The Create-A-Hero RPG Season II IC Thread

[SuperBoy-CK]

The Youngster
Becoming A Hero part 1
One more can't hurt

I stood in my loft looking out at the farm. This is just great I finally figure out how to use my powers what am I doing? Nothing but hanging out in my loft bored. I turn my back so it’s facing the view. I look around in my loft trying to think what to do with my time. The chest in the corner caught my eye. I walk over to it and bend down and pull the hoody out of it.

“I could make something to go in the inside of the hoody to fit around my head so that the hood won’t come off my face.”

This is the hoody that Lexa pulled out yesterday. This could be my superhero outfit with some blue jeans, yeah this could work.

“Wait what am I thinking? Being a hero is something that not easy. I shouldn’t joke about this. If I’m going to do this I need to take it seriously and not play about this matter.” I stand up and walk over to the desk that was on the other side of the loft. I reached in the drawers and grab some sowing tools and sat down at desk and went to work.​

Within a matter of seconds I finish the add on to the hoody. Wasting no time I put it on. I walk over to a mirror and put the hoody over my head. “Don’t know if this is going to work. You barely see my face so that’s good.” I yank the top of the hoody to see how easily it would come off. After a few good tugs it still stays on top of my head. “Well that’s good that it’s not easy to come off. This should work, it’s not as if I’m wearing glasses.”

After thinking about it I made up my mind that this is going to work but the only way I would be sure that it would I have to take a test run. So I quickly take off in super speed running till I found trouble.​

 

[Rain Dog]

[blackout]THE DUMMY[/blackout]​

With the Vessel of the Proletariats in hand, I decided to press onwards on explore the dark building in which I discovered him. Nearly pitch black inside. Reeked of mothballs and stale urine. Perfect hiding spot.

[blackout]“How long have you been waiting here, Mubbles?”[/blackout]

Meeeow

[blackout]“My God! Are there more? Like you and me?”[/blackout]

Raaaow

[blackout]“Where ar—“[/blackout]

Before I can finish my question I stumble into something. I reach one hand out to feel it--a staircase. I carefully climb up the steps, only able to see the glowing aqua-colored eyes of my companion. As I climbed higher and higher, I stumbled into something else. I reached one hand out to feel it—not a staircase. It let out a groan. Startled, I jumped back and dropped Mubbles who then scampered off into the shadows.

“W-Who’s there?” a groggy voice said.

[blackout]“I…”[/blackout]

“Who’s there?!” it repeated. Much louder. Much more frightened.

“Who are you?!”

[blackout]“…John…Smith?”[/blackout]

“No, I’m Baxter! Who are you?!”

[blackout]“John…Smith.”[/blackout]

“No, I’m Bax—“

[blackout]“My name…is John Smith.”[/blackout]

“ I don’t know you. What do you want?”

[blackout]“I wanted to see—“[/blackout]

“Are you here to take me?! Don’t take me! Please!”

[blackout]“Take you? No, I was just looking for the others. Are you one of them? Are you with the Proletariats?”[/blackout]

“No, I’m Baxter! Who are you?!”

[blackout]“John Smith…Mubbles said there are more in here besides him. Are you one of them?”[/blackout]

“…Yes...I’m Baxter. I’m going back to sleep now…tired…”

[blackout]“Nice to meet you, Baxter.”[/blackout]

“Back to sleep now…tired…” he said, his voice gradually fading away. Seemed like a very odd man. I knew better though. Clearly a test. I continued climbing until I reached the top of the staircase. It was too dark to go on now and I was too tired. I sat up against the wall and prepared to rest for the night. As my eyelids grow heavier and heavier, I can see a pair or glowing orbs peering out at me in the distance.
[blackout]

“Goodnight, Mubbles.”
[/blackout]

[blackout]THE DUMMY[/blackout]​

Second week into freedom. The night is consumed in flames and violence. A few nights ago there was a massive power outage in the district. Lots of looting. Police come. Looter gets killed. Riot starts. Policeman is killed. More police come. Rioter gets killed. More rioting. Windows are smashed, cars are set aflame, gang members roam the streets, waging war against the law.

I am currently roaming “ground zero”. Shop windows are smashed and dozens of delinquents are rushing in and out of them, loot in hand. An occasional burst of gunfire echoes through the night air. Across the street a youth in all red is totting his gun. I hear another burst of gunfire as a car passes by. The youth is dead. I take cover in an alley and discover a horrific sight. This is the very street the police officer was shot to death. And here he lies before me, his bloody body covered in battered SWAT armor. Are the riots so bad that the man’s corpse could not be recovered?

I hear a thunderous, rhythmic thumping in the distance. With each passing second it grows louder and louder. I peek my head out of the alley and see another riot squad marching towards the area, drumming on their shields with their batons. One shouts into a megaphone. Some of the looters scurry away like cockroaches but others are a bit bolder, ignoring the threats and pleas from the officers and continuing their thievery. The gun totting criminals and thugs are more defiant, standing their ground. I hear another burst of gunfire. The megaphone man gives up and they begin hurling their canisters of tear gas. Most of the criminals are on the run now—they few that resisted were met with blows from the riot squad’s batons. I begin to worry. Order will soon be restored, I think. That is good. But what if I am recognized by the police? I will be captured. Imprisoned again. Who knows what they’ll do to me this time.

I remove the armor and padding from the corpse in the alley and quickly put it on. I sprint across the street under cover of the clouds of gas. The few rioters who can see me run scared, mistaking me for a police officer. I stumble across the body of the youth in red. I pry his gun from his hand—I may have use for it in the future.

Hours later, I am at home, recanting the night’s events to Mubbles and Baxter. Mubbles tells me to hold on to my new equipment as it will probably be needed in our war against the Illuminati. Baxter tells me his name again. I sleep until well into the next day.

 

[Climperoonie]

OUT OF DEPTH - PART IV​

I have a feeling I'm screwed. I'm facing a resurrected Hulk rip-off, who's ten times as strong as me and has all my powers. But at least I know his weakness. Water. I need to lead him to the waterfront. And fast. I leap into the air and take off, followed by Savage. I'm much more agile airborne, and he's too bulky to catch me, so I can play Cat and Mouse to the waterfront. Hopefully Carson can take this opportunity to cover the area in the bank.​

*****​

Carson watches the two supers dart into the sky.​

"This is our chance to check inside." He says. The remenants of the squad walk in, guns at the ready. All of a sudden, the lights turn off.​

"Carson?" One questions.​

"I did nothing." He says. Then the same oficer screams, as a sickening crack echoes everywhere. "Officer, report." Carson orders. There's nothing. "You two, we split up. Atkins, you take the safe rooms, Ford, you take the left stairs. I'll take right."​

The group splits. Carson sneaks up the stairs, his torch held to the underside of the barrel. He finds an office. Inside, there is paper strewn everywhere and furniture upturned. Carson walks up to a piece of paper and turns it over. In spidery-writing, it says "Turn Around". Fast as anything, a twizzles, and his torch finds something opaque and black. He fires at the figure, but it makes no difference. The silhouette stalks towards him. A tendril extends from the figures chest and throws Carson to the floor, and the figure then walks up to him and raises him into the air by his throat.​

OUT OF DEPTH - PART V​

"I'm getting p!ssed off with you!" The roaring voice shouts from behind me. I choose to ignore it, and instead spare a look behind me. It slows me down, and Savage grabs me and throws me onto a building top. I pick myself up, and survey my location. The Pertwee Tower stands tall a few blocks from me, and another few blocks is the waterfront. Good. I only need to get there and then - SMASH. I'm thrown to the ground by something hard. I look up and see Savage only just landing, but in front of him, closer to me, stands his henchman. Zireus, the plant man. I run forward and leap over Zireus, swivelling so I'm flying backwards and zapping the humaniod mass of vines and moss. He turns and raises a hand to me. The vines making his hand uncoil and shoot towards me, grabbing my leg. He throws me off the building, and then Savage jumps off and grabs me, speeding my descent and making my impact with the ground more painful. I manage to get up and out the way, mere seconds before the red giant smashes into the same spot. Car alarms blare and people stare at us in awe.

"Well, that was... Fun." I say, rubbing my head. Savage leaps up and roars in anger as I stand, arms folded, hovering a foot off the ground. Vines shoot down next to Savage and reform into Zireus. I look at them both. "Ah, c'mon, two against one? That's a bit unfair... On you!" I taunt.

"Oh, but there's not two. There's three." Savage smiles. Suddenly, a cloud of darkness from the alleyway evelopes me. Silhouette. I'm pulled into the alley, twisting, trying to fight against the non-existant enemy. The darkness draws closer, tightening round me. So I unleash a burst of electricity. It pushes back the darkness for a second. But a second is all I need to get away. I duck out, where Savage and Zireus are waiting. Silhouette forms next to them. I leap up and take off. Savage follows, also flying, whereas Silhouette follows as a floating cloud of blackness and Zireus as a mass of tendrils, bouncing from building to building. I'm nearly at the water front. Just a bit closer. Finally, I'm there. Savage lands near to me, and Silhouette and Zireus reform. I need to end this. Now.​

 

[Mercy]

Few. They're gone. Now I need to contact---
No, no, this can't be happening, I'm not seeing what I'm seeing. I had turned around and my eyes had fixed on the familiar figure I hoped never to see again.
"Launch" I mutter, my expression bursts with anger.

"You called?"
​

Siren
A Siren's Song Part Two

​

I gulped, I never expected to see Launch again in my life, Launch raised her arm at me, it clinked and slowly shifted into the huge gun, a Bazooka.
Instead of being feared, I slap on a brave face and smile.
"Actually, I didn't call you, I just read at your really stupid name" I smile, launch laughs of pity at me and steps forward.
"So, you getting married tonight then?" Launch asks, I nod.

"Well, we can't have that can we! You having a husband, no, we can't have that! Not after you killed mine silly!" Launch smiles, that twisted b****. I decide to finally use my powers, this will feel good.
"Hold on Karen, seems like you have a spot on your forehead!" I slam my hand onto her forehead, into the temple, I smile and feel her thoughts inside of me, I feel control.
"Power feels good doesn't it Lana?" Launch's eyes pierce on me, I continue to absorb all the control Launch has over her own body.
"So, who's given you this Karen?" I say as I step back from Launch, Launch shakes her head and raises the gun again.

"Someone who's very, very close to you" Launch grits through her teeth, I smile. That silly, ignorant, wannabe Villain.
"Obviously not enough" My eyes burst with pink flames and so does Launch's, she stumbles back.
"I command you, to point the gun to yourself and fire" I chant under my breath, it seems to work, she has raised her gun arm to her chest, but I can feel her fighting, but it seems like I'm stronger.
"I always was a good actress" Karen takes the gun away from her chest and slams it over my head. Oh god, I can feel it, my eyes slowly flutter, but stay open, as I fall to the hard floor, I can see the heel of Launch's boot and my hands flung over my body, I lye helplessly.

"FREEZE!" A small laptop which is placed on the round silver table bursts into Binary, finally forming into Luna Toro aka Binary.
"So, you Lana's girlfriend?" Launch smirks, suddenly, Curar and Sky run in, but no sign of Mirakle or the rest.
"Sky called me, I'm hear to heal" Curar explained in his Spanish accent.
"Go back to Spain, lov" Karen raises her gun, no, please, I have to do something. I leap up, in pain, I clutch the Bazooka and push it somewhere else, a missile explodes from the gun and slams into a wall, knocking it down. Binary gasps,
"S***! THE BASE!" Binary panics, Curar runs over to me and picks me up, he then runs and takes cover behind the table. Launch shoots one more missile at Sky and Binary but Sky bursts out with a force field.
"That's new" Sky gasps.

Curar gently touches my head, his eyes swirl with red smoke. Will I make it? Curar seems nice, but he frowns, something is wrong, wrong.

 

[Climperoonie]

OUT OF DEPTH - PART V​

"I'm getting p!ssed off with you!" The roaring voice shouts from behind me. I choose to ignore it, and instead spare a look behind me. It slows me down, and Savage grabs me and throws me onto a building top. I pick myself up, and survey my location. The Pertwee Tower stands tall a few blocks from me, and another few blocks is the waterfront. Good. I only need to get there and then - SMASH. I'm thrown to the ground by something hard. I look up and see Savage only just landing, but in front of him, closer to me, stands his henchman. Zireus, the plant man. I run forward and leap over Zireus, swivelling so I'm flying backwards and zapping the humaniod mass of vines and moss. He turns and raises a hand to me. The vines making his hand uncoil and shoot towards me, grabbing my leg. He throws me off the building, and then Savage jumps off and grabs me, speeding my descent and making my impact with the ground more painful. I manage to get up and out the way, mere seconds before the red giant smashes into the same spot. Car alarms blare and people stare at us in awe.​

"Well, that was... Fun." I say, rubbing my head. Savage leaps up and roars in anger as I stand, arms folded, hovering a foot off the ground. Vines shoot down next to Savage and reform into Zireus. I look at them both. "Ah, c'mon, two against one? That's a bit unfair... On you!" I taunt.​

"Oh, but there's not two. There's three." Savage smiles. Suddenly, a cloud of darkness from the alleyway evelopes me. Silhouette. I'm pulled into the alley, twisting, trying to fight against the non-existant enemy. The darkness draws closer, tightening round me. So I unleash a burst of electricity. It pushes back the darkness for a second. But a second is all I need to get away. I duck out, where Savage and Zireus are waiting. Silhouette forms next to them. I leap up and take off. Savage follows, also flying, whereas Silhouette follows as a floating cloud of blackness and Zireus as a mass of tendrils, bouncing from building to building. I'm nearly at the water front. Just a bit closer. Finally, I'm there. Savage lands near to me, and Silhouette and Zireus reform. I need to end this. Now.​

OUT OF DEPTH - PART VI​

Right now, it's more of a staring contest than a fight. We're just standing, daring eachother to make the first move.

"Where did you lot meet then? Internet dating site?" I ask. Savage smiles.

"So very full of jokes, aren't you." Savage's sneer turns to an expression of annoyance. "After you left me for dead, I was found by a shadow. Silhouette. He recovered me and I called Zireus. We formulated a plan. After that, it was just a case of finding you. I invented the Arsenal persona, knowing that eventually you would find me. Took you long enough though. The Savage genes laid dormant in my body. All I need was a dosage of electricity from you to reawaken them." Savage reveals. Eachtime he refers to me his says it with such disgust in his voice. Idiot.

"And what about Garden Center Man there? Last time I saw him he thanked me for 'killing' you." I say. Savage turns to Zireus.

"I was freed. But it was not a life. Serving Savage is all I have." Zireus says.

"There's a good pet." Savage laughs. My fists tighten. This person was normal, once. And Savage ground him into the dirt and destroyed his life. The bastard. I cannot contain my anger any longer. I leap at him.​

 

[Climperoonie]

OUT OF DEPTH - PART VII​

The next few seconds are a whirlwind. Zireus grabs me and throws me to Savage, who smacks me to Silhouette. Silhouette wraps a tendril round my throat and slams me to the ground.

"Not feeling so damn lucky now, are you." Savage sneers. He grabs my neck and tightens his grip. He begins to walk me out onto the jetty. "You drowned me. I think this is appropriate revenge." He smiles.

"Go on then... I don't think you would... What happens if you lose your powers again?" I ask. Savage considers.

"If I lose my powers again, I won't need them back. You'll be dead." And he drops me. I go under, and feel my body fizzing. I'm going to short circuit myself. My body heats up.

Dad. I'm going to die, just like him. And leave Mom, like him... I can't get away, but I can't leave her. I need help. I wasn't ready. Scout... Eagle Scout. I should have listened to him. No heroics. What about STRIKE? I never discovered what that was, and what it had to do with me. And Chels. At least I'll be with her again.

This is it. Chelsea's face appears as I fade to eternal darkness. I'll be with her again....​

 

[NiteMare Shape]

​

I climb in through the rear window into my apartment. For the most part it's dark, except for the blue glow of a television set coming from my bedroom.

"Kevin, is that you?" I hear Erica's voice calling from the bedroom.

"Yeah, it's me." I say as I pull my mask off.

"So, how'd it go?"

"The usual, not really too much of a test." I pause. "Though one did get off a lucky shot, hit me right in the chest."

I take take off the top of my costume, revealing a big red welt, right where the bullet had barely broke the skin.

"Did you get it done?"

"Yeah, the stockpile is gone. The Cartel is going to be out looking for blood."

Across Town...


Richard Midas listens as he is informed of the losses suffered in the warehouse.

"So, because of you incompetance the entire stockpile is gone? He speaks into the phone.

"No Tasker, I'm not interested in your bloody excuses. I pay you for results, and you have failed miserably to at achieve those results."

He listens as Mr. Tasker again tries to offer his apologies as well as assurances that mistakes like this will not happen again.

"Of course Stephen, I understand completely. I'm sure that this was just an abbaration. Yes...Yes Stephen, no need for apologiies, I understand....Yes, you have a good night as well. We'll discuss what can be done to address this in the morning. Goodnight Stephen."

Midas hangs up the phone.

"Blasted fool. Nigel, I want you to take a few men and pay Mr. Tasker and his family a visit.

"Of Course sir. Shall we make it look like an accident?"

"Don't bother. Kill everyone in the house. I want to send a message that I will not tolerate this kind of incompetence in my organization."

"Very well sir."

"Oh, and Nigel, don't mess this up. I'd hate to have to try and replace you as well."

The older gentleman gives a wry smile.

"No sir, we wouldn't want to have that." He stops, and turns back to Midas. "Sir, if I may...What are we going to do about this Shadow Walker character?"

"Don't you worry about that Nigel. He will be taken care of soon enough." Midas says with a grin as his servant closes the door behind him.

 

[Eddie Brock]

FLUX

Chrissy is half-awake when Maddox enters the room. Her eyes are inexplicably drawn to the knife holstered to his belt - the same knife that he ran through her over and over again during the past week. The knife gets closer as Maddox approaches. Then, suddenly, Maddox punches Chrissy in the jaw.

"Wake up," he barks. His voice is lifeless. She can tell that his heart isn't in it today. Good. That will make her plan that much easier.

Chrissy bites her lip until she can feel a sting. Her eyes dart up to look at Maddox's face. She glares at him, and he merely stares lazily back.

"The Hell is your problem?" he asks uninterestedly. He wraps a coarse hand around her throat and lifts her chin to look at him. "Put a smile on, darling. Ain't no questions today." He grins toothily with malicious intent.

Chrissy sneers as she feels his hatred flowing into her. She recycles it and converts it into her own hatred. Soon, the cycle is self-sustaining. Maddox gets angrier, and so does Chrissy. Then, Chrissy cuts loose.

The chair behind Maddox is flung across the room, clanging against the metal door. Maddox stumbles back as though he suffered a blow to the shoulder. The anger on his face is matched only by his confusion. His focus is then redirected to the sound of groaning metal. The legs of Chrissy's chair are digging into the floor, causing four dents in the hard metal. Maddox suddenly realizes that his feet, too, are crushing the steel floor.

"Are you doing this?" Maddox asks irritatedly as he reaches for his knife. As soon as he unholsters it, the knife is thrown by an unseen force. It clatters against the corner as if caught in a strong wind. Maddox clenches his fist. "I've had enough!"

"So have I," Flux responds in a distorted voice. The effect is chilling. Without warning, Flux breaks free of her bonds. As soon as she stands up, her chair flies backwards. It leaves a sizable dent in wall. "It's time for you to answer for your crimes," Flux growls.

Maddox is no longer angry. He's not even confused. For the first time in a long time, Maddox is scared.

Flux resists this new emotion, but she finds it irritatingly pervasive. Realizing that she doesn't have long left before fear overcomes her, she tosses Maddox across the room with her telekinesis. He slams against the far corner - above his knife - and is knocked out cold. Flux releases the tension in her body, and the objects in the room stop bouncing around.

Flux runs up to Maddox's body and retrieves his keycard. Unfortunately, the door to her holding cell only opens from the outside. Flux begins to panic. She hears the sounds of footsteps approaching the door. Thinking quickly, Flux becomes invisible.

The door to the holding cell bursts open, and three armed guards barge in. Flux slips by them unnoticed, slamming the door shut behind her. Once in the hall, she becomes visible again. She can hear the frantic pounding of the trapped guards behind her. In the distance, a siren sounds. Flux does the only thing she can think of.

She closes her eyes, pictures Lost Haven, and teleports.
​

 

[Lockandload1]

Erin spread out on her four-poster bed. Sure, it was nice and all, but she missed her humble abode in Wichita. Although the tornadoes were a necessary evil, she'd go back to it any day, just to feel what she was used to. Not that there was much of any familiarity to comfort her these days..

Ah, well. At least she was by the water. Even though Kansas was landlocked, she felt a strange sense of comfort to see the coastline here. It was something she couldn't quite explain.

And, I'll be able to check out my opponents. I wonder who the players are today?

Her phone rang and she heard her boyfriend's quieted voice. It was a welcome addition to her quiet apartment-Suprisingly, she was the only tenant in the secluded area.
Her phone rang.

'Erin, it's Jack.'
"Hey, there. Long time, no see. Been on another planet lately?"
'I just wanted to tell you that..uh..'

She laughed.

"Spit it out silly, what is it?"

He began speaking quickly.

'I don't think a long-distance relationship will work out. We should just be friends.'
"H-Huh..? Wait, what did you say?"

It hit her like a wall of bricks.
If one listened closely enough to his line, they could hear a woman's faint giggle.

'Come to bed, sweetie.'

Then a harried 'sh!' noise was made as he covered the phone's mouthpiece.

'If you want to talk about it, call me back, okay? Bye.'
WHAT?!

Before she could yell at him, he hung up, leaving her alone to fume.


"Son of a-!!"

She was furious. So furious, in fact, that she threw her phone across the room. The small object flew into her wall and stuck, leaving a deep dent.

Erin seethed as she put on her shoes and slammed the door, which warped the frame and shattered its glass.

An even better proposition to see if the Game could be played here! She was prepared for war. She left the solitary area for the streets, her destination being the gym. If she couldn't find anyone to take her immense anger out on, she would force her energy level down.

 

[Byrd Man]

The Blue Blur
Learning Curves

Lost Haven

"Uh-huh...so what are you wearing?" I say to Jen over the phone as I look out the motel's window at the overcast sky.

"Yeah....yeah...wow...that's a lot of clothes...."

I've been with Kensei for a month and a half now. In that time, I haven't been allowed to contact anyone. I was only allowed to tell Jen and Mom that I was leaving. Kensei said I could call and talk to someone while he went out to look around Lost Haven.

"God, I love you....I miss you too...I'm not sure how long I'll be here.....I can't tell you where I am either, I do think I'm almost done."

I hear the door open and look to see Kensei coming through the door. He looks funny wearing jeans, a t-shirt and coat.

"I have to go....I'll see you soon...love you too....bye."

I hang up and look at Kensei as I lay back on the motel bed.

"So, this is what it's like getting a room with a guy? Wow, I was under the impression it was less crime-fighting and more sodomy..."

He lets the slightest smile escape his lips as he turns towards the bathroom.

"What is the name of this part of Lost Haven again?"

"We're in Carver. This is more residential."

"Then this is where we will start out final lesson." He says as he closes the bathroom door.

I wait until I hear the toilet flush and for the door to open before I ask the question.

"What exactly are we doing here?"

"We're doing what a hero does best...save people."

"I'm good at that..."

"We'll see how good you are without powers...or a costume....grab your coat."

***********
​

We're walking down the fairly empty sidewalk in Carver when he nudges my side.

"Look. Here is your first chance." He points up ahead to a car parked on the side of the street with it's hazard lights on, a woman trying her best to change a tire.

I nod at my teacher and jog up the street to the woman.

"Pardon me, mam?"

She looks up at me, grease and sweat on her face.

"Do you need any help?"

*************

Going at regular speed, it takes me about five minutes to change the tire.

The lady smiles at me as she starts her car.

"God bless you, you're an angel."

"No, I'm not....I'm just a decent human being."

I smile as she drives off. Kensei comes up from behind and places his hand on my shoulder.

"How do you feel, Matthew?"

"I feel...good."

"Look around you. There are no cameras, no press, no sponsors. You now know how it feels to do something because you wanted to, not because you were getting paid to."

A fire siren somewhere rings out, Kensei and I look upwards and see smoke rising from a few blocks away.

"Come, let's go."

It takes the two of us a few minutes to reach the burning building. So far, only a half dozen people are standing outside, no firemen yet.

"There's still people in there!"

The sound of people screaming is heard over the roaring fire.

Kensei looks at me and nods.

"Remember, no powers. I will be watching."

I only swallow hard as I take off into the burning building.
​

 

[Blacklight]

N i g h t m a r e s:
Act I​

Chapter 44: The Descent, pt.9...



As the Descender and I had become more aligned through the following weeks, I also noticed how my personality began to change as well, and at the time I thought, for the better.

I found myself coming more and more out of my shell every day I had the sword on my person. Despite the very very brief remorse I had of putting Joe King's dad in the slammer, I had no care in the world. Especially in regards to the female department. An area that I wasn't the sharpest in... But it didn't much matter when the Descender was with me. It made me feel so confident, maybe even too much so, that I was asking out girls left and right! I mean sure, I still had my love for Kristi, but by that point I had figured there was no point in waiting on her to come around. So I'd take my chances with some of the other hot pieces of tail in my school...

"Hey, Tara. Dayumn girl you must be a cop, because you're this city's finest... Date?"

"Eww, with a sleazey nerd like you? No thanks..."

"What!? Why not? You've slept with almost every other guy in school! Why can't you add me to your checklist?"

SMACK!

"Monster!"

Man would I regret to hear that word...

.......

...I said I was asking girls out left and right. I didn't say I was successful.

But either way, after many many failed attempts at getting a date, I decided that maybe continuing my pursuit of Kristi was still my best option... However, if I was to make my move for Kristi, I was going to have to do it later that night, at Andrew Frankovitch's party.

Deciding to dress for the occasion, I remember dressing up in my best pair of baggy jeans and black dress shirt, with my Blacklight suit (coupled with the Descender sword) on underneath of course, just in case... On the way, I picked up a single flower to bring with me from the flower shop. A rose. What I assumed Kristi would like if she was into flowers. At least I hoped...

Then before I knew it, my ride dropped me off at is house, and telling from the loud music I could hear from outside, I could tell the place was bangin'. Perfect. This was what I was looking for, and I hoped to do better this time with Kristi than all the other girls I asked out. It had to be just right...

I walked through the doors to enter what I pictured the party would look like. Loud music. Bright lights... People dancing about to the music. Exactly how I wanted it to be... and then I saw her. Right there before me.

"Hey, Kristi. Wow... You look... beautiful..." I said as I handed her the rose, and she looked at it with a weird... uncomfort in her eyes...

"Oh... uhh, hey Jon. Uhh, thanks..." she stuttered. Almost as if she were getting bad vibes or something from me...

"Kristi, there's been something I've always wanted to tell you..."

"Jon, please... Just stop. Don't even say what I think you're about to say..."

"What? B-but, Kristi... I love--"

"It doesn't matter... You've changed, Jon. You're not the boy that I had fun with anymore. You're not the same... Now, it's like the dark side of you is starting to come out... You're aggressive, overzealous... and you hurt everyone around you... Even me."

"But Kristi you're wrong. It's still me. It's still Jon!"

"No you're not... You're a selfish person. You only care about yourself... You're a monster..."

"No... No I'm NOT!!" I yelled in frustration. I couldn't control myself...

"Is there a problem here?" Steve Artzeronian interrupted... Her stupid ex-boyfriend. Shoulda figured he'd intervene. Well, I didn't care what she thought! I was going to show her that I can love her like noone lese could! One way... or another.

"NO, Steve. Everything was FINE until YOU showed up..."

"Hey, man. I don't like your tone... You better leave you little creep, before I make you. And stop stalking my ex..."

Stalking? STALKING!?! How DARE he! I thought... I had never done anything of the sort! And for someone to tarnish my name by saying something as blasphemous as "stalker" was enough to make me....

BIFF!

...Snap.

Steve crashed into the punch table, and everyone else looked at me as my fists slowly lowered to my sides, and I breathed as heavily as a bull that's seen red, because the gloves were off. I was out for blood then... There was no stopping me until what I wanted was mine.

His friends then all went over to help him, while some of them came after me to avenge their pal... Everyone of them met the same fate.

I had used my adavanced strength to punch them all halfway across the party room, each time a new one coming to get a piece of me... I wasn't very much liked at my school, so when more and more idiots came to try and beat me, I started to think that there wasn't anymore friends looking to protect one of their own as much as it was said kids trying to get a chance to 'beat down the nerdy kid' now that the school's roof wasn't able to protect me. Each one of them all fell... Quite the pathetic sight if you asked me...

"Come on! Anyone ELSE!?!?! FACE ME!!!

"Jon STOP!! STOP IT NOW!!!"

"NO!!" I yelled as I continued my stand, Kristi grabbing my arm, and my sight was so blurred with red that I lost control, and did the unthinkable...

"Kristi? KRISTI!?!" I heard Tara calling out to her as I looked behind me to see Kristi unconcious on the floor... and I was frozen at the realization of what had happened...

"You MONSTER!! You HIT her!!"

"But... No... I-I didn't--" I pleaded as I stopped and calmed down from my rage.

"GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!!!"

The tears in her eyes were enough to clear the haze of fury that was in my eyes... But I was lost... How could I have done such a thing? I looked at the see of boys around me, all struggling to get up after what I had done to them... What had I done? How did I allow myself to cause such... such pain? I was supposed to be a hero... I was Blacklight... Not... not this... this thing. A monster... That's what I was...

Some hero...

"I SAID LEAVE!!!"

And I did as such...

After making it through the doors, I remember taking off into the cool night air... Trying to figure out what was wrong with me...

What's happening? I don't know who I am anymore...

You're a hero, Jonathan...​

No! I'm not a hero! A hero doesn't attack innocents... A hero doesn't hit the woman he loves!

You didn't need her anyways... You're feelings for her were only holding you BACK!! And so I helped you get RID of them...​

Y-you... You did WHAT!?!

I made you do those things, Jonathan... Because in order to make you a better hero, I needed you to stop loving that pesky little ****. So by making you attack that mob of boys, and by making you hit her, I made sure that they would neevr see you the same way again... They would view you as a monster... SHE would view you as a monster, and she would never be with a monster... and when you realised this, you would move on. Be the hero you were DESTINED to be, Jonathan... Be one with us!​

No... NOOOO!!!! WHO ARE YOU!?!

Then it hit me... The voices in my head... I thought it was all me, like some part of my subconscious that learned about what it was to do good from all the comics I read, like Superman and Spider-Man, and they were trying to help make me be a better hero... But NONE of these bad things... Kristi, Joe's dad, the criminal I almost killed, and more importantly, the voices... NONE of them happened until after that day at the museum, and after I came into possession of the thing that I thought was the best thing to ever happen to me...

Y-you're the spirit of the Descender sword aren't you? The legend was right! You made that warrior kill all those people! You made him into a monster! Then he killed himself! You're... Evil...

Join us, Jonathan! Fulfill your DESTINY!!!​

NO! I'm not like you! I'm not a monster! I'm a hero! I'm Blacklight!!​

HAHAHAHAHA! You're BLACKLIGHT!?! My boy, that is to LAUGH!! No you're not!! You are NOTHING, Jonathan! You're just a scared little boy way in over his head... A selfish little kid... You're a monster, Jonathan... Just like us... Now let us become ONE so that we can RULE this planet with an IRON FIST!!! Bring the vengeance my master WANTED us to bring to this world!! PAIN! MISERY!! CHAOS!!​

DESTRUCTION...​

NEVER!!​

JOIN US!!!!!​

NO!!​

JOOOINNN USSSS!!!!!!!​

"NOOOOOO!!!!" I screamed as I ripped the sword from my back and with all my strength, threw it into the sky as it flew like a missle into the atmosphere, where I hoped it would burn, or get crushed in the vaccuum of space. So this NIGHTMARE could hopefully finally end...

* * *​

And that night was the night of my descent into darkness... but luckily for me, I saw light. That light would turn out to be my savior. Like a star, falling from the sky...

 

[Lockandload1]

The gym door opened, revealing a woman in a blouse, shorts, and running shoes. She had a mellow demeanor; her arms and legs were toned, but not much more beyond athletic.

A musclebound man in back whistled.
'You new here, sweetheart?'

Erin flinched inside. Hearing that word irked her enough to toss something at him, but she kept calm.

What guy says that these days, anyway?

"As a matter of fact, I am. And I would enjoy taking up a small bet with you-How about a challenge?"

He laughed.
'Challenge me on what? I'm up for anything..if you know what I mean.'

By god, she was going to relish this afterwards.
"A benchpressing challenge, five hundred bucks. I want to test your limits."

The man cocked an eyebrow and then gave a demeaning chuckle.
'Your funeral, sweetheart.'

A spotter came over and the challenge began. At first, the man appeared to be winning-250 pounds to her 120. Then the weight began to pile on:
For every 50 he added, she upped her game by 80 lbs.

The spotter warned Erin to slow down, but she smirked.
"You should be more concerned about Mister Universe over there."

Sure enough, he was beginning to sweat like a pig. He puffed and groaned to lift a grand total of 750 lbs., but he could barely move it. Meanwhile, Erin continued to add onto her heavy burden of 920 without much strain at all. It was unfeasible; a small crowd had gathered around the two.
'It's a guy in women's clothing! It has to be!'
'Anyone got a camera in here?'

And she continued until she got to 1000 pounds, which started to bend the metal holding up the weight. Erin gave a mighty 'rah!' as she put the weight down, getting up again.
"The money."

He needed help from his spotter to replace the bar, and then he searched through his wallet. She snatched the money from his hands with a grin.
"Thank you for playing! I'll be going now."

Erin gleefully pocketed the money and exited as easily as she had entered.

Now, wasn't that a morale booster?
I should go celebrate. It's a little odd for me, but why not take some time to appreciate the nature here? I could always go back to the apartment and pick up some stuff, load up the Jeep..

Sounds good! Off to the wilderness I go.

Erin strutted with the confidence of an Olympic sprinter the whole way back.

 

[Spike_x1]

I look at him for a moment, trying to get a handle on whether he is legit or not.

"That's thing though, isn't it? Something is ALWAYS coming. That's why guys like me and Survivor are here. To put them in their place when they get here. I'm sorry, but 'Something is coming' just doesn't cut it. You're really going to have to give us more to go on. Because quite frankly, I'm getting alittle sick of people coming to me with vague warnings about something that is coming. "

The Architect gave only the smallest hint of a sneer at Icon's words. Note to self: Don't do business with Scott Morse, he noted mentally.

"It's something alien," he admitted. "And not just your run of the mill extraterrestrial that people like us always seem to deal with every so often. I have evidence that whatever these things are, they have the power to either move or obliterate entire planets." The robotic avatar of the Architect held out its hand as the palm splintered open, revealing holographic projection technology within. A 3D starchart appeared, projected from the lens in his hand, showing planets and nebulae with dates and times attached, showing where the celestial bodies had been at relatively recent dates, compared with current dates where each given example of them seemed to have been completely erased from the charts.

"Naturally, you'll want to check my facts. Go to any astronomy facility and give them these coordinates for their primitive star maps. Once all of the data has been tediously spelled out for their tiny minds, they'll be able to expertly double check and confirm what I've just told you."

 

[Mercy]

Siren
A Siren's Song Part Three​

"You have emotional damages as well" Curar spat out, I sighed of relief, glad it wasn't a physical injury.
"My appointment, it's in ten minutes" I mutter, Curar places his cold hands on my head, a red glow emerges from them and it heals my head injuries.

Flames cackle from the explosion that Launch triggered. Launch is gone, it didn't hear anything because I was too dizzy to notice.
"Thanks Sky" Binary smiled. I shoot up.
"That cab still coming?" I ask, eager to look pretty for Harry.
"B-But the base! It's exploded! We need your help!" Binary freaks, I slowly walk up to Binary and Sky and touch them in the temple.
"You will be at my wedding, looking nice and you will come with me now and Curar will clean up this mess by rebooting the 'base programme' Harry told me about, now you and Sky follow me" I gently smile, Binary and Sky nod reluctantly.
"Curar you clean this mess up. Come on Siren, your cab awaits"

Soon...
I grin at my blonde hair and then down to my emerald green dress. Inside I feel horrible, disgust. It gets worse when I spot Terminator come in, wearing a short silk ruby red dress.
"Sister darling! Come on, I need to talk to you before you marry!" Terminator smiles, I try to hide my horrible expression. I walk away from Luna Toro and go into a corner with Terminator.
"Look, the boss informed me, don't blow my cover until you run away, but for now, call me Tempest Bannon"
Family. A hole burns in my chest, the thought of it disgusts me, a cyborg as my sister. I shiver and walk away.
I look at the grand palace room, Luna, Sky and 'Tempest' stand behind me, holding my dress and wearing matching outfits.

I slowly walk down the isle, grinning, I see Brooke, Terry, Lola, Curar and the rest of the boys from Justice Knights, but most importantly, I see Harry Lead aka Mirakle. A tear trickles down my face, of sadness but no one knows that, they just click their camera's and smile.
The priest is Samurai from the hand, but he is dressed in his 'priest' outfit I guess. I just hope that son of a ***** don't ruing my wedding.

After a whole speech from Samurai, the worst bit of the wedding comes up. We have to say "I Do".
"I Do" Mirakle smiles and turns to me. I gulp and look at Samurai, then to 'Tempest'.
*Do It!* The Boss' voice shifts around in my head, I finally open my dry mouth, I try to speak but can't. I spin away, the vale sliding off my head. I yanked the dress off the three girls and look around at everyone, silence fills the room.
"I-I" My head pounds, I run away, screaming in my head, everyone gasping, then it hit me. I know why The Boss is doing this, to get my mind weak, weak as air, so she can control me.

"L-Lana?" Harry mutters in shock,
"LANA GET BACK HERE!" Tempest grabs my arm, she's trying to sabotage the mission. My telekinetic blasts kick in, I send Terminator flying to the floor. Luna gasps and slowly chases after me.
"LANA! GET BACK HERE!" Luna shouts, Terminator gets up and holds a gun to Binary, she smirks.
"Binary, even a fool like you couldn't identify me" Binary twists round and kicks Terminator in the face. Samurai flips over a shocked Harry and jabs his sword towards Sky. Sky shoots a force field and gets out a gun from her bra, she shoots it towards Samurai.
"No, no, no......NO!"
A burst of energy erodes out of Mirakle's body, it hits Sky and Samurai and sends them flying into Lola and Terry, who all crash on the back isle. Binary slams a tube of binary into Terminator, trying to control her. Terminator grabs Binary's neck and slams her into Mirakle.

After a few minutes, blue smoke fades away. Binary is slumped next to Mirakle, the boys from Justice Knights are underneath a pile of rubble. Lola, Terry, Sky and Samurai are in the destroyed back isle, Brooke is lying on the floor of an isle, Terminator next to her. All unconscious except Mirakle.
"Just go"

 

[Climperoonie]

OUT OF DEPTH - PART VII​

The next few seconds are a whirlwind. Zireus grabs me and throws me to Savage, who smacks me to Silhouette. Silhouette wraps a tendril round my throat and slams me to the ground.​

"Not feeling so damn lucky now, are you." Savage sneers. He grabs my neck and tightens his grip. He begins to walk me out onto the jetty. "You drowned me. I think this is appropriate revenge." He smiles.​

"Go on then... I don't think you would... What happens if you lose your powers again?" I ask. Savage considers.​

"If I lose my powers again, I won't need them back. You'll be dead." And he drops me. I go under, and feel my body fizzing. I'm going to short circuit myself. My body heats up.​

Dad. I'm going to die, just like him. And leave Mom, like him... I can't get away, but I can't leave her. I need help. I wasn't ready. Scout... Eagle Scout. I should have listened to him. No heroics. What about STRIKE? I never discovered what that was, and what it had to do with me. And Chels. At least I'll be with her again.​

This is it. Chelsea's face appears as I fade to eternal darkness. I'll be with her again....​

STRIKE - PART I​

The first thing I hear is the gulls. Then, the voices.

"Is he dead?" One says.

"Dunno, let's take his mask off." Another says. Before a hand can reach down and remove it, I jump up. Now I'm awake, I find myself on a beach, surrounded by people. The group scream and run. I catch my bearings and try to remember what happened. The battle, the fall, the death. Wait, didn't I die? I decide to find somewhere else to remember what happened. I leap into the air and fly to a gargoyle on the Pertwee building. I sit, perched at the edge, and think.

"So, Jake, been wondering where you've been." I turn to see a familiar face. Eagle Scout.

"Scout? What are you doing here?" I ask. Scout holds out a gloved hand and I shake it.

"Long time, no see. I apoligise, I've been busy." He says. "How's super-heroing going? Seems you've been lying low."

"Yeah, well, I found a girlfriend. Settle down, hung up the costume." I say. "But she died. Reminded me there was scum out there that I need to deal with."

"Woah, that's bad." He replies. Suddenly his expression turns even more serious. "Listen, Jake, there's something bad happening."

"Other than the fact Savage, Zireus and Silhouette are still loose?" I ask. Scout nods.

"STRIKE has found you." He tells me. I feel as if the wind has just been knocked out of me. The bastard group who murdered Mike Coles, my dad. I clench my fists.

"How did they find me?" I ask.

"When you were in Lost Haven, there was plenty of other heroes to distract that city's division. You were a low class hero." He answers. "Now you've moved here, this city has a minor division but it's still a division all the same. And as there are no other heroes here, well, they're after you. They want to recruit you. And by recruit I mean stick you in a cell and do tests on you until their hearts content, and then you have to join them." Oh $h!t. So, a team of "heroes" and agents want to lock me up? Well screw them.

"Thanks for the heads up. I'll do my best to avoid them." I say. And with that, I purposly fall off the building backwards and break into a flight. I'm going to make sure they don't find me, and get Savage and his group while I'm at it.​

 

[Eddie Brock]

FLUX​

When Chrissy opens her eyes, she sees the Lost Haven skyline beneath her. Gasping, she realizes that she teleported in midair. It happens more frequently than she'd like. She begins to plummet toward the concrete jungle below, screaming at herself. Come on, Ryryu! Focus on good things, happy things! Come on!

She finds it hard to focus when she's fearing for her life. Nonetheless, she closes her eyes and blocks out the howling of the air that's racing past her ears. In her mind's eye, she pictures her memories of Lost Haven. It seems much longer ago than she remembers. Still, she banishes all other thoughts from her mind. An inner peace overcomes her, and she feels her mood beginning to shift.

The howling wind stops. Chrissy opens her eyes, and - to her surprise and delight - she's no longer falling. In fact, quite the opposite. Without thinking about it, Chrissy has begun to rise. Smiling to herself, she ascends gracefully, twirling through the air like a dancer. "Hahaha!" It's as if her life had never been in danger. Chrissy lets go of her inhibitions, and she just flies.

Content and satisfied, Chrissy extends her arms outward and allows herself to fall backwards. Her hair whips around her face, dancing playfully with the rushing wind. Chrissy turns over slowly and assumes a relaxed flying position. She reminds herself that she has other reasons for being here. As she flies, Chrissy watches the tiny, moving objects on the ground below. Human beings. They are fascinating to her. Their lifestyle is not so drastically different from what her own once was. Perhaps that is why she feels so compelled to protect them.

With a gentle touch, Chrissy deactivates her hologram. Her flowing locks assume their natural baby blue, and her skin turns a pleasant shade of teal. Her identity concealed - or revealed, depending upon one's perspective - she swoops in low between the buildings. She smiles happily at the humans that gaze up at her. A little boy waves, and Chrissy returns the gesture. Not so different at all, she thinks to herself.

As Chrissy approaches her destination, she descends ever-so-slightly to the ground. Passing over an empty football field, she decides to land. Once she is sure no one is watching, she reactivates her hologram by simply touching the jewel on her nose. She will walk the rest of the way - so as to not draw attention.

The city around her is so vibrant and engaging. Children play in the streets. Vendors politely greet their neighbors as they pass by. A few cars roll past peacefully. For all its reputation as a terrible place, the city can be rewarding in its own ways, too. Chrissy smiles to herself and puts her hands in her pockets. This is as close to home as she's ever going to get.

Chrissy climbs excitedly onto the porch and knocks on the door. Returning her hand to her pocket, she softly kicks a pebble. The door creaks, and Chrissy looks up. When she sees the person on the other side, her face lights up more than it has in at least a month. Flinging the screen door open, Chrissy leaps into the air and throws her arms around her friend's neck.

"Chrissy?" he asks tentatively.

Beaming brightly, Chrissy nods. "Sean!" she exclaims joyfully. She hugs him tighter, and he returns the hug with vigor. When their embrace is broken, Sean steps outside to examine her.

"You look..."

"Different?" she asks. Sean nods. "I altered my hologram a little," she admits. "I guess I just like change."

Sean's mouth hangs open for a moment as he searches for words. "Well, it's a good change!" he assures her. Then, he furrows his brow slightly. He notices something he didn't before. "Is that...blood?"

Chrissy looks down at her blood-stained outfit. Biting her lip, she nods. "Gosh, I guess I do look like a mess, huh?" She laughs nervously to try and dispel the tension. "I didn't exactly have time to get washed up or anything."

"What happened to you?" Sean asks concernedly.

Sighing, Chrissy promises, "I'll explain. First, can I come inside?"

"Absolutely!"

 

[Byrd Man]

Blue Blur
Learning Curves

I do my best to see through the smoke and fire as I go up the apartment building.

"Help!" I hear a voice call from the other side of a wall of fire.

I know Kensei said that I couldn't use my powers, but I start to wave my arms as fast as I can in an effort to blow the fire out.

I realize that nothing is happening when a thought dawns on me.

My powers aren't working.

"Crap!" I say as I hear a support beam a few floors up snap like a twig.

I close my eyes and leap through the fire.

I'm a little singed by the flames, but not that bad.

I rush up the steps while my heart beats like crazy.

"Help!" The voice calls out again.

I rush down the flaming hallway into an apartment where a young woman with a baby in her arms sits in tears.

"Let's go!" I yell over the roaring fire.

I help her up and start to walk her out of the apartment, that's when the support beam from the floor above us gives way and makes the whole floor collapse.

Realizing there's not much time left, I struggle but manage to sling the woman over my shoulder while she holds on to her baby.

I run as fast as I can down the steps as the fire and smoke start to fill the air. With each step I go down, my bad knee starts to hurt more and more.

I hear another support beam crack as I leap through the fire on my way out.

The whole building feels like it's going to fall.

In one last desperate motion, I push the lady and her baby out the building's front door as it starts to crumble.

"Get down!" I yell as I push her forward.

I feel a sickening pop in my knee as the rubble starts to collapse all around me.

*************

"...hew?....Matthew, are you alright?"

My eyes open groggily. I look around, Kensei is standing over me. We're back in the motel room with a cheesy political ad playing on tv.

"A vote for David McDonald is a vote for values."
​

Kensei clicks off the television and looks at me.

"What happened?"

"You saved that young woman and her child. I was most impressed."

"How did you?"

"I pulled you out of the rubble before the firemen arrived. I brought you back here. Your body should be just find, I preformed a few healing rituals I picked up a long time ago."

"What about my speed? I think it's-"

"Gone? Why, of course it is." Kensei says with a smirk.

"On the plane ride to America, I preformed another ritual I picked up...this one striped you of your powers."

"What?!" I say in anger.

"Temporarily....I just needed to see if you had your conviction when you didn't have your abilities as a crutch."

"So, you let me run into a burning building knowing good and well that I could die?"

"Yes." He says with a smile.

"When did you find out you were powerless?"

"Almost as soon as I got in there."

"Ahh, but yet you continued up the stairs to save that woman. You could have easily turned around and ran out the building. Why didn't you?"

"Because, she needed trouble...she needed help."

"And you came to her rescue. Not as the Blue Blur, the world's fastest man. But as Matthew Byrd. You shown courage today. Remember, courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear."

"So...we're done here?" I ask Kensei sheepishly.

"No." He chuckles.

"Tommorow we go sight seeing again. You've mastered how to take on fires without your speed, let's see if you can stand up to hoodlums with weapons."
​

 

[Eddie Brock]

THE CITIZEN​

A pigeon behind me takes off in a hurry, and I'm caught totally off-guard. The sudden flapping of wings startles me, and I begin to lose my balance. I look over the edge at the city far, far below. Luckily, I manage to regain my balance before I become sidewalk pizza. Breathing deeply, I ask myself what I'm doing here. This is insanity. If the public catches wind of this, I'll set a record for shortest time in office. If this doesn't work, the same will be true.

This Amulet...I've had it for over a month now. And in that time, something has...changed within me. I mean, more than the fact that I won the election. That's all fine and good. I'm talking about something else. Something physical. It's, like, when I wear this Amulet, I feel like I could...

Crazy talk. It's all crazy talk. Yet, here I am, standing atop a skyscraper in the dead of night. Why? Because I think I can fly. Why's that? To be honest, I couldn't tell you! It's just a feeling I have. Oh, this is such a bad idea on so many levels. I can't go through with it. I won't. If I have any sense, I'll just throw this Amulet over the edge. End it all. I can go back to my life, my new position, my wife...everything will be normal again. But I know that's not true. I know it's not that simple.

Nothing is normal anymore.

You know what? I have to try. Okay, so I have no proof that this'll work. Okay, so I'm signing my own death warrant if it doesn't. But, deep in my heart, I know it will. So what do I have to worry about? Right?

Oh, Jesus.

I step off the edge and instinctively slam my eyes shut. Am I falling? I can't even tell. It's a strange sensation, to be honest. I can feel the wind rushing past me, but it doesn't feel like I'm going anywhere. I feel like I'm levitating. Am I?

Opening my eyes, I check. No, I'm not. The ground is definitely getting closer.

Oh, Jesus.

Get a hold of yourself, David. Trust yourself. Trust the Amulet.

Taking a deep breath, I feel a lightweight sensation surge through my body. The sound of the wind dies down, and I can hear myself breathing. I open my eyes again. The ground isn't moving. Neither am I. I look down. My tie dangles tentatively beneath me. I reach into my shirt and pull out the Amulet. For a split second, I swear it flashes a warming shade of red.

Not what's important right now, Dave.

The realization hits me that I'm floating. Literally floating. I look to my right and see the skyscraper. I look to my left and see the full moon. Should I test my luck? I've made it this far. By all rights, I should be dead right now. I don't mean to tempt fate, but if I can float, it stands to reason that...

Let's try it.

For over a minute, I'm completely still. I've come to the realization that I don't know how to fly. After all, it's not something I have experience with. I try to physically nudge forward, but I just end up in the same spot. It's frustrating, to say the least. I know I can do it. It's just a matter of getting through the growing pains. I try to think of the Amulet. Still nothing.

"Come on!" I cry out in frustration. Pointing, I announce, "I just want to go there!"

Then, it happens. Without warning, my body "slides" across the air in the direction of my finger. Finally, I come to a halt in the patch of air I was pointing at. That's...interesting. Maybe this isn't a physical thing, at all. Maybe flying is just a matter of willpower.

Testing my theory, I look up at a passing cloud. I focus all my thoughts on reaching the cloud, and - before I know it - I'm moving upwards. I laugh aloud to myself. I figured it out! To fly, I just need to will myself to a given spot! It's just a matter of wanting it!

I have a long night of practice ahead of me.

 

[Climperoonie]

STRIKE - PART I​

The first thing I hear is the gulls. Then, the voices.​

"Is he dead?" One says.​

"Dunno, let's take his mask off." Another says. Before a hand can reach down and remove it, I jump up. Now I'm awake, I find myself on a beach, surrounded by people. The group scream and run. I catch my bearings and try to remember what happened. The battle, the fall, the death. Wait, didn't I die? I decide to find somewhere else to remember what happened. I leap into the air and fly to a gargoyle on the Pertwee building. I sit, perched at the edge, and think.​

"So, Jake, been wondering where you've been." I turn to see a familiar face. Eagle Scout.​

"Scout? What are you doing here?" I ask. Scout holds out a gloved hand and I shake it.​

"Long time, no see. I apoligise, I've been busy." He says. "How's super-heroing going? Seems you've been lying low."​

"Yeah, well, I found a girlfriend. Settle down, hung up the costume." I say. "But she died. Reminded me there was scum out there that I need to deal with."​

"Woah, that's bad." He replies. Suddenly his expression turns even more serious. "Listen, Jake, there's something bad happening."​

"Other than the fact Savage, Zireus and Silhouette are still loose?" I ask. Scout nods.​

"STRIKE has found you." He tells me. I feel as if the wind has just been knocked out of me. The bastard group who murdered Mike Coles, my dad. I clench my fists.​

"How did they find me?" I ask.​

"When you were in Lost Haven, there was plenty of other heroes to distract that city's division. You were a low class hero." He answers. "Now you've moved here, this city has a minor division but it's still a division all the same. And as there are no other heroes here, well, they're after you. They want to recruit you. And by recruit I mean stick you in a cell and do tests on you until their hearts content, and then you have to join them." Oh $h!t. So, a team of "heroes" and agents want to lock me up? Well screw them.​

"Thanks for the heads up. I'll do my best to avoid them." I say. And with that, I purposly fall off the building backwards and break into a flight. I'm going to make sure they don't find me, and get Savage and his group while I'm at it.​

STRIKE - PART II​

A few nights later, I decide to return to McFarlane Police Station. I arrive on the roof and knock on the upstairs exit. The door opens to reveal an unfamiliar face.

"Who are you?" I ask.

"Officer Jim Atkins. I expect you're looking for Carson." He says.

"Correct."

"He's dead." The statement hits me. I've only been allied with him for two weeks and he's already kicked the bucket?

"Dead? How?"

"He was murdered during the bank heist after you'd gone after the red guy." Well, that narrows the murderer down to either A) Silhouette or B) Zireus. I'm betting Silhouette as he turned up to the battle last. Suddenly, Atkins begins to split blood. He coughs it up as his eyes roll back in his head and his nose begins to pour as well.

"Atkins? ATKINS!" He's dead. Stuck in his neck is a small dart. I pull it out and turn to see the culprit. A squad of black-jumpsuit clad soldiers with jet packs hovering ahead of me. All bar one are equipped with what looks like technical Motorcycle lids. The lidless one is the one with the gun. He lands ahead of me.

"Jacob Henry Coles, father Michael Saffron Coles, STRIKE codename Electron. You are coming with me." He says.

"Oh really?" I scoff. Seconds later, he's in front of me, and shoving me to the ground.

"Yes really." He smiles. I pull myself up and out of the way.

"No thanks. I know what bastards you are." I say. The man's lips curl in anger.

"Don't play games with me boy. You're an arrogant little boy. You're just like you're dad. He was given government protection, martial arts training, super powers, and he still goes rogue. He was arrogant. And that's what made me killing him all the sweet-" SMACK! I punch him in the face. This f***er killed my Dad? THIS F***ER KILLED MY DAD!! I punch him again, and again, and again. I release my anger. He's still standing. Next thing I know, I taste blood. I look at him and see the gun in his hand. I cough it up and feel it come from my nose. And my head! Goddamn it, my head hurts! My vision clouds, and I collapse.​

 

[Lockandload1]

Journal,
​

I thought I'd be out to travel, I really did. But when I got to my apartment, the phone was ringing. Not my cell; it's beyond repair now.
I picked up the cordless home-phone and Leslie was on the other line. You know, Leslie? Another (ugh) twinkle-toed ditz. She didn't even let me talk before letting me know that she was coming over and before I knew it, she was pounding away at my door. By the way, I crushed the door on the way out. Don't have the $$$ to repair it right now, so I'll have to try and bend it into place.
Well, she's a damned flexible twinkletoes. Leslie was so insistent to teach me all kinds of crazy **** that I caved. (You dummy, you!) So I attempt a frontflip, right? Except I pull a muscle trying to do it and land flat on my back.
-_-*!

And so ends my cash flow at the gym. I KNOW it'll heal quickly, but come on! I can't do vigilante work like this!

Well, I could..
And it's not like I'm doing much of that anyhow. Just adjusting, moving around in a strange new town.

ANYHOW. I'm driving to Maine. It's not all that far. It took me a while to pack some things, but they're loaded in the Jeep now, and so am I. I'm in a traffic jam (NJ drivers! ARGH!!) but they'll move soon. Someday. Possibly this week?

I could have gone to a closer area for wilderness, but I wanted to see the state. Maybe I'll go on a small tour (my credit score's going to plummet after this) from Maine on down, back to my apartment. There HAS to be places overflowing with crime.

And the drivers have finally started moving! Thank you, God!
​

__________________________

Erin did finally make it to Maine, and immediately after she rented out a motel room to sleep in. Being in gridlock for hours made her antsy, but she figured that after a good rest she'd go hunting for trouble.

In...Maine.
What the hell?
Nothing happens in Maine!
Damn it, I should have stopped in New York.

 

[SuperBoy-CK]

The Youngster
Becoming A Hero part 2
One more can't hurt

It has been close to 2 hours and nothing really major. I had been running for two hours and got tired, not physically just bored of it. I end up at in Miami Florida just sitting on the beach throwing rocks into the water. On the way here I only saved about 6 cats from a tree. It is truly shocking how many cats run up trees I honestly thought that was something you only seen on TV.
​

Nothing is going to happen to I might as well enjoy the view. I throw the last rock into the water and get up off of the sand. I head over to one of the stands near by to get something to eat. While walking to the stand I take my hoody off and hold it in my right hand. While at the stand I reach to my left back pocket to get my wallet. As I begin to pull out my wallet the news of the radio caught my attention.

“This is Liz Edwards from channel 6 news coming to you live in front First National Bank Long Island in New York City. A group of people are trap inside a bus strap to bombs and the police were told if they approach the bus that the people inside will be blown up. Police are in a stand in waiting for the criminals demands.”

This is what I need some action.

“Sir can you tell me how to get to the First National bank?”

The man at the stand just looks at me with a detestable look.

“Do I look like an atlas to you?”

Obviously he must be having a bad day but that wasn’t my problem, the people on the bus are.

“Well can you tell me where to get an atlas or map or something?”

He points behind himself toward a gas station that was down the street.

“Check the gas station dow..”

I had no time to hear the rest so I quickly put on the hoody and took off toward the gas station in super speed. Still in super speed I quickly run around inside the store to find the maps but none could be found. I then went to cashier.

“Look I’m trying to find a map but can’t seem to find any here.” I say as I continue to look around the store.

“That cause we don’t have any.”

Those were not the words I wanted to hear.

“You don’t have a map or nothing in a damn GAS STATION?” I ask as my temper began to get the best of me.

“Naw now we just have customers use the computer in the corner. We let tourist and people who get lost use it.”

I look over at the corner and see the computer and on top of the computer screen is a big sign that say MAP QUEST only.

“Son of a B”

I waste no more time and head to the computer and type in First National Bank Long Island New York. Swiftly I look over the directions to get there then the address.

“225 Broadway, #703, New York, NY”

I have what I need so I'm off.

*******

I make it to the bank standing in the background behind the crowd looking in bewilderment at the size of the bank. I only seen banks like this on TV, living in the country I rarely see any liked this.

​

​

As wonderful as this maybe I still have a job to do. I make my way through the crowd. Once I approached the caution tape I just pass under it as if it doesn’t attain to me. I speed walk to one of the officers.

“Sir what’s the problem? I believe I can help.”

Once he turns around and sees me he waste no time and grabs me by my arms and throws me back behind the caution tape.

“Listen kid this no time for you to try and be a hero. Go back to the comic convention.”

“But I can help.”

I say as I know my words had hit deaf ears. It evident that they must think I’m just playing hero but the truth is I can really help some how.

I walk along the tape trying to get closer to some of the officers talking. Just my luck I got lucky and over heard what a couple of policemen were saying.

“Sir the passengers on the bus all have bombs on then as well.”

“How long till the bomb squad?”

“At least 25 more minutes, Sir.”

“Damn looks like we have no choice but to wait.”

“Sir there is more, the bombs are all on a timer.”

“What! How much time do we have?”

“Only 8 minutes and counting.”

“Okay get everyone back way back. We are going to have to make our move and do it fast. I don’t want any bystanders to get caught in the blast.”

This is more serious then I thought maybe this is a little out of my league. I don’t know anything about bombs. But I can’t let that stop me people are in danger. Wait, all I have to do is find a library and read about bombs I forgot my totally cool memory. There is still hope for these people yet.
​

 

[Climperoonie]

STRIKE - PART II​

A few nights later, I decide to return to McFarlane Police Station. I arrive on the roof and knock on the upstairs exit. The door opens to reveal an unfamiliar face.​

"Who are you?" I ask.​

"Officer Jim Atkins. I expect you're looking for Carson." He says.​

"Correct." ​

"He's dead." The statement hits me. I've only been allied with him for two weeks and he's already kicked the bucket?​

"Dead? How?"​

"He was murdered during the bank heist after you'd gone after the red guy." Well, that narrows the murderer down to either A) Silhouette or B) Zireus. I'm betting Silhouette as he turned up to the battle last. Suddenly, Atkins begins to split blood. He coughs it up as his eyes roll back in his head and his nose begins to pour as well.​

"Atkins? ATKINS!" He's dead. Stuck in his neck is a small dart. I pull it out and turn to see the culprit. A squad of black-jumpsuit clad soldiers with jet packs hovering ahead of me. All bar one are equipped with what looks like technical Motorcycle lids. The lidless one is the one with the gun. He lands ahead of me.​

"Jacob Henry Coles, father Michael Saffron Coles, STRIKE codename Electron. You are coming with me." He says.​

"Oh really?" I scoff. Seconds later, he's in front of me, and shoving me to the ground.​

"Yes really." He smiles. I pull myself up and out of the way.​

"No thanks. I know what bastards you are." I say. The man's lips curl in anger.​

"Don't play games with me boy. You're an arrogant little boy. You're just like you're dad. He was given government protection, martial arts training, super powers, and he still goes rogue. He was arrogant. And that's what made me killing him all the sweet-" SMACK! I punch him in the face. This f***er killed my Dad? THIS F***ER KILLED MY DAD!! I punch him again, and again, and again. I release my anger. He's still standing. Next thing I know, I taste blood. I look at him and see the gun in his hand. I cough it up and feel it come from my nose. And my head! Goddamn it, my head hurts! My vision clouds, and I collapse.​

PART III​

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Where was I? I saw darkness, with only a parallelogram of light shining through. No... Not a parallelogram... A square that has perspective on it. As my eyes unblur, I look around the room.​

I'm in a bloody cell. A prison cell. I'm laying on a metal bed with a screen above me. And worst of all? Both hands are handcuffed to it. STRIKE.

"Hey, bastards!" I shout. No answer. Then, the door opens. A man, not the same one as the @$$ who killed my dad, walks in.

"Hey kid." He says, smiling. "Agent Patterson."

"Yo Agent Patterson!" I grin. "Go to f***ing hell!"

"Ah, you hate me just coz of Agent Bellamy." He shakes his head. "Different section. I'm part of Metahuman Genetics division, he's part of Metahuman Capture and Control division.

"I don't give a $h!t." I curl my nose in mock disgust. "You're part of STRIKE. STRIKE murdered my dad."

"Well then," He sighs. "Your release would have been a lot faster if you had of cooperated. Sorry kid, you're going to be here for a long while."

And with that, he leaves.​

 

[NiteMare Shape]

The Architect gave only the smallest hint of a sneer at Icon's words. Note to self: Don't do business with Scott Morse, he noted mentally.

"It's something alien," he admitted. "And not just your run of the mill extraterrestrial that people like us always seem to deal with every so often. I have evidence that whatever these things are, they have the power to either move or obliterate entire planets." The robotic avatar of the Architect held out its hand as the palm splintered open, revealing holographic projection technology within. A 3D starchart appeared, projected from the lens in his hand, showing planets and nebulae with dates and times attached, showing where the celestial bodies had been at relatively recent dates, compared with current dates where each given example of them seemed to have been completely erased from the charts.

"Naturally, you'll want to check my facts. Go to any astronomy facility and give them these coordinates for their primitive star maps. Once all of the data has been tediously spelled out for their tiny minds, they'll be able to expertly double check and confirm what I've just told you."

Which is exactly what I did. I took the data this "Architect" character provided to Dr. Stan Walters, one of the best astronomers in the Western Hemisphere. Where he looked at the data, rechecked it, checked it again after that. Did his own observations and came to the very same conclusions.

"As you can see in this sector over here, some areas on the grid are gone, or more acurately blacked out, or as it appears in some cases, completely removed, which indicated that a very large object, or collection of objects as it seems to be in this case are on a straight trajectory for Earth."

"What do you mean removed Doctor?"

"Just what I said. There were some smaller stars, as well as
satellite asteroids that I have noted in the past that are simply gone. But if you note the increase debris field, especially..." He points to a specif point on the grid. "Right here...it is safe to say that at least some of them have been simply obliterated by whatever it is that is coming this way."

I take in what Dr. Walters says for a moment before responding.

"What do you think I should do? Is it too early to warn people? There is a possibility that whatever is coming isn't hostile."

Then he shows me a computerized image of the debris field, and just out of picture is something large, some sort of ship perhaps. Unfortunately the image was only able to capture a small portion of it, which did not provide a very good view of whatever it is.

"No Icon, you don't have to worry about whether it's hostile, as you can see...there is no question about it."

"I'll have to warn people, give them enough time to prepare."

"No...it's too late."

 

[Mercy]

Sirce/Gwen Mayer
And the winner is.... ONE

Gwen Mayer smiled as she looked in the reflection of her mirror, tonight was the nigh of all nights, tonight was the 81st Academy Awards. Gwen was nominated for:
Actress in lead role as Princess Diana in "Diana, The Princess of Wales"
Best Picture in "Diana, The Princess of Wales"
The costume designer, the director and the music director were nominated for "Diana, The Princess of Wales".
Gwen had made her best effort to look good, with her tonight was Tom, her Uncle Phillip, her P.A Helena Rise, her best on-screen friend Cate Blanchett who played Lady Sarah Spencer and the rest of the crew/cast.

Gwen was still in her mansion, Helena was downstairs, buzzing around, Gwen was taking the two kids who played Harry and William and their parents, in her limo. Suddenly, the bathroom door burst open and a glamorous Helena came running in.
"Come on, let's get you done! We don't want those magazines saying you have the worst dress!" Helena smiled, Gwen smiled and hugged Helena, the two were more best friends than companions. Helena escorted Gwen to her bedroom and helped her choose a dress.
"Do you think i'll win? Like Actress in lead role as Di"
"Of course! You nearly won a BAFTA!" Helena assured Gwen. Helena was looking through the walk-in wardrobe, Gwen slumped down on her bed.
"Oo! I like that one!" Gwen ran into the walk-in wardrobe, she picked out a red sparkling dress, the top was corseted with white ribbons and the bottom flowed out, it was red like Sirce's outfit.
"Good choice" Helena smiled. Gwen felt bad, she knew something bad would happen at the Oscars and she hoped no one would touch Helena or her family, I mean, wherever Gwen goes, she carries those spirits to unlock Sirce, which many people are after, no matter what.
​

 

[NiteMare Shape]

​

I sit perched upon the ledge of the C.M. Anders Savings and Loan, looking out at my City.

Lost Haven.

This city has more problems than most others, and that's no secret. Since the emergence of the metas, this place has had more than its share of tragedy. Sure, there are those that have stood up and tried to do their part, but it hasn't been enough.

It seems to be a daily event that some superpowered nutjob goes on a rampage that kills a handful of people, only to be thwarted by one of the many costumed heroes that runs around, claiming to protect this city.

And alot of them do a commendable job, but it isn't enough. Unfortunately, it isn't ever enough. As soon as one threat is contained another pops up.

And I wonder about my purpose. Am I any different? When I take down the Cartel, when Midas in behind bars where he belongs...what will I do?

Will I continue on with my mission? Fighting to make the streets safer for the good people of this city...or will I call it a career? And it dawns on me...I don't know. I do know that I don't plan on doing this forever. In fact, when I took up this fight, I told myself that it was just until I took down the Cartel. But after getting out here and taking up this fight, I just don't know if I'll be able to walk away.

I'm not able to ponder my own future for very long, as the sounds of a woman's screams cut through the night. I get up from where I am perched, and head off in the direction of the disterbance. Because this is what I do, it is who I am.