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

[MST3K 4ever]

Dylan finishes his research and nods with great satisfaction.

The potential of these weapons is just staggering. S.T.R.I.K.E is going to love them.

He then places a call to R & D and says, "This is Mr. Chambers Lots #46-56 I want them prepped and ready for shipment in 48 hours."

The clerk says, "I need authorization from the Board of Directors. Sir."

Dylan replies, "Oh don't worry you'll have it within the next few hours."

Dylan hangs up and he visits each member. Within a few hours he has everything he needs.

 

[trustyside-kick]

"So what if we need to a hold of each other?" I just had that question to ask. What if we did need to meet again? "Shoot a column of fire into the sky over Lost Haven?" Throwing back to the day before when we all met for the first time.

"Maybe something less...theatrical. We'll think of something. I mean, we've saved the world twice in half a day...I think we are destined for something great. Being with The Guardians has been great but I've somewhat...felt out of place before. How no one could truly relate to me having to answer to a higher power...so keep in touch, guys. The Prophets of the Unknown are indeed here to stay. Just..for the larger-than-life unexplainable things, you know?"

After fighting on the ruins of Heaven, taking down an uber powered angel, and saving all of existence, I can't agree more with Michael. The past few hours have seemed like a fever dream, and it's going to take me a while to understand and process what has just transpired.

But then I realize I don't have that time. There's another war I need to stop, another between deities and monsters. There's someone out there that's attempting to loose the Titans, and I need to find and stop them before they do. I have a journey ahead of me, and one I need to set out on sooner rather than later.

"Yea...this has been...interesting," I respond. "And I think we could all do with some decompression time."

The other two nod in agreement, and I turn to leave. But before I do, I turn to them, "But this may not be the last time we need to team up. I've got a mission I need to go on. A mission from the Gods of Olympus. And if I fail, I'll need your help to stop what'll be coming. I don't plan on that happening, but who knows what will happen."

Without another word, I turn into shadow and head back towards the Eye of the Fates.

He disappears before we can truly respond, probably because he knows that after what we went through in Heaven and Hell...we've got each others' backs. I look over at Inferno, give him a nod, and as I rise into the Lost Haven skies I say a little prayer to finish healing my battle wounds.

As I'm soaring through the sky, I decide to turn over, my front instead facing the skies as I look up. I put my arms behind my head as if I was floating on the surface of a pool and smile.

"Thank you."

This feeling I feel is amazing. And this time it's not because I have my powers fully restored. Before all of this went down, I felt weak without my blessings and raw strength. For the first time I was actually going through some sort of withdrawals from it. But now? This feeling of relief and sheer...

I feel revitalized.

Invigorated. No, exhilarated.

Sanctified.

I don't know...pick one. And it's all because of one thought coursing through my brain.

I'm finally...free. Able to lead my own life. Able to take these blessings, and do good with them...without having someone so directly looking over my shoulder, critiquing me and testing me. I've passed the most high and true of tests.

I saved the freakin' world.

As I'm flying down to the Guardian HQ, my heart starts to race. Last time I helped save the world, I...well..let's just say. This time I'm going to get the girl, too.

The sky access greets me with the usual greeting, and even that seems blissful. I only hope that nothing drastic has happened since I left concerning S.T.R.I.K.E. since it has been about half a day that I've been away.

"Kayla, what is it?" I ask, not able to hide the concern from my voice.

"You haven't heard? Anderson's announced his next move. It's all over the TV."

I walk over to the lounge's large tv and turn it on. I don't have to channel surf too long to find out what is going on, as Anderson's press conference is on almost every station. We all stand in silence as the director's voice fills the lounge.

"...I am here to announce the new citizen outreach program. We will be setting up recruitment centers throughout the city where those interested in helping S.T.R.I.K.E keep the streets safe for the people can come in and begin the application process. All applications will be considered for enrollment in the program." Anderson pauses as the buzz from the crowd grows louder, and some of the members of the media begin shouting questions at the Director.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is time take back our streets from the meta human terrorists who would have us live in fear. It is time to end the meta human threat before and can evolve into something more. Thank you." Anderson says as he steps away from the podium even as members of the media continue shouting after him.

Well, this can't be good.

As I enter the HQ, I walk through what seems to be a barren wasteland. Might as well be. I bet if I call out right now my voice will echo it seems to dead. Where is everyone? My guess is they must be gathered in one specific location. Meeting room? Living room? I'll check later, first I gotta see--

And then I see Flux and Starlight walking by the doorway and Starlight spots me. Bingo. Just the gal I wanted to see. She pokes at Flux to turn and look, and when our eyes meet...man am I suddenly gaining all kinds of luck to have a gal look at me like that again.

I fly over to her as she looks like she seems frozen still and stop a few feet in front of her.

"You know, you're the only girl I've gone to Hell and back for. Told you you had nothing to worry about. No way I wasn't going to see you in that skirt again."

She's silent for a moment, slowly walks up to me, and I descend to the ground. Towering over her slightly by a few inches, I remove my helmet, and drop it on the ground. She brushes my hair back, and I go in for the kiss.

Saved the world. Twice. This time I got the girl. Isn't that nice?

 

[Nicodemus]

Noah Walker, the Awesome ACROBAT

Arc II: Never STRIKE Twice
Publicity​

Man, the Guardian's headquarters is frickin huge.

Like, really big. And when you're down a few pints of blood and really shouldn't be walking around without assistance, you can get lost as hell. I must've found myself walking in circles at least half a dozen times, and bumped into walls twice that number.

Jeez, I can't even walk properly. I must be the best superhero ever.

Anyway, I'm stumbling through the headquarters of the greatest superhero team in the world when I come upon a scene that I really thought I'd only ever see in particularly bad fanfiction. (Which I read constantly by the way. I am fanfiction.net's most well known reviewer in the Guardian fanfiction circles, a piece of trivia I am not particularly proud of.)

The scene before me is as follows - Archangel, aka the Fist of God, aka one of the coolest people in the universe, aka the person I have a six foot tall poster of in my room, is floating a few feet above the ground. His back is turned to me, but even if it wasn't I doubt he would notice me - he only has eyes for the girl in front of him, another superhero(ine) that goes by the name of Flux. Never my favorite, but Lucy has a soft spot for her, which counts for a lot in my book."You know, you're the only girl I've gone to Hell and back for. Told you you had nothing to worry about. No way I wasn't going to see you in that skirt again."

I'm kind of slackjawed, and for a moment I'm convinced that this is just my imagination playing tricks on me. But I blink twice, and rub my eyes, and they're still there, and that's when I realize that holy crap this is not a dream holycrapholycrapholycrap.

Flux is silent for a moment, and then slowly walks up to Archangel, as he descends towards the ground. Once he's a few inches above her, he removes his helmet, and drop it on the ground. Flux brushes his hair back, and he goes in for the kiss.

"Oh my lawd," I whisper to myself, slowly pulling my phone out of my pocket. "Tweeting it."

Ah yes. Twitter.

My secret addiction. I have two Twitter accounts - my civilian one is JoahNoah32 (lame yes, shut up, it was the only thing I could think of.) It has 102 followers, kids from my school who have reluctantly added me to their list after I nagged them half to death. My superhero account, TheAwesomeAcrobat, was started a couple of weeks ago and currently has 17 followers.

I log on.

I now have 2,000 followers.

I guess getting shot by government robots does wonders for your popularity. Somebody probably put the film up on youtube, if it wasn't on television.

I snap a picture of the tender scene in front of me, thankful that the flash on my phone is off, and upload it into my new status. Archangel and Flux? Guess the Other-World Shippers were right after all. #yesI'malive #SuckitSTRIKE.

I click the button, and my status is instantly uploaded onto the internet.

Best. Day. Ever.

 

[Erin]

Originally Posted by Hound55
"It's been a busy couple of days..." Isaac turned back to Pinup "...I don't sleep here."

Isaac staggered past Icon.

"Bu-*yawns*-ut that's ok. You're here now, I wasn't going to leave with the only two metahumans here being a girl I know nothing about and some kid who got laid out by S.T.R.I.K.E."

"Your issue now. I'm taking one of the spare cars... mine's *yawn*, well... I don't know where the hell mine is now." He thought back, remembering S.T.R.I.K.E's pursuit from two days earlier.

"I gotta get outta here and get some rest." he rambled.
Isaac stumbles past me and out of the lounge, my guess is heading to the garage to pick out another car to take home. If there is one thing I admire about Isaac, it's his dedication to his privacy...though it does tend to force him to go to extremes from time to time.

I turn to Pinup, who looks both annoyed with me, yet relieved that I've come back to the headquarters.

"Glad to see you made it back safely. How did the meeting go?" She asks as she takes a step closer to me.

"I'm not entirely sure to be honest. He wanted the Guardians to join forces with S.T.R.I.K.E, and he didn't seem pleased that I turned him down, again. Something tells me that Anderson is a man who is used to getting what he wants, and isn't used to be told no." I pause for a moment before adding, "So I think that everyone should be alittle more careful for the time being."

She nods in agreement as she takes a closer look at me, and seemingly notices a small burn in my cape, a reminder of the S.T.R.I.K.E attack at the storage facility.

"I'd say. Looks like you didn't make it out unscathed."

"Oh, that's nothing. Just a little...misunderstanding with a couple of agents and their pet drones." I say jokingly with a half smirk. But the ramifications of what happened earlier today creep into my mind, and my voice takes a more serious tone.

"They were staking out your storage unit. They attacked me as soon as they saw me go in." I say as the expression on her face changes from concern to shock, to anger.

"They were watching my storage unit?" She says half asking, half repeating.

"It's gone. They hit the building with a rocket. Nothing is left but a crater."

Her eyes sink as the realization of what I've just told her sinks in.Then she looks back up to me and is about to speak, but I cut her off.

"Fortunately I was able to save the vita ray chamber. It's in the GHQ equipment room. It took alittle damage, but I think that it should still work." I say, and I can see a wave of relief wash over as I tell her that the vita ray chamber is safe.

Before she's able to say anything else, Sam comes rushing into the lounge and starts speaking excitedly.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Majestic

“Hey Icon sorry to disturb you, but there is something I wanted to share with you and the others.” I inform him as I look him and Pinup in the eyes.

“Since we got back I been in my old quarter, which I’m surprise to see you guys keep it the way it is and didn’t use it for something else but that’s beside the point. Seems like S.T.R.I.K.E mean business with these new machines of theirs which we all have witness first hand. The tech on them bad boys is amazing I mean it is a geeks dream to just be giving the time to analyze them, I should know.” I hand Icon the information that I have gathered so far.

“Now as you can see the tech there is like nothing we have seen. Reason being is because that stuff is not due to come out for a few years from now but when you have deep pockets like S.T.R.I.K.E I guess you get dibs on everything before anyone else.”

If STRIKE is able to get their hands on tech like this there is no telling what other kind of toys they may have.

“Now as you know I’m the tech guy and I’m good at making things. So I have some good news and I have some bad. Good new is I can make a weapon to help us fight these machines. Now its obvious Icon with your and mine power set we won’t need it but say if Vigilante and the others who don’t have great powers like ours are in trouble it will be very helpful for them to have a weapon to even the playing field. Now reason I bring this up is because the bad news is we need to get our hands on one of them robots with little to no damage.”
Before I can say anything, Kayla rushes into the lounge. As we turn to greet her, I can immediately see that something is wrong. There is a look of panic on her face, a look that I haven't seen since the first time I met her.

"Kayla, what is it?" I ask, not able to hide the concern from my voice.

"You haven't heard? Anderson's announced his next move. It's all over the TV."

I walk over to the lounge's large tv and turn it on. I don't have to channel surf too long to find out what is going on, as Anderson's press conference is on almost every station. We all stand in silence as the director's voice fills the lounge.


Quote:
Originally Posted by NiteMare Shape


"Thank you all for coming today. Over the last several years, we have seen a number of so called 'meta humans' reveal themselves to the world. Some have seemingly been a force for good, using their extraordinary gifts to help the people of the world. However, there have also been those who have chosen to use those same gifts for their own ends. These meta humans have put the populace in danger time and time again. They have used their abilities to commit a number of crimes, everything from theft to mass murder." Anderson pauses as he lets his words sink in.

"These rogue meta humans have proven to be little more than living weapons of mass destruction. They are weapons that need to be kept in check. The so called super heroes who have dedicated themselves to protecting us have done an admirable job of putting down threats as they arise, but I want you all to ask yourselves, are you safer because of their presence, or in spite of it?" A low murmur buzzes throughout the crowd as Anderson's words sink in.

"The threat needs to be proactively addressed, and not just dealt with in the reactionary manner that heroes such as The Guardians seem to excel at. The threat needs to be contained in a manner that allows us to identify the threat before it is able to commit heinous acts such as the attacks on the Harrison Bridge or the Plaza Hotel." Anderson pauses again momentarily.

"Which is why I am here to announce the new citizen outreach program. We will be setting up recruitment centers throughout the city where those interested in helping S.T.R.I.K.E keep the streets safe for the people can come in and begin the application process. All applications will be considered for enrollment in the program." Anderson pauses as the buzz from the crowd grows louder, and some of the members of the media begin shouting questions at the Director.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is time take back our streets from the meta human terrorists who would have us live in fear. It is time to end the meta human threat before and can evolve into something more. Thank you." Anderson says as he steps away from the podium even as members of the media continue shouting after him.
Well, this can't be good.

"What....the hell?" Pinup folds her arms and her expression darkens as she listens to Anderson's announcement.

"This is ridiculous." She crosses, turning the television off almost violently before turning to the others in the room. "Do you understand what this means? Not only does Anderson have those damn droids trained on anything that even smacks of meta, but now he's practically handing the villagers pitchforks and torches. He's creating mass panic while pretending to maintain peace, and this is going to turn into a witch hunt! People will die from this - and it won't just be metas!"

She paces the floor, her mind wheeling furiously as she takes in the new information, trying to piece it together. Anderson. Militia. Droids. Guardians. Anderson. Droids. Guardians. Militia. Anderson -

"That's it." She whispers as a revelation dawns upon her. She turns to Icon, who seems silently engrossed with the new woman, who is watching him with the unmistakable fond worry of a significant other. With only the briefest hesitation and the slightest glance at the woman she is interrupting, Pinup opens her mouth.

"I think I know what Anderson is playing at, and I have an idea." She half wished Vigilante was still around, getting the feeling that between him and Icon, he would be more likely to agree with her.

"Anderson wants to 'control the meta threat' - whatever that means, right? But that's only his secondary goal. After all, he'll never be able to accomplish it while the Guardians stand in his way." Her thoughts tumble out of her quickly and her eyes dart between invisible nothings in the air in front of her as she pieces the whole scenario together.

"That's why he wanted to see if you'd join him - it would make everything easier." She looks at Icon and Youngster seriously.

"He's got you cornered here - no matter what you do, you'll end up looking like the bad guy, and that's exactly what he's counting on. But Anderson knows you. He knows that you'll most likely lay low and play defense and he's planning on that. He'll lead you lot around by the nose until whatever end he's hoping for happens."

She looks between Icon and Youngster, who meet her with blank stares. "Well? Isn't it obvious? You have to play the offensive. Anderson has already convinced the people that you're the threat, so you may as well run with it. Keep the target on us as long as we can, and it will keep it off innocent people."

She looks furtively between them both, making her final argument. "He wants a war, and unfortunately the only way to save innocent people is to give him one."

 

[Mr. Majestic]

"Thank you all for coming today. Over the last several years, we have seen a number of so called 'meta humans' reveal themselves to the world. Some have seemingly been a force for good, using their extraordinary gifts to help the people of the world. However, there have also been those who have chosen to use those same gifts for their own ends. These meta humans have put the populace in danger time and time again. They have used their abilities to commit a number of crimes, everything from theft to mass murder." Anderson pauses as he lets his words sink in.

"These rogue meta humans have proven to be little more than living weapons of mass destruction. They are weapons that need to be kept in check. The so called super heroes who have dedicated themselves to protecting us have done an admirable job of putting down threats as they arise, but I want you all to ask yourselves, are you safer because of their presence, or in spite of it?" A low murmur buzzes throughout the crowd as Anderson's words sink in.

"The threat needs to be proactively addressed, and not just dealt with in the reactionary manner that heroes such as The Guardians seem to excel at. The threat needs to be contained in a manner that allows us to identify the threat before it is able to commit heinous acts such as the attacks on the Harrison Bridge or the Plaza Hotel." Anderson pauses again momentarily.

"Which is why I am here to announce the new citizen outreach program. We will be setting up recruitment centers throughout the city where those interested in helping S.T.R.I.K.E keep the streets safe for the people can come in and begin the application process. All applications will be considered for enrollment in the program." Anderson pauses as the buzz from the crowd grows louder, and some of the members of the media begin shouting questions at the Director.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is time take back our streets from the meta human terrorists who would have us live in fear. It is time to end the meta human threat before and can evolve into something more. Thank you." Anderson says as he steps away from the podium even as members of the media continue shouting after him.

Its official S.T.R.I.K.E must have truly lost their minds. “They can’t be serious about this? They won’t be doing nothing but putting more people in danger. S.T.R.I.K.E must truly want complete control to go through such lengths.”

Seems like when we have one problem another shows up. Dealing with the droids is one problem by it self but to bring in something like this, nothing good can come from this.

"What....the hell?" Pinup folds her arms and her expression darkens as she listens to Anderson's announcement.

"This is ridiculous." She crosses, turning the television off almost violently before turning to the others in the room. "Do you understand what this means? Not only does Anderson have those damn droids trained on anything that even smacks of meta, but now he's practically handing the villagers pitchforks and torches. He's creating mass panic while pretending to maintain peace, and this is going to turn into a witch hunt! People will die from this - and it won't just be metas!"

She paces the floor, her mind wheeling furiously as she takes in the new information, trying to piece it together. Anderson. Militia. Droids. Guardians. Anderson. Droids. Guardians. Militia. Anderson -

"That's it." She whispers as a revelation dawns upon her. She turns to Icon, who seems silently engrossed with the new woman, who is watching him with the unmistakable fond worry of a significant other. With only the briefest hesitation and the slightest glance at the woman she is interrupting, Pinup opens her mouth.

"I think I know what Anderson is playing at, and I have an idea." She half wished Vigilante was still around, getting the feeling that between him and Icon, he would be more likely to agree with her.

"Anderson wants to 'control the meta threat' - whatever that means, right? But that's only his secondary goal. After all, he'll never be able to accomplish it while the Guardians stand in his way." Her thoughts tumble out of her quickly and her eyes dart between invisible nothings in the air in front of her as she pieces the whole scenario together.

"That's why he wanted to see if you'd join him - it would make everything easier." She looks at Icon and Youngster seriously.

"He's got you cornered here - no matter what you do, you'll end up looking like the bad guy, and that's exactly what he's counting on. But Anderson knows you. He knows that you'll most likely lay low and play defense and he's planning on that. He'll lead you lot around by the nose until whatever end he's hoping for happens."

She looks between Icon and Youngster, who meet her with blank stares. "Well? Isn't it obvious? You have to play the offensive. Anderson has already convinced the people that you're the threat, so you may as well run with it. Keep the target on us as long as we can, and it will keep it off innocent people."

She looks furtively between them both, making her final argument. "He wants a war, and unfortunately the only way to save innocent people is to give him one."

“You make a good point.” I say looking directly at Pinup. “But if we do decide to go head and play the villain it’s not going to look good for us. Lets be real about this either action we take innocent people are going to get hurt. We do nothing then people are going to go to these recruitment centers to protect their family from meta-humans. If we do play the part of the villain then those who have already been on the fence about us will take action and end up joining S.T.R.I.K.E.”

This is a tricky situation we are all in. To do good and protect the people we must come out looking like the bad guy. Thing again why do all of us have to be?

“But what if we chose to fight along side and against S.T.R.I.K.E? I’m pretty sure even they must have thoughts in their minds that not all of us thinks like Icon and has his believes down to the T. What if this broke us up and some of us leave and join S.T.R.I.K.E because we believe in what they are doing? Granted this would be extremely risky but they may not see this coming and secondly with some of us on the inside it will help keep casualties down. The reason why we put on these costumes is to protect people and with of playing both sides of the fence I see it as a good way to do just that.”

It may be a little to early to think like this but if what Pinup said comes to be true and a war is what they want I believe this to be a good way to help protect people. If we are all targets, trying to help people may do nothing but put them in more danger with the whole world trying to catch us.

“I know this may sound crazy but it’s something for us to at least think about right?”

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"What....the hell?" Pinup folds her arms and her expression darkens as she listens to Anderson's announcement.

"This is ridiculous." She crosses, turning the television off almost violently before turning to the others in the room. "Do you understand what this means? Not only does Anderson have those damn droids trained on anything that even smacks of meta, but now he's practically handing the villagers pitchforks and torches. He's creating mass panic while pretending to maintain peace, and this is going to turn into a witch hunt! People will die from this - and it won't just be metas!"

She paces the floor, her mind wheeling furiously as she takes in the new information, trying to piece it together. Anderson. Militia. Droids. Guardians. Anderson. Droids. Guardians. Militia. Anderson -

"That's it." She whispers as a revelation dawns upon her. She turns to Icon, who seems silently engrossed with the new woman, who is watching him with the unmistakable fond worry of a significant other. With only the briefest hesitation and the slightest glance at the woman she is interrupting, Pinup opens her mouth.

"I think I know what Anderson is playing at, and I have an idea." She half wished Vigilante was still around, getting the feeling that between him and Icon, he would be more likely to agree with her.

"Anderson wants to 'control the meta threat' - whatever that means, right? But that's only his secondary goal. After all, he'll never be able to accomplish it while the Guardians stand in his way." Her thoughts tumble out of her quickly and her eyes dart between invisible nothings in the air in front of her as she pieces the whole scenario together.

"That's why he wanted to see if you'd join him - it would make everything easier." She looks at Icon and Youngster seriously.

"He's got you cornered here - no matter what you do, you'll end up looking like the bad guy, and that's exactly what he's counting on. But Anderson knows you. He knows that you'll most likely lay low and play defense and he's planning on that. He'll lead you lot around by the nose until whatever end he's hoping for happens."

She looks between Icon and Youngster, who meet her with blank stares. "Well? Isn't it obvious? You have to play the offensive. Anderson has already convinced the people that you're the threat, so you may as well run with it. Keep the target on us as long as we can, and it will keep it off innocent people."

She looks furtively between them both, making her final argument. "He wants a war, and unfortunately the only way to save innocent people is to give him one."

Its official S.T.R.I.K.E must have truly lost their minds. “They can’t be serious about this? They won’t be doing nothing but putting more people in danger. S.T.R.I.K.E must truly want complete control to go through such lengths.”

Seems like when we have one problem another shows up. Dealing with the droids is one problem by it self but to bring in something like this, nothing good can come from this.



“You make a good point.” I say looking directly at Pinup. “But if we do decide to go head and play the villain it’s not going to look good for us. Lets be real about this either action we take innocent people are going to get hurt. We do nothing then people are going to go to these recruitment centers to protect their family from meta-humans. If we do play the part of the villain then those who have already been on the fence about us will take action and end up joining S.T.R.I.K.E.”

This is a tricky situation we are all in. To do good and protect the people we must come out looking like the bad guy. Thing again why do all of us have to be?

“But what if we chose to fight along side and against S.T.R.I.K.E? I’m pretty sure even they must have thoughts in their minds that not all of us thinks like Icon and has his believes down to the T. What if this broke us up and some of us leave and join S.T.R.I.K.E because we believe in what they are doing? Granted this would be extremely risky but they may not see this coming and secondly with some of us on the inside it will help keep casualties down. The reason why we put on these costumes is to protect people and with of playing both sides of the fence I see it as a good way to do just that.”

It may be a little to early to think like this but if what Pinup said comes to be true and a war is what they want I believe this to be a good way to help protect people. If we are all targets, trying to help people may do nothing but put them in more danger with the whole world trying to catch us.

“I know this may sound crazy but it’s something for us to at least think about right?”

I stand there in numb shock as I listen to Sam and Pinup pitch their ideas. And while yes, I can see what both of them are saying, I don't really see how either option is a viable solution.

"You can't be serious...either of you." I say as I am met with a cold stare from Pinup.

"I see what you're saying," I say looking directly at Pinup. "But if it came down to an all out war between us and S.T.R.I.K.E there would be too many innocent people caught in the crossfire."

I turn slightly and look to Sam, who seems to know what I'm going to say.

"And we can't infiltrate S.T.R.I.K.E. If we did that, some of us would be completely at the mercy of Anderson and his goons, and we'd be dependent on him being a man of his word, and we already know that he isn't. We can't risk leaving ourselves that vulnerable."

They both look at me as if I had three heads. I haven't known Pinup all that long, and we've disagreed on things before. And Sam...I'm not sure he's completely forgiven me for leaving after...After what happened to Jenny.

"No, if you want to prove to the world that we are not the threats that Anderson is implying we are, we need to get back to doing what we do best. We need to remind the people just who the Guardians are."

 

[Erin]

I stand there in numb shock as I listen to Sam and Pinup pitch their ideas. And while yes, I can see what both of them are saying, I don't really see how either option is a viable solution.

"You can't be serious...either of you." I say as I am met with a cold stare from Pinup.

"I see what you're saying," I say looking directly at Pinup. "But if it came down to an all out war between us and S.T.R.I.K.E there would be too many innocent people caught in the crossfire."

I turn slightly and look to Sam, who seems to know what I'm going to say.

"And we can't infiltrate S.T.R.I.K.E. If we did that, some of us would be completely at the mercy of Anderson and his goons, and we'd be dependent on him being a man of his word, and we already know that he isn't. We can't risk leaving ourselves that vulnerable."

They both look at me as if I had three heads. I haven't known Pinup all that long, and we've disagreed on things before. And Sam...I'm not sure he's completely forgiven me for leaving after...After what happened to Jenny.

"No, if you want to prove to the world that we are not the threats that Anderson is implying we are, we need to get back to doing what we do best. We need to remind the people just who the Guardians are."

"Who the Guardians are?" Pinup spits at Icon.

"The Guardians ARE public enemy number one. Anderson has done a damn good job of making you that and you're not about to change anybody's mind anytime soon. "

Her voice lowers, and though her words are calm, there is a dangerous intensity burning behind every syllable. "Let me tell you how this is going shake down - Anderson's amassing his own little army, and they all want you, and when they can't get you, guess what. They'll start looking in their own neighborhoods, on their own streets, in their own homes. They'll dig up any reason to think anyone they don't like is a meta and regardless of the truth, they'll hang them for it. This isn't going to end and innocent people won't be safe until you man up and give Anderson the fight he's looking for!"

Anger burns inside her as his blind optimism keeps him from seeing the inevitable outcome of his own aversion to confrontation.

"You weren't alive for the Red Scare, kid, but I was; and this is going to be a thousand times worse because you can bet Anderson will make damn sure that every single one of those recruits is armed to the teeth and scared out of their wits."


She takes a step toward him accusingly and her eyes narrow. "You have two options here. You can stand up to Anderson and hope for the best, or you can let innocent people die trying to defend your good name because you're too damn scared to do what you know you need to."

With a searing glance at the others in the room, she pushes past Icon and out the door. Turning the corner, she makes her way down the hall, searching for the room in which Icon had stashed her Vita Ray chamber. How could Icon not understand what was going on? Didn't he see that he was as much a part of this attack as Anderson was? Didn't he understand that as soon as he gave Anderson what he wanted, innocent people would stop being intentionally put in the crossfire?

It was all too familiar. A government fostering fear, turning its own people against each other in the name of national security. Creating a false sense of danger and letting the citizens suffer for it. Outside of the Guardians, nobody would have the power to rally the forces it would take to stop the wave of terror in which Anderson was bathing the city. And their fearless leader was cowering in his hideout like the rat Pinup had now forgotten was missing.

Pinup turns a corner, only to

SMACK!

"Woah!" Without thinking, she holds out her arms to catch the person she has just collided with. She blinks in astonishment as she sees Acrobat looking back at her sheepishly, his phone in hand.

"What are you doing? You shouldn't be out of bed." She glances at his phone and then up to the movement that has caught her eye. Michael and Flux stand in the hallway, looking surprised. Pinup glances from them to the guilty-looking teenager whose weight she is now supporting, trying to piece together what has just happened.

Screw it. She probably doesn't want to know.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"Who the Guardians are?" Pinup spits at Icon.

"The Guardians ARE public enemy number one. Anderson has done a damn good job of making you that and you're not about to change anybody's mind anytime soon. "

Her voice lowers, and though her words are calm, there is a dangerous intensity burning behind every syllable. "Let me tell you how this is going shake down - Anderson's amassing his own little army, and they all want you, and when they can't get you, guess what. They'll start looking in their own neighborhoods, on their own streets, in their own homes. They'll dig up any reason to think anyone they don't like is a meta and regardless of the truth, they'll hang them for it. This isn't going to end and innocent people won't be safe until you man up and give Anderson the fight he's looking for!"

Anger burns inside her as his blind optimism keeps him from seeing the inevitable outcome of his own aversion to confrontation.

"You weren't alive for the Red Scare, kid, but I was; and this is going to be a thousand times worse because you can bet Anderson will make damn sure that every single one of those recruits is armed to the teeth and scared out of their wits."


She takes a step toward him accusingly and her eyes narrow. "You have two options here. You can stand up to Anderson and hope for the best, or you can let innocent people die trying to defend your good name because you're too damn scared to do what you know you need to."

With a searing glance at the others in the room, she pushes past Icon and out the door. Turning the corner, she makes her way down the hall, searching for the room in which Icon had stashed her Vita Ray chamber. How could Icon not understand what was going on? Didn't he see that he was as much a part of this attack as Anderson was? Didn't he understand that as soon as he gave Anderson what he wanted, innocent people would stop being intentionally put in the crossfire?

It was all too familiar. A government fostering fear, turning its own people against each other in the name of national security. Creating a false sense of danger and letting the citizens suffer for it. Outside of the Guardians, nobody would have the power to rally the forces it would take to stop the wave of terror in which Anderson was bathing the city. And their fearless leader was cowering in his hideout like the rat Pinup had now forgotten was missing.

I can only watch as Pinup forces her way past me and out of the lounge. Deep down I fear that she is right, but I have to believe that there's another way...a better way.

But is there any possible way to do what they need to do without confirming to the public what Anderson is saying is true? Although Anderson hasn't come out and openly declared us Public Enemy Number One, as Pinup put it, surely that day is coming, and soon.

But it isn't here yet. And truth be told, the invasion is still fresh in people's minds, and what we did during that war hasn't been forgotten. The public is still mostly behind us, though I can see the people's support for us slipping alittle each day.

I'll give Anderson credit, he is good at what he does.

But no matter how effective a spin man Anderson is, surely there must be people out there who are weary of his tactics.

If we were to do what Pinup suggests, and take the offensive against S.T.R.I.K.E, we'd only convince those people that Anderson is right.

Suddenly I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn and see Kayla looking at me, a concerned look on her face. I hadn't noticed her come back into the lounge after she had left with Flux.

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know."

 

[sabetoonth]

​

I watch as Archangel leaves me alone there back on Earth, Ive still got to get back to New York, Maybe a taxi isn't such a bad idea this time though. Just for some down time before I get home.

It isn't really all that cheap, but it works, I talk with the cab driver during the ride, learn a little about him, why you ask? No real reason, give me something to do on the trip. His name is Armand, he is an Italian immigrant who has been in the States for a few years. He has a wife and a 14 year old daughter in Lost Haven, daughter goes to school, he drives taxi all day and the wife keeps things around the house nice in addition where she types up the recordings doctors make when going over a patient. I forget what Armand called it.

I dance around the subject of what I do for a living, other than beating up the bad guys and being paid for time by Grim there really isn't much to what my "job" is. I tell Armand I just run errands when he finally comes out and straight forwardly asks for my occupation. That seems to satisfy him fine. Conversation slowly dies after that though until we get as far as he'll go. it isn't home but it is close enough for me. I pay him in credit from a card of Grim's, why the Grim Reaper has a credit card I never even want to know.

I walk the rest of the way home, I'll talk to Grim in the morning, right now I think I'll spend the night sitting in my apartment, thinking about what happened today, its not normal for me but what is normal about today? I just went to hell and back, heaven too. Got beat on by a rogue angel and helped kick his sorry ass. Kinda. Michael did most of the work. And just when I was going to cut loose too. But hey, tomorrow may be bigger. Hopefully not.

I unlock the door and close it behind me after I enter. Its dark, but I can see and feel my way around to a chair. I would brother turning on the lights but for some reason I just don't feel up to it.

What if this is only the beginning? We stopped the end coming from an unexpected source, saved the whole word. None but us and the other side may ever know and I'm okay with that. And I knew there was more to this world than just me. But today I realized how much more there was. And I feel so small for that, but I think its a good thing. Not that I ever thought it but I'm just a small piece in the bigger picture. Even if I could bring on the apocalypse. Let the Devil out of the frozen lake and cause the deaths of so many...agony spread across the earth.

This is starting to get a little depressing to think about what I could do under the wrong guidance. And after today I'll be questioning any guidance I do get. Even from Grim. Tomorrow things start new. Why? Because after ending I think pulling a phoenix is a good idea. I start doing things kind of differently. Hopefully.

Next Night:
I'm running the rooftops and flipping over gaps in the elevated terrain of my city. Yea, I'm calling it my city. The one I live in, the one people I care about live in. Its the city I protect. If something happens I always try to be there.

But tonight I'm not patrolling or chasing after someone. Tonight I'm the one being chased. STRIKE drones on the prowl caught up to me. I hate these things. They try shooting me down but I'm just fast enough to keep dodging them.

I see a flag pole jutting out ahead of me. Might be able to put that to good use.
These drones are the flying kind, kind of like the Predator drones the armed forces use. I leap so that my center of gravity goes up and then down really hard, catching the pole in the same instant I ri it out of the wall. Nothing against the flag on the end. I love this country. But I need this for something.

I land on the roof below and spin the pole, Ive seen some of this stuff and movies and picked up on some things. That and how hard and it be to swing a stick? This one is just made of metal. I takes the flag off the end. Don't want to really shred it up.
I just kinda stare one down as it passed by, waiting for the right moment then I hurl the pole as hard as I can and as accurately as I can. I hear the sound of metal tearing and scraping against metal and know I pierced the metal skin. Then it comes around for a second shot as two more are coming from the other way.

I make a leap across the alley between this roof and the wall next to it. my ascent is swift and agile, a flip planting my feet on the roof before I take off running again. Grabbing cover inside a stair well. They're either going to blow it up or send the humanoid drones after me next.

I wait for them to pass over before I start down the stairs. Thinking of turning into my natural shape, my human one. That is until I hear a scuffle in a room nearby and men shouting, one seems to be speaking some eastern European language and his friend responds in (un)kind words. I hesitate before continuing by, passing it off as just an argument between friends or something.

Until I hear a woman's scream.

I disintegrate the door with a punch, splinters, saw dust and larger chunks of the door fill the air as I enter, I grab both men, back hand them before send them through different walls of rather questionable integrity. The girl is tied up with a gag around her neck, she must have somehow gotten it off when they weren't looking. I untie her bonds, just rope, but damn good knots, I'm half tempted to burn them off before I finally get them undone. She's more scared of me than of her captors it seems. My voice like this doesn't even seem human but I talk to her anyway.

"I'm here to rescue you." Offering her my hand, its metallic armor, but its warm. But then there's the sound of a shotgun. I wince as it hits me. God damnit that stings. But all they hear is a growl, a roar almost before I'm grabbing the assailant again and pushing him through a wall. I grab the dropped shotgun and break it over my knee, casting the parts in my hands aside, marching towards this guy I pick him up and hold him close enough that I could whisper and he'd hear clearly.

I half order, half growl through my teeth, "Who is the girl and why is she here?" Tightening my grip on his shirt. He's not very intimidated by me apparently so I do him one better. I dangle him out a window by his ankle. by his neck he could hold onto my arm, not the case when held by the ankle.

"Aaaah! Oh god! No god no!" He struggles and I think about letting my grip slip a little to scare him more.

"I said. Who is the girl and why do you have her here?" I really just want to know who she is and the context of her capture. Ive already eliminated bounty hunters on my list personally. I've never known of bounty hunters who lived in a hole like this.

"Piss off!" His voice has gone up in pitch, he's scared for sure. I let my grip slip and he quickly falls a few small increments off space more towards the ground. From this height it would be deadly. "AAAAAAAHH!!"

"Tell me!" I bellow. Usually I just come in and beat people up, but after yesterday I feel a need to do a little more asking. Michael and I could have asked so much more concerning information about what happened last night we might have been more prepared.

"Okay okay okay!" His English is good, but its still clearly his second language."She's just some girl off the street. She doesn't anyone I swear!" I shake him there and he freaks out more.

"Then why take her?"

"I don't know anything. I'm just told to g--AHHH!!" he let him slip more and he stops lying to me. "What do you think girls in this city with no one do?" I haul him back in the window and I can tell he is breathing just a bit easier. And then I punch out. I wanted to hit him as hard as he can, but I have to pull my punches on humans and the more frail super humans. He will have a dislocated jaw however, and some loose teeth.

I go back to the room in a hurry, I hear those drones coming up the stairs now. I offer my hand back to the girl, she's now huddled in the corner of the dark, windowless room, the glow of my eyes a frightening sight I'm sure. But she takes my hand. I lead her to the window and look out, checking for drones. "Get on my back. And hold on." I've never done this before. Ferry someone as I fly. I'm really just praying it works as I extend my wings. She climbs up on my back and I get on the window sill. I take a breath and leap.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Dylan makes final checks over the lots that he wants shipped off to STRIKE HQ.

Everything seems to be ordered. To make sure this goes according to plan I'll personaly escort this shipment to HQ myself.

Dylan then has everything loaded onto a truck when Mr. Williams himself approaches.

Oh this could be fun.

Williams says, "Chambers what exactly are you doing?"

Dylan replies, "Following the wishes of the board."

He shows him the written authorizations and says, "I don't mean to cause any trouble between you and the board but this is their authorization."

Wiliams reads the notes and says, "Hmmmm okay I guess so but watch it Chambers any screwing with my company and I don't care how well connected you are or how good you are in the court room I'll destroy you."

Dylan says, "You will no longer bother me. Anything I want to do with your company I can."

Williams replies, "All-right them thank you for your time."

Dylan climbs on the truck and looks at the driver and says, "Let's go."

 

[wiegeabo]

Broiles stolls into the lab, a self-satisfied smile on his face. And he's surprised to find the Doctor working at her old terminal. Especially since she's not supposed to be in the lab.

"Working on something?"

"My resume," she says snarkly. "Just needed some of my old notes."

"Oh re-"

***

"-aly?"

The lab door suddenly opens behind Broiles, and Hawkes nearly drags me inside as he supports my weight.

"Got him. Blew his head clean off," I say almost like a drunkard.

"Good job."

"We need a shot, right now!"

The Doctor rushes to put on some gloves and grab a syringe. Broiles reaches into his jacket and pulls out a vial. He puts it in her hands.

"Here. Don't worry, it's real."

"What?"

Bastard.

Hawkes helps my into my exam chair and a wave of pain, the REAL wave, washes over me. Even though I can't see them, by the feel of that last burn, and the looks in their eyes, I can guess the color mine are turning.

But the Doc keeps working and fills the needle as Hawkes holds me down.

"Who next?" Hawkes asks Broiles. "Gonna send him to Cuba? Iran? Guy could really make a mark with this."

"At least someone is happy in their work." With that, Broiles leaves the lab.

"There we go," the Doc says as the coolness spreads through my veins.

I slowly raise my head, my eyes clear again. I look around, making sure Broiles is gone. "You know...he's right about one thing. I am starting to like my work. So let's say we kick his slimy ass outta here and get the Fat Man back?"

"Now you're talking. A mission you can get behind."

"Damn right. So...what do we do?"

"So let me get this straight," I say as Hawkes pulls the van to the curb. "This was all a setup to get the Fatman out and Broiles in?"

"Pretty much." We get out of the van and start walking up towards the house. "I just don't know if it was Broiles who did it, or someone doing this for him."

"Does Broiles have that kind of juice?"

"No idea. Could be either way. But we do this right, and we won't have to worry about it." We stop at the door and Hawkes gives it a few rps with his knuckles.

We wait.

He knocks again, then starts looking around the neighborhood. "Check around back."

"Come again?"

"Go around back...see if anyone's home...if not, use those old skill of yours to let me in."

"I think that's called breaking and entering."

"As opposed to assassination."

"So, you wanna come with?"

"I'll stand watch out here."

I go around to the gate, check that it's locked, and look over to Hawkes. He gives the nod, and I climb over. And I hurry.

I'm no fool. I've done this more times than anyone would think. And no matter how careful you are, how much time you spend checking over your shoulder, how long you wait for the street to be clear, there's always some nosy neighbor, some old lady with nothing better to do, that sees you go in and calls the cops.

I figure we've got five minutes. Ten at the outside.

I'm inside in less than one. Still got the touch.

"About time," Hawkes says as I let him in the front.

"Yeah, right. So who's place did we just commit a felony to get a peek at?"

Hawkes heads straight for the bedroom "She-"

"Oh, a she? An ex, perhaps?"

"Very funny. I'm trying to get our asses clear of the bastard in charge, and you're still cracking jokes?"

"Better than thinking about the alternative. What the hell are you looking for?"

"A picture."

"There's tons of pictures..."

"A special picture. One she can't have people see..." He pulls open a dresser drawer, and feels underneath it. Then the next one. Then the next-

"And bingo was his nameo."

With a self-congratulatory smile, Hawkes flashes me the picture. And there's absolutely nothing special about it.

"So, she took a picture with her boyfriend at a bar. So what?"

"So what? It means Special Agent Mirole has been a naughty person. And not in the good way."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Come on, I'll explain on the way."

"To where?!"

"To the boyfriend's house."

"You know who the boyfriend is?"

"Yep. He's the one that helped set the Fatman up..."

 

[Blacklight]

Chapter 22: There's No Going Back...



This could prove troublesome... A man shrouded in shadows, sitting at his office desk thought to himself as the news of this 'superhero' echoed throughout his office via the news broadcasting being displayed on his hidden plasma screen television that comes out from behind his wall at the push of a button.

If this "Blacklight" character proves to be even more meddlesome in my affairs than that pesky DA, then I'm going to have a REAL problem on my hands. That is unless, certain precautions are taken... He thought as an evil grin began to form from his sinister mouth.

Luckily for me, I know just who to call to take care of this little "problem"...

He picked up his wireless phone and with one click, it began to auto-dial as the mysterious figure put the speaker up to his ear. A voice quickly picked up, no doubt knowing who was calling. Very few people still have this assassin's number and are still breathing.

"Didn't think you'd be calling again so soon. Who needs to be axed now?"

"Turn on the Channel 34 News."

"Yeah, I already saw... Some bulls**t about a kid in tights. Wait... You want me to--"

"10 Milion. I want it done by the end of the month."

"10 Mil, eh? Alright. Consider this 'Blacklight' kid already buried."

"Good. Don't fail me, Nex."

"Never do."

*CLICK. BEEEEP*


The man smiled as he shut his phone closed. If things go smoothly, then this "superhero" will be out of the picture before he even gets the chance to become a problem...

* * *​

 

[Hound55]

A dynamic figure lays static, a ray of thin light of the remaining day shines across the foot of the bed from behind blacked out windows.

The air is filled with the wheezing snores of a man pushed beyond the brink of exhaustion. The house, more a minimalist dwelling than a home, is one of many. But unlike the others, this dwelling has a dweller on this day.

Silence abounds in the laundry.

All is still in the bathroom.

A gentle hum indicates the old cheap refrigerator he bought for the dwelling is the only sound that stems from the kitchen.

Which makes the gentle scratching on the window to the front room all the more pronounced...

A silouette glowers over the outside of the window, further darkening the room beyond the tinted windows. A circle of pure black is on the window and the harsh scraping of a glass-cutter squeals through the room like the house had been stabbed. The figure on the outside scrambles, made unnerved by the uncharacteristically loud noise he had made, before being pushed back to the window by another figure. He makes hurried smaller movements, making the process of cutting a hole in the glass take longer but hopefully more furtive, but to no avail. The snoring had stopped.

Isaac Fontaine’s eyes, astute but slightly bloodshot, snapped open like the hinges of a mousetrap.

“Someone’s here...” He thought.

And two seconds of thought later, between gritted teeth he uttered a single word.

“S.T.R.I.K.E...”

But how? How could they know he was here? How could they know who he was? He was meticulous.

It doesn’t matter... None of it matters. They know, they’re here, so I have to not be.

As quietly as possible the figure outside of the front room worked on the window.

As quietly as possible Isaac slid open the drawer of his bedside table.

A circle of glass was cut loose and pulled away, allowing a single beam of light to shine into Isaac’s front room.

The drawer rests opened. Isaac’s face looks into the drawer at the faceless form of another. His other.

Eyes look through the freshly cut hole and scan the front room for any movement.

Isaac picks up the balaklava and looks towards the direction of the disturbance. He thinks for a minute and then puts it back into the drawer. The Vigilante sleeps longer.

A hand goes through the hole and unlocks the window. The figure then attempts to slide the window up with his arm still through the other side. A hushed curse and a small trickle of blood down the window cause him to rethink the decision. A large rectangle of light floods into the house as the figure slides the window up from the outside.

[BLACKOUT]“No point.”[/BLACKOUT] Isaac mutters to himself strafing silently to his bedroom doorway. [BLACKOUT]“If they’re here, they know. It’ll just make any get away harder on my part.”[/BLACKOUT]

Isaac opened his bedroom door a crack, just in time to see a figure opening the front door for another. Isaac caught a quick glance at one of the people’s face just before he pulled on a red ski mask. A youth, between 17 and 19, disshevelled with bum fluff aspiring to one day be a goatee clinging to his chin.

[BLACKOUT]“It’s not S.T.R.I.K.E..?”[/BLACKOUT]

“I told you no one lives here anymore, man.” the kid swept the contents of Isaac’s kitchen counter-top into a bag he was carrying.

[BLACKOUT]“It’s not S.T.R.I.K.E...”[/BLACKOUT] Isaac repeated, this time with a dark grin across his face.​

"Yeah, you were right, dude. You picked a 'right' house."

[BLACKOUT]"No."[/BLACKOUT] came a grim voice emanating from a fairly unintimidating form. A lean figure wearing nought but boxershorts, covered in bruises and with one arm hanging loose. [BLACKOUT]"You picked a VERY wrong house..."[/BLACKOUT]

The first spun around at the sound of the grim voice, but then felt far more confident when he saw who it was who said it.

"Yeah? And what are you going to do about it?"

A sneer flashed across the battered and bruised man's face, and then he showed them.

10 minutes later Isaac was back in bed sound asleep. No more bruises, but his knuckles a little more worn - not that he could feel it. He felt nothing but satisfied.

 

[Carnage27]

"So you were in heaven...?" Mom asks as I pack my bag. She's been all over me since returning from my mission. Probably because I know I'm turning right back and leaving on another one.

"And hell," I respond, stuffing a few power bars into my back pack. "Heaven wasn't all that better though. At least not when I was there."

I sling my bag over my shoulder, and look out the window of my room, overlooking the city of Lost Haven. This place has been my home for as long as I can remember. But now I'm headed into the country on my own, without the help of my mentor and friends in order to stop a war that could destroy the entire world.

"You have to go now?" she says, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You really should rest more."

"I should," I nod. "But I can't. I need to find these other demigods. I need to prepare them for what's coming. And I need to find out who or what is trying to free the Titans."

I say my goodbyes to Chiron, Nysus, and mom, before Sirius and I hope into a black '72 Dodge Challenger that's been outfitted for my use. It's nice to have the wealth of a Greek God at your back, "Whatta say, boy? Ready for a roadtrip?"

Sirius gives an approving bark, and we head out on a search for the unknown.

**********

"So he's off then?" Poseidon, God of the Sea asks his brother. "You really think it's wise to put all our hope in this one boy?"

"What other choice do we have?" Hades asks in return. "If we do something ourselves we risk drawing the ire of Zeus. And a war with between two factions of Gods will give the Titans an easier time, if they do manage to gain their freedom. My son has already proved his worth. He will come through, along with the other demigods. They must, or all of existence may be in trouble..."
​

 

[trustyside-kick]

Pinup turns a corner, only to

SMACK!

"Woah!" Without thinking, she holds out her arms to catch the person she has just collided with. She blinks in astonishment as she sees Acrobat looking back at her sheepishly, his phone in hand.

"What are you doing? You shouldn't be out of bed." She glances at his phone and then up to the movement that has caught her eye. Michael and Flux stand in the hallway, looking surprised. Pinup glances from them to the guilty-looking teenager whose weight she is now supporting, trying to piece together what has just happened.

Screw it. She probably doesn't want to know.

As Pinup abruptly bumps into the new kid...I start to suddenly recognize that there is a new kid in our midst. Makes me wonder just how much I missed on my little mission to save the world...after I played a part in putting it in danger in the first place.

Yea, when I tell the guys of my heroic journey I might want to edit some of that out. Just give them the glimmering and nice details.

"Hey Pinup. What I miss?"

I look over at the kid she was addressing, and then he looks over at me and has the biggest smirk on his face. Kinda creepy. I swear, I think I see a little twitch as though he is about to have a seizure or something.

"I'm...Michael. Labeled by the Lost Haven news stations and just about everyone as Archangel. This uh...this might be the part where you tell me your name, kid. I'm normally the nice guy of this crew but...you're kinda freaking me out."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

​

Rocketing over the city I head toward Somerset Park, where apparently some meta is causing a disturbance. He has already taken out the local authorities who had tried to contain the situation, as well as a S.T.R.I.K.E unit that went in to lend a hand.

As I make my way to the park, I see the overturned police cruisers and upended S.T.R.I.K.E vehicles and I know that I'm in the right place.

"And there's our boy." I say as I may my eyes on the meta responsible for the attack.

I'm not sure exactly what to make of him. I'd call him more humanoid than anything. He's got to be close to seven feet tall and about four hundred pounds, with a blue-ish hue to his skin and shaggy black hair.

He carries himself almost like a wild animal. A look of fear and bewilderment on his face as I touch down in front of him, cutting him off from a group of civilians as they further into the park trying to get as much distance between them and us as they can.

I put my hand up and begin to speak in a calm tone, almost like someone would to a frightened child.

"It's okay big fella, nobody's going to hurt you. Now, just relax..." I never finish my sentence. The brute curls his frying pan sized hand into a fist, rears back and hits me with a right cross that sends me flying backwards.

I feel my body crack and pop as it crashes through a large maple tree. I lay stunned for a moment as the giant moves in on me, snarling...his fists clenched.

It's moments like this when I regret ever getting out of bed.​

 

[Nicodemus]

Noah Walker the Awesome ACROBAT
ARC II: Never STRIKE Twice
Idol Part I​

"I'm...Michael. Labeled by the Lost Haven news stations and just about everyone as Archangel. This uh...this might be the part where you tell me your name, kid. I'm normally the nice guy of this crew but...you're kinda freaking me out."

HOLY CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP THAT'S ARCHANGEL AND HE'S TALKING TO MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

I briefly wonder if I'm having a panic attack. It's entirely possible.

Archangel. Archangel is standing in front of me. He looks different in person. Maybe the camera add ten pounds, or maybe it just can't translate this wild, holy energy I can feel from him. I'll have to include that in my Guardian's fanfic, Fade To White (the most reviewed Guardians fanfic on the site, thank you very much. I'm a bit of an internet celebrity, not that anybody I know personally has any idea)

I try to steady myself with a deep breath. It doesn't quite work.

"H...Hi," I stammer finally, putting a shaky hand out to shake. "I'm Acrobat...I...I got shot earlier."

 

[Erin]

Noah Walker the Awesome ACROBAT
ARC II: Never STRIKE Twice
Idol Part I​

"I'm...Michael. Labeled by the Lost Haven news stations and just about everyone as Archangel. This uh...this might be the part where you tell me your name, kid. I'm normally the nice guy of this crew but...you're kinda freaking me out."

HOLY CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP THAT'S ARCHANGEL AND HE'S TALKING TO MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

I briefly wonder if I'm having a panic attack. It's entirely possible.

Archangel. Archangel is standing in front of me. He looks different in person. Maybe the camera add ten pounds, or maybe it just can't translate this wild, holy energy I can feel from him. I'll have to include that in my Guardian's fanfic, Fade To White (the most reviewed Guardians fanfic on the site, thank you very much. I'm a bit of an internet celebrity, not that anybody I know personally has any idea)

I try to steady myself with a deep breath. It doesn't quite work.

"H...Hi," I stammer finally, putting a shaky hand out to shake. "I'm Acrobat...I...I got shot earlier."

"And you shouldn't be up walking around. Do you have any idea of the risks you're taking being out of bed right now?" Pinup plants her hands on her hips, exasperated by the cavalier 'I have super powers and that must mean I'm absolutely invincible on all counts' attitude that has proven so prevalent among the headquarters. Damn kids.

"Acrobat comes to us courtesy of a very close call with the new STRIKE droids." Pinup informs Archangel. "He nearly died a few hours ago and has no business being out of bed." She tries to glare at Acrobat, but sighs as her glance is met with a rather deflated look. "He's also a fan of yours."

She folds her arms across her chest, temporarily letting go of the lecture and letting Acrobat enjoy a moment he probably never saw actually happening.

"Those STRIKE droids aren't messing around." Pinup addresses Michael, speaking over Acrobat's euphoria. "On top of that, Anderson is recruiting his own little militia. He's looking to start a war. Now if you'll excuse me," she takes a step away "your fearless leader has stashed my Vita Ray chamber somewhere around here."

She says the words "fearless leader" with an edge of disdain she does not try to disguise. She nudges Acrobat out of his star-struck trance and smirks at him.

"Come on, kid. If you're going to be up, we might as well see what we can do about getting you healed up a little quicker."

 

[trustyside-kick]

I have...a fan? What? I take a look at the kid. Then I take a look at Pinup who I think is getting slightly annoyed by how 'un-adult' I am reacting to all of this. Then I look back at the kid again just to make sure.

Yup. I can believe that.

It's...an odd feeling. I've had people come up to me at Art Galleries in the past, admiring my art deeply but that's just it...they are a fan of my art. Yea, by technically they are a fan of me but actually being someone's...hero...is a whole different thing entirely. So despite how uncomfortable it is as the kid continues to give me a dumb looking smirk across his face, I decide to intervene as Pinup aims to aid him.

"Uh...actually, it's Wednesday now. I'm back in order. Though technically that sort of thing won't be a problem anymore...long story. I may not know exactly how effective your Vita Ray thingy is...but I've sorta..."

I cough, cross my arms awkwardly as the kid becomes even more ecstatic and then look back at Pinup. Flux comes to my rescue as she comes to my side, and smiles.

"I've heard Michael can work miracles with his healing powers. During the invasion Matt's legs were broken and a few seconds later I hear the Blue Blur was up and running better than ever after this cutie put his powers to work."

She nudges my chin, and I mouth a 'thank you'. I haven't made the greatest of impressions to Pinup and she is acting very motherly right now. I needed that backup.

 

[Erin]

I have...a fan? What? I take a look at the kid. Then I take a look at Pinup who I think is getting slightly annoyed by how 'un-adult' I am reacting to all of this. Then I look back at the kid again just to make sure.

Yup. I can believe that.

It's...an odd feeling. I've had people come up to me at Art Galleries in the past, admiring my art deeply but that's just it...they are a fan of my art. Yea, by technically they are a fan of me but actually being someone's...hero...is a whole different thing entirely. So despite how uncomfortable it is as the kid continues to give me a dumb looking smirk across his face, I decide to intervene as Pinup aims to aid him.

"Uh...actually, it's Wednesday now. I'm back in order. Though technically that sort of thing won't be a problem anymore...long story. I may not know exactly how effective your Vita Ray thingy is...but I've sorta..."

I cough, cross my arms awkwardly as the kid becomes even more ecstatic and then look back at Pinup. Flux comes to my rescue as she comes to my side, and smiles.

"I've heard Michael can work miracles with his healing powers. During the invasion Matt's legs were broken and a few seconds later I hear the Blue Blur was up and running better than ever after this cutie put his powers to work."

She nudges my chin, and I mouth a 'thank you'. I haven't made the greatest of impressions to Pinup and she is acting very motherly right now. I needed that backup.

Pinup looks between Michael, Flux and Acrobat, who is still so starstruck there is a very real chance he may just wet himself in excitement.
"Yeah, alright," She grins, shaking her head, amused by the teenager's awed silence in the presence of Archangel. "You do what you do. I don't see the kid protesting. But I'll catch you later." She turns and continues back down the hall. "I want to see what the status is on my chamber. Besides, I could use the alone time anyway."

She leaves Acrobat in the care of Michael and Flux and walks through the halls of Guardians' Headquarters, searching for the storage closet Icon had mentioned. Fortunately, it is located near the medical wing.

With ease, Pinup moves the machine into one of the curtained stalls in the medical wing. She explains the process in brief to one of the doctors, marveling at how curious they are about the technology.

"What is this?" A doctor asks about a long, rectangular plate with small holes.

"Uh..." Pinup looks over his shoulder at it. "Well, that would be where I'd load syringes of antibiotics, antivirals, steroids, immune boosters... The Vita Ray chamber temporarily speeds up my regenerative processes, but it also speeds up the degenerative, so -"

"So if you're already sick or seriously injured, it could make you worse." The doctor finished her thought.

"Right." Pinup nodded. "They're preventative."

"What will you need?"

"What?" Pinup marveled at how willing he was to provide her with drugs. "Nothing, it's just a welt on my leg."

"But...what if you have something else? I mean that you don't know about? It could be possible that you have any number of illnesses that haven't presented due to your slowed processes. Shouldn't you have a full workup to see if you -"

"I said it's fine." Pinup finishes the conversation faster than the doctor can finish his thoughts, though he didn't need to. The idea of a hidden illness being woken from its dormancy had flitted through her mind more than once since the conception of the Vita Ray chamber's design, and it wasn't an altogether unwelcome thought.

"So you just step in and lay there and I flip this switch and let you sit for a while?" The doctor confirms.

"Well, in theory, yes."

"You mean you haven't tested it?"

"Seems as good a time as any. Let's say half an hour."

The doctor nodded and Pinup steps into the chamber, closing the door behind her and getting the strange feeling that she now knows what a mummy must feel like. She closes her eyes and tries to get some rest as the doctor flips the switch. The white-gold light of the Vita Rays flicker and warm her skin and she is grateful, at least for the quiet.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Anderson peruses the dossier containing the names and some vital statistics of those who have already applied for the new citizen initiative. As he reads through the files, he does so with a mixture of elation and frustration.

He is happy at the turn out for this program, after only a few hours there have been more than a dozen applications which will be perfect for this initiative.

However, none of these applicants possess the the qualities that are needed to be a candidate the most important part of S.T.R.I.K.E's agenda. The program that will end the meta threat once and for all, should all else fail...

Project Endgame.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

I have...a fan? What? I take a look at the kid. Then I take a look at Pinup who I think is getting slightly annoyed by how 'un-adult' I am reacting to all of this. Then I look back at the kid again just to make sure.

Yup. I can believe that.

It's...an odd feeling. I've had people come up to me at Art Galleries in the past, admiring my art deeply but that's just it...they are a fan of my art. Yea, by technically they are a fan of me but actually being someone's...hero...is a whole different thing entirely. So despite how uncomfortable it is as the kid continues to give me a dumb looking smirk across his face, I decide to intervene as Pinup aims to aid him.

"Uh...actually, it's Wednesday now. I'm back in order. Though technically that sort of thing won't be a problem anymore...long story. I may not know exactly how effective your Vita Ray thingy is...but I've sorta..."

I cough, cross my arms awkwardly as the kid becomes even more ecstatic and then look back at Pinup. Flux comes to my rescue as she comes to my side, and smiles.

"I've heard Michael can work miracles with his healing powers. During the invasion Matt's legs were broken and a few seconds later I hear the Blue Blur was up and running better than ever after this cutie put his powers to work."

She nudges my chin, and I mouth a 'thank you'. I haven't made the greatest of impressions to Pinup and she is acting very motherly right now. I needed that backup.

Kayla and I walk out of the lounge with Sam right behind us and bump into Flux, Michael, and Acrobat. Michael is focused on the new arrival, and I can't help but notice the way that Chrissy is looking at him. I make a mental note to talk to her later about it.

I notice that Pinup isn't here, which in a way is a relief. We just don't agree on a course of action regarding S.T.R.I.K.E's citizen outreach, and she has no problem letting me know how stupid she thinks I sound. So having her not be here to yell at me more is almost a bonus. Though I don't like how we left things, and I know that I'm going to have to talk to her alone later to try and set things right.

"So, what's up?" I say to the other three, more announcing our presence than anything else.

 

[Blacklight]

Chapter 23: 30,240 Minutes Later...



A little over three weeks ago, I was given the unimaginable gift of superpowers. Something of which, at first, I didn’t fully understand how to use or why I of all people was chosen to have them. But it soon became clear to me... I had a destiny. A destiny where I would become a superhero to save the world and become a beacon of hope and justice. So from that day forward, I began living a double life. Whenever I went to school or to work, I would go as my nothing special, average student, less-than-average employee self. Going about my senior year or work as normal (and in the latter’s case, as lazy) as possible. Then, when that last bell of the school day rings, or after I’ve clocked out from a hard and grueling shift, I put on my costume and defend the city of East City as Blacklight, flying about the city fighting crime and stopping evil from harming the innocent.

How do these powers work? At first, I was unable to explain it. However, now I can. Upon further study, after taking a look at my own blood with my trusty microscope and examining the side-effects from the light-ray (and by that, I really mean comparing my blood to a picture of a normal blood sample I found on Google Images...), I was able to use my mind that was keen in the fields of science (or anatomy. Whichever one applies here...) to determine just how my powers worked...

First off, my main ability is my power to absorb photons, or particles of light, and then expose the absorbed particles to a special form of radiation contained within my own blood cells courtesy of the radioactive lightbeam that struck me that fateful day, and then re-emit the then negatively-supercharged light energy through the pores of my hands. However, due to the radiation contained within my own body from the incident that gave me my powers, one of the side effects of using my bio-luminescent power is that the radiation within my own blood causes the color pigments in my eyes to invert, thus making the sclera and pupils colors turn black and white respectively, and it irradiates my scalp’s hair follicles to also shift my hair color to a sleek, pitch black.

Secondly, due to the radiation in my blood, I also has the power of "Transvection", or simply self-propelled flight. This allows my body to move in defiance of gravitational laws, and in the air, I have been able to fly at supersonic speeds, to the point of even breaking the sound barrier.

As an aside, I'd like to just point out that breaking the sound barrier is both REALLY fun and totally freakin' awesome!

...I'd also like it noted that being deaf for three hours due to said sound barrier-breaking is both NOT fun the complete opposite of freakin' awesome.

Lastly, my final ability, also as a result of my irradiated cells, I developed the power of disproportionate strength, meaning that my muscles, being that they absorb the radiation in my blood, have been imbued with the power to allow me to lift much, much more than any other teenager my age and stature could normally. This ability also comes with some degree of enhanced durability, providing myself with some protection from physical harm, but only as much as my strength will allow, because things such as bullets can pierce through me as it would anybody else.

Bullets: My one weakness! Curses!

So, here I am, drudging through the Jon part of my day, which for the record is waaayy less exciting then the BL part of it...

Yeah. BL... Like it? Not quite as good as Spidey is to Spider-Man, but it sure as hell rolls off the tongue well.

As I was saying, the Jon part of the day, which consists of nothing but work, school and sleep... Guess which one I like the best?

If you guessed "work", then you're absolutely wrong. I could make a Kevin Spacey reference, but instead I think I'll let you see for yourself why that answer is (and always will be) incorrect...

"This coffee has grinds in it! Look!"

"Ma'am, I'm sorry. If you can give me a few moments, I can make you a new one..." I apologized in an attempt to calm her down as she continued to fuss over her coffee.

"NO! I want my money back! I don't have time to wait while you replace it!"

"Fine. Okay. Here..."

Opening up the drawer of the register, exasperated, I gave her back the one dollar and fifty-five cents I thought her to have payed for her coffee.

"What's this!?! I payed $2 for this coffee!!! It's a medium size! ARE YOU TRYING TO SHORT ME!?!"

"No, ma'am. I'm sorry. Here. $2..." I sighed as the angry lady ripped the bills from my hand.

"UGH!! I am NEVER coming here again!!" the clearly middle-aged yet trying not to look middle-aged woman with the ugliest make-up and hair-dye job I have seen in a long time yelled out as she stomped out the front door of the East City branch of Munchin' Muffins, likely never to return.

As I rested my head on my arms on the front counter in utter exhaustion from the ordeal I had just been dealt, I then turned to my co-worker as she had approached me in an attempt to cheer me up.

"That right there, Jess... That is the behavior of a lady who hasn't been laid in decades." I joked.

"And rightfully so, from the looks of it." she added.

And, no, this is not Jessica Long. You see, I have two friends named Jess. Jessica Long is my best friend's Girlfriend and one of the few people who know my secret identity. This, dear readers, is Jessica Gerbutovich. My co-worker and fellow sufferer in this muffin-smelling hellhole of a job. All you need to know about her is that, surprisingly enough, is the only person in this world I have met that is as much of a nerd as me.

"So, Jon... I've been meaning to ask. What do you think about the superhero that's been cleaning up East City?"

"Who? Blacklight?" I asked as I lifted my head up and turned my body to face her, leaning against the counter and acting as nonchalant as possible to avoid suspicion.

"Yeah. What do you think of him?"

"He's alright. He seems to be making this city a better place. Quite inspiring actually..."

"That was quite the coy answer. Too coy... Jon, tell me you're not a closet Blacklighter..." she joked.

"Black... lighter? What?"

"It's a term for a Blacklight fanboy... The guy's got whole fansites and forums dedicated to him already. Fan Art of him is splashed all over DeviantArt..."

Heh... I have fans.

"Not to worry, Jess. A 'Blacklighter', I am not..."" I assured her, smirking as I did. "Consider me more of a... casual fan."

* * *
​

My god, was Jess right. Once my shift had ended and I had a few minutes to spare before I go out on patrol, I decided to Google myself and the results were shocking. It looks like my escapades have been made global news. I'm literally all over the freakin' internet!

blacklightsuperhero.com... blacklightcentral.org... eastcitysightings.net... All of them websites revolving around my crime fighting and who I am. It's awesome... Unsettling, but still awesome. I'm practically a celebrity.

Even sites and forums dedicated to comic book and movie superheroes were talking about my alter ego... My friends at the SuperHeroHype forums included!

...It's regular Blacklight mania!

*BEE-DEE-BEE-DEE-BEEP!!*

Looks like it's time to go fight some crime.


The fame is all well and good, but frankly, none of it really mattered to me. Good publicity or bad... I wasn't in this for the spotlight. I'm doing this to make my city and the world a better place.

As I finished putting my uniform on and placed my sunglasses atop my head and my hair color finished changing, I opened my bedroom window and took one step out of it before flying into the early evening sky, ready to protect those in need.

Around three weeks ago, I was given the unimaginable gift of superpowers, and since then?


...Well, let's just say it's been the best, most unforgettable past 30, 240+ minutes of my ENTIRE LIFE!

* * *
​

 

[wiegeabo]

"So let me get this straight," I say as Hawkes pulls the van to the curb. "This was all a setup to get the Fatman out and Broiles in?"

"Pretty much." We get out of the van and start walking up towards the house. "I just don't know if it was Broiles who did it, or someone doing this for him."

"Does Broiles have that kind of juice?"

"No idea. Could be either way. But we do this right, and we won't have to worry about it." We stop at the door and Hawkes gives it a few rps with his knuckles.

We wait.

He knocks again, then starts looking around the neighborhood. "Check around back."

"Come again?"

"Go around back...see if anyone's home...if not, use those old skill of yours to let me in."

"I think that's called breaking and entering."

"As opposed to assassination."

"So, you wanna come with?"

"I'll stand watch out here."

I go around to the gate, check that it's locked, and look over to Hawkes. He gives the nod, and I climb over. And I hurry.

I'm no fool. I've done this more times than anyone would think. And no matter how careful you are, how much time you spend checking over your shoulder, how long you wait for the street to be clear, there's always some nosy neighbor, some old lady with nothing better to do, that sees you go in and calls the cops.

I figure we've got five minutes. Ten at the outside.

I'm inside in less than one. Still got the touch.

"About time," Hawkes says as I let him in the front.

"Yeah, right. So who's place did we just commit a felony to get a peek at?"

Hawkes heads straight for the bedroom "She-"

"Oh, a she? An ex, perhaps?"

"Very funny. I'm trying to get our asses clear of the bastard in charge, and you're still cracking jokes?"

"Better than thinking about the alternative. What the hell are you looking for?"

"A picture."

"There's tons of pictures..."

"A special picture. One she can't have people see..." He pulls open a dresser drawer, and feels underneath it. Then the next one. Then the next-

"And bingo was his nameo."

With a self-congratulatory smile, Hawkes flashes me the picture. And there's absolutely nothing special about it.

"So, she took a picture with her boyfriend at a bar. So what?"

"So what? It means Special Agent Mirole has been a naughty person. And not in the good way."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Come on, I'll explain on the way."

"To where?!"

"To the boyfriend's house."

"You know who the boyfriend is?"

"Yep. He's the one that helped set the Fatman up..."

The van pulls up to another house on the other side of town

"Are you serious?"

"Completely."

"That's the most convoluted, complicated, impossible-"

"Which is why no one could put it all together."

"Except you."

"That's right. Bobby Hawkes. No one gets anything by me."

Hawkes knocks on the door. We wait for a few seconds before it opens.

"Agent Mirole?!"

"Oh! Agent...Hawkes." The surprise in her voice matches that in Hawkes'. Of course, Hawkes wasn't really surprised.

"What are you doing here?"

"What are you doing here?"

"Agent Timony and I are friends, and I just...wait, why are you here?"

"I wanted to talk to Agent Timony. Had some questions for him?"

"Questions?"

While they talk, I slip right past Mirole and inside the house. I wonder what Hawkes looked like, talking to 'empty air' as we walked up here. I head straight for the bedroom, keeping an ear on the conversation.

"Since I've got you here, do you mind if I ask you some questions?"

"Um, no. Of course not." She adjusts her hair. Liar.

Hawkes pulls a picture from his jacket. "Have you seen this woman before?"

She looks at the picture of The Doctor that Hawkes pulled off her desk. "Um, No. No. Who is she?"

"We're not exactly sure. But she's been seen with Agent Timony."

"She has?" A slight stutter. Hawkes was right. I shake my head at the idea and pull a shirt out of the closet. I take the Doc's lipstick out of my pocket. Quick swipe on the collar, and it's back in the closet.

"She has. In fact, she's been spending a lot of time with him. We'd like to question her."

"A lot of time?" Shaking voice. Hook, line, -quick spray of perfume on a jacket- and sinker.

***

Hawkes gets in the van. I shake off the quicksilver and look over to him as he starts the engine.

"We wait?"

"We wait, partner. We wait..."

 

[trustyside-kick]

Kayla and I walk out of the lounge with Sam right behind us and bump into Flux, Michael, and Acrobat. Michael is focused on the new arrival, and I can't help but notice the way that Chrissy is looking at him. I make a mental note to talk to her later about it.

I notice that Pinup isn't here, which in a way is a relief. We just don't agree on a course of action regarding S.T.R.I.K.E's citizen outreach, and she has no problem letting me know how stupid she thinks I sound. So having her not be here to yell at me more is almost a bonus. Though I don't like how we left things, and I know that I'm going to have to talk to her alone later to try and set things right.

"So, what's up?" I say to the other three, more announcing our presence than anything else.

"Hey man."

Before continuing to speak with Icon, I stop for a second to start to come up with a prayer to start the healing process on Acrobat's bullet wound. I recall briefly my first bullet wound...I got it the first time I became Archangel. I was so dumb and brash and...I almost got myself killed on the first evening. Heck, the first like 10 minutes of using my abilities. I wonder how long this kid has been at it.

"Well, I just got back actually...sorry for my absence. We haven't spoken since you broke up Matt and I's heated argument, huh? That's all water under the bridge though, man. I've gone through Heaven and Hell and back again...literally and figuratively and now my mind is just on finally stopping S.T.R.I.K.E. now that I'm back."

My hands ignite with white angel-fire flame, and for a second Acrobat is startled. Chrissy tries to comfort him, putting her arm on his shoulder and nudging him to walk forth to me. Bless her heart. She's such a great gal and I'm really looking forward to getting to know her as she shoots me a wink as Acrobat walks up to me.

"It won't burn, dude. The first time I healed myself...you know how it felt? Invigorating. There will be a slight tingle first...but angel-fire only burns the wicked. Heh, you'll be fine...unless you're really an evil agent of S.T.R.I.K.E. trying to infiltrate our operations. Heh."

He winces as my hands touch his wound, but then starts to realize how painless it feels. How good it feels. The healing process has begun. I turn my head back to Icon again as my powers continue to work their magic.

"Pinup looked pretty upset...what's the matter? Who can stand being upset with the Great Icon? You're our Superman, man."