The Create-A-Hero RPG Season II IC Thread

[Mr. Majestic]

[BLACKOUT]The Vigilante: ISAAC FONTAINE[/BLACKOUT]​

Fontaine tears down the empty halls of the bank paying no heed to the remaining cameras, small green lights flickering to chase him in his wake.

Isaac opened the door and burst into the room...

...only to run headfirst into the lowered ceiling.

[BLACKOUT]"Ah! SONUVAB****!!!"[/BLACKOUT] he exclaimed, more in surprise than from any harm it caused him. The shot to the head caused a lump to form behind the dark red mask he wore.

Looking up from the floor he saw all that was holding the ceiling up. It was Samson, the load already having to be held by his shoulders due to the immense weight.​

[BLACKOUT]
"I hope you've got some left in the tank, kid... because I don't think I could lift a fraction of that..."
[/BLACKOUT]

I just barely move my head a little to see that Vigilante has finally made it to the room.

"I'm glad.... you made it. I... was about to yell out SHAZAM or Power.... of Greyskull. Not sure if it would have work though."

I then stop talking for a moment and put a little more focus on holding up the ceiling. By not it has to be at least 80 tons.

"I hope you have your key. We have to... put our keys in the locks and turn..."

I then stop talking as i feel the weight of the ceiling increase.

 

[TrueMastermind]

" And why should we hire you Mr. Royale? Your credentials indeed surpass all of our reporters here at Haven's Notebook, but your record indicates some trouble with the law. Now I'm not one to discriminate, but it wouldn't be good for our opponents to find out that we have blemish within our company," The sharply dressed lead editor of one of the east's most respected and well-known newspapers, Nate Halpert, stared right into Christian's calm eyes, trying to figure what was really inside the dark-haired man.

" Well the way I see it, one must live in the now and not dwell in the past. A paper should be glad to have a good writer, blemished or not. Have you ever thought that maybe a man with my experience can get the dirt this paper exactly needs?"

Nate leaned back in his chair, running his perfectly tanned hands through his hair, thinking about what Christian just said. Nate then opened a tiny notebook on his desk, scribbled down a note to himself, and then stowed the notebook into one of the desk's drawers.

" Alright, I'll give you a month to give me a story. If its good, I'll think about giving you a job here but don't even bother showing anywhere in this building if you're gonna waste my time with some crap. Got it? "

 

[Hound55]

I just barely move my head a little to see that Vigilante has finally made it to the room.

"I'm glad.... you made it. I... was about to yell out SHAZAM or Power.... of Greyskull. Not sure if it would have work though."

I then stop talking for a moment and put a little more focus on holding up the ceiling. By not it has to be at least 80 tons.

"I hope you have your key. We have to... put our keys in the locks and turn..."

I then stop talking as i feel the weight of the ceiling increase.

[BLACKOUT]"Yeah, I got it. I got it right here."[/BLACKOUT] Fontaine responds whilst looking up at the ceiling.

[BLACKOUT]
"Where's it go?"
[/BLACKOUT]

 

[Mr. Majestic]

[BLACKOUT]"Yeah, I got it. I got it right here."[/BLACKOUT] Fontaine responds whilst looking up at the ceiling.

[BLACKOUT]
"Where's it go?"
[/BLACKOUT]

"Funny you should ask, it goes by the lock that's right beside the door. If i can lift this ceiling you'll see it."

I then feel the pressure on the wall gain another 10 tons. With so much weight I have no choice but to be brought down on all fours.


With everything I have I use every muscle that the human body has and I mean every. It doesn’t seem like the ceiling is even moving but I must continue and give it all I have. With all my might I slowly begin to lift the ceiling up with every vein in my body visible. As it was coming up I got my hands back on the ceiling and began to push up a little bit more. I was straining my muscles so much that they began to rip out of my custom. With all my strength I’m able to lift it up enough for us to place the keys.

“Now hurry i…” I stop talking all together and focus my attention on holding the ceiling so we can stop this ceiling.

I use my back and my right arm to support the ceiling up while I use the other for the key.

 

[Carnage27]

After a tearful goodbye with mom, even though I'll only be gone for the night, Chiron and I are headed to Lost Haven in his '66 Cobra, "Nice car."

He smiles, "Yes, well, you'll find that there are many benefits to being an agent of the Gods of Olympus."

"So I'm curious. Why now? Why am I being trained?" I ask, shifting a little in my seat.

"Your father and the rest of the Olympians are not exactly sure. But there is a great evil spreading across the earth. A great evil that must be stopped. And you have been foreseen to be a great hero. One with a greatness that has not graced the earth in a very long time."

"Heavy..." I sigh. "But what do you mean the gods don't know what's going on?"

"They are not omnipotent, Desmond. This evil, clouds their vision on earth. They are unable to identify this threat. But they know how to combat it. By training their children to battle it."

"Wait, so there are more...like me?"

He chuckles as we pass into Lost Haven proper, "You can't have thought you were the only one! Of course there are more. But, you are the only son of Hades that currently walks on the planet. As there are only one offspring from Zeus and Poseidon in the world. The greater gods, as they are known, can only sire one child every fifty years. Ah! We have arrived."

I look out the window as we pull into the garage of what seems to be a high rise in downtown Lost Haven. The garage is completely empty and we park right near the entrance of the building. We enter into an empty lobby, save for an elevator at the other end, which we enter, not saying a word. Chiron enters a code, and we rocket up I don't know how many floors until the doors open, revealing a huge room, more like a floor, filled with computers, screens, and technology I can even begin to describe.

"Welcome to the Eye of the Fates, Desmond," Chiron says sweeping his arms around the room. "Here' we're fed information from all around the world. Every minute crime, every minute detail, we'll know. It's here that we will strike at the heart of evil."

"Eye of the Fates, fitting," I say smiling. I walk over to a glass case with a set of Greek armor and a Spartan-like helmet hanging in it, "What's this?"

"That, young warrior, is you armor. It was forged by Hephaestus himself, and will stop any human weapon. And this," he says tossing me a sheathed sword, "is a sword he forged for you. We've noticed your affinity for sword fighting."

I smile as I take the blade out of the sheath and swing it. Ever since I've been able to walk, swords have always intrigued me. I took up fencing when I was five, and not to be cocky, but no one has ever beaten me, "It's balanced perfectly. And so light!"

"We thought you'd enjoy that. No, get dressed. It's time to begin your training."

I slip on the armor and helmet, while attaching the sheath to my belt, and add a special touch before joining Chiron in the training room.

"I figured I'd throw in my own special touch. Besides, running around in just Greek armor would make me look like a weirdo. We don't want that now do we?" I smile.

"No! We wouldn't young warrior!" he says patting me on the back. "Now are you ready? I don't not tread into training someone lightly. This will strain every fiber of your being. It will push you, hurt you, and mold you into something you never thought you could be."

"I'm ready, Chiron. I will not let you down," I say confidently.

"Good. Now, to begin..."

*******

​

In a dark room on the other side of the world, blood drips from the fingers of a man shrouded in shadow, "You did not deserve your divine blood, cur."

In front of him, a ma lays dead, a sword driven through his chest. The shadow man retrieves his blade, which magically cleans itself, and places it in a sheath on his hip. A sounds is heard from the next room, and in walks a skeletal warrior, in complete Greek wardress, "Master, the police are on their way."

"Thank you," the living wraith says and waves his hand. A pit opens and the skeleton falls in, back to the abyss from whence it came, and as the police officers enter the room, all they find is a bloody corpse, and nothing else.

 

[Red_Robin77]

Some might say that death is a permanent fixture. Some say it's an obstacle. Some even say it's just one big revolving door. Nobody really knows. They just like pretending they do. The only ones who know about death are those that return from it. They're a rare breed.

It was pitch black when a man was digging in a graveyard in the city of Lost Haven. He was in no particular hurry. He was used to digging up these random dead people. The man's name was Lytton, and he was a Higher Being. The body he was digging up, belonged to that of Johnny Turner, a gun-for-hire in the Old West. He was currently rotting away.

As the spade that Lytton carried hit something, he brushed away the remaining dust to find a long wooden crate. It didn't look like a coffin. Though, from Turner's unmarked grave, Lytton could tell that the burial of Johnny Turner was rather rushed. He lifted the spade above his head and brought it down onto the wood, smashing it open. The corpse lay inside, limp, dirty old clothes still on him.

Lytton grabbed the arm of the body and hauled it up into a sitting position. Then, he leant over to the body and whispered something into his ear. Nobody would ever hear these words. If they were spoken to you, it'd be mean you'd be dead, and wouldn't have the chance to hear it. If you were alive, then nobody would waste their breath saying those words to you. As he said the words, the body began to fill with life, skin and muscle returning to it's rightful place over the bones, organs working again, before finally, Johnny Turner opened his completely blue eyes to a new world. A rebirth.

"Welcome to life, Johnny Turner."

 

[Byrd Man]

With the motion, her giant semi-transparent snake jumps forward, fangs bared at Icon. It's speed was absolutely incredible, easily as quick as the faster snakes in the wild. But that was what was covering for her left hand, as she made a large swipe in front of herself, which began to steam where her fingers were, and enveloping her in a superheated shield of steam. However, the shield was but a lure... A sense she was only on the defensive.

"Listen, lady. I'm getting real tired of that man-child stuff."

As the snake whips around at incredible speeds...well, not as fast as your's truly. I turn towards the witch woman and charge, running as fast as I can towards her form.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

​

Icon sidesteps as the massive snake springs at him, but is not quick enough to avoid the beast. The snake wraps itself around Icon and begins to squeeze with all its might. Had the snake done this to any ordinary man, its victim would suffer a quick yet agonizing death. However, the pressure the beast applies to Icon does nothing.

Frustrated by its victim's stubborn refusal to die, the giant snake bites down on Icon's arm, and quickly releases as its fangs shatter against his skin.

Icon takes advantage of the creature's momentary hesitation and frees himself from the vice-like grip of the giant serpent. Icon takes the creature in his hands and hurls it into the wall across the room. As the giant snake hits the wall it lets out a shrill shriek as the wall comes crashing down on top of it, trapping it under the rubble.

Icon takes a step toward the woman who calls herself "Goddess." Then looks over to his former friend and teammate Michael.

"Enough! This ends now." Icon says, a grim determination in his voice.

 

[Spike_x1]

​

Icon sidesteps as the massive snake springs at him, but is not quick enough to avoid the beast. The snake wraps itself around Icon and begins to squeeze with all its might. Had the snake done this to any ordinary man, its victim would suffer a quick yet agonizing death. However, the pressure the beast applies to Icon does nothing.

Frustrated by its victim's stubborn refusal to die, the giant snake bites down on Icon's arm, and quickly releases as its fangs shatter against his skin.

Icon takes advantage of the creature's momentary hesitation and frees himself from the vice-like grip of the giant serpent. Icon takes the creature in his hands and hurls it into the wall across the room. As the giant snake hits the wall it lets out a shrill shriek as the wall comes crashing down on top of it, trapping it under the rubble.

Icon takes a step toward the woman who calls herself "Goddess." Then looks over to his former friend and teammate Michael.

"Enough! This ends now." Icon says, a grim determination in his voice.

"I couldn't agree more, Icon."

As the Survivor's voice is heard, a beam of orange energy strikes the massive snake as it begins to struggle free from the rubble. The blast instantly incinerates the monster's head, setting flames loose from its eyes and mouth while it shrieks in its final death throws before collapsing.

"We let God-Boy do his thing until an explanation for his behavior became apparent, so now that we know the cause of his current mental state..." Adam suddenly drops down and lands beside Icon, "I recommend that we kick some ass."

 

[trustyside-kick]

"I couldn't agree more, Icon."

As the Survivor's voice is heard, a beam of orange energy strikes the massive snake as it begins to struggle free from the rubble. The blast instantly incinerates the monster's head, setting flames loose from its eyes and mouth while it shrieks in its final death throws before collapsing.

"We let God-Boy do his thing until an explanation for his behavior became apparent, so now that we know the cause of his current mental state..." Adam suddenly drops down and lands beside Icon, "I recommend that we kick some ass."

Recovering from the Blue Blur's furry of attacks, Michael stands proudly next to his Goddess. As Icon, the Blue Blur, and now Survivor approach her the playing field has changed. The spell possessing Michael calls for complete utter loyalty, as he remains minion to her pleasure and will. He steps up, with Goddess remaining slightly behind him as he takes out the hilt of his sword.

"Ah, Survivor has finally decided to make an appearance. Given we have a murderer in our midst, I say it's only proper to whip out what Matthew likes to call my 'holy fire sword of G"--the name is not important. This sword this...hilt I hold used to be weak. It'd only ignite were the innocent in need of defending. But with my beautiful Goddess' power, as you see, my friends..."

Instantly a white flame ignites at the tip of the hilt and before The Guardians is Michael's weapon.

"...anything is possible."

Ah crap. That sword can practically cut through anything.

Flying straight at the heroes, defending the woman he 'loves' and is sworn to protect by oath and 'heart', Michael slashes at the Survivor first: the slowest of the three. Tearing at Adam's suit, Michael strikes flesh at the chest but it quickly heals as Adam's uncanny healing factor kicks in. Michael grunts as he was hoping to strike Adam in the heart.

NO!

"You know, I've always wondered...that remarkable healing ability of yours...what happens if I cut off your head? Carve out your brain? Let's find out."

DANGIT! This cannot be happening. THINK, Michael. Think! How the heck are you going to break Goddess' spe--

There is a suddenly flash of purple light before Michael's eyes. Although...not the 'Michael' who has become slave and grunt of the evil Goddess but the true Michael who could see what he was doing, but not stop himself. Suddenly, Michael opens his eyes after closing them from the blinding light, and he finds himself in an empty space: a large white void.

***

Michael.

He looks around, but does not see anything. But the voice that called out to him had boomed so loudly. He starts to walk around in this white void, which is actually his subconscious, searching for the origins of the one who said his name.

Michael, I do not have much time. Soon, they will find out that I ventured to the surface and if they do that, they'll make sure I can never do so again; they will find a way. You must listen to me.

"Where are you?! WHO are you? Where did you come from and just WHO are you afraid of finding you?"

Then, a figure of pure purple light appears before him. A figure of light easily towering him at nearly 8 feet tall. It does not take solid shape, but as the voice is a feminine one, Michael can see slight curvatures that are that of a woman. But the figure takes no pure definite shape and retains a light-form. Her voice is so soothing and re-assuring. Like...just hearing her voice makes you feel as though everything will be all right as your heart is jolted with a sudden impact of the feeling of being in love.

To put it rather simple: she has an angelic vibe. Much like that of the Archangels which bless Michael.

"I...I'm not going to lie to you, Michael. I cannot...could not...ever bring myself to lie to you. I've come from Hell."

 

[LouFerignoDemon]

"Listen, lady. I'm getting real tired of that man-child stuff."

As the snake whips around at incredible speeds...well, not as fast as your's truly. I turn towards the witch woman and charge, running as fast as I can towards her form.

Goddess didn't even seem to flinch. The moment Blur finished his sentence, Goddess knew his intent. He was impetuous and without much thought after all. Her words leaked out in their folded way, and launched a defensive spell. It wasn't her standard bars, symbols, and glowing shielding that she normally would call, but a shimmering, transparent field, like looking through extremely clear and thin ice: distorted, but not especially so. Blurs impact with it came with a heavy thud, and a bouncing hero.

"I imagine you might be. Consider, however... Once upon a time, I was the greatest threat to all of humans. It took countless heroes, strengths, and magics to barely ward me off. Months of planning and luck to force me back into the shadows. Your plan was rushing headlong at who is the greatest sorceress in all of history. A child's plan, at best."

She raised her hand, index and middle finger extended, to finish the job while Blur was regaining his bearings, but she was cut short...

​

Icon sidesteps as the massive snake springs at him, but is not quick enough to avoid the beast. The snake wraps itself around Icon and begins to squeeze with all its might. Had the snake done this to any ordinary man, its victim would suffer a quick yet agonizing death. However, the pressure the beast applies to Icon does nothing.

Frustrated by its victim's stubborn refusal to die, the giant snake bites down on Icon's arm, and quickly releases as its fangs shatter against his skin.

Icon takes advantage of the creature's momentary hesitation and frees himself from the vice-like grip of the giant serpent. Icon takes the creature in his hands and hurls it into the wall across the room. As the giant snake hits the wall it lets out a shrill shriek as the wall comes crashing down on top of it, trapping it under the rubble.

Icon takes a step toward the woman who calls herself "Goddess." Then looks over to his former friend and teammate Michael.

"Enough! This ends now." Icon says, a grim determination in his voice.

"I couldn't agree more, Icon."

As the Survivor's voice is heard, a beam of orange energy strikes the massive snake as it begins to struggle free from the rubble. The blast instantly incinerates the monster's head, setting flames loose from its eyes and mouth while it shrieks in its final death throws before collapsing.

"We let God-Boy do his thing until an explanation for his behavior became apparent, so now that we know the cause of his current mental state..." Adam suddenly drops down and lands beside Icon, "I recommend that we kick some ass."

Goddess looked over at her failing, collapsing beast, and waves her hand, which severs it halfway.

"You hurt my poor construct. It may be but magic fused by my will, but it still has feelings," her voice thick with sarcasm, her breath heavy with fire. The snake began to reform.

"Unfortunately, summoning monsters and constructs happens to be a special of mine..." a new head appeared on the beast. It obviously wasn't very tough, but it was definitely hard to kill as long as Goddess simply regenerated it. Goddess opened her mouth wide, and shot out a stream of fire in a circle around her, with Michael outside of it. She crossed her forearms in front of her much like an X, her hands out like blades, "However, their power will not be needed. This, I will be more than happy to handle on my own. Allow me to show you a small part of the power I used to topple and replace gods..." Goddess slashed her arms outward and downward, while chanting slowly, by mouth a whole new spell beneath audible range. Her hands and forearms began to emit what seemed liked a charged purple smoke cloud, which quickly vanished, leaving only a glowing violet hue along her hands and forearms. She raised her right hand up, above her head, and grinned.

"Embrace of the Vampyre," her voice hollow almost. The spell was indeed costly, "Touching it means whatever powers you, will now power me. En Garde!" Another quickspell rang throughout the room as Goddess lept up, over her fire, blasting another bolt from her mouth, as her snake breached the firewall, lashing at Icon. "The snake glows bright. But stay vigilant, warrior, for the Spell of Shimmering is another specialty of mine." And Goddess was true to her word, despite the glow remaining clearly in view, the entirety of Goddess' body, clothing and all began to fade, like flickers of light, or gentle reflections on a pond. She let the snake speed ahead as she flanked around.

"Let's test your mettle and skill, hero."

 

[Hound55]

"Funny you should ask, it goes by the lock that's right beside the door. If i can lift this ceiling you'll see it."

I then feel the pressure on the wall gain another 10 tons. With so much weight I have no choice but to be brought down on all fours.


With everything I have I use every muscle that the human body has and I mean every. It doesn’t seem like the ceiling is even moving but I must continue and give it all I have. With all my might I slowly begin to lift the ceiling up with every vein in my body visible. As it was coming up I got my hands back on the ceiling and began to push up a little bit more. I was straining my muscles so much that they began to rip out of my custom. With all my strength I’m able to lift it up enough for us to place the keys.

“Now hurry i…” I stop talking all together and focus my attention on holding the ceiling so we can stop this ceiling.

I use my back and my right arm to support the ceiling up while I use the other for the key.

[BLACKOUT]"Got mine!"[/BLACKOUT] Said Fontaine, turning to check on his ally.

[BLACKOUT]"On three! One... two... three!"[/BLACKOUT] The pair counted off, synchronising the turning of the keys...

 

[Spike_x1]

Recovering from the Blue Blur's furry of attacks, Michael stands proudly next to his Goddess. As Icon, the Blue Blur, and now Survivor approach her the playing field has changed. The spell possessing Michael calls for complete utter loyalty, as he remains minion to her pleasure and will. He steps up, with Goddess remaining slightly behind him as he takes out the hilt of his sword.

"Ah, Survivor has finally decided to make an appearance. Given we have a murderer in our midst, I say it's only proper to whip out what Matthew likes to call my 'holy fire sword of G"--the name is not important. This sword this...hilt I hold used to be weak. It'd only ignite were the innocent in need of defending. But with my beautiful Goddess' power, as you see, my friends..."

Instantly a white flame ignites at the tip of the hilt and before The Guardians is Michael's weapon.

"...anything is possible."

Ah crap. That sword can practically cut through anything.

Flying straight at the heroes, defending the woman he 'loves' and is sworn to protect by oath and 'heart', Michael slashes at the Survivor first: the slowest of the three. Tearing at Adam's suit, Michael strikes flesh at the chest but it quickly heals as Adam's uncanny healing factor kicks in. Michael grunts as he was hoping to strike Adam in the heart.

NO!

"You know, I've always wondered...that remarkable healing ability of yours...what happens if I cut off your head? Carve out your brain? Let's find out."

"It's been done, junior. Brains grew back, good as new." Ducking out of the way of another swipe of Michael's sword, the Survivor kicked his opponent's head. Hard enough to knock Archangel through a near wall, but not with enough force to potentially shatter his skull. Adam wasn't sure how strong this new version of Archangel was, but he wasn't going to allow himself to accidentally kill the man.

"Although I can't say that injuries like that don't sting a bit." Trying not to think about the time that Mindwarp made Adam splatter his own brains on the wall, he rubbed the sore spot on his chest for a very brief moment before the scar itself faded from existence, and his costume mended itself. Took a little longer than usual to heal from a simple cut like that. Maybe God-weapons somehow dull my healing factor...?

 

[Rain Dog]

As the gunfire errupts behind him, Shadow Walker instinctively leaps out of the way, before he hits the ground, he fires a grapple line from his wrist gauntlet. The grapple catches on a nearby fire escape, with one swift motion he swings over the rail, landing softly on the shakey structure.

When he looks back down to the ground, he is surprised to see three more men, each dressed as a crash test dummy emerge from the shadows. He doesn't know quite what to make of what he is seeing, has he stumbled into some sort of underground vigilante network?

He doesn't have time to ponder just what is going on as the "dummies" locate him and bring their weapons to bear.

Damn bloody night spectre crunch.

I raise my rifle at the fire escape. The Angel of Death will dodge the lead hornets. I'm sure of it. Counting on it. One, two, three, four...

[BLACKOUT]"I'll get him down. Get ready. Crush his skull."[/BLACKOUT]

Delta brandishes his lead pipe. Epsilon lifts himself from the ground and readies his pistol. Gamma loads his two uzis. They anticipate his landing, ready to pounce on him and tear him apart like a pack of ravenous hyenas the minute he touches the ground.

Squeeze.

RAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT!!!

Lead hornets fly out of the barrel towards the fire escape. Dodge it, Azrael. Dodge it.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Damn bloody night spectre crunch.

I raise my rifle at the fire escape. The Angel of Death will dodge the lead hornets. I'm sure of it. Counting on it. One, two, three, four...

[BLACKOUT]"I'll get him down. Get ready. Crush his skull."[/BLACKOUT]

Delta brandishes his lead pipe. Epsilon lifts himself from the ground and readies his pistol. Gamma loads his two uzis. They anticipate his landing, ready to pounce on him and tear him apart like a pack of ravenous hyenas the minute he touches the ground.

Squeeze.

RAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT!!!

Lead hornets fly out of the barrel towards the fire escape. Dodge it, Azrael. Dodge it.

One of the dummies unloads his weapon at me, forcing me to abandon my perch. I dive for the ground. When I hit the floor of the alley, I let my forward momentum carry me over. As I'm in mid roll, I reach out and fire a grapple line at my nearest assailant, the one holding two uzis. The grapple line goes straight through his left hand, causing him to shriek in pain as he drops his guns.

When I come to a stop; I yank on the grapple line pulling him toward me. As he is forced in my direction, I level him with a hard right hand. I look down at him for a split second and can see that his won't be giving me any more problems.

"One down." I say as I teleport away from my fallen foe, and into the shadows.

 

[Rain Dog]

Councilman Freider was kind enough to give a healthy donation to the New Church of Madlove. My followers are still keeping tabs on him, however, should he decide to grow a pair and tattle on us. We hope this is but the first of many donations from the noble politician. We’re using the money from his first donation to help spread the word—the Church has begun mass producing The Holy Book of Madlove and placing ads for it and the Church in local newspapers, magazines, posting fliers wherever we can. We’ve further renovated and expanded the lovely Church and hired a security team to keep out pesky family members who barge in to my precious sermons looking for their children all too often.

It was truly magnificent. My empire was ever-growing. Not since my days as O Nva the Destroyer in the universe of Di’Chata have I had such power. Of course my power here is pale in comparison to what is was there—in that universe, I was omnipotent. I truly was god. But I am beginning to grow fond of this new form of power. I am not feared but adored. These humans cling to my every word. Their willingness to toss aside logic, reason, and their own notions of morality for the sake of emotional comfort is fascinating. And hilarious.

I am also growing fond of a physical body and the experiences that come with it. I’ve experienced them before, in other realms, but not in such excess. Food, drink, drugs, and of course, the sex—possibly the greatest of the physical pleasures available to humans. Again, it is nothing new—I experienced it the very first time I took a physical form in the universe of An’Ga. But there, I had to earn it. I had to prove myself as a hunter and as a warrior before I was permitted to choose a mate. That species considered reproduction a sacred act, only performed when the parents desired children. Futhermore, once a couple mated, they mated for life. Here, however, it is delightfully different. My followers submit to my every desire, every whim, whenever I choose. I go through several a day, indulging in every physical pleasure imaginable. I was almost beginning to grow tired—not of it but of them, the same humans each time. But luckily, a fresh shipment of attendees was well on its way.

Cade Belton was a young up-and –coming musician. He has become something of a local sensation in Lost Haven. Clubs, bars, festivals and the like were always jam packed whenever Belton announce he would be performing. The young man had already been approached by three record companies and seemed to be on the verge of stardom. And he may very well be the latest addition to the Church of Madlove.

A follower of mine, a young woman around the age of twenty-three, followed the young musician. She gradually befriended him and is now in a romantic relationship with him. This, of course, was all done under my direction. Natalie, my follower, has told the musician of the Church and persuaded the young man to come to one of my sermons. Natalie has informed me the boy is very interested in my teachings. It is imperative that I convert him.

With a popular cultural icon in my church, the youth of Lost Haven will come flocking to our doorstep. We could help the boy’s career while he endorsed us, promoted us, converting more and more into faithful followers of the divine Reverend Madlove. He is scheduled to attend my next sermon. He will join. And if he refuses, we could always show him the lovely collection of his secrets Natalie has collected.

“God is Love.
Love is God.
Man created God.
Man is Love.
We are Love.
I am Love.
Enlightenment is Love.
Truth is Enlightenment.
Madness is Truth.
Madness is Love.
Mad is Love.
Live to Love.
Love to Live.”

“Live to love and love to live. Amen.”

“Indeed. Now, I’d like to welcome a special visitor to our congregation—musician Cade Belton!”

There is a round of hearty applaud. The boy was more popular that I thought. Excellent.

“Have you enjoyed the sermon today, Cade?”

“Yes! It was very enlightening…I’ve never felt anything like I’ve felt now. Everything…everything just makes sense…”

“Ah. That means you are well on your way to Enlightenment,” I as I place my hand on his soldier, grinning ear to ear.

“It’s just…so refreshing after having years of the Bible crammed down my throat by my parents, you know?”

“I know, I know. We musn’t blame them, though, Cade. They know not of what they do. I trust we’ll see more of you, then?”

“Absolutely. Absolutely!”

“Good."

* * *​

Music is a surprisingly effective tool for manipulating humans. Belton put on a Church-sponsored concert a few days ago, in which he encouraged his audience to attend my sermons. I knew popular musicians were influential figures but I expected nothing more than a handful of youths attending the next sermon.

Attendance doubled. There was barely enough room to fit them all. And it was all because of this one human. I think this boy just might be my secret weapon. With this boom in attendance and money from Council Freider’s donation, I decided it was time to yet again expand the Church. But no more simple renovations and room additions. I wanted a new home, a new Church to tower over the people of this city and strike them with wonder and awe.

“I want a castle.”

“A castle, Reverend?”

“I’d like a castle built in Lost Haven to serve as the New Church. And our home.”

“It’s a wonderful idea, Reverend. But the logistics of it…I mean, the price alone…”

“We still have plenty left over from Frieder’s donation. Now call whatever contractors or architects we’ll need and start planning.”

“Reverend, while it’s true we have money we simply don’t have enough to cover the costs of such an endeavor.”

“Then get a loan or something. Do whatever needs to be done, I don’t care. Just do it.”

“Reverend, I strongly—“

“You seem to be showing strong opposition to something that would greatly benefit the Church. What’s wrong? Do you not want to have our fine members have a nice new home and place of worship? Do you not want them to reach Enlightenment? That sounds like Negative talk to me… ”

The herald froze with fear.

“I’ll get right on it, Reverend. I’m sorry, it was ignorant of me.”

“You are forgive, my child. I have one more thing to ask of you—I want it as close to the Guardians Headquarters as possible.”

“Um…I…”

I shoot him a look of suspicion and he quickly submits.

“Yes, Reverend.”

I requested this location for several reasons—one of which was simply to mock them. A pair of metas now-Guardians failed to stop me before and I have only grown in power since that encounter. By placing my new castle so close to this symbol of authority, I’m also sending a message to this city. I do not fear them. My power and influence is equal to—nay, greater than that of the self-righteous monsters that inhabit that tower. My church will stare into that symbol of power, order, safety—and laugh.

 

[Mr. Majestic]

[BLACKOUT]"Got mine!"[/BLACKOUT] Said Fontaine, turning to check on his ally.

[BLACKOUT]"On three! One... two... three!"[/BLACKOUT] The pair counted off, synchronising the turning of the keys...

After the keys were turn the ceiling then stops coming down and went back up to its normal position. As it did so I collapse on the floor not able to move a muscle.

“For second I thought I was going to die. Thank god that’s over.”

I then stop talking to give my body time to heal it’s self. As I was recovering a screen appears from behind a wall. Then a man appears on the screen, The Strategist.

“I must say you two did a good job. As I said you would be rewarded so here you go.”

To our left, a deposit box slide out from the wall.

“Inside that box is a piece of paper with the location of one of our bases. Tomorrow night I will be honored if the two of you could join us. We have a lot to talk about.”

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Goddess didn't even seem to flinch. The moment Blur finished his sentence, Goddess knew his intent. He was impetuous and without much thought after all. Her words leaked out in their folded way, and launched a defensive spell. It wasn't her standard bars, symbols, and glowing shielding that she normally would call, but a shimmering, transparent field, like looking through extremely clear and thin ice: distorted, but not especially so. Blurs impact with it came with a heavy thud, and a bouncing hero.

"I imagine you might be. Consider, however... Once upon a time, I was the greatest threat to all of humans. It took countless heroes, strengths, and magics to barely ward me off. Months of planning and luck to force me back into the shadows. Your plan was rushing headlong at who is the greatest sorceress in all of history. A child's plan, at best."

She raised her hand, index and middle finger extended, to finish the job while Blur was regaining his bearings, but she was cut short...





Goddess looked over at her failing, collapsing beast, and waves her hand, which severs it halfway.

"You hurt my poor construct. It may be but magic fused by my will, but it still has feelings," her voice thick with sarcasm, her breath heavy with fire. The snake began to reform.

"Unfortunately, summoning monsters and constructs happens to be a special of mine..." a new head appeared on the beast. It obviously wasn't very tough, but it was definitely hard to kill as long as Goddess simply regenerated it. Goddess opened her mouth wide, and shot out a stream of fire in a circle around her, with Michael outside of it. She crossed her forearms in front of her much like an X, her hands out like blades, "However, their power will not be needed. This, I will be more than happy to handle on my own. Allow me to show you a small part of the power I used to topple and replace gods..." Goddess slashed her arms outward and downward, while chanting slowly, by mouth a whole new spell beneath audible range. Her hands and forearms began to emit what seemed liked a charged purple smoke cloud, which quickly vanished, leaving only a glowing violet hue along her hands and forearms. She raised her right hand up, above her head, and grinned.

"Embrace of the Vampyre," her voice hollow almost. The spell was indeed costly, "Touching it means whatever powers you, will now power me. En Garde!" Another quickspell rang throughout the room as Goddess lept up, over her fire, blasting another bolt from her mouth, as her snake breached the firewall, lashing at Icon. "The snake glows bright. But stay vigilant, warrior, for the Spell of Shimmering is another specialty of mine." And Goddess was true to her word, despite the glow remaining clearly in view, the entirety of Goddess' body, clothing and all began to fade, like flickers of light, or gentle reflections on a pond. She let the snake speed ahead as she flanked around.

"Let's test your mettle and skill, hero."

The second snake springs at Icon, who responds with an optic blast that hits the beast just under the jaw. Then he moves to the right as the stunned creature sails harmlessly past him.

Icon leaves his feet, surging toward Goddess, gripping her by the shoulder. Icon looks her in the eye, "Enough."

 

[Rain Dog]

One of the dummies unloads his weapon at me, forcing me to abandon my perch. I dive for the ground. When I hit the floor of the alley, I let my forward momentum carry me over. As I'm in mid roll, I reach out and fire a grapple line at my nearest assailant, the one holding two uzis. The grapple line goes straight through his left hand, causing him to shriek in pain as he drops his guns.

When I come to a stop; I yank on the grapple line pulling him toward me. As he is forced in my direction, I level him with a hard right hand. I look down at him for a split second and can see that his won't be giving me any more problems.

"One down." I say as I teleport away from my fallen foe, and into the shadows.

Delta and Epsilon quickly rush towards the shadows but I raise my hand, signaling them to stop.

[BLACKOUT]
"Keep out of the dark. His element. Grab Gamma and go."
[/BLACKOUT]
Epsilon lifts the fallen soldier up onto his feet.

[BLACKOUT]"Man, we gotta take 'em out now!"[/BLACKOUT]

[BLACKOUT]"How'd he know? Does he know about Operation Prometheus."[/BLACKOUT]

[BLACKOUT]"Maybe. Probably. Illuminati has eyes and ears everywhere. Probably. Yes. They know. We can't wait any longer. We'll have to initiate the final step of Prometheus immediately."[/BLACKOUT]

I grab a grenade on my belt. The others follow suit. I toss mine into the direction the shadowy assailant disappeared to. We quickly begin to run off--the others tossing theirs after reaching a safe distance. My grenade explodes first--a thunderous BANG accompanied by a blinding flash. Their grenades are smoke bombs--while the flashbang stuns the Illuminati agent, the thick smoke will ensure he won't be able to follow. I disapper into the night with my men, disappointed and frightened. How could they have found out? Can this fight even be won?

 

[NiteMare Shape]

​

Delta and Epsilon quickly rush towards the shadows but I raise my hand, signaling them to stop.

[BLACKOUT]
"Keep out of the dark. His element. Grab Gamma and go."
[/BLACKOUT]
Epsilon lifts the fallen soldier up onto his feet.

[BLACKOUT]"Man, we gotta take 'em out now!"[/BLACKOUT]

[BLACKOUT]"How'd he know? Does he know about Operation Prometheus."[/BLACKOUT]

[BLACKOUT]"Maybe. Probably. Illuminati has eyes and ears everywhere. Probably. Yes. They know. We can't wait any longer. We'll have to initiate the final step of Prometheus immediately."[/BLACKOUT]

I grab a grenade on my belt. The others follow suit. I toss mine into the direction the shadowy assailant disappeared to. We quickly begin to run off--the others tossing theirs after reaching a safe distance. My grenade explodes first--a thunderous BANG accompanied by a blinding flash. Their grenades are smoke bombs--while the flashbang stuns the Illuminati agent, the thick smoke will ensure he won't be able to follow. I disapper into the night with my men, disappointed and frightened. How could they have found out? Can this fight even be won?

The flash bang grenade catches me by surprise, stunning me for a brief moment. Before I know it, I'm engulfed in a thick smoke. I can't see, I can't breath. It takes me a few seconds to gather myself before I'm able to fire a grapple from my wrist gauntlet and make my way to a nearby rooftop.

I look around the alley for my assailants, but they're long gone. However, this wasn't a total waste. Before they left, I heard one of the "dummies" say something about something called "Operation Prometheus." I don't know what it is, but at least I have a lead. But I can't shake the feeling that I'm going to have to work fast, because whatever "Operation Prometheus" is, it's going down soon.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

double post

 

[Carnage27]

"Good, good, Desmond," Chiron says as both of us catch out breath. "You are a skilled hand to hand combatant. You've studied martial arts basically your entire life, correct?"

"Yea," I respond nodding. "I've always been interested in the defensive arts. Look like they'll finally pay off."

"Indeed," the trainer of heroes smiles. "Now, I want to begin your instructions in your more...mystical powers."

Chiron's words give me a bit of unease. The thought of talking to those in the Underworld is a frightening prospect. Suppose I release a demon? Or a murder from the shackles of death? What if I accidentally resurrect some tyrant? The possibilities are endlessly bad.

"I can sense your hesitation, Desmond, and it is not unfounded," he says turning his back to me and walking towards the wall of windows that covers one of the training room's walls. "You are the first son of Hades to be trained in a long, long time. You see the last one to be trained became one of the greatest threats to this Earth. The powers you possess are vast and great, Desmond, and those with great power are often greatly tempted."

"What happened to this threat?" I ask, shifting my weight between my feet.

"A great alliance of heroes banded together, and the Gods confined him to an inescapable prison. Just remember, my young hero, with this power you possess comes a great duty. It is you that will help defend the people from the evils that plague this world."

I sigh audibly and begin pacing back and forth. I never wanted something like this. Being the protector of Earth was never an ambition of mine. I just wanted to drift through, do my own thing.

"Desmond, you must understand. This is your destiny."

"Yea, I understand."

"Good, now, back to training."

 

[trustyside-kick]

"It's been done, junior. Brains grew back, good as new." Ducking out of the way of another swipe of Michael's sword, the Survivor kicked his opponent's head. Hard enough to knock Archangel through a near wall, but not with enough force to potentially shatter his skull. Adam wasn't sure how strong this new version of Archangel was, but he wasn't going to allow himself to accidentally kill the man.

"Although I can't say that injuries like that don't sting a bit." Trying not to think about the time that Mindwarp made Adam splatter his own brains on the wall, he rubbed the sore spot on his chest for a very brief moment before the scar itself faded from existence, and his costume mended itself. Took a little longer than usual to heal from a simple cut like that. Maybe God-weapons somehow dull my healing factor...?

"I guess that just makes things more interesting then."

Wiping the blood from his mouth, with a sadistic grin very unlike his usual nature, Michael points at Survivor with the sword. As though he was making strokes with a paint brush, he gestures his firey sword through the air.

"I've just marked your death, Survivor. One of my finest paintings ever I'd say. Don't worry. You'll die a good death. It is a good thing. The canvas is the battlefield we now stand in. It's time to go to work. If you're simply going to keep healing I'll just have to rip you apart limb from limb until you're body simply gives out. Now, prepare yourself cause I planned on taking off your arms first!"

As Michael deliberately tells Adam where he plans to strike, he indeed does do so as he flies at the hero, slashing at his arms. Out of, perhaps foolish, human reaction and tendencies, Adam ties to somewhat parry the sword by crossing his arms as he tries to evade and Michael slices part of his forearms; though all muscle and bone still remains intact as he had missed.

"When I'm through with you, I'm going to sow parts of your body together like a Picasso!"

***

"Where are you?! WHO are you? Where did you come from and just WHO are you afraid of finding you?"

Then, a figure of pure purple light appears before him. A figure of light easily towering him at nearly 8 feet tall. It does not take solid shape, but as the voice is a feminine one, Michael can see slight curvatures that are that of a woman. But the figure takes no pure definite shape and retains a light-form. Her voice is so soothing and re-assuring. Like...just hearing her voice makes you feel as though everything will be all right as your heart is jolted with a sudden impact of the feeling of being in love.

To put it rather simple: she has an angelic vibe. Much like that of the Archangels which bless Michael.

"I...I'm not going to lie to you, Michael. I cannot...could not...ever bring myself to lie to you. I've come from Hell."

I take several steps back in this white void I seem to be in, but it doesn't at all create distance between me and this mysterious pink figure. All I know is, this thing is from Hell...and last time I checked that'd officially make it an enemy of mine.

...Right? Gosh, everything has gone so supernatural for me ever since I encountered Claire. Before I never dealt with this kind of biblical stuff. Guess it was only a matter of time, right? I mean, if I met angels before surely I'd encounter demons.

"But..."

...this...enigma of a thing doesn't exactly come across as demonic. Why do I feel so much...love within me? Why do I draw nearer to it, and not notice til now that I draw near it? The love it...

It feels so warm.

I haven't felt such love in a long time.

Since Grace. Since--

"It's you! You...you're the same spirit...thing...whatever you are that came to me while the invasion was going on! You...you helped me get back my Faith somehow. I still don't understand what it is you did."

"What I did, was simply educate you Michael on the power of Love. And I am here, because it is what will save you once again. But before it was dealing with your spiritual Love with God, for you had fallen and become weak in your Faith. I told you how Love is Faith...but Love is so much more to that."

Forget what Superhero 101 may have ever taught you in the comics, kiddies. I don't know who this...thing is, but she has helped me before and I'd be simply foolish enough to not do so now. I've gotta break Goddess spell and hold she has over my body so I can take hold of the steering wheel and run her butt over.

Guardian style!

"...I'm ready to learn. Teach me."

"Love is many things, Michael."

Several other figures of light appear around us, all resembling the same color of this unknown spirit from...Hell...that has come to aid me once more. Like her, they do not take full shape, and remain ambiguous before my very eyes. The purpleish figure of light towering before me in a somewhat womanly frame does not speak to me, but merely gestures her hand. So, I assume I'm supposed to approach the other figures of purple light, and naturally squint my eyes a bit hoping to seeing something more clear.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

The second snake springs at Icon, who responds with an optic blast that hits the beast just under the jaw. Then he moves to the right as the stunned creature sails harmlessly past him.

Icon leaves his feet, surging toward Goddess, gripping her by the shoulder. Icon looks her in the eye, "Enough."

Icon holds his grip on Goddess, securing her with his other hand, spinning her around and restraining her.

"Whatever it is you did to Michael, undo it now."

Goddess struggles for a moment, causing Icon to tighten his grip. While he is restraining her, Goddess begins to chant just under her breath. Suddenly, Goddess vanishes in mid air. Icon is caught by surprise when she reappears several feet away from him, hands outstretched. Before he can move, Goddess unleashes a flurry of purple colored energy that hits him square in the chest with a charge equivilant to stepping on the third subway rail.

Icon staggers back before regaining his footing, only to find that Goddess has moved just out of reach.

 

[J'adore]

2006 - FOUR YEARS AGO.

"Go Dianna!"

18 Year Old Paige Douglas was being held back by a security guard. Dianna Ricks was free, but she just stared at Paige.

"Don't hesitate just run!" Dianna nodded and ran towards the glass doors.

Paige then focused her attention on the Guard, scanning his thoughts.

"Having an affair, are we?" Paige smirked.

The guard gasped in shock and let go of Paige, stepping back. Paige then span round and quickly shot a knife into the Guard's chest, watching him slam to the ground, lifeless.

"No Paige...I can't...."

Dianna turned up at the glass doors, holding Janine Waynes, the two's practice target. Janine was sobbing and muttering in fear. Paige rolled her eyes and Dianna dropped Janine to the floor, who started to cry louder.

"Dianna, it's just one kill! A practice! Come on!"

"Like your parents. Were they just two kills?"

"No! That was different! They were innocent!"

"I'm innocent, I-I'm INNOCENT!"

Janine sobbed on the floor, curling up and covering her face. Dianna bent down beside Janine, waving her hand to the left. Janine's eyes fluttered close and Janine stopped making noises.

"Well done. Now come on, let's go"

Paige walked towards the window, Dianna following her. Dianna looked back at Janine. She had in fact changed her aura and made Janine sleep, rather than poison her aura.

PRESENT DAY.

"Mhmmhmmm"

Psychique hummed a tune as she slowly walked down the corridor, heading towards the office of Marlon Silver, her target. She held a gun by her side and patted it along to the tune she was humming.

A maid slowly walked out the lift and gasped at the sight of Psychique. Psychique grinned and then shot the maid, right in the chest. The maid groaned in pain before falling onto her chart and sliding off it, a trail of blood appearing on the cart. The camera's all had been switched off and she continued to hum until she got to the big office doors.

She could see through the key hole. Her eyes suddenly widened and she gasped.

"No! Not this time! It's already 3-1"

Her tactical telekinesis flung open the door. Her eyes glared at Mr Silver's shadow, the form of it was a man holding a gun to the head of Mr Silver. Mr Silver jumped out his seat and pressed the security button, but it was broken.

Suddenly, the shadow exploded and out jumped Raven. Psychique's competition, part-time lover and part-time ally.

"It's about to be 4-1 baby" Raven winked and cocked back his gun.

Psychique smirked in amusement and caused Raven's gun to fly to the wall.
Ceasing her chance, she quickly pulled the trigger of her gun and the bullet plunged into Mr Silver's head. Mr Silver collapsed back into Raven, who caught him then chucked him to the floor.

"3-2, 'baby'" Psychique winked.
​

"Can't you stay a little longer?"

Danny Chase sat up, the sheets of the bed covering everything below his chest. Psychique smirked, already dressed as Psychique, she got up and smirked.

"Unlike some crap mercenaries, I actually have jobs to do. Plus, today I've found a long lost lead to Knox. Her name's Janine Waynes, she was a close friend of Knox and supplied her with gadgets through her company."

"And where does Janine locate?"

"You frickin' wish"

Psychique slightly laughed and then walked out the door, shutting it behind her. Danny seemed perplexed and slowly got out of bed, getting his mobile phone from the bed side table.

MATINO CORP BUILDING.

"I want that work done by dawn tomorrow, Kyle"

Janine walked through the office cubicles and through to her office, sitting down on her chair. Not long after she had sat down, her P.A knocked on the door.

"There's someone at the door for you Ms Waynes"

Her P.A rushed away and in stepped Psychique.

"Yes? What do you want?"

Psychique had a coat wrapped around her.

"Answers."
​