, Damian brought me." Kara smiles, almost ear to ear, and pats Damian's arm after slipping her other through the one offered to her, "I mentioned to him in our text messages that I had never been to the Mansion. Which, I suppose is not a tourist attraction, but is almost as big as Disney Land!" So many people. So much to keep track of. <br><br>With her smile still on her face, she turns to look at some of the other guests and waves to Phoebe, "Roller Derby... Oh, yes, the women skating in a circle hitting each other. It was delightful to watch the irrational violence of American Entertainment." <br><br>Whether intentionally or unintentionally, she takes Damian at his word about Steph/Dick running off to Atlantic City <br><br>"Oh, congratulations on your wedding! Are you going to put a little line between your last names? That is very chique these days, I understand from my extensive research watching Real Housewives of Gotham City." <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:899|Cassie Sandsmark (899)}} has posed:'''<br>Cassie gives Barbara a bit of a look for her answer. "Yeah but I'm a guest, I wanna make a good impression!" This is a bit of a turn, although the environment definitely has a lot to do with it. No doubt, if they were having a party at the Embassy, she'd be as nonchalant about displays of high Themysciran culture as Babs is being about a posh tea service at Wayne Manor. What's the saying? Familiarity breeds contempt?<br><br>But Cassie kind of wants to try! "Yeah, that New Years was one to remember, with the musical acts they booked... Hey I'll catch up with you two for whatever you're having in a bit..." All of this is offered to Babs and Kate as they aim for the Bar of all places, while she, instead, aims for Alfred!<br><br>Under his tutelege for the newbies, she's at least gonna make a shot at trying to take it all in and doing things the proper way. "Saucer, milk..." OK, it's not rocket science, exactly. Still, there are a bunch of little details to try and not mess up.<br><br>"Do we do that pinky thing?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5101|Sma'shaw Ihaka (5101)}} has posed:'''<br>The large, hyena mutant takes a seat as Phoebe gestures for him to sit, his tail still waggin' happy! "Oh yeeee! Pleasure t'meetcha lot again. Seems like Oi got a bit of magnetism between me and social gatherin's, it seems! Oi'm Pheeb's friendo, met her and most of her family at th' New Years Party, pur chance n' all." He sips daintily at the tea that had been poured. "Oh! Ahhhh...koinda? Pahrked it a bit of a ways from the Manor ground n' junk. Figured a big 'ol APC moight be a bit muuuch in terms of takin' up space."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>Talia al Ghul watches at each in turn, going to add names and faces to her repetoire that she's not familiar with. She has her arms crossed in front of her, finishing off her tea ever so gently. But, there is a great deal new to here that she's picking up on. And seeing as to how everyone interacts. The Daughter of the Demon is in information gathering mode here. And she's getting a good deal. Social vibes are always good to start wtih.<br><br>A low nod back is given to Kate that's hard to pick out for anyone else than Kate, and a smile over at Damian as she breaks her sielnce. "So are you going to introduce me to any of your friends?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1365|Robbie Reyes (1365)}} has posed:'''<br>As Robbie Reyes pulls up towards Stately Wayne Manor and parks carefully, he takes a brief note of the variety of cars parked nearby. And their uniformity. Alright, their color pattern. His 1969 Dodge Charger fits, other than the flames. Not real flames. At least, not right now. Hopefully not now. That would be bad, Robbie thinks to himself as he slips it into park. He has no idea who all might be at this function. All good people, he hopes. Certainly no assassins or cat burglars or any of that. Right?<br><br>He leans back into the car and takes a brief sigh as he withdraws the jacket. He had slung it over the passenger seat so as not to get any wrinkles in it, and slips it on after removing the hanger. It fit precisely as it was meant to, a gift from the host of the evening, arranged for presumably as some sort of gift to Phoebe. To somehow manage to make him look presentable. There is a lot of effort involved in that, but he was told that those tailors were miracle workers, and that having tried it on at home, he had to agree.<br><br>He arrives to knock on the door wearing a bespoke black suit with the subtlest tints of a crimson pinstripe, a vest beneath the jacket, and cut in such a way to showcase his athletic physique. It felt considerably tighter than what he usual wears, but he is also confident that despite how physically restrictive it might be, he would be significantly more comfortable in this than in anything he owned already. Or likely would ever own.<br><br>He thinks back to something he told Phoebe recently. On Christmas, in fact. If she had not believed him when he said it, certainly she would believe him now.<br><br>He takes a deep breath as the door opens, manages his most formal smile, and steps inside, praying that he manages to spy Phoebe before anyone else manages to corral him.<br><br>It will all be fine, right?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1637|Alfred Pennyworth (1637)}} has posed:'''<br>Alfred Pennyworth says, "The pinky thing Miss Sandsmark is a matter of personal style, some can do it, some can't. There are some who say its mandatory, butthose people are mistaken. High Tea does not require holding ou your pinkie. If you wish to do it, you may. Its a bold brave new world, and I would say, the key to Tea is grace. Try to maintain decorum even if its merely casual Tea. High Tea works best when everyone involved tries to make it something more than it is, meal or Hotel curiosity.<br><br>Alfred greates Mr. Reyes at the door and nods to him, smiling just like he has everyone "else. "Wearing the suit well Mr. Reyes."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:175|Barbara Gordon (175)}} has posed:'''<br> On her way to the drinks, Babs passes by Kara, and shoots her a smile. "You're looking quite lovely!" She states with a sincere energy behind her words. "you too, Megan!" She says, adding "I like the pretty bow!" <br><br> But soon there-after, she's at the drinks, with Cassie separating from her. "You'll do fine. You're a Princess, or something, aren't you?" She's not sure how that Amazon stuff works, admittedly. <br><br> Babs whips up a glass of champagne for Kate, and offers it over to her. "this should go nicely with your tux, Miss Kane." She tells her, showing a small grin as she gets herself a glass of red wine. a sip is had, and a wave is offered toward Smaw. "Oh, hey. Nice to see you again, ya tall drink'a water." She says in a friendly tone toward the big fella who had attended her New Years Eve party. <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:390|Stephanie Brown (390)}} has posed:'''<br>Stephanie Brown gives a soft laugh at Damian's hypothetical. "No, we didn't run off and elope. Though I'm not saying the idea is half bad. Not compared to the kind of shindig that is probably going to be expected for Dick." He being the one sought by high society, and Stephanie only drawn into that world through her relationship with him.<br><br>Finding out that Kara is Damian's date seems to cause all sorts of thoughts to run through Stephanie's head. The once-upon-a-time shortest Wayne ward having been someone she exchanged so many jibes with. Stephanie's lips twitch as if with every comment that she wants to make. Yet it turns out to be a rare time that the filter on her internal voice, often thought to be non-existent, makes an appearance. "That's great, Damian's really, a one of a kind person," Stephanie says, face practically hurting at smiling and holding back all the other comments she wants to make to Damian.<br><br>A laugh at the one question helps put those thoughts out of her head. "Oh, I don't know, we haven't talked about the name thing. We haven't been in a rush to have the event, not while I'm still in school," she says. "I suppose I should probably start thinking about it though. So how are you doing Kara? What have you been up to lately?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:650|M'gann M'orzz (650)}} has posed:'''<br>"Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Pennyworth. I've enjoyed learning about the traditions and nuances of high tea," Megan smiles and bobs a quick nod towards Alfred before turning and starting to make her way towards a familiar face that she hasn't seen in a bit. "Hey, Cassie. Hello. It's good to see you again." She offers up a bright smile before turning it on Barbara next, "Miss Gordon, hello! THank you so much!"<br><br>Glancind around the room, she looks back to Barabara and offers, "I can fix my tea, I wouldn't want to put you out..." Then adds, "Unless it would be rude to decline, in which case, yes, please. Tea with just a bit of honey, please." To Kate, she offers that bright smile as well, "Miss Kane. Always a pleasure."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:724|Kate Kane (724)}} has posed:'''<br>Kate gives Babs a wry look, "If you keep calling me Miss Kane, I'm going to start wondering what I did to make you mad." She winks at Barbara, "Kate, please. Especially when we're here." She does take the offered champagne, then winks at Barbara.<br><br>She notices the nod from Talia, and gives her a slight shrug, before turning her attention to Sma'shaw and giving him a friendly smile as well, then taking a sip of said champagne. Probably to make sure it really is champagne, and not ginger ale as she knows that's a popular bait-and-switch around here.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1637|Alfred Pennyworth (1637)}} has posed:'''<br>Alfred Pennyworth says, "It is my honor to act as a liason betweeen our two cultures Ms. M'orzz. I am sure some day you will return the favor." He smiles warmly and pours tea into a few unfilled teacups, almost supernaturally timed in its precision. <br><br>He would share Talia's concern about Bruce's timing, but, Alfred knows Bruce's time is stretched every thin. He is where he is when he is there.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>Talia al Ghul would give a nod at Stephanie, and pay very attentively to 'Kara'. Now that is an interesting one. T Cassie.. Oh, that's a great many things of interest.<br><br>And as to Kara's presence wtih Damian.. Together merely as company or in a more extended sense? A mother's eyes flicker with gossip afire in them but she does not so much as move. A very, very quiet smile on her face that keeps up. Oh yes, gossip is afoot.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:899|Cassie Sandsmark (899)}} has posed:'''<br>Well, if Alfred says it's optional but not FORBIDDEN? Of course Cassie is going to try it. She's nothing if not BOLD in the face of challenge. And so...<br><br>...pinky finger out! Oh yeah, living dangerously.<br><br>Cassie grins at her accomplishment, as if very much proud of herself.<br><br>Then, she spots someone else having some issues navigating all the etiquette of the event, and greets her in what is a perfectly normal and definitely not meta-referential fashion: "Hello, Megan!" It's bright and enthusiastic. "Don't let Babs lure you into sin and hedonism... we got plenty of time for that later. Come do fancy pinky tea with me! Look how posh it makes you!"<br><br>Well, she's definitely having fun with it, at least. "I don't think I'm technically a princess even if I'm half-sisters with one, since the half-part isn't the royal part," she informs the other redhead.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Phoebe had taken a breath, and then she gives a breath out before she turns on one heel, and gives a brilliant smile to Robbie as he makes his entrance. Really, his car had a unique growl to it, though she wasn't sure anyone else in the room would have picked up on it. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Robbie!" she greets him with no small amount of excitement in her voice, and those heels she's wearing tap across the floor to come to him, and reaches for his hands, kinks and curls bouncing, and she takes a deep breath. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah, some folks you've already met -- Austin, of course, last year at my birthday -- one of my brothers. You remember Stephanie, that's Barbara Gordon at the bar. Kate Kane, Bruce Wayne's cousin -- my younger brother Damian is there with his date Kara, the tall Hyena-man down the way is Sma'shaw. That's Megan Morse -- she works with me on occasion on projects." she explains to Robbie as she manuvers around the room. "And this is Talia, Damian's mom -- that we should be careful of hanging around too much on account of things --" Phoebe seems to realize as she runs through a mental checklist. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I can introduce you to others as they come up. I think you *might* know Cassie Sandsmark, but I'm not sure in what circles everyone floats in these days. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And she purses her lips, stepping behind Stephanie: <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Rich people elope all the time, otherwise the Tabloids wouldn't have half the stuff they sell." she jokes. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And quietly, to Robbie, she gives him a bright smile and whipsers "You look fantastic."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:175|Barbara Gordon (175)}} has posed:'''<br> Megan's request for tea has Babs lowering her wine glass, and fluttering her eyelashes. "There's tea?" She asks, sounding clueless as to the nature of this being a tea party. She glances down at her glass, then over at Alfred, who is rushing in with the tea cups. "Looks like Alfred has us covered. As ever." She states with a small smirk at herself. <br><br> Moving toward the table of finger foods, she finds herself a tinsy little sandwich, which she gathers up to nibble on. "Damian." She says, without looking at him. "Did you download Pow World, yet? I need you backing me up in there." What the hell is she even talking about? <br><br> Sin and hedonism, no doubt. <br> <br><br> The redhead sips her wine again, and then nibbles some more on the sandwich. <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1637|Alfred Pennyworth (1637)}} has posed:'''<br>Alfred Pennyworth is patient, really when dealing with young folks. They all have complciated lives, and in some cases dont entirely know Earth. But Barbara gets a look for a moment as he is trying to figure out if she is being sarcastic. Normally, he's six steps ahead of the conversation but she says it so flatly he almost unleashes The Stare, but the smirk reveals the mirage and he returns it himself as he pours the tea.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>When Stephanie stands down for the night, Damian accepts the truce for what it is. There will be no grand trading of insults this day. Clearly, Kara is an exceptional defense against the barbs. Something for the young man to consider in the future! And while he is considering his future strategy, he waits for Stephanie and Kara to come to a natural pause in their conversation. "If you'll pardon us..." he asks Stephanie. Just as Phoebe arrives. "Hi, Phoebe! We'll be right back with you, just want to check on mother." he promises. <br><br>Weaving their way towards Talia, Damian is running Kara through the same checklist that Phoebe ran Robbie through. Though Kara is far more familiar with the people here, so it's much easier with her than it is with Robbie.<br><br>Then speaking of Barbs, there's Barbara. "I'm almost done with character creation and then we shall terrorize the masses again." he promises to the redhead with a smile. He's really certain that... but just in case. "You know Barbara, Cassie and Kate, right? Barbara's a close family friend of ours. Barbara, this is Kara Zor-El." Another introduction down as he tries to make their way through all the friend introductions, and perhaps to a parent. He knows he saw his father at some point. Maybe. Could have just been the shadows.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>Gotham. Alleyway.<br><br>The Batman has finished an overly long stake-out. He was well aware of the time, and the demands for his attention elsewhere. But if he did not follow this trail, he would have no way of knowing which dock had the freighter. And if he could not find that freighter..."Sorry Alfred," he had murmured to himself, crouched on the opposing rooftop.<br><br>Getting the data was easy. Getting to the data easier. The Dark Knight had it, and was making his way back to the Batmobile. There was still time, if he took the ...back roads. He was nearly at it when he heard the scream. Two alleys over, based on the reverberations. "Sorry Alfred."<br><br>The two would-be muggers were trussed up and waiting for the Gotham PD as the shaken, but unharmed couple consoled themselves. The World's Greatest Detective was already on his way and gone by the time the woman thought to ask for a selfie. She will just have to console her friends with the story. Racing down the alleyway, he heard the plaintive cries from above, and the sobbing from below. The boy was pointing up at the white haired hissing feline that had occupied the highest branch of the tree. He was nearly past the boy when he heard the wailing. "BAAAAATMAN, pleeaaaaaaase." He sighs and closes his eyes. "Sorry Alfred."<br><br>The wooded road towards Wayne Manor flows by as the Batmobile roars down. Within, covered in white hair, the Bright Knight glances at the clock. He spies the blinkers up ahead. A Volkswagen beetle, lopsided. Its well known spare is off the back, lying on the floor, as a man stands with his fingers in his hair, a woman holding a small child against her leg. The Gotham Guardian drops his head back against the rest, as if aiming his eyes at the sky. Maybe he can pretend he does not see them... The man turns and waves his arms in the air. "Sorry Alfred."<br><br>Hands covered in grease, the dust kicked up by the Batmobile coats the VW Beetle as it pulls out onto the road again. The family has a snapshot to share for years to come - how many other people can say that the Caped Crusader himself changed their spare tire.<br><br><br><br>Interior. Wayne Manor.<br><br><br><br>Bruce Wayne manifests from the hallway, looking sheepishly at Alfred Pennyworth, his longest companion. "Sorry, Alfred," he says. "I overslept." It is, of course, late in the afternoon.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:724|Kate Kane (724)}} has posed:'''<br>Kate smiles at Megan, "Well, it's always a pleasure to see you again. But honestly, I find that this steadies the nerves a bit before having tea. The alcohol offsets the caffeine, really." She says that with perfect sincerity, as she looks mildly perturbed at Cassie, "And wait, Babs is luring people into sin and hedonism. That's /my/ schtick, as the Aunt of this family anyway." Nevermind that technically it's all cousins, that's her story and she's sticking to it.<br><br>She looks over as Barbara zips off to chat with Damian, and... it must be a video game thing, or something, as she looks back to Megan, "Though now that the glass is empty, I am feeling ready for a spot of tea."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:390|Stephanie Brown (390)}} has posed:'''<br>Stephanie Brown greets Robbie with a friendly smile. "Very nice to see you again," she tells Robbie as she notes Phoebe doing the introductions. The smile goes over to Phoebe then and a warm chuckle is given at the comment about eloping. "I don't want Dick to feel like he's letting anyone down if we don't have the big thing. Really we haven't talked about the event seriously yet, not as far as planning any of that. I figure it's stress he doesn't need when it's still aways away. And me neither." <br><br>But she smiles and shrugs. "Just enjoying it as it comes, you know?" Stephanie looks back to Robbie. "So how have you been? Making it through winter without freezing I hope?" she asks. "We got quite a bit out of snow out here a few days ago."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>"Yes, it is important to make certain you have covered the name thing first. Especially in Rich people weddings where there are exceptional amounts of wealth involved." Kara dips her head to Stephanie, still grinning. "I fully expect that you will be on the program once you have wed." Turning away as Babs passes and offers compliments, "Thank you, I do not know if it is Formal Casual or not, but it is very comfortable. You look like you are going to start a revolution... a very fancy revolution." Thumbs up for Babs. <br><br>Big grin. <br><br>Back to Stephanie, tilting her head. "Oh, not very busy. I am in talks with the people at Wiener Hut to be their international spokes person, which is exciting. Also I am working on an exhibit of Kryptonian Culture that I hope to present in the next year, pending all the red tape that goes into doing that. Which reminds me..." The box under her arm. <br><br>She lifts it in one hand, but she is being guided towards Talia, by way of a proper introduction of Barbara, "Hello Barbara." Of note is her accent. Them what's familiar with Kryptonian know it for what it is, them what aint probably think it sound Swedish, cus that's clearly why Clark called her his Swedish cousin. "What does Character creation mean? Oh, is this like the Dragon Dungeons game that turns you into a satan worshipper?" <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1637|Alfred Pennyworth (1637)}} has posed:'''<br>Alfred Pennyworth is not at all surprised, offended or shocked, "Master Bruce I feel that when the manor is yours, the time you arrive is precisely the time you are meant to of course sir." He smiles and hands him a hot cup of tea. If he got offended at Bruce being late, he would have had a stroke a Loooooong time ago. The video game talk is a bit beyond his understanding but he is pleased they are having a good time at least.<br><br>Its complicate of course. He worries about Bruce. This kind of event is for him more than any of the others, t o remain in the daylight world enough to have the energy to do the things he does elsewise. Its the same for all of them really. The small things allow the bigger things to happen. Its a quiet struggle he has worked with since the beginning but he smiles thinly at the tenor in the room. It is doing what it was meant to do.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:650|M'gann M'orzz (650)}} has posed:'''<br>Megan's eyes widen a touch before she's chuckling at Cassie's remarks, shaking her head, "Oh no, no alcohol for me. Just tea, a little honey." Then to Barbara with a laugh and nod, "I see. You are in charge of the 'alternate' libations. Well then, I should probably make my way back over to the tea. I'm not sure Wayne Manor is ready for a tipsy Megan." Or M'gann, for that matter!<br><br>MOving back towards Cassie, she claims a tea cup and fixes herself up some nice hot tea with a teaspoon of honey stirred in, toasting to Cassie with lifted pinky finger! Megan could get used to this bit of fun! Hearing her name called again, she turns, offering smile and wave towards Phoebe and Sma'shaw. Looking back to Cassie, she offers, "I wasn't sure which outfit to wear, but I'm thinking I'm glad I chose this one. I love yours, by the way, you look amazing."<br><br>She sips from her tea again and turns that smile towards Kate, "You know, I honestly couldn't say what would happen if I had alcohol. This is probably not the best time or place to for me to find out." Lifting a shrug, Megan's smile grows a little, "Yes! Come share tea with us!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>Talia al Ghul would go to fold her hands together, gonig to approach over at the discussion, "Oh, no such things are involved." 'Alterations for Satan'. "Mephistopholes is hardly the type to indulge in such a thing. I'm sure that they would have far much more fun with those that would pronounce such things." Not that she has any personal awareness in the manner. She gives a nod towards the members of the Titans and outsiders that she does not know or has not met.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:175|Barbara Gordon (175)}} has posed:'''<br> "Good good." Babs says in response to Damian firing back at her. She takes another little nibbling bite of her sandwich before she meanders further down the assortment of food. When Bruce arrives, he earns a smile from the redhead, who offers a little high-society pinky wave toward him with her non-tea-filled glass of red wine. She overhears Kara's words, and shoots a warm smile in her direction. "Yes, that is exactly what it is. Along with Tik Tok." She states back to the Swede. "You're welcome to join us too." <br><br> A pause is taken then, as she looks over the sweets and sugary treats on the various platters across the well laid out table spread. "Maybe I am the Queen afterall..." She mutters before finishing off her little cute sandwich, her hand snatching a napkin from the little fancy holder. <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>There is no evidence of any of the catastrophes that delayed Batman - even the CATastrophe that keeps his uniform in the Batcave in dire need of a lint roller - and Bruce makes his way slowly towards the gathered assemblage. He takes a moment to stand in the doorway, feeling a small swell of pride in his chest as he sees the group. His family. <br><br>He looks over at Alfred, probably the only person who knows him well enough to read his face. To see how, for that moment, Bruce reflects. For a person who thought at one time that he had no family at all, he stands now among one of the largest.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:724|Kate Kane (724)}} has posed:'''<br>Kate smiles at Megan, "Well, when you ask like that, how can I resist?" She nods slightly and moves over towards the tea, and... well, it may have been a while, but she actually looks rather well-versed in it. Taking some tea, and a few finger sandwiches, she follows Megan around, though eventually she sees Bruce and gives him a grin, "Well, there you are."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>Damian lifts his brows at Kara's D&amp;D comment, and tries not to laugh. "No no. Online video game. We can go up to the Clocktower sometime and Barbara can show you what we're talking about, since my set up is in my bedroom." he explains to her. Though now there are others joining and he draws in a breath as he moves slightly closer to Kara. That bit of social anxiety is showing, even with family. But at least it's not as bad with family. <br><br>"Oh. Hey Megan!" noticing her out of the corner of his eye, being tall having an advantage as he offers a smile. "Barbara, send an invite to ContraryMary, she's in my alt squad!" he explains, that one being when the Titans game together. <br><br>But now, well, it's a perfect storm. After all, they are near Alfred. Who is near Bruce. And now Talia is approaching. Sucking in a breath, he lets it out. "Alfred, may I present Kara Zor-El of the House of El of Krypton. She is very excited to enjoy tea with us this evening. Kara, this is Alfred Pennyworth. He runs the Wayne household and has been a beloved family member for as long as I can remember." One down. <br><br>"Father, Mother. This is Kara." No need to do the whole last name house thing again. He's sure that Bruce has met Kara at least once by now. "Kara, this is my father, Bruce Wayne, and my mother, Talia al-Ghul." There. Out of the way. Easy peasy.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:3395|Austin Reese (3395)}} has posed:'''<br>There's a lot of meet and greet to do. Austin seems to be getting pulled in every direction. Meeting a big hyena guy, who he seems remarkably non-plussed by, then Kara, who gets a big handshake from him if she'll take it. Robbie again, who gets a polite nod hello. Then he's gone again, off to meet with other people after a bit. He eventually comes back after seeming to vanish for a few minutes. He may or may not have been off drinking something other than tea, perish the thought! He does meander his way back over towards Phoebe and Robbie, "So how've you been Robbie? I know it's been a bit. Phoebe talks about you a lot. All good things." Mostly good things..<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>Talia al Ghul would bow her head to Kara, "Charmed, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. DO forgive me for my lack of knowledge, but what is an appropriate way to refer to you in a formal manner?" Because 'Ms. Zor-El' didn't seem quite fitting here. She was Damian's mother, she was going to be very polite to the pair. She would take her hands together and give a low and formal curtsy to her that somehow fit over with her outfit. Then she would glance over at Bruce..<br><br>And head towards him to try and draw him in to the rest of them. Her hand very, very softly and very, very timidly offers itself up to him to see if she can take him back over into the group for conversation.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1637|Alfred Pennyworth (1637)}} has posed:'''<br>Alfred Pennyworth smiles knowingly at the look. He does indeed recognize the look on Bruce's face. If nothing else happens then he knows the evening is a success, one more day staving off the snapping of a temper or the fine line that keeps the city, the world or even the stars from slipping into chaosand night.<br><br> Tethered in sanity is critical and then he hears, "This is the bet time and place for alcohol" for ....he quietly moves his place in the room to be equidistant from the fire extinguishe, the mop, ginger ale or more tea. He hovers around this invisible but slightly moving spot for the foreseable future, no outward sign of the calculus equations constantly being run. After a while, he calms down but still looks at the mop from time to time.<br><br>"Lovely to meet you Ms El, your house has done incalcuable good for the world. Thank you for joining us."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:899|Cassie Sandsmark (899)}} has posed:'''<br>"Yeah I wasn't really sure how to go for something like this... I love your outfit though, you completely nailed it. Totally adorbs! It looks so cozy and soft and fuzzy. I kinda wanna touch it..." Which has the potential of being slightly weirder in this contexts than others. And in turn, maybe Cassie realizes as much! "Uh. I mean, nevermind. And you -always- have great outfits, right?" Knowing wink!<br><br>And this is them without Barbara's temptations!<br><br>"You've never tried it?" she wonders then, as they continue to ponder said corruptive influence, lurking just beyond. "I guess, for all we know, it could be poisonous to you or something, right? One of those totally weird things you can't even fathom why nature works that way, like dogs and chocolate. Although if I had to guess, I'd put money on 'you barely even notice it.' You're pretty tough." Technically, so is Cassie, although she's seemingly able to drink - and enjoy it - perfectly well under most circumstances.<br><br>The Olympian pantheon isn't exactly known for sobriety, though. "If you wanna figure it out, go for it, I say." OK, now she's seemingly turned to Babs' side. A Devil on each shoulder, for M'gann!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>Those who know both Bruce and the Batman will know, without having to look, that he would be much more comfortable punching the Joker's goons or deciphering one of the Riddler's puzzles than have to navigate the social and familial mores of this party, no matter how much pride he has in seeing them. But he has responsibilities, and if he can face down the Scarecrow's terror gas, he can take the hand of the mother of his son and get introduced to the daughter of his teammate who is also apparently now dating said son. <br><br>"Ah, yes, Kara, I believe your mother and I are well acquainted." says Bruce with a smile and a nod of his head. Is he aware of how that sounds? Probably not. <br><br>At least there are no other awkward introductions to heroes dating his children waiting for him in the wings once he gets this one over with.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1637|Alfred Pennyworth (1637)}} has posed:'''<br>Alfred Pennyworth reads the social queues from Talia and, much to his inner surprise actually agrees with her. "Sir you should likely mingle more. Timing is fine, but you are the sun around which they orbit. Speaking to them will make them happier and less likely to careen into shenanigans. Plus, you may actually have a good time."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>"Oooh... ooooh, I read about these video games. The only one I have any experience with is the one with the little bird... tapping the screen repeatedly to get it to flap it's adorable little wings through irrationally and crudely constructed obstacles." Kara never once loses her smile, but does clutch Damian's arm when she feels his disposition change at a minute level. There's a lot of technical crap that goes into how she knows it, but there's a lot to do, just trust that she can tell he's a little anxious and she's being supportive! "Excuse us, have to meet the host and present a gift." <br><br>Off she goes in tow towards Bruce, Talia, but first to Alfred. "Mr. Pennyworth, thank you for the indirect invitation." Her cheeks darken at the compliments, "That is mostly my Cousin." Humble, no business talk at the table. "Oh!" The box comes out from under her arm, temporarily dislodging from Damian to hold it out to the dutiful butler. "This is for you. We call it a Sunstone." Inside is a stone, roughly three inches long, with off-center cuts and grooves along one side that give the slight resemblance to a key. "They are used for most things in Kryptonian technology, but are primarily a form of data storage. In this case I have encoded thousands of years worth Kryptonian High Society practices and customs. It seemed fitting given the nature of the gathering." Once he has accepted, or not I guess, the box she bows her head. <br><br>Waiting politely for replies, and then off to meet the parents. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's not awkward. <br><br>"Mr. Wayne, your house is as big as Disney Land. It is quite lovely, thank you for allowing me to visit..." Wait he and her mother are well acquainted. Her lip twitches, but she just nods and continues to smile, "Is that so? She did not mention." Oh, but she's going to mention now, oh yes she is. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's hot goss. <br><br> Then to Talia, she bows her head, gently, "Please, just Kara." <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:650|M'gann M'orzz (650)}} has posed:'''<br>"Excellent!" Megan seems quite pleased when Kate comes to join the tea party. She'll get herself a few of the sweet treats to help counter the strong tea, turning a smile towards Kate, "I hope you're having fun, at least? Maybe just a little? A pinch of fun?" She'll hold up thumb and forefinger scant milimeters apart, peering through the opening before laughing lightly.<br><br>Grinning at Cassie, Megan offers, "Thank you! I've been studying some of the girls on campus for their fashion, trying to get better at it." THen she holds out her sleeve and stage whispers, "You can feel it if you want to, I'm not certain if the texture is *quite* right, but it's *very* soft." And indeed, it's extremely soft! Almost more like a bunny's fur than actual wool.<br><br>Damian's greeting has her smiling and lifting a wave in a wave towards him, though she doesn't interrupt since he seems to be attending to Very Serious Business just then. Instead, she glances sidelong at Cassie and chuckles, "Uncle John doesn't seem to have any issues with it, so presumably it isn't poisonous. But no, I've never tried it. Technically, I'm not old enough, a few more months before my 21st birthday. So I'll likely just wait until then."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1365|Robbie Reyes (1365)}} has posed:'''<br>There is a palpable sense of relief as Phoebe finds Robbie before anyone else can, and he manages to beam her a broad smile, made all the more brilliant as he spies what hangs around her neck. "Phoebe," he says, taking his social cues from her. Taking hands, and smiling and nodding. As he is whisked around and introductions are made, he does his best to breathe. Certainly this has to be better than facing down the souls of remorseless killers and showing them the error of their ways....<br><br>His feet stop as Phoebe leads him over towards Talia. His jaw clenches for a moment as he starts to feel...warm. Phoebe might too. Perhaps that is she ushers him over elsewhere. Smart, Phoebe.<br><br>"You look amazing," he murmurs, once he is clear of the spark that may set his head flame. <br><br>He manages to recover his equilibrium by the time Stephanie starts talking to him, and he smiles warmly towards her. Warmly is good. Warmly is not flames of Hell. "I have been good," he says, giving Phoebe's hand a squeeze. "Honestly, better than I have in a long time." He turns his gaze to smile at Phoebe, before looking back to Stephanie. "I am glad to hear that you are doing well as well."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>A bow of her head is given to Kara and Damian, "Your family does great work here, Kara." She's ever so cautious in her statements - not out of any lack of respect and appreciation.. But things are always complicated when it comes to family. And she does not wish to bring up bad memories for anyone here. "And a privilege to make your acquaintance." She gives Damian a smile, and then goes over to give him a hug. <br><br>"I'm very, very proud of you and very, very happy for you my son." This is spoken over in soft Arabic as Damian's mothers words fill wtih pride. Then presuming he returns the hug and lets her go, she further givse a bow of her head to Alfred. "Thank you, Lord Pennyworth. For what you mean to this family. You are the beating heart of it and the soul that keeps everyone connected." <br><br>And then she's gonig her way back towards Bruce. Very, very uncertainly.. But, presuming she's allowed she would go to wrap her arm about his, tentatively trying to entwine it.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1637|Alfred Pennyworth (1637)}} has posed:'''<br>Alfred Pennyworth beams, "Thank you Ms. Danvers, I am honored, it is a priceless gift and I look forward to studying it." He isnt immediately sure how to READ it but there is no reason something in the BatCave wont have access to it and it might give Tim a curious puzzle to unlock. For all he knows, you simply tap the object and ask it what you want. Either way, far too valuable toleave lying around, "I shall put this somewhere safe." He bows to those present and moves to place it securely below the mansion. As he moves to go, he stops and smiles, "You honor me ma'am, but Alfred please Miss al Ghul." The ironiy of that statement escapes him enitrely. He heads off.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5101|Sma'shaw Ihaka (5101)}} has posed:'''<br>Somewhere amidst the revelry and talks, the large mutant yeen ended up with a tea cup in one hand and a wine glass in the other. How, might one ask? Dunno, he wasn't paying attention all that much. Tasty stuff though! He wandered over to Phoebe's growing cavalcade of capers(?) and toasted them with his wine glass. "G'day, seems like the fun part of the party's over 'ere, aye? Think Oi had a bit of a zone-out for a tick, 'pologies if anyone spoke t' me." He wiggled his fingers to all gathered. He looked -utterly- out of place here, but had the charisma and confidence to make it work nonetheless...man, maybe a lot of it was that -snazzy- tail coat.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:724|Kate Kane (724)}} has posed:'''<br>Kate laughs softly at Megan, as the enthusiasm is infectious, "I am absolutely having fun, though it was a /very/ close call there for a bit." She tilts her head, "Though, if you ever want any fashion tips, I know quite a few people that are absolute geniuses at it. Janet Van Dyne, for instance." Just a casual namedrop there, as she grins over at Cassie.<br><br>She does look back over at Talia, and flashes her an encouraging smile, noticing how she's reacting to Bruce and... well, she definitely seems to be encouraging it, at least, as she looks around for where Barbara vanished off to.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yep. Phoebe specifically was steering Robbie away from Talia because... well. That'd be bad. Phoebe can feel the local temperature tick up a bit, and she takes a little breath, squeezing his hand. She's there for him. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bruce's arrival means Phoebe stiffens slightly. Bruce, of course, knows exactly what Robbie is. But she relaxes her shoulders, and she gives a wave to Bruce, with herself between Robbie and Talia. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I only look amazing because you're the one looking at me." she states gently to Robbie, but she guides him to the end of the table, where Austin and Sma'shaw are. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"ANd this is --" SMa'shaw hops up to meet them. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sma'shaw, this is my boyfriend, Robbie Reyes. Robbie, this is Sma'shaw Ihaka, a new friend." she smiles as she makes the personal introduction.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>Bruce is all smiles as Talia moves up and collects his arm, nodding his head in appreciation to Kara's compliment. "Thank you. I must confess that I did not build it, I simply came to own it, so all compliments on the Manor itself belong to my great grandfather." He looks over at Damian and gives him a reassuring smile as well. "I trust that you have given Kara the appropriate tour of of the Manor?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:899|Cassie Sandsmark (899)}} has posed:'''<br>Ok, it's really too much of a temptation NOT to take M'gann up on that. Cassie sloooowly extends a hand, one finger pointed first just to poke experimentally at that fluffy sleeve, and then, giving in to further to this temptation, lightly stroke a small patch of that oddly textured 'wool.' "Oh wow." Blink. "Uh... yeah this is actually even better than it looks. I think any animal that actually existed and could make something this soft would have to be so too cute no one would even dare harm them..."<br><br>Ahem.<br><br>Apart from fondling Megan, her attention is split between tea, delicious finger sandwiches, the potential dumpster fire of an introduction going on in the distance (gossip indeed!) and, of course, the more boisterous influence of first Babs and now Kate, and the general plan that has evolved, apparently to see if they can get a Martian drunk. "Well, it's good to know it won't hurt you." Until...<br><br>Wait, she's not legal? "Aren't, uh, Martian years like double an Earth year or... you probably accounted for that, huh? Well... oh! You can just come to Themyscira. No drinking age at all there, on the account that their population didn't have any non-adults for like a thousand plus years..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>SHe's at the side of the man that for a long point of her life she had called her Beloved. Her son is speaking to the woman that he is very happily spending time wtih. Talia Al Ghul feels a semblance of contentment that she rarely permits herself to feel. She's not sure why Phoebe is keeping a solid distance between her and Robbie, but she gives a quick nod over to the girl of appreciation all the same. Phoebe's body language implies she's doing it to keep things tranquil, as they are. Her arm is gently around that of Bruce, and she is content.<br><br>For one of those rare times in her life, able to feel so. Giving a smile over at the others as Alfred departs to help organize things to keep festivities moving on.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>When Kara presents the gift to Alfred and Damian finally gets to see what it was, his eyes widen and he gives the Kyrptonian a genuine smile. See, those exist! "That was very thoughtful and well done, Kara." he comments to her as he watches her interaction with the parents. <br><br>"Relax." he offers to the pair. And he just leaves it at that. No long explanation that this is their first real date or anything of the sort. Let /them/ wonder for a change. <br><br>"We took in the front of the house." comes his response to Bruce, a slight shift of his feet in thought, "I hope to continue the tour later with Kara, if there is the time." With that, he's offering a bow of his head as he mentions to Kara, "Let's head back over to my sister." <br><br>And as they walk, he has an epiphany, catching back on a snippet of conversation earlier. "Oh!" he realizes as he comes back to a prior subject. "Someone who is..." a glance around. "...not here tonight is having a birthday party, we're going to do skating?" He shoots a look to Stephanie to verify that. "I'd like to have your company again, if you're interested?" <br><br>And that will bring them back to Phoebe. Because in the end, it's always back to Phoebe. "Hey, sis." he offers and then a small tilt of his head to Robbie. "Mister Reyes. My sister has told me /much/ about you." comes the comment, a firm set to his lips. "It is nice to meet you, at last." <br><br>And then Sma'shaw is introduced as well, and Damian offers, "This is Kara. Kara, Robbie and Sma'shaw."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1365|Robbie Reyes (1365)}} has posed:'''<br>Robbie glances up as he sees Talia take Bruce's arm, and then glances sidelong at Phoebe. He opens his mouth as if to say something, but then there are more introductions to be made, and he smiles and nods his way through it. Another glance to Talia. And then back to Phoebe. And a squeeze of her hand.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>All this talk of the great things her family has done. <br><br>Kara's smile remains, but it's far more plastic and polite than expressive of any internal feelings on the matter, "Thank you for saying so, Ms. Al Ghul." She was told there would be no shop talk! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LIES! <br><br>"After my home was destroyed, the people of Earth extended a great deal of personal trust in individuals they had no reason to, with powers they had every right to be terrified of. So if we, through our actions, can repay that trust it is not just an honor, but our duty to do so." A glance at Damian, still smiling, then back to Talia. Clearly she is uncomfortable with spotlights upon her ''great deeds'', preferring to be known for her unsatable love of wieners. <br><br>Thank you Bruce for the clear line of escape away from talking about her other job. <br><br>"We got as far as the art gallery, but he said there is, perhaps, lanterns that we can do a proper Scooby Doo adventure through the grounds later." Her smile no longer looks forced, patting Damian's arm gently. Whom she regards with a tilt of her head, "Yes, I would love to go skating for a birthday party with you! That sounds wonderful. Will we be smashing into each other like at the Roller Derby or is it more like the romantic comedy movies where they fall over each other ungracefully?" <br><br>Free hand up to curl fingers at Robbie and Sma'shaw in a wave. "Hello!" <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>"Unless plans change." Kara adds, for no apparent reason that has nothing to do with conversations not going on. "In which case we can just go to chuck-e-cheese. Animatronics and flavorless pizza. Fun for the whole family." <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Phoebe's dark eyes flick to Robbie's face at the squeeze of her hand, and she provides distraction. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah, I think the idea is romantic comedy movie, less roller derby. I still don't know how I got talked into being in a roller derby." Phoebe states, and she has quite a serious expression as she states: "I bruise so easily." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which is a joke. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think I've got nightwork tomorrow, though; I don't think I'd be able to make an appearance." she explains quietly as she gives a shrug of one shoulder. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And Phoebe makes a face. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No way, if I'm going to eat pizza and engage with a rat, it's going to be in New York City!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1365|Robbie Reyes (1365)}} has posed:'''<br>It is a good thing that Phoebe most likely prepared her family for Robbie to be on the quiet side. Because he is as still as a sta tue. He offers warm smiles to those that approach, maintaining introductions. And keeps trying not to look at Talia.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:390|Stephanie Brown (390)}} has posed:'''<br>Stephanie Brown is just getting herself a cup of tea, letting Alfred make sure it is prepared just right with the right amount of milk in it. She smiles and takes the cup, then turns back to hear Damian's question. "I'll send out the location tomorrow. I figured she'd be too likely to intercept it somehow if I sent it too early," she says with a soft grin.<br><br>The young woman moves over to Sma'shaw Ihaka then. "I don't think I've had the pleasure, Phoebe," she says, asking if she could get introduced, and making sure to be as welcoming to him as she has to everyone else. Even if, big and fuzzy makes her want to scritch his face so badly.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:650|M'gann M'orzz (650)}} has posed:'''<br>Nodding, Megan flushes slightly and murmurs, "One would hope so, yes. Or at least, that the fur would be harvested humanely, leaving the animal alive for it to regrow fur. I understand that's how they make wool, by simply shearing the sheep in the spring and letting the wool coat regrow? Perhaps it is the same for the wool made from bunny fur..." But that leads to strange mental images of shaven bunnies that has her blinking and ready to change the subject!<br><br>Smiling at Kate, she chuckles, "Oh I'm sure that Miss Van Dyne has far more important things to do than meet with someone like me to give fashion tips. She's so very famous, after all. But that is truly lucky that you know her!" She sips from her tea and glances back to Cassie as her arm continues to be fondled for it's soft covering!<br><br>"Shhhhhhh..." Megan glances around before looking back to Cassie and whispering, "I'm not really 'out' yet and there are people here I don't know like that." A pause and then, "And yes, I am technically 56 Earth years old. But there is no real translation for alcohol to my home. And Megan Morse is a 20 year old student."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>"Does Weiner Hut have birthday theme'd parties?" Damian thinks to ask Kara, appro of nothing, his hand shifting to give hers a brief squeeze as his attention is on the situation around him. And in all of this? A realization. <br><br>"You know, we haven't even had tea yet." he says quietly to Kara in amusement. And below that, where only her super-hearing can grab it. "Sorry, I should have told them I had invited you to avoid the shop talk."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:175|Barbara Gordon (175)}} has posed:'''<br> Somehow, Barbara ended up in the kitchen. <br><br> Leaning against the counter, she's scrolling something on her phone, while dipping a silver spoon down in to a clear glass bowl filled with Lucky Charms and chocolate milk. Raising the spoon up to her lips, she pops it in her mouth, her other hand giving a gentle, and ginger, flick to her phone's screen, as she chews on the sweet cereal treat. When she deposits the spoon back in to the bowl, her hand moves back to her glass of wine, where she raises it up for a little sip... Her finger flicks the screen again, as the wine glass is set down, and her hand then moves back to the back of the spoon to gather it up again. Dabbing the spoon in the marshmallow speckled delight, she raises up another full load toward her lips. <br><br> On her phone, a voice is explaining what the Watcher of the Water was outside of the gates to the Mines of Moria, in a fancy British accented voice. <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:3395|Austin Reese (3395)}} has posed:'''<br>There's a faint laugh from Austin as he listens to Phoebe talk. He was about to say something, but he stops himself after a second, "Whoops, no shop talk." He reminds himself, taking a drink from his cup again after a moment.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5101|Sma'shaw Ihaka (5101)}} has posed:'''<br>"Whoa whoa whoa, 'ang on now, Oi'm a BEEG fan of child rat casino. Love the goofs in the itchy suits and all." He grins big, letting out a yeen giggles as he looks over to Pheebs with a bit of impish playfulness.<br><br>He nods his hellos to everyone, and looks to Stephanie in particular. "G'day to ya' too. And yes, Oi know everyone's thinkin' it...and yes, Oi absolutely do use conditionah for me fur! Makes the neck scruff especially soft an' wavey!" He beams, sharp, big yeen teefs on full display!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>Kara doesn't realize she's done it until she's turned her hand over and slipped her fingers through Damian's when he pats her knuckles. Once she does realize, however, she uncurls her arm from his and lets their hands hang together between them, unless he disengages them. "It is okay, I should be use to it." Quiet, "I hope I did not come off as rude or unappreciative, I am just not very good at people speaking so openly complimentary of me." At least not out of her costume. A certain amount of that has to be accepted. "It is... well... I suppose I should get use to it if I insist on giving up my human identity." Her smile doesn't disappear, but it does faulter just slightly. <br><br>As for Wiener Huts birthday themed offerings.. "Oh, yes of course. They have a birthday cake flavored sausage dog. I am uncertain why anyone would eat it, but it seems to be very popular amongst the Kentucky natives." It's Kentucky though, they are a strange people. <br><br> "There are adorable wiener hats." <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>As much as Bruce is loathe to disrupt any tranquility, he leans over to murmur something softly into Talia's ear before gently dislodging his arm from hers, and then heading over towards Phoebe, Robbie, Kara and Damian.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh hey, yeah -- Sma'sha, this is Stephanie Brown, the oldest brother's fiancee. She's pretty smart, and probably the most personable of the extended family. I'm... definitely not the most personable." she explains in a light joke. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sma'shaw was at Bab's New Year's party --" she grins pausing as Sma'shaw introduces himself. "He has really the neatest home-submarine, I wouldn't even begin to understand all the mechanics behind it, but it's definitely a sight to see." she explains to the gathered folks at the Odd End of the table. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then Bruce is on his way over to their end of the table. Phoebe stiffens again, and she bites at the inside of her cheek.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:899|Cassie Sandsmark (899)}} has posed:'''<br>Cassie is notoriously bad at secret identnities! Ask Kate! Because no one is really a secret over in her corner of the business. Plus how does this whole Wayne Manor party situation work? They've got 'Kara Zor-El, of the House of El' across the room. It's... better just not to think about it too hard!<br><br>Still, Cassie makes a somewhat overexaggerated 'woopsie!' kind of sheepish face, and then quickly looks around, as if gauging if there's anyone they'll have to 'silence' to keep this secret.<br><br>"I.... think most of everyone is too distracted by the other you-know-what," she finally says, after looking around for a bit. "And like, there's all kinds of normal reasons for someone to go to Mars these days. Have you been to the Starport? We have a Starport now! That's crazy, to me. I actually have 'work' there sometimes, since Themyscira is one of the founding nations, and the Amazons provide a lot of the security. Pretty fun. Sometimes you'll get like, aliens pulling blasters on each other in the food court in front of Taco Whiz." A true hive of scum and villainy.<br><br>And where DID Babs go?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1365|Robbie Reyes (1365)}} has posed:'''<br>Somehow, watching Bruce Wayne approach allows Robbie to relax, and his deathgrip on Phoebe's hand relents a bit.<br><br>Whoever had /that/ happen to them...<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>At the whisper from Bruce, Talia gives a nod at him of appreciation, mouthing back to him and bowing her head. "Of course. Take care." Her hand loosening over to rest by her side thoughtfully.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:390|Stephanie Brown (390)}} has posed:'''<br>Stephanie Brown flashes Phoebe a smile which is both supportive and seems to want to object to the self-put down. She turns back though as the introduction is made. "Sma'sha?" she repeats to make sure she pronounces it right from the get-go rather than end up saying it wrong forever without realizing it. <br><br>"A submarine, wow," Stephanie says, offering Sma'shaw her hand, the tea cup held in the other. "Well, glad that you were able to come out and join us. So are you a Gothamite?" she asks him. "I grew up, well, as a kid I was in the city proper, but moved up to Bristol after the bridges reopened," she says, harkening back to No Man's Land and the incidents of those dark days.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>When Kara's fingers slide between his, there's a moment of tenseness from Damian, a slightly surprised look, but he doesn't pull away, instead his hand relaxes into hers, clearly handholding is on the table and accepted. Listening to the conversation from the others, he nods his head thoughtfully to Kara. "I know. Which is why I'm apologizing. Shop talk will stay off future dates." he offers to her quietly. <br><br>Then as the conversation goes to how Stephanie came over, he nods. "Father did a lot of work to reopen the city. It is one of his greatest achievements." And that is NOT shop talk, because that's what Bruce did, not Batman. Loophole! <br><br>"Wait." A pause. "....birthday cake flavored /sausage/?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:650|M'gann M'orzz (650)}} has posed:'''<br>Nodding to Cassie, Megan does her own little reconnaissance before smiling, "I believe you are correct. Thankfully, Wayne relationship statuses are more important. I will be exceptionally glad for that fact." Because having to explain the whole Martian thing in the middle of high tea? Not something she wants to have to do.<br><br>There's a grin for mention of the Starport, however, and she nods, "I always try to stop by there on my to or from home." Pausing, she glances around, then whispers, "The bioship has become friendly with some of the other biomechanical vehicles that have come through the Starport. She insists on stopping there every time we go out, just in case."<br><br>Frowning briefly, she glances to Cassie, "Did Barbara disappear? Should we find her, ensure she is alright?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5101|Sma'shaw Ihaka (5101)}} has posed:'''<br>Sma'shaw picks up on the faint scent of heightened adrenaline, looking to Phoebe, then the approaching man...and his eyes flash in recognition. "...Man, Oi thought he looked loik tha' cuz of Photoshop n' mahrketin'..." He sips both his wine and his tea very fancily. Yes, indubitably.<br><br>He looked over to Stephanie, grinning excitedly! "Yeeeea, tha' Landshahrk! M' proide n' joy, m' -shiela-, home sweet home with internet at -any- depths." He takes his tea and glass in one hand so he can shake her hand! "Nahhhh, I'm more of a New Yorker m'self, only been in the states for tha' past...three years or so? Mostly live offa coast, y' know. Oi do a lot of travelin' though, especially since Pheebs befriended me aaaaaall on 'er own!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>"Oh, yes. People from Kentucky are very fond of it." Kara assures Damian with an amused grin regarding sausages that taste like cake. "It has to be the oil they cook them in.. I will learn their secrets and I will share them like the man on tik tok shares all the secret recipes from fast food establishments." <br><br>Without putting too fine a bow, Kara is concentrating real hard not to listen to every single conversation going on around her, but sometimes it's difficult. Sometimes she has to close her eyes for a second to shrink her little bubble of auditory ingress. <br><br>She is quite thankful to have any and all spotlight off of her, however. Fixing her hand in Damian's, she quietly listens to the back and forth of conversation in her immediate surroundings. Blissfully letting the hum of voices beyond that small bubble act as background ambiance like white noise. "I read about this period in Gotham City history. It must have been terrifying to grow up during this period." She laments to Stephanie with a small frown. <br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:899|Cassie Sandsmark (899)}} has posed:'''<br>Although the likelihood of Megan being interested in the Starport seemed high, Cassie apparently -hadn't- thought of the possibility of how much her ship might like it there. "Oh, huh." But it makes sense! "Has she met the Disk? I'd figure they'd get along."<br><br>'The Disk' is, to most people, Diana's Invisible Jet. But it's really a form of morphing metaloid material of alien origin. Whether or not it's 'alive' in quite the way M'gann's ship is, even Cassie isn't too sure, but it's probably more than capable of having a conversation with another intelligent vehicle.<br><br>As far as Barbara goes, Cassie cranes her neck to look here and there and all around. "There's about zero chance of her being in trouble given our present company. She's probably just ducking the party. Hold on." Very much a phone addicted person herself (she's only not spamming selfies while she's here because it'd be a bit rude / an invasion of Bat-privacy), she fishes her own out to fire off a quick text at the missing ladybat. It's mostly emojis, including a few Bat- and S-symbols.<br><br>"Wanna go bother her anyway? Maybe she can show us some cool secret rooms. I bet this place has lots of cool secret rooms."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:390|Stephanie Brown (390)}} has posed:'''<br>Stephanie's smile and nod clearly mimics Damian's opinion of the good that Bruce Wayne did back in those days. Not just Bruce Wayne for that matter. At Kara's comment, Stephanie nods. "I was nine and... well, those are some stories. Probably not the best time for them," she says, glancing over at Alfred's amazing tea setup. Looking back to Kara says, "But we should meet up for ice cream and we can talk."<br><br>Stephanie's blue eyes glance over to Damian and her lips quirk up at the ends. "Sooooo much we can talk about," she says, eyes sparkling with mischief before they look back to Kara and grin to her.<br><br>As Sma'shaw gives more details on his submarine, she says, "Well, if you're ever giving rides or tours, I'd love to take a look at it. I could bring Dick so you can meet him as well, if you haven't already."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... Birthday cake flavored wiener. Just another reason Phoebe is thankful she can decline foods based on her being a vegetarian. Robbie's hold on her hand may have lessened, but hers tightened a little bit as she looks side-eye to Sma'shaw, and she whispers: "No, Bruce Wayne is pretty much what you get on the tin." she states. Which isn't a lie. Just depends on what suit he's wearing. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"... yeah. It was." she states to Kara softly "My first adopted dad opted to stay. That was the year I thought Batman brought gifts instead of Santa." Phoebe explains, trying to keep the conversation light. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She does look over to Cassie and Megan "If you guys go wandering, be careful. I think all the dogs are in the library. Or split between mine and Damian's rooms."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>Having made his way across the room, Bruce offers a warm smile. "Phoebe." And then he turns his gaze onto Robbie.<br><br>"Mr. Reyes." The syllables leave his lips and hang there in the air for a moment. He looks at Robbie for a long moment. People think it is the cowl, or the cape. Or the gadgets. Or the car. But what makes criminals squirm when the Batman is on their tail? The eyes. Something that perhaps Bruce Wayne has in common with Robbie Reyes, if a lot less supernaturally. <br><br>Bruce extends his hand, a smile appearing on his face. "I cannot recall when I have ever seen Phoebe as happy as she is when you are around. So I hope we see you around for a long time."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:650|M'gann M'orzz (650)}} has posed:'''<br>"I try not to pry into her personal life, but she's been certainly having a lot of fun discovering all the other sentient vehicles. So if the Disk is one of them, then most likely, yes." Megan chuckles softly before lifting a shrug, "I will have to ask her now, though. My curiosity has been awakened!"<br><br>Megan lets her eyes close, not using her telepathy (because ROOD!), but letting her senses extend out to see if she can hear Barbara at all. Blinking her eyes open again, she looks to Cassie and grins, "I think we should. There may be snacks involved. And I am told exploration is encouraged." Not in Wayne Manor, perhaps, but in a general sense!<br><br>Phoebe's warning has her grinning, "We will not disturb the dogs. That much I can promise." She'll at least be able to sense them before they open any doors that lead to dog-hosting rooms. Looking back to Cassie, she grins, "Shall we?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>At the mention of Phoebe and happiness, from a distance Talia gives a gentle smile at her. And not quite knowing why they all have her avoid eye contact with Robbie.. There has to be a reason. And she makes sure to keep her distance away and doesn't do the same. One does not have to know everyhing to grasp that something is afoot. So she withdraws now to a bit closer to the wall, having picked up a few fresh sandwiches.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>"Titus is in the library. Please do not disturb." Damian clarifies for Phoebe. <br><br>"Ah, is that why you're Weiner Hut's spokesperson, to get all their secrets?" he asks Kara in amusement as the pair of them remain within the little group they have settled on. "And then you're going to move on to the next restaurant and get all the secrets? I can see this as a viable plan." <br><br>There was more to be said, but Stephanie is suggesting that she and Kara get ice cream and one is introduced to the Brown-Wayne Principle. <br><br>The Principle is simple - the sweeter the smile on Stephanie's face, the more severe Damian's frown becomes. Not that he can take it very far down considering the blonde he's holding hands with, but still. He is not sure he wants to be a fly on the wall for that meeting. <br><br>And that's when Bruce is joining them and he glances up to his father as he approaches Robbie and listens to the words he shares. His hand squeezes Kara's lightly, clearly understanding and appreciating the words that the oldest Wayne is offering to the young man. "I whole heartedly agree. Phoebe's smile no longer seems forced or pretend and I have not seen her as happy as she seems to be when discussing you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1365|Robbie Reyes (1365)}} has posed:'''<br>If Bruce expected Robbie to cower or in any way shift under his scrutiny, he will be mistaken. He does not react initially, not until that smile appears, and he takes the hand, giving it a squeeze. "I have to echo that, Mr. Wayne. I have never been as happy as I have been around Phoebe, and yes, I do hope to be around her forever."<br><br>He pauses for a moment, as if reflecting upon the words that came out in easy response to Bruce, before he turns to look at Phoebe. He gives her a smile, as if to punctuate that, before looking back to Bruce. "I am lucky to have her in my life, and I appreciate the welcome you and the rest of your family have given me."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5101|Sma'shaw Ihaka (5101)}} has posed:'''<br>Sma'shaw nods, before raising his cup and glass to Stephanie. "Aye, Oi'd looove to have more guests to show 'er off to! Ooooh, maybe we could make it a movie noight! Oi love watchin' th' Toitanic close to tha' sea floor!" His tail picks up with a steady wag-wag-wag at the thought of PJ's and popcorn with new friends! Ohhhh, what a delight that'd be.<br><br>Now this isn't Sma'shaw's proudest moment, what happens next. He's a brilliant lad when it comes to making some truly impossible machines...but utterly hopeless when it comes to social cues. See, due to him being next to Robbie, and only half paying attention as he sees Bruce hold out a hand...he immediately has a mild social panic and he thrusts a big paw out to Bruce for a shake, almost dropping his empty cup and glass. "Whoooooppsie-doodle! A-ah, g'day there! Fancy pahrty n' all, truly appreciate y' havin' me here. Phoebe is a wonderful person t' be around, truly tha' foinest of friends." There's something that throws his head for a spin when he looks Bruce in the eyes...but he can't tell what. The pirate in him screams 'ABANDON SHIP' while his animal instincts are at rest for the most part.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>Stephanie's offer to share all the secrets does not go over Kara's head. She brings her hand up and taps the side of her nose, but squeezes Damian's reassuringly where it rests between them. "Oh, yes. Ice Creams and baby pictures." As it goes. Then again, if Bruce is serious about acquainting himself with Alura... maybe it would not be so wise to tease his son right in front of him! <br><br>So she smiles sweetly and shakes her head. <br><br>"Not my only intentions, but certainly one of the primary ones. I just really like wieners. They are my favorite Earth food, I think." So far, anyways. Certainly the best ones for inuendos. Honestly, though, what more could she possibly want for? <br><br>Until dogs are mentioned. "There are puppies? Where are the puppies?" Lips press into a thin, fine line. "I like puppies." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:899|Cassie Sandsmark (899)}} has posed:'''<br>"I don't think we're gonna wander THAT far," Cassie calls back at Phoebe, since she's talking about various people's rooms. Well. Until Damian points out that there's one in the library. That both raises the prospect of them being found anywhere and everywhere, and seems like a place that would definitely be full of extremely valuable old stuff that would be prime chewtoy territory. But hey. Not her house! "I dunno where that is, but doggos love me. Sometimes I rescue them before people. We'll be fine!"<br><br>Oblivious confidence is a superpower of its own!<br><br>Also, whatever the text back and forth is, it's apparently yielded results. "Oh. She just went in the kitchen. So, definitely snacks involved." That is, at least, probably not reached via the library. "Well, c'mon. We'll find her and THEN we can explore some more. With an official person to escort us around and make sure we don't get into too much trouble." The last bit is added at slightly louder volume, whether to reassure their hosts... or the opposite.<br><br>After that, well, she quickly starts wandering off. With the amount of random super-kids they have running around this place, there can't be THAT much trouble they can really get into, right?!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I stand corrected then -- that means Idu and Potato are in my room and Ace is the responsible one." Phoebe jokes, and then she catches on Bruce's words. Her eyes go wide, and she looks taken aback. She opens her mouth to momentarily protest, but she instead just feels her cheeks and ears go darker. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Damian's comments are added, and when Robbie speaks up, you probably don't need M'gann's psychic powers to hear the sound of Phoebe's brain screeching to a halt as her cheeks and her ears heat up, and she gives a swallow -- before Sma'shaw comes in for the unknowing assist! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her brain starts up again and she brings a hand up to cover her mouth, though her dark eyes twinkle with mirth. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She ducks down nimbly, and gently lifts the cup out of Sma'shaw's big paw with a 'Lemmie grab that for you, Sma'shaw' and she sets it to the table. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is clearly embarrassed by the complements.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>The look on Kara's face when Puppies is mentioned, Damian nods. "There's at least four dogs in the house. Titus and Ace I help look after, Potato and Idu are Phoebe's. But if you want, I think we can go see them?" he suggests to the Kryptonian. <br><br>"And after that, we can head out to the barn and I can show you the horses and the cow... and..." Much quieter, for Kara's ears. "The other animal I told you about." The batdragon. And when Kara's ready, he gives a tip of his head. "Good night, friends, family. I'm always happy to see you." <br><br>"Even you, Stephanie."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>"This sounds like a delightful series of events." Kara nods once, definitively, and offers a departing wave as farewell to the assemblage. "Mr. Wayne, thank you for opening your home to me. Please let Mr. Pennyworth know that this was quite lovely and I hope that I will be invited again." To Stephanie, "Ice Cream and secrets." Wiggling her thumb and pinky up near her ear in the international 'call me'. Even though Kara doesn't really know how to use a cellphone all that good. <br><br>"A pleasure to meet you all. I will be looking at cows." Because cows supercede whatever else was going to happen! This is just facts. Have to figure out what Clark sees in raising them. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>A squeeze of Robbie's hand, and a nod in approval to the young man's statements. "I think we would all be happy to see that." And then he releases his hand, nods to each of them in turn - his children and their dates - and makes his way back over towards where he left Talia on the other side of the room. He leans over to murmur to her before taking her arm again. <br><br>A glance is spared back towards Damian, and then he escorts the Daughter of the Demon from the room.<br><br>Far, far away from the Spirit of Vengeance.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>And ever so timidly Talia goes to let Bruce take her hand and lead her away. She's flustered, nervous, and confused. Nothing bad about it. She goes to let him lead her along, going about and trying to figure out what is going on. Her smile is there. Timid.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17011/America_Needs_Your_Help!&diff=2516317011/America Needs Your Help!2024-01-27T01:21:48Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/25 |Location=Lounge and Kitchen - Young Avengers HQ |Synopsis=America comes across Mark and Sunny in the YA HQ and they discuss get togethe..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/25<br />
|Location=Lounge and Kitchen - Young Avengers HQ<br />
|Synopsis=America comes across Mark and Sunny in the YA HQ and they discuss get togethers and current/former relationships. America did not date Megatron.<br />
|Cast of Characters=3159,4415,546<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:3159|Mark Grayson (3159)}} has posed:'''<br>"I figure that we should at least take a look around and check things out." Mark comments as he is taking in the Lounge area, a small frown creasing his features. "I think... we've had one meeting here since I joined the team?" he asks himself as much as Sunny as he puts his hands in his pockets. <br><br>"We should probably have a team meeting at some point... but that's not really my thing, I guess." He blows a breath out of the side of his mouth, apparently still working through some lingering thoughts his father put in his head and just his own restlessness and confidece. "Want a coffee? There's apparently an awesome one here."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4415|Sunny Harlow (4415)}} has posed:'''<br> "The team thing is new to me too," Sunny points out as she follows along, her own gaze looking over the space. "But it's always nice to be around friends, right?" <br><br> The blonde moves, making her way alongside Mark and giving him a little playful elbowing. <br><br> "Maybe, although I could go for something sweet. We could get something to eat with the others, or afterwards maybe?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:546|America Chavez (546)}} has posed:'''<br>From behind the couple comes a bright, dazzling display that momentarily lights up the room. Stars dance before their eyes--Quite literaly--As a star opening seems to erupt in space and time and dimension. From it steps America Chavez looking as if she's perhaps been dragged through the dirt a time or two. Not TOO dirty, but her hair was messed up, she had smudges on a cheek, and her clothes were dusty. A finger is flipped off behind her before the star closes and she's left standing there regarding the couple.<br><br>"Please for the love of everything tell me you two know how to work that stupid coffee machine." They couldn't just have a drip coffee pot. Really? She trudges over toward the kitchen area with a half-forgotten greeting of, "H'lo Mark." A quick look is run over Sunny recognizing her but not really catching a name. "And you too."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3159|Mark Grayson (3159)}} has posed:'''<br>"You know, the Titans are already doing pizza parties. We could do something else. I'm told pancakes are the tradition here? We could totally do a big pancake breakfast thing." Mark suggests to Sunny, a chuckle when she elbows him lightly and kisses her affectionately on the cheek. "Like, all types of pancakes. With blueberries or chocolate chips..." And that's when there is a disturbance and he goes quiet. <br><br>When there's that bright light, Mark immediately turns. Both hands are held, ready to go on the defense or offense, feet spread, just in case this is an attack... and it's just America. But he waits until she snaps closed that star-shaped portal before he relaxes. "You good?" he asks in slight concern as she dusts herself off. <br><br>But then there is the question about the coffee maker. "I figured it had instructions?" he asks, looking to Sunny. "You ever work as a barista?" he asks her teasingly, as they both worked in food service at one point. <br><br>And then he sees America's expression and he /ohs/. "America, this is Sunny Harlow, or Indestructibelle. She's the third part of Bunny and I. Sunny, this is America Chavez, she's the second in command around here after Hawkeye. The girl one."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:4415|Sunny Harlow (4415)}} has posed:'''<br>"I could make pie?" Sunny offers lightly, the heroine already contemplating desserts. Though saying more comes to a stop at the starry display that has America stepping through in the rather dramatic entry. <br><br> "Uh...Hi." <br><br> Okay, Mark knew her so this probably wasn't an attack, but recognition took a moment longer given the other woman wasn't dressed up as she'd seen her on the previous outing. At least until she remembered Bunny's introduction. <br><br> "Oh! Right! Yes!" <br><br> A little sheepish lift of her hand and Sunny gives a little wave in greeting. "Good to meet you properly...are you alright? You look like you've had...an eventful day?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:546|America Chavez (546)}} has posed:'''<br>America Chavez reaches up to run a hand back through her hair as she catches sight of her current state in the reflection of one of the microwaves. A quick attempt at getting the curls a bit less dusty and more in order is made. "Mm. I'm fine, yeah. America Chavez, good to meet you, chica," she greets back with a quick smile tossed over her shoulder. "Just a small run in with some Sandcats. They sound way cuter than they are."<br><br>Turning again she regards the espresso machine with a crinkle of her nose. "I was shown once but it didn't really stick in my mind. I'm half afraid of breaking the damn thing." Heaving a heavy sigh over this fact she turns instead to the fridge to open it, and pull out a Coke. "Either of you want one?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:3159|Mark Grayson (3159)}} has posed:'''<br>"Sandcats... yeah, not exactly friendly. Got it." Mark chuckles and glances at Sunny. "Would you rather do pies instead of pancakes?" he asks, therefore looping America into their previous conversation. Though now that they are heading into the kitchen. And there's a realization. <br><br>"Last time I was here, it was with Bunny. She's the one that made the coffee." he comments and frowns. "And I didn't pay a lick of attention, because we've dated for long enough that I assumed we'd be together down here." He laughs and rubs the back of his head. And he peers at the machine again. "Why can't we just have a Mr. Coffee?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:4415|Sunny Harlow (4415)}} has posed:'''<br> "Sandcats?" They certainly did sound cuter, but given America's current state? Well, Sunny was going to assume not so muc. <br><br> Mark's offer turned moment of panic gets a playful nudge and an exaggerated roll of her eyes before she pushes towards the kitchen. "I'll figure it out. Sit down and relax you goober." <br><br> America's offer? It's politely declined with a shake of her head before the blonde speaks up. "Mark and I were talking about...team meal things I guess? Like a breakfast or dinner get-together, or catered meeting I suppose."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:546|America Chavez (546)}} has posed:'''<br>"I never say no to pie," America supplies with a grin as she turns to lean against the counter with her hips. One arm crosses lightly over her stomach as the other raises to take a few gulps off the Coke. Sandcats were also dusty darnit. Being made of sand and all. "Yeah, we usually did breakfasts. Pancakes, bacon, greasy good things. Great for the morning after a fight or being up too late for one reason or another. Plus," she adds with a shrug. "Breakfast diners usually aren't that expensive." They were a bunch of kids when things started of course 'cheap' was high priority. So was breakfast.<br><br>"I always figured dinner was just one of those things you'd dread all day going to, or get distracted and forget. That might just be me though." She glances to the side slightly. "I've been accused of a short attention span in the past. It's more like I've got a lot I keep an eye on."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3159|Mark Grayson (3159)}} has posed:'''<br>Taking a seat at the bar, Mark shakes his head at the offer of a Coke. "If Sunny's gonna use the machine, I'd be a terrible boyfriend if I didn't at least try to enjoy what she makes." he teases. "I was just considering team building exercies, America." he admits. "I know that's not really in my wheelhouse." A small pause. <br><br>"But after it was announced that my father..." Air quotes, "...passed away, mom sent me a pic of all of the dishes from people I never met have been brought to the house. She's buried in meals." A small smirk, but one can see the sadness in it. "And it made me realize, outside of missions, we haven't really done the meet the team thing. So... I was just spitballing ideas. Because I'd rather know who's on the team here than out in the field when I'm trying to figure out who someone is. If that makes sense?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:4415|Sunny Harlow (4415)}} has posed:'''<br> Part-time job experience away! Sunny's attention moved to the coffee machine as she began the strange ritual that was making sure the thing was actually turned on and ready. <br><br> The hiss of steam and the commencement of brewing, she looks past the machine to the pair. "Being in a team is still strange to me, but I'm glad I'm getting to meet so many people."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:546|America Chavez (546)}} has posed:'''<br>"My first boyfriend shot me," America states with another sip of her Coke being taken as she shrugs the thought off. "He was an asshole with an over-powered gun. Bad decision on my part." Very bad, but she'd been trying at the time with her first team and it just... No.<br><br>"I'll still drink coffee too. I just needed a drink one way or another pronto." The talk of meeting the other teammates earns a nod of thought. "Guess it has been awhile. We had a dance party once, that was fun. One of the guys DJed it. Another got us some booze--" Here she pauses looking to the pair. "Anyway. It was fun. We could call a hangout or meeting or whatever I guess."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3159|Mark Grayson (3159)}} has posed:'''<br>"Was your first boyfriend Megatron?" Mark asks. What, he couldn't pass it up and America literally goes to other dimensions! But he hears the hiss as the machine goes off. "I want no whip." A teasing tone to Sunny, before he considers the option as America lays them out. Though it does bring a small smirk to Mark's face. <br><br>"Sunny hits twenty-one first. Pretty soon at that. I'm twenty-one in August. Bunny will be lagging behind us by about a year. But yeah. Not a must have thing. Just... considering it."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:4415|Sunny Harlow (4415)}} has posed:'''<br> Well, Sunny wasn't going to be complaining about her first boyfriend dumping via text message while she was rescuing people. At least he didn't shoot her! <br><br> A little shrug, she she continues the coffee prep before placing the mug aside towards Mark for him to collect and chasing up her own hot chocolate.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:546|America Chavez (546)}} has posed:'''<br>"Nope. Fellow on my first team. He didn't really have a power so much as the gun which could take away people's powers. He didn't take kindly when I told him I wanted to break up." America polishes off the soda only to crunch it up in her grasp, and toss it toward the trash.<br><br>It misses.<br><br>Cursing under her breath she pushes off from her leaning spot to stride over and scoop it up. It makes it to the trash NOW, but it was far less impressive.<br><br>"So I know you're an alien-hybrid Mark. What about you Sunny? Since we're here and talking knowing team-mate powers. Mine are flying, strength, invulnerability, and punching through dimensions."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17015/Sometimes_you_have_to_relax...&diff=2516217015/Sometimes you have to relax...2024-01-27T01:21:31Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/25 |Location=Recreation Room |Synopsis=Remy is shooting pool and talking to Emma when Alex approaches with an interesting offer. |Cast of C..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/25<br />
|Location=Recreation Room<br />
|Synopsis=Remy is shooting pool and talking to Emma when Alex approaches with an interesting offer.<br />
|Cast of Characters=265,182,691<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:265|Remy LeBeau (265)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Since Remy came back to the mansion a few weeks ago he has mostly been trying to keep to himself. A few forays into the kitchen to make some food aside, the Cajun isn't seen publicly wandering the halls usually, so it's slightly surprising to see him in the rec room casually shooting pool by himself. Maybe he is starting to feel less like a stranger and more accepted as the weeks go by.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:182|Emma Frost (182)}} has posed:'''<br>Emma is making one of her rare forays to the Mansion. She has herself a rather large glass of wine as she does so, taking care to keep away from the students. A general passive look is upon her face as she makes her way around, rather relaxed.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:265|Remy LeBeau (265)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remy seems to be working on his bank shots, setting up various angles to hit the cue to sink the randomly arranged balls he has on the table. He glances up when he notices Emma, giving her a nod. "Ms. Frost," he says with an air of politeness that borders on the wary. "Don' see you 'round 'ere t'at often."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:182|Emma Frost (182)}} has posed:'''<br>Emma Frost would glance at Remy, "Mister LeBeau. The same could be said for yourself." Emma goes to snark that back without any particular malice behind it as she goes to take another sip of her wine. "I take it that you'll be here for the forseeable future or do you not have any particular plans?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Alex Summers (691)}} has posed:'''<br>Having forayed through the hallways, Alex hears the clacking of the pool balls smacking into one another so he diverts his path to the archway entrance into the room. He stops short of entering as he sees the two persons within and he only gives pause to ensure that he's not interrupting something important. Seeing it's simple banter, he steps into the room and will step to the left of the doorway where he might lean against that piece of wall, cross his arms over his chest, and watch the exchange. Alex interjects, "He better be hanging out for the forseeable future. We've got plans for him. He's got a special skill that really helps with training the new mutants."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:265|Remy LeBeau (265)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Crack* <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The cue ball bounces off three rails to sink one of the balls into the corner pocket. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He looks like he is about to answer Emma, when Alex pops in and makes his case. Remy arches his brow slightly and shrugs, moving to line up another shot. "Seems dat one of the Summers brothers has made my decisions for me. Somet'in' oddly comfortin' in dat." He smriks, reaching up to run his fingers through that longish auburn hair, "Which skill is dat, mon ami? Makin' a mess o' t'ings? Cause I do dat in spades, non?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:182|Emma Frost (182)}} has posed:'''<br>Emma Frost would glance over at Alex, "And oh? whom pray tell is making these plans? Yourself or a collective? Do consider me interested." G lancing over at Remy in amusement while turning her attention back. "And I do hope that it garners some.. Interest from the student body, if that is whom it is targeted at."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Alex Summers (691)}} has posed:'''<br>"Somebody's gotta make plans." states Alex before he adds, "Plans outside of wedding weirdness and whatever the students are planning at any given time." He then states with some clarity, "Remy has a few special skill sets. Same as Ororo. They can both pick locks, undo handcuffs, and also know quite a bit about security systems. I'm sure Remy's skills are more up to date than 'Ro's. These kids need to know how to get out of bad situations that they're always finding themselves in by making poor choices. Or, just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Emma. I've a feeling that you're more focused on the students and the school than other /administrators/, and I think you should see that Remy gets a special class time slot just for the aforementioned skills. Plus, whatever else he can teach them about evasion, stealth, safecracking, diamond thievery, whatever. Hell, I might even take this class."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:265|Remy LeBeau (265)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remy blinks and just kind of stares at Alex for a couple of seconds of stunned silence. "Let me get dis straight. You want to put me on de payroll? Like, in charge of a class? Wit' students?" <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remy looks like he is torn between laughing hysterically or fleeing in terror at the suggestion. "Mon ami, I t'ink that be an uphill battle getting Jean to go along wit' dat plan, non? I can't see her allowing me dat sort of responsibility." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He shrugs, setting up another shot on the table and sending a ball off a couple bumpers to clack into another one and sinking it. "Or is dis just a way of keepin' ole Remy on a short leash?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:182|Emma Frost (182)}} has posed:'''<br>Emma Frost would glance over at Alex, "A rather amusing and likely interesting class. I'm sure it would get a decent attendance as well, if only for the curiousity it would achieve. So then, Mister Summers, what other of the taching faculty have you gotten some interest in this as well? Or would the classes be more of an unofficial thing about the campus and demonstration? And I'm merely a guest here that occasionally lends assistance, Mister Summers. While I think the idea has potential, I am not part of the administration of the school so I do not necessarily have any specific say in the matter."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Alex Summers (691)}} has posed:'''<br>"I'll send it up the flag poll, see if it catches wind. But I see it as being a specialty elective. Subversive life skills class. Even though only one or two out of a full class is invited to be an X-Man, the kids need something when they're booted out on the street. They're mutants, they're going to get into trouble. And we're being wholly irresponsible if we don't help teach them something that they can use to get out of trouble. Or avoid it completely. Instead, we've just been churning out a lot of high school graduates with no real hope or plan for the future. So, yeah. I'm serious. I think Remy would be a master at this class."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:265|Remy LeBeau (265)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Crack* Another ball is hit, and subsequently bouncing around the table to end up sinking another one somewhere. "Yeah, good luck wit' dat, Alex," Remy says not at all convinced that the idea will float. "While Rogue and I might be on terms that don' have us screamin' at each other, she's got Jean's ear and I don' think she be singin' my praises none. Truth is, I'm shocked I'm still 'ere and haven't been told to vacate the premises already. I keep waitin' for dat proverbial ot'er shoe to drop. I'd chalk it up to dem not knowin' was around, but dat's impossible. T'ey know." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He sets up another shot and goes for the cue, hitting the thing square and watching it bounce around the table to ultimately miss. Remy just looks at the table like it betrayed him before letting out a slow breath. He twirls the stick in his hand like his quarterstaff before planting the end of it onto the ground, "You see if that hand plays, and maybe I'll throw into the pot, but I'm pretty sure that will be folded faster then some aces and eights."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:182|Emma Frost (182)}} has posed:'''<br>Emma Frost would shrug over, "Well, that ultimately is based upon the interest of Mister LeaBeau, and if he wishes to do it first and to be available. If he's interested in commitment and some of the other staff agree, then I'll endorse it to the Headmaster should she believe it has potential." She meant Jean. "So Mister LeBeau, is that something you feel like you would be interested in pursuing, if you'll be around here for some time and wish further engagement with the student body?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Alex Summers (691)}} has posed:'''<br>Alex gives a nod to Remy's and then Emma's statements, agreeing with both. Then he sees how Emma addresses Remy regarding his stance on it. Whether or not he wishes to pursue the opportunity. And Alex will remain quiet, allowing for Remy's reflection and answer.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:265|Remy LeBeau (265)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Cajun is quiet for a few as he moves around the table, fingers rapping on the stick as he looks for the angle both on the table, and in the offer in front of him. Ruby red eyes flick to Alex every so often, looking like he is expecting a 'Haha! Got you' to come from the younger Summers brother at any moment. When it doesn't come, Remy looks Emma briefly, and then to the floor with a sigh. "Maybe? I know you lookin' for a oui or non, but I jus' can't give dat at de moment. To many variables in play to make a educated bet. What I will give you is dis, I promise to stick around long enough to hear if de offer is legit and signed off on. I ain't got anywhere else to go anyway, so you all stuck wit' me for now as it is."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:182|Emma Frost (182)}} has posed:'''<br>Emma Frost would glance over at Alex and give a nod, "ultimately, Mister LeBeau, any potnetial thing requires your preference first. You are not to be volunteered for such a thing. I'm sure that however, Ms. Monroe would be willing to take part ins uch a thing Mister Summers, if you would care to approach her."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Alex Summers (691)}} has posed:'''<br>Alex pushes off the wall and gives a nod to Emma's remark. "On it. And thanks. I'll get this handled and up to the higher ups so they can decide what they want to do about it. And... I'll go find 'Ro." he steps out of the room, leaving the conversation.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:265|Remy LeBeau (265)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remy looks from the departing Alex to Emma with a bit of an arched brow. "I t'ink de man is serious about dis." Remy once again reaches up and combs his hair back with his fingers as he looks to the table. "As I said, if he can float it past Jean without a laugh, den I consider it, non? But pointless to agree and prep for it to only be tossed back at me. I don' consider dat to be being voluntold, just...playin' the cards close to my chest."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:182|Emma Frost (182)}} has posed:'''<br>Emma Frost would muse, "Very well. However, I presume that Jean will ask if you are interested ins uch a thing before you're volunteered for the matter. But I'm far from knowing how she would consider such a thing so I make no presumptions about guessing what goes on i her head."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:265|Remy LeBeau (265)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "See, here I think Jean is just going to laugh at Alex right off de bat. It won't even git to a part where what I t'ink about it matters." admits Remy. "I've got odds dat a snowball have a better chance of vacationing in Maui dan I do t'is seein' the light of day. Least wit' me. 'Ro maybe."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:182|Emma Frost (182)}} has posed:'''<br>Emma Frost would shrug over, "Of course. ultiately it is your decision, Mister LeBeau. And volunteering you wtihout your specific interest will likely make it even less likely Ms. Grey would authorize it. So you are likely safe for now."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:265|Remy LeBeau (265)}} has posed:'''<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Remy shrugs and looks back to the pool table as he lines up another shot, "We see what she say, non? At dat point I can make a choice if it ain't just a big waste o' time." He pauses, "What 'bout you? You doin' anyt'in' around 'ere or are you just takin' in de sights?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:182|Emma Frost (182)}} has posed:'''<br>Emma Frost would muse, "I am here on occasion, though not a full time member of the staff. I assist at times. Though my own obligations take by far the majority fo my time." She wasn't Warren that could delegate virtually all of his business to someone /else/ to handle and do a better job of it after all.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:265|Remy LeBeau (265)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remy laughs, the mutant never holding what one might consider a 'real' job in his life. "See, you ain' even here most de time and I t'ink you have a better reputation at dis place t'an I do. I guess we just have to wait and see, non?" He hits at another ball, sinking it and then moving to re-rack them. "Don' get me wrong, chere. I'm all for teachin' de kids some life skills dat may make t'eir lives easier. I just don' t'ink my reputation bears much weight round 'ere no more, if it ever did." He shrugs, "De years, dey ain' been kind."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17017/Dancing_with_the_Starfires&diff=2516117017/Dancing with the Starfires2024-01-27T01:21:19Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/26 |Location=Sion - Nightclub |Synopsis=MJ and Starfire go dancing at Sion. |Cast of Characters=718,371 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/26<br />
|Location=Sion - Nightclub<br />
|Synopsis=MJ and Starfire go dancing at Sion.<br />
|Cast of Characters=718,371<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:718|Mary Jane Watson (718)}} has posed:'''<br>Mary Jane Watson has setup some time to meet Kory over at a dance club. She's even sent Kory an outfit to wear. In this case, it's a sparkly red dress that wouldn't quite match the carrot topped alien's skin color, but would definitely match her hair! Skintight and shiny, and with long high heeled boots as MJ waits for her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:371|Koriand'r (371)}} has posed:'''<br> Sparkly new dress, night out? Why not? Kori was on her way, dressed up as the gift seemingly requested and now even taller for the heels. Pushing through the door, the Tamaranian was almost certainly going to draw eyes, but she hardly seemed to mind!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:718|Mary Jane Watson (718)}} has posed:'''<br>Kory's basically done up like Jessica Rabbit (whether or not that's a frame of reference for her). With Mary Jane hanging off an arm of the fall taller woman. "Hey there Princess, glad you've been well. Sorry ti's been so long. Missed getting to hang out with you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:371|Koriand'r (371)}} has posed:'''<br> It almost certainly wasn't a reference she'd get, but it hardly mattered. Instead she was here, leaning back into the contact of MJ with a smile on her lips, a little fond check of her hip given in affection. <br><br> "It is nothing to apologise for, I have been looking forward to seeing you again!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:718|Mary Jane Watson (718)}} has posed:'''<br>Mary Jane Watson would smile, "Thanks dear. Always adore you and don't get to spend enough time with you. So might I offer you a dance, my sparkly princess?" Going to let Kory pull her in for a twirl.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:371|Koriand'r (371)}} has posed:'''<br>"It would be my pleasure," Starfire offers lightly, a twirl requested and given as she tugs the redhead onto dance floor. "As I said, I am glad you offered me this invitation, to make up for our time apart."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:718|Mary Jane Watson (718)}} has posed:'''<br>Mary Jane Watson would smile, "Great, I'm glad that you were free, Princess." Standing on tiptoe to give Starfire a kiss, letting herself be lead along to the dance floor. "Go ahead and lead us?" Starfire was by far the better dancer.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:371|Koriand'r (371)}} has posed:'''<br> The kiss returned, Kori moves, drawing herself into the center of the floor, moving her hips and swaying to the beat with the clear confidence of...well, a tamaranian who didn't really have the same reservations as humans.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:718|Mary Jane Watson (718)}} has posed:'''<br>Mary Jane Watson would let herself be reeled in. "I think that all the eyes might be on you tonight, Princess Sparkles." She would let herself be twirled around and Kory lead, full of giggles.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:371|Koriand'r (371)}} has posed:'''<br>"I think you don't give yourself enough credit," Kori teases back, their forms moving and dancing together. "After all, you are far more attractive than most could hope to be...why not both of them?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:718|Mary Jane Watson (718)}} has posed:'''<br>Mary Jane Watson would smile, "Thank you. You're massaging my ego too much. I do appreciate that, Princess." Letting the Princess take them faster and faster, giggling. "And I'm glad the dress fit. you're at ricky one to buy for."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17019/So._Our_Son_Has_Some_Ideas...&diff=2516017019/So. Our Son Has Some Ideas...2024-01-27T01:21:08Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/26 |Location=Master Suite - Wayne Manor |Synopsis=Talia takes a risk. Bruce decides to reward her for it. |Cast of Characters=770,165 |pret..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/26<br />
|Location=Master Suite - Wayne Manor<br />
|Synopsis=Talia takes a risk. Bruce decides to reward her for it.<br />
|Cast of Characters=770,165<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>She's lead along by the wrist, going along after Bruce. Talia's expression is ever so.. Unsure. Timid. Confusion. Nothing wrong at all. Just.. Surprise. And a very, very slow reorientation for her as she lets Bruce lead her along, going to softly focus.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>With the lingering sounds of the party below drifting towards silence the further the pair make it from the main hall, Bruce is silent. He has maintained that hold upon Talia's arm that she initiated, and in fact has even offered some measure of confirmation, or support. But the walk back to more private chambers is one in hanging silence, perhaps made all the more dramatic by the sheer size of Wayne Manor. But eventually, the pair find themselves in the suite that Bruce calls home. <br><br>Well, in truth, he calls the Batcave home. But Alfred calls this his home. And that counts for something.<br><br>He turns to look at Talia, somewhat expectantly. As if she should be the first to break the silence.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>Talia al Ghul would glance over at Bruce, a rare showing of timidity in her form. The Daughter of the Demon takes a few moments to compose herself. Yes.. Compose is the term. "Thank.. You for tonight. It has.." Just that small thing of holding hands, of expressing contact?<br><br>"Meant a lot to me. Thank you." The words are sincere, even as Talia uses them to help relax herself. Her mind burying all those doubts for just a few moments that she did not deserve it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>Bruce nods, slowly, at the gratitude. "You are most welcome." There is still something of a stiffness to Bruce, moreso than that usually Bruce Wayne stiffness. He looks at Talia, giving a moment, before he asks. "What is it that you are looking for, Talia?" There is no accusation in the tone. It is a simple, and serious question.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>And that has Talia Al Ghul closing her eyes for a moment, before looking over at Bruce. "I don't know." SHe would say quietly. "There is what I want.. But it is not what I can have. Not what I deserve. What I truly want is for Damian to be happy and to be safe. He is."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>Now it is Bruce's turn to make a gesture. He reaches out to take Talia's other hand. "I asked you what you were looking for, Talia. What you want." He watches her. "I did not ask what you deserved, or what you thought you could have." A pause. "Damian has chosen the world he wishes to live in, and he has taken up the mantle that represents that. He is safe. He is happy." He lets out a sigh. "How about you?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>It takes a moment for her to compose herself, and she takes a breath in and out. "I want you, beloved. I want things the way they used to be. But they never were that way. And I have done too many things since.. To go on." She is honest in that. Of what she is not worthy of.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>"As if I have not?" Bruce tilts his head, looking at Talia. The mother of his son. "If any of us, the world over, stopped to wonder what we would deserve, none of us would find happiness." He thinks quietly. "There was a time, you realize, when I truly thought there was a chance for a real partnership between us."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>Talia al Ghul would nod over at Bruce gently, "I suppose so." Her lips would twitch upwards just a bit over, and then nod over at him. "Yes. But it is long past that." And too much has happened. Her smile turns over to a sad one. But one that shows her appreciation.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>"It doesn't have to be." The Batman has never been much of an optimist. But Bruce Wayne? Perhaps there is still a little bit of that optimistic little boy who was flush with having just seen Mark of Zorro still inside of him.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>For once there's open confusion over on the face of Talia. "What.. Do you mean?" She would query, caught completely off guard at the response. One she doesn't know how to respond to.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>There is a slight shrug. A tilt of his head. Bruce looks at Talia. "Long past."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>Talia al Ghul would look over at Bruce. "I.. Do not understand." She admits it openly. But.. things are long past to her where she could make amends. Too much has been done.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:165|Bruce Wayne (165)}} has posed:'''<br>Sometimes, the best way to make someone understand something is not to say anything at all. <br><br>Much time has past since these two were in quarters such as this. And much has happened since then. An entire Damian. But sometimes, things endure all of that.<br><br>Bruce steps forward, closing the distance to Talia, and unless one of the world's deadliest assassins uses her considerable skill at self-defense to prevent it, he will kiss her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:770|Talia al Ghul (770)}} has posed:'''<br>And Talia, that views the world in a sense of complete pragmatism.. Of choice and consequence, of effect and reaction.. She views things through a skewed lens. So when Bruce comes at her, even though she can read his body posture, his language as he comes to her..<br><br>And then he kisses her. It connects a circuit in her consciousness. <br><br>And she clings to him tightly, desperately, returning the kiss.<br><br>And she cries.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17020/Spilling_the_Tea_After_the_High_Tea&diff=2515917020/Spilling the Tea After the High Tea2024-01-27T01:20:58Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/26 |Location=Wayne Estate - Bristol Township |Synopsis=A walk to the stables turns into a relationship. Weird, right? |Cast of Characters=1..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/26<br />
|Location=Wayne Estate - Bristol Township<br />
|Synopsis=A walk to the stables turns into a relationship. Weird, right?<br />
|Cast of Characters=163,186<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>It is safe to assume that noone, perhaps not even Alfred himself had assumed that High Tea would have become as insanely popular as it had been. Now with the event finally starting to wind down, Damian had held onto Kara's hand, leading her out through the kitchen - where apparently Barbara, Cassandra, and Megan were enjoying chocolate milk and Lucky Charms and through the rear entrance of the house. <br><br>As the cold night air hits them, the young man gives a little shiver as he adjusts from the temperature change, a chuckle coming from him, coalescing into a puff of white in the dark air. "I didn't expect us to gardner all the attention that we did, Kara. But I can only assume and this is only my personal theory, that when arrives with the prettiest girl, everyone is going to be curious." A slight flirt, but an earnest attempt as his eyes adjust to the darkness. <br><br>Reaching over to flip a small switch, he turns on the lights of the backyard, illuminating the outdoor pool, a small gathering area with grill and the path that leads further back. "The horse stalls are about a quarter mile from here." he explains. "I figured we can walk and talk, if you wanted. Or..." The smile that touches his lips as he squeezes Kara's hand is amused. "You could just carry me there." Bumping his shoulder against hers, the cashmere brushes against her skin, "In case I have not said it yet, you look amazing. I mean, you usually do. Just more so tonight. I'm glad that Kara Zor-El showed up tonight." <br><br>Which brings his next question, a glance over to her, green eyes taking her in. "How did it feel to be introduced as such? I was comfortable with it. And I think my family may have been the best place to start with that. After all, we're no strangers to name changes. What, Robins, and Nightwings, and who knows how many names I have had. Between Damian al-Ghul and Wayne..." he shrugs. "I'm glad you're living your truth."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>Kara waves to the trio of ladies eating breakfast cereals and feels a pang of jealousy that she wasn't offered any freeze dried marshmellows in chocolate milk. At least until they slip outside into the cold, which she doesn't really feel, and sees the massive pool spread out across the majority of the immediate surrounding. "Holy moly." Not that she's never seen a big pool before. Just not one that wasn't in a gym... "That is a lot of pool." <br><br>Squeezing Damian's hand in response, she grins. Red lips peeling open wide over her pearly white teeth. "You look very handsome." One, definitive, nod that has her bangs swishing across her face. Free hand going to tug the hem of her skirt down a little, it really wasn't meant for the cold. "I sometimes forget about weather until I see the snow." <br><br>Offers and options. <br><br>"Oh, we can walk. It is too early in the evening for me to demasculate you by carrying you." Her hip juts out to playfully bump against his, letting him lead the way across the quarter mile, quarter freaking mile, to the stables. "It felt nice. I would have been so out of place trying to pretend I was just 'Kara Danvers'.. But I can see the pitfalls. Especially if I do not wish to have all the attention on me." <br><br>From pancake, back to waffle fingers. <br><br>"I guess now I have an adorable assassin who will knife people who ask too many questions?" <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>"Oh, that's the outdoor pool. There is also one inside in the gym, if you ever want to use it." Damian explains, clearly he's assuming that she may want to visit the house more often, even if it is just in friendship. Not that he's friend-zoning himself. "That one's closed for the winter, so not as much fun to swim in? But we can finish the tour of the house later, if you'd like? Or next time you visit." <br><br>At the comment that he was handsome, his cheeks, already dark, feel warm and she can hear the slight elevation in his heart rate, which goes all the way from his heart to the small pulse in his hand as they alternate between hand-grips. <br><br>And her comment about demasculate him makes him bark out a laugh, eyes crinkling in utter amusement. Turning to face her as he walks backwards, practiced on using this part of the trail, he rolls his eyes. "I am not so insecure as to not to see the merits of being in the arms of the beautiful woman that might be my girlfriend. And can also benchpress battleships." he points out to her. She opened the door with the question about an adorable assassin, he steps right in. <br><br>Turning to walk back next to her as they leave the gated grounds and onto the path to the stables, he nods thoughtfully. "It was good to do it here as a dry run. If you plan to share it with the world, you will at least know that those closest to you are aware and will stand beside you." Fingers laced, he slides his between hers before his hand leaves hers, only to settle across her hip and on the small of her back. "I'm more swords than knives, but I want to stand next to you." he admits quietly. <br><br>And his feet pause for a moment, before he straightens up, full height. She makes him just want to stand taller before he falls back into step. "I saw my father head off with my mother. I'm not sure if that settles whether or not our parents are having a relationship, but perhaps would make ours less awkward?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>"So I just have to stay around long enough to get some of that good Gotham Sun tanning in?" Kara plays a big game about not really being that good at English, but she's been here for three years. She's picked up enough to let her particular brand of teasing shine through when she really wants to. Face crinkling in a big grin that goes right up to her equally big blue eyes... more so when he swings around to walk backwards in front of her. <br><br>Offering up all those compliments about how much she lifts. <br><br>Her free hand comes up to rest a finger against his lips, "I can bench press Asia." Said in a very quiet, very serious, but still very playful, somehow, voice. Then she's walking beside him, his arm around her waist with a hand in the small of her back. Considers the implications of something he'd said earlier. <br><br>Which becomes endlessly more important when he says he wants to stand beside her. Her smile faulters a little and she stops moving, if only to turn and face him. Well within the personal space that most people covet as some treasure, but feels very nice to be inside when it's cold out. She blinks a few times, eyes moving to search his face when next she speaks, "You know, if you date me, and I do this it will put a lot of scrutiny on you? I only ever considered it because I did not have anyone to worry about... My Cousin can take care of himself.. and nobody would mess with his family just to get to me." Her hand reaches out to tug at the front of his sweater. <br><br>"So I want you to think about that. Because I like you and I would like to be your girlfriend, but I do not want to cause you undue deress." <br><br>As for their parents, her nose scrunches, but then she shrugs. "Even if they were, I do not think it would matter. My mother has been alone for a very long time... I hope that she finds someone that makes her happy. So long as they do not make us call each other brother and sister." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>"I don't know if you noticed, but my whole family has a Gotham tan." Damian points out with a chuckle, a gesture of his finger to his cheek as he considers his slightly darker skin. "I was only blessed by my mother's Middle Eastern complexion." His smile matches her for a moment as she points out that she can easily lift Asia." And his response is simple. <br><br>"You're Kara Zor-El. You could lift the universe if you had to. But you should not wear it on your shoulders." She stops and that brings him to a pause as well, her turn bringing them face to face again as he is introduced to the implications of his words and his suggestion that they date. <br><br>"I am the son of the World's Greatest Detective and the Demon's Daughter." he comments to her earnestly. "I have spent my whole life trained in the shadows. I know how to kill someone in more ways than I care to count and I have quickly started to pick up on the skills of my father, who has led two seperate lives for most of his natural life." Tugged closer to her, his hands settle on her sides as he weighs the idea. <br><br>"I know Damian Wayne would want to stand next to Kara Zor-El. As Robin would support Supergirl." Like her, his civilian identity is her mask. She's shedding hers, and he will keep his own to make sure /she's/ comfortable. <br><br>With the mention of being called brother and sister, Damian's nose wrinkles, his eyes glow with mischevious mirth. "I hope not, because then I couldn't do this." <br><br>Quick, not quick enough that Kara can't stop it if she wanted, but he's fast for a human, he steps into her, a press of the hand on his sweater into her chest as he leans in and his mouth presses firmly to hers, kissing her, hands tightening on her sides, remaining there for several seconds.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>There are moments that must be focused on. <br><br>Things that are said that, once out, can't be retracted. Telling someone you're their father after cutting off their hand? That's permanent... Like telling someone, 'I fancy you' romantically, but my life choices could lead to problems that she's not comfortable shouldering without him putting all the due thought into the implications. This is their Cloud City moment. <br><br>So Kara stares up at him. <br><br>The height difference isn't outragious, but it's nice. <br><br>Like what he's saying. Her smile widens a little... and then a little more. <br><br>A response to his counter points, even if some of it involves 'killing people'. That's just honesty. With her slipping right up against his chest, flattening out her palms against his chest when it's clear he's not going to pull away and run back to the mansion. That would have been awkward. <br><br>Then there's a quick kiss and Kara watches it happening. It's not in slow motion or anything, but there's enough time.. plenty of time for her. She's not the Flash. When their lips touch, it's soft, with the brush of her nose against his in the simple, demure, show of blossoming intimacy betwixt them. <br><br>Once it's over, entirely too quickly, she's grinning from ear to ear. Eyes wrinkled, blue sparkling as she stares up at him. "Which side of the family did you get your kissing skills from?" <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>His response is so much better than 'I know'. Unless she's Han in this Cloud City fantasy, then things are awkward. Even if he could rock a white body suit. And it's probably cold enough that if he stayed out here too long, he'd probably freeze. <br><br>The kiss is indeed, too quick, for both of them. But Damian doesn't run. He rarely has in his life, and there is no way he's going to flee from someone that can truly appreciate what is between them in all facets. <br><br>That gets that there is a Damian Wayne and a Robin and they are one in the same. He doesn't have to pretend that he has to go to the bathroom. Or there's some important or another matter. Just a knowing look. <br><br>And that, in itself is liberating. <br><br>Like their blossoming feelings, that smile touches his face again, almost a mirror of hers. It's warm and affectionate as deep emerald eyes meet the ones the color of the brightest sky. "I didn't really get much practice kissing when I was young." he admits and cocks his smile in a playful smirk. "But I am more than willing to practice with you until we have it perfect." <br><br>Which puts them at a crossroads. They could continue on to the barn and check out the animals. That was the plan. But baby, it is cold outside and that bed in the house is /pretty/ comfortable.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:186|Kara Danvers (186)}} has posed:'''<br>Knowing looks are incredibly important in Superhero Relationships. <br><br>''Aww, I know it's date night, but I have to go punch a hole into the core of the earth to stop tetconic plates from shifting and causing Africa to fall into the Ocean'' is so much easier when she just has to shrug sheepishly and wrinkle her nose. How long can a person, reasonably, pee? Lying is such ugly business. <br><br>Now she's standing there up against him with the glow from the Mansion only a few dozen yards away casting long shadows towards where they're standing all up in each other's personal space. Smiling little teenagers. Smiling until it hurts a little. Smiling until she's twisting her fingers in his sweater and glancing over at the Mansion. <br><br>Then back again with a sheepish little shrug and a wrinkle to her nose. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:163|Damian Wayne (163)}} has posed:'''<br>Or the whole... ''Scarecrow is releasing fear toxin into the girl's dorm at Gotham U, oh hey, I have to go to the bathroom, that curry REALLY DID NOT SIT WELL.'' <br><br>Knowing is very important. As is honesty. And they both seem to have that covered pretty well. Which brings us back to here and now, as they share in this moment, and her tilt of her head sets the course of the evening. <br><br>His hand returns to her. "We can visit the stables in the morning." he decides, "Let's finish the tour of the house." With that, he is back at her side, his hand in hers, what was it? <br><br>Waffle fingers as they head back towards the Manor.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17021/What%27s_That_Sound&diff=2515817021/What's That Sound2024-01-27T01:20:47Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/26 |Location=House of Mystery |Synopsis=John wants his coat back. John bargains to get it. |Cast of Characters=1482,370 |pretty=yes }} {{Po..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/26<br />
|Location=House of Mystery<br />
|Synopsis=John wants his coat back. John bargains to get it.<br />
|Cast of Characters=1482,370<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1482|Meggan Constantine (1482)}} has posed:'''<br>The House of Mystery predates John. <br><br>Pre-dates, rather than preys-upon. Albeit it is a predatory house, sometimes, gobbling up socks and mail like a proper house should. We're getting off track from the point. <br><br>---<br><br>Back to the present. The house is older than he, and older than his wife, and certainly older than most of the Laughing Magicians that made any sort of claim to the name. The beginnings, as beginnings tend to be, are squidgy and murky on the point they actually start. Lots left to the discerning mind to edit and formulate out. But in their time together, the house's peculiar nature has often been in evidence. Like his coffee being on a different tabletop or Escher-ish plane from where he put it down. <br><br> Today the matter is plain. The door to the room where he left his coat won't open. The walls are moaning. <br><br>At least one wall moaned. Completely. A long, sorrowful groan of something releasing pent-up kinetic energy into sound.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:370|John Constantine (370)}} has posed:'''<br>"Oh, come _on_!" John shakes the door by the doorknob, frustrated beyond belief. "You're being BLOODY ANNOYING today, ain't'cha?" he tells the House, spinning around and wagging his finger at it. "If I find out this is because you want a new coat'a paint in one'a the rooms we dun even use, I swear t'the Presence itself--" which means he doesn't mean it, fuck the Presence "--I'll install _CENTRAL AIR_ in you!"<br><br>He turns to the door and grabs the knob again, putting his feet against it and pulling. Eventually, he slips and lands on his back. _Thud_.<br><br>He lets out a groan in concert with the wall. "_Fuck_. Fine." He slaps the floor and gets back up. "Let's figure out what's got you wailing like yer auditionin' for a role in a play by Emily fuckin' Bronte."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1482|Meggan Constantine (1482)}} has posed:'''<br>The doorknob rattles and refuses to satisfy, turning this what and that. It still won't part, as though the metal tongue is jammed firmly in the slot. <br><br> Wouldn't be the first time that's happened to Constantine, probably. The door rattles noisily, raising all kinds of hell if they had neighbours who cared. <br><br> This week the House might have relocated itself to Miagani Island in a neighbourhood it tends not to prefer, but there are probably reasons for that. If a sentient building actually *needs* reasons. It might have to do with the hairdresser down the street not posh enough to call herself a stylist. Or the beauty salon boasting some impressive collections of towering wigs, beloved of the local community of Queens and those who wish they could be. <br><br>The rattle settles into a creak in the foundations as John tramps around, throwing threats. Idle or not, a table slides into place just enough for him to stub his toe. Because he probably forgot that little end table was there, decorated with Tibetan singing bowls -- two -- and a weird sculpture crafted from fired clay that probably came out of a suspicious kiln. A succubus didn't make it, at least. <br><br> Still no coat.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:370|John Constantine (370)}} has posed:'''<br>"OWWWWWW!" John pulls his foot up and then looks at the table. "You-- this is borderline abuse, you hundred ton paperweight!" Is he shaking his fist at the House? He might be shaking his fist at the House. "What do you _want_? Why can't you be like Danny? At least he communicates with words." Constantine sighs. "Bloody loci." He turns to look at the sculpture and the Tibertan singing bowls. For a moment, he considers, and then he crouches to look at the statue, trying to see if he can sus out if this is a clue or just the House being a _biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitch_.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1482|Meggan Constantine (1482)}} has posed:'''<br>Is he shaking his fist? Is he shouting at clouds? <br><br>As if to make the point, the condensation slowly bleeds out of the air to form a misty puff overtop John's head. <br><br>Splat. Splat. Splat. <br><br> Three little raindrops sprinkle on his shoulders. No coat to protect from the precipitation, but he's British so it's hardly going to melt away like the wicked witch. Flying monkeys, on the other hand... <br><br>The statue resembles nothing more than a slinky wobble capped by a rounded crown. It's not a snake dancing on its tail at least. The Tibetan singing bowl boasts its own wood-handled striker, or whatever he wants to consider the round-bottomed --girl-- mallet. <br><br>Danny can talk. Then again, so can a humming singing bowl.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:370|John Constantine (370)}} has posed:'''<br>Constantine sighs. "Fine." He grabs the striker and inspects it for a moment, before closing hsi eyes and trying to remember how they did it in Tibet, because he's been to Tibet, he knows how to do this, he just needs to _remember_ the right way because otherwise he's going to end up without _shoes_ next.<br><br>Finally, John brings the strike down gently, and then slides it around the inside, trying to get out those dulcet meditative sounds. Or a fucking answer.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1482|Meggan Constantine (1482)}} has posed:'''<br>The prayer bowl rings to life in a hum. A voice that pipes up in a steady tone. "You haven't paid any attention to me."<br><br>A comment that holds a damning indictment.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:370|John Constantine (370)}} has posed:'''<br>_Are you fucking kidding?_<br><br>"What do you bloody mean I haven't paid any attention to you. I live inside you!" Meanwhile, he keeps playing the Tibetan bowl. "What kind of attention would you bloody want?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1482|Meggan Constantine (1482)}} has posed:'''<br>The door creaks, hinges shiver, and the wood rattles in the jam. When the prayer bowl hums, the voice of the House comes through, though she could just as easily manifest herself if she wanted. Apparently doesn't want to. <br><br>"Oh, you *live* in me. That is hardly attention." The even sound somehow contains an ascerbic bite. "You come, you go, and pay no heed. This is the first time you bothered to talk to me in forever."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:370|John Constantine (370)}} has posed:'''<br>"You're a bloody magical House, what do you want me to say? 'Good morning, dear'?" John keeps turning the bloody striker so that the House can answer. "Also, not to put too fine of a point on it but you're hardly an _engaging_ conversationalist, luv, what with having to play a bloody Tibetan singing bowl just to get resentment and reproach." Beat. "And _Cici_ talks to you _all the time_, you can hardly be lonely with her, she's bloody brilliant!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1482|Meggan Constantine (1482)}} has posed:'''<br>Maybe a fresh coat of paint, darling. How about a new drive, some sprucing up? Not using the janky plunger in the master bath, but the nice one? <br><br> Not the House of Mystery's concern. <br><br>"You left a carcass emitting a foul residue tainted by one of Mephisto's lieutenants in a cupboard," she hums along with the bowl, if a touch tetschy. "Flinging down your things and stalking off to smoke a cigarette or down a fifth from that bottle hardly constitutes interaction."<br><br>Oh, she can talk. This just requires effort and attention on his part, which John probably knows and doesn't care about. <br><br>The floor quivers under his feet. Not enough to throw him off, but a response all the same. "Stuffing a cupboard and wiping a counter occasionally meets the bar? She at least puts up her pictures. And this is not about the others. This is about you." <br><br>A sharp little hum of thought resolves after a second. "You won the right and the obligation. When was the last time you spent any proper time in your workshop brewing up an enchantment or kludging up a circle after pulling two all nighters?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:370|John Constantine (370)}} has posed:'''<br>"House, I've got a wife, a kid, and a whole bloody world full of _idiots_ who think _magic_ isn't real unless it's cursing them every three days, my mother in law is the _Earth itself_, and you think _now_ is the time to add to my social plate? I'll ask you this, when was the last time I went to a footie match instead of 'aving to watch them on the bloody telly, _recorded, two days late_, whilst trying to evade the results so that the very JOY of it doesn't _seep from my body like dry c_--" He stops playing the Tibetan bowl for a moment, takes a deep breath, and then starts again.<br><br>"I. Am sorry. I will set aside weekly pockets of time to do some renovations. You are appreciated, and it was not my intent to suggest otherwise with my neglect."<br><br>If he gritted his teeth any harder they'd spontaneously combust.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1482|Meggan Constantine (1482)}} has posed:'''<br>The House's sense of time, since it essentially comes from some point between the start thereof and humans leaving caves, may be dodgy. It may not. <br><br>The bowl stops playing. The voice doesn't stop exactly. Not for that second. "Remember what happened with the stolen World Cup?" <br><br>Trust it to know about that. <br><br>"You've not heard of multi-tasking, which everyone does terribly? The child can draw and talk. You have more stimulating conversation than questioning the movements of the quarks under your feet. Very rude I might add, to ask a lady what she has under her underflooring." Then a pause. "You can put away the corpse and possibly brainstorm *aloud* once in a glacial while? It's hardly much to ask. Especially if you're going about grumbling under your breath anyway, add the good parts."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:370|John Constantine (370)}} has posed:'''<br>"That didn't count, that was work. I didn't get to enjoy the match."<br><br>Constantine frowns, but it's moke like sulking. "Can I get my coat now?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1482|Meggan Constantine (1482)}} has posed:'''<br>Sulking! Ooh, such a change in... <br><br>The door clicks. An unlocked gesture. "Mind you ignore me and I'll lock you in."<br><br>Beat. "And let the child have those chocolate espresso beans she's asked for."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:370|John Constantine (370)}} has posed:'''<br>"Much obliged," Constantine says, putting the strike down. Great, the last thing he needed: the House of Mystery being his daughter's fairy godmother. Fucknuggets.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=17023/Meeting_the_Queen&diff=2515717023/Meeting the Queen2024-01-27T01:20:36Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/26 |Location=Hammer Bay |Synopsis=Lorna takes a little time and relaxes on the beach. Kiana arrives on her surf board and meets the monarch..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/26<br />
|Location=Hammer Bay<br />
|Synopsis=Lorna takes a little time and relaxes on the beach. Kiana arrives on her surf board and meets the monarch, never realizing that's what she is, or that Lorna's security were all around them.<br />
|Cast of Characters=5077,33<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:5077|Kiana (5077)}} has posed:'''<br>The sparkling water of the Indian ocean is a lovely azure color on this stretch of the Genoshan coast, a little south of Hammer Bay. It's just far enough that the public beaches have ended, and the more natural parts of the island have taken over.<br><br>The vegetation is largely regrown in the four years since Brainiac's attack, both from natural growth, and in places some applied mutant powers. Tropical vegetation abuts the white powder of the beach, colorful flowers blooming, and palm fronts waving gently in the ocean breezes above them.<br><br>Kiana is out in the water, lying on her aged surfboard and looking up at the sky, fingers dipped in the salt water on one side. A tiny wave is gently pushing her up the coast from further down south, against the normal flow of the waves. Occasionally she looks over to check for any good surf spots to try, and if not she just continues pushing the surfboard and herself up the coast with the small current.<br><br>The teenaged girl has deeply tanned skin and a Polynesian or South Pacific look to her. Wearing a bikini which is deeper blue at the bottom but has a color gradient to azure at the top. Spotting a spot that an offshore reef looks like it is causing some nice waves to break, she begins angling the board in nearer to shore and towards the burgeoning waves.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:33|Lorna Dane (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A deep breath is taken in, held, and then released just as slowly and carefully. Dark green hair is meticulously arranged to fit under a large straw sun hat that does much to obscure the royal face from the potent southern sun. A flowing sundress rests on Lorna's shoulders, and slightly obscures her figure, the new mother still self conscious of baby weight. <br><br>Shepeaking of babies, the heirs have been handed off to their nannies in order for Lorna to take a moment alone and relax for the shortest of times, though still she is never alone. With a handful of guards around secluded in the trees overlooking Lorna's spot on the sand and a personal assistant who is also trained to protect the queen. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They all notice Kiana approaching before Lorna even looks up and there is a shifting to secure the VIP without interrupting her order to let her relax. A dainty hand is lifted towards the surfer and a soft line smile is given even though that distance means details are almost impossible to make out.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5077|Kiana (5077)}} has posed:'''<br>The surfboard curves, heading into the zone in which the waves are spawned. An observant person might easily notice the surfboard has been moving as if under its own power, though someone just noting it as it reaches nearer to shore could have missed it.<br><br>Kiana leans over her board backwards, ducking her head in the water to wet her hair and help it from blowing around in her way once she starts the ride. She arranges it down her back and spots the distant figure on the beach waving her hand. A beautiful smile results, maybe too far to be seen clearly, maybe not, as Kiana lifts a hand to wave back.<br><br>She doesn't seem to notice anything else unusual about the moment as the Polynesian girl focus on the water. The waves are easy to sense, but beyond that she just surfs like anyone else would. When she picks out her wave, Kiana drops down onto her stomach and begins paddling rapidly. Soon she's caught the wave. Or more accurately it's caught her board, propelling it forward. She pops to her feet, arms windmilling for just a moment in a sign that she's far from a pro at this yet. But once she catches her balance after rising she does well, cutting the board across the wave, picking up speed.<br><br>She makes a few cuts to the top of the wave and back down. Having learned the hard way not to try to go too high up the wave to the top. Before long the curling water is catching up with her and she crouches to shoot down the pipe. For a moment she can't be seen, and then she reemerges at the end, turning the board into shore. It coasts in all the way to the shallows before it loses speed and she drops off of it into the waist-deep water.<br><br>She looks about the shore again for the first time since waving back, and offers a friendly smile and wave towards Lorna, and if visible, anyone else there.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:33|Lorna Dane (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The benefit of mutant body guards is how well they can adapt to the situations Lorna throws them into, some literally invisible, some able to camouflage enough to be practically invisible. Lorna knows they are there because of the electro-magnetic report of their equipment and even their bodies. So she's quietly thankful for their respect to her wishes to be alone. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As she watches Kiana surf, Lorna pulls her legs in, wrapping her arms gently about her knees with an elder grunt of effort as she realizes she might not bend that way anymore. "That was awesome!" Lorna says in support of Kiana and even clapping a little as she reaches a distance close enough to not need to shout to be heard over the crashing waves. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5077|Kiana (5077)}} has posed:'''<br>Kiana lifts her voice enough to be heard if not having to make it a shout. "Thank you," she says, beaming a grateful smile at the woman on the beach. "I'm still learning. But it's a lot of fun. Have you ever tried it?" Kiana asks.<br><br>She picks up the board, setting the tail end into the sand beneath the shallow water to rest it there. The board is old and beat up, the paint faded like it's been left out in the sun for a long time. And Lorna might even notice a few gouges here and there.<br><br>Kiana motions to the water. "The water's great. Nice and warm if you haven't tried it yet," she offers in a friendly tone.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:33|Lorna Dane (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh a while back, but I'm too much of a New York gal to really be surfed." Lorna replies and then uncoils her legs to lean back, hands in the sand behind her and finding that posture much more comfortable. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;" I'm afraid not right now. maybe later just before the end of summer, I'm not quite comfortable with my beach bod just yet." Lorna says, fanning out her dress by pulling the hem slightly in a fidgety self conscious way. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5077|Kiana (5077)}} has posed:'''<br>"New York, I met someone else from there. Are you visiting the island?" Kiana asks, the teen not seeming to recognize the island's ruler. She pulls her board up from where it rests, walking further up onto the beach, to the stretch where the waves continue to lap ashore and wash over her feet, the sand giving way beneath from each wave so she sinks into the soft sand slightly.<br><br>"I think you look amazing. I've never seen your color of hair before," Kiana says in a bright, friendly tone. "But if you ever feel like surfing later, you can come find me and we can go. There's a crossroad down the coast. One with a diner and a garage. And a jewelry stand by the road. Just tell Old Ned that you came to surf with Kiana and he can send Rafael to come find me," Kiana offers, lifting a hand to shade her eyes from the sun as she smiles at Lorna.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:33|Lorna Dane (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Wow, that's... I'll try to remember that. I'm finding out Mom brain is a real thing." Lorna says with a half chuckle. "Kiana is such a cute name." She adds. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yknow, I think I would like to learn, it looks fun but dangerous." The queen frowns before she takes off her sun hat and laying it on the sand, "It's natural, so I'll certainly take the complement but you certainly are the much cuter one on the beach today." Lorna says with a big friendly smile. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5077|Kiana (5077)}} has posed:'''<br>Kiana looks very touched at the compliment on her name, to the degree that it might give a sense of simpleness to the Polynesian girl. "Oh, thank you so much for saying that," she says, a smile beaming across her face and shining at Lorna. <br><br>"Mom brain? Does that mean, did you have a child? And I'm guessing if so, a first one?" Kiana asks, after Lorna spoke of finding out about it making it sound a new thing. "If so, congratulations. I saw the babies at the hospital when Joshua took me there, and the mothers and fathers had such beautiful smiles when they were with their children," Kiana says, getting a soft, happy smile at the memory. <br><br>"It's not too bad, especially if you start on the smaller waves. The big ones could be dangerous, especially in shallower where you could hit the bottom. I'm pretty safe there compared to most though," Kiana says. "I can manipulate the water and, so I'd be able to stop myself easily enough. It's my mutant power," she says. The girl tilts her head as she looks at Lorna's hair. "Are you a mutant as well? Ned said different color skin, or hair... fathers, scales, things like that usually mean someone is a mutant," Kiana asks.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:33|Lorna Dane (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lorna gets the idea that Kiana might not be from Genosha, and so the monarch gets a soft smile, choosing to answer that line first. "Well, there's more than that. There's all sorts of changes and mutations someone can go through. Though yes my hair is one of my mutations. But it doesn't have to be physical. Some people, like you, can control things outside of themselves. Manipulate the world around them in a multitude of ways." Lorna says, putting on her teaching tone with the younger woman. "But there are people who have powers like that who aren't mutants too. It's almost impossible to tell just by looking." Then Lorna takes a soft breath and looks much more at Kiana, really observing the Polynesian woman in an attempt to make a personal connection. "I just had triplets last month." Lorna admits with a hint of blush across her sun kissed cheeks. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5077|Kiana (5077)}} has posed:'''<br>From the little nods that Kiana gives, and the way she seems to soak up the extra information about mutants, the teen seems quite open to someone sharing such knowledge with her. And another soft, sunny smile results as if in gratitude to Lorna for sharing it. There isn't really a sense of slowness from Kiana, as she seems to soak in the information when offered. But the lack of worldliness is quite easy to note.<br><br>"Triplets? You had three children!?" Kiana exclaims. "At once!? Oh my goodness. You probably do need a good trip to the beach to relax," she says. "Congratulations. Is your husband taking care of the babies now? He must be so proud," Kiana says, her face lighting up, no doubt remembering the faces of the fathers and mothers with their newborns at the hospital.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:33|Lorna Dane (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lorna takes a slow deep breath at that last question before finding the words she's okay with sharing, "There is no husband but I do have the kids staying with a babysitter friend while I get a moment to myself." Lorna smiles and let's her hands really run through the sand. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5077|Kiana (5077)}} has posed:'''<br>Kiana seems like maybe she senses some of the emotion that the question stirs. The girl's expression softens a little bit. "I'm glad you have friends to watch them," she says. "I'm sure you're going to give them a happy home. Genosha seems like such a beautiful place. I'm really glad that I ended up here," Kiana says as if hoping to inject a bit of hopefulness and good cheer after sensing the question might have been an uneasy one for Lorna.<br><br>"Oh," Kiana says, glancing up at the sun overhead. "It's later than I thought. I should start heading back now. Rafael and Ned have someone who was going into Hammer Bay picking up some food they said I would like. I'd better get on my way back or else Rafael will probably eat it all," Kiana says with a warm laugh that one gets the feeling it's the laugh she'd have given if Rafael was there to hear the comment. Whoever he is.<br><br>"It was nice to meet you. Maybe I'll see you again sometime. If you ever want to surf," Kiana says, giving a little wave and then grabbing her board to trot back out to the water.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=Remo_Williams&diff=25156Remo Williams2024-01-27T01:02:39Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{CharacterPage |NameOnMUSH=Remo Williams |banner name=Remo |Char_id=5151 |banner image=https://deadline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Fred-Ward-Remo-Williams-e1652458299349...."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{CharacterPage<br />
|NameOnMUSH=Remo Williams<br />
|banner name=Remo<br />
|Char_id=5151<br />
|banner image=https://deadline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Fred-Ward-Remo-Williams-e1652458299349.jpg<br />
<br />
|Img=https://www.zekefilm.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Remo-Williams_The-Adventure-Begins_2.jpg<br />
<br />
|FullName=Remo Williams<br />
|Gender=Male<br />
|Superalias=Remo<br />
|Species=Latent Mutant (powers unlocked through training)<br />
|Theme=Marvel<br />
|Chartype=FC<br />
|Occupation=Government Troubleshooter<br />
|Citizenship=Legally Dead U.S. Citizen<br />
|Residence=Mobile (hotels, safe houses)<br />
|Education=High School Graduate<br />
|Groups=<br />
|Quote="That's the biz, sweetheart."<br />
|PAge=30<br />
|AAge=30<br />
|DOB=14 Feb 1993<br />
|Height=6'0"<br />
|Weight=190 lbs.<br />
|Hair=Black<br />
|Eyes=Dark Blue, Almost Black<br />
|Actor=Fred Ward<br />
|Song=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-eSDck4DTk<br />
<br />
|Twitter=<br />
|Profile=Remo Williams is a martial artist with few peers. He's trained by an old man who happens to be one of the deadliest people on Earth. He doesn't wear a costume or a cape. He looks like a regular guy, if you don't notice that his wrists are as thick as tomato cans. And maybe, just maybe, he might just save the world...<br />
|History=<br />
<span style="color:#009999">'''Timeline:'''</span><br />
<br>1993: The child who would later become known as Remo Williams is born in Brooklyn, NY.<br><br>2011: Graduates high school, and eight days later enlists in the Marines.<br><br>2015: Receives an honorable discharge after distinguishing himself in the Marine Corps. He then enrolls at the New York Police Academy.<br><br>2018: While working as a cop, he is arrested for killing a drug dealer in cold blood. Overwhelming evidence against him resulted in a conviction and a death sentence.<br><br>2019: The execution takes place but it is a fake. He wakes up in Folcroft Sanitarium with a new face, and is given the new name 'Remo Williams' to live under. Remo begins training under the Master of Sinanju, Chiun, and goes to work for CURE under the guise of the "Folcroft Foundation". <br><br>2019-2024: Remo and his master, Chiun, reside in New York, moving between cheap hotel rooms and government safehouses, making sure that Chiun gets to watch his soap operas while Remo goes on missions.<br />
|Personality=<br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''Caring:'''</span><br />
<br>Remo has a soft spot for people getting hurt, especially children. Anyone who hurts or takes advantage of someone in Remo's presence better have good health insurance...or life insurance.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''Disciplined:'''</span><br />
<br>Years of training in Sinanju has made Remo deceptively resolute mentally and physically. He has an unnaturally iron will, coming from years of having to deny himself from such simple pleasures such as alcohol, cheeseburgers and monosodium glutemate.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''Likes Things Simple:'''</span><br />
<br>Remo's not a fan of technology. He doesn't do TikTok, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Even when he is burdened with a cellphone, it's a simple flip-phone, and rather than change a SIM card, he'd rather destroy the phone abd buy another one.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''Liquid Nitrogen For Blood:'''</span><br />
<br>When Remo decides that someone is going to die, all that's left to do is pick out a coffin and dig a hole. The funeral will be open-casket; Remo not only leaves a clean corpse. It'll always look like an accident or natural causes. He also knows how to manipulate the pain center of the brain, make it only feel like he's tearing someone's arm out of its socket. And he will do both with a bland expression on his face, like he's plunging a toilet.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''Not a Hugger:'''</span><br />
<br>Remo doesn't get close to people, since people he tends to get close to have a habit of dying before their time. But that doesn't stop him from wanting to get close to someone, maybe find someone he can actually be with someone who is capable of understanding him without excusing themselves from the conversation in order to call 911....or the National Guard.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''Patriot:'''</span><br />
<br>Remo has dedicated his life to his country, not those who claim to speak on its behalf. When it comes to a choice where defending the United States is an option, that will be Remo's ONLY option.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''Sarcastic:'''</span><br />
<br>Remo has a very low tolerance for bullshit, and will take any opportunity to challenge it, recognize it and point it out as caustically as possible.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#1f75FE">'''Vengeful:'''</span><br />
<br>To say Remo is not above a painful or crippling lesson is like saying the ocean is not above the clouds in the sky. Remo once reacted to a surfer deliberately kicking down a sand castle he had helped a child built, a child who said that Remo was nice, by confronting the surfer directly. When Remo said that he was being nice and only requested to have the surfer apologize to the child, the surfer's response, "Nice guys finish last," earned him the loss of all the toes on his left foot when Remo relieved the surfer of his surfboard and rammed it into the surfer's left foot. Remo's comment as he walked away from the surfer? "Hang five!"<br />
|Powers=<br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''Body Control:'''</span><br />
<br>If Remo is in an environment with a lack of necessary supplies, like food, water, AIR...he has the ability to slow down his body processes to survive those conditions, although he will not be at his full abilities while this is happening. He has such control, he can reduce his vital signs to hold his breath for a very long time, and slow his heart to one heartbeat per minute.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''Deadly Hands:'''</span><br />
<br>Remo's hands and feet are lethal, should he choose to employ them that way. He can punch and kick with superhuman strength, able to damage metal. His level of mastery of Sinanju hardens his body to where strikes with his fingernails are effectively as hard and sharp as razors.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''Perfect Specimen:'''</span><br />
<br>His body has been attuned to inhuman levels, making Remo resistant to damage of any kind, able to detect and repel harmful substances used against him (apart from immersion). He does not suffer from extremes of heat or cold, becoming one with his environment.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''Sinanju Martial Art:'''</span><br />
<br>Sinanju is an ancient Korean martial art, lost in time to all but a few current practitioners. It is from Sinanju training by the master Chiun that Remo's abilities flow. Advanced mastery allows the user to perform a number of feats that are on part with low level superhuman abilities, such as body control, above human-level strength, speed, and agility, and also body hardening.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''Speed and Reflexes:'''</span><br />
<br>Thanks to his Sinanju training, Remo moves with inhuman speed and agility. His training includes anticipating gunfire and using his speed to dodge away even from point-blank shots. He can dodge single shot or burst fire, but he's still working on full auto. Remo can run at speeds up to 80 mph, swim at speeds of 40 knots, and perform feats of agility that would make him a shoo-in for Olympic gold.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#8a14ff">'''Superhuman Strength:'''</span><br />
<br>Sinanju has trained his muscles to move in perfect synchronization. He has above human maximum strength, on par with Captain America.<br />
|Skills=<br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Animal Handling:'''</span><br />
<br>Although Remo doesn't get along with animals that might be inherently hostile, he tries not to do them harm if he can avoid it, and animals that might have a friendly or even neutral disposition are very likely to view him with positive reactions.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Extreme Martial Artist:'''</span><br />
<br>Remo has studied under one of the great martial arts masters. Though Remo is far from achieving Master status, he outclasses normal practitioners of martial arts and other fighting styles, and could at least give a challenge to some of the most truly skilled in the fighting arts. He doesn't use guns or other melee weapons, but anything in his hands can be used with deadly intent.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Investigation:'''</span><br />
<br>Remo has always had a nose for finding clues, honed while he was a cop, and could've easily made detective if he hadn't been "recruited" by CURE. He's no Sherlock Holmes, but he's able to make connections that give him an edge when it comes to finding out what's going on.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#00CED1">'''Knows How To Drive:'''</span><br />
<br>Although Remo's driver's licenses are fake, his driving skills aren't However, he's not better or worse than the average driver, and he knows how to drive cars. That's it.<br />
|Resources=<br />
<span style="color:#228B22">'''Cure Agent:'''</span><br />
<br>CURE is a secret government agency with a murky past. It conducts clandestine operations in situations that legal action is not sufficient. Originally reporting directly to the President, the secret agency was brought under the control of the DEO during the Cold War. The group has mainly been used as a tool for non-metahuman affairs, where their secrecy even from other parts of the DEO was useful in straddling the line of the DEO's mandate.<br><br>Remo doesn't exactly have a need or desire for anything but the most basic creature comforts, and doesn't have a lot of hobbies or vices to spend money on. But CURE gives him a practical blank check to cover any mission-related expenses, as well as smaller expenses like food, rent, cab fire or buying replacement phones.<br />
|Weaknesses=<br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Dependent: Chiun:'''</span><br />
<br>Chiun is possibly one of the deadliest non-superpowered assassins on Earth. He is indeterminately old, has photographic memory of the history of the previous Masters and is wide byond his considerable years. He is also irascibly stubborn, addicted to soap operas, is extremely critical of American culture in general and of Remo in particular, and has some very strong criticisms of Remo's progress in his training, as well as other subjects. He also has some very unusual standards and blind spots (he thinks the lazy, overindulgent people of the village of Sinanju are his responsibility, constantly attempts to marry Remo off to the village women who openly shows Remo a lack of respect, becomes infatuated with highly disagreeable women, the list goes on). Remo can't decide whether he truly likes (and loves) his adoptive parent more than Remo wants to kill Chiun with his bare hands...which usually constitues most of his training.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Finely-Tuned Machine:'''</span><br />
<br>Remo is only able to perform the feats and abilities he can because he lives on a VERY strict diet. Some fruits, vegetables, meats, rice. LOTS of rice. Anything that could be considered fast food or loaded with chemicals might as well be poison, since his body cannot handle oils, grease and sugars, and can be seriously impairing, even life-threatening, if it's consumed. Drugs used, even helpful ones, can have either triple the effect or just be poisonous outright. He can't even take aspirin or Pepto-Bismol.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Lack of Tech Know-How:'''</span><br />
<br>His inability to understand the nuances of technology that a seven-year-old would be able to use expertly is a common concern. He knows how to send an email to one person, how to use Notepad and how to use a debit card (usually prepaid). He is easily stupefied by tech and has a tendency to destroy tech he doesn't understand out of frustration alone.<br><br><br />
<span style="color:#EE204D">'''Runaway Animal Magnetism:'''</span><br />
<br>Remo discovered that the boasts of his master Chiun about the effects of Sinanju when it comes to sexual attraction and performance were not exaggeration. In fact, living with those effects have decreased Remo's interest in such physical intimacy outside of those that he has a strong personal connection with and feelings for. Thankfully, he's found that a daily diet of shark meat seems to diminish the animal magnetism that his martial art otherwise bestows.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
{{#set:<br />
Hero name = Remo<br />
| Actor name = Fred Ward<br />
| Theme = Marvel<br />
| Character Type = FC<br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=16735/Honky_Tonk_Intervention&diff=2502316735/Honky Tonk Intervention2024-01-13T13:06:39Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/01 |Location=The Corral, in Yonkers, NY |Synopsis=Inez, Clara, Ted, and Opal meet at Opal's bar. Inez spikes Clara's drink. Hilarity ensues..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/01<br />
|Location=The Corral, in Yonkers, NY<br />
|Synopsis=Inez, Clara, Ted, and Opal meet at Opal's bar. Inez spikes Clara's drink. Hilarity ensues.<br />
|Cast of Characters=2975,5100,3855,1123<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:2975|Opal Moirai (2975)}} has posed:'''<br>Sitting back off of a side street near the Yonkers Historic District is a bar. From the outside it could be a Cracker Barrel, complete with front porch and railing, if it wasn't for the pink and blue neon sign running the full length of the building. 'The Corral' There's even a shifting, 3-color neon image of a cowgirl riding a bull to complete the picture.<br><br>The sounds of steel guitar and harmonica assault the senses even before opening the front door, where the music just *blasts* new customers. The bouncer looks like he probably has a collection of wrestling championship belts at home, and is wearing a t-shirt with the bar logo that shows he has no definable neck.<br><br>The lighting in the bar is a bit low, but good enough to give a clear view of the place. There's a long bar on the right side with tall, swivel stools that are bolted down. A good assortment of four-top tables occupy the center before giving way to a hardwood dance floor. The stage is centered against the back wall with three steps leading up. On the back left side is a mechanical bull in its own 'pen' filled with sawdust.<br><br>A blonde woman leans against the bar. Cowboy boots, a denim mini, red and black checked shirt with the tails tied up under her bosom, a comfortably-worn Stetson tops it all off. And when she peers from beneath the hat, aviator shades cover her eyes.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As part of her education, Clara is to become familiar with American customs and to fit into society. Her governess of course meant high society, but that leaves considerable room for interpretation. Due to entirely personal reasons that have nothing to do with a poor showing at a New Years' party, Clara's resolution is to get modern dance lessons. Private ones. With her allowance she can afford it, and on short notice. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She steps out of the studio into the night air. Yonkers is far from Gotham. But that is intentional. A woman needs her secrets. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is when she is practicing her steps on the street that a familiar woman spots her. Familiar to her. But Charta saw Inez ride a dinosaur when she had her mask on, so the reverse is not true. There's really no way to break the ice, but somehow, some way, Clara is just swept along, following Inez like a lost puppy and putting herself in the woman's very capable hands. Or lasso, perhaps. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From outside, Clara can tell the music is not what she's used to. Oh sure, she's heard country music before. But not like this. To say she's nervous is the understatement of this very young year. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3855|Inez Temple (3855)}} has posed:'''<br>Most people think that the key to avoiding a post-NYE hangover is to drink lots of water. Others swear by the hair of the dog, or weird concoctions featuring eggs. Inez's own favorite technique is just to not stop partying. Hard to get hung over when you're still boozed up! It was her papa's last bit of advise before she left the ranch, and she's held on to it all her life.<br><br>Oh. And having a mutant healing factor sure as hell doesn't hurt.<br><br>Inez's string of debauchery and revelry post zombie dinosaur wrangling has lead her from Gotham to New York City, and now she finds herself in Yonkers following rumors of a new honky tonk bar. Some people might find it random. Inez? She can appreciate the symmetry of a cowboy bar in Yonkers, the birthplace of Jon Voight, most famous for his role in 'Midnight Cowboy'. Ain't that kind of shit just awesome?<br><br>She is wearing her NYE gear still: rhinestone-studded daisy duke shorts barely covering her lower body, her cowboy boots freshly polished, and her good Stetson. She's also wearing a shredded style Jack Daniels tank top and a belt buckle that proclaims that 'My Other Ride Is Your Dad'.<br><br>Classy.<br><br>"C'mon, now! Ain't no time f' wallflowers!" Inez tells Clara with a broad grin from under her hat. "Order a glass o' a dark soda." She advises as they walk towards the bar, Inez's thumbs hooked in her belt. "That way they can't see t' whiskey Imma pour innit when I order a bottle." She lifts one hand to tap the side of her nose, before looking over the bar staff. She spots a guy in a tee bartending... And brazenly reaches into her shirt, lifting first one breast and then the other to increase her cleavage. She looks down, nods in satisfaction, tips her hat forward for effect, and then walks up to the bar.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant enters the bar without a real ripple. The bouncer is a boxing fan. After the initial awkward moment where the bouncer had to look up at Ted, he went fanboy and got his shirt and bicep autographed. "Avoid the clap ~Ted Grant." <br><br>The aged and ageless pugilist scopes out the room. He initially categorizes the lengthy blonde at the bar as trying too hard. Then he takes a second look and realizes, no, this woman isn't trying at all. This is her default hotness. Then he takes another look and walks over to her, looming in a friendly sort of way. "Have we met? This is not a line, I'm asking." Then he hears Inez' now familiar drawl.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2975|Opal Moirai (2975)}} has posed:'''<br>At the bar, Opal's attention slowly pans the room back and forth. It's her place, after all, even though she may not look the part. Clara is noticed, mostly for her discomfort, but the fluff-and-strut routine from Inez captures her attention more fully.<br><br>Opal tilts her head, and even behind the mirrored shades it's apparent how her gaze wanders. "Nice shorts, honey." she drawls, the accent somewhere in the vacinity of mid-South. Her attention lingers on the shorts a bit longer, and that's when she spots the big guy autographing her bouncer.<br><br>Red lips draw into a wide, familiar smile as she watches. Yes, there is some definite familiarity. Leaning over to the bartender, then, she points to Ted. "He doesn't buy drinks in my place. Put him on my tab."<br><br>And almost casually, she rolls her shoulders back and does a very nice imitation of Inez's fluff-and-wriggle routine.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara is, well, swept along by a tide so powerful that she really cannot resist. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sorry, dark soda.. err, right then." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The young woman is the very picture of what she calls 'off script'. She likes to have a few things prepared before entering these kind of social situations. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So distracted is she, that she finds herself suddenly at the bar, after having witnessed Inez... perhaps it is best not to comment on that. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh look, the bartender is here. But honestly, he does not even look at her, and her raised hand and soft, "Pardon.." do not even register as a blip on his radar. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her outfit does not help her much, maybe. She may look good in her dress, but she also seems to be in the wrong place for something knee length and more cute than, well, revealing. The neckline is far too high, to boot. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deciding to try her hand at conversation, she says, "Hi there, lovely evening," to a man at the bar. He just looks at her. Like eyes touching every inch from heel to head and snorts, turning pointedly away and taking a swig of his beer. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant simply says "Opal!" Then grabs the proprietor in a hug that might qualify as assault in some venues. He has a decent memory. It's just he has more to remember than most people. He releases Opal and then taps Inez on the shoulder. "Hey keep it down, Texas. People are complaining about the noise... in Gotham."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3855|Inez Temple (3855)}} has posed:'''<br>Oh.<br><br>Oh *honey*. No, no, no.<br><br>Inez just gives Clara a sympathetic look at her attempt at ordering and flirting. There's no anger or disgust, just disappointment and sympathy as she realizes her newly adopted best friend is one of *those*. Poor kid. Fortunately Auntie Inez is here to help! Her fingers are put to lip and she lets out a shrill whistle fitting more for a Ranch than a New York Bar, but appropriate for here.<br><br>Once she's got his attention... "Hey there, big guy." She tells the bartender, leaning onto the bar and as his eyes travel up from the obvious place to start, she knocks her hat back with a knuckle. "Me an' m' little friend here are mighty thirsty, an' could use somethin' t' wet our whistles, y'know?" She tells him with a wink and a crooked grin, "Mind a bottle o' y' favorite whiskey, y' phone number, an' a coke for the little lady?" And out of her back pocket or whatever hammer space her stuff lives in given her lack of clothes she presents a Benjamin Franklin and slips it over with a wink.<br><br>Opal's interjection on her shorts in a southern drawl, and the following lift-and-fluff routine, gets the other woman a wink. Her own accent is pure deep Texas, which is no surprise given how Ted greets her. She laughs at him, turning to flip her middle finger at him as she turns and throws her arms around his massive shoulders. <br><br>"Hey there, bronco!" She greets, planting a kiss on his fuzzy cheek. "Tired o' gettin' y' ass whooped by lil' girls an' decided t' come honk your tonk?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2975|Opal Moirai (2975)}} has posed:'''<br>The bartender is suitably, and predictably, distracted by Inez and he even leans in closer to try and sneak a downward peek into that tanktop. "Right. Coke. Whiskey, hold the glass. And..." He takes an order pad and scribbles a phone number on it, tearing it off with a flourish. Folding it lengthwise, he inserts it carefully into the freshly-fluffed cleavage with a grin.<br><br>Opal is about to reply to Inez when she is captured by Ted. Letting out a squeal, she manages to get an arm around his neck while keeping her hat on with the other hand. And she hugs him right back, if much less vigorously.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara is totally one of those. She could not be much more out of place without wearing cosplay. She does not seem bothered by it, though. If anything, she seems very familiar with the situation. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thank god for Inez. Clara could use a drink. And the whole thing is fascinating. The way she just gets his number instantly is among the most awesome things the young woman has ever seen. And she's seen Inez wrangle a zombie t-rex! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, wallflower is as wallflower does. This place is very far from the lecture hall. Without anything to say except a soft, "Thank you for the drink!" she diverts her attention to the rest of the bar. This leaves her drink exposed to Auntie Inez's whims, too. This is going to be quite a night. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant gives Inez a hug around the waist and a playful thwap... maybe a little south of the waist and says, "I am making a champeen of that little girl. And I usually let big girls get that rough with me." Then he sees Clara. <br><br>"Who's your little friend? Hiyah hun, I'm Ted Grant, former World's Heavyweight Champ. Undefeated." He holds out a huge hand to Clara.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3855|Inez Temple (3855)}} has posed:'''<br>When you've been married to Wade 'Deadpool' Wilson, you sort of lose a lot of your sense of shame. Although it's a complicated situation that is as unconventional as you'd imagine given the people involved. And when the bartender slips the phone number into her cleavage, she grins at him and reaches out to pat his cheek fondly. "Attaboy." She tells him, and pops the lid off the bottle when it arrives. She takes a generous pull off the bottle before setting it aside, and winking at him, wiping a little bit of whiskey off her chin...<br><br>... and using the rather erotic spectacle to pour at least two shots in Clara's soda before bringing the bottle up to her lips again.<br><br>She then nudges Clara, and nods towards her drink. "There y' go, girl." She tells her with a grin and a wink. "Drink up. Y' ever ride a mechanical bull?"<br><br>Ted's swat gets a squeak from her, and she chuckles at him, rolling her eyes. "Saw her lookin' lonesome. Couldn't have that." She says brightly, regarding Clara. She doesn't offer any introductions, because quite frankly she never got it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2975|Opal Moirai (2975)}} has posed:'''<br>Opal Moirai disengages herself from Ted, adjusting her hat and then her shirt as she settles once more. "Definitely undefeated." she confirms, regarding Ted's record.<br><br>Does she catch the splash of whiskey into the Coke? Oh yeah. Leaning in a little to Clara, those mirrored shades are lowered just enough to give the girl a glimpse of her eyes. The right is blue, but the left is... not natural. Smooth and polished like a gemstone. <br><br>Opal smiles to Clara, then pushes her shades back up. "Let's keep that sort of thing to the side tables, honey, not at the bar." And that's all she has to say about that. "And start with the bull's lowest setting."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wow. That.. that is a hand. Clara's hand is essentially lost in there, but it still works. There is a quick doubletake, and she says, "It is a pleasure, Mr. Grant. I am Clara Jennings. You know, my governess loves boxing. Whenever your name is brought up she goes on and on about the scoring on the demo round with Ali. It is about as energized as she gets. Could you autograph something for me to give to her? She would be over the moon about it!" <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah, she has a governess. It is complicated. She nods when Inez orders her to drink and does just that. "Wow, that... tastes different. Does American coke have a different formula?" She has not the slightest clue what that little additive might be. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Opal's eyes are enough to make Clara lean back. "Umm, hello. Sorry, is something wrong?" She looks over to Inez, "A bull? I have never even ridden a horse, though a friend offered to take me riding!" <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant beams at Clara and quite forgets to release her hand from his large, very warm WMD fist. "Well you thought enough to remember it," he says gently. "BARKEEP," he says in a tone designed to be heard. "Give this young lady whatever she wants, on me." He slaps a c-note on the bar. "It's a pleasure to meet you Clara Jennings. Shall we watch Inez make the mechanical bull whimper?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3855|Inez Temple (3855)}} has posed:'''<br>Inez Temple's eyes are sharp.<br><br>Like... superhuman sharp. She definitely notices the gemstone eye Opal is rocking behind the shades. But given all the things she's seen and done in her life, it isn't strange enough to make her react...<br><br>Although she definitely gives the other woman frown and a sharp look. The fact that Ted seems to know her and she knows the big lug is a good'n keeps her from being more than just a little wary.<br><br>To Clara and Ted, Inez laughs and gives one bare thigh a slap. "T' trick is t' hold w' y' legs." She grins, and adjusts her hat. "Whatcha wanna bet on me stayin' on?" She asks, and raises an eyebrow at Ted... Time for the revenge. "How 'bout... I stay on, y' gotta take y' shirt off, an' let ui do body shots, Wildcat?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2975|Opal Moirai (2975)}} has posed:'''<br>The bartender pushes the c-note back to Ted. "Your money's no good here, Mr. Grant. Your drinks are on the house." And with that, the big guy nods knowingly towards Opal.<br><br>Opal chuckles softly at Clara completely missing getting her drink spiked, giving her head a slow shake. "It's alright, honey." she offers. When it looks like Inez will be riding the bull instead, she grins broadly and leans on the bar. "What if you don't stay on, then? Same bet?" she coos. "The dial only goes up to 10, but anything above 8 requires staff to set."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ted feels safe. Which is perhaps ironic, considering how strong the man is. Clara nods at him, "Well, my governess is a very wise woman. I will have to tell her how polite her boxing hero is." Which is another way to say 'thank you for saving me'. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another drink follows. She wets her lips with a lick and laughs, "It tastes so odd, really!" Another drink, deeper. "But a good kind of odd, I guess." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The conversation about the bull kind of just goes on and over her head. It is strange, how there is this little fog in her head now, though. Not an unpleasant thing, exactly. It helps her relax. As does Opan, when the eye contact is broken off. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So where is this mighty bull, anyway?" She sees nothing of the sort! But then, she is expecting horns and flaring nostrils.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant takes the c-note and throws it in tip jar with a grin. He ponders a moment. Then he says, "I want the same from you if you get thrown off, but you can keep your shirt on... if you can keep /that/ shirt on. Annnnd in any event, Clara here gets the first shot. She has lost time to make up for. That okay, Clara?" Inez is getting payback for that swat and making her squeak. Only Ted doesn't mind. He also thinks the only way she'd be thrown is if someone buttered that damned bull. Reflexively as he points to the bull he slips an arm on Clara's shoulders. He has arm to spare.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=16853/Mystical_Mingle_-_Open_Night_at_the_Sanctum&diff=2502216853/Mystical Mingle - Open Night at the Sanctum2024-01-13T13:06:23Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/13 |Location=Sanctum Sanctorum |Synopsis=Stephen Strange opens the Sanctum for guests for the first time in ages. Mingling was performed an..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/13<br />
|Location=Sanctum Sanctorum<br />
|Synopsis=Stephen Strange opens the Sanctum for guests for the first time in ages. Mingling was performed and conversations were had, both above and below tables.<br />
|Cast of Characters=179,718,1077,1959,3954,1014,1494,1948,690,1924,319,1257<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:179|Stephen Strange (179)}} has posed:'''<br>The Bleeker Street mansion, all three stories of it, is a fixture of Greenwich Village. Everyone in the neighborhood knows that it is there, yet, hardly anyone would be able to honestly give a description of the inside. It isn't exactly clear to most when the residence was built, nor do most people actually know what is within its austere walls. It is, like most things in New York, just assumed to have always been there.<br><br>There is one thing, however. The owner isn't necessarily known for hosting large soirees. At least, that is the story.<br><br>So, when the doors are open and guests are ushered inside...that is cause for interest. Greenwich Village locals actually pause in their comings and goings as people are let in. What is going on in the mansion tonight? Why are these people being let in when really only a select few have ever been seen coming and going? What's so special about tonight?<br><br>And, perhaps the most important question, will anyone other than the guests actually remember anything the next day. The old stalwarts whisper that the mansion has a way of making people forget it is there. If only they knew how right they were.<br><br>Indeed, the Sanctum Santorum is open. That itself is unusual. Even more so is the sight of the living room, just off to the right of the foyer, within eyesight of the main door itself. The usual comforts that present themselves there have been replaced with a more formal affair, with small circular tables along one side of the room paired with chairs that conform instantly to the person using it for whatever comfort level desired. And, adjacent to the casual sitting, is a banquet-style long table, adorned with food and drink that never runs out and is always exactly whatever one desires. The center of the room is devoid of furnishings, but a deep red circular rug can be seen, befitting the Victorian ambiance the entire Sanctum provides.<br><br>It is in the center of this rug that currently stands the host. The Sorcerer Supreme himself, Doctor Stephen Strange. He waits for a few moments for guests to acquaint themselves with their surroundings and get comfortable before he clears his throat to call attention. "Dear guests. Welcome to the Sanctum Santorum. This evening, the first of hopefully many, is meant to be a social affair. I know that I am a rather difficult person to approach, according to some, and so this is an opportunity for not only you all to establish connections with each other, but also an opportunity for me to make connections with you all. For tonight, consider me an open resource. Should you have a question or a request, feel free to offer. If a tour of the Sanctum is to your liking, feel free to explore. I just ask that we leave the artifacts in their cases. They do not like to be disturbed unless there is special need."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:718|Mary Jane Watson (718)}} has posed:'''<br>Mary Jane si there, large basterd sword slung over her back, and a more formal black dress on. She's wearing flats instead of heels though so it's somewhat saner for her to go along. She's not been to the Sanctum since some.. Chaos of a couple of years before with a Gem that has hopefully not come up since from any perspective. So blade slung over her back, she's glancing about curiously and then over at the buffet table. She heads on towards it after a few moments, going to enjoy the exotic smells coming from it.<br><br>As the good Doctor goes to make a greeting, she turns over to listen, joining the others in quiet applause if any comes up. It's new for her to be here as a guest - and she certainly is interested in getting to know more about the place - even if she's not a guest here again.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1077|Mary Bromfield (1077)}} has posed:'''<br>It's not every day that there's an open invitation to come to the Sanctum, so Mary definitely wanted to make sure to attend on behalf of the Rock. Of Eternity that is, not the actor/wrestler. But, while Mary wouldn't have much of a reason to be here, Thunderbolt definitely does.<br><br>And so Thunderbolt is here, currently fetching a few things from the buffet table for her and her... date? Well, they certainly appear to be dating, as Thunderbolt sidles back over next to Tarot, offering her an appetizer, "They had it exactly the way you wanted it to... magic." She grins crookedly at Tarot, applauding politely for the Doctor when he makes his introduction and speech.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1959|Spiral (1959)}} has posed:'''<br>Spiral arrives in time, having spun herself a shortcut to a place further down the street from Strange's sanctum. She's not trusting enough to assume how much of an open-house policy is on the books tonight. To try appearing inside the Sorcerer Supreme's own sanctum would be the kind of thing that may be on her bucket list, but she's heard rumors about the place, the host and consequences of crossing both. And after all, she's just had her nails done. The full set of fingies and toes. The whole cardinal number of them.<br><br>Here to stay are the fur-lined boots. Gone away is the iconic helmet. And inbetween those two places she wears gown of white and blue, with very generous openings for all six of her arms. A pattern is made of the two colours that resembles those pesky Stereograms, magic eye images, where an object is supposed to appear if you stare long enough. And maybe need Advil after.<br><br>Once she's ventured inside, and the Host has delivered their welcome, Spiral levels her gaze at Doctor Strange. Maybe she's going for some sort of snake-eyes gunfighter sizing up. But if she is, she isn't the only skilled 'slinger in town. That thought makes Spiral feel the need to twitch, the realization that so many weavers and invokers and users of magic are all so clustered. She feels itchy. A wild imagination might even consider this a critical mass of conjurers.<br><br>"Mmmmmmm..." she rubs at a few of her forearms to smear away the heebie-jeebies. "...artifacts."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:3954|Belinda Gutierrez (3954)}} has posed:'''<br>Even in 'merely' human form, Belinda Gutierrez' sense of smell is sharp, keen, and certain habits learned over a lifetime never fade. Deep breaths; another, long and swift. Scents, smells, tastes on the air. Ham and turkey and bacon and spices and literal worlds of things subtle and grand-- overwhelming in every sense of the word!<br><br>And almost enough to make one forget the utterly borrowed dress. Small clip earrings clinging to her ears where proper piercings utterly fail to register. The far upper end of Sunday best. Stiff as a steel beam.<br><br>"...Dios," she whispers to herself, struggling to keep rampant emotions in check.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1014|Marie-Ange Colbert (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>The truth was, for Tarot, a visit to the Sanctum Sanctorum was long overdue; not because she had anything particularly important of a magical nature to discuss with the Sorceror Supreme, although she was certainly starting to explore the magical nature of some of her own abilities.<br><br>Nor was she simply here as a +1 for the Rock of Eternity. No, her reason for coming is far more mundane, although spending time in Thunderbolt's company was certainly a welcome event.<br><br>The reason in question had to do with the small, purple box tucked under her arm and tied shut with a bright red ribbon. Still, she wasn't the type to immediately pounce the host, so Mary's offering of an appetizer was a welcome distraction. "Merci, mon amour." she replies, taking the food into her hands, and leaning up to plant a gentle kiss on the taller woman's cheek.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1494|Zachary Zatara (1494)}} has posed:'''<br>Was there a dress code for tonight's event? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Regardless of what's expected there are some looks which never really go out of style. A tailored tux, tails and a top hat from... Actually Zachary Zatara isn't entirely sure where the hat came from. But his assistant/wardrobe department/magically transformed pet rabbit Bunny assured him it was somewhere very fancy. He looks rather like he's about to stride out on stage somewhere. An impression which isn't helped by the overly dramatic way he teleports himself in with a puff of smoke that dissipates in dove shaped wisps. <br><br> So no change from usual there. <br><br> The young magician isn't formally here on behalf of anyone. But his family are rather well known in the magical community. So perhaps his attendance is a sign of support from his Uncle and the rest of the family. Who can say! <br><br> His assistant follows along beside him. Sparkling in sequins like only a true magicians assistant can. She'd seem out of place if not for the rabbit ears and weak magical aura. <br><br> All the effort put into his look is almost immediately undone when his innate ability to sense magic practically overloads. Thankfully Bunny is on hand to ensure he doesn't walk into any of the other guests....<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1948|Nico Minoru (1948)}} has posed:'''<br>What does she wear to the Bleaker Street Mansion? Does she go for a more formal look? Or does she go for something more casual. After agonizing what seems like forever, a certain Miss Nico Minoru arrives at the door and heads inside, glancing about for any familiar faces.<br><br>Tonight finds her dressed in what can only be described as Victorian goth lolita. The dress is velvet in color and has quite a bit of black lace accoutrements. Her arms are sleeveless, that metallic onyx 'armor' of her Witch-arm prosthetic as her right, and her flesh and blood arm as her left.<br><br>Spying the sorcerer supreme, she offers a bow of her head before wandering about to mingle.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Swords, Mary-Jane has a sword on. Were you supposed to bring weapons? What even was a dress code from the Mystic. The last time she went to anything like this it was in a bar and someone told her to turn her aura down. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gods that feels like a lifetime ago. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's wearing a dark blue hair wrap tonight, carefully tucked and pinned. A white black ribbon around her throat that hides a trio of scars, and a bauble around her neck that seems to flicker and glow with its own life, shaped like fire against a black shirt with a trio of three skeletons dancing rendered in green, with matching green found in her pleated, knee-length skirt, followed by warm leggings and knee-high bicycle boots, with a black sweatshirt covering it all. She comes in baring a worn leather backpack -- just in case -- and pauses at the entryway, looking up at the Sanctum's timeless fascade before she makes her way in, scratching at the reworked tattoo on her left wrist that keeps her aura from being too much as she steps in, peering at the other guests in turn. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Many she recognizes, either from previous encounters, information from others, or even her brief time with a different organization.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1924|Billy Kaplan (1924)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If any day was the day for Billy's imposter syndrome to kick in, it sure had to be today, didn't it? He's not certain what kind of dress code is in place for this event but he's coming fresh from class, which means he's in his usual get-up: t-shirt, jeans, a pair of chucks, and however many layers of hoodies and coats is necessary to survive the winter weather.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So of course he ducks into a nearby alley and mutters a hurried spell to change into something a little more fitting. A quick flash of blue light and now he's in... slightly nicer pants and a navy button-up, but otherwise mostly unchanged. Not much of an upgrade, but Billy is trying to slink in under the radar. Though after peeping his reflection in a dirty puddle of half-melted snow, he snaps his fingers and adds a red tie. There. Signature colors in place.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The expected bump of confidence from that doesn't come. Ugh, people are totally going to know that he has no idea what he's doing, aren't they? Therefore it's with awkward, shuffling steps that he heads in through the open front doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum and plants himself at the table that's most in the corner. All the better to people-watch whilst simultaneously avoiding eye contact.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:179|Stephen Strange (179)}} has posed:'''<br>There might be a slight smirk on Stephen's lips as he notices the looks that everyone is giving one another. Some of those are glances to wardrobes, followed by flickers to themselves. He can only guess that the thought must be on the dress code. Well...Stephen doesn't have to guess, but it would be rude to just go peek. And yet, the thought of dress code amuses him. Specifically because he did *not* state the dress code. And, as if to answer the unspoken question, or at least to quell anxieties, he speaks.<br><br>"The main rule of the evening is to relax and be yourselves. You will not find any judgement for anything trivial like appearance. Please, enjoy yourselves however you feel inclined to do so."<br><br>With that, Stephen actually moves from the center of the room to mingle himself. Grey eyes cast a glance over towards the six-armed individual. Oh, he noticed the sizing up that Spiral had given him...and in return, a nod and a smile. Yes, Strange is used to the odd look here and there. It comes with the territory.<br><br>And the cloak.<br><br>Still, there are people to meet. And, apparently, swords to avoid. Imagine if the host had decided a dance was in order. The sheer risk of bruised arms and legs.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:718|Mary Jane Watson (718)}} has posed:'''<br>Mary Jane Watson would glance about over and look at Spiral thoughtfully. Then head over to the buffet to see what was available, giving a light wave at people she recognized - or didn't. Always time to meet new folks. Some at least if there weren't zombie unicorns riding about. Her face softnes for a moment - a few of the ones here she hadn't seen since Doctor Foster's death. Not a highlight.<br><br>Large blade hooked on her back, she goes to grab something from the buffet and puts it on her plate,a lmost without looking too much. Much more contemplative now.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1077|Mary Bromfield (1077)}} has posed:'''<br>Thunderbolt grins at Tarot, "Well, if you want, I can back you up for the delivery. Though it doesn't seem to be too tough a crowd." She smiles and looks around, surveying the room a bit before glancing back at her date.<br><br>"See quite a few people I don't recognize at all, but I guess the nice thing about the costume is that the thunderbolt is hard to miss. Might as well have it be a sports jersey with 'Rock of Eternity' on the back." Her lips quirk a bit, as she nibbles absently on her blueberry-filled sopapilla.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1959|Spiral (1959)}} has posed:'''<br>Spiral bypasses the table of food, letting her eyes feast on the other guests in turn. It is so very varied. There are people she knows by reputation, slights both real and imagined, and others that are unfamiliar. There are so many others that she starts to resort of a wider paintbrush of opinion, surface level, rather than spending longer with a fine brush of finesse.<br><br>She spies that some have a plus one and she clucks her tongue. Her mouth moves through expression of confusion, distaste and worry. "Oh damn, I wonder if I should have brought blondy."<br><br>Spiral raises a couple of hands as she wanders over towards Strange. "Stephen?" A hand reaches down to pinch the fabric of her dress to hoist it demurely as she swishes over. "I can see why they call you Sorcerer surpreme." She gestures. "Whatever spell you cast, it looks like all the eye of boot, and toe of clog was worth it. You can be honest with me though. You can be honest. What's the emergency?" She whispers in that loud stage whisper that's not clandestine or covert at all. "What's the bombshell you're going to drop on us? Are the stockings of the universe about to tear?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:3954|Belinda Gutierrez (3954)}} has posed:'''<br>A dance would surely lead to Death by Embarassment. Because Belinda can shuffle. Sort of. Carefully.<br><br>"Hola!" she manages to whisper for Billy's benefit, sneaking up besides him in the classic fashion. One wallflower to hide behind/beside/around another. Cloaking fields unite!<br><br>That the food tables are nearby is simply happy circumstance."And Feliz Ano!" she adds, smile brightening. "Happy New Year for you!" Short pause as she brushes her neck.<br><br>"...forgive me, but that tie looks... /itchy/."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mages seem to universally either wallflower or like music that is more 'mosh pit' than 'Venetian Waltz'. There's the buffet table that bares investigation (surely there were vegetarian friendly options... other than a vegetable platter), and she takes a deep breath, letting it out she looks to Spiral, and gives a wry smile at the idea of the stockings of the universe tearing. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I hope not. I don't think there's a clear nail polish big enough to stop that run." she offers quietly, looking around to the others in the room. "But there is a lot of energy right here. My head is ringing slightly."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:179|Stephen Strange (179)}} has posed:'''<br>The good Doctor does not bother with the banquet table. He knows his role in this evening's foray, and that is as gracious host. While he offers the occasional wave of a hand and a nod to those faces he recognizes, Strange knows that he is there to socialize. Whether he would like to or not. Illyana would approve. Or not. Sometimes she is a difficult one to read.<br><br>Still, the approaching Spiral would be greeted with a smile. Even the use of his first name, a rarity for anyone but his closest associates, is glossed over as he responses to the compliment given. "I do appreciate the praise, though this is hardly all my doing." Be it the enchantments of the food and drink or the seating arraignments, it is uncertain. The Sanctum does as it wishes. "But, pardon me. Emergency?"<br><br>Strange's face clouds with curiousity. "There is no emergency. Not at the present time. Does there need to be to gather? Granted, the last time I went to a particular bar, the universe resetted itself, but I assure you, there is nothing of the sort that I am aware of this evening." He says that as if it is an everyday thing.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1494|Zachary Zatara (1494)}} has posed:'''<br>The best thing to do when your senses are overwhelmed is usually to focus on things that are familiar. So that's exactly what Zachary aims to do. Thankfully at least a few of the attendees are people he's met socially or from former team affiliations. And, in the guise of being chivalrous, he can offer Bunny his arm and let her do a little of the 'not walking into anything priceless' for them. <br><br> Always surround yourself with capable people! <br><br> "You know I probably should have brought a cane of some sort," he muses. "Except that would have been a little too... Puttin on the Ritz now wouldn't it?" <br><br> He shakes his head to dismiss the idea. Bunny just shrugs and smiles. Either she doesn't get the reference or she's learned to simply ignore his musings by now. <br><br> He gives a nod of acknowledgement, perhaps even a friendly wave, to Cousin Z's student Balm. Followed by a tip of his hat Miss Minoru. <br><br> Is it rude to wear a top hat indoors? Probably yes. So he makes is disappear. Not with any Magic. Just a little slight of hand and a lot of practise.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:718|Mary Jane Watson (718)}} has posed:'''<br>Mary Jane Watson would glance over at Strange and approach with her buffet plate. "Hey Doctor, good to see you. Hopefully nothing's been up.." She meant overw ith that gem that they'd all met over in the first place. Looking interested over in Spiral, seeing if anyone would approach her while moving to bring a fork up to take a bite of whatever it was on her plate.<br><br>"I do hope that you and your wife have been doing well. Sorry for having not checked in in the last year or so. It's been a bit busy."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1924|Billy Kaplan (1924)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's no way Billy jumps a little when Belinda sneaks up on him. Nope. Absolutely not. He was just... twitching. Sneezing, maybe? Uh huh.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Either way, with wide eyes he turns around to look at her, and then slowly his gaze drifts downwards towards where she indicates. "Oh, uh... well I kind of... magiced it up," yes he just turned magic into a verb, "So maybe it's the leftover..." Here is where Billy does some mystical jazz hands, "...energy?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah he has no idea, which he demonstrates via shrug. Then he freezes up, his hands gripping the edge of the table he's sat at. "I, uh... do we use our made up names or our real names here?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1948|Nico Minoru (1948)}} has posed:'''<br>Fooood. Like every young 20-something, if there's good free food, she's going to take advantage of it. One can only live off ramen for so long.<br><br>Nico offers a warm smile in Zachary's direction before she beelines to the food. Taking a plate, she goes for the more normal looking bits, but of course, there's a tantalizing smell every now and then with crudite that is rather difficult to identify from a Earthly perspective.<br><br>Picking up what looks to be a tentacle of some sort, she takes a bite and hrmms. "Huh, better than tako." she admits before glancing about to see if anyone else is going for food.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:319|Illyana Rasputina (319)}} has posed:'''<br>A wizard is never late, nor is she early. She arrives precisely when she means to. The truism that; it's not as if Illyana needed instructions to find her way to Bleecker Street. 'Drop in sessions' so very rarely include bypassing centuries-old wards maintained by the masters of the Sanctum.<br><br>Her black winter coat evaporates and respools itself upon crossing the threshold, the plumage of a flock of geese and ducks evaporating away and replaced by a scalloped black tea dress and a shimmering green shrug. It's all intact after a second or two. Protective spells slide over her, and she submerges under the mystic weight of a collective of sorcerers, witches, and mages. Slender backswept forks of her crown materialize unbidden and frame her updo.<br><br>So it's to be like that.<br><br>Enter the Demon Queen. No one would call that stride blithe or shy. The third type present: the bombshell. She has no issue crossing to the unfortunate redhead who invokes her name. "I have, Ms. Watson. But him? I would never dare to presume for the Sorcerer Supreme." Dark lips turn up in a slight smirk, sharp nod elicited for Stephen. "An excellent turnout so far. Have you done introductions or are we to duelling yet?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1257|Daimon Hellstrom (1257)}} has posed:'''<br>Daimon Hellstrom, the Son of Satan, wanders in well after everyone else. He never responded to the RSVP request, and he seems completely unconcerned that he's late in arriving. Anyone who has any experience dealing with the son of an archdemon knows that this kind of rudeness is to be expected. It's not meant as an insult (usually). This is just Daimon's lousy personality at work.<br><br>"Ah, there you are, Minoru," Daimon says, clapping a hand on Nico's shoulder. He's wearing a black suit with an equally black collared shirt and a crimson vest. The top button of his shirt is undone, no necktie. He's all matched and accessorized and chic, which is his silent way of saying 'hey, look, I gave a crap about looking nice for this.' "I've been looking all over for you." He's been there maybe twenty seconds.<br><br>"Good to see Strange hasn't put any wards up against me. Yet." He looks from Nico over to Zachary. "Zatanna. Looking good. The docs really know their stuff with the hormones."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah. Unfortunately the bar's a wreck now. I still kind of miss barbacking the Friday rush." Phoebe replies to Strange, and her face gets a little maudlin, and she rubs the back of her neck a moment. Strange and Spiral are getting a little crowded about now, and the young mage retreats a little bit. She gives a puzzled look to Zachary, and an unsure wave to him and Bunny the assistant, before quietly pulling up a section of wall and wheezing out a breath. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She spots Belinda, and gives a small waggle of fingers over to her. Likely cat's out of the bag for Phoebe being powered.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:3954|Belinda Gutierrez (3954)}} has posed:'''<br>Belinda bites back a giggle, relaxing by tiny measures. She brushes her palm absently across the front of her dress, sighing as she casts the tables a longing glance. "I feel like that time I was an extra again," she complains, shaking her head. "The dress, it was so tight I was afraid to breathe." She offers a friendly elbow, exhaling with a sharp gusto. "Maybe?" she offers, shrugging helplessly. "I have never worn a tie, so cannot really say. But I have heard they are very not-stretchy, so--"<br><br>She closes her eyes for a moment, bending her head as if lost in thought.<br><br>"...so many /smells/!" she whispers, quivering in place. "It is like-- like a thousand new places, all at once. Spice and food, aftershave and cologne and--" She pauses, blinking as she glances. "..sulphur?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:179|Stephen Strange (179)}} has posed:'''<br>"Ah, Ms. Watson. A pleasure to see you again." The shift from Spiral to Mary Jane is subtle. He just adjusts to include both. And...just as he is about to speak, his better half makes her appearance. And answers Mary Jane for him. "Well, there you have it, Ms. Watson. Direct from the source."<br><br>Then, to Illyana. "We have not reach the duelling stage quite yet. I do keep establishing that there is no dire threat that compels me to summon everyone. It does seem that the idea of Dr Strange being social is a foreign concept. You were right to suggest we have an open house, as it were."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1959|Spiral (1959)}} has posed:'''<br>Spiral cants her head to the side and purses her lips. A pair of hands go to holster themselves on her hips. "Serious?" She nearly salivates, awaiting for a secret to be slipped her way. Not that she'd be someone to necessarily trust with one. Her body language starts to curl, arms counterbalancing, legs supporting the whole business. A coiled spring, safeties on for the social niceties.<br><br>"Alright then." Spiral has to do a little easing back and disengaging. "Well...okay then." she murmers, and frowns. "Not at the...present...time." she nods and gives a nod and a look to the Sorcerer Supreme. And he's getting more and more greetings, and this is the perfect time slide stage left. She offers a little see-you gesture with a hand and commits to a disengaging trajectory away from Strange's orbit as he pulls in more guests into his gravity well.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:718|Mary Jane Watson (718)}} has posed:'''<br>Mary Jane Watson would smile over at Illyana, "Thanks for the update. Good to see you. I'm glad that things have been well for you." Illyana was someone that Sonja rather liked. IF only for how enthusiastic the other woman was with a sword and using it in ways that Sonja had taken inspiration from. Which wasn't something very often in this era.<br><br>Looking at Stephen's response on the 'threat' she would hmm, "Is there something about your reputation that I should be aware of or it just a stereotypical flair for the dramatics?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1494|Zachary Zatara (1494)}} has posed:'''<br>Zachary Zatara turns when his name is called. His innate magic sense finally tuned such that he can see clearly. <br><br> And it's a total stranger addressing him. He blinks a few times, then dips into a formal bow. "Ah I believe you must be mistaking me for someone else," he says with wry amusement. Outside of the outfit he doesn't resemble his Uncle all that much. Certainly no-one is mistaking him for Cousin Z. He didn't even bring fishnets. "My Uncle Giovanni regretfully had other matters to attend to." <br><br> He shrugs as if it's no big deal. Then adds "I don't believe I've had the pleasure of making your acquaintance?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1948|Nico Minoru (1948)}} has posed:'''<br>"That's her nephew, not her." That little bit is stagewhispered to Daimon though Nico can't help but let out an impish giggle at the joke.<br><br>"It's all good. I think he's just teasing." the Japanese sorceress explains as she looks back to Hellstrom with a bit of a bow. "I've been busy. New job and all." Oh, she's been doing stuff outside of being his apprentice? Oh dang.<br><br>Easing on up, she offers the plate as if some crudite might help. "That tentacle is surprisingly good."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1257|Daimon Hellstrom (1257)}} has posed:'''<br>Daimon mouths a deadpan 'oh' to Nico when she corrects him.<br><br>"I'm just fucking with you," Daimon says, offering a hand out for Zachary to shake. "You have that Zatara family smell to your blood." His lips quirk into a crooked half-smile and he winks. "Daimon Hellstrom." The name carries some weight in occult circles. "Son of Satan. Well. One of the Satans. You know how it is with demons."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:319|Illyana Rasputina (319)}} has posed:'''<br>Spiral's slide stage left gets a marked look from Illyana. Not the type to aimlessly smile at people; she's Russian by accent, very much not American. One taut spring recognizes another. "The dire threats are no more immediate than yesterday. Disappointing. The crystal spiders from the Tenth Dimension are overdue to invade." Information is currency; the little morsel given in passing.<br><br>She comes to stand off Strange's left side, almost casual. Traversing the buffet for snacks will come later. A plate of blini are probably her influence, along with thick-pulled noodles that blend Mongolian, Russian, and Chinese flavours.<br><br>"Daimon. How is your sister?" One doesn't live among perfectly normal teens and twenty-somethings without being able to socialize. Rarely will she drop her reserve to make it happen. "Introduction time then. Illyana." A beat, only the one. "Strange."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1924|Billy Kaplan (1924)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tie gets straightened once, and then straightened again, before Billy loosens it at the neck and retightens it. "I don't know what I'm doing," he admits. "Or why I'm here." He looks towards Belinda only for her to be fully distracted by the onslaught of smells, which of course goes right over Billy's head (or, uh, his nose?).<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Either way, he does the awkward look-around-but-only-vaguely thing, still avoiding making direct eye contact with anyone. Honestly, high school dances weren't this anxiety inducing to him, and he was under real threat of being beaten up by bullies at those.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:179|Stephen Strange (179)}} has posed:'''<br>Mary Jane's question about reputation is fielded rather matter-of-factly from Strange. "Well, Ms. Watson, I am not necessarily known for my lavish parties. People assume that if I call a group together, it is for more nefarious purposes than simply sharing niceties over food and drink. And, to be perfectly honest, for the most part, they would be correct." A glance is stolen over towards the Russian blonde gracing the room. "I am working to change that perception."<br><br>Oh...Illyana is on his left. He needs to be more social. "If you would excuse me, Ms. Watson." More introductions to be had.<br><br>As Illyana speaks to Daimon, the doctor follows along. And, at the appropriate time, a greeting is given. "Welcome to the Sanctum Santorum, Daimon Hellstrom." Because yes...Strange at least knows of Daimon.<br><br>The lamentations of one Billy Kaplan do not fall upon deaf ears. The nervous individual, if he notices, would see that he has Strange's attention, if even for a moment. And...if Billy does notice as such, he might see Strange mouth a single word to him.<br><br>Relax.<br><br>That is...if Billy notices. It is a subtle gesture.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1494|Zachary Zatara (1494)}} has posed:'''<br>"We do share the same tailer," Zachary says with an amused grin. "And there are bound to be a few attendees who don't quite understand the mortal perspective on time and existence." Not that most mortals really understand it either. Especially not when magic gets involved. <br><br> He shakes the offered hand. Daimon Hellstrom is a well known name all right. But it's probably safe under whatever protections and safeguards are in place. <br><br> Right? <br><br> Probably best not to make any promises or agreements just to be on the safe side. <br><br> "A pleasure to meet you." He glances between Daimon and Nico. "I see you found a teacher for that arcane lore you were interested in. My offer to stop by for a tour of the library at Shadowcrest Manor still stands Nico."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1959|Spiral (1959)}} has posed:'''<br>Spiral's progress degrades in the passing wake of tasty info tidbits delivered by different individuals. It's a kind of salve, to know that things are a-brewing. That maybe her itchy-witchy senses aren't all just baseless paranoia. No matter how normal that might be for the multiverse. There are spiders apparently, and this ticks the right boxes when it feels like one needs to scratch at things underneath the skin. The cosmic abacus isn't completely unbalanced and just needs some flicking.<br><br>Spiral's tongue reconnoiters her upper palate and she makes a note on paying a visit to certain souls later. The six-armed sorceress sidles around, mingling as others do. Having an obnoxious amount of hands means being able to hold multiple drinks. All for herself. Everything in moderation.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3954|Belinda Gutierrez (3954)}} has posed:'''<br>"Well..." Belind abegins, eyes sparklikng with warm humour. She watches Billy's attempts to adjust his tie, biting back the urge to giggle-- more for fear that it will devolve into helpless nerves more than anything else! "I asked mi Abuela about what she knew on werewolves and such," she continues softly. Stress, slowly fading-- she leans over for a friendly bump of shoulder. "There was not much," she continues, sighing wistfully. "While the Candle is a wonderful place for many things, it is not a library-- regardless of how many 'magickal'--" Fingerquotes hang in the air as she gestures. "--books it carries. They are all for the mundane minds, or so el Capitan reminds me. So!"<br><br>She straightens, crossing her arms-- and drawing a sharp breath! Grimace. "So," she manages, releasing her arms, to better let the dress stop squeezing her! "Who better than el Hechicero Supremo, Doctor Strange? I hope."<br><br>Pause.<br><br>"I did not have the ingredients for cornbread."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Phoebe recognizes the awkward, looking to Belinda and Billy, and she rubs at the back of her head again, brushing off her skirt, and siddles up to the awkward person with the neck tie that Belinda had accosted, and she softly states: <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Is it all the magical miasma in the air, the startch, or the neck tie?" she asks Billy, zipping her sweatshirt up so she can stick her hands in her pockets as her eyebrows rise up. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Or just all the people ever?" she adds as a joke.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1948|Nico Minoru (1948)}} has posed:'''<br>The mention of the invitation to the library causes Nico to smirk. "As long as there's no surprise bunny tails." Maybe that's an inside joke between the two, and she chuckles, just continuing to take bites here and there of the appetizers.<br><br>"And it's hard finding a teacher in the magics I'm most interested in." Primarily understanding blood and darker magics. "So we'll see what there is to learn. He's already been quite helpful." Nico says with a cheery smile.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1257|Daimon Hellstrom (1257)}} has posed:'''<br>"You should take him up on that, Minoru," Daimon says, gesturing toward Zachary. "Shadowcrest Manor's library is known from here to Tibet among serious scholars and collectors. Make time for it in between bartending shifts or whatever job you found." Daimon's handshake has no ill effect on Zachary, no burning sensation, no boils forming, no stigmata. Though Daimon's skin does run hotter than the average bear's. And he does have those creepy red eyes.<br><br>When Illyana and Stephen greet him, Daimon offers his hand out to both of them in turn. Like Illyana, he's not much of a smiler when he doesn't need to. Though he doesn't have the excuse of Russian cultural norms. "Mr. and Mrs. Strange. Congratulations on the whole..." He gestures vaguely, probably meaning 'marriage,' but his thought trails off without being completed. "If I forgot to send a gift, I'll try to make it up to you sometime." He absolutely forgot to send a gift.<br><br>Asked about his sister, Daimon says, "Satana? I think we all feel happier and safer /not/ knowing what she's up to." This is, by all appearances, not a joke in the slightest.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:319|Illyana Rasputina (319)}} has posed:'''<br>Dimension-hopping aggressive crystalline spiders on a crusade. Not the kind that hang with -Man, -Woman, or Ghost spider types either. Their hour comes at another day.<br><br>Illyana hooks her thumb beneath the shrug wrapped around her shoulders, the cooling memory of boreal forests winding in a limpid twist. Her lidded gaze follows Belinda and to a degree Billy. "Several good bookstores selling some authentic grimoires, if you know where to look or ask. The real ones keep to themselves. The last faire was some time ago, but mid-winter may bring one. Worth looking, da?"<br><br>Daimon's explanation for his sister's whereabouts earns, "Excellent," out of her. "Thank you. Congratulations on your apprentice. That brings to mind an interesting proposition, Doctor."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1257|Daimon Hellstrom (1257)}} has posed:'''<br>"Well, don't congratulate me yet, she's just started," Daimon asides. "If she's still alive in a year, congratulate me then."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1948|Nico Minoru (1948)}} has posed:'''<br>Ahem. Leaning in against Daimon, Nico mutters, "SHIELD." a beat. "I work for SHIELD."<br><br>An then the mention of her potentially dying also gives her a bit of a frown. "I'm not a complete apprentice." Just mostly one; at least not without the Staff of One boosting everything she does.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1494|Zachary Zatara (1494)}} has posed:'''<br>Zachary Zatara has appeared on stage often enough to not show any hesitation or discomfort at the handshake. If you can shake hands with a Las Vegas Casino lawyer you can shake hands with almost anyone or anything. <br><br> "No surprises at all," he assures. Chuckling at the in joke. "I'm ninety percent sure none of the tomes we'll need are cursed." A beats pause. "Too badly anyway. But then that's half the fun of a good library. Almost getting eaten alive by the books." <br><br> And then the hosts are over in this part of the party. The young magician steps back and to one side. Giving a little bow for the good Doctor himself. "I thought it only right I bring a token gift for our host." He beams his most winning smile and then, with a little more magic with the lower case m, proceeds to pull a vial from somewhere. Probably up his sleeve. <br><br> A vial of beard oil. The brand? Beard Sorcery. The japes and jests of youth.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1924|Billy Kaplan (1924)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The way he's sweeping the crowd means that, yes, Billy definitely notices that Dr. Strange's attention has shifted to him, however briefly. Though for a second or two Billy's gaze drifts past, only for his brain to catch up a second later and snap back to the host of tonight's party. He throws up a thumbs-up to the mouthed word, clearly understanding, and even adds a couple of enthusiastic nods. Yeah, he'll totally do that!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At least that's the impression he gives in the moment, though as soon as all eyes are off of him, Billy turns around and slides off his chair in one smooth movement, ending up crouched on the floor and hidden by the table. "I live here now," he laments, red-cheeked. "Wait, was it a potluck and I didn't get the memo?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This immediately drives him straight into a panic. "Oh god." He looks up at Phoebe's approach and lifts his hands to offer a "Who knows?" sort of gesture. "I have no idea what I'm doing. I learned my magic from my mom's self-help books! They probably went to... like... Hogwarts or something, except hopefully one without all the problematic stuff." After a moment, he leans around Belinda to look towards Illyana, then he looks up at the other two now at his table. "Wait," he stage-whispers, "Was she talking to us?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3954|Belinda Gutierrez (3954)}} has posed:'''<br>Belinda has the good grace to blush at Illyana's remark, nodding quickly (MadredeDiosshenoticedmeHIDENOW) as she casts a quick wave-- the whole demeanor changing with Phoebe's appearance.<br><br>"Milkshake!' she says with a squeal of laughter, the awkwardness abandoned for exhuberant delight.<br><br>"How-- what-- why--?" A dozen questions are cut short as she refrains frm the flying tacklehug of doom &lt;tm&gt;, grasping Phoebe's hand with a firm joy instead.<br><br>"Thank you," she says again, more reverently. "The Foundation... it means a lot. Gracias, mucha, muchas gracias. I am grateful, forever. Oh!"<br><br>Her cheeks warm as she grins, gesturing to Billy. "This is a dear friend. Mr...." Pause. Where--? Down there! By table?<br><br>"...King?" she adds, so lamely. "...Burguesa," she adds with the (un)sly grace of the Totally Hopeless Fibber.<br><br>"I think talking to me?" she adds, equally sotto voce. "Wait. Tu madre went to Hogwarts?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:179|Stephen Strange (179)}} has posed:'''<br>Daimon's mention of a gift for the nuptials is greeted with a soft chuckle. "Do not trouble yourself. The acknowledgement itself is enough." Not that Stephen was looking for acknowledgement anyways. Still, it was a nice gesture. Or at least a nice attempt.<br><br>The fact that Stephen sees that Billy is at least attempting to relax, however briefly, does bring a bit of solace to him. Just as Zachary catches him with talk of a gift. "A gift. Really, there was no need." Didn't Stephen already go through this with Daimon? Still, being gracious, Stephen does accept. And has the common sense to laugh at the jest. "Oh, how did you know I was running low on my supply?" Does Stephen actually use the product? Of course not....but it is amusing, nonetheless.<br><br>"A proposition?" Illyana's comment pulls Strange back to the conversation at hand. "With apprentices?" Yes, he was caught slightly off-guard.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"IF it was a potluck I would have definitely brought something, but--" Phoebe eases herself down to join Billy on the floor under cover as she purses her lips, taking one last look at the gathering before she lets her breath out. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It wasn't a potluck. This was supposed to be a bunch of mages talking shop, I believe but... I don't think that's what's going to happen." she states, and then looks up as Belinda recognizes her, and she gives a little handwave before her hand is grasped. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's... it's OK Belinda! I actually know your other side too." she gives an embarrassed smile. "I'm Phoebe, but I'm also known as Balm. I used to lead this group called the Justice League Dark. But Things happened." she explains, glossing over any explaination that could be given as she settles. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then to Belinda she gives an awkward smile. "I met Belinda over milkshakes at a place called One Fell Scoop. It's a Shakespere joke. It's really dumb." she explains, giving a small wave of her not grabbed hand. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I uh... the last of a bunch of mages who were supposed to be really skilled in healing, exorcism and stuff like that." she rubs the back of her head. "What're your&nbsp;&nbsp;stories?" she questions, and then her nose wrinkles. "Hogwarts is definitely not real. I know some of their deals, just... take a breath. They can't even see us."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1257|Daimon Hellstrom (1257)}} has posed:'''<br>When Illyana replies 'excellent' to his comment about Satana, Daimon laughs. An actual laugh, like her response was the height of some kind of comedy. "She's a keeper, Strange," he says to Stephen, and seems to mean it.<br><br>"You'll be a full apprentice by the time the dangerous stuff kicks in," Daimon says to Nico, as if this is meant to be reassuring. But then his attention is caught by...<br><br>"Hey," Daimon says, mostly to Nico and Zachary, as he looks over at Billy Kaplan. "Who's the kid who just fell out of the chair?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1948|Nico Minoru (1948)}} has posed:'''<br>There's a worried look at the mention of proposition about apprentices. "Just remember, I'm not sleeping with anyone for under one million dollars." a beat. "Make that ten million US." Nico says, as she isn't exactly sure what's going on, but if there's an indecent proposal, she might as well profit.<br><br>"I want the first ten. Anything above that, you split 50/50 with me."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1257|Daimon Hellstrom (1257)}} has posed:'''<br>Daimon looks over at Nico for a long, long moment, but says nothing. Then he looks to Stephen and Illyana and shrugs.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1494|Zachary Zatara (1494)}} has posed:'''<br>"Sadly I have no idea," Zachary says with a frown. Bunny leans in and whispers something to him. "And neither does Bunny." A beats pause. "Ah yes. This is my assistant Bunny. Bunny, everyone." <br><br> He glances between the group. All the proposition talk seems like it might be getting personal. Especially when Nico starts bringing up 'Pretty Woman' style arrangements. "Perhaps I'll go make my introductions." <br><br> With his be-sequinned assistant on his arm he waves and heads over to gathering of fellow young magic users. <br><br> There's a brief pause to secure carrot sticks from the buffet. Before he goes to investigate Billy and his new home under the table. Not that he'd ever mess up the tux to crawl down there himself. But he does knock on the tabletop a few times rather like he's making a house call.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:319|Illyana Rasputina (319)}} has posed:'''<br>Illyana takes the opportunity to help herself to a blini and steal a few slices of fruit. Nothing too messy and whatever fits on a small plate, the better to keep a hand free on the odd occasion she needs to flip someone off. <br><br>The strawberry survives a moment. As a casual bystander to conversation or apprentice jokes, the better she can read those subtler currents. "Formal education for people with magical talent," she says in that cool tone to Nico. "A seminar on subjects. Supporting a class, if demand is there, or arrangements to pair a teacher and a student. We do not go to Sorcerer School and earn our degree. Kamar-Taj is not a lifestyle for everyone." Do you like scrubbing floors?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:179|Stephen Strange (179)}} has posed:'''<br>Can't even see them? Not if Strange has anything to say about that.<br><br>Daimon does earn a chuckle and a retort. "Oh, that I know. Illyana is most certainly one of a kind." Then...a quick apology given before Stephen detaches himself from one cluster to join the other.<br><br>The other under the table. Of course Stephen could call out the fact that they are not really hiding from anyone, certainly not one that has the all-seeing Eye of Agamotto, but that is hardly fun. So, what does Stephen do?<br><br>He joins the group under the table.<br><br>"I couldn't help but overhear, Ms. Beacon, that you believe that you and your compatriots believe yourselves invisible?" Oh...he was listening and, judging from the smile, he knows exactly that the table was supposed to be their cover. But, Strange doesn't seem upset at all. Certainly not on the floor like he is now. "I assure you, it is quite the opposite."<br><br>Then, with a turn, Strange regards Billy. "Sadly, a magical castle with moving paintings and students with robes and wands is within the world of fiction. I had thought to perhaps start an institute of learning myself...an academy of the mystical arts if you will...but I fear I haven't gone much farther with it than initial considerations." A beat is taken. A moment of respite for Billy as Stephen actually bothers to do what he did not do in the beginning. He introduces himself.<br><br>"Doctor Stephen Strange, Sorcerer Supreme, at your service. Who do I have the pleasure of speaking to?"<br><br>Sure...get Billy more nervous. That isn't Strange's intent...but may very well be the end result anyways.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1257|Daimon Hellstrom (1257)}} has posed:'''<br>Daimon watches Stephen go under the table. He gives it the same look he gave Nico's ten million dollar asking price.<br><br>To Illyana, Daimon says: "You know, I've always been of the stance that... the ones who walk this path do so because they're meant to walk it. If they find their way, it's because they were always going to find their way." One arm casually rests on Nico's shoulders so that he can lean in and steal a piece of fruit from her plate. "What I'm saying is, I hope you don't plan on going too easy on 'em. Holding their hand too much."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1924|Billy Kaplan (1924)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"X-gene-activated magic," summarizes Billy up pretty succinctly, and thus that is what he says when Phoebe prompts the story of their mystical origins. He's not sure, again, where things should fall on the whole secret identity versus truthfulness here, so the rest of his history goes unsaid.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At present he's weighing the odds of how successful a teleportation spell would be inside the Sanctum Sanctorum when someone knocks on the table, which causes him to look upwards sharply. Then, in slow, horror-movie style, his head turns to look towards Dr. Strange. Well, now he's caught, and for some reason this prompts him to let out a long exhale. "I guess I'm caught. Uh, I'm Billy Kaplan, nice to meet you."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Why he's more comfortable now that Dr. Strange is on the ground with him is a mystery. "So uh... who does your interior decorating? Love the rug."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:3954|Belinda Gutierrez (3954)}} has posed:'''<br>Belinda listens with care, eyes widening faintly as her lips part, and Everything Falls Into Place. Realization!<br><br>"...Dios!" she murmurs again, lips twitching. Then joining the others-- kneel down, the better to hide beneath the table!<br><br>After retrieving a plate of edible dainties. Priorities.<br><br>"Trying to learn more about where... certain Silver comes from." She gestures over herself, frown briefly wrinkling her brow. "It feels very improper to just... ask him for things, as if el Maestro Mistico was no more than the world's greatest bibliotecario, a librarian!" She grouses quietly, glancing at her plate-- ooh, mini tacos!<br><br>"...historia de la familia," she continues, glancing up. "Old, evil history. It is uncomfortable to ask about. And unpleasant."<br><br>She takes one of the mini tacos, sniffing at it with a sigh. "Should still have brought cornbread. Maybe a steak. Do Mighty Magnifico Magery Ones enjoy steaks? There was not time to hunt one..."<br><br>The knock, the appearance of--!<br><br>"Ah," she begins, with all the care and skill of her seventeen year's life experience.<br><br>"--ahem," she announces, nudging Billy. "You have a visitor, Rey-Debajo-de-la-Mesa."<br><br>As stilleto-sharp as a bowling ball.<br><br>"Belinda Gutierrez, sir," she returns respectfully. "It is a very nice rug. Very... ruggy. If I may?" She pause, gazing intently at the doctor. "...Beef or venison? Delmonico cut, Strip, or Filet Mignon?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1494|Zachary Zatara (1494)}} has posed:'''<br>As if on some unspoken signal Bunny returns over to where Daimon, Nico, and Illyana are standing. She makes a little coughing noise to announce herself. Then nervously says "He's Billy Kaplan and he likes rugs." <br><br> She glances around the trio. Nods and then dashes back to Zachary. Mission accomplished. <br><br> Zach meanwhile pulls out a chair and sits himself down. The Sorcerer Supreme might not be above crawling under a table. But Zachary isn't.. Well lets face it he's too vain to risk scuffing his shoes. <br><br> "Anyone down there need anything passing down? Food, drinks, or I think I have some smoke pellets used for onstage vanishing acts..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:319|Illyana Rasputina (319)}} has posed:'''<br>"My methods would leave most broken or dead," Illyana replies. Deeply matter-of-fact, because she cannot claim to possess her older brother's innate goodness or some of her friends' gentle spirits. The proof is written in the fractured stained glass of her soul, plain as day to anyone who glances sideways at her aura. "The point stands, of course. Do not spare them the lessons that failure and wisdom teach."<br><br>However, even Hell-Lords care for rabbits. She nods to Bunny. "Good evening. You *are* charming." More would be inappropriate as she bounds off to her companion, who is offering smoke pellets. "He is a spoilsport for invisibility, be warned," she says to Zachary.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:690|Phoebe Beacon (690)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is more comfortable with Strange on the floor rather than in the air. For one thing, better eye level. Phoebe gives a wry look at Strange as he joins them under the table, and she shrugs her shoulders before she leans out, and looks up to Zachary Zatara. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You know the password?" she asks, looking up at the tuxedo'd one, and then motions down. "I know a cantrip that'll clean your fancy pants off if there's anything that gets on there. Apparently the party is happening down here too." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;nd she ducks back under the table, with Billy, Belinda, and Strange, and Phoebe, and she takes a deep breath, breathing out. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I was just introducing myself to Kaplan and properly to Miss Gutierrez. Turns out she and I fight in similar circles." Phoebe explains, and she leans against a table leg. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"A magic school? Sounds like... a really good opportunity to get attacked." she states dourly, and rubs the back of her head. "But man, that would have been handy when I was fourteen."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1948|Nico Minoru (1948)}} has posed:'''<br>That's when she remembers something. There's a low bow to the hostess and the host as she puts her now empty plate on the side. "I forgot, I have some previous commitments that need to be taken care of. It was nice meeting you all though." Nico tells the group, as she runs her fingers through her hair and starts to head back out as the talk of magic school continues.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1257|Daimon Hellstrom (1257)}} has posed:'''<br>When Nico starts to exit, Daimon takes another piece of fruit for the road. "Gonna walk-and-talk with the apprentice a bit," he says. "Good seeing you. Give my regards to Strange when he gets out from under the table." Maybe he's saying this to Illyana, maybe he's saying it to Bunny, who knows. Either way, Daimon's off!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:179|Stephen Strange (179)}} has posed:'''<br>"Yes...I couldn't help but notice young Mr. Kaplan's distress. And, rather than draw attention to him, I felt it prudent to bring the mountain to Mohammad, as it were." Stephen's comment to Phoebe is given with all due seriousness. "After all, I wouldn't be a good host if I didn't cater to my guests."<br><br>With that, Stephen turns back to Billy. "The rug was Illyana's idea. As far as execution, I typically let the Sanctum decide such things for itself. I am pleased that you approve."<br><br>Then...to Belinda. "A pleasure, Ms. Gutierrez. As far as steak, it is really a matter of what would be best at the time. All that you mention are fine selections, though I will admit it has been some time since I had venison."<br><br>With all three addressed, Strange shifts to the idea of a school. "That was the thought. A safe place to learn without the hazards. It would be relatively simple enough with the proper wards in place, though the location would need to be just right. To ensure no one gets attacked.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=16870/Fall_Out_From_The_Play&diff=2502116870/Fall Out From The Play2024-01-13T13:06:11Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/12 |Location=Coffee Shop Near Broadway |Synopsis=Doom and Latveria make it known they were not amused by the play but Reed comes up with a..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/12<br />
|Location=Coffee Shop Near Broadway<br />
|Synopsis=Doom and Latveria make it known they were not amused by the play but Reed comes up with a cunning way to take control of the situation.<br />
|Cast of Characters=416,412,418,661,658<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:416|Ben Grimm (416)}} has posed:'''<br> Ben Grimm is sitting at a cafe checking his watch. He's spent two weeks putting out fires from one of the producers who took advantage of the kid's good nature on the 'play' by not paying people; Ben has made sure that the charity money stayed with the charity and paid actors, crew members and more from his own pocket; quietly grumbling after but meanwhile trying to figure out how to claw back the thing from the public domain without looking like a spoilsport. He sighs and sips coffee wondering if Stretch or Firebug will show up to read him the riot act. He doesn't blame the kids, it was funny at the end of the eye but it has caused somewhat of a mess to clean up.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:412|Reed Richards (412)}} has posed:'''<br>Reed Richards approaches this problem the way he does every problem, with a concise logical mindset. He approaches Ben his expression dour but when he sees his friend beating himself up he can help but smile, "You're trying to figure out how to get the rights back? We might have to talk with Jen." He sits down at the table, "It was interesting, I never knew that you had artistic ambitions Ben. I'm sorry we couldn't be more involved but I appreciate how hard it must have been to put yourself out there. You have always been braver than me."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:418|Johnny Storm (418)}} has posed:'''<br>"I had no problem with me. Hell, I wish they'd gone harder!" This from Johnny as he enters the cafe, a wink over at the waitress. "Coffee and a slice of cake, not talking about yours." <br><br>Dropping into a chair next to Reed, he glances around. "No Sue?" he asks in mock disappointment and looks over at Ben. And he gets out his wallet to hand over five dollars. He lost the bet on if his sister would show up or not. <br><br>"So, you know it was probably all protected under parody laws, right?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:416|Ben Grimm (416)}} has posed:'''<br>Ben Grimm groand and smiles as he does, "Those Yancy kids were insideous; they actually paid an intelleuctual property lawyer to look over the creative commons before they put it out there; its covered under parody, public domain and 501C status. Its....gonna be really hard to get it back but if you can without us looking like creepys or Schmucks, I'm all in. Its funny as hell, and the money went to charity, but had I know...." he shakes his head and smirks, "Sue likely has better things to do than push a rock up a hill.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:661|Zora Vukovic (661)}} has posed:'''<br>Zora approaches the table with a pair of Doombots flanking her, while she herself seems to be escorting a (relatively) young man. The guy seems to be a little irritated at his escort, grumbling under his breath, though a severe glance from Zora has him quieting down soon enough. She ushers him forward as they draw closer to the table where Ben and Reed sit, something of a smug expression on her features.<br><br>The young man looks extremely put out, and very apologetic as he approaches the table, "Ah.. Ben Grimm? I-I'm terribly sorry to do this, sir but, uh..." Zora sighs heavily and pulls the paper from the man's hands and slaps it down on the table. "You are being served with a subpeona to appear in court for the defamation suit filed against the production company." She bares her teeth in what approximates as a smile, "Nobody slanders the name of Doom and gets away with it." Stepping back, she folds her arms across her chest and returns to her impassive, if severe, self.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:658|Victor Von Doom (658)}} has posed:'''<br>DOOMBots are scary. The metal clanking on the tile of the shop is a fearsome sort of sound. But they are programmed for servitude. And the task at hand right now is to protect. Even if the young lawyer did not want it, he was going to get an escort. It's the type of show of force befitting a lawyer from Victor Von Doom. While they may not be Dr. Doom themselves, they are in essence him. His eyes. His ears. His hands. And right now they wait.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:412|Reed Richards (412)}} has posed:'''<br>Reed Richards look up at Zora mildly amusement in his eyes, sighs as he looks over at Ben "That seems about speed, though the Doombots were a tad over the top. Proving damage may be difficult in an American court. Though honestly Ben this is the- hunh." Reed gets a faraway look, considering, ruminnating, "Actually Victor, thank you this is just what we need." He smiles and nods as he takes the subpeone, "Yes, yes, I can make this work." He pats Ben's back, "Leave it to Zora to save the day."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:418|Johnny Storm (418)}} has posed:'''<br>As the cake and coffee are delivered, Johnny beams a smile up at the waitress. "Thanks, doll!" he offers to her, before he opens the napkin. Oh hey, a phone number! /Ignored/. Taking a bite of the cake, the flamehead glances up as Zora arrives... <br><br>And under his breath, he starts to beatbox the Imperial March. Right up until she gets to the table. <br><br>"How's my /favorite/ Verhangnisvolle Frau today, Zora?" he asks with a grin up at her. And then she's shoving someone forward. "Oh, oh, look! You got a fan, rockhead!" he starts to say - right up until the subpeona is delivered and he brusts into a laugh. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, is this Doom being so petty as to go to America's courts? Oh oh, can we book Justice Judy, pllleeease book Justice Judy!" <br><br>And a glance to Zora. "Going to wear a little pencil skirt and blouse combo to court? That would be so..." he holds up a finger, a slight flame and it fizzles out.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:661|Zora Vukovic (661)}} has posed:'''<br>Having caught at least some of what was being said as they approached, Zora inclines her head towards Reed, "You are correct. If the suit is successful, then your own attempt will have legal precedent." She looks back to Ben and offers a thin blade of a smile, "It would seem you need us, Grimm."<br><br>Johnny's rolling commentary has Zora's left hand clenching tightly into a fist, teeth gritting and jaw setting as she draws in a deep breath and lets it out slowly. The expression on her face is one that both Ben and Reed are likely familiar with, long-suffering mingled with aggravation and tempered by tested patience.<br><br>"I will wear whatever my lord requires of me, Storm. As ever, I serve Doom, and his wish is my command." Her hand settles on the back of Johnny's chair briefly. Juuuuuuuuuust long enough to send a small 'zap!' straight into his butt. The equivalent of a mild electrical shock, it won't do any lasting harm, but it makes her feel better.<br><br>Both hands tuck behind her back after as she looks between the elder two of the Fantastic Four.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:658|Victor Von Doom (658)}} has posed:'''<br>DOOMbots behave. For now. Standing and watching. That is until one of them speaks. "We could have always laid waist to Mr. Santini or Miss Williams, Richards. If you prefer a more direct hand, that can be arranged." The DOOMbot tilts his head to study the older man. "You are getting old, your mind must be slipping." the gaze takes in Johnny with that statement as well.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:416|Ben Grimm (416)}} has posed:'''<br>Ben Grimm can't help but smirk at the whole thing and shakes his head, "Look, you get a legal and lawful subpoena from a US court and I'll testify; and, normally I dont apologize to Doom but I get how the kids are ....imaginative of their portrayal on the tap dancing doom bots, but they did base that play on the book; and the book says nothing that aint true. If stretch has a way to claw this thing back, I'm all ears but if you get me up on the witness stand, claiming that the play is lying, you better be sure you want that, because for the book, which I actually DID approve, I got the receipts and there aint one word a lie...." he looks at Reed, "What's the plan Thinking Cap?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:412|Reed Richards (412)}} has posed:'''<br>Reed Richards eyes twinkle, "I don't need the suit to be successful. It's less a matter of precedent and more a matter of jeopardy." Reed turns his body to face Ben in a way that is second nature to him but wholly unnatural. "We can buy the production company, as part of the sale we offer to take responsibility for the suit. Victor won't stand in the way as he would much rather embarass me than a random production company or even yourself, Ben. The production company escapes the negative press and the cost of a trial, much less damages. We can honor the existing contracts and obligations then quietly shutter the production. FantastiCorp can use NDAs to keep things under wraps, we do it for advanced research, don't want the general public to know about the moon base. I will have to sit down with Sue and Jen but I think this can work. Shouldn't cost more than a few million. Reed shrugs then stops and looks and actually sees. He looks from Johnny to Zora and then back. He leans over to Ben, "Ben, I know that I am never the most observant in terms of interpersonal relations but this seems almost, amorous?" He raises his eyebrows, "Victor, given your current legal involvement I would recommend against making overt threats against private citizens. You and Zora have diplomatics immunity, your doombots do not."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:418|Johnny Storm (418)}} has posed:'''<br>As Zora comes up behind him, Johnny doesn't seem to mind. "Aww, coming over to my side. Wanna fetch me a cup sugaaah!" He gets zapped and nearly jumps from his seat, glaring daggers at Zora for a moment, before his attention back up at her. <br><br>"Man, it must be good that you're a Latverian Ten..." he comments to her dryly, taking another bite of cake, "Because you're only a New York Six. And I mean, that's just getting by on that." <br><br>And then the DoomBOT speaks and he chuckles. "Yeah, if I'm old, I can only imagine how decrepiated you must be, Doomy Doom Doom..." And he stops himself from breaking out into the Doom song. That will come later. <br><br>"Don't ask me to testify, I'll be a hostile witness." he points out to his brother in law and best friend. "Ben, you may want to start preparing your 'Weird Al' defense at this point." he comments as he takes a sip from his coffee. <br><br>And then Reed speaks and he spits out the cofee. "PFFFT!" Coffee is sprayed in the direction of the DoomBOT. "Me? And Captain Latveria here? Ahahahahaha! No way. Seeing someone way hotter. I'll introduce you sometime." And a pause. "And no, Ben, she's not in Canada."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:661|Zora Vukovic (661)}} has posed:'''<br>"That IS from a US court, Grimm. You really should read it before you jump to conclusions. Also, you may have 'receipts' as you put it, but that means you also admit to having violated the sovereign borders of a foreign country to attack it's rightful ruler without sanction from any government body, causing damages to the property and people of said country. So I would be careful how tightly you cling to that book stating 'nothing but the truth'." Zora sends an arch look towards Reed at that part, "There *are* downsides to having been the 'first heroes', Richards. You had no government sanction for your actions. All those 'rescue missions' to retrieve those imprisoned in Latveria to stand trial for their actions against the country and its ruler, all legally captured and detained according to Latverian law. The attempts to halt a so-called 'world domination' attempt, without any verifiable proof as to the intended use of any of the machines you so carelessly destroyed with no thought to the injury or damages it would cause. I would be very careful indeed."<br><br>Rolling her eyes at the pitiful attempts to get under her skin, Zora simply waits impassively as the comments continue to pile up, though when he sprays coffee in a spittake, she lifts one hand. The red crackle of the Power Cosmic she was invested with forms a shield around herself, the lawyer, and the Doombots. More, with a flick of her finger, the spray is sent right back at Johnny. "Still spitting into the wind, I see." Then she turns slightly, glancing up at the Doombot, "My lord, the subpoena has been served and accepted, I believe lingering any further will only result in further juvenile attempts at insult. I will escort Mr. Danbury back to his office and we can go over the next steps from there."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:658|Victor Von Doom (658)}} has posed:'''<br>"You would be surprised, Johnny in what health I am in." The DOOMbot says. "While you lot have aged, I have found other ways to remain young." The DOOMbot looks towards Zora and gives her a nod. "I'm grown bored of this interaction. There minds are not as sharp as it used to be. And provoking a fight in there elder condition would only result in them crying."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:416|Ben Grimm (416)}} has posed:'''<br>Ben Grimm just looks incredulous at ora's reply to his own about infiltrations and the like but is still trying to think ofa reply before the Doombot(?) replies. "I'd like to see an Emerican Jury convict someone based on your little arguement. I mean maybe in Mississippi....but here/ Not so much." He turns to Reed, "As solid a strategy as anything. You certainly have my sign up for it. Having more control of tis situation couldnt hurt.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:412|Reed Richards (412)}} has posed:'''<br>Reed Richards raises his eyebrows with a small smile at Zora's claims wondering if Doom has found a way to defeat the fractal masking that was integrated into their costumes. He rested content that the smart costumes had all been wired for light and sound and some other bibs and bobs since just shortly after he had developed unstable molecules.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reed gets a sad look as Zora displays her powers unsure the effect long term exposure to the power cosmic has on living tissue and knowing that Doom would never bother to ask. Reed sighs and smiles at Ben, "The dancing doombots were funny and at least the actree who played Sue was talented but... "Did the actor playing me just keep saying 'science, science, science, Fantastic?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:418|Johnny Storm (418)}} has posed:'''<br>"Spitting into the wind? Only when I talk to you, babe." Johnny winks at Zora as he drops some money on the counter. Food and tip as he pushes up. "As this is getting approximately no where, I'm gonna blow this pop stand." he offers to the group at large. "Ben, Reed, I'll make sure to bring Kenesha by for a drop in. I think you'll find her fascinating." <br><br>A casual wink, and a glance over at Zora and the DoomBOTs. "Three DoomBOTS and I still bet I could do better." A casual grin at Zora and a sashay just for her as he heads out the door.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:412|Reed Richards (412)}} has posed:'''<br>Reed Richards frowns, "I mean he was a lovely tenor and that song after the crash was truly moving, but I spent the first act thinking you'd replaced me with Gumby."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=16878/So._You%27re_Not_A_Skrull&diff=2502016878/So. You're Not A Skrull2024-01-13T13:05:59Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/11 |Location=Living Quarters - Four Freedoms Plaza |Synopsis=Kenesha explains to Johnny who and what she is and lays bare some things. A se..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/11<br />
|Location=Living Quarters - Four Freedoms Plaza<br />
|Synopsis=Kenesha explains to Johnny who and what she is and lays bare some things. A serious conversation becomes more light hearted and moves along... (Caution: Himbo Flirting)<br />
|Cast of Characters=418,5124<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:418|Johnny Storm (418)}} has posed:'''<br>It's morning in the Plaza, and with Kenesha having stayed the night, Johnny wanted to make her breakfast the next morning. So while she cleaned up, he had gotten dressed and came into the common area. When Kenesha comes out of his room, there's the smell of bacon fills the air as Johnny is working on making a small breakfast of bacon, eggs and toast, fresh juice and fruit already set on the table for the pair. <br><br>Dressed in his pajamas, a grey set with the Four logo on the top, he's humming along to some aimless tune -- that he's totally not good at humming. "Making bacon pancakes, making bacon pancakes..." <br><br>He's not making bacon pancakes, right? <br><br>But his thoughts are occupied. Yeah, they moved fast. And he knows so little about Kenesha. So he's hoping that they'll get a chance to talk this morning. Without getting distracted by each other. Again. Finishing making the plates, he brings them over to the table and sets them down before he takes a seat to wait. <br><br>And glances to the TV. Is SportsCenter on? No, focus Johnny!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5124|Kenesha (5124)}} has posed:'''<br>Having not brought her Tesseract Tote with her, Kenesha doesn't have a change of clothes with her. So once Johnny has headed out to start breakfast (it's own little debate as Kenesha tries to counter-offer cooking for him before agreeing to let him do the very nice thing he wants to do), she raids his wardrobe. Or at least, some of it. She finds some undershirt tanktops, snagging one in black and pulling it on, making sure it keeps her 'decent' by pulling the excess material to the small of her back and knotting it there. Then comes a grey pair of sweatpants that gets rolled at the waist under they aren't falling off her.<br><br>Having showered and brushed her teeth and at least finger-combed her short hair, she wanders out into the common area. Smiling at the sight of Johnny cooking, she moves to snag a banana and a glass of orange juice, winking at him before scooting to take a seat at the table he's set. The banana is demolished in record time, her stomach letting her know that she's gone too long without eating and needs to get food. So, good thing that Johnny offered to cook after all!<br><br>"So.. not to distract you but.. I figure I owe you a bit of an explanation about just what type of alien I am."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:418|Johnny Storm (418)}} has posed:'''<br>When she comes out in his clothes, Johnny feels his heart skip a beat. Fine, so, he can totally get used to this. Sure, she should probably have her own clothes, but the fact that she is wearing his and looking so damned cute in them. Smitten kitten much? <br><br>"Hey, morning again, sushine." he offers to Kenesha as she comes over and starts in on the banana. That looks oddly familiar, but he hides his blush as he brings her plate over and sets it down in front of her, before he moves to take a seat across from her. And then she brings up exactly what's on his mind. "Are you a telepath, too?" he asks curiously. Or is he just that transparent. <br><br>Probably the latter. <br><br>Taking his seat, he considers her and reaches to squeeze her hand before he starts to tuck into his meal. A bite of eggs and bacon, and he's able to focus again on the suggestion being bandied about. "I have so many questions, but yes, that's the number one I've been afraid to ask, because I'm afraid to find out." he admits. <br><br>"That, and what do you do, and your favorite things, and everything you ever want to tell me or want me to discover for myself, because yeah..." he rubs the back of his head. "We kinda cart in front of the horse totally. But I wasn't going to let you get away."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5124|Kenesha (5124)}} has posed:'''<br>Smiling at his blush, she leans forward and brushes a kiss across the corner of his mouth. Straightening, she picks up a piece of bacon and takes a bite, then chuckles and shakes her head, "Not psychic. But you mentioned an ex-wife that was an alien, but it was all lies and deception. So.. in the interest of full transparency, I want you to know exactly what I am and what you'll be getting into." She pauses to take a sip of the juice.<br><br>"I am Kheran. Or Kherubim, the terms are largely interchangeable. We're an offshoot branch of ancient Kryptonians. Which means highly advanced technology, powers that are considered superhuman, and a nasty history that some of us are trying to overcome." Kenesha flickers a faint smile before continuing, "My people, they're conquerors, colonizers. When they need resources, they spread out to surrounding planets and come in with superior force or technology, and take over."<br><br>Pausing to let that sink for for him, she adds, "Those of us that are here, on Earth, are here because we crash landed while trying to run down an enemy ship full of Daemonites. I'll get into who and what those are in a bit. We crashed here roughly around the dawn of man.. ah, homo sapiens, that is." She flashes a quick grin and lifts a shrug, "So, safe to say, when I say we're old.. we're very, very old. We've come across a lot of species across our lifespans. We've done a lot of travel. Made a lot of advancements. But. Those of us that are here? We're not trying to conquer Earth. The last time we went back to Khera, our homeworld, things had changed so much, they lied to us, manipulated us, even tried to make a martyr out of my mother."<br><br>Sighing softly, she murmurs, "We have a terrible past, and our people have let things get out of hand. So we returned to Earth, made this our home. And we protect Earth against the threats we know are out there. Daemonites, even other Kherans, alien species that are just as invasive and horrible as the Kherubim are. We're looking to help."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:418|Johnny Storm (418)}} has posed:'''<br>"Yes. She was a Skrull. And tried to be in my life at least twice after we annuled the marriage." Johnny admits. "So I was a bit concerned for a moment that you might be... but you are very much different than her, Kenesha. I trust you." he comments to her quietly as he returns her kiss and continues to work on his meal. <br><br>"Reed probably knows more about it than I do. And I didn't see anything saying anything about you being a threat, so I assume that you're at least being on the up and up with me on that." he comments, considering his words seriously as she explains herself. <br><br>"I know we had the talk about your age... and as I said, if you want me around for what part of your life I will inevitably be a small part of, I would cherish it." Another bite taken, a shrug of his shoulders. "I know, many humans, they want to be the dominant species and all that. But with all the adventures I've gone on with my sister and Ben and Reed? I've been more than humbled. Alien worlds, world devourers, every manner of species, friend and foe. I'm glad you are a friend though." A lift of his eyes to hers. "A very good friend." he offers slyly. <br><br>"So now that you are here, what is it that you do? I know you're in SHIELD, which if you got Fury's stamp of approval, you must be on the up and up a little. What is your job? What things do you do in it?" Can he be a part of it is left unsaid. "Wait, your mother is still alive? Wow. Is she on Earth as well?" Is he going to have to meet her?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5124|Kenesha (5124)}} has posed:'''<br>"Ugh. Skrulls. A pain in the ass, they're almost as bad as the Daemonites. Less... ravenous. But still very annoying," Kenesha shakes her head, then looks back to him with a smile. "That said, congratulations on being able to spot them. It's not at all easy." She lets out a breath and chuckles.<br><br>"What don't I do? After a life as long as mine has been, I think I've actually done a lot of everything. But, what I do currently.. archaeology. Think of me like a modern day Indiana Jones. I don't teach, but I do guest lecture now and then. Mostly, I seek out relics and items of power, or magic, and make sure they don't end up in the wrong hands." She flashes a grin at him, "So if you ever want to join me, you're welcome to."<br><br>Motioning to the Tower around them, she adds, "But I could also keep up with Reed in the science department, and potentially even show him advances that this world hasn't been able to reach yet. My people have a very, very long history of biology and genetics. For example.. I am... 18,238 years old. Until the euivalent of April 1st. Most of my people don't bother to count the individual years, more just.. milestones and accomplishments."<br><br>There's a laugh at his question as she nods, "Oh yes. When I say my people are long-lived, I mean that we are biologically immortal. No Kheran has ever died of 'natural causes'. Which is also part of why our fertility is so low. Now, there has been some evidence suggesting it's higher when we breed with other species, but it's still.. well. As I said last night. We would have to be very actively, dilligently, trying to have a child." Pausing, she smiles, "You can meet her if you like, but you are under no obligation to do so."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:418|Johnny Storm (418)}} has posed:'''<br>"Yes, well. It's more... she slipped up and I figured it out." Johnny admits. "I mean, we married because she told me she was pregnant. That was a lie, by the way. Then tried to be someone else and get close to me. Then tried to kidnap me. And I think there was one more time. It's been a few years, so you can imagine when we first met, I started to wonder... but I'm glad I was wrong." he admits. <br><br>"I wouldn't mind trying something different." Especially if it means he gets to be close and spend time with her, as he nods. "You teach college? Or just like... seminars and such?" He takes another bite of his food as he considers her, and then folds his eggs and bacon into a piece of toast to make a sandwich. <br><br>"Oh, I'd love to watch Reed's head explode when he meets you." he admits with a small smirk. "Which, in case you weren't sure, I want you to meet my family. Which is no small thing. I mean. Introduce you as a potential girlfriend." But there's a pause as she tells him exactly how old she is, and there's a slow whistle, "You don't look a day over 18,200, babe." he points out with a wink. But he does make a note of her birthdate, so he can remember to get her something nice. <br><br>Another bite of his food as he considers and glances down, they had talked about the whole thing with a child. "I already made it clear that someday I want a family... if we get there, I doubt we'll be practicing no harder than we already are." There's a small smile as he drinks from his coffee. "If you want to introduce me, that's fine. I'm not going to make you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5124|Kenesha (5124)}} has posed:'''<br>Blinking as Johnny lists off all the ways his ex tried to trap him into a relationship, Kenesha finally just shakes her head and mutters, "Skrulls..." Letting out a breath, she adds, "Actually, I'm sorry, no. Not *all* Skrulls are that terrible. I should make that clear. There are Skrulls that I've met that are, well, like me and mine. Just trying to distance themslves from the actions of their people." Reaching over, she squeezes his hand gently, "If it helps, you can run me through whatever scanners or tests to prove that I'm not a Skrull."<br><br>Flickering a smile his way, she offers, "It's not always super exciting work, but I love it. I love hunting and finding the lost pieces of Earth's history. It helps that I know places that most humans would never think to look, or could get to easily." Kenesha shakes her head, "I don't teach regularly, but I get invited to guest lecture. Colleges, seminars, whatever. Sometimes I have to decline because of whatever is going on.. but I like to make those speaking engagements when I can."<br><br>She watches him, smiling as he makes a sandwich out of his breakfast. She leaves hers separate, however, using fork and fingers to slowly work her way through the food. Laughing softly, she shakes her head, "I'm not trying to make him upset. But I can certainly hold a conversation with him on most any topic."<br><br>The mention of introducting her to his family has her smiling softly, "I'd like that. You.. don't want to meet my parents. My mother is... difficult. We have a difficult relationship. And my father.. we don't really talk anymore." She glances aside, her tone loaded with the baggage in that final statement. There's a story there. Looking back to him, smiling, she grins, "I know, I'm so well preserved. Like I said, if you want.. we can extend the time we spend together. It doesn't have to be as short as it normally would be. If we get to that point."<br><br>Then Kenesha is chuckling softly, "That's what you think. If we're actively trying to start a family, you can be guaranteed that I will be happily exhausting you each and every day."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:418|Johnny Storm (418)}} has posed:'''<br>"Yeah, let's no alien-ate them all." Johnny comments with a wry little smirk as he considers. "I know, you probably have seen them all, but Reed's pretty good with making contact with new aliens and different species, so I've picked up a few things here and there. I can order a beer in Czarian, which is apparently an insult, because who would drink that weak-willed pee water, as he put it. Or ask where the bathroom is in Taurian." <br><br>"So, here's our first divergent point. I'm a bit of a thrill-seeker. Fishing? Hiking? Suuuure, can do that. But I like doing new and challenging things. I drive for the Four's F1 team sometimes, for instance. But it's hard finding new thrills when well..." He makes a little flame on the end of his finger, before snuffing it out and glances across to the woman sitting there. "You're probably the biggest thrill I'm going to be in for a good long while." A wink. <br><br>Then a bite of his sandwich and he realizes. "Oh no, not looking to upset him! Just the way his brain kinda goes... pop... when he meets a new species, rock, whatever... and suddenly, he's all locked in for a while. Man, at least Sue's used to it, or she'd be pisssssed with me." A sigh and shake of his head. <br><br>When they move to her family, he pops the last of his sandwich into his mouth so he can chew on it and think. Multitasking! "So. Difficult mom. Don't meet her. Mmmhmm." he murmurs, taking cliff notes. But something may tell Kenesha he wants to do it anyway, just because. "And apparently, there are issues with dad. I soooo get that. My mom passed away when I was young. Pops tried raising me and Sue, but he sucked at it and turned to the bottle. He was sent to prison when I was fourteen, Sue took over raising me, which is how I ended up as a tagalong in an unsanctioned, untested rocketship when Reed wanted to impress his girlfriend. Except it was more Sue wanted to make sure Reed didn't blow himself up, I think." <br><br>Though her last words have him blushing, but... "Then, Kenesha." he comments to her, lifting a brow to accept her challenge. "We should probably get to working on building my endurance and stamina to your exacting standards."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5124|Kenesha (5124)}} has posed:'''<br>Kenesha lets out a groan, leaning back even as she chuckles and shakes her head, "Terrible. I've heard so many puns and that was still just terrible." Waving a hand at him, she smiles and shakes her head, "As old as I am, there are beings that are older. Space is *vast*, Johnny. So much bigger than most humans have ever imagined. Supposing I don't get killed, I suppose I could potentially have the time to meet them all, but there would be a LOT of time spent in stasis, just travelling." Pausing, she grins, "Czarnian liquor is terribly strong, even someone with my immunities."<br><br>Lifting a brow at him, she chuckles, "Divergent? What I do isn't just.. digging in the dirt and camping in tents. I enter ancient temples, hidden wizard's towers full of magical traps. I am routinely chased by fellow relic seekers, angry monsters and magic users. Flying through space to visit alien worlds, meeting entirely new species. Uncovering advanced technologies buried deep in the Earth's most forbidden places." Kenesha leans forward and curves a smile at him, "Believe me, Johnny Storm, I am not content to simply sit back and let the world pass me by."<br><br>Laughing softly, she nods, "Ah, I see. Well then, I'll look forward to meeting him and the tidal wave of questions that's sure to follow." She flashes a grin at him, "And maybe I can offer a few technological advances that will free up more of his time for Susan."<br><br>Laughing softly, she shrugs, "You can meet her if you like, I won't stop you. Just.. don't go in with expectations." The mention of her father has her eyes shuttering and her features turning stony, "My father, after learning that he was my father, determined that he was going to make a 'new Khera' here on Earth. Part of his plan included kidnapping a few Kheran females, myself included... keeping us locked up until he could artificially impregnate us with Kheran DNA to force us to birth more Kherans." She lets out a sigh, "I have to give my mother that much... for all her selfishness, her lies and deceit.. she has a strong code and she follows it. That was the second time she saved me."<br><br>Clearing her throat, Kenesha murmurs, "Unfortunately, he's also every bit as strong as Superman, without the weaknesses against magic or kryptonite." She looks back to him and smiles, "So we'll just endeavor to stay off his radar completely." Then he's blushing and she's rising up, taking his hand to draw him along with her, "In that case... the common room probably isn't the best place to start, hm?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:418|Johnny Storm (418)}} has posed:'''<br>Johnny can't help but to feel a sense of accomplishment for making Kenesha groan at his admittedly terrible pun. And she's smiling, so she liked it and can put up with his really horrible sense of humor. "Oh yeah, I'm well aware of how minute we are and if I wasn't, Reed will make sure to remind me. Oh, you think Czarian liquor is rough, try Thymescarian Wine or Asgarian Ale sometime... oof." A small shudder. <br><br>"I was teasing just a little. I've seen enough Indiana Jones films to know that it's not all action adventure good times though and I have the attention span of a herd of squirrels in a Mr. Peanut factory." he admits. Setting his utensils back on his plate, he glances over to see how much of her meal she has left. <br><br>"I doubt the world could pass you by even if it wanted. Even I had to take a double take and come back." he points out casually, quirking a quick smile before he chuckles. "Sue may just enjoy having a new friend more than a undistracted Reed." he admits, as she starts to go into her father's plans. <br><br>"Okay... yeah. That? That's some creepy sounding wrong fun that shouldn't even exist in the darkest corners of the internet. Man, I thought my dad was a shit for getting himself thrown in prison, even if it was self-defense." He needs something to cleanse the palette after those thoughts, and well... she just offered it to him. <br><br>"Definetly not." Johnny agrees easily and glances towards the door of his room. He gives a languish stretch, all the more to show off for Kenesha as he rises to his feet and gathers his dinnerware. "I suppose..." he continues in that teasing tone, "...I should get ready for a vigorous exercise." And with that he heads to put away his stuff and saunter towards his room.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5124|Kenesha (5124)}} has posed:'''<br>"I've had both. Remember, whole of human civilization. I was here with the Asgardians were playing Gods with the Norse. My mother actually taught some of the Amazons the ways of the Coda." Kenesha winks at him and chuckles, "Sadly, unless I completely overindulge, neither can pierce my natural toxin immunity." She lifts a shrug, "But every great once in awhile, I'll tie one on and give it a try."<br><br>Quirking a brow at him, she chuckles, "Are you suggesting that sharing a tent or hotel or sleeping bag with me while we chase after hidden treasures and relics, fighting off monsters and traps... won't be enough to keep your attention?" She curves a small, sly grin at him.<br><br>"I'll be glad to make friends with her, if she doesn't mind my being a bit of a thrill-seeking nerd." She doesn't comment about her father beyond that point, merely scoops up her plate and utensils to carry them off to the kitchen... before getting a shoulder into Johnny's ribs and hefting him up as if he were made of paper, starting to cart him off towards the bedroom with a laugh.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:418|Johnny Storm (418)}} has posed:'''<br>"That must suck... the whole thing with being unable to really dig into a good drink now and again." Johnny is responding, but really using it as a segue. "Clearly there must be something that you want to indulge in..." <br><br>It's him. It's totally him and he knows it and he's in full on himbo flirt mode. <br><br>"It takes a lot to keep my attention, I'm sure you'll find a way to keep up." He comments with a small teasing lit and a small toss of his head to cast a wink over his shoulder at Kenesha. <br><br>"I'm a thrill-seeking nerd. She'll probably be thrilled that I found a kindred spirit and whoooa!" <br><br>Hefted into the air, Johnny laughs out-right as Kenesha carries him off to his quarters. Just as planned.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=16890/A_stroll_in_central_park&diff=2501916890/A stroll in central park2024-01-13T13:05:49Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/12 |Location=Central Park |Synopsis=Possible job lead for Abe. Still sleeping outside though. Dun dun dun. |Cast of Characters=1079,5134 |p..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/12<br />
|Location=Central Park<br />
|Synopsis=Possible job lead for Abe. Still sleeping outside though. Dun dun dun.<br />
|Cast of Characters=1079,5134<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1079|Nikolas Kamarov (1079)}} has posed:'''<br>The City is a bustling place. People going from place to place. All hours of the day it truly is a city that never sleeps. It is little wonder then that Central Park is so popular. It is a serene place in the middle of the hustle and bustle that everyone can enjoy. Over worked business man. Moms and Dads with there kids. People on first dates or fifth. And that is the good things about it. There are seedier things like crime and drug use. But that happens anywhere. Today, the later bad things is not the focus of the story. <br><br>Nikolas is dressed in a simple track suit. Red with white stripes. He does not wear the matching jacket, but rather a simple black tank top as he jogs through the park. Finally rounding a bend in the path he slows to a stop and makes his way to a bench over looking one of the many ponds in the park. He doesn't look winded or fatigued. His silver hair, pulled into a bun, doesn't show the signs of exertion. "It's cold." He says, and indeed it is. While the sun shines brightly above, it is a cold Januarary day in the City of New York. But even saying that, it doesn't look like the weather has any affects.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5134|Abraham Murray (5134)}} has posed:'''<br>With a big backpack on his back, Abraham walks through the park, looking over the other visitors as he strolls along one of the paths. He's wearing a camouflage hunting jacket and matching hat and gloves, probably looking somewhat out of place. His face is a little bit red from the cold and wind, but otherwise Abe seems just fine. Despite the burden on his back, the young man moves pretty steadily. As he passes the bench with the guy in the tank top he looks at them for a moment and gives a nod. The comment about the weather, whether directed to him or not, causes Abe to stop and look at the guy again, "Yes. It's a nice day, though." He sort of just stands there awkwardly.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1079|Nikolas Kamarov (1079)}} has posed:'''<br>Light blue eyes look up at the young man, almost a baby really compared to Nikolas' age. It's good, though to look late 30s when you are pushing 60. "So far, there is nothing to complain about," he says, his Russian accent evident. He leans back, relaxing into the bench and motions to the available spot on the bench. "Are you going on a trip? Or are you coming from? I wonder." He studies the boy a moment looking him up and down. "Traveler. So coming. Sit. Your feet must be tired."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5134|Abraham Murray (5134)}} has posed:'''<br>"Thank you," Abraham says to the older fellow as he unstraps the backpack and takes it off to sit it next to the bench before taking a seat himself. He shows a smile for a moment as he leans back a little bit, then replies with a statement that almost sounds like a question, "I just moved to the city? I don't really know what I'm doing." Then he nods, "I'm from Ohio. This is my first time away from home."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1079|Nikolas Kamarov (1079)}} has posed:'''<br>"Ah," Nikolas says with a nod of his head. "You are far away from home then. Not nearly as far as Siberia to Moscow, but if this is your first journey away. I bet all of this is new and exciting." He turns and looks at the young man and grins. "And scary." <br><br>He crosses his arms over his chest, the well defined muscles easily seen. "Have you a place to stay?" He waves a hand and shakes his head. "No you likely do not. Or you'd be there already." He purses his lips a moment, "Nikolas Kamarov. Are you one of those runaways?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5134|Abraham Murray (5134)}} has posed:'''<br>"It is all of those things," Abraham confirms with a nod. Then he shrugs his shoulders, "I just find a place to sleep when it gets dark." There's another shrug at the runaway question, "I don't think of myself as a runaway. I'm eighteen, so I just kind of left home." He looks around the park, "I really wanted to Central Park, which is why I'm here. I honestly don't even know much about the city, just thought it would be a good place to start living my life." Then he extends his right hand towards Nikolas, "I'm Abe Murray."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1079|Nikolas Kamarov (1079)}} has posed:'''<br>Nikolas Kamarov's hand is rough and calloused when he reaches across to shake. He gives it a squeeze, not bone breaking but it's firm. "You sleep outside." It's a statement as he looks about the park. "This place, isn't that safe." His gaze flits to the city skyline ever present from the Park. "Neither is that." He tilts his head to study the young man. "I have lived in this city for 2-3 years now, and even I do not know any of it's secrets. It's too loud sometimes." He seems to mull something over looking at the kid. "What is the last hot meal you had?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5134|Abraham Murray (5134)}} has posed:'''<br>Abe's shake is firm and polite, "Yeah, it's really loud here. I'm used to being out in the woods." When asked about his last meal the young man smiles, brightening up a little bit, "Breakfast. I've got food from home and a camp stove to use until I can get a job and find a place to live." He pats his backpack, "I wasn't sure how long that would take so I provisioned for a couple of weeks, just in case." He lifts his chin and asks, "Would you like to try some venison jerky? I made it myself, even harvested and butchered the deer. I do a lot of hunting. Or I did, I guess."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1079|Nikolas Kamarov (1079)}} has posed:'''<br>A survivor. Nikolas can appreciate that, his eyes studying the young man. He waves his hand at the offer of the venison. "Nyet. That is your provisions, Abe. The offer is appreciated, but you need to think about your survival." He motions to the world at large. "This is may seem like a safe place, but do not let that fool you. It is a harsh world ready to swallow anyone who is complacent." Very Russian thing of him to say. <br><br>"There is not a lot of hunting here. Not the food variety type." Nikolas says looking to the park, "I know a Russian butcher. He may take you on. At least then you can get on your feet and figure things out."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5134|Abraham Murray (5134)}} has posed:'''<br>"Okay," Abe says simply when his offer is declined. He doesn't seem bothered either way. "I try to always maintain situational awareness. Complacency kills."<br><br>At the suggestion of working for a butcher the young man's eyes widen slightly and he cracks a smile, "I would be truly thankful for that opportunity, if it were to work out." Then he asks, "What did you mean by hunting but not for food? The only things I've seen around are birds and rodents and pets." He pauses for a moment, "I almost wish I brought a suppressed .22 so I could get some of these squirrels, though. I'm worried about getting caught with a gun in the city. I've heard you need permits for them and stuff here."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1079|Nikolas Kamarov (1079)}} has posed:'''<br>"There are dangerous things in this world Abe. Things that will hunt you for sport. Man. Beasts. Aliens." Nikolas - totally an alien - says with a shake of his head. "Sometimes those things need to be hunted as well." He shrugs his shoulders and gives a nod. "A weapon in this city would likely see you in jail. Cops tend to think guns equate to criminals." Again with that shrug. The world is full of heroes though so running around with guns is a thing. He pulls out his phone and looks to the kid. "You have a phone? I'll text you address, just tell the shop owner, Winter sent you. He'll help you with a job. Up to you if you stay with it or not."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:5134|Abraham Murray (5134)}} has posed:'''<br>"Yeah, I was warned about all kinds of stuff back home," Abraham says with a nod. "Never really thought about something hunting me for sport. Might not go the way they'd expect it to." <br><br>"I don't have a phone, actually," he says with a little bit of a frown. "I never needed one back home, we all had radios usually." He reaches towards his backpack to open one of the external pockets, pulling out a pen and a notepad, "I've got this, though. I can just copy down the address."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1079|Nikolas Kamarov (1079)}} has posed:'''<br>Nikolas Kamarov gives over the address. He purses his lips and studies the young man. "Confidence is important, Abe. But do not get cocky. I have seen to many soldiers die because of there cockiness." He draws in a breath and lets it out slowly. He looks down at his phone and checks some messages. He types a quick reply on one before looking over at Abe and gives him his number. "If you need something and find a phone. Call me. But I've got to go. It was nice meeting you, Abe."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5134|Abraham Murray (5134)}} has posed:'''<br>As he copies down the address the young man nods, "I was taught to never underestimate an opponent. I might not be the only guy out there who's full of surprises." When he's given the phone number he writes that down as well, "Thank you very much. It was good to meet you, as well."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=16892/Father_Daughter_Dance&diff=2501816892/Father Daughter Dance2024-01-13T13:05:37Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/12 |Location=Grant's Apartment - Grant's Gym |Synopsis=Ted gets to practice his dance moves. |Cast of Characters=1123,5100 |pretty=yes }} {..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/12<br />
|Location=Grant's Apartment - Grant's Gym<br />
|Synopsis=Ted gets to practice his dance moves.<br />
|Cast of Characters=1123,5100<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant left the dance very early and feeling not himself. A millennial would say had triggers activated. Ted merely acknowledges, it brought old stuff up, absent friends and such. These days you got therapy, something boxers were immune to. Instead he took off, came home and began getting drunk. Of course when you're near 250 and have a hardworking liver, this was no small undertaking. <br><br>So he sits in his chair, still in his robe and belt and ponders whether to open that second bottle.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara is not long in returning him. She is not the best at reading others, but she did notice that Ted left without their dance. Honestly, despite her best efforts, dancing was rather a bust. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The door is opened after some fussing with keys. Even if it were not locked. It is all scripted in her little head. You want to enter a place from the outside? You use a key! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She gets in and locks the door behind her. Habit, either way. Then she will look for Ted. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Daddy Teddy?" she calls out. Oh, and there he is! "Sorry, I only noticed you as you were heading out. It seems the night would have been better spent here, where dances are assured to be in good supply." And away from the crowd. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant gets up from the chair. He holds a finger up to wait and goes over to the stereo. He produces a real vinyl record and sets it up, taking the remotet before walking over to her. "I forgot to tell you you look like a teeny Rita Hayworth. Ya wanna dance? you kin put your feet on top of mine." He smirks and hits the remote and Powerhouse begins playing. It starts slowly.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara waits, smiling as she sees the vinyl taken out. It occurs to her that Ted should see her place. She has nothing but vinyl! She was raised very differently. She will never fit in with Gen Z! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I thought you would never ask! And I can dance with my own feet, Daddy Teddy! You taught me a few things." And so did her governess! <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Powerhouse begins playing in earnest. He walks over and takes her hand. He flings her out and yanks her back into him. Promenades with her on his chest then turns her to face him with a twirl. He dips her all the way down and gives her a smooch on the forehead.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara is like a feather in Ted's hands. She has been sneaking in a lot of extra practice, but with her knack for just picking things up, that is more about polish and adding fun new tricks than anything else. She even watched a few old movies with a whole bunch of swing dance! In her free moments, she has been studying Jean Veloz in great detail. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ted may be surprised at first, but she is ready for some pretty fun lifts, including one where he picks her up by the waist and she does something like a handstand on his shoulders, her toes pointed up and skirt tumbling down. She of course is wearing safety shorts beneath. Not that anyone is here to watch, though! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The girl loves the pace, and she is very confident in Ted not letting her fall as she glides into some of those particularly acrobatic tosses and lifts. She is positively catlike tonight! Which does, after all, fit well considering her partner. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant looks at her intensely while they're close and says, "You ready for the big finish?" He gets a bright eyed nodnod. Ted throws her out again, yeets the girl back. grabbing her around the hips. He lifts her off her feet, then she is thrown, her ponytail brush the ceiling. She's weightless for a moment before she drops and falls into a cradle carry with thick arms. <br><br>As Powerhouse ends, Ted pushes some hair from her face with his nose. he lets her slide down him. Some slow instrumental begins playing -Smooth Jazz and he holds her tight and does a simple box step. "You like being teeny?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara would totally vocalize her joy in flight, but she has to focus, too. She knows a thing or two about landing, and while Ted absolutely will catch her, if she messes up with someone who is not Ted, they will get hurt trying. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She cannot help but giggle as she settles back on the floor. "You know... it has its benefits. I never hit my head on anything, and I can dance easily with just about anyone! I think it makes it easier to avoid trouble in a fight, too." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is rather practical. The box step is as easy as breathing to her, too. There is something relaxing. She can just be herself. And, yes, she does not have to wonder what to do with her hands. They have a job to do! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I wonder how many guys can really dance these days," she murmurs. "Oh! I did see a couple girls dancing together on a few occasions, so I should keep open that option for dancing too, I suppose. It is just for fun." The girls being Kate Kane and Diana Prince did make it a rather hard to ignore couple. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant grasps Clara under the arms and lifts her up. "For the full dad daughter experience. Ever dance this way?" He puts her feet on his feet, which is not easily done because a lady does not put her feet on people he supposes. He gives her a shake till her shoes fall off and she seems more amenable, or maybe just stunned? He gives her the mother of all hugs and grins. He feels her grin more than sees it.'Is the belt hurting you?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara does need a bit of prompting to settle on his feet, but with her shoes kicked off, it is pretty comfortable. She will just rest against him, close as she is, rather than crane her head up to look at his face. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I have not danced like this. Well, I do not think so, anyway. Maybe the governess showed me like this when I was very young. I do not remember it, though!" <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She lets herself get comfortable, squirming a bit, which probably prompts that question. "Well, it is at a bit of an awkward height, I suppose," she admits, laughing. "What is it like, though. Being the best at something?" <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant chuckles. "You'd have to ask Batman. Or Richard Dragon. Or Lady Shiva. How does it feel to be the best at making me tranquil and happy?" <br><br>He does feel the huge belt buckle dig into her chest or worce and that is not cool. He makes her get down. <br><br>"Okay... humility aside... here. He takes the belt off and puts it around her waist. At its tightest it settles on her hips. It also looks likely to make her fall forward. He whips the Champ robe off and puts her arms into the sleeves. It drags on the floor badly and falls off one shoulder several times. Hah. Having a little girl is fun. <br><br>He grabs the gloves and plops them on her hands.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I will ask Batman, whenever he shows up to growl at me! But yes, you got the belt. You were the best." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On her it looks, well, like a girl trying on her father's clothes! She is trying to hold the belt up just in case, and then she is robed up and given gloves. The gloves are ridiculous on her. They are each as large as her head (or bigger) and when she holds them up, she cannot imagine doing much more with them. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I fear I will not grow into them," she says playfully. "But perhaps if I eat plenty of those egg whites the guys are always talking about, I can get stronger!" If the hood of that robe is put up, she will be completely lost inside! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am not sure how you can fight with these. They seem very bulky. And this belt! I never realized just how heavy it is!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant says "Wait." He grabs her hand and raises it. "Not enough arm... hold up." He gets his arm under her seat and lifts her onto his shoulder. "Ladeeeeez and gennulmen... the New World Snuggler Champeen! Clara... LITTLE GIRL... Jennings! Vital stats- Height -nope! Weight negligible. Eyes: Green. Hair: All over the damn place. Hotness index: At least five more'n she'd ever take credit for!" He strides about the room with the Champion on his shoulder, then sets her down, hair now falling in her face. <br><br>"Champ! What're your plans now? God they had to clean up what my answer was. Hahahahaha!" He finally figure out how to keep her in the robe by throwing the hood over her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara, who slides into her role with much amusement, holds up her hands and tries her best to bring them together in the typical champions pose. It looks really silly when she is doing it, of course! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, Daddy, now that I have won this belt, I plan on moving up my weight class and see if I might secure someone beyond snuggling." The scandal! She has been around the gym too much. Or she picked up something from Inez in that bar. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But my immediate plans are to eat as much ice cream as I can get away with, then find the prettiest girl out there and give her a whirl." She imagines this is something a champion should say. It sounds sexual enough. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant pulls the hood back, more hair flies. "You like girls too? Just like Daddy! I'm so proud!" He pulls her into a hug. "I do have some Spumoni."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara is just about to launch into her childish attempts at debauchery when there is a distinct knock on the door. A double-tap followed by a pause, then a triple-tap. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara immediately tenses up. "That... cannot be." Leave it to her governess to even have a very specific knock she uses to enter Clara's room. After a short pause, a woman's voice, muffled by the door, can be heard. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Excuse me! I am hoping you might help me find someone." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At this hour, that is an odd request, unless of course that someone is Clara. And that means the woman at the door is.. "My governess is here!" A pause for thought. "This is wonderful! I have been hoping you might meet her." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara has to think a moment, though. "I suppose I could have given a much better report before I came here. Hm. Much better, considering I did not give any report yet." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant peers at the door and attempts to develop X-ray vision. No dice. He fishes in a pocket of the robe on Clara and withdraws brass knuckles and slips them on. "Baby girl, you go in your room for a bit. I'll give Mary Poppins the brush. Don't come out if you hear a struggle." He doesn't wait to make sure Clara complies. In fact he was fairly deft at extracting the knucks. For good measure he readies the baseball bat in the umbrella stand. Then he yanks the door open. "Yeah?!" He demands, expecting an eight foot tall version of Frau Blucher, breathing fire and shooting death rays from her peepers. He finds he has to look downward. His initial height estimate was way off.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Megan Elizabeth Bell is there, waiting at the door, with a rather worried expression. She is a lithe, rather average woman in height, if anything but in looks. Other than her brunette hair, one could be forgiven if they mistook her for Clara's aunt. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is wearing a suit and skirt, both gray and shouting professional as much as a garment can. Megan uses a moderate amount of makeup, and her hair is perfectly styled. For all that, though, when Ted opens the door she smiles, looking pleased indeed to see him. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mr. Grant! My goodness, I thought Clara was simply teasing me about you. Even when that autograph seemed right I was struggling to accept that she really just happened to meet you." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tension, on her side, is gone. "I take it my charge is once again taking advantage of your hospitality? She failed to inform me what her plans were tonight, and usually she is very good about these things." That voice, too. Gentle, silky, at times teasing near the territory of a purr. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara, as ordered, has fled to her bedroom! The guest bedroom, that is. She tries to imagine what kind of struggle she might hear for a moment, but does not give in to the temptation of listening at the door. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant boggles a moment. He realizes he is wearing a bodysuit and trunks which he does in fairness rock but he usually wears more for introductions. The hand with the brass knuckles goes behind his back. <br><br>"Yeah, Clara is here and /getting changed/ ya gotta excuse me. I was doing dress up for that dance. Belt, robe, the whole thing. Clara is /just folding them/ up for me and /changing./" <br><br>"Please come in. Clara, come out?" He shuts the door. There was an attempt on Clara's life and he is not taking any chances. He stands behind her, susses out her body language and looks for any suspicious bulges.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are no bulges that would be considered suspicious and her bag is rather on the small side for a gun. She is just a pretty woman, unbothered by the complications of unusual powers. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His hard study will be noticed, and the governess just reads it as a man rather appreciating what he sees. So she returns that look in turn. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It is very kind of you to invite me in, Mr. Grant. Oh, and I am happy that Clara is behaving and helping you. I have worked very hard to prepare her, and while she has made much progress, at some point she just has to get into the real world and spread her wings." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara does heard that, since Ted's voice carries. Fold it? Oh. Right. She can do that. With military precision, too. But changing? Changing into what? She looks at her dress, which the governess knew she was wearing, so that leaves, well, her nightgown. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is some hesitation as Clara shuffles through her mental lists of what is and is not right to wear when meeting her governess like this. None of them fit. Frustrating. So out she eventually comes, dressed in a nightgown. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Clara! There you are!" says Megan. The two meet and there is a hug shared. "I understand you are doing well here for Mr. Grant. I know you have been working quite a bit on these dances." Nothing like learning how to have fun together to demonstrate appreciation, after all. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But now I am intruding, and Clara is doing just fine. I should really excuse myself." But she definitely does not want to. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant feels kind of badly, ready to rabbit punch a lady, with knucks no less! He puts the knuckles in the key bowl. As for his visual search well, it certainly wasn't unpleasant. He is usually the hospitable type. So he says, "You don't have to leave. Clara was just going to bed. We're both a little tired. You came all the way from New York... please stay. Could I get you a drink?" Big smile. Body suit. Muscles like Jethro on the Beverly Hillbillies.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, Megan could be talked into it, she supposes. She is too polite to correct him. She lives in Gotham, after all. Still, it is late, and though a car is waiting, well, it will leave soon enough on its own. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"She should sleep early. She has been up past her curfew very often in these past two weeks. Sometimes, I might add, when she was supposed to be recovering her strength for an upcoming engagement." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Megan looks over the girl slowly, considering. "But we are past curfews, are we not, dear? Still... hop to bed. Mr. Grant and I have things to discuss, and you have had enough fun tonight. I have just been waiting at home." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clara will look confused for a moment, at being told to head back to bed, but, well, she is not particularly well equipped to disobey Teddy and her governess when they are both giving her a direction. She looks slightly crestfallen, honestly. Which is why there is more. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You did very well at your last lecture, and I am sure you carried yourself well tonight, as well. Why not read for an hour and then shut your eyes, dear?" <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And that seals the deal. Clara practically bounces on her toes all the way to the bedroom. She turns at the last moment, "Goodnight governess, goodnight Daddy Teddy!" Door shut and off she goes! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Megan laughs softly and looks towards the man. "Daddy Teddy? I never could imagine the guy who should have beat Ali would be called 'Teddy' in my presence. And yes, I will certainly accept that drink." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant watches Clara go all six year old kid for a moment then looks back at the Gov... Megan. "Yeah, she has some daddy issues there. I think she's getting past that." He realizes he's still wearing that body suit and says, I should probably change... but drink first. How do roll? Rye, Scotch, Bourbon, Rum... oh... out of Rye." As she looks around, he looks at her. "Can I take your coat?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Megan laughs gently at the mention of daddy issues. Her words are more serious, though, "Well, sadly she has no idea what she is missing. Her father was a truly good man. Kind, gentle, and very dedicated to his work. Which is not always such a bad thing, unless it is taken to excess." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is a sharp turn to the deeply personal. But the governess senses this get away from the rigors of the job might just be good for her, as well. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, and scotch, neat please. I should warn you, though, I have a considerable tolerance." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She turns her back to him, arms moving back to slip out of her coat. With his help, of course. "You are most polite, Mr. Grant. I hope my appearance has not thrown your evening too far off from expectation." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant gores to the bar. "Gotcha. It's a double then... oh you're a Brit, no ice." He gets the drink and moves to the couch, indicating the party is moving there. "And no worries. Your appearance is a high point of my evening. I expected someone way older than you. Here, drink up. You look like you could use one. No offense."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlike Clara, who needs her rigid posture removed surgically at this point, Megan can settle on the couch and slouch just enough to be casual. Not that she does it too much, though. Good posture makes for a very attractive silhouette. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She takes the drink with a grin. "Guilty as charged, I'm a London girl, just like Clara, but with a few more years under my belt." At the suggestion he expected older, she laughs gently. "Not too many years, mind! I am no spinster. And I do enjoy a good drink. And a night to spend how I want is something of a novelty. These have been the first since I first met that little girl." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant raises an eyebrow and pours himself some Bourbon. He clinks glasses if Megan will allow. "She's a doll. I gotta say, I want to help with this assassination business. She became very dear to me. Hey, can I call you Megan? I prefer nearly anything to Teddy. Mr. Grant is for people who owe me money. Here, take your shoes off. Stay a while. She's safe. Yer off duty," Saying that he slips one shoe then the other shoe off her, barring a kick in the face.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Megan will accept the toast, and adds a soft, "To good friends we have only just met," to make it official. She is just getting relaxed when he brings up the much more serious topic. She takes a moment to address it. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I understand you saw what happened to her. While I am not sure how it was done, she was setup. In all my time doing this work, that has never happened. Not a single time. It is unsettling." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She arches an eyebrow, but does not protest when her shoes are removed. She is, for the record, wearing black nylons. When he is down there, he may even notice she prefers thigh highs with a lace top. Not quite governess issue, one might say. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And please, call me Megan, Ted. Clara never does, of course. I am just the governess now, as if it were a military rank or a code name." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant nods. Then begins massaging Megan's feet. He's rather curious at the effect. He has a record of more than half his subjects melting immediately. Those who put up a fight are rare. "You have cute feet. Not gunboats." He concentrates on his job, between sips of his drink.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is rather like Megan knew where this was going the second she stepped in the door. This may be her first free night in almost twenty years, but she is quite comfortable in enjoying it to the fullest. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I should certainly hope so! I do my best to keep them as shapely as I can, just in case a legendary man should get his hands on them." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is perhaps no surprise that her nails are painted (red, most likely, though the stockings do make the exact shade a bit hard to discern). Those feet were definitely pedicured, too. They feel soft. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She drinks freely, but not too much at once. Megan knows where she is going with this, but she means to enjoy the entire journey. One sip at a time. When her glass is empty, she will playfully say, "I will just help myself, Ted. Now that you have started down there I have no intentions of letting your hands slip away from me." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant looks up a little surprised. "It's nothing. You're too nice to a big mug like me. You have all kinds of class... is this starting to seem like a '40's rom-com to you?" He sets her feet aside for now and moves closer to sit beside her, slipping an arm around her shoulders. There's none of the yawn-stretch maneuver. This is a litmus test. She can move away, stay put or lean in. Ted smiles at her. "You're an incredible woman to raise this little girl to such a life... she had one of those nightmares her first night here. Dark stuff. I want to help you both." He's begining to think he may have to help her picvk a different drink, the Scotch showing signs of evaporation.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is working through that bottle at her own pace, thank you kindly! But she obviously is liking it. As for Ted's test? She smiles a most coy and aware smile at him. She waits to give him a clear reaction for a good five seconds, then sets her glass aside and leans into him. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We are both wound up in this whole thing, you might say. Her father is the whole reason I wound up as her governess. He knew we were destined to be connected, and set things in motion before the fire to ensure she was taken care of and that she would not be left alone. Oh, and yes, this whole mission of ours, too." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her expressions are complicated when she talks about it. Not guarded per se, but clearly struggling to express so many different emotions at once. While her face deals with that, her body just settles in, comfortable and familiar. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And you saw one? Her night terrors are a whole other challenge for her. She has had them since she was a little girl." <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1123|Ted Grant (1123)}} has posed:'''<br>Ted Grant nods. "I've slept near her a few times to make her feel safe. She's still a a little girl in many ways. Those things are terrible... this is your first night off in how long? Geeze. I thought I was a workaholic. You know... you have a Rita Hayworth vibe to you. I could go for you. Listen... you not Doris Day or some ingenue. I'm certainly no kid. This is your rare night off... would you like to stay? I can put on some jazz or show you my scrapbook or some fight videos... or whatever." He leans into her a little, slips the forearm the rest of the way around her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:5100|Clara Jennings (5100)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Megan grins at Ted. "You have that rugged, man's man feeling about you, Ted, and a woman like me is very happy you can go for her. This is my first night that I have stolen away from the Conservatory since I met Clara. That was when she was four years old. My goodness she was adorable. So shy and sweet. I have been 'Governess' ever since." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She turns enough to give him a look. Her lips curving into a different, more playful smile. "Tonight, though, I am just Megan Bell, a woman who wants to hear some jazz and be an adult."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=16894/Monet_and_Madelyne&diff=2501716894/Monet and Madelyne2024-01-13T13:05:25Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/12 |Location=East Bushwick (Mutant Town) |Synopsis=Madelyne and Monet catchup in Mutant Town. |Cast of Characters=2262,893 |pretty=yes }} {..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/12<br />
|Location=East Bushwick (Mutant Town)<br />
|Synopsis=Madelyne and Monet catchup in Mutant Town.<br />
|Cast of Characters=2262,893<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:2262|Monet St. Croix (2262)}} has posed:'''<br>It's a rather cold and crisp day in Bushwick. Monet St. Croix is walking along with an umbrella over her head. There's a mist of rain coming down, and it looks like it's going to pour. She doesn't seem to be headed in any particular direction, just wandering.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:893|Madelyne Pryor (893)}} has posed:'''<br>The cold and the rain don't seem to bother Maddie much. She's out herself, striding along down the street sans an umbrella, but the misting does not seem to have affected her much yet. Maybe it's magic, maybe it's Maybelline. Maybe she just got out of somewhere inside a moment ago and the raindrops are so sparse that she hasn't been hit by too many yet. Whatever the case, the woman just walks along, hands in pockets of her long black coat.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2262|Monet St. Croix (2262)}} has posed:'''<br>Monet St. Croix would glance over as she would approach, "Hello there Madelyne, it has been some time. I hope that you've been well." She remembers the redhead she met briefly at the Bushwick Memorial, gesturing over at her to join her. "And that you managed to make it throught he holidays relatively intact." Which she rather loathes.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:893|Madelyne Pryor (893)}} has posed:'''<br>The woman speaking to her gets a glance, and then she nods, "I survived them, yes. No need to explain further, just survived them." She then looks the woman over, before asking, "And yourself?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2262|Monet St. Croix (2262)}} has posed:'''<br>Monet St. Croix would smile, "About the same. It's good to see you. It has been a few months. Might you care to join me if I'm not interrupting your wandering?" An offering of space underneath her umbrella.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:893|Madelyne Pryor (893)}} has posed:'''<br>"Join you for what, a walk?" Maddie asks, before she slides under the umbrella, easy enough. She's not SUPER close to Monet, but close enough so as to get some of the protection of the umbrella. "Where do you plan to lead me?" she asks, with perhaps an undertone of playfulness.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2262|Monet St. Croix (2262)}} has posed:'''<br>Monet St. Croix would smile, "Well, somewhere a bit warmer. Might you care to join me for a meal? I have nowhere in specific in mind, but perhaps with some company we might find something more relaxing to do together." It's a gentle offer.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:893|Madelyne Pryor (893)}} has posed:'''<br>There is an arm sliding around her hip, which gets a glance from Maddie but no complaint or attempt to get away. She just glances at it, and then lets Monet lead her along down the street, "We could get food or a drink perhaps and see where it goes, if you'd like. I'm not sure I'm in the mood for much more than a chat though," the woman warns her companion.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2262|Monet St. Croix (2262)}} has posed:'''<br>Monet St. Croix would nod, "Of course. I din't have anything other in mind. Just having something actual to do on a dreary day like today seems better than merely wandering. Nothing more involved than a couple of drinks and talk." Agreeing with the sentiment. And making sure to let Madelyne push away her hand if she would want.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:893|Madelyne Pryor (893)}} has posed:'''<br>Madelyne Pryor considers as they walk for a few minutes, "I think somewhere with something light, like pastries, and coffee would be nice," she finally opines, as the pair continue up the street, "Though, not a lot of that in Mutant Town it seems."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2262|Monet St. Croix (2262)}} has posed:'''<br>Monet St. Croix would nod, "Well, I can think of a few places though they're somewhat of a walk from here. The nearest is about seven blocks." Seeing if that was close enough for Madelyne. About a twenty five minute walk.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=16896/No_Such_Thing_as_Bad_Pizza&diff=2501616896/No Such Thing as Bad Pizza2024-01-13T13:05:13Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/12 |Location=Gino's Pizzeria |Synopsis=Peter and Roxanne are just regular Earthlings! |Cast of Characters=2619,1981 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/12<br />
|Location=Gino's Pizzeria<br />
|Synopsis=Peter and Roxanne are just regular Earthlings!<br />
|Cast of Characters=2619,1981<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:2619|Roxanne Spaulding (2619)}} has posed:'''<br>It's a bit past lunch and a bit early for dinner. It's the perfect time for a bit of pizza, and Gino's has some of the best in the city.<br><br>Deciding to head on in looking for a slice or two, Roxie runs her fingers through her hair as she wanders in, holding her iPhone. There's a bit of a sigh as she shakes her head, reading the text and frowns. "He's busy again."<br><br>After getting her order for a few slices, she wanders on over to one of the empty tables and takes a seat, crossing her legs to get a tad bit more comfortable.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1981|Peter Quill (1981)}} has posed:'''<br>Pizza! Who doesn't like Pizza? Quill seems to, tonight. He is seated at the front of the restaurant, along the little counter there, chomping away on a slice of something hot and covered in meat and vegetables. 'The game' that is on the TV nearby -- seems to be a soccer match from somewhere in Europe -- is occasionally glanced at by Quill, but for the most part he is just working through the medium sized pan of pie sitting next to him. It's been a week. He looks over at Roxanne as she enters -- he can't really help himself there, nor does he particularly try -- and gives her a nod as she stops near to order her food.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2619|Roxanne Spaulding (2619)}} has posed:'''<br>Sportsball! Probably Premier League? La Liga? Who knows? Surely, the game is a bit more popular since it's a World Cup year.<br><br>And so, she looks up at the screen. It was near the end where the players start taking off their jerseys to exchange it with another member. There's a soft sigh as she admires the hotness as her pizza arrives.<br><br>Taking a bite, she looks towards the older man and offers a warm smile in his way. Nomnomnom.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1981|Peter Quill (1981)}} has posed:'''<br>Peter Quill isn't particularly interested in ogling players from the Dutch second division, but who could blame a guy for a glance or two? Quill's attention is much more attached to Roxanne, as he says, "Afternoon," to the younger woman. He doesn't go beyond that though, doesn't want to be creepy apparently. Rather, he takes a sip of the craft beer that the restaurant makes and serves. It doesn't make him pull TOO much of a face. That's how you know it's good.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2619|Roxanne Spaulding (2619)}} has posed:'''<br>Nomnomnom. More pizza is chowed down. While she mainly looks up at the screen, there is an occasional glance in Peter's direction, seeming to catch those looks every now and then. Roxie bows at his greeting and then motions to her table.<br><br>"Wanna join me? Might make room for others. Besides, pizza is better when eaten with good company."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1981|Peter Quill (1981)}} has posed:'''<br>"I can't guarantee I'll be good company, but I'll give it a shot," Peter replies. He takes a few moments gathering up his various things: food, tray, drink, thing that looks like a cellphone, before he carries -- only somewhat awkwardly -- over to where Roxanne is sitting. He sets the various items down slowly, and then pulls out a seat across from her, "Hi," he says again, helpfully, "My name's Peter. Yours?" he asks.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2619|Roxanne Spaulding (2619)}} has posed:'''<br>"Roxanne, but most people call me Roxie." she says, extending a hand out towards him as he offers the introduction. "I'm usually around here, but haven't seen you before. New to the city? Or just visiting."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1981|Peter Quill (1981)}} has posed:'''<br>He takes her hand and gives it a shake, and then Peter fills that same hand with more pizza of his. Pizza is amazing. "Pleasure to meet you Roxie. And..no, I'm just not really around much. I mean, I'm here more than I am most places...around...here." He pauses for a minute as he says that, as if trying to figure out if what he said actually makes sense. Once he decides that it does, he nods, and adds, "You from here originally or brought here by the bright lights?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2619|Roxanne Spaulding (2619)}} has posed:'''<br>"Not here originally. California." she says as there's a slight SoCal accent if one really listens for it. "But I ended up here for reasons. Lots of complications." Roxie continues with a soft laugh, as she thinks about hiding from Black Razors, I.O. and trying to find her half sister. "I came here to visit family."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1981|Peter Quill (1981)}} has posed:'''<br>"Family's a good reason. I figured from...and, my apologies if this is weird, the look of you that you were an aspiring actress or model." Peter says, just laying it out there. He's not always the most tactful. "Not that I..." he pauses as he thinks on that for a few moments, and then says, "No. Gonna stand by what I said: you could be a model or actress."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2619|Roxanne Spaulding (2619)}} has posed:'''<br>Her cheeks flush a bright tinge of pink at the compliment. She does have her own unique sense of fashion. "Pshaw. I'm not tall enough to be a model. I'm sure if you saw my friends, I'd look rather plain." And her thoughts run to Sarah Rainmaker at that moment.<br><br>"But thank you. A girl likes to get complimented every now and then." Roxie admits before taking another bite of her pizza. Nomnomnom.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1981|Peter Quill (1981)}} has posed:'''<br>"I...uh...REALLY want to meet your friends then. That sounds like an amazing time." Peter replies. He grins a little bit at the blushing, and then adds, "Just so long as I don't creep you out with it, not what I'm trying to do here. Just brighten your day."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2619|Roxanne Spaulding (2619)}} has posed:'''<br>A soft chuckle can be heard escaping from her lips. "I don't think you're Sarah's type. She's a bit..." and Roxie tries to find the right words. "Sapphic." There we go! "And there's no creeping me out. You're only creepy if your intentions are creepy. We women can sense that a mile away."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1981|Peter Quill (1981)}} has posed:'''<br>"Sapp...ok." Peter says, seemingly confused by that terminology, "I'm not up on the kids slang these days." He then smiles a little at the comment from Roxanne, "I suppose. Suppose it's hard to be creepy when all you want to do is eat pizza, drink a beer, and not worry about the fate of the universe." Normal, common things that most people think about.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2619|Roxanne Spaulding (2619)}} has posed:'''<br>"She's not into men." Roxie says quite bluntly, as she chuckles softly, when finishing up her pizza slice. "And not worrying about the fate of the universe would definitely sound nice." She leans back quirking a brow at him. "So, what kind of superhero are you then, Peter?" she wonders as she leans forward with a cheeky smile.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1981|Peter Quill (1981)}} has posed:'''<br>"Superhero?" Peter asks, leaning away from Roxie at that question, "I don't think I'm much of a superhero at all. Just a guy, out...doing what he can...to...make the world a better place." Good save there Peter, nobody suspects anything from THAT.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2619|Roxanne Spaulding (2619)}} has posed:'''<br>"Only superheroes worry about the fate of the universe." she says rather matter of factly, as she continues to lean forward. "And it's okay, you can tell me your secret. I won't tell anyone." Then with a little wiggle of her brows, his plate starts to lift up an inch or two before landing gently back on the table.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1981|Peter Quill (1981)}} has posed:'''<br>Peter Quill raises an eyebrow at THAT bit of magic, and then chuckles, "Well, I don't know what to tell you. I'm pretty much just a normal Earth boy from Missouri." Pretty much. Minus all that other stuff. "That's a neat trick you got there though. What's the catch? Mirrors? Magnets? You've doused my pizza with something to get me to hallucinate?" he asks. He seems curious as to how the plate lifted off the table, but he's not going to push it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2619|Roxanne Spaulding (2619)}} has posed:'''<br>"Earth. Boy." That of course gets another raise of her brows as she shakes her head and mmhmms. "Sure, normal. Earth. Boy." Roxie repeats once more as she flashes her pearly whites in his direction. "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just a normal Earth girl, you know? Why, did you see something strange happen?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1981|Peter Quill (1981)}} has posed:'''<br>"Well then, how about we go for a walk and see where it leads?" Peter suggests. Apparently he's not quite comfortable disclosing certain things about himself in public.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2619|Roxanne Spaulding (2619)}} has posed:'''<br>Considering she's finished her pizza, she could go for a walk. There's a stretch and a slight yawn as she hrmms. "Yep. A walk, just like a normal Earth girl and an Earth boy." Roxie definitely finds that phrasing amusing, so she giggles while standing up.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathanhttps://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=16897/And_now_for_my_hat_trick.&diff=2501516897/And now for my hat trick.2024-01-13T13:04:57Z<p>Nathan: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2024/01/12 |Location=Hat and Hare |Synopsis=Zachary Zatara never makes mistakes with his magic. He simply employs more arcane might than is needed..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2024/01/12<br />
|Location=Hat and Hare<br />
|Synopsis=Zachary Zatara never makes mistakes with his magic. He simply employs more arcane might than is needed and summons the White Rabbit all the way to Gotham.<br />
|Cast of Characters=1494,2769<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1494|Zachary Zatara (1494)}} has posed:'''<br>Ahhh the Hat and Hare. Since ending his 'world wide tour' and returning home to Gotham Zachary has been a regular here. It's a good venue to work on his act. The audience are experienced enough he needs to put on his A game. And the size of the crowd is small enough it favours the close up magic which works best for his online performances. <br><br> Today he's building to the finale. A comically sized hat has been wheeled out onto the small stage. His assistant Bunny has disappeared off into the back. Ready for the translocation spell that'll make up the last trick. Teleporting her into the hat for a grand reveal. <br><br> But magic can be fickle when you're not careful. The spell "etacoleR eht tibbar otni eht !tah" is perhaps a little unclear on which rabbit to bring or indeed from where! <br><br> Perhaps Bunny will be able to take the rest of the night off.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2769|Jaina Hudson (2769)}} has posed:'''<br>She WAS sitting at a bar, chatting up a mar- fellow. She had been getting close to her goal too. Just another drink, and a little more flirting and well...she'd have made her money for the evening without even mussing her makeup. But, out of nowhere, now she's stuck inside...something? It's dark. And silent. And while she's not claustrophobic, the White Rabbit IS rather loud when she thinks she's being kidnapped (it happens, don't be a woman in comic books!), "WHAT THE....? LET ME OUT OF HERE!" she screams from within the giant hat, banging against the side of it, HARD from the sounds of the thudding.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1494|Zachary Zatara (1494)}} has posed:'''<br>"And out from the hat," Zachary says, bowing to the audience with a flourish. "Comes a rabbit." <br><br> He taps the side of the giant hat with his wand. It's not a magical trick. Just a prop hat. So that strike causes it to fall away to reveal it's contents. <br><br> Clearly this isn't the exact outcome he was expecting. But ever the showman he goes with it. The audience didn't know what was supposed to happen after all. The show must go on. <br><br> He reaches to take Jaina's arm to present her to the audience for applause. Taking his hat off with his other hand in a way that hides his face just long enough to murmur "Just go with it and I'll pay you for the inconvenience!" <br><br> From the top hat, tux and tails he certainly looks fancy enough to have cash. And if he's working here can probably get a few comped drinks too right? <br><br> "Give her a cheer!" he calls out for the audience. Hopefully the White Rabbit is playing along or the end of the show will get messy from here!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2769|Jaina Hudson (2769)}} has posed:'''<br>She is not dressed in what one might consider....traditional assistant wear. Her outfit is NOT child appropriate, unless you're on a beach, and even then there may be some second looks (sort of the point to be honest). She stares at the bright lights, putting her hand up to block some of the glare, before Zachary is there to take her arm and start to lead her out for applause. She seems rather unsure of what to do, but does go along with it. Perhaps she can make some money off of this illusionist.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1494|Zachary Zatara (1494)}} has posed:'''<br>It's probably for the best the Hat and Hare is a bar. And the audience is child free. Probably the booking agent will have /words/ about skimpy costumes. Then again his assistant Bunny doesn't dress a million miles away from the White Rabbit. But then Bunny's a magically transformed pet rabbit so perhaps she hasn't got any choice in the matter. <br><br> As they head off the stage one of the waiters hands Jaina a glass of carrot juice. Clearly it's part of the act. Because there's no way anyone got the drink ready for a teleportation spell gone awry. <br><br> "Thank you thank you. You're too kind," he calls out to the audience. Leading White Rabbit over to the bar. "I'll be back again when I have a new trick to show off." Bunny, having finally figured something is up, peeks out from back stage and then starts tidying away the props. <br><br> "Well," he says with an apologetic tone. "I must ask for your forgiveness. That wasn't supposed to be part of the act Miss...?" He motions to the bar staff who bring him a mocktail. "A tohs fo rouqil." And no longer a mocktail. "Cheers."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2769|Jaina Hudson (2769)}} has posed:'''<br>The glass of carrot juice is taken, and...when in Rome...White Rabbit gives it a taste before she pulls a face at THAT and sets it aside as quickly as possible, "What the hell kind of place is this?" she asks. "I mean, I'm a freak but....this is something else." She looks around, seemingly somewhere between angry and confused.<br><br>The apology at least calms her down a bit, a little bit. "How'd you do that just kidnap me from Tribeca like that? Am I still in Tribeca? Where am I?" All reasonable questions one might ask when they've been whisked across time and space!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1494|Zachary Zatara (1494)}} has posed:'''<br>"It's a magic show," Zachary points out without missing a beat. "And my assistant, who was supposed to arrive in the hat, likes carrot juice so..." He shrugs. "And the place is the Hat and Hare in Gotham. It's a bar." <br><br> His brow quirks at mention of Tribeca. "Sadly a magician doesn't reveal his secrets. But rest assured I'll pay for a cab to get you back to where-ever you want." Or use his phone to hire a private car and charge it to his account. But close enough, right? <br><br> "What I am surprised by," he wonders, giving White Rabbit an appraising look. "Is that the magic seems to have given you a very... unique look." He gets his phone out and begins skimming through the various options for transportation. He seems less bothered with the price of the journey than the speed the driver can arrive. He has after all made a mistake with his magic. And honour demands he puts the situation right.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2769|Jaina Hudson (2769)}} has posed:'''<br>"A what look?" White Rabbit asks, seeming offended at that comment. She leans back and glares at Zachary as she adds, "What does that mean?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1494|Zachary Zatara (1494)}} has posed:'''<br>"I mean it's Winter and you don't seem to have a coat," Zachary points out with a grin. Perhaps it wasn't the magic after all. "Perhaps it's back in Tribeca? Would you care to borrow a jacket?" Gotham isn't known for it's weather at the best of times. Getting from here to New York in January even in a private car is likely to be a little chilly! <br><br> He motions at the audience, many of whom are getting warm winter clothing for their trips home, as if to illustrate his point. <br><br> "Where are my manners," he says suddenly. "Zachary Zatara. Greatest magician on the whole of the internet." Or the bits which count for his social media engagement anyway. "Would you prefer a non-carrot based drink for while we wait?" He snaps his fingers while looking at the vegetable juice. Murmuring "storraC otni .engapmahc"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:2769|Jaina Hudson (2769)}} has posed:'''<br>Jaina Hudson just stares at the man, and then says, "No, don't worry about that. And don't worry too much about the car either, it's not gonna get me to where I'm going." She knocks back whatever drink has been set before her, stands up, and then says, "Nice meeting you Zach. Don't summon me again or I'll take it personal." And then, she is off, walking out into the cold.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Nathan