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

[Byrd Man]

"Boiled a man alive?" I said, raising a brow.

"I am a gifted man, officer. And I have given sight to the sightless and let the lame walk and restored the minds, bodies, and spirits of many. But I'm afraid boiling water with my brain is not among the gifts I have been blessed with."

"Right....well, you may not know it, but I've been 'blessed' as well. God saw fit to put a big tumor right in the middle of my brain. It's about the size of a baseball. Benign, but inoperable. I've had this tumor in my brain for the better part of my life. My brain adapted and begin working around the tumor, triggering the chemistry and nodes in the parts of the brain we supposedly don't use. A side effect of that is the fact that I am a psychic, if you want to call it that. If I touch something, I can see everything you've ever done, or will do."

I lean in and whisper to Madlove under my breath. "I know you either murdered Joe Dante, or had him killed. All I need is one little touch."

 

[Hound55]

A long black limousine pulled up, the driver quickly stepped from the car and opened the rear door for it's passengers. Renee Stevens, the daughter of one of the many people whose death is being mourned in this commemorative service, and Isaac Fontaine alight from the vehicle and cut a crisp path to join the multitude of people here to mourn the loss of someone on the fateful day that will never be forgotten earlier this week.

Isaac's eyes, void of personal grief for this occasion at this second scan the crowd. His presence is out of sympathy for Renee's loss, but that doesn't mean he can't still leave this ceremony with some valuable intel of what he might possibly be dealing with.

There. A familiar face. But not a good familiar, like an old friend reunited. A foul, familiar. Like the stench of sulfur or the dead to those who have smelled it before. It wasn't the first time and wouldn't be the last time that he compared a S.T.R.I.K.E agent to a bad smell. In the crowd he recognised the face of one of the S.T.R.I.K.E agents he had a run in with outside of the Gala Hotel. The genius who threatened him with Federal arrest and asked a variant of the always doomed, yet extremely juvenile "Oh yeah, you and what army?" when Isaac voiced his irritation (and added some of his own, as was his way) about the idea.

The genius had his eyes fixed in one place, which brought out mixed feelings in Isaac. It meant, for one thing, that they were still none the wiser on his own identity, but simultaneously added weight to the Icon's theories. The S.T.R.I.K.E agent's eyes were fixed on his team mate, the Blue Blur. It looks like Scott did manage to speak to him before hand. Hmm.

Isaac put his arm around Renee but kept his eye fixed on the agent in the crowd, who in turn had his eyes fixed on the sole blue figure, contrasting heavily in the sea of black.

The ceremony was extremely tactful, a relief to Isaac who was mildly concerned that the choice of the Blue Blur may not have had the class required for this kind of audience. Guy was kind of brash and obnoxious, these weren't character traits Isaac cared much for in people other than himself generally. But he'd been quite reserved as the situation called. Which now put more pressure on Isaac here to not screw up, since he had something to say at the end. Pressure he didn't need since he was hardly the best in social situations to start with. Last time he had to speak in front of this many people the result was... less than satisfactory.

Isaac hugged Renee and patted her on the back once more before shooting her a look that said "Sorry, but I have to do this" in ways more expressive than words could, before wading through the crowd to get to the front.

Getting to the front he pulled up to the master of ceremonies away from the podium and whispered something in his ear. The MC nodded in a "that seems fair enough" and mouthed "OK" away from the microphone and announced that this rakish young foreigner had something to say.

Isaac walked up and tapped the mic, adjusting it for his height. Wow... some "Biiiiiiig money" in this room. He felt oddly like he was making a timeshare pitch to these people, asking them to dig deep and give what their loved ones lost their lives giving for, many of whom doubtless didn't care much more about the cause than Renee's own father did. But as he settled in his speech cleared up, the crack left his voice and a smile even came out as he gave a heartfelt and somewhat stirring plea to not let their loved ones have died in vain, that there's still much to do and they can't allow extremists to shake their resolve. He voiced his plan for a second fundraiser, which he would pay for the original set-up costs until the money starts coming in, to take over in the footsteps of the last one, to be held in the ballroom of the new Circle Towers complex which had particular symbolic value as it was quite possibly one of the most prestigious new structures built after the Invasion some months earlier. It was a true testament that they weren't just reconstructing a nostalgic image, but building towards an idyllic future for all of the Haven. He thanked the people for their time and went back through the crowd to return to Renee.

She was standing a tad closer to the S.T.R.I.K.E agent now, than he would have liked. Within earshot and it would have been too obvious if Isaac kept watching him, but she was his main concern today. This was all for her, even the parts she may not particularly like.

"Well, I must say my boy, I admire your cumquats but how can you guarantee that some other metahuman with a grudge won't come and rain on this parade?"

That was one of a dozen times he received a similar query from a silver spooner that night, but the only time his cajones were compared to a fruit at the same time.

[BLACKOUT]"Well, I s'pose I can't guarantee it anymore than I can guarantee any other second of any of our lives will be safe from an attack. But I will say I don't particularly see them as a threat."[/BLACKOUT]

Isaac thought he saw the S.T.R.I.K.E. agent's head snap to attention to check exactly who just made that comment, but since he couldn't afford more than momentary glances in his direction every few seconds he couldn't be certain.

[BLACKOUT]"...I mean, after all. Metahumans have been here for a while now, many of them united to protect this planet during the invasion. I don't see any evidence that they're inherently bad and that it's not just one or two bad eggs spoiling the reputation of the bunch."[/BLACKOUT]

Little did Isaac know it, but he just put a massive target on his back. If a second demonstration was indeed necessary for this part of the community... It's always those who most push tolerance who have to be eliminated by force, to show the people just how much "they" are out to get them...

 

[NiteMare Shape]

199 East 32nd Ave.
Top Floor

Shadow Walker lurks in the darkness, watching. He had expected to find a legion of Midas' men overrunning the building, each wanting to be the one who finally took out the vigilante who had made their employer's life a living hell over these last months.

Instead, he found nothing.

The building is empty, the hallways and corridors on every floor a virtual ghost town, which for a building of this size is almost unheard of. Shadow Walker cautiously moves down the hallyway which leads to a massive set of opulent oak doors. As he approaches the door, he notes the intricate designs carved into the wood. Under normal circumstances, he would have been dually impressed with the artistry, but now they were just in his way. He reaches for the door knob and attempts to open the door.

Locked.

He reaches back, about hit the door with everything he's got, hoping that the door will splinter under the blows, and if it doesn't...he'll continue pounding until they do.

Then he hears something.

"So you got my message. I was starting to wonder if you'd show up." Said a voice from the intercom system. Then there was a buzzing sound, the doors swung open.

"This ends tonight Midas." Shadow Walker says as he stides into the room, looking at the man who had left him with nothing to live for.

He doesn't waste any time in going after the man who murdered his lover. There are no sarcastic quips, there is no banter. Shadow Walker rips into Midas like a man possessed, rocking the crime lord with punch after bone crunching punch.

Midas tries to fight back, but Shadow Walker easily counters his attacks, and lands more of his own. Midas tries to rip and claw at Shadow Walker, but the vigilante simply shrugs off his attempts and grabs him, tossing him through the large desk that sits in the center of the office.

Midas reaches for his ankle and unholsters a small pistol, taking aim he fires the gun as Shadow Walker approaches. The vigilante dives out of the way of the bullets and teleports himself, reappearing just behind Midas.

Shadow Walker grabs Midas by the shoulder and hauls the man up, landing a hard right cross that knocks several teeth from his mouth. Midas' knees buckle and he begins to go to the ground, but Shadow Walker grabs him and hauls him up, keeping him on his feet and continuing to pound him with relentless blows.

SHadow Walker continues to beat Midas until the man goes limp in his arms and slumps to the ground. Shadow Walker steps forward to continue the assault, but looks down at the bloodied and battered face of the man who had destroyed his life, ever fiber of his body wants to grab Midas around the throat and throttle the life out of him...but he stops. Not willing to take that last bit of ultimate vengance, he stops..grabbing Midas by the nape of the neck and hauls him to his feet.

"You're done Midas, it's over."

Midas just rolls his head back and smiles. "For you."

Midas reaches around and hip tosses Shadow Walker to the ground. He points the gun, which he secretly grabbed while Shadow Walker was hauling him to his feet, directly at the vigilante.

Before Midas can pull the trigger, Shadow Walker fires a grapple line, the pointed tip entering Midas' chest, just below the shoulder, missing his heart by several inches. Midas stumbles backward, crashing through the large picture window. Shadow Walker quickly pulls on the grapple line as he rushes to the window, grabbing Midas by the wrist and attempts to haul him back up in through the window.

Midas struggles against Shadow Walker, gripping his wrist gauntlet and releasing the grapple line. Midas falls several inches as the tension from the grapple line is let go, but Shadow Walker is able to keep his hold on his nemesis.

As Shadow Walker struggles to pull Midas back to safety, his enemy looks up at him and smiles.

"I might be going down, but I'm taking you with me." He says as he brandishes the pistol again, pointing it at Shadow Walker's head.

Shadow Walker lets go of the crime lord, and watches as he falls 30 stories to the ground below. Even from this altitude, he can hear cars swerving and people screaming as Midas hits the ground. With the man who went out of his way to destroy his life dead, Shadow Walker goes out the way he came in, and heads off into the night.

***
​

I never wanted this, any of this. All I had ever wanted was a normal life, but Midas had made sure that I never had that when he killed my father.

The plan had always been to come to Lost Haven and take Midas and the Cartel down, and then take the money that my father had left me and live a nice life with Erica. This was always supposed to be a temporary situation. Once Midas was behind bars, I was going to retire from this life and have exactly what I wanted, a normal life with the woman I loved.

But Midas took that from me too, when he killed her in cold blood. And as I descend from the rooftops, thoughts turn to my own home, Slater City. It is a town with as many problems as any other, maybe even more...and her citizens call out for someone to step into the role of protector for those who can't protect themselves.

And as I think of everything that has happened over the last year, I am reminded of something that Erica had once said to me:

Plans Change.
​

 

[Rain Dog]

"Right....well, you may not know it, but I've been 'blessed' as well. God saw fit to put a big tumor right in the middle of my brain. It's about the size of a baseball. Benign, but inoperable. I've had this tumor in my brain for the better part of my life. My brain adapted and begin working around the tumor, triggering the chemistry and nodes in the parts of the brain we supposedly don't use. A side effect of that is the fact that I am a psychic, if you want to call it that. If I touch something, I can see everything you've ever done, or will do."

I lean in and whisper to Madlove under my breath. "I know you either murdered Joe Dante, or had him killed. All I need is one little touch."

A metahuman?

Why do these damned creatues always find it necessary to meddle in my affairs? I leave them to their own devices. Apparently returning the favor is too much to ask.

Or perhaps it's a bluff? Perhaps this Earth monkey is trying to con me into a confession. Regardless of what the truth is, he will get nothing.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" I reply defiantly.

"Now is there anything else you need or are you two done harassing me?"

 

[Byrd Man]

A metahuman?

Why do these damned creatues always find it necessary to meddle in my affairs? I leave them to their own devices. Apparently returning the favor is too much to ask.

Or perhaps it's a bluff? Perhaps this Earth monkey is trying to con me into a confession. Regardless of what the truth is, he will get nothing.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" I reply defiantly.

"Now is there anything else you need or are you two done harassing me?"

"I think we're done here," Pierce replies. "We'll check up on your alibi. If we don't like it, then best believe we'll be back."

"Yeah," I say as I follow Pierce towards the door. "Have a nice day, Reverend. Go with God."

 

[Rain Dog]

"I think we're done here," Pierce replies. "We'll check up on your alibi. If we don't like it, then best believe we'll be back."

"Yeah," I say as I follow Pierce towards the door. "Have a nice day, Reverend. Go with God."

"It's been a pleasure," I mutter spitefully as the two lawmen leave.

 

[Eddie Brock]

I sigh.


"Welcome to Burgers and Such. My name is Sean. How may I serve you today?"

Jim makes no attempt to restrain his smile. "Hang on, Sean. Hold still." He holds up his phone, biting his lip as he tries to hold it steady. "I need a clear picture for Facebook. You mind tilting your head forward a bit so I can get a good shot of that precious little hat?"

I give my best version of a death stare. Apparently, Jim has found humor in my misfortune. Hilarious. "This is demoralizing."

"Come on, man. It's a summer job. Everyone has at least one crappy summer job," Jim offers in his first real attempt at being helpful or supportive.

"I don't think you understand. I'm working at Burgers and Such." I glance around to see if anyone heard me raise my voice. Fortunately for me, my fellow coworkers have about as much interest in me as banana slugs. "I'm making minimum wage to wear this stupid hat and contribute to our country's growing obesity rates."

Jim's lip quivers, and I can tell another sarcastic remark is coming. "On the bright side...free fries, right?"

"Sir, if you're not going to order anything, I'm going to have to ask you to step out of line," I state dryly, trying my best to give Jim no added pleasure. It doesn't seem to work, though, because he still seems quite pleased with himself.

"Alright, man, I've gotta go hit the streets looking for a job myself," Jim announces. "Lest I end up working at the Fry Factory and we have to become mortal enemies." He gives a mocking little salute before marching out, checking the picture he took on his phone and laughing to himself. Jerk.

And as if this crappy job wasn't bad enough, Carver is currently going through one of the worst heat waves on record. My new manager, Mr. Teems, refuses to raise the air conditioning, so the inside of Burgers and Such is like a fat guy's armpit. I lean forward on the counter, resting my chin against my sweaty palms.

I bet Icon never had to put up with this.
​

 

[Guardian7]

​

--------------LOCATION-------------
21 YEARS AGO - NEAR CAIRO, EGYPT.
PRELUDE: GOLDEN PHARAOH.


A Russian research team had come to an area of the Gobi Desert to find what some historians call the virtually unheard of Egyptian Dark Tablets.
They were channels of dark secrets from an even darker unknown portion of the past in Egyptian History.
It was a fruitless endeavor. The tablets have been secreted away by Guardians, long before the births of multitudes of the research team’s family generations.
They had found something.
Something locked away.
In the foolish quest for both dark knowledge and power. They had released them.
The hideously disfigured human hybrids called the Cold Jackals of Set, which still roamed and a times are released by the unwary folly of humans.

The Russian desert camp was utterly in ruins in the dawning darkness of night.
There were tents torn to shreds as research papers and maps floated across the desert sands like insane butterflies.
Desert survival gear and food was spread about, all of it battered to a shambles.
Overturned containers of precious water, continued to soak into the vampiric sands of the Gobi Desert.
Dead archeologists, assistants, labors and guards lay dead everywhere.
Two still lived and the canine bite wounds on them hissed as acid would on their skins.
A young, pretty, clawed up blond girl in shredded clothing and blood running from her left shoulder feebly awoke.
Connie Dane. The only American on the team watched through pain filled eyes to her left, as one of the horrific human-jackals hybrids slowly melt like tar in a hot sun into the sands of the Gobi.
They had attacked from nowhere. Connie was attacked and bitten almost immediately and was unconscious during whatever had happened at the camp.
From her vantage point, she could see bodies of both the research team she was formerly a part of and the Jackal-things.
Her body wreathed in pain, her head pounded and she felt like she was going to be sick.
She could not move. The savage force of the bite she had received on her upper left shoulder had been so fierce; it had snapped several vertebrae in her back.
She saw light coming her way. The desert was starting to get dark and she was so cold, her mouth hurt now as well. Like a bad toothache.
The light shown with a yellow tint, But as it neared it became golden.
However, her brain hurt. She could not believe what she was seeing.
A man dressed like a Pharaoh in all gold, was standing about six feet from her.
He was a massive old man who glowed as if light was spilling out from within him.
As warm as the light he gave off was, the look in his golden eyes was as cold as the desert around her.
She heard someone behind her moan. She could not turn to see who it was, let alone help.
Impassively the Pharaoh looked down on her and beyond to the man behind her.

“Help…” Connie Dane said in a raspy voice, as her teeth continued to ache.
The figure said nothing.
She heard a gurgling sounds behind her, fast breathing, a man’s terrified scream.
Connie’s heart sank thinking the Pharaoh man had something to do with the Jackals that had attacked them.
The Pharaoh man raised a massive ornate Scepter of gold, that she hadn‘t originally seen when he had approached. It turned almost red, like iron heated in a fire.
Then she saw it. Another Jackal-thing was stepping over her.
She would have turned away, screamed. Nevertheless, nothing came out and she could not move.
It sneered down at her and its eyes raised up to the Pharaoh figure.
That is when she noticed the clothing it was wearing.
It was a guard uniform of the security team they had hired.
The creature screamed at the Pharaoh and went to leap.
It barely stepped beyond her when struck with what looked like a pillar of pure hot sunlight.
Its screams cut short as its body shattered under the onslaught of the beam.
Connie could smell burnt flesh and hair.
He turned then and looked down at her again.
She could see the light reflected his golden surface from the burning carcass behind her. “Help… me…”
Her mouth continued to hurt as it seemed like her teeth were pushing against something. Her back ached as well and it was the first time she realized she had actually felt pain.
She moved her right foot. The pain seemed to be subsiding, though her mouth hurt more and more.
She glanced up at the Pharaoh man and saw him aiming his glowing red Golden Scepter at her, which had an Ankh at the very end of it.
“…no…” she said in a small voice, easily heard over the still of the cold, silent desert.
His voice reverberated across the sands in a nearly deafening bass tone. “I am helping you.” he said dispassionately.

Many miles away a baby’s cry rings out.
His father stood outside and smiled at the sound of his child’s voice. Hoping finally for a son.
In the distance, deep in the Gobi he suddenly saw a brilliant flash of golden light.
A chill ran down his spine for some reason, as if the golden light meant something ominous for him.
Voices cried out that it was a boy!

Far away, where the Russian camp once was.
Black ash drifted and mingled with the desert sand.
In the morning, no one would ever know it had been there.

The baby boy named Jabari Minkah.
The door to the room slowly creaked open to where the happy family and friends sat.
A radiant yellow light filled the room.
The Golden Pharaoh stood in the doorway looking directly at the child in the mother's arms...

 

[Hound55]

Isaac came out of the elevator, spared a second for a wave to the doorman Michael and the other worker who stayed behind the reception desk before cutting across the lobby and out the main door into the noisy bustle of evening urban Lost Haven traffic.

Satisfied that the wheels were in motion to give Isaac Fontaine a justifiable BUSINESS reason for his presence in the Haven, he could no longer afford to waste time in his black suit… he had another life in black clothing which had been ignored all to much in these times of pressing importance.

"Keep on your toes. These guys aren't messing around, and we don't know what it is they've got in mind...and you're our best bet at figuring that out."

Those words resonated with Isaac from the Icon, that was his main purpose at thise time, once he was all geared up. Because he didn’t feel that this could be done with a cheap iPhone switcheroo like last time, they were too fast on that, and likewise he couldn’t run searches from the Guardians HQ computer. They obviously monitored any and all checks on themselves too well. Fortunately he didn’t feel he needed to. He had enough in his mind to find it with some stealthy field work.

The metahuman prisoners they’d been taking and where they were held. That was his first call of investigation. The interest this Anderson chap had shown in Icon and probably the team at length set off a red flag in Isaac’s head as bright when he heard it, as his own bumbling presence through the net had set off red flags in S.T.R.I.K.E. Follow the metas, you’ll find what you’re looking for. That was his logic.

Tartarus Island. That was what they called it. Named after the Ancient Greek version of Hell… the little patch of the Underworld that kept the worst of the worst. Reserved for those who were an affront to the gods… interesting way to think of them, if that was indeed why it had been given such a name.

Two hours later the car was “home” and a dark figure stood in the Docklands of Lost Haven’s Central Island wishing his grapple gun had a considerably longer cord.

[BLACKOUT]“Could be worse… could be back on crime scene.”[/BLACKOUT]

Giving no thought to whether he really SHOULD want to get back to where the action is, the Vigilante waded into the cold waters with the small island of the damned in his sights.

 

[trustyside-kick]

OOC: Previously...

Vatican City
The Vatican Gardens

Mount Pelios in Greece took me by surprise. And it wasn't just the beautiful scenery but the very vibe I got while touring the mountain and reaching its peak. However we are flying over and towards the Vatican Gardens. Apparently the Holy Father himself--The Pope of the Catholic Church--wishes to see and speak with me. Why he wants to hasn't been revealed to me, but it's The Pope...how can I refuse? I've heard of these Gardens as I am escorted by agents of Opus Dei and the Vatican Guards by helicopter. Pictures a dozen I've seen online of wondrous shots of this lush and green territory. But this...

...still this blows me away.

As the chopper lands, I see that thirty feet away sits the Holy Father at a table, and to my surprise there aren't sets of Vatican Guard at his side or behind him. Although as we walk towards I do spot them spread about around certain trees and fountains. There is something on the table in a sort of chest and he stands up as we make it to the marble table with a smile on his face.

"Welcome, Michael."

"Uh uh uh..."

Come on, stupid, say something.

"Uh uh...t--thank you, Holy Father."

He puts his arm around me, and we walk and the Opus Dei agents as well as the Vatican Guard that escorted me stay put to my surprise.

"I understand that the trip confuses you, I simply wished to see the man that has Awoken the Hearts and Minds of the World. The Church, Michael, we...struggle with keeping the Faith alive and vibrant in our followers and the hearts of the world. Such doubt and so many questions that...none can truly answer except try to keep Faith to our ideals and scripture."

We stop, and The Pope turns to me.

"You are an inspiration, not just to the World as a hero--or superhero as they classify you--but to The Church itself. You and those are men and woman of extraordinary talent that formed The Guardians...brought such relief, hope, and peace to not just Lost Haven but the entire World. Although, I understand that you have given up such a life, fighting alongside your fellow heroes. I have seen how the media has tortured you with its...ability to claw into the privacy of your life. Such a thing causes one to start to doubt themselves."

He places both hands on my shoulders now, looking me strongly in the eye; I can see sense his sincerity and he doesn't have to be The Pope of the Catholic Church to make me what he says now any more powerful.

"But do not lose Faith in yourself. Ever."

Letting go of me, he signals to one of the Opus Dei agents, and they carry over the chest that rests on the marble table. This feels so...surreal...and I'm a bonafide superhero with powers that are bestowed upon and blessed by the angels in Heavan and I still feel this way. The Pope walks over to the agent as he holds the chest, and opens it. Clasped in his hands as he turns to me, is a golden helmet are remarkable craftsmanship.

"This helmet, is much more a symbol than it is a crafted piece of armor. Dating back to The Crusades, it has since remained in the chambers of The Pope for centuries. It was a gift, to one of The Popes, and remained a cherished display item for all this time. It would please me...that you accept it as gift, Michael. From me to you."

"What? Woah, uh...heh, Holy Father I do not think I can accep--"

"They call it the Helmet of the Agnus Dei. Still to this day, we do not know the craftsman who had designed its intricate and beautiful designs...but it has been carefully looked after and polished to keep its brilliant shine. It is only fitting that I hand this prized possession to you, Michael."

He lays it forth towards me, and it is placed softly into my hands.

"For I believe that you, are God's new Lamb. His new Agnus Dei. Such is the reason that you are here, blessed with your powers and driven by your mission to serve humanity as a protector."

I'm blown away.

I'm so...very blown away.

This...thing is marvelous as it is brilliantly beautiful.

I've been to the Renaissance Festival before and I'll tell ya, not even for the prettiest of pennies could you get your hands on something like this.

"Honestly, this is way too much. I--I...I mean I'm afraid that I'm going to drop this and it will crack, or...or I'll get peanut butter or something on it. I really shouldn't--"

"Will you...put it on for me? It has, haha, never been worn before. But...I'd imagine you would look fine in it."

A request from The Pope again? I couldn't deny him before, so how can I now?

"Sure."

I place the helmet on. Oddly it...seems to fit perfectly. Although, to be honest, I'm feeling really dorky wearing a helmet without any sort of armo--

WOAH!

There is a brilliant golden shine emanating from the helmet on my head, and a large flash of light. Seconds later, suddenly I'm in the Archangel State only...a little different.

"This...is new."

I don't just look different. More importantly I...I feel different.
​

 

[Guardian7]

​

--------------LOCATION-------------
7 YEARS AGO - GOLDEN OASIS OF THE SUN, SAHARA DESERT.
PRELUDE: GOLDEN PHARAOH.

Jabari Minkah is now fourteen. He stands stoic and balanced on a beam that crosses a pit of blazing fire far beneath him.
All around him are carved immense representative heads of the Gods of Egypt and their dead kin.
Prominent among them are the even bigger statues of the nine that remain.
Ra, Thoth, Isis, Osiris, Amon, Seth, Horus, Anubis and Ptah.
The place he is in now since the day of his birth. Is called the Golden Oasis of the Sun.
It is the only remaining entry point to the zone where the Egyptian Gods now reside.
He is no longer on Earth, but elsewhere.
If one were to leave the abode he now resides in.
They would see a glowing thirty foot pyramid of pure energy hovering directly above a green grassy oasis far below, a pit of energy deep beneath it surging more power upwards via an almost purple lightning bolt. Brilliant bursts of multicolored light cascaded off the top of the energy pyramid which any person near it could feel its raw power.
The outer circle of nine massive heads facing outwards, representing the beings known as the Egyptian Gods.

The nine that ruled and remained after the God War.
Clockwise to the entry pathway to the sacred Oasis of the Sun are, Ra, Troth, Isis, Osiris, Amon, Set, Horus, Anubis and Ptah.
Their faces and many others that were lost in the God War surround him.
He pays little heed to them as he continues to cross the deadly fire beneath him.
He leans down and picks up a large gold ring on the beam. His hands are already full of them.
He must not drop them and is not allowed to do anything, but hold them in his hands.
As he rights himself, he glances forward at the gold, silver and bronze carved reliefs which seems to be everywhere in the Golden Oasis of the Sun.
Bright sky blue and scarlet curtains drift back and forth near the entrances.
The tinkling sound of small bits of metal chiming in the small wind of the chamber are the only sounds, besides the crackling of the deadly fire far below him.
He can see Golden Pharaoh and two of his attending Monk-Priests, far ahead of him. Arms at his side as he watches Jabari. His old face is as impassive as Jabari’s is.
Everyday for the whole of his life he has trained in some manner.
His mind, his body and his gifts.
He continues to walk the hot beam as sweat pours off from him.
Ahead of him. Golden Pharaoh turns and walks away from the incredibly huge chamber.
Jabari pays him no heed as he nears the end of his task.
Slowly he makes his way to the end. Steps off and feels the cool surface of smoothly carved amber colored stone beneath his bare feet.
An attending takes the rings from him and tosses them deep down into the fire. There is a small burst of flame as they vanish.
As Jabari moves from the chamber, The beam sags, falling into the fire, The open floor behind him slowly closes, until it is simply a floor of amber stone.
Jabari walks into an adjoining chamber and sees Golden Pharaoh lifting off into the air.
He is called to deal with something unknown to Jabari.
One day. He himself will heed that same call.
A woman dressed in white flowing cloth and adorned with all manner of precious metals, a green and blue phoenix on her chest, walks into the main chamber far across from him.
Jabari smiles for the first time.
Inniris smiles back at him.
He runs down the steps rapidly showing he is still a child at heart.
Inniris with her dark blue eyes watching the youth run her way. Though she doesn’t approve of the over stated joy on his face. He is suppose to maintain more control.
He runs up the large flight of steps. Any normal child would be winded, but Jabari is no normal child.
He is the chosen.
Inniris’ face is serious as she looks down at the elated boy.
“I made it across the pit. No falling this time.” he grinned widely.
Inniris remembers when he fell the first time he had tried a year ago. He was badly burned and near death’s door.
The golden shawl of the Pharaoh was required to save him. Else he would have perished.
No trace seemed to play on the young boy’s face of the trauma from the burning he had mortally experienced from that time.
She nodded. “Come. An audience awaits you.”
Jakari lost all expression on his face at the woman whom had been closest to a mother he had ever had.
“Yes.” He said. His expected composure returned.
Inniris walked ahead of the young man, as they crossed a castle’s worth of chambers.
Finally they came to the ornate golden doors that looked as if giant bird wings spread out from a silver scarab.
Inniris stood to one side, next to a burning cauldron of blue flame.
The huge doors swung open of their own violation and Jakari walked within the seemingly endless chamber.
Within, the sky shown blue high above, White clouds drifted slowly in an almost circular pattern.
Huge raised daises of amber colored stone towered above him at what seemed a considerable distance.
As he reached the center of the massive stone platform that seemed to hover in the air within a place, different from Earth.
He stepped on a small golden dais of his own.
Suddenly, lights of every color began to rain down to the huge daises all around him.
Two had curling black smoke sloth down to them.
The colors were bold and radiant.
As were the large beings that now stood upon them.
Nine daises.
Nine Deities.
They were…

RA, the great sun god at Heliopolis. A child in the early morning, a man in his prime at noon, and an old man in the evenings Ra at one time journeyed through the underworld at night to be reborn at dawn. His head was crowned with a solar disk upon which rested the sacred asp, destroyer of the god's enemies.

THOTH, the god of learning, a benefactor to gods and men. He was the sacred scribe and appeared as a man with an ibis head.

ISIS, a daughter of both the deceased Geb and Nut, the faithful wife of Osiris and a beneficent sorceress.

OSIRIS, the first child both the deceased Geb and Nut, a god of nature and vegetation but also the judge of the dead in the underworld. He was instrumental in civilizing this portion of the world, yet was murdered by his envious brother, Set, then rescued from Anubis’s realm by his son Horus. Osiris looked as a man in mummy wrappings, crowned with a miter and two ostrich feathers.

AMON, king of the gods, patron of the Pharaohs and a god of fertility. He had a plumed crown and sometimes showed himself with either a ram's head or a human one. He was the one whom had chosen Jakari to be the next Golden Pharaoh.

SET or SETH, Osiris' evil brother, the incarnation of wickedness and sterility. His appearance was one of a beastly jackal head, mule ears and a bird’s beak. He had never appeared the same way twice in the many times that he had appeared before Jakari, which had only been three times. It was his creations that had killed the Russian archeological team on the eve of his birth.

HORUS, the falcon-headed son of Osiris and Isis, was dedication to avenging his father's murder, eventually he stole him back from the god to his left…

ANUBIS, the jackal-headed son of Osiris and Nephthys, He prepared those the faithful dead and would usher them into the underworld.

And finally the great…

PTAH, He is a creator god who brought all things to being by thinking of them with his mind and saying their names with his tongue. He is also the patron god of skilled craftsmen and architects.

Any average person would cringe from them in the forms they now took and the radiance of power they exuded.

Jakari had become accustomed to them quickly since he was an infant and first introduced to them.
Though he was always wary of Seth, who’s cold eyes never seem to leave him, even when he spoke to the others.
The dais he stood upon slowly turned in the direction of the sun. The outer ring the gods stood upon would pivot to and face him, when they spoke to him, unless they did so as a congress.
The entire unearthly area spun slowly, giving the impression from above as many wheels inserted into one another, spinning at different speeds.
Rather rapidly, the outer ring spun so that Amon, king of the gods and Jakari’s primary patron. Stood tall before him. He was always the tallest of the gods if only for the tall feathered crown he wore, befitting a King.
Jakari’s young eyes trailed up to his. Massive orbs of undeniable energy.
“JAKARI… IT HAS COME TO OUR ATTENTION THAT YOU HAVE PASSED THE FINAL TEST.” Spoke the God King.
Jakari nodded. “Yes, Oh Great Amon.”
“THIS PLEASES ME GREATLY. FOR NOW YOU SHALL LEARN THE TRIALS OF AN EGYPTIAN WAR PHARAOH. PLACING YOU ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE MANTLE OF GOLDEN PHARAOH WHEN THE TIME COMES.” as the massive being smiled down on his adolescent charge.
Again, Jakari nodded. “Yes, Oh Great Amon. I am eager to learn.”
He nodded and when he did the clouds in the sky seemed to shift with him. “IN THIS ENDEAVOR YOU WILL BE MOVED TO BATTLE THOSE THAT WERE PREPARED BY SETH.”
At that, Jakari’s eyes momentarily strayed directly to Amon’s left, straight into the cold unforgiving eyes of the entity who’s name he had spoken.
A chill ran down Jakari’s back as for the first time. A smile crawled across Seth’s face, It reminded Jakari of how it looks when a spider crawls, slow and menacing.
Quickly he looked back at Amon. “Yes, Oh Great Amon.”
“SETH SHALL BE ASSISTED BY RA AND ISIS IN THE CHALLENGES HE PRESENTS.” Amon spoke as his voice seemed to trail off into forever.
Jakari nodded. “Yes, Oh Great Amon.”
Then one by one, in the same amazing fashion they had descended.
They rose up into the unnatural world that was now they home.
Except one.
Seth still stood to the left of where Amon had.
He continued to glare at the young boy.
Protocol dictated that Jakari was not allowed to speak to them, unless they were situated on the same spot as Amon had been.
He was not allowed to turn and face them either.
He did both.
His eyes leveled and he looked darkly back at Seth.
Slowly he turned his body to face him and Jakari saw the momentary flicker of surprise in Seth’s eyes.
“I have every reason to fear you. But I don’t. I fear what you would do. Not for what you are.” Jakari said.
Slowly a grin crossed Seth’s inhuman face and he turned to black curling smoke which resembled a snake as it crawled up into the heavens. His eyes never leaving Jakari.
As he turned to go he saw something black slither across the dais that Seth had been on.
He stared for long moments, but then realized nothing was there.
He walked towards the open doors that led out.
Inniris stood there, with her head down. She was gripped in fear.
She looked up and saw Jakari staring at her.
“You broke the code…” She said. Her voice trembling.
Jakari stood there. Unemotional and regretting nothing.
She leaned down to look into Jakari’s eyes. “Jakari. Why did you speak to him?”
Jakari pushed away from her. Which actually startled her. “He may be one of the nine. But he is still evil. I have shown him all the respect I will.”
Inniris followed him, her white dress bellowing behind her. “They will chastise you in some unknown manner. No one has ever broken the rules.”
Jakari nodded and turned to Inniris. “I will bow to the Eight. I will not bow to the Nine.”
Inniris’ eyes flew wide open at his openly verbal defiance. “No… Jakari. You must not defy them… You must make amends for your mistake.”
Jakari looked back at Inniris. “It is most upsetting that I have distressed you. But I stand firm on my decision. I do not and would never defy the Eight. I would die for them. If I am to be a proper Golden Pharaoh. I must defy evil.”
Inniris hands flew up to her mouth. As if doing so would erase the words the young boy had said.
Astoundingly and for the first time in recorded history of those fated to become a Golden Pharaoh.
Jakari glowed with an inner light which washed out from him, illuminating the entire area in a rainbow cascade of pure light.
Inniris gasped and squinted her eyes, looking away from the brilliance of the inner Jakari.

As shocked as she was of his defiance to protocol, nothing compared to her awe of his incredibly early show of power
A power no Chosen has ever shown to this degree, until several years after one his age.
He stood there. He recognized what he had done. It only cemented his convictions.

 

[trustyside-kick]

​

Vatican City
The Vatican Gardens

The Pope takes a step back as I levitate slightly. I feel so much more graceful and agile. He smiles since clearly it is the first time he has actually seen me. However this transformation of the Archangel State isn't like before. I take to the skies a little bit higher, swirling and twirling about. Out of curiosity, I take my unlit hilt to my angelic sword and...to my surprise the second I remove it from its small sheath...

...the orange and golden flame lights up. That's...odd. Before it would only light up if I was drawing it out to defend the innocent. I quickly run my finger through it. Nope. Still the same type of angel-fire that won't burn me. So why--

"Greetings, Michael."

I know that voice. It belongs to an angel I have not seen for a while. The Angel of Prophecy: Bath Kol. I turn around, holding my blade in confusion and curiosity.

"Bath Kol, how--"

"The Helmet of the Agnus Dei is of divine origins, Michael. I must admit I am surprised to see that it still exists. The one who used to wear that helmet died long ago."

"During...The Crusades?"

He nods, and I look down at The Pope and the Opus Dei agents as well as the Vatican Guard who peer up at the sky, trying to spot just what it is that has joined me in the air. The sun shines so brightly, they probably cannot make it out that I'm talking to a 7 foot tall angel right now Bath Kol's wings shine so brightly.

"I shall tell you more, Michael. However...in private. I shall wait for you to politely leave your hosts."

I swoop down to the gardens and approach The Pope. As my white angel-fire wings slowly flap as I levitate just barely off the ground, he approaches me with an outstretched hand. He runs his fingers through my angel-fire wings with such sensation across his face as it is nothing more than a faint tingle. After all, angel-fire will only burn the hearts of the wicked. Astonished, he asks me what's on his mind. Bath Kol might be trying to cover himself by illuminating so brightly but there is clearly a 7 foot figure floating in the skies above waiting for me.

"Is that an...angel, my son?"

"Uh, yea...and he apparently needs to speak with me, Holy Father. I apologize for the--"

"No no, there is no apology needed. I am just pleased that we got the opportunity to meet. Go, Michael. Clearly it is God's will."

I take to the skies, and Bath Kol leads the way. He begins to talk as we fly.

"That helmet you are wearing, is of great significance. Of great power. It had belonged to another Michael, Michael."

"You don't mean--"

"Yes. The Michael. The Prince of Light. The angel who had victory over the Devil himself and his fallen angels when Lucifer first started his war against the Creator. You are wearing what was once the Helmet of St. Michael the archangel. Did you not ever wonder why of all the angels who bless you, Michael was not one of them?"

"So...he died during The Crusades. How?"

"Just as there was fighting amongst men, declaring their actions to be in the name of God, was there fighting once again amongst angels. The Fallen--a league of renegade angels who had sided with Lucifer when he first started his war with the Creator--had tried to open the Gates of Hell, so that Lucifer himself could escape and lead them as they were on their way to Heaven. They had almost been successful. Lucifer had already set foot out of the Gates of Hell, and was at the Golden Gates of St. Peter...until Michael finally arrived. Fighting his way with his battalion of angels, he sacrificed himself. Lucifer had grown much more powerful than their last encounter, and while Michael had been able to seal him back into Hell, it cost him his life. Although we had not realized that his helmet fell from the Heavens when he was slained, and landed into the realm of Man."

Hard to believe that the helmet I'm wearing, that forced this transformation into the Archangel State, was once worn by the mightiest angel ever known in all Creation. Having that answered, I raise my angel-fire sword and toss it to Bath Kol. As he catches it, the fire fades away.

"And the sword?"

He tosses it back at me, and as I catch it quickly the golden and orange flame ignites.

"As you know, the sword that was issued to you would only ignite should it be drawn to defend the innocent. As is the way with all of our swords. Michael, however, was special in that God had trusted him and him alone to harness the flame to be able to call upon whenever. It can still only harm the wicked, however...you will notice that it can puncture and cut through any non-living thing like if you were cutting through paper, Michael. Such is the reason that to the rest, it can only be summoned to defend the innocent. It is a great responsibility to wield God's angel-fire so freely. Clearly, with you being able to wear Michael's helmet, the Creator has deemed you worthy to serve as his new Agnus Dei. Congratulations are in order, Michael."

I look at the sword in my hands, the fire burning bright. Willing the flame to die, it does so. This is heavy. This is big.

...I've gotta start working on my swordsmanship if I'm going to be finally use this thing more often.

"You are finally fully letting yourself fall into the hands that are God and his Will. You have focused on your mission by letting go of Earthly desires. Was it not clear to you that such a thing would bring you rewards of great amount? The closer you get to fulfilling your role as his Lamb, the more powerful you should become."

Bath Kol surprises me as he smiles. Which is new. When I mentioned that loving spirit from Hell during The Goddess incident, he was concerned and afraid. This is like the second time that he wears emotions across his face when I've come to know that with angels they are normally lacking in that department. I figured it was because of their lack of free will that the rest of us as God's creations are granted whereas they are born servants--humble but servants--of the Creator.

So why does he smile?

Does he smile to make me feel happier about this 'further fulfilling my role'? I mean, it would make sense. He is here to guide me as he is The Angel of Prophecy. So I guess me making 'progress' in becoming that much more what God wants of me to become would cause him to smile.

...but I don't smile. I 'won' this 'reward' because of my ability to more closely follow God's will by letting go of Earthly attachments. Which clearly ties into my love for Grace and my commitment to The Guardians that I recently severed. It is like I am moving further up 'along the ladder' in heaven and further away from what makes me...me.

What makes me human. I've left those who were close to me, loved ones and colleagues...some of my few actual friends.

So what is it they want me to become?

Servants of such order and magnitude as them?

But they are angels. They were born and created to be the humble servants of God and do it willingly and lovingly. They don't have a choice.

...so does that mean that soon I won't have one?

What will I become?

What...am I becoming?

 

[trustyside-kick]

I'm flying myself back to Lost Haven. The Holy Father offered to have the Opus Dei 'copter to take me back but I declined. It wasn't because I could fly back faster--I'm actually going rather slowly--but the fact that I just need a moment to think.

In one hand I find out from Bath Kol that the entire reason that the Helmet of the Agnus Dei had any effect on me wearing it all, was because I was worthy of the powers it could grant; and that is because I have untied myself of Earthly attachments and commitments to Grace & being an active member of the Guardians which confined my ability to help people to mainly Lost Haven. In the other I have The Pope who gave me the dang helmet because I was that hero that fought alongside The Guardians and defended the people of Lost Haven. So, in the end...I wouldn't have even had the dumb stroke of luck of getting these new abilities from the Helmet of the Agnus Dei if it weren't for my Earthly commitments. Because I mean, not even Heaven was aware that the helmet still existed.

Then there is the matter that I don't know how to use a sword. Yea, I know to swing and stab and such but I don't have any proper technique. I'm a danger in that sense for being unskilled in that area and here I am trusted with an angel-fire sword I can now use at my own convenience?

"This is confusing...as always. I know...I'll return to Lost Haven...see if Kensei will train me, and at the same time I can tell the team about what S.T.R.I.K.E. has been up to. After that is done I am on my way back to dealing with The Seven. That way I am not re-attaching myself and also bettering the overall situation. Everyone wins."

Right?

I start to fly faster, as my destination is determined for sure.

Everyone wins this way.

...

...Right?

 

[NiteMare Shape]

As he approaches the scene, Icon is surprised at what he sees. A single dimunitive woman fighting off a group of police officers, while civilians scatter to get out of the line of fire.

Icon watches in horror as the young woman grips a parked minivan from under the front bumper and simply flings it at the pursuing police officers as they fire their weapons at her, with no effect.

"That's enough." Icon says as he touches down several feet behind the girl.

She turns to him, and he is surprised by the young woman's beauty. If he had not seen so much in his life, he would never believe that a girl like this would be capable of causing this much damage. He is also surprised to see the look in her eyes...not one of anger or menace, but a look of pure terror.

"Help...me...." She says as she points behind him, directly at a pair of black SUV's making their way to the scene, SUV's that Icon recognizes as belonging to S.T.R.I.K.E.

As the S.T.R.I.K.E. vehicles advance on their location, the young woman becomes more and more distraught.

"Help me. Please." She pleads, seemingly on the verge of panic. And it is in that moment that Icon comes to an understanding with the girl.

Icon nods to the young woman as the S.T.R.I.K.E. vehicles some to a stop in front of them, and the doors to the vehicles open and then close as armed agents exit the vehicles.

The scene brings Icon back to the invasion, when after defeating Ultima several S.T.R.I.K.E. agents arrived on the scene and attempted to take custody not only of the villain, but of Flux as well. Icon stood his ground, refusing to let her be taken by the agents, and found himself preparing for a repeat of history.

Two agents approach Icon, and if he didn't have a sickening feeling in his stomach, he might chuckle as they made their way to him and the girl. They were a true odd couple, the first, a short fat little man, and the other is built like a linebacker.

As the men get closer, Icon realizes that he recognizes the second agent...though it takes him a moment before he places where he knows the man from. He is the agent who arrived with Director Anderson at the remains of the Gala Hotel.

"Thanks for your help Icon, but we'll take it from here." He says.

"No, I don't think you do...Agent...?"

"Ryder. Icon, you do realize that this woman is a threat to not only national, but global security as well? We will be taking her into custody."

"No you won't."

"Now just one minute..." Tubby says, only to let his words trail off as Icon glares at him.

"I'm taking the girl with me. If she is as much of a security threat as you seem to think she is, I can't think of any place safer to hold her than at Guardian Headquarters."

"You can't..."

"I am. I'm taking custody of the girl, and I'm taking full responsibility for her. Have a good day gentlemen." Icon says as he turns away from them and offers his hand to the young woman. He takes to the skies with her, and is not entirely surprised when she releases her grip on his hand, and flies side by side with him all the way to Guardian Headquarters.

Marcus Ryder stands side by side with Agent Harris as they watch the pair disappear into the skies obove Lost Haven.

"He can't just do that! I can't believe you just let him..."

"It's alright Harris. His time's coming. It's coming for all of them."

 

[Mr. Majestic]

​

As I approach my front door I take a seat on the steps. If it wasn’t for that hospital bed I would have never known how much I missed these steps or this house. I guess that battle I was in with Icon really did take its toll on me. Best thing is I got the best sleep I have ever gotten in a long time. I should fight killer super strong villains more often. Just the thought of it makes me laugh.

With all the time that has passed I hope nothing to exciting happened. I can’t wait to get back into the swing of things. But first I need to take a really long shower.

As I get up from the steps I was about to head towards the door but the sound of a car pulling up grabs my attention. While waiting I realize that the vehicle belongs to Lexa. The driver brings the limo to a halt with the passenger door in front of me. Lexa steps out of the limo in a manner that it seems as if something has happen.

“Hey Lexa is everything okay?” I ask while stepping towards her.

“Have you not got any of my messages?” She asks.

“I’m sorry I just got home from being at the hospital I was about to step in but I seen you pull up.”

“Oh my God are you alright? What happened?” She questions while comforting me.

“I’m fine…” I tell her right before breaking her embrace. “…I had been pushing my self with work and school and it finally caught up with me is all. But enough about me, what was it you been trying to tell me?”

She pauses for a moment almost as if she is trying to figure out how to tell me the news. Whatever it is it must be hard for her because from the moment I’ve met Lexa she has always been a straight forward person. For this to have her acting out of character it must be a really serious topic.

“As you may or may not know my father was never really too happy of the fact that he had a daughter instead of a son. Because of that he has always been testing me in way no little girl should have to experience. He always said it would only make me stronger. I have to give him some credit in a way it has. Even though I always known I wasn’t what he wanted I did everything to make him happy but it seemed like no matter what I did nothing was good enough. He keeps telling me that I’m still not ready. And so once again I have been give another test. I have to prove to him that I have what it takes to take his place once he is gone. So he gave me my own company."

“I don’t understand, isn’t that a good thing? I know if my father gave me my own company I’d love the challenge.”

“You don’t understand my father. I having my own company is not for my benefit it’s for him. He gave me one of the branches in New York instead of the other one we have in Lost Haven.”

“New York? Why would he do that? That means you will have to leave.”

“That’s right. He says me being on my own will help build character but the truth is he sees that I’m happy here with my friends and doesn’t want that. God forbid I have any happiness in my life.”

I never knew Lexa had it so bad. I wish there was something I could do for but in this situation I’m powerless.

“So when do you have to leave?”

“I’m leave today, that’s why I had been calling you because I was trying to hang out with you before I had to go.”

“Wow this really sucks. This has to be the worse goodbye known to man.”

“This doesn’t have to be good by, you could come with me.”

“Me in New York?”

The thought of me ever leaving here has never crossed my mind. I have so many reasonability’s, like for one taking care of my mother’s house and school and more importantly protecting Lost Haven. Wait what am I saying Lost Haven doesn’t need me anymore they have Icon again. It’s not like they never seen me as their hero any ways. But still even though that may be the case I just can’t abandon them like Icon did. They may not see me as their hero but I gave them my word that no matter what I’ll protect them I have to keep it because a man is only as good as his word my mother used to tell me.

“Lexa what your asking for a is big move. A move that I don’t even no if I’m ready for…” She then places her index finger on my lips stopping me from continuing.

“I don’t want an answer now. I know this is a lot to ask but think about it for later down the road. For now just think about when you will come to visit me.”

She then leans forward and gives me a nice soft and beautiful goodbye kiss.

“Goodbye Sam.” She says as she gets back into the limo.

“Goodbye Lexa.” I utter as the limo pulls off.

 

[trustyside-kick]

"I am. I'm taking custody of the girl, and I'm taking full responsibility for her. Have a good day gentlemen." Icon says as he turns away from them and offers his hand to the young woman. He takes to the skies with her, and is not entirely surprised when she releases her grip on his hand, and flies side by side with him all the way to Guardian Headquarters.

Marcus Ryder stands side by side with Agent Harris as they watch the pair disappear into the skies obove Lost Haven.

"He can't just do that! I can't believe you just let him..."

"It's alright Harris. His time's coming. It's coming for all of them."

Lost Haven
Guardian Headquarters

As I enter the area just around the vicinity of the HQ, I get a bit of a chill down my spine. While I am going to be giving them information that will of value, in the end I am not going to return to the team permanently. When I left, I just up and did it. I left all the stuff I did have in the HQ and my very room and flew away. The only person I had to directly face was Grace and that was hard.

How am I going to face the rest of my former teammates?

The bio-scan allows me access through the backdoor. I choose the back because there is a media frenzy or general paparazzi normally hiding in the trees and other surroundings of the Guardian HQ. We weren't all for our HQ being public but it was kind of the only way the government would finance it and it would further gain us public trust and acceptance seeing as you've got a dude who can tumble mountains in seconds sporting a heroic silver and blue. Then you've got the rest of us tossed in.

I enter the dining area and I see an unfamiliar face entering from the kitchen; some girl. Behind her enters Icon and suddenly I feel like he's just blasted me with one of his hand blasts that's all his surprised look does. Does that to me because I'm not here to stay.

He doesn't even look upset. Just happy to see me.

Always the Boyscout.

"Hey Big Guy."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Lost Haven
Guardian Headquarters

As I enter the area just around the vicinity of the HQ, I get a bit of a chill down my spine. While I am going to be giving them information that will of value, in the end I am not going to return to the team permanently. When I left, I just up and did it. I left all the stuff I did have in the HQ and my very room and flew away. The only person I had to directly face was Grace and that was hard.

How am I going to face the rest of my former teammates?

The bio-scan allows me access through the backdoor. I choose the back because there is a media frenzy or general paparazzi normally hiding in the trees and other surroundings of the Guardian HQ. We weren't all for our HQ being public but it was kind of the only way the government would finance it and it would further gain us public trust and acceptance seeing as you've got a dude who can tumble mountains in seconds sporting a heroic silver and blue. Then you've got the rest of us tossed in.

I enter the dining area and I see an unfamiliar face entering from the kitchen; some girl. Behind her enters Icon and suddenly I feel like he's just blasted me with one of his hand blasts that's all his surprised look does. Does that to me because I'm not here to stay.

He doesn't even look upset. Just happy to see me.

Always the Boyscout.

"Hey Big Guy."

As I lead the young woman, who still hasn't told me her name through the kitchen to get her something to eat, I'm shocked to find Michael standing there, staring at the girl, obviously confused about her presence, then looks to me with that sheepish grin I've come so well.

"Welcome back Michael, I was starting to think we were gonna have to change the locks." I tease, before getting alittle more serious. "How've you been?"

 

[trustyside-kick]

As I lead the young woman, who still hasn't told me her name through the kitchen to get her something to eat, I'm shocked to find Michael standing there, staring at the girl, obviously confused about her presence, then looks to me with that sheepish grin I've come so well.

"Welcome back Michael, I was starting to think we were gonna have to change the locks." I tease, before getting alittle more serious. "How've you been?"

"Well between S.T.R.I.K.E. capturing me and me simply trying to paint a picture of a damn mountain scene, things could be better. Oh, and new threads...but that's not important right now. What is that they've finally shown their true colors, Icon. I know what they are up to...or at least one of the things. Wouldn't surprise me if there is more to it than just what I experienced first hand."

I give the girl a quick glance, but not one that would make her feel out of place or akward; I do it just to see her reaction. I'm possibly one of the more welcoming people you will find in Today's World but still confused why she is here. Then again it's Icon and if he trusts her to waltz around the HQ who am I to judge?

I'm not even on the team anymore.

"They're trying to experiment on metas, to understand how our powers work...so they can duplicate them. It's not that just, the way they snatched me? Was with their own little trio gang of superpowered S.T.R.I.K.E. agents; not that dude Spartan either. These guys were human before."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"Well between S.T.R.I.K.E. capturing me and me simply trying to paint a picture of a damn mountain scene, things could be better. They've finally shown their true colors, Icon. I know what they are up to...or at least one of the things. Wouldn't surprise me if there is more to it than just what I experienced first hand."

I give the girl a quick glance, but not one that would make her feel out of place or akward; I do it just to see her reaction. I'm possibly one of the more welcoming people you will find in Today's World but still confused why she is here. Then again it's Icon and if he trusts her to waltz around the HQ who am I to judge?

I'm not even on the team anymore.

"They're trying to experiment on metas, to understand how our powers work...so they can duplicate them. It's not that just, the way they snatched me? Was with their own little trio gang of superpowered S.T.R.I.K.E. agents; not that dude Spartan either. These guys were human before."

As Michael begins explaining what has been going on since he left, things begin to fall into place. I look over to the girl, and I begin to get a very clear picture of what S.T.R.I.K.E. is up to.

"That explains alot actually. S.T.R.I.K.E. agents were going after her through Central Island when I found her. And I have noticed that they have been more...aggressive in their activities."

"Then there's Anderson. He wanted The Guardians to work for S.T.R.I.K.E., and he didn't seem to take it too well when I turned him down."

 

[wiegeabo]

I love the beach.

I mean, I really, really love the beach.

What's not to love? Clean air. Ocean breeze. Cool water. Warm sun...

I pull down my sunglasses as a pair of lovely ladies walk by. The give me a smile and giggle, and I give them a smile and

wave in return.

I love the-

"Hey partner."

Like the sound of a needle being pulled off a record, Bobby Hawke's voice kills my mood.

He pats me on the shoulder and starts guiding me towards a nearby volleyball game. "Ready to get to work?"

"Hawkes, look around, would you?"

He glances around briefly. "Yeah?"

I give him a look and wave my hands at the scene. "The beach?"

"I've seen my share of beaches, my friend. Remember. You're talkin' to a marine here."

"Oh, I see. Lots of dangerous missions?"

"That's right."

"Secret, covert stuff that would make your hair stand on end?"

"Now you're talkin' my language."

"Bobby, come one, man. Look at the view. Listen to that oceans. Watch all those pretty, pretty ladies..."

"Later partner. We've got a mission."

I sigh and let him pull me towards a barbeque near the volleyball game. "Fine, fine, fine. So what's the.......bwahahahahahahahahaha!!!"

I bend over double at the sight of the Fat Man, standing at the grill, wearing a bad Hawaiian shirt, old man shorts (complete with suspenders), sandals, and a big hat.

He just gives me a stern look.

"Oh god, oh god. You were totally right. This is much more entertaining."

The Director grumbles. "That's enough, agent Cole." He gestures towards the man standing with him. "This is Director Broiles of the FBI."

"Oh, another Fed. But a Fed, Fed. Like, real Fed, right?" Broiles looks about as amused as the Fat Man. "So all these agents are your guys?"

Broiles and the Fat Man look at each other. "Agents?"

I roll my eyes. "You've got a dozen, non-descript white guys, who obviously haven't been out in the sun in years, trying to play volleyball while wearing bad shirts, long socks, and sandals, and government issue sunglasses...all without looking at a single girls that walks by."

I look at the Director. "Feds."

The Director just smiles at Broiles, who looks even grumpier now. "I told you he was good."

"Fine, sure. Still doesn't mean he can slip inside unseen."

I try not to smirk at that. Hawkes is less successful. "I'm sure I could. If I knew what I was slipping into."

Trying to be nonchalant, but being completely obvious by doing so, the two director's and Hawkes turn to face the grill.

They pretend to cook food and drink beers why they fill me in on the plan. And I try not to look embarrassed by all this.

Broiles starts. "A two-star general was kidnapped from her home yesterday."

The Director chimes in. "The Army is keeping quiet on this."

"The last thing they need leaked out is that one of their top brass was nabbed. So what's so special about this general?" The three of them glare at me. "You know...other than she being a general...and human being...and stuff?"

"She was working on some top secret stuff, partner. Need to know, only."

"She was leading an anti-terrorism task force," The Director says.

"You said it was need to know! ...sir."

"Now you need to know. This is important. National security important."

"We got a tip that led us here. We think she's being kept inside that beach house until a contact arrives."

"Well that's convenient."

"So we need you to do whatever it is you do-"

"Right. Slip inside. Take out the baddies. Rescue the general. Save the day. Not a problem."

They don't look amused.

"No, you're just doing recon. Get inside. Get a lay of the land. How many gaurds, weapons, where everything is, and where they're keeping the general. Then you get back out here, report, and my men take over."

"Trust me. Agent Cole is specially trained in covert entry. He'll slip inside, and back out, without anyone realizing he was even there."

"Yeah. When I want to be, I'm practically invisible."

 

[trustyside-kick]

As Michael begins explaining what has been going on since he left, things begin to fall into place. I look over to the girl, and I begin to get a very clear picture of what S.T.R.I.K.E. is up to.

"That explains alot actually. S.T.R.I.K.E. agents were going after her through Central Island when I found her. And I have noticed that they have been more...aggressive in their activities."

"Then there's Anderson. He wanted The Guardians to work for S.T.R.I.K.E., and he didn't seem to take it too well when I turned him down."

"They tried to throw the sympathy card at me, sending one of their doctors into the interrogation room first. He told me about the procedures they were researching in, and I could tell that in his eyes he was actually sincere."

It's so twisted and messed up. I'm guessing that that Dr. Weathers man doesn't know all of S.T.R.I.K.E.'s objectives, or at least is spoonfed lies to have a man like that still have some sort of conscience. Another reason that S.T.R.I.K.E. needs to go down. We need to gather the team and--

No.

The Guardians will deal with it but without me. There's still 5 more sins left to deal with.

"Made it that much harder when he told me that those 3 S.T.R.I.K.E. agents they gave powers are unstable. Hence why S.T.R.I.K.E. is still trying to apprehend metas because while they have an equation for their plans, they don't have the right one..."

The words are forming in my head and I'm trying to think of a different way to say it...but there doesn't seem to be a better way about saying this.

"...they need to be taken down, Icon. I know you guys are more than capable. That's why I came back...to tell you about what's going on."

 

[Byrd Man]

Pierce walks around the inside of the interrogation room, doing his best to unnerve the young man sitting in the hot seat. I watch from the other side of the two-way glass.

"Stacy Tinton," Pierce says. "Preacher Madlove has an interesting story-"

"Reverend," she says in a calm voice. "His name is Reverend Madlove, not Preacher Madlove."

"Right...so, the Reverend has an interesting story. He says he was with you the night Joe Dante was murdered. Any truth to that?"

"Yes," she says a bit too quickly. "If he says he was with me, then he was."

Pierce walks by the glass and arches an eyebrow playfully. "What'd you two do that night?"

"We...," she starts. "We had a nice evening reading the Bible, he's been lecturing me in the scriptures. I left the church that morning."

"Must of be a hell of a Bible study," Pierce says in a chiding voice. "I sure hope none of the pages got stuck together."

"Is there a point to this?!"

"Yes," Pierce says sharply. "We talked to your neighbor, Stacy, she says you spent that night at your house. She remembers hearing the TV staying on."

"I must have left it on," she mumbles.

"She remembered hearing someone turn it off in the middle of the night. Turns out your neighbor has insomina. Bad news for you, because you're looking at a few charges right now. Delievering a false statement, obstruction of justice. So..tell me where you really were that night?"

Tears begin to form in Stacy's eyes. She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes as the tears begin running down her face. "I-I-I lied! I stayed at home that night! The Reverend came to me! He-he told me to lie!"

Pierce looks up at the two-way glass and quietly walks out the room while Stacy sobs.

"Let's go get that bastard," Pierce says as he walks into the observation room. "He's lying through his teeth, I knew it. His alibi doesn't hold up. Let's go."

I nod and follow Pierce out the observation room and down a stairwell to his car.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"They tried to throw the sympathy card at me, sending one of their doctors into the interrogation room first. He told me about the procedures they were researching in, and I could tell that in his eyes he was actually sincere."

It's so twisted and messed up. I'm guessing that that Dr. Weathers man doesn't know all of S.T.R.I.K.E.'s objectives, or at least is spoonfed lies to have a man like that still have some sort of conscience. Another reason that S.T.R.I.K.E. needs to go down. We need to gather the team and--

No.

The Guardians will deal with it but without me. There's still 5 more sins left to deal with.

"Made it that much harder when he told me that those 3 S.T.R.I.K.E. agents they gave powers are unstable. Hence why S.T.R.I.K.E. is still trying to apprehend metas because while they have an equation for their plans, they don't have the right one..."

The words are forming in my head and I'm trying to think of a different way to say it...but there doesn't seem to be a better way about saying this.

"...they need to be taken down, Icon. I know you guys are more than capable. That's why I came back...to tell you about what's going on."

I'm about to agree with Michael, when exactly what he just said hit me, and to be perfectly honest...it takes me off guard.

"You Guys"

I know that he has had a hard time since being "outted" so to speak, and I understand his need to be alone...if there is anyone out there who understands someone's need to get away from all of this, it's me.


"You guys? So, does that mean you're not coming back?

 

[Eddie Brock]

This must be Hell on Earth. It's "Dollar Burger Day" at Burgers and Such. I'm behind the counter. The thermostat still isn't working, and it's 102 degrees outside. Sweat is staining my stupid little hat that I have to wear. I'm dealing with a crowd of angry customers because I'm the only cashier working today. I try my best to picture a quiet, cold place - like a glacier - but my thoughts are interrupted by more yelling.

"Ex-cuse me, sir!" Despite calling me "sir," I can tell this lady has zero respect for me. I can't tell if her face is so red from the heat or the yelling. "I ordered chicken tenders. These are chicken nuggets." She slides the order in question across the counter at me angrily. "And where's my son's toy? He got a kid's meal. He's supposed to get a toy!"

"Ma'am, I'd really like to help you," I begin exasperatedly, "but I'm going to have to ask you to lower your voice. It's quite loud in here, and--"

"Lower my voice? Ex-cuse me?" Why does she keep emphasizing it like that? It's really annoying. "I just spent all day in a hot office building. My son asked to go to Burgers and Such. Now, I expect to get what I ordered!"

I bury my head in my hands, feeling the sweat on my forehead. "I understand..."

"Sean!"

I perk up at the sound of my manager, Mr. Teems, voice. He marches up to me, and I can't help but stare at the sweat stains around the collar of his shirt. He's spent all day on the phone trying to get someone to come fix the thermostat, but with this heat wave the A/C company is running at capacity.

Looking at the increasingly upset crowd, Mr. Teems asks, "What is going on here?"

"Sir, I ordered the chicken tenders. This boy gave me the chicken nuggets."

"Terribly sorry, miss." Mr. Teems turns his attention back to me. "Sean, why don't you take your break?"

No argument here, I think to myself. I storm off, ripping the stupid sweat-soaked hat from my head and stepping outside. There's no relief from the heat. Checking to see if Mr. Teems is watching - he isn't, he's too concerned with Ms. Nuggets - I walk over to the hose and turn it on. The water is lukewarm, but compared to the air it feels frigid.

WEEOOOWEEOOOWEEOOOWEEOOO...

Sirens? I've got fifteen minutes left on break. I sneak back inside, taking care not to set off the little bell by the door, as I slip into the backroom. My backpack's there, and inside is my costume. It's just too damn hot to wear layers. I throw the backpack over my shoulder and sneak out the back door.

Moments later, I'm dressed and ready for action. Well, as ready as one can be when covered in sticky spandex. This costume was not meant for extreme temperatures. God, I'm going to need a shower after this. I follow the sirens to their source, at which point I proclaim, "You've gotta be kidding me."

"Mantis!" Lava barks. "I knew I could draw you out so easily! You'll pay for putting me away the last time we met!"

"Is it too much to ask that I fight an ice-themed villain in the middle of this heat wave? Really?"
​

 

[Carnage27]

Cerberus
Revelations

"So how are things?" I ask Penny, who sits across from me. It's the first time we've seen each other since she told me she's been dating James Harvey, one of the star wide-receivers for the Lost Haven University football team. Him and his twin brother Kevin make up the most formidable one two punch in the NCAA. And he stole my girl.

"Oh you know, things are good," she smiles as she picks at her food. This meet up has been nothing but pure awkwardness. I'm a freaking demigod and super hero, but I still can't get the relationship thing down. Of course, it doesn't help that she's dating someone else. Or that I basically left her hanging for a good six months.

After another long pause of awkward silence, "How's the boyfriend?"

I can almost sense the annoyance immediately. She didn't want to touch the subject, but she figured I would anyway. She just wanted her friend back, "Is that why you asked me out? To talk about that?"

"Well...I mean," I stutter. She sees right through me. She always has. "I mean I'm just curious. You're my fr-"

"You're not interested because your my friend!" she yells. Luckily we're eating outside so only half the people walking by stare instead of every single person. "Don't act like I'm an idiot! You had your chance, Des! I waited for you for years. And then when it seemed like you were finally coming around you disappear almost completely. And I don't know why. Jim is a division one college football player and he finds plenty of time for me. I was hoping you could be mature about this and be happy for me, but I guess I was wrong."

Without another word, she stands and storms off, leaving me to stew in my own pathetic feelings.

"Ready for the check, hun?"

And leaving me with that, too.
​