The Create-A-Hero RPG Season II IC Thread

[Lockandload1]

You idiot! This isn't a time for interrogation-we're on borrowed time!
Erin found herself off-task again, and corrected it by finding her suit. To save time, she tossed the heavy metal-plated armor over what she had on.
"How long until the others realize that we've escaped?
And...who is 'STRIKE'?"
She was ready to leave, so she waited by the door and functioned as a lookout.

 

[Climperoonie]

You idiot! This isn't a time for interrogation-we're on borrowed time!
Erin found herself off-task again, and corrected it by finding her suit. To save time, she tossed the heavy metal-plated armor over what she had on.
"How long until the others realize that we've escaped?
And...who is 'STRIKE'?"
She was ready to leave, so she waited by the door and functioned as a lookout.

Considering it takes me five minutes to get my suit on, and I'd rather not declothe in front of Erin, I sling my mask on and carry my suit.

"STRIKE? This is STRIKE. A government orgainization tasked with capture and control of Metahumans. As far as I can tell, it was founded to create the first Metahumans, which my dad was part of, hence my powers." I tell her. "Can you fly?"

 

[Lockandload1]

"STRIKE sounds a lot like...."
Her mind drifted. There was an answer somewhere in her past, but she wouldn't be able to remember. Unable to come up with the words, she moved on to his question.
"Uh.."
She gave a nervous laugh and scratched the back of her head.
"Last I checked, no. What's our plan B?"
After a moment of silent pondering, she had an epiphany and began rummaging through the suits again.
"What if one of the heroes had a set of jet-packs? It's likely, isn't it?"
Erin continued to rummage until she hit a hardened plastic object at the bottom.
I think I found something useful!

 

[Rain Dog]

[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.

[blackout]THE DUMMY[/blackout]​

Third week into freedom. My sleeping patterns are erratic now. Sometimes I’m awake for days, others, I’m completely out. Everything about me is erratic now. Better that way. Predictable patterns and routines make it easier for them to find you, figure you out. That’s not happening. Not again.

I spend most of my days wandering around the district, learning as much as I can about my environment. Noticed some things I didn’t like. From what I’ve learned, there are at least two warring gangs in the area. They pollute the streets with their drugs and violence, leaving innocent denizens to live in fear and anguish. If I am to liberate the world I must start here by cleansing the city, ridding it of the corrupt and criminal. Afterwards, I’ll be experienced. I’ll be ready. Afterwards, I’ll be able to wage war on the planet’s unseen oppressors.

There’s a twenty-four hour dry cleaner four blocks from my new home. The owner is a small, odd man. He glares at me every time I walk by. I attempted to enter once and he immediately shooed me out. There’s a yellow truck perpetually parked outside of the shop. Nothing ever comes in or out of it, it’s just always…there. Very suspicious. I’m going to keep an eye on him.

[blackout]“I’m going out now, Mubbles,”[/blackout] I said as I slip into the thick SWAT padding.

Meow.

[blackout]“Learned a lot of drug deals go down on twenty third and third. I’m going to fix that.”[/blackout]

I strap on my holster and place my new weapon inside.

Meeeow.

[blackout]“I’m not getting distracted. The Illuminati are still my main target but they are not my only one.”[/blackout]

Raaaaow.

[blackout]“As a matter of fact, yes. Dry cleaners on Fairview. Have the Proletariats look into it.”[/blackout]

Meeow.

I pull my helmet onto my head. I constructed it a few days ago. Made it out of the head of some sort of mannequin I found while rummaging through a dumpster for lunch.

[blackout]“Goodbye, Mubbles."[/blackout]

Meow

[blackout]"Goodbye, Baxter.”[/blackout]

“….Wha?”

I slip out the door and into the night.

 

[Spike_x1]

The Survivor landed on his balcony with a little less grace than usual. He didn't even bother looking back out at the city one more time before giving a heavy sigh and walking into his apartment. Shutting the glass double doors behind him, Adam pulled his mask off and ran his hand through his hair. Look at me. Big time hero.

Still wearing the rest of his costume, Locke swept his cape out of his way and pulled a bottle of vodka from his liquor cabinet. Twisting the top off of the bottle, Adam took a long gulp and tried not to think about the potential end of the world that the Architect had brought to his, and Icon's, attention. I'm a wannabe superhero. Almost every supervillain that I've gone up against, I've barely escaped with my life. Lyle keeps beating me half to death. Hell, he burned me alive with gasoline last time we fought, and he only lost the fight in the end because of the combined power of Pulse and I. Another swig of vodka. Psycho was literally tearing me to pieces before the cops drove him off. And I just know that that creep is out there somewhere, waiting for the right moment to slice my organs out. And damn, we can't forget the time that Dylan Chambers made me put a gun in my mouth and blow my own brains out.

Without even realizing it, the Survivor's frustration was causing him to unconsciously heat the glass bottle of vodka being held in his hand. With his eyes glowing as much as his hands in anger, Adam was painfully startled as melting glass burned his gloved fingers. "ARGH!" he roared in surprise. "Dammit!" The Survivor suddenly hurled the bottle at the near wall at his minibar, ignoring the shattered glass now raining everywhere. "Yeah. What a great hero I am. Good call on calling on me for saving the world, Architect."

 

[Mercy]

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

​

"Agent Stracht come in" A voice buzzed into the walkie talkie of Lacey Stracht, agent of S.T.R.I.K.E.
"I'm here at Lost Haven theater, ready, I have everything in order, we must find Gwen" Lacey responded. Lacey slid her walkie talkie into her belt again and watched over the people setting up the red carpet. Lacey smiled at sat back, waiting for the right time.

Beverly Hills, Mayer's Mansion, 50 minutes until Oscars.
Gwen was talking to the mother of the two kids who played Harry and William. She was called Sarah Knight. What Gwen didn't know, was that Sarah Knight use to be the famous retro heroine Knightress, now retired.
"...Yeah I do hope Kim will be able to hold it in if Heath does win, even though it's tragic" Gwen smiled, Sarah nodded in agreement. Helena came running into the room, she tapped Gwen gently on the shoulder. Gwen slowly got up and followed Helena out the room.

"I just got a call...." Helena looked down, Gwen seemed puzzled,
"And?" Gwen questioned,
"It's S.T.R.I.K.E, they're--" Helena choked on the words, she hated to say it, she knew it would break Gwen's heart.
"--Going to die" Gwen growled.

Sirce/Gwen Mayer
And the winner is....THREE​

Helena gasped,
"But, Gwen, what if it's my brother?"
"I'll let him off" Gwen muttered under breath. Gwen turned sharply to see her guests, 'mingling'. Gwen then turned back to Helena.
"Listen, don't stop me from killing them this time. They killed my parents, just because my dad married my mother, a metahuman" Gwen snapped.
"Right, a plan is needed. Tom will help me sneak out, you will distract the row of people....." Gwen trailed off in thought. She turned to see Sarah Knight, smiling and playing with her children.
"That's--"
"Yeah, I just realized that....Helena, what if they're after her?"

Meanwhile, on the roof of Lost Haven theater.
Lacey Stracht tightened her belt, she then slowly raised her binoculars to eyes, she looked deeply into them. Suddenly, she felt a tap on the shoulder. She spun round, dropping the binoculars.
"Well, hello there"
"Who are you?" Lacey muttered, feared.
"That's not important right now....What is, is how i'm going to stop you" Lacey slowly got up, she pulled out a tazer and gulped.
"You're not a metahuman, according to my scanners, your just--"
The tazer was zapped out her hand. It stung Lacey.
"Hold still, this will only take a minute"

 

[Eddie Brock]

THE CITIZEN
​

"Sit tight, sir. We've got a situation," my driver, Frank, explains to me as he pulls the car to a stop. As he steps out, I check my watch. This is just what I need: to be late to a press conference this early in my term. Whether or not anyone in the public thinks anything of it, the press will never let me forget it. In times like these, I need all the allies I can get - and I can't afford to alienate the media.

A moment later, I'm shocked back into reality as the door next to me pops open, and I'm greeted by an unfamiliar face. I see the desperation in his eyes - as well as Frank's hand on his collar. I sit in silence as this man stares at me hopelessly. Frank is trying very hard to pull him away.

Tears forming in his eyes, the man stammers, "Puh-puh-please hear me out! Please!" Frank gives him a good tug, and the man chokes for a moment. Clawing at his own collar, the man shouts, "THEY HAVE MY DAUGHTER!"

Something in that resonates within me. Adjusting my tie, I step out of the car and wave Frank off. "Give the man a minute, Frank."

"Mr. Mayor, the press conference..." Frank reminds me pleadingly.

I hold up a hand. "Hang on." I fold my arms and nod to the man. "Go ahead."

"These men...they...they took my daughter!" he explains hurriedly. He glances tentatively at Frank before returning his watery gaze to me. "They...they just...just took her right from me!"

"Who?" I ask with genuine concern.

Shaking his head, the man answers, "I don't...I don't know who they are. They...they're not...human!" He looks at me, and his sorrow is suddenly filled with terror. "They can do things. They have..."

"Powers?" I finish. The man nods. "Your daughter was taken by men with powers?"

"Yes," the man replies. He swallows the lump in his throat and manages to speak without cracking up. "They're part of some...gang...of superpowered criminals. They run a drug cartel and a child prostitution ring."

The story seems almost unbelievable. A drug cartel and a child prostitution ring? Run by superpowered criminals? I know this city is suffering under a wave of new age crime - superpowered crime - but I didn't know it ran that deep. Such blatant corruption...it makes my job that much more difficult.

"They operate out of a condemned apartment complex," the man tells me as he reaches into his pocket. He holds out a piece of wrinkled paper. "Here's the address." I take the paper from him. "Please, put a stop to this. Please...bring back...my daughter."

"This seems like a job for the proper authorities," I begin.

"They can't do anything! Not against these guys! No one can do anything! I'm asking you...I'm begging you! DO SOMETHING!" The man covers his face and turns away, disappearing down the street.

I look down at the piece of paper. "What can I do?"

 

[Rain Dog]

MADLOVE​

CHAPTER 1: GENESIS

I am O Nva Xetaxy. And I was a god.

My people were pacifists. Intellectuals. Philosophers. We lived in total peace, total equality, total bliss. We strived to discover and learn and before we knew it we had learned it all. Our universe, our lives no longer had any secrets to keep. So we needed more. We jumped from universe to universe, expanding our knowledge and enjoying totally new experiences, the likes of which we could never have imagined. Here were mine.

In the first universe I ventured to, which we named An’Ga, I took a physical form for the first time. I settled on a lush planet, covered in oceans, rolling plains, and jungles. I took the form of its dominant species—tall, slender, bipedal creatures. They were very primitive, having only the most basic of technologies at their disposal. But they were fascinating. Their lore, which told tales of great and powerful deities, is what I found most intriguing. They held these fictional beings with such great reverence and actually seemed happy to serve them.

It was in this form that I was introduced to the countless pleasures the physical body could bring. Taste, smell, touch—the senses were a wondrous thing. I indulged myself in the richest and most delicious consumables I could get my new hands on. I was also introduced to a special plant—when the leaves were chewed it would imbue the consumer with great energy and put them in a state of ecstasy. The species of this planet seldom used this plant, preferring to use it only for special ceremonies. They looked at my constant indulgence of this leaf with disdain, but I didn’t care.

And it was in this form that I also discovered the phenomena that seemed to dictate the actions of every creature, sentient and non-sentient alike—sex. So many of these creatures spent good portions of their lives trying to attract mates and procreate. Initially, I did not understand it, but after my own experiences I quickly realized why. What I now did not understand was why my own realm and my own people lacked such sensations, such phenomena. If this one dimension could offer so much, I could only imagine what others held.

In my next dimension, Bo’Vr, I took on my next form. The species I became of part of was an odd one—somewhere in between amphibian and gastropodic. Their society functioned quite differently. Their society seemed to be based entirely on the collection and exchange of tiny gemstones. The more an individual had, the higher their place in society. Those with few gemstones were thin, frail, and constantly covered in drab clothing and dirt while to those with the most wore brilliant robes, decorated with colors in every spectrum. They were given the best food, the best homes, the best mates. I envied them. I began collecting these gemstones, doing anything and everything I could to acquire them. Before long, I was living amongst those I once envied. My new luxurious life was quite enjoyable, but I wanted more.

The third dimension I visited, Csus’Xi, was quite perhaps the most enlightening. The world I settled on was arid and barren. It was inhabited by fearsome, massive behemoths who called themselves to the Kotru. They shared the world with smaller, slender beings called the Truta. The Kotru were violent and brutal, often waging war with the Truta, slaughtering them by the thousands. At first these new experiences of pain and violence frightened me, that is, until I learned of its payoff. After Truta cities were conquered, every citizen submitted to the whims of the Kotru. The Kotru were bigger, stronger. They made the Truta do whatever they wanted. It did not matter who had the most gemstones or who commuted with the gods, all that mattered was who was strongest. The Truta despised them but they could do nothing. I came to admire the Kotru and their ability to force their will on others. The idea of making others do what they did not wish to do would have struck me as pure lunacy in my past lives but now it seems so brilliant, so magnificent.

I then ventured to a fourth dimension, Di’Chata, and it was here that I attained absolute power. In this realm, I could do anything. Literally, anything. I was not burdened with mortality and other physical limitations. I could do anything. So it began.

I chose a form reminiscent of the Kotru which I had come to admire, and began to take everything and anything I wanted. I laid entire planets to waste, crushed stars, and enslaved galaxy after galaxy. O Nva the Destroyer, they called me. I chose to keep a physical form, to experience all the pleasures I had when in An’Ga. I created glorious, luxurious palaces reminiscent of those I had in Bo’Vr. And I killed everything and anything that opposed me, like the Kotru in Csus’Xi. Before long, the entire universe knelt at me feet.

I am O Nva Xetaxy. And I was a god.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

This is the part of my life that I hate. Just hours ago I learned that some alien force is heading toward Earth with enough firepower to eradicate the entire planet...

But it's not the constant threat that I hate, I can deal with that. It's leaving Lisa and Jenny after I tell them what I know. Seeing the looks on their faces, and then telling them that I have to go, that's what I hate.

I wonder if I should have even told them. Maybe it would be better if they didn't know exactly what is headed our way. But who am I kidding? None of us know what's coming, not exactly anyway. But I had to warn them, tell them something. I tried to get them to go down to Mom and Dad's, but they wouldn't leave the city.

"No, I'm going to stay. I'm not going to abandon you now." Lisa had said.

And of course Jenny agreed. I tried to agrue, but when your girlfriend and your sister team up, you don't stand a chance.

I really wish they'd left, but when you think about it...it doesn't matter. The simple fact is, there in no "someplace safe." One thing is for sure, this planet is in for a fight, and every man, woman and child, human and metahuman alike are in this together.

As for now, I think it's time to get back in touch with Survivor and The Architect, and discuss what exactly our next move is going to be.

 

[Andy C.]

WONDER BOY: SIDEKICK FOR HIRE​

O CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN:
PART SIX​

"Travel much?"

Some nice, blue-haired old lady next to me on the bus is trying to make conversation. I'm a little bushed from helping the moving company load all of my stuff into their truck--complete with specific instructions on what to do with Ribeye, and very specific instructions on how to handle some of the unopened boxes--and just barely made it to the bus station in time. Still, I always loved to chat with the random people you meet when you're on the road.

"All the time," I answer. "I've been up and down the country more times than I can count. Haven't been able to afford to in the last couple of years, though--you know how tough times are. How about you?"

"Oh, my late Artie and I used to go on a trip every year we were married. We'd pick a dozen different catalogues, shuffle them up like a deck of cards, pull one out, and that would be where our vacation would be. He's passed now, though, and I don't travel much anymore now. It's just not the same when you're by yourself."

"I can empathize," I say with a sigh. "I used to be part of a duo, learned from the best of 'em. He's gone now, too."

"My, were you part of a travelling show?"

I grin.

"I guess you could say that. And it was one heck of an act. I used to do this bit on a motorcycle..."

Something's wrong. Really wrong. Even Mathis is worried, and I've never seen him talk about Mr. West's "second job" in any way but snarky dry witticisms.

Captain Wonder hasn't reported in all night.

He was investigating the rise of some new drug ring, pushing something called "Mayhem." It's wild stuff, an extremely potent neuro-stimulant which boosts awareness, heightens sensations to an unheard-of level, and nearly doubles the speed of thought. Unfortunately, it's also a powerful hallucinogen, and once those visions kick in, it also sends adrenaline into overdrive. So it makes you more sharper, keener, smarter...then turns you into a screaming mindless ape-man. It's like meth with an acid chaser, and it's becoming a real problem.

Cap had gone down into the Bowery to find where the stuff was being made, the hideout of the not-so-creatively-named "Doctor Mayhem" and his crew. We lost touch with him about three hours ago.

I know I'm not ready to go out on patrol yet. For the last three months, I've been working the computers back in the command center, feeding him info while he's out in the city. I'm coming up on the two-year anniversary of my training, though, and Mathis let me know that Mr. West was planning a gift for me.

The costume is the same color scheme as his, but with more red and blue than white. The fabric's a lightweight nomex and kevlar weave, with reinforced ceramic plates in the boots and gloves to pack some extra punch. Over the main bodysuit is a thicker vest, made of an experimental material called 'dragon-skin' that I had heard was only available to the military. The utility harness has all of the gadgets he's been showing me how to use: smoke-bomb, flash bombs, bolas, magnetic grappling-gun, etc. And the goggles can switch between standard night-vision and military infra-red, and house a high-definition digital camera that can zoom up to 100x normal vision.

None of that has anything on the bike.

It's a pretty minimalistic frame, angular like a stealth fighter, not a whole lot of flash, designed purely with purpose in mind. The thick, wide wheels have some seriously heavy-duty suspension, and the motor in it is an absolute beast. The handlebars house controls for smoke screen launchers, an onboard rotary cannon (loaded with non-lethal rubber bullets, of course), and a few other compact versions of the goodies Captain Wonder has in his car. I doubt it has the cloaking device and jet turbine, but still...

This was meant to be the next step in my training. Looks like I'm going to have to break it out a little early.

****

Twenty minutes later, I'm in a junkyard outside of Queens. About a hundred yards off is a storehouse, where I'd picked up on Cap's trail. Inside are about a dozen armed goons, all hopped up on Mayhem, and Captain Wonder is chained up to a post in the center of the place. They're in the first phase of the drug's effects now, but once the second phase starts up, they'll tear him to shreds. And in between me and them is an old husk of a flat-bed tow truck, its bed tilted up like a ramp.

It couldn't be more perfect if I had planned it all out.

I gun the bike's motor, trying to line up my approach the best I can, and hoping I don't get myself killed in the process. I hit the flat-bed, and a second later, I'm freaking Evel Knievel, letting out a wild whoop as I arc through the night sky.

The M-heads don't even know what to make of the sound, until I come crashing in through the skylight, fish-tailing the rear of the bike to slam into two of the thugs in the way.

Captain Wonder does a double-take when he sees what's going on. All I can do is smile.

"How's that for a debut?"

After a moment, he laughs out loud.

"Fantastic! Now, you mind getting these chains off of me so we can deal with the rest of these psychos?"

"Heck of an act, that's for sure," I say again as the old lady nods, no doubt thinking of some sort of circus performance. "Anyway, how about you and your husband. Ever been to Lost Haven before?"

"Oh yes. My granddaughter lives there now, you see. Nice girl, about your age. She's one of those activist-types. She wanted to go there to clean up that city. Lord knows if there's a city in America that needs cleaning, it's Lost Haven."

"Yeah," I say, looking out the window, "I was thinking the same thing."

The old lady eventually drifts off to sleep, while I just keep watching the road from the bus window. We've still got a long way to go. And that's not even thinking about when we get there.

 

[Eddie Brock]

THE CITIZEN

The press conference passed like a dream. I'm sure my responses were short and lifeless, but I couldn't help that my mind was somewhere else. No matter what I tried, I couldn't get that man out of my head. In fact, several times during the interview, I reached into my pocket and felt the piece of paper he gave me. Each time, it filled me with a sense of dread. That man was trusting me to do something. Me. I just wish I knew what he wanted.

Later in the night, I sit on my bed with my shirt unbuttoned. Katherine is taking out her earrings and getting into her nightgown. I reach into my pocket and take out the wrinkled address. Leaning forward to examine it, I feel the Amulet dangling under my undershirt. Instinctively, I raise a hand and grasp it. I am instantly filled with a sense of purpose.

Moving quickly, I remove my suit and put on an old pair of jeans and a beaten-up sweatshirt. I grab my overcoat and throw it on. By that point, Katherine is all dressed to sit in bed and watch TV.

"Where are you going?" she asks, her voice a mixture of confusion, annoyance, and worry.

Looking over my shoulder, I explain, "I have to take care of something."

"At this hour?"

I look at the clock. It is getting late. Then again, I won't be able to sleep tonight if I don't do something. I'll just swing by this address and check it out. Maybe then, I can put my mind at ease for a while. I'll actually deal with it in the morning. "I won't be long," I promise before heading downstairs.

I hail a cab and show him the address. The driver warns me that it's a dangerous section of town, especially at night. I assure him that I'll be okay, and he mutters something along the lines of 'suit yourself.' Fifteen minutes later, we pull to a stop, and I pay the fare. As the taxi peels off, I notice how empty the streets are. Maybe this is a bad idea.

The condemned apartment complex looms before me. Separating me from it is a twelve-foot fence with razor wire mounted on top. The windows all are boarded up, but there is an empty doorway to the far left. It definitely isn't an inviting place. I look at the place and think for a while, before deciding that I'm satisfied. As I turn to walk away, I hear voices. Next, I see lights dancing behind one of the boarded windows.

Someone's in there.

I tell myself to leave. I tell myself that I have no business being here, and that - if I want to do anything to help - I should just call the police. I think of what the man said. The police aren't yet equipped to handle crimes involving metahumans. All too often, I've seen them torn to shreds or worse. As much as people want to condemn masked vigilantes, sometimes you have to fight fire with fire.

Above my heart, the Amulet begins to feel heavy. There's no escaping the truth that I flew - literally flew - while wearing this thing. Clearly, the stories of its 'supernatural powers' are not unfounded. That being said, I have no clue what else this thing is capable of. I can't just run into a fight and hope this Amulet protects me somehow. It doesn't work like that.

Or does it?

Finally, I decide that I'll just try to scare them away. For all their bravado and toughness, criminals are cowards - especially late at night in a dark, empty apartment complex. If I can make them think twice about doing whatever it is they're planning on doing tonight, I can feel like I've done my part. Then, I'll contact the authorities. After all, what could it hurt?

I check to make sure the streets are still clear. Man, now I feel like a criminal. After all, I am trespassing! I duck my head low and pop my collar. Now, I look the part as well! This idea is going from bad to worse. Better make this quick. I leap over the fence and the razor wire - thanks to the Amulet - and approach the empty doorway. I take one step inside, and I feel chills running down my spine.

Once inside, the voices grow louder, and I'm able to more or less gauge the size of the group. I definitely hear three distinct voices, and there may be more. They're on the floor above me. I open my mouth to say something, but I pause. I shouldn't use my real voice. Taking a deep breath, I give it another shot.

"Who's in here?" I call out in a tone at least an octave lower than my natural one. The voices stop. I stand frozen in time. I guess it worked.

"Who's asking?" a snakelike voice whispers from behind me. I turn to see a slender kid - can't be more than 25 - covered in tattoos. As I cautiously size him up, he literally sinks into the floor! I hear hurried footsteps, and I turn to see two other kids coming down the stairs. Their faces are a mixture of caution and anger - like a pissed-off deer caught in headlights.

At that moment, I realize I'm in over my head.

The first kid - the one who can walk through walls - rises back up behind me. "You're in the wrong place, old man."

"Boy, you're telling me..." I agree as I swallow the lump in my throat.
​

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Dylan stands on top of his building and stares out into the city.

He lights a cigar and takes a puff and then looks to the skies as the smoke rises upward.

I am keep having this feeling...something I can't shake...it's troubling yet calming at the same time...even familiar. The others must feel it as well.

Dylan takes another puff and then smirks

Perhaps I can work this to my advantage as well. I have done it before I can do it again.

He takes another puff and feels the wind blowing through his hair.

The Chinese say, 'May you live in intersting times' I think it's about to get very interesting.

 

[SuperBoy-CK]

Spartan stood in the middle of the street eying down three Metahumans. Each one of them is wanted by STRIKE because of the crimes they have committed. They use there powers to hurt and take anything they want from people just for the pleasure of it. Under normal circumstances regular STRIKE agents would be used to bring most Metahumans in but this wasn’t the case for this mission. These Metahumans are highly dangerous and to much for any human to handle. So in order to catch these criminals they had to call Mark, better known to STRIKE and any Metahuman that has cross him as Spartan. He is the definition of a true soldier. In Greek history Spartans were one of the most disciplined, well trained and feared military forces in world history. It was said that one Spartan was worth several men of any other state, this is what describes Mark. He was given the name Spartan because it was the only word that can really portray the type of person he is.

Before he decided to attack he knew he has to think of a plan of action. Rushing right into battle isn’t his style he likes to [FONT=&quot]strategize[/FONT] how to take his opponents down in a matter of seconds if possible. Each one of the Metahumans has a power to be concerned of. The one standing in front of Spartan to his left is James Edwards better known as Blaze. He is a Pyrokinetic , meaning he can create and control fire with his mind. The fellow just to the right to him is Frost, his name pretty much says it all. He can create and shot ice from his hands. Last is Earthquake, he is the power house of the group. He can summon rock and earth to cover his body as a type of armor giving him super strength and durability.

“It’s just one of you and three of us. Do you really think you can beat us?”

Before Spartan answers Earthquake’s question he begins to smile. He thought to himself why he would ask him such a stupid question. He defeated these guys before and doing it again will be no problem.

“I know.” He said right before he took off running towards them.

“Blaze, fry him.” Earthquake shouts as he sees Spartan heading in their direction.

This is what Spartan wanted to happen to begin with. He knew that Blaze’s attacks are all straight forward so all he would have to do avoid his attack get in close and Blaze will be left wide open for attack.

Blaze hands turns on fire and then he shot out and fire blast at Spartan but he easily evaded it by front flipping over it. While he was flipping over Blaze he grabs him by the back of his shirt and use the momentum to slam him to the ground. Both Frost and Earthquake just stood there in shock at how quickly Spartan laid Blaze out. Almost as if they had blink they would have miss it.

“Who’s next?” Spartan asks as he holds a piece of Blaze rip shirt in his hand.

Both Frost and Earthquake looks at each and Earthquake give Frost a head nod symbolizing he wants him to go next. Frost began to move slowly toward Spartan trying to figure out what to do but its pretty hard to think when you just witness your partner get taken out within seconds with no problem.

“Give up now and you won’t have to get hurt.” Spartan could tell just by looking at Frost that he was scared to act and no one could really blame him wasn’t like he was facing any normal person. He was facing Spartan, the ultimate solider.

“Are you looking down on me? I’m not afraid of you. YOUR NOTHING!”

Frost shouts right before firing a trail of ice at Spartan. Seeing the attack coming Spartans body reacted quickly giving him faster relaxes so he was able to dodge each one of Frost attacks with little effort.

“It should be obvious to you that you’re not going to win. Give up now and…”

As he was going to continue he was distracted by the ground tearing up from under him. While his attention was focus on Frost, Earthquake slam his foot on the ground ripping the ground up in a straight line heading right where Spartan was standing.


“Now Frost, freeze him.”
Right when that was said Frost quickly lets off an ice beam at Spartan freezing him. It was a little too hard to believe that they really beat Spartan.
“Can you believe it we got him, we really got him.”
Earthquake slowly walks up to Spartans body.
“We have to be sure, for some reason no matter what I put this guy through he some how always seem to find a way out.”

Frost begins to laugh for joy.

“You’re dreaming man. I froze him good trust me mister I can do it all is not going any where.”

Earthquake was about to get happy thinking that maybe they did beat Spartan until he looks in Spartans eyes and realizes that they are glowing red and that the ice is melting.

“Oh crap. Frost ice him some more quickly.” Earthquake orders.

As soon as Frost was about to hit Spartan with more ice it was to late. Spartan bust out of his ice prison with fire cover his entire body.
“My turn.” He says right as he fly's straight at Frost shooting his own fire blast at him. Frost quickly makes a ice shield to stop the blast witch it did but Spartan stay on the attack. When Frost realize Spartan was in front of him it was to late. Spartan does a round house kick with the back of his foot making impact with Frost’s jaw knocking him unconscious as he spins in the air landing hard on the ground face first.

Before he could turn around Earthquake had ran at Spartan driving his shoulder into Spartan’s back. The collision sent Spartan flying to the side of a park car. As Spartan turns around gathering himself Earthquake was right there. He punch Spartan so hard in his rib cage that Spartan flow through the side of the car ending up through the other side at the end of a building.

“If you didn’t notice I have got stronger since last night we met. Thanks to some special people they were able to enhance my powers making me stronger. Get this they did it for free. All they want me to do is keep doing what I’m doing. How did you like the upgrade?”

Spartan spit out some blood from his mouth.

“Upgrade or not you are coming with me.”
Earthquake then starts laugh. “Please don’t fool your self I felt your ribs breaking against my fist. You’re not taking me anywhere.”
He was half right in what he said. He did break most of all of Spartans ribs but that was before they healed.

“Time to finish this.”

Earthquake then quickly runs up on Spartan and deliver a devastating blow to his face.

“That should do it.”
Earthquake then slowly pulls his fist back from Spartan’s face thinking that he was finished. As he did so his confidence quickly fades as he sees Spartan looking at him smiling with organic type steel covering his body. After getting hit by Earthquake’s punch the first time his body quickly adapt to the situation. In order to make sure Spartan didn’t get any more serious damage by Earthquake his body came up with the organic type steel to give him more durability and strength.

Wasting no more time Spartan grabs Earthquake by his wrist and throws him across the street. He slowly gets up to his feet as does Earthquake. Both look at each other then take off running towards one another. As Earthquake takes a swing at Spartan he ducks under the blow and sends a upper cut so powerful to Earthquakes chin that the force of the impact shatters the glass of the windows in the building at the area. Earthquake’s feet barely came off of the ground because of his massive weight holding him down.

Earthquake just fell right down on the ground landing on his face. Spartan look down at his motionless body and watches as the rock shell breaks apart revealing a shinny teenage boy unconscious. Spartan then presses the intercom in his ear on.


“Mission complete, bag and tag."​

 

[Mercy]

OOC: Previously...
OOC: This Arc is currently 3rd person

Siren

Mermaids ONE

Rain spat down, nothing unusual for London. Lana Bannon stood on the Millennium bridge in Greater London, she held an umbrella over her head. She had just put down the phone to "The Boss". Lana had been performing as Siren for a two weeks now.

The rain hit Lana's umbrella, pretty hard, but it didn't affect Lana. She watched the flowing river, how calm it was, flowing silently. But she also noticed how dark it was, full of black swirls, rippling in every open space of the river. Something beautiful but dark. That was something Lana had in common with a river. Lana leaned over the edge, peering over the sea. Suddenly, all the noises around her faded away, it seemed like Lana was alone in the world.

This didn't last long.
"Careful" A voice was heard from behind her, Lana shot round. It was a tall, slender woman, who had dangling brown locks, flowing down just beneath her shoulders. She wore a white, long, coat, as well as beige, short boots, which matched her beige tights. The woman gasped, she opened her mouth, but seemed to choke on her words.
"D-Dayle?" With those words, Lana's hands were uncontrollable, she had already slammed her hand over the woman's cheek, within seconds of meeting her.
"DON'T SAY THAT! DON'T YOU EVER!" Lana screamed, people looked at the two women, but walked on, typical Londoners.
"Listen! You have to come with me, Lana!" The woman said in a hurry, whilst rubbing her cheek. She didn't seem upset about the slap.
"Oh Crap. Crap. Crap. I know who you are....Nurse Kate" Lana thought she had killed her on the day Rosie came to visit Lana, after she had recovered from a coma.
"You're probably thinking, how did I survive? Well I'll explain later, right now, we need to go before they come"

Kate grabbed Lana and sped across the bridge,
"Kate!" Lana struggled her way from Kate's grip, she then quickly slammed two fingers onto Kate's stressed forehead.
"Explain. Everything. Now" Lana said, in a sinister tone. Both the women's eyes gleamed pink, but no one noticed.

"An agency called STRIKE, came to me. Because I'm a metahuman. Before I explain the rest, I can heal more advanced than other humans. Anyway, this agent of STRIKE, who I think was called Lacey Stracht, ambushed me, she was about to capture me when I ran away, on the hunt for you. I ran to you because I heard Lacey, talking to her fellow agent, about capturing famous actress/new discovered heroine--Sirce and you. Claiming you two hold big connections to each other, both having big abilities. They followed me to London, but not with Lacey. They're here and if we don't act quick, we'll die" Kate explained, no breaths in between her sentences.

"Mayer? Did you say---"

A Month ago...
"NO! YOU CAN'T BE!" Lana screeched, as she stood in her bosses office.
"Scream and shout all you want, but face it. I'm Tessa Mayer, your--"
Lana had already punched her boss in the face. Lately, since the wedding, this had been happening to her. Lana gasped, she looked curiously at her fist, wondering what had she become.
​

 

[Eddie Brock]

THE CITIZEN

The kids close in on me. The one who can become intangible is behind me. I have my head cocked slightly, so I can monitor him through my peripheral vision. Meanwhile, the other two bear down on me with menace in their eyes. I clench my fists and prepare for the worst. Unfortunately, I don't know the half of it. One of the other two turns into stone. Stone. The other hangs back a little, so I don't know what he can do.

Then again, I don't know what I can do, either.

"Looks like we got a troublemaker," the stone criminal remarks. I'm thankful that these kids don't recognize me, but - knowing their type - I'd be surprised if they knew the President,let alone the Mayor. The stony one cracks his neck. It sounds like two cinderblocks being rubbed together.

The Amulet begins to radiate heat from my chest. It feels both relaxing and empowering. I decide to take some initiative. Spinning quickly, I take a swing at the intangible kid. I haven't thrown a punch since the tenth grade. It shows. The kid is able to dodge without using his powers. Gritting my teeth, I try to make up for it with the opposite fist. The kid ducks low and jabs me in the gut.

As I'm doubled-over, all sound seems to stop for a moment. The silence is then followed by a sharp ringing in my ears. It feels as though my eardrums are going to explode. I turn my head in the direction of the noise. I manage to catch a glimpse of the third kid before I'm flung across the hall. I smash through some old drywall and find myself in a new room.

As I'm getting up, the intangible kid appears from the floor. He charges me, and I deliver a powerful kid from the ground. As he stumbles back, the stone criminal comes crashing through the wall. "AAAAAAAAAAAARGHHHHH!" he growls as he charges at me.

I roll to my right and avoid the stampede. The third kid - the one with the piercing telekinetic scream - is entering through the hole that I created. As he opens his mouth, I do the only thing I can think of, leaping through the air. I experience the same chilling silence, but this time I avoid the brunt of the blast. The floor where I was previously lying is blown to pieces - shards flying in every direction.

"Get him to stay still, man!" the screamer whines. He unleashes a few short bursts, but I'm quick on my feet. With each dodge, my surroundings are blasted apart. I don't want to experience one of those screams dead on again.

Unfortunately for me, the stony criminal takes advantage of my divided attention. On one of my dodge attempts, he plucks me out of the air and brings me back down. Hard. As I lay wincing on the ground, the intangible kid kicks me in the small of my back from underneath the floorboards. I arch my back slightly, and the stony one delivers a crushing elbow to my stomach.

What happens next is a mystery even to me. There is a blinding flash of light, from which I recover quickly. As I open my eyes, I see that my opponents are still incapacitated. Looking down, I realize that the flash generated from the Amulet. I decide not to waste my fortune. I bound across the room and karate chop the screamer in his Adam's apple. As he gasps for air, I grab the back of his head and throw him at the intangible kid - who is still rubbing his eyes. The two collide, and the floorboards beneath them collapse.

The last one - the stony criminal - has just recovered when I charge at him. I pray that he doesn't have time to plant his feet as I launch myself into the air, feet first. I connect my heels on his chest, and he trips over himself and falls backwards. The weakened floorboards give under the enormous weight.

Hovering in the air, I stare in awe at my accomplishment. I successfully took out three powered opponents! Granted, it was neither pretty nor easy, but I did it! Looking down at their pathetic, defeated forms, I advise, "Shut down your operations in my city, boys. You don't want Round 2."
​

 

[NiteMare Shape]

​

I heard her call for help from almost a block away. It doesn't take me long to find her, backed up against the wall with some thug pointing his knife in her face.

I drop in behind the thug and make my approach. Then something hist me like a ton of bricks....She's smiling.

Without saying a word, she pulls out a pistol and fires three shots, right at my heart. It happened so fast, I wasn't able to phase out until the first shot had hit my chest, if it weren't for the armor in my suit, I'd be dead.

I phase back in right in front of the girl and her goon, I drop him with one well placed shot to the throat. Before he knew what hit him, he was rolling around on the ground, clutching his throat, gasping for air. Within seconds he passes out.

"Drop the gun, I don't want to hurt you." I say to the girl. She smiles again, and levels the gun right at my head.

Her mistake. I hit her with a right hand that puts her down for the count.

"I said I didn't want to...not that I wouldn't."


Clap...Clap...Clap...

"Not bad...not bad at all."

I spin around to face the new arrival, and when I meet his gave I realize that I've seen this man before, but I just can't place where.

"See, you've been causing alot of problems for the boss man. He doesn't send The Franchise after any old schmuck, and to tell you the truth, I can see why he sent me after you. You're pretty good, but your time just ran out."

 

[Mercy]

[FONT=&quot]Sirce/Gwen Mayer
​

[FONT=&quot]And the winner is....FOUR[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]​

[/FONT]

"Sarah?" Gwen tapped Sarah Knight's shoulders. Sarah's kids were being escorted into the limo.
"It's okay, I know" Sarah frowns to herself. Gwen sighs,
"Listen, I can stop this. If you heard me and Helena over there, you probably know by now, those rumors of me being Sirce are true" Gwen explained, Helena ran up to the two women.
"Ladies, it's time" Helena points to the glass doors. Sarah sharply turns to Helena, she squints her eyes and has a stern look on her face.
"You trust this lady?" Sarah muttered. Gwen nodded with confusion.
"She's my most trusted friend. She would never rat me out to STRIKE, even though her brother is loyal to them" Gwen clarified. Sarah turned away, she ran out the house, leaving Gwen and Helena alone.
"I-I'm sorry." Helena looked down, Gwen didn't seem too upset.
"Don't be! Cheer up! Come on, you know Tom is there and I, myself have more powers than all of STRIKE combined" Gwen smirked.

Roof of Lost Haven Theatre.
"I'm Bionic" Electrical buzzes flashed around his electronic gloves. Bionic was Tom Mayer, the cousin of Gwen and the son of Phillip Mayer.
"And I'm gonna kick your ass!" Lacey leaps up, she jumps over Bionic and kicks him in the back. Bionic shouts in pain and stumbles forward. He then turns around. Bionic shot plasma discs at Lacey. Lacey dodged them elegantly, gently leaping into the air, twisting and turning her body.'
"Mm. My scanners say your--" Bionic look at his electronic-gloves.
"I'm not a metahuman. I was injected with a drug, to help my skills, be advanced. So it's almost impossible to beat me in any sort of fighting" Lacey explained. Bionic growled, he grabbed Lacey's neck, to quick for her to re-act. Electrical zaps surrounded his goggles.
"Why did you and your ass of an agency, KILL MY AUNT!" Tom growled, something stopped him from frying Lacey.
"Mm. Seems like you don't know a lot. Here's the thing. Your Aunt Delila, she was a metahuman, an outlaw to us, STRIKE. Your Uncle Richard, he was a top agent at STRIKE. But. It was his choice to go and marry a metahuman! When Delila Mayer found out Richard worked for us, she quickly passed on the spirits of Sirce, to her sister Rachel, who is your mother. I couldn't stop Agent Rise. He set off a car bomb, killing Richard and Delila. But when your father and mother had a fight. Your father threatened to turn your mother into us. So she panicked, running away, quickly transporting the souls into Gwen. But of course, Gwen is oblivious to this" Lacey smiled. Bionic flashed a smile back.
"Hah. No wonder, you know who I am don't you? All you freaks know the Mayers!" Bionic shouted. Lacey eyed his electronic glove.
"I see, you recorded our little conversation. Good" Lacey smirked. Bionic let go of Lacey.

Lacey dropped. Bionic stood, looking over her.
"There's a lot more of you Mayers. For instants, Tessa Mayer, L--" Bionic clutched Lacey and chucked her into a metal pole, which stood on the roof.

In the Limo...
Sarah and her two kids, sat in the front row of the Limo. Gwen, Helena and Phillip (who had been picked up) sat in the back row. Phillip had explained Tom had already gone on the hunt for the STRIKE agents.
"Listen Uncle. I think it's Sarah they're after" Gwen explained. Suddenly, Helena's phone buzzed. Helena turned away and smiled.
She flicked open the silver pebble phone and bent down.
"Yes" Helena hissed over the phone.
"Right...Kate, listen, I'm with Gwen now. She has Knightress and Phillip Mayer with her. Do you have both of them?" Helena whispered.
Helena's face dropped. She sat silently for a minute, the phone to her ear.

"Use your abilities, do anything. Get Tessa as well! Have you warned her about....good. My brother killed Gwen's parents, he wont care if he has to blow up London!.....Okay, calm. I'll try and stop STRIKE from attacking at the Oscars, but you....you, stick with Lana"

 

[Spike_x1]

The Survivor stood atop the offices of Chambers Law, keeping watch for Icon and any possible surprises that the Architect might have in store. After their first meeting with the Architect, the three of them decided that Icon would take the information to be verified. Once that was done, the Survivor and Icon had met secretly to have a few words, and then they would rendezvous with the Architect back on the tower several nights later to try to figure out what to do about this... invasion, which is what the Survivor now found himself waiting for.

"Invasion," Adam scoffed. Even having seen many strange things in his short life that he could remember, he was still having trouble accepting the concept of little green men destroying everything in their way on the path to Earth.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

The Survivor stood atop the offices of Chambers Law, keeping watch for Icon and any possible surprises that the Architect might have in store. After their first meeting with the Architect, the three of them decided that Icon would take the information to be verified. Once that was done, the Survivor and Icon had met secretly to have a few words, and then they would rendezvous with the Architect back on the tower several nights later to try to figure out what to do about this... invasion, which is what the Survivor now found himself waiting for.

"Invasion," Adam scoffed. Even having seen many strange things in his short life that he could remember, he was still having trouble accepting the concept of little green men destroying everything in their way on the path to Earth.

Dylan sees The Survivor standing there. Both men stare at one another

Dylan puffs on his cigar and says, "I have no intention of engaging you in combat at this time. We could go round and round for the next 200 years, but right now you sense there is something coming an invasion of some kind. So do I."

He takes a long drag and says, "You're waiting for others to come here, when they come here I will take my leave. There is no reason for conflict among us at this time. I could find out very easily what you suspect this invasion is all about, but that is the downside to mind-powers no surprises are left. It's kind of sad when you know what you're getting for Christmas when you're 10 years old 3 months before Christmas."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

The Survivor stood atop the offices of Chambers Law, keeping watch for Icon and any possible surprises that the Architect might have in store. After their first meeting with the Architect, the three of them decided that Icon would take the information to be verified. Once that was done, the Survivor and Icon had met secretly to have a few words, and then they would rendezvous with the Architect back on the tower several nights later to try to figure out what to do about this... invasion, which is what the Survivor now found himself waiting for.

"Invasion," Adam scoffed. Even having seen many strange things in his short life that he could remember, he was still having trouble accepting the concept of little green men destroying everything in their way on the path to Earth.

I land at the edge of the building, and slowly walk up beside The Survivor, who seems to be slightly preoccupied.

"Kind of hard to believe. I've seen all the evidence, we've gone over it together, everything points to the same thing...Something that just doesn't seem possible."

The Survivor nods in agreement, but doesn't say anything.

"Any sign of our mysterious 'friend' yet?"

 

[Byrd Man]

"Concentrate, Matthew." Kensei says as we sit cross-legged in the floor.

"I don't feel anything..."

"Focus and you can feel them...the spirits and souls of every living thing on this planet. They can give you strength."

"The only thing I feel right now is a Star Wars rip-off...."

"Be quiet and focus....you can feel them, all of them. Use them to fuel you, power your speed."

I shut my eyes and try to focus....all of a sudden, I see the face of the woman I saved from a burning building the other day, then the face of that subway worker I pulled off the tracks a few months back, the people in the car crash I stopped..one by one, I see them all coming back to me.

With each face and each deed I remember, I feel something bigger growing inside of me.

"Yes! That's it. Can you feel it?!"

"Yes!"

The faces start to fly through my mind at dizzying speeds, that's when Kensei's hand hits my chest and he starts to mumble under his breath. Some sort of old spell or ritual. Whatever it is, I feel the thing building up inside me growing and growing until....

KRAKOOM!!!

Blue lightning rips through the small motel room, striking me in the chest and blowing me back into a wall.

*********

"Matthew?" Kensei slowly wakes me up.

I open my eyes and look up at him from my motel room.

"What happened?"

"My work here is done." He says as he stands up with his bag in his hands.

"Your final test was completed. You have passed, you have shown that you have what it takes to become a hero. Last night, I restored you powers as well as showing you how to become more powerful. Remember everything I have taught you when the crisis is upon us, then you will truly need it."

"Wait!" I say as I zip out of bed at the old familiar speeds, I can't help but smile as I stop in front of the old Asian man.

"What about this invasion you keep talking about? When is it? What is going to happen?"

"I do not know for certain. I just know of the vision that I had. My visions are never wrong, something is coming, Matthew. It means to destroy us all, we must all of us find the strength to find it, and I have helped you find yours. Good luck, and may fate and destiny guide you on the right path. Never forget this, you have the potential to save this world, now I suggest you use it."

I stand a bit wide-eyed as he walks out the motel room door and out of my life as quickly as he entered it.
​

 

[Spike_x1]

Dylan sees The Survivor standing there. Both men stare at one another

Dylan puffs on his cigar and says, "I have no intention of engaging you in combat at this time. We could go round and round for the next 200 years, but right now you sense there is something coming an invasion of some kind. So do I."

He takes a long drag and says, "You're waiting for others to come here, when they come here I will take my leave. There is no reason for conflict among us at this time. I could find out very easily what you suspect this invasion is all about, but that is the downside to mind-powers no surprises are left. It's kind of sad when you know what you're getting for Christmas when you're 10 years old 3 months before Christmas."

Adam looks at Chambers, not saying a word, but instead letting the glowing fire in his eyes convey his anger for the villain. If even this creep, with his psychic powers, was having feelings of impending doom, then this invasion crap must be real.

Suddenly, in the sky the Survivor could see the flying form of Icon soaring towards him. Apparently Dylan also caught sight of the other hero and decided to take his leave.

I land at the edge of the building, and slowly walk up beside The Survivor, who seems to be slightly preoccupied.

"Kind of hard to believe. I've seen all the evidence, we've gone over it together, everything points to the same thing...Something that just doesn't seem possible."

The Survivor nods in agreement, but doesn't say anything.

"Any sign of our mysterious 'friend' yet?"

Keeping an eye on Chambers until the very moment that he retreats into the roof entrance, the Survivor finally turned back to Icon.

"No sign of the Architect yet. For a self-described supergenius, he should at least be punctual for meetings like this."

"What's wrong with being fashionably late?" At the sound of Zaine Black's voice, both superheroes spun to face him as the air crackled to life and the robotic facsimile of the Architect teleported onto the scene. "I take it you've had time to verify my findings?"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Suddenly, in the sky the Survivor could see the flying form of Icon soaring towards him. Apparently Dylan also caught sight of the other hero and decided to take his leave.Keeping an eye on Chambers until the very moment that he retreats into the roof entrance, the Survivor finally turned back to Icon.

"No sign of the Architect yet. For a self-described supergenius, he should at least be punctual for meetings like this."

"What's wrong with being fashionably late?" At the sound of Zaine Black's voice, both superheroes spun to face him as the air crackled to life and the robotic facsimile of the Architect teleported onto the scene. "I take it you've had time to verify my findings?"

I look at the Architect, somewhat surprised by his sudden appearance and I nod to him.

"Verified, and re-verified. You're findings appear to be the real deal."

He smirks and nods, as if he were expecting me to say as much.

"Now that we're on the same page as far as what is coming...How do we stop it?"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

I heard her call for help from almost a block away. It doesn't take me long to find her, backed up against the wall with some thug pointing his knife in her face.

I drop in behind the thug and make my approach. Then something hist me like a ton of bricks....She's smiling.

Without saying a word, she pulls out a pistol and fires three shots, right at my heart. It happened so fast, I wasn't able to phase out until the first shot had hit my chest, if it weren't for the armor in my suit, I'd be dead.

I phase back in right in front of the girl and her goon, I drop him with one well placed shot to the throat. Before he knew what hit him, he was rolling around on the ground, clutching his throat, gasping for air. Within seconds he passes out.

"Drop the gun, I don't want to hurt you." I say to the girl. She smiles again, and levels the gun right at my head.

Her mistake. I hit her with a right hand that puts her down for the count.

"I said I didn't want to...not that I wouldn't."



Clap...Clap...Clap...


"Not bad...not bad at all."

I spin around to face the new arrival, and when I meet his gave I realize that I've seen this man before, but I just can't place where.

"See, you've been causing alot of problems for the boss man. He doesn't send The Franchise after any old schmuck, and to tell you the truth, I can see why he sent me after you. You're pretty good, but your time just ran out."

Before I can say anything he runs at me, lowering his shoulder and hitting me hard.

He's strong and fast.

I roll through as I hit the ground, getting back to my feet right away. I attack with a flurry of punches and kicks, but he manages to block each blow, and then counters with a hard right hand, then grabs me and tosses me into the side of a dumpster. He comes in fast with a kick aimed right at my head, I duck just in time, avoiding his foot which leaves a considerable dent in the dumpster.

I get to a knee and hit him with a shot to the kidney which staggers him for a moment, then follow it up with acouple of rights and lefts that knock him back, then I grab him by the arm and hurl him into the alley wall where he lands with a thud.

"Who are you, and what do you want?"

He looks at me with an almost hurt expression.

"Who am I? Are you kidding me? Damn, I guess word doesn't travel around these parts as fast as you'd think."

I grab him by the neck and lift him to his feet.

"No games, I want answers."

"You don't understand...this ain't no game. You've made some very powerful enemies...."

He headbutts me, knocking me back. Then he drives a foot into my chest that knocks me off my feet, sending me into the opposite wall.

"See, Like I said before...The boss man don't send me after just anyone."

He kicks me again, this time in the head. I look up just in time to see him pull something out of his coat. Something I recognize, an oversized handgun. I saw the designs in my father's files after he died. The same guns that Midas and the Cartel have been selling on the black market. My assailant smirks as he levels the gun at my head.

"Don't be too hard on yourself...You put up a good fight. You went toe to toe with The Franchise, and I can tell you...there aren't too many people who can say that. It's almost a shame that it has to end, it's been a long time since I've gone against anyone who can make me break a sweat. I'm gonna miss you kid."

Before he can pull the trigger, I fire a rappelling hook from my wrist gauntlet that hits Franchise in the hand. He cries out in a shocked pain as he drops the gun.

As I get back to my feet, I hear the sound of police sirens heading toward us. Some one must have called the police when the girl took her shots at me. Suddenly the entire alley is bathed in blue and white lights as the police arrive on the scene. I turn to face The Franchise, but he is gone.

I raise my wrist and fire another rappelling line, and take to the rooftops above the alley just as the cops draw their weapons on the girl and the thug who are still unconscious in the alley.

 

[Rain Dog]

MADLOVE​

CHAPTER 2: FALL​

I sat upon my enormous gilded throne, feasting on the meal the servants had prepared for me. As I ripped the meat from the bone with my teeth, I noticed a servant approaching. He was dressed in rich scarlet robes—the garb of a priest. He stopped and humbly bowed his head.

“My Lord, there is much talk of rebellion amongst the commoners…”

I scoffed.

“Where?” I grunted.

“This heresy seems to be coming from planet Nousa in the—“

The moment he says the name of the planet, I am there. And I am still at the throne, enjoying my meal, listening to the priest’s concerns. I hover above the planet’s atmosphere for a second or two, scanning the surface to these rebels. And then they’re found.

I am now at the rebel camp, all the while finishing a goblet of wine as the priest lists off the names or the heretics. Their leader is there, rallying his troops, who immediately scatter in horror as the catch sight of me. The universe is a big place, and while I am certainly capable of doing so, I tend to not be everywhere at once. As a result certain planets and certain peoples whom I do not frequently visit seem to forget or not know the extent of my powers. These ignorant ones sometimes think they can raise an army, kill me, and “liberate” their worlds, but that is not so. I am not just some mere dictator who can be overthrown. I am god. I am invincible. I am immortal.

With a wave of my hand, half of the army is immediately vaporized. With a wave of the other hand, the rest are set aflame. Not a quick or efficient way of mass-killing but a much more entertaining one. The leader stands trembling now, completely overwhelmed but what he had just seen.

“H-how is that p-p-possible?” he whimpered as he fell to his knees, “What are you?”

“You should know by now. I am the absolute power in this universe. I am your ruler. I am you god!” I shout as I point my finger at him, ready to deliver the blow that would kill this pathetic excuse for a rebellion once and for all. How should I kill him? So many options…

He shook his head as tears streamed down his face.

“Kill me then! Hurry up! Death is far better than living in a world ruled by some insane monster!” he sobbed.

Now I can’t kill him. I would be fulfilling his wishes. Heretics must be punished. I clench my hand into a fist and the heretic falls to his knees. Right now, his organs are being twisted, mashed, and grinded into bits. He lets out a gurgling scream and promptly vomits up blood and entrails. Milliseconds before slipping into death, I revive him, heal him, and do it again. I will do this for a few millennia. Or until I get bored. Whichever comes first.

I am back at the throne and the priest is gone. As I try to finish up my meal, I am struck with a brief, but very odd, very intense sensation throughout my body. A side effect for choosing a physical form, perhaps?

[blackout]“What are you doing, O?”[/blackout] asks a ghastly voice. I quickly look up and see three glowing figures in front of me. Frightening, yet beautiful apparitions. Silhouettes of light.

[blackout]“What are you doing?”[/blackout] one of them repeats.

“Who dares---!” I bark before suddenly realizing what they are. Who they are.


“H-h-how did you find me?” I ask.

[blackout]“We felt surges of your energy from dimensions away. What have you been doing?”[/blackout] another apparition asks.

“I…nothing, I—”

[blackout]“Nothing? ‘Nothing’ would not send surges of your energy throughout several dimensions, Xetaxy.”[/blackout]

[blackout]“We’ve taken a look around this universe, Nva. We did not like what we found.”[/blackout][blackout]

“Impersonating a deity violates inter-dimensional protocol, O. You knew that. These people of this universe seem to be under constant suffering…”[/blackout]

[blackout]"And you are to blame. Come with us, Xetaxy. You must be handled by the proper authorities.”[/blackout]

“…No…” I whimpered, “No. No! NO! I am the ultimate authority here, you understand! This universe belongs to ME. I found it, I conquered it, I am its rightful ruler!”

[blackout]“Conquered?”[/blackout] said a baffled apparition.

[blackout]“What has become of you, O? Come now, it’s time to end this.”[/blackout]

“No!” I snarl as I let lose three bolts of energy with enough power to vaporize a solar system. The ghostly figures quickly absorbed the beams, totally unfazed.

[blackout]“We have the same powers as you in this realm, O. Please stop embarrassing yourself. Come with us.”[/blackout]

“I don’t want to. I don’t want to leave everything I’ve accomplished here.”

Two of the apparitions vanished. Within seconds, the very palace we stood crumbled to dust. In the horizon I saw glorious monuments built in my honor suddenly vanish and collapse. The two apparitions returned within a minute.

[blackout]“There. Every planet liberated.”[/blackout]

[blackout]“Every monument, palace, and structure destroyed.”[/blackout]

[blackout]“Every prisoner freed. Every life unfairly taken under you reign restored. Every memory of you erased. You have nothing here now. No accomplishments to leave behind. Come with us now.”[/blackout]

“NOOOO!” I shrieked. It seemed hopeless. I could not destroy them. I could not escape….or could I?

With a quick wave of my hand, I open of a portal and quickly jump in. It seals, leaving the three apparitions behind. My destination? I have no idea. A random jump through dimensions means there is a possibility I will end up in a dimension already discovered by my people. If that’s the case, they’ll be ready and waiting for me. But if appeared somewhere they haven’t found yet, I could hide. They will search for me but I may still be able to avoid them. The powers I used to take this universe is what gave me away—if I should suppress my powers in the next realm, then they will not be able to find me. Or at least, it would make it very, very difficult. There was still hope. I may still be a god.