The Create-A-Hero RPG Season III IC Thread! - Part 1

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This is a continuation thread, the old thread is [split]335208[/split]

 

[CAHRPG]

WELCOME..
[FONT=&quot]TO THE CREATE-A-HERO RPG SEASON III[/FONT]

This informative pamphlet brought to you by:
[FONT=&quot]NiteMare Shape[/FONT] - Editor-In-Chief
trustyside-kick - Editor
Erin - Editor
​

First, an Introduction:​

It has begun.​

We are the Game Masters and this is our world. For many millennia, the small planet named Earth has continued a mundane, un-noteworthy existence. Then, the metahumans came. Slowly at first, the genetic creations of this new dawn soon began to sweep the planet - ranging from every continent to every sea. The Blue Blur of Chicago. Icon and the Survivor of Lost Haven. Pulse of the Blitzen District. Kensei of Japan. These metahumans increased awareness and ushered in a new age in human evolution. It has been an exciting, unpredictable adventure - and it has only begun.​

Super Terrestrial Review Inside Known Encounters, or S.T.R.I.K.E., has watched the evolution of these metahumans patiently - only interfering when absolutely necessary. Now, after a short time of observation, S.T.R.I.K.E. may be ready to make its move. The only question is, will they be a force of support or destruction to the metahumans? Only time will tell.​

The people of Earth and its heroes have seen destruction brought to their world by the invading alien forces of the Arlaaekean interstellar military. With the destruction wrought on this tiny planet and its moon, it is a wonder that the humans managed to overcome the sheer adversity and defeat the villainous Arlaaekeans. It was a war not without tragedy, however, as the young hero known as Blacklight gave his life to save others.​

Although they have largely rebuilt from the alien cataclysm that rained on their planet, and are still in the process of creating a substitute for their shattered moon and coping with the massive loss of life, these humans persevere. So far. Though the people of Earth think they have seen everything, they are poorly mistaken. Many secrets and lies have yet to be uncovered. Is Area 51 really just a testing site for experimental aircraft - or is there something more sinister about its nature? Does the city of Atlantis lie submerged in the ocean - or is it the product of pure fantasy? The key to uncovering these answers lies with the metahuman.​

One month has passed, and so much lies ahead...​

For Rules, Guidelines, Applications, and Rosters, go to:​

The Create-A-Hero RPG Season III OOC Thread​

Every universe has their own protectors, meet the CAH Superhero team:​

[FONT=&quot]Find your way around the great metropolis of Lost Haven:[/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot]Full Map of Maine:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]

[/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot]Lost Haven:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]​

[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Most Importantly:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]HAVE FUN![/FONT]
[FONT=&quot](Or Else!)[/FONT]​

 

[Hound55]

Pinup sped through the streets of Lost Haven with Walter Kennedy in the passenger seat, and she noticed the pedestrians for what seemed to her like the first time in many years. They weren't straggling in groups of one or two, marching to and fro on private missions only they knew about, as one might expect to see from any standard pedestrian. There were groups. Groups separated by two categories. Crowds of people wearing STRIKE emblems clustered together, forming a friendship based solely on their badges, while plain-clothes civilians formed an equally strong bond based on the lack thereof.

The world was separating itself like oil and water, and to Pinup, it was painfully obvious. And she knew what would happen:

Oil would ignite.

Water would freeze.

And the world would destroy itself in a hiss of scalding steam.


Walter was not dumb to the ominous differences in pedestrian traffic. He looked uneasily out the window at the groups. Everything had seemed so normal not so long ago, but it was like an old oil painting - a serene pastoral landscape, but look too closely and all the cracks in the paint show, the chips sitting there delicately, waiting to flake off the aged canvas.

The car neared the Guardians' headquarters and Pinup slowed. A group was already forming on the street, and it made her nervous. Picketers held signs scrawled with hate messages against metas and the Guardians and STRIKE recruits patrolled the perimeter of the crowd as though they possessed real power. Stragglers, unaffiliated with the group, did their best to dodge out of sight, also sensing something was about to go terribly wrong.

The car came to a halt as it met the resistance of the group. People closed in around the vehicle and Pinup and Walter glanced uneasily toward each other. Pinup sighed. If there was going to be any way of getting into the Headquarters, it wasn't going to be in the car. She unbuckled her seat belt and, hesitantly, Walter followed suit.

Pinup opened the car door. Her ears rang with cries from the protesters as she stepped out of the vehicle and continued toward the building on foot. It was just a small group, at least.

"Walter, I want you to go ahead of me. Buzz the intercom and tell them who you are - they'll let you in. I'm going to hang back in case things get ugly when they see what we want."

"If things get ugly, I should be the one to hang back." Walter argued quietly as they walked, shoulder to shoulder, along the street. "The serum wouldn't do anything to me."

Pinup didn't answer, and Walter didn't press her, knowing that when she kept silent, she had already won the argument. Walter did as he was told and neared the intercom at the side of the building.

"HE'S GOING IN! HE'S ONE OF THEM!" A man shouted.

Pinup arched an eyebrow toward him, wondering how discreetly she could use her powers in a crowd like this. She decided to chance it, honing in on the protester. The rest of the world began to drop away into a gray fog as she centered her thoughts on the link between herself and the man. She was only barely aware of a woman yelling

"No, it's her! I recognize her from the news! She's one of them!"

A pinch in her shoulder caused Pinup to lose focus. The connection broke like a thin string and the world came flooding back. For a moment, she didn't realize what had happened. She reached up and removed a sharp dart from her skin.

Nothing, she thought. It doesn't work on me. My degenerative processes are too slow, it won't metabolize. I'm -

The world seemed to shake violently and she fell to the ground mid-thought. Her heart clenched in her chest and her breathing became labored. Cold sweat poured down her body as she was caught by the shock of how fast acting the toxin was.

"EMILY!" Walter cried hoarsely. He resisted the urge to rush to her side long enough to press the intercom button

"Yes, it's Doctor Walter Kennedy! It's Emily! Help!"

“Emily?? Who the…” Isaac thought to himself as he walked past the monitor by the kitchen. An old man filled the screen, high tension painted across a face whose skin had lost its own through age.

The old man turned and looked back at “Emily” revealing Pinup, stretched out and looking as close to death’s door as she was to the Guardians’, and a small congregation of armed citizens.

All wearing patches, with a familiar symbol.

He wasn't sure if he was doing it right, or who was listening on the other end, but it didn't seem to matter as he pushed through the crowd with the strength of a man half his age to reach the spot where Pinup fell.

She lay crumpled on the ground - the crowd stunned by the effect of the weapons STRIKE had provided them. Her face was ashen and her eyes barely open as every breath seemed like a mini-seizure.

"W-Walter" Pinup chattered through grated teeth. "What's happening?"

"The toxin is unraveling your DNA." Walter put it in the simplist terms he could.

"H-how long - "

"If you were anyone else you'd already be dead."

Back in the kitchen, the monitor glows the action to no audience, as footsteps can be heard growing softer running in the direction of the main entrance.

Walter threw his arm across her shoulders and another under her arm, trying to aid her to stand. "But you're not going to die."

Pinup collapsed again. "Let me die."

Walter's brow furrowed. It wasn't a surprising request. For the past thirty years he had worked with Emily to help her do exactly that, but now the time had come, and this was never how he had imagined it. He had fooled himself into thinking that he was searching for a cure - not a death sentence.

"No." He said firmly.

"Walter, let me - "

But Walter wasn't listening. The sound of the door opening behind him had caught his attention and he turned the headquarters just in time to see a glimmer of salvation emerge from within its walls.

"She needs help!" He yelled. "Get her to the medi-wing!"

Later

It had been over an hour since Icon had brought Pinup into the medical wing with Walter Kennedy in the hope of saving her life. In that time, both Youngster and Vigilante had come by to see what was going on, only to leave when there was no news to be had.

But Icon waited. He couldn't explain why he sat there on the bench outside of the hospital room, only that he felt like he needed to be there.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the door opened and Walter came out, a half defeated look on his face.

"Is she going to be OK?" Icon asked, concern for his friend clearly in his voice.

"For now." Walter said numbly.

"What do you mean?"

"I was able to stabilize her, but I'm afraid that the effects of the serum are irreversible. She will lose her abilities...which means...."

"She'll die."

"Eventually. When, I don't know. It could be 40 years or 40 minutes, depending on how her body ages. But yes, sometime in the future, possibly the very near future, she will die." Walter said as a single tear fell from his eye. He lowered his head, feeling a myriad of emotions ranging from sadness and anger to regret. For because of his actions, his best friend for over half a century was going to die.

And there was nothing that he could do to stop that.

[BLACKOUT]"Well... at the time she looked like she'd be lucky to see out 40 seconds... There's worse things than living out your life as a mere human."[/BLACKOUT] the Vigilante uttered, comforting social tones far from his strong point.

[BLACKOUT]"...I mean neither of us are rushing to jump off a cliff because of the realization that our bodies have term limits."[/BLACKOUT]

Icon gave him a sad but solemn look and an almost imperceptible shake of the head that held more weight in saying "Not now" than words could express.

As much to change the subject from the awkward place he'd taken it as anything else he added a query.

[BLACKOUT]"So, what do you mean by stable? Is she conscious, can we go in and speak to her?"[/BLACKOUT]

 

[Erin]

[BLACKOUT]"So, what do you mean by stable? Is she conscious, can we go in and speak to her?"[/BLACKOUT]

Walter shook his head. "She's not conscious, no. I had to induce a coma to make it easier while I tried to stabilize the changes." His voice trembled slightly from old age and uncertainty, "Hopefully, she'll wake up in a few days...if she lives that long" his voice trailed off into a mutter and he slumped into the bench outside the medical wing.

"This is what she was afraid of... This is what STRIKE has planned for metas. She told me not to share my research." He addressed nobody in particular as he stared at the floor, trying to wrap his mind around how quickly everything could go so terribly wrong.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Walter shook his head. "She's not conscious, no. I had to induce a coma to make it easier while I tried to stabilize the changes." His voice trembled slightly from old age and uncertainty, "Hopefully, she'll wake up in a few days...if she lives that long" his voice trailed off into a mutter and he slumped into the bench outside the medical wing.

"This is what she was afraid of... This is what STRIKE has planned for metas. She told me not to share my research." He addressed nobody in particular as he stared at the floor, trying to wrap his mind around how quickly everything could go so terribly wrong.

Icon regarded the older man with a nod. He could see that Kennedy was in a lot of pain due to the trouble that he had unintentionally caused. A feeling that Icon himself was all to familiar with.

"You did what you thought was right. Anderson has fooled a lot of people recently, so you are far from alone. All you can do is use what you know to try to make things right."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

The crowd outside the Guardians HQ is starting to shake off some of the effects of Eve's riot control procedures.

One of the S.T.R.I.K.E Officers says, "We can take her! There's only one of her!"

Eve begins tracking the movements of the crowd.

Hate to say it but the odds aren't exactly in my favor, but sometimes all it takes is a show of force to make a statement.

Eve gives a slight smirk and says to the officer, "You have no clue what you're about to do."

She gets a cable from The Serpent and has it shoot out a small electrical charge. Just enough to make a line in front of her.

Eve says, "Do not cross that line anyone. You have no clue what will happen to you and your other members. I suggest you stand down!"

The Officer says, "Suggestion noted and ignored! S.T.R.I.K.E members unit members 1-10 form up behind me 'V' formation."

Eve sees 10 members behind the officer.

She says, "Last Chance to stand down. Don't cross the line!"

The Officer says, "MOVE IN!"

The office and his group begin to move forward.

Eve says, "Okay then."

The officer steps over the line with a baton raised. He swings it and Eve blocks it, and as she does the baton cracks.

The officer is stunned and Eve jerks it out of his hand and breaks it over her leg with a smile on her face. She then steps on the peices of the broken baton and crushes them into powder.

Suddenly everyone is stunned and Eve says, "That could've been your face. Stand Down! I won't be so nice next time."

The Officer says, "Step back everyone."

Eve feels a sense of empowerment and strength as she says, "Anyone else feeling brave or do you all want to see what else I can do."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Director Anderson stood in front of the massive picture window looking out over the city of Lost Haven. For months, he had pushed his agenda, slowly turning the masses against the meta humans of the world all the while secretly consolidating power for himself and his organization. Using both political maneuvering as well as a show of paramilitary force, he had quietly become one of the most powerful men in the world.

And now, everything that he had been working toward for all this time was about to come to a head. He took several steps back from the window and then turned and methodically made his way over to his desk. He sat down in the oversized leather chair and picked up his phone.

"Mason, this is Anderson. It's time. Start the operation." He said as he logged into his computer, and with the help of a package that had been put in place some time ago, began to wreak havoc on the most famous metas in the world.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

The lights flickered inside the Guardian's Headquarters, and then went out momentarily before being replaced by the red emergency lights.

"Intruder detected. Facility lockdown initiated." The automated voice of the complex echoed through the hallways.

Then there was a deathly silence...followed by the sound of gunfire as the base's security system kicked in, and a pair of turrets emerged from their hiding places in the walls and opened fire.

It didn't take long for those inside the base, everyone from the civilian workers and medical staff to the Guardians themselves to realize that the facility's defense system was targeting them.

In the medical wing, Icon grabbed Walter Kennedy and shoved him in the hospital room where Pinup lay recovering from her earlier trauma, slamming the door behind him. Then he used a fine energy beam from his eyes to weld the door shut, assuring the professor that he will be back to get them out when the coast is clear.

He began making his way down the hall, pausing as he reached the corpse of one of the base's civilian workers who was missing a large portion of his skull, a victim of the base's turrets.

Suddenly, the sounds of screams from down the hall got his attention, and he took off at a run toward the source of the commotion.

 

[sabetoonth]

The crowd outside the Guardians HQ is starting to shake off some of the effects of Eve's riot control procedures.

One of the S.T.R.I.K.E Officers says, "We can take her! There's only one of her!"

Eve begins tracking the movements of the crowd.

Hate to say it but the odds aren't exactly in my favor, but sometimes all it takes is a show of force to make a statement.

Eve gives a slight smirk and says to the officer, "You have no clue what you're about to do."

She gets a cable from The Serpent and has it shoot out a small electrical charge. Just enough to make a line in front of her.

Eve says, "Do not cross that line anyone. You have no clue what will happen to you and your other members. I suggest you stand down!"

The Officer says, "Suggestion noted and ignored! S.T.R.I.K.E members unit members 1-10 form up behind me 'V' formation."

Eve sees 10 members behind the officer.

She says, "Last Chance to stand down. Don't cross the line!"

The Officer says, "MOVE IN!"

The office and his group begin to move forward.

Eve says, "Okay then."

The officer steps over the line with a baton raised. He swings it and Eve blocks it, and as she does the baton cracks.

The officer is stunned and Eve jerks it out of his hand and breaks it over her leg with a smile on her face. She then steps on the peices of the broken baton and crushes them into powder.

Suddenly everyone is stunned and Eve says, "That could've been your face. Stand Down! I won't be so nice next time."

The Officer says, "Step back everyone."

Eve feels a sense of empowerment and strength as she says, "Anyone else feeling brave or do you all want to see what else I can do."

THE LIVING BLACK HOLE
​

The order came down the lines, move in. This is it, we've been trained for this kind of thing. When we were given the order to launch a tactical assault on the Guardians' HQ. My name's name is Henry Michell, I used to be just like you. I had a life, gorgeous girlfriend, a career brightly lighting the way in front of me. But then during a bridge collapse I lost the love of my life and things started going downhill. Not entirely mind you, but I could tell they would if I hadn't ever found a way to deal with my loss. Deal with losing Lizzie, move on. But I can't just move on, that collapse was a disaster yet no superhero showed up to help before it was too late, no metas but those that caused it. Where were the 'heroes' then? Lizzie didn't make it, and I don't want that happening to anyone else. That's why I volunteered for the serum, so I could have some powers so that I could do the good the Guardians should be doing.

I'm faster, I'm stronger, I'm everything a man could be at his peak, and I can get better. All I have to do is absorb matter, and it is converted by my body into power. Power I'm going to use to help people. There's no better time than the now right? Ive absorbed enough matter to allow me the ability to perform impressive feats. I'm not incredibly strong, or amazingly, but I am super humanly strong, more than any strong man ever could if they double their efforts. And the world record for power lifting is 970 pounds

I'm in the crowd outside Guardians HQ, I'm the only one who seems to be a living silhouette, my skin captures all light reflected my way, so like the name implies, my shape is a black hole. I can activate the event horizon, and all nearby matter would start being sucked into my being, but I'm not going to do that, Ive been warned I have a limit, something to keep me from becoming trouble should I go rogue. I don't know what happens when I reach my limit, I don't know how my limit is monitored. But I know I can do more than I currently have.

I see the one snatch the baton from a STRIKE officer and destroy it. She's up first I guess, It doesn't take much for me to move up front and answer her little challenge. I've received some STRIKE combat training since gaining my powers, because a fighting system was not instantly downloaded into my brain when I gained my abilities.

"I'll take a go!" I make sure she can hear me as I come up to her little line and stare her down. I try nicely, maybe she'll listen. "Move...or I'll make you." I say the words with an intimidating care. I really don't want to hurt her but if she doesn't get out of the way I will. How hard can it be?

 

[wiegeabo]

"this file." she said as she revealed a manilla folder hidden beneath her newspaper. she stood up and began gathering her items, then handed d the newspaper with the folder tucked snugly beneath it.

"happy reading. I'm sure you'll know exactly what to do with this." she said as she walked away from the tables and made her way into the crowed lost haven street.

The Director watches his associate leave for only a moment. Then he quickly slides the paper to the other side of his table. "What do you think?"

"You can trust her?" My voice whispers quietly from the 'empty' booth in front of The Director.

"Immanently. Although I doubt she'll live through the day now."

I slide my finger under the newspaper, letting quicksilver coat the envelope beneath it. I put the now invisible envelope in my jacket. "Exaggerating much?"

Charlie puts his money on the table and stands up. "No."

**

We sit in the conference room at The Agency as The Doctor finishes explaining the medical side of things. I only pick up on half of what she says. Hopefully Bobby got the other half. Basically, it sounds pretty bad. Pain, death, and that's just the appetizer.

"Um, not to sound like a selfish prick, but..."

"I see nothing that indicates you or your gland will be effected. There's nothing meta about either of you."

"...Really?"

The Fatman takes back the conversation. "Since Agent Cole will be fine, we need to focus on the big picture."

"Mass hysteria? Panic in the streets?"

"Dogs and cats, living together."

"I love that movie."

"I know, right?"

"You're both right. And it won't stop there."

"Where will it stop?"

"We're not going to find out. Because we aren't going to let it get that far."

"I can start working on a counteragent...so to speak."

"You won't have time to finish it. But start on one anyway."

"What's the plan then?"

The Fatman sits behind his desk. "I'm going to have to do something drastic. Call in more than a few long term favors..."

"I don't know if I like where this is going..."

 

[Hound55]

The lights flickered inside the Guardian's Headquarters, and then went out...

[BLACKOUT]"Huh..."[/BLACKOUT] Isaac said, looking up and waiting for the emergency generator to kick in and illuminate the corridor once more.

...momentarily before being replaced by the red emergency lights.

[BLACKOUT]"Weird, the emergency lighting isn't supposed to be re- -...oh s***."[/BLACKOUT]

"Intruder detected. Facility lockdown initiated." The automated voice of the complex echoed through the hallways.

Isaac ducked around a corner under a bench, his mind racing. Using what little light he could from the red glow he spied a monitor just a few metres down the hall. A gun turret hanging between.

Then there was a deathly silence...followed by the sound of gunfire as the base's security system kicked in

[BLACKOUT]"No grapple gun. No night sticks... Great. Pockets... bolts, both kinds. Cable for the grapple gun I don't have. Cash..."[/BLACKOUT]

[BLACKOUT]"Annnnnd... A disgusting wad of gum that Blur left under the bench."[/BLACKOUT] He added, prying the wretched blob out from underneath the counter.

Sighing, he looked back at the gun turret. Watching it swivel to survey the hall.

[BLACKOUT]"I guess it'll have to do."[/BLACKOUT]

Timing the rotation of the turret he slid in under its sensor, springing to his feet and wedging a bolt wrapped in gum into the barrel. Diving back o his corner but not quite making it in time the sensor passed over him and demanded that the turret fire off a round.

The gum and bolt held, barely. The turret backfired and was disabled immediately, hanging limp from the ceiling. Isaac got back up and ran to the monitor.

[BLACKOUT]"Foxtrot Niner Charlie Golf! Full manual override!"[/BLACKOUT]

Nothing changed. The monitor blinked for a second and then went back to the same screen. Nothing.

[BLACKOUT]"S***... FOXTROT NINER CHARLIE GOLF! Full manual override!"[/BLACKOUT] he growled at the non-responsive screen.

One last time, he attempted a different command for the same code [BLACKOUT]"Foxtrot Niner Charlie Golf! Full manual security shutdown! Manual Reset!"[/BLACKOUT]

Still, the screens remained unresponsive.

[BLACKOUT]"Where are you, you damned Armed Forces ********s?!? G.I. Jackoffs! Shut it down! There's no damn threat! Just us and..."[/BLACKOUT]

In the distance his thought was concluded by a burst of laser fire off in the distance.

The armoury... Gunny works there alone. It's probably the best protected part of the compound. But if the security system is malfunctioning...

"Malfunctioning. Who am I kidding...?"

... with the security system in its current state it's now the most dangerous place within these walls.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

THE LIVING BLACK HOLE
​

The order came down the lines, move in. This is it, we've been trained for this kind of thing. When we were given the order to launch a tactical assault on the Guardians' HQ. My name's name is Henry Michell, I used to be just like you. I had a life, gorgeous girlfriend, a career brightly lighting the way in front of me. But then during a bridge collapse I lost the love of my life and things started going downhill. Not entirely mind you, but I could tell they would if I hadn't ever found a way to deal with my loss. Deal with losing Lizzie, move on. But I can't just move on, that collapse was a disaster yet no superhero showed up to help before it was too late, no metas but those that caused it. Where were the 'heroes' then? Lizzie didn't make it, and I don't want that happening to anyone else. That's why I volunteered for the serum, so I could have some powers so that I could do the good the Guardians should be doing.

I'm faster, I'm stronger, I'm everything a man could be at his peak, and I can get better. All I have to do is absorb matter, and it is converted by my body into power. Power I'm going to use to help people. There's no better time than the now right? Ive absorbed enough matter to allow me the ability to perform impressive feats. I'm not incredibly strong, or amazingly, but I am super humanly strong, more than any strong man ever could if they double their efforts. And the world record for power lifting is 970 pounds

I'm in the crowd outside Guardians HQ, I'm the only one who seems to be a living silhouette, my skin captures all light reflected my way, so like the name implies, my shape is a black hole. I can activate the event horizon, and all nearby matter would start being sucked into my being, but I'm not going to do that, Ive been warned I have a limit, something to keep me from becoming trouble should I go rogue. I don't know what happens when I reach my limit, I don't know how my limit is monitored. But I know I can do more than I currently have.

I see the one snatch the baton from a STRIKE officer and destroy it. She's up first I guess, It doesn't take much for me to move up front and answer her little challenge. I've received some STRIKE combat training since gaining my powers, because a fighting system was not instantly downloaded into my brain when I gained my abilities.

"I'll take a go!" I make sure she can hear me as I come up to her little line and stare her down. I try nicely, maybe she'll listen. "Move...or I'll make you." I say the words with an intimidating care. I really don't want to hurt her but if she doesn't get out of the way I will. How hard can it be?

Eve sees the moving silhouette move up to answer her challenge.

Suddenly her Neural Net slams into overdrive spitting out information into her mind about Black Holes.

What the....?

Just then Brother Paul chimes in, "Don't worry Eve. When you are in a situation such as this the Neural Net has already been programed to instantly analyze other Meta-Humans. This guy really is a living Black Hole. Wow! It should give you a plan of attack momentarily. In the meantime try to avoid direct attacks what you do will be reflected back on you. Play it cool."

Eve replies, "Make your move bright eyes."

She shrugs her shoulders as though to say "whatever"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

The lights flickered inside the Guardian's Headquarters, and then went out momentarily before being replaced by the red emergency lights.

"Intruder detected. Facility lockdown initiated." The automated voice of the complex echoed through the hallways.

Then there was a deathly silence...followed by the sound of gunfire as the base's security system kicked in, and a pair of turrets emerged from their hiding places in the walls and opened fire.

It didn't take long for those inside the base, everyone from the civilian workers and medical staff to the Guardians themselves to realize that the facility's defense system was targeting them.

In the medical wing, Icon grabbed Walter Kennedy and shoved him in the hospital room where Pinup lay recovering from her earlier trauma, slamming the door behind him. Then he used a fine energy beam from his eyes to weld the door shut, assuring the professor that he will be back to get them out when the coast is clear.

He began making his way down the hall, pausing as he reached the corpse of one of the base's civilian workers who was missing a large portion of his skull, a victim of the base's turrets.

Suddenly, the sounds of screams from down the hall got his attention, and he took off at a run toward the source of the commotion.

Icon made his way toward the area that he had heard the surprised screams, which sounded like they had originated in the team lounge area. As he approached the lounge, he could hear Flux and Starlight fending off some of the headquarters' defenses. From the sounds of things, they were doing a good job, but could use a hand.

As he rounded the final corner before reaching the lounge, a pair of turrets emerged from the wall, spraying him with a barrage of machine gun fire. The rounds bounced harmlessly off of him as he grimaced, and with a pair of well placed optic blasts, reduced the turrets to slags of molten steel.

Icon walked past the ruined turrets and was about to make his way into the lounge, when suddenly a pair of steel tentacles shot out from the wall. One of the tentacles wrapped itself around his arm while the other found its way around his waist. He was just about to pull himself free when suddenly the tentacles unleashed an electrical jolt with the force of 10 lightening strikes. The initial assault brought him down to one knee, then a second jolt struck him, forcing him down on his hands and knees.

Just as the third jolt was commencing, the assault was cut short by a blinding light as Archangel's fire sword cut through the tentacles.

Icon looked up, relief washing over him as it had just struck him that he hadn't heard Michael anywhere in the base, and he was just glad to see that his friend was alright.

"Looks like you could've used a hand." Michael said as he held out his hand, offering to help Icon to his feet.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Icon made his way toward the area that he had heard the surprised screams, which sounded like they had originated in the team lounge area. As he approached the lounge, he could hear Flux and Starlight fending off some of the headquarters' defenses. From the sounds of things, they were doing a good job, but could use a hand.

As he rounded the final corner before reaching the lounge, a pair of turrets emerged from the wall, spraying him with a barrage of machine gun fire. The rounds bounced harmlessly off of him as he grimaced, and with a pair of well placed optic blasts, reduced the turrets to slags of molten steel.

Icon walked past the ruined turrets and was about to make his way into the lounge, when suddenly a pair of steel tentacles shot out from the wall. One of the tentacles wrapped itself around his arm while the other found its way around his waist. He was just about to pull himself free when suddenly the tentacles unleashed an electrical jolt with the force of 10 lightening strikes. The initial assault brought him down to one knee, then a second jolt struck him, forcing him down on his hands and knees.

Just as the third jolt was commencing, the assault was cut short by a blinding light as Archangel's fire sword cut through the tentacles.

Icon looked up, relief washing over him as it had just struck him that he hadn't heard Michael anywhere in the base, and he was just glad to see that his friend was alright.

"Looks like you could've used a hand." Michael said as he held out his hand, offering to help Icon to his feet.

Icon took Michael's outstretched hand and got to his feet.

"So, um...what's going on?" Michael asked somewhat facetiously.

"Someone's taken over Guardian Headquarters defenses, and I'll give you two guesses who's behind it." Icon said as he marched into the lounge where he found Flux and Starlight ducked into the doorway leading to the kitchen as another pair of turrets fired at them.

Icon grabbed one of the turrets and bent the barrel up into a "U" shape, then reached over and ripped the other one right out of its mounting. With the gunfire stopped, the girls stepped into the room, both showing an expression of relief.

"We've got to get to the main computer console and shut---" Michael's words trail as the entire complex is rocked by an explosion. The lights inside the base flickered, and then went black.

Icon and the others stood around for a moment, listening to the deafening silence as the defense systems shut down. They waited for the backup generators to kick in, which would allow the base's defense systems to resume their attack, however the backup generators never kicked in.

Icon led the others down the hallway, which was dimly illuminated by the red emergency lights.

"We should try and find the others and then get to the bottom of this." Michael said as they advanced down the hallway.

However, strange sounds began to echo within the walls of the base, the sounds of running footsteps somewhere down the corridor...footsteps that were getting closer.

"Right now, I think we've got bigger problems." Icon said as more than a dozen heavily armed metas in S.T.R.I.K.E riot gear raced towards them.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Outside of the Guardian Headquarters, S.T.R.I.K.E agent Jack Mason stood beside the massive assault transport vehicle monitoring the events as they unfolded inside the heroes' complex. Thus far, the siege had gone according to plan. With the exception of having the backup generators inside the building knocked out in the explosion during S.T.R.I.K.E's breach of the outer wall, rendering the installation's defense system non functional, everything had gone according to plan.

On the inside of the facility, the Guardians fought for their lives against a team of metas under the employ of S.T.R.I.K.E, however, the most important aspect of the operation was taking place several blocks away, where a team of agents were securing the weapon which had been come to be known as "the meta bomb." Once detonated, the bomb would release the weaponized anti meta serum, killing any meta human in the city.

Mason understood the necessity of the mission, the metas had proven to be too unpredictable to allow them to remain at large, and the inability of the nation's prisons to keep them locked up only demonstrated the need for a true solution to the problem. However, at the same time, he did wish that there was another way as the meta humans could prove useful in a militaristic capacity. And he did find it somewhat ironic that the metas who were now working with his organization were fighting so hard only to be rewarded with a quick, yet extremely painful death.

Another large explosion, this time from inside the complex itself rocked the area. Mason focused his attention to the area that the explosion emanated from, and a moment later, something burst through the wall. It took him several seconds to realize that Icon had just driven one of his meta agents, an over-sized mountain of a man nicknamed Rocko, clear through the outer wall of Guardian Headquarters, and deposited him through the side of one of S.T.R.I.K.E's armored transport vehicles.

Just as Mason was about to order an attack on the hero, he heard a distinct pinging sound. He reached into his pocket and produced a small communications device which gave him direct contact with the team which was tasked with planting the bomb atop of the Chambers Building.

"Mason. What is it Team Omega?" He said into the comm device.

"The package is delivered sir, awaiting further orders." Came the reply.

"Stand by, guard the package. If anyone tries to get near it, kill them."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Alexander Anderson stared intently at his blank computer screen, silently fuming over his loss of control over the defense systems within Guardians Headquarters. Moments ago, he had been creating havoc inside the base, and then...nothing.

A status report from the field had indicated that the complex was completely dark, even the backup generators had been damaged when S.T.R.I.K.E forces had breached the outer wall. According to that same report, the siege was going according to plan, and the meta bomb had also been put into place.

However, he was a perfectionist, and hated losing control of the defense system.

Suddenly there was a knock on his door, and without waiting for an answer, the door creaked open. He looked up to see who could possibly be interrupting him at a time like this, and when he saw Elizabeth Powers' head poking into the office, he remembered that he had called for her.

"Ah, Elizabeth, come in." Anderson said with a smile as he regarded his long time assistant.

"You wanted to see me Director?" She asked, her nervousness barely perceptible in her tone.

"Yes. Elizabeth, how long have you worked for me?" he asked.

"Just about five years sir."

"And we've developed a fairly good relationship. I'd even say that we've become friends in that time."

"We have sir, I've learned alot in my time here."

His face twisted into a scowl.

"Then why is it, that you've turned against me?" He asked, his voice taking on a darker tone.

"Sir?" She asks, feigning ignorance.

Anderson reached for a remote control sitting on his desk, then used it to turn on the large flat screen television hanging on his office wall. Elizabeth feels a cold shiver run down her spine as she looked upon the images on the screen. Images from that very morning, outside of a small bistro. Images of her clandestine meeting with the director of "The Agency."

"I can explain Director---" She begins, but is cut off by Anderson.

"No need Elizabeth, I understand. You know how I feel about the meta humans, and what I'm willing to do to ensure not just the safety of the people of this country, but the very survival of the human race. And you were frightened of the lengths I was willing to go to." Anderson said calmly.

"You don't understand sir." She said, Anderson cut in before she could continue.

"I do understand, Elizabeth. You were trying to protect your little brother. That's why you kept his condition a secret, not that I can blame you. A filthy meta human in your family...such a disgrace. I suppose I can't blame you though, I would do anything in my power to protect my family."

For the first time, Elizabeth allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Which is why I personally authorized a unit to pick him up this morning." Anderson said coldly.

"What? No!" She protested, taking a step toward the director.

"Elizabeth, I've known about your brother since before you came into my employ. I had chosen to leave him alone because of my relationship with you. But what you did goes beyond betrayal. It borders on treason...and that can't go unpunished. Which is why I've determined that he is to be put down as soon as possible." Anderson said casually.

"You can't do that!" She said, tears beginning to swell in her eyes.

"It's already done. Your brother would have been allowed to live a normal life if it weren't for your betrayal. I want you to think about that as you pack your belongings. You're fired Elizabeth. Now get out of my office before I decide that you need to be punished further." Anderson said, dismissing his former assistant.

Elizabeth stood there in shock for a moment over what had just transpired until finally she was able to process what he had just said. She turned and made her way to the door, trying already trying to come up with a plan to save her brother.

"Elizabeth?" Anderson called out to her, causing her to freeze in mid step. She slowly turned to face him, and found herself staring down the barrel of a revolver.

"Goodbye." He said, pulling the trigger.

He looked over to the prone body of his young assistant, shaking his head in disappointment. Then he reached for his phone, picking up the receiver and dialing a number.

The phone rang several times before the other end was picked up.

"Charles, it's Director Anderson. It is time to unleash Endgame." He said into the phone, only to be met with silence.

"Sir, with all due respect, we can't. The codes still have not been implanted, we will have no control over him." Dr. Charles Teufel protested from the other end of the line.

"There is no time now. Things have taken...a turn for the worse. Now wake him up, or I will find someone who will." Anderson threatened, knowing that Teufel knew exactly what that would mean for him.

"V...very well sir. I will see that it is done immediately." Teufel said reluctantly.

"See that you do." Anderson said as hung hung up the receiver.

Anderson sat behind his desk for a few moments, staring at Elizabeth's body. Soon he would call one of his people to come and clean up the mess, and once that was done, there would be nothing for him to do but wait for the inevitable.
​

 

[Hound55]

A nightmare. A f***ing nightmare. Twice in the last 24 hours I've had my personal life invaded... Well, personal liveS invaded.

Last time someone just broke in to my place. Pretty bad when my entire life hinges on keeping my, shall we say "recreational activities", completely separate from the activities of Isaac Fontaine. That was pretty bad, yes. This is worse. This time the sanctuary of Lost Haven's Vigilante has not only been compromised, it's been turned against me.

Oh... also, I have nothing to fight back against the buildings defenses. So there's that too. Bad as that sounds, where I'm going is even worse.

The Armoury, probably the best guarded area in our complex, is likely holding a man I consider "friend". Gunny, the man in charge of requisitions. I have no intention of leaving him under fire. Not how I work. Not today, not ever.

So I walk down the halls of one of the most protected buildings in the world. On the up-side, I know this place inside-out. If I had to, I could probably break in here. Who knew I'd have to? Course I kept that little tidbit to myself. Mikey, Blur... hell, probably Icon, they think I'm paranoid. But what is it they say? "It's not paranoid when they're really out to get you." Something like that. Rings pretty true right now.

Anyway, if I remember right there's a laser turret less than 15 metres ahead... yards here. Here they use yards. But here they use hallways more than air-conditioning vents to get around in as well. I always did cut my own path...

The sounds of gunfire echo all around while I wallow through the ventilation shaft. I can't follow this the whole way through, the shaft has its own defenses further along. It's not far once I have to drop back down anyway though. Just far enough to be a hassle. This life's seldom easy...

It turns out I underestimated how far I needed to go to be out of the range of the laser turrets, and nearly got my rear end fried in the process. Fortunately I'm still nimble enough to dive and roll to shelter. Remarkable how often that skill winds up getting used here. When it comes to this lifestyle, having multiple heroic identities, it's kind of like those newfangled multi-blade razors they sell these days for shaving. "The second blade cuts even closer."

Still. Can't complain too much. I'm still here, all the crazy stuff I've seen and I'm still here. Not far to go before the Armoury as well.

Clik!

A wall panel flips open and thick tentacles extend out. Looking to swat one away, I see it spark just in time and think twice, saving myself from electrocution in the process.

[BLACKOUT]"Well this wasn't in the schematic... Nice to see they build new toys and don't tell anyone about it."[/BLACKOUT]

Stepping back away from the tentacles I stumble over a fallen worker, the electric arms reach out for me and...

...they dropped limp. Another power outage, looking back down the hall I see the laser turrets hanging down loose like their life had been ripped away from them.

I don't need a more formal invitation, I take my leave and sprint for the Armoury. Getting to the door I burst in, unsure if I'll be met with a relieved face or a corpse. The truth was somewhere in the middle.

I almost didn't see him at first. He'd mostly tucked himself behind the counter, but his legs lay motionless but in view. Running behind his counter I saw him laid out, and the blood. God, the blood. So much blood.

"It's not as bad as it looks..." he croaked.

"Gut shot. They seldom are. Whole lotta blood, but so long as we can get me to the infirmary sometime pretty soon I should be ok."

Yeah, sure... So long as those guys working over there are still alive, unlike the guy I just tripped over in the hall... And I can find a stable way, like a stretcher, to get him there. Oh... and so long as the power doesn't come back on and re-start the defense systems in "Shoot first, ask questions later" mode.

Then I said it. God knows why I said it. It's an unspoken rule that you never say it. I should have known better, than to say it.

[BLACKOUT]"What else can go wrong?"[/BLACKOUT] I muttered under my breath.

That was when I heard the sound of heavy boots storming the building...

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Another large explosion, this time from inside the complex itself rocked the area. Mason focused his attention to the area that the explosion emanated from, and a moment later, something burst through the wall. It took him several seconds to realize that Icon had just driven one of his meta agents, an over-sized mountain of a man nicknamed Rocko, clear through the outer wall of Guardian Headquarters, and deposited him through the side of one of S.T.R.I.K.E's armored transport vehicles.

After depositing the large meta through the side of the transport vehicle, Icon banked hard to the left and was immediately fired upon by several S.T.R.I.K.E gunships. The flying tanks attempted to surround him in order to hit him with a massive barrage of gunfire, but the hero was too fast for them, easily putting distance between himself and the ships.

Then he changed direction, and started on a collision course with the lead ship. The three gunships each fired on him with their machine guns and rockets, however the arsenal had no effect on him as he continued on his course. Then suddenly, he changed course again, heading directly for the street, before turning up again and crashing through the bottom of the ship's cockpit, emerging through the top of the ship with both the pilot and copilot in his grip. He accelerated toward the ground again, setting the frightened airmen safely on the ground before going back to the out of control gunship, catching it in midair and returning it to the street, where the terrified crew looked on in awe as he repeated the process with the other two ships.

Icon looked down at the wrecked gunships, and was about to make his way back toward Guardian Headquarters when suddenly he was hit hard by something, or someone so hard that he crashed into the side of one of the near by skyscrapers, cracking the stone wall of the building with the impact.

"That's enough Icon, I'm taking you in." The armored man said.

Icon recognized the man, he was one of S.T.R.I.K.E's agents who had done a remarkably good job in keeping the peace, up until a few weeks ago that is. Icon struggled to think of the man's name, until it finally came to him.

"Stand down Piston." Icon said, knowing that the other man would not. He had no desire to fight the armored agent, in fact, he respected Piston quite a bit. He could even have seen the man as a member of the Guardians if things had been different.

"That's not gonna happen." Piston replied as he rocketed toward Icon like a battering ram.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

From the safety of the observation room, Dr. Charles Teufel looked in on the creature that was once Marcus Ryder with great trepidation as the neural gases that kept the great beast asleep was turned off. Teufel knew that Director Anderson was making a mistake in releasing the beast before they were able to implant the safety protocols into its mind.

Without those controls implanted, the beast would be unpredictable...and uncontrollable. Which, Teufel had begun to expect was exactly what Anderson had wanted all along. The ultimate weapon, one that would not give in to its emotions, a weapon that would know no fear...A weapon capable of unleashing utter destruction. Teufel was just glad that it would take several minutes for the effects of the neural gas to wear off, which would give him ample time to get as far away from the laboratory as possible.

He turned to leave the observation room, but froze in place as he heard the screams coming from the lab behind him. Against his better judgement, he turned around to see what the commotion was, even though deep down he knew. As he looked upon the scene unfolding in the lab, his worst fears were realized. The creature had recovered from the neural gas faster than anyone could have predicted, and was now awake within the lab itself. Unfortunately, the other doctors were not able to get out of the lab before it regained its bearings.

The first doctor never saw the attack coming. The creature had been laying still on its reenforced gurney while the doctor examined its vital signs one last time before exiting the lab. Without warning, the beast's right arm shot up, grabbing him by the throat, snapping his neck before he could scream. Before the other two doctors could register what had happened, the creature was on his feet. He swatted at the closest doctor with his backhand, separating the upper half of his body from the lower half.

Just as the two halves of the doctor's body hit the floor with a sickening splat, the third doctor was already dead, having been impaled by a bony spine that seemingly shot from the creature's fingertips.

Once he dispatched the three doctors who had been charged with tending to him, the creature smashed through the wall of the lab, emerging in the hallway outside. Panic ensued inside the facility as panicked workers rushed by, trying to get away from the beast. However, not all were successful. The creature swatted at the people as they ran, spraying viscera all all over the crowded hallway.

Teufel wasted no time in making his escape. He raced for the stairwell that would lead him to the surface, going so far as to push other workers out of his way in order to offer them up to the creature, hoping to keep him distracted while he furthered the distance between he and the monster.

Teufel could see the stairwell that would lead to his salvation. Then he heard it. Thunderous footsteps behind him, a guttural growl, and then an earth shattering eruption as the creature pounded the floor causing the tile to crack and heave beneath his feet, knocking the doctor to the ground. Teufel scattered to get to his feet, only to find himself face to face with the creature whom he had helped to create.

***

The sun shone brightly outside of the secret S.T.R.I.K.E facility located just minutes from the Canadian border in Somerset, Maine. The bright blue skies serving as a stark contrast to the carnage that had been wrought within the subterranean chambers of the facility.

The peaceful tranquility was soon disrupted by the sound of explosions from within the complex itself. In just moments, the building was ablaze, spewing a thick black smoke into the sky. The creature emerged from the blaze, looking much like a demon escaping from hell as it stood before the towering inferno. The creature looked around at the destruction it cause, and down at the blood on its own hands, and had anyone been alive to see the creature, they might have sworn that it had smiled.

After a moment of enjoying its new found freedom, the creature bounded away in a south east direction. A direction that would bring him directly to Lost Haven.
​

 

[wiegeabo]

Hawkes slams home the clip for his gun. All around him, the other agents gear up. Body armor, rifles, sidearms, tasers, and anything else they can think to fit on their bodies. On another day, I'd say it was beyond overkill. Today...

"Listen up!" Hawkes shouts. "I won't say this twice. We go in nonlethal to start. These are Federal agents we're going up against. Some of these people are only guilty of following a nutbag. We give them a chance to surrender. But the second they come after us, we go hot."

"Sir," one of the agents speaks up. "If they're going to be using live fire, then shouldn't we?"

Hawkes stares at him. "What did I saw about not repeating myself?" The agent keeps his mouth shut. "No unnecessary casualties. These people are going after the Guardians, so we're going after them."

I feel out of place while I just stand there, wearing nothing more protective than a bulletproof vest. "I'm kinda feeling naked here," I say to the Fatman when I sense him standing behind me.

"Here," he says, offering me a weapon.

"I'm not much of a gun guy."

"It's a tranq gun. In case you're in a sticky situation and they're not wearing body armor." I take the gun and look it over. "And this one is real. In case they are."

I slowly take the second one. "Don't mix them up." He pushes the barrel away. "And don't point at anything you're not going to shoot."

"Right. Still wish I could go in with them."

"No you don't."

"Yeah, I sorta do. And I'd rather get some backup myself."

"Backup isn't invisible. And we can't spare anyone anyway. Know what you need to do?"

I tap my head. "It's all up here." He gives me a look. I tap my chest pocket. "And in here too. Sure we can trust these files? It's not a trap?"

His voice is deadly serious as I bring up his 'friend'. "We can. It's not."

"Ok. How about wishing me some luck?"

"Good luck," the Doctor says as she walks up. "You might also want this." She hands me something that looks like a pen.

"Uh, thanks. What is it?"

"An eppy pen filled with counteragent."

"You're actually treating me like a grown up and letting me take care of myself?"

"Don't get used to it. This is a one time thing."

"Of course."

"It's not a full dose. It's enough to counter the madness for a short time. Or buy you another five or so minutes of invisibility."

"That's all?"

"That's all. So don't use it until you need it."

"Well?" Hawkes asks, joining us.

"I love this plan. I'm glad to be part of it."

"Great movie."

"I know, right?"

***

The assault on the Guardians HQ proceeds quickly, the attacks from within and without devastating those trapped inside.

Then a half dozen black vans, and one really ugly beige one, pull up around the perimeter with a screech. Hawkes grabs his megaphone from inside the ugly one.

"This is the United States government! You are illegally assaulting Federal property and employees. Lay down your weapons and surrender!"

The gun fire actually stops for a moment. Then it rears right back up, now directed at the vans. The Agency fights back with tranqs and rubber bullets, but there's almost no effect.

"OK! Screw it! Go hot! GO HOT!!!"

The battle is joined, and for the first time, The Guardians inside get a much needed distraction.

***

Three minutes and I'm halfway up the building after zip-lining in from across the street. Three minutes and I'm halfway there. This is going to be a piece of cake.

The elevator doors open, and three groups of troops step out and take up position.

Stupid, stupid, stupid!

I suppose there's a reason cliches have an element of truth. I glance around and notice the large air vent in the wall.

So many cliches...

 

[sabetoonth]

Eve sees the moving silhouette move up to answer her challenge.

Suddenly her Neural Net slams into overdrive spitting out information into her mind about Black Holes.

What the....?

Just then Brother Paul chimes in, "Don't worry Eve. When you are in a situation such as this the Neural Net has already been programed to instantly analyze other Meta-Humans. This guy really is a living Black Hole. Wow! It should give you a plan of attack momentarily. In the meantime try to avoid direct attacks what you do will be reflected back on you. Play it cool."

Eve replies, "Make your move bright eyes."

She shrugs her shoulders as though to say "whatever"

She shrugs, and just then I move my fist for her face, trying to hit her hard and fast as to knock her out and get her out of the way. STRIKE trained me for quick take downs, what someone with power can do when they want. That's why I aimed for her head, disorient and take away their support through a trip up of the legs and a controlled throw or push to the ground and you've successfully completed a take down of some kind. If none of that worked my next shot would be for her ribs, several time, break a rib and render the opponent incapacitated through that. They suffer internal bleeding, punctured organ. My purpose honestly is not to take it lightly on any of these people not one, to put the down and keep them down for them to be taken care of by people who are tasked with that. I'm the tasked with removing them as obstacles. But I wont outright kill anyone unless they make me. And if they make me I wont hesitate.

"Bright eyes, clever." I utter with a hint of amusement. I may have to push up my game a bit here to keep up with her. Maybe take in more matter and power if she takes that shot well.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

She shrugs, and just then I move my fist for her face, trying to hit her hard and fast as to knock her out and get her out of the way. STRIKE trained me for quick take downs, what someone with power can do when they want. That's why I aimed for her head, disorient and take away their support through a trip up of the legs and a controlled throw or push to the ground and you've successfully completed a take down of some kind. If none of that worked my next shot would be for her ribs, several time, break a rib and render the opponent incapacitated through that. They suffer internal bleeding, punctured organ. My purpose honestly is not to take it lightly on any of these people not one, to put the down and keep them down for them to be taken care of by people who are tasked with that. I'm the tasked with removing them as obstacles. But I wont outright kill anyone unless they make me. And if they make me I wont hesitate.

"Bright eyes, clever." I utter with a hint of amusement. I may have to push up my game a bit here to keep up with her. Maybe take in more matter and power if she takes that shot well.

Eve takes the blow to her face and staggers back two steps.

She shakes her head as though she were clearing out the cobwebs.

A message from her neural net states: All systems online.

Nice to know but I'm part human still...that hurt. Although there is something about this guy. He's got all this power and yet he held back...something to keep in mind. Need to buy sometime and maybe get in his head.

Eve shake her head slowly and says, "Still here. Gonna have to do better than that."

With that Eve shape-shifts right in front of The Living Black Hole and says using his voice, "Two can play this game!"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Starlight ducked behind a wall as plaster and other debris rained down on her from an energy bolt that had struck just inches above her head. She held her hand in front of her face, and a small point of light no larger that a pinpoint appeared in the air above her palm. Then another, and another after that until the small pinpoints of light were too numerous to count. Then she forced her hand forward, and as she did this the pinpoints merged into a single, solid beam of hard light energy, knocking several metas off their feet, sending them crashing through the wall.

"I didn't know you could do that." Michael called over his shoulder at Starlight as he fended off another of S.T.R.I.K.E's metas.

"You didn't ask." She replied with a smile.

***
​

After depositing the large meta through the side of the transport vehicle, Icon banked hard to the left and was immediately fired upon by several S.T.R.I.K.E gunships. The flying tanks attempted to surround him in order to hit him with a massive barrage of gunfire, but the hero was too fast for them, easily putting distance between himself and the ships.

Then he changed direction, and started on a collision course with the lead ship. The three gunships each fired on him with their machine guns and rockets, however the arsenal had no effect on him as he continued on his course. Then suddenly, he changed course again, heading directly for the street, before turning up again and crashing through the bottom of the ship's cockpit, emerging through the top of the ship with both the pilot and copilot in his grip. He accelerated toward the ground again, setting the frightened airmen safely on the ground before going back to the out of control gunship, catching it in midair and returning it to the street, where the terrified crew looked on in awe as he repeated the process with the other two ships.

Icon looked down at the wrecked gunships, and was about to make his way back toward Guardian Headquarters when suddenly he was hit hard by something, or someone so hard that he crashed into the side of one of the near by skyscrapers, cracking the stone wall of the building with the impact.

"That's enough Icon, I'm taking you in." The armored man said.

Icon recognized the man, he was one of S.T.R.I.K.E's agents who had done a remarkably good job in keeping the peace, up until a few weeks ago that is. Icon struggled to think of the man's name, until it finally came to him.

"Stand down Piston." Icon said, knowing that the other man would not. He had no desire to fight the armored agent, in fact, he respected Piston quite a bit. He could even have seen the man as a member of the Guardians if things had been different.

"That's not gonna happen." Piston replied as he rocketed toward Icon like a battering ram.

Piston hit Icon with an energy blast that knocked him off balance, allowing the S.T.R.I.K.E agent to move in with a hard right hand. Icon took the punch on the chin, returning the favor. The blow knocked Piston back into a highrise building across the street, imbedding him into the wall.

Angrily, he peeled himself off of the side of the building and rocketed toward Icon, hitting him with a barrage of punches, although they didn't seem to hurt the Guardian, he rolled with the blows. Finally Icon got a hold of Piston, and threw him toward the earth, where Piston crashed through the roof of one of the transport vehicles.

Icon touched down just feet from the van and waited for Piston to emerge from the wreckage. He didn't have to wait long, as Piston forced his way through the side of the truck. The two men faced off, much like a pair of gunslingers in the old western serials of the 1940's.

"Let's end this."

 

[Hound55]

I don't need a more formal invitation, I take my leave and sprint for the Armoury. Getting to the door I burst in, unsure if I'll be met with a relieved face or a corpse. The truth was somewhere in the middle.

I almost didn't see him at first. He'd mostly tucked himself behind the counter, but his legs lay motionless but in view. Running behind his counter I saw him laid out, and the blood. God, the blood. So much blood.

"It's not as bad as it looks..." he croaked.

"Gut shot. They seldom are. Whole lotta blood, but so long as we can get me to the infirmary sometime pretty soon I should be ok."

Yeah, sure... So long as those guys working over there are still alive, unlike the guy I just tripped over in the hall... And I can find a stable way, like a stretcher, to get him there. Oh... and so long as the power doesn't come back on and re-start the defense systems in "Shoot first, ask questions later" mode.

Then I said it. God knows why I said it. It's an unspoken rule that you never say it. I should have known better, than to say it.

[BLACKOUT]"What else can go wrong?"[/BLACKOUT] I muttered under my breath.

That was when I heard the sound of heavy boots storming the building...

***

The assault on the Guardians HQ proceeds quickly, the attacks from within and without devastating those trapped inside.

Then a half dozen black vans, and one really ugly beige one, pull up around the perimeter with a screech. Hawkes grabs his megaphone from inside the ugly one.

"This is the United States government! You are illegally assaulting Federal property and employees. Lay down your weapons and surrender!"

The gun fire actually stops for a moment. Then it rears right back up, now directed at the vans. The Agency fights back with tranqs and rubber bullets, but there's almost no effect.

"OK! Screw it! Go hot! GO HOT!!!"

The battle is joined, and for the first time, The Guardians inside get a much needed distraction.

Heavy bootsteps fall. I pull steel from the wall. Both Desert Eagles feel heavy in my hands under the weight of full clips. Don't like the weight, it feels more like a tool of death than a tool for my usual purposes.

I give one to my downed comrade and wield the other myself, moving to the doorway to ward off the invaders. Lead whistles it's terror shrill as I realize just where I am. A soldier's nightmare, but to me a glimmer of hope.

Caught in the crossfire.

Crossfire. That suggests someone else is here. Someone else who needs guns. Without the patches. The Army? Marines? Feds? At the moment I could care less. It's help, that'll do.

[BLACKOUT]"MEDIC!"[/BLACKOUT]

"Up there!"

"Cover me!"

"Got cover! Go! Go!"

The agent bursts through the open door, panting and surveying the room.

[BLACKOUT]"Thank God, who are you boys with?"[/BLACKOUT]

The agent stares blankly back at me.

[BLACKOUT]"Fair enough... forget I asked. I've got a man down here, gun shot to the chest. He needs evac."[/BLACKOUT]

"Have you got a stretcher?"

[BLACKOUT]"I was going to ask you..."[/BLACKOUT]

Sighs and bluster as I try to avoid doing anything which will make the agent not want to help.

[BLACKOUT]"Right... That'll have to do."[/BLACKOUT] I say, crossing the floor and putting my boot to the door to the firing range. It swings away from the newly broken lock.

"I have the keys, you know..." Gunny croaks from the floor next to me.

[BLACKOUT]"Don't care. Less fun. Comes to the same thing anyway, Captain Buzzkill."[/BLACKOUT]

"Colonel Buzzkill..."

I smile behind the balaklava, relieved that he still has his sense of humour, and pulling Gunny's weapon of choice I shoot the hinges of the door.

The handgun recoils harder than I expect, shaking up my the ligaments in my wrist. And the rounds barked as they burst from the barrel, contrasting heavily with the bursts of gunfire coming from the assault rifles out in the hallway.

[BLACKOUT]"Your chariot..."[/BLACKOUT] I say to Gunny, lying the door on the counter-top. The agent and I lift the shot Guardians employee onto the door, and I start strapping him to the door with duct tape when a second agent walks in.

"Can we trust these guys?"

[BLACKOUT]"They're aiming their guns at S.T.R.I.K.E guys, rather than us... and they're from a place which isn't under heavy fire. That enough for you? Because considering the fact that I don't even know whether our infirmary is still standing, let alone how I could get you there myself, it's enough for me. Beggars can't be choosers..."[/BLACKOUT]

While the agents lift the makeshift stretcher I load my pockets with a select array of armaments, taking advantage of our current location. My mind racing over what could help most, and the present situation with our new unknown allies.

Escorting him out the service entrance with the agents under covering fire I finish my sentiments.

[BLACKOUT]"Besides... if something goes bad. Well... worse... over here, then at least you're still around to say what happened."[/BLACKOUT]

"What did happen..?"

[BLACKOUT]"Someone just asked for an arse-kicking..."[/BLACKOUT]

 

[NiteMare Shape]

The creature had forged a path of destruction upon his escape from the S.T.R.I.K.E facility near the Canadian border in Somerset County, Maine. After the creature had decimated the small security force that watched over the secret facility, it made its way down highway 201. The highway was mostly empty , aside from the occasional car that unfortunately happened upon the beast, and was quickly dispatched. The creature traveled down the lonely stretch of road until it came to the small town of The Forks.

The town boasted a population of 30, and its most famous landmark aside from the local pizza joint, was a small resort and campsite built along the banks of the Kennebec River, and offered daily white water rafting adventures as well as snow mobile excursions once the snow began to blanket the area. It was a sleepy little town, and if it weren't for the year round tourists, the town would not exist.

The creature let out a growl as it stormed into the campground, tossing pickup trucks and SUV's aside as if they were mere toys. Panicked campers raced from their tents in shock and disbelief at what they were seeing. The creature watched as the frightened campers scattered in every direction. Then he pounced.

The creature bounded after the fleeing campers like a lioness after a gazelle. Once he got his hands on one of the unfortunate campers, he would tear them apart. The creature attacked with all the ferocity of a rabid grizzly, decimating the campground. Then, with a single bound, he made his way across the street, and began his attack on the resort lodge itself. When he was done, not a single person stood. The lodge lay in smokey ruins, the large swimming pool tinted red with blood.

And the creature continued on its way, undeterred toward Lost Haven.